Chapter 1

A long time ago, before modernity became what we know of it today, there existed a small village in the southern region of Japan. The people of the village were content with what they had. It was near the Sea of Japan and it had a vast amount of rice and tea leaf fields. So in that regard, it was wealthy in terms of trade and commerce.

The people of the village were led by a ruling family: the Ikeda family. In the family, there was Akio, his wife Ava, and their only child, Kiyoni. It's an interracial family. Akio met Ava while on a commercial excursion to Africa. Ava was a princess in a small African tribe. After a couple of years, and breaking through the language barrier, they married and Ava left her home to be with Akio in Japan. They lived peacefully ever since.

As summer approaches the village, the people make their preparations to celebrate the birthday of the village princess, Kiyoni. She's turning eighteen this year, a milestone birthday because it is at this age she can marry. Unfortunately for her, Akio has already chosen a suitor: Yusuke, son of Lord Raizen and Lady Atsuko, and prince of a nearby village. The arrangement was made back when the kids were fifteen years old. Kiyoni can't stand Yusuke due to his obnoxious behavior and absolutely refuses to marry him, but she can't say that to her father, due to the fact that the arrangement was set up for financial gain and not for love. By marrying Yusuke, Kiyoni's village is entitled to clothing and weaponry from his village. As princess, she feels the need to put the needs of her people before her own.

Outside of the village palace, Prince Yusuke arrives with his royal entourage and the items that were promised. He looks proud riding on his horse as he wears a green and gold yukata and grey pants. In his arms he holds a couple of bouquets of bright red roses, one to give to his future mother-in-law and one to give to his future bride. He may be obnoxious, but that doesn't mean he's downright cold to people, especially to women. "Make way for your future ruler, make way," cried a guardsman. The people looked at their future prince in awe. Never have they seen someone so proud and strong. Not since Akio. The royal family stands outside their home awaiting the prince. Yusuke and his entourage stop as soon as they enter through the palace gates. He dismounts from his horse and makes his way to the palace steps.

"Lord Akio, Lady Ava I bring you my sincerest greetings from home on behalf of my father Lord Raizen, my mother Lady Atsuko, and myself," He proclaims as he bows towards the family.

"Prince Yusuke, welcome. We are honored to have you here," replied Akio, "I see you brought gifts."

"Yes my lord. They're for my future mother-in-law and future bride." Lady Ava blushes while Kiyoni rolls her eyes. Yusuke then hands the flowers over to the women.

"Why thank you Prince Yusuke," Ava says, "They are very beautiful. Don't you agree Kiyoni?"

"Huh? Oh yeah they're fantastic," Kiyoni answers sarcastically. The mere sight of her future husband instantly ticked her off.

"Come Yusuke! Let us discuss your future plans with my daughter. It won't be long until you officially become my son-in-law," commands Akio.

"Yes my lord as you wish," Yusuke replied.

As the men walk away, Ava and Kiyoni are left behind holding their flowers. "Why do I have to marry someone like him mother," asks Kiyoni, "I just don't see how we fit."

"Now Kiyoni you know as well as I do why this marriage has to take place," Ava answered, "But enough about him. Why don't we go finalize plans for tonight? It is your big birthday party after all." Ava begins to guide her daughter away.

"Yes mother. That'll somewhat put a smile on my face."

Outside the village and near the tea leaf fields, stands a small man wearing all black observing the scene. "Hmm. This village looks promising," says the small man. "Promising for what," asks a woman who was standing behind him. The couple in question is Hiei and Mukuro. They're mischief demons. They spot humans that they want to pick on and they go for it. Often times they ruin the lives of their victims, but this time around, they decided to do things a little differently.

"Why don't I change things up a bit Mukuro?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"If there's one thing I can't stand about humans, it's their penchant for finding love. Humans go through such great lengths just to be with someone, even going as far as losing their lives at their own expense. I want to put an end to it."

"Now why would you want to do that? From what I heard, love is the reason why so many humans exist now. And if I'm not mistaken, without humans, we can be bored for eternity."

"Really? Not in this village." Hiei points his thumb in the village's direction.

"What do you mean?' Mukuro asks.

"The village princess is arranged to be married to the prince of a nearby village, but it seems that she wants to give her heart to someone else. I'm gonna make sure that doesn't happen."

"And what are you gonna do? Kill every man she sees?"

"If I have to, yes."

"You're reckless Hiei."

"Ha! I was born to be reckless Mukuro."

"Ok. Why don't we make it a challenge?"

"A challenge, how?"

"If you're going to prevent her from finding love, I'll help her achieve it."

Hiei laughs, "You?! Help a human?" He continues to laugh.

"I'm serious. It's time we got competitive anyway. And we're in good timing. I hear summer is the perfect time for love to grow and mature" She looks up at the sun.

"Alright. Why don't we raise the stakes a little?"

"Go on," she looks at him with interest.

"The princess will be old enough to marry this year. Which means she'll be old enough to bear a child. I say that by summer's end, she must be with one of our chosen champions. Whomever she marries must also bear his child."

"Hmm. Interesting. I'm in. Now, what will be the prize?"

"That I'll leave to you."

"Alright. If I win, I get your Jagan eye. If you win, you can have me whenever you want."

Hiei considers her proposal. In some strange way, he has been sexually attracted to her, "Alright for the sake of argument, it's a deal." Hiei sticks out his hand. Mukuro follows suit and shakes hands; the deal is made. Hiei begins to walk away, "Good luck finding your 'romantic soldier.'" He vanishes. Mukuro turns her attention towards the village, Now. Who will be my 'romantic soldier' indeed? She thought.