Darkness had spread. Ryuura Shifted uncomfortably as he drifted amongst the remains of his empire. Everything--his heiritage, his legacy-- had been destroyed. What remained of his dominion was cast into oblivion.

"Bankotsu," he snarled, his breath frosting against his cracked lip," Damn you."

Ryuura took a deep breath to calm himself, taking in the scent of lingering emotions and memories. Wrath, Pride, Greed, Jealousy...Lust and seduction. Ryuura thought his heart might burst apart with the rush of emotions he felt. Bankotsu had stood here. He had thrived here, suffered here and experienced heartache and pain unlike anything ever felt by the human soul.

Mist descended upon the land, he moved beyond the ruins of the Immanis. Mud sucked at his boots as the wind struck so bodly, it threatened to sweep him frm where he stood and yet, all of nature stilled as his screams of anger and hatred echoed over the waste of the castle. Nothing in this world, or anyworld for that matter, could ease the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm him. Only revenge consumed his thoughts.

Bending down and reaching out his hand, his palm went flat against the barren earth. Ryuura closed his eyes, shifting through visions of chaos, malice, until finally, his hand delved deep into the ground, grasping something soft and rugged.

For a long time, he stared at what he uncovered there. The satisfaction it rewarded him. It's softness had been made harsh and leathery by copper stains of blood, still, It felt so smooth between his fingers. He knew to whom it belonged but the scent didnt match. Almost like it was...spliced. In his hand, tattered and ripped, had been the navy and ivory silk of Bankotsu's kimono.

Tearing his claws over the fabric ripping it further, he held it up to his nostrils, absorbing the smell of it. It had spiked his lust like no other. Capturing loose fabric in his mouth he gnawed at it. Even his blood tasted differently...familiar.

There was movement in the air, a swirling enveloped him as shadow obscured his vision.

Bankotsu took her hand into his, she sat down beside him, curling her legs beneath the folds of her gown. She laughed breathlessly as the wind filtered through her raven hair.

"It's been a year and some odd days now. I'm getting worried." Bankotsu frowned as he stared downcast at her rounded stomach.

"Koishii," she kissed him tenderly on the mouth," The baby's alive. I can feel it! See-", Kimiko set his hand upon her belly," can you not feel him kicking?"

"Him?" Bankotsu raised his brow.

"It's a boy. I can feel it." She placed her hand over his." I know you can sense his power Bankotsu."

The babe pressed itself to the wall of her womb, as far as he could to Bankotsu's trembling palm, it's warmth penetrating through his mother's stomach.

" He's saying hello." Kimiko smiled sweetly.

How could she be so happy? So calm. The baby had been concieved over a year ago! Bankotsu had grew anxious as Kimiko grew into the last months of her pregnancy but as it crept into the tenth month, he began to have his douts. Soon, the tenth month became eleven and then twelve...this was not a normal pregnancy but then again, neither kimiko or himself had been normal to start with.

" I wish this kid would hurry up." Bankotsu muttered.

At the sound of his father's contempt, the baby kicked.

" He's mad at you." Kimiko grinned.

"Well, I'm mad at him." Bankotsu stuck out his tongue.

The baby kicked once more.

"Hey, now, stop that. Mommy's tender in that area."

The baby ceased. How was it that he understood Kimiko so perfectly? The baby was alive, well and sure, but still...

" Kimi, he can understand us?"

" Of course Ban-san."

" How! He's not even..."

The baby twisted about. Bankotsu could feel his lover's body relax against his hand. What kind of baby would she give birth to? It was said that their love is one that would destroy them. Their union had been labled a blasphemy in itself. Now, here they are, about to bring a baby into the world--the same world that refused to let them be joined in union. Bankotsu wondered.

"I cant believe im going to be a father. I'm not even twenty yet. I have so much to teach this kid, I dont even know where to begin." Bankotsu felt his son respond happily to his words.

" You have given me a wonderful son." Kimiko smiled and kissed him slowly, passionatly." I look forward to spending my life with you and Raikotsu."

The vision subsided. Raikostu? So, the prophecy was coming true. Then the women is...

For the first time in decades, Ryuura felt a rush of happiness. He would meet with Bankotsu soon, and when they faced one another on the battle field, it would be Bankotsu who lost this time.

" I will not lose again. " Ryuura told himself.

Bankotsu, you will suffer dearly for the pain you have caused me, Ryuura thought, my power will be bestowed upon me once again, and you--(he chuckled)-- will rue the day Bakajikara ever bedded with that mortal wench you call your mother.

" The throne will be mine." It was so tangible now, he could almost taste it. " I shall annihilate everything you hold dear: your future, that women and your son."

Beware little brother. I am coming for you.