Song of Night
This be a new fic I'm writing. A new way Miyu meets Larva with bizarre new twists in her world. She's still a vampire. You can find artwork of a few of the characters in this on my website... my will-be website when I get it working! %&*$£%"£!)&*in' payment.
* * *
It's funny how the world lives up
To all your expectations
With adventures for the stubborn heart
And living in open spaces
I relied upon the moon...
Mary Black
* * *
The land is corrupt. Darkness and mistrust disguised as beauty, the cold reception of reality. The lands were divided, the emperor's families lost in worlds full of peril. Humans now kept to themselves, hiding in their small communities, ever fearful that the creatures of the darkness would rise. They drove away all who looked suspicious, hoping the shadows would consume them. As the human cities grew their defences became weaker and all knowledge of the shadowed assailants went out of existence. The foolish humans believed they were the centre of all beings and none could rival their power or logic. If only they knew of the Shinma hiding in the dark like a black spider waiting to pounce...
* * *
The moon, pale in her beauty hung waxy in the sky, wearing her proudest veil of silver mist. The night star spangled sky was a backdrop to a world that held many secrets. The cliff edge rose from icy water marking the edge of Japan. The winds stroked the lands, whistling softly in the silent night. By cliff she watched, gold eyes unwavering as something dawned on the horizon. The cold winds licked at her skin but she did not falter. A blood red obi trailed out behind her making her seem frozen in a dark portrait.
"Miyu," the voice had come soft yet firm from behind. In the light of the moon a women knelt, tending a fire. She brought a terracotta pot off the grill above the dancing flames and stirred the contents. Dark hair fell to her shoulders, tidy and well kept. She wore a simple loose-sleeved top and long baggy red trousers used specifically by those educated in the arts of kendo and other such disciplines. A simple katana with a thin blade in a bamboo sheath hung at her waist but strapped to her back was a fine painted quiver full of arrows and a bow carved by her own hands. Her skills with the katana were no doubt impressive but it was her peerless talent with the bow and arrow that earned her the renowned title Karasuhebi (black snake). Her real name was Mei but only her close companions knew her by that name. However, even if Mei was known to be a fearsome warrior throughout the lands her reputation was no match for that of Miyu's.
As Miyu turned to face Mei, her gold eyes alive with interest and dark passion she could not help but strike fear and intrigue into those who laid eyes on her. Her brown hair was tied up in an intricate bun on the side of her head with a red ribbon but a long trail of hair hung from the bun to her shoulders. She was pretty, a fortunate looking girl if ever there was but it was her eyes that burnt themselves into your memory. She was unrivalled in power and reputation. Queen of the outlaws, master of magic and ruler of deception, she was none other than the Princess of Thieves, a vampire. Vampires differed from the wandering Shinma by the fact they were faster, stronger, lived longer and were harder to kill.
"Mei?" she asked, though Mei could tell she was still distracted by what she had seen.
"What do you spy on the horizon?" Mei asked taking out a china painted bowl and filling it with sushi rice.
"A ship," Miyu replied faintly, turning back to the sea. "But it is not one of ours."
"What do you mean?" Mei queried, now ladling miso soup onto her rice and began filling a second bowl.
"It is not Japanese. I believe it is occidental." Mei glanced up sharply.
"A foreign ship? Here, let me see." She rose and scanned the murky waters. "I see nothing, but it comes as no surprise seeing as your eyesight is sharper than mine." Miyu laid a hand on Mei's arm.
"Don't let it bother you. I am sure it was nothing." They both turned and seated themselves on the grass, lifting the bowls and chopsticks so they could begin eating. Miyu smiled as the rice and soup warmed her throat. It did not fill her nor supply with the nutrients she required. Only that could be obtained by blood but human food was a comfort to feel in the pit your belly and Mei was a good cook. "Mei, I praise your food as usual," Miyu grinned placing the now empty bowl on the grass. "However, my mind wanders back to the ship. It has been a long time since we raided any Shinma. I'm beginning to doubt whether I am still a thief."
"What a dilemma," Mei murmured finishing her soup. "How do you know it is a Shinma ship?"
"Its sails were set full and I could see no oars. The boat is sailing against the wind and yet it cuts through the waters so effortlessly, no human ship could sail so well."
"An occidental ship? I wonder why they are heading towards Japan? I do not want to cause trouble with foreigners."
"Mei, I'm surprised at you," Miyu said feinting a shocked or horrified voice. "And you call yourself a thief? We cause trouble wherever we go. It is the lands punishment for shunning we vampires into the darkness. I am the only pure vampire left thanks to those humans. If it were not for I, then they probably would have been wiped out by Shinma long ago and this is how they thank me!" She sighed in irritation.
Mei understood her annoyance. Miyu was the last vampire, the end to a proud race whose duty was to rule over the Shinma and stop them from destroying humans. However, humans had sealed their own fate, killing half the vampires and banishing the rest. Mei and their other thief companions had previously been Shinma who had fallen prey to Miyu. She had given them a choice, to return to the darkness from whence they came or to offer their blood to her and become her companions and subjects. Few bowed to her will but after the humiliating defeat Mei had suffered at Miyu's hands she would rather follow the vampire than hear the insults of her own kind if she returned.
Miyu yawned, the tips of her fangs only just visible beneath pale lips.
"Mei, it is late and that ship will not be near enough for boarding for a good many hours. I believe I shall summon Tamae or Oki to help me with this raid. Tamae has been bothering me about taking her for so long I think I will just have to bend to her will." Miyu lay down in the grass, the thin green blades rustling beneath her. "But until then I must sleep."
Mei watched the vampire girl close her eyes restfully and smiled. "Goodnight, Miyu." Her dark eyes turn back to the black waters on the horizon. "An occidental ship?" she whispered so not to wake Miyu. "What trouble do you bring here?"
* * *
Another sharp blast of wind ruffled the sails but the ship still continued its path, unperturbed by the weather. Waves curled themselves up into torrents, arching over the water and as they brought themselves crashing down on the ship with no mercy but just seemed to pass through the wooden sides like passing through smoke. For this was the ghost ship of a Shinma, Western Shinma and on board it carried several of the upper most elite members of the Occidental race.
Larva blinked at the cliff tops slowly growing visible. They were coming ever closer to Japan, their long awaited quarry. His blood red eyes stared hard at a certain point in the cliff tops as his hand flicked a few stray strands of cloudy blue hair from his eyes. A few moments before he swore someone had just been observing him. A particularly icy blast of wind howled throughout the ship whipping his black robes around him. A pair of gold blinking eyes flashed through his memory but before he could collect his thoughts they had gone.
"Larva?" He turned at the familiar voice of his master and also adopted father, Lord Pazusu, king of all Western Shinma. Dressed in white robes, a turban wrapped round his head and his black hair tied back in a long pointed ponytail trailing down his back, Pazusu regarded his adopted son mildly. "Mind in the clouds, Larva? This is hardly the time to be daydreaming."
"I was fully focussed, father," Larva replied sharply. He would not let himself be caught off guard. "I believe I saw something on the cliffs..." he turned back to the cliffs but the land was as desolate as the sea itself. He decided to let it drop. "It was nothing, maybe I was dreaming." There was a long uncomfortable pause. Neither man was entirely sure what to say. There were often these blank moments between them. "Father," Larva broke the silence and there was vague impatience in his voice. "Explain why we are conquering this insignificant island again?"
"Do not underestimate this country due to its small size. Japan is the homeland to much old and powerful magic but anyway, you know why we are here, our main quarry besides conquering this land, don't you, Larva?" It was a cue for Larva to reply.
"The Toranoko," Larva muttered dutifully. "The tiger cub treasure, held deep in the temple Oniyuri. Father, these talismans, why do we seek them? We do not even no if they exist."
"They exist!" Pazusu snapped as though commanding nature would bring them into being. "I am sure of it. Also, if we are in possession of these talismans then conquering Japan, all countries for that matter, will become a simple task. The talismans give unholy power to the wearer." He paused for a moment. "If they slipped into the wrong hands all western Shinma would be at peril. Do you see why we came here now, Larva?" He expression was deadly serious as he gazed ahead.
"Father, I did mean to anger you," Larva replied softly. Though there were certain barriers between him and his father he greatly disliked arguing with him. Though Pazusu did not reply Larva saw his expression soften slightly. "So, Lemures is very keen to test his skills against these Japanese Shinma. Are there any legendary beasts here you know of?"
"There are many, each varying in difficulty to defeat. I do not know of their whereabouts but you merely need to ask a native to get directions. I did hear of one, however that I think we should be particularly cautious of. The Japanese inhabitants call her Toorima Hime."
"Toorima? That means phantom thief or phantom killer, does it not?" Larva asked with interest. He too was curious about how powerful these Oriental Shinma were. Pazusu nodded in confirmation.
"Phantom Thief Princess. I believe it was once Toorima no Hime, Princess of Phantom Thieves or some similar translation but it has been shortened over the years."
"An impressive title no doubt but what is it about her that makes her so feared."
"She is a thief, an outcast, feared by humans and Shinma alike. Her powers of magic are superior to any other Shinma in Japan most importantly, she is also a vampire, a hunter of Shinma."
"A vampire?" Now Larva was fascinated. "I thought they were extinct!"
"She is the last of her kind and immortal. However, vampires do gradually grow weaker as they age, which is an advantage but if she has any offspring the vampire race, thinned as it is, will go on."
"So if we exterminated her we would be doing all Shinma a great favour?" Larva smiled, imagining himself the hero of all Shinma and slayer of the final vampire.
"I strongly advise against it. Vampires are not easy to pick off like Shinma. They heal fast. Keep your distance, Larva. And don't go tempting Lemures either." The conversation had obviously reached its close. Pazusu turned to return his cabin. Larva however stayed on deck, gazing at the black outline of Japan. Those gold eyes that had branded themselves into his memory, could they have been the gaze of the vampire?
* * *
The lake was still, a blanket of silver mist hovering over its surface, the waters crystal. Trees leaned in on all sides, branches and leaves trailing in the water. The image of the pale moon reflected clearly in the lake was sudden shatter by ripples as the girl standing in its depths moved.
Oki turned to face the sky, ears listening.
Her appearance was fascinating, two long flowing separate sleeves twisting in the water, each a shade of the ocean. Her inky black hair was tied back with a sky blue scarf and two gold bangles hovered round each wrist. A turquoise garment hung round her neck covering the front of her torso, yet still the navy tattoo of her arm and navel could not be concealed. A brown rope was tied at her waist with a silver hoop at each end. A soft pale blue silken skirt floated round her waist almost making her blend with the waters. Round each foot a blue rubbery material was wrapped, coiling up her legs like a serpent, for Oki was a water demon and subject to Miyu.
As she turned to the moon she heard the mournful song of a flute. Miyu was calling...
* * *
A fair distance from the lake by the dark silhouette of the wood two figures sat in shadows, apart from a single white candle that burnt between them. Tamae straightened her dress and tried to look pleasing for her mistress. Her name translated as Bell and it suited her well, for they were very much associated with her.
She was a strange looking girl, small yet sure of herself. She wore a pale green dress that split up at the bottom into seven pieces, each patterned with runes. At each tip of each bit of fabric a little bell was attached that jingled each time she moved. Silver bangles were worn loosely round her wrists and ankles but they thankfully didn't jangle. Her hair was long and a mossy green, adding perplexity and abnormality to her appearance and two pieces of hair had been taken and tied to two little silver bells.
For Tamae was the one who heard the bells of destiny and she had a personal task to punish those who tried to break destiny, for all Shinma were bound to it including herself. She was only part Shinma, her mother and grandmother had been a being of another realm that also answered to destiny's call. Tamae felt very much she had been roped into the whole destiny's cycle thing. In fact, life gave her a pretty hard time. Not only did she travel a lot but also she had suffered a defeat at the hands of Miyu, the last vampire. Usually Miyu gave her prey a choice, whether they would go back to the darkness or join her but Tamae was only part Shinma so she was not fully sure if she could return. On top of the difficulties, she also had another mistress apart from Miyu.
When Tamae had been defeated she had been awed by Miyu's power and decided that she would one day be as powerful. It was then she met Kaya, the Death Bringer. Kaya, dark and cold as she was took a liking to Tamae and accepted her as her apprentice.
Now Tamae tried hard to sit in silence, listening to the night as Kaya had instructed her to do but she could not help but steal a glance at her mistress.
Kaya's eyes were closed, her lids hiding purple irises. Ebony hair fell past her shoulders and like Tamae, two pieces had been singled out and a heavy bead in the shape of a skull were tied at the end. Atop her head she wore a large black hat whose large rim covered her forehead and sometimes shaded her eyes. A long strip of black velvet was hung between both her arms. A staff of wood with a single grey orb flecked with swirls of blue was held by two wooden claws at the top of the staff lay in the grass nearby like a docile snake. She dressed in quite a gothic style, which suited her well. A short violet skirt was draped across her lap as she sat silently in the grass. She had not removed her high black boots whilst she sat. Her top was interesting, like a mutated corset, a deep dark purple and shaped with two curved prongs coming out of each end. It reminded Tamae of a double set of spider fangs. Yet as she sat quietly, Tamae realised there was always something unnerving about Kaya.
She jumped when she realised Kaya's eye had opened a slither and two purple irises were observing her. "Tamae, you are not concentrating," she scolded, though her voice stayed low and quiet.
"I don't see the point in listening to the night time woods. Besides, I can hear nothing!" Tamae fiddled with her skirt nervously.
Kaya smiled knowing, the irritating smile of a teacher to an impudent student. "The night holds many secrets, all you need to do is listen to hear them."
"But I can't hear-"
"You are too loud. You talk too much and as you sit your mind buzzes with questions and thoughts. You're not actually listening."
Tamae folded her arms and looked at the ground. "I am not a listener. My strength is through my speech." Kaya was about to reply when suddenly she looked up to the moon.
"Hush, child. Listen!"
"Oh, not again-" But Tamae was cut off when she heard the soft whistle of Miyu's flute, calling them to her. "Miyu calls us."
"Then we must oblige," Kaya sighed getting up and lifting her staff. Tamae nodded and drew closer to the Death Bringer.
Kaya stood still and straight-backed for a moment, summoning her power. Then reaching upwards with her staff above her head she muttered a short incantation. The misty orb in her staff flickered. Kaya waiting until she had a good strong glow radiating from the orb and then drew a large circle in the air with her staff. A thin white beam issued from the staff and soon a simple perimeter of a circle hung in the air. Both Tamae and Kaya stepped forwards into the gateway and they were instantly engulfed in a crackle of electricity. The flash illuminated the trees for a split second.
Then silence...
The darkness returned, undisturbed by light. The white candle had gone out, leaving a thin stream of smoke trailing into the night sky. The portal gate along with Tamae and Kaya had vanished.
* * *
Miyu, perched on the edge of the cliff reached out her hand, her fingers beckoning. She eyed the ship closely. It was nearer now, and she could confirm t was most definitely a Shinma ship. The sails were held high like swan's wings. She laughed quietly to herself. Occidental Shinma, it had to be true. Any Japanese Shinma that knew the land would use the most discreet boat in her territory.
"Come, foolish Shinma. My treasures are low. Yes, why not come strolling into my grasp?" She laughed darkly. This would be amusing. She turned to Mei, still waiting in the background. "Let us go," she ordered. "Oki, Tamae and Kaya are coming."
She barely said this when there was a flicker in the atmosphere and Tamae and Kaya stepped out of the portal gate. Tamae and Kaya fell to her knees in an honoured greeting Miyu. Miyu smiled, her eyes twinkling. She did not demand this praise yet both Death Bringer and Bell Listener felt it was appropriate. She placed a hand under Kaya's chin and lifted her head. "Rise, Kaya." Kaya looked up and even her infinite violet irises could not hold Miyu's gold stare. She always let Kaya rise first, seeing as was a higher ranking Shinma and Tamae was her apprentice. She repeated the same to Tamae. "Rise Tamae." Tamae scrabbled to her feet and smiled, eyes twinkling.
"Will we be raiding like you promised?" she asked hopefully.
"Still full of curiosity," Miyu laughed. "I see Kaya hasn't stamped it out of you."
"I am still trying," Kaya murmured. "She learns efficiently but trying to change her personality is like trying to get blood out of a stone." Miyu smiled. She was fond of Tamae's cheerful child-like disposition and Kaya's cold persona. Though both had opposite personalities they both seemed made for each other.
"I require your assistance," Miyu informed Tamae. "But first Oki must arrive."
As if in response the ground a few metres away seemed dissolve. It bubbled and churned and in a burst of foaming water Oki appeared, her garments flowing round her.
"Miyu," she murmured dropping to a knee. "Rise, Oki." Oki glanced up and a smile played her lips.
"For what have you summoned me for?" she asked. Turning to the side she saw the ship looming ever closer. "Ah," she whispered. "A ship. I can be very useful in such cases."
"I surmised as much," Miyu grinned. She turned to Mei. "Will you accompany me?"
"Of course," Mei nodded slowly. She turned to Kaya. Both had become friendly after Miyu had defeated them. "We are dealing with Occidental Shinma. Kaya? Will you join us?"
"I will help," Kaya replied darkly, "But will not board the actual ship. I shall wait on dry land and will keep my portal at the ready for an escape."
"I thank you, Kaya. But I doubt we will need a retreat," Miyu's eyes sparkled. She turned to the ship. "Occidental Shinma." She raised her hand, readying herself. All the Shinma behind also got into stance. She raised her hand and pointed straight ahead. "Prepare!"
* * *
TBC...
This is brand spanking new fic I am enjoying writing. Tis good fun. I haven't given up on Queen of Hearts, I'm just stuck, okay? ^_^ Anyway, on a lighter note... for me that is, please review. I love them so much. Each I treasure in my heart. *Demon glomps reviewers*. I wuv you guys. Now, enough lovey mush. Review, and no flames. If it's that bad you can curse in your sleep about it where it can hurt no one.
This be a new fic I'm writing. A new way Miyu meets Larva with bizarre new twists in her world. She's still a vampire. You can find artwork of a few of the characters in this on my website... my will-be website when I get it working! %&*$£%"£!)&*in' payment.
* * *
It's funny how the world lives up
To all your expectations
With adventures for the stubborn heart
And living in open spaces
I relied upon the moon...
Mary Black
* * *
The land is corrupt. Darkness and mistrust disguised as beauty, the cold reception of reality. The lands were divided, the emperor's families lost in worlds full of peril. Humans now kept to themselves, hiding in their small communities, ever fearful that the creatures of the darkness would rise. They drove away all who looked suspicious, hoping the shadows would consume them. As the human cities grew their defences became weaker and all knowledge of the shadowed assailants went out of existence. The foolish humans believed they were the centre of all beings and none could rival their power or logic. If only they knew of the Shinma hiding in the dark like a black spider waiting to pounce...
* * *
The moon, pale in her beauty hung waxy in the sky, wearing her proudest veil of silver mist. The night star spangled sky was a backdrop to a world that held many secrets. The cliff edge rose from icy water marking the edge of Japan. The winds stroked the lands, whistling softly in the silent night. By cliff she watched, gold eyes unwavering as something dawned on the horizon. The cold winds licked at her skin but she did not falter. A blood red obi trailed out behind her making her seem frozen in a dark portrait.
"Miyu," the voice had come soft yet firm from behind. In the light of the moon a women knelt, tending a fire. She brought a terracotta pot off the grill above the dancing flames and stirred the contents. Dark hair fell to her shoulders, tidy and well kept. She wore a simple loose-sleeved top and long baggy red trousers used specifically by those educated in the arts of kendo and other such disciplines. A simple katana with a thin blade in a bamboo sheath hung at her waist but strapped to her back was a fine painted quiver full of arrows and a bow carved by her own hands. Her skills with the katana were no doubt impressive but it was her peerless talent with the bow and arrow that earned her the renowned title Karasuhebi (black snake). Her real name was Mei but only her close companions knew her by that name. However, even if Mei was known to be a fearsome warrior throughout the lands her reputation was no match for that of Miyu's.
As Miyu turned to face Mei, her gold eyes alive with interest and dark passion she could not help but strike fear and intrigue into those who laid eyes on her. Her brown hair was tied up in an intricate bun on the side of her head with a red ribbon but a long trail of hair hung from the bun to her shoulders. She was pretty, a fortunate looking girl if ever there was but it was her eyes that burnt themselves into your memory. She was unrivalled in power and reputation. Queen of the outlaws, master of magic and ruler of deception, she was none other than the Princess of Thieves, a vampire. Vampires differed from the wandering Shinma by the fact they were faster, stronger, lived longer and were harder to kill.
"Mei?" she asked, though Mei could tell she was still distracted by what she had seen.
"What do you spy on the horizon?" Mei asked taking out a china painted bowl and filling it with sushi rice.
"A ship," Miyu replied faintly, turning back to the sea. "But it is not one of ours."
"What do you mean?" Mei queried, now ladling miso soup onto her rice and began filling a second bowl.
"It is not Japanese. I believe it is occidental." Mei glanced up sharply.
"A foreign ship? Here, let me see." She rose and scanned the murky waters. "I see nothing, but it comes as no surprise seeing as your eyesight is sharper than mine." Miyu laid a hand on Mei's arm.
"Don't let it bother you. I am sure it was nothing." They both turned and seated themselves on the grass, lifting the bowls and chopsticks so they could begin eating. Miyu smiled as the rice and soup warmed her throat. It did not fill her nor supply with the nutrients she required. Only that could be obtained by blood but human food was a comfort to feel in the pit your belly and Mei was a good cook. "Mei, I praise your food as usual," Miyu grinned placing the now empty bowl on the grass. "However, my mind wanders back to the ship. It has been a long time since we raided any Shinma. I'm beginning to doubt whether I am still a thief."
"What a dilemma," Mei murmured finishing her soup. "How do you know it is a Shinma ship?"
"Its sails were set full and I could see no oars. The boat is sailing against the wind and yet it cuts through the waters so effortlessly, no human ship could sail so well."
"An occidental ship? I wonder why they are heading towards Japan? I do not want to cause trouble with foreigners."
"Mei, I'm surprised at you," Miyu said feinting a shocked or horrified voice. "And you call yourself a thief? We cause trouble wherever we go. It is the lands punishment for shunning we vampires into the darkness. I am the only pure vampire left thanks to those humans. If it were not for I, then they probably would have been wiped out by Shinma long ago and this is how they thank me!" She sighed in irritation.
Mei understood her annoyance. Miyu was the last vampire, the end to a proud race whose duty was to rule over the Shinma and stop them from destroying humans. However, humans had sealed their own fate, killing half the vampires and banishing the rest. Mei and their other thief companions had previously been Shinma who had fallen prey to Miyu. She had given them a choice, to return to the darkness from whence they came or to offer their blood to her and become her companions and subjects. Few bowed to her will but after the humiliating defeat Mei had suffered at Miyu's hands she would rather follow the vampire than hear the insults of her own kind if she returned.
Miyu yawned, the tips of her fangs only just visible beneath pale lips.
"Mei, it is late and that ship will not be near enough for boarding for a good many hours. I believe I shall summon Tamae or Oki to help me with this raid. Tamae has been bothering me about taking her for so long I think I will just have to bend to her will." Miyu lay down in the grass, the thin green blades rustling beneath her. "But until then I must sleep."
Mei watched the vampire girl close her eyes restfully and smiled. "Goodnight, Miyu." Her dark eyes turn back to the black waters on the horizon. "An occidental ship?" she whispered so not to wake Miyu. "What trouble do you bring here?"
* * *
Another sharp blast of wind ruffled the sails but the ship still continued its path, unperturbed by the weather. Waves curled themselves up into torrents, arching over the water and as they brought themselves crashing down on the ship with no mercy but just seemed to pass through the wooden sides like passing through smoke. For this was the ghost ship of a Shinma, Western Shinma and on board it carried several of the upper most elite members of the Occidental race.
Larva blinked at the cliff tops slowly growing visible. They were coming ever closer to Japan, their long awaited quarry. His blood red eyes stared hard at a certain point in the cliff tops as his hand flicked a few stray strands of cloudy blue hair from his eyes. A few moments before he swore someone had just been observing him. A particularly icy blast of wind howled throughout the ship whipping his black robes around him. A pair of gold blinking eyes flashed through his memory but before he could collect his thoughts they had gone.
"Larva?" He turned at the familiar voice of his master and also adopted father, Lord Pazusu, king of all Western Shinma. Dressed in white robes, a turban wrapped round his head and his black hair tied back in a long pointed ponytail trailing down his back, Pazusu regarded his adopted son mildly. "Mind in the clouds, Larva? This is hardly the time to be daydreaming."
"I was fully focussed, father," Larva replied sharply. He would not let himself be caught off guard. "I believe I saw something on the cliffs..." he turned back to the cliffs but the land was as desolate as the sea itself. He decided to let it drop. "It was nothing, maybe I was dreaming." There was a long uncomfortable pause. Neither man was entirely sure what to say. There were often these blank moments between them. "Father," Larva broke the silence and there was vague impatience in his voice. "Explain why we are conquering this insignificant island again?"
"Do not underestimate this country due to its small size. Japan is the homeland to much old and powerful magic but anyway, you know why we are here, our main quarry besides conquering this land, don't you, Larva?" It was a cue for Larva to reply.
"The Toranoko," Larva muttered dutifully. "The tiger cub treasure, held deep in the temple Oniyuri. Father, these talismans, why do we seek them? We do not even no if they exist."
"They exist!" Pazusu snapped as though commanding nature would bring them into being. "I am sure of it. Also, if we are in possession of these talismans then conquering Japan, all countries for that matter, will become a simple task. The talismans give unholy power to the wearer." He paused for a moment. "If they slipped into the wrong hands all western Shinma would be at peril. Do you see why we came here now, Larva?" He expression was deadly serious as he gazed ahead.
"Father, I did mean to anger you," Larva replied softly. Though there were certain barriers between him and his father he greatly disliked arguing with him. Though Pazusu did not reply Larva saw his expression soften slightly. "So, Lemures is very keen to test his skills against these Japanese Shinma. Are there any legendary beasts here you know of?"
"There are many, each varying in difficulty to defeat. I do not know of their whereabouts but you merely need to ask a native to get directions. I did hear of one, however that I think we should be particularly cautious of. The Japanese inhabitants call her Toorima Hime."
"Toorima? That means phantom thief or phantom killer, does it not?" Larva asked with interest. He too was curious about how powerful these Oriental Shinma were. Pazusu nodded in confirmation.
"Phantom Thief Princess. I believe it was once Toorima no Hime, Princess of Phantom Thieves or some similar translation but it has been shortened over the years."
"An impressive title no doubt but what is it about her that makes her so feared."
"She is a thief, an outcast, feared by humans and Shinma alike. Her powers of magic are superior to any other Shinma in Japan most importantly, she is also a vampire, a hunter of Shinma."
"A vampire?" Now Larva was fascinated. "I thought they were extinct!"
"She is the last of her kind and immortal. However, vampires do gradually grow weaker as they age, which is an advantage but if she has any offspring the vampire race, thinned as it is, will go on."
"So if we exterminated her we would be doing all Shinma a great favour?" Larva smiled, imagining himself the hero of all Shinma and slayer of the final vampire.
"I strongly advise against it. Vampires are not easy to pick off like Shinma. They heal fast. Keep your distance, Larva. And don't go tempting Lemures either." The conversation had obviously reached its close. Pazusu turned to return his cabin. Larva however stayed on deck, gazing at the black outline of Japan. Those gold eyes that had branded themselves into his memory, could they have been the gaze of the vampire?
* * *
The lake was still, a blanket of silver mist hovering over its surface, the waters crystal. Trees leaned in on all sides, branches and leaves trailing in the water. The image of the pale moon reflected clearly in the lake was sudden shatter by ripples as the girl standing in its depths moved.
Oki turned to face the sky, ears listening.
Her appearance was fascinating, two long flowing separate sleeves twisting in the water, each a shade of the ocean. Her inky black hair was tied back with a sky blue scarf and two gold bangles hovered round each wrist. A turquoise garment hung round her neck covering the front of her torso, yet still the navy tattoo of her arm and navel could not be concealed. A brown rope was tied at her waist with a silver hoop at each end. A soft pale blue silken skirt floated round her waist almost making her blend with the waters. Round each foot a blue rubbery material was wrapped, coiling up her legs like a serpent, for Oki was a water demon and subject to Miyu.
As she turned to the moon she heard the mournful song of a flute. Miyu was calling...
* * *
A fair distance from the lake by the dark silhouette of the wood two figures sat in shadows, apart from a single white candle that burnt between them. Tamae straightened her dress and tried to look pleasing for her mistress. Her name translated as Bell and it suited her well, for they were very much associated with her.
She was a strange looking girl, small yet sure of herself. She wore a pale green dress that split up at the bottom into seven pieces, each patterned with runes. At each tip of each bit of fabric a little bell was attached that jingled each time she moved. Silver bangles were worn loosely round her wrists and ankles but they thankfully didn't jangle. Her hair was long and a mossy green, adding perplexity and abnormality to her appearance and two pieces of hair had been taken and tied to two little silver bells.
For Tamae was the one who heard the bells of destiny and she had a personal task to punish those who tried to break destiny, for all Shinma were bound to it including herself. She was only part Shinma, her mother and grandmother had been a being of another realm that also answered to destiny's call. Tamae felt very much she had been roped into the whole destiny's cycle thing. In fact, life gave her a pretty hard time. Not only did she travel a lot but also she had suffered a defeat at the hands of Miyu, the last vampire. Usually Miyu gave her prey a choice, whether they would go back to the darkness or join her but Tamae was only part Shinma so she was not fully sure if she could return. On top of the difficulties, she also had another mistress apart from Miyu.
When Tamae had been defeated she had been awed by Miyu's power and decided that she would one day be as powerful. It was then she met Kaya, the Death Bringer. Kaya, dark and cold as she was took a liking to Tamae and accepted her as her apprentice.
Now Tamae tried hard to sit in silence, listening to the night as Kaya had instructed her to do but she could not help but steal a glance at her mistress.
Kaya's eyes were closed, her lids hiding purple irises. Ebony hair fell past her shoulders and like Tamae, two pieces had been singled out and a heavy bead in the shape of a skull were tied at the end. Atop her head she wore a large black hat whose large rim covered her forehead and sometimes shaded her eyes. A long strip of black velvet was hung between both her arms. A staff of wood with a single grey orb flecked with swirls of blue was held by two wooden claws at the top of the staff lay in the grass nearby like a docile snake. She dressed in quite a gothic style, which suited her well. A short violet skirt was draped across her lap as she sat silently in the grass. She had not removed her high black boots whilst she sat. Her top was interesting, like a mutated corset, a deep dark purple and shaped with two curved prongs coming out of each end. It reminded Tamae of a double set of spider fangs. Yet as she sat quietly, Tamae realised there was always something unnerving about Kaya.
She jumped when she realised Kaya's eye had opened a slither and two purple irises were observing her. "Tamae, you are not concentrating," she scolded, though her voice stayed low and quiet.
"I don't see the point in listening to the night time woods. Besides, I can hear nothing!" Tamae fiddled with her skirt nervously.
Kaya smiled knowing, the irritating smile of a teacher to an impudent student. "The night holds many secrets, all you need to do is listen to hear them."
"But I can't hear-"
"You are too loud. You talk too much and as you sit your mind buzzes with questions and thoughts. You're not actually listening."
Tamae folded her arms and looked at the ground. "I am not a listener. My strength is through my speech." Kaya was about to reply when suddenly she looked up to the moon.
"Hush, child. Listen!"
"Oh, not again-" But Tamae was cut off when she heard the soft whistle of Miyu's flute, calling them to her. "Miyu calls us."
"Then we must oblige," Kaya sighed getting up and lifting her staff. Tamae nodded and drew closer to the Death Bringer.
Kaya stood still and straight-backed for a moment, summoning her power. Then reaching upwards with her staff above her head she muttered a short incantation. The misty orb in her staff flickered. Kaya waiting until she had a good strong glow radiating from the orb and then drew a large circle in the air with her staff. A thin white beam issued from the staff and soon a simple perimeter of a circle hung in the air. Both Tamae and Kaya stepped forwards into the gateway and they were instantly engulfed in a crackle of electricity. The flash illuminated the trees for a split second.
Then silence...
The darkness returned, undisturbed by light. The white candle had gone out, leaving a thin stream of smoke trailing into the night sky. The portal gate along with Tamae and Kaya had vanished.
* * *
Miyu, perched on the edge of the cliff reached out her hand, her fingers beckoning. She eyed the ship closely. It was nearer now, and she could confirm t was most definitely a Shinma ship. The sails were held high like swan's wings. She laughed quietly to herself. Occidental Shinma, it had to be true. Any Japanese Shinma that knew the land would use the most discreet boat in her territory.
"Come, foolish Shinma. My treasures are low. Yes, why not come strolling into my grasp?" She laughed darkly. This would be amusing. She turned to Mei, still waiting in the background. "Let us go," she ordered. "Oki, Tamae and Kaya are coming."
She barely said this when there was a flicker in the atmosphere and Tamae and Kaya stepped out of the portal gate. Tamae and Kaya fell to her knees in an honoured greeting Miyu. Miyu smiled, her eyes twinkling. She did not demand this praise yet both Death Bringer and Bell Listener felt it was appropriate. She placed a hand under Kaya's chin and lifted her head. "Rise, Kaya." Kaya looked up and even her infinite violet irises could not hold Miyu's gold stare. She always let Kaya rise first, seeing as was a higher ranking Shinma and Tamae was her apprentice. She repeated the same to Tamae. "Rise Tamae." Tamae scrabbled to her feet and smiled, eyes twinkling.
"Will we be raiding like you promised?" she asked hopefully.
"Still full of curiosity," Miyu laughed. "I see Kaya hasn't stamped it out of you."
"I am still trying," Kaya murmured. "She learns efficiently but trying to change her personality is like trying to get blood out of a stone." Miyu smiled. She was fond of Tamae's cheerful child-like disposition and Kaya's cold persona. Though both had opposite personalities they both seemed made for each other.
"I require your assistance," Miyu informed Tamae. "But first Oki must arrive."
As if in response the ground a few metres away seemed dissolve. It bubbled and churned and in a burst of foaming water Oki appeared, her garments flowing round her.
"Miyu," she murmured dropping to a knee. "Rise, Oki." Oki glanced up and a smile played her lips.
"For what have you summoned me for?" she asked. Turning to the side she saw the ship looming ever closer. "Ah," she whispered. "A ship. I can be very useful in such cases."
"I surmised as much," Miyu grinned. She turned to Mei. "Will you accompany me?"
"Of course," Mei nodded slowly. She turned to Kaya. Both had become friendly after Miyu had defeated them. "We are dealing with Occidental Shinma. Kaya? Will you join us?"
"I will help," Kaya replied darkly, "But will not board the actual ship. I shall wait on dry land and will keep my portal at the ready for an escape."
"I thank you, Kaya. But I doubt we will need a retreat," Miyu's eyes sparkled. She turned to the ship. "Occidental Shinma." She raised her hand, readying herself. All the Shinma behind also got into stance. She raised her hand and pointed straight ahead. "Prepare!"
* * *
TBC...
This is brand spanking new fic I am enjoying writing. Tis good fun. I haven't given up on Queen of Hearts, I'm just stuck, okay? ^_^ Anyway, on a lighter note... for me that is, please review. I love them so much. Each I treasure in my heart. *Demon glomps reviewers*. I wuv you guys. Now, enough lovey mush. Review, and no flames. If it's that bad you can curse in your sleep about it where it can hurt no one.