NOTE: The Council is first introduced in Conquering the Samurai, Episode 4. In case you didn't read it, here's what you need to know before starting this fanfic. **The Ayakashi Ghost Guild High Council (commonly referred to as the "the Council"): Consists of three ghost agents; chosen for their unwavering bravery and loyalty to all human and daemon-kin. And three daemons; chosen for the power they wield and the respect they command. Ghost Agents currently serving on the Council: Master Nina: The only female ruling on the Council. Head of the Takahashi line, she comes from a long line of famous ghost agents. All of which have served on the Council. Of note, her family was instrumental in the creation of the Guild. Master Sublumenal: Leader of the Guild's Western division and the youngest ghost agent in history to sit the Council. He is a superb commander, and is currently undefeated in combat. Insa: Status: DECEASED. Executed for his crimes of maltreatment and murder. All his titles have been stripped and his accomplishments stricken from Guild records. Daemons currently serving on the Council: Professor Yata (Anima): His wisdom and expertise are highly valued within the Guild's ranks, and he was often consulted by ghost agents for guidance and advice. Dracula (Phantom): The Phantom rarely speaks, often choosing to be a spectator rather than a participant. Despite his perceived lack of general awareness, he was one of the oldest and wisest Phantoms in existence. Emperor Sutoku (Phantom): No one knows how Sutoku gained a position on the Council, especially after his failed attempt to gain control of the Guild. Many believe it is a tactic to keep him under the Guild's influence, others believe Sutoku is secretly pulling the strings. His true intentions remain to be seen. **The Masters: Little is known about the Masters. Their existence is acknowledged by all ghost agents and daemons, but their identities remain a mystery. Though the Council leads the Guild, it is the Masters who control it.
CHAPTER 1
Jestoni knocked again, adjusting his hat so it sat lower on his brow. He was starting to get angry. He'd spent a great deal of money in search of the daemon in question, and considering the amount of gold he was about to hand over to this bounty hunter, you'd think she'd at least have the decency to be on time.
The door opened without a sound, stopping short against a thick chain lock. "What do you want?" A man asked through the crack.
"I'm a traveler in search of the Merchant of Life." He stated the phrase Dora instructed him to give upon arrival.
The man closed the door, the sound of the chain rattling against the metal frame as he unlatched it. Once more the door was pulled open, this time wide enough for Jestoni to pass through. He entered cautiously; prepared for anything and everything.
"Follow me." The man grunted, his heavy footsteps echoing through the hall as he led Jestoni further into the darkness.
"Where are you taking me?"
When the man said nothing, Jestoni didn't press him for an answer. He hadn't gotten a good look at the man, but he was almost positive he wasn't the kind of guy you wanted to piss off. He decided to keep his mouth shut.
"Wait here." The man said, opening a door and motioning for Jestoni to enter.
He stepped into the room, the bright lights blinding him for a minute. "Is this where Dora is going to meet me?"
Jestoni turned back to the door just in time for it to slam shut in his face.
"Thanks." He muttered. "Nice meeting you, too."
"Sorry about that. Broc isn't very good with people."
Jestoni turned to find Dora sitting on one of the chairs in the center of the small, cramped room.
"Where did you come from?" He asked, searching for any other entrances. When he found none, he frowned suspiciously at her.
"Been here the whole time." She smiled, but the expression didn't quite reach her eyes. "Please, have a seat. I'm sure you're anxious to get down to business."
Dora crossed her legs, gesturing for him to take the chair across from her. Jestoni was suddenly wary of her and his current situation. He looked back at the door, wondering how fast he could get away.
"There's no need to worry." Dora assured him. "You are in no danger here. In fact, you'll be happy to know I was able to… acquire the daemon you've so desperately been looking for."
"So quickly?" Jestoni took a seat in the chair, his uncertainty replaced with shock and excitement. "How? It's been less than a week!"
"The how isn't important." Dora replied, the same emotionless smile forming on her lips. "The point is that I have what you want. My only question is, are you ready to pay?"
"Of course." Jestoni replied. "I believe we settled on 60 golden apples."
Dora sighed dramatically. "See, here's the thing. I sustained quite a few… losses while hunting your daemon. I'm afraid 60 won't be enough to cover the cost of her and my incidentals."
Jestoni laughed softly. "I should've known. Sixty seemed too good to be true. How much?"
Dora smiled, and his time her eyes lit up like the night sky. "I'll settle for 200 apples. No more, no less."
"Two hundred?! You can't be serious?!"
"I'm very serious." Dora replied, her eyes holding his gaze.
"Surely we can…"
"I'm afraid not." Dora said, clasping her hands together. "You either agree to the requested sum, or I'll find another buyer."
Jestoni was speechless. She'd hustled him. And although he'd expected her to, he could hardly believe the amount she was asking for.
"Well, it was pleasure doing business with you Mr. Jestoni." Dora said, standing up. "I'll have you escorted back to your vehicle."
"Wait!" Jestoni exclaimed, standing as well. "I accept your terms. I'll pay half now and the rest upon delivery."
"Delivery?" Dora said in amusement. "We don't do deliveries. She is ready for you now. You will pay the full price and take her with you tonight."
"But…"
"There are no buts, Mr. Jestoni. You take her now or I will find another buyer within the hour."
"Why the hurry?" Jestoni asked suspiciously. "I told you I'd pay you the gold, surely another day or so won't…"
"I will not repeat myself, Mr. Jestoni."
He sighed, running a hand through his dark brown hair. "Fine, I'll bring my car around."
"There's no need." Dora replied, retrieving a stack of papers from the table in the corner of the room. "One of my men has already placed her in your vehicle. All that's left is the payment and for you to sign the paperwork."
"Paperwork?"
"Yes." Dora said, laying out each document for him to sign. "The first is a non-disclosure letter stating that you will not reveal the details of this purchase to anyone. The second is a receipt for my personal records, and the third is the contract releasing her from my service and into yours."
"I understand the first two." Jestoni replied. "But this document. Doesn't she have to form a contract with me of her own accord?"
Dora sighed, looking up at the clock on the wall. "I'm not asking you to understand." She said. "I'm asking you to sign."
"But…"
This time she didn't need to speak. The look in her eyes was enough to shut him up. Jestoni signed all three documents without another word.
"Take care, Mr. Jestoni." Dora said, reaching out to shake his hand. "And good luck. You're going to need it."
She walked to the door, a slight limp in her stride. He was about to ask her what happened when the door opened and the strange man appeared again.
"Follow me." He grunted, staying in the shadows of the hall so Jestoni still couldn't see his face.
Jestoni followed the man in silence, unable to shake the feeling that he'd just made a terrible mistake.
CHAPTER 2
Dora stood in the dark alley, watching as the black Mercedes disappeared into the darkness. She breathed a sigh of relief once it was finally out of sight.
"Are you sure this was a good idea?" Broc asked.
She looked up at his disfigured face, unable to stop the guilt from blossoming in her chest. The Iron Maiden had managed to subdue the 6'7" Broc, and proceed to slice off his ear before flaying the skin from the entire right side of his face. The truly terrifying part was that she'd been giggling mercilessly while she was doing it. It took six of Dora's men to stop the daemon; two of them left dead once it was all said and done.
"I had no choice." Dora replied. "It was either this, or turn her over to the Council. I don't know about you, but I'm not interested in explaining to them how the most dangerous Bell in the world ended up in my possession."
"Can't argue with that." He replied. "But I can't help but think we should have put her down while we had the chance. I mean, there has to be some reason why she was locked away."
"It doesn't matter now." Dora said. "She's not our problem anymore."
CHAPTER 3
Jestoni gently laid the Iron Maiden on the bed in his private chambers. Normally, new daemons were taken to their assigned rooms, but this was a special case.
Dora must have given the Anima Bell some sort of drug to induce sleep, so although she was breathing, she remained perfectly still. She looked so delicate, Jestoni was afraid the smallest touch would shatter her. He adjusted the skirts around her legs, then set about removing the shoes from her tiny feet. As his hand wrapped around her slender ankle, he sensed movement behind him. He turned to find the Maiden sitting up; her blood red gaze leisurely inspecting him.
"Are you alright?" He asked, slipping the first shoe off. "Would you like something to eat? I imagine you're hungry."
The Maiden's eyes widened; her full lips parting as if to speak. Jestoni managed to take the second shoe off just before she snatched him by the collar of his shirt, and slammed him into the mattress.
"Did I upset you?" Jestoni asked, his hands flying up in surrender. "If I scared you anyway, I apologize."
The Maiden climbed atop of him, straddling his waist. She searched his face, her small hand reaching out to gingerly touch his lips. Jestoni wasn't sure what she was doing, or what she wanted, so he simply watched her. Under any other circumstances, he would know exactly what to do with a beautiful woman sitting on top of him. But these weren't normal circumstances, and his gut was telling him to keep his hands, and every other part of his body, to himself.
The Maiden leaned forward, staring intently at his lips. Jestoni was sure she was going to kiss him. Imagine his surprise when she put her ear to his lips instead. She stayed there for several moments; waiting...
Jestoni shifted uncomfortably beneath her, trying to purge his mind of the all ungentlemanly thoughts racing through it. He needed to get her off before he did something they'd both regret. When he opened his mouth to speak, she shot up; staring down at his face with what could only be anticipation. Of course, it was difficult to tell since her face didn't seem capable of showing much emotion.
The Maiden's brow furrowed slightly as if she was trying to frown. Jestoni thought the expression was cute until she slammed her fist into his chest.
"Jesus, woman!" He shouted, tossing her off him. "What'd you do that for?!"
She scrambled to her hands and knees, staring up at him like a cat ready to strike. If she lunged, he had no doubt she'd tear out his throat with those pretty little nails of hers…
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw you like that, but you shouldn't have hit me. I'm you're Master now, and I will not accept that kind of behavior."
The Maiden cocked her head to the side, her eyes once again locked on his lips. It finally hit him. She'd been trying to get him to speak.
"Do you want me to keep talking?" He asked, easing towards her.
She too leaned in, her gaze moving from his mouth, to his eyes, then back again.
"That's what you want, isn't it?"
The Maiden nodded.
"Do you like the sound of my voice?"
She nodded again, crawling into his lap like attention-starved kitten. He chuckled softly, the action startling the Maiden. She pressed her ear to his chest, snuggling closer as he chuckled again.
"Well, you're not much of a talker." He said with a sigh. "So a conversation is probably out. How about I read to you instead? Would you like that?"
She said nothing as she tried to settle more comfortably in his arms.
"Here," Jestoni said, gently extracting himself from her vice-like grip. "Let me go get a book. I'll be right back, ok?"
He climbed off the bed and made his way to the bookcase in his adjourning office. He ran his fingers across the leather bindings of the books, searching for something he thought she'd like. He smiled when he found his first edition of The Secret Garden. Although he didn't know her tastes, he was positive she would enjoy the story.
Jestoni pulled the book down, turning to go back to the bedroom. A startled curse flew from his lips when he realized the Maiden was standing silently behind him.
"You scared me! I thought I told you to stay in the bed." He sighed, taking her small hand in his. "Never mind. Come, let's find a place we can read."
She followed him willing, clinging to his arm so tightly he was beginning to lose feeling in his hand.
"Let's read here." He said, taking a seat on the large chaise in his sitting room. "I think there's enough room for both of us." He switched on the lamp beside him, then helped her settle in at his side. "Comfy?" He asked.
Jestoni didn't know why he kept asking questions he knew she wouldn't answer, but he felt like he needed to keep her engaged and interactive.
"This is a story I used to read to my niece and nephew when they were children. It was one of their favorites."
Jestoni opened the book to chapter one and began reading….
"When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle, everybody said she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen."
The Maiden sighed in contentment as he continued. He made it all the way to Chapter 6 before he realized she was fast asleep. Jestoni closed the book and set it on the table next to him. He let his head fall back against the cushion, too tired to move to the bed. He was on the cusp of sleep when he heard the door of his chamber open.
"Master? Are you awake?"
"Yes, Omatsu. What is it?"
"I thought you might like some tea." She entered the room, a tray in her hand.
He laughed softly. "You just came to see the new daemon, didn't you?"
"Guilty." She replied sheepishly. "But I did bring tea."
"Well, try and be quiet. She's asleep."
"Of course." Omatsu replied, placing the tray down. "Oh wow, Master! She's so pretty! Like a porcelain doll."
"She is lovely." He replied, brushing a strand of pale hair from her face.
"Will she be staying here, or should I prepare a room for her?"
"No, she'll stay with me. I don't think she's quite ready to be on her own."
"As you wish, Master. I'll just…"
It happened so fast, Jestoni had no time to react. The Iron Maiden lunged for Omatsu, tackling her to the ground. Omatsu was tough, but not tough enough to fend off the unexpected attack. The Maiden's fist slammed over and over into the Anima's face. By the time Jestoni was able to pull her off, there was blood everywhere; the left side of Omatsu's face completely smashed in.
The Maiden struggled in his arms. He flipped her around, pinning her against his chest.
"Why did you do that?!" He shouted. "Have you lost your mind?!"
The rage in her eyes vanished almost immediately. She wrapped her arms around him, embracing him tightly.
Suddenly, the door of Jestoni's room burst open. The Divina Hadrian stood in the entryway. "Master, I thought I heard… Jesus, Mary and Joseph! What happened?!"
"There's no time to explain! Get help!"
"Ok, but…"
"Now, Hadrian!
The Divina flew from the room, his footsteps fading down the hall. Jestoni looked down at the blood-spattered face of the Bell in his arms. All he wanted to do was help Omatsu who was convulsing helplessly on the floor, but he was afraid of what the Maiden might do if he let her go…
CHAPTER 4
His voice… It wrapped around her like a warm embrace; every word a gentle caress meant to ease the raging of her soul. One word from this dark haired stranger's lips and she wanted to submit; completely and utterly…
The Iron Maiden couldn't remember how long the voices had been with her; buried within the depths of her mind. All she knew was that when the man spoke, the voices fled. Even when he didn't speak, simply being in his presence managed to reduce the voices to a dull whisper. So, for the first time since the moment her soul took its corporeal form in this world, the Iron Maiden felt at ease.
Sadly, all this was new to her. The voices told her what to do and how to feel, so without them, she was at a loss. She lay at the human's side, wrapped tightly in his arms. After years spent alone, in darkness and silence, she decided that this was much more preferable.
The Maiden rolled over in his arms so that they were nose to nose. He stirred a moment; his soft breaths ruffling her hair. Though he didn't wake up, his embrace tightened around her. In fact, he hadn't let her go since she'd silenced that awful woman.
Honestly, it wasn't her fault. The moment the evil daemon had started to speak, the voices came back. At first they were nothing but a whisper; too distant to make out. But the harder the Maiden strained to listen, the louder and more forceful they'd become.
The voices spoke of the Anima's terrible deeds; sins and transgressions that demanded swift retribution. Justice must be rendered, and it was the Iron Maiden's sole purpose to ensure the guilty not only confessed their crimes, but that their eternal souls were cast into oblivion as punishment.
But then dark-haired man had grabbed her. His words silencing the voices as quickly as they'd come. He'd yelled at her, and though she could only make out a few of his words, it wasn't difficult to tell he was upset.
Would he send her away? She wondered. Lock her up like those before him?
The thought made something inside her ache. She wriggled from his arms and sat up in the bed, rubbing her chest in hopes that the pain would go away.
It didn't. And as thoughts of being separated from the man swirled inside her head, the pain only seemed to worsen. She groaned, pulling her knees to her chest and letting her clammy forehead fall haphazardly against her knee.
What was happening? Why wouldn't the pain go away?
She whimpered softly, part of her wishing the voices would come back and tell her how to rid herself of this the unfamiliar ache. Her sounds and movements must have roused the man from his sleep, because suddenly his arms were around her again.
"What's wrong? Are you alright?" He switched on the light by the bed, then took her chin to examine her face. "Why are you crying?" He asked worriedly.
Crying?
Her look of confusion must have clued him in on her thoughts. He took one of her hands his, and placed her fingertips against her cheek. She yanked her hand away when she realized it was wet. She looked at her hand, then up at him.
The Maiden had seen such a phenomenon before. Many of her victims did this… thing the man called "crying." The voices had said the act was merely a byproduct of their guilt; a way for the condemned to physically purge the sin from their bodies and souls. But if that was the truth, then she was not without sin either. Such an idea went against everything the voices had ever told her.
The Maiden desperately tried to wipe away the tears, but the more she tried, the more they fell. Fear blossomed in her chest. Was she crying because the voices now believed she was evil? Her chest tightened; each breath a struggle to inhale.
"E-evil..." She whispered in a broken voice. "I-I… evil…"
"No." The man said quickly. "You're not evil. You're just… just…"
She stared up at him, her mind trying to grasp and understand his words. They sounded familiar, but it had been so long since she'd spoken to another living, breathing existence, that certain words sounded strange and foreign to her.
"N-not evil?" She repeated, unsure whether that was good or bad.
"No, definitely not evil."
He smiled at her then, and an explosion of warmth filled every ounce of her being. She knew in that instant that he didn't hate her. That he didn't think she was evil. Knowing that one simple fact somehow changed everything. She threw her arms around him, sinking into his welcoming embrace. The scent of his hair; familiar and comforting, filled her senses. She was safe. With him, she would always be safe.
CHAPTER 5
Jestoni held the trembling Anima in his arms. She felt so tiny and helpless that he could almost forget the brutality of her actions not long ago. Every part of him wanted to protect her, but even he could not stop the storm that was likely to come.
Omatsu was badly injured. Nightingale had been sent for, and despite the Divina's assurance that the Anima would recover completely, Jestoni would have to explain how his daemon had sustained such injuries.
He'd spent the entire night trying to think of a way out of this predicament, but every idea brought him to a dead end. Too many witnesses and too many questions that would need answering. It was only a matter of time before the Council was notified and he was brought before them to plead his case.
Jestoni understood the consequences of his actions, but despite knowing the inevitable outcome would be his arrest and the Maiden's likely execution, his mind refused to accept it. There had to be a way to convince the Council that the Maiden could be controlled. With time, Jestoni was positive he could bring the Anima Bell to heel. After all, she wasn't bad or evil, she was simply misunderstood. There was a method behind her so-called madness, and Jestoni was determined to find out what it was. If he could unlock the key to her alleged psychosis, then perhaps he could save her, and redeem his family's name in the process…
CHAPTER 6
Nina was greeted by Mordred the moment she walked through the front door of her mansion. He was impeccably dressed in an all-black suit, and his hair was neatly styled so that it framed his boyish face in flattering kind of way. He was a handsome young man. Not in the way that she preferred, but nonetheless, his nearly constant presence gave her something pleasant to look at throughout the day.
"Greetings, Master. I trust your visit to the Guild was eventful?"
She took off her coat, handing it to one of the maids patiently waiting at her side.
"I just watched the execution of one of my most trusted comrades. I wouldn't exactly call it 'eventful'."
"Apologies, my lady." Mordred replied, his expression never once changing. "You have my sympathies."
Nina couldn't help but admire the Phantom. The daemon never showed any kind of emotion. The world could be falling apart around him, and he would merely observe the scene with abject interest. He was neither sensitive, nor irrational. And his ability to remain objective in any and all situations made him the perfect candidate to run her family's estate. So, despite him being only slightly handsome, Nina had hired the daemon fresh out of Camelot Academy. It was the best decision she'd ever made.
"No need for apologies, Mordred. He turned out to be an evil man. I'm just upset that I didn't realize it sooner."
Mordred said nothing. He simply cocked his head to the side as if waiting for her to continue speaking. The sight made her chuckle. The Phantom reminded her of a crow; always watching and waiting for the opportune moment. When she made no move to continue, Mordred nodded once then spoke.
"You have a visitor in the parlor, my lady. I informed her that you would be gone for the better part of the day, but she insisted on waiting for your return."
"She?" Nina asked, dropping onto the white-washed bench by the door. The maid tried to help her take of her boots, but Nina shooed her away.
"Chiyome Mochizuki."
The boot in Nina's hands slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor. She knew her mouth had fallen open, but she couldn't regain control of her body fast enough to pretend that she wasn't in shock.
"Ch-chiyome?"
Oh, God! She cursed inwardly. I'm stuttering!
"Yes, Master." Mordred replied; his tone and expression still unnervingly calm. "She's been waiting for nearly 3 hours."
"Oh." Nina blinked. "Well then, I shouldn't keep her waiting any longer."
"Are you sure, Master?" Mordred questioned, his head cocking to the side in the same disconcerting way. "You seem uneasy by her presence here. If you so desire, I shall have her escorted from the premises immediately."
"Thank you, Mordred, but that won't be necessary."
Mordred examined her for a moment longer, then bowed regally. "As you wish, my lady. I'll have one of the servants bring in refreshments. There's a bottle of Chateau Lafite in the cellar. Shall I have it brought up?"
"No. Chiyo-chan… I mean, Chiyome-san, doesn't drink."
Nina walked towards the parlor, her stomach a ball of nerves. She wasn't even out of the foyer before she turned around to call after Mordred. To her surprise, the Phantom was still standing in the same spot, examining her even more closely.
"Yes, Master?" He asked expectantly.
"I've changed my mind." She replied, absently straightening her shirt. "Bring in a bottle of whiskey."
"Of course, my lady." Mordred said with a bow.
"And it's to be brought in by you. No one else."
"Understood, my lady."
Nina watched Mordred walk gracefully towards the kitchen, waiting until he turned the corner before she blew out the breath she'd been holding. Only Chiyome could do this to Nina. Make her forget who she was, and the power and influence she wielded. She was the successor to the Takahashi line for God sakes! And here she was, completely unraveled by the mention of the Phantom's name.
"Nina, is that you?"
Nina's stomach plummeted to her toes at the sound of Chiyome's voice. She splayed her hand on the wall beside her for support, taking a deep breath before meeting the Phantom's eyes.
"Chiyome-san," she replied, trying to sound as normal as possible. "What brings you here?"
The Phantom smiled solemnly, her face coming into the light as she stepped forward. The sight of her sent Nina's head spinning, and suddenly her knees were threatening to buckle.
"I've been waiting." Chiyome continued. "I have urgent business discuss with you. In private if possible."
Nina was struck speechless. The last time they'd been alone together, they'd… Well, let's just say business had been the last thing on either of their minds.
"Yes, of course." Nina gestured to the parlor doors. "We should have enough privacy in here."
Nina followed Chiyome, her eyes fixated on the gentle sway of the Phantom's hips. She immediately felt guilty for objectifying the daemon, but how was she supposed to look away from such a tantalizing specimen of the female body.
Before she'd met Chiyome, Nina had no notable desire for her fellow sex. In fact, she was known for preference towards men, using all male daemons for her attack and defense teams in combat. There was just something about the male form covered in sweat and blood; locked in the heat of battle! Just the thought made her nose bleed!
But then Chiyome came along. All lithe grace and deadly beauty. The female daemon wielded a sword better than most of the males under Nina's command. To watch the Phantom fight was like watching the sun rise, or the ocean crash against the cliffs. Wild and magnificent; leaving you with an over-whelming sense of wonder and awe.
Nina had been instinctively drawn to her, and in one explosive, unforgettable night, the Phantom had changed Nina's life forever. Chiyome had introduced her to a world that went beyond physical pleasure, to one of complete and utter fulfillment; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Chiyome had done what no other person; human or daemon, male or female, had ever done. She'd utterly destroyed all of Nina's defenses, leaving her exposed in ways she hadn't known were possible. It was incredible and terrifying all at once, and it had left Nina a different person all together.
"You look well." Chiyome said, her voice quiet and thoughtful.
"You assumed I wouldn't be?" Nina asked, a hint of malice shadowing her tone.
Chiyome smiled sadly. "Not at all. I never doubted your resolve for a moment. You are strong, Nina. Worthy of your father's name."
Nina snickered. "I'm sure you didn't come all this way to flatter me. And since you ran away to hide in that shrine of yours, I can only assume this has something to do with the temple. What is it? And make it quick, I have other business to attend to."
Chiyome winced at Nina's tone, sending a wave of guilt crashing down upon her. What was wrong with her?! Sure, the two of them had parted on… unpleasant terms, but it had been almost 5 years! The time for hurt feelings and grudges was over. Why couldn't she be an adult and have a professional conversation with the shrine maiden of the Takahashi family temple?!
"I'm sorry." Nina muttered, making a conscious effort to keep the venom out of her voice. "It's been a long day."
"Yes, I heard about Insa's trial. I know what he meant to you and your family. You must feel so betrayed."
Nina cleared her throat. "What's done is done. Insa got what he deserved and that's the end of it. Now," she continued. "What have you come to discuss?"
"The Iron Maiden." Chiyome answered delicately.
Nina frowned. "The Maiden? What about her?"
"You are familiar with the barrier that imprisons her?"
"I am." Nina replied, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. "My ancestors were the ones who placed it over her. What's your point?"
"I believe the barrier was broken and the Maiden set free."
"Impossible!" Nina hissed. "The barrier surrounding her tomb is impenetrable! I inspected it myself not 2 months ago! It's as strong as it's ever been!"
Chiyome shook her head. "I know how strong the barrier was. I could sense it even from here."
"Was?" Nina shifted on her feet. "Why are you speaking in the past tense?"
"Because it's gone, Nina. Completely! I can no longer feel its power, nor can a contact any of the shrine maidens entrusted to guard the Anima Bell." Chiyome sighed heavily. "I can only assume the worst. The barrier has been broken and the Iron Maiden unbound."
At that moment, Mordred entered the study, a tray in his hand.
"Oh, thank goodness." Chiyome exclaimed in exhaustion. "I'm in desperate need of a drink."
CHAPTER 7
Sublumenal sat at his desk, sorting through the stack of documents his Division had sent for his review and approval. He'd been summoned to the Guild's main headquarters to fulfill his Council duties. And although he took his position of honor with the seriousness and humility it deserved, he was ready to return home. As leader of the Guild's Western Division, Sublumenal had a tremendous amount of responsibility on top of his Council requirements.
"Master?"
"Yes, Shiranui?" Sublumenal asked, not bothering to look up from his work.
"Will you be done soon?"
He sighed, leaning back in his chair to examine the Phantom Bell. Shiranui Seafire was the epitome of womanly beauty. Full lipped and with curves for days, she could bring any man of her choosing to his knees. She was vicious and had a temper that could blow the roof off the Guild at any moment, but when it came to Sublumenal, she tried to show at least a little bit of restraint.
She currently sat on his desk, crossing her legs so that he had a full view of her creamy skin from the top of her hip down to her ankle. She'd done it on purpose. Her way of reminding him of all the fun he was missing out on. He swallowed, looking from her face, to her legs, and back again.
"I need to finish these before we leave tomorrow." Sublumenal said.
He managed to keep his voice cool and detached, but despite his formidable self-control, he couldn't help his body's response to her. She tossed her hair with her hand, the dismissive act causing her kimono to slip further off her shoulder. Sublumenal swallowed, taking a deep breath to center himself. Shiranui always did this. All her non-descript actions culminating into one carefully laid trap that Sublumenal always fell into. He'd asked her once why she always chose such a round-about way to gain his affections. Shiranui had smiled innocently, her response disarming him completely.
"You are the ice to my fire." She'd whispered in his ear. "And I love watching you melt at my feet."
He'd laughed at the time, but Sublumenal had the good sense to be a little afraid…
"Good." She replied, sliding off his desk and absently adjusting her full cleavage for his viewing pleasure. "I'm ready to go home. I'm tired of sleeping without you."
Sublumenal smile secretly, making sure to lower his head as if returning to his work. He didn't want her to see the satisfaction on his face. Shiranui was the quintessential Bell, often blurring the line between Master and daemon. If questioned about the relationship between them, she'd likely claim she was the one in control.
Just like a Bell… He mused.
"I told you before; daemons are not authorized to share quarters with human Council members. Not while within the Guild's walls."
"What an absurd rule!" Shiranui scoffed. "These aren't the dark ages anymore. Surely the Guild can see there's no longer a need for such precautions. Can't you do something about it?"
"I'm not in a position to tell the Guild what restrictions they should and should not enforce. I am merely a servant, and as such, I will follow the orders set by my superiors."
She rolled her eyes. "I wish you could hear yourself. You sound utterly ridiculous. You are a member of the Council and leader of the Western Division! You have more power than you know."
He sighed. "There are others who wield far more power than I, Shiranui. You'd do well to remember that."
Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword with white knuckle force. "It's hard to see you cower before these so-called Masters of yours."
"They're not 'so-called'." He replied, placing his pen down. "They are very real. And although they prefer to let the Council lead the Guild, there is no question in any of our minds who is actually in control."
"Then perhaps I should serve one of them." She said coldly.
Sublumenal laughed, causing Shiranui to bristle angrily.
"You think I won't leave you?!" She hissed.
"I know you won't."
A tiny shiver ran through her lush body; her cheeks suddenly flushed. The corner of Sublumenal's mouth lifted in a half smile. She'd caught the warning in his tone. He was letting her know, very subtlety, that the conversation was over. She was his. End of discussion.
She huffed angrily, heading for the door without another word. For all her ferocity and fire, Shiranui knew who her Master was…
"I'll see you at dinner." He called after her.
It was a demand, not a request, and she immediately recognized it for what it was.
"As you wish," she bit out. "Master."
The door clicked shut, and Sublumenal was left with the sinking feeling that he would have to endure the better part of her rage for quite some time. A small price to pay to ensure the Bell stayed in her place.
He'd just settled back into his work when the door burst open. It was Nina; completely disheveled and distraught. The sight was so unexpected and out of character, that Sublumenal instantly knew something was wrong.
"What's happened, Nina?!" He demanded, jumping up from his seat.
"We have a problem." She answered, stomping into the room.
She was dressed in black leather from head to toe; every manner of weaponry strapped to her slender frame. Her long midnight hair was pulled in a tight bun atop her head, and she starred at him with wild green eyes.
"Problem?" Emperor Sutoku said drolly, stepping into the room behind her. "More like a catastrophe of the most epic proportions."
Sublumenal stiffened at the sight of the Phantom. There was something about the daemon that rubbed him the wrong way, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. As a result, he preferred to keep his distance from daemon lord.
"What's he doing here?" Sublumenal asked, unable to keep the suspicion from his voice.
"Really?" Sutoku's face screwed up in a look of mock hurt and outrage. "We have a possible world-shattering situation on our hands, and you're worried about me?"
"Shut up, Sutoku!" Nina snapped.
Sutoku shot her an unreadable look, but he kept his mouth shut. Although the Phantom looked properly chastised, Sublumenal knew better than to fall for the ruse.
"He's here to help, Sub." Nina continued. "And we're going to need it."
"Why? What's going on?"
She licked her lips, her eyes flittering from him to the floor. Fear began to replace his unease. Nina Takahashi did not show fear. Not ever. Until this very moment, Sublumenal would have believed she was simply incapable of such a base human reaction.
"You're scaring me, Nina."
"As well you should be." Sutoku said absently, lifting a gilded box off Sublumenal's desk and shaking it by his ear.
Sublumenal opened his mouth to tell the Phantom to keep his hands to himself, but Nina stopped him.
"What do you know about the Iron Maiden, Sub?" She asked quickly.
"Uh, she was some kind of psychotic Anima, right? A Bell I think. She was captured and killed back in the 18th century." Sublumenal's brow furrowed thoughtfully. "By your family if I'm not mistaken."
"Yes." Nina replied. "She was captured by Kazuki Takahashi in 1798. Since then, my family has watched over her tomb."
"Haven't done a very good job if you ask me." Sutoku interjected.
"Fuck off, Phantom!" Nina hissed. "Now's not the time for your impertinence!"
"My apologies." Sutoku held up his hands in surrender, but the smile never left his lips.
Sublumenal turned his attention back to Nina. "Her tomb? If she's dead, why would you need to watch over it?"
"Because she's not dead." Nina answered bluntly.
"Dun, dun, DUN!" Sutoku added the sound effect for drama, pouting when no one responded to it.
Sublumenal was too shocked to pay the Phantom any attention. His mind was still reeling from the implications of Nina's confession.
"Is this a joke?" He asked carefully.
"No, I'm afraid not." Nina said with sigh. "And it gets worse."
Sublumenal ran a hand down his face. "I need to sit down."
"Good idea." Sutoku agreed, dropping into one of the vacant chairs.
Nina cut him another warning look, and the Phantom raised his hands once more, mouthing the word "sorry" to her.
"Sub, what I'm about to tell you cannot leave this room. Do you understand?"
Sublumenal looked over at Sutoku, then back at Nina.
"Don't worry about him." Nina said with a wave of her hand. "Sutoku already knows everything I'm about to tell you."
"How the hell does he know, and I don't?!"
"Because I was there when they brought the Anima down." Sutoku said harshly. "And I was the one who gave Nina's ancestors the spell to bind her."
"It's true." Nina said quickly. "Though I'm loathed to admit it, he can help us."
"Help us what?" Sublumenal asked in frustration.
"Recapture the Maiden."
He covered his mouth with his hands, unable to respond to Nina's bombshell.
"I bet you're glad you sat down." Sutoku chuckled.
"The barrier surrounding her tomb was broken." Nina pressed on. "And none of the shrine maidens assigned to protect her are responding to my summons."
"That's because they're dead." Sublumenal whispered. "If what you say is true, there's no way they're still alive."
"We don't know that!" Nina exclaimed. "They could be…"
"No, they're dead." Sutoku added, his tone eerily certain. "Master Sublumenal is right. If the Iron Maiden has truly escaped, those maidens were the first of many victims to come."
Nina licked her lips again, her gaze dropping to the floor. The action put Sublumenal on edge once more.
"What aren't you telling me?"
Nina looked at Sutoku, but, to Sublumenal's surprise, the Phantom refused to answer for her.
"The Maiden is…" Nina began, running a hand over her mouth before continuing. "She's extremely powerful."
"No shit." Sublumenal said angrily. "I know the stories."
Nina sighed. "You don't know everything. The Maiden is a being devoid of all emotion and reason. When her soul took its corporeal form on this plane, she was reborn without a conscious; without any sort of moral guide to dictate her actions. She is pure instinct and raw power. There is nothing else like her in our history; not then and not now. At the time of her capture, my family was convinced that destroying her could alter the energy and synergy of our world. They believed that the destruction of something, or someone, with that much power could alter our very existence on this plane. Such an outcome could not be risked, so my family made the decision to bind her instead. As added assurance, she was placed in a deathlike sleep, meant to keep her imprisoned for all eternity."
Sutoku snorted. "That clearly didn't work."
"What kind of powers, Nina?" Sublumenal asked, forcing himself to drown out the Phantom.
"She's telekinetic. And not only that, but my ancestors left behind records that indicate she is capable of mind control as well."
"You got to fucking kidding me." Sublumenal breathed, rubbing his temples.
"I wish we were." Sutoku replied casually. "But when she was at her peak, it was said she was capable of torturing hundreds of thousands of humans and daemons without so much as a flick of her wrist. Even I would hesitate to approach her, and that's saying something."
"We have to find her, Sub." Nina exclaimed. "Like, yesterday!"
"We're going to need help." Sublumenal sighed as if the weight of the world had settled on his shoulders.
"No!" Sutoku and Nina said in unison.
"We need to do this without interference from the Guild." Nina said. "She's been free for less than 48 hours, which means she's not at full strength. We still have time to find her and put her back without anyone finding out."
"This isn't a book you stole from the library, Nina! You can't just put her back! And how do you know she didn't wake up at full strength?!"
"Impossible." Sutoku answered. "Most of her memories were wiped before she was placed in the coma-like trance. She's likely in a reactive state at the moment, versus proactive. Meaning, she isn't actively seeking out victims. My guess is that she's lost and confused. If she's killed anyone, it was likely in perceived self-defense. We should check out reports of any recent murders or suspicious deaths that have occurred within the last 48 hours. It's not ideal, but it's a place to start."
Nina and Sublumenal stared blankly at Sutoku, not sure what to make of the Phantom.
"What?" Sutoku asked coolly. "You asked me to help, so I'm helping."
"That's brilliant, Sutoku!" Nina cried, her tone a mixture of relief and new found confidence. "What do you say, Sub? Will you help?"
"Of course," he retorted, getting up from his chair, "but I'd prefer going in with some kind of back-up. Maybe the Professor can…"
"No!" Sutoku said, practically flying from his seat. "If you tell Yata, he will notify the Masters. Trust me. That is not a can of worms you're ready to open. We'll treat this as a special operation; covert and close hold. Choose your daemons wisely. They need to be ones you can trust."
"How many of your daemons did you bring?" Nina asked Sublumenal.
"Just a small attack and defense force." He replied, sweeping his hand over his closely cropped hair. "I didn't expect to be going into battle while I was here."
"No worries." Nina nodded. "I'll give you whatever support you need."
"Then it's settled." Sutoku said, slapping them both on the back. "Let's hunt ourselves a daemon!"