Meine Liebe by Kara Papas
"Ornaments of blatant scars
Attire of worn ideals
Long and tired are the expressions
Of these aged warriors…."
- Hailey Brunges
Her stance ever so formal as she stood before me waiting for my leave as she stood her ground as her warriors appeared from behind her with the weapons drawn. I cleaned my blade before sheathing remaining where I stood so I gaze upon this noble woman a bit longer. She held her hand up as a simple gesture to her warriors who stopped cold glaring at me with burning hatred. I wanted to test my limits. Our stances were no longer necessary as I walked forward to her. She still held her blade out to her side. She never once flinched as drew closer and closer. My heart is excited as I feel her breaths upon my damp face.
"Shizuru, please, do not come any closer to me…" She said with absolute authority.
"You are not my master…cut me down if you wish." I said as I got a better look at her face. So beautiful, I have never seen someone as beautiful as her. She is my goal, but why did it turn out this way. Her eyes widened as I was almost atop of her.
"You…you have over stepped your bonds Fujino-sama. Please back down…" she was ever stoic and cold. However I could not help but reach out to her hand holding the sword while keeping our eyes locked. My hand wrapped over hers. Now her breathing is not steady she is not a wise leader after all.
"I could kill you right now Kuga-sama…dance with me." I said holding onto her hand. I will break that stoic nature of yours. I will make you crack. I want to see you bleed once. Am I warped for wanting to see you bleed? You will bleed a royal red. You try to pull away from my hand so I slipped my other hand against your back.
"Shameless woman! Release me now! Or I will be forced to cut you down." The Kuga Clan's leader said coldly. Your words hurt my ears but I would love your blade to cut against my form. I want you to add to my scarred body. A special horn is blown from my side. They are calling for me. They know I am alive. I released myself from her as it is never my fault for wanting to be near her even though she is my enemy. She is my love. I know this.
It was not too long when I was before my master tied to a post in the court yard half my body exposed to the world around me. My eyes are lifeless as I stand there awaiting my treatment. I can hear a general arguing for my treatment to be less than this. He demands for me to go without food. Ah, such wonders the compassionate heart of a military tactician. I already know my grandfather's response and I heard it echo as the general found himself upon the ground with the sword, Kiyohime, at his throat.
"Master, we do not have a whip today…we have something new."
"I see, then please try it on this servant who willfully disobeyed my orders. Do not weaken her completely just makes sure she know her actions."
"Yes master."
I heard the sound of the air parting as a smacking sound reverberated throughout the court and the pain shocked my system. They must be using bamboo reeds against me. This is something new as they violently beat me over and over. My mouth hung open as the tears rolled down my face. The pain was unique and something I could not combat as I held desperately onto the post digging my nails deep into the wood. I heard the sounds of a horn being blown in the distance. This was not one of our own. The Kuga Clan is coming into the Fujino Clan's terroritory. What is the meaning of this? The massive gates of the compound opened for the entourage. Upon a black stallion was Kuga Natsuki outside of her armor. I could barely see her as my tears clouded my vision. I heard wind parting much faster this time. MY guard is down. The bamboo crashed into my bruised and tortured back making my voice be heard in a manner I had never done before. This got the attention of the guest on our soil. I do not wish for my secret love to see me like this. However, I am a servant to my clan, I deserve this torture. You are so distant and so close to me at times.
Another servant is trying to lead them inside but Kuga Natsuki is holding her hand up in that fashion she did in the battle field. The servant such their mouth. My, this woman is impressive as she can command even the servants of the enemy clan. She walked over seeing my exposed body as I weakly held onto the post turning my head to avoid her eyes.
"Why are you beating this warrior?" The tone of her voice is different from the battle field. I am not familiar with this side of this woman. I am intrigued. I slowly and clumsily regained my footing opening my mouth.
"….I disobeyed my master….and I did not kill you…I am receiving my punishment. I am to be shamed by being beat and by being exposed as a woman." I said hearing the sound of the bamboo reed coming back for another lash. I instinctively shut my eyes and heard it connect with something but not my body.
"I will not have you beat her while I am hear discussing my withdrawal from this war." She is here to admit defeat. As she stood there I opened my eyes to see my master approaching with his person entourage. My grandfather, master, same difference, he was not at all pleased as he called out for Kuga Natsuki to stop messing around with lowly scum like myself. I laughed to myself. He says this about me, but in my blood there is his too. You contributed to the scum on this post my master.
"Kuga, do not worry yourself with this woman. She is my bastard grand daughter." He said so easily. I am like an ornament to him. Someone that is easily expendable. Kuga Natsuki glared at his simple smug answer.
"You must forgive me Fujino. I am the leader of my clan, but I am the age of your grand daughter. You do not need to beat her. As a gift to my amicable surrender I want you to give me this woman." She wants me. I am in a complete state of bliss. However my grandfather did not like this demand. He unsheathed his sword and cut the bonds to the post.
"Come before me and kneel. You are no longer any use to me and I will not have you taken by this woman!" I fell to my knees in front of my master moving my hair from my neck as I bowed my head. I shall die knowing she wanted me.
"You crazy fool! She is your best warrior, but because she is a bastard you would rather her dead. I am surrendering to you. I would have no use for her sword skills! I would use her as my personal servant. STOP!" She is fighting for my life. This is my end and I have not once know more happiness than now.
Greatpumpkin81's Question Corner
Greatpumpkin: Okay...next question! -waits- Do you have a favorite part in the stories you been in by Kara Papas?
Kara: -holding a katana from her most recent story- No...they can't answer this one.
Shizuru: Kara-san, you are being unreasonable.
Natsuki: I'm fine with it...I hate answering questions. I mean..hell I always get bugged by everyone about stuff.
Shizuru: -smacks Natsuki-
Natsuki: Stupid author!
I'm tired. I hope this makes things even more angsty.
