Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.
A/N: This chapter takes place a short while after the previous chapter. In relation to Family of the Dog this chapter starts just before the start of chapter two in that story.
Chapter Two: An Early Lesson in Cruelty
Ryukotsusei walked along the country road with his son walking along side him. He noticed the boy seemed board and smirked to himself, "I guess you're wondering why we're walking?"
The younger dragon frowned, "I was thinking of it a little."
Ryukotsusei smile evilly, "It's so your mother doesn't see where we're going. She may know what my human form looks like, but her spies haven't a clue."
His son frowned, "Why does she have spies following you?"
Ryukotsusei snickered, "She isn't too fond of some of my…more entertaining conquests." The Fire Dragon looked confused so his father continued, "Sometimes a human woman is just more lively…especially when their scent is drenched in fear…the taste of their flesh afterwards is enjoyable as well."
The Fire Dragon masterfully hid his disgust, and glared toward the unsuspecting town just coming into view, "So is that why we're going there?"
Ryukotsusei smiled, "Of course…I know my own father, and he'd never have let you experience such pleasures."
The Fire Dragon didn't argue with his father. In truth his grandfather hadn't, but when he was only about forty years old, physically still looking like a teenage human, he'd slipped down into the human village at the base of the mountain his grandfather called home.
There he found a young human girl who was actually nineteen. She'd been an outcast in her village due to her lack of family; it had surprised him that an attractive female had so been discarded.
Around this time they'd just heard the tale describing the deaths of their aunt and uncles. Believing a hanyo would aid in their battle against their father he coaxed the girl from the village to a cave that was close enough to the village that she could return for food. There he'd first learned such things as his father wished him to do, but he'd been gentle with the girl.
He learned later that Orochi had in fact known of his eldest grandson's companion, but then revealed a disturbing fact. The woman was unable to bear any children for him because of his own carelessness. Shortly after he'd started visiting her there the villagers had spotted him, they attacked her and the local priest had sterilized the woman. The woman was unaware of what exactly had been done.
The Fire Dragon had let his displeasure be known by leading his siblings into the village and dragging the priest into the town square. He then had the man tied to a stake, threatening the villagers with harsher punishments if they tried to aid or ease his suffering.
The villager hadn't realized the dragons' test, but most tried to help the man in some way. Only the ones who'd attacked the woman had stayed clear fearful they'd be identified as the priest's cohorts.
After a week the dragons returned, and the Fire Dragon burned the homes of all those involved with the attack. Afterward he cut the priest free and left him with a warning. "Interfere in dragon business again and being tied to a stake will be the least of your worries."
The Fire Dragon was returned to the present as his father snorted. Following his father's gaze he realized they were standing on hill overlooking the town.
Ryukotsusei sneered, "Look at it…an eye sore isn't it."
The Fire Dragon shrugged, "It's just a large human settlement."
Ryukotsusei glared at his son, "It's more than just that boy. That is a sign of their corruption, do you not see how they destroy the land. They cut down the trees to build their dwellings, carve stone for their streets, clear our lands for their farms, and selfishly hoard their livestock complaining if we even snatch one for a quick snack."
The Fire Dragon frowned, "But father…the Eastern Palace was built just as their dwellings are built."
Ryukotsusei growled, "That is different son…that is a symbol of the might of dragon superiority over the other lesser yokai, and over humans."
The Fire Dragon watched as Ryukotsusei transformed. He was about to do the same but his father commanded him to stop. Telling him to follow in human form he led his son into the town.
Of course this led to a mass panic as every citizen of the town, as well as visitors was well aware of Ryukotsusei. The great dragon waited for the panic to subside, the town guard and priests had attempted to attack him, but as he was a powerful daiyokai their pitiful attacks were useless.
Ryukotsusei's booming voice was heard across the town, "I the Lord of the East command you all to come forth."
The town's people knew better than to refuse the dragon filled the street before him.
Ryukotsusei indicated his son who had been sheltered from the attacks by his father's immense size, "This is my eldest son and heir. You will address him as Ryu-sama. I go to teach that whelp Inu no Taisho, who thinks himself a Lord, what I think about his new vision. He dared to attack and claim a portion of my domain as his."
The Fire Dragon wondered what this had to do with him but remained silent.
Ryukotsusei chuckled humorlessly, "This being the wealthiest and best developed down in this region, and now being so close to the Western Lands, I will leave my son to protect you. You are to do everything to make him feel at home. Do I make myself understood?"
The town's folk humbled themselves.
Ryukotsusei turned to his son, "I'll be away for a few months at most. Stay here and enjoy what this place has to offer. If the locals get restless just torch a house or two to remind them whose boss."
The Fire Dragon bowed then watched his father fly off toward the south.
Turning back to the humans he saw only fear reflected back at him. He approached calmly, "Your headman and the head of any religious orders…bring them to me."
After a couple minutes the Headman, a Shinto Priest, and a Buddhist Monk approached.
The Fire Dragon smirked, "What took so long, did you honestly think I was going to eat you or something?"
The Shinto Priest spoke first, "Leave us, there's nothing here for one of your kind."
The Fire Dragon crossed his arms, "You really want me to just take off?"
The Shinto Priest nodded, "Leave now least your presence bring more misfortune upon us."
The Buddhist Monk then spoke up, "Don't listen to him Ryu-sama…we are merely worried about your intentions."
The Headman then spoke, "…It can't be helped…" He took a long hard look at the dragon, "…you look like a nice enough dragon…but even if you refuse…your father's wrath…"
The Fire Dragon frowned, "Refuse what?"
The Shinto Priest glared, "Refuse he says…jut the same thing your father always wants. He demands every girl of age whether she's married or not be brought to him…he then takes his pick. The chosen girl is always found beaten and broken, they rarely live long if found at all."
The Fire Dragon sighed, "You're right…I know enough about my father's mind to expect his reprisal."
The Headman motioned for the dragon to follow him, "These girls…they're all about your physical age…and unmarried."
The Fire Dragon surveyed the half dozen girls standing before him. One he noticed was the Headman's daughter as her sent was similar to his. Turning to the girl next to her he saw that she was the only one showing any fear. He motioned her to come forward. Once she was before him he lowered his head to speak in a low voice, "Do I truly frighten you so?"
The young woman winced, "M…my sister…she was chosen by your father on his last visit."
The Fire Dragon gently stroked her cheek with his claws, "I despise it when such a beautiful creature like you fears me. Allow me to belay your fears."
The young woman swallowed and with closed eyes nodded to the young dragon. The Fire Dragon knew she'd only submitted due to the conditioning these people had from his father's constant visits.
The dragon noticed two things when she'd consented. An elderly couple standing in the crowd, the woman had begun to weep while the man had yelled in outrage. Also a young man being restrained with others had a look of utter devastation.
The Headman, obviously relieved his daughter hadn't been selected bowed, "A fine choice Ryu-sama…I will have her prepared for you…"
The Fire Dragon raised a hand, "I am not my father. Where is a residence where I may stay?"
The Headman gulped, "Normally your father would reside in the home of the woman he selected."
The Fire Dragon's disgust was not so well hidden when his father was not present, and thusly confused for anger.
The Headman began to sweat, "Of course if that isn't to your liking there are the inns."
The Fire Dragon nodded, and after getting directions dismissed the humans and led the young woman toward the grandest inn. As soon as he arrived he learned the other guests had vacated to the shabbier accommodation offered in the town.
After entering the room he turned to find the young woman standing fearfully in the center of the room. Her fear was not what he wanted, so he approached her calmly, "You fear me…or do you fear what you think will happen?"
She frowned, "What…what do you mean?"
The Dragon paced around her, "I will not lie…I will take you this evening. That is still several hours away though as the sun only rose an hour before my father's dramatic arrival."
Hugging herself she spoke in a stronger voice, "Why? Why does your kind keep doing this? Your father comes here almost once a year…last year…my elder sister…your father didn't even give us back her body."
The Fire Dragon stopped behind her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back into his chest. Lowering his mouth so he could speak in just barely a whisper, "There was no body to return…my father eats those girls he takes."
He felt her body shake at the revelation.
Once more stroking her cheek with his claws he continued, "Do not expect the same fate, unlike him I do not find the taste of humans as appealing."
She seemed to calm, "Are…are you really a dragon?"
The Fire Dragon smirked, "Yes…in fact this room is just large enough for me to transform in. I can't take my true size of course, but it would be a full transformation none the less." Allowing some of his childishness show through his seemingly serious demeanor he continued, "Would you like to see what I truly look like?"
The girl was able to detect the childishness in the question, and while she was still quite afraid she nodded.
He guided her to a corner without a means of escape, "Do not move from here. The transformation is a quite painful at first and I wouldn't want you getting hit by my thrashing tail or claws."
She obediently stood in the corner and watched as he moved away. She was surprised as even as he walked away he'd already begun to look taller. This increase in height was accompanied by the transformation of skin to scales, his hair becoming his mane. His hands changed as his five human fingers were replaced by the three claw forefeet of his dragon form.
Once the transformation was complete she found herself looking into the burning red eyes of a dragon that nearly filled the room. The first thing she noticed was the major difference between Ryukotsusei and his son, "You don't have the second face."
His humored voice sounded inside her head, "Very funny. You're faced with a dragon that could possibly eat you in a single bite, yet the first thing you say is I'm missing something."
She smiled as the dragon's voice sounded even more childish, "Um…sorry…"
The dragon nudged her with his snout, "What are you sorry for?"
She looked worried, "I thought I offended you…because you didn't have the second face like your father."
The Fire Dragon chuckled again, "Well, of course I don't have that. He inherited that from his mother's line. My mother gained hers because she became his mate. I and my siblings have forms that are more similar to what our mother's line looks like, before mating to that two faced snake."
The girl was surprised, "Ryu-sama…you shouldn't say such things about your father…he may…"
The Fire Dragon returned to his human form, "Are you afraid he might harm me…strange to worry about the fate of that which you are terrified of."
The girl bowed her head, "…it's just…you're not like him…" The girl seemed to regain her confidence, "Ryu-sama you never answered my question…why do your kind do this…take girls…"
The Fire Dragon looked seriously at her, "I cannot say why my father does so. I can honestly say you will only be the second female, human or yokai, which I've been with."
She frowned, "What happened to the last one?"
The Fire Dragon looked sadly out the window, "Humans harmed her…she knew why I had taken her, and she agreed. The other villagers though despised that she would give herself to a dragon. The priest of that village and a group of men tracked her to the cave I had secreted her to. I didn't learn of this for several months…when my grandfather revealed she couldn't bear a child. After that was revealed I left to punish the village…when I returned I found she'd taken her own life. In a note she'd left she said she couldn't live without me, and felt I'd abandon her after learning she was of no use to me."
The girl looked confused, "Of no use to you?"
The dragon nodded, "Dragons cannot kill one another. We can be slain by humans with special weapons or skill, or by a hanyo. We cannot trust a human to aid us in deposing of my father without turning on us, but a hanyo who were my son would of course fight at my side and be able to land a killing blow."
The girl's confusion didn't end, "My lord…what is a hanyo?"
The dragon smiled, "I forgot your town has long been under my father's rule. He specifically targets such children for termination. A hanyo is a child born of a union between a yokai and a human. I will admit they are despised by my kind, and I've heard they suffer greatly among yours as well, but such children are needed to destroy dragons that have lost their way. There was a time when your race never feared us dragons, and even looked upon sighting us as a good omen. I'm afraid my grandfather began our races decent to madness, and he hopes I will be able to redeem it."
The girl bowed her head, "But if I wore to bear your child…wouldn't your father merely kill me?"
The dragon chuckled, "You would not be able to bear me a child for quite some time. You see, unlike other yokai who could impregnate any human they desire…dragons have to be a little more picky. We each have a condition that must be met…it's not something that can be altered or is even within our control, but we do know what it is. For example my father he can only create a hanyo by sleeping with a woman he has utterly broken both in mind and spirit."
The girl looked worriedly at the dragon, "And…your condition?"
The dragon stroked her cheek with his claws again, "She must look first at me with utter fear and disgust, but if I can change her expression to one of unconditional love and lay sole claim to her heart, then she can bear me a child."
The girl swallowed, "Sole claim?"
The dragon nodded, "I know there is another who cares for you deeply…I know not what he'll feel for you in the morning, but even if you have no feelings for him he does have a claim on your heart as his yearns for yours."
The girl's expression turned to worried, "You…you won't hurt him will you?"
The Dragon grinned mischievously, "I do have a few ideas on how to handle the situation. I will admit some are quite gruesome, but I can probably use the less violent ones."
The girl frowned, "If…if I'm not use…"
The Dragon sighed, "You want to know why tonight? It's because I can't ensure my father's intentions. He flew to the south not the west. He very well may return in the morning to see what I've done in his absence. If he discovers you are untouched…the true reason he left me here is to see if I'm more like him or my repentant grandfather who raised me."
The girl bowed, "I understand Ryu-sama."
Midnight…
The Fire Dragon sat up on the futon. The girl squirmed slightly at the loss of the heat from his body. He covered her with the blanket and then donned his armor. He could hear the heartbeat from the hallway, and smell the human scent. Approaching the door he opened it to find the young man who'd been restrained earlier leaning against the wall.
The Fire Dragon caught the man's arm and dragged him to a room that was beyond the girl's hearing if she awoke. Once inside he tossed him to the floor, "What reason are you here human?"
He noticed the young man clutching a knife of some sort. The man shook in fear, "I…I can't stand you…you take what you want without any consideration to us humans."
The Fire Dragon crossed his arms, "Hmm…if I'm mistaken she did not struggle, and the scratch marks on my back were worthy of a yokai."
The man yelled and charged with the knife. The dragon didn't move or try to defend, allowing the man to stab the knife into his abdomen.
The Fire Dragon smirked, "Feel better?"
The man looked stunned as he stepped back and looked at the knife which had bent sideways rather than penetrate the dragon's stomach.
The Fire Dragon watched the man fall backwards and scrabble away, "You see…I can only be hurt by one such as you if I will it. I allowed the girl much more control of that situation than my father would have."
The man sobbed, "Damn you! You don't even know her name, let alone care."
The Fire Dragon tilted his head, "Yura…that was the name she called herself. Though I know of a yokai with that name as well…Yura of the hair…a very dangerous one she is."
The young man bowed his head, "That yokai…she brought Yura here…gave her to a couple in the town. I never knew why."
The window opened and several strands of hair shot toward the dragon. Spotting the attack he drew his sword and cut the strands. Yura then jumped through the window, "Damn you Ryukotsusei!"
The Fire Dragon caught the female yokai by the throat and slammed her into the wall, "Shut up Yura!"
Yura's eyes looked shocked when the dragon she saw was not the despised Lord of the East, "You? But I heard she'd been taken by a dragon."
The Fire Dragon growled, "If I release you will you clam the hell down?"
Yura nodded, and the dragon lowered her back to her feet and released his hold, "I'm sorry…I thought…"
The Fire Dragon frowned, "A death yokai like you shouldn't be protective of humans…what is it between you and that girl?"
Yura bowed her head, "She…she is a daughter of mine."
The Fire Dragon now looked confused, "She isn't a hanyo."
Yura shook her head, "Not of this form…one of the souls that created me…the last one was pregnant just before she died. When I was formed I took the orphaned child with me, she was but an infant. I kept her in my next where she was safe from other yokai, but I knew I could never take care of her properly. I had already become well known by then. I returned to this town…I didn't know Ryukotsusei ruled it so harshly. I gave her to a couple with a slightly older girl. I thought they could give her a good life. Before I departed I gave them a strand of hair. I told the couple to break it if she was ever in mortal peril."
The Fire Dragon nodded as she finished, "I see…then they must have broken it when they thought I would kill the girl like he did to the other."
Yura nodded, "Please…you haven't harmed her have you?"
The young man screamed out, "He defiled her!"
Yura frowned at the human, "If that's all he's done then I'd be eternally grateful. You humans and your foolishness."
The Fire Dragon frowned, "Why did you give the girl your name?"
Yura smiled, "I took the name Yura because it was what I heard her mother's soul saying as they brushed her hair. She was calling to the child, but in truth we were both children of that woman as her death also was my hundredth human, which led to my creation."
The Fire Dragon nodded, "I see. She is in another room…I won't let any harm come to her."
Yura bowed her head, "I know who you are…they said you were Ryukotsusei's son. Please, you're not merely using her with the intention of tossing her to the side?"
The Fire Dragon turned to the human in the room, "I think that all depends on him."
Yura frowned at the human, "How so?"
The Fire Dragon crossed his arms, "The girl filled the first part of my conditions. She looked at me with utter fear and disgust. I need only gain her unconditional love, and lay sole claim on her heart. I know she cares for this human, and that he…at least he did care for her."
The man glared at him, "Even though I know it would be futile I'd fight you to the death for her."
Yura looked surprised, but the Fire Dragon just chuckled, "Well, I wasn't going to suggest something so…violent." The Dragon turned to Yura, "Hmm…it is most fortuitous you are here."
Yura tilted her head in confusion, "How so?"
The Fire Dragon grinned, "As a witness to a bargain…well more exactly a deal with a lot of strings attached."
The man frowned, "What deal?"
The Fire Dragon looked seriously at the man, "One you should listen to very closely, and decide if you are willing to accept."
The man swallowed then agreed.
The Fire Dragon gave a curt nod then began to speak, "I won't bore you with the history of what we'll do, but get straight to the point. We will compete for her affections. For one year, you may spend the days from sunrise to sunset with her, while from sunset to sunrise she is to come to me. During the time she spends with either of us we may spend it in any way we chose, save for any conditions we place upon the other."
The man frowned, "Conditions?"
The Dragon growled, "We cannot prevent those things that are part of our nature, or affect our beliefs. Since I know you are an honorable man, you would not sleep with her before marriage. Yet you cannot forbid such from me as that is against my nature. Even so you can restrict such, as saying I can only take her on say the night of the full moon or some such."
The man didn't hesitate, "I will take up this challenge…for her I'd die."
Yura smiled, "Oh…you will."
The man frowned at the female Yokai.
Yura flexed her fingers, "Since you are human you would still love her even if she chose this dragon. For her to bear a hanyo for him, she'd have to have no other claiming her heart. Your death would solve that matter easiest, and I'll be sure to do just that if you lose her to a dragon."
The Fire Dragon growled, "Name your conditions human."
The young man thought, "You mustn't take her against her will, and only if she comes to you willingly."
The Fire Dragon nodded, "Agreed, but I should inform you that willingly can be subject to perception."
The young man swallowed, "You must honor her and touch no other besides her."
The Fire Dragon raised an eyebrow, "I'll compromise…I'll touch no other human female…if your restricting my access to her, it could put me in a tight spot with my father."
The young man nodded, "Last…she cannot bear a child until after the year is up."
The Fire Dragon smirked, "Agreed…seeing as I can't get her pregnant until after your out of the picture."
The young man sweated at that statement, "Your conditions?"
The Fire Dragon flexed his claws, "You cannot mention anything about this arrangement to her."
The young man frowned, "Agreed?"
The Fire Dragon nodded, "You mustn't pressure your presence upon her. If she wishes you to leave her alone you must."
The young man nodded, "Agreed."
The Fire Dragon sneered, "Lastly, if during her hours with you she calls me, you cannot prevent me from coming to her. You cannot try and prevent her coming to me after the sun sets, nor can you interfere during my time with her."
The young man had a shocked expression which told the dragon that he'd intended to do just that. The young man hesitantly and angrily nodded his head, "Agreed."
Yura looked at the young man, "You idiot…you just completely capitulated to all his demands…didn't you notice he curbed all of yours. Crap, what are those priests and monks teaching kids these days."
The Fire Dragon sneered, "Now it's your part Yura."
The hair yokai nodded, "I have witnessed this bargain. In exactly one year I will appear to her and ask her which of you she chooses. I have my own conditions though. If the girl chooses the dragon, I will take the life of the human. If she instead chooses the human, the dragon must bless her and the human."
The Fire Dragon growled, "Very tricky…I agree." The two yokai then turned to the human.
The young man knew he could very well be agreeing with his own death, "I…I agree."
Yura bowed, "The deal is struck."
The Fire Dragon turned to leave, "I will send her to you after the sun crests the horizon."
The man bowed then hurriedly left.
Yura then followed the dragon to the room the girl still slept in.
As they entered Yura approached her, "She's…she's grown into a beautiful young woman…is this not cruel…what you plan."
The Fire Dragon looked out the window, "Hello father."
Yura looked surprised as Ryukotsusei entered through the window, "Hello son…what does this one mean, your plan?"
The Fire Dragon gave his best evil sneer, "I just had Yura of the hair witness and be the binder for a contract between me and a human of this village."
Ryukotsusei looked surprised, "What is the contract for?"
The Fire Dragon indicated the girl, "Her…I discovered she and another cared for each other…"
Ryukotsusei snickered, "So you are using their feelings against them. Very well done my son…how long is the contract for?"
Yura bowed, "One year my lord."
Ryukotsusei nodded, "Hmm…yes this could work. I feel you need some time to learn how yokai govern their territory. I will leave this town and the area around it in your governance. There are about seven smaller villages within the area, you will have full rein over them as well."
The Fire Dragon lowered his head, "Thank you father."
Ryukotsusei smiled, "In one year's time I will return to see how you've done. If you've maintained dominance in the region I will be quite proud, but if the humans have become defiant, or another yokai forces you out I will be most displeased."
The Fire Dragon nodded, "Understood father."
Ryukotsusei turned to the window, "Enjoy your time my son…I must say you chose an excellent specimen for your time here." Ryukotsusei chuckled, "I will inform your mother and siblings of your assignment. I'll check in from time to time. Goodbye."
The Fire Dragon remained silent until he knew his father was long gone, "You heard all that didn't you."
The girl sat up clutching the blanket, "Y…yes Ryu-sama."
The Fire Dragon turned to Yura of the hair, "Leave."
Yura bowed then departed quickly.
After she too had gone the Fire Dragon relaxed, "I will not lie…the contract was made. At sunrise you will go to that human you care so much for, but at sunset you must return to me. Am I understood?"
The girl nodded.
The Fire Dragon sighed, "Understand that my demeanor and words then had to be used in a way that my father would believe what I was telling him, and that he'd assume I was being just as cruel as he."
The girl bowed her head, "Will you please tell me what the contract is?"
The Dragon nodded then returned to the futon.
At sunrise he sent the girl on her way then departed the inn. Shortly after walking the street the Headman had informed him that Ryukotsusei had told all the headmen of the area about his son being placed in charge of the region. He'd also made it clear that Ryukotsusei was not pleased his son had stayed in an inn, instead of at the very least being offered a room in the Headman's manor.
The Fire Dragon took a quick assessment of his territory; his father had left markings to state the boarders of his son's domain. He was boxed in on all sides by his father's lands, and as such couldn't leave to make contact with neighboring yokai. As the sun began to sink over the horizon he returned to the town. He found the young woman waiting for him at the Headman's house.
She bowed to him, "Ryu-sama."
Examining her he saw she wore very little in the way of clothing, "Hmm…you are waring little more than rags…you haven't been displaced have you?"
She shook her head, "No Ryu-sama…my mother thought it would be easier…"
The Dragon raised his hand to silence her, "I don't need to hear any more." He paced around her once, "Hmm…let's see…Yura!"
The girl wondered why her name was called loudly and doubly so as the female yokai she'd seen the night before appeared.
Yura of the hair bowed, "What can I do for you my lord?"
The Dragon grinned, "Can you arrange so she has something more comfortable to where, something that will prevent any harm if she were to be on my back while I'm flying."
The hair yokai nodded, "Hold very still Yura, my hair is normally used to harm, not protect."
The young woman held very still as the yokai sent strings of hair toward the girl. The hair seemed to knit and weave into pair of leggings.
The Dragon nodded as the female yokai finished, "Thank you, that will be all."
Yura of the hair bowed then departed.
The young woman looked confused, "My lord…why does that yokai and I share our name?"
The Dragon sighed, "It is a long tale, but suffice it to say she has known you a very long time."
The young woman nodded then followed as the dragon motioned for her to follow.
Not much had occurred during the year. The villagers and townspeople became accustom to the more benevolent Fire Dragon. They'd learned quickly that while defying him was not tolerated, that his punishments were merciful. He'd coached them all on how to hide their true feelings toward his father, which he informed them, was quite simple as his father was blind to the truth.
It so happened that Ryukotsusei returned the day before his son's contract with the human was to come to completion. The Dragon grinned as he saw his son breathing fire at a human engulfing him in flames.
Ryukotsusei snickered, "What did that poor insect do my son?"
The Fire Dragon glared at the apparently charred remains, "He stepped on my foot I don't know. Do I need to have a reason?"
Ryukotsusei sighed, "True…though the humans do prefer some reason."
The Fire Dragon gestured to the humans, "These vermin? Father they scurry before me like mice."
Ryukotsusei saw the people peering fearfully from the windows, "Yes…they seem even more cowed than when I left you here. You have done an excellent job." Ryukotsusei lowered his voiced, "Now for the other matter…will that girl be choosing you tonight?"
The Fire Dragon shrugged, "Should I care?"
Ryukotsusei smiled, "Just what I wanted to hear…though if it was me. If she didn't choose me I'd rip her heart out of her chest and eat it while the other human watched."
The Fire Dragon crossed his arms, "Father…that matter is of my concern alone, and you know I can't break the contract. You will remain far from that place, least you cause a break in the contract."
Ryukotsusei nodded, "Of course son…I just think you're taking that contract too serious."
The Fire Dragon shook his head, "You've taken the contracts you've made too lightly."
Ryukotsusei snickered, "Be that as it may, we'll be leaving tomorrow. Your mother wishes you to return home, she is worried about you being away so long."
The Fire Dragon nodded, "I have a request father."
Ryukotsusei looked curiously at his son, "A request?"
The Fire Dragon bowed, "While I doubt you believe me ready for long term custodianship of this area…perhaps you'd allow me to maintain some…minor control…as say…your marshal."
Ryukotsusei scratched his chin, "Hmm…an interesting proposition…I'd assume you'd wish to merely oversee the region and periodically report back to me on its condition."
His son nodded, "I'd merely report to you any disloyalty or other issues…besides, I spotted a few of mother's spies in the area recently. They were passing around a very detailed sketch of your human form."
Ryukotsusei looked surprised, "What?" He clenched his hand and knocked a tree over, "Damn her…she must have gotten wind of what I was doing here…but how?"
The Fire Dragon had to hide his sneer, "I'm not sure father…but you shouldn't linger here. I'll meet you near the mountains first thing in the morning."
Ryukotsusei nodded, "Yes…you're right I should linger…be there right away…we'll need to fly in another direction so she doesn't believe this is where we've been."
That evening…
Yura of the hair found the human girl sitting near a stream that flowed through the town, "Hmm…have you made your choice girl?"
The human Yura looked sadly at the water, "I…I'm not sure."
The yokai Yura smiled, "I find it to be an easy choice. On one hand you have a simple human farmer; on the other hand you have a crown prince of the dragons. One can offer you very little, while the other can offer you immortality."
The human bowed her head at the idea, "Today…today I went to speak to both the head priest and Buddhist monk. They both said about the same thing…though the Shinto priest was more against me going with a dragon, while the monk said I needed to follow my heart."
The yokai sat behind her and ran her fingers through the girl's hair, "I can imagine the things those men said. They would tell you to think of your soul…"
The human hugged herself, "Over the last year Ryu-sama let me see things I'd never know. He took me to the tops of the mountains, we walked through the places in the forests where no human had ever gone, I saw all types of yokai and animals. Yet I have to also appreciate what Taka did. He was always there when the sun rose and would help me with my chores, he listened as I told him of the nights adventure, and would walk with me till the sunset."
Yura of the hair giggled, "I take it you didn't sleep much this last year."
The human girl sighed, "Whenever I was tired Ryu-sama would lay with me and guard me through the night, he'd even return me to my home if I didn't wake before sunrise." The girl rubbed her arms, "And save for that first night we never…"
Yura of the hair squirmed a little, "…I made sure he'd be satisfied in that way before he went to meet you. It kept him from losing control of his desires. One of the conditions this Taka person made was that he could only sleep with you if you were willing, he also made it so Ryu-sama couldn't touch another human woman."
The human girl looked surprised, "Yura…you…"
Yura of the hair smiled again, "It doesn't matter little one…this form is merely a construct. I can dispose of it and make a new one whenever I wish. My true form is this…" Yura revealed a comb, "…I was used to comb the hair of a hundred dead women, most of them very young. The final woman I was used on was your mother…she was the one who I felt closest to, and was the reason I took you from her home. I have watched over you your entire life…I will continue to protect you until your heart stops beating."
The girl bowed her head, "Thank you Yura…" She stood and turned to Yura, "…after tonight I want you to take a portion of my hair and then leave, and never return."
Yura frowned, "Why?"
The girl looked sadly at the yokai, "Because I will choose Taka…I know I can't be a part of Ryu-sama's world. He may have come to care for me, and I do care for him…but I can't bare him a child who will be forced to kill Ryukotsusei no matter how evil of a monster he is. They would still share the same blood, and it's a great sin to kill one's grandparent."
Yura stood and in a quick movement removed a portion of the girl's hair, "I will do as you ask, but I will say this. As my last form of protection for you I made a final condition. Since you Ryu-sama lost he will have to grant you and your husband the Dragon's Blessing. It will keep you from Ryukotsusei's sight if he ever comes back, and will grant your family good fortune. Good bye little sister, we will never cross paths again."
As the sun set the girl went to where she normally met the Fire Dragon, but waiting at the gate to the headman's house was Taka. She looked surprised, "Taka? You mustn't be here, Ryu-sama…"
Taka shook his head, "He's gone Yura…the dragon came and said I'd won and you'd chosen me." He held out his hand which she readily took. As soon as their hands touched they were both engulfed in a golden light, "What is this?"
The girl looked to the sky and saw the shadow of a dragon pass the moon, "It is his blessing."
Taka followed where she was staring, "I know you really cared for him, but…"
Yura shook her head, "Don't try to console me on this. I made my choice."
On a roof watching them was the Fire Dragon, he knew they assumed the dragon in the sky was him, but in truth it was his father. He smiled as he watched the humans embrace. He decided then that he'd wait and plan more before deposing his father; he'd realized the no human would wish her child to be used as a tool of murder.
Glaring at his father's form high in the sky he cursed the fact his father's mere existence had made him form this cruel contract. Then took flight to patrol the land one last time, and then join his father on the return trip to the Eastern Palace.
Far away in a dark cave Orochi stirred. The massive dragon felt the power coursing through the being standing before him. The yokai opened its eyes and spoke calmly, "I return with my report. The human girl did not chose your grandson…he will return to the palace soon."
Orochi sighed, "Twice he has failed at creating a hanyo…his soul's conditions are too hard to complete. Tell his sister and brothers that a new plan may need to be arranged. Perhaps…yes…we will look outside our lands for my son's destruction."
End Chapter Two
A/N: Review!