{Last Time}
.'' Fear not little Peony.'' She whispered in a voice holding a musical tone of joy and mixed relief, ''Our patient's fever has broke, he will live.'' With an astonished cry of joy the younger girl fell on her knees embracing her teacher nearly spilling out the contents of the misao soup she had made for her as they both looked upon the handsome face of the man whom had somehow seemingly came back to life. Peony folding her hands in a prayer of thanks, and for the first time in so many years Kikyo followed
Chapter Two: ' Not In Kansas Anymore Toto'
The bright sun shined upon the pale form of one Abel Nightroad resting upon a lone futon within the middle of a large tatami covered room. Slowly little by little arousing him from his deep slumber.
The soft thrum of voices filled his sensitive ears, weak sounding a million miles away however clear enough for him to sense they were within the very area in which he rested. His body ached everywhere, from his neck on down to his chest feeling as if a large fist had slammed into him over and over added to the heavy weight which seemed to cling from his limbs up to his eye lids which refused to open. Tired just to tired, his mind to fatigued to even question how he came into this situation. All he longed to do was lay here and slip back into the arms of the comforting darkness his mind seemed to slowly be awakening from.
''Shisho?'' A soft voice whispered from his side startling the slumbering man ever slightly. Unlike the other muffled voices that echoed through the dark tunnel of his mind this one drifted closer. Sounding like that of a young girl child just reaching her teens, her accent foreign unlike anything his mush of a brain could place. However the emotion behind those words Abel knew all too well. Worry. ''Forgive me for asking I do not doubt your words but…'' there was a hesitant pause before she continued, ''Four days has past sense the fever broke and he has not awakened..Are you for certain there is nothing to be worried about?''
Four days? Fever? Was she talking about him? That would explain the ache through his body, four days laying there without use of his muscles accompanied by a fever. The slumbering crusnik was surprised he was not double over with pain. A soft patient sigh caught his attention. ''It is alright Peony-chan to worry shows that you have a compassionate heart that all need when becoming a doctor or even a miko. '' That soft voice which so serenely answered the younger seemed to sooth him instantly, the simple purity of it easing even the dull ache of his body like the pair of healing hands he somehow seemed to remember tending to him somewhere within either the past few days or hours. It was then the AX member realized he somehow knew this unknown female speaker. '' His breathing and his pulse strong so there is no worry of him passing from this realm. His body is simply drained from the energy it used fighting just to remain alive. Considering how close to death he was I am amazed he has recovered this quickly. Give him time, when his body is ready he will wake.''
The answer seemed to satisfy the girl, for she switched her chatter to something else not that he listened. The male sleeper's full mental mind, or what he could get, was focused upon the signal presence now located near the foot of the bedding he rested upon. Listening to the sound of her voice, how she spoke each syllable. Bringing with it tid bits of memory that his mind was to fogged to remember, at the moment, however his body seemed to. Her soothing touch as it eased the burning pain of his body, how her presence chased the demons that haunted his fevered hallucination. Even faintly, to his surprise, he could re-call the soft sound of a lullaby drifting around him from time to time.
The sound of a something sliding accompanied by the soft padding of feet told him one of his watchers had left. But who? The young girl or the woman whom the soothing voice. The soft rustling of cloth reached his sensitive ears, followed by the low vibration normal mortals may not feel as the nameless person moved silently closer before everything went silent. Brows knitting slightly he found himself straining his ears to hear more when something wiped at his forehead cleansing his skin. The cool feeling of it soothing to him, despite the fact his skin no longer ached, as the melody that suddenly began to rise in a soft hum. He lost himself in the feeling of both cool hand which held the cloth and the wordless lullaby that it nearly jolted him when it disappeared. Followed by one over power sound which would draw him the rest of the way to consciousness. The splash and scent of sweet pure water bringing up a sudden burning thirst within his parched throat. Alarming him at first before he was able to detect it. It was not the darker needs his body now demanded but the needs of every human.
Thirst
His body felt like it had spewed out all the liquid inside leavening him feeling like a dry desert waiting for the promise of rain. With a soft moan, Abel lifted his heavy lids finding deluded light illuminating his surroundings.. Unfocused winter blues staring disoriented to the wooden ceiling above him which seemed to suddenly spin and tip as if he a child's toy spinning top. Instantly the AX member closed his eyes again, an involuntary moan of pain escaping his pale lips. Instantly she was had his side, those familiar hands which had so often offered comfort those last few days resting upon him, feeling for some sort of rising fever, or cause of his discomfort before she spoke. ''Shh easy now you are safe, whatever is haunting you may not pass while I am here. Shh just rest.''
Her hand was once more upon his head, stroking his shining silver tresses soothingly. 'She thinks I am dreaming..' The silver priest tired mind registered, and for a moment he would have been simply content leavening her to believe so as long as those soothing hands stroked his aching head. However he could not ignore what needs his body demanded. Hesitant he once more allowed his eyes to open. Only half way this time however in hopes to keep the spinning at bay.
The fuzzy of outline of a figure sat beside him. The nameless female, with black hair wearing something white that much he could make out however her face remained within the shadows meaning he had no earthly clue if she faced him or not. Her humming continued at a soothing rate, her hands busily working away not even aware of the wintery eyes that watched her half lidded.
He opened his mouth in attempt to speak, only to find his vocal cords unable to work correctly. No words would come, only his breath. Wincing fighting a rise of panic he breathed deeply wetting his lips and tongue the best he could with his nearly nonexistent saliva before attempting it again. This time managing a simple soft sound. ''Ugh…''
That soft moan was enough to draw her attention, the humming stopped and the outline of the unseen face turned to look at him with a soft intake of breath. Perhaps taken by surprise for it was sometime before she finally a signal soft hand touched his cheek and the shadowed face drew closer. ''You are awake,'' her voice sounded hesitant yet pleased, '' Try not to move your wounds have not fully healed yet. How do you feel? Does anything hurt?''
Pain was the least of Abel's thoughts right now still he managed a slight shake of his head, ''Water…'' came a heavy slurred voice that to his surprise rouse from his lips sounding as if he drank far too many glasses of some kind of alcohol. 'Hmm.' the crusnik almost gave a mental chuckle at the thought, a hangover would feel allot better then what his body felt right now.
Her form for the briefest moment vanished once again, followed by sounds he could not register except for the tortures splash of cool water causing his eyes to slam shut upon a wave of pain before the looming shadow was once more upon him. A strong yet delicate arm sliding under his head to lift him up, Abel found himself almost protesting the move not wanting her to strain under the weight of his bluck however he was just too weak.
Surprisingly the nameless female was much stronger then he would have thought. The Crusnik found himself propped up, his head leaning against a famine shoulder then before he could think, something smooth was pressed to his lips. ''Here drink slowly to fast could cause you a nasty stomach ache. We do not want that do we? Take your time there is no need to rush things I have you, as long as I am here you will not fall.''
The need for water was almost lost at those comforting words, for a moment another voice replacing the one whom spoke now. Lilith had spoken almost those exact same words when they were still upon Mars, and they were young teens, when she had found him half dead upon the burning red planet, feverish and suffering from painful hallucinations that sent him screaming in fear. ''Abel…easy…easy I'm here it's alright darling. I have you; as long as I am here you will not fall.'
Her sweet haunting voice seemed to echo resounding from his very mind to that never healed wound within his heart, old tears threatening to fall at the same time the cool liquid touched his parched throat. Unable to stop them Abel's salty tears rolled down his ever pale cheeks, to weak and tired to care if others may saw. The cool fresh water was unlike any he had tasted within the ancient priests long years of life. Sweet and fresh with no hint of pollution caused by that of the modern Jeidi. However in his present state Abel did not ponder the rarity of it.
His thirst soothed, the Crusik once more found himself lowered back to the soft comfort of the strange matting that served as his bed. Fatigue once more sitting in as the darkness of sleep began to claim him, only to reside slightly as once again that smooth slightly cool hand touched his cheeks wiping away his tears, the voice made tender by worry and care sounding like a mother speaking to a child when the woman spoke again, ''Are you in pain?''
Those words carrying so much worry only made the tightening about the AX operative's heart strangle it even more, she did not even know him had no idea if he were a person of goodness or not all this female cared about at the moment is if her charge was hurting or not. Of course if she were a nurse of the Vatican or of some small hospital, for that is what the priest assumed, it would be her duty to be tender and caring with her patients but the way she spoke it actually felt as if she truly deep down cared more for him as a person then just another suffering injured brought in. He choked, swallowing hard as he opened his lips to speak finding it easier this time now his tongue was soothed even though the act of moving was difficult when one felt as if every part of him had a two ton boulder tied to it . ''No…''came a soft velvety whisper followed by a partial shake of his silvery head. ''No…pain…just…tired…''
Silence answered him, and he wondered what she might be thinking, if she did not believe the little lie. Then her hand moved wordlessly lifting his head up more to ease into the pillow of her lap, those strong fingers combing through his silky smooth hair extremely comforting to the distraught disorientated crusnik priest. ''Shh I am here, just rest. You will feel better again after some sleep. Do not worry I will not leave you alone.'' Again, feeling the slight guilt eating at him, Abel found himself about to protest. Clearly she must have other more important things to attend to then one beaten clumsy priest but once more she picked up that over powering tune of that lullaby and against his own accord Abel found his eye lashes fluttering against his cheeks as the comforting velvety darkness once more claimed him.
Once more his body became relaxed as it had the night Kikyo had managed to bring the strange silver haired creature from the brink of death. The melody of the lullaby working its ever strong powers as it had many a child the miko had cared for over the short years of life and her time in the living dead. She continued to sing, stroking the soft hair she found soothing to herself, as so often the case these last few strange days allowing denial steal the surprise at how much feeling her body seemed to slowly be regathering. All the while those intense doe eyes looking up the ever handsome tear streaked one which lay upon her lap. The gaze slightly frigid in concentration as it had been for many hours, when not in the company of Peony or Yoshiro, sense the occurrence three days past. 'Not human, not youkai...however not quite Kyuuketsuki.' Never while attending Yōkai Taijiya, a school for priests and priestesses, had she heard of such a creature. With the wings of a black tenshi however with the hunger of a Kyuuketsuki whom did not prey upon the blood of humans but on that of other Kyuuketsuki.
'What is he? 'Wondered Kikyo, as she allowed her miko senses to heighten as she prodded at the very aura that wrapped about her sleeping charge. 'The essence of a human is strong blocking a darker one under it. The creature with the aura that could surpasses that of Naraku's. At any other time it would be a miko's duty to subdue such a creature without question and yet..I sense no evil in him. Only an unbearable weight of….sorrow…'
Closing her eyes opening her mind to it, what the undead miko felt was more pain than anyone could suffer mentally from in two lifetimes. Sorrow..Hate..Regret Making her own tragedy, her own haunting pain pale terribly in comparison. It shook her to the core. Every bit of numbness that her clay body felt wrenched away set afire with the ever rising flame that filled Abel's soul.
An old rage…
Betrayal
'Kill the Terrans
The humans
Lilith says it's wrong...how can she reside with such uncaring beings!'
A slight change of heart.
'Perhaps Lilith is right?'
Stabbing sorrow
'Lilith is dead..No it can't be..why..WHY!
Hatred
'CAIN!'
Cold darkness, a Sanctuary however a place of mourning…a place he would not leave for so long. Bound to her, to grief so unbearable only made worse by guilt.
Sounds of screaming awoke him from another night of restless slumber…
The sounds of viscous snarling… followed by the whimpers of a young child.
No one to protect her, she would die.
A burning rage filled him and with one last glance to his eve sleeping beauty he was gone.
Black wings arouse, the creature awakened after so many centuries of sleep.
Blood spilled by a crimson scythe.
Blood tasted by magenta tinted lips all to protect a lone female from a race he once hated above all.
Human..
She was so small no only the mere age of nine ten at the oldest, looking at her opposed savior with wide fearful eyes. ''Who are you?''
The now human silver haired man allowed his lips in act in the foreign act in smiling for the first time in centuries. ''I am here to protect humans..'' was all he said before lifting his hand to her. Much to his own surprise for the girl with only a moment's hesitation reach for his as well. Trusting…the first human to see him in his other forum and not to call him monster a demon. That simple act fully would change his soul forever.
''KIKYO-SAMA!''
It was the terrified screams which snapped the undead miko from the ever abundant visions that had been flashing through her mind's eye at neck braking speed. Her vision blurry, body weak as fogged doe eyes stared up wards to the ceiling above her in a confused daze. The outline of a frantic young Peony kneeling over her, hands shaking her franticly. ''Pe..ony?'' the name came out in a breathless whisper barely utterable to the human ears however the young teen must of heard it as a sob of relief escaped her lips and the girl embraced her teacher, her thought of sister. ''Shisho! Oh Shisho you had be so scared for a moment!'' the girl cried while holding Kikyo close, the younger girls body trembling with fright. ''I came in with some freshly made conagee Chiyo-chan made to see if I could get him to eat when you fell over it a fit of convulsions then went so still. I thought sure you were dead…''
For a moment the younger female's words fall on uncomprehending ears as the miko lays their eyes blank, watching the speeding movement of her lips. Her mind still recovering from the shock of the whole thing to even comprehend what she is doing. The overwhelming shock of so much emotion filling a body which was not fully living was painful much more than even the fiscal wound or the pain of hatred bound with sorrow that led to her death could ever bring.
A sting filled her eyes, tears which this body could not make wishing to fall. Kikyo closed her eyes to the sensation, raising a signal shaking hand to silence the frantic Peony while she gathered her. Slowly with each painful breath, the burden eased, the link she had formed with her injured charge lessening ever slightly until it was nothing but a burning hole in her chest where a heart once resided. One sigh of relief escaped her lips and with great effort the undead miko arouse into a kneeling position, her eyes trailing to her now peacefully sleeping charge. Her doll like face blank, eyes brows drawn in a deep thoughtful way before her eyes closed once more and her body gave an involuntary shutter.
''Shisho?'' Peony had drawn closer however not reach to offer her teacher aid, her shaking hands pressed to her racing heart. Her soft child like eyes wide with worry. Breathing deeply Kikyo opened her eyes, feeling a bite of guilt at scaring the young child so. Fighting the sudden desire to run from the very room that seemed to close in around her smothering and suffocating. ''I am well Peony do not worry so.'' She forced a smile grabbing for the smaller hand before squeezing it, ''I might have…over done it some. After a little rest I will be fine…'' her uncertainty in those words did not go unnoticed by the younger teen however she kept quiet as the miko once more gazed to their patient, her body seeming to shake once more. Her eyes looking on the verge of weeping before she closed them. ''Do you think you could tend to Abel-sama while I rest..''
The girl perked up slightly with a bright smile ready and happy to serve, ''Of course Shisho!'' came her jubilant cry as she bowed low forehead touching the Tanami floor by an inch, ''Please go rest. You do not have to worry about anything I will have under control take as long as you need.'' Kikyo could not but give a small smile at the girl's enthusiasm, she had not planned to leave until she had been certain their charge was more alert however with what just happened she needed some solitude and it gave Peony the chance to tend fully to patients' needs without someone looking over her shoulder. Besides she was certain Takeo-san would not protest now, not with his attention stolen away by the lovely Chiyo-chan.
She rouse upon her shaky feet taking her time to redoing her hair into its normal pony tail and collect her bow and arrows before pausing at the rooms entrance, ''Do not hastate to call me should he have a relapse or if you have any trouble. I will be at the shrine or making rounds about the village.'' The girl gave one final nod before reaching for the abandoned rice dish of conegee and began the process of feeding the unconscious male Kikyo pausing to watch for another moment before turning and exiting the residence all together.
Not noticing a pair of brown eyes suddenly look up from her task of coaxing food into the silver haired male, giving a silent look of confustuin as the miko left. 'I wonder how Shisho-sama knows this man's name. Did he awaken while I was away and tell her?' At the thought of the handsome man actually opening his eyes the smitten girl turned, eyes wide cheeks slightly colored as she looked down to the beautiful male face with perfect unblemished alabaster complexsition waiting expectantly. Wondering like any romantic young village girl what his eyes would look like, how his voice would sound. The images of her all favored tail of the Rurouni of Tosa filling her. However he did not move, not even a slight twitch. Peony slumped head lowered in dejection. A dishonorable thought passing her head as slight tears gathered in her eyes. 'Some girls have all the luck..'
Sighing with knowledge that her thoughts were improper for a doctor to be, she was still a young girl after all it could not be helped, Peony went back to tending him in silence. Her mind wondering if someone as plain as she would ever find love.
It was midday as Kikyo walked along the village path leading to the large temple, a soothing quiet filling the now normally busy streets as the villagers stopped for their midday meal. Only a few travelers littered the streets looking at the peddler's wares, some children either selling Udon noodles fresh heated tea or playing within the side yards, while a few handfuls of adults took their turn out in the rice patty attending their crop. All of them pausing now and then from their duties to wave of give a bow of greeting to the lovely miko as she passed by, and Kikyo, though her mind was heavily preoccupied, did not hastate to return the greetings politely. Even stopping when the villages eldest old Yumi stumbled under the weight of a basket piled with fresh picked vegetables.
After helping the ''old auntie'' to her small thatched hut she continued on up the large endless steps to the shrine itself. Giving a polite bow to Musui-san before entering the temple entrance heading straight for the silent chapel, her sanctuary sense she had came to reside within this village so many months before.
Kneeling with respect upon the line which connected the shining wooden floor to the tatami rugswhich surrounded the mighty stone statue of Buddha, bowing low before crawling upon her hands and knees to the small cushion left there for the comfort of the prayer. Lighting two sticks of incense with practiced ease before reaching into the kosode, sleeve, ofherwhite hitoe, jacket, pulling out a dried sea weed rapped packet containing an offering of two onigiri along with a signal sweet peach swollen with sweet juices which she placed within the offering bowl at the statues feet. Staring up at the face of perfect serenity and peace before folding her hands in the act of prayer.
'Please,' she prayed in silent uncertainty within her troubled soul,' I know there is a reason this man was sent to me. Perhaps in an act of redemption? Your way of showing me a pain greater then my own? However I am not sure how to proceed with him. My only goal I was certain was to destroy Naraku and bring the evil of the jewel to an end. Now however my path has began to take a new turn. Is the jewel not my main responsibility? I Kikyo a damned soul kept alive by feeding upon those innocent whom have died is not worthy of such a chance. You should find someone more willing, however if this is what you deem my purpose as well I will try to fulfill it. Just please guide this unworthy ones feet in the path I must go.'
Her prayer was met in silence, hours went by as the undead miko bowed her head in mediation and prayer and no divine message was offered. Instead only a slight peace to her weary soul. However her body remained feeling weak nearly faint, sighing she stood noting as Lady of the night's cloak came to shroud the village in darkness. She had promised to return to Peony's side hours ago. Now however it looked as if the young girl would have to wait until the needs of the undead miko's clay body were tended to first. Forcing her mind not to think upon the dark sin she also put to her task of once more hunting down a lesser leach demon for the one her mind told her went by the foreign name Abel.
Three more days past sense then, and the now awakened silver haired priest found himself sitting upon a poorly made benchwithin the front yard of Takeo's large home. Watching the world around him with wide eyes, hands shaking as he struggled to hold the small cup containing his sweetened herbal as if he had fallen down a rabbit's hole into another world all together. 'Yep definitely not in Kansas anymore Toto.' Had been is only coherent thought all this shocking day long sense he had awakened from his deep slumber.
A bright intense light is what drew him from the dark deep depths followed by the rich smell of food which teased and taunted his nose. The beast that he called a gut rumbling in response to the delicious smell. Glacier eyes fluttering open wincing at the pain as the light temporarily blinded him. Fogged memoires filling him from the past few conscious times he had awakened giving just enough information to know that he had been wounded and (or so he thought) now resided within some sort of small hospital, someone's home, or even a small church kind enough to take a rough and ragged looking bit of a priest in. How he ended up in this condition was beyond his memory. Something involving a…mission..Somewhere in Albion with Sister Esther as his partner. She was unharmed that much he was for certain; he could still recall her tear stricken face as he had fallen.
'The poor dear must be worried sick.' Abel thought silently with a heavy pang of guilt, 'once I recover some strength I will go right down and visit her so she will now everything is alright.' But right now that heavenly scent was calling him. Overriding the aches and pains of his battered weak body as drool rolled undignified from the corners of his mouth. ''That smells heavenly…''
He heard his voice; sounding normal this time, murmur without his consent. A soft gasp responded to that low spoke word, alerting him to the fact he was not alone. A soft crash and the braking of a dish followed, and the priest prayed that small platter or cup had been empty when it met its horrible fate. ''Oh..OH! Kami you…Are you awake?'' came the startled voice of a young woman followed by the rustle of cloth as she came to kneel by his side. A sheepish small smile crossed the AX members handsome face tinged with another bought of guilt for startling what he assumed to be a young novice nun, much like Esther had been, giving a soft chuckle before turning his head slightly to his left eyes still closed against the suns glare.
''Yes…it looks like I am.'' he whispered in a cheerful voice not even knowing how that small simple smile and his soft strange accent sent this young Japanese maid's heart flip flopping at the cuteness of it. Then and there his stomach sounded again drawing both of their attention. Bringing the first bought of real color into the priests cheeks for the first time in over a month, a deep cherry red as he winced in agony of his long empty stomach. ''It..Would seem my beast of a stomach reacted to whatever that wonderful smell is…'' he chuckled still sounding far too weak for his liking. How long had he been here? How bad had he been? At the moment his mind could care less as his body made the demands of Terran nourishment.
''That is Okayu…'' the girl mumbled almost incoherently as she continued to kneel at Abel's side, seemingly far too stunned to react until another loud growl brought her to the present. ''Oh..OH Gomen gomen of course food you are hungary. I mean of course you would be after being out for so long. Gomen-ne just wait right here I will be right back.'' And with a quick flurry Peony had leapt to her feet bustling to the nearby table to grab the heated bowl of Okayu a Japanese rice porridge often served to sick, flavored with a little salt, vegetables and chicken cut into small sizes so it would be easy to swallow and drenched within a watered down broth. She had prepared it only a few moments ago, sense it was clear he was handling broth and even uncooked rice mixed in broth, as a way to step up his liquid diet into more solid foods. She gathered up the bowl, plus poured a new cup of green tea, the other had came tragic end, before returning to her charges side shaking still with shock and hidden pleasure.
Meanwhile the still disorientated, starving, Crusnik was left to ponder the girl's words. So long? How long had he been injured? Moreover what had caused the injury? He found his memories were nothing but broken shards of the past month. The only clear bit he could remember was his trip to the Empire with the Earl of Memphis Ion and Sister Esther all of them in disguze. The planned assassination of the Empress Augusta Vladica unknowns to the world as Abel's little sister Seth. She had told him something which had made his heart stop. The rage and old rage that had been dead for so long raise then...nothing
Well not quite nothing
Only brief glimpses which confirmed that his next placing had been Albion mixed within a serious battle. He could see faces rush by his mind's eye. Von Kampher… Dietrich and then
Esther's tear streaked face
A burst of fiery pain followed by blackness the last conscious thing he was able to grasp was the loud anguished cry of the little red haired nun as the world faded into oblivion.
But what had caused the pain?
What had wounded him so that it would take so long for the nanites to repair his body?
''Um..sir are you still awake?''
Abel jolted at the young voice nearly pressed against his ear announcing that his young care takers return. Eye brows wrinkling slightly with pain he turned toward the voice, eyes still closed against the bright light as that all to practiced smile eased the troubled look upon his handsome face. The scent of the food now much closer momentarily distracting the crusnik from his thoughts as his stomach rumbled earning a soft musical giggle in response.
The food was wonderful! Abel did not even stop to ponder how he somehow knew the dish or that its origin was far from the reaches of what he normally ate within Rome, Albion etc. Only that it filled his growling gut. Despite how simple it was, and even though he could take more solid food, it tasted wonderful to the half starved man. Within that next hour Abel downed twelve bowls of Okayu, six cups of honey sweetened tea, fourOnigiri and even a few Yakitori ,grilled chicken pieces on skewers, when his ''beast'' continued to complain. Peony and Yoshiro, whom had returned to assist, sat there eyes bugging out wider and wider as the dishes piled up, while the servants' stifled groans filled the halls at the added pile of work they now faced.
It was worth it however in the end for those whom had worried over the welfare of the unnamed man for nearly a month, to see him laying there looking content, a bit of color flooding his cheeks was more than a little bit of a relief. Even more so when he deiced to finally try and open his eyes, which had caused Peony to wander temararily if he were blind, and slowly let them adjust to the sun. The scene shocking to both AX member and his caretakers alike. Never had they seen an eye color so striking within a human before, and never had he seen a place so high in the oriental fashion. Even with Seth's obsession with everything Japanese she never went this far. At least some of her things contained to the Eastern culture. Whoever lived within this large home however had an even greater obsession. 'That would explain the food.' Abel silently thought as he looked about his fuzzy vision slowly clearing enough that he could finally see the face of the young woman whom attended him.
Recantation slowly dawning as he took in the almond shape eyes and heart shaped face. 'Ah now it makes more sense.' Whomever lived here was touched with a feeling of nastalshia someone with a bottomless wallet to afford all of this. How wrong he was?
With only a few questions the Crunsik was quick to find out he was not even in Rome or Albion anymore but a whole entire other country, Japan whom they had not heard word from sense Post-Armageddon, but that was only the tip of the ice berg. As feeling moved to do so the Vatican priest asked what year it was, feeling foolish and first for doing so until the girl answered with something along the line as to the year of… and a certain animal which translated to him around the late 1600s to early 1700s. He was not even within his own time line!
The shock was chest stabbing!
'How...could this be it… is impossible…' Winter blue eyes widened his breath coming in ragged breaths as something which had not happened in over 900 years set in. A panic attack, shaking Abel fought with futon quilts as if they were some horrid beast wrapping about ready to squeeze the very life from him, and then before his two young companions could protest. He bolted from the room nearly pulling the shoji off its hinges as he skirted into the halls dressed within his thin shift. Giving many a servant a heart attack as he ran through. Acting and feeling like a caged animal seeking an exit to the outside world.
Tearing at shoji after shoji until finally he came stumbling into the soft grass of the side court yard. Eyes widening even more at what met his eyes while his body's weakness finally caught up with him cause the AX operative to collapse upon his knees taking in the world around him. The clear sky which had never been tainted by poulistion, the thatched huts instead of well build houses and buildings of stone, marble, cement, or brick. Trees which seemed to over populate the nigen which went about their daily life within the simple ways free from the influence of technology.
''Holy Mary mother of…God..'' There was no denying what lay before him, for if his eyes were seeing mere hallucinations of the mind or suffering from some sort of illusion either by Methulsalah mind control, spell or machine his nanites would have seen through it. With the Crusniks advanced senses he could detect even the faintest molecule of scent within the air. Japan by Post Armageddon was suffering from large amount of radiation and toxic waste, however this air held to hint of population at least not by machine.
He Abel Nightroad Crusnik 02 Deputy Enforcer priest Ax member somehow trawled from late 30th century of the future to the Sengoku Jeidi of the past…
He was in a vegetable like state of shock, not even noting when Peony with the assistance of a larger servant named Tenko wrapped a brown sleeping yukata around his thin sleeping shift covering him modestly, even if it was ever slightly short, along with a thin quilt and led him to the bench he now sat at. Cup of un-drank tea held unbalanced as he stared about him with fogged lifeless winter hues. Watching each passerby as if they were some sort of phantom while they stared back with strange questioning eyes. Never once speaking, not even responding to the slightest touch, a child's curious poke, or insult.
Some began to think him addled brained, while Peony worried that the shock had permanently placed him within a wakened coma. As the day drifted into evening she finally gave up and left her father's home herself leaving Yoshiro to watch over the shell chocked male while she rushed down the streets in search for Kikyo-sama.
A deep snarl mixed with a twang of a bow and the consuming light that always accompanied Kikyo's Hama-ya,purified arrow, and another lesser met its end. Replacing the bow upon her back the miko moved with practiced ease that came from the routine she had developed sense that first fateful night she had met mentally with the winged beast, this time however slightly different sense the blood was not called for automatically. Taking a lone jug she had prepared with special oils along with her ever faithful long dagger she sliced the youkai's jugular draining all the blood the body held before letting out a pulse of violet blue Hama no reiryoku turning the leech into nothing but dust to float away harmlessly on the wind.
Then she mixed the crimson fluids with a herbal mixture which normally was used on certain medicines to keep them from losing their properties. Finding it also worked upon the blood keeping it fresh in which she served a little to Abel each and every night she checked upon him. Mixing it within both drink and food.
After letting the mixture sit for a time she ceiled the container tight placing it within the basket of already gathered herbs before heading toward the village barley reaching the outskirts when the sound of feet caught her attention. Instantly the miko looked up her hand instinctively reaching for her bow when Peony came into view, the look upon the girls face is all that it took send Kikyo running forward alarm filling her. ''Peony-chan what is it! What is wrong?''
''Shisho!..He has wakened…Han..Abe.. awakened but there is something wrong..He won't talk he simply sits there..As if suffering from some sort of trauma..he won't..he…'' The poor girl was panting and shaking so hard the undead miko could hardly understand her, however Kikyo got enough information to figure out that her charge was frozen in some sort of shock, and considering the visions she had seen the miko could understand why. Basket balanced Kikyo took off faster than most humans as she dashed back to Takeo's home.
Moments later there she halted within the side court yard, soft brown doe eyes taking in the heart wrenching sight before her. He sat there a cup of now cold tea looking like no more than a lost desolate child suffering from abandonedment. Many times she had seen this within warrior's even children whom suffered during wars but for some reason her resolve nearly crumbled when she looked upon his face.
Slowly Kikyo approached the all to still statue of a man, watching him closely however noted no recollection of her presence within the handsome stotic face. Kneeling infront of him she took the trembling cup from his icy hands sitting it a side before re taking a hold of them. Brown doe eyes coming into level with icy blue, only then did he seem to take the slightest note as his blank eyes moved to meet hers slight fear glistening an un spoken plea within those bright blue depths. 'I am lost..'She could almost hear a small child crying out those words and like with any child she spoke in a soothing comforting manner however not belittling.
'' Are you lost?''
Abel started and looked up at her, whatever icy numbness which held him captive seeming to thin in the soothing presence this woman put out. Confused feeling once more like that scared child locked within those iron holds watching helplessly the scientists that created him did painful test to painful test upon his small frail body. and his winter blue eyes watered with tears. "Lost...you can say that..." he managed to mumble just above a whisper however it was enough to grant him with a warm smile and one of those soothing hands touching his cheek, the thumb wiping away at a signal tear which had managed to escape, ''Do not be afraid,'' she soothed her hand trailing from the cheek to his shoulder almost as if to embrace him,''I promise I will help you find your home again. So do not look so down hearted I am on your side.''
'I am on your side…'
His head snapped up, blue eyes widening at the all familiar words. The very ones he was known to say now being repeated to him by a stranger no less. His heart skipped a beat, that lonely feeling he knew so well seeming to dim as he took in the lone Japanese woman whom kneeled before him. The very same woman, he know realized who had been tending to him through the worst bought of his illness Though his damaged mind did not seem to remember her all that well, his body could recall those warm hands soothing his pain, chasing away the demons that haunted his dreams. Comforting as they did now. 'Who is she?'
The unknown female before him smiled even more and Abel wondered when she spoke if perhaps he had said his thought aloud or this woman somehow read his mind. ''I am the miko Kikyo a servant to the people. And you are?''
''Abel..'' came the ever soft mumble, ''Father Abel Nightroad traveling priest of the…just a traveling priest…'' There was no Vatican as of yet, Abel was not sure he could even be counted a priest as of right now with no church or his robes, not even the comforting wait of Lilith's rosary to mark his order of faith however he spoke out of habit and it was too late to change it now.
''Abel-sama,'' Kikyo's musical voice seemed to shimmer with unheard music making a name which meant little sound like the most beautiful word in the world, ''Well I am pleased to know you Abel-sama.'' Giving a soft bow she finally stood hand out stretched for the fellow Holy man to take, ''Come you should rest more, the hour grows late and the last thing we want is for you to catch a chill.''
And so Father Abel Nightroad Operative of the AX came to meet none other than Kikyo guardian of the Shikon No Tama, and though centuries, origin, heartbeat, and race separated them the two would soon find out they had more in common than they would realize. Both had been betrayed, their hearts ripped apart and in need of repair. Things which could draw someone into close bonds of friendship and at times more, and all too soon they would come to realize how close the bands of fate bound them. For the evil that lay ahead.
''I have found them master..''
Came the emotionless voice of none other than Kanna one of Naraku's many incarnations, speaking to a prone forum that laid upon a signal futon, body bound in bandages soaked with the filth of a strange liquid which slowly wound about the body, creating a gooey flesh like cocoon. One glowing red eye fluttered open to stare at the emotionless youkai before him holding a mirror for his eyes to see. 'There they are..' His fangs bared in a gruesome forum of a smile as he took in the silver haired Father and lone miko as they walked into a fairly large hut. ''Where are they?'' came the rattled voice mixed between a smooth tone and a more rough barbaric one.
''Across Japan to the North-west thirty ri from the city called Kyoto.''
''Well done Kanna you may go…''
''Of course Naraku-sama..''
The seeming young girl bowed before exiting the dark room closing the shoji behind her. Now left within the darkness Naraku or the being that was once Naraku sighed in contentment as he lifted a signal mutilated clawed hand, stroking the cocoon as if it were a pet neko 'Soon,' thought he as he stared into the blackness as dark as his twisted soul. 'Soon I will have what we have always desired…'
'Yes…'
Another voice resounded within his head along with a rich almost merry laugh that it was hard to believe it belonged to such a twisted forum.
'Yes my dear friend Naraku that we will.'
AN:
Finally got chapter two up for this crossover. YAY! Anyone confused yet? Anyone even reading? *checks reviews…pouts..* Aww! Where's the love T-T.
Oh well at least I am having fun writing this and I know Jarem ,RIP, would have been tickled pink when she saw this. Anywho I hope this is not to confusing for all of you out there in the Fanfic world to follow don't worry it will clear up as the story goes along if you are willing to stick it out with someone as crazy as mwah! (cackles) I do have some..Different ideas after all. Take Naraku… he seems to be suffering from a split personality as of late. Whoever could it be? Do you want to know?
DO YOU?
Though you will just have to read and find out (Kukukuku) yes I know I am evil don't you just love me.
As I always say I am still new to writing fanfics and do apologize for my grammar and spelling mistakes. Having lack of time really sucks but hopefully I can improve. Well I guess that is it for now mina-sans
As always
READ!ENJOYREVIEW!
Arigato!
{Shikon No Tama Tenshi}