The Taming of Gods

An Akito X OC fanfiction story. Please leave a review.

Musical inspiration: Flares by The Script

Chapter 4

The girl standing behind Hatori collapsed as Akito watched impassively. He observed with a slight twinge of anger at the protective manner in which Hatori rushed to catch her before she hit the hard, wooden ground. Hatori fussed over her far more than he'd ever seen him do for a complete stranger, no matter the situation.

'Lay her on the bed. Tsk, what a pain.' Akito commanded coldly. Disliking the look in Hatori's eyes as he tende to the girl, Akito decided it was time to put some distance between them. He couldn't have his beloved Jyuunishi bonding to anyone else: they were his and his alone. The unfortunate episode with that Kana girl had proved that. 'Leave us.' He commanded curtly.

Much to Akito's surprise, Hatori looked almost as if he were about to disobey Akito, for the first time ever. Nevertheless, Hatori gave up and acquiesced to his Lord's commanding, reluctantly leaving the young girl unconscious in the bed.

Akito studied the girl with a morbid fascination. She was an enigma alright. The sunlight filtered in through open veranda door, illuminating her naturally radiant face. Akito noted, grudgingly, that she was indeed incredibly attractive. Her face was a perfect oval, with a light tan that suggested she spent a lot of time outdoors. A light sprinkling of golden freckles were faintly brushed across her dainty nose and her plump lips were a natural, strawberry pink shade that looked as if it might be sweet to taste. Her dark, almost auburn hair was long and straight, and, lit up by the sun, it looked like a dark halo, pillowing her sleeping form.

Her eyes fluttered open and Akito found himself captivated for the second time that day by the piercing, fern green orbs that shimmered with iridescent flecks of gold and emerald green.

Though he admired her beauty, he didn't show it, instead watching her with a cold, predatory smile as she came to.

'Like what you saw?' He asked coolly. A humourless smirk played across his lips as she gasped and sat bolt upright, her long hair streaming behind her.

'What-'

'Foolish girl. Did you really think you could absorb a God's aura like that and come out unscathed? Did you think there would be no repercussions for your meddling transgression into my past?' He leaned towards her, his onyx eyes glinting with menace. Thegod's thinly veiled rage would have struck terror into the hardest of hearts, but to his surprise the girl didn't look frightened in the least. Instead, she pulled him into an unexpected embrace, gripping him tightly as though he would fall to pieces if she released him.

'What-!?' He let out a choked cry of surprise at her actions, which was cut off as he was enveloped by her hair. What the hell was she doing? Of all the reactions, this was one he had NOT anticipated. After all, she had seen a fair share of the pain he had caused his Juunishi as well as the tragedies of his own past.

Realising that Akito had tensed up dangerously, Meda let go, giving him a sympathetic smile instead.

As Akito prepared to unleash the full extent of his rage on the presumptuous dimwit who had dared to touch him, the door of the room was slammed open as Hatori rushed in.

'Meda! Are you alright! You just collapsed. I should check you over once to make sure you're ok.' Akito felt his annoyance grow at the doctor's concern over this annoying stranger.

'Hatori I'm fi-' Meda began.

'She's fine.' Akito interrupted coldly, pushing the doctor away as he tried to approach her. 'It was to be expected after the intensity of the vision she just experienced.'

'I- how did you know that?' Meda asked in surprise. Akito just gave her a look as if to say, I am a God, you dumb girl, what did you expect?

'I have my ways. But never mind that. Tell me, little prophetess, what witchcraft did you use to bewitch my Dragon? I've never seen my pet act in such a love-sick manner, with the exception of that pathetic girl he was so stupidly infatuated with.' Akito smiled cruelly.

'Ahh, so the little witch feels anger too.' He thought in delight as he saw her expression harden at his callous referral to their realtionship. 'Good. Let's see if this cat has claws too.' Hatori answered, unaffected by Akito's cruel words about him and Kana. He knew that that was just his manner: Akito didn't like to seem alone and vulnerable so he used his harsh words and power like a shield so people wouldn't see how afraid he was of being abandoned and unloved. Though Hatori'd never say so aloud- he didn't want to lose another eye because of the God's vicious temper.

'She healed my eye.'

'She- what?!' Now it was Akito's turn to be surprised. 'How?' Even with all his power and the strength of their bond, Akito had been unable to help Hatori in his injury.

'Well, all the prophets have a talent or affinity. Mine lies within healing and medicinal talents, and by extension and ability to slightly manipulate nature and herbs etc. I've also studied the art of magic, so as to enhance my own natural abilities.' Meda explained simply. Akito immediately hid his look of surprise, his expression reverting back to the cruel smirk he usually donned.

'My, my. And, don't tell me, has my poor, pathetic dragon fallen for the pretty girl who fized his eye and smiled for him?' Hatori blushed and an ill-fitting expression of anger crossed Meda's usually peaceful face. 'Looks like our little witch is going to finally show us the colour of her temper.' Akito thought with glee, as he continued to taunt her with that smirk he knew was so provocative. To his immense disappointment, Meda exerted a strenuous ammount of control and her face returned to its natural, peaceful expression.

'Why won't she get angry, damn it?' Akito felt his own anger beginning to flare up again.

'Akito, she's here to help you.'

'Lift the curse you mean? I heard you the first time Hatori, doesn't mean I believe it. How's a little girl like her supposed to lift a curse that I as a God am defeated by?' Akito sneered.

'At the very least, I can use by abilities to heal the sicknesses that are side effects of your curse. If you remain this weak, well I fear the worst for your health, Mr Sohma.' Meda said gently 'I want to help you.'

'Why?' Akito snapped venemously, startling the green-eyed girl, 'Why would you want to waste your time in helping us? What is it you want? Or is it pity?' He spat the words bitterly. However, Meda could see the pain lurking behind the fire blazing in his eyes. She sighed as she searched for the right words.

'There is nothing that you have that I want. Nor am I helping you out of pity- you're far too strong and proud for that. I just want to end as much pain in this world as I can; I want to make it a better place.' She replied honestly.

Sickening. It was simply sickening the selflessness and goodness the little witch displayed, Akito thought with disgust. No one could be that altruistic- it was unnatural. No, she was all lies and pretty girl facades. She had to be. How could he dare to trust her; this unexpected spark of hope that had burst into his life like flare.

'I know that it must seem crazy, a total stranger turning up at your door and offring help without any ulterior motive, but I'm not here to hurt you. I promise that I will do everything in my power to help you- all of you. I guess, the most I can ask of you is to trust me.' She fixed him with those resplendent laurel eyes of hers and Akito felt an unfamiliar stirring in the shrivelled organ he called a heart. He suddenly felt exhausted. He wanted to trust her, he wanted to be relieved of the burdens and pain he'd lifted on his frail shoulders for so long. But, he was scared. Fuck that, he was terrified. What if she betrayed him What if she stole his Jyuunishi? What if his mother's words came true and he became abandoned by everyone because a stranger showed them kindness and set him free. He knew he had been cruel and tyrannical to his family: if she broke the curse what reason would they have to stay?

While these troubling thoughts wrestled in his mind, Meda gently took one of his pale freezing hands in her soft, warm ones.

'It's alright if you don't want me to interfere with the curse, I promise I won't. But atleast let me treat you.' Akito snatched his hands from hers as though she had burnt them. However, her offer seemed lucrative. He was sick of how pathetic andfrail his body was from being so constantly ill. If she could cure him, maybe, maybe he wouldn't die as young as had been declared when he was born. After all, Hatori always said that he was strong. There was a chance he could overcome this illness… if she helped.

'If she messes up, it's on your head.' He warned Hatori before abruptly leaving them.

'Yes! I guess that means I'm your newest assistant now, doc.' Meda beamed at Hatori.

'I don't know what you're so happy about. Caring for Akito is going to be the toughest job you've ever had.' Hatori warned her, but she seemed unfazed. She had promised Yuki that she would help him and their family, and healing Akito Sohma was the first step in her mission.

AN: Hey look at that: another chapter even though I said no more until after exams. Slightly shorter chapter today because I really ought to be revising right now (I'm an awful person, I know…). More to come later, though, I promise. Please leave a review: I'm struggling with ideas for a story arc right now so any ideas or opinions would be highly appreciated! J