Word Count: 5200
Chapter 09: Greeting The New Lord
1908
"It's time," Kurama whispered. We were standing in a forest, not too far away from the campsite. Kurama had a group discussion with the guys while I was out bathing; I'm guessing he did because they had all looked serious when I came into the tent. Then he had asked me to go for a walk (more like commanded), and here we were.
"Where will you go this time?" I asked. Those two words only meant one thing when they came from Kurama; it was time for us to split up again.
"I'm not sure. Somewhere uninhabited," he said. Kurama always needed to get away from the world, and I respected that. He needed space, even from me.
"For how long?"
"I am not sure."
"Well, when you're ready, you know where to find me," I said.
"Give Raizen my regards."
"I will. Have you already said goodbye to the others?"
"Yes. Kuronue and Yomi will probably leave to be on their own for a while as well, and we both know where Tiger will be." Kurama was smiling as he finally turned to look at me, and I smiled up at him.
"Tiger stays with me, always, and I wouldn't have it any other way," I said. Kurama took a few steps forward, and I didn't hesitate to wrap my arms around him. My face pressed against his abdomen, and his arms settled against my shoulders.
"I will miss you, little wolf, you know that, right?" Kurama whispered.
"I know. I'll miss you too. I love you, cousin mine."
"And I love you, blood of my blood." His arms tightened around me for a second, and then he was gone. I watched the leaves from nearby bushes rustle gently at his departure, and the forest became quiet again.
"Okay, guys, you can come down now," I said to the surrounding trees. A light breeze brushed against my ankles, and Touya and Jin were standing in front of me a few moments later.
"Lady Ray," Touya said.
"Hiya, wolfie!" Jin said with a wave. The two demons had been with me for the past thirty-five years, and they had kept their word. I'm not sure how many demons they had killed for me, but I knew it was a pretty good bit. And they weren't all assassins from Lord Vaxon; some were just demons I had simply pissed off. Usually the males I had defeated after they challenged me. The others still didn't know about them, and that was the way they wanted it.
"Well, you heard the fox. We're disbanding, so I'll be going home to Tourin. You've both served me well, and I'll be eternally grateful. There's no need to watch over me now though. No one can hurt me inside of Tourin, not while Raizen is the king," I said.
"Would you like us to accompany you to the border?" Touya asked.
"Nah. Tiger will be with me, and Tourin is only a few hours from here. I'll be home by sundown," I said.
"It has been an honor to serve you, Lady Ray," Touya said.
"Yeah, I'd rather work for you than a lot of those other demons. Most of them are all mean and nasty and really stink up the air, but not you! Oh no, I'd rather help you any time!" Jin said.
"And I've never felt as safe as I have for these past few decades. If you two ever need anything, Tourin will gladly assist you. Now get down here so I can say a real goodbye!" I said and threw open my arms. Jin dived down to tackle me in a hug, and I reached out to grab Touya as well. I wrapped an arm around each of their necks and pulled them down to my level. Two pairs of arms went around my waist, and I gave them a small squeeze.
"The next time we meet, it'll be as friends. And I'll be waiting for that day to come," I said and released them.
"And so will we," Touya said as Jin nodded his head. I bowed my head in their direction, and they were gone when I looked up again. I headed back to the campsite and went straight for Kurama's tent. Three pairs of eyes immediately moved to me, and I smiled at them all.
"Well, get over here! Tiger and I gotta get moving if we're gonna make it to Tourin by sundown, and I'm sure you two are ready to get moving too," I said. Yomi reached me first, and he spun me around as he picked me up in his arms.
"I'm going to miss you, my little lady," Yomi said as he sat me down. My hands were still gripping his biceps, and I smiled up at him.
"And I'm going to miss you too, my darling," I said. The nicknames had come from one of the wilder drinking nights, and they just seemed to stick. Yomi was my darling, and I was his little lady.
"Think about me while you're gone?" I asked.
"Always. And I'll come to Tourin to visit," Yomi said. He leaned down to give me a quick kiss on the lips, and he was smiling as he stepped away. Many of the men still swore that Yomi and I were lovers, but we weren't. I was still pure, and we just didn't see each other that way. We were closer than the average friends, but we didn't go beyond that.
"Come now, Kuronue. I won't let you leave without a hug goodbye," I said as I opened my arms again.
"Like I would leave without it, little one," he said as stepped forward. Strong arms went across my back, and I wrapped my arms around his lean waist. The top of my head only came up to his neck, so I pressed my face against his chest as he held me.
"Will you come visit me too, Kuro?" I asked. I tipped my head back to look at him, and Kuronue smiled enough for me to see both fangs.
"Of course. You know I can't go too long without your hugs." I smiled up at him and leaned up on my toes enough to kiss the front of his throat.
"Goodbye, Kuro," I whispered.
"Goodbye, little one," Kuronue said as he stepped away. Both men turned to Tiger, and they nodded at him at the same time. Tiger returned the gesture, and both disappeared from the tent a second later. Tiger fixed the quiver on his back and then walked over to me.
"Are you ready to go, my lady?" he asked. I took one last look around the tent before looking up at him.
"Yeah, let's go home, Ti."
.xXx.
"Raygan?"
"Yes, brother?" I asked without turning around. I was sitting on the railing of the balcony while the men below were training. I shouldn't stay gone so long…they always get too soft in my absence. Tiger looked up and snapped off a salute, and I sent one down to him in return.
Something cool settled against my chest, and I looked down to see what it was. A silver chain brushed against my neck, and I felt it melt through the restriction band to rest gently against my skin. Hanging from the end was a small silver sun, and I watched as the silver turned white before settling against my chest.
"What is this?" I asked. I felt Raizen's chest press against my back, and I leaned against him as my fingers lightly touched the sun.
"Am I not allowed to give you a gift?" he asked.
"Only when you want something," I said without looking away from the necklace. It truly was beautiful…
"I've been meaning to give it to you since your return, but I keep forgetting. I bought it from a merchant. It has a companion to it," he said.
"A companion?" Another necklace was dangled in front of my face, and it looked exactly like mine except it was gold instead of silver.
"The merchant said to give the companion to a child. If you ever decide to have one, you should give this to him," Raizen said as he let the necklace drop into my palm.
"Or her," I added.
"Yes, or her."
"Thank you, brother. I really do like it," I said. I reached up behind my neck to fasten the second necklace, and it hung next to its companion.
"I'm glad. Now, I do need you to do something. And Tiger as well, since I doubt he'll let you leave his sight," Raizen said.
"There's always a catch. What do you need, my lord?" I asked.
"Vaxon has been defeated, so Alaric has a new ruler. I would like you to congratulate this new ruler and let him know that he has nothing to fear from me. Lord Vaxon was always under the impression that I desired his kingdom, but I have no desire to rule Alaric," Raizen said. Vaxon had been defeated? Well, it was about time! He had been way too paranoid; he had even endangered the lives of two Shinobi by sending them after me. Not that I wasn't grateful, Jin and Touya were great demons.
"What if this ruler is just as friendly as the last one?"
"I'm sure you and Tiger can take care of yourselves. I would send Hokushin…"
"But I'm a better people person, and I look a lot more friendly. Yeah, yeah. Tiger and I will go. When?"
"Either today or first thing tomorrow."
"So soon? I've only been home for a few months. I thought you'd want me to stick around longer," I said. I twisted my upper body to smile at him, and Raizen glared at me in return.
"I can always send someone else," he said.
"No, Tiger and I will go. We'll return soon," I said.
"Are you leaving now?" I nodded my head and then turned back to look down at the fighting men.
"Tiger! Clean yourself up! We're going for a run!" I yelled down to him. Tiger saluted to let me know he had heard, and he disappeared into the palace a few moments later.
"Do I need to tell you to be careful?" Raizen asked.
"We will be, and I'll be home as soon as I can." I threw my legs back over the railing, and Raizen rested his hands on either side of my body. We could see eye-to-eye since I was sitting on the railing, and I could see the worry in his violet eyes.
"Be safe," Raizen whispered.
"Always, brother mine," I whispered. Raizen softly kissed the top of my head and then moved to let me down. I leaned over to kiss his cheek, and he didn't move as I raced from the room. Tiger met me on the stairs, and I smiled up at him.
"Where to, my lady?" he asked.
"We're going to visit the new ruler of Alaric," I said as we started back down the stairs.
"Vaxon has finally been defeated?"
"About time, huh?"
"Yes, it is. Why must we go see the new ruler?"
"To let him know that he has nothing to fear from Tourin or Raizen."
"And why us?"
"Would you trust anyone else to send such an important message?" I looked over at Tiger as we spoke, and he turned to look at me after we had stepped out of the palace.
"Good point, my lady. After you," he said with a small bow. I smiled over at him and began running, and Tiger was right behind me. My shadow, my companion, my closest friend…
.xXx.
"My lady?"
"Yeah?"
"Perhaps you should change before we get there," Tiger said quietly. I slowed my pace and looked over at him. We were in the city of Alaric now, and a few of the demon merchants were staring at us.
"What? Why?"
"You're here to represent Tourin as its lady, right?"
"Right…but I don't look anything like a lady, do I? I don't suppose my sword will help me any either. Dammit, Ti, I hate it when you're right," I said and rubbed the back of my neck.
"I'll hold your sword, for now," Tiger said.
"Well, let's get this over with," I mumbled. We found a merchant with beautiful silks hanging from his stand, and the man smiled as he looked us over.
"How may I help you today?" he asked.
"I just need a simple dress, my good man," I said.
"Hmm…perhaps you would be more comfortable shopping elsewhere?"
"Shopping elsewhere…Why would I want to do that?"
"I'm afraid my prices are a little steep…" Tiger must have felt my confusion because he stepped forward, but he had an angry look in his eyes.
"Are you implying that Lady Ray of Tourin is not good enough to buy from you?" Tiger growled. The demon's eyes grew wide as he looked at me, and he quickly dropped down to one knee.
"I apologize, my lady. I did not realize," the demon whispered. Ah, so now I understood. The demon was saying that I was too poor to afford the silks. I guess my current outfit is a little ratty looking…
"Fear not, I know you did not mean to offend. If you could just provide with me a simple dress, I will be on my way," I said. The demon jumped to his feet and led me into the small building attached to his stand.
"What color would you prefer, my lady?" the demon asked.
"Just black." The demon nodded his head and disappeared further into the shop, and I turned to Tiger. He accepted my sword in silence, and I watched as he strapped my Damascus onto his back.
"My lady?" I turned around to see the small green demon holding out a bunch of black silk, and I took the dress in my hands.
"Do you have any shoes to go with it?"
"Yes, my lady. You may change here, if you wish," he said and gestured to a screen. Tiger followed me as I walked over to it, and I could see his shadow just on the other side. My clothes came off easily and dropped to the floor, and I pulled the silk dress up my body.
The only strap went around my neck, which left my shoulders bare. The V of the dress stopped at the top of my breasts, and the actual length of it reached right below my ankles. A slit went up each side and stopped at the tops of my thighs, which meant the dress showed off both legs. It was easy to move in, and I loved the feeling of silk against my skin. I stepped out from behind the screen, and Tiger smiled at me.
"Here are the shoes, my lady," the demon said. I took the silk slippers from him and quickly slipped them on. They were nothing fancy, just silk shoes to cover my dirty feet.
"So, should I let my hair down?" I asked.
"Yes, I think so," Tiger said. I reached up to tug on the strap of leather holding my hair together, and I sighed as all of it came tumbling down.
"Would you like a comb, my lady?" the demon asked.
"Yes, please." He brought over a strong comb, and it took me nearly ten minutes to brush out all of the tangles in my hair. When I was finished, the white mass hung to my tailbone where my three tails were swishing freely.
"So, how do I look?"
"Beautiful, my lady," Tiger said.
"Yes, a truly beautiful lady," the demon added.
"So, what do I owe you?" I asked him. The demon shook his head and took a step back.
"You never have to pay here, my lady," the demon said with a bow of his head.
"Thank you," I replied and returned the gesture.
"Come on, my lady," Tiger said. I waved to the small demon merchant and then followed Tiger out into the busy street.
"Are you sure I look okay? I feel weird," I said as I looked down at the dress.
"You look amazing, my lady," Tiger whispered.
We continued the rest of the walk in silence, and we were at the palace within minutes. The guards outside led us in, and I looked at the palace in silence as we were led around. The guards were nice enough; they had the same amount of manners as the soldiers of Tourin. We were led into a rather large room, and I looked up at the figure sitting in a throne-like chair.
"Who are you?" the figure asked. Baggy white pants were held up by a red sash, and a long-sleeved white shirt was worn under a purple vest. Bandages covered his entire head, and wards were placed all over the bandages. One eye peered out from under the bandages to study Tiger and myself.
"My name is Lady Ray of Tourin. This is Tiger Moon, my personal guard," I said. Tiger and I both bowed down to the new ruler, and we stayed with our heads bowed until he spoke again.
"Rise and tell me what brings you here," the voice said. Tiger and I both rose off of our knees, and I tilted my head back to look up at the newest ruler.
"We are here on behalf of King Raizen. He wishes to congratulate you on your victory, and he wants you to know that Tourin comes in peace. Tourin and Gandara are currently in a state of peace, and we have no quarrel with Alaric," I said with a small bow of my head.
"If that is all—"
"Lord Mukuro! The rogues are attacking!" a soldier yelled. The newest lord jumped to his feet, and Tiger and I exchanged a glance.
"Inform the men! Get ready to attack!" Lord Mukuro yelled.
"They're already at the gates, my lord!" the soldier said.
"We should help," I whispered.
"Raizen is not going to like this," Tiger replied.
"He'll get over it," I said with a smile.
"Why do you two whisper?" Lord Mukuro yelled. I turned back to the covered lord and bowed my head once again.
"We would like to help you in this oncoming battle, my lord, to show Tourin's loyalty," I said.
"Your guard may help, but you do not look like a warrior to me," Lord Mukuro said. I had started concealing my energy over a century ago so demons wouldn't know the extent of my full power, but I almost regretted having it concealed now.
"Trust me, my lord, I can take care of myself," I said.
"Very well. Follow me," Lord Mukuro said and turned around. Tiger and I moved to follow behind him, and I glanced over at Tiger. His eyes met mine, and he quickly passed my sword over. I strapped the Damascus to my back and followed the new lord.
We reached the front door to the palace within minutes, and Alaric's army was waiting just outside. I could hear the demon rogues just behind the gates to the palace, and I felt my skin prickle. There was nothing worse than the rogues…evil demons that thirst for nothing but blood and power. Tiger and I had fought our share of rogues over the centuries, and the battles only got bloodier over the years.
"Lord Mukuro!" A tall falcon demon ran to us, and he carried himself well. He was high in the army…possibly the general.
"General Talen," Mukuro said. Ah, yes, I had heard of the fearsome General Talen. Then again, there were always stories passed around about us generals.
"The rogues will be inside any moment, my lord. What would you have us do?" the falcon asked. Lord Mukuro looked deep in thought, and he turned his one eye on me.
"What would Tourin do?" he asked me.
"You could attempt to talk and reason with them, but I doubt it would work. Rogues never listen to reason, and I'm guessing they're only here because they think you'll be easy to overthrow. The only thing left to do is attack," I said. The falcon had turned to look at me at the mention of Tourin, and now his eyes widened. He dropped to one knee in front of me, and I felt a smile tug at my lips at Lord Mukuro's curious glance. If anyone knew of who I was, it would be this older general.
"Why do you bow to her, general?" Lord Mukuro asked.
"Forgive me, my lord, I forgot that you do not yet know about the other territories. This is Lady Ray, sister of King Raizen, and general of Tourin's army. I believe that this is Tiger Moon, her sergeant," General Talen said.
"General? Sergeant?" Lord Mukuro asked. I could understand his confusion. Generals and sergeants were the two most powerful demons in an entire army; the two highest levels of respect and honor.
"We are at your service, my lord," I said as we both bowed.
"You heard the general…ATTACK! LEAVE NO ROGUE ALIVE!" Lord Mukuro yelled. The soldiers hollered their agreement, and the gates were opened for the rogues to flood in.
"Tiger," I whispered.
"I'll not leave your side, my lady," he whispered.
"Nor will I leave yours," I replied.
With a battlecry of our own, we jumped into the sea of fighting bodies. Tiger stayed back as I jumped straight into the middle of the enemies' forces, and I finally released my energy. The demons closest to me were instantly incinerated, and the ones a little farther out fell to the ground. Tiger was by my side in an instant, and the battle raged on…
The entire battle only lasted a few hours, and Lord Mukuro's army sustained very few losses. They were good soldiers; they could even rival Tourin's forces. Tiger and I made a path through the dead rogues, and we stopped only long enough to kill a rogue who had yet to give up. Tiger stopped to help one of Alaric's soldiers stand, and I continued walking towards the newest ruler. He was bleeding heavily from a stomach wound, but he would definitely live. He just needed some time to rest. I had almost reached his side when I saw a rogue appear behind him. The new lord didn't have time to attack or even block…it was too sudden.
"My lord!" I yelled. I watched as he turned, but there still wasn't enough time for him to do anything. My energy flared as I used the last bit of it to increase my speed, and I made it just in time to have the rogue's sword sink into my stomach. The demon missed all of my vital organs, and I knew I'd be fine. My Damascus cut through the flesh and bone of his neck as if they were butter, and I smiled as the demon fell backwards. The sword was pulled out as he fell, and I hissed at the burning sensation.
"Lady…Ray?" I turned at the whisper and smiled at the lord.
"We can't have you dying after just a few days of ruling, can we? Come on, my lord, let's get you cleaned up," I said and walked over to him. I pulled one arm around my shoulders, and the lord's weight sank against me.
"But…your wound…"
"Is completely gone. See?" The lord's eye moved over the rip in my dress, and his eye widened.
"How?"
"It's just a little trick of mine. Do you want me to find someone to attend to you?" I asked. The lord shook his head and looked over at me.
"Take me to my room. I can take care of myself." I thought about arguing, but this lord wasn't someone I could yell at. I nodded my head at his words, and I let the lord give me directions throughout the castle. I did as he asked and walked over to the bed, and I winced at the thought of the soon-to-be bloodstained white sheets.
"Thank you for helping today, Lady Ray. You will be a friend to Alaric for as long as I am the ruler," the new lord whispered. I looked down to say thank-you for the honor, but the lord had passed out. I laid the ruler out on the bed, and a wave of dizziness washed over me as I bent over slightly. That last stab must have affected me more than I realized…
My body fell on top of the lord's, and I hoped that I hadn't accidentally jarred any of his wounds. I braced both of my palms on the bed and shifted as I started to lift myself. My body slid over the lord's, and I felt something that caused my eyes to widen. No…it couldn't be…was he…?
"My lady!" I fell back away from the bed, and a pair of arms caught me from behind.
"Tiger, I…"
"Shh, my lady. I'll get us somewhere secure, and then you can switch forms," he whispered. I faded out of consciousness as Tiger picked me up in his arms, and I let my thoughts drift away…
.xXx.
My body slowly came awake, and I groaned as the feeling of sleep left me. One of the servants had found a room for us, and Tiger had taken care of my wounds while cursing my stupidity. I had kept my mouth shut except for the occasional groan, and I had passed out once Tiger was finished. I knew I'd be healed within twenty-four hours, but that didn't make the pain any less intense. I wonder how long I've been asleep for…
"Lady Ray? Are you awake?" My eyes opened at the sound of the voice, and I saw the new ruler sitting on the edge of my bed.
"How are you feeling? Are you sure you should be up right now?" I asked. The ruler chuckled under its wrappings, and I continued to look up.
"You are not the only fast healer. And how are you?"
"Oh, I'll be just fine."
"You're a good warrior, and I apologize for ever doubting your skill. I want you to know that you have my full trust, Lady Ray of Tourin." I hated not being able to see the ruler's face…you could tell so much about a person by their facial expression.
"Do you truly trust me?"
"Yes, why?"
"Then I want you to know that your secret is safe with me," I whispered. The ruler shrunk back at my words, and the single eye glared at me.
"What secret?"
"Should you ever decide to reveal yourself to your people, I would be honored to stand by your side, Lady Mukuro," I whispered. The ruler nearly fell off the bed, and I struggled to sit up.
"It was a complete accident! I went to lay you on the bed, and I got dizzy. I fell on top of you and while I was trying to get up, well…I felt something that most men don't have. But I will keep your secret, for as long as you wish it," I said quickly.
"You…know…you mustn't tell a soul!" she whispered. Her face was right in mine, but I didn't move an inch.
"I won't. You have my word. But tell me…why hide yourself?" I asked.
"It is none of your business," she snapped.
"Of course. My apologies," I said with a bowed head.
"Do not apologize to me. I should apologize for…being the way I am. My reasons for staying hidden are my own. Maybe one day I will explain to you…maybe…"
"Sounds good to me, my lady," I said and smiled up at her. I wished I could see her face, but I knew she would deny the request. It was too risky.
"My lady! You'd better be awake!" Tiger yelled as he came into the room. He stopped when he saw me sitting up next to Mukuro, and I waved at him.
"Hey, Ti. Thanks for patching me up. Oh, hey! Is that clothes?" I asked.
"Yes. The same merchant from earlier made them for you," he said.
"Is it another dress?"
"Quit your pouting; it's your usual attire," he said and tossed the garments to me.
"I knew I kept you around for a reason," I said as I stood up. I had already been undressed under the blanket, and I saw Mukuro quickly look away.
"No need to be shy, my lord. Besides, I thought Mazuko demons were never shy," I said as I pulled the shorts up my legs. I could clearly feel the energy coming off of her, and I knew a Mazuko's demon energy better than most.
"Just finish getting dressed," she mumbled. I pulled the shirt over my head and smiled down at the clothes. I preferred shorts and a tank top; they were so much more comfortable than a dress. Tiger handed my sword over, and I put it in its rightful place.
"All dressed!" I yelled. Mukuro turned back to look at me, and she nodded in my direction.
"So, what should we do now that I have defeated my first enemy?" Mukuro asked. A smile lit up my face, and I heard Tiger groan.
"My lady, I really don't think—"
"We celebrate!"
.xXx.
"It's a miracle that any of Tourin's soldiers can still walk. Are you sure Tourin has any kind of defense?" Mukuro asked. A week had passed since the new ruler's first major battle, and the celebration had just stopped the night before. There's nothing like a good party to celebrate a victory.
"Oh, the men have built up quite a tolerance over the years. I guess I forgot that most demons can't handle it. You look okay though…" I said and smiled. The past week had been an odd one, but I had enjoyed myself. Lord Mukuro, as she insisted I call her at all times, and I had gotten along wonderfully. We had even passed out together a few times, but never in front of her men. She couldn't let them see her as weak…but they were impressed at our friendship. Having an ally of Tourin was very important.
"I am no lightweight."
"Nor am I. Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. It's been an honor, my lord," I said with a low bow.
"The honor was mine, my lady. You will always be welcome here," she said with a bow of her own. I had the feeling she was smiling at me as I walked away, and Tiger fell into step beside me.
"Raizen only asked us to stay for a day or two," Tiger said as we walked away.
"Oh, he'll get over it," I said with a wide smile.
"I suppose so. I guess we should hurry and get over it with then, huh?"
"There you go, Tiger, reading my mind again." I heard Tiger's laugh as we began running, and I laughed along with him. Yeah, things were great.
Ending Note: Lord Lady Mukuro! I do like Mukuro, so I had to put her in the story early on. I know that she was one of the Three Kings for a lot longer, but I like changing things up a bit. The story wouldn't be fun to read if you already knew all of the facts, right? Anywho, stick around for the next chapter! It's gonna be a doozy!
