Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me
Copyrighting not intended
To answer a couple of questions, 'marked' basically refers to a mark of ownership. Slaves are marked with the symbols of the household they work under. Usually done through intercourse as a way for the demon to put their scent onto their slaves, marking them as their property.
In this case, thanks to Konoka's supposed curse, she had not been raped and therefore still a virgin and unmarked.
Setsuna stared at herself in the mirror, taking a deep breath. Was she ready for this? Was Konoka ready for this? Setsuna let her hand rest on her abdomen, lightly touching the scars she had. Each was associated with a memory she wanted to forget, but can't. Setsuna was afraid of showing her scars. She tells those under her that scars are a reminder of survival, that it made them strong, but ironically, her scars only served to remind her of her weakness, of her cursed existence. She was afraid of the relapse that she might have. She couldn't relapse, not when Konoka was near.
Shuddering, Setsuna pulled her hand away from under her shirt, shaking her head. Maybe it was a good thing, Setsuna mused in her own head. They could help each other get over their fears. Honestly, Setsuna didn't know how much she could do for Konoka, her own fears still holding her back despite the many years that had passed.
Konoka was seated nervously on the bed, fidgeting slightly as Setsuna stepped out of the bathroom. Their gazes met, and the two blushed heavily. Setsuna crawled onto the bed, seating herself in front of Konoka.
"Are you sure?" Setsuna asked for the umpteenth time that day.
"Just kiss me already" Konoka took the lead, grabbing Setsuna's collar and pulling her close.
Setsuna pushed back, and Konoka fell back onto the bed, never breaking their kiss.
"Stop me." Setsuna managed to speak once they pulled away "Stop me if I'm going too far."
She dipped her head down, her dark hair cascading like a curtain past her face, capturing Konoka's lips once more. Setsuna gently kissed down Konoka's neck, the latter squirming slightly. The brown-haired girl looped her arms around Setsuna's neck as the dark haired girl slid a hand under her, pulling her closer, supporting herself with the other. Konoka gasped into the kiss as Setsuna's hand slid under her shirt, her small hands coming into contact with the bare skin of Konoka's lower back. Konoka grimaced slightly as Setsuna's fingers came in contact with the multitude of scars of her back, but Setsuna seemed unfazed, her lips occupied with a pulse point on Konoka's neck.
Moving from Setsuna's hips, Konoka took the chance to slip her hands under Setsuna's shirt, feeling the toned muscles under Setsuna's skin.
She felt Setsuna tense, and whispered "It's okay Sec-chan."
Still struggling with herself, Setsuna managed to relax, her hand boldly snaking upwards, deftly snapping the clasp on Konoka's bra. It was Konoka's turn to gasp as the garment sprung free. Setsuna pulled back quickly, her face flushed.
"Konoka" She breathed out worriedly
"Who said you could stop?" Konoka, although a little afraid, was getting a little turned on by the prospect of Setsuna touching her. She forced down the fear bubbling within her, and focused on Setsuna's gentle touch
Her hands moved to Setsuna's back, undoing the bindings on Setsuna's chest, the bandages falling off as soon as they were loosened. Setsuna turned a massive shade of red as Konoka's hands wandered upwards, trailing over her flesh. She responded by pulling Konoka's shirt up, exposing her skin. Konoka mewed slightly as Setsuna dove in, licking and nipping at her breasts. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before. The feeling of rough hands clawing at her was now being overwritten by a gentle touch that sent waves of pleasure rippling through her body.
"Sec-chan.." Konoka moaned, her hips rising as Setsuna's fingers moved lower, right above her core, ghosting right over her navel. "Not fair.. Let me.."
Konoka flipped their positions, her emotions controlling her actions, blocking out everything but Setsuna's flushed body below her. Her hands caressed Setsuna's torso, feeling the other girl squirm from the touch. Konoka leaned down, straddling Setsuna's waist pressing gentle kisses down Setsuna's chest.
Setsuna's eyes flew open wide, gasping as Konoka began to nip at her breasts, hands flying to Konoka's shoulder in a panic. "Ko..Konoka.. wait.. wait..I..I can't..."
"Sec-chan?"
"Gomen.. Konoka.. I.. I.." Setsuna rasped out, tears welling in her eyes "I can't..."
Moving up, Konoka shifted to lie beside Setsuna "You should have said something" She spoke softly "I would have never asked you to do this if I knew." It was clear that Setsuna was deeply affected by her time in the system, official or not.
"I wanted to help you." Setsuna mumbled, curling onto her side.
Konoka sighed, sitting up, pulling her shirt down, as she said nothing. Setsuna could tell from her gaze that Konoka was struggling too, and it had taken a lot of effort to get to the point that they were at. Setsuna gritted her teeth, she could do this, for Konoka. It was all about Konoka. She pulled Konoka back down over her, their lips meeting in a yet another passionate kiss.
"Sec-chan?" Konoka mumbled into the kiss, confused.
"I can do this." Setsuna flipped their positions once more. "I can do it for you. With you." She nipped at Konoka's ear, the latter squeaking in surprise as Setsuna boldly snaked her hand along her navel, hitting her core.
Konoka bucked as Setsuna began to stroke her core, her breathing becoming laboured as the pleasure washed over her, wiping out any coherent thought in her mind. Setsuna was gentle, and Konoka found herself seeking out Setsuna fingers while she buried her face in Setsuna's shoulder.
"I'm going in" Setsuna mumbled into Konoka's ear.
Konoka nodded breathlessly, pulling Setsuna close to her, their bodies pressed together. She felt Setsuna's deft fingers prodding at her entrance, and she swallowed the fear she was feeling, squashing it with thoughts of Setsuna and the love radiating from the girl beside her.
Yet, instead of the intrusion she was expecting, Setsuna pulled back with a vicious hiss, falling off the bed with a loud yell, hitting the ground with a thump.
"Sec-chan?" Konoka snapped out of her dazed state, crawling to the edge of the bed "Are you alright?"
Setsuns swore in various languages, curled up in a ball, eyes squeezed shut as she tried to staunch the growing pool of blood around her. Konoka was by her side in an instant, eyes widening as she saw blood.
"I'm so sorry Sec-chan!" Konoka nearly wailed as she pulled Setsuna off the floor, examining the bleeding appendages.
"What was that?!" Setsuna hissed out, opening her eyes a crack to look at the damage.
The fingers on her right hand were covered in blood, the appendages broken and mangled. The skin hung off limply, exposing muscle and bones.A harsh throbbing pain radiated from her fingers as Setsuna tried to move them, as much as it hurt, Setsuna was relieved to feel her fingers responded.
"Tui Gratia Jovis Gratis Sit Cura!" Konoka chanted, a light green glow emerging from her hands.
Setsuna let her head drop back to the floor as the bones in her fingers reset themselves, the skin partially healing. Konoka grabbed a first aid kit from the drawers and quickly wrapped Setsuna's fingers tightly in gauze.
"I'm sorry Sec-chan" She stumbled over her words, hands shaking "I can only do this much." Tears were forming in her eyes as she spoke, several droplets hitting Setsuna's hand…
"I was careless." Setsuna shook her head, sitting up. "I assumed that if you weren't threatened, the spell wouldn't activate." She hissed slightly at the pain "At least we know that it's a seal and not a curse.."
At Konoka's despondent look, Setsuna drew her into a light kiss. "Hey, its a good thing."
Konoka nodded, but still feeling bad about Setsuna getting hurt. She was also a little disappointed that they couldn't proceed further than they did. She was sort of looking forward to enjoying the intimacy with Setsuna. It would take a while, but Konoka felt that with time, she would no longer feel afraid to be intimate with Setsuna.
"I really wanted Sec-chan to.." Konoka mumbled, her face turning red. Setsuna turned red as well
"Mahh.. The seal prevents it so.." Setsuna murmured quietly
Konoka pushed Setsuna onto the floor, nipping at her lips "But we can do other things." She giggled as Setsuna slipped her hand under her shirt.
"Since when did you get so bold?" Setsuna mumbled between kisses
"Because I love you." Konoka answered.
A couple hours later, after all the kissing and cuddling, Setsuna and Konoka laid together in bed, exhausted from their intimate exploration. It was mere touching and kissing, but it had brought the both of them closer, and one more step towards getting better. For Konoka at least. Setsuna was still hesitant about being intimate, but was less afraid than before. Konoka had her head lying on Setsuna's left shoulder, curled into her side while Setsuna had a hand around her waist pulling her closer.
"Nee Sec-chan." Konoka whispered softly, her hand gently drawing circles on Setsuna's abdomen. "Let's go talk to Jii-chan."
Setsuna frowned a little, her hand tightening its grip on Konoka's waist "You.. want to go home?"
"Baka Sec-chan." Konoka giggled at her girlfriend's possessiveness. "I just wanted to know more about the seal, cause I really want to be with you."
"We won't see each other anymore if you go home." Setsuna grumbled "There's no way they'll let you come back with me."
"I want to go home." Konoka sighed "I want to see Jii-chan, Tou-san. I want them to know that I'm alive and well. I want them to know you. That you saved me, and I love you."
"I love you too." Setsuna smiled a little "I don't think your family will see it that way. I'm a half-demon. There's no way they'll let us be together. They'll probably ban me from seeing you again. There's no way I can tear you away from your family. You've been away from them for too long."
"What if I wanted to come back with you?" Konoka questioned quietly. "What if I wanted to go with you, but they won't let me. Tell me honestly Sec-chan." Konoka pushed herself up to look at Setsuna straight in the eyes. "How much do I mean to you?"
"Everything." Setsuna admitted "You mean the world to me, and I would do anything to make you happy."
"Even if it means letting me go?" Konoka dropped her voice
"If that is what you want." Setsuna nodded slowly, her heart already aching from the thought.
"Then fight for me." Konoka laid back down, curling closer to Setsuna's side "I want you to fight for me. I don't want to lose you, but I can't choose between you or my family. Don't let me forget how much I love you."
It sounded like Konoka already knew how hard it would be should her family reject Setsuna, and Setsuna knew it wouldn't be easy.
"I would fight anyone for you" Setsuna mumbled, kissing Konoka's forehead "I won't let you go. Ever."
"Are you sure about this?" Kaede asked, her eyes boring into Setsuna's own. "It's nothing like the rest."
"I know." Setsuna nodded, adjusting the mask seated on her face. "I'm prepared."
"I don't like the idea of you going in alone." Kaede frowned.
"This is different. I have to do this alone."
Setsuna squeezed Konoka's hand, the latter nervously returning the gesture. Setsuna was dressed simply, similar to how she would have dressed back when she went out, she would be dressed formally in a dress for her act, but this time, she opted for a more comfortable attire.
As per Konoka's request, Setsuna was bringing her home to Kyoto. They had no idea what to expect when they got there. They would have to play it by ear. Konoka was nervous too, the prospect of seeing her family after so long was overwhelming her.
"Konoka.." Setsuna started "There's something you need to know before we reach"
Tearing her gaze from the passing scenery, Konoka turned to face Setsuna, who was fidgeting behind her mask. "What is it?"
"The last time I visited.. Things didn't go so well" Setsuna bit her lip as she watched Konoka take in the information
"Last time? You've visited them before?"
Nodding Setsuna sighed "Well.. I was observing them when your grandfather noticed me. We ended up in a huge fight, and he.. uh...gave me that..uhh wound" She pointed to her arm, where the wound Yue had stitched had once been.
"Eh?!" Konoka was taken aback. She recalled Setsuna coming in pretty badly wounded that day. "Jii-chan did?"
She was much more worried than before now, lowering her head "It'll be fine… right?" Konoka looked to Setsuna for reassurance.
"Daijoubu." Setsuna nodded, but clearly unsure herself. "It'll work out, somehow."
"We're here." Kaede announced as the car pulled up on a street.
Konoka stepped out of the car, a smile breaking across her face as she recognized signs and buildings. She turned to Setsuna gleefully, who nodded in return. To their left was the Konoe Mansion, a large compound that dwarfed anything surrounding it.
"Stay close to me." Setsuna spoke, and Konoka responded by grasping the back of her vest as they walked closer.
Setsuna rapped sharply on the door, a female opened the door, dressed in robes. Her eyes widen upon sight of Setsuna, immediately backing away, hands outstretched.
"Call Konoemon-san. I need to speak with him." Setsuna spoke, not moving from where she stood.
"Back up." the robed female spoke, eyes narrowed.
Konoka tightened her grip on Setsuna, who shook her head, taking a step back. almost immediately a barrier shot up from the floor, trapping them. Startled, Konoka pulled herself closer to Setsuna, who seemed way too calm.
"It's okay." Setsuna whispered, "It's just a barrier."
"But..But.." Konoka was afraid, and in addition to her nervousness, her emotions were unstable
"You have guts showing up here again like this." An old voice spoke, turning their attention to the doorway.
"Konoemon-san" Setsuna addressed the man. "I'm just here to talk."
Konoka took a good look at the man. She recognized him from the photos Setsuna had given her, and remembered his voice. It was not the warm caring tone she had heard as a child, but a cold cautious tone she was unaccustomed to.
"Talk?" He narrowed his eyes "We have nothing to talk about." Konoemon turned on his heel and headed back through the doors.
"Even if it's about your granddaughter?" Setsuna called out, watching him stop and turn around, his eyes blazing.
"What would you know about her?" He growled menacingly
"That she's safe." Setsuna answered, not backing down "She's safe, alive and well."
"And why should I believe you?" Konoemon walked back, even though he knew that it was most likely a trap. He couldn't pass up the chance to know more about his granddaughter. Setsuna knew that.
"Because she's here" Setsuna looked right into Konoemon's eyes "And she wants to talk to you."
Konoka peeked out shyly from behind Setsuna, shrinking slightly as Konoemon finally realized Setsuna wasn't alone. Gently pulling her forward, Setsuna brought Konoka in front of her, the latter still nervously clutching onto her arm, shaking slightly.
"Kanako.. no… It can't be…" The old mage's eyes widen in surprise "Ko..Konoka.."
"Jii-chan" Konoka greeted the old man quietly
"No." Konoemon shook his head harshly "I will not fall for your tricks demon."
"Then ask her." Setsuna stated plainly.
Konoemon took in the young female before him. She was a splitting image of his daughter. A little on the skinny side, but the resemblance was too uncanny. However, he knew what magic could do, and refuses to be tricked if it was a trap. Instead of asking a question, he waved his hand. Konoka began to glow, emitting a shriek as she watched her body light up. A circle appeared, an intricate magic circle. As it faded, Konoemon's face crumbled into relief.
"It's really you.. Konoka."
In an instance the barrier dispelled, and Konoka moved forward hesitantly, casting glances at Setsuna, who nodded. She embraced Konoemon, and tears started to flow from her eyes as she sobbed into his shoulder, calling his name over and over.
"Let me look at you." Konoemon pulled back hands brushing over her face "You've grown into such a beautiful young lady."
Konoka blushed. "It's all thanks to Sec-chan." she pulled away, moving to Setsuna's side, dragging her over. "Sec-chan saved me."
"What?" Konoemon was in disbelief "She must have you under a spell. She's a demon!"
"Sec-chan is only half-demon." Konoka protested, "She's not like the rest. Sec-chan is really nice."
Konoemon eyes Setsuna suspiciously, not knowing who to believe, himself or his granddaughter that he had not seen in over 10 years.
"You are welcome to dispel any spell you think I might have cast on her." Setsuna spoke, "but let me tell you something. I can't use magic."
Setsuna felt the trickles of magic flow over her as Konoemon wordlessly cast a spell. She might not be able to use magic, but she could definitely feel as the magic faded, Setsuna could tell Konoemon was not convinced entirely.
"Sec-chan.." Konoka whispered.
"Shall we sit down?" Setsuna smiled "I would be happy to explain everything."