Author's Note:
I want to give special recognition to a couple of readers. Sisi, and Noniebee.
You two have been helping me keep my mometum going, and I honestly am so, so greatful. If not for your continued support, this story would have collected dust and would not have developed. Thank you so very much!
As for all my other readers, commenters and supporters, thank you all so so very much. :3
It really means alot that you've found entertainment in my story telling. Without further adue, here is the twentieth installment of Fade.
xxPinkie
Chapter 20:
Azumi:
I watched carefully as Sesshomaru battled Riki. The elegance he used when controlling the large youkai body astounded me. I knew that I also had a form like his, but I would not even know how to remain in control. His fluid movements, were much like his swordplay. He effortlessly attacked and almost always made contact. Pools of blood splashed upon Riki as he attempted to baby his wounds. His eyes flashing, and looking towards me for some sort of comfort.
I perched myself on a fallen log, and placed my hands protectively over my stomach. I put my nose in the air, and avoided all eye contact with him. I had weighed the option long ago, as y mother had given me a choice.
It was true I had been promsied, however, if I so chose to live that promise was my decision and mine alone.
Perhaps he had forgotten that detail. I remembered the day that my mother and father stood watch as the ritual burrial had begun. The slow process of slowing my heart; making air close to uneccassary to me. I had watched, as Riki stood in the shadow, a triumphant look in his eye as he watched something precious to him, something close to a trophy; being hidden from view.
It sickened me.
I felt a surge of sick satisfaction rip through my form as Riki collided once more to the ground. Sesshomaru placed his large paw on the shuddering form, and slowly began to bare down. I watched as Riki writhed.
I then stood up, and made my way over. I placed my hand on one of Sesshomaru's haunches. The pressure he applied, lessening. He knew I wanted to be the one to see Riki off. To be the one to finish him. Sesshomaru removed his paw, but remained on alert.
I knelt to the shrinking form.
Riki:
My silver haired angel knelt beside me. My heart raced, she decided to come for me after all. I could smell the stagnant air of that damned inu taiyoukai; it rolled off of her in waves that caused my stomach to turn. I lifted my head; my demon form long gone. I gazed up at her, her hands finding my face. I leaned into her hand as much as I could; before I felt it.
A cold prick.
I saw her eyes were hidden as iridecent waters shivered down her precious cheeks. I lifted my taloned hand; wanting to brush them away.
"I can live on, Azumi. Do not fret."
I saw a hint of a smile, as though she accepted my words. I felt my blood run cold, as she placed my hand to her cheek. Her eyes met mine; and her sweet smile turned malicious. One befitting of that damned inu.
"Oh, you silly; silly man." Her hand finding my face. Her touch was feather light as she gently dragged her fingetips to my sternal notch. I realized then, that she was not my saviour.. But my comdemnation.
"I only want to see the light drain from your eyes; like you watched me in silence as I suffered through near suffocation."
Her tears were that of happiness; not of saddness.
I felt my neck pop; and my eyes widened. The pain nearly unbearable as she continued to kneel closer to me. My hand dropped from her face, fighting to release her grip on my neck. I could feel the air releasing through one of the wounds her mate had created. Her nails going to work to deepen the pain.
"I wanted you dead the moment I saw you... I wanted to scream my disgust... but mother said it was unbefiting of a lady.. A high class inu hime had no business showing her distaste."
Her voice was fading out, as numbness set in.
In my selfish obsession; I relished in the thought that she was the one to take away my life. I succumbed to her tighteing hands, until I felt a burst of air. I opened my eyes weakly; and watched as Sesshomaru's sword entered the center of my face.
There was then nothing.
Azumi:
My body was shaking as I applied every bit of pressure I could. Could I kill Riki? Was I capable? I felt my hands become gentlly removed. I felt the familiar warmth of hands that I craved.
Sesshomaru placed my hands in my lap, as my tears of happiness turned to fear. I felt my hands reach my face; as I realized what words had fallen out of my mouth. Was I truly that much of a vindictive creature?
Sesshomaru slid his sword between Riki's eyes, all shivering stopped as he released a satisfied grunt. I felt his hands on me. His arms snaking their way around me.
I was much too numb to realize that he could feel these emotions. He could tell I was upset, with not only myself; but for putting myself in this state.
I was nearly camatose, I could feel him rising from the ground. His youkai cloud carrying us back to camp. Back to Jaken. Back to Ah-un. His mokomoko slid around me, and pulled me flush against him. His words lulling me into a sleeping comfort.
"Rest, my mate. I will be the one to fight these fears. You needn't worry, this Sesshomaru; will always be here."