"Eiji Okumura."
Ash couldn't believe what he was hearing. His mind stuttered to a stop unable to make sense of what was happening. Eiji was the sacrifice? There were hundreds of young men here, why did it have to be Eiji? How was that possible? Deep down however he knew the answer. Eiji was special. It was hard to ignore the obvious signs of love and adoration that were showered down upon him. Ash's desire to pamper him any chance he got made Eiji desirable. He had practically drawn a target sign on Eiji. How stupid could he have been? He made their choice too easily. It was completely his fault. Eiji was picked to be the sacrifice. He was going to die.
Eiji was going to die.
Ash's stomach churned horribly, rioting against reality. The rest of him however was numb. The world suddenly seemed to be hundreds of miles away. Voices of the surrounding people echoed as if in a long tunnel. Eiji was going to die? The Eiji who slept snuggled to him was going to vanish from this world? His smile, brighter than Ash's sun was going to be distinguished? It couldn't be true. Eiji couldn't die. Ash couldn't have led Eiji to his death. Ash tried to grasp Eiji's hand, to prove that Eiji was still there. Instead, he found his hand empty. Eiji's hand had slipped from his own. He gazed up at the High Hiereus his mouth slightly open and his eyes glazed.
"What?" he muttered confusedly. "What did he say. It sounded like he said my name." Eiji looked over at Ash. "He didn't actually say my name right?" Eiji gave Ash a tentative smile. "Right?" Ash didn't say anything. Eiji's smile faded as panic rose in his voice. "Right, Ash?! It's not me. Right?" There was a lump in Ash's throat. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't speak. Fighting to get air he tried to force out.
"I'm sorry."
Ash wasn't sure if he spoke out loud or just mouthed it but Eiji must have understood his meaning because his face lost all color and he stepped back.
"I'm the sacrifice?" Eiji shook his head. "No, no it can't be me. There's plenty of people here." When Ash continued to stay silent Eiji got frustrated "But why?" his voice rose "Why?" Ash wanted to take him in his arms and protect him from the Hiereus. He wanted to tell him it would be alright. Instead, he stood there mute and still, the weight of the situation crushing him. Perhaps it would smush him until he stopped existing. Then at least Eiji would be safe from him.
"I'm going to die." The reality of the situation was finally hitting Eiji. He spun around on his heels, looking at the other men desperately, a silent plea for help. No one paid him any attention. At the High Hiereus's words, the tension that consumed the courtyard broke and happy conversations started up. Ash could see the relief and joy on the men's faces even though they looked like they were miles away. They were all going home. They were safe. They had tomorrow and the days that and then years after that. No one bothered a thought for Eiji. His fate was sealed. His death meant their freedom.
A hand reached out and took Eiji's arm gently. Eiji gave a cry of alarm and twisted. Two guards were standing there, their faces emotionless.
"Come with us." One said pulling at Eiji's arm.
"No." Eiji was shaking now as he yanked his arm away and stepped towards Ash. "No, it can't be me. There's a mistake." Behind him, another guard grabbed his shoulders. Eiji gave a loud cry and tried to kick him. He fought with all his might as two other guards grasped his hands and feet. Ash watched in horror, paralyzed, where he stood as they began to haul Eiji away. He knew he should do something but there seemed to be a disconnect between what his mind wanted and what his body could do.
"Let go! Eiji screamed trying to bite the nearest man. The man grunted in pain and hit Eiji in the stomach. Eiji coughed and keeled over as more men grabbed his waist and torso. That brought Ash back to his senses. His mind snapped back to the present, as if escaping molasses, and took control of his body again. He was hyper-aware of everything around him. There had to be something he could do to save Eiji. This wasn't the time to give up.
"I'll go talk to the High Hiereus." He called to Eiji as he jumped into the air. Up he soared until Eiji became a dot among the crowd. As he flew he tried to think of exactly what he should say. In the past he never got his Hiereus to listen to him. This time however things would be different. He wasn't just trying to get them to change a policy, he needed them to stop the sacrifice. Perhaps now that he was desperate enough he could get them to listen. Ash touched down in front of the High Hiereus. The man gasped for joy when he saw Ash and fell to his knees. Around him other Hiereuses who could see Ash followed. The remaining Hiereus, realizing something was happening copied their leader as well.
"Ash has graced us with his presents!" the High Hiereus declared, and the crowd fell silent. The High Hiereus looked up with adoration at Ash who was standing over him. The simmering look only fueled Ash's anger. He had no right to be happy after what he had done.
"Tell me what I should do oh great one! Command your servant to do your will!" The Hiereus kissed the floor by his feet. Ash fought back the urge to spit on him and contemplated his next words carefully. Humans were good at twisting whatever he said to their own liking. If he wanted to get his meaning across he had to be very specific. Ash took a deep breath and calmed his body and mind. Panicking wouldn't save Eiji. His anger wouldn't save Eiji. He needed to remain in control of himself.
"Stop! This isn't what I want!" Ash's voice boomed over the waiting crowd. The High Hiereus eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Around him, the other Hiereus muttered to each other as they digested his words. Ash felt a thrill of triumph. He'd did it. He finally got through to them. This could work. He could save Eiji. After a few seconds however the High Hiereus's face cleared, and he beamed up at Ash. Ash's heart sank. He knew that look. It was a look the Hiereus got when they received approval. The High Hiereus sprang to his feet and turned to the crowd, raising his arms joyfully to the sky.
"Ash has spoken to me! He says he wants this sacrifice."
The crowd mumbled in wonder, clearly impressed. The Hiereus around them beamed at one another, happy that the High Hiereus was able to translate Ash's confusing words. Ash stared at them, fury and irritation building in his chest. How did the High Hiereus manage to twist his words so horrible? How did he get the exact opposite of what Ash wanted? Why were humans so incredibly self-centered and self-satisfying?
"That's not what he said!" Eiji yelled. He was closer now, being led up the stairs and into the temple proper. As he passed the High Hiereus, he kicked out managing to hit one of the guards in the side. The man grunted and loosened his grip. Eiji sprang forward until he was kneeling in front of the High Hiereus.
"Listen to Ash!" he begged, grabbing at his robes. "He didn't say he wanted this!" More guards were running forwards.
"Eiji run!" Ash yelled. Pleading wouldn't sway the High Hiereus who was looking down at Eiji as if he was a flea. The best thing for Eiji to do would be to run away. Before Eiji could move however one of the guards grabbed him by the hair and dragged him backward. Eiji yelled in pain, a sound that made Ash's blood curdle. Ash turned back to the High Hiereus who was brushing off his robes, a disdained look on his face.
"Stop! Don't hurt him!"
"Don't worry my lord." The High Hiereus bowed respectfully, his expression returning to its adorning look. "They won't hurt him. He must remain stainless and pure in every way for the sacrifice." His expression hardened as he turned back to Eiji. "Quit your struggles! You will pollute your body if the guards have to hurt you in any way. Do you want to displease Ash?"
"Just listen to him!" Eiji yelled tears pricking in his eyes.
"Silence. How would you know what Ash is saying?" The High Hiereus waved him off.
"I can see him!" Eiji tried to wrench his arm out of the guard's grip. "He's standing right next to you." The High Hiereus looked momentarily taken aback. Then his eyes gleamed with understanding.
"I see, you have the sight as well. What a worthy sacrifice you make. I understand now why Ash takes such great pleasure in you" he nodded approvingly. Ash's stomach churned again painfully. The way he spoke it sounded like Ash had groomed Eiji for slaughter. Ash didn't know how much more he could take of this.
"Just listen please!" Eiji screamed again.
"Don't be a coward! Embrace the path that Ash has laid out for you. You are doing a service for the country and your god."
"Stop." Ash stepped forward hand outstretched. "Please listen for once! I don't want this!" When the High Hiereus's face didn't change Ash desperately grasped at his own powers. He didn't have enough to do anything major, but he could still force the clouds to blanket the setting sun. At the sudden darkness, a stunned silence covered the crowd. The High Hiereus paled.
"Do you see what you've done!" The Sun god does not approve of your attitude." The High Hiereus quaked in fear. "You have brought down his wrath on all of us!" Turning to the guards he snapped. "Gag him before he angers Ash anymore but be gentle his body is a gift and we don't want to damage it," Eiji's eyes widened in fright as one of the guards stuffed a rag in his mouth. He gagged for a moment and tried to spit it out but couldn't. Everyone ignored him. They waited in silence, all eyes turned heavenward. When the sun didn't reemerge the Hiereuses became agitated.
"Ash's fury is upon us!" one of them cried falling to his knees.
"He took away the sun!" Another wailed. "We're all doomed!"
"Have mercy!" a third one moaned hand pressed together in front of his face.
"Enough!" The High Hiereus turned to the guards. "bring me the sacrifice over here." They dragged Eiji to his feet and pulled him to the High Hiereus. He bent down and took Eiji's face roughly in his hands.
"Listen to me, young man. You have enraged Ash with your attitude and pleas. He has blessed you for many years in preparation for this moment and yet you grumble against him when he calls. Do you not see the sins you're committing? Repent! Bow down in front of him and beg for forgiveness." He yanked out the rag and dragged Eiji to his knees in front of Ash. Pressing his foot on Eiji's back he forced him to the ground.
"Stop." Ash's voice broke a little as he spoke. "Don't do this to him. This isn't what I want!" The High Hiereus didn't answer, his face stone cold. Ash turned to Eiji instead.
"Don't beg me for forgiveness.." He didn't know if he could stand hearing Eiji's pleas. It was hard enough to see Eiji lying at his feet like a dog. Eiji shouldn't be humiliated like this. He deserved to shine like the sun, not pressed into the floor. Eiji craned his neck to started up at him. Ash could see uncertainty in his eyes. In the silence that followed the High Hiereus stormed over and grabbed Eiji's hair. He yanked him forward until his lips were pressed against Ash's feet.
"Do you not hear what Ash is commanding you to do? Beg boy!" He hissed. Eiji coughed and tried to lift his head. Ash pulled his feet away and bent down so Eiji was at eye level. Reaching forward he gently cradled his head in his hands. The High Hiereus stepped away looking satisfied as if Ash has kicked Eiji. Ash didn't know how his eyes were interpreting Ash's gentle movements, but it was probably not good. After a moment, when Eiji still didn't speak the High Hiereus eyes narrowed.
"Ash is practically crushing you in his arms, waiting for your repentance. If you remain silent there will be consequences. I will not allow you to put this country in danger by your actions. You are to remain pure in every way for the sacrifice but there are still ways to punish you. If you don't appease Ash's wrath we will take your family. They can join you as impure sacrifices." That got Eiji's attention. He turned and looked Ash straight in the eyes.
"Ash please." It wasn't an apology, but the meaning was clear. Ash was doing more harm than good. Reluctant Ash let go of the clouds, hating how everyone's faces cleared as the sky was revealed and the setting sun shone its last rays of light upon them. He knew they misinterpreted the whole thing. If Ash wanted to make any lasting impact on them he would have to make his meaning clear. Unfortunately, anything short of fire raining from the sky would only be twisted to their will.
"I'm sorry." Ash took Eiji in his arms and helped him up. Eiji looked like he wanted to say something but at that moment the High Hiereus cut in.
"Ash has accepted your cries." The High Hiereus's face lightened. "Now it's your turn to accept the destiny that he has placed in front of you." The Hight Hiereus turned back to the guards, "Take him to his chambers so he may calm down. I want him pleasant tomorrow for the sacrifice. If he puts up a fuss give him something that will pacify him. I don't care how strong it is. He must not act this way tomorrow."
The guards stepped forward and one of them yanked Eiji out of Ash's arms. Ash watched helplessly as another one gagged him as they dragged him away. Unshed tears pricking at Ash's eyes as he watched his beloved disappeared inside the temple. In the past, he never understood why other gods hated humans. Sure, they were self-destructive and self-centered but for the most part, they loved their families and friends and took joy in life. Ash didn't understand why Yut-Lung took so much pleasure in watching humans grope around hopelessly in the darkness or why Arthur loved war and violence. At this moment he finally understood. He understood how horrible humans were. He hated every one of them here. All the cheering young men; all the prideful Hiereus were nothing more than filth on this planet. When he had the power, he would smite them down. How could they think this was what he wanted? This was what they wanted. It was poetry to them, a young man given to Ash to save their lives. Ash just wanted to be left in peace, but instead, he was stuck watching helplessly as the man he loved was led away.