Chapter 18
Disclaimer
I do not own any rights to Naruto (story or characters). Just the characters I make up along the way! I have full love and respect for Masashi Kishimoto!
Translation
*Tsuki no nakigoe = Moon Howl
இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—இڿڰۣ-ڰۣ—
The darkness of the room matched the mood of the people in it. Lord Erai was venting his frustrations on Hachiman while Tenjin sat against the far wall sharpening his Sai's. Nothing would placate his Lord's anger, so the best thing to do was stay out of sight. The moment they learned of Omoikane's demise Lord Erai had flown into a rage like they haven't seen in years. If Tenjin didn't know any better, he would say Lord Erai had feelings for the brat, but that would be impossible. Lord Erai cared about nothing but himself.
Since becoming a knight under his lord, Tenjin had witnessed his Lord's anger first hand on many occasions. It could be explosive like it was now, but Lord Erai's anger could be unassuming as well. He once poisoned a noble and his family for interrupting him during a meeting. It was even rumored that he killed his siblings when he was a child, all because he wanted more attention. Even now, if Lord Erai wanted something he took it.
Omoikane caught Lord Erai's eye the moment he joined. It didn't take long for Lord Erai to ruin him. Even though it was painful to watch the brat slowly die inside there wasn't anything Tenjin could do. He was in a better place now anyway, far away from their Lord's cruelty. Suijin had been the only one to mourn Omoikane's death. She said a prayer for him, kneeling at the edge of a river earlier that morning.
Tenjin remembered when they were children, watching Suijin practice the same prayer. She was a beautiful child with long blond hair curled like ringlets around her head. Those luscious locks were gone now, her head shaved until smooth when she completed her training, but she would always be beautiful to Tenjin. Her skin was littered with the intricate tattoos that marked her one of the Tsuki no nakigoe*. Each tattoo a reminder of her accomplishments, the scars of her failure.
With a kick Hachiman went flying against the wall startling Tenjin. The gray-haired man's body a mess of wounds, some already healing, others were still seeping blood. The grin on the man's face belayed his groans. A manic look was in his eyes like he was getting off on the pain. It was enough to make Tenjin sick.
"Do you have something to add Tenjin," Lord Erai's voice hissed across the room sending chills across his skin.
"Uh, it's uh... it's obvious t-that a long-dead bunch of humans wouldn't have the Shimon. Otherwise they, they wouldn't be dead." Tenjin struggled to get out, stuttering through his words. Hell, he wasn't the brains of the group, just give him something to kill and he was good.
"He's right," Suijin spoke drawing everyone's attention to her.
"We must look in the opposite direction," she continued meeting Lord Erai's gaze head-on, fearless. For a moment Tenjin thought their Lord was going to lash out but something made him pause. Stepping back Lord Erai motioned for Suijin to continue.
"It's the bringers of life we must seek. The Shimon has massive powers, abilities to bring death yes, but also to keep death away. Those that show healing skills far surpassing anything a mere mortal should possess is what we need to focus our efforts on." she said hand a reassuring presence on Tenjin's shoulder.
"Very well. I leave this task to you Suijin." Lord Erai said, turning back to Hachiman effectively dismissing her. Suijin bowed low before turning back to her husband. Tenjin could see the worry in her eyes, but she didn't falter in her steps. Squeezing her arm, he followed her out of the cave, letting the howls of Hachiman echo behind them as they left.