Disclaimer: I do not own Kakuriyo bed and breakfast for Spirits. All credit goes to the writer/creators of the show/manga

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Chapter Four

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Aoi sat with exhaustion and an aching body. She closed her eyes, as she pressed her cheek to the cool stone wall. Man, it must be a million degrees in the kitchen. She wasn't sure what he was planning, but the past two weeks he'd put her to work, cleaning, decorating, and cooking.

She supposed it wasn't all bad. It had been nice to cook again, even if the kitchen staff all treated her poorly. Not to mention he hadn't called on her at all this week. She'd rather work herself to the bone then to serve him.

After a few minutes, she looked to the wall where she marked the days. Fifty-five days she'd been here. Fifty-five days of hell and the only kindness she'd had was taken. Mako had been killed. It was a few days after her lashing that she'd found out he'd tried to leave the castle to tell Tenjin-ya's master where she was, and he was killed for the betrayal.

She wiped at the fallen tear. She was thankful that he cared enough to risk his life for her, but she was a little angry that he did. It felt as though his blood were on her hands, and she had nightmares over it. Also, she missed him. He was the only comfort this hell provided, and she selfishly wished he'd just left well enough alone.

She moved slowly as she took shoes off aching feet. Her head spun some, but she was getting used to that now. Last week she bit his lip so hard she pierced it. Since she'd only been given a glass of water and one slice of bread twice a day and an extra cup of water at night. She guessed he didn't want her to die.

Add the lack of food to all the extra work she'd been doing, her body was running on empty. She felt sluggish and achy. Her belly raw from the lack of proper food. Muscles ached from malnutrition. Not to mention her sluggishness pissed Raiju off and he'd punish her for it, and then the sick and twisted bastard would ask why she insisted on making him punish her?

She felt sorry for him sometimes though. She hated that. Hated that so much it made her blood boil. How could she feel any sympathy for a monster? Still, denying that she did wouldn't make the truth of it change. It was clear that he was bored and lonely. He through parties to fill the void, but once everyone went home he was still lonely. No one seemed to want to stay longer than necessary, not that she had trouble guessing why.

She'd worked a few of the parties, wearing a mask like all staff who worked them. She heard the gossip about him and his nasty temper. Some women claimed he was fabulous in bed which always resulted in giggles and detail requests. She hurried away from such conversations.

He was a lonely sadistic bastard and while he dug his grave, she pitied him. Sometimes she would talk to him in her head and tell him that if he was so unhappy he needed to change. She was too afraid to so those words so boldly out loud.

"Still waiting to be rescued?" Raiju said as he entered her room.

She only glanced at him. She didn't have the energy and she didn't want to give him the satisfaction of saying she no longer believed anyone was coming. How could they come for her if they didn't know she was gone in the first place? She was also filled with unease. Why was he here? She didn't have the energy to fight him tonight.

"I came to tell you that you will have the day off for the next couple of days. I have an obligation party to attend and you will be there as my plus one. Nothing big, just exclusive members of the highest-ranking Ayakashi. Make no mistake, you will not be able to ask anyone for help, I have a little candy to make it so. Just be a good little girl and allow me to show you off."

Yes, she was well acquainted with his candies. He gave them to her anytime a gathering happened. "No thank you," Aoi said, her cheeks warming with anxiety. "I'm not up for a party."

Raiju chuckled. "Dear me. I don't recall asking you if you were up for it. Now, get some sleep. Someone will be by for your measurements in the morning and I want you up and ready. Sweet dreams."

Aoi wanted to fight, she did, but she was just so tired and felt a little warm. So she laid back down, face against the cool marble, and slept.

Why! Masami thought as she sulked away angrily. Why did he continue to refuse her! What the hell was his problem? She was beautiful and wanted by all! How dare he not respect what's in front of him!

"I am the great Masami! I'm feared by many and loved by all, you damn ogre!" She yelled, not really caring who heard.

"Love doesn't work that way," someone said, causing her to glare in their direction.

It was the nine tail she thought, rolling her eyes. "Who asked you? Peasant?"

Ginji shrugged. "No one. But you spoke out loud, so did I."

"You don't like me, do you?"

"I loath you. You come in here, driving away the one person the Master wants. Not to mention the rest of us lost a dear friend."

Masami threw back her head and laughed. "A dear friend, is she? Oh come now, be honest. You love her, do you not?"

Ginji said nothing. What was the point? He couldn't deny it and she wouldn't believe him if he lied.

"How would the master feel about that?"

"How would I feel about what?" Master asked as he approached them.

"Master," Ginji said, bowing.

"How would you feel about your right-hand man being in love with your silly little human?"

Ginji looked away, unable to stop the blush that warmed his cheeks. He did love her, more then he should, but he would never overstep. Ever.

"It's nothing I don't already know. Aoi is a special person, and I make Ginji spend a lot of time with her. How could he not fall for her?" Poor Ginji. He'd always known that Ginji loved her. It wasn't something he was able to hide well. Not when he lit up like the sun when she entered a room.

"Please excuse me, Sir. I have work to do." He hurried away, anger making him transform into his beast form. Damn that woman!

"The fool. He didn't even try to deny it." She laughed as she watched his change forms and fly off.

"Go home."

Masami's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"

"You're not wanted here. You've outstayed you're welcome." With that, he walked away, his own anger bubbling.

"How dare you!" She yelled, grabbing his arm. "I am your oldest friend. I've been with you even during your darkest days!"

"And I put up with you. Even when I didn't want to. I've humored you, loved you. I played your horrible games! I followed you into darkness. I did as you asked and sent Aoi away. I don't want to fight you, Masami." The masters was engulfed in flames as his anger overflowed. Masami held her ground though she was secretly afraid. He was fearsome like this. "But make no mistake I can take you down."

Her own anger had her teeth growing and she could feel her tail had made an appearance too. "I'll ruin you! I'll take away everything you love!"

"You already did. Leave. I will not ask again." With that his flames grew even hotter, forcing her to step back. She hesitated a moment before running away, fuming.

"Master, did you think that wise?" Ginji asked a little while later. He'd seen what had taken place. "What if she takes that anger out on Aoi?"

"She won't go to the apparent realm to harm her. She hates it there enough to keep her at bay. It's part of the reason I sent her back."

"Master I…"

Master out his hand in Ginji's shoulder. "I wouldn't anger her if I thought Aoi could catch her wrath. And as far as you loving Aoi, don't worry about it. I've always suspected, and you've never overstepped. Besides, she loves you too and I would never stand in the way of your friendship."

"Not that it matters anymore," Ginji said quietly.

"I miss her too." He missed her so much sometimes it felt a little hard to breathe.

Ginji nodded as he took a deep breath. "I will continue on even though I miss her. She would want me too."

Master smiled. "Yes, she would."

Aoi felt half-dead as she stood there, allowing herself to be dressed. Raiju was a big fan of themed parties and this one was a western-style masquerade party.

The almost see-through slip was the first of many layers to be put on her. She was also required to put on lacy panties, which left nothing to the imagination. The corset, which pushed her breast up to her chin, was so tight she thought it would suffocate her. When she complained her stylist said that it's supposed to be that way. The man added a chuckle, but she didn't find it funny at all. The petticoat was added before the dress itself.

Once everything was said and done, he added her mask and said his farewells. She glanced at the mirror that was brought in, giving herself a look over. She looked….pretty. Under different circumstances, she might have been delighted to wear something this gorgeous. Even if the dress weighed twenty pounds.

The dress was white but heavily adorned with gold lace and diamonds. It was off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline that showed off her breast a little more than she would have liked. Her hair was up elegantly, with curly pieces of hair purposefully left down. She looked like a porcelain doll her grandfather had given her once.

"Stunning," Raiju said from the door. He really meant it too. She was a sight to behold. Far prettier then she gave herself credit for and in that dress, and the flush on her cheeks? Yes wanted to bed her right there. "I have something for you."

Aoi tensed as he stood behind her, putting the necklace around her neck. This necklace was far simpler than the rest of the ensemble but so pretty for its simplicity.

Her eyes met his in the mirror and she shivered due to the way he looked at her. Like he was a hungry wolf, and she the sheep. She was no doubt going to find herself in his bed tonight. No. Not his bed. The bed in the garden. He always took her there. It was sad that such a beautiful place was the setting for the horror that happens within.

"Yes, simply stunning," he said as he put his hands on her shoulders.

She wanted to pull away, his touch was certainly unwelcome, but she didn't want to anger him either, so she stood there, frozen. She was too tired to fight. She felt weighed down by the dress too.

"Here, eat this," he said, handing her a little candy. "Don't worry, it won't take away your voice, but it won't allow you to ask anyone for help either. The moment you try, your throat will close up. It could be unpleasant, so I wouldn't test the theory."

She ate the candy because he wasn't going to leave until she did. At least it tasted alright. "I hate you." She said, looking at him angrily.

"Oh, my dear," he said as he took her chin in his fingers. "I like it when you're angry." He put his nose to her neck, breathing in deeply. Tonight I will ravish you."

Her skin crawled as she did her best not show the dread that settled over her. Her week reprieve was over now, and she felt like she might just die if he ever touched her again. The idea of it made her wish she couldn't feel. Her eyes met is in the mirror. She truly did hate him.

Suzuran hated to return to the hidden realm, but what choice did she have? They met twice a month to catch up at Aoi's favorite cafe, and she'd missed the date three times now, and she was nowhere to be found. After asking around, the humans said she'd been mia for a few months now, and the Ayakashi hadn't seen a thing. At least most haven't. One claimed he saw a yokai take a young human girl who fit Aoi's description.

So she had to come back. If that were true, Aoi could be in grave danger or she could be…Suzuran shook her head. No. She won't let herself think that. Not yet.

"Suzuran!"

"Brother!" Suzuran said as she went to him. She held him close for a moment. "I've missed you, Akatsuki."

"Have you returned to stay? I never thought you would."

"I cannot worry about that now, I must see the Master."

"Suzuran, I'm surprised to see you," Ginji said as he walked over to them. "Is something wrong?" He added, noting her distress.

"Ginji, I need to see the Master it's important."

"Yeah, he's in his rooms. Follow me."

Ginji led her to the master's office and knocked before going in. Before he could announce her, Suzuran barged in, all but running to his desk.

"Suzuran? What…"

"Aoi has been taken by a Yokai!" She blurted before launching into how Aoi has been missing and after investigating, she heard that a Yokai had taken Aoi months ago. She finished by saying that she believed it because it made more sense than Aoi up and disappearing and how she didn't pack anything either.

Ginji walked up to them as she finished and looked pale. "Are you sure she didn't just move? Go on vacation?"

"She wouldn't do that without saying something. We'd been in pretty regular contact since she's been home. I was away for a few months which is why it's taken me so long to realize her absence. Master, I think she's really in danger."

"Master, do you think Masami would do this?"

Master stood, crimson eyes ablaze with anger. "She better hope she doesn't." He said coldly.

Ginji felt a shiver run through him as the master tuned that gaze on him. There was going to be hell to pay. The beast was just under the surface here. "Master, what can I do?"

"Find Masami. And do it fast."

Suzuran stepped away when the master looked at her. She didn't mean to. She wasn't actually afraid of him, but anyone would be uneasy if they felt the malice rolling off of him.

"Thank you do letting me know. If you wish it, ill arrange transportation back to the apparent realm."

"That's kind of you, but for now, I think I'd like to stay if it's no trouble."

"None at all," Master said as he walked past her.

He was beyond any emotion he could put a name too. Angry, scared, violently charged. He was going to murder if anything happens to Aoi. Whoever has her better pray she was alive.

With that thought he was hit with was a wave of fear that nearly knocked the breath out of him. Please. Please let her be okay. Oh god, please.

The party was in full swing now, and Aoi felt as though her skin was on fire. She could hardly breathe, and she felt like the lack of air was going to make her head explode. Add to that the fact her dress was heavier than hell? Yeah, she wasn't having a good time.

She was being pulled around the room by Raiju who seemed so pleased she was there it made her sick. She hated this and hated that in a room full of people, she couldn't ask for help. It made her feel even more alone than she already was.

Dancing with him made her sick. He'd put her through hell these last months and she couldn't stand him touching her. God her head hurt.

"Raiju!" A woman called, going over to them.

She was just a hair taller than Aoi, and her voice sounded familiar, but she couldn't place her.

"Ami, how pleased I am that you came. You're usually so busy."

"Even I get a night off every now and again," Ami looked at Aoi with a smile. She was really cute with big eyes and pink hair that was a shade darker than her eyes. "Who is this?"

"This is Ayame," he replied. He'd introduced Aoi as such all night.

"I'm Ami! Please, would you care to dance?" Ami held out her hand, that big smile still in place.

"Um," Aoi said, looking over at Raiju.

"Have fun, darling," he replied, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles.

Ami pulled Aoi away to the dance floor and pulled her into a dance as if it was normal for two women to slow dance.

"You look like you're miserable," Ami said, her tone serious, but that smile still in place. "Raiju is always trying to take what others don't want to give. Just know that I'm willing to create a diversion if you wish to leave."

"I'm sorry?" Aoi said, a bit confused.

"You're human, are you not? Surely you don't choose to be here with someone like him? As someone to just have a conversation with, he can be quite interesting, but he's the worst otherwise."

Aoi wanted to tell her she would love to be saved, but of course, the words wouldn't come out. The song came to an end, and Raiju took that time to call everyone's attention.

"Are you alright? You're really warm and your pulse is racing," Ami said, not bothering to look at Raiju like the rest of the guest had.

"I'm just a little tired."

"Friends! I want to thank you all for coming here, tonight. I wish to announce the reason I've called all you dear friends here," Raiju went to Aoi, taking her hand and pulling her close. "I wish to announce my engagement, and introduce my bride to be."

Aoi heard nothing after the word engagement. She knew he spoke more words, and there was a thundering applause. She vaguely recalled him whispering something in her ear.

Her heart pounded, the sound so loud in her head it hurt. She excused herself, pulling away though he tried to stop her. Once out of the room she ran for it. She didn't bother to try leaving his castle, but she could go to her room. At least then she might be able to breathe. Raiju wouldn't chase her just now. It would put the guest off.

The moment she was in her room she started ripping at the dress. "Get it off! Get it off!" She yelled at herself as she felt like she was going to pass out. No. She won't. She won't marry him. Hell no. Get this off!

She turned when the door open and saw Ami, the woman's mask was now off and those eyes looked concerned. "Ayame?"

"Get it off!" She yelled, still trying to get the dress off but her numb hands couldn't seem to undo the endless line of buttons up the back.

Ami went to her and helped get the heavy part of the dress off as Aoi started hyperventilating. "I can't breathe!" Aoi cried as she stepped away from the dress, gasping for air. She pulled at the corset, trying to remove it. She found the strings of the petticoat and freed herself from it.

Ami came towards her, and Aoi didn't know if it was from the lack of air, the fact that her skin was on fire, or the fear that burned her throat, but she backed away, not wanting to be touched. Unthinking, she backed away too far, and suddenly, she was falling.

The wind whistled past her ears. Her last thought was she was going to die and she never would she get to tell the master how she really felt.

"What have you done to this girl!" Ami asked as she hovered in the air, holding Aoi in her arms. "She's sick, can you not see this?"

Raiju looked surprised as Ami scolded him. She might be small in size, but she was a force to be reckoned with. "I didn't know." He'd walked into the room just in time to see Aoi fall and Ami dive after her.

"Provide me with a clean room and have Haru bring my bag."

Ami looked up at Lili who looked at Raiju with questioning eyes. It was clear the girl wanted to help Ayame, but she was afraid of him.

"Raiju!"

"Yes fine," he replied, waving his hand in dismissal. "Lili do as she asks and keep me informed." With that, he left. He was afraid of only a few ayakashi, and Ami was certainly one of them.

Ami carried Aoi to the new room and laid her gently on the bed. "This girl is gravely Ill. Do you know for how long she's been sick?"

Lili hesitated a moment, looking over her shoulder. "A long while, mistress. He works her to the bone and she doesn't get proper nutrition." She said this in such a soft whisper Ami barely heard the words.

Ami got to work, removing the clothes, annoyed with how tight the corset was. Yes, she could see the signs of starvation. Her stomach was sunk in and she was pale as snow. She was going to die if she didn't help her fast. Not to mention the bruising, signs of physical and sexual assault. The Batard.

She fumed as she looked her body over. There was a mark on her right hip, and when she turned her over, she could see the lash markings all over her back. The monster! How could he torture her so mercilessly?

"No wonder this poor girl fainted," Ami said just as Haru arrived.

"What do we have, doc?"

"Female human, early twenties. Passed out about ten minutes ago. Malnourish and I believe she might have the flu, but we will have to test for it. She's been physically and sexually abused." She pointed to the bruising on Aoi's thighs and hips. "At least I think it's safe to assume. I haven't done an exam."

Haru nodded as he agreed with his boss's assessment. "The bruising looks to be about a week old," Haru said as Ami removes the mask, Haru sucked in a breath, but said nothing as their eyes locked on each other. They both knew who she was.

"I'll start the healing," he said, waving his hands over her, using magic to give her antibodies a boost. Her muscles jerked some as he ran his hands over her body, slowly. "She wouldn't have lasted much longer like this. She's nearly faded."

"Lili, why don't you go tell your master that she should pull through, but she will be in my care for a while."

"Yes, mistress."

Once she was gone, Haru looked at Ami. "This is that human from Tenjin-ya. They are looking for her."

"Yes, I realize that too. We owe a great deal to the master." She pulled out herbs as she Spoke. "You need to finish here, but once you are, I want you to go to Tenjin-Ya and tell them she's here. We can't try to take her out ourselves."

"Agreed."

They locked eyes once more. Raiju was not someone to cross, but they couldn't allow this to continue, and if they had to choose sides? They would choose the ogre god.

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I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Reviews and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks :D