Chapter 7: The King Who Went Astray
Yasha woke early the next morning to kisses-- soft, sweet kisses-- forehead, cheeks, lips, throat... Ashura was lying on top of him, watching him with a wicked glint. "Yasha was dreaming something really very pleasant!"
Yasha smiled, wrapping strong arms around his eternal companion, pressing their bodies tightly together. "Yasha was dreaming of Ashura," he said, and returned kiss for kiss. Entangled in Ashura's long limbs, intoxicated by the perfectly smooth skin and the cascade of jet black hair mingling with his own, he lost himself, drifting back into the dream.
An hour later they were as sated as two lovers could be. Replete, almost purring with satisfaction, Ashura was again draped over Yasha, licking the sweat from his face with long strokes. Yasha turned his head obligingly so his companion could reach his empty right eye socket, which was sensitive. Ashura's tongue gently parting the scarred lids, probing in and around those tender membranes and caressing them with wet, soothing strokes, was an incredibly pleasant and erotic act. Had Yasha not been completely spent, he would have been aroused immediately.
For some time they lay together like two drowsy tigers in the woods-- but, at last: "Yasha! I'm hungry."
Yasha smiled, rolling halfway over to hold Ashura at arms' length. "I think that is the only thing about you that hasn't changed a bit!... Come, beloved. We must bathe before we eat. Remember, this is Zenmijou, not the forest!"
* * *
Breakfast was barely over when the servants returned with the announcement of the gathering of the Council of Twelve. Yasha and Ashura were requested to wait in an anteroom as Tenou and his advisors discussed their future in Tenkai.
The debate went on all morning. Yasha had no use for the politics of committee and spent his time outside the Council Chamber sitting motionless on a bench. Yamato had not left his side. Ashura paced here and there with nervous curiosity.
At noon there was a recess, and Tenou came striding out of the Council Chamber, head high and face slightly flushed with anger. Yasha rose to greet him. "Niroda speaks out openly against the Emporer's sibling," Yasha said.
"Yes, naturally." Tenou drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, his broad shoulders settling. "Sometimes it's all I can do to keep myself from killing that bastard!-- Sorry, Ashura," he amended himself quickly, seeing Ashura's horrified expression.
"Oh, no killing, Tenou!"
"Right. But hidebound as he is, you'd think he'd respect tradition! All the Tenteis before my father kept Ashuras. They harbored the clan for the defense of the realm. But Niroda chooses to forget that Ashuras can be useful, and dwells only on the destructive potential of a single Ashura."
"Perhaps it is good that he does so," Ashura said falteringly.
"Tenou," said Yasha thoughtfully, "What has been said about the seals on Shurato? Can they be removed while Ashura is still alive?"
"We've been discussing it. Shuki says it may be possible, but though I love her dearly I wouldn't trust her judgement on any issue pertaining to our Ashura. Ganapati the historian informs me that there is no information about this in the Ashuric Records. In ancient times, when the Ashuras came down to this world, the seals were indeed somehow removed and the Ashura clan put under the control of the Tentei. But the books don't say anything about how it was done."
"Let's try!" Ashura said spontaneously.
"Slow down!" Tenou said warningly. "It may be very dangerous indeed to alter Shurato while you are alive. We both saw what happened when you placed the last seal into the sword. What cataclysm might happen if it is removed?"
"Brother Tenou? I want to read the Ashuric records." Ashura had forgotten about the seals the moment Tenou had stopped speaking; that unpredictable tide of intellect was changing again.
"Perhaps later," Yasha said soothingly. "Besides, you cannot read yet. Are you hungry, love?"
"Ashura cannot read?" Tenou said musingly. "I will get him a tutor when this nonsense is over. And when is he not hungry?" Tenou lay an affectionate hand on Ashura's shoulder. "Perhaps you would join us at lunch?"
Yasha smiled grimly. "The Council will be present, of course."
"Of course!" Their sarcasm passed right over Ashura's head.
* * *
The appearance of Yasha and Ashura at the Council luncheon was not unexpected. Ashura was almost oblivious to all but the meal and ate like a pig, eliciting a tweak from Yasha to correct bad manners.
Niroda sat some distance down the long table and opposite them, watching grimly with set jaw as Ashura filched several bites of Yasha's rice. Yasha was not eating much, rather managing to loom over the table as he sat. Death's own shadow was not a thing to be taken lightly, and Partha, on Yasha's left, seemed a bit subdued.
In reality, Yasha was uneasy. The Sons of Aditi were far older than Tenou, though he was in fact now the twelfth member since his father was gone. The silence of Vivasvan was particularly unsettling to Yasha, for Vivasvan was the forefather of his own race, the Yamas. Beyond procreating at his advanced age, he had been depending on Yasha to continue the noble line-- and to continue Death's existence in Tenkai.
As if sensing his thoughts, Shuki cast Yasha a sideways glance. He ignored her completely, studying other faces as the oblivious Ashura continued stealing and disposing of his remaining food.
Aryaman was there, Chief of the Pitris, Ancestor of the Ancestors. His wisdom harked back before the time when the Ashuras fell from elsewhere to become demons under Tentei's yoke. But his ancient gaze was pitiless as he regarded this Ashura. Yasha knew he would side with his friend, Varuna, God of the Sea, by whom he sat, and Varuna was the god of the Ryuu clan.
Tvashtri, Forger of Vajra the Thunderbolt, weapon of the Emporer, was an artisan and always had been carefully neutral-- at least in Yasha's experience. Savitri was kinder; but he was known for his good and lively nature. He would lean to any decision Tenou made. Bhaga also was kindly disposed, or so Yasha remembered him from ages past. He had grown up near them all, and as those ancient memories, thousands of years gone, came flooding back, he again felt the acute displeasure and disappointment of Vivasvan, and wondered if he would be cursed.
Dhatri and Vidhatri; Mithra, God of Friendship, and naturally a friend of the kind Tenou; and finally, the athletic and youngest-looking of the original Twelve, Trivikrama. Then Tenou at the head of the table, looking in complete control of the situation. Yasha's admiration for Ashura's twin ran deep. More than one Tentei had been cowed by the "Twelve," but Tenou would not be one of them.
Yasha nudged Ashura to attention as the Emporer began the meeting once more. "I think you have all gotten at least a glimpse of my brother before now; but I have brought him here before you to speak for himself."
Ashura choked. Tenou appeared to not notice as Yasha quietly offered a bowl of water to his companion.
Vivasvan was the first to speak out, just beating Niroda. "Well? What do you have to say?"
Yasha held his breath. Ashura's intelligence was at its lowest ebb, but whether that was a good or bad thing remained to be seen.
Ashura, now recovered, set the water bowl down carefully. "I... I would like to thank brother Tenou for bringing us to this place... But especially for forgiving me."
"You are most welcome," Tenou said calmly as Yasha let out his breath slowly.
"Ashura," said Mithra, leaning forward. "What do you plan to do if you stay with us?"
"Whatever Tenou wants," Ashura replied with a shrug.
"Yasha-ou!" called Savitri. "What is this? Ashura is still only a child!"
"Ashura changes day by day," Yasha said quietly.
"And the Black Ashura?" asked Savitri, a crease of worry on his still- handsome brow.
"Black Ashura does not surface now unless Ashura partakes of what should not be given."
"And what is that?"
Yasha hesitated. The Twelve Adaityas already knew. "Blood," he finally said. "Flesh. Anger. Fear. These are the things that can bring Black Ashura forth. But treat Ashura as your friend, and you will have a friend indeed." He put a protective arm around Ashura's shoulders. "We are here only in obedience to the Emporer's request, which we could not refuse." Time to throw the responsibility for this situation back onto the shoulders to which it belonged, though Tenou must have already taken many blows for it earlier in the day.
Niroda was muttering something sourly. Ashura whispered to Yasha: "He says Shuki would have made a better Emperor!" Yasha glanced at her appraisingly, sensing something of significance to Niroda's remark, then looked away again. A bad feeling was coming over him; Ashura's hand was cold under the table and he clutched it tightly. Something in Tenou's manner; the way he looked for a moment at his plate, then glanced to his stargazer, who in turn glanced again at Yasha. He read something in her eyes this time. If it was a warning, he needed none. Many undercurrents were running in these waters. This was much more than a simple division of the Council; yet when he fixed Tenou with a steady gaze, the eyes looking back at him were honest enough.
"Ashura!" said Aryaman, so sharply Ashura started. "If you had to choose between the Emporer and Yasha-ou, what would you do?"
"I-- I-- What?" The enormity of the question-- and the horror of it-- had staggered Ashura.
Tenou laid it out in gentler words. "Aryaman means, if for example I ordered you to stay by me, and sent Yasha away into the forest, would you follow my order or follow Yasha instead?"
Ashura's reply was foregone. "I would never betray Yasha, never!" A flash of defiant anger glittered in those clear golden eyes.
"So then you would betray the Emporer, your own brother, instead?" said Aryaman.
"... I would not!" Ashura looked miserable. "I love my brother!"
"Tenou," said Aryaman, "You do not have control of this 'weapon' of yours."
Yasha stood up quickly, seeing an opportunity to perhaps right things. "I am under the command of the Tentei. I will do as he wishes in all things... And Ashura will do as I wish."
Ashura gulped and nodded to the Council. "All I wish to do is please Yasha and my brother. I will always obey them."
Varuna, who had been seated with eyes closed in thought, opened them in the ensueing silence and Yasha suddenly realized he had trapped himself even before the Lord of the Waters spoke. "Yasha-ou was once a trustworthy god," he said in a soft voice that still carried well around the room. "But when the Darkness came to slay him, he did not resist. Had this Ashura slain him, all Heaven would have been locked in deathlessness. Yasha-ou was willing to sacrifice the eternal freedom of all souls to serve his own selfish and misplaced sentiment. Your father was unwise, Tenou, and he will suffer many, many lifetimes in Samsara for his atrocities before he is set free. But his selfishness pales before the selfishness of Yasha-ou, who was ready to sacrifice the world for the love of a demon."
Yasha had not seated himself again, but Ashura had gasped and sunk down weakly. Ashura had never thought much past the simple victory of saving Yasha, that Ashura had saved Yasha... Yasha caressed Ashura's hair and Ashura began to weep. Tenou turned to them tiredly. "Yasha-ou? Varuna has said the truth. I was there. You would have sacrificed us all. It was Ashura himself who saved us--" he cast the Council a long, sweeping look to drive home this point. "Ashura himself! The question is, Yasha, would you risk Tenkai again?"
Yasha's eye was dark. "No. I have had an age to think since then. Nothing is worth Tenkai. Yet, had I killed Ashura, I too would be gone, for I would certainly have also killed myself, and would things be any better then? I am Death, and I have no issue. Taishakuten... had a strength to him which I do not have and never will."
Ashura stirred beneath his touch. Yasha bent to whisper in one pointed ear.
Vivasvan stood up. "I say this: let Yasha, the Yamadharma, prove his loyalty to Tenkai by sacrificing the Ashura here and now!"
"Ashura is my own blood!" Tenou snapped in the sudden shocked silence.
"Stop!" shouted Ashura suddenly. They all jumped, even Yasha, who had stood in unflinching, immovable silence at Vivasvan's suggestion.
"Let me be killed!" Ashura continued. "I am very dangerous. I ought to die for that reason alone. I would have killed myself long ago, but I lived for Yasha's sake-- just as selfishly as he would have died for mine. Do not blame Yasha and do not blame my brother!" The golden eyes flared with a full, intelligent, luminous fire before their light faded in anguish. Ashura turned slowly to Yasha. "Yasha...? I would be happy to die, if it were you who killed me."
Yasha met Ashura's steady, loving gaze. "I will kill you if the Emporer orders it," he said evenly. "But your death will also mean my own."
"Not if Tenou forbids it," said Vivasvan.
"I did not call my brother here to murder him at the table!" Tenou was livid.
"The point," said Aryaman, "is Yasha-ou's loyalty to you, since he is supposedly in control of this demon. What better way to test it?"
"It is no more reasonable a test than the one my father gave him, that of killing Kuyo, which he refused to do!"
"But now he says that he will not refuse. Yasha-ou?"
Yasha drew a deep breath. "I will not refuse an order of the Emporer," he said, though the room was darkening around him in a reddish haze. He felt Ashura's cool hand on his arm, and heard as if from a great distance the beloved voice. "Yasha? Yasha! It's all right!"
Then he snapped out of it. Tenou was saying something in a strained voice. "--No greater danger than the previous Ashuras--"
--"Ridiculous!" shouted Varuna.
Tenou held up a hand in silence, slicing off the uproar with a single gesture. He was clearly infuriated. "Ashura. Yasha. Leave this room now, while we debate!" he said.
"Put them under guard, Tenou," said Vivasvan. "My traitorous descendant is not to be trusted. Yamadharma has strayed and given his heart to a demon, and I will have no more of him." He fixed Yasha with the look which the old warrior had dreaded since entering the room. "I cut him off from my blood and my family."
Yasha did not respond, only gazing at Vivasvan steadily.
"I will send them to their quarters," Tenou said quietly. "They will obey my command."
Yasha bowed his head and led a stunned Ashura out of the room as the uproar began again. As the door shut behind them, Ashura fainted completely away. Yasha caught his love in his arms. "Ashura! Ashura!"
Ashura blinked, squinting against the bright skylights. "Oh... I am so dizzy. My brother, my poor brother... And Yasha...!"
Yasha was glancing to right and left. The guards at the door showed no sign of following them as he started off with long strides toward their room, carrying Ashura. As he walked, he whispered in a low voice meant for Ashura's keen hearing alone. "Your brother has given us a clear way out. He told us to go to our quarters, but not to stay there. They all know it. We don't have much time, but somehow we must get to a vimana."
"No... No, Yasha."
Yasha stopped in his tracks. "Ashura, this is our only chance! Tenou will be forced on this issue! He cannot deny how dangerous you are!"
"That is exactly why I will not try to escape. Put me down, Yasha."
Yasha stood still, letting the lithe figure slip from his arms. Ashura took his hand and began to lead him, a little unsteadily, the rest of the way to their quarters. Once inside, and locking the door, Ashura stretched out upon the sumptuous bed. "I am tired of running, Yasha. I'm just... tired."
Yasha lay down and gathered Ashura up in a fierce embrace that hurt, but Ashura did not cry out. "They are right about me. I know it. You know it. Kill me, Yasha. Then you will be free, and you can make an heir before you... before you join me again... Yasha? In our next lives, will we know each other again...? I worry about that a lot..."
Ashura was rambling. Yasha kissed the other hard and passionately before answering. "Do not get ahead of events, Ashura. We are not yet condemned. But I believe now that the Council somehow either planned our arrival here, playing on your brother's desire to see you once more, or anticipated it. You were too busy eating, love, to put your attention where it should have been..." he smiled in spite of himself, brushing away a stray lock of hair from Ashura's brow, and a crumb of brown rice from the corner of those sweet lips. "It explains things. I never trusted the Emporer's stargazer..." He fell silent suddenly.
"She wants you very badly," Ashura said. "I can see it in her. I can feel it in my dreams. She would do anything to possess you."
"Including going against the Emporer. You must never trust her, Ashura."
"Never...? Yasha. I am going to die, and you are going to kill me." Ashura reached with both hands to take Yasha's face gently between them. "You must understand this."
Yasha sighed heavily. "The Prophecy of Kuyo said that you would kill me."
"I conquered fate for you."
"Perhaps that was not the time."
Ashura appeared to consider this, then dismissed it. "It is too late for anything like that to happen now. Please. Get Yamato."
"I will do no such thing until your brother commands me to do it. Now, you are going to stay here, right here, in my arms. You will not try to kill yourself. You will not leave my sight. Do you promise this?"
"Yes... Yes, Yasha..." Ashura pushed against him with a sudden desperation of love and Yasha caught the other's clothes and tore them from the pale body, kissing Ashura so savagely that cool blood began to flow from Ashura's lower lip. Yasha's breath sobbed from more than passion and Ashura drank his tears as they spilled, and wept with him, until after a long time they both lay spent and still upon the wet, stained silk as the sun began to sink into the west and the light in the spacious room grew dim.
When Ashura had sunk into uneasy slumber, Yasha arose to find a message had been slipped under the door. He read it quickly, then lay it aside. With a grim face he returned to his beloved. He did not unsheath Yamato this time, but put sword and scabbard on the floor at the side of the bed, despising them for the first time in his life. He eased Ashura's body under the sheets, then slipped between them himself. Ashura half-woke. "Is it morning yet...?"
"No, Ashura," Yasha whispered. Ashura sighed and burrowed against him, and he wrapped himself around the fragile body and prayed silently as his beloved fell into a deep, still sleep.
* * *
When morning did come, Yasha had not slept at all, while Ashura had not woken. Yasha lay very still, watching Ashura breathe; watching the sensuous lips curl in a childlike smile, the long eyelashes flutter in some rare, sweet dream. Then, suddenly, those eyes were open, the morning sun filtering in through the prisms above to shine into their depths as though illuminating two pools with pure gold. Ashura sat up, the smile vanishing. "Yasha... Haven't you slept?"
"No," said Yasha. "I have not slept."
"Don't worry," Ashura said with gentle calm, and moved to lay upon his chest. Yasha drew a deep breath, feeling the other's weight heavy upon his heart. "Ashura... Last night I received a message after you were asleep. I did not want to wake you... Perhaps I should have."
"You must kill me then?" Ashura did not move.
"It is worse than that. The Emporer has ordered a public execution before his subjects."
Long silence. Then: "My brother..."
Yasha felt the other's silent groan of agony; felt something finally break inside Ashura's heart. "Oh, Ashura, Ashura," he whispered. All his half- formed plans of subduing his love, making a fighting escape, running deep into the forest disintegrated with the disintegration of Ashura's happiness; and as he felt the despair physically wracking Ashura's body he also felt that this was an instance where death might be kindest after all.
* * *
On the Emporer's public balcony a strange scene was in the making. The white marble sacrificial altar used on state occaisions was decorated richly with flowers. In the past it had been used only to offer food and ghee to the God; but now Ashura stood by it calmly, straight and tall, dressed in plain white linen. No jewelry adorned the Demon of Zenmijou, and those long strands of ebony hair floated freely, their ends trailing on the ground, for the masculine warrior's topknot had been left undone today. Instead, Ashura's hair was parted like a woman's, and the fair face was bruised in several places by Yasha's final kisses.
The God of Death and Righteousness stood as quietly as Ashura nearby, gazing out over the assembled crowd with an unreadable eye. His was a black robe. Yamato hung at his side, but he would not have to use it after all, for Ashura's last wish was to die in his arms. Therefore, he held an ancient sacrificial dagger-- and he grasped the hilt tightly. He was numb, emotionless. He had known, of course, that it could always come to this, and indeed, as he had told Tenou at their first meeting in the new capitol, his killing of Ashura in fact seemed an inevitable thing; but the suddenness of this had stunned him nonetheless. One moment they had been happier than they had been in thousands of years; the next-- this.
Tenou appeared, surrounded by a train of sacrificial priests, and the crowd roared. The Emporer's face was the picture of sternness, but Yasha saw bitterness as well as he turned his eyes briefly toward him. Tenou had not come near them since proclaiming his decree, but Yasha heard him clearly enough anyway-- "I gave you a chance. Why did you not escape with my brother? Why did you not protect him as you are sworn to do...?"
But perhaps that was Yasha's own guilt talking. As the Emporer looked away again with a hint of shame in his face, Yasha saw the Council hovering like vultures at the far side of the balcony. Directly below them guards were escorting a group of furious Saivites from the assembly hall. This was also inevitable-- a rift between the two great religious factions Tenou had been working to bring together. Information travelled fast among the Brahmanas. Yasha wondered briefly who in the Council was ultimately responsible, and his eye narrowed. He had never promised Ashura that he would not seek vengeance.
"My beloved subjects," Tenou said clearly, his voice ringing strong around the assembly hall. "I have called you here today to formally introduce you to my own twin, the last of the Ashura race, whom I have finally found... And for you to witness his death."
The surprise of most of the crowd was understandable. From that distance, the details of Ashura's likeness could not be seen.
"The most respectable Council--" (there was no hint of irony in that, though there could have been, Yasha noted coldly) "--has decreed that the Yamadharma, Yasha-ou, the king who went astray, and my brother's beloved, should be the instrument of this sacrifice to prove his loyalty to me and to Tenkai." Tenou paused. "While my heart does not approve of this decision, I have concluded that I must abide by the will of the Council and the royal Brahmanas. If I am committing a great sin by allowing this sacrifice, may it be expiated. This decision was the most difficult decision I have ever faced. But I must take into account your comfort, my subjects, and the future of Tenkai.
"We all know the legend of the Demon of Zenmijou, which dwells within the body of my twin. Yasha-ou has this Ashura under control. Nevertheless, the Council recommends this sacrifice."
Tenou turned his back abruptly on the crowd, which stirred in restless agitation. A few shouts broke out here and there; others applauded. Ashura looked at Tenou steadily as the Emporer approached. "Ashura," he said gently, yet loud enough for some of the Council members to hear. "I was not expecting anything like this to happen... Why did you not run away? Surely you know I bought you time."
Ashura stood straighter, and answered in a clear voice that could be heard by everyone. "I did not run away because I know what I am, Tenou. It is only fitting that I die." Then, more softly: "Tenou... I know they made you do this. I know it's not your fault. Yasha says they tricked you into bringing me here to kill me. Tenou... Now it's my turn. I forgive you! I still love you, brother... Don't feel too sorry for me. Don't be too sad..."
Tenou moved suddenly to embrace his twin, and Yasha, still coldly observing it all, saw a sudden glint of something in the Emporer's eye...
The brahmanas had done their preliminary rituals. It was time. Yasha touched holy water and approached the altar. Ashura smiled up at him radiantly as he knelt, one knee on the sacred stone, to gather his only reason for living-- and dying-- into his arms. "Yasha?" said Ashura, already harboring a sweet look of relief and release, a look that made Yasha suddenly feel emotion again. He had not only failed Tenkai, but he had also failed Ashura, who was truly glad to die. "Remember me..."
Yasha pressed Ashura against his heart as he positioned the dagger at the nape of Ashura's neck for instant death. He had warmed the blade with the palms of his hands so Ashura might not feel it so keenly. "I will always remember you," he said quietly. "Mahadeva--!" But at that second something struck his hand. The knife went clattering across the floor. Ashura gasped and flinched. Tenou stood over them, left arm still upraised from the blow. "STOP!"
Yasha and Ashura knelt frozen in place on the altar. Slow drops of blood were staining Ashura's white gown where the blade had scratched tender skin.
Tenou turned to the Council. "Is this enough?!" he demanded, loud enough for the whole hall to hear, his fury showing clearly now. "Did you like what you saw?! Did you like torturing my own brother?! Yasha-ou will obey! There is no question of that now. Ashura will obey! There is no need to kill!"
Then the brahmanas were all over them, crying that the stopping of a sacrifice was inauspicious. Tenou waved them away with disgust. "Go back to your dens, you jackals! You were bought by my enemies! No true brahmana would encourage such a sacrifice as this!"
Nothing could have moved the crowd like this, the Emporer's dismissal of the Brahmanas who were technically his superiors. It harked back to the days of Taishakuten, who had casually slaughtered all those who opposed him. Tenou ignored the outraged priests, sweeping back to the balcony rail. "My subjects!" he called. "My brother and the Yamadharma have publicly proven their obedience to me! They will stay here as my guests! I hereby end this ceremony by my own words, and willingly take upon myself all karmas caused by my actions here today!"
* * *
"Ashura," Yasha said that evening, as they lay among scattered pillows in their bedchamber. "I saw your face today. You were too happy to die, love."
Ashura stretched contentedly out in yards of silk. "I was happy to die, as long as it was you who killed me."
There was a sudden hard knock on the door. Yasha sat up abruptly, but it had already opened-- unlocked from the outside. When Tenou entered without asking permission, Ashura immediately sprang from the bed, trailing only a half-concealing sheet, and ran to the Emporer-- then stopped short. "Te-- Tenou...?"
"Oh, Ashura!" Tenou reached for his sibling, picking up the silk bedding to wrap it around his twin even as he embraced the slight figure. "Ashura...! I am so sorry for today. I am so sorry...!"
"Brother, your eyes are all red! Have you been crying over me...?" Ashura reached to stroke the other's cheek tenderly.
Yasha stepped from the shadows of the sleeping chamber, clad in his brown robe. "Tentei." He bowed formally.
Tenou wrapped his arms tighter around Ashura and rested his chin on the other's head as he looked to Yasha. "And you. Yasha-ou... I must apologize. How can I even begin to make reparation to you for this terrible day? Please... Ask anything of me. If it is in my power, I will grant it."
Yasha's face was unreadable. "Then let us go back to our jungle. We will not bother you again."
"Yasha, no...!" Ashura turned to him.
Tenou looked at the floor. "That is one of the things I cannot grant, and you know it," he said quietly. "I told the people you were staying here as my guests."
"But not forever. I will change my request, and Ashura, you must understand that this is for everyone's good. I request that we be released from here after a period of time of Ashura's choosing."
"That, I can grant-- provided that it is truly Ashura's choosing."
Yasha nodded. "I thank you, Tentei."
Ashura looked from one to the other. "Do I have to choose right away?"
"No, Ashura," said Yasha kindly. "I know you love your brother and wish to spend time with him." He looked back to the Emporer. "You owe me nothing further, Tentei. You saved Ashura's life while proving our loyalty to you. The Council was publicly humiliated as they have not been since time began, and the most hypocritical of your Brahmanas have been exposed for what they are. Good strategy-- worthy of your father, and perhaps more humane..."
Tenou shut his eyes at that and drew Ashura against him once more. "I think I know what Ashura must mean to you," he said softly. "He has been here for only three days, but I already love him more than I have loved anyone in many years."
"Then you are as foolish as you are wise, Tenou-- as foolish as I." Yasha touched Ashura's bare shoulder lightly. "Behold the God of War," he said ironically.
"I love you too, Tenou," Ashura whispered.
"I am very glad you still do, Ashura. What I did was so cruel... but it was the only way out I could see. I knew that you and Yasha would be true to me."
Yasha said nothing at that, only remembering the look in Tenou's eye the moment he had made the decision to let Ashura live-- the moment Ashura had forgiven him. Best that Ashura not realize how close death had really come. The situation was even more complicated than he had imagined.
Tenou released Ashura suddenly and turned his sibling toward the bed with a pat on the back. "You must be exhausted, dear heart," he said. "Why don't you lie down now and let me and Yasha talk about the boring stuff." It was an order, and Ashura took it as such, trotting back after an affectionate look to climb into the huge bed and scramble under the covers. "I will be back soon, Ashura," Yasha said soothingly as he and Tenou stepped just outside the massive door and closed it firmly before turning to Tenou without pause. "There will be war in Zenmijou if you keep us here. No matter your strength, Tenou, you will not be able to stop it. Many will believe the sacrifice was staged. The Council--"
"I know my own Council. But I am Tentei!" Tenou's tone brooked no arguing. "My word is law. I respect the wishes of my people, but... it is better to have him here than running loose like a tiger in the forest." Tenou looked meaningfully at Yasha.
"Better...? I do not know. But I wish Ashura whatever happiness that is still possible in this life." Yasha's single eye was dark with past griefs. "And that does not include being the cause of still more death!" He sighed. "But ultimately that is between you and Ashura. To stay here is foolishness, to leave is wise. I have done what I can."
There was a moment's silence as each reflected on the other's words. Then Tenou said: "I understand also. I will go now and leave you to your rest."
Yasha bowed deeply. "Tentei... I do not doubt your strength. I do not doubt that you could put down any insurrection, even one staged by the Twelve. I said what I said for the protection of innocents. But I have one more thing to say.
"In a way you are as childish as your twin. I see the intentions you hide even from yourself. Your physical flaws--" Yasha pointed, and Tenou looked startled. "You are trying to prove your strength to yourself-- even at the expense of your people. Be aware of that!"
"You may see my faults, both surface and soul," Tenou replied at last. "But you do not see all, Yasha-ou. Not yet." And with that, the Emporer turned and left briskly, his robe whipping behind him.
Yasha re-entered the room and locked the door, then stretched out next to his companion. "Oh, Ashura..." he murmured. "We are being driven like leaves before a wind..."
"It does not matter," Ashura replied drowsily. "There is a resting place at last for every single leaf." The yellow eyes gazed at him for a moment. "I do not know what you and my brother were talking about... But I will trust my Yasha that I do not need to know."
Yasha smiled and said nothing, only reaching for Ashura as he settled down to sleep.
Yasha woke early the next morning to kisses-- soft, sweet kisses-- forehead, cheeks, lips, throat... Ashura was lying on top of him, watching him with a wicked glint. "Yasha was dreaming something really very pleasant!"
Yasha smiled, wrapping strong arms around his eternal companion, pressing their bodies tightly together. "Yasha was dreaming of Ashura," he said, and returned kiss for kiss. Entangled in Ashura's long limbs, intoxicated by the perfectly smooth skin and the cascade of jet black hair mingling with his own, he lost himself, drifting back into the dream.
An hour later they were as sated as two lovers could be. Replete, almost purring with satisfaction, Ashura was again draped over Yasha, licking the sweat from his face with long strokes. Yasha turned his head obligingly so his companion could reach his empty right eye socket, which was sensitive. Ashura's tongue gently parting the scarred lids, probing in and around those tender membranes and caressing them with wet, soothing strokes, was an incredibly pleasant and erotic act. Had Yasha not been completely spent, he would have been aroused immediately.
For some time they lay together like two drowsy tigers in the woods-- but, at last: "Yasha! I'm hungry."
Yasha smiled, rolling halfway over to hold Ashura at arms' length. "I think that is the only thing about you that hasn't changed a bit!... Come, beloved. We must bathe before we eat. Remember, this is Zenmijou, not the forest!"
* * *
Breakfast was barely over when the servants returned with the announcement of the gathering of the Council of Twelve. Yasha and Ashura were requested to wait in an anteroom as Tenou and his advisors discussed their future in Tenkai.
The debate went on all morning. Yasha had no use for the politics of committee and spent his time outside the Council Chamber sitting motionless on a bench. Yamato had not left his side. Ashura paced here and there with nervous curiosity.
At noon there was a recess, and Tenou came striding out of the Council Chamber, head high and face slightly flushed with anger. Yasha rose to greet him. "Niroda speaks out openly against the Emporer's sibling," Yasha said.
"Yes, naturally." Tenou drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, his broad shoulders settling. "Sometimes it's all I can do to keep myself from killing that bastard!-- Sorry, Ashura," he amended himself quickly, seeing Ashura's horrified expression.
"Oh, no killing, Tenou!"
"Right. But hidebound as he is, you'd think he'd respect tradition! All the Tenteis before my father kept Ashuras. They harbored the clan for the defense of the realm. But Niroda chooses to forget that Ashuras can be useful, and dwells only on the destructive potential of a single Ashura."
"Perhaps it is good that he does so," Ashura said falteringly.
"Tenou," said Yasha thoughtfully, "What has been said about the seals on Shurato? Can they be removed while Ashura is still alive?"
"We've been discussing it. Shuki says it may be possible, but though I love her dearly I wouldn't trust her judgement on any issue pertaining to our Ashura. Ganapati the historian informs me that there is no information about this in the Ashuric Records. In ancient times, when the Ashuras came down to this world, the seals were indeed somehow removed and the Ashura clan put under the control of the Tentei. But the books don't say anything about how it was done."
"Let's try!" Ashura said spontaneously.
"Slow down!" Tenou said warningly. "It may be very dangerous indeed to alter Shurato while you are alive. We both saw what happened when you placed the last seal into the sword. What cataclysm might happen if it is removed?"
"Brother Tenou? I want to read the Ashuric records." Ashura had forgotten about the seals the moment Tenou had stopped speaking; that unpredictable tide of intellect was changing again.
"Perhaps later," Yasha said soothingly. "Besides, you cannot read yet. Are you hungry, love?"
"Ashura cannot read?" Tenou said musingly. "I will get him a tutor when this nonsense is over. And when is he not hungry?" Tenou lay an affectionate hand on Ashura's shoulder. "Perhaps you would join us at lunch?"
Yasha smiled grimly. "The Council will be present, of course."
"Of course!" Their sarcasm passed right over Ashura's head.
* * *
The appearance of Yasha and Ashura at the Council luncheon was not unexpected. Ashura was almost oblivious to all but the meal and ate like a pig, eliciting a tweak from Yasha to correct bad manners.
Niroda sat some distance down the long table and opposite them, watching grimly with set jaw as Ashura filched several bites of Yasha's rice. Yasha was not eating much, rather managing to loom over the table as he sat. Death's own shadow was not a thing to be taken lightly, and Partha, on Yasha's left, seemed a bit subdued.
In reality, Yasha was uneasy. The Sons of Aditi were far older than Tenou, though he was in fact now the twelfth member since his father was gone. The silence of Vivasvan was particularly unsettling to Yasha, for Vivasvan was the forefather of his own race, the Yamas. Beyond procreating at his advanced age, he had been depending on Yasha to continue the noble line-- and to continue Death's existence in Tenkai.
As if sensing his thoughts, Shuki cast Yasha a sideways glance. He ignored her completely, studying other faces as the oblivious Ashura continued stealing and disposing of his remaining food.
Aryaman was there, Chief of the Pitris, Ancestor of the Ancestors. His wisdom harked back before the time when the Ashuras fell from elsewhere to become demons under Tentei's yoke. But his ancient gaze was pitiless as he regarded this Ashura. Yasha knew he would side with his friend, Varuna, God of the Sea, by whom he sat, and Varuna was the god of the Ryuu clan.
Tvashtri, Forger of Vajra the Thunderbolt, weapon of the Emporer, was an artisan and always had been carefully neutral-- at least in Yasha's experience. Savitri was kinder; but he was known for his good and lively nature. He would lean to any decision Tenou made. Bhaga also was kindly disposed, or so Yasha remembered him from ages past. He had grown up near them all, and as those ancient memories, thousands of years gone, came flooding back, he again felt the acute displeasure and disappointment of Vivasvan, and wondered if he would be cursed.
Dhatri and Vidhatri; Mithra, God of Friendship, and naturally a friend of the kind Tenou; and finally, the athletic and youngest-looking of the original Twelve, Trivikrama. Then Tenou at the head of the table, looking in complete control of the situation. Yasha's admiration for Ashura's twin ran deep. More than one Tentei had been cowed by the "Twelve," but Tenou would not be one of them.
Yasha nudged Ashura to attention as the Emporer began the meeting once more. "I think you have all gotten at least a glimpse of my brother before now; but I have brought him here before you to speak for himself."
Ashura choked. Tenou appeared to not notice as Yasha quietly offered a bowl of water to his companion.
Vivasvan was the first to speak out, just beating Niroda. "Well? What do you have to say?"
Yasha held his breath. Ashura's intelligence was at its lowest ebb, but whether that was a good or bad thing remained to be seen.
Ashura, now recovered, set the water bowl down carefully. "I... I would like to thank brother Tenou for bringing us to this place... But especially for forgiving me."
"You are most welcome," Tenou said calmly as Yasha let out his breath slowly.
"Ashura," said Mithra, leaning forward. "What do you plan to do if you stay with us?"
"Whatever Tenou wants," Ashura replied with a shrug.
"Yasha-ou!" called Savitri. "What is this? Ashura is still only a child!"
"Ashura changes day by day," Yasha said quietly.
"And the Black Ashura?" asked Savitri, a crease of worry on his still- handsome brow.
"Black Ashura does not surface now unless Ashura partakes of what should not be given."
"And what is that?"
Yasha hesitated. The Twelve Adaityas already knew. "Blood," he finally said. "Flesh. Anger. Fear. These are the things that can bring Black Ashura forth. But treat Ashura as your friend, and you will have a friend indeed." He put a protective arm around Ashura's shoulders. "We are here only in obedience to the Emporer's request, which we could not refuse." Time to throw the responsibility for this situation back onto the shoulders to which it belonged, though Tenou must have already taken many blows for it earlier in the day.
Niroda was muttering something sourly. Ashura whispered to Yasha: "He says Shuki would have made a better Emperor!" Yasha glanced at her appraisingly, sensing something of significance to Niroda's remark, then looked away again. A bad feeling was coming over him; Ashura's hand was cold under the table and he clutched it tightly. Something in Tenou's manner; the way he looked for a moment at his plate, then glanced to his stargazer, who in turn glanced again at Yasha. He read something in her eyes this time. If it was a warning, he needed none. Many undercurrents were running in these waters. This was much more than a simple division of the Council; yet when he fixed Tenou with a steady gaze, the eyes looking back at him were honest enough.
"Ashura!" said Aryaman, so sharply Ashura started. "If you had to choose between the Emporer and Yasha-ou, what would you do?"
"I-- I-- What?" The enormity of the question-- and the horror of it-- had staggered Ashura.
Tenou laid it out in gentler words. "Aryaman means, if for example I ordered you to stay by me, and sent Yasha away into the forest, would you follow my order or follow Yasha instead?"
Ashura's reply was foregone. "I would never betray Yasha, never!" A flash of defiant anger glittered in those clear golden eyes.
"So then you would betray the Emporer, your own brother, instead?" said Aryaman.
"... I would not!" Ashura looked miserable. "I love my brother!"
"Tenou," said Aryaman, "You do not have control of this 'weapon' of yours."
Yasha stood up quickly, seeing an opportunity to perhaps right things. "I am under the command of the Tentei. I will do as he wishes in all things... And Ashura will do as I wish."
Ashura gulped and nodded to the Council. "All I wish to do is please Yasha and my brother. I will always obey them."
Varuna, who had been seated with eyes closed in thought, opened them in the ensueing silence and Yasha suddenly realized he had trapped himself even before the Lord of the Waters spoke. "Yasha-ou was once a trustworthy god," he said in a soft voice that still carried well around the room. "But when the Darkness came to slay him, he did not resist. Had this Ashura slain him, all Heaven would have been locked in deathlessness. Yasha-ou was willing to sacrifice the eternal freedom of all souls to serve his own selfish and misplaced sentiment. Your father was unwise, Tenou, and he will suffer many, many lifetimes in Samsara for his atrocities before he is set free. But his selfishness pales before the selfishness of Yasha-ou, who was ready to sacrifice the world for the love of a demon."
Yasha had not seated himself again, but Ashura had gasped and sunk down weakly. Ashura had never thought much past the simple victory of saving Yasha, that Ashura had saved Yasha... Yasha caressed Ashura's hair and Ashura began to weep. Tenou turned to them tiredly. "Yasha-ou? Varuna has said the truth. I was there. You would have sacrificed us all. It was Ashura himself who saved us--" he cast the Council a long, sweeping look to drive home this point. "Ashura himself! The question is, Yasha, would you risk Tenkai again?"
Yasha's eye was dark. "No. I have had an age to think since then. Nothing is worth Tenkai. Yet, had I killed Ashura, I too would be gone, for I would certainly have also killed myself, and would things be any better then? I am Death, and I have no issue. Taishakuten... had a strength to him which I do not have and never will."
Ashura stirred beneath his touch. Yasha bent to whisper in one pointed ear.
Vivasvan stood up. "I say this: let Yasha, the Yamadharma, prove his loyalty to Tenkai by sacrificing the Ashura here and now!"
"Ashura is my own blood!" Tenou snapped in the sudden shocked silence.
"Stop!" shouted Ashura suddenly. They all jumped, even Yasha, who had stood in unflinching, immovable silence at Vivasvan's suggestion.
"Let me be killed!" Ashura continued. "I am very dangerous. I ought to die for that reason alone. I would have killed myself long ago, but I lived for Yasha's sake-- just as selfishly as he would have died for mine. Do not blame Yasha and do not blame my brother!" The golden eyes flared with a full, intelligent, luminous fire before their light faded in anguish. Ashura turned slowly to Yasha. "Yasha...? I would be happy to die, if it were you who killed me."
Yasha met Ashura's steady, loving gaze. "I will kill you if the Emporer orders it," he said evenly. "But your death will also mean my own."
"Not if Tenou forbids it," said Vivasvan.
"I did not call my brother here to murder him at the table!" Tenou was livid.
"The point," said Aryaman, "is Yasha-ou's loyalty to you, since he is supposedly in control of this demon. What better way to test it?"
"It is no more reasonable a test than the one my father gave him, that of killing Kuyo, which he refused to do!"
"But now he says that he will not refuse. Yasha-ou?"
Yasha drew a deep breath. "I will not refuse an order of the Emporer," he said, though the room was darkening around him in a reddish haze. He felt Ashura's cool hand on his arm, and heard as if from a great distance the beloved voice. "Yasha? Yasha! It's all right!"
Then he snapped out of it. Tenou was saying something in a strained voice. "--No greater danger than the previous Ashuras--"
--"Ridiculous!" shouted Varuna.
Tenou held up a hand in silence, slicing off the uproar with a single gesture. He was clearly infuriated. "Ashura. Yasha. Leave this room now, while we debate!" he said.
"Put them under guard, Tenou," said Vivasvan. "My traitorous descendant is not to be trusted. Yamadharma has strayed and given his heart to a demon, and I will have no more of him." He fixed Yasha with the look which the old warrior had dreaded since entering the room. "I cut him off from my blood and my family."
Yasha did not respond, only gazing at Vivasvan steadily.
"I will send them to their quarters," Tenou said quietly. "They will obey my command."
Yasha bowed his head and led a stunned Ashura out of the room as the uproar began again. As the door shut behind them, Ashura fainted completely away. Yasha caught his love in his arms. "Ashura! Ashura!"
Ashura blinked, squinting against the bright skylights. "Oh... I am so dizzy. My brother, my poor brother... And Yasha...!"
Yasha was glancing to right and left. The guards at the door showed no sign of following them as he started off with long strides toward their room, carrying Ashura. As he walked, he whispered in a low voice meant for Ashura's keen hearing alone. "Your brother has given us a clear way out. He told us to go to our quarters, but not to stay there. They all know it. We don't have much time, but somehow we must get to a vimana."
"No... No, Yasha."
Yasha stopped in his tracks. "Ashura, this is our only chance! Tenou will be forced on this issue! He cannot deny how dangerous you are!"
"That is exactly why I will not try to escape. Put me down, Yasha."
Yasha stood still, letting the lithe figure slip from his arms. Ashura took his hand and began to lead him, a little unsteadily, the rest of the way to their quarters. Once inside, and locking the door, Ashura stretched out upon the sumptuous bed. "I am tired of running, Yasha. I'm just... tired."
Yasha lay down and gathered Ashura up in a fierce embrace that hurt, but Ashura did not cry out. "They are right about me. I know it. You know it. Kill me, Yasha. Then you will be free, and you can make an heir before you... before you join me again... Yasha? In our next lives, will we know each other again...? I worry about that a lot..."
Ashura was rambling. Yasha kissed the other hard and passionately before answering. "Do not get ahead of events, Ashura. We are not yet condemned. But I believe now that the Council somehow either planned our arrival here, playing on your brother's desire to see you once more, or anticipated it. You were too busy eating, love, to put your attention where it should have been..." he smiled in spite of himself, brushing away a stray lock of hair from Ashura's brow, and a crumb of brown rice from the corner of those sweet lips. "It explains things. I never trusted the Emporer's stargazer..." He fell silent suddenly.
"She wants you very badly," Ashura said. "I can see it in her. I can feel it in my dreams. She would do anything to possess you."
"Including going against the Emporer. You must never trust her, Ashura."
"Never...? Yasha. I am going to die, and you are going to kill me." Ashura reached with both hands to take Yasha's face gently between them. "You must understand this."
Yasha sighed heavily. "The Prophecy of Kuyo said that you would kill me."
"I conquered fate for you."
"Perhaps that was not the time."
Ashura appeared to consider this, then dismissed it. "It is too late for anything like that to happen now. Please. Get Yamato."
"I will do no such thing until your brother commands me to do it. Now, you are going to stay here, right here, in my arms. You will not try to kill yourself. You will not leave my sight. Do you promise this?"
"Yes... Yes, Yasha..." Ashura pushed against him with a sudden desperation of love and Yasha caught the other's clothes and tore them from the pale body, kissing Ashura so savagely that cool blood began to flow from Ashura's lower lip. Yasha's breath sobbed from more than passion and Ashura drank his tears as they spilled, and wept with him, until after a long time they both lay spent and still upon the wet, stained silk as the sun began to sink into the west and the light in the spacious room grew dim.
When Ashura had sunk into uneasy slumber, Yasha arose to find a message had been slipped under the door. He read it quickly, then lay it aside. With a grim face he returned to his beloved. He did not unsheath Yamato this time, but put sword and scabbard on the floor at the side of the bed, despising them for the first time in his life. He eased Ashura's body under the sheets, then slipped between them himself. Ashura half-woke. "Is it morning yet...?"
"No, Ashura," Yasha whispered. Ashura sighed and burrowed against him, and he wrapped himself around the fragile body and prayed silently as his beloved fell into a deep, still sleep.
* * *
When morning did come, Yasha had not slept at all, while Ashura had not woken. Yasha lay very still, watching Ashura breathe; watching the sensuous lips curl in a childlike smile, the long eyelashes flutter in some rare, sweet dream. Then, suddenly, those eyes were open, the morning sun filtering in through the prisms above to shine into their depths as though illuminating two pools with pure gold. Ashura sat up, the smile vanishing. "Yasha... Haven't you slept?"
"No," said Yasha. "I have not slept."
"Don't worry," Ashura said with gentle calm, and moved to lay upon his chest. Yasha drew a deep breath, feeling the other's weight heavy upon his heart. "Ashura... Last night I received a message after you were asleep. I did not want to wake you... Perhaps I should have."
"You must kill me then?" Ashura did not move.
"It is worse than that. The Emporer has ordered a public execution before his subjects."
Long silence. Then: "My brother..."
Yasha felt the other's silent groan of agony; felt something finally break inside Ashura's heart. "Oh, Ashura, Ashura," he whispered. All his half- formed plans of subduing his love, making a fighting escape, running deep into the forest disintegrated with the disintegration of Ashura's happiness; and as he felt the despair physically wracking Ashura's body he also felt that this was an instance where death might be kindest after all.
* * *
On the Emporer's public balcony a strange scene was in the making. The white marble sacrificial altar used on state occaisions was decorated richly with flowers. In the past it had been used only to offer food and ghee to the God; but now Ashura stood by it calmly, straight and tall, dressed in plain white linen. No jewelry adorned the Demon of Zenmijou, and those long strands of ebony hair floated freely, their ends trailing on the ground, for the masculine warrior's topknot had been left undone today. Instead, Ashura's hair was parted like a woman's, and the fair face was bruised in several places by Yasha's final kisses.
The God of Death and Righteousness stood as quietly as Ashura nearby, gazing out over the assembled crowd with an unreadable eye. His was a black robe. Yamato hung at his side, but he would not have to use it after all, for Ashura's last wish was to die in his arms. Therefore, he held an ancient sacrificial dagger-- and he grasped the hilt tightly. He was numb, emotionless. He had known, of course, that it could always come to this, and indeed, as he had told Tenou at their first meeting in the new capitol, his killing of Ashura in fact seemed an inevitable thing; but the suddenness of this had stunned him nonetheless. One moment they had been happier than they had been in thousands of years; the next-- this.
Tenou appeared, surrounded by a train of sacrificial priests, and the crowd roared. The Emporer's face was the picture of sternness, but Yasha saw bitterness as well as he turned his eyes briefly toward him. Tenou had not come near them since proclaiming his decree, but Yasha heard him clearly enough anyway-- "I gave you a chance. Why did you not escape with my brother? Why did you not protect him as you are sworn to do...?"
But perhaps that was Yasha's own guilt talking. As the Emporer looked away again with a hint of shame in his face, Yasha saw the Council hovering like vultures at the far side of the balcony. Directly below them guards were escorting a group of furious Saivites from the assembly hall. This was also inevitable-- a rift between the two great religious factions Tenou had been working to bring together. Information travelled fast among the Brahmanas. Yasha wondered briefly who in the Council was ultimately responsible, and his eye narrowed. He had never promised Ashura that he would not seek vengeance.
"My beloved subjects," Tenou said clearly, his voice ringing strong around the assembly hall. "I have called you here today to formally introduce you to my own twin, the last of the Ashura race, whom I have finally found... And for you to witness his death."
The surprise of most of the crowd was understandable. From that distance, the details of Ashura's likeness could not be seen.
"The most respectable Council--" (there was no hint of irony in that, though there could have been, Yasha noted coldly) "--has decreed that the Yamadharma, Yasha-ou, the king who went astray, and my brother's beloved, should be the instrument of this sacrifice to prove his loyalty to me and to Tenkai." Tenou paused. "While my heart does not approve of this decision, I have concluded that I must abide by the will of the Council and the royal Brahmanas. If I am committing a great sin by allowing this sacrifice, may it be expiated. This decision was the most difficult decision I have ever faced. But I must take into account your comfort, my subjects, and the future of Tenkai.
"We all know the legend of the Demon of Zenmijou, which dwells within the body of my twin. Yasha-ou has this Ashura under control. Nevertheless, the Council recommends this sacrifice."
Tenou turned his back abruptly on the crowd, which stirred in restless agitation. A few shouts broke out here and there; others applauded. Ashura looked at Tenou steadily as the Emporer approached. "Ashura," he said gently, yet loud enough for some of the Council members to hear. "I was not expecting anything like this to happen... Why did you not run away? Surely you know I bought you time."
Ashura stood straighter, and answered in a clear voice that could be heard by everyone. "I did not run away because I know what I am, Tenou. It is only fitting that I die." Then, more softly: "Tenou... I know they made you do this. I know it's not your fault. Yasha says they tricked you into bringing me here to kill me. Tenou... Now it's my turn. I forgive you! I still love you, brother... Don't feel too sorry for me. Don't be too sad..."
Tenou moved suddenly to embrace his twin, and Yasha, still coldly observing it all, saw a sudden glint of something in the Emporer's eye...
The brahmanas had done their preliminary rituals. It was time. Yasha touched holy water and approached the altar. Ashura smiled up at him radiantly as he knelt, one knee on the sacred stone, to gather his only reason for living-- and dying-- into his arms. "Yasha?" said Ashura, already harboring a sweet look of relief and release, a look that made Yasha suddenly feel emotion again. He had not only failed Tenkai, but he had also failed Ashura, who was truly glad to die. "Remember me..."
Yasha pressed Ashura against his heart as he positioned the dagger at the nape of Ashura's neck for instant death. He had warmed the blade with the palms of his hands so Ashura might not feel it so keenly. "I will always remember you," he said quietly. "Mahadeva--!" But at that second something struck his hand. The knife went clattering across the floor. Ashura gasped and flinched. Tenou stood over them, left arm still upraised from the blow. "STOP!"
Yasha and Ashura knelt frozen in place on the altar. Slow drops of blood were staining Ashura's white gown where the blade had scratched tender skin.
Tenou turned to the Council. "Is this enough?!" he demanded, loud enough for the whole hall to hear, his fury showing clearly now. "Did you like what you saw?! Did you like torturing my own brother?! Yasha-ou will obey! There is no question of that now. Ashura will obey! There is no need to kill!"
Then the brahmanas were all over them, crying that the stopping of a sacrifice was inauspicious. Tenou waved them away with disgust. "Go back to your dens, you jackals! You were bought by my enemies! No true brahmana would encourage such a sacrifice as this!"
Nothing could have moved the crowd like this, the Emporer's dismissal of the Brahmanas who were technically his superiors. It harked back to the days of Taishakuten, who had casually slaughtered all those who opposed him. Tenou ignored the outraged priests, sweeping back to the balcony rail. "My subjects!" he called. "My brother and the Yamadharma have publicly proven their obedience to me! They will stay here as my guests! I hereby end this ceremony by my own words, and willingly take upon myself all karmas caused by my actions here today!"
* * *
"Ashura," Yasha said that evening, as they lay among scattered pillows in their bedchamber. "I saw your face today. You were too happy to die, love."
Ashura stretched contentedly out in yards of silk. "I was happy to die, as long as it was you who killed me."
There was a sudden hard knock on the door. Yasha sat up abruptly, but it had already opened-- unlocked from the outside. When Tenou entered without asking permission, Ashura immediately sprang from the bed, trailing only a half-concealing sheet, and ran to the Emporer-- then stopped short. "Te-- Tenou...?"
"Oh, Ashura!" Tenou reached for his sibling, picking up the silk bedding to wrap it around his twin even as he embraced the slight figure. "Ashura...! I am so sorry for today. I am so sorry...!"
"Brother, your eyes are all red! Have you been crying over me...?" Ashura reached to stroke the other's cheek tenderly.
Yasha stepped from the shadows of the sleeping chamber, clad in his brown robe. "Tentei." He bowed formally.
Tenou wrapped his arms tighter around Ashura and rested his chin on the other's head as he looked to Yasha. "And you. Yasha-ou... I must apologize. How can I even begin to make reparation to you for this terrible day? Please... Ask anything of me. If it is in my power, I will grant it."
Yasha's face was unreadable. "Then let us go back to our jungle. We will not bother you again."
"Yasha, no...!" Ashura turned to him.
Tenou looked at the floor. "That is one of the things I cannot grant, and you know it," he said quietly. "I told the people you were staying here as my guests."
"But not forever. I will change my request, and Ashura, you must understand that this is for everyone's good. I request that we be released from here after a period of time of Ashura's choosing."
"That, I can grant-- provided that it is truly Ashura's choosing."
Yasha nodded. "I thank you, Tentei."
Ashura looked from one to the other. "Do I have to choose right away?"
"No, Ashura," said Yasha kindly. "I know you love your brother and wish to spend time with him." He looked back to the Emporer. "You owe me nothing further, Tentei. You saved Ashura's life while proving our loyalty to you. The Council was publicly humiliated as they have not been since time began, and the most hypocritical of your Brahmanas have been exposed for what they are. Good strategy-- worthy of your father, and perhaps more humane..."
Tenou shut his eyes at that and drew Ashura against him once more. "I think I know what Ashura must mean to you," he said softly. "He has been here for only three days, but I already love him more than I have loved anyone in many years."
"Then you are as foolish as you are wise, Tenou-- as foolish as I." Yasha touched Ashura's bare shoulder lightly. "Behold the God of War," he said ironically.
"I love you too, Tenou," Ashura whispered.
"I am very glad you still do, Ashura. What I did was so cruel... but it was the only way out I could see. I knew that you and Yasha would be true to me."
Yasha said nothing at that, only remembering the look in Tenou's eye the moment he had made the decision to let Ashura live-- the moment Ashura had forgiven him. Best that Ashura not realize how close death had really come. The situation was even more complicated than he had imagined.
Tenou released Ashura suddenly and turned his sibling toward the bed with a pat on the back. "You must be exhausted, dear heart," he said. "Why don't you lie down now and let me and Yasha talk about the boring stuff." It was an order, and Ashura took it as such, trotting back after an affectionate look to climb into the huge bed and scramble under the covers. "I will be back soon, Ashura," Yasha said soothingly as he and Tenou stepped just outside the massive door and closed it firmly before turning to Tenou without pause. "There will be war in Zenmijou if you keep us here. No matter your strength, Tenou, you will not be able to stop it. Many will believe the sacrifice was staged. The Council--"
"I know my own Council. But I am Tentei!" Tenou's tone brooked no arguing. "My word is law. I respect the wishes of my people, but... it is better to have him here than running loose like a tiger in the forest." Tenou looked meaningfully at Yasha.
"Better...? I do not know. But I wish Ashura whatever happiness that is still possible in this life." Yasha's single eye was dark with past griefs. "And that does not include being the cause of still more death!" He sighed. "But ultimately that is between you and Ashura. To stay here is foolishness, to leave is wise. I have done what I can."
There was a moment's silence as each reflected on the other's words. Then Tenou said: "I understand also. I will go now and leave you to your rest."
Yasha bowed deeply. "Tentei... I do not doubt your strength. I do not doubt that you could put down any insurrection, even one staged by the Twelve. I said what I said for the protection of innocents. But I have one more thing to say.
"In a way you are as childish as your twin. I see the intentions you hide even from yourself. Your physical flaws--" Yasha pointed, and Tenou looked startled. "You are trying to prove your strength to yourself-- even at the expense of your people. Be aware of that!"
"You may see my faults, both surface and soul," Tenou replied at last. "But you do not see all, Yasha-ou. Not yet." And with that, the Emporer turned and left briskly, his robe whipping behind him.
Yasha re-entered the room and locked the door, then stretched out next to his companion. "Oh, Ashura..." he murmured. "We are being driven like leaves before a wind..."
"It does not matter," Ashura replied drowsily. "There is a resting place at last for every single leaf." The yellow eyes gazed at him for a moment. "I do not know what you and my brother were talking about... But I will trust my Yasha that I do not need to know."
Yasha smiled and said nothing, only reaching for Ashura as he settled down to sleep.