Epilogue
Okay, here's the epilogue just to tie up loose ends, and number of which have been pointed out in the reviews. So, here goes.
* * *
It was a still picture, a girl in a white kimono with a trailing red obi standing amidst the cliffs, framed against a red dyed sky streaked with pink and gold. A man clad in a black mantle stood frozen beside her, just watching. After the ordeal no words were needed. The peace and quiet spoke a thousand words.
Miyu eyed the landscape before her, a land bathed in red. She spotted the lonely village of Iktyo nestled amongst the mountains. Once it had been her goal to live there with her half-sister and to return and live a normal life was still an option but Miyu knew her heart just couldn't stay put. The Soul Forest lay a little further away, a black smudge in the land and with her keen eyesight she could even spy her home city.
"Larva?" she asked, turning to her companion.
"Do you ever wish to return to the city?"
Larva paused, thinking over his reply. The memory of Lemures and Spartoi passed through his mind. After two weeks had passed they would be dead. Larva tried to count the days and though he couldn't be accurate he was sure more than fourteen days had passed. His brothers were dead because of his failure. Larva felt a spasm of guilt wash over his body. He remembered when he had left his father's household, and the conversation he had had with his father, Pazusu.
*
"You're leaving?" Pazusu's voice sounded wrung with ill-disguised sorrow.
Larva stood across the room, half hidden in shadow. Spartoi and Lemures had bullied him into breaking the news to their father. "We feel it is time for us to go out into the world and make our fortunes," he mumbled. He hated explaining difficult things to Pazusu. Just the look his father gave him racked Larva's body with guilt.
"The world," Pazusu murmured, "Is a harsh place." He was about to say something on his mind when suddenly he decided it was best to change tack. "What is your destination?"
"We found a city where lots of job opportunities lie," Larva replied. "We wanted to become guards for Lord Yamano."
"Lord Yamano?" Pazusu's brow wrinkled as he tried to remember. Suddenly his face fell. "I know Yamano. His palace is positioned far from here."
"It is a long journey-" Larva began but he halted when his father slammed a fist down on the table.
"Why are you doing this, Larva?" he snapped.
"I-"
"We thought it was time to care for ourselves. We are grown men and we can't expect you to cater for us forever." Larva turned to see Lemures framed in the doorway. He'd obviously decided it was time to back his brother up. Pazusu glanced up sharply. "Is that wrong?" Lemures asked innocently. The tone in Lemures' voice always managed to calm the situation. Pazusu's expression softened slightly.
"Lemures," he said warily. "Let me finish my discussion with Larva then I will talk to you. And where is Spartoi?"
"Probably cowering somewhere waiting for the news to break," Lemures muttered but he'd already left. Pazusu smiled briefly before turning back to Larva.
"Larva, you are a grown man and I have no intention of holding you to this household. I am sure you have ambitions of your own. But you must promise me something."
"Yes, father?" Larva would do anything now that his father had agreed to let them go.
"As you are the eldest of you three, I want you to look after your brothers. Promise me?"
"Yes, father. I swear no harm shall come to them whilst I am near." Pazusu smiled and formally hugged Larva, the maximum affection he could show between father and son.
"And take care of yourself," he murmured.
*
Larva was glad for the mask that obscured his grievous face. He had broken his promise to his father. He now would never be able to face Pazusu again. The honourable thing to do would be to return to the city and pay respects to his brother's graves. The fact that he might get executed didn't bother him. He had divine blood within him and a fire goddess by his side.
"Larva?" Miyu noticed he hadn't spoken in a long time.
"I would like to return to the city," Larva suddenly replied. "To pay respects to my brothers."
"Your brothers?" Miyu asked. Larva then realised he had never mentioned them to Miyu.
"My adopted brothers, Lemures and Spartoi. We were good friends and all watchmen to your father, Lord Yamano. It was because Spartoi slacked off to talk to me you escaped. Spartoi was to be punished for your escape and Lemures made to watch him to make sure he didn't slack off. I however, was sent to retrieve you. I had two weeks and if I returned empty handed or just didn't return then my brothers would be executed. I trust they are now dead. I promised my father they would never come to any harm whilst I was near... and they died because of me." Larva realised his voice was shaking a little. Miyu's face was a picture of horror. She reached up to his mask and gently lifted it away, sliding her arms round his neck to gaze into his face.
"Larva, why did you never say?" she asked, shocked.
"When I was your hostage I couldn't say but as I grew to know you my mind was changed, my heart was changed and made a choice between you and my brothers. You prevailed."
"Larva..." Miyu whispered. She nestled her head against his chest. "We shall go to the city. I also have my reasons of wanting to go but yours takes priority."
Miyu remembered watching Satsu's body engulfed in flames as the smoke twisted away into the sky as though her soul were floating away. Satsu's sword, now the normal long sword it had once been was held firmly in her hands, wrapped in cloth. Miyu had clutched at Hibashira and she remembered how she had received the katana. Maria... Maria deserved to know her daughters fate. It would not be easy but she had to say. The other humans she wished to talk to was Chisato and her father. Chisato also had a right to know of her sister's passing and she just felt she needed to make her father understand.
Larva and Miyu stared into the horizon to the darkness that represented the city. They would journey back as soon as possible.
* * *
The city was crowded, the cobbled streets packed with people fighting their way towards shops and stalls. However, they mysteriously parted as a girl in a white kimono and a man clad in black wandered through the streets. Miyu glanced about. The place had a definite nostalgic feel to it but she could not make out the directions. Glancing quizzically at Larva she said, "I believe the Moonwhistle Inn is our first stop. However, I cannot make head or tail of this city. I do believe you know the way?" She smiled, knowing quite well when Larva had slipped off work for a quiet drink at the Inn.
Larva smiled at her grinning features and scanned the city walls. Usually he took alleyways because the main streets were too busy to move through but that was no longer a problem so the shortest cut was straight ahead on the right. They set off again, Miyu in the lead. Larva wondered whether Miyu was bothered that the guards would see her, but then again, no one in the street seemed able to focus on either of them so it was about as much a worry as getting caught in congestion. Soon, looming like a beacon over the crowds' head the swinging sign of the Moonwhistle Inn could be seen ahead. Miyu glided up to the door and opened it, Larva following her in.
Suddenly everything came into sharper focus and Larva realised the seedy men at the bar could see them. They stared at Miyu without paying much heed to Larva. Men in black cloaks often entered the bar but pretty kimono clad women were a rare sight.
One of the men nudged his friend and gave a fowl grin. There hadn't been any babes in the place ever since that Satsu girl went and she was never a flirter. Maybe they would get lucky with this little morsel.
"What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" the man grinned displaying his yellowed teeth to Miyu. "I'll show a place that is much more... fun." He laughed a reached out to take Miyu's wrist when Larva's own hand flew out and batted his prying fingers away.
"She can escort herself wherever she wishes to go," he snapped. The man grumbled some vulgar language and retreated to the bar to continue drowning his sorrows. Miyu gave Larva a warm smile and sauntered up to the bar. The men seemed to shift away from her and Larva couldn't tell whether they disliked her or whether she was just repelling them with her own brand of magic. Magic did seem thin here in the city. Larva could feel a clamp on his heart and his senses seemed dismally slow. The door banged open from the kitchens and Larva smiled at the sight of a familiar face.
Miyu also grinned as Maria tottered out of the kitchen and leant against the counter. Her face seemed strained from lack of energy and dark rings had formed under her eyes. "Any orders?" she murmured, not spotting Miyu. "Any of you bums want a top up? Any-" She paused and her lifeless eyes stared at Miyu.
"Miyu?" She glanced over Miyu's shoulder. "Ye gods! Larva!" She searched about for the third member of their group but failed to spot her. "Satsu?" she whispered and Miyu could tell Maria had already guessed the worst.
"I'm sorry," Miyu murmured, her own throat going tight as she slipped the sword over the counter. Maria's trembling fingers unwound the cloth and she had to hold her breath to stop herself from letting a small cry slip from her throat. She suddenly cleared her throat and looked up through tearless eyes.
"In a way, I knew. A mother can always feel it." She placed her hands over Miyu's. "But you must please tell me how this... this came to pass."
"I could only give vague details," Miyu murmured.
"I must know," Maria's grip grew tighter and Miyu understood she could no longer withhold the truth.
"Shall we go somewhere private?" she asked and Maria nodded, gesturing to the stairs. Miyu glanced once at Larva but although he had removed his mask, his features were stoic. He could feel her anxiety for she knew as she explained her story, there would be disbelieve, shock and tears.
Larva settled himself down at the bar. The man who had tried to grab Miyu leant over with a dark expression.
"You ain't from these parts," he said accusingly.
"I was," Larva replied, his eyes sparking. "I am a traveller." The man harrumphed at the bar. Larva smiled. Men from the city deeply disapproved of travellers, and some had a right to be. A great many of the mobile merchants were a shady lot but the real reason no one ever left the confines of the city was firstly because of thievery but mainly because of their fear of magic. Larva tried not to smirk as he wondered how the man would respond if he realised he had tried to abduct a goddess. There was one thing he needed to ask, however. "Have there been any executions of late?" he asked casually.
"Nah," the man growled taking a swig of beer. "Damned boring if ya ask me." Larva sat up. Then was there a possibility...? "Wait," the man paused. "There was one." Larva deflated. "But the two blokes got away. High-tailed it before their sentences were written, like they knew it was a-comin'. Stinkin' cowards." Larva however felt elated. If his brothers had escaped...
Suddenly the door opened and Miyu stepped out. She looked forlornly at Larva.
"Let's go, Larva," she whispered in a small voice. Larva placed an arm round her shoulders and led her from the bar. He did not need to ask where Maria was. Probably crying upstairs. The tale had obviously not gone well. Just before leaving Miyu drew her katana, Hibashiri and laid it on the bar. Larva placed a hand on hers.
"Miyu, that is unnecessary. It is your divine weapon."
"It was Maria's before mine," Miyu sniffed and Larva could feel her hand shaking. Larva closed her fingers around the hilt.
"Take it," he whispered. "It is yours. Maria having it will change nothing." He lifted the sword and sheathed it at Miyu's waist then they both exited the bar.
* * *
Miyu was quiet in the streets but she felt slightly better enveloped in Larva's arms. As they headed along an alleyway Larva said, "You should see your father and Chisato next."
"What about your brothers?" Miyu asked.
"I heard a rumour in the bar and I believe it may be possible they escaped." She looked up and forced a little smile.
"Larva, that's wonderful! I still think we should find them." She gave him a sincere look. "Though you didn't have much choice I believe you owe them an apology." Larva opened his mouth to complain but shut it again and nodded. Miyu suddenly clutched his hand. They were outside the palace gates. Memories flooded back as he saw the huge sandy stoned walls looming ahead of them. "Larva," Miyu said softly. "I can't do this alone. Please come with me." Larva made an affirmative noise in his throat. There was a faint humming around them and they both vanished.
* * *
The palace was as grand and intimidating as Miyu remembered, with arching ceilings and stone pillars. She steadied herself as she walked down a hallway she knew too well. Tapestries lined the walls, gold vases brimming with flowers dotted at regular intervals. Miyu suddenly stopped as she saw a girl dressed in maid uniform with fluffy red hair come skipping down the hallway. Chisato's cheerful disposition shone through as always. Miyu instantly became visible and called out to Chisato. The girl skidded to a halt and turned to see who had called. She saw Miyu and her mouth became a great 'O'.
"Miyu?" she hissed. "I thought... if you're here... but how?... You've changed."
"I have," Miyu agreed. "Is it that obvious?"
Chisato nodded vigorously. She glanced at Larva and her eyes widened still further. "I know you. I see you at the gate when I'm... cleaning." Miyu and Larva knew only to well that flocks of servant girls would often queue up to spy on Larva.
"Do you know where Lord Yamano is?" Larva asked, feeling that they would greatly need that information.
"The second tea room," Chisato grinned. "Miyu do you want to come see Hisae and Yukari?"
"Chisato," Miyu reached out and touched Chisato's shoulder. Her expression was grave. "I have bad news. It's your sister..."
"Satsu?" Chisato's lip trembled slightly. It was a running characteristic in the family to know when the worst had happened.
"I'm afraid...," Miyu held Chisato's hand. "I'm so sorry..."
"She's... gone, isn't she?" Chisato murmured. Unlike her mother, Chisato didn't cry. Her face stayed resolute, yet sorrow filled her eyes.
"You should go... comfort your mother," Miyu said, her hands still holding Chisato's. "Would you tell Hisae and the rest I came by?"
"Yes," Chisato whispered. She gave Miyu a small hug and the most strained of smiles, then hurried away down the corridor. Miyu was left, fists shaking.
"I hate this," she said in a low sharp voice. "This place reeks of confined misery." Larva placed his arms round her, pressing his cheek to hers. "Let us continue," Miyu whispered to his ear.
* * *
The tearoom was exactly the same as when Miyu had last seen it. The gold pillar, plants, embroideries, the long tables, it was still lodged firmly in her memory. Her father knelt at the far end, sipping tea. The vanishing of his daughter had not emotionally worried him. He'd always wanted a son and Miyu was so disobedient. It was the fact he had no heir to his estates or money income from selling her off and no one had been punished!
He sipped his tea with pursed lips, eyes closed. His eyesight was failing him so it was best to shut out the world. Soon he would die rich but with no one to inherit the business. His mind suddenly passed to Yui. Yes, her mother had been a pretty one, and yet nothing could live up to Miyu's mother, and Yui would hardly make a fine heir. She was meant to be living up some mountain somewhere.
Miyu's mother, Saiyuna had been everything he'd ever dreamed mixed into one. She was so gentle yet with a fierce passion. It broke his heart when she left, leaving a young baby girl in his care. Miyu had been a pretty child but she was contrary in the palace grounds and he heard she conversed with servants. She was good for nothing except to marry off to a rich family and produce an heir for his estates. Saiyuna had told to keep her safe, but Miyu had fled like a bird from a cage.
Lord Yamano was suddenly interrupted from his thoughts when a delicate hand touched his shoulder. On instinct he opened his eyes.
"What the-? How did you get in here?" He paused and though his eyes were weak there was no mistaking, "Miyu!"
"Father," Miyu said formally, bowing slightly. "I am here to properly say farewell before I leave again."
"What the? How did you get in here? Wait..." He stared hard at Larva. Larva met his gaze steadily, though his heart beat at sight of his former master that wanted his brothers dead. "You're Larva. The guard all the maids spied on." Larva tried not to roll his eyes at that phrase. "You're the guard who was sent to retrieve Miyu... and failed." His eyes wandered back to Miyu. "But you didn't fail?" He was confused. If Miyu had come here at her own will with Larva following her almost like a slave that meant... "Traitor," he growled.
"Father, if you badmouth Larva you will make me upset," Miyu said calmly though there was ice in her voice.
"You have no right to talk to me like that!" Yamano snapped. "What were you thinking? Running away before I could marry you off! Your mother had requested you stay here..." He faltered, having said too much. The less Miyu knew of her mother the better. That woman, enticing as she had been was tainted with magic.
"Saiyuna?" Miyu asked mildly, though curiosity broke through her voice. "What did she say?"
"You've met her?" Yamano choked disbelievingly. "But she vanished into the east!"
"I've been many places and met Mother in more than one," Miyu replied. "Now, what of Mother?"
Yamano sighed. This was getting too much for him to absorb. Miyu seemed different, haunting. Her gold eyes followed his every movement and the feeling in the air around her had the same mysterious feeling that followed Saiyuna. "When you were born your mother requested you stay in the palace. She wanted to protect you from the outside world, from..." He shuddered briefly as though the next word was an unpleasant taste in his mouth. "From magic."
Miyu paused for a moment to muse to herself. Had Saiyuna tried to protect it from her it all, deities and everything? If none of this had happened then Miyu would be married to Lord Ohnishi's son, Satsu would be alive and Larva living a normal life as a guard. No, it was bound to happen, fate. Fate could not be avoided. She stared resentfully down at her father.
"Father?" He looked up. Miyu stared at him levelly. "Why are humans so scared of it? Of magic?" To her surprise Lord Yamano smiled.
"Humans believe they are the centre of everything, so when something more powerful than themselves, or something they cannot even begin to comprehend they are naturally afraid. That is why your mother did not stay long. Everyone feared her." He looked away from Miyu, trying not to meet her eye. "And now I fear you." A sudden spark of determination rose within him suddenly. His daughter stood before him and though she bore a discomforting air about her, he was still her father. "Miyu," he snapped grabbing her wrist. "Now you have seen sense returned to the palace I suppose you will stay." To his shock he found Larva had lurch forwards and seized his own hand in an incredibly tight grip. And Larva's hand, his brought coldness to his heart at the sight of the pallid skin, the long red nails and risen black tendons.
"Release that hand," Larva snarled but Yamano did not need telling. He shrank back from Larva. "What demon are you?" he spat. "Daughter! You seek such company with goodness knows what evil? I demand you see sense. I am your father. I know what's best for you!"
He reached out for Miyu but she stood calmly out of reach and raised her hand. A thin flickering flame appeared in her palm and her delicate features rose into a smile.
"I seek company among demons," her smiled widened as though she was laughing at her own private joke, "Because I am one!"
"Guards!" cried Lord Yamano in a state of distress but with a burst of fire filling the room with an unearthly glow Miyu and Larva vanished in a great wisp of smoke. Lord Yamano was left shaking.
* * *
In the streets Miyu left out a small laugh. "Demon indeed, really. Humans!"
"Miyu, I do not fully see why you labelled yourself a demon," Larva commented. Miyu turned and her face was grinning openly.
"Father would hardly come searching for me if he knew his daughter and her companion were demons." Larva was silent but Miyu could tell he wished to say something.
"Larva? What is on your mind?"
"In truth I can see why you hated him, and the palace." Miyu smiled and hugged Larva's waist, thinking to herself. Did she hate her father? No, it was not hatred; just she felt she couldn't live near him. Miyu was suddenly jolted from her thoughts when she saw Larva sharply glance up. "Larva?"
"Hush," he pressed a finger to her lips. "Something lurks in the shadows." Miyu glanced about. She could not feel it. There were so many humans all her senses were in a rush and she couldn't narrow down the location. Larva, however distinctly recognised it.
Suddenly two figures flew from the opposite alleyway. They ignored Miyu and went straight for Larva, knocking him to the cemented ground. Larva's quick reflexes from the journey helped him roll on top of the assailants managing to pin one whilst the other booted him off and then rather unprofessionally sat on him. All the wind knocked from his body Larva stared up at the two figures. Both stared down in pure unadulterated resentment but Larva could feel happier to see them.
"Lemures? Spartoi?" he coughed as his two brothers bared their teeth.
"You," Lemures sucked in through his teeth, "Bastard!"
"Yeah," Spartoi shouted. "We nearly got toasted because of you." He tried to punch Larva's face but instinctively the older brother moved his head to the side as Spartoi's fist indented the ground.
"I deserve that punch," Larva panted, running out of oxygen from being sat on and swung his hand round to catch Lemures foot as it swung round trying to connect with his kidneys. "And that kick."
"Damn right!" Lemures growled nearly toppling over as Larva released his boot. "After all the trouble we've had we'll never be able to show our faces in this city again!" They glanced up and spotted Miyu who was frozen in shock. "And you caught her too but didn't return her!"
Spartoi stood up but brought the collar of Larva's cloak with him lifting the young man into the air. "You're bleeding useless, you know," he sighed and his tone had softened.
"Yeah," Lemures also sighed. "You deserve years of torment but we just can't do that to you. Besides, we've worked out what we're gonna do."
"What?" Larva choked as Spartoi put him down.
"We've been hiding in the alleyways of the city. Maria was a big help hiding us. But anyway, father gave us a telegram mentioning there were job vacancies on his estate. So we accepted, plus remember Carlua? Turns out she grew up to be one fine looking woman."
"That's my cousin," Larva said warningly as Lemures and Spartoi exchanged glances.
"Yeah, well, we're outta here!" Spartoi grinned. "But we weren't gonna leave without giving you a goodbye beating up."
"Thanks," Larva muttered. He turned to Miyu who was still frozen, half hidden in darkness. "Miyu, meet my brothers." Miyu came forward a few paces. Both Lemures and Spartoi raised their eyebrows. Larva took her hand and led her towards them. The beginnings of Miyu's fear ebbed away and she faced them defiantly.
"You look like a pretty harmless girl," Lemures acknowledged, bending closer to examine her. Miyu raised a hand and the fire sprang to life in her palm. Both Spartoi and Lemures leapt back.
"Then you shouldn't judge by first appearances," she replied twisting her hand into a fist, extinguishing the fire.
"That's one chilling girl you chose, Larva," Spartoi muttered. He glanced at the way Larva gripped Miyu's shoulder lovingly but firmly. Miyu noticed him make the same expression Quenta had made about her and Larva and her heart ached. Larva had also noticed it and his cheeks tinged a little.
"Shut up," he smiled jokingly. Spartoi nudged Lemures and they winked at each other.
"Well, we best be off," Lemures sighed, stretching his arms out before him. "Leave you two to it." They turned to leave.
"Spartoi, Lemures," Larva called to them but faltered for words. "I'm glad you're not dead," he settled for.
"So are we," Lemures rolled his eyes and they vanished into the alleyway.
Larva watched them retreat and lifted Miyu into his arms. She rested her face against his and sighed deep in her throat. Her fingers caressed his other cheek but in such a way it was to soothe, for no other reason.
"Larva, I feel so tired," she sighed pressing her face into the crook of his neck. Larva closed his eyes and let her relax. Miyu was contented, the gentle fragrance of Larva's presence was calming and she was lulled into a dreamy state. "For now our job is done it is the time for rest."
The world faded them, the landscape instead become red dotted with trees and floating misty orbs. Larva recognised the realm as the place he had come when Miyu had made him her follower. He was now perched in a tree as before. Leaning back he sighed, relaxing his weary bones. Miyu was now curled up on his chest, he hands clutching his robe. Her hand slipped into his and their fingers entwined.
"Now," she whispered, "I just want sleep. Let us stay just like this for a while."
And deep slumber claimed them as the world moved on...
@(( The End ((@
And so the story ends. That was just to wrap things up nicely. Now I'm off to mull over the Queen of Hearts, which I need to update!
Okay, here's the epilogue just to tie up loose ends, and number of which have been pointed out in the reviews. So, here goes.
* * *
It was a still picture, a girl in a white kimono with a trailing red obi standing amidst the cliffs, framed against a red dyed sky streaked with pink and gold. A man clad in a black mantle stood frozen beside her, just watching. After the ordeal no words were needed. The peace and quiet spoke a thousand words.
Miyu eyed the landscape before her, a land bathed in red. She spotted the lonely village of Iktyo nestled amongst the mountains. Once it had been her goal to live there with her half-sister and to return and live a normal life was still an option but Miyu knew her heart just couldn't stay put. The Soul Forest lay a little further away, a black smudge in the land and with her keen eyesight she could even spy her home city.
"Larva?" she asked, turning to her companion.
"Do you ever wish to return to the city?"
Larva paused, thinking over his reply. The memory of Lemures and Spartoi passed through his mind. After two weeks had passed they would be dead. Larva tried to count the days and though he couldn't be accurate he was sure more than fourteen days had passed. His brothers were dead because of his failure. Larva felt a spasm of guilt wash over his body. He remembered when he had left his father's household, and the conversation he had had with his father, Pazusu.
*
"You're leaving?" Pazusu's voice sounded wrung with ill-disguised sorrow.
Larva stood across the room, half hidden in shadow. Spartoi and Lemures had bullied him into breaking the news to their father. "We feel it is time for us to go out into the world and make our fortunes," he mumbled. He hated explaining difficult things to Pazusu. Just the look his father gave him racked Larva's body with guilt.
"The world," Pazusu murmured, "Is a harsh place." He was about to say something on his mind when suddenly he decided it was best to change tack. "What is your destination?"
"We found a city where lots of job opportunities lie," Larva replied. "We wanted to become guards for Lord Yamano."
"Lord Yamano?" Pazusu's brow wrinkled as he tried to remember. Suddenly his face fell. "I know Yamano. His palace is positioned far from here."
"It is a long journey-" Larva began but he halted when his father slammed a fist down on the table.
"Why are you doing this, Larva?" he snapped.
"I-"
"We thought it was time to care for ourselves. We are grown men and we can't expect you to cater for us forever." Larva turned to see Lemures framed in the doorway. He'd obviously decided it was time to back his brother up. Pazusu glanced up sharply. "Is that wrong?" Lemures asked innocently. The tone in Lemures' voice always managed to calm the situation. Pazusu's expression softened slightly.
"Lemures," he said warily. "Let me finish my discussion with Larva then I will talk to you. And where is Spartoi?"
"Probably cowering somewhere waiting for the news to break," Lemures muttered but he'd already left. Pazusu smiled briefly before turning back to Larva.
"Larva, you are a grown man and I have no intention of holding you to this household. I am sure you have ambitions of your own. But you must promise me something."
"Yes, father?" Larva would do anything now that his father had agreed to let them go.
"As you are the eldest of you three, I want you to look after your brothers. Promise me?"
"Yes, father. I swear no harm shall come to them whilst I am near." Pazusu smiled and formally hugged Larva, the maximum affection he could show between father and son.
"And take care of yourself," he murmured.
*
Larva was glad for the mask that obscured his grievous face. He had broken his promise to his father. He now would never be able to face Pazusu again. The honourable thing to do would be to return to the city and pay respects to his brother's graves. The fact that he might get executed didn't bother him. He had divine blood within him and a fire goddess by his side.
"Larva?" Miyu noticed he hadn't spoken in a long time.
"I would like to return to the city," Larva suddenly replied. "To pay respects to my brothers."
"Your brothers?" Miyu asked. Larva then realised he had never mentioned them to Miyu.
"My adopted brothers, Lemures and Spartoi. We were good friends and all watchmen to your father, Lord Yamano. It was because Spartoi slacked off to talk to me you escaped. Spartoi was to be punished for your escape and Lemures made to watch him to make sure he didn't slack off. I however, was sent to retrieve you. I had two weeks and if I returned empty handed or just didn't return then my brothers would be executed. I trust they are now dead. I promised my father they would never come to any harm whilst I was near... and they died because of me." Larva realised his voice was shaking a little. Miyu's face was a picture of horror. She reached up to his mask and gently lifted it away, sliding her arms round his neck to gaze into his face.
"Larva, why did you never say?" she asked, shocked.
"When I was your hostage I couldn't say but as I grew to know you my mind was changed, my heart was changed and made a choice between you and my brothers. You prevailed."
"Larva..." Miyu whispered. She nestled her head against his chest. "We shall go to the city. I also have my reasons of wanting to go but yours takes priority."
Miyu remembered watching Satsu's body engulfed in flames as the smoke twisted away into the sky as though her soul were floating away. Satsu's sword, now the normal long sword it had once been was held firmly in her hands, wrapped in cloth. Miyu had clutched at Hibashira and she remembered how she had received the katana. Maria... Maria deserved to know her daughters fate. It would not be easy but she had to say. The other humans she wished to talk to was Chisato and her father. Chisato also had a right to know of her sister's passing and she just felt she needed to make her father understand.
Larva and Miyu stared into the horizon to the darkness that represented the city. They would journey back as soon as possible.
* * *
The city was crowded, the cobbled streets packed with people fighting their way towards shops and stalls. However, they mysteriously parted as a girl in a white kimono and a man clad in black wandered through the streets. Miyu glanced about. The place had a definite nostalgic feel to it but she could not make out the directions. Glancing quizzically at Larva she said, "I believe the Moonwhistle Inn is our first stop. However, I cannot make head or tail of this city. I do believe you know the way?" She smiled, knowing quite well when Larva had slipped off work for a quiet drink at the Inn.
Larva smiled at her grinning features and scanned the city walls. Usually he took alleyways because the main streets were too busy to move through but that was no longer a problem so the shortest cut was straight ahead on the right. They set off again, Miyu in the lead. Larva wondered whether Miyu was bothered that the guards would see her, but then again, no one in the street seemed able to focus on either of them so it was about as much a worry as getting caught in congestion. Soon, looming like a beacon over the crowds' head the swinging sign of the Moonwhistle Inn could be seen ahead. Miyu glided up to the door and opened it, Larva following her in.
Suddenly everything came into sharper focus and Larva realised the seedy men at the bar could see them. They stared at Miyu without paying much heed to Larva. Men in black cloaks often entered the bar but pretty kimono clad women were a rare sight.
One of the men nudged his friend and gave a fowl grin. There hadn't been any babes in the place ever since that Satsu girl went and she was never a flirter. Maybe they would get lucky with this little morsel.
"What's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" the man grinned displaying his yellowed teeth to Miyu. "I'll show a place that is much more... fun." He laughed a reached out to take Miyu's wrist when Larva's own hand flew out and batted his prying fingers away.
"She can escort herself wherever she wishes to go," he snapped. The man grumbled some vulgar language and retreated to the bar to continue drowning his sorrows. Miyu gave Larva a warm smile and sauntered up to the bar. The men seemed to shift away from her and Larva couldn't tell whether they disliked her or whether she was just repelling them with her own brand of magic. Magic did seem thin here in the city. Larva could feel a clamp on his heart and his senses seemed dismally slow. The door banged open from the kitchens and Larva smiled at the sight of a familiar face.
Miyu also grinned as Maria tottered out of the kitchen and leant against the counter. Her face seemed strained from lack of energy and dark rings had formed under her eyes. "Any orders?" she murmured, not spotting Miyu. "Any of you bums want a top up? Any-" She paused and her lifeless eyes stared at Miyu.
"Miyu?" She glanced over Miyu's shoulder. "Ye gods! Larva!" She searched about for the third member of their group but failed to spot her. "Satsu?" she whispered and Miyu could tell Maria had already guessed the worst.
"I'm sorry," Miyu murmured, her own throat going tight as she slipped the sword over the counter. Maria's trembling fingers unwound the cloth and she had to hold her breath to stop herself from letting a small cry slip from her throat. She suddenly cleared her throat and looked up through tearless eyes.
"In a way, I knew. A mother can always feel it." She placed her hands over Miyu's. "But you must please tell me how this... this came to pass."
"I could only give vague details," Miyu murmured.
"I must know," Maria's grip grew tighter and Miyu understood she could no longer withhold the truth.
"Shall we go somewhere private?" she asked and Maria nodded, gesturing to the stairs. Miyu glanced once at Larva but although he had removed his mask, his features were stoic. He could feel her anxiety for she knew as she explained her story, there would be disbelieve, shock and tears.
Larva settled himself down at the bar. The man who had tried to grab Miyu leant over with a dark expression.
"You ain't from these parts," he said accusingly.
"I was," Larva replied, his eyes sparking. "I am a traveller." The man harrumphed at the bar. Larva smiled. Men from the city deeply disapproved of travellers, and some had a right to be. A great many of the mobile merchants were a shady lot but the real reason no one ever left the confines of the city was firstly because of thievery but mainly because of their fear of magic. Larva tried not to smirk as he wondered how the man would respond if he realised he had tried to abduct a goddess. There was one thing he needed to ask, however. "Have there been any executions of late?" he asked casually.
"Nah," the man growled taking a swig of beer. "Damned boring if ya ask me." Larva sat up. Then was there a possibility...? "Wait," the man paused. "There was one." Larva deflated. "But the two blokes got away. High-tailed it before their sentences were written, like they knew it was a-comin'. Stinkin' cowards." Larva however felt elated. If his brothers had escaped...
Suddenly the door opened and Miyu stepped out. She looked forlornly at Larva.
"Let's go, Larva," she whispered in a small voice. Larva placed an arm round her shoulders and led her from the bar. He did not need to ask where Maria was. Probably crying upstairs. The tale had obviously not gone well. Just before leaving Miyu drew her katana, Hibashiri and laid it on the bar. Larva placed a hand on hers.
"Miyu, that is unnecessary. It is your divine weapon."
"It was Maria's before mine," Miyu sniffed and Larva could feel her hand shaking. Larva closed her fingers around the hilt.
"Take it," he whispered. "It is yours. Maria having it will change nothing." He lifted the sword and sheathed it at Miyu's waist then they both exited the bar.
* * *
Miyu was quiet in the streets but she felt slightly better enveloped in Larva's arms. As they headed along an alleyway Larva said, "You should see your father and Chisato next."
"What about your brothers?" Miyu asked.
"I heard a rumour in the bar and I believe it may be possible they escaped." She looked up and forced a little smile.
"Larva, that's wonderful! I still think we should find them." She gave him a sincere look. "Though you didn't have much choice I believe you owe them an apology." Larva opened his mouth to complain but shut it again and nodded. Miyu suddenly clutched his hand. They were outside the palace gates. Memories flooded back as he saw the huge sandy stoned walls looming ahead of them. "Larva," Miyu said softly. "I can't do this alone. Please come with me." Larva made an affirmative noise in his throat. There was a faint humming around them and they both vanished.
* * *
The palace was as grand and intimidating as Miyu remembered, with arching ceilings and stone pillars. She steadied herself as she walked down a hallway she knew too well. Tapestries lined the walls, gold vases brimming with flowers dotted at regular intervals. Miyu suddenly stopped as she saw a girl dressed in maid uniform with fluffy red hair come skipping down the hallway. Chisato's cheerful disposition shone through as always. Miyu instantly became visible and called out to Chisato. The girl skidded to a halt and turned to see who had called. She saw Miyu and her mouth became a great 'O'.
"Miyu?" she hissed. "I thought... if you're here... but how?... You've changed."
"I have," Miyu agreed. "Is it that obvious?"
Chisato nodded vigorously. She glanced at Larva and her eyes widened still further. "I know you. I see you at the gate when I'm... cleaning." Miyu and Larva knew only to well that flocks of servant girls would often queue up to spy on Larva.
"Do you know where Lord Yamano is?" Larva asked, feeling that they would greatly need that information.
"The second tea room," Chisato grinned. "Miyu do you want to come see Hisae and Yukari?"
"Chisato," Miyu reached out and touched Chisato's shoulder. Her expression was grave. "I have bad news. It's your sister..."
"Satsu?" Chisato's lip trembled slightly. It was a running characteristic in the family to know when the worst had happened.
"I'm afraid...," Miyu held Chisato's hand. "I'm so sorry..."
"She's... gone, isn't she?" Chisato murmured. Unlike her mother, Chisato didn't cry. Her face stayed resolute, yet sorrow filled her eyes.
"You should go... comfort your mother," Miyu said, her hands still holding Chisato's. "Would you tell Hisae and the rest I came by?"
"Yes," Chisato whispered. She gave Miyu a small hug and the most strained of smiles, then hurried away down the corridor. Miyu was left, fists shaking.
"I hate this," she said in a low sharp voice. "This place reeks of confined misery." Larva placed his arms round her, pressing his cheek to hers. "Let us continue," Miyu whispered to his ear.
* * *
The tearoom was exactly the same as when Miyu had last seen it. The gold pillar, plants, embroideries, the long tables, it was still lodged firmly in her memory. Her father knelt at the far end, sipping tea. The vanishing of his daughter had not emotionally worried him. He'd always wanted a son and Miyu was so disobedient. It was the fact he had no heir to his estates or money income from selling her off and no one had been punished!
He sipped his tea with pursed lips, eyes closed. His eyesight was failing him so it was best to shut out the world. Soon he would die rich but with no one to inherit the business. His mind suddenly passed to Yui. Yes, her mother had been a pretty one, and yet nothing could live up to Miyu's mother, and Yui would hardly make a fine heir. She was meant to be living up some mountain somewhere.
Miyu's mother, Saiyuna had been everything he'd ever dreamed mixed into one. She was so gentle yet with a fierce passion. It broke his heart when she left, leaving a young baby girl in his care. Miyu had been a pretty child but she was contrary in the palace grounds and he heard she conversed with servants. She was good for nothing except to marry off to a rich family and produce an heir for his estates. Saiyuna had told to keep her safe, but Miyu had fled like a bird from a cage.
Lord Yamano was suddenly interrupted from his thoughts when a delicate hand touched his shoulder. On instinct he opened his eyes.
"What the-? How did you get in here?" He paused and though his eyes were weak there was no mistaking, "Miyu!"
"Father," Miyu said formally, bowing slightly. "I am here to properly say farewell before I leave again."
"What the? How did you get in here? Wait..." He stared hard at Larva. Larva met his gaze steadily, though his heart beat at sight of his former master that wanted his brothers dead. "You're Larva. The guard all the maids spied on." Larva tried not to roll his eyes at that phrase. "You're the guard who was sent to retrieve Miyu... and failed." His eyes wandered back to Miyu. "But you didn't fail?" He was confused. If Miyu had come here at her own will with Larva following her almost like a slave that meant... "Traitor," he growled.
"Father, if you badmouth Larva you will make me upset," Miyu said calmly though there was ice in her voice.
"You have no right to talk to me like that!" Yamano snapped. "What were you thinking? Running away before I could marry you off! Your mother had requested you stay here..." He faltered, having said too much. The less Miyu knew of her mother the better. That woman, enticing as she had been was tainted with magic.
"Saiyuna?" Miyu asked mildly, though curiosity broke through her voice. "What did she say?"
"You've met her?" Yamano choked disbelievingly. "But she vanished into the east!"
"I've been many places and met Mother in more than one," Miyu replied. "Now, what of Mother?"
Yamano sighed. This was getting too much for him to absorb. Miyu seemed different, haunting. Her gold eyes followed his every movement and the feeling in the air around her had the same mysterious feeling that followed Saiyuna. "When you were born your mother requested you stay in the palace. She wanted to protect you from the outside world, from..." He shuddered briefly as though the next word was an unpleasant taste in his mouth. "From magic."
Miyu paused for a moment to muse to herself. Had Saiyuna tried to protect it from her it all, deities and everything? If none of this had happened then Miyu would be married to Lord Ohnishi's son, Satsu would be alive and Larva living a normal life as a guard. No, it was bound to happen, fate. Fate could not be avoided. She stared resentfully down at her father.
"Father?" He looked up. Miyu stared at him levelly. "Why are humans so scared of it? Of magic?" To her surprise Lord Yamano smiled.
"Humans believe they are the centre of everything, so when something more powerful than themselves, or something they cannot even begin to comprehend they are naturally afraid. That is why your mother did not stay long. Everyone feared her." He looked away from Miyu, trying not to meet her eye. "And now I fear you." A sudden spark of determination rose within him suddenly. His daughter stood before him and though she bore a discomforting air about her, he was still her father. "Miyu," he snapped grabbing her wrist. "Now you have seen sense returned to the palace I suppose you will stay." To his shock he found Larva had lurch forwards and seized his own hand in an incredibly tight grip. And Larva's hand, his brought coldness to his heart at the sight of the pallid skin, the long red nails and risen black tendons.
"Release that hand," Larva snarled but Yamano did not need telling. He shrank back from Larva. "What demon are you?" he spat. "Daughter! You seek such company with goodness knows what evil? I demand you see sense. I am your father. I know what's best for you!"
He reached out for Miyu but she stood calmly out of reach and raised her hand. A thin flickering flame appeared in her palm and her delicate features rose into a smile.
"I seek company among demons," her smiled widened as though she was laughing at her own private joke, "Because I am one!"
"Guards!" cried Lord Yamano in a state of distress but with a burst of fire filling the room with an unearthly glow Miyu and Larva vanished in a great wisp of smoke. Lord Yamano was left shaking.
* * *
In the streets Miyu left out a small laugh. "Demon indeed, really. Humans!"
"Miyu, I do not fully see why you labelled yourself a demon," Larva commented. Miyu turned and her face was grinning openly.
"Father would hardly come searching for me if he knew his daughter and her companion were demons." Larva was silent but Miyu could tell he wished to say something.
"Larva? What is on your mind?"
"In truth I can see why you hated him, and the palace." Miyu smiled and hugged Larva's waist, thinking to herself. Did she hate her father? No, it was not hatred; just she felt she couldn't live near him. Miyu was suddenly jolted from her thoughts when she saw Larva sharply glance up. "Larva?"
"Hush," he pressed a finger to her lips. "Something lurks in the shadows." Miyu glanced about. She could not feel it. There were so many humans all her senses were in a rush and she couldn't narrow down the location. Larva, however distinctly recognised it.
Suddenly two figures flew from the opposite alleyway. They ignored Miyu and went straight for Larva, knocking him to the cemented ground. Larva's quick reflexes from the journey helped him roll on top of the assailants managing to pin one whilst the other booted him off and then rather unprofessionally sat on him. All the wind knocked from his body Larva stared up at the two figures. Both stared down in pure unadulterated resentment but Larva could feel happier to see them.
"Lemures? Spartoi?" he coughed as his two brothers bared their teeth.
"You," Lemures sucked in through his teeth, "Bastard!"
"Yeah," Spartoi shouted. "We nearly got toasted because of you." He tried to punch Larva's face but instinctively the older brother moved his head to the side as Spartoi's fist indented the ground.
"I deserve that punch," Larva panted, running out of oxygen from being sat on and swung his hand round to catch Lemures foot as it swung round trying to connect with his kidneys. "And that kick."
"Damn right!" Lemures growled nearly toppling over as Larva released his boot. "After all the trouble we've had we'll never be able to show our faces in this city again!" They glanced up and spotted Miyu who was frozen in shock. "And you caught her too but didn't return her!"
Spartoi stood up but brought the collar of Larva's cloak with him lifting the young man into the air. "You're bleeding useless, you know," he sighed and his tone had softened.
"Yeah," Lemures also sighed. "You deserve years of torment but we just can't do that to you. Besides, we've worked out what we're gonna do."
"What?" Larva choked as Spartoi put him down.
"We've been hiding in the alleyways of the city. Maria was a big help hiding us. But anyway, father gave us a telegram mentioning there were job vacancies on his estate. So we accepted, plus remember Carlua? Turns out she grew up to be one fine looking woman."
"That's my cousin," Larva said warningly as Lemures and Spartoi exchanged glances.
"Yeah, well, we're outta here!" Spartoi grinned. "But we weren't gonna leave without giving you a goodbye beating up."
"Thanks," Larva muttered. He turned to Miyu who was still frozen, half hidden in darkness. "Miyu, meet my brothers." Miyu came forward a few paces. Both Lemures and Spartoi raised their eyebrows. Larva took her hand and led her towards them. The beginnings of Miyu's fear ebbed away and she faced them defiantly.
"You look like a pretty harmless girl," Lemures acknowledged, bending closer to examine her. Miyu raised a hand and the fire sprang to life in her palm. Both Spartoi and Lemures leapt back.
"Then you shouldn't judge by first appearances," she replied twisting her hand into a fist, extinguishing the fire.
"That's one chilling girl you chose, Larva," Spartoi muttered. He glanced at the way Larva gripped Miyu's shoulder lovingly but firmly. Miyu noticed him make the same expression Quenta had made about her and Larva and her heart ached. Larva had also noticed it and his cheeks tinged a little.
"Shut up," he smiled jokingly. Spartoi nudged Lemures and they winked at each other.
"Well, we best be off," Lemures sighed, stretching his arms out before him. "Leave you two to it." They turned to leave.
"Spartoi, Lemures," Larva called to them but faltered for words. "I'm glad you're not dead," he settled for.
"So are we," Lemures rolled his eyes and they vanished into the alleyway.
Larva watched them retreat and lifted Miyu into his arms. She rested her face against his and sighed deep in her throat. Her fingers caressed his other cheek but in such a way it was to soothe, for no other reason.
"Larva, I feel so tired," she sighed pressing her face into the crook of his neck. Larva closed his eyes and let her relax. Miyu was contented, the gentle fragrance of Larva's presence was calming and she was lulled into a dreamy state. "For now our job is done it is the time for rest."
The world faded them, the landscape instead become red dotted with trees and floating misty orbs. Larva recognised the realm as the place he had come when Miyu had made him her follower. He was now perched in a tree as before. Leaning back he sighed, relaxing his weary bones. Miyu was now curled up on his chest, he hands clutching his robe. Her hand slipped into his and their fingers entwined.
"Now," she whispered, "I just want sleep. Let us stay just like this for a while."
And deep slumber claimed them as the world moved on...
@(( The End ((@
And so the story ends. That was just to wrap things up nicely. Now I'm off to mull over the Queen of Hearts, which I need to update!