PG-13: For gore and possible cursing…
Author's note/disclaimer: I don't own 'the Battousai' or Shinta or Hiko or Kenshin, some guy who's really rich does ^_^. Oh and I'll be using 'reference pics' sometimes if there's a picture out there that just really fits the happening of the story, which I won't own any of them. Most will probably be animevisions.net but I may draw a couple for the story I may link in here. But I'll say if I drew them (and you'll know cause they won't look half as nice as those I link from places like animevisions.net. ^_^) Oh and sorry if this is a bit exocentric and crazy sounding, keep in mind this is a story sort of like a very confusing anime. And on a last and what I think is an important note, thank you very much Daughter of Magic, whom was kind enough to edit this chapter and saved me a lot of humiliation. So don't think I just don't have many typos in this story, it's not my doing.
Souls lost in a Starlight night
Introduction
"The first time I met her, it was on an assignment on a cold and lonely night, a night dark and crimson."
It was a chilly night in the mountainous territory of Minoska, in the only populated village left in the reign. It was not the cold that had driven most away though. It was the sight of much bloodshed that caused a mass migration to the shores of Ashumas, though they were hot and humid, almost tropic shores.
One such mountainous people could not tolerate. Though they were forced to travel there, leaving the homes their ancestors thrived in for so many ages. But those brave enough to stay, brave enough to fight for their homes so fair still yet lingered the blood washed grounds.
It was all result of a careless war between two areas of the Hoshi Valley. The great long valley stretching across the continent of Sunuscu. Two mountains, one at each end of the valley boarded Sunuscu. The land of tropics lay beyond them.
In the village of Kasuna, that same lonely village rested a great secret weapon on the side of star lands. Protected by a family of two.
Chapter one,
"The power lies in the eyes of a child"
The night was bright with starlight and torches in the village of Kasuna. It was a great night of celebration and glory as a great victory was won against the land of sun and Kasuna Village was to thank for it. For it was a village of great warriors and their families.
A celebration was held each month when the blue and red moons shown brightly in the sky, side by side anyway and today was that day. The reason for the celebration was once to await the reunion of the sun of sky and daughter of stars as the prophecy foretold of. Yet the people tired of waiting and now it was a simple celebration of life.
Everyone in town was excited, especially over the Anubi beast killed for the feast. An animal the size of a horse, head of a hyena, body of a hog and paws of a bear, it was a divine meal but nearly impossible to obtain making it a gourmet meal.
The town itself was a small village. Most streets were dirt and the houses poor in appearance. But in Center Square it was a completely different environment. The streets were paved marble and lit by many lamps. Many well-built, beautiful shops boarded the square selling anything from food to exotic star lamps and pets. It was a beautiful place to look upon as the star and moonlight shimmered down on the marble streets causing an undeniably beautiful appearance of blue light upon the streets. An almost glowing effect was shown.
But this story starts with only one of these families, with only one little girl. This family was trying to head out to the celebration, as the mother and father were already ready to go.
"Eiashian! Hurry up or we'll miss the feast dear! Did you hear me?!?" Lareana, the little girl known as Eiashian's mother called through the house and through the crack at the bottom of Eiashi's bedroom door. Lareana was a woman whose appearance was fair and innocent yet she could be quite adventurous if she liked, for that is how she stayed so lean. Her eyes were crystal blue and hair of snow; she was one of a kind in Kasuna. Eiashian heard this but was too busy clumsily revenging though her things, searching for one thing. A pair of very special crescent moon earrings, given to her by a dear friend. And tonight was her night to dance amongst the moonlight and stars so if she did not wear them it would be as if she was disvaluing their friendship.
Fearing she would not find them she ran about her room at top speed, turning everything in the room upside down and finally tripping over her light blue dress, wrapped in thin white silk, her long silver hair blanketing her. A few blue strands fell mockingly over her eyes as she grumbled miserably. Then her blue-purple eyes began to shine in tears, casting the effect of a glassy night sky as she was afraid she'd lost the gift yet as she did a small jewelry box fell over her head and though her hair, and coincidentally into her hands, popping open.
She grinned as the earrings now lay before her and as she looked up she saw Midnight, her cat, and the one responsible for finding the earrings. She then jumped up happily as she was now ready to go. Looking quickly around the room for the mirror, she caught a glimpse of someone walk by her open window yet without a second's thought decided it was a hallucination. She soon discovered the mirror against the wall facing the door, titled slightly sideways and a crack going through center of the glass.
She ran to it and gently picked it up, and walking wearily to her bed, placed it there upon the wrinkled sheets. It had been her favorite mirror, given to her as a small child as a family heirloom. Intricate patterns of stars boarded it, and closed in upon the glass as well. A crescent moon was set on the top boarder, in center. The designs were of blue steel, beautiful rare steel said never to rust and the glass made of star crystal. It was most beautiful in windows and mirrors and such, though it gave everything a blue tint.
"I'm sorry my ancestors…I suppose it is most unfortunate that this beautiful mirror was trusted in such clumsy hands…I have failed you…" she whispered.
Eiashian was a young child of six, yet her appearance could fool anyone's eyes. She looked only the age of 4 or less; her height very short compared to others her age and her skin pale and soft with youth. Her eyes glowed bright light purple and crystalline blue, giving them the appearance of polished gems. Her hair trailing her ankles, the sparkling silver outlined by scattered blue strands which, under the moonlight, was most beautiful.
Her beauty was unmatched in the small town of Kasuna, yet she was still an outcast. Her beauty intimidated the other girls so the only friends she had were boys…and older boys at that, though only the age of 10-12, befriended her planning on stealing her away when she was of older age. Though they talked to her and gave her gifts, often they could never understand her; no one could. She stood alone, a complete mystery to the world. Her appearance also did not match those of her parents, with the small exception of her eyes, which only slightly matched her mother's. And her sense of wisdom was much greater than those of the townsfolk, especially for her age. It seemed her heart belonged to the stars. They were also her passion…
She wished to know just what was out there. Often times she would stay alone, venturing through the forest day and night. So often that if needed, she could travel the area with great ease. But though this pleased her it worried her parents very much so. To wish isolation so often was not normal for a child her age, most begged for attention, yet she wished for none. Well, Eiashian ran out of her room and to her parents and called out gleefully,
"I'm ready now!" as her earrings swayed from side to side. Lareana and Sunoka beamed with pride as their young daughter looked stunning. Sunoka was of course her father whom was 6'0 with light brown hair with streaks of dark blue boarding the more natural brown. He was much tanner than the other members of the family as he worked in the fields everyday, all day happily.
The only exception was of when a battle was at stake. Then he and his wife would travel to it, leaving their daughter in the hands of an elder woman whom did not want to leave her home with the migration, nor did she have the strength to. Though little Eiashi did not stay there when they left. Instead she met and stayed with a friend in the woods, who would comfort and take care of her. This was the secret behind the constant visits to the woods and the earring as well.
He was much older than her though and would not tell him his age, name or home and she could tell mostly nothing about his features in the dark. She only knew that he was kind to her, and his voice was smooth and comforting, the voice of someone much older than she. Often times she tried to visit him in the daylight, yet he was never there in their secret meeting spot. He was a complete mystery. , Almost a spirit or a ghost, yet she was quite fond of him, a 'crush' as you would call it. And wearing the earrings she hoped with all of her heart she would see him once again. She did expect to see him…or at least she prayed upon that wish…
A segment from Eiashian's Journal
When they reached the square the blankets were already laid out upon it! Everyone stared impatiently at me as the ceremony was beginning. I hated and loved the ceremony. I loved it because it was very fun to see the many people try and dance for the spirits of the stars and expected them to arise for their mortal display. I didn't really believe it would ever work though, but I did also love to see so many people happy…not out fighting like always.
That was nice at least, but if you couldn't dance well, than the village looked down upon you and at six years of age you were forced to dance. That is what I hated about it. I had to dance that night. It was not that I couldn't dance either! Because I could really well but…I was nervous to dance in front of others…And what if my friend showed up to see me dance!?! It would be horrible; I'd look up and see him and immediately trip and make a fool out of myself. Then he'd think I were miserable, if he didn't already think that…."
Indeed many people's eyes were upon her, including one set of bright purple ones she did not, nor no one else in town expected to glance upon. They belonged to an assassin, one greatly feared and acknowledged…Though no one could give an accurate description of him, or a description at all from those who met his piercing golden gaze.
The stories that floated around him were of those who glanced upon his killings, and those very few called him the Master of Assassins, the manslayer, The Hitokiri Battousai.
He was said to be bloodthirsty, a vampire, or even a fiend or demon in human form. Said to be a deadly man with blood red hair and black empty eyes; that is until he became angry. Then they were either yellow, like a cat's eyes or a glowing golden. He was said to stand to be 12 feet tall and stronger than 10 well-build men that uses claws to shred them into slices of meat he uses to cook in a soup. But then again, that's only what they said.
Changing to Battousai's point of view
"As I watched the people carry on with their celebration, happily, hopefully as if tomorrow was a promise made to them by trustworthy friend. But in this world nothing is predictable and you should trust no one. I have no friends or allies and live by my own strength. These are my rules of life and I shall abide them. I must be sure to distance my acquaintances and myself so that they could never care for me, or they may be harmed. Just as everyone else I have encountered.
Few live to speak to me a decent thirty minutes. And from this I have decided I am a cursed man. Destined to live in solitude for the extent of my short life. I know I will die soon… I have nothing to live for with the exception of the hope of a better day and my family. A day with no war and dire cruelty, and so if I rid the world of these people labeled one such people hesitating the coming of peace one day it shall be peaceful; and children can again sleep not fearing being left orphans or even never waking.
Maybe then I will no longer be cursed. Or maybe I have cursed myself with such irony. Killing for peace…it is foolish yet I see no other way. I wish to be free of this prison I have locked myself in, for now I doubt my own path. Yet I cannot quite this job as an assassin, though some may allow it, I would never be accepted. I am no longer like these people in this town, happy and hopeful for peace. I have lost all hope and am losing myself.
Everyday I become more distant from my true self and every day become more cold and bitter. I fear soon I shall not stand myself and end my own life in spite of my own believes. These people so happy…their lives will be shattered soon. An attack is planed, and I am to personally assassinate a family of warriors in residence here…everyone here looks so ordinary, except that single little girl.
Her silver hair shining in light of a full moon, eyes glistening in starlight. Her beauty outmatches the other ordinary girls of this town. She looks as though she came from a much finer town than this, a city. But she is also very small, much smaller than most other children of the town. Though her dress is exquisite, fine lace and silk. Very fitting upon her. When she is older she will be a prize. But…she seems to be looking for something, someone…I wonder if she'll looking for a friend in the crowds as she steps up to the stage. I think I'll watch her dance…for she does seem interesting."
And indeed, he did watch her as she very gracefully swayed with the winds of the night, a blue aura illuminating her silhouette. The Battousai sighed to himself and thought,
"If only I could have just settled into a town like this one. It would have been nice to settle in a town like this with my wife and son and have a normal family, be around for my son. But…maybe it wasn't meant to be. Probably so, besides I probably would have made a very bad father anyways…" Then getting up where he laid upon the dewy grass upon a hill, overlooking the town, he walked down and in behind the town; now prepared to complete his assignment.
Yet meanwhile everyone was having a great time as Eiashian exited the stage with much unexpected applause. But deep inside she was confident in herself, knowing she had practiced months beforehand so that she wouldn't freeze in front of everyone. Her parents though, jubilant for their daughter's success, as was theirs as a child,(the dance) they were very taken aback by their daughter's performance. They knew she had few friends and were very concerned because they thought she would become nervous dancing amongst strangers practically.
Eiashian was very happy with herself as well. Especially since many people walked up to her, and gave her words of praise, though it was the elders. She was happy deep within herself though, and a comforting satisfying feeling settled into her heart. But just then, as she met her parents gleaming faces and they told her how a great job she did it happened.
" It was as though the scene froze. No one dared move; even the wind halted its swift breeze. And in the mist of this was fear, in the shape of a boy wearing a black cloak with hood over his head. I could barely see his hair but I knew it was white because of the slightly blue tint of the moon's light lay upon it. He turned and looked at me. Straight in the eyes, and suddenly I stood paralyzed. But when words reached his mouth and flowed out, I knew who it was. Though the cat-like eyes were piercing, they were still slightly warm and happy, and though the words were mere whispers. Carrying with them the mystery of the stars, and the chill of early spring's water, he said
"My friend, I have come to warn you though the warning seems to have come too late. Dear Eiashian, once empress of the stars" at this point his voice changed a bit as he yelled,
"The heavens shall fall down upon you and cry for the answers they can not find! A lost soul, without cause has lost his light and upon it lays the sky…" he then began to calm down again and speaking with normal tone continued,
"And that is why the heavens shall fall, in question of life and all shall burn and be scorched under the hard, cold rule of Sun. It's ruler too ambitious, shall seek out riches and glory and find disease and cold heartache that he will endure along with his people and yours." I was shocked, glued to my tiny spot next to my parents. I began to wonder if they could hear my friend as well, but then something happened that never cease to amaze or confuse. My friend seemed to fade then flash back into sight then before completely disappearing said,
"Save the soul of the demon…" I tried to reply, running forward to meet my friend, yet he was gone and everything had returned to its normal state. Including my falling down after running into someone, as I had attempted to meet him. The person looked down to me and then ran away, and just as I though it was a very strange action. I gazed around and to my great surprise saw a completely different scene than before my visitor's presence…"
It was pure chaos everywhere in sight. The once quaint village was in forest was set aflame, glowing like the fires of Hades themselves in the crystal eyes of Eiashian. Her mother grabbed her wrist and ran towards their house, her father right in front of them.
While running Eiashi realized why the town was in chaos, everyone was fighting…fighting to protect their homes and families as small children stood in their doorways, children younger than she holding their mother's hand. Shaking and scared, as their father fought to protect them, and being slaughtered because of it, the child watching it all as many tears began to flow from these people.
'It wasn't fair, it wasn't right', that's what she kept thinking. It was an ambush during a moment of low defenses, yet no one dreamed an attack of this measure would occur on this night, of any. No one was ready to fight; no one had time to take up weapons. It was purely a massacre as blood stained everything, soaking the ground and contaminating the water supply. Yet one thing no one would ever forget is that on that night it stained the hands of children as they drew the swords of their dead parents. Facing death, not fearing it.
Eiashian was already ready to cry at the sight and the deep fear of standing in the other children's place. Would she be brave enough to stand up to the murder that killed her parents? Or would she fall to her knees crying…? She wasn't sure…and that's what scared her. She wanted to be brave like the other children yet she wasn't sure if she could.
They finally reached their house on the outskirts of the city. Her father grasped the handle to the door and threw it open. They were home safe, nothing could happen then. She was sure of it. Eiashian felt so safe and happy until her father and mother took up their swords and for the first time laid a sword at her feet.
"Eiashian! You must listen to me! You must protect yourself at all cost! You don't understand right now, but I know you are meant for great things! My daughter you must live, for your country, for us. For we will not live if the rumors are true. The Battousai has an assignment to retrieve our heads, and will do so at any costs." She could only nod weakly in reply. Yet the words her mother told her did not register to her numb mind.
She felt everything go cold and numb; she felt the sting of the sword and as the cries of pain reached her mouth but no father. Yet the entire time her eyes were closed and she was hid carefully under many blankets on the floor in the living room. The only place her parents and she had time to run to. Her father had hid her there and said,
" No matter what Eiashian, keep your eyes closed and lay still here until someone comes for you. They will come soon, I promise my dear daughter." And she listened yet it did not save her the fact of knowing her parents died. She felt it when they were sliced. She felt the cold wash over their bodies as the hit the floor with a dull pounding noise. That is why she had thought her life had ended after all. Yet for her the struggle was not over.
And so, though forbidding her own deceased mother's word, she crawled out of the covers to face her death. The first thing she saw was someone standing in the shadows, long sword in hand. Then with the quickest of movements swung his sword, the blood now running down the left wall of the living room and turned to leave. As she was desperate for revenge, she picked up a rock nearby and thrust it at the back of his head since he was pretty low to the ground.
In fact it didn't look like the Battousai, sure as soon as he reached the door he did have dark red hair tied back into a low ponytail. But when he turned around as Eiashian hid, he stood in her doorframe and the moonlight casts upon him it revealed bright purple eyes. An almost crystal color, and actually he was sort of hansom it if weren't for his ghostly appearance. He looked to be only about 28 but his face was pale and he looked quite sickly.
Well, after standing there a few minutes in shock of the child's reaction the man collapsed. She thought he was dead but she still decided she would check on him after saying farewell to her parents. First she walked up to her mother, who was horrifically cut in half, covered in her own blood which she lay in. Eiashian did try to stand strong but she couldn't take it, as she began to weep beside her mother, collapsing into the pool of blood around her. But knowing she could not weep while she still had her father to bid farewell.
She approached his body, a huge gash straight though his heart, the blood still spilling from him yet his face was completely pale and cold as she barely touched her hand to it. He was definitely dead. She was definitely completely alone with some ill, unconscious assassin who was obviously overlooking his deathbed. And not being able to control her emotions, Eiashian began to weep.
But that's when her dad awoke, for one last brief moment and said,
"My daughter…I love you…but you must listen to me…save the one known as a demon…no one else can…………" then he faded away and in that moment she was truly alone. But then something else happened that she would never forget. The assassin woke up, as she sat and cried. He then weakly walked over to her, placed his hand on her and said softly,
"I'm sorry…I'm sorry I killed you're parents but if it makes you feel better I'm going to suffer a much worse death than that of your parents…"
She looked up to him, ready to give a bitter and hateful reply to his tryingly kind words yet when she met his eyes, a soft and glowing purple she couldn't. She could feel deep within this man was good and kindness, but he had never showed it. So why was he being kind to her now? It didn't make much sense, but what her father said must have been referring to this man, so she would comply with her father's last wish and 'save' this fiend by complying with his last wishes. Though, she was still determined to get him out of her house before he died there. She still did not want the man who murdered her parents dieing in their home.
"Sir, please come with me. I wish to go to the river but I can't all alone." She said. Her voice was small and a little mousy, yet still forcefully kind and innocent. The Battousai knew she had a bitter hate for him, no matter how much she tried to hide it, it now glowed in her eyes, almost the same as his when angered. But her eyes seemed a bright and dark eerie purple, with hints of dark blue when they burned with hatred.
Yet he nodded in compliance. It was the least he could do for this child. And besides she could carry out his will, if she had heart enough to do so. He followed her weakly as she lead him to the river, finally reaching its cool and dampened banks. It was even farther on the outskirts of town. Maybe he if he died here it would not seem such an insult to the child, so at this thought he allowed himself to collapse here and slowly shut his eyes.
Eiashian fell frantic at this sight. She was supposed to save him, not let him die… So taking up the shawl, she ran down the bank and into the river. It was bitterly cold water, yet she didn't care. If it were her father's last will to save this man, for whatever reason, it would be done. She ran up the bank, slipping in the thick mud, and spilling bits of water here and there before she reached the top again.
When she did, she ran over to him and yelled,
"Please sir! Open your mouth!" He could feel himself slipping into darkness yet he still complied. Moments later he felt the cold, thirst-quenching water reach his lips and slip into his mouth. It was bliss to a man who hadn't tasted such water in many days. He sighed lightly to himself, wishing no more kindness from this girl. His death was meant to be a horrible one; and he was meant to suffer it alone. Not with a little girl, who was fetching him water.
Eiashian repeated this twice more before throwing her shoes into the woods angrily and vowing to give up on this man who was doing no better after giving him the bit of water she had just retrieved. But just after the water slipped into his mouth this time he opened his eyes and spoke once more, the final time he would.
"Please, I know this would be hard for you and you have no reason to help me but, please find my wife and son and tell…" he paused again as he coughed, blood beginning to leak out of his mouth.
"Please tell…. them…I'm sorry…. and I love…. them………" Eiashi cringed at the site, more blood running from his mouth. She nodded to him, hoping he would leave the world in peace and began to walk away. But before walking even two minutes she heard the man say,
"Thank you…" she smiled lightly to herself, the man had used his last bit of strength to send thanks to her, and replied,
"You're welcome sir." And walked off satisfied that he had left this world in suffrage and on his own yet she had tried to save him, not completely failing her dad's last request. For a very long time she walked upon the path by the river, mourning her parents leave of this world, her tears small streams, flowing into a river of blood and sorrow when she heard someone yell,
"Leave us alone! Leave us be, I'm just going to see my husband who lives in the town just a mile from here! Please, we mean to harm!" It was a woman's voice, but who was she? Really though, the true question was why she was traveling to the village now destroyed. Of course she did not know this but no one ever visited villages or family members. All families lived together or very close by. Then only moments later she heard a gasp and the sound of some sort of weapon tearing though skin and organs. She must have been killed.
Just after she heard a man's voice, it was familiar. : A man from the village.
"She was a spy, for sure. What a foolish story…. oh and a child spy. Never seen one of those. Let's kill him too Jasper."
"A child? They're going to kill a child!?!" Eiashian thought, and without considering the consequences, picked up a few rocks and stored them in her shawl, then ran for the men, tossing rocks at them. The men where tall and gawky, obviously weak and not built for fights so she figured eventually they'd get tired of being stoned so at the time it sounded like a good plan.
"Hey! You brat! Get out of here or we'll kill you too!" one yelled, but she paid no mind, too busy thrusting rocks at their heads and in good aim as well. When she ran out of rocks from her shawl she started picking them up from the ground and throwing them at them. The men, not able to move without being hit, ran off the path and into the woods, yelling
"We'll come back for you two brats! And we'll return with guns too!" Eiashian just snickered at this, and began to throw another rock at them from a distance when she realized it was covered in a sticky, dark substance. A sticky, dark red sort of substance. Obviously blood. Immediately she dropped it and looked feet from where she stood. There lay the body of the woman she had heard, her head unattached from her body. She gasped and would have run away, if it weren't for a sobbing voice behind her. At first she couldn't understand the words, and wasn't sure if they were even words at all then it was clear.
"I…I could have dealt with those guys myself…you know. N…now I'll never get revenge for my mother's death…" the voice sobbed. She turned to the direction the voice was coming from yet didn't immediately she the person. But then she saw him. A boy about the same age as her, maybe a few years older was sitting on the edge of the bank, bloody hands, weeping. He had bright, almost orange hair, (you could tell even in the dark due to its bright color), and a dark shade of purple eyes. He seemed a fairly small boy, judging his voice he must have been at least seven in age and wore a Gi which was white with red boarding the rims of the sleeves and collar and plain very baggy type white pants.
Feeling tremendously bad for the boy, knowing what he was going though, she approached him. Yet within feet of him, he started throwing rocks at her, grumbling,
"Get…away…from me!" Taking a second glance at him, his eyes had changed. They were now an amber color. He was obviously furious, yet she didn't find this intimidating; instead she began to block the rocks taking the outlook of it being a game. When she finally got close enough to him to satisfy her, which mind you was directly in front of him, she called out,
"Hi! Listen…I'm really sorry about you're mom but I just lost my parents too…and maybe…I don't know…We could talk, and it would maybe make us feel a little better…cause I don't know about you but I'm really lonely…." She stated in a bashful manner though it was clear that she was not shy.
"I don't want to be friends…go away…I don't need friends…" At this though, Eiashian dropped to her knees and started to weep herself, all the while mumbling,
"I…I miss my mom and dad…. I want them back…n…now I'm…I'm all alone…and…and I can't even make one friend…. I'm so stupid…" The boy was quite shocked by this but did the only thing he knew to do. Stand, (he was right by her so he needed not to walk), and rub her back affectionately and said,
"Hey! You're not stupid…you did run those guys off (even if I could have handled them)…and, and you seem nice…I mean you did try to talk to me…. I guess…. what I mean to say is…" As he said this she looked up to him, gazing upon him and smiling lightly to himself, which when he noticed froze in his words. He could feel as his cheeks flushed then burned. In a bit of a dreamy voice, Eiashian stated,
"Continue…you're making me feel a ton better!" The boy was very shocked by this and told himself,
"This isn't supposed to happen! I'm not supposed to be nice to this little brat! I wish she'd go away…" trying to convenes himself how annoying she was. After all, what else could she be to an eight-year-old boy?
"Well, what I mean to say is. You're ok, but that's it. Besides I don't like girls so you should just forget being my friend." He replied, but as he did, the words were so stumbled upon that it was obvious he wasn't tell her the truth. Yet Eiashi only smiled again, picked up a rock and threw it without any force behind it, towards the boy's head. Immediately he blocked it and grew angry, and in doing so picked up a rock and threw it, yet also loosing no force as it slipped from his fingers before he could really throwing it. He cursed himself under his breath for it.
It did catch her by surprise though, yet with a bit of speed and luck blocked the rock as well. The boy expected her to cry again yet she just laughed and stated,
"You know, you really have to work on strengthening your arm. Your throw was really weak…" He now took his turn at staring at her. She was very tuff for a girl at very least said, different than any girl he's met for sure! She just smiled again and said,
"Wanna play hit and block? A friend of mine taught me and it's really fun!" he looked questioningly to her and she stated in an annoyed tone,
"Don't tell me you don't know what hit and block is!" at this the boy very shyly nodded yes. Eiashian rolled her eyes and stated in annoyance,
"You baka! Throwing a rock at someone and them blocking it! Then they do the same… man you sure aren't the brightest star in the sky…" He grumbled at the comment and replied flatly,
"I don't want to play with you…besides if I'm so stupid I probably couldn't learn…" then, without a moment's warning started to walk off towards the woods. Eiashian gasped under her voice and mentally slapped herself for saying such a thing.
"What were you thinking Eiashian!?!? That was so stupid…" she heard a voice echo in her head, and immediately she searched the area for her cat Midnight. It was solid black with midnight blue eyes, yellow rimming the pupils and was usually hard to notice at night yet not to her. But as she was searching for Midnight, she almost forgot about the boy and turned to speak to him when she saw him jump back from the tree line of the forest and yelp.
She signed thinking,
"And he's a wuss to boot…wow he's going to have so much luck with the ladies when he's older…I mean who could resist a little carrot topped, bony antisocial grouch. Yup, I can see it now. He'll marry a dog, name it Lorain and when it has puppies claim them as his…pitiful…But at least his eyes are really nice. I don't think I've seen more beautiful eyes for a guy at least…" as Midnight stepped out from the forest meowing.
The boy heard Eiashian giggle and immediately yelling,
"What!?! The thing barked at me!" she just shook her head and yelled back as the small black cat ran behind her in fear,
"It's not a thing! Leave Midnight alone! She thought you were here to hurt me is all…" She then turned to the cat, knelt down and let it jump into her arms, Eiashian then raised up, the cat comfortably sitting in her arms. He hung his head and stated in defeat,
"I'm sorry…" His voice was almost a whisper. He then walked over to her and petted the cat and whispered again,
"Sorry I called you a thing…" Eiashian couldn't help but smile warmly at him. It was the first time anyone every apologized to her cat, showed it respect yet not towards her. She sighed to herself as she stared at the shadowy ground as the boy walked over to the edge of the bank again.
"He may be sort of rude and unfriendly and stupid…not to mention ugly but still nice and…sort of cute in his own way. He sure does have pretty eyes at least…." She thought, but surprisingly her cat threw her out of thought as it spoke in clear dialect.
"Don't lie to yourself about how you feel! You know he's special, so go ask him his name you baka!" At this she dropped the cat and jumped back.
"I didn't know you could…talk!" she exclaimed. Midnight signed and stated in a feminine voice,
"Listen, everything happens for a reason Eiashian, just as you and I meeting. You and this boy met for a reason. He is special. Now get your butt over there and ask him his name!" The girl was very shocked but still complied thinking,
"Man…what a strange day…" as she walked over to the boy and knelt down to him saying,
"Um…Hey! My name's Eiashian, what's yours?" he looked up to her, innocence shining in his eyes as she replied,
"Shinta. Shinta Himura. Sorry for being so rude. It's just…it's not fair. Dad shouldn't have left mom to fight…she'd still be here if it wasn't for him." She couldn't help but wonder if he'd heard Midnight talk but didn't want to ask. He then stood up and took her hand from her side and spoke very softly.
"Let's make a truce to stay together no matter what. So that…if you or I are abandoned we still have each other to find and stay with." She smiled and thought to herself as she took his hand,
"So that's why he's so unfriendly…he doesn't want to be abandoned again like his father did…" And as they shook hands it sealed it, the truce that would change the lives of Eiashian Silver and Shinta Himura for the best and worst. They shook on the deal but just as the let go of each other's hand the men showed up again, and indeed carrying guns! Two blaster rifles, able to blow away a target in one shot were pointed in the children's faces. One was about 6'5 with short brown hair that seemed to drip of oil and sweat, the other about 6'2, his hair black and slicked back and skin as ghostly as the dead. The children could see them very well as before Eiashian hadn't gotten a good look at the mean men the time before.
Not fearing the men…much Eiashian called out,
"You're…you're not allowed to use rifles and things! It disturbs the stars!" The men gazed unblinkingly at the girl, and then burst out laughing. Even Shinta giggled a little, but stopped as soon as Eiashian turned and gave him a death glare.
"Hey, that is pretty funny though. I mean no one believes in that anymore." He whispered in a laugh. She in a very hurt voice replied.
"Well my parents taught me of the spirit of the stars and sun and how two children will one day be born with their soul. They said we should respect the elements…there's nothing funny about it." Right away he knew how she felt. His father taught him his philosophy of the illumination of evil and those apposing peace when he was very young. But if wishing to follow the path of those who illuminate those would have to remain isolated so their death would not make others suffer and he still believed it though he didn't wish to be left all alone.
"Sorry…" He whispered to her, as he did looking over to her. Tears were now streaming down her face as she whimpered to him,
"I don't want to die…not yet…" She was extremely scared and insecure now, fearful she'd lose her life and Shinta felt this as well through her. Feeling very sorry for her, he gently took her hand as she stood by him. Eiashian blushed at this gesture but did nothing more, much more entertained with the barrel of the rifle she was looking down, the other held in Shinta's face.
The man holding the gun in Shinta's face said,
"I'll shoot him first so his little girlfriend can watch, ok?" The second man nodded to this with a chuckle. Eiashian immediately panicked, if she didn't do something Shinta would die. Her second real friend, but something happened when the blaster bullet was shot. Eiashian slung up her hands, toward the man in front of Shinta as strange symbols appeared in front of her hands.
(1 Reference pic: ) (2 Reference pic: )
Suddenly, the bullet froze just between Shinta's eyes, turned around and sped at the man who shot it. It made impact with his chest and the man blew into millions of pieces, which flew everywhere.
Shinta watched in shock, and looking into her eyes saw that they were now a piercing bright purple. As she turned to the other man in front of her she said in a drifty voice,
"Do you dare challenge me as well?" The man let out a yelp, throwing the gun into the forest, then acted as though he was going to run from her, yet ran by Shinta, pulled out a dagger and yelled,
"I'll get you back, girl for killing my best friend!" then attempting to slit his throat as the man blindly swung the blade towards him. Yet lightning fast reflexes kicked in as he moved out of the way, swaying gracefully to the side. The man angry swerved back towards him but he jumped back, grabbed the closest object in reach for a weapon, a simple stick and held the best stance suitable for fighting in his mind.
The man laughed at the site and stated with a chuckle,
"Please boy…you're girlfriend can do better than that…and speaking of her. I'll make you a deal, get out of my way and let me slit her throat and you can go free. I know you want to live don't you?"
At this his eyes burned amber as he yelled back,
"You won't get past me alive! I'll make sure of that! Send me to my grave, I don't care! My family is already dead why not reunite me with them? Besides I would pay with my live to protect my new friend…I promised her I'd always be there for her as long as I could and I'll never back out of that!" The man was shaking with laughter of both humor and insanity as he said,
"You'll never live! Both of you will never live! You'll die, die!" He ran foolishly forward to try stabbing Shinta again yet he evaded the strike just in time as a single cut appeared upon his cheek and blood ran down upon his face.
Eiashian's eyes were still the same as she watched the scene unblinking, as though she was in a sort of trace. Nothing seemed to register to her until she saw the bright red blood, illuminated by the moons. It was all she could see, for everything around her was black. The blood infuriated her as she charged at the man causing the blood to spill. But as she ran it started to rain in this black abyss, rain of the same bright red blood. The blood of her parents, and Shinta's mother and the Battousai's, and last Shinta's as well.
As she ran, the rain became heavier, until she could see nothing but it. Her entire body was glowing the same purple of her eyes. She then swung her hands into position once again, yet suddenly she hit something and fell down. Finally the bloody rain faded away and her sight returned to her. She was no longer infuriated as before. As she looked up, Eiashian saw what caused her to fall. Shinta's arm, he had raised it up just before she could charge into the man, which would have caused her own death. She gazed up at him as a very strange feeling filled her heart.
It began to beat quickly and she began to feel very warm. Suddenly her cat, Midnight walked up to her and laid beside her, awaiting the outcome of this fight. She knew it could not be good. The man again charged at Shinta, then pulled out a small gun, shot his ankle, and caused him to fall as the man chuckled to himself once again. He was sure it was all over, and Eiashian knew nothing to do either for she knew not how to control her power.
The man was right over Shinta now, and a devilish smile spread across his face as he prepared to end the child's life. But just as he thrust the dagger down towards his chest, he fell in half. Blood sprayed everywhere just as the bloody rain when Eiashian's sight gave in. Both screamed at the sight and immediately searched the area for the creature that did this. It took no time or thought though to see where the creature was standing. For he was now standing over Shinta, and was of course human but at first seemed like some bear or something to the children. He was probably a good 6'3, wore a blue work-shirt and brown sort of dirty pants. Upon his back he wore a long white cape, red rimmed around it, and his hair raven black, which lay upon his back in a short ponytail.
"Really now boy, you didn't think just because you were protecting your girlfriend that you could kill a man so much older and taller than yourself. Especially since you only had a simple stick against his dagger." Shinta nodded fearfully, afraid this man would also try to assassinate them as spies. The man laughed and stated,
"Baka. The human will alone is not strong enough to protect those you love. Come, child of Kawakami Gensai. I taught your father and he was a great apprentice, hopefully you will be the same." He nodded slowly but as Eiashian got up said,
"Um…sir…I can't go with you. I can't leave my friend alone. I promised her I wouldn't ever do that." He sighed and said,
"That's what I thought. Won't leave your girlfriend behind huh?" At this they both blushed and Eiashian yelled out,
"I'm not his girlfriend, I never would be. We're friends and that's it!" the man once again sighed and said,
"Well I understand why you say that. This boy is quite scrawny isn't he…" he then paused and overlooked the scene and spoke once again.
"I see your mother has been assassinated…that's too bad. She was a good woman, she loved your father but she was unfortunately just as stubborn as well. Wouldn't listen to anyone and let him go about his business and fight. He was a fool to leave his family but she was a fool to follow. Still…I'm sorry it happened. I just wonder if your father is still living. From what I've heard probably not." For a moment Shinta stood in shock, then finally he spoke.
"You shouldn't show such ill respect towards my family! My mother was not a fool; she was trying to save my father. Save him from the false illusion of life he was caught up in! She…was…pure hearted." His eyes began to fill with tears in his words. Eiashian was nervous, she didn't know what to do for she wasn't used to being around people around her age and didn't know any way to comfort him but reflected upon how when she became upset he stood by her and rubbed her back to calm her. So with this thought in mind she cautiously walked over to him, placed one hand on his shoulder and the other she placed upon his back and very gently rubbed his back for him. Immediately he turned to her, but when he did she stopped and stared sheepishly at the ground. In a whisper he said,
"Thanks Eiashi…that made me feel better…would you…um…continue…" She blushed but nodded as the man replied.
"Yes, I suppose your right. I should honor the dead. I will help you bury her. " Shinta nodded as Eiashian still rubbed his back. He was trembling, but not in fear but in sadness. That's why she continued to comfort him, or try at least. All three walked over to the body of his mother yet Shinta said,
"I want to do this alone. Right here. My mother would have liked to have known she was buried by a river." Eiashian prepared to retaliate saying,
"But…You just can't Shinta! Not all alone with your ankle hurt and everything!" Shinta then got up and stated,
"Can stand…I'll be fine…" as he stood weakly. Eiashian began to beg to differ yet the man said,
"Don't. It is a burden he must carry alone." She nodded and he walked into the woods, Eiashian slowly following. He said one last thing before leaving, and that was,
"We'll be waiting just a mile from here. And my name is Hiko, but you will call me Master." Then turning to Eiashian said,
"Same to you." she nodded and followed in his shadow. They walked a short distance when Hiko asked,
"So how did you meet the son of Kawakami Gensai?" she jumped at bit at his words, not expecting to be spoken to by this man but quickly replied,
"Um…I don't know." At this Hiko stopped in his tracked and looked at Eiashian in disappointment.
"I haven't even begun your training and already you're failing in it. I'm not a fool or a baka, you can't fool me, or anyone else for that matter with that reply." Eiashian sighed and looked down at the ground and began the tale.
"Well, I lived in a nearby village with my parents but there was a raid there. Well really a massacre and I got lucky and escaped. My parents weren't as fortunate. I was walking aside the river when I heard Shinta's mother killed as they prepared to kill him as well'. Well I was really angry already and didn't want to let another kid get killed so I ran them off with rocks and then spotted Shinta and we…after a little bit decided to be friends." He nodded and said,
"That's better. So Shinta is his name? Too soft of a name for a great swordsman, I shall have to think of a more fitting one. So, how did you receive your power?" he asked as they began to walk though the forest, Eiashian again trailing shyly behind her Master.
"I…I don't know…" she stuttered. The only answer she received was,
"Oh…" It seemed Hiko had lost interest in conversation, or anything else but scanning the forest for that matter. After a few more minutes of walking into deeper and dark, and scarier areas of the wood Eiashian finally got the nerve to ask what she wanted to ask long ago.
"Um…H…I mean Master? May I go bury my parents? It is also a burden I must carry out as well…" She heard him sigh deeply then reply with,
"Go." At the word she turned around and flew through the wood and thicket. She knew exactly where she was going, as she blindly ran in the south direction. Finally she saw a faint blue light. It was the light of the blue moon! On the north side of the village the red moon glowed but upon the south side it shined blue. The side her home once was. When she reached the village much was destroyed and burned but her house remained for it was the farthest in the outskirts of the village so not disturbed. But instead of being happy to be home as she would once upon a time she was not.
With every step a heartbeat, with every breath a tear, for everything that once made the small little house home was gone. Destroyed with the swift slash of a sword. She hated that sword and that man, though in the end he was just a person wishing he could have been different. But she couldn't put to rest the rage towards him, though it tore at her already bleeding heart her small hands couldn't let slip her grasp of it. She though of everything that had happened that day, recapping everything as she summarized it inside of her head.
The last thing that ran though her head as she touched the cold steel knob of her front door and barely turned to so to open the door were those piercing purple eyes. She'd never see anyone's eyes look quite that deadly and bright yet at the same moment beautiful as well. As she thought back Shinta's eyes were very similar yet not as piercing as long as they weren't that horrible amber. It scared her but she didn't want to tell him so for fear of hurting his feelings.
Though she did pick on him constantly she still very much liked Shinta. He made her feel funny, almost not herself but she didn't understand why. She was completely uninformed of this feeling and so she didn't know what she should do. She was sure it wasn't a crush…or she at least though so for she told herself already that she didn't.
As soon as the door squeaked open her thoughts were washed away because of the sight before her. She had seen this scene before but somehow knowing she had time to cry, it brought many more tears to her eyes. Yet she fought the urge to drop to her knees and morn her parents' death once again for she was a very tough girl. The task took many hours, for she had to drag her parents' bodies out of the house and all the way behind it but she wouldn't let herself give in to the aches of her body and the drifting feeling of falling to sleep. She didn't give in until they were both buried, attempting to dig out their graves with a shovel much to heavy for herself.
"Grrr…Baka Eiashian! Pick up this stupid shovel and dig…you have to…you have to or ... or … or you'll disgrace you're family more!" she yelled loudly to herself. Finally she dropped the shovel to her side and started to dig with her hands…
Back at Shinta's mother's death place he had finally dug her grave as well as the murder's who died at Hiko's hands. In his eyes we are all the same in death and he had no right to pass judgment upon the men. He swiped away tears that soaked his face and stood weakly. He took a few steps towards the edge of the bank of the river as he planned to carefully walk down to the edge of the water and soak his bleeding hands in it. They were harshly blistered and it burned as dirt covered over the wounds. Yet when he reached the very edge of the bank he had not realized it was wet as his injured ankle gave way causing him to tumble into the water, muddy, soaked and freezing. His ankle hurt even worse now but he didn't care, he was just happy to dip his hands in the cool water. As he did the blood ran down the river, then he looked around him and much other blood flowed in this water. He gasped and thought,
"There has been a battle close by! Probably in the nearest village…but wait. That's where Eiashian is from!" he stood up as he was of course in the shallows of the icy river and shook the icy bit of the wind as it hit his damp skin and cloths. Then though as he gazed at the blood running swiftly with the water,
"She is stubborn. She will return to bury her parents as well yet she is still in danger…but why should I care…" he at first thought, then something ran though his mind.
He was all alone, mourning his mother's death when a strange little girl, younger than him ran into the men in a silky lace dress. She had a shawl, which was full of rocks that she threw at them, at very good aim. Finally they gave in and ran.
"She…saved me…" he though as he reflected upon the moment. Then he remembered as he yelled cruelly at her yet she didn't care. She felt pity for him though he had none for her, though he threw rocks at her and everything.
"She…cared about me…" he said to himself in a whisper. Then he remembered as he made that promise, the one saying he wouldn't abandon Eiashian and she wouldn't abandon him, which she didn't. She had saved him as he stared into death's cold, desolate eyes. It then brought back the memory of the cut he had received upon his face and though not noticed it began to bleed again.
"Damn…" he cursed himself,
"Why did I have to make that promise…why did she have to care?" He then yelled out loud.
Looking from the water to the sky and the stars shining brightly, the red moon glistening in the bloodstained water and upon his figure he thought with a smile.
"She may act tuff but deep inside I think she needs someone. Deep inside she needs a friend…" then beginning to walk weakly from the river towards the shore he whispered happily,
"She needs me! …Someone still needs me…." This brought him new strength as he charged to the bank and towards the village, though the woods. Soon he was outside her house though he didn't know it was hers and began to walk into town when he saw her.
She clawed at the ground as fast as she could manage, filling her small beautiful nails with dirt as they began to break off but she didn't care at all. Finally in a fury of tears she covered her face and cried loudly,
"I can't do this…I can't do this all alone…I…I failed!" Suddenly she felt the gentle touch of someone's hand upon her left shoulder. Thinking it was her mysterious friend she swerved around to find Shinta standing above her. Before she could speak he said softly,
"You haven't failed, you're tired is all. Let me help you." She immediately jumped up and yelled,
"No! I don't need you're help! I can do this alone." She then grabbed his hand, which again lay gently upon her shoulder and tried to jerk it off of her yet Shinta brought up his other hand and still gently removed her own hand.
"Listen to me, please. You asked me to be your friend and friends stand by each other and help each other no matter what. You need help Eiashian so for once in your life don't me tuff and stubborn and just admit you need me to help you." She shook her head as she began to cry again as she tried to say,
"N…no…I…I haven't failed yet…I…I'm fine…I just…I'm just…resting…" but as her stumbled words were breathed out her hands began to bleed, also blistered from the effort of trying to use the shovel. Shinta didn't know what to do for her but to say,
"Come, we'll go into you're house and get those hands of you're bandaged. She began to say no, but noticing Shinta's bleeding hands and the cut upon his face now bleeding said,
"Fine…but only if you let me tend to your wounds…" he looked amazed at her as she stormed into her house, he blindly following as he looked to his own hands and smiled.
"She really does care for me…" for he felt that the only reason she agreed to his proposition was for his own good.
Second Author's note: Well, to make this short and simple, Shinta and Hiko may be a little out of character but since this is a total AU they would probably act a bit different anyways. Eiashian, her parents and cat are my characters and yes Eiashian is based upon myself. Sorry if this is really complicated but kids are complicated, and Shinta and Eiashian are complicated anyways so of course they are going to be confusing as kids who don't quite understand what's going on and why ^_^. Oh and flames ARE encouraged since I know you're going to yell at me anyways ^_^, and besides we'll use those flames to fix lunch ^_^. But if no one reviews and says 'continue' or is some general way says that I'm not going to post the second chapter, and if I do it may take a little while because I'm a slow writer and let's face it people I have a life other than writing ( ^_^ ), so please be patient.