Disclaimer: Clamp owns WISH. I own Ameijusto and Suishou. Please. No stealing. That's all.
A WISH Fanfiction
HEAVEN AND HELL
(Chapter Eleven: The Offering)
The bright morning sun filtered through the windows, filling the room where Ameijusto slept with brilliant lamination. If she were not already awake this certainly would have caused her to open her eyes. As it is, Ameijusto was indeed awake and feeling uneasy. There was tight feeling in her chest which made her anxious and scared. 'What is this! This feeling. I don't understand.' She thought that such feelings would have subsided after she's left Heaven to be with Kouryuu, but now they've returned suddenly. No, that wasn't entirely true. To be honest, the anxiety and doubt has been slowly creeping upon her, stealing away her quiet moments and overcoming them with uncertainty.
Her breathing became erratic, as if there wasn't enough air around to fill her lungs. She began to panic, doubling over in bed, clutching her chest and gasping for air. She didn't know what to do, let alone how to remedy the situation. Never before had she has such problems before, and it scared her. Angels simple aren't prone to the same diseases that humans were; they were immortal beings, created at the beginning and meant to usher in the end of the all days. 'Someone. Anyone! Help me!', she pleaded mentally staring unblinking at the door. Then just as she thought she couldn't hold on any longer, the pressure was gone and she could breathe easy again. It was gone as if it never happened.
For moments after the attack, she just lay in bed, exhausted and trembling. 'What's wrong with me?' She didn't have much time to think about it, seconds later a light knock tapped on her door. She only had enough time to compose herself before she was greeted happily by Kouryuu.
"Are you awake?" He poked his head into the room. "Good then" He beamed at her. She already knew what he'd come to ask so early in the morning.
"Before you even ask Kouryuu, I don't know what I want to do today." He laughed in response, obviously entertained that his mind had been read.
"Was I that obvious?" He sat next to her, planting a gentle kiss on her lips. She accepted his nearness readily. She wouldn't let him withdraw. Instead she cradled her head neatly between his neck and shoulder. The light-hearted nature that had been in the air before was gone and replaced with concern. "What's wrong?" He tried to comfort her, rubbing her back up and down. He had no idea what was going on. "If there is something wrong, please tell me."
She just shook her head. Ameijusto knew that if she said anything it would only worry him. Concern was not something she needed. Not that her actions now, were making the situation any better. Besides, even if she did tell him what would she say? She didn't even understand what happened only minutes before. There was no way that she could explain feelings she didn't understand. She was weak in those respects, so she drew strength from Kouryuu. He was her only steady and reliable source. She needed that now and silently thanked him for it.
"Kouryuu..", whispered. "I'll be okay. Go on to breakfast. I'll be with you soon." He hesitated for a moment then gave into her wishes, looking back suspiciously before leaving the room. Kouryuu couldn't help but replay the last few minutes in his head as he walked the labyrinth of hallways on this way to breakfast. He'd been there submerged in thought when Ameijusto joined him and the other members of the house.
"Good morning, everyone." Hisui greeted everyone at the breakfast table with his usual enthusiasm. He then set about placing today's meal on the table, with a little assistance from Ameijusto. She was desperately trying to prove to Kouryuu everything was as it should be with her.
"Shall we begin?"
"Itadakimasu" Unison rang out as everyone began to dig into their meals, all except Ameijusto who sipped casually from her cup of milk.
She was getting used to the idea of animal consumption. It still repulsed her, but she found if she focused on something else, the sight of it didn't make her sick to her stomach. It was definitely an accomplishment from yesterday. Without her knowledge, she caught herself reflecting upon Hisui and Kokuyo. Nothing eventful happened during breakfast thus far to gain her attention; it was merely a feeling she got from them.
Behind very little exchange they shared there always seemed to be something more. Something that Kouryuu and she were not meant to understand or take notice of. 'They must be very much in love.' That was it. How could she be so stupid not to see it before! The two were very much head over heels in love and it showed even in the simplest of looks and touches. 'Look at us. Each one of us at this table since the Great Fall should be mortal enemies, locked in deadly battle. But that's not the case here. All here are tied up into something much more profound and worthwhile than that. Love binds us together as friends, and lovers despite our different origins.' Ameijusto stopped her inner monologue for a moment before continuing, 'I suppose that means that our two species aren't that different in the matters which are really important…I wonder if given the same amount of time Kouryuu and I would become as close as they are; as much in love as they are.'
Yes, focusing on something other than eating worked wonders. In a flash, breakfast was over and the plates were already cleared by the time she looked up from the milky depths of her cup. Somehow she forgot to give any further consideration to today's activities. She looked at him guiltily. It was only a matter of time before he would ask her and again she would have no answer for him.
Kouryuu looked up and blinked, a soft smile toying with his lips. "You haven't decided." Now he was reading her mind.
She pouted. "It's just that I don't know that much about Earth or how to get around here." She looked at him with puppy-dog eyes. If she looked at him long enough and with a certain look she knew that he'd give in. He'd forgive her. Sure enough, after a short staring contest Kouryuu looked down briefly his face softening as he did so. It was absolutely adorable.
He sighed before meeting her eyes. "Okay you are excused, but just this once. However, that still doesn't resolve our problem." He stretched himself out on the tatami floor. Ameijusto could no longer see his face. He remained that way for a few minutes, apparently thinking the situation over. This should have been a simple matter. He need only choose a place or an area of interest that they could investigate together. It shouldn't be that hard really?
Kouryuu sat up abruptly. "Have you thought of something?" Ameijusto asked innocently.
He simple looked at her. "Yep. I'll meet you out front in 20 minutes" He was already on his feet and heading towards that door.
"Wait, aren't you going to tell me where were going?"
From beyond the door a faint "secret" was the only response she heard.
Just as Kouryuu directed, Ameijusto was waiting around the front door of the house but well within the garden walls which surrounded the house. She'd adopted her human appearance since she figured they'd be leaving soon.
The door closed shut with a gentle slam and Kouryuu walked out. He too was prepared for yet another day in the presence of humans. He looked at her with scrutiny, circling her as if he were a vulture targeting his next meal. Ameijusto looked puzzled until he finally spoke.
"You look great. I was just making sure that everything was in order. We can't have another accident like we did yesterday." He raised his eyebrows at her, to which Ameijusto responded by blushing. She instantly recalled yesterday's little mini-disaster. Somehow without either of them realizing it Ameijusto managed to forget to dissolve her wings before going out and about the town. It only took a few minutes on a crowded city street for everyone around her to take notice. A small group, which escalated into enormous crowd, encircled them on the street. Each and every one of this pondering, out loud, what was up with the wings? What were they attached to? Why are they glowing? What kind of cosplay was it? Some of the more outrageous claims that came from the humans, "Is she an alien?" During all this Ameijusto could do little but panic and rightly so. All her modes of escape were blocked, and somehow she became separated from Kouryuu. He was once by her side but now was lost somewhere in the crowded. Just as she was about to fly to safety, Kouryuu pushed his way through the crowd, grabbed her hand and processed to force their exit from the group.
"I am sorry about yesterday. You didn't notice it either, though." She sounded like a child protesting in vain to a parent. "It's not going to happen again. You've already inspected me."
"I suppose your right. I'll can't keep blaming you…" She could tell that he wasn't serious. There was a little twinkle in his eyes, which was her clue into his mind every time. She took his hand which has been shoved in his pockets.
"Shall we go?" He smiled and nodded.
At some point during their mock argument Hisui and Kokuyo slide the door open, watching their interaction. Kouryuu and Ameijusto walked towards the gate hand in hand, turning once to wave good-bye, before slipping out to the world beyond.
Hisui and Kokuyo watched them off with a smile and a nod of approval. The house was now empty of all their additional company. They would find someway to entertain themselves until the two returned.
Hours later, Kouryuu and Ameijusto were still simply lurking about miscellaneous parts of the city. Kouryuu seemed to have no destination in mind after all. They wandered aimlessly from place to place, lingering only as long as the scenery remained interesting.
Next, Kouryuu led them down a series of small winding residential streets Ameijusto wondered whether or not they were lost.
"Kouryuu." She looked around carefully. "Are you sure you know where you going? Maybe we should ask for directions, is your not sure."
Kouryuu dismissed her concerns. "It's alright. I know exactly where I am going." He continued to lead the way through the streets with a sort of arrogant confidence.
When Ameijusto could see no end of the quiet streets they were walking down she began her protest again. "Uh, Kouryuu?" Its not that these rather secluded bothered her, in fact, it was a welcome and pleasant change from the non-stop bustle that major avenues. Those streets were teeming with Japanese going about their daily business, there were times when all that could be seen was a sea of bobbing black heads (1).
"Don't worry so much. We're here."
Where here was Ameijusto couldn't be sure! They were still on residential streets. She looked around, still attached to Kouryuu's arm, forcing him to turn with her. "I still don't see…" She cut her complaint short, just as she completed her 360 degree circle and came up staring up at seemingly endless flights of stairs. It was an impressive and at the same time daunting task. There must have been at least 300 stone steps leading up to the red torii (2).
Now there was a certain amount of excitement in the air; a kind an anticipation that comes with discovering the unknown and unfamiliar. No matter how many flights they conquered on their way up, there always seemed to the innumerable more ahead. The only indication that their journey to the top was nearing its completion was the torii. Before it was a small in proportion to the stairs however now it was massive, its towering heights oppressive and scary. And yet, Ameijusto and Kouryuu did not tire. They continued to climb flight after flight; lured as if by some unvoiced song whistling from the zenith of height itself.
At length they reached the top and there they were met a beautiful site. There were a series of gates and vibrantly painted buildings all of which was surrounded quite extensively by lake and numerous gardens. Ameijusto looked around in complete and utter wonder. It was like nothing she has ever seen before. Her excitement began to mount anew. Kouryuu for his part seems to be less impressed, but when he looked at her face giddy with joy, he couldn't help but to be drawn into the magical aura as well.
"Kouryuu, what kind of place is this?"
He didn't want to ruin this experience for her. How often would the same thrill steal her attention? "Why don't we look around and find out?"
She frowned ever so slightly at him. Of course, he knew more than he was telling, but his smile smoothed everything over. In some small way, she could understand his motives.
"Alright." She took his arm again, somehow she glided away from him on the way up, but they walked in together, dangerously close together.
The shrine's multiple builds were connected by a number of stone, and gravel walkways, all of which they took the time to investigate. However, the most interesting part of their find, would come when they visited the main hall; the largest building on the site. Here, for the first time since arriving, they encountered other visitors, casually walking the grounds just as they were. Several stood in silence with their hands folded.
"Kouryuu, what kind of place is this?" Ameijusto looked at him questionably.
"It's a shrine- one of many places of worship for the people of this country."
Now it was all beginning to make some sense to her. There was a reason why he chose to come to take her to place. "I see." She looked back as the praying people again.
"Do these people believe in God?"
Kouryuu rounded his eyes in thought, "Hm. In a manner of speaking, I suppose that they do."
"In a manner of speaking…? What does that mean?"
"People of Earth have many forms of religion and so have many forms of God."
They lingered for a moment longer around the main building, before finding an empty bench to continue their conversation. Ameijusto gave careful consideration to Kouryuu's words. She knew that such a thing was true, but she was in a unique situation. She was from Heaven, she'd heard the words of God come from his own mouth and witnessed the collaborative efforts of countless angels working to make the world a better place.
"It's sad." Kouryuu looked at her suddenly and sharply. He didn't really know what he was expecting but it surely wasn't that. She continued, "The factions in religion are the most horrible thing that humans could have done to the simple message of love and tolerance that God teaches. Out of everything that I have witnessed I don't think that any one set of people has got that message right. God taught and continues to teach and love for everyone, but in this world there's discrimination and persecution based upon religion. It's horrendous!" She shook her head, trying to brush of the images that came to her head. Kouryuu gave his support in the only way he could, by offering his presence. It was all he could do.
"..And in the end when you think about, it doesn't really matter. The source is the same in every case, despite the differences that people have given it." Kouryuu analyzed her speech against his past experiences and what he knew of the world, he couldn't find a counter argument. She was completely right, and with that being said, there was another hidden truth in her words.
He leaned forward on the bench, staring off into the distance, has hands clutched together between his knees. He suddenly seemed stand offish.
"…Than the opposite must be true. The source of evil must also be the same." He and his brethren could possible be the cause of all the evil and discontent in the world.
"Oh, Kouryuu…" Ameijusto looked at him sad, concerned eyes. She knew he meant is a simple 'matter-of-fact' statement, even still she caught the meaning behind those words. She knelt before him, forcing him to look directly at her, placing her hands over his and squeezing. "Humans, are not so different than you or I. They, just like we do, have a chose. They can choose to value good or evil, just like we can. You may have been a creature of darkness and deceit before but you overcame it and now, you are a force for good. Don't ever forget that. Could I love you if you were anything less than you are today?" She rested his forehead against his and smiled widely. Kouryuu returned to himself.
He leaned back against the bench face turned toward the brilliantly blue sky. Ameijusto let him alone for a few moments while he collected himself again. She'd wait while he readied himself. Within a couple minutes, Kouryuu stood with his head up high.
"Ameijusto, let's go!" He held out his hand for her, which she accepted without hesitation.
The mid-day was setting as they walked back down to the street.
It was well after dark, when they finally stepped through the garden gate again that lead to home. No sooner than they kicked off their shoes and were about to clear the entryway all together when they could hear someone running down the hall. They very nearly missed Hisui as he raced towards them in a state of urgency, his yukata(3) flapping behind him.
"Okaeri nasai.(4) I'm glad your back and just in time. We were just about leave."
Ameijusto and Kouryuu just liked at each other before turning back to Hisui. "What are we just in time for?"
"We're about to attend a shrine festival and want you go but we need to get your ready."
Hisui was already in movement pushing Ameijusto in one direction, while Kokuyo emerged from a room and took Kouryuu with him. It was a whirlwind of activity after that. Ameijusto would hardly comprehend what was going on. One second she and Kouryuu were standing side by side, and the next Hisui was ushering her off somewhere and Kouryuu was nowhere to be seen.
She and Hisui entered a room well lit with brightly colored clothing lying on the floor. As Hisui directed, Ameijusto undressed rather shyly in front of Hisui who didn't seem to mind. In a sort of clinical detachment he soon covered her again with the yukata. It was a pale pink color all around, decorated with a wave pattern that subtly intertwines with an assortment of large and small cherry blossoms motif in darker shades of pinks and purple. Hisui directed her as need to hold the yukata together in certain places while he fussed over something else. When he finally had the yukata just as he wanted it he began the process of tying the obi which would hide the yukata's seams and hold it all in place. It was turquoise green color on one side, and a vibrant yellow on the other, both colors complimented the yukata very well.
Once he was finished, he pointed to a full length mirror tucked away in the corner.
"Why don't you take a look?" He looked pleased with himself. She gasped when she saw her reflection. She had never worn something like this garment before. Hisui appeared behind her, smiling.
"Thank you very much. I don't know what to say. It's beautiful."
"Yes, I thought it would suit younicely when I saw it in the closet. Now, the only question is what to do with your hair?" He had her dark tresses in one hand, and in the other a handful of hair combs, pins and ribbons. The process began all over again, this time Hisui worked on tucking, combing and pinning her hair in some sort of fashion on atop her head. He was taking an enormous amount of pleasure in his work. Ameijusto smiled. She was happy that this amused him as it did.
"Here. I think I have it. Take a look?" Ameijusto did as he suggested, this time angling her head in different directions to look at her newly fashioned hair. Once again Hisui worked magic.
"Thank you." Ameijusto didn't have the quite have the words to thank Hisui properly. Ever since her arrival she as been on edge around her, desperately trying to keep her secret and always keeping him at arms length. Not necessarily lying to him, but giving him just enough information, not to make him suspicious. No details or any long-winded stories, only the bare minimum to answer questions. She felt horrible. He and Kokuyo welcomed them no questions asked into their home, interrupting their daily lives and she repaid them with her secrecy. However, she still couldn't bring herself to devolve her secret. She simply wasn't ready. And in the end, how could their ignorance really hurt them?
"Ready? I am positive that they are ready by now. It usually takes longer to dress women than it does me." He offered the fact simple, not accusing her of anything.
Ameijusto agreed. Before heading out to the garden to meet the guys, Hisui lent her a pair of geta (more casual shoes, with a separate heel than zori, which are kind of like platforms worn with kimono and yukata) before leading the way outside.
It was darker in the garden than Ameijusto anticipated. The bluish twilight was beautiful this calm evening and it looked even more beautiful as it hit Kouryuu. There he stood next to Kokuyo, who was stoic as ever, bathed in same amazing night sky. Compared to her, he was much more simply dressed. Instead, of bright colors and a flower pattern he wore a yukata of dusty blue which became subtly darker until it was a deep navy and a striped obi of crimson.
Hisui was already at Kokuyo's side. "Shall we go?" They lead the way out the gates and into dimly lit night.
Ameijusto and Kouryuu keep a respectable distance, allowing them their privacy. Kouryuu was the first to break the silence, "You look gorgeous." He reached out for her hand which she accepted.
Ameijusto was flattered. Sure, Kouryuu had given her many compliments before but somehow she rationalized this one to be different. "..Thanks. You look very handsome as well. This color really looks good on you." It was true. Kouryuu usually wore black, red and other dark colors, but the blue suited him very nicely. She liked him this side of him.
The group continued to walk through the streets talking in hushed voices enjoying the night air and the stillness before the storm of the shrine festival they would be arriving at shortly.
Ameijusto yawned despite herself. Their night was just beginning and she was already tired as the rounded the corner and prepared to enter the madness. The street was filled with similarly dressed couples and other groups of people entering the shrine grounds.
The grounds were lit with stringed lights on every booth, and wrapped around the trees. It was if they were looking at a thousand twinkling stars that had fallen to Earth all at once. It was crowded too. Walking the streets earlier that day was in preparation for the evening.
"Oh, my. It's crowded isn't it?" Hisui on the arm of Kokuyo looked around in dismay.
"W should split up now and met later. It'll be too hard to maneuver around in a group of four." Kokuyo reasoned to everyone.
"Good idea, Kokuyo. See you guys, later!" Hisui was waved shortly before grabbing Kokuyo's arm and leading him through the masses of people.
"Wait! Where should we meet?" Kouryuu's protest came too late. They already disappeared. Kouryuu sighed and resigned himself to a long night. There was little he could do about it now so he might as well make use of the situation as it is.
Ameijusto was next to him, with a rather bewildered look on her face. "Kouryuu, what do you want to do?" She clung close to him as if afraid she would become lost and never see him again.
He smiled. "Why don't be look around at the booths?" And that's what they did. For the next couple of hours the looked at every single booth that was open at the festival, all selling miscellaneous goods and food that captivated Ameijusto's attention. Kouryuu just stood back and watched her as he did so often over the last couple of days. He wanted to cherish these moments of her first few days on Earth. For far the moments he'd witnessed were priceless and worth taking a step back to appreciate.
They came across a booth where you could win goldfish by flipping them out of the water with a thin spatula and into a small bowl with water. Kouryuu's cat-like reflexes gave him the speed and flexibility to capture all the fish the vendor had. The poor man was completely surprised. He didn't know quite what to do. As if in a daze he thanked them for playing, and watched the couple walk off with his catch, impressed and horrified at the same time. He would have to close down his booth now and the festival just began too!
Kouryuu had no use for such things, besides he only played to give them to Ameijusto anyway. The way she looked at the fish he instantly knew what she was thinking. He offered her the bag.
"Would you like these?" She looked a little stunned, but smiled.
"Sure, but can we release them into the lake? They don't belong to me and I think that they would fair better there."
He kissed her. "I knew you would say that."
They went about looking for the lake. There were no signs posted anywhere that could show them the way. They were forced to reply upon their sense of direction. Little that did them. The lights of the festival faded out of sight behind the trees as the walked through the forest path, certain that it was the shortest path to reach the lake. The forest was dark and unforgiving since the path was unkempt and overgrown with weeds. They had to stop a few times. Ameijusto tripped easily in her geta walking on that sort of terrain.
In the dark they wandered in through the forest, until they came across a fork in the path. Either direction didn't look very promising.
Kouryuu scratched his head. He had no clue what direction to follow and at the rate they were moving it would take them until the morning to find the lake. Unless…
He turned to Ameijusto, who was holding the fish delicately between her hands.
"What is it?"
"I need to investigate the paths, and I want you to wait here for me." He gripped her shoulders and backed her up against a rock to sit. "Will you wait here for me?"
She struggled against him, "Don't you want my company?"
"I think it would be better if you stay here, there's no sense in the both of us getting hopelessly lost in the dark. If I'm not back soon return to the festival the way we came, and I'll come find you later, okay?"
It's too bad that neither of them paid much attention the old post lying on the ground, camouflaged by the leaves and grass. The sign would have to told them to go right, the path that Kouryuu was about to explore. In any case, Ameijusto agreed to wait here for him-there was little else that she could do. Besides, she understood his concerns. Her presence on this little side adventure slowed them down. If Kouryuu could find the right path, he'd be back for her as soon as possible and they could continue together. She saw no harm in being patient this once. She'd save her arguments for something a little more deserving.
Normally night time perhaps would have been a nervous time for an angel. They were creatures of the light after all, not to mention that normal angels would have reverted to chibis at night, the strength of the powers decreasing with them. This didn't seem to bother Ameijusto-maybe because she was an archangel and such things didn't really apply to her. She sat, gingerly holding the bag of fish in her hands, atop a stone, listening to the sounds of the forest. She could hear the gently rhythmic violin-like song of the crickets, the rustling of the trees and bushes as the gentle summer breeze swept by, and ever so faintly the croaking of toads. It was a trance-like serenity that she enjoyed immensely. And it was drawing her into motion before she realized it; she was on her feet tip-toeing through the lush terrain on her way to some unknown destination. It was not as if she couldn't control herself, no, she was very much in control of her actions. Something just seemed to be calling, willing her to find whatever it was. For Ameijusto it was a curious feeling more so than something to be alarmed or feared.
No sooner than the mysterious force drew her towards it, it stopped, leaving Ameijusto slightly confused. She didn't have time to react though, somehow she found herself peering at a sight not meant for her eyes or for anyone else's for that matter. There half-hidden by the veil of leaves and bushes was Kokuyo and Hisui in a rather intimate embrace. She was mesmerized all over again. Kokuyo had Hisui pinned against a tree, his legs parted and half-bare by Kokuyo's own long legs. Their hands roamed freely, as did their kisses. She couldn't blink or otherwise tear her eyes away- she was fixated on them. 'I see it again in them. This complete sensation washed over me when I see them. They're so much in love. And this? Is this what you do with the one you love? Do you love them so much you share yourself with them?' Kouryuu instantly sprang to mind. She couldn't help but think of all the encounters he'd had of this kind. Oh! How she loved him! Yet she was unsure of the depths of that love. 'Would Kouryuu want this of me? Should I …could I even consent if it was asked of me?' Thoughts like this raged through her head, but heavy panting brought her crashing back to reality. Hisui and Kokuyo were moving far beyond her tolerance level. Overwhelming embarrassed that she'd stayed as long as she did; she careful picked a trail back to her original stone bench and continued to wait for Kouryuu.
Kouryuu returned momentarily and she was happy to see him in good spirits. He took her hand, and they finally found themselves standing at the bank of the shrines lake.
"It's pretty at night." The moon shone silver in the lake's reflection, casting a silvery glow on everything that touched it. They looked at it together for a moment before committing themselves to the task that brought them there in the first place.
Ameijusto got a close to the banks edge as she could without falling in, and used both her hands to hold the bag and she slipped the contents in to the lake. Kouryuu crouched beside her. Orange and gold fish darted way in all directions until there was nothing left except an empty container.
"There," she whispered, standing up right again. "Now everything is as it should be."
A high-pitched whistling noise cut through the air, following by a cracking pop and colorful streaks following to the ground, like shooting stars. Fireworks. The festival was drawing to close. Ameijusto and Kouryuu watch them together, admiring the interesting light show that echo in the ripples of the water. To Ameijusto it was like a type of magic she'd never seen before. She reached her hands up, as if trying to grasp the pin pricks of light before they dimmed. Kouryuu laughed light-heartedly, bemused by her child-like nature that sometimes overtook her. It was this and her profound maturity that drew him to her—it was why they were together. Somehow they managed to complete one another. The things that he lacked she held in abundance and vice verse. They were perfect for each other. Perhaps no other perfect couple like themselves walked the Earth?
In the wonder of it all, without warning her minded drifted back to the scene she witnessed in the dark citadel of the forest. Her body reached for Kouryuu on its own and found it there next to her. He was solid and firm; holding her upright when she trembled inside. It was the most comforting feeling in the world, to finally know your place in the world. A discovery that took her way from everything she'd known but was substituted by something just as meaningful. Her arm and hand joined with his. Her head rested snuggly and his shoulder. Kouryuu looked down at her as best he could at the odd angle he was at. 'She's acting strangely', he thought. He responded though by nestling his head in her hair. They watched to fireworks come and go, streaking colors of light across the endlessly black sky.
He tugged her after him as the finale began, indicating that they should head back before its completion. She followed without complaint, and soon enough they were back on the festival grounds again. This time it was a mere shell of what it had been before; people where beginning their journeys home, and the vendors where closing or had vanished entirely. The shop where the fish had been has since long packed their materials away for the evening- all that that remained was an empty slot. She smiled.
On their way through the grounds they nearly collided with Hisui and Kokuyo in the mass pandemonium that followed the event's conclusion. Weary and satisfied with the nights distraction, they mental prepared themselves for the long trek home. A cool summer's breeze kissed their cheeks and playfully whisked their kimono sleeves as they walked. Usually nights in Japan at this time of year, were hot and humid, but not tonight. It was something that should be enjoyed while the moment still lasted.
At length they reached home again, ready for bed. They said their goodbyes in the hallway before parting ways; Kokuyo and Hisui off in one direction and Ameijusto and Kouryuu in the opposite.
Kouryuu even now couldn't shake the feeling that Ameijusto was acting oddly. He glanced over his shoulder as he thought it. She walked a mere pace behind him, eyes half-drawn shut then she yawned as she turned the corner. She almost stumbled into the vase of flowers placed there. Kouryuu smiled. 'She's just tired.' He berated himself for thinking more into her present state. Weariness does strange things to people, of that he could attest to. There'd been times when for several days and nights of guiltless pleasures he'd fall asleep in the oddest of places. Once right in the middle of a serious conversation with his uncle! Satan was none to happy with him for that. He took her hand and helped her in her drowsy daze to the final steps to their room.
He slid the doors open and then closed behind them. Ameijusto lingered on the far side of the room, away from the cabinet where the futons and other sleeping materials where kept. Although Kouryuu himself was not tired, he began to pull out the futons. There was little he could do since they were staying together and she appeared to be falling asleep on her feet. For tonight away, he would retire with her. He finished lying out and went back for the second. He had no delusions they would share one bed tonight.
"Kouryuu…" Ameijusto called out to him softly.
"Hmm." Kouryuu slid the cabinet shut with his futon in hand. When he turned around his eyes fell upon an unexpected sight.
Ameijusto finally retreated into the interior of the room, and in fact was sitting rather daintily on futon laid on the floor. That's not what caught his eye however. Her state of dress is what surprised him. Her kimono was pulled low off her shoulders revealing the soft lines of her neck and a dangerous amount of cleavage; her obi, which as once been fashioned painstaking into a flower by Hisui, was now in complete disarray. The meters of stiff fabric cascaded unto the futon and the tatami floor.
Kouryuu drops his load unceremoniously on the floor, staggering over to her. He can't believe what he's seeing. 'Can this be real? …It has to be. She is sitting right in front of me.' He reached out to touch her, afraid that he might disappear before contact could be made. But no, his hand, cupped her cheek in a delicate caress which she responded by leaning inward. Her motions however, resulted in her kimono to further slip down her arms, revealing more and more of her upper torso. If this continued she would be complete exposed from the waist up. 'How many times had this thought occurred? How many times had this fantasy, she and I together, slithered into my mind late in the night? How many times…' He could be sure. Now it could be a reality. He drew closer. He was so tempted. Tempted to take her into his arms, and send her to the very heights of pleasure. Pleasure only he could provide, pleasure he was only willing to offer to her. It was all too simple. It would be all too easy. All he had to do was…
Ameijusto could see the storm brewing behind his eyes. All she could do was wait, until he reached his own conclusion. It has not been an easy decision for her to make. After tonight she would completely belong to him and no other; not even God himself could reclaim her after tonight if it was to happen. To be honest, she was terrified. The horrible feeling in her stomach that began once she unknotted her obi only intensified. She placed a reassuring hand atop his.
"Kouryuu…Because I love you…"
Kouryuu was already in motion. He knelt before her, hands lingering on either side of her body. He kissed her, a long and sweetly. It was a distraction however. While this happened, he pulled her wayward kimono back around her. When they broke away, Ameijusto was dumbfounded. She thought for sure he would seize the opportunity to…She blushed, and couldn't even look at him in the eyes.
"You don't have to do this for the sake of love." He beamed at her warmly, trying to soothe away any embarrassment or discomfort she might be feeling. "You and I will have an eternity to be together. There is no need for us rush. We will…complete our relationship when the time is right and you are really ready. I will not take away such a precious thing from you simple to gratify my desires." There he said it. He couldn't deny it. He wanted her. How could he not? But they damage it could do was not worth it now. He would wait, and his patience would be rewarded eventually.
She could feel the logic in his words, but the truth stung nonetheless.
"Instead, I would give you something else. He reached up and plucked his left eye which he closed into his fist. He chanted briefly before opening his hand again. There in his palm was a jeweled earring. It was ornately inlayed and shaped in like an eye, with a deep crimson garnet fixed as the pupil. It looked like his eye.
He took her hand and pressed the earring into it. "It is the custom of demons to give their loved ones half of all their magical abilities. Please take this, with all my love." (5) He withdrew, leaving the jeweled gift in her hand.
Ameijusto looked at it than again at Kouryuu. "Kouryuu. I…I can't accept this." She held something very dear and priceless in her hand. Kouryuu's magic was vast, and to have half of it in her safe keeping was too much to bear. He couldn't possible expect to her to guard this? "This is too precious a gift. I can't…" He closed her fingers around it.
"I can't grant you that which you have offered before but I can give you this with my whole heart. It is a gift to show how serious I am about you, a commitment of my love to you. I can think of no one else I would rather give this too. No one more worth of it. Take it."
Ameijusto understood. He would not allow her to refuse the jewel. If she did so, it wold be as if she were in essence refusing him. Resigned she reached up to her ears and fastened it securely. Kouryuu was overjoyed. He attempted to draw her closer for another kiss, but she tenderly pushed him away. She kissed his left eye.
"I will treasure it always." Then she allowed his to close their embrace and complete the before attempted kiss.
Thanks for reading Chapter Eleven!
Please Read and Review!
Akuma
STORY NOTES
(1) Those streets were teeming with Japanese going about their daily business, there were times when all that could be seen was a sea of bobbing black heads.
I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've had this same thought. Ever been to Harajuku, specifically Takeshima Street on a Sunday? I have, entirely too many times. I kid you not, the imagery is the same. It really is a sea of black heads as far as the street stretches. I'm not saying that every street is like that on the weekends in Japan, but the popular areas definitely have that potential. (Yes, I'm talking about the same Harajuku that Gwen Stefani was talking about in her song:))
(2) torii
Torii, are the red gates that mark the entrances of Shinto shrines. Buddhist temples have a similar feature, the pagoda, which identifies them as places of worship.
Shinto is the native religion of Japan, before Buddhism was imported from Korea to Japan during the 4th or 5th century. It is the worship of kami, literally meaning god(s), which are seen in nature. For example an unusual formation of rocks, exceptional large trees, etc. are marked as sacred using rope and white paper and worshipped as kami. One of the most important Shinto shrines is Ise Shrine, which is associated with the Imperial Family. Its sacred object is a mirror, representing Amaterasu,the Sun Goddess, whose descent is believed to have descended from heaven, becoming the first Emperor of Japan according to myths. Before departing, Amaterasu gave him three items to show his divinity: a sword, a mirror, and mitama. A mitama is a curved shape jewel-it looks exactly like a half the yin-yang symbol from China.
Ise Shrine sits on two identical plots of land, but only one is uses a site or worship at any given time. Different from other shrines, Ise is rebuilt every 20 years using the same type of trees and techniques used in centuries long ago. It works like this: While one site is used as worship, as the time draws near, construction on the identical plot of land begins. Once finished, the sacred object is moved during a long ceremony and the old site is then dismantled. Neat, huh? Well I think so anyway.
By the way, they are NOT at Ise. Unless you are a member of the Imperial family or an important Parliament official that you are NOT allowed access to the Inner Sanctuary. Still millions of Japanese and foreigners alike, make the pilgrimage every year to the site even if they are only allowed to see the outside walls.
(3)They very nearly missed Hisui as he raced towards them in a state of urgency, his yukata flapping behind him.
A yukata is a cotton kimono, generally worn in the summer time because it is light-weight for humid Japanese summers. They are also used in hot springs, well more precisely in the hotels where there are hot springs for their guest to go take a bath. I speak again from personally experience:) Hot springs are amazing!
(4)"Okaeri nasai. I'm glad you're back and just in time. We were just about leave."
In this instance, means Welcome home, not literally though. When living in the Japanese home there are certain things that you say before leaving and entering the home again.
Leaving: Itte Kimasu; response from those remaining in the home: Itte (i)rrassyai
Coming home: Tadaima; response: Okaeri Nasai
(5)He reached up and plucked his left eye which he closed into his fist… "It is the custom of demons to give their loved ones half of all their magical abilities. Please take this, with all my love."
I hope that everyone is reminiscing about the same scene between Kokuyo and Hisui from the WISH manga. That's where I took this from (obviously). I thought that it would be nice to have the same thing happen here.