-Chapter 6 - Bloodshed-
The hours of light before them were bright and temperate, allowing them to travel fast and gain lost time as they approached the end of the ninth day. Camping would be required soon enough but until then, curiosity began to build and the silence they dwelled in was in the least bit pleasant.
''Boris.'' Rei began, addressing him not only by words but also with a careful gaze that was met with a slight unsure glance as to where the hesitation would lead.
''I was told but of you and that saving you was why you had not killed my Father on the spot. It is not my place to inquire, though, I am curious to know more.''
''As am I.'' Yuuri added for support with a bemused smirk gracing his face.
He complied with a shrug and a sigh, starting in the baritone voice that rolled off his tongue, in a heavy accented English. ''To begin, I am in fact not an assassin as Roussiya's Majesty believes. Tales began that I was sent from any distant place imaginable to kill this empire's leader by pay.''
''Why?'' The glare sent in Yuuri's direction was frowned upon and dismissed as if nothing before the sender continued.
''The murders of his assembly of advisors over the last part of his decade have been committed by myself but not for money, for vengeance. They set me up and, engrossed in my own lust for revenge I slipped, and then, I was arrested as the perpetrator of the heinous crimes. On saved me from my fate by killing both guards holding me captive, in exchange for a favor.''
''I know the feeling.''
His attention turned to the redhead, a disbelieving look etched into his smug features at the interruption. Rei, across the way only smirked and shook his head at the twinkle of pride gleaming in the azure depths that challenged the skeptical gaze.
''Where do you fit into all of this?''
''I am the notorious thief Yuuri Ivanov-''
No more words could pass through the curled lips in a boastful grin as he was cut short with an accusation of lies from his listener.
''You are not. I was in Moscow at the time of the show trials and you do not resemble the culprit that escaped with his foreign skin.''
''Actually, he is the real bandit.'' The Chinese supported as the robber began to explain the facts and prove himself as nothing but the genuine man and known petty criminal.
Though, Rei listened, barely, his mind drifted off to the haunting past, vivid to precise details and still as painful to recollect as his horse trotted ahead, leaving behind the discussion. Every time he closed the ocher orbs to the darkness quickly dispersing into colors of a land long left, his memories floated back.
Summer announced itself as the thick jade in the trees grew brighter and flowers bloomed their delicate aromas into the warm breeze that tickled and invigorated the spirit. Children ran around, their laughter joyous through the small village, all but one who's frown lingered longer.
Nothing could make it disappear, not any reassurance, nor comforting phrases. The birds chirping in the trees brought in a new morn to which drowsy eyes blinked in the sunlight cast down from his window. A faint groan replied to the winged animals as he pushed himself up to sit and yawn.
He threw the blankets, bundled at his legs to the end of the bed and as lifted his head, a sight in the far corner startled him. A smile greeted him, broadening one on his own lips as he scampered from the mattress upon the floor, dashing over to the open arms waiting for him.
''Otou-san.'' They embraced, father and son, arms entwined tightly around the other after so long.
''You're back.'' Rei looked up at the older face, a bandage hiding the first of many contusions on his left cheek.
Many more patches riddled the tan flesh from head to toe, covering wounded arms and scarred legs. A red stain began to seep through the gauze in different areas, injuries still fresh from the stretched battle of months. He worried but his mother made everything secure and adequate to last a while until need of changing.
She appeared at the doorway, her face lit up by the sight of her family, finally together again. On waved his wife over, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as she crouched down, carefully minding the spots she tended too. The burden of being apart lifted from the bearing souls now put at ease.
Days passed of happiness and reunited the bond amid parent and child but one eve, as the sun vanished from the clouds, On was nowhere to be found. Rei knew though, that his father wandered up to the mountains to meditate, as he would often do himself; a similar trait they shared.
''Rei, my son, come sit with me.'' The heightened senses of the feline detected a presence, the one of his heir, without flaw.
He joined the elder, taking the seat offered beside him, gazing out at the stars appearing in the navy settling over the dim marine and hues of orange dissipating. A few moments slipped by before either spoke, un-wanting to disturb the breathtaking beauty before them.
''If I asked of you a favor young one, would you complete the task?'' Hesitation arose, despite strength heard behind each word.
''Of course.'' Yet, in response, there was none and the same amount of force, without a second thought even considered.
''Even if what I ask may destroy you as it will myself?''
''I do not understand.''
''Things will soon become clear for us both, I promise.''
Weeks felt but like days, each passing by faster than its prior. When the season to hunt fell upon them, the men set out to capture meat to feast. Deep into the forests they ventured, the last group returning with the last of the carcasses, including the Kon males, proud of their slayings and ancient traditions.
However, the arrival fell short of welcoming as their village spurted with flames, violent reds burning from rooftops letting off a dark cloud to loom overhead. Screams rang through the sounds of scorching, lumber crashing, houses falling and people dying. Guns killed the fleeing as soldiers dragged off the woman and younglings. Men of ivory, with malice intentions and no mercy had conquered them.
The blaze engulfed everything, sparing nothing. Hunters ran armed with basic, primitive weaponry, attacking the assailants in a blinding rage, though largely outnumbered; they fell to the hands of the opposition. On watched in horror as his companions gave their lives to the unknown enemy.
Tears sprang to Rei's eyes as his father walked towards the battlefield. He tried to follow but his actions were put to an abrupt halt.
''You cannot follow me. You must run and live for the sake of our kin.''
No sooner had he stepped into the clearing, a wicked laugh silenced all. A man of fair hair approached his father and ensued by a pair of troops that dragged a woman he recognized as his mother, throwing her at his feet. Blades emerged and a brief battle of bloodshed ended when the screams ceased and both parents laid dead.
A chortle, though nothing compared to the one that resonated in his ears from the malignant king responsible for the deaths of his loved ones shook him out of his reliving of the horrible past.
''You dressed yourself as a female to lure in your victims.'' Boris, though unlike himself, openly laughed at Yuuri who's sour face did not seem pleased with the outcome after he recited his tale.
He only received an indignant snort as the redhead rode up to the Asian's side, only glancing back to sneer at the last of the trio.
''Lovely choice.'' Then he ensued with the rolling of his azure depths for a mock emphasis.
Rei smiled faintly at the referral, looking ahead to the road before them.
It wouldn't be long now…
-TBC-
Firstly, Otou, if I did not spell it incorrectly means Father. If I am wrong, do correct me. I have made minor changes to past chapters but nothing too drastic, only errors I caught after revising.
Next chapter now that the introduction is finally done, we enter Moscow and the action and actual plot commence.