A/N: Before I begin I have a few warnings: First, I have no idea how this story will turn out yet. I have lots of ideas, and we'll see what I feel like. Second, I've never written a fic in this fandom before. It might suck, it might not. Who knows? Third, this story might end up being a little more mature than others. I promise to keep it under the M rating though. Mostly it will be language and maybe some romance scenes. Depends on how good I'm feeling! -
Anyway, my hope is that you like this story! It should be pretty good!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the computer I am typing this on.
And now, without further ado
Mizu Prologue
The Moon Palace was shining with majesty. The Lunar Race was careful to clean it thoroughly for the special day. A wedding was about to take place.
Mahiru Shiraishi walked into the ornate ballroom and sauntered up the center aisle. She walked to the altar and turned around. Two rows of pews were decorated with white and pink rosebuds. The dark oak wood contrasted with the creamy pastel petals. The center aisle was lined with a white satin cloth. It would soon be scattered with bright red petals that would be crushed as the bride made her way to the very place Mahiru was standing.
She sighed. Weddings were happy occasions, but she had much to do before this one could take place. Mahiru removed her socks and climbed the altar. She grabbed her basket of flowers, white ones, and started the tedious task of creating a crescent moon. The wedding itself would not take place until sundown, and then the full moon would shine down its light onto this one. It would be beautiful.
Mahiru was so intent on completing her work on time that she didn't hear the intruder until it was too late.
Mitsuru was in rare condition. Although his condition couldn't really be called rare as he was in it all the time. He was pissed. He was pissed Oboro forced him to be Akira's best man, he was pissed he had to help that damn girl, and he was pissed he was sent away after what that dying pipsqueak told him.
He slammed a basket of flowers onto the altar. Mahiru jumped. She lost her balance and screamed as she fell off the edge. Mitsuru rolled his eyes at her stupidity but he caught her as she fell.
"Why can't you be more careful? You almost squished me to death!" he yelled.
"I'm sorry Mitsuru. You just scared me is all." Mahiru replied. She silently climbed back upon the altar and went to her work. Mitsuru stood behind her and watched her.
It was second nature to him to guard her. Of course, he would not admit as much. Out loud. Mahiru was now nineteen and graduated from high school. She hadn't grown at all during the years he had known her, but her short hair was now well past her shoulders. She was thin, and her white dress hugged her curves in all—wait. Never mind. Mitsuru's face turned into a scowl. It wasn't right for him to be thinking this way. He kept telling himself that. But, he had to face the facts, she was finally of mating age, and his body was reacting to her charms. He blamed Oboro. If it weren't for him, Mitsuru would never have started watching her anyway.
"It's going to be a beautiful night, Mitsuru. Why don't you turn off the lights so we can see what it looks like." Mahiru said, breaking his reverie. Mitsuru grunted in response. He went around the room snuffing candles. Mahiru stopped him when he reached the ones behind the altar. "I want to see what it will look like illuminated by the moonlight." He didn't know why, but her words made him blush. He did comply, though. He walked back around the front of the altar and what he saw took his breath away. Mahiru was standing on the large oaken altar, flower petals in her long hair. The long white dress she was wearing billowed out about her as she stood up, "So, what do you think?" she asked.
"It looks okay, I guess." Mitsuru said, his arms across his chest and gaze averted so she could not see his blush. Mahiru didn't know what to think. Mitsuru was being so strange. Well, he was always a bit weird. And moody. And oddly protective lately. She had no idea what was going on. Not that she minded him being around or anything. He was actually very nice, if you got passed the rude remarks and the constant 'I don't care' attitude. She knew he meant well. He just wanted to look tough. She laughed a little. He was still short, with aqua hair, and intense dark eyes. She loved it when he looked at her with those eyes. His growl took her out of her thoughts.
"Mitsuru, could you come here for a second? I need help." He stomped over to her, his hands still across his chest. She crouched over and grabbed his shoulders. His breathing stopped. She jumped down off the altar. Later he would say it was instinct to wrap his arms around her waist. Mahiru gave a gasp of surprise when his arms circled her. It was then she became painfully aware that her arms were still around his neck. He was happy to see a bright blush cross her features. Her eyes met his, and he began to move his head toward hers.
He was halfway to making the worst mistake of his life when that damned hermaphrodite walked in.
Katsura cleared her throat. Mitsuru immediately let go of Mahiru and shoved her away. Mahiru glared at him. "Lord Oboro wishes to see you two." Katsura said with a small smirk. Mahiru smoothed out her dress with her hands, took a deep breath, and followed Katsura out of the ballroom. They found Oboro at the young Emperor's chamber. It was the first time in her life that she saw him as an old man.
His head was bowed and his eyes shut tight. He looked like a massive pain was coursing through his body. To Mahiru, he looked as if someone had… died.
"Oboro, are you all right?" she asked. The elder's big, sad eyes lifted from the ground to her face. Her eyes began to well up with tears. It couldn't be.
When she had first arrived at the Palace of the Moon, Nozomu had warned her about the impending death of the young emperor. She had not been permitted to see him. His condition was far worse than any of them could imagine. No one was permitted to see him, save Oboro, his uncle and High Advisor.
And, now, to see Oboro in front of the young Emperor's chambers her heart cried out for the young boy.
"Princess, I am sad to say that our Lord Shirogane is no longer with us." Oboro said. Mahiru's eyes instantly filled with tears. Mitsuru became silent. His eyes shut tight, as if he had just been punched in the stomach. He felt as if he were going to vomit.
"But—but I thought we found all the teardrops. He should be fine, I mean everyone else—" Mahiru started.
"For a boy his age, the disease spread too quickly. But he was happy to have at least made peace with those around him, and to have saved his people." Oboro's eyes turned to Mitsuru's, "His successor will reunite us with the human race." Mitsuru's eyes snapped open. Mahiru watched the exchange. Mitsuru's eyes were cold and sad. Emotionless. It tore her heart out so see such lively and enticing eyes turn cold as ice.
But Shirogane was gone! The poor boy that had ruled the Lunar Race at such a young age. The reality of the situation finally grabbed hold of Mahiru and she sank to the ground, tears streaming down her face.
Mitsuru watched Mahiru fall. His heart felt heavy. The little brat may not have been much, but he was a kid after all. Mitsuru was beginning to become upset. Oboro just stood the re! Mahiru was crying her heart out and all the old man could do was stand there and watch her. Mitsuru growled. He scooped Mahiru up and tore into the sky.
He led her to his chambers, which faced the west of the house. The wedding, it seemed, would not be happening tonight. Shrieks of pain and sadness could be heard through the palace. Nozomu's stupid bat flew up to him, confirming his suspicion.
The wedding would take place the following day. And, shortly after, the coronation of the new Emperor.
Mitsuru threw the bat out the window and went to Mahiru, She was lying face down on his bed, her head in a pillow. Mitsuru sat beside her on the bed.
"Can you at least try to stop shut up now? All of this blubbering is starting to piss me off." He said.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm just shocked, I guess. That baby was so sad all the time. I'm happy he's with his mom, though. But—he was so young." Mahiru said, as she wiped her eyes on the back of her hand.
"Yeah." Mitsuru said as he looked off into the distance.
"What will happen now?
"The little brat probably named someone as his successor. The coronation is tomorrow. You'll return to the Moonshine, and we, as guardians of the Palace will remain here."
"Is that the way it has to be?" Mahiru asked. She didn't want to leave the Palace if it meant leaving Mitsuru. For all of his growling and rude behavior, she knew she had learned to love him. Life without him and the others seemed…gray.
"Yes." Mitsuru answered. His eyes were directed away from her, and onto the fading sunlight. Mahiru swore she could see a thin film of liquid cover his eyes.
"Then, if you wish it, Mitsuru, I will do it." Mitsuru closed his eyes. He did not wish it. He loved the damn girl. He knew that. Just her presence in his room, on his bed was making him delirious. He had to keep control. He had to calm his now raging demon blood. Damn girl! Curse her and her…whatever. His head was too full right now to think of a respectable curse.
"All those flowers are going to wilt." Mahiru muttered with her face turned back into the pillow.
"Who cares? If that werewolf wanted flowers he should have put them up himself!"
"I'm going to have to do it all over again tomorrow."
"Heh. Serves you right."
Mahiru only ignored him. He was being cruel now. He was hurt deeply by the loss of the Emperor. That much was evident. It was best to give him space. She crawled off the bed and made her way to the door. Mitsuru grabbed her wrist as she exited.
"You won't really leave." It wasn't a question. His eyes were still on the setting sun. Mahiru turned around to face his back. Her face went to her chin and the tears began to flow once again. She just stood, crying, in his door way. Her shoulders bounced up and down as she sobbed. "Why are you crying, you stupid girl?" He said. His voice was not cold, however. It was lifeless and dull. Mahiru leapt forward and hugged him from behind. She didn't say a word. Mitsuru kept his head down. She kept crying.
Mitsuru sat upon his bed, waiting for the girl to finish her crying. Eventually she succumbed to sleep hunched over him. Mitsuru sighed. This was not turning out to be easy. All he ever wanted to do was grow up and get away from those humans. It didn't seem like that was going to happen. He gathered Mahiru up into his arms and sat her on his bed. She, at least, could sleep peacefully. Mitsuru was haunted by thoughts of the little Emperor.
Just hours before his death, Shirogane summoned the great Tengu Mitsuru into his presence. He knew he didn't have much time left on Earth, and he knew that he must adhere to tradition: An Emperor, if he were to die before giving his nation an heir, must name a successor before his death. He had chosen this Tengu to lead his people. Oboro hadn't understood. Shirogane had faith in the young demon; he knew that he could be strong when others couldn't. He knew that the Tengu would fight to the death. The Lunar Race needed an Emperor that would fight for them, that would save them from destruction.
And the Tengu had chosen a female human as his intended.
Shirogane sighed with relief when Mitsuru walked into his chambers. He had come. At least he had done that much. Mitsuru sat down on the edge of the bed impatiently.
"What do you want, pipsqueak?" He said, "I don't have all day. I've got to go watch that damned girl get ready for the wedding."
"Mitsuru, will you sit and talk with me a while? I fear my time on this Earth grows short. I wish for companionship."
"I guess so. But make it quick!" Mitsuru answered. Shirogane smiled inwardly. He could see that the Tengu was acting rude to shield his real feelings.
"I wish that you find happiness. Mahiru is a beautiful girl, you know. And she's finally the right age. I can't believe you let that werewolf beat you to the church."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I can barely stand her, let alone claim her!"
Shirogane chuckled weakly. "I see." He started, "I guess that's why I can see a distinctly Tengu intent claim around her. Maybe she has been chosen by another." At this Mitsuru's hands clenched up and he began to gnash his teeth. His eyes began to glow a little red.
"No other shall have her."
"Just as I thought. It's good to know that she hasn't taken all of the demon blood from you, Mitsuru." Shirogane laughed again, but was soon over come with coughs. Coughing reminded him of his initial purpose. "I actually asked you in here today, not to tease you about your human of intent. I asked you to come for a very important reason: I am dying. I have but a few hours left. I wish for you to be my successor."
Mitsuru went white. "M-me? Why do you want me to take over? Why don't you pick Misoka? Or Nozomu? And, hell, you said so yourself, Akira beat me to the altar! He's marrying a fucking human? Why me?" Mitsuru was standing at the foot of the bed, his eyes full of confusion, and his voice in a shrill yell.
"Misoka cannot become Emperor. He is only half fox demon. He has no powers to protect the people. Nozomu is a womanizer, good for nothing other than singing and the occasional bar brawl. He might make an excellent advisor, but nothing more. And Akira. To put it simply, he's just too—eccentric to take the throne. But you, Mitsuru, possess the passion, conviction, and courage of a strong leader. Please say you can accept my request."
Mitsuru nodded his head, but did not meet the young Emperor's eyes.
"Thank you. I know you do this merely out of respect for me and for your nation. But, please, let yourself become comfortable with your position. You have the potential to be great!"
"Thank you, your highness." Mitsuru said. His eyes were now cold. How did he ever end up in a position like this? Could he be Emperor? Could they trust him with that much power? Shirogane believed so. And Mitsuru cursed him for it. "I take my leave of you, sir."
Shirogane nodded, hope in his heart. This boy had to be the one to reconnect the Lunar Race with the humans. He had to.
Mitsuru tried his hardest not to slam the door when he left the Emperor's chambers. It was out of respect for the young boy. He may detest the kid for what he had done, but he was determined to make the last few hours of his life comfortable. Mahiru would have said it was goodness in him, a kindness that not many could see. Mitsuru called it a weakness and a damned nuisance of a feeling.
Mitsuru tried to hold back his anger. Shirogane had dropped a hell of a time bomb on him. He had planned on carefully wooing Mahiru, slowly warming up to her, getting her used to the idea of her being his intended. He hung his head in his hands. What a compulsive act that was. He should never have marked her in the first place. Now he would have to present her to the courts for approval. "AHH!" He yelled. He couldn't handle all of the thoughts running through his head. He had to get out. He was about to leap out his window when he remembered.
"Mahiru's here." He mumbled to himself. He turned to look at her, all thoughts out of his mind. A sharp knock at the door broke his trance.
"Mitsuru! I'm coming in!" The cheery voice of his 'favorite werewolf' said from the other side of the door. Mitsuru clenched his hands at his sides and his body went rigid. He was trying his hardest to contain his anger.
"Sure!" He ground out, before he lost himself. Akira popped in.
"I'm just here to tell you that Oboro is searching for you. He says he needs to speak with you immediately." He said. Mitsuru's face fell at the sheer happy tone of Akira's words. He nodded slowly. Above all things, he did not want to see Oboro.
Mitsuru silently followed Akira to Oboro's room; careful not to pay attention to anything the werewolf was saying. If it had nothing to do with the Emperor or Mahiru, he really didn't want to hear about it. And, honestly, if it had anything to do with either of those subjects, he'd likely stay in his ignorance.
They finally reached the elder man's chambers. Mitsuru knocked before letting himself in. Akira bid him farewell, and Mitsuru was grateful. Oboro greeted Mitsuru with a low bow.
"Highness, it is a pleasure to serve you." Mitsuru growled, and turned around, preparing to leave. "Mitsuru. Stay. Shirogane chose you for a reason. Although that reason may be beyond my comprehension, it is my duty to coronate you tomorrow evening."
"Keep going old man. I know you have more to say."
"Have you thought of what you are going to do about the girl? Will you keep her here or will you send her back to her people?"
"She will stay."
"As your mate?"
"As my Empress."
"Does she know this?"
Mitsuru stopped. He looked at Oboro with his eyes flaming. The elder man understood the new Emperor's answer. No. And she need not know.
"I can see you are in a very agreeable mood tonight." Oboro said, "I'll speak to you more tomorrow after the ceremony, when you are truly my master. Tonight, Mitsuru, I suggest you rest."
Mitsuru left without a word, and this time he wasn't afraid to slam the door.
Mahiru woke up with the scent of vanilla tickling her nostrils. The smell was distinctly Mitsuru, and she was tempted to stay in his bed forever. Wait. His bed. HIS bed. Why wasn't she in her own bed? She sat up, her eyes wide searching for the Tengu. She found him, asleep on his window seat. She lifted her arm to check the time. Five in the evening. Five? She had to start planning for the wedding! And the coronation! Certainly she was to help set up for the ceremony!
She climbed out of Mitsuru's bed, opened the door, and tore out into the hallway.
She ran to Keiko's room. The bride-to-be was certainly up and in need of assistance. Mahiru calmly knocked on the door of her friend. Keiko and Mahiru had definitely connected, they were very close, and Mahiru held the other girl as a sister.
Keiko was sleeping on her bed, dreaming of her wedding when she heard the knock on her door. She groaned before yelling, "Come in!"
Mahiru opened the door and screamed. "Himura Keiko! Why aren't you out of bed yet? Your wedding is in three hours, and we have TONS of stuff to do!"
Keiko rolled over onto her side, "Relax, Mahiru! I don't have to get out of bed until 4:30."
"Dear, it's already 5:00. You're running late!" Keiko abruptly jumped out of bed and ran into the shower attached to her room. Mahiru sighed and walked through the bathroom and into her own adjoining bedroom. That had been a devastating night. Poor Shirogane. It was a sad thing to see such a small boy go.
Mahiru was just about to fall asleep when a knock came upon her door. She answered it and was shocked to find two handmaidens—sent to prepare Keiko for her wedding. They sent her on to prepare for the ceremonies.
Mahiru bustled about the whole afternoon, organizing this, arranging that. By the time the wedding was about to start, she was ready to collapse. She was walking to the temple when she realized, "The flowers." She said. She took off running, hoping against hope they hadn't wilted, and the wedding would be safe.
She threw open the door, panting, just as Mitsuru was climbing down from the altar. He had spent all of his waking time recreating the crescent moon from the day before. Mahiru sank to her knees and tried to keep the tears in. This day was so long, and it had only begun.
Werewolf wedding ceremonies were reserved for nighttime, while the moon was at its fullest. The wedding, therefore, could not be delayed more than a day. Lunar Race Coronation ceremonies also occurred at the night of the full moon. The citizens of the Kingdom could not be without a king for a whole month, so the two ceremonies were forced to coincide.
Mitsuru walked past Mahiru. He glared at her from the corner of his eyes. Mahiru could only smile, because she knew he fixed the flowers to help her. She felt eternally grateful. Mahiru went into the dressing room in the back of the temple to find Keiko. Courtiers Mahiru didn't know surrounded her friend. They were bustling about, trying to get last minute preparations finished.
"Keiko!" Mahiru called. Keiko turned around and faced her friend.
"Mahiru! Thank God you're here! Quick! Get your dress on! The church is starting to fill! We are getting married soon!" Keiko said. Her face was radiating happiness. Mahiru stopped, for the first time that afternoon, and hugged her friend.
"I'm so glad you're happy!" She whispered into her hair. Then, Mahiru dressed for the ceremony.
The wedding was beautiful. Oboro presided over the two, and joined them together. Mahiru had never been to a werewolf wedding ceremony, and she was shocked to find it so similar to human ones. Later, Nozomu explained that the werewolves kept the ceremonies like human ones because they themselves were once human, and it helped them connect with their roots.
Keiko was glowing with happiness. Akira had a hard time keeping his tail in. Mahiru laughed at their antics, but had never seen a couple more in love. When it came time for them to share their first kiss, tears were prickling her eyes.
Mahiru was happy when it ended, though. That meant her duties for the day were over. He only task now was to join the crowd and watch the coronation ceremony with her friends. She was walking to her room, so that she could grab a change of clothes when Katsura stopped her.
"Princess, Oboro would like to ask you to become part of this evening's coronation ceremony. He would like you to present the new emperor to the Lunar Race." Mahiru hung her head and sighed. The night would never end.
"Alright." She said. Katsura led Mahiru into her room, where the two handmaidens were waiting to dress her. They wrapped her in an elegant silk white kimono. On it were moonflowers, embroidered with golden strands of thread. Katsura stood by her the entire time, explaining the details of the ceremony.
"According to tradition, Highness, when a new line of Emperors is named, usually when an Emperor dies without producing an heir, the Lunar Race is kept oblivious to the identity of their new leader for one whole lunar cycle. Tonight he will be crowned, but the real party is four weeks from now, the next night of the full moon. The entire Lunar Race gathers for the unmasking of the Emperor, and they dance and sing until morning."
"Why don't you tell anyone who the Emperor is? Isn't that a little dangerous?"
"The new Emperor must prove himself to the people without prejudice. Many kinds of demons and creatures make up the Lunar Race. If the Emperor is not given a chance to rule without automatic stereotyping, he may not survive long. But, if he can blindly lead the people, gaining their trust, he will lead the Lunar Race to peace and prosperity."
"I see. And you want me to introduce this person?"
"You will lead the new Emperor up the stairs, stand with him during the ceremony, and lead him back down. You are the only remaining royalty, it is only fitting." Katsura looked at Mahiru. She was stunning. "Come, Majesty, we will begin the ceremony soon."
Mahiru followed Katsura to the Eastern entrance of the palace. She had only entered through this entrance once before, on her first trip to the Moon Palace. She could hear the cheers of the people on the other side of the staircase. The palace steps were lined with white lilies and rose petals. Mahiru was directed to stand and wait for the new Emperor to enter. Then she would lead him to the high altar.
Mahiru was nervous. How was she supposed to act in front of the new Emperor? He was royalty, right? She was beginning to feel a bit dizzy. A cloaked figure walked up from behind her. She turned around and bowed deeper than she had ever done before. The figure grabbed her shoulder. It moved its finger across her neckline and under her chin. It lifted her face and wiped the sparkling tears from her eyes. She stood. Somehow she was less afraid.
On the other side of the altar, Oboro was about to begin the ceremony. The entirety of the Lunar Race was present.
"My people!" He began, "It is my regret to inform you that Lord Shirogane has passed. Before his death he bestowed upon me the honor of crowning his successor. I will not present to you, our new nameless Emperor and his Chosen, our princess Shiraishi Mahiru!" Cheers erupted from the crowd. The group of Moonlight Bandits looked around nervously.
"I wonder what Mitsuru thinks of that." Akira said, "Hey, where is he anyway?"
"After the wedding he went off sulking somewhere." Nozomu said.
"How rude of him to miss a coronation!" said Keiko.
"You can't blame him, love," Akira said, "Mahiru has long been Mitsuru's chosen."
"Still, politically it is a good move. She really will bridge the gap between our race and the humans now, won't she?" Nozomu said.
Back behind the curtain, Mahiru and the soon-to-be Emperor were waiting for the signal to ascend the stairs. She was playing with the embroidery on her robes when the figure beside her grabbed her hands to stop her actions.
Finally a priest allowed them to begin the long climb to the top. When they reached Oboro, the crowd broke into cheers. Mahiru blushed and held onto the new Emperor's hand. Oboro asked them to kneel. He began to speak in a language she couldn't understand. He crowned the figure next to her. In the sunlight she could see the porcelain mask covering his face. If only she knew who he was. She would thank him for helping her. Oboro then began to move toward her. He offered her a crown of springtime flowers, all the while speaking in that unknown tongue.
He asked her to rise. The crowd cheered once more. Oboro then said, "I now present to you your Emperor and Lady Shiraishi! We shall return in one Lunar Cycle, for the unmasking of our leader!"
Mahiru helped the Emperor down the stairs. When they reached the bottom, Mahiru kissed the cheek of the hooded and masked figure's face. "I know you will do a wonderful job leading your people. Shirogane trusted you and so do I." Mahiru hugged the Emperor and began to walk away. "I know I'll never find out who you are, but thank you for leading them. I hope you bring peace."
She ran away.
Mitsuru watched his Empress leave. He had to remind Oboro to tell her to stay. She obviously had no idea what just happened. He moved to his new quarters and began to disrobe himself. Why did he let that little creep talk him into this?