Author: i was writing the re-cap, and found that Kyuuzou is a very bad storyteller. THerefore, we're just moving along with the story, and if you've forgotten what's happened before...well, go back and read the story. bbbb
Kyuuzou left a silent Kanbei in the pre-dawn light, nothaving been able to read the older man as he told his story. He could only hope that Kanbei would believe him.
---
Kanbei stood and stretched.
Deals with demons.
If he hadn't seen the markings, seen the shocking pain in Kyuuzou's eyes, saw how Kyuuzou's eyes glowed slightly as the night deepened until they were the only part of Kyuuzou visible in the shadows, if he didn't know that Kyuuzou told nothing but the truth, he wouldn't have believed him. There was more he wanted to know from Kyuuzou, but from how exhausted the man appeared, he knew that he was running on nothing, mentally and physically. But still! He now had a highly posessive, protective, skilled, half-demon claiming him as a master. As the only one he'd truly serve. Thankfully, though, both of them would be kept relatively busy, so he'd have more time to consider what he had gotten himself into. True, he didn't mind the one condiition that Kyuuzou had told him. It wasn't too much of a sacrifice.
Near the end of his tale, Kyuuzou had stopped, and looked at Kanbei with hesitation in his eyes.
"There is one thing that a demon needs to keep active."
Kanbei had waited.
"I need a little bit of your ki."
"Oh? How much is a little bit?"
"The amount it takes for you to make that second sword of yours that just happens to appear when convienent."
"I see..."
There had been a silence.
"I don't see that being a problem. How often do you need this?"
"Once every two days."
"That's all?"
Kyuuzou had nodded, and Kanbei thought.
"Very well. That's not too bad."
Kanbei thought he had seen Kyuuzou's shoulders relax, but the younger man was always so hard to read that he couldn't be certain.
As Kanbei prepared for the day, he didn't know he was smiling softly. It would be good to get to know the younger man. It is always good to have someone who understands what you've gone through near. Maybe, just maybe, he would be able to draw out the man underneath Kyuuzou's jaded exterior.
---
Kyuuzou was happy for the first time in a very, very long time. Actually, it wasn't so much happy as relieved, but for him it fell under 'happy'. Though he wasn't quite sure what the sensation of happiness was. His childhood hadn't nessacarily been anywhere near "normal". But his body felt his own again, his mind felt his own again. The symbol that had been put on him as a sign of how much time he had left had melted off him as soon as he was away from Kanbei. He was now serving the man he wanted to, he was his own person again, and was expecting to have a little bit of activity for his skills.
'I wonder if I could get Kanbei to train with me...'
The day passed quickly, preparations being made for the confrontation with the insurrection.
Kyuuzou's day was profitable. He desposed of two spies and one assassin. Everyone was so sloppy!
Or was it just that there was no more challenge for his skills?
He refused to believe that. There must be someone out there who would be a challenge to his skills. He didn't mind perfection for perfection's sake, but he still wanted to know that those skills he honed would be useful. Kyuuzou was sent to rest around midday.
"Since you know the layout best, and since you seem tobe able toget in anywhere, I think that you should lead some of my men."
Kyuuzou had simply replied, "I am not an officer."
The Lord had understood. Kyuuzou would lead them intothe building, but would then let those more suited to commanding the men take over. Kyuuzou would then return to be by the Lord's side,even though he wanted to remain by Kanbei. He knew, however, that Kanbei was more than capable of taking care of himself, while the Lord was not. Kyuuzou fell into a half-dozing state, resting his body and mind. He could still faintly hear the demon's thoughts, which was disconcerting, since they were laced with frustration and anger, which is not condusive to rest.
He awoke at midnight to a deathly quiet castle, everyone but those on guard-shift deep asleep. Kyuuzou stood and quickly turned, his swords unsheathed, one placed at the throat of the ghost that stood behind him.
It seems you never can escape this place.
Neither can you, if you're still dwadling around here.
and why do you think that is? It was in this room that I died.
And I'm glad I caused it.
Lord Ryuu gave Kyuuzou a smirk. You told me as I laid dying that you'd never touch another man as I forced youto do to me. It seems like you were lying.
Kyuuzou's eyes snarled and he pressed the point of his sword into Ryuu's neck, making the ghost gasp.
Unlike others, I can kill you.
Impossible! How...?
You called me a demon as I watched the life slowly seep out of your body. You were right.
Before Ryuu could absorb that remark, Kyuuzou cut his neck, sending the ghost into the darkness of the Nether-realmns. Kyuuzou took a few deep breaths, regaining his self-control, his eyes slowly taking on their usual non-chalant cast. Before he went to the Lord, he had one person to visit.
---
Kanbei was surprised that he could feel Kyuuzou coming long before the blonde entered his room, so he was prepared when Kyuuzou entered.
"Yes?"he asked as Kyuuzou came in through the secret entrance.
Kyuuzou seemed unsurprised that the older man could tell he was coming, and walked over to Kanbei.
"Do not forget. I am yours."
"So if I need you, you'll drop everything and come to me?"
Kyuuzou nodded, which surprised Kanbei. "I thought you served the Lord?"
"No. I am employed by him. I serve only you."
Kanbei gave a wry smile, and gently brushed his fingers against Kyuuzou's face. "You need to be strong if you're going to protect me," he murmured, and kissed Kyuuzou. Kanbei felt a small tug on his conciousness and understood that to be Kyuuzou taking some of his ki. They parted, and Kanbei could have sworn that Kyuuzou's eyes had briefly taken on a more brown color, but he assumed that was a trick of the moonlight.
"Do not forget."
"I won't."
Kyuuzou melted into the shadows, and Kanbei sighed. He felt a little lightheaded, but he assumed that it would pass. He sat down on his pallet, and could almost taste Kyuuzou on his lips. This was enough...for now. When things were quiet again, he'd pursue Kyuuzou's affections, which, while already there, needed to be drawn out. But that was a peacetime activity. With this...raid...coming in the morning, he'd have other things to think about. He laid back down, and resolutely closed his eyes for a few more hours of sleep, even though Kyuuzou's scent still lingered nearby.
---
Kyuuzou took a select group of soldiers and hid them in the shadows with him, waiting until the main group began to ambush those who were part of the insurrection. When that conflict was in full swing,he led the group in one of the more obscure entrances and led them straight to where the most secret, inner workings took place. He left them to their interrogations and intellegence snooping, and slipped away, back to where the Lord was observing everything taking place.
The Lord watched with satsifaction as those who would have challenged his rule were either killed or captured. He was close to gloating, but would not allow himself, for if he did, he risked missing an important detail. Kyuuzou tensed, and took off his shadow cloak, and threw it around the Lord and the other bodyguard.
"Guard him."
Kyuuzou's voice left no room for argument, so the other bodyguard slunk into the shadows and took up a guard stance, the Lord held close within the folds of the shadows, melting into the darkness. Kyuuzou turned and walked into the fray,heading towards one area. There was Kanbei...and Toshiyo, who he was battling.
---
The men unconciously parted around him as Kyuuzou walked slowly, purposefully towards where the thinnest fighting was. A circle of soldiers had formed around two figures within, subdued insurgents laying bound at their feet. The soldiers saw Kyuuzou and tensed. There was something...wrong...about the man approaching.
"Who are you?" one soldier demanded, only a slight tremor in his voice betraying his unease.
"Kyuuzou."
The battle inside the circle suddenly stopped, both combatants frozen by the sound of Kyuuzou's voice. Kyuuzou stepped through the ring of soldiers, out into the open area surrounding Kanbei and Toshiyo. Toshiyo's muscles began to quiver, and his eyes snapped in anger, even as his breath came in ragged gasps.
"YOU!" The man snarled, and Kyuuzou regarded him evenly, nothing betraying his emotions. "I'LL KILL YOU!" he snarled and lunged, but Kanbei's sword blocking his way brought him up short.
"You forget who your oponent is," Kanbei said carefully.
Toshiyo gave Kanbei a baleful look. "I will kill you if you continue to block my path to that...creature." Toshiyo spit out the last word, his eyes focusing back on Kyuuzou's dull, expressionless countenance.
Kanbei was about to retort, when Kyuuzou spoke.
"Remember what he told you as he died."
Toshiyo had no question about who the 'he' was, and bristled, even as his mind turned to that moment.
Toshiyo ran over to the man lying on the floor, and ignored the blood as it stained and seeped through the cotton socks he wore when in the building.
"Older brother!"
He had picked up his brother by the shoulders, supporting his neck and back, and was relieved a little when Genma's eyes opened.
"Toshiyo..."
"Brother! Who did this to you? There's no one that can beat you! No one can injure you like this! How? Who!"
Genma gave Toshiyo a small,wavering smile.
"You are contemplating revenge."
"Yes! Noone should be able to do this to you and remain unpunished!"
Genma had mearely shook his head.
"No. He is too strong,will always be too strong. I was expecting this, anyway. I am surprised it took him so long."
"What?" Toshiyo was stunned. Genma had known this would happen?
"It is his nature. He will always...try to be better...to defeat all who would challenge his skill...since the day he returnedf rom Ryuu's castle, I knew I would be unable to beat him. I am...proud...I survived as long as I did." Genma had then looked up at his younger, tearful brother,and wiped away a stray tear. "Do not hate him for his nature."
"at least tell me his name!"
Genma pointed to the roster on the wall. "First name, top right column."
Toshiyo had gently laid his brother down and walked over, and examined the names through the stains of blood that had been flicked onto the parchment from the battle.
"Kyuuzou..." he read aloud. "Is that who hurt you so badly?" Toshiyo turned to find confirmation, and gasped as he saw that Genma was utterly still, his robe soaked through.
Toshiyo had made a promise that day, and he had resolved to fulfill it at allcosts.
"No! I will never forgive you for taking away the person who had mattered the most!"
Kanbei wondered briefly what had happened between the two of them, and looked at Kyuuzou. The glance they shared had Kanbei removehis sword from Toshiyo's path, but keep it naked in his hand. Kyuuzou unsheathed his swords, drawing Toshiyo's attention to him. Toshiyo gave Kyuuzou a grim, manic smile and charged, yelling. Kyuuzou neatly sidestepped and paried the strike that was meant to kill him and reposed with his other sword. Toshiyo dodged the attack and lunged in again, always searching for a flaw in Kyuuzou's technique. He did not notice that Kyuuzou was hardly exerting himself, nor that the clash of conflict was dying down. It was only when Kyuuzou responded with a lightning-fast attack that Toshiyo had not seen him use that he was finally concious of the depthless silence that was broken only by the clang of his sword hitting the ground. Kyuuzou's sword point bit into the soft flesh of his throat, and his eyes widened.
'Am I going to die?'
"Kyuuzou."
Kyuuzou's eyes moved away from Toshiyo, but his sword remained level at his throat. Behind him, Toshiyo saw the Lord approach, and listened as the Lord addressed Toshiyo.
"You are defeated. All your men are either captured or dead, and you are at the mercy of my bodygaurd. Because I am merciful,and feel that there has been enough bloodshed today, I will simply exile you." The Lord's face gained a grim, calculating smile. "Then again, exile from the city of your birth and defeat at the hands of someone you hate it worse than death,isn't it?"
Toshiyo's arms were jerked behind him, and he was tied tightly, rendered unable to move. It was only when he was completley shackled that Kyuuzou lowered his sword. There was still nothing in his eyes, not even a shred of emotion, which angered Toshiyo.
"Do not think this is the end, Kyuuzou," he hissed, "Your head will be mine!"
The Lord looked at Kyuuzou curiously. "Why does he hate you so?"
"...I killed his brother."
"Oh," the Lord said, a little disconserted at how emotionlessly Kyuuzou stated that information. "Well, you did well today,Kyuuzou. I am once again grateful that you serve me, and are not my enemy."
Kyuuzou simply nodded,and fell into step behind the Lord. He passed Kanbei, and felt, rather than saw, the slight, approving smile. That what he had done pleased Kanbei was more soothing tohim than the thought that someone who wanted his life was still roaming free, and his gait became slightly easier, his shoulders relaxing as he sheathed his swords.
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