An: One of the last chapters. I hate having to end stories. Even if there wasn't that much action. Sadly, all things must come to end.
Chapter Fourteen
Lord Inari glanced up from his desk as Han stepped through, taking in her dirty clothes with an inquisitively raised eyebrow. She smiled, picking up her poker cards she had left sitting on the desk by Lord Inari's throne. Lord Hakkai took in them both and leaned back letting the silent exchange take place.
"Where have you been?" he asked quietly, his hands crossed in front of him on the table.
Han shrugged, running her hands over the face of the cards, the jokers smiling up at her, "I've been around."
It was her way of lying only giving half the truth. Some thought it was still lying and that was not something to do to a god.
"Let me guess. Are you this mysterious Kunanai?" Lord Hakkai asked bringing the attention back to himself.
Han looked blankly at him before turning her attention to Lord Inari.
"Ah, Lord Hakkai meet Han. Han meet Lord Hakkai," Inari quickly introduced them to each other before continuing. "Now where is Kunanai? And what is this unbalance on Jantu that has attracted the attention of Lady Bokinu?"
Han stared at him confused before it dawned on her. Promise or not, Jantu meant the same to her as any other Kitsune even if she was not a full breed. She set the cards down and approached Lord Inari.
"There's something you need to know about. Kunanai's going to kill Dananu and Yananu tonight for destroying her family."
Lord Hakkai's chair fell back with a clatter, his body sprawled momentarily on the floor before he clambered to his feet, his face red with embarrassment.
"Is this the same Kunanai Lord Inari is so madly in love with?" he questioned once he regained his lost dignity.
At Han's nod, Lord Inari flew from his chair, moving quickly to where the portal was kept. Han however had other ideas as her stiletto embedded itself in the door just beside Lord Inari's head causing him to freeze.
"My Lord, you must not go just yet. She will not reach them till tomorrow night but we need to discuss things," she said quietly.
Lord Inari turned slowly his anger unmasked to take possession of his face as he glared openly at her.
"No, Child. I am leaving to stop my kingdom from breaking apart. Now keep your knives in their sheaths or lose all you have," he growled to her.
Lord Hakkai lightly grabbed Inari feeling him flinch under the slightest touch.
"Come, My Friend. Let us breathe and relax then handle the situation."
Han nodded glad Lord Inari took his friends advice.
Dananu unclasped his cape, throwing it over the back of the chair. He sighed pulling his heavy velvet shirt off and dropping it to the floor at his feet. His room was dark except for the lone candle that rested on the nightstand beside his four-poster bed. He pulled back the covers freezing in his actions when the door to his room opened, the light framing the female's body. She remained unmoving seemingly waiting for him to tell her to come in.
"Yes?" he questioned hesitantly, unsure if he should allow her entrance.
"Now don't tell me you forgot me already. I was just held up in your dungeon for over two months," she replied snidely though keeping her voice low and seductive.
His mouth fell open in shock. He stood, back straight as she sauntered into the room. His eyes trailed over her body, widening at what she wore. Her top was a tube top of leather that clung tightly to her, a silver zipper shining in the candlelight. Leather straps crossed over her pale stomach, disappearing below the edge of her skirt. The skirt it self was short, coming to rest just above her mid-thigh, a slit running up almost to the edge of her hip. Leather boots ran up to her knee, skin tight and gleaming.
"Like what you see, 'Nanu. Hope so. This outfit was made just for you and this event," she whispered, her hand lightly touching his skin.
He sucked in a breath, his back becoming stiff. He stared into her eyes, thinking over what was about to happen. He had waited over 60 years to make her his and now it seemed everything was going to work out as he planned. She smirked, leaning in to whisper in his ear, her tongue tracing the shell or it.
"Love, do you remember the night about 80 years ago?"
He furrowed his brow unsure of what she was talking about, letting her continue, "When you destroyed my family, killed my parents?"
She threw him to the bed; her dagger glinting as she flew at him, her outfit reverting to that which she wore when in war. He kicked out, his feet connecting with her stomach to send her flying into the wall. He hurried towards the door and threw it open only to be thrown though as a fireball struck his back. He stumbled, grabbing the wall for support so he could continue moving or be killed by the girl who coughed violently behind him, her breath being knocked from her body.
"Shimora, stop this! Please!" he yelled over his shoulder, his back beginning to sting harshly as he leaned heavily on the wall.
"I bet my family begged for mercy as well, but did you grant them their wish?" she yelled harshly, her breath wheezing from her chest.
She suddenly appeared at the end of the hall, her hand holding her side tightly though the blood seeped to the floor. He began to back away, his heart pounding loudly as fear coursed his veins. He had to find help; he needed to find one of his bodyguards or even his brother. Kunanai however was gaining ground, the dagger glinting menacingly at him in the dark hallway, his back facing the light of the throne room.
She continued her track, her feet falling lightly; the blood echoing as it hit the ground by her feet.
Yananu moved quietly through the castle, his hands shoved deep in his pockets as he reached the upper levels listening as the wind blew across the parapets. A Dragon's roar could be heard in the distance; it more than likely was an omen of death. He shrugged it off, someone always died in the Makai no matter if the Dragon's roared or not. Death was just another thing of life that had been ended by his sword; it was almost habit now.
He stepped out onto the parapets, his hair carelessly tossing in the wind. Off in the distance, black clouds obscured the starlight and half the moon, streaks of lightning glowing on the horizon. The smell before a rain always made his hands itch to feel the metal of his sword as he cut down another enemy. He shook it off, the feeling turning his thoughts and steps back to his plan. His brother would be a causality; he deserved to die with everything he had done that sent ruin through the kingdom.
He knew Kunanai was there, within the castle walls even possibly battling Dananu. Truly he would go to his brother's help when his brother was near-death but no sooner. The kingdom belonged to him and he would have what he wanted. Dananu only served to do as his brother recommended would be best for the kingdom. He served only as a pawn so the kingdom would grow to hate Dananu but love himself. The only three people that stood in the way were Dananu, Kunanai, and Lord Inari, two of which would soon be dead. The door to where he was flew open, a servant stumbling fearfully towards him.
"My Lord, Shimora has entered the castle and is trying to kill your brother," he screeched, his voice high pitched as Yananu closed his eyes against the pain.
"Really? Empty the palace of servants. I will take care of this myself."
He strolled past acting as if he had not known of Kunanai's presence. Truly the name Shimora was so bland it sounded made-up. He had not anticipated that anyone would find out of Kunanai's entrance for at least an hour but he could handle what was given to him. It only meant he might have the honors of killing his brother. He held no love for the other so it mattered little to him.
Lord Hakkai shook his head sadly, "Geez, I wouldn't be surprised if she became a goddess by the time this was out."
Lord Inari nodded, his eyes trained on some other world trying desperately to make sure Kunanai did not kill. Truly his fear was of her death, something deep down just felt wrong. It sent shivers of fear through his body with the slightest thought of what could happen to her before the night was through. Even now he knew nothing he did would stop what was going to happen, there was no way for him to save his love. Just the thought shattered his heart into a million pieces.
Han lightly took his hand trying to think of something that would help.
"She told me to tell you that she'd meet you again in the next life if she died. She told me you were her best friend and she hoped she'd never lose you," Han hoped it would help not wishing for him to be hurt that much.
It would tear them apart if he gave up letting his heart run away with him then he would be unable to properly rule over his people. Many people would die and that would drive a wedge further between the Hanyou's and Kitsune's. They did not need to bring war about when their Lord was unable to work because of a broken heart. He needed his senses.
"Well, when will we be moving?" Lord Hakkai asked, his hands resting behind his head.
Both looked at him suddenly startled from their thoughts as they looked at Lord Hakkai. He smiled cautiously, staring as Inari stood and went to the window staring down at the world below him.
"There's nothing we can do. I can feel it as I know Lord Hakkai can. Her fate is not mine to be decided. They hold her life now," his face faltered, anger taking control of him once again. "Damn Fates! You can't steal her from me!"
He slammed his fist in to the wall, his body slowly falling to the ground. He could not believe he would have to let her go, let her leave him so he could truly be with her again.
"'Nari, come on. It'll be better for her to forget what happened before when she was younger," Lord Hakkai tried to reason.
Lord Inari's fists grabbed the front of Lord Hakkai's shirt, clenching it in his hands as he tried not to let the tears of sorrow fall from his eyes. His whole mortal life he had searched for love and this was the first time he had ever felt it. The deep burning need to be with her and she was going to be ripped from his life.
Dananu dodged the throne, listening as the spear embedded itself in the wall next to him. She staggered, losing more blood with each step. She truly wondered if it was worth dying to kill only one. It was true he could not fight but his skills in avoiding her were growing with every minute, new plans formulating. She was growing exceedingly tired but unless she found a way to get her wound to stop bleeding there was no escape. Only kill or be killed, as was the Makai's only rule.
"Why do you want me dead? Yananu was the one to kill your family," he yelled, listening to her approach.
"So you would sell out your brother to make sure you remained alive? That's pathetic."
He moved quickly turning around to come face to face with a blade, the point within inches of his throat.
"True, Brother. Stand and face your doom."
Dananu slowly backed out into the open, his hands partially raised in front of him to wards off the potential attack Yananu seemed ready to complete. He did not know how far Kunanai was from him but could only hope she would not take the time presented to kill him.
"Yananu, brother? What's going on? Why are you trying to kill me?" Dananu stuttered fear evident as his eyes darted for any potential escape.
"Do you think I could let you live? You allowed this bitch to bewitch you even when you knew of others feelings. Now you wish me to spare you? No. It's time the kingdom went to its proper owner," Yananu answered off-handedly.
Kunanai's smirked, "I had thought as much. Until Dananu took you into his inner court, he was a great king and ruler. You know, I will spare him. Your blood is much more appeasing to me."
The dagger dripped to the floor, her normal katana's appearing clenched in her fist. Yananu nodded slightly, a malicious smile taking possession of his lips. He casually stepped forward, his sword running straight through Dananu's throat. His eyes widened in shock, a small pitiful whimper admitting from him before Yananu ripped the sword from his throat, blood splattering down his body running thickly to the floor. Kunanai's eyes narrowed, flowing the blood as it swarmed her feet mingling with hers. It seemed strange that this was a ritual to make them lovers. Of course his blood overpowered hers and led to his death; they would not be bound in that manner.
Yananu pushed Dananu's body off the sword listening as it fell to the floor. The blood rippled out from around his body, lapping at the boots both warriors wore. It seemed as if they were walking in a sea of blood, the odor wafting up to their noses. The death of those around them had at one time smelt wonderful but to Kunanai, it gave forth a putrid odor.
"Shall I kill you now or tell you why I'm doing so?" he questioned licking his brother's blood from his sword.
"Like you have a good reason. I hope you end up like the followers of Yacumo and are sentenced to oblivion!"
He shook his head disappointed at her reply, "But it is quite entertaining. Let us see. Oh yes, it started with you, stealing my position!"
He flew at her them, watching, laughing as she stumbled back, hardly blocking his attack with her sword. He chuckled, letting his sword fall to his side as he watched her pant heavily, the pain of her wound beginning to get to her. All he could do was hope she did not die unless he delivered the final blow. She glared at him, her eyes becoming slits of burning fire.
"Do you think your death will be pleasant, even laughable? Well, that's interesting," she replied snidely taking in a deep breath to calm her nerves.
Something seemed wrong but she could not place it. It seemed as if something deep inside her was trying to tell her something was wrong. At the moment however she did not care if anything was wrong unless it began to affect her being able to kill Yananu. He was now the only one standing in her way.
"Come on, Kit. Will you kill me now?"
Kunanai snarled her hands clasping the metal, feeling it bit into her skin as she prepared to attack. He seemed not to notice, his eyes laughing at her. She suddenly disappeared, reappearing just before him, her sword slicing into his shoulder though missing the intended target. She growled as she moved away, her wound pumping more blood, the warm liquid draining down her leg. He placed his hand to the wound, feeling the blood begin to drain over his hand.
"Now we're even. So shall we truly begin our fight? Or will we have sex before?" he asked sarcastically.
"I'm afraid your death will come to quickly. Anyway on that matter, I preferred your brother."
It was his turn to snarl as he slashed wildly at her, metal hitting metal as he drove her back towards the wall. She dodged his final blow, his sword hitting the stone, sparks flying out. She stood panting in the middle of the room, her body screaming for sleep, the limbs falling to her side in exhaustion.
"Yananu, I know why you want me dead but whether you believe it or not, I don't deserve it, you do. So will you just die?" she yelled, her chest heaving as she stared him down.
He dropped his sword to his side, his eyes roaming over her before he nodded, a sad smile taking possession of his lips. He would do one thing before he killed her, one last thing to remember her by.
"I will but on two conditions, we set our swords down and you kiss me. I mean a nice heated kiss. Agree?"
Kunanai kept her disgust to herself; thinking it over before sighing, "Yes, fine but then I will be allowed to kill you."
Yananu smirked, his sword clattering to the ground as he watched her do the same. He moved with the speed of light, his arm grabbing her lightly around the waist as he pressed her to him.
"You know, I've always dreamed of what this would be like," Yananu whispered, slowly leaning in.
Kunanai sucked in her breath, her body becoming rigid. She truly did not wish to kiss him but if it would mean she could kill him then she would do it. She suddenly realized she was giving up her dignity with just a simple kiss. She felt a dagger pressing to her thigh and realized it was the one Maki had given her. Her eyes slid shut to give him the impression she was going to kiss him. He let his other hand slip a ninja star from his belt, his lips inches from hers.
"Good bye, Love."
Kunanai nodded suddenly driving the dagger into his back to the hilt, the gold handle glinting in the light. Yananu's eyes widened, his hand holding the star tightly, feeling it cut into his hand. It was hard to breath; more than likely she had punctured a lung. He tried to remain calm; panic would only serve to worsen the problem.
"Do you think that could kill me?" he whispered harshly.
Kunanai sneered at him, trying to push him away but failing. His grip was strong now, his fingers pushing on her wound causing her to gasp in pain. Blood coated his fingers like a glove, shining as he pulled them back. His other hand lifted the star, placing a tip on her cheek.
"You know, I had told them to kill Kurama would not be enough to break you. Some old fashion pain would work better," he said lightly cutting a long thin cut down her cheek, the blood flowing down her neck.
He licked it up, feeling her recoil from him in…Disgust? Fear? He did not know nor did he care but it sent a new adrenaline flowing through his veins. He pulled back to stare into her eyes and felt her hands scrambling over his back to find the daggers hilt.
"I meant it when I said good bye, Love," he whispered, kissing the wound.
All the sudden he drove the star into her temple, watching the momentary shock shiver her body before she crumbled in his arms, a small stream of blood flowing from her temple. She looked so peaceful and angelic except for the fact her eyes stared accusingly at him. He dropped her to the floor beside his brother, placing her sword next to her.
He made himself look sad and battle worn as he left the castle to find someone to clean up the mess left from the battle.
Lord Inari froze, Lord Hakkai and Han staring at him. As much as he tried to hide it, the tears came against his will. He felt Han and Lord Hakkai lightly touch his arm trying to help him. He flinched under the touch, feeling a piece of his heart being ripped from him possibly forever as he wrapped his arms around himself.
Lord Hakkai hugged him, drawing small soothing circles around his back, "Sh, 'Nari. It's okay, just cry, just get it all out.'
Lord Inari clung to his best friend, his hands clenching the cloth into bundles as the first heart-wrenching sob was ripped from his body. Lord Hakkai looked down sadly at Han, his eyes filling with sympathetic tears for his best friend. Lord Hakkai only wished he could do something for Lord Inari. As soon as the tears started, they stopped. Lord Inari pulled back, staring at the Earth below them.
"She's not dead. I feel her."
He looked at each, Lord Inari's gaze returning to the Ningenkai. Lord Hakkai and Han however dismissed it as his way of coping.
A lone figure darted through the trees only seen as a black blur. He suddenly froze, his eyes scanning the scene before him, the forest stretching on for miles. Something had ripped part of him out of his body, his heart clenching in sadness. He knew his sister had not died for he felt the link to her still but something was gone. Hiei was the boy's name. He was a Forbidden Child, a male Fire Demon mixed with Koorime. Being a male and able to control fire had earned him his exile from the ice island the Koorime's lived on.
He stared continually out over the horizon with ruby red eyes, glinting with hidden emotion. His skin was pale like the place of his birth, pale like snow. His hair was obsidian black with midnight blue tips, a starburst encircling the center. A white ward hid his purple Third Eye, the Jagan from sight. He wore a black cloak, his pants, the same color, seemingly joined his boots.
He felt suddenly a small pulse of life, the hole refilling. He shrugged it off, continuing on his way. It could not have bee that important if the feeling only lasted a moment. Besides the only one he was connected with was his twin sister. He had never felt such sheer sadness in his life, a feeling that made him want to cry out for the world to hear his heartbreak as long as the person came back. A thought struck him as he thought it over.
'It's not possible the woman in my dreams is real. No, I won't believe it. It's too absurd,' he dismissed the thought returning to his present mission.
TBC
An: And enters Hiei! YAY! Anywho, the epilogue is next so…one more. Review please. Much Love, S. Hunter.