"Ronin Warriors: The Final Victor"

By Onikage

Scroll Thirty-Four: Redemption

(Cover the youngin's eyes! There are pervy things about!)

She whimpered as he ripped her head backwards by her hair almost to the point of breaking her neck. Hot tears ran molten paths down her flushed face. Her abdomen ached and her throat slightly raw from crying. Yet now she remained silent and submissive. Any more resistance would result in something worse than a broken bone. First it had been her index finger. He promised her in a voice with an air of death to it that there would not BE a next one. It felt like hours since she and the boys had been separated. Her whole body burned from abuse and fatigue. The muscles inside her throbbed and stabbed all throughout the seemingly long hours from the instant she was taken to the constant assault she felt inside her now. Even if she had the strength to pull away, it was all she could do to hang onto his larger body for dear life as he tossed her around as if she were a rag doll. Sharp, painful yet pleasurable thrusts stabbed into her, eliciting a moan with each one. She yelped as sharp teeth bit down on her throat in an aggressive attempt to keep her aroused. As much as she hated to admit it, every time he entered her, erection fully re-awakened, her body wanted it and practically begged for it. Every time she climaxed, crying out with inner pain that overcame sinful pleasure.

A snarl rose into his throat and he threw her down against the floor of the large van. Windows had been taped, painted over, and blocked all in the back by any means. A curtain behind the front seats banished all available daylight, if there was any at all. For a moment, it was quiet. She squeezed her eyes shut with an age-old childish notion that he wouldn't be able to see her anymore. That he too would disappear and he could regain her strength to finally scream.

Oh, the bliss of innocence… Not her. Not anymore or ever again. Tears began anew when she felt the weight of his body straddle over her chest, pinning her shoulders, making it so hard to breathe. The instant his hands trapped her arms above her head and the large, wet invasion into her mouth escaped her. She whimpered helplessly and tried to turn away, disgusted and thoroughly sickened by everything that had happened.

"Suck," came the deadly order. A delighted moan came low and heavy in his throat as her tongue swirled slowly with a gentle sucking motion. "Mnn, harder…" Another moan this time louder came as he leaned over her and forced it more down her throat, not caring if he went too far until he was completely buried within her. His rocking was however gentle.

She felt her consciousness slipping from the lack of oxygen. Impulsively, she started to struggle and cry out in protest. With all of her strength she bucked helplessly. "Ohhh…" he sighed as the vibrations of her muffled screams sent a delicious pulse of pleasure through him. He rocked harder, gripping her wrists tightly until he came with a loud groan. She gagging she managed to roll over and cough up the hot fluid that had accidentally entered her lungs.

Her mind swirled and throbbed. A bright curtain of light blinded her and muffled and muddled yells entered her mind, yet nothing coherent formed.

Emotionally and physically drained she felt a stab of shame and hopelessness as she thought she heard the cries of the boys she loved so much…
"NO!!!" Mia screamed as she bolted up in her bed, knocking a body to the floor in utter surprise. Scanning the brightly, sunlit place of her bedroom, the fresh breeze billowing her curtains, and the faint banging from outside, she let out a cry of relief, and covered her face to cry softly. (… Gods… No more… please) she cried to herself and fell back against her comforting pillows.

A voice, different than from the dream, called out to her softly. She didn't notice the weight of her bed dip behind her and a warm, solid body spoon up behind her. It held her in a comforting warmth, battle calloused hands sliding over her delicate kitchen nimble ones, and holding them gently. Mia's eyes opened slowly and stared at the lavender-sleeved arm seemingly protecting her. She sniffled and clutched the arm close to her with a shuddering whimper.

"Shhh," came into her ear, lips brushing against the contour of it, then against her temple, affectionately. "… It was a bad dream, my lady…" She turned inside the embrace, the large arm lifting to accommodate her before pulling her back against his chest in an even tighter, safer embrace. Wavy, ivory locks spilled over his shoulder, and a single ice blue eye melted the chills of fear still freezing the very depth of her. His hand moved and brushed the amber strands out of her face, pulling back the curtain she hid behind. His eye widened as hot tears spilled out over her cheeks. "… He's back," she whimpered, not quite enough awake to realize he hadn't a clue to what she meant. "He's back inside my head," she cried into his chest.

"Who?" he whispered gently. He ran his hand through her hair hushing her softly. He paused slightly as he took note of a mark on her neck. A mark that seemed all too familiar to him. He touched it gently and traced it slowly. Mia gasped, hand flying to her neck. "D-don't!" she breathed. He noticed another along her breastbone, disappearing into the fabric of her silken nightgown. Her eyes gave her away as shame and guilt passed over them. Dais touched her cheek and cupped it gently.

He often wondered why such a robust and lively woman shied away from affections as innocent as a hug or a pat on the back. Why he never seemed to see her in a bathing suit or anything sleeveless for that matter. The attitude, the look in her eyes, the way she overly covered up. His one eye closed with a sigh before it opened again. "… When did it happen?" he asked in a voice that seemed to understand the very meaning of everything that she had been trying to hide, ashamed. Mia swallowed.

"… About a year ago… I was with Kento and S-sai on a trip to Y-yamaguchi to see Sai's mother… We got separated some how and…" Her voice fell into a hesitant whimper. "… and… I was hit from behind…" She started to cry.

"Shh…" he ordered softly, placing his forehead against hers. He closed his eye and concentrated briefly. Flashes and images entered his mind. A face. A voice. Names. Sensations of fear, shame, guilt among others filled his mind and senses. He felt her shiver as she suddenly felt goose bumps rise to her skin and sigh with pleasure as a warm feeling flowed through her. The terror has dissipated… at least for a while. Her eyes opened. Everything seemed to feel dreamy and her body felt so light. The feeling stopped as Dais opened his eye again and kissed her forehead.

"I didn't have any idea," he whispered. "Forgive my intrusion… It's better if I take a look inside than have you endure it again…" Mia sniffled and settled back into his chest. She closed her eyes and took in the calming scent of summer. It was quiet with the exception of the breeze coming through her room and the faint banging again. She felt her cheeks get hot as his hand started to stroke the small of her back, then up along the bare skin of her spine. She lifted her face and risked looking him in the eye. Risking another person looking at her with pity and remorse, a look that reminded her of that horrible day.

There was only gentle understanding. No pity, no remorse… just an emotion that she could not quite read. Dais gave her a soft smile. "… You are safe now, my lady. There is nothing of which to be afraid…" He was greeted with a shy nod.

"Dais? Can I ask you something?" she whispered faintly.

"Anything." Mia sat up and rubbed the sleep and tears out of her eyes.

"What is that banging?" Dais sat up with a chuckle.

"Well, that's what I came in here to tell you before you threw me on the floor…" Mia blushed. He stood and pulled her out of bed by her hand. He snatched her robe and slipped it over her.

"Dais! Where are you taking me!?" she laughed, blushing as the man led her out of the room by her hand.

"It's a surprise!" he finally answered with a handsome grin as they cleared the stairs, heading towards the front door (which had been finally fixed by the way).

"Dais!!" she protested before he pulled her outside.

"Surprise…" He pointed to the nearly repaired veranda. Mia gasped in complete shock.

"H-how? How in the world did you fix this in a DAY?!" she exclaimed as she watched Anubis, Sekhmet, and Cale working diligently. Cale took notice and flushed gently when he saw the happy look on her face.

"M-my lady!?" he sputtered. "G-good morning!" Sekhmet glanced up at Anubis. He shook his head with a smirk and went back to sanding. Cale leapt down from the top of the ladder and rushed to her.

"Cale! How?" He blushed and scratched the back of his blue mane.

"Well… we kinda… cheated…" Mia looked at Dais who appeared just as guilty.

"'Cheated'?" Mia repeated.

"… Black magic," they replied in unison. Mia blinked and went over to the newly finished wall. She touched it hesitantly. It felt solid enough. She knocked on it rather hard.

"My lady," Anubis called, looking down at her from the roof of the porch. She looked up shyly. "What are you doing?" he chuckled. Sekhmet glanced down beside him.

"Making sure you didn't bungle up ANOTHER spell," he snipped. Anubis frowned with a faint blush. The last repair he screwed up wasn't THAT bad… then again, the wall separating the baths into two parts WAS important. He still had the bruises from Kongo and Tori… not to mention a few more advances from Kayura than he cared to have. Mia smiled.

"Just looking. Are you guys hungry? I'm going to go make breakfast-"

"BREAKFAST!!" Kayura called from the kitchen window. Sekhmet's face lit up.

"Yes!" Anubis CLIMBED down the ladder rather than jumping down. He met Mia at the bottom.

"You'd think he and Hardrock were related," he chuckled.

"Don't say that to Kento!" Mia laughed gently. She observed the new porch once more. "Anubis? Where did you find all this extra wood to use?"

"The barrier is down, remember?" he reminded. "We bought it in town… Aside from the slight looting in some places, you'd think nothing had happened!"

"Then what was that spell you and Lady Kayura performed when the others left? I thought you were re-casting the barrier?"

"Ahh, no," he began slowly and unsurely. "I-it's not important. Everything was bought and paid for, my lady, so you don't have to worry."

"… No, just the credit card bill in the mail whenever it starts working again," she sighed. "I just hope that the others, especially Ryo, don't go overboard with party supplies."
"ACHOO!" Ryo rubbed his nose with a paper towel.

"Wow, Ryo! That's the third one in two minutes! Someone must be talking about you!" Megami beamed across the breakfast table.

"That or he's coming down with a cold," Sai murmured. "Go wash your hands, Ryo! I'll kill you if I get sick!"

"Ow, Sai! Quit pushing! I'm going!"

"My goodness, Lady Kayura! How early did you have to get up to make all of this!?" Mia exclaimed, letting Cale seat her. Kayura blushed with pride. "It all looks so good!"

"Stop it!" she giggled. Sekhmet let out a snort.

"Yes, do stop… Her ego is all ready too big," he said lightly. Kayura pulled on his ear.

"At least it's bigger than SOME things, you buffoon," she hissed. Sekhmet rubbed his earlobe.

"Ow! You mean like your chest?" he sneered. Anubis caught her arm before she hit Sekhmet with a large spatula.

"Now, now, Kayura… Calm down," he said with a sigh. Mia bit back a laugh. He seemed so calm and not at all surprised with their behavior, like this was all very routine for the five of them. Kayura pouted up at him.

"But Anuuubis," she whined. "Didn't you hear what he said about me?" She pulled back the front of her shirt and looked into it with a pout. Anubis sighed with a roll of his eyes.

"Your breasts are fine, Kayura. Now, please, sit down and eat something," he said gently. Kayura flushed at the seemingly 'normal' comment to her, but she frowned.

"'Fine'? 'FINE'? Oh, I'm sure Rekka's are just the orbs of the heavens to you!!" she snapped. Anubis reddened slightly with the laughter that met his ears. He was SO glad she wasn't here to witness this horrible display. He didn't need any more bruises either. He leered down at her with an annoyed glare.

"Oh, yes, Kayura… There isn't a being more perfect than she," he remarked with sarcasm. Kayura's lip began to tremble. She was always is favorite girl! "For the love of the Gods, Kayura! Just sit down!" he snapped. Mia's soft laughter met their ears. "And what, pray my lady, is so amusing?" he demanded.

"N-nothing! I just…" She smiled sweetly. "I'm glad that… none of you are evil anymore," she said gently. Anubis blinked and sat at the head of the table.

"Oh."

"How did you sleep, Lady Mia?" Cale asked softly. "I hope the banging didn't wake you." Mia froze briefly while she drank a glass of apple juice. She swallowed hard.

"I… No, Cale… The banging didn't disturb me. It was a lovely surprise; thank you," she said with a smile, trying to hide behind it. It seemed to work against Cale; however, she could feel Dais' stare on her from across the table from her. She glanced at him shyly. A soft smile that was both comforting and sincere fell across his lips. Cale caught this and grit his teeth silently. "Cale?" Mia called suddenly.

"Huh, what?"

"Do you think you can help me clean up after breakfast?"

"Y-yes… Of course!" Mia smiled at him. Cale flushed. (… I think this is what Kongo said about feeling 'all fuzzy inside'… Fuzzy?) he thought with a nervous gulp.

"Sekhmet, how do you like… it?" Kayura began. She stopped when she found him nearly inhaling the food. "Sekhmet!" He froze and swallowed what food he had.

"… Y-yes?"

"What is wrong with you!?" she scolded. "You're manners are worse than Hardrock's!" she hissed.

"… S-sorry. I just… I feel so hungry for some reason," he replied, staring into his glass of juice. Something was bothering him… and it wasn't hunger, he suddenly realized.

"E-excuse me…" Sekhmet stood quickly and left.

"Sekhmet!" Mia called after him, but the man had escaped through the kitchen and out the back door. "Oh, I hope he's all right," she sighed. "Maybe we should go after him?"

"… Don't worry about him, my lady," Dais assured. He turned to Anubis. "Why don't you follow him so he doesn't get into any trouble. The last time he went out something happened. Damn reptile wouldn't say a word about it…" Anubis looked sheepish.

"I… don't think that is a wise idea," he began. "The last time I did that… well… let's just say he was a little more than 'miffed'." Mia folded her arms across her chest.

"I will NOT have him coming home with cuts and bruises all over him again!" she frowned. "Scared me half to death when he came home like that! Go follow him so he doesn't get into any trouble. Do you know that I can't even garden without being attacked by something? Dais and Cale watch my every move… It drives me crazy sometimes, but at least I'm alive. Now get your butt out there and watch him!" Anubis frowned.

"… What am I, his babysitter? The man is almost… five hundred! I think he can take care of himself!" he snapped. Cale's eyes flashed.

"Watch your tone…" he warned. Anubis stood abruptly.

"No one said that you had to 'baby sit' him. Just follow him and make sure that he doesn't get killed. It will be a slight problem if that happens," Dais reminded. Anubis growled deep in his throat.

"… Fine." Anubis practically stormed out of the dining room.

"My lady, when did you say that Wildfire and the others would be returning?" Cale asked.

"Um, I think he mentioned coming home later on tomorrow afternoon…"

"Lovely. At least we'll have another day of peace and quiet without the bickering," Dais said lightly.

"Shh, Dais! Don't be rude!" Mia whispered.

"I wasn't! I was just stating a fact that it IS quieter around here without Anubis and Rekka fighting… not to mention Hardrock and Strata fighting over the television."

"… Dais," Mia sighed heavily.

Anubis sighed heavily and leaned against the wall outside the dining room. Dais had the uncanny ability to be right… all the time and Anubis hated it. He ran his hand through his hair with another sigh before touching the wound on his cheek. He pulled his fingertips away and frowned. (Still bleeding…) he thought. He frowned when it reminded him of a certain… cartoon… Hardrock made him watch with him. Something to do with a batousai? He shook his head.

"Cale?" Mia asked from the other room. "Can you help me do the dishes?"

"O-of course!"

Anubis sighed again before leaving through the front door.

Cale swallowed hard before following the others into the kitchen after Mia. She was busying herself with putting away leftovers. Kayura was scraping all extra scraps into White Blaze's large bowl, muttering to herself about wasting food. "Kayura? Where is Yuli?" Mia asked worriedly.

"The boy? Oh, I gave him little travel pack before I called you all. He's with White Blaze down at the dock…"

"By himself?!" Mia exclaimed. "Kayura!"

"Relax, Mia… I'll go check on him, all right? Just calm down now. Don't over excite yourself again," Dais ordered gently. Mia nodded slowly and flushed gently. She was still shaken from the morning's nightmare.

"Be careful, Dais," she said softly and watched him go. He flashed a smile over his shoulder before he disappeared out the other kitchen door.

"You're awfully quiet today, Cale," Mia began again gently. "Something on your mind?" Cale jumped and almost dropped the food he was putting away into the pantry. Kayura got a cloud of flour dumped onto her head as he scrambled to keep the rest from spilling out onto the ground. She sneezed and coughed loudly. "… Oops. S-sorry, my lady…"

"It's fine." She dusted herself off quickly. "… Another shower wouldn't hurt I suppose." She walked behind him and pinched his back.

"Ow!" He turned and glared at her. "I said I was sorry!!"

"You OWE me, Cale…" she whispered and left quickly. Cale flushed heavily and swallowed.

"Cale?"

"DAH!" He jumped again, sending more flour into the air. "Don't DOOO that, my lady!!" he exclaimed, nearly whining. Mia giggled and wiped the flour off of his cheeks with a dishtowel.

"You're so funny, Cale. Now… What's wrong with you?" She went back over to the sink and started washing, awaiting an answer. Cale scratched the back of his head nervously.

"… I… Um." Cale lowered his head with a sigh, giving up. "We never finished our… conversation from the other day, my lady," he said softly. Mia didn't look up from washing, though she had slowed considerably.

"I… figured as much," she said gently. "… You've nearly avoided me since then. I thought I was beginning to make you angry or upset with me."

"Never!" he exclaimed and turned her around. "I just… I want to know," he finished softly, pulling up a stool and taking her hands. Mia smiled gently at Cale.

"I do care for you, Cale," she said. His eyes lit up.

"You do?! Really?" Mia started to giggle.

"You sound like Yuli when he gets excited." Cale flushed and laughed nervously. Mia lowered her eyes.

"My lady?" Kayura returned to the kitchen and poked her head in from the door.

"Lady Mia? May I borrow that herbal shampoo of yours? Sekhmet took mine again…" she pouted. She grinned to herself when a dark red flush fell onto Cale's cheeks, making him look like a blue-topped cherry.

"O-of course, Kayura. Just return it when you've finish."

"Thank you! Cale want me to turn the heat down? You look very flushed," she grinned. Cale glared.

"Cale? Can… we discuss this later?" Mia asked softly. "I… have some thinking to do first, all right?" He nodded slowly.

"Is later tonight all right? A walk perhaps? We won't be disturbed then…" Mia thought a moment and smiled.

"Yes. I'd like that very much, Cale." Mia leaned up and kissed him softly before heading out. She poked her head back into the kitchen. "Cale? Can you finish the dishes, please?" He nodded and waved nervously as she left. He tip toed to the door again and listened for retreating footfalls. He jumped up in triumph, hitting his head on a light fixture.

"… YES!!!!… Ow…"

Sekhmet closed his eyes and stretched out on a flat rock, letting the sun warm his skin. He yawned sleepily and pillowed his head behind his arms. "… Nice day," he said to himself. He heard a soft skittering beside him. He turned and opened his eyes. A small little lizard cocked his head at him. He smirked. "… Good morning, cousin," he greeted. A pink tongue flickered at him. Sekhmet chuckled to himself. "My, my… bitter, aren't we. Don't worry… the weather is going to stay like this for a while, little one…" He sat up and sighed. The lizard climbed on his leg. Sekhmet stared at forest around him. It hadn't been this nice outside since he last saw Managi he realized. He looked down at the small reptile again.

"Hm? Oh… nothing. I was just thinking of someone…" He closed his eyes and thought of golden eyes and ivory skin. He could still smell the scent of roses from her. "… I wonder if she's all right… She wasn't with Talpa when he attacked," he thought aloud. "Strange… considering she was a formidable opponent when we fought against him." His brow furrowed with worry. Remembering when last they spoke, she walked along the path of high treason… Had she been caught… No. Sekhmet shook his head defiantly. "She's fine…" The lizard suddenly darted into the brush. "Hey, where are you… Hm, something must have spooked… Hm?"

He stood slowly as a faint sound came from a small pond farther into the woods. Along with the rush of water, a pleasant tune greeted his ears… a voice. Following the sound, he kept a hold of the armored orb tight in his hand should he need it. As he neared the source, his heart began to thud in his chest. He knew that tune. (It… can't be…) He stopped just before the path emptied into the larger clearing with the small pond with a high waterfall. Looking around he eyed a strong tree branch and leapt upon it with expert stealth. He had a clear view of the entire pond. Scanning the surface, his breath hitched in his throat at a pale, almost white body beneath the gentle waterfall. Ebony hair glistened against the white foam pouring down on her. He felt a smile curl on his lips out of happiness and a little bit of naughtiness. He moved to another branch for a closer perch…

Managi sang softly as she bathed underneath the falls. Several days had passed and she had managed to elude the guards and spirits that had been looking for her. It wasn't them she was worried about. It was Talpa. Now that her memory of him had returned, she became quickly aware of his jealous streak and hunger for control. He had lost everything… but he would be damned if he couldn't keep her too. Managi tried to let the cool water chill away the awful nagging that he was constantly searching for her. She thought about what that monk in white and blue robes told her. That Talpa wouldn't find her if she sought out the Ronins. How could she do that after what she had done? She couldn't; however, she did not want to go back either. Ever. Perhaps it would be possible for her to live on her own in this world like the Ronins… Managi stopped singing and stepped out of the waterfall. She waded over to a few warm rocks to sun herself. That was one joy about the mortal realm: the sun was bright and warm. She wrung out her hair and sat staring at her reflection in the pond. It was then she realized that her appearance was far from normal. Golden eyes, pointed ears, fangs, and claws… She touched her features sadly and felt tears fill her eyes. There wasn't any place she could go. The world wouldn't accept a monster… and neither would the Ronins. As far as she was concerned, she was still their enemy… Right? She splashed her reflection away with a hiss and sighed, drying her eyes. "What… should I do?" she asked herself, wishing the monk would return and give her more advice. She covered her face and started to cry.

There was a slight popping sound. She lifted her head and looked around, drying her eyes quickly. The water was still and all was silent except for the roar of the falls. She reached for a small knife she kept and slowly waded back out into the water. She felt a presence now. Stopping when the water reached her waist she scanned the surface again. The popping sound came, then a snap.

"WHOOOOOAAAA!!" Managi yelped when something crashed down in front of her and it the water with a huge splash.

Sekhmet coughed and sputtered as he surfaced. (So much for being sneaky...) He slicked the hair out of his face as he stood. He froze when he felt a knife at his throat. Hands rose defensively with a nervous smile. "O-oh good. You're not hurt after all!" he greeted with a nervous smile. Managi just stared up at him in shock. "Um… H-hi…"

"Y-you… I-" Sekhmet averted his eyes and turned.

"My lady… You may wish to cover up before we continue this… conversation. I wouldn't want you to-" Soft arms curled around his frame and a body pulled tight against his back. Sekhmet looked down at the battered arms around his chest. (Well… at least that horrid little knife is gone.)

"… Naotoki, don't… go," she whispered. Sekhmet felt her body start to shiver. He turned slowly and smiled down at her.

"Let's get you out of the water and onto a rock with the sun," he said, lifting her in his arms. Managi squeaked as he did this. Everything felt so familiar to her. He set her down after wading out of the water. He turned his back to her as he sat down. He removed his shirt and tried to squeeze out the water. "… I'm… glad that you managed to stay alive from all of this chaos… Talpa must be itching to attack." Managi grabbed the cape from her armor and wrapped it around her. She stared at his scarred back that was once flawless like she remembered.

"He… He is angry. Kurai has taken over… but he sleeps now," she said softly.

"So, what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be… you know… plotting to take over?"

"I… I'm not going back," she whispered. Sekhmet turned quickly to her in shock.

"Why not? I mean I can see why I wouldn't go back, but you…?" Managi flushed and looked away.

"I… I'm afraid. I can't serve the Dynasty any more. A once fearsome and deadly empire has fallen to nothing but an orgy of greed, political ruin, and lust… and my head is so muddled with these memories… I escaped during the confusion to ease my own."

"W-where will you go?" Sekhmet asked softly, looking down at his feet. He started to remove his sneakers. He should have put on the armor.

"I don't know…"

"Do… you… remember anything? About… us?" He looked back at her. She blushed prettily, making him smile. She nodded.

"A little… What… you said about me and… this," she began, lifting the ring on a chain around her neck, "I… remember some of us… The rest is… a blur." Sekhmet looked away, face flushing a deep pink. He felt like a girl, honestly. The moment was awkward.

"N-naotoki?" she began and moved closer to him.

"Y-yes?" Managi looked into her clothed lap and swallowed.

"… Talpa is still searching for me… and Kurai won't be far behind… Would you let me stay-OH!" she squeaked when he pulled her against him and rested his forehead into the nape of her neck. She blushed heavily and blinked. "N-naotoki??"

"… Of course…" He stroked her long locks that rivaled Kayura's in length. "I've… missed you!" he nearly cried out loud. His words left barely a sound. "I'll make it right again…" She let out a sigh of relief and closed her eyes.

The void within their hearts vanished from nearly centuries of emptiness.

Anubis followed the path Sekhmet had taken. He trudged down the steep hill towards the woods, grumbling to himself. "Stupid… I'm a warrior, not a baby sitter… Hn…" He kicked a stone down the slope with a growl. "Watch the boy, Anubis! Make sure you keep an eye on the others, Anubis! Change baby Sekkie's diaper, Anubis!" he mocked in a high voice, making up the last one. "Hmph, what's next, roll over and play dead?"

"Woooooooooahhhhh! Cooooooool!" he heard Yuli exclaim from the lake. Anubis stopped and looked towards the dock. He was sitting on the fishing bench watching someone on the water. Anubis moved farther down the hill for a better look: he was at it again, Dais walking on water. Anubis rolled his eyes with a smirk, remembering that in some cultures, people would think he was the Second coming. He had an idea. Now that he thought about it, Anubis hadn't gotten him back for leaving him to do the dishes so he could go 'spoon about' with Mia. He grinned and cleared his throat. "… SHARK!!!!" he hollered. Dais lost his concentration and hit the water with a large splash. Yuli burst into loud laughter and helped him out of the water. Anubis shrugged, a little pleased with himself. He knew that he'd be paying for it later; nonetheless, he continued on.

Anubis sighed heavily. Finding him was taking too long. (Where the hell did he go!?) he grumbled and pushed away several branches. "Dammit…" He sat on a flat rock and lay back, enjoying a little bit of the sun. He listened to the birds and the wind in the leaves…

"… Ohh!"

Anubis sat up straight and blinked. (… THAT… was definitely NOT the wind.) The low moan came again, making him stand very slowly. He KNEW that sound, given he hadn't quite heard it in sometime… It's not a sound one tends to forget easily. Anubis listened carefully and moved toward the… sound and the sound of falling water. He crept to the end of the path, eyes widening when he saw the beautiful waterfall. (Huh. Didn't know this was here…) He scanned the water, almost forgetting about the… 'sounds' when he was suddenly reminded as his eyes fell on Sekhmet and Managi…

Sekhmet and Managi, naked…

Sekhmet and Managi, mating…

...in broad daylight.

Anubis swallowed hard and backed away VERY slowly and quietly. He slumped against a tree and started to chuckle to himself. "Oh, this is just PERFECT…" He peered back around the tree back at them; they were a little out of earshot, but not by much. (What the HELL is the doing?! And he bitches at ME for Zeal…) He felt a slight pang and frowned, looking down at his jeans. "Be-HAVE," he snapped softly, turning back around, trying to decide what to do. He couldn't wait for them to… finish… and pretend like nothing happened… Then again, he couldn't leave and tell the others that Sekhmet was making happy with the enemy either. "… Wait and face Sekhmet, get killed. Leave and face Lady Mia," he murmured. "Certain death or Mia… Death… Mia…" (I should have been a carpenter…) he sighed. Anubis looked back at the pair and then his watch. "… This could take a while." He sat on the ground and started to shred a fallen leaf. He looked up at the sky and sighed again.

(… Guess that means there will be three people who want my head on a stake… At least they're together again… Maybe I shouldn't stay… after what I did to them… their empire. No… I can't do that… but…) Anubis leaned on his elbow and tossed a rock away, aiming for a knot on a tree. He missed. "… I hope the others bring back more bandages. Looks like I'll be needing them." He felt sick in his stomach just imagining the wrath of the former snake empress…

The gentle sighs of pleasure were very nostalgic to him. Painfully nostalgic. ("… I want us to always be together, Anubis…"… "Aye… I would like that very much, my darling…" … "I love you."… "… I love you too. Forever.") Anubis swallowed the painful lump in his throat and sighed. "… Such a fool… Damn." Anubis felt his cheek throb suddenly. He winced and touched it.

(… "Good GOD! Can you at least for one SECOND not think about HER?! My sister is DEAD!! And all you can think about is…") He closed his eyes, feeling shame creep across his face. He looked down at his hands, frowning as he remembered the lady Ancient's idea. "Damn needle… That is the LAST time I listen to Kayura…" The frown faded and again he leaned back against the tree. Tomorrow afternoon wasn't coming fast enough.

His skin felt like it was on fire as her fingertips dragged slowly across his shoulder blades and down the length of his long spine. Soft sighs floated from her throat as he planted light kisses along her slender neck, being ever so gentle to his porcelain empress. She rested her head upon his shoulder drinking in his scent and soothing touches; seemingly weak from everything that had gone wrong in their lives. She sighed deeply into another one of his warm and passionate kisses. She was still shuddering from her release. She cupped his face in her clawed hands and stared into indigo depths, half-lidded with lust and longing. He held her cheeks with his, dragging the back of his knuckles against the pale, ivory flesh. Gold eyes suddenly watered and sunshine spilled out over her lightly flushed face. Sekhmet's face fell. He pulled her as close as possible, his hand holding the small of her slender back protectively and the other curling around her warmly as she sat in his lap. "… He cannot hurt you anymore…" he whispered against her ear in his native tongue. He was surprised that he could remember how to speak it and relished the good feeling as it rolled so easily and naturally off his tongue. He felt her stiffen with the familiar words. Slender arms snaked around his neck with a soft shudder.

"I… feel like he's everywhere… My senses are flooded. His touches… his scent, the way his hands feel against my skin… his… kisses," she replied in the same tongue. She glanced up at him, ashamed. "He has no idea where I am and I am still his prisoner…" Tears fell down her cheeks. "… How can you still possibly love me after everything that has happened?" Sekhmet nudged her face with the bridge of his nose.

"Because… you are here… alive… safe…" He kissed her softly. "… and the ache of having you here in my arms after the inner sanctum collapsed is… Gods… You haven't any idea how much I've wanted you to be all right! And… here you are with me… again… after nearly half a millennia… The odds of that are… well, I don't know the exact odds. You'll have to request that of Strata," he said. Managi laughed softly and dried her eyes.

"… Do you really think that… your… friends will accept me?"

"Of course!" he smiled and reached for her cape, wrapping her shoulders warmly. "… They accepted me… remember? Besides… I'm more worried about the boys and there… short attention span."

"What??" Managi honestly had no idea what he meant.

"… Well, they won't be paying so much attention to their training when I bring the most beautiful woman in the known universe home, will they?" he chuckled and kissed her fully.

"N-naotoki!" she gasped. "Well, I can see that your manners have gone the way of the dead." Sekhmet chuckled deeply and brushed her breast with his fingertips.

"Yes, I've been a little naughty. I need to be punished," he purred. Managi whimpered softly. She was exhausted from before all ready.

"N-naotoki… I…"

"Shhh…"

"N-Naotoki!!"

Anubis grumbled again to himself. (Damn that man and his stamina!) he thought angrily. Anubis had been there for about an hour now. Just when he was about to 'pretend' to find them, they had started up once more. "… When they mean catching up, they don't mean to take forever!" he growled to himself. He knew better than to check on them. He didn't think he could will a second one away if he did. Instead, he attempted to think of a very good excuse to calm Tori down once she returned. He swallowed hard. (… I don't think flowers are going to fix this one…) He all ready had a surprise in mind for her and he hoped that it would show that he DID care about others instead of Zeal. It just wasn't really foolproof… his stitching was not that great. He had thought about getting down on his knees and begging, but… "She would enjoy that WAY too much… I'd NEVER hear the end of it…"

"Naotoki!!"

Anubis rolled his eyes. (Okay… he can't be THAT good. There's no way!) Getting back to the thought at hand, he didn't think about baking something. "Wait… Me, plus kitchen, plus Lady Mia's aprons… NO."

"Naotoki!!!" Anubis frowned. He was getting ready to leap out from behind the brush and scream at them when another voice followed.

"Here you are, my dear… I have been looking everywhere for you!"

Sekhmet shielded Managi with his arm after dodging a warning blast that seemed to be more threatening than a warning. He didn't need the familiar red mask to know who it was that was standing before them. The voice and typical timing of it all told him exactly who it was. "You can't have her, Talpa!" he snarled. Talpa smirked.

"Hmph. I've all ready HAD her, Sekhmet," he chuckled. The former snake emperor's blood turned hot with anger. His fangs lengthened slightly.

"We shall see," Talpa continued. "Managi, return to me and I shall see that your punishment isn't so severe." Managi swallowed hard as a pale claw extended out for her to take. She stared at it as if it would bite her.

"… N-no!" Talpa blinked. She refused him. She actually said 'no'! He sighed heavily.

"Come back of your own will, or come back as a corpse. I can always revive you again like before." Managi backed away slowly and gave him a silent response. Talpa shrugged. "As you wish then," he said calmly before summoning a long spear like crystal and hurling it directly into Sekhmet's chest. Managi screamed as Sekhmet stumbled forward slightly a scream dying in his throat. He looked down, eyes wide, to see a black spear protruding out of his armored chest. "… S-shit," he gasped and fell to his knees as it vanished in black flames. He hadn't even seen his movements. (How is he so fast now?) he thought as he felt two arms encircle him as he collapsed. His sight went black.

"Naotoki! Naotoki, get up!!" she ordered. She cried out as Talpa snagged her up by her hair. He backhanded her hard, sending her to the ground.

"How dare you leave me?" he hissed. "After everything I have done for you… I gave you life again. I made you a better warrior that you have ever been… I made you and I can break you!" he roared. Managi wiped the blood from her mouth angrily.

"You made me your prisoner! Your slave! You gave me nothing!! You used me!" she hissed. Her eyes started to suddenly glow from gold to a dark violet. The wind around them began to pick up, circling the both of them at first, then around Talpa, petals of blood red roses swirling wildly. He snarled as the wind cut into his skin and burned his eyes. A violet prism encapsulated him and the torrent of wind and blade like petals. Talpa suddenly began to chuckle and with a loud shout, he shattered the prison with the force of his aura. The wind died instantly and the cuts and gashes on his face began to close. Managi's eyes widened.

"You little fool… You can't use the dark magicks against me… I AM them!" he cackled. He lunged at her and snatched her by the neck. He lifted her off the ground, thoroughly ready for her to hang to death. Managi's eyes flared a dark violet briefly, attempting to blast free of the death grip. Claws sunk into his flesh, drawing blood that burned her fingertips. She whimpered, not knowing what else to do. "… Stop struggling, my dear. It will be over soon… and you won't remember a thing this time," he said in a gentle voice. Tears poured from her eyes as she kicked frantically. Talpa tightened his hand quickly. Her lungs began to burn from lack of air. She pulled herself up using his forearm in a futile attempt for a breath. Her eyes fell to her beloved Sekhmet. He lay on the bank of the pond lifeless. Again fate severed them apart.

Quake With Fear!

Her eyes shot open as the cry came from behind Talpa and a barrage of chains came at him. Talpa turned his head with a snarl to find the after image of the former Warlord of Cruelty. "What?!" He suddenly screamed in agony as he heard the splitting of bone and flesh. Managi fell from the height and was caught by an unexpected man. Anubis set her down carefully and ripped the writhing limb from her throat. Managi coughed and gasped for air. "Are you all right?!" Anubis exclaimed. "I-"

"I will NOT be your conquest today, Cruelty!" Managi hissed and swiped at him with a dagger. Anubis dodged several blows before knocking the weapon out of her hand and grabbing her by the arms.

"Listen to me, my lady! We have got to-" A large blast of energy slammed into them. Anubis and Managi were thrown into a very large tree. Anubis managed to pick himself and Managi out of the severed mass of splintered wood and jump out of the way of another. Talpa walked calmly toward them, blasting wherever they landed. His eyes glowed a dark violet with everyone. He then stopped. "…Well, well… It seems that you've improved on your dodging, Anubis. You know you were never very good at it… You weren't really good at anything… except whining," Talpa sneered as he levitated his severed limb back to him, where it reattached at his elbow.

"What do you want now?" Anubis demanded. "I know that you have better things to do than chase women around…" He suddenly smiled confidently. "Or is that all the great Kurai is permitting you to do, 'emperor' Talpa?" Talpa's eyes flared.

"DIE, DEMON!!" Managi shrieked and cracked her whip. The ends buried into the ground and the earth began to rumble. Talpa attempted to stay standing when a large vine erupted from the ground and came barreling at him, sharp ends racing to pierce his flesh. Talpa easily dodged it and leapt into the air. "I know all of your tricks, my dear…" The vine followed him and he caught it in his hand, ripping the weapon from her grasp. "THIS is how you are supposed to do it…" Talpa performed the same attack and it raced toward Managi.

Not really thinking clearly and remembering suddenly the look on Sekhmet's face as the inner sanctum collapsed nearly four hundred years ago, he leapt in front of Managi just as the ends of the now split whip buried into his shoulder blade. Anubis screamed as the venom burned his flesh. Managi stared up at him in shock. Anubis leaned over her, shielding her from the energy blasts from Talpa.

"You fool! Just what in the gods' names do you think you are doing?!" Managi hissed. Anubis opened his eyes and gave her a small smile in the midst of pain.

"To… right a wrong… I did so… long ago… AHHN!" Anubis' arm gave way slightly. "I… won't have you dying again… not when I… can stop it… Sekhmet… loves you. He needs you… and… you need him. I-AHHHN!!" Talpa sent a large blast into them knocking the strength out of Anubis. Teal eyes fell shut as he collapsed. Managi gasped and found herself again in Talpa's grip. He had lifted her by her breastplate.

"And now, my dear… it is time to die."

A threatening rattle broke through the silence of the clearing. Talpa's chuckling died down and he carefully scanned the area. No one but an unconscious Anubis was around… Talpa snarled deep in his throat. He snapped his head to where Sekhmet had been laying lifeless: gone.

Managi hissed loudly and sank her large fangs into Talpa's throat, clamping down for life. "HN! Stupid bitch!" he snarled and easily ripped her from his neck. He backhanded her hard enough to knock her senseless.

The threatening rattle came again. Something was here. Something dark. He stood wearily. "Come out…" he ordered.

Silence. Talpa snarled with frustration and kneeled back down to Managi to take her. The rattle came once more followed by a hiss. Talpa's eyes fell to the brush in front of him. A pair of dark glowing teal eyes glared out at him through the leaves. Talpa smiled darkly. "Well, well…" The rattle came again as the form slipped out from the brush. Scales of dark grey glistened in the sunlight as the creature stood upright. The tip of its tail twitched dangerously, rattling angrily. "… Your highness!" Talpa laughed and bowed graciously. "It has ages, o Serpent Emperor, Naotoki…" Sekhmet crouched on clawed feet, his scaled sides gleaming. The glowing teal eyes glared darkly at the former Dynasty emperor. The pale human-like face bared its fangs, features framed with forest green tufts of hair.

"Get away from her!" Sekhmet hissed, tail lashing out at Talpa.

Talpa leapt away from Managi's body. Sekhmet crept towards him slowly.

With a loud hiss, he lunged at him, swiping at his body with a claw. Talpa leapt away and laughing. A ribbon of teal flame past through Sekhmet's lips before he opened his mouth wide and shot a pillar of flames from his throat. Talpa attempted to deflect it with his arm, but was engulfed with the searing flames. They dissipated after only a few seconds. Talpa snarled and removed the familiar broadsword from the sheath beneath the long black robes. "… Is that the best you have?" he chuckled. Holding up his weapon, Talpa began to chant. The whispers grew from soft to loud. Sekhmet screeched in pain. The whispers stabbed at his skull, burning holes into his brain. His skin crawled painfully as he convulsed and fell to his knees, clawing at his head helplessly, screaming, and shrieking until it stopped. Blood dripped from his pointed ears and onto the, corroding it instantly. An armored foot dug into his side. Sekhmet groaned in pain. Talpa clicked his tongue. "Tsk, tsk, tsk…" he sneered. "No wonder you couldn't protect your kingdom and that whore bride of yours…" Sekhmet's eyes flashed wildly. "… Yes, whore," Talpa continued and kicked him again. "But you know something else?" He kneeled onto Sekhmet's neck with a knee. "She's MINE…" he whispered. "And there isn't a damn thing you can do about it…"

Sekhmet suddenly slashed Talpa's face, dragging his claws across it. Talpa fell back screaming and clutching his face. Sekhmet wrapped his tail around his neck and squeezed. Talpa clawed at it madly, ripping away grey scales. Blood oozed out from his lips, just before Sekhmet crushed his throat with a sickening crack.

Talpa began to chuckle, surprising Sekhmet greatly. "Very… impressive, your highness…" And with that, Talpa vanished in a burst of black flames. Sekhmet snarled loudly and shatter a boulder with his tail angrily.

A soft groan met his ears, he turned his head and found Managi turning Anubis' drugged body over carefully. Frightened tears fell from her eyes as she tried to examine the wound. Sekhmet's eyes widened. When had Anubis gotten here? Had he tried saving her? His thoughts were ripped from him when she called his name.

"Naotoki!"

Managi stayed in a shy silence as the Lady Kayura gently bandaged her arm. Everything had happened so fast. Sekhmet had reverted to his human form without a word and carried Anubis back to the house. Managi had followed closely until they had reached the home of her enemy. It was then she met Lady Mia and the other former warlords. Instead of turning her away, they brought her inside.

And there she was, sitting in the kitchen, being tended to as if she had been there all along.

"There. That should take care of you until Halo returns. Until then you need to get some rest, all right?" Kayura said gently. Managi held her bandaged forearm and nodded silently. Kayura noticed that she was shaking. Kayura smiled softly and took her hands. "I know how overwhelmed you must feel… It will get easier over the next few days. You will grow to like it here, I promise." Tears fell from a silent Managi's eyes as she lowered her face to cry. "Come now. Let's get you some new clothes…" Managi sniffled and dried her eyes in shock.

"But-"

"Oh, come now! You didn't think that I would let you run around in your armor for heaven's sake?!"

"N-No, I just…"

"Come on! I know some GREAT outfits that Sekhmet will just go crazy over!" she beamed and dragged her out of the kitchen and upstairs to Tori and her room. Managi peered into the cozy room. It was much warmer than the cold stone walls. She sat on Tori's bed. "Something wrong?" Kayura asked and dug through the drawers.

"Oh… everything is so… pink." Kayura blushed.

"Rekka hates it too. She likes red… A LOT… Let's see. Ah HA!"

"OW!! Dammit, Dais!" Sekhmet hissed. "That friggin' hurts!"

"Oh, don't be such a baby…" Dais fastened the rest of the bandage on Sekhmet's abdomen. "So… What are you going to say to him?"

"Huh?"

"To Anubis… It's about time you put all this behind you. Managi is alive," Dais explained as he put away the first aid. "He did save her from Talpa until you regained your senses, remember?" Sekhmet remained quiet.

Mia finished bandaging the bite wound on Anubis' neck. The anti-venom worked wonders. "Mnn…" Anubis' eyes slowly opened. Mia smiled down at him.

"Welcome back. How do you feel?" she said gently.

"Mmnn… Fabulous," he groaned. "I feel like I've been drugged."

"Because you have," Managi answered from the chair beside him. She had adorned one of Tori's outfits that probably left her feeling a little vulnerable. Anubis' eyes widened as he turned to look at the former snake empress. "Honestly… You need to be more careful. You aren't any help to anyone if you are dead," she sighed.

"I'll go see how Sekhmet is doing…" Mia said quickly and hurried out of the room. Anubis felt his face getting hot. His past had finally caught up with him. "Come to take your revenge, my lady?" Anubis closed his eyes. "Be quick about it then…"

"I'm not going to kill you, fool… I'd rather you live with the guilt; however… I'm not one to hold a grudge. Talpa is to blame for your actions, not you…" Anubis remained silent until Managi stood to leave.

"Boy or girl?" Managi turned, shocked.

"W-what?" Anubis struggled to sit up.

"… I would like to know if you were having a baby boy or… baby girl…" he whispered softly. "To know if I helped destroy a powerful heir… or a wise princess… is-"

"… I… a girl," Managi whispered, touching her belly. Something flashed inside her head for a brief moment: cries, pain… and horrid laughter. As soon as it came, it was gone.

"M-my lady? May I ask something of you?" She turned her back.

"A-aye…"

"… As long as I have known Sekhmet, he has hated me… Do you think it-"

"That I can forgive you?" Sekhmet finished. Anubis and Managi jumped. He leaned against the doorframe with a smirk. "My lady, wait for me in my room…" She nodded quickly and hurried out. Sekhmet shut the door behind him.

"Is it true? You saved her?" Anubis lowered his eyes.

"… I did what I could. YOU saved her…" Sekhmet sat beside Anubis.

"Pheh… I never thought this day would come. I never thought I would get a second chance," he whispered. "… Thanks…" He glanced back at Anubis and made a face. "Oh, gods… You're not going to cry, are you?! You're so emotional! You're acting like a woman!!" he laughed. Anubis grinned and laughed, wiping happy tears away that were not just in his eyes too.

"You're one to talk!" he laughed. "You wear purple eye shadow!"

"For the LAST time, it's war paint!"

"Funny that's what Kayura calls it." Sekhmet pulled him into a semi headlock. "Ow, hey!"

"… Hey," Sekhmet began softly. Anubis froze.

"What?" Sekhmet gave the younger man a friendly embrace and sighed heavily.

"… Thank you." Anubis, stunned for a moment returned the gesture gently.

"So, you were watching weren't you?" Sekhmet suddenly inquired and pulled away quickly as if Anubis had some sort of illness. Anubis' face turned red knowing exactly what Sekhmet meant.

"I, uh… Wait. How the hell did you know I was there?!"

"… You made so much noise trying to stay hidden!" Sekhmet laughed. Anubis just turned bright red.

WAAAAAAGH. I'M SORRY!!!! I KNOOOOOW! It's been forever! I had so much crap go on all at once I fell into a kinda depressive state. ::cries:: The next chapter might reflect some of that…