I was hollow completely and utterly so. I'd been confined to my new chambers for some time now which consisted of a series of six rooms each of which was equally boring. Everything was done up in gold, silver, and jade. It was the most beautiful place in the palace I was told but it was a prison. I felt like a bird in a golden guilded cage, forced to chirp at my masters bidding with no chance of freedom to speak of.
I'd met with my future husband only twice and he was kind enough but seemed enamoured with my beauty alone. He liked to hear himself talk and as far as intelligence went he was not very knowledgeable about anything. I'm sure he had people who thought for him and that frustrated me. He told me about Nataku's return and praised the boy so much I thought he might have been his own son.
"Ah he came just in time that child..." I'd heard from Tenpou that Nataku had appeared around the time of a surge in monster activity in the lower world. He was a gift from Li Touten to the Emperor as the new war god, the only member of the heavenly host allowed to kill anyone. It was one night I met both Li and his son at the request of my husband to be.
"My darling, please come here." I had been wandering my prison when I entered the study. There was the Emperor calling for me to join him. Sitting across from him was none other than Nataku and his loathsome father. I'd never really seen either up close before so I inspected them well. Nataku was about Goku's size and probably the same age. He had unruly hairs that hung in front of his face while the majority of the bluish white was held back in a bun covered by white cloth. His violet eyes gave me a feeling of indifference or perhaps even frustration. His long white robes practically swallowed him. His father had dark colored dreadlocks, the same violet eyes, and a large purple diamond chakra upon his brow. They both gazed upon me in amazement.
"Li, this is my betrothed Kaguya. She is the daughter of Tsukiyomi of my court." The Emperor introduced me. I bowed low for appearances only yet my eyes never left the scum smiling at me.
"She is as beautiful as the rumors say. I'd always wondered if that veil held the secrets it promised, you are truly a lucky man your highness." I wanted to spit as Li but instead my gaze turned to Nataku. When he noticed I was staring he actually blushed.
"It is a pleasure, I have heard much of you and your son." I said these words while looking at the boy.
"Ah, Kaguya is quite fond of children. Perhaps you'll let her spend some time with Nataku while we discuss matters?" Li wouldn't be able to deny a request from the highest ruler of the land. He strained a smile and nodded.
"Of course. Nataku, why don't you keep the future Empress company for a little while?" The boy was confused. I was sure he was used to staying in the room when things were discussed so this was most likely new to him. He agreed though, something akin to glee shining behind his eyes. I held out an arm which he took and we left the study, closing the door behind us. I didn't speak until we had reached one of the far rooms which looked out into the garden.
"Nataku, I have wanted to meet you. There is a certain child close to my heart who speaks highly of you." I smiled. His eyes widened.
"The...the heretic boy right?" Nataku sounded more timid than I thought he would but I nodded, squatting down before him so I could look straight into his face.
"I wish I could tell you his name but I think it's better if he tells you. I'd like to ask...do you truly think of him as a friend?" I asked him straight out. The boy didn't seem to know what to do with this confrontation. I was being as gently as possible, kind even. He probably got little of this treatment even from his own father.
"Yeah, he's really cool." He smiled, a real childlike smile. So there was really someone so young beneath the killing puppet. I felt a deeper pain for him than I had before.
"Good, I think friendship is important don't you? No one should be alone in this world." I had no ulterior motives, there was no need to press the boy for any information. All I wanted was to show him a sliver of kindness, a piece of something he might hold in his heart.
"Yeah..." Nataku was still surprised as I didn't press the subject. Instead I sat out on the edge of the steps looking over the garden. Plum and Sakura blossoms blew through the air making my loose hair blow softly against my back. We sat there not speaking for some time but I could tell that his eyes were on me. He was still expecting something else, anything else.
"What did you want me for?" He asked finally. I gave him my warmest smile.
"I wanted your company, I've had so few friends able to visit since I came here. I suppose I was just lonely and you seemed the best to speak with. What the Emperor says is true, I do love children a great deal." I was being sincere and he seemed to understand. For a moment his gaze moved to his feet.
"Thank you." He whispered. I tentatively wrapped an arm over his shoulders. He welcomed the contact, leaning into me. I was rather surprised in how cold he seemed to be. My warmth seemed to transfer to him though as he kept close.
"Any friend of that child is a friend of mine." I replied. And so we sat together in silence just enjoying the cool night and the warmth of a friend.
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!
"Kaguya, come to the assembly with me. When you become my wife you shall attend many, perhaps it is time you practiced." I looked up from the mirror, my newest dangling earrings shimmering as I turned my head.
"You mean go with you to the main chambers?" I asked. My heart sped up in my throat. He only went to army functions these days so that meant he was probably meeting with the Western Army. That meant Kenren would be there. Just being able to see him, to get out of this prison was worth it.
"I'd love to my darling." I responded so as not to offend him. He smiled happily, holding out an arm to me. It still felt strange to be out in public without my veil but as we left the chambers I'd been stuck in for so long I found I didn't care about the stares. I had a few moments of freedom after what felt like a lifetime in the Jade Palace. When we got to the main chamber it was already occupied by what seemed to be hundreds of men. I tried to discreetly look for Kenren but didn't have much time as I was bidden to sit at the feet of the Emperor. This was a woman's place and while I hated it I didn't argue. My father was standing on the left side of the throne looking proud as I followed orders. I'd already cried a great deal over the loss of the man I thought my parent had been. There was only betrayal and hatred left.
"Will the War God Nataku step forward." The Emperor's voice boomed over the crowd which parted willingly to reveal the young boy and his father. I gave Nataku a discreet smile which he returned quickly before wiping all emotion from his face.
"Li Touten, we are entrusting the matter of subjugation to you." My future husband spoke. I hated seeing the boy before me being run into the ground but as usual there was nothing I could do. I felt so useless that it made me sick.
"As you wish." Li spoke for him and Nataku, bowing low. There was suddenly a great deal of commotion near the door leading to the hallway. I looked around the two bowing to try and hear what was going on only to have the doors slam open. There stood Goku looking hurt and confused. I felt tears come to my eyes. My boy, my precious child was here before me. It was more than I could have ever dreamed to see him again. He only had eyes for Nataku though staring his friend down with determination. He wasn't even cautious as he ran in and grabbed the war god by the shoulders. Nataku looked extremely surprised.
"It's a lie right?! That you're gonna kill me...It's a lie right Nataku?" I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up at his words. I'd suspected that Li might try to kill Goku which was something I had tried to protect him from before. If he knew then it was likely that the others had discussed it so they came to same conclusion as I. Goku was a threat to the throne of war god, a legitimate candidate where Nataku might not have been. There were rumors that the current war god was half god and half youkai which was forbidden. If they chose Goku then they could rid themselves of the abomination Li was said to have created. I didn't want either of the boys to die no matter what their origins were. Li bent down next to his son and whispered something in his ear that didn't sit right with the boy. His eyes widened and he became stiffer than a board. Apparently Goku had heard because he reared back a fist and it collided hard into Li's jaw.
"Goku!" I yelled out only to be grabbed by my father. Goku made to attack again but was stopped by Nataku.
"Nata…?" Of course the chimp was confused, he didn't understand the relationship between the puppet and his father. I fought against my own parents grip only to feel it tightened painfully.
"Get away from my father, he is my lord and I do whatever he tells me. Whatever he does to me my father is my reason for living. Whoever harms my father no matter who it is...will die." Nataku summoned his sword. Goku was frozen in place, he'd be murdered.
"No!" I screamed transforming for the first time since I became an adult. I shot across the room like a bullet, leaving a trail of silver light in my wake. When I reached Goku I pulled him into my arms, yanking him hard out of the way and off his feet. He gulped a bit in surprise as I turned my back to Nataku.
"Kaguya?" His voice was curious. I smiled. There was a clink of metal meaning the war god had been blocked.
"Ken-nii!" Goku called. I turned to see that said general was blocking the sword blow that would have cleaved me in half.
"Go! Run!" He grunted in exersion.
"Kill him too!" Li's voice reverberated around the room.
"No! Nataku stop!" Goku's voice didn't reach the boy who was now attacking Kenren. I held Goku tightly as he screamed for his friend to stop. He was crying, gripping tightly to the front of my kimono as he continued to try to end this madness. That's when Tenpou appeared. I saw him flash out of the corner of my eye, sword in hand as he attempted to bring it down on Li. At the last minute Nataku abandoned Kenren and blocked the blow, pushing the Marshal back with hatred in his gaze. Tenpou hit the wall hard cracking the marble and causing his glasses to fly off.
"Ten-chan!" Goku broke free of my grasp and ran to Tenpou's side. I followed close behind fully aware of the furious stare my father was giving me.
"Daring as ever I see. That goes for my favorite goddess too." Kenren winked in my direction. There were tears of happiness falling down my cheeks. I hadn't seen any of them in so long I felt my heart swell.
"Well I thought I'd go for the root." Tenpou tried to rub his back as I helped him to stand.
"We can't turn back now. You okay with that Kaguya?" Tenpou knew what this meant. My reputation would be tainted, I'd probably loose my status in the court but frankly I didn't give a damn.
"You bet your ass." I smiled. Kenren laughed.
"Good cause I wasn't going to let you slip away so easily." He grinned. While we were talking Nataku had been charging a spell. He waved his sword and shattered the ground beneath us. Debri flew up towards us and I summoned a shield to keep us from getting hit. The crowds screamed, rushing for the door. I saw the guards pulling at the Emperor and my father to leave the scene. Both left quicker than I expected, so much for caring about me. My stamina was low at the moment so the more the war god struck the shield, the more I began to falter. Damn my father for not letting me practice.
"So what's the plan?" Kenren asked Tenpou who looked pretty clueless.
"He's much more powerful than us and I'd say if we could keep this up we'd be alright but..." He looked down at me and I shook my head.
"You have a minute or two at best. I'm way out of practice and his blows aren't exactly light." I felt Nataku chip away at another edge making the sliver light fall into nothing. Each blow was also taking its toll on me. Another brought a cut to my cheek, some to my clothes.
"Lower it." Kenren put a hand on my shoulder. I did so, snapping back as the two men attempted to fight the war god. Goku was looking on in amazement.
"Goku..." I whispered, reaching out to him. The two were getting beaten quickly and without any effort. They were no match for Nataku.
"Run Goku!" Kenren screamed again but the boy did not heed. Both men were knocked off their feet bleeding as they tried to stand again on shaky limbs. I wasn't able to stand either, my legs weak from using the energy for that shield. Stupid really, maybe I should have fought instead. As I contemplated my decisions I saw Goku stand in front of us. Nataku came at him full speed. I couldn't do anything so I held my breath anticipating the blow. Had I been wrong? Was Nataku really the puppet everyone said he was? I wanted to close my eyes but I couldn't find the strength to do so. If Goku died here I wanted to see it, to have it burned in my brain for when I ripped his murderer apart. Yet as Nataku came at him he slowed and came to a halt. His sword was against Goku's throat but the chained child looked calm.
"Nataku my name...my name is Goku, nice to meet you!" Goku smiled as if nothing was wrong. I was right not to tell Nataku his name. It had to be now in this moment alone. The war god's eyes widened as he sounded out the name, tears streaming down his face. The thing that happened next was so unexpected that it made me swallow a breath. Nataku turned his sword around and slashed it hard into his shoulder. Everyone was silent as they stared at the prince who fell to the ground unconcious.
"Prince Nataku!"
"He stabbed himself…?!"
"What's going on?!" The sounds of the remaining soldiers cries of surprise began to fill the space. I found enough strength to push myself from the ground and gather the fallen god into my arms.
"Medics! Hey get some bandages over here!" It was Kenren who was yelling at the crowd. The prince choked, his eyes opening as he regained his ability to move. Goku made to leave only for Nataku to reach out and grab hold of his wrist.
"Goku...look that tree over there...way up high. There's a birds nest...you see?" Nataku's voice was garbled because of the blood pouring from his mouth. As those words left his lips he went slack again, his eyes darkening. Goku reached out, trying to grab at his friend with a frenzied sort of determination.
"Hey...where is it? You have to wake up and show me cause I can't see it." Goku began sobbing, his face buried in the prince's sleeve. I tried to feel for a life force within Nataku's lifeless body. Before I could finish the scan someone yanked him from my arms. It was Li Touten. He had a rather stern look on his face. It didn't look like worry so much as disappointment. Another set of arms helped pull me to my feet despite how much I was shaking. Konzen held me to his side despite the fact that fresh blood stained my front.
"Li Touten..." Tenpou started.
"Don't worry, this can still be of some use." The complete disregard for his son's life made my anger boil but Kenren beat me to it.
"You bastard! You drove him to this and you still don't get it?! He couldn't even do what normal kids do and play with his friends! Still he refused to betray you! Can't you see his pain?!" He screamed, the pain in my heart mirrored in his words. Li began to walk away as if he hadn't heard. Goku became unfrozen, turning so fast that I couldn't grab him. He charged at the man's retreating back.
"Goku!" Konzen called, letting go of me to go after Goku. I too attempted to follow.
"Subdue him!" Several guards came from the sidelines and pinned Goku to the ground. I tried to get to him only to be blocked by spears in my face. In the turmoil I heard a shoot for arrest as I continued to fight those holding to me. Then the world was light and it blinded me to the point where I had to cover my eyes. When it became safe to look again I found myself standing next to Konzen and Kenren. The guards had completely disappeared and as I looked down upon the piles of ashes that littered the ground I knew what had happened. That ominous power that had been hidden so well by the diadem was unleashed. The sheer force of it made my muscles contract. This was something I'd never felt before. It was like life itself in demon form, leaking over the ground and encompassing everything in it's path.
"What are you waiting for?! Seize him!" Li called. A few brave guards attempted to capture Goku only to be carved to pieces. This wasn't the fun loving and curious boy who I loved like my own son. This was the heretic of whom the upper levels feared, the demon formed where the forces of nature gathered. This was the calamity itself, the true form of Goku.
More and more soldiers threw themselves at the creature attempting to subdue him but all failed being cut into pieces by the things sharp claws. For a while I thought that time had stopped. Sure I'd known what Goku was supposed to be but I'd never imagined…
"What the hell...is going on? Konzen? Kaguya?" Kenren turned to us for an explanation.
"The diadem..." I muttered, my eyes falling on the shattered pieces of gold that were sitting on the destroyed floor.
"The diadem that was on his forehead, it's a demon power limiter." Konzen elaborated.
"So the instant Goku's demon power rose the diadem broke?" Tenpou asked. He conjecture was probably correct. I'd felt it, sensed some sort of change just before the explosion of light.
"Then...that's his true form?" Kenren was amazed. Tenpou looked upon me.
"Kaguya told me of a being such as this. A creature neither human nor demon. He came to be called the symbol of chaos, a being granted powers equal to that of heaven..."
"Seitan Taisei." I spoke with a conviction I didn't know I had as I looked upon Goku. His shirt was gone showing off the mark of his birth emblazoned on his chest and back. There was no doubt in my mind, this was the creature of legend, the one who left mountains of bodies in its wake. To think it had been hiding right under my nose.
We watched carefully as Goku began walking over the corpses to where Li Touten stood with the lifeless Nataku in his arms. The soldiers around him ran in fear, passing us to escape the slaughter that was sure to come.
"You cowards! Protect me!" There was a hint of fright in the man's tone. He knew he'd be ripped to shreds if Goku got too close. The creature lunged only to have Li throw his son's body at him. This stopped the attack but the thing managed to spin so that Nataku hit the floor as his claw went straight into the offending man's eye. His screams of pain reverberated around the room as Goku's claw came back bloodied with an eyeball in his grip. Li fell to the ground and began crawling backwards in attempts to get away.
"Don't come any closer! Don't come near me monster!" He screamed.
"Cut it out!" I turned to see Kenren ready to fight.
"I can't watch this anymore. No one, not even you wanted this." At first I didn't realize who he was talking to until he looked up at the creature staring back at him. I held my breath.
"If you're gonna do this then let me be your opponent Goku!" He yelled. For a moment there was silence and then a sinister grin made it's way onto the Seitan's face. I could feel the power all around us fluctuate.
"You guys know if you fight that chibi...well even if I didn't tell you I'm sure you know." Kanzeon, the merciful goddess herself appeared in the doorway.
"Kanzeon..." She moved to my side and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. I could feel my energy strengthening. She was replenishing the stock that had long been neglected.
"Kaguya here can handle it, I've made sure of that." She turned to me seriously and I nodded.
"Hold on! That's more reckless than letting us handle him!" Konzen protested. Kanzeon turned and shook her head.
"Never underestimate someone under my tutelage. If it looks like she'll fail I'll step in, easy as that." She shrugged.
"Is there a way to put his limiter back the way it was?" Tenpou asked desperately.
"Replace it? Hmmm...I say we can only settle things. Now come here chibi , let's live quickly." With her words Goku charged. He was about to strike when she extended her arm and smacked the boy into the wall. Goku didn't go down easy, getting up immediately and coming at her with great force. Kazeon gave me a look and I shot forward, grasping the creatures wrists and pile driving him hard into the ground. He struggled but I kept firm pressure on him with my renewed magic. Kanzeon took my side.
"Don't think me bad Seitan Taisei." She spoke, raising a hand as if to strike the killing blow.
"Wait!" I released Goku for a moment to stop her. Surely she wasn't going to hurt him. I'd thought she was going to replace the diadem.
"Stop!" Konzen suddenly came forth and stopped his aunt's strike. He reared back and punched her. She skidded back to a stop, wiping the small amount of blood on the side of her mouth before standing and putting her knee into his gut. When Goku stopped struggling I stood knowing he'd be out for a while at least with the spell I'd cast upon him. I picked him up and looked down at his peaceful sleeping face. I walked across the room and bent back down, handing the unconscious boy to Konzen. He looked at me and then his aunt.
"I won't regret it." He told her to something I must not have heard. Suddenly a great roar of laughter came from across the room. Li Touten still sat there covering his hollow eye.
"You idiots! Protecting that child is the same as treason! For those who have become enemies of heave there is a special form of death! When you're rotting you'll regret it Konzen Douji!" He yelled at us. The blonds eyes met mine. Despite whether or not it was romantic I felt an instant connection as I looked into those violet eyes. It was as if my body reacted to him, even my powers surged as he stared at me.
"Is that so? What do you think Tenpou-dono?" He may have been talking to the Marshal but his eyes remained on me as if he was afraid I'd disappear should I look away.
"I'm afraid I'm just another fool that doesn't understand." He got into fighting stance, gun in one hand and sword in the other. Kenren stood next to me, two swords raised high and ready to strike down who ever got close. I stood to Konzen's surprise and took the spot between them right in front of my two most precious people.
"Sadly as a female I don't fully comprehend either." I managed to summon a sword, holding it ready should anyone try for Konzen or Goku. Said blond whispered our names in disbelief. He didn't seem to get why we were helping.
"If we're all fools there's no loss in dancing or so they say." Tenpou smiled.
"Never heard that one before." Kenren muttered.
"It's a rather famous aphorism for the world below. I'd say it fits the situation quite well." I grinned.
"Konzen, can you run if you're carrying Goku?" Tenpou asked. We tightened our circle. Konzen scoffed.
"Don't make fun of me." There was a slight smirk appearing on his face.
"You're running away? Where do you plan on going? Our army will chase you anywhere and end your pitiful lives!" Li screamed.
"Well break out the battle cry then cause we are running somewhere you'll never find us!" With that the soldiers charged. I stopped the forward movement with my large blade. Many looked reluctant to attack me because of who I was but I would show no mercy if they tried to break through. We needed an out, something that would allow us to pass without much fuss.
"Kill them all!" Li screamed and the charge pushed forward.
"Tenpou!" I got the man's attention as he let off some warning shots in the direction of those on his side. He turned to look at me and I nodded up at Gojun who was currently yelling at us to end this madness. For a moment he seemed confused and then his gaze turned more resolute. He nodded in my direction before pushing back again. I dispatched a few men with the blunt end of my blade, knocking them out. A few others got too close and were put to sleep instantly by my touch. Another few fell at my feet before Gojun came charging in to stop us. He went for Tenpou first only to be blocked and spun around, blade to his throat. All motion stopped as the army saw we had their general.
"Sorry about this, sort of a habitual practice of a bad guy. Now then...won't you open a path for us?" Tenpou looked positively sinister as he spoke these words, the blade of the katana tight against Gojun's throat. He had to have the others think he meant business or they'd call his bluff.