"I can finally claim what's rightfully mine."
Taro slid his tongue over his lips as he gazed hungrily down at me, "The 'special' blood flowing through you veins."
He looked so different…
I felt the tears start to well in my eyes.
I should have known. I should have listened to Miyabi.
Taro was Nishiki, the snake demon…
His eyes became dark and unreadable as he continued to speak, "You have heard of me from them, haven't you? Nishiki of the Hebi clan is my real name."
He suddenly seemed angry.
But I was quickly growing hurt and enraged with him as well, "Why? Were you after me this whole time?! Is that why you came to work at my library?!"
I continued to struggle against his hold.
He smiled, but it was sarcastic. No longer genuine, no longer kind, "Of course. I took my sweet time, gaining your trust; playing the part of the 'kind' boss. I had gained your affection. And with a little more time…" He gritted his teeth, "It was a flawless plan."
"You did all that, just so you could obtain power from my blood?!"
"Why, of course!" He sneered, "If I have you, then I can stand at the top of the Hebi clan."
His sneer became more cynical, almost crazy, "I want to watch as those who once looked down upon me grovel before me."
"So, in other words you want to be the top snake."
Well hell… He was another pathetic arrogant twisted snake, quite literally this time.
Miyabi, where are you?!
Hasn't he noticed that I'm still gone? I decided I would have to stall just in case he was out looking for me.
"Who was looking down on you, Nishiki?"
I fixed him with my best I'm-concerned-about-you face.
His expression became very troubled and he slightly tightened his hold on my wrists, "I've been shunned by my clan my entire life. Because my Father committed a crime."
"Your whole clan hates you for something your father did?"
His eyes flared with rage, but there was a hint of something else…perhaps shame, "My father was the head of the clan. But…I suppose he fell victim to temptation." He let out a tired sigh and slid his eyes away from mine, "It wasn't that serious a crime, but he was the head of the clan. The reviled him…and called me the son of a criminal."
I could feel start to tremble slightly through his hold on me, "They treated us cruelly, discriminated against us… My mother and I were forced to live on the dark side of society."
His entire story sounded awfully familiar… It was almost identical to Miyabi's life story.
"So let me get this straight, you were planning to use me to get revenge?! You think I'm a weapon of some kind that you can wield when it suits you?!"
I fixed him with eyes that I hoped conveyed my true feelings on the matter, "Listen! I don't have any power! The only thing I've been able to do is help ayakashi recover their strength."
Nishiki gaped at me as though I had just said something incredibly dumb, "You actually think that that's the extent of your powers? Your blood gives us enormous power. Being intimate with you makes us even stronger."
His smile returned, more cynical than ever, "A universe of possibilities is hidden within you."
But that was impossible! I was just a human. How could I possibly-?
Besides, I must now be worth that much if even Miyabi won't touch me anymore…
When I thought of Miyabe, however, I felt like a tiny light of hope was shining in on me.
He will come for me. We have a contracted bond. He must have sensed my initial fear when I first realized who Taro really was.
He must have felt me relax, since he tightened his grip further and sneered down at me, "What? Are you thinking that the Kitsune is going to save you?"
I spit at his face, "He will come for me! Because Miyabi, he's my…"
Spitting in his face was a mistake, since it earned me a quick slap on the face. His eyes widened as though he were recalling something of great importance, "That right…Your fiance." But just as quickly the cynical sneer was back in place, "It would seem that, though you have round the clock protection at your home, lately you main protector has left you…unprotected."
"Well that because…"
I was at a total loss for words when I suddenly realize something I hadn't before, "You knew that Miyabi was living with me…?"
He seemed pleased by my surprise, "I know other things as well. Like that he isn't the only one there, that there are other Ayakashi with him."
He then started to name off all the ayakashi staying at my house, "The priest…or so he introduced himself. I'm guessing he's your house spirit."
I gasped. There was only one person who could've told him that…
Nishiki drew closer to my face and smiled unpleasantly, "Yes, Ikumi Sato. She went to your house. So I questioned her afterward."
"Wh-Why would she…She's not…"
"A little light manipulation is nothing when it comes to humans, and that girl seemed to have a sixth sense." He almost purred the last two words, "Humans like that are even easier to manipulate."
Well, since he said he had manipulated her, I can assume that means that she wasn't working with him, right?
So that's why Miyabi and Kyoga had glanced at each other funny back then…
He then fixed me with a hungry glare, "Now that I have you, all that's left to do is receive the power of your 'special' blood. And then the people of the village with get what's been long coming to them."
He then let out a psychotic sound, "The Hebi clan will be ruled by me, who they tormented and oppressed…" He pulled away and I gave him a look of disgust. "I wonder what it will feel like?" He hissed.
"That's why you're doing this to me…?!"
"'That.' It may all seem trivial to someone like you, but to me, having my revenge on them… standing above them and making them grovel is everything."
Wow! This guy is nuts!
But at the same time, I found it all very sad, that all he could think about was hurting others. After all, Miyabi had experienced something similar…but he thought more about the welfare of his village than himself…!
The sharp tone of Nishiki's voice ripped into my sad thoughts, "I need you. More than Miyabi, more than any other ayakashi. I want you more than anyone, and…I'll use your powers to the fullest."
I was becoming very angered by all this bullshit about my blood and using my "powers", "I am NOT a weapon you can just wield for you schemes of revenge!"
Nishiki's eyes widened a fraction, "Don't tell me you actually fell in love with that kitsune?"
I was so angry that the tears began to well up in my eyes again.
He gently took some of my hair into his hand and rubbed it on his face, "Did you honestly believe that an ayakashi and human could love each other? That your relationship would end well?"
As he said all this, I recalled that Miyabi had said the same thing.
"Love between a human and an ayakashi…it is pointless. If as a result, a second rate creature like me is born, if it makes nobody happy, then…"
Miyabi's been suffering his entire life because he was born to a human and a fox demon.
I felt my tears spill over.
Which means there's no way he'd ever truly fall in love with me…however…
However…!
Nishiki leaned in close to me again, "Now, be an obedient human and offer up your body to me."
I tried to struggle but it was futile; he was just too strong.
"Once I sleep with you," he continued, "I'll have far more power than I could ever dream of."
"No… Stop!"
But he ignored me, "Our child will be a half ayakashi possessing a power far greater than that of my own." He sneered down at me before adding, "Well, I think I'll have a taste…it's time I find out just how sweet that body of your truly is."
Nishiki's lips parted slightly, and he slipped out his wet tongue. He then brought his lips to the back of my neck and slowly ran is tongue across my skin.
"Nn…."
He quickly pulled away eyes wide, "This is…"
"No… Stop it!"
This is gross… His lips feel nothing at all like Miyabi's. He may tease me…but Miyabi is kind. It felt good…
But when Nishiki touched me, I felt frozen with terror.
Suddenly he began to nibble my neck, and I felt a rush of pain in my skin.
He pulled away and fixed me again with his sinister eyes, "Now, it is time we make a child. Do not worry, you'll forget all about that guy by the time I'm through touching you."
"NO! I will never forget Miyabi!"
"Well, no matter. He's not coming anyway. I had a snake make sure that he wouldn't follow you. And if you're going to struggle, I hope you're prepared to fight…"
I blinked back my tears and screamed, "MIYABI!"
I fixed Nishiki with a look of pure rage, "I will never sleep with you! I would rather die!"
Nishiki gave a bark of insane laughter, "That can be arranged…after the child is born, I will no longer need for you-!"
All of a sudden, I heard the sound of a window shattering.
Nishiki stopped touching me and darted his eyes about the room, "Who's there?!"
"Kitsunebi."
The bright blue flames came rushing from the window and fell directly behind Nishiki.
The instant the hand that were restraining me lost their hold, I was back in the arms that I'd longed for.
"This was rather underhanded of you. Then again, you are from the Hebi clan."
I slid my eyes slowly up to meet those of the one who had saved me, "Miyabi!"
I could hardly believe it… Please don't let this be a dream.
Nishiki growled as his picked himself up off the floor, "You… How did you throw off my snake?"
Miyabi smirked and drew me closer, "Snake? I didn't see an ugly snake."
"So…" Nishiki hissed, "You're here to interrupt my plans."
"Not to interrupt." Miyabi's smirk deepened. He glanced down at me and then fixed the snake demon with a sly grin, "I just came here to take back what's mine. She is mine and I will NOT allow any other ayakashi to touch her."
"Miyabi! You came for me…!"
I circled my arms around him and held him tight. I didn't ever want him to stop holding me like this.
He nuzzled his face into my neck, and murmured into my ear, "Of course I did. Who do you think I am? I knew Nishiki would try to get close to you if I wasn't around."
I'm wrapped up tightly in Miyabi's arms when suddenly, his lips are drawing close. But this time I didn't stop him. This time I wanted him as much as he wanted me.
He kissed me. His lips pressed hard against mine…and his tongue passionately explored my mouth.
I didn't want to kiss anyone if there were no feelings behind it. You should only kiss someone if you truly like them… At least, that's what I had believed, so I'd always refused to kiss him. And yet…
If he keeps kissing me like this…mm…
His tongue greedily searched out mine…and mine searched out his…
Miyabi gently wiped a tear from my cheek that had fallen moments earlier, when I had thought I was about to die.
"Mnm…Miyabi…"
"Sensitive as always," he purred. "I'm alway impressed by how much your feel from a simple kiss."
Nishiki looked about ready to murder us both, "Damn you!"
But Miyabi unflinchingly stared back, "Do you understand now? The only who touches her, the only one who makes her cry, is me." He then gave a low grow, "She's not for someone like you to touch."
As Miyabi said all this, he glared at Nishiki with an anger that surprised even me.
"Miyabi…"
Nishiki was clearly unimpressed, "Hmph…She's yours?! Your possessiveness is ridiculous."
"Excuse me?"
"You're no different from them. you decide I'm not worthy. So you look down on me." Nishiki fixed Miyabi with a terrifying psychotic grin, "But guess what…You're too late."
"Too late…?"
I cried out as a sudden burning heat seared the back of my neck.
Miyabi's eyes widened in grave concern, "Miku? What's wrong?"
"M-my neck-the pain…!"
I pressed down on my neck. But Miyabi gently moved my hand and when he did, his eyes widened further and then narrowed in rage at the snake demon.
"My mark…You…replaced it?"
Nishiki was pleased by Miyabi's reaction, his lips curled into a sneer, "My power is at least as great as yours. Given enough time, poisoning her and removing the symbol of your pact was easy."
I could barely hear what was being said anymore; the pain was so intense, "M-Miyabi… My neck is burning-it fee-it feels like it's on fire…"
"Miku….!"
Miyabi closed me up in his arms, protecting me.
"When did this happen?!"
Nishiki let out a twisted sound that may have been laughter, "She was completely trusting, even when we were all alone in the library basement.
We were alone…?
!
Well hell…I was such fool…Miyabi was right all along…I really am a moron.
I remembered it clearly now. It had barely been even a second, but when Taro-no- Nishiki had been standing behind me, I had felt a stinging sensation on my neck.
"You COWARD!" I shot at him through the pain.
"You are beautiful," hissed the snake demon, "You don't know what it is to mistrust. How sad it is that your beautiful heart is your fatal flaw." He then turned his eyes on Miyabi, "It's only a matter of time before the poison's spread throughout her entire body."
"And when it has," shot back Miyabi in a low growl, "Then what?!"
Nishiki let out another string of insane laughter, "Well, I'll let you see-or rather, let her experience it and you can helplessly watch."
He grinned something evil and then pointed to Miyabi.
"Miku Snow. I order you to do away with that kitsune."
His eyes narrowed to angry slits as he barked out the order.
?!
"Bullshit." Miyabi snarled.
Nishiki sneered arrogantly, "You think so? Well, we'll just see once the poison's taken effect. This is going to be quite an entertaining show."
"Entertaining…?"
Nishiki was mad! What was he really after? It couldn't just be about revenge…
"The Hebi clan…no, the entire ayakashi world… will be mine to rule!"
Why would he ask me to do something so tragic…? I would never hurt Miyabi, much less kill him…
I felt his protective arms pull me closer. He had clearly sensed my inner turmoil, "Miku, do not let him confuse you."
"I-I know…"
Miyabi then rose to his feet with me still in his arms, "There's nothing more for us here. So let's go."
Miyabi threw a leaf up into the air, and I stared for a second as it fluttered in midair. With a snap of his fingers, he covered everything in smoke.
Nishiki covered his mouth to stop from inhaling it, "D…Damn you kitsune…"
Miyabi whispered in my ear, "Hold on tight."
"Okay."
We exited the room, leaving an enraged Nishiki in our wake.
—
Miyabi was still carrying me in arms. He had chosen a secluded road and was running so fast that the naked eye would have failed to catch sight of him.
"Miku? Are you okay?"
I tried to speak but was finding it difficult to do so without stammering, "I…I can't stop shaking."
"….You don't have to. It'll stop soon."
"Y-Yeah…."
"We'll be home soon. So hold on tight."
"Thanks…and…I'm sorry."
His eyes then narrowed in anger, but hurt and…perhaps…regret?
"You should be. Going off on your own like that without telling me. All you had to do was stay quiet and within my sight."
"But you…you didn't seem to care either way anymo-"
He gently shushed me and then smiled, "Well, then, I guess I'll just have to punish you when get home."
Punish…
When he said this I recalled the way he had touched me when he 'punished' me before. Back then, I was horrified when he would say he was going to punish me…but it was different now…that kiss we had shared when he came my rescue, proved one thing, that he was the only one that I would ever-that I had truly fallen…
I shivered at the memory of Nishiki. His eyes were so cold and unkind. I had practically believed that he could have ended me just by looking.
Unlike Miyabe, there wasn't so much as an ounce of kindness in him…
"So… Ayakashi like that are after me, huh?"
Miyabi's voice was barely a whisper, but I heard him, and the sadness within it, "Yes."
"You and the others are all so nice to me… I should have returned your kindness as well…I'm sorry."
Miyabe gazed down at me with this seductive half smile, "Hmph…"
He then curled the corners of his mouth up in surprise.
"Only you would say I'm nice."
I gripped at his haori as he sped up slightly, "But you are nice. You're not a brutal beast-"
His eyes widened as he slid them away from mine, "You should be a little more weary of us. The five of us were chosen our of everyone in the village…"
"I'm not afraid of you…Because I know you'll protect me…"
As I said this I simultaneously clung tightly to Miyabi and he tightened his arms around me as well.
They were both Ayakashi, but Miyabi was nothing like Nishiki…No. He wasn't scary. Far from it…
I didn't know if it was due to having been apart for so long, but the warmth I felt wrapped up in Miyabi's arms made me feel so happy…so alive.
Miyabi… Is it possible that I…
I had thought it to be impossible… That I could never…love him…
But..
But now for the first time I no longer felt a need to deny my feelings.
I pressed my head against Miyabi's chest, yearning for his affection.
And waited for the seductive touch that could make me feel so weak and yet so alive…
