Ch.4: In Terms of Blood and Deadly Strife
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Shikamaru sat perched on the stone bench cradling his head in his hands. The hallway he was currently in was dark, musty, wet, and suffocating. It was here he was sent to wait after he'd finished the first trial and here he was now that he'd finished the second trial. As things were going he was not looking forward to the next trial.
He straightened up and played with his hands as he tried to remember all the reasons he had to come out of the final trial alive. Well, surely there was Temari. Temari was a huge reason. He supposed Kankurou and Gaara might not also be too happy that he was dead. They would be at least marginally unhappy. His mother would go into state if she found that after the whole rift he had with her on leaving, he'd only done so to get himself killed by 'those creatures'. Ino would certainly be mad. And, well…if he ignored all the people who would be upset if he died, there was also the fact that he didn't want to die…
Shikamaru took a deep breath. According to the woodsy fairy, he'd be heading into the arena for the last trial in about five minutes.
They'd explained the last trial to him.
In all honesty, coming out alive of this one would be almost impossible. Entirely impossible if he was willing to be honest with himself. The only way he'd survive was if by some unusual miracle Kano exploded on the spot just as the timer began.
Frankly, he still wasn't sure how he'd managed to get out of the first trial alive. Those creepy little things had almost bitten him apart. The Merkeets guard the green emerald. That's why they're surrounding the mountain cliff. They said. Don't worry about the Merkeets, they said, They will help you in this trial. Stupid misleading fairies. Tricking him. He tried to go to the cliff and was attacked by a hoard of five fuzzy, violet, dark eyed, sharp-toothed monsters. He was fortunate enough not to get the entire group of Merkeets attempting to kill him. The results of attempting to walk past them was that his leg bled insanely, his arms were scratched horribly, and his clothing ripped to pieces. Shikamaru had then sat on a rock safely away from the fuzzy things and stared up at the green jewel trying to figure out if there was more than one ploy he was being fed.
When he stopped to think about it, and put together what he knew about fairies, he knew there was some grain of truth in what they'd told him. He just had to find out what it was.
Luckily, he did figure it out.
He'd lured a lone fuzzy monster away from the huge crowd and gotten the creepy to rip apart a tree he was sure contained the emerald they wanted him to get.
From what he'd heard he'd barely gotten it in time too.
Although, the second trial wasn't that difficult. It was actually pretty simple considering.
He still didn't think the last trial would be easy, if at all possible.
Kirai had stopped in the hallway after the second trial for a bit and commented in shock how the entire fairy population was impressed by his ability to answer the riddle such a short amount of time. "What made you so sure?" She'd asked.
"I don't know. I just…I just knew." He liked riddles. Maybe that was why.
The curious fairy princess watched him evenly. "I still don't see it honestly. Why she loves you, I mean. You're fleshy, non-magical, and obviously an entirely different species. It boggles the mind." Kirai paused. "But, I don't suggest dying on her. She seems a bit fragile. Although, I would be too if I'd gone through everything she had." In a lower voice she added carefully, "Don't be surprised, if you can – if there are things that you still possess that you've been told you shouldn't posses. Plans are in motion." Just then she squeezed her eyes tight and a portion on her upper shoulder began to glow. Shikamaru had watched in avid amazement as fairy words seemed to carve into her skin leaving marks similar to those on other parts of her body. She opened her eyes lightly and looked at the new mark. She scoffed, "Figures."
"What does it say?" He found himself asking.
"Aid." She smiled wryly. "Isn't that nice?" Kirai straightened. "Best of luck human."
Shikamaru recalled the interaction distantly, as if it had transpired days ago rather than minutes ago. He looked at the knuckle blade in his hand. Here he was supposed to last five minutes alive in a fight with pretending fae king with his senses blacked out and a hand blade as his weapon. How on earth was he going to survive? Magic against no magic was deeply unfair.
He let out a deep breath.
Living was imperative. Temari would cause hell for him in the afterlife if he died. He still wasn't sure of the limits of fae, but he was quite certain Temari would not let him die peacefully and that would just be…troublesome.
The woodsy fairy appeared in the hallway. "It's time."
Shikamaru stood up begrudgingly and followed after the tall fairy fingering his weapon. Now when a plan would be duly appreciated was when his mind seemed to be broken. Hopelessly broken. He grimaced as he imagined the worst thing that could happen. He didn't think death at the hands of a powerful fairy would be nice to go through.
Not that he thought death at anyone's hand would be nice.
Ugh.
Shikamaru hesitated right outside the doorway. Fae infrastructure was peculiar. The hallway was still dark and musty, but as soon as he stepped outside, the light of the arena and gentle smell of earth suddenly ensconced and covered him as if by magic. It probably was magic.
"What are you waiting for?"
"Courage, maybe?" Shikamaru grumbled.
The wood fairy pushed him forward firmly. Shikamaru scowled in irritation, then he looked in front of him and wished desperately to be anywhere else. Right in the middle of the arena stood the acting fairy king, with his dark feathery wings curving around him, his dark eyes sharp and clear, smooth alabaster skin shimmering ever-so-slightly, thin lips pulled into a cruel smile, and a very large very sharp sword in his hand.
Oh, it was just so unfair to die now of all times.
"Falynne," Kano said coolly, motioning to those beside him, "Amun, Jiyitl and Kirai, the bind." The horned fairy, dark woman, translucent male, and the princess connected hands and began murmuring something. Shikamaru didn't even have time to collect and smother his fears before everything went black.
He wasn't unconscious; Shikamaru understood that right away because his mind was still working. But he could no longer see what was in front of him, nor hear, nor could he feel the cool metal of the blade in his hands. There was no scent in the air and no lingering taste of blood in his mouth. He felt no pain, but felt so lost and detached. If he hadn't been told this would happen, Shikamaru would be afraid that he'd already died.
Move. His brain urged. Whether or not he could sense something happening, something was and if he stood still he would be struck in an instant. Shikamaru moved, or at least, he hoped he was moving and tried to formulate a survival tactic.
He was coming up short.
If he could not hear, see, or feel, he would not be able to know if he was moving away from the opponent, hidden amongst the trees, or in plain sight. For all he knew he could be knocking perpetually against a tree trunk, he could be lying sprawled on the floor, or he could be running into Kano's very blade. If he could not feel, he would not know if he was struck or if he struck Kano – he probably wouldn't even realize he was dead until, well, until he stopped thinking altogether – or whatever happened when one died.
Shikamaru cursed under his breath, or at least, imagined he did.
See! A leathery voice demanded somewhere inside his head.
Suddenly, fuzzy images started to appear in his vision. Trees, light, a sword. Instantly Shikamaru lifted the hand he'd remembered holding the blade last to block the swipe of the sword gunning straight for his heart.
Hear!
The clang of metal boomed around him, but was dulled as if his ears were plugged.
In front of him, Kano's lips twisted into a growl of fury and he charged again; Shikamaru scrambled back. What was he to do? For some reason he could see and hear now. It wasn't – It wasn't as clear as ever. His vision was blurry and hazy; his hearing was muffled and awkward, but it was there.
It was there nonetheless.
Don't be surprised, if you can – if there are things that you still possess that you've been told you shouldn't posses. Plans are in motion.
What had they done?
Shikamaru ducked as Kano swung his sword again.
Shikamaru clenched his teeth; he could wonder what they'd done later. Now was not the time. He'd been given a gift, and if he yielded it well, he might just survive. Shikamaru strengthened his grip on the blade.
Play time.
Kano swung, Shikamaru dodged.
Kano advanced; Shikamaru tried his best to retreat.
Kick.
Punch.
Slice.
Jump.
Twist.
Run.
Shikamaru still did not have use of his sense of touch. He was glad he didn't. His body looked badly mangled in certain places, he seemed to breathing incredibly haggardly, and he was sure that if he was aware of the acute pain in his limbs he would collapse from agony rather than muster the strength to dodge Kano's attacks.
"ENOUGH!" Kano roared angrily, his features twisted into pure rage.
Shikamaru swallowed.
He was in trouble.
Kano's wings flapped around his frame heavily and something in his hands began to glow.
Oh, he was in big trouble.
"He's only got five seconds folks!" Some announcer said distantly.
Five seconds. Five seconds.
Shikamaru swallowed – if this didn't kill him, he would win.
If only, if only – if only he could do something to make Kano turn to the side then the magic wouldn't hit him. If only Shikamaru could do something.
See! Hear!
Something bubbled up in Shikamaru's hands, before he could think twice he acted on impulse and let the electrical current take over.
There was an explosion – light blaring all over the arena, the announcer calling the trial over, and a heavy silence in the crowds.
Feel!
Shikamaru fell to his knees and screamed as a horrible pain crept through every pore in his body. Then everything went black again – and this time not even his brain was still awake.
xXxXx
"LET ME IN!"
"Temari, I can't let you in!" A voice complained in exasperation.
"FUCK RULES, DAMMIT. LET ME THE HELL IN OR I'LL SCREW YOUR HEAD OFF YOUR BODY AND USE IT AS MY OWN PERSONAL JUGGLING BALL!"
"There's nothing you can do right now!"
"DON'T YOU FUCKING TELL ME WHAT I CAN AND CAN'T DO!"
"I damn well will tell you what you can and can't do. I'm the damn fucking princess. Not quit yelling at me and give me five damn seconds to do what I need to do. Where the hell is Gaara? He should be keeping you under control!"
"HE'S BUSY ARGUING WITH THAT FUCKER; NOW LET ME IN!" Something slammed open, and he was sure Temari had stormed in.
"What's going on?" Shikamaru croaked, as he attempted to open his eyes and sit up.
"What do you think you're doing!?" Two female voices screamed at him.
Finally managing to open his eyes, he was greeted only by two very malevolent and absolutely terrifying women. Oh crap, had he died and gone to hell? Is that why he was being yelled at? "I'm just—"
"Sit down." Kirai ordered.
Temari pushed him down by force.
Shikamaru winced.
Kirai sighed in exasperation. "Aggressive woman."
No…No, this was not hell. Temari was always yelling at him. Then that meant…somehow he must have survived. In that case, what was with all that pain he remembered right before everything disappeared? "What…What happened?"
The two women froze.
Shikamaru tried sitting up again.
Temari shoved him back again and pursed her lips. "Wanna take this, princess?"
Kirai placed her tattooed hands on his chest and chanted a few words under her breath. Shikamaru waited patiently, rather enjoying the feeling that was emitting from her hands. It was a very peaceful feeling; from the way the pain in his chest was dulling he assumed it was some sort of healing practice. After a few minutes, Kirai removed her hands and sighed, "I sort of have the same question."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Kano was just about to kill you with his own brand of magic when all of a sudden," Kirai explained, "your shadow grows from your feet to connect with his and upon connecting, you move slightly to the left causing Kano's hocus pocus to explode on the arena wall rather than at you. Then just like that, before the smoke had even cleared, you were on the floor, unconscious. I assume it was from the wounds you suffered."
Shikamaru blinked. "My shadow did what?"
Kirai attempted to explain, "It sort of controlled Kano's." She paused. "Is that alchemy?"
"I did what?" Shikamaru asked still not understanding it. His shadow connected to another's shadow, and he moved Kano like that? "Are you sure I did that?"
"Yes, we're sure. I've never seen that magic before, so I assumed it was—"
"That is not alchemy. That's physically impossible." Shikamaru responded. Kirai had to have her facts mixed up. That could not have procured.
Temari shrugged. "I told you it wasn't alchemy."
Kirai closed her eyes. "Oh, boy. Then we're in for a heap of trouble." The lithe fairy turned, but froze in her place. She cocked her head to the left and rolled her eyes. "Kano."
Shikamaru stiffened.
The atmosphere of the room changed as soon as the dark fairy walked in. He was followed by the others: Falynne, Amun, and Jiyitl. "What did you do to me creature?" Kano hissed.
Shikamaru stood up shakily, ignoring Temari's glare. "I don't know. I wasn't even aware I'd done anything."
"You think we believe that!" Falynne scoffed. "We don't trust you."
"Whether you believe me or not is irrelevant, since I don't know what happened."
"I knew he was a danger to us the minute I laid eyes on him!" Jiyitl snarled.
Kirai stiffened. "Oh, come off it! It's not like he hurt anybody!"
"He turned Kano to the left without touching him!" said Falynne.
"We can do things just as peculiar!"Kirai retorted.
"But he is not a fairy!" Falynne hissed. "His experiments on our kind are being used for the creation of weapons for the human species. We must destroy him."
"We must do no such thing!" The fairy princess snapped.
"You would let him continue harming our kind?" Kano asked softly. "Princess, you would endanger your own?"
Kirai hesitated. "I…They aren't a danger to us. They're just idiots in love!"
"I've seen the power before." Amun interrupted quietly, almost casually.
Everyone turned to stare at him.
"Quite a long time ago actually. When I was a bit younger. Belonged to a dying breed of an interesting fairy family. The trait wasn't being passed on so the family was rather upset. The last one I heard who possessed the power was a gentle man with graying hair. Adiaré Shiindar. Of course, with Adiaré's disappearance the whole hype and existence of the shadow gift of the Shiindar fairies died off." Amun's face fell, "Such a shame too. I heard it was a fantastic gift. And now that I've seen it wielded for something more than picking an apple off a tree, I have to admit it's rather amazing in combat."
Falynne's mouth was open wide. "Are you implying that this human is-is-is a fairy?!"
Amun shrugged, his eyes boring into Shikamaru's figure. "You have to admit it's peculiar."
"That's ridiculous. When Adiaré banished himself from our group he gave up his right to his longevity. If this human was Adiaré he would have died already of consumption. His body would reject him."
Shikamaru swallowed. "Wouldn't such a problem be treatable?"
"Not for fairies." Jiyitl said gravely, "in fairies, when one rejects the way of the fae, the body manifests consumption in a form of untreatable sort of cancer to the fairy."
Oh, crap.
"Shikamaru," Temari muttered slowly, "what was your grandfather's name? The one your father attempted to make a wish for health of?"
Shikamaru hesitated. "Shiindar Adiaré."
Amun's eyes glittered in appreciation. "So you are of the Shiindar. I'd never thought I'd seen another again in my life. How utterly extraordinary."
Falynne spluttered.
Jiyitl looked on in distrust.
Kano looked utterly murderous.
"You're part fairy." Kirai murmured softly. "Well, I'll be."
"Who cares if he's part fairy!?" Falynne screeched. "He is still a danger to our kind."
"He is our kind, Falynne!" Kirai retorted.
"He doesn't identify himself with us. He's been brought up and taught by humans. He holds no loyalty toward us. Plus, he can lie. He is more human than fairy." Falynne hissed.
"He is not a danger!" Kirai screamed. "If he were, he never would have bothered being so blatantly obvious about everything!"
"I vote for his acceptance in our society." Amun said coolly. "Given that he will be willing to show me more of his skill, naturally."
Shikamaru nodded.
"I vote against." Falynne hissed.
"Against." Kano repeated.
Jiyitl's eyes passed over him in scrutiny. "I vote for his acceptance."
Kirai smirked. "Guess what, Kano? I vote for his acceptance too. Three against two – you fucking lose."
Kano's eyes narrowed briefly, only to be contradicted by the smile pulling across his lips the next moment. "Where is your stone, Kirai?"
A flash of worry spread across the tattooed girl's features. "H-here." She murmured holding up ruby stone up from a leather cord around her neck hurryingly hiding it behind her clothes again.
"It's fake." Kano commented idly.
"It's not a fake s-stone." Kirai stammered.
"You mean to tell me the red stone you just showed me is your long-held family stone? The stone that confirms your power and has confirmed royalty power for generations?"
"I…"
"Just tell me it's the real stone. The real one."
"I…" Kirai hung her head. "I can't."
"Do you even have the real one?"
"No." Kirai hissed angrily. "I don't."
Kano laughed deeply and cruelly. "Then your opinion doesn't matter. In that case," Kano stared cruelly at Kirai and then at him. "Only my opinion matters. I am King."
"Fuck you, you lecher of life!" Kirai spat angrily. "I am the rightful holder of the damned throne and you know it!"
"Without your stone or a husband, you can claim not a speck of power, you insolent creature!"
A loud smack was heard throughout the room, and Kirai lay crumpled on the floor, blooding flowing from her mouth. "Mark my words, Kano. I will kill you. I will kill you, and I will watch in enjoyment as I do. You will pay for all the suffering you've caused and will cause."
"Petty words." Kano scoffed. "Falynne, get the authorities to lock up the pretend princess and set up a date for her execution."
"Kano –" Amun paused, "I mean, your highness, what crime has the foal committed that warrants her death?"
"She spoke back to me and threatened me. Disrespectful thing."
Amun closed his eyes. "She is the last of her line, Kano."
"Do not let your fascination for power traits obscure your line of thought. You always said she was a weak girl. Incapable of ruling anything. Will you now side with her?"
Amun looked sadly at Kirai. "No, your highness. With you. As always."
"Jiyitl?"
"With you of course, your highness."
Kano smirked. "Your death, human, will be set up soon. I look forward to watching you die at the hands of Amun."
Amun pressed his lips together.
"Your highness," Jiyitl interrupted suddenly, "Kirai is gone."
Indeed, Kirai was longer sitting on the floor or anywhere else in the room for that matter. She'd slipped away unnoticed.
Fury flashed through his eyes. "Find her." Kano looked at them, "You two will be watched carefully. Nothing will keep your deaths away."
"Deaths?" Shikamaru croaked.
"Yes, your lover has irritated me far too much. You will both die here."
"She didn't do anything!" Shikamaru protested. "She is no danger to you."
Kano laughed. "As if that matters to me." The dark fairy swept out of the room, closing the door behind him. The room was left empty, filled with echoes of death, horror, and the stench of betrayal.
Beside him, Temari crumpled to her knees. "Why does nothing ever work out right?"
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A/N: I hate FF's new formatting. Grr. It's annoying. I was so confused for a bit on how to upload a doc.