Gekko no Senshi (Moonlight Warrior)
A/N: I appologize for the delay :( as I mentioned before, I was out of the country visiting my family. Then my sister came back to the US with me, so I spent more time with her. AAAAND I had a lot of work that I needed to catch up with... Soooo, here's the next chappy! I'm so excited about this one, hope you like it! I sure did enjoy writting it!
Chapter 21
Tomoe… she's the Moonlight Warrior
His mind was flying high, insane… Wait… what just happened?
No one has ever been able to silence Rihan before. Not even his old man.
Her feet softly touched the ground. Still holding the naginata against Rihan, Tomoe said, "What the hell is wrong with you and your stupid assumptions?"
Rihan was still voiceless and his mind had already gone bonkers. He couldn't keep a straight thought.
Nurarihyon said, "I knew it! She's a youkai!"
This made Rihan return to his senses. He looked at Tomoe with disbelief. "You're the Moonlight warrior?"
Tomoe chuckled at the moniker, "I do not go by that name, but if that's what you wanna call me then fine."
Her chuckle was like music; like the most beautiful symphony ever written. Yet the fact that this was hidden from him didn't leave him.
"You lied to me," he said softly. Tomoe's youkai heart broke inside.
"I couldn't tell you, my identity was to be kept secret," she said.
"How am I suppose to believe anything that comes out from your mouth?" he asked. The disappointment seeping from his voice, breaking Tomoe into smaller and smaller pieces. She had nothing to say. Rihan nodded and then looked over to Rikuo, who was still on the floor with Tsurara tending to his needs.
"You made my brother lie for you?"
"I begged him not to say a word, after he found out who I was," she answered. "He also begged me to tell you but I was unsure of revealing my true identity… I didn't want you to hate me for lying to you," she said in a lower voice.
"I'd never hate you, Tomoe."
A sliver of hope sparked inside Tomoe. "I'm sorry, Rihan." He only nodded in response. "This is the reason why I didn't want you putting all this attention over me."
The disappointment was obvious when their eyes met. She walked over to him, putting a soft hand on his arm, making him look away. She threw her naginata to the ground, putting both hands on his cheeks.
"Please, please forgive me, Rihan. I can't bear the thought of you hating me, please…" she pleaded, with tears in her eyes. Her eyes where so blue, like the ocean and he wanted to bathe in them, forever.
"I still need some time, but I said it before, I'd never hate you."
She smiled weakly, "Ok, I can live with that." They both chuckled. She threw herself in his arms and he embraced her. A few aw's where heard, making them chuckle again.
Rihan sighed, "Ok, fine… whatever, I can't be mad at you for long, I forgive you."
She beamed, bringing his face down and kissing him right in the lips. Rihan couldn't be more surprised for the sudden affection, especially in front of his family. His face went red as beet, earning a few whistles. His father smirked proud and Yohime cleared her tears of joy.
"Hey! I'm supposed to be the next Commander! I can't show weakness and be melting like a bar of butter!" he whined.
"Oh my lord, get a room you two," scoffed Rikuo. He clearly was glad things didn't get worse and everything was out in the clear. Now they could get back to business.
"No hard feelings, bro?" said Rihan, helping Rikuo up.
A smirk crossed Rikuo's face as he said, "Oh no, I'll get back at you. You just won't know when but oh I'll get my revenge." Rihan gulped.
"That's what you get for being stupid," Tomoe added.
"Now all of you are going to give me shit for this," Rihan whined.
"Of course! You nearly pulped your brother into fiction!" Tomoe stroked back.
Regardless of how funny it sounded, Tomoe was right. The rest of the clan, the not-so-little youkai spread out around the house now that the noise and all the faffing cleared out.
In the dinning room sat Nurarihyon, Daruma, Hitotsume, Gyuuki, Kubinashi, Aotabo, Kurotabo, Rikuo and Rihan, all facing Tomoe.
"So Tomoe-chan," started The Sodaicho, all cheerful and 'smirky,' "so glad you are a youkai! Now, what type of youkai are you?"
Tomoe was startled by the question and audibly gulped. Her forehead furiously sweated for she did not know the answer. She looked at all the elder leaders nervously and then stole a glance from Rihan. She released a heavy sigh and said,
"Pardon me my lords but I cannot answer that question."
All of them looked at each other. Rikuo wanted to intervene but his father gave him a look that advised against it. She had clearly wandered around their land disguised as a human, with no apparent malicious intentions but it still warranted some questions.
Gyuuki continued, "And why is that, young lady?"
She had clearly caused an impression on him. He was not expecting her to be a youkai. What intrigued him the most was that she was really good at hiding her aura and that particularly sparked his interest about this girl. She noted he didn't call her 'human.'
"Because I myself don't know," she answered, lowering her head.
"How come you don't know?" asked Lord Hitotsume, a little too fast.
"Because I didn't have anybody to tell me who I was. I wasn't born youkai," she glanced at Rikuo and Rihan, "I was created. I don't know what I am... the only thing I know is what I can do." There was a great sadness in her voice.
Kurotabo felt a certain connection for the same happened to him. He was created but he felt like a free ayakashi once he joined the Nura Clan and he was incredibly grateful.
"I think the most important thing to know here is that if she poses a threat to our clan," said Daruma.
"Of course she isn't a threat!" said Rihan.
"Calm down, Koi," said Nurarihyon. Looking towards the girl, he continued: "What are your intentions, Tomoe-chan? And while you're at it, is Tomoe your real name?" "Otou-san, one question at a time…" suggested Rikuo, rubbing his eyes. Looking at Rikuo, Tomoe nodded and answered:
"I was born as Yatogami Tomoe. I come from a long line of samurai warriors. My family is highly regarded by the government for our military expertise and loyalty. I was trained to become a warrior, as in the olden days when there's a special training given to the firstborn," she said proudly. Suddenly the air changed as her tone become more grave and sad,
"But because of my own pride and need for power, I let a demon posses me. I was fooled, blinded by my own cravings of self-satisfaction," she hesitated, as it was hard to continue. "I did not see the consequences of my decisions. I loathe every passing day for letting this happen, for my wrongdoing killed my mother…" she paused, tears threatening to leave her eyes while letting Rihan hold her hand.
"The leader of this youkai army possessed me, making me commit horrible crimes bringing dishonor to my family. Ever since, my father and his army of men had tried to defeat this youkai army but they have being fruitless. 'She' murdered our comrades… My father sent me here to warn you… He knew that in this town resides a powerful youkai with a great army. We need… I- I'm begging you for your help…" her voice croaked but her eyes burned with passion.
The Supreme Commander with his attending Lords just sat baffled. She cleared her throat and continued, "By the way, I am called Tomoe Gozen…"
All in the room, except Rikuo, gasped. Tomoe looked at Rikuo and Rihan with a 'what did I just do' face. Rikuo shrugged.
"You are that Tomoe Gozen?" asked Kurotabo. All of them gave warily eyes to Rihan who was just as stunned as everybody else. Rikuo and Tomoe didn't seem to understand what was going on.
"THE Tomoe Gozen, one of the most feared female youkai this land has ever seen… after Hagoromo-Gitsune, that is," said Rihan. His eyes were as big as saucers.
Her mouth stood agape after the affirmations she just heard: The most feared youkai besides Hagoromo-Gitsune? This can't be true, can it?
"What are you talking about, I don't understand?" asked Rikuo, which was the most obvious question between him and Tomoe.
"Rikuo, son, you may not remember this but there was a moment when our clan was in alert of some dangerous youkai attacks on the north, menacing our territories. We sent officials and troops to several of the breaking points, especially Gyukki's Mountain, for this army was heading towards it. But a little before it arrived, the attacks ceased unexpectedly, leaving no trace…"
Nurarihyon finished, and then looked back at Tomoe, who trembled in fear. Just as Rihan, his Father (obviously a family trait) could instill fear like no other. Tears started to form in her eyes, though she didn't shed them. It felt as if she had betrayed them, even though none of this was her fault.
"Are you responsible for this attacks?"
The room became quiet. The mood had completely changed. Tomoe visibly gulped. She had no idea what to answer, but to tell the truth… Time to come clean, I guess…
"Yes, I am responsible," everyone seem to be on guard, but the Supreme Commander noticed that her fear was that of surrender, making him sigh.
She continued, "But there's not a day I regret it. Because of me, many innocent lives where taken. As I explained before, I was possessed by a demon, a well-known demoness… Hagoromo-Gitsune…"
"Hold up a second. You where possessed by Hagoromo-Gitsune?" asked Rihan.
"Yes. I assure you, it wasn't me who committed this horrendous crimes, it was her in me. I cannot stress how much I regret even listening to her," she answered, holding a fist.
"I understand, it wasn't your fault," said the Supreme Commander. Hitotsume and Daruma looked at their Master with shock.
"But, Sodaicho! She could be their leader, in our house, ready to murder us!" yelled Hitotsume.
"Quiet, Hitotsume. I've battled Hagoromo-Gitsune in the past and she doesn't have her youki; she's a different kind of youkai…" he gave her his signature grin. She responded with a shy smile.
"The Sodaicho is right. This girl doesn't not posses the aura that of Hagoromo-Gitsune. But I do have a question, young girl: how do you hide your youki? For it was easy for us to tell that you're not 'her' but we can't feel it until you're fully transformed…"
"L-Lord Gyuuki, I wish I knew the answer to that," Tomoe responded, looking down. "After my mother was… murdered, I ran into the woods. I remember waking up like this. Later on I figured out that I could mask my youkai with my human appearance; something my father used to his advantage. That was how I was able to meddle through the crowds and in school."
"I don't trust her, Sodaicho. She could be the devil herself and we wouldn't know," Hitotsume said with disdain.
Rihan was about to get up but Tomoe stretched her arm to stop him. She gave him one look and with that he calmed down.
She let out a breath and said, "I assure you, Lord Hitotsume, that I do not mean harm but I am here to beg for help…"
"Don't bother with explanations, Tomoe. He just doesn't give in to reason so easily," Rihan said with his arms crossed and eyes closed.
"Nidaime!" cried Hitotsume.
"Hitotsume, you've sworn loyalty to our father and you serve under him but you do not serve under us. My brother and I will have to form our own Hyakki Yakou. Rikuo, write letters to the Shikoku Clan and also to your friends from Tono," ordered Rihan, Rikuo nodded.
Rikuo taunted, "You do remember that Tamazuki still holds a grudge for you winning that battle."
Rihan dismissed it, saying, "He should've gotten over it by now. Besides his territory is in danger too, he must be aware. See with him what we can do to help each other."
"Right," said Rikuo.
"Oh and please tell Itaku not to be such a pussy and come this time. Every time we need manpower he goes on with his Tono pride shit and stays there. Ah, and if Awashima annoys the hell out of you, put a plug on his-her… whatever, mouth," he ordered.
Rikuo chuckled, "Will do. Though Itaku will not appreciate your 'kind' words."
"Well then, he can suck it and miss out on a good fight," said Rihan, rubbing his temples.
Nurarihyon was watching his sons, especially Rihan, with pride… for they where finally taking over. Gyukki noticed, whispering:
"Is the Sodaicho crying?"
Nurarihyon looked at his loyal friend with indignation, then smiled and looked back to his sons who had begun a banter and Tomoe was trying to calm them down, saying: "Shut up." He looked back at his old friend and said, "Those where manly tears." Gyukki suppressed a laugh.
After Rikuo and Rihan where done arguing, Rihan said:
"Kurotabo, get ready. We will be taking off."
"Hai, master," Kurotabo replied.
"Wait, what? You're leaving now?" Tomoe said surprised.
"Yes, I have to. We need to gather as much information as possible and nobody can go around as inconspicuous as me," Rihan responded.
"But," Rihan could sense the fear in her voice, "really? Tonight? Can't you wait 'til tomorrow?"
"I'm afraid things like this can't wait. I'll be fine, I'll be with Kuro," he reassured. Tomoe wasn't so sure. She was about to reply when Tsurara interrupted her,
"Master Rihan, Kurotabo is waiting for you by the gate."
"Alrighty then, adios muchachos," Rihan said getting up and walking out the door.
Tomoe just stared at his wake thinking, Wait! Is that it! He's not going to say goodbye to me? The fuck is wrong with him?
Her anger rose as she ran after him. He wasn't gone for more than 5 seconds and he was already at the gate. Without any warning, she hit him on his side with the hilt of her katana.
"The hell!" he cried.
"You fucking asshole!" she raised her hand to slap him but he caught her. Everyone ran outside.
"How dare you leave without saying goodbye to me!" she screamed with tears in her eyes.
This took him aback, "Oh."
"Oh? Is that it! Oh! Is that all that I mean to you!" she choked.
"Ok everyone, the show is over… scram, skedaddle… go on!" Rikuo ordered the crowd as he tried to give them some personal space. They all grudgingly walked back inside.
"I'm sorry Tomoe, I just… I just don't do well with goodbyes. Everyone I've said goodbye to leaves 'forever'…." The sadness in his voice was so evident; she felt a pang in her heart.
Tomoe felt her anger seeping away little by little. Looking away she said, "Please, be careful. Don't go dying on me, now. If you do, I will go to the depths of hell and kill you again for doing this to me."
He let out a soft chuckle. Suddenly his mood changed, he looked down at her with passionate eyes. Her body responded with mixed feelings of joy and sadness, as if just remembering how to fly but forgetting that your wings are clipped. Without a word, he leaned down and kissed her. She could feel the fire in her soul breaking free.
"I love you, Tomoe."
And with that, he disappeared into the night.
AWWWWWW so cute! Ok peeps, time for reviewing! Please make it a birthday gift! (My bday was a week ago) PLEASE REVIEW!