LOVE TESTAMENT CHAPTER 20
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Fuji paced around the room unsettling. There was no more chance at escaping. Thinking sadly, if he still had his power, then he would have been able to escape and find his way back to Tezuka in no time. But then again, if he still had his power, he wouldn't be here in the first place.
No matter what thought came up, Fuji ended up being more depressed. He slumped down on the floor and held his head as he groaned in frustration.
He didn't have much time left.
****O.O****
General Kyuchi offered his warriors in the search and rescue operation, but Tezuka had refused. He wanted to find Fuji quick, but at the same time, he couldn't compromise their location. After all, they were still in hiding.
The first place Kyuchi, Kouhei, and Tezuka went to was the Grand Palace. Although Kouhei found out that there was an auction this night, he wasn't given a location. Thus, they had to force their way in for an answer.
Screams and sounds of shoes scurrying filled the chaotic harem before a table or two broke.
It seemed cooperation was weedy.
Tezuka slammed the night's main host against the table. The legs wobbled underneath. If Tezuka exerted any more force, he would have broken another table. Most of the clients had left in fear, not wanting to get involved with a raging danger that was emitting from Tezuka. The workers all stood in the far back trembling in fright as they watched their host being tortured. "I'm asking you again. Where is it?"
The host winced in pain as his face was being smashed into the table's surface painfully. He choked. "O…Ok-aa-ssan.." He stuttered and coughed.
"He can't speak if you don't let him." Kyuchi stepped up and told Tezuka.
Tezuka released his hand. "Speak!" He ordered.
The host coughed as he held his throat. "The-the…temp-le."
Tezuka glanced at Kyuchi, who was frowning in disbelief. "The temple is a sacred place. Prostitution is a serious sin." He couldn't believe such thing existed within his jurisdiction without his knowledge.
"There are many things that you don't know in the world." Kouhei said grimly.
Tezuka's face darkened. He looked at the host and held the host up by the collar. "If I find you telling me a lie, I'm going to shred you into pieces and feed you to the wild dogs. Got it?" He threw the host, who was nodding vigorously, to the floor.
The three left in a hurry.
Time was running out, and the distance to the temple up the mountain wasn't short.
****O.O****
Fuji's eyes widened when the door was thrust opened. His breathing slowed down when he found that it was only a girl. She was pretty, but the way she held herself was far from what people would call innocent. The door was immediately closed after she came in. He watched her from his current position on the floor.
She walked calmly to the dresser and opened the top drawer to take out a few items and place them on the top. After finishing, she turned around and smiled at Fuji. She curved her index finger. "Come here."
Fuji blinked, but stayed still.
Her eyes narrowed when Fuji defied her order. It was as If she was used to have people obeying her all of the times. "Come here or I'm going to bring the guards in here."
Fuji looked away from her before standing up to come over to where the girl was standing.
"Good." She patted Fuji's head, but Fuji swatted her hand away.
"Don't touch me." Fuji murmured.
The girl glared at him. He could feel it. She stepped in front of where he sat and held his chin up to look at her eyes with her sharp fingers. "Listen boy. I don't like this either, but if I'm going to keep my place in this harem, I have to do what I was asked." She released his chin.
Fuji immediately rubbed the spot where crescent marks had appeared.
She took the powder from the table and began applying. "You need to look beautiful tonight, so the richest will pay the highest for you. You are going to look this beautiful today because after this night, the virgin's beauty is forever lost." She sneered at him as he moved his face, making the process more difficult for her. "You've only been treated nicely because Okaa-san didn't want you damaged before the big day. After this, you are going to be experiencing something much much different from the time you were born until now."
Her sneering words brought out anger in him. "Don't talk to me like that." He didn't like her way to using such low words on him. He pushed her away and swiped everything off the top before standing up in defiance.
"I'm an honorable man. You have no right to do this to me."
The door suddenly opened. Before Fuji saw who it was, he received a slap across his face hard, sending him stumbling to the floor. He held the burning spot on his face as he glared up at the attacker only to find Okaa-san leering down at him with a smirk. "Your right was forfeited the moment you were sold to me."
Fuji stood up. "I belong only to me, and I'm not something that can be sold."
Okaa-san smiled wryly, half amusing, as she looked at Fuji up and down. "You speak as if you are a young prince, but I found not a trace of your existence in this world. Perhaps you are speaking on behalf of your bastard friends and your bastard self?"
Fuji's face contorted in fury and his breathing ventilated. He wanted to say something, but whatever he was saying was making him angrier, so he stayed silent.
When finding no more physical defiance from Fuji, she called in a guard to intimidate Fuji as the girl continued to apply the make-up on Fuji's face.
****O.O****
When they left the Grand Palace, Kyuchi apologized to Tezuka that he had to employ his men to arrest people involving in this illegal operation. Kyuchi respected Tezuka's wish on the secretive rescue operation, but now the sacred temple had been violated within his jurisdiction. It was no way that he would not make the arrest. Thus, Kyuchi went into the direction of his home to assemble his men.
Kouhei followed Tezuka as they rode up the mountain path on horseback. Upon arriving at the entrance, they hopped off the horse and approached 2 monks wandering near the gate, who were alerted at their arrival.
Kouhei spoke in haste. "I received words that this temple is harboring an illegal operation. Tell us where it is taken place."
The monks looked confused at each other before they turned to Kouhei. "We have not an idea of what you mean. This place is sacred. We do not host illegal operations."
Kouhei frowned. "If this place is sacred, then lying is not tolerated. Now spill it out or else you both will also be executed under the law."
Tezuka wouldn't hear any more of it. He decided to take matter into his own hand and left. Kouhei saw Tezuka leaving, but he trusted his friend to know what he was doing. He turned his attention back to the feared monks. They had shrunken back in fear. It seemed like they don't know. "Where is the Elder?"
One of the monks replied. "He's in the main chamber."
Kouhei left toward the main chamber where the statues of the gods are located. Upon arriving, the Elder was found praying on a cushion in front of the statues. He didn't want to disturb the Elder's evening prayer, but finding Fuji was urgent. As he stepped foot into the chamber, the prayer immediately ceased.
The Elder slowly turned around. His eyes were full of wisdom as he looked at Kouhei.
Kouhei bowed in respect. "Elder. I'm sorry to disturb your peace, but the situation is urgent."
The Elder nodded in understanding. He urged Kouhei to speak with an inviting hand.
"I've received grave news that an illegal operation is hosted here tonight."
The Elder's eyes showed confusion. "And what sort of illegal operation do you mean?"
Kouhei took a breath before releasing the word that the temple termed as taboo. "Prostitution."
The Elder's and the present monks' eyes widened. "This is no jesting matter, General." The Elder spoke in seriousness.
"Unfortunately, I'm not jesting Elder. I'm here to seek for your help."
The Elder paused a moment in contemplation before nodding.
"This operation possibly involves about 50 people. Is there anywhere in this temple that could host this number of people?"
The Elder rubbed his hands together. "There are several places, but I have done a round before coming here. I see no civilians in this temple tonight."
Suddenly, one monk stepped forward. "Elder, there is one place." Eyes were immediately on him.
The Elder encourage the monk to continue. "There is an abandoned chamber at the back that was used to be the storage room. We haven't used that chamber since the new kitchen was built."
Without wasting another second, Kouhei, the Elder, and the monks left the main chamber.
****O.O****
Tezuka surveyed the area. He was now at the back of the temple. It looked abandoned. He walked carefully, but briskly, across the stone debris that marked the destruction of an old structure.
He entered an old storage house made of clay. The house was cold and empty. The light from the moon that was peeking through the barred window wasn't enough to light up the room, so Tezuka lit up his fingers with fire. It was bright and clearer now. There was a small hallway leading to the back. It was dark, but Tezuka wasn't scare.
He walked into the hallway.
It wasn't long before he entered another room, but it was just as empty as the first. Except, there was no way out except for the hallway. Just as Tezuka was looking around for an entry, the ground beneath him trembled. He immediately flicked off the fire and waited in the dark as a piece of wood on the floor lifted up like a door.
Then, a man walked out with a greasy smile. He had a small torch in his hand, but Tezuka was better. He merged in with the wall and made himself invisible in the semi dark room.
Another man followed the first one, but this man wore less expensive clothes. Tezuka deducted that the second man was a servant.
"A good virgin fuck is always the best." The first man said to his servant. The servant smiled as he closed the underground door.
Subsequently, both men left, leaving Tezuka breathing with rage when he heard what the man said. Without wasting another second, Tezuka disappeared into the underground passage.
It was a long, damp, and windy. When Tezuka came to a dead end, he climbed up the ladder and made his way out of the underground passage. He didn't know exactly how long the passage was, but he knew for sure that he was very far from the temple. Around him was a quiet forest. Occasionally, howls and sound of the forest animal could be heard echoing.
Before he could see any movement, he heard footsteps rustling on the falling leaf, and he quickly hid himself up on a dense tree. From there, he could see silhouettes of a few men coming from the east. Like the two that Tezuka saw earlier, the men—except for one—went down into the underground passage and everything became quiet again.
Tezuka watched the one left behind. The man subsequently took off running. Tezuka swiftly hopped through the trees, following the man.
The forest was confusing. The forest suddenly became dense. When he got to a clearing, the man he followed had disappeared. It seemed to shift its surrounding magically. If it wasn't for his sharp hearing, he would be going in a circle because whenever he stopped, the area looked exactly like the first.
The noise was getting louder.
****O.O****
Kyuchi came just in time to catch up with Kouhei and the monks they headed to the backside of the temple.
As they got to the abandoned structures, nothing suspicious was seen.
They entered the building that Tezuka entered. Kyuchi held a torch as he looked around the large room. "This place doesn't look like a place for a party."
Kouhei turned to the Elder. "You said this place is abandoned?"
The Elder nodded.
"Something doesn't seem right. My source said it's here in the temple, but we haven't seen a any evidence that would indicate a party would be hosted."
Kyuchi joined his friend and the Elder. "Where's Tezuka?"
Kouhei looked at his friend, surprise written on his face. "I haven't seen him since we came here."
Kyuchi looked to the hallway where his men just came back from exploring. "If Tezuka is nowhere in sight, then would it mean that he found something?" He wondered aloud.
The Elder hummed.
Kyuchi looked to the Elder. "Elder, have you thought of something?"
Suddenly, a commotion rang up from the back room. The men that Tezuka saw leaving the forest earlier came into view, but they were held in captive by Kyuchi's men.
"Who are you, and how did you get here?" Kyuchi questioned them.
The captives were semi drunk. Their speech was slurred and their minds were elsewhere. They gave Kyuchi unclear responses.
Kyuchi's men came reporting an underground passage in the back room. The Elder looked at the door on the ground with a contemplating look.
Kouhei turned to the Elder with apprehension. "Elder, where do you think this passage is leading to?"
There was a flash of fear in his eyes before he spoke. "Behind this temple is a magical forest of many years. The entrance to the forest is the gate beside the well east of here. But once you get in, there is no way out. This forest magical shifts so that you cannot get out. As such, this forest is used as a penitentiary for those who commit sins that cannot be forgotten."
Kyuchi frowned in confusion. "So, this passage is the way out."
"There hasn't been anyone who I've seen came in had come out. Not that I know of."
"Well, I hope it is the way out because I'm going in." Kouhei declared before recklessly jumping down.
Kyuchi shook his head, but followed. The Elder watched as a few more followed down the underground passage, hoping that they'd return.
****O.O****
It was strange to see a large house lying in the middle of nowhere. Getting to this place was a mystery.
Tezuka silently came closer. Even though it was dark, Tezuka could discern the men guarding the entrance. Their body was glowing as if they were on fire, but Tezuka knew better. They weren't normal fire wielder. They were experts. If experts were gate guards, Tezuka expected to see higher rankings lodging inside.
From where Tezuka was standing on the tree, he could see a stage through a large window fixated high near the roof. It was crowded and festive, which Tezuka found sickening. A face of a woman came clearly into view as she stood on stage. He recognized her as Okaa-san from the Grand Palace. A moment after the speech, a girl in a fair kimono was brought onto stage by a man. Then, he could hear an uproar of auctioning going on. He found it oddly strange that the girl up for auctioning was holding a proud smile as the price went up.
Human humiliation. Finally, her auctioning was over and a man came up the stage to take her away. They disappeared behind the stage.
It would be difficult getting in without getting noticed. Just as Tezuka was about to go to the back to find a way, he heard rustling not far away. Soon, a man came into view. In his hand was a blood red piece of paper. He looked back at the gate guards. They were also holding the same colored piece of paper.
Swiftly, he left his hiding spot and swooped down to take out the man noiselessly. The man fell to the ground without a thud. The piece of paper fluttered to the ground. Tezuka bent down and picked it up. He straightened his clothes before turning around and walked to house.
****O.O****
"Why is it that we are walking in a circle?" Kouhei cried out frustratingly. They had been walking toward one direction, but every time they walked through a dense foliage, they were taken back to where they came from.
The men sighed as they collapsed to the ground.
Kyuchi observed his surroundings. "If going straight takes us back to where we started, then it'd mean that we're walking in circle. But if we walk in a circle, then would it be that we're walking in a straight path?"
Kouhei's eyes lit up.
****O.O****
The inside was commodious. There were at least 20 round table set spread around the room. Tezuka looked to the stage. A few girls in kimonos were putting up a performance for the guests while they waited for the preparation of the next auction.
Tezuka found a spot near the middle, but to the wall to stand. The front was occupied by numerous greasy men from rich young masters to merchants.
When the stage cleared up, Okaa-san was seen on the stage with the biggest smile of the night.
"We have a few more goods up for selection tonight, but I've decided not to save the best for last. What do you all think?" She announced and the crowd went wild.
She raised both hands to quiet the crowd. She whispered to the crowd, but loud enough for people to hear. "This one…is a virgin male. Believe me when I say the best. With skin as white as snow and beauty as fair as the goddess, I present to you…" People sucked in their breath, waiting in heart squeezing anticipation. "Kura-Okami's servant from heaven!"
The crowd cheered as a man brought a person up the stage.
Tezuka's eyes went wide as saucers. There, Fuji stood with his hands tied behind his back. His face showed fear and confusion. Every time a hand from the crowd swept to the stage, Fuji pulled back, but the man held him in place while the crowd reached to touch his kimono.
Okaa-san walked elegantly toward Fuji with a satisfied smile. She slit her fingers through Fuji's silky hair. "This one is a rare find, so…I'll begin with a price of—"
Her speech was cut off by a powerful ball of fire thrown at her, but two men had come to her rescue.
Fuji looked up. His eyes widened and he breathed. "Tezuka."
The crowd went into a panic as they looked around for the source of disruption. They didn't need to look far to find a blazing Tezuka glowing in the middle of the floor. Screams and shouts were heard as people ran out of the house to save their life.
Okaa-san narrowed her eyes as she ignored her guests. Her eyes were focused on Tezuka. Her face was sharp. "If you wanted to have him, there is no need to use violence."
Tezuka's eyes narrowed. "He is not something for sale." He growled. His hands blazed fiercely.
Okaa-san smirked. More men appeared around her as she moved closer to Fuji. "Speaking like that, it sounds like you know who he is."
Tezuka looked as Fuji, whose eyes were pleading desperately to be taken away. "You've made the biggest mistake in your life, and you're going to regret it." Immediately after the words are spoken, Tezuka dashed forward with fire whips stringing from his hands.
Okaa-san's men surrounded Tezuka, dodging his attacks to take up time while Okaa-san and another man sneaked Fuji out.
"Tezuka!" Fuji's unrelenting scream displaced Tezuka for a short moment as he was dragged away. "TEZUKA!"
"You better not hurt him or else—"Tezuka was about to ditch the men when he was cut short by an earthen wall.
"Where do you think you are going?" A man sneered as he stepped out in front of Tezuka.
Tezuka's face contorted into visible anger. The fire whips from Tezuka's hands disappeared when he raised his left hand straight into the air, but they were immediately replaced by a bright glow. Tezuka's left hand smashed downward and the ground trembled violently like an earthquake. Simultaneously, the bright glow turned fiery red on his right hand before it disseminated and lit up the house up on fire.
"RUN!"
It was too late. The house crumbled down. The sound echoed through the forest, disturbing the animals as their cries resonated.
****O.O****
"Did you hear that?"
Kyuchi frowned at Kouhei's remark. He was sure that everyone heard sounds of the forest animals and the sound of fallen wood. Before he could make a reply, a column of smoke was seen from their spot and soon running footsteps were coming toward their destination.
A horde of men ran scattered.
"Stop right there!" Kyuchi wielded a fire wall, effectively surrounded the horde of men.
"What the hell?" "Let us out!" "What's going on here?" Cries of protest filled the air as Kyuchi's men closed in.
"All of you are all under arrested for trespassing the sacred temple and participating in illegal human trafficking!" Kyuchi said. His face was serious.
"Men, take them all prisoner." Kyuchi ordered. His soldiers complied, but the trapped men weren't cooperative. Kyuchi turned to his friend. "Come on Kouhei. We need to find Tezuka."
Kouhei nodded and both men dashed away toward the column of smoke.
When they arrived at the scene, Tezuka was engaging in a battle with 4 elites.
****O.O****
As expected, Tezuka didn't expect his enemies would go down that easily with a simple earthquake. They all shielded with the earthen element when the house went down.
"I don't know who you are, but you won't get out of here alive." A man smiled cockily and wryly. "We are one of the best in this kingdom."
Tezuka's expression didn't change. "Unfortunately for you, I'm not from this kingdom." Ranking in skills, his Kingdom was better.
Tezuka dissipated the fire with a sweep of an arm. With a snap of his finger, a lightning sword covered in a mist of ice appeared in his left hand.
The men snarled, powering up their elements. Each man cornered Tezuka with a different element.
Tezuka released an electrifying shock that resonated the whole area. A man on his left was jolted back further than the other 3. He took note that the man was a water wielder.
"Shit." The water wielder cursed under his breath as he glared at the swiftly approaching Tezuka. He was figured out. When Tezuka came crashing down with a thunderous bombshell, he quickly leapt aside, barely avoiding the attack. He was thrown forcefully to the side. His other friends joined him as he stood up. "Don't underestimate him."
"I know." A man replied.
"With this source of power, we need to be careful." Another spoke up. Before they could devise the plan, Tezuka launched another attack, sending them separated on the field.
Tezuka's element immediately changed into water when a spurt of fireballs was sent his way. They evaporated into the air by Tezuka's water shield before they even reached him. Tezuka flashed in anger. The fire wielder was going down.
As Tezuka was about to turn back to attack the water wielder, two shadows leapt out from the forest shadow to deflect an attack that was directed at Tezuka.
"Tezuka." Kyuchi turned his meet Tezuka's eyes. "Where's your friend?"
Tezuka's mouth stiffened. "They took him away." Without looking elsewhere, he fisted his right hand and whipped it to his side, sending deadly icicles to the enemy.
Kouhei ran back to join the two after he sent a blow to the water wielder.
"Go and get your friend. We'll take it from here."Kyuchi said in rush.
Tezuka nodded. "Thank you." Without wasting another second, he dashed off.
"Get back here!" The fire wielder shouted as he readied to take off after Tezuka, but he was blocked by a sudden wall of water.
"Oh no you don't." Kouhei smirked as his body glowed blue. "You're not going anywhere with me here."
The fire wielder snarled and changed his direction to charge at Kouhei.
The other 3 jumped off to follow Tezuka, but was stopped by Kyuchi. They smirked at him.
"There's only one of you, and there are three of us. See if you can stop us all." The water wielder challenged with a predatory smile. "Men!"
The other two jumped off in different directions.
Kyuchi cursed under his breath. It was going to take them quite a while. "Kouhei! You take two." After hearing a distinct confirmation, Kyuchi summoned a fire fox to go after one man while he personally took care of the water wielder.
****O.O****
Tezuka hopped from tree to tree in one direction. If there was anything that gave him a tracker, it would be Fuji's voice.
****O.O****
Fuji was rewarded a slap.
"Shut up, you brat!" Okaa-san hissed at him. Fuji was held to the side of Okaa-san's big servant as they ran out the forest.
They took a turn and Fuji's head almost hit a tree trunk.
"You're going to regret that." Fuji spat, but was received a smirk.
"Like hell I will. Now shut up before I cut off your mouth." She threatened.
Fuji glared at her.
For the next couple of turns and distance, Fuji was dropped to the ground. He found himself standing in front of a big iron gate that he recognized as the back of the house where he had been held captive. He panicked and took off running when the big servant let go of him.
Okaa-san shrieked and pointed after Fuji. "Get him!"
Fuji didn't run far when he was captured again.
Okaa-san had opened the lock and they entered the place Fuji hated. "Let go of me!" He demanded as he flailed in the servant's hands.
Okaa-san pulled Fuji's hair back, making him look at her. "Shut up!" She let him go before looking at her servant. "Bring him to the dungeon."
Fuji paled. If he went there, then Tezuka wouldn't be able to find him. Although he hadn't been to the dungeon before, it sounded horrid. "NO!" Fuji restrained as he did whatever he could to inflict pain on the servant.
Out of nowhere, the place turned cold. Okaa-san and the servant whipped their heads around to the source standing in front of the Iron Gate. "I told you not to hurt him." The words were venomously punctuated in a way that made them shivered.
Fuji knew that voice. "TEZUKA!" He screamed out as he flailed about.
The ground suddenly turned into ice and it became slippery. The servant put Fuji down roughly, but Okaa-san yanked Fuji to her side. Her hand came up to Fuji's neck, a sparkling yellow knife that she wielded with her lightning element was pressed to his skin.
Tezuka's eyes followed her movement tightly.
"If you come closer, I'm going to kill him." Okaa-san declared. Tezuka never used force on a female before, but Okaa-san might be an exception.
Tezuka breathed and a heavy mist of fog shrouded the area.
Fuji's eyes couldn't follow what was happening within the mist, but he could hear clashing noises and explosions.
Before Fuji was dragged away by Okaa-san, the body of the servant came flying across of them and hit the wall. The mist instantly cleared up and Tezuka was glowing red now.
After all that happened, Okaa-san wasn't touched a bit by intimidation. "You think you can beat me and get out of here alive?" She snarled as her hand tightened. The knife pricked into Fuji's skin and a droplet of blood fell.
Tezuka's eyes visibly narrowed before he let out a loud growl that sent a wave of wind crashing toward where Fuji was standing.
Fuji's eyes widened as he saw the wind coming toward him. Was Tezuka taking him down too?
But before anything happened, Fuji found himself secured to the wall by a glob of earth. Okaa-san was standing erectly in front of him. "You want him, you got to kill me first."
Tezuka hissed lowly. "Your death wish."
With a sweep of her hand, a black sparrow formed from the shadow behind her and floated above her. It's eyes were glowing red as it opened its mouth to shoot a shadow ball at Tezuka.
The ball came at a lightning speed, but Tezuka was smart and swift to get out of the way. It hit the ground and turned into an explosion that sent dirt and gravel flying everywhere.
Okaa-san's eyes promptly traced Tezuka's movement as he dodged the flying sparrow's attacks. It came flying after him, shooting rapidly and incessantly to prevent him from counter attacking. "You can run, but you can't hide." Okaa-san hissed. Her eyes narrowed at another missed attack.
She put her hands together. Suddenly, a swirl of black air twirled around her starting from the ground to the top until she was completely covered.
Tezuka glanced at Okaa-san when he felt a new power emerging. It was stronger than the aura that the sparrow gave off. He fisted his right hand before turning around and stopped dead on track, waiting for the sparrow to come. A string of words left Tezuka's mouth before he delivered a fiery punch at the direction of the sparrow and it exploded into air.
"TEZUKA!"
Tezuka turned to the direction where the voice came from and the last thing that he saw was Fuji's concerned eyes before he felt the air being knocked out of his lungs. His body flew toward the iron gate, but he summoned the earthen golem before he hit the iron gate. The golem caught him.
Fuji breathed out an air of relief.
Pissed was clear written on Tezuka's face as he moved away from the golem. His left hand moved in front of his face. It was an order for the golem to sprint into offense. His eyes closed and a string of words escaped his lips.
The golem dug into the ground and swam rapidly toward Okaa-san, who was now looking frantically for the golem. Just as she was about to levitate above the ground, the golem sprang from the ground, sending her flying into a sky like a rocket.
As she dropped head first from the sky, her arms rapidly formed into a circular symbol. Air ran wild around her as her falling speed slowed down to a stop. A cloud formed beneath her feet. She smirked at Tezuka. "Think you can beat me with a simple earthen golem?"
Tezuka stood still. His eyes were still closed. After a second, he opened his eyes and lowered his hand. "I am merely starting." The corner of Tezuka's mouth moved upward into a smirk. His eyes turned a blazing red.
The ground trembled before it turned into a sinking hole and swirled like a whirlpool. Tezuka floated above it. From beneath the ground, a pair of twin earth dragons emerged. Their scales and eyes glowed red and fiery. The tails sparked and when they opened their mouth, their teeth were sharp icicles and tongues were frosty ice.
The dragons danced around Tezuka as he lifted himself to Okaa-san's level. "Now, it's my turn."
Tezuka roared and he flew with his twin dragons to launch a bombarded attack with every element that he possessed.
From where he was, Fuji stared at the sky in awe as the sky exploded in different colors. He didn't know if Tezuka was winning or Okaa-san was deflecting Tezuka's attacks, but he wished for the first. The iron gate creaked open and Fuji's gaze moved away from the sky to see two man walking through. Their facial expression was of tiredness.
Their eyes were immediately drawn to the sky. After a moment, they turned and looked directly at Fuji. They were aware that Fuji was staring at them, contemplating whether the two men were friends or enemies.
Fuji's eyes widened as they closed in. "Wh-Who are you?"
The serious faces broke into pleasant smiles. "You must be Tezuka's lover." Kyuchi said.
Fuji stared at him.
"Don't worry. We're friends of Tezuka." Kouhei gave Fuji a reassuring smile. "I'll get you down from there."
Kouhei's eyes closed. One of his hands was raised as he dissipated the earth hold on Fuji.
Kyuchi walked over to catch Fuji when the earth melted away. "Got cha."
Fuji smiled and thanked Kyuchi and Kouhei before he pushed himself away from Kyuchi's hold.
Instead of standing with both men, Fuji moved out into the open to look at the battle in the sky to get a clearer view.
"She's beautiful." Kouhei commented quietly as he observed Fuji's face that seemed to glow with all the lights in the sky.
There was a moment of silence before Kyuchi spoke up. "Tezuka's lover is not a she. That's a he." He corrected, and Kouhei immediately gawked at his friend.
"What did you say?"
Kyuchi nodded toward Fuji. "Tezuka's lover is a he, and that is why they ran away."
Kouhei looked back at Fuji, this time more closely. Everything about Fuji was feminine, but his chest was flat. Kouhei nodded. "I see."
Their conversation was broke off when a mass fell from the sky in high speed.
Kyuchi moved swiftly to get Fuji away before the mass hit the ground. The ground rumbled for a moment before dust was lifted. Tezuka slowly descended from the sky and the twin dragons floated above the fallen mass.
When the dust cleared up, a growl was heard before a yellow glow grew big and shattered the off-guarded dragons.
Tezuka took a step back. His hands clasped together and a wave of high velocity wind hit Okaa-san directly up front. She was thrown back a few meters to the ground. This time before Okaa-san could regain her power, Kyuchi and Kouhei stepped away from their safe zone and created an elemental barrier to cage Okaa-san in her current position.
Tezuka watched through his fiery red eyes.
All of a sudden, Fuji threw himself to Tezuka's back, tightening his hold on Tezuka as he wept.
Tezuka's eyes converted back to their original color and the tension was gone. "Fuji..." He turned around so he could hug his lover. His hands rubbed Fuji's shaking back soothingly to calm the cry that rang through Fuji's body.
"Everything is okay now. I'm right here." Tezuka whispered into Fuji's eyes, but that only made Fuji cried harder. For Fuji, it was happy tears
Kyuchi and Kouhei watched Tezuka and his lover's reunion. It was a new sight for them, for they had never witnessed this side of Tezuka before. The Tezuka they knew was an emotionless warrior. Although Tezuka cared for those around him, he never openly showed it like how he was showing it right now to Fuji.
Fuji didn't let go until Kyuchi and Kouhei came up to them.
"Fuji, this is my old friend, General Kyuchi and Kouhei." Tezuka introduced them.
Fuji wiped away the tears and offered a gentle smile. "Hi." He began weakly, but Tezuka had his hand rubbing on Fuji's back for encouragement. "Thank you for helping us."
Kyuchi shook his head and smiled. "There's nothing you should thank me for. It was all Tezuka's effort."
Fuji looked up at Tezuka. "Thank you." Tezuka's fingers were brushing the dry blood on Fuji's neck.
Tezuka pulled Fuji closer and kissed Fuji's head. "I'm sorry for allowing them to take you away from me."
Fuji shook his head and pressed his face into Tezuka's chest. "It wasn't your fault."
Tezuka didn't want to argue. He was tired, but he knew Fuji was more tired. "I'm never letting you out of my sight again. Never let you go again."
"I think Fuji-san needs rest, and so do you, Tezuka." Kyuchi said. "Kouhei and I will handle this place."
Tezuka nodded in gratitude. "Thank you for everything."
Kouhei and Kyuchi nodded. "Go."
Tezuka let go of the hug and took Fuji's hand into his. He smiled. "Let's go."
Fuji nodded and a zephyr picked them up. In a second, they were gone.
Kouhei and Kyuchi stared after until the lovers were completely gone.
Kouhei let out a tired sigh. "What a day."
Kyuchi chuckled. "Yeah, but it's all worth it. Is it not?"
Kouhei nodded and smiled. "Tezuka is a one lucky guy."
Kyuchi raised an eyebrow as he regarded his friend. He knew what Kouhei was talking about. There was no room for argument that Fuji's beauty was simply a remarkable sight.
No one noticed a figure hiding under the shadow before it disappeared silently.
****O.O****
TBC
****O.O****
AN: Okay, so I've finally got motivated to update LT with a personal thanks to goodytoe! ^_^
Is my touch of a historical story still there? I hope the fighting scene wasn't too boring. .
So…What's next? Any idea? I'm out.
As usual, if you find any unforgiving mistakes, feel free to point them out and I'll be readily to fix them.
Review Replies:
Lil'sayuri-chan: Thank you. I have been neglecting this story too much, but I'm glad to know that you like this story!
Azab: Thank you for your continuous support! Just wanna squeeze you with hugs right now! Hope your questions are answered.
Lovefuji: I hope the long update didn't take your interest away. Thank you!
Yoshikochan: The rescue is finally here! Hope this chapter satisfy your muse!
Yuulovesme: I've finally updated!
Silver starlight pendant: lol I'm speechless, seriously don't know how to answer your questions.
Yume229: Sorry for not updating sooner. *duck and cover*, but Fuji is saved! I had a thought over whether Fuji should escape or Tezuka should save him, but decided on the latter.
Goodytoe: An update! What says you? *grin*
Yukairi: I hope this chapter isn't a fail since it took quite long to be updated.
Thank you Everyone!