When Shadows Rise
Chapter 12
Cry to Heaven
"We need to keep moving," Iriko scanned behind them again. "They know we are out here." Her powers had grown over the past month. For centuries she had been frozen in strength at her level when the moon kingdom fell. But since being reawakened and meeting Unicorn her powers had grown. Her range, once only a few feet was now hundreds of yards. "Someone is coming to get us."
"Then lets move,." Suteko's voice was unexpectedly firm. She turned from the castle, walking toward the wastelands before her.
The landscape as they moved slowly grew less. Less formed, less wild, just less. Within a mile the forest had turned into a gray wasteland. Samuel grew more disturbed the further they traveled. His connection to the Earth was fading as the realm turned into shadow. While still quite strong he didn't think it was a good thing that was happening. He kept an eye on his companions. Little Hana hovered near the wounded Star Knight, who seemed to be ignoring the growing blood stains on the makeshift bandages. The growing shadow was slowing her down. What little he had managed to learn about her seemed to be confirmed by the growing weakness. She really was affected strongly by shadows. It was odd but it was clear they had to stop soon to let her rest.
Suteko gritted her teeth. This place was all wrong. The oppressive shadows ate at her. They were being watched closely for signs of weakness and she was holding onto her transformation grimly. She was putting these three in danger but there was nothing she could do. Iriko and Hana were too loyal for their own good. Stopping, she reached for her staff to use it to help her stay upright. Her fingers found nothing. For the first time since she was a child the staff her uncle helped her make was gone. The shock stopped her in her tracks. She felt her transformation slip, sending her back into her embroidered gi. The extra strength that came with being Unicorn also slipped away, leaving her staggering. Hana was at her side as she fell, stopping her from hitting more than her knees. "Leave me Hana-chan, before they catch up with us. They won't go easy on you for releasing me."
"You know that won't happen Suteko. They get you again and the shadows win."
"No they only win if they defeat my brother." She pushed herself away from Hana but didn't get up. She stayed on her knees panting quietly. But that won't happen." She looked about, "Do any of your see…" she was interrupted as the shadow that had been following them struck.
Rising up out of the shadowy mist, Star Ocean twirled his Kusarigama. "Me?" He smiled at his old team mates. "Surprise. Long time no see."
Samuel steeped between the women and his past team mate. "Come to join the good guys?" It was obvious by his tone that Samuel didn't believe that one.
"Nah…just need to take you back old buddy. Need you to help me with Seiya." There was a gleam in his eye. "She is under the control of Aki and it is gonna take muscles to get her free."
Samuel was still the trusting soul he once was when it came to his friends. Steve was a good friend. He wanted to trust Steve. They once fought together and played together. But recently happenings made him cautious. And it was a good thing. As he stepped forward Steve twirled the Kusarigama in his hands and then lunged. Samuel's si was in his hand and he managed to parry the darkly glowing weapon. "What is this?" was all he could say before they were in a vicious battle. Samuel's natural caution and slower movements while fine against youma was not quite up to holding off his former team mate. Steve spun and managed to solid blow to Samuel's shoulder. The angled blade made a deep slice across the meat of his shoulder. The pain was startling but he could feel an ice cold burn of poison slipping into his bones. "Poisoned?" Samuel's grunt of surprise and pain galvanized Hana into action.
"Iriko! Shield, Suteko!" Hana pulled free her pocket watch, looking about. The shadows didn't seem to be massing at the moment. Both Kouhei had a dilemma. Steve was one of them but he had just attacked Samuel. "Steve what are you doing?"
Steve spun about grinning. "I'm taking out a traitor of course. You should know that Han-chan. He tried to hurt you, knocked you out even." His voice once bright like sunlight on waves, seemed darker now. His bright eyes had gone black like most shadow minion. As Samuel tried to shake off the effect of the poisoned weapon Steve moved toward her. "Why are you even with these three Hana-chan? You should be with good old Gregor." He quickly spun the Kusarigama catching Hana's chain and pulling it from her grasp.
The fact that that Steve's weapon hand snagged her own surprised Hana for long moment. Long enough that Steve lashed out with a shadow backed punch. The punch was full strength and snapped her head back, dropping her. He then pulled back a booted foot and kicked her in the head.
Samuel hissed and then roared as he saw his small friend falling to the ground. The Hana he remembered was not a fighter, she was the one that was protected. Bad enough that Steve attacked him but to hit and kick little Hana put him firmly in the camp of evil. He pulled up energy to send a shock wave at Steve but gasped as he too lost his link to the Earth. Shaking his head he barreled forward, a raging bull racing toward his target, he couldn't seem to focus, like he was being drawn down.
Steve grinned as he sidestepped. He had them reaching and not thinking. It was so much fun. Teach them to think he was lazy and easy. He turned his attention to the pretty lavender haired girl. She was standing in front of his target. The bleeding and scorched Star Knight was back in her human form. He couldn't see at the moment why she was the focus of Kaneda and Aki's attentions. Obviously her power was broken. Her skin looked ashen from both power and blood loss but everyone seemed to be working at protecting her. "Well that is too bad," he whispered to himself and started to step forward.
"Stay back, traitor." Iriko spoke evenly. Still in her Minerva uniform, her powers had not been affected by the shadows. New confidence had been imbued in her by her success back but the stable. "You should be ashamed. Poisoning Samuel and striking Hana. You are no Kouhei," her voice dripping with contempt. "You are a shadow dog, begging your master for scraps. I will not allow you to harm my friends any more! Minerva Levin Bolt!" She snapped out her hands, sending an invisible force straight into Steve's head. He staggered to the side, a massive blinding headache almost stopping him in his tracks.
"Poison, what poison?" Steve did his best to look innocent. All I did was hit him with my weapon." He started to spin it about to distract the Minervan. "He is weak. Like the rest of my so called friends."
"So called friends!" That comment angered the normally placid Minervan more. She had been inside Samuel's mind. Seen his fond memories on hacky sack and surfing with Steve, had had quiet discussions about her past with Hana. This selfish, arrogant man was writing off two quietly loyal people. She moved so that she stood between him and her three friends. For the first time in her career she brought attention to herself. "Minerva Levin Bolt!" She sent a second, stronger blast into his mind, staggering him once more.
"That hurt little girl/" He had planned on ignoring her but Minerva just added herself to the list of those needing to be taught a lesson. He pulled back and launched the poisoned Kusarigama directly into her, hitting her below her right collarbone.
Minerva froze, looking down as a red blossom slowly spread on her white uniform. She heard someone let out a loud cry as she started to sink, the shield about Suteko dropping as she did.
******
The four Kouhei stared at the figurers moving below the glass. The pure white glow about the Unicorn started to flicker, dimming to barely noticeable as a new figure chased after the companions. A black star seemed to be following close behind. As they watched in confusion the figures took on ghostly aura's.
Uhanzee clasped Shayla's hand as under the glass his ghost did the same. He darted looked toward Jaeoh and Gregor and saw they were engrossed in the fleeing ghosts. Turning to Shayla he whispered, 'This was Hana's table and they are us. Something important will happen soon." Shayla nodded as she watched the other two men. They were visibly getting agitated. Her healers powers made her empathic. Not as much has the missing Star Knight thankfully but enough to know that Jaeoh and Gregory were fighting internal battles with attraction to the missing. She dropped her eyes to the table and noticed something else odd. The table top was on a type of hinge. Made to open but it looked like a key was necessary. She let go of Uhanzee's fingers. After a brief kiss she stepped to the other room. Weaving past clumps of senshi she found Setsuna and leaned down to whisper in her ear. The guardian senshi handed her a small skeleton key with a brief nod.
Shayla slipped back to her team with out disturbing the conversations or the new argument between Jaeoh and Gregory. Slipping the small key into the lock, she smiled as the figurines paused. The snick caught the attention of Jaeoh. "Shayla, what are you doing?
She smiled and lifted the glass carefully. "We need to examine these closely Jaeoh. They are echoing those they are meant to represent." Her eyes stayed glued to the darkly glowing Star as it spun around the blue globe. A black piece broke off the star and imbedded itself in the globe. She gasped as the globe's green glow faded with a slow beat, then the crystal hourglass toppled over. She reached down to straighten it and disappeared in a flash as her fingers brushed the crystal.
"Shayla!" Uhanzee reached out, his hand brushing the damaged globe instead, he too vanished.
Jaeoh and Gregory looked at each other and then at the table. As one they reached forward. Gregory's fingers brushed the hour glass and Jaeoh's the globe, the too disappeared. The covered came down then, slowly until it clicked shut once more. The key then fell to the carpet.
Setsuna retrieved the key. "good luck," she whispered.
*****
Shayla stumbled to her knees, her hand going to Hana's pulse. Her friend was alive. She looked up as Uhanzee appeared behind Samuel. He landed more nimbly than she had. He looked over to her and nodded. When Gregory appeared at Shayla's side his arms immediately gathered Hana up and held her tight. His eyes darted about and settled on Steve just as he threw the Kusarigama.
Jaeoh appeared at Uhanzee's side,. He watched as the Minervan was impaled, his eyes widening as he was who had thrown the blade. In mere moments he watched as Samuel ran across the odd ground to catch the falling woman. He narrowed his eyes trying to spot Suteko in the mists.
Steve grinned wider. He took out all three, as ordered and now he used his new found shadow powers to drag Suteko from the mists. The woman was nearly unconscious from the drain he had built. Aki had given him more than the poison Kusarigama before he left. A piece of the chain with her skin and blood still attached made the sympathetic match for the draining spell. He pulled her fast, not caring if she was injured more. He slung her to his side as his former leader appeared. Glee that for once being in control, he laughed as the bull smashed past Jaeoh and caught the Minervan as she fell. He called the weapon back to his hand, causing it to tear out of the interfering woman's breast. He held the bloody blade to the groggy Suteko's throat. "Don't even think it Jaeoh."
Disbelieving, Jaeoh dashed forward but skidded to a stop as the Kusarigama pressed closer, bringing blood out of her throat. "Steve, stop it. You're one of us." He pleaded.
"Wrongo dude. I'm my own man and this chickie is gonna get me all the power I need. See ya!" With a grin he disappeared taking a limp Suteko with him.
Jaeoh's roar was matched by the anger of two others. Gregory was angry but relieved when Hana's eyes fluttered open. The bruise that darkened her pale jaw made him see red.
Iriko's transformation had slipped as she sunk to the ground. Her simple overalls hid the blood better than the white of her uniform. Shayla was at her side in a blink, her hand reaching to press over the wound. The lavender haired beauty was gasping , unable to breath from the puncture in her lung. Her eyes were wide in pain and shock but strangely not in fear. She tried to talk , to ask the man holding her a question. "No little one, don't, let Shayla heal you." His voice was gruff and confused. Something was telling him that she was precious and important. To hold her and not let go but she was hurt and Shayla needed to help her. He loosened his arms and Shayla lay her hands over the wound. Green glowing power flowed from her hands into Iriko, causing her to moan. Shayla strained, pulling energy from deep inside. She felt he power grow stronger as Uhanzee added his power to hers, his brown energy combining with hers easily.
Jaeoh sent off a blest of Jade dragon fire in frustration to the clouds. Steve, once the lightest soul of the Kouhei, had just crossed over. He had used a bladed weapon against a fellow Kouhei, one he knew was poisoned. He used it against an unarmed senshi and he threatened an injured woman. In his most dangerous voice, he called out, "Kouhei!" Shayla, Uhanzee, Samuel, Gregory and a groggy Hana looked to their leader. "Star Ocean is no longer Kouhei. He has betrayed us all."
The Kouhei looked at each other, then nodded. It was settled. Jaeoh continued to scan the mist, face angry but inside his heart was beating fast. "She needs me," he whispered. Seeing the quiet, dignified warrior limp, bloody and burned was driving him mad. He clenched a fist inside the pocket of his jacket. The green dragon on the back coiling and uncoiling, an outward sign of his agitation. Something buried deep in his subconscious wanted him to race t her side, to take vengeance on those who injured her. He never felt this way before. The connection to his Kouhei, the honor and responsibility of being their leader led to friendships some closer than others but this was different. She raised protective urges, not because she was weak but because she was special. Gritting his teeth he turned away and went to his team.
"Shayla report!" His voice was at its gruff best.
The healer slowly came out of her trance. "The wound is bad but I have her stable. We need to get her an Samuel out of this place." She wearily leaned against Uhanzee, squeezing his hand in a silent thanks for loaning her energy. "Someplace safe and away fro the drain of the shadows. The poison has been stopped, for now, but I am not sure I can cure it's effects alone."
Samuel held Iriko carefully with his good arm. "Jaeoh...what is really going on here?" He looked down at her pale face and back up. "This girl shouldn't be on a battlefield at all." His confusion shone through the sweat beading on his face. "And Stave....what is going on?"
****
Hana came to once more feeling arms about her. For a long moment she savored the feel before raising a hand to touch her sore jaw. Steve packed a solid punch without adding the shadow power behind it. It had been a long time since a man had hit her and it would be a longer time before she let it happen again. "Not so tight," she said softly to her big protector. Gregory loosened his arms enough to let her sit up. Her eyes darted about in hope. Iriko was still unconscious in Samuel's embrace but there was no sign of the Star Knight. "Suteko?" she asked looking up at her partner. Greg shook his head, "Gone."
She could feel the power from the artifact, pulling them back. "Quickly everyone, hold onto Iriko and Samuel or they will be trapped here!"
Jaeoh wrapped a hand about Samuel's arm as Uhanzee carefully did the same to Iriko. within a bank of an eye the Kouhei were back by the glass topped table. Samuel hissed as his wound was jarred but he managed to keep Iriko still.
Shayla started barking orders, separating her two patients so she could finish tending them. Lie them out flat. Careful of the wounds." She looked about, eyes narrowing. "Uhanzee get Usagi, we need her crystal fro the poison. Jaeoh get some ice for Hana's jaw." She spared a soft look for the big man. "Greg she will be okay. I need you to help Samuel." Within moments the room was transformed. Pillows had been brought by the senshi, drink and cleansing cloths offered and Usagi brought forth her crystal.
Once the patients had been laid out, Shayla joined hands with a transformed Usagi. Together they sent healing energy, green and silver, directly into their injured companions. The shadow poison was though, almost a living thing and unwilling to release its hold on the two Kouhei. Hotaru and Mamaru joined their weaker healing abilities to the others, their gifts sending the poison out of first Iriko and then Samuel. As they forced it out a black, oily mass lifted from the wounds, coalescing into two distinct figures. They drifted about, radiating anger and hate. The Princess then lifted her crystal, sending pure crystal moon light into the heart of the shadow monsters. The creatures fought and twisted. The moon energy could trap them but not destroy them.
Jaeoh watched them twist for a long moment and then with a growl he sent green flame splashing into them. The creatures froze and then let out a long eerie wail as they turned into ash and scattered. He turned his eyes to his ruler and nodded before moving back to the side of his fallen Kouhei. Speaking softly, he clasped Samuel's hand, welcoming him back.
"I tried Jaeoh, I tried to get her away." The stocky and shaggy young man, looked down. He had failed his friends.
"I know man. I know." Jaeoh patted Samuel on the shoulder and turned to leave the room. "Shayla?"
The healer looked up and nodded. "The wounds are healing."
Jaeoh nodded once and slipped out of the room. With two wounded in his office and the main dojo filled with Senshi, it was hard to find a place to think. But thinking wasn't what he needed. He moved to the smallest training room, shedding jacket, shirt and shoes a the doorway. He started katas. Movement was what he needed. A way to clear his mind of the anger that was threatening his center. Anger and something he had to admit to himself was fear. The sight of Suteko, battered and bloody, had shaken something loose in his mind. He punched faster, kicked harder as his mind tried to show him something. Images of a woman who looked just like Suteko yet different. She was wearing ancient robes or peasant smocks and pants. Teaching others, talking to him, loving him. He didn't know how he knew these things but some when in a distant past he was involved with the missing Star Knight.
He kept moving faster and faster, his fists blurring till he stopped and dropped down in a squat, head hanging as he fought to bring his breathing under control. Nothing was making sense. The peace he found, fought hard for was out of reach now. Closing his eyes all he could see was her face as his one time friend took her away.
"You will get her back Jaeoh." Mamaru's voice was soft but rang with truth.
"How do you know that, Prince?" He didn't look up. In fact he started punching the mat over and over. "How do you know that she is even still alive." His voice dropped down to barely audible as a pale face filled his vision.
Mamaru felt for this man. Ancient memories and new feelings were flooding the Kouhei. Destiny could be cruel. "I know because the Unicorn statue still glows. It is faint but Suteko will not give up. It isn't part of her nature."
Mamaru waited. He remembered the confusion, the indecision when the ancient past caught up with a man. He watched the Kouhei beat the mat till his knuckles bled. "It is hard, isn't it?" He smiled when Jaeoh stopped punching. "The memories are confusing but you get used to them." He walked over and dropped down next to Jaeoh. "We'll get her back Jaeoh. We have to regroup but we will find her and save her."
Jaeoh looked up under his brow, black eyes glowing with his power. "We'll save her or I'll tear Kaneda to pieces."
******
Steve brought Suteko back to the main hall of the castle. The shadow minions pulled back in fear of the weak, battered woman. He dragged her in front of the throne, tossing a triumphant grin toward Aki as he stopped. "I have brought the one you seek Master!" he tossed her down on the floor in front of the throne.
Kaneda's black hood stared down at his foe. Even covered in blood and burns she was still beautiful. "I told you I could win Suteko. The shadow has overcome the light." His voice sounded gleeful, if hollow.
From the floor Suteko answered softly. "You haven't won yet Kaneda." She very slowly pushed herself up, panting and hissing as her wounds pulled. "I am still alive," As she reached her knees she took a deep ragged breath. She tried once more to draw up her power, to somehow flood this room with clean, white Light but all she managed was a feeble glow.
with a negligent wave of his hand, Kaneda forced her back down on her belly, in a mockery of obscence. "You are...for now little woman." He slowly flowed down the dais to stand in front of her. "And for as long as I decide you will live." He gestured for the two turned Kouhei to lift her up. "Only for as long as I decide."
Seiya moved forward eagerly, taking one arm as Steve took the other. The pink haired, sensual beauty wrapped her long claws tight, breaking what little undamaged skin she could find and fresh blood started to trickle off her elbow. Unnoticed the drops sizzled on the floor, the light in her blood causing the shadow floor to melt. Kaneda's sleeve lifted and curled about Suteko's chin. He slowly dragged her forward. "And now I can do whatever I desire to you." The hood leaned forward till it engulfed her face. A muffled scream filled the hall. IT broke off as she went totally limp. Kaneda pulled back and spoke, his voice purring. "Take her to the Room." Every creature in the chamber could feel the Master's smile of pleasure and shuddered. "Aki, your chains. Bring them." The general nodded, snapping his fingers. The chains appeared and he followed his master and his minions out of the throne room.
"She should have told me," he whispered as a niggling doubt filled him. The chill emanating from the Room flowed over his skin. This room was the heart of the Darkness and glowed a sickly purple.
*****
The following days had senshi watching the table. As long as the unicorn statue was still white they had time but there were now a few cracks in the white jade. the black star and a new pink curvaceous woman figure swirled about the unicorn, causing the glow to fade each time. Long streaks of black would cover the pure white jade each time the woman statue moved. Oddly enough the glow returned when the general circled, as if somehow Aki was lending energy to his former sensei.
Gregor was confused. Friendships had changed. The power dynamic between the Kouhei and the senshi used to be clear and distinct, but now he wasn't sure. While it was good to have Samuel back, the scruffy Kouhei was spending all his time with Iriko. Not sure how to deal with yet another friend who returned form the dead, he tended to lash out at those around him. In the old days her would have turned to Jaeoh, his chosen leader but Jaeoh was in seclusion with of all people Mamaru. The prince and the Kouhei were deep in a discussion about repressed memories from ancient times.
In the past few years Gregor found that he could turn for some sense of clarity to Hana but it seemed different now. Inwardly he was fighting with strange new emotions. Hana had been his touchstone for peace and sanity for years. The happenings of the past week was making him admit she meant more than a friend to him. Her calm and patience was what let him deal with the contained anger and the confusion of his place in this world but his still unresolved feelings for the now traitorous Seiya was making him edgy, make that edgier.
He wandered out to the small enclosed garden behind the dojo. Kneeling in the shade beneath an ancient tree was Uhanzee. Once they had butted heads. The tall, lanky Cheyenne had been arrogant and stand offish. Angry at the injustice done to his people and intolerant of whites. Gregor and he had had a few knock down when they first became Kouhei. Leveler heads had made them see that they were fighting the same enemy. Then in a nasty battle the Amerid warrior had taken a death wound protecting Shayla and Hana. They hadn't quite become friends but Gregor had respected the loyalty and selfless bravery that had saved the two women. Now he was back but he seemed quieter, more controlled, like his demons were under control. The big white haired powerhouse of muscle stood watching Uhanzee chant in his native tongue. The chant stirred something deep inside, no matter who listened. It slowly fell off as the warrior waved a burning bundle of grass about and then sat back, eyes closed.
Greg pondered for a long bit and was drawing breath when Uhanzee spoke. "Come brother, sit." he didn't open his eyes or lift a hand, leaving the decision to Gregor.
"That is the second time you called my brother man."
Uhanzee opened his dark eyes, looking at Gregor steady and deep. "Are we not?"
Pausing, Gregor mulled that. In the way of the warrior, they were in fact brothers. "Okay, I'll give you that one." He moved to the side and squatted down, keeping his hands free but at eye level for the seated man. Gregor debated for long moments as Uhanzee patiently waited.
The former dog soldier kept his gaze steady on his fellow Kouhei. Inwardly he smiled at the conflict the Hestoetane was going through. The big man had grown more than fond of little Hana but his heart was divided. Now that Seiya was back, he felt lingering loyalty to the beautiful and twisted woman. Yet the quietly loyal Koo'ht woman tugged at his sore heart. Her steadfast loyalty to the much larger man was interesting to watch. Though she held ancient secrets, she was at times innocent, almost childlike. Her quiet patience was needed here. Plus her knowledge of the woman at the center of the new conflict was crucial.
Gregor found himself at a loss for words. Taking was never his strong suit. Give him an obstacle and he could go around or more likely through it, a monster, he would kill it but words tended to trip him up. He just didn't know where to start. Uhanzee took pity on him. "Little Hana seems to have grown strong Gregor. Is that from your influence.?"
A small smile flashed before he answered. "Hell no, Hana has always been stronger than she appeared. She just hides it well."
Tilting his head, Uhanzee lifted a brow. "Is that so?"
Gregor nodded. "After...well you know." he looked away, uncomfortable with the concept of resurrection. "After you all were gone, I spent a lot of time watching over her. But it seems she has been watching over us all. Well we sorta fell into working together. Cleaning up the left overs."
Uhanzee nodded. No matter who won the war there were always stragglers to be caught and removed. "So she learned to fight?"
"More remembered how." Gregor plucked a grass stem and chewed it. "Something smashed through the shield over her memories. Not sure what but she suddenly became less afraid?" The two men continued to talk abut the shy Japanese woman.
Uhanzee let Gregor do most of the talking. Let him work out just how he thought Hana was . He was sure after some of the tales Gregor had shared with him that Hana had decided in a truly Japanese way to be his home. Neither guarded heart knew that a careful observer could see the longing that would flicker in a pair of black eyes. Gregor, normally so observant, missed those looks. He would have a word with his Shayla. She knew hearts. bush helping Samuel deal with his own resurrection and his own destiny, she could give him pointers on how to help them stop fighting their destiny.
"Hey, have you talked to Jaeoh since we came back?"
Uhanzee slowly shook his head, flipping one long braid over his shoulder. "He has been closeted with the once Prince since you returned. Shayla tells me that it has something to do with some legend."
Greg snorted. "So he is keeping everyone in the dark."
"Maybe not on purpose Ma'hane. Legends are tricky things. The meaning of the tales are easily misinterpreted. Our leader has had destiny shoved back in his face after 5 long years alone. Shayla tells me that he only spoke to her on computers. Did you speak to him at all in those years.?
Gregor shook his head. "He was deep in the mountains at some monastery last I had heard."
"Then coming back has been as confusing to him as it is to I. He is attracted to this Star Knight. She, like himself, does not fit the culture they grew up in, they have both been touched by destiny and she is a lovely thing."
Greg snorted again. It was true that she was pretty but he was not attracted to her other than as a puzzle to be solved. "Never mind she can give him a run for his money as a fighter. She is tough, strong and fast."
This time Uhanzee raised both brows. Gregor thought the Knight was a warrior worthy of note. He continued. "I got one spar with her and she was fast. Fast enough to know she was holding back." Gregory's voice took on a musing tone. "I have a feeling she could whoop us all if she was at full power and angry."
That comment really surprised Uhanzee. Gregor never admitted things like this. Maybe the notaxe'na had finally grown up. Years before he would never have admitted that a warrior could be good, nevermind possibly better. "So this woman would be a good match for Jaeoh?"
Gregor paused again. In all the excitement he had not though about attraction. Jaeoh had all the signs, if you paid close attention and Gregor admitted he hadn't been. He got up slowly with a node to Uhanzee. Now the time with Mamaru made sense. Though Uhanzee's destiny comment made him wonder. He headed to the kitchen. It was time for some tea.
*****
Seiya lay back on the large blood red bed. This Shadow Master, Kaneda, was wonderful. He gave her free rein to use her powers as she was fit. Playing with the little slut was fun. The blood flowing down her pale, pale skin satisfied something deep inside. The last time she played like that her toy had broken too quickly. This Star Knight was much stronger, though she was pretty damaged. They had to let her heal up a bit per Kaneda's orders. He had a plan to use her for bait but she had to be alive for that.
Seiya closer her eyes and pictured the lovely reactions she got from Suteko. Hanging her from the ceiling with chains was deviously medieval. Having them imbued with the woman's one serious weakness was genius. She rolled about the bed purring. She licked her lips as she let the black haired woman's large green eyes fade to black, her face transform to another face. One that she once called friend. How she would love to string up Hana, whip that condensing look from her little man stealing face. Better would be to have Gregor chained down, unable to save his little slut. Yes, it would be hellacious to make him watch as she bled and begged for mercy. Too bad little Hana was too smart to be caught.
*****
Steve was back in his own quarters, reconsidering his bargain. He had been offered power and the time to ride his beloved waves whenever he wished but all he seemed to do is beat on women. That was not what he signed on for. It was one thing to fight a foe, going toe to toe, power to power but to beat a woman chained to the ceiling, that was torture. He had finally walked out after Seiya started to lick the blood off the flail she kept at her belt. She had been weird in the old days but this was sick. She didn't even ask the woman questions just struck and struck her. Even after the moans had died out. It took a direct order from Aki and a blow to her head to stop the mistress of Pain. He really felt sorry for the woman. Whatever information Kaneda wanted was likely to die with the Star Knight if he didn't pull Seiya back. Maybe his plan was a mistake. He started to plan a way out. Shadows might be most places but the Ocean held little shade.
*****
Aki stayed in the Room after he sent Seiya away. The torture was getting nowhere. This wasn't getting them closer to the Gate and its guardian. It was just giving sick pleasure to two very twisted souls. He knew his Master had a thing for sensei but he obviously found Seiya more to his liking now.
Nodding to his attendant shadows, he held out his hand. They dropped a shallow bowl and a cloth into his palm. He stepped over and shook his head. "Sensei, they go to far," he said softly. Even though he sold his soul to save his skin, he kept early lesson on honor buried deep. He placed the bowl under her chin and slowly proceeded to clean blood from her face. She was fully limp, so limp at first he through she was unconscious again but he started when she sucked the cloth between cracked and swollen lips, trying to capture the moisture held there.
"Easy woman," he snapped his fingers and the bowl floated off to the side as a flask floated to his hand. He carefully cupped her chin and lifted the flask. Some of the water spilled down her chin, washing a clean path through the blood but she managed to swallow a few mouthfuls before dropping her head back down.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Aki stood debating before reaching for the water and cloth. Once more he started to wash her face. While swollen and heavily bruised her face had not been cut much. The blood mostly came from the spit lip and a cut high underneath her eye. It ran above an old scar that he wondered about. A find line along her cheek. He stepped around to check out her back and let out a silent whistle. The back of her shirt had been ripped into shreds. The tattered remains stuck in the wounds on her skin. It looked as if Seiya couldn't wait to start. Kaneda had sent him out to check on various field shadows and now he was glad. While it was a bit hypercritical of him after his earlier attempt to get information, this made him sick deep inside. Bits of cotton were stuck to her wounds and her entire back was a wound. Very carefully he pulled the pieces of shirt from her back and then snapped his fingers again.
"This will hurt sensei, but it has to be done." He lifted another flask and poured it over the wounds. The scream that followed was weak, ragged and defeated. She tried to arch away from the burning pain but she couldn't. The antiseptic, magically enhanced would keep the wounds from festering. "That is all I can do for you sensei." He walked back around his former teacher.
"Thank you,' she said again, her whisper more forced this time. Not sure why, Aki reached out and lifter her chin gently. He studied her face. Her eyes were swollen shut through he swore he could feel her watching him.
"I don't think it will matter now if you tell them sensei." Aki whispered but she was unconscious again. Not sure why, he sent a trickle of energy into his former teacher. Not the shadow energy he used before but something from inside his soul. The part that once believed in the bright and shiny pure light. It wasn't strong but it gave the injured woman's body a gentle boost toward healing. He headed back out, he needed to think.