Good night! I've arrived and I bring you a beautiful and sensual update. Enjoy the drama and the intrigue. We read in the next chapter C:

Pazaror: Thank you so much for everything. You deserve the heaven and my eternal gratitude for all your effort.

Chapter 6

Sable

To say she had already gotten used to the heavy tasks in the kitchen were mere exaggerations from those around her that only wanted to encourage her to do her job the best way possible; because not only did she hate to wash the whole lot of dishes there was after every meal, but also her culinary skills weren't nothing too special. She was, in simple terms, a burden to those who did the cooking, and a potential danger to those who had to eat whatever came from her hands.

"I don't understand. I followed the recipe to the letter and what came out was a strange and viscous… thing." Her attempt to make curry had resulted in an amorphous black mass, that even looked like it was asking her to put it out of its misery.

"Oshin-kun, how is it possible that you're unable to cook even something as simple as curry? If you continue like this, you'll be demoted to worse or heavier tasks."

"What could be worse than being locked in here cooking for that group of barbarians?", she asked with sarcasm.

"The laundry room", stated her companion. And all the rest seemed to have a face of fear and utter disgust.

"How did you say I have to prepare the curry?" Oshin was a smart woman and knew it was better to be a cook than to be in charge of washing the filthy clothes of those dirty men.

"You just have to follow the recipe exactly as it's written and everything will be fine."

"That's what I did and then this unknown creature was born." She pointed at the thing that really shouldn't have been moving and twisting the way it was.

"It's alive!"

"I wish I was doing what I do best, and not wasting my time in the kitchen." But easier said than done. Or at least that's what she thought until that moment in which that man came into the kitchen without taking his attention from her.

"Vice-captain!" Everyone was so polite and she was just indifferent to his presence.

"It seems to be your lucky day, girl", he said to the black-haired woman. "The captain wants to see you as soon as possible."

"And what does he want?", she inquired.

"And how do you think I'd know what goes through that hollow head of his, huh?", he replied, frowning. "Just go see him and stop talking."

The office of the captain of the 7th division of the Harusame turned out to be unnecessarily big, even to the point one could think the furniture in there could be arranged in a better way to make the most of the space there. But had she walked into the lion's den just to realize the place was in need of a good interior designer or to see what that sadist Yato wanted with her? The answer was simple, and because of it she had silently directed her steps towards the desk behind the mocking captain.

"What did you call me for, captain?", her gaze settled on the broad back of the young man, who opted to look what the outer space had to offer him.

"As this crew's captain, it's my duty and responsibility to punish the misconducts of my subordinates", he established, casting her a sideways glance. "Not only did you pass yourself off as one of my men, but you were also about to make a grave mistake."

"I apologized, didn't I?" She knew that man was unstable, in a certain way, and that there were some things he didn't tolerate or wouldn't let happen. "And it's not like I had the intention of freeing all those slaves, captain", she grumbled. "I'm not stupid and I like how my head looks upon my shoulders."

"How did you end up getting captured by the men of that pathetic general?" She didn't doubt that Kamui could be somewhat curious about things around him, but Oshin had the feeling there was a reason for his sudden questioning, and she immediately connected it with what he could have found between her belongings.

"Isn't it common for us the weak to be constant victims of the abuses of the strongest?" Answering wasn't that hard. But she didn't want to; to her, he was a stranger and a potential enemy.

"Well, that's a fact I won't discuss with you, healer." He turned to face his interlocutor with a gesture on his lips close to a mocking smile. "Abuto usually exaggerates when it comes to distrusting people or of what goes on, but it looks like he was right this time."

"…That's..." There was no need to say anything when her pupils had given her away. What could be on that picture that could have exposed her like that?

"What business could a woman like you possibly have with the captain of the 2nd division of Harusame? Although… How does someone like you know about a person like him in the first place?" To think all this looked too suspicious was an understatement. Something stunk and she wanted to get to the bottom of it by simple banal snooping.

"Prying into a lady's belongings is really rude." She crossed her arms, cooling her head. There was no point in getting anxious or wanting to say something out of place. "And actually, I don't have any important business with him… It's more like he's the only one who can tell me where to find a certain person…", she answered, slurring every syllable in obvious irritation. Whoever she was looking for caused her enough anger that it caused her gaze to harden. "And it's not like I've been on Earth my whole life so I don't know what's beyond."

"Someone like you won't ever be able to meet a man like this." He dropped the photograph on his desk with obvious lack of interest. "It's possible you'll be already dead before you even get to ask him about this person."

"That's your theory." She took what by right belonged to her and fixed her gaze on him, on that boy that was smiling casually at her, like he had never killed somebody. "You could say it was a slight miscalculation that I've ended up in the 7th division."

"You really wish to die this much?"

"No, but my personal matters are above everything", she established seriously. Kamui only hid his blue eyes behind that deceitful expression he liked to use to hide what he was really thinking. "If you plan to kill me, go ahead. At least do it seriously and take that smile off your face."

"It's not my style to kill women…", he said calmly. "After all, women can end up having a strong kid, right? Besides, I like to show respect to my adversaries through a smile."

"Hah…!?" Never in her life had she heard such a reasoning. Or was he even harder to read than she had imagined, or hadn't she really thought that his way of perceiving things could be that twisted? "…I don't know if I'm surprised or offended by what you said." She knew he was extremely strong, but did he see himself in such an egocentric way that he even bragged about the children who weren't even born yet and that he'd defeat? And what was that about the way he'd chosen to say goodbye to his adversaries? "The only thing I know is that your way of thinking is way off."

"It's not like I'm expecting a simple earthling like you to understand the way the Yato see things." He let himself drop on his chair and stared at the girl that until then had objected everything he'd said. If she was suicidal or not, he couldn't care less; but at least he gave her credit for not having ran out of there already.

"As far as I know, most of you people are nothing more than addicts to battle and bloodshed… Beings that only know how to exist inside the battlefield… Pathetic persons that will be hated or used most of your lives." Her tone showed aversion and total disgust. It was like she kept a profound hatred against his species inside her.

"I don't know what happened to you with people of my race, and I don't care, but you ended up in the worst of all places", he said. Oshin simply put the photo in her pant's pocket, like she was trying to find a way to not lose her temper.

"Even now you know how I feel about those of your species, do you intend to leave me here?" She was preparing herself for the worst. It was better to visualize the worst-case scenario to be prepared. "It would be absurd to let someone who dislikes you this much live."

"From my point of view, there's not much you can do against them or me", he mentioned amused. "I see no danger in letting you live. At least for now."

"I can't understand how this guy's head works… I mean, he's nothing more than a Yato who enjoys killing his adversaries without a real motive, and that has the Harusame's support. Someone who's obsessed with finding adversaries of his level… "

"Besides, you can be useful to us… Or at least that's what Abuto said last time." It wasn't his childish easiness what bothered Oshin, but rather that he looked so harmless, so incapable of blowing someone's head off. How the hell could a killer like him give the impression to be a mentally healthy person?

"Why the hell did you send me to the kitchen when you know I'm an apothecary?", she complained. She had every right to do it.

"Because you'll be more useful there", he told her, raising his finger as a support to his decision.? "So, good luck, Healer-san~."

"I'm an apothecary!"

It wasn't neither the moment nor the place to be remembering unnecessary situations, but the strange dish served in front of her looked a lot like the ones she used to make when she was still getting used to the cooking; and the ones she used to get yelled at for by both the cook and the guests. And apparently, it was the same case at that moment, only with totally different actors.

"How dare you serve us trash like this!", shouted with clear annoyance the blond before throwing the dish against the chest of the young girl, who had just served them their food and stood there waiting for another order.

"I'm…! I'm so sorry, Hekiru-san!" The fear that was visible in her quavering pupils was nothing compared with what she was doing at the moment. How could a human being allow to be denigrated like that? For what reasons had that young woman to kneel down and beg to him?

"If you've already understood, then go get something decent for me and my future wife", he ordered with a deceptive calmness.

"R-right away!" The servant left the dining room at an astonishing speed, like she was scared something bad would happen if she came back late with their food.

"Excuse these people. But it's hard to find reliable personnel these days." He was looking at her closely, as if he was trying to find the same feeling in her that he had perceived in the confused servant.

"I'm not hungry, anyway", she replied, keeping her gaze on his. Only a table and an extravagant flower arrangement kept them apart.

"I have to admit I was hesitant about which kind of clothing would suit you better. But I think my good tastes have showed and I got it right, Oshin." The outfit the man had chosen for her was a hanbok, so that she wore it with elegance all around the place while she accompanied him. "The white of the jeogori, that royal blue baerae and the rest of the outfit match wonderfully well with the black of your hair… You're simply one of my best works of art."

"I'd never used clothes like these before." She hadn't even worn a kimono. She preferred occidental clothes. "Though I don't understand. For what reason would you pick an ordinary woman like me to hold the title of your future wife?"

"…The color of your eyes has captivated me… That calm and, at the same time, vivid crimson reminds me of the perpetual beauty rubies possess…". She remained completely quiet. The reasons he was giving her were absolutely ridiculous. "Besides, anatomically speaking, you have the attributes needed to have healthy children."

"And would a man like you be happy to take another man's woman as your wife?", she asked in an even tone, without taking her attention off the annoyed expression on the blond's face. Apparently, she had hit him where it hurts most. "I'm an engaged woman, even if it's hard to believe."

"And where's that man supposed to be right now?" Nobody could come and take from him what he considered as his. "Shouldn't he be taking better care of you?"

"Actually, he used to take care of me. That's why he asked me to stay away from problems, but… I ended up meeting those men and now I'm locked here", she told with fake sadness. "I'm sure he must be worried about me, looking everywhere for me… After all, we promised we'd get married soon and form a small family here in Edo." If what she wanted to do was to anger that volatile man, she had succeeded without much effort. And a proof of that was the sour look on the man's face.

"Unfortunately, that man will have to break off the engagement with you", he stated with a soft smile. "He doesn't stand a chance against my abilities."

"I wouldn't be so sure about it", she objected. "He's very strong. An experienced fighter with great skills who's survived many battles." The words that came out of her mouth weren't lies. Abuto truly was a dangerous Yato and the second strongest in the once well-known 7th Division. "If he knows you're keeping me here, forcing me to marry you, he'll kill you."

"Are you that sure your beloved fiancé will come looking for you and attempt to commit suicide like that?" The man stood up from his seat, walked toward her and grabbed her arm roughly, forcing her to get up. "It'd be better if you forgot about him and saw me as the man who'll take care of you from now on."

"Never…", she expressed, freeing herself from the blond's grasp. "You'll never beat him, Hekiru."

"Do you want to bet, Oshin?" He smiled, as if he knew he had won the bet, even when it hadn't been made yet. "Tell me the name of your brave warrior and I'll find him and bring you his head on a silver platter."

Perhaps it was the weather that had started to get colder or the rain that had gotten even more intense what was making that man unable to stop sneezing even once; as if suddenly the flu had decided to go camping inside his organism. Or it was probably someone talking about him without him knowing.

"They say idiot's never get sick." That was the mocking comment that came out of Kamui's mouth after having heard Abuto sneeze more than ten times.

"I think the Earth's damn weather is starting to p*** me off", Abuto said in his defense. "Besides, where are we supposed to be headed now?" It was about time he asked that.

"To Edo", he replied innocently.

"Oi, oi, you're not thinking of going after that samurai right now, right? We have enough problems at the moment." He was begging it wasn't the case.

"Didn't you hear what that Amanto said, Abuto?" The brunet tried to remember, recalling the moment after they'd abandoned their attackers' space ship, where they had been lucky enough to bump into a few guards waiting for them to get out to ambush them.

"I remember you killed them all. So, when did you have the time to ask for information?"

"That's the least of our problems", he added after coming to a halt before what clearly seemed to be a steep cliff. "He mentioned we wouldn't get away with it. That the new King of the Night would get rid of everyone who wants to get in his way."

"So, there's actually someone crazy enough to try to get hold of a title so ridiculously ostentatious." After the deadly fall that lied under their feet hid not only a dense and vast vegetation, but also the only path that lead to the run-down city of Edo.

"I have the feeling we'll meet her in that place."

"Hah? Who are you talking about?" His question had to wait to be answered. That captain of his had already jumped to what many would consider a certain death. "And once again he's stupidly excited about the promise of a good adversary… As if we hadn't too many already." Resignation was the only thing left for him at the moment.

Did he ever think she'd just turn into another piece of that huge, disgusting doll house of his? Did she think a man's ego could be so easily hurt so she could manipulate him for her own benefit? None of what she was living seemed to be real, but after seeing the comings and goings of all those girls exhibited for their beauty and bodies, it was clear to her how badly she wanted to get out of that place.

But unfortunately, that wouldn't be possible. Not until she found information that could answer all her question about the new so-called King of the Night.

"The only think I can thank that idiot Hekiru about is that he lets me roam free and doesn't lock me up like the rest of those women." Even though the area she was allowed to be in wasn't even a quarter of the whole castle, it was enough for her not to go crazy. "And although at first sight they look like human beings, they must be strong, or at least possess enough abilities to face the monsters living in Edo and that could confront them at any time."

"Is something wrong, Oshin-sama? Are you lost, perhaps? Or do you need any of our services?" Behind her, the attentive voice of a maid made itself present.

"But you…" She turned towards the young woman. Her memory wasn't that bad, and she was sure she had been caught with the girl. So, why was she so calm now? As if nothing bad had happened to her.

"Is something the matter, Oshin-sama?"

"I'd like some white tea, if it's not too much trouble", she asked kindly. Though it seemed the young woman didn't seem to know exactly what that infusion was. "I can make it myself if you don't know how to prepare it."

"No, no, of course not. I know perfectly well how to prepare it", she intervened. "It's just that I wasn't expecting you to have such refined tastes, Oshin-sama."

"My mother was a tea lover, so I learnt to like it since I was little." Both girls started to move, apparently headed to the room used to drink that delicious beverage.

"Have you enjoyed your stay in the palace? Isn't Hekiru-sama a great man? I'm sure he'll make you a very happy woman." The black-haired woman just analyzed her words. She wanted to know the reason why a terrorized girl had turned so devoted to that place and all that happened in it.

"He seems like an interesting man, but I'm not sure I can see him as my husband." The girl opened the sliding door in front of them, allowing them to go inside.

"Perhaps there's already another man in your heart?" Oshin took a seat on a comfortable cushion, fixing her gaze on the small table in front of her, completely ignoring how well decorated the whole place was. "Is he a good man?"

"I never said my heart is already taken or anything like that." As if some nonsense like that could be true. She was sure she didn't know nobody who could take credit for that fact. But if that was what she believed, then how come she seemed to remember the stupid face of that smiling idiot? "There's no way I can have that kind of interest in a guy like him…"

"I'll bring your tea in a moment, Oshin-sama." She didn't even hear her words of farewell or the moment she left, closing the door after her.

"Why am I thinking about him in the first place? The only thing I should focus on is in getting information and on the excuse I'll use after I see Abuto and he's pissed for me using that lie for my own benefit again…"

"Here you go, Oshin-sama." Too much thinking would be bad for her. Although at the moment the only thing she had to do was to drink the delicious and delicate white tea served in her cup. And the best thing was that they had even brought those pretty, mouthwatering bread flowers.

"They look really good." She referred to the flawless pieces of bakery.

"It's soft bread filled with sweet cream. I hope it's of your liking."

"White tea has the same properties that of the green tea, but it's three times more effective. Also, it's known as the "elixir of youth" and its making must be careful... It's just art." Indeed, she was praising the good work done by the young girl. "It's one of the best I've drank."

"You're really knowledgeable, Oshin-sama."

"I have very specific hobbies." And now that she had tried her first favorite thing, the second one was next: her weakness for bakery products was terrible. "It's a shame to eat something so pretty."

"That's the same thing we all thought when Hekiru-sama offered us those small breads after our arrival." The dark-haired woman wasn't stupid, and she could sound paranoid, but maybe there was a connection between that bread and those girls' behavior.

"And what if they've drugged them with this bread so they act like that? It'd be totally foolish to eat this knowing it could be that dangerous…". Do you think you could bring me some red tea? After all I've eaten and these delicious breads, I could really use a cup."

"Of course." The woman left the room, attending to her request.

"I could keep one to see if it has something suspicious, but I have to get rid of the rest of them and tell her I'm full, or she'll start doubting…." Was she supposed to suspect of everything they fed her now? "I don't doubt this could be another one of Hekiru's plans."

The rain had stopped and there didn't seem to be another reason to keep their umbrellas open. Because not even the sun was there to bother them, since it had hid itself behind a vast group of grayish clouds. Nevertheless, in front of them blocking their path, there seemed to be forming the right circumstances to turn such a simple object into a dangerous destructive weapon.

They weren't of the same species as the Amantos that half a day ago had tried to ambush them to kill them, but seeing their postures, they had the same objective.

"Abuto, and you said that it'd be boring to take the longest path."

"It seems that no matter which road we take, they'll find us." His umbrella rested on his right shoulder with some impatience; it was getting ready to attack at any moment. "Are we cursed or something? A severe streak of bad luck?"

"You already heard… That old geezer there is the man Hekiru-sama's looking for."

"Really? I could swear it was that brat."

"Hey, who are you calling an old geezer, you damn underdeveloped lizards!?" First his right arm, now his appearance. Did nobody respect him now? "Hey captain, let's get rid of these idiots once and for all."

"What do you think she could have seen in a man like that? He's not even good-looking", mumbled another one. It was clear that he wanted to die a slow and painful death.

"Let's just cut their heads off and take them to Hekiru-sama so he can celebrate his wedding without any interruptions."

"Wedding…?" The brunet blinked a few times, totally confused. What the hell were they talking about?

"Abuto, why didn't you tell me you knew our adversaries? Were you perhaps thinking of betraying me and that's why you've lead me here so they can kill me?" His tone showed some surprise, but at the same time, it was mixed with amusement and excitement. Even his face was that of a small kid who didn't know how to react.

"Of course, I don't know them, idiot! I don't even know why they know my name", he exclaimed with some annoyance. "Though I'm starting to think who could be behind all this… Don't tell me that little b*** has started all this mess… I knew it was a bad idea to send her to get information."

"No more talking, let's go get them right now!"

Her afternoon had been completely pleasant until then without having to tolerate that man's eccentricities for her inner peace to be broken by being called by the same person who was imposing his wishes against her will.

She couldn't refuse, so she just followed the servant to where Hekiru was waiting for her, looking slightly anxious. It was like he had excellent news to communicate; as if he wished to brag about something to her.

"Is something wrong?" That was the first thing that came through her lips after she heard the door closing behind her, leaving them completely alone inside such a small office.

"I've already taken care of solving that small problem that was stopping us from being happy, Oshin." She knew he'd get involved in the matter, but she didn't expect he would be that quick.

"Killing the man, she loves and making her marry the killer isn't the way to start a happy marriage with a woman", she criticized severely.

"You'll forget him eventually, and your heart will open once again to the experience of a refreshing and intense romance", he expressed like a repressed poet.

"I'm not so sure about that." She knew that Abuto dying that easily was a very distant possibility. However, that fact didn't make her feel less guilty about using the poor man.

"Now that we have nothing standing in our way, we have to plan…" Who dared to interrupt his words? Couldn't they at least wait before giving him a call? "I hope it's important, because I'm planning an important matter."

The news he had gotten must have been so upsetting and annoying that made all the blond's features to contract, expressing his growing anger. Someone couldn't control his ire well enough, to the point in which he took it out on the object in his hands.

"How the hell is he supposed to be still alive!? How could he defeat my men, who have become stronger than the rest!?" He turned to face the only person who could answer him. That same woman only stared at him, like she was silently mocking his naivety of believing he could get rid of that obstacle. "What the hell is that man!?"

"I think I forgot to mention it, but… the man you're trying to kill is a Yato… Although, he should be the least of your worries…You should be more afraid of the idiot accompanying him… The one who won't rest until he finishes with whoever promises being an opponent worthy of a fight."