Chapter Fifty
"Right this way, sir."
Sir? Yuck.
Yahiko stuffed his hands into his pockets, and the sour expression on his face remained as he followed the man leading him through the maze of rooms. The summons to the Sky Palace had been unexpected and unwanted, but Yahiko had been all but forced to comply. His safety had been guaranteed, but Yahiko didn't have much faith in his father's guarantees.
Father. That's a laugh. I've never met the man in my life. More like sperm donor.
"Please wait here. The Emperor will be with you shortly."
There were no guards in the room, or outside of it either. It was telling of the kind of power the Sky Emperor had. Obviously, he didn't think Yahiko was a threat if he planned to leave himself unguarded. Of course, Yahiko had no delusions that he was one, either.
The room was smaller than the others he had passed through, but still larger than any room he had seen inside of an actual home. It was lavish and cluttered, and thereby ugly to Yahiko. As he made a face at some hideous bronze statue in the corner, he heard voices through a door on the other side of the room. Curious, and a bit nosy, Yahiko quietly stepped closer so that he could hear what was being said.
"… unlikely that they are not connected. Ōkubo-sama was looking into that girl, and only a few days later he was murdered. The sound conclusion would be someone is trying to hide or protect her." The first voice was fervent and heavily worked up about whatever they were talking about.
"I believe you are correct. It is much too suspicious to be mere coincidence." The second voice was unhurried, but even from the other room, Yahiko could tell the owner was dangerous. "Did you say Ōkubo suspected her to be a revived human?"
"Yes, My Emperor. How would you like us to handle it?" A third voice sounded controlled, and was obviously either military or part of the emperor's personal guard.
"Kill her. Bring anyone involved with her to me."
"As you command."
Dark eyes widened, and Yahiko stepped back quickly so that he was far enough away from the door not to arouse suspicion. Whoever that girl was, she was about to have a very bad day, and Yahiko had no intention of getting in the middle of it. He certainly had no desire to give the emperor reason to lock him up or have him killed just for overhearing.
What the hell is a 'revived human' anyway? I thought all the humans were wiped out over two hundred years ago. You can't just bring one back… can you?
The far door opened, and a tall man with long white hair walked slowly into the room. His clothing was extravagant and traditional, and just as gaudy as the room. From out of his white hair, four golden horns jutted at a sharp angle up and out from his temples. The sight of him reawakened Yahiko's disdain, and he forgot all about the assassination order he had overheard to instead glare at the man partly responsible for his life. No one followed him in. When the door shut, they were alone.
The Emperor's hands were folded behind his back, and his eyes, dark eyes just like Yahiko's, peered down at him with heavy judgement. They stared at one another, Yahiko's expression stubborn and unyielding. After a few moments, the sky dragon's mouth opened, and it felt like a ton of bricks landed square onto his shoulders.
"You are supposed to bow before your emperor."
A grunt ripped from Yahiko's throat as he fought the pressure, but it was nearly inevitable when he fell down onto one knee.
"Your mother failed to teach you manners. How disappointing."
"She taught me… to respect those… that deserve it." The words were forced through his clenched teeth angrily. A second later, and the weight disappeared from his back. Yahiko shot to his feet like high winds hitting a cliff.
"HA!" The unexpected laugh was not endearing, but patronizing. "You're brazen. Like I was when I was young."
Double yuck.
"You took my appearance, as well."
"The hell I did! I look like my mom." Backing off to put some space between them, Yahiko stopped with one foot angled back defensively.
"You are still attached to her. I suppose that is natural since she died before her time." Already stern features hardened, and one hand came forward to cut through the air decisively. "It is time to grow up and let go of childish comforts. It is disgraceful that you would still cling to your mother's apron strings. You are a sky demon, are you not?"
"Just who the hell are you to preach at me! I don't know you! Frankly, I don't like you! So why don't you just tell me what the hell you want so I can get out of here."
The door behind him opened, and Yahiko jumped.
"Is everything alright, My Lord? I heard raised voices."
"We are fine." The Emperor waved his hand and the guard Yahiko had overlooked stepped back out and closed the door.
Okay. Not so unguarded.
"Your disdain, while unfortunate, is not unexpected." The Emperor continued without missing a beat. "Since I have little time to deal with you, let me blunt. My wives gave me no sons. You are illegitimate, but you are of my blood. You are also the only sky demon I produced outside of my family. We are a rare species."
Yeah, who's fault is that?
Yahiko sneered as the man before him continued unfazed.
"Like most elemental demons, we are not prevalent. As I have aged, I realize that I have an obligation to secure the future of my domain."
"Yeah, well, I'm not interested."
"Insolent whelp." The words rumbled the entire room, and the weight, now tripled, slammed into him hard enough to flatten him to the floor. "You will listen when your emperor speaks."
Pushing as hard as he could against the floor, Yahiko knew he was fighting a losing battle. The Emperor was much too strong for the level of power Yahiko currently controlled.
"I have no interest in making you emperor, either, boy. You will marry one of my younger daughters and give her a son. That child will be my heir to raise and train."
What the fuck?!
"It is not a bad proposition for you. You may not be emperor, but everything in your life would be taken care of. You may even take a mistress. I'm sure your little floral girlfriend would come around, if that is your choice. Of course, it would be a shame if anything were to happen to her, in the meantime. I would personally make sure she is well taken care of."
"Stay the…" The words choked in his throat as the gravity of his situation broke through his immediate anger.
"Did you have something to say?" The pressure let up, and his lungs expanded gratefully. Struggling to keep his cool, Yahiko slowly sat up on his haunches and glared at the wall behind the Emperor's legs as his thoughts raced.
"…What the fuck do I care about some stupid flower girl? I was just trying to hook up with her for a few nights."
Internally, Yahiko was screaming.
Argh! Sorry, Tsubame! I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll never let you buy lunch again. In fact, I'm buying all our food 'til the end of time.
"I'm surprised. You are smarter than you seem. A lowly floral demon is beneath being honored by a sky demon."
"Yeah, well… she's nice and easy to manipulate." Keeping his voice cool and unconcerned, Yahiko fought the nausea tickling the back of his throat.
This dude is such a piece of shit.
"Then it is settled. I will even allow you to pick which daughter best suits your taste. You are still my son, after all."
Dark eyes glanced up at the Sky Emperor, and his disdain returned.
"Are you deaf, old man? I said no. I'm not really interested in sleeping with my own sister, either." Disgust wrinkled his nostrils, and he managed a superior look though he was still on his knees. "Besides, what the hell's the problem with making one of your daughters your heir? Do you know how old-fashioned you sound?"
A frown of epic proportions was creasing the Emperor's hard features, but Yahiko was saved his response when someone knocked and let themselves into the room from the far door.
"I guess that's that, then." Yahiko shrugged, bowed mockingly, and stood to walk out. "I'd say it was nice meeting you, but that would be a lie."
Now to get the hell out of here and convince Tsubame-chan to leave the country with me. Dammit, I can't do that. I'd put her in danger. Ugh, whatever, I'll figure it out. Maybe she'll wait for me?
Before he could make the door, he unwillingly heard the urgent message that was being delivered, and an instinctive shiver raced up his spine.
"Forgive the intrusion, My Lord. We just learned some disturbing news. The girl is being protected by the fire demon. It may be a power play against you."
W-what?! Himura-san?! The girl… holy shit.
Everything clicked, and Yahiko shoved his way out the door with the intent to escape. Quick steps turned to a jog until he was running as fast as his wind power would allow. Frantically, he tried to recall how to get out of the palace, but the place was even more confusing when in the midst of panic. Far behind him, a loud bang and crack resounded within the halls, and he glanced over his shoulder in time to see a large, golden dragon slamming through doors towards him. Barely a second later, strong claws hammered him into the floor, and the sky dragon's angry voice boomed in his ears.
"Why do you run, boy?!" The words blasted him like typhoon winds. "It cannot be because you know that fire demon, can it?!"
Yahiko pushed frantically against the foot flattening his lungs, and though he heard the words, his brain was focused mostly on escape.
"Are you plotting against me?! Do you think to usurp my authority with your measly claim to power?! Foolish child! The fire demon knows I cannot kill him! He is using you! Like some disposable pawn!" The massive head of the sky dragon tilted to one side, and the Emperor's large slitted iris hovered mere inches above his face.
"Unfortunate soul! I offered you power and luxury, and you threw it back into my face! Now, you will see nothing but the inside of a cell for all of eternity! Count yourself lucky that I do not kill you where you lie!"
X
The dream was… different this time.
The setting was the same. The same alleyway. The same piles of garbage. The same high, empty walls confining the space and reaching towards the sky. It was the absence of certain details that made everything different.
There was no smell of garbage or urine. There was no taste of burnt flesh. There was no sound of bustling city life. There was no heat consuming her body.
The fire demon did not stand before her. The fire covered sword did not pierce her body. Instead, she was alone. Alone in a domain that felt strange and unusual. Even the sky, though clear of clouds, was grey and muted… like a veil covered the world.
Strangest of all, there was no color.
With her eyes cast skyward, they jerked with a startled gasp back towards the far end of the alley when she heard something rustle. Nothing was there, but it still disturbed her enough to feel fear. Like there was an unseen presence stalking her from the shadows. Turning quickly with the intent to escape, she stopped short to find that she was, actually, not alone.
Hovering just behind her was a small ball of fire. It was comprised of flames unlike any she had ever seen, with vivid colors of red, purple, white and even green. The colors reflected off all nearby surfaces, like light off of water. It mesmerized, and brought forth feelings of childlike wonder. Such joy lasted only briefly, however. Kaoru did not understand how she knew, but the small ball of fire was terrified. Its entire form shivered and trembled with fear.
"Hello." Reaching out a hand to it, she flinched when it jerked away. Biting her lip, she stepped closer. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you."
Behind her, the rustling sounded closer, and she glanced over her shoulder warily. The ball of fire began to flicker nervously.
Hushing it softly, she reached up both hands in offering.
"Are you lost? Do you want to stay with me until you find your way?" Light quivering began to twitch in her shoulders and up her spine, and it took everything she had to keep her voice steady. Whatever was coming for them was innately petrifying. "I'll keep you safe, okay? Let's go together."
Her head nodded as if to convince the little flame to agree. Whether she was successful or it merely decided she was its best chance for escape, she did not know. Either way, a moment later and it settled like a frightened bird into her hands. With it touching her now, the grey length of her fingers flushed with the natural color of flesh. It was hot, almost overwhelmingly, but she hugged it protectively to her chest without hesitation. The other presence was getting closer, and it was time to flee. As she took off running, the small ball of fire found the hole between her breasts left behind by the weapon that had caused her death. Through that hole, it crawled deep into her chest and it buried itself behind her sternum.
The pressure made it hard to breathe, but she continued to run, nonetheless. Kaoru ran and ran, underneath the veiled sky and through the empty streets. There was no one else there but them, and the presence taking chase behind them. Cold was beginning to seep into her skin and bones, but the heat behind her ribs fought the spread with warmth. Finally, Kaoru turned into her childhood playground, and ducked herself quickly under the grey frog slide. Fighting to listen, to keep quiet, the same way she had listened for her pursuers as a child, she waited out the unknown presence until she was satisfied that she had escaped. For now.
"I… I think we're safe. Do you… want to come out?" The fireball inside her shook in negation, and she covered her chest with a hand. "Okay. You can stay with me."
X
Kaoru woke in a pool of sweat. Intense heat enveloped her, but seared harshly behind her sternum and up her throat. Pressing a hand into her chest, she rolled onto her side and gasped for air against the burning pain.
"W-what… is this?"
Gritting her teeth and toughing it out, she curled into a ball in an attempt to make the pain smaller. Behind her, the salamander nuzzled the back of her head in concern. In front of her, the floor was empty.
On days when Kenshin had to work late, he could not stay with her in the underground area that she was now housed in. Megumi was the only one with clearance to open the door to her cell, and she had made it clear that she would not come down so late in the evening just to let him inside. Though Kaoru had told him she was fine, he consistently expressed irritation with her current environment.
Swallowing, Kaoru's eyes clenched shut, and she bit her lip against the pain. This was not the same pain and discomfort as the onibi flame she possessed. Instead of a bitter chill, this was more like what she imagined getting too close to lava felt like.
"I… I feel like I've… forgotten something. Something important."
The salamander was standing on her shoulder now, and its snout had pushed its way between her arm and her chin. The twin spikes at the tip of its nose hooked her, but she didn't jerk away. Instead, she tilted her chin back to make more room.
"I'm fine… Don't worry."
Battling back a wince, she reached up to awkwardly scratch the salamander's jaw, but its immense golden irises only continued to stare at her. Smiling, she shifted to half-flatten her shoulders against the mattress.
"I'm fine," she repeated. This time, her voice was slightly exasperated. "You two worry way too much." An offended huff puffed from the salamander's nose, and it flopped down so that its chin rested across her collarbone. The pain slowly ebbed after a time, but though the burning heat cooled, it was still warmer for her than normal. Combined with the heat radiating from the salamander, Kaoru's features twisted, and she rolled so that she slipped out from under him.
"Sorry, but I think I'm going to wash off really quick."
The shower area was pretty small, and slightly uncomfortable. Gathering a towel and change of clothes, Kaoru squeezed herself into the curtained section. Having only a thin curtain to maintain her modesty from the ever-watchful camera was slightly annoying and disconcerting. As a result, she rushed herself through the process so she wouldn't be naked any longer than necessary.
Blow drying her hair was an arduous process now that it was long. Once it was dry and hanging smooth down her back, she sat on her still damp and now cold bed and made a face. According to her clock, it was only 4:30 in the morning. It was too early to be awake, but she had no desire to go back to sleep. Slipping on her shoes, she picked up the salamander so that he could perch on her shoulders, and hit a button on the small wall panel next to the door.
To allow her some freedom, Megumi had agreed to grant Kaoru unrestricted access to the large empty training chamber adjacent to her room. This way to she could train whenever she felt like it, or simply walk the perimeter to keep her from boredom and inactivity. She didn't require the wheelchair anymore, now that her wounds were on the back-end of healing. There was still an annoying limp that she dealt with due to the slow healing puncture in her right foot, though.
Once inside the chamber, the door behind her slid closed. Automatic lights buzzed into life in response to their presence, and the interior lit up with unnaturally sharp illumination. Making her way slowly around the room, Kaoru tossed a grin at the salamander and offered it a hand.
"You want to try again?"
Its two front feet kneaded her shoulder nervously, but it nodded as if decisive.
"Want me to help?"
Another, shorter nod.
"Here."
A smile entered her voice, and she offered both hands for it to slide down onto. With him precariously perched now in her palms and on her forearms, she bent, lowered her hands towards her knees, and then tossed him gently up and out. Both wings snapped open, and they wobbled up and down unstably as the salamander attempted to keep himself in the air. As his glided projection came closer to the floor, a small screech of anxiety echoed in the room, and then his wings began to beat in panic to keep him airborne.
"Oh!"
Like multiple times before, he crashed into the floor and slid on his outstretched claws. Hobbling her way over as quickly as she could, she knelt beside him and waited as he righted himself.
"Are you alright?"
Embarrassed, the salamander jerked his head away from her, and she pursed her lips with a sigh.
"You probably need someone who actually knows how to fly to teach you. We're kinda shooting from the hip here." Scratching his head in an attempt to appease, she leaned closer and kissed the crest where his horns protruded. He leaned into the contact, and she giggled as next he pushed himself demandingly into her lap.
"You're as bad as that fire demon." Smacking a kiss on him again, she spent a few moments cuddling him happily.
"I guess I should practice some, too. But you have to stay well away, alright?"
To start with, Kenshin had worked with her on a simple, basic conjuring of her power. All of the fear and anxiety building within her had made that starting point overly difficult. Thankfully, Kenshin had remained patient and understanding, but he was, surprisingly, extremely strict. It was a new side to him that she had never seen, but due to the nature of her power, she also completely appreciated it.
Focusing intently on her breathing, she pulled oxygen deep into her lungs in slow, rhythmic inhales. Each exhale was just as even and unrushed. Light tingling buzzed in her upturned fingertips, and signaled the presence of a power that she was becoming more acquainted with. The tingling intensified, and a spark snapped between her palms. Three or four pops later, and a ball of blue flame burst into life above her hands.
Fighting back fear, Kaoru maintained her breathing and briefly closed her eyes.
"Okay. Now…"
"You should never play with fire."
The overused proverb had made her giggle, and violet eyes had looked to the ceiling with a sigh.
"That being said… learning to have fun in a safe manner might make you feel less hostile towards your power. The more you use your flame, the more uses you will learn it has. Some may be unexpected. Some might be overly dangerous and not helpful, but learning is knowing. If you know a certain use is unsafe, you will be better able to stay away from such uses. If, however, you find a use that is unexpectedly helpful and safe, try to build upon it. Does that make sense?"
Cupping the flame between her hands, she pulled her elbows back and to one side carefully, and then shot the flame down and forward. It bounced once off the floor, and then slid easily towards the far wall where it disappeared into a puff of smoke. In its wake, however, the cold temperature of its flame had frozen the damp metal floor into a sheet of ice. Grinning in triumph, Kaoru limped forward as quickly as she could, dropped to her knees on the ice, and slid the same path in a squeal of glee.
Her knees caught on the floor once the ice disappeared, and she pitched forward face-first where she rolled to a disastrous stop. Still giggling, she glanced behind her to find the salamander had decided to follow. The heat from his body instantly began to melt the ice, however, and his wide golden eyes were comical when he bowled into her in a tangle of wings and sharp claws. Laughing harder, she lay flattened under the salamander's weight and stared up at the ceiling.
I guess… it's not all bad.
In the quiet of the room, her echoing laughter died in soft harmony. Licking her lips and glancing around, she took a breath and whispered a short verse from a song that had popped into her head. She did not know where the song came from, as it was unexpectedly different from the lighthearted atmosphere of her current situation. Nevertheless, she felt a desire to sing it. A desire that was unnaturally adept at identifying what would attract others the most.
It was a pining love song, and the more overwhelmed she became by the external emotion, the more certain and powerful her voice rang within the chamber.
X
A/N: Sometimes things hit me while I'm writing, and I almost always welcome the ideas. Yahiko's predicament wasn't originally supposed to be so dangerous for him, though. Most of the time, when an idea starts taking off, I get pretty excited. This time, it was more of an… "Ah shit, am I really doing this? But it works. Dammit. I guess I'm doing this." Lol Poor Yahiko, but it does really work. I'd been racking my brain trying to figure out exactly how I was going to work his back story and progression into the plot, and now it's here. Hurray… heh. That little mouth on that boy, though, lol. I really like writing him. (Maybe because I miss Sano. ToT) He's all the attitude I have when I'm writing characters that just rub me wrong. XD
Now that I'm starting in on the next phase of Kaoru's development, I knew it was time to advance her dreams. I will continue to work hard to place the pieces where they should go, and hope everything comes together smoothly in the end. Thanks again for sticking this out with me. I'm getting to the part in my story where I worry it's no longer interesting, and I always fear rushing as a result. It's a hard fight, but I'm willing to take it on, lol. Thanks for letting me know you're still reading! See you next week.