by JK Ensley
“That is what we all tell ourselves, yes,” he whispered. “Alas, the eyes are extremely powerful things, Naga. Vision claims a direct line to our hearts, little sister, almost magically so.”
“Save your wisdom. Store it alongside your secrets. I wish for neither,” she spat. “The reality is this. A madman is murdering innocents at an alarming rate. He poses their lifeless forms within this forgotten forest and visits them as one would admire their possessions. I am here to put an end to his wicked game and cease his life. No worries. I have done this same deed many, many thousands of times before. Your ridiculous babysitting is not necessary. I got this.”
Still, Uriel didn’t speak.
She sniffed the air. “He comes,” she whispered.
Uriel remained silent, motionless.
Jenevier watched as the long barrel of the cold black gun emerged cautiously from the dense bamboo. She stepped closer, removing her mask.
“Naga, what are you doing?” Uriel demanded. “He will be able to see you in that form. Don Vashti, now!”
She turned toward the infuriated Arch, rolled her eyes and crinkled up her nose at him. She almost stuck out her tongue, but caught herself.
“Is this how you carry out your missions, Angel? Does Daichi know about this? Does anyone?” He started toward her. “You are reckless and foolhardy, little sister.”
The man’s face appeared at that very moment.
Her eyes went wide. She took a hasty step back.
“By the gods…”
He spun at the sound of her shaky voice, gun leveled at her angelic face.
“Musashi…” The name forced itself from her lungs, painfully taking her breath with it.
The man dropped his gun and ran toward her. Quickly speaking in a language she could not force her addled mind to understand.
When he touched her, grabbed her shoulders… all hell broke loose.
Her claws sprang out, full length. She raised her arm, meaning to slash open his massive chest, but Uriel grabbed her wrist.
The man could see neither her ethereal weapons, nor the Angel now restraining her, keeping her from claiming his life. He simply watched, amazed, as the tiny little woman covered in colorful curls, struggled with the very air about her.
Fear has claimed her mind, the man thought.
“Hold, Naga,” Uriel shouted. “Don your mask. Calm yourself. That is not Musashi. Look closer. He is not—”
She screamed as she tore free from the mighty Arch, leaving him with a nasty cut down the length of his forearm, and minus a handful of his lovely angelic hair.
“Why… you little demon,” he snapped.
Then, her maddened eyes revealed to him the extent of her temporary insanity. Naga was gone. She stood before him as weapon only—raw, unreasoning, Death.
By the gods… What did that man truly do to you? Uriel thought.
The Arch lunged for her just as another raven-haired man stepped into the secret clearing.
She dodged Uriel’s grasp and found herself, face to face, with a dear friend and trusted companion.
“Yui!” Jenevier flung her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.
The shocked man slowly returned her frantic embrace, fixing his gaze upon the now unarmed man before him.
Time froze.
“Kagi Naga, open your damn eyes before I remove your head,” Uriel shouted.
She shook her head violently, burying her nose into the second man’s neck, her curls half covering his hardened face.
“Yui, I thank all that’s holy, you are here.” She pulled back, holding his cheeks in her hands. “He is alive, Yui. He came back for me.” She smiled lovingly at the confused man. “I knew you would save me. Just like last time. Hold me in your arms, dear friend. Keep me safe. Hide me from the beast.”
She kissed his fair cheek and then his nose. Giggling at the look on his face, Jenevier kissed him again, over and over until he gave in to her.
Tightening his arms about her, the man looked deep into her magical eyes, tenderly ran the tip of his nose along her cheek bone, and then inhaled deeply the thick rose scent of her colorful hair. He moaned softly, then slowly covered her mouth with his. She was startled by this unusually forward action. Yui had never kissed her like this before, not like a man would. But she was too relieved by his presence to just push him away. His tongue entered her mouth just as a burning, searing pain shot through her back.
Jenevier fell to her knees, gasping for air that wouldn’t come. Loud shots rattled her ears, bounced through her throbbing head. Then… Yui’s body fell to the ground before her, crumpled in an unnatural position. She focused on his still open eyes, on his still open black eyes. All life had left them.
Then, she heard the reapers—the dark ones, the ones that made her shiver, caused painful goose bumps to cover her arms.
“Yui?” she whispered, confused.
She tried to reach for him, one shaky hand stretching out toward his long raven locks. Another sharp pain in her back caused her to retch. Darkness slowly closed in around her. She felt strong arms encompass her, lifting her into the air.
“Naga, open your eyes.”
She heard Uriel’s voice, distant and fading. She tried to do what he said, only to behold an unfamiliar blood-stained shirt blocking her blurry vision. His strange scent filled her nostrils. Then, she slept.
*****
“Naga. Naga. Open your eyes, Naga.”
“Yui?” she rasped.
“Open your eyes, Kagi Naga.”
It was dark. A single lamp was all that illuminated the tiny hut.
“I… thirst.” She choked out the words.
Large hands seized her shoulders, gently pushing her back down onto the hard mat. She winced from the pain.
“Do you have any idea how long you have lain here?”
She blinked, trying to focus on her angelic back-up. “Uriel? Where are you?”
Someone pinched her toe. She looked down to find the handsome Archangel sitting on the floor near her feet.
“What are you doing down there, Brother?”
“Waiting for your ministering angel to leave this forsaken hovel long enough for me to wing you out of here.”
“What in the world are you talking about? …Crazy old Arch,” she mumbled.
“Focus, Naga,” Uriel demanded. “Try to sort out the past three days. Can you do it?”
“Three days? But… why?”
He sighed. “Yes. Three days have you burned with fever. This human, he doesn’t realize your body is trying to heal itself. He stays by your side, wiping you down with cold water. He hasn’t even so much as left the room to piss.”
“What? To… piss?”
“Yes, I know, right?” Uriel threw his hands up. “He just whizzes out the window, there, and then sits back down by your cot. It’s not like I can just pick you up before his eyes and lift you into the air.” He rubbed his temples as he shook his head. “Imagine the stories. They would probably start a whole new religion around it—Floating Maidens and Invisible Spirits.”
He waved his hands in the air as he said it. She giggled.
“We cannot make waves such as those, Naga. And that is exactly why you simply cannot change to Vashti and fly yourself home. So… here we sit. Waiting for a brave soul to give up on you or heal you, whichever he thinks he can manage.”
“Uriel?”
“Yes, Naga.”
“Why couldn’t I understand them? Why were their words simply as gibberish to me?”
“Because you weren’t concentrating, Little Fire. You let your emotions rule you. First anger, then fear. You were thrown by the wrapper, Naga. The same wrapper you swore you could look beyond. You simply weren’t on your game this time, oh Mother of Dragons,” he said in a mocking, high-pitched voice.
“It’s because you were here, pushing my buttons and throwing me off my game.” She tried to rise up on her elbows but the man gently eased her back down.
&nbs
p; “You best be thankful I was here, little sister. Or that poor soul tending you now…” Uriel nodded his head in the direction of her savior. “…he would be as dead as the others you bore witness to.”
She turned then and looked upon the man, looked upon the exact face of the only man she’d ever truly hated.
“…Musashi.” The whisper fell out of her mouth unbidden.
She tried to scoot away from him, but he held her fast.
“Calm yourself, Angel,” Uriel said. “Look into his eyes. You will find no hint of the rare lavender you love so well. That color isn’t very common upon this layer. Do it. Look into his eyes and concentrate on his words. Use the power you have, Kagi Naga.”
She tried. Slowly, his words became coherent and his mind was opened to her.
“Please, Madam. You will only hurt yourself if you struggle so,” he was saying.
She felt the kindness of his soul and read the words within his head.
“I thirst,” she whispered.
His dark eyes went wide when he heard her speak in his tongue. “Ahh… sure, sure.”
He helped her to sit, and then placed a cup in her trembling hands, guiding it to her lips.
She took a long sip, and then sighed. “Ahh, that is so good. Domo arigato.”
He laughed softly. “Douitashimashite.”
“Aww, how sweet,” Uriel said, rolling his eyes. “Now, tell him you feel just fine and get up and walk out of here. My wings are cramped, and this floor is cold.”
She giggled. Fine, you big baby. Give me but a moment. I should be just a little more polite than that. Don’t you think?
Uriel pinched her toe again.
“What is your name?”
Jenevier turned back to the speaking man. “My name is Naga, Kagi Naga.”
He chuckled. “So, your father called you a Fire Dragon?” He gently touched one of her pink curls. “I would have named you Sakura. You look as if you fell from the trees. A little cherry tree blossom—Sakura Mankai.”
She smiled. “After how I treated you back in the forest? You would still name me a cherry blossom, and in full bloom at that?”
“Hmm… Perhaps your father was right.” His smile was so gentle, so kind. “You may look Sakura Mankai, but you definitely act Kagi Naga.”
He winked and she giggled, nodding her agreement.
“What is your name, kind sir?”
“Ah, my name is Tokiwa, Suou Tokiwa. Please, call me Suou.”
“Are you certain?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.
“Yes.” He lowered his head. “I have shamed you, Madam. I had to remove your dress to stop the bleeding. The least I can do is let you use my first name.”
“Suou?”
He looked up at her.
“I would never have made it without you,” she lied. “I will be forever grateful, never shamed.”
Relief washed over his face. “Domo arigato.”
“No, thank you.” She smiled and touched his hand. “I must be going now, Suou. I have people who will be worried about me if I do not return soon. You are a rare blessing to your people, Suou Tokiwa. A valiant soul if ever I have met one.”
“Naga,” he softly whispered her name as he touched another curl.
“Ask him to lay with you,” Uriel said.
She sent the smirking Angel a scalding glare.
“Well, do you want to leave or not? Listen, Naga. I have sat here the full three days. That human next to you has not closed his eyes for a single moment. I know. I have watched him. Trust me. It will not take long.”
Jenevier shook her head wearily. She really did not want to do this.
“Suou, you have not rested a moment. Have you?”
He blushed but didn’t answer her.
“Your health is too precious a thing to waste upon the likes of me. I am fine now, thanks to you. So come. Be at rest, my friend. Lay down by my side and sleep. You have earned it.”
He shook his head furiously. “No, Naga. I could never do that—”
She put a finger to his lips, instantly halting his words. “I insist,” she whispered. “Please.”
He stared at her a moment longer, then he slowly laid down beside her, facing away.
She cut her eyes toward Uriel. The Arch stood, touching Suou’s forehead. The man’s racing heart slowed, his breathing steadied.
Once he was fast asleep, the two Angels quietly stepped out into the night, and disappeared.
*****
“Where is Naga?” Daichi roared when Uriel burst through the clouds over layer nine.
“What do you mean, where’s Naga?” The Arch looked to his right, and then turned all the way around. “Sh-she was r-right beside me,” Uriel stammered, confused.
Daichi shook his head. “Dammit to hell!” He roared loud enough to rattle the walls. “Come. Tell me all that befell you upon this summons, Uriel. I want to know every single detail, every tiny little thing that happened. I have been sick with worry.”
He stormed back inside the palace, not even waiting for the Archangel’s response.
Chapter 2
Kin Ryu
(kin YOO)
So, my tiny Angel misses me, does she?
“More than you could possibly imagine, Brother.”
Nilakanta extended his wing as she approached.
“I have wings, too, ya know. I can fly up there.” She smiled and winked at her sapphire Dragon.
I like it better like this, sweet Guardian. Come. Scale your Dragon and free your mind. I have a soft spot waiting, just for you.
She couldn’t help but giggle as she climbed upon his back.
“I have great need of my bonded brother this day.”
Ahh, you are seeking your illusive freedom again. Are you not, little one?
“Not wholly, Dragon. I’d rather like some answers, actually.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “And I would prefer it if you were with me. Will you join me, Nilakanta? Will you travel with me through the layers and put me at ease? Come, Brother. Help me put my life in order, tie up a few of my many loose ends.”
You never even had to ask. If you would turn yourself over to me forever, I would ensure your smile, little Naga. Upon my back, even the Archs cannot reach you. Stay right where you are, Guardian of Dragons, and rest assured… I alone can guarantee the life you have always dreamed of.
She was still smiling. She seemed to do that constantly, when she was at his side or upon his back.
“I already love you too much, Nilakanta. Do not tempt me so. Or you may wake up one morn to find a permanent resident between your powerful shoulder blades. One you will never be able to talk into leaving.”
It’s not only a sweet temptation, Kagi Naga… it is an absolute promise.
She giggled. “Very well, then. Let us put it to the test. Shall we?”
He chuckled. Jenevier loved the feel of his deep Dragon laughter rumbling within her.
As you wish, Little Fire. State the rules. I will happily play your little game. And when I win… I will claim you as my prize. When I pass your test, Naga, you will be mine. Fair enough?
“But I’m already yours, Dragon. That’s not much of a prize—something you have already claimed.”
You’re right.
She heard his lips part as the majestic Dragon bore his sharp teeth in a terrifyingly beautiful Dragon smile. Her laughter burst forth, completely uncontainable.
You are right, little Naga. You are mine, now and always. I own you, Guardian of Dragons.
Jenevier reined in her giggles long enough to choke out a few words. “You are the only being, within this entire universe, whom I will let say those words without meeting my claws.”
He chuckled. And that is because I speak the truth. I own you every bit as much as you own me, Little Fire. And, you do own me… completely.
The way he said the words, the suggestive hint in his voice… it was all too hysterical. She gripped her side, pressing against the stab of
pain her laughter had caused.
“I love you too much, Nilakanta.”
Of course you do, Kagi Naga. I am… Dragon.
His matter-of-fact answer threatened the return of her giggles.
But no matter how much you think you love me, little one. I will always love you one nugget more.
She lay upon his back, staring up at the passing clouds, a contented smile spread from ear to ear.
Tell me what happened, lovely Guardian. Speak your mind, and then release the pain. Once you have let it all go… we will start fixing your past.
At his promise, Jenevier closed her eyes and began speaking. She told him of her summons to layer eight and all that had happened there—the way the people looked just like her beloved Jinnites, and of how the one named Suou could have been Musashi’s identical twin.
Her faithful Dragon not only listened to her every word, he was connected to her in every way. He felt every tear, every emotion, every pain-filled word, as if they were his very own.
When she finished her sad tale, the two friends remained silent as the magical sapphire Dragon held his tiny Guardian… on the inside. He just held her, rocking her tender heart as a mother would her fair babe. Only when he could sense her smile returning, did he finally speak.
I know not why a fragile creature such as you came to be, but I am awfully glad that you are, Naga. You take my breath away, little one. No matter what Fate hurls your way, you fight on. You might cry and you might crumble… yet you live on despite it all. You were rightfully named our Guardian, for you hold a stubborn strength that only a Dragon could possess. I am honored to be bonded to you, Little Fire.
The feelings that passed between them needed no words.
Then, something tingled in her wings at the same moment Nilakanta went rigid.
Did you feel that? she said.
Yes. And I have felt it before.
Jenevier sat up, quickly scanning the nearby forest. Someone was there, watching them, listening to them, to their internal conversation.
Careful, little one, he warned.
Instantly, she disappeared from her Dragon’s back.
