by JK Ensley
*****
“Well, well, well… Lookie here who we found.”
Izaru turned to face the approaching giants.
“Aye, Brother,” Vittorio said through a cold smile. “Looks a bit like a wee white weasel tae me.”
“Wh-who are you?” Izaru backed further into the cave as he spoke. “What do you want with me? Do not harm me. I am unarmed.”
“Aye now, is that so?” Vittorio looked to his ethereal counterpart. “An’ what do ye think aboot that, Brother?”
Vareilious snarled, saliva dripping from his razor sharp teeth. “I’d say that’s rather poor planning on your part, weasel dude.”
Izaru withdrew his hidden sword with one hand, while pointing a shaking pistol with the other.
“St-stay b-back. I’m wa-warning you.”
The Guardian Vanirs shared a knowing glance as they continued their purposeful advance.
“I said, stay back. D-don’t make me have to—”
“Have to what?” Vareilious growled. “We only wanted to play with you. Where’s the harm in that?”
“Aye, are ye nae the one who likes tae look upon pain, wee butler? Do ye nae think it’s a beautiful thing tae behold?”
“I’m pretty sure that’s the rumor I heard,” Vareilious hissed.
Bitter, terrified screams rang out through the darkness, mingled together with deep celestial laughter… and then faded into the night.
*****
“There are too many of you now to pick out just one,” Duhrias said. “You shine beside me. That dark-winged one you were gawking at looks like someone flipped on a light switch.” He playfully bumped her with his elbow as he spoke. “There were two others—stood taller than me even… but I don’t see them now.”
“Taller than you,” she mumbled to herself. “Were they silver of hair as well? Much like the woman?”
Duhrias cast her a sideways glance and smiled. “I figured they were some more of your boys.” He chuckled. “You like them fair of hair, don’t you, Kagi Naga?”
She smiled with only one corner of her mouth. “I prefer my boys with long silky tresses, yes. But they do not have to be fair. I like all colors.”
He yanked another one of her curls. “That’s good to hear. My locks flow long as well.”
She raised a single brow. “And don’t think I didn’t notice.”
Duhrias’s playful smile faded. “There she is.” He pointed to his left. “There’s your silver sister, crossing blades with the Prince.”
Jenevier was gone in a blink. Duhrias gave chase.
She was no longer playful and teasing. The tiny Death Angel left a large path of severed bodies, falling to ash in her wake. She slammed into the giant she-Guardian, pinning her to the ground.
When she confirmed that the bright blue eyes of her heavenly kin were absent this lovely ethereal face, when she saw that maddened brown eyes now looked up at her, Jenevier laughed and stood up, releasing her angelic looking prisoner.
“She is all yours, Your Highness.” She nodded toward the now standing Vanir. “Stop her, and you stop the war.” Her gaze met Prince Suou’s. “Remove her head, and this will all go away. It is your destiny, Milord. Seize it.”
Jenevier turned back to Duhrias then, smiling as she neared the handsome sell-sword. He flinched when a guttural scream tore from Valencia’s throat as the Brutus-possessed she-Guardian lunged at Jenevier, quickly bringing that ethereal blade down full force… slicing the smiling Angel down the entire length of her back—from her right shoulder, across her spine, and out again.
Jenevier’s eyes went wide as she slowly fell, face-first upon the ground. She heard a bestial yell, and then a sickening thump. Blinking twice before the glowing face came into focus, Jenevier silently watched as Valencia’s dismembered head fell to ash.
She snorted out a laugh, smiling as she rolled onto her back and looked up at the sparkling stars.
“It is finished,” she whispered, elated.
Ringing laughter drew her attention to enchanting amethyst eyes, and then to the hand extended down toward her. She firmly grasped Ahriman’s forearm as he pulled her to her feet and embraced her.
“I knew that was no ordinary tattoo,” he said through his laugh.
She hugged him back, still a bit dazed.
Gratitude, Nilakanta. You saved my life.
It was my honor, Little Fire. I will always have your back, Naga.
Ahriman picked her up and spun her through the air like a child’s doll.
“Sakura?”
All laughter ceased at the Prince’s whisper.
She turned to face him, bowing in her Dragon manner. “Prince Suou.”
“How is it you yet live, Sakura?” He slowly approached her. “I watched that demoness’s blade slice you nearly in two.”
Jenevier turned, exposing her back where her dress had been cut away.
“Dragon scales,” she said over her shoulder.
The Prince lightly touched her flesh, and then snatched her up in his arms. “By the gods. Oh, Sakura, I was so scared. That blade cut through my heart as it sliced through your back. I thought… no… I begged to fall by your side.”
“God forbid,” she said, pulling back to look upon his face. “You have an amazing future waiting out there for you, Suou. Don’t you dare throw it away. Not for anyone.” She placed her hands on both sides of his smiling face. “Do you understand me?”
He nodded, blinking away his tears.
“Good.” She smiled. “Because I certainly didn’t go through all this hell, just so you could count it as rubbish.”
She winked then and he pulled her back to him, hugging her ferociously.
The approaching sapphire Angel cleared his throat. “That’s quite enough of that now,” he said, smiling. “Unhand my mama or take your last breath.”
“Tenshi!” she yelled, struggling to free herself from the Prince’s strong embrace.
Jenevier ran to her only son and jumped into his arms.
“Oh, Mama,” he whispered into her curls. “I was so afraid I would never see you again. I have been sick with worry.”
“I missed you, too, my beautiful boy.” She kissed both his cheeks, and then looked around. “Where are all the others? I was certain Uriel would show up, if nothing more than to gloat.”
“I asked them to wait for us at the palace, Mama. I wanted to be the one to come get you. Anything that needs to be said…” He quickly glanced around at the others. “…should not find voice in present company.”
“This is your son?” Prince Suou asked as the giant sapphire Angel lowered her back to her feet.
She smiled brightly. “Yes. This is my Tenshi,” she chirped. “Tenshi, this is Prince Suou.”
“Yes, I know.” Tenshi accepted the man’s proffered forearm.
“I’m sorry.” Suou furrowed his brow. “Have we met?”
“Not properly, no.” Tenshi half smiled. “But I was there under the cherry trees when first you kidnapped her.”
Prince Suou blushed.
“Come, Tenshi. You know Vybius.” Jenevier didn’t see the cold glare the two Angels exchanged. “And this fine looking gentleman here, is Duhrias Rogallis—Spirit of the Rogall River, excellent sell-sword, and my one and only sworn Knight.”
Tenshi grasped the other man’s forearm, smiling. “Ah, yes. Leave it to my mama to find the rarest upon this land and bind him to her side.” He winked. “Very good to meet you.”
“N-nice to meet you as well,” Duhrias said, shock and awe in his glorious emerald eyes.
“He saved my life,” Jenevier whispered.
“Is that so?” Tenshi draped his arm across her shoulders. “Gratitude, Duhrias. I will forever be in your debt.” He looked down at his mother. “And who else do I owe allegiance to?” He squeezed her just a little tighter. “Don’t tell me you nearly died only once.”
Jenevier blushed and smiled. “You know me too well, my son.” She motioned with a nod of her
head. “Each of these three gentlemen claimed a part in ensuring I now draw breath before you.” She hooked her thumb, pointing toward her bared back. “And do not forget Nilakanta. Valencia would have slain me if it were not for my beloved Dragon.”
Gratitude, bonded brother, Tenshi thought.
Such is my life, baby Angel. I wish it no other way.
Chapter 24
Gokula
(GAH-que-lah)
“Apologies, Empress Naga,” Prince Suou said, kneeling before her.
“There are no apologies to be made.” She reached for him. “Now get up, Your Highness. And never let me catch you on your knees again, especially not in front of me. Think of your people, Suou. They need to believe you are not just a man.” She smiled softly and took his arm. “It helps them sleep at night. Trust me in this.”
“But I can never be sorry enough for Izaru’s poor treatment of you, Milady. And it’s all my fault. I should never have gone off hunting on my own. I forced you to enter my home against your will. I all but demanded you stand by my side and grant me that secret dance.” He sighed wearily. “If it weren’t for my own selfish actions, you would never have met Izaru or Akio.”
“Everything happens for a reason.” She gently patted his arm. “Your ripples have returned to you, and you have duly paid for your mistakes, Prince Suou. As have I. All is as it should be.”
“I still don’t understand one thing.” Tenshi set his empty teacup back on the saucer. “Well… more than one, actually. But… if it wasn’t one of you…” He looked at the three men seated around the table with them. “…then who sent the box? Who else even knew the story? And… who is twisted enough to leave a severed head in a box on the doorstep?”
Jenevier glanced back over at the blood-caked white hair sticking out through the half-open flaps. She shuddered.
“I am twisted enough,” Ahriman said with a half grin. “As is your father, little Tenshi.”
The sapphire Angel matched the soul-eaters smirk. “My father has not been upon this layer, least not in the past many days. So sadly, it was not him.”
“And just how could you be knowing a thing like that, baby Angel?” Ahriman asked.
Tenshi shrugged his shoulders. “Because, I do not smell him.”
Ahriman’s eyes narrowed. “Smell him? What do you mean, smell him? The dark Prince is undetectable by all. You cannot smell him.”
“I can,” Jenevier whispered.
“As can I,” Tenshi said.
The amethyst-eyed Angel looked from mother to son. “And does he know this?”
Jenevier only nodded her head, yet didn’t speak.
“Well, we have never sat down and discussed it, no,” Tenshi said. “But yes, he knows.”
“Can you smell me as well?” Ahriman asked, looking only at Jenevier.
One corner of her mouth turned up in a smile as she met his gaze. “You know I can, Vybius.”
His smile widened, knowingly.
“I can smell every creature I have ever crossed paths with—every man, beast, Angel, or demon… save one.” She cut her eyes toward Duhrias. “Only one being in the whole of creation. Now, what does that say? Hmm?”
Duhrias shot her a conspiratorial wink. “I wonder.”
Just as everyone began to shuffle about uncomfortably, Jenevier spoke.
“I know who left Izaru’s head upon your threshold, Your Highness.” She glanced quickly at the Prince before looking back at her sworn Knight. “Tell me what the two men looked like, Dimples. The ones you said joined the battle for a time.”
His gaze remained fixed with hers as he spoke. “Their skin was iridescent, glorious as yours. They shone in the moonlight, rather hard to miss.” He snorted out a small laugh. “Their hair was as silver, and one of them had muscles on top of his muscles. The other one’s braid hung down past his knees… and he wore a skirt.”
Jenevier giggled. “He will claim your head if ever he hears you say such.” She winked at the sell-sword. “It’s called a kilt.”
“Why are those bloody Guardians always sticking their nose in where it doesn’t belong?” Ahriman huffed.
“They are my brothers.” Jenevier glanced back to the jealous soul-eater. “And as such, they will always watch my back. I saw them while we were yet in Akio’s home. They listened as the two of you argued about him paying Izaru to steal me, and the subsequent injuries I received because of it.”
Ahriman smiled. “So… that’s why you were not listening to me. You were too busy watching them… checking out other men. And you kept all that a secret?” He chuckled softly. “Good girl, Little Fire. Seems we are more alike than I have yet realized.”
Tenshi growled until she placed her hand over his. Ahriman ignored the threat.
“So, you think Vittorio did this?” Tenshi said.
She smiled knowingly. “I am almost certain Vittorio is the one to remove his head, yes. But it was definitely Vareilious who put it in a box and left it here.” She softly chuckled. “He watches too many movies.”
“Vittorio?” Suou said, a little louder than he meant to. “Is that not the name you used for your betrothed? Is he your husband?”
Tenshi cleared his throat uncomfortably. Jenevier felt the coming tears burning the backs of her eyes.
“That is a story for a different day,” she whispered. “Come, Prince Suou.” She stood, reaching for him. “I would like to meet your father, if it is well that I should do so. And then… I believe I owe you a dance before I leave.”
*****
“Did that hurt?” Jenevier asked as she sat behind the Prince, braiding his hair.
He chuckled. “No, Milady. I am made of much stronger stuff than that. A tug upon my locks will never bring my tears.” He looked down from the balcony, gazing at the enchanted cherry trees. “Although I will admit, it hurt my feelings when you asked to change my hair. Do you think I look bad?”
She sort of snorted. “On your worst day, you outshine them all, Your Highness,” she half mumbled. “It’s just… the way you wear your hair calls to mind…” Her words trailed off.
He waited a couple more heartbeats before speaking. “Calls to mind Musashi?”
She didn’t answer, but her hands stilled in his hair for a moment before she cleared her throat and changed the subject.
“I cannot help but wonder at the change in Akio,” she mused. “He almost made me feel bad for him. Things stood simpler when our tying bond was one of hate.” She sighed. “Although… I am quite curious as to why he turned from battle so easily. I expected at least a bit of an argument.”
“Hate?” Suou half laughed. “Are you thick, Milady?” He reached around, stilling her hands, gently taking them in his. “Akio Kazuto never hated you, Naga.” He smiled as he brushed his fingertips down her cheek. “Love… there is no greater cause to turn from battle,” he whispered.
“Love…” She paused. “I am fast growing to hate that word, more with each passing day.” She pulled her hands from his. “The only two people who ever truly loved me, loved Jenevier, are my best friend Jezreel, and my beautiful son sitting downstairs waiting for me now.”
“How can you say that?” He grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to look him in the eye. “I have loved you since the moment I first saw you.”
“I know you think that… but it’s a lie. It is one of my talents, my gifts. It is my curse, Suou. I don’t do it on purpose. It just happens.”
“How can you call love a curse?”
“Because it isn’t real.” She glanced toward the magical garden below. “None of it is. It is all an illusion—smoke and mirrors, a fantastical spell, a heart-capturing charm. I do not claim to know how it works, not exactly. I know not if it is my eyes, or my voice, or if I give off some weird love pheromone.” She jerked her arms free from his grasp. “But it is a weapon, of that I am certain. A weapon, just as surely as are my claws… or my wings.”
At the word, they spread forth from her sides. Prince Suou ga
sped and reached for her again. She stepped back.
“Listen to me, good Prince, and heed my borrowed wisdom. You have been tested. You have weathered a great storm. And just like all the scattered debris after such a storm, you must clear the way… find your path again. Your father has been a fair and just King. Heed his wise counsel. He will not lead you astray. He loves his kingdom, yes, but he loves his son more. Obey him and Gokula will continue to thrive.” She smiled softly. “I am glad our paths crossed, Suou. We do not stumble across people merely by accident. You were sent into my life to heal a painful scar wrought by another. This you have done, my friend, and I can never be thankful enough. To show my deepest gratitude, I will leave you with these words, and then bestow a gift upon you. We fought with demons and darkness this time, not with humans. Humans are precious creatures, ones you are meant to protect. That is your destiny. You will be a great King if you remember this… Bloodshed only leads to more bloodshed. Hatred leads to only more hatred. Humanity is made up of more than the angry horde who try to control it. Lead by example, dear friend.” She smiled and took a small step back. “And now… the gift.” Jenevier held her tattooed hand up as she spoke. “I unbind thee, Prince Suou. I unbind your heart and return your will.”
The Prince suddenly jerked, like he had unexpectedly bumped into an invisible wall. He closed his eyes and swayed. Holding his head in his hands, Suou stumbled back into his chair.
When several quiet moments had passed, he looked back up at her with what seemed like brand new eyes.
“Forgive me, Milady.” He bowed graciously. “I have acted unseemly toward you.” He paused, searching his memory. A horrified look crossed his face. “How could I have behaved thusly? Come, Empress Naga. I have intruded upon your life long enough.” He motioned with a graceful sweep of his arm. “Your son awaits his mother, and your friends will hold ill toward me if I monopolize any more of your precious time.”
