Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3)

by JK Ensley

  “Utter nonsense?” She jumped to her feet, fuming. “What the hell, Munenori?” She glared at him. “How can you, of all people, sit there and defend his worthless hide? He did this. Purposefully, willfully, maliciously, he did this. And he wasn’t even sorry.” She jerked Iole Máni from its scabbard, flinging it across the room in one fluid motion. The wall hissed and sizzled where the violet tip pierced it. “He didn’t apologize for any of it, didn’t even feel bad for his unprecedented eradication of innocents. The only thing he was sorry about, was that I yet lived to bear witness to the real Apollyon. The one everyone warned me about. Dammit, I’m so stupid.”

  Ripping her ethereal blade from the pale marble, she touched the blackened scar her magical dagger had left there, ran her fingertips over the now permanent reminder of her unchecked anger.

  The mossy lavender Angel approached her from behind, slid his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. “Do you feel better now, Naga? Did it heal your heart, little one, tossing your anger through the air?”

  “No… I suppose not,” she whispered.

  He tightened his embrace and she melted back against him. Closing her eyes, she let her dear friend rock her in his arms, sway away her burning tears.

  “My dear sweet Naga,” he cooed soothingly. “No matter how you feel now, little sister. That ruthless Dark Angel, father of your precious son, loves you more than his own life, more than his own soul. I do not jest when I say… you are the first, the last, the only creature he ever will.” He turned her around to face him, caressing her cheek. “Apollyon has lived for countless eons, my love. Had he wanted to destroy the universe, he would have done so before now. You’re the reason—the loss of you. He didn’t even have a heart before he met you, not truly. The love you gifted him, tiny Empress, was more than he could handle. He didn’t set out to destroy innocents. His purpose was to force Father’s hand, compel God to cease his existence. Without you—”

  “Enough, I do not wish to speak of him. Not anymore, Sensei. I don’t even want to think about him. He’s dead to me, now and always.” She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “Now… no more dark words. Agreed?” She gave him a genuine, almost playful smile. “Let’s talk of other things, other wonders. Let’s hear about your little secret, Brother. I wish to know of your hidden talents. His are irrelevant. Yours are the ones that matter to me now.”

  “You know, Little Fire, you dance about on very thin ice, don’t you?” Munenori sighed and rolled his eyes. “You are capable of doing things you should not be able to do, Naga. Dangerous things, more often than not. Your biggest problem is that you’re too trusting and naïve to even keep these unlikely talents of yours hidden. There are those who could use such against you. And, there are those who don’t want others to know about their secret kind of magic. I am one such Angel.”

  “You mean… you don’t wish me to know you have a secret talent?”

  “I do not.” The mossy lavender Angel only rolled his eyes when he saw her mischievous grin.

  “Tell me. Do you hold true magic within you, Munenori?”

  “I do.”

  “Show me, please. I wish to know true magic, the kind you cannot describe with mere words. I’ve never tasted anything like you before. My tongue is still all tingly.” Fascination lit up her curious eyes. “Mika was right about you, wasn’t she? Please, Brother. Please show me your magic.”

  “You would beg?”

  “I did beg. I am begging.”

  “How can you ask me to show you magic, Little Fire? You have seen, received, and given greater magic than I can ever attest to. Do you think there’s some special magic out there that could surpass the enchanting scar upon your cheek, or these colorful curls donning your head? What about the incredible eyes I’m blessed to look into now, or those amazing weapons strapped across your tiny backside?” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “There is no magic greater than what you have already seen, my love. You have been blessed with true magic since before your birth. You’re just too curious and naïve for your own good.”

  She giggled. “This you already knew.”

  “You will not be satisfied? You wish only this thing from me?”

  “Yes, Munenori, please,” she whined.

  “Very well, Naga. Then I shall show you.”

  She didn’t even have time to register his internal growl before she found herself upon the bed, looking up at her Sensei.

  She gasped. “What’re you doing?”

  “Showing you my magic.”

  She laughed then and pushed him away. “Be serious, Brother. Are you going to show me or not?”

  “I’m trying to. But you keep squirming around.” He pushed her down, pinning her arms over her head, licking her neck, kissing her ears.

  She laughed and wriggled away from him. “Stop it. That tickles. Why do you play so?”

  “Tickles?” He grabbed her waist, pulling her back under him.

  She saw the fire burning in his eyes then, and he saw the fear growing in hers.

  “What troubles you, little Fire Dragon? Do you no longer wish to know of my… magic?”

  “Wh-what kind of magic d-do you wield?”

  He smiled then and cupped her breast in his hand. “My magic is the honorable bloodline of the Shinobi. They are of me.”

  She fought him in earnest then, scrambling off the bed.

  Now, Munenori was the one laughing.

  “You filthy dog,” she spat.

  “What? You begged me. Did you not? You were curious. You wouldn’t take no for an answer. Tell me if I lie, Naga.”

  “You tricked me.”

  He only laughed harder. “I did no such thing.” Standing up, he hugged her. “Be calm, Little Fire. I would never have gone all the way with you. I was only showing you what trouble your childish curiosity could get you into.”

  She pinched his side. “So, you lied? That’s not your magic?”

  He swatted at her hand. “Ouch, stop that, you little demon.” He yanked hard on one of her curls. “I did not lie. I am the father of the first Shinobi, and a few more since.” Tightening his embrace, he cooed in her ear, nuzzling her there with the tip of his nose. “You’re already named Mother of Angels and of Dragons. Shall you claim the title Mother of Shinobi as well? I will happily grant you that title, if you wish. Oh, do say yes, Naga. It would be my greatest pleasure… and yours as well.” He winked at her teasingly.

  “If ever I decide to birth magical ninjas, you’ll be the first one I call.” She yanked his hair in return. “And I have not birthed Dragons. I am their Guardian. Not their mother.”

  “Semantics.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You are wicked, Brother.”

  “Not as wicked as are you, little blended sister.” He kissed her atop her head. “Now, tell me. What will you do? Have you made up your mind which path to take?”

  “I will return to Vanahirdem—help the Guardians restore what has been wrought.”

  “And… will you take Daichi?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “Ugh, stubborn girl.” He flicked her forehead. “Very well, as you wish.” He poured her a cup of tea. “Let us visit a while longer, Naga. I have a gnawing feeling I’ll not get to enjoy your delightful company again for many years.”

  Chapter 52

  Vareilious

  (vah-REEL-ee-us)

  “Vinika has already taken a legion an’ is seeing tae layer one as we speak,” Vittorio said. “Come with me tae layer two. Vareilious is preparing tae head oot for Spadroon.”

  “That’s right, little lady. And Daichi’s going with me.” Vareilious laughed and slapped the azure Angel on the back. “I like him, tiny Princess. I like him too much.”

  “Yes, I was afraid of that.” She took Daichi’s hand. “If you go with my oafish brother, here, I fear I shall not be able to stand you when next we meet.”

  “Not so, Naga.” He pulled her to him. “You will be at my side, always.”
r />   “But I must attend Vittorio on Byzantha.”

  He growled. “You will not attend Vittorio anywhere.” Daichi glared at the mighty warrior in question.

  “Aye, Brother, I’ll care for her as if she were my own. She’ll want for naethin’. This is how it’s always been with us. I love her above all things… living, dead, or otherwise.”

  “Vittorio.” She cast a warning glance toward her old friend. “Daichi isn’t used to your play. He’s not as easy going as good Vareilious, here.” She tried to ease the tension she could feel building in his chest. “Daichi, listen to me—”

  He glared at her, freezing her words in her throat.

  “Do not play this down to me, Naga. I know your heart. I have seen and felt everything between you and that warrior, there. I know how your love for him isn’t as a friend only. You would let him touch you. Do not deny it. You have no control where this strange speaking Guardian is concerned.”

  “Daichi, do not speak to me as if I am a child.” She balled her fists up at her sides.

  “Then do not act as one,” he said. “Remember, you are Kagi Naga, Guardian of Dragons and Empress of Jinn.” He motioned his head toward Vittorio. “He is not worthy of you and I will not allow it.”

  “Whoa… whoa… whoa.” Vareilious held his hands up. “Are you two speaking some weird language or something? What is a Naga? And what do you mean, Guardian of Dragons?” He tried to make his voice sound regal to match Daichi’s proper speech. “And all I have to say about Jenevier going to Byzantha is… Umm, hell to the no.”

  They all stared at Vareilious, mouths agape, before Jenevier burst out laughing.

  “Do you live on Earth, Brother? Have you taken a home on layer eight?” She laughed so hard she snorted. “You have no idea how ridiculous those words sound coming from your perfectly sculpted lips.”

  “That’s right, Empress Jen. And I know how much you love my sculpted lips.” He over exaggerated a great swagger as he came toward her, holding up his massive hand for a high-five. “You green?”

  She giggled when their hands met. “Super green.”

  His eyes widened. “Ah, you’ve seen it, too, then? I love it. That’s my favorite movie.”

  “Mine too,” she squealed. “I must have watched it a dozen times while I was in exile.”

  Vittorio and Daichi only stared at them.

  “Quiver ladies, quiver.” Vareilious continued to act out the scenes.

  Jenevier joined him. “So tell me, my man. You nervous in the service?”

  “Mmm… not really.” He winked at her. “Oh, and one of my faves… A perfect replica of the Old Opera House… But who cares.” Vareilious twirled his hand in the air.

  She giggled again. “And to my right, a row of ministers more sinister than minister.”

  “Boy, ain’t that the truth.” He laughed and held out his fist for a confirmation knuckle bump. She obliged him.

  “Aye, enough already. Bloody hell. I cannae stand it when he acts this way. But ye, my Angel, please dunnae carry on so with him.”

  “I must concur with Vittorio on this one, Naga,” Daichi said. “That language is vile, especially coming from one such as you.”

  She only rolled her eyes. “I will speak how it is I wish to speak. Now, the last time I checked, neither one of you claimed to be my father nor my master. Scold me again, and I will teach you a bloody lesson you’ll not soon forget.”

  Vareilious held up his hand for another high five.

  “Very well, Naga. As you wish.” Daichi bowed low toward her. He knew better than to even try at this point. He addressed Vareilious, “I will explain what you have asked, Brother. Kagi Naga is now her name, given to her by God. It means Fire Dragon. And her curls are colored thusly to represent them. She bonded with the greatest among them, Nilakanta. You saw him during the battle on Jinn. And you heard the people name her their Empress with your own ears. She is Angel. Not Vanir. Her path is very different from yours. I am her Blessing, her gift from Father. He made me and placed me within her so I could one day heal her very soul.” He looked to her then. “It seems I must do thus daily.” He smiled and gave her a little wink. “We can read and sense everything about the other. Only I can keep her from shattering. And only I can weave her essence back together… We are one.”

  “Then why is it you look exactly like Tenshi and very near to Apollyon, if you deny being of his blood?” Vareilious asked.

  “Tenshi looks like his father, yes. But he is definitely his mother’s son. I was made to be only what she loved the most. I greatly resemble her dark husband. Yet I have your sense of mischievousness, Brother.” He inclined his head toward Vareilious.

  “And don’t forget the smirk,” Vareilious said. “I see you’ve mastered it as well.”

  “Pfft, he’s more like you than you can possibly imagine,” Jenevier mumbled.

  Vareilious bent down to look her in the eye. “And that’s because you secretly love me the most.” He winked and clicked his tongue. She giggled again.

  Daichi cleared his throat. “I care for her, treasure her, and protect her as much as good Vittorio, here. And I love her above all things, as did Varick.”

  “Is that so, Angel?” Vareilious snorted out a laugh. “Then tell me. How in the hell are we supposed to compete with that?”

  “You are not,” Daichi answered flatly.

  “Aye, then I’m curious, lad. Can one of ye yet live withoot the other? Does one’s breath cease at the other’s death?”

  “I know not, Vittorio. Nor do I ever wish to find out.” Daichi bristled at the question. “Why would you ask such a thing?”

  “Curiosity alone,” he said.

  Daichi growled at the kilted Vanir, but Vittorio only crossed his arms over his chest.

  “Aye now, lad. Growl all ye like. What I want tae know is… if ye get in over yer wings an’ God takes ye, will yer death sacrifice her life? Just remember. Yer love an’ devotion doesnae erase mine, Brother. Cannae erase mine.” Vittorio sighed then and looked to Jenevier. “Yet… I give ye my word an’ base it upon my honor. I wulnae touch her. I know how I’d feel if our roles were reversed. I love her too much tae diminish her, even the tiniest wee bit.” He placed a tender kiss upon her hand before turning back to his brothers. “But why does any of that mean she cannae accompany me tae layer two? The Byzanthians will need her help more than anyone upon layer three.”

  “She is only whole when we are together.” Daichi’s tone left no room for argument.

  “And besides that,” Vareilious added. “She’ll never again set foot within the second realm. Not as long as I still draw breath.”

  “I most certainly will.” She stiffened her back, daring either one of them to challenge her. “I love layer two, terribly so. I will one day go back there and play in their musical forest. Byzantha feels like a long lost friend I never knew I had. How am I to let another day pass, knowing it’s been completely destroyed and doing naught when I could?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Byzantha is my choice.”

  “Aye, that settles it then,” Vittorio said.

  “That most certainly does not settle it.” Both Vareilious and Daichi spoke in unison.

  Jenevier stared at them and shook her head. “Ugh, exactly the same,” she mumbled. “I can understand why Daichi would try to forbid me from going. But why you, Brother?”

  “I don’t wish to say,” Vareilious huffed.

  “If you will not give voice to your cause, then cease your voice entirely. I’ll not be toyed with nor will I be jerked around by any of you. State your reasoning or bless my departure. Those are your options.”

  “Why must you always be so difficult? Have I ever said to you… You will or will not do this thing?” Vareilious spoke in a high voice, bobbing his head back and forth. “No, I have not. So think, Maiden. Perhaps I have a good reason for not wanting you to go to Byzantha, but wish not to speak it aloud.”

  Jenevier narrowed her eyes, looking deep within
him, reading what it was her brother was leaving unsaid. “I see… So, you know of Syadar.”

  Vareilious’s eyes widened. “Don’t do that Angel thing to me. You know I hate that.”

  She gently placed her hand on his massive arm. “Are you worried for me, old friend? Is that it? Do you fear I will find his mangled body amongst the bloody rubble? Stumble upon his lifeless form among the trees?”

  All playfulness left his face. “No, my Princess. Those are not the fears I harbor.”

  “Then tell me, Brother. Please.”

  Vareilious gently took her hand in his. “My greatest fear, Milady, isn’t that you’ll find his corpse. But that you will find him whole… and waiting for you.”

  Chapter 53

  Daichi

  (dye-SHEE)

  On the horrible day of Varick’s death, Jenevier had returned to Vanahirdem with her twin Angels and was met with a less than warm welcome.

  After all the painful words had been spilled and all the bitter tears had been cried, as a whole, they went to the healing pool in the sacred dome. Never had they all been as broken as they were this day.

  Jenevier entered the waters with Vareen and stayed until the light began to sparkle in the lovely woman’s eyes once more.

  As for her own heart, the waters had no effect. It wasn’t as it had been before. She felt no different within the pool than she did standing next to it.

  Perhaps this isn’t something for Angels to partake of. This magic belongs only to the Guardians.

  This mass healing reminded her so much of the sorrowful night her dearest friend and brother, Vittorio, said his farewells to them all. She remembered how the mighty warrior looked as he lay dying within this giant basin. It was now as it was then. They gathered together and spoke of the joyous memories they had shared with the one who was no longer among them. They laughed. They talked. And eventually, they healed.

  Tenshi and Daichi were marvelously entertained by her silver-haired family and the many colorful stories they spun about the amazing adventures they had all shared. They even brought up things Jenevier hadn’t recalled for years. Blessed laughter rang throughout the dome and smiles were as plentiful as tear drops.