^^ Quite innocent... at least I think it is.
Chapter Thirteen of A Story to Tell
Ends, Beginnings and Interludes
Yen (April 2000)
She stared at herself in the mirror. She saw a face whose eyes were too bright, flushed cheeks and tightly pressed pale lips. Her hand shook and for an instant, her mind visualized the mirror broken.
Mukuro turned away before her temper loosed. Her skin crawled and stung for she had been too thorough in scrubbing herself clean during her bath. Anger yearned to be free.
Nausea made its appearance, and she clamped a hand over her mouth. Eyes widened in panic as a sudden fever took her body. Even as she pressed her other arm against her convulsing stomach, her legs weakened, and she fell to her knees.
Hand left mouth to flatten its palm against the granite floor. She barely noticed its reassuring cold support as she began retch dry air. Her empty vomiting seemed to help as pain receded.
She dimly heard the sound of a door opening and slamming shut.
"Mukuro!" Sense left her just as Seran lifted her from the floor.
Snow... white flakes of frozen water floating down to carpet the ground. She blinked, and stared at the white unfamiliar landscape stretching seemingly endless to the distant horizon. It was snowing...
A soft cry made her whirl. Muscles tensed and ready, eyes scanned for danger. Her composure slipped a bit at the sight of the huddled figure a few steps away from her.
Whoever, whatever it was was dressed in a dirty shag of a cloak. Mukuro frowned.
"It's all right..." She started upon hearing the gentle voice. It was familiar, musical in its lint, light though sadness tinged it.
It rose slowly. A wind suddenly whistled and pushed back dark folds to reveal a woman's face.
She looked weary, but the trials of existence couldn't hide the fact that she was very beautiful.
"Where did she go?!" The gruff bellow made her look back fearfully. Wide green eyes were terribly frightened. She suddenly turned back and stared at Mukuro.
Mukuro stepped towards her and paused uneasily when there was no reaction from the stranger. "... Who are you?" She asked and stiffened when there were further shouts.
"I'm sure she went this way!"
"Imbecile! How could you allow yourself to be tricked by a woman?!"
"She couldn't have gotten far with that load she's carrying."
Mukuro asked the woman again, "Why are they chasing you?"
There was no recognition from her, no sign that she even heard her. She suddenly kneeled down, and Mukuro finally noticed the basket on the snow.
"It will be all right," she whispered again. She smiled and reached into the basket.
"I'll come back for you, I promise, little one..." She uttered a tight sob. "... If they catch me, at least I know you will be all right. I'll send my soul to the Reikai for your life."
Whoever was chasing her was coming closer.
"Don't cry. Please be quiet." With those last words, she stood up and ran, moving in a direction away from the basket and towards her pursuers.
Snow began to fall harder, and Mukuro finally willed her legs to move towards the basket.
She heard her name called just as she reached it.
Mukuro... She looked around her warily. When she heard nothing else, she looked down and saw that the basket had been overturned. It was empty.
... What does this mean?
Mukuro, wake up...
Bright blue replaced white, and she blinked at Seran. Relief replaced the concern in his eyes. "Thank goodness. You finally woke up," he said.
"... What happened to me?"
He didn't answer immediately, instead he stood up from her bedside and moved away to return moments later with a cold compress in his hand. He began to wipe the sweat from her face. He replied then, "You had an allergic reaction to the drug."
"..."
Seran took a deep breath and released it reluctantly. "You tried to overcome the rilan's inhibitors."
"... You speak of it as if it is alive."
"In a way it is, Mukuro."
He backed away when Mukuro sat up suddenly and glared at him.
"Explain, Seran." There was not arguing with that tone.
He looked away, uncomfortable with her stare. He took a few moments to compose his explanation speech.
"Rilan is an intelligent drug." Keep it short and simple. "It is meant to be a prescription for depressed people." Mukuro's eyes flashed at that statement, and he barely managed to continue without a pause. "In short, rilan, for as long as it is in the user's system, makes certain its host is happy. If the patient tries to overcome the drug, it persuades the individual against the action."
"... Are you telling me, this thing will make me sick if I am not happy?"
"Yes, you can say it that way."
"... Seran."
"Yes, Mukuro?"
"Destroy every single grain of rilan."
"Yes, Mukuro."
"Burn the formula."
"Well... I wouldn't want to be that extreme- Very well."
Fifth and Last Day of the Conference
Enki looked very satisfied as he presided over the meeting. Technically, this meeting was not necessary. All of concerned issues had been dealt with yesterday between he and Kokou with Yoda and Shigure.
"Yomi, Mukuro," he nodded graciously to his counterparts, "I must express my delight at the great success of this year's Makai Conference, the very first in our world." Beside him, Kokou smiled with agreement.
Yoda and Shigure looked exceedingly smug though the latter tried to appear unconcerned. On the other hand, their lords didn't looked as pleased.
That bothered Enki, but he hid his concern and gestured for Kokou to proceed.
Kokou - "We would like to determine in advance the time and location of next year's conference."
Enki - "There is also the matter of the Makai Tournament to be held in Mukuro's territory next year."
There was a pause as both turned towards Yomi. They knew of his objections at the idea of the tournament to be held in a location other than Gandara. All with the exception of Mukuro were surprised when he simply nodded, assenting to the matter.
Yoda seemed uncomfortable and visibly start when Shigure spoke, "We would like to suggest that the next conference be held in conjunction with the tournament."
Yoda was about to object when Yomi silenced him with a near invisible shake of his head.
Enki nodded slowly and asked, "We do not object to the proposal. How about you, Yomi?"
Yomi replied, "We do not object as well."
"Very well, as host, I declare this morning's meeting closed and decided. Lord Mukuro, your kingdom will host the next conference as well as the tournament. My people will gladly assist you in the preparations."
Mukuro acknowledged his offer, "Thank you, Lord Enki."
When no one else spoke out further, Enki clapped his hands resoundingly and stood up. The others followed suit as he announced loudly to the rest of the hall's attendants. "This night's celebration will be the merriest and loudest than has been ever seen in Makai! It is a confirmation that the three kingdoms can coexist, work and result in harmony. I make a degree that this day be made a holiday to mark and to show our world's unity and the dreams of our civilization! Long May Peace Reign!"
People applauded as the order of the hall turned ruckus. Someone cheered, repeating Enki's last words, "Long May Peace Reign!"
The cry was carried on. "Long May Peace Reign! Long Live Lord Enki! Long Live Lord Yomi! Long Live Lord Mukuro! Long Live Makai!"
That night...
Shura wriggled in excitement as he caught the sounds and noises of celebration. He could smell it in the air even far away from the banquet.
He wriggled again, and Seran complained, "Keep still, Shura." He was behind him, trying to finish braiding Shura's hair.
He couldn't help it. "Hurry up, Sensei!"
Seran grumbled, "Why did you have to grow your hair so long..."
"Your hair is long too."
"Yes, but I know how to keep it in order."
"You didn't like how I fixed my hair."
"Shura, I will not let you out in public with a crooked braid."
"I'll wear my hair down then."
He felt Seran's hands leave his hair. "Never mind. It's done."
Shura turned and checked glanced over his shoulder to check his reflection in the mirror.
Seran said wryly, "Don't worry. It's straight." He continued curiously, "But why did you suddenly want your hair braided?" Shura usually wore his hair down like his father.
"Lady Naomi suggested I braid my hair, and so did Chuu."
Seran chuckled. "I see."
"... I don't know if Papa will like it though." Shura suddenly sounded dubious. "... Maybe I should wear my hair down instead-"
"Oh no." Seran dragged his pupil towards the door before his work could be demolished. "You look fine," he added reassuringly to the worried Shura.
Kokou squealed, "Shura! You look absolutely adorable!" Beside her, Naomi smiled, looking somber but pleased that her suggestion was heeded.
Shura blushed red when he found himself surrounded by a cooing and affectionate audience.
"Ah... thank you." Luckily for him, Kokou and Naomi acted as bodyguards as one by one, appreciative women introduced or reacquainted themselves to him. Occasionally, he was approached by interested men.
Beside Seran, Yoda chuckled as he tended to his wine cup. "He certainly looks younger with his hair done in that fashion. Did you do that, Seran?"
"At his request, Yoda."
The next few moments, both men remained silent, both comfortable with a quiet atmosphere.
"He must be well-guarded, Seran." Yoda peered with wise old eyes at the taller youkai. "I know few others as innocent and sheltered as Lord Shura."
Seran replied somberly, "He is observant, much more keen to his surroundings than his youth suggest. He is not as innocent as he appears to be."
"Has he taken his first female?"
"He has yet to show interest in the opposite sex."
"Male?"
"He adores only Yomi."
Yoda muttered, "He's still innocent. His ignorance is a weakness. He is a tempting prey to predators"
Seran muttered back, "He is studying advanced biology now."
"There is no better teacher than experience. Books are not enough," declared Yoda softly.
Seran's eyelids half lowered in irritation. "Well... there is someone who intrigues him."
Yoda leaned close. "Who?"
"Lady Mukuro."
"... Gods forbid!"
"Papa!"
Yomi smiled as Shura rushed to him with a look of relief on his face. Behind him, Kokou and Naomi were subtly driving away prospective parties. It was not too hard for Yomi's stern bearing was a very good deterrent to fortune and power seekers, except when they had too much alcohol.
"Hello, Shura," he greeted with the slightest hint of pride in his tone. Though it was clear that he shared a very close bond with his son, he preferred not to openly advertise where his affections lay. Unknown to Shura, there was an ever present watch on him. He had lost count of the number of thwarted kidnapping attempts on Shura. The instigators were fatally punished.
Court intrigues and sex was a greater problem where Shura was concerned. Simply, if his enemies couldn't get to Yomi, Shura was the next target.
Shura smiled at him, then suddenly looked uncertain. "Papa, is my hair all right to you?" He asked hopefully.
If he only knew how tightly he had Yomi twisted around his little finger. Warmth bloomed in his chest, and he almost choked with emotion. "You look very handsome, Shura," he managed to say without hesitation.
"Really?!"
"Yes, really." He was extremely glad that Shura only acted so unsure with him. He must learn to conceal his feelings better. ... Was I too soft with him?
"Hello Shura." Yomi barely waylaid the impulse to step in front of Shura protectively when Mukuro approached them.
The way Shura's eyes brightened yet lowered shyly at the sight of her worried Yomi.
"Hello, Lady Mukuro..." There was no doubt about it. Shura likes her.
She likes him too. Mukuro nodded civilly at him and reached out to take Shura's hand. !!! "Will you dance with me, Shura?" She asked his son warmly.
Shura never looked as conflicted as he did now. "Uh..." He glanced at him for permission, but stumbled away when Mukuro pulled him towards the dance floor. "We have to hurry. The song is about to begin."
The center of the hall was kept cleared for the entertainers and the occasional dance. Already, circles of dancers were ready and waiting for the musicians to start the proper song.
Yomi interceded. "Mukuro, do you even know how to do this dance?" It was not one of the ubiquitous dances familiar in Gandara. He doubted the people in her territory dance to the same or similar tune as people did over here in the desert kingdom.
She looked at him unconcernedly. "I prepare, Yomi. I studied their customs before I left my citadel."
He retorted, "Reading books do not immediately mean you can do it." He ignored the crowd of interested witnesses to the argument with practiced ease. "Mukuro, I do not want you stepping on Shura's toes."
Her eyes narrowed warningly. "I will not step on Shura's toes." She gave his son a flirtatious look. "I have no intention of damaging him." Shura turned red at her suggestive whisper.
Yomi frowned darkly and was about to argue further when someone bumped against him. He glanced aside furiously to Seran who whispered warningly, "You're making a fool of yourself. It's just a dance."
He whispered back, "Does Shura even know how to do this dance?"
"Of course, I prepared him well before we left Gandara. Unlike you, he is not close-minded." Before Yomi could reply to that insult, he added, "She's trying to irritate you."
"..." His mouth thinned momentarily before his expression changed back to its usual look of boredom.
"Very well." You win this round, Mukuro.
To be continued...
Yen
Author's note: I just adore Shura! ^^