*grins*

Chapter Fourteen of A Story to Tell

Moves, Sacrifices, Causes and Effects

Written by Yen (May 2000)

Shura kept his eyes down as Mukuro led him through the milling crowd. He could hear the rise and fall of voices as their owners gossip about him and Mukuro.

"Lucky boy..." "She's too old for him!" "Yomi doesn't like it..." "Never thought Lord Mukuro liked them young..."

His cheeks burned with embarrassment, and Shura wished he didn't have multiple pairs of ears. He started almost visibly when her hand squeezed his reassuringly. He looked up just as she tossed a mischievous wink at him over her shoulder. He smiled, reassured. No matter how many times his father and especially Yoda warned him of her, he felt safe with Mukuro.

She turned towards him just as they reached the dance area. Eyes twinkled blue-green as she stepped close to him. Shura watched curiously as did many others as she raised a hand and level it with the top of her head. She then moved it towards Shura. Her hand brushed against his eyebrows.

"You've grown taller, Shura," she said with a smile as she lowered her hand.

He straightened proudly. "Sensei says I might even be taller than papa."

Mukuro's brow lifted. "Indeed...?" She suddenly frowned. "He's not giving you growth supplements, is he?"

Shura blinked at her dark tone. "... No." He felt guilty. "Lady Mukuro, it's my fault you drank the rilan, not his."

Her smile returned. "I know," she said as she tugged him towards a particular circle of dancers, "I just find it hard to blame you, Shura."

He blushed again at her words, not having any idea of how endearing he looked. "Thank you, Lady Mukuro."

Again, she squeezed his hand gently. Ahead, he could see Lord Enki and Lady Kokou waiting for them with Lady Naomi and Chuu.

"Please call me Mukuro, Shura."

Yomi watched the dance with an indecipherable look on his face. A step behind him, Yoda and Seran exchanged worried looks.

Shura smiled as Mukuro turned gracefully in his arms. Her hands were pressed together over her head, and her smile for him widened with each complete turn.

"You dance well, Shura," she said softly as she moved out of his arms to step slowly to his back. He almost missed a step of the intricate dance, distracted by her comment.

"So do you, Mukuro," he managed to reply as he turned in place following her movement. He barely noticed the other dancers around them as he paid close attention on his and her steps. He was no expert in this dance despite the detailed coaching from Seran commencing weeks before the Conference.

Her hand playfully brushing against his face undid his concentration. Automatically he grabbed it and pressed a kiss against her fingers. He stilled suddenly, stunned by his own action as a collective gasp from their audience shrouded the music for an instant.

Near paralyzed, he released her hand and looked away from her uncertainly. His eyes met Enki's wide stare. Both he and his wife had stopped dancing as well. What did I just do...? He asked himself blankly.

Someone took his hand. "Come with me, Shura."

Without any resistance, he allowed Mukuro to lead him away from the dance floor.

Yoda and Seran watched as Yomi followed Shura being led away by Mukuro.

Yoda choked, "This is not good."

"Just what are you people up to?!" Both turned to Shigure who had queried in a low harsh voice.

Yoda whispered back angrily, "Us?! She started it!"

Shigure snorted. "He kissed her."

Yoda countered defensively, "She flirted with him outrageously!"

Seran walked away from them. "Where do you think you are going?!" Both whispered yelled at him.

"To prepare for an impending battle."

"I'm sorry," Shura blurted out as he pulled back his hand from hers. Mukuro stopped and turned back to him. Her eyes were luminous in the low light of the moon. He glanced away and focused his eyes elsewhere. He didn't recognize this area of the fortress.

They were standing in an atrium. Unlike the other courtyards, this one was deserted. No torches or lights illuminated the area except the silver glow of the moon and starlight.

Shura shivered. The desert was as chilly at night as it was torrid in day. He jumped when Mukuro suddenly embraced and kissed him.

Eyes wide, he remained stock still as warm hands moved across his back. His lips parted when her mouth pressed them apart insistently, and warmth invaded his mouth.

Just as he began to respond, she ended the kiss and moved away from him. She could see and feel his surprise at her contrasting actions.

"I'm sorry as well, Shura," she finally said.

"... Sorry about what?" He asked. She looked away from guileless young eyes.

"... Do you know why I brought you here, Shura?" It pained her, but she will tell him the truth.

He answered, "To seduce me." She looked back at him, startled. Shura was smiling at her with that charming half-embarrassed look on his face.

His next words stumped her. "I don't mind." Mukuro couldn't help it. Her face heated, and even in the low light, her blush was clear to see.

Shock and surprise kept her frozen when Shura moved close and kissed her. His kiss was a gentle pressure against her lips before he lifted back his head to look at her intently. She blinked at him wordlessly.

"... Shura..."

"Yes, Mukuro?"

Her lips pressed tightly together, and she turned away from him. "... I'm sorry." It's possible between us... I want it... yet I do not... She laughed tiredly. "Shura, you know I am not truly myself these days."

She fell silent as his arms surrounded her and hugged her against him. His lips brushed her temple. "Perhaps," he whispered softly, "you are more truly yourself now.

Her eyes closed, and her hands moved up to cover his. Can that be true? "... You are wise for your age, Shura." A smile returned to touch her lips.

"Uh hmm... you smell nice."

Mukuro laughed and pulled away from him. "... Did I say something funny?" He asked as she turned back to him.

She shook her head. "Never mind, Shura."

"Okay," he replied and waited for her to make the next move.

Her eyes were insightful and mischievous. "What are you waiting for, Shura?"

"... I don't know..."

"Do you want me to show you?"

"Would you, please," he answered honestly, "Sensei makes me read books about it, and Yoda keeps on introducing girls and boys to me." He added uncertainly, "Papa also ask me if I... I am interested in someone."

Mukuro's eyelids lowered in irritation, and she sighed loudly and exasperatedly. "Those three idiots..."

"Please don't be angry with them," Shura pleaded in their behalf, "They're only looking out for me."

"You're still a child, Shura."

He replied grumpily, "You didn't seem to think so just a few moments ago."

"... Touch・ Still, are you sure you want to learn so soon in life?"

He shrugged. "I will have to sooner or later." He shifted, feeling uncomfortable yet glad of the delay.

"... Just exactly what have those three been teaching you?"

"Yomi, wake up." ... "I know you are still awake, so get up."

With a tired sigh, Yomi opened his eyes and sat up. He saw Mukuro sitting in the chair beside open balcony doors. He shivered when a cold gust of wind invaded his suite. "Would you kindly please close the doors, Mukuro?"

"Close them yourself."

Yomi silently got out of his warm bed, padded to the doors and shut them close before retiring back underneath still warm covers.

"You manipulative bastard," Mukuro said evenly.

"That is a fact which is not new," he replied sleepily.

"There is just one thing I would like to know."

"What?"

"... I know you care for Shura... Why are you willing to trust me with him?"

His sleepiness dissipated, but it was a few moments before he could answer her. "... Do you know I was raped when I was a child?" He said softly.

"... This is the first I have heard of it, but I am not surprised." He sat up again and looked back at her. He imagined he saw sympathetic understanding in her eyes.

He continued, "What happened to me will never happen to Shura nor barely reached the level of pain and torment I experienced. Because of what happened to me, I became strong. Shura will not have that advantage."

Mukuro stood up and walked to his bedside. She frowned darkly at him. "What are you saying...?!" She looked ready to choke him. "... Are you thinking that I would really traumatize him in bed?!"

Yomi chuckled and prevented having his nose broken by denying it with a quick shake of his head. He smiled at her appreciatively while his eyes warily kept track of her fists. "I know personally what you have to offer."

Mukuro looked conflicted. "Then why-"

"Shura is my heir, Mukuro," he interrupted her, "He has the best to train him. He studies all fields of sciences under Seran, even in healing and medicine. Yoda keeps him well informed in politics and in the intricacies of ruling. I personally teach him how to fight. However, he is too soft. He is spoiled, Mukuro."

"... I think he is very well-brought up." Yomi shook his head vehemently at her statement. "He is weak in many ways. He will not be able to succeed me in such a state. That's where you come in, Mukuro."

"... I don't want to know."

He told her anyway. "Mukuro, for his sake, hurt him."

"..."

"He cares about you. If you had your way with him, then leave him-"

"I can't believe you are even suggesting such a thing!" Mukuro screamed at him. Suddenly she paled and fell to her knees. Alarmed, Yomi threw his legs over the side of the bed and narrowly withdrew them when she vomited.

"... Are you pregnant?" He asked solicitously.

If looks could kill, he would have been dead on the spot when she glared at him murderously. She snarled when he tried to help her and stumbled to her feet.

"Gods curse you, Yomi!" She took one step away, and Yomi caught her when she fainted.

~~~

"Papa..."

"Yes, Shura?"

Beside him, Shura shivered nervously and moved closer to him. "... I don't like the way they are looking at me."

"Don't worry, Shura, we will be leaving this village soon." Village was a polite term. Their last stop before reaching the jungles just happened to be a slaver town.

Yomi reached out and draped his arm protectively around Shura's shoulders. He could feel tensed young muscles relaxed slight, and his son pressed closer to him. He felt small hands grip the folds of his clothes tightly.

Yomi frowned as they made their way towards an inn. He could tell their destination by separating and identifying words, tones and voices. It was not a simple task.

... ten coins a night per head... It was the deep greedy drone of most likely the innkeeper. Blatant thievery. The charge was four times that in more respectable places.

The bitter smell of ale and the moist smell of bread informed Yomi that the inn was a tavern as well. They would have supper before leaving for the jungle.

One of his ears flicked.

... I'll distract him, and you grab the kid...

~~~

He had stopped counting the number of kidnapping attempts on Shura during their journey together. Clearly, his son would be worth much more alive then dead. The thought of Yomi's son as a slave was a tempting prospect for many.

Yomi released a sigh softly and glanced aside to the bed where Mukuro was fidgeting in her sleep.

He smiled grimly at the sheer irony of it all. I'm asking my worst enemy to bed my own son.

His eyes closed tightly. I have to... Shura is too soft... I have spoiled him. I became strong on my own accord. I had no one. Shura has never experienced loss. His innocence is still intact despite the dangers around him. His hands tightened into fists. My own fault. I couldn't leave him be. I couldn't abandon him even temporarily. I should have let one of those slavers have him for even a short time... His eyes snapped open at the thought of Shura being physically abused. ... I can't... I couldn't even punish him when he deliberately went against my orders. He sighed wearily. At least Yoda and Seran can reprimand him for mistakes committed. The one time I shouted in anger at Shura... I was shouting at myself.

~~~

"Let me go!" "Stop fighting, kid! You're coming with us!" "No! Let me go!"

Mukuro stepped out from the apothecary to see three burly youkai surrounding a small child.

Waiting by the door, Gona, her second-in-command, was watching as well. She asked him, "What's going on with them?"

Gona shrugged. "Just some slavers. The kid was alone and unlucky."

Even as he spoke, one of the slavers picked the child up by one of his horns and slammed his fist into his stomach. With a soft cry, the boy fell to the ground and laid still. "Stupid kid," another slaver commented with an ugly smile.

Before Mukuro realized what she was doing, she attacked them. Behind her, a bewildered Gona was a speechless spectator. "... Sir?"

A few moments later, she was brushing off dust from her clothes and feeling very satisfied at the sight of three knocked out slavers at her feet.

"Uh..." She turned around to see Gona holding the unconscious boy in his arms. "What do we do with him?"

Mukuro shrugged and walked away. "Just leave him."

~~~

Mukuro stared at the ceiling, glanced at the sleeping Yomi in the chair beside the bed and looked back up. ... It can't be...

Guilt... I could have... She blinked, sat up and shook her head slowly. If I had help him a little more, he wouldn't be the way he is now... Resignation soon followed regret. I don't want to think about this.

Yomi's "Are you all right now?" practically made her jump.

"Ack! Yomi, don't scare me like that!"

Yomi opened one eye, blinked at her and opened both eyes. "You seemed sad. Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing!"

He frowned at her. "You're lying," he said accusingly.

"I am not!"

"Liar!"

"..." Why am I even arguing with him?

"Your silence condemns you."

"Shut up!" Without conscious thought, she grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at him.

"..." Slowly, the pillow slid off his face to fall to his lap. Mukuro's eyes were wide with shock at her own action.

"... Oops..." Mukuro finally smiled at him weakly. "Sorry about that."

"... This means war, Mukuro," he said somberly before grabbing the pillow and whapping her.

Yomi ducked down as a pillow flew over his head to knock down the ornamental water pitcher off the bedside counter. It landed with sharp clack on the floor and rolled across it, its liquid contents spilling out.

"I'm telling them you broke it, Mukuro!"

"It's not broken!"

"See the big crack? It's broken!"

"You'll never be able to put the blame on me!" With that, Mukuro snatched the last remaining pillow from his hands and thumped it on his head. There was an ominous tearing sound when she snatched it off.

Yomi glared at her through falling white feathers and sneezed when one of them brushed by his nose. Mukuro snickered and pointed at him. Her mouth opened slightly to say something but no words came out. He had little idea of how silly he looked with feathers all over his head, horns, ears and shoulders. Mukuro lost it and laughed with Yomi looking puzzled at her.

"A fuzzy Yomi!" She managed to gasp out despite breath-stealing mirth.

"... What?!"

His answer was Mukuro doubling over with glee. She grabbed at the bed sheets and pressed the silk against her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter. Slowly, she quieted down and wiped laughter tears from her eyes. However when she glanced up at him, she burst out into laughter again.

"... You are insane, Mukuro," he commented matter-of-factly though a smile began to tug at his lips. Her laughter was infectious, and the sight of Mukuro in such an unlikely state of lost control was something he would never forget.

He chuckled even as she began to regain equilibrium. "What's so funny?" He asked when all was quiet again. Mukuro snickered and hid her face with the sheets. "Nothing, Yomi." He could barely make out the words in her choked statement.

He frowned and tugged at the sheet. Mukuro pulled back. His frown deepened , and he pulled harder. She held on fast to the sheet.

Determined, he grabbed the sheet with both hands. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Yomi," Mukuro said before he could pull.

Yomi ignored her warning and tugged hard.

...

Mukuro peered over the side of the bed to the floor where Yomi was lying on his back with a shocked pained expression on his face.

She began to laugh again. "I warned you, Yomi."

She never felt so good in her life.

To be continued...

Yen