Song of Night

 

And thus the fic continues. I love writing this! ^_^ Oh yes, for the sake of argument Miyu will be sixteen in this. It just works better.

 

The world’s getting later

 

The wolf’s running free

 

But that’s another story

 

This is her story

 

- Mary Black

 

*   *   *

 

“Occidental Shinma.” Miyu said readying herself. All the Shinma behind her also got into stance. She raised her hand and pointed straight ahead. “Prepare!”

 

Oki bowed her head in agreement and took off at once, running towards the edge of the cliff. She reached out before her in the pose of a dive and leapt. She soared through the air, garments trailing out behind her like a path of water and then she was gone over the edge. There was a dull splash as she hit the waves and dived under. Miyu smiled as Oki’s barely visible form glided away. She was in her element, swimming under the waters with the agility and speed of a dolphin.

 

Miyu turned back to the rest. Whilst Oki followed the ship the others would prepare.

 

“Tamae, if you please.”

 

Tamae glanced up, surprised at first then nodded. She fell to one knee and placed a finger to her forehead. In her mind’s eye she was kneeling on a silver platform suspended in space. A man stood before her robed in silver with pale locks of hair floating out behind him reminding her of smoke. Fate was no doubt a form of beauty. She bowed her head.

 

“Oh, great Fate. Show me the path of destiny.”

 

what do you ask? Fate’s lips did not move but Tamae undoubtedly heard his voice.

 

“Show me the path of Western ship yonder,” Tamae replied but her voice felt oddly out of sink as it escaped her lips. Fate gave her a thoughtful look. She disliked talking with the rulers of the time space continuum. All laws of physics were disregarded in these places and she always felt uneasy under their scrutiny.

 

you ask many favours of me, Bell Listener. I wonder if you will repay me?

 

“Of course,” Tamae replied. “No soul shall escape your fateful ways whilst I am watching them.”

 

good. but I ask one other thing.

 

“Yes?” Tamae felt apprehensive. What else did Fate want from her that she could give?

 

Fate’s eyes sparkled, a smile twisting on his lips. I grow old, he said. and ever lonelier. governing the fates is wearisome. you are a beautiful child and I see you will mature into a stunning woman. so I ask you, once your task is done I implore you to become my wife.

 

Tamae tried hard not to choke. Thoughts spun through her mind. For a fleeting moment she wanted to run. Destiny felt so much like a cage. But why not? She reasoned with herself. Her life on earth would be over, her task completed, no purpose left. Why not become the bride of destiny? Either way she needed this information and quickly.

 

“I need time to think.”

 

and time you have plenty.

 

“So give me the information I seek and I will consider your request.” She saw Fate’s eyes flicker for a moment and then he bowed.

 

as you wish.

 

The world around Tamae shattered like a glass window, shards of time and space showering in many directions. She was hovering above an inlet in the cliffs she recognised. There was a flicker in her vision and suddenly she saw the Western boat sailing into the inlet, the winds tearing at the sails. That was all the knowledge she needed. She waited for the vision to end but it continued. Now she saw Mei running through the grassland and leaping off the cliff edge and landing on the ship’s deck. Fate was obviously trying to please her by offering her a long vision so she would agree to his proposition. Honestly! Another flicker and now Oki was also onboard. Miyu was nowhere to be seen. Tamae scanned the area. Suddenly as though a great mist had blanketed the land the vision faded.

 

*   *   *

 

Tamae’s eyes snapped open. Miyu had been regarding her with interest. She was curious of Tamae’s strange ability to converse with Fate.

 

“The inlet, a little while off, not far. That is where they are heading.” Tamae strung her sentences together fast. After one of her visions she always felt out of breath. Meeting with gods obviously cost her a great amount of energy.

 

Miyu nodded and took off towards the inlet followed closely by Mei. Kaya knelt to help Tamae to her feet. She was gentle but as soon as Tamae had steadied herself she instantly adopted her firm persona. “Let us hurry. You surely don’t want to miss out on a looting.” Kaya turned and took off, her black boots crunching into the grass. Tamae sighed and caught her breath. Then she too set off at a high pace.

 

*   *   *

 

Pazusu scanned the waters. From behind him the master of the ship, Cait Sith listened closely for orders. His cold eyes stared ahead. He was a man with a chilly nature, possibly described as Machiavellian. He had travelled the world judging from his tanned skin and seen many horrors. Brushing his light purple hair from his eyes he asked, “So where shall we dock, my lord?”

 

“There,” Pazusu’s long nailed finger pointed towards a small inlet in the cliffs. “It is quiet, a safe docking point and very secret. We shall meet no trouble there.”

 

Cait Sith nodded and turned away. Sitting in the bird’s nest above the mast Lilithe was perched on the wooden railing. She had pestered them into taking her, shrugging off the snide comments about her being too young. She was a pretty woman with young features, large eyes and blonde hair held up in fluffy pigtails. They had finally agrees, noting that No one could handle a ship like Lilithe.

 

“The inlet!” Cait Sith called up to her. Lilithe had been playing a mournful tune on her oracle but now she lifted it away from her lips and looked down, straightening her pink dress.

 

“Come again, Cait Sith?” she asked.

 

“The inlet!” Cait Sith snapped impatiently. “North East.”

 

“I see it,” she replied sharply. She disliked Cait Sith ’s tone. Once again she lifted her oracle to her lips and played a slightly speeded up tune. The ship groaned as it turned in the waters and began at a slow pace towards toward the new destination. Lilithe’s oracle had certain powers resided within its music, able to control the ship and Lilithe was skilled at playing it so no one doubted her skills at handling the ship.

 

Inside one of the dark dingy cabins lit by a single flickering candle Larva leant against the wall. Across the room perched on the edge of his bed Lemures looked up at his friend.

 

“The Japanese Shinma are no doubt powerful.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “And that Toorima Hime would make a very interesting opponent.”

 

“One we’re not allowed to battle,” Larva reminded him grudgingly. “Pazusu forbade it. He said it was too much of a risk fighting her.”

 

“Is not the purpose of fighting taking a risk?” Lemures replied. A look of annoyance flashed across his face but he let the matter pass. “Well, I’m sure there are other Shinma we can defeat.”

 

Larva shrugged. “Let’s go up on deck. This room makes me feel claustrophobic.”

 

Lemures got up and they both exited the room.

 

*   *   *

 

Lord Pazusu turned, the wind whipping his hair as Larva and Lemures entered. They were now near shore, just slipping between the opposing cliffs into the inlet. The entire deck was silent so Lilithe could fully concentrate on her melody. Larva glanced up at the sky, the moon illuminating his features. The silence was disturbing. Only the gentle lapping of the waters on the cliff rocks could be heard above the soft whistle of the wind. Now the first half of the ship had entered the thin strip of water and the cliffs loomed around them.

 

Larva blinked. One moment there was stillness then in the corner of his eye he saw a movement. He spun, robes twirling with him to face the right cliff edge. There was a quick pause then a figure suddenly leapt. All the Western Shinma onboard turned sharply as the figure landed on the deck, red trousers rippling as she steadied herself. As quick as a flash a bow was in her left hand and her right was reaching back for an arrow.

 

Cait Sith dodged aside just as an arrow spun towards him, embedding itself in the floorboard. The figure was clearly a woman trained in the arts of kendo, archery and from the katana blade at her waist was a samurai as well. She set off at a run and lightly leapt onto the edge of the ship. Lemures held out his hands to attack with his range of bird magic when there was a sudden churning behind him and a second figure landed on the deck. Her skin was wet; she had obviously leapt out of the sea. Larva guessed from her garments she was a water Shinma. She fixed him with a green-eyed stare.

 

A smile played on her lips. “Bubbles of fury, go!” She threw her hand out before her letting loose a jet of water. Larva threw himself at Lemures knocking his friend out the way of the attack.

 

Pazusu cursed silently under his breath. “Occidental Shinma!” he roared so the crew on the floor below could hear. “We are under ambush.” The Toorima Hime, he thought darkly. When will you show?

 

He did not have time to muse on these thoughts when the samurai girl dropped down before him. Her black eyes met his and she bowed, still watching him. Then leaping back she cried, “Occidental Shinma! I am Mei, Karasuhebi! Prepare!”

 

“I am Lord Pazusu!” Pazusu called back. He had heard the name Karasuhebi before, the Warrior of the East, Ally to Toorima Hime. But now was not the time to consider such matters.

 

Mei sped towards him. Her bow was now clipped to her quiver. She seemed defenceless. He was slightly put out by this at first when suddenly her hands spun in the air and the katana had been unsheathed, catching the moonlight as it twirled between her fingers. Pazusu braced himself, calling forth a spell of ancient origin. He murmured, lips moving to an ancient language. His voice came to a crescendo as he completed the spell. Now the magic within his veins had been powered up he could use it at will.

 

He thrust his hand out and a great burst of white energy escaped his palms. Mei’s eyes widened in terror, the tremendous power reflected in them. At the last moment she dived out the way. Pazusu glanced about, wondering where the assailant had gone. He spotted her and could not help but feel impressed.

 

It had been a close call for Mei. She had leapt up and grabbed one of the beams of the mast and swung herself up. She was now doing a handstand on one of the poles. She pushed herself up and landed on her toes. Drawing an arrow and fitting it into her bow she scrutinised Pazusu from a height. Then she began to run along the mast, firing accurate arrows. Pazusu sidestepped a few but then sent a beam of energy up at Mei. He focussed its power into a thin beam so not to hit the sails. This caught Mei off guard. The magic of this Western Shinma was too great, she thought. Suddenly a thin ray of energy shot towards her. She reflexively turned sideways and though the move saved her from being pierced straight in the heart she felt a searing pain across her arm as the energy ray cut through her skin. She misbalanced her steps, the pain was so unbearable. Staggering she fell from the mast and came crashing to the deck floor. In a heap her fingers moved to her arm. She felt the moist warmth of her own blood staining her white top. Pazusu advanced.

 

Mei looked up. She had imagined her death to be great one, sacrificing herself to save Miyu or any of the others or to travel a long and perilous quest and die on the way. But to die in heap at the feet of an Occidental Shinma? She wouldn’t allow it! She weakly reached for her katana but the blade had come unsheathed. She spotted it a few feet away, blade shining on the floorboards. She struggled to her feet, wavering slightly from the lack of blood that had now spread itself over the deck. Biting her lip she began to run. Pazusu seemed surprised she had managed to rise. His eyes followed her as she made for the katana. He reached out a hand to send her to her death when suddenly an unearthly song of a flute floated over the wind.

 

*   *   *

 

Larva spun out the way of another water attack. Oki sighed. Magic, even though it was her forte needed good accuracy and though she had patience her fingers seemed to slip as she fought and this western Shinma was an irritation. He wouldn’t stay still! She raised her hands in the air and drew out a thin line. The blue line hovered for a second and then Oki reached out and took the handle of her water whip. Larva had already spun out of reach and now Lemures charged in for the kill. Great feathered wings burst from his shoulder blades as he now soared towards her. Oki smiled to herself. Foolish Shinma. She snapped her whip and the end twined itself round Lemures’ wrist. He faltered and tried to flap away.

 

“Now to finish you!” Oki smiled triumphantly. She pointed her finger upwards and a single bubble escaped from the tip. It floated gently and harmlessly up towards Lemures. Tinged with pinks and blues it reflected his face for a moment. Then with a snap like a gunshot it burst. Lemures opened his mouth in shock. He coughed and his head drooped.

 

“Lemures!” Larva yelled and sped towards Oki. His now dagger-like claws ripped through the whip. Oki made a face in annoyance, recoiling her severed whip. Lemures fell to the wooden planks. “Lemures!” Larva cried again.

 

“I have not killed him. I have no need to cause death here unless I need to,” Oki sighed as the whip vanished with a small flicker. “He is merely unconscious.” Her eyes now turned cold. “And you’re about to join him!”

 

Her fingers flicked forwards and a second bubble floated forwards. Larva felt himself entranced by its smooth surface, coloured yet transparent….. No! That was the hypnotic magic of this Japanese Shinma. He turned his head away and took off down the front of the ship. He saw out of the corner of his eye Pazusu standing over the heap of a Japanese Shinma. That would teach them, he though triumphantly. Cait Sith in the other corner ran furiously at a small odd-looking girl that seemed to float above the floorboards. He reached out to cast a spell but she had vanished. She now appeared behind him. Placing her hands over his eyes she whispered, “Goodnight,” and Cait Sith slipped downwards, now unconscious. Tamae giggled to herself. Too easy! With Fate on her side nothing could surprise her. The attack was going according to plan. That just left Miyu.

 

Larva gritted his teeth. Damn these Japanese thieves! Suddenly there was the gentle whistle of a flute. He looked up and for the first time he saw her. Standing delicately, feet together, balanced on the mast, silhouetted by the misty moon. Her obi trailed out behind her, kimono flickering in the wind and hair wavering in the gentle night breeze. She turned to face him, eyes golden and giggled.

 

“Greetings, Western Shinma. May ask why you honour us with such a visit?”

 

“Toorima Hime!” Pazusu muttered loudly. Larva heard him and stared. This girl? She looked barely older than sixteen and seemingly defenceless.

 

“Who are you to ask, a mere Japanese Shinma?” Larva snarled refusing to believe this was the legendary foe he dreamed of fighting. Pazusu tried hard to stop himself grimacing. He gave Larva a warning look.

 

Miyu looked offended. “How dare you,” she said lightly. She did not need to shout to let the menace in her voice be heard. “How dare you lump me together with Shinma. I am the last vampire!” She eyes him for a moment, her gold eyes glowing. Larva felt uncomfortable. He felt she was scanning his mind. “You don’t believe my power?” Miyu concluded softly. She gave another small giggle of amusement. “Then why not I show it to you? After all, seeing is believing, isn’t it, Western Shinma?”

 

Larva knew he was being foolish, knew of the punishment he would receive from Pazusu afterwards but here was a chance to say he defeated the legendary Toorima Hime and who was he to turn down such an opportunity. “I’m waiting,” he called up. Pazusu now winced. Miyu’s eyes sparkled with mirth.

 

“How arrogant. You need to be taught a lesson.” She hopped from the mask and descended slowly to the planks. Now level with him Larva realised with amusement how much shorter she was than him. She raised a hand and beckoned. “Come,” she said in a warm voice. “I’ll let you go first, just to be fair.” Larva bared his teeth. She was mocking him!

 

He held out a hand and a scythe materialised before him, a weapon he was proud to own with a long curving blade and metal carvings on the handle. He swung it before him. “I’m ready,” he snapped and charged. With skill he swung the handle round his arms and swiping at her….. or where she had been. He glanced about and saw her standing on the roof of a cabin, his alive with interest.

 

“You’re a skilled fighter,” she commented, “but you fight with too much anger. You’ll never win.”

 

“Are you that confident?” Larva shouted leaping up onto the cabin roof and landing steadily beside her.

 

Miyu merely giggled and leaped lithely back as he swung again. Larva couldn’t help but feel he was being cheated of this battle. She was merely evading his moves but not attacking. Miyu stopped a few feet away and raised her hand. “Is your pride that weak that you’d use a blade against a weapon-less opponent?”

 

Larva was caught off guard. Was that why she wasn’t attacking?

 

“Very well,” he murmured, snapping his fingers and the scythe dissolved in the air.

 

“Larva, don’t be a fool!” Pazusu hissed from the corner. Larva ignored him. This was his fight! Pazusu could not intervene. His nails elongated, blood red and merciless. “Here I come!” he called racing towards her. His hand flashed out but she caught his hand.

 

“You’ll have to do better than that,” she sighed. Her eyes suddenly glowed, the dull gold now becoming a violent colour. Larva was transfixed. He could not tear his eyes away from the beauty and radiance of those eyes. Then through the haze he noticed a strong heat scorching his hand where Miyu held him. He let out a short cry as flames issued from Miyu’s fingers burning his arm. He tugged his hand sharply back and retreated a few paces. There were no burn marks on his pallid skin but he could still feel the flames licking at his hand.

 

Miyu laughed mirthlessly. Larva gritted his fangs, a mere child would not beat him! Despite his pain he surged forwards and leapt through the air.  Twisting elegantly he landed before Miyu and slashed. There was a cold silence filled with shock and anger. Miyu gently lifted a hand to her cheek. Blood stained her fingers. She looked up and her eyes flashed angrily.

 

“How irritating,” she said softly. “You really are persistent.”

 

“Larva!” Pazusu yelled as Miyu opened her hand towards him.

 

“My flame!” Miyu cried. “Embrace the enemy,” a flame flickered to life in her palm, “and show him no mercy!” The fire surged forwards straight at Larva. He could not move in time. There was a burst of energy and a shield appeared before Larva diverting the flames. Larva looked up to see Pazusu standing before him, hand outstretched. He had summoned a weak shield and though now his palms were scorched it had saved them. Pazusu’s hand withdrew and Larva spotted the blistering skin. He felt a spasm of guilt for risks his father and master had taken.

 

Miyu seemed unperturbed. “Do you now fight me?” she asked Pazusu.

 

“Leave this ship!” Pazusu snapped. He raised his hand and sent another burst of white light at Miyu. She spun her hand in the air and the energy wavered then vanished.

 

“No one orders me,” she replied and gave a giggle at the horrified look on Pazusu’s face. “I leave at my own time. Tamae?”

 

“Yes, mistress?” Tamae appeared from one of the cabins. Her hands were filled with money and weapons.

 

“We are leaving. Please deal with our friends.” Miyu smiled and raised her hand. Flames swirled round her feet in a thick torrent until they had engulfed her entire body. Once they had died away Miyu had gone. Tamae grinned and floated forwards. Larva blinked. One moment she was moving across the deck, another and she was standing straight before Pazusu. It was as if time did not apply to this Shinma. He expected Pazusu to attack but he was still.

 

“Goodnight,” Tamae whispered. She placed her hands over his eyes and Pazusu fell to his knees, asleep. She turned to Larva and her eyes sparkled. “She likes you,” she whispered and reached down to touch Larva’s eyes. He could not move, every bone in his body was numb and as her fingers brushed his eyelids he transcended into a deep slumber.

 

Tamae looked around. All the crew was sleeping. She had had to deal with some of the Shinma below deck but it had been no trouble. She yawned, flexing her arms.

 

Someone touched her arm.

 

She spun, hands raised in case it was a western Shinma. She nearly choked as she spotted Fate, standing lightly on the deck lightly the area around him with his holy glow.

 

a job well done, he appraised her. have you made up your mind, sweet Tamae?”

 

“Give me time, Fate.” Tamae bowed. “Marriage is something I need to fully mull over.”

 

Fate bowed in return.

 

“Tamae! Hurry, child!” Tamae turned to hear Kaya’s impatient voice. She turned back to Fate but he had gone.

 

“Then I shall make my leave,” she murmured and leapt off the ship. Seizing the cliff edge she hauled herself up and ran through the portal Kaya had summoned.

 

*   *   *

 

TBC…..

 

Phew. Another chapter. I like writing this fic. ^_^ Sorry about the large number of characters. I’ll use them a lot so you can all get used to them. And then I’ll bring in some more! Mwahahaha! No, there will a few more but not many. Please review and remember I wuv you guys. *Demon gets dragged off*