The icy path of nothingness seemed to twist and turn wildly in a path of endless darkness. It resembled being lost in the wilderness while the world was bound in white blizzards. After entering, there was no recollection of the beginning, but it was clear that the journey was too far to turn around. The end was equally shadowed, but more mysterious. What lay ahead? Which path was correct? The winding road back that decayed with each step? Or the endless road forward, shadowed in mystery? Neither choice seemed especially beneficial... However, to continue forward meant a destination would eventually be reached. The wind had fangs and howled at the endless moon of darkness. It snarled and devoured their already trembling hands, stained red from its teeth. Through the engulfing darkness and biting wind, l they continued forward. To them, its snarling lips seemed a façade and its stinging bite merely an illusion. As before, Brian led the group, followed by Howie, and finally Kevin. To the three of them, Minako and Nick seemed eternities apart, but in reality were only a short distance behind. Nick wrapped an arm around Minako’s small frame, even as he used the other to encompass his own breath as it trembled wildly. Since that moment, Minako had only gazed downward, her eyes never saw the icy path before them. Nick frowned. Had her heart stopped?
“Minako…” he started.
She slowly blinked her eyes, and nothing else, as she gripped the overcoat tighter. It hung limply over her shoulders.
Nick turned his head away and shut his eyes. It hadn’t stopped… It had shattered.
“I thought we’d never see them,” Brian’s voice penetrated Nick’s thoughts with a relieved sigh.
Nick was forced to shake himself from his troubles and follow Brian’s gaze. The light was almost blinding, attacking from all directions.
Brian took in a quick breath, “So… This is the capital of Rubiihoppou.”
Howie released his grip on his sword and put his hand into a hidden pocket of his tunic. “So this is the northern capital, Akahouseki. We must make note of it in our journal.” He produced a small stack of papers from his tunic.
“What might those papers be for, Howie?” Kevin inquired.
He handed the papers to Kevin, “These are travel papers affixed with the seal of Safaiananpou.”
Brian smiled, “So we may pass through gates as we please?”
Howie nodded, “Correct.”
Kevin chuckled to himself, “It must be nice to be able to grant passage papers as you wish.”
“But of course,” Howie smiled graciously and gestured toward the gate.
Brian froze.
“What seems to be the matter?” Kevin questioned.
Brian pointed a gloved hand in the direction of the gate. A screaming child kneeled inches from a guard who held his spear outstretched. The tip was stained in blood.
Howie stepped back in surprise, “Attacking a child is… barbaric.”
Nick removed his arm from Minako’s shoulders, his clouded eyes focusing on the child as his surroundings blurred. He began hyperventilating loudly.
The other three turned back to face Nick. Minako still stood motionless beside him.
Nick’s fists were clenched, his cheeks dripping wet with sweat, the bewildered expression on his face carried only fear. He continued to hyperventilate. In the darkness… A small, fair-haired child convulsing violently at the end of a sword.
“Worthless scum of the earth. They're better off dead.”
In the darkness, that small child’s body clenched toward itself until the moment it let out a piercing shriek, then there was only darkness. Nick placed his hand to his head lightly, covering his eyes as his wings flared from his back. He slowly removed his hand, revealing that his eyes glowed with a deep sapphire tint. His lips began to curl up as his fangs protruded from them. His clouded eyes were expressionless, his lips were merciless. His claws cracked as they folded in upon themselves.
A shrill cry shattered the cold darkness.
The guard pulled his spear from the howling child and turned. The child collapsed on the ground.
There was a sudden flash of shadow, then the guard reached for his throat, choking in agony, as a broad hand surrounded his neck. His vocal cords seemed to snap with the increasing pressure, almost like tightly wound strings being plucked and split.
“Do you consider yourself a strong man?” a snarling voice smirked.
The guard struggled to breathe.
“Is it brave for the strong to prey upon the weak? Perhaps you are a monster!”
The hand loosened its grip on the guard’s neck and tossed his now limp body against the wall of the gate. A pale tongue reached out to the stained, sharp fingers and licked them slowly, savoring each drop that cascaded down the hand. His eyes gleamed as he turned toward the guard, looking up and down his rag like body. He gave a short maniacal laugh, “How delicious… It is so defiled.” He turned suddenly to the small child, “But… How precious this blood is… And left to a monster...” He bent toward the ground, reaching his blood stained hand toward the small child.
A pair of hands grasped the child suddenly. His glowing eyes met the cascading long, flowing strands of brown hair.
“Woman…” he growled and raised his hand toward her.
Her hand shot out and grasped his own, forcing his sightless eyes to look at her face and her tear-filled brown eyes staring back at him. “Nick…”
He folded his hand upon hers and put his free hand to his face. As he removed it slowly, he revealed that the sapphire glow had subsided from his eyes. “Minako…” His voice broke as his hand lost its grip on hers. He fell to his knees, then collapsed on the ground.
~*~
Minako sat at a small wooden table with the small child on her lap. His black hair had been wrapped into a bun and his tan tunic had been soiled with dirt and blood. His red pants were decorated in a similar fashion. He sucked on a small spoon, but was silent. Howie sat next to Minako, his hands lightly folded. Across from them sat Brian and Kevin. Brian laced his fingers and rested his chin on top of them.
“That was quite a display…” he paused, “It almost reminded me of him.” Brian’s eyes narrowed. “We should have done more, but it happened so quickly…”
Minako lowered her head. Was Brian imagining the emerald general as he pelted his claws into Nick? That must have been painful to watch... I can’t forget how much his hands and feet hurt either...
“His body took a great deal of shock,” Kevin nodded, “But what concerns me most is the complete shift in personality…”
Minako frowned, “You’re both acting like Nick is our enemy. He didn’t really hurt anyone.”
“But that guard…” Brian lowered his head, “He was someone. Not anyone we knew, but he was someone... If it weren’t for Kevin...”
Kevin crossed his arms, “It’s fine. He was still breathing, I just expedited his healing.”
“Actually,” Howie furrowed his brow, “This could look terribly in the eyes of Rubiihoppou’s dignitaries. Nick is, after all, one of Safaiananpou’s demons. This does not bode well, healed or not.”
“But Nick…” Minako held the child closely. “Nick has such a gentle heart… I’ve always felt it…”
“I think his heart is wavering.” Brian responded calmly.
“Wavering?” Kevin questioned.
“Right,” Brian nodded, “He said he always lived in the darkness, but… I find that almost impossible. Clearly, to be a demon in this day and age means he was born. Perhaps his past is seeping from the darkness of his heart.”
“But he…” Minako started.
Brian raised his palm toward her. “Consider it please, Minako. He is a cardinal demon, yet, his only powers to speak of are his unfaltering will and his brute strength. Unless you’ve seen differently?”
Minako shook her head.
Brian frowned, “Those things may be enough for a demon of smaller stature, but cardinal demons should all have extraordinary powers, much stronger than ordinary demons.” He put his hand to his chin, “So… This leads me to wonder what we are actually dealing with.”
“Can’t you accept Nick as he is?!” A few tears fell down her cheeks as she tightened her grip on the child.
“When we were still a prince, there was a siege on the capital…” Howie started.
The other three turned to him.
Howie stared at the table intently, “In this confrontation, our father and the majority of the nobles were brutally killed. But, the invaders were not yet satisfied, so they turned to the townspeople. Our armies managed to quell the siege, however, throughout the night, we heard their blood curdling screams of terror from beyond the keep…”
Minako put her hand to her face, her eyes began to well with tears.
“The next morning, our advisor, the few remaining nobles, and us began a promenade through the city to give our father a proper burial. In a poor district of the city, there was a gaping crater in the ground amongst half desecrated buildings…”
“Demonic power…” Brian put his hand to his chin.
“That is likely,” Howie agreed, “Though we cannot be certain as to whom this power belonged. As we are sure you both recall this siege as well, you will remember that it was at a time when each cardinal demon still existed. It is possible it was a demon from any of the four countries.”
“This happened before any of the priestesses descended?” Minako covered her mouth, her eyes wide.
Kevin frowned, “But you were still a prince… That was a long time ago... Are you saying that Nick would have been far too small to produce such a colossal crater, regardless of what his powers actually are?”
“Precisely.” Howie nodded.
“Who were the attackers?” Minako frowned.
“Emeradotouhou.” Howie’s expression grew solemn.
“They always have been the aggressor nation…” Brian crossed his arms.
“Even back then?” Minako reached toward him.
“Of course.” Brian nodded and patted her hand.
Minako lowered her head and glanced away from them. “So… What should we do? Now that we’re in Rubiihoppou I mean…”
Kevin crossed his arms as well, “We were told that the fifth demon was in the capital, so we’ll eventually find him, I imagine.”
“Should we split up and search for him?” Brian crossed his arms again.
“Perhaps rest should be our top priority.” Howie folded his hands in his lap, “Let all of us discuss this in the morning once Nick has returned.”
Minako put her hand to her head and stood up, still holding the small child closely in her arms.
Brian stood as well and put his arm on her shoulder with a frown.
“I’m tired… I’ll see you all tomorrow…” The bustle of the laughing, eating, and drinking men surrounding us is overwhelming... Their quiet suspicions aren’t any better... This floor to ceiling wood is nauseating… I have to leave... She left the inn’s pub and trotted down the hall toward the entrance, then set the boy on the ground.
“So… Don’t you think you should be going home?” She kneeled down to his level.
The boy shook his head.
“What about your parents? Won’t they worry?”
He shook his head.
Minako held him close, a few tears rolled down her cheeks. He’s so innocent and loving… Just like Nick. A small, wonderful child... A gentle and kind man… How could they think he’s anything else?
The boy wrapped his small arms around her neck and shut his eyes wistfully.
“You won’t talk to me, I understand. I’m only a stranger… But I’m glad you’re safe.”
The boy said nothing, but tightened his grip on her neck.
“You can stay with us for the night, if you’d like…”
The boy nodded his head.
Minako picked him up once more and headed down the hallway. It seemed endless. Like in Safaiananpou, the innkeepers had found the demons to be frightening and suspicious, so they placed them as far from the other customers as they could manage. Minako found the furthest door at the end of the hallway and opened it slowly. There were three mats made up with crisp linens, but not much else was in the sparse room except for a window at the far end. Nick, Minako, and Brian’s overcoats lay jumbled in a pile by the door with the orb nestled on top of them. She placed the child on the mat closest to the door and wrapped him in the linens snugly. He gave her a short hug as his eyes fell under their own weight. His breathing was light as he shut his eyes. Nick had rescued him from the horror of the day’s previous events, and hopefully he would not remember them.
Memories… Is that what had made Nick become that angry creature? You couldn’t see any of us for who we were, except… When I called your name, you came back to yourself... Is that because I’m the priestess or is it because I’m Minako? If we hadn’t held each other close, could I have still helped you? Or does holding you close mean nothing? Is it only part of my priestess powers? Would loving you have made zero difference? Nick… Will it happen again? Will there be a time I can’t call you back? When you called me ‘woman’… I was worried about that child, but… I wanted to see your gentleness and kindness... Will there be a time when you’ll never see me for me?
Minako tiptoed to the farthest mat under the window. Unlike his normal, curled and balled sleeping posture, he resembled a corpse. The only sign of life in him was his chest rising and falling with his breath. She sat on her knees and leaned against them at the edge of the mat. She ran her fingers across Nick’s forehead and through his hair before kissing his cheek lightly. I just want to see your gentleness and kindness… I want you to see me… This isn’t you...
Nick stirred slightly and mumbled, “Minako…”
“It’s okay,” she whispered, “Go back to sleep.” She continued to run her fingers through his hair, her breath caught in her throat.
He shifted under the linens, turning on his side, though his eyes remained closed. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
She began to smile, you’re coming back… “No, I’m fine.”
He curled knees into his chest. “Or any of the others?”
This is you… “No, they’re fine.”
“I’m glad…” He opened his eyes slowly, then stared at her sadly, “That boy…”
“He’s okay, he’s sleeping in that first bed…” She frowned as she continued to run her fingers through his hair.
Nick reached his hand to her cheek, his face pinched with worry, “You’re upset… Did I do something?”
She glanced away from him. “You don’t remember?”
He put his hand to his head, “I remember that boy was getting attacked and in my mind, I saw this other child being attacked… I couldn’t let that happen… I got so angry, but then… Nothing…” He wrinkled his nose, but relaxed as he smiled at her, “Then you said my name…”
Minako held her clenched hand to her chest.
“Minako…” He braced his hands on the mat and winced as he sat up. “What did I…”
She brushed back the hair at his forehead. “You attacked the guard… You called him a monster for hurting the boy…”
“I… attacked someone?” He pulled the linens from his body and tried to stand up, but collapsed back to the mat.
“He shouldn’t have hurt the boy, but… You turned into this angry shell of yourself who only wanted to fight…” she looked away from him.
He frowned and sat up again. “Minako…”
She lowered her head. “I didn’t think you could be like that… Forget us… Forget yourself… And attack someone...”
He reached his hand toward her then pulled it back to himself. Attack? A monster who attacks people? I don’t want to be that… Did my powers come out to protect me? Is that what they’re like? Horrifying? Is there only more of that sealed in the box? I never wanted that… I just wanted to be better than I was… Is this how I get stronger? I don’t want to be like this…
Minako clenched her hands together in her lap, “Kevin helped him, he was okay… But you…”
He gripped her hands, “Minako… I don’t want to be that. Whatever I can do to never be that again, that’s what I want! Help me…”
She looked up at him, “Nick…”
“Help me…”
She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a tight hug then smoothed back his hair. He returned her embrace and leaned his head on hers.
Minako held the back of his head gently. “I’m here… You’re safe…”
He tightened his grip on her waist. Please keep me in your light. If that’s what I’ll be… I’d rather have you and never be stronger...
“Nick…” Minako ran her hand through his hair again, “What was your mother like? Or your father?”
He frowned. “I don’t even remember if I have a mother or a father…”
“Of course you do… You were born, right?”
“I already told you I don’t remember my family… Why do you want to know?”
“I was just wondering…” She shut her eyes, “Something Howie said about a crater...”
“A crater?” Nick pulled back, still frowning.
Minako shook her head, “I don’t know either… Sorry to bring it up again...”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You seem tired...”
“I guess… We’ve been walking for days.” She slumped in his arms.
“Come to bed then…” He ran his hand on her cheek.
“But Nick… you’re hurting... I can sleep in that one… Or I’ll sit with you while you rest if you want...”
Nick wrapped his arm around Minako’s back and pulled her closer to him again. He ran his finger on her cheek again, then kissed her lips gently. “Stay with me… Your arms are so warm… And I can feel your heartbeat… It makes me feel calm...”
Minako kissed Nick’s lips lightly as she leaned into him.
He pulled her toward the mat and then pulled the linens back over them. She lay beside him and rested her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck. Nick held her cheek and kissed her as he raised his hand to her hair. He fondled it lightly as he brushed it behind her ear, smiling gently. Her eyelashes fell lightly on her cheeks and her breathing was soft and warm against his skin as she snuggled against him.
“Minako…”
“Hmm…?”
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yes… I’m fine, I just…” She opened her eyes again and stared into his eyes. “I don’t know if it’s only Renee or… something else...”
“Minako?”
“Have you ever wanted something you couldn’t have? That’s what it feels like… It hurts…”
“Every day…” He shut his eyes and leaned his head on hers.
“Nick?” She brushed his cheek with her thumb.
He smiled and ran his hand through her hair as he pulled her closer to him. “I had that feeling every day… Until the moment I met you.”
A small smile spread across Minako’s lips.
Nick’s smile brightened. “I’m glad I can still see that…” he closed his eyes lightly, “I was afraid your heart had shattered…”
Minako grasped his hand near her head, “No… Not as long as I have you… You’re keeping it safe...” She ran her hand on his cheek, “I’m glad you’re still smiling too.”
Nick smiled again and clenched her hand tightly. Their hearts lit up the room as though it were bathed in the morning sunlight.
Chapter End Notes:
The capital city Akahouseki (Ah-kah-hoh-seh-kee with the second “oh” held) translates roughly as "red jewel."
