Divine Worlds

By: S.R. Shinohara

~ *~ : * : ~ * ~ : * : ~ * ~ : * : ~ * ~

Chapter V

Unwanted Feelings

~ *~ : * : ~ * ~ : * : ~ * ~ : * : ~ * ~

The feel of magic was hypnotic to his divine blood. Rubbing his arm absently as he stepped onto the lush island of Kuroshima, Joutei’s sand colored eyes scanned the tropical forests for any sign of hidden attackers. Fuyuko had the cruelest sense of humor that way, “greeting” unexpected guests by scaring the living hell out of him.

She must’ve been expecting him though because he made it to the prosperous village uneventfully, standing before the largest and most elaborate stone dwelling of them all, it’s exterior smooth to his touch as he leaned on one of the front pillars. Necromancer population was few because of their extreme power so they didn’t have palaces or cities like Phylos or Tengoku did. They had smooth stone and marble dwellings, the largest and most beautiful belonging to the Queen of course, while the others surrounded it like a protective barrier.

The simply decorated blue drapes which served as her door pulled back for him on their own and he could hear her wispy voice say lightly from inside, “Great King, Lord Joutei, come in…”

With a shudder, he once again wished Hakai had actually come with him. Not even destruction itself could bravely face a necromancer.

As soon as he entered the main hall, he glanced at the violet carpet, lined with silver fringes, that ran along the center of the room and up to the pearl white divan where Fuyuko was lounging, one knee brought up slightly as she relaxed on her side, propped up only by her elbow slightly. She was draped in a loose light blue dress, falling off her pale shoulders slightly and kept up only by thin straps. If only she weren’t so…freaky. “Queen Fuyuko.”

Sitting up slowly, leisurely, she snapped her fingers and the lanterns which ran along the sides of the carpet flared to life, illuminating the inside of her main hall, darkness hovering in the areas behind the many ivory pillars which ran along the side walls. Joutei knew her finest sorceresses/magicians/witches/spiritualists or whatever they were called these days were lurking in the shadows, always on guard to protect their Queen. It was impressive and both flattering and insulting that they would even stand guard knowing it was him. “What brings you to my hall, King of Tengoku?”

“I seek your council,” he said formally, stopping a few feet away from the first step which led up to her 7 tiered dais. Anyone who stepped closer would promptly be blown to oblivion or filled with arrows/spears – or whatever other impressive weapons they were armed with – depending upon which necromancer that lurked in the shadows had the fastest reflexes. “Queen Fuyuko, you are the master soothsayer besides being Queen of all Necromancers. I wish to know about one of my own; a goddess who goes by the name Saori.”

Eyes hazing over in a trance, her smile was slow and infinitely freaky. If he weren’t the King of the world he would’ve shuddered. “Goddess Saori…the newest of Assistant Goddesses…what do you wish to know?”

“Her lineage,” he asked, bowing slightly, “I wish to know what other blood besides her father’s runs in her veins.” That scary smile of hers crawled slowly higher and he really did shiver slightly. “What do you see…?”

Fuyuko was apparently in a mildly playful and curious mood, answering his question with one of her own. “What reason does the King of Tengoku have to require this knowledge…?”

“A foreboding feeling…” It was always useless trying to hide something from a Necromancer. “It grows stronger each day and troubles my mind. Sakori has suggested it may be because her maternity is unknown.”

“The goddess is powerful…” His answer apparently satisfied her, though her lips were still drawn into that dazed smile which was one of many indicators that she was doing whatever it is she did to gain her information. “Her power shines dimly…broken in three is her spirit, but still powerful is she. Her lineage is pure divine…beyond that I can not say.”

Joutei nodded with an inward sigh. The visit had been little help, though he did get some clarification and a new bit of information. Broken in three? Shaking it away, he said respectfully, “Thank you, Queen Fuyuko…I will take my leave of you then.”

Her eyes regained their sharp focus just as the drapes fell back into place and the lanterns turned off with a quick breeze. Lying back down and gazing out the window behind her to the sky she muttered quietly, “Broken in three…her spirit torn…her own divine blood has signed her fate and set it into motion, Great King…a future you can’t stop from coming to fruition…”

~*~ : * : ~*~

Ichiro grumbled incoherent things as he felt his hair shift, gentle fingers brushing against his forehead. Vaguely, he felt a wave of nostalgia pass over him, clutching the fingers which threatened to pull away at any moment. Haha-ue…

“Be a good boy for your papa, Ichiro…” she’d whispered, not knowing he’d been awake despite having his eyes closed, “Mama can’t stay here any longer…she needs to go to a place that she can’t bring you to.” Briefly, her lips kissed his forehead and he’d wanted to open his eyes and cling to her tightly, but something inside him protested against that. She sounded pained enough as it was. It was better she not know he was awake. “Ryu has never been into this marriage…I need to go where my happiness is, Ichiro. Mama will see you someday…Until then, take care of your papa and rule Kizu as I know he would’ve had he taken his place as heir…”

“Mama…” Ichiro groaned again, tears springing from his eyes as he clutched his pillow in a death grip. The hand moved away in surprise and he shot up with fearful eyes, looking around but seeing nothing in his room but empty space. “No…haha-ue isn’t here…and chichi-ue…” He scowled angrily, clutching his beds sheets in anger. “He never was…he chased her away…”

Outside, staring at his hand, Ryu frowned in confusion. Why had he done that? He was hardly one for sentiment or fatherly emotions, yet he’d wanted to anyway as he watched his and his wife’s son sleep fitfully in his bed. Odd. First leaving my room for the first time in centuries and now this…this day is definitely a little on the peculiar side.

Tiny chuckles as he made his way down the corridor made Ryu arch his eyebrow, the amused look Ruko was sending him annoying him. What was so funny? “What?”

“I knew she’d get to you,” she smiled, though her eyes were laughing jovially in a way he’d never seen her smile before, “Walking among the people finally…?”

“The loud mouth goddess?” He nearly snorted in her face outright. “No.”

There was definitely something more to it, but Ruko decided to have mercy on him and changed topics slightly. “Will you join the table at breakfast today?”

Ryu’s lips tightened. “You tell me. Ichiro hasn’t laid eyes upon me in 2 centuries; would he want me there?”

Ruko actually seemed to think it over, but from the look in her eyes he knew she already had her answer. “I think he’d want to have some kind of closure before you go…”

He withheld a sigh that wanted to escape. This was why he hadn’t wanted to be around his son. Being around the heir to Kizu would’ve brought him into the fold and he’d never wanted anything to do with the royal family. He just wanted to be there and live his life – not the life of a damn crown prince. Too much hassle.

But it was either that or marry and sire an heir for him and, though he HATED the damnable man for who he had chosen to be his heir’s mother, he’d chosen the latter. I’ve been selfish, he couldn’t help groaning inwardly, walking the halls which held so many memories despite the years which had passed him by, I don’t think the time spell you used for me, Ruko-san, did what I hoped it would.

The pain in his eyes was clear. Ruko felt her chest tighten in sympathy, patting his shoulder lightly in a vaguely comforting gesture. “Talk with your son. Both of you will regret it if you leave without at least talking to each other. Saori won’t be back until tomorrow for you so you have all day.”

Ryu nearly groaned. That’s what he’d figured. He almost wished that loud mouth goddess was coming back sooner.

He really did groan when he realized what he’d just thought. The day really was turning out weird.

~*~ : * : ~*~

“CHICHI-UE~!”

Kosuke let out a shout of pain as he fell backwards with a yell, rubbing his head that smacked into the wall as he’d fell. “Musume-chan, you’re back…loud entrance as always too.”

Saori hit him on the head with an indignant huff. “Mou, what a greeting, and after I went through all the trouble of coming to see you first.”

With a light laugh the violet haired god smiled at her and grinned, “So I take it that Lady Ruko is back on Celestia?”

“Not yet,” she sighed, “But she will be tomorrow. I had to enlist a servant so a boy could be given the divine right of passage to Celestia when he wished.”

Kosuke frowned in concern. He knew his daughter well and the tone of her voice was worrying him. It was that very same tone he always heard in her voice when she did something he wouldn’t like. “What did…?” It hit him like a bolt of lightning and he shook his head firmly. “No.”

“But chichi-ue, you’re lonely!” So began the everlasting argument of Illusian’s lack of company.

“I’m perfectly fine,” he grumbled with a pout.

Saori wasn’t buying a word of it, arms crossing over her chest firmly. “He’s staying here, papa. I already told Kohaku about this and he’s already planning the feast he’s going to prepare in honor of Ruko’s return. Do you REALLY want me to tell him he may be preparing her last meal if that mortal boy doesn’t gain divine rights because you won’t let his father become an assistant to the great God of the Forests in title only?”

A dark cloud hung over Kosuke’s head as he squatted down low and drew lazy figures on Illusian’s marble floors. He hated when she did that. “I don’t want to have an assistant/servant…Kayoko’s enough for us.”

“I know,” Saori grumbled, “But considering the guy is a loner and wants to be left alone and have silence, he’ll probably just sit in a room all day.”

“Silence?” Kosuke looked sufficiently incredulous. “He wants silence and you’re bringing him HERE?”

A sweat-drop ran down her head as she growled, “Every other god’s hall is filled to capacity! Even Aunt ISAKO has her hall filled with servants – though, granted, they’re mostly Demons, Nayami, and Necromancers…some spirits from the underworld to boot, but STILL! The point is, even she isn’t as lonely as you and SHE never steps foot outside her part of Illusian Forest!” Her voice reluctantly lowered as she murmured, “At least take him on so I know you won’t be alone whenever I have to leave for a long time, papa…”

Kosuke sighed tiredly. He hated that tone too. It was worse then any other. “You know, you really know how to guilt a god into submission, don’t you? Where DID you learn that?”

Her face was completely back to normal as she laughed while tapping his forehead, “From the master himself, of course!”

Kosuke twitched. Payback was really a pain.

~*~ : * : ~*~

“Ruko-sama~…” Fluttering about in his tiny form, Kohaku scanned the area nervously, half waiting for something to jump out at him. Saori had said she’d bring her home to Celestia tomorrow but he couldn’t wait that long. He needed to know Ruko was unharmed. Celestia had begun to stabilize so he could leave without much worry, but Phylos was scaring him. The first and last time he’d been on Phylos, a bird had swept him up and taken him for a ride he’d rather forget before leaving him at the mercy of her hungry children. Not fun when you’re in a form not much bigger then a worm.

Taking a deep breath, Kohaku darted out of sight as he saw a human child picking flowers nearby, humming a pretty song tat eased him slightly. “Must go take these back for the farewell banquet. Faerie-sama should like these.” With a happy smile she trotted off, unaware of the Faerie who was following behind with eager raspberry eyes…

~*~ : * : ~*~

His day was starting off wrong. The whole palace had a weird feel to it, Ichiro’s sand eyes staring at the new addition to the table.

His father actually coming out from his room was NOT what he’d expected. Why now? But, apparently, he did and was currently poking almost uneasily at his food. Having so many eyes on him did that to a person probably.

Ruko’s hand rested lightly on his arm as she felt him tense up when ice blue and sand met in a brief gaze, her comforting presence only vaguely felt. Why today? Why today, the day before you leave, must you come out?! Ichiro didn’t like the anger boiling inside him, clutching the wooden table so tightly he thought it was going to break under the strain. Why couldn’t you have just…just…!

“Ichiro…If you want me to go, then say so,” Ryu spoke calmly as he gazed at his troubled son, the tension finally getting to him, “Do not hide your feelings.” Don’t be like me.

That snapped the last straw of patience he had. Standing up, his fisted hand hit the table top hard, the dishes clanging against the goblets, glasses, and silverware as he growled lowly, full of more venom then he’d thought he had, “Don’t tell me what to do…you come out from your hall after 2 centuries of hiding away…and think you can start acting like you’re my father suddenly…?”

“No,” he said bluntly, flatly, “I don’t think that at all. Do not misinterpret my words. I merely meant do not put yourself out for me. I’m but a stranger to you, aren’t I?”

“Yes you are,” Ichiro said coldly, his eyes narrowing in pain. He hated these feelings. Getting them out after so long wasn’t really doing anything for him either. “I don’t know you and I don’t want to know about you. You have no rights to be sitting here so I will say this once; leave.”

A smile twitched his lips as Ryu closed his eyes, slowly standing from his seat and walking towards the door as composed as he’d come. His insides, however, were troubled. I’m a stranger to you, Ichiro, remember that. But even so, I’m still bothered by the fact that you hate me, even if I knew you would. Ryu barely kept the desire to hit something in check. I was never around for you. I shouldn’t have these feelings…but…

“Ryu?”

“What is it…?” He didn’t bother getting up, the door sliding open as his lawful wife came inside his room in the otherwise empty hall. No one else dared to come near besides her, the atmosphere having become too stifling for reasons no one knew. “Something wrong?”

“No…I just thought you might…like to see this.”

He turned his head and glanced at the picture in vague interest, taking in its contents with a slightly softened gaze. “Ichiro has grown since the last one you showed me.”

Her smile was soft and somewhat sad. “He’s growing so fast…already 6. Are you sure you won’t…?”

“I can’t,” he said, his tone hard, “The moment I try chichi-ue will start cajoling me about taking over until Ichiro is mature enough. He’s tried once already and you know what would happen if I ever took the throne, even for a day.”

“I know…” Her voice still held that compassion he never really understood. Why did she still feel anything, even friendship, towards him? He never could understand that part about her. “But he’s asked about you, Ryu…I never know what to say to him…”

“Tell him the truth,” he said, turning stoically to stare out his window once more, “Tell him the truth so he’ll hate me…that I’m abandoning my own son in order to keep my peace of mind…”

~*~ : * : ~*~

Ichiro watched as the door closed behind his father quietly, his footsteps slowly disappearing into nothingness. Once they were gone, he sat down in his chair, his body shaking with his rage still. “Why did he come out…why couldn’t he have just…stayed away like he always has?”

Rubbing his arm gently, Ruko smiled a small smile in an attempt to ease the tension which wrapped around him. Comfort would do no good so it was all she could do. “I don’t think there is any parent in any of the kingdoms who can completely stay away from their child forever, Ichiro-kun…”

“Ruko-san…” Biting his lip, he shut his eyes as he could feel familiar tears welling up, threatening to fall. “I don’t like this feeling…these hateful feelings…why can’t I get rid of them…? I don’t want to have them anymore…”

It hurt to see him so sad. Closing her eyes, Ruko waved a glowing hand over him, Ichiro’s face loosening as he slumped forward, unconscious. “Take him to his room…he’ll wake up in a few hours.” She handed him to the guard she spoke to, sighing tiredly as she watched Ichiro continue to cry, even in his sleep. “You can’t get rid of them until you let go of those tears, Ichiro-kun, or until you say what it is you want to say to him…”

“Faerie-sama!” The girl who’d picked flowers in the meadows came up and extended the fragrant blooms to her cheerfully. “Ichiro-sama will be alright! So please cheer up!”

Her amethyst eyes softened gently as she nodded. “I will; arigatou. But please, call me-”

“RUKO-SAMA!” Startled, Ruko jumped back as a zip of light went crashing into the table, tumbling through the food with various yelps before coming to a screeching halt once it crashed painfully into the wall with a groan, a cloud of dust exploding as the light blue haired Faerie fell to the ground in his more human sized form, groaning in pain with food sticking out of his hair and on his clothes.

“Kohaku?” With a small gasp as he stood up, brushing stuff from his clothes and hair with a frown, Ruko felt her lips twitching as laughter threatened to bubble from her throat despite herself. “What are you doing here?”

His frazzled light blue hair brushed against her face as he grabbed her in a hug, ignoring the very intrigued looks the court in attendance was giving them. “I wanted to see Ruko-sama myself…that you were alright.” Frowning in concern, he smiled widely in relief when he saw his worries were unfounded. “I’m glad…Saori-chan was right. You’re alright.”

“Of course I’m alright,” she said with a tiny grin, flicking a piece of…something…off his jacket shoulder, “So what are you doing here, really?”

Kohaku’s smile was sheepish as he scratched behind his head nervously with a sweat-drop. “Well, you see, I…” At Ruko’s look, eyebrow arched high in question, he hung his head with a sigh mumbling, “I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to see you, Ruko-sama…”

With a large sigh and a smile on her lips, Ruko tugged the thoroughly embarrassed Faerie into the hall and out of the dining hall, away from the many sets of interested eyes. The last thing they needed was an audience. Kohaku was nervous enough as it was already, his arm shaking under her light grip. “Impatience runs in the blood, doesn’t it?”

“I can’t help it!” he exclaimed, face red as he flailed wildly, transforming to his Faerie form in his excitement, “Ruko-sama is~!” His mind not coming up with the right words, he sighed largely and transformed to human size again, head hanging with a pout on his lips. “Ruko-sama, to me, is a very important person. I worry about your welfare above all else, Ruko-sama…”

With an understanding smile, Ruko coaxed him along towards her room, sighing as they stepped inside and shut the door, “Why don’t you rest a little, Kohaku? I’ll stay here too, until you wake up, and then we’ll talk. You’re shaking too much.”

Kohaku had the good grace to look embarrassed as he curled up on the bed with a ragged sigh. “Hai, Ruko-sama.”

Chuckling softly, she muttered so only he could hear, “I’ll watch out for flying birds too.”

POOF! “RUKO-SAMA!”

Oh, yes, how she’d missed him. There was just no way she could leave Celestia and not see Kohaku. He was just too much fun to have by her side. “Gomen, gomen…rest, Kohaku. We’ll talk at lunch, huh? And this time it won’t be on you.”

“RUKO-SAMA~!”

Really, Ruko couldn’t help muse once Kohaku settled down and turned human sized, drifting off into what was probably his first restful slumber all week, some things thankfully never change.

~ * ~ : * : ~ * ~ : ~ * ~ : * : ~ * ~ : ~ * ~ : * : ~ * ~ : ~ * ~