Post by Night Angel on May 13, 2012 16:54:33 GMT -5
Chapter 1
The Royal Bömei
“Sakatoma, come brother. We must welcome father back home.” Kikio called out to her younger brother.
“Yes Kikio right away.” The boy said bowing to his sensei before hustling over to his sister. Sakatoma was training to be a samurai. Once he’d completed his training he’d be ready to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Their father was a local warlord known as a Shogun. Though Hiro was not like most warlords. He had no interests in war but only wished to have peace. Kikio shared that vision and was determined to help that become a reality which she hoped wouldn’t take long. The girl was already well into a romantic relationship with the noble son of the next warring state’s Shogun.
Though this dream of peace was very plausible many of them disagreed with this notion of each Shogun trading his goods and sharing the spoils of his lands seemed preposterous to many of the other warlords. Many of these men were petty and filled with greed.
“Father..!” The two exclaimed jumping into their father’s arms after he dismounted his horse.
“My children, your bright faces warm my return like the rising of a hot sun on a winter day.” He then set the two down. Hiro looked into their eyes and couldn’t help but smile there was so much to be proud of in his legacy. Kikio now at age twelve was a moon priestess. Though to her it meant little she was following her mother’s path. Aiko being a very powerful clairvoyant able to see many things before they happened. Kikio’s mother hoped that in guiding her daughter that one day the girl would be able to control whatever power that had been bestowed upon her.
Sakatoma however was still three years away from any manifestation of unnatural power. Though Aiko foresaw much of his future and wanted to ensure that he had a good set of values to follow if he were to ever lose his way. The fact was Aiko and her husband Hiro shared a great secret. Aiko was what one day would be known to the world as a mutant; a human that possessed extraordinary powers.
Aiko for example was the closest thing any human could come to being immortal. Her body regenerated from any kind of wound so long as the brain stayed connected to the body she would heal. As well the bones at the tips of each finger could grow and detach. She’d adapted this ability to use the bones as darts. Under moonlight she could glance into any mass of water and see future events. For such reasons she was distraught.
Later that evening she sat alone with her husband as they discussed the details of Hiro’s journey. “Aiko I don’t understand, I have followed your advice to the letter and I am nearing success. The Yamato have promised to sign a treaty.”
“They lie Hiro. I think it is time I begin to prepare Kikio for the arrival of her powers. I’ve seen so much tumult in the coming days. She must know how to protect herself and her brother.”
“Must we do this? Would she not be better to remain as a normal girl?” Hiro asked in retort.
“No, we don’t have much time my love. If she is to face the coming days she must know of her powers. At least this way she can survive and protect her brother.” Aiko responded with regret filling her voice. “We must not alarm them, but she must be made aware of her great power. The two of us are not long for this world. We will not be around to keep them safe our only hope for them is to send her away before the Yamato declare war on us.”
“When will this occur?” Hiro asked with great concern his children were everything to him.
“I cannot say. I have only foreseen the events. Not the time it happens.” Aiko spoke taking a sip from the still steaming cup of tea. “I do know that Kikio must be made aware of her powers before it’s too late.”
“Let’s not be too hasty. There may still be a chance things can turn in another direction.” Hiro returned hoping for the chance that possibly he could secure peace.
Chapter 2
Dreams Ablaze
Two months passed and true to her word Aiko did not reveal Kikio’s destiny to her. But the truth was the great consequences were already underway. Kikio’s suitor Keiji came riding into view on horseback.
“Keiji, what brings you here unannounced?” Kikio asked with a big smile on her face that disappeared the moment he spoke.
“Kikio, get on the horse and come with me if you want to live. My father’s army is on its way here even as we speak. I was given a chance to come here before them to save you.” The boy cautioned. He wasn’t very happy about this situation but Kikio’s father had angered many of the warlords with his propositions for peace. There would only be peace once the other shogun had been destroyed and the territories were united by conquest.
“What of my family? Am I to leave them here?” Kikio asked as worry swept over her mind like a hurricane across the sea.
“I was only permitted to take you Kikio. Please save yourself and
come with me.” Keiji pleaded unaware that his pleas would go completely ignored.
“No! I will go and warn my father immediately. If you really felt anything for me you’d understand.” Kikio then turned and jumped up onto her horse and took off for the palace.
She finally arrived home at nightfall to find that their entire reign was under siege. Kikio dismounted the horse and unsheathed her daggers running through the commotion cutting down any enemies in her way eventually making her way to her brother.
It was then that a soldier attacked Kikio and forced the daggers from her hands. At that very moment sensing the danger Aiko arrived eyes glowing bright blue. She fired a single arrow which began to glow intensely with the power of the priestess’ moon power.
The arrow shot right into the soldier’s heart and detonated with the force of pure moonlight. “Run Kikio, Take Your brother and promise me that no matter what happens. You’ll keep him safe!”
“I can’t leave you mother! Let’s get father and lea-“
“No! Listen to me child! You must leave now!” Aiko spoke just as four rival clan samurai approached. Aiko fought them off as best as she could but it wasn’t long before one stuck his blade into her chest. Aiko grunted from the pain and stepped back from the blade.
Aiko brought her hand up before her and it began to glow. She fired a beam of moonlight energy at the man sending him into oblivion. Kikio couldn’t help but notice that despite her mother’s wound she fought on. More so impressive was the fact that Aiko didn’t shed so much as a drop of blood.
“Go now Kikio while I can still fight them off.”Aiko pleaded praying that this time her daughter would listen.
Kikio turned to run and found that she and her brother were cut off. Akuma the rival Shogun dismounted his horse and threw the severed head of their father before them.
Aiko turned around enraged and disgusted by this display of utter disrespect for her husband. “You soulless BASTARD..! You may have taken my husband from me but I will not allow you to have my children!” Aiko swore allowing her entire body to glow with her power.
Her body rose slowly into the air and she uttered one word, “Run…”
Kikio grabbed Sakatoma’s hand and the two took off as fast as they could only looking behind to see their mother suspended in the air and her body ignite with this light blue power. The light flared out in all directions and exploded releasing an unprecedented amount of energy.
Kikio and Sakatoma could only watch as the light faded. Their mother was gone she’d summoned too much power for her body to handle and as a result it burned away into nothingness. The two held each other and cried from the safe darkness amid the trees.
Kikio looked up at the full moon and her own eyes began to glow with the same force. She then heard a voice in her mind…
“Kikio my dear little girl, the task now falls to you. I’m sorry I could not have done more. As your mother my soul aches for you. I have little time to explain: When the night is dark and menacing do not fail to call on the power. The Moonlight Angel will always keep you safe. Mortal weapons will not fell you. Use this power to keep him safe it will not be long before he is able to call upon the power of the sun. The two of you have very long lives ahead of you. Use your gifts well, and take heart I will always be with you… ” The voice faded and once again darkness settled in as the glow in Kikio’s eyes slowly went out.
Kikio buried her head against her brother’s. “Kikio…” Sakatoma sniffled. “What will we do now?” He asked ho0lding tightly to his sister.
“Do not worry little brother we will travel far from this cursed land…”
Chapter 3
Corrupted Heart
A few months after the disheartening event Kikio and Sakatoma found themselves wandering China. Life was difficult there was not much work to be found for a young girl and her little brother. Most of their money came from making use of the poor fools who sought to take advantage of a young Kikio.
Nights were hard and often restless. Kikio’s powers weren’t so much of a problem. The fact that her body was mutating presented many complications. From her back would spout a pair of large feathered wings.
“Sister when can we leave this place? I know these men you’ve killed deserved no less. But mother wouldn’t like you using you powers for that.”
“Sakatoma I don’t use the Moonlight Angel. Not anymore at least, not since I found out about this…” Kikio said making a tight fist then suddenly spreading out the fingers. This motion forced the bones at the tips of her fingers to extend into talons.
“Kikio it’s still wrong. You’re an angel, supposed to protect people not kill them.” Sakatoma argued, though he was young the boy still adhered to the teachings of his sensei.
“Are there not angels who punish the wicked? How do you know I’m not one of them?” Kikio said in return.
“You’re justifying murder and you know it! I know you’re still mad about what happened to mother. But that is no excuse; you have these powers for a reason. Mother understood that it was a gift to make the world a better place. Not through killing, but by protecting the innocent.” Sakatoma was right, the boy was only eight years of age but he had his father’s wisdom.
Kikio knew he was right. But it hurt too much to admit. It wasn’t about the lustful countrymen. She was trying to take revenge for her mother. Her heart had become cold as stone eventually Sakatoma gave up trying to give her council and dedicated his time to continue practicing all that his Sensei had taught him. After five years he became very proficient with the use of twin katana.
But now at the age of thirteen something strange began to happen. As Sakatoma sat under the sun he could feel the heat gather inside of his body. It felt strange to him at first then as the days went by this feeling grew and grew.
Long ago Kikio had told him of what their mother said to her, that a day would come when Sakatoma’s powers were ready to immerge. Unlike Kikio’s ability Sakatoma would draw power from the sun. This gave him a more potent beam one that could blast through virtually anything. Time continued to march on as it always did. Kikio watching over Sakatoma as he changed and the other aspects of his mutation made themselves known.
Sakatoma also grew talons from his fingers and sprouted a pair of feathered wings from his back. However it didn’t stop there his bones would also extend three spikes each in a row going up his upper arms and thighs. This process was extremely painful for him the healing factor always helped but while the bones were breaking out it remained uncomfortable.
Mutating was a torturous process for them though luckily they were still able to hide these changes. Thus retaining their humane appearances, this way they avoided the certain details of discrimination that awaited anyone with too many differences.
“Little brother, I think it’s time we went back home.” Kikio suggested one day. Their home was easily within range now they could easily fly from place to place.
“I suppose we should go back and honor our parents.” Sakatoma said after thinking about the proposition for a moment.
“Perhaps we can pay some old friends a visit. Take wing little brother…” She spoke unfurling her large feathery wings flying off into the distance. Sakatoma followed closely behind her wondering what the real reason was for wanting to go back home…
The two made their way across both land and sea until arriving at the site of their old home. The charred ashes being all that remained of their once lustrous palace. Sakatoma immediately came down from the sky landing softly on the ground. He looked around remembering every nook and cranny of what used to be his home.
Kikio saw the charcoal and rubble scattered about and silently wept as she lowered herself to the snow covered ground. This had been her home as well but all she could see now was all that had become of it. The smells of the battle that took place here still remained fresh in her mind.
Without saying a word to one another the two set up shrines to honor their family and friends lost in the attack. Upon finishing this task Sakatoma knelt down before his father and mother’s shrine to pray.
“Do not bother them little brother they are spirits now.” Kikio spoke with great disdain.
“I pray to them for peace my sister.” He replied defending his actions.
“Peace? How can they give what they do not have? We both know that their souls cannot rest until their unjustly spilt blood has been avenged.” Kikio clenched her fist and quietly cursed the soulless pigs who took away her future.
“They would not want us to do this. Especially father! I will not take part in such an evil task.” Sakatoma was determined to stay steadfast in his values. He knew that his parents would be proud of him even if he didn’t carry out such an act. Violence could only serve to perpetuate a cycle of victims that would never end. Like the tossing of a stone into a pond could only create ripples. Then would come another being to toss yet another stone then once more and so on, the only possible result: Turmoil.
“You would shame them brother. I will avenge their deaths, you can either help me or stay out of my way. But do not attempt to halt my vengeance.”
“That is the problem. You do this not for them sister… It is for you! Your lust for revenge, you feel they wronged you and should pay for that. Not because they killed our parents without just cause. But because they took away that perfect vision you had of the future. Is that the kind of daughter you think our father tried to raise?”
Kikio was furious. How dare he speak to her in that way? Yes he was now the patriarch of the family. But Kikio was the eldest child it was decided by her parents that she would lead once they were gone. However what racked her to the very depths of her soul was how he spoke the truth. On the surface she would never admit it. But this was a selfish act she was about to carry out, not a quest for justice.
Without so much as a word she took to the skies and began hunting. She would find the heir to the Yamato one way or another. Best of all she knew exactly who he was, her old love Keiji…
Chapter 4
Not so Ghostly Apparition
Kikio hunted around all over Honshu to find Keiji and finally after two weeks was able to find the fort he was roosting in. It sickened her to see how he basked in the riches of his ill obtained possessions. But Kikio had a plan, she would not attack right away. Instead she decided to get close first…
“Sieze that woman!” One of the guards called raising his bushi spear threateningly at Kikio. Immediately she was taken by force or so it was made to appear with two men retraining her.
Kikio let her head hang low hiding the perverse grin across her face. Though that quickly faded as she was brought before Keiji who sat leisurely in the middle of three barely dress women each work muscles around his body with their hands.
Keiji almost couldn’t believe his eyes she looked a bit older but yes this was Kikio Yimara his old love. “Great ancestors I feel as though I’m staring into the eyes of a ghost.”
“I’m no ghost Keiji.” Kikio spoke cordially though inside she was ready to tar and feather this beast.
“it is good to see that you bear me no ill will. You may leave my servants.” He spoke with the wave of a hand sending the women off. “Concubines… Never the real prize as you were my dear… Guards! Release her! This girl is nobility…”
If Kikio wasn’t too committed to her plot she’d have spat in his face and condemned his entire lineage. “You still know how to treat a girl… But then again I’m a woman now… I know many ways to bring you pleasure.” Kikio spoke in a sickeningly mesmerizing tone.
“I look forward to experiencing the profoundness of your love, no longer will you be required to lust after me in your dreams… Come, let us enact our desires.” The diluted and self-infatuated narcissist said taking Kikio by the hand before leading her into another room.
A window was left in the roof to allow the light from the stars to pour in uninhibited. As the door closed behind her stepped to the center of the room. The moonlight shone down upon the twisted angel and her ‘lover’ came forth disencumbering himself all the way. He started to slide the top of her kimono off her shoulder and Kikio started to breathe faster and faster.
“Do not fear my love… I’ll be gentle…” He whispered in her ear before looking down and seeing something that sent chills up his spine. Kikio’s skin was turning a pale blue.
“Gentle… Really? Sadly I regret to say that I won’t be.” She spoke calmly clenching her fingers before opening her balled fist extending all five talons on each hand.
“What manner of creature are you?” Keiji questioned as the panic set in.
“Exactly what you and your father’s actions made me!” Kikio shouted pulling on Keiji’s hair forcing him face down into the floor. Her talons then made quick work of his hair. She then flipped him over and buried her talons into his chest pulling out his beating heart as he watched in horror. The fright would’ve been enough to kill him instantly of a heart attack if it were still in his chest. But no, it was held before his very eyes for him to see as it slowly stopped pulsating with spasms.
Kikio let him die slowly before severing his head from his body. Which she carried from that location to his father’s palace.
The warlord was star gazing when he was frightened by the apparition of a blue woman with angel wings swooping down onto his balcony. He was too petrified to draw his sword. “Listen to me carefully beast!” Kikio hissed letting her angel form fade away. Upon which moment she became immediately recognizable. “You and your will leave my brother and I in peace from now on, or I shall send the heads of all those you send to pursue us back in the same manner I will now present your son. She pulled a blood-soaked wrapping of cloth from her sleeve and placed it on the table next to the warlord.
The man proceeded to open the cloth revealing the head of his son severed from his body and shaved completely. No greater dishonor could have been inflicted. Kikio wasted no time and leapt from the balcony and ran through the forest eventually running back into her brother.
“What have you done Kikio?” Sakatoma asked smelling the blood on her hands and body.
“I have preserved our futures. But I have all the same disgraced our family, I no longer deserve to carry the name my parents bestowed upon me at birth.” Kikio knew what she did was commit a horrible crime in her father’s eyes. Though he lacked the heart to kill, no daughter of his could be a murderer. Kikio severed the hair just at the top of her pony tail relinquishing her honor and name all at once. “I am now Kari.”
“You were misguided. I will not deny you of penance to restore your honor. But you will walk with the name of our family. I may not yet be a man however I am the only remaining patriarch and I will not turn away my sister.” Sakatoma said with great kindness in his eyes. The very same look their father would give them when one of his children learned something the hard way.
“Thank you brother…”