Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) (43 page)

“Where, Cherie? In
your
forest? Back on Earth?”

“No, Milady. In
your
forest.” The tiny girl pointed a trembling finger. “High atop that furthest mountain range.”

At the girl’s words, Vareilious took flight. Yui called for Tenshi and Daichi’s aid. Soon, the four of them combed the mountaintops and came back empty-handed.

Upon their return, they found that Duhrias had calmed the poor girl who was now sleeping soundly.

“You didn’t find a single trace, did you?” Jenevier said, without turning toward them as they joined her and the sell-sword on the balcony.

“Well, we found the tree,” Vareilious said. “But nothing else.”

“I couldn’t even
feel
anyone, Mama. Couldn’t even smell a faint trace.”

“I know, my son. It seems we have no power where that strange devil is concerned.”

“Devil?” Daichi grabbed her shoulder and turned her to face them. “What devil? What are you hiding?”

“She is not trying to hide anything, Master Daichi,” Yui said. “We only just saw it.”

“It? What
it
are you talking about?” Vareilious demanded.

“I know not what it was, or if it even had anything to do with the tree,” Jenevier said. “It just all happened at about the same time.”

“We were on my balcony,” Yui added. “A creature of some sort—red-eyed with a shadow’s form—was just sitting there watching us. Neither of us felt its presence.”

“Yes, and right after that is when I heard Dimples calling for me. The rest you know.”

“But, Mama, would Munenori not know if something entered his realm?”

She nodded. “He should, yes. But if Munenori knew it was here, he would have told us long before we saw it. I have no doubt of that.”

Daichi only grunted at her words.

“Besides, Yui and I are not certain
what
it was. We both saw it, yes… so it is obviously real. But it didn’t actually do anything. It just sat there… staring.”

“It may not have done anything
yet
, but I clearly felt its dark intent.” Yui took her hand. “It will be back, I fear. It had a purpose. As to what that purpose was…”

“But why knock over a tree?” Tenshi whispered, mostly to himself.

Vareilious snorted. “Anger, irritation, frustration—you name it. Hmpft, I’ve done so myself, many times. Felling a tree is always a better option than taking off the person’s head your anger was
really
concerning.”

At Vareilious’s words, Yui squeezed her hand even tighter and pulled her against him.

*****

She sat there under the glow of those glorious moons, bouncing Lala on her knee.

“Well, I’m outta here, Empress Jen,” Vareilious said as he kissed the top of her head and winked at the giggling little girl. “Let me know if anything else happens.”

“I am certain you will know long before I do.” She shot him a cool glare. “You licked her, didn’t you?”

Vareilious gave her his patented smirking smile. “Jealous?”

“No.”

“Liar.”

She bit down on her bottom lip, trying hard not to say what she knew would cause an all-out fight.

“It’s
your
fault.”

She glared at him. “What did you just sa—”

“I came here to check on
you
. I always have.”

When she saw his soft smile glisten in the moonlight, her heart filled with tears.

“She was standing in the middle of that lavender field. Just there.” He pointed. “It was early—dew was still sparkling atop the purple blossoms. She was jumping from one clump to another, taking but a single stem from each bunch, humming all the while. When she held her arms out, giggling as she spun in a circle… I was lost.” He swallowed hard. “It felt like an arrow had pierced me through and through. It was a sharp, glorious pain. And when our eyes met…” He smiled. “…she owned me, then and there.”

He turned toward her just in time to see her wiping away her silent tears. She tried to manage a smile for him, but couldn’t.

“She reminded me of you,” he whispered. “Happy as a little lamb—not a care in the world. When she danced over to me and asked my name—”

“You melted.”

Vareilious smiled. “You know me too well, Empress Jen.”

“We can say that of each other, cherished brother.”

“Yep, that we can.” He jumped up onto the balcony railing. “Well, I’m outta here. Tomorrow then?”

She inclined her head toward him. “Tomorrow.”

Jenevier smiled as he spread his wings and glided away into the night.
I am truly happy for you, Brother.

“Naga?”

“Yes, Daichi.”

“Naga, Raphael is here.”

She turned to find the two glorious Angels standing shoulder to shoulder just inside her room.

“Hello, my dark-haired heavenly brother. What brings you back so soon?”

“I came to escort your Blessing.”

She furrowed her brow, looking from one stoic face to the other. Her stomach started to twist in on itself.

“My Blessing? But… What business do you have with Daichi?”

“It is not
I
who wishes words with him, tiny Angel. Father has requested his presence.”

“Father…” Jenevier felt as if the wind had been kicked out of her.

“Worry not, Naga. I will return soon.” Daichi kissed her forehead. “But just for tonight, make sure your sworn Knight stays by your side. Promise?”

She barely nodded her understanding before they were both gone.

Feeling the burn of coming tears, Jenevier squeezed Lala close to her chest.

“Mistress?”

Only when he spoke did she realize Yui was standing near her.

“Oh… yes, Yui? Is something else wrong?”

She could hear her own voice, but it sounded tiny—distant and mechanical.

“Worry not for Daichi, Milady. Father will not harm him.”

She didn’t answer, couldn’t. The smiling Shinobi tried to coax his little niece from her arms, but Jenevier only tightened her embrace and turned from him.

Yui waited a couple long, silent moments before he continued.

“Will you tell me what promise you wished of me?”

“Promise?” she echoed absently.

“Yes, Milady. Before all this happened, before our strange intruder replaced your happy words with screams, you wished a promise of me. Will you share with me now your desires?”

“Oh, yes… Apologies, Yui. Yes, I do have something I want you to promise me.”

“…And it is?”

“Oh… yes… umm… I wanted to ask you… umm…”

“Calm yourself, Milady. Take a breath and gain your bearing.”

She shook her head, trying to chase all the jumbled thoughts away. Looking down at her precious granddaughter, Jenevier smiled softly at the now sleeping Angel.

“After we have finished talking…” She laid Lala in the middle of her giant bed. “…will you tell Tenshi and Mika that I am stealing her away for the night?”

Taka flew from her shoulder, curling up on the pillow beside the sleeping girl.

Yui smiled. “As you wish, Mistress.”

She blew out a long, quiet breath. “Now, about that promise.”

“Yes, Milady.”

She took both his hands in hers. “I want you to take over as Emperor of Jinn… starting now, and
not
just for while I am gone. I wish you to hold the official position. Will you promise this to me?”

“What? But… are you truly leaving?”

“Not on purpose, no.” She sighed. “I almost feel as if I am dying, Yui. Well, at least a part of me is dying, the part that holds me to this realm. I only want to tie up any loose ends—do right by the people I love. Not because I
plan
on forgetting, but… just in case I do. I need the assurance that you, and the kingdom as a whole, are properly taken care of.”

“Angels are not meant to have mortal ties, are they?”

“No, Yui. I suppose they are not. Be that as it may, I
do
have mortal ties—precious and irreplaceable mortal ties. Ties I would not trade for the universe. So now, I wish to go forward as the creature I am… knowing the ones I love will only shed tears of happiness.”

They walked out onto the balcony and she collapsed into a chair, sighing and smiling at the same time.

“So, Master Hand, will you do this thing for me? Will you take over my throne and righteously rule my people?”

“I am truly humbled you would ask, Empress Naga. Alas, it is not quite that simple. We are not bound by blood, Milady. If you no longer wish to wear the crown, the people will have to decide who will take up your mantle.”

“But you are my Hand, Yui. You already rule in my stead. Why can I not simply abdicate my throne and you continue on as you now do?”

“If you could no longer reign as Empress of Jinn, the rule would fall to Tenshi or Daichi… and then to little Lala.”

“Which solves nothing, Yui. They are as I am. They cannot guarantee their presence any more than I can. And we do not yet know about Lala. Perhaps she could, but she is still a babe.”

Yui knelt in front of her. “The only way I can make good on such a promise as this, is to own an uncontestable bond with you, Mistress. I promise you now… I will honorably rule as Emperor of Jinn until my dying day, but I can only do so if you marry me.”

“What? But, Yui, you know what you ask is impossible. Forget the fact Daichi would never allow it.” Burning tears began to flood her eyes. “I made a promise to Vittorio, an extremely precious promise. I will not break it.”

“This I know, Milady. Alas, it is the only
sure
way. Listen to me. I do not expect you to treat me as husband. That is not what I am asking. Yet, if there is a public ceremony and we are wed before the people, crowned as both Emperor and Empress equally… only then will I be able to truly keep the promise you ask of me. Things will simply continue on as they are now. You will not betray your Blessing. Nor will you break your honored vow to your Guardian.”

Sorrow and guilt were choking her, making it impossible to answer him. She jumped slightly when he lightly touched her knee.

“Naga… perhaps it would be best if you publically stepped down—let the
people
choose who will reign in your stead. Who knows? Perhaps they will crown me without you having to actually marry me.”

“Stop it, Yui. Marrying you would not be a
chore
. Do not make it sound as such. You know I love you. It’s just…” She took a shaky breath, but didn’t go on.

“Mistress, if you promise to stop crying, I will promise to do everything within my power to ensure your request. If you publicly give me your backing, support me as your chosen replacement, I am certain the noble people of Jinn would favor me as their Emperor… minus our vows. If that is truly what you wish, I will speak to Munenori on the morrow. I will make this happen for you, Milady, somehow, some way. Just… be happy. Please? Smile for me. Smile for me and I will go make you some rose tea.”

“Now, now… there will be no need for all that.” Jenevier looked into his beautiful purple eyes. “Ahh, Yui.” She smiled softly and shook her head. “I swear, Master Hand, you will be the death of me, you will. You and no other.”

His face lit up, brighter than the mother moon. He fell into her lap, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his head there.

She gently ran her fingers through his magical hair, stroking those gorgeous raven locks.

“My perfect Shinobi,” she whispered, admiring his flawless profile. “Will you let me sleep on it, dear friend? Will you give me until tomorrow for my answer?”

He only nodded his head, but she felt the warmth of his tears soaking through her skirt.

And there they stayed—an Angel and her devoted ninja. Forever bound by trust, bound by respect, bound by friendship, and irrecoverably bound by love.

As it should be, Naga.

Jenevier only smiled at her Dragon’s words, and slowly closed her eyes.

Chapter 30

Jenevier

(ZHEN-ah-veer)

She felt someone softly stroking her hair as she slept. Squirming slightly, she reflexively tightened her arm around the tiny sleeping girl at her side.

“You are so beautiful.”

She heard the deep voice accompanied by a soft chuckle, but couldn’t quite register if it wasn’t simply in her dreams.

“Every time I look at you, Naga, I think… she is the embodiment of a living rainbow… magical as a fabled unicorn.”

She slowly opened her eyes, focusing on the angelic sleeping face of her little Lala. Then she felt someone softly twirling one of her curls.

“Promise not to tell the others… you are my favorite.”

She smiled then. “Ahh, Raphael, they already know.” Stretching her arms, she yawned and rolled over to face him. “So… you have finally returned with my Blessing.”

“Hello, sweet sister.”

His gentle smile was heavenly, warmed her all the way to her very core.

“Hello, treasured brother.” She glanced around the room. “Where is Daichi?”

“Daichi is attending a summons, Naga. He will return when it is finished.”

“A summons?” She sat up quickly, the Arch’s unexpected words pulling her fully from slumber. “Since when does Daichi receive summonses concerning anything save me? What has happened, Raphael? Why has my Blessing been pulled from my side?”

“Be calm, little sister. He will always be your Blessing… when you need him.”

“What do you mean,
when
I need him? I
always
need him.”

Raphael gave her a sideways smirk. “Umm hmm. That is why you were constantly snapping each other’s heads off, right?”

She collapsed back onto the pillow. “You know how I hate guessing games, Brother. Use plain speech with me. Tell me the truth.”

“Very well, Kagi Naga. The darkness that once shadowed your every step, is now gone. Your humanity has been purged and your heart has finally matured. The only healings you will need from here on out, will be the physical kind.” He tapped the tip of her nose. “And I believe those will be few and far between.”

“The darkness that shadowed me?” She paused. “You mean Vybius, umm… Ahriman.”

“Yes.” He chuckled softly. “The scariest darkness you could possibly imagine—the soul-eater.” He shivered slightly. “That little Angel gives me the creeps, always has.”

Jenevier snickered. “So much for the fearless Archangel façade.”

He smiled and yanked one of her curls.

Her smile then faded. “But I loved that
creepy
little Angel.”

“Yes, we know. You cannot possibly imagine the celebration in heaven… when that vicious little black-winged traitor snapped that rare trinket around your wrist. The skies shook with our thunderous roars.”

She lightly touched her amethyst shackle. “He told me the two of us together would be bad news.”

“You have
no
idea, little sister.”

He gazed at her a few more heartbeats, a soft smile upon his flawless lips.

“So, Naga… with the soul-eater forever banished and the dark Prince of Hell nothing more than putty in your lovely hands, none are left to torture your fragile little heart. When Father saw how you were finally accepting your wings, how your thoughts turned to settling your mortal bonds… He was happy, Naga.”

“Happy?”

“Yes, happy. Ohh, Naga, you should see His face when He smiles,” he said absently. “Words cannot suffice.”

“So… Daichi?”

Raphael met her worried gaze. “He is an Arch now, Naga. He stands as my equal in all things.”

“An… Arch…”

He tenderly wiped away her single tear and kissed her cheek.

“You are yet, and always will be, his first priority. Father will never remove your Blessing, Little Fire. He just gave him other responsibilities to see to as well. But if you ever need him, Daichi will know first. No matter his duty, he will come to you in but a blink.”

She didn’t speak, could barely even form coherent thoughts.

“You should be delighted for him, Kagi Naga. I felt peace and love swell within him at Father’s words. Daichi is… happy.”

“That’s… that’s wonderful,” she whispered.

“Yes, it is.”

Raphael gently pulled her to him… and held her as she cried.

*****

Yui stepped aside as Tenshi and Duhrias left her chambers, smiling and chatting with one another.

“I take it things went well concerning your plans for little Lala.”

Jenevier continued to stare at the tiny girl still curled up on her bed, smiling proudly, lovingly.

“Yes, Yui. I have been blessed. Everything that was weighing down my wings… well, it is all working out for the best.”

“As it should be, Mistress.”

“Yes, my friend, as it should be.”

She turned to look at him when he came up beside her, taking her hand in his.

“Tell me, sweet Yui. Why is it you are more beautiful than I?”

He blushed. “Do not tease me, Milady. None outshine you.”

“You are good for my ego, Master Hand. Perhaps that is why I keep you around.”

“Yes, that… and the fact I brew the most marvelous rose tea.”

She smiled and gently bumped his shoulder, then rested her head there.

“I want you to make the arrangements, Yui. I will leave every detail in your most capable of hands.”

“Wait… you cannot mean…” He paused.

“Yes, Yui. That is exactly what I mean. Do whatever it takes to satisfy your people.”

“Concerning your abdication, Mistress?”

“No, dear friend. Concerning our wedding.”

Yui didn’t speak. He stood frozen at her side, mouth slightly open. When he didn’t answer her, Jenevier gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

“Yui… are you listening to me? I wish to marry you. Will you do me the honor of letting me be your royal wife?”

“…You are asking
me
?” His words were faint, dreamy sounding.

She chuckled softly. “Yes, Yui. Will you marry me? Will you see to the whole thing?”

He wrapped her up in his arms and she felt his happy tears falling soft upon her curls.

“As you wish, Milady,” he whispered through his quiet sobs.

*****

“Aye, Lass. I felt ye calling for me.”

Jenevier smiled when Vittorio embraced her from behind.

“What are ye doing oot here all alone?”

She placed her arms over his at her waist, resting her head back against his chest. “Our sacred battlefield, Brother. The blood in this soil calls out to my soul… always does it beckon me.”

“Aye, Lass, as it should.”

“I have missed you more than I even realized. You are my calm place in a storm, Vittorio. You always have been.”

“Ye cannae possibly have missed me as much as I’ve missed ye, mine Angel.” He kissed the top of her head.

She smiled. “Have you met Cherie yet?”

“Aye, Lass, ye know I have. Vareilious wulnae shut up aboot the wee thing. He’s smitten with her. An’ the wee lamb… she’s a bit of a handful, that one. I like her.”

“Yes… I like her, too.”

“They’re good taegether, Lass. Dunnae worry aboot that big oafish brother of yers. He’s in good hands, he is.”

“And what of my handsome kilted brother? What kind of
hands
is he in?”

He squeezed her. “Only yers, my wee darlin’. Only yers.”

“I love you.”

“Aye, an’ I love ye more.”

She sighed. “I am in need of your counsel, treasured brother. My heart is heavy.”

“An’ that’s why I’m here, Lass. Confide in me yer sorrow an’ let yer dearest friend make it all better.”

She turned to face him. “You spoil me. You know that, right? Of all the blessings I have unduly received, your heart stands head and shoulders above them all. I do not deserve you, Vittorio.”

“Aye, Lass. Truer words havenae dripped from those most gorgeous of lips.” He winked at her then. “Come. Let us walk.”

Jenevier spent the rest of that day in her beloved Guardian’s arms. They laughed and cried, talked and remembered. She told him all that had happened during her summons on Earth… and all that had happened since. He was ever attentive, even tickling her when she would near tears.

“Tell me one thing, Brother.”

“Name it, Lass, an’ I will.”

“You removed Izaru’s head, did you not?”

“Aye, ye know I did, Lass. Vareilious was the one what put it in the box though.” He sort of snorted. “That muscle-headed oaf grows more twisted by the day. He makes me laugh.”

“Yeah, he makes me laugh, too.” She snickered before sighing. “And his body? Tell me what became of that devil-butler’s body.”

“Fed it tae the dogs, we did. Nae a scrap left of the vermin.”

She squeezed his hand. “Gratitude, Brother. Although… I truly would’ve liked to have seen that for myself. Just desserts—nothing tastes sweeter.”

“Aye, Lass, ye havenae even heard the best part.”

She glanced up at his smirking profile. “Is that so? Then do tell, gorgeous Guardian.”

“Vareilious an’ I, we decided tae
escort
that day.” He half chuckled.

“Escort? You mean… to the Nether?”

“Aye, Lass. We carried Izaru’s wretched wee soul between us, handed it over tae Apollyon ourselves.”

Jenevier’s mouth fell open, but she didn’t speak.

“Ahh… ye should have seen Apollyon’s face, Lass. I’ll wager he hasnae been blessed with a surprise like that one in eons. We filled yer dark husband in on all the gory bits.” He huffed out a sardonic laugh. “Vareilious was cackling so hard when we left, I could barely make oot the old varmint’s last screams over his roaring laughter. Aye… that was a good day, Lass. A real good day.”

He picked her up then and spun her through the air, reveling in her happy squeals.

She gasped, trying to catch her breath. “I love when you do that, Brother.”

“I know ye do, my wee darlin’. That’s why I did it. Now, Lass, quit stalling an’ tell me what’s truly on yer heart. Yer biting on yer lip so hard, if ye dunnae spill it, ye’ll be drowning in yer own blood before long.”

Jenevier took a deep breath before filling her beloved Guardian in on all the plans she was making to secure the future of the ones she cared most about.

“Aye, Lass.” He smiled sweetly as he brushed away her tears. “Will ye let me be the one tae give ye away?”

“Vittorio, why would you even ask me that? Never would I put you through such a thing.”

“What are ye talking aboot, Lass? I wouldnae miss it for the world.” He tenderly caressed her cheek. “Having ye on my arm, seeing ye all dolled-up an’ beautiful, getting tae kiss ye before I present ye tae yer wee ninja… seeing that most beautiful of all smiles. It’d be my honor, wee rabbit.”

“…Vittorio.”

He lightly kissed her forehead, trying to hide his tears in the process.

“Aye, Lass, it would be like looking at heaven.”

“But… I swore never to marry.”

“Aye, that ye did. An’ I dunnae consider that vow broken. Ye dunnae give yer heart tae another, only yer hand.” He lightly kissed her hand as he said it. “An’ nae matter how rare yer beautiful Shinobi is, he is but a mortal. Besides, that wee ninja deserves this, does he nae?”

“Yes, Vittorio. I would never have made it this far without him.”

“Ye say it true, wee rabbit. Ye say it true.” He kissed her then, sweet and tender and loving. “Fret nae, Princess. I’ll nae leave ye. This ye already know. Our time will come. One day… Fate will smile on us as well.”

“Promise?”

“Aye, Lass. I promise.”

She sniffed and buried her face in his tunic, muffling her words. “I’ll hold you to that, Brother. I swear I will.”

“Nae, Lass. I’ll be the one holding ye tae it.” He kissed the top of her head and then rested his cheek there before whispering, “I swear I will.”

Jenevier tried hard to hold in the rest of her bitter tears, as did her treasured Guardian.

“I love you, Vittorio,” she whispered, shakily.

“An’ I love ye more, Princess.”

*****

She watched as the moonlight glistened off her sweet Guardian’s snow white wings as he entered the clouds, leaving layer nine. She sighed, smiling.

Are you certain about this, Kagi Naga? Do you think you can handle this all by yourself? Perhaps we should go to Orochimaru. Or… it would be my honor to remain as we are, little one.

“Tease me not, Dragon. You desire wind beneath your wings more than you desire air within your lungs.”