Aya's POV
Before I could answer him, he took to the trees and ran on the branches that led him back to his camp.
To say the least, I was stunned. Where was Enikil? Why didn't he kill him as had done to all that kissed me?
Gathering up the long blue hanfu dress, I took off running. Master Liu may not be back yet, but Good Father Mako needed to know.
When I rounded the corner of his hut, I saw that his fire was re-lit. Meaning, he was still awake. I let my feet scuffle outside his door to let him know I was there.
"Come in Aya. I'm so sorry I was not able to meet you sooner.." He said as he rose up into a sitting position on his bed. He was looking so frail and weak, my heart ached for him. A stiff wind would blow him over.
I rushed to his side and took a seat next to him. "Mako, Lord Kai was only a few hundred yards away from here at the river while I was bathing. I believe he intends on using me somehow to destroy the compound and possibly the Council.
He would not let me into his mind in the slightest, though I think I may find a way.. I think he believes it easiest to try and use my being a woman, against me. Lord Kai kissed me then asked me to see him again, and took off. But something is wrong. Enikil never showed up." The words just spilled from my lips like wine. It was so good to talk to him and see him face to face at last.
With a toothless grin, he took my face in his hands and kissed each cheek lovingly. "He is a very dangerous vampire Aya. You must be careful."
I nodded as his hands rested on my shoulders. "You don't know the half of it. He is about as old as I am. That is power, and in the wrong hands.."
His hands dropped from my shoulders and his bald head tilted toward the ground. "He has probably forgotten, but he is the one responsible for the deaths of your parents. That, I have seen in his mind. He had been searching for you for many years and gave up, finally ending up here. He is angry and dissatisfied. Who you are must remain hidden until just the right time."
Remaining silent for a long time, I opened my mouth to speak, but couldn't pain enveloped me as tears ran down my cheeks. Don't ask how I knew Mako wasn't lying, I just knew it. Finally the pain withdrew a bit. "By the way, were any of you aware of a possible tunneling system down underneath the river? I could swear that Lord Kai used one to pass beneath the river to this side. It could be how he has snuck in here before.. Oh Gods, I feel sick."
Pulling me toward him, Mako hugged and rubbed my back. "My poor girl. I know how dearly you loved them. Perhaps you just need a good cry.. Why don't you go. There is much we need to speak of tomorrow. But not tonight. Rest well, little one."
I kissed him on both cheeks and rose up. "Thank you Good Father. You are still too kind to this old woman."
Stepping outside, I turned toward my hut. I could smell the meat cooking from the kitchens for tonight and tomorrow. I couldn't help but grin knowing the meat had only been selected by the livestock I drank from, but had not totally drained.
It seemed that blood really does add to the flavor.. What irony..
Aya's POV
The Day after...
The following day, Mako gathered myself, Master Liu, Jin, and Cheng together in the Council Hall where I related back what I had told Mako the previous night. "I believe the tunnel may be used for information gathering or maybe Lord Kai wants to use it for another reason.. To kidnap me. If not to turn me to his side, than to kill me. This man killed my parents back on my island and had me hiding in the mountains for centuries. Right now, he does not know who I am. It needs to stay that way. Yes, I would love to kill him outright, but if possible he needs to be judged by a Council Trial. Let all those left that he has wronged, get a chance for some closure. You all can become far better humans for things such as this. Do not sink to his level."
For a long moment a heavy silence. Only the crackling of the fire and the sound of breathing was heard. Then the Elder spoke up quietly. "If Aya is kidnapped, she is protected in three ways. One, her combat skills she came with. Two, her acquired skills with a sword thanks to Master Liu." Master Liu bows his head in difference to Mako. "And three, she has the God Enikil on her side if anyone kisses her or touches her in an inappropriate manner." he looked pointedly at Jin who had paled considerably. His eyes widened with understanding of why she took off that day. He mouthed the words "I didn't know.." to Mako and Aya both. Nodding, I lowered my eyes. Master Liu and Cheng just quietly watched the exchange.
It was Mako who spoke up next. "Aya, to make things run a bit more smoothly around here; where you do not always have to deal with the lustful stares of men, you will be spending alot of your time working at our temple as a 'novice' priestess to the God's. Also, you will be studying the art of sorcery and healing. Continuing with your swordplay at night if Master Liu agrees."
Master Liu laughed out loud. "Old man, you know I want that rematch. Thank you, I'd love to keep Aya on as a student of mine."
With his beautiful toothless smile, Mako nodded. "Yes, Cheng informed me as we were waiting on everyone."
Looking a bit bashful, Cheng smiled at Master Liu. "I hope you're not mad. Last time you were, my sword arm hurt for a month." he chuckled before turning to Aya. "So, if he takes you, what will you do? Are you really up for such a harrowing experience?"
Slowly I stood up and smoothed out my black hakama pants. "One can prepare.. But it doesn't mean they are truly ready. I would do what I must to survive, all the rest would be sheer luck. It's all a gamble and I am evenly matched. Luckily, he doesn't know that yet." bowing deeply to all the men, I left to let them discuss matters among themselves.
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Author's Note:
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