"That's…deep." Michael processed lamely. Ryō tossed an unimpressed look his way, carefully collecting the bamboo leaves they had used as 'plates' for their smoked rabbit and refiled their cups with more tea. Evelyn groaned sadly, mumbling quiet 'I miss coffee…'. Michael could just see comical streams of tears run down her face. In his head. There was absolutely nothing funny in the way her lips dropped into a face distorting pout.
"You see, we are safe. Hidden. None but those permitted may enter." Mizuki blew a puff of violet smoke, choosing not to admit his curiosity to this 'ko-fi-' Rin had made mention of.
"Whatever may happen now, you can rest comfortably knowing no harm shall befall either of you." Ryō chimed, finally sitting himself beside his friend and new companions. A sharp inhale and away went his mask. He felt relief rush through his veins all at once for not having to hide anymore.
"Our next mission is quite clear, Ryō." The golden hue of Mizuki closed as a light stream of smoke billowed from his mouth, twirling impressively in the air. The other man hummed and crossed his arms in thought. Green eyes narrowed, piercing as they focused on the light purple form of his friend and brother.
"Ah've sent Yoite to gather intel. Eyes on yer blood and a karasu sent to Maebashi." He leaned back on both hands, gazing up at the sky. "Darkness is gettin' brazen, tha's for sure." The white-haired male agreed wholeheartedly with this observation, even going so far as to add that it was becoming far more dangerous by each passing of the day. He watched the two foreigners out of the corner of his eye, then hardened his features. That's it. There was no way they were getting out of training. Such soft, feeble bodies required a harsh regime to thicken the skin and spirit.
A loud clap resonated in the area. Mizuki yanked his pipe out of his mouth and proudly announced his 'idea'. Michael and Evelyn jumped to attention.
"First thing in the morn, we train." Michael snorted, lying flat on his back in comfort.
"Good luck with that! I'll just have a nice little lie in. You can wake me when it's lunch." Blue eyes looked between the two men.
"Oh ho. No. You mistake me." The demon leaned around Ryō with an absolutely devious glint in his eye. "We, means you."
"Eh?!"
"Huh?!" The siblings shouted in alarm and shock. Their 'aggressor' just smirked slowly, pipe going back to its place and casually winked at them before disappearing right back behind Ryō. The same Ryō that was now sandwiched between two very aggressive forces. [Honestly, how long will it take before they give up], he mused to himself, [Mizuki is merciless…]
Shio felt murderous. His hands were clenched tightly, painfully over his arms and both of his eyes. Gold and green were narrowed straight at the man standing before him in his castle.
"Who dares come before me unannounced?!" There were about a dozen guards littered around the main hall, all decorated in armour dyed black and silver. If you looked close enough you could see the tensing of muscles, hands, and expressions as they watched the newcomer with trepidation. Shio let out a fairly quiet rumble, watching as the green head of hair dropped into a deep bow.
"My prestigious Lord. I come on behalf of my Massster to extend invitation." Hatsu remained bent at the waist; hands folded neatly between his legs in a V shape. The male had a wide smirk across his face, hidden by loose strands of short, cropped hair. His tongue flicked out briefly, startlingly different than expected. It split into two-part way up the length. One of the guards noticed the slight movement and recoiled in abstract horror. The skin above Shio's nose crinkled in mild disgust.
"What impertinence." Nails released their grip on flesh. "You think you can enter my lands under the pretence of an invitation?" A soft thud echoed in the encompassing silence, one food after the other took the white-silver haired demon down to stand opposite his intruder. A shhhink went the sheath of a blade. Hatsu felt his already cold blood freeze up at the feel of a pointed dagger tip digging into the soft underside of his chin.
"Name." Shio demanded, voice cold.
"Hasssstu, my Lord." Pain blossomed.
"Of?"
"Clan Yamaso."
"Who sent you?"
"Aoki, my Lord." Fingers tightened over the handle of the blade. A brief flutter of pain was rewarded to Hatsu and a short breath left him as the imposing figure draped in deep purple fabric took a step back. He had to blink rapidly to clear his eyes, for just a split moment he had thought the daimyō had floated away. Almost as if on a cloud. Ludicrous.
"Hng." He swivelled around and thundered back up the steps to his lavish and luxurious s eat. It was almost a throne, alike in appearance but not quite the same. It definitely gave off the same booming power as Shio. The snake recoiled from the strength of his spiritual force as it careened outward in flashes of bright purple lightening. All at once came the thud, thud, thud of bodies dropping inelegantly to the floor. Above the angered fox, the wooden ceiling began to crack and with it the weight of something well-hidden fell through.
Grrriip. Bang! A human body slid down the wall to the right of Shio. His arm outstretched and fist clenched.
"Kami forsake them. All of them!" He growled ferociously at the pathetic excuse of an attempt at his life. "Make it quick, Hatsu."
"Of course, my Lord!" Said male rose to full height and swiftly pulled out a wooden talisman etched with text. Gold, green hues narrowed. "My Master invitesss you for a grand dining experience in the lands of Yawai. He requests you alone."
"…Ready my horse." Hatsu tilted his head. Shio dropped his arm and swept passes the confused demon. Such ego to think you can request my presence, he thought with vitriol. An insignificant pawn in the great game…I will teach you not to trespass on my lands with such gusto.
"My lord?" In a fit of seething rage, nails as sharp as swords bit into Hatsu's cheek.
"Ready my damn horse! Do you expect my men to do it?!" he gestured to the crumpled bodies strewn across the room. Even as they exited, and the bodies could no longer be counted for…the green haired male began to drown in his sudden adoration for the cold-hearted fox.
"R-right away!" he stumbled; cheeks flushed. Such power! He would strive to please the great lord, if only to curry favour for later. The scheming little snake almost split his face smirking with such sinister intent.
[Karasu – Raven]
[Kami – God/deity/lord]