My Heaven
-The Crooked Scythe-
April's story
By Michael James
Part 1
Union of the Two Houses
In a place,
like delivery room...
“There is a fifth milady, you must push again!” The mother screamed from the pain as she pushed out her daughter. When she came into the world the newborn was crying. Her 4 brothers were not as loud, but the mother was happy she got a girl.
“Hey there, aren't you just the prettiest little girl of all. Your name is April little one, do you like the name? April stopped crying as her mother nursed her.
30 years later,
when April reached maturity...
“What do you mean this is going to happen once a month mother?” Her mother Aila told her to calm down and not forget herself. “Yes mother I was being jest, but I cant go through this pain every month.” It was just a matter of maturity. Kitsune are adolescent until their 30 to 32 and then biology steps in. “Mother you are not hearing me, I refuse to go through this every month!” Aila would be happy to know how her girl plans to stop it. At that moment Eric, April's eldest litter mate asked what the shouting was about. “Eric do not come in here, I'm indecent!”
“Mother I came looking for you. Lord father wants to speak with you.” Aila acknowledged her son and told him she would be there momentarily. “What happens here mother?” His sister had become a woman. “I don't need to know anymore.”
In the duke's meeting room...
“Husband” Aila said showing respect with a curtsy.
“What was all the commotion this morning?” His daughter had started her flow for the first time. “This must be fate, a suitor has come for her.” Who was he? “Toya of the House of Leaves. His father wishes to finally unite our two houses. And it was brought to my attention the children were fond of each other.”
That night at dinner...
“Are you jest father? I actually get to marry Toya!?” His nod made her very happy. A ball was to be held for their engagement within the week. It was such a relief that she was happy about this. “No father, I'm am ecstatic that I don't have to marry Kine. Toya is a boy I've been attracted to for a long time.”
A week later,
in the dressing room...
“Moth... er... is a corset... agh... really necessary?” Well, if she was going to fit in her dress, then yes it was. “Mother... I cant... breath in this... thing!” She was just going to have to bare it tonight. “Yes mo... ther.” The dress was made from the finest material. It was more of a prom dress than anything else. April put it on gasping for air. The girl was hoping that the corset would break off of her. From the strain of to much pressure. Now in the ballroom of the forest castle. Toya waited wearing armor, next to his eldest brother Thomas.
Attention... presenting the princess April of the House of Ivy. April walked about 2 steps into the room and collapsed, from asphyxiation. The whole room gasped.
In her bedroom
a while later...
“Mmm, whose hand... Toya!?” April awoke with Toya holding her hand. He was rather concerned for her. “I feel such shame. I'll bet my father is furious.”
“No... well he was, until I rushed to you in fear. Dare I ask why you were wearing something that was squeezing the life out of you?” Her parents insisted on it actually. Toya stood up and then bent the knee holding out a ring. “Will you make me a happy man?”
“Only if you dance with me tonight...”
Part 2
A Terrible Lie
Several decades later,
in lavish estate...
“Mother, father has finally returned.” Well he should go to him. “Thank you mother.” Trevor who was one of their 4 children ran to his father. And Toya was ecstatic to see his son. More importantly than that, he wanted to see how his wife was doing. Upon entering the room, Toya fell dead in his gaze. Not because she was in a beautiful kimono, but because she had 3 tails. Toya only had 2 tails after all this time. Another tail meant an evolution of your soul. “Father... are you aware that you're staring at mother?” Toya snapped out of his daze.
“Was the raid successful husband?” He nodded telling them, Thunder pulled out of their territory. Where were the other 3 children? “Tanya is taking a nap. Tommy is training, he wants to wield the scythe. Tiffany is in her room playing with her dolls.”
“Love, I don't suppose you are in the mood for romance?” But of course she was. “Trevor, I look forward to spending time with you later.” His son told them he wanted more siblings. After the hours of romance, both lovers fell asleep in each others arms. It was then that April had a dream of great meaning...
In the dream...
“Hello?” April was on a castle ground lavish enough for a shogun. No one was around. Her clothes were different, she was dressed as a soldier, not a housewife. Long ago, Toya asked her if she wanted to fight with him. April wanted to raise children, she wore robes not armor... Now as she explored the castle grounds. She saw vases, artwork and other things with images of her. Along side her in the images, was Death, fighting as her ally. Seeing all of this made shivers go down her spine. “HELLO!”
“Do you not like your castle” asked an eerie and ghostly voice? April was afraid to face it. Still the woman muttered whose there? “I am your subordinate, I am death.” Why would death serve her? “Because you bare my mark. I was supposed to surface when you killed Kine.” What does that creep have to do with anything? “You were to marry Kine, he was going to abuse you. Following that, you would kill him. After that, you would have married Toya and had 5 children.”
“Are you... JEST?!” Death who took the form of a Void kitsune man. Humbly took the knee to her, begging for forgiveness. “Are you telling me I cheated my prophecy?” No, her father did? He was told her future with magic and changed the coarse of history. Only to bring her more peace, for a longer period of time.
April's eyes widened to great length. Had she not been in a trance, the Kitsune woman would have passed out. For hours after that her death beast explained her role in her future.
Back in her bedroom...
“That didn't just happen” April said softly opening her eyes. Her little girls were asleep next to her in bed. Toya whispered and asked if she had a bad dream? “What would make you ask that?” She was saying death in her sleep, is all. “Yes love, I had a bad dream. I'd rather not discuss it right now with our girls here...
In the wash room,
when morning came...
“Love can you come in here a moment?” Toya came from the dining room. Desperately asking what made her act this way? “Just come in and shut the door.” When they were alone, she dropped her robe. Exposing her bare chest with the mark of death, right above her breasts. Toya had valuable seconds to say the right thing. Instead he chose to say the words that were the worst thing he could say.
“It finally happened. I must tell you I'm surprised it took this long to surface.” April's knees gave out hearing these words. Hitting her butt hard on the floor, she couldn't even form syllables. After a few minutes... “Sweetheart, as I said your father...”
“Annulment.” What? “I want our marriage annulled.” Her words followed by a grave silence then... “You knew about this all along and you never told me. I would have rather heard you say, you were cheating on me, with my sister!”
“I didn't want to put this on you. And on our marriage night, your father swore me to silence.
“We've been together for a half century or more. In all that time, you could have told me this!” If she could just listen to him, for a moment. “Leave, just get off the estate until I'm ready to leave. I'll need a day or less. I may come back to you, but it wont be soon. Stay against my wishes, we will never speak again.”
Part 3
The Death of Kine
A year later,
out in a forest...
“Okay I see the elk mother.” April took the arrow from her quiver. Placing it in front of her daughter. Tiffany made it hover with telekinesis. Find your path, aim and... Tiffany shot the arrow faster than a bullet. It went right through the elks heart and halfway into a tree. “I did it mother!” April applauded the feat.
“Now come on, lets get to it before any Yokai beat us to it.” The women did have to fend off a few of them, to claim their prize. As they walked to their village entrance. A doorway where 3 giant trees merged. Upon entering, the whole village greeted her as the chieftain. “We got plenty of meat for tonight's honor ceremony!” YEAH!
“Milady, you have a visitor” said a kitsune man named Arch.” Who? “Its one of your suitors.” April sighed asking why they couldn't leave her be? She was not welcoming advances at this time.
“I'm afraid I must insist” shouted Kine, from a tree house 2 stories up. The entire village was made in giant trees. The only thing on the ground were storage houses and kitsunes. Arch shouted that he was to stay where he was told! “Excuse me, I am the head of the house of Redwood. “You don't tell me to do anything.”
“Sweety go to your brothers. Mother has to use some harsh words.” Tiffany had fear in her eyes, because her mother was livid. As her girl ran up the walkway in the opposite direction. April took a vine with a counterweight up to the house. “Give me one reason to not kick you out of my village. With a scythe mark on your back?”
“Thought you should know. This forest area is not free land anymore. I own it all for leagues and leagues.” April summoned her crooked scythe to her hand. “Yes, I've seen the weapon before, its very pretty. Answer me, how disgraceful is it to raise Toya's children in this dump. Little prince and princess' in a village of a couple hundred. Not knowing where their next meal will be.”
“You dare say his name? I've told you that you honor his memory by never speaking his name!” Kine laughed, yes he had her husband killed before the marriage was over. Why wouldn't he, if April carried his inheritance. Their marriage would be all the more sweet. “GET OUT OF MY HOME” she growled with rage!
“Very well, but I'll be taking Trevor. The boy is to become the head of Toya's house. Naturally I'll be around to pat him on the back and also slap his wrist.” Like hell he was taking her son. “Well, you don't really have a choice. See because you live in the woods, you don't hear political matters. Had you been around, the house would have listened to you. Now if you were willing to sign everything over to me. As well as marry me, I wouldn't need your son for a few more years.”
“Nimble!” A kitsune slid off the roof and walked on the ceiling. Asking what she wanted. “I need to go get a priest, I think I'll marry this man.” Kine started laughing like a madman. After we are married and everything is in my name. I will have him executed, make sure he doesn't escape.” Kine went from pleased to bed wetting.
“You cant do that” Kine shouted!
“I could swear you tried to kill me husband. In order to claim my crooked scythe for your own. Nimble, please make him uncomfortable.” The kitsune dropped from the ceiling and started beating him to death. April went to see if her son was still in the village. His usual place this time of day was at his studies.
At the other,
end of the village...
“Mmm, shouldn't we be doing something important?” Trevor told the girl it could wait. “What if someone walks in?” Who was going to come bother them? “Milady!” He didn't think his mother would... “No, Milady is right behind you.”
“Mother!”
“I am happy to see you are enjoying the tutor. Now I know why you requested a girl around your age.” His tutor was scared to death. “Will the two of you put your shirts on?”
That night...
“I now pronounce the both of you husband and wife.” April smiled as she told Kine to start running. Kine stood there and challenged her in a vulgar way.
“Why does the general need to kill me. Be a true leader and kill me yourself, if you got the guts.” Kine started laughing because he thought she wouldn't, he was wrong. April cut him in half like a sword through paper with her crooked scythe.
Part 4
I'm Happy Here
2 months later,
in her palace...
“Excuse me milady, lord Thomas is here to meet.” April was training in her rec room. She told her errand girl to bring him in. As Thomas entered, April thew him a lance.
“Train with me.”
“I wanted to talk business today lady April.” The kitsune woman told him that she was wanting a follow up on their last duel. “Seriously April, I need you to think about political matters here.” She slammed her wooden scythe into the floor, hard enough that it stuck. Thomas looked into her eyes and he felt fear.
“Thomas I'm not getting married again. Not until my children come of age at the very soonest, that is my decision. However, I am returning to the woods soon.” He begged her pardon! “I will need someone to manage my affairs. This is the reason I have summoned you.” Was the lady serious? “I take it you aren't interested?”
“You want me to manage all 3 of your houses. While you just go live a life of exile?” That was her plan. “But why?” April looked into his eyes and said she would marry him one day. All he needed to do was be patient. “I don't know what to say.”
“I was far happier in the woods living life without countless servants. There is something to be said about the value of making ends meet. My children ask me almost every day, when are we going home.” Thomas kicked the lance from the floor to his hands, accepting her duel. Though he had never bested her once.
A week later,
upon returning to the forest...
“Mother what are our plans” asked Trevor?
“We're going to be warriors son. I plan to raise the four of you to be generals of the forest kitsune dynasty.”
My Heaven
-After 6 Days-
(Before April's second husband)
By Michael James
Part 1
Freed from a Cell
In a maximum,
security prison...
“Hey... you get up” shouted a guard slapping the cell door with metal. April told him to not do that again! “Sorry milady, its just this guy is trash.” April looked at him with disappointment. He was to open the door and close her in. “Are you insane?!” Do it!
After she was closed in...
“Hello Pitch, my name is...”
“Lady April, we of the confined have thankfully received the greater comforts. Before you came along I lived on stale bread. Often with bugs all over it each time. Now I have a variety of meals. Most importantly, the occasional hot soup with meat in it. What can I do to show my appreciation?” April asked him for starters to let her see him. Because everything was dead dark in the cell. “I haven't been seen by a woman in years, but sure.” He let the lantern show him in the cell.
“My, you are hansom.” What could he do for her? “How would you like to get out of this room?” What would it cost him? “There are a number of prisoners I'm granting pardons to. In exchange, I ask that they serve me in battle.”
“You don't need other prisoners if you have me.” That being true, she still wanted to scare Thunder and Fire. To the point that they wouldn't challenge Forest again. “Are we back at war with Fire?” No, but that day would come when the new July took power. “If I do this, if I serve you. I want you to know if you betray me like my last master. I will destroy everything you hold dear.”
“Agreed, now would you please take a bath first?”
Walking out,
of the prison...
“Whose my first target master?” Her youngest daughter. “What?” Thunder had been making plans to abduct her. His job was to protect her. “I don't do well with escorts.” She wanted the scariest guy she had ever heard of to watch her child. Pitch looked at her in the eyes. “Do I have permission to kill whoever means her harm?” Of course.
A few days later,
out in the woods...
“Does it not make you feel uneasy, being in these woods?” The Thunder kitsune captain said to his guys to just shut up. “Yes sir.” Tiffany was known to hunt in the woods by herself. It was the perfect opportunity to come claim her. “Yes sir.”
Tiffany was not hunting at the moment. She was bathing in the river. Though she was 36 years old, her features were that of a preteen girl. Pitch was facing the opposite direction as she washed herself. Tiffany soaked in the water until Pitch told her to be ready.
“For what?”
“I can sense others.” She told him to throw her a towel. “Yes but be quiet.” Pitch heard rustling in the distance. Tiffany looked around as she covered herself. Then a dart hit her in the shoulder. In seconds she fell asleep and woke up fully clothed in her room. Pitch was outside her home sharpening a blade. The scent of blood wreaked from his clothes. She got up out of bed and asked him to come in.
“How many were there?” 8. “Are they all dead?” No... one was alive being tortured by her mother. “I was nude when I last remembered. Who clothed me?” He did. Her face went blushed, but she wasn't embarrassed in a sense that she should. “Did you see a lot?”
“Is my sister awake” demanded Trevor walking in? Tiffany told him knocking was appropriate. “Servant outside!” Tiffany asked her brother what was wrong? “Do you not know what transpired over the last 6 days?” She had no memory of it, why? “Your so called bodyguard allowed you to be taken by the enemy!”
“What..?”
Part 2
The First 3 Days
Right after the dart hit...
“She's got a bodyguard, kill him!” Pitch ran into the water to get her. The captain put his finger in the water. “Not another step. One wrong move from you and I'll kill you both.” Pitch looked at him and started to growl. “Fellas collect the girl.”
“Allow me to dress her first. Give the princess her dignity.” He told his boys to toss him her clothes. Pitch dressed her as fast as he could. There was one kitsune guy who was staring at her. Once her clothes were on, a guy came into the river to get her. When they were both out of the water. The captain jolted the river. He killed a few dozen fish in the process. Pitch woke up tied to a tree.
In the party...
“How long is that sleep tonic going to keep her out for?” Days, good thing to, the less she resisted. The less trouble they would have getting her out of the woods. “Why didn't we hit the bodyguard with a dart?” Because the tonic was expensive herbs. No need to waste it on privet security. “Why is the light dimming?”
At that moment, all of them looked around and saw things getting dark in the trees. They thought it was wild yokai being mischievous. Until a familiar voice echoed from the blackness.
“Where are you” it asked with tremors in the ground? The captain told his two fastest runners to take the brat and leave. Without arguing they picked her up and ran as fast as they could. “Where are you?” The captain told him enough theatrics. “Found you!” The darkness flooded over them like a tidal wave. His men didn't even live one minute.
“Why not come out and show yourself.” Pitch appeared before him and complimented that he was calm. At least for a guy who was about to die. “Answer this if you can, shadow magic is rare for a forest kitsune. Might I have your name?” Its Pitch Black. There was a pause for at least half a minute, then... “I heard a while ago you were locked up. You killed your former master. How did you get out?”
“I was granted a royal pardon. Why aren't you scared of me?” Because even though Pitch was a Grim. As well as other things, he could hold is own against him. Pitch summoned a crusader sword to his hand. “I welcome the challenge.”
The captain took 2 short swords from his sheaths. Lightning flooded the swords in his hand. Pitch took his stance. His opponent did the same. As it began they locked eyes.
The Captain tapped his daggers together and vanished. Pitch looked up and saw him falling ready to stab him. Pitch jumped out of the way. He tapped his daggers together again. This time he came from the left, then from the back, from the left, the right. Pitch avoided each attack and was getting sick of this. The guy was moving to fast to land a hit, until... Pitch nailed him in the hip with a punch. A bit of blood came out of his mouth after the impact.
“That's the problem with lightweights. You get one good hit and you are beat.” The captain told him this wasn't over. Lightning started to radiate from his body. As he blew himself up, he teleported back to his men. Hoping that Pitch would think he killed himself. Now the lightning hit Pitch hard, as well as 300 feet or more of collateral damage.
At the position,
of the two soldiers...
“I guess the captain is getting carried away.”
“You guessed right” he said appearing before them in a bolt of lightning. They asked if he killed the idiot bodyguard. “I'd take measures to ensure he doesn't hear that talk. The bodyguard is the grim character Pitch Black.” Was he jest? “I wish I was, lets get moving. The captain could lightning jump with Tiffany in his arms. But since she was forest not thunder, she would get hurt a great deal.
2 days later,
in blackness...
“Where is she?” The soldier who fell behind, was left behind. Pitch had him tied up as well as now missing a few fingers. “Where is the girl?” He told Pitch he might as well kill him now. He wasn't going to tell him anything. “I bet my soul I'll get you to talk.
In April's town...
“Mother, He's gone and so is my sister. Its obvious now that he abducted her and betrayed us. I want to lead a hunting party to run him down.” April told him Nimble would hunt him down and bring back their kin. And that was her order!
Part 3
The 5th Day
A day away,
from leaving the forest...
“I swear this woodland is endless.” The captain told his man to take a break. There was no darkness around them. Tiffany was fine and they had done nothing to her. She was still out like a light. The captain and his man hit the ground hard.
Meanwhile,
a bit ago...
“Those idiots will feel my wrath, I swear to it!” Pitch didn't know what hit him when Nimble came out of nowhere. He kicked him in the back and then punched him in the neck. Nutted him in the balls and finally put a blade to his neck. Pitch managed to put his sword to Nimble's neck at the same time.
“Traitor!” They both shouted at the same time. Nimble told Pitch he would suffer greatly for his betrayal. His betrayal! How did he betray anybody?
“You took your charge and fled the first chance you got.” He didn't take her anywhere. The princess was taken by Thunder. “You expect me to believe that?” He couldn't care less about what he believed. The princess was in danger and they needed to find her! Nimble made his career on liars. He sensed Pitch was honest and took his blade away from Pitch's throat. “Who took her?” He counted 7 grunts and 1 well trained officer. He had killed most of them. Now only a couple remained. “You will be expected to bring yourself before our master.”
“And I will, once I have the princess back...”
On the boarder,
As night naturally fell...
“This isn't good. Every time night comes I feel him closing in on us.” The grunt asked what was the plan? “I'll take the first watch. Give the girl to me and get some sleep. I'll wake you at midnight for your shift.” The captain sat in the dark with a knife to her jugular. After a couple hours he started hearing things that weren't yokai.
“I found you” said a haunting voice. He looked to wake up the other guy, but he was gone. Then came something terrifying. A man wearing a plague mask and the mask had teeth. “You wont get away this time, I can assure you of that.”
“One more move and I'll kill the girl.” He found that unlikely. Those of Thunder would be after him with greater hate. If he killed the prize he was sent to collect. “Are you willing to stand behind that?” Kill her and he would bring him to Thunder's leader himself. After that, a couple dozen mask wearing guys appeared behind him. The captain was feeling overwhelming fear. A great deal more than he should. He should take the weapon from the girl now. “If I do that, my one bargaining chip is gone.” They promised to make it quick if he cooperated. “To hell with all of you!” He dropped her and took out his other sword. The masked men didn't give him a chance to charge up his weapons.
In the other,
plain of existence...
“Its done Nimble.” Nimble had the grunt tied up over his shoulder. Once the captain dropped Tiffany from his grasp she appeared in this realm. Pitch picked her up gently and held her tight.
On the 6th day,
returning to the town...
“Arrest him” shouted Trevor! April told them all to ignore her sons orders. “Mother you cant be serious!” She wanted to hear his explanation. Because she knew he wasn't a traitor. “Nimble drop whoever you have and take my sister from him!” Trevor was growing more in rage as time went by. Nimble took the princess and confirmed Pitch was loyal to them. April told Trevor to see to his sister, while she heard Pitch out.
In April's house,
after the story was told...
“Then this is just a simple case of you being a bit careless. Though even if you weren't in the water to be jolted. I don't see much that you could have done. If her life was in danger, I would have rather her been taken than killed. Will you forgive me for doubting you Pitch?” He nodded yes, “will you please continue to guard my daughter?”
“It would be an honor.” Pitch stood up and walked on the bridges to Tiffany's house. Trevor was outside the house. He warned Pitch that he would have him in a much worse prison. If he ever hurt his family. “Thanks for the warning my lord.”
Part 4
Crush
Back to the present time...
“Brother, please leave.” Trevor looked at her and saw he was making her upset. He said if she needed anything just let him know. “I thank you.” As the prince left her home he gave Pitch an angry look and walked down the bridge.
“Pitch will you come in here.” As he walked in the home, Tiffany asked for the whole story. As he told it to her, she was looking him over with interest.
In the towns,
Prison area...
“Do not think your punishment is over” said April. After her man threw a bucket of water in his face to wake him up. Trevor walked in the room telling his mother she was awake. The Thunder kitsune had vines growing in and out of his body. It was extremely painful, more agonizing than getting shot.
“Please I've told you all I know. I beg you for mercy.” April looked him in the eyes saying they went after her little girl. This was not something that would be forgiven easily. “Mercy, please... MERCY!” She growled there would be no mercy.
“Mother I would like to hurt this man myself.” April said he was free to do as he liked. She was going to check in on her little girl. As April left, Trevor pulled a bag of interesting seeds from his pocket. “You think vines are painful, Thunder prick?!”
In Tiffany's home,
as April arrived...
“Huh, this is what an attractive mans chest looks like.” April walked in and saw her daughter ogling him with his shirt off. “Hello mother.” Okay she was wanting an explanation. “I think I'll take him as my future husband.” Pitch told April he was sure she wouldn't approve of a marriage between the two of them.
“Why this man?” Because he saved her life and is quite pleasing to look at. “And what do you say about this Pitch?” Seriously, she was going to be okay with this?! “Yes, you are a decent man.” Tiffany's eyes lit up with joy. “Do you not approve of her as a mate?” Pitch was thinking to himself how royally screwed he was here.
“Yes, I will marry her when she comes of age.”
My Heaven
-The Priestess of Leaves-
(Before April's second husband)
By Michael James
Part 1
Long Ago
In a much smaller town,
than the one April runs...
“Please... stop!”
“Yeah lets kick her some more and show her what it means to stop.” Skip was on the ground being pummeled by a group of boys. She stole food from them and they already hated her. While begging for mercy She was coughing up blood from receiving all the trauma.
“HEY!” The boys saw Toya coming their way. True, they could probably have bested him. Just at the price of being executed. “If I see any of you around her again, I will sell your hides!” Skip couldn't get to her feet, because of the pain she was in. Toya walked up to her and asked what she stole this time?
“I didn't ask you to save me, my lord. Now please leave me.” Toya walked up to her and healed her with common magic. Followed by handing her all his coin. She smacked him across the cheek. “I don't need your pity, my lord!” Yet, she would continue to steal from rough necks? “What do you want from me? Why do you continue to save me? Perhaps you want me as a concubine?” Toya told her he didn't think of her in that way. He viewed her as a little sister.
“Looks like the bread you stole has bugs in it. I could offer you a far better meal than that.” At what price? “I'm not going to hurt you, Skip.” In truth Skip had hard feelings for him. But asking her to trust someone was like asking a king to advocate the throne.
At the castle gates...
“Let her through.” Skip followed close behind and took notice of the shrine dedicated to Inari. “Are you coming?” Skip bowed to the shrine from the distance. When her stomach started to make noises, she hurried along. Toya walked her in the kitchen. The smell of meat soup made her less lady like. “Allow her to eat anything she wants, but first give her a damp cloth.” Skip asked for what? “To wipe the blood off your face.” Skip was embarrassed, but wanted to clean herself. After cleaning her face, Skip ate a lot of soup and was offered to stay in the castle as a vassal. She would do just about anything to sleep in an actual bed. That night, she got up and walked to the gates.
“You know at some point Toya is going to give up on you.” Thomas said hiding behind the doors. Skip asked how long he had been waiting. “Since a little after dusk.”
“I'm a marked criminal, those making my life worse, will target you.” Thomas laughed, saying he'd like to see those guys come after her in these walls. “What does he want with me? I mean, he's not interested in my body. I've offered myself to him more than once.” Toya saw greatness in her, and Thomas really thought he cared for her. “If I stay and get used to an easy life. What happens when he gets bored of me?” Thomas offered her a position as an arch priestess. “Really” she asked with happiness. Toya was coming, she shouldn't make him run all the way. Thomas suggested to her.
At the shrine,
the next day...
“We welcome you, young lady. Your training begins now, I would see you keep up with one of our top disciples.” A woman stepped up looking like a real warrior.
“My name is Prudence, if you don't keep up you forfeit your lunch.” Skip nodded. Prudence took off into the woods surrounding the castle. Her target was a small shrine 10 miles away. Going as fast as the wind. Skip stayed with her the whole way.
At the destination...
“Forgive us for underestimating you.” Skip kept up with her, but collapsed when it came time to stop. “We'll rest here for a bit. I will be making my prayers while you sleep. Skip started to dose off, when she heard footsteps. Opening her eyes to see who it was. Judgment just hit her instructor with a poison dart.
“Have a nice day. I doubt you even know how to get back home, heh heh.”
Part 2
A Year of my Life
As night fell...
“Come on, don't you die on me.” Skip had tried to extract the poison, but didn't have the proper skills. Prudence was hit with a dart, with a lethal amount of poison. “Oh great spirit of Inari, I call upon you to make an offering of the highest price. I offer one year of my life to save Prudence from her fate.”
Skip's body glowed and Prudence's body also illuminated. As the priestess opened her eyes, Skip fell still as a stone to the ground. Prudence knew she had to get her home.
In a vast,
forest shrine enclosure...
“Awaken my disciple. One who would give her life for someone she just met.” Skip opened her eyes. She was laying in a bed of leaves as soft as feathers. In front of her was a giant Inari fox with 9 tails. Skip realized now she had grown another tail herself. “Why did you sacrifice yourself for her?” Skip ignored the question and immediately got on her knees and bowed. “Answer!”
“She is a sister of Inari, I've always admired those who serve the gods.” The fox told her to stand. When she did, he kissed her forehead and Skip closed her eyes.
In Toya's room...
Skip opened her eyes in Toya's bed. Toya was not in the bed, he was sitting in the chair. Thomas was also there, the two brothers were reading books.
“Toya she's awake.”
“Did we..?” Toya asked her what happened, where did she go? “My lord, my head is clouded with questions myself. I saw an Inari fox of the forest. Thomas brushed her hair to the side exposing a mark of the gods. It was a Tori gate in the center of her forehead , right above her eyebrows. “Why are you two looking at me like that?” Thomas told her to look into a mirror. “Why?”
Once she saw the mark...
“This is the happiest day of my life” she cried. Thomas asked her what would she take now. “Celibacy, I would not have a man ever touch me again.” Her body glowed for a moment. A barrier over took her. If she was touched by a man in a sexual way he would die. Because Inari gods would strike him down.
In the royal court room,
a day later...
“Your majesty, I am honored to be summoned by name. How exactly can I be of service?” Toya's father Timothy scalded the man for being so prideful. “I apologize, I did not mean to...”
“Silence!” Timothy stood up off his throne and everyone took the knee. “I have been telling you all in judgment to leave Skip alone. Now she has become invaluable to me as an asset. If I hear you continue to punish her. I will have you added to her status. Am I in any way unclear?!” He was to scared to look up.
“No your grace, I understand and I will see to it that she is removed. Judgment will no longer run her down.” Timothy ordered him to get out of his throne room, now!
As he got out of the hall quickly. Toya asked what was happening exactly. Judgment was an organization created to make bad kitsune live a hellish life. Skip's brother stole a great amount of wealth. When he died the debt was given to her. Judgment was like parole officers, they were above the law. However, kings held more authority than their bosses. Toya thought it wouldn't be effective, to punish someone who was innocent. Yet this was the way things were.
Back to Skip,
at the shrine...
Skip was washing the statues with Prudence. Neither one of them could think of the right first thing to say. Skip felt uncomfortable because Prudence wouldn't talk. Prudence, felt she owed a life debt and was waiting for her to collect.
While Skip cleaned she was thinking hard about her little home in the alley. She left something of her mothers there and she wanted to go retrieve it. But was unable to leave castle grounds. Prudence took her eyes off her for only a moment. When she looked back, there were leaves blowing in the wind. Skip was now in the alley right where she was thinking of. Her confusion was beyond immeasurable.
Part 3
I can go Here to There
In the castle...
“What do you mean she's gone?!” Toya was standing by his brother while he screamed at Skip's escorts. They tried to tell him she just vanished in a whirlwind of wind and leaves. Thomas was in an understandable rage state. “GUARDS!” 8 soldiers came into the room. “Take these 2 failures to the dungeons. While I decide what to do with them.
In the Alley...
“Hey boys, looks like our entertainment is back. Where did you get the fancy clothes Skip.” She backed away from the guy and realized there were others behind her.
“Hello pretty, do you have something for us?” When the guy cupped a feel, he fell lifeless to the ground. The group backed away from her, confused as to what happened. One of them looked at her forehead, seeing her mark.
“She has the mark of a priestess. No... I'm not going to mess with this kid” one guy said, then fled. Followed by two of his friends. Their boss and the other 4 stood their ground.
“You boys have tormented me for far to long, its time for payback!” Skip took a branch off the ground and turned half of it in a blade. The 4 friends took off leaving the guy in charge alone. He was not scared, he was amused. While smiling he mocked her and made fun of her tremors. Skip was shaking, but out of anger, not fear.
“Okay priestess, lets see what you can do.” He took a club that he was carrying on his back. Readied it and prepared to strike. “I knew one day the little dip prince would give you a position. I'm sure he had fun with you before your oath.”
“Don't you ever insult him” she snarled. He swung the club down and she cut it in half as well as most of his head. Her blade was sharper than a razor and could cut down a tree.
In the court room...
“Your majesty's Skip has appeared on castle grounds.” Thomas asked where she was? “She is under guard, I ordered her brought to her room and kept there.”
When the two prince's came to her door. Thomas ordered the soldiers to leave. Toya ran in the room and caught her changing. His face went red faster than him turning around.
“It's not like you haven't seen my goods before.” Toya ordered her to clothe herself. “I'm clothed.” As he looked at her again, he couldn't help but look at her south of the neck. “Would you like me to take off my top again?” No... he was sorry for staring. “No apology needed.” Where was it that she disappeared to? “My Inari god blessed me with the ability to go from here to there. In an instant just thinking of the location I want. I thought of the alley where I used to live and I was there. I cant really explain it any clearer than that.”
“I want you to finish your combat training as soon as you can. Afterwords, I want you at my side as my bodyguard.” Skip smiled at the honorable request he made.
9 years later,
in a town under siege...
“Your majesty, Fire has denied sending troops into this town. June herself says that it was a rogue commander.” Toya looked to Skip and asked her to do him a favor...
In June's library,
2 minutes later...
“Hello lady June” hummed Toya. Her soldiers surrounded them, but she told them to stand down. “I needed to hear this myself. Did you send a battalion into my families territory?”
“All of you outside. Prince, I don't mind your attendant remaining while we talk. I just ask one little thing. I'm usually in here wearing nothing but underwear. Please give me warning next time.” Skip told her that prince Toya had an unanswered question. “No, this was the work of a colonel who was unhappy with my decision for peace.”
“And how exactly can I believe this?” Did he not know how many treaties he violated by just showing up here. Using his priestess as a fear tactic that he was overlooking? “What do we do about this man?” June would have him brought to his house alive and kicking. To do with however they saw fit. “Very well.”
“Before you go, I have a question for the priestess.” She told the queen she was listening. “Did you really kill general Olfe of Thunder?” She nodded yes. “I sent 3 battalions solely to bring me his head. They all died trying to accomplish that task.”
“He wasn't that hard to kill” Skip responded.
Part 4
The Wedding
A good deal more time,
in the future...
“My lord prince, I have a letter for you.” Toya nodded and took the parchment. As he read it while being fitted for his wedding attire. His eyes opened wide and his tails fluttered. When he asked where skip was. The servant told him the buildings roof.
“Everyone leave, you can finish my armor later.” When the room was empty, he shouted Skip's name. She appeared in front of him. Toya asked her what was the meaning of a love letter? She apologized 10 fold and explained that she was in love with him. “You picked a hell of a time to tell me this! I'm getting married in two days. To the daughter of another house. Why didn't you say anything sooner?!”
“I don't expect you to want me. Especially since I cant be romantic with you. All I'm getting across was that I would regret it forever. If I didn't tell you I've been in love with you since the first day we met. And you gave me some really delicious bread.”
“Tell me what to do.” What... “If you don't want me to marry this girl, and are willing to be lovers. I will throw off the wedding.” Skip started to cry in place. She didn't know what to say. The noble part of her took place and said he shouldn't. “Are you going to change your mind later?” Skip looked scared to answer. “I've always had feelings for you too. But I would ask you to forsake...”
“Marry her! Assign me as her bodyguard and I will repay those words. By making sure she is always safe.” She said as the tears started to dry up on her cheeks.
The night of,
the wedding reception...
“Pardon me milady, may I have this dance” Skip asked April? This was an odd request even in their world. April took her hand and they moved onto the floor. Performing a standard dance. Skip whispered in her ear “I will always make sure you are safe...”
My Heaven
-The Forest Inari Book-
(Before April's second husband)
By Michael James
Part 1
I Came Alone
In a Neutral city,
of mostly Kitsune...
“Yeah, I swear the next brat coming to look for a handout. I'll skewer the runt with a dull dagger.” These two guys had just been robbed by a pick pocket. They lost track of him and couldn't afford lodging now. Tanya walked right up to the two of them. Her shirt and fist had blood in both places. “What are looking at?!” She tossed them their sack of coin. Which also had blood on it. “Did you feel guilty?”
“No... I beat the living void out of the guys who preyed on those kids. I'm looking for the temple of the great Kitsune kings.” They looked at each other, and immediately counted their purse. Every single coin was there and asked why? “I want to pay my respects to my ancestor.” No... why did she get this back to them? “I wanted to find the cemetery before dark?” Where were her parents? “Why are you asking me these questions? If you must know I came alone. And I'll find refuge in a celestial shelter. Now please tell me where the temple is!”
“I'll take you there. Now that we can pay, go secure a room for us, and one for her.” His friend bowed and the other led her to the temple. When they got there, 8 soldiers were guarding the entrance. Tanya asked if they got her letter?
“You're her majesty's kid?”
“I am.” Who was with her? “He's my bodyguard, may we please go in now?” Open the doors. Tanya walked in the temple and asked the soldiers to remain outside. Of course. Once they were inside Tanya asked his name? His name was Gallath.
“Why didn't you tell me who you were?” Would he have believed her? “If its all the same to you I would like offer my services. My best friend would also work for you.”
“Wonderful” she said handing him 4 gold coins. “My first request, please move the stone cover off this coffin.” He begged her pardon. “Well It would be kind of awkward doing it myself.” Was she intending to rob the tomb?! “No, I want to talk to my ancestor.” He paused a moment, but decided to get it open, the stone cover weighed a great deal. As he stepped back, Tanya sprinkled leaf powder on the skeleton. The great king rose, flesh and all. The hired hand was rather bothered by this.
“My word, I smell awful. Little master have you any idea the shame you bring on yourself? Reviving a king in his own burial temple.” Tanya asked for his pardon, she did not intend to keep him in this realm long. You have my pardon, master. How may I be of service?” She wanted to know where Heita's tomb was? “May I ask your intent?” Heita took something that was not his to posses. She wanted it back. The king paused for a minute or two. “I believe he is buried in the lands of Thunder, of course. Far into The Stormy Mountains cave system.”
“How might I get a map of this system?” Gallath cried asking if she was insane. “Quiet.” The king told her to go to his families archives. Ask for the secretary's help. Do not tell anyone how she got this advice. “Naturally your grace, I have but one more question.” Go ahead. “Did you really marry your betrothed's sister?” Yes, after he found out that his betrothed was fooling around with stable boys. “Huh.”
In the Inn's tavern...
“Here you are, a full boar cooked with fine spices.” Tanya handed her payment to the waiter. Gallath and Hinse were being treated to a fine meal. She told them to eat up.
“You don't have to tell me twice” said Hinse. Gallath's stomach was making noises. This was a generous bribe. Yet he was hesitant about going into dangerous territory. Hinse couldn't care less, they'd been out of work for days.
“Gallath, if you don't want to go. By all means eat up. I wont deny you a good meal.” Hinse told him to stop being rude. Gallath had to know was there anything of a plan? “Of course, you two are going to be bounty hunters.”
Part 2
We Want Double
At a fortress,
a couple later...
“Where's the general?” His comrade answered she was training why? “You'll know soon enough.” He ran to the training room, just in time to see Jault break a guys arm. “General!” Jault asked to what favor did she owe him for interruption? “Two forest kitsune guys are bringing one of April's children for a bounty!”
“What! Which one?” One of the girls. Jault threw a spear at him, close enough to cut his cheek. “Which one” she growled? He believed it was the older daughter, Tanya. “Was that so hard?” Jault walked past him as he soiled himself.
Approaching the gate...
“Hey little trash, wake up!” Tanya was in slave clothes being carried in a metal cage. At least they gave her a blanket, they were in snowy mountains. Of course this was for show. Gallath and Hinse were the ones carrying the cage. Jault came running out of the crack in the opening doorway. “Hold!” Jault walked up to them and said she would pay the bounty. “Wait just a moment... Do you know just how hard it was to catch this little runt? We want double what the bounty is. If we are to be hunted by Forest the rest of our lives.”
“I will pay an additional 30%, or I'll kill you both and not pay a thing.” Hinse nodded his head yes. “Good, now enjoy my barracks, we'll send you off tomorrow with some food.” They set the cage down and walked away. “You there open the cage... NOW!” Jault took her coat off and wrapped it around Tanya. “Anyone who touches this girl, will suffer my wrath. Come on little one lets get you near a fire.” Jault literally picked her up and took her into her quarters.
“Why are you being nice to me?” Jault ignored the question and handed Tanya some of her daughters old clothes. She was going to turn around and let her change. Tanya was freezing to death. So she got dressed and was served some hot soup.
“With all due respect your ladyship. Forest is under the belief that all of Thunder is their enemy. Thunder is divided into 3 independent factions. Only one of them is supporting July. I intend to take you back to Lady April.” Tanya was to young for a stroke, but her body tried to have one right then. “If you want more soup, help yourself.”
“This was a farce” Tanya shouted. Jault asked what was she talking about? “I needed to get in the mountain. The guys that brought me, work for me!” Jault walked out of the room and into the barracks. Where her men were beating the two guys to death.
“STOP! Get them to their feet and into my quarters.” Hinse asked her to just make it quick. Her soldiers were confused. “Her majesty says they work for her.” The soldiers got them up and took them where they were told to. Tanya hadn't eaten good food in a while. She was helping herself to the pot. “Forgive me, but you both did act like pricks. Blackmailing me with the double bounty.”
“IT WAS HER IDEA!” Tanya apologized as Hinse went on a hysterical rant. Gallath told him to shut up. Because she could very well put the two of them back in the barracks.
“Help yourself to my pot of soup in my hearth.” Tanya told them they would be compensated. I'll send you out of here with bags of gold. Now please answer me your majesty. We are the watch for Thunder making batteries in the mountains interior. I don't see what is of interest in this cave system?”
“Forgive the change of subject. Are you working with Mountain to have access like this?” Mountain had no interest in their affairs, only in a cut of the profit. “I'm interested in a burial sight in the caves. Does it still exist, or was everything moved when the mining started?” Jault sat in a chair back against the rest.
“Do you plan to desecrate my ancestors grave site?” No, she simply wanted to ask where he kept something. “Meaning you will call him back from the dead.” Tanya looked shocked. “I'm not your enemy, but I'm not stupid either. Is the item your thinking of, one of the Inari books. Almost like the bible to Forest?”
“Yes.”
Knocking came loudly...
“General, July's soldiers are at the gate...”
Part 3
No Jurisdiction
Out in the entrance,
of the fortress...
“Jault, its been far to long. Did some bounty hunters drop off a bag of trash recently?” Jault told her brother he'd better turn and walk away. Before he lost another battalion to her. “Traitor... storm the keep and bring me the prisoner!”
Jault turned her whole body into a Thunder beast. Snarling and growling at them who were backing off. Her brother Jason also backed away. Jason was a good soldier, but not born with gifts. He screamed at her saying her allegiance was bought!
“I'm sorry brother, but I chose this life for peace. And decided not to be one of July's soldiers who meant nothing to him. The only reason your alive was because I promised father I wouldn't kill you. Now turn tail and run. I may not kill you, but if your soldiers are lost. The wild yokai will eat you alive.”
“I'll be sure to tell the king of your treachery.” He wasn't her king. “He is the only king!” Jault had enough, she stuck her mouth to the sky. Lightning came out and created a massive storm. Bolts were hitting the ground, 20 at a time with seconds between.
In Jault's quarters...
“I told you both there would be risks.”
“This was not what we discussed!
“Calm yourself Hinse. We're being protected right now, not hindered. Besides, I think she turned into a Raiju and that is rare to see.” Hinse told his friend to be in awe at another time. Right now they needed to get out of here! “And where would we go?”
“You both completed what I asked you to do. Take the gold I gave you, I wont bind you anymore.” Gallath told her no he wanted to be a permanent aid, assuming they lived through this.
Out in the yard...
“Brother, you will leave.” Jason got up off his back and fled in the direction all his men took. Jault shrank down to her normal size. When the lightning cleared she was exhausted and her Raiju partner was beside her. “Thanks Sparky, for lending me your strength.” He told her this was not a wasted display.
As night fell...
“Hello folks, I appreciate you letting me sleep a while. Your majesty please come with me.” Jault escorted her to the treasury. In the room were magnificent items as well as huge batteries. In a locked cabinet were 4 books one of them was the Forest Inari Bible. “I have a request, in exchange for handing this to you.” What was it? “I want your mother to send a representative to meet with my leader.”
“I will... make sure it happens. And I will tell her of your deeds.” The surrounding area was dangerous at night. They would be sent on their way in the morning. “How did you tame a Raiju?” She made a pact with him and that's all she would say.
The next morning...
“Follow the northeast road.”
“Thank you for all you've done” Tanya praised. As they headed down the path. Hinse wanted to know why such trouble for a book? “Its a gateway to speaking with the original Forest kitsune and... We are surrounded.” What! “Allow me to speak only.”
“Well well well, aren't you a pretty thing. I bet you'd make a nice price. Speaking of which, be kind enough to hand over that book.” The 3 were surrounded by bandit Tanuki. More commonly known as raccoon dogs. “Come on little thing, we don't have all day.” Tanya smiled as her eyes became clouded and a scythe formed in her hand. Which was made of ghostly matter.
“You can not think me some little pipsqueak. I give you an opportunity to run away. Because I am in a fine mood.” Spirits were flying around her like fire flies. These Tanuki were cowards and ran for it. Yet the day was not over. “Whoever is hiding out there come forth...” Tanya turned to a shadowed figure taking off in the opposite direction.
“Gallath... what have you gotten us into, seriously man?!”
A couple days later,
as they neared the gateway...
“Your majesty” said Skip appearing before them. Tanya looked like she was ashamed. “Do you know what Milady did to the escort party that lost you? Also who are these 2 men?”
“Never you mind about them priestess. Where is my mother?” The queen was seeing to another incident with her sister. “What happened to her” she shouted?!
“Nothing terrible happened to her. But she did get engaged.”
Part 4
Big Trouble
In April's privet home...
“You left your escort, explain why.” Tanya told her mother that they were slowing her down. “Interesting, because one of them tailed you to a temple. I also heard that you desecrated the body of one of our kings. By bringing him to life.” Ah... “Further more you drug these two gentlemen into harms way.” April had a tone that was calm yet very angry. Both men were scared she was going to kill them. Tanya was also concerned, just not as much as them.”
“Mother I know I'm in big trouble, but I have something else.” Go ahead. “We have friends in Thunder.” What was she talking about? “I have a friend in Thunder's ranks. I wish to give you more detail if you are willing to listen...”