Visions of Beyond

[Kirin]

Chizuru smiled and tilted her head in thought. "All right, Trydian Xanathi. I accept your oath and I pledge my love to you. I pledge to not let you wander off into the hands of others because you belong to me. Not as a servant, but as an equal. I will not treat you as a tool." She said solemnly.

"Where would you have me send Yuji-chan?" She motioned to Trydian.

Yuji waited eagerly. He turned away.

So, they are in love., he thought. And I thought it was an act.

Yuji looked like he was ready to go. Chizuru had made arrangements for him to have a bodyguard. No one ever traveled out of the Empire alone. He guessed that the guard was waiting for him outside of Chizuru's door.

[Trydian]

Trydian stood up, gaining his senses back. Looking at Yuji, he figured Chizuru should know what she was sending the boy into. His mother would more than likely be at the Vuri sanctuary, but he wasn't expecting her to answer the message. Yuji would need more than one guard and he wouldn't be allowed to step foot on their grounds. Once his mother saw the guards standing outside their sanctuary, he was sure that she would notice their presence.

“If the boy goes in the sanctuary, he will go insane. It was a defense my father put up with his own blood magic. You should send more than one guard with him. Some may not make it back. If the kid has a strong spirit, he may be able to withstand a few moments.” Those moments would be spent giving his mother the message. Inviting his mother was sounding more troublesome than it was worth. Perhaps they should just have a private ceremony.

It was complicated explaining his world to mortals, but at least Chizuru was making an effort. “I should go with you to your events. You shouldn't have to go alone.” Part of him was excited for the ceremony, but another was wrecked with fear. If he failed to be there for her, he would never forgive himself.

[Kirin]

Chizuru took the mirror and handed it to Yuji. "All right. I will send him with a few more bodyguards than one. Take this mirror to the head guard and tell him to put it back with the other things." She instructed Yuji. "I'm getting tired and it is late. There is a room next door that you can sleep in." She gestured to another shoji. "The walls are thin so you can see me and hear everything. But we can't sleep in the same room together as custom dictates."

Her own bedroom had many unique features. There were trap doors and hidden rooms behind the walls. She was a light sleeper herself, having been taught to not even let her guard down while she was sleeping. She slept with a wakazashi near her at all times. Paranoia led people to do strange things.

"When we are married, we can share the room."

In fact, Trydian was privileged enough to sleep within one of the rooms hidden within her walls. Chizuru laid down, clutched the short sword and turned on her side, facing the door and window.

[Trydian]

Trydian grumbled. He had been planning on staying the night with her, but he could see that she was the one to wait. He would sleep in her extra rooms, but demons rarely needed actual sleep like a mortal. After feeding, he had energy to spare. Looking at the sword, he wondered why she still didn't trust him. He was misunderstanding her action for something else entirely.

Moving to her, he kissed her. “I have too much energy to sleep, but you can sleep without fear now...I'm here.” Trydian knew that might hit a nerve, but he wanted her to be able to rely on him for strength and safety. Retreating to his room, he only sat with his thoughts and watched for any strange movements while she slept. It wasn't the first time that he had to guard someone, but it was the first time he willingly choose to.

[Kirin]

Chizuru woke up the next morning and sat up quickly. She stretched. Sunlight filtered in through the screened window. She could hear the bells from the temple, tolling for breakfast time. Chizuru didn't seemed to mind Trydian's presence while she was sleeping. In fact, she slept soundly. She realized that with Trydian around, she didn't need to sleep with a sword. After she got out of bed, she went through a regime of awkward looking morning stretches. Despite her activity level in the morning, she was in a rather foul mood until she got her morning tea.

Once she was in her everyday clothing, a simple peach colored kimono with a purple obi, a maid entered and served tea for her along with some rice cakes for breakfast. Chizuru had a habit of not speaking until after she had her tea and once she took the first warming sip, her eyes opened and she searched the room for Trydian.

A knock was heard on the door and Tenzo, the scholar she had often traveled with in her younger years, entered. He bowed.

"Good morning, my Empress. Today, you have the two funerals to attend to and young Eru Tamotsu has returned to the palace as you have asked him to."

Chizuru nodded. "Thank you, Tenzo-san." She turned, looking towards Trydian.

"Are you ready to go to the temple?" She had a sly smirk as she sipped her tea.

[Trydian]

Trydian had stayed awake that night, keeping watch for anything unusual. After losing contact with Nicoli, he wouldn't sleep peacefully just yet. Morning slowly came and Chizuru was barely stirring awake. Leaving his private room, he waited for her to finish her usual routine. He wondered when he would be getting his weapon back, but he decided to ignore the issue for now. She already acted as though she were in a poor mood, so he didn't need to upset her further. He was quickly learning her habits.

When Tenzo came to the door, he smirked slightly at the announcement. The funerals were more than likely caused by his hunting the other night. Chizuru would eventually find out, but until she gave him his own private area, there was little he could do. It was amusing to a demon, that he would be attending the funerals of his victims.

“You look too beautiful for a funeral.” Trydian said, knowing they had strange way of dress and customs. “I'll just wait outside.” He responded, when she gave him an all-knowing glance. Chizuru had a way of getting under his nerves, but it was in a more playful fashion.

“We all know what happened the last time I went into one...I might end up like the dead.”

[Kirin]

"Take your punishment like a man. Thief." She ate another rice cake and tilted her head upwards. "We must meet with Tamotsu-san." Chizuru stood and grabbed the sword from the bed. She shoved it into her obi and took another rice cake. Chizuru opened the screen to leave and glared at Trydian.

"And we're going to Amaya's funeral. I believe I am just going to send condolences to the families of the guards you killed." It was clear that she knew nothing of who was killed when he went hunting.

Chizuru walked out of the room, with more guards. She expected Trydian to be by her side like he said he would be as she walked into the meeting space.

Tamotsu was already bowing, his head almost pressing against the floor. His clothing was covered in Katsumi's blood.

"Your Majesty."

Chizuru bowed her head. "You can rise." She still sounded like she was waking up.

"Katsumi no Viora's punishment has been dealt. Here are the wings like you asked." Two guards displayed both of Katsumi's wings.

[Trydian]

Trydian didn't leave her side, but he did cover his nostrils from the scent of Katsumi's blood. Vampires stunk and the scent had a habit of lingering. Catching his words, he realized that she knew nothing of his hunting from the other night. “Damn...” She was as sharp as the edge of a katana blade and even quicker.

Now that he was full demon, he could possibly handle the temple and its ethereal qualities. He hesitated revisiting, but he had little choice in the matter. What kind of man hid outside, or behind a woman? He could recall his father doing that, but he'd be damned if he followed suit.

It appeared that Katsumi had been given the worst of the punishment, but his own hadn't been any easier to deal with. The vampires scars would heal, while he would be bound indefinitely. They were lucky that he had fed and gorged previously, or he would have gone into a bloodlust from the vampires scent. Chizuru would have to be aware of that.

“Let's go pay respects to your friend, unless you want to hang those as decorations?” Trydian wasn't in a foul mood, but he didn't want to be engulfed in the vampires scent any longer. He walked past the guards, expecting her to join him.

He didn't ignore the fact she had called him thief, or challenged him. Her demeanor was welcoming and he enjoyed the fact that his actions didn't go unnoticed. Trydian hoped that he wouldn't be crossing paths with Katsumi in the future, but it was obvious that he had been someone she once trusted.

[Kirin]

"I don't really want to hang up rotting vampire wings as decorations." The image disgusted her. She shook her head quickly. "I'll have them burned with Amaya's body."

Tamotsu nodded. "Very well."

"And bathe yourself. I can't believe you showed up in the palace covered in blood. You were raised better than that." She chastised Tamotsu.

Tamotsu seemed to whither in Chizuru's gaze. "My apologies, Your Majesty."

Chizuru seemed to be in one of her moods today. Tamotsu bowed again. He wouldn't leave until Chizuru dismissed him. She seemed lost in thought. Chizuru was disappointed in everything that had happened. Katsumi had not learned how to master his emotions any more than Trydian had learned how to become civilized. Both were learning, though. The guards were dismissed and they were walking with Katsumi's wings to the temple. Chizuru's eyes stayed on Tamotsu, who remained bowed.

"Trydian, I want you to go with Tamotsu while I prepare for the funeral." She felt like this was risky on its own. "I'll be a very long time. Protect Tamotsu as though you are protecting me. I have a long day of preparations."

Tamotsu was quiet.

"Tamotsu, go with Trydian and show him how the men prepare for funerals and formal functions. After you wash yourself, of course."

Tamotsu nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then we will all go to the funeral together in a formal procession."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Chizuru rose and was escorted out of the room. Tamotsu turned to Trydian with a raised eyebrow.

[Trydian]

Trydian smirked to himself. Things were just beginning to get interesting. Tamotsu would be guarded, but only because of her command. Trydian watched Chizuru leave, with a sense that this was some sort of test. Regardless, he wasn't one to care about a mortals funeral, but he would show his support for her decision.

Turning to Tamotsu, Trydian wondered if the man was regretting his rank that moment. “You're lucky I ate already...not that I'd kill one of her favorite servants.” Making sure that Chizuru was out of earshot, he practically shrugged the funeral off.


“I'm not as fussy as the empress...you can wash, or not wash. Up to you.” Trydian shrugged, not caring if the man was formal or not. There were other things to worry about and dwell on. “Why don't you tell me about your customs over a drink?” He was curious to see how Tamotsu took his liquor. Being demon, they would have to produce something far more stout.

“You can trust me. I won't tell your boss.” Trydian was abrasive, compared to Tamotsu, who was used to doing everything his empress commanded of him. The demon was still learning, but finding himself resorting to his old ways and temperament now and then.

[Kirin]

Tamotsu's eyebrows both rose. He looked around. "I don't want to smell like vampire blood." Not that he could detect the difference. Blood was blood and blood was sticky. He smirked. "Plus, when you walk into bar covered in blood, people get scared." He didn't understand some of what Trydian was saying.

"I need help with language. Can you teach me?" He seemed amused. "I never thought you ask for drink."

It was still morning, but Tamotsu had already been up since sunrise. "I show you good tavern in town. Palace can be.." He imitated someone being strangled.

Tamotsu turned and left Trydian. He returned a few minutes later, cleaned up and ready to go. He was putting his two swords through his obi as he walked into the room.

"Ready to go?" He didn't wait for an answer. Tamotsu was light on his feet as he wandered through the halls, heading towards the exit. Once they were outside, he turned to check on Trydian.

As soon as they were outside, he caught Trydian off-guard. "Do you really love Chizuru-sama?"

[Trydian]

Following him out, Trydian was taken aback, but mostly because Tamotsu didn't carry a tone of arrogance when he asked about his affection for Chizuru. He didn't have to think hard about his response, since it wasn't every day that he confessed to someone from his past.

“I don't know...do you love serving her? Of course I love her.” When asked about being taught his language, Trydian didn't think he was the one for the task, but he would attempt to please Chizuru. “You'll probably learn better after a few drinks. Get whatever it is you write with and some paper.” Trydian didn't see himself actually teaching, but he could amuse the man. After all, he had gotten him out of having to prepare for some ceremonial nonsense. Besides, it would make things a little less tense.

“Does she ever let you have any fun, Tamotsu?” He remembered the man's name and he was impressed he was at least being decent to him. It sounded like the poor man was constantly behind her heels, like some trained lapdog.

[Kirin]

Tamotsu thought for a moment. Did he love serving her? He couldn't really think of how to word what he was going to say. Tamotsu's finger ran across his lips in thought. He just smiled.

"I don't know. It's all I've known how to do, neh? I've always served her. I don't ALWAYS spend time in palace." He laughed. "I don't HAVE to serve her, neh? It's hard to speak of. It's difficult. I don't think you would understand, neh?"

Tamotsu's hands folded behind his head as he walked. He wasn't sure how well he was going to learn when he was drunk and how that would translate when he was sober. He was relaxed which was a change from the way he acted around Katsumi or Chizuru. His eyes closed halfly.

"Well, that's good. You love her." Maybe that will get her off my back for a little while. He sighed at the thought.

"What bar has paper and pen? Honestly." His tone was flat.

He led Trydian to a bar that was outside of the palace, but close enough where they would be available should there be any danger. He walked in and it seemed like the women, all young and pretty, knew who he was. The three sister greeted Trydian and Tamotsu in the native tongue. There were a few other warriors, the Shogun's men, in the bar, but none seemed to turn in Trydian's direction. They were busy gambling and drinking. Tamotsu sat at one of the tables and motioned for Trydian to sit across from him.

"Those Shogun's men. They're cocky, but they not very mean."

One of the sisters served sake to both Trydian and Tamotsu. She asked Tamotsu about food and Tamotsu just ordered some grilled fish. He smiled, telling her to keep sake coming.

Tamotsu rose his small cup in a toast. "I hear you marry Empress."

[Trydian]

Trydian watched the women practically flock to Tamotsu. He was shocked and more disappointed when they barely paid him any attention. He was impressed that Tamotsu could attract so many at once. When the drinks were brought to their table, he drank the first glass down without hesitation. The substance was bitter and burned. Their alcohol was unlike anything he had ever drunk before.


Listening to Tamotsu, he realized that the man would never recognize his humor. The purpose of getting drunk, was to not worry about lessons, or ceremonies, or anything that would require thought. Trydian just desired relaxation, but he could see that Tamotsu might be the persistent type.

The Shogun didn't intimidate him, but he didn't underestimate their ability. Trydian was considered a warrior where he came from, but he hadn't even earned a rank here. Starting to become deep in thought, Trydian hardly drank the next cup. Everything he was earning, was mostly through Chizuru.

“Yep, I'll be marrying her...I suppose you have special customs for that?” He said, wondering what was in store for him. Trydian found it surprising, that he was sharing his emotions so openly with Tamotsu. They barely knew each other, yet, even with a language barrier, Tamotsu had said more to him than some of his own family.

[Kirin]

Tamotsu poured sake for the sister that had originally served him, then himself. She laughed and told him that she was supposed to be serving him. He turned to Trydian and downed his next cup without thinking.

"Ah, hai. Of course. Ceremony. Lots of ceremony." He motioned for the girl to sit next to him. One girl leaned over by Trydian, placing another bottle of sake on the table. She winked at him.

"You ready for ceremony?" Tamotsu asked, wrapping an arm around the girl. He seemed got his fish and he turned to the girl he was sitting next to. "Look. First, you need better..clothes. Military uniform fine for now."

He was still talking to Trydian, but now the girl had started to feed him while giggling. She dabbed at his face playfully and told him that he was adorable. Though, he looked like an ordinary man. Perhaps a little bit on the feminine side. What seemed to win the girls over was more that he was adept at flirting, especially when drunk. Having a heavy purse also helped.

"But for wedding, you have to look..better." The girl fed him another piece of fish. He drank more sake. "And it also helps when you don't wear your hair like Northern Barbarian."

The other girl milled around Trydian, but she was merely curious. The Shogun's men were playing some game with dice.