Shinzen Shiki

[Kirin]

The Empress was sweating under her layers of kimono she had to wear. Her face was drenched in sweat by the time she made it to her chambers to change out of the ceremonial twelve layered silk kimono. A maid stood, fanning her as another kimono was laid out for her. This one was far lighter at three layers. She sighed softly and let the maids reapply her makeup and dress her. Chizuru seemed content despite the discomfort. She wondered what Trydian was doing. She was handed a fan and she was ready to walk out again.

Chizuru hid her facial expression with the fan as she was whisked towards the front of the castle. Two thrones were set for her and him. Chizuru sat in one of them. Trydian was to be brought to the foot of the throne. She fanned herself while waiting. Kana was carrying the Kusanagi in her hands. She stood at Chizuru's side, staring out at the gathering crowd. People were cheering and congratulating the Empress and Trydian, who had not yet acquired a title. To Chizuru's left, her cousin Tadao stood and to her right was Hiro, the current Shogun. Both men were giving each other icy stares, but no blows were thrown. Hiro held the two swords that were to be given to Trydian.

Tamotsu stood in the crowd, happy as everyone else was. He had acted as Trydian's "best man".

Once Trydian appeared, the crowd parted, forming a path which he had to walk to Chizuru's throne. Kana handed Chizuru the Kusanagi. Chizuru waited for Trydian to bow before she stood.

[Trydian]

Trydian was nervous, but he prepared himself as instructed. Traditionally, he wore a black silk kimono and hakami pants, while his long white hair had been braided. Hearing the commotion, his heart began to pound from anticipation. He had never been given a title, let alone recognized by such a mass majority. The cheers put him on edge, but they also lifted his spirits.

Moving from his private quarters, he saw the people part a path for him. Taken aback, he didn't move at first, too stunned from the motion. Focusing on Chizuru, he moved to the foot of the throne and quickly kneeled. His nerves kept him from noticing small details, such as the swords resting in one of the man's hands, or the fact that Tamotsu was present.

[Kirin]

Chizuru stood and everyone bowed in silence. Her red kimono made a soft swooshing noise as she stood. Her lips curved upwards into her trademark smirk. Quick gray eyes regarded the crowd, then she began to speak, in the native tongue while Kana translated for Trydian.

"Today, we have gathered because, as you know, this man, Xanathi Trydian, and I have been joined in marriage. Our spirits and bodies have been bound by the grace of the kami-sama. And so, today, in front of the citizens of the Empire of the Twin Countries and in front of the Shogunate and members of my family, I ask that you all recognize Xanathi Trydian as a Regent in my court and also an honored bodyguard. His responsibility will only include this city."

She couldn't quite possibly give him the keys to the kingdom. "The entire Empire and its citizens are to be respected and loved as though it is your native one."

Chizuru reached for Kusanagi and gently laid it on the top of his head. Her eyes glowed dimly, though only Kana, Tamotsu and Tadao would see it. Trydian would only feel a welcoming warmth. It was as though Chizuru was dedicating her life to him as well. She broke the bond quickly, smiling as Hiro bowed, holding out the katana. "Take your swords, Trydian-san."

Kana stared at Trydian.

Take the sword out. Inspect the blade. Hold it vertically, staring at the sharpness and balance. Hold it horizontally. Hiro will hold the sheath as you sheath it. Stick it in your sash., Kana instructed.

Kana was dressed once again like she had been for the funeral, but her kimono was more of a light blue than white. She still held the disguise of a human woman.

[Trydian]

It was ironic that the Kutsanagi was being used in his ceremony. The very symbol of it mocked him, but he soon ignored that notion when Kana spoke to him so eloquently. Quirking an eyebrow in her direction, he shared a small smirk with her and inspected the swords. It wasn't a difficult task and something he was familiar with. He tested the sharpness of the edges, the spine, the balance, until he sheathed it against his sash in satisfaction.

It was an honor to be considered an equal, but even more of an honor to be given a title by their Empress. Chizuru was more than an Empress to him, their bond mostly kept private and only known by a select few. Enemies could easily use that weakness against them, and that was the last thing he needed to worry about.

He was nervous, but it was an excitable nervousness that shook his body. His mind felt elated and at ease with the people surrounding him. It was the first time that he had been acknowledged by so many. The warmth filled him, the calmness flooding his senses.

Trydian remained kneeling, his body completely still and unmoving. From that moment, he would consider this place his home and he would act as their shield.

[Kirin]

"Trydian-san is now one of our citizens and he will be treated as such. Today, we celebrate love and honor." Her head tilted slightly as Hiro stepped back. Chizuru bowed her head to the citizens. "Trydian, take your seat beside me."

Hiro, Kana, Tamotsu and Tadao returned to the crowd. Chizuru stood and motioned for Trydian to stand beside her. She reached for Trydian's hand with a soft giggle. She bowed once to the crowd.

Now, we sit.

Chizuru looked at Trydian to see his response to her mental speech. She waited, then sat down. The crowd waited until the couple sat before they burst into loud cheering. Music played and there were people singing happily about the new marriage that had just taken place.

[Trydian]

Trydian sat by Chizuru as her husband and confidante. When she spoke to him through his mind, he was shocked and it genuinely showed in his expression. Had she always been able to share through mind speech? It wasn't in her nature to keep something from him. Looking at Kana and back at Chizuru again, he began to wonder if the women had conspired something. Mortals didn't normally use the gift, so it was a blessing and a curse. This new talent, would secure their bond even more. At least he could be personal with her and not wait for a private moment.


Looking at his new wife, he wondered how long they would have to endure the ceremony. He knew that she would be exhausted, but hopefully have enough energy for him later. When will I get to have you to myself? I'm anxious for our wedding night. It was the first time he had desired someone in awhile and he shared personal images that went beyond seduction. Since Chizuru wanted to experience his power, he decided to give her a taste of her own medicine. Smiling smugly at her, he waited for her reaction with a quiet anticipation.

[Kirin]

Chizuru sat, appearing content now that her husband was at her side. Her eyes closed slowly and suddenly, her eyes opened. Her cheeks turned red, though, it was not easy to see through her makeup. Chizuru let go of Trydian's hand and grabbed his wrist, smacking his hand playfully. The crowd didn't realize what had happened. They figured that the two were madly in love and playing around.

She laughed softly, but she was very shy when it came to Trydian. Especially now. The crowds eventually dispersed after the couple were allowed in the palace to enjoy each other's company. Chizuru walked to her bed chamber while removing jewelry from her hair and ears.

"Oh, come on, Trydian-san. During the ceremony?" She asked.

She turned to him with a smile. Her hair was half-draped across her shoulder. She was still flustered. There were butterflies in her stomach. What are they supposed to do now? Well, it was sort of obvious. Chizuru's fingers picked small bits of jewels out of her hair.

[Trydian]

Trydian walked in after her and removed the swords from his sash. It had been a tiring day, but not tiring enough where he would neglect her on their wedding night. After she was finished removing her delicate jewelry, he was in front of her in one swift movement. He had been waiting for her all evening and it showed. Did she even know how tempting she was by simple gestures?

Pulling her close, he would shock her with a savage kiss. He felt her release a shuddering breath, her innocence captivating him. From the way she acted, it was as if she had never experienced a man before. Intrigued, he brought her to their bed and began to undress her. Chizuru gave feeble attempts to stop him, but his tender touch made her surrender.

He admired her form, while she tried to cover herself. Trydian was already making his way with her, realizing that her innocence ran deeper than ignorance. Chizuru was a virgin. He gave her more heated moments, before he took her for himself, the sensation overwhelming him. Trydian did more than the images suggested, finding himself captivated and reckless with her.

They would wake up the next morning, but they would be too exhausted to stir. The afternoon sun would rise, before either of them acknowledged the day. Trydian tried to wake Chizuru gently, knowing that she would have a difficult time being around him comfortably again.

"Chizuru..." He whispered at her, wondering if he should leave her alone for the remainder of the day.

[Kirin]

Chizuru's gray eyes opened. She saw Trydian just standing there. She was lying with her face against the pillow. She glared at Trydian for a moment before turning away from him. His presence annoyed her. But it didn't annoy her as much as her hunger, the feeling like she needed to bathe and the fact that she did not have any coffee or tea. Coffee would do the trick. Coffee was a rarity in the Twin Countries. It was something that foreigners traded for silk or things needed to rebuild a ship. Apparently, it was plentiful in other countries.

"Coffee."

That would be the first word out of her mouth after what had started out as a rough night that ended on a very high note. Her hand moved slightly to bat away the sun from her eyes. This was the latest she had slept in a while. She sat up and looked at Trydian. First, she blushed. Her memory was fuzzy on things that had happened. Then, she tilted her head, glaring. If he hadn't moved, she demanded coffee again.

Chizuru was far from a morning..or afternoon person.

[Trydian]

Trydian gawked at her, not expecting the cold treatment. Startled from her reaction, he lazly dressed in his kimono from the previous day. Seeking a servant, he parroted the strange word and asked them to bring it to their Empress immediately. Coffee was a foreign substance to Trydian, but he assumed it was something to be eaten or drunk. Closing the door behind him, he looked at her once more before speaking. The servants would be bringing her coffee, but only moments after, because of its rarity.

When the servants brought in the rare beverage, he had never seen such service before. Trydian began to realize, that his life had been very parallel, compared to Chizuru. At a simple gesture, servants would be flocking to her every need, hoping to appease their Empress. Looking at the serving tray, Trydian noticed that a second cup was present. It was awkward, being acknowledged as her husband still, but he was slowly getting used to the idea.

Trydian decided to taste the bitter drink, that had put his wife in such a foul mood. The liquid was too hot and abysmal to his taste buds. Pouring the rest of the liquid in a nearby plant, he only shook his head at Chizuru- she more than likely witnessed his sinful actions.

“I don't know how you drink that crap...I'd rather drink vampire blood. At least it goes down easier and doesn't leave such a foul taste.” Crinkling his nose, he placed the offending cup on the serving tray. Their way of traditions, food and habit were beginning to get under his skin. Trydian would learn to cook his own meals and make his own drinks- at least he would keep sane then. He hoped it wouldn't anger his new wife even more.

“I will be hunting today and I will meet up with you for our evening meal. Maybe I'll bring some souvenirs...” Remembering their night, he smiled and looked at her a little more fondly. “I hope you have energy for tonight. Last night was just a taste.”

[Kirin]

Chizuru took that first sip of coffee. It was harsh, but that's what coffee was. That harsh smack in the face that one would wake up to. Her eyes truly focused on Trydian. Her hand covered her lips and she giggled at him. It seemed that almost instantly her mood improved. Or at least, she had something new to make fun of him for.

"Oh. I'd rather drink this because drinking blood is not my choice of a beverage." She took another sip of that refreshing coffee.

Her mind drifted until she heard Trydian speak again. "Fine. If you wish to go hunting, hunt foreigners or something. Keep away from the villages. We do need people to grow food for us humans that don't dine on flesh."

Clearly, she knew that Trydian had killed citizens before he even said anything to her. She rolled her eyes and settled back to her coffee. Chizuru's gaze turned icy. "I'm supposed to protect my citizens. I don't need to protect them from you, too."

Foreigners were beyond her rule. They were merely guests. She would provide necessities, but matters involving foreign affairs, she typically shied away from. She didn't want to be involved in foreign wars. Chizuru's eyes seemed to focus on nothing as she thought about what needed to be done. Another night of sex was the last thing on her mind, but to ease Trydian, she offered him a small smirk with a slight blush to her cheeks. Sex was not supposed to be awkward to talk about, especially since she could hear her uncles having it all the time. One of the drawbacks of having thin walls was knowing what her family was doing and when they were doing it.

[Trydian]

Trydian wondered how he had survived without Chizuru's snarky behavior, or sarcastic sense of humor. Smirking, he listened to her suggestion of killing foreigners. Did that mean the vampire could be considered a foreigner? After all, he was visiting her lands- well, their lands now. Sheathing his new blades, he felt a sense of excitement grow in his heart. This land was changing him and probably for the better. He pondered how he would have ended up, had he stayed under the service of King Pendaran and in the presence of Sebilla.

Shuddering privately, he remembered that he had invited his mother and sister. Knowing that they rarely snubbed an invitation, he made a mental note to prepare for their visitation. Sebilla may not get along with Chizuru, but he knew his mother would appreciate her leadership and strength.

“I will not kill our own people. Last night, I vowed myself to them and you. I mostly want to hunt the bastard vampires that seem to be an infestation around here. I can always have the servants store blood, or flesh so that I'm not always out hunting.” Grotesque as it was, Trydian didn't want to spend most of his time feeding and hunting. Since becoming regent, he wanted to focus on his duties and attempt to blend in with her society.

“My mother and sister should be here soon, even though they missed our wedding. I doubt that mother will let it go unnoticed and my sister is one for making appearances. She's....unique.” Trydian explained, wondering how he could describe Sebilla's seer gifts to a mortal woman. Magic wasn't uncommon here, but there were varying degrees of differences.

After he had become bound to Chizuru, he had hardly thought of his homeland and family. The Xanathi weren't exactly ones to support each other, or worry if the other suddenly disappeared. He doubted they were sending a search party after him. It had been weeks since his disappearance and no one had tried to contact him through telepathy.

Thinking about family, he knew that Chizuru could become pregnant from their feverish lovemaking. Folding his arms in the kimono, he looked at her with a genuinely concerned look. Giving birth to a half-demon could kill a mortal woman, not that Chizuru was average, but it had almost killed his mother. Trydian didn't want to think about losing Chizuru so soon.

“I suppose we'll eventually have children...” Trydian said his thought out loud, not realizing how morose his words sounded. The thought of being a father terrified him, but he knew they would have to have an heir in the future. At least Chizuru appeared to be the nurturing type. Feeling as though he might be glared at, he instantly fixed his tone. “Not that I don't want children with you...I do!” Sighing, it was difficult to express why he dwelled on those issues. At least if they had a child, they wouldn't be raised near the Xanathi clan. His sister wouldn't be able to just randomly visit either.

“I just think I'm more warrior, than father material.” Trydian would change that for Chizuru, but it would take work. It was difficult to just rewire his nature. Feeling embarrassed by the topic, Trydian fell silent and acted as though he were preparing for the day. Kissing her, he plotted which district to patrol first.

[Kirin]

Her cup of coffee seemed to be quickly drained, but her mood also was quickly drained with that coffee. Why was Chizuru so nervous about meeting Trydian's mother and sister? She met them before. A long time ago when she was with Soren. She wondered how Soren was doing. After the initial raid of the undead swarmed the mainland, he had helped defend the Empire. Then, he vanished. She remembered Trydian's mother as being relatively warm towards her. She could formulate no significant memories of Sebilla, the one who seemed to cling to Trydian. Inwardly, she mused about how she found Trydian to be despicable upon first meeting him. She later came to understand his actions.

She sighed. The thought of having children was heavy on her mind. What if she was carrying Trydian's child? As an eventuality, it was something that she was mentally unprepared for at this moment. She seemed to push that thought aside as denial took over. "Eh, we'll worry about children when the time comes, neh?"

With a blush to her cheek, she smiled at Trydian's kiss. As Trydian was leaving, a servant entered with another cup of coffee and a rolled up letter.

"Your Majesty, this came for you by pigeon this morning." He gestured to the letter and Chizuru unrolled it.

Surprise made her jaw drop and the color fell from her face. "He's alive?"

[Trydian]

Trydian's ears perked at the tone in Chizuru's voice. He suddenly forgot about their conversation and his disdain for coffee. Moving with an unnatural grace, Trydian ripped the scroll from her grasp. “He?” Unless this person was in dire needs, he didn't want Chizuru to randomly visit other males he hadn't met. Glaring at the scroll as if it were at fault, he crushed its form in one quick motion with his fist. The contents fell to the floor, his eyes resting on the messenger.

The messenger quickly exited the room and left them to their privacy.

“Judging by your voice, you obviously have had some past with him. Who is he and why is he contacting you?” Trydian kept his stance, knowing they were both just as stubborn in nature. He wouldn't allow her to see some strange man. “If he is some lover from your past, he will wish he were dead.” Folding his arms, Trydian waited for her response with a hint of fear.

Considerin, they were bound by unnatural forces and marriage, there was no telling what sort of wrath Chizuru might exhibit. Trydian had seen his fair share of women, but Chizuru was the first to make him regret actions and thoughts. The demon prepared himself for her rebuttal, but he would be damned, if another man desired her the same way he did.

[Kirin]

"He is named Soren. And he helped defend our empire against the undead. I do believe that you know him. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I met both you and him at the same time. Why don't you go out on your hunt and leave me alone?" She was tempted to throw her coffee at him. But instead of wasting the precious liquid, she drank it. From above her cup, she gave Trydian a steely glare.

"I don't even know why I have to explain my actions to you. Don't you trust me? Tsk.." She sneered and looked away. "I'm leaving anyway and you can either come with me or stay here. Either way, you're not stopping me."

Chizuru's attitude towards Trydian became cold and uncaring. "Of all people..Soren?!" She put the coffee down. "Really? I would have thought that you would think I have higher standards than that!" Her anger was beginning to show even more as her cheeks turned rosy. "I can't believe you!"