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The humans that had been stranded in this world, millenniums ago, had had to fight the demons of this world in order to survive. But often they were killed off at early ages because of their weakness, so the population had not grown by much. Those that did survive to adulthood often spend their entire lives fighting the demons that plagued this world.
The guardians and stronger humans within this world tried to keep them protected but they couldnât always be there at the right time.
Such was the situation with the twins. Not long after the guardian heart crystal had been shattered, Kyou had heard of a village near his castle being attacked by the underlings of his uncle and he knew there must have been a talisman there for Hyakuhei to show such interest. On top of that, the village was within his territory and therefore under his protection. Unfortunately, for reasons he still had not discovered, he had not sensed the demons closing in until it was too late.
By the time Kyou had arrived, the village was under attack by several airborne fire demons. The twins had been the only ones left and that was only because their parents had hid them in a cavern under their hut. Had he not heard their cries under the burning shelter� Kyou found it difficult to think about that part of it which constantly led him to a confused state.
Having pulled them from the wreckage, he had noticed the twins both had been adorned with a necklace made from the shattered pieces of the guardian heart crystal. The twinâs crystalline blue eyes had matched the color of the jewel that hung around their neck as they cried for the family that had been taken from them.
He had stood there looking around the destroyed village as the twins clutched at his legs, hiding their faces against him.
Kyou had thought it strange that both fragments had been in the shape of a teardrop⦠how ironic as he looked around the village that had been slaughtered leaving behind the very reason it had been demolished. Had the guardian heart crystal somehow hid the children from the monsters that had come for them? Considering the unknown nature of the crystal and the many secrets it contained⦠it wouldnât have surprised him.
Knowing others would come for the tainted necklaces, Kyou quickly removed the fragments from their necks. He tried convincing himself repeatedly that it was part of his duty as a guardian to protect the talisman but, again, emotion constantly swayed his decisions. Later, looking back on the event, he had to stop from associating himself and his brothers with the twins. Like the children, they had no family except each other.
Already hiding feelings for Kyoko, it had made him curious about humans, so when the twins had tried to toddle behind him⦠wanting to follow him⦠he realized they too would die without his help.
Something about the tearstained faces and the way they looked up at him made his chest feel tight and heavy⦠he would not leave them. The decision made, he had turned and swept them up in his arms and brought them home behind the walls where demons could not find them. He would watch after the human siblings and learn the secret of why the guardian heart crystal protected such a race.
Shaking the memories from his mind, he pulled the chain out from his shirt and glanced at the sphere that rested there. The fragments of the crystal he had taken from the children.
He raised it up to eye level to watch the small teardrops float within the barrier he had given them. Such beautiful slivers of blue crystal that seemed to swim in a sea of tears they had caused. Tears he knew the twins still shed for their lost family, though they were coming less often than before. Occasionally, while resting, one or both would attempt crawling into bed with him to sleep. He did not understand this aspect of comfort but he allowed it, curious.
Slipping the necklace back into its hiding place, Kyou retreated back to the room he had placed Kyoko in and opened the door. Without stepping a foot inside, he could feel the room was empty and his anger grew. He had not told her she was free to leave. His expression hardened⦠She would have to learn her place if he was to protect her.
He inhaled slowly, detecting the scent of the twins mingling with hers. He walked on silent feet to one of the two balconies that lined the hallway just outside her room. This one led to the center of the castle and he looked down toward the hot springs that lay within.
Seeing her again, Kyou felt his anger cool. She had not fled as he had first thought. He silently watched her from the shadows as she spoke with the siblings.
*****
Kyoko walked to the edge of the enclosed hot spring, still undecided on whether or not she should be here watching the twins bathe or trying to find a way out of the castle completely. Seeing the childrenâs carefree happiness eased her worries for a few minutes. As long as they were with her nothing would happen⦠right?
Letting her mind relax, she sat down on the stone lining that surrounded the heated water, sticking her feet in while watching the set of human twins. She was still curious as to how the little children came to be here, with Kyou. "Hiroki, Hiraru, where is your mommy and daddy?"
The twins stopped splashing and turned to Kyoko with a tilt to their little heads. "The village was attacked and everyone disappeared in the flames.â Hiroki took a piece of cloth from the side, dipped it in a bowl on the side of the spring, and started rubbing his little body.
Kyoko was surprised to see that it made lather as he rubbed his skin. So, the twinâs parents were dead? "How did you come here to be with Kyou?" She watched Hiraru wade to her smiling.
His little face tilted up to Kyokoâs and she could see warmth in his eyes. "The demons would have taken us too but Kyou stopped them and now we get to stay with him." he turned and splashed water on Hiroki, getting rid of the soap while he continued to answer her question. "The demons canât find us now. They canât even see this place, Kyou said so.â Kyoko watched Hiroki struggle to wet Hiraruâs hair and lather it.
âSo⦠Kyou had saved them and now he watched after them much like a father would?â Kyokoâs eyebrows forwarded in confusion. That did not sound like the Kyou she had come to fear. Her gaze softened for a second wondering if she really knew him at all. âAn ice prince with a heart?â she giggled at her own joke.
Noticing the stream of soap making its way toward Hiraruâs eyes, Kyoko decided to offer her assistance. "Would you like for me to help you wash your hair?"
When the children nodded and laughed, Kyoko got up her nerve and removed her clothes then slid into the water to help them, completely ignoring the fact that at the moment she was supposed to be trying to find a way back to the other guardians and far away from the guardian who had become her jailor.
*****
âHow was I supposed to know Kyoko was coming back through the time portal in the middle of the damn night?â Toya yelled up at the sky as if Kyou could still hear him. It had taken Shinbe a while just to get him this calm.
They had all panicked at first when light traces of red started filtering into Toyaâs irises. When Toya started to destroy select trees around him, they had decided to step back a moment and let him work off some of his anger instead of letting it build up to such a dangerous level.
âAnd Hyakuhei showing up like that⦠she could have been kidnapped!â Toya continued to rage in confusion as his eyes turned silver in anger then reflected back to gold as worry reentered his mind. He looked back at the spot where Kyou had held her within the barrier against her will.
âWhat am I saying? She WAS kidnapped. Damn it!â he growled broodingly.
Shinbe was Toyaâs opposite⦠he remained calm in the face of their missing priestess. âKidnapped or saved?â He questioned as his hand tightened on his staff in uncertainty. What was Kyou thinking? He was sure there was more to this story than Toya was telling them.
His amethyst gaze watched Toyaâs every move in hopes that his cursed demonic side would stay dormant. The last thing they needed was Toyaâs demon blood taking over and making the situation worse. âKyou has never been known to be nice⦠even when he was actually helping. Maybe he took her just to keep her safe till Hyakuhei left.â
Toya clinched his fist knowing the others hadnât seen what he had seen. He didnât want to tell them. Somehow⦠saying it out loud made it that much truer but they had a right to know what their older sibling was up to. âKyou isnât bringing her back.â
âWhy not?â Kamui spoke for the first time since Hyakuhei had disappeared. âHe is a guardian⦠one of us. Why wouldnât he bring her back to us?â
Suki listened quietly while the brothers tried to sort it all out. She was still in shock with the fact that Kyou had shown up at all. Up till now, he had pretty much stayed out of this war as if it wasnât his problem. Her hopes rose at the thought that maybe now he had decided to help but Toyaâs next words made her cringe with dread.
âBecause he wants her all to himself⦠the selfish bastard wants her for his own. Heâs never touched another woman that Iâve ever seen like that⦠which means heâs probably chosen her for his mate.â Toya stopped pacing realizing what he had just said.
His eyes changed back to pure gold as he lifted them to look at the others. Shinbeâs jaw was dropped and Sukiâs eyes were the size of saucers but it was Kamui he was most worried about. Kamuiâs eyes were hidden behind untamed purple hair as the boy stared at the ground but Toya could see his fingers clinched into fists.
Toya started to take a step forward but stilled when Kamui took a step backward. âDonât touch me!â Kamuiâs voice had changed and the sound gave everyone a very uneasy feeling.
âKamui?â Toya gritted his teeth hoping Kamui would be able to hold it in for now. The boy was the most innocent of them all but only because he had chosen to forget the truth about his own past.
âDonât fall asleep Kyoko,â Kamui whispered warningly knowing the danger she was in if Hyakuhei and the dream demon could reach that far.
The puddles left behind from the rain seemed to shimmer with liquid speckled hues all around Kamui. âHyakuhei wants her⦠Kyou wants her⦠what makes them any better than all the demons that want her?â Kamuiâs voice quivered as his untamed hair swayed in the wind that seemed to be blowing only around him.
Suddenly the shadow behind Kamui took a different form causing the others to take a step back.
With a burst of energy that rippled the air and water around him, Kamui screamed, âThey canât just take her from me!â A shower of glitter fell from translucent wings that rebelliously appeared across his back.
Finally raising his tear filled eyes, Kamui glared at the others as the tips of his wings took on an ominous dark tinge. He shook his head as his voice became dangerously soft. âFathers⦠brothers⦠it doesnât matter. They canât have her.â
The guardians shielded their eyes from the flash of light that swept out from where Kamui stood. When they lowered their arms⦠Kamui was nowhere in sight.
âWhy do I have a feeling he didnât go after Kyoko?â Shinbe stated still wondering at the strange darkness that had appeared at the tips of Kamui's wings. That wasnât a good sign.
The words Kamui had spoken, âfathers and brothersâ chilled Toyaâs soul and confirmed his destination. âBecause heâs gone after Hyakuhei!â
Shinbeâs shoulders slumped in defeat. âI will go after Kamui, you go find Kyoko. Right now, Kamui needs the voice of reason and Iâm the best one for the job at the moment.â
Suki watched as they both took off in different directions as if forgetting all about her. She then noticed Kaen still beside her. âI guess we should head back to the hut and wait on them to return.â She shrugged knowing she would only slow Shinbe down if she tried to follow him.
She turned to walk away but noticed Kaen hadnât moved. Stepping back around in front of him her lips parted in awe.
Kaen had tears in his eyes as he stared off in the direction Kamui and Shinbe had gone.
*****
Hyakuhei entered the chambers of the cave he had been staying in. This was the perfect hiding place⦠deep within the ground while they searched for him above. His translucent black wings shook away the tension of the flight then retreated as if they had never been there.
He looked around the majestic beauty of the cave⦠this is where he would bring her. He was right under their noses and they didnât even know it. Hyakuhei sat down on the black fur robe he had spread out near the low burning fire to rethink his strategy.
Kyou had ruined his plans of capturing the priestess while she was alone in the gardens of The Heart of Time⦠but plans changed. Now that she was only with one of the guardians instead of all of them, it would not be so hard to steel her away. His eyes darkened with intent as he reached for the very thing that had let him know she had been alone near the maiden shrine.
Just like in the dream⦠the plan could have been the same. He could feel the dream demon inside him even when the other demons where silent. It was waiting for him to fall asleep. Hyakuhei closed his eyes remembering the nightmare demons he had overtook in the past. He had used their nightmares to torture others and make them experience their worst fears⦠now the deception was turned back on him tenfold.
Being able to share this torture with the priestess had turned this weakness into a weapon.
Hyakuhei held the mirror of souls within his angry fist. Seeing only his reflection peering back at him, he demanded to know the whereabouts of the missing priestess. The mirror only showed him the image of twisted branches and stormy weather. Why would Kyou take the priestess to a place that seemed covered in despair? He knew the possessed mirror could only tell the truth but at the same time⦠Hyakuhei knew it lied unknowingly.
He mentally called to several of his demonic servants to do his bidding ⦠sending them in search of her true hiding place since they were expendable. He knew Kyouâs fortress lie somewhere within the northern lands. The castle had disappeared from existence during the war between him and his brother Tadamichi. The demons he sent into that area would wreak havoc on villages and draw out the guardian lord.
He would allow Kyou to unknowingly lead him to the priestess he was shielding. As he peered into the tainted glass the reflection changed⦠but not by his control. Hyakuheiâs eyes hardened as a vision of multihued dust covered the looking glass in warning.
âSo⦠Kamui, what will you do?â he asked just as Kamui came into focus within the mirror. The boyâs eyes turned to look directly at him as if he knew he was being watched. âAre you looking for me? Be careful what you wish for⦠son.â Hyakuhei warned.
âNo father⦠It is you that should be careful,â Kamui hissed in retaliation.
âSo⦠you have given into the memories?â Hyakuhei held the glass closer to his face as the corners of his lips turned up in a dangerous hint of a smile. âKamui⦠if you really want to keep your priestess, then you should join me. Take your rightful place beside me and we will make her forget the other guardians together.â
Kamui stopped in midair knowing exactly what his father had meant. âI am nothing like you or your monsters. One day the demons you thrive on will turn on you father⦠you think it is you in control of them. You lie to yourself even when you are losing.â
They both could hear the echo of laughter as the dream master fought its restraints. Kamui knew its powers bordered on mystical and that was something that could not be controlled⦠even by Hyakuhei.
âYou belong to me⦠not them,â Hyakuhei hissed at the image. âThat is a truth even you cannot bury forever.â
âI will never betray my friends!â Kamui screamed as he broke the link between him and his father.
Hyakuhei tossed the mirror into the fire when it exploded from Kamuiâs anger. The fragments became like liquid silver and slithered over the burning wood. They gathered into a puddle and slowly formed back into the familiar shape, hardening into the enchanted mirror⦠as if it had never broken.
Hyakuhei lay back on the dark fur as traces of colorful glitter shimmered within the cave. âSo, your powers have grown. We shall see Kamui⦠we shall see.â
*****
Kyou leaned against the balcony, staring down into the hot springs that he had enclosed within the center of his castle. His eyes were still locked on his lost and found priestess. She looked happy for the moment and it dawned on him⦠she belonged here. He felt his blood begin to heat when Kyoko started disrobing. He watched her firm breast rise as she pulled her shirt over her head⦠his eyes began to glow liquid gold.
His knuckles turned white as his grip tightened on the banisters. He closed his eyes for a brief moment trying to press down the urge to go to her. When he opened them again, he nearly growled. What was she thinking? She was completely naked.
Kyou watched as she stepped into the warm water. She intrigued him with her innocence. Why did she have this effect on him when no other human did? None had ever turned his head but here he stood ⦠craving a human and only Kyoko would do. How could one be so pure and unconsciously seductive at the same time?
She was beauty incarnate all wrapped into one tiny human package. He growled low in his throat. What if one of the servants that lived within his castle walked in on her? She had unknowingly exposed herself to any of the men servants who happened by. Kyou sent a silent message to all within his castle to avoid the hot springs or they would suffer his anger as a result from disobeying. If he learned that any had spied on her prior⦠there would be no escape from his wrath.
She should not have come to the bathing room without his permission. Sure, it was true that the servants within his castle stayed hidden, for he did not like to see them unless he called for them. Still, he would have Kyokoâs body seen by no one but him. He would have to teach her to behave. A ghost of a smile chilled his lips as he watched.
Once Hiroki was finished with his bathing, the little boy wanted to help Kyoko wash her hair. So, Kyoko let him. She had to lower herself in the water up to her neck so he could reach the long auburn strands. The sensation of his small fingers rubbing her hair and scalp sent her into a very relaxed state. Hiraru soon joined them and Kyoko tried not to laugh as they argued over who was going to rinse.
Finally, Kyoko solved their argument by dunking under the water. When she came back up she was greeted with adorable whining noises. She giggled again and they smiled brightly before starting a splash war with one another. Kyoko moved to the other end of the spring and sat down on a rocky outcropping under the water to watch them.
Her mind was at ease for a short time as she listened to the echo of the childrenâs voices while they played within the water. Realizing what she was doing instead of staying focused on what was really going on, she quickly washed herself. When she turned around and started rinsing off Kyoko noted the twins getting out of the water.
The little boys had strange looks on their faces as if they were concentrating on something. Little did she know they were listening to Kyouâs silent command. She bit her lip when they nodded as if answering someone.
âWe have to go get dressed now." Grabbing some oversized cloths from a pile, they quickly wrapped the soft material around themselves.
"Itâs time to eat." Hiraru yelled over his shoulder as he grabbed Hirokiâs hand and the small twins skipped from the room.
Kyoko stood in the water in shock as she felt little needles of fear start to climb her back and she squeezed her eyes shut, a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. Somewhere she knew the gods were laughing at her.
She should have known better than to just follow the children here without asking questions. Kyoko started for the side of the spring hoping to make it back to her room before âMr. Double personalityâ noticed her gone. She needed to hurry, her fragile âsecurity blanketsâ were gone and she was unprotected.
As she stepped from the water and started for the huge towels, she heard a low growl directly behind her. The next thing she knew⦠hands from nowhere wrapped around her naked ribs and she was pulled back against a silk covered chest as her feet left the floor.
Kyoko instantly looked up to see Kyouâs face. Instead of the anger she had expected to see, his face was calm⦠almost too calm. She looked down at the floor watching it get further away from them. Yep, the gods were having an all-out laugh fest over this one.
Her lips parted as she glanced back up seeing he was taking her to a balcony. He didnât even land but glided in through the opened doors and back to the room she had started out in. He finally stopped once they were over the huge pillow she had woken up on.
Kyoko waited to be dropped but he did not release her, nor was he hurting her by holding her too tight. She noticed his hands were soft as they touched her bare skin. Kyokoâs eyes widened. Her bare skin! Oh⦠how could she have forgotten so quickly? She was still naked from bathing.
Her arms instantly crossed over her chest self protectively and she felt all her muscles tense up, waiting as he held her as if undecided on what to do with her. She could give him a big fat hint if he wanted and that would be to PUT HER THE HELL DOWN!
Kyouâs eyes almost slid shut as he felt her softly rounded curves pressed against him creating havoc on his senses. He noticed when she tensed up and it brought his mind back for a moment... But still he did not release her. He had always prided himself on control and here would be a good chance to test his control of her and teach her another lesson at the same time.
"Did I give you permission to leave this room?" His voice was cold and unyielding.
Kyokoâs eyes widened as her heartbeat thumped in her chest, kicking against her ribs so hard she knew he could feel it. Thinking quickly, âwhat would be the best answer?â she said in a small voice, "I donât know the rules." She cringed knowing that playing dumb would be the best option at the moment.
She knew for a fact that right now was not the time to fight for her rights because of her lack of clothing. It wasnât that she would win if she tried. She just wanted down and him gone so she added in a soft frightened voice, "Iâm sorry.â
When he heard her soft sweet voice, it engulfed him, making him inhale as sensations pooled in his nether regions. This would be dangerous if he pushed the test too far. He felt the rage of her disobedience leave him but the rage of his want remained tenfold.
"The first rule is you never go anywhere without my permission unless you want to be punished," His voice softened to take the sting from his words, but still he felt her flinch.
Kyoko's throat went dry. "Punished?" She didnât mean to whisper the word. It just slipped out and she felt her heart start to flutter in fear. She instantly deleted the picture of Kyou spanking her from her deranged mind not wanting to even know where the insane flash had come from.
"Yes, I will punish you." The palm of Kyouâs hand caressed her flat stomach and slowly made its way down as his knee came up on the inside of her thigh to spread her legs. In a movement to fast for her to try and deflect⦠the palm of his hand cupped her womanhood as his powerful blood tried to take over.
"Like this,â His fingers massaged her bundle of nerves right above her entrance and the shock of it had her instantly arching away from him, with a soft cry she bucked against him trying to evade his hand.
The sensual movement was almost his undoing and he hissed in her ear. "If you do not stay still⦠I will have to punish you more." He could feel himself growing hard and was relieved when she strained away from him but stayed still, her fear of what he would do keeping her from fighting him.
Kyokoâs eyes closed. She thought he had meant to hurt her when he said punished but this was almost as bad. Did he not realize he was more disturbed than Hyakuhei? This made her lose control of her body and took her will from her as all her heat pooled to where his fingers were working their magic. She didnât want this regardless of how her body reacted but couldnât help her reactions to it.
He was still holding her in midair with her back pressed against him and his fingers were working back and forth, stimulating her so much that she almost wished he would have spanked her instead because this was creating a different kind of pain⦠delicious pain that gnawed hungrily at her. She gasped and a moan slipped out as his fingers slid between her lips to push one up inside her.
She groaned when he slid it in only to take it back out again. She felt the liquid heat pool around his finger as he thrust it back inside her tightness making her cry out. Her eyes started burning with the familiar sting of tears but she held them back. In the back of her mind she was screaming at herself to stop acting like she was enjoying Kyouâs punishment even though she was.
