User blog:Akasha1908/Conquering the Samurai: Episode 4 (Tales from the AGG Mansion Episode 12)

This one is safe to post here, I think! Enjoy!



CHAPTER 1 

The Guild’s High Council is convened on the rarest of occasions. Once a year is mandatory since they wrote and passed many of the Guild’s underlying laws. All other Council gatherings were done via summons from Professor Yata.

The Council consisted of three ghost agents; chosen for their unwavering bravery and loyalty to all human and daemon-kind, and three daemons; chosen for the power they wield and the respect they command.

Of the ghost agents, there was Master Insa; both feared and respected for his prowess on the daemon battlefield. During his 15 years of service to the guild, he’d only been defeated 5 times; all within his first year as an agent. To his left sat Master Nina; the only female ruling on the Council. She was a vicious little thing; as terrifying as she was beautiful. She came from a long line of famous ghost agents; all of which had served on the Council. And finally, there was Master Sublumenal; leader of the Guild’s Western division and the youngest human in history to hold a place on the Council. He was a quiet man; thoughtful and reserved. At least until it came time to battle. He was still undefeated, and though it was too early to tell, many believed he would surpass Master Insa.

On the daemon side, there was Professor Yata; a kind and gentle soul. His wisdom and expertise were highly valued within the guild’s ranks, and he was often consulted by ghost agents for guidance and advice. Next was Dracula. The Phantom rarely spoke, often choosing to be a spectator rather than a participant. It wasn’t that he didn’t care, but when you’ve lived as long as he has, there’s very little that can get you worked up. And last, but certainly not least, was the infamous Emperor Sutoku. No one could figure out why Sutoku had been given a position on the Council, especially after his reign of tyranny only a few years earlier. Many thought it was a tactic to keep him under the Guild’s influence, others believed Sutoku was secretly pulling the strings.

Of course all this didn’t matter to the Emperor of the Night. He was a dead man, and dead men have no cares…

Professor Yata raised his arm to bring the gavel down onto the hard wooden podium. But just before it struck, Master Insa stood.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“If I may, I’d like to speak on the defendant’s behalf.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Emperor’s heart threatened to come to a grinding halt. Whatever his Master had to say would likely end badly for him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course, Master Insa.”   Professor Yata replied, setting the gavel down. “I’m surprised you have not spoken until now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m not.”   Sutoku muttered in annoyance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Professor Yata shot him an angry look before turning back to Master Insa. “Please, continue.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Thank you.”   He replied, bowing regally towards his fellow Council members.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Just keep it short.”   Nina said, tapping her long black nails on the wood. “We’ve wasted enough time on this criminal.”   She narrowed her eyes on the Emperor. “If it were up to me, he’d be dead already.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Now, now, Master Nina,” Sutoku replied mockingly. “Let’s hear what Insa has to say.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">There was an outbreak of whispering in the audience. Sutoku had referred to Master Insa without his title; a great disrespect. Professor Yata whispered something furiously to Sutoku, but the Phantom Emperor simply rolled his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Just get on with it, Insa.”   Sutoku said, sighing irritably.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Master Insa’s eye twitched ever so slightly, but he continued as if he were unfazed by Sutoku’s blatant disrespect.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I am well aware the accused has committed a terrible crime. He should be punished, that is without question, but I believe a sentence of death is a too harsh.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Tell that to the Divina he tried to kill!”   Nina spat. “He tried to murder one of his own kind. And a fellow Divina at that! He should be flayed alive and burned at the stake!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I agree with, Master Nina.”   Sutoku added, looking over at the Emperor. “I’m all for chaos and such, but to kill a fellow daemon…   Successful or not, the Bell should be punished to the fullest extent of our laws.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Under any other circumstances I would agree,” Master Insa replied, “but I believe my daemon was not in his right mind at the time of the incident.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“It takes a great deal of thought to mix a poison.”   Master Sublumenal interjected. “And a great deal more to use it. Who’s to say that given the opportunity, he will not do this again? We cannot take that risk. Order must be maintained.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“So we are going to use him as example?”   Master Insa asked, his voice alight with anger. “We have the opportunity to try another approach. One of mercy and compassion. What if he can be reformed? Will we condemn him to death without even trying?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“He has a point.”   Dracula muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku nearly jumped out of his seat. “Damn it, Drac! I thought you were asleep! You scared the shit out of me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I wasn’t sleeping.”   Dracula replied dryly. “I was simply resting my eyes. Unlike you day walkers, this is when I’m supposed to be asleep.”   He adjusted his suit, sitting up in his chair. “As I was saying, Master Insa poses a good point. If we sentence this daemon to death, we are no better than he is. And let’s be honest, does this Bell really look like a killer?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Master Nina replied bluntly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Dracula’s gaze turned to Nina. A smile spread across his face as a slow blush filled her delicate cheeks. She immediately looked away, but the Emperor could practically see the woman’s heart fluttering in her chest. Few could withstand the Count’s powers of persuasion. Not even the stone-cold Master Nina…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Believe me.”   Dracula said, his eyes lingering a moment on Nina’s slender neck. “I know a murderer when I see one, and this Bell certainly is not.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But he’s confessed.”   Sublumenal reminded everyone. “Why would he admit to a crime knowing that his life was on the line?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Because he’s guilty!”   Nina exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku laughed. “It appears Master Nina knows nothing of mercy.”   He leaned forward. “What do you propose instead, Insa? I’m assuming you have an alternative punishment in mind; otherwise, you would not waste this Council’s time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I do, Lord Sutoku. I propose I take custody of the Emperor. I believe under my care and supervision, he can be reformed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Forgive me for being rude,” Sublumenal said, “but you haven’t exactly done a very good job up until now. After all, it was under your care that he committed this heinous crime. It calls into question your ability to control him and any other daemons in your possession.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I have to disagree, Master Sublumenal.”   Professor Yata said. “I believe Master Insa was just as shocked as we were that all this happened. I also think we should consider his request. If there is a ghost agent capable of reforming a daemon who has lost their way, I believe it would be Master Insa.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You’ve got to be kidding me?!”   Nina huffed furiously.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Relax.”   Sutoku said, placing a hand on hers. “If Professor Yata agrees with Insa, then perhaps we should consider this alternative.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku’s eyes lingered on Professor Yata, a strange expression crossing his face. For a moment, the Emperor was sure something unspoken past between the two males, but it was gone before he could tell what it was.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“If we’re voting,” Dracula said, “then I vote for Master Insa’s request.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I second that vote.”   Sublumenal added. “But only out of curiosity to see if this ‘reform’ will work.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I vote for Master Insa as well.”   Professor Yata added, looking at Nina.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Fine!”   She snorted angrily. “I don’t even care anymore.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“And you, Lord Sutoku?”   Master Insa asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku smiled. “I’ll agree under two conditions. First, should the Bell relapse or show any signs of violent behavior, he is to be terminated immediately.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“And second?”   Master Insa asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Second, once the Bell has been terminated, you will be removed from this Council and relinquish your title as a ghost agent.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Sutoku!”   Professor Yata hissed. “How could you make such a request?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, it’s fine.”   Master Insa replied. “I agree to his terms. If I can’t keep the Emperor under control, then I don’t deserve to call myself a ghost agent.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then it’s settled.”   Sutoku said, winking at Professor Yata. “The Bell, Emperor of the Night, is hereby released to Insa’s custody.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Thank you.”   Master Insa replied, bowing to the Council. “I will not fail you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The sound of the gavel snapped the Emperor out of his spectator state. He felt like he’d watched the whole trial from within a glass box. But the moment Sutoku announced the new verdict, and the sound of the gavel echoed through the room, the Emperor’s glass box shattered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">For a moment, he considered begging for death. It would likely be a better alternative than anything his master had in store. But then he thought of Yukimura and Maeda. There was no telling what his master would do to the two Divinas should he step out of line. The Emperor couldn’t let anything happen to either one, so he kept his mouth shut and let himself be dragged from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The ride to his master’s new home wasn’t long enough to mentally prepare for what he knew he would face. So when his master took him down into the cold dark cellar that would serve as his home from now on, he couldn’t stop the waves of panic and terror from crashing into him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">His master took the chains around his wrists, specially designed to withstand the Bell’s strength, and hooked it onto a curved mental spike hanging from the ceiling. His master then took the chains holding his feet and attached them to the iron loop protruding from the cold, stone floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Do you like it?”   His master asked, his voice full of excitement. “I had this place designed especially for you. I didn’t think I’d be using it so soon, but you didn’t leave me much choice.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Why are you doing this?”   The Emperor asked. “Why not just let me die?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Master Insa’s eyes widened. “Because I love you. Isn’t that obvious? I would do anything for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then let me go. Please.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Master Insa looked away, unable to meet the Bell’s gaze. “I can’t do that. You belong to me. I summoned you. You chose me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But I didn’t, and you know…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">His master backhanded him so hard; it made the Emperor’s teeth rattle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You are mine!”   He grabbed the Bell by the throat. “Or have you forgotten?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Emperor couldn’t answer the question. It’s difficult to speak when one cannot breath.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t worry.”   Master Insa continued, his eyes taking on a dark longing. “I’ll remind you. I shall carve it into your flesh so you never forget again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CHAPTER 2 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura sat in the audience, watching as the Emperor was dragged from the assembly room. He instinctively moved to go after him, but Maeda grabbed his arm to stop him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Not here.”   He whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I can’t just sit here and watch while…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You must!”   Maeda insisted. “If we are going to save him, then we need some kind of plan. Right now we should just be happy they’re not going to execute him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Why don’t we just tell someone?”   Yukimura asked, watching as the room started to clear out. “If we alert the Council of our suspicions, maybe they can help us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We can’t just walk up to one of them and say we suspect Master Insa poisoned Date and not Emp. Like I told you before, he has too much influence here. There’s no telling who we can trust and who we can’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What about Master Daze? He’s a good man. He’ll listen to us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“That idea is even worse! He’s Master Insa’s best friend! They’ve known each other since childhood. Do you really think he’d take our side in this?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura thought about it a moment. His gut told him to trust his master, but if there was even the smallest doubt that he would take Master Insa’s side, then Maeda was right, he couldn’t be trusted.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then what do you suppose we do now?”   Yukimura asked. “We already talked to Date. He’s convinced it was the Emperor who poisoned him. And based on what the Bell said to him, I don’t blame him for thinking that way. I still can’t believe he would be stupid enough to make such a threat so openly.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I can.”   Maeda replied. “Love makes us say and do foolish things. Plus, I’ve known Emp for a long time. He’s impulsive and careless.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Do you think he’s capable of poisoning someone?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes and no.”   Maeda replied. “He’s always had a talent for mixing potions, but most were for recreational purposes only. You know, aphrodisiacs and such. Is he capable of mixing a poison? Yes. But would he use it? Most certainly not.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I don’t know him as well as you, but I’d have to agree.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“As well you should.”   Maeda replied. “It was he who mixed that sleeping draught for you after your fight with Barbatos. He was concerned when he realized you were getting worse, so he approached Professor Yata with the idea. It was mixture that not only induced sleep, but had healing properties as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I had no idea.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You were never supposed to.”   Maeda said. “But unfortunately, Emp’s kindness has backfired.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“How so?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Professor Yata knows he has the talent and means to mix the poison that almost killed Date. He also has Date’s testimony stating that Emp threatened his life should he go near you again. All the Anima had to do was put two and two together.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“It doesn’t help that the Emperor confessed either.”   Yukimura rubbed his tired eyes. Needless to say, he hadn’t slept in days. Not since the Bell was arrested.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I think he confessed to protect you.”   Maeda said thoughtfully.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then he’s a fool. I need no protection.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Emp is no fool. He knows something about Insa that we don’t. Something that scares him.”   Maeda sighed heavily. “All we have right now are theories and speculation. Without evidence, we can’t prove any of it. If we could just talk to Emp, then maybe we could start putting some of these pieces together.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then we need to find a way to get to him.”   Yukimura said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“That would require breaking into Master Insa’s house.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I know a guy that knows a guy.”   Yukimura replied. “I can get us in.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda laughed humorlessly. “It’s not the getting in I’m worried about.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CHAPTER 3 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Emperor Sutoku watched as the two Divina’s whispered in the now empty room. They were obviously deep in conversation; otherwise, they would have noticed they weren’t alone. They sat towards the front of the room, behind where the accused had stood.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I didn’t know the Emperor had any friends.”   Sutoku said, addressing the two Divina’s.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">They both jumped to their feet at the sound of his voice, followed quickly by swift bows.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There’s no need for that.”   Sutoku continued. “I’m just your average, common daemon.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda frowned. “Not at all, Lord Sutoku. You are a legend among daemons and humans alike. Yukimura and I were surprised that one such as yourself would serve on the Council.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Hmm, a legend, you say?”   Sutoku said thoughtfully.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Like you didn’t know.”   Yukimura snickered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku cut the Divina a warning look, wiping the ridiculous smile off Yukimura’s face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Forgive me.”   Yukimura said quickly. “I meant no offense.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku smiled, waving his hand. “Enough flattery. Tell me why you’re here. As I said before, I didn’t realize the Emperor had friends.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’ve known Emp for several years now.”   Maeda said, exchanging glances with Yukimura. “He’s a good daemon, despite recent events.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“If you say so.”   Sutoku replied, narrowing his eyes. “And what of you?”   He asked, addressing Yukimura. “You know, I’m very familiar with you warrior Divina. You’ve cost your master quite a bit of silver during your service to him. I’m surprised he hasn’t sold you yet.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">   “You and me both, Lord Sutoku.”   Yukimura replied, laughing nervously. “As for me, the Emperor and I have only just met.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Sutoku said with a knowing smile. “Which is why I find it hard to believe he loved you enough to take the life of a fellow daemon.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s a lie!”   Yukimura bit out. “He would never do such a thing! He’s not a murderer!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda grabbed Yukimura’s arm, pulling him back. Sutoku examined them both for a moment, his curiosity growing by the second.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, he’s not.”   Sutoku replied carefully. “But only because he didn’t succeed in his attempt.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura opened his mouth to speak, but Sutoku cut him off. “Careful, Divina. Remember to whom it is you speak.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Forgive him, my lord.”   Maeda interjected. “He’s just upset.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m sure.”   Sutoku replied, his eyes still locked with Yukimura’s defiant gaze.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">There was a fire in the Divina’s eyes. One Sutoku was very familiar with. He too had felt such passion and longing for another. The kind that made you do stupid things; like non-verbally threaten one of the most powerful daemons in the world…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We should be going.”   Maeda said, bowing to Sutoku.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda glanced over at Yukimura, nudging him with his elbow. Reluctantly, the Divina bowed as well, moving as if the action caused him great pain.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku laughed loudly. “It’s amazing you’ve survived this long, Yukimura.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“And on that note. Good day to you, Lord Sutoku.”   Maeda said, dragging his friend from the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku rubbed his chin, several thoughts forming in his mind, but none he was ready to act on just yet. He left the room as well, wandering down one of the halls in the Ghost Guild’s main headquarters. He hated this place; avoided it at all cost. But then he’d been summoned for this ridiculous trial. And by Professor Yata himself. How could he possibly refuse?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He turned the corner, stopping when he realized he’d ended up in front Yata’s office. And that right there was why Sutoku hated this place. Too many memories…   He turned on his heels, quickly walking in the opposite direction. He’d almost escaped, when he heard Yata’s voice drift from around the corner.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku cursed inwardly, diving into the nearest open room. Thank God it was empty so no one could see what an idiot he looked like.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Is that all, Professor?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Yata replied. “Take care of yourself, Bunchu. Your work here will be missed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“T-thank you, Professor. It’s been an honor serving by your side. I-I will miss you as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Is he stuttering? ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   Sutoku sucked his teeth. Youths!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The touch of amusement in Yata’s voice made Sutoku clench his teeth.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You should get going, Bunchu. You don’t want to be late meeting your new master.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Y-yes. Thank you again, Professor. G-good bye.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku waited a few moments before coming out of his hiding spot. He peeked out of the room, groaning when he found Professor Yata standing outside the door, tapping his foot.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I thought that was you.”   The Anima said dryly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Geez, how do you do that?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Wouldn’t you like to know? Is there any particular reason you’re here, or is just to irritate me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Come on, Yata. Don’t be like that. We can be civilized, can’t we?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Professor Yata took a deep breath. “You’re right. My apologies, it’s be a challenging day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I bet.”   Sutoku replied, unable to stop himself from asking the question rattling in his brain. “Does it have anything to do with your lover’s departure?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“My lover?!”   Professor Yata stopped, biting his lower lip like he always did when he was angry. “You know what, forget it. I don’t know why I even bother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Anima turned to go into his office, but Sutoku caught his hand. “Just tell me. Is he your lover?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Why do you care?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You know why.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, I don’t.”   Yata said, snatching his hand back. “You made it very clear you don’t care about me or my feelings.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What I did back then was…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t. Just… don’t.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Anima left Sutoku standing in the middle of the hallway. He wanted to go after him, but if he did, what would he say? He’d joined the Council for one reason and one reason only:   Yata. He kept telling himself that he was here to fight the good fight. Protect the rights and interests of all daemon-kind. He was lying to himself, and all it took was seeing his ex-lover to remind him of that.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CHAPTER 4 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I can’t believe the ‘guy’ you said you know is Sibylle the fucking Thief! Of all the people in the world to trust, you pick him?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I take it you know each other?”   Yukimura asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You could say that.”    Maeda muttered, crossing his arms.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Want to talk about it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Hell no!   Just don’t be surprised if he betrays us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“He won’t. I saved his life a few years back. He owes me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Thieves don’t owe anyone anything, Yukimura. That’s why they’re thieves!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Just relax. He’ll find a way in. All you need to do is distract Master Insa. Follow the plan and everything will work out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You can’t even call this a plan!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Will you stop complaining about it?! This is an extraction. Get in, get out. There’s no need to get fancy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda sighed. “Famous last words.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Shut up, here he comes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sibylle dropped beside them. “Ready?”   He asked. “I found a way in, but we need to move fast.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura looked up at Maeda.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Fine, let’s get this over with.”   He muttered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura smiled, slapping him on the shoulder. “Remember, I need at least 20 minutes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yeah, yeah, I got it.”   Maeda shot Sibylle an evil look. “If you do anything to jeopardize this, I will find you and I will kill you. Is that clear?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sibylle rolled his eyes. “Crystal. Now can we go? I haven’t got all night.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Good luck.”   Yukimura said to him to Maeda.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Same to you.”   He replied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CHAPTER 5 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Emperor lay on the floor of his cell, surrounded by the deafening silence and ice cold darkness. He’d been stripped bare, every part of his body either bruised, torn or broken.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He was well accustomed to pain, but not even he could withstand such brutality. His Master had shown no mercy; no restraint. Twice the Emperor had passed out from the pain, and both times his master had brought him back from the blissful darkness; only to begin the torture all over again…   It was a test Master Insa said. A way for the Emperor to prove his eternal love and devotion.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You mustn’t cry out.”   He’d whispered in the Emperor’s ear. “You must endure in silence and accept this pain as penance for your betrayal. Only then will your sins be cleansed and my forgiveness earned.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">And so the Emperor did as he was told. He remained silent, swallowing his screams as his Master unleashed the totality of his wrath upon him. He didn’t bother begging for mercy. The Emperor knew from experience that such actions would only excite Master Insa. The man enjoyed watching his Bell suffer; enjoyed watching each and every one of his tears fall.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">It had been so long since the last time his Master lost control, that the Emperor had almost forgotten all the man was capable of. And as he lay on the freezing cold stone, unable to move for the pain, he couldn’t remember why he’d ever been foolish enough to defy his Master in the first place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He heard the door of his cell click open, his body immediately cringing at the sound. Had Master Insa come back so soon?! Terror, raw and unfiltered, flooded his system. He groaned softly, trying to peer through swollen eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“My God…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The words were whispered so softly that the Emperor could barely make them out. Or perhaps it was because he could no longer hear out of his right ear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What has he done to you?!”

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">That voice! Yukimura! ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   Panic immediately replaced his terror. The Emperor wanted to scream for him to run; beg for him to leave before it was too late, but he couldn’t even open his mouth. His jaw was completely shattered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t worry, we’re going to get you out of here.”

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">WE?! ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   The Emperor groaned again, choking on the silent sobs trapped in his throat. We could only mean Maeda has with him. The fools!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">   “How could anyone do this to another?”   Sibylle asked in a hushed voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I don’t know,” Yukimura replied weakly, “but we’re running out of time. Help me lift him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you sure about this, Yuki?”   Sibylle asked. “I’m afraid if we move him, we’ll cause more harm than good.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We’re not leaving him!”   Yukimura snapped angrily.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m not suggesting we should, but we need to find a way to get him out of here without killing him!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There are no other options! We just need to move quickly. He’ll have to hold on until we get him to a healer.”   Yukimura leaned over the Emperor, plucking the blood soaked strands of hair from his forehead. “Do you hear me, my love? This will be painful, but you must be strong.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yuki, maybe we should just go for help.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There isn’t time! Now help me get him up!”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">* 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura could feel the vomit rising in his throat. He’d seen countless wound and injuries. Witnessed limbs cleaved from bodies and people burned alive. But this…   How could anyone survive such torture? The Emperor was unrecognizable, his face practically caved in. His jaw was clearly broken, and from the way his right arm lay twisted and limp at his side, it too was broken.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He pulled off the cloak he wore and draped it over the Emperor’s naked body. As carefully as possible, he rolled him onto his back, and wrapped him as best he could. The sounds of the Emperor’s choked screams echoed through the room, fueling the anger Yukimura was trying so desperately to control. Thoughts of Master Insa’s head on a spike flashed in his mind. He would kill the human for this; very slowly and very painfully.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">But right now, his first priority was the Emperor. Yukimura could smell the sickly sweet stench of death clinging to his lover. They needed to get him to a healer, or he would not survive the night.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’ll carry him.”   Sibylle said, dropping to one knee.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, I will.”   Yukimura replied sharply. “Help me get him on my back.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The two worked to settle the Emperor on Yukimura’s back, but by the time they were prepared to leave, the Emperor had lost consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“He’s still breathing.”   Sibylle whispered. “But for how much longer, I’m not sure.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CHAPTER 6 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda was escorted into Master Insa’s living room. He was in. Now all he had to do was keep Master Insa busy and…

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Shit! ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Maeda!”   Lord Sutoku exclaimed. “What a happy coincidence!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda pasted on his best smile, praying to any god listening that the Phantom hadn’t seen his momentary slip.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“It’s good to see you again, Lord Sutoku.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“And you.”   He replied. “Are you here to see Insa or the Emperor?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Both actually.”   Maeda answered, moving to take a seat in one of the empty chairs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Ah, me too! Insa stepped out for a moment. He should be back shortly.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda stumbled, barely catching himself on the back of the chair.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you alright?”   Sutoku asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Maeda replied quickly. “I think I tripped on the edge of the rug here. “

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t call him out on the obvious lie. Maeda eased into his seat, debating on whether or not he should abort the plan and go after Yukimura. There was a good chance Master Insa was with the Emperor, and Yukimura was walking into trap. Add the fact that Lord Sutoku was here…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you sure you’re alright? You look nervous.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Positive.”   Maeda replied, his thoughts skipping a beat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He didn’t like the way the Phantom was looking at him. Maeda shifted in his chair, trying to keep his smile firmly in place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Insa just went to get grab us a couple of drinks.”   Sutoku said. “I think Yukimura is safe for now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“How did you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Oh, please. You two are so predictable. All that whispering after the trial. It wasn’t difficult figure out what you planned to do. The hardest part was figuring out the when. But, based on samurai’s pent up rage, I figured it would be sooner rather than later.”   He chuckled softly. “Looks like I was right to come this evening.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Let me explain.”   Maeda blurted out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No need.”   Sutoku said with a brilliant smile. “I’m perfectly content watching how this all play out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Master Insa entered the room, a bottle of brandy in one hand and two glasses in the other.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Maeda? Is that you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, Master Insa. I came to check on the Emperor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Oh. Well, I was just telling Lord Sutoku here that he’s resting. Perhaps you can come back another time to see him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Thank you.”   Maeda replied. “I would like that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Would you care to stay for a drink?”   Master Insa asked. “I can grab another glass if you’d like.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Sure,” Maeda replied. “I’d love one.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda had precisely one drink, putting him at exactly 32 minutes in the ghost agent’s home.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Time to go. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Thank you very much for the drink, Master Insa, but I should get going. I’ll come back in a couple of days if that’s okay.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course. I’ll let him know you stopped by.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I think I’ll be going, too.”   Sutoku added. “I have some business to take care of before I head back.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then let me see you both to the door.”   Master Insa said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No need.”   Sutoku replied. “I think we can let ourselves out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Well then, I bid you both a good night.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">As they made their way to the door, Sutoku grabbed Maeda’s sleeve.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“He knows.”   The Phantom whispered. “Or at least he suspects something is wrong.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We’ll be long gone before he has the chance to react.”   Maeda whispered back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I sure hope so.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda headed straight for the place he and Yukimura set to meet. To his dismay, Sutoku followed him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What are you doing?”   Maeda asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I should think that’s obvious. I’m following you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, I know that, but why?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I should think that’s obvious, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you going to stop us?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No. Not at the moment anyway. Like I said, I want to see how this plays out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda remained silent the rest of the way. He knew he couldn’t beat the Phantom, so there was no point in trying. He’d just have to pray the man didn’t interfere more than he already had.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yukimura, I’m here. Unfortunately, we have company. He insisted on…   Holy shit! Is that Emp?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What took you so long?!”   Yukimura exclaimed. “I said 20 minutes! Look, we need to find a healer right now. Tell me you know of one.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Uh, not off the top of my head. Maybe we can take him into town.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“He’ll die before you get there.”   Sutoku said, examining the scene with an unreadable expression. “We need to take him to Yata’s.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you insane?!”   Sibylle cried. “It’s bad enough you’re here! At this rate the whole bloody Council will find out we’ve taken him!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s the least of you concerns.”   Sutoku replied, addressing Yukimura specifically.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Let’s think about this, Yukimura.”   Maeda said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“There is no time to think.”   Sutoku retorted. “He’s dying. Yata is your best shot, and even then I don’t if he’ll be able to save him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura lifted the Emperor in his arms. “I’ll take him. You two go back. If anyone will be punished for this, it will be me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m not going anywhere.”   Maeda answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You don’t have to tell me twice.”   Sibylle said. “I don’t need these kinds of problems. I hope your friend lives, Yuki. Good luck.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Well,” Sutoku interrupted, “now that we’ve wasted even more time, are you two ready?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yeah.”   Yukimura replied. “Let’s go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">CHAPTER 7 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Professor Yata pulled the door open, his face a mixture of irritation and frustration. Sutoku couldn’t help but smile, even the Professor’s angry face was sexy…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Why are you here?”   Yata asked, tugging his robe closed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t flatter yourself.”   Sutoku replied, unable to resist goading the Anima. “I’m not here for you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then why are you at my door at this time of night? I can only think of one reason and…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura appeared in the doorway, the battered and beaten Emperor in his arms. “Please help us, Professor Yata. We’ve nowhere else to go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">It took a minute for Professor Yata to take in the situation, but once he did, he was quick to respond.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Bring him in!”   He exclaimed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Anima raced over to his perfectly laid dining room table and proceeded to sweep everything onto the floor. Beautiful plates and wine glasses shattered on the ground, but the Professor hardly seemed to care.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Lay him here.”   He instructed Yukimura.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Kiku Ichimonji entered the room, rubbing her tired eyes. “I didn’t know you were expecting guests. I’ll rouse one of the servants to make some tea.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, Kiku.”   Professor Yata commanded. “Go and fetch Nightingale.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You want Nightingale to make tea?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Just do as I say! And tell her to bring all her medical supplies.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“As you wish.”   Kiku mumbled sleepily.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Sutoku, I need hot water and towels. I trust you remember where everything is?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I most certainly do.”   The Phantom replied, moving about the house as if he’d lived there for years.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Professor Yata peeled back the blood-soaked cloak from around the Emperor. “Is this who I think it is?”   He asked, his face turning a sickly shade of green.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Yukimura replied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“And does Master Insa know about this?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Insa is the one that did it.”   Sutoku replied, setting a steaming bowl of water on one of the dining room chairs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You can’t know that.”   Professor Yata said quickly. “Any one of his other daemons could have done this. Perhaps it’s payback for trying to murder one of our kind.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Not possible.”   Maeda interjected. “The rest of Master Insa’s daemons aren’t due to arrive for several more days. The only people living in that house are him and the Emperor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No…”   Professor Yata whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Sutoku said. “It appears my suspicions about Insa were right all along. I guess I’m not crazy after all.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We’ll discuss this later.”   Yata said, shooting Sutoku a warning look.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, we’ll talk about this now!”   Yukimura grabbed the Professor’s arm. “You knew about this and did nothing to stop it?! This human is a monster and you let him serve within our ranks!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku grabbed Yukimura’s wrist, twisting it back until the bone was ready to snap. His other hand flew to the Divina’s throat, lifting him off the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“If you ever touch him again, I will kill you. I will slice open your belly, remove your insides and feed them to you while I watch you bleed to death.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Sutoku, stop.”   Professor Yata placed a hand on the Phantom’s arm. “Look at me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku turned his threatening glare to Yata; the fire extinguishing almost immediately.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Put him down.”   The Anima whispered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku took a deep breath, releasing Yukimura. The Divina dropped to the ground clutching his wrist. Maeda helped him up, his wary gaze locked on Sutoku.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“In case you boys haven’t noticed,” the Professor said. “There is a daemon dying on the table. Surely this argument can wait.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura scowled at the Phantom, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Master!”   Nightingale exclaimed, rushing towards the group. “Kiku said you wished to see me. I’ve brought all the supplies I have on hand; it should be enough for whatever is…”   She stopped midsentence when she caught sight of the Emperor lying on the table.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">To the tiny Divina’s credit, she remained calm. Despite going deathly pale, she did not waver. With a look of steely determination, she marched to the table and set the massive box in her hand on the floor at her feet. She took a quick inventory of the Bell’s injuries, then nodded once as if deciding what needed to be done.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“How can I help?”   Yukimura asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“By being quiet.”   She replied.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Surely we can be of some assistance.”   Maeda pleaded.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Master, please remove these people from the room.”   Nightingale said, her hands working furiously on the Emperor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Alright everyone, let’s leave her to it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But…”   Yukimura argued.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Your friend couldn’t be in more capable hands.”   Yata replied reassuringly. “She will do everything in her power to save him, but we need to give her room to work. Come, I’ll make us all some tea.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">4 hours later… 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">No one was allowed back into the dining room. Correction, Yukimura wasn’t allowed in the dining room. Lord Sutoku went in about 30 minutes ago, but refused to allow Yukimura, or anyone else, to accompany him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda sat across from him, completely knocked out. Yukimura couldn’t figure out how the Divina could sleep at a time like this. He was exhausted, too, but his mind refused to shut down. Not when his beloved lay dying only a few feet away.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Professor Yata was pacing the length of the floor. He’d started about an hour ago, and was clearly in deep thought. Yukimura had several questions he wanted to ask, but he somehow knew the Anima would not answer them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Finally, Sutoku came out of the dining room, his expression grave. Professor Yata went to Maeda, gently shaking him awake.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Huh? What’s going on?”   Maeda asked, yawning widely.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Phantom sighed heavily, shaking his head. “She couldn’t save him.”   He said, addressing the room. “There was too damage.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura stood, his knees threatening to buckle. “I want to see him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I figured you would.”   Sutoku replied. “I’ve asked Nightingale to prepare the body, but given the state of his wounds, I requested she keep him covered. He should at least be allowed some kind of dignity in death.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Maeda’s head fell into his hands. “This isn’t happening.”   He whispered. His shoulders shook as he wept softly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m afraid it is.”   Sutoku said solemnly. “I am so very sorry for your loss.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’ll inform the Council.”   Professor Yata said. “We’ll need to act swiftly. Insa will know we’re coming.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nightingale stepped out of the room, her head bowed, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Forgive me.”   She whispered, her voice breaking. “There was nothing I could do. He’s ready if you wish to say your goodbyes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura walked towards the dining. With every step, a piece of his world came crashing down around him. When he finally entered the room and saw the sheet covered body, the last piece came tumbling down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Yukimura backed away, unable to go any further. If he pulled back that cover, this would all be come real. The Emperor would really be dead, and he would truly be alone. He spun around, slamming right into Sutoku.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You can’t go after him.”   The Phantom said firmly. “I know you think revenge is the only way to sooth your rage, but believe me, there is another way.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Move.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Think about what you’re doing.”   Sutoku replied calmly. “Do you think you lover would want this? He paid the ultimate price to keep you safe, and you would repay him with foolish ideas of vengeance.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Do not speak to me vengeance, Phantom. Not when the walls of history are painted with the blood your own retribution.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“And do you want to know what I had left after all that death and destruction? After my so-called retribution? Nothing. That’s the thing about revenge, Yukimura. It doesn’t fill the gaping hole in your chest. That never goes away. Perhaps there is a split second of relief, but it is gone before you ever have the chance to recognize what it was. Trust me; this is not the path you want to take. There is a way to seek justice without unnecessary bloodshed. Let me show you how.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I don’t need you to show me anything. I will make Insa pay for this no matter the cost. What you fail to realize is I have nothing left, so there is nothing to lose.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You are a fool.”   Sutoku replied. “This is not war, Divina. You are not killing an enemy in order to survive. What you are about to do is murder; plain and simple. Are you a murderer, Yukimura?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Keeping standing in my way and you’ll find out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku punched Yukimura so hard in the stomach; it felt like the Phantom’s fist went straight through him. All the air in his body rushed out. It was impossible to take a breath, and without oxygen, it was only a matter of time before the darkness swooped in greedily. The Phantom whispered in Yukimura’s ear just before he lost consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You can thank me for this later.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">