User blog:Akasha1908/Unbound: The Iron Maiden (Episode 2)

'''NOTE:   The Council is first introduced in Conquering the Samurai, Episode 4. In case you didn’t read it, here’s what you need to know before starting this fanfic. '''



**The Ayakashi Ghost Guild High Council  (commonly referred to as the “the Council”):   Consists of three ghost agents; chosen for their unwavering bravery and loyalty to all human and daemon-kin. And three daemons; chosen for the power they wield and the respect they command.

 Ghost Agents currently serving on the Council :    

Master Nina: 

The only female ruling on the Council. Head of the Takahashi line, she comes from a long line of famous ghost agents. All of which have served on the Council. Of note, her family was instrumental in the creation of the Guild.

Master Sublumenal: 

Leader of the Guild’s Western division and the youngest ghost agent in history to sit the Council. He is a superb commander, and is currently undefeated in combat.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Status:   DECEASED <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">. Executed for his crimes of maltreatment and murder. All his titles have been stripped and his accomplishments stricken from Guild records.

 <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Daemons currently serving on the Council <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"">Professor Yata (Anima): 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">His wisdom and expertise are highly valued within the Guild’s ranks, and he was often consulted by ghost agents for guidance and advice.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Phantom rarely speaks, often choosing to be a spectator rather than a participant. Despite his perceived lack of general awareness, he was one of the oldest and wisest Phantoms in existence.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">No one knows how Sutoku gained a position on the Council, especially after his failed attempt to gain control of the Guild. Many believe it is a tactic to keep him under the Guild’s influence, others believe Sutoku is secretly pulling the strings. His true intentions remain to be seen.

<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"">**The Masters: <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   Little is known about the Masters. Their existence is acknowledged by all ghost agents and daemons, but their identities remain a mystery. Though the Council leads the Guild, it is the Masters who control it.

<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"">INTRO 

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">His voice…   It wrapped around her like a warm embrace; every word a gentle caress meant to ease the raging of her soul. One word from this dark haired stranger’s lips and she wanted to submit; completely and utterly…   ''

<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 1 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Iron Maiden couldn’t remember how long the voices had been with her; buried within the depths of her mind. All she knew was that when the man spoke, the voices fled. Even when he didn’t speak, simply being in his presence managed to reduce the voices to a dull whisper. So, for the first time since the moment her soul took its corporeal form in this world, the Iron Maiden felt at ease.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sadly, all this was new to her. The voices told her what to do and how to feel, so without them, she was at a loss. She lay at the human’s side, wrapped tightly in his arms. After years spent alone, in darkness and silence, she decided that this was much more preferable.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden rolled over in his arms so that they were nose to nose. He stirred a moment; his soft breaths ruffling her hair. Though he didn’t wake up, his embrace tightened around her. In fact, he hadn’t let her go since she’d silenced that awful woman.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Honestly, it wasn’t her fault. The moment the evil daemon had started to speak, the voices came back. At first they were nothing but a whisper; too distant to make out. But the harder the Maiden strained to listen, the louder and more forceful they’d become.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The voices spoke of the Anima’s terrible deeds; sins and transgressions that demanded swift retribution. Justice must be rendered, and it was the Iron Maiden’s sole purpose to ensure the guilty not only confessed their crimes, but that their eternal souls were cast into oblivion as punishment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">But then dark-haired man had grabbed her. His words silencing the voices as quickly as they’d come. He’d yelled at her, and though she could only make out a few of his words, it wasn’t difficult to tell he was upset.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Would he send her away? <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">She wondered. Lock her up like those before him? ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The thought made something inside her ache. She wriggled from his arms and sat up in the bed, rubbing her chest in hopes that the pain would go away.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">It didn’t. And as thoughts of being separated from the man swirled inside her head, the pain only seemed to worsen. She groaned, pulling her knees to her chest and letting her clammy forehead fall haphazardly against her knee.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">What was happening? Why wouldn’t the pain go away? ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She whimpered softly, part of her wishing the voices would come back and tell her how to rid herself of this the unfamiliar ache. Her sounds and movements must have roused the man from his sleep, because suddenly his arms were around her again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What’s wrong? Are you alright?”   He switched on the light by the bed, then took her chin to examine her face. “Why are you crying?”   He asked worriedly.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Crying? ''<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"">Her look of confusion must have clued him in on her thoughts. He took one of her hands his, and placed her fingertips against her cheek. She yanked her hand away when she realized it was wet. She looked at her hand, then up at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden had seen such a phenomenon before. Many of her victims did this… thing the man called “crying.”   The voices had said the act was merely a byproduct of their guilt; a way for the condemned to physically purge the sin from their bodies and souls. But if that was the truth, then she was not without sin either. Such an idea went against everything the voices had ever told her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Maiden desperately tried to wipe away the tears, but the more she tried, the more they fell. Fear blossomed in her chest. Was she crying because the voices now believed she was evil? Her chest tightened; each breath a struggle to inhale.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“E-evil...”   She whispered in a broken voice. “I-I… evil…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No.”   The man said quickly. “You’re not evil. You’re just… just…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She stared up at him, her mind trying to grasp and understand his words. They sounded familiar, but it had been so long since she’d spoken to another living, breathing existence, that certain words sounded strange and foreign to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“N-not evil?”   She repeated, unsure whether that was good or bad.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, definitely not evil.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He smiled at her then, and an explosion of warmth filled every ounce of her being. She knew in that instant that he didn’t hate her. That he didn’t think she was evil. Knowing that one simple fact somehow changed everything. She threw her arms around him, sinking into his welcoming embrace. The scent of his hair; familiar and comforting, filled her senses. She was safe. With him, she would always be safe.

<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"">Jestoni held the trembling Anima in his arms. She felt so tiny and helpless that he could almost forget the brutality of her actions not long ago. Every part of him wanted to protect her, but even he could not stop the storm that was likely to come.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Omatsu was badly injured. Nightingale had been sent for, and despite the Divina’s assurance that the Anima would recover completely, Jestoni would have to explain how his daemon had sustained such injuries.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He’d spent the entire night trying to think of a way out of this predicament, but every idea brought him to a dead end. Too many witnesses and too many questions that would need answering. It was only a matter of time before the Council was notified and he was brought before them to plead his case.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Jestoni understood the consequences of his actions, but despite knowing the inevitable outcome would be his arrest and the Maiden’s likely execution, his mind refused to accept it. There had to be a way to convince the Council that the Maiden could be controlled. With time, Jestoni was positive he could bring the Anima Bell to heel. After all, she wasn’t bad or evil, she was simply misunderstood. There was a method behind her so-called madness, and Jestoni was determined to find out what it was. If he could unlock the key to her alleged psychosis, then perhaps he could save her, and redeem his family’s name in the process…

<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"">Nina was greeted by Mordred the moment she walked through the front door of her mansion. He was impeccably dressed in an all-black suit, and his hair was neatly styled so that it framed his boyish face in flattering kind of way. He was a handsome young man. Not in the way that she preferred, but nonetheless, his nearly constant presence gave her something pleasant to look at throughout the day.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Greetings, Master. I trust your visit to the Guild was eventful?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She took off her coat, handing it to one of the maids patiently waiting at her side.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I just watched the execution of one of my most trusted comrades. I wouldn’t exactly call it ‘eventful’.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Apologies, my lady.”   Mordred replied, his expression never once changing. “You have my sympathies.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina couldn’t help but admire the Phantom. The daemon never showed any kind of emotion. The world could be falling apart around him, and he would merely observe the scene with abject interest. He was neither sensitive, nor irrational. And his ability to remain objective in any and all situations made him the perfect candidate to run her family’s estate. So, despite him being only slightly handsome, Nina had hired the daemon fresh out of Camelot Academy. It was the best decision she’d ever made.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No need for apologies, Mordred. He turned out to be an evil man. I’m just upset that I didn’t realize it sooner.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Mordred said nothing. He simply cocked his head to the side as if waiting for her to continue speaking. The sight made her chuckle. The Phantom reminded her of a crow; always watching and waiting for the opportune moment. When she made no move to continue, Mordred nodded once then spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You have a visitor in the parlor, my lady. I informed her that you would be gone for the better part of the day, but she insisted on waiting for your return.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“She?”   Nina asked, dropping onto the white-washed bench by the door. The maid tried to help her take of her boots, but Nina shooed her away.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The boot in Nina’s hands slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor. She knew her mouth had fallen open, but she couldn’t regain control of her body fast enough to pretend that she wasn’t in shock.

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

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Oh, God! ''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   She cursed inwardly. I’m stuttering!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, Master.”   Mordred replied; his tone and expression still unnervingly calm. “She’s been waiting for nearly 3 hours.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Oh.”   Nina blinked. “Well then, I shouldn’t keep her waiting any longer.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you sure, Master?”   Mordred questioned, his head cocking to the side in the same disconcerting way. “You seem uneasy by her presence here. If you so desire, I shall have her escorted from the premises immediately.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Thank you, Mordred, but that won’t be necessary.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Mordred examined her for a moment longer, then bowed regally. “As you wish, my lady. I’ll have one of the servants bring in refreshments. There’s a bottle of Chateau Lafite in the cellar. Shall I have it brought up?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No. Chiyo-chan…   I mean, Chiyome-san, doesn’t drink.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina walked towards the parlor, her stomach a ball of nerves. She wasn’t even out of the foyer before she turned around to call after Mordred. To her surprise, the Phantom was still standing in the same spot, examining her even more closely.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’ve changed my mind.”   She replied, absently straightening her shirt. “Bring in a bottle of whiskey.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course, my lady.”   Mordred said with a bow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“And it’s to be brought in by you. No one else.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina watched Mordred walk gracefully towards the kitchen, waiting until he turned the corner before she blew out the breath she’d been holding. Only Chiyome could do this to Nina. Make her forget who she was, and the power and influence she wielded. She was the successor to the Takahashi line for God sakes! And here she was, completely unraveled by the mention of the Phantom’s name.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina’s stomach plummeted to her toes at the sound of Chiyome’s voice. She splayed her hand on the wall beside her for support, taking a deep breath before meeting the Phantom’s eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Chiyome-san,” she replied, trying to sound as normal as possible. “What brings you here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The Phantom smiled solemnly, her face coming into the light as she stepped forward. The sight of her sent Nina’s head spinning, and suddenly her knees were threatening to buckle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’ve been waiting.”   Chiyome continued. “I have urgent business discuss with you. In private if possible.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina was struck speechless. The last time they’d been alone together, they’d…   Well, let’s just say business had been the last thing on either of their minds.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, of course.”   Nina gestured to the parlor doors. “We should have enough privacy in here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina followed Chiyome, her eyes fixated on the gentle sway of the Phantom’s hips. She immediately felt guilty for objectifying the daemon, but how was she supposed to look away from such a tantalizing specimen of the female body.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Before she’d met Chiyome, Nina had no notable desire for her fellow sex. In fact, she was known for preference towards men, using all male daemons for her attack and defense teams in combat. There was just something about the male form covered in sweat and blood; locked in the heat of battle! Just the thought made her nose bleed!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">But then Chiyome came along. All lithe grace and deadly beauty. The female daemon wielded a sword better than most of the males under Nina’s command. To watch the Phantom fight was like watching the sun rise, or the ocean crash against the cliffs. Wild and magnificent; leaving you with an over-whelming sense of wonder and awe.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina had been instinctively drawn to her, and in one explosive, unforgettable night, the Phantom had changed Nina’s life forever. Chiyome had introduced her to a world that went beyond physical pleasure, to one of complete and utter fulfillment; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Chiyome had done what no other person; human or daemon, male or female, had ever done. She’d utterly destroyed all of Nina’s defenses, leaving her exposed in ways she hadn’t known were possible. It was incredible and terrifying all at once, and it had left Nina a different person all together.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You look well.”   Chiyome said, her voice quiet and thoughtful.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You assumed I wouldn’t be?”   Nina asked, a hint of malice shadowing her tone.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Chiyome smiled sadly. “Not at all. I never doubted your resolve for a moment. You are strong, Nina. Worthy of your father’s name.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina snickered. “I’m sure you didn’t come all this way to flatter me. And since you ran away to hide in that shrine of yours, I can only assume this has something to do with the temple. What is it? And make it quick, I have other business to attend to.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Chiyome winced at Nina’s tone, sending a wave of guilt crashing down upon her. What was wrong with her?! Sure, the two of them had parted on… unpleasant terms, but it had been almost 5 years! The time for hurt feelings and grudges was over. Why couldn’t she be an adult and have a professional conversation with the shrine maiden of the Takahashi family temple?!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m sorry.”   Nina muttered, making a conscious effort to keep the venom out of her voice. “It’s been a long day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, I heard about Insa’s trial. I know what he meant to you and your family. You must feel so betrayed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina cleared her throat. “What’s done is done. Insa got what he deserved and that’s the end of it. Now,” she continued. “What have you come to discuss?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina frowned. “The Maiden? What about her?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You are familiar with the barrier that imprisons her?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I am.”   Nina replied, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “My ancestors were the ones who placed it over her. What’s your point?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I believe the barrier was broken and the Maiden set free.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Impossible!”   Nina hissed. “The barrier surrounding her tomb is impenetrable! I inspected it myself not 2 months ago! It’s as strong as it’s ever been!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Chiyome shook her head. “I know how strong the barrier was. I could sense it even from here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Was?”   Nina shifted on her feet. “Why are you speaking in the past tense?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Because it’s gone, Nina. Completely! I can no longer feel its power, nor can a contact any of the shrine maidens entrusted to guard the Anima Bell.”   Chiyome sighed heavily. “I can only assume the worst. The barrier has been broken and the Iron Maiden unbound.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">At that moment, Mordred entered the study, a tray in his hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Oh, thank goodness.”   Chiyome exclaimed in exhaustion. “I’m in desperate need of a drink.”

<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"">Sublumenal sat at his desk, sorting through the stack of documents his Division had sent for his review and approval. He’d been summoned to the Guild’s main headquarters to fulfill his Council duties. And although he took his position of honor with the seriousness and humility it deserved, he was ready to return home. As leader of the Guild’s Western Division, Sublumenal had a tremendous amount of responsibility on top of his Council requirements.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, Shiranui?”   Sublumenal asked, not bothering to look up from his work.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He sighed, leaning back in his chair to examine the Phantom Bell. Shiranui Seafire was the epitome of womanly beauty. Full lipped and with curves for days, she could bring any man of her choosing to his knees. She was vicious and had a temper that could blow the roof off the Guild at any moment, but when it came to Sublumenal, she tried to show at least a little bit of restraint.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She currently sat on his desk, crossing her legs so that he had a full view of her creamy skin from the top of her hip down to her ankle. She’d done it on purpose. Her way of reminding him of all the fun he was missing out on. He swallowed, looking from her face, to her legs, and back again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I need to finish these before we leave tomorrow.”   Sublumenal said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He managed to keep his voice cool and detached, but despite his formidable self-control, he couldn’t help his body’s response to her. She tossed her hair with her hand, the dismissive act causing her kimono to slip further off her shoulder. Sublumenal swallowed, taking a deep breath to center himself. Shiranui always did this. All her non-descript actions culminating into one carefully laid trap that Sublumenal always fell into. He’d asked her once why she always chose such a round-about way to gain his affections. Shiranui had smiled innocently, her response disarming him completely.

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You are the ice to my fire.”   She’d whispered in his ear. “And I love watching you melt at my feet.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He’d laughed at the time, but Sublumenal had the good sense to be a little afraid…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Good.”   She replied, sliding off his desk and absently adjusting her full cleavage for his viewing pleasure. “I’m ready to go home. I’m tired of sleeping without you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal smile secretly, making sure to lower his head as if returning to his work. He didn’t want her to see the satisfaction on his face. Shiranui was the quintessential Bell, often blurring the line between Master and daemon. If questioned about the relationship between them, she’d likely claim she was the one in control.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Just like a Bell… <span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   He mused.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I told you before; daemons are not authorized to share quarters with human Council members. Not while within the Guild’s walls.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What an absurd rule!”   Shiranui scoffed. “These aren’t the dark ages anymore. Surely the Guild can see there’s no longer a need for such precautions. Can’t you do something about it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m not in a position to tell the Guild what restrictions they should and should not enforce. I am merely a servant, and as such, I will follow the orders set by my superiors.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She rolled her eyes. “I wish you could hear yourself. You sound utterly ridiculous. You are a member of the Council and leader of the Western Division! You have more power than you know.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He sighed. “There are others who wield far more power than I, Shiranui. You’d do well to remember that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Her hand gripped the hilt of her sword with white knuckle force. “It’s hard to see you cower before these so-called Masters of yours.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“They’re not ‘so-called’.”   He replied, placing his pen down. “They are very real. And although they prefer to let the Council lead the Guild, there is no question in any of our minds who is actually in control.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then perhaps I should serve one of them.”   She said coldly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal laughed, causing Shiranui to bristle angrily.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You think I won’t leave you?!”   She hissed.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">A tiny shiver ran through her lush body; her cheeks suddenly flushed. The corner of Sublumenal’s mouth lifted in a half smile. She’d caught the warning in his tone. He was letting her know, very subtlety, that the conversation was over. She was his. End of discussion.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She huffed angrily, heading for the door without another word. For all her ferocity and fire, Shiranui knew who her Master was…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I’ll see you at dinner.”   He called after her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">It was a demand, not a request, and she immediately recognized it for what it was.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">The door clicked shut, and Sublumenal was left with the sinking feeling that he would have to endure the better part of her rage for quite some time. A small price to pay to ensure the Bell stayed in her place.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He’d just settled back into his work when the door burst open. It was Nina; completely disheveled and distraught. The sight was so unexpected and out of character, that Sublumenal instantly knew something was wrong.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What’s happened, Nina?!”   He demanded, jumping up from his seat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We have a problem.”   She answered, stomping into the room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She was dressed in black leather from head to toe; every manner of weaponry strapped to her slender frame. Her long midnight hair was pulled in a tight bun atop her head, and she starred at him with wild green eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Problem?”   Emperor Sutoku said drolly, stepping into the room behind her. “More like a catastrophe of the most epic proportions.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal stiffened at the sight of the Phantom. There was something about the daemon that rubbed him the wrong way, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. As a result, he preferred to keep his distance from daemon lord.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What’s he doing here?”   Sublumenal asked, unable to keep the suspicion from his voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Really?”   Sutoku’s face screwed up in a look of mock hurt and outrage. “We have a possible world-shattering situation on our hands, and you’re worried about me?”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku shot her an unreadable look, but he kept his mouth shut. Although the Phantom looked properly chastised, Sublumenal knew better than to fall for the ruse.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“He’s here to help, Sub.”   Nina continued. “And we’re going to need it.”

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She licked her lips, her eyes flittering from him to the floor. Fear began to replace his unease. Nina Takahashi did not show fear. Not ever. Until this very moment, Sublumenal would have believed she was simply incapable of such a base human reaction.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“As well you should be.”   Sutoku said absently, lifting a gilded box off Sublumenal’s desk and shaking it by his ear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal opened his mouth to tell the Phantom to keep his hands to himself, but Nina stopped him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What do you know about the Iron Maiden, Sub?”   She asked quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Uh, she was some kind of psychotic Anima, right? A Bell I think. She was captured and killed back in the 18th century.”   Sublumenal’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. “By your family if I’m not mistaken.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes.”   Nina replied. “She was captured by Kazuki Takahashi in 1798. Since then, my family has watched over her tomb.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Haven’t done a very good job if you ask me.”   Sutoku interjected.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Fuck off, Phantom!”   Nina hissed. “Now’s not the time for your impertinence!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“My apologies.”   Sutoku held up his hands in surrender, but the smile never left his lips.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal turned his attention back to Nina. “Her tomb? If she’s dead, why would you need to watch over it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Because she’s not dead.”   Nina answered bluntly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Dun, dun, DUN!”   Sutoku added the sound effect for drama, pouting when no one responded to it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal was too shocked to pay the Phantom any attention. His mind was still reeling from the implications of Nina’s confession.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Is this a joke?”   He asked carefully.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, I’m afraid not.”   Nina said with sigh. “And it gets worse.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal ran a hand down his face. “I need to sit down.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Good idea.”   Sutoku agreed, dropping into one of the vacant chairs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina cut him another warning look, and the Phantom raised his hands once more, mouthing the word “sorry” to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Sub, what I’m about to tell you cannot leave this room. Do you understand?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sublumenal looked over at Sutoku, then back at Nina.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t worry about him.”   Nina said with a wave of her hand. “Sutoku already knows everything I’m about to tell you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“How the hell does he know, and I don’t?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Because I was there when they brought the Anima down.”   Sutoku said harshly. “And I was the one who gave Nina’s ancestors the spell to bind her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“It’s true.”   Nina said quickly. “Though I’m loathed to admit it, he can help us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Help us what?”   Sublumenal asked in frustration.

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

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">He covered his mouth with his hands, unable to respond to Nina’s bombshell.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I bet you’re glad you sat down.”   Sutoku chuckled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“The barrier surrounding her tomb was broken.”   Nina pressed on. “And none of the shrine maidens assigned to protect her are responding to my summons.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s because they’re dead.”   Sublumenal whispered. “If what you say is true, there’s no way they’re still alive.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We don’t know that!”   Nina exclaimed. “They could be…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No, they’re dead.”   Sutoku added, his tone eerily certain. “Master Sublumenal is right. If the Iron Maiden has truly escaped, those maidens were the first of many victims to come.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina licked her lips again, her gaze dropping to the floor. The action put Sublumenal on edge once more.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What aren’t you telling me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina looked at Sutoku, but, to Sublumenal’s surprise, the Phantom refused to answer for her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“The Maiden is…”   Nina began, running a hand over her mouth before continuing. “She’s extremely powerful.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No shit.”   Sublumenal said angrily. “I know the stories.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina sighed. “You don’t know everything. The Maiden is a being devoid of all emotion and reason. When her soul took its corporeal form on this plane, she was reborn without a conscious; without any sort of moral guide to dictate her actions. She is pure instinct and raw power. There is nothing else like her in our history; not then and not now. At the time of her capture, my family was convinced that destroying her could alter the energy and synergy of our world. They believed that the destruction of something, or someone, with that much power could alter our very existence on this plane. Such an outcome could not be risked, so my family made the decision to bind her instead. As added assurance, she was placed in a deathlike sleep, meant to keep her imprisoned for all eternity.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sutoku snorted. “That clearly didn’t work.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What kind of powers, Nina?”   Sublumenal asked, forcing himself to drown out the Phantom.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“She’s telekinetic. And not only that, but my ancestors left behind records that indicate she is capable of mind control as well.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“You got to fucking kidding me.”   Sublumenal breathed, rubbing his temples.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I wish we were.”   Sutoku replied casually. “But when she was at her peak, it was said she was capable of torturing hundreds of thousands of humans and daemons without so much as a flick of her wrist. Even I would hesitate to approach her, and that’s saying something.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We have to find her, Sub.”   Nina exclaimed. “Like, yesterday!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We’re going to need help.”   Sublumenal sighed as if the weight of the world had settled on his shoulders.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No!”   Sutoku and Nina said in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“We need to do this without interference from the Guild.”   Nina said. “She’s been free for less than 48 hours, which means she’s not at full strength. We still have time to find her and put her back without anyone finding out.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“This isn’t a book you stole from the library, Nina! You can’t just put her back! And how do you know she didn’t wake up at full strength?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Impossible.”   Sutoku answered. “Most of her memories were wiped before she was placed in the coma-like trance. She’s likely in a reactive state at the moment, versus proactive. Meaning, she isn’t actively seeking out victims. My guess is that she’s lost and confused. If she’s killed anyone, it was likely in perceived self-defense. We should check out reports of any recent murders or suspicious deaths that have occurred within the last 48 hours. It’s not ideal, but it’s a place to start.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Nina and Sublumenal stared blankly at Sutoku, not sure what to make of the Phantom.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“What?”   Sutoku asked coolly. “You asked me to help, so I’m helping.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s brilliant, Sutoku!”   Nina cried, her tone a mixture of relief and new found confidence. “What do you say, Sub? Will you help?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course,” he retorted, getting up from his chair, “but I’d prefer going in with some kind of back-up. Maybe the Professor can…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No!”   Sutoku said, practically flying from his seat. “If you tell Yata, he will notify the Masters. Trust me. That is not a can of worms you’re ready to open. We’ll treat this as a special operation; covert and close hold. Choose your daemons wisely. They need to be ones you can trust.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“How many of your daemons did you bring?”   Nina asked Sublumenal.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Just a small attack and defense force.”   He replied, sweeping his hand over his closely cropped hair. “I didn’t expect to be going into battle while I was here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“No worries.”   Nina nodded. “I’ll give you whatever support you need.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Then it’s settled.”   Sutoku said, slapping them both on the back. “Let’s hunt ourselves a daemon!”

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