Enthroned by Amethysts (A Dance with Destiny Book 3) (4 page)

Chapter 6

Vittorio

(vit-TOR-ee-oh)

“Aye, wee sister, how can ye still walk? I have cause tae worry yer tiny form cannae carry the son of an Angel.”

Vittorio laughed gently and his eyes sparkled when he saw her standing there amongst those ancient trees.

“I have cause to worry about simply breathing, Brother. No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to fill my lungs to their former capacity.”

“The babe must find room where he can, wee lass.”

“I suppose.” Jenevier smiled. “But it sure makes it hard on Mama some days.”

“Aye, then why are ye nae in bed, my love?”

“Because, I cannot stand being bound to just one place. You know how I crave freedom, Brother. My body finds comfort nowhere. My mind finds comfort in the forest.”

“Aye, so the forest it is then. At least, let me carry ye. Yer trudging appears torturous at best.”

“No, dear brother. Being carried only smashes me up more.” She placed her hands on her hips and stretched her back. “I wouldn’t be able to breathe at all if you scooped me up in those gorgeous arms of yours.”

“So, I am worthless tae ye?”

“Nay, Brother. Your voice alone gives my heart wings. Do not harbor fears on my account. I rest when I’m weary.”

“Rest? If ye were tae sit upon the ground, there ye’d remain.” He laughed. “I fear yer past the point of getting yerself back up.”

“Your observation is indeed true, good warrior. But there are large stones scattered about I can rest upon.”

“Aye, is that so? Ye now lean hard upon that tree for want of strength. Where’s this
stone
ye speak of?”

She panted. “A ways on up yet, I’m afraid.”

“Does Varick know how ye fare?”

“Varick is not my keeper, nor my warden. He knows what I tell him.”

“Aye, tiny maiden, an’ that’s what I thought. An’ what is it ye tell him? Dunnae bear false tongue, for I shall know.”

“I would never.” She winked playfully. “At least not to you, Brother.”

“Go on,” he pressed.

“I tell him I come to walk the forest alone, for it’s the only peace I can find.”

“An’?”

“And, nothing. That’s what I tell him. When he even asks,” she added softly.

“Here, let me help ye.” He moved behind her, taking her gently under the arms.

She tensed up immediately. “No, no, no. Don’t touch me. I can do it.”

“Trust me, Lass.”

He whispered those most reassuring words as he took Jenevier under her arms, gently easing her back until her bottom touched the ground. She let out a long, exhausted sigh.

He sat down beside her. “Better, Lass?”

“Yes, Brother, much better. Gratitude, Vittorio.”

“I’m always here for ye, wee Angel, yer just too stubborn tae ask. Tell me. Do ye come here tae be close tae
him
? Tae be close tae Apollyon?”

“Yes. I know he’s not here. I can’t even find where the portal was anymore. He is forever lost to me. Yet, I come. I tell the trees of my undying love for my absent husband and of all that went on the day before.” She laughed at herself. “I know it’s foolish, yet I come.”

“Ye yet claim him husband?”

“Yes, I yet claim him so.”

“Aye, but his manacle is absent yer hand, sweet sister.”

“No one knows the pain of that truth more than I, Brother. Gratitude for drawing mind back to wretched loss.”

“Aye, for drawing mind back tae reality, dear one.”

“My reality is one I cannot bear to accept, Brother. Let me dwell in my sweet illusion just a bit longer. Let me stroll through my make-believe forest home, talking to my make-believe angelic husband, just like
normal
people get to do.” She smiled crookedly, cutting her eyes sideways at her Guardian friend. “Don’t destroy this dream of mine, Vittorio, let me linger a moment longer.”

“As ye wish, my love. I told ye once, I’d even take the man’s name as mine own if it meant ye’d let me always be by yer side.”

“I remember well the glorious words you whispered as we laid in the grass of my heavenly cove.” She smiled while she absently rubbed her tummy. “I remember them well.”

“Aye, do I sense a weakening in yer resolute answer? Do my words now take hold within yer heart?”

“Your words took hold within my heart when uttered, dear friend. Yet my answer remains.”

Jenevier laid upon her side, trying to stretch out enough to get some relief from the moving child growing within her.

“Aye, yer answer remains, but do ye wish it were nae so?”

“Every moment of every day,” she whispered.

Jenevier closed her eyes, resting her weary head upon Vittorio’s outstretched arm as he curled up behind her, lightly kissing the back of her shoulder.

“Aye, Lass, say that just once more. Let me hear the sweetest words in all creation one more time.”

“I wish every moment of every day, things were different. I wish there were no obstacles, no other commitments, save our own hearts. I wish we were just a normal couple having our first beautiful child together, Vittorio. He could want for no better father, and I could never want for a husband who could love and accept me more than you do.”

“Aye, thank ye, Lass. Ye’ve nae idea how ye heal me… I cannae even put it intae words, Princess.” He sniffed as a single tear fell upon her bared shoulder. He kissed it away.

“Vittorio, loving me will always be the worst thing you can possibly do.”

“Aye, Milady. Can ye teach me how tae unlove?”

“No… I’m not blessed with skill as great as that.”

“Aye, I thought nae. Yet ye advise me on the subject with such ease an’ knowledge.” He lightly tickled her ribs, just barely.

She laughed. “We are pathetic creatures, are we not?”

“Aye, the worst kind, sweet sister.”

“Gratitude, Vittorio,” she whispered.

“Yer welcome, my wee darlin’, but for what?” He chuckled as he played with her curls. “What amazing thing has yer most awesome of warriors done now?”

“You always say and do the exact thing I need, exactly when I need it.

“That’s how ye treat the one ye love. It comes naturally when I’m with ye.”

“Why do I resist you?”

“Aye, now there’s a question for the ages, is it nae?”

“I love you.”

“I know ye do, wee Princess. An’ I love ye more.”

“I would be worse than dead now, if it weren’t for you, Vittorio.”

“Aye, an’ I would’ve drawn my last breath months ago, save for yer healing inheritance,” he whispered.

“And neither one of you would be lounging about on the forest floor if it weren’t for Apollyon.”

“Aye, Brother, ye say it true.” His arms wrapped just a little tighter around her. “Jenevier, my sweet, Prince Varick has finally graced us with his revered presence.”

“Yes, dearest brother, I’ve known of his approach for some time now. Vareen sent you, did she not?” She asked her question without turning toward him.

“She did. How did you know?” Varick answered.

“Aye, Brother, it’s nae secret the lovely maiden resting upon my arm is nae longer yer highest of priorities. It dunnae take a seer tae divine this wee stroll through the forest wasnae
yer
idea.”

“And did
she
just enlighten you with this little revelation, wisest of my brethren?” Varick snipped.

“Nae, Brother. It’s nae within her tae speak ill of ye. I only speak what’s obvious tae us all.”

Varick ignored him. “How were you gifted with such precise knowledge, Milady?”

Jenevier struggled to rise. Vittorio tenderly helped her back into a seated position and began plucking dried leaves from her colorful tresses.

“I’m not sure. I just… know. The same way I knew Vittorio would find me here today. The same way I know Vareen is now writing out a summons for him to go to layer two. I just
know
.”

Both warriors stared at her in amazement.

“Do not seek further, your questions will only be met with silence, for I’ve answered all that I can,” she added.

“Can you tell me when you developed this power of sight?” Varick inquired further.

“Not the very day, no. It was more of a
gradual
thing. Weeks ago I knew who was knocking at my door without asking. Later, I knew them as they approached my home. Eventually, I began to know when even the
thought
of me entered one’s mind. Today’s the first day I was able to know something not pertaining to me
personally
. Like… Vareen receiving a summons for Vittorio.”

“Aye, Lass. It’s due tae the great love ye hold for me an’ me alone.”

Vittorio yanked one of her curls. Jenevier just smiled and bumped him playfully with her shoulder.

“I’m ready to go back home now, sweet warrior, and the messenger is already seeking you.”

She held out her arms, Vittorio gently lifted her back to her feet and held her protectively until she regained the unsteady type of balance she now lived with.

She respectively inclined her head toward Varick as they passed by him on their way back to the city proper. He fell in step beside her, gently taking her hand in his.

“Why do you torture yourself so, my love? I wish to walk with you daily, yet you deny me. What if something happened while you were all alone? You could slip and fall, or your days could wax full and labor set in upon you. Have you regained any of your angelic powers? Can you fly or transport or don your mask in any way?”

“No, Varick, I cannot do any of those things. I’ve been reduced to a mere human once more. I cannot even tell you if Vashti lies dormant within me, or has been removed completely. Perhaps I’m becoming a seer.”

“No, Princess, this is all from the babe. Remember what I told you?” He whispered in her ear, “Being what you are, you can tap into
any
Angel near you.” Varick smiled and placed a tender kiss upon the back of her hand. “Your child now strengthens your mind.”

Chapter 7

Mika

(MEE-kah)

“Why has no one from Iga challenged me?”

“Sire?” Hanzo responded.

“The awesome powers hidden within such a tiny village are a blessed rarity indeed. Why has one of your number not come before me in battle?”

Saizo answered for them all. “Our people have been used as weapons throughout history, Milord. The last Great War on Jinn was many hundred years ago… our race was all but annihilated. The few who survived to see Nobunaga fall are our noble ancestors.”

“We were once of two clans—Koga and Iga. The handful of Shinobi left standing to see Ieyasu’s rule joined lives and were then known only as the Iga clan.” Orochimaru filled him in on their rich history. “We have remained at peace within our forest home from that day until this.”

“So in answer to your question, Emperor Musashi, we seek not the ways of our past. We look only to the sunrise of a new day. We leave war and counsel to other, more tactical men. Our village provides all we need. We are blessed.” Hanzo graciously bowed with his words.

“Besides, we are Shinobi and wield magical talents from birth.” Goemon beamed with pride as he took it upon himself to help the elders out in their explanation. “But even one with rare gifts such as ours could never stand before the mighty Musashi and his powerful blades. Only a fool would attempt such a thing. And those with the blood of the Shinobi… are no fools.”

“You are exceedingly wise for one so young of years, Goemon,” Musashi said with a smile. “I like you. I won’t ask your mother to part with you at such an age. But one day, I will call for you to lend me the use of your noble abilities.”

“When you need to talk to the animals?” Goemon asked.

“Yes, my son, when I need to talk to the animals.” Musashi smiled at the proud lad. “Are your talents in perception as well?”

“No, at least… I don’t
think
so,” Goemon said. “I’ve always been able to read people, though. I can see in your eyes you’re a good man. I’ve heard the horrible stories of your bloody deeds, Sire. After meeting you, I find them extremely hard to believe.”

“Your Grace, please forgive him.” Hanzo bowed low as he pleaded with the Emperor. “He has not yet learned the value of holding one’s tongue. He meant no disrespect to you. Apologies.”

“Take it not upon your heart, Elder. I enjoy the openness of youth… so free, so pure of heart. We are nothing without our curiosity. When our wonders and questions cease, so too does our growth. I never want to be stagnant in this world. Which is why I’m here with you now.” Musashi smiled and waved his hand, indicating the whole of those present. “Please, continue with your fabulous demonstration.”

The Shinobi proved to be even more amazing than the stories whispered about them. Musashi witnessed feats of fire-producing ninja, poison-eating ninja, and Shinobi who could turn themselves into animals. One man could kill with his thoughts while his twin could reanimate the dead body and control it like a doll, a precariously lethal puppet.

There was a woman who could manipulate all plant forms, use them as weapons. She made the roots of a small bush shoot up from the ground and wrap around the neck of a rabbit, squeezing until the animal went limp.

One young man could command his extremely long hair to act as many whips. Even when cut, the hair immediately grew back—lashing out at his opponent, knocking them down, restraining them, choking out their very life. Multiple adversaries felled simultaneously, beaten by a single young man’s magical raven hair. It was simply astounding.

A female Shinobi ninja, lovely and timid, grew knifelike claws and assumed the ferocious demeanor of a wild beast. Once locked in her sights, she would be swayed by nothing. Death was imminent, unstoppable. One man healed instantaneously, proving
impossible
to kill. No matter the injury, his body remade itself, reconstructed the missing parts. Another set of twins controlled the wind and the water. Not only was their power amazingly lethal, it was graceful, hypnotic to watch.

The elders witnessed the proceedings with nodding approval. Flanking the Emperor, he could hear their admiring endorsement for each performing clan member. So, when the five ruling Shinobi tensed up, it was infectious. Musashi watched as an elegant woman, as lovely a maid as he had ever seen, slowly approached them. None of her brethren, all bowing in her wake, made eye contact, not even Hanzo. But the Emperor did. How could he not? Everything about this charming creature was pure enchantment. When she looked at him, Musashi could only smile. Roses bloomed forth on her cheeks.
She
was the one who shied away from
his
admiring gaze.

Why do they turn from her? She is exquisite and captivating
, he thought, until she demonstrated her rare gift.

This lovely woman had but to look through your eyes. If she could hold your gaze for a fraction of a second, you were ensnared, hopelessly. She could literally destroy you from within by mentally squeezing and twisting each body part she
saw
. Her vision went into your physical body, her mind broke your bones, squeezed your heart, ripped open your lungs. She was as glorious to behold as she was dangerous to look upon. The ox, now lying dead before her, was proof of that.

Goemon could talk to animals, see clearly for miles and miles, produce an oddly colored dancing fire from his fingertips, and jump like a monkey. Standing flat, he easily jumped back onto the same rooftop where he’d been sitting when Musashi first arrived. He could jump to the first limb of any tree, then straight on up to the top.

The Emperor chuckled. “I fear that boy to be more than a handful.”

“You have
no
idea,” Hanzo mumbled.

Sasuke could clone himself indefinitely and each clone could fight as well as the original.

How could you ever defeat one such as that?
Musashi thought, uneasily.

Orochimaru, among other things, could change his face to an identical mirror image of any person he chose, male or female. It was uncanny, fascinating and eerie at the same time.

So that’s why his face seems as a canvas
, Musashi thought.
Because that’s exactly what it is, a canvas… or a mirror. Amazing.

Mika was invisible and her voice was a magical enchantment. She was beautiful and innocent and trusting. But the Emperor knew those were weaknesses, not strengths.

The marvels in this village just went on and on.

“I have seen and heard many wonders in my day, not even the half has been told of the treasure hiding amongst these ancient trees. Your blood is powerful and you would do well to keep it pure, my friends. When I depart your honored company, I will strike these secrets from my mind, leaving them in your safe hands. I’m a hard man to impress, but you have accomplished that and so much more. As long as blood still flows through my veins, I give you my word, you will never be used as weapons against your will again,” Musashi promised.

“This noble vow is a treasure without equal, Sire. In return, we will do what we can to ensure your days are many.” Hanzo, once again, bowed low before the Emperor.

“Gratitude, my friend. But I live by the sword alone. My blades will ensure my longevity.”

Mika hummed quietly, visualizing for Musashi before she spoke. Her action revealed to all present… the mighty Ronin still held fast to her delicate little hand.

“Steel will ensure life from injury, but what of disease and illness?” she asked.

“Is there one among you who can heal my every need?” He chuckled softly.

“Nay, Sire. We have knowledge in medicine the same as is common throughout the land. We are aware of no ninjitzu that can fulfill your request, Milord,” she answered.

“Then entreat your gods to extend my days and leave my health to Fate.” He smiled gently at the young girl and tenderly touched her cheek before he turned back to the village elders. “I must now take my leave of your fine company and return to the capital before my retainers fear me lost. Your generous hospitality will not be forgotten. Ask of me anything and see desires sated.”

Saizo stood. “Do you seek nothing more, Your Grace? We are many days ride from your palace home. Surely you didn’t travel this far simply to witness a few short hours of play? Is your curiosity so great a thing?”

Musashi laughed. “Yes, it is. Boredom started my feet upon your path; curiosity saw the journey to its end. When I am idle, my mind dwells on many things. I set my heart upon Dragons and magic, curious as to why the two things had never been used together. Ultimately, this line of thinking saw to my knock upon your noble door.”

“Is that all, Milord?” Mika hummed.

“There was one thing more, little vanishing flower.” He smiled at her.

She smiled back. “I wish to know it, if it’s proper that I should.”

“It was but a fleeting thought, though I will share it with you now. As your wise elder, Saizo, has already mentioned. My home is many days’ journey from here. During my travels, I pondered if there was such a thing that could instantly take my body to where my mind wished to go.”

“You mean, like wings?” Goemon asked.

“No, not wings exactly.” He laughed at the curious look the boy gave him. “I’m not so foolish as to believe I could sprout wings from my back like an eagle.”

The entire village fell silent until the fluttering hum of Mika drew their eyes to the Emperor’s side, and the maiden who materialized there.

“Orochimaru? Do you not believe our good Emperor could benefit from the magical creations of your brother, Mikage Abe?”

All eyes now fell upon the stoic elder.

He didn’t turn toward the girl or Musashi when he spoke. “I cannot answer for my absent brother. We have not broken words in many years. This you all know.”

“Yui?” Mika now addressed the young man with the whip-like hair. “Do you not visit with Mikage near your name day?”

“I do,” he answered.

“And does he have magic our good Emperor may be interested in?” she pressed.

“I know not,” Yui answered dryly.

“Well, it seems to me we’ll just have to go visit Master Mikage and ask him for ourselves, Sire,” she hummed.

“Is he not among you?” Musashi asked.

“Mikage keeps to himself,” Mika continued. “I would take you to him, but I don’t know the way.”

“Is he not Shinobi?”

“He is,” she chirped.

The Emperor raised a single brow. “Yet, you know not where he lives?”

“I am a maiden, Your Grace.” Mika smiled warmly up at him. “Mikage has not wed and lives alone. It is not proper that I should visit his home.”

“Yes, a-apologies,” he stammered. “I’m not used to the ways of women, and the accompanying restraints caused by your maidenhead. Forgive me.”

She blushed. “Nothing to forgive, Milord.”

Musashi quickly released the tiny hand he’d held captive since his arrival and cleared his throat.

“Apologies once more for my thoughtless actions. I meant no ill and was careless in restraining you to my side.” He glanced at Hanzo. “I wish no one to hold our actions in disdain. I will make amends to your parents.”

The woman who had gathered the elders at Musashi’s command walked toward Hanzo and took his hand.

“Mika’s parents are no longer of this world,” Hanzo said. “Her mother, Kira, was my wife’s sister. Hinata and I have raised Mika from a babe. We take no offense to your actions, Sire. Having a conversation with one you cannot see is unnerving, especially if you’re not Shinobi. I know not if Mikage can or will help in your quest, but Yui will take you to him if that is the Emperor’s wish.”

Hanzo nodded to the young man, who obediently took a place beside Musashi.

“Can I go, too, Father?” Goemon pleaded.

“I would ask for the company of both my welcoming new friends,” Musashi said. “I also invite the desired companionship of Hanzo and Hinata, so that minds are at ease concerning the well-being of young kin.”

“That won’t be necessary, Emperor,” Hanzo said. “Mika and Goemon could be placed in no safer hands.”

“The journey is long, Emperor Yomika,” Hinata said. “Please, share our home this night and sit at our humble table. See yourselves off with the dawn, rested and well fed.”

Musashi inclined his head toward her. “Your gracious invitation is a blessing I could never deny.”

*****

Something is amiss…
Musashi mused.
I can’t quite put my finger on it. Alas, all is not as it seems.

The Emperor of Jinn glanced around at the feasting Shinobi. He was smiling, yes, yet his brow was furrowed. The meal was delicious and the conversation had been pleasant, but tension now hung in the air where none had been before.

Mikage Abe’s name wasn’t spoken aloud, yet Musashi could almost read it painted across their foreheads. The same could not be said of the younger among them. Their laughter wasn’t weighted with the fear their parents were so desperately trying to suppress. All this strange behavior and obviously unspoken secrets only served to fuel the mighty Ronin’s insatiable curiosity.