Dragon's Pearl chap 2

[gamingdragon]

Title: Dragon's Pearl
Author: Gamingdragon
Editor: You wish
Theme: Viewfinder
Pairing, Characters: Asami x Takaba, Kirishima, Suoh
Disclaimer: The characters of Viewfinder belong to Ayano Yamane.
Warning: Mature for language and adult content
Spoilers: Totally AU(or maybe that's a warning)


The next morning found Takaba siting on a up turned barrel watching the forest. He could feel The Dragon's fury. Before he had thought it was aimed at him now he knew it was merely a trickle running through their connection. Takaba glanced over toward where the villagers tried their best to go about their daily routines but more then one would stop and watch the forest while pulling their families close. He hoped he could save his new friends as he had said, the anger felt so strong and he could see the storm clouds it was causing from here.

“Takaba, here's some food.” Kou said coming up to him with a bowl. “Takaba can I ask you...”

“Thanks, what did you want to ask Kou?” Takaba asked his friend.

“How did you become The Dragon's Pearl?” Kou asked a puzzled look on his face. “I thought it was a orb or something.”

“It was at one time.” Takaba answered a faraway look on his face. “But that all changed a long time ago.”

“How long ago?” Kou asked curious.

“Are you sure you want to know?” Takaba asked his friend noticing a few people had stopped even pretending to work to join Kou and him. “It's a long story and you can never lose the knowledge once you learn. It's dangerous knowledge to have as well”

“I think we could use a long story, anythings better then this empty waiting.” This was from Chinatsu who had come to join them, bringing a jug of water for Takaba and a bucket to sit on.

Takaba nodded, she was right, the telling would get all their minds off the coming storm. Taking a deep breath he prepared to tell the story he had never spoken out loud to any living being. It would be nice to have someone who understood it from his side.

“A long time ago there lived a village of Cat Demons, it was a small village much like this one.” Takaba smiled at his growing audience how they reminded him of those simple days. “It wasn't a very important village, Cat Demons are not as a rule considered very important in the spirit world. It did have one thing going for it though. It was a lucky village.

You see things had away of happening that was lucky or in the villages favor. If the river flooded it wouldn't quite reach the village but would wash over the rice fields. There it wouldn't wash away the seedlings but instead leave good silt behind and plenty of tasty fish. War, disease, famine, all these things were unknown to the village. Many wondered why, a few even thought to capture the village to see if they could steal it's luck but something always made them change their minds.”

Takaba paused in his telling to take a drink. He noticed that almost all of the village had gathered around him and more where coming.

“How?” Kou asked “How where they so lucky?”

“Magic.” Takaba answered. “ You see I was born a Neko or a Lucky Cat. All of us were and it was those powers that made the village lucky. Most couldn't actively do anything it was just a natural thing, like someone who is good at growing rice. It was their mere presence that insured the villages good luck. I was slightly different from the others, I could actively increase someone's luck just by tapping into my power, especially the luck powers of other Neko's.

It became custom for those leaving the village for any length of time to come to me to have their luck boosted first. I never thought anything of it. The boosting was for a short period of time and it helped the village to have the merchants carry a little extra luck with them. I sometimes wonder if I could have changed things by refusing to do that. But I digress from the story.

There lived in the village a young man named Haru. Haru wasn't a bad person he was just foolish and in love. You see Haru loved a young lady called Hana but Hana didn't really love anyone. She wasn't content with life in the village she wanted more. To be fair Hana had a idealized view of the world, she believed if the village was as wonderful as it was there had to be someplace even better. She wanted to live in grandeur in a city, not merely content in a small village.”

Once more Takaba paused in his telling to gather his thoughts. By this time the whole village had arranged themselves around him. Many where taking the chance his pause provided to catch up the late comers to the tell others where debating whether they would wish to live in such a village or not.

“Finally one day Haru confessed his feelings to Hana.” Takaba resumed his tale after the noise had died down some. “She was unimpressed by it, She hardly wanted to spend her life married to someone who's idea of happiness was living in the village for the rest of their life. So she refused. Haru was devastated he begged her to give him a chance to prove his love for her. Finally after months of this she told him there was one way she would agree to marry him.

Haru was ecstatic, as you can imagine, finally Hana had agreed. He swore he would bring her what ever she desired. What Haru asked for was the one thing she was certain would bring her the life she always wanted. Hana demanded that Haru bring her the local dragon lord's pearl, the greatest treasure in the land. It's magic would have the power to grant her wish. Haru was shocked, he had agreed to bring her anything but to ask him to steal the pearl was to much. He pleaded with her to ask for something else, anything else but she remained firm. Either Haru would bring her the pearl or he would never speak to her again.

Finally Haru agreed he would bring her the pearl or die trying. Truthfully, he believed he would die but it seemed better then living with a broken heart. That's when he came to me, You see he had already decided that the only way it would work was if he had a lot of luck on his side. Haru never told me what he was going after, just that Hana had asked for something special and he need a little extra luck to gain it. I, the young fool I was, increased his luck as much as I could, granting him the one in a million chance he would need and damning my village in the process.”

Takaba fell silent for a moment his memories of his small village that day fresh in his mind. He and Haru had been friends, and while he had never understood Haru's devotion to Hana he'd wanted to help his friend. It had always made it harder on him that one had blamed him for using his powers to help Haru. Almost as if they expected him to just boost anyone's luck that asked and maybe at the time they did. A small cough pulled him from his own musing and with a smile he resumed his tale.

“You see Haru was also a trader, so he journeyed to the dragon lords castle often. He knew that the dragon lords men guarded the pearl with their lives, he also knew that he would only have one chance to steal the pearl. Haru was confident his increased luck would provide him with that chance, he just had to be ready to act on it.

Arriving at the castle Haru quickly took advantage of his merchant position to make his way inside. After a few days the opening he needed arrived. A small gap in the normally perfect security allowed him to make his way to the private quarters of the dragon lord. There he found the pearl momentarily unguarded. Quickly he grabbed it and fled the castle hoping to make it back to the village before his increased luck faded.

Haru presented the pearl to Hana in triumph, certain that he had satisfied her request and that now he would be able to spend the rest of his life with the woman he loved. Hana for her part was certain that the power of the pearl would grant her the life she had always dreamed of. If that meant she had to take Haru as well she was ready to make that small sacrifice. I never found out what exactly Hana wished for. She only ever said she wanted the life she truly deserved, maybe in away she got that.”

Takaba paused for another drink, thanking the young girl who had just refilled his water jug. He could see by the expressions on their faces that the villagers were enraptured by his tale.

“The village had just gathered to celebrate Haru's and Hana's wedding when the first sounds of thunder began, Thick dark storm clouds started to form above the village blocking out the sun. We all stared at the clouds in confusion, never before had a storm marred a wedding day. In fact it was rare for the village to have more then a gentle rain shower.

Then out of those storm clouds a black carriage appeared, pulled by shadow horses and accompanied by warriors in black armor riding the same shadowy steeds. In terror we huddled together, only those who had been to the dragon lords castle recognized the warriors. But only two of us had any idea why he had appeared in our village.

As the carriage descended to the village Haru threw himself to the ground pleading for the dragon lord to spare his life. Everyone else looked on in shock not understanding what was happening. Then the Dragon Lord himself stepped forth from his carriage. He stood regally among the humble houses of my village. His black and crimson kimono, embroidered with gold thread seemed to almost shimmer as he moved. His golden eyes silted like a cats swept over the gathered villagers with contempt.”

Takaba stopped remembering his first sight of the dragon lord, and how handsome the lord had looked with his short black hair swept back. How Takaba had been mesmerized by those golden eyes that seemed to pierce one to the very soul. He remembered thinking how arrogant the creature before him seemed, yet at the same time he wanted nothing more then to get closer to him.

“The Dragon Lord ignored the groveling Haru, stepping over him as though he was a piece of trash not worth the lords attention. Instead he addressed the assembled villagers, and with the coldest voice I have every heard told us we were condemned to death. Our crime was great, not only had we dared to steal from the lord. We had dared to steal his pearl, befouling it with our touch and befouling his honor as well.

We stood shocked beyond words, I remember almost as one we looked down at the groveling figure of Haru. Many fell to the ground groveling themselves, begging the lord to show mercy denying any knowledge of the crime. One group of woman pulled Hana forward, claiming she had been barging that she would soon be living in a castle as fine as the dragon lords. That it must have been her that stole the pearl.

The Lord merely watched all this with contempt shining in his golden eyes. There would be no mercy for such a crime, everyone would be punished. The elder's pleaded with the lord even as his men began to prepare to carry out the verdict. I remember thinking there had to be someway to save everyone. That I would do anything, give anything to save the lives of my friends and family. I felt the power inside me well up in response to my plea.”

Once more Takaba paused to take a moment to stare at the forest and the gathering storm clouds. The villagers sat in silence, not even the children made a sound as they waited for him to continue.

“I don't know how much of what happened next was my luck power, and how much was fate. Just as I felt the power in me reach it's peak one of the women pushed Hana forward, screaming that she at least wanted to see Hana die first. Hana stumbled over the whimpering form of Haru, and from her robe flew the pearl. Everyone watched as the pearl soared through the air it's surface shimmering in even the clouded sunlight.

I moved before realizing it, my only thought to prevent the pearl from touching the ground. I too stumbled, over what I couldn't tell you, suddenly I found myself flat on my back and the pearl landed in my open mouth. Almost immediately I began choking and while trying to breath I swallowed the pearl. I can't began to describe the feeling of it, when it touched my stomach it reacted with my powers. I could feel the pearl melt into me, no not melt so much as fuse. The pearl became as much a part of me as my original power was.

I stood up amid looks of shock, I knew what the others were thinking. What fate was worse then death? For surely I had just condemned them to it. But inside of me I could feel something else, a strange new connection. I stood trembling as the Dragon Lord walked toward me. He grasped my chin with his hand, and forced me to meet his gaze. I remember I felt almost as though I would fall into those eerily silted golden orbs, even as he seemed to searched my very soul. He let out the darkest chuckle I had every heard and I wondered if he would order his men to gut me there. Instead he turned back to the village elders and told them that he would spare their lives, in exchange for three things.”

Takaba fell silent, staring blankly out at the forest. Unconsciously his hand rubbed a small hidden spot on his stomach.

“What was the three things.” Takato asked in a hushed tone holding his new wife close.

“The first was that Haru and Hana would be given to him as slaves. The second was that the entire village had to swear to serve him forever, no matter what he asked of them.” Takaba paused as his throat welled up with tears. “The third was they had to let him erase any memory of me, I would no longer be know by them, not even to my own family.”

“Why?” Asked Kou appalled at the thought.

“So that no one would know where I came from. He didn't want anyone to know of the power I held.” Takaba shrugged. “In a way I'm sure it protected them too.”

“Why did he change his mind about killing them though.” Someone asked.

“It turns out that my power not only cleansed the pearl but it also enhanced the pearls power.” Takaba answered watching the clouds. “Together me and the pearl where twice as powerful and only the Dragon Lord can use the full power. Even I can only use a little bit of it. Not even half of what I originally could, and if I do even that he knows immediately. In the end I suppose it became more profitable to keep a village of Neko's alive at that point.”

Everyone fell silent after that, many seemed to be thinking over what he had told them. Others quietly gathered up the drowsing children and started to carry them to bed. The village slowly started to return to it's normal routine. However everyone had thoughtful looks on their faces and now instead of casting fearful looks toward the forest the cast thoughtful looks toward the Neko sitting on his barrel gazing toward the forest.

No sooner had the last person wandered off then the sky suddenly began to darken as storm clouds started to form overhead. The people of the village quickly returned to Takaba, fear once again evident on their faces.

“Yes it's Him.” Takaba confirmed without waiting to be asked. He raised one hand and pointed to the sky above the forest. “Look there's the out riders now.”

Following Takaba's gesture, the villagers could just make out the sight of black clad warriors riding black horses. As they watched a black carriage emerged from the clouds, the horses pulling it black as midnight. Terrified the villagers gathered around Takaba, many asking what they should do.

“Come now let him breath.” Chinatsu's voice rang out. “We knew this was coming. With luck we will get through this, if not we have no one to blame but ourselves.”

At that the gathered villagers quieted down. Everyone drew their loved ones close as they waited, only the occasional cry of a frightened child broke the terrified silence. Takaba slipped carefully off the barrel he had spent the day sitting on. Quietly he made his way to Chinatsu, wrapping a arm around the old woman he hugged her close. He wasn't so much afraid that the Dragon Lord would kill them, as he was afraid they would be made to forget.

Finally after what seemed a eternity of waiting, the black carriage and it's accompanying warriors landed in the center of the village. One of the warriors quickly dismounted and opened the carriage's door. The village as a whole took a deep breath at the sight of the Dragon Lord, Takaba's description had still not prepared them for the sight of the real thing.

The Lord stood a good two feet taller then the villagers, with short coal black hair swept back from his handsome but cruel face. His strangely silt golden eyes seemed to be filled with a cold fire that cut right through anyone his gaze fell on. His black and crimson kimono of state almost seemed to shimmer with power, the gold embroidery on it catching what sunlight there was and magnifying it.

“I am Asami Lord of Kumotori Yamakami. You are all thief's.” The Lord announced a blank expression on his face.

“Oh great Lord, we meant no disrespect.” The village elder stated as calmly as he could. “It was necessary to take animal's from your territory.”

“Why should I care for your reason? You took from me without asking, nor did you even offer any token payment.” Asami said folding his arm's across his chest. “You owe me many lives in exchange for what you did.”

“They hunted to feed me.” Takaba said pushing his way forward. “Or would you rather they have let me starve.”

Silence descended on the village as the world held it breath, not even the black horses moved a muscle. Finally after what seemed a eternity Asami moved forward. Walking over to where Takaba stood he raised one hand to Takaba's cheek, gently stroking it. Takaba turned his face into the palm planting a kiss in it's center. Suddenly the golden eyes filled with anger and Asami grabbed Takaba's chin forcing the Neko to look at him.

“You ran.” Asami stated in a hiss. “You ran from me and hid here in this village.”

“Yes.” Takaba answered honestly. “I needed to...”

“I care not your reasoning's.” Asami harshly cut in, almost hissing his words in anger. “Six months I have searched for you. Now I find you here acting as though you did nothing wrong?”

“No Asami, I know I was wrong.” Takaba said, placing a hand on the lords face in supplication. “I don't know why I ran, something inside me just snapped. When I gained control again I had already left the castle. I guess fear made me keep going.”

“You were right to fear my anger Takaba.” The lords silted golden eye's flashed with rage. “You are mine, you go where I let you go.”

“Please Asami, I just needed sometime away.” Takaba pressed himself closer to the dragon. “I swear that's all.”

“ No one had better have touched you.” Asami growled bending his head towards the Neko, even as he slid his hand down Takaba's neck and chest to his waist. “Or I will make you kill them yourself.”

Before Takaba could reply his mouth was claimed in a fierce and punishing kiss. Asami forced Takaba to open his mouth, sweeping his tongue in to reclaim it's territory. Takaba felt his hair grabbed as Asami deepened the kiss, and he reached up to grasp the dragon lords shoulders giving himself willing over to the feeling of once more being in Asami's arms.

Takaba could feel the power of the pearl welling up inside him, it as eager to be embraced by Asami as he was. With a moan Takaba released his hold on the power letting Asami have complete access. Almost immediately he could feel the power surge between them, like lighting dancing across his flesh. Takaba moaned in pleasure, he hadn't realized how much he had missed the feeling of their powers mingling until now.

Asami suddenly broke the kiss, leaving Takaba limp in his arms gasping for breath. Turning back to the villagers, Asami regarded them all coldly his golden eyes narrowed. Without letting go of Takaba, he walked to where the village elder stood with Chinatsu next to him.

“I know you did not originally take from me just to feed him.” Asami stated his cold voice causing the villagers to flinch. “However, he is right. Once Takaba arrived you did have the right to take the necessary steps to feed him. You did more then that though didn't you.”

“Asami please, they are good people.” Takaba said weakly still recovering from the power surge. “They took good care of me and never knew who I was.”

“But they know now don't they, Takaba.” Asami said staring at the villagers. “You told them.”

“Great Lord, if I might say something.” Chinatsu said stepping forward. “Don't kill us, or erase our memories. Instead make us Takaba's family. He needs a place to be himself in.”

“What do you mean Old Woman?” Asami asked a dark look in his eye's.

“He needs people that care about him, just for him.” Chinatsu said standing her ground before Asami. “We are his friends because we care about Takaba, not because we believed he would spare us from your wrath.”

Asami stared coldly at Chinatsu for a moment. Then the hand not wrapped around Takaba's waist shot out and grabbed her throat. The villagers gasped, but Chinatsu stood unmoving as a strange golden light enveloped her. After a moment Asami's hand fell away and Chinatsu stood there unharmed.

“I see so that's what happened.” Asami spoke softly as though to himself.

“Yes. Great Lord, now do you understand?” Chinatsu asked.

“Kirishima, bring my seal here.” Asami ordered, and tall man dressed in a black kimono stepped out of the carriage. In his hands he carried a pillow atop which sat a large golden dragon. One of the black clad warriors stepped forth with a blank parchment scroll, which he held out Asami with a bow.

Asami took the scroll without a word and to the amazement of the villagers words began to form across it's surface. Chinatsu, one of the few villagers who could read, nodded in satisfaction as the scroll filled with words. When the contract was finished Asami held it out for Chinatsu.

“You or who ever stands for this village sign it.” Asami said to the old woman.

“Give us a moment to go over it.” Chinatsu said. “We may ask for changes.”

“Decide quickly, my time is precious.” Asami stated.

Takaba struggled to pull away. He wanted to see what the scroll said, what Asami was offering his friends. The grip around his waist tightened becoming like a iron band. Asami growled a warning at him causing Takaba to stop. He'd forgotten for a moment in his curiosity that Asami was still mad at him. Right now he needed to be appeasing the dragon, his friends weren't safe yet.

Chinatsu walked a little way away with most of the village in tow. A few of the others hurried to bring the Lord and his men refreshment's. Setting the offerings on a table hastily constructed from barrel's and wood. Asami picked through the food, never letting go of his grip on Takaba. After making a selection Asami sat down on the throne like chair his men had set up for him, pulling Takaba to sit on his lap. Selecting a piece of sliced fruit Asami took a bite before offering some to Takaba. Who slowly took the piece from Asami's fingers using his mouth, pausing to lick a drop of juice from the dragon's fingertips.

Takaba could feel the stares of some of the villagers and it caused a faint blush to creep across his cheeks. He knew what he must look like but it was important to keep Asami happy right now. Until the contract was signed the village was in danger. He couldn't afford to antagonize Asami an more right now.

“These clothes do not suit your skin.” Asami said tugging at the kimono Chinatsu had given Takaba. “Where is your silk one?”

“It's was torn and stained with blood when I got here.” Takaba answered softly. “Chinatsu made me this one.”

“You will change as soon as we get home.” Asami stated feeding Takaba a bit of meat.

“Yes Asami.” Takaba answered before taking the offered food.

Just then Chinatsu returned with a few of the older members of the village in tow. Where the others kept their eyes downcast, she faced Asami directly and met his eyes with her's.

“We have a few items we wish to go over.” Chinatsu stated.

“Proceed.” Asami said.

“We agree to let the village become part of your territory, but we ask that the tithe be lowered.” Chinatsu stated. “We can not reliable produce that much.”

“I'll change it to a percentage, say twenty-five percent.” Asami said, even as he fed Takaba another bit of meat.

“We can except that. Also we wish to change the number of people we send.” Chinatsu said. “We wish to send three not just one.”

“Fine, I'm sure he will enjoy having more playmates.” Asami said with a chuckle stroking Takaba's cheek.

“Also when Takaba comes we ask for the right to hunt in the forest, He needs more meat then we normally eat.” Chinatsu said gesturing to the villagers.

“Once you sign you have the right to hunt in the forest. You will be part of my territory as well.” Asami pointed out.

“There are those among us that would feel better to have it in writing.” Chinatsu said carefully. “So no one forgets what our duty truly is.”

“If you wish.” Asami answered with a shrug. “Is that all?”

“Just one more thing.” Chinatsu took a deep breath. “We wish you to let Takaba come here whenever he wants, not just the few months in the contract. Also you aren't allowed to force him to leave”

“You push to much Old Woman. He is mine, and when I want him, he comes.” Hissed Asami glaring at Chinatsu. “I will allow him to come here, but he will return to me when I decide.”

Chinatsu nodded in agreement, holding out the contract to Asami. He merely waved his hand and the contract changed to what they had agreed on. Kirishima stepped forward baring a ink pot and brushes as well as Asami's great Dragon seal.

“If that is all then sign it and seal your vow with a few drops of blood.” Asami stated pointing to the contract.

The elders nodded and one by one signed the contract then each pricked their fingers and added their blood to the contract. As soon as they finished Asami stood, placing Takaba on his feet before taking a jeweled dagger and slicing his own palm open. As the palm of Asami's hand filled with blood Kirishima quickly stepped forward lifting the dragon seal. After dipping the base of the seal into the dragon lords blood he pressed it to the scroll sealing the contract. Once the Dragon seal was lifted from the scroll there was a flash of light and where one contract had been sat two, both identical and both signed and sealed.

“One is your copy to keep.” Asami said holding his hand out to Takaba. Who began to lick the cut healing it as he did so. “I shall leave two men here to escort your chosen companions to the castle.”

Grabbing Takaba by the wrist Asami headed toward his carriage. Kirishima bowed to Chinatsu before grabbing one copy of the contract and following the lord. Within moments and with a flurry of movement that left the assembled villagers breathless the Dragon Lord's carriage, and it's accompanying storm clouds disappeared. Only the silent menacing presence of the two black clad warriors and the glowing emblem of the lord's seal on the contract remained to remind them it had been real.