Title: There will be magic
Author: yukigafuru
Chapters: 71/?
Pairings: RukaxYomi, KaixRuki, AoixReita, UruhaxAsagi, Ni~yaxSakitoxHitsugi for now
Bands: Gazette, Naitomea, D... (and a surprise)
Rating: PG-15-PG-17 overall
Warnings: will be angst, yaoi, threesome, a bit of gore here and there, light mpreg
Genre: AU, Angst, Romance
Disclaimer: I am not connected to the real persons. This is just a figment of my imagination and I don't make any money nor profit in any way out of this (well, except gathering your love that is).
Chapter 71
Asagi had never felt so free before in his life. Nothing seemed able to penetrate the kilometers separating the Abaian city from the surface of the ocean, not even his visions. Even the anticipation and fear connected to them had all but disappeared, for his lover had assured him that while Asagi was in his palace, nothing could touch him. Except Uruha himself, of course, but then again Asagi had no qualms about that.
In fact, it was Uruha's arms that he kept returning to, time and time again. All his life, he had felt cursed, alone and afraid. He had been miserable and most of the times hadn't even realized the true darkness of his emotions; the fact that he was still alive and a good person was a miracle in itself. Comparing his state of mind now with that before meeting the Abaia, it made him realize how simple it would have been to turn into someone like the Necra: a bitter, vengeful being. But now, for the first time in his life, Asagi felt completely protected and loved and it filled his heart and soul with light and hope for the future. Perhaps that was the main reason the visions weren't assaulting him anymore.
And Uruha, he was indescribable. His love, incomprehensible to the seer. For Uruha loved him absolutely, in a manner almost forbidden allowing nothing else to come between their love: not morals, acquaintances or other emotions. The world could not tear them apart. Sometimes, he'd listen the rapid beatings of Uruha's heart after they had embraced passionately and he could hear the blood running through his veins, and know, have the absolute confidence it was pumping only for him. Before, this knowledge would have scared him - love like Uruha's meant killing if need be, surpassing all limits and obstacles just to have Asagi in his arms again. If the Necra was a danger to his love, he'd take the Necra out, if Asagi's friends opposed them, he'd try to reason with them first but if then nothing would work, he'd do anything: blackmail, kidnapping, murder to make sure the obstacle was removed, once the bonding completed, if Asagi himself wanted to leave, Uruha would kill himself because he could not not stand in his love's way. Love like that was totally absorbing, all encompassing, eternal, transcending all, even life itself and utterly frightening. But to the two of them, it also came naturally and there was nothing to be done but fall into it and embrace it.
This was why, although keeping a close watch on his friends, he didn't get in touch with them, he didn't talk to Uruha about their future journey, he didn't dare leave the cocoon of love surrounding him, for it would mean abandoning himself, ripping a part of his very soul. Uruha of course understood at a visceral level and never asked, never tried to sway Asagi one way or another. The day of their bonding, Uruha had been clear: if Asagi wished it, he would follow him anywhere. And Asagi wished it.
Days passed in a blur, for time in the palace flew, like the very water surrounding them, forever in motion, moments seeping into moments, blending into each other, without beginning nor end. As consort of the Abaian lord, Asagi occupied his place at Uruha's side in congress and audiences, delegated matters to the servants, took care of their private chambers, studied the history of his mate's people, learned their language, customs and culture, all things needed for him to rule in the future alongside his lover. His new life in the palace, it gave him pride, confidence and hope, emotions he had seldom, if ever, felt before. Here, he was more than an oracle and bringer of bad or false prophecies, he was just Asagi, soul mate of the most powerful Abaia in the oceans. Of course that in itself was a feat that brought with it liberties and obligations, but nothing that he himself could not handle. He was not an agent of some external force, he was just Asagi and the seer drew comfort from his new reality.
It was only natural that everyone, and especially Uruha, notice the change in him.
“These days, you look resplendent, my love. It pains me to leave your side, even if it is to rule over our people.” Asagi cherished the way Uruha always included him, it was never “I” and always “us” and “our”.
“It is all thanks to you, Uru. You know that.” They were in the corridors, under the grand arches leading from their chambers to the throne room, bathed in the light of the oceans that filtered through the dome's windows like sunlight piercing diamond, diffusing into shades and shadows.
The city's foundations and mat walls were multicolored corals, its domes and cathedrals, transparent sheets of diamond, a multitude of species of sea weeds and see plants adorned the walls of the dwellings... From transportation, to buildings, to decorations -pearls, shells, precious dust- everything was natural, simple and stunning in its transparency. The Abaians had nothing to hide, their civilization and culture were as direct and lacking of lies, deceit and hatred as the people themselves, for they were a people that lived for love. Perhaps it was why the Abaians themselves were so strong and at the same time, so hidden underneath the never-ending ocean.
“I wish we didn't have this audience today, so we could back to our chambers and I could ravish you once more.”
“You mean more than once, of course.” Asagi's laugh was light, not presumptuous, free. “Later, my king.” They laced their hands and pecked the other's lips tenderly before walking through the colonnades, into the vast throne room.
Later, wrapped in each other's arms, their bodies and souls fulfilled, Uruha reached under the bed and retrieved a small burgundy box.
“This is for you, my love.” The Abaia kissed Asagi's cheek, before extending his palm toward his lover.
With trembling fingers, Asagi opened it. Inside was the reddest jewel, encased in the thinnest band of precious metal the seer had ever seen.
“It's beautiful, Uru. But why now?”
“It's a special jewel, love. It's made from my blood. The moment my soul was reborn in this body, the counselors of the king retrieve symbolically a small amount of blood from the babe and then entrust the liquid to the royal jeweler. By some secret process, the blood becomes a red pearl the very same day the king joins with his mate but the pearl can only be given to the mate if great danger surrounds him. This will block all forms of magic aimed at your person, excepting my own - even visions.”
“The time is upon us, is it not?” Asagi realized the meaning of the gift.
“I am afraid so. You still wish to fight alongside them, do you not?”
“Sometimes I waver; thinking of the peace I have found here with you. It is so hard to give it up.”
“You will not be giving it up, Asagi.” Uruha declared and pulled Asagi tighter to his chest. “We will return here once the earth is again safe from the Necra. You have to believe that.” Asagi could believe anything while wrapped tightly in those strong arms, but he wondered whether he would think the same once they were no longer under the sea.
“But if I wear this, what would be my purpose? I am a seer, Uruha; seeing and trying to change the future was the only way I could help my friends.”
“The ring does not take away your powers, Asagi. The moment you take it off, you will be able to summon the visions.”
“You mean I will finally be able to control them. Can I dare believe that?” Asagi breathed. Uruha nodded and kissed his neck.
“But you are mistaken in one aspect, my love. Your powers do not lie in your curse,but within yourself, within us and our love. Do not forget that from now on, you will have me by your side.”
…..............................................................
“What news do you bring me?” The red-eyed monster whispered to the orb. The object clouded before revealing the deck of a ship and a face shrouded in the darkness of shadows.
“It is not long now, sire. Almost all the pieces of the puzzle are in place. In two days, before we reach the prophet's island, all on this ship will be dead.”
“Except Reita, I hope. You have not forgotten my specific instructions not to harm the tiger, have you?”
“Of course not, sire. I have made arrangements for his capture.” The Necra gleefully and almost playfully, scratches the surface of the mahogany table on which the orb rests.
“Do they suspect anything?” He asks, although he already knows the answer. He has kept a close watch over the ship the last few days. He is confident nothing of importance happens on board that he is not aware of.
“Yes, sire, but they have no proof and no time.”
“Nonetheless, make yourself scarce. The dragon is inventive and if Ruki were to contact the seer, which is out of my reach or influence, things could become complicated.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Remember, you have two days. Under no circumstances must they be allowed to reach the prophet.”
The spy bows deeply before the crystal becomes opaque once more. The Necra orders Ruiza to his room. He paces his chambers, as before, only this time, a different type of anticipation makes his heart beat faster and his feet move. His servant finally enters the chambers.
“Are the rooms ready?” He asks.
“Yes, sire.” Ruiza does not raise his eyes and his meek tone pleases the Necra. He has tight control over this one, and he so loves control.
“Very well. You have of course mastered the art and will be able to deliver the child?” he need not ask. Failure is not an option, for it would mean not only Ruiza's death, but his sister's too, and of every other living breathing soul he has formed the remotest of ties with during his stay at the castle.
“Certainly, my lord.”
“Good, good. How long will it be now?”
“A mishepishu pregnancy or birth, in these circumstances, has never been recorded, but the normal gestation time with tigers should reach completion in about six weeks.”
“Perfect.” He is indeed pleased. Once he has Reita at arms reach - and that will be soon - he will only have to wait a couple of months before he finally gets his hands on possibly the greatest weapon imaginable.
Not Ruiza and not anyone else grasps the importance of the child, that is, no one except him. A male mishepishu, born of a tiger male parent, conceived with the blessings of the fairies, in an age where magic and blood flow as freely and strongly as maritime currents, a child conceived under the auspices of destiny itself and raised by the Necra... He can barely contain his cackle, imagining the moment he rips the babe from its mother's arms, the light dying in Reita's eyes when realizing that not only will he have lost his life and that of all those he holds dear, but that his child will become the instrument by which his enemy will rule over the world, including the oceans. Oh yes, the mishepishu babe holds the key to finally reaching and destroying the Abaian civilization and the Necra so looks forward to that...
…..............................................................................................
Ruki kisses languidly his lover's lips before lowering his head and cuddling closer to the roc, his body fitting perfectly with that of his mate. He need only purse his lips and he can ghost kisses over Kai's neck and collarbone. Kai's thighs entrap his body between them. Ruki's right arm clutches at the roc's body while his left is tucked comfortably between them, fingers entwined with his lover's. Ruki should be perfectly content and his body languid after the passion of their coupling. But his mind cannot rest and even though beside him, the roc's breaths even out and his body relaxes in its rest, Ruki is still half-aware of the world around him. But half of his awareness is aimed at something else.
Almost in a trance, invisible tendrils of magic reach out, first to Kai and then further, passing through wood and walls, reaching others on the ship, his friends. At the moment, he can only scan those he already feels attached too, his magic only recognizes them, but Ruki feels his powers shifting. Soon, in a week or so, his magic will be able to probe every being in his proximity. With time, he might even be able to read the cores of every person on the planet. The prospect scares him, for he has always believed that no one should have that much power, the possibility to so easily invade others privacy. This goes beyond what he has been able to do till now. Even as a panther, he had only be able to read thoughts for a few brief moments, after concentrating intensely and his powers had always been limited to reading thoughts or emotions. Now, Ruki feels the difference in his magic. With time, he will have the ability to control strangers' impulses. Perhaps not their deepest thoughts and certainly not their emotions, but you'd be surprised what a precise nudge here and there can accomplish - sometimes, it is the only difference between life and death.
Even now, his tendrils can reach out to Kai, wake him up if he so pleased, entice him without even moving a finger, have him mad with passion and desire. But Ruki would never take advantage of his powers like that, and especially not with his mate. Furthermore, he does not need to, he senses the core of Kai's magic and feelings and it is nothing but bright warm emotions. Love for him is chief amongst those. A look from Ruki would have Kai up and disposed to more passionate deeds in the span of a moment. The depth of that thought surprises Ruki. It is more than a reflection about his lovers' feelings or a wish for further intimacy. Ruki ponders manipulation.
The change in his own thoughts and emotions baffles him to the point where he sometimes wonders whether he is morphing into a dangerous creature, a creature of the dark. His nature is becoming too estranged to that of the love cervere.
He is nothing like a panther these days. Already, he has lied to his mate. He promised not to try exploring his new powers, while knowing that in less than a few hours, he would be breaking that same promise. The medallion certainly links the two mates, but if Ruki so desires it, he can shield his emotions from Kai. He hates lying to his lover, surely, but something deep inside him cries out in warning and Ruki is too intimate with Kai to know that the roc would never agree with what he is doing: endangering not only themselves but the whole ship.
Ruki knows all this, regrets it but will not or cannot stand down. Too much is at stake. And so, he keeps on meditating, nurturing his awareness of himself and his powers, trying to reach deep within his consciousness and grasp the very nature of what he is, all unknown and unsuspected to exterior eyes.
A/N: Here's an update, on time for once. I'm finally back on track, I hope. Personally, I'm very happy with this chapter and would love to know if you share my opinion. Things are moving towards another climax and I so love the suspense. Squishes and do remember that your fluffy comments keep me writing.