http://clampfix.fanworks.net/rgv-fix/tempt1.txt </head><body><pre>Temptation 1 The sword sliced through air, a flash of lightening. Before the eye could even register its trajectory, the weapon had found its home. There was a moment of resistance, then the tip of the blade broke the skin and pierced through flesh and bone. A shudder ran through Ashura-ou as he allowed the sword to sink in to its hilt. The sensation of release was overwhelming. It washed over him, flowed through his limbs. Too late did he realized what was happening, too late to build up the barrier, too late to suppress the hunger as the glorious taste of death filled him. He could not resist as the pleasure surged through him, tidal waves that course through him, leaving him weak and trembling in its aftermath. Somewhere far off he heard the approaching footsteps, the metalic clinking of armors and swords. Dimly he noticed that he was half-lying, half propt agaist the rapidly cooling body. He knew he should get on his feet, compose himself, that he mustn't let the soldiers, his and Taishkuten's, see him like this. But his body refused to comply. He remained on his side, sensing that he is no longer alone, but unable to move or turn to face the figure standing so near. "Are you alright, Ashura-ou?" The soft voice was urgent, filled with concern and carried just a touch of fear. For once Taishakuten had forgotten to inject the usual note of arrogance and mockery into his words. Inspite of all his plans, nothing could have prepared him for the sight of blood- splattered Ashura-ou prone before the beast. Irrational fear seized his heart. A thousand things that could have gone awry chased each other across his mind. How could he have been so confident? How could he have underestimated the risk and trusted that demon? Unable help himself, he reached out to touch the bowed figure. The skin felt feverish to his hands, but slowly, the trembling ceased. Then the dark head noded, an almost imperceptable movement. "I'm fine." Somehow Ashura-ou managed to find his voice, though the words sounded strange to his own ears. The cool hand on his shoulder was a soothing balm to his nerves, the hard smooth calluses reassuring points of solid contact. The world around him came into focus. He realized that the courtyard was suddenly seething with soldiers. The loud and crisp voice of his own lieutant barked orders. He felt Taishakuten's hand tightened for a moment on his shoulders, a bruising force that seemed to lend him some of its owner's strength. Whatever Taishakuten had except to see when Ashura-ou turned toward him, gratitude was not among them. Accusation, perhaps, or suspicion, but not the wordless thanks that was conveyed so eloquently through the golden eyes. He had thought he was inured to shame, but that speaking glance sent a ping of conscience through him. Ruthlessly he stopped the thought. Conscience was not something he could afford at the moment. But then the golden eyes turned away. Ashura-ou rose to his feet with a fluid movement, pulling Shurato with him. The sword dislodged reluctantly with a sickening wet sound. Another faint shiver ran through Ashura-ou, but he supressed the echo of hunger firmly this time. With an effort he composed his features into the elegant and serene mask it usually wore. "I'm fine," he answered again, anticipating the question of the twelve knights, and to forstall any further question about his condition, he continued, injecting as much haughtiness to his voice as possible, "I assure you, it'll take more than a demon-spawn to cause me any harm." Taishakuten watched with some amusement as the knights hurriedly disavowed any doubt in the martial abilities of their leader. A chorus of voices rose praising Ashura-ou's valor and skill. How could he stand the constant company of those sycophants, or perhaps he enjoyed it, Taishakuten wondered for a second, then the malicious little demon in him prompted him into action. He coughed slightly, and put the most insulting tone in his voice. "Gentlemen, please. While I would like nothing better than to hear you hymn Ashura-ou's noble deed, I think here are some more pressing things I'd like to hear first." He turned his back on the outraged expressions on their faces, conscious of a slight smile of appreciation from Ashura-ou. Yes, the plan is off to a good start, after all, he thought to himself, his earlier doubts and fears forgotten. He indicated the monster on the floor, an unsightly hodgepodge of heads and tenacles that occupied a large portion of the courtyard. A murmur rose up among the soldiers, "How did the beast get in here?" One amazed voice said. "And how come no one heard it?" Someone else asked. "That is what I would like to know." He gestured to the burly man standing at the head of the guard. "Holden, who stood duty tonight in the inner court?" "Barl and Jared, Sire," the soldier replied. "Barl and Jared, hmm... I don't believe I see them here, Holden." The man blanched, and stammered, "They...they seem to be missing." "Missing? What do you mean, missing?" The silky voice had became very menacing. Holden cleared his voice uncomfortably. "That is, Sire, I saw them on duty last round I made, at midnight. And now they're not with my men anymore." "Well, what do you suppose happened?" Taishakuten asked conversationally. "I would think that they were attacked by the demon, but..." here the voice trailed off. "But? It must have been a demon with very good table manners. Not only did it finish up two large men without making a noise, it also cleaned up every scrape of blood and bone." The company laughed uncertainly. Taishakuten continued after a pause, "so, have you decied to teach demons table manners instead of training your men to stay at their posts?" Another pause, but no answer came. Taishakuten sighed. "Holden, you have been with me a long time now. Surely you know how it is with me by now?" The question was said lightly, completely devoid of any stress, so Ashura-ou never perceived its meaning until too late, and Holden was stretched out on the flagstone, his dagger embedded in his heart. With barely a glance at the figure, Taishakuten gave his orders. "Marcel, you may take over Holden's duties. I want this placed cleaned up before sunrise, and the two fugitives found and dealt with." Without waiting for an answer, he turned toward Ashura-ou, who looked rather stunned at the sudden event. "I'm sorry that you had to witness this. But soldiers could not afford the luxury of mercy." A pause, then he continued, "I must apologize for tonight's incident. The oversight was unforgivable, However, Ashura-ou, I'm most grateful to see that courtlife had not yet succeeded in dulling the edge of Shurato." As always, the voice carried a mocking edge, but Ashura-ou found that it no longer bothered him. He searched for a light and witty reply, found none. The strange silver eyes were fixed on him, asking him a different question that he could not quite decipher. And he heard his voice answer, "No, Taishakuten. Shurato have not killed for too long." He felt Taishakuten pause, sensed rather the fine lips curl into a feral smile. "Well, Ashura-ou, I think you will enjoy this little vacation here." Taishakuten murmured, as he took Ashura-ou's arm to lead him into the palace. To Be Continued... ------------------------------------------------------------------- Phew! Can't believe I finally posted this. <Mimi looks over what she wrote critically> Can't believe I wrote this stuff either. So, comments, comments, anyone? Too weird? too confusing? Thing will hopefully become clear as the story moves along, so please be patient. Part I is more in the nature of a prolog. </pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>