Chronicles of the West

Chapter Thirty Nine

The sun rose over the manor and it's ground. Peeking into window with such cheerfulness, as though to mock the somber residents it found there. Satoru blinked a few times, he'd been so deep in thought that he'd not noticed the fingers of light creeping slowly across his floors to sit at his feet. When he did, he growled at it, as though he might chase it away to preserve the solace of the night.

With a sigh, he rose and shrugged into clean robes, ready to greet the day. The servants were bustling around, seeing to the daily life of his keep. He strode down the stairs to the dining room, finding his guests assembled. Daishi smiled at him and he nodded to her, wanting to lock her up rather than watch her go. His gaze turned to Victor who blushed softly. Apparently, he'd reasoned that it was Satoru who'd carted him off to bed like a child.

Breakfast was a grim affair. Few words passed between them, and the delicious food was barely touched. As one they rose and moved to the courtyards. Satoru wanted them to have mounts for the journey and had provided several fine oni horses.

Since Silvana and Aislin had not ever ridden them, at least not alone, they would ride with Toga and Ryu. This was acceptable to all concerned. Daishi stood before her friend and mentor and tipped her head all the way back to meet his eyes.

"Safe journey" he said softly. She nodded, "Thank you". Then she threw her arms around him and he hugged her tightly to him, "If it is too hard, or you decide this is not what you wish. Come home. Come home to me Daishi" he whispered to her. She nodded, feeling tears rise at his words.

She pulled back and he traced his thumbs over her eyelids. "No tears. We have seen the cause for tears and this is not that time. Go and be a bride" he told her gently. She nodded and backed away from him. Turning sharply, she mounted the oni horse and settled her robes around her.

With a final nod to him, she held her head high as he'd taught her and they took to the air. She turned her face into the oncoming wind and sucked in a deep breath, she turned one last time and watched him fade from sight as they drew farther away.

When she couldn't see him, or the manor anymore, she looked ahead. Her heart was shattering to a thousand tiny pieces and there was no relief from it. None. Her pale hand tightened on the reins and she swallowed convulsively to keep herself from sobbing.

From his own mount, Shippo watched her struggle. He was certain that only he saw the glistening tear that slid down her cheek before it was nipped away by the teeth of wind. He said nothing, knowing she'd not like her weakness being noticed.

But the scent of her tears, although brief tore at his heart and the sight of her pain made him want to tear and rip at the source until there was no pain left. He wanted to take her from that mount, settle her before him and cradle her. Whisper that her fears were unfounded, however, he knew that her fears were very founded and very real.

He would wait, bide his time and soon she'd see. See that he was there, that he was strong enough to protect her from anything the world wanted to throw at them. That he wasn't trying to save her from this fate, only give her a happier one. And that he wasn't going anywhere.

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Satoru watched her heart shaped face fade from view. He wouldn't weep, no he was a man after all, and as he'd told her, this time did not call for tears. But he would miss her, with his very being. "You better hurry the hell up Shippo" he groused.

Victor sighed sadly, he'd liked the little demoness. She was so funny and candid, and now her bright spirit was gone from this place. He looked over at Satoru. The demon seemed collected enough, but he sensed the deep welling sadness that radiated from him.

"I am certain Shippo will succeed" he offered, not knowing what else to say. Satoru nodded, "Of course he will. He is a son of the west after all" he said, then turned to look over at the human, "Well, come on, there have to be better things to do than stand in the courtyard".

Victor smiled at him, "There are much better things to do". His tone was so enthusiastic that Satoru blinked at him, wondering just what he meant by that. He watched the demon's gaze rove over him and almost smiled. Victor was already moving back to the manor proper. "Are you coming Satoru?" he called, "I was hoping that perhaps I might get some more research done". He grinned inwardly, when he noted the almost crestfallen expression that resulted.

The demon had to hide his disappointment. Research, work, study, of course! What else could it be, he thought grumpily. There were no classes today or tomorrow and so he supposed he could look forward to a great deal of book reading and quill scratching.

Of course, he could think of other things he'd like to do. The image of pushing books to the floor and stretching that lovely human body over the table came to mind. Writhing on silken sheets, fevered touches and moist kisses. Much more interesting than research… well, you could chock it up to field research. Now there was an idea with merit. Victor's voice broke through his reverie, "Satoru Sir?"

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. What the hell was wrong with him? Lusting after Victor like a wanton fiend. Good thing, the human had no idea. Glancing up gold eyes locked with mahogany. There was hint of amusement in Victor's gaze, the hint of attraction that swam there. Or maybe he did know. Great, now he'd think that Satoru was a lecher. Well that couldn't be good. Could it?

He cleared his throat and swept forward along the path and into the massive doors of the house. Victor trailing behind him, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.