Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5)

by JK Ensley

  “You have no idea, little sister.”

  He gazed at her a few more heartbeats, a soft smile upon his flawless lips.

  “So, Naga… with the soul-eater forever banished and the dark Prince of Hell nothing more than putty in your lovely hands, none are left to torture your fragile little heart. When Father saw how you were finally accepting your wings, how your thoughts turned to settling your mortal bonds… He was happy, Naga.”

  “Happy?”

  “Yes, happy. Ohh, Naga, you should see His face when He smiles,” he said absently. “Words cannot suffice.”

  “So… Daichi?”

  Raphael met her worried gaze. “He is an Arch now, Naga. He stands as my equal in all things.”

  “An… Arch…”

  He tenderly wiped away her single tear and kissed her cheek.

  “You are yet, and always will be, his first priority. Father will never remove your Blessing, Little Fire. He just gave him other responsibilities to see to as well. But if you ever need him, Daichi will know first. No matter his duty, he will come to you in but a blink.”

  She didn’t speak, could barely even form coherent thoughts.

  “You should be delighted for him, Kagi Naga. I felt peace and love swell within him at Father’s words. Daichi is… happy.”

  “That’s… that’s wonderful,” she whispered.

  “Yes, it is.”

  Raphael gently pulled her to him… and held her as she cried.

  *****

  Yui stepped aside as Tenshi and Duhrias left her chambers, smiling and chatting with one another.

  “I take it things went well concerning your plans for little Lala.”

  Jenevier continued to stare at the tiny girl still curled up on her bed, smiling proudly, lovingly.

  “Yes, Yui. I have been blessed. Everything that was weighing down my wings… well, it is all working out for the best.”

  “As it should be, Mistress.”

  “Yes, my friend, as it should be.”

  She turned to look at him when he came up beside her, taking her hand in his.

  “Tell me, sweet Yui. Why is it you are more beautiful than I?”

  He blushed. “Do not tease me, Milady. None outshine you.”

  “You are good for my ego, Master Hand. Perhaps that is why I keep you around.”

  “Yes, that… and the fact I brew the most marvelous rose tea.”

  She smiled and gently bumped his shoulder, then rested her head there.

  “I want you to make the arrangements, Yui. I will leave every detail in your most capable of hands.”

  “Wait… you cannot mean…” He paused.

  “Yes, Yui. That is exactly what I mean. Do whatever it takes to satisfy your people.”

  “Concerning your abdication, Mistress?”

  “No, dear friend. Concerning our wedding.”

  Yui didn’t speak. He stood frozen at her side, mouth slightly open. When he didn’t answer her, Jenevier gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

  “Yui… are you listening to me? I wish to marry you. Will you do me the honor of letting me be your royal wife?”

  “…You are asking me?” His words were faint, dreamy sounding.

  She chuckled softly. “Yes, Yui. Will you marry me? Will you see to the whole thing?”

  He wrapped her up in his arms and she felt his happy tears falling soft upon her curls.

  “As you wish, Milady,” he whispered through his quiet sobs.

  *****

  “Aye, Lass. I felt ye calling for me.”

  Jenevier smiled when Vittorio embraced her from behind.

  “What are ye doing oot here all alone?”

  She placed her arms over his at her waist, resting her head back against his chest. “Our sacred battlefield, Brother. The blood in this soil calls out to my soul… always does it beckon me.”

  “Aye, Lass, as it should.”

  “I have missed you more than I even realized. You are my calm place in a storm, Vittorio. You always have been.”

  “Ye cannae possibly have missed me as much as I’ve missed ye, mine Angel.” He kissed the top of her head.

  She smiled. “Have you met Cherie yet?”

  “Aye, Lass, ye know I have. Vareilious wulnae shut up aboot the wee thing. He’s smitten with her. An’ the wee lamb… she’s a bit of a handful, that one. I like her.”

  “Yes… I like her, too.”

  “They’re good taegether, Lass. Dunnae worry aboot that big oafish brother of yers. He’s in good hands, he is.”

  “And what of my handsome kilted brother? What kind of hands is he in?”

  He squeezed her. “Only yers, my wee darlin’. Only yers.”

  “I love you.”

  “Aye, an’ I love ye more.”

  She sighed. “I am in need of your counsel, treasured brother. My heart is heavy.”

  “An’ that’s why I’m here, Lass. Confide in me yer sorrow an’ let yer dearest friend make it all better.”

  She turned to face him. “You spoil me. You know that, right? Of all the blessings I have unduly received, your heart stands head and shoulders above them all. I do not deserve you, Vittorio.”

  “Aye, Lass. Truer words havenae dripped from those most gorgeous of lips.” He winked at her then. “Come. Let us walk.”

  Jenevier spent the rest of that day in her beloved Guardian’s arms. They laughed and cried, talked and remembered. She told him all that had happened during her summons on Earth… and all that had happened since. He was ever attentive, even tickling her when she would near tears.

  “Tell me one thing, Brother.”

  “Name it, Lass, an’ I will.”

  “You removed Izaru’s head, did you not?”

  “Aye, ye know I did, Lass. Vareilious was the one what put it in the box though.” He sort of snorted. “That muscle-headed oaf grows more twisted by the day. He makes me laugh.”

  “Yeah, he makes me laugh, too.” She snickered before sighing. “And his body? Tell me what became of that devil-butler’s body.”

  “Fed it tae the dogs, we did. Nae a scrap left of the vermin.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Gratitude, Brother. Although… I truly would’ve liked to have seen that for myself. Just desserts—nothing tastes sweeter.”

  “Aye, Lass, ye havenae even heard the best part.”

  She glanced up at his smirking profile. “Is that so? Then do tell, gorgeous Guardian.”

  “Vareilious an’ I, we decided tae escort that day.” He half chuckled.

  “Escort? You mean… to the Nether?”

  “Aye, Lass. We carried Izaru’s wretched wee soul between us, handed it over tae Apollyon ourselves.”

  Jenevier’s mouth fell open, but she didn’t speak.

  “Ahh… ye should have seen Apollyon’s face, Lass. I’ll wager he hasnae been blessed with a surprise like that one in eons. We filled yer dark husband in on all the gory bits.” He huffed out a sardonic laugh. “Vareilious was cackling so hard when we left, I could barely make oot the old varmint’s last screams over his roaring laughter. Aye… that was a good day, Lass. A real good day.”

  He picked her up then and spun her through the air, reveling in her happy squeals.

  She gasped, trying to catch her breath. “I love when you do that, Brother.”

  “I know ye do, my wee darlin’. That’s why I did it. Now, Lass, quit stalling an’ tell me what’s truly on yer heart. Yer biting on yer lip so hard, if ye dunnae spill it, ye’ll be drowning in yer own blood before long.”

  Jenevier took a deep breath before filling her beloved Guardian in on all the plans she was making to secure the future of the ones she cared most about.

  “Aye, Lass.” He smiled sweetly as he brushed away her tears. “Will ye let me be the one tae give ye away?”

  “Vittorio, why would you even ask me that? Never would I put you through such a thing.”

  “What are ye talking aboot, Lass? I wouldnae miss it for the world.” He tende
rly caressed her cheek. “Having ye on my arm, seeing ye all dolled-up an’ beautiful, getting tae kiss ye before I present ye tae yer wee ninja… seeing that most beautiful of all smiles. It’d be my honor, wee rabbit.”

  “…Vittorio.”

  He lightly kissed her forehead, trying to hide his tears in the process.

  “Aye, Lass, it would be like looking at heaven.”

  “But… I swore never to marry.”

  “Aye, that ye did. An’ I dunnae consider that vow broken. Ye dunnae give yer heart tae another, only yer hand.” He lightly kissed her hand as he said it. “An’ nae matter how rare yer beautiful Shinobi is, he is but a mortal. Besides, that wee ninja deserves this, does he nae?”

  “Yes, Vittorio. I would never have made it this far without him.”

  “Ye say it true, wee rabbit. Ye say it true.” He kissed her then, sweet and tender and loving. “Fret nae, Princess. I’ll nae leave ye. This ye already know. Our time will come. One day… Fate will smile on us as well.”

  “Promise?”

  “Aye, Lass. I promise.”

  She sniffed and buried her face in his tunic, muffling her words. “I’ll hold you to that, Brother. I swear I will.”

  “Nae, Lass. I’ll be the one holding ye tae it.” He kissed the top of her head and then rested his cheek there before whispering, “I swear I will.”

  Jenevier tried hard to hold in the rest of her bitter tears, as did her treasured Guardian.

  “I love you, Vittorio,” she whispered, shakily.

  “An’ I love ye more, Princess.”

  *****

  She watched as the moonlight glistened off her sweet Guardian’s snow white wings as he entered the clouds, leaving layer nine. She sighed, smiling.

  Are you certain about this, Kagi Naga? Do you think you can handle this all by yourself? Perhaps we should go to Orochimaru. Or… it would be my honor to remain as we are, little one.

  “Tease me not, Dragon. You desire wind beneath your wings more than you desire air within your lungs.”

  Nilakanta chuckled. Yes, but are you certain you can handle parting with me? I know how much you love me flying about within you.

  She smiled. “Yet, if we do not separate, how will you carry me about upon your back, protect me with your awesome fire?”

  Very well, tiny Angel. Shall we begin?

  Jenevier stood on the very spot she had once held the bloodied form of her beloved Varick.

  Nothing grows here still.

  “I know, and nothing ever will.” She sniffed and wiped at her coming tears. “No seed will ever take hold within this cursed soil. Life has not the heart to flourish here. This is the one spot upon the whole of this realm where true injustice was served. No plant, no matter how hardy, will ever find nourishment here. This sand that I stand upon now, it holds nothing but pain. Pain, yes… and innocent blood.”

  I knew not the man while he yet drew breath, Little Fire, but your memories of him put all other creatures to shame.

  “Yes. A more glorious man has never lived. Varick was one of a kind. And as always, I played the fool.”

  Not foolish, Naga… young.

  “Yes… young and naïve and foolish.” She blinked away the burning tears, bringing the world back into focus. I miss him so much, she thought.

  “Not nearly as much as I miss you, my dearest Anicee.”

  Jenevier took a step back and blinked again. “Do you see him as well, Nilakanta? Or has madness and grief finally taken me?”

  If madness be your affliction, then I am afflicted likewise.

  “So you do? You see him as well?”

  Yes, Naga. I see him as well.

  Varick reached out toward her. “Come, Anicee. Sit by my side. Let us gaze upon these beautiful moons but for a moment.”

  She took a trembling step forward, grasping tightly to his slender, elegant hand.

  “How is it you are here, my love?” she whispered, never taking her eyes from his glowing, beautiful face.

  “The blood I sacrificed for you… it called out to me, told me you needed me.”

  “Are you real?” Her voice was tiny, pleading, hopeful.

  “Come, Anicee. Wrap your arms about me and know that I am flesh.” He held her gently, stroking her curls as she cried. “I am so very proud of you, little Angel.”

  “Pr-proud? But… why? I have done nothing but fail since the day I first laid eyes upon you. How is it one such as you could ever be proud of one such as me?”

  “Anicee… I gave my life for you. Do not cheapen my sacrifice, Angel.” He held her ever closer. “Look at me, Jenevier. Let me gaze once more into those most magical of all eyes.”

  She hurriedly wiped her face before he lifted her chin.

  “My beautiful Anicee, heaven roared when you bested the soul-eater. Every day you find new ways to amaze me. I stand in awe of you, precious Angel. I always have.”

  “But… but I didn’t best Vybius. He got the better of me. I caved, Varick, surrendered myself to him.”

  His adoring smile stole her breath, the same as it always had.

  “You are still so naïve, sweet Anicee.” He tenderly kissed her forehead, holding her close to him for one quiet moment. “Can you explain to me why Ahriman was able to go against all that he is? Can you tell me how it was he found the strength to bind you so?”

  “…No, I cannot.”

  “Because, my love, you showed that dark soul-eater your light.”

  “M-my light?”

  “Yes, beautiful lady, your light. Remember during your training? I warned you about staring too long into the abyss, into the souls of the ones you were summonsed to reap. Anicee, when you gaze into darkness… darkness gazes back into you. That is how Ahriman snared you. You were tired. You were beaten. And you were scared. You placed your faith and trust in him because you needed him, needed someone. It took but a moment, little one, a single fleeting heartbeat… and then he had you. Alas, hell’s Sage was not ready for what he received in return—your light. While you were staring into the abyss, the abyss was staring back… into the sun.”

  “The… sun?”

  “Yes, my love, your sun, your pure light. In that instant, you taught the Hand of Hell about compassion, about love, about empathy, about true forgiveness. Not through words or sermons, no. You showed him exactly what it means to be of the light. You are who you are, little one. Your beautiful light reached all the way to the very corners of his wretched darkness… and he was ashamed. As I said before, Anicee, I stand in awe of you… daily.”

  “But… no… no, Varick. I was weak. I failed. I fail all the time. I make mistakes that are so catastrophic, entire worlds are put to the flame.” Her tears now flowed as blood from a gaping wound. “I am not all light and good, I’m not. I need you, Varick. I am weak. And… I am afraid.”

  “Afraid?” He chuckled softly as he tried to dry her cheeks. “Anicee, you cannot make fire afraid. Worry not, for I am always with you. My lips, these lips… they are trained to yours, they know when yours tremble. My ear, this same ear that rested upon your soft chest while you slept… it hears when your heart quakes. These hands, the ones that hold you now… they ache every time your claws extend, my love. I know everything about you, Jenevier. Every breath you draw in, every thought that crosses your mind… I am there. Be not afraid, precious Anicee. Take strength in knowing I am always with you, even unto death.”

  Jenevier felt his flawless form giving way. She cleaved tighter.

  “Please… do not leave me, Varick.”

  “I just told you, my love. I never will.”

  The soft touch of his lips upon hers grew fainter and fainter, until the cool breeze caused her to open her eyes. He was gone.

  Are you well, Naga?

  She smiled as Varick’s loving warmth soaked into her, filled her grieving soul, completely consumed any fears that may have lingered.

  “Yes, Brother, better than I have been in years.” She took a deep breath. “I am
ready now.”

  Before we begin. Nilakanta paused. He is more glorious than even your memories, more radiant than your most inflated dreams.

  “Yes, Brother. To know Varick is to know true unconditional love. He was my rock.”

  And he ever will be, Kagi Naga.

  Jenevier only smiled.

  *****

  The pain was every bit as horrific with his removal as it had been with their melding. Her skin burned like fire. She struggled to maintain consciousness, finally falling to her hands and knees, utterly spent.

  When the very tip of her Dragon’s tail separated from her calf, Jenevier began choking, coughing up a lump in her throat—eventually spitting out what she thought was a stone. She picked up the strange sapphire bauble and studied it closely, rubbed her thumb across the intricate lavender veining its way throughout the blue.

  It’s a Dragon scale, Nilakanta said. A tiny piece of me, of my soul.

  Jenevier smiled as she closed her fist around it.

  I wished a trinket of my own hanging about your fair neck, tiny Guardian.

  Her smile remained as exhaustion claimed her and she collapsed fully upon the ground—her aching body covering the same place Varick’s once had. Her sweat and blood… soaking into the same sand.

  Rest well, little one, Nilakanta said as he gently lifted her in his claws, winging her to the moonlit springs of her secret valley home.

  *****

  The scar was raised slightly, not smooth as the glorious Dragon tattoo had been. And this scar… well, this scar was the color of the moon, edged about by a starless night.

  “Do you think I am hideous?”

  “No, Mistress.” Yui kissed her shoulder then looked up to meet her gaze in the beveled looking glass. “In my eyes… you are even more lovely because of it.”

  She giggled softly. “You are biased in my regard, dear husband.”

  He squeezed her then, harder than he meant to.

  “Say it again,” he whispered. “Say the most glorious words I have only ever dreamed of hearing.”

  “I love you, Yui, my most rare and beautiful husband.”

  “Never has any man been blessed with such happiness. Always have I prayed for the everlasting miracle that is you, my love.”