Redeemed by Rubies (A Dance with Destiny Book 6)

by JK Ensley

  The two Angels turned toward the mossy lavender Guardian of Jinn. Munenori acted as if he had not heard them.

  “Quit glaring at my Senpai,” Jenevier said, as she turned her attention back to Hanzo. “Please… continue.”

  “Have the secrets of my people been hidden from you, Milady?” he asked softly.

  “If something has been hidden from me, good Lord Hanzo, how would I know thus, minus the revelation?”

  “Fair enough.” Hanzo smiled knowingly. “I only assumed—”

  “We were interrupted…” Munenori said, not turning to face them. “…long before all could be revealed. I only had time to give Naga basic knowledge, knowledge that was required at the time of our first meeting. Some dark Angel had decided to start his very own apocalypse.” He glanced sideways at Apollyon. “Needless to say, time was of the essence. After that, well…” He paused. “Her lessons were put on hold, after that.”

  “And whose fault was that?” Tenshi snapped. “Is my father to blame for your indiscretions as well?”

  “Enough!” Jenevier hissed under her breath, effectively halting the coming bloodbath she could all but smell. “I will not abide another word. The Kougai will begin soon.” She turned back to the Elder. “Lord Hanzo, if you would please…”

  He nodded once before continuing, “The average lifespan of a regular Jinnite is much the same as one from Ashgard—anywhere from eighty to a hundred plus years. Not so with a Shinobi. We live four or five times longer than your average person. Some, even longer. Thus, we age four or five times slower than does the normal Jinnite. Or Ashgardian, as far as that goes.”

  “So… that’s why my enchanting husband still claims the beauty of his youth.”

  Hanzo nodded. “And will for many years to come, Your Grace.”

  Apollyon sort of snorted. Jenevier ignored him.

  “That is also why your lovely granddaughter still seems as but a child.” Hanzo smiled softly. “Because she is. By Shinobi standards, she has barely gotten started.”

  When Tenshi squeezed her shoulders, Jenevier reached up and gently placed her hands over his.

  “Tell me, my son,” she said. “Do you know of your daughter’s true powers?”

  “I do, Mama.” He gave her another little squeeze. “But I have been sworn to secrecy.” He smiled when she quickly glanced up at him. “Just wait. Lala wants to show you herself.”

  *****

  The joyous parade came to an end just outside the Iga village, in that same field where Jenevier had once faced Apollyon in battle… and said goodbye to her beloved Varick.

  In the midst of that flowing sea of lavender, the crowds parted to reveal their honored guest standing there alone—lovely little Lala.

  Jenevier took her designated seat, but her gaze never left her enchanting granddaughter—crowned with all those raven curls.

  She is a true Princess, Kagi Naga. The finest I have ever seen, Nilakanta said, as he approached the back of the podium where Jenevier and Yui were seated.

  Yes, Dragon. I love her more than I ever could have imagined.

  He chuckled inside her mind. Yes… grandchildren have that effect on us all—no matter our species.

  She turned to look at her beloved, bonded friend. Glad you could make it, Brother.

  Taka twittered before flying from her shoulder and quickly flitting around Nilakanta’s regal head.

  Glad to see your bug is in such high spirits. If you wish him to remain whole, Naga, best get the vile little creature out of my face.

  She only smiled before calling the tiny Dragon Pixie back to her. When Taka reclaimed his favorite spot atop her shoulder, Nilakanta snorted a puff of warm air down upon them, sending Jenevier’s curls flying about her. She giggled aloud.

  Yui smiled to himself, enjoying the now rare, happy sounds of his treasured wife. He squeezed her hand just as a gentle wind picked up, bending the sweet lavender down in a circle surrounding Lala.

  Jenevier watched in awe as that same wind began to spin and dance about the young woman—tiny twisters, twirling about to the movements of her delicate hands.

  “Wha—” Jenevier gasped. “Wait. You mean… Lala can control the wind?”

  “Yes, Mama,” Tenshi said softly. “But that’s not all. Watch.”

  The breeze suddenly died away, leaving Lala standing there—arms extended, eyes closed.

  “What’s she doing?” Jenevier whispered.

  “Calling upon her element,” Tenshi said.

  “An Elemental Shinobi is a rare thing indeed,” Hanzo added. “We have not been blessed with one for many generations.”

  “An Elemental Shinobi?”

  “Yes, Madam Empress.” Hanzo nodded. “Controller of one of the four elements—earth, fire, wind, and water. Lala is the first anyone among us has witnessed with their own eyes. She is enchanting, don’t you agree?”

  Jenevier only nodded as she watched her granddaughter’s long raven curls lift into the air as the girl raised her hands toward the sky.

  “We have had a few gifted Shinobi who can manipulate the elements, yes,” Hanzo said. “But never have I seen one who claims complete mastery over a given force of nature. Watch this, Milady.”

  But the proud Elder Shinobi could have just held his words; Jenevier was already transfixed on the rare magic playing out before her.

  Lala used no words, no incantations. The mighty wind was slave to her movements alone.

  The girl smiled as the gentle breeze wrapped around her like a blanket, before bursting forth in every direction, nearly flattening the surrounding purple blooms. Lala used her willing element to halt, and then reverse, a nearby rushing stream. She pushed those icy waters back until they stood as a wall before her.

  Jenevier heard Lala’s faint giggles being carried about upon the breeze. She smiled.

  When the stream finally crashed back down with a gushing sound of relief, Lala turned her attention to the multiple mini twisters she was now carefully manipulating. The gathered crowd gasped as the invisible wind spouts became colored with dust, and then tinged with purple by the many blooms they now claimed.

  “…So beautiful,” Jenevier whispered.

  Lala approached the gilded podium and stood with her back toward her proud family, then began beckoning the tiny twisters come closer. As each swirling mass converged with the other, an enormous column of brown and purple wind now stood before them. At Lala’s command, the colorful tornado began to tilt away from the crowd… until it seemed as if the tip was emanating from the girl’s dainty palms.

  “Nilakanta,” Lala called out over her shoulder. “If you would…”

  Jenevier heard the mighty sapphire Dragon take a single step forward.

  “No!”

  Jenevier immediately leapt to her feet—arm outstretched, fingers splayed—as if she were physically trying to halt Lala’s words from reaching her bonded friend.

  “I forbid it!”

  A hush fell over the crowd. Everyone present turned toward their incensed Empress, eyes wide.

  “Naga… what are you—”

  Yui’s words were cut short when she slowly turned to face him. The look in her magical pink eyes carried the icy bite of a bitter Northern wind. He shrank back at the chilling sight.

  “No one commands my Dragon, save me,” she hissed. “No one. Goemon may allow you to mount Kin Ryu in his presence, but never will such be the case with my Dragon. Nilakanta is mine!”

  Jenevier turned then toward Adeline. The large pink Dragon met her gaze and stepped forward.

  “Noble she-Dragon,” Jenevier said. “Is there not one among you who could assist? Call upon a worthy partner for my beloved granddaughter.”

  The regal Dragon bowed her head toward her Guardian. The gathered ones of Adeline’s kind slowly parted, and a petite pink Dragon gracefully made her way to the center of that large open field.

  I present to you… Flara, Adeline said.

  Jenevier bowed toward the beautifu
l young Dragon—not much bigger than a war horse—before motioning for the creature to proceed.

  “Lala, this is Flara,” Jenevier said. “She has graciously offered herself to your service this day.”

  When Flara reached the waiting Shinobi Princess, she released a tiny breath of fire. The result was phenomenal. That spinning column of wind was now an utterly lethal inferno of rock-melting Dragon Fire, cutting a large swath down the middle of that beautiful lavender field. The resulting applause was thunderous and continual.

  Lala smiled brightly as she turned back to face her awe-stricken audience, bowing low before them.

  Jenevier ran out to meet her, wrapping her granddaughter up in her arms and her wings. “Never have I been more proud,” she whispered.

  Lala returned her loving embrace. “I am so sorry, Obaasan.”

  “Hush now, child,” Jenevier said through her happy tears. “There is nothing to apologize for. If the day ever comes when you find yourself to be bonded as I am… only then will you understand. Now, look at me, little one.” She lifted the girl’s quivering chin. “You, Lala, are a treasure among treasures—jewel of the Iga crown. I stand in awe of you, beautiful Princess.”

  *****

  Make a scene like that just once more, Little Fire, and I will make good on my promise.

  Jenevier glanced toward her gorgeous sapphire Dragon. Oh yeah. And what promise was that?

  The one I made to you on Val Hal, Naga. Just once more, show me fire akin to that—fire kindled with such jealousy, such fierce possession—and I will show you the kind of rare magic Dragons are truly capable of.

  Jenevier was still staring into Nilakanta’s golden eyes, trying to process the true intent of his words, when Daichi wrapped his arms around her from behind.

  “Careful, Naga.” Daichi kissed the top of her head. “I think he means it.”

  Jenevier smiled. “Stop listening in on our private conversation, Arch.”

  Daichi squeezed her a little tighter. “Then stop having it in public. Come. There is a beautiful young Emperor over there who looks as if he has lost his best friend.”

  She glanced toward Yui as Daichi spoke.

  “And as incredible as it would be—seeing such a perfect marriage come to an end…” Daichi turned her to face him. “…today is not the day. Now is not the time. This day is about Lala. Not Naga. Go. Kiss your husband and beg his forgiveness. The dancing will soon start.” He smiled. “And Lala has asked me to be her first partner.”

  “You?”

  Daichi nodded proudly. “I cannot wait to see how many shades of green Tenshi turns and that damnable River Spirit that is always hanging about.”

  “His name is Duhrias.”

  “I care not.” Daichi held his elbow out to her. “Come, Empress. Bless the masses with your lovely smile. Reaffirm their ridiculously worshipping adoration of you.”

  Jenevier snorted out a chuckle. “What’s gotten into you, Daichi? Why so jovial?”

  He glanced down at her. “I thought perhaps it was about time to stop looking so glum and cross. I will be enjoying my blessed life from now on. Perhaps you should give it a shot as well, Death Angel.”

  Jenevier took Yui’s hand as Daichi made his way to Lala.

  Yes, perhaps I will, she thought. Perhaps I’ll stop being so glum myself. Perhaps it is time to just be happy.

  *****

  “Ye look like an Angel, Lass.”

  Jenevier snorted out a laugh when Vittorio bumped her with his shoulder.

  “I am an Angel, Guardian. So… that really wasn’t a compliment.”

  “Aye, hello there, fair Emperor.”

  When Vittorio inclined his head toward him, Yui acquiesced.

  “Why are you here, Brother?” Jenevier fixed the turned-under collar of the handsome Guardian’s shirt. “How did you come to know about the Kougai?”

  “Aye, Vareilious invited me.” He smiled. “Lala is a rare lass… just like her Nan.”

  “Nan?” She chuckled. “I haven’t heard that since I lived on Val Hal.” Jenevier furrowed her brow then. “Hey… don’t call me that. It makes me feel old.”

  “Aye, ye are old, Lass.” He bumped her again. “But ye’ve aged well.”

  Even Yui smiled at that comment.

  “I’ll be letting ye get back tae yer party now. I just came over tae give ye a kiss.” Vittorio did so, then motioned toward Yui. “An’ tae give yer pretty wee Emperor a warning.”

  “A warning?” Yui turned to face the Guardian then. “Warning concerning what?”

  “Aye, concerning yer lovely wife, that’s what.”

  “Me?” Jenevier furrowed her brow. “Why me? What have I done. I mean… lately, that is.”

  Vittorio chuckled. “I heard from a good cat friend of mine…” He glanced at her sideways. “That ye visited Byzantha recently.”

  Jenevier shook her head. “…No. I haven’t been there in ages.”

  “Aye, is that so?”

  She nodded. “It is. I mean… I never get summonsed to that layer.”

  “True,” Vittorio said. “The cats are nae as fond of war as they are of love.”

  “What makes you say I was on Byzantha, Brother?”

  Vittorio shrugged his shoulders. “I heard ye went tae see Taizeen, gave yer royal kin a wee visit. Word spread quickly, Lass. Yer rare scent wafted throughoot the whole forest.”

  “Is that so? Hmm… Well, it wasn’t me. I wonder who—”

  “An’ as for the warning…” Vittorio cut her off as he leaned toward Yui. “She isnae allowed tae go tae Byzantha.”

  Jenevier snorted. “What do you mean, not allowed?”

  Vittorio ignored her and continued, “If Daichi or Vareilious found oot she was sneaking aboot among those cats… there’d be hell tae pay. That be the truth of it.”

  “What are you—” Jenevier shoved the Guardian’s shoulder. “Hey! I do not sneak.”

  Vittorio chuckled. “I’m just giving ye some friendly advice, Emperor. Make sure she nae goes tae Byzantha. The lass is weak tae their charms… hypnotized by their sweetly sour breath. It’s a drug tae her. She cannae deny or resist them.”

  Jenevier blushed. “Well, that part might be true, but—”

  Yui slid his hand around her waist, then suddenly jerked her against his side, cutting off her words.

  “Fear not, Guardian,” Yui said softly, but sent Jenevier a sideways glance. “I will make sure she understands that particular layer is off-limits… forbidden.”

  Jenevier’s mouth fell open. “Wha— Forbidd—”

  Yui tightened his grip, wrapping his magical hair about her waist as well.

  Vittorio chuckled. “Aye, that’s a good lad. I knew if I explained it tae ye properly, ye’d nae allow it. Glad tae see we’re on the same page, fair ninja.”

  Yui smiled with only one corner of his mouth as he inclined his head toward Vittorio, but kept his firm gaze locked with Jenevier’s startled one.

  When Jenevier finally sighed and rolled her eyes, Vittorio walked away… still laughing.

  Chapter 6

  Ashgard

  (ASH-guard)

  The radiant beams of the morning sun began to trickle into the room.

  “When will you be returning?” Yui whispered into her ear as he pulled her against him.

  Jenevier loved the feel of his sharply defined chest pressed against her back, the growing heat where their skin now touched.

  “I won’t be gone long, my love. I wish to speak with the Elven King. He seems to be in-tune with things he should not be. Perhaps he knows something about the thinning going on with the veils. Vindicus tried to blow it off as if it were nothing… but I could see the worry in his eyes.”

  “Yes.” Yui buried his nose in her curls. “If something is threatening enough to ruffle Apollyon’s feathers, then you should not take it lightly. But first…” He turned her towards him and kissed her neck. “I desire more time with my enchanting wife. Waking to your delicious s
cent, seeing the sunrise sparkle off your iridescent skin… Mmm… Mornings with you, are my favorite.”

  Jenevier smiled… just before she slowly melted under his worshipping touch.

  *****

  Nilakanta snorted. Why did you have to bring the bug along?

  “Taka would have cried incessantly, had I not.”

  Then let him cry. You spoil the disgusting little thing.

  Jenevier smiled as she inhaled deeply. “Ahhh… Smell that, Brother? Home—my Ashgard.”

  Home? Nilakanta landed in a large field bordering the vast Mangladune Forest. You haven’t been here in decades, Naga. This is not your home.

  “Ahh, but you never forget the place you came from… especially the smell of it. With but the first whiff, my mind was flooded with the past. At the core of me... I am an Ashgardian.”

  Nilakanta chuckled. At the core of you… you are too many things to ever be labeled properly. Go, Little Fire. Find your old friends. I will patiently await your return. Oh, and make sure the bug goes with you. If you leave him here, I cannot guarantee his condition upon your return.

  Jenevier only giggled to herself as she slipped within the dense forest. Taka twittered a bit, looking back at the noble sapphire Dragon, but soon quieted upon her shoulder.

  “You know he didn’t mean it, Taka. He was only teasing you.”

  The Dragon Pixie purred against her neck, and then his tiny head shot up at attention, as if he had heard something odd.

  “What is it, boy? Can you already sense the Elves?”

  Taka remained perched on her shoulder, frozen in an almost pointing stance, before suddenly flying off to her left… disappearing within the trees. Jenevier followed him.

  She could smell the man long before she could see or hear him. He was definitely an Elf, but something was off. His scent was a bit… tainted.

  “What is that?” she whispered. “Where have I caught that particular aroma before?” She carefully tasted the air. “…No. This seems to be… a unique creature.” She smiled. “How very curious.”