Protected by Emeralds (A Dance with Destiny Book 5) (2 page)

Then, she heard the reapers—the dark ones, the ones that made her shiver, caused painful goose bumps to cover her arms.

“Yui?” she whispered, confused.

She tried to reach for him, one shaky hand stretching out toward his long raven locks. Another sharp pain in her back caused her to retch. Darkness slowly closed in around her. She felt strong arms encompass her, lifting her into the air.

“Naga, open your eyes.”

She heard Uriel’s voice, distant and fading. She tried to do what he said, only to behold an unfamiliar blood-stained shirt blocking her blurry vision. His strange scent filled her nostrils. Then, she slept.

*****

“Naga. Naga. Open your eyes, Naga.”

“Yui?” she rasped.

“Open your eyes, Kagi Naga.”

It was dark. A single lamp was all that illuminated the tiny hut.

“I… thirst.” She choked out the words.

Large hands seized her shoulders, gently pushing her back down onto the hard mat. She winced from the pain.

“Do you have any idea how long you have lain here?”

She blinked, trying to focus on her angelic
back-up
. “Uriel? Where are you?”

Someone pinched her toe. She looked down to find the handsome Archangel sitting on the floor near her feet.

“What are you doing down there, Brother?”

“Waiting for your
ministering angel
to leave this forsaken hovel long enough for me to wing you out of here.”

“What in the world are you talking about? …Crazy old Arch,” she mumbled.

“Focus, Naga,” Uriel demanded. “Try to sort out the past three days. Can you do it?”

“Three days? But… why?”

He sighed. “Yes. Three days have you burned with fever. This human, he doesn’t realize your body is trying to heal itself. He stays by your side, wiping you down with cold water. He hasn’t even so much as left the room to piss.”

“What? To…
piss
?”

“Yes, I know, right?” Uriel threw his hands up. “He just whizzes out the window, there, and then sits back down by your cot. It’s not like I can just pick you up before his eyes and lift you into the air.” He rubbed his temples as he shook his head. “Imagine the stories. They would probably start a whole new religion around it—
Floating Maidens and Invisible Spirits
.”

He waved his hands in the air as he said it. She giggled.

“We cannot make waves such as those, Naga. And that is exactly why you simply cannot change to Vashti and fly yourself home. So… here we sit. Waiting for a brave soul to give up on you or heal you, whichever he thinks he can manage.”

“Uriel?”

“Yes, Naga.”

“Why couldn’t I understand them? Why were their words simply as gibberish to me?”

“Because you weren’t concentrating, Little Fire. You let your emotions rule you. First anger, then fear. You were thrown by the
wrapper
, Naga. The same wrapper you swore you could look beyond. You simply weren’t on your game this time, oh
Mother of Dragons
,” he said in a mocking, high-pitched voice.

“It’s because
you
were here, pushing my buttons and throwing me off
my game
.” She tried to rise up on her elbows but the man gently eased her back down.

“You best be thankful I
was
here, little sister. Or that poor soul tending you now…” Uriel nodded his head in the direction of her savior. “…he would be as dead as the others you bore witness to.”

She turned then and looked upon the man, looked upon the exact face of the only man she’d ever
truly
hated.

“…Musashi.” The whisper fell out of her mouth unbidden.

She tried to scoot away from him, but he held her fast.

“Calm yourself, Angel,” Uriel said. “Look into his eyes. You will find no hint of the rare lavender you love so well. That color isn’t very common upon this layer. Do it. Look into his eyes and concentrate on his words. Use the power you have, Kagi Naga.”

She tried. Slowly, his words became coherent and his mind was opened to her.

“Please, Madam. You will only hurt yourself if you struggle so,” he was saying.

She felt the kindness of his soul and read the words within his head.

“I thirst,” she whispered.

His dark eyes went wide when he heard her speak in his tongue. “Ahh… sure, sure.”

He helped her to sit, and then placed a cup in her trembling hands, guiding it to her lips.

She took a long sip, and then sighed. “Ahh, that is so good. Domo arigato.”

He laughed softly. “Douitashimashite.”

“Aww, how sweet,” Uriel said, rolling his eyes. “Now, tell him you feel just fine and get up and walk out of here. My wings are cramped, and this floor is cold.”

She giggled.
Fine, you big baby. Give me but a moment. I should be just a little more polite than that. Don’t you think?

Uriel pinched her toe again.

“What is your name?”

Jenevier turned back to the speaking man. “My name is Naga, Kagi Naga.”

He chuckled. “So, your father called you a Fire Dragon?” He gently touched one of her pink curls. “I would have named you Sakura. You look as if you fell from the trees. A little cherry tree blossom—Sakura Mankai.”

She smiled. “After how I treated you back in the forest? You would still name me a cherry blossom, and in full bloom at that?”

“Hmm… Perhaps your father was right.” His smile was so gentle, so kind. “You may look Sakura Mankai, but you definitely act Kagi Naga.”

He winked and she giggled, nodding her agreement.

“What is
your
name, kind sir?”

“Ah, my name is Tokiwa, Suou Tokiwa. Please, call me Suou.”

“Are you certain?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.

“Yes.” He lowered his head. “I have shamed you, Madam. I had to remove your dress to stop the bleeding. The least I can do is let you use my first name.”

“Suou?”

He looked up at her.

“I would never have made it without you,” she lied. “I will be forever grateful, never shamed.”

Relief washed over his face. “Domo arigato.”

“No, thank
you
.” She smiled and touched his hand. “I must be going now, Suou. I have people who will be worried about me if I do not return soon. You are a rare blessing to your people, Suou Tokiwa. A valiant soul if ever I have met one.”

“Naga,” he softly whispered her name as he touched another curl.

“Ask him to lay with you,” Uriel said.

She sent the smirking Angel a scalding glare.

“Well, do you want to leave or not? Listen, Naga. I have sat here the full three days. That human next to you has not closed his eyes for a single moment. I know. I have watched him. Trust me. It will not take long.”

Jenevier shook her head wearily. She
really
did not want to do this.

“Suou, you have not rested a moment. Have you?”

He blushed but didn’t answer her.

“Your health is too precious a thing to waste upon the likes of me. I am fine now, thanks to you. So come. Be at rest, my friend. Lay down by my side and sleep. You have earned it.”

He shook his head furiously. “No, Naga. I could never do that—”

She put a finger to his lips, instantly halting his words. “I insist,” she whispered. “Please.”

He stared at her a moment longer, then he slowly laid down beside her, facing away.

She cut her eyes toward Uriel. The Arch stood, touching Suou’s forehead. The man’s racing heart slowed, his breathing steadied.

Once he was fast asleep, the two Angels quietly stepped out into the night, and disappeared.

*****

“Where is Naga?” Daichi roared when Uriel burst through the clouds over layer nine.

“What do you mean, where’s Naga?” The Arch looked to his right, and then turned all the way around. “Sh-she was r-right beside me,” Uriel stammered, confused.

Daichi shook his head. “Dammit to hell!” He roared loud enough to rattle the walls. “Come. Tell me all that befell you upon this summons, Uriel. I want to know every single detail, every tiny little thing that happened. I have been sick with worry.”

He stormed back inside the palace, not even waiting for the Archangel’s response.

Chapter 2

Kin Ryu

(kin YOO)

So, my tiny Angel misses me, does she?

“More than you could possibly imagine, Brother.”

Nilakanta extended his wing as she approached.

“I have wings, too, ya know. I can fly up there.” She smiled and winked at her sapphire Dragon.

I like it better like this, sweet Guardian. Come. Scale your Dragon and free your mind. I have a soft spot waiting, just for you.

She couldn’t help but giggle as she climbed upon his back.

“I have great need of my bonded brother this day.”

Ahh, you are seeking your illusive freedom again. Are you not, little one?

“Not wholly, Dragon. I’d rather like some answers, actually.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “And I would prefer it if you were with me. Will you join me, Nilakanta? Will you travel with me through the layers and put me at ease? Come, Brother. Help me put my life in order, tie up a few of my many loose ends.”

You never even had to ask. If you would turn yourself over to me forever, I would ensure your smile, little Naga. Upon my back, even the Archs cannot reach you. Stay right where you are, Guardian of Dragons, and rest assured… I alone can guarantee the life you have always dreamed of.

She was still smiling. She seemed to do that constantly, when she was at his side or upon his back.

“I already love you too much, Nilakanta. Do not tempt me so. Or you may wake up one morn to find a permanent resident between your powerful shoulder blades. One you will never be able to talk into leaving.”

It’s not only a sweet temptation, Kagi Naga… it is an absolute promise.

She giggled. “Very well, then. Let us put it to the test. Shall we?”

He chuckled. Jenevier loved the feel of his deep Dragon laughter rumbling within her.

As you wish, Little Fire. State the rules. I will happily play your little game. And when I win… I will claim you as my prize. When I pass your test, Naga, you will be mine. Fair enough?

“But I’m already yours, Dragon. That’s not much of a prize—something you have already claimed.”

You’re right.

She heard his lips part as the majestic Dragon bore his sharp teeth in a terrifyingly beautiful Dragon smile. Her laughter burst forth, completely uncontainable.

You are right, little Naga. You are mine, now and always. I own you, Guardian of Dragons.

Jenevier reined in her giggles long enough to choke out a few words. “You are the only being, within this entire universe, whom I will let say those words without meeting my claws.”

He chuckled.
And that is because I speak the truth. I own you every bit as much as you own me, Little Fire. And, you do own me… completely.

The way he said the words, the suggestive hint in his voice… it was all too hysterical. She gripped her side, pressing against the stab of pain her laughter had caused.

“I love you too much, Nilakanta.”

Of course you do, Kagi Naga. I am… Dragon.

His matter-of-fact answer threatened the return of her giggles.

But no matter how much you think you love me, little one. I will always love you one nugget more.

She lay upon his back, staring up at the passing clouds, a contented smile spread from ear to ear.

Tell me what happened, lovely Guardian. Speak your mind, and then release the pain. Once you have let it all go… we will start fixing your past.

At his promise, Jenevier closed her eyes and began speaking. She told him of her summons to layer eight and all that had happened there—the way the people looked just like her beloved Jinnites, and of how the one named Suou could have been Musashi’s identical twin.

Her faithful Dragon not only listened to her every word, he was connected to her in every way. He felt every tear, every emotion, every pain-filled word, as if they were his very own.

When she finished her sad tale, the two friends remained silent as the magical sapphire Dragon held his tiny Guardian… on the
inside
. He just held her, rocking her tender heart as a mother would her fair babe. Only when he could sense her smile returning, did he finally speak.

I know not why a fragile creature such as you came to be, but I am awfully glad that you are, Naga. You take my breath away, little one. No matter what Fate hurls your way, you fight on. You might cry and you might crumble… yet you live on despite it all. You were rightfully named our Guardian, for you hold a stubborn strength that only a Dragon could possess. I am honored to be bonded to you, Little Fire.

The feelings that passed between them needed no words.

Then, something tingled in her wings at the same moment Nilakanta went rigid.

Did you feel that?
she said.

Yes. And I have felt it before.

Jenevier sat up, quickly scanning the nearby forest. Someone was there, watching them, listening to them, to their
internal
conversation.

Careful, little one
, he warned.

Instantly, she disappeared from her Dragon’s back.

The man didn’t even flinch when she suddenly appeared beside him on the top limb of one of the tallest trees in the forest. He only cut his eyes sideways at her, not turning his head to fully face her proper.

She was just casually sitting there, feet dangling from the limb, swinging them back and forth like a child.

“Looking for something in particular?” She spoke with a nonchalant air, sighing quietly, examining her nails.

In her peripheral view, Jenevier watched as the corner of his mouth slowly turned up. She smiled, chuckling on the inside.

I like him. He reminds me of… me
, she thought.

Careful, Kagi Naga
, Nilakanta warned again.

She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth and blew out a loud breath. “So… the strong silent type. Huh?”

Still, they did not turn to face each other, both looking down upon the serene Valley of Dragons.

“What makes you think I am strong?”

His voice was deeper than she had imagined, but gentle.

“Well… I fail to see wings upon your back. Neither do I see sweat upon your brow. Yet you sit atop one of the highest trees in the forest. I personally do not know many weaklings myself. But I should say one would be incapable of climbing up here minus cuts, scrapes, and severely stained armpits. You, my good man, look as fresh as the dawn.”

He turned to face her then, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “And you gleaned all of that without even looking at me?” He half snorted, half laughed. “Color me impressed.”

She met his sparkling lavender gaze. “Eh… I have my moments.” She winked at him and turned back toward her waiting Dragon. “So, have you never been told what too much curiosity can cause?”

He continued to stare at her profile. “Multiple times a day. Ask anybody.”

She snickered and glanced back to his mischievous smile. “Well then, you cannot say you weren’t properly warned.”

Jenevier heard him suck in a startled breath when she grabbed him. To his credit, he did not struggle nor did he speak as she winged him from the treetop and gently lowered him to his feet, right in front of the mighty sapphire Dragon.

The man straightened out his tunic and stiffened his back. Other than that, he seemed unfazed.

“You are stronger than you look.” He spoke to Jenevier but kept his gaze fixed with the mighty Dragon’s.

She flew back up to her favorite resting place atop his giant sapphire shoulders. “There are many things about me, not apparent at first glance.”

Nilakanta spoke to her as she translated to the man.

“Tell me. Why do you feel entitled to pry into matters that will never concern you?”

The man glanced up at the tiny woman with her arms lazily draped about either side of the great Dragon’s neck.

He cleared his throat. “Apologies. Was your conversation meant to be private?”

“Well, I don’t exactly recall sending out invitations.”

The man only smiled by way of response.

Naga, I believe you may have just met your long lost snarky little twin.

Dragon and Guardian shared in their silent amused laughter.

“Besides,” the man said. “I have never needed an invitation before. Yet this is my first time being delivered via diamond pinions, Empress.”

Ah, yes. I know him now. This is a child of Munenori. He lives just through the mountain pass, in the Iga village.

Realization sparkled in her pink eyes. She flew down to stand beside him.

“You stand as proof of my years, little one.” She smiled and crinkled up her nose. “I remember… only yesterday you were picking on poor little Mika and climbing upon rooftops.”

He smiled with only one corner of his mouth. “It has been a bit longer than that, Milady. But if I had been blessed with seeing Mika only yesterday, you would be correct.”

“Goemon Ono, gifted son of Hanzo and Hinata, little brother to my son’s lovely wife, and the only Shinobi who can understand Dragons. Wow… You grew up too fast. Yui has told me so much about you.”

He turned then and stared deep into her magical eyes. “He has told me much about you as well. That mighty ninja loves you too much, Empress Naga.”

Her smile beamed. “He and I are of like-mind in that regard. So, tell me. Why was Goemon Ono pulled down from his favorite rooftop this day? I have heard you can plainly read their thoughts whilst remaining in the village. Why venture so close and risk discovery?”

He looked back to the waiting Dragon. “Sorrow,” he whispered. “All my days, for the whole of my life, I have heard the inner thoughts of the great fire lizards—bragging, boasting, comparing everything from the size of their gemstone cache to the size of their manhood. Well… Dragonhood, I guess you would say.”

Jenevier blushed while Nilakanta only laughed within her head.

“But this is the first time I have ever felt one moved to tears. I did not realize they could feel such sadness. They are always so happy and carefree.”

Jenevier and Nilakanta shared a knowing glance.

“When I felt such crippling pain enter such a noble heart, well… I just had to come see what was wrong for myself.” He turned to her then. “And what do I find? Our tiny Empress stretched out atop the greatest among them, pouring out her broken heart. Apologies, Milady, but I simply couldn’t look away.”

“That was an extremely private thing you heard, Goemon.” She narrowed her eyes. “Can I trust you to keep it to yourself?”

“If you but ask it of me, I will tell no one… ever.” He looked down for a moment, then met her celestial gaze once more. “But… shouldn’t someone know if the Empress leaves this realm? Don’t you need to let someone at the palace know of your whereabouts?”

“My Dragon knows. That is all that matters.”

“Pardon me, Empress Naga, but that is
not
all that matters. Not to us.”

He could tell by the confusion dancing plainly within her bright eyes, she didn’t understand.

Goemon cautiously took her hand, relaxing when she did not tense or withdraw. “Aside from all the people who love you and worry about you… think of your loyal subjects, Milady. We would sleep better at night if we knew one of your trusted Angels could contact you in case of emergency.” He lightly squeezed her hand as he continued speaking. “You live amid oceans of blood and rivers of death, daily.
We
do not. Although we are a formidable people, even the Shinobi are comforted by the knowledge that one as great as
you
will always be there upon the battlefield—tearing through the mud and the muck right alongside us.”

She almost teared up. “How did a child as mischievous as you, turn into such a chivalrous man?”

He blushed slightly. “By watching and following in the footsteps of that fair Hand of yours, Your Majesty. You know not what you took from us when you tempted good Yui away.”

She smiled brightly. “I know
exactly
what I took, and you shan’t have him back. Not ever. Alas, I was not the one doing the tempting where we were concerned.”

He chuckled. “Ahh… so you will admit it, will you? You find that young man as beautiful as do all the other maidens in our village, do you not?”

“Well… let’s just say… I have never robbed my eyes of the glory that is his fair face.”

Goemon cocked one eyebrow and gave her a knowing look. “Is it only his face you enjoy gazing upon?”

Jenevier sighed and shook her head. “He told you, didn’t he?”

What’s this, Naga? Are you holding back the juicy bits from me?

She glanced sideways at her Dragon, but it was Goemon who answered his unspoken question.

“You mean… she never told you about how she would sneak around—”

“I do not sneak.”

He chuckled wickedly. “About how she would sneak about, hide in the shadows as her faithful Hand to the throne went through his daily Kata? An unsuspecting young ninja, stripped bare to the waist, concentrating on nothing save his skills and training.”