Hello! I would apologize for the long wait, but It's to be expected. Life gets in the way. Jobs...eh, can't help it sometimes. This chapter took forever to write and I lost inspiration for a while. My muse decided to vanish and didn't want to come back. Alas, here you are. I do apologize for any grammar mistakes. I don't have a Beta and I read through and edit as much as I can, but even I know that mistakes still slip past. Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OC's.

Playing with Fire

Chapter 27

You want to know one of the best things about Tourin?

It was the hidden garden. Located in the center of the palace.

Sure, the place looked like a freaking tomb with all the cylinder tops and open windows and bullshit. A thing Aria hated with a raving passion, but she understood why it didn't look like it once was. It once stood amongst the desert like an oasis, to any traversing the harsh climate. It was once a grand palace.

The tops were once a radiant blue, crosswalks and courtyards scattered about between and connecting the different wings of the palace. A giant blue gemstone was on the top of the great stone balcony. Raizen's throne room sitting just above it. The gemstone, known as the Gem of Omonoia, would be a beacon for anyone traveling in the desert. Leading the way to Tourin's capital.

The palace used to be surrounded by bright and fresh green grass and a few trees. Aria would use her abilities to make it rain to keep it all watered and she still did, in certain parts that wasn't taken by the desert.

Now of course, parts of it had been reduced to rubble a time or two…okay maybe more then 100 times. That was besides the point the though. Each time it was destroyed, the rebuilding had turned it into what it looked like now.

And in the center of it all, was the secret garden.

There was a very powerful spell that surrounded the garden, that protected it. Also, the only way you could get inside the garden is to find the secret passageway. A secret passage only Aria, Reiko, Kyo, Raizen, and Hokushin knew existed.

The garden was the Power Trio's sanctuary from all the chaos outside. Plus, it was so protected from magic and demon energy that a bomb could go off and destroy all of Tourin's capital and it would still be standing.

Currently, the three of them were all being a lazy bunch of bums.

The garden itself was something out of a fantasy. There really were no words to describe it. A small pool of water stood in the center, it emptied out into a smaller pond that ran around and circulated about to fall back into the pool by a waterfall. It kept the water running constantly, always staying fresh and cool.

A very tall willow tree stood near its banks, it's branches barely grazed the water's top with each sway. Kyo had his back pressed against the smooth bark, his head tipped back with his eyes closed. Aria was laying against him, her back to his chest as she stretched out on the ground. Reiko's head was on her lap, a sketchpad resting against her legs as she idly drew whatever was on her mind.

Aria's humming could be heard it you walked close enough. Her fingers running through Reiko's hair absentmindedly.

They were the picture of serenity.

In all actuality, they were hiding from repairs. After the damage Aria and Raizen caused, half of the front and back portion of the main tower had to be rebuilt. They destroyed more than they thought they did. In Aria's defense, she didn't remember half the fight. Her bruises were still healing, any broken bones having already mended but she was still very much sore.

"He'll be here in a couple weeks." Reiko said as she interrupted their tranquility.

Aria's eyes slowly opened, her gaze fixating on the overhanging ceiling through the willow's branches. Sunlight trickled in from the solar panels above. She knew what that meant. When Yusuke came to Tourin, to train and learn everything he'd need from Raizen. She was not going to be there. She was going to have to leave.

It wasn't like she didn't want to leave. She wanted to very much stay and spend as much time as she could with her father and her newly discovered brother. Yet, she knew of she was here she'd just be in their way.

Plus, Reiko told her she needed to go anyways.

Kyo was going to go with her, like he always did. Honestly, the more she tried to get him to go live a life that away from her, the more he resisted. He'd just give her a smile and say that being with her, being her friend and being able to be by her side; was all he needed in life.

Aria totally did not cry when Kyo told her that. Nope, not at all.

"Are they leaving this week?" The they? Was Hokushin, Touou and Seitei. The three monks were supposed to be going to human world to give Yusuke his royal invite to come to Tourin.

Reiko nodded against her lap, causing Aria to sigh in sadness. Kyo's hands came up to comb through her hair, massaging her scalp. Aria reached up and grabbed one of them, lacing their fingers together as she turned her head to burrow into his chest.

"Don't fret Lady Aria. We'll only be a few hours away. Reiko's given us her cave remember?" Kyo couldn't help but laugh as he watched Reiko's nose crinkle at the thought. It took Aria better half of a day to convince Reiko to agree to allow them to stay there.

Reiko finally agreed after several dozen threats to not break anything!

A feat that Kyo could easily do, but Aria…Reiko gave it a day… no an hour before something of hers was broken. It was sad, the little amount of faith she had in Aria. Yet, after knowing someone for 2000 plus years, you do get to know them well.

The sound of rock shifting over had the three exhaling in dejection together. Their time together to be lazy had come to an end. Someone had found them. All three looked up as the branches of the willow parted and Hokushin stepped through.

Aria gave him a wave and a smile as the bald monk stopped a foot from the trio. His dark eyes took them in, and he let out sigh. After looking for them for hours, it was only reasonable for him to find them stowing away here.

"Lord Raizen wishes for you to join him for dinner, milady." Hokushin informed them.

Aria blinked. It was already dinner time? They had been inside the Garden all day. Wow, time flew quickly, huh. Reiko sat up, allowing Kyo to stand to his feet. His arms still around Aria, pulling her up as well.

"Let's not keep him waiting."

Aria nodded at Kyo and together, the four of them left the garden and made their way throughout the palace to the throne room. It took them longer than usual, having to go a longer route because of the construction.

Aria pushed those giant doors open and a wide grin split her face nearly in two as she caught sight of her father. He was where he usually was, sitting right there where he belonged. Her smile dipped and her eyes pricked at the thought of him not being there one day. As if sensing her thoughts, Raizen opened his arms for her and Aria wasted no time in rushing into her father's embrace.

Over 2000 years old and her favorite place in all three worlds was still her father's arms. She curled up against him as Kyo and Reiko took their usual spots. Kyo's head resting on her thigh and Reiko sitting back against his chest between his open legs.

Hokushin waited by the door, as some other servants brought three trays in, all piled with food. Hokushin gave a bow and promptly left the room.

Raizen just sat back, his clawed fingers working their way through Aria's hair as he weaved it into an intricate braid.

"What's on your mind, my daughter?" He had noticed the sullen expression clouding her usual happiness, plus she was only nibling at the fruit on her plate. Something she rarely did.

Aria sat her apple down and handed the tray in her lap to Kyo, who took it silently and placed it on the floor. Turning in her father's lap, her eyes met his own. The turmoil reflecting in her own eyes was heartbreaking. She opened her mouth to say what was on her mind when the sudden sound a portal opening drew all four of their attention to the swirling mass of colors.

Aria sat up straighter when Botan stepped through the vortex. Her dreary disposition evaporated, and she bounced out of her father's arms and lept at Botan. The bubbly Grim Reaper squeaked as she was enveloped in a very tight hug and spun around the room.

"Botan!"

"Agh! Hello, Aria." Botan giggled as the demon sat her down on her feet. Bubblegum eyes roamed around the room and she flashed a smile to both Kyo and Reiko. Her body moved into a bow as she faced Raizen. "Lord Raizen."

Aria grinned. That was one thing she loved about Botan; she was the politest thing ever! Plus, out of all Spirit World officials, she was one of the only ones welcomed within Tourin's borders. Koenma was the other, on rare occasions.

"What are you doing here, Botan?" Kyo inquired from his place on the floor. Reiko was still leaning against his chest, but it was such a normal sight that Botan just beamed.

"Well," she began as Aria shuffled back over to sit on the arm of her father's throne. "I came to escort Tourin's representative to the Spirit World."

Aria frowned and shared a confused look with Kyo. Reiko didn't look surprised by the news and she shrugged when she caught Aria's questioning eyes.

"Representative for what?"

Raizen leaned forward and Aria turned her head to look down at her father. "Hokushin will be the one to go." Raizen flared his energy, to signal said monk. "It's a courtesy, to let Enma know I'll be sending for my descendant to join me here in the next coming days."

Aria froze at that. She knew it was coming. Reiko informed them all herself not to long ago. Her shoulder's slumped and her eyes lowered to the floor. That would mean she had to leave her father's side soon. She couldn't be here when Yusuke came. That wouldn't end well for any of them.

The door to the throne room opened and Hokushin stepped inside. He lowered himself to his knee and bowed to Raizen. "You called for me, My King?"

"Go with Lady Botan, inform Enma of my demands. If he doesn't comply, give him a warning." Raizen ordered.

Hokushin bowed again and moved to stand, his gaze landed on a flustered looking Botan. She'd never been called 'Lady' before. Especially not by the King of Tourin. Aria gave her a reassuring smile as Botan stuttered through telling Hokushin to follow her.

"Tell Koenma, 'hey', for me." Aria called as Botan and Hokushin stepped through the portal that opened back up. Botan nodded and then disappeared through the portal. Once the swirling vortex disappeared, Aria sighed. "Think he'll comply?"

"If he knows what's good for him." Reiko muttered as she stood to her feet and stretched.

Aria raised a skeptical brow. "You telling me you haven't peeked the outcome? Now, why don't I believe that?"

Reiko leveled Aria with a look. "I don't need to know every little detail." She waved her hand dismissively. "Besides, we already know that ignorant King will fold. Yusuke will be here in two weeks' time." With that, their resident Witch swept out of the throne room.

"Two weeks, huh?" Kyo glanced up at his Lady. His hand reached out and grasped her own, squeezing softly. Aria managed a weak smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Standing up, he placed a kiss to his Lady's forehead and left the room as well.

Father and daughter needed some time alone.

"Come, my daughter." Raizen leaned back in his seat and opened his arms. Aria slipped off the armrest and curled up in his arms. Her head was tucked under his chin, resting right over his heart. Every so often, it would thump against her ear.

Demon hearts always did fascinate her. Some didn't beat at all, whilst others would beat every couple minute. Some beat just like a human, quick and in rapid succession.

"I'm not dying anytime soon." Raizen's deep voice washed over her, his words causing Aria to tighten her hold on him.

"Maybe not this year, but…next year is a different story." She had to close her eyes to stop the stupid tears from falling. She took a steadying breath in, her father's musky, earthy scent filling her senses. "Any time is too soon."

Raizen tightened his arms her as her voice cracked and he could fell hot tears dripping from her eyes to land on his chest. "Your pain is my pain, and I am deeply sorry to be the cause."

Aria clenched her teeth together tightly, the ache in her chest deepened. She felt like she was being suffocated. She couldn't take in the necessary oxygen and it hurt! Why did it hurt so much? Her heart was breaking, and the weight of the coming agony was unbearable. She couldn't handle this kind of grief.

Her body bowed as sobs wrecked her form. Her arms wrapped around her father's torso and she pressed her face into his chest and screamed her sorrow. Raizen held her as she broke in his arms. His hands ran over her back, his lips pressed into her hair as he murmured how sorry he was. It wasn't like he wanted to leave his daughter. He didn't want to cause he such anguish.

Her cries were shattering his own heart, and he was truly regretful.

"No matter what happens." Raizen placed a hand on her head, his fingers combing through her hair. "I want you to know Aria, that I am proud of you. So very proud and honored to be your father. These years have been the best of my long life. Even when I'm not here in the flesh with you," Aria choked, and his hands moved to sooth over her back. "I will always be with you, even in spirit. You are my daughter, my princess, my treasure. I will always love you."

"I…I love—you too." Aria gasped out between sobs. She did too, she loved father more than anything.

Outside the throne room, Reiko slid down the wall and buried her head in her hands, Aria's cries easily being heard. Kyo was leaning next to her and they both felt for their Lady. Her heartache was also theirs. Reiko whished more than anything, that she could change Raizen's future and spare Aria.

But, she couldn't. None of them could. Kyo slid down next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close to his chest. The two ex-lovers stayed there, each one grieving for their Lady and their King.

A few days later, the three Monks left for the human world.

When Hokushin returned to Tourin, several hours after he left; he informed them that Mukuro and Yomi had also sent someone to Spirit World and that Enma had no choice in ageeeing to their terms. Not unless he wanted to start a war. Plus, three very powerful demons were about to leave the Living World and return to Demon World.

He'd be a fool if he denied any of them.

Aria had nearly lost her lunch at the apparatus the monks had to have strapped to their chests. They were so gross looking. After her little breakdown, she spent her time divided. In the early morning hours, she'd train with Kyo and the other monks. Reiko had left Tourin and returned home to her cave.

Aria and Kyo were barred from entering. Reiko stated she had things to prepare for and did not need the distractions.

In the evenings, Aria would sit with her father in his throne room. She'd rest against him and listen to his stomach growl and watch as his strength slowly ebbed away. One such evening, she found herself sitting in his lap as he braided her hair and she in turn, braided Kyo's.

"He'll forgive you." Raizen rumbled from behind her as he swept some hair up.

Aria had her head tilted as he braided the side of her head to merge with the back. She let out an exhale through her nose and tugged on Kyo's hair, the wolf demon tilted his head back for her to start a new section.

"I hope you're right. Botan told me that he was still not speaking my name and would get angry if any of them mentioned me."

Kyo snorted and muttered something under his breath. Something that sounded an awful lot like him calling Yusuke a 'incompetent man-child who needed to grow the hell up'. He wasn't wrong, but Aria knew just how long Yusuke could hold a grudge.

"He has a lot of growing up to do. Something I'll make sure he achieves whilst here." Raizen stated as he finished his braiding.

Aria hummed in thought. Yeah, she didn't feel sorry for him one bit. She knew what Raizen meant by that statement. He'd beat it into Yusuke the old-fashioned way. Blood, sweat, and tears.

Mainly blood though, mainly by spilling blood.

Kyo tipped his head back enough to look up at Aria, his eye meeting her own. "Don't forget Reiko is staying here to assist in his training as well." A wicked gleam flickered through her friend's eyes and Aria grinned.

That was true. Reiko was a slave driver too. Raizen was worst by far, but Reiko was no slouch either. Maybe she felt some pity for what Yusuke was about to suffer through. Hopefully, they didn't kill him. With both of them tag teaming him.

Raizen's stomach growled and Aria rose to her feet. "And that's the dinner bell." She kissed her father's cheek and helped Kyo to his feet. "Let's go raid the kitchens. I feel like making something humanish tonight."

Raizen chuckled at the nauseated look that passed over Kyo's face. "If there was ever a time, I was grateful to not be eating."

Arai stuck her tongue out at her father and grabbed Kyo's hand and tugged him out of the room. "You'll like it, I promise."

Kyo laced their fingers together and brought her hand up to kiss the back of it. "I shall take your word for it, Milady."

She smirked and released his hand in favor for jumping up and onto his back. Kyo shook his head and braced his hands under her thighs as he carried her down the winding staircase.

"I do believe you've gained some weight, you're not as light as you normally are." Aria's shocked gasp caused his lips to curl in amusement. His head knocked forward and Aria thumped him in the back of it.

"You take that back! I am not fat!"

"If you say so, Milady." Kyo shrugged.

"Kyoooooooooo!" Aria's whine carried throughout their descent, the maids all turned away to hide their giggles and smiles.

Their Lady could be such a child sometimes.

….

Thunder cracked overhead, storm clouds brewed and churned overhead. Many of the monks cast weary gazes upwards as more thunder rumbled and lightening streaked across the skies. Rain fell in a thick deluge over the landscape.

It wasn't a normal thunderstorm. Seeing as how Tourin didn't exactly get rain, being out in the desert. No, the current storm was being caused by their ladies' turbulent emotions. The demons in the city were used to such events, seeing as how Lady Aria had created many outbreaks over the years.

They could always tell which emotion she was feeling the strongest by the storms that formed. When angry, the winds would blow through like a hurricane, the rain sharp as a blade. When happy, it would be soft and soothing. This one though, was created from sadness.

They could practically taste their Ladies' sorrow in the air.

It wasn't exactly Aria's fault.

She sat on her balcony and stared out over the lands with a blank expression. Her eyes were dull and focused on nothing. It wasn't her fault; she was currently not in that great of control. Plus, Yagi, one of the monks; had come to her earlier and asked if she could drench the lands once more.

This squall was the result.

The reason for her melancholy. Yusuke was on his way. She could feel his energy, coming closer and closer to Tourin. Hokushin and Touou and left a few days prior to go retrieve him and now, they were on their way back. Less than 5 hours away now.

A day after she felt Yusuke join this world, she also felt both Kurama and Hiei's energy spike as they also entered. No doubt, they were on their ways to Alaric and Gandara.

Her gaze moved towards her father's tower. She'd need to be leaving soon. As if reading her thoughts, the door to her room opened and someone stepped inside. She didn't need to look behind herself to know it was Reiko. Kyo was already with her, sitting just within the balcony doors.

"It's time, Aria." Reiko spoke softly as she looked over Aria's soaked form. She'd been sitting in her own storm for hours now.

Aria released her legs and unfurled them from her chest as she stood to her feet. As she stepped inside, she quickly discarded her wet clothes and walked towards her closet. The storm outside slowed to a crawl and stopped altogether.

Aria pulled some dry clothes on and swept her hair up into a messy bun on top her head. Stepping out of her closet, she found that Kyo was the only one waiting for her. Kyo reached out and grasped her hand, lacing their fingers together.

"I'll walk you to the base."

Aria gave him a grateful smile and allowed her most trusted friend to lead her from her quarters and towards Raizen's tower. Aria leaned her head against his shoulder and let her eyes close. She know Kyo wouldn't let her walk into anyone or anything.

"How am I supposed to say goodbye? I feel like my entire being is being ripped to pieces." Aria asked in a quiet whisper.

Kyo glanced down at his Lady and moved to wrap his arm around her shoulders. "I don't have an answer for you, Milady." He leaned down to press a kiss to the top of her head. "You rescued me from loneliness and gave my life purpose. The day I am banished from your side, will be the day I can answer that question."

Aria tipped her head back and smiled up at her Kyo. "That day won't ever be here then, I'm afraid. You're stuck me with till I no longer live in this life."

Kyo stopped walking and cupped his Lady's face as he turned to face her fully. "Even death will not be able to part us, Aria. I'd follow you into death, and still never part from your side." His thumbs swept over her cheeks to catch the tears that fell.

What did she ever do to have someone to loyal in her life? Aria stretched up to her tiptoes and placed a kiss on Kyo's forehead.

"I love you, my darling Kyo."

"And I you, My Lady."

She was tucked back under his arm and they spent the rest of the walk-in silence. True to his word, Kyo left her at the base of the spiraling staircase and Aria made the rest if the journey to her father's throne room alone. She let her energy flare a bit as she grew closer, announcing her presence to her father.

Raizen was sitting where he usually was when she pushed the heavy doors open and slipped inside. His gaze rose from the floor to meet her own and as soon as he opened his arms, she was in them. Aria tucked herself against him and breathed in his calming scent.

"He'll be here soon."

Raizen hummed. "Yes, I can feel his energy drawing nearer." A clawed finger was placed under her chin, her head being lifted so their gazes could meet. "Is that why you're here, my daughter? To say goodbye?"

Aria blinked and gave a small nod. She didn't trust her voice; she was already feeling the first steps of crying again. Goodness, she had turned into a big baby the last few weeks. She couldn't help it though. She was having to say goodbye to her father, and she knew that this was going to be the last time she ever saw him alive.

"Don't cry, you've known this day was coming."

Aria hiccupped and shrugged halfheartedly. "That doesn't make this any easier. I could have another thousand years to prepare and it would still be too soon." Raizen wrapped his daughter in his arms and allowed her cry against him once more.

"You won't be far away; you can always visit." Raizen stated.

Aria sighed and leaned away to wipe her face clean. "No, that won't be possible. Not with Yusuke here. We can't risk it. If he sees me, then he will completely forget about you and spend the entire time trying to chase me down for answers."

She scowled at the thought. Yusuke's determination could sometimes be very frighteningly annoying. Not only that, but she knew that when the time came for them to be face to face. A fight would surely break out, and it wouldn't be a pleasant one either.

Raizen said nothing, his hands started to run through her hair, and they sat there in silence with one another for the next three hours. Occasionally they'd speak, but it was with just simple words of endearment and soft whimpers of denial.

Aria lifted her head from her father's shoulder when she felt Hokushin's demonic energy near the border. She needed to leave, and soon. They would be here within the hour. She had one thing to do though, before she left. Aria climbed out of her father's lap and held her hand out for him to take.

"Dance with me, one last time."

Raizen placed his hand in her own and Aria took a few steps back before placing her other on her father's shoulder. She took in a deep breath and started to hum a song she had come to fancy whilst in the human world. The song was called 'Butterfly Kisses'.

Father and daughter swayed around the throne room as Aria changed from humming the song to singing it softly.

"Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer.

Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair."

Raizen spun her around and Aria cracked a small smile.

"Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right

To deserve a hug every morning, and butterfly kisses at night."

Aria rested her forehead against her father's chest and squeezed her eyes shut as her voice hitched as she sang the lyrics. When the swirling emotions became to much and she couldn't sing anymore, Aria stopped and softly cried. Her eyes snapped open though when her father's voice picked up a different song.

"So, I will dance with Cinderella. While she is here in my arms, Because I know something the prince never knew."

Aria looked up at her father, her lips pulling back into a smile as he sang the same song they danced to so long ago. Raizen released her hand and spun her once more in a slow circle and pulled her back to him. A small laugh bubbled up and slipped through out.

"Oh, I will dance with Cinderella. Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight…And she'll be gone."

Aria joined her father in the song as they moved around the room, as it came near the end. They both stopped and just held onto the other.

"No matter what. I want you to always remember that you are my daughter, Aria." Raizen tipped his daughter's face back. "You are the blood of my blood, my legacy. Never forget that. Never forget that I will always love you, whether its in this life or the next."

Aria nodded and wrapped her arms around his torso, hugging him on last time. She took in his scent, one last time and placed a kissed against his heart. One last time.

"I won't. I love you too, father. Always and forever."

Raizen leaned down and pressed his lips to her head, his closing as he held her to him for a moment longer. When he released her and she took a step back, Raizen felt his own non beating heart break.

"Goodbye, father." Aria choked out as she pulled the doors open and glanced back at him, one last time. She managed a smile before she slipped through the crack and disappeared.

"Goodbye, my daughter." Raizen spoke into the now empty room. He turned his back on the door and moved to sit back down on his throne. A single tear fell from his eye and splashed against the stone flooring.

As Aria walked down the spiraling staircase, she was numb, and the tears wouldn't stop flowing. She stumbled a few times and finally, her knees gave out and she fell. She didn't even care that she was about to tumble down a million stairs.

Arms caught her though and she looked up through blurry eyes to see Kyo, staring somberly down at her. Her best friend said nothing, just picked her up and carried her the rest of the way down. When warmth touched her skin, she knew they had exited the building.

Aria leaned her head against Kyo's chest and closed her eyes as Kyo carried her away from Tourin. Away from her father. For deep inside her heart, she knew that that was the last time, she'd probably ever see her father alive.

Yusuke stood on the top of plateau and stared down at Tourin. It looked nothing like that painting that she had on her wall. This looked like…He honestly didn't know, but it wasn't what he expected.

He half ass listened to Hokushin talk about purposefully trying to leave him behind, responded with his usually cockiness and followed the two baldies into the city. Yusuke tried not to compare it to the painting he spent hours upon hours studying. Yet, he found it hard not to.

He'd never admit it, but he spent the last several days inside her apartment looking the paintings over. The one of Tourin and the one that showed her true appearance as she leaned against the white-haired guy. What was his name again? His fist clenched in anger just thinking about it.

Hokushin informed him that he'd be traveling the rest of they way up the tallest tower alone. As he started up the steps, he paused a few times when a familiar scent caught his attention. The scent of rain, mixed with ozone, with an undertone of lavender. It was her scent!

She had been here recently. A twisted grin appeared at the thought of possibly coming face to face with that lying witch. Not the actual Witch, but the other one. What felt like a lifetime later, he made it to the top of the staircase and stopped in front a set of giant, golden doors.

Yusuke swallowed and moved to push the doors open. "Knock, knock!"

He stepped into the room and immediately froze when he spotted a figure in the background. A bushy, head of white mass was the first thing that came to him. As his gaze lowered, he met vibrant violet eyes.

"Welcome, my son."

Yusuke took a few more steps inside and dropped his bag as his arm came up to wipe the sweat off his face. He didn't know if it was because of how hot the climate was or because the overwhelming demon energy he could radiating off the demon in front of him.

"What's the matter?" Raizen chuckled in amusement. "You too big and cool to give your old man a hug?"

Yusuke gritted his teeth as his previous frustrations festered. "You're not my dad! Now tell me, why did you have to get involved? When I was fighting Sensui, what did you do?"

When Raizen just smirked at him and didn't answer, the top blew off his temper. "Tell me or I'm gonna kick your ass!"

Yusuke barely had time to dodge the attack that Raizen shot towards him. Pain ripped through his midsection and a choked scream came out as he stumbled back. Wide eyes watched the blood flow from his abdomen. Damn it! That freaking hurt and now he was pissed! Yusuke lifted his head and glared at Raizen when the demon started to laugh.

"That's why I did it. For your own good, you ungrateful bastard. That human would've killed you." Raizen explained. "You may have inherited my genes, but you haven't the slightest idea what to do with them. Shame to waste them on a weakling like you!"

Without thinking, Yusuke growled and charged forward screaming. "I'll waste you!"

…

As crashing noises sounded from outside the tower, Hokushin smirked from down below. "Well, doesn't that just sound familiar. A similar reaction was had when Lady Aria first came here. Sounds about right for a father-son reunion."

A scoff sounded behind them and the two monks turned to see Reiko walking towards them. "It'll be exactly the same, the moment the tower is blown apart." As if on que, the side of the tower exploded.

A sigh left her lips as she made her way inside and up the many stairs to reach Raizen's throne room. She was at the top quicker than she wanted to be. Without knocking, she pushed one of the doors open. Her gaze immediately spotted Yusuke hunched over on the floor with Raizen squatting in front of him.

"You've had a long journey, Reiko here will take care of your wounds and tomorrow, we'll start your training."

Yusuke's head whipped around to look at her as Reiko's nose curled. She was so not about to become this man-child's personal doctor. She was only staying in Tourin these next months because Aria asked her too.

"It's you."

Reiko raised a question brow at the haughty tone Yusuke directed towards her. She flicked her attention towards Raizen. "The monks sealed off the west quarters. Someone will be here soon to repair that," she waved her hand towards the hole in the back wall.

"How is she?" Raizen asked, and Reiko paused as her gaze unfocused briefly.

"Resting."

"She? You mean Aria? Where is she?" Yusuke asked, his gaze hardening. Raizen was smirking again, but Reiko could see the sadness lingering in the dying King's eyes.

Reiko glanced down at Yusuke. "That is not your concern. Come on, you're bleeding all over the floor." With that, she turned on her heel and left the room. If Yusuke didn't follow her, that wasn't her problem.

He'd just have to find his own way around. The sound of shuffling was heard behind her and she knew he was now behind her as she started the descent down all the god forsaken stairs. They really needed to set electricity up here and install an elevator.

"One rule whilst you're here," Reiko looked at the male over her shoulder. "Don't bring up Lady Aria in Raizen's presence or say anything negative about her in front of the monks. That will get you a one-way ticket to getting your ass kicked, if not killed."

Yusuke let out a rude snort. "I don't care about her enough to even say her name again anyways."

Reiko watched him for a moment. "If only that were the truth, to bad it's not." She started walking again and ignored the grumbling male.

She couldn't stop the thousandth sigh from escaping her, and so begins a year of hell. She really hoped she didn't kill him herself.

she just had to keep telling herself, she was doing this for Aria; and she would have plenty of time to beat sense into Yusuke in the next coming months. Something she was very much looking forward too.

Thanks for reading!

Now, I know these songs weren't produced in the current time, but for the purpose of this story. They are already in existence.

I make no promises on when the next chapter will be updated, just that it will be. I have not, nor will I abandon this story.

Thanks again!

ALSO! Stay healthy and away from the Coronavirus!