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Gathering of the Six Stars I
Ashura and Yasha's escape were observed with some alarm by Taishakuten. Bishamonten's failure to eliminate the fugitives were greeted with ridicule by the other Shitenou. All of them are confident of their ability to complete Taishakuten's orders and bring back the head of the fugitives. Sashi, the emperess, presently appeared with her son Ten-oh. She has also heared about the news of Ashura, and although she is the child's mother, her hatred for Ashura seems to even surpass Taishakuten's. The Shitenou reassured Sashi that Ashura and Yasha will be eliminated without mercy.
But they might be less confident of themselves if they witnessed the ease with which Ashura and Yasha escaped pursuit. Even drawing the sword Yamato is enought sometimes to strike terror into the hearts of the soldiers. But this night Yasha need not even need Yamato. Kendappa-oh has sent her most trusted friend, Sohma, to bring Yasha back to her floating city Gandaraja.
Kendappa-oh, however, is in a strange mood, and Yasha soon looks like he'd rather face Taishakuten's army than her. The conversation between them goes something like this:
Yasha: Kendappa-Oh, then why did you invite two fugitives into
your city?
Kendappa: Oh, how can you ask me why?!
Kendappa: That is too much. We're brothers and sisters in
hardship..
Yasha: I don't recall I had a sister, although I did have a
brother.
Kendappa: How could you have sunk so low?!
Kendappa: a Concubine's child is just no good. He becomes
corrupted so easily!
Ashura: Yasha, what's a concubine's child?
Kendappa: Who's this child?
Kendappa: Another one you begot on some woman?
Kendappa: Yasha is so lecherous!
And Kendappa proceeds to hit Yasha on the head with her harp.
But there is a reason for per perversity beyoung a desire to make Yasha squirm. Sohma guessed it at once. Kendappa-oh has been thinking of her mother, who in spite of a husband and a daughter Yasha's age managed to fall in love with the boy at first sight. Not seeing a way out, she drenched her face with tears day in and day out until death put an end to her misery. Even Kendappa-oh admits that it's not Yasha' fault, but she could do nothing about how she feels.
The next day, Kendappa woke Yasha up. Kisshouten, the daughter of the previous emperor and now the wife of Bishamonten, wanted to see him. She too is sickened by the atrocities committed by Taishakuten. Just a few days ago his man had killed a young dancer before her very eyes, and that on the holy day of the Rite of Stars. Yasha, who has not learned about Gigei's death, was stunned. But before he could speak, Kisshoten continued. She wanted to help Yasha, and would like to send Sohma with him. At first Yasha hesitated. The danger he and Ashura faced was simply too great. But he could not refuse when Sohma related her tale. She too had lost her entire clan, and it was not even for any crime of treason. Taishakuten had somehow heard of a legend concerning the Sohma clan. Once in their live, the people of the clan could give their blood to someone, and thereby granting them immortality. Afraid that someone would receive that gift, Taishakuten ordered the whole clan destroyed. Only Sohma was saved by Kendappa-oh. She has vowed revenge on Taishakuten.
No one in the room noticed that Kendappa suddenly looked very angry, and with a toss of her head has left the room. Ashura, wandering about the hall way looking for Yasha, found Kendappa instead. Apparently deciding that she would make a good substitute, Ashura immediately enlisted her to tie up her hair. Willingly or not, Kendappa-oh found herself confessing her worries to Ashura. Her favorite person, meaning Sohma, is going away, and Kendappa-oh knows that she's great fool to dare go against Taishakuten. But she still couldn't help liking Sohma, so she's angry at herself for being such an idiot. Ashura was quite confused by this. But she did understand one thing. Kendappa is very strong, she didn't even cry though her favorite person is going away. And Sohma and Yasha are also strong. None of them will dies if they stay with Ashura. Thinking of strong people, Ashura remembered Gigei, and asked Kendappa if she could make the castle fly slower. She was worrie that Gigei might not be able to catch up. Kendappa, caught off her guard, asked Ashura if that's the dance who was killed at the ceremony. To be told such news, and in such a manner, stunned Ashura. She ran blindly away from Kendappa, remembering all accusations people had hurled at her, and all the promised not kept. And she has never told Gigei that she loved her.
Kendappa realized her mistake, and felt very badly. Luckly, or unluckly, she found an outlet for her unspent temper. A spy had somehow sliped into her city. Kendappa, wielding her scarf like a lasso, made short workd of him, strangling him before he could even utter a word. It did seem to make her feel slightly better, but seeing Sohma by her, she remembered all her fears again. She knows that she had no right to ask Sohma not to go with Yasha, but she asked her o promise that she wouldn't die somewhere far away, at a place Kendappa does not know. Maybe it's beyond her abilities, but Sohma made the promise, and more. She gave one of her earrings to Kendappa-oh, asking her to keep it for her. A token to be hold against her return.
Ashura has found her way back to Yasha and cried out all her woes. She is so afraid that Yasha would also die. But Yasha always know how to reassure her. Did she think he's such a weakling? No, Ashura shook her head. Even Yasha can promise her that they will be together always, and together they'll go and defeat Taishakuten.
Just as Ashura fell aleep, tired from her outburst, Kujaku appeared. Yasha was surprised and suspicious. How could Kujaku, with his violet demon eyes penetrate the kekkai around the city? Kujaku, only half joking, said that he had a special physique the made kekkai useless against him. He came to gave Yasha a warning and an advise. A spy has been discovered, and Yasha should leave as soon possible. Moreover, he's destination should be the western city of Kusumabura., where the legendary sword Shurato is hiddent. This magical weapon could only be wielding by the king of the Ashura clan. It is said that the sword can born all demons in its path. Only with Shurato could Yasha hope to find the six stars. although Yasha is suspicious of Kujaku's motives, the little band of three set out in the evening. A breeze carried the sound of Kendappa's harp to them, a last farewell. Ashura, seeing the unshed tears in Sohma's eyes, made a promise to herself. For all the people around her, she'll become strong.
Ryo-oh Palace:
The home of the the Bushinshou of the northen is ringing with
argument. The present Ryo-oh is failing in health, and his
grandson and heir, Naga, has refused to take the throne. Nothing
his two harressed cousins, Seiryuu and Hyakuryuu, say could make
a difference. Naga is a wild young boy inspite of his martial
prowess, and he does not want to be tied down by the
responsibilities of the throne at such a young age. What he
wanted is clear as soon as he saw Yasha in the farseeing mirror:
A good fight with the strongest warlord in the land.
He found Yasha and Ashura by a waterfall, catching fish for dinner. Naga lose no time issuing his challenge, but from that point on nothing went as he expected. Instead of acknowledging the challenge, Yasha simply put Ashura on his shoulders and turned away. When Naga forcefully barred Yasha's path, the warrior parried all his attacks without even looking. And just when Naga was beginning to have some fun, Ashura cried out in a loud and clear voice that she's hungry. Right then and there all hopes of the battle dissolved, and instead of facing Yasha across a yard of steel Naga found himself feeding a little piglet named Ashura.
But not everything turned out as badly as Ryo-oh expected. Ashura, in spite of Naga's insulting epitaph for her, has become very attached to him in the short time. Yasha had planned to leave the vincinity, and thereby Naga, immediately after the meal. But Nage insisted on coming with him. At first Yasha as adament in his refusal. Naga is the heir to Ryou-oh. Following a band of rebels around will get not only himself, but his whole clan killed. But when Ashura pleaded to let Naga stay, Yasha softened and agreed.
Naga was overjoyed. Before continuing on their journey, he intended to go back home first and get a weapon fit for fighting Taishakuten. At the palace Seiryuu and Hyakuryuu were so happy that the obstinate Naga has decided to become Ryou-oh that either suspected his motive. They explained to him what he already knew: The inheritance ceremony of the Ryo-oh clan is quite simple. The future king must retrieve the Ryuuga-tou from the source of the spring. Only the true Ryou-oh could remove the sword. Naga never had any doubt on that score. He couldn't disappoint Ashura, would depended on him to be strong. Pulling the sword from its place, the new Ryo-oh made his escape. Not allowing Hyakuryuu to catch up, he told his cousin that he is not yet strong enough to be the king. When he come stronger, he'll return and take his place on the throne. To Ryo-oh's suprise Hyakuryuu did not try to stop him. Hyakuryuu told him that as long as he carries the Ryuuga-tou, he is their king and lord, and must be obeyed. With a bow he told Ryo-oh to have a safe journey.
Their number now swelled by the new addition, Yasha and his little band set out for Kusumabura on the western border of Tenkai, where according to Kujaku the sword Shurato is hidden.
In the deepest level of the city Kusumabura, the king watched Yasha's progress in a crystal. "Come," Kumara-ten smiled and beckoned, "kusumabura will be your tomb."
The underground city Kusumabura was once know for its prosperous people and rich resources. Flowers bloomed year around, giving it the name of City of Flowers. But now the city, like so many others, was destroyed in the Holy Wars three hundred years ago. The first thing that greeted their eyes as they passed through the hidden entrance of the city was the banner of Taishakuten, proclaiming to all that this is a subjugated place. Still, the ruins were spectacular. The city spread out below them in a great panaroma. Kujaku had told Yasha that Shurato was hidden in the lowest level. But the halls echoed with emptiness, the sword Shurato was nowhere to be found.
A rumble vibrated through the empty space. A beam of light broke through the floor, and Ashura found herself sinking into the ground. There was another level below after all. But falling stones prevented Yasha from reaching Ashura. Helpless, he watched Ashura swollowed by the ground like quicksand.
When Ashura opened her eyes to a completely differnt surronding. A man came forward and greeting her. "Welcome, prince Ashura", the king of the underground, Kumara-ten said.
Three hundred years ago, Kumara-ten had seen his beautiful city destroyed and his people brutally slaughtered by Taishakuten's army. Only he, and a faithful elder of his people survived, sustained by the thought of revenge. Now vengence is finally within his grasp. On the night of the lunar eclipse, with the sacrifice of Ashura's blood, he will finally be able to open the seal on Shurato. Wielding the magical sword, he'll be able to defeat Taishakuten.
Ashura did not think the Kumara-ten is strong enough to defeat Taishakuten even with Shurato in his hand. Beside, didn't Yasha promise her that that they will defeat Taishakuten together? Calling up all her strength, she hurled a bolt of fire at Kumara-ten. Now truly angry, Kumara-ten raise his hand to strike back. "Danger!" Before Ashura could react, a young woman jumped out and pushed her out of the way. Kneeling before her, she called Ashura her lord, and promise Ashura to defent her with her life.
Above, Yasha and Ryo-oh's still have not succeeded in find any trace of Ashura. And as he always does, Kujaku appeared, to answer a few question and raise new doubts. He told Yasha that the entrance to the lowest level of Kusumabura can only be opened by Kumara-ten. Their efforts are completely futile. But Ashura is in no danger at the moment. If she is the true Ashura-oh, she'll bring back Shurato alive. Yasha did not look convinced, but distraction arrived in form of Koumoku-ten's army, led by Sui-ten Varuna.
The young woman who rescued Ashura was named kara. Ashura, imprisoned by Kumara-ten in a transparent sphere, at first was inclined to view her with great suspicion, but when kara revealed that she is one of Ashura's clan's pristess, Ashura's hostility turned into excitment. At last she found someone to tell her about her family.
Kara was happy to oblige. She told Ashura about the Ashura clan, which has the power over light, illusions, and fire. Ashura-oh, leading the twelve holy knights, bears the noble title of the guardian god of Tenkai and Tentai. Their city, Ashura-jou, appears as the reflection of Tentai's Zenmi-jou. But Ashura-jou actually exists in a different dimension, and the water surrounding it is a miraculous kekkai. Only those belonging to the Ashura clan or has special permission could enter the city.
She told Ashura about her father Ashura-oh, who was noble, and strong, and very handsome, in short, everything one could want in a father and a king. But Kara hesitated when Ashura asked about her mother. She stammered, and thought Ashura never noticed, her reply sounded forced. Ashura's mother, Sashi, is... is.... bright, clever, and charming. She did everything well. Sashi had been Kara's twin sister, chosen from among humans to be the miko(priestess) of the Ashura clan.
But there's so much more the Kara did not tell Ashura as her mind turned back to that magical time when they were just chosen. Kara had thought it was as wonderful as a dream, to be chosen as miko and to have all the priviledges and rights of a god conferred upon them. But Sashi had laughed at her naivete. Sashi did not think a great deal of being a miko. She wanted much, much more. She wanted to rise about everyone, god or human. Kara was horrified, but Sashi always got what she wanted.
Soon she has won Ashura-oh's favor, and was chosen as his bride. She showed Kara the pretty little bird he gave her, and her gorgeous wedding gown. But they meant thing to her except as a sign of her status. She carelessly asked kara to take care of the bird for her, because she's going to be too busy, and when the little thing tangled itself in her gown, she killed it without a second thought, leaving Kara to clean up the mess for her.
After Sashi's marriage she soon became pregnant with Ashura. But still she was not content. During the Holy War, Kara discovered to her horror that Sashi has started an affair with their enemy, Taishakuten. She begged Sashi to stop, and when Sashi refused, she reminded Sashi that their affair is hopeless, Taishakuten could not hope to win against Ashura-oh. But that one sentence had completely the opposite effect. Taishakuten could win, if Sashi tells him what she knows about the weakness of Ashura clan. She never cared for Ashura-oh, who only wanted an heir from her. Now she has a chance to become the empress, not merely the wife of a king. As for the child she carried, she resolved to kill as soon as its born.
Kara remained quiet for too long. How can she tell the truth, when Ashura looked up at her with such happy and expectant eyes. But she had to say something... "When you were born, your mother for certain reasons could not raise you yourself. But I know that she expected you for a long time before you were born." And Ashura seems to be very satisfied with that.
The elder appeared to call Kara to attend Kumara-ten. Ashura at first refused to let Kara go. Kumara-ten is a terrible man, and wouldn't Kara rather spend her time with Ashura? But Kara told her that kumara-ten is really a kind man at heart. His hatred for Taishakuten has twisted him. Ashura, now feeling slightly more sympathetic, asked Kara if she loved him. Kara did not answer directly. Turning away, she told Ashura that she is going to have Kumara-ten's child. But then she added that the child should not be born--no one wanted it to come into this world. Ashura's reaction to this was violent. Thinking of herself, she told Kara to never say that about any child. Didn't Kara know that the child could not live if no one wanted him?
So when Kara finally returned to Kumara-ten she did not look very happy. He pulled her into his arms violently, but then asked with unusual gentleness if she's feeling well. His unexpected concern touched kara, but she realzied she made a mistake when she asked him if he is worried about her. Kumara-ten snatched back his hands and told her that he cared nothing for her, his only concern was for the child.
Above, Yasha faced the leader of Koumoku-ten's army, an annoying loudmouth who in a few sentences called Ryo-oh a bastard, Ashura a brat, and Yasha a useless buffon. Naturally this did not endear him to Yasha. In fact, he was becoming furious. His eyes turned a deep red, and an air of murderous rage enveloped him. Power radiated from Yasha, the power that earned him the name of Demonlord. With one stroke he decimated the army. But Varuna still has not learned his lesson. He continued to blather about the various painful things he has planned for Ashura. Yasha, who was never a mild tempered man, exploded. Who does Varuna think he is to bandy the hallowed name of Ashura on his tongue. "Mei-Ou Hayouzan", Yasha cried, and raise his sword for the death stroke.