Chapter 15: Choice
In another part of the palace a figure dressed fully in black entered Hiatsu’s room, smirking below a drawn hood and behind a high collar made of cotton. “What do you want?” Hiatsu asked in a low growl, not in the mood for games. He had returned to his room recently and just gotten into dealing with some new paperwork, concerning the other landmass he was to be overseeing.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LtWDSoSrO
The figure in black giggled, taking slow swaying steps forward to put distance between them and the open balcony door. “Nothing oh mighty and kind God of the Flame, only a warning I bring to give.” The female voice cooed while her body gave a deep bow, both arms extending out and back behind her as her body dipped forwards, her left foot slipping behind her right to work as a counter balance. Sliding smoothly back to be standing an odd color gleamed from under the shadows of her hood. “Release the girl and keep the boy or disaster shall befall your men during their mission.” Her voice was smooth as silk and sharp as a bladed tongued snake.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgdfhmMaVl
He looked up with his eyes first, giving her a stone hard glanced then returned his focus back down to his paperwork. “I fear nothing as my men fear nothing. Leave wench or die.” The Fire God hissed dangerously his warning, growing further agitated by her presence.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvERIOlqw0A
“Oh, powerful words coming from someone who rarely acts upon what he preaches.” Her voice had become softer, deeper, almost like she was daring his authority and questioning his ability to not be puffing air with idle threats.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bPBmbiKi7
Hiatsu’s jaw tightened and his lips thinned as his shoulders tensed. This woman was getting on his last nerves the more she lingered. “Wench…this is your last warning. Leave now or die if you breathe another word.”1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLLIOVrlr6
She released a mocking gasp as if she was truly scared but that didn’t last long before she started to laugh. “Oh will you now?” she giggled, rising a delicate hand to her lips as she appeared to be trying to contain her amusement. That was it, he had had it. No one was going to mock him, he didn’t even allow it from Marizu.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2OZJsFkz3
In an instant Hiatsu was in her face, shoving her back against the wall hard and held her by her throat with his strong, hot hand against her flesh. The fabric of her cloak’s collar was compressed roughly under his hand which allowed access to her bare skin. His nails extended about an inch so they could dig into the sides of her neck, not pressing enough to draw blood but could leave imprints alongside his fingertips. Pulling out a weapon he just forged from his flames behind his back, he lifted it and pressed the well-honed, sharp blade firmly against her neck. “Leave or die.” He snarled deeply as flames left his lips as he spoke those words, his cold yellow eyes watching the shiny blade graze the underside of her chin as it came to rest against her soft colored flesh.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgCwauCztk
She tilted her head back without flinching when a light layer of skin cells was removed, shifting her eyes to be looking down at him so one blue eye was showing through the shadows of her hood. Amusement reflected in her gaze as a smirk continued to rest on her now showing face. “Oh? Are you so sure, dear God of the Flame?” she asked in a quite smug and sure tone. She was showing no fear of the blade pressed against her neck above his hand that was wrapped around her throat. This confused and enraged Hiatsu more until he felt the sharpness of a blade being pressed against his side, two inches below his ribcage on the left. “You kill me and I’ll kill you. Simple enough…” her whispering voice seemed to deepen, to change to almost like another spoke through her with the giddiness of a child. “Especially when the form of his weakness is right here inside his body.” her voice was seductive, having a singsong wave to it with her content and smug expression at her own knowledge of the Fire God.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sNgLS2eNm
Hiatsu released a deep growl from his throat, his body tensing with his breath caught in his chest. It could be a stalemate if he had his blade at her weakness but if not then it was only in her favor. “Name your price, wench.”1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLdOOQl6md
“You heard my price before.” She soothed in a sultry voice. “Or is your mind finally failing you? Perhaps I should retake my territory so your ancient memory can rest with ease, and only fret over one mess of mortals.” She chuckled mockingly.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijnHZ0VxT3
“In nine years she’ll leave. That, I will assure you.” Hiatsu assured her dryly, his expression clearly un-amused by her terms.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxplOKG8Xy
“Nine? Isn’t that a bit much?” She pouted trying to look cute as her lips pursed some. “She leaves in seven years.” The woman said in a flat, strict and authoritative tone to intimidate.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4YNUO1Ox0
“My land, my laws, tch.” he winced as she pressed the blade in closer, causing its sharpened edge to start slicing through each thread making up that section of his shirt. It was curved like a scythe blade and came out from under her cloak, looking like a metal tail of black coloring. She was pleased when he spoke his next words, seeing her method of negotiations still worked wonders. “Very well, in seven years she leaves.” Hiatsu regrettably said, the words barely exiting past his lips.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3dhGJJYT7
“Good boy. I knew you’d listen to diplomacy.” She cooed softly feeling very satisfied with herself, starting to remove the blade that went carefully back into her body under her cloak. Once done and able to, the redhead stepped back swiftly, not wanting to allow her the ability to “negotiate” more. She took a few steps away from the wall and bowed, vanishing into darkness.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7y1e8t2li
Hiatsu sighed, ordering the blade to vanish which it did before he turned to start walking over to his desk. He sat down a bit hard into the soft cushioned chair, groaning as he rested his elbows on the table and placed his face into his hands. Moments later he started sliding his hands up to lace his fingers into his red locks and running his fingers through his hair, now frustrated further by having to force Alura to leave after seven years would pass by. “Damn.” He mumbled as he leaned back, his fingers exiting his long locks and sat there with his eyes closed, releasing a sigh while trying to think of a way to prolong it so she wouldn’t have to leave at that young of an age. He was becoming soft, this he admitted to himself, since he was worrying about a girl who would backtalk and stand up to him. But that was one thing he admired in her. He admired she had the guts to talk back to him without much fear of repercussions of late.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRBH4V2k0P
Not feeling up to using a mind link to speak to Ginsu to explain what just took place, he thought over whom to send a message with. Hiatsu inhaled then sighed with his exhale, leaning forwards and sent a message through a servant to have Ginsu once he was free, to come see him.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIeJI4Nql8
During the night after all was quiet, Ginsu went to see Hiatsu. He wasn’t sure what to expect, the maid hadn’t been very clear to him. Taking a deep breath outside his eldest brother’s door, he released it as he knocked. The doors opened and so he entered, looking over to Hiatsu’s desk he saw the Fire God’s face looking more fallen than normal. “What is it?” the Water God inquired as the pair of doors closed behind him securely.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1LZG7Orsn
“You must train Alura to fight with a sword well before seven years are up.” was all the Fire God said dryly with his eyes closed and his lower face hidden behind his laced fingers which were cupped so his thumbs rested under his chin, forming a pouch between the thumbs and index fingers for, his strong jaw to rest comfortably against his warm skin.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYayL0W8JwG
“Why?” Ginsu questioned, tilting his head to the left as this didn’t make much sense for the rush. Why would he need to rush and hurry her training? Had his brother forgotten rushing with weapons can lead to injury?1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDV7srGZpE
Hiatsu opened his tired yellow eyes to see the confusion and questions reflecting clear as the moon in the empty sky, in his youngest brother’s blue orbs. “We had a visitor today.” He sighed, lowering his upper lids some. “She knew of our weakness and where mine was. I can’t afford to die as I am the leader and Marizu would only destroy this land.” Regret there was no one more suitable to take over should he pass was evident in the redhead’s voice. “You’re in charge of her training. Make sure she can use a sword to its full potential. Two if possible since I’m sure she’ll be going back to Flora to save her mother and country. She has Nate’s blood flowing in her veins after all.” He explained flatly, his serious gaze never leaving the lighthearted Water God’s.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVcC5p7zHn
Ginsu nodded sighing. He wasn’t sure who this ‘visitor’ was but knew he didn’t like them. Anyone who knew where any of their ultimate weaknesses were was a definite enemy when they intended harm. “This will be interesting. I just hope she’ll be ready.” He commented, not sounding too sure he could get Alura ready to be on her own in that short of time.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6vBRqFSh4
Lowering his hands Hiatsu did his best to give a smile, or some expression, to display he had trust in Ginsu’s training abilities. “You are the best teacher around. I’m sure she’ll be ready under your guidance.” His attempted smile of assurance fell with his next words but his tone stayed serious. “You must work her hard. I don’t want her failing then dying when she leaves. The boy will stay here with us until he feels ready to leave and be on his own.”1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzSzzJTrcM
Ginsu nodded before sitting stiffly down in a chair across from his brother, leaning back as he tried to push the racing concern out of his mind. “I guess…I’ll do my best in training her.” The Water God paused, questioning silently if to make a request or not but decided in the end to get it into the air. The worse that could happen is denial which was less severe than acting behind the hotheaded leader’s back. “If…it is alright with you I would like to go with her in secret to watch over her. Then if she’s in danger I can help her. I am afraid to admit it but I think I’ve fallen for that girl.” He said with a light blush spreading on his cheeks and a small grin on his face.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGM68obRxl
Hiatsu sighed leaning back in his seat still stone faced but eventually he relented, an amused smirk coming to his thin lips. He was losing his cold edge, he now was positive of this fact. “Fine, you may go with her if you want. But…you cannot allow her out of your sight. Constantly stay in contact with me with a mind link. Understand?”1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaraXetYn0E
“Yes I understand.” Ginsu replied quickly with a nod, smiling. “Thank you. Trust me you won’t regret this.”1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2h0uqNyZY
Oh how Hiatsu was hoping he wouldn’t regret his softening nature. “I am sure I won’t. Go and get some sleep. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow and a busy time for you until she must leave.” Ginsu nodded in acknowledgment, standing and left the room to return to his own with many things on his mind. This truly was going to be an interesting challenge. He would need to train her to fight with not one but two blades and somehow he also needed to ensure she could, control the demonic bloodline that could easily cause her to do regrettable actions.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0YHluvNJL
Getting to his room he latched his door shut, letting it fall into soft light from the crackling fireplace. Slipping his shirt off over his head while his legs carried him towards his four poster bed, he passed the fireplace which allowed the firelight to give definition to his fit body and to display a long scar on his back. This scar traveled from his right shoulder blade down to his left hip where it vanished under the waistband of his pants. On his chest was another scar, a mark from where he had been stabbed just off from his heart also in the past that refused to fade. He sat on the bed, removing his shoes and socks before finishing his change of clothing into soft, silk pajama pants.1132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjxDVOlQNo
I hope she’ll not lose herself like her father did. That blood is dangerous. Seven years isn’t enough time for me to teach her to have control. Hopefully she’ll not tap into it any more than she already has begun to. Ginsu’s thoughts whirled around these concerns as he pulled back the winter blankets, getting into bed and laid down with a heavy sigh lined with his frets. At least if he failed he had permission to follow and protect Alura after her departure. Taking a deep relaxing breath the Water God forced his eyes shut. Eventually after several failed tries he managed to drift into a, though slightly restless, dream filled slumber.
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