Something Unholy

Remika sighed as she walked across the hall of her newest home; the road to finishing the village had been long and strenuous as she had expected. Something told her that it wasn’t nearly done; there would always be more work, things would never finish changing, as being as eternal as she was; she would be able to watch and experience the creation together with her brothers. It was more than enough time for them to perfect a home for all creatures, regardless of who they were, just as their parents had wanted before...

Seemingly, she got the start of her wish... No matter the centuries it had taken her to get to this point.

Only the sound of the soft taps of the back of her heels clicking against the marble flooring under her could be heard echoing throughout the empty hallway as she made her way towards her quarters, something about the day, even as joyous as the once she was having... Seemed off? She couldn’t quite understand what was happening, but she could feel the aloofness in the air. As off putting as it was; she would continue her soft march towards her chambers, wanting to soak in the warmth of her bath.

As Remika turned the corner and began her ascent up towards the portal room that would allow her to gain access to her chamber without having to go up the hundreds of flights of stairs it would usually take. The soft patter of heartbeats quickening from the sound of her heels clicking would be the only soothing sound the Duchess would hear, her red eyes focused only on reaching the portal room.

“I hope it’s one of them... And not... The other thing.” A voice whispered, this would cause Remika to pause in her movement, she knew exactly which room held the two heartbeats, the sound of feathers moving along books as they dusted made it all but even clearer. “Shh... They can hear you. Either one of them.” Remika would continue to stand still, listening carefully as the two continued to speak among themselves, Remi all the more cirious as to who these ‘others’ were... Considering the only dangerous beings within the walls of the palace was herself and her brothers... Narrowing her eyes as she focused in around her, for any other sound that could be coming forward... Yet, nothing. A soft sigh from one of the two women gossiping, the soft flutters of tiny wings heading in the direction of Remika, but nothing else... This corner of the palace was empty, yet... Something ominous felt a foot. “Remi! Remi!” a higher pitched voice would shrill out, the voice of Constantine; Remika’s small familiar approached her, perching on top of Remi’s shoulder, “Did you hear? Did you hear?” The small bat continued speaking, Remika would sigh softly herself, before contniuing her path towards the portal room, the quicker she could activate the seal to open her way to her chambers, the quicker she could figure out was going on.

“Hear what, Cos?” Remika replied to the albino bat, the white fur along it’s body made her stick out among any other bats around, which had turned out to be a lot more than they originally thought there was.

Constantine leaned closer to Remika’s ear, whispering as softly as the small bat could, “The servants say they can see apparition of a man, a man who has been described an awful lot like Father Kyuketsuki.” The bat nodded softly, “I’ve heard them talking, they say he walks along the corridors looking for someone... Or something.... Maybe he’s looking for you?” The bat inquired, it’s large red eyes starring at the woman with intensity.

The Duchess paused her movement as she wrapped her hand around the doorknob of the portal room; her destination was finally in sight, as she sighed softly. “He’s been gone for far to many millennium to suddenly return... Had he wanted to return before, Lord Jashin would have made allowances, it makes no sense for him to look for me now.” The elder Kyuketsuki dismissed the creature on her shoulder as she turned the knob to the door and began to push it open.

“But Remi... If your dad is here... Maybe mine is too?” This would cause Remika to pause once more, her eyes softening, she had forgotten during her own loss of parents, Constantine had also lost her own... Over the millenniums together, Remika had never addressed her own loss... Let alone that of Constantine.

“I’m sorry, Cos...I know it hurts... I know the feeling of wanting to see them. I would have done anything to bring them back... You know that, it’s just not... It’s not possible. When we die, we die. Our kind... We were given this extended life, allowed to live them for as long as possible, given abilities beyond our imaginations... But there was always a catch. They made this deal for us an--”

“Reeeeemmmmmiiiikkkkkkkaaaaaaa....” a voice from her called out, the eerie sound caused her to break her speech as she turned heel quickly to see who called out to her, who had a voice that close to a voice she had thought was long forgotten. “There is no possible way...” She thought to herself as her eyes scanned the corridor before her. Something certainly didn’t make any sense... Without a secondary thought of the portal room, her chambers, and the warm bath that awaited her, the Kyuketsuki Royalty would take off, running at max speed down the corridor. That voice couldn’t have gone far.

“I told you Remi! I told you it was him! I said so!” The bat cried as it’s claws dug into Remika’s shoulder, making sure to stay put, the speed of the Kyuketsuki was enough to cause the tiny creature to go flying had it not attached itself to her.

“Something isn’t right, if it is him... And I’m not saying it is... But if it is, something is wrong. Something has changed, something big is coming.” Remika spoke, her eyes scanning each door, as she passed them, closed and untouched...

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Word Count 1024 // Total Word Count 1024

Remika found herself stopping quickly, the door to a large empty room was wide open... They still hadn’t decided what each room within the palace would become, and made sure to keep all empty rooms locked until they decided what they would be doing in regards to it. But this room, she had passed by it earlier; yet here it was wide open... With no heart beats. Her red orbs narrowing at the wide open door, letting a sigh escape her lips. Taking a few steps to stand in the doorway, scanning the empty room carefully, only to be meant with the long flowing raven black hair from an extremely tall figure standing in the middle of the room. “Daughter” the voice from earlier would speak; a tingle ran up her spine as she stepped into the room, the figure would dissipate in front of her; almost without any warning, the woman would let out a scream; “Daddy!” her voice was strained as the scream went through her lungs, her eyes watering slightly as she recomposed herself.

Constantine would lift her right wing, wrapping it slightly around the head of Remika; “At least you know he’s here...” The small bat would note, own tears forming in the eyes of the bat... “I’m sorry Remi...” With a sharp exhale, Remika would turn heel, “There’s nothing to be sorry about. That was him, there is no doubt within my mind that was father... This means the tides are changing, we must go prepare.” The Kyuketsuki royalty would state, making a quickened pace back to the portal room, knowing fully well that she would spend the next hours figuring out how he had come back, and if there was a way to make him stronger, keep him longer... She had so many questions, questions regarding the other originals, the children of them... She had been hunting them so long since the fall... Her own parents being the first to die, the others shortly there after; but the majority of their children would become impossible to find...

She wanted to find them, she wanted to bring them all home, something in her heart told her with everyone home, with the children of the originals, that they could create something truly incredible, they could revive their clan, and fix what was broken all those millennia before. She knew that it was only a matter of time before her scouts would begin to find some answer as to where they went, Remika remembered their names, but their faces were long gone from her mind... She knew where about their last locations were... Yet something told her that she couldn’t find the answers she needed their, but she could begin to find new clues as to their whereabouts.

As Remika touched the seal, she would be instantly transported to her chambers, hers above those of the guys; as to ensure she wouldn’t have to hear whatever they were doing, as she was a mostly quite and docile creature, considerably compared to them. With a soft sigh, Remika moved across the room, releasing the clasp to the gown she had been wearing, the soft silk collapsing onto the floor, spilling outward as she lifted her right leg back, almost as if she was stretching it, unclasping her heel, repeating the step with her left; as she continued to the large bath room, the bath having already been drawn; the heat radiating from the room was unbelievable; the heavy scent of rosemary and ginger running across her nostrils as she lowered herself into the bubble filled water, the warmth hitting her skin was a welcoming feeling; she enjoyed designing the bathing areas, not only within the palace, but also for the convince of the rest of the village, using similar technology to power the village as a whole. The super volcano had been stopped, and would remain a semi dormant creature, supplying the village with warmth and power for the rest of its days.

As she leaned against the marble of the large tub, she would let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes as she felt her muscles loosen. “Remika? The soft voice came from her left, the door way; Constantine would be standing in the opening, “Yes, Cos?” She answered, softly; understanding that when she saw her own fathers figure, it lacked that of Constantine's father... “He wasn’t there... Was he?” A soft sigh would release from Remika’s lips as she sat up, the bubbles covering her body as she stood up from the seat; “I didn’t see him... But that doesn’t mean he isn’t also there. Just like you told me, anything is possible.” Remika stated, her poor friend and familiar looked so lost, Remika felt nothing but sorrow of the tiny creature; “We will find out whats happening, I promise you that Constantine. We will.” Remika stated, grabbing the bell from behind her, ringing it gently, within a few minutes a bubbly young girl dressed in uniform would appear behind Constantine, “Yes, Mum?” The girl would address Remika.

“Ah, I need you to bring both myself and Cos one of our finest selections of red, please.” Remika would reply, the short dirty blonde would nod, backing out of the room as Constantine took flight, landing beside Remika, without landing in the water; “You promise?”

Remika would smile, putting her index finger under Constantine’s chin, “Have I ever failed you before, little one?” The Kyuketsuki would ask, the familiar would let out a small gasp, Constantine admired Remika, her ability and confidence in anything she did, something that the bat also wished she had. “No... No you haven’t.” She’d reply.

“I don’t plan on starting, either.” Remika replied, giving the small creature a soft kiss on the top of her head as she sat back down, watching the blonde return with a large glass of thick red liquid, the smell of iron would be what any human could gain from the glass, but to Remika the scent was sweet, a delicate mix of fermented grapes, milk chocolate, and plums filled the room; a small bowl full of the same liquid was placed on the floor for Constantine, “You’re dismissed, thank you.” The Kyuketsuki stated, turning her attention back to to Constantine, “Now, here is my theory.” The woman would begin to speak, trailing off on why and how she thought her father was able to return.

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Word Count 1070 // Total Word Count 2,094

Remika sighed softly as she wrapped the oversized fluffy black towel around her snow-white skin; droplets hitting the marble floor gently as she ran her fingers throughout her long raven hair, humming softly to herself as she starred at herself in the full length mirror, having survived thousands of years, and to have barely aged was truly a blessing, she looked as young and as youthful as some of the newest wet behind the ears servants... Yet; she was old enough to have sired entire bloodlines. Yet, she found herself childless. Her hand would drop towards her abdomen, the sorrow in her eyes could tell an entire story, yet... She knew that having a child any sooner then when she was truly ready; would leave that child in a world unprepared for them... She would wait, wait until the time was right... Their bloodline would continue, and she would do everything to ensure that... Remika frowned softly, walking away from the mirror; her eyes scanning the pure white marble flooring as she entered her large closet, basically twice the size of a persons home; yet all of her things throughout each century laid in this room...

Memories upon memories, memories she carried with her everywhere, moments in time so precocious to her that she decided to carry them throughout her time. As she walked along the closet, her fingertips touching pieces of clothing; some more delicate than others. Some nearly as old as she was... Others dating even further back, having belonged to her mother and father... Those memories were the ones held within glass cases, on display at the back of her closet... Her most precious memories...

The long black gown, adorned with bright red rubies in various shapes of roses in different forms of bloom... Her eyes scanned the gown carefully, perfectly reserved, the large gash across the side of it had been repaired, and to any other eye, they could never tell what happened to Remikas’ mother in this gown... But Remika knew, she would always know... These served as not only the memories of good... But as a reminder that servants are just that... They aren’t kin, and shouldn’t ever be treated as such.

Remika could feel the rage begin to boil in her as she moved her eyes to her fathers final attire, his favourite suit, delicately preserved just like her mothers... His suit was harder to repair, you could tell on this piece that not everything was savable, that the damage done to him was far to much... The brutal murders of her parents... The scene she walked into that day... The horror that filled her, all seemed so fresh...

The pure blood Kyuketsuki would clench her fist, letting her nails dig into her palm; yet the pain meant nothing; the painful acts that were brought on to her family, and those within the original seven were the only pain she could feel anymore.

“Daughter...” The voice would return, this time only a few paces from her, causing Remika to turn heel; only to see nothing... The frown across her face was more than evident as she turned to the newest portion of clothing, clothing that she decided on being within this generation; but still that of royalty. As Remika moved the hangers stopping on the blood red large gown, the diamonds along the corset, and skirt, as well as a matching shoulder cape that extended past the small train of the gown was all but perfect for her first official day as Chikage, someone the village would look to and depend on... But also, for her standing as apart of the red council, the true rulers of both Ketsuekigakure and the Kyuketsuki Clan, with enough time the children of the original seven would all gather on these lands, as their parents intended.

With a soft sigh, Remika would pull the gown out, and ring the bell, notifying the servants that she was ready to dress... This type of living was something she had missed, on this form of a grand scale, she had become use to dressing herself, but always found a distaste for her... She missed having ladies, she certainly missed having a working and growing palace... The last time she had something on this scale was when her parents had still been alive.

Remika would drop the towel, allowing for the servants to begin their work, their tugging, pulling, prodding, the tightening of ribbons and clasps, the whispers of how someone could be so unnaturally perfect in body shape would cause Remika to give a small chuckle under her breath as she was finally dressed, her hair placed half up, and half down, curled and adorned with jewels that matched her dress, her cape flowing behind her as the clasp was clicked against her neck. “Dismissed.” The Kyuketsuki Royalty would announce, waving the servants off, as she starred at herself once again in a full length mirror... She was unnaturally beautiful, a perfect of being... A creature, like herself. As Remika moved closer to the mirror, she would raise her hand to touch the face of the woman on the other side... Beauty was something unnatural to her, she never cared for staring in mirrors, her appearance was identical to her own mothers at this point...

The Dress:

As Remika closed her eyes, sighing, she felt a hand on her shoulder, the soft touch only lasting a moment; her eyes flickering open only to see a glance of her father, “Meet me by the cherry tree.” The voice would call out to Remika, before fading off... The Cherry Tree? Which tree was he talking about? Something didn... As it had finally dawned on her, her eyes would widen as she turned heel, heading to the seal that would take her to the ground level, and out to the back of the palace, the large cherry tree would be housed... The figure of her father, barely visible as he stood beside it. “Daddy!” She would cry out.

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Word Count 1003 // Total Word Count 3,097

As Remika realized that the ‘Cherry Tree’, was in fact the fabled ‘Cherry Blossom Tree’ that she had uprooted and brought to Volcano Country after they had made the land livable once again, ensuring it’s success in replanting by having hired on several specialized earth users to bring it from her childhood home to her new home; a tree that she had planted with her father, one that she ensured it’s longevity through generations of caretakers. The tree had become massive, larger than any other of its kind, but it was something that she took great pride in as she knew what it meant not only to herself, but to the memory of her dear father.

Remika rounded the corner of the corridor, her heels softly clicking against the marble floor as she rushed through the palace, making her way outside and to the courtyard; the large Cherry Blossom Tree located in the middle of the hedge maze; she had designed it, knowing the maze better than anyone else; she made quick work of weaving through it, getting to the centre in her own record time as the view of a tall figure leaning against the tree came into eyesight. “Daddy?” Remika would call out, her voice had sightly weakened in strength, the woman that stood before a ghost of the past reduced to a little girl in search of approval once again.

“Daughter...” The voice would return, the figure was no longer blurry; his voice stronger than it had ever been before. The veil was breaking down quickly as the time ticked away, a stolen opportunity that he took full advantage of as Okuninushi Kyuketsuki stood in front of his only daughter; “How you have grown, little bat.” His voice was deep, husky but yet entirely almost angelic, the man before her hadn’t changed, even in death – the long blonde hair, striking grey eyes; something that made her father different, when his hunger was tamed, his eyes returned to their original colour, unlike her own – as her blood thirst was never quenched, a hunger that one couldn’t explain filled Remika, perhaps for revenge of the wrong doings, or for the fact that she was still young... Young compared to the man who stood before her.

Okuninushi Kyuketsuki:

As she finally reached just a few feet in front of her father, she would pause; her bright red orbs staring towards Okuninushi, unsure, uneasy in the moment as she didn’t know what to think... Should she be angry? Happy? Was this truly a moment of rejoice? Or was this an omen? Something didn’t make sense to her, as to why he was here... Now, of all times. “I have, Daddy... It’s been... Many millennia since you stood on earthly soil.” Remika would reply; her dress swaying with the pushes of wind; pieces of her hair flowing with the wind as well; like a moment in a movie... Yet this felt as if it was meant to be a horror moment then a happy one.

“Many millennia?” The original Kyuketsuki pondered on the comment for a moment, a small grin creeping on his face, “You’ve grown quite a lot then, daughter.” He would move a few steps closer to her, out reaching his right hand to gently touch her cheek and jawline, lifting her face enough to view into her eyes. “You’ve seen much, since our death.” He spoke, though she felt nothing from his touch, save for the small tug of air, as it felt, moving her head upwards. “I’ve watched... As has your mother... We’ve watched you suffer, we’ve seen you push through your pain to create... We’ve watched you build... This.” He let go of her, lifting his arms outwards, motioning towards the land they stood on. “We couldn’t be more proud of you, than in this moment.”

Remika nodded, listening to him carefully as she pressed her lips together, the man hadn’t changed much, yet at the same time, he had changed... So much. She had never expected to hear that he was proud of her, let alone her own mother being proud... As a child it never seemed enough... Nothing was ever enough.

“Yet... You remain unmated, and without heir. At your age, you should know better.” He spoke, his words didn’t shock her, yet they stung nevertheless.

“I hardly doubt that matters much, surely that isn’t why you’ve returned. If anyone would return to rub this in my face, it would have been mother.” Remika replied, sighing as she moved towards the bench; taking a seat on it; as she was sure a lecture of her comment, and his ‘master filled plan’ would come next.

Yet silence would be the only thing that reminded, as she sat down; her eyes flickered toward where her father once stood... Yet nothing was there... Was he already gone again? Was the strength of the veil returning? Or perhaps it wasn’t as weak as she had thought it was... Something still didn’t make sense... How was this happening? She had her theories, but yet she found herself even more unsure than before.

Remika would remain seated on the bench for several moments, waiting to see if he would make a return, but without success... As she stood, turning her back on the tree; a whisper, something said that she couldn’t quite make out... But yet, something told her that it was meant for her to return come night fall... Night fall would be when he’d return... She was sure of it. In the mean time, she would prepare; she had plenty enough questions for the nation maker...  Okuninushi, maker of Nations, nations that fell, but in their time were successful enough; she wanted to do better, his nations were forgotten, unimportant... She wanted to be remembered, remembered for something good... Her, and her brothers would be in history books, it didn’t matter how they got there... It was only a matter of time before she made her first moves as the Chikage, the movement of the Red Council would be known, and her name would be in the forefront.

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Word Count 1017 // Total Word Count 4,114

As Remika positioned herself to leave the tree and return to the palace, the voice of her father would once again return, the softness to it was more apparent this time... Something about it seemed... Shocking to her, something she couldn’t explain.

“Daughter... We have watched, your mother and I... Council with your aunts and uncles... At least, those of us who remained, unable to move forward with unfinished business. We all agree. You and your cousins, brothers... You’ve all made the correct choice.” His voice soothed her, even if she would have continued with her plans regardless of what her father or the other elders had to say to her... Their time had passed... It was time for change, for rebirth.

“Remika...” His voice was closer, causing her to turn heel to be nearly face to chest with the giant of a man before her; “Father?” She whispered, looking up to see the outline of his jaw... Okuninushi Kyuketsuki, even in death was considerably... Powerful, his presences made her feel small... A feeling she didn’t enjoy. “What are you plans?”

Remika would pause, her lips tightening against each other as she thought... She had spoken on different occasions with the others as to what their first moves should be now that they had formed a village as great as the one they stood in... Something had told her that she needed to come into the world like a storm... She wanted to make a show of power, a movement that would make the other villages notice them...

But that attention, that wasn’t the type she had been looking for... No, she wanted to make an impression, something different than violence... She wanted to make everyone notice them, but in a subtle way, elegant... Befitting someone of her and the rests ranks... They were royalty, in their own rights monarchs, Queens and Kings... Yet, humbled themselves as labelling themselves as such would make one of them more powerful then the other... No; that wasn’t the way of their clan. They were all equals.

“I struggle with that, daddy... I’m unsure which route we should take... The others... They have their idea... You know Ketsuatsu... His tendencies... Azrail and how he feels about mortals... Mamoru is still Mamoru... Even from our childhood... Their pride; their thoughts... Not much has changed.” She would sigh, wishing in these moments she could embrace the man before her, yet as a ghost stood in front of her... She knew it all but impossible.

“Yet... Despite our clans ways, you lead them?” Okuninushi would inquire with her, causing the pureblood Kyuketsuki to snort, “No. Even in this weird village sense... I do not lead them, we, like how you and our kin did before... We run as council. We are one. Blood of my blood could never be lower then another. We are equal... We all rule, as the Red Council.” Remika would reply, looking towards her father for approval, searching his eyes for answers, yet the dead stare that was returned told her nothing.

“Good... No true Noblesse is lower than another.” He replied, taking several steps back and forth as he placed his finger on his chin, lost deep in thought as Remika watched him carefully.

“The... Others. Have you found any of them?” He inquired, although his question was broad... It was more than enough for her to know what he was speaking of... The others were the impure, the tainted... The ones who turned their backs on the originals, who tried to over throw them... Servants, want-to-bees... Ones that could never truly be pure no matter how hard they tried. “Dead.” Remika replied, plainly, and without any mercy behind her voice. “But I’ve begun to hear rumour... Rumour that they may have had children in the last hundred or so years before they finally had their pathetic lives ended in one way or another.”

A deep his released from his lips, along with one of the most disgusted faces she had ever seen come across her fathers face before, “Reproducing... How despicable.” He would turn to his daughter, placing his hands on her bare shoulders, causing her to gasp; the feeling... The actual feeling of his touch chilled her, unnaturally... The veil had been pierced enough that his presences had lasted so much longer... Now even, physically touching her; “D...Daddy?” She questioned... She knew if she launched herself into his arms it wouldn’t be meant well.

“Yes... I can now. We’ve reached the peak. But before anything, you must listen, listen to each word... Bring these words to them. Tell them what I’ve said, and what I’ve said come from their mother and father as well... We’re all here. We’re watching. We won’t leave you until we know it’s safe for you.” He would pause, giving her a chance to nod her head.

A deep inhale from the ghost of her past seemed strange... But he continued, “Remika, ignore the tainted for now. They are not important, not to you, not to them... Not to your plans. Waste of time and space in your minds. You need to focus... You must make the first impression of your village, of yourselves as the True Noblesse; you’ve laid to long, allowed these tainted to taint our line... It will finally be time for us to rise once again... And we will, you must follow these instructions, carefully.”

As he continued to speak, Remika would listen and hang on to every word that came from him to her... She knew exactly what needed to be done... She knew that her father had only the best interest of her clan and village in mind... They had to rebuild, they had to make themselves clear and prominent in the world... And that they would.

As the pair of them continued to chat, the sound of flutters could be heard, the incoming of her familiar was more than apparent to her, as well as to her father.

“Well, look who we have hear, if it isn’t small Constantine. It has been far to long...” Okuninushi would speak to the small albino bat that would land on Remika’s shoulder. “M...Ma...Master Kyuketsuki... Pleased, as always... But...” The small bat would trail off, unsure if she should ask her question... Panicking as she gazed towards Remika to save her.

But it wouldn’t be Remika’s voice, but rather that of Okuninushi would cause the small bat to jump.

“You want to know if he is here... Yes?” Okuninushi would laugh softly, standing up from the bench that he and Remika had found themselves sitting on having been lost in conversation for several hours. “If I might add... He thought you’d be here sooner.” The man would make note as he swished his the cape that laid apart of his attire, a storm of dust appearing as he did so, only to quickly be replaced with a bat much larger than Constantine; pure black in color, eyes exactly like her. Within the few moments of their reunion the pair of them would fly off towards the top of the Cherry Blossom Tree, giving Remika a few more moments alone with her father.

“Is there anything else that we should do?” Remika inquired, her eyes scanning his face as he thought... Something she had missed about her father, something that had been long gone from her mind was the way he looked when deep in thought... She forgot how much she enjoyed watching him plan, create and make happen the things he thought of.

“When they come daughter... Make it grand. Give them the greatest show any of them have ever seen in their mortal lives. We are, after all, Kyuketsuki. We watch nations rise and fall... We create things that these mortals only wish they could.” The small chuckle would make her smile, his laugh was something she had never heard... He had always been so serious, even through her childhood...

“And, Remika?” He inquired, causing her to return her gaze to his eyes. “It’s high time that our lines continues.” He noted, “But it is also my time to leave... The veil will close again... but something dark is coming before then. Prepare daughter. Be ready.” Remika would nod, before watching her father fade away... A soft sigh as she stood up, a single tear running down her cheek as she headed towards the palace... She had letters to write... And write them she would.

Something she couldn’t have anticipated, would be that her fathers ideas were similar to her own... Proud she would make him, make them all...

---

Remika would return to her chambers, sitting down at the pure white desk, the finer details of the wood working were delicate to the touch, but something seemed so personalized about it...

She would pull out five pieces of paper, taking a deep breath in as she carefully addressed each one, she knew of the villages, she knew very little about the Kage who ran them... She had heard rumour of some, but completely nothing of others... Whispers of passers by upon her time being awake, to the people they recruited into the village...

Her first letter, the village of Hoshigakure; and it’s Hogokage – she had heard rumour of him... He had been one of the few that she could name; his recent activities in being the center of his villages tournament made his name all the more recognizable. She would take her time, making sure to explain enough, but to leave them questioning enough at the same time. Her offer, all but inciting.

The next, the village of Konohagakure, and it’s Hokage – more speculation towards the leader of this village, she had heard of the recent release from another village.. The freedom, and a chance to regain honor lost. It’s Hokage, from what she had heard... Was young. Young but mighty. As she did with the previous letter, she would take her time to explain, leave room for questioning, along with her offer.

The next village, Kirigakure, and the Mizukage. Although she had heard of the stories that came with this village and the release of the previous village... She found it interesting no one knew if the Lady of the village ran it; as since the previous Kage Summit; nothing had been heard... As much as the thought of personalizing the letter directly to the Lady Mizukage, she knew better. Leaders changed faster for mortals then it would for her own village. The letter would offer similar insights as the previous, along with her offer.

This would lead her to her next letter; the village of Kumogakure, and it’s Raikage. She had heard stories, but nothing concrete as to who exactly ran the village now, but of the man who made Kumogakure glorious again, and his deputy... She found Kumogakure as one of the interesting villages with it’s story... The fields of rot, although she had never personally witnessed it, she certainly heard of the horrors that took place. This letter would be sweet, words of endearment she figured would not befit a village like Kumogakure... She would make her offer, along with a secondary offer – having heard that Kumogakure had some of the best liquor around, she would engage the Raikage to bring some with themselves should they accept the invitation, a competition would all but be fun when it came to drinking. She certainly knew which of her brothers would enjoy that.

Sunagakure.... And it’s Kazekage. Her final letter, the one she had spent time thinking about... The stories told of Sunagakure were interesting. The village stood on top of the previously destroyed village... A village destroyed by it’s first Kazekage, a monster of his own right. She remained aware of the second Kazekage... Although, the stories about the woman were small, seemingly she was interesting enough. But after the last summit... Her story seemed to... Die down. Remika figured a third had been put in replacement of the second... She wouldn’t address a number, but just the Kazekage. She wanted to open lines of communication, giving her offer.

As she sat back in her desk, staring at each letter carefully, the handwritten letters in perfect and crisp writing as she smiled, nodding softly to herself, she would carefully fold each letter in three, pulling out a candle and a large depth spoon, placing three pieces of cubed blood red wax, in it; watching as it slowly began to melt before placing a single piece of gold wax in the center.

Watching as the wax became consumed by the rest of the melted wax, she would carefully pour it on the paper, placing the seal, specially made as the villages symbol, with the Kyuketsuki Clan Symbol in the center of it on the first of her letters, letting it sit and harder before removing it. She would repeat the steps four more times before she was finally finished.

A soft sigh as she stood, each letter in her hands; walking towards the large center window of her chambers, she thought to herself, carefully about the choice she was about to make.. Her father, giving it a pass was enough to push her to write them... “You are making the right choice, Remi... You know it.” She whispered to herself, before opening the window. The breeze sweeping in and pushing the curtains around as she let out a whistle, softly against her lips, but in a rather high pitched tone, only to drop the tone and raise it again, doing this in a various amount of tones before stopping, stepping back from the window a large black swarm would emerge from the super volcano off to the side of the village, barrelling towards the palace.

The first bat would fly into the window, silent, but carefully looking at the pure blood Kyuketsuki; “Hoshigakure.” She would state, the bat lifting itself in the air, opening it’s feet wide enough to take the letter in them before tightening around it, and flying out of the palace and towards the sea. The next bat would enter, “Konohagakure.” her eyes would meet the creature, and the step would repeat.

“Kirigakure.”

“Kumogakure.”

“Sungakure.”

And with that, each of her letters would be off, heading towards the leaders of each respective village.

Remika would close the window, and head to change. Preparations would begin.

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Word Count 2400 // Total Word Count 6,514

A soft sigh, the humming of breath alongside a wavering heart beat would be the only sounds heard as a woman with long blonde curly hair made her way down the hallway, the large double doored room just feet in front of her; her hand shaking as the letters within her grasp, each addressed to the Duchess… The woman starred carefully, loosening her grip on them as she watched several other women scattering out of the doors – their soft whispers; foolish – she knew they were new.. She could have sworn she had warned them about the Duchess, and her… abilities of being able to hear them… When the gaggle of women finally caught eye of the blonde woman, they would stand straight like sticks, parting their group to allow the woman through. “Madam.” Their words were shaky as they spoke – but she didn’t have time to address them. A small wave of her hand and they were off.

Remika Kyuketsuki – the Duchess of Blood, and the village hidden in Blood’s Shadow – was just beyond the solid wood double doors. Waiting for her, she knew that. She knew the moment the doors opened, Remika would be awaiting her services, from the letters to the bath, to anything else that followed. She had already ordered the kitchen to bring up a bottle for the woman of the palace, the thick red liquid that sustained her was always carefully cared for, chilled to ensure it didn’t go bad – brought to her in the finest of crystal glasses. Only a few knew what the liquid was, a close select few, a few that were promised a life beyond service when their time was up.

With the promise that their first born, would follow in line – and service the family. Of course they all agreed, knowing their families would be cared for, should they never cross the Kyuketsuki family. The woman who was known as ‘Em’ by Remika – as she never bothered to learn Emilie’s name – due to the ‘strangeness’ of it as the woman had once stated, when Em was younger, but she enjoyed this ‘nickname’, it gave her a sense of… Companionship to the Duchess.

The doors would slowly creek open, the evening light flooded through the large window off to the left of the room; Remika’s large bed, covered in silk and fur – found in the center. But the Duchess wasn’t in the bed, but rather; over by the table that was stationed at the window, Em nearly missed the woman standing in the light – strange… Had she been there the entire time?

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Remika pulled the black silk over her skin as she moved out of the bed, the fabric wrapping around the woman’s body quickly as the long flowing sections moved quickly with her, the large sleeves and bottom portion flowing out as she stood in front of the table, her eyes scanning her agenda as she heard the soft – yet unsteady breaths escaping the woman’s lips were painfully obvious. “Bring them.” Remika would state, her hand held out, extending behind her as she continued to read the agenda, hearing Em’s quick steps to close the distance as she placed the letters into the Duchesses hand.

Quickly Remika would turn her attention to the letters – finally; the last letter had been received, the Hogokage seemed to enjoy making a lady wait. Remika would press her lips together tightly, she had received two letters from the village of Konohagakure; along with two seals – one for its Hokage, the other for another man… It’s Left Hand, as he so mildly stated… Left would not make this man a deputy, her ciriousity of this man as picked up as she looked carefully at his words. He would be attending instead of the shadow of the leaf. A small frown, but a shrug – She had received the first of the Kazekage’s letter – having replied to him already, she hadn’t expected another back – she would gauge him once he arrived.

The Mizukage… Wouldn’t be attending, but sending someone in his place, someone he trusted. A scoff, “How plain.” The pureblood spoke, her eyes however, glanced towards the Raikage’s letter, a smirk.

“It appears, they will attend.” She left the Hogokage’s letter for last, her eyes scanning the carefully chosen words. “Not a meat eater…” She whispered to herself, “How painfully unamusing.” The woman, though she needed not to breath, would inhale the cool air coming from the cracked window, the freshness of the evening air – though the village that now stood over a former village – shared many of it’s similarities. The village, though becoming cooler than one would expect, would never worry about snow, or freezing temperatures, the volcano’s located around the island made sure of this. Keeping a steady warmth.

“Inform the chefs, that the lord of Hoshigakure isn’t a meat eater. There shall be options, even for him.” She stated, her eyes scanning each letter, “Bring out the finest of liquors. Ensure that the… Special ones, for myself and my brothers are carefully labelled and never given to any of our… Guests.” Remika stated, her eyes shooting off towards the open door to her bath; “Bring me Lord Azrail – it is time for us to prepare.” She continued, beginning to walk towards the bath as she paused, only half way across the room; “Set the seals of Konohagakure in the apartments below our floors, they will have a permanent residency here. Should they choose to ally with us, let us give them one of our best living areas for our guests.” She smirked, “Make the arrangements for the living arrangements for the rest, and customize them each to their personalities of their villages. What we’ve learned so far. Prepare and send out the letters, confirming their confirmation, and inviting them to begin their travels.” Konohagakure’s left hand would be the first to arrive, she was sure. With such ease and preparation for him would be made. The others would take more time – but it wouldn’t be long before the halls of the palace would be filled by outsiders.

“Tell the other lords that they will be needed as well, their attendance is necessary, and not optional. At least not for this meeting.” She smiled, turning her back heading into the large room that held the crimson liquid for her to bathe in, the warmth touching against her skin as she allowed the robe to fall to the floor as she entered the bath, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she sat on the side, tilting her head back.

It was finally time – the world would know who they were.

And they were many.

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Word Count 1111 // Total Word Count 7,625

Remika heard the knocks, soft clicks came from the mechanism within the door as it creaked opened, shutting quickly after; the heart beat staying just outside of the door, yet ever close to his master… Azrail had finally arrived. Remika listened as her brother moved across the floor; towards her desk, the letters scattered about her desk; a small smirk on her face as she took another small sip of the pure red liquid that had been poured in the crystal glass. ‘Dear sister, you’ve sent for me, what do you need?’ his question, followed by more; having noticed the letters from the other Kage on her desk; his comments that followed would cause the woman to smirk ever so slightly as she raised herself from the reddish water, the droplets sliding down her, moving along each curve as she moved across the large bath; and up the steps, grabbing the over-sized sheer white dressing gown, the length scattering around her petite body, fur lining along the outer hems of the gown puffed to a great expanse as she adjusted it around her waist, tying the fabric to hold it still, while the rest flowed and puffed; she found herself pleased with the way the large garment still complimented her body. Taking only a few moments to inspect her appearance in the body length mirror just beside the door way, before making her way into the room with her brother; the servant that had stayed within the bathing room following closely behind her, a tray with two glasses, filled with pure red liquid.

“It appears so, however long some of them took to respond, compared to others.” She let out a soft sigh, she had originally called Azrail to her for another purpose, but now she had another meaning for this. “I, however received another letter.” The woman noted, as she reached for one of the crystal glasses being presented to her; as she took a seat on the large bed, the black silk sheets curving around her bottom as she did so; everything within the pure bloods vicinity seemed to curve to her will; as demanding as it was. Placing the letter beside her as she took a sip from the glass; her the reddish glow from her eyes pierced towards her brother; lips stained a pinkish red as she began to speak once again; “It appears there is a problem within the country of rice.” Pausing for a moment as the servant brought Azrail the second glass of liquid, nourishment for them, questionable for others. Once Azrail would take the glass, or decline, Remika would wave her hand; motioning for the human girl to leave the room completely; as this conversation was not for her ears.

“It appears that the humans aren’t playing nicely together, dearest love.” Her eyes scanned towards the letter, “and the Komekage brings us a warning.” The smirk that crossed Remika’s face as she moved her hand down, tapping her index finger against the thin paper; “Emi Tanaka, the Komekage – has brought to my attention, a player known as ‘Hiko Shimada’ has entered her fray, unwelcomed and unwanted. Laying threats to this… Minor village.” The tapping would cease as she took another sip, this time some of the red liquid spilling over slightly, a small droplet of blood caressed the corner of Remikas’ mouth as she continued; “Stating that if this… Person, appears in her place; that something awful has taken place there. Warning me to warn the other Kage beforehand as well…” Her eyes returned to her brother, a soft sigh escaping her lips before she would press them together tightly, her tongue pressed against the roof of her mouth as she thought for a moments time; before continuing; “the Komekage claims that this Hiko, appeared at her gates, attempted to bribe his way in to see her… Then threatened her guard with the incoming of anonymous and powerful allies. Or… Something like that.” A soft giggle would escape, having held her composure until then; she wasn’t sure how much longer she could handle the attempt of being serious; of course she felt for the weak Kage, a minor village was no small feat… But being wary of someone was an uncommon feeling for the Kyuketsuki Duchess.

“Tell me, love… What are your thoughts on this? She urges us not to come to her aid… But why else send this? Does this… Hiko possess such a power for the mighty villages to worry? Or this… Powerful ally.. Have you something in the works I should know of?” She questioned him, it wasn’t even a thought that some other village could be a player in this, as she didn’t see any of them as a threat to her own existence, let alone her brothers. “Should I answer this as a call of arms? Or inform the other Kage?” Her mind had many more questions, but she also knew how much Azrail disliked questions as such of these already, and she had asked to many. Part of her had hoped the overwhelmingness of the questions would cause the man in front of her to act; should she have a heart – it would certainly be racing, but the excitement was still there.

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Word Count 876 // Total Word Count 8501

The Gown:

Remika watched Azrail, her crimson orbs moving along with each movement the man took; her brother was wise – calculated. His lack of empathy was no shock to her, she had been this same way – it wasn’t the humans she had worried about, nor was she truly worried, but rather her lack of knowledge in the ways of humanity. Though, asking someone who was exactly the same way as she was, perhaps wasn’t the best idea. But it was the one she had, and Azrail had always been her go to when it came to decisions and having someone calculated wasn’t ever a bad idea. His comments however, would bring a slight smirk to her face, the form of her lips creeping up ever so slightly as she took another sip from her glass. ‘ant, gnat, vermin...’ He would inform her, which was far than true enough. Humans were feeble, disposable. Only good for a few things, at least to her and her kind.

“Truly as wise as always, dearest one.” She would murmur as she clicked her tongue off the roof of her mouth, taking a moment stand, moving towards her brother, her robe brushing against him as she passed by, taking up a pure white feather pen, dipping it in the blood red ink first, addressing the Komekage; as she had done in her previous letter. Taking a moment to clean the ink off, before dipping it in a vile of black ink, jotting down her advisors advice, taking a moment to step back as she inspected it carefully. “Come, tell me what you think.” She spoke softly, her eyes watching as the ink began to dry, her response to the Kage found in the Rice; a rushed letter, though carefully thought of before sending to the village hidden in the blood and it’s council of red.

Remika wouldn’t truly ever understand the meaning of such a letter, the panic, yet requesting for her not to come... But to warn the other Kage. Something that Remika wasn’t planning on doing, after all – it would only be a matter of time before the others would grace her doors. If this proved to become an issue, they would be ready, but until then – Remika would continue to make her arrangements and plans for the days leading up to their arrivals.

The letter would read;

‘Esteemed Komekage;

The ill news of your predicament disheartens us, as requested – we will not come, but offer solace nevertheless. With this enlightening information, we will proceed to make plans to properly screen all those who enter for the summit, and should this Hiko come in your place, even hidden or as a pretender – we will have our ways to know and to handle the situation you’ve presented to us.

But I leave you with some advice, perhaps to help you even, in your time of need. Should you ever find yourself in a position of compromise, or need – simply tie this ribbon attached to my letter to your carriers leg, and have to come to us.

This act is an act that will bring myself, or one of my brothers to your aid, but heed in mind, this act comes with a cost. As in life, nothing comes free; it always has a price. As you stated, your wish to not become indebted to a major village, fear not for that – it wouldn’t be our village you would become indebted too. This is to be considered a last resort option.

As for this powerful ally that this Hiko has spoken of, this bribe – I wouldn’t take it to much to heart, you certainly wouldn’t be the first to be bribed, nor would I expect you to be the last. We shall discuss this more at the events when you’ve reached my home.

Yours truly,

The Chikage, Remika Nagai.’

Remika would watch, waiting for her brothers response, should it be positive towards the letter; she would recall a bat, wrapping a red silk ribbon around the letter, tying it tightly against the paper before handing it off, “To the Komekage. To Tanbogakure.” Remika would state to the creature, watching as it would take off in flight through the open window, scurrying off in the night. “Perfect.” She would simply state, her eyes scanning back to Azrail, “There was a few more things, in preparations of this... Ball I plan on having. The players that are coming, and their own responses.” She stated, moving the current letters she had received from the Kage of the villages scattered across the globe; handing them to Azrail to see for himself (In result, giving Azrail the knowledge of knowing each reply.)  “We have some interesting characters coming to our home, my plan is to have them all stay within the confines of Chi No Kyūden. However, the most interesting response I’ve received is from the village of Konohagakure. I also received two letters, one from their Kage, the other from his ‘left hand’... I was blessed with two seals, stating that when the time came... They would enter through these.” She paused for a moment, processing the information, “I’ve already placed the Left Hand’s in a room, waiting for his arrival. The other I’ve locked away in my office’s safe.” She paused thinking about that choice she had made. “Do you think, perhaps I should move this other seal to a room? Keeping those rooms under guard should they ever decide to make a surprise visit?”

She inquired with him, returning to her place on the bed, placing her right leg over her left, as she took another, and her final sip from the red liquid in the crystal glass, finally emptying the contents of it. She was curious what he had to say about the seals, and the visitors, along with their letters in response.

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Word Count 975 // Total Word Count 9,476

The Gown: