(OOC: Yo! I'm in a somewhat terrible mood and there's nothing new to keep me occupied so I figured I'd throw something up. Sorry it's not a storyline, it's rough, and it's only just begun, but just deal with it.

This is the story of how Saiyame came to be blind, the priestess who cursed her, and all that other fun stuff listed in her ridiculously long profile. The village names are all random Japanese-sounding names I pulled out of the sky, and some people's names have meanings but I forgot what they were so google if you're curious.)

IC:

Shikijou sighed as he made his way to Kimiko’s private chambers. The priestess was by far the most beautiful lady he had ever seen (and he had traveled far), but she was really getting on his nerves lately. Apparently a new guardian would be arriving in the small, scenic village of Kamana any day now, and Kimiko was furious with the Elders’ decision on the matter.

“Shiki, is that you?” Kimiko’s soft voice extended easily beyond the silk cloth which hid her kneeling form from view. She was supposed to be praying for the welfare of the village right now, but in all of the times that Shiki had come to see her, Kimiko had not appeared to be preoccupied.

I wonder how angry the Elders would be if they found out that their sacred priestess was no more than a third rate whore. If they knew how Kimiko really spent her spare time then perhaps they would also know why Kamana has suffered so badly in these past months.

“Yes Miko-sama, I have just returned from Reishiko.” Shikijou brushed aside the silk to reveal Kimiko dressed in her simple white kimono and burning incense at the foot of Inari-sama’s shrine. Her golden eyes took in his appearance even as he drank in hers, and her long purple hair fanned out around her as she stood from her position and embraced him warmly.

“It is good to see you again Shiki! I was just praying to Inari-sama that this season’s crops bear our village generous fruit, for our villagers have worked hard to grow them.” The golden crown adorning Kimiko’s head slipped and she hurried to catch it before it fell, causing the tassels to jangle together while she sorted it out.

“Wow, you’re actually working? I never really believed you were an actual priestess until just a few moments ago, you know.” Shikijou made his lips pucker up into a playful smile, but on the inside he was rolling his eyes at Kimiko’s half-hearted prayers.

“Oh please, Shiki. This whole ‘innocent priestess who only cares about the welfare of others’ façade is hard to keep. If I don’t bend down and kiss that fox-god’s ass every once in awhile then the Elders will start to get suspicious.”

“This is true,” Shikijou agreed, bending down to kiss Kimiko tenderly upon her lips. “So what is the deal with the new guardian, hmm? The villagers have informed me that you are not pleased with the council’s choice.”

“Ugh, of course I’m upset!” Kimiko pushed herself away from Shikijou and turned to glare at Inari’s face. The statue returned her gaze passively. “They’re sending a demon to guard us, Shiki. A kitsune youkai, of all things!” The venom that filled Kimiko’s voice as she spit out the words “demon” and “fox spirit” was impressive and Shikijou cringed involuntarily at the coldness in her voice.

“They’re sending a demon?” Shikijou frowned and rubbed the slight stubble that had become a blemish on his otherwise perfect skin since he had not been able to shave earlier that morning. “Well it makes sense, I suppose. We have had more demon attacks in the past few months than in the past ten years combined. It is only logical that a demon be the one to eliminate our problems.”

“Are you really defending the council’s choice? It is blasphemy that they would even consider bringing such filth into our village!” Kimiko’s eyes flashed red and her tone became mocking as she continued. “Those idiots will be sorry when the foxes turn around and bite them.” She glanced pointedly at the ever-watchful Inari and then turned her full attention back to Shikijou.

“Are you hot, my lady?” Shikijou asked, quirking an eyebrow and hoping that such a simple comment would distract Kimiko.

“No, but I will be,” Kimiko replied, lurching forward and removing Shikijou’s robe with one fluid, practiced movement.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Kamana village was a humble little establishment, located in a modest clearing cut off from larger towns by the surrounding forest. The air was fresh and the breeze pleasant as Saiyame approached, smiling lazily as she took in the scenery. The sakura trees were just beginning to bloom, and the grass was a lush green. Children were out and about all over the place, chasing around dogs and chickens, while their parents watched them with sharp eyes that missed nothing.

That is, until Saiyame appeared.

The moment Saiyame stepped onto the main path of the village everyone became silent. Mothers ushered their children inside and slammed their doors, then proceeded to glare warily out of their windows. The whole process of clearing the streets took only minutes, and it was saddening to think that all of the recent attacks on the village were the reason everyone was so prepared.

“Hello!” Saiyame called to a man who hadn’t quite gotten inside his home before she crossed his path. She ignored the look of panic and open disgust that crossed his face and continued speaking undeterred. “Could you perhaps point me towards the Elders’ council chamber? I am the new guardian of your village and I must report my arrival.”

“Y-you’re the new guardian?!” The man pushed away his fear and his voice exploded with outrage. “You are the one who will be guarding us?”

“Yes I am. If you have a problem with that then I am afraid you will have to take it up with the Elder Council.” Saiyame bit her lip and watched the man fidget for a moment before he finally spoke again.

This monster will be our protector? Ha!

“The Elders reside in the estate at the end of the path and to your right, just at the edge of the clearing,” the man said, giving Saiyame a hasty bow and then stepping around her and running for his home.

It seems I am even more unwelcome here than I expected I would be. I will have to be cautious with the men and women of this village once I officially take up my duties as guardian.

Saiyame continued down the path and followed the villager’s directions, and soon she was standing before the grand estate that housed the Elder’s Council. The estate was large and Saiyame noticed that a bit of it extended back into the encroaching forest as she admired the simple wooden gate and white wall denying outsiders access to its interior. Two guards stood at either side of the gate, eying Saiyame warily.

There was silence for a moment as the two guards shuffled their feet and readjusted the spears in their hands. The guard on his left even half-removed his katana before taking a step forward and clearing his throat.

This one is certainly braveSaiyame thought, smiling at the guard and giving him a little bow to convey her respect.

“Halt demon, and state your name and business with the Council Elders! Your kind is not welcome here.” The guard managed to make his blue eyes somewhat hard, but the cowlick in his sandy hair made him look more like an angry child than a stern adult.

“I am called Ryuujin Saiyame, Miharu-san. Akio-sama should be expecting me?”

“You are Ryuujin-sama? That cannot be true,” the guard sputtered, dropping his Katana back into its sheath and taking a hesitant step back. The other guard remained silent, but his eyes kept flickering back and forth between Saiyame and the gate like a frightened animal.
“Ryuujin-sama is said to be the new guardian of Kamana!”

“I know, and I understand your reluctance to let me pass right now, but I really need to meet with Akio-sama. There have been many attacks from lesser demons lately and he decided that it was necessary to bring in another demon to take care of them. Do you not agree that it is a logical solution?” Saiyame made a completely superfluous gesture with her hand and the gates behind the guards opened without so much as a creak. “If you will excuse me, gentlemen.”

Saiyame took two steps toward the guards and then leapt lightly over their stunned forms. She allowed them to sound the alarm and paused in the middle of the courtyard so that the new guards rushing forward from all nooks of the estate might have an easier time surrounding her. The walkway was lined with small shrubs and even some bonsai trees that Saiyame guessed must have been imported from overseas. The simple decorum and loose cobblestone walkway gave the place an elegant touch without being oppressive in the way that most important places made Saiyame feel.

“Hiroshi, what exactly is going on out here?!” an old man exclaimed, appearing in the main doorway of the estate. “Back away from Ryuujin-sama at once! It would be a disaster if she refused to help us because of your lack of manners.” The old man beckoned toward Saiyame with one knotted finger and motioned with his free hand for his guards to return to their posts.

“Akio-sama, this woman is a demon; surely she cannot be the one you are expecting to take over as guardian?” Hiroshi, who happened to be the guard who had confronted Saiyame at the gate, threw up his arms in exasperation and did not make any move to leave.

“You will not question your orders unless you wish to be relieved from your position!” Akio barked, daring Hiroshi to defy him. “Now leave, and let me speak with Ryuujin-sama in peace!” Hiroshi hesitated, sparing Saiyame one last uncertain glance before straightening his shoulders and heading back to the gate.

“Akio-sama you shouldn’t be so harsh,” Saiyame said, strolling forward to meet the man with a smile. “After all, your people have much reason to be suspicious of my kind.”

“Nonsense,” Akio grunted quirking the corners of his mouth upward in a twisted smirk. “Inari-sama has done well to guard my people against famine and you are of his blood. If anything, they should be grateful that you have come to protect us against the other dangers of this harsh world.”

“You flatter me, Akio-sama, with your kind words. The blood in my veins is so diluted that it is hardly worth mentioning and I doubt your villagers will care about such a trivial thing.”

“Nonsense! Of all the kitsune youkai I have encountered, only your tribe holds the blood of our most sacred god. With your knowledge of farming and more than impressive fighting skills I daresay you will earn the villagers’ favor with ease.”

“Well I should certainly hope so. Now, I do not mean to be rude, but would it be possible to meet the other council members so that I might rest? I was away from home recently so I have traveled far and I am weary; it would be nice to sleep in a warm bed tonight.”

“There is no need to meet with the other council members today. Most of them are as opposed to you being here as the villagers, anyway.” Akio brushed away Saiyame’s suggestion with an exaggerated wrist movement and then searched the courtyard with his eyes. When he did not find what he was looking for Akio sighed and cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled. “Oi, Shikijou-san! Where are you?”

Saiyame cringed at the loudness of Akio’s voice, but a moment later his efforts were rewarded. A man appeared from an inconspicuous door located near the back of the estate and strode toward Akio and Saiyame with a carefully passive expression plastered on his face. His hair was long and black, and down, which Saiyame found strange considering his position in the Council’s court. The man’s eyes met Saiyame’s as he moved closer and she felt her breath catch at the sight of them. They were a deep, dark brown, almost black. There was a depth to the eyes that Saiyame did not usually see in humans, especially at such a young age, and she stared at them a moment too long before nodding her head and bowing in greeting.

“Akio-sama, I would have heard you even if you hadn’t yelled my name loud enough to wake the dead,” Shikijou said, rubbing his ear and sparing Saiyame a brief glance.

“Yes, yes, I’m sure you are right. However, shouting seemed like a good idea at the time and now down to business. Shikijou¬-san, Ryuujin¬-sama. Ryuujin-sama, Shikijou-san. Now that you two know one another, I must be off. Shikijou-san, please show Ryuujin-sama to her quarters and make sure she has everything she needs.”

“As you wish, Akio-sama,” Shikijou replied. Once the old man had disappeared back into his home Shikijou finally turned his full attention to Saiyame. “Shall we go?” He asked, affecting a passive expression and keeping his tone light.

“Lead the way, Shikijou-san.”
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Shikijou silently led his charge out of the Elders’ compound and around it, a little ways into the forest. He kept his emotions tucked away to be deciphered at a later time, and inwardly prayed that the light in his eyes would go unnoticed by Saiyame. A narrow trail marked the path to the demon’s quarters, which would be located just outside of the grounds of Inari-sama’s temple.

“This is a quiet forest,” Saiyame said, breaking the silence that had begun to hang heavy in the air. It is wary of us and shows signs of recent battle. How long ago did the last demons pass through?”

“It has been but a few weeks, my lady,” Shikijou replied, swallowing a thick lump in his throat and keeping his gaze fixed carefully forward. It would not do for the Lady Demon to see the council’s Head Guard in such a flustered state, but it was all Shikijou could do to keep his wits about him. Saiyame smelled all at once like lavender and jasmine, and the very earth itself, and she carried herself in a way that was both regal and inviting.

“Is that so? There will be a new moon two days from now, and it would be a perfect time for any number of demons to attack again. I will be sure to keep my guard up, of that you can be sure.”

“Thank you, Ryuujin-sama. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated as time wears on and the villagers come to accept you.” Shikijou gave up ignoring Saiyame and turned to her as he spoke, sucking in a deep breath as his eyes met hers. They were bright blue, clear and intelligent, and beautiful. Her hair hung down well past her waist and had the appearance of golden silk. Her delicate features and pale skin made Saiyame appear fragile, but Shikijou knew from experience how dangerous demons could be. And how deceptive appearances often were.

“Well we will see how things turn out. Is this the place?” Saiyame stopped before a small cottage just off the pathway. It looked like any number of the houses in the main strip of Kamana, only bigger. It was obvious from the overgrown yard that the house hadn’t been used for awhile, but the actual building seemed to be in decent shape and felt pleasantly inviting.

“Yes, this would be the place. I’m very sorry, it seems the gardeners have not gotten around to grooming your yard yet, but I can assure you that the interior is in excellent shape.”

“It’s ok, I would prefer if the plants were not all cleared away for my sake. After all, I am the one who is intruding on their land.”

Shikijou blinked and cocked an eyebrow before nodding in understanding. “If that is what you want, then I will be sure to keep them away from here. Is there anything else you need before I take my leave?”

“No, I am fine. Thank you very much for escorting me here, and for accepting me into your village. I may be here for awhile and, well I was wondering if you might be available to show me around the rest of Kamana?”

“Of course, my lady. It would be my great pleasure. And you may call me ‘Shiki,’ if you wish. I’m sure once the villagers get accustomed to you things will get better.

“Yes, I expect they will. I am going to turn in for the night, but I will see you tomorrow?”

“Absolutely. I look forward to it.” Shikijou gave Saiyame one final bow and turned back down the path, heading past Inari’s temple without so much as a glance in Kimiko’s direction. He could see her out of the corner of his eye, standing on the steps of the outdoor altar and watching him, but her presence didn’t fully register until she called out to him.”

“Shiki! Where are you going?” Kimiko raced down the steps and flung herself onto Shikijou’s back as he passed, stopping him in his tracks.

“Kimiko, how are you today? I was just heading back to the Elder’s conclave. They have much to discuss regarding Ryuujin-sama’s arrival.”
“Ah yes, that demon,” Kimiko hissed, moving to Shikijou’s side and linking her arm with his. “I saw you escorting her to that ramshackle of a building. She is so creepy, don’t you think?”

Shikijou shrugged his shoulders and gently disentangled his arm from Kimiko’s, his thoughts briefly flickering to Saiyame’s pale, wispy locks and comparing them to Kimiko’s deep golden eyes. “She is interesting, to say the least. And quite powerful as I understand it: the rarest of her kind.”

“Rare?” Kimiko asked skeptically. Those vermin are all over the place these days, causing mischief wherever they go. Their village is also quite close to ours, which makes me wonder why they didn’t bother to help us before if they are so noble.”

Shikijou gave Kimiko a tight smile that he tried not to make look condescending. “Kimi, while it is true that fox demons are found just about everywhere these days, the group that inhabits that particular village is special. They are demi-gods who have the ability to manipulate reality in large numbers and make their illusions real. Lady Saiyame doesn’t have that particular ability, but she is the only golden fox demon to be born in over seven hundred years.”

Kimiko faltered momentarily, but quickly recovered her composure. “Seven hundred years is nothing to a demon.”

“True,” Shikijou agreed, and left it at that. He didn’t figure that going in-depth about just how unique Saiyame was would do him any good with Kimiko, or win him any points with her if he needed certain favors later that night.

“So I will see you tonight?” Kimiko asked, raking her eyes over Shikijou in what she was certain was an irresistibly seductive manner. Her prey took the bait and swept her into a quick, passionate kiss before nodding his head and turning back toward the village’s main square.

“I will look forward to it, Kimiko.”