The Third Day, Reprise

[Amari]

“No, that was fine.” Scarlet said calmly. “You were angry, you felt anger and so you acted upon it. You didn’t hold back.” Still playing with the letter opener Scarlet padded across the room, her footsteps quieted by the various rugs that littered the floor. “Just like last night, you were desiring flesh...so you acted upon it.” Scarlet grinned, his facade was dropping. His control over his emotions was slipping, and that was exactly what she wanted.

He sipped more of his drink, “I shouldn't be though, my job isn't to feel, it's to protect you. If I can't think clearly because my thoughts are clouded how can I even think to be a proper body guard?”

Scarlet sat back down into the chair, easing back into its floral patterned cushions. In a sense, he was right, but she had to break him down first, she’d worry about clarity after. “You’re thinking too much like a bushido. Let that go. That is not you anymore.” Her eyes turned to the letter opener as she twirled it around and round between her fingers. “Rage…. Hate… Adrenaline, emotion is powerful when utilised correctly.”

Taka sipped more of the drink, “But if they consume you…” He let the words hang before he shook his head, “Every time I give in to those emotions, I feel the Oni’s claws sink just a bit deeper.”

Scarlet assessed his words, the oni was a wildcard. It was safe to assume it was playing a hand in Takas fall from grace, but it had its own agenda, and as far as she was concerned. It held a great dislike for her. It was one thing to break down a persons psyche, it was another to make deals with a demon. Course, she had dealt with Aurelius in her past and he was a far bigger threat than what resided inside Taka.

“because you keep denying yourself these things. If you just accept them it wouldn't be an issue.”

“I have only heard one way to prevent the Oni from overtaking me, and that is the Path I have tread,” his voice regained some of that conviction, but he seemed on the verge of saying more and thought better of it.

“Why not work with it?” Scarlet asked, tilting her head to the side as she purposefully pricked the edge of the trinket into her finger, a pool of crimson blood formed, then trickled down her finger. “

“I could fill a year with the tales of those who made deals with Oni. Suffice to say, they end badly,” Was his response.

Scarlet was a little disappointed in his continued resolve. “I see.” She grew bored with it, but she had yet to finish with him, it was still early morning. Her eyes darted to the door as a soft knock disrupted the silence. “Enter.” Caellus came in again, this time bearing two silver trays, he placed one upon Amaris lap and the other upon Taka’s. “You know I’m not a butler, Red.” He muttered.

Scarlet grinned, “Oh I know, but I did promise you a little something, didn’t I?” Caellus’s eyes flashed and he inhaled deeply, exhaled and bit his tongue before walking out the cabin. “Right!” Scarlet said as she clapped her hands together. “This conversation is growing dull. Time to eat.”


Their meals were identical. Medium rare eye fillets sitting atop a bed of rosemary and garlic infused mashed potato, a red wine reduction had been trickled around the outer edge. It was a heavy meal for so early in the morning, but that was Scarlets intention. “And yes,” She commented, picking up her own steak knife and fork. “I did make it. So don’t insult your host.”

Taka nodded, “I have never found reason to doubt your skills.” He began to carefully used the offered utensils, eating the meal.

Scarlet watched, for someone who had never drunk before, he had an unusual tolerance for it. If she had a way to tell Caellus not to come with the food, she would have. It would only slow his inebriation. Not that it entirely mattered, her original goal was to get him drunk, and have him admit how much he enjoyed the night prior, but he had already done so. All she had to do is keep pushing him further and further away from his code.

Taka moved to drink his hand stiff, he didn't seem to notice as the entire glass slid down his throat. He coughed slightly and shook his head before he went back to his meal, seeming to not notice until he reached for the empty glass and frowned.

Scarlet quirked a brow. “Did you want more?” She asked quizzically. The Ronin nodded his assent, looking at the empty glass. Scarlet sighed as she shifted, lifting her silver platter with her to the cabinet. She set it down and picked out a different liqour for him. “You have a taste for whiskey, but did you want to try something else? Rum? Absinthe? Vodka?”

The Ronin looked up to her, “Stiffer, he's putting up a fight but losing…” the voice held none of his accent, and was dark and oily. The Ronin seemed oblivious to what had come out of his mouth.

I was wondering when you would make your appearance. Scarlet thought to herself as she picked up a clear bottle from the shelf. “I personally hate this, it tastes like fuel, I sometimes use it to burn off the crud from pots and pans. It’ll burn a hole in your throat.” She mused as she walked back over to Taka, and poured him a glass. Wrinkling her nose at the immediate, strong, alcoholic scent. She only half filled the glass. “You should thank me, for being such a gracious host.”

“Arigato Scarlet-Sama,” he replied. Once more he moved to sip his drink before the entirety was poured down his throat. The utensils now scraped inelegantly against the plate as he lost the finer control. His head lilting.

“The rug is expensive, try not to spill the food.” Scarlet quipped, arms folded as she stood by the ronin as he fought for control over his body.

His head listed forward, the Ronin continuing to eat before finally, he righted, and seemed perfectly normal, “I almost forgot what real food tastes like little angel.”

“You’re welcome.” Scarlet responded. The oni had finally made an appearance, although she was surprised it had not been sooner. Not during the bloodshed, nor the sex. Two things she thought it would have revelled in. “And what reason brings you out now, Oni?” Scarlet asked a she sat back down in her chair. “Am I to thank you for giving him those small pushes, or am I giving you too much credit?”

[Amari]

Her chest burned with life, and there was a heated feeling in the pit of her stomach that was almost nauseating. “Ugh…” She groaned as she pushed Taka away. “Next time use an expendable whore for your sick fetish, ronin. Not me.” She muttered as she shifted away from the bed. She knew the Oni was the one to initiate it, but Taka had indulged just as much as the Oni had. Scarlet had to admit she was impressed with his progress, she didn’t think that he’d fall so far, so fast. “That goes for you too.” She muttered, aiming her words at the Oni.

Taka looked down and nodded softly, he seemed oddly quiet. Finally he ventured forth, “As you wish.”

She narrowed her eyes at his pensive reaction, surely he hadn’t broken so easily already? “I liked this dress…” She muttered as she lifted up her blood soaked arms. “Honestly, I have to admire your gusto ronin. You saw what you wanted and you took it. Even if it was to fuck my dead corpse.”

He grew noticeably paler at the words, a stark contrast to the black marks that adorned his body. Covering him in what looked as a stylized slash across his chest,the Ronin kept his face lowered, “Many thanks…” the words sounded wooden more habitual than heartfelt.

“What happened to all that energy you had?” Scarlet asked, turning toward him. She reached out and ran a finger down his cheek. “You certainly seemed more lively… when I wasn’t.” She chided, gauging his reaction to her quip.

She shrugged, turning her back on him. “What other things would you indulge in? Shall I bring them to you?” She asked as she headed over to the hearth and threw a few logs onto it.

“I...don't know. I never gave things such thought. I never needed to, life was simpler,” his words were distant. Scarlet knew he was at breaking point, or had already broken and his mind was now fluid.

After igniting the fire Scarlet turned back to Taka. “But isn’t life so much more satisfying now? Have you not enjoyed yourself here?” She beckoned him. “Come.” Taka rose from the bed going to her cautiously, some semblance of the warrior within showing. “Sit by the fire.” Scarlet commanded, watching his actions closely as she picked up a coal warmer and absently placed the black rocks from the night before into it.

Taka took a seat before he spoke, “I have learned things. Things I'm not certain I was ready to know.”

Scarlet placed it into the midst of the fire. “That’s how life is.” She said quietly. It was the first time she hadn’t shown any malicious intent in front of him since she started whittling down his will. “This is what I want to show you. This is what I want you to understand. Revel in your indulgences. Don’t fear them.”

“I see,” He said softly. He closed his eyes before he whispered, “And if they consume me? I wouldn't be a very good bodyguard. I think I would need someone to pull me from the edge…”

Scarlet turned the stones over once, heating them evenly. “You’ll learn to do that yourself. In the meantime….” She stood and approached him, her fingers trailed over his cheeks. “You trust me to do that for you. I will rip you apart, break you, and put you back together again. You won’t be Taka.” She paused. “I don’t think you’re Taka now.”

“The time in Dheathain seems so far ago…” he mused, before looking at her, “You may be right, Taka died when the archers aimed their bows.”

Scarlet picked up the coal heater with rocks inside and padded over to the wooden bath and ripped off the wooden lid. Beneath it lay a bath full of pristine water, it had been changed during the night. She poured the rocks into it, the water hissed as they clattered to the bottom.

“If Taka is dead. Then who are you?” She asked, turning to look back on him.

“I do not know, but Taka….Taka is not who I am. He clung to what he believes his only chance, and died as he lived. To the end. Foolish, he had so much potential,” came the response.

“Disappointing.” Scarlet chastised. “Come. Get in.” She instructed. Taka entered the bath without pause, Scarlet picked up cloth, then his arm, and started to gently wash it. “You are undeserving of a name right now. When you completely abandon everything that is Taka, and the bushido. I will rename you.”

There was a small pause, “As for you, Oni. I will also bring you a name.”

[Amari]

Advencia entered an hour later, a large pile of folded bedding held in her tiny arms. It was stacked high above her head and it was a wonder how she managed to get to the cabin, open the door and close it behind her without it toppling over.

“Taka~” She cooed, her tail swishing wildly behind her. “I’ve bought fresh bedding for you!”

The Ronin had moved to the desk and had been quiet until Advencia arrived. He gave her a warm smile as he spoke, “A pleasure to see you too.”

The demonness huffed and turned toward the bed. “Mistress said you made a mess.” Her nose wrinkled. “She failed to mention that mess was her own blood.” She said with disdain in her voice as she began to strip the bed. “What happened here? I don’t smell your blood, only hers.”

Taka stood up, moving to the bed to help her, “I got drunk, and well, the next thing I knew I had stabbed her in the throat and had begun...well for lack of a better way to explain it, I fucked her corpse. When I realized what had happened I brought her back.”

Advencia stilled. “I see.” Her voice was strained and she continued to make the bed in silence. Her tail stopped whipping back and forth in a jovial fashion and instead sat still, upon the floor between her legs.

“You don’t approve,” He said firmly.

“OF COURSE I DON’T FUCKING APPROVE!” Advencia snapped as she turned around to yell at him. Her shrill voice raised. “You FUCKED mistress, you KILLED her. How do you FUCKIN’ THINK that makes me feel!?” She hissed as she ditched a bloodied sheet, wadded up at his face. She stormed over to the fireplace to tend to the dying embers.

“I remind you, you encouraged this behavior. Is it so surprising under alcohol it would rear its ugly head? If you ever wondered why I don't drink, I think today is a perfect example of why. It won't happen again, she and I agreed that was for the best,” He responded evenly.

“Not her…” Advencia hissed as she began to sift through the ashes with her bare hands, unaffected by the heat. She caught sight of a loose brick and in her anger punched it. It came loose and that’s when she noticed a strange sack, seemingly made of a torn up blue robe. “The fuck?”

Taka stiffened seeing her react. He moved and carefully placed the brick back in its place, “Let's have a nice discussion, because I don't think we're on the same page. Scarlet is confused and conflicted, you know this. She is testing her boundaries and she is forcing everyone around her to change to accommodate for that. You know this as well, that's why you got to sip my soul last night. But we both know the score, we know where that path goes. If she pushes any harder she will kill herself. That, is a long shot, it's a gamble. Now, you could report me and it to her, and let her destroy herself, or you can wait be patient, and hope that it pays out. What is it going to be Advencia? Your next decision is going to decide the fate of the Crimson Hand.”

Advencia narrowed her eyes at the sudden change in demeanor. Just a few moments ago he was playing the part of the broken ronin, uncaring and stoic, just a glimpse of the thing caused him to try and reason with her. She shoved Taka aside and pried the brick away from the wall, she pulled out the bundle. “What the fuck is in here to make you say that?” She hissed as her clawed hands ripped through the fabric. Small items tumbled out onto the floor, strange things. Things that the demoness would consider to be rubbish. They were covered in her scent, in Scarlets scent. “What. Is. This?”

“Memories are a powerful weapon,” He said as he reached out and pulled out a bracelet made of his hair, “They have a power even you must acknowledge. If you destroy these memories Advencia, you ensure Scarlet has no way back, if we keep them safe, we have a chance.”

Advencia gave Taka another hard shove, reaching out to grab the fire poker she stomped down hard on his chest, the poker aimed for his throat. “Why do YOU have these?” She spat. “Don’t talk in circles. Answer carefully.” She hissed, pressing the tip of the poker harder against his throat. “I was barred from feeding on your soul, but not from tearing you apart. WHY do you have these things? WHY do they smell like her?”

He carefully remained still, letting his breathing calm before he began, “Do you remember how you found me yesterday morning?” He waited until she nodded before he spoke, “Under that mattress, was these items. I don't know all their sentimental value, but I know they have some, the hair here,” he held up the bracelet, “I gave to her when she met me in Castle Ixia. I suspect these other items have similar meaning to her. They are Hope Advencia. However, Hope needs to be used at the right time, or it's pointless. I will destroy myself a hundred times over, until I can deliver that hope at the right time Succubus. Our goal is the same, now please, put the poker down.”

Advencia removed the poker, but not before ramming her foot down into his abdomen hard, winding him. “THAT’s for fucking her corpse.” The demoness spat as she turned on him to finish her work on the fireplace.

He exploded in a fit of coughs as he rolled over and spoke, “I deserved that. I won't lie.”

“Do what you want with the trinkets.” Advencia muttered. “I serve Mistress, and only Mistress. What you do in your free time is of no concern to me.” She said as the fire sprang to life. It was her way of telling him the items were safe in his care, and that she’d have no part in telling Scarlet about them, or destroying them. “Best find a new hiding place.”

He carefully regained his breath and nodded before he spoke, “She expects me to rest well tonight because she is determined to see where I end and the Oni begins tomorrow. I know you came to push me deeper into my lusts, I won't force you to follow those orders or not. Thank you though, and I'm sure Amari thanks you as well.”

“I was only ordered to change your bedding.” Advencia muttered. “I will have to mention to her you aren’t as broken as she thought. You almost had me fooled.” She stared at the rubbish on the floor and kicked a small metal ball with her foot. “Perhaps these stirred some more life into you.”

He looked at the succubus and carefully put everything back in the robe. He sighed and carefully stowed it under the mattress and spoke, “Until I find better, best return them to where they were…” he shook his head before he spoke, “My job is to protect her Advencia, she doesn't know the dangers like we do. If I suffer tomorrow because of this then I will see it as my duty. She is wrong however, there is no way I could forsake the warrior's path. Not without being useless to her. Her ignorance is the only shield I have against her though, she doesn't understand what Bushido is.”

Advencia sat herself in one of the plush chairs by the fire, she did not appreciate the words Taka sprouted. Scarlet was clearer and more concise than she ever had been. There were vast shifts in her energy that unnerved the succubus but at the same time it was almost exciting and enthralling. Scarlet held such a dangerous power now.

“I wonder what the Oni would say to that.” Advencia mused to herself as her blue eyes drifted to the fireplace.

Taka replied bluntly, “I don't care what he thinks. This body is mine, not his. If he wants it he can fight me for it. Otherwise, he can wait for moments of drugged lucidity. If you want to talk to him so badly seduce me.” He sat heavily in a chair beside her. “Desire, fear, regret, these are the things the Oni feeds upon, when they hit a point in me, he can take control.”

“You won’t have that issue soon. Mistress plans on giving the Oni a tangible form.” Advencia said as she started to smooth out the ruffles in her tight bodice. “I have no need to seduce you if I cannot feed from you.”

He snorted softly, “I see. A demon to the end.” He mused, “I dared think you could become more Advencia. I am glad to not have that misconception anymore.”

“It would be for the best.” She said bluntly. Advencia shouldn’t care what Taka thought of her. If he thought of her as nothing more than a demon than it’d just make her job easier. Scarlet was the only one who ever saw her as something more than that, something more than a tool to be used. Why would anyone else show her the same courtesy?

“I’ll be here till morning, do what you want.” Advencia said as she stretched and lifted her legs to tuck underneath her, her tail flicking lazily as she curled up on the chair. Body flickering with the firelight.

Taka looked at the fire for what seemed forever, “I won't force you to anything you do not choose for yourself. Thank you for the company Advencia. Thank you for not completely outing me. And...thank you, for listening to the foolish words of a wave-man.” His words held a genuine respect for what she had done as he rose and prepared himself for bed.

“Mmmhmm.” Came her reply as Advencia watched him climb into bed and fall asleep.

“If only you knew, Ronin. If only you knew….”