The Blazing Tempest

DISCLAIMER: This story is a non-commercial work of fiction based on the anime/manga Samurai 7. Original copyright of Samurai 7 belongs to Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto, Hideo Oguni, MICO, GDH, GONZO. Absolutely no monetary gain has been made with this work.


THE BLAZING TEMPEST
By Rory V. Pascual (Edited by Saiyukihana)
© Original Version 2001; Samurai 7 Version June 25, 2006


Chapter Twenty-Seven

Shichiroji carried Kanbei back to his chamber, with Moeru trotting at his side. Following with great reluctance were Masamune and a very confused Gorobei. Entering the room, the Samurai laid the concubine on his bed, tucking him in with the blanket. The colt jumped on the bed as well and settled down beside Kanbei, his head on his Master's
belly.

"I want you to watch over him for me, Moeru," ordered Shichiroji. "If there's trouble, I want you and Kanbei to run away and hide in some place safe, all right?"

Moeru blinked his eyes in assent and even draped a protective leg over the whoremaster's body.

Bending down, Shichiroji kissed Kanbei's lips, the outline visible under the dark veil. As he straightened up, he turned to the two men grimly. "Let's go, gentlemen. We have much to discuss."

Nodding, Masamune took a small lamp. "Come with me. There is only one place in this Palace where we could talk in private."

Taking the lead, the scribe brought the two warriors to the very heart of the Palace -- a small room, which Shichiroji at first thought was a mere storage chamber. But when Masamune produced a rusted iron key and opened the door, the Samurai was stunned to discover that the room was actually a place of worship. The chamber itself was circular, with a domed ceiling. The stone idols adorning the walls were unfamiliar to him, but they resembled the gods of the Hindu. Their hands were fixed in various gestures of spell casting and prayer. However, what was different about them from the Hindi gods was that all their eyes were open and painted to give them that fierce, piercing glare. All the gods' heads were slightly bent. To Shichiroji, they looked like they were staring at a point on the floor. Strangely enough, he could actually feel power emanating from those
statues, filling not only this chamber but extending beyond it as well. There was also a startling anomaly.

Shichiroji looked at Gorobei, who was just as startled as he was. "I could feel your chi now."

"And I yours," Gorobei noted as well. "This is the first time I've been to this particular part of the Palace."

"No one is supposed to know that this room existed, including me," put in Masamune. "The former scribe of this Palace shared the secret with me. If Ukyo were to find out that I know about this place, he would have me immediately executed."

"But what is this place?" asked Shichiroji.

From within his robes, the Scribe pulled out an old scroll and laid it on the altar. As the two men gathered around it, they saw that it was actually the plans for the Palace, superimposed over strange markings, which were obviously architectural plans for something else. It was apparent to Shichiroji that the Palace was built over some kind of
edifice. Looking closely at the diagram, a gasp escaped his lips.

"By the gods, are you trying to tell me that this Palace is some kind of maze, or a mausoleum?" the Samurai exclaimed.

"Actually, it's both a mausoleum and a maze," Masamune explained. Gesturing to the room in which they were in, he continued, "This...chapel...is where the dead were interred. According to my predecessor, this chapel also served as the gateway for the
souls of the departed to the afterlife. These stone gods decided whether the soul should go to Heaven or to Hell. However, this Holy Ground has served another purpose."

Gorobei frowned. "What kind of purpose?"

"Let me tell you first about the tribe that originally lived here. Legend has it that these ancients were practitioners of magic. Not Dark Magic, because they believed in the sanctity of life and preserving the natural order of the universe. The magic they
performed was always for the good of the people. They cast spells to assure bountiful crops, induce rains as well as heal the sick and serious injuries. They are always in constant communication with their gods, that is why they were a blessed race.

"However, one of them, supposedly a deranged and depraved kind of fellow, started to dabble in Dark Magic, particularly of the sexual variety. Such was his charisma that the sorcerer had many followers and they attempted to take over the land by summoning a demon that could grant them their hearts' desire, and they succeeded. But this demon was a very capricious being, saying that it would only grant their wish if they would offer a sacrifice to it. This sacrifice was supposed to be pure of soul and should be willing to satisfy its demands. Apparently, this sorcerer and his followers found such a sacrifice. The other magicians discovered their plot. They banished the sorcerer and his minions to Hell. However, they were too late in stopping the sacrifice, which made the demon powerful. The demon destroyed this once fertile land and transformed it into a desert. It would have gone beyond the limits of this country, but the magicians were successful in trapping him in this place. Through the intervention of the gods, they drained the demon of its powers to the point that it was almost mortal. Unfortunately, having gone beyond their limits as well, magicians and gods alike were unable to banish him back into the underworld. Instead, they built these catacombs, a kind of prison, to keep the demon in. As a safety measure, the magicians had this chapel made so that from here, they could still perform the magic that would keep the demon from escaping to the outside world once more."

Shichiroji put in, "So that is the reason why I couldn't sense a samurai's chi. This...protection spell...it even dulls the innate powers that all true warriors possess."

"You said the demon was drained of its powers," interrupted Gorobei. "How did they do it?"

"My predecessor told me that the magicians and gods put all of its powers inside a crystal called..."

"The Amesha Spenta Stone," the Samurai finished the sentence for the scribe.

Masamune looked at the Warrior in surprise. "You've heard of the Amesha Spenta Stone?"

Shichiroji smiled wryly. "Remember that I traveled extensively through this region in the past, so you hear things. Every holy man I know believed the Stone to be just a myth. It was said that anyone who possesses it would be blessed with eternal life. But I never thought that it contained the power of a demon."

"Unfortunately, it is real, as well as the danger it poses. That is why the Amesha Spenta Stone was hidden in a distant land, so that no one will be able to awaken the demon and free it."

The moor remarked, "If that's the case, I don't think we'll be having any problems. Without the Stone, the demon is powerless."

"That's where you're wrong," Shichiroji said thoughtfully. "The demon's awake and is controlling Kanbei." He turned to Masamune. "Ukyo has the Stone, doesn't he?"

There was a shocked expression on Gorobei's face as the scribe nodded.

The Samurai shook his head. "Knowing Ukyo, he probably has it hidden in a safe place. I doubt if even Hyogo or Kikuchiyo know where it is. Still, it's in close proximity that the demon could obviously draw power from the Stone if it could control Kanbei like this."

"No, it cannot," Masamune countered. "It should have physical contact with the Stone. The Amanushi and his men, however, have been acting as conduits between the Stone and the demon." The scribe's jaw hardened. "This is the only way for it to...enjoy...Kanbei's body. With the concubine's pure soul, and his innocence of the terrible fate that awaits him, the demon will not be able to claim him at the present time."

"I guessed as much," said Shichiroji. "So that's what Ukyo meant by 'a little abracadabra.' That bastard!"

Gorobei scratched his head in confusion. "What does Kanbei have to do with all of this?"

The Samurai's face darkened. "It's quite simple, in a perverse kind of way. Knowing him to be the megalomaniac that he is, Ukyo intends to use the demon to conquer the world. Unlike the sorcerer centuries before, he has two bargaining chips -- the Stone and Kanbei. Given the insatiable lust the demon displayed earlier when it possessed Kanbei, it's very obvious now that Ukyo had the concubine trained to be an expert whore in order to satisfy the cravings of that monster. Kanbei is his sacrifice. Tessai hinted as much before he died. While I was trying to free Kanbei from the demon's influence, I heard a male voice. He was saying something about a wish."

Masamune nodded. "The sacrifice must be willing before the demon could claim his body. Not only will the sacrifice offer his flesh to it, he must also make the wish on his Master's behalf."

"Kanbei will never do that," the Samurai said firmly.

It was Gorobei who spoke up. "I have to hand it to Ukyo. He is very devious."

Shichiroji's brows knitted together. "What do you mean?"

"I've always wondered why Ukyo decided to bring you in during the last part of our journey, despite knowing how much you hate him. Both Tessai and I could lead the caravan, because this is our territory."

"If you're saying that I might be used to convince Kanbei to go to the demon willingly, you're wrong. I would rather die than see him fall into that monster's hands because of me."

"After all these years," Masamune began, "you still don't know the things that Kanbei would do for you. He did it fifteen years ago. He would willingly do it again, because he loves you deeply."

Shichiroji fell silent, lost in deep thought. Then, he mumbled, "Maybe it would be better if he hates me instead."

The scribe frowned. "Did you say something, Shichiroji?"

"No," the Samurai quickly answered. "Just woolgathering." He looked at the plans once more. "Ukyo is truly twisted. He built the Palace into the plans of the catacombs. It's like a maze, probably to give the demon enough room to roam around in secrecy. I seriously doubt if anyone had ever seen it."

"I think there have been a few servants who had the misfortune of encountering it," said Masamune. "They just disappeared without a trace. I'm thankful at least that I never bumped into it when I was exploring the secret tunnels."

"I certainly wouldn't want to see it," Gorobei exclaimed with a shudder. "Still, I wonder what it looks like."

The scribe raised his lamp to a shelf carved beneath the stone gods. "Let me show you."

As the flame of the lamp touched the shelf, the oil inside caught fire, sending tongues of flame encircling around the room, engulfing it suddenly in light.

"ALLAH BE MERCIFUL!" Gorobei gasped at the terrifying image painted on the floor.

At first glance, the demon looked like the Hindu goddess Kali. However, unlike the goddess, it had eight clawed arms. On its clearly muscular male torso were two full breasts. It sat Lotus-style in the middle of a blazing fire to reveal an enormous male member and the wide orifice of a female between its legs. The demon had two heads --
one male, one female. But both were hideous, with wide, kohl-painted red eyes with a malevolent glare, flaring nostrils, dark red lips and razor sharp teeth. Forked tongues snaked out of those gaping mouths. Their hair -- the male's fiery red, the female's as black as night -- was gathered at the top of their heads with a cord and tied into ponytails. Bat wing-shaped ears extended from the sides of their heads.

Shichiroji could barely hide his horror and disgust, seeing that horrible visage. "The Odalisk," he muttered the demon's name.

Suddenly, an ear-piercing shriek of pain filled the air, followed by anguished whinnies.

"MOERU!" the Samurai cried. He swiftly turned to the two men. "Leave this room at once before Ukyo or Hyogo catch you! I'll take care of this!"

Before Masamune and Gorobei could react, Shichiroji ran out the door, heading back to the concubine's chamber. Reaching the hallway where Kanbei's suite was at, his eyes widened in shock.

Moeru was lying on his side on the floor, blood trickling from his mouth. Standing above him, kicking him again and again in the belly, was the furious form of Hyogo. Inside the chamber, Kanbei was crying out.

"NO, PLEASE DON'T HURT HIM!" the concubine screamed behind the closed door. "HE DIDN'T MEAN IT! MOERU!"

Before Hyogo could place another kick on the hapless colt, Shichiroji swiftly pulled out his dagger and laid the sharp edge over the insane warrior's throat.

"You would kill me, Shichiroji, over an animal?" Hyogo asked in disbelief.

"I will if you continue to hurt him," answered Shichiroji, his words filled with firm intent.

"That little bastard bit my cock!" the samurai complained.

The door opened abruptly and Ukyo stepped outside. For a moment, before the evil Amanushi closed the door behind him, Shichiroji caught a glimpse of terrified brown eyes.

"What...is...this?" Ukyo gestured to the bleeding colt.

"This is your whore's beloved pet," Shichiroji replied in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, cautiously lowering his dagger. "A gift to him by Kyuzo. You remember him? He was once your right hand."

"I don't want this animal here! I want it taken to the stables where it belongs!"

"Why? Because he bit Hyogo's cock? Tell me, Ukyo. Which would you prefer -- a whore who would willingly obey your every command or one who would rebel because you took away the one and only thing that is precious to him? You don't know him like I do, Amanushi-sama. You wouldn't like it when he gets it into his head to be rebellious."

Ukyo gave the Samurai a level glare. "Was it you, Shichiroji?"

Shichiroji knew immediately what he was referring to. "Of course it was me! Do you think I like bumping into rapacious concubines roaming around the hallways in the middle of the night? I was looking for a servant to bring me some food when your whore molested me!"

"Are you saying he tried to..."

"Yes," he lied convincingly. "I've never seen Shinno act this way. When I tried to stop him, he transformed into this...this hideous thing. What the hell's going on, Ukyo? Did you have me escorting a raving lunatic? Why didn't you warn me?"

A smile formed on Ukyo's lips. "Forgive me, Samurai. I never intended you to become the unwitting victim of our spell casting. I guess we owe you an explanation."

"You're damned right you do!"

The Amanushi nodded. "Very well. We shall talk. Tomorrow night. In my chamber."

That leer on Ukyo's face was unmistakable. //. Talk? That's not all we're going to do, and you damned well know it! // Shichiroji, however, did not allow his revulsion to show on his face. Instead, he said, "It's about time. All right. Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow," Ukyo repeated. "Hyogo, let's go!"

"Hold it!" Shichiroji stopped the two men. "What about the colt?"

Ukyo glanced down at the writhing form. "It could stay with my concubine. But I will not allow it to be around when I want to bed my precious whore."

"If I'm not able to watch the colt," began Shichiroji, "I'll ask for Kikuchiyo's help." At least, Kikuchiyo, unlike Ukyo or Hyogo, was kind to animals. "However, this does not mean we won't have a turn. I hope we understand each other on this."

The Amanushi burst into laughter. "Why, I never knew you could be so greedy! But of course! We share! For now, I leave him in your hands. I doubt, however, if you will have use for him to tonight."

"I could imagine. I could hear his screams all over the Palace. Shinno loves this colt dearly. Good night, gentlemen."

"Good night, Shichiroji-kun." Ukyo tugged Hyogo's arm, who reluctantly followed him, but not before granting the Samurai a fierce glower.

Shichiroji waited for the two men to leave the hallway. Bending down, he gently picked up Moeru. The colt was trembling all over. Still, he managed to open his eyes, pupils black and alert.

"When I said watch over Kanbei, I didn't mean that you should get yourself killed while doing so." The Samurai kissed the colt on his nose. "You did well, little one. Come! Let's see to your beloved Master."

The minute Shichiroji opened the door, Kanbei, his veil wet with his tears, ran towards them, unmindful of the blood that was streaming down his legs and staining his silk bed gown. All his attention was focused on the colt.

"Moeru! Oh, my dear sweet Moeru!" he sobbed, caressing the colt's brow. Kanbei turned teary doe eyes to the Samurai. "Is he all right, Shichiroji? Please tell me he's all right!"

"I'm not sure. Hyogo walloped him pretty hard. I have to examine him closely. It would be better if Kikuchiyo were here. He has a way with animals."

"If you like, if he could help Moeru, I'll call him at once."

There was a curious expression on the Samurai's face, hearing what the concubine said.

Kanbei swallowed hard. "When he's not with his Ukyo and Hyogo, when it's only the two of us, Kikuchiyo is very kind and gentle with me."

Shichiroji thought back to that first night in Ukyo's chamber. Although all three men had taken the whoremaster, it was indeed Kikuchiyo who showed consideration for Kanbei. Not once did Kikuchiyo whip him. Even during the act, the mechanical samurai had been slow with his thrusts, something that had gotten Hyogo irked with impatience.

The Warrior smiled reassuringly. "No, I think it would be better if Moeru rested with you for the time being."

Nodding, Kanbei hurried towards the bed and pulled back the sheets. Shichiroji gently laid the colt on the bed beside the concubine. As Kanbei pulled him close, Moeru nuzzled on his bare chest and smacked his lips on a tiny nipple, starting to feed.

Shichiroji groaned. "I should have known a horse's chivalry would have a price."

Kanbei kissed Moeru's nose. "He deserves it."

"What happened, Shinno?"

"I don't know exactly. It was all too confusing for me. I woke up with a sharp pain in my belly. When I looked down, I saw the blood between my legs. At that same instant, Ukyo and Hyogo appeared. I thought that they had raped me while I was sleeping. They were about to take me again, but Moeru came forward. When they saw him, Ukyo had an idea. He had Hyogo grab Moeru while Ukyo pinned me down on the bed and spread my legs." Kanbei paused, unsure if he should proceed. Sighing, he said, "They wanted Moeru to...you know...like that first time in Kyuzo's tent. But..."

Shichiroji's jaw hardened. "Moeru wouldn't do it. I know. He bit Hyogo's cock instead."

"Yes. For a moment, I thought that Moeru would actually bite off his cock. But then, both he and Ukyo started beating him. I tried to stop them. When Ukyo saw that I was getting hysterical, he ordered Hyogo to take Moeru outside while he bedded me. I'm thankful that you came just in time to save him."

"What about you? Are YOU all right?"

"Just the usual aches. I'll heal."

"Good. I'll leave you two alone then. I'll come back in the morning with Kikuchiyo."

Shichiroji was about to leave, but the concubine grabbed his hand.

"Please, Shichiroji," Kanbei begged him. "Don't go. There's enough room in this bed. You could sleep here."

"Are you sure you want me here?"

"Please. I may have been...disagreeable...so many times in the past. But I've only felt truly safe when I'm with you."

The Samurai hesitated. However, the sight of the wet shimmer in those brown orbs was something he could not refuse. With a nod, Shichiroji climbed into bed, with a suckling Moeru between them. Unable to resist the urge, he reached out with a gentle finger and wiped the tears from the concubine's eyes, slowly going down to caress the cheekbone
peeking above the veil.

Quietly, Kanbei asked, "Shichiroji?"

"Yes, Shinno?"

"Do...do you want to see my face?"

"Do you want to show me your face?"

A small shrug. "I know you want to see my face very much. Before he died, Katsushiro always told me how happy he was that he and his teacher had seen my face while you haven't."

"Katsushiro had teased me about it too," Shichiroji admitted.

"If you like, if you command me to, I'll show you my face."

"But you don't want to do that, do you?"

"To be truthful, I really don't know how I should feel. Katsushiro would insist that I should. But..."

"But what?"

Pause. Then, there was the soft admission, "I'm afraid."

"What is there for you to be afraid of?"

"You. I'm afraid of what you might do if you see my face at last. I'm afraid that you might get very, very angry with me."

Shichiroji reached out his arm and embraced the older man. Cuddled as he was between the two men, Moeru let out a pleased sigh.

"There's no reason for you to be afraid of me, Shinno," the Samurai reassured him. "Why should I be angry with you, when you have done nothing wrong?" Closing his eyes, he inwardly added, // I am more angry with myself because it was I who brought you into this Hell. // He then said, "I will not put any pressure on you. You can show me your face when you're good and ready."

Silence. For a moment, Shichiroji thought that the whoremaster had already fallen asleep. Then, soft lips were pressed to his own. Bright blue eyes met warm brown orbs.

Embracing the Warrior as well, Kanbei whispered in relief, "Thank you, Shichiroji. Thank you."


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