Your Scriptures Will Be Mine

This is an independent roleplay blog for Kougaiji from Saiyuki.

[youkaiprincekou]

Another Way of Life

[youkaiprincekou]

girlbytheoasis:

Pippi had almost lost herself in thoughts while the still nameless man was finishing the food she prepared just for him. And they weren’t pleasant ones either. Almost nightmare-ish, the blood-stained, fiery images plagued on her memories time and again, fueling more and more the hatred she had for humans. And now that he spoke up once again, Pippi felt a little curious if the perpetrators who did it to him were the same as the ones who’d taken almost everything away from her.

However,  his words made her eyes widen a little. While there she was, dwelling in bitterness and pain, the man wanted to extend his gratitude for being saved. No doubt, the youkai girl was a little shaken that she was out of words. 

“Ah–” Pippi just felt like she should scramble and help him out to meet everyone. But really, why? He was a mere stranger. But he had that aura. That spirit that was beyond the usual traveler she’d come across. Well, no matter. Moving further than the usual functions for survival might not be ideal for his recovery.

“You will meet them soon enough in the coming days, don’t worry.” She told him calmly. 

“For now, please rest. Rest up some more. You are welcome to stay as long as you’d need.”

It seemed as if he had taken the girl off guard with his question. She had seemed rather preoccupied with her thoughts. He had no intentions of prying, but he couldn’t help but briefly wonder what had her looking so gravely serious.

Then, as soon as the advice to get more rest was voiced, it was like the power of suggestion summoned up the need for exactly that. One second Kougaiji was fine and the next it felt like he’d been hit in the face with a bag of sleeping powder. He felt beyond exhausted. But then he suddenly felt something else as well, an urge just as powerful but required more immediate attention. To his utter mortification.

“Thank you, it is very appreciated.” Kougaiji subtly fidgeted in place as he tried not to feel embarrassed as he asked this next question. “I will rest up more, but first can I… use your washroom?”  

His bladder felt like it was going to explode.

[youkaiprincekou]

Another Way of Life

[youkaiprincekou]

girlbytheoasis:

“You’re welcome.” The  girl answered and sat near, waiting for him to finish so she’d take the bowl and utensils away. And now that she watched him eat, her mind couldn’t help but wander off, eyes studying this mysterious youkai with the sun-kissed skin and a very handsome face.

It wasn’t the first time she’s got to look at the newcomer this close. In fact, she’d done dressing up his injuries and treated gashes all over his body. But now that he was up and alive, he was completely different. From every little gesture, he was slowly revealing the person that he was. There was a notably striking sophistication to his every move down to the way he talked. Pippi just had this nagging feeling that she might’ve known him. Somewhere. But…where? 

Those thoughts were cut short when he spoke to her once more, surprising her a little. 

“Aa–yes and no.” She replied, unconsciously grabbing onto a pigtail to play with it. But this was no time to get a stupid crush, right? She took a deep breath and straightened up. “I found you and alerted everyone. We took you back here, patched you up and medicated you. You were asleep for quite a while–”

She could remember vividly how badly in shape he was. Literally needing to tuck his flesh  back in. It made her blood boil. He was almost as bad as when they found her own brother. 

“I hope you’re feeling better.”

So he’d been out for quite awhile? Exactly how long.... immediately a bit of panic flared in his gut and his mind raced to thoughts of Lirin and her safety. He told himself to calm down. Though he didn’t trust to leave Lirin alone by herself for very long in that castle with her mother, she wasn’t alone. There was Dokugakuji and Yaone there with her. And if he’d been gone long enough for them to come searching for him, then he knew they’d take Lirin with them. 

As Kougaiji shoveled a couple more bites down he mentally took a closer inspection of the condition he was in. Aside from the broken arm, the side of his head pounded a bit and his lower stomach was rather sore. Glancing to the side, he took in the girl’s serious expression. He must have been in a bad way and he found he regretted she had to see him in that condition.

“I have felt better but I will live,” Kougaiji finally replied calmly with another little incline of his head as thanks.

It wasn’t long until he ate every last drop of food that was in the bowl. It made his stomach feel a bit weird but overall he felt better with food in his system to fuel his energy. Setting the spoon down, he turned to regard Pippi again.

“Are the others around? I would like to extend my thanks to them as well.”

[youkaiprincekou]

Another Way of Life

[youkaiprincekou]

girlbytheoasis:

“You’re awake?”

The youkai girl in pigtails must be tired from uttering that line, considering the amount of people she had already brought into this room. Then again, each time she did, it had always eased some heavy feeling, as if a huge deal of weight lifted from her shoulder. 

From the door, she made her way in, carrying a bowl of a steaming meal, something the stranger with a dislocated arm would probably find hard to resist. Without much questioning, she settled beside him, placing the bowl on top of a little wooden table. 

“Eat up. You must be hungry.”

At those two simple spoken words, Kougaiji turned his head towards the now open door. A young girl with pointed ears... so his savior is a youkai. Of course, he would have been much more surprised if it had been a human. Though... he frowned softly... she looked much too petite to have carried him to wherever this place was. Perhaps she had help? Or maybe it hadn’t been her at all.

He watched in a mixture of curiosity and a vague sense of unease as the girl with pigtails crossed the room and boldly sat next to him and presented him with a meal. Kougaiji looked from her to the bowl. Surely something that smelled so enticing had to be safe. As the aroma continued to invade his nose, his stomach let out another embarrassing gurgle... not really giving him much of a choice.

“Thank you,” Kougaiji said softly with a slight incline of his head before he turned his attention to the task at hand. It would seem the best option was probably to leave the bowl on the table since he only had one good arm at the moment. Being careful of his injured arm, Kougaiji leaned forward over the bowel as he picked up the spoon and began to eat. Though after a couple bites, he felt like he was being watched and the silence felt awkward to him. Perhaps because this youkai was a complete stranger.

Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, the prince looked over at the girl. “Were you the one who brought me here?”

[youkaiprincekou]

Another Way of Life

A dull throbbing pain radiating from his left side slowly nudged Kougaiji to consciousness. Shifting minutely, heavy lids cautiously lifted and revealed softly hazy purple eyes. He blinked a couple times and the hazy grogginess already began to seep away. Not moving much yet, Kougaiji looked around and frowned. The last thing he remembered was crashing down into a forest and now he was laying on something soft looking around at a roof and four walls. 

With a soft, nearly inaudible, groan, Kougaiji planted the arm that wasn’t in agony on the ground to help himself into a sitting position. At least he didn’t seem to have a concussion or anything other than possibly a broken arm. His stomach chose that moment to let out a grumble. Though, it appeared he was hungry as well. It was time to get up on his feet and leave. Yet, he remained seated and looked around to see if there was anyone nearby. He couldn’t leave without thanking whoever helped him.

[youkaiprincekou]

Escape The Pain

[youkaiprincekou]

zenonthebamf:

The fallen god honestly thought the youkai would shrug off his offer, so when he accepted it, once again, he was taken by surprise. It seemed today’s theme was ‘Surprise the fuck outta Zenon.’ He had figured living as long as he had, he had seen it all but apparently he was wrong. Boy, the Lower World never ceased to amaze him. No wonder he enjoyed coming down here.

“It always makes my day damn better,” the ginger commented. Now having a good look at the long-haired youkai, he appeared relatively young with an air of royalty about him. Couldn’t put his finger as to why he thought that, but Zenon mentally shrugged as he strolled on ahead of the redhead, silently taking the lead. “I know a damn good spot with the best fuckin’ booze in town.” Opening the new pack he acquired, he tapped out one stick and proceeded to lit it up, taking a deep satisfying drag.

This ginger-haired fellow was really a welcome change of pace. Truthfully, right now, instead of going off alone he should probably surround himself by loved ones. But all he could see right now when he looked at Lirin or Yaone was…. him. It was just too much. Actually, now that he really thought about it…

Kougaiji silently followed the other, watching as he opened a pack of cigarettes and lit one up and taking in his profile while they walked. If he really thought about it, there was a vague similarity in appearance and the way he spoke between this man and Doku…. there was another painful pang in his heart.

No damn it, he really needed to stop this. It was probably just his grief causing him to imprint the memory of Dokugakuji onto everyone else. Also… he never smoked.

The youkai prince crossed his arms over his torso, almost like he was holding himself instead of just crossing his arms, nails nearly biting into flesh before he consciously made the effort to relax.

“As long as the alcohol’s strong… I wouldn’t care if it was of the worst quality.”

Somewhere deep in the depths of his consciousness, Kougaiji became aware of the fact that he was fully intending to get completely drunk in front of this stranger. His judgment and cognition would be completely impaired. Probably to the point of nonexistence. This man could take complete advantage of him in any way. Or leave him for others to do what they will. Anyone could easily take his life. But at this point in time, in this moment…. he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

[youkaiprincekou]

Escape The Pain

[youkaiprincekou]

zenonthebamf:

Anytime anyday Zenon was down for some good booze and smokes regardless of the situation. It could only make the day better in his books. Perusing a particular pack of cigarettes, somewhat curious what this new brand would taste like, Zenon paid the merchant and continued his leisurely stroll to the bar. Reddish brown eyes continued studying the pack, fascinated with the design and peculiar scent it gave off.

Until a sturdy body decided to collide with him, nearly knocking the cigarette pack off his hand. Thanks to quick reflexes and nimble fingers, Zenon managed to snatch it just in time before it tilted away. A scowl flashed across his rather stern features with every intent to cuss the other out up till pair of eyes settled on the offender, who appeared a little too detached from the living world.

And those tortured eyes. Eyes filled with pain that he personally knew a little too well.

Zenon didn’t think that a youkai would be capable of experiencing such thing, which almost took him by surprise. That and the unexpected apology.

Before the fallen god realized it, the suggestion left his lips, “Oi. It looks like you need a damn drink.”

Kougaiji was a couple steps passed the tall ginger-haired male he’d bumped into when he came to a halt at what the stranger suggested. Words somehow cutting through the fog and suddenly registering as a really good idea. He didn’t drink but he desperately needed an escape, even if just temporarily. He turned back and silently regarded the other male for a few heartbeats. 

“Yes... Perhaps you’re right.”  Kougaiji looked around at his surroundings for the first time since he’d arrived and realized he really didn’t know where anything was. He looked back at the male, hand coming up to lightly scratch his cheek with a long nail.”Would you mind leading the way?”

Despite the anguish the youkai was clearly in, his tone was quiet yet strong. If, perhaps, a little awkward as he didn’t want to admit he didn’t know where to go. 

[youkaiprincekou]

Escape The Pain

Kougaiji was walking around aimlessly in a town he didn’t know the name of in a place he wasn’t very familiar with. But it didn’t matter because the youkai prince wasn’t tracking much. He was trapped in a maelstrom of misery in his mind. Images of Dokugakuji dying playing on repeat. Regret and what ifs plagued him night and day. Not to mention the doubt that had sprouted up and taken root in his heart. If this path he was walking down would cause more death to those he loved... was it worth it to free his mother? He just didn’t know anymore. When was the last time he ate or slept?

Just as he was rounding a corner, Kougaiji was momentarily jarred into awareness as he bumped into a solid wall of flesh and was knocked back but he quickly regained his balance and looked at who he bumped into. 

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” the prince apologized quietly before looking down and continued on walking like a mindless zombie, except for the clear pain that burned in those amethyst eyes. 

[youkaiprincekou]

theyareallthoseoflust:

“Hot damn.”  Masuoka sure didn’t hide his appreciation at Kougaiji’s form, getting plenty enjoyment from the view.  Frankly, for a robe, he didn’t need the other’s pants off… but he sure wasn’t going to complain.  Not at all.  “That’s up to you.  I won’t stop you~” All singsong at the absolute treasure that had walked its way into his shop, he’d approached again.

Despite his flirtatiousness and boldness, Masuoka’s measurements were quite serious.  One by one, he worked his way; taking first one of Kougaiji’s hands, then slowly working his way up.  Admiring the muscles with his eyes, but doing little more than letting his fingers drift a bit - no matter how much he wanted to just grab at them and enjoy.  Every time, a number muttered under his breath; impressive if he meant to commit this to memory.

Before long, he’d worked his way up to Kou’s chest - and started working downwards.  And there his professionalism couldn’t really stop himself from resting hands at the other’s body, getting a good feel of how firm the body underneath was.  He was definitely getting a bit handsy; especially the lower that was going…

Kougaiji blinked a couple times at the other’s obvious appreciation, but managed to keep a straight face. However, when the other said that the option to strip completely was up to himself, the youkai prince had to cough a little. “I’ll keep them on,” he muttered under his breath as he watched the other approach to take his measurements. 

Curiously continuing to watch the human, Kougaiji’s brows slightly rose as the other just took measurement after measurement while muttering numbers under his breath. Did he commit all those to memory? 

His arms were the easy part. But it seemed that getting his chest and torso measured required the other to be more hands on. Clearing his throat, Kougaiji glanced around briefly, while fidgeting ever so slightly, before looking back at Masuoka. Was it getting hotter in the shop? 

When he felt fingers brush a certain spot on his lower side just above his hip bone, Kougaiji’s stomach fluttered and his breath caught. That.... was embarrassing. Tips of ears burning again, he hoped Masuoka didn’t notice anything.

[theyareallthoseoflust-blog]

“Excellent~” Masuoka could see he’d had an effect on the other.  Kind of a surprise; he’d figured someone who was that willing to show off had to be pretty confident in their body.  Perhaps he was just confident in other ways.  Or maybe just a fool, or perhaps simply not used to guys hitting on him?  Who could tell.

“You’ll need to hold still though, beautiful.  And maybe take off some of those clothes.  I’ll need proper measurements.”  As he spoke, he was digging into the long hanging left sleeve - and what was pulled out was a long ribbon with a great many markings upon it.  “The best ones are tailor made to the body, afterall.”

[youkaiprincekou]

Kougaiji had finally reigned in the cursed flush on his face when the shop keeper had to go and call him beautiful next. As he observed Masuoka digging through his sleeves, he thought he’d continued to keep the blush away but the tips of his ears Did feel a little heated all of a sudden. He tried to ignore the comfortableness as he tried to decide how much he needed to take off. He did nod his agreement, it made sense to tailor outfits to the body and not through clothes. 

Without preamble, the youkai prince stripped off his black jacket with such assurance that it was obvious he was indeed confident in his body. It had probably been the compliments that had gotten to him. Although some would say whether he was a fool or not was also still up for debate. There was also little pause as Kougaiji kneeled down to take off his shoes, stepping out of them before he slid his fingers into the waistband of his pants and stripped them off as well. 

He stood before Masuoka in nothing but a pair of modest black boxer-briefs. Just toned perfection everywhere. Kougaiji fidgeted slightly before asking, “May I keep these on?”

[theyareallthoseoflust-blog]

Far beneath the reach of the sun; deep within the depths, a world illuminated by the bioluminescent.  That was where Greza was when he heard the world fall silent in reverence.  In fear.  He closed his eyes, turned his ear skyward, and knew why.

She was angry.  Miles above, beyond even the clouds, in her nest; her indignant cry reached Greza’s ears.  The First Queen of the jungle was angry at something, but at least based on how far away it was, Greza could tell it wasn’t him.  That was a good thing.  There were few things that he didn’t want to pick a fight with here - and the others of the Five Kings of the Jungle right now were definitely on that list.

Perched in the nest at the top of the Great Tree, her anger brought storms that sent all the creatures in the sky fleeing in terror towards the earth.  It was that, or be struck down as the sky broke open with thunder.  The boom of a strike echoed even through the trees, shaking the earth with its force.

Greza bounded upwards along the trees, curious to see what had angered the great bird.  Had something flown into her territory?  It was then that he heard the crash in the distance; the sound of someone - or something - shot out of the air.  His trajectory changed, chasing it down, as he heard it tumbling.  Even from all this distance away, he could hear the arrival of a newcomer - probably more like a corpse at this point.  Yet he was endlessly curious to see what had been the cause, especially now that the storm was subsiding and life was beginning to move again.

He was the first to the scene.  The first thing to catch his eye was the dragon.  A majestic beast, body still smoking from the strike - and splattered with blood.  It may or may not have survived, Greza wasn’t sure.  Yet it certainly wasn’t conscious right now.

Yet what really caught his attention, as he approached, was the human nearby.  A human with funny ears, yeah, but a human all the same.  In fancy clothes.  Did this human ride this dragon?  Was that what had offended the Queen so much?  It probably was.  To intrude upon her territory when it wasn’t even a human’s to begin with to fly.  No wonder they’d been shot out of the sky.

The other seemed just as unconscious, or perhaps dead, as his mount.  So the wild King knelt down next to Kougaiji’s body, taking a look over.  It was there that he spotted the glittering gem hanging from the ear.  That had Greza’s gaze immediately, and his hand came down in a quick movement; snatching it with little care for what doing so would do to the other’s ear.  It was a beautiful little treasure…

[youkaiprincekou]

No dreams. No nightmares. No stress. For a brief couple of minutes that felt like both mere seconds and several hours, nothing plagued the prince’s mind. Just blissful darkness. Nothingness. That was, however, until it was cut short by a sudden searing pain that speared through his unconsciousness. With a surprised gasp of pain, lids snapped open to reveal wide violet eyes.

Before Kougaiji was even awake and aware enough to process what had happened, his body jerked into a sitting position and his hand zipped forward in a blur and wrapped a firm grip around the wrist that held his precious earring. It was then that his gaze focused on the dangling gold piece of jewelry that his mother had given him. The pain temporarily vanished from his awareness and he paid no heed to the warm trickle of blood that trailed from his damaged earlobe to down the side of his neck.

Kougaiji took a moment to briefly take in the appearance of the other. He looked more wild than civilized. Perhaps the human lived in this jungle he wasn’t even aware existed until he’d literally crashed into it. It confused him a bit. He’d expect maybe a youkai to live out here.... but a human?

After a moment of pause, the youkai prince reluctantly released Greza’s wrist and instead held out his hand, palm up. Those intense violet eyes softened some. “Please, return the earring. It means a lot to me.” Kougaiji didn’t beg, but his voice was soft, sincere... almost pleading.

[youkaiprincekou]

It was all a series of unfortunate events. From the second the youkai prince stepped foot out of the castle, he’d felt in the pit of his stomach like it was a day where he should just stay inside. But earlier, he’d yet again been summoned to Lady Gyokumen Koushu’s quarters where she’d lectured him about his repeated failures to get Sanzo’s scripture. Another thinly veiled threat that if he didn’t succeed this time than she would never unseal his mother set another fire under his ass. He’d taken a moment to go see his beloved mother encased in stone, still so beautifully magnificent, before he’d told Dokugakuji and Yaone to look after Lirin while he was away.

Untying the reigns and mounting a white dragon, Kougaiji stubbornly refused to acknowledge the dark clouds brewing in the sky as he took off in flight. Continuing to ignore the weather as the wind picked up and flung strands of his red hair around, violet eyes narrowed as he circled around an area looking for signs of the Sanzo party before moving on to a new region. 

It wasn’t long before Kougaiji’s stubbornness bit him, and his dragon, in the ass. Trying to continue their course, they were being relentlessly pelted by wind and rain. The lightning flashing and thunder booming all around them made it highly unwise to keep to the air. He finally relented, there was no way he was going to find the monk in these conditions anyways. 

Unfortunately, he’d made the decision to take cover a little too late. Lightning flashed right by them and it wasn’t until he heard a piercing shriek from right in front of him that Kougaiji realized the dragon’s wing had been struck. He didn’t have time to worry as she spun out of control and they came crashing down into a myriad of trees they’d been circling over just seconds before. 

There was no time to try and shield the dragon, no possible way to break her fall without getting crushed himself. Not much time to even save himself or break his own fall as they crashed through the trees and came to a quick and brutal tumble down onto hard ground. Kougaiji felt a sharp pain in his skull before the world went black. 

[theyareallthoseoflust-blog]

“Having a moment of inspiration, are you?” He was flattered, though; these were some of his best.  They were also ones he wouldn’t wear out in public; the way they trailed along the ground to leave behind the dragons’ tails made this a ruinous suggestion for outside use.  Still, he knew what the other’d sought.

“Black?  Hm, it would meet with your current clothes, but perhaps…” Now he was circling the prince, studying him from each angle.  Eyes met with his, taking in the color of his skin, his hair, his eyes…

“Perhaps something with a dash of color… a darker violet would match you very well, I think.”  He’d come back around to Kougaiji’s front.  “Though if you intend to wear it very open - or perhaps in a bedroom later - a black certainly would be sexier.  You do have quite the goods to display, afterall~”

[youkaiprincekou]

Kougaiji calmly stood still as the other male circled him and took in his appearance. Despite knowing the human had no ill will towards him, it was hard to remain facing forward as Masuoka stood behind him. Years of training and fighting ingrained the need to always keep an eye on those around him. But that lasted all of a couple seconds and then it was over with them facing each other again. 

At the blatant compliment that even someone as naive, or oblivious, as the youkai prince was when it came to anything sexual couldn’t ignore, he blinked a couple times and opened his mouth to say something only to close it again. For someone usually so serious and calm, the almost imperceptible pink dusting his cheeks was a telltale sign the comment had flustered him. 

Clearing his throat softly, when Kougaiji spoke there was a slight strain as he tried his best to sound casual. “Given the talent I see in this shop, I trust your judgment. Violet will be fine.”

[theyareallthoseoflust-blog]

Masuoka met Kougaiji’s hand with his own - with both of his own.  The fine robes he’d been wearing  (Oh, but they trailed and left a path of dragons) were elegant for a body that was apparently so incredibly energetic.  Taking Kougaiji’s hand in both his, he shook it with eager greeting.  “Kougaiji-san it is.  Come inside, use your eyes~!” The prince was already inside, but it seemed his greeting wouldn’t be shot down early.  An invitation to browse the fabrics on display; some of the samples hanging about.  The shop was a reasonably traditional place, if on the slightly higher end of things; the most out of place thing was the young eager man, where it should have been some old lady.

“A kimono, is it?  Why, certainly~.  I do specialize in formal dress.”  Right up his alley.  “Everything you see here is made by me, and I’d be happy to make what’s mine allll yours~”  There’s a playfulness in the way he says it, the way he stretches that one key word out.  He’s sly, almost feminine actually in the way one hand raises to his face.

“So tell me, what’s the occasion?  Have you any designs in mind?  Looking to impress someone?”

[youkaiprincekou]

Kougaiji was once again taken back by surprise by the others enthusiasm and kindness. He made sure his nails didn’t scratch or nick either of the male’s hands as they shook before he gently pulled his own hand away after the greeting. 

At the slogan, the youkai prince indeed used his eyes to look around the shop. As he intently gazed around at all the exquisite fabric on display, Kougaiji listened to Masuoka as he walked over to one of the samples, lightly running his fingers over the surface before taking the material between his digits and feeling the texture. Most seemed to be traditional and with such high quality was probably expensive. At least that wouldn’t be a problem, he’d come to the right place. Even if the other shop keepers had been welcoming, he’d seen enough to know they couldn’t compare to what was here.

At the ‘make what’s mine alll yours’ line, Kougaiji let the fabric slip from his grip as he glanced over at Masuoka with another soft little smile. “That’s very kind of you,” he said in calm sincerity. If there had been any double meaning to those words the shop keeper had said, it was clear it had sailed right over the youkai prince’s head. 

“There’s a town near where I live that will be holding a festival in a couple nights from now. My little sister begged me to wear a kimono for the occasion,” Kougaiji explained as he looked around the shop briefly as he walked back over to stand in front of Masuoka. 

It was then that his violet eyes lowered and trailed over the robes the other had on. There might have been interest reflected in that intense gaze but it was difficult to tell if it was towards the figure beneath or purely for the robes themselves. Kougaiji had to admit it was an absolutely beautiful robe and he particularly loved the dragon designs. 

“Perhaps something similar to your own. Black with gold outlines of a couple dragons?” His tone indicated he was a little unsure and open to suggestions. 

[theyareallthoseoflust-blog]

It had been a fairly slow day, all things considered.  Maybe Masuoka’s friendliness was starting to get under the town’s nerves - or maybe, more likely, his works were a bit beyond the cost of everyday use for the town’s residents.  Without a festival in near sight, he always seemed to watch a slow period come up.  Perhaps he’d just close up for the day?  Or at least for a bit to get a bite to eat.

It was precisely then that the chimes on his door announced the arrival of a new visitor.  Masuoka’s attention shout around, whirling in place; his gorgeous robes whirled with him.  “Welcome~!” A cheerful greeting, even before he saw the features of the one who’d arrived.  And of course, for just a moment, he looked a bit surprised, and perhaps Kougaiji would mistake that for prejudice.

But a hand raised to his mouth - and that mouth turned into a broad style.  “Welcome to the shop, handsome~”  The moment of surprise, apparently, had not been out of disgust at all.

[youkaiprincekou]

As Kougaiji stepped into the shop, he paused a couple steps in as the chimes did a soft little jingle and the door quietly clicked closed. He didn’t want to meander too far inside in case he had to make another hasty retreat from a hostile welcome. Intense violet eyes watched cautiously as the shop’s owner turned with a cheerful greeting just to pause in his tracks. The youkai stayed motionless near the entrance, poised but tense as he waited for the friendliness to morph into anger.

Instead, he was given a more friendly smile and a genuine welcome. And.... did he just call him handsome? 

Kougaiji gave a soft, subtle, smile in return as the tension seeped away. “Thank you.” There was as calm cadence to his tone but those two simple words spoke volumes of the relief he felt at the warm welcome. 

It was only then that the youkai prince ventured across the shop, coming to a stop a couple feet from the other male. He slowly held out a hand, fully intending to be extra careful with his long nails. “My name is Kougaiji. I was wondering if you would be able to make a kimono for me in a couple day’s time.”

[youkaiprincekou]

As the youkai prince came to a halt in front of a fourth tailor shop, his hand hovered with hesitation above the door handle. This town he was currently visiting for his specific needs had an abnormal amount of humans who feared youkai such as himself. But the tension and hesitation building now wasn’t due to fear. Humans didn’t really stand a chance against his powers. The struggle was always not harming those so much weaker than himself and escaping unharmed himself. 

Kougaiji was about to just give up for the night. Find another tailor shop in another town tomorrow. But Lirin’s voice rang clear in his mind. “There’s a festival soon, we should go wearing kimono’s! Please, Onii-san, I really wanna see you in a kimono!” She’d given him those big puppy dog eyes he could never refuse. Letting out a silent sigh, he wrapped his hand around the handle and without another second of hesitation, he stepped inside. 

[demonprincekou-deactivated20150]

“Off in the distance, there is resistance Bubbling up and festering We don’t have a choice to stay We’d rather die than do it your way With our backs to the wall, the darkness will fall We never quite thought we could lose it all Ready, aim, fire, ready, aim, fire An empire’s fall in just one day You close your eyes and the glory fades Ready, aim, fire, ready, aim, fire away.”

[demonprincekou-deactivated20150]

Unpleasant Orders

Today was supposed to be Kougaiji’s day off from any missions and since those days were always far and few in between he usually liked to spend it with his close comrades or his little sister. But unlike him, they all had things they had to do today. So he decided to do one of his other favorite past times, fly around for awhile on a dragon and pick a random place to explore. One village he passed seemed to be having some festivities going on so he decided that would be as good a place as any to check out. Not that he wanted to participate, but he enjoyed to people watch some times. 

Landing near the edge of the forest closest to the village he hoped off the dragon and tied its reigns around a tree trunk. Smoothing a hand along her neck, Kougaiji promised the dragon he’d be back soon and then set off towards the little village. 

The festival had a nice aura, despite all the joyous sounds the surrounding people and kids made, it was peaceful. Kougaiji walked along, silently taking in the different colored lanterns, the children and masks people wore, the activities and different stalls they had going on. He found himself wishing Lirin, Yaone, and Dokugakuji were here. He knew they’d love this type of thing and then he’d be forced to participate as well. It…wouldn’t be that bad. 

[thelazygeneral-deactivated20181]

When Kenren was told that he was going to take over Nataku’s usual dutires, he felt a sinking feeling in his chest. He knew it wasn’t the sort of thing he could stand against, but it made him feel uneasy. Before leaving he had grumbled lightly to Tenpou, but subtly enough that an in-depth conversation was not started.

He knew that he was looking for a youkai, and someone important too, but he wasn’t quite sure what the person looked like. Kenren narrowed his eyes as he entered the town, a festival was on. Doing work while a festival was on should be considored a crime, and Kenren really didn’t want to think about getting in to any big battles.

So instead he put on a bright smile and walked through the street. Festival food was great, and the stuff they had in the lower world had a certain humblenss to it that was not found in the food in heaven. Kenren stopped by a stall and looked down at the sizzling food, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

“I’ll have three of those, and a beer,” he said, pointing to the food.

[demonprincekou-deactivated20150]

Walking along, a couple of kids suddenly darted out in front of him so Kougaiji quickly stepped to the side to get out of their path and in doing so, bumped into someone else. 

“I’m very sorry,” Kougaiji quickly apologized as he turned around to take notice of the man he’d bumped into, seeing a whole lot of black. The man looked like some kind of soldier, it made the youkai prince tense up as he waited for the other’s response…wondering whether the encounter was going to be good or bad. Either way he had no doubt that he would be able to handle the situation with ease.