Heaven's Crossing (Working Title)

“Ok, I will take your trial run. When and where should we meet?” Salie asked. “Tomorrow, 9am, just outside the village beyond the Lit Bridge.” Mikuro said. “Ok, I will be there.” Salie said then he entered his house through a rooftop window. “Good I am counting on it.” Mikuro said in a whisper. Then he and his comrades disappeared.

Chapter 5 Salie got up at his usual time of around 7am and took his morning training run around the village. He climbed a tall tree by the market and looked out over the living quarters. Since he had two hours, he thought he should visit some of his friends if they were awake. The lights were on at the Takarashi compound but he knew Kitsuno would be asleep still; the lights were out at Maru’s mansion so Trinla, Siam and Hina were still asleep, and Xishi’s family was still asleep. The lights were on at the Lyca residence and he could make out Kinich’s silhouette at the window, he noticed she was watching him, he waved sheepishly, she smiled and waved back then beckoned him over. “Oh, Salie,” Kinich said when he reached her. “I see you are spying on me now, darling.” “W-what?” Salie asked. “I was not trying to spy on you. I was just trying to see if any of my friends were awake.” “Oh, really?” Kinich asked, moving closer to Salie. “I know the truth, dear. You just came up with an excuse to see me, did you not?” Kinich’s yellow eyes gleamed mischievously and she giggled a little. “T-that is not it at all,” Salie argued. “I always get up early and run, but I finished a little early today and wanted someone to talk to.” “I know that, Salie,” Kinich said. “I have memorized your schedule, my dearest life mate.” “Uh, OK? Why would you do that?” Salie asked. “Because I want to be able to spend as much time with you as I can, silly,” she said with a smile. Salie smiled and laughed. “Well, I will see you around,” Salie said, waving as he headed back towards the village. Kinich watched as he turned away, her face lighting up with a smile. “Good bye, Salie.” Kinich said. Salie walked down the street and his mind drifted to when he first met Kinich.

*It had been Salie’s first real day in Heaven’s Crossing, Kelile and Ciara were showing him around the village. The two sisters were quite different from each other, the older teen Neki named Kelile was a healer, she had the mark of the healer on her forehead, she wore a healer’s robe and spoke with a sweet and gentle voice. Her younger sister was about eleven, wore loose fitting hakama and black shirt with fishnet underneath, her voice hinted at a knowledge of things of the world. The trio had entered the large and elaborately decorated town square, many races were spread throughout the square, most of the common races; Neko, Kitsune, Equin, and Mustela seemed to have no problem ignoring his presence, a troop of Lobo soldiers walked around a pair of richly dressed Lobos, one was a man in his 30’s, a claw-like scar under his left eye, he had short spiky mahogany hair with silver-grey tips, a crown made of canine fangs and silver adorned his head, his harvest gold eyes seemed to look past the crowd and focus on the direction, the trio had just came from. “They must be headed for Lord Maru‘s house.” Ciara whispered to Salie. “Who are they?” Salie whispered back. “The two in the center are probably from the Lyca, the royal family of the Lobo Empire.” Kelile theorized. The first’s companion a young female of about seven looked up at them, and pointed at Salie, a guard noticed and walked over to the trio. “The princess is curious about your friend, she has never seen a Yuki before, please come so she may speak to you.” the guard asked politely as he could, his obvious disdain for Yukis shown only in a snarl as he turned to lead Salie to the group, who had stopped on the Lobo’s man order. The Lobo man eyed Salie carefully, almost coldly, looking for any guilt, deceit, or hatred. Salie bowed his head slightly and brought his fist against his palm as a sign of peace, humility and friendship, that he vaguely recalled.

The man seemed to like this display as a slight smile came to his lips and he returned the gesture. “I am Kouga Lyca, Emperor of the Lobo Empire. My daughter Kinich is curious about your kind, I hope you could indulge her by answering her questions so that we may hurry along to my friend Maru’s manor.” the man said. “Oh, you’re Maru’s friend? We just came from his house.” Salie said motioning to Kelile and Ciara. Kouga motioned for Kelile and Ciara to come over, which they obliged. “You three know Maru? Interesting.” Kouga said, looking over the three, his eyes settled on Salie. “Your smell and demeanor is different from the villagers here, what is your story?” Kouga asked Salie. “I remember walking… for a long time…through the rain…no one around…no life other than me for so long…all I could do was continue forward… after what seemed like an eternity I saw lights… civilization… Maru took me in for the night, I am grateful to him.” Salie said, Kouga smiled at this. “What is your name?” Kinich asked stepping forward to Salie, she had harvest gold eyes like her father and mahogany hair which she had tied in a braid. “Salie, your highness.” Salie said bowing his head slightly, the girl had a cold look on her face like her father had. Salie raised his eyes to look into hers, she gasped as she looked into his vivid jade green eyes, before she knew what was happening she had reached out her hand and was tracing the markings on his face with her fingers, a slight smile crept onto her lips as well.

“Salie. Are Yukis as strong as the rumors say?” Kinich asked the smile still on her face. “She would like a demonstration, Salie.” Kouga said, an extremely pleased look on his face. Salie looked around, he saw an old merchant with a pair of tired oxen who could pull no further with a daunting hill ahead of them and a heavy load of stone in the wagon. “Excuse me sir. Your oxen look tired perhaps I could help you?” Salie offered. The old man a member of the Lemuroi race, scratched his head. “Sure sonny that would be a big help but even if you are a Yuki you are just a child do you think you can handle this?” the old man asked. Salie smiled over at him confidently, “Trust me.” he said holding onto the oxen latches, unhooking them with a free hand the old man took hold of them and watched to see what Salie would do next. “I’ve seen what a full-grown Yuki can do, I wonder what a child can do. That wagon would take four of my soldiers to move let’s see you match it Salie.” Kouga said in an amused voice. Salie started pulling the wagon up the hill as if unhindered by the intense weight, safely reaching the top alongside the man the oxen with no problems, “Thanks sonny that was very nice of you.” the old man thanked him. “Anytime sir.” Salie said then he ran back the hill to Kouga and Kinich. “You’re very strong.” Kinich said another brief smile flashed across her face. “That’s all for now father. I hope to see you later Salie. You interest me.” Kinich said she winked at him then continued on her way to Maru’s house. “I’ve got to thank you, young Yuki.” Kouga said. “What did I do?” Salie asked.

“You helped my daughter. Kinich is part of a hostage exchange as a sign of good faith between the Lobo Empire and the Dragon Empire, she was quite unhappy with having to leave her mother, saying that nothing held interest for her here. She hasn’t smiled since she heard of it, until now, until you. I think perhaps she will come to like it here after all thanks to you.” Kouga said, then he repeated the gesture of peace and continued on his way.* Salie headed to the village bath, which was designed by a local inventor, Yoh, an odd Lacos male that Salie had never met. It was contained in a large stone building near the village academy, it simulated a waterfall constantly supplied with fresh water, he had always wondered about the source since the water came from a space not even a foot wide and not connected to anything, he often wondered if it was magic like what Kinich practiced. A female Lacos was already inside, it was mixed bathing but it didn’t bother Salie much, he left them alone, they left him alone. She had long grayish-black hair, and golden yellow eyes which were ringed with purple eye shadow, she had the Lacos forehead marking. She glanced over at him, “Hello, Salie.” she said as she went back to washing her hair. Salie shot her a odd glance back, “Do I know you?” he asked. “Oh right, we haven’t met. My name is Kuzo. You’ve met my father last night, Mikuro.” she said. “Oh. Still doesn’t explain how you know who I am.” Salie pointed out. “In my line of work information is key. And you are a very hot piece of information.” she said teasingly. Salie blushed, “Um thanks. What do you mean by that?” Salie asked. “Don’t worry about it. But let’s just say that my father is very interested in you and it takes a lot to interest him.” Kuzo assured him.

Salie cocked his head to the side in confusion but decided not to press further, her attitude didn’t seem threatening rather very friendly which Salie appreciated from strangers especially given his race’s unwarranted reputation. She poured water over her head just then Salie heard the bath door open, he looked over to see who had come in, it was Kinich in nothing but a towel. “Ooh this isn’t a part of your normal schedule. Perhaps you memorized my schedule and wanted to take a look at my naked body?” Kinich teased, flashing him momentarily. Salie blushed and looked back towards Kuzo. She wasn’t there anymore. He looked around concerned at her sudden disappearance. “Hey Kinich did you see where the other girl went?” Salie asked, motioning over to where Kuzo was sitting a few seconds ago. “What other girl, Salie? You were in here alone when I came in.” Kinich pointed out. “There was a Lacos girl just in here I was talking with her right when you walked in.” Salie said. “Right… Then where is she? Oh no maybe you are getting sick and are seeing delusions.” Kinich said rushing over to his side, she placed her hand on his forehead. “You don’t have a fever though. How strange.” “I am not sick.” Salie assured the Lobo princess. Kinich’s hands traced from Salie’s forehead to his shoulders and slowly started to massage. “You have got so much tension in your muscles, Dear. You just need to relax a little.” Kinich cooed, rubbing and pressing into his shoulders. “That feels nice. Thanks Kinich.” Salie said, sinking into the bath water while getting a massage. “No problem, Darling.” Kinich said smiling as she rubbed lower. “That is playing dirty, Hime.” a voice called, Kinich whipped around to see Rina with Xishi peeking around her mother blushing a deep red.

“Miss Rina and Xishi?” Kinich said to her unwelcome visitors. “What is with the tone, Hime? This is the village bath house is it not? Public property.” Rina pointed out her silver gaze locked squarely on Kinich’s yellow eyes. “It is nothing,” Kinich lied. “I was just wondering when the two of you got here, that is all.” “You do know how hard it is to lie to me, right?” Rina sighed. “You should really know better by now.” She turned to her daughter. “You had better keep an eye on Hime, here,” she told Xishi. “She is going to take your man from you.” “You know,” Salie said quickly before things got too far out of hand. “I just remembered I was supposed to meet someone later. I had better head out.” With that, he made his hasty retreat from the bath house. Salie made his way to the bridge the main way travelers used to get into the village as the gates on the east and the west sides were used for merchants and caravans, so individuals were not usually allowed to use them, the bridge was heavily guarded though it had only one guardian, Salie’s friend Kitsuno Takarashi, a Kitsune martial artist of exceptional caliber. Kitsuno perched on a ledge in the middle of the bridge, he wore a white fox mask with the clan crest on its forehead and on the lower face, it had a whisker like markings on its cheeks. He wore a sleeveless red shirt, and red hakama (pants) the legs were tucked into with silver armor plating on certain areas, he had the crest tattooed on his left shoulder a pair of steel plated open toed boots, his long light blue hair was tied in a braid, his tail was the same color, long and bushy it wagged slowly side to side as he took care notice of each and every traveler to cross the bridge. He wore a pair of metal armlets with the clan crest on the back of the hand, the armlets contained three long blades that could be extended to make claws which Kitsuno was quite adept in combat with.

Kitsuno noticed Salie, he nodded towards his friend, “Going out of the village this early Salie? More training?” Kitsuno called to Salie. “Not right now maybe later I’m supposed to be meeting someone.” Salie said. “Oh meeting a girl are we?” Kitsuno said, with a hint of an almost teasing tone which was unusual for the normally emotionless Kitsune, Salie smiled at this attempt at humor, Kitsuno was really making progress in learning to open up. “Nah, I’m meeting Gin and some of his friends.” Salie said. “Oh, that Neko guard, well ok. But remember to be wary of strangers, Salie. Even if you are a Yuki, they can still be dangerous.” Kitsuno warned. “Yeah, I know. Thanks Kitsuno.” Salie said then he continued on his way. Salie spotted Gin and Hinarie first and as he got closer, he noticed Mikuro. But there were more people there as well. Kuzo stood beside her father, and beside her was a male Lacos with wild grey hair, and soot stains on his clothes. A Shark-Pisces male and a young man of unknown race were talking there as well. “Alright I am here.” Salie called out. “Ah, Salie right on time.” Mikuro said, “Let me introduce you to a few more of our members.” “This is my daughter Kuzo, she gathers information for us.” Mikuro said laying his hand on Kuzo’s shoulder. Salie was about to tell Mikuro they had already met when Kuzo shot him an imploring look, as if to stay is comments. Salie understood and said instead, “Oh, hello.” “And her boyfriend, the inventor Yoh.” Mikuro continued motioning to the grey haired Lacos. Kitsuno noticed Salie, he nodded towards his friend, “Going out of the village this early Salie? More training?” Kitsuno called to Salie. “Not right now maybe later I’m supposed to be meeting someone.” Salie said.

“Oh meeting a girl are we?” Kitsuno said, with a hint of an almost teasing tone which was unusual for the normally emotionless Kitsune, Salie smiled at this attempt at humor, Kitsuno was really making progress in learning to open up. “Nah, I’m meeting Gin and some of his friends.” Salie said. “Oh, that Neko guard, well ok. But remember to be wary of strangers, Salie. Even if you are a Yuki, they can still be dangerous.” Kitsuno warned. “Yeah, I know. Thanks Kitsuno.” Salie said then he continued on his way. Salie spotted Gin and Hinarie first and as he got closer, he noticed Mikuro. But there were more people there as well. Kuzo stood beside her father, and beside her was a male Lacos with wild grey hair, and soot stains on his clothes. A Shark-Pisces male and a young man of unknown race were talking there as well. “Alright I am here.” Salie called out. “Ah, Salie right on time.” Mikuro said, “Let me introduce you to a few more of our members.” “This is my daughter Kuzo, she gathers information for us.” Mikuro said laying his hand on Kuzo’s shoulder. Salie was about to tell Mikuro they had already met when Kuzo shot him an imploring look, as if to stay is comments. Salie understood and said instead, “Oh, hello.” “And her boyfriend, the inventor Yoh.” Mikuro continued motioning to the grey haired Lacos. “You are the one who made the bath system!” Salie said. Yoh nodded happily, glad at the appreciation. “Then we have Azul and Kinto. They are rather new additions to the organization.” Mikuro explained. Azul was the Shark-Pisces, he had grey scaly skin, red hair which was tied back in a pony tail, he had red eyes and black sclera and gills along his cheeks and neck, he wore a red and blue samurai’s yukata and hakama, he had two samurai swords on his back, he grinned at Salie showing his many rows of razor sharp teeth.