The Assassin's Bride ( Closed )

[TirithIre]

OOC: First, a profile of course, as well as a small blip. This thread is based upon the movie Ninja Assassin, in which a foreigner encounters a group of ninja whom have been hidden from the world and stealthily commit silent assassinations for the right price. I hope you all enjoy, and I thank Jewelskye for coming up with the thread idea *hugs*

Name: Unknown ( Akuma Khanda )
Age: 25
Sex: Male
Appearance: Usually covered in black, however, for the purposes of this thread, there is his normal attire, a black suit which covers his entire body and helps him to meld into the surroundings, and then there is him when he is 'home', training/ eating/ sleeping or otherwise.
http://www.rankopedia.com/CandidatePix/62792.gif​

That should suffice for a base profile, he'll be fleshed out within the thread, so again, I hope both my writing partner, as well as the readers, enjoy!

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The night. It seemed a world away; the world of cars, of suits... the world of powerful men whom didn't have true power, only money which gave them power over those whom did not know how to protect or provide for themselves. The world seemed a much diffeent place than it had ages ago, the fables and tales of a world so much different was not one to be forgotten... oh no. The night brought with it a sense of mystery... of danger.

Even those powerful men with their personal bodyguards and their cars with tinted windows seemed to cower when the sun went down. A few had very good reason to... for they knew. They knew the terrible truth of the world. They knew that behind the veil of normality, there were the nine. The nine clans, lost within the world of time, lost to the tales of smoke bombs, of fancy yells and stupid parlor tricks.

there were those whom knew, but those either had paid the sum to the clans for their services... or they were dead men. The world was not a place where one delved into secrets, and those whom delved too deeply were a threat. The Ozune clan was the largest of the nine... and it was to this clan that Akuma had been fostered within. At the mere age of three, Akuma had been taken from one of the many foster homes within Japan. Through secret tunnels, across many miles he had travelled, not knowing with whom he was travelling.

He was soon to learn however. As with most young... he had seen a world of mystery unvelied to him... but even more than that... he was given a home... he was provided with food. He may not have known much kindness within his life, and though he didn't know what was in store for his life, he came to appreciate this life immensely. Then... the training began.

One's life was not his life. One's breath was not his breath. Every moment he had lived was a gift from the clan. The clan was his family. He had to respect and protect his family, and his family would protect him. His upbringing was not what most would call conventional nor kind... but he didn't care. Had he not been taken from that orphanage he would have ended up scared, and probably working to death in one of the many sweatshops.

Here, he worked, and learned... yes he was hurt, and beaten, but he came to see through silent eyes that it was for his own good. Survival wasn't good enough... no one could know of their exsistance. As he grew into a fine young man, he was sent upon his first mission. He saw death, and yet it did not matter whom they were. The clan decreed the missions, and those people died. Nothing was more important than that.

High within the mountains of Japan, hidden well away from the world... he lived. He lived, breathed, and sought honor for his family. He had gained the name of Haiai Sendou, which meant Swift Death, for he was always the first to volunteer, and though sometimes others were sent... Akuma was oft chosen. He even took to training some of the others... much like his elder brothers whom had trained him, he turned to the next generation.

Here, it was a simple life compared to most. Live for the clan... kill for the clan... there was naught much else. His twenty sixth birthday was coming however... he never asked for anything... each year to him was a gift to give to the Nine... and yet he was a man... a man whom though appreciated the female form, hadn't much experience with it. After all his time was mostly filled with training, preperations, killing, or sleeping... there wasn't much else he thought about... this was his world, and he was grateful to be here!

 

[Jewelskye]

Name: Masumi (Real Name: Sasha Dermore)
Age: 18
Sex: Female

Appearance:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab235/bloodiedporcelain/redheadedited.png

~*~*~*~*~​

Sasha Dermore was dedicated... there was no other word for her. Despite being born in to a family that wasn't exactly blessed with money, she and everyone around her knew... she was destined for great things. Sasha's father owned a modest construction company that specialized in single family homes, while her mother was a history professor with a deep seated interest in political world history.

When Mrs. Dermore's research took her on an unexpected course researching the political history of the United Kingdom, including everything from sex scandals to cover ups to assassinations, it was only a matter of time before someone figured out what she was researching and realizing... and decided to quiet her.

The night they did, Sasha's world fell apart. The Dermore's quiet suburban home in northern Maryland became the scene of a bloody massacre. Sasha had been at her college that night, working late on a term paper. When she returned home, all the lights were off. Assuming her parents had gone to bed early, she let herself in as she always did and her hand reached out, flipping on the hallway light.

Blood painted the walls, puddled on the floor, splattered on the windows. Her mismatched eyes were wide, full lips parting to let loose a horrified scream, when it felt as if a large bee had stung her. Blinking in confusion as her vision immediately began to blur, she brought a hand to her neck, but her fingers stopped just short of touching the dart that would put her to sleep as her eyes rolled in to the back of her head and she fell, limp as a rag doll.

When she woke, she had no idea how long she had been out or where she was... she could only remember the blood, the horror... She was still wearing the jeans and t shirt she'd been in when returning home that night, and she found herself bound hand and foot and gagged, laying in the back of a large van. She whimpered, and one of the men in the front seat woke. His blond hair was kept combed neatly, his brown eyes regarded her coldly. "Well well. Looks like our little prize is awake then," his thick British accent said, amusement in his voice.

"Sorry love, can't untie you just yet. We haven't gotten to your new home," he said with a laugh, to which the driver joined in. Sasha had no idea how long they traveled... only that it felt like forever, and by the end of it, she was sore all over.

On the final day, they arrived early in a plush penthouse where a clean cut man with brown hair and several small ladies collected her. "Welcome to Japan, Miss Dermore," he greeted her. Moments later, she was being escorted in to the penthouse by the women and the man went to stand by the window as he spoke to her. "As I'm sure you have guessed, your parents are gone," he began, hands folding behind his back. "You have been spared for only one purpose... To marry. You see, Miss Dermore, you meet a variety of requirements that the bride we are providing for our... business partners... must live up to. You are beautiful. You are young. You are healthy... You are pure."

Sasha's confusion and fear must have shown on her face, because he glanced at her and smirked. "You're a virgin, Miss Dermore. The man to whom you will be wed comes from a very traditional background. He would want a bride who is unopened. You will be here long enough to be prepared for your future husband. Understand, Miss Dermore... you are to be a traditional Japanese wife. You belong to the clan that your husband is a part of. After you are married, you belong to your husband and him alone. He has the right to do whatever he wishes to and with you, so I suggest you behave."

Sasha frowned, yelling around the gag in her mouth, but it would be impossible to tell what she was saying. "The women will take you to be prepared, and then you will be transported to the village. Farewell, Miss Dermore."

That day was a long, tedious affair. Sasha was washed thoroughly before she was subjected to some odd sort of laser treatment that removed any and all superfluous body hair. She was examined by a doctor who even went so far as to declare her still a virgin... her hymen intact.

When it was done, she was dressed in an emerald green kimono embroidered with white and gold. Her hair was secured atop her head in a Japanese fashion... even her face was covered by white makeup, her lips painted a striking red, her eyes heavily outlined in black. She was forced to walk in platformed sandals that made her steps feel awkward.

When she was sufficiently prepared, she was loaded in to yet another vehicle... this one a high end sedan, two armed men on either side of her on the back seat and a driver in the front. The trip they took was a long one, and Sasha spent most of it trying not to cry, shaking from head to toe as what she had been told began to truly set in for the first time. Night fell and the sun rose again before the car reached it's destination, high in the mountains of Japan. They pulled up in front of a large gate, where Sasha was helped from the car and taken before a weathered old Japanese man with a katana at his hip. She shivered, bowing when the men who'd brought her told her to, her mismatched eyes wide, afraid.

 

[TirithIre]

Despite the fact that he dealt in a world of death, Akuma for his part was a serene, quiet man. He did not harbour feelings for those whom died, as they were but a result of an end. His clan's price was steep, only the most powerful of the world seeking them out, and he did not have a hand in EVERY assassination that went 'down' among the world. He was but one man... a man whom had gained a name through his dealings, through his trials, and through his successes.

Yet not all was peaceful within the village. Not all were as thankful to Akuma as others... and even as she was being delivered, not five hours before, the arguments had been had. Sasume, the elder 'brother' to Akuma had argued against the giving. The giving was a rare gift indeed, one that was only given once in a lifetime to one of their family... into which the foreigner was being brought into. Sasmue had already received his giving, but it had taken him many more years than it had for Akuma, and he argued, out of pure jealousy, that the young man had not done enough to earn his gift.

Yet that feeling was not shared among the elders... and as such a test was to be held. None of this she knew of course, though she was to see first-hand just the world that had taken her parents from her, into which she was bore towards a fate that she truly may begin to grasp, but unto which she had not fully as of yet. The arguments were set aside for the time, the elder, a silent older Japanese man whom had an aura of one whom had seen and knew far too much about the world than anyone should rightly know... simply nodded.

The men whom held her stiffened slightly, she hearing nothing, but felt soon the presence of two others... and even as she was released by the men, they moved silently aside, she finding two blackly clothed men took hold of her arms, she being lead forwards. The one's whom had taunted and teased her were silent as they returned to their car and left, though as the large wooden gates opened, before her she could see low laying Japanese style homes.

The pagoda style homes laid in a large rectangular outlaying of what could truly only be described as a village. As she was pulled forwards, the elder man looked unto her silently for a moment... knowing that she was to see something even now, that was rare among their family. After all, when there was an argument among the family, or rather between two siblings... the one whom argued did have the right to call a duel.

It was not done lightly, and not done very often at all... but Sasmue had called the Kumite, and thus it would be done. Hence as she was lead in, she could see two other men that were not involved in holding or guiding her, and even as they stood, even as she was guided forwards she could hear the doors winding closed, a dull sound heard a moment later as the wooden doors closed; she not having time to look back and see the world she had known disappear from sight.

Rather she was treated to the sight of a good three hundred people... all dressed in black. It seemed a nostalgic moment... had it not been truly real, one would think that she were on the set of a movie... but this was no movie, this was not make believe... this was her reality... and these; were ninja. She was guided up onto a low stage, the elder moved and knelt calmly. She could see that he at one point had been brutally injured, his left eye so scarred that he could not see from it. Yet his view seemed to take in everything.

The two holding her forced her to kneel as well, her gag pressed between her plush lips holding her cries and screams of anger or fear back... but even as she was 'placed', the ropes from her wrists were tied into a bolt on the floor, she knowing then that she was not going anywhere. There were a few words, gruff instructions from the old man... before she could see the two men in the center move and face each other.

Yet before they began, the elder turned to her. " Sasume has challenged Akuma's right to you... claiming he has not accomplished enough. Though Akuma has done everything for this family, it is Sasmue's right to challenge him, and has called for a Kumite to test him." He spoke in rather good English for someone of Japanese descent, and yet even as she could probably 'figure out' that what had just been said was for her benefit, he looked back to the two men. Motioning to the left, to the ninja with a belt that held the embossment of two snakes attacking towards the center of the waist upon it... he nodded. " Sasmue..."

He looked to the other, a faceless man, only his dark eyes seen as he bowed to his 'father'. " Akuma..." They both chose their weapon... Sasume chose to dual wield katana's.... while Akuma, the younger prodigy, moved to the side, he picking up a re-enforced stainless steel chain... at the very end of which she could see a long curved blade glistened... upon the other end a light weight created the counter weight... the Kusari Gama a fearsome weapon as well.

Even as they returned to the center, even as she knelt beside the elder, the father of all these ninja... she could see and feel the tension... this wasn't just some fight... this was a dual for the right for Akuma to have her... and Sasmue's jealousy taken too far. Right here, right now... she would see the brutality, lethality, and power of this world. All eyes were on the center at that moment... it seeming everyone was poised for the elder... and silently, within his mind, he stilled the energy of the area... before a single word was uttered.

" Hajime."

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha jumped visibly when the two men clad in all black moved to be next to her. She hadn't seen nor heard them coming, and their sudden appearance at her side made her tremble. Tears were in her mismatched eyes, but she had been warned not to cry... not until they gave her a chance to remove the makeup. She should be presented to her future husband without flaws, lest he be displeased with her. And she knew she would not want him displeased with her.

Arms tied in front of her, the two black clad man, with their faces hidden by masks and only their dark eyes showing, took her by the arms and began to lead her through the gate and in to the compound. From the outside, it seemed large... from the inside, it seemed massive. Dual toned eyes were wide with a mixture of awe and surprise as she took in the number of buildings... the sheer size of the inside of the place. The man at the penthouse had not been kidding... it truly was a village that she looked upon.

Save for the gag in her mouth, she looked perfect despite the surprise, despite how obvious it was by her red hair and strange eyes that she didn't belong there. She didn't belong amongst these people... she was not one of them. Not like them. That was clear... more clear to her now than it ever had before.

She was escorted forward, the two men holding her arms, and the gates shut behind her suddenly, before she got a chance to turn and look at the world outside one more time, though she certainly did make the attempt, twisting in their unforgiving holds just in time to see the last sliver of light between the heavy wooden doors before they closed. Unable to help herself, she let out a tiny sob around the gag, but no tears fell, her rapid blinking thankfully keeping them in check for now.

She was maneuvered up on to a platform of sorts, and as she looked out over a sea of utterly still, black clad figures, her heart pounded in her chest. She was almost certain they could hear it... it was so quiet. Her wrists were bound to a bolt in the platform before her and she whimpered, looking down at them and tugging at them experimentally, though it was no use... she knew it wouldn't do any good. The old man who had lead the way on to the platform began to speak gruffly in Japanese, and her head rose, looking up as two men stepped in to the area cleared out in front of the platform.

One of them wore a belt... two snakes pulled back, striking at each other from either side. Her eyes locked on it for a moment, and she felt a bone-deep chill crawl over her. In that singular moment, Sasha knew she would never forget the look of that belt... nor would she ever fail to fear the one who wore it. Her eyes were still locked on it, fear clear in her gaze, in the set of her shoulders, when the old man turned to her. She jumped again, trembling head to toe as she looked at him and he explained that the man who was to be her husband... had been challenged for his claim to her. She swallowed some, taking the words in.

What would happen to her if this... Akuma, lost? What would happen to her if the man she was supposed to marry failed the test and lost the fight? Would they kill her? Would they give her to another? A new kind of fear crossed over her then... her future hadn't been certain to begin with... but now it was the furthest thing from certain and she trembled at the knowledge. A tiny whimper left her gagged mouth as she looked back at the elder, but already he had turned back to the ring.

Giving another helpless tug at the ropes that bound her, Sasha shook her head and let out the tiniest of sobs, her eyes taking in the two who stood there. The elder said both the men's names, and Sasha watched as her intended future husband bowed before the old man.

Then there was a long moment of silence and stillness... Sasha was suddenly certain her heart would explode in her chest, for the more still and tense it got, the harder her heart pounded. Her eyes moved over the weapons the men held... one wielding two kitanas, the other a weapon that looked far from intimidating... a chain with an odd blade on the end... it couldn't possibly stand up to the swords. Perhaps he had seen her and decided he didn't like her already?

Perhaps he intended to throw the fight? To lose so that he would not have to wed her? Her eyes looked him over... all black fabric and quiet, perfectly still poise.

"Hajime."

The sudden word from the old man about made Sasha's heart stop and she gasped aloud, her eyes going directly back to the two combatants in the ring, trembling head to toe, watching... waiting... waiting to learn what her fate would be.

 

[TirithIre]

The men whom stepped up were ninja, just as were every person whom resided within this village. No one whom knew of this place dared to even think about speaking of it to others. Those whom did think of such things, were eliminated well before they could turn such thoughts to fruition. That was the way of the world, and that, was how things seemed to be born here.

Even as she was lead forwards, she could see the gates were at least twenty feet tall, the stone walls surrounding the village kept all sight hindered, and yet from the outside, it looked as though the walls were the mountain themselves... so built were they to camouflage into their natural surroundings. Yet that did not matter at all right then.

The Ozune clan had 'been around' since the ancient of times. After all, Japan had always BEEN a thousand years ahead of everyone else when it came to weapon and armor forging, when it came to warfare... the Japanese were the elite of killers... as proven by this place. Yet it was clean. There were no blood splattering’s on the ground, the air felt clean, crisp and pure of the toxins of a normal city.

Even as Akuma for his 'part' saw the foreigner brought forwards though, he found himself looking her over more than he had others. After all, when he left this place, it was for a mission. He didn't think about beauty or charm... he was 'out there' to fulfill his mission, and come home. That was his life, and that was what he was good at. He knew that his brother was jealous of his skill... though why he truly didn't fully understand.

To him, they were both equal, a part of a family that worked together to survive and provide the service that those whom could afford their price needed. Yet he had always seen that Sasmue had not felt the same way. Sasume had been the one when they were young to take the last dumpling, laughing as he stuffed it into his face. He had been the one to spit at Akuma's rising's and call him an upstart.

Even now, Sasmue as he slid the two katana's from their sheaths, the folded steel glistening in the air, he had to smile as he looked to his brother. ” It would seem... it is time for another lesson little brother." His words seemed cold... to the others it was a 'big brother' thing, testing those whom came up the 'ranks' as quickly as Akuma did... but Akuma knew the truth... the coldness within Sasume's voice was real and true.

” I think... that this time it shall be I, whom teaches the lesson." Akuma replied... and with a glance towards her, crisp hazel like eyes taking in the sight of her bound to the stage beside Master Orimaru... he nodded to her as he picked up the chain. The thing... that most failed to remember about assassins especially ninja, were that they weren't supposed to be flashy. Sasmue chose to wield two katana's because doing so firstly was rare, but secondly because he wanted to 'look cool'. Yet he did not think about actual success, otherwise he would have chosen more wisely.

While Akuma knew that he was good with a sword... he chose the Kusari Gama because he wanted to win. It wasn't so much because he wanted a wife to have and hold... to protect and 'own', it was more because this was a challenge of his skill. Even as she knelt... she could see the last flickering’s of the light of day as the sun slid down. Downwards, downwards, it slid until the last light seemed to peek over the horizon, as though hoping to see this battle for itself. Yet 'giving up', the sun slid downwards, which was when the gruff command came.

For a moment... neither man moved. Then... within the literal blink of an eye, both seemed to move at the same time. Sasmue charged forwards, the blade in his left hand stabbing forwards as the right hand swung around and downwards, both glistening in the fiery torch light. Yet even as he did the chain that Akuma was holding moved, a slight clinking, rustling sound heard before there was a snap... the first blade caught in the chain as the weight was thrown, not towards Sasume, but to the left. To her, it wouldn't make sense, why throw a part of a weapon away from the opponent, but even as the second blade hit the chain as well, the weight was pulled back.

It swung around, almost tripping the elder ninja, but he knew it would happen, and jumping into the air, flipping backwards, he landed, the blade un-tangled, as he smirked beneath his mask. He would not be caught so easily... he would make his little brother a fool in front of everyone... as he had done for years. A slight mistake however... for he forgot the most important lesson that either of them had ever been heard... never under-estimate your opponent. Akuma had never shown it.. never. He had learned VERY well what was referred to as the Kumori Secchuu, or the shadow blending technique. It was shown to all the brothers and sisters of the clan hoping that someone would be able to master such a thing.

yet even as Akuma felt the anger over his brother's un-trusting nature of him... even as he felt how he should be the one to have his father’s words of kindness and complete trust... he felt something snap within himself in that moment. The blade of the Kusari Gama swung around, before it snapped forwards, the katana barely rising up in time... and it was then that she could see why such a wide and large berth had been given to this venue... it was needed. As the blade naturally wrapped around the sword with the chain however Akuma gave a short, developed yell... one that those within the life knew as a Kiai. A kiai was the development and release of Ki, or one's spirit, This came from a place within one's person called the Hara, and was allowed only when one was performing ninjitsu.

Those in the 'modern world' called it magic... and perhaps it was... but there was a reason their father had chosen sunset for this... it was only in the presence of shadows that one could, if they were able to, release their ki and create the blending of man, and shadow. Such was that even as Sasume smirked and held his ground, even he was shocked when Akuma literally disappeared from sight. The truth of the matter was that Akuma was moving SO fast, that Sasume could not follow even with his practised eye. " You will NOT take this from ME!"

The shout came from behind the one with the belt, and even as Sasmue began to look around, the weighted end of the kusari Gama smashed into the nape of his neck, sending him forwards, a powerful yank pulling the blade from his hand as the chain returned to it's master. Even as Akuma appeared once again, a good twenty yards from his initial position, Sasume seemed to spin in the air, though his vision was blurred, the weight having stunned him, before he dimly felt his body hitting the ground. There was no cheering, but it seemed, that her husband to be hadn't intended to throw the fight at all... not from the beginning... and he wasn't dis-pleased with her... not at all.

Only their father clapped, he smiling in a cryptic way. " Well done Akuma... come, claim your wife." He motioning to her... she WAS the prize after all... whether she 'liked it', or not!

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha knelt there, still shaking, her knees unused to the position, began to ache slightly, her shoulders growing tense and sore thanks to the awkward way her arms had to be held, forcing her to hunch forward slightly due to the rope tied to the bolt in the floor. Her mismatched eyes followed the movements of the two men standing there, and when the first man spoke, for a moment she wasn't sure who it was that had spoken. It wasn't until Akuma answered that she was able to identify which voice belonged to her intended.

His eyes turned to her, and for a brief moment, Sasha was certain the entire earth had stopped turning, that the whole world held it's breath... because in that moment, their eyes met, and held. His hazel gaze met her mismatched one and for a moment she could only stare at him, stare as she felt a soul-deep shift, as if a piece of her fate had just been settled in to place... with or without her consent. After what felt like ages but had been little more than a second or two, the man who was to be her husband nodded to her.

That slight movement of his head seemed to end the spell of the moment, and Sasha's eyes were wider than before, stunned and suddenly unsure, as if she had no idea what had just passed between them... and indeed she didn't. The breath she hadn't been aware she was holding suddenly released itself from her lungs and Sasha let out a soft whimper with it, her eyes locked on him just a moment longer, unsure how to react... what to say or do in the aftermath of that soul-shaking moment when she'd been certain some part of her and him had connected, even if she didn't entirely understand what part or how or why or even what it meant.

She stared at him for long, tense moments before her eyes flickered to his opponent, suddenly even more afraid of her uncertain future. She had no want to be the wife of Akuma... or any other assassin for that matter, but something within her was absolutely certain she did not... would not... ever wish to belong to someone like his 'big brother' who stood across from him. Her eyes flickered to the man's belt once more, briefly, before suddenly they were both in motion.

Sasha might have jumped, were it not for the fact that the fighting was so sudden and unexpected, she did not have time to react... by the time her brain seemed to catch up with the fact that it should physically react to what it was seeing, the moment had passed and suddenly jumping seemed far fetched... even silly. Instead, her breath caught in her chest again and her wide, terrified, unsure eyes watched the movements of the two men. IT didn't take long for her to realize she had sorely underestimated the weapon Akuma wielded, because he handled Sasume's attacks with ease and precision. If she weren't so utterly paralyzed by the thought of being married to someone so deadly, she might have taken time to appreciate the fact that he was strong... fast... he would be able to protect her better than any other man could, more than likely.

But as it was, she was too afraid to really give that line of thought any time at all. Her eyes struggled to keep up with what was happening before one of the men... Akuma... suddenly disappeared. Her eyes went wide and she was looking around rapidly, whimpering as she searched the crowd for him. Had he run? Did he decide not to fight after all? How had he managed to disappear without her seeing where he'd gone.

The sound of Akuma's voice made her jump and then suddenly it all seemed to be over, happening almost too fast for her to really see what had happened. She was breathing unevenly through her gag as she knelt there, her eyes wide as Akuma stood there and Sasume lay on the ground, too stunned to do anything.

The sound of clapping made Sasha jump visibly, the shaking starting all over again and she found herself looking up at Akuma as the elder... the father of all the ninja gathered around them... told him to come claim his wife. Sasha's mismatched gaze lifted to Akuma as he stood there, and she waited for him to advance, a tiny whimper leaving her throat the second he began to move. There wasn't going to be a ceremony? No real wedding? This was going to happen... as soon as possible... there was no going back, then... no more time bought for her. She was at his "tender mercy" from that point on.

A tiny sob left her throat through the gag, and as Akumo drew close enough to the platform, Sasha could no longer hold them back... a single solitary tear slid from her eye, the droplet of salt water slipping from her blue orbed gaze to slide down her cheek, though thankfully it did not cause her makeup to run, a single tear not quite enough water to mess it up.

 

[TirithIre]

Akuma was used to seeing people... and yet not seeing people. It was quite the conundrum, but it was such that within his 'line of work', or for Akuma in his 'line' of survival mentally, one didn't create such connections. Yet since she was to be his wife, she could see the connection there within the mystery man's eyes indeed... that this man seemed to look directly into her soul... and apparently at least, he liked what he saw. She was unique, which was a bonus for her as Akuma 'collected' unique things. She was stunning, of that there was no dobut.

Even as his attention held upon her for a moment though, he was 'pulled back' into the moment by the taunting jousts verbally of his 'elder brother'. She seemed to gather the idea that if Akuma lost, she would be given not to him, which though she did not know him she could tell that she would 'be forced' to deal with a much 'worse' fate than what it already was, she would be given to the elder brother, whom did not seem the kindest of men, to play it nicely.

Even as he looked to his elder Brother though he briefly wondered why no one else seemed to blend easily. To them, it always seemed to take a split moment... whereas for Akuma, it only took that second. Even as he disappeared, he could hear the sobs of his wife to be, and even as he appeared, he could hear as well, the whooshing sound of her voice. These things seemed to come from further away than they were... as though his gaze was above himself, taking in the entire view.

Even as he was beckoned though he nodded, leaving Sasmue on the ground, one of his blades having flipped in the air and landed tip first within the ground, the other still remained in his hand. To say he was stunned would have been an understatement... but even as he laid there, anger, fury, jealousy and rage began to fill, and darken his heart. Always one step ahead... he bitterly thought... before he pushed himself up... he would 'get back at him', but not now... oh no, for now he would bide his time.

Akuma didn't bide his time. He approached, and even as he did he could see the tear. It pulled him to her, and even as he walked towards her, he reached up and pulled the black mask from his face. His eyes never left her, and yet even as the mask lifted, she could see the slight shag to his hair, dark brown and slightly wavey naturally, his face hardened from the life he had gone through, and yet handsomely strong all the same.

Even as he approached she was 'treated' to the realization that he was a taller man among his Japanese men... While most were just over five feet, Akuma was a taller individual, standing a lean five feet eight inches tall, approaching six feet, but with plenty of room to be 'normal'. Her fears of there not being a wedding were baseless, for behind her, not that she could see the Shoji doors being slid to the side, opening up to bear witness to a Shinto style temple.

Even as he reached her though he moved and squatted, his eyes seeming to never leave her as his calloused hands worked the ropes undone... though even as he did relieve the tension within her shoulders with the rope, he lifted the length up, bringing her off her knees, alleviating the ache within her legs. She could see the elder rise as well, though with but a nod, he turned and headed towards the temple. Around them, she could see those whom had watched the fight rise all at once, an army of deadly people, before they moved to fill the central training area and knelt once again.

Yet for Akuma... he held the rope silently for a moment, though looked to her and nodded slowly. His other hand reached up towards the gag, though hesitated as he leaned forwards, their bodies incredibly close as he whispered. ” Embarrass me, and you will wish you were dead." It was her only warning before the gag was un-tied, he sliding it out from her lips. He would not suffer begging or whimpering’s, she had to be strong, the strongest she had ever been.

This was a world unlike any other... here, weakness was seen as failure, and was culled before it could become a threat to the family. Dis-loyalty was even worse, and was publically assassinated before the entire clan, to show the importance of family. She could not beg for mercy from him... at least not here. Perhaps later, when they were alone she could... but even as he gave a pull of the rope and lead her towards the temple, she could tell there would be none, at least not in the ways she vainly hoped for from him.

She could see a hundred candles were alit within the temple... she honestly wouldn't even need to say anything for the wedding; she only had to drink sake with him, and accept the gift of marriage. If she could live through this, she could begin to learn the actual world she now found herself in. It would take time, but it seemed she had her entire life 'to learn' what kind of world she resided in now!

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha trembled as he drew close, her mismatched eyes watching him in a mixture of fear and anticipation, wondering what would come next. She didn't know there were doors being slid open, a temple revealed, that they would indeed be married.

The mask being pulled off of his head revealed him and Sasha felt her heart try to jump in to her throat, her chest constricting somewhat. He was not what she had expected... In her mind's eye, she had imagined a man shorter than he, with perfectly straight black hair and a face that was scarred and deformed... she hadn't expected someone so... handsome. Or so tall. The realization that he was tall hit her as he came close and knelt to untie the rope from the bolt in the floor. It send a chill through her... he would easily be able to overpower her based on size alone. She didn't stand a chance of protecting herself.

The relief to her shoulders and knees was a blessed thing, and she stood as he grabbed the rope and guided her to her feet. Thankfully, he did not yank or pull on her, allowing her to rise on her own. It wasn't an incredibly graceful movement, but it didn't make her look too clumsy by normal standards, either, she simply looked awkward as she stood, the kimono making it difficult for her to move properly.

When he hesitated, his hand close to the gag but not touching, her eyes searched his own, wondering why he hesitated. But then he closed the small distance between them and she could feel the body head radiating off of him, the promise of violence in his voice as he spoke to her quietly. Tears were still in her eyes, but she nodded. She would have promised him she'd be good, but there was no way until his hand lifted and finally removed the gag.

She let out a small sound of relief, her jaw sore and tense. She closed her mouth, but was flexing and moving her jaw just slightly for a moment to ease the pain before she stopped and looked up at him. "I don't know what to do... but I will try," she whispered softly, her voice barely above a breath.

When he turned her to face the temple, her eyes went somewhat wide and she took in the sight of the candles... so many it seemed like hundreds... it was beautiful. Her wrists were chaffed and raw from the ropes that had been around them, and they ached, but she said nothing, the rope that still held her wrists together rubbing in to her soft skin slightly.

The firelight from the candles flickered over her soft skin, casting lights and shadows against the pale creamy white her face had been painted, making her eyes glitter in the light, bringing out the different red tones in her silken hair.

Her eyes flickered around the temple as they moved toward it, a fine tremble passing through her body though she did her utmost to stay quiet, to not disappoint him. As they moved, she knew deep down that she would likely never see the outside world... the world she belonged in... ever again. This was the first day of her new life... and it would start with her being bound to a man she only knew the name of because others had greeted him that way.

 

[TirithIre]

To say it was almost a surreal experience, would have been correct. After all the world was not one that most would associate with 'normal'... one didn't see deadly ninja's battling over a woman every day, much less be formed into the facts of marriage within such a short span of a time. Even as he released her lips from the gag though, he nodded to her as he watched her.

He was sure he was not what she had been expecting, but he hadn't thought that he would return from Switzerland in order to find out that he was being gifted with a wife... much less had he thought he would be fighting over her. He knew however Sasume's interests in stopping it wasn't just because he was being a 'big brother' to Akuma.

He was not a fool either though. Even as she rose as naturally as she could, he noted that the kimono though beautiful upon her and benefitting her looks, did not allow her to move as naturally as she would have. That was the difference between Samurai and Ninja after all, Samurai had armor and layers of protection, but ninja were 'free' in their movements.

He listened to her words, and even as she spoke he was working her wrists un-done. There was no-where for her to go... and at this point, if she thought to cross him and make for an escape, his threat was not a veiled one... he WOULD make her wish that she was dead. That did not seem to be needed however, so even as he released her, he simply nodded to her as she saw him slide his hand around her waist, he guiding her towards the temple. The central path way was kept clear for them.

Even as he did though he smiled slightly. " That is just it... you will only need to drink some sake. I shall make my pledge of allegiance to you, and forever will I protect you." He remarked calmly... she seeing that there were also two kimono's being set out... one for she, and one for he, the kimono's marking them as married as well.

Even as he lead her forwards though she could tell she was in safe hands. While this world was frightening and foreign to her, she was going to be all right, because he would protect her. He would demand many things of her, not the least of all was her virginity, but that was only the beginning. She would learn many things about this world and about him... but that was to come with time.

For now, he lead her forwards, the candles were indeed beautiful, the shinto shrine had an old, and yet warm feeling to it. Not every place in this world was cold or lined with death and mystery... in fact, once she had time to 'settle in', she would come to see that this world was as beautiful and mystical as it was deadly and intimidating. She would need to learn though that she was his... and as such she had an impact on his standing... which also meant he would do 'anything' to protect that standing!

 

[Jewelskye]

He untied her wrists and Sasha glanced down, letting out the smallest sound as he removed the final coil of the rope from around her wrist, exposing the red, irritated skin beneath. There were bruises already forming on her pale skin around her wrists, but she let her sleeves fall to cover them, not wanting anyone to see. He didn't want her to embarrass him, and she had the sneaking suspicion that a sign of weakness like bruised and damaged skin from something so small as ropes would be an obvious sign of weakness.

His words that all she had to do was drink sake helped her relax slightly, something he would be able to feel as the muscles of her back seemed to lose just a bit of their tension against his hand. Still, she was not entirely relaxed, and the trembling continued to be apparent as his hand rested on her back, communicating the minute movements of her form to him as they passed along her spine.

They approached the shrine and during that slow walk, where she had to move slower than perhaps might have been wanted because of the awkward shoes, she came to understand something even as he told her he would protect her forever... She was not quite as afraid of him, or this life, as she had originally been. Her eyes blinked slowly as she looked at him, her eyes searching his face for a moment as they walked. She wanted to ask him if he really meant it, but she kept her mouth shut, forcing herself to look forward as they came to the edge of the shrine.

Taking a small step up in to it and walking with him toward the end where a man she assumed was a priest stood, Sasha let her hands clasp in front of her, the sleeves of her kimono falling down and covering her hands, hiding most of the shaking from anyone who might see. They were stopped upon entering the temple and she was taken aside for a brief moment by the women of the clan, her kimono swiftly replaced by one of pure, pristine white. They touched up her makeup, ensuring she was bathed in as much white as possible. Her hair was double checked and several hair pins bearing ornaments meant to bring the new couple luck and prosperity were put in to her hair.

She wasn't aware of it, but he was changing at the same time, in to traditional wedding garments for a man. In only minutes Sasha was allowed to return to the main portion of the shrine, looking as delicate as a flower bathed in pure virginal white. They left out the veil, as there was no mother for the groom that Sasha would have to hide her 'horns of jealousy' from. The women hadn't spoken a word to her as they worked, and by the time Sasha stepped back in to the main aisle of the shrine, she looked somewhat bewildered.

With her future husband once more, they moved up and in to the shrine The ceremony was an odd one, and the priest spoke primarily in Japanese, making it difficult for Sasha to know what was happening. They were purified, though she had no idea that was what was happening. Afterward, nine small cups of sake were drank by both she and Akuma and though they didn't face each other, Sasha found herself wanting desperately to look at him throughout the whole ceremony, to see some sort of acknowledgement that she wasn't messing anything up.

The first sip of the sake, she nearly coughed, but managed just in time to swallow the urge, only a mild reflex in her face showing that it hadn't tasted as she'd expected. The rest she drank with only the most minute of grimaces around the corners of her eyes.

When it came time for him to speak his pledge, Sasha held her breath, keeping her eyes forward as her trembling hands continued to grip each other, attempting to keep the shaking she was feeling to a minimum. Would he say the words in Japanese so that she could not understand? Or would they be in English, so she would know what he was vowing to her?

Again, before he began to speak, his voice ran through her mind. "Forever I will protect you" Ah, how desperately she wanted to look at him then! To see the words in his eyes, not just hear them from his mouth. She was scared... she was alone... she needed... desperately needed to feel protected, to feel safe. Instead all she could focus on was the threat he'd given her. She would wish she were dead the day she embarrassed him.

She let out the tiniest of exhales, waiting as she listened for him to say the vow... to complete the ceremony and bind himself to her forever.

 

[TirithIre]

She was not the only one muddling through waters of foreign stances... for Akuma had not actually known exactly what to 'do' when it came to the more social instances of life. After all when a child was brought up in an abusive environment, they tended to know only of that life. While he would not have called his upbringing abusive, anyone whom heard about his life would have commented differently.

After all, being hit with a Shinai, facing daily tests and rigor of what he thought was a normal life was hardly that in the 'civilized world', but for Akuma, that was his life. He could however, appreciate her need for security. After all she was a foreigner, surrounded by ninja, deadly assassins, and though he had no idea that before being brought her world had been shattered by his brothers and sisters, he could see she needed re-assurance.

He was not a cruel harsh man... in fact; he was the most serene at peace man whom she would meet here. Yet that did not escape her from the fact that she was going to be bound by marriage to him. Even as they reached the temple, his hand upon her back left her as he bowed to her... he did not simply nod ignorantly, but rather bowed to respect their parting, before he went to get changed himself.

The sleek black clothes of his normal training were completely removed, he changing into a greyed almost silvered Hakama, a pair of pants that melded together to create a 'skirt' like look, which was used for sword training among many martial arts schools that focused within that area of expertise, along with a black Gi, which upon the center of the shoulders at the rear, along with the sides of each sleeve a white circled symbol was embroidered. Even as he tied the gi though, he returned to the main temple area, and beheld the beauty that was she.

He knelt of course, drinking the sake without any trouble, though it was almost like rum to a pirate, if a ninja couldn't handle his sake, he was a fool and most likely dead. Even as they came to the vows though, he considered his own choices, before he held up a hand, the temple falling silent. First though he spoke in Japanese. He spoke about his life here, and about how thankful he was to his family, for protecting him and allowing him to grow. He spoke of the honour and loyalty of the clan, to make his own father proud.

Even as he said such things though, he did add that he would speak in English for the sake of his wife, whom did not yet speak their language, and had no idea what was going on. ” Do not... be afraid." His words were spoken to her, though they faced one another naught. ” What I say now, is for your benefit." His words were slightly broken, his English not nearly as fluent as his Japanese, but she could tell that he was trying.

Thus with that, he began as he had said that he would... the words were natural, producing them to him, was the challenge. Yet he did his best of course, to make this ceremony as honourable as it was strangely unique.

This woman, I marry
No matter what the health situation is
I will love this person
Respect this person
Console this person
Help this person
Until death
Protecting fidelity
I swear.

Even as he said those things though, he found the challenge well worth it, for even her energy, which he could feel was appreciative of what he was 'doing for her. That did not mean he did not change to Japanese of course, for what came next was the much more fluent, and passionately powerful Japanese that he spoke, binding himself to her from this day forwards with the oath of loyalty, commitment, and honour.

Watakushi wa kono josei to kekkonshi
Fufu to narou to shite imasu
Watakushi wa kenkouna tokimo
Soudenai tokimo
Kono hito o aishi
Kono hito o uyamai
Kono hito o nagusame
Kono hito o tasuke
Watakushi no inochi no kagiri
Kataku sessou o mamoru koto o
Chikai masu.

With that though, the ceremony was done, and a roaring cheer arose from the audience... they were people as well... deadly, silent people, but people none the less. There was only one whom did not cheer. Sasmue stood in the corner, his eyes upon Akuma and his bride. Silently he vowed his own vow... that before this year was done, he would see to it that Akuma was the laughing stock of the Ozune clan.... he would see his 'little brother' dead for the embarrassment here today. For now though, he would bide his time.

Akuma glanced over, seeing Sasume the rivalry was always there, had always been there... but he could tell things would get a lot tenser with the days to come. For now though he rose, and turned to his new wife... even as she herself rose and turned, she found herself pulled into his arms, his warm, hard body welcoming her to his life as he leaned down and devoured her lips in a kiss, taking what he considered of course to be his!

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha listened in silence as he spoke in fluent Japanese to those assembled, her heart falling in to her stomach as she started to worry that she wouldn't even know what the wedding vows said. But then he spoke in English, directly to her though they weren't looking at each other. He told her not to be afraid and even as her hands continued to grip each other, moving minutely beneath her kimono's sleeves as they wrung each other in a worried manner, she tried desperately to calm down.

When he finally spoke the vows, she couldn't stop the tiniest of smiles from tugging at the corners of her lips. The English was rough and somewhat awkward, but the message came through clearly. He promised her respect, comfort, and help... He also promised her love, but she did not honestly believe that he would ever truly love her... she didn't think something like that could ever be possible. Hopefully, though, they would be able to come to a mutual respect, a mutual understanding.

Soon enough, he switched back to Japanese and Sasha's eyes closed as she let out another quiet breath, waiting for it to be over. She had expected the entire thing to be a quiet affair, so when the cheer went up amongst the crowd, she jumped visibly, flinching at the noise before her head looked toward him, seeing him rising to his feet.

Her movements were somewhat slower than his own, having to be careful not to embarrass them both by stepping wrong and falling over due to the kimono. When she stood, she turned to face him and for a moment she was staring at his formally dressed form, only to have him suddenly reach out and pull her to him before she had a chance to say or do anything in response.

His mouth crashed down against her own, her lips soft and supple beneath his own, and she let out the tiniest of whimpers in the back of her throat as she stood there, too shocked to do anything at first. After a few long moments she spent in absolute shock, however, her hands slowly lifted and rested their palms against his chest, fingers curling around the silk of his kimono, gripping it as she let her eyes close and her lips pressed themselves back against his own timidly.

She trembled in his embrace, still afraid, but she was trying, trying to keep him happy... to see to it he didn't feel embarrassed by her. The kiss left her strangely shaken and breathless, as if she hadn't expected it to be quite so intense, but she clung to him despite it, sharing in the deep kiss. She could feel the warmth, the strength in his form, the way his arms were unyielding around her, holding her carefully and yet in an embrace that was possessive, territorial.

His embrace said it simply... she was his.

 

[TirithIre]

Akuma was not an understanding man... and beneath the killer instincts... beneath the rough exterior of the world that he had been born into, he was just that, a man. He wasn't some super hero, nor some extra terrestrial... he was a human man, just like any other. All right... perhaps he wasn't like any other, but he did have the consideration to speak in english for her. He said that he would love her, because that was a part of the vows. It was much like in the medieval times when two nobles of court would be arranged to wed. They would say the vows, because they needed to be said, but that did not mean that they meant them.

Even as he moved to rise, he was aware that they didn't actually have to kiss within the process of his people's wedding, but he also knew she wasn't of his people, and though thrust into the throngs of them, he would also see to it that she felt at least the tiniest amounts of familiarity. Not to mention he was interested in feeling her lips, touching her. She was his after all, his wife, his companion for all time. Whether she did like it or not... at least she wasn't truly alone.

He could feel her trembling and even as he felt her lips timidly press back to his own, he held the kiss for an eternity it would seem, before he released her lips. He looked to her with a smile slightly though, before he but nodded to her and taking her by the hand, he lead her out. She could see that unlike Sasume whom kept to the corner and brooded much like a wounded animal whom was plotting his revenge, the others were kinder and much more welcoming.

Akuma lead her about, and 'showed her off' as he knew he should... soon though he was guiding her away from the group... a banquet was being set up, though unlike with where she had come from, it was more for his people than for them. He looked to her though and reached up, gently stroking her face. " You did well." He spoke in that slightly broken english, though it was a valid attempt, he not wanting her to completely fear and utterly hate him. Even as he said that though he smirked.

" I shall show you our home." He was a 'rising star', and had a more comfortable home... it wasn't with the others, instead like his father's home it was a smaller home, yet the comforts it offered were still the same. After all he was clearly going to enjoy her body as a part of this day... he had won her after all, she was his and he would see to it that the kimono did not bother her movements for much longer. He had seen how it frustrated her... he somewhat amused by that fact really.

She would get used to it... she would get used to everything. He had felt the daggers of Sasume's eyes when he had left with her... but he paid it no mind... he would live as he lived, though from their bout today he HAD learned one thing... he would need to be more careful on missions from now on.

 

[Jewelskye]

When the kiss broke, Sasha's mismatched eyes tilted up to look at her husband, and had the makeup on her face not been so well applied, he would have seen her blushing. She found herself wanting to enjoy the kiss... wanting to enjoy his arms, his hands. But she couldn't enjoy it. Not really... she didn't want to be married to him. She didn't like that she was being forced in to all of this, especially so soon after her family had been slaughtered and she'd walked in on the damage. For a moment she could only look up at him, standing in the circle of his arms until he turned and lead her from the temple, down in to the throne of black clad people.

They had removed their masks, and their smiling faces seemed unusually... kind, for heartless killers. She did her best to keep a small smile on her lips, and bowed when she met a new person. They didn't speak to her much and for that she was grateful, because speech... would have meant she would have to reply to them, and she was certain replying would break her... send her in to a fit of tears from which she would not be able to resurface. She would drown in her own sorrow and lose herself until sleep took her. And she was so very, very tired... Sleeping while tied up and gagged and drugged was not restful in the least. She longed for a bed... she longed to fall asleep and wake to find this all a bad dream.

When at last he turned to her, lifting a hand to her face, she flinched slightly, as if expecting to be struck, but instead he told her she had done well. She relaxed slightly, forcing a small smile to her lips despite the fact that she was still trembling, still half expecting some sort of cruelty. But the cruelty hadn't come yet... perhaps it wouldn't, if she could keep him happy.

When he said he would show her their home, she went utterly still, panic on her face, the urge to run nearly burning in her muscles. Her heart began to race. This was it... the moment when he would get her back to their home and expect to consummate their marriage. She nodded stiffly, but fear was apparent on her face, and her body language said she wanted to bolt, but knew it was a dumb idea.

As he began to lead her away, her eyes cast a glance up around the room and found... Sasume. He was glaring at them, especially Akuma and Sasha shuddered visibly, the bone chilling feel of fear's icy fingers moving up her back. In that moment, Sasha felt truly and utterly alone. She was in a place of strangers, married to a man who could kill her before she even blinked an eye, bound to someone who had no care for her at all... And worse yet, someone had a problem with them being wed. She could only imagine the type of things he was planning as he watched them walking away.

By the time they reached the home and the door closed behind them, Sasha cast a glance around their home. "Can... can I go... clean up, please?" she asked quietly. She knew what he would expect but she couldn't even imagine being raped in the ridiculous makeup they'd put her in. Her eyes were closed and she was gripping the seams that ran along the sides of the skirt of her kimono, desperate for control over her own emotions for just a little while longer... just until she got to a bathroom where she could be alone for a few minutes.

 

[TirithIre]

She had the choice whether to enjoy it, or not... and that was her choice... he could not truly take that from her. All he could really do was be whom he was, and in the end, that would prove a better man than most... especially those whom were here... especially the one whom seemed so urked and bothered by their marriage. The truth was it wasn't even the marriage... it was Akuma and Sasume. They had always been rivals; Akuma always wanting to be better than Sasume, and Sasume being the 'elder brother' always had to keep ahead of everyone else.

Today however had clearly shown that Sasume wasn't the 'alpha dog' among the ninja anymore, and that was something that sat sourly within his stomach. He did not appreciate that with his help he had created viably the most deadly assassin within the ninja ranks in a century... he only saw that he was being usurped, and he would end it, he would re-claim his seat 'on the top'.

Even as they reached the entrance of the home though she could see that while it was some what small, there was plenty of room for them both, there being two main bedrooms, one of which was being used as an armor and gear room, along with a kitchen, a common sitting room, as well as the genken, or the entrance. She had already learned to remove her shoes before entering a home, which was probably a relief to her.

Even as she asked that though he regarded her, and instead of answering verbally, he gently took her, guiding her through to the bathing room. Within he sat her down, she not 'getting' the time alone that she wanted... rather he poured out the old water, and turning on a small benson burner, he turned a small faucet on before she saw water flow, he having running water at least.

He didn't speak to her for a long time, though when he had he smiled faintly. " Be calm... I do not intend to hurt you, other than if you fight me." He informed her... this could either 'be good' or end up painful and hurtful for her... not that it would affect him really... he would 'do' as he wished anyway. She could tell that while she was in 'good hands', those hands were from a world much different than she was. Dipping a cloth into the heated water though, he moved to her.

" Now, sit still." He mused as he worked, cleaning her face slowly but surely, she able to study at least the face and general outline of this man whom was now her husband. He wasn't truly asking her permission to 'do' anything, she was his, and he would do with her what he would... yet it seemed at least in a way, he was a good man whom wasn't just 'out' to take what he wanted from her and toss her aside... but rather take care of her. That didn't mean he wouldn't have his way with her... oh no, it simply meant he was trying to make her choose to accept that it would happen and 'go with it'!

 

[Jewelskye]

Confusion was the first thing to sweep through Sasha as he stared at her, only to grab her hand and start leading her through the small home. She had appraised the area quietly for a moment while she waited for him to tell her where the bathroom was, but instead he seemed intent on holding her hand every step of the way through this. During the wedding it had been appreciated... but now, it was stifling and somewhat frightening. She wasn't a child... nor a pet or belonging for him to drag around and do everything for...

But that's exactly what she was, in the end... a belonging, a possession. He could lead her around, care for and treat her as he wished.... and there was little Sasha could do. The realization hit her suddenly and she couldn't stop the tears that slid down her cheeks, sliding over the makeup and making the black around her eyes run slightly in to the white. She looked like a porcelain doll weeping inky black tears.

When he sat her down and told her to be calm, her composure slipped and a soft sob left her, her head instinctively bowing. Another sob left her, followed by a small sound caused by her trying to hold the sobs back, a thin, strained sound in the back of her throat. "Please..." she sobbed, but she didn't even know what she wanted to ask him. All she knew was that it was suddenly hard to just sit there and be quiet as she had been managing.

He lifted her face and began to bathe it, slowly cleaning away the makeup and exposing the fresh, soft skin... only a few shades off from the white it had been painted. Truth be told she had been lovely in the makeup... but she was stunning in a unique way without it. Even as he cleaned her, he'd find her entire body shaking, as if she were experiencing small convulsions as she cried. "I... I don't..." she sobbed, but she stopped, not having any idea how to continue. The pain went beyond emotional... it was nearly physically crippling, and it showed as her face contorted itself in to a mask of agony as she cried. And yet, somehow... despite the agony, despite the face half covered in make up, despite the tears... she was still somehow beautiful.

"I mean I can't... I..." Her hands lifted to her face instinctively, and she turned it away from the cloth in his hand, her own hands covering it, hiding it as she wept uncontrollably. She wasn't fighting him... not truly... but she was withdrawing in on herself as she finally began to crumble. She'd spent so much time and so much self control getting this far... but her self control had finally given out, and her facade of calm had dissipated.

"Please... I..." she gasped, but then the sobs took her again and she found her hands drifting away from her face, hugging herself as she rocked slightly in her seat, weeping and gasping desperately for breath. "I'm... sorry... I..." she gasped, only to be taken by another fresh wave of tears, and all she could do was shake her head helplessly, still not looking up at him, head turned away from him, staring at the wooden floor of the bathroom as she cried.

 

[TirithIre]

The truth of the matter of all of this was that Akuma wasn't a cruel evil man.. probably not what she was expecting at all. Rather at least on a basic level he did seem to care about her... and even as he watched her seem to be confused, that did not mean that he was going to 'let her' control the situation, hence why he had taken her hand, and begun to lead her through the house. First off, she didn't know the lay out of the home... and he didn't really feel like explaining it to her, and secondly, he felt it was his 'job' to help her, to make her feel secure and safe.

He watched her as she began to crumble however, and even as she tried to move her face from his hold, she could feel how he didn't 'allow it', his grip on her fair skin tightening, not allowing her to move away. Even as she moved her hands up though he patiently set the cloth down, before he was taking a hold of her wrists and moving them down and away from her face, he seemed to study her for a moment. " Stop." He mused quietly, he looking to her.

" This is your life now. I do not know where came from, or what happen, but you are mine now." He mused, and even as he looked to her, he set her hands into her lap as he added. " Keep your hands there." He remarked easily, he making sure that she did, before he finished up cleaning her face. He left her sobbing, he not having a 'cure' for that... though even as he looked to her, he sighed.

" You are un-comfortable in those clothes... yes?" He could tell... the restricting way that they had bound the kimono layers allowed only enough movement for the stereotypical movements of a dainty woman, but she wasn't from these lands, and was un-accustomed to it. Even as he asked that, it was more a rhetorical question... he moved around until he was behind her, before she felt his strong arms encircling her, un-tying the outer layer kimono. Her clothes had three layers, each covering less and less skin, to create the pattern of what she wore.

He did not mind that she cried, he didn't know her story... he didn't particularily care. That may have sounded harsh, but it was his feelings. He was an assassin, a ninja after all... and he hadn't been brought up with much kindness either. He smiled though as he worked the outer kimono off and began to work on the second layer. " You are beautiful... what is your name?" He didn't know it... and since they were married... he thought that he should at least know that!

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha whimpered loudly as his hand gripped her chin tightly, not allowing her to turn away. He wouldn't give her a moment... not even a single second to collect herself. She continued to cry as he as he cleaned her face. He forced her hands down in to her lap and commanded she leave them there, and Sasha was honestly too terrified to disobey. He didn't know who she was... where she was from... what she had been through... and he didn't rightly seem to care. He hadn't even asked her name.

As tears continued to slide down her cheeks and soft sobs continued to wrack her. At least he didn't demand she be silent... stop crying... because that was one command she was certain she couldn't hold to.

The question of whether or not the clothes were uncomfortable didn't need an answer, and she was glad for that because she was completely sure at that point that she couldn't have summoned up an answer. In fact... she couldn't summon up any sound at all. Even the sobs had stopped as fear stole over her like a cold, wet blanket. She trembled visibly, her hands gripping each other tightly as they rested in her lap. She'd gone more pale, if such a thing was possible, and her mismatched hues were riveted upon him as if she were looking at something all together life altering.

And he was just that... life altering. He was her husband, even if she had gone through the entire wedding ceremony under duress... unable to say yes herself, she had simply knelt in silence as he said the vows to her... Vows that meant nothing, really. She silently wondered if she would make it even a full year past that very day... or would she embarrass him so greatly that he would rid himself of her? Would he make it quick and clean, or would it be as brutal and bloody as her families deaths had seemed to be? Tears continued to slide down her cheeks though she was silent even as he stepped around her, and his arms, impossibly strong, slid around her.

His embrace wasn't harsh, but it was obvious he had strength she could not even begin to understand in his arms... strength that she could neither deny, nor run nor cower from, and so she simply sat there, trembling as he gently untied and stripped the top most layer of her silken clothes away from her body. The second layer was more thin, but still pristine white as the top layer had been. She shivered as more air reached her flesh, her eyes closing as her hands lifted instinctively, arms crossing over her full breasts as she let out a tiny whimper.

When he asked what her name was, pain crossed her face. He was readying to take her to their marital bed and he was only just now learning her name... It wasn't supposed to be like this. None of it was supposed to be like this. She was supposed to meet a man, spend a year or more with him, get engaged, have a beautiful ceremony outside under the sun, surrounded by family and friends... and then when it was all said and done, he was supposed to carry her over the threshold and make slow, passionate love to her the first time they lay together. It was all very romanticized of course... but that was how she'd been dreaming of it happening for years.

"S-Sasha," she managed to get out, her voice barely a whisper at all, barely audible to most, though with his trained hearing, he would likely have been able to make it out at all. Her eyes continued to be closed, her arms loosely crossed over her breasts, and her body was still trembling. There were only two more layers between then and when he would consummate their marriage... and Sasha was powerless to stop him.

 

[TirithIre]

Of course Akuma did not give her 'a moment' for a moment was more than what she should need in his opinion. He was not the one whom had stolen her away from her world nor was he the one whom had forced her into this situation. Truth be told he was only a man whom had returned from a mission to find out that he was to be given a gift of a wife, which though he was truly honored, he did not know whether he wanted. Then, on top of that his 'big brother' had challenged him to a fight JUST to spite him, and he had embarassed the man, making tensions between them even worse!

So to say he wasn't sure about the situation would have been more than truthful, it would have been poignantly needed. Yet still he took her chin and took care of her. Even as she shuddered and whimpered like a whipped dog whom had seen too much hardship, he seemed bemused by this, though at the same time, he wasn't all that amused as he was trying to soothe at least some of the hardship of this moment, and she seemed to be clinging to it.

Even as he washed her up and dipped the cloth back into the water to leave it there, he encircled her. Why did he need to ask her name before this... they hadn't had a chance, they had met, been married, and moved on. It wasn't as though in the middle of speaking to someone else he was going to turn to her and say 'by the way, what is your name?' that seemed rather... well silly!

he watched her though and even as he slid the outer kimono from her shoulders, the silken sliding from her skin he heard the bare whisper of her name. " Sasha... that is a beautiful name." He mused quietly, he un-tying the sash before the outer layer was moved from her body completely, she able to feel the sheer inner layer hiding most of her skin still. His hands pateintly and once again moved to her, he lowering her hands back to her lap once again. " Keep them there, unless you wish me to bind them." He had released her from her wrists being bound after all, he could return her to that state.

Even as he said that though he was moving, he sliding his hands to the ties to the second layer, he smiling slightly. " You have a beautiful body Sasha." He mused as he leant in and inhaled her scent for a moment, he easily worked the second layer un-done, before it too was sliding off her, revealing more skin... only a final layer remained before she would be bared to her husband, a man whom would demand many things of her, many which she would now think she would never give, but many which with time, she would.

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha let out a small sound of protest as he forced her to lower her arms down and her mismatched eyes closed as she bit down on her lower lip to keep from screaming. The finest of trembles moved through her shapely frame as she sat there, taking in uneven breaths and trying to keep calm when every muscle in her body was screaming at her to run. Run as far, and as fast as she could.

But she knew, really, that she couldn't run. She couldn't ever pray to get away from here. She didn't even honestly know where here was, except that it was in Japan and in the mountains. Chances were even if she made it away from the village... even if they didn't catch her... she'd die because she'd fall and break her leg... or starve or something awful like that. As she sat there, trying to breathe normally and not go in to another all-out panic attack, her thoughts began to wander to what was to come. What would it feel like when he touched her? Would it be gentle, or would he be rough and demanding? Would he care if he hurt her? Would it only be about consummating the marriage and then it would be over?

She felt him lean in close, breathing in her scent, a mixture of damask rose and vanilla touching his nose, unique and alluring at the same time it seemed almost as if one would be able to smell her innocence on her. A shiver ran through her as she realized what he was doing, breathing her in as if to analyze her scent... as if he could learn so much more than what she smelled like from that moment. She let out a long, slow breath as he pulled back, untying the second layer of her outfit and beginning to slowly slip it from her body. It fell away, leaving only the thin, mostly sheer under layer, still as pristine white as the others had been, to cover her. Her form would become more apparent as it was revealed, and one might find that the kimono had hidden much of her curves from view.

Breasts that were just a little more than a handful for a man with large hands and long fingers rested beneath the fabric, though they were not restrained by the usual bra. Despite that, they were deliciously perky and supple. Her waist, he would find, was petite even without the obi that had wrapped around her middle, and her hips were wide and well curved, leading down to give way to long legs. One hand instinctively moved to the neck of the kimono, wanting to hold it closed for a moment before she lowered it slowly to her lap once more.

She spoke in a soft, barely-there whisper as she stared at the floor, tears slipping down her pale cheeks. "I'm afraid," she whispered. The tremble continued to move through her, though it became more pronounced as more air found her skin and her nipples began to harden because of the sheer, light fabric caressing over them teasingly. Perhaps it was because he had grown up in such a harsh world, but Sasha was shocked that Akuma didn't understand how terrifying it was to know that her husband could kill a man... could have easily killed a man right before her eyes that night... and that he now intended to take her to his bed.

She considered saying more, but there was little else to be said... he no doubt didn't care at all what she'd been through... didn't care about the horror of seeing her family's blood all over their home. Didn't care that she'd been bound and gagged, drugged, subjected to medical examinations that were intrusive to say the least, and any number of things. He didn't care that she was frightened, terrified that at any moment he might tire her and kill her off. Didn't care that he was a strange man she'd never known before mere hours ago and now she was expected to give him not only her body... but her loyalty for the rest of her life.

 

[TirithIre]

Akuma was not a mis-understanding man... but he WAS a man whom 'got' what he wanted.. and right then, her arms had been in the way of his attentions to her. After all she may not truly appreciate his efforts with her, but he WAS making efforts to make sure that despite her fears, that she was at least taken care of.

She was right of course... he wasn't particularily interested in the horror stories of her recent life... nor was he all that enamoured with the fact that he had been given what seemed to be a wife whom never stopped weeping. Yet he did not command her to stop... for he did understand that such a command might truly be impossible to follow.

He watched her as her hand instinctively moved to try and cover herself... he letting out the faintest of sighs that indicated he might be dis-pleased with her... and yet even as he did he shifted and moved around, she seeing that he moved to kneel before her... she sitting on the low 'riding' stool, though he nodded to her.

" I know you are... this is all new." He remarked, his english broken, but he was trying at least... for her effect. He thought about it, before he stood and left her in the last layer of her kimono, the sheer thing barely an inch thick, the woman's under kimono was of course their 'underwear' hence he knew beneath that was naked beauty. Yet he walked away in the same room, she seeing how he took a moment to slide the sword from his hip, he setting it onto a table.

From many hidden pockets he produced different impliments of death and set them out, as though putting them away. Finally he turned back to her, his dark eyes seeming to soak her in. " You are my wife... I will not tire of you... I will not harm you anymore than you deem to bring upon yourself." He mused, he looking to her.

" You do have a choice... You can either..." He broke off for a moment... as though mentally searching for the word in her language... though it came to him after that moment. " Submit to this life, to the fact that you are now mine, and that I will protect you... or you can try to fight." He moved though and walked over to her, he looking down to her for a moment.

" I enjoyed your scent... but I will enjoy many things from you Sasha... it is up to you whether you find enjoyment as well, or whether you fight this." With that though he reached down and taking ahold of the obi of the last layer, he pulled the knot, the sash being pulled away from her body as he looked down to her. " Bare yourself to me... or I will take the rest myself."

It wasn't her romantic fantasy... but Akuma wasn't a romantic beau whom had whisked her off her feet... her options were few but easy... obey, or suffer... that was her choice... it was truly the only control of the entirety of this situation that she did hold!

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha watched with wide mismatched eyes he moved to kneel before her, her heart slaming in her chest and her breathing coming in somewhat heavier, more labored than before. For a moment, she was certain he was going to force her from that last layer of silk and throw her to the floor, have his way with her no matter how much pain it might cause her. Instead, though, he stood and walked away, leaving her to stare after him, unsure what to do or so as she heard his sigh. That simple sound... hurt. Already she'd managed to make him unhappy with her. The threat he'd given her just before their wedding ceremony flooded back in to her mind and Sasha was certain she'd be punished then and there.

As she was mentally preparing herself for her inevitable punishment, she watched in surprise as he removed his sword and various other items from his person, stripping away the layers of deadly items to leave himself in just his clothes. Well... atleast he didn't plan to use any of those on her, she told herself. His words that he would not tire of her or harm her 'more than she brought upon herself' were only mildly comforting, and Sasha swallowed some at the thought that he would harm her at all.

When he walked back to her, talking to her of submission, Sasha's heart slammed in her chest once more and she bit her lower lip, waiting for him to grab her... to hit her... to show her his displeasure at her constant crying and her unwillingness to bare herself to him. But instead, all he did was reach out to untie her obi as he spoke of enjoying her scent... and many other things from her. The moment came, when he gave her the command to bare herself to him, and Sasha lowered her eyes slowly, her trembling hands lifting to the opening of the under kimono.

Her fingers gripped the silk on either side of the opening and for a moment she could only sit there, forcing herself to draw deep breaths, fighting the urge to beg him not to make her do this... not to bare her against her will. She knew he would... if for no other reason than he had to consummate their marriage and prove that he had had his wife and she was the virgin that had been promised when his people had taken her as part of the payment for killing her family. Still sitting, she slowly parted the top of the kimono, letting it slid down and off of her shoulders. Her neck and shoulders were as delicate as the rest of her, curves well and leading down to a pair of upper arms that while slender and soft, were toned. The silk slid slowly down over the full round of her breasts, seeming to cling to her nipples, which hardened at the fabric sliding over them, before it fell the rest of the way down her form.

Her arms were slender and almost willowy, graceful in a way that one might find surprising as they looked at her full, firm breasts, perky with youth and tipped with hardened pink nipples. They were generous in a way few asian women could ever hope to be, and led down in to a slender, tapered waist with a flat stomach. Her torso flared out when reaching her hips, and as the under kimono fell open at the bottom, he would find her legs long and shapely, ending in delicately formed toes. She was hairless from her neck down to her toes, including her sex from what he would be able to see as she kept her legs tightly closed.

The tears had largely seemed to stop, but she didn't look at him. Instead, she stared down and away, toward the bottom of the wall behind him. "Please... please, don't hurt me," she whispered, a tremble passing through her shapely form. The honest truth of the matter was that she had no idea if he'd find her body pleasing... Sasha had taken pride in the fact that she was in shape, but she had never really questioned whether or not she was honestly attractive. So much of her childhood had been spent being embarassed by her hair and eye colors, dealing with all the cruel jokes children could make about the girl with the bright red hair. She'd been called everything from "carrot top" to "freak" when other children had noticed her unique coloring... and here she was, distinctly aware that she was nothing like the other women in the village. Not even any of Akuma's big brother's wives were as strange and exotic as Sasha.

 

[TirithIre]

She seemed to forget for herself just what it meant to 'be his', or why she had been chosen. She was a foreign 'flower' per sei, speaking in terms of her looks. While within her world she may have been ridiculed and tormented... here he had done no such thing, nor had there been any hint that he would. After all he may have threatened her, but he was not a violent man... he was but a man whom had a certain view of how the world worked... which was of course much different than hers!

Even as he looked to her though he heard the sound of her sobbing slowly coming to a halt, and while she may have only found herself midly comforted by the fact that he had given his word not to harm her anymore than what she would learn would be brought upon herself... she also 'was lucky' truly, to be in the presence of a man whom didn't simply do the things that she envisioned and tormented herself with.

Even as he saw that she seemed to 'come to a decision' it was mostly a result of the fact that she was trying to convince herself that he wasn't a demonic monster of a man, not a man at all but rather a demon of some un-fortold legend... but he was a man whom would have what he wanted, else he might indeed do at least some of the things that she thought about. He watched though as her hands moved, a silent studying gaze appreciating the look of her as she was bared towards him.

He enjoyed the sight of her shoulders, the pale flesh being shown for the first time to his roaving eyes... the top curves of her breasts caused a slight pulsing of his groin, desire seeming to flood through him, it a foreign thing to him in some ways, as he wasn't used to having such a 'freedom' as a wife or a woman to share his home with. Even as she pulled the last of the kimono apart he watched it slide off of her, leaving her naked upon that small stool as her words shakily left her lips.

He had to smirk ever so slightly though as he moved, his hand stroking through the locks of her hair for a moment, as though savoring the feeling, before the fingers curled and he pulled slightly, yet firmly, causing her head to tilt upwards, her mis-matched eyes forced to look into the dark chestnut pools of his own... he looking right back to her as he held her head that way... sharing a silent look for a moment. " I will take what I wish from you." He remarked, he looking to her with a smile.

" I will have this beautiful body, every part of it." Even as he held her like that though his other hand swept downwards and over her full right breast, palm calloused from the days of his life and work... before he cupped it, squeezing it firmly yet not overly so... morseo knowing not to crush such a soft mound of flesh, he looking right to her. " You are mine... and will come to accept this fate." He mused, his hand releasing with that moment, before he closed his thumb and index finger on the hardened nub of her nipple, pulling on it as he gauged her reactions and sensitivities. He didn't truly hurt her... it more truly the touch a lover would give, coupled with such a dominating presence as he stood before her.

" Spread those beautiful legs... show me all of yourself." It wasn't a question, and she could tell... he admired her entire form, he not releasing the hardened nipple, more seeming to flick and play with it as he awaited her reactions and submission... either she would do as he wished, or he would tie her up and have what he wanted anyway... she had a very 'easy' choice... either submit... or she would make her own life more and more difficult... it was her decision!

 

[Jewelskye]

Sasha’s lips trembled slightly as she sat there, looking down and feeling his eyes roam freely over her body. She wondered if he knew… if he had any idea at all… just how terrifying this all was for her. He said he knew that she was scared… but did he? Did he really? The answer: ‘no’ rushed to mind as his hand, which had been stroking her hair in a seemingly comforting manner suddenly gripped the silk, grabbing the thick of it, which was still held in place by the hair sticks that had been put in it earlier that day. *

Her face was forced to turn toward him and a pair of wide, frightened eyes met his own as he looked down at her in silence. When his lips curled in to a smile and he told her he would take what he wished from her, a single tear slide down her cheek and something bordering between terror and hate entered her eyes. She hated what he was doing to her… forcing her to display herself with no regard for how degrading it all was. And yet she was too afraid to do anything about it. *

His words continued and his free hand moved suddenly to the full, heavy mound of one breast, pulling a soft gasp from her as her eyes went even wider, still staring at him. Her lips parted as another gasp left her and his fingers found and began to toy with her nipple. Her flesh was soft and yielding beneath his calloused fingers, like fine satin, and her nipples, he would find, were highly sensitive, as every little brush over them, every little rub or squeeze or pinch made her shudder and brought goose bumps to her flesh. “Please…” but then he was speaking again, telling her that she would come to accept that she was his.

The American girl wanted to hang her head in shame. Her entire life, she had been told, and was raised to believe, that she belonged to no one… nor would she ever belong to another person. She was her own person… she was strong, she was powerful, she was intelligent and smart, courageous even. But in those moments, looking up at her husband, knowing he would take whatever he liked from her, and use any measure of force he felt necessary to do so, Sasha didn’t feel any of those things. She felt weak and powerless. She felt like an object… like little more than animal. She trembled in his grip, fear causing her to quake with a force she wasn’t sure had ever been possible before then. *

And then… he said it. He demanded she part her thighs, show him that last bastion of innocence, that delicate flower between her legs that was, as of yet, untouched and purely wholly hers… The last part of her she had that he hadn’t claimed. But he would soon. Soon his hands, his fingers, his body would probe her and she would be nothing but a shadow of what she had been… nothing but an object for his pleasure, as he was so readily reminding her. She almost cried out… almost struck at him with the fists that had at some point curled in to being on her thighs… sitting there as if they were two soldiers waiting to lash out at anyone who thought they could treat her thus. *

She almost guaranteed she’d be punished in the worst of ways… And almost invited him to kill her then and there, to do to her what his people had done to her family. But something stopped her. What? She couldn’t tell… Perhaps it was hope that one day she’d go home. Perhaps it was something in his eyes… in his gaze that told her he was not such a bad fate to have. Perhaps it was the kindness and welcoming stance so many of his clan had taken with her directly after the ceremony. Perhaps it was the oddly delicious sensations pulsing through her from the place where his fingers toyed with her erect nipples, or the firm hand in her hair that told her that despite belonging to him… he had the strength to keep her safe. To see to it no one ever hurt her the way others had hurt her family. Or perhaps it was just fear…cowardice in the shadow of what would be her own mortal death.

Whatever it was, she held back. She didn’t strike him, nor beg him to kill her. No, instead she held his gaze with her own, and though the terror and anger that bordered on hate didn’t dissipate, her thighs did part. The petals of her flower which rested between her legs were soft, hairless and the slight parting of them revealed hints of a soft pink inside. Her jaw was set as she moved her legs enough to let him see her, though they didn’t part wide enough to be considered lewd, and the set of her shoulders was stiff, her arms moving to be at her sides and slightly behind her, hands gripping the back of the stool. She was tense, her entire body nearly quivering, but she had taken the pose he demanded, and her eyes had not left his own.

 

[TirithIre]

The strange truth of the world that she now belonged to was simple... she did not 'need' to be strong. In her home land, every person was an individual... belonging to no one, in constant power of what they did with their lives. She had been brought up with these beliefs, but these were not his beliefs, nor the beliefs of 'his world'. His world was one of foreign deigning, or the idea of Wa. The Idea of Wa was such that every person within this country, within the community thought not of themselves, but what they could do for their community; what they could do to contribute. In this way... no one person was more important than any other, as no one person was 'important' per sei. It wasn't that everyone was nothing... it was simply that they were but 'tools' to strengthen the foundations of their society… In this case, the Clan.

She was important to him... perhaps more so than what she had given credit for... or considered... but he had no wish to kill her... nor truly to abuse or harm her. She was an exotic flower, truly in every describable way. She was the epitomy of beauty within his eyes... and much more so than the women who were within his community. Even his elder brothers wives, whom had been chosen as Sasha had held no candle to the exotic beauty of her. Her pleas fell on deaf ears, mostly because he was well aware that this was what was expected... she could either accept it, or suffer, that was about the only choice she had at that moment.

His hand within her hair did not abate for the moment... instead he held her gaze firmly until the beautifully smooth thighs of her flesh parted, baring herself to him as she should. " Beautiful..." He almost whispered, though truly and easily loudly enough for her to hear, a tone of reverence for her beauty within his voice, telling her much more than anything else that he was 'pleased' with her. Even as she was stiff at her own un-veiling though he finally did release her hair... his eyes on hers still, silently commanding her attention as she could feel him un-winding her hair, removing the sticks and paraphernalia that had been attached to her locks of beautiful red hair... until it flowed freely, tickling her skin.

All the while he slid his hand over her breasts one at a time, caressing, seeming to trace invisible patterns over the flesh, tantalizing the flesh as he moved his fingers, they tickling and arousing indeed... though as she was 'finished' he gently 'released her' though within herself she would know to 'stay' right there for the moment... he looking to her as he admired every curve of her body. Yet eventually, he moved and offered her a hand. " I would prefer to take my wife within a bed... not upon the floor of the bathroom. I will take you here however if you choose to fight."

In the end, it WAS her choice... she could submit once again, delving further and further into the realms of this submissive sensations and realms of desire... or she could experience the harsher aspects of his persona first hand... in the end, THAT was her choice... her only real choice... fight, or submit.