Prologue
The night was tranquil. Everything was so peaceful, so quiet. Only the soft rhythmic splashes of the lapping waves could be heard. The full moon hung overhead in the midnight sky, bathing the ocean in a soft silvery glow, while millions of tiny stars shone like brilliant diamonds, the rich blue of the sky a perfect canvas to showcase their fiery beauty.
A lone junk sailed leisurely on the ocean. It was large and majestic, with its three massive sails at full masts. A flag depicting a beautiful white nine-tail fox standing poise and proud hung at the top of the central mast, its dark eyes life-like and sultry, its tails opened in a wide sweep like a magnificent fan. Two smaller flags, one with a titian nine-tailed fox, and another with an ebony eight-tailed fox, adorned the tops of the other two masts. Despite the lack of winds, the junk continued its journey as though propelled by an unseen force.
Shion stood at the bow, looking out at the vast ocean. He might be blind physically, but his acute senses and keen ability to perceive energy waves allowed him to visualize his surroundings with great finesse. The scenery before him was shrouded in a gentle pearly glow, with faint waves of delicate green and blues teasing the edges. It is soothing and safe.
Safe.
The single word replayed in Shion’s mind. We are all safe now. The past two months on the island of Shinsenkyo seemed like a surreal dream. Or a nightmare. He could not decide which; all he knew was that everything was too unreal, too unbelievable, too hellish. While in Shinsenkyo, countless times he had woken up hoping he was still at home, going about his daily duties, teaching his students, bantering with Tenza, and teasing Sagiri. Countless times he had wished fervently that he and his dearest comrades had not agreed to take on this task. Countless times he wished he had the power to turn back the clock…
But no, his heart whispered. Not everything on the island was monstrous. There was beauty as well. Perfect, sweet beauty and warmth. Love. Oh, most of all, Love. At that, Shion’s entire being swelled with a strong sweet emotion, and his throat constricted with the intensity of what was coursing through his whole being.
Perhaps it was Fate that had led him on this journey, this mission. So that he could meet the most important person in his life…….
