Prologue
A stranger stood outside the door. A tender drizzle caressed his cheeks, quietly tapping the gold of his armor along his broad chest and shoulders.
The old door opened in response to his knocking. It was a maiden whom resided in the small home, hidden among the trees and rain. She appeared youthful with skin so fair, and eyes so bright. Her beauty reminded the stranger of a Goddess. Yet, she was no Goddess.
His golden eyes gazed upon the maiden, “Forgive my intrusion. I have returned from battle. My body is weary, and I have had no meal. Would I be imposing by requesting a place to rest my head?”
Polite. Respectful. The maiden felt inclined to aid the weary warrior. Spots of blood in his dark hair and along his extravagant armor did not deter her. It was a time of war among men. Death and battle was an inevitable part of conflict. She could not stop the bloodshed. However, she could aid the tiresome travelers that happen upon her home.
With a welcoming smile, she granted the man entry.
A warm bath was drawn for him. As he bathed in the next room, the maiden prepared a hot meal to satisfy his hunger, and following, she lay out a comfortable bed for him to rest upon.
The man eventually emerged from the bathing room, his long wet hair draped over his shoulder as the provided robe was loosely wrapped around his large frame.
“Come. Eat,” said the maiden as she held up a steaming bowl from where she sat on the floor.
With a grateful bow, he sat across from her and accepted the meal.
Instead of making a bowl for herself, the maiden began to pour some sake. “The bottle is aged. It is not among the most desirable of sake, but I hope it still pleases you and aids with rest,” she humbly explained.
“Spirits of any sort is always welcomed when offered by such divine beauty.” He briefly raised his ochoko at her and took a sip. The maiden bowed her head at the complement, “My Lord, you are too kind.”
He blinked, “My Lord?”
She raised her head and smiled softly. “I am no human, despite my appearance. It is merely the form I have chosen to take so that I may live among the humans.”
The man gave a thoughtful tilt of his head, “I knew your beauty is far beyond that of a human. Tell me, what sort of creature am I blessed to be hosted by on this day?”
“I come from The World Over Yander. I am a Naga, My Lord,” came her answer.
He gave a knowing smile, “Ah, that explains how you know of my divinity. You are among the children of my domain.”
“Yes,” she nodded and met his eyes, “I would be a disgrace to my people, and to you, if I did not recognize my own God, Lord Raiten.”
The man proceeded to sip the last of his sake before agreeing, “I suppose you are right.” He ate the remains of his meal and set the empty bowl on the floor before him. Then he lay on his side with a hand supporting his head. He reached out his ochoko for more spirits. “Why have you chosen to live among the mortals rather than your own kind?” He curiously inquired.
She poured the sake for him. “They fascinate me. Their lives are fleeting, yet they manage incredible feats with such limited time. As I have observed, their lives seem to have much more meaning because of this. I admire them for it.”
Lord Raiten’s eyes flashed with something unfamiliar. “You sound as though you have fallen for them. Have you perhaps learned this from experience as well?”
The maiden blinked with confusion.
He chuckled and lifted his drink to his lips. “Come now, you’re no fool. I am only asking out of genuine curiosity. I am not accusing you of anything, nor do I care to bother myself with enforcing the laws of my fellow Gods.” His eyes looked deep into hers, searching for his answer.
She visibly relaxed before her reply came, “If you are implying that I took for myself a mortal husband, I have not.”
Another look flashed in his eyes. Like a wolf that spotted an easy meal. This gave her great discomfort.
“I see.” He quickly downed his sake and set the ochoko aside with a thud. In one swift movement he reached across and closed the distance between them. His face was mere inches from her own, his hand cupping her soft chin as he forced her bright eyes to meet his.
She froze under his touch.
“You truly are beautiful. I have not lain my eyes upon a God nor creature whom set me ablaze as you do.”
Now she recognized that look in his eyes. Such a destructive emotion that has corrupted the innocence of countless lives for thousands of years.
Yet, he was a God. A God of war and power. He responds to rejection with bloodshed.
Calmly, she replied, “My Lord, your kindness knows no bounds. I am unworthy of such praise.” A lowly Yokai in the presence of a divine being. There was little she could do to defend herself. She could only maintain her humble and respectful demeanor.
His thumb moved to press on and caress her flushed lips. “If you truly wish to show your gratitude for my generosity, then lie down with me. Consider yourself blessed that I find you worthy of sharing my bed.”
The maiden considered wisely. There was no reward should she turn him away. His desires were inevitable.
However, there was one protection she could turn to.
“My Lord, your advances flatter me. But must you ruin us both and invoke the wrath of the Gods? It is forbidden to soil yourself with a lowly Yokai such as myself. The Gods will surely be out for blood.”
He paused, his eyes narrowed as he seemed to consider her reasoning. She did not lie simply to spare herself, but she did not wish to see the fall of yet another God. It would be the undoing of them both.
“I suppose you make a fair point,” he finally replied with great hesitation. A sigh erupted from his lips, then he gave a predatory smile. “However, even if I cannot bed you, I will ensure that no one else ever can.”
