Thank You,
Noble Tier: "IamUgoH"
For Becoming A Member On My Pa'treon. The Emperor Protect.
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"What's wrong, you're not in a good mood?" Sebastian's narrowed eyes studied the girl before him, her cheeks faintly flushed, a delicate imprint of teeth on her lower lip.
"You went out to play yesterday, didn't you?" Tsubaki's voice carried a playful reproach. She was angry because she hadn't been able to spend the day with Sebastian and the others.
Sebastian smiled gently. "We wanted to call, but you were away. And, you know, you've always seen me as a rival. Maybe spending time with your 'opponents' isn't so appealing?"
"Of course I want to!" she blurted out, then paused, her lips pouting. Embarrassment tinted her cheeks as she realized she'd spoken too much.
Though Sebastian remained someone she felt behind, their close daily proximity had sparked emotions she'd barely admitted even to herself. Tsubaki lowered her gaze; her immaculate complexion now warmed with a rosy glow. More than rivalry tugged at her heart; she yearned for Sebastian's strength.
"If there's another chance, I'll take you along." Sebastian's soft smile spoke volumes.
"Really!?" Joy broke across her face, but then she jerked back, catching her slip.
"Then I may consider forgiving you." Her tone sharpened, reverting to her customary aloof elegance.
"Forgive me?" Sebastian shrugged, mock-helpless.
She turned to leave, but something on the table arrested her: the Jade of the Four Souls. It gleamed with legends of eternal youth, a treasure Tsubaki coveted above all. It could stave off aging, preserve beauty beyond the grasp of time. It was everything to her. Power surged through her chest, and for a moment, she forgot Sebastian; her gaze was consumed. But Sebastian, ever perceptive, plucked up the ornament with a knowing smirk.
He cradled it like a burden. "This thing's a curse, not a keepsake. We should destroy it."
"Destroy it?" Tsubaki's disappointment curled across her face. "They say it grants strength, keeps youth."
Sebastian's tone turned flat, borderline dismissive. "It's just a bauble. Better to burn it tomorrow. Holding it invites calamity, maybe even monsters."
He shrugged. "You're free to do what you wish. It's your right."
Torn, Tsubaki felt two opposing urges: snatch it back or let it go. She chose flight, leaving immediately after that tense exchange. Fear of her own desire drove her away. And, strangely, her obsession felt diminished; her love for beauty had gone cold. If it hadn't, she wouldn't allow Sebastian to toy with her every day. Why did her heart feel lighter? She had no answer.
"Interesting." Sebastian's gaze followed her as she fled. He knew the original tale, Tsubaki, scorned and betrayed when the jewel was entrusted to Kikyo, had become a dark priestess, consumed by rage and envy of Inuyasha. But now… she seemed different. Maybe her destiny had shifted.
"Master, what's our next move?"
"First, we blend in. Keep your identity hidden." On the village street, Izumo and his disciple surveyed Sebastian's estate from afar.
Though the village outskirts were guarded by Sebastian's fortifications, Izumo had tools to disguise themselves. Their priority was anonymity.
"But what in the world is happening here?" His disciple stared, aghast. "Do all human domains look like this?"
Izumo shook his head. "Never seen anything like it."
They asked villagers for directions, eventually arriving before Sebastian's lab.
His disciple glanced at Miyatsu and Miroku standing; power radiated from them visibly, unshielded. Tension knotted in his chest.
Izumo observed them with clinical interest. Why would such formidable protectors serve merely as guards? In exorcist circles, stronger means arrogant, but their loyalty to Sebastian… said more about him than them. He'd heard rumors: Sebastian had once vanquished a Death God. Now, it seemed, he ruled not just with strength, but with influence.