Shishio and Yumi: An Infernal Romance

Thank you to NinjaGaijin and Padfoot the Marauder for reviewing! I really appreciate it!



Chapter 4



Yumi felt elated as she made her way towards Shishio’s rented rooms. The past month had been like one long pleasant dream. Sometimes she found herself unable to believe her new found good fortune. This is understandable of course since Yumi had never felt truly happy in her whole life. But as she lied in the blazing warmth of Makoto Shishio’s arms, her entire was able to relax and let this new powerful sensation take hold of her. For the first time in her life, she had found someone who saw the woman behind the oiran mask and for this she wanted to give him everything. However, it wasn’t this fact alone. Yumi genuinely adored his personality – his unparalleled ambition, invincible strength, and sense of humor (as grim as it may be). Although unable to admit it out loud, Yumi could feel herself falling for the bandaged manslayer.



But with these new warmhearted feelings also came cold apprehension and anxiety. Komagata Yumi was not some naïve little school girl. She knew full and well that this fairytale like scenario could not last for much longer and it was inevitable that Lord Shishio would be taken from her. After all, she was a prostitute not a princess and he was a manslayer not prince charming and this was a red light district not some kingdom far, far away. Still, she tried to push these negative thoughts away and enjoy the moments of now.



She panted heavily and excitedly as she knocked on Shishio’s door. Since she had been expecting Soujiro to greet her, Yumi was quite surprised when she felt Shishio’s blazing hot grasp pull her ferociously into a feverish kiss. His roaming hands and probing tongue assaulted her senses and she moaned deeply into the kiss before responding just as passionately. After wrapping her arms around his neck, she gasped as Shishio lifted her up until she was hovering over him. She broke the kiss for a moment to stare down upon his crimson eyes, which were already gazing intently at her. Every time he looked at her in that way Yumi literally felt as though fire was running through her veins instead of blood. His passion and drive consumed her in every way and she was powerless to stop it.



After a quick smile, her lips once again descended upon his. Shishio wasted no time in untying her obi. They could have sake and conversation later… he needed her now. Although he would never admit it, Shishio had become somewhat addicted to the way her body writhed against him during their fiery encounters. She was so responsive to his touch and knew exactly what he liked without even asking. It was driving him insane with lust. But like Yumi, he realized that the routine they partook in now could not last forever. He had plans. And not even Komagata Yumi, lovely as she was, could sway him from them. With the realization that he would soon be leaving Kyoto, he desired to have her as many times as possible for he knew that he would never meet a woman like her again. Even if he did find someone who was not repulsed by his burns they would still not be able to understand and challenge him the way this woman did. So in the heat of the moment, a thought, which he had been keeping in the recesses of his mind, began to come forward.



They wasted no time with foreplay. Pushing away her kimono and unraveling the bandages around his manhood, Shishio positioned her against the wall before quickly entering her. Yumi moaned and held on tightly as her lover thrusted in and out of her madly. His touch had always seemed urgent but this time it was even more insistent. It was only when she was in his arms like this that Yumi ever felt needed in the world. She pulled herself closer to his heaving chest and embraced him firmly as he continued to make love to her. The feelings that were erupting inside of her made her want to smile and cry at the same time. She didn’t want him to go… to leave her behind in this horrible place. After tasting his fire she would never be satisfied by the Oiran world. She knew that after being with Lord Shishio she would never be able to be with another man again. She had tried to tell herself that it was only an infatuation – that she had not known him long enough to be in love. But as she felt his lips against her neck and his hands holding her so protectively she found it difficult to deny her feelings.



Shishio quickened his pace as he neared climax. Burying his face in the crook of Yumi’s neck, he moaned softly as he came inside of her, savoring the way she had called his name. They stayed like that for a few moments, panting against each other and still lost in a world of ecstasy. Yumi waited for him to slip out of her but he remained inside. Softly, he nuzzled his nose against her neck and whispered, “Yumi…”



“Yes, Lord Shishio?” She answered with a smile.



“I’m leaving Kyoto,” He said curtly.



Yumi felt her breath give out immediately. It was like she was suffocating and she wondered how it could be that her heart seemed to stop beating and be pounding at the same time. “You knew this would happen Yumi…You knew…So you must be strong. You must!” Swallowing hard, she fought back the tears and nodded her head against his shoulder.



Shishio felt a strange warmness in his heart that he had been experiencing frequently since he had met the woman he was currently holding in his arms. He could tell by the way her body had reacted to his words that she was devastated but she was still trying to be outwardly strong. It made him even fonder of her than he already was and it made his decision about what to do next quite clear. “I’m going to take over this country and take revenge on the weak bastards that did this to me,” He told her, the anger in his voice rising.



Once again, her body tensed up since she had not been expecting this last part. Not that she doubted he could to it but because she was confused to why he would be telling her this. “I’m sure you will succeed, Lord Shishio,” She whispered, still trying to hold back the tears.



“There is no doubt about it,” He said confidently, “Because I am strong and the government is weak. It is only natural that I destroy them… but still it can be… lonely… on the top as I’m sure you know.” He kissed her shoulder gently before pulling back to look her in the eyes.



“Come with me, Yumi.”



…



Yumi approached the Courtesan House in a total daze. What was she going to say to Haruka and little Shiko? “Nothing…I’ll just pack the necessities and leave without a word. I’ll slip out at night and they won’t even notice until the morning. Haruka is going to be furious…But I don’t feel bad. I know I should, Haruka, but I don’t. And if you were in my position I know you would do the same. And Shiko would too, if she were old enough to understand how unsatisfying the pleasure world can be.” She closed her eyes and sighed as made her way to the entrance. Suddenly, something caught her eye…It was a coat…belonging to a police officer!



Panic struck Yumi’s heart with full force. “Oh no! Did they find Lord Shishio? Haruka, please tell me you didn’t!” Gathering up her kimono, Yumi raced to Haruka’s office. Angrily, she pulled open the door and found Haruka, Shiko and a sly police officer.



The look on Yumi’s face told Haruka that there was no use in beating around the bush. “Yumi, this is Officer Taku. You will cooperate with him.” Her voice was grave and stern.



Yumi’s eyes narrowed and her lip quivered with rage. “She is doing this because she knows I love him…and he wants to take me away. She’s not doing this because he is a fugitive but because she doesn’t want me to be happy! I should have been more careful! I should have hid my feelings better!”



Officer Taku smiled politely and moved to shake Yumi’s hand but she swatted it away. “I will do no such thing,” She told Haruka, completely ignoring the official next to her.



“Officer Taku, will you step outside for a moment. Miss Komagata seems to be ill,” Haruka said with a strained smile.



The weasel of a man nodded timidly and left the room. Without even saying one word, Haruka slapped Yumi square across the cheek, causing blood to trickle down her lip. “How dare you disobey me in front of an officer! You seem to have forgotten but I have no problem reminding you, Yumi, than you belong to me!”



“Not for long,” Yumi hissed and slapped the old woman back. Shiko yelped as she watched Haruka hit the tatami mats and hid behind the desk. Haruka held her cheek in disbelief. Never in all of her stay here had Yumi fought back. The consequences of such an action would be catastrophic…but she did not plan on staying here even for another night. It was true that Haruka had turned Shishio in because she was jealous of Yumi’s blossoming romance – even if it was with a charred murderer – but never had she thought that Yumi would be brave enough to leave the house. Her hit had knocked the truth into Haruka and she began cackling. “What are you laughing at?!” Yumi barked.



“You and your naivety!” She spat, “You actually think that a man is going to save you from this world Yumi? You think that when Makoto Shishio takes you away that you will be happy? Who do you think keeps this business running, Yumi? Who has abused you; hurt you; raped you?”



“Shut up!” Yumi commanded.



“MEN! And he will be no different! You can’t rely on him, Yumi! You are nothing but an outlet for release! You will never be really useful to him!” Haruka laughed evilly and approached the younger woman.



“Shut up!” Yumi was almost in tears now.



“We women must stick together, Yumi,” Haruka whispered almost sweetly, pushing away a few stray hairs from Yumi’s face, “We can only rely on each other.”



They stared at each other practically nose to nose for a few minutes before Yumi shook her head. “No…I can’t rely on you.”



Haruka’s eyes ignited with anger and she moved to hit Yumi but was stopped by the younger woman. “You bitch! After everything I have done for you-”



“YOU DID NOTHING FOR ME!” Yumi cried, tears running down her powdered face, “You threw me into rooms with horny old men, you listened as I was raped, and you starved me, beat me, and ridiculed me! All because I am what you once were! And now I have a chance you never had! I’m leaving…And there is nothing you can do to stop me.”



Without a second glance, she turned to leave. Haruka’s old eyes widened with alarm as she realized that her top courtesan really was leaving. Scrambling to her knees she lunged for the tip of Yumi’s kimono and begged, “Please, Yumi! Don’t go! I promise I’ll give you half your profits if you stay!”



“Let go, Haruka.”



“You can be my partner! We can own the house together and I’ll leave everything to you, Yumi!” She was hysterical now – sobbing and groaning.



“I won’t ask you again,” Yumi told her emotionlessly.



Completely defeated and stunned, Haruka let go of her Kimono. “He’ll be the death of you, Yumi…Mark my words!”



She turned and smiled, “Then I shall die a happy woman.”



Yumi closed the door and was almost to the exit, where Officer Taku was standing when she heard Haruka yell, “Officer Taku, she is working for the rebel! She tried to kill me! Arrest her and have your way with her if you like! She is no longer Oiran but a mere prostitute now!”



“Damn you Haruka!” Yumi scowled and tried to make a run for it but Taku was faster than she had expected…and stronger too. Grabbing her by the hair, he threw her to the ground and smothered her body with his own, trying to keep her still. Yumi cried out desperately but it was no use. The only people around to hear were Haruka and Shiko. “No! This can’t be happening! Lord Shishio!”



…



“Perhaps I should have escorted Miss Yumi back to the Courtesan House,” Soujiro mused as he looked down at his watch. Shishio had instructed her to be back an hour ago and Soujiro could tell from his teacher’s deep frown that he was not pleased with her tardiness.



“No…I fear that our friends in the red light district have betrayed us, Soujiro. That hag, Haruka, must have caught wind of my plan to steal Yumi from her,” Shishio explained, while looking out the window for his woman.



“I see,” Soujiro smiled, “But wouldn’t that mean that Miss Yumi could be in grave danger?”



“If she truly is a strong woman then she will be able to get out of it, won’t she Soujiro?” Shishio asked in a tone that cautioned any more word on the subject.



Soujiro caught the tone but was curious since he had never seen his master like this before…Shishio seemed so worried. “Yes. If she is strong she will leave if she is weak then well she dies and we move on,” He laughed.



Makoto Shishio nodded his head in agreement but something slightly tugged at his heart… for the first time since he had been burnt alive he wished that his philosophy was wrong in just this one case.



…



Screaming in frustration, Yumi wriggled her hand free and grabbed Taku’s saber. Without hesitation, she rammed the steel into his gut… until the hilt touched his uniform. Blood began to spill all over her hands and kimono. Haruka let out a piercing screech. Yumi’s heart pumped wildly. “I just killed a police officer!” It wasn’t the actual killing that frightened her so – he was trying to rape her after all – but that this might cause problems for her and Lord Shishio’s escape from Kyoto.



Yumi groaned and frantically tried to push the bleeding corpse off of her but he was heavy. Suddenly two small hands appeared and began to help her in her struggle. “Shiko! What are you doing?!” Haruka cried.



With the dead man off of her, Yumi also looked at Shiko in wonderment. But the little girl only smiled and stammered, “That breakfast was quite good…and I never really repaid you.”



The former-oiran smiled sweetly and took Shiko by the hand. “Wait outside, kiddo.”



Shiko nodded her head vigorously and did as she was told. As soon as the door was shut, Yumi picked up one of the oil lit lamps. “What are you doing, Yumi?!” Haruka cried.



“Goodbye Haruka,” She whispered before dropping the lamp, which created a wall of fire. Yumi quickly exited the building.



The flames soon engulfed the rest of the house…Haruka never made it out.



…



Yumi and Shiko wondered the back alleys of Kyoto until they reached the train station. There Yumi bent down until she was eye level with the little girl and handed her all the money she owned. “Your family lives in Osaka right?”



“Yes… But how did you know?” Shiko asked, a little confused.



“It doesn’t matter,” Yumi said softly. “This should get you there. Go home, Shiko.”



“We can’t stay together?” The tiny girl cried, trying to wipe away the tears falling down her cheeks.



“No…Because I’m going home too,” Yumi exclaimed. She gave the child one last hug goodbye before turning to make her way towards Shishio’s apartment.



…



Shishio’s eyes closed in relief as he heard the door open and the soft footsteps of a woman come towards him.



“Ah, I see Miss Yumi has arrived!” Soujiro declared cheerfully.



However, there was nothing cheerful about the way Komagata Yumi looked as she stood in the doorway. Her cheeks were covered in black dust and bruises and were streaked with tears. Her clothes were torn and stained with blood. And her hair was a total mess. It was obvious that she had given up on her old life. It was as hopeless as she now looked. But the sparkle in her lavender eyes showed to him that she was ready for the life he was about to give her. “Soujiro go ready the carriage.”



“Yes, Mister Shishio, of course!” The young man answered and left the room quickly.



“I’m sorry I’m late,” Yumi whispered as soon as she heard the door shut.



“Don’t be. Are you hurt?” Shishio asked, walking towards her to get a better look for himself.



“No, just a few bruises. But…” She paused and bit her lip, “I’m afraid I killed a police officer and… burned down the courtesan house. I’m sorry, I know that this will cause problems for our escape and-”



Before she could finish, Shishio’s scorching lips against her own. This kiss was tender and almost gentle…Very un-Shishio. His tongue seemed to be waiting for her permission to enter, which she granted quickly. After a few moments he pulled back, leaving her speechless. “Yumi, I have killed at least 12 police officers during my first week here. I don’t think the man you killed and that old hag will amount to much.”



Smiling in relief, Yumi sighed against Shishio’s chest. “You belong to me now, Yumi…I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”



Author’s Note: So Yumi has now joined the Shishio crew! There will probably be another chapter or so before he starts gathering the Juppongatana. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and PLEASE REVIEW!

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