The Bell’s Lament – Chapter 5 – Black Rose
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No will to wake for this morn
to see another black rose born
Deathbed is slowly covered with snow
Angels, they fell first but I'm still here
Alone as they are drawing near
in heaven my masterpiece will finally be sung – from End of All Hope by Nightwish
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“So, I guess I owe an explanation, don’t I?” said Akuji solemnly. All happiness in his voice disappeared, and the entire room felt icily cold.

Jack and Sally were mystified as to what had occurred with Akuji; Kane had only the faintest of fears of what had happened. Akuji then continued.

“Well, it all began in my clan back home…”

Akuji lifted his head back, as if he was looking to the heavens for hope, and then told his story. As he started, everyone intensely listened, as if going into his memories themselves…



“You can’t do this! Akuji, you must be punished!”

Blood was all over the forest litter.
It was winter, and it was quickly turning a dark crimson red.
Before Akuji lay a youkai.
It was dead.

“But, it was going to attack our clan!”

“No excuse. You know what must be done now, young fox.”

A rouge fox demon had entered into the forest of the Kyupo Kitsune clan. Akuji had stopped it, but under kitsune law, no young kitsune were allowed to fight. Only the Leader of the clan was allowed, and only with no others around. Akuji, he had broken a sacred law.

“You, of all people. I should’ve known you’d break our law.”

“I was defending the kits! If I hadn’t done what I had, they would have died!”

“That is not of my concern. You, Akuji Katami, one of the members of the greatest kitsune bloodlines… The last one remaining. I do not know where you developed such a disobedient attitude!”

“Tch. You would have let children die?!”

“They were not even kitsune children. I do not know why you even graced them by calling them ‘kits’.”

“Maybe it’s because I have a heart, you cruel old demon.”

“I guess it’s because I let you interact with the other youkai. You should know by now that Kitsune are the most superior demon in all of the youkai classes!”


Akuji just stared at the old demon. His eyes had the slightest glint of blue fire in them.

At that point, a woman came into the room, and gave Akuji a hug.

“Mom, I’m alright. See?” Akuji smiled.

“You worried me!” Akuji’s mom said.

“Why have you come here, Eve?”

“To see my adopted son of course, Tsune.”


Akuji had been adopted soon after he was born by a noblewoman called Eve. She had known his parents, and had raised him alone. Tsune, he was of course the Kyupo Clan leader.

“You know the punishment for youkai power use. Do you think I will be swayed by your request, Eve?”

“No. But I did hope to tell my son I’m proud of him. He is a much greater person than you’ll ever be.” Eve said calmly.

Akuji stared at Tsune. Ever since he was born, Tsune had hated Akuji. Akuji guessed it was because of his parents, but then again, Akuji didn’t know anything about them.

“I don’t know why everyone around you seems to have a rebellious streak, Akuji, but then again… I do not know even why I ever allowed you to live here. Your parents were just as horrid as you; they were too kind, too gentle…”

Akuji just stared.
“I guess that’s a good thing then, because I hate people like you.” Akuji said with a mad tone.

Tsune’s eyes turned into slits for a moment.

“Now, young brat, you know the punishment for this heinous act you committed. You will be disowned by this clan. You will have two gold rings in you ear to show that. You will never see anyone from here ever again.”

Tsune snickered at this.
Eve looked very distant.
Akuji… he just stared for a moment.

“Yeah, until that day when I come back and kill you for revenge of the death of my parents. I know you caused it somehow.”

Akuji eyes glittered even brighter now, and Tsune just gave him a cold stare.

“Well, we see now won’t we…little fox.” Tsune said.

The room seemed as if only Akuji and Tsune were in it, the two having a mental battle that only they could see… Then, Tsune spoke.

“Well, go gather your things. Go on, shoo.”

Akuji just glanced at him, and then walked out of the room.

“What have you done Tsune…where has my old love gone?” Eve said sadly as she followed Akuji out of the room.

“Eve… what a terrible fool. Akuji, I’m certainly glad to be rid of him. Now, I must go tend to the rightful members of our clan.” Tsune walked out of the room.



All was quiet.

Then, Akuji was finished.

“Well, is your curiosity satisfied cat-girl?” Akuji said with a snicker.

Everyone did not speak a word.