A Love Beyond Time

Jurisdiction and the Lotus Seed

In Heaven, titles are inherited,

In the Underworld, they are earned.

And in the world between both,

The lotus does not apologise for the mud.

It simply blooms.

The Valley—Central Region, current times

Shion dried himself briskly, nerves jumpy and mind whirling as he went through the motions of his daily morning routine. The 4th-ranked Asaemon stood in front of the cabinet, scanning through his clothes and considering his choices until he finally settled on a turquoise-coloured robe.

The colour of infinite sky and sea, protection, healing, and spiritual growth. Perfect for him.

He got dressed and, smoothing his callused hands over the cool, satiny fabric, turned towards the large cherrywood dressing table. Intense love and warmth swept through him, chasing away the jitters prickling his nerves as he drank in the beauteous sight of the iridescent auric wave and the smaller, yet no less breathtaking gold-and-pariba wave in the centre.

His beloved. His precious pearl.

The hard, tense lines around his mouth softened into a smile, and he moved towards Seimei, dropping a quick kiss on the latter's temple.

"You're already dressed. I was hoping that you would let me help you."

Seimei leaned back, purring lightly as he rested against Shion's muscled body. "I can dress myself, little one."

"Hmm, but I want to do something for you." Shion pressed his lips firmly against his lover's. As their tongues danced, he took the dragon comb from Seimei's hand. "Let me comb your hair for you then, Big Brother Yu-Hu. Just like how I brushed your coat on our last night together before you left for the mortal realm."

Big Brother Yu-Hu! Can—can I com—I mean...ahh...brush your coat for you? Please? Please? Pleaseeeeeee...?!

Yes, little dragon. You may.

As Shion slid both comb and fingers deftly through Seimei's waist-length mass of ebony waves, luxuriating in the heavy silkiness, he felt his older lover run his own hand down his left leg in comfort and reassurance.

"Little one, don't worry too much about the Grand Deities. They won't judge you. Neither will they despise you."

The samurai's fingers stilled, and a chuckle tumbled haphazardly from his throat.

"You can tell." He sighed, the statement an admission of fear and anxiety that rippled through his voice, making it quiver. Frowning, Seimei stood, turned around, and cupped the scarred face in his hands.

"Don't, Shion." He whispered. "Don't keep thinking the worst. Don't let your fear control your thoughts and feelings. Everything will be all right. Trust me. I will be there with you."

Yes. He will be. As I am already. In you.

For a terrifying second, Shion thought he heard a sinister cackle in his mind, felt a phantom talon tear through the delicate membrane. For a split moment in time, he panicked, nearly gasped.

Then, all was still.

He swallowed, placed the comb on the table. And pulled Seimei into his trembling embrace, burying his face in the Fox's shoulder.

I love you, little one. No matter what happens. No matter who you are. I will always love you.

That soft, lilting voice chimed in him, dispelling the darkness and the phantom, cleansing the feeling of taint. Shion inhaled, feeling tranquility settle. Within and without.