6. Kitaro

Chapter 6

Kitaro

" W elcome back, Father," Kitaro greeted his father upon being granted entrance. "How was your hunt?"

King Tatsuki sat on his throne, with his red hair tied back in elaborate braids. His bare chest revealed his markings, which pulsated like flowing red lava. He was a fearsome shifter. "It was successful. We are pleased." Since he was one with his dragon, he always spoke in the royal "we" form. "We understand you have a request for us."

Kitaro bowed his head. "During my training last night, I came across a curious individual. He needs our help, and I can think of no one better than you."

The king scoffed. "And why would we wish to assist some random stranger?"

"He is intimate with a member of our clan."

Tatsuki gave a dismissive wave. "Then let that person deal with him. We do not have time for such trivial things."

"It is not so simple, Father." Kitaro took a deep breath before he explained the situation. "Vanra traveled through Fate's Gate, which brought him from his time in the future to our time. That has cut him off from his Ariake companion, who has laid intimate claim to him."

Tatsuki gave a sharp bark of incredulous laughter. "You expect us to believe such an outrageous story? Do not waste our time, son."

"I can smell he is telling the truth. The monks at the temple will probably be little help to him, so I thought it best he meet with you." Kitaro stood his ground as Tatsuki assessed him with glowing red eyes. "I do not recognize the relative, but it is clear his companion is part of the Ariake clan on your side."

"What dragon clan does this Vanra belong to?"

"He is human, but?—"

" Human ?" Tatsuki roared in outrage. "You dare ask us to assist a human ? You know how we feel about such worthless filth."

Kitaro tried not to flinch at the sound of his father's anger. "Human or not, we owe him our assistance because of his association with our clan."

"You say intimate, not mated." Tatsuki never missed anything. "His ‘companion' has not laid claim to him with a mating bond?"

"I do not know the details, but it is clear he has not," Kitaro answered. "However, through his scent, it is obvious they are intimate."

Tatsuki was silent for several long moments. "You truly believe his claim that the Fate's Gate sent him to our time?"

"I do. There is no trace of a lie in his story, and I was in the clearing when I felt the ancient magic activate. The feeling of it was unmistakable."

The king frowned as he stroked his chin. "While it displeases us greatly to entertain the idea of assisting a human, if Fate's Gate is involved, then that means this is Sophina's will." She was the Fate Power who controlled the fates of everyone in the Living Realm.

"It would not be wise to ignore her sending someone our way, especially when Kizoshi has been hinting for some time now that I would meet Vanra in the clearing by the ancient gate."

Tatsuki heaved a heavy sigh. "Very well. We will meet this human and listen to his tale. If we believe him, we will offer what aid we can in the name of Sophina. If we do not, we will put an end to his lies for good."

Kitaro bowed low. "Thank you, Father. I will bring him at once."

"We cannot wait to see what such a foolish human looks like," Tatsuki said with a cruel laugh.

Satisfied with his victory, Kitaro headed back to his room to collect Vanra. It was up to the human to make the most of his opportunity.