This is my first chapter; it's not great on character and plot development but I plan to be changing it later on or using other chapters. This is set right after Shuurei was stripped of her position of governor and told to return to Kiyou from Sa province. Shouka has been expecting some sort of appearance from the Hyou clan for a long time now (to claim Shuurei), and suddenly feels that extra protectionis needed. This story will cover my version of what Seiran did in Sa Province right after he was exiled, as well as what happens in the future i've created. Enjoy .

None of these characters, excluding Nanami,are mine and all rights belong to the creators of Saiunkoku Monogatari.

As Nanami watched them come into view, a dark look appeared slowly in her eyes. Her companion, Shusui, noticed and intelligently whispered "ojou-sama, why does the sight of Serian and Shuurei upset you recently? Are you angry at being asked to stay put, in town, and watch them?"

Nanami sighed, and looked down. "No, Shusui, it's….something more this time." Then she faked a smile and looked at her friend, "although, I must admit, I am getting a little bored of staying in one place. I miss being free to move around as I please; observing is only a past-time".

Shusui nodded and looked back at the busy street. 'I wonder what she means', she asked herself. 'We've been keeping watch over them now for two weeks and never has she looked so bothered. Could the past finally be coming back to her?'

"Shusui…" Nanami started. "Do you think he remembers me?"

Shusui thought for a moment and asked "who, ojou-sama?"

"Seiran" was all that her companion replied with, her gaze becoming steady and focused on the man she mentioned. As she waited, her long brown hair from under her hood was caught in the lazy breeze; her slender figure stood stiff against the wall -which had been keeping a shadow over herself and Shusui -and waited for a reply.

"I don't think he'd be able to forget, onee-san. But if he has, then it is for a good reason"

Nanami nodded and closed her eyes, fighting back a tear. She had finally come to remember the time spent with Seiran in Sa province – the past she never spoke of, the past she barely remembered. She was so convinced that this childhood fantasy was a dream; but here in front of her for the past few weeks was the star himself. At first she remembered only two young boys that she had taken in to keep her company in her lonely home. Then, slowly, the memory of adventure and many 'battles' returned as well. Ensei, Seiran, and Nanami had been inseparable at one point, fighting the good fight against the many corruptions of Sa province.

Now it had all changed. Ensei was advisor to the governor in Sa province, and Seiran had attached himself to another girl. She could see the same look in his eyes, when he looked at Shuurei, that he had long ago given Nanami; the look so full of caring, worry, trust, and a little something extra that is said inaudibly through a blush. Nanami and him had changed from friends to something confusing in a short period of time, and then shortly after were forced to abandon everything.

"Does he love her then, that girl Shuurei? Has Shouka mentioned it?" She then slowly added "Do we need…to watch for anything unusual…in case of jealousy?"

Shusui was surprised. 'So this is why', she thought to herself. Then said "Shouka has not mentioned it. Shuurei has been passed the qualities of her mother though, the Rose Princess, so it wouldn't be impossible. She captures the hearts of many men, although remains distant from love."

Nanami nodded, understanding a deeper connection than Shusui had, and then said "I'm leaving for now." and started to walk towards Seiran and Shuurei. Shusui caught her by the arm and hissed "he asked you to watch over them. Why are you leaving now? They may be in great danger and my eyes are not as adept as yours; that's why he asked for you to come with me. Shouka went to great lengths to track you down!"

Nanami turned around and glared at her from underneath her cloaks hood, "I'm leaving. The kind of thing they need protection from…it has nothing to do with eyes at all" she commented under her breath. Shusui, not of her own will, released Nanami's arm after this was said. Nanami then walked towards Seiran in the crowd, taking care to hide her face, and stole a glance at him as she passed. He looked back, suspicious of the hooded stranger.

'It had been difficult to find Nanami in the first place', Shusui reflected as Nanami walked away, 'but to ask for her to stay in one town for so long…surely she must owe Shouka something for this to be possible'. She glanced at Nanami again and watched her sweep through the crowds, while carefully watching everything around her. 'Does she ever tire of it, I wonder; watching people live their lives, and never living her own?' and then she sighed.

…………….

'Little do you know, Seiran." Nanami said to herself once around the next corner, 'It's me…Chiyo. I have a debt to repay to Shouka, and that is the only reason I'm here. I will decide how to fulfill it, and once it is done…I will remove you from my memory again.'