Melody Breakers
by SethRyne
I have decided to cut "Legends Unfold" here. But this is not the end of the Koshun/Nurien story. I just decided that it would be better if I just continued on with the original Tas/Nuri story and insert "Legends Continue" (that's the continution of the Koshun/Nurien) when the time is right. Although it is 2 different stories, I assure you that they are connected. Really! I promise.
Oh yeah! Besides the whole plot thingie... I've decided to add a little twist... I won't say if this is gonna be yaoi or not! You'll only find out when it's finished. Hehehehe
Back to business... By the way... I don't own anything... FY is not mine...
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Chapter 2: Legends Unfold
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He flew above the clouds unseen, looking down to the vast land that was his realm. He smiled at its prosperity for he loved this land above all. He showered his blessings to its people, giving them good harvest and fruitful lives.
Yes. He did love this land. The land of wheat fields and rivers, of mountains and hills and of people harmoniously living together.
This was the land of Konan.
And he, Suzaku, was their patron god.
With him, stood his seven warriors, named after the constellations that appear in the eastern sky: Hotohori, Tasuki, Nuriko, Chichiri, Mitsukake, Chiriko and Tamahome; each equipped with his own strength with the purpose to protect the land of Konan against danger.
These seven warriors go into a process of death and rebirth as their patron is god of rebirth. With each new cycle, these seven re-emerge as different persons physically but with an immortal soul. Each one was hand picked by the god himself according to the virtue by which they possess, and to each one, his blessing and love.
To each of the seven, is his story and it is said that one story is never greater than the other for they are all unique and special in its own special way.
But this is where Konan disagrees. For to these people, there is no greater story in the annals of Suzaku than that of the first warriors under the stars of Nuriko and Tasuki.
It is said, that when the world was still young and the gods did not yet exist, there already lived people. These people were blessed with prosperity and wealth beyond their imagining. And because of this, slowly by slowly, came the birth of mankind's worst enemy.
Little by little, greed began to envelop the hearts of men and evil became powerful. The divine being Taiitsukun seeing the state of the matter, created the four gods to balance the power between good and evil, and to this effect, divided the land into four countries: Kotou, Konan, Sairo, and Hokkan and gave reign to each of the gods.. And indeed it worked.
But the years flew by so quickly and with it came the return of evil, stronger than before that the gods could no longer stop it.
The gods were at loss. They did not know what to do. They were hopeless.
Then, amidst the masses there glowed the light of hope. This takes us to the land of Konan.
The Chousen family was well known in Konan to have the finest silk that side of the continent. And indeed their cloth is top rate. To this family, there was only one child, a daughter the name of Nurien.
Now, Nurien, at that time was just of 17 summers. She was frail-looking with skin like that of the finest silk their family possessed. Her hair was long and was the exact shade of her eyes, lavender. Such beauty received awe from all who saw her. To the populace, she looked like a gentle flower that if you touch too hard, its stem would break. But behind this frail beauty lies strength that is not to be expected of her gender.
During this period, civil unrest was potent for there was once again, the increasing bandit activity in the Konan outskirts. This caused great concern to the Chousen family since they are in the trade.
One time, a large shipment of silk was to be transported to Hokkan. Unwilling to let the cargo leave without proper security, Nurien volunteered to accompany it. At first, his father was against it, fearing what may happen to his daughter and heir. But in the end, logic won out. And the cargo set off.
Never did he know that would be his daughter's first step into her pre-ordained destiny.
His name was Koshun, bandit extra-ordinaire. Or so he liked to call himself.
At the age of 17, he was the leader of the bandits of Konan. No one went against him, and who would? He was gifted in the art of fighting, coupled with his amazing speed and flexibility. He was untouchable. So it kind of went up to his head.
And now, as he stood at the ravine way above Konan pass, he could not help but grin. He heard that a very expensive cargo was to pass by here today. That means enough loot to keep the boys back at the base happy for the rest of the winter. This was one opportunity he won't let past him.
He looked below the steep ravine and watched as the wagon moved closer. He signaled for his men to ready themselves to the onslaught.
He gave the signal, and swarms of bandits rushed down the hill attacking the unsuspecting wagon. Koshun was first to reach the wagon, he jerked the door open, and there he found the most exquisite jewel in Konan.
"What is your name?" He asked his expression awed.
The jewel looked back at him squarely and said in a voice that to him sounded like thick chocolate smothered over marshmallows, "I do not give my name to bandits, sir."
But Koshun didn't hear a thing. He was drowning in pools of lavender-gray. He didn't care the least bit that the jewel was glaring daggers at him and that his men had looted the caravan leaving him nothing. "Have pity on this worthless vermin. Your name... I must have it." He asked again, more like demanded for his voice now had strength behind it.
The jewel remained motionless and said nothing.
Shaking himself from being thunderstruck, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked down on the jewel. "Well, if you refuse to answer me at my most polite, perhaps coercion would suit you better." With that, he lifted the jewel and made off into camp.
They arrived at the bandit camp atop the mountains of Reikaku. With no further words, Koshun dragged his hostage into his quarters and promptly pushed towards a chair.
"Will you now tell me your name?" Koshun asked his hostage.
"For someone who is a bandit," The lady said, "You're speech is impeccable." Not with a single note of fear was in her voice.
Koshun's eyebrows drew together. "You did not answer my question." He said, although he was quite impressed with the guts this lady was showing.
"Nor do I intend to." Was all the lady said as she stood from the chair. She let her gaze roam around the room drawing the conclusion that this would be her captor's room. But what she appreciated most was the fact that the room was neat, like a room of a Konan gentile. She thought to herself, 'Who is this person?'
Koshun's patience was wearing thin. He grabbed the lady and gripped her shoulders hard. "Do not try my patience lady."
The lady remained silent.
Koshun stood back. "Very well then. I have tried to be gentle with you as is befitting a lady of your status. But it seems that you enjoy trying my patience."
The lady looked back at him her eyes as emotionless as an assassin's. "I do not wish to try your patience sir nor do I enjoy this endless tirade. If you wish to know my name... Then you shall. But it comes with a price." The lady said. Her voice strong.
Koshun couldn't help but grin at that statement. "You truly are a merchant at heart. Your father must be proud. But was will you do little princess, if I told you that no such negotiations will be allowed here? You are after all in my domain, and here, my word is law."
The lady was taken aback, "How - ? How did you know I was a merchant's daughter?"
Koshun remained silent.
The lady looked at him curiously. "Who are you? Have I met you before?"
Koshun turned his back from the lady.
"For the duration of your stay here, you shall stay in this quarters. I suggest you do not even try to escape or even leave this room, especially without me. Do I make myself clear my lady?"
The lady's eyes burned like candles at this statement. "Who are you to tell me what to do? And how dare you detain me?"
Koshun barely glanced behind towards the lady. "Heed me princess... It is only with me that you are safe when you are in these parts." With that he stormed out the room.
"Wait -" The lady never got to finish what she had to say. She glanced around the room once again and found two windows. One facing the east, and the other, to the west. She made her way towards the western window and drew back the curtains to be greeted by the most beautiful sunset she had seen her whole life.
And yet, with such grand a view before her, her mind drifted back to her bandit captor. For some reason, his face seemed familiar like a distant memory. Has she seen him somewhere before? Perhaps in one her outings. That was one thing she didn't know, and as night silently creeps over the world, she walked towards the bed and fell into a restful sleep.
Koshun stood behind the closed door trying hard to keep his breathing even.
How long has it been since he last saw her? He couldn't remember exactly. All he did remember was hiding behind barrels at the market as she passed by. So many times had he waited just outside their gates to catch a glimpse of her. So many times did he sneak into their manor just to put a flower in her windowsill. And so many times did he try to talk to her and ask for her name… But he never had the courage to.
And now, she was his captive. Yet he cannot bring himself to push her to do anything. She was in his control, yet she had her little hand wrapped around him. She wasn't under his control, it was the other way round. And he knew it.
He pushed himself away from the door and walked to the room opposite to. He'll let the princess have his room tonight, and maybe tomorrow, he'll find the courage he lacked.
But he doubted that.
She woke with a start as first rays of light hit her closed eyes. Ruefully, she rubbed her stiff neck and began to glance around.
Where am I? She asked herself. I remember... the cargo and the bandit... She placed her hand over her face as she tried to remember all that transpired the night before. Just as suddenly, she heard slight movements from her back. Caught up with the fear that someone was in the room with her, or worse, that this place held a ghost, she pulled the blanket higher and tried to hide underneath.
But regardless, the shuffling sounds did not cease. Instead they became louder, and soon enough she began to hear footsteps. Louder and louder they got and it seemed like it was coming closer... to her.
She knew then that it was either die there under the sheets like a coward or fight till bitter end. She chose the latter. Patiently, she waited until a shadow loomed over her. That was the signal that the assailant was close at hand. She steeled herself as she watched the shadows arms move close to grab the hem of her blanket. Closer and closer it inched until.
"Yeow!"
She pushed herself off the bed in the flash hitting her assailant straight at the chest. They both tumbled at the floor the other letting out a yell of surprise at her sudden move. She landed on top of the other person, learning that it is of flesh and blood she gave it a quick glance.
Beneath her lay the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Beautiful not to the sense of masculinity of the like. But beautiful to the true sense of the word. Na because, no other word could be used to describe him.
He rubbed his head ruefully, tussling his perfect brown hair into disarray. He had the same colored hazel eyes, like that of warm honey...
She did not realize that she was staring openly until a strong male voice wafted into her senses.
"Uhh... Do you have any plans of getting off me? Or do you plan to stay there all day and ogle? Coz honestly, I don't mind."
She knew the man said something, yet she couldn't seem to take her eyes off him. She was drawn, if not by his captivating eyes then his boyish charm did the trick. She was too enthralled looking at him that she couldn't even notice the queer look that passed this man's face. She was snapped back to reality by another onslaught of that melodious baritone.
"Really miss, as much as I like having a devastatingly beautiful woman on top of me, I'd rather know her name first."
She stared at him slack-jawed and was slightly turning beet red as she mouthed the words, "I'm Nurien." without even realizing it.
The man beamed at her from below. "Well Nurien, I'm Hiten. Nice to meet you."
Nurien stuttered slightly, "H-Hai. Kochira koso dozo yorushiku. Boku wa -"
Her words were cut off suddenly as the doors to the room suddenly burst open, upon the threshold stood Koshun breathing hard probably from running hard. "What's wrong? I heard a crash. I -" Koshun's words came into a stop as he witnessed the scene before him.
"Nurien, I think now is the time to stand.." Hiten said, his hazel eyes glinting in amusement.
Nurien blushed hotly as she finally realized that Hiten was still on top of her, and to thing Koshun witnessed all this. She would never live up to the shame! Slowly, she looked back at Hiten and nodded slightly pushing his weight off her and promptly tidied herself up. All the while trying to hide her shaking hands from view.
Why am I so nervous? It's not as if we did anything wrong. But still, Nurien couldn't help but feel the deep nagging feeling in her chest. As if, she has just cheated on Koshun. But why... I...
Koshun looked at the flustered pair, from Hiten who was grinning like a mad loon to the woman who was busy priming herself.
Nurien? Koshun repeated the name Hiten had called her in his head. Was that her name then...
"Would you care to explain what was going on here?" Koshun asked, his tone authoritative.
Nurien tried to speak but found that her voice forsook her on her time of need. It was Hiten who answered, "Nothing Taisho. Nurien and I were just getting closely acquainted. Well, I should be off now. She doesn't need me anymore now that you're here."
On his way out, Hiten patted Koshun at the back and said, "You know, frowning would get you nowhere." With that he exited the room.
Koshun gave no visible reaction to the statement. His gaze was still intent on the flushed Nurien.
Silence reigned even when Hiten finally closed the door. It felt like hours to the both of them, until Koshun broke the silence.
"It would seem that if I need to ask anything of you... I should ask Hiten as seeing how easily you surrender information to him." His voice was cold. Like arctic winds blowing in that enclosed space. It sent shivers up Nurien's spine. She wanted to speak, yet she held back.
"Well Lady Nurien, seeing as how you cater for Hiten, who has brought you breakfast, he shall also be responsible for bringing you lunch and supper for I shant allow you to any part of this fortress besides this room. But of course, I do not wish to look an ogre to you, so I shall allow you time in the gardens behind the fortress. Provided that you are accompanied by someone. That someone being me, or if you like it better, Hiten."
With that, Koshun turned to leave the room. His expression still unreadable.
Nurien didn't know what drove her into it. She just had to speak up. To tell him what happened. She wanted to reach out and stop him from leaving, without even realizing that she did just that.
"Matte! Boku wa -"
Koshun felt a gentle hand on his arm and stopped on his tracks. "No need to fret Lady Nurien. I will send your Hiten back shortly. From this moment on, his time is at your disposal."
He shrugged the hand away and moved out of the room, closing the door with a soft thud.
Nurien couldn't understand. She didn't understand anything at all. Here she was, an unwilling prisoner to a heartless man, yet she cannot bear to hate him. What was worse, she didn't want him to be angry at her. The reason eluded her.
The reason. Yes, the reason.
She did not understand.
She wondered.
NOTE:
Hey! Info... About the names... you probably noticed this... But most of them are either seishi names or their real names that I have murdered for my purposes. Meaning I put n's on the end. Hehehehe... Another is that I am working on the plot that when it comes to the reincarnation of the seishi, gender and status is always at random... So Tasuki can be a girl in one lifetime or he can be rich in another... Something like that... :))