Ch.6
Healing Time
He slowly walked to the balcony doors and pushed them open with ease releasing a flood of sunlight into the room and onto his body. The pale skinned chest bandaged throughout the ribs and on his shoulder was not noticed as he made his way to the edge of the walkway. Lifting his head to and resting the palm of his hands on the smooth marble railing the unconscious rhythm of his breath quicken and filled his body with warmth of the day.
He slowly let his glaze fall to the area beneath him, scattered with tree lines and flower beds, it felt good to be able to move around more, it just felt good to move. Walking back into his room Seiji picked up a light emerald shirt on bed post and minding this shoulder slowly put it on.
" Good morning Lord."
Seiji looked up to see it was Hiro, a servant of the family for many years, Seiji could hear the disapproval in the voice.
"Good morning," Seiji offered as he made his way to the door way.
"Does the Lord not wish to rest more this morning?"
"I'm fine Hiro, and I have more important things to conquer than a sore shoulder," Seiji said knowing that it wouldn't' help him any. The old servant had known him since he was a child, getting past his mother was easier at days.
"Yes of course Lord but you do not need to worry about things of conquering since all of Sorla's Lords are here," Hiro offered making his way to the bed and collecting remnants of clothing from yesterday and doing a scan of the room, Seiji could already see the in laden sigh but ignored it. Seiji wasn't usually so light hearted with his belongings but lately he was taking his servants more for granted.
" Thankyou Hiro for reminding me, and If I may say I haven't even been able to see Rekka or the others since you announced their arrival to me. I have been here and because of Nokomis restricted to my bed as if I were a child!" Seiji angrily pointed out finishing his dressing.
" But you have been ill Lord, you don't expect the healer to let you go if you are still injured." Hiro said giving Seiji unapproving glance. Seiji wasn't suppose to be up as it was, but this was becoming annoying, he wasn't a child anymore. ~To hell with protocol for once~ he said to himself.
"Hiro if anyone calls for me or my presence I will be with the Lady Nari," he sighed walking out the door.
"Lord no one is allowed in her room until Lady Nokomis says so!" Hiro stated too late. Seiji was already halfway down the hall and not listening to the warning.
Seiji closed his eyes and pushed back a lock of blond hair that decided to break away from the others. The hallways were silent and echoed his own shallow footsteps, the halls weren't usually this empty, this quiet.
A thin smile parted his lips as he knew why they were that way now, and who was responsible for it. He didn't' know when Nokomis and the other Lords had come but he was sure that Ryo and the others wouldn't of ordered such deathing silence, no this was Nokomis's doing.
The kingdom healer was always protective of all the Lords and Ladies, being of elder age and wisdom. She was imparticularly protective of certain Lords and such Ladies, but it never matter when it came to healing the wounds of any man or child.
Seiji exhaled a held breath and tried to concentrate on the reason for his escape from the make shift prison of his room. The latter nights meditating helped clear his mind and body of many things, but one thing always lingered.
The tall sturdy build of the young man seemed small if one would compare it to the statues and art works around him. He stopped in front of one imparticular statue, at the end of the hallway held in golden light and protected by the aura of light and Rei. The man forever etched in the smooth stone held a no datchi much like the one Seiji himself welded.
He looked up and the stone face of closed eyes as the old samurai armor held the statue. Seiji bowed his head and sighed, daring not to lift his eyes from the marbled ground.
" I am trying I am," he softly confessed to it almost as if it could hear him, perhaps it could. "I do not know what now to do, the storms have suddenly passed and yet the impact and scars remain. I felt ready to become what I you and the others had chosen me to do, but I have failed this once. What would happen if I shall fail you again? What shall happen if I fail her again?"
Seiji was now glade that the only sound that resonated in the barren walls was the sound of his own heavy heart, the pale lavender eyes were now hidden by the soft eye lids of pure whit flesh. What would happen if he failed her again?
********************
"By the gods how long are they going to do this to us?," he was sick. Sick of being treated as a invalent, sick of being cooped up, sick of the others acting like he deserved special privileges because of a wound.
"How many time are you going to ask that question?," the other captive asked lifting his cat like eyes to meet his.
"Gomen Sh'ten," Touma offered as he continued his steady pace along the library floor. He was content with the walls of books and being told that he needed not to worry just heal. Touma groaned, "I'm sick of healing too."
He swore that if Shu came in again and told them everything was under control and that he couldn't do anything anyway, the older Lord and friend was going to see how much he had actually healed.
"Must you pace like a jaguar caged?" Shuten asked not looking up from his book which he too was trying to look interested in.
"Yes," Touma answered stopping to rest his elbows on the back of a chair and leaning somewhat on it, "I swear upon the stars that I'm going to go as insane as a werewolf on full moon if they do not release us soon."
The doors were locked and even though they could easily get out even though, the effort would be pointless. Nokomis had put the whole palace on alert for them and if they were scene outside of their 'resting' zone to call the guards to 'escort' them back to it. Even if under protest.
"Arguing with her won't get you no where and you know it," Shuten said closing his book and sighing. He absent mindly stretched out his right leg and winced, the ribbing of bandages showed through the black knit pants he wore.
"I know, but still we are of age and even betrothed and I am suppose to be concealing the queen on such issues as this and look," Touma turned around motioning to the walls, "We are being treated as if our own self wits of health mean nothing."
Touma wasn't usually the impatient one, but he hated not knowing what was going on when he wasn't there to give advice to the Circle. The queen was sure to be in the meetings of this past fortnight, and he had not worked and studied all his life to prove himself worthy of such a position of high personal advisor, to now be told he wasn't old enough to tend to his bruised head.
"You know I agree with your impatience and your ideas of this situation," Shuten said crossing his arms and lowering his head some. The red hair spilled forward some and covered some on his hand upon the pointed chin, "But if we were truly needed I'm sure they would of informed us of such circumstance. Do you think I like being here and nurtured as a child? I also rather be attending to matters of the state then here. But face it Tenku when both Ryo and Nokomis team up we are annoyingly helpless."
Touma hated to agree with his friend but it was true that until Nokomis said they were well enough they would be trapped. His head hurt even worse now, taking his right hand and rubbing his temple. The thin boundary of white cloth annoyed him more, he had insured Nokomis that the minor cut was healed but she wouldn't listen.
"I wonder how long they will keep us from the Ladies as well," Touma said finally conceding to sit down. He was worried about Kristinna and he knew Shuten was about Ginko. He has caught the older man looking through the most updated astrology books and marking pages to show to Ginko later.
They had been told very little if next to nothing since they were brought here to be taken care of, only that the girls were alive and 'well'.
Shuten only shrugged and rested his head on the ball of his hand.
"Is anyone awake in here?" a fairly deep alto voice called from behind the door as it opened.
"Come in Sakura no one here is sleeping," Shuten said as he straightened his figure out.
"Well I guess that is good to hear," she smiled walking into the room. Sakura tucked a wavering pink bang away and walked up to the chair Touma was sitting in.
"We are not hungry Lady, the meal before has done both us and our gullets well for a long time," Shuten offered figuring that was her purpose of coming. Sakura always became the head chief when such powers called for it.
"Then I am happy to know you enjoyed it," she half heartily giggled, "but that is not the reason for my visiting of you."
"What has the almighty fury of Nokomis sent you to tell us now?" Touma muttered frowning.
"Now Touma you know she only does this out of caring for you both and the other Lords," Sakura said.
"Yes but at times I feel my own mother would be more lenient on me," Touma shot back.
"Hmmm.. well both of you are wrong anyway. I did not come here to ask you about food or because of more orders from Lady Nokomis, who had actually told me to inform you two this morning early that you were free to go about, but it escaped my mind."
"Nani?!" Touma exclaimed his eyes widening, "You had the knowledge of our freedom and forgot to tell us?"
"Gomen," Sakura whispered before laughing, "But Lord Ryo wants to see both of you in the high council room if you feel up to it."
"Hai," Shuten said for both of them, "We are."
"When does he want our presence there?" Touma asked standing up.
"With in the passing hour," Sakura informed him softly, "And there is one other thing I've been told to tell you of."
"If it is any more good news," Shuten said as he stood up wincing some from his leg, "We are glade to hear it."
"I believe it is good news Lord Sh'ten," Sakura laughed, "I am to inform you of Lady Ginko and Kristinna's states."
"Is she well," Touma inquired turning to Sakura to look at her in the eye, he had long a waited more news but had been denied such since, "Can I see her?"
"Patience Tenku both are fine and healed but are now with the other Ladies at the moment. I was making my way to them before I was stopped by Lord Rekka to tell you of the news at hand. Do not worry they are fine, but we Ladies now have to take our part in this action ne?"
"But when can I see Kristinna?"
"Soon I swear."
"And Ginko?" Shuten asked trying to not sound as impatient as Touma.
"It is the same." Sakura said now looking at the two gentleman as if the repeated answer was getting tiresome. "Now as you said I have proclaimed your independence go and prepare for your meeting as I go to mine."
"Arigato Sakura," Touma said as both he and Shuten bowed.
***********************
"You do overreact at times," she said shaking her head, "I have not done anything that I would not repeat and that is to say I do not regret it."
The two figures walking down the upper part of the palace corridors at a speedy haste.
"Hai," he said with rolling his eyes, "you may not regret it but the ones you have dramatically alter have."
"They shall live because of it and not die, which was the purpose."
"No they shall live and when they have opportunity take it to stride and go after you."
"They would not dare and even so I know they will be stopped," She smiled at her comment and looked to the man next to her. Her long midnight hair falling over one shoulder in a tight braid, and the long tan rob shifted to her speedy stride.
"And how do you know that?" he said as the long light amethyst cap also moved and altered its form to the hasten walking.
"Because I know that you," she said stopping and in turn stopping him, "My dear, dear love would not let them, now would you."
He couldn't help but growl, "Nokomis that isn't fair."
"Oh, but Rajura it is," She smiled at him as sweetly as she could.
"You are an impossible woman," he said trying to sound threatening.
"No impossible is Korin and you other Lords," She said looking back at him, "If I find out where he has gone without telling me first I will personally inflict more harm on him."
"Listen to yourself!" Rajura exclaimed, "You sound like a brood mother hen, they are not your children!"
"They are more than just that anyways, I have always taken the part of their healer since I can remember. They are my responsibility and I will deem when or IF they can get up."
"Nokomis Midnight just stop and think what you are saying!"
"I am saying that I know what is best for them in times like these," Nokomis shot back crossing her arms.
"Keeping them imprisoned in their rooms or other rooms of just the same reason, is still ludicrous. I heard that Sh'ten has personally vowed to talk to you sternly, Touma was flying in circles, and that Seiji has talked of banishing you!" Rajura had by now forced the walking to once again begin.
"Now you listen and tell them if you see them the exact words I speak. I have never lost one of them to the shadows of death and I am not about to start now. After what ever it was attacked them they were badly in need of help." Nokomis was mad. She did not like being told what she should do when she knew what she was doing was right.
"I know you care for them, but sometimes I wonder. And worry about you."
"Rajura don't. I do what I do because of them, I wish to do it." Nokomis said softening her tone some.
"But you act so differently around each one," Rajura sighed, "I do not grasp your reasonings."
"I treat them as how I hold them in my heart. The princess is as special to me as if we were the same blood and at times I think we are. The other Ladies are my friends and as you would treat yours I do treat them." Nokomis took his hand and smiled.
"And what about the other Lords hm?" Rajura asked looking down at her some, "Why is it I seem to see you treating them not like friends but at times closer."
"And is that jealousy you are feeling?" Nokomis asked frowning some, "You know that no matter how close I get to my other Lords you are the one I have always loved."
"I do not doubt that," Rajura smiled, "But, at times," he sighed not knowing what he wanted to say actually. "It is like when you started to tend to Shin when Seiji brought them all back. You acted as if he was a child, and now even though you have told me his wounds have healed you protect him as such. Neither Suiko or Korin are children anymore."
Nokomis flinched some and then nodded in a somewhat accepted defeat. No, she thought, they weren't children anymore. They were grown men preparing to take their places in the next century of this world. Where had the time gone that they had all grown up on her.
"I must go now," she finally said, "Nari is still being stubborn about staying in bed and has called us to her room to discuss things."
"I must also go and get ready for the audience of the Lords," Rajura said his voice heavy with doubt, " Can I please impartake on you to free the others from your strict hold?"
Nokomis sighed then finally nodded, knowing that if she didn't they might hurt themselves more by trying to escape, "Alright tell them all they are free to go about."
"Thankyou," Rajura smiled all too smugly.
"But! the first one to tare a stitch or bandage will have to answer to me," She stated before walking to the huge door at the end of the corridor, "Understand?"
"Oh yes," Rajura smiled and gave a mock bow, "I will make sure they are well informed."
With that Nokomis opened and walked through the large emerald doors that were to the Princess Nari's room.
Rajura sighed before turning to go back down to the council room, dealing with the politics of the kingdoms were always tiring and annoying to him, and with everything happening so swiftly no a days he wondered what else was to happen.
The tall man slowly descended the stairway and let his thoughts wander to and from the meeting ahead of him. The long white hair that surrounded his face hung loosely off setting the pale skin. The eye patch that gracefully covered his right eye was very distinctly black and this was on purpose.
He never regretted how he lost his eye, and never found reason to explain on what happenings made it to be. The large torso was thinly covered in the light purple material the emblem of his kingdom on his heart, by the shell he looked like any other Lord of the court.
"Does something trouble you friend?" Rajura looked up and was almost startled by the question. Looking around he was surprised that he made his way to the council room almost to the key of the old say 'with my eyes closed'
"No, no. Just in thought of the days events passed and yet to come. I am fine." Rajura said giving the man now standing next to him a small smile.
"Rajura for a man of your ways you are becoming a horrible liar," he said sitting down at his kingdoms place at the council table.
"Maybe your right," Rajura laughed, "but Anubisu I can still beat you at our hands of cards ne?"
"And I still say you cheat," Anubisu said giving a sly smile back.
One by one the Lords of the Lands filled the room each leaving his bias opinions at the door, each knowing what the up coming decisions had to be made, and each hated knowing they had to make them.
"This meeting may prove worthless Rekka," Shu said coming into the room rather hastily.
"Why is that?" Ryo asked almost rebuking the statement.
"Because four of the high lords, one being the head of the Circle have been still confined to rooms by a sore woman's whimsy."
"I would like to right now rebuke Kongo's statement," Rajura almost growled.
"You would Rajura," Shu said back as he seated himself at the table, "Considering it is Nokomis who has done it."
"She has informed me that the injured members of the Circle are free now to move about," Rajura said sternly to the younger Lord.
"Then good this meeting shall not be worthless Shu ne?" Ryo said ending the seemingly upcoming fight, "Besides even without Nokomis's word I have sent for the others. The standard healing time had past a day ago."
Ryo smiled at the other Lords knowing what he just said. He had gone over Nokomis' wishes that he knew of to send for the Lords, at the time he didn't care. The raven hair Lord took his seat and peered over the seats filled and not so far. The rich red color of fabric around him made him look older than he was, though time had also had a part in it.
"Look who is finally up!" Shu's loud voice boomed through the room as he smiled to Shin who was just entering the room. His left arm was loosely hanging in a make shift sling of topaz silk around his neck, he showed no pain in his movements unlike the first day he had arrived.
"I have been 'up' as you say it for the last two days," Shin said giving his friend a smile, "But I have only now been out."
"How do you feel?" Ryo asked now diverting his attention to his friend.
"Physically, I am more than fine," Shin said sitting down, "But I think I would have gone crazy looking at the same tapestries one more day."
"And me from looking at one more book or scroll," a voice retorted from the door way, "I think I have browsed now over every thing in the library...twice."
"What is wrong Tenku?" Anubisu smiled, "I thought you were always the one to be scholarly with such activities."
Touma curled his lips at the dark blue hair man, "Maybe but I more at ease when there are not some many issues to be discussed."
"At least you could not complain about the company," Shuten said as he slowly sat down and smiled.
"Since this council has been at peace for many centuries I will not comment on that upon keeping the peace," Touma laugh as he too sat down, a few other soft laughs were heard but soon dissipated.
The silence that hanged in the air was not stifle but was heavy with questions, questions that needed to be answered. Ryo stood up and looked slowly at the men sitting at the table one by one, his duty to reside over the Circle was highly dignified and highly stressful at times.
"Where is Korin?" Ryo finally asked raising an eyebrow.
"Was he not sent for?" Nazza questioned.
"Yes I sent for all of us to be here, but as you see he is not," Ryo said with the twinge of irritability in his voice, "So hence I did ask where he was."
The eight men looked at each other and came up with the same conclusion as did Ryo, no one knew where he was.
"Lord he did inform his servant that he would be with the Princess," Hiro said coming into the room, "But as I did go to see him there, there he was not."
Ryo sighed and let his body quickly fall back into his seat, rubbing his hand over his eyes. How did his father ever do this until he died Ryo couldn't figure out, his wits were strained and his patience running low.
"So no one in this palace knows where he is." Ryo stated and not asked, looking around the table and the room sternly.
"I do believe that is a no," Nazza muttered snarling.
"Hiro please make it your place to find him in the next hour," Ryo announced, "We will start without him for now."
"Is that wise?" Touma asked.
"There is no rule saying that we can not continue without him," Ryo said with heavy authority in his voice.
"True, but the rules that allow us to continue is when the Lord of such is unable to come for reasons of health or deemed necessary to have such a meeting," Touma stated.
"It is necessary that we have this meeting start and I do deem it," Ryo said sitting straighter, "Hiro go find Lord Korin and make sure the room is sealed, we will start the meeting."
Hiro bowed and left the room singling to the individual guards outside to seal the room.
***********************
"You know you're not suppose to be here."
Seiji spun around quickly to see who had come up on him, "And why is that?"
"Because last I heard there was suppose to be a meeting of the council," Yuri said lethargically walking along the corridor using the walls for support.
"And last I heard you were suppose to be restrained in bed," Seiji said looking at the small women coming towards him. She only gave out a small laugh and smiled at him, both knowing orders of restraint very rarely were listen to.
Yuri finally made it to a small chair parallel to where Seiji was standing, and silently let her body fall into the chair.
"You look horrible," was her first words smirking at the now towering man in front of her.
"Thankyou for the compliment," Seiji contorted back, "And you look quite well today too."
"And you have been and always will be a horrible liar to," Yuri smiled, "I look like I rose from the grave in the sanctuary and crawled here."
"No not that bad," Seiji smiled and resumed his previous stance leaning against the wall head lowered. The air that filled the hallway smelled like honeycomb and the wind that blew it in from a far window was refreshing. The two hanging cloths on each side of Seiji rustled some in announcing the winds presence, the contrast between his shirt and the cloths was almost a painting.
Yuri smiled at him, "What is wrong?"
"Nothing I just came here to think," Seiji said keeping his tone flat and his words stale.
"About what?" she questioned bending her head some she could see his face.
"It is nothing... why are you here?" he asked shaking his head and looking at her.
"I was looking for a place to rest outside of the looking pool area and I heard you turned up missing, and I took a sure bet you would be here."
"And why is that?"
"Because I know Korin as much as I know Suiko," Yuri answered sweetly smiling at Seiji.
Seiji gave out a much forced chuckle and ran a hand through his hair, "I am sure."
"There is something bothering you. Tell me what it is."
Seiji looked coldly at Yuri for a moment then sighed, he didn't feel like talking to anyone about this not even a friend.
"I am fine Yuri-chan," he smiled, "I'm afraid there is nothing."
"And I hate when people I trust lie to me," She said in a disapproving voice, "Then why are you hiding your gazes at the monument of your father?"
Seiji squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head as if to hope what she said wasn't true even though he knew it was.
"I have failed," he breathlessly admitted, "I can't do what my father left for me to do."
Seiji heard a equal sigh of his own across from him, making him look up and look at Yuri. He could tell she had already seen Nari today, the small knot, heart shaped braids in her long hair was a tell tale sign. He had forgotten that not only was it his job to protect Sorla, it was just as much as her job to protect Nari.
"I guess I could get it into an argument with you which would deem worthless, with me saying no you have not dishonored your father and that Nari does need you now more than ever and that if you leave you'll do her more harm than good. And I could go on to tell you that what happened wasn't your fault and you're being a blame fool for feeling such things," Yuri took a breath then took the bridge of her nose between her two fingers, "but I'm too tired and feel my own demons enough today."
"And besides," Seiji offered, "I would win the argument anyway."
Yuri looked at him sternly then smiled shaking her head, "If you say so Seiji, If you say so."
"Yes, I do," Seiji smiled back and then slowly looked at the statue to his right.
"You know me and Nokomis didn't spend all that time trying to get you two to realize that the betrothal was a good idea for nothing. And I remember you being almost shy of the Princess at first."
"What shall I say?" Seiji smirked, "She scared me at first. She was..is like anything I've ever known." Seiji smiled inside at himself and at the soft tender memories of them together.
Seiji looked back up at the statue and stood straighter than he realized and took on a air which was beyond his notice. Before he noticed his chin was captured by two small fingers and being tilted down and to the right.
"Yuri what are you doing?" he asked raising an eyebrow at her.
"I was just marveled at how much you look like him, and act like him, and how much I know he would be proud of you."
Before Seiji could say something she let go of his chin and softly kissed his cheek, a slight red blush covered both of their faces. He smiled down at her as she bowed smally and started down the hallway from which she first came.
Seiji sighed and slowly walked back up to the statue and for the first time that day 'looked' at it.
"Lord Korin!" a voice yelled from a distance.
Seiji groaned but turned to face whoever it was regally as possible at the moment.
"I am so glade I have come upon you," the young servant was labored in breathing and was looking up at him, "The council has already started the meeting Lord Rekka has sent the whole castle looking for you."
"Yes so I heard," Seiji smirked, "Call off the search and tell all you have found me and I shall be down to the council now post haste upon my part."
"Yes my Lord," the servant said before running back down the hall.
Seiji shook his head and walked down the hallway again and smiled at the whole palace looking for him as if it were a elaborate child's game, then reality hit. It wasn't a game, his seat at the Circle is and has always been an honor for his family. There was much to talk about, especially since now it has been found that the demons in the shadows have found a way to create ways of coming into their world.
He was going to uphold his honor and was determined to make sure Nari would be safe from now on.
The young blonde man's presence soon left the corridor which was again left empty only holding a single statue of Rei.
Healing Time
He slowly walked to the balcony doors and pushed them open with ease releasing a flood of sunlight into the room and onto his body. The pale skinned chest bandaged throughout the ribs and on his shoulder was not noticed as he made his way to the edge of the walkway. Lifting his head to and resting the palm of his hands on the smooth marble railing the unconscious rhythm of his breath quicken and filled his body with warmth of the day.
He slowly let his glaze fall to the area beneath him, scattered with tree lines and flower beds, it felt good to be able to move around more, it just felt good to move. Walking back into his room Seiji picked up a light emerald shirt on bed post and minding this shoulder slowly put it on.
" Good morning Lord."
Seiji looked up to see it was Hiro, a servant of the family for many years, Seiji could hear the disapproval in the voice.
"Good morning," Seiji offered as he made his way to the door way.
"Does the Lord not wish to rest more this morning?"
"I'm fine Hiro, and I have more important things to conquer than a sore shoulder," Seiji said knowing that it wouldn't' help him any. The old servant had known him since he was a child, getting past his mother was easier at days.
"Yes of course Lord but you do not need to worry about things of conquering since all of Sorla's Lords are here," Hiro offered making his way to the bed and collecting remnants of clothing from yesterday and doing a scan of the room, Seiji could already see the in laden sigh but ignored it. Seiji wasn't usually so light hearted with his belongings but lately he was taking his servants more for granted.
" Thankyou Hiro for reminding me, and If I may say I haven't even been able to see Rekka or the others since you announced their arrival to me. I have been here and because of Nokomis restricted to my bed as if I were a child!" Seiji angrily pointed out finishing his dressing.
" But you have been ill Lord, you don't expect the healer to let you go if you are still injured." Hiro said giving Seiji unapproving glance. Seiji wasn't suppose to be up as it was, but this was becoming annoying, he wasn't a child anymore. ~To hell with protocol for once~ he said to himself.
"Hiro if anyone calls for me or my presence I will be with the Lady Nari," he sighed walking out the door.
"Lord no one is allowed in her room until Lady Nokomis says so!" Hiro stated too late. Seiji was already halfway down the hall and not listening to the warning.
Seiji closed his eyes and pushed back a lock of blond hair that decided to break away from the others. The hallways were silent and echoed his own shallow footsteps, the halls weren't usually this empty, this quiet.
A thin smile parted his lips as he knew why they were that way now, and who was responsible for it. He didn't' know when Nokomis and the other Lords had come but he was sure that Ryo and the others wouldn't of ordered such deathing silence, no this was Nokomis's doing.
The kingdom healer was always protective of all the Lords and Ladies, being of elder age and wisdom. She was imparticularly protective of certain Lords and such Ladies, but it never matter when it came to healing the wounds of any man or child.
Seiji exhaled a held breath and tried to concentrate on the reason for his escape from the make shift prison of his room. The latter nights meditating helped clear his mind and body of many things, but one thing always lingered.
The tall sturdy build of the young man seemed small if one would compare it to the statues and art works around him. He stopped in front of one imparticular statue, at the end of the hallway held in golden light and protected by the aura of light and Rei. The man forever etched in the smooth stone held a no datchi much like the one Seiji himself welded.
He looked up and the stone face of closed eyes as the old samurai armor held the statue. Seiji bowed his head and sighed, daring not to lift his eyes from the marbled ground.
" I am trying I am," he softly confessed to it almost as if it could hear him, perhaps it could. "I do not know what now to do, the storms have suddenly passed and yet the impact and scars remain. I felt ready to become what I you and the others had chosen me to do, but I have failed this once. What would happen if I shall fail you again? What shall happen if I fail her again?"
Seiji was now glade that the only sound that resonated in the barren walls was the sound of his own heavy heart, the pale lavender eyes were now hidden by the soft eye lids of pure whit flesh. What would happen if he failed her again?
********************
"By the gods how long are they going to do this to us?," he was sick. Sick of being treated as a invalent, sick of being cooped up, sick of the others acting like he deserved special privileges because of a wound.
"How many time are you going to ask that question?," the other captive asked lifting his cat like eyes to meet his.
"Gomen Sh'ten," Touma offered as he continued his steady pace along the library floor. He was content with the walls of books and being told that he needed not to worry just heal. Touma groaned, "I'm sick of healing too."
He swore that if Shu came in again and told them everything was under control and that he couldn't do anything anyway, the older Lord and friend was going to see how much he had actually healed.
"Must you pace like a jaguar caged?" Shuten asked not looking up from his book which he too was trying to look interested in.
"Yes," Touma answered stopping to rest his elbows on the back of a chair and leaning somewhat on it, "I swear upon the stars that I'm going to go as insane as a werewolf on full moon if they do not release us soon."
The doors were locked and even though they could easily get out even though, the effort would be pointless. Nokomis had put the whole palace on alert for them and if they were scene outside of their 'resting' zone to call the guards to 'escort' them back to it. Even if under protest.
"Arguing with her won't get you no where and you know it," Shuten said closing his book and sighing. He absent mindly stretched out his right leg and winced, the ribbing of bandages showed through the black knit pants he wore.
"I know, but still we are of age and even betrothed and I am suppose to be concealing the queen on such issues as this and look," Touma turned around motioning to the walls, "We are being treated as if our own self wits of health mean nothing."
Touma wasn't usually the impatient one, but he hated not knowing what was going on when he wasn't there to give advice to the Circle. The queen was sure to be in the meetings of this past fortnight, and he had not worked and studied all his life to prove himself worthy of such a position of high personal advisor, to now be told he wasn't old enough to tend to his bruised head.
"You know I agree with your impatience and your ideas of this situation," Shuten said crossing his arms and lowering his head some. The red hair spilled forward some and covered some on his hand upon the pointed chin, "But if we were truly needed I'm sure they would of informed us of such circumstance. Do you think I like being here and nurtured as a child? I also rather be attending to matters of the state then here. But face it Tenku when both Ryo and Nokomis team up we are annoyingly helpless."
Touma hated to agree with his friend but it was true that until Nokomis said they were well enough they would be trapped. His head hurt even worse now, taking his right hand and rubbing his temple. The thin boundary of white cloth annoyed him more, he had insured Nokomis that the minor cut was healed but she wouldn't listen.
"I wonder how long they will keep us from the Ladies as well," Touma said finally conceding to sit down. He was worried about Kristinna and he knew Shuten was about Ginko. He has caught the older man looking through the most updated astrology books and marking pages to show to Ginko later.
They had been told very little if next to nothing since they were brought here to be taken care of, only that the girls were alive and 'well'.
Shuten only shrugged and rested his head on the ball of his hand.
"Is anyone awake in here?" a fairly deep alto voice called from behind the door as it opened.
"Come in Sakura no one here is sleeping," Shuten said as he straightened his figure out.
"Well I guess that is good to hear," she smiled walking into the room. Sakura tucked a wavering pink bang away and walked up to the chair Touma was sitting in.
"We are not hungry Lady, the meal before has done both us and our gullets well for a long time," Shuten offered figuring that was her purpose of coming. Sakura always became the head chief when such powers called for it.
"Then I am happy to know you enjoyed it," she half heartily giggled, "but that is not the reason for my visiting of you."
"What has the almighty fury of Nokomis sent you to tell us now?" Touma muttered frowning.
"Now Touma you know she only does this out of caring for you both and the other Lords," Sakura said.
"Yes but at times I feel my own mother would be more lenient on me," Touma shot back.
"Hmmm.. well both of you are wrong anyway. I did not come here to ask you about food or because of more orders from Lady Nokomis, who had actually told me to inform you two this morning early that you were free to go about, but it escaped my mind."
"Nani?!" Touma exclaimed his eyes widening, "You had the knowledge of our freedom and forgot to tell us?"
"Gomen," Sakura whispered before laughing, "But Lord Ryo wants to see both of you in the high council room if you feel up to it."
"Hai," Shuten said for both of them, "We are."
"When does he want our presence there?" Touma asked standing up.
"With in the passing hour," Sakura informed him softly, "And there is one other thing I've been told to tell you of."
"If it is any more good news," Shuten said as he stood up wincing some from his leg, "We are glade to hear it."
"I believe it is good news Lord Sh'ten," Sakura laughed, "I am to inform you of Lady Ginko and Kristinna's states."
"Is she well," Touma inquired turning to Sakura to look at her in the eye, he had long a waited more news but had been denied such since, "Can I see her?"
"Patience Tenku both are fine and healed but are now with the other Ladies at the moment. I was making my way to them before I was stopped by Lord Rekka to tell you of the news at hand. Do not worry they are fine, but we Ladies now have to take our part in this action ne?"
"But when can I see Kristinna?"
"Soon I swear."
"And Ginko?" Shuten asked trying to not sound as impatient as Touma.
"It is the same." Sakura said now looking at the two gentleman as if the repeated answer was getting tiresome. "Now as you said I have proclaimed your independence go and prepare for your meeting as I go to mine."
"Arigato Sakura," Touma said as both he and Shuten bowed.
***********************
"You do overreact at times," she said shaking her head, "I have not done anything that I would not repeat and that is to say I do not regret it."
The two figures walking down the upper part of the palace corridors at a speedy haste.
"Hai," he said with rolling his eyes, "you may not regret it but the ones you have dramatically alter have."
"They shall live because of it and not die, which was the purpose."
"No they shall live and when they have opportunity take it to stride and go after you."
"They would not dare and even so I know they will be stopped," She smiled at her comment and looked to the man next to her. Her long midnight hair falling over one shoulder in a tight braid, and the long tan rob shifted to her speedy stride.
"And how do you know that?" he said as the long light amethyst cap also moved and altered its form to the hasten walking.
"Because I know that you," she said stopping and in turn stopping him, "My dear, dear love would not let them, now would you."
He couldn't help but growl, "Nokomis that isn't fair."
"Oh, but Rajura it is," She smiled at him as sweetly as she could.
"You are an impossible woman," he said trying to sound threatening.
"No impossible is Korin and you other Lords," She said looking back at him, "If I find out where he has gone without telling me first I will personally inflict more harm on him."
"Listen to yourself!" Rajura exclaimed, "You sound like a brood mother hen, they are not your children!"
"They are more than just that anyways, I have always taken the part of their healer since I can remember. They are my responsibility and I will deem when or IF they can get up."
"Nokomis Midnight just stop and think what you are saying!"
"I am saying that I know what is best for them in times like these," Nokomis shot back crossing her arms.
"Keeping them imprisoned in their rooms or other rooms of just the same reason, is still ludicrous. I heard that Sh'ten has personally vowed to talk to you sternly, Touma was flying in circles, and that Seiji has talked of banishing you!" Rajura had by now forced the walking to once again begin.
"Now you listen and tell them if you see them the exact words I speak. I have never lost one of them to the shadows of death and I am not about to start now. After what ever it was attacked them they were badly in need of help." Nokomis was mad. She did not like being told what she should do when she knew what she was doing was right.
"I know you care for them, but sometimes I wonder. And worry about you."
"Rajura don't. I do what I do because of them, I wish to do it." Nokomis said softening her tone some.
"But you act so differently around each one," Rajura sighed, "I do not grasp your reasonings."
"I treat them as how I hold them in my heart. The princess is as special to me as if we were the same blood and at times I think we are. The other Ladies are my friends and as you would treat yours I do treat them." Nokomis took his hand and smiled.
"And what about the other Lords hm?" Rajura asked looking down at her some, "Why is it I seem to see you treating them not like friends but at times closer."
"And is that jealousy you are feeling?" Nokomis asked frowning some, "You know that no matter how close I get to my other Lords you are the one I have always loved."
"I do not doubt that," Rajura smiled, "But, at times," he sighed not knowing what he wanted to say actually. "It is like when you started to tend to Shin when Seiji brought them all back. You acted as if he was a child, and now even though you have told me his wounds have healed you protect him as such. Neither Suiko or Korin are children anymore."
Nokomis flinched some and then nodded in a somewhat accepted defeat. No, she thought, they weren't children anymore. They were grown men preparing to take their places in the next century of this world. Where had the time gone that they had all grown up on her.
"I must go now," she finally said, "Nari is still being stubborn about staying in bed and has called us to her room to discuss things."
"I must also go and get ready for the audience of the Lords," Rajura said his voice heavy with doubt, " Can I please impartake on you to free the others from your strict hold?"
Nokomis sighed then finally nodded, knowing that if she didn't they might hurt themselves more by trying to escape, "Alright tell them all they are free to go about."
"Thankyou," Rajura smiled all too smugly.
"But! the first one to tare a stitch or bandage will have to answer to me," She stated before walking to the huge door at the end of the corridor, "Understand?"
"Oh yes," Rajura smiled and gave a mock bow, "I will make sure they are well informed."
With that Nokomis opened and walked through the large emerald doors that were to the Princess Nari's room.
Rajura sighed before turning to go back down to the council room, dealing with the politics of the kingdoms were always tiring and annoying to him, and with everything happening so swiftly no a days he wondered what else was to happen.
The tall man slowly descended the stairway and let his thoughts wander to and from the meeting ahead of him. The long white hair that surrounded his face hung loosely off setting the pale skin. The eye patch that gracefully covered his right eye was very distinctly black and this was on purpose.
He never regretted how he lost his eye, and never found reason to explain on what happenings made it to be. The large torso was thinly covered in the light purple material the emblem of his kingdom on his heart, by the shell he looked like any other Lord of the court.
"Does something trouble you friend?" Rajura looked up and was almost startled by the question. Looking around he was surprised that he made his way to the council room almost to the key of the old say 'with my eyes closed'
"No, no. Just in thought of the days events passed and yet to come. I am fine." Rajura said giving the man now standing next to him a small smile.
"Rajura for a man of your ways you are becoming a horrible liar," he said sitting down at his kingdoms place at the council table.
"Maybe your right," Rajura laughed, "but Anubisu I can still beat you at our hands of cards ne?"
"And I still say you cheat," Anubisu said giving a sly smile back.
One by one the Lords of the Lands filled the room each leaving his bias opinions at the door, each knowing what the up coming decisions had to be made, and each hated knowing they had to make them.
"This meeting may prove worthless Rekka," Shu said coming into the room rather hastily.
"Why is that?" Ryo asked almost rebuking the statement.
"Because four of the high lords, one being the head of the Circle have been still confined to rooms by a sore woman's whimsy."
"I would like to right now rebuke Kongo's statement," Rajura almost growled.
"You would Rajura," Shu said back as he seated himself at the table, "Considering it is Nokomis who has done it."
"She has informed me that the injured members of the Circle are free now to move about," Rajura said sternly to the younger Lord.
"Then good this meeting shall not be worthless Shu ne?" Ryo said ending the seemingly upcoming fight, "Besides even without Nokomis's word I have sent for the others. The standard healing time had past a day ago."
Ryo smiled at the other Lords knowing what he just said. He had gone over Nokomis' wishes that he knew of to send for the Lords, at the time he didn't care. The raven hair Lord took his seat and peered over the seats filled and not so far. The rich red color of fabric around him made him look older than he was, though time had also had a part in it.
"Look who is finally up!" Shu's loud voice boomed through the room as he smiled to Shin who was just entering the room. His left arm was loosely hanging in a make shift sling of topaz silk around his neck, he showed no pain in his movements unlike the first day he had arrived.
"I have been 'up' as you say it for the last two days," Shin said giving his friend a smile, "But I have only now been out."
"How do you feel?" Ryo asked now diverting his attention to his friend.
"Physically, I am more than fine," Shin said sitting down, "But I think I would have gone crazy looking at the same tapestries one more day."
"And me from looking at one more book or scroll," a voice retorted from the door way, "I think I have browsed now over every thing in the library...twice."
"What is wrong Tenku?" Anubisu smiled, "I thought you were always the one to be scholarly with such activities."
Touma curled his lips at the dark blue hair man, "Maybe but I more at ease when there are not some many issues to be discussed."
"At least you could not complain about the company," Shuten said as he slowly sat down and smiled.
"Since this council has been at peace for many centuries I will not comment on that upon keeping the peace," Touma laugh as he too sat down, a few other soft laughs were heard but soon dissipated.
The silence that hanged in the air was not stifle but was heavy with questions, questions that needed to be answered. Ryo stood up and looked slowly at the men sitting at the table one by one, his duty to reside over the Circle was highly dignified and highly stressful at times.
"Where is Korin?" Ryo finally asked raising an eyebrow.
"Was he not sent for?" Nazza questioned.
"Yes I sent for all of us to be here, but as you see he is not," Ryo said with the twinge of irritability in his voice, "So hence I did ask where he was."
The eight men looked at each other and came up with the same conclusion as did Ryo, no one knew where he was.
"Lord he did inform his servant that he would be with the Princess," Hiro said coming into the room, "But as I did go to see him there, there he was not."
Ryo sighed and let his body quickly fall back into his seat, rubbing his hand over his eyes. How did his father ever do this until he died Ryo couldn't figure out, his wits were strained and his patience running low.
"So no one in this palace knows where he is." Ryo stated and not asked, looking around the table and the room sternly.
"I do believe that is a no," Nazza muttered snarling.
"Hiro please make it your place to find him in the next hour," Ryo announced, "We will start without him for now."
"Is that wise?" Touma asked.
"There is no rule saying that we can not continue without him," Ryo said with heavy authority in his voice.
"True, but the rules that allow us to continue is when the Lord of such is unable to come for reasons of health or deemed necessary to have such a meeting," Touma stated.
"It is necessary that we have this meeting start and I do deem it," Ryo said sitting straighter, "Hiro go find Lord Korin and make sure the room is sealed, we will start the meeting."
Hiro bowed and left the room singling to the individual guards outside to seal the room.
***********************
"You know you're not suppose to be here."
Seiji spun around quickly to see who had come up on him, "And why is that?"
"Because last I heard there was suppose to be a meeting of the council," Yuri said lethargically walking along the corridor using the walls for support.
"And last I heard you were suppose to be restrained in bed," Seiji said looking at the small women coming towards him. She only gave out a small laugh and smiled at him, both knowing orders of restraint very rarely were listen to.
Yuri finally made it to a small chair parallel to where Seiji was standing, and silently let her body fall into the chair.
"You look horrible," was her first words smirking at the now towering man in front of her.
"Thankyou for the compliment," Seiji contorted back, "And you look quite well today too."
"And you have been and always will be a horrible liar to," Yuri smiled, "I look like I rose from the grave in the sanctuary and crawled here."
"No not that bad," Seiji smiled and resumed his previous stance leaning against the wall head lowered. The air that filled the hallway smelled like honeycomb and the wind that blew it in from a far window was refreshing. The two hanging cloths on each side of Seiji rustled some in announcing the winds presence, the contrast between his shirt and the cloths was almost a painting.
Yuri smiled at him, "What is wrong?"
"Nothing I just came here to think," Seiji said keeping his tone flat and his words stale.
"About what?" she questioned bending her head some she could see his face.
"It is nothing... why are you here?" he asked shaking his head and looking at her.
"I was looking for a place to rest outside of the looking pool area and I heard you turned up missing, and I took a sure bet you would be here."
"And why is that?"
"Because I know Korin as much as I know Suiko," Yuri answered sweetly smiling at Seiji.
Seiji gave out a much forced chuckle and ran a hand through his hair, "I am sure."
"There is something bothering you. Tell me what it is."
Seiji looked coldly at Yuri for a moment then sighed, he didn't feel like talking to anyone about this not even a friend.
"I am fine Yuri-chan," he smiled, "I'm afraid there is nothing."
"And I hate when people I trust lie to me," She said in a disapproving voice, "Then why are you hiding your gazes at the monument of your father?"
Seiji squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head as if to hope what she said wasn't true even though he knew it was.
"I have failed," he breathlessly admitted, "I can't do what my father left for me to do."
Seiji heard a equal sigh of his own across from him, making him look up and look at Yuri. He could tell she had already seen Nari today, the small knot, heart shaped braids in her long hair was a tell tale sign. He had forgotten that not only was it his job to protect Sorla, it was just as much as her job to protect Nari.
"I guess I could get it into an argument with you which would deem worthless, with me saying no you have not dishonored your father and that Nari does need you now more than ever and that if you leave you'll do her more harm than good. And I could go on to tell you that what happened wasn't your fault and you're being a blame fool for feeling such things," Yuri took a breath then took the bridge of her nose between her two fingers, "but I'm too tired and feel my own demons enough today."
"And besides," Seiji offered, "I would win the argument anyway."
Yuri looked at him sternly then smiled shaking her head, "If you say so Seiji, If you say so."
"Yes, I do," Seiji smiled back and then slowly looked at the statue to his right.
"You know me and Nokomis didn't spend all that time trying to get you two to realize that the betrothal was a good idea for nothing. And I remember you being almost shy of the Princess at first."
"What shall I say?" Seiji smirked, "She scared me at first. She was..is like anything I've ever known." Seiji smiled inside at himself and at the soft tender memories of them together.
Seiji looked back up at the statue and stood straighter than he realized and took on a air which was beyond his notice. Before he noticed his chin was captured by two small fingers and being tilted down and to the right.
"Yuri what are you doing?" he asked raising an eyebrow at her.
"I was just marveled at how much you look like him, and act like him, and how much I know he would be proud of you."
Before Seiji could say something she let go of his chin and softly kissed his cheek, a slight red blush covered both of their faces. He smiled down at her as she bowed smally and started down the hallway from which she first came.
Seiji sighed and slowly walked back up to the statue and for the first time that day 'looked' at it.
"Lord Korin!" a voice yelled from a distance.
Seiji groaned but turned to face whoever it was regally as possible at the moment.
"I am so glade I have come upon you," the young servant was labored in breathing and was looking up at him, "The council has already started the meeting Lord Rekka has sent the whole castle looking for you."
"Yes so I heard," Seiji smirked, "Call off the search and tell all you have found me and I shall be down to the council now post haste upon my part."
"Yes my Lord," the servant said before running back down the hall.
Seiji shook his head and walked down the hallway again and smiled at the whole palace looking for him as if it were a elaborate child's game, then reality hit. It wasn't a game, his seat at the Circle is and has always been an honor for his family. There was much to talk about, especially since now it has been found that the demons in the shadows have found a way to create ways of coming into their world.
He was going to uphold his honor and was determined to make sure Nari would be safe from now on.
The young blonde man's presence soon left the corridor which was again left empty only holding a single statue of Rei.