.: Thank you!
Happyfish: yup.
::blah:: sacred beast talking to one person
'blah' Sai talking to a sacred beast
'blah' thoughts
"blah" talking
As always, thanks to my beta, lovelymokona!
Sai unfolded his Ogi-fan and closed his eyes for a moment while elegantly hid half of his face behind his fan, he silently thought about something seemed so deep that even Hikaru couldn't know what it was.
Feeling uncomfortable about the abnormal quiet from the outside, where he could not see because of Sai's sleeve had hidden his view, and the impenetrableness of his friend's mind, so the young dragon decided to break that annoying atmosphere.
:: Uh… Sai? W-why did you call me like that?:: the dragon carefully asked, trying not to have a quaver in his voice. But there was no answer as Sai was still deep in thought.
::Sai? What wrong? What are you thinking?:: he tried again, this time with a slight worry that began rising high in his heart.
How strange! Sai – his friend was always a cheerful person and if Hikaru asked him, he would answer instantly, so this serious concentration didn't suit Sai at all. This silence… it reminded Hikaru of the moments when they sitting opposite each other, in front of the Goban, with the same serious games that always end up with his own spectacular defeat. Or when he had a meeting with the emperor or the other courtiers in the imperial palace, Sai would absolutely use that polite, icy-cold mask to talk with them, certainly in order not to show much his emotions. Everyone knew that if you washed your dirty linen in public, especially in frond of your strangers or enemies, you would get into trouble.
But Hikaru was not a stranger, was he? So what must Sai keep this distant silence between them for?
Compared the Sai person right now with the ghostly Sai at the times they were in Tokyo, or latest, when they went out of the court for a trip yesterday, it seemed like Sai had two harmonious personalities always walking abreast, one was childish and cheerful with those who he close to – but no one other than his dear Hikaru had seen ; and the other face was the glacial mask that the young noble must always wear when he getting in touch with other nobles at the palace, where the good-mannered and elegant gesture must always be maintained.
Normally, if Sai was in good mood he would be very amiable, yet if it was about Go or something important, the young master of Fujiwara family would be rather creepy. Hikaru felt his flesh crawl. In this case, was that meant Sai also that serious as he already had a plan? And Hikaru was worrying, not because of Sai's plan, which he would be involved in for sure, but because he had no idea what the plan was so that he could not know how to prepare himself to deal with it in a little while later.
As the small dragon was worried to death and was overwhelming with his thoughts, the young noble answer him with the same "special tone" that snapped Hikaru immediately out of his meditations and made all his scale stand on end.
'Huh? Did you not know? You were taking us into this unforeseen circumstance, so now I must find a way to fix it for both of us, especially, for you, Hikaru-kun!' Sai said to his friend and somehow the tiny dragon still could see a fancy smirk on his graceful face, which was secretly hiding behind the elegant Ogi-fan.
'But don't worry! I believe we will finish it soon!' no need to see but the young dragon still could feel a confident smile as Sai spoke.
:: I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Sai, please, forgive me! I'm really sorry!:: Hikaru apologized profusely.
'Huh? What's wrong, Hikaru? What are you sorry about?' Sai asked, confused by his kid brother's sudden reaction to his playful question.
::You was… Why did you call me that way? 'Hikaru-kun', you have never called me that except you were so very mad at me… So… please forgive me for whatever it was that I had upset you!:: the mini dragon spoke with a halt.
'Oh dear! Did my words trouble you that much? I'm sorry, Hikaru! I was just joking; I really did not mean to worry you. If those words were unintentionally confusing you, then I'm sorry! And I did not mad at you, there is nothing to be worried about so please, do not worry yourself and set your mind at rest, Hikaru!' Sai surprised at first then gently comforted the tense mind of his young dragon.
Hikaru relief with the explanation that Sai was just kidding and that he didn't hold anything against him, but then his emerald eyes flashed as if he was realizing something that was deep in Sai's thought a moments ago, which the noble would never tell him, obviously in order not to worry him. It was, due to Hikaru's power was just a temporary solution to keep his body feeling better a little, while Sai knew quite well that it was going to be very weak, as a result of magical overuse. At a result he must hurry up and find a way to bring them out of this complication, before this body ran out all of the powers. And the plan would have been mostly succeeded if Sai had refused to join the hunt and after that they could have gone out of the mansion. Yes, mostly. If only the little dragon didn't raise his voice at that time and if only he said the refusal just one minute earlier…
::No… Not you. It was not your fault. I am the one that must say sorry, Sai!:: Hikaru guilty said.
'What is it again, Hikaru?' Sai confusedly asked as he sensed the agitation passed through his mind.
::I… I really didn't want to get you in to this trouble...:: Hikaru explained in a tiny mental voice ::I know it would be bad, because my power is still low and your health was just temporarily stabilized, so… it may not maintain for so long and now we're sticking in this time wasting problem. I'm sorry... It was my fault that I had upset your plan.:: 'and how can I ever forgive myself if anything happen to my only friend…?' he thought to himself, feeling guilty and worry as he was the one caused all of this mess that forcing Sai claimed all responsibility.
'It is all right,' Sai soothed gently 'I understand, so I'll try to finish it as soon as possible! Don't worry, my dear brother!' And it seemed that his words didn't convince the young dragon much as he still felt the guilty feeling transmitting through their mental link, Sai cheerfully added 'Besides, I'm going to hold you to your Go promise once we back to the palace, so I think you better prepare yourself than keeping in that state of mind!'
::Wha-what state of mind are you talking about, Sai?:: Hikaru stammered, trying hotly to deny and hiding his confusion. Thank God that he was hiding under Sai's sleeve, otherwise Sai would have known how red his entire chibi-dragon form was; even though the dragon knew pretty sure that he had the half yellow, half brown color.
Realizing his little friend's embarrassment, Sai carefully not to ask any further in order not to make Hikaru more confused. But still, he couldn't help but made a silent giggle 'Alright, alright! I understand! You don't need to be so perplexed, Hikaru!'
As Hikaru smiled awkwardly and happy that his friend understood his feeling, a harsh voice of whom Hikaru vaguely guessed that belong to Sai's third cousin – Kantomo, the one had ran away after the other two friends of his had been hurt:
"What do you mean by 'fiery light', Onii-sama?" he asked, half curious and half annoyed about his Oniisan's lack of straightforward answers.
Hikaru mused ::I think those lunatic relatives of yours are about to demand something, aren't they?:: there was a bit amusement in his voice.
'Probably! Shall we see what they want?' Sai mentally shrugged and suggested wryly with his friend.
:: Sure! I'd like to know what he wants to make fuss this time!:: answered the playful dragon.
Then with a noble movement, Sai lowered his fan and folded it, after that the young noble turned and look directly at Kantomo's eyes, spoke clearly:
"Exactly what I said, Kantomo-kun!" Yet still that vague answer.
"His voice sound strange, I have never heard that tone before in the court. May I meet that 'lighting friend' of yours, then?" the eldest Fujiwara requested as he remarked.
"Yes! Show him, Onii-sama! You know that you need not to hide him or he also need not to feel so embarrassed that he must avoid us like you as the days when you had been banished from the court…Oops!..."
After waiting in vain for a nonsensical and obscure answer had made Kantomo grow angry, so that he unconsciously shouted out what should never be said again since the olden time, when he was standing in front of everyone and especially, in front of the head of their clan. Opportunely, he had realized and quickly stopped in the middle before those unfinished disastrous words got any further or had a chance to finish and it would be the promise him of a suitable punishment.
Sai heard something crack in his mind, it felt so hurt that he had fell back a couple steps to recover his balance. Then after gave a bow to his father and whispered an excuse for himself, Sai silently slid away.
"I-I… I didn't mean that! … It… it was… I'm just…" Kantomo stammered in the utmost panic and worry as he saw his older cousin's departure. Then hesitatively turned to their clan leader, he frightened said "O-Oji-sama… I'm sorry!..."
"Kanmoto-kun!" the eldest Fujiwara narrowed his eyes as he looked at his nephew, his voice rose up made all three young nobles felt their blood freeze, especially with the third boy, who was having a very pale face as he heard his name was called among the silent space. The old Sessho's voice sound firm yet so calm but the young noble still jumped out of his skin as if he was struck by lighting.
Kanmoto curled up with panic and meekly stepped forward to face with his Oji-sama. His left hand hold tight his fan, probably to summon up his courage while the other right fist tremblingly laid on his silk ivory clothes-chest, as though his heart would jump out instantly.
"I-I… I'm sorry! I know I had made an insolent, unforgivable mistake and I'm deserved punishment for it… But I… I really didn't mean that…" with broken words he uttered his explanation. The boy had taken a brief peek at everyone around and after he saw his two cousins' wide eyes while the oldest Fujiwara's silent looking down at him, Kantomo was frozen with fear and hysterically apologized " I'm… I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me …I'm sorry, Oji-sama, I just…"
"What are you sorry me for, Kantomo-kun?" the calm voice asked made Kanmoto's eyes widen as he instantly looked up at the other man, confusedly.
"You need not to say that apologies to me, because the only person that you should say those words to is the one that you had aimed at earlier. It is Sai - your Onii-sama!" said the judicious Sessho while he followed his son, who had been stricken by the painful shock recently and silently walked away after that, with his eyes.
"…I …understand, Oji-sama! ... Please allow me to come there, so that I could say the appropriate apology to him!" Kanmoto asked permission of his uncle and quickly stepped forward his older cousin's place after received a brief nod from the old noble.
As Kantomo was walking, he still could hear his uncle said with the other two young nobles about they would go to the wooden floating pavilion to wait for them.
Sai was standing under the tall row maples, his left hand leaning against the solid dark-brown trunk while the other hand dropping by his side, vaguely held the Ogi-fan. The young noble looking up at the trees, which were shedding their leaves and closing his eyes, and breathed in and out silently to calm himself. However, no matter how he tried, the bright color of those leaves still overwhelmed his mind.
It was autumn, so the falling leaves had two colors, one was red and the other was yellow…
…
Yellow… color of the gold, power and the warm, the eternal sun up high… Oh, that's right! Brilliant yellow - It was the color of light - Hikaru's color, his dear friend's color, too!
The first time they met, the second time he had been returned to living world as a thousand years ghost was a rainy day. After that fateful day, they gradually became friend, best friend, then brothers, though the old ghost usually compared Hikaru with Torajiro as the boy always bullied him and didn't let him play after he had become a Pro; or sometimes the ghost silently felt jealous of the boy's existence, which no longer belong to him since time immemorial. But despite everything, they were still good friends and he still loved his little friend and happy for him when the boy had succeeded… Till the day they must part from each other.
Yes! Until the last moment, Sai still loved his dear kid brother and wished he would achieve his goal in life, without the ghost that no longer side by side with him to witness his successes.
May the fifth, it was also a brilliant sunshine day…
And red – the strong color of fire, life, happiness and love, like the short wonderful space of time he – the ghost and Hikaru was together in modern Tokyo. Or right now, in Heian time as he was a human being. And as long as they were together then no matter how many difficulties and hardships he would meet, life would be always brimming full of warmth and happiness… would it not?
Yet, red was also the fierce color of blood, death and many painful memories, which no matter how hard he had tried to bury deep down inside but still came back in his thought every time he closed his eyes. After he met Hikaru again, those nostalgic illusion rather decreased, though it still recalled sometimes but didn't worth noticing much. Until recently…
Just a moment ago, Kantomo got so furious and said those words... The words just like sharp blades that stabbed in his blood seeped into his heart so deep that he even could not stand firm on his feet and it took him a moment to regain his composure, though still not completely. At that time everyone was shocked by those sentences, even his father or his hot-headed Hikaru, so there was no one could have time to react or say anything after that. And he had just silently walked out of the crowd then went to stand under these autumn row maples and birches, in order to find some peace for his sore soul.
Back then, if he had told them the truth and handed over the dragon, he wouldn't have been suffered that pain. But if he did so, it meant that Hikaru would fall into danger, because his three cousins would surely never let go this problem as the dragon had attacked them earlier and Heaven alone knew what would happen to the dragon if his father found him. Yes, it was a solution that only he would escape from that troublesome matter without breaking into a sweat, and he even would be complimented by his father, who he always having the respectfulness toward.
But Sai would never do such thing. Since the day he had discovered that he was the one who caused the teen so much pain because of his departure three years ago, it had become his choice to protect Hikaru forever, or at least, as long as the boy still stayed with him or he would still be alive in this Heian time. Simply because the boy was and would always be his dear student, his best friend, and his beloved kid brother.
…
:: … Sai… Are you all right?:: a soft mental voice gently brought him out of his thought.
Sai slowly opened his eyes and looked down at his right sleeve. He saw a tiny yellow dragon head stuck out and a pair of emerald-green eyes was looking at him with worry.
Ah, that's right! It was Hikaru - his dear dragon, the one was always the final one that was with him, side by side, together sharing happiness and woe eventually. It was so quite different from his own family, or, his powerful father, who he ought to have been close to…
'Oh! Thank you for your concern. I'm fine, Hikaru!' Sai said fondly, held up his right hand close to his embrace and gently petting the dragon's head by the other hand. Looking at those emerald-green eyes which filled with worry yet so innocent, the young noble knew he was right. Yes, it was his choice not to let everything happen to Hikaru and Sai knew for sure that whatever would fall down, he would never regret it. 'I'm fine!' he smiled.
'Well, red is also the color of determination, is it not?'
"… Onii-sama! ..." called a tiny voice from behind Sai back, which startled both of them and the small dragon quickly crept back into Sai's long sleeve, though Hikaru perked up his ears to listen for what was happening outside.
Sai elevated his fan and unfolded it. He took a deep breath then slowly turned back to face with his cousin, trying to keep his calm mask on.
"Yes, what is it, Kantomo-kun?" he asked, hiding his lips behind his fan.
"… Please, forgive my impertinence back then, Onii-sama! I really did not mean to offend you… It was just… I was so irritated that I lost my control…But it was not intentional. So… Onii-sama, from the bottom of my heart, please accept my deepest apologies." Kantomo bowed deeply to his superior.
Hearing those not-very-honest sentences from Kantomo - whom he knew quite well that the boy was always an ambitious and crooked person, had made Hikaru's blood boil. Who could tell which one of his words were the true ones?
::I will teach you!::
'Wait, Hikaru!'
As the dragon-teen was about to crawl out of his sleeve so that he could glower at the other boy, Sai hastily turned around with his back to Kantomo in order to calm the hot-headed dragon down and avoid condition of Hikaru throwing himself on the younger noble if the he really wanted to dash out. In a confused moment, Sai had completely forgotten that his words were Hikaru's order, and so the indispensable result was Hikaru had been strangled by the collar afterwards.
::Hey, Sai! Sai! The leash…::: the dragon's choky voice made Sai realized the dangerous situation.
'Oh my God! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Hikaru! I forgot about the collar. Are you all right, Hikaru?' Sai frantically checked the small dragon in his sleeve to see if he was still safe and sound.
:: … I'm okay!... :: As the leash had loosened a bit, the dragon managed to answer his worried companion with several coughs.
'Thank God you are safe!' Sai sighed with relief as he saw the dragon's face, a little haggard because of the tight collar but he was all right now. 'But what were you thinking by rushed out like that? Did you not know it would be very dangerous?' the noble then growled after he had regained his composure.
:: I just couldn't stand those dishonest speeches of that brat! And I didn't know why but I just wanted to bite him!:: Hikaru sincerely explained.
'It seems that your instincts when you are in Dragon form is stronger than I thought…' Sai mused thoughtfully.
:: So… can I do it now?:: the dragon added after a while waiting in silence.
'Can you do what now?' Sai asked again with a slight suspicious in his voice.
::Bite him! Can I?:: cheerful voice answer.
Sai slightly tilted his head as his dear friend's request, then realizing there was no any implication in his words and that the dragon meant what he said. So he replied quickly 'No! Of course you can not! Don't even think about it, Hikaru!'
::Oh come on, Sai! That little arrogance's words gave me creeps! I don't believe him, Sai. He was just pretending, after got your forgiveness he would probably speak behind your back with his other two vainglorious friends! You know that don't you? So please just let me come out there and teach him how to be honest and respect with his superior…::
"Err… Onii-sama?" called a meek voice.
As Hikaru was pleading, Kantomo's voice interrupted their mental conversations and made they were startled, once again. At that time, both the noble and the young dragon happened to remember that they were not alone and Sai was having another conversation with his younger cousin earlier.
The dragon quickly crept back into Sai's loose sleeve, yet did not forget to whisper :: Sai, don't believe him!::
Sai elegantly corrected his clothes then turned round to look at the younger boy.
"Yes! I forgive you for your unintentional action, Kantomo-kun!" he said with a smile.
:: My God!:: moaned the dragon under his sleeve and Sai couldn't help but made a soft giggle as he unobtrusively hidden his smile behind the unfolded Ogi-fan on his hand.
Moments ago, Kantomo had been worried to death and confused as his elder cousin's gesture when he was asking him for his forgiveness and suddenly Sai turned away, as quiet as the grave – an ominous silence. Maybe at that time his Onii-sama was considering whether he should or should not he forgive him for his insolence earlier and based on the way his superior was "wrestling with his conscience", it seemed he was thinking very hard about it. But it seemed Kantomo himself was worried in vain because Sai had said that he forgave him and that the elder noble did not hold it against him. What a close shave! Though it was still many questionable points about his cousin's gestures, like struggling hard with his conscience at first then turning back and giving said forgiveness instantly. God! He even smiled with him like nothing had happened. Anyway, why should he mind? Sai had forgiven him, and that was exactly what he needed to face with their clan leader a little later, no more no less.
"Thank you for your tolerance, Onii-sama! Now then, shall we came back to see our clan leader? I'm sure he is waiting for us at the pavilion on the water." Kantomo bowed again and asked.
"Yes! Let us go, then!" the older noble quietly replied then they walked away, heading to the wooden floating pavilion among the breathtaking garden, where his father and the other two cousins were waiting.
::You are the most kind-hearted person I've ever met, Sai!:: Hikaru sighed under Sai's sleeve.
'Why, thank you for your kind comment, Hikaru!' Sai cheerfully replied.
Knowing whenever his friend got into this light-hearted mood which meant he would definitely didn't understand his implication, the small dragon dishearteningly said :: I mean, why are you always so kind with everyone, even if they hurt you and just said a simply apology then you let it go? This is your younger cousin that we're talking about, younger, you see? Which meant that he was your junior, not senior. And he had disrespected languages toward every one! Did you see the way he talked about me in frond of your father? Such an arrogant brat!:: He growled slightly.
'Now, now, Hikaru! There is nothing to angry about! I think he would not do that again. Besides, it is his hot-tempered nature. Ah, speaking about it, I happen to remember that his personality just like you, Hikaru!' Sai made a chuckle then gently soothed his hot-headed friend.
::Hmm! I did not! If you want to compare, then I think he looks more like Waya.:: the dragon-teen hummed as he recalled about his insei friend ::Anyway, this arrogant cousin of yours had taken side with the other two to grab me, I didn't care much but he even dared to hurt you - his superior, my best friend. How can I be able to let it go?:: Hikaru grumbled :: And why didn't you just let me teach him a lesson…::
'Hikaru!' Sai suddenly cut off his words which made the dragon's wide eyes filled with surprise.
'No need to be hasty! You will be able to meet them soon, I'm promise!' finished the young noble and Hikaru could swear that he had heard the mischief in his best friend's singsong voice, which meant, once again, he already had a plot or something like it.
::Why, of course, Sai!:: Hikaru answered, equally mischievous as he had a suspicion about what would happen next and was happy to comply with his elder brother's plot. Whatever it would be, this time the dragon promised that he would not frustrate Sai's plan again.
The eldest Fujiwara was sitting on the small rocky stool along with the other two younger nobles around the wooden table. There was a Kaya Goban along with two Gokes on it, and he was playing a game with Shikaru.
Looking up and caught a glimpse of his cousins, who were heading here together, Shikaru excused himself for stopped placing the stone then with Garudaki, they instantly stood up and waiting for the two.
Sai and Kantomo arrived and received a greeting bow from Shikaru and Garudaki, and then they stepped forward to stand in front of his father, who was sitting at the other side of the Goban, and bowed deeply while the old Sessho just silently nodded.
"So, back to the previous problem, who is your friend, Onii-sama?" Garudaki merrily asked after Kantomo stepped forward and standing with him and Shikaru by the right side of their clan leader.
"Do you wish to meet him?" Sai asked, hiding a smile behind his fan, waiting for an answer.
"Yes! Yes! Where is he?" the three young nobles bustled in chorus.
Sai closed his eyes, still hiding his secret smile behind the fan and turned to face his father, and then bowed to the old male "Otou-sama, might I have your permission to introduce my friend?"
"Yes. I would like to meet him, too!" the oldest Fujiwara calmly replied.
"As you wish…" Sai bowed once more as he spoke.
"Hikaru, would you please come out here?" he called gently, eyes alight with mischief and pride.
After that, the small dragon crawled out of Sai's right sleeve, up his right arm and draped himself around his shoulders, in front of the widened eyes of all the other four Fujiwaras.
'Hello!' Hikaru greeted coldly. 'I am Shindou Hikaru, the one that you are looking hard for!'
"It… It is it! … T-that dragon…!" stammered Kantomo as he pointed at the bi color creature - half yellow, half brown on his Oniisan's shoulders.
"Y-yes! But however could it be…It… is not possible…!" continued Garudaki
"It is possible, and now it is in front of our eyes!" and finished Shikaru.
'How impolite! You know, it would be very rude of a young noble like you to always calling people by "it", Kantomo!' Hikaru teased.
"Ah! He can talk!" Garudaki uttered.
'Of course I can talk! Did you not hear me introduce myself earlier or whatever do you think I am?' Hikaru growled as he raised his hackles, then subsided gradually as Sai's mental voice gently soothed him.
"You… you know my name?" Kantomo gaped at the dragon.
'Don't gape, Kantomo-kun, it's rude! And yes, I do know your name, as well as the other two, Shikaru and Garudaki, correct? Because I have met three of you before and… don't tell me that you did not remember!' the dragon-teen quickly snapped as he saw Kantomo was about to answer back, so that he had cut off the young noble before he had a chance to argue anything, then the dragon calmed down and slowly continued 'And I heartily dislike all of you!'
Hikaru turned his head to look at the eldest noble, who still quiet up to now and looking at him with emotionless eyes. Somehow, this man reminded him much of the former Meijin – Touya Kouyo with his similar uncommunicative character. '… And the same to you, Fujiwara-sama!' the honorable suffix was especially stressed on by the young dragon, indicated his despise and hatred.
"May I know whatever the reasons are, which we have done to you that have upset you so?" the eldest male calmly asked after he sipped his tea.
'Isn't it so obvious?' Hikaru hissed, turned to the three young noble 'Three of you grabbed me, tried to subdue and kidnap me by your low magic. Did you not know or did your sensei not tell you the basic rules of using magical power when you started learning it? Or if it really so, that you didn't know then at least please do have mercy for those who weaker than you or for those who didn't have any weapon in hand! Count on your little powers and brag it every where? Shame on you!'
"Why you little…" As Kantomo was about to backtalk, the oldest Fujiwara had made a gesture as he waved his right hand at him, which silently meant the hot-headed young noble should keep silent so that the dragon could continue.
'My, how scary! What do you give that fierce reaction for? Did I say something wrong?' Hikaru gave Kantomo a mocking smirk as he teasing the boy, then instantly got back to his expressionless face 'But most importantly, all four of you have treated Sai with cruelty and that is why I dislike you so much!' Hikaru continued, growled at the four Fujiwaras he was facing.
Sai had been being torn apart. A good part of him was exasperated by his younger friend's speech while a slightly larger part was terribly amused by the expressions on his clansmen's faces. 'How shameful!' Sai mused, holding tighter his fan which was hiding half of his face. Yet there was also a fact about the feeling deep down inside the young noble's heart that he neither could nor wanted to deny, it was the satisfaction of his dear otouto's words, because it meant there was still have someone concern for him aside from his cold family.
The thoughtful young noble had a suspicion that Hikaru would once again brighten up his life with similar such comments and reactions to others in the court. And strange enough, Sai surprised to find himself had somewhat missed his little best friend causing mayhem, no matter if he did it intentionally or not, and how he managed to wriggle out of it every time the playful Dragon did so.
The young Fujiwara had known Hikaru's probable reaction to what most of his family had done to him was the righteous anger and the honest desire to protect him. Somehow, Sai just felt like he was overprotected by his dear dragon as Hikaru might always think his friend weak like a snail or something similar it and so that he must care for him, as cautious as a nursemaid. Sometimes, this troublesome protection made him feel annoyed and though what were the reasons that made the teen think so was beyond Sai, but he still gladded that Hikaru had done that, however. 'It proves that I still have a friend, do I not?' he happily thought.
Reminisced about the overprotection of Hikaru last time and the determination to win when the Dragon dealing with those who had hurt or could potentially harm him or Sai – his friend, which once like the other ghosts or the low youkai they had met - that was a bad memory, Sai knew his hot-tempered friend would not easily let the enemies go without finally taught them a lesson about something like "don't ever show your ugly face here again, or you would be deadly regret!". And although Sai was always there to prevent the Dragon from settling the trouble by force and recommended to him that he should resolve the problem by courteous conversations, Hikaru did what his friend said, but the "conversations" that made by a hot-headed Dragon usually end up when the youkai running for their life and Sai must hold tight his friend or Hikaru would certainly pursued the poor youkai to end.
And Kami-sama knows what an angry Dragon would do if the enemies opposed. See them to Heaven, perhaps? - Probably! Because his young dragon was quite stubborn and that was just the small youkai he was talking about, not to mention human. If the enemies were humankind and so powerful like his father, there would possibly happen a fight come hell or high water – a struggle to the finish. And the results would still be the same with either way: he would lose a dear relative. Though the Fujiwara clan treated him coldly but these people were still his family so Sai figured that he would better stop his chibi dragon-teen, who was taking non-stop up to now.
'Hikaru...' Sai softly called and the dragon instantly caught his voice and perked his ears up '…As amusing as this is, please stop! I think that is enough!' Sai requested.
::Ow! Not again, Sai?:: the small dragon groaned ::They deserved a lecture and I'm going to do that for you. Besides, this is fun! Give me five more minutes, please?:: and he hopefully asked.
'Hikaru, I know you are overexcited and it may lead to… an uncontrollable situation, if you don't stop it now.' Sai explained 'And did you forget? We need to return to the palace as soon as possible, remember?'
::Yeah, right!' considered the young dragon ::But… one minute?::
'Hikaru, please?'
:: ...Fine!:: he sighed in utter defeat as Sai's pleading voice always melted his stubborn heart. Making Sai happy was the top priority, was it not? So the chibi yellow friend didn't mind if he would be allowed to scold at the four nobles, as long as this was Sai's wish.
:: Hey, Sai! Would you look at their faces?:: cleared away his dissatisfied feeling about not having the permission to give a teaching for the other four Fujiwaras, Hikaru cheerfully commented his "achievements" ::Your baka clan leader would be red like a beetroot if he had blood in his veins instead of ice. Garudaki is shaking and white as a sheet. Oh hey! Did you see that? Shikaru has his lips pursed like a constipated monkey… I meant, like a monkey which strayed too far from his group...:: Hikaru corrected his words as he knowing for sure that Sai would never truly understand what the meaning of the excretory system's disease's medical name, then continued ::…No! If look closely, I think he's more like a baboon, that's right! And oh my God! Kantomo looks like he's swallowing up a lemon after eating a very spicy pepper. Probably which is why his cheeks are so red and his lips are puckered and he's scowling. I must admit that he is tougher than I thought! If he didn't restrain himself that good, he might erupt like a volcano. You'll see!:: Hikaru answered without a break, his soft growl was giving way and was replaced by a laugh that left the dragon-teen helplessly silly.
Sai bit his lower lip, closing his eyes while two hands holding the elegant Ogi-fan to hiding half of his face as he tightened it, yet trying not to squeeze too tight so that it would make his shoulders tremble. Sai certainly could see the true sight by himself, with his very own eyes about what was happening but he also had been seen the mental images of what Hikaru had been talking about. And at a result for seeing those ideas of his mischievous young friend, he must fight very hard in order not to burst of laugh in front of his father and the three cousins, who would be shocked and speechless then.
His name was Fujiwara no Sai and wanted or not, the fact that he was still a member of Fujiwara family, which meant he was descended from an aristocratic, living and rising among the brocades and glossy flowered silks, had been brought up in the spirit of nobility since he was born. So the well-mannered behaviors must always walk abreast with person. No matter what the situations would be, good or bad, a high-born noble's gestures had to be courteous at all time. Life with so many rules was definitely very tiresome, but it were what he had grown up together and got used to with it by nature, as a part of his soul. If he broke the rules, Sai would feel like he couldn't be himself anymore.
And in this case, if a noble like Sai himself did burst out the laugh, in front of his senior and everyone else, he was sure that he would end up by vanish under ground because of his own utmost embarrassment afterwards. Otherwise, if he did not kill himself after that shamefulness, his three cousins would definitely help him to do that - under the silent permission of his father, of course!
"Sai is part of my clan." The eldest Fujiwara raised his voice after a moment that seemed the young dragon had finished his lecture, "We have our rules and appropriate punishments for each offence in each case. At that time, Sai had committed an error and dishonored the name of Fujiwara clan. So in accordance with the law, he must be punished for what he had done. Therefore, what I did to him was what he had been deserved." Sai's father responded, firmly and tightly suppressed anger flowing through the man's speech.
Sai felt his heart clenched with feelings of intense pain. He had known that everyone would think that it was his entire fault and that he was the shameful one had brought his own entire clan into discredit. There would no one in this family believe him, except his two older brothers – shogun Nataru and superior monk Sasuke. Thanks to Kami-sama that he still had them and after that had been met Hikaru, the precious friend that he had never had in life, after thousand years slumbered inside the Goban. At the time he was about to let go and forget all the previous life of a cruel fate-Go tutor, the tricks of fortune once again fell in his fate and he had been brought back to Heian time.
To be human once again was quite good, but living without a friend and a life still had always been denigrated behind the back was not unlike Hell on Earth. Every passing day always had to wear a glacial mask and also he had not dared face his family was the most painful succession of days. The Mikado was his childhood friend and he was the one that gave instructor to bring him back to life, treated him well and even conferred a title as a Go tutor for young noble on him and kept him in the palace as a courtier since then. Though emperor Ichijo's offer of help was free of all calculation because he honestly wanted to help his friend, but it also seemed like Sai had been become the Emperor's right-hand man again, in the eyes of the other nobles and courtiers, so at a result, he might seem useful with his family again, and had been reluctantly accepted, again. Yet Sai could not directly face with his venerable father, who had not believed in his own son and would only treat him with indifference.
His father was a hard and judicious leader, so that he had the respect from everyone as a sound leadership. In any case, he would consider each problem from all side then judged it. But if the problem of an individual was so vague and if it brought adverse effect on the generality, that person would be sacrifice for the long-term benefit of the rest. And it was Sai's case. To be honest, Sai was his most beloved child, so when his youngest son had been accused as a cheater, to be a disgrace to the entire family, he was the most heart-broken person. Because, he had promised his dear late wife that he would take good care of their child while she could not continue living with them to witness that future. But with the other nobles' pressure, especially with the courtiers who took side with Tsuyujima and furthermore, he did not have any proof of Sai's guiltlessness, he had to sacrifice this child to protect the name of their family. Hence, at the same time we had been seen how quick the love could turn to pain, hate and disappointment.
Even when he had been considered a useful child again, between father and son now had an invisible icy wall and Sai knew that perhaps they would never, ever could be like before, until the day he was vindicated, somehow...
'Whether there would be a day, however?' he bitterly wondered.
That day, if it could possibly happen, was still too far from now. And till that his father would maintain his own opinion about his youngest son as a bad child who ruined his family's honor. It was quite all right if he just kept that thoughts for himself, but said it out and in frond of everyone like declared an accusation like that was not different from he had holding a sharp blade and stabbed through his son's heart.
It was so painful, so hurt, and so pitiful, for both of them…
…
'It was not Sai's fault!' Hikaru boiled over with anger and immediately shouted at the old man as he felt the heartless in the man's words and the deep, speechless pain in his poor brother's heart, which had been soaking into their telepathy link, needless to say. 'It was that vile scumbag's fault that he was the one who did that trick in that match! Sai did not do that! Not ever! Why didn't you believe in your son?' his voice nearly like a roar and the pair of emerald eyes flashing with fierce rage.
"You do not need to get furious, young dragon! Because the decision-making power to judge is in the matters of family…"
'And you are that one who giving the final decision, aren't you?' the angry dragon butted in on the Sessho's calm voice.
"Yes! And as an impartial leadership I had to do what I must. Fair reward and fair punishment." answered the firm voice.
'Impartial my…'
'No! Stop, Hikaru!'
As the yellow dragon was lost his self-control and roared when he was about to throw himself at the clan leader, who was sitting not too far from him over the other side of the Goban, a panicky yet so very severe voice of whom he dearly loved had stopped him immediately.
'Hikaru… I'm sorry… Are you all right?' Sai sighed, held up the fan to hide his face and also Hikaru's behind it, then softly apologized as he knew his call had been become the commend of the collar and it was tighten the dragon's neck.
:: … I'm… I'm okay! … Thank you for stopping me in time, Sai! Otherwise… I didn't know what would happen… I'm sorry. :: Hikaru choked as he replied. To tell the truth, even the dragon himself did not know what and why did he act like that. With him, Sai's old man was surely a hateful person as the way he said so calm and treated so cold with his own child; yet it was not as far as to attack him. Besides, if he did follow his instinct, Sai would get in to trouble again; and this time, if it happened, the problem would be a deadly big one.
'It is all right, Hikaru. I know how you feel… It was just unexpected.' Sai smiled gently at his little brother, understanding Hikaru's feeling and the recent gesture just started from his ardent love and great loyalty for him.
About Hikaru, the teen knew that he was so angry and too sensitive to anything that could hurt his friend. But he couldn't help it, because he had become aware that half of Sai's speechless pain was because of his selfishness in the past and now he had been given a change to be with Sai once more, Hikaru swore that he would not allow anything to happen to Sai anymore. Back then, in modern Tokyo, if he had let his ghostly friend play all the game like Torajiro was in Edo era, the ghost would have happier and at least, he would have gone in peace. Yet it didn't happen like that and Sai had departed in sorrow and left him behind with the feeling of guilt and regret for three years long. And when he was about to subside the sorrow of Sai's departure, Hikaru had been pulled back to Heian era, as a Dragon form, by a sorcerer. But misfortune had its uses, because thanks for that, he had been met his friend again. Maybe it was the will of God that gave him a chance to repair for his old mistake and that they were reunited. The teen committed himself compensating for Sai and also promised that he would protect him, and always obey him. And if he wanted to protect Sai, what would be easier than if Sai was his brother? Since the day he had desperately turned back from Hiroshima to look in vain for his ghostly friend three years ago, Hikaru had recognized that dearly loved Sai as he was his full elder brother. But did the young noble think the same? Or in Sai's eyes he just a mere stubborn student, a loudmouthed brat?
::Sai…:: a silent moment had passed by and finally the dragon raised his mental voice ::I…uhm… I want to ask you something…:: he confused.
'Yes? What is it, Hikaru?' Sai surprised and curiously asked, also encouraged at the same time.
::Well… It's just… What am I in your heart?:: and he finally uttered.
'Wha- what…? ' Sai mentally stammered, then realizing what the dragon wanted to ask, he smiled fondly 'You are my precious one, Hikaru!' He answered.
:: Am I, Sai? How come?:: delighted yet a bit suspicious voice asked.
'Yes you are, Hikaru!' the young noble warmly replied 'I still remember the first time we met, that day like it was yesterday. You are the one that had found me when no one could see or hear my despair voice and thanks to that, after one hundred and forty years, I had been returned again. Kami-sama had arranged our fate, you had waken me up from my long sleep, and I had waken the love for Go within you. We are friend since then, are we not?' The dragon nodded and he continued 'As the times gone by, though so slow, yet so fast, and our friendship also grew up each those days, closer and closer; we were, from teacher and student, became friend then best friend unheeded. I remembered the first time I had been seen the stones and the Goban again, at our game with Touya Akira, it had brought tears to me… Or those days when you took me out to your school's festival and we met Tsutsui-kun, Kaga-kun, after that we attended the Kaio Go-tournament and your Go potential also upheld since. Afterwards you joined in Haze's Go club, which had been held by only Tsuisui-kun, and brought Akari-chan, Mitani-kun with you.' Sai made a chuckle as he recalled about those beautiful memories.
'Young Touya chased after my shadow, and then you came after him to the Professional world, started from insei place. I also remember a succession of days you had lost will to fight…'
::And you had helped me to get it back, by kicked on my rear so badly every night, right? Geez! I even still remember how awful you were at that time! It was just exactly like a duel, rather than a Go game, you know?:: the small dragon laughed at the other side of his mouth as he commented.
'Yes! But for this reason, you had got over it, had you not?' Sai giggled softly and tenderly continued 'And eventually, you had succeeded and become a young Pro of the Go world. Honestly, as a ghost who did not have a body, could watch everyone around but they could not see or hear it, was really a sad experience. But thank to Kami-sama that I had had you to help me continue my dream, to be play Go once more.'
::B-but I… I was selfish that I didn't let you play…:: said Hikaru, guilt colored his voice as he recollected about the times the poor ghost less and less smiling as the young pro didn't let him play any more. ::I'm sorry…:: he whispered, dare not looking at the other's tender amethyst eyes.
'It's nothing, Hikaru. It was just naturally. You are alive, have friends, family and a brilliant future ahead, so there is no reason that you have to sacrifice your life for a ghost. Though there was a time that I was jealous with your existence, while you could have a future but I could not. However, I eventually realized that I had kept that thousand years of selfishness for so long, too long, and perhaps because of that, Kami-sama had arranged me to meet you – a person full of vitality, who did not forsake his life to please a ghost like Torajiro was. You had potential talent for Go, so God had let me guided you to the right path in your life and He had let you helped me realizing the reason for my present through thousand years. It was, not only just to play Go or achieve The Hand of God, but also to learn how to live for one other, for you - my best friend and also, my dear brother!' Sai smiled with his little friend, who was being moved by his sentences.
'But… why did you ask for, Hikaru?' Sai tilted his head and asked as he happened to remember the main reason of Hikaru's question earlier was still not responded yet.
::I just… wanted to know!:: the dragon felt his heart flooded with happiness and he grinned brilliantly, then instantly turned to the serious tone that Sai had never heard his younger best friend use all the time they had been together ::Sai, then you consider me as your Otouto?::
'Of course! What else could it be? You are, and will always be, Hikaru!' Sai answered instantly, but still wondered what the true reason that made his young friend want to learn was. It didn't make sense if the dragon had suspicion about their long-term sentiments. 'But if you wished to know a bout that, then would there be something else on your mind that you did not tell me, Hikaru?'
::It is… because I was the one who brought us into this trouble, so I also would be that one to assume the responsibility. Then Sai, do you trust me on this?:: again with that serious tone, the small dragon asked.
' …Yes, I trust you on everything, Hikaru…' there was a bit hesitance in the young noble's voice 'But what are you going to do?' and Sai confused asked.
:: Well, I'm just going to have a… conversation with your clan leader, that's all!:: Hikaru answered briefly.
But there was somewhat mischievous in his voice that made Sai feel worried, so the noble quickly added as he remembered his hot-headed friend was quite stubborn and with his nature temper, the young dragon might do somewhat daring that possibly he even could not intervene in time 'Whatever you're going to do, please promise me that you will not going to do something foolish!'
::I promise!:: the dragon said, rubbing his forehead to Sai's cheek as if it would assure his words.
'Thank you!' he smiled with relief 'But what are you going to say with him, Hikaru?'
:: Just wait… Sai, could you please lower your fan so that I could speak with you father? You already have my word so don't worry, okay?:: Hikaru briefly answered and requested.
'O-okay…' Sai did what his friend asked, but there was still the worried feeling that pressing in his heart.
The elegant Ogi-fan was lowered by a delicate gesture of the young noble and Hikaru looked directly at the oldest Fujiwara, who was sipping tea and seemed very comfortable.
"Are you calm down yet, young one?" Noticed the yellow creature was looking at him, which meant probably he had finished his "private affair" with his son somehow, the eldest man raised his voice.
Hikaru sighed, then took a deep breath and lowered his head a little, 'My apologies for all the rudeness recently, Fujiwara-sama!' The dragon-teen said deliberately, he did not stress on the honorable suffix words like last time. This time, it seemed very true as Hikaru was very sincere with each of his word.
Those sentences escaped from the dragon's mouth were surely a surprise for everyone who was witnessing at that time. It made the three young nobles gaped but speechless and the old Sessho stared from his son, who also looked very astonished, to the bi color creature on his shoulders.
Waiting for any reaction could possibly happen but there was not, Hikaru continued 'It was just because I have never had someone so close to me before... Sai are my closest friend, he has taught me so much, about Go, honor, chivalry, life, love and hope… Well, really everything. I have long since regarded him as my older brother, and that I wish to protect him from others who would harm him. So I just want to make sure he is safe and happy and…:: he taking an other breath ::And I understand that yelling don't solve this problem.'
With that honest sentence, the dragon finished, left the silence to pervade the whole space of the wooden floating pavilion. Only the birds' joyful song among the canopies of leaves and the soft voice of breezy wind could be heard at that time.
'Hikaru…' Sai smiled with contented behind his Ogi-fan. Hikaru had matured while they had been separated…
:: Yes, Sai?:: Hikaru looked up, emerald-green eyes met tender amethyst eyes, which were also staring at him and making him very confused ::…Wha-what? I just said what I truly felt! What is the matter?:: he growled a little and quickly turned away as the young dragon realized that he was blushing and wanted to hide it, at least, from the other's tender look.
The young noble just silently chuckled. Yes! Hikaru had matured, but sometimes the boy still had the mind of a child and acted like that. 'A cute, lovely child, is he not?' Sai amusedly thought.
'No, it is all right, Hikaru! I'm glad that you said so. It's just you have grown up so much, you have acted out of a sense of responsibility and I am proud of you, my brother!' he smiled brightly at the dragon-teen, who was also turned back and looking at him with the same happy smile.
"I accept your apology, young dragon!" After a short silent while, Sai's father then answered with a half-smirk and waiting for the yellow creature paid attention to his presence, he deliberately continued "If you said that you had regarded Sai as your Niisan, how would you like to be a part of our family, then?"
If the old Sessho said so, he ought to have a plan for Hikaru already. Because if the young dragon was so attached to Sai, perhaps he would obey immediate family? And if the creature failed to respond he could order Sai to demand that young one... At any rate, having a sacred beast in hand would raise the name of Fujiwara clan. And though the dragon now still young and did not yet have much combat experience, but if he was given advanced training, this holy creature would absolutely be a great warrior in the future.
'Thanks for your kind offer, but no, I do not consider myself a part of the Fujiwara family. I just simply consider Sai as my older brother, and that is all!' Hikaru answered evenly and innocently, not knowing the smirk on the eldest Fujiwara's face.
Though the man's thoughtful smile was hiding behind his fan, but Sai did still notice it and nearly twitched with fear. That smirk… it reminded him of the olden days…
Before became the powerful Sessho beside the emperor, Sai's father used to be a great Shogun, like his oldest brother Nataru in present…
…
When he was young, his father used to take him and his eldest brother to the barracks to learn military affairs as a future shogun. Because his second-eldest brother Sasuke, who had a quiet and peaceful soul neither concern about sword and scimitar nor wish to become a shogun in the future, so their father had expectation of his two other sons – the eldest twelve years old was Nataru and the youngest was Sai. Yet he didn't know that his last-born son had a mind that even more tranquil than his second son. At a result, only Sai's eldest brother could become a great Shogun afterwards.
There was a day that a rebellion happened at their general headquarters and his father must take command of the fight by himself. After made careful recommendation to his eldest son Nataru that he must stay and protect his youngest brother, the Shogun left.
Sai as a four years old child did not understand how fierce the war was, was still carefree under the protection of his Niisan, didn't care about how long his Otou-sama would come back and why did the outside so noisy with the clash of weapons. He meekly stayed inside the camp and played with the Go stones more than enough then fell asleep, didn't notice that his father had returned after put down the rebellion with victory when the sun had set.
As he woke up and heard about his father's return, the chibi Sai instantly ran towards his father place and as the same time chirping nonstop with his Niisan about he would tell Otou-sama how interesting the Go stones were when he played with it in that morning. The playful boy ran throughout the headquarters to look for his Otou-sama, made his eldest brother lost his breath as he must call and chase after him through as many camp as he had run by. Once he had found the camp of the Shogun, who had been tired after a long day-battle and was taking a rest inside that main camp, the guards intercepted his way and explained him that the Shogun had taken a rest and he had given instruction that no one was allowed to come in, then they pleaded the two young masters to go back to their camp and come back tomorrow. Yet little Sai didn't want to go and started to sulk as he said that unless he met his Otou-sama, he would not come back. When the boy was about to cry as Nataru moving him away and despite every coaxing that his Niisan was trying to sooth him, one of the soldiers came close to them and said that the Shogun had issued an other instruction as he allowed the two to come in. And they entered the camp. Once little Sai caught sight of his father, his chubby hands slipped out of his Niisan's fist as he instantly ran towards and merrily greeted his Otou-sama with his tiny arms opened widely. The Shogun couldn't help but smiled gently and tenderly embraced him afterwards…
… Yes… it was a warm memory that until now Sai still could tell exactly the wonderful feeling at that time. His father arms felt so warm, so firm, yet so gentle that had brought him the feeling of comfortable and absolute safeness… as if it was his mother was embracing him and his father was protecting him at the same time. And little Sai fell as sleep in the Shogun's firm arms. In his broken sleep, the boy still vaguely sensed that he had been lifted off the ground and then had been gently laid down onto a soft plane and something warm covered his little figure. This time, he slept really soundly.
The next morning, Sai woke up and his Niisan told him that their father– the great Shogun had carried him in his arms and brought him from his place back to their camp after he had drop off to sleep last night, and that he even covered his precious son with a blanket carefully before headed back to the main camp. Sai very much loved his Otou-sama so he felt happier with it – the story of his Niisan told about their venerable father with the way he took care of him.
After had breakfast at the kitchen-camp of the headquarters, little Sai and his brother had been called by his father to the main camp to learn from him about the condemnation reserved for the prisoners, those who had been captured from the yesterday's battle. The prisoners had been kneeled in frond of him and were waiting for the judgment. The Fujiwara shogun condemned them to do the hard labor all their life right at the headquarters, under the close surveillance. There was one prisoner who had opposed, he even ranted and raved at the Shogun as he was drawing out. At that time, the Shogun just smiled a strange smile, nearly like a smirk that he had never seen on his father features. It made him… fear that he had to nestle closer into the protection of his brother's side. That smirk… it was so scary, as if it was the promise of bad omen that would happen to that rebel. And he was right. Three days after he was heard his brother said that the rebel had been sentenced to death, under the silent direction of their father.
That day, he would never forget. It was the first time he had been seen his father's working behavior. And once witnessed his Otou-sama sentenced the defeated enemies, he would never forget that smile – the smile that once played on his lips which meant the subject's fate had been decided.
…
Today, the same smile had once again played on his father's lips. Then… in this case, did it spelled trouble for his little brother, and would it be sooner or later?
…
:: …-ai… Sai! :::
A sudden scream raised up through his mind and snapped Sai out of his thought, as well as bringing him back to reality. It was Hikaru – his dear dragon-brother.
' Y-yes, Hikaru?' the young noble stammered while he regaining his consciousness.
:: Something fun up there?:: the dragon asked playfully with a little too innocent tone that made Sai's sweat drop.
'Wh-what are you talking about, Hikaru?' Sai confused questioned.
:: Geez … Really, Sai! Where have your mind been? On the clouds up high, perhaps?:: the bi color dragon-teen grumbled :: You would have no idea how long I've tried to cry aloud to pull you back, Sai!::
'Oh! I'm sorry, Hikaru. I was deep in thought...' Sai smiled his brother's sulks away 'What was it you have called me for?'
:: I thought you never asked!:: the dragon murmured :: I was about to ask you that can I play Go with your Baka clan leader sometime?:: Hikaru said innocently but there was a frigidity in his tone regarding Sai's father that he had never heard Hikaru ever use before.
His father… the wise person that probably had planning something for them, especially, for the dragon – Hikaru…
::Sai!:: that scream again.
'Ah! I'm sorry!' he confused apologized.
::My God! Not again, Sai?:: the bi color creature complained. ::So, what do you think? Can I play with your father?:: Noticed that Sai twice lost in thought with the same that question of his , Hikaru carefully added ::If… if you think it's not a good idea, I won't do that…::
… But Sai would rather allow himself to be savaged by youkai than hand his little brother over to his cold family.
'…It is all right. And yes, Hikaru, you can!' he replied deliberately.
'That's right! The fearer we face, the stiffer our determination. If there is no way to avoid the trouble, then just accept the challenge and courageously cope with it.'
Before anything else happened, three more people entered the pavilion. There was a girl, who seemed about Hikaru's age, went in front of two warriors. Based on her style of dressing, the small dragon vaguely guessed that she might be the daughter of other noble family, which must be close to Fujiwara family and, of course, must be equally honorable.
::Who's that girl, Sai? Do you know her?:: Hikaru asked as he saw the trio bowed to the Leader of the Fujiwaras and Sai.
"It is my honor of giving you my most respectful greeting, Oji-sama, Onii-sama!" she held her unfolded fan to hide half of her face then bowed to her seniors and received a brief nod from Sai and his father.
::Never mind! She called you her brother then you definitely know her:: said the dragon as the girl's greeting had answered his question on Sai behalf. ::But I thought you were the last-born son. Is she your full little sister? If so then when you were young, your father must love her more…:: Hikaru curious questioned and teasing his older brother at the same time.
'But I am! I really am the last-born son of this family. She is just my cousin!' Sai answered with a pout and confusedly hid it behind his fan, and that made Hikaru laughed lightly. 'Hikaru you're mean!' Then the playful dragon tried to soothe his brother as he rubbed the tip of his noses on the sulky noble's rosy cheeks.
"Greeting, Onee-sama!" the three younger boys saluted their Itoko.
"So, what bring you here, Kingusari-chan?" asked the eldest Fujiwara.
"On my trip I had found a strange creature, it was a pheasant that I would like to introduce to you, Oji-sama! The servants are bringing it here so that you may see it." she mildly answered.
'A pheasant?' Sai and Hikaru looking at each other with four eyes filled with both surprise and curiousness.
"A pheasant, did you hear, Shikaru? Such a valuable and rare creature!" Kantomo commented, intentionally stressed on the adjectives in his sentences while cast a glance at Shikaru. The two exchanged knowing glances and sniggered at their Oneesan, then stopped giggling abruptly as they caught sight of the eldest noble's silent look. But still stealthily when hiding a secret smile behind their Ogi-fans.
Then, a couple burly servants entered with a large cage that had been covered with a black crepe, probably in order not to upset the pheasant in it with fright, and they placed it on the space in frond of the clan leader. From the outside, everyone could hear the flapping sound belonged to a pair of strong wings, proved that this was a wholesome bird. When the piece of clothe had been pull down and revealed the creature, which when it appeared, everyone speechless with surprise.
It was a large magnificent rainbow colored bird, which was staring up at the people around with intelligent brown eyes filled with accusation.
'Who are you people? Why did you arrest me? You have no right to hold me as a prisoner like this! I demand you let me out of this cage at once!' The fanciful creature angrily required, but the language it used none but two at that present understood. Because with the other people, his screams was just simply a series of quack sound.
::This voice… Sai, do you think…:: the dragon perked up his ears instantly after heard the bird's voice.
'Yes, Hikaru. I think so, too. There is no doubt about it!' Sai frowned slightly as he answered. The two looked attentively at the complaining bird in the wooden cage.
"Such a noisy pheasant!" Shikaru mocked.
"Shikaru-kun," Explained the eldest Fujiwara as he aimed at the boy, who stopped talking suddenly and paid fully attention to his senior. "This creature, it is not a pheasant. This is a phoenix."
"Phoenix?" chorused the three young nobles, voice filled with astonishment. Even the girl – Kingusari also could not hide the surprise that was expressing on her charming face as her bright eyes widened slightly. Yet there were two persons at the floating pavilion, one was a young noble and the other was a small bi color dragon on his shoulders that seemed didn't be surprised at all.
"Yes! Because he is in this miniature form so you have mistaken him with a pheasant. But he is not." The calm voice said, then leisurely sipping his tea with a graceful movement.
"I believe that it maybe trying to communicate, Oji-sama." The girl continued, unperturbed by the outburst of the bird and the whispers of her three younger cousins.
'Young lady, I demand you open the door cage immediately!' the legendary bird called the noble girl, who had gave order to capture him earlier. 'I'm an insei and I've just returned to Japan after a trip from China and I really have no idea why did such situation happen to me, but I amsure that I did not trespass against any law in neither Japan nor China so you have no any reason to arrest me. Let meout!'
'An Insei… just came back from… China?' Sai and Hikaru looked at each other, 'Could it be…?' Their mind suddenly popped up a name as they thought about the same thing and concurrently stared at the talkative bird in the cage, yet no one spoke a word.
:: …Isumi-san… ?:: After due consideration in a while, Hikaru sounded the phoenix out, curious and confused wondered if this holy beast was his friend.
'Let me out! This is unlawful, unreasonable and unfair at al-… What?' The phoenix's series of soliloquy was abruptly cut off in the middle when he heard the dragon's voice. This tone… it sounded… somewhat very familiar… He must have heard this voice somewhere… But where and whose? – This matter must be recalled for a while. The phoenix tilted his head a little, and then his brownish eyes sparkled brilliantly as he realized the owner of that voice.
'Shindou-kun?' the rainbow colored bird articulated.
'It's him!' ::Yes, I am Shindou Hikaru!:: the dragon-teen answered instantly as he guessed that he might right ::Is… is that really you, Isumi-san?:: but he still asked again for extra safety, curious and confused as to how his friend had gotten here.
'Yes, yes! It is me Isumi Shinichiro! Oh! Thank you, Kami-sama that someone is here can understand me!' the bird chirped respectfully. 'But where are you, Shindou-kun?' then Isumi confusedly looked around and asked as he happened to remember that he just had been heard the familiar voice of his friend but hadn't seen him yet.
Hikaru made a chuckle but didn't answer. On the contrary, he asked ::Do you see the man with very long violet hair and kind amethyst eyes?::
'Yes...' Isumi answered after located the person like his friend's depiction. 'But why?'
::Look at his shoulders. See the half gold and half brown dragon?.:: Hikaru deliberately continued, a bit mischievous in his voice
'Yes. And?' while saw the bi color dragon also was staring at him, Isumi asked, still confused.
::It is me!:: Hikaru playfully answered, at the same time flapped his tiny wings to fly forward the cage and landed in front of the phoenix, whose eyes was widened with surprise, as well as the other five Fujiwaras and, especially, Kingusari - who now realized that aside from her phoenix, there was an other exotic sacred beast that she didn't notice when they arrived the pavilion from earlier.
'This is… you? Shindou… Hikaru?' Isumi questioned, rather wondered than asked the dragon as he still didn't dare to believe in his own eyes and ears.
::Yup! Surprise?:: Hikaru grinned.
'This is… just unbelievable! How is a mystery to me... I thought this is a dream, or rather, a nightmare. I'm going to have a headache with this.' Isumi murmured 'Can we start from the beginning and help me understand what was going on here?' then he moaned mournfully.
Waiting for the dragon light-heartedly nodded and the bird started asking 'Firstly, where are we and secondly, what's with these colorful feather that covered all over my body anyway?'
Watching the bird looked round himself with confused, Hikaru couldn't fight a laugh as he knowing for sure that the elder insei did not know that now he was a phoenix ::You see, Isumi-san, we are in the Heian era, specifically during the reign of the Fujiwara and now you are a phoenix.::
'A… what?' the bird instantly stopped turning around a glowered at the dragon, stressed on his question word. 'What did you just say?' he frantically asked again, did not want to believe what he had been heard.
::Calm down, Isumi-san! You are a rainbow colored phoenix, one of four sacred beasts, you see? That's why you have feathers:: Hikaru deliberately repeated and grinned brilliantly as he murmured an addition ::Though in this miniature form you look more like a colorful pheasant than a real phoenix… But it doesn't the matter, ne?:: Meanwhile the other bird-insei held his head with his wings, seemed very shock at his friend's explanation.
'Dear Lord! How on Earth am I in Heian era… And I am a bird, or rather, a phoenix, a sacred beast ... Oh my God! Can you believe it?' his head was being overwhelmed with unanswerable questions.
'Ow… my head! If I ask you anything more I believe that my head will explode or I will turn to insane immediately…' he violently shook his head as if it would help him to dispel questions and the headache, then looking up at the dragon 'You're going to explain about this for me later, Shindou-kun!' he spoke clearly.
'But that doesn't make any sense that why am I here, in this form and why can't I understand these people.' After a while to compose himself, Isumi blurted out, one of his wing spread out as he waved at the nobles around. 'You can hear them, can't you, Shindou-kun? And why can you speak without open your mouth?' the phoenix curious inquired.
::Well, maybe because we're in the Heian time.:: Hikaru shrugged, or made a similar movement as he shaking his wings. ::The line time in here is different from our modern time, I think. And when a modern person comes here, they'll have another form that reflects exactly what their souls look like. :: Hikaru explained tranquilly. ::It also can be roughly spoken that this living realm is an olden world when people still believe in youkai, ghost and such. There were also shamans and sorcerers, who have power to summon spirits through time and space by command their lower youkai to bring you here, and I am the one that was summoned with such way. :: he humming thoughtfully.
::And yes, I do hear and understand what they are saying. And because I'm using mental telepathy to talking with you, so that the rest can not hear what I am saying and that I don't need to speak aloud:: the dragon grinned with his friend.
'Wow... How mysterious! But I wasn't summoned here like you were, as far as I can tell I wasn't, so why do I not understand people words? Japanese is still the same in any era, isn't it?' confused phoenix asked.
'That is a very good question, Isumi-kun!'
'Aaahh! ' the bird startled and hysterically flapped his wings as he heard a new, gentle voice suddenly resounded in his head. 'Who said that?' he looked at surroundings to find the owner of that voice, and somehow his eyes' glance stopped at a young noble, whom Hikaru had mentioned earlier and now he was holding a fan and hiding half of his face behind it, as his own brownie eyes met those amethyst and somewhat amused eyes.
'It's you, …isn't it?' Isumi asked tentatively.
'Yes, it was me who talked with you just a little ago.' Sai winked as he mentally replied. 'Please forgive my suddenness, Isumi-kun, I did not mean to frighten you. But I would like to remind you that, though only Hikaru and I can understand you, you are addressing everyone in the pavilion.'
The phoenix turned his head and looked at his dragon-friend 'Who is that person, Shindou-kun? Do you know him?'
::Oh?:: the yellow dragon seemed a little surprise at first then looked directly toward the person who his friend was talking about with a tender look ::That,:: and he flapped his wings to fly forward the young noble ::is my teacher, my best friend,:: After landed on his shoulders, the dragon continued proudly ::and my dear brother.:: he finished, leaned his head and gently rubbed his forehead on the man's neck.
'Isumi-kun,' Sai turned back after gave the small dragon, which was draping around his shoulders, a warm smile, then placidly explained 'To answer your question, yes, Japanese in any era is still the same. If you notice, I believe you will realize that your voice can be heard by only those whom you wish to be heard by. It is just because you were worried and anxious about your arrestment situation so that you have unconsciously locked up your faculty of speech and hearing. But if you set your mind loose a little, it would become the key for the lock on your mind and the lock will automatically unlock, the door of erudition will be opened widely and afterwards you will understand.'
'But… how do I do that? I am a bird, you see? I can neither hear nor talk like a person.' the magnificent mini bird awkwardly questioned.
'It's all right. You just need to know how to listen with your heart,' Sai gently guided 'Now then, close your eyes and loose yourself, release your mind… and relax…'
The bird did the same what he had been being told. He felt the outside world suddenly fell silent, the dark surrounding him but he didn't fear or worry, because somehow Isumi knew that his friends were there, still watching him with a tender smile that always played on their lips. Then he heard the joyful songs of the birds and a light ray illuminated toward his place. The flash began to spread out and awaken the sight around him, opening an unlimited peaceful and bright space in frond of his eyes. It was a beautiful scene of nature with green mountains, grandiose waterfall, birds hovered freely among the old tall trees and the sun was shinning brilliantly up high - The scenery that he'd never seen in modern Tokyo or anywhere that he'd gone by in China…
"Onii-sama, what did you tell the phoenix?"
A harsh voice suddenly rose up and snapped through his head that made the view abruptly disappeared and left him surrounded by the blackness again. Isumi slowly opened his eyes. Still those people, the girl with two guardians beside her, the three loudmouth younger boys, one old noble was leisurely sipping his tea and one young noble with a small bi color dragon on his shoulders – Hikaru and his friend.
But how strange! This time, there was something different...
"And what did it tell you, Onii-sama?" that voice again. Such a noisy… What? Wait a minute! Did he just hear that voice? Moreover, did he just… understand what that person was saying?
'I… I can… I can understand?'
"It's nothing special, Kantomo-kun. He's just unpleasant when being held in that small cage."
Ah! That voice… it's the noble-friend of Shindou-kun. 'I really can understand now! Oh thank Kami-sama!'
::But how can I communicate with them?:: Isumi wondered.
::I see that you have succeeded in hearing and understanding. Geez, you even learnt very fast about how to use mental telepathy to contact with us! Congrats, Isumi-san!:: Hikaru's cheerful voice spread through the insei's head, which made him jump out of his skin.
::W-what?:: the phoenix startled.
'Hikaru's mean that in unconsciousness you have used metal telepathy to talk with us. Because now you can understand what people say so it's easy to do any other way to contact with anyone around that you wish to speak to.' Sai chuckled 'And once you understood, you can also talk with them normally.'
::W-wha…?:: Isumi seemed still very confused, but quickly realized that the young noble was right. Since a moment ago, he did not say anything aloud but Hikaru and his friend still heard and spoke with him with the same way, didn't they?
::Oh! Right! I must thank you for guiding me,… Uhm… I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name, sir...:: the phoenix awkwardly smiled.
'Ah! Forgive my rudeness, Isumi-kun.' Sai's cheeks a bit flushing as he apologized to the young insei 'Allow me to introduce myself, I am Fujiwara no Sai, the third son of Fujiwara family.' Then he said with stately grace.
'Fujiwara no Sai? What a strange name! But… how come his name sound somewhat familiar to me! Never mind! We are in Heian era and I am a phoenix and anything else that even a little stranger would happen is also normal, isn't it? So this matter can wait... At least, when I got out of here...' Isumi thoughtfully considered.
::Then, Fujiwara-san, what is it those people are talking about?:: the bird required.
'Ah, it is my... clan members are dreadfully curious as to what you are saying. I have not been asked yet, but if I am asked directly by my father, I must answer truthfully.' Sai murmured, sadness coloring the end of the gentle young noble's speech.
Hikaru nuzzled his older brother's cheek, comfortingly ::That's not your fault Sai. Besides, we're simply catching up on what has happened to one another, as Isumi-san and I are friends. I don't think you must, if you have to, need to go into specifics fight?::
Isumi, who had caught on, quickly answered ::Yes, Hikaru and I were catching up, and I understand as well, the restrictions you have been placed under. So don't worry, Fujiwara-san! We are at your back!:: he assured.
With two good friends by his side, one was his precious brother and the other was a new yet wasn't new friend, Sai smiled with relief and felt somewhat like he was being given much more strength and that he could step over any difficult or challenge and had the self-confidence to step forward the future.
"Where did you go and how did you get that phoenix, Kingusari?"
While the two magical creatures were talking, the eldest Fujiwara asked the noble girl and she began to relate about her trip.
"Actually, there's nothing much to say, Oji-sama." Kingusari holding her fan to hide half of her face while looking at the bird. "As I my father allowed me to go here, the ancient mansion of Fujiwara clan, to make a thanks giving to the ancestors and when I was on my way here, I've found that phoenix, which was appear from nowhere and suddenly fell down, intercepted on the way."
::I don't like her voice at all!:: ::Neither do I, Shindou-kun!:: the dragon muttered and the phoenix agreed instantly. Because as she said, her voice starting to annoy them with its naturally somewhat a bit too high pitched.
"It laid unconscious maybe because of the trauma after the crash, so I ordered the inferiors to put it into the wooden cage, which was also provisionally made at that time." She continued, "After that we departed and arrived here. It looks like a strange bird, similar to pheasant yet more beautiful with its colorful feathers, so I after that would like to introduce it to you. The phoenix probably just already woke up a while ago."
When she finished her narration, Kingusari took a breath then turned to Sai "Speaking about strange creatures, Onii-sama, wherever did you get that bi color lizard and how did you tame it to be so docile? Unlike that phoenix." She looked at the wooden cage or rather, the poor phoenix with her disappointed eyes.
"No, Kingusari-chan." Sai sighed silently. Though the girl asked politely but somehow the question still slightly made him feel uncomfortable.
"Hikaru is a dragon, and he is my friend. I don't force him to do what he doesn't want to, because we understand each other. So the phoenix might also be a little more open to you if you did not keep him in a cage, and tried to understand him more, by know how to listen without your ears or ordinary language." Sai explained gently and deliberately.
"It doesn't make any sense if you can't talk with it, anyhow." Garudaki commented.
At this rate, knowing that if he kept explaining it still lead to nowhere, the young noble just sighed quietly,. Then noticing that his little brother remained an abnormally silent, Sai felt surprised "Hikaru?"
::Yes, Sai?:: as the small dragon caught his friend's voice, he pricked up his ears and looked up instantly.
'I see that you are so quiet. Is there something troubling you again?' he asked with concern.
::Well it is her that "something" you're mentioning.:: Hikaru grumbled. ::Somehow I don't like her, especially, her voice. It buzzing my ears now!:: he slightly shook his head as though if he did so his hearing would be better.
::She even wants to tame me! It was her fault that she had just put me into this cage without asking if I like to be captured like that.:: in the cage, the bird testy added.
::But at that time you was sleep soundly and even now she doesn't understand what you say, Isumi-san.:: Hikaru grinned as he teasing the older insei.
::I did not sleep, Shindou-kun! I was just unconscious, otherwise I would never let myself to be caught like this!:: Isumi corrected, ::She can't understand, but at least if she did try to listen with her heart like Fujiwara-san told me or listen without using common language as he already told her, it also wouldn't harm her, would it?::
::But a lady like her wouldn't have interested in those wasting time affairs, would her?:: Hikaru laughed.
And so, the dragon kept teasing his friend and the phoenix kept correcting him afterwards. Meanwhile, Sai felt a little amused and just silently watching the conversation between the two, wondered what would it be if there was Waya instead of Isumi. Isumi was more mature so he was just correct Hikaru's words, but if it was Waya, there would probably have a rather big argument.
'However, it's fine if Hikaru is just tease mischievously by mental telepathy and not make a lot of noise so there would be less of metaphorical mess to extricate, wouldn't it?' And he smiled.
