A/N: Since I can't think of anything to say, let's get it on! I'm sure you already know who I'm not from the past eight chapters. So...on with the show, umm...story...whatever! Oh by the way, there won't be any author's notes at the end. It's my way of leaving you at the edge. I feel kinda senti today...I guess that helped. I can't help it, so I'd like to apologize for all the grammar, spelling mistakes you might encounter along the way.

Chapter 9-Final Meeting by the Graveyard

"Well, I'm going now!" Genrou declared over the sea of heads.

"So long, pal!" A bandit called.

"We're gonna miss our leader!" Another one echoed.

And so the same remarks echoed in the building.

After minutes of farewells, good lucks, and last words, Genrou left the Mt. Leikaku. A final wave, and he left.

A few meters away, he saw someone leaning over a tree, waiting for him.

Vixen?

"Vixen?" He asked, walking closer.

True enough, it was the cunning female.

"What, you think I'm going to let you leave just like that?" She asked, like an older sister.

"Yup." Genrou taunted.

"Nice try. I just wanted to make sure you really are going." Kasumi made a face.

"Hey, have a little faith in me." Genrou said.

"That's what you said a year ago."

"When?"

"When you said you were going to just go down the village, instead you sneaked in the

merchant's house and stole the goods!"

"How should I know you already negotiated with the fat bastard?"

"You would have if you didn't go there in the first place! So, I'm guarding you this time. You ain't gonna go anywhere else!"

"What if I'm tempted to go somewhere else?"

"All the more reason why I'm here!"

"Geez, you're acting like you are my sister or something."

"Oh, you mean, I'm not?" Vixen asked, showing hints of amusement.

"Anyway, what really brings you here?" Genrou asked in return.

"I told you, I am here to make sure your priorities are the Suzaku Seishiis and your miko. Nothing more, nothing less." She said firmly.

"O-kay. I'll believe you for now. C'mon, the faster I find them, the faster I lose you."

"Shut up."

And they walked on, talking about what might happen after he finds the seishiis.

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe we'll summon Suzaku easily. I mean, the former boss said that I was the fifth, so that leaves two more. That won't take much time, right?" Genrou explained.

"Maybe, but I also want to know what the bandits will be without their leader."

"Yeah, I wish I could see that. I wonder what they, you, will do."

"Oh, we can handle ourselves." Vixen assured.

"Anyway, Vix, since we are just the only ones here, I just want to ask you something."

Genrou requested in a low voice.

"Fire away." Kasumi replied, although there was a hint of bewilderment in her voice.

"I was just wondering...if..." Genrou tried to say, although he looked away and tried to search his mind for the proper words.

"If what? Genrou, will stop asking me things then you'll just chicken out and say forget it? It's kinda irritating that you always leave me hanging at the edge, if ya know what I mean." Kasumi admitted without caring if she sounds a bit dominant.

Genrou, in turn, just looked at her and then said, "Then just forget it. It's stupid, anyway. You'll probably just slap me if I asked you."

"And there you go again...hanging me by the edge! You won't know if I'll slap you if I won't know what the freakin' hell is stupid!" Kasumi asked, pouring out all of her annoyance.

"Why are so sensitive, anyway? You're getting touchy lately." He asked, trying to divert the topic.

Suddenly, the sky above them gave out a low rumble. This, indeed, distracted them and made them look to the blue sky. But no blue was in sight. Everything was grey, and soon drip...drop...rain started.

"C'mon, we have to find shelter, or we'll be sopping wet!" Kasumi suggested.

Unfortunately for the two bandits, they were in the middle of the forest. Although Mt. Leikaku bandits know the forest by heart, there won't be any sign of civilization until half or an hour walk. As bandits, however, they know the key to survival- resourcefulness and alertness. Out of branches, various leaves, and the time there was before the drops of water become rain, they made a small room enough for them to sit in. It was rested between two thick trunks of 2 trees.

"This should be good enough until the rain stops. Hey, any chance you know how long it would be to sunrise?" Genrou asked, considering the situation that they left late in the afternoon, and summer rains last longer than usual rains at the other times in a year.

"There's no shadow from the sun, so I can't." Kasumi admitted.

Kasumi felt a bit scared, looking at the darkness covering one's sight, and filling every empty hole. She almost jumped when she felt something behind her.

"Hey Vixen, mind if you move a little? I'm kinda running out of breathing space here." Genrou asked.

"What? Oh...sorry." Kasumi shifted her position until they were leaning at one side of the rectangular room, and they were sitting beside each other.

"You okay, Vix? You seem jumpy." Genrou asked with a combination of concern, as she might have sensed something beyond the ordinary, and amused, as he never saw tough Vixen like this.

"Wha-? Oh...well, it 's just that I'm not used to this blinding darkness, that's all. I guess I'm used to the warmth in the stronghold." Kasumi confessed, trying to laugh her nervousness off.

"So why did you really come and help me search for the rest of Suzaku warriors, if you can't stand darkness?" Genrou asked.

"Two things, Genrou- first, I can stand darkness, I'm just not used to it right now. And two, as I said, I want to make sure you do reach them safely."

"I believe the first one, but the second one seems dodgy...a half-truth, if I may." Genrou said, teasing her.

Kasumi didn't say more, as she might slip and say her true, if not other, intention.

"I'll take that silence as guilt." Genrou told her in a voice she barely recognizes. It was more of...a curious and concerned kind of tone.

"What is it to you, anyway?" She asked.

"It's just that...I've been meaning to ask you one thing. I wonder...you said you had that dream, and I was...well...with Miaka."

"I did."

"Then why did you say you would have agreed to go steady with me if you didn't see it? Doesn't that make you...I don't know...stuck or something?"

"Honestly, I don't know myself." She admitted, and leaned on him, as she felt weary suddenly.

His hand felt his way around her waist, slightly and gently pushing her towards him, assuring her that she can say whatever is in her mind. I don't mind, the gesture seems to say.

Cold silence was between the two but Kasumi tried to absorb the moment...the warmth...what there might be none left after tonight. Before she became aware of it and might have controlled it, a tear or two rolled down her cheeks.

"Hey...what's wrong?" Genrou asked, in an older-brother sort of tone.

"Nothing. It's just nothing." Kasumi lied, wiping of the tear damping her cheek.

"Look, Vix...I'm your friend, and we proved that we can stand each other's guts, so...tell me what's troubling you."

"Well...it's nothing, really. I just need to settle it by myself. I can't tell you, sorry."

"Okay. But don't go doing stupid things when I'm gone."

"Why would I? Who has a record of the most number of times when drunk gets really hyper and goes beyond weird and stupid?"

"Don't rub it in."

After a few minutes, Genrou felt Kasumi's head's weight a bit more on his shoulder. Although he can't see her or her face, for that matter, he knew she was asleep. So, he decided to do so, too.

Genrou woke up before Kasumi. It was still dark, but not as blinding and piercing before he slept. What Genrou discovered made his face reddened. It was a man thing, I guess. Kasumi was still sleeping, but he wouldn't wonder why. She still had her head on his shoulder, but she was supported by Genrou's hand around her waist. Their legs were stretched out and you would have mistaken that they were hugging before they fell asleep. It wasn't really bad, but our young seishii isn't used to sleeping with a woman this close. Come to think of it, he never did sleep with the opposite sex before.

His gaze was diverted when he felt Kasumi's head moved very slightly. As if it was a deliberate attempt to get his attention, he looked at her. Train of thoughts ran in his head. Thoughts that never came in his mind before, or he doubt, after.

I don't get it...she saw I was doing something with Miaka but she still feels that same way to me. Wait, what exactly did she see? It's not like I'm making out with Miaka, right? I mean, she's way too young than me. And Kasumi said she would've replied a different answer at my confession if she didn't she a piece of the future. If she does feel the same, then she would want to change what she saw, right? So why does she still wants to let me go with the other seishiis?

More confusing and quite illogical questions came in his mind. Then as if a sudden urge for him, he raised Kasumi's head slightly and gently higher on his shoulder, and then lowered his head, and let his lips touched hers. It wasn't quite like the first time, but it's understandable. She was awake then.

Seconds later, he broke the kiss and gazed at her sleeping figure. As if it was the last time he'll ever see her, or at least see her as he does now. He closed his eyes and slept on, but having that satisfaction that, on the safe side, he did something for Vixen/ Kasumi, not unlike before...when Kasumi did all the saving.

"Hey sleepy head! Rise and shine!"

Genrou felt Kasumi's hand slapping his legs, hoping to shake and wake him up. "Ohh...get up already! We got a lot of finding to do. GENROU!!!"

He slightly opened his eyes, seeing the light shining from outside the man-made room. By the opening, Kasumi was on fours, and trying, to almost no avail, to wake the tired Genrou.

"Fine, I'm getting up, I'm getting up."

When he tried to stand up, as he usually does in the stronghold, his head bumped the room's ceiling. He retreated back to his sleeping place, making Kasumi angrier.

"That's your wake up call! C'mon, don't go back to sleep!"

"But it's too early!" Genrou protested.

"No, we're late. It's already a few hours before noon, and they might be so ahead of us. Wake up or I'll pull you out."

"Okay, pull me out...if you can." Genrou really didn't mean it, but it was the only thing he can think of to make Kasumi give up and leave him alone.

"You asked for it! You said it, I didn't!"

She grabbed both of his feet and pulled him outside. Success. She thought. He was pulled out completely and has no way to go back in.

"Hey, whadya do that for?"

"To get you going. If I have to beat you up to make you go, I will."

"I'm standing. Don't fuss." He stood up and straightened himself up. His wore his coat and fixed his hair. It was a bit messed up...more than usual, anyway.

When he got the energy to be alert again, he caught sight of Kasumi.

"And what happened to you?" He asked, not afraid to show his amusement. She understood what he meant and immediately fixed her hair. She took off the string that tights her hair to a braid, unbraided it, combed it with her hands, brushed off a few mud, rebraided it, and then tied it again. She straightened her shirt and pants, brushed off more mud and stood firmly. "Nothing." She finally replied.

"No really, what happened." Genrou said. He looked around, hoping to find clues. Footprints were around the room, some were a bit sunk in the muddy ground.

"I think an accident happened here." Genrou said, using his bandit instincts for once.

"Okay, okay, so I slipped when I stepped outside. No big deal." Kasumi told him, blushing for the embarrassment. She blushed harder when Genrou started laughing hysterically.

"Hey, it was muddy when I awoke."

But Genrou just laughed while holding his hurting sides.

"Civilization at last!" Kasumi exclaimed happily.

"Now where to find them." Genrou asked, annoyed. In this big town, they could be anywhere!

"Glad you're the optimist, Genrou." Kasumi said dryly.

"What? I'm just being realistic! Where will we start searching?"

"Umm...if you were a miko, trying to find a healer who can bring the dead to life, where would you be?"

"I'd say...if I'm the healer..."

"At the mountains!" Both chorused.

And the two raced down the hill they were on and headed for the mountain.

Not far from where they started, Kasumi's stomach started to growl. She leaned on a tree and sat. "Genrou, can we just rest for a while?"

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know...I just felt dizzy all of a sudden."

"A little rest won't hurt." He sat beside her under a tree. It was very shady and windy. They could just sleep on the spot.

"I wonder how long we're gonna look for them. What do you think they're doing now?" He asked, turning to see Kasumi's reaction. But he was rather surprised by Kasumi's condition.

"Hey, you okay?"

She was sweating cold sweat, breathing heavily, her eyes were almost closed, and she hold on to him tightly, like she can't let go of him.

She was seeing blur, grey...then darkness.

"She'll be okay, I promise. It was just slight. But my concern is, this usually happens to women these days, and it's cause by severe stress. Not to meddle, but whatever is happening to her that might stress her out must be stopped, because at this rate, she could be seriously sick."

Kasumi felt woozy, but she can see clearly. She heard voices beside her. Feeling like she was in a different situation, she sat up and saw the she is in a different situation. She was in a bed, most likely in a clinic. She was wearing different, too. It was rather a dress. Not fit, as in tight, but loose enough. She felt comfortable, finding it easier to breathe and

more air can enter the white dress than a red shirt.

"She needs to rest for a day, and eat. Honestly, she looks too thin for her height and age."

"I'll make sure she does that. Thanks. But I can't pay you. I don't have any money."

"You're Genrou, aren't you? From Mt. Leikaku?"

"Yeah. How'd you know?"

"You don't remember. Years ago, you gave us stolen loot from the money and power greedy pigs ruling here. Because of that money, I was able to study medicine. So consider it paid. And whenever you need help, my door's always open."

"Thank you so much...umm..."

"Gensai Koru."

"Thanks again."

"I'm just wondering, Genrou."

"Yeah?"

"Is that young woman your girlfriend?"

"No. Just friend." He replied hastily, trying to change the subject.

"Well, here are a few fruits. They're freshly picked. Please give them to her."

"I'll make sure of that."

The door opened slowly. Kasumi forced the smile to disappear, as it might make Genrou suspicious that she heard their conversation.

"Hey Vix. How are ya feeling?"

"Fine. Thanks. What happened?"

"Well, you fainted, I rushed you here and here you are."

"I wonder why I felt weak." She asked herself, almost whispering.

"The doctor told me. Something about you being stressed out lately. So...what's troubling you?"

"I told you- nothing. At least, nothing that can stress me out."

"Look, Vix, you got me frustrated here. You're stressing out, and I know it. Why can't you just tell me? It's not like it's something I can't take!"

"But I-" Kasumi tried to cut in, hoping to defend herself.

"I know you, okay? I know you don't just faint all of a sudden for no reason. Might as well tell me."

"Look, I'm sorry but I can't really tell you. It's something I have to face on my own. It's my private battle. This won't happen again, I promise."

"Whatever." Genrou grumbled.

Hoping not to agitate Genrou, she decided to talk about something else. "So...what are you going to say when you see them?"

"What do you mean what do I have to say?"

"You know, how are you going to tell them you really are Tasuki, and that you kinda lied to them?"

"Just like that."

"So you're just going to walk in front of them, with them thinking you're in Leikaku, then just say "Hi! I'm Tasuki!" Genrou, you and I know that sounds stupid."

"Well, the way you put it really sounds stupid. I'll approach them at the right time, then break it to them."

The next morning wasn't much to tell. They thanked the doctor and left. Unfortunately (again), they got lost when authorities recognized them as bandits. Thinking they were doing their dirty work, they chased the two. Kasumi and Genrou didn't really know where to go, so they just kept running to wherever their legs can take them. In the end, they outrun the slightly out-of-shape police. But trouble started to brew along with it.

"Sundown?! What the heck-?" Genrou looked up the sky, exasperated. "We have been gone for three days and we still don't have a clue on where they are!!!"

"Well, we might be close." Kasumi said, too exhausted from the entire running to share the anger.

"Oh yeah. They're close, because we are here by the graveyard!!!"

"It's not my fault those cops chased us around town! I wasn't the one who was trying to pick something on that woman's market bag!"

"It was unintentional. My arms were just hanging at my side, when she walked by. Her bag was a bit high, so my hand got caught in it. Then I was kinda pulled. Them cops drew conclusions, then thought I was trying to steal something!"

"Oh yeah, and lucky for us, they knew you because they used to be bodyguards of some rich fella. Why were they kicked out? Because a certain red-haired bandit forced them to give out what they have, and coincidentally, they had the merchant's treasure to be brought to the other side of Leikaku!" Kasumi said back, her temper rising too much for her to care what she was saying.

"What do you know? It is my duty to do that."

"But they weren't even crossing Mt. Leikaku! They were using the main road! But, a hard-headed, conceited, short-tempered bandit just came up and threatened to kill them!"

"Look who is talking! Who ambushed some rich groups without any warning who were passing by Leikaku?"

"Genrou, that's what we're supposed to do."

"Oh yeah." Genrou admitted. He was about to say something back, but they heard a scream just by the graveyard below them. Distracted, they diverted their attention to the sudden shout.

"Miaka!!!" They heard someone respond. (A/N: That's Hotohori!)

"Well, that's your cue. Jump down there." Kasumi told Genrou.

"You heard what I said? I'll wait for the right time."

Suddenly, a group of the "living dead" started to rise for them graves and tried to kill them three. (Nuriko, Hotohori and Miaka).

"What better timing can you ask for? Go and show off!" Kasumi said, with clear urgency. Seeing her point, he "jumped" at the edge of the cliff (but he didn't fall!).

------------------

"LEKKA SHINEN!!!"

Miaka, Hotohori and Nuriko heard a familiar scream somewhere above them. Suddenly, fire shot out of nowhere and burned the zombies to ash. Another yell and another "batch" of them were turned to mere dust. The three looked around, hoping to see their rescuer. But they didn't need to look far.

Genrou jumped from his position and went down to where the trio wondered where the fire came from.

"Hey, aren't you the bandit from Mt. Leikaku?" Nuriko tried to confirm.

"Yeah, that's me. But I gotta confess something. Tasuki ain't dead, at least not yet."

"But you said..." The two things this bandit is telling her confuse Miaka.

"I know...but our former leader wasn't Tasuki. I am." Genrou admitted.

"What?! You had us in a mad goose chase and you were Tasuki all along?!" Nuriko asked, very, very furious.

"What on earth were you thinking?" Even His Highness lost his temper.

"I'm sorry...I was thinking about the gang and all, I just can't leave them. But they convinced me to go anyway. I'm sorry if I mislead you and had caused some chaos or something." Genrou/ Tasuki apologized.

"You should be sorry!" Nuriko retorted.

"It doesn't matter. As long you are here and we found the 5th seishii, no harm done." Miaka smiled, addressing to Tasuki.

"Thanks for understanding." Tasuki said, quite reddening because he never did apologized or thanked anyone else before.

--------------------

Kasumi watched from the trees on the cliff everything happening below. She couldn't hear what they were talking about, but she could make things out of their body language. She saw Miaka faint, and fell to the arms of Genrou; she was reminded of her dream. 'Soon, more of that will happen.' She thought.

She watched as her Miaka, Hotohori, Nuriko, and the special bandit whom she shared the most walk out of sight. She watched as they disappeared into the thick trees surrounding the graveyard.

Then there was wind that seemed to creep through her skin, making even her insides as cold as ice...her heart frozen...

You know it's not forever, but it seems that way. You'll know he'll be back...but you just can't seem to let go.

'He'll be back...that's for sure...' Kasumi thought, 'but he'll never be the same.'