Chapter Eleven
Damn.
Rumiya flexed his wings, flying at top speed across the city-scape of Shinoshi as he headed towards the glittering mass of Tounochi. As he flew, snippets of the conversation he had overheard between Seiryo and his enigmatic visitor flickered in and out of his mind, and the more he reflected on the woman's words, the more troubled he became.
"Ramia will be angry." He murmured, even as he prepared to alight on the mage's windowsill. "And she might take that anger out on me. Worse, she might take it out on Lady Misao. But I have to tell her. She told me to report anything I heard from Sasami-sama's entourage, and this is something she needs to know. It's not that Yurikage who's a threat after all. It seems that this newcomer is far more dangerous – the woman Ryoko. I should have paid better attention to Haki's wild ramblings when first I roused him. She is important. I just didn't realise how."
"Well, this is unexpected, Rumiya."
Ramia was curled up on her bed as he entered the chamber, flicking idly through an old, worn magazine that had clearly been deposited in the room at the time of her imprisonment. "Sometimes I think you know when I am most bored…what news do you bring of the world outside these walls? Something significant, I presume – judging by how flustered you seem to be."
"My Lady, we have a problem."
Rumiya's form shimmered and blurred into his normal human state and he dropped down against the brick wall, sighing as he met his companion's gaze warily. "And I think you might be angry. Please, Lady Ramia, promise me that you won't take this news out on me, or on Lady Misao. I am only the messenger – I simply bring you the word."
"A problem?" Ramia's pretty golden eyes narrowed to mere slits and she set the magazine aside. "Of what nature, my servant? Tell me. Lady Sasami still sickens, yes?"
"Yes, my Lady."
"And Tsunami's force weakens within her?"
"Well, yes, as far as I can tell."
"Then what could possibly trouble you so much?" Ramia asked softly. Her tones were gentle and kind, but Rumiya knew from long and bitter experience that such devices were merely to lull him into a false sense of security, and his mistress's temper could turn in a moment. He bit his lip.
"They spoke of you, my Lady." He said softly. "Misao-sama had a visitor, a woman from the planet called Earth. She is known to Lady Sasami and to Lord Tennan, and I have heard her name one time before. She is called Ryoko, Lady Ramia. She is Haki's former raiding partner, and the woman he so desires dead."
"And why should I care about this?" Ramia arched an eyebrow. "What of this girl? Why does she bother you so?"
"She claims to be the daughter of the Dark Prince, Kagato." Rumiya whispered. "And more, she spoke of Haki's bead curse. She knew it was at your hand – the pirate has betrayed you, and worse. Ryoko seems unaffected by the sting of the beads, as if she were immune to your spell completely. Even I needed to have your protection in order to carry those things through space like I did. But from her own words, Ryoko claims to have been unaffected."
"What?" Ramia's eyes widened with surprise and alarm, and she got suddenly to her feet, moving to the window as she gazed out across the Shinoshi skyline. "Kagato's daughter? Impossible! The man had no time for such frivolities – and if she bore such a connection, I would have surely sensed her magic! She lies, Rumiya. She lies and you have been fooled by her! After all, is she not a pirate?"
"She has…she has the same eyes, my Lady." Rumiya said hesitantly. "Gold eyes. Just like you. And Kagato-dono was...not pure Arian. Maybe her other blood has...has shielded her from you the same way as it seems to shield her from your curse on Tsunami."
A mixture of expressions crossed Ramia's face at this revelation, then she muttered a curse, strange light flaring from her hands as she digested the full implication of her servants words. Despite himself, Rumiya shrank back, half-afraid that his mistress would strike him in her anger, but at length she seemed to get a hold of herself, turning to face him thoughtfully.
"So Ryoko seeks to challenge me, is that it?" She murmured softly. "How much does she know, Rumiya? What has that base wretch Haki told her of my plans?"
"I don't know, but she seemed to be convinced you were casting spells from within this tower, Lady Ramia." Rumiya said carefully. "Is it possible that she is a mage too? That if she's Prince Kagato's daughter, she's also gifted in the same magic as you?"
"I'm still sure Kagato had no time to spawn a daughter." Ramia said darkly. "If he had, he would have wed me when he had the chance to, given all he owed my kin for his power. Of what age is this Ryoko, pray? Is she a child, like Misao, or is she full grown?"
"She's grown, my Lady. An adult of maybe twenty or a little more."
"Then it's not possible." Ramia pursed her lips. "I would have known of it. Nothing escapes the attention of the Saotome. Not when you are bound to them as he was. Had he produced a child, it would have been recorded in the family annals. There is no such record."
"Perhaps he didn't know." Rumiya suggested. Anger flickered in Ramia's eyes and she nodded, turning this over in her mind.
"Perhaps." She acknowledged at length. "I suppose some weak culture may have sought to bolster their genetics by stealing that of my cousin, Kagato. And what else, Rumiya? She knows I cast spells, but can she prove it? Does she think that she can match me – the one who has ensnared Tsunami's very soul?"
"I think she wants to try, Ramia-sama. But she can't break through the shield. It repels her because she has Arian blood. I heard her tell Lady Sasami's advisor so." Rumiya said soberly. Ramia chuckled, clearly amused by this.
"Then Azusa's spell will serve me as well, for a time." She mused. "No doubt this brat is no match for me, but until I completely take hold of Tsunami, I really don't want to tempt anyone into my lair. Not yet. Sasami is fighting my spell valiantly, and struggling to keep hold of the Goddess that surges within her. But it is only a matter of time. Didn't you say that those Juraians had had reports from their homeworld that the royal magic had weakened? It will not be long now. You shouldn't worry quite as much as you do, my boy. I doubt that anyone – even the spawn of my own family line – could begin to stop me now."
"Will you let her be, then? Lady Ryoko, I mean?" Rumiya eyed her doubtfully. "And what about Haki? He told her all of this – will you kill him, now that he's betrayed you?"
"No…no." Ramia's brows knitted together as she contemplated all her options. "Haki will be dealt with, don't worry – but for the time being he can wait his turn. I am not concerned by his activities, and he is expendable. He will be punished – and in such a way that leaves noone in any doubt as to his final fate this time around. After all, I will need something to test the power of my magic on, won't I? When I am finally free of this cell, he will do very nicely as my guinea pig."
Rumiya swallowed hard, his eyes absently straying to the carved box on the table, and Ramia laughed, amused at his apprehension.
"Don't worry, Rumiya. You are loyal to me, and so I won't hurt you." She said softly, a gentle, teasing note in her tones. "When I am free, you will not be forgotten. I shall not kill you, so long as you do not betray me."
"And Ryoko? Will you kill her?" Rumiya asked hesitantly. Ramia frowned.
"It would seem that an ordinary curse will not easily work on a descendant of the Saotome line." She mused pensively. "Which means my usual method of dispatch just wouldn't work. But yes, I think it would be safer to eliminate her. Even if she does lie, and even if there is another explanation for her gold eyes, I will not have her spreading such evil stories around Yousai. They have been blissfully ignorant of my plans for the past ten years…I should like her silenced, before someone decides they have enough backbone to come challenge me once more."
"I thought you didn't care what happened to the people of this planet, Lady Ramia."
"I don't, but if I am to control it, I would like some of it left to control." Ramia said glibly. "That's just common sense…why create additional mess if you just don't have to?"
"I see." Rumiya frowned. "Then what will you do about Ryoko? Will you get Haki to kill her, or…?"
"Haki is alive because of my spell, so if she speaks true about her Saotome heritage, I doubt he can hurt her." Ramia shook her head. "Our magic is such that it does not work on others of our kin. We are a close-knit family, after all. Why else do you think Kagato's father was allowed to live in peace so far from the clan roots? We could not slay him even if we wished to. He was Saotome. Therefore he was protected from our death curses."
"That means you can't kill Lady Misao!" Hope flickered in Rumiya's blue eyes, and Ramia let out a humourless chuckle.
"There is more than one way to skin a cat." She said cryptically.
"So what will you do, then?" Rumiya looked anxious. "About Ryoko. What can you do? Please don't ask me to kill her, Lady Ramia. You know that I…I don't think I could do that."
"No, I know." Ramia looked regretful. "And I'm far too soft on you, but the truth is you're useful to me, and loyal, so I'll overlook the squeamishness for now. But I will need your help, Rumiya. If you won't slay Ryoko, then I'm sure that Misa will. If given the right incentive."
"Misao-sama!" Rumiya's eyes widened in horror. "But…are you serious? You're going to make your own daughter kill someone who might be another of your kin?"
"I'm going to make her slit the woman's throat." Ramia's eyes glittered with hate. "Saotome or not, she's in my way. Misa isn't as squeamish as you are, Rumiya. She's restless and I'm sure she'd relish the chance to spill blood in my name. Go to her, and tell her what I want her to do. I'm sure you'll find she won't argue."
"I…I don't…I don't think I can." Rumiya swallowed hard, shaking his head. "Lady Ramia, Misao-sama is a gentle person, and she'd never…"
"I am not interested in your opinion of my daughter." Ramia cut across him, holding her hands up for silence. "This is not a matter for debate. I have already been merciful, Rumiya. I have granted you your request not to be made my assassin. Well, if you will not carry the burden, then Misa must. So go. Do my bidding. And I will know if you fail me, my servant boy. My patience will only go so far – if you do not carry my message to Misa, I will be forced to take my anger out on you."
Rumiya gulped, seeing the tell-tale flare of anger in his mistress's eyes and he nodded his head slowly, spreading his arms as he morphed back into his bird form.
"I will go." He said, his heart heavy. "And I will tell Misa your wishes."
"Good choice." Ramia eyed him pointedly. "I always knew you were smart, Rumiya. Prove it to me."
Rumiya did not answer. Instead he soared out through the window of the chamber, through the Juraian seal as he headed back towards the Council complex. In his mind, only one thought repeated itself over and over again in his brain.
"How can I do this to Lady Misao?" He wondered, as he hovered, preparing to land. "But how can I not do it? My life, Misao-sama's life – what did she mean, when she said there was more than one way? Did she mean Tsunami? Would she make Tsunami kill Lady Misao, if I refused to make her become Misa and if she didn't do Ramia-sama's bidding? Or would she just use the hold she already has on Lady Misao's mind, and drive her out of her wits instead? Could she have the power to induce Misao to destroy herself - is that what she meant?"
He swallowed against the rising bile in his throat, struggling to force away the urge to panic and flee into the distance, back towards his homelands and away from the intrigue that so shadowed his young life.
"I must do as Ramia-sama tells me." He murmured. "But I'm frightened of what will happen, if I do. Is Misao-sama even capable of killing? Can Misa really finish someone off? Maybe. She's cocky enough and she seems keen on fighting. But even so, she must be some part Lady Misao, inside of her. Knowing that, how can I order her to kill another living being? But then, how can I live with the consequences, if I don't?"
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"I wish that I knew what was going on."
Yurikage paced across the room of the chamber, every so often glancing up in impatient anxiety as he ran his gaze around the room, taking in the startled expression of his companion as he did so. "I think it's cruel of Lord Tennan to insist that Lady Sasami be kept so quiet. He's in charge, sure enough, and it's only because of that that I'm bowing to his will. But it seems unfair. Sasami-sama is beloved of all of us. Why can we not spend time in her presence? She may be missing our company more than he knows."
"We will all take it in turns, Lord Motonoya." Azaka said levelly. "Kamidake will relieve Lord Tennan's vigil at midnight, and then you will take your turn tomorrow, when the sun rises. I believe that the plan is to ensure she is never left on her own. Lord Tennan is very worried, as are we all. And Lady Sasami's fever is high – she is better being kept quiet."
"Perhaps you're right." Yurikage acknowledged. "It just makes me restless, thinking of her up there and suffering with so few people around her to comfort her if she wakes. That's all. And Kamidake has gone to receive word from Jurai, but it seems there's no good to be heard from our homeland, either. Perhaps we should never have come here. You never can tell if a colony is a safe place for a royal visit."
"Yousai has been so peaceful for so long, that I suppose nothing was thought of it." Azaka said pensively. "And we can't leave now, not with Sasami-sama so unwell. It would be unwise, and besides, only she can fly Tsunami-fune. Without her controlling the ship, we wouldn't be able to take her home."
"There's always the Unko." Yurikage said obstinately. "No, this is insufferable. I refuse to be kept waiting here, where I am useless and of no service to my lady Princess. I will go and argue the matter out with Lord Tennan, and make him see that she should not be kept so wholly isolated. After all, he has been with her near all day so far, and it is not appropriate that we should be so exiled from her side."
"Lord Motonoya, perhaps you should remain here a while longer, in case we have word from Yousai's council." Azaka suggested softly. "They might have discovered something that will help, after all…it's always worth a try."
"Whatever they have to say, they can report it to you, Azaka. You will remain here, after all, won't you?" Yurikage eyed his companion questioningly, and Azaka sighed, nodding his head.
"Yes, my Lord." He agreed resignedly. "But I'm not sure Lord Tennan will understand your point of view. He's very particular about things, and he has a lot already on his mind."
"Well, then he probably needs me to take my turn at Sasami-hime's side." Yurikage said firmly. "This planet is seething with unpleasantness since the Princess took ill and I won't be kept out of matters any longer. I will see you later, Azaka. And, I hope, with better news of my Princess."
With that he swept out of the room, hurrying up the main stairwell before Azaka could prevent him, and stepping out onto the main landing that connected the annexe to the central council building by way of a glass walkway. He paused for a moment, glancing out at his surroundings, then he hardened his resolve, pressing forwards towards the chamber in which the young princess tossed and turned, struggling to fight off her fever.
"She needs support, not abandonment at a time like this." He muttered. "And I will not abandon her!"
His hand grazed the hilt of his sword, as determination flooded his expression.
"Nobody will hurt the Princess whilst I'm around." He added. "I will not let harm befall her like Lord Tennan has!"
"Lord Motonoya!"
The shy voice of a young girl startled him and he flushed slightly, realising that he had been talking out loud. He recovered his composure with some difficulty, offering the speaker a smile, then bowing his head towards her.
"Lady Misao. I'm sorry. I didn't realise you were calling on the Lady Sasami also."
"No, I'm not. She's still no better." Misao shook her head, the confusion in her expression fading into distress as she spoke of her friend's condition. "But Lord Tennan had a visitor – Lady Ryoko, from the planet Earth. She wanted to speak to him urgently, so I showed her the way. But they…they didn't seem to be agreeing on very much, so I left them to…to talk."
She flushed, looking self-conscious. "I didn't…like to intrude."
"Ryoko?" Yurikage's eyes opened wide with surprise. "The pirate Ryoko? The wench who claims lineage to my Lord Emperor's family?"
"I don't know. Perhaps." Misao shrugged helplessly. "She told me she was a pirate once, and that she is kin to Sasami. Lord Motonoya, all of this scares me. I think Sasami has been put under a very bad spell, like the one which killed my father. And I wish I knew how to stop it, but I don't. I really don't know how."
"Never you mind about it." Yurikage's eyes softened as he registered the genuine sadness in his companion's tones. "We'll resolve it for you, my Lady. It will all be all right – I am certain that we will be able to help the Lady Sasami recover."
"I hope so." Misao looked troubled. "I'm glad you're all here for her. I wouldn't know what to do, if it was just me on my own. I'm not a very good Lady of Yousai, am I? If I was, this wouldn't be able to happen."
"You are young yet, but you will be a fine Lady, when you are more experienced." Yurikage assured her. "You'll see I'm right."
"Maybe." Misao mustered a faint smile. "Thank you for saying so, anyway. I…I appreciate it. You are all so very kind, Lord Motonoya. It makes it all the worse – you have all been so good to us, since you arrived."
"That is the way of Jurai." Yurikage told her gallantly. "I…Lady Misao, what is it?" As he registered the sudden change of expression on his young companion's face. "What's wrong? You've gone white – does something ail you?"
"That…that bird." Misao whispered, her eyes opening wide with fear as she slowly raised her finger to point to the sill behind him, her hand shaking slightly as she did so. "The one…the one who came, before. On the pirate's ship. I know it's the same bird. Lord Yurikage, I…I don't like it. I don't like it here!"
"That wretched bird again." Yurikage wheeled around, anger in his eyes as he reached for his sword, drawing it from its sheath and wielding it in the direction of the unfortunate Rumiya, who only just managed to dart out of reach. He cawed reproachfully at the angry Lord, flapping his wings hard to keep above the swing of the Arian blade, and Yurikage looked amused, his grip tightening on his weapon.
"You know I can hurt you, is that it?" He demanded. "My blade is special, and it will make mincemeat of you. I don't know who sent you, bird, or what your purpose is. But you are troubling the Lady Misao, and I won't allow that!"
Rumiya let out another angry cry, wheeling around Yurikage's head as the nobleman attempted to cut him down. The blade seared through the ends of the bird's tail feathers and Rumiya shrieked, diving at the man's face and pecking him on the brow before turning is attention to Misao, making a bee-line for the young Lady. She screamed, covering her face as he approached, but he was not to be so easily put off and he dove at her, flapping his wings against her skin until she stumbled, falling backwards as she let out a cry of dismay.
"Lady Misao!" Yurikage wheeled around to defend her, but Rumiya was too quick, perching neatly on her chest as he focused his thoughts on hers. For a moment their gazes met, and Misao let out a little gasp, her eyes becoming wide with alarm. Then she put her hands to her head, letting out an agonised scream as Rumiya's spell began to take effect, struggling against some unseen force.Yurikage darted towards her, and with a quick, decisive gesture he grabbed Rumiya tightly around the throat, lifting him bodily off the young girl as he gave the boy-bird a hard shake. Immediately the power of Ramia's protective spell began to burn into the lord's skin and he let out a curse, releasing his captive and glaring at him in angry dismay.
"You are no bird." He muttered, his good hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. "You are a demon. What did you do to her? What do you seek to accomplish here? Is it you who has so poisoned my Lady Sasami with your dark, evil wiles!"
Rumiya gave a defiant caw, turning his attention back on the fallen Misao, but as Yurikage followed his movements, he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. The girl was struggling to her feet, a hand to her brow as she did so, and alarmed that the child had somehow been hurt, Yurikage forgot about his prey momentarily, hurrying to Misao's side as he sought to support her.
"Misao-sama? Are you well?" He murmured.
"Lord…Motonoya?" Misao murmured faintly, then, "No! Get away from me. Get away from me!" As Rumiya wheeled around for a final assault, meeting her gaze with his and uttering a soft, almost apologetic cry as he focused his attention fully on the young girl's mind. A flare of light seemed to surround Misao briefly, pushing Yurikage back as the girl clutched at her head once more, letting out a second heart-wrenching scream of fear as she dropped to her knees, fighting against the dark lure of Ramia's magic. Yurikage could only stare in dismay as before his eyes the gentle, timid Lady of Yousai began to change, little by little, into another, her thick dark hair becoming shimmering saffron and, as she raised her gaze to his, he saw Misao's pretty aquamarine eyes had become the colour of honey, hard and glittering with amusement as she regarded him defiantly.
"Lord Motonoya." She spoke in low tones, and as Yurikage struggled to absorb what he was seeing, he realised that though the voice was Misao's, the inflection had changed so much that it was barely recogniseable. "Well, well. You really were quite worried about Misao, weren't you? You should know that Rumiya and I are old friends. He and I, we go way back."
She held out a pale, delicate hand to the bird, who let out a combative screech, flexing his wings as he dropped neatly down onto her index finger. This seemed to amuse her all the more, and she took a step towards Yurikage, eying him coquettishly.
"You really are handsome, blondie." She murmured. "You're almost wasted on Lady Sasami."
"Misa?" At length Yurikage found his voice, confusion becoming realisation as he registered his companion's appearance fully. "You…Lady Misao…You attacked Princess Sasami? But…"
"Misao is a wimp and she fusses around people far too much." Misa said dismissively, and with a flick of her hand her glittering black and silver fan was in her grip. "But her memories and her body are useful, and I have no such preconceptions. I'm not afraid to go for what I want, Yurikage-sama."
"You won't get near Princess Sasami!" Indignation swelled up within Yurikage's heart and he hoisted his blade aloft once more, his brown eyes narrowing as he held his opponent in his sights. "I was trained not to harm women with my blade, but I don't think that applies to traitorous wretches who seek to deceive!"
"My pleasure." Misa's eyes twinkled with mischief, and she spread her fingers as slowly the glittering hilt of her fan-blade became visible within her grasp. The parrot settled himself comfortably on her shoulder as she was bathed in a soft aura once again, and as she raised her weapon, Yurikage was almost sure he saw sparks fall from it to the floor below. "Last time I knocked you out without any effort. I'm sure I can do it again – if you don't mind a couple more bruises."
"You caught me off guard last time." Yurikage snapped. "This time you will not find me wanting!"
"Suits me." Misa shrugged unconcernedly. "You're fair game, as far as I'm concerned."
"You're wasting time." To Yurikage's astonishment, the bird on Misa's shoulder twitched his tail impatiently, speaking in a tongue the nobleman understood. "Misa, he is not your target. You have other orders."
"He saw me change. He's a freebie." Misa's eyes darkened in determination. "Shut up, bird-brain. I'm calling this one. Whatever Ramia wants with me, she can wait a while longer. This one's been on our case since the beginning…I'm sure my mother won't mind if I warm up on him before tackling whatever it is she wants from me."
"The bird speaks!" Yurikage gathered his senses. "You truly are demons, and in league with the evil Ramia, whose spirit is sealed in the dark tower by the sea! When Lord Tennan discovers this, you will both be punished severely – and when my Lord Emperor…"
"I don't care about your Emperor, blondie." Misa launched herself at him, and Yurikage found himself forced to stop his tirade mid-flow, only just managing to glance her assault away from him with the blade of his sword. She seemed to start slightly as the two weapons made contact, and the bird on her shoulder became agitated, flapping his wings as he sought to lift himself out of harm's way.
"Remember the sword!" He urged anxiously. "Misa, pay attention. Remember his sword!"
"My…sword?" Yurikage glanced down at his weapon blankly for a moment, then a smile touched his lips.
"So you fear my blade?" He asked softly. "The pure blessing of Lady Tsunami frightens you?"
"You talk a lot of rubbish." Misa told him succinctly. "Is everyone on Jurai as stupid as you are, or are you just a special case?"
She flared her free hand, star-shaped sparks of light darting across the corridor towards him and Yurikage darted aside, sweeping at them with his blade and watching with satisfaction as they disintegrated into harmless ash.
"Your magic has no power over me." He said firmly. "Save your breath and your insults. I fight in Lady Sasami's name, and whether you are the Lady of Yousai or not, I will not forgive such treason."
"Blah, blah, blah." Misa snorted. "All right, then. Kill me, if you have the guts. I bet you don't. Yousai's council is full of men like you – pandering, useless sissies who couldn't strike a blow if their lives depended on it. If you slay me, you slay the Lady of Yousai, the only blood heir that this world has. Do you want to answer to that, really? Or does Jurai really care nothing at all for this stupid little world? Misao has been bored to tears her whole life being told how much Yousai needs Jurai…how much Yousai owes Jurai. But I think we could do pretty nicely on our own, with me as heiress. If you and that arrogant, sarcastic lord are the best your planet has to offer in terms of nobility, then I don't see why we hold you in such awe, anyway."
Yurikage faltered for a moment at her words, and Misa spied her advantage, charging at him with a yell of triumph as she brought her blade down hard and fast across the man's chest. Struck by surprise, Yurikage stumbled backwards as pain seared through his body, slicing through to his core and causing him to let out a gasp of pain. Blood gushed out from the wound, seeping through the torn fabric of his nobleman's attire and staining the soft cream material a dark red as it spread through the fibres. He swallowed hard, dots dancing before his eyes as nausea assailed him, the sickly sweet scent of his own blood taunting his senses as he struggled to find his composure. As Misa came at him again, her fan-blade glittering and sparkling as if charged by the thrill of battle, he creased his brow in determination, lifting his weapon and drawing a ragged, gasping breath into his lungs.
"Is that your best?" He demanded hoarsely. "I have trained my whole life with this blade, and I am not so easily beaten."
"Then I'll just have to slice you into tiny little pieces." Misa said coldly. "You're starting to annoy me – and you're making such a mess of the floor, darting around like that. Did noone ever tell you it's not nice to play in your own blood?"
"I'll stop you!" Yurikage's determination flared inside of him at this and he lurched forward, raising his blade with as much strength as he could muster. Sharp pain stabbed through his chest as he did so, but he ignored it, pushing forward until his sword clashed against hers, resolution in his dark eyes.
"You will pay for this insult to Jurai." He gasped out. "I am Lady Sasami's man and to insult a Princess of Jurai is treason of the highest order. I don't care if you are Misa or Lady Misao. You will die at my hand!"
"I don't think so, blondie." Misa darted out from under him, spatters of blood dotting across her clothing as she drew her fan back out of his reach. "I'm not so stupid or so foolhardy as you, and you're losing blood fast. You won't be able to chase me around much longer…it's all just a matter of time before I give you a hole in your throat to match the one across your torso."
"You…won't…get that chance." Yurikage shot back, quelling the panic that rose inside of him as he realised his breath was coming in shorter and shorter gasps. "I will…avenge…Lady Sasami's…insult."
"And I will kill her noble boyfriend." Misa shrugged her shoulders carelessly. "Although I'm sure you'd be less keen to defend her if you knew your precious Princess harboured un-regal desires for the knight that's always at her side?"
"Do not insult Princess Sasami with your vile suggestions!" Rage flooded Yurikage at that, and Misa laughed.
"Sore point, is it?" She asked impishly. "Sorry, sweetie. Didn't mean to rub salt in the wound...if you'll pardon the pun."
She took a playful step or two in the direction of Sasami's chamber, and Yurikage gathered all his energy, throwing himself bodily between her and the entrance as he parried his sword in her direction. The weapon felt heavy in his hand, his palm slick from the blood that ran down his arm, but he held firm, swinging it against her in a decisive wave. Despite herself, Misa hopped backwards and spying an advantage, Yurikage pushed his battered body to its limits, following her weaving movements with tired, heavy eyes. At length he brought his blade down with a crash, catching Misa's cheek with the edge and causing blood to trickle down her cheek. She let out a cry of pain, stumbling as she pressed a finger to it, glaring at him in anger and frustration.
"What are you trying to do, whack me to death?" She demanded, but even as she spoke the aura that surrounded her seemed to flicker and fade in and out of view. "Some swordsman you are."
"You'll regret ever choosing to fight me, mark my words." Yurikage said grimly, all pomp and chivalry gone from his voice as he channelled the last of his energy into his attack, thrusting his sword towards her chest with the dark determination of a battlefield soldier. "We are not all the fools you think we are, and there is not one of us who would not lay down his life for Princess Sasami."
At the last second, Misa darted out of the way of his blade, but instead of missing her, the flat of the sword came down heavily across her body, knocking her to the floor and causing her to let out a shriek of confusion and dismay as the aura surrounding her dissipated completely. She did not move, and Yurikage stumbled to his knees, no longer able to keep upright as he fought to retain his consciousness.
"I do not kill what I can capture in my Emperor's name." He whispered. "You are a traitor, Misao of the Shizukasari. And you will pay for your crimes, I promise you this."
"Yurikage!"
At the sound of the fresh voice, the injured lord turned, seeing Seiryo hurrying towards him, the Space Pirate Ryoko hot in pursuit. At the sight of the blood and the stricken pair of fighters, Seiryo cursed in the most colourful of language, causing Ryoko to falter in her tracks, staring at him in disbelief.
"What in hell happened?" Seiryo was at Yurikage's side in an instant, his quick malachite gaze grave as he assessed his companion's condition. "Yurikage, what did you do! What foolish errand were you on this time, you silly man?"
"I defended the Princess Sasami from a foe concealed." Yurikage replied with difficulty, the pain in his chest rising and falling with every breath. He raised a heavy hand, gesturing to the fallen form of Misa, around whom the anxious Rumiya fluttered, calling intermittently in bird-like cries of anguish. "She is Lady….Lady Misao, Lord Tennan. We have all…all been deceived by her."
"Lady Misao?" Ryoko's eyes opened wide with dismay, as she carefully approached the fallen girl. "Are you sure?"
"I saw…saw her change her form." Yurikage whispered, his voice becoming ever fainter as dizziness and nausea fought for control of his brain. Bile rose in his stomach and he choked, retching and spitting up blood as Seiryo hurried to support him, more curse words falling from his lips as he steadied his fallen comrade.
"Is he all right?" Ryoko cast the fallen man an apprehensive glance. "There's a lot of blood around. Obviously this guy is a friend of yours, Seiryo – is there somewhere we can take him? Somewhere safer than this place?"
"If Lady Sasami were well, I would call her to him." Seiryo said softly, as Yurikage's grip on reality began to waver. "But she is not. If Yurikage is right, and he truly has stunned Lady Misao, we do not know who on Yousai we are able to trust. Your words about Ramia come true already, Ryoko – and you are right. This is my fault and I should have seen it coming."
"That isn't helping him while he's bleeding to death." Ryoko hovered over the noble's shivering body, eyign him critically. "He's going a funny colour. If I teleported him somewhere – say your spaceship – could we stop the bleeding?"
"I'm trying to do that now." Seiryo muttered, and vaguely Yurikage was aware that the sudden sharp pains had been his companion, struggling to stem the flow of blood from his chest. "But there's still so much coming. I…I can't steady it…he's already lost so much."
Well, keep trying." Ryoko said firmly, crouching down beside the stirring body of Misa. "This one's waking up, and I have some questions I need to ask her."
Out of the corner of his eye, Yurikage saw Misa raise her head, dazed gold eyes meeting Ryoko's identical ones. For a moment nothing moved, then Misa let out a gasp, pulling backwards. At the sight of Yurikage her expression became even more stricken, as her face became a sickly pale colour at the sight of all the blood. She shook her head slightly, then, before anyone could stop her, she screwed her eyes up tight, clenching her fists as she disappeared from view. With a troubled caw, the circling Rumiya lifted himself up and out of the window of the hallway, and Ryoko bit her lip, muttering a few choice epithets of her own.
"The bird." She muttered. "Misa didn't need a spaceship to come to the Earth, because I already obliged by bringing her there myself. But that bird...Seiryo, can your friend speak? I swear that bird's been haunting us at every turn, and I need to know why."
"Lady...Ryoko?" Yurikage mustered his strength, holding out his blooded hand to her, ignoring Seiryo's sharp command to keep still and quiet. "No, Lord Tennan, let me speak. I must. The bird...the bird spoke. I don't believe it is a bird at all. She called him...she called him...Rumiya."
"Rumiya?" Seiryo's expression underwent a transformation at this. "The brat who runs around the complex on this errand and that, carrying messages and discharging minor duties? The heathen boy that Lord Oshima sent to ready the carriages?"
"I don't know." Yurikage swallowed hard, his throat feeling dry and raw as he gasped in breaths of air. "I don't...remember...names...of servants."
"Well, I do." Seiryo's expression became black. "All right, Yurikage-sama. You rest now. Don't try and speak any more...you've told us plenty and you need to conserve your strength."
Yurikage gazed up at his companion's face and as he met his comrade's grave malachite eyes, he understood the unspoken message between them. A faint smile touched his lips, and he brushed his hand against the hilt of his sword.
"They fear this." He murmured. "Keep it safe. It might...serve Lady Sasami once again."
"It's your sword. You keep it safe." Ryoko snapped at him. "Look, Yurikage - was that what Seiryo said? - we need to find Misa...Misao...and we need to stop whatever they're plotting for Sasami. We need as much help as we can get - who knows where the little wretch has run off to? You can't pass the buck off onto us now...I've just got here, and the chances are you already know a lot more about this place than me. Don't you want to help Sasami get well?"
Yurikage's expression flickered with regret and he nodded his head slightly.
"For Lady Sasami, everything." He managed blurrily, and he felt the pressure in his chest ease slightly as Seiryo adjusted his grip.
"Ryoko, go and find Misa." He said at length. "There's nothing you can do for Yurikage."
"But..."
"The wound is deep. It's bleeding heavily and I suspect an artery or vein was sliced open, if not the heart itself." Seiryo spoke gravely, but somehow his words seemed empty and meaningless to the nobleman who lay cradled in his arms. "I can't stop it...and I think Yurikage knows that as well as I do. He's trained as a soldier, just like me. He understands the risks of defending someone you're sworn to obey."
"You mean he's dying?" Ryoko's eyes became wide with horror, and Seiryo nodded his head.
"I'm sorry, Lord Motonoya." He added gravely. "I've let you down, somehow. We all have. You've said from the start that Sasami-sama's life might be in danger here, and you've spoken of defending her with your life from the moment we touched down. None of us listened to your caution, and this is the result."
"Where are Azaka and Kamidake? Someone...should be with...Lady Sasami." Yurikage murmured, and Seiryo nodded his head.
"Yes." He agreed. "Ryoko, before you go after Misa, will you find the Knights and send them to me? If nothing else, we'll make him comfortable. He's of Jurai, and he's stronger than some - not everyone could wield a blade as heavy and as finely crafted as that. But I don't think I can help him."
He laid his companion gently down on the floor, getting slowly to his feet.
"Lady Misao will become a murderer." He added softly. "And treason is rife once more within the planet Yousai."
