"Oh Kioko! just look at it all!" Hana beamed with childish awe, hugging onto Kioko's arm and leading her forward with stars in her sapphire eyes. "Oh, just look at that!"

"I can see, Hana." Kioko chuckled, and grinned. I knew this was a good idea.

Tasuki had informed her (more like mumbled at her) this morning that their hen do was to take place during the day, which she found odd, but found herself at a loss.

Until Empress Houki slipped innocently about the pubic reaction to the news of the great holy wedding, as it was called now.

A great caravan of travelling performers made a performance for since they arrived in the capital, and their first show was today.

There were rope walkers, animal tamers, people running around ontop of giant balls, fire eaters, sword dancers, slinky ladies, musicians, you name it, they were laughing and performing in all their bright colours in the centre of the town square.

"Oh, Kioko look!" Hana pulled Kioko's arm closer, hugging it tightly, as they found themselves walking underneath a high trapeze stand. Two young boys swung on parallel swings, dressed in bright orange tights and frilly orange tunics. They had feathery bird masks to match, and flew through the air with such grace, taking turns to leap free from safety, into the hands of the other.

Hundreds of normal every day people gathered and crowded around to watch, old and young. Hana purposely wore a plain blue kimono with large sleeves, and a matching obi, her hair still flowing like liquid sunlight down her back. And with Kioko dressed like a she-bandit with her golden hair in a high ponytail, they weren't noticed at all.

Even though they both wore their scarlet five feather necklace around their necks.

"Wow, look at that guy!"

"How high up do you think they are?"

"Do they have safety harnesses on?"

"He's going to fall!"

"No he isn't. Look, see? The other guy caught him."

Everyone around them seemed to be just as amazed and impressed as the two Miko, and Hana felt like a little girl again.

"Kioko, can we get closer?"

"Sure we can. This is all kinda for you, after all."

"Shhhh!" Hana giggled, and Kioko took her hand.

"Today, erm, and tomorrow, are your day, days, oh you know what I mean!" Hana giggled at her, and Kioko playfully stuck her tongue out at her. "Come on, let's get closer."

Kioko, Hana in tow, slipped them both through every nook and cranny open to them until they were even closer.

And when I say closer, I mean smack bang in the middle of them.

"Wow!" Kioko put her hand on Hana's head, and made her duck, as a sword came hurtling over their heads, into the hands of another performer. "Ha!"

"Oh look, a tiger!" The two of them gawked in every direction, getting giddier and giddier every minute.

They only had to wait a few moments, before they were targeted y the circus crew.

The two girls hugged each other comically, as the two brightly dressed trapeze artists landed suddenly at either side of them, and hooked their arms.

"H hay, wait! Hana!" Kioko was pulled one way, Hana the other.

And their arms were torn apart, as they were separated. "Hana!" Kioko struggled, trying to reach her sister, only to see Hana giggling her head off, skipping along with the other performer.

She was reluctant, but if Hana wasn't concerned about being apart like this…

"Good girl." The boy, who turned out to taller than her (not hard lol) chuckled, and ran her towards a large ball.

It was the size of a cart, and Kioko had seen too many circuses back home to pretend she didn't know what was about to happen. "Look, see, I'm not very good with this thing called balance? So, can we just not lug me up on that big b-hay!"

"I swear to take care of you. No harm will come to you, my Lady." He chuckled bubbly, and Kioko raised a golden brow at him.

what did he just call me?

He gripped at her hips from behind, and threw her up high, until she bounced up and down on this ball, lashing out with all her worth to steady herself.

"AAA!"

"Calm down, My Lady." He chuckled, landing on the ball behind her, and using his feet to steady it. He then cupped her elbows, and pulled her up to stand with him. "Now, let me be your balance." He cheerfully whispered in her ear, reassuring her.

"If I fall on my ass, I'll put you on yours." She hissed back, but allowed him to guide her body and feet regardless. He just laughed at her merrily, and told here where and when to step on the ball, slowly making them walk forward, the ball moving them backwards, and in circles.

All the time, Kioko threw wary glances over at Hana, who was doing the exact opposite of her, embracing the all fun to be had upon the other giant ball, with the identical orange tunic and mask wearing trapeze artist, with all her trusting nature. They also walked backward, sending the ball forward.

Before she knew it, Kioko was also laughing, going around in circles with her sister in perfect sync, getting encouraging praises by her 'handler', and obviously, Hana getting the same treatment.

Kioko had to smile.

Hana hadn't stopped giggling and beaming all morning.

Abruptly, her handler brought them to a complete stop atop the large balls, Hana too, and drum rolls thundered from all around.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, let's have a round of applause for our bright new trapeze masters, Bu Koutoku-" Kioko's handler waved at the audience, and took her hands again before she fell off. "- his brother Bu Shunkaku-" Hana stumbled back against her handler slightly, when he hugged her to him, and waved the audience like his brother, only to hug her from behind with both arms. "-and our beautiful participants on the ball ride today!" Hana giggled, her handler still holding her tenderly. Kioko blushed and looked to the side awkwardly, though still smiling…slightly…

as long as Hana is enjoying herself, I don't care if I have to walk around naked and singing the commando song. It's worth it. She chuckled, only to tense up as her handler bared one arm around her middle, and put the other hand on her shoulder.

"To steady you at stationary, don't worry." He chuckled, and she pouted.

"…wasn't worried…"

"And now, ladies and gentleman, boys and girls." The ring master boomed joyfully, everyone listening, the drums getting louder with anticipation. "For our star tightrope artist, Ryo Chuin!"

The drums stopped.

Both Miko and their 'handlers' looked up as the ring master did, to look up at the highest tightrope either had ever seen. One end tied to one side of the square, the other side at the ledge to a high attic window.

And out of that window, came a man.

He wore white breeches over his long legs, black pumps, a red sash tied around his slim waist to his left hip, billowing down to his knees.

And he wore no shirt or vest.

His creamy, muscular, toned pecks, six pack abdominals, pumped arms and supple fingers had many a woman gazing up with doe eyes.

He had sleek black hair, tied back with a red ribbon in a thick, high pigtail coming down past his waist, bangs framing his forehead and two prongs falling down either side of his face.

His moon kissed face was angular, masculine, with rich dark eyes, and a wicked smirk. "It is said, that as a young orphan he was taken in by dancers, exposing him to the world of Chinese opera. He has travelled throughout the four great kingdoms, amazing the courts of Emperors and lords, peasants and good people like yourselves, alike! His skills are legendary, and in celebration of the marriage of her eminence to our own celestial warrior, he is here, free of charge, to lend his spectacular talents to you, in their honour! So let's give him a warm welcome, Ryo Chuin!" everyone cheered and some wolf whistled, applauding him eagerly.

On cue, Ryo walked forward, his feet balancing on the start of the tightrope, and tightened his wrist bands and hand tape.

Hana and Kioko were glued to him, and he began his act.

Ryo, as the ring master had called him, threw his arms up, and fell forward into a cartwheel on the tightrope.

He then flipped down it, getting faster and faster, until he slipped off to the side and hooked his legs around it. In the same motion, he swung himself in a full circle, twice, gripped at the rope, and pulled himself up. He then walked on his hands down the rope in time with the upbeat drums, his glossy hair shimmering in the sunlight, every muscle rippling with each movement, until he stopped dead vertical, above the two Mikos.

Kioko was stunned, and Hana's lips parted in awe.

Ryo then winked at her, making Hana blush.

She almost fell yelped, when swords flew up from two of the crew, aimed at the mysterious Ryo. But he did a full swing around the tightrope, landing on his feet, and catching a sword in each hand, and another in his teeth.

Kioko looked over to Hana, getting her eye contact, and both their eyes sparkled with amazement. They then returned to watching, both beaming, looking very much like the twins they were.

Ryo started to juggle the swords, all three of them, as he walked along the rope a few steps, pivoted on one foot on the rope, and came back. He did this quicker and quicker, until he did a full spin on his foot on the rope, threw the swords up, jumped up after them, caught two, and fell in time with the third.

He quickly emptied his hands by throwing the swords into two target boards (earning a loud 'oooo' from the crowd), and gripped at the rope, just as the final sword cut it loose.

Everyone gasped, as Ryo swung rapidly with the rope, running swiftly along the sides of buildings, and pushing off until he came to land.

Right in front of Hana.

It was then 'Bu Koutoku' and 'Bu Shunkaku' lifted the two girls up, bridal style (Kioko reacting less than gracefully to the assist), and jumped down at either side of him.

"And there you have it ladies and gentlemen! The amazing Bu twins, and the great Ryo Chuin!" the entire square erupted with applause, including mystified Hana and impressed Kioko.

Hana froze, when Ryo turned by her side and looked right at her.

This god like man, was blushing, and smiled bashfully at her.

He was so close, she couldn't help it.

"You were amazing!" Hana beamed, wide eyed, and gasped when he took her hands, and kissed them.

"Coming from you, that means the world to me, My lady." Sapphire locked with fathomless dark depths, and Hana raised a brow at him.

His voice…was familiar…

But she had never met this man before in her life.

And she would remember him easily.

He came second only to Chichiri.

Just the thought of her soon to be husband, and their last meeting this morning…brought a flush to her cheeks. "Would you do me the honour, of coming to my tent, and praying with me, your eminence?"

Hana gasped, and blinked at him.

"How did you know I was the Miko?"

"I had heard that the priestess was the most divine, feminine creature with the brightest oceanic eyes, in all four kingdoms. And if you are not her…then surely no other woman can exist?" his flatter went straight to her cheeks, making her blush deeper, and she gulped bashfully.

"Oh, I, well, erm." She took a deep breath. "I'm not sure about, erm, any of that, but…thank you." Hana blushed, and he rose to his feet with a lady-killer smile.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He shook his head. "Will you come to my tent? I will not keep you long, your eminence."

"Of course I will! anything to say thank you for coming all this way and making so many people happy, for free!"

"Just for you." He winked, and hooked her arm. "Come, it's just this way."

Strange…only Kioko hooks my arm, or hold other people like this…I've never seen anyone from this world do this before…

"Hana?" Kioko saw her sister being led to the back of the bustling circus camp, and tried to go after her, when the brightly clad Bu twins jumped in front of her.

"You're really cute." They both sang.

"Er, yeah, erm, my sister Hana's just over there. If you move I can get to her and we can go-"

"Please Your ladyship." One of them, she didn't know how to tell them apart in those bird masks, took her hand and held it to his chest. "My mother is very ill. Would you pray for her?"

The first thing she thought to say was no…

…but she was the Suzaku no Miko. If she refused to pray for someone's health…the guilt would kill her.

Hana would pray for a poor old lady.

Well, so can I!

"Sure. But can I just get my sister? The you can have both of us. Two mikos are better than one I always s-"

"No, that's ok. You'll do." They hooked an arm each, lifted her off her feet, and carried her off into the camp.

In the other direction to Hana.

Alarm bells went off, but she couldn't very well stop them.

And Hana wasn't concerned, she was giggling like always and having the time of her life.

So this was ok…right?

"So, this is your tent?" Hana looked around curiously, as they entered a deep plum tent…

…an empty tent…

But Ryo is a world renowned performer.

Where was all his costumes, makeup, assistants, props?

"This is it." Ryo closed the door of the tent, and silently walked up behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, and closed his eyes with a relaxing sigh. "Seeing you smile so freely, so brightly, it warms my heart."

"O Oh, th thank you Mr Chuin." Hana gulped, stepped forward and turning to face him. She nervously tucked her hair behind her ears, her timid sapphire eyes gazing up at him.

He was as tall as Chichiri.

"Call me Ryo. Always call me Ryo. It is my real name, after all." he smiled softly at her, and slowly closed the distance between them again.

"Ok, R Ryo." Why is he getting so close? "Shall we pray now?"

"Hmm?" He blinked at her, as she lowered to her knees, and held her scarlet feather necklace around her neck.

"Pray? You asked me to come pray with you? Is there a reason for you to pray to Suzaku, Ryo?"

"…yes, there is." He knelt before her, unable to take his eyes off her, as if lovesick, and smiled softly. "But, what would you wish for, Hana?"

"For prince Boushin to get better." She beamed…wait…when did I tell him my name?

"No, no. I meant, what would you wish for." He put his hands together, and she did the same. "Because I wish for your future happiness. Whatever form that comes in…" He frowned slightly, but schooled it well.

"…why would it matter?" she giggled, pushing it aside.

"It matters to me, Hana. I…I need to know what you really want." His words were laced with something, something strong and desperate.

"..." Hana closed her eyes, and thought. she soon smiled, and giggled. "To live happily ever after with the man I am going to marry tomorrow, Chichiri." Her eyes were still closed, as she cupped her cheeks to hide her bashful blushing. "I know that sounds silly…but if I had Chichiri, I couldn't be happier." When she opened her sapphire eyes…Ryo was looking at her queerly.

His rich fathomless eyes were stunned, sad, and his smile had slipped from his face. "Did, did I say something wrong?" Hana sounded alarmed, so he shook it off with a chuckle.

"No. You did exactly what I asked you to do. You spoke from your heart." He put his hands together, and closed his eyes. "To Suzaku?"

"To Suzaku, we pray."

They were silent as they prayed, but Ryo watched her serene face as she concentrated.

"Did you ask Suzaku for your happy ever after?"

"No." She giggled, and tapped his nose. "I wished for yours."

Ryo watched, stunned, as she rose to her feet, brushed off her blue kimono, and smiled. "You seem lonely, Ryo Chuin. I hope you find what you're looking for. Or who you're looking for. Don't give up, Ryo." Hana beamed at him, making his spirits soar. "If you just hold on, you'll be ok. Ok?" she giggled, and stumbled forward as he pulled her into his front, hugging her.

"I will. I give you and the monk my blessings, and will wait, like you say. I…love you." She gasped. "But I want you to be happy. I have thought about it, in your absence, Hana."

It was then, it finally clicked.

The reason he knew her name, that she was a Miko, why his voice was familiar…

"…Tomo…" He held her tighter, and bit his bottom lip, refusing to break down in front of her.

Or ever.

She wouldn't want that for him. "….you shouldn't have come! If you're caught, then-"

"Sweet, naïve Hana. I was sent here by Shenlong to take you back." Hana was stunned into silence, staring up at him in shock. "You always worry for everyone else. But you should be selfish once in a while too. It's good for you."

"B, but-"

"I won't be caught. As you can see…" He lifted her chin, showing her an adoring smile along his strong jaw. "…I have hidden my Chi, so your lover can not sense me. I came here, under Shenlong's oders…" he looked away shamefully. "…but with my own agenda. I came to see whether you were happy here. Shenlong, with your gone, he's changed. He…nevermind." He sighed, holding her shoulders. "Are you happy here, Hana?"

"Yes." Her immediate answer shook him slightly, but he understood.

There was no doubt in her mind.

"Then I will return without you." Ryo, stepped back, and bowed to her. "I wish you happiness." When he rose again, he was smiling like she had never seen him smile before. "You wished for my happiness…thank you."

"Tomo…Ryo…"

"Go. I will be fine. Find your sister. Be happy. Marry the man you love…" He jutted his jaw out, obviously finding that hard to say.

"Tomo…" Hana walked forward, and hugged him. it made him smile, and return her embrace. "Thank you. Your blessing means a lot to me. I misjudged you Tomo, when we first met. But I soon saw that underneath your intimidating exterior, there is a gentle creature with a lot to give. Don't let him fade away, Tomo. For he is the way to open up your heart when love finds you."

Tomo kissed the top of her head lovingly, and stepped back.

"Go. It's time for you to go, Hana. Before I change my mind." Tomo turned his back to her, and folded his arms.

He said nothing, and Hana understood.

Anything more would just cause him more pain.

"Goodbye, Tomo. Ryo."

Hana walked out of the tent, and found both the Bu twins and Kioko waiting for her.

"H Hana?" the boys stammered, seeing her leave the tent alone.

"Come on, Kioko. I have had a wonderful morning. And Tomo was very good on the ropes, wasn't he?" Hana giggled, hooking Kioko's arm, and looking significantly at the boys.

There was no doubt in her mind who they were, now she realised that Ryo was Tomo. "And you were good, too, Boshi twins."

"I thought it was Bu twins?" Kioko, blissfully unaware, asked.

They were quiet for a moment, but the cheery twin who 'handled' Kioko, piped up.

"Well, if that is how it is to be, I hope when we meet again, we have as much fun as we did today. And you're sister is kinda awkward, but cute too." He took off his mask, and Amiboshi grinned at her.

"Tut tut. We wore masks and everything, Hana." Suboshi took his mask off, pouting, but smirking too. "Last chance to change your mind?" they weren't stupid. If Tomo had let her go, they weren't about to stop her.

"I am sure. Thank you, and I loved seeing you again."

"You know them?" Kioko asked, scratching the back of her head.

"Hmm? Oh, I wanted to go into the market place before we go back to the palace. Is that ok with you Kioko?"

"Er, sure, but-"

"Bye Boshi boys!" Hana giggled, waving at them as she pulled her baffled sister away.

Amiboshi and Suboshi waved her off, only to frowned deeply once they were out of sight.

Dressed in his usual imperial uniform of red and gold, his crown in place, face paints of white blue and red, and his white and black feather chains falling with his bangs, Tomo emerged from his tent and placed a hand on either of their shoulders.

"You can't keep a dazzling phoenix like her in a cage or on a leash. Or she looses her fire and beauty. I have learned this; I just hope his majesty will too."

"Hopefully before you tell him that you let her go." Suboshi frowned.

"Couldn't you tell him you didn't see her?"

"His highness has spies everywhere. He will know I released her." Tomo took his hands back, and folded them over his chest. "And I will take the brunt of it, on your behalf also."

The boys were shocked.

Tomo had never done anything for them before. "Hurry and change. The sooner we leave, the better".

I just hope his majesty is lenient and gives me a few hundred lashings, and not his Chi…