Chapter 41:

My alpha admires Goddess Bastet. No, let me rephrase that. My alpha admires Bastet, Empress and Queen of Tur. A mortal woman; made of flesh and blood and as fallible as any of us. There, I said it. Does it sound like a blasphemous sentence? Sadly Master Tao, it is the unpleasant truth. My Alpha says that I am prejudiced. She says that anger has clouded my judgment. She says that we should not think less of Bastet because she was mortal but rather we should respect her even more. Bastet was not divine but she was a queen who had succeeded in rebuilding her country from its ashes. My alpha is queen of a war torn land herself. I suppose she empathizes with Bastet.

But I...

You cannot comprehend what I felt when I learnt the truth. Everything that I had known as a child came crashing as me. All those stories, all that divine rubbish the temple filled our minds with, are nothing but castles in the air, fanciful fantasies. Forgive my rambling Master Tao; I will restrain myself in the future.

I have just realized something. My prejudice is clouding my judgment causing me to overlook the obvious. I wonder if this entire story about Bastet being a Goddess was fabricated by the Priests themselves. Perhaps that is why the Priests are so overzealous about guarding the temple records. Perhaps, the records contain something which, may damage their stand in Ubasti. After all, would their position still be the same when they no longer have that glittering veil of divinity surrounding them?

O f course, in the midst of all their jargon some sliver of truth does exist.

The first, the one about us being the descendants of Goddess Bastet … While we may not all be her descendants, we are certainly descendants of her people. We were the ones who built Tur and Fa Sang and in all probability populated a large tract of land called Bast in what we now term as Eastern Earth.

The second concerns the so called war of Good and Evil. Though I cannot say whether the war was between good and evil, there certainly was a war. I think that this war, like most others, had been for supremacy and had perhaps engulfed many lands. One of the records I have seen mentions a country called Burzahom. Does the name sound familiar to you master? It should. You are the one who told me that it was a small peaceful land bordering the Great Beyond, known for the hospitality and the magical poweress of its people, the Forgers. Though not as powerful as Ta Meri or Del-e-Bahari, it was a country of enormous strategic importance. The inscription had recorded its fall and Bastet's inability to provide aid in time. From this I drew the conclusion that the kingdoms were at war against a common enemy - the great and terrible evilwho had besieged creation, perhaps?

Hmm. My alpha was right again. Stories are indeed nothing but fanciful exaggeration of the truth. We just have to skim the cream from the milk.

Though I must say that I have a feeling we are opening that proverbial can of worms.

"Taasha."

Startled Taasha whirled around, his clawed fingers instinctively searching for the cold shaft of his battleaxe before he realized just who it was that had snuck up so quietly behind him.

"Sotisku." His face broke into a smile. "You startled me!"

"I did not think I had that ability." Sotisku set down his supplies on a relatively empty part of the table where Taasha was seated, his eyes wandering over the open parchment. "You were just too busy with your literary adventure to notice."

"I would rather call it my literary misadventure." Taasha sighed holding up his hand for Sotisku's inspection, his expression faraway. "I was just …"

"Homesick?"

"No." There was a tinge of bitterness in his voice.

Sotisku shot a swift piercing glance at him and for a moment a wry smile played on his lips. "You are not a good liar Taasha."

Taasha stiffened.

"You are allowed to be homesick you know."

"Ubasti … is no longer my home." Despite himself Taasha could not iron out the trace of bitter resentment in his voice.

"It wasn't very pleasant, was it?"

Taasha looked at Sotisku, hating the truth of his words and hating Sotisku for mouthing them. "My life was no bed of roses." He sighed. "But it was all I knew…"

"Were you happy Taasha?"

"I was definitely more comfortable."

"Then why did you leave?"

For an infinitesimal moment Taasha was silent. "Because I… wanted to." His voice was sharp, clipped. 'And because I really had no other option.'

Somehow he knew that Sotisku understood the unspoken part of his answer and was glad when Sotisku held his silence.

After a while Sotisku spoke. "What makes us comfortable doesn't essentially make us happy Taasha." There was a small smile on his lips. "But I guess you already knew that." His eyes wandered over the open parchment once more. "Your script is so strange but it looks very elegant. One of these days you'll have to teach me your language."

"Sure." Taasha shrugged eager to turn the tide of this conversation into safer channels. "And I am not sure why you are calling my penmanship elegant. Master Tao used to say that my strokes were sloppy."

"Master Tao?" Sotisku repeated the name thoughtfully. "Was he your sensei?"

"He was …" With an effort Taasha bit back the words that rose to his lips. "Yes he was my teacher."

Sotisku did not miss the slight inflection in Taasha's voice. He pursed his mouth biting back the words which, rose to his mouth as well. With a sigh he perched himself on the edge of Taasha's bed, absentmindedly gazing into flickering flame of the brazier which lit the small octagonal room.

For a while they sat thus, enjoying each other's presence in companionable silence, listening to the rising crescendo of the storm that raged outside.

"Tell me about Seiryuu."

"Huh?" Taasha's sudden question startled Sotisku.

"Tell me about Seiryuu." Taasha repeated. "The lore of the Four Gaurdian Beasts and their Priestesses hold a place of prominence in your culture. I am curious to know more about the world that is now my … home."

"Well I am not sure how much I can enlighten you that respect because until three months ago I was not even sure if Seiryuu existed." Sotisku took a deep breath. "But ever since we decided to undertake this ridiculous, not to mention dangerous adventure of releasing Seiryuu I thought it would be prudent to gather as much knowledge about Seiryuu as possible."

The end of Taasha's lips twitched. "So I take it that you will be able to enlighten me after all."

"Well you see that last few decades have been pretty much chaotic for Kutou. Factual evidence has been lost in the war, so all I can give you is a smoky legend."

"Sotisku someone once told me that stories are nothing but exggarated versions of the truth…"

"I have heard that one before." Sotisku chuckled. "That someone has to be Princess. I mean when we started this, all we had, was a story."

"I see."

"Legend has it that each of the four directions have a celestial guardian, a beast God. They are The White Tiger of the West, Byakko, guardian of the kingdom of Sairou, The Black tortoise of the North, Genbu, guardian of the kingdom Hokkan, the place where we are at present; The vermilion phoenix of the south, Suzaku, gaurdian of the country of Konon of which, Hotohori is Emperor and finally the Azure Dragon of the East, Seiryuu, guardian of my land, Kutou."

Taasha leaned forward, his eager eyes betraying his curiosity.

"Of course there is another legend woven intricately with this myth." Sotisku continued. "The legend of the Miko. The Priestess of the Beast God will come from another world, when the land is in its darkest hour. She will gather around her seven seishis, scared warriors sworn to protect her till their last breath They are also the physical embodiment of the Beast God and it is with their help that the Miko calls upon the Gaurdian Beast who then grants her three wishes."

"Three wishes."

"Yes."

"All this fuss is for three measly wishes?"

"Three wishes that could change your world." Sotisku smiled, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Besides I was told that the Mikos are usually rather hot."

"Hot!" Taasha repeated in scandalized accents.

"You know, beautiful …sexy."

Taasha choked.

"Of course when I saw Lee …" Sotisku sighed heavily. "Maybe the Seiryuu no Miko will live up to my expectations."

"Lady Lee is quite beautiful."

"She is a child." Sotisku waved his hand dismissively. "And I am no pedophile."

"Lord Hotohori and Faraco would disagree."

"Faraco is a fool and Lord Hotohori is … well … under medication"

"I see." Taasha could not stop the laughter which gurgled up his throat. "That was indeed very … enlightening."

"Oh well." Sotisku got up and stretched himself. "I will leave you to now to continue with your… err… literary misadventure. I have to check on Suraco." Collecting his scattered equipments in his rather worn and serviceable bag he prepared to retreat from the room. "Try and get some sleep if you can."

Taasha nodded. "Okay."

The door closed behind Sotisku.

For a while Taasha sat, lost in deep thought before he picked up his pen again.

Sotisku is a strange boy.

OoOoOoOoO

Dead …

He gasped, forcing his legs to move. If he stopped now he would be dead.

His legs felt like lead and his lungs were ready to burst for want of air. He paused briefly, panting as he wiped the sweat from his brow and pushed the damp hair behind his ear.

He stiffened, his alert ears catching the baying of the hounds behind him.

Damn it!

They were so near!

He lashed himself into action again, threading his way through the dense under bush.

He was so close … so very close …

He froze, eyes widening. Try as he might he could not make his body move. It was as though his muscles had suddenly become numb and he felt a familiar sensation of aching emptiness settle on his heart.

Stretched before him lay a harsh undulating landscape, as red as the sky that covered it like some gigantic porcelain bowl. Fantastic shapes of rock littered the area, precariously balanced on top of one another, memento of the work of some eccentric artistic giant who roamed these plains when the world was still young.

The ache was back again, in his heart … and in his head.

But wasn't I being chased?

The thought, fleeting and almost non-existent hardly registered on his mind. He felt strangely attracted to the macabre scene that lay in front of him, both repulsed and enchanted by the silence of the numerous dead that surrounded him.

Where am I?

Then his eyes alighted on the only living occupant of this valley of the dead. It was a man who stood in the very midst of the carnage, dispassionately surveying the landscape. The dying rays of the sun glinted a little on the bloodstained sword he carried and a soft breeze timidly ruffled his tattered cloak.

He felt something heavy coil around his heart and the feeling of emptiness became more profound.

The wind that had flirted so timidly with the strangers cloak moved around him, bringing to his ears a prophecy…

Now, you are Ryuutoshiki

All at once his head seemed to explode, blinding him in its intensity. Flashes of red hot pain pierced his being like thousands of draggers, unknown hands dragging him down into some pit of insanity and nightmare.

Suraco.

The voice faraway and misty sounded familiar and anxious.

Suraco…

The call was more urgent this time. Desperately he fought against the ghostly figures which held him back, reaching towards the sound.

Suraco, please calm down! You are safe.

Relief seemed to flood his being and the blinding ache in his head receded as his world slowly returned to focus. He had a sensation of seeing through a layer of mist, the face which was wavering solicitously over him appeared vague and blurred.

"So, you are awake." He felt a soothing hand on his sweaty forehead. "How are you feeling?"

His fingers curled around the soft hand as he struggled to recognize the owner of that voice. "I am alive … if that's what you mean." His voice sounded alien and faraway to his ears.

Soft chuckles penetrated his ears, a rather soothing and pleasant sound. "Well, at least your humor seems to have recovered."

He blinked once more, trying to clear his vision. "And … who are you?"

He felt the blurred visage lean towards him and he was aware of looking into a face surrounded by soft brown curls.

"Trust me Suraco." There was something of a laugh in her voice. "I am no friend of yours."

The words sounded familiar and jogged a memory at the back of his mind. "Sorceress." His lips curved upwards. "That dialogue sounded so cool when I said it."

Chulivey laughed. "And your supreme conceit does not seemed to have suffered much either."

Suraco tried to move but his limbs refused to co-operate as a spasm of white-hot pain shot up his body. He could not bite back the flow of curses which rose to his lips. Nor could he resist the hand which pushed him back into the pillows.

'Damn it.' He was aware of the dull ache that persisted throughout his entire being. 'I am as weak as a mouse.' The events at Fa Sang slowly returned to his consciousness. "Princess?"

"She is here." Chulivey's calm voice reassured him. "And so is everyone else."

Suraco took a while to digest that, the fog that seemed to cover his mind lifting slowly. "And where … is here?"

"You are in Hokkan, a place called the Old City. You friend Sotisku recommended a doctor who lives here."

"Oh." He closed his eyes trying to bring together the fragmented pieces of his memory into a logical whole. "How … How did we manage to escape?" A frail hope reared its head in his heart. "Did we defeat that him?"

"No." Chulivey shook her head.

"I thought so." Suraco deflated, relapsing into silence. Presently another question raised its ugly head. "So does this mean that we are … allies?"

"That's one way of putting it." Chulivey shrugged. "It was the only choice that presented itself under the circumstance and it was infinitely more comfortable than being skewered at the end of Shizimi's blade." She paused, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Though by the time I was properly introduced to Sotisku I was beginning to wonder whether I made the right choice after all."

"Ripped you up, did he?" The end of Suraco's lips twitched. "He must have been very worried."

The twinkle in Chulivey's eyes deepened. "He was." She agreed seriously as her fingers continued to draw soothing circles on his forehead. "We all were."

"For me?" His voice was lightly teasing.

Perhaps his eyes were playing tricks on him for he was sure a momentary tide of pink invaded Chulivey's cheeks.

"Actually, I was more afraid for myself." When she spoke however, her voice was perfectly composed. "At the rate Sotisku's ferocity was increasing as your conditions deteriorated, I was convinced than soon he would make Shizimi look like a nice, sensitive boy."

"Poor Sorceress." Suraco laughed, patting her hand. "How you must have suffered! Don't worry; I will protect you from the mean man."

Once again he though that he saw a flash of red momentarily anoint Chulivey's face.

"My Lord." The twinkle was back in her eyes and she cast him an overly demure look from under her lashes. "You are too kind."

"Ahem."

Turning, Suraco found himself looking at another familiar figure at the doorway. His face spilt into a grin.

"Sotisku."

"Yes, it's me." Sotisku's eye narrowed dangerously. "The mean man!"

"Who crashes in my room at every opportunity he gets because he has blown off the roof of his room … again."

There was the light of battle in Sotisku's eyes. "Don't even go there Suraco."

Chulivey warily regarded the signs of what appeared to be a rising storm and was eager to make her escape.

"So…" She cut in with a strained smile. "I will leave you now. You two have a lot of catching up to do."

Both boys favored her with a curt inclination of their head, obviously irritated at the sudden intrusion in their favorite pastime before returning to it with gusto, a circumstance which made it possible for her to slink away with all the grace she could master. She really had no intention of listening to the inane conversation of two bosom buddies slugging it out.

"So." Sotisku rounded in on Suraco as soon as Chulivey disappeared out of the door.

"So?" Suraco returned his challenging gaze.

"I know you are an accomplished flirt Suraco. But whatever possessed you to flirt with the enemy?"

"Flirt?" For once Suraco was at the loss of words. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You know."

"Seriously Sotisku, we were just talking."

"Right." Sotisku rolled his eyes. "So they all say."

"Can it Sotisku." Suraco snapped.

"Che." All of Sotisku's warring instincts rose to the challenge, especially after having been ruthlessly suppressed for weeks. "Why should I?"

"Because …" All of a sudden the immaturity of their conversation dawned on Suraco. Of course, that might have been he had run out of words to champion his cause. "Oh give it a rest Sotisku. So, what did I miss?"

"Well." Sotisku grinned, allowing their conversation to be diverted into a different channel. "Faraco and Lord Hotohori were about to come to blows over Lady Lee."

"Really?"

"Then Lord Hotohori decided that psychological warfare would be infinitely preferable. It was most … err… amusing."

"I can tell." Suraco frowned. "All that excitement out there and I am cooped up in here." He sighed, his eyes softening a little as they alighted on Sotisku. "You look tired Sotisku. Have I worried you too much?"

For a moment Sotisku was silent, absentmindedly staring into the articles strewn on the table by Suraco's bed. When he finally spoke, his voice was a little strained.

"Actually, I was more worried about my skills." His mouth was pursed into a thin line. "Nothing I did was making any difference. Just how strong was this guy?"

"Are you talking about Shizimi?"

Sotisku nodded.

"I don't know exactly how strong he was …" Suraco said quietly. "Menesku pulled out some nastily impressive tricks from under his sleeve, stuff that I have never seen him use during all those times I fought against him. I wasn't sure whether to be offended or impressed." He sighed once more. "Of course, the only reason he never used them before is because the need for it never arose." He chuckled but there was a tinge of bitterness in his voice when he spoke again. "If at any time he had used any one of those moves against me … Shizimi on the other hand … and here I was, fancying myself to be pretty strong."

Both of them relapsed into silence broken only by the slight tinkling of the glass vials as Sotisku poured several potions into a stone bowl to prepare the restorative, just as Lao Shin had instructed. Satisfied with his handiwork, he lifted the bowl to Suraco's lips.

"Drink." His voice was coaxing, as he put his arms under Suraco's shoulders and helped him up.

Suraco downed the drink with a distasteful grimace. "Ugh. I swear you have outdone yourself in creating foul tasting potions with this one."

"Hnn." Though he feigned outrage, the ends of Sotisku's lips twitched. "It has kept you alive hasn't it? And the credit for that entirely goes to Lao Shin."

"Lao Shin? Isn't he the doctor fellow you adored?" Suraco unsuccessfully tried to suppress a yawn. "I still can't believe that we have decided to ally ourselves with Konon."

"I know." Sotisku agreed readily. "But it turns out that we can get along pretty well once we decide to act like civilized people and try not to kill each other on sight."

"I suppose." Suraco murmured sleepily. "Damn, I am feeling so tired."

"It's the medicine." Sotisku reassured him. "It's supposed to make you feel drowsy."

"Oh." Suraco murmured, his eyes drifting close, before he opened them forcefully. "Where is Princess?"

"When I last saw her, she was in her room."

Suraco's eyes were drifting close again but he managed to open one of them and looked at Sotisku when he detected the trace of worry in his voice.

"Is there anything on your mind brother?"

Sotisku frowned. "She was acting unnaturally docile. She did not even complain about how foul her medicine tasted." He paused searching for words. "She … She is looking very distracted. I am really apprehensive of that look. It always leads us into some hair-rising escapade."

"You worry too much Sotisku." Suraco couldn't suppress the yawn anymore. "We are in the middle of nowhere. I can safely say that we will not be led into some hair-rising escapade until we reach Kutou."

"Now, isn't that reassuring?" Sotisku's voice dripped with sarcasm. "One would think that you had learned your lesson after Fa Sang."

"Oh I learnt my lesson." Suraco yawned again, more loudly this time. "And I believe that its time that I paid Lady Nakao a long overdue visit. Now stop bothering me because I really need to … sleep."

"Oh very well." Sotisku's voice may have sounded a little irritated but his eyes were soft as he adjusted Suraco's covers. "I am going to check over Menesku now."

"Really?" Suraco mumbled. "Tell him that as soon as I am well, I will kick his frigid ass."

"I will give him the message." Sotisku laughed as he closed the door. "And I am sure that he will respond in kind."

"Good." Suraco shot back, watching Sotisku disappear behind the door. "Now I guess it time … for me … to catch up with all that … sleep."

OoOoOoOoO

The Queen of Bast is one of the few women I admire. Our newest ally is powerful, intelligent woman with a sharp tongue and an even sharper blade. There are some who may find her beautiful. Though she is proving to be a powerful and worthy ally, I am not sure whether to be happy or sad that she has joined our alliance. Her arrival to our camp has confirmed the news which, our scouts had gleaned. Tur has indeed fallen and with it almost all of the civilized world, as we know it has come under his heel with the exception of my Lord Shinwa's homeland in the misty north. The scouts already brought us the unwelcome news that a sizable contingent of His army has been dispatched to the north. Each day we awake and expect the worst.

However, there is something which bothers me. Whenever he made a conquest he took his time to consolidate his newest acquisition before pushing on forward. When He conquered Ta Meri He didn't immediately attack my homeland. The first wave of His men who breached the borders of my homeland was actually sent to capture the ports of strategic importance along the borders of the Green Sea. But He didn't push into the heart of power of Del-e-Bahari until after he had consolidated his position in Ta Meri. He made sure that He would not be attacked from behind and then Himself led His army across Del-e-Bahari, pushing us and the Winged Lords, the Ejderha across the sea and into the harsh plateaus of the Waadi-e-Dozak. Up until now He has meticulously followed this pattern, carefully wiping out every opposition before he moved on to His next target.

But His attack on Tur does not fit this bill. It is not like Him to launch a major campaign immediately after such an obviously trying battle and it is no secret that He is yet to recover from his battle with the Forger Queen. I cannot understand why He would risk attacking Tur in His present condition and with the present, depleted strength of His army. Furthermore, I am sure that the growing strength of the resistance is not unknown to Him. Why is he ignoring such an obvious threat? He has left behind a couple of His weaker men to guard the frontier and taken his Elite and the finest of His generals such as the Nameless one and Ryuutoshiki across the Great Beyond and into Bast. Isn't He worried that we are in a position to cut Him off from the Western Camps where the majority of His army still awaits His instructions? Lord Shinwa is not one who can be … should be ignored and I am sure that He knows it.

Somehow, His actions seem a bit unlike Him and more like an overeager, overconfident warrior, which He is not … or …

But then again, when I rethink His actions, I think that he appears a bit too … desperate. But why is He so desperate?

"Hotohori?"

Startled, Hotohori's fist closed over the parchment crumpling the yellowing material. "Damn it Witch! Can't you knock?"

"I did knock Demon." Keeah limped in. "But you were too …absorbed to notice." She looked around and located an empty chair. "Do you mind if I take a seat?"

"Would you listen if I said no?"

"No." Keeah sat down. "It was very wise of you to agree with me."

"Hnn." Hotohori rolled his eyes, carefully rolling up the parchment and putting it aside. "And to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I just wanted to ask you …" Keeah frowned, searching for the right words. "Have you noticed anything unusual lately?"

"Unusual?" Hotohori repeated. To his intense irritation he could not keep the clueless expression out of his voice.

"Hmm. I hadn't really expected you to notice anything." Hotohori wished he could rub the smirk off her face. He had yet to meet a girl who had the ability to irritate him as much as Keeah did. "After all, you are too hung up on your Miko like some silly lovesick puppy to notice such important details."

Oh yes and he absolutely hated that condescending tone.

"I am not hung up on my Miko." His voice was a little heated. "And even if I am that is none of your business."

"You are ungrateful Demon." There was something of a laugh in her voice. "Do you know how hard it was for me to refrain from laughing out aloud? I had the greatest temptation to rain on your parade but … I curbed it."

"You have my eternal gratitude."

Keeah raised an amused eyebrow. "I know."

"Hmph."

"Stop acting like a spoilt boy Hotohori and get serious." Keeah snapped. "Did you or did you not notice anything unusual?"

Her tone made him look up. Even though her face was transfixed in that irritating indifferent mask she usually wore, he could detect a tinge of worry in her eyes.

'She really worried about something.' He frowned. "I am sorry my Lady but I have not noticed anything unusual. Unless of course, you consider the routine disappearance of Lao Shin as soon as the sun pops up as something unusual."

"No that is just eccentric." Keeah rubbed her forehead. "It's just … Never mind." Her eyes lingered on the rolled up parchment. "What were you reading?"

"Don't try to turn the conversation." Hotohori's frown deepened. "You can't come here, be all mysterious and expect me to ignore it. What are you so worked up about?"

"The storm." Keeah leaned back into the chair, abandoning her abortive attempt at turning the tide of their conversation.

"Huh?"

"I think there is something strange about this storm."

"Ehh?"

"Do you have anything else to say other than unintelligible mono-syllables?"

"I don't quite get what you are trying to say Witch." Hotohori shrugged helplessly. "And even though the storm is fierce, I don't think the building is about to collapse on us."

"You idiot!" Keeah's eyes flashed. "I am not afraid of the storm. I just don't think it's normal." Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "You did notice it after all, didn't you?"

Hotohori felt that even though it was gratifying to see Keeah loose her composure, it was infinitely irritating to see her recover so quickly. On second thought it was not nearly as irritating as the full blast of the soul-searching gaze she usually always favored him with.

"Well? Aren't you going to say anything?" She was back in her element, her indifferent mask back in place.

"I am not quite sure what to say." Hotohori rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I don't feel … threatened, if that's what you mean."

"But you feel uneasy."

"I am blaming it on Liang's fish."

Keeah laughed. "I guess you could do that." Then her expression became thoughtful. "What do you think it is?"

"I … don't know. For a brief second, I thought that I sensed a battle-aura." His hawk like eyes rested on her face. "You sensed it as well, didn't you?"

For a while Keeah was silent but her mouth was pursed in a thin line. "I am going to go and investigate." She said abruptly. "And you are going to assist me."

Hotohori stared. "You cannot be serious."

A look at her face was sufficient to assure him that she was indeed serious.

"Wait." Hotohori tried to reason. "Let us think logically."

"I am logical Demon. I did try to play this down. I did think that I was getting a bit too paranoid. But then I remembered something." Keeah got up, carefully tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "When I was in Fa Sang, I could not sense anything. All I had was a feeling of constant unease and then things just … popped up. Quite frankly, I did not enjoy the surprises Fa Sang sprung on me. I am not willing to take that chance again."

Hotohori's fist curled into a ball. Fa Sang … The only reason he felt uneasy in that god forsaken place was because he wasn't feeling uneasy. It was …

'This is not the time to analyze that. It is time to concentrate on what the Witch is saying because frankly that makes some sense.' He turned at Keeah. "What do you propose we do?"

"Well … I think we should try to get to the bottom of this." Keeah frowned. "Though I am not quite sure how we are going to achieve that without having to go out in the storm."

"Calm yourselves. You don't have to do anything so drastic."

Startled, both of them turned at the source of the sound.

"Lao Shin." Keeah was the first to recover. "How are you today?"

"I also do not see the need for such inane conversation."

If Keeah was embarrassed, she did not show it. "Well I do." Keeah's voice was calm. "It would help me pretend that I wasn't surprised at all by your sudden entrance."

The end of Lao Shin's lips twitched. "I see." His voice however did not waver. "Well, let us sit down."

They nodded. The chairs being occupied Lao Shin took a seat at the edge of Hotohori's bed.

"So …" His sharp eyes rested on their profile. "You two think that this storm is unusual?"

"Not unusual." Hotohori tried to keep his voice even. "We just feel …"

"That there is something very … off about it." Keeah finished the sentence for him.

"Hmm…" The edges of Lao Shin's lips curved up into an unreadable smile. "Well you are right. This storm is man made."

"Uhh…"

"Eh?"

For a while none of them knew what to say.

"It's impossible." Keeah's voice was sharp.

"And why is it impossible Princess?"

"Because I know that is very taxing to create a storm of this magnitude, then to maintain the same intensity for such a long time. It's …" Keeah stopped as suddenly as she had started a tinge of red on her cheeks. "Forgive me. I … That was very narrow minded of me."

"Well, you are still a child." Lao Shin waved dismissively. "And my friend is a very gifted Warlock. Aren't you going to ask me why he is going through all this …err… trouble?"

"I thought you were going to tell us." The words were out before Hotohori could check them.

Lao Shin smiled once more, favoring then with an oddly calculating look. "Let us say that he is trying to keep at bay some rather unwelcome visitors."

"Unwelcome visitors? Here?" Keeah's brow furrowed in thought.

Lao Shin's expression was inscrutable. "Are you surprised?"

For an instant his and Keeah's eyes met and he realized that like him, Keeah hadn't been too surprised that they nearly had some unannounced guests.

"We are not really surprised." He said quietly. "We are just surprised that they took this long to locate us. So who is it?"

"No body you would know my Prince." Lao Shin's lips curved upwards into a cryptic smile. "However that is irrelevant. You are still in no shape to face anybody. You will have to leave."

"Now?" Keeah's voice was incredulous. "And how could we risk moving Suraco and Menesku? They are still much wounded."

"There is no need to state the obvious Princess. I would not have suggested this if there was another option."

"I see." Keeah frowned.

"Good." Lao Shin got up, indicating that his audience with them was over. "You will inform your men about this newest development. And Princess … kindly send Sotisku to me. I will require his assistance to make certain arrangements."

He was gone as abruptly as he had arrived.

"Okay …" Hotohori was the first one to break the silence that had followed in the wake of Lao Shin's exit. "That was weird."

He received no answer from Keeah. Looking at her he found that her eyes focused on the flickering flame of the lamp on his bedside table. There was at once a kind strange intensity and emptiness in her eyes, coexisting in a swirl of unreadable emotions.

"I think." There was a kind of deliberate calm in her voice. "I think that Lao Shin is withholding information from us."

He rolled his eyes, resisting the urge to repeat Lao Shin's dialogue about asking Keeah not to state the obvious. "I know."

"Who do you think these unwelcome guests are?"

For a while Hotohori's mind wandered over the various possibilities.

"Like Lao Shin said, I don't think that it is anybody I know."

"What makes you say that?"

"I thought it was obvious Witch. No assassin I know would require a fearsome snowstorm like this to keep him …"

"Or her…"

"Or her … at bay."

"You mean to say that they never threw a sexy female assassin at you?"

Despite himself Hotohori felt himself reddening. "I don't know what you are talking about?"

"You know, the kind with large overly innocent eyes and … impressive assets."

"Really witch." There were spots of color on Hotohori's cheeks. "Have you no shame?"

"I was just curious." Keeah shrugged and even though her face was impassive, Hotohori could detect a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "No need to get all emotional."

"I am not emotional." Hotohori took refuge in awe inspiring dignity. "And I think we are deviating off the topic here."

To his surprise Keeah chuckled. "I know." Then her expression turned serious. "But you are right. But there is something about Lao Shin's speech …"

She stopped abruptly and Hotohori saw her stiffen like a hound on a leash at the scent of its prey.

"I think that whoever is out there has retreated only for the moment." Her eyes were guarding and Hotohori instinctively knew that she was holding something back. "I … I believe that it is time to wrap up our activities here. I will go and inform the others."

She got up, ready to leave.

"Wait." Hotohori put out a hand and restrained her. "You think it's someone from … Fa Sang?"

For a while she was silent.

"Yes." She said abruptly. "Well … sort of. Perhaps you did sense a battle aura after all and I don't think that it's Shizimi."

Hotohori's fist tightened around Keeah's wrist. "Shizimi." He never could wipe the trace of poison in his voice when he took that name. "No I don't think that it is Shizimi either."

"You sound disappointed."

"I am?" Hotohori was surprised.

"Well I am not!" Keeah detached her hand from Hotohori's hold. "I have no interest to see another display of that male machismo which almost got you killed."

"You make it sound like I want to fight Shizimi."

"Don't you?"

"You just love to confuse me, don't you?"

"Really boy, there is no need to state the obvious." Keeah did the perfect imitation of Lao Shin. "And I think that we need to get moving. I still have to find Sotisku." She moved to the door, before turning back, an impish smile on her face. "I think you will find your Miko with her favorite puppy … downstairs." She was gone.

Hotohori eyes narrowed. "By Suzaku, I really hate that witch."

OoOoOoOoO

"I don't think that I have been to this part of the house before."

"Hmm."

Okay, so that didn't work. Sotisku frowned, desperately searching for another topic to start a small trickle of conversation. The only thing Lao Shin had said so far was follow me and frankly until today he had not known that he had a problem with silence.

Taking a deep breath he decided to take the plunge again.

"So where are we going?"

"You will see."

Well, at least he said something. Now that was an improvement.

"So…"

"Be silent Sotisku. We are nearly there."

Sotisku stopped midway, abandoning his attempt at small talk. However the frown on his face deepened as he returned to observing the hallway they were navigating. Dimly lit by the light of the sooty oil lamps which hung from the brackets on the stone walls, this was like any other hallway in the house they were residing in and just as spotlessly clean.

'Who the hell cleans up this entire goddamn place?'

"What do you know of healing magic?"

The question was so sudden that it took Sotisku completely by surprise.

"Healing magic?" He repeated. "Do you mean like … you just place your hands on a wound and it heals?"

Lao Shin did not answer and Sotisku thought that he saw a gleam of amusement in his sharp eyes.

"Well, I don't think that it is actually possible." He paused, frowning thoughtfully. "Though there is a legend concerning the Suzaku seishi Mitsukake …"

"Mitsukake … was a fool."

"I beg your pardon!" Sotisku was appalled. "He was a great man."

Lao Shin was silent again, his expression unreadable. For some reason Sotisku found this sudden silence irksome.

"It is said that he used his own ki to heal many during the first war." Sotisku continued hotly. "And …"

"And having depleted his own life force in the process, he died a martyr." Lao Shin's voice was harsh. "Hmph."

"But …"

"Quiet." Lao Shin's voice sounded harsher than before. "We are here."

They paused in front of a rickety doorway for a moment as Lao Shin wrenched a lamp from its stand.

"This place used to be the cellar of this house." Lao Shin pushed the door open. "Follow me and watch your step. Some of the stairs are broken."

The narrow shaft of the single lamp cast rather insufficient light of the narrow and steep staircase and Sotisku thought that their descent was rather perilous. However, between the two of them, he was the only one who thought so. Lao Shin glided down the steps with the easy confidence of one who either knew the way or could see in the dark.

"You idolize Mitsukake?"

Sotisku did not appreciate being asked such soul searching questions when he was attempting to negotiate a slippery staircase.

"Yes." His tone was still perhaps a little acidic.

"He did the right thing … the ideal thing, when he healed all those people." For once Sotisku hoped that he could decipher the emotions in Lao Shin's voice. "But the right thing is not always practical …especially if you are in a state of war."

Sotisku stopped. "What …are you trying to say?"

"Figure it out genius."

'Now wasn't that a nice heart to heart talk.' Sotisku thought sarcastically. 'But what is he trying to say? At least he admitted that Mitsukake did the right thing. '

"Sotisku, I have a problem for you."

'Oh goody.'

"Let us consider this hypothetical situation where your country is at war."

'Oh well, its not that hypothetical.'

"You are in the midst of a crucial battle, whose loss would cost you everything; your country, your freedom … everything."

Sotisku thought he detected a tinge of bitterness in his voice.

"Then you find out that somebody …say… your Princess and a common soldier has been wounded and both their wounds are deadly and exactly alike. However, with your skills you could heal only one. Who would you chose?"

In the liquid darkness Sotisku turned pale.

"Answer the question Sotisku." There was a kind of relentless harshness in Lao Shin's voice.

A bitter taste seemed to rise in Sotisku's mouth and the words which, issued from his lips burned his tongue.

"I …I would chose to heal … Princess. Loosing the leader at such a crucial junction of the war … any war … is fatal."

A short mirthless chuckle issued from Lao Shin's lips. "Well at least you are honest."

Sotisku wasn't sure whether to consider his words as a compliment or as an insult.

"Now suppose you could heal not only them but everyone who is wounded in the battlefield but in the process you would die. What would you do then?"

Sotisku's fist curled into a ball. "I…" The words seemed stuck at his throat.

"Yes?" Lao Shin prompted.

At that moment Sotisku hated himself, the halting words which, issued from his mouth and most of all he hated Lao Shin for making him say them.

"I would still choose to heal Princess."

"Indeed?" Sotisku thought that he heard a tinge of amusement in Lao Shin's voice. "And why would you make this choice?"

"I thought it was obvious." Sotisku snapped, turning away as he was unable to suppress the rising tide of bitterness in his voice. "Nobility never wins a war."

Suddenly Lao Shin turned around, his long fingers curling around Sotisku's shoulders in a crushing hold. In the flickering light of the lamp he appeared paler than usual and for an instant Sotisku thought that the amber flecks in his eyes turned a bright, almost fluorescent gold.

"You'll do." There was a strange unreadable smile on the thin lips and the intensity of his words both frightened and surprised Sotisku. Try as he might he was unable to decipher the true meaning of Lao Shin's words.

"Come on, you will find this interesting." Lao Shin did not relinquish his hold on Sotisku as he pulled him forward.

By this time they had reached the bottom of the cellar.

"Hold this." He thrust the lamp at Sotisku.

Grudgingly, Sotisku accepted the said article.

'All right, I never really expected to understand Lao Shin but this is getting ridiculous.'

"Don't stand there like a dummy boy, bring the light over here."

Sotisku resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 'Yes Master.'

He shone the light over where Lao Shin was crouched on his haunches looking for something on the dusty floor.

"It is here in the cellars that the true heritage of this betrays itself." Lao Shin seemed to flick something infinitesimally small on the floor and Sotisku could hear the slow dragging sound of a stone door being rolled to a side. "Many people have built and modified the original structure but this part … thankfully has somehow managed to retain some of its original glory."

"Come on, we don't have much time."

'I know.' Sotisku frowned hurrying after Lao Shin. 'I know.'

A potion of the cellar wall had slid to a side revealing a yawning cavity. Lao Shin stood at its mouth and with an imperial gesture indicated Sotisku to enter.

'It's almost as if he is revealing something scared to me.'

Sotisku wasn't sure if he was happy, honored or plain freaked out. He had hardly put a foot inside the cavity when he froze, eyes widening. The yellow flame of the lamp he carried cast a flickering light on squat stone columns which rose upwards to meet and hold up a domed ceiling each embossed with a crest that he would not forget in a hurry.

'The crest of Bastet!'

"Yes, this place is very impressive." Lao Shin sounded bored. "Now give me the lamp."

Sotisku flushed relinquishing the lamp to Lao Shin. "I am sorry. Its just that, this place … it reminded me of Tur and Fa Sang."

"That is quite possible." Lao Shin applied the flame of the lamp to the torches that hung around the room which burst to life as soon as the flaming tongue touched them. "I already told you that this city was built on the ruins of another, much older structure."

'Hmm. This means that it is quite possible that once Taasha's people ruled over much of what we now call Hokkan. But why did they …' The paintings he had seen on the walls of the temple in Tur flashed across his mind. 'Of course, all those paintings, they were nearly always that of war and we already deduced that Tur had fallen to a vicious invasion. That means …'

"Sotisku."

Lao Shin's call broke his chain of thoughts. He looked inquiringly at him.

"Tell me if you find this familiar." Lao Shin indicated at something on the ground.

Sotisku moved forward to stand beside Lao Shin. For a while it seemed as if something was drawn on the ground. He squatted on his haunches to get a better look, his fingers wiping to a side the dust which had gathered on the ancient inscriptions.

"This is …" Wide eyed Sotisku turned at Lao Shin. "This is … These runes … They look somewhat like the runes Princess uses when she calls upon a portal."

"It is a portal."

"Eh?"

Lao Shin raised an amused eyebrow.

"I mean how do you know that?"

"Deduction, naturally." Lao Shin shrugged, mouthing the words as if they were the most obvious thing in the world. "If your Princess is able to activate this portal then you can go home."

'I am curious as to how you deduced this?'

"And if she or Chulivey is unable to do so, then … Then I guess you will have to entertain your guests."

'Now, isn't that reassuring?'

"So naturally I will have to get you in shape so that you can entertain your friends."

"I don't know why you are automatically assuming that Princess will fail." Sotisku frowned firing up. "We will surprise you yet."

"You already have." Lao Shin turned away.

'There he goes again.'

"As I was saying, healing magic…" Lao Shin's tone was business like. "It can be something as simple as putting your hand over a wound and mumbling a few words or something complex involving a lot of runes and a shitload of ki. Are you listening Sotisku?"

"Ah … yes"

"Also remember, the ability to perform healing magic is not a power … it is a skill." Lao Shin half turned at him and Sotisku thought that he detected an oddly calculating gleam in his eyes. "Like every other knowledge, it has to be acquired."

Sotisku's legs stopped of their own accord. "I … I see."

"Good." Lao Shin stopped setting down the lamp on a bracket cut into the wall. "Because what I am about to do is the second variety of healing magic, the one that involves complex runes and a shitload of ki. So watch carefully."

"Wait!" Sotisku frowned, rounding on Lao Shin. "If you knew healing magic why didn't you use it from the onset?"

"I had not thought that you lacked intelligence Sotisku." Lao Shin snapped. "Healing magic cannot produce miracles." He turned his attention to his work at hand. "Believe me. I know."

For a while both of them were silent.

"Forgive me." When Sotisku spoke, his voice was a little strained. "I always thought that healing magic was … potions were so much more tangible you know. It is my … ignorance which cause me to …"

"You talk too much boy." There was something of a laugh in Lao Shin's voice. "Knowledge is one of those things which gets easily misplaced. You just have to rediscover it. Now quit yapping and get down here. I need you do recreate these runes over there."

"Uh?"

"Copy them moron." Lao Shin handed a piece of charcoal to him.

"Okay." Sotisku's smile was rather forced. 'Just when I was beginning to have a weird sort of bonding with him… Oh well …'

He squatted on his haunches frowning as he tried to recreate the strange wobbly symbols Lao Shin drew with such expert ease.

"Not bad." Lao Shin peered over his shoulder and examined his handiwork. "Only if we were to use these we would succeed in disintegrating their tissues and killing them in a very messy and painful way."

"What?" Sotisku blinked. "But they look exactly the same."

"No, they don't." Lao Shin shook his head. "They differ ... here and here … and here. Now try again."

Sotisku sighed heavily, picking up the charcoal again. "Very well."

"Good." Lao Shin got up. "Just be more careful as you complete the circle. Meanwhile I will go upstairs and get your friends."

"Okay." Sotisku smiled brightly. 'I am so dead.'

OoOoOoOoO

"No!"

"I am sorry my Lord." Menesku could not help smiling as he confisticated Hotohori's stones. "But I believe that I won again."

"I hate Weiqi." Hotohori pouted. "Let's have another game."

"Very well my Lord." Menesku emptied the board before expertly arranging the white and black pieces on it.

Hotohori leaned forward, his eyes shining. "This time I will kick your pompous a … behind."

"You are welcome to try my Prince."

Hotohori's eyes narrowed but by the end of the hour he was reduced to his original state. Menesku had broken in on his guard and was ruthlessly pressing forward.

"Well my Lord, what now?" There was a quiver in Menesku's voice. "Do you surrender?"

Hotohori's eyes smoldered. "Never!"

Menesku shrugged noncommittally and continued with demolishing was left of Hotohori's scattered army.

"Gah!" Hotohori's reaction wasn't particularly noble as he found he could maneuver no more. "I hate this game."

Menesku however, remained discreetly silent.

"It is a stupid game."

"Whatever you say my Lord." The ends of Menesku's lips quivered. "But I still won."

"Hmph. I know." Hotohori turned away. "It is still a stupid game."

"My Lord."

Startled they turned at the source of the sound.

"Lord Takara." Hotohori smiled, easily slipping into his kind, noble and polite mode. "How are you today?"

"Well." For some reason Takara's smile looked strained, almost melancholy. "There is something which requires your attention my Lord."

Even his voice sounded less than his usually composed self.

If Hotohori was disappointed at his pastime cut short he did not show it.

"Very well." He favored Takara with a regal inclination of his head. "Let us go then."

Takara nodded before turning towards Menesku. "Perhaps you should come too, Menesku."

For some reason Menesku felt a sort of trepidation in his heart. Glancing at the smiling visage of his friend he realized that Hotohori probably shared the nagging sense of fear and unease.

Takara preceded them leading them down the familiar hallways towards the main courtyard. All at once Menesku became aware of an oppressive feeling that seemed to have settled over the palace. People talked in hushed tones and more than once Menesku thought he detected a pitying glance being directed in their direction.

"My Lord." Takara paused before the doorway leading to the open courtyard. "Your father has … returned."

"My father!" Hotohori's eyes lit up. This meant that Lord Hoshimaru was finally back from the peace conference with the Emperor of Kutou with his entire entourage, including the shogun of Konon's armies and Menesku's father Lord Takemaru.

He glanced once in Menesku's direction whose usually stony profile was lit up with a smile.

"This is good news. I will go to him at once." His eyes danced and Menesku understood the hidden meaning in them.

'You worry for no reason Menesku.'

Takara's hand shot out, momentarily resting on his shoulders. "Be strong my Prince."

"I dislike riddles Lord Takara." Hotohori's eyes narrowed and Menesku felt something heavy settle around his heart like a leaden armor. "Elucidate."

Takara sighed, gesturing Hotohori to follow him into the sun kissed courtyard.

"I am afraid that we have been betrayed my Lord." Menesku understood that it was with an effort that he kept his voice from shaking. "I …I am sorry."

Hotohori stood still, something of a glazed look in his eyes, mouth pursed into a thin unrelenting line. Makeshift pallets covered with white shrouds lined the courtyard and the soldiers were still bringing in more.

Takara had turned away, unable to face Hotohori anymore. "I am afraid nobody survived."

"Father …" Hotohori's fist curled into a ball and understood that it was with a conscious effort that he curbed the anguish in his voice. He turned towards Takara, his tone sounding harsh and clipped. "How did this happen?"

Menesku moved to stand beside him, his heart squeezing painfully. Something pricked at his eyes but he forced them back. Tears were for the weak of heart and he was not weak. He did not require anybody's sympathy.

But …

'Father …'

An immense whirlpool of velvety darkness seemed to envelope him in her warm embrace, soothing away the ache in his heart. It was so peaceful …

'Wake up Sleeping beauty an' smell the roses.'

The voice as loud as a clarion call seemed to crack his world of infinite peace. He reacted instinctually, fisted hand moving upwards in a curve before colliding with heavily something fleshy.

'Ow...OW…OWWWW…'

The voice was louder this time.

'For a guy who was in a freaking coma for the last fucking goddamn weeks, he still hits pretty hard.'

The voice sounded familiar, ruthlessly pulling him out of his comfortable cocoon.

'He still is pretty weak. Normally he would have broken your nose with that blow.'

The voice sarcastic and somewhat weak also sounded familiar.

"Suraco?"

'Who the hell asked fer yer opinion, ya freaking idiot asshole bastard of Kuotu.'

He knew only one man who knew so many colorful expletives and had the ability to use them all in the same sentence.

'Liang? Am I dreaming?'

The next voice which invaded the perimeters of his self was even more familiar.

'Menesku…'

It was quite clear to him that the owner of the voice was trying his best not to appear anxious.

'Menesku…'

The call was louder this time and perhaps more urgent, melting away the last traces of silence which had wrapped itself around him. His eyelids fluttered open and for a while his vision seemed to swim before steadying itself.

"Menesku…" He felt a pressure on his shoulders. "Can you hear me?"

Menesku was vaguely aware of a lot of people crowding around him with really anxious looks on their face. Unwelcome spots of color made themselves known on his pale cheeks and his lips curved into a somewhat strained smile.

"Yes my Lord." His voice sounded a little too unsure for his taste.

"I am glad." He saw Hotohori's eyes soften.

'Yeah I am glad too.' Menesku's eyes reflected his smile. 'Now get rid of my captive audience so that you and I can talk.'

Hotohori's smile turned sheepish but before he could say anything another voice demanded his attention.

"Yer a freaking asshole, did ya know that?" Liang settled beside Hotohori, anger warring with anxiety in the depths of his amber eyes. "Ya just want to have all the fun yerself! T'would serve ya right if that Shizimi asshole had kicked yer frigid butt all the way to the underworld!"

Menesku blinked, trying not to look bemused.

"Meself was coming ya know." Liang continued sulkily. "If only that fucking skin popping monster hadn't tricked us…"

Liang's words seems to blur out of focus as the events that happened previously returned to him with a jolt.

'Shizimi …Freya …' He looked around. 'I am alive! How did I get here? Most importantly …where is here?'

For the first time he became aware of his surroundings. They were inside what appeared to look like a dimly lit cellar and he was lying on a cold stone floor. But what surprised him most were the lucidity of his thoughts and the absence of pain from his limbs.

'Is it supposed to be like this? I was beaten within an inch of my life! Am I supposed to be this …'

"Menesku, are you okay?"

'Okay… Yes that's the word. Am I supposed to feel okay?' He looked up, bestowing one of his rare smiles on the questioner. "I am fine Lady Lee. And how are you?"

"Really Menesku…" Lee laughed. "I am fine."

"Now, if you have all assured yourself his wellbeing." Menesku heard an unfamiliar voice. "Allow me to examine my patient."

Menesku turned his face towards the source of the sound, gray eyes meeting with sharp amber flecked green orbs.

"I am Lao Shin." Long white fingers closed around his wrist as Lao Shin felt his pulse. "At this moment you are Hokkan, a place known as the Old City."

'Okay, I am unable to make head or tail of this situation.'

"Can you sit up?"

Menesku nodded. "Yes." He was determined not to let his confusion shine through. Bracing his palms on the floor he attempted to sit up.

'Oh shit!'

He felt a supporting arm under his shoulders, holding him up. Turning around he found himself on the receiving end of another of Hotohori's sheepish smile.

"Of course, you still might feel a bit weak."

Menesku rolled his eyes. 'Now he tells me.'

With Hotohori's help he sat up, leaning back into a stone column for support, which is when he became aware of the other people in the room.

"Hello Menesku." There was no mistaking Suraco's voice. "I am sorry to see that you are feeling less than your exquisite self."

In Menesku's opinion he did not sound sorry at all.

"I am touched." He could not keep the sarcasm out of his voice. 'And why is he here?'

"We decided to team with them bastards of Kutou so that we could get off the fucking island." Liang grumbled, almost as if he was aware of what Menesku was thinking. "An' we are stuck with 'em since then."

"Don't complain Liang." A red haired boy who sat beside Suraco glowered at Liang. "We are not exactly happy about this either."

"Now look 'ere ya …"

"Oh come on Liang." Lee cut in eager to dispel the thunderclouds that were brewing in the horizon. "Both Menesku and Suraco look great. Lao Shin's trick worked."

"Trick?" The red haired man fired up. "You ignorant woman how dare you call this a trick! This O' uninformed Miko of another world is a work of art which I busted my ass to create."

"Ya swore Sotisku! Meself knew ya had it in ya!"

"Why thank you Liang."

"Don't insult Lee." Faraco's presence made itself known.

"And why won't I?" The red haired man whom Liang addressed as Sotisku rounded in on Faraco, blue eyes flashing. "I am not the one who is trying to impress her you dimwit."

"Why you …"

"Everybody …quiet."

Lao Shin's command wasn't particularly loud but his voice had a certain quality which immediately commanded their attention.

"Now that you have ceased your juvenile behavior could we proceed to the next phase of our original plan of action?" Lao Shin sounded bored. "What do you think Princess?" There was a tinge of sarcasm in his voice which did not escape Menesku's notice.

"This is a portal." A voice, somewhat arrogant and supremely self possessed came to his ears.

"I think we have already established that."

"I know." The owner of the voice moved into the light allowing Menesku to observe her features. "I and Lady Chulivey have both examined the inscription. Both of us know that it is a portal but we are unfamiliar with the runes used. I am not sure if we will able to energize the portal."

It was for the first time that Menesku saw the elusive Princess of Kutou, without the paint, the overly embroidered robes and the glittering jewels that is. Thrice she had crossed their path before and every time it was only Lord Hotohori who had seen her.

'Except this one time when he was with Liang.' He thought grudgingly.

In vain he tried to tally this proud young woman with the ultra feminine fragile Princess in the portraits his spies had so obligingly supplied him. Now he finally understood why Hotohori had deemed Keeah so dangerous.

'Because like him, she too wears a mask.'

"Ah General Menesku." Fathomless black eyes stared into his face and he could not understand whether the smile on her lips was genuine or not. "I see that you have recovered. I knew you would bounce back." She turned towards Hotohori and Menesku thought that he sensed a sparkle in her dark orbs. "See, I told you so. Menesku has an irritating habit of bouncing back from the dead."

"I know." Menesku was surprised that none of the politeness and polish of manner which automatically crept into Hotohori's voice when he was talking to nobility was present when he addressed Keeah. "But what are you going to do about the portal Princess?"

"I am thinking."

"What?" Pursing his mouth Hotohori turned towards Chulivey. "Are you thinking too?"

Menesku thought that Chulivey appeared a little pale. "Actually, my Lord, I am. The runes used in those portals are strange. It's almost as if I know the language but I can't understand it." She sighed. "I am sorry my Lord."

"Don't be." Hotohori tried to keep his voice even.

"Hmm. I knew it would be like this from the onset." Lao Shin sounded a little harsh. "Perhaps you should prepare to entertain your unwelcome guests."

"We ain't afraid of no fighting old man." Liang frowned, crossing one arm over another. "Meself gonna toast their ass an' throw their carcass to rabid ducks."

"Hmm." Lao Shin was totally unmoved by violent fate that would befall any who dare trespass in the Old City. "If you say so."

"Well." Chulivey began hesitantly. "If we can't activate that portal why don't we create a portal of our own to transport ourselves out of here? I mean that's how we came here in the first place. I am sure that I could manage to create a portal."

"Yes." Hotohori agreed, beaming. "She is right you know."

'Exactly.' Menesku frowned, wondering why they hadn't thought of it in the first place.

"Because, I don't think that we could create a portal here or in any other part of this house." Keeah's voice though calm and quiet seemed to cast a bucket of cold water on the suddenly jubilant spirit which had encompassed them.

"An' how do ya know that?" Liang was the first to recover his voice.

"Commonsense Fang boy." Keeah snapped and then cravenly refused to explain herself as she turned towards Lao Shin. "I am right, am I not?"

Menesku thought that he saw an oddly calculating gleam creep into Lao Shin's eyes for an instant.

"I am afraid that she is right." Lao Shin shrugged. "I had a friend of mine put a few wards around this place which makes creating a new portal inside this place virtually impossible, which is why I wanted you to use a pre-existing portal to get out of here."

"Now yer telling us!" Liang bristled angrily.

Lao Shin chose to ignore that comment, something of a smile playing on his harsh lips. "My friend must be falling out of touch. She had assured me that nobody would be able to sense her wards."

"Your friend is not out of touch. I had sensed nothing." Keeah said with what Menesku considered self destructive truthfulness. "But if were possible to create a portal here then you would not have gone through the trouble of showing us this sanctum of yours. You would have simply asked us to create a portal and get lost. I just wanted to be sure."

"Now you see why I consider her a threat." Hotohori whispered to Menesku, grudging admiration in his voice. "She is crafty."

Menesku nodded, fully able to understand his point.

Liang however was more vocal. "Yer a crafty woman!"

"You should know by now Fang boy, all women are crafty." Keeah smiled. "Some more, some less."

Liang shot her a look of extreme loathing. "Yer just like me sis Mihiru."

Keeah flicked her hair. "I'll take that as a compliment."

A soft chuckle caught their attention. Lao Shin was leaning against a wall, a smile of genuine amusement playing across his features.

"So what do you intend to do now, Princess? You said you can't energize the portal …"

"I said I wasn't sure if I can energize the portal." Keeah cut in. "But it doesn't mean that I am not going to give it try. Even though the runes are unfamiliar, the basic principle should be the same."

"I wish you luck child." The sarcasm was back in his voice.

"Thank you. " Keeah was unfazed.

Moving towards the portal she sat on her haunches beside it, putting both her palm in the middle of the circle. Closing her eye she began to concentrate. Slowly the tips of her fingers began to glow a soft blue which seemed to turn into a liquid blue fire spreading through the runes.

Menesku stiffened. 'That ki …'

"I know…." Hotohori muttered to him in an under-voice. "Her ki seems awfully familiar to the Black Warrior's doesn't it? I think that's because she uses the same sort of magic as him."

The Princess of Kutou knows elemental magic. And how come his spies never told him anything about it?

'I'll have to dismiss them for their incompetence.'

"It's done." Keeah got up and though she appeared a little drained, there was a shadow of a triumphant smile on her face. "And I finally figured out why the runes were so unfamiliar. It is a one-way, open ended portal."

"What?" Chulivey exclaimed. "I thought that such portals were just a theoretical possibility."

"So did I but apparently, I was wrong. " Keeah looked at Hotohori. "Would you care to do the honors my Lord?"

Hotohori's smile was dazzling. "I would not even dream of robbing you of that honor."

"Suit yourself." Keeah shrugged an impish smile on her face. "You're just scared."

"I am not."

"Continue your charming conversation at another time." Lao Shin cut in. "I need you to, as you so nicely phrased it Princess, get lost."

"Very well my Lord." Keeah didn't seem to mind this rude interruption. "I want to thank you for …"

"Cut the crap Princess." Lao Shin waved his hand dismissively, interrupting her speech once more. "I hate this emotional crap. You …" He addressed Sotisku beckoning him with an imperious gesture. "Come here."

Sotisku moved forward. Lao Shin muttered something under his breath before thrusting a yellowing parchment into his hands.

"Study this. It might improve your mediocre skills."

For a while Sotisku stared at the parchment. "Thank you." He beamed, as soon as he was able to find his tongue again.

"Whatever. Now get lost." Lao Shin shooed him away. "You have hogged too much of my time already."

Menesku watched him rejoin his friends in the circle of blue light. There were four of them. Suraco, Sotisku, the Princess and another man in a dark blue cloak whose face he could not see. Keeah bowed to Lao Shin once more before turning towards Hotohori.

"Good bye my Lord." She said politely, a little too politely perhaps because Hotohori seemed to stiffen beside him almost as if by a premonition. "And even though I find your intelligence questionable, it was an honor working with you."

She was gone in a whirl of blue light.

"Honored I am sure." Hotohori muttered, sarcasm dripping from his voice. Then his face cleared. "Menesku, I believe it is time for us to go home."

OoOoOoOoOoO

The silvery moonlight crept shyly through the tall serpentine columns, as if unwilling to intrude on the solitude of the woman who sat in front of an elaborately carved ornate mirror.

"Hmm." Her voice was thoughtful as she gazed into the rippling surface of the mirror. "This seems to have passed off rather well. It would seem our old friend has not lost his touch."

A rustle of cloth behind her caused her to turn.

"My lady." A man knelt in front of her, his muddied red cloak pooling around him.

"Memnon." She frowned, waving a hand that caused the faces in the mirror to disappear. "I trust you have a good reason to interrupt my solitude."

"Accept my apologies my Lady." Memnon's voice quivered a little. "But I bear important news."

Her brows crinkled slightly. "Then speak."

"We have located Ryuutoshiki."

"I see. Then you will obey my orders and stay out of sight. Do not let him sense you."

"He is in Konon."

"What?" She sat straight. "Are you sure?"

Memnon nodded. "Yes my Lady. The last time we spotted him, he was a week's distance from Rong Yang."

OoOoOoOoOoO

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Author's note: Anonymous reviewers, please look at my profile page for my replies. Especially you Wallflower, since it was your mail that made me realize that I had procrastinated long enough.