FOREWORD:

The original manuscript for this chapter was written entirely on recycled paper, and if that prompts any comments about recycled ideas going with the paper, kindly keep them to yourself.

I have decided to grant Stormlight's wish to see the smirk wiped off Nakago's face...well, sort of...

Enjoy!


Chapter 22: The Art of War

Miaka whipped around, only to see that Nakago had not moved from the spot she had last seen him. That had to mean…

OH CRAP.

She looked from one man to the other. From what she could see, they looked exactly alike, right down to the damned smirk. The only difference was that the other Nakago was dressed completely in black, which contrasted breathtakingly with his fair hair and skin.

"What, don't you have anything to say?" the doppelganger addressed the man he had been created to resemble. "How unlike you to be speechless." The voice, the tone…all the inflections in his speech were identical to the real Nakago's.

"You are Tenkou's creation," Nakago pronounced coldly, regaining his mental equilibrium. The initial shock which had overtaken him was rapidly wearing off; leaving him extremely unimpressed…and in a very, very bad mood.

"So I am," the doppelganger replied agreeably, "but I'm also you." He lifted a hand, and a glowing blue ball of chi appeared in his palm. On his forehead, the blue kokoro symbol flared brilliantly.

"Remember this? I have all your powers…everything you lost when the Suzaku no Miko sealed Seiryuu." He let out a soft snort of amusement, taking a step closer to Nakago, "How pathetic you are. You can deceive everyone, Nakago. You can lie to her," he inclined his head in Miaka's direction, "maybe even to yourself…but you can't lie to me. I know how disgusted you are with yourself, with how weak you've become."

The blonde shogun regarded his alter-ego with a level stare that was icily aloof, "Do you have any idea how annoying you are?"

Miaka was amazed at how unruffled Nakago appeared to be. She bit her tongue at the question he'd asked his double, and refrained from making a comment about blackened pots versus kettles. Seeing two Nakagos talking to each other so civilly was disconcerting. It was like talking to yourself in the mirror, only in this case, the mirror image talked back.

Instead of replying, the doppelganger launched the ball of chi at Nakago, who narrowly dodged the attack. The chi-blast streaked past him, and blew a large hole in the wall. The entire cavern shuddered at the impact.

Nakago drew his sword, studying his opponent's every move…calculating the moment when his alter-ego might attack again. His double smirked, and started shooting chi-blasts in rapid succession. Nakago instantly dropped to the ground, the deadly energy passing harmlessly over his head to blast yet more holes in the walls. Know your enemy, know yourself…and victory will be yours. Never have truer words been spoken. The irony of the statement would have amused him, had he not been fighting for his life. He was sure that the stodgy old curmudgeon who had coined those words of wisdom had never been placed in a situation quite like the one he was currently in.

She watched the fight, her worry increasing steadily. How do you defeat someone who knows you inside out? Who knows your every thought…your every secret? And worse still, the duplicate created by Tenkou had all the deadly power Nakago had possessed before. Miaka wasn't sure whether even someone like Nakago would be able win this battle against himself.Her eyes wandered to the amulet, resting on the pedestal nearby. If I can get to it, maybe I can start summoning Suzaku…

Slowly, she began moving towards it…

The double suddenly turned to look directly at her, and she found herself frozen in place with a powerful chi binding spell. "Don't even think about it," he said calmly, his pale blue eyes gleaming maliciously.

Nakago took the opportunity to attack while his alter-ego was distracted with the Suzaku no Miko. He lunged forward, swinging his sword in a tight arc which would have bisected his opponent's torso, slicing him diagonally from ribcage to shoulder…

…only to encounter thin air as the double winked out of existence.

Nakago whipped around, snapping out a spinning roundhouse kick at the same time, instinctively knowing that the clone had teleported behind him. However, without his powers, fast as his reflexes were, his alter-ego was faster. Before he could even complete the turn, he felt himself being flung backwards as the double used his psychokinetic powers, slamming Nakago into the wall on the far side of the cavern.

The collision with the unyielding solid stone wall jarred every bone in his body; knocking the wind out of his lungs and Nakago was sure that he'd just cracked several ribs. A variety of multi-coloured shapes flitted at the edges of his vision; the incredible pain nearly causing him to black out as he slid down to the floor, gasping involuntarily.

"NAKAGO!!" Miaka screamed in horror, still unable to move, the shimmering blue bands of chi holding her as firmly in place as any chains or metal bars.

The double looked amused, as he turned and walked towards her. "Aren't you going to cheer for me too, Suzaku no Miko?" He stopped directly in front of her, his mouth twisted into a sardonic sneer, "I'm Nakago as well."

Being so close to him, she could feel the waves of pure evil radiating from him. It was unlike anything she had ever encountered before, not even from Nakago when they had been enemies. One hand reached out to cup her chin, tilting her head up and forcing her to meet his penetrating silver-blue gaze.

"He could have had everything he wanted, if he had taken you in Hokkan," Miaka shivered at the blonde man's words. They were spoken in the deep voice she had come to trust…coming from a monster wearing the face of the person she had learnt to regard as a friend. The double slid his fingers down to stroke the soft, delicate skin of her throat, just over her frantically racing pulse, "I intend to rectify that mistake," he said softly.

Slightly callused fingertips trailing languidly down her neck to trace her collarbone drew a strangled whimper from her as he circled around her trapped form, like a predator stalking its prey. Moving behind her, he leaned intimately close.

"You have such soft, beautiful skin. I shall enjoy teaching you…so many things…" he murmured seductively, his lips brushing against her hair. His tongue flicked over the outer rim of her ear before he placed a teasing butterfly kiss on the highly sensitive spot just behind her earlobe, causing her to shudder violently in response…

With deliberate, aching slowness, he trailed his mouth along the line of her jaw and down the curve of her throat, lightly pressing a series of soft, wet kisses onto her skin.

She could not prevent the tiny whisper of a moan from escaping her lips as she unconsciously arched into his sensuous touch.

He was seducing her…and succeeding completely. Miaka was beginning to drown in the sea of warm sensations he was arousing in her. This version of Nakago, although completely evil, exhibited the same gentleness the real one had shown her when he'd kissed her at the inn. It was as if she had been rendered powerless to resist, despite the knowledge that this was a monster created by Tenkou. Traitorous desire, heady and intoxicating, wrapped around her senses…

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN TAMAHOME?! GET A GRIP, MIAKA! SNAP OUT OF IT!! A voice in at the back of her mind screamed desperately, in a last-ditch attempt to jolt her out of her drugged stupor. The sensual haze which had enveloped her dissipated at the harsh mental admonishment, which had all the effect of a slap in the face.

She could feel his warm breath; could feel the soft blonde hair caressing her cheek…the careful, gentle stroking of his lips and hands…it left her trembling uncontrollably, as a combination of guilty yearning and ice-edged terror clawed its way up her spine.

The doppelganger chuckled, sensing her emotional turmoil and stepped back, "You liked that, didn't you?" It was more a statement of fact than a question; accompanied by an air of pure masculine satisfaction. "That was just a little taste of the pleasure I can give you. Don't fight me, pretty Suzaku no Miko…I'll make it enjoyable for you, I promise." His deep voice was as smooth as silk…and powerfully hypnotic.

Miaka paled, horrified at herself. For one moment, she had almost succumbed to the alternate Nakago's soft words and caresses…had almost been ready to surrender herself to him, body and soul. A minute ago, she had actually wanted him. The mere thought of it made her feel ill and she suddenly felt like throwing up.

NO! I will not let him win! I won't let him seduce me! The jerk is toying with me, just like the real one does! The realisation brought a surge of white-hot fury which completely eclipsed every other emotion. Mustering all the courage she possessed, she glared at him for all she was worth, anger and hate flaring brightly in her eyes.

"ROT. IN. HELL," she spat, emphasising every word. Amazingly, her voice did not tremble. "I'll die before I let you touch me."

"Such spirit," the double said, lips curling into a slow, predatory smile. "It will make things all the more interesting."

His attention was diverted away from her when he noticed Nakago getting to his feet. He turned back to face the other blonde man.


Nakago was leaning against the cave wall for support, his ribs protesting at every movement. Thankfully, his alter-ego's preoccupation with the Suzaku no Miko had given him some precious time to recover. He admitted to himself that he wasn't in peak physical condition, and could very well lose the next bout. Still, he had heard her angry words to his counterpart, and could not help smirking. She had refused to be intimidated by the mind games his double was playing, and that had earned his approval.

She had not lost her spirit…and he would not lose his.

"Give up, you should know you cannot win." His duplicate said impassively, hand extended to blast him with another ball of chi.

"You should know that I never give up," Nakago stated evenly, his fingers curling tightly around the weapon he held. There has to be a way to beat him…He tried to think of any weaknesses, but came up empty. To make matters worse, the pain in his chest made it extremely difficult to concentrate. Damn…He used to be almost invincible, and now he was forced to fight a perfect copy of himself who had all the powers he didn't possess anymore. Irony did not even begin to cover the situation.

He managed to deflect a chi-blast with his sword, but the recoil was tremendous, almost causing him to lose his grip on the hilt. The next attack, he ducked, rolling out of the way and into the deep shadows at the edges of the cavern.

"You can run, but you can't hide," the double drawled complacently, his bored tone indicating his disinterest at the cat-and-mouse game which had been initiated. He began directing chi-blasts into the shadows, trying to flush out his prey.

Miaka watched, her heart pounding rapidly against her ribcage. Suddenly, she thought she heard voices, calling to her. What? She concentrated, forcing herself to tune out the sounds of the battle, the chi-blasts, the sounds of rock crumbling to dust…

Miaka…

With a start, she realised that she had not heard the voice with her ears, but with her heart.

Hotohori? Is that you?

Yes, Miaka. We're all here to help you, but we need you to focus your chi.

But how? I don't know how! she thought desperately. The binding spell holding her was strong, and she didn't know if she could break it. She had not been able to break Nakago's chi before, and she didn't think she could do it now.

Another voice sounded, Believe in yourself, Miaka, because we all believe in you!

I still think Nakago is bastard, and he deserves to get his ass kicked, but you gotta help him…

Nuriko! Tasuki! Other voices joined in, adding their encouragement. Chichiri, Chiriko, Mitsukake…

Be strong, Miaka! You can do it! You've never let me down, or ever disappointed me! All of my heart…all of my soul…Wo Ai Ni, forever…

Tamahome…Miaka could feel the tears filling her eyes. They were all with her, giving her their support. She had to try, had to prove that their trust in her was not misplaced. She took a deep breath, calming herself, and willed all the strength she had into her concentration.

Gradually, an object begun to materialise in front of her, shimmering iridescently. She stared at it in wonder, seeing the emperor's face instead of her own reflection in the polished metal.

Hotohori…this—this is…but Nakago, after what he did to you…why—?

Hotohori's image smiled gently, his deep, soothing voice echoing in her heart and in her mind. How could I not forgive him, when he has protected you all this time? But you need to hurry! He will not be able to hold out much longer!

She nodded. Gritting her teeth, she began to fight against the chi holding her captive. She could feel all her seishi sending their collective power to her…and Tamahome's love, flowing through her, lending her strength. Red sparks danced around her, as the energy crackled. There was a sound like electricity building up as she slowly lifted her hand, forcing it to move.


The black-clad blonde shogun had finally succeeded in drawing Nakago out of the shadows. The latest series of chi-blasts had grazed Nakago, and he was bleeding in several places, his white shirt stained a deep crimson. A thin trickle of blood ran down the left side of his neck from a shallow cut just under his jaw; the result of being too close to a wall as it had exploded, showering him with stone splinters. From the position he was in, he could see what the Suzaku no Miko was attempting to do. Fortunately, his alter-ego had yet to notice the little scene going on in the background with the captive girl, assuming that she would not be able to break free of his chi.

They had one chance…Nakago had to count on her to fight her way free. The only thing he could do was to buy her some extra time.

"Is that the best you can do?" he taunted, drawing his counterpart's complete attention. "With all that power, and you haven't managed to kill me yet." His voice sounded strange to his own ears, and it took him a moment to realise why…It was hoarse with pain.

A fleeting expression of irritation crossed his double's face before it was replaced with an arrogant smirk, "Ah…but I was just getting warmed up," the tone was cool and impersonal, but it did not disguise the underlying menace in the words.


Miaka was putting everything she had into her efforts. Believe in myself…know that there are people who believe in me…I can do this! There is nothing to fear…I WILL NOT LOSE!! Her hand closed around the hilt of Hotohori's deity sword, as the chi bands which had held her captive dissolved under the force of her will.

The feel of the Suzaku no Miko breaking out of his chi was enough to momentarily distract the black-clad Seiryuu shichi seishi. Nakago saw his chance. Ignoring the searing pain from his fractured ribs, he dropped to the ground, grabbed a handful of sand and flung it into his alter-ego's face, before the double could turn to face the girl.

In the split-second it took for the other man to deflect the sand with a chi-field, Miaka had hurled the sword towards the real Nakago in an amazing display of strength and skill. The hilt slapped against his palm with a reassuring smack as he expertly caught it with one hand.

Not a moment too soon, as his duplicate released three immensely powerful chi-blasts at him. Nakago automatically blocked with the sword, and its blade absorbed the power almost immediately, glowing a fierce pink; tendrils of crackling energy flickering along the length of its blade. He saw the look of surprise on his double's face as the other blonde man recognised the deity sword…right before Nakago swung the blade in a glowing arc, sending the accumulated power back at his opponent.

His mirror image did not even have time to move before the deadly chi found its mark; instantly vaporising flesh and bone on impact.


Notes:

1) Whew! Writing this chapter darn near KILLED me. : :Author collapses weakly over keyboard.: : It is a whole lot easier visualising it than trying to write it out! Actually, I originally wanted it to be Tamahome (evil one created by Tenkou, of course!) and Nakago fighting, then I realised that it really wouldn't be as exciting as Nakago vs. Nakago...and besides, I did the Tamahome-fighting-Nakago thing in Chapter 2. Anyhow, a scene with Tamahome seducing Miaka would not be as powerful as a scene with Nakago seducing Miaka...wicked grin

2) I hope everyone enjoyed the seduction scene...Hehhehheh. I wanted the Alternate!Nakago to have a little fun with Miaka. It's a pity I had to kill him off... I was really starting to like him, even though he was an evil jerk...

By the way, it's not that the real Nakago isn't still evil...it's just that the Nakago created by Tenkou is more evil.

3) The "stodgy old curmudgeon" Nakago refers to is Sun Tzu. Being a military general, Nakago is almost certain to have studied the works of Sun Tzu, so I think it is pretty conceivable for him to quote something out of Sun Tzu's teachings. "Know you enemy and know yourself...and victory will be yours" can be found under the section of Attack by Strategem from "The Art of War" (Yep, that's where I got the title for this chapter).