Tears of the Dragon - Chapter 9

After a few hours of riding in the dark of the light, with a road solely lit up by the moon that hung high in the sky and the stars that showed the directions of the sky, the group plodded along on horseback. The gravel road that was taken was through open countryside, with one side of the road surrounded by tall trees and the other by some brush and mostly open valleys. It was hard to see the colour of anything, everything was a variant on the shade of black or gray, dark and morbid, almost at times foreboding. Still, the group kept on moving, so there was little chance of having to encounter the enemy, Suzaku's Seishi and Miko.

A while later, shortly thereafter, a small village or rather town sat on the far-off horizon. There weren't any signs of lights or life, but at least it was there and not knocked down as a result of the never-dying civil war that kept finding more and more life to feed off of.

The township itself was diminutive in its size, but it was home to plenty of tiny shacks and some reasonable size hovels. They surrounded the street on both sides. The streets themselves were pitch black with the exception of the above moonlight that lit the way.

Though it was primarily dominated by residential housing, there was a small inn near the other side of the township, which was also home to the town's only tavern.

Amiboshi led the way deeper into the village. He could smell food. And where there was food, maybe they would have a place for them to stay. Leading the horses, they came to a tavern.

It was rowdy, as all taverns are. But there was a small cottage attached to the tavern. Amiboshi hoped that it was an inn as well as a tavern.

Dismounting, he leaned his brother against the horse's neck. He went over and helped Yui dismount. "Stay with Suboshi while I go into the tavern to see about rooms and food."

On the way, Amiboshi had told Yui what happened. A fierce hatred had begun to fester within her. Not just at Miaka, for betraying her. But at Tamahome. For hurting Suboshi. She wouldn't forgive them. Ever.

She nodded. Moving over to the other horse, she placed a hand on Suboshi's cheek, caressing it. "You'll be okay. We'll find a doctor. You'll be better in no time."

"Yui-san..." He weakly placed a hand over hers. He blinked slowly, smiling meekly. He sighed, feeling like his ribs had been broken, his back destroyed; his entire form in deterioration. "...I hope so..."

"You will. I promise." Yui gripped his hand, smiling at him. "You'll be fine. We'll get you better. I swear we will." 'And avenge you.'

"Yui-san...my dear sweet maiden..." Suboshi sighed, twisting his hand in her, so their fingers were intertwined. He then reached into his jacket. "Take this scroll." He handed it to her. "Do as you please with it, it's the scroll that Suzaku No Miko need in order to summon Suzaku once all her Seishi are gathered, without, the god can't be summoned."

Yui blinked. She took the scroll, staring at it. She looked at Suboshi. "Is...is this what they fought you and Koutoku for?"

"Hai, that's right. They wanted it back, actually, they didn't know I had it on me...they wanted the bag that it was in. However, they have the bag but no scroll." With serious eyes that shone from the moonlight, Suboshi clasped Yui's free hand. "Destroy the scroll."

Yui nodded. "Hai. I will. Just rest now. I want you to get your strength back."

"Hai...arigatou." he looked around. "Ne, where'd Aniki go?! Gomen...I don't remember what he said about where he was going..."

"He went to see about getting us a room. He wanted to find someplace to get you a doctor as soon as possible." Yui replied.

Amiboshi exited the tavern, approaching the young couple. "We're in luck. The cottage behind the tavern is small. It's currently unoccupied. We'll be staying for a while, at least until Suboshi gets better. They're sending for a doctor now."

Reaching over, he held his brother on the horse while guiding it towards the cottage. Yui followed, leading her own horse behind. Once there, Amiboshi helped his brother from the saddle.

Despite the fact that his brother had such a gentle touch, Suboshi groaned and moaned in pain and rather loudly. But it wasn't his fault, after all, he didn't choose to get hurled mercilessly into a hardwood tree during the brawl. As before, he leaned heavily against his brother, but it wasn't because he was weak, it just helped to ease the pain from the pit of hell he waddled in. The pain felt at times to be on fire, burning his body.

Amiboshi carried his brother into the cottage as gently as possible. He could feel his brother's pain and it tore his heart to know Suboshi was suffering so much. Entering the small cottage, Amiboshi went through a small archway. Inside the room, were two beds. But unlike the beds in the twins' hovel back in the Kutou capital, these were fairly large sized. The room itself was sparse of any other furnishings.

Amiboshi placed his brother on one bed. Covering him up, he placed a gentle hand on Suboshi's forehead. "Rest now. I'll go get a doctor. Just rest here." Brushing his brother's cheek lightly, he stood and exited the room.

He turned to Yui. "Yui-san, I'm going to get a doctor. I'll be back soon." Without waiting for a reply, he headed out the door as fast as he could.

The surface pain was the only thing that was seen by Amiboshi and Yui; they remained blissfully unaware of the festering hatred that brewed violently from within the depths of his soul. Suboshi's expression was demonstrative of the pool of suffering he was seemingly drowning in, but it did nothing to speak of the growing blister of loath for the Seishi he had fought that led him to this plight, this excruciatingly painful disposition. The piling infliction of antipathy on the inner wound contributed to his dire need for revenge and to feel his enemy's blood on his hands as he brutally, mercilessly and ruthlessly killed the Seishi in a battle to the death.

Although his body visibly writhed in pain to a degree, he let the growing hatred form within. 'I'm never going to forget this! I'm never going to ever forgive him, never!'

Yui watched as Amiboshi left. She bit her lip. Everything seemed to be falling apart. 'We have to find the other three seishi...quickly!' She pulled her own bag off her shoulders. The scroll that had been inside, fell out onto the floor. Yui looked down and picked it up. She stared at it for a long time.

'If I destroy it, that means Miaka can't call Suzaku...' She ran her fingers over the fine paper, thinking. Her friend had betrayed her. She had thought to take Yui's boyfriend away from her. She smiled as she remembered his devotion. 'He truly does care for me...'

Looking at the scroll once last time, her visage grew angry. She would never forgive Miaka for what she had done. Nor Tamahome. He had tried to kill Shunkaku!

"Never. I will make sure they never win! They will pay for what they have done!" Turning, she saw the fire that was raging in the fireplace. Amiboshi must have started it before leaving.

She approached it, ready to throw the scroll into the fire. She held back for a moment. 'No. Not yet. This is something that I want the twins to see. They should be a part of this too.'

Placing the scroll on a table, she went into their packs that she had brought in. Rummaging around, she pulled out a towel. Going outside, she found a small creek, just behind the house. Next to the wall of the house, there was a small bucket. Going over, she picked it up, and filled it with the water from the creek.

Returning to the cottage, she placed the filled bucket of water in the kitchen. Wetting the towel, she wrung it out and went into the bedroom. She sat next to Suboshi, running her fingers through his hair. She could tell he was in so much pain. She wiped his sweat face with the towel, hoping to keep him cool. The last thing he needed was to get a fever.

Casting a glance sideways, where he felt a comforting, calming presence, Suboshi smiled weakly. The relief that he felt momentarily from the cool dampness of the rag helped his nerves relax. Noticing her hand and how close it was, he grasped it within his.

Yui smiled. She placed a kiss on his forehead. "Your brother will be back soon with a doctor. Just rest now. We'll take care of you." She squeezed his hand, letting him know she was here for him. Would always be here.

Her skin, so warm, her touch so soft. He felt happily reassured with her presence and voice near him, her hand in his. It rose content within him, calming his festering raging antipathy.

Yui smiled. She continued to run the cloth along Suboshi's face and neck. She gripped his hand tightly. She wouldn't let him go. She would stay with him.

'For her sake...I'll kill that girl...that worthless Suzaku No Miko. She caused my Yui-san too much pain and betrayed her. That I won't tolerate. Nor will I tolerate the existence of that bastard who I just fought...' Suboshi thought bitterly, feeling the bloodied blistering wound of hatred bursting open again, as he continued to feed off it, letting his entire body become consumed with such an evil. He sighed, bringing his other hand to hers. He knew while his body fed off this new life source, he still had some humane compassion left, for those he cared about. Those people being his brother and Yui. 'I love her too much...'

He then grew sad, knowing he hadn't actually told her, despite having fully expression his fidelity and infinite, undying devotion and loyalty to her.

Yui smiled down at Suboshi, unaware of his underlying hatred for Miaka and Tamahome. She brushed his hair from his face. She couldn't bare the thought of going on without him. She had lost everything in the space of a few hours. She so wanted everything to just go away. Just to forget about Miaka. Forget about the hurt that was now permanently in her heart. She swallowed.

'Her touch...angelic, so soft...like silk,' he thought blissfully. He let himself enjoy her company and forced his suffering down another level. Although he had it masked, it still remained and raged within his body, inferno style without the burning heating up flares that would cause his body temperature to soar. The pain just had a fire texture to it.

'I don't think I could ever live without her now. Not now, not ever.'

Yui placed the cloth onto the floor. She lifted her hand and placed it on his forehead. He was a little hot. She bit her lip. Making her decision, she laid down next to him. She placed his head on her shoulder, running her fingers through his hair.

"Sleep, my love. Sleep now. You're safe."

Under normal permitting circumstances, Suboshi would have likely pulled back, a little shocked at her aggressive actions, though caring a great deal about her. Contrary, during this particular instance, he didn't have the strength to back up. Additionally, the comforting theory of knowing someone was there, next to him, while he rested helped. He swallowed, still feeling uneasy with this kind of set-up. He didn't mind being close to her when they were sitting.

He sighed, physically agreeing to her words and actions.

Yui sighed. She hated to see him in pain. She wanted him well. Like his old self again.

'But that won't ever happen. It can't. We've all changed...because of...of...her...' she thought with malice. 'I won't ever forgive her. Never!'

Within the warm, embracing depths of sleep, he seemed to forget about what had happened, despite the knowledge that his soul still held on to, vowing for revenge. It didn't stop him from getting the necessary sleep, it just remained static for the moment, still festering and blistering at the same rate, gaining no more.

Amiboshi, followed by the doctor he had finally found, entered the small cottage. They entered the bedroom, and proceeded to mildly sweat drop.

"Are they married?!"

Amiboshi looked at the doctor and began to sweat. "Uhhhh...well...er...eto...uhm...."

"I'll take that as a no. This is highly improper, young man."

Amiboshi began to sweat rivers. "I...uhm...know, but she's a...uh...friend!"

"Uh huh. Sure..." The doctor left Amiboshi's side and approached the young couple on the bed. He placed a hand on Yui's shoulder.

She woke up instantly. She blushed, not knowing whom this strange man is.

"Please. Step away so I may care for this young man."

Yui nodded. She placed Suboshi's sleeping form on the pillow and got up, leaving the doctor room.

She went over to Amiboshi and stood next to him, watching.

After a few moments of echoing silence through the reasonably sized cottage, the doctor stood up to face Amiboshi. His expression was neutral and unchanged. "Nothing particularly serious, just a mild laceration in the left shoulder and multiple bruises." He reached for his bag and handed the young man some herbs. "This should help your brother deal with the pain. If there's any further complications, come and get me."

With that, he began departed from the small cottage.

Amiboshi bowed. "Arigatou."

The doctor nodded and left. Amiboshi turned to Yui. "How are you doing?"

She shrugged. "Okay. I'll be better when Shunkaku gets better."

Amiboshi smiled. "Hai. He will, Yui-san." Entering the kitchen, he grinned. "Went and got some water, I see."

Yui flushed. "I was bored."

"Uh huh...sure." Taking the bucket of water with him, he went to the fireplace. Using the poker, he pulled out a small kettle. Filling it with water, he returned the kettle to the fireplace, allowing the water to boil.

Earlier, when she had gone for water, she had placed the scroll in the lappets of her skirt. So, out of boredom, she pulled it back out and unrolled it over the table, curious to see what it read. She had never seen the contents of the Seiryuu version, only seen the emperor holding the scroll. She smiled at thought of a person being gullible enough to give such a valuable treasure to such a klutzy person, such as her ex-best friend, the traitor.

'I'm amazed that Konan's emperor even gave /her/ the scroll...he's got to be one heck of a pushover if he did! But what do I care, at least the just fruits of reality are going to be going her way and she'll suffer for her wrong doings, just as her so-called protector will, greedy bastard.'

The oil based lamp provided substantial for lighting the otherwise dim room. It made reading easier for her. It also helped that she was fluent in her reading capabilities in that she was able to read Kanji.

Amiboshi watched Yui as she took out the scroll. He said nothing. He sat near the fire, waiting for the water to boil. 'How could this happen? She was so looking forward to seeing her friend again. Then she betrays Yui-san.' His eyes darkened. Unlike his brother, a vicious feeling of hatred did not consume him, but he was angry nonetheless. He would make sure the others paid for hurting his brother.

'That monk...he was powerful. And Tamahome...I won't forgive him. He tried to kill Shunkaku! They will all pay for what they've done. I'll see to it.'

'Hmmm, very, very interesting and intriguing! I wish the emperor had let me at least see the original instead of just giving me a transcribed version of the three singular clues I need in order to find my remaining three Seishi, because this actually extremely fascinating! But I can understand why, to keep it safe for the summoning. Stupid Suzaku Seishi, giving such a precious thing to such a stupid girl, they are truly naive, too trusting.' Yui rationalized, still reading over the legend and the clues for the Seishi. She then made an expression she hadn't in the past, she smirked rather deviously, knowingly.

She turned to Amiboshi. "Ne, Koutoku, did you get a glimpse of this yet?"

Amiboshi shook his head. "No. I haven't had time. Why?"

"Because this is all the clues they did to find the remaining Suzaku Seishi as well as everything for the summoning." Yui explained, running a finger over the line of characters she was reading. "So...as it stands, they don't have it, so they don't know what to look for when they search for their Seishi. If I recollect, doesn't Chuin, or rather Tomo have the power of illusion?! So, he could hinder the process even more for them and work to kill them from the inside, raising no suspicions."

Amiboshi nodded. "Hai. He does. But will he?" He came up behind Yui, reading the scroll. He smiled. "You're right. What of this one?" He pointed to the character for "Chiriko." "This one sounds promising. He shouldn't have a hard time manipulating them into believing he's this seishi." he bit his lip, a plan forming.

"True and plus if he can play with people's minds, he'll be in paradise. If we explain that's one of the things that are involved, I think he'll go for it." Yui replied with a nod, studying the clues for the constellation of Chiriko. "And it will be good payback for them! Have a failed summoning! He could create an illusionary version of the scroll...let them believe it had been misplaced...then in the end, kill them. Make them pay...especially Miaka."

"And Tamahome."

Amiboshi sat in a chair, looking the scroll over. "But I don't trust Chuin. I don't trust him to screw it up."

"If he knows he can screw with people's mind, he'll do it! And even then, even if he fails, the summoning won't work because this scroll will have been destroyed long before then.

He nodded. "Hai. True. But will Chang go for it? I don't trust him anymore than I trust Chuin."

"Isn't Chang hell bent on conquering Konan-koku?!"

He nodded.

"So, therefore, if Konan-koku's defenses are weakened from their prime point of security, which is the Suzaku Seishi and Miko, then the quest of conquering will be no more complicated then inserting a coin into the juice machine to get a diet cola!"

Amiboshi blinked. "Insert what? Into who? To get a what?!!!"

Yui giggled. "Opps, anachronism...pardon me! I mean, think of it as easy as boiling water..." She smiled sheepishly and sweat-dropped.

"Oh. Yeah, it will be."

"Especially once Seiryuu is summoned after the Seishi are gathered."

"Hai." Amiboshi turned to the kettle the, pulling it out. Taking it to the kitchen, he took out cup and placed the herbs inside, covering them with the boiling water. He then left it to steep for a bit. He returned to the table and Yui. "So...where is the next clue for finding the next seishi? We need to find them as soon as possible."

He once again looked at the scroll. "And I know your not going to like this, but I have to say it anyway. I don't much like it either, but...we may have to go on without Suboshi. We may have to leave him here and go looking for the seishi ourselves. We can't wait much longer."

"You know, Koutoku, we may not have to leave yet. I remember spotting something very odd while I was fetching the water. I think I saw a faint blue chi, followed by a blast of electricity from the heavens...it was weird, but I think there may be the possibility of a Seiryuu Seishi in this prefecture." Yui stated, pulling out a tiny scroll from the folds of her skirt and spreading it over the table. She pointed to a clue. "There is something here about lightening, or rather conductivity of electricity as it is manipulated from the skies by use of chi by a Seishi and used as a defense mechanism or attack tool."

Amiboshi blinked. "Uh....what?!"

"Don't you know your physics of nature?! The relativity of weather activity..." She then sweat-dropped and looked down. "Opps...gomen. Again...I should be careful on how I explain these things...I'm used to the advancements of my world, so I forget how primitive this place is in contrast."

Amiboshi glared. "We aren't savages ya know!"

"I never said that!" Yui replied in defense. "I meant it terms of what I'm used to! I'm fully aware that this is civilization in one of its peak primes! I never said you were, I just said that this world is primitive in terms of the technological advancements and its customs and conventions!"

"Okay! Geez...sorry I said anything!"

She smiled. She then broke out into spontaneous giggles. "You're not as much fun as Shun is! He doesn't question, he just sits there looking stunned...it's cute!"

Amiboshi rolled his eyes. "Yeah well...thank Seiryuu I'm not!"

Yui pouted.

Amiboshi shook his head. "Quit being a baby. Honestly...it's so undignifying!"

"I am not being one!" Yui shot back with a piercing glare.

"You are too! I swear...you've been around Suboshi too long! He's rubbing off on you!"

"No I haven't! And that's not the way it works! When a girl has a guy wrapped around her pinky, she's the influential one and can manipulate him!" She placed her hands on her hips and held an air of dignity. "And besides, he hasn't rubbed off on me! I've been a good influence on him!"

"Uh huh. That's why he goes around with that stupid, love-struck look on his face all the time! You polluted my innocent brother! He's a wuss now!"

"I didn't pollute him! I tamed him, there's a difference."

He rolled his eyes again. "Whatever. Remind me to stay single."

Yui continued to glare at him. "We aren't that bad! You're just stuck on the outside! Say...isn't it traditional here for a guy you age to have been taken to a brothel by his friends or uncle, or some male figure in their lives to get experience before marriage?! You, wouldn't you have been under the spell of an enchantress before?!"

Amiboshi's mouth dropped open. He glared, then smirked. "Ya know...you're right. It's high time I took Suboshi to one."

"Oh no! Leave him to me! I'm taking care of him after the summoning!" Yui grinned evilly and twirled a strand of her loosely falling short blond hair around her index finger.

Amiboshi smirked. "Yeah, but its my duty as the eldest in our family to make sure he's prepared. He needs 'experience' before that time. I suspect, you'll want a wedding afterwards?" He eyed Yui seriously. "I won't have him hurt. Not by anyone. Not even my Miko."

Yui nodded solemnly. "I wouldn't hurt him, he means too much to me." Her eyes quivered, shining over with a hint of moisture, as the light of the flickering wick of the oil base lamp caught them. She sighed. "I...I really love him...a lot..."

Amiboshi got up and sat next to Yui. He put his arm around her shoulder. "I know you do. And I know he loves you too. You're the most important thing in his life right now. I just want to see both of you safe and happy."

She sighed, leaning forward on her elbows.

"What's wrong, Yui-san?"

"Nothing."

Amiboshi shook his head. "I don't believe that. We've known each other for what? Three months now? Did you know that Suboshi isn't the only one that can tell when you're upset. Tell me. What is it?"

"Well, I guess I'm upset over what happened...and I'm worried about Shun..."

He nodded. "Hai. I know. He'll be okay, though. He just needs some rest right now." He squeezed her shoulders. "I know your upset. But you're not alone. You have Suboshi and me. We'll take care of you. Did I ever tell you that you're like a sister to me? I won't let anything happen to you or my brother. I'll protect both of you."

She smiled and winked. "And after I make your brother mine, you'll end up having me as a sister-in-law whether you want it or not!"

Amiboshi laughed. "I look forward to it!"

She nodded and gave a short tingling giggle and started to roll the scroll back up. "Did you want to get another look at the scroll or not?!"

He shook his head. "No. I'm going to give this pain medication to Suboshi. Hopefully, he'll feel better afterwards."

"Okay." She then tied the scroll back in its string and replaced back into the layers of the lappets of her ankle length skirt. She still wore this world's style of dress. She was used to it now and found it to be quite light, not as warm as her regular, trusty school uniform.

Amiboshi nodded. He patted her hand one last time, then went to the kitchen. Taking the now steeped cup of medicine, he entered the bedroom. He sat on the bed, next to his brother. He brushed the sleeping boy's hair from his eyes.

"Otouto...can you wake up a little?"

Suboshi stirred, feeling his brother touch. "Aniki...?" He looked over.

"Hai. How are you feeling?"

"Like total shit, but aside from that, just fine and dandy." He replied with sarcasm surfacing at the end of his response.

Amiboshi grinned. "Well, you must be feeling better if you're all sarcastic. Here." He held out the steaming cup. "This will take the pain away. The doctor was here. You only have some bruises. You'll be fine after some rest."

Suboshi nodded, taking the cup and downing the contents. "Damn, that's vile crap!" He shuddered at the taste. Handing the cup back to his brother, he proceeded to inquire. "Is there a tavern or something in this town where I can get something to eat?!"

"Hai. Rest yourself. I'll go over and get us all something. Yui-san thinks we may be close to a Seiryuu seishi. We'll be staying here for awhile, at least until your feeling up to riding."

"Excellent!" He smirked, but doubled over, his stomach growling and gurgling loudly. "Damnit...I'm so hungry!"

Amiboshi sweat dropped. "Oi...I'm going! I'm going!" He got up, heading for the living room. He turned to Yui. "I'm going to the tavern to get us some food. I'll return in a bit."

Yui nodded. "so he's okay?!"

"Oh, yeah! He's hungry. If he's hungry, he's fine."

She chuckled. "So, he's hungry, so in other words, normal as he was before."

"Yep."

"Good." She smiled and nodded, watching him leave the cottage.

Amiboshi entered the tavern. He stopped, momentarily. He wasn't used to all the smoke in the air. Coughing, he headed for the bar.

The tavern owner smiled at his approach. "Your brother feeling better?"

"Hai. And hungry." Amiboshi smirked. "Always a good sign. What do you have to eat?"

"Oh the usual..."

Amiboshi nodded. "Whatever." He placed some gold coins on the table. "Enough for three, please."

"Hai. Will only be a few minutes." The innkeeper picked up the coins and headed for the kitchen.

Amiboshi studied the various brawny looking men in the tavern, many looked rather scruffy and ready for a good brawl. Many others amongst that group were far-gone to the point of stupor. He shuddered, hoping he didn't have to get involved in a bar brawl with one of these losers, who had nothing better to do than go picking fights with the wrong person.