Chapter 4: Prisoner of Fate

By Lola

Riding in silence. Two figures on a single horse. In front, a maiden, exhaustion slumping her shoulders. Hooded eyes trying to remain open, straining. The man behind her keeping a watchful eye on her fatigued form.

"Ne...Himeko?"

Her back straightened, "What?"
"Maybe we should rest...I mean ya didn't sleep at all for what almost two days? An ya need ta eat and bandage yer ankle".

She snorted, "Why the concern? Afraid I'll fall asleep as I guide the horse and we'll get lost?"

He laughed, his breath disturbing the hair at the back of her head, "Nah, just thinking it'd be nice if ya could walk when ya get home".

Silence returned. Awkward. Himeko hid a yawn behind her sleeve and closed her eyes, wanting nothing more than to just fall back and sleep. Unconsciously, her body swayed backwards, her head resting against Kouji's chest.

His eyebrows rose lazily in surprise. Shrugging, his hands slid from her waist to ease the reins out of her hands and take them into his own. Let her sleep...he'd guide them to a safe spot for the night.

********

A flood of sudden warmth against her face. Golden light bathing her eyelids. Soft, the earth beneath her body. She winced slightly as her eyes opened, blinded by the flickering light of the fire dancing barely a foot away. Her eyes swept across the small clearing, fresh fish sizzling over the fire, a pot of rice hanging over the flames, and a large decanter of wine resting against a log opposite her. She sat up quietly; careful not to disturb the blankets laid over her. Bandage rolls lay at her feet. Curious, Himeko slid her right leg from beneath the blankets. Sure enough, her twisted ankle was bandaged tightly. She wiggled it gingerly and cursed. Still hurt like hell.

A flicker of movement, shifting shadows between the trees. Himeko glanced over her shoulder. Framed by moonlight and reflected water. The silhouette of a man. Himeko watched the movement of the shadows, listening to the sound of clothes rustling intermingling with splashing water.

"Kouji...?" she asked uncertainly.

She started as Kouji emerged from the trees, shirt removed, trademark headband slung over one shoulder, droplets of water still glistening on his skin. "Ah. Ye're finally awake." Flashing her a wink as he passed, he set a bucket of water down by the fire, dipping his hands into the makeshift wash basin to splash water onto his face. Fingers lingering over the rough skin of the scar on his cheek for a moment before cupping more water in his hands.

Himeko's eyes followed the movement of his arms as he bent, watching the muscles contort and tighten. "Where are we?"

"In a forest."

Himeko mentally slapped herself. Before she could ready a retort, the bandit placed a bowl of steamed rice and fish on her lap.

"Hungry?"

"I..." she stared at the man, something about him was just...shaking her head she nodded and lifted the bowl in her hands. "Thank you."

His smile forced her to avert her gaze in embarrassment. Bangs shielding the uncertainty in her eyes. His laughter echoed in the clearing as he poured them each a goblet of wine.

"What? Fierce maiden, suddenly shy an' demure? Ya must be tired."

She kept her gaze downcast as the heat rose in her cheeks. Her fingers barely registering the movement of closing around the goblet. Lifting the cup to her lips, she sipped her wine.

Mumbling her appreciation of its flavour, she tipped the glass back for a deeper gulp.

Kouji blinked as she knocked the wine back with all the delicacy of a bull in a china shop. "Careful Princess, that ain't water ye're drinkin'".

Her eyes narrowed as she held her glass forward, an indication of her desire for a refill, "I told you not to call me that."

Eyes lingering on Himeko's moist, wine reddened lips, Kouji leaned forward, "S'it bother ya?"

"I'm no princess...Kouji. I'm...I'm just a girl". A sigh. "And as such I am a prisoner".

Confused, Kouji looked at the surrounding trees, "Ya look free enough ta me."

Her fingers traced the rim of her goblet in endless circles. "Even though a bird can fly it is still limited in the fact that it can only live in the sky. Women are much the same. If you are of a high family it is your duty to enter the imperial court, perhaps as the emperor's concubine. If of low rank it is your duty as a filial daughter to ensure you make a good match. Either that or be sold into prostitution..."

Her eyes turned to Kouji, sadness reflected therein; "Do you understand what it's like to not be free to love?"

She smiled at his stunned silence; "I've bewildered you. My apologies." Her fingers strayed to her hair, patting the comb nestled there.

Kouji seized the opportunity to inquire about her attachment to the hair ornament.

She blinked. "Why is it important to me?"
Kouji yawned, "Yeah, did some guy give it to ya or somethin'?"

Her cheeks seemed to redden for a moment as she slid the comb from her hair, inky strands falling down over her shoulder, released from the comb's grip.

"A boy gave it to me, when I was a child...".

Fondness in her tone mirroring the soft look in her eyes as she turned the priceless piece of jade and gold between slender fingers.

Kouji allowed a grin to spread across his face as he poured himself another glass of wine, "S'what I thought."

Himeko shook her head slightly, sending her earrings spinning beneath her hair. "Don't misunderstand me. This boy wasn't a suitor or any such thing. He was...he was..." her voice faded as she stared up at the moonlit sky.

"My hero," she finished with a quiet smile.

Kouji nearly choked on his mouthful of wine, "Say what?"

The sparkle in her eyes as she laughed made Kouji hold his breath for a moment. Slowly, he set his goblet down in the grass. Fighting to regain control of his balance, he pressed his palms against the soft earth. Steady. His eyes rose to meet the lady at his side. Hair like spilled ink on rumpled satin.

Fingers reached to play with those soft strands. Jade eyes widened in surprise as Kouji's fingers slid through her hair to cup the back of her neck. Her eyes darted in momentary panic as he leaned in.

"The fish is getting cold," she whispered quickly.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he sat back and patted her shoulder, "Eat up then Princess."

She frowned slightly at the name but remained silent. Eating the seasoned fish and rice slowly, knowing that as long as she was eating, the silence would not be awkward. She stared at the comb nestled in her lap. The red gems glittering in the firelight. A painted nail touched the petals carved from jade reverently, momentarily lost in nostalgia.

Kouji stared at the fire, absently sipping his wine. Silently berating himself for trying to kiss Himeko. What was he thinking? He rested his forehead in his palm, hoping that he hadn't completely distanced himself from the girl by being so forward. Another sip of wine.

"I loved him you know...".

Kouji blinked. Surprised by the soft sound of her voice. "What? Who?"

She smiled; sliding the comb back into her hair so he could see her eyes once more, "The boy."

A smile spread sadly across his lips as he stared into the orange flames licking the air above them.

"You must think it odd but...I loved him for being there, for being my hero when I thought all was lost."

She laughed a little, the sound drawing Kouji's attention away from the blaze to rest on the woman sitting beside him. Though her lips curved into a smile, sadness remained in her eyes.

"He was there you see, when my father..." her voice faded as she looked into the flames. She shook her head as if to ward off the sadness clinging to her soul to turn her green eyes towards the bandit beside her. "I don't know why I'm telling you this. I suppose...because you wanted an explanation. I'm afraid that's the best I can give."

She studied the man, the midnight blue hair wild and short, the dark green eyes, so kind as they looked back at her, the line of his jaw, the arch of his brows. Somehow all familiar yet she couldn't fathom from where. She felt a flutter in her chest as he put on his shirt, clasping his bracers around his wrists. His movements perceived through a dreamy haze. His fingers, tanned and slender. Recalling the way he had placed the comb in her hair just like.... No. It couldn't be. Her eyes narrowed. That boy had disappeared. His family had passed away and he had surely died with them. At least...that's what she had always been told. She shook her head slightly.

Kouji rubbed his red cheeks warily, "What are ya staring at?"

He froze as delicate white fingertips danced over his face, a single nail sliding down the scar on his left cheek. The warm touch lingered as his eyes closed, intoxicated by the scent of orange blossom and jasmine clinging to the body so near his own.

"Did it hurt?" she asked quietly.

"Mm." he mumbled his assent, "But I've had worse."

He sighed in regret as her fingers slid away, shifting back to her original position.

"Tell me something Himeko," he paused, waiting for her eyes to meet his as she inclined her head towards him, "How is it that a lady like yerself knows how ta fight."

She laughed a little; wondering at what he was trying garner by asking such a question.

"S'just I dunno. I always figured ladies sat in their rooms powdering their faces and writing poetry." A roguish smile. "Not spend their time learning how ta brake into a bandit stronghold and fight off their own guards."

She smiled at Kouji, "Those weren't my guards."

"I gathered," he grinned, amusement evident in his eyes.

Wetting her lips with another sip of wine she began to explain. Of her life after her father's death, living only with her mother and grandmother on a farm. The trials which ensued when money began to dwindle without any men in the family to support them. Fortunately, a certain lord of great wealth had relieved her family's burdens, providing servants to care for the vast lands and lavishing riches upon Himeko. Countless jewels and endless strips of richly embroidered silk. Her family's life was one of comfort and security. Lord Xue Li's generosity appeared to be a great blessing. But that's all it was, an illusion of good fortune. As Himeko blossomed into womanhood, Xue Li began to request her presence frequently, sending an armed escort when she hesitated.

Kouji nearly forgot to breathe as she continued her tale, completely spellbound by the sound of her voice. Perfectly content to be the captive of her charm. He frowned as he learnt more about Lord Xue Li. His desires seemed fairly clear, Himeko and her lands. Helping her family was then only a ploy to allow himself to claim Himeko as his bride, thereby ensuring that her lands would become part of his estate.

Himeko glanced at Kouji in surprise as he swore in frustration.

"Can't ya...can't ya say no? There's gotta be another way!"

She raised a single brow, her expression clearly indicating that she would choose another path if one was open to her.

Kouji ran a hand roughly through his tangled hair. There had to be another way!

"So ye're just gonna marry the guy? Even though ya know he's only after yer land?!" He couldn't believe it, nor did he want to. It just didn't make sense.

Pale fingers gently laced with Kouji's own, calming. A soft voice, spoken barely above a whisper.

"Try to understand, it's...it's for my family. I have to protect them as," her voice quivered with emotion, "As my father would have done."

Green eyes darkened in awe of the woman before him, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. Her loyalty, her bravery.

He stood abruptly, kicking the fire into dimly glowing embers. His heart tightening as he gazed back at the form of the sleeping lady at his side. Sighing, his hand strayed to brush a few stray wisps of ebony silk from her cheek. She stirred but did not awaken.

Feeling a slight chill in the breeze, he pulled the blankets over her shoulders before leaning against a tree beside her. One hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he vowed to protect her, even if a hundred of Lord Xue Li's men came charging in here. They would not take away her happiness.

********

Himeko smiled as they crested the hill overlooking her village. She was home. Finally. Eyes closed she breathed in deeply. It smelled like snow. Kouji's arms tightened around her waist as she shivered. She stared at his hands, looped easily around her waist, one palm pressed flat against her stomach. His breath stirred the hairs near her ear as he stared straight ahead, not meeting her gaze.

She sighed.

"This is where we part ways Kouji...".

More silence.

She slid off the horse, keeping her back to the bandit as he did the same. Leaves crunched beneath his boots. She felt him behind her, barely a couple of inches away. She could lean back, fall against his chest and perhaps reality would melt away.

Another sigh, more sadness this time.

The awkward silence was finally broken by a quiet question, "How long?"

She turned slowly to face him. Eyes still downcast, "A day or two, until he can get everything ready for the ceremony."

Kouji nodded absently, mind spinning, desperate to find a way to keep her near him if only for a minute more. Suddenly an idea began to form, outrageous enough that it might work, or at the very least delay the ceremony until he could think of a better plan.

"What are you scheming?" Himeko inquired, noting the cocky smirk, which now spread across his lips. His eyes were focused on the village in the valley below. Intent on the actions of the villagers as they prepared for the lantern festival, multicoloured paper lanterns being hung across the streets. Their round shapes lifting and twirling in the breeze.

"Correct me if I'm wrong...but ye're marrying this guy to protect yer family right? Well...what if a richer lord or suitor presented himself and it turns out ya owed him a debt, so ya had ta marry him instead..."

Himeko's brows furrowed. "I'm not quite sure I'm following you Kouji. Besides the only lord in the vicinity of my village is Xue Li. Most others are located near the capital to be closer to the political arena."

He only smiled in response and mounted the horse. "Keep yer chin up Princess, yer not Li's yet!"

Flashing one of his winks, he whirled the horse around, speeding back towards the mountains. Her eyes widened momentarily as she watched him speed off, a trail of pink silk snapping about his waist. She started as if to yell at him, realizing that he still had her sash tucked into his belt.

"Hey that's my-".

Her words faded in the wind as she found herself staring, a contented smile dancing across her lips. Her mind filled with thoughts of dark eyes and a charismatic grin.

********

Golden eyes twinkled briefly in the fading rose tinted light of sunset. Bathed in dim shades of pink, skin gilded and shining with a sheen of sweat, a woman.

He watched as toned arms tightened the red band holding back short sandy locks. Her chest heaved as she inhaled the cold mountain air deeply. Her movements were fluid and precise. Twin daggers flashed in her hands as she swept them in graceful arcs through the air. She pivoted. Dried leaves crunching under the toe of her boot.

His jaw hung a bit slack from staring at the woman's routine. Such beauty in her movements. Now she was facing him as he leaned against a tree. Fiery bangs whispering across his brow as the breeze teased them upward. A fang dug into his lip, indecision.

The woman turned again, eyes still closed deep in concentration. He had to reach out a hand to steady himself as a sudden strong gust momentarily plastered her loose clothes to her body, outlining her figure.

He barely registered when her body went rigid, twin daggers cutting through the air to imbed themselves on either side of his head, buried to the hilt.

Almond shaped eyes widened at the quivering blades, inches from his head. He turned to stutter out a response only to have it forgotten as Rasconza laughed. Bent in half, one arm slung across her belly, emitting the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.

"Damn," he muttered under his breath as he wrenched her daggers free from the wood.

"Ya planning on stabbin' all the trees in the mountain?"

She grinned as she trotted up to her lover, eyes shining with amusement, "No...just the ones with hentais leanin' on em."

He curled an arm around her waist, pulling her against him greedily, "Issat so?" He murmured softly, yet gruffly. One of the things she loved about the man. The ability to be a pansy while still maintaining that wild roguishness.

Before she could protest, he spun quickly, pinning her against the tree. She couldn't help the chuckles that inevitably escaped her lips.

"Genrou!" She protested half-heartedly, having grown accustomed to his bouts of affection when they were alone.

Fingers traced the contours of her jaw lovingly, memorizing every curve, "Missed ya...".

She blinked in disbelief; "It's only been-"

"Too long," his voice was becoming husky and thick as he leaned forward.

"GENROU!!!"

He groaned, resting his forehead against Rasconza's shoulder in defeat. Never a moment alone....

She smiled, peering over a mop of wild orange hair to see Kouji rush up to them. He was practically emanating excitement as he showered his best friend with a flurry of questions.

Before Genrou even had the chance to catch half of what Kouji was babbling about, his fellow bandit had already dashed into the fortress.

The red haired former warrior of Suzaku blinked at the whirlwind that was Kouji as he passed, then shrugged at Rasconza's inquisitive stare.

"Fuck...ya got me".

********

Metal clanged against metal as gold rings jingled from the monk's staff. A permanent smile was painted on the monk's face as he walked at a leisurely pace through the town. Admiring with quiet satisfaction the beauty of the dangling lanterns as they cast their red and blue glows onto the streets.

His nose crinkled slightly as smoke flitted from a nearby carriage, elaborately decorated but displaying far too much pomp for an aristocrat.

He continued past then froze when he was able to place the scent.

"Opium na no da?"

Still smiling he circled around the carriage until he could see a few guards talking, sharing swigs from a canteen of sake. Dismissing their idle banter, the monk shifted to return along the lighted path of the lanterns when he heard a name which gave him reason to pause in mid step.

"Anou...did they just say Mt. Leikaku's bandits?"

Absently pretending to admire the craftsmanship of a particular lamp displaying a white tiger painted on thin green paper, he listened to the men talk about the bandits and their search for a certain Himeko-sama thought to be a hostage at the mountain.

The cute smile seemed to waver on the monk's face for a moment as he digested this news. Perhaps just a rumour.

Still...

"I think it's time to visit Tasuki-kun again no da."

That said, the monk tossed his kasa into the air only to disappear through it. The only trace of his presence, the imprints of his shoes in the dirt road beneath the swaying light of the lantern.

********

To be continued....