Chapter 3
Miki stood before his master, Zaou. His head was bowed in sadness. He fought back the tears that threatened to fall.
Zaou sat on the floor before a small shrine. He had his eyes closed. He was ready to make his peace with Seiryuu. "Tell me again what happened."
Fourteen year old Miki shivered, but did as his master bade him. "We arrived at the village you mentioned, sensei. Only the village was deserted. It had been wiped clean of inhabitants. Akira was fidgety and didn't listenwe fell into a trap. I was knocked unconscious. When I woke, he was goneblood on the floor." He shivered, remembering waking and not seeing or feeling his brother.
He had searched for hours, unable to locate his brother. Not even the link that bound them could help in his search. It was as if Akira had vanished off the face of the world.
"It is not your fault, Miki. The Shi you were attempting to locate is a renegade. He has no scruples and refuses to abide by the code of his people." Zaou sighed tiredly. He was so tired.
"Then what are we going to do?!" Miki demanded, his fists clenching at his sides.
"Nothing."
"WHAT??!!!!!"
"Miki." Zaou sighed tiredly, staring up at the youth. "The Emperor will not condone a search for your brother. You know this. Your brother is just one of the many assassins in the palace. He is expendable. Count yourself lucky he did not see to have you punished for failing. Go now. I need to rest."
Miki opened his mouth to protest, but quickly closed it. He didn't have a choice. His master was right. To the Emperor, they were expendable. 'WellI refuse! I will not rest until I've found you, AkiraI swear'