Disclaimer: Fushigi Yuugi belongs to Watase.Y & the respective companies.
Scroll 6 - Byakko no miko – The Breaking （第六章：解散）
"There has to be a mistake!" Amefuri gasped chokingly, his knees collapsed to the floor. "How?" His eyes flashed confusion and frustration. "It's impossible!"
Subaru said nothing and cried softly in her husband's arms. Tokaki too was too taken aback to say or do anything except holding his wife closer to him. Kokie stumbled as he leaned against the pillar for support. Unlike Tokaki, he was unable to think of anything rationally. Toroki looked away, her hands covering her face. Kazuko looked at Tatara. His expression was no better than the rest. She felt his hand holding hers. It was shaking, shaking like unpredictable time bomb.
"Tatara…"
"There is no mistake…" He gave a bitter laughter. "The description of the girl fits Lita's perfectly. Red hair like hell's fire, the smell of burned carnage. Who else could do it better than Lita's? How convenient it is! She killed thousands of people including my friends and my family and now, I can't kill her because she is a seishi!!"
He walked about the room, angrily. "How could this be? Was it how she manages to defeat me?"
"Defeat you?" Kokie looked at him, baffled.
"I nearly had her. I had the every moment that could have put an end to all of this!"
"Put an end?" Toroki turned her face towards him. "What do you mean?"
"Tatara…" Kazuko moved forward. "What are you talking about? You had the moment…" She reached out her hands to touch him but Tatara shunned away from her and stormed out of the hall. Kazuko was about to follow him when Toroki stopped her.
"Let him go, Kazuko. Give him time to cool down. When he's better, he will tell us."
The innkeeper walked in, his face shown confusion by the commotion but knowing it would be wiser to stay out of the crossfire, he wasted no time in relaying his message.
"I'm sorry to interrupt this joyous occasion but there is something that was announced a few minutes ago. Tomorrow at the high noon at the capital of Sairou, it had been proclaimed by the Emperor himself that he will execute the Maiden of Byakko himself."
Tatara walked into the cold air of the night, his face flushed with anger. He had no idea where he was going but just to keep on walking. The agony was deep in his chest and it burned like fiery hot coals. The agony of being the only survivor of the royal massacre, the agony of seeing his people suffering and dying each day. Above all this, the most excruciating was the horrifying revelation from Byakko that Lita was the last seishi. It was a painful joke, a cruel twist of fate. Tatara found it too bitter a pill to swallow. How could it be that the one whose hands were filled with the blood of thousands could possibly be the very one who would aid Kazuko in summoning Byakko? Would Lita leave the Kagemono and turn to their side? A god cannot serve 2 masters. There can be only one.
He breathed out hot air as he continued his aimless strides in the streets. Knowing Lita, she would never change masters. She would rather die than to become a Byakko seishi. And yet, that wish cannot be done. He breathed in sharply. All 7 seishis must be present or else Byakko cannot be summoned. On the other hand, maybe that's how far Byakko would allow Lita to live. After the ceremony, he would personally bring Lita to the courts of justice and had her sentenced to death.
Tatara then stopped in his tracks and looked around. Rising his eyebrows, he realized how far he was away from the inn. Turning around and tracing his tracks, he felt that he should return. After all Kazuko might be worried about him. His footsteps sounded dull as he mentally tackled another problem. How was he going to tell Kazuko and the others about his true identity as the Emperor of Sairou? Sooner or later, they would have to know and it would not be easy for them to accept him based on his royalty. Worse, he was the one who made the degree of banning worshipping of Byakko and eventually the bloodshed. It wasn't like he wanted to but it shouldn't have happened if he could only have…
At that time, 2 men walked past him, talking very loudly about a recent new which Tatara overheard unconsciously.
"Have you heard the news?"
"Who didn't? The Maiden of Byakko has been captured!"
"That's right! And the Emperor is going to execute her himself."
Tatara swiftly turned and approached the 2 men. "Excuse me," he said hastily. "But what was it about the Maiden's execution?"
"Haven't you heard? The Maiden has been captured yesterday. All this while, the Maiden hid in the palace and was protected by the Imperial Senior officers. The Kagemono discovered it from the Emperor himself. By noon tomorrow, he will execute her himself."
"But I thought that the Emperor was against the Kagemono…"
"You haven't been in touch with the news lately, haven't you? The Emperor had been longed converted by the Kagemono. He too believed that the Maiden and her seishis would bring disaster to the land."
"It's all over for any Byakko believer," spoke the second man. "The Emperor was the remaining pillar of their faith. Now, it's blown away like dust in the wind. The Imperial Senior officers were beheaded and their heads placed upon the spikes of the palace walls." He sighed heavily. "Well, I too thought that the Emperor would help the Maiden but now, I suppose that it's every man for himself."
"It's not so bad, young man. Put yourself together. We have been a lot worse than this before. We just have to adapt and move on." The 2 men nodded continuously in agreement. "Yes, move on…"
"Chotto (wait)! What about the seishis? Surely they wouldn't let the Maiden be captured."
"Seishis?" The 2 men spat. "Why? There is no such thing as seishis. They never existed. All those tales that we heard from the village Shinkou is just plain nonsense!"
"What do you mean nonsense?" Amefuri said menacingly as he pulled the inn owner by the collar. "I'm from the Shinkou village and I personally saw the Maiden performed that miracle!"
"You are from the Shinkou village?" stammered the frightened inn owner. "Not possible… Shinkou doesn't exist any more. The Kagemono eradicated it this morning."
"WHAT!!!" Amefuri yelled, his eyes flashed. He slammed the inn owner to the nearest wall. "Is this some kind of a joke? Why was it destroyed? There is no reason to!" His fingers wrapped tightly the inn owner's neck.
"Amefuri," Both Kokie and Tokaki grabbed him and dragged him away from the badly frightened inn owner, who collapsed onto the floor, panting. Toroki knelt beside him and gently said.
"Please forgive him. We are too shocked at the previous announcement. But what he said was the truth. He is from the Shinkou village. I was there too. There is no reason for the Kagemono to destroy it."
"Yes, the Kagemono said the villagers were harboring the remaining Byakko believers. Therefore, the villagers had to be executed as an example of those who are still opposing the Kagemono. I heard from the people in the market square that Kagemono troops are going to the Town of Nas to exterminate the last remaining survivors. One of them is an inn owner by the name of Ivan Alkana…"
"Ivan Alkana!" gasped Subaru, turning to Tokaki. "They are coming for father!"
"Looks like we have to go tonight. Inn owner, get me the best horses that you have right now!" Tokaki fiercely commanded. The inn owner took the opportunity to leave while Toroki objected.
"You're nuts! This is what they want us to do."
"I'm not staying around for any more debates!" Tokaki hissed as he led Subaru to the door. "Subaru's father is in danger on the account of us. We fled and left him behind." Raising his voice louder before Toroki could continue. "Do what you have to do with Kazuko but we need to get to the Town of Nas first. We'll catch up with you at the old temple of Byakko." As soon as he said the last word, they were both gone. Toroki sighed in frustration.
"It's a trap!" Turning around to the others. "It's definitely a trap."
"Maybe," Amefuri replied coldly. "But I have to leave as well."
"What! No, Ameturi, not you too!"
"I have to," Wiping his eyes. "I have to know the truth. I have to go back and see if everyone is alive or dead." Looking at Kazuko. "Guess you have to do without me for a while but I'll come back."
"I'll join you," Kokie volunteered. "Nesan (older sister)," He held up his hand. "It's better than Amefuri is accompanied. We can look out for each other if we run into the Kagemono."
"That's what they want us to do," Toroki waved her hands in desperation. "They want us to break up so that they could get us bit by bit. Lita has planned that based on her experience from the last battle. She knows we are too strong once we are united."
"Unfortunately, we do not have the pleasure of sitting here and wait for some sign," Kokie walked towards the door, Amefuri followed him. "It's would be better for us to split up and do some thinking. We have already too much news for one night. Like Tokaki had said, we will meet at the old temple of Byakko." The door closed behind them.
Toroki stared at the closed door for some time, found the nearest chair and sat, her hands covering her face. Kazuko said nothing as she took up a chair beside her and sat down, her hands over Toroki's shoulders. After a while, Toroki uncovered her face and wrapped her arms around Kazuko. The air remained still as the Maiden and her remaining seishi held each other for comfort.
While Tatara was approaching the inn, he heard horses galloping across the plains. His eyes narrowed at the sight of 4 shadows merging into the night's darkness. Once inside the inn, he walked through the hallway and turned right into a room where he gave a startled cry to see Kazuko and Toroki holding each other.
"Amefuri and Kokie went to the Shinkou village whereas Subaru and Tokaki are heading to the Town of Nas to rescue their father. Tomorrow, we will go to the wastelands and find the ancient temple of Byakko," Toroki said emotionlessly.
"I'm afraid that may be impossible," Tatara swallowed. "I'm going to the Capital. Sorry." He turned his back to the door.
"Sorry?" Toroki snapped. Tatara paused. "You are sorry? Listen, Tatara, we are down from 7 to 3. That's not a good sign! Why the heck do you have to go the Capital? It's so obvious that it's nothing more than a trap."
"Still, I have to. As my duty to the Emperor…"
"DAMN IT! The bastard doesn't care a damn thing about his people except himself!" Toroki exploded, letting anger getting the better of her. "The Kage Kemono has been oppressing us for years and what did your Emperor do about it? NOTHING! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Even as we are speaking, people are dying and your bloody Emperor is mostly likely indulging himself in orgies!
"That's not true! The Emperor loves and cares for his people!" Tatara slashed out. "He lives in pain everyday knowing that everybody around him are dying. Everyday, he loses someone. Everyday he feels that he's losing a part of himself…"
"HOW THE HELL WOULD YOU KNOW?" Toroki screamed at him. "YOU WERE UNDER HOUSE ARREST. HOW IS IT THAT YOU WOULD HOW HE FEELS?"
"BECAUSE I AM THE EMPEROR!!!" Tatara breathed very rapidly yet heavily. Toroki and Kazuko stared at him, their eyes were wide and tongues lay still in their mouths. Frustration and inner pain emerged from within and onto Tatara's handsome exterior, making him looked tired and haggard. His gray eyes were like the eyes of a condemned convict, hard and frozen.
"That's right, Toroki, Maiden of Byakko. Tatara is the Emperor Shiro Shimo, the sole sovereign of the Sairou Empire. The reason that I hid my identity is to protect the lives of my loyal subjects who had made my escape from the Capital possible. Though I know that Lita would find out, I took the risk because I felt that it is the only way that I could repay those who have died for me. My father, his wives and concubines, my mother, my siblings and half-siblings and relatives… my friends… Everyday, someone has to die and there is nothing I could about it. Every night, I prayed that it would be my last night and I would die in my sleep. Every day, I prayed that someone would kill me. I have thought of committing suicide many times but I didn't have the courage to do it. Yet, Byakko wouldn't let me. So, after days and nights of forcing myself to live, forcing myself to fight against the doubts that I had about the Maiden, the first spring of hope came when a pillar of light from Shinkou village shot into the sky, causing rain to fall upon the entire land of Sairou. The rain renewed my dying faith, it gave me hope, strength… the assurance that I needed so badly. That, the Maiden wasn't a myth…a folklore." Tatara staggered towards Kazuko, knelt in front of her and held her hands. "That she truly exists like she has been to our ancestors 500years ago. I know…" His eyes wavered. "I know that it's a trap. Yet, I must… I MUST not allow Lita and Kagemono put out the only flame of hope that Sairou has. Once that flame dies out, Sairou will die along with it!"
Kazuko remained silent as she looked into Tatara's eyes. Though his eyes were gray, they were as clear as mirrors, reflecting the inner agony, the pain of carrying the royal bloodline of Sairou Emperors. Beneath the smile, beneath his fine mannerisms, beneath the passion for literature and arts, was a boy crying out to be freed from the burdens that were upon him even before he was born. Unlike her, he wasn't given a choice. On the other hand, was she given a choice? Could she turn down the offer of being the Maiden of Byakko? Could she?
"Tatara…" she found herself saying, "I will follow you to the Capital. I will help you to stop the execution…"
"Kazuko!" Toroki was appalled. "Do you know what you are saying? It's like saying your death sentence!"
"Toroki…" Kazuko continued mechanically. "Remember I took an oath at the Shinkou village, swearing that I will never let anyone die for me unnecessary. That girl at the Capital is going to die for me… I cannot let it happen. The people of Sairou will be devastated. Even more, because Tatara's name and reputation is involved. What would the people think? How would they be able to take the blow? The Maiden and the Emperor are the remaining pillars that keep Sairou alive. Once gone, they will die and Kagemono will win. They cannot win!" She spoke fiercely. "I won't allow it!"
"Is this you want, Maiden of Byakko?" Toroki whispered chokingly, not knowing whether Kazuko was in her senses or had lost it.
"Yes," Kazuko replied with an unexpected surge of confidence. "Yes, I am."
"Then, it's impossible to change your mind," Toroki gave a surrendering sigh. "Before we go, tell me Tatara. How did the Kagemono take over the royal family?"
Tatara wearily sighed and closed his yes, "The day they took over Sairou was and forever will be the worst day of my life. It all started out when the first rain came to Sairou after the 7 years of drought. My Emperor Ran, the 16th Emperor of Sairou immediately held a banquet to celebrate…"
"… For the last 7 years, time has been hard on Sairou but now," Emperor Ran held his goblet up. "Sairou shall suffer no more. May prosperity bless Sairou!"
"May prosperity bless Sairou!"
Emperor Ran laughed and helped himself to another goblet of wine. "High priest Hoshi, why is your face so glum? This is the time to be happy for a new era for Sairou."
"Yes, we will not be happy when the new ear comes," replied High priest Hoshi, his eyes set at the prospect of the new era like a dying amber against the wrinkles of his aged face.
"Nonsense!" Emperor Ran bellowed. "This is no time to say such things. It's bad luck!"
"The rain is bad luck, an evil omen that Sairou is not willing to be prepared for it. I always feel refreshed whenever the rain comes but this rain brings the chill to my bones. The way the clouds gathered seemed so unnatural… Second Prince, Shiro was with me the entire time."
"That's an issue that needs attention," Emperor Ran quickly changed the subject. "Shiro, you have been with the High Priest for far too long. It's time for you to be more involved in the matters of the court so that you could aid your brother when he becomes Emperor of Sairou."
"Pardon me, my father. My heart does not lay in politics but in the rich and abundant literature and arts that Sairou has. I'm confident the crown prince is extremely capable of succeeding you."
"Don't be too modest with me! You and your brother are around the same age and both taught under the same teachers. Look at you, Shiro. Youth is displaying beautifully on your face, Joy in your eyes, Wisdom upon your brow and Strength in your arms. Unless the crown prince has an heir, you are second in line to the throne."
"I've no wish to become Emperor…
A loud clang echoed through the court, causing everybody to fall into silence. Emperor Ran was very crossed for being interrupted.
"What's all that racket?"
"My Lord," replied a servant, kneeling down. "Lady Lukara wishes to present you with her dancer to entertain you for the rest of the evening."
"A dance?" The Emperor shifted himself to a comfortable position. "Very well, then. A dance would amuse me very much."
The musicians with their tambourines and drums began to make sweet music. Slowly, a beautiful girl strolled in, dressed in silks woven in colours that shimmered in the light of the court, fastened by a sapphire sash. Her thick red hair was in braids, the arms and face were white and flawless, and the light of the stars was in her eyes, green as cat's eyes. Swaying her body to the rhythm of the drums, she began to shed her silk clothing layer by layer, revealing more and more of her scrumptious body, down in untying the sapphire sash around her waist. As the rhythm became faster, her body swayed even more, enchanting everyone into a river of sensuous dreams. The dancer flirtatiously threw her sash towards Emperor Ran, who made feeble attempts to catch it but the dancer teasingly pulled the sash back. With one turn of her hip, she willingly allowed the Emperor Ran to catch one end of the sash. Holding the other end, she wrapped herself with the sash till Emperor Ran could smell her lavender perfume, intoxicating him to the realm far beyond his imagination with her touch. At the ending beat of the drum, the dancer stopped to a kneeling position, arching her head backwards as she held on remaining of the sash that was still in Emperor Ran's grasp.
"You have danced well," spoke Emperor Ran, like he had awoken from a dream.
"Everything to make the Emperor of Sairou pleased," the dancer replied, moving forward, shifting her eyes to Prince Shiro and High Priest Hoshi. "If my dancing has delighted you, I wish to make a request."
"Ask. I'll do anything in my power to make it happen."
"I only ask 2 things, my Lord."
"And they are…"
"Your head and the heads of the royal family!"
At this, a sword materialized at the dancer's side. She took it and beheaded Emperor Ran within a split second. Everybody screamed at the blood spurting out from the headless corpse and started to run towards the doors while the royal bodyguards advanced at the dancer. The dancer unwinds her sash, jumped to the other end of the court and released the sash. Like a snake, the sash tangled itself around the bodyguards, squeezing them till their bodies spilt into two and fall upon the mush of blood and mashed internal organs. The dancer chanted in an evil melody and out from the mush of blood, merged black-cloaked warriors.
"Go and kill the royal family. Kill all those who help them!" the dancer commanded. Instantly, the warriors vanished to their respective duties. Prince Shiro (Tatara) and the High Priest Hoshi could hear the screams of their victims. The dancer turned and set her eyes upon the two.
"Perhaps I haven't introduce myself, I'm Lita, warrior of the Kagemono. I advised that you, old man, should step aside. I want the 17th Emperor of Sairou!"
"You are mistaken," High Priest Hoshi replied, standing in front of Prince Shiro like a shield. "He is not the crown prince."
"Still," Lita stepped forward like a predator. "He is the 17th Emperor of Sairou, Shiro Shimo, also known as Byakko seishi, Tatara. My Master wants him under his rule, his Empire that will soon come. Don't attempt to resist the Kage Kemono. It's futile!"
"Then, why don't you fight like a warrior like you claimed to be?" Tatara spoke angrily. High Priest Hoshi held out his hand to silence him but Tatara took no heed. "Instead of fighting like a warrior, you used seduction like a whore!"
"Then, why won't you fight me and take revenge for your father instead of whining like a brat?" Lita hissed. Her green eyes sparkled for blood.
"And I will!" yelled Tatara, letting anger getting the better of him.
"No! Prince Shiro!" cried out the High Priest.
Tatara ran forward as he took out a seed. From the seed, came out a plant transforming itself into a staff. Lita smirked at her opponent's choice of weapon. Launching, she strike out her sword. Tatara leaped sideways and strike her wrist down, forcing her to release her sword. Stepping forward with his left foot, Tatara used the end of the staff and hit Lita in the ribs. Moving his right foot behind the left, he quickly lowered his hips as he shifted his left foot to the front. With the twist to the right, he threw Lita to the ground. He raised his staff to strike but Lita speedily rolled over to evade it.
Furious, Lita punched out her left fist. Tatara parried her blow with his left hand. Grasping her wrist, he pressed his staff (that had automatically transformed itself to the length of a stick) against her forearm as he fastened firmly with his thumb. Applying pressure, he slides the stick down to the back of the wrist. Locking Lita's wrist between the stick and his right wrist, Tatara exerted more pressure on front of Lita's wrist and palm, making her face twisted in pain.
"You are not bad for someone born in royalty!" hissed Lita between breaths. "Why not use your seishi powers instead?" Then, unknown force shot out from Lita, hammering Tatara in the chest and onwards to his throat till he was thrown backwards to a pillar.
Tatara felt his head pounding with intense pain. His vision became groggy. He heard voices that sounded so far away. What kept him focused was a fuzzy image of something red. Using his remaining strength, Tatara concentrated his energy in transforming his plant staff into a jagged sword. Leaning against the pillar for support, he narrowed his eyes and focused on the red image as hard as he could despite the throbbing headache.
Then, with one steady motion, he launched forward. In a split second, he felt warm blood upon his hands. The heaviness of the body in his arms. The clanging of the sword dropping onto the floor. Tatara was heaving deep breaths.
After all, it was his first kill and how bitter it was…
When the throbbing pain went away, clearing his head and allowing his vision to become clearer. He saw not the red hair of Lita but the bloodstained white hair of his beloved teacher, High Priest Hoshi.
"Oh Byakko! What have I done?" Tatara gasped, his eyes widened with horror and shock.
"Prince Shiro…" The dying Priest whispered faintly.
"No, don't talk. Lie still… I'll get the doctor..."
"No need, my prince. My time is ending… I have done my duty as the High Priest of Byakko. All of the stars are here…"
"Duty? Stars?" Tatara trembled. "Don't say anymore, you're going to make yourself worse."
"Please listen to me," Priest Hoshi coughed out blood. "As my final act as High Priest of Byakko, I crown you, Prince Shiro, the 17th Emperor of Sairou…. Swear to me that you'll help the Maiden when she comes into this word." He breathed in sharply. "Swear to me that you'll help the Maiden to succeed in your quest!! Swear to me!"
"Yes, I swear…" Tatara held the Priest's hand tightly. "Please stay with me!"
Priest Hoshi smiled as he closed his eyes, "All will be well… in its proper time and place…"
"Then, what happened?" Kazuko asked.
"Lita's warriors returned after the royal family were massacred. I was too stunned by teacher Hoshi's death to put up a fight. Eventually, I became the 17th Emperor and Lita made sure that I would never leave the palace or make contacts with the neighbouring countries."
"If High Priest Hoshi knew it all along, then, why wouldn't he tell you?" Toroki questioned.
"Teacher Hoshi always believed that certain issues are to be revealed at their own time. To reveal to them would be interfering with their destiny and changing the course of their future whether for the better or worst. He knew that Lita was one of the Byakko seishis…" He pressed the palms of his hands onto his forehead. "He knew it all along… He knew it all along…"
Toroki shook her head and sighed. "That's the problem with high-class people, mixing philosophy with reality." Digging through her pockets, "Now, I reckon that if we go by horses, we might not be able to rescue the poor girl in time but…" Holding out a reedy flute. "If we travel by air, we might be able… so, let's pack something light and get to the Capital!"
"Toroki," Kazuko blinked her eyes. "You are not going to object?"
"Do we have all the time to debate? Kazuko, if you're going to the Capital, then I'm coming along. It's pretty useless talking sense to either both of you. Therefore, quit mopping around here and get going!"
"What do you mean by traveling by air?" Kazuko frowned before giving an exclamation. "You meant…"
"BINGO!" Toroki winked. "Taiitsukun gave me this flute in case of emergencies. Just blow this flute and the big birdy, Silverdo will come and take us to the Capital in no time."
"Why didn't you tell use earlier?" Kazuko crossed her arms. "Traveling by air would save us a lot of time!"
"You idiot!" Toroki retorted. "Firstly, there is no way that the Silverdo could carry all 6 of us. Secondly, think of all the unnecessary fuss that we would create if people see Silverdo. Thirdly, it's probably and maybe one of the easiest way for Kage Kemono to track us down. Jeez! Kazuko, use your brains sometimes!"
"Gomenasai (sorrie)…."
With no further delay, Toroki had everyone strapped tightly to the back of Silverdo, who merely made protesting noises at being summoned at such wee hours of the morning. Silverdo shook its feathers, spread out its thick wings and flew up to the sky. The wind was cool and was blowing across everyone's face. Kazuko smiled and felt that she was soaring through space and time and within her, she felt like she was the only existing for a brief moment. Without knowing why, she leaned back and allowed Tatara to hold her. In his warmth, Kazuko felt a sense of comfort and security or unknown to her; maybe it was the other way around.
At the back of Toroki's eyes, she could see the two getting cozier towards each other. The signs were getting obvious and were clear as the reflection on the mirror. Toroki said nothing. Pressed her lips together and keeping her eyes on a sharp lookout for danger, she could only hope that the two would be ready for the things that would come in the future. Like High Priest Hoshi had said, to reveal to them would be interfering with their destiny and changing the course of their future whether for the better or worst.
Subaru and Tokaki blinked their eyes as they teleported at the entrance of Town of Nas. Tokaki leaned slightly on Subaru, he was panting slightly. In his worry for Subaru's father, he had decided to teleport themselves and their horses even though he knew that it would spend a great deal of his energy especially during long distances.
The Town of Nas was like a ghost town, the high walls fallen, its houses collapsed, debris and burnt wood were everywhere. The air was silent and had a disgusting smell of rotting corpses and smoke from previous fires. Broken weapons and tools lay shattered across the place. There was not even a single soul in this once lively town.
The couple was horrified by the devastation caused by the Kage Kemono. Hopeless was tingling in their throats. Making their way though towards something that vaguely resembled the inn that Subaru spent most of her youth in there. She stepped onto something hard. Looking down, she saw a dusty signboard. With a wipe of her hand, she could see the familiar family sign of the Alkanas Inn.
"Father!" She stood up, calling. "Father!" Subaru walked aimlessly through the rubble. "Father! Where are you?"
A faint groan was heard. Instantly, the couple followed the groan to another street. At there, Subaru gave a high-pitched wail.
Hanging from a wooden cross was Ivan Alkana. Iron nails were hammered to his hands and feet and ankles and wrists lashed tightly in place so that he was unable to tear free. Dried blood was upon the wooden cross and yet; a tiny stream of blood was flowing from his wounds.
"Father!" Subaru cried. "Father!"
Ivan Alkana tilted his head slightly; his face was hidden by the locks of his hair. Weakly, he spoke in gasping hoarse breaths.
"Iria…"
"Father!" Subaru touched his feet with her trembling hands. "It's me, Iria."
"Iria…" His voice went higher.
"Father! Please try to remain still. Zan, please get him down."
"Zan… Iria… Zan…Iria…"
"Father..." Tears were streaming down her face.
"I've no daughter by the name of Iria."
"What?"
"She died some time ago… She eloped with a warlock, a man of evil… I tried to persuade her to stay but she wouldn't… Instead of staying with a good man as her husband, she left!" Blood was coughed out from his parched throat. "Because of that, the Kage Kemono had everyone killed… I was spared for the time being and was forced to watch the massacre. I saw my wife, my children, my siblings, my nieces, my nephews being eaten alive by hideous creatures of hell!" He coughed harder.
"No…" Subaru pressed her hands against her ears. 'Lita didn't…"
"Lita… she said it was for the purification of the country like getting rid a load of apples when one of them is found rotten…. Tell me, Byakko seishis, must the people of Sairou suffer because of a girl? All the people of Nas wanted was to live in peace, is that too much to ask??"
Ivan's body shook as he drew in his last breath. The worn face crumpled and the last tears flowed down the weathered face. Then, he gave a long dying sigh and remained still. Shaking uncontrollably, Subaru collapsed and wept bitterly. Tokaki knelt down and held her. Looking up at the sky, he saw a long gray ribbon lingering in the empty sky.
At the other end of the gray ribbon, were spirals of filthy smoke from a village wrecked in pieces. The sounds of the fires' crackling were still present and their stench polluted the air. In an open field, laid a deep hole and inside the hole were disremembered black streaked bodies.
Amefuri weakly fell on all fours while Kokie took a deep breath and gritted his teeth. Mixed emotions churned in their minds and tears trickled down Amefuri's face. Anger and despair had driven their strength away, reducing them into vassals of doubts and failure.
"Why?" Amefuri mumbled. His lips trembled. "Why did Byakko allow them to die? Why didn't he protect them? Why? Why? WHY??" He screamed, fresh tears poured down his face.
"I don't know why this happen. If a priest were to see this, he would say maybe this is how Byakko tests their faith. As for me, I believe that there must be easier ways to test one's faith. In fact, I don't believe that the Kage Kemono is killing people for their beliefs in Byakko. It's their excuse to hide their intention to start a new nation. To create a new world, the ways of the old have to die. Those who hanged on to the old must die. Like lions do, the new head of the pride would kill the descendants of the old head to start a new breed for himself. Likewise, the Kage Kemono is killing those who would not submit to their ways. However, they do realize how much influence Kazuko brings to the people as the Maiden of Byakko, including us. Therefore, they would stop at nothing to demoralize us and to turn the people against us."
"Then, why? Why haven't they killed us?" Amefuri flushed with anger. "Why them?"
"Lita is threatening us. If we do not submit to them, she will continue the slaughter. Indirectly, she is telling us that their innocent blood is on our hands."
"Lita… Lita… Lita…." Amefuri gnashed his teeth in hatred. "Stop mentioning her name! I hate her! I hate her! How could she be a Byakko seishi? She's one of the Kage Kemono!"
"There are some things that even if I myself couldn't explain. There is a possibility that she doesn't know that she's seishi." Looking around, "Let's find something to bury your people. After a time of grieving, we should catch up with Kazuko, Tatara and Nesan (Toroki)."
"You go ahead," Amefuri turned away. "I'll bury them myself."
"Amefuri…"
"Kokie," His voice heightened. "I need time to be alone, time to reflect." Hot tears streamed down his face. "So, you go ahead, okay?"
"Wakatta (I understand)," Kokie replied softly. "I'm going back to town Ouion for a while. I'll be at the inn, Rosset waiting for you."
"Tokaki…" Subaru whispered after crying for some times. "After we buried my father, let's go somewhere far away…"
"Where could we go? We have to catch up with Kazuko & the others…"
"Can we just go anywhere, as long as we are not with them," Subaru's voice shook. "Please?"
Tokaki couldn't reply at first but he gave a weak smile and said, "Alright, we'll go. Somewhere far away from here… far away..."
"… So, now the Byakko seishis are shattered far and wide," concluded Lita after hearing her spies reporting. Excellent!" she rose from the royal throne of Sairou. The officials were kneeling down and shaking in fear. The cloak flapped to one side as she raised her left arm, "Prepare for the execution of the Maiden. You have 4 hours to complete before noon comes!"
And I'll have my revenge on Tatara the Emperor of Sairou…
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Book 2: Genbu no miko
Book 3: Suzaku no miko
Book 4: Seiryuu no miko
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