^Sou Kishuku (a.k.a. Oji-chan)- Suzaku before he was a god (the red-haired
one).
^Gi Ayuru (a.k.a. Yuru-chan)- Seiryuu before he was a god (the blue-haired one)
^Tsuonie Kasuru (a.k.a. Ka-chan)- Byakko before he was a god (the white- haired one)
^Chen Emtao (a.k.a. Tao-chan)- Genbu before he was a god (the green-haired one)
_________________________
Opening song: 3 no Junjou na Kanjou; 1/3 True Feelings
kowareru hodo aishitemo sanbun no ichi mo tsutawaranai junjou na kanjou wa karamawari I love you sae ienaideiru my heart
Even if my love reaches the breaking point, 1/3 of it won't reach My
true feelings are just spinning on air, my heart isn't even saying "I love you"
nagaku nemureani yoru ga kimi e to omoisore wa koi na n desu to sasayaku
yotomedonaku katari nakeru yureru todou wabinetsu majiri no tameiki e to
kawaru
On the long, sleepless nights, the images I send to you whisper "that is love". continuously shaking speech that moves you to tears changes into a slight fever mingled with a sigh
give me smile and shine days kimi no smile deitetsuku yoru samusa no mo good koraerareru
Give me a smile and shiny days, by your smile I can withstand the cold of a frozen night.
kowareru hodo aishitemo san bun no ichi mo tsutawaranaijunjou na kanjou
wa karamawari i love you sae ienaideiru my heart
Even if my love reaches the breaking point, 1/3 of it won't reachMy
true feelings are just spinning on air, my heart isn't even saying "I love you"
mannatsu no ame no you ni kawaita suhada uruosu kimi no egao ga mabushikute
Like rain in the middle of summer, the dry, bareness moistens, your
smile is bright.
Give me a smile and shiny days, kyuu ni sumasanaidedonna ni konnan de nankan na kabe mo koeru kara
Give me a smile and shiny days, don't clear up so quickly!Because we
can overcome any wall that stands in our way.
dore dake kimi wo aishitara kono omoi todoku no daroumitsumerareru to
ienai kotoba ga chuu ni mauhanarereba hanareru hodo itoshii hito da
to kizukumotomereba motomeru hodo ni setsunai kyori wo kanjiteru my heart
Whoever you love, these images will reach them, right? Don't say you
can find them, your words are dancing in space. The further apart you go, the more it hurts the person you love The more I chase them, the more my heart feels the cruel distance
Give me smile and shine days Give me smile and nice daysmoshi mo kono ude de dakishime-aeta naradore dake kimi wo aishitara kono omoi todoku no darouyume no naka de wa tashikani ieta hazu na nonikowareru hodo aishetemo san bun no ichi mo tsutawaranaijunjou na kanjou wa karamawari I love you sae ienaideiru My Heart
Give me a smile and shiny days, Give me a smile and nice days, If only we could meet in an embrace...Whoever you love, these images will reach them, right? If only you had said so in your dreams Even if my love reaches the breaking point, 1/3 of it won't reach My true feelings are just spinning on air, my heart isn't even saying "I love you"
_ _ _ _ _
Episode Three: Momentary Pause. A Stay in the Home Of a Goddess.
- - - - -
"Suzaku, the god of love. Seiryuu, the god of war. Byakko, the god of vegitation. Genbu, god of strategic warfare. They were not always as they seemed to be. Once they were human, that is the key.
Sou Kishuku has had a mysterious relapse sooner than thought would happen. Tsuonie Kasuru, Gi Ayuru, and Chen Emtao tried to bring their friend freedom of pain, and were confronted by a beautiful woman, a goddess by appearance. They agreed to help heal her brother so they could have a place to stay and take care of the sick friend. What will happen next?"
* * *
Emtao threw his leg over the side of his horse and lifted the now unconscious Kishuku from Ayuru's arms. He placed the prince in front of him and nodded to Kasuru.
"You can ride this horse," Kasuru handed the reins of the black stallion in to the goddess' smooth hands. "Show us the way."
Blond hair hanging over her shoulders she nodded and pulled herself into the saddle. "Follow me." Her voice was like a gentle breeze to the years of the three listeners. "I will get you there as soon as possible."
Ayuru jumped onto the back of his stallion and slapped the horse's flank to get it going. Emtao rolled his eyes, "There are better ways to get your horse moving."
"Really? Then prove it to me."
With the flick of his wrists Emtao smacked the reins gently against the horse's neck. The stallion pranced forward and began walking slowly behind Kasuru's glimmering white mare. Emtao turned his head and smirked at Ayuru.
"Haha, really funny." Ayuru jerked the reins, causing the horse to halt.
"Fine, I'll try it your way." There was a loud smack as the reins touched home with the stallion's neck. The startled horse reared back in surprise, nickering wildly, and then bolted. "Aaarrhhhh! Help!"
"Make your horse stop!" Kasuru shouted to the wide-eyed Ayuru.
"I can't!" Ayuru hugged the horse's neck tightly.
"Some mercenary." Emtao laughed.
"I heard that!"
* * *
The darkened streets were empty as the four horses trotted through the streets. Kasuru rubbed his hands along his arms in an attempt to warm them up. /My fingers are cold. My nose is cold. My toes are cold.../
Ayuru had lost himself in deep thought and had his arms folded over his chest. His eyes were barely open, and to anyone who was not observing carefully would have assumed that they were shut tight in sleep. /Oji- chan.../
Emtao kept his eyes on the land and the prince. He was not about to allow them to get cornered during the night. /This is strange indeed. I wonder how often he has these strange attacks. It seems to have happened more often as he has gotten older. Perhaps I am only imagining it.../
"Here we are." the goddess slid from the back of her horse. "Please hurry inside. I will prepare a place for the sick man." And with that she dashed in to her house.
"Hurry up, slowpoke." Ayuru outstretched his arms, bracing himself for the prince's weight.
"Well, aren't you the speedy one today? Already off of your horse…" Emtao gently handed the red haired prince to Ayuru. "Hurry inside you two. I will find a place to keep the horses."
Kasuru nodded and hurried inside with Ayuru staggering slightly behind.
/Man, he weighs more than I thought. He needs to lose weight, 'cause I know I am no wimp!/
And from around the dark corner a pair of big blue eyes watched.
* * *
The door to her brother's room had been closed for some time. Her parents had told her to wait outside because they did not want her to see any blood. /It isn't as if I am the one who screams at the sight of blood./ She gritted her teeth.
/The blue-haired man won't talk to me, and the green-haired man also keeps to himself./ She sighed, twisting her long blond hair between her thumb and index finger.
The door opened a crack. Her mother's face peered out, a lighter shade than normal. "Would you please go check on the other man? I don't want him to be awake with nothing to eat. If he is awake, please feed him." With that the door closed.
She growled as she stood. "Hey, what are you so tense about, Goddess?" the blue haired man didn't bother to look up. "You don't want to take of a P--" he was cut off as the strong looking green-haired man covered his mouth.
"Keep your mouth shut," he said this to his companion with a stern voice. "Excuse me, I am Chen Emtao."
"Chen Emtao?" her eyes widened in shock. "Aren't you the Hokkan-koku strategist?"
Emtao nodded. "This creep, here, is Gi Ayuru. I don't know if you have heard of him or not..."
"I have heard the name. My parents probably know more about him," she bowed at the waist. "Excuse me, please. I need to go take care of your friend."
"Be gentle with him," Ayuru cackled.
All she heard as she turned around was the sound of Emtao's fist connecting with Ayuru's head. /Why would a military strategist from Hokkan-koku be here in Konan-koku? And Gi Ayuru… His name sounds familiar. I know I have heard him mentioned before.../
She slid the door open to the room the friend of Chen Emtao had been given with both hands. She entered quietly; making sure the door didn't make a loud noise as she closed it.
He didn't appear to be awake yet. /He doesn't look as bad now.../ she stepped softly to the bedside. /He looks like a little child when he sleeps. So peaceful.../ She leaned over to get a better look at him. He looked familiar from somewhere... That was when his eyes opened.
Wine red eyes stared at her, alarmed. She jumped backward and tripped, landing on the floor with a dull thud. The man with wine red eyes sat up, eyes darting.
When he saw he was in no danger he calmed down, "Gomen nasai. I didn't mean to startle you." he pushed the sheets away from him and threw his legs over the side of the bed.
She shook her head. "No, I am the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have gotten that close to you." She looked up to see the elegant man outstretching his hand to her. She took his hands and let him pull her up.
"If you would be so kind as to tell me where I am..." he walked gracefully over to the rooms only window. "And the name of the lady I have the pleasure of being with... I would appreciate it very much."
"You are in a room, in a house, that is in a small village, and that village is in the land of Konan-koku..."
"Pardon me for not being specific." he laughed as he looked at the new morning that was dawning.
She blushed, "My name is Kyogen."
"A beautiful name to fit the beautiful goddess?" he asked.
"What is with this goddess thing? First that Gi Ayuru, and now you."
"It must be universal then. You look like you should be a goddess."
There was a pause of silence as Kyogen made the bed the red-haired man had been sleeping in. "This is my family's house, so I should get to know who is staying under the roof with us." She looked expectantly as the man turned around.
"Kishuku. Sou Kishuku."
"Nice to meet... What?!" It dawned on her before the sentence was completely out of her mouth. "You mean you're the prince?!"
"Yes, is there something wrong with that?" Kishuku seemed oblivious to the fact that she had not been properly respectful towards him.
Anger began to bubble inside her. /What am I so angry about?/ "What is the Konan Prince doing here? I don't know what you're up to, but you better leave my family out of it!" She pushed Kishuku back into the bed, causing the sheets to wrinkle.
"N-nani?" Kishuku blinked. "I'm not up to anything!" he grunted as Kyogen pushed him all the way down.
"And what are you doing, letting yourself get ill! And, and...and...and why are you smiling at me?" She asked, dumbfounded, as the prince only smiled back.
"You make me sound bad," He was still smiling.
"I-I didn't mean to," Kyogen bowed her head. "I just..."
"You had no idea I was the prince." Kishuku waited expectantly for Kyogen to release him.
"That would be correct." Kyogen realized that she was lying on top of the prince and, cheeks burning, rolled off of him. "I didn't know how to react. I am really sorry!" she pulled her feet underneath her and bowed, still on the bed.
Kishuku leaned on his elbow. "Don't worry about it. It wasn't as if anyone told you who I was. Am I right?"
Kyogen thought for a moment and then nodded, "Yes, that would be true. Ayuru-san almost said you were a prince, but Chen Emtao stopped him now that I think back on it." Kyogen sat upright. "I forgot! I'm supposed to get you something to eat. I'll be right back."
Kishuku watched Kyogen hurry out the door. /That was a little unexpected. To have someone who did not live at the palace scold me... It's funny./ He laid back down on the bed and grimaced. /Stupid sickness. I almost blew it. If I hadn't kept smiling she would have known there was something wrong with me. When will this end?/
Ayuru peered through the open door. "Hey! You're awake!" He gave himself permission to enter the room and sat down beside Kishuku's head. "We were really worried about you."
"You shouldn't worry about me so much." Kishuku rolled onto his stomach.
"Besides. Aren't you from Kutou-koku?" He teased.
"Good point," Ayuru teased back. "So why I am so worried about you?"
They laughed together as Emtao entered, his silence almost unnoticed. "I see you are feeling better, Oji-sama."
"Yes, I am." Red eyes smiling Kishuku stood up. "I am feeling much better now."
"But when will this happen again?" Emtao asked, eyes never leaving the floor.
"Eh?" Kishuku's smile gave way to a confused expression.
Before Emtao could expand upon his question, Kyogen poked her head around the door. "Well, well. Does this mean I have to feed the mercenary, too?"
"If the Goddess would only be so kind." Ayuru beamed a smile at Kyogen,
ignoring the glare she gave him.
Emtao's lips twisted into a grin as he watched Kyogen stomp over to Ayuru and point her finger to his chest. "You better watch it, Ayuru-CHAN. You aren't in your own home right now."
"She has a point there." Kishuku ran a hand through his hair. "By the way, where is Kasuru?"
"Oh, Ka-chan? He's takin' care of the goddess's little brother. He was sick or something." Ayuru shrugged. "I'm not really sure what was going on cuz they wouldn't let me in. Geez, ya'd think I was bringin' the plague in with me."
Emtao shrugged. "Kishuku-sama, may I speak with you alone for a moment?"
"Hai." Kishuku followed as Emtao led him out to the street. "What is it?"
"I am seriously concerned about you. I think of you as a younger brother, and I want to make sure you are okay," Emtao looked steadily into Kishuku's eyes.
"Emtao..."
"No, let me finish," Emtao cut Kishuku off with an outstretched palm, "I want to ask you something. This mysterious disease you have, has it been attacking you more often?" Emtao's hand twitched as a bug grazed it.
"It happens just as often as it used to, but it has gotten worse when it does happen. I wish I knew how to get rid of it, but if I have to live with it, I will," Kishuku sighed. "It isn't as if I know when it is going to happen to me."
Emtao pulled Kishuku closer to him. "If there is one thing we get out of all this, I hope you find a way to get better."
Kishuku nodded. "If we get anything out of this, I want answers to the questions I'm sure we all have. Why us?"
"I don't know. We should go in and get something to eat now. You need to regain some of your strength," Emtao ushered Kishuku back into the house.
Ayuru greeted them as they entered. "You won't believe it, but Ka-chan fixed up that little brat."
"Don't call me Ka-chan!" Kasuru smacked Ayuru in the back of the head.
"Ka-chan? Where did that come from?" Kishuku asked as he began to smile.
"Oh, I devised it last night when I had nothing better to do. I'm still
workin' on a permanent one for Emtao." Ayuru smirked in Emtao's general direction.
"So you have one for all of us except Emtao?" Kasuru let an evil grin form on his lips.
"Yup. See, Kasuru is Ka-chan. Kishuku is oji-chan..." Ayuru paused, "Emtao will be... Tao-chan!"
"Tao-chan?" Emtao asked as he raised an eyebrow.
Kasuru winked at Kishuku and Emtao. "What did he say his name was?"
Ayuru looked between his three friends. "You think I'm gonna give myself a dumb name?"
"Fine, then don't give one to yourself. We'll think of one for you." Kasuru shrugged. "I don't think it'll be all that hard."
"No!"
"I can see it now," Kasuru spread out his fingers. "What about A-chan?"
"Or U-chan?" Emtao suggested.
"Traitors!"
"Why not Ayu-chan?" Kishuku nonchalantly supplied a name for the Kutou mercenary.
Kyogen sat in her brother's room as she listened to the suggestion of names fly back and forth between the four men. "Why not baka-chan?" she heard Emtao giggle at Kasuru's suggestion.
"No possible way!" She could hear Ayuru's bewildered voice refusing each name in an attempt to stop it from going any further.
/They sound like very good friends./ She entwined her fingers in her brother's black hair. /I wonder what the four of them are doing here in the first place?/
"I know! I have the perfect name for Ayuru!" Kasuru's voice broke through her thoughts. "We can call him Yuru-chan!"
"Sounds like a plan." Kishuku's warm voice laughed after he answered.
"Looks like you are now formally known as Yuru-chan."
"Some friends you guys are." Ayuru shook his head.
"You started it!" the other three shouted as they broke into a chain of laughter.
- - - - -
"What was going to happen on this journey they had begun? None of them ever imagined what was in store for them. Were they really prepared for what was to become of them?"
_________________________________________________________________
Ending Song: Kiseki no Umi (Sea of Miracles)
Sung by: Sakamoto Maaya
Written by: Kanno Yoko
yami no yozora ga futari wakatsu no wa
yobiau kokoro hadaka ni suru tame
The dark night sky that divides two people
In order to bear the hearts that call to each other
kazari nugisute subete nakusu toki
nanika ga mieru
Throw away decoration, and when everything is lost
Something can be seen
kaze yo watashi wa tachimukau
yukou kurushimi no umi e to
Oh wind I stand against you
Let's go to the sea of suffering
kizuna kono mune ni kizande
kudakeru nami wa hatenaku tomo
Bonds They cut into my heart
Broken into pieces Although the waves are endless
nani o motomete dare mo arasou no?
nagashita chishio hana o sakaseru no?
What do you want and who will you fight for it?
Will you force flowers of shed blood to bloom?
toutoki ashita kono te ni suru made
deaeru hi made
Until this hand grabs the precious tomorrows
Until the day we meet
kaze yo watashi wa tachimukau
yukou kagayaki o mezashite
Oh wind I stand against you
Let's go aim for the radiance
inori kono mune ni dakishime
samayou yami no you na mirai
A prayer I hold it against my chest
Wandering a future like darkness
kaze yo watashi wa osorenai
ai koso mitsukedashita kiseki yo
Oh wind I'm not afraid
Love When you've found it, it's a miracle
kimi o shinjiteru yorokobi
arashi wa ai ni kizuku tame ni fuiteru
It's a joy to believe in you
The storm blows so that I can realize my love
^Gi Ayuru (a.k.a. Yuru-chan)- Seiryuu before he was a god (the blue-haired one)
^Tsuonie Kasuru (a.k.a. Ka-chan)- Byakko before he was a god (the white- haired one)
^Chen Emtao (a.k.a. Tao-chan)- Genbu before he was a god (the green-haired one)
_________________________
Opening song: 3 no Junjou na Kanjou; 1/3 True Feelings
kowareru hodo aishitemo sanbun no ichi mo tsutawaranai junjou na kanjou wa karamawari I love you sae ienaideiru my heart
Even if my love reaches the breaking point, 1/3 of it won't reach My
true feelings are just spinning on air, my heart isn't even saying "I love you"
nagaku nemureani yoru ga kimi e to omoisore wa koi na n desu to sasayaku
yotomedonaku katari nakeru yureru todou wabinetsu majiri no tameiki e to
kawaru
On the long, sleepless nights, the images I send to you whisper "that is love". continuously shaking speech that moves you to tears changes into a slight fever mingled with a sigh
give me smile and shine days kimi no smile deitetsuku yoru samusa no mo good koraerareru
Give me a smile and shiny days, by your smile I can withstand the cold of a frozen night.
kowareru hodo aishitemo san bun no ichi mo tsutawaranaijunjou na kanjou
wa karamawari i love you sae ienaideiru my heart
Even if my love reaches the breaking point, 1/3 of it won't reachMy
true feelings are just spinning on air, my heart isn't even saying "I love you"
mannatsu no ame no you ni kawaita suhada uruosu kimi no egao ga mabushikute
Like rain in the middle of summer, the dry, bareness moistens, your
smile is bright.
Give me a smile and shiny days, kyuu ni sumasanaidedonna ni konnan de nankan na kabe mo koeru kara
Give me a smile and shiny days, don't clear up so quickly!Because we
can overcome any wall that stands in our way.
dore dake kimi wo aishitara kono omoi todoku no daroumitsumerareru to
ienai kotoba ga chuu ni mauhanarereba hanareru hodo itoshii hito da
to kizukumotomereba motomeru hodo ni setsunai kyori wo kanjiteru my heart
Whoever you love, these images will reach them, right? Don't say you
can find them, your words are dancing in space. The further apart you go, the more it hurts the person you love The more I chase them, the more my heart feels the cruel distance
Give me smile and shine days Give me smile and nice daysmoshi mo kono ude de dakishime-aeta naradore dake kimi wo aishitara kono omoi todoku no darouyume no naka de wa tashikani ieta hazu na nonikowareru hodo aishetemo san bun no ichi mo tsutawaranaijunjou na kanjou wa karamawari I love you sae ienaideiru My Heart
Give me a smile and shiny days, Give me a smile and nice days, If only we could meet in an embrace...Whoever you love, these images will reach them, right? If only you had said so in your dreams Even if my love reaches the breaking point, 1/3 of it won't reach My true feelings are just spinning on air, my heart isn't even saying "I love you"
_ _ _ _ _
Episode Three: Momentary Pause. A Stay in the Home Of a Goddess.
- - - - -
"Suzaku, the god of love. Seiryuu, the god of war. Byakko, the god of vegitation. Genbu, god of strategic warfare. They were not always as they seemed to be. Once they were human, that is the key.
Sou Kishuku has had a mysterious relapse sooner than thought would happen. Tsuonie Kasuru, Gi Ayuru, and Chen Emtao tried to bring their friend freedom of pain, and were confronted by a beautiful woman, a goddess by appearance. They agreed to help heal her brother so they could have a place to stay and take care of the sick friend. What will happen next?"
* * *
Emtao threw his leg over the side of his horse and lifted the now unconscious Kishuku from Ayuru's arms. He placed the prince in front of him and nodded to Kasuru.
"You can ride this horse," Kasuru handed the reins of the black stallion in to the goddess' smooth hands. "Show us the way."
Blond hair hanging over her shoulders she nodded and pulled herself into the saddle. "Follow me." Her voice was like a gentle breeze to the years of the three listeners. "I will get you there as soon as possible."
Ayuru jumped onto the back of his stallion and slapped the horse's flank to get it going. Emtao rolled his eyes, "There are better ways to get your horse moving."
"Really? Then prove it to me."
With the flick of his wrists Emtao smacked the reins gently against the horse's neck. The stallion pranced forward and began walking slowly behind Kasuru's glimmering white mare. Emtao turned his head and smirked at Ayuru.
"Haha, really funny." Ayuru jerked the reins, causing the horse to halt.
"Fine, I'll try it your way." There was a loud smack as the reins touched home with the stallion's neck. The startled horse reared back in surprise, nickering wildly, and then bolted. "Aaarrhhhh! Help!"
"Make your horse stop!" Kasuru shouted to the wide-eyed Ayuru.
"I can't!" Ayuru hugged the horse's neck tightly.
"Some mercenary." Emtao laughed.
"I heard that!"
* * *
The darkened streets were empty as the four horses trotted through the streets. Kasuru rubbed his hands along his arms in an attempt to warm them up. /My fingers are cold. My nose is cold. My toes are cold.../
Ayuru had lost himself in deep thought and had his arms folded over his chest. His eyes were barely open, and to anyone who was not observing carefully would have assumed that they were shut tight in sleep. /Oji- chan.../
Emtao kept his eyes on the land and the prince. He was not about to allow them to get cornered during the night. /This is strange indeed. I wonder how often he has these strange attacks. It seems to have happened more often as he has gotten older. Perhaps I am only imagining it.../
"Here we are." the goddess slid from the back of her horse. "Please hurry inside. I will prepare a place for the sick man." And with that she dashed in to her house.
"Hurry up, slowpoke." Ayuru outstretched his arms, bracing himself for the prince's weight.
"Well, aren't you the speedy one today? Already off of your horse…" Emtao gently handed the red haired prince to Ayuru. "Hurry inside you two. I will find a place to keep the horses."
Kasuru nodded and hurried inside with Ayuru staggering slightly behind.
/Man, he weighs more than I thought. He needs to lose weight, 'cause I know I am no wimp!/
And from around the dark corner a pair of big blue eyes watched.
* * *
The door to her brother's room had been closed for some time. Her parents had told her to wait outside because they did not want her to see any blood. /It isn't as if I am the one who screams at the sight of blood./ She gritted her teeth.
/The blue-haired man won't talk to me, and the green-haired man also keeps to himself./ She sighed, twisting her long blond hair between her thumb and index finger.
The door opened a crack. Her mother's face peered out, a lighter shade than normal. "Would you please go check on the other man? I don't want him to be awake with nothing to eat. If he is awake, please feed him." With that the door closed.
She growled as she stood. "Hey, what are you so tense about, Goddess?" the blue haired man didn't bother to look up. "You don't want to take of a P--" he was cut off as the strong looking green-haired man covered his mouth.
"Keep your mouth shut," he said this to his companion with a stern voice. "Excuse me, I am Chen Emtao."
"Chen Emtao?" her eyes widened in shock. "Aren't you the Hokkan-koku strategist?"
Emtao nodded. "This creep, here, is Gi Ayuru. I don't know if you have heard of him or not..."
"I have heard the name. My parents probably know more about him," she bowed at the waist. "Excuse me, please. I need to go take care of your friend."
"Be gentle with him," Ayuru cackled.
All she heard as she turned around was the sound of Emtao's fist connecting with Ayuru's head. /Why would a military strategist from Hokkan-koku be here in Konan-koku? And Gi Ayuru… His name sounds familiar. I know I have heard him mentioned before.../
She slid the door open to the room the friend of Chen Emtao had been given with both hands. She entered quietly; making sure the door didn't make a loud noise as she closed it.
He didn't appear to be awake yet. /He doesn't look as bad now.../ she stepped softly to the bedside. /He looks like a little child when he sleeps. So peaceful.../ She leaned over to get a better look at him. He looked familiar from somewhere... That was when his eyes opened.
Wine red eyes stared at her, alarmed. She jumped backward and tripped, landing on the floor with a dull thud. The man with wine red eyes sat up, eyes darting.
When he saw he was in no danger he calmed down, "Gomen nasai. I didn't mean to startle you." he pushed the sheets away from him and threw his legs over the side of the bed.
She shook her head. "No, I am the one who should be sorry. I shouldn't have gotten that close to you." She looked up to see the elegant man outstretching his hand to her. She took his hands and let him pull her up.
"If you would be so kind as to tell me where I am..." he walked gracefully over to the rooms only window. "And the name of the lady I have the pleasure of being with... I would appreciate it very much."
"You are in a room, in a house, that is in a small village, and that village is in the land of Konan-koku..."
"Pardon me for not being specific." he laughed as he looked at the new morning that was dawning.
She blushed, "My name is Kyogen."
"A beautiful name to fit the beautiful goddess?" he asked.
"What is with this goddess thing? First that Gi Ayuru, and now you."
"It must be universal then. You look like you should be a goddess."
There was a pause of silence as Kyogen made the bed the red-haired man had been sleeping in. "This is my family's house, so I should get to know who is staying under the roof with us." She looked expectantly as the man turned around.
"Kishuku. Sou Kishuku."
"Nice to meet... What?!" It dawned on her before the sentence was completely out of her mouth. "You mean you're the prince?!"
"Yes, is there something wrong with that?" Kishuku seemed oblivious to the fact that she had not been properly respectful towards him.
Anger began to bubble inside her. /What am I so angry about?/ "What is the Konan Prince doing here? I don't know what you're up to, but you better leave my family out of it!" She pushed Kishuku back into the bed, causing the sheets to wrinkle.
"N-nani?" Kishuku blinked. "I'm not up to anything!" he grunted as Kyogen pushed him all the way down.
"And what are you doing, letting yourself get ill! And, and...and...and why are you smiling at me?" She asked, dumbfounded, as the prince only smiled back.
"You make me sound bad," He was still smiling.
"I-I didn't mean to," Kyogen bowed her head. "I just..."
"You had no idea I was the prince." Kishuku waited expectantly for Kyogen to release him.
"That would be correct." Kyogen realized that she was lying on top of the prince and, cheeks burning, rolled off of him. "I didn't know how to react. I am really sorry!" she pulled her feet underneath her and bowed, still on the bed.
Kishuku leaned on his elbow. "Don't worry about it. It wasn't as if anyone told you who I was. Am I right?"
Kyogen thought for a moment and then nodded, "Yes, that would be true. Ayuru-san almost said you were a prince, but Chen Emtao stopped him now that I think back on it." Kyogen sat upright. "I forgot! I'm supposed to get you something to eat. I'll be right back."
Kishuku watched Kyogen hurry out the door. /That was a little unexpected. To have someone who did not live at the palace scold me... It's funny./ He laid back down on the bed and grimaced. /Stupid sickness. I almost blew it. If I hadn't kept smiling she would have known there was something wrong with me. When will this end?/
Ayuru peered through the open door. "Hey! You're awake!" He gave himself permission to enter the room and sat down beside Kishuku's head. "We were really worried about you."
"You shouldn't worry about me so much." Kishuku rolled onto his stomach.
"Besides. Aren't you from Kutou-koku?" He teased.
"Good point," Ayuru teased back. "So why I am so worried about you?"
They laughed together as Emtao entered, his silence almost unnoticed. "I see you are feeling better, Oji-sama."
"Yes, I am." Red eyes smiling Kishuku stood up. "I am feeling much better now."
"But when will this happen again?" Emtao asked, eyes never leaving the floor.
"Eh?" Kishuku's smile gave way to a confused expression.
Before Emtao could expand upon his question, Kyogen poked her head around the door. "Well, well. Does this mean I have to feed the mercenary, too?"
"If the Goddess would only be so kind." Ayuru beamed a smile at Kyogen,
ignoring the glare she gave him.
Emtao's lips twisted into a grin as he watched Kyogen stomp over to Ayuru and point her finger to his chest. "You better watch it, Ayuru-CHAN. You aren't in your own home right now."
"She has a point there." Kishuku ran a hand through his hair. "By the way, where is Kasuru?"
"Oh, Ka-chan? He's takin' care of the goddess's little brother. He was sick or something." Ayuru shrugged. "I'm not really sure what was going on cuz they wouldn't let me in. Geez, ya'd think I was bringin' the plague in with me."
Emtao shrugged. "Kishuku-sama, may I speak with you alone for a moment?"
"Hai." Kishuku followed as Emtao led him out to the street. "What is it?"
"I am seriously concerned about you. I think of you as a younger brother, and I want to make sure you are okay," Emtao looked steadily into Kishuku's eyes.
"Emtao..."
"No, let me finish," Emtao cut Kishuku off with an outstretched palm, "I want to ask you something. This mysterious disease you have, has it been attacking you more often?" Emtao's hand twitched as a bug grazed it.
"It happens just as often as it used to, but it has gotten worse when it does happen. I wish I knew how to get rid of it, but if I have to live with it, I will," Kishuku sighed. "It isn't as if I know when it is going to happen to me."
Emtao pulled Kishuku closer to him. "If there is one thing we get out of all this, I hope you find a way to get better."
Kishuku nodded. "If we get anything out of this, I want answers to the questions I'm sure we all have. Why us?"
"I don't know. We should go in and get something to eat now. You need to regain some of your strength," Emtao ushered Kishuku back into the house.
Ayuru greeted them as they entered. "You won't believe it, but Ka-chan fixed up that little brat."
"Don't call me Ka-chan!" Kasuru smacked Ayuru in the back of the head.
"Ka-chan? Where did that come from?" Kishuku asked as he began to smile.
"Oh, I devised it last night when I had nothing better to do. I'm still
workin' on a permanent one for Emtao." Ayuru smirked in Emtao's general direction.
"So you have one for all of us except Emtao?" Kasuru let an evil grin form on his lips.
"Yup. See, Kasuru is Ka-chan. Kishuku is oji-chan..." Ayuru paused, "Emtao will be... Tao-chan!"
"Tao-chan?" Emtao asked as he raised an eyebrow.
Kasuru winked at Kishuku and Emtao. "What did he say his name was?"
Ayuru looked between his three friends. "You think I'm gonna give myself a dumb name?"
"Fine, then don't give one to yourself. We'll think of one for you." Kasuru shrugged. "I don't think it'll be all that hard."
"No!"
"I can see it now," Kasuru spread out his fingers. "What about A-chan?"
"Or U-chan?" Emtao suggested.
"Traitors!"
"Why not Ayu-chan?" Kishuku nonchalantly supplied a name for the Kutou mercenary.
Kyogen sat in her brother's room as she listened to the suggestion of names fly back and forth between the four men. "Why not baka-chan?" she heard Emtao giggle at Kasuru's suggestion.
"No possible way!" She could hear Ayuru's bewildered voice refusing each name in an attempt to stop it from going any further.
/They sound like very good friends./ She entwined her fingers in her brother's black hair. /I wonder what the four of them are doing here in the first place?/
"I know! I have the perfect name for Ayuru!" Kasuru's voice broke through her thoughts. "We can call him Yuru-chan!"
"Sounds like a plan." Kishuku's warm voice laughed after he answered.
"Looks like you are now formally known as Yuru-chan."
"Some friends you guys are." Ayuru shook his head.
"You started it!" the other three shouted as they broke into a chain of laughter.
- - - - -
"What was going to happen on this journey they had begun? None of them ever imagined what was in store for them. Were they really prepared for what was to become of them?"
_________________________________________________________________
Ending Song: Kiseki no Umi (Sea of Miracles)
Sung by: Sakamoto Maaya
Written by: Kanno Yoko
yami no yozora ga futari wakatsu no wa
yobiau kokoro hadaka ni suru tame
The dark night sky that divides two people
In order to bear the hearts that call to each other
kazari nugisute subete nakusu toki
nanika ga mieru
Throw away decoration, and when everything is lost
Something can be seen
kaze yo watashi wa tachimukau
yukou kurushimi no umi e to
Oh wind I stand against you
Let's go to the sea of suffering
kizuna kono mune ni kizande
kudakeru nami wa hatenaku tomo
Bonds They cut into my heart
Broken into pieces Although the waves are endless
nani o motomete dare mo arasou no?
nagashita chishio hana o sakaseru no?
What do you want and who will you fight for it?
Will you force flowers of shed blood to bloom?
toutoki ashita kono te ni suru made
deaeru hi made
Until this hand grabs the precious tomorrows
Until the day we meet
kaze yo watashi wa tachimukau
yukou kagayaki o mezashite
Oh wind I stand against you
Let's go aim for the radiance
inori kono mune ni dakishime
samayou yami no you na mirai
A prayer I hold it against my chest
Wandering a future like darkness
kaze yo watashi wa osorenai
ai koso mitsukedashita kiseki yo
Oh wind I'm not afraid
Love When you've found it, it's a miracle
kimi o shinjiteru yorokobi
arashi wa ai ni kizuku tame ni fuiteru
It's a joy to believe in you
The storm blows so that I can realize my love