Pitfalls

  Amiboshi sat quietly in the corner as Chichiri and the rest of the Suzaku seishi discussed all the expedient ways to retrieve Tamahome from Kutou, and on doing so rescue Suboshi as well. Chichiri had evidently cast a spell that enabled Miaka to communicate with Tamahome, and the two had already agreed on a suitable meeting place. The problem was on how to enter the palace grounds without Nakago finding out.

  "Amiboshi? Amiboshi?"

  Amiboshi snapped out of his reveries, blushing furiously. How could he have been so rude? "Gomen, minna-san, I was…"

  "Ah…you were probably just worrying about your brother," Tasuki commented gruffly. The redhead had finally gotten over his initial outburst, and accepted Amiboshi into the circle.

  "Don't worry, Amiboshi, we'll get him out." Miaka said reassuringly.

  Amiboshi couldn't help feeling guilty. He was a Seiryuu seishi sent to annihilate them and destroy all hopes of them ever summoning Suzaku, and here they were doing their best to help him. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

  "I'm really grateful…after what I've done, I don't deserve your help…"

  "Aww…cut the crap. What did you do anyway?" Tasuki, with his unique and exquisite grace demanded.

  "Tasuki's right. You didn't do anything! You already saved us by confessing who you were. Besides, you did save me from the bats, didn't you?" Miaka smiled in earnest.

  Amiboshi was stung by a sharp twinge of guilt. She trusted him so much that she still hadn't made the connection between him and the bats.

  "I…I was the one that set the bats on you."

  An ominous silence hung over the hall at his confession. 

  Amiboshi hung his head in shame. "I…had to do it to gain your trust. I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry."

  To everyone's surprise, it was Tasuki who recovered first, which was most unfortunate, taking into account Tasuki's wonderful usage of the language.

  "Jeez…fine. You sent the fuckin bats and got rid of them. Now can we just get on with the topic before someone confesses that he's murdered an innocent in his sleep or…" He didn't get to finish his sentence before Nuriko smashed him into the table.

  Hotohori winced. "Er…Nuriko?"

  Nuriko looked at his idol with sparkling eyes. "Hai? Hotohori-sama?"

  "I would really appreciate it if you could be…um…more delicate in the future." Seeing the hurt look on Nuriko's face, he went on hurriedly. "With the upcoming war between Konan and Kutou, we are trying to increase the military funds, and I'm sure that Nuriko, with all his consideration and selflessness, would like to aid the country in saving on repairs."

  The look of joy on Nuriko's face was radiant. "Definitely, Heika-sama!"

  Hotohori bestowed Nuriko with one of his gorgeous smiles before turning his attention on Amiboshi.

  "Amiboshi, do you know where your brother is imprisoned? We would like avoid any encounters with the palace guards if we can."

  Amiboshi frowned, considering the issue, "I don't know, but I can track otouto's chi easily. There shouldn't be a problem in finding him."

  Hotohori nodded, "So we still return to the problem of entering the Kutou palace without getting noticed."

  Tasuki snorted, "What's the problem? All we have to do is walk in, grab Tama and Suboshi, then walk out again. We'll fry anybody who blocks our way." He smiled in glee, "Especially that blonde dumbass Nakago, I'll…" he was interrupted by Nuriko's firm grip around his throat. Nuriko then dumped him on the floor, this time taking care not to damage anything.

  "Tasuki-san," Nuriko commented sweetly, "Perhaps you had better leave the thinking to those better equipped for it." His only answer was a painful grunt from the floor.

  Chiriko, the latest and last arrival to the Suzaku seishi piped up, "I've heard that Nakago of the Seiryuu seishi has an extremely strong chi sense and has already excelled in the control of his gifts. He is bound to sense us entering the palace." Chiriko paused thoughtfully, "So in truth, we do not run as great a risk of encountering the palace guards as being discovered by Kutou's shogun."

  Amiboshi nodded. Chiriko's power of wisdom was most incongruous when taken into account with his young age. Looking even younger than his thirteen years, the youngest Suzaku seishi even displayed an air of child-like innocence. Miaka, particularly, had almost fainted in shock when Hotohori informed them that Chiriko had obtained the highest results in the Imperial Examinations. 

  "I can partially conceal our chi, it'll make it easier to get in without sensed by Nakago no da, " Chichiri suggested.

  Hotohori considered the suggestion. "It'll still be extremely difficult. Nakago is probably expecting us to fetch Tamahome and Amiboshi to save his brother. Are you sure you can keep him from tracking us?"

  "No, no da." Chichiri admitted, "I can teleport us into the palace grounds, no da. But from there…"

  "Hmm… that'll solve the problem of entering, but it seem there's no way to guarantee that we won't be sensed by Nakago," Hotohori mused.

  Hotohori sighed. "Much as I dislike it, we have to take the risk. We're running out of time."

  Chichiri nodded, "Hai, Heika-sama. But I can only take two or three people along with me, any more would definitely expose us to Nakago's senses."

  Chichiri turned toward Amiboshi, "Koutoku-kun, of course… "

  "And me," Tasuki volunteered immediately.

  "I must go!" That was from Miaka.

  "Miaka…" Hotohori began gently, "It's rather dangerous, and I wouldn't like to put your life at risk…"

  Miaka's eyes had steeled in resolve, "I will not break my promise to Tamahome."

  Hotohori sighed. He knew that look. There was just no arguing with her when she's in this particular phase. "It's settled then."

***

  Suboshi woke from his painful and torturous slumber at the sound of his prison cell being unlocked. Nakago strode in, coolly eyeing the pitiful mess that Suboshi had become.

  "I'm glad I'm saved the inconvenience of waking you," Nakago said coldly.

  Suboshi couldn't answer. Right now, he just wanted anything, anything that can make the pain stop. He was thankful that he had regained consciousness when Nakago came in. He doubted Nakago's methods of reviving a person would be very pleasant.

  Nakago smirked. "You have no one but your brother to blame for the present condition that you're in. After all, he is the traitor that betrayed his country for another." A look of disgust crossed his hard features. "Amiboshi was weak. It seems that he doesn't have a care that his own brother now lies in a pathetic state."

  Suboshi felt anger welling within him. How dare that bastard talk about his Aniki like that? " Don't…insult…my…brother. Aniki…is…not…" he rasped.

  Nakago arched an eyebrow in amusement. "Not a weakling? Then I really can't find any other explanation for the actions of betraying your god, your country, and your brother for an enemy. Can you, Suboshi?"

  Suboshi wanted to defend his Aniki, but he just didn't have the strength for it. He finally let his head fall in defeat.

  "Right now, I would like to send your brother a message. We need to discuss…let's say…certain terms that need to be followed." The grim satisfaction on Nakago's features made Suboshi's blood run cold.

***

  Amiboshi winced as a sharp tingle shot up his arm.

  "What is it, Koutoku?" Chichiri asked in concern.

  "Otouto, he's sent me a message." Amiboshi tugged up the sleeve of the shirt hurriedly.

  His heart fell as he read the contents of the message.
  "What did Shunkaku say?" Chichiri pressed.

  Amiboshi gulped, "It's not from Shun. It's from…"

  He paused to steady his voice, "Nakago."

  Silently, he held up his arm for Chichiri to read.

  What that has happened was only a mild sample of what will happen to your brother in the future if you do not follow my wishes. Treat it as a warning if you will. If you do not return, your brother will bear the consequences of your actions. I hope you appreciate the effort I've dedicated into inventing more creative and fascinating forms of entertainment for your brother. Use your time wisely, for every minute in which you go against my orders entitles an extra minute of torture for your twin.

  Everybody, it appeared, had been looking over Chichiri and Amiboshi's shoulders. Everyone wore a similar mask of horror.

  "How could he? That's inhuman…" Miaka exclaimed, already close to tears.

  "THAT ASSHOLE! I'LL FRY THE GUTS OUT OF HIM!" Tasuki yelled furiously.

  Chichiri's mask creased in anxiety, "Koutoku, are you alright?"

  Amiboshi noticed the looks of sympathy and worry that everyone was giving him. He would not cry now. How could he possibly tell them that he was already panic and grief-stricken, and all he wanted to do right now was to be at his twin's side? He forced a brave smile.

  "I'm fine, please don't worry, minna-san."

  From the look of their faces, nobody really believed him.

  Tasuki clapped a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry, we'll get your brother out if we have to demolish the entire Kutou palace…" A thump on the head sent him sprawling on the floor.

  Amiboshi was already lost in his own world, his mind afire with dread and worry.

  Shun…please be strong…I'll be there…

***

  "OWW!!! Uh…uh…" was all Tasuki managed to get out as everyone clapped their hands over his mouth in horror.

  "Tasuki-kun, please be quiet no da," Chichiri told him in hushed tones. "We are already inside the Kutou palace grounds no da."

  Tasuki nodded before everyone withdrew their hands in relief.

  Amiboshi was getting extremely restless. At such a close distance, he could already pinpoint Shunkaku's location, and he wanted to head over to his brother right now.

  Chichiri hurriedly sketched out their plans, "I will go with Koutoku to rescue Shunkaku. Tasuki, stay here and protect Miaka while she's waiting for Tamahome."

  "Sure, you can count on me!" Tasuki said, grinning widely.

  "Tasuki, be quiet no da! Koutoku, we'd better get going. Time is running short."

***

  Amiboshi led the way with Chichiri following, both of them trying to avoid all the sentries on post. It was becoming increasingly difficult as they penetrated deeper into the palace grounds. Amiboshi was getting extremely impatient, almost to the point of running headlong into a guard or two before Chichiri managed to grab him back into hiding.

  He can't help it. Shunkaku needs him. He could sense his twin's chi flickering erratically, and he could feel Shunkaku's pain and suffering. Without knowing how he knew, he could tell that his twin still had the utmost trust in him; that Shunkaku still firmly held on to the belief that his Aniki would save him from the torment and agony that he was going through.

  Shun…have faith in me…I'll never leave you…

***

  Shun…have faith in me…

  Suboshi's eyes flew open in shock.

  Aniki? Aniki? Is that you?

  Already the pain was starting to overcome his body. He could feel the torture even in his dreams, being awake seemed to multiply the agony ten-fold.

  Aniki…Suboshi allowed that gray bleakness to surround him once again.

***

  "REKKA SHINEN!" Miaka and Tasuki stared in equal horror as Tasuki held out his fan…to see it release a miserable puff of smoke.

  Nakago smirked. "Fool, none of your powers would work within this barrier."

  He held out his palm as a blue glow began to suffuse him. "Now, which of you would like to go first?"

  "Wait, Nakago."

  Miaka looked towards her best friend in relief and joy. Yui-chan wouldn't hurt her after all…

  "What is the fun in simply killing them? Perhaps it is more…proper if we entertained our guests first."

  Yui's words cut into Miaka's heart painfully. Yui-chan…her voice seemed so cold. Doesn't she care for me anymore? Yui-chan…

  Miaka made up her mind right then and there. She had to do something.

  Flinging herself at one of the guards desperately, she told Tasuki to make a run for it.

  "Baka! I can't leave you here!"

  "Tasuki, you have to! Please, Tasuki, don't let me down!" Miaka prayed that Tasuki would get the meaning. If only she were captured, he might still be able to rescue her afterwards. Please, Tasuki, one is better than two.

  A flash of understanding crossed Tasuki's eyes. "Bastard," he spat at Nakago, "I'll never forgive you if you lay even one finger on her!"

  Tasuki vanished into the darkness, leaving Miaka behind.

***

  Chichiri frowned as he followed Amiboshi down the palace corridors. Their journey through the Kutou palace had been providentially uneventful. Through their entire flight, Chichiri had been constantly worrying that Nakago would detect their presence. He had no illusions of the shogun's power. During their brief encounter before, Chichiri already knew that Nakago far surpassed him in skill and raw strength. Even with his efforts at shielding their presence, Nakago should have been able to detect the arrival of Suzaku no miko and two of her seishi. The addition of one Seiryuu seishi only served to complicate matters. To make matters worse, Nakago already expected them.

  I feel uneasy about this. Things were just too convenient. I wonder how Tasuki and Miaka are doing. Have they met with Tamahome already?

  Amiboshi's voice jolted him from his worries.

  Amiboshi turned to face Chichiri, his eyes bright with anxiety and anticipation.

  "Chichiri-san, we're finally here."

  Chichiri looked down to see rough stone steps leading to the dungeons below.

  At last… Nevertheless, he still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease and dread.

***

  Miaka found herself staring through the bars of the dungeon.

  "Tamahome! Tamahome!!!"

  "Shut up!" the guard yelled back.

  I must find a way to get out.

  "Sir? Sir? Please, kind sir." Miaka's voice took on a seductive temptress' tone.

  The guard's head poked in, and widen noticeably.

  Miaka had hiked up her short skirt, revealing the full length of her legs. The top of her blouse was unbuttoned, exposing her shoulder and just enough of her cleavage.

  "Kind sir, my leg hurts. Could you rub it for me, please? " Miaka shifted her body, giving the guard a full view from every angle.

  "Me…me?" the guard spluttered, his eyes transfixed on the length of Miaka's legs.

  "Onegai, kind sir, I can't take it anymore, onegai…"

  "I'm coming!"

  As soon as the guard unlocked the door, Miaka flung all of her weight on the unfortunate man, knocking him out.

  Now to look for Tamahome.

***

  Amiboshi ran the rest of the way down the halls of the dungeon, and finally came to a halt before one of the prison doors.

  "Shun? Shun, please, Shun, answer me…" His vision blurred when he saw the state his brother was in. Apparently, the wounds he had sustained were only the faintest shadow of his brother's.

  Resting his head on the prison bars, he tried to reach out to his twin through their bond.

  Shun…

***

  Miaka stared into Yui's cold blue eyes. She should be looking for Tamahome, but there was just this irresistible smell of food, and her legs had taken her to this room of their own accord.

  "Miaka, I knew you couldn't resist the temptation. Serve yourself, I've prepared this specially for you."

  Yui stared in shock as she noticed that Miaka had already gobbled up half of the dishes on the table.

  "You haven't changed at all, Miaka."

  Miaka looked up in surprise as Yui burst out laughing. Yui-chan's laughing. Has she forgiven me?

  "Yui-chan, you…understand already? Have you forgiven me?

  Yui's eyes flashed with unleashed anger. Standing up abruptly, she pulled down the sleeve of her blouse.

  "Do you see this, Miaka? This is living proof of what I've been forced to endure, what I've been forced to suffer, and all because of you, Miaka!" Tears started streaming down Yui's face, already contorted with anger.

  "As long as I have this scar, I'll never forgive you, Miaka!"

  Miaka stared in horror at Yui. Suddenly, she remembered Tamahome.

  "Yui-chan, where's Tamahome?"

  Yui looked at her coldly. "Tamahome? He's probably sleeping in his room."

  Miaka shook her head in adamant denial. "No! Tamahome promised to meet me! He'd never break his promise! Yui-chan!"

  Yui's eyes widen as Miaka began tugging her sleeve. "Yui-chan, onegai, please let Tamahome go! Onegai!"

  "No!" Yui's eyes burned with rage. "I will never let Tamahome return to a girl like you!"

  "Yui-chan!"

  "No!"

  "Yui, what 's the matter?"

  Miaka's heart leaped at the sound of that familiar voice. "Tamahome!!"

  Yui could only look away, filled with grief as Miaka ran to embrace her lover.

  "Tamahome, you can't tell how much I've missed you." Miaka hugged Tamahome tightly. "Tamahome…"

  "Miaka…I've missed you too!"

  Miaka's eyes flew open as she was thrown back roughly. It hurts…my arm…it hurts….

  Tamahome…Miaka stared at Tamahome in wide-eyed disbelief.

  "Tamahome…"

  "You have no right to address me like that. You're disgusting."

  As he brought his weapon down on her, Miaka closed her eyes tightly, trying to hold back her tears. All this has to be a lie, it can't be true…

  Nothing happened.

  "Damn it, I missed. Guards, take this girl out of my sight."

  Tamahome… Miaka couldn't stop the tears from coming as she was being led away by the guards.

  Tamahome, why did you break your promise? You told me you loved me. We've been through so much…Tamahome, doushite?

  She couldn't understand why everything had turned out this way. Tamahome had promised to be always by her side. First, he had left for Kutou, now he treated her like a life-long adversary.
  Tamahome…he tried to kill me.

  Miaka gasped as the guards who were gripping her tightly suddenly fell to the ground with a silent thud.

  "I knew you females were good for nothing but trouble." Two glistening fangs loomed in front of her.

  "Tasuki!!" 

  "See? I did come and rescue you," Tasuki glanced at the fallen guards casually. "Just in the nick of time, too. You should…" he stopped, staring at Miaka's shoulder.

  "Miaka, who did that to you?" Tasuki's voice had already taken on a dangerous tone.

  Tamahome did this. Tamahome, how could you be so cruel? I can't tell Tasuki, he would never forgive Tamahome.

  "Ehh…this? Oh, I hurt myself while I was trying to break out from prison."

  Tasuki's look was filled with concern. "Your arm's broken! Shit, we have to do something about this!"

  Miaka stood by silently as Tasuki bandaged her arm, trying not to scream in pain. Tamahome…no, this can't be true. I must see Tamahome again…

  "Tasuki! Look over there! Nakago's doing a strip dance!" Once Tasuki was distracted, Miaka took advantage of those few short seconds to bind Tasuki firmly to a convenient post.

  "MIAKA!!! What do you think you are doing!!!" Tasuki roared furiously.

  "Sorry, Tasuki, but I have to see Tamahome."

  "I KNEW YOU FEMALES WERE ALL FUCKIN TROUBLE! RELEASE ME RIGHT NOW!"

  Miaka spared him one last glance. "Gomen, Tasuki. But I must…I must see Tamahome."

***

  Chichiri skidded to a halt behind Amiboshi. Amiboshi was holding onto the bars tightly, tears of pain and sorrow trickling down his cheeks.

  Without second thoughts, Chichiri murmured a hasty spell, swiftly unlocking the prison door. Amiboshi dashed in, kneeling down to cradle the person within the cell gently.

  As Chichiri entered, only did he manage to get a full view of the young prisoner, whose face was before shrouded in the gloom and shadows of the dreary prison.

  Suboshi could have been the exact mirror image of his twin. Could have been. Right now, bruised welts crisscrossed him from shoulders to knees. Day-old wounds were already starting to fester due to neglect. Angry welts covered every inch of his skin. Amiboshi was already beside himself with grief. 

  With another muttered spell, Chichiri freed Suboshi from his chains. Suboshi fell into his brother's arms, bereft of any strength or energy.

  Chichiri felt an unfamiliar feeling surging within him. It was a feeling he hadn't experience in an extremely long time--anger.

  It would take someone with inhuman cruelty and brutality to do something like this. Nakago, it seemed, had already taken the art of cruelty to entirely new heights.

  Amiboshi held his brother as he sobbed softly.

***

  Suboshi awoke to a world of pain and fire. Pain was filling his chest. He felt as if his back were being stripped by fire. Simply breathing had already become an onerous task.

  But all the agony was forgotten at the familiar feeling of his Aniki holding him. For the first time in seemingly ages, he actually felt warm.

  "Aniki…"

  "Shh…Shun-chan, don't talk right now." Amiboshi pulled him closer as he absently brushed away the stray bangs from his brother's face.

  Suboshi's smile was radiant. "Aniki…I knew you'd come…"

  "Hai…" Amiboshi buried his brother's face in his chest, trying to provide his brother with some warmth.

  Suboshi lifted his head to gaze into his brother's features, slowing recovering his sight, although he was only able to make out hazy outlines of his surroundings.

  Aniki looks so worried. Suboshi laid a trembling hand on his brother's cheek, attempting to assure and comfort his brother. Amiboshi grasped his brother's hand firmly in his while still holding it to his face.

  "Aniki…you're crying." Suboshi grimaced. Aniki's sad because of me. I didn't mean to make him cry. Aniki, I'm so sorry.

  Amiboshi shook his head while trying to wipe his tears away with the back of his hand. "No, I'm just…just so happy at seeing you again. Yokatta, Shun-chan, yokatta."

  Suboshi smiled in return. "Yokatta, Aniki. I missed you. I'm so glad you're all right. I was so worried…"

  Amiboshi frowned, making Suboshi bite back the rest of his sentence. I've said something wrong again.

  "Aniki?"

  "It's nothing, you shouldn't be worrying about me…look at what had happened to you! How could he do this?!" Amiboshi paused, trying to hold back his tears.

  "It's all my fault…" Amiboshi's voice broke. "I'm the cause of everything…"

  Suboshi shifted slightly, trying to look his brother in the eye. Aniki's blaming himself for what Nakago did to me…he always blames himself for everything.

  "Aniki, it wasn't your fault…you didn't do anything wrong. Aniki, onegai…please don't blame yourself."

  Amiboshi nodded shakily, his indigo eyes shining with fresh tears.

***

  Still holding his brother's hand, Suboshi suddenly became aware of another presence in the dark cell. As he focused with all his effort, he managed to make out the outlines of light blue hair, gravity-defying bangs, and a kindly face marred by a gruesome scar on its left eye, a decidedly familiar face.

  "Hai, Shun-chan," Amiboshi whispered softly, "He has come to help us, as he once did so long ago."

***

  Chichiri waited silently in the corner with his mask in hand as the twins were finally reunited. He knew that they were losing precious time in which they should be making their escape, but the brothers needed some time to themselves. Besides, he couldn't drag Suboshi right out now, not in the state that the young boy was in. The child could barely talk, let alone travel the half the length of the Kutou palace. The dungeons were strategically located in the very midst of the palace, making it necessary for escapees to get pass every ring of guards that were posted at all the corridors.

  He could have easily teleported them back to the palace gardens, but that much use of his magic would have alerted Nakago, even if he didn't draw on his seishi powers.

  Again, that brought him back to the problem that had been nagging him during this entire mission.

  Why is everything so easy?

  Suddenly, he noticed that Suboshi had already noticed him.

  "Chichiri-san…" Suboshi whispered.

  Chichiri smiled, "It has been a long time, Shunkaku-kun."

  Suboshi smiled weakly, "A long time, Chichiri-san. I missed you."

  The three of them stayed like that for a while, at a loss for words.

  "You didn't visit." Suboshi told Chichiri reproachfully.

  "I'm sorry for breaking my promise, Shunkaku-kun." Chichiri smiled teasingly, "But you can't really say that, can you? I'm visiting you right now."

  Amiboshi looked around worriedly, "Speaking of visiting…"

  Chichiri nodded, "We have to leave now." He wrapped one of Suboshi's shoulders around his while Amiboshi supported his brother from the other side.

  "I see that your brother's trust in you hasn't been misplaced after all, Amiboshi." The three of them froze.

  Nakago emerged from the shadows, smirking. "Leaving so soon? You haven't given me the chance to express my gratitude towards everything you've done, Amiboshi."

  Chichiri looked at the blonde shogun, the tightly suppressed anger from before suddenly welling up all over again. This was the man who had tortured Shunkaku.

  Right now, though, Chichiri had other more important matters to think of, such as getting out of here alive, for instance.

  Not even pausing to think, he placed a shoulder on each of the twins and teleported them out of the dungeons.

***

  Chichiri scanned the corridor that he had teleported them to. He had made a random choice, not wanting to bring them back to the gardens. Tamahome, Miaka and Tasuki might already be waiting for them there, and he did not want to endanger them as well, not when he had Nakago on his heels.

  Still helping Amiboshi to support his brother, they made their way across the palace grounds, when Chichiri suddenly spotted a very familiar bandit, complete with earrings, necklace, tessen and fangs.

  "Tasuki-kun, what are you doing here!"

  ""UNTIE ME RIGHT NOW! SHIT! MIAKA TIED ME HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

  Miaka tied Tasuki to a post? What for?

  This was not the time for questions, though. Hastily untying Tasuki's bonds, Chichiri resumed his way down the corridor with the twins, Tasuki following closely behind.

  Tasuki's mind was all on Suboshi. "FUCK! The poor kid can't even walk! Pity we didn't bring that messed-up cross-dresser along."

  Or Mitsukake. Shunkaku needs Mitsukake's attention urgently.

 A worried glance down at Suboshi told Chichiri that the boy was already delirious with the fever caused by his wounds. Suboshi's weight was already being fully supported by him and Amiboshi. Chichiri kept glancing back nervously, half expecting Nakago to appear any second. In fact, he was surprised that they weren't already back down in the dungeons.

  Suzaku…why does everything seem so out of place today?

  When they finally made their way to their meeting place, Chichiri understood.

***

  "It's time for you to die, Suzaku no miko." As Tamahome prepared to deliver that final blow, Tasuki leaped forward and carried Miaka away while taking the blow that was meant for her.

  "Miaka! Are you all right?" Chichiri asked worriedly as he and the twins reached Miaka's side.

  "She's unconscious," Tasuki said angrily.

  He turned to face Tamahome, fury burning in his amber eyes, "It was you who broke Miaka's arm!"

  Tamahome smiled, "Suzaku Shichisei, you've saved me the trouble of looking for you."

  Chichiri turned his attention from Miaka to look at his former ally, "Tamahome! Whose side are you on!?"

  "Don't waste your effort in talking to him, Chichiri," Tasuki's eyes gleamed, "He hurt Miaka! He's going to pay for this!"

  "Tasuki! Don't fight! He's also a Suzaku seishi!" Chichiri tried to calm the fiery bandit, but Tasuki was too caught up in his rage and anger for that.

  Chichiri and Amiboshi could only look on in horror as the fight between the two Suzaku seishi began.

***

  "Chichiri! Leave with Miaka and the twins! I'll buy you as much time as I can!" Tasuki screamed, his attention still focused on battling Tamahome.

  Tasuki… Chichiri didn't want to abandon Tasuki to his fate, but the Suzaku no miko came first. He lifted his hands to chant a spell…and found his power blocked.

  I knew it! Nakago's somewhere around. He had all of this planned in the first place! Tamahome must have been caught in Nakago's spell.

  Unable to leave the palace, Chichiri teleported Miaka and the twins into the dense growth, attempting to hide them from Nakago's view while he's finding a way to break Nakago's barrier.

  "You can't hide from me that way, Suzaku Shichiseishi Chichiri, I presume?" Nakago's voice was filled with contempt.

  "Amiboshi…do you think I'll let you betray me that easily? You serve Seiryuu's cause, I will not allow you to shirk your responsibilities in this way."

  Nakago smirked. The chi of Suzaku no miko, a Suzaku seishi, and two Seiryuu seishi were like a flaming beacon, almost impossible to conceal.

  He spun round suddenly and directed a few well-aimed chi-blasts at Chichiri's hiding place.

  Miaka shrieked in terror while Chichiri tried to shield her from Nakago's attacks as well as he could. Amiboshi, it seemed, was having similar difficulties in protecting his semi-conscious brother. Chichiri paused in his study of the twins.

  Amiboshi…he's a Seiryuu seishi as well. If he directed his chi at Nakago's barrier, he might be able to break it. Even though Nakago has all of us shielded, we might be able to do it together.

 "Koutoku," Amiboshi looked up, his face creased in worry. "I would like you to concentrate all your chi on the barrier. We'll combine our chi through your music. Koutoku, it's our only chance."

***

  Amiboshi looked at Chichiri incredulously. Me? Breaking Nakago's barrier? It's like demanding the impossible.

  Chichiri smiled reassuringly, "Koutoku, you won't be doing it alone. I'll be adding my strength to yours."

  Amiboshi's attention shifted at the feel of his brother's hand on his. "Aniki, I know you can do it. You and Chichiri-san can do it. Aniki, you can save everybody," Suboshi smiled confidently.

  Amiboshi finally nodded. He couldn't let his twin down, "Hai, Chichiri-san."

  Shun…lend me strength.

***

  Chichiri pooled all of his strength into Amiboshi's music as the raw, ear-piercing melody reverberated throughout the night.

  Come on…just a little more…

  His prayers were answered as he felt, more than saw the barrier shattering.

***

  Yui watched the struggle below with growing trepidation. As Miaka and her friends vanished, Yui hurried down to the gardens.

  She studied the bush where Miaka had been hiding, already torn apart by Nakago's chi-blasts.

  Amiboshi…so he's Suboshi's twin brother.

  Somehow, she couldn't help feeling relieved for the young boy she had met in the dungeons days ago.

  For Miaka, however, it was an entirely different case. She glanced towards Tamahome.

  "Tamahome?!"

  Tears streaked down Tamahome's face as he looked out into the still night

***

. Daa!!! One super-long chapter (for us, anyway) done!

. We've found out that someone has turned our review board into an advertising board. The authoresses are extremely upset. Uots (did we spell that correctly?), we do not mind if you recommended your fic on our review board, but note: It is a REVIEW board. If you're writing anything on it, at least have the decency to REVIEW first. We wanted to remove that particular review, but ff.net doesn't allow the removal of anonymous reviews. Maybe we're being too sensitive about such issues, but we feel that we somehow retain the right to um…maintain our review page strictly as a review page. What would happen if everybody simply posted an advertisement without reviewing? Please don't do that in the future, ok?

. To all the other kind, passionate, considerate readers out there, yup, we did give Suboshi a hard time, didn't we? But he had such a heartbreaking reunion with Chichiri and Amiboshi, that does kind of make up for it. ^-^  (grabs Tears of Cyanide's Suboshi plushie) Ooooh…kawaii!