"Star Lovers" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 4
Lilian had managed to smuggle Vivien out of the palace and into the courtyard before chaos erupted. Guards were running everywhere, looking for Yui, Suzaku no Miko, and the trespassers that had entered the palace grounds. During the chaos, Lilian and Vivien had escaped.
The sky was dark and foreboding outside. The sisters paused for breath. Lilian closed her eyes. "Vivi. how do you know. Do you know? Everything?"
Vivien panted. "Hai. Miaka told me. How about you? Yui?"
Lilian nodded. "Hai."
They were both silent as they tried to catch their breath. "Ne, Lily. who was that tall hunk with the blond hair?"
Lilian stood up, feeling much better. "His name is Nakago."
Vivien's eyes widened. "Nakago? The Seiryuu seishi?!"
Lilian nodded, feeling sick. "Hai. aren't I lucky?"
Vivien suddenly looked fearful. "Lily. you. aren't on their side. are you?"
Lilian didn't know how to answer. "I hate Nakago with all my heart for what he's doing to Yui, but stupid Seiryuu said I couldn't interfere! The snake!"
Vivien looked relieved. She had been worried at the prospect of them becoming enemies, like Yui and Miaka were going to be. She looked down. "It's the same with me. I can't interfere."
Lilian looked at her sister. "Ne, Vivi, who claimed you?"
Vivien looked up. "Claimed?" She looked confused.
"You know, what seishi are you? Suzaku?"
Vivien's eyes widened. "How did you know I was a seishi?"
Lilian was beginning to get annoyed. "Seiryuu did, of course. He made me remember our training with Taittsukun and made me the seishi Taishi! The worm!"
Thunder rumbled. Vivien smiled sadly. "Suzaku asked me to become the seishi Kyoku. I wanted to help Miaka, so I didn't refuse. How about you?"
Lilian suddenly felt ashamed of herself. When Seiryuu had claimed her as a Seiryuu seishi, she had ranted and refused the position more than once. Vivien had become the seishi Kyoku willingly, to help Miaka. Lilian should have done the same. "Ah. so how are you to help? Seiryuu made me his eighth seishi."
Vivien sighed. "Me too. I'm now an honorary seishi, just like you. I guess that means I'm a Suzaku seishi, huh?" She looked away. "It's strange. Kate was asked to accept her role as the seishi Shoshi, and she accepted. But the thing is."
"Kate! Kate's here too?" Lilian's worst fear was coming true. "But how?"
Vivien looked at her sister. "For the same reason we're here, I guess, to restore the balance to the gods. The thing is, Kate was chosen by Byakko. It's strange though. everyone seems to know her.. They call her Hou--"
"Byakko?"
"Mm. But Byakko no Miko's already gone. and the only seishi living are Subaru and."
"Hold on! Kate can't become an honorary Byakko seishi then?"
Vivien shook her head sadly. "And the surviving Byakko seishi are old now. Kate is alone until she reaches Hokkan. The eerie thing is. instead of a seishi, Byakko's made Kate his second miko."
Lilian was astonished. "Second miko? Is that possible?"
Vivien nodded. "She needs to summon Byakko and make a wish. different from the one Suzuno-sama made that couldn't be granted. Hotohori- sama said we, the Suzaku seishi, would help her after we summon Suzaku. And Sammy."
Lilian's worst fear was confirmed. She paled. "Sammy? Sammy's here too?" She whispered.
Vivien nodded sadly. "She is. Genbu made her his second miko, too. It's even harder for her because all her seishi are dead. Fortunately, Kate convinced Hotohori-sama to help her too. Poor Sammy. she has to make the wish Tokaki never made for her."
Lilian was greatly troubled. "Kate. Sammy." She could only be grateful that her two elder sisters had been spared.
Suddenly, they heard a commotion on the roof. To their horror, they suddenly noticed Nakago standing in front of them, staring at them hard. Both of them sweatdropped. Lilian stepped in front of Vivien. "I can explain!"
"Kyoku?!" Lilian whirled around and saw a young man behind her sister. She stared. He had teal-colored hair and violet eyes. He looked angry. "Kyoku! Where's Miaka?"
Vivien made a face. "Tamahome. I can't." She said, looking meaningfully behind her.
Tamahome only then saw Nakago behind Lilian and stared. Nakago noted the glowing red symbol on the young man's forehead. "You are. Tamahome, Suzaku seishi."
Lilian stared at the young man. Tamahome. the one Miaka loved. And Yui. Lilian couldn't bear it. She suddenly got both men's attention by frantically waving her arms. "A-Ano. something feels strange." She loosened her control over her power, ready to unleash it. "Nakago." The air before her fingertips started to bubble water. Vivien and Tamahome stared.
Nakago's eyes widened. "Lilian?"
Lilian feigned dismay. "Oh!" She removed her control over her power completely and tried not to laugh and maintain her expression of shock as the air around her suddenly started shooting thick jets of water all around. She saw Vivien's grateful face before almost grinning with satisfaction when Nakago was 'accidentally' forced back by the sheer force of her water.
"Arigatou, Taishi." She heard a strange voice whisper behind her and whirled around, to come face-to-face with a smiling mask. Lilian yelped with surprise and really lost control with her power. She was forced backwards and knocked Nakago down behind her.
"Oof!"
When she looked up, she finally managed to have the water subside and sat in the middle of the courtyard, soaking wet. She blinked.
"We will talk later." Nakago muttered in her ear before unceremoniously pushing Lilian off his lap. For some reason, Lilian's face went up in flames. She turned around to see him but he was gone. Lilian prayed she had bought Miaka and her friends enough time.
She had. The next day, Lilian listened mournfully as Nakago, Yui, and herself faced the Emperor. "We cannot invade until the Suzaku no Miko has been eliminated!" The Kotou Emperor was furious. He glared at Lilian. "You! Get that power of yours under control!" Lilian wanted to box his ears. He stared hard at Yui. "You! Take care of Suzaku no Miko."
Yui inclined her head. "Hai."
Lilian looked at Nakago and knew he had his doubts of what Yui had just promised, but was relieved to see him hold his peace. When they were dismissed, she tried to walk with Yui to their chambers, but Nakago stopped her. "Taishi."
Lilian turned and looked at Nakago imperially. "My name is Lilian." She said coolly.
Nakago turned. "Follow me."
Yui looked at her worriedly. "Lily.?"
Lilian smiled for Yui's benefit. "I'll be fine, Yui-sama. The bastard got what he deserved." She turned to follow Nakago, leaving a startled Seiryuu no Miko behind her. They walked down the corridors until they came to a familiar-looking door. Lilian recognized it as the door to the chamber she had first slept in. Nakago's chamber. Lilian stiffened.
Nakago let her enter first. When he closed the door behind him, he motioned for her to sit on the chair near the bed. Lilian sat, her chin held high. "You deliberately distracted me, allowing the Suzaku seishi to escape."
Lilian shrugged. "I lost control of my power."
"You allowed yourself to lose control of it."
Lilian didn't say anything. Nakago glared at the seishi. "You should be punished."
Lilian allowed herself a small smile. "But you can't." She said smugly. "I'm just as powerful as you are."
Nakago smiled. "That may be true. but you have been ordered to follow me. You are not to get in my way. You will not protect your sister or her friends."
Lilian glared at the Seiryuu seishi, her cool façade slipped away completely. "I will do as I please. Seiryuu never mentioned it was against the rules to help them."
"You are a Seiryuu seishi."
"Against my will."
"Yet you are still my fellow seishi."
"Until I can find a way to free myself and my sisters from this accursed world. I won't serve you forever." Lilian declared.
Nakago narrowed his eyes. "You will serve Seiryuu until the end. I couldn't care less about your welfare if you weren't chosen by Seiryuu himself. Until then I have to keep you alive, a task not really worth my time. What did you learn from your sister?"
Lilian smiled. "I'll never tell you."
Nakago smirked. "Your other sister. 'Sammy', I believed you called her, is the second Genbu no Miko. Tell me."
Lilian shook with anger. "You'll never get anything from me! I won't tell you anything! This is not my fight; you're on your own!"
Nakago just looked at her. Lilian stared right back at him, fury causing her blue eyes to flash green. "I never wanted to be here in the first place! My sisters are with the people who care, while I'm stuck with you!" She stood up and glared up at the Seiryuu seishi. "You're such a cruel manipulative bastard! I never wanted anything to do with you!" She jabbed a finger in his chest. "I may know the future, but it's be a cold day in June before I tell you anything! I can't wait for you to die, you bastard! When you die, it'll be the happiest moment of my life!" Lilian glared at Nakago with tears shining in her eyes. "I hate you! And I can take care of myself! Ha! Just watch me! I'll make sure I live so I can see Tamahome kill you! Only then will I be happy! If you so much as ask me again to give you information you want you know I can't and won't give, I'll tear you to a hundred bloody pieces with my bear hands! You're the vilest person I've ever met! I wish I never met you! I wish. I wish." Lilian pushed away from Nakago and fled out of the room, crying.
Nakago sat on the chair Lilian had abandoned and stared at the floor. He was supposed to die? He smirked. She was probably trying to scare him into abandoning his dream. His eyes narrowed. Bitch. He wanted to kill her, but he knew Seiryuu wouldn't allow him.
Lilian saw the two young men leave Nakago's chamber and followed them curiously. She walked behind the two men, observing them. Both of them had sandy blond hair and were of the same height. She wondered who they were.
"Ne.anika. is she really following us?" Suboshi asked his brother, a little disturbed. Lilian didn't hear him and continued staring at them, bubbling with curiosity.
Amiboshi smiled. "She's just curious."
"Who is she?" This time, Lilian had heard him. She walked in front of the two young men and smiled.
"My name is Lilian Smith. Who are you two? Wow! Your twins! Sugoi!" Lilian had never seen identical twins before. She stared at them and walked around them, trying to see if they looked identical in every way.
Suboshi and Amiboshi sweatdropped. "A-Ano. anika. she's scaring me."
Lilian smiled. "Oh, don't be silly. Wow! You really are identical!"
Amiboshi chuckled. "Yeah, we are. Do you work in the palace?"
Suboshi stared. "She's a palace courtesan?"
Lilian frowned. "How rude! Of course, I'm not!"
Nakago suddenly appeared behind the twins. "She's the Seiryuu seishi, Taishi."
Suboshi and Amiboshi were surprised and quickly bowed. Lilian blushed, but her gaze was rooted on Nakago. Nakago. Some time had passed, and in that time, she had done her best to avoid him. She only partially regretted her words of a few nights ago, only partially, but she had been embarrassed to face him again. This was the first time she had faced him in days. "Nakago."
Amiboshi smiled gently at Lilian. "We're honored to meet a fellow seishi, Lady Taishi."
Lilian snapped out of her reverie. Her eyes widened. "Fellow seishi.?"
"They are the Seiryuu Seishi Suboshi and Amiboshi." Nakago said for the twins.
Lilian didn't look at him. "Hontou?"
Amiboshi smiled. "You look surprised, Lady Taishi."
Lilian sighed wearily. "It's Lilian. Lily for short."
Suboshi grinned. "Lily it is then."
Lilian smiled, liking the twins already. "So where are you two going?" She asked, trying to ignore Nakago who was standing behind them.
Suboshi and Amiboshi exchanged glances. "Ahhh."
Lilian suddenly remembered Yui telling her that Amiboshi had been sent as a spy to Konan once. Her smile faded. "I see."
Suboshi and Amiboshi were startled. "You do?"
Lilian smiled without mirth. "It's been a pleasure to meet you both. I'm afraid I have something to do. Good day."
Lilian threw a pebble across the water and watched it skip. Amiboshi. Suboshi. Nakago had already found them. He was fast. She idly pointed her finger at the water and moved it up. A small fountain of water rose up in the pond where she had pointed.
"Playing with your power?" Amiboshi teased, sitting down next to his fellow seishi. Lilian smiled sadly. Amiboshi. The good Seiryuu seishi. Lilian, for some reason, felt comfortable around him, and she had only known him for a day.
"Guilty." Lilian sighed and the small fountain subsided. "What are you doing here?"
Amiboshi looked embarrassed. "I saw you sitting here alone and wondered if you could use some cheering up."
Lilian sighed. "How did you plan on doing that?"
Amiboshi's eyes were gentle. He lifted up a flute for her to see. "Do you like music?"
Lilian smiled. She had forgotten about the boy's flute. "Hai."
Amiboshi smiled before lifting the flute to his lips. Soon she listened to the beautiful melody as it enchanted her senses and relaxed her. Listening to the beautiful tune, Lilian thought about her sisters.
Vivi.Kate.Sammy. Lilian's heart ached. She longed to see them again. All of them. She wondered what they were doing. without her. Lilian had often thought it unfair that her three sisters were in good hands, in the friendly country of Konan, while she was with Nakago. Nakago.
"Lily-sama?" Amiboshi stopped playing and stared at her with concern. "Daijobu-ka?"
Lilian looked at him. "Hai." She felt something wet on her face and with a touch, discovered that tears were on her cheek, wet and sad. She closed her eyes. "I was thinking. about my sisters.
Amiboshi smiled sympathetically. "Ah. Nakago-sama told me you had three sisters. What are they like?"
Lilian looked at Amiboshi, surprised. She had expected him to ask her if her sisters were in league with Suzaku, but instead he had asked her what they were like. Her heart softened towards the flutist. He was such a gentle young man. She smiled and looked out across the water. "I am the eldest of my three sisters. well, I'm not really the eldest. I have two elder sisters studying in universities back home. The eldest, Erin, is a scholar." She smiled. "I am also a scholar. But Erin studies mythology, while I study astrology. My second eldest sister is Anne. She's a dancer."
Amiboshi was intrigued. "A dancer?"
Lilian smiled proudly, her spirits already lifting. "Yeah. She knows every kind of dance. and she's also a volleyball player. She plays for the state."
"Vol-ley-ball?"
"It's a sport in our world. Vivien is my younger sister. She's here, too, you know. She's just as bad as Miaka-chan when it comes to eating. She's the bravest of our sisters. and the most reckless. Kathryn's the second youngest."
Amiboshi smiled gently. "She's here, too?"
"Hai. She argues. just for the fun of it. And she's a fiend when it comes to books. Sammy's the youngest. She's our father's only gentle daughter, and she's the best listener in the world. She's very bright and is very kind." Lilian's eyes twinkled as she studied Amiboshi. "She would make you a nice girlfriend."
Amiboshi blushed, chuckling. "Which one's the troublemaker?"
Lilian grinned. "Why, Kate and Vivi of course."
He laughed. "You must love your sisters very much."
A shadow passed over Lilian's eyes and her smile faded. "I do." She turned to Amiboshi. "Ne, Amiboshi. when you go to Konan."
Amiboshi looked astonished. "How did you know about that?"
Lilian sighed. "Let's just say it's one of my seishi powers. I know you're going to try to kill the Suzaku seishi and the Suzaku no Miko. but could you. please spare my sisters?"
Amiboshi's eyes softened. "I will. if you promise you won't tell Nakago. I understand how you feel about your sisters. I feel the same for my brother, Suboshi."
Lilian smiled. "Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me. Oh, let me describe them for you, so you'll know them when you see them! Let's see. Vivien has red-gold hair and violet eyes. you can also identify her by her monstrous appetite. Kathryn has blond hair and silver eyes. she's the one who argues a lot. Samantha. she's the quiet one. She had light brown hair and green eyes. Do you think you'll recognize them?"
Amiboshi looked amused. "I think I'll manage."
Lilian chuckled. "You know. I've only known you for less than a day. but I feel like I've known you forever. Oh. after they try to perform the Suzaku ceremony. could you please give them a message from me?"
Amiboshi nodded. "Of course. But you know, I'll be leaving tomorrow."
Lilian looked across the water, a sad expression in her eyes. "Please tell them. I love them. And somehow, I'll find a way to make everything better."
Lilian lifted the dress off the bed and viewed it critically. It was in a classic Chinese style, but in her mind, it was still a dress. It was much too feminine. Yui smiled at the look on Lilian's face. "Come on, Lily. It's just a dress."
Lilian stared at the dress and wrinkled her nose. It really was beautiful, with white, blue and green silk. She would really feel like a palace courtesan in them. "I know it's just a dress. That's what disturbs me. I'll look like those." She shuddered. "girls that entertain the emperor." She looked down at her own clothes, her much-worn navy blue pleated skirt and simple white blouse. She looked at her stylish black platform boots and her black silk jacket. "I like my own clothes. it distinguishes me from being one of the palace prostitutes."
Yui giggled. "But you'll fit in more."
Lilian scowled. "What's wrong with my own clothes? And why don't you change into something else? You always wear that uniform."
Yui shrugged. "I feel comfortable in it."
"Well, I feel comfortable in these clothes, too." She sighed. "But it's getting harder to train outside in these boots. Can't I wear pants? It'll be easier to fight in."
Yui smiled. "You're not a martial arts expert, Lily-chan. You use magic."
Lilian looked disappointed. "I might as well give in then. but these clothes are soo feminine. It disturbs me. Greatly."
Yui chuckled. "It's good to look feminine. Guys love girls who look feminine."
Lilian scowled. "As it happens, I am not interested in pleasing guys." She went behind the screen to change. As she shed her old clothes and stepped into the dress, she decided she liked the feel of the silk against her skin. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad.
After a few minutes, she stepped out from the screen, with her boots still on. "Don't I need slippers with this outfit?"
Yui smiled. "I'll go get some!" She offered. She dimpled at Lilian. "You look good, Lily-chan!"
Lilian blushed. All of sudden, they heard something that sounded like a hard slap in the next room. "Nani?" Yui ran out of the room and peeked into the next room. "Nakago!"
Lilian stiffened with dawning horror. Tamahome. He was here. Lilian rushed out of the room.
"Yui!" Yui was dabbing the blood on the corner of the Suzaku seishi's mouth.
Yui didn't look away from Tamahome. "Leave us." She ordered Nakago. Nakago nodded and turned to leave. His eyes locked with Lilian's for a moment, before rushing into the room with Yui and Nakago. She closed the door behind her.
"Yui-chan!" Lilian went to the couple. Tamahome looked at her curiously.
Lilian smiled compassionately at Tamahome. She had much respect for the Suzaku Seishi, as she had much respect for true love. Tamahome and Miaka. She looked at Yui. Yui believed she was in love with Tamahome herself. Lilian wouldn't say anything to her, but she knew that Tamahome and Miaka's love was true, and for them, there was only each other. "Kunbawa, Tamahome-sama. I am the Seiryuu seishi, Taishi." She made a face at that name. "But please call me Lilian. I mean, Lily." She fingered at his cheek. "What did you say to him?"
Tamahome smirked. "I think I insulted him."
Yui gasped. "You shouldn't have done that, Tamahome!"
Lilian felt differently. "I think I could hug you, Tamahome. Anyone who's riled the bastard enough to cause him to hit them has my everlasting respect!" She declared.
Yui sighed. "For some reason, Lily-chan doesn't take to Nakago well. He's really a kind man."
Lilian snorted. Tamahome's eyes twinkled. He suddenly remembered something. "Oh, I have a message for you from your sisters." He had Lilian's attention instantly. He was touched by the love and sadness in the Seiryuu seishi's eyes. "Ano. Kyoku said."
"Kyoku?" Yui questioned.
Lilian smiled. "That's my sister Vivien."
"Hai. Vivien. She said to tell you not to worry. She said she's taking care of Shoshi and Tei."
Lilian's eyes stung. "Kate. Sammy."
"Shoshi said to tell you that she's fine. She said that she's known by three names now. And it's true. Her sisters call her Kate or Kathryn. we, the Suzaku Seishi, call her by her seishi name. And she's called Houki by the palace servants. She wants to know if you could find out why."
"Houki?"
"Hai. And Tei. she told you to 'hang in there'. She said, 'don't give up' and tell you that they're trying too."
Lilian's eyes shone with unshed tears. "Sammy."
Tamahome looked at Lilian gently. "You. are a friend of Miaka's?" He said that name with love. Lilian was touched.
Lilian didn't know how to answer as Yui was still in the room. "I hardly know her." She said evasively.
Tamahome smiled in understanding. "But you're the sister of Kyoku and that's good enough." He looked at Yui. "Yui. we have to be patient. Once Miaka finds the remaining Suzaku seishi. I'll take both of you with me to Konan. With the Konan copy of the Shi Jin Ten Chi." He promised.
Yui looked away. Lilian looked suddenly uncomfortable. "Ne, Tamahome-sama. could you tell me about my sisters? How are they really?"
Lilian had managed to smuggle Vivien out of the palace and into the courtyard before chaos erupted. Guards were running everywhere, looking for Yui, Suzaku no Miko, and the trespassers that had entered the palace grounds. During the chaos, Lilian and Vivien had escaped.
The sky was dark and foreboding outside. The sisters paused for breath. Lilian closed her eyes. "Vivi. how do you know. Do you know? Everything?"
Vivien panted. "Hai. Miaka told me. How about you? Yui?"
Lilian nodded. "Hai."
They were both silent as they tried to catch their breath. "Ne, Lily. who was that tall hunk with the blond hair?"
Lilian stood up, feeling much better. "His name is Nakago."
Vivien's eyes widened. "Nakago? The Seiryuu seishi?!"
Lilian nodded, feeling sick. "Hai. aren't I lucky?"
Vivien suddenly looked fearful. "Lily. you. aren't on their side. are you?"
Lilian didn't know how to answer. "I hate Nakago with all my heart for what he's doing to Yui, but stupid Seiryuu said I couldn't interfere! The snake!"
Vivien looked relieved. She had been worried at the prospect of them becoming enemies, like Yui and Miaka were going to be. She looked down. "It's the same with me. I can't interfere."
Lilian looked at her sister. "Ne, Vivi, who claimed you?"
Vivien looked up. "Claimed?" She looked confused.
"You know, what seishi are you? Suzaku?"
Vivien's eyes widened. "How did you know I was a seishi?"
Lilian was beginning to get annoyed. "Seiryuu did, of course. He made me remember our training with Taittsukun and made me the seishi Taishi! The worm!"
Thunder rumbled. Vivien smiled sadly. "Suzaku asked me to become the seishi Kyoku. I wanted to help Miaka, so I didn't refuse. How about you?"
Lilian suddenly felt ashamed of herself. When Seiryuu had claimed her as a Seiryuu seishi, she had ranted and refused the position more than once. Vivien had become the seishi Kyoku willingly, to help Miaka. Lilian should have done the same. "Ah. so how are you to help? Seiryuu made me his eighth seishi."
Vivien sighed. "Me too. I'm now an honorary seishi, just like you. I guess that means I'm a Suzaku seishi, huh?" She looked away. "It's strange. Kate was asked to accept her role as the seishi Shoshi, and she accepted. But the thing is."
"Kate! Kate's here too?" Lilian's worst fear was coming true. "But how?"
Vivien looked at her sister. "For the same reason we're here, I guess, to restore the balance to the gods. The thing is, Kate was chosen by Byakko. It's strange though. everyone seems to know her.. They call her Hou--"
"Byakko?"
"Mm. But Byakko no Miko's already gone. and the only seishi living are Subaru and."
"Hold on! Kate can't become an honorary Byakko seishi then?"
Vivien shook her head sadly. "And the surviving Byakko seishi are old now. Kate is alone until she reaches Hokkan. The eerie thing is. instead of a seishi, Byakko's made Kate his second miko."
Lilian was astonished. "Second miko? Is that possible?"
Vivien nodded. "She needs to summon Byakko and make a wish. different from the one Suzuno-sama made that couldn't be granted. Hotohori- sama said we, the Suzaku seishi, would help her after we summon Suzaku. And Sammy."
Lilian's worst fear was confirmed. She paled. "Sammy? Sammy's here too?" She whispered.
Vivien nodded sadly. "She is. Genbu made her his second miko, too. It's even harder for her because all her seishi are dead. Fortunately, Kate convinced Hotohori-sama to help her too. Poor Sammy. she has to make the wish Tokaki never made for her."
Lilian was greatly troubled. "Kate. Sammy." She could only be grateful that her two elder sisters had been spared.
Suddenly, they heard a commotion on the roof. To their horror, they suddenly noticed Nakago standing in front of them, staring at them hard. Both of them sweatdropped. Lilian stepped in front of Vivien. "I can explain!"
"Kyoku?!" Lilian whirled around and saw a young man behind her sister. She stared. He had teal-colored hair and violet eyes. He looked angry. "Kyoku! Where's Miaka?"
Vivien made a face. "Tamahome. I can't." She said, looking meaningfully behind her.
Tamahome only then saw Nakago behind Lilian and stared. Nakago noted the glowing red symbol on the young man's forehead. "You are. Tamahome, Suzaku seishi."
Lilian stared at the young man. Tamahome. the one Miaka loved. And Yui. Lilian couldn't bear it. She suddenly got both men's attention by frantically waving her arms. "A-Ano. something feels strange." She loosened her control over her power, ready to unleash it. "Nakago." The air before her fingertips started to bubble water. Vivien and Tamahome stared.
Nakago's eyes widened. "Lilian?"
Lilian feigned dismay. "Oh!" She removed her control over her power completely and tried not to laugh and maintain her expression of shock as the air around her suddenly started shooting thick jets of water all around. She saw Vivien's grateful face before almost grinning with satisfaction when Nakago was 'accidentally' forced back by the sheer force of her water.
"Arigatou, Taishi." She heard a strange voice whisper behind her and whirled around, to come face-to-face with a smiling mask. Lilian yelped with surprise and really lost control with her power. She was forced backwards and knocked Nakago down behind her.
"Oof!"
When she looked up, she finally managed to have the water subside and sat in the middle of the courtyard, soaking wet. She blinked.
"We will talk later." Nakago muttered in her ear before unceremoniously pushing Lilian off his lap. For some reason, Lilian's face went up in flames. She turned around to see him but he was gone. Lilian prayed she had bought Miaka and her friends enough time.
She had. The next day, Lilian listened mournfully as Nakago, Yui, and herself faced the Emperor. "We cannot invade until the Suzaku no Miko has been eliminated!" The Kotou Emperor was furious. He glared at Lilian. "You! Get that power of yours under control!" Lilian wanted to box his ears. He stared hard at Yui. "You! Take care of Suzaku no Miko."
Yui inclined her head. "Hai."
Lilian looked at Nakago and knew he had his doubts of what Yui had just promised, but was relieved to see him hold his peace. When they were dismissed, she tried to walk with Yui to their chambers, but Nakago stopped her. "Taishi."
Lilian turned and looked at Nakago imperially. "My name is Lilian." She said coolly.
Nakago turned. "Follow me."
Yui looked at her worriedly. "Lily.?"
Lilian smiled for Yui's benefit. "I'll be fine, Yui-sama. The bastard got what he deserved." She turned to follow Nakago, leaving a startled Seiryuu no Miko behind her. They walked down the corridors until they came to a familiar-looking door. Lilian recognized it as the door to the chamber she had first slept in. Nakago's chamber. Lilian stiffened.
Nakago let her enter first. When he closed the door behind him, he motioned for her to sit on the chair near the bed. Lilian sat, her chin held high. "You deliberately distracted me, allowing the Suzaku seishi to escape."
Lilian shrugged. "I lost control of my power."
"You allowed yourself to lose control of it."
Lilian didn't say anything. Nakago glared at the seishi. "You should be punished."
Lilian allowed herself a small smile. "But you can't." She said smugly. "I'm just as powerful as you are."
Nakago smiled. "That may be true. but you have been ordered to follow me. You are not to get in my way. You will not protect your sister or her friends."
Lilian glared at the Seiryuu seishi, her cool façade slipped away completely. "I will do as I please. Seiryuu never mentioned it was against the rules to help them."
"You are a Seiryuu seishi."
"Against my will."
"Yet you are still my fellow seishi."
"Until I can find a way to free myself and my sisters from this accursed world. I won't serve you forever." Lilian declared.
Nakago narrowed his eyes. "You will serve Seiryuu until the end. I couldn't care less about your welfare if you weren't chosen by Seiryuu himself. Until then I have to keep you alive, a task not really worth my time. What did you learn from your sister?"
Lilian smiled. "I'll never tell you."
Nakago smirked. "Your other sister. 'Sammy', I believed you called her, is the second Genbu no Miko. Tell me."
Lilian shook with anger. "You'll never get anything from me! I won't tell you anything! This is not my fight; you're on your own!"
Nakago just looked at her. Lilian stared right back at him, fury causing her blue eyes to flash green. "I never wanted to be here in the first place! My sisters are with the people who care, while I'm stuck with you!" She stood up and glared up at the Seiryuu seishi. "You're such a cruel manipulative bastard! I never wanted anything to do with you!" She jabbed a finger in his chest. "I may know the future, but it's be a cold day in June before I tell you anything! I can't wait for you to die, you bastard! When you die, it'll be the happiest moment of my life!" Lilian glared at Nakago with tears shining in her eyes. "I hate you! And I can take care of myself! Ha! Just watch me! I'll make sure I live so I can see Tamahome kill you! Only then will I be happy! If you so much as ask me again to give you information you want you know I can't and won't give, I'll tear you to a hundred bloody pieces with my bear hands! You're the vilest person I've ever met! I wish I never met you! I wish. I wish." Lilian pushed away from Nakago and fled out of the room, crying.
Nakago sat on the chair Lilian had abandoned and stared at the floor. He was supposed to die? He smirked. She was probably trying to scare him into abandoning his dream. His eyes narrowed. Bitch. He wanted to kill her, but he knew Seiryuu wouldn't allow him.
Lilian saw the two young men leave Nakago's chamber and followed them curiously. She walked behind the two men, observing them. Both of them had sandy blond hair and were of the same height. She wondered who they were.
"Ne.anika. is she really following us?" Suboshi asked his brother, a little disturbed. Lilian didn't hear him and continued staring at them, bubbling with curiosity.
Amiboshi smiled. "She's just curious."
"Who is she?" This time, Lilian had heard him. She walked in front of the two young men and smiled.
"My name is Lilian Smith. Who are you two? Wow! Your twins! Sugoi!" Lilian had never seen identical twins before. She stared at them and walked around them, trying to see if they looked identical in every way.
Suboshi and Amiboshi sweatdropped. "A-Ano. anika. she's scaring me."
Lilian smiled. "Oh, don't be silly. Wow! You really are identical!"
Amiboshi chuckled. "Yeah, we are. Do you work in the palace?"
Suboshi stared. "She's a palace courtesan?"
Lilian frowned. "How rude! Of course, I'm not!"
Nakago suddenly appeared behind the twins. "She's the Seiryuu seishi, Taishi."
Suboshi and Amiboshi were surprised and quickly bowed. Lilian blushed, but her gaze was rooted on Nakago. Nakago. Some time had passed, and in that time, she had done her best to avoid him. She only partially regretted her words of a few nights ago, only partially, but she had been embarrassed to face him again. This was the first time she had faced him in days. "Nakago."
Amiboshi smiled gently at Lilian. "We're honored to meet a fellow seishi, Lady Taishi."
Lilian snapped out of her reverie. Her eyes widened. "Fellow seishi.?"
"They are the Seiryuu Seishi Suboshi and Amiboshi." Nakago said for the twins.
Lilian didn't look at him. "Hontou?"
Amiboshi smiled. "You look surprised, Lady Taishi."
Lilian sighed wearily. "It's Lilian. Lily for short."
Suboshi grinned. "Lily it is then."
Lilian smiled, liking the twins already. "So where are you two going?" She asked, trying to ignore Nakago who was standing behind them.
Suboshi and Amiboshi exchanged glances. "Ahhh."
Lilian suddenly remembered Yui telling her that Amiboshi had been sent as a spy to Konan once. Her smile faded. "I see."
Suboshi and Amiboshi were startled. "You do?"
Lilian smiled without mirth. "It's been a pleasure to meet you both. I'm afraid I have something to do. Good day."
Lilian threw a pebble across the water and watched it skip. Amiboshi. Suboshi. Nakago had already found them. He was fast. She idly pointed her finger at the water and moved it up. A small fountain of water rose up in the pond where she had pointed.
"Playing with your power?" Amiboshi teased, sitting down next to his fellow seishi. Lilian smiled sadly. Amiboshi. The good Seiryuu seishi. Lilian, for some reason, felt comfortable around him, and she had only known him for a day.
"Guilty." Lilian sighed and the small fountain subsided. "What are you doing here?"
Amiboshi looked embarrassed. "I saw you sitting here alone and wondered if you could use some cheering up."
Lilian sighed. "How did you plan on doing that?"
Amiboshi's eyes were gentle. He lifted up a flute for her to see. "Do you like music?"
Lilian smiled. She had forgotten about the boy's flute. "Hai."
Amiboshi smiled before lifting the flute to his lips. Soon she listened to the beautiful melody as it enchanted her senses and relaxed her. Listening to the beautiful tune, Lilian thought about her sisters.
Vivi.Kate.Sammy. Lilian's heart ached. She longed to see them again. All of them. She wondered what they were doing. without her. Lilian had often thought it unfair that her three sisters were in good hands, in the friendly country of Konan, while she was with Nakago. Nakago.
"Lily-sama?" Amiboshi stopped playing and stared at her with concern. "Daijobu-ka?"
Lilian looked at him. "Hai." She felt something wet on her face and with a touch, discovered that tears were on her cheek, wet and sad. She closed her eyes. "I was thinking. about my sisters.
Amiboshi smiled sympathetically. "Ah. Nakago-sama told me you had three sisters. What are they like?"
Lilian looked at Amiboshi, surprised. She had expected him to ask her if her sisters were in league with Suzaku, but instead he had asked her what they were like. Her heart softened towards the flutist. He was such a gentle young man. She smiled and looked out across the water. "I am the eldest of my three sisters. well, I'm not really the eldest. I have two elder sisters studying in universities back home. The eldest, Erin, is a scholar." She smiled. "I am also a scholar. But Erin studies mythology, while I study astrology. My second eldest sister is Anne. She's a dancer."
Amiboshi was intrigued. "A dancer?"
Lilian smiled proudly, her spirits already lifting. "Yeah. She knows every kind of dance. and she's also a volleyball player. She plays for the state."
"Vol-ley-ball?"
"It's a sport in our world. Vivien is my younger sister. She's here, too, you know. She's just as bad as Miaka-chan when it comes to eating. She's the bravest of our sisters. and the most reckless. Kathryn's the second youngest."
Amiboshi smiled gently. "She's here, too?"
"Hai. She argues. just for the fun of it. And she's a fiend when it comes to books. Sammy's the youngest. She's our father's only gentle daughter, and she's the best listener in the world. She's very bright and is very kind." Lilian's eyes twinkled as she studied Amiboshi. "She would make you a nice girlfriend."
Amiboshi blushed, chuckling. "Which one's the troublemaker?"
Lilian grinned. "Why, Kate and Vivi of course."
He laughed. "You must love your sisters very much."
A shadow passed over Lilian's eyes and her smile faded. "I do." She turned to Amiboshi. "Ne, Amiboshi. when you go to Konan."
Amiboshi looked astonished. "How did you know about that?"
Lilian sighed. "Let's just say it's one of my seishi powers. I know you're going to try to kill the Suzaku seishi and the Suzaku no Miko. but could you. please spare my sisters?"
Amiboshi's eyes softened. "I will. if you promise you won't tell Nakago. I understand how you feel about your sisters. I feel the same for my brother, Suboshi."
Lilian smiled. "Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me. Oh, let me describe them for you, so you'll know them when you see them! Let's see. Vivien has red-gold hair and violet eyes. you can also identify her by her monstrous appetite. Kathryn has blond hair and silver eyes. she's the one who argues a lot. Samantha. she's the quiet one. She had light brown hair and green eyes. Do you think you'll recognize them?"
Amiboshi looked amused. "I think I'll manage."
Lilian chuckled. "You know. I've only known you for less than a day. but I feel like I've known you forever. Oh. after they try to perform the Suzaku ceremony. could you please give them a message from me?"
Amiboshi nodded. "Of course. But you know, I'll be leaving tomorrow."
Lilian looked across the water, a sad expression in her eyes. "Please tell them. I love them. And somehow, I'll find a way to make everything better."
Lilian lifted the dress off the bed and viewed it critically. It was in a classic Chinese style, but in her mind, it was still a dress. It was much too feminine. Yui smiled at the look on Lilian's face. "Come on, Lily. It's just a dress."
Lilian stared at the dress and wrinkled her nose. It really was beautiful, with white, blue and green silk. She would really feel like a palace courtesan in them. "I know it's just a dress. That's what disturbs me. I'll look like those." She shuddered. "girls that entertain the emperor." She looked down at her own clothes, her much-worn navy blue pleated skirt and simple white blouse. She looked at her stylish black platform boots and her black silk jacket. "I like my own clothes. it distinguishes me from being one of the palace prostitutes."
Yui giggled. "But you'll fit in more."
Lilian scowled. "What's wrong with my own clothes? And why don't you change into something else? You always wear that uniform."
Yui shrugged. "I feel comfortable in it."
"Well, I feel comfortable in these clothes, too." She sighed. "But it's getting harder to train outside in these boots. Can't I wear pants? It'll be easier to fight in."
Yui smiled. "You're not a martial arts expert, Lily-chan. You use magic."
Lilian looked disappointed. "I might as well give in then. but these clothes are soo feminine. It disturbs me. Greatly."
Yui chuckled. "It's good to look feminine. Guys love girls who look feminine."
Lilian scowled. "As it happens, I am not interested in pleasing guys." She went behind the screen to change. As she shed her old clothes and stepped into the dress, she decided she liked the feel of the silk against her skin. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad.
After a few minutes, she stepped out from the screen, with her boots still on. "Don't I need slippers with this outfit?"
Yui smiled. "I'll go get some!" She offered. She dimpled at Lilian. "You look good, Lily-chan!"
Lilian blushed. All of sudden, they heard something that sounded like a hard slap in the next room. "Nani?" Yui ran out of the room and peeked into the next room. "Nakago!"
Lilian stiffened with dawning horror. Tamahome. He was here. Lilian rushed out of the room.
"Yui!" Yui was dabbing the blood on the corner of the Suzaku seishi's mouth.
Yui didn't look away from Tamahome. "Leave us." She ordered Nakago. Nakago nodded and turned to leave. His eyes locked with Lilian's for a moment, before rushing into the room with Yui and Nakago. She closed the door behind her.
"Yui-chan!" Lilian went to the couple. Tamahome looked at her curiously.
Lilian smiled compassionately at Tamahome. She had much respect for the Suzaku Seishi, as she had much respect for true love. Tamahome and Miaka. She looked at Yui. Yui believed she was in love with Tamahome herself. Lilian wouldn't say anything to her, but she knew that Tamahome and Miaka's love was true, and for them, there was only each other. "Kunbawa, Tamahome-sama. I am the Seiryuu seishi, Taishi." She made a face at that name. "But please call me Lilian. I mean, Lily." She fingered at his cheek. "What did you say to him?"
Tamahome smirked. "I think I insulted him."
Yui gasped. "You shouldn't have done that, Tamahome!"
Lilian felt differently. "I think I could hug you, Tamahome. Anyone who's riled the bastard enough to cause him to hit them has my everlasting respect!" She declared.
Yui sighed. "For some reason, Lily-chan doesn't take to Nakago well. He's really a kind man."
Lilian snorted. Tamahome's eyes twinkled. He suddenly remembered something. "Oh, I have a message for you from your sisters." He had Lilian's attention instantly. He was touched by the love and sadness in the Seiryuu seishi's eyes. "Ano. Kyoku said."
"Kyoku?" Yui questioned.
Lilian smiled. "That's my sister Vivien."
"Hai. Vivien. She said to tell you not to worry. She said she's taking care of Shoshi and Tei."
Lilian's eyes stung. "Kate. Sammy."
"Shoshi said to tell you that she's fine. She said that she's known by three names now. And it's true. Her sisters call her Kate or Kathryn. we, the Suzaku Seishi, call her by her seishi name. And she's called Houki by the palace servants. She wants to know if you could find out why."
"Houki?"
"Hai. And Tei. she told you to 'hang in there'. She said, 'don't give up' and tell you that they're trying too."
Lilian's eyes shone with unshed tears. "Sammy."
Tamahome looked at Lilian gently. "You. are a friend of Miaka's?" He said that name with love. Lilian was touched.
Lilian didn't know how to answer as Yui was still in the room. "I hardly know her." She said evasively.
Tamahome smiled in understanding. "But you're the sister of Kyoku and that's good enough." He looked at Yui. "Yui. we have to be patient. Once Miaka finds the remaining Suzaku seishi. I'll take both of you with me to Konan. With the Konan copy of the Shi Jin Ten Chi." He promised.
Yui looked away. Lilian looked suddenly uncomfortable. "Ne, Tamahome-sama. could you tell me about my sisters? How are they really?"
