"Star Lovers" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 10
"Lily. Lily!" Lilian didn't want to open her eyes. the voice was Yui's. And Nakago was sure to be there. Lilian didn't want to face him right now.
"Lily! Lily!" Lilian gasped inwardly. That voice. Vivien? The voice was calling her. in her mind. Curious, she retreated into the far parts of her mind and found herself in the white area where she had met Seiryuu for the first time. She looked around. "Ne. who's there?" She asked cautiously.
"Lily!" Someone suddenly materialized beside her and Lilian jumped. She stared. Vivien!
Vivien smiled at her. Lilian couldn't help but smile back. She looked well. really well. Her eyes. were so full of light. She was so happy.
"Lily!!" Lilian turned around and came face-to-face with another sister. Her eyes widened. Kathryn!
She. didn't look like Kathryn, though. much. Her face and silver- gray eyes were the same. but her hair was. blue. Lilian frowned. Since when had Kathryn been in favour of dying her hair? She was similarly dressed like Lilian, and only different in the design and color of her dress. Kathryn was wearing a silk kimono of white, black, and amethyst. Kathryn smiled happily. "Lily! I'm so happy to see you again!" Her eyes were happy. just like Vivien's. but there was more pain in them than her sister's.
"Hi Lily! I couldn't wait to see you again!"
"Sammy?!" Lilian turned again and found her youngest sister, Samantha, standing in front of her. Samantha was still dressed in the Chinese garb of a boy, and her silky light brown hair was in a neat bun atop her head. Her eyes, however. held more pain and suffering than any of her other sisters. Lilian grew concerned. "Sammy. what's wrong?"
Vivien took charge. "Lily. we came together and decided we wanted to see you. together. Sammy helped us."
"Sammy?" Lilian turned again to her youngest sister, intrigued. "How.?"
Samantha smiled wearily and again Lilian was struck by the absence of innocence in her soft green eyes. Samantha. had changed. Greatly. "Like you, Lily. we have all acquired all three of our powers. My power is of ice. superhuman speed. and telepathy."
"Telepathy?" Lilian was startled. "But that's also my." Her eyes widened. "So that's how all of you are here! You're using our third powers to contact each other!"
Kathryn nodded. "Hai. Lily. we're here to bring you up-to-date. Sammy told us what happened earlier. we decided to contact you and find out what happened. We'll also tell you what happened with us."
Lilian's eyes were veiled. "I."
Vivien sighed. "Lily. stop treating us like babies! You're acting as if we're not here!"
Lilian blinked. "Huh?"
Vivien frowned. "Don't play dumb, Lily! You, of all people, should know what I'm talking about! Whenever I saw you or when Sammy saw you, you were always protecting us! And every time, you got hurt instead of us! We understand why you did it, but knock it off already!"
Kathryn nodded solemnly. "That's right, Lily." Her eyes were sad. "All of us know. how strong Nakago is. You thought you were probably the only one capable of standing up to him. Do you think our powers are really that inferior to his?"
Samantha nodded sadly. "Lily. we're just as powerful as you. As the seishis of Taittsukun, we also have powers equal to Nakago's."
Vivien saw Lilian''s stricken expression and her eyes softened. "But enough of how we're royally annoyed of you, Lily. Lily. we want to know. what's going on?"
Lilian looked away.. "Oh."
"Nothing?" All of them finished for her. Now, they all looked incredibly annoyed. "You know there's not a chance in hell we'll buy that, Lily." Vivien said, irritated. "You might as well spill it."
Kathryn was more gentle. "Lily. all of us will also tell you our stories. But we want to listen to yours first."
Lilian slowly nodded, amazed at the change in Kathryn. She was. different, as well. "What do you want me to tell you? I'm just biding my time until I can think of a way to make Yui wish a different third wish."
Samantha smiled sympathetically. "You love him, don't you?" She said gently.
Lilian looked up. She wanted to deny it, but she knew they knew better. She looked down, ashamed. "Hai."
Everyone was quiet. Finally, Lilian looked up and stared. Every one of her sisters was smiling. Kathryn finally remarked, "It looks like she's caught the disease, Vivi, Sammy."
Lilian frowned. "Disease?"
Vivien smiled. "Lilian. we've all fallen in love, too."
Lilian stared. "Nani?!"
Kathryn smiled. "It's true. Vivien's fallen in love with Tasuki, the Suzaku seishi."
Lilian stared at her sister. "Vivi! Is this true?"
Vivien only blushed a little. She nodded. "Hai. Very true." She breathed, thinking of the red-haired seishi. Her eyes grew sad. "It hurts. every time he fights to protect Miaka. I hate it, worrying if he'll get hurt. I haven't told the bastard yet that I love him, though. I think he wants me to tell him, but I'm not saying a peep if I don't hear him say it first." She said stubbornly. Lilian smiled.
Samantha chuckled softly. Lilian looked at her. "I've also fallen in love. and Lily. you sent him to me."
Lilian's eyes widened. "Amiboshi?"
Samantha smiled. "Hai. Both of us loved each other. but." Her eyes grew pained. "I know he's not going to remember me. when we meet again."
Lilian nodded sadly and turned to Kathryn. Somehow, she felt as if their situations were more similar to each other's. "How about you, Kate?"
Kathryn looked away. "Hotohori."
Lilian stared. "Hotohori? The Konan Emperor?"
Kathryn nodded. "Hai. I love him. I'm in the palace right now. Sammy called out to me so I could see you again. I'm with. Hotohori. I love him with all my heart. but." Kathryn looked at Lilian, with grief glowing in her silver eyes. "Lily. you know how I feel. We both love someone whose death we are forbidden to prevent. I know." There were tears in Kathryn's eyes. "that's he's going to die. and I know. I will return to my world. after I've made my wish to Byakko. I only wish."
Lilian understood. "Nakago."
Everyone looked at her. Vivien's eyes were sad. "You love him, don't you?"
Lilian nodded. "Hai."
Samantha smiled sadly. "None of us knew that. but I knew you felt something for him. when I left you."
"But how could you love someone so evil.?" Vivien wanted to know. "He's the one that killed so many people."
Samantha shook her head. "Vivi. you don't understand. He's not that evil. Quite human, in fact. Like anyone. he also has a past."
Lilian was startled. "Sammy. how do you.?"
Samantha smiled. "Who do you think told me about the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho? Taka. Tamahome. told me. He told me what he saw when he killed. Nakago. and his memories."
Lilian trembled, remembering. "Nakago."
Kathryn smiled, shakingly. "I know you want to see him again. so we'll leave you now."
Lilian looked up and smiled. "Arigatou."
Vivien sighed. "Lily. I don't know what you see in the chump, but if you love him, then he can't be that bad." She still looked skeptical.
Samantha smiled. "Hang on there, Lily. we're not far from the end of the book. so just hang on."
With a flash of light, her sisters were gone. Lilian smiled, a bit comforted, and turned towards consciousness. She wasn't sure she was ready to face Nakago but. she might as well. With a sigh, she allowed herself to open her eyes and smiled at the sight of Soi and Yui looking down at her.
"Lily!" Yui looked relieved. "Are you okay?"
Lilian smiled to reassure her friend. "I'm okay. how long was I gone this time?" She sounded worried.
Soi smiled to reassure her. "Not as long. well, at least, not as long as it took us to get here. We're in Sairo."
Lilian bolted upright. 'Sairo?!"
Soi nodded. "Hai."
"Already?" Lilian was dismayed. Where. in Sairo, though?
Yui smiled. "We're in the temple." Her eyes grew wary. "I'm going to summon Seiryuu."
Stunned, Lilian plopped her head right back on her pillow. "Seiryuu?" She squeaked. Why did she always wake up at the worst times? She turned in her bed. "I think I'll go back to sleep now."
Soi chuckled lightly. "You can't, Taishi."
"Lilian."
Soi smiled. "Lilian. Nakago's ordered that we prevent the Suzaku seishi and their miko from coming up here."
Lilian groaned. "But I've only regained consciousness!" She complained. "Can't I rest?"
Yui smiled. "Please, Lily?"
Lilian made another heartfelt groan. "Ahhhh." She whined, sitting up again. "Must I?"
Soi smiled. if somewhat sadly. "Hai." She looked at Yui. "Can I speak with Lilian alone, Yui-sama?"
Yui sighed. "Fine. but I want to talk to you alone, too, later, okay, Lily-chan?"
Lilian smiled. "Okay."
Yui gave another disgruntled sigh as she left the room. Lilian looked away, trying not to look at Soi. She knew what she wanted to talk about. "Soi. Gomenasai."
Soi looked at Lilian, anger, hurt, and confusion shining in her eyes. "I don't get you, Lilian. You said you hated him but you slept with him!"
Lilian closed her eyes. "Why do you think I fought him?" She said, trying to ignore the small furl of guilt unfurling in her mind.
Soi's eyes narrowed. "I don't know. You tell me."
"He lied to me."
Soi still looked angry. "About what?"
Lilian's eyes were impassive. "About my rape."
Silence. Soi glared at Lilian. "What about it? You should have figured it out sooner! And I thought you were smart."
Lilian's temper flared but she subdued her anger with a soothing calm. "I am." She said, not bothering to deny it. "I was angry. Soi. you're not the only one who loves him."
Soi slapped her. Lilian felt the sting but didn't move. She closed her eyes. "Soi. Gomenasai."
Soi's eyes were shining. "Damn you, Lilian! I love him!"
It was Lilian's turn to glare at Soi. "Do you think I wanted to love him?! I hated him with all my heart! Don't you think I hated myself even more for loving him! I never wanted to!"
Soi was still angry, but she also looked confused. "Then why?" She whispered. "I thought we could be friends. but we both love him. Why do you love him? He saved me. years ago. and I've loved him ever since. But why do you love him? He never did anything like that to you."
Lilian's eyes softened. "I don't know why." She confessed. "But I do. I thought he had a heart of ice."
Soi's eyes widened with surprise and some of her anger faded. "You mean he doesn't?"
Lilian smiled and slowly shook her head. "No. he's actually human. I just figured that out some. time before I passed out. And just recently. I was finally made to understand why he is the way he is. Soi. you have to believe me. I hated him even before I even met him."
Soi's eyes narrowed. "How is that possible?"
"I think it's time I told someone. Soi. you know I'm from the other world, right?"
Soi looked stunned. "You are?" Nakago had never told them.
Lilian smiled. "I am. I'm from the Mikos' world. There, I was friends with Yui-sama and Miaka-chan. There, this story has already ended. Yui told me what happened here. everything. That's how I know 'the future', so to speak. I am the seishi Taishi. Seiryuu claimed me as a Seiryuu seishi, and I was given the duty of ensuring the balance on his side. Yui had told me everything about Nakago. that's how I hated him even before I met him. When I met him, I absolutely loathed him."
Soi smiled slightly. "I could tell you didn't adore him like I did."
Lilian chuckled. "No, I didn't." Her smile faded. "At first, I was merely attracted to him. It was purely physical attraction at first, but I believed I formed a special tendre for him all along. Soi. I love him. and like you, even if he doesn't love me back, I don't believe I'll ever stop loving him."
At that, Soi stilled, and for a moment, contented herself by staring into Lilian's eyes. trying to see the truth. Finally, Soi looked away, an injured light in her eyes. Lilian's heart swelled with guilt. "I believe you."
Lilian shook her head. "Not like it matters. Both of us love him, but he'll never love any of us in return."
Soi smiled sadly. "I know."
Lilian sighed. "At least. now, I don't think I hate him."
"You don't?" Soi looked surprised.
"Nope. But it's still very close."
Soi grinned and Lilian answered with a warm smile. "Ne. Soi. I'm sorry."
Soi smiled sadly. "No. I should be the one sorry. I shouldn't have been angry with you. I should have understood. But. Lilian?"
"Yeah?"
"I think you're wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"I see it in both of your eyes. Lilian, I think his heart was made of ice. I could never find a way to break through it. But when you came. you brought the fire."
Lilian accompanied Yui and Soi to interrogate the Byakko seishi, Tatara. Lilian was uncomfortable meeting Tatara, but also curious. When they entered, she was startled to see him chained to the wall.
She immediately rushed to the seishi. "Tatara!" She knelt and touched his shoulder. "Daijobu?"
Tatara looked up at her with gentle, gray eyes. Lilian was immediately ashamed when she realized that the person who had most probably chained him was Nakago. Once again she bemoaned the fact that her heart belonged to such an animal. She sighed. At least animals had hearts. "Who are you?"
Lilian smiled gently. "My name is Lilian. Lilian Smith."
Tatara's gentle eyes glowed with understanding. "Taishi."
Lilian frowned. "How did you.?"
Tatara smiled. "Your symbol."
"Nani?" Lilian looked down and indeed, saw that her symbol between her collarbones was glowing. But why was it glowing? She shrugged it off and looked at the man's bruises. Nakago. she wanted to kill him. The poor man.
The man suddenly broke into a ragged cough. Lilian's eyes widened with concern. "Tatara!"
Yui frowned. "Lily. why are you acting like this?"
Lilian stood up and looked at the Seiryuu no Miko squarely. "We may serve Nakago, Yui-sama. that doesn't exactly mean we should approve of Nakago's brutal tendencies." She chided her friend.
Yui looked stunned. Lily. Lilian was as different from Nakago as night from day. then why did she love him? She looked away. "We need the Shinzaho." She said in a cold voice. Lilian sighed. "Where is it?"
Tatara looked at Yui steadily. "You are Seiryuu no Miko?"
Soi glared at Tatara. "We already have the Genbu Shinzaho and we need the Shinzaho you're hiding! Give it up!"
Lilian closed her eyes. Nakago. he was most certainly a bad influence. She would have to speak to him about that later. She turned to Tatara. "Tatara-san. could you please give us the Shinzaho?" She asked politely, wishing that everything was all over.
Tatara looked at her. Lilian tried not to squirm under his gaze. "The Genbu Shinzaho. you did not acquire it yourself."
Yui flinched. Soi's eyes narrowed as she cracked her whip. "Shut up, Byakko seishi!"
Lilian turned around and glared at Soi. "Soi! Stop that at once!"
Soi stopped, stunned. Lilian turned to Tatara again. "Because of that. you won't give it to us, right?"
Tatara looked at her for a long while before slowly nodding. Lilian nodded and turned around. "We won't get anything from him. Let's go."
"Lily. Lily!" Lilian didn't want to open her eyes. the voice was Yui's. And Nakago was sure to be there. Lilian didn't want to face him right now.
"Lily! Lily!" Lilian gasped inwardly. That voice. Vivien? The voice was calling her. in her mind. Curious, she retreated into the far parts of her mind and found herself in the white area where she had met Seiryuu for the first time. She looked around. "Ne. who's there?" She asked cautiously.
"Lily!" Someone suddenly materialized beside her and Lilian jumped. She stared. Vivien!
Vivien smiled at her. Lilian couldn't help but smile back. She looked well. really well. Her eyes. were so full of light. She was so happy.
"Lily!!" Lilian turned around and came face-to-face with another sister. Her eyes widened. Kathryn!
She. didn't look like Kathryn, though. much. Her face and silver- gray eyes were the same. but her hair was. blue. Lilian frowned. Since when had Kathryn been in favour of dying her hair? She was similarly dressed like Lilian, and only different in the design and color of her dress. Kathryn was wearing a silk kimono of white, black, and amethyst. Kathryn smiled happily. "Lily! I'm so happy to see you again!" Her eyes were happy. just like Vivien's. but there was more pain in them than her sister's.
"Hi Lily! I couldn't wait to see you again!"
"Sammy?!" Lilian turned again and found her youngest sister, Samantha, standing in front of her. Samantha was still dressed in the Chinese garb of a boy, and her silky light brown hair was in a neat bun atop her head. Her eyes, however. held more pain and suffering than any of her other sisters. Lilian grew concerned. "Sammy. what's wrong?"
Vivien took charge. "Lily. we came together and decided we wanted to see you. together. Sammy helped us."
"Sammy?" Lilian turned again to her youngest sister, intrigued. "How.?"
Samantha smiled wearily and again Lilian was struck by the absence of innocence in her soft green eyes. Samantha. had changed. Greatly. "Like you, Lily. we have all acquired all three of our powers. My power is of ice. superhuman speed. and telepathy."
"Telepathy?" Lilian was startled. "But that's also my." Her eyes widened. "So that's how all of you are here! You're using our third powers to contact each other!"
Kathryn nodded. "Hai. Lily. we're here to bring you up-to-date. Sammy told us what happened earlier. we decided to contact you and find out what happened. We'll also tell you what happened with us."
Lilian's eyes were veiled. "I."
Vivien sighed. "Lily. stop treating us like babies! You're acting as if we're not here!"
Lilian blinked. "Huh?"
Vivien frowned. "Don't play dumb, Lily! You, of all people, should know what I'm talking about! Whenever I saw you or when Sammy saw you, you were always protecting us! And every time, you got hurt instead of us! We understand why you did it, but knock it off already!"
Kathryn nodded solemnly. "That's right, Lily." Her eyes were sad. "All of us know. how strong Nakago is. You thought you were probably the only one capable of standing up to him. Do you think our powers are really that inferior to his?"
Samantha nodded sadly. "Lily. we're just as powerful as you. As the seishis of Taittsukun, we also have powers equal to Nakago's."
Vivien saw Lilian''s stricken expression and her eyes softened. "But enough of how we're royally annoyed of you, Lily. Lily. we want to know. what's going on?"
Lilian looked away.. "Oh."
"Nothing?" All of them finished for her. Now, they all looked incredibly annoyed. "You know there's not a chance in hell we'll buy that, Lily." Vivien said, irritated. "You might as well spill it."
Kathryn was more gentle. "Lily. all of us will also tell you our stories. But we want to listen to yours first."
Lilian slowly nodded, amazed at the change in Kathryn. She was. different, as well. "What do you want me to tell you? I'm just biding my time until I can think of a way to make Yui wish a different third wish."
Samantha smiled sympathetically. "You love him, don't you?" She said gently.
Lilian looked up. She wanted to deny it, but she knew they knew better. She looked down, ashamed. "Hai."
Everyone was quiet. Finally, Lilian looked up and stared. Every one of her sisters was smiling. Kathryn finally remarked, "It looks like she's caught the disease, Vivi, Sammy."
Lilian frowned. "Disease?"
Vivien smiled. "Lilian. we've all fallen in love, too."
Lilian stared. "Nani?!"
Kathryn smiled. "It's true. Vivien's fallen in love with Tasuki, the Suzaku seishi."
Lilian stared at her sister. "Vivi! Is this true?"
Vivien only blushed a little. She nodded. "Hai. Very true." She breathed, thinking of the red-haired seishi. Her eyes grew sad. "It hurts. every time he fights to protect Miaka. I hate it, worrying if he'll get hurt. I haven't told the bastard yet that I love him, though. I think he wants me to tell him, but I'm not saying a peep if I don't hear him say it first." She said stubbornly. Lilian smiled.
Samantha chuckled softly. Lilian looked at her. "I've also fallen in love. and Lily. you sent him to me."
Lilian's eyes widened. "Amiboshi?"
Samantha smiled. "Hai. Both of us loved each other. but." Her eyes grew pained. "I know he's not going to remember me. when we meet again."
Lilian nodded sadly and turned to Kathryn. Somehow, she felt as if their situations were more similar to each other's. "How about you, Kate?"
Kathryn looked away. "Hotohori."
Lilian stared. "Hotohori? The Konan Emperor?"
Kathryn nodded. "Hai. I love him. I'm in the palace right now. Sammy called out to me so I could see you again. I'm with. Hotohori. I love him with all my heart. but." Kathryn looked at Lilian, with grief glowing in her silver eyes. "Lily. you know how I feel. We both love someone whose death we are forbidden to prevent. I know." There were tears in Kathryn's eyes. "that's he's going to die. and I know. I will return to my world. after I've made my wish to Byakko. I only wish."
Lilian understood. "Nakago."
Everyone looked at her. Vivien's eyes were sad. "You love him, don't you?"
Lilian nodded. "Hai."
Samantha smiled sadly. "None of us knew that. but I knew you felt something for him. when I left you."
"But how could you love someone so evil.?" Vivien wanted to know. "He's the one that killed so many people."
Samantha shook her head. "Vivi. you don't understand. He's not that evil. Quite human, in fact. Like anyone. he also has a past."
Lilian was startled. "Sammy. how do you.?"
Samantha smiled. "Who do you think told me about the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho? Taka. Tamahome. told me. He told me what he saw when he killed. Nakago. and his memories."
Lilian trembled, remembering. "Nakago."
Kathryn smiled, shakingly. "I know you want to see him again. so we'll leave you now."
Lilian looked up and smiled. "Arigatou."
Vivien sighed. "Lily. I don't know what you see in the chump, but if you love him, then he can't be that bad." She still looked skeptical.
Samantha smiled. "Hang on there, Lily. we're not far from the end of the book. so just hang on."
With a flash of light, her sisters were gone. Lilian smiled, a bit comforted, and turned towards consciousness. She wasn't sure she was ready to face Nakago but. she might as well. With a sigh, she allowed herself to open her eyes and smiled at the sight of Soi and Yui looking down at her.
"Lily!" Yui looked relieved. "Are you okay?"
Lilian smiled to reassure her friend. "I'm okay. how long was I gone this time?" She sounded worried.
Soi smiled to reassure her. "Not as long. well, at least, not as long as it took us to get here. We're in Sairo."
Lilian bolted upright. 'Sairo?!"
Soi nodded. "Hai."
"Already?" Lilian was dismayed. Where. in Sairo, though?
Yui smiled. "We're in the temple." Her eyes grew wary. "I'm going to summon Seiryuu."
Stunned, Lilian plopped her head right back on her pillow. "Seiryuu?" She squeaked. Why did she always wake up at the worst times? She turned in her bed. "I think I'll go back to sleep now."
Soi chuckled lightly. "You can't, Taishi."
"Lilian."
Soi smiled. "Lilian. Nakago's ordered that we prevent the Suzaku seishi and their miko from coming up here."
Lilian groaned. "But I've only regained consciousness!" She complained. "Can't I rest?"
Yui smiled. "Please, Lily?"
Lilian made another heartfelt groan. "Ahhhh." She whined, sitting up again. "Must I?"
Soi smiled. if somewhat sadly. "Hai." She looked at Yui. "Can I speak with Lilian alone, Yui-sama?"
Yui sighed. "Fine. but I want to talk to you alone, too, later, okay, Lily-chan?"
Lilian smiled. "Okay."
Yui gave another disgruntled sigh as she left the room. Lilian looked away, trying not to look at Soi. She knew what she wanted to talk about. "Soi. Gomenasai."
Soi looked at Lilian, anger, hurt, and confusion shining in her eyes. "I don't get you, Lilian. You said you hated him but you slept with him!"
Lilian closed her eyes. "Why do you think I fought him?" She said, trying to ignore the small furl of guilt unfurling in her mind.
Soi's eyes narrowed. "I don't know. You tell me."
"He lied to me."
Soi still looked angry. "About what?"
Lilian's eyes were impassive. "About my rape."
Silence. Soi glared at Lilian. "What about it? You should have figured it out sooner! And I thought you were smart."
Lilian's temper flared but she subdued her anger with a soothing calm. "I am." She said, not bothering to deny it. "I was angry. Soi. you're not the only one who loves him."
Soi slapped her. Lilian felt the sting but didn't move. She closed her eyes. "Soi. Gomenasai."
Soi's eyes were shining. "Damn you, Lilian! I love him!"
It was Lilian's turn to glare at Soi. "Do you think I wanted to love him?! I hated him with all my heart! Don't you think I hated myself even more for loving him! I never wanted to!"
Soi was still angry, but she also looked confused. "Then why?" She whispered. "I thought we could be friends. but we both love him. Why do you love him? He saved me. years ago. and I've loved him ever since. But why do you love him? He never did anything like that to you."
Lilian's eyes softened. "I don't know why." She confessed. "But I do. I thought he had a heart of ice."
Soi's eyes widened with surprise and some of her anger faded. "You mean he doesn't?"
Lilian smiled and slowly shook her head. "No. he's actually human. I just figured that out some. time before I passed out. And just recently. I was finally made to understand why he is the way he is. Soi. you have to believe me. I hated him even before I even met him."
Soi's eyes narrowed. "How is that possible?"
"I think it's time I told someone. Soi. you know I'm from the other world, right?"
Soi looked stunned. "You are?" Nakago had never told them.
Lilian smiled. "I am. I'm from the Mikos' world. There, I was friends with Yui-sama and Miaka-chan. There, this story has already ended. Yui told me what happened here. everything. That's how I know 'the future', so to speak. I am the seishi Taishi. Seiryuu claimed me as a Seiryuu seishi, and I was given the duty of ensuring the balance on his side. Yui had told me everything about Nakago. that's how I hated him even before I met him. When I met him, I absolutely loathed him."
Soi smiled slightly. "I could tell you didn't adore him like I did."
Lilian chuckled. "No, I didn't." Her smile faded. "At first, I was merely attracted to him. It was purely physical attraction at first, but I believed I formed a special tendre for him all along. Soi. I love him. and like you, even if he doesn't love me back, I don't believe I'll ever stop loving him."
At that, Soi stilled, and for a moment, contented herself by staring into Lilian's eyes. trying to see the truth. Finally, Soi looked away, an injured light in her eyes. Lilian's heart swelled with guilt. "I believe you."
Lilian shook her head. "Not like it matters. Both of us love him, but he'll never love any of us in return."
Soi smiled sadly. "I know."
Lilian sighed. "At least. now, I don't think I hate him."
"You don't?" Soi looked surprised.
"Nope. But it's still very close."
Soi grinned and Lilian answered with a warm smile. "Ne. Soi. I'm sorry."
Soi smiled sadly. "No. I should be the one sorry. I shouldn't have been angry with you. I should have understood. But. Lilian?"
"Yeah?"
"I think you're wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"I see it in both of your eyes. Lilian, I think his heart was made of ice. I could never find a way to break through it. But when you came. you brought the fire."
Lilian accompanied Yui and Soi to interrogate the Byakko seishi, Tatara. Lilian was uncomfortable meeting Tatara, but also curious. When they entered, she was startled to see him chained to the wall.
She immediately rushed to the seishi. "Tatara!" She knelt and touched his shoulder. "Daijobu?"
Tatara looked up at her with gentle, gray eyes. Lilian was immediately ashamed when she realized that the person who had most probably chained him was Nakago. Once again she bemoaned the fact that her heart belonged to such an animal. She sighed. At least animals had hearts. "Who are you?"
Lilian smiled gently. "My name is Lilian. Lilian Smith."
Tatara's gentle eyes glowed with understanding. "Taishi."
Lilian frowned. "How did you.?"
Tatara smiled. "Your symbol."
"Nani?" Lilian looked down and indeed, saw that her symbol between her collarbones was glowing. But why was it glowing? She shrugged it off and looked at the man's bruises. Nakago. she wanted to kill him. The poor man.
The man suddenly broke into a ragged cough. Lilian's eyes widened with concern. "Tatara!"
Yui frowned. "Lily. why are you acting like this?"
Lilian stood up and looked at the Seiryuu no Miko squarely. "We may serve Nakago, Yui-sama. that doesn't exactly mean we should approve of Nakago's brutal tendencies." She chided her friend.
Yui looked stunned. Lily. Lilian was as different from Nakago as night from day. then why did she love him? She looked away. "We need the Shinzaho." She said in a cold voice. Lilian sighed. "Where is it?"
Tatara looked at Yui steadily. "You are Seiryuu no Miko?"
Soi glared at Tatara. "We already have the Genbu Shinzaho and we need the Shinzaho you're hiding! Give it up!"
Lilian closed her eyes. Nakago. he was most certainly a bad influence. She would have to speak to him about that later. She turned to Tatara. "Tatara-san. could you please give us the Shinzaho?" She asked politely, wishing that everything was all over.
Tatara looked at her. Lilian tried not to squirm under his gaze. "The Genbu Shinzaho. you did not acquire it yourself."
Yui flinched. Soi's eyes narrowed as she cracked her whip. "Shut up, Byakko seishi!"
Lilian turned around and glared at Soi. "Soi! Stop that at once!"
Soi stopped, stunned. Lilian turned to Tatara again. "Because of that. you won't give it to us, right?"
Tatara looked at her for a long while before slowly nodding. Lilian nodded and turned around. "We won't get anything from him. Let's go."
