"Star Lovers" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 13
"Yui-sama. are you alright?" Yui opened her eyes, curiously tired. "What. happened?" She felt incredibly tired. "My body. feels. heavy." "Your body is currently occupied by Seiryuu. Because you are using his power, the strain on your body is tremendous. You should recover your strength before you make your next wish. If you don't. you might die." Yui shook her head, determined. "I'm fine. We have two wishes left. One wish was enough for the Emperor, right?" At Nakago's nod, she continued, "We'll use the remaining two wishes as we please. I'm not going to allow Miaka and Tamahome to be together." Lilian paused just outside of Yui's room. Her eyes were sad as she listened to her friend. her mother. "Oh, I almost forgot. I promised to grant a wish for you, Nakago. you've done so much for Lilian and myself. What is your wish? I promise to grant it. Will you tell me your wish ahead of time?" Nakago paused and closed his eyes. He had been waiting for Yui to ask this question for a long time. He had known ever since he had learned about the Seiryuu no Miko and her wishes what this wish would be. but why was he so hesitant? Lilian. An image of his fellow Seiryuu seishi came, unbidden in his mind, and with a surge of unfounded anger, pushed it aside. "I wish." He forced himself to concentrate. ". for eternal life. and the absolute power of a god." With a heartfelt sigh, Lilian turned and walked away. Her heart was heavy. The battle. would come soon. and she would lose Nakago. The man she loved. Tears wouldn't come. but Lilian knew she wanted to cry. But she wouldn't. She'd done enough crying. Nakago had done it. The battle. He would die, and Lilian knew that a part of her would die with him. She loved him. But did he love her? Lilian walked down the hall, sad. Seiryuu had been summoned. Suzaku was sealed. Suzaku would be released. Suzaku would be summoned, and Seiryuu would be sealed. With the sealing of Seiryuu, Nakago would die, and she would be left alone to mourn him. She would be the only one to mourn him. Lilian's heart ached. She loved Nakago with all her heart, of that, she was sure, but her heart would break. she knew it would. if Nakago didn't return her love. Was there even the slightest chance that he loved her? She didn't know. she doubted it. but she felt she had to make sure. Lilian turned into Soi's room. Soi was there, staring at her reflection in the mirror. "Soi?" She ventured cautiously. Soi turned and smiled softly at Lilian. She looked sad. Lilian felt she was the cause of it. "Soi? What's wrong?" Soi looked away. "Oh." "Nothing? Don't put that one on me, Soi. I've said that too many times myself. Now what's wrong?" She sat on Soi's bed and looked at her friend pleadingly. Soi finally smiled. "I was just thinking. about Nakago." Lilian's eyes became pained. "You're experiencing the worst headache you've ever had. right? Trust me, I understand." Soi chuckled softly. "I would think you did. But. I'm just." Soi sighed and looked away. "Sad." Lilian smiled softly. "Really, I couldn't tell." Soi didn't smile this time. "Lilian. I'm glad you came to this world. to us. If you hadn't come and talked some sense into me, I would have been as clueless of my love for Nakago as you are." She slowly undid her bun and let her long, red hair fall like a red waterfall down her back. "I'm a woman, Lilian. with a child's heart. I adored Nakago. I would have died for him. maybe I still would. but you brought me to my senses." She touched her lips, and fingered the rouge. "Nakago will never love me. It just wasn't meant to be. Years ago. when he saved me, I thought he was the world. I kept on thinking that and foolishly loved him until you came. and told me the truth, Lilian. I adored Nakago. knowing that he would never love me in return. Nakago. never looked at me the way he looks at you, Lilian." She took a piece of cloth and started to scrub away the rouge on her lips and the rest of her make-up. "Nakago could never love me. but perhaps. he could love you." Lilian stared sadly at her friend. "Soi. you still. love him, don't you?" Soi nodded her head and her eyes shone suspiciously. "Hai. I thought I loved him before. but because I met you, I realize. that I still do love him. Not with the adoration of a child, but with the heart of a woman. I still love him, Lilian. and I hate myself for it." Lilian smiled sadly. "I know exactly how you feel." She said weakly. Soi looked to Lilian. "Lilian. I want to know the truth. I want to know if he really can love. if there's a chance for either of us. Both of us are cursed to love that man. let's see if one of us was really blessed. Let's learn the truth, Lilian." She stared into Lilian's troubled, sea- blue eyes. "Lilian. onegai. Are you with me?" Lilian looked away and answered with the voice of her heart, "Hai. I'm with you, Soi."
The two women set their plans into action the day they were about to engage the Suzaku seishi on the battlefield. Soi was to go first. She entered Nakago's tent hesitantly. Tonight. she would know the truth. She tried to appear untroubled. and went to Nakago's side as he sat in his bed. "Nakago? It's time. It's time to go into battle with the Suzaku---!" She stared at the clam shell in Nakago's hand, and at the images floating above it. She stared. They were great stone buildings. houses as tall as trees. She was in awe. "What in the world is that?" She looked at the clam in surprise. "That's Tomo's clam shell." Nakago smiled thoughtfully. "That's right. When I went to inspect his corpse, this clam shell had been left behind. Intact. I opened it to pass the time. but I never thought it would show me something this interesting." Soi found herself momentarily entranced. "The world of Yui-sama and Lilian?" Nakago nodded. "Perhaps." Soi turned away and forced herself to focus. She felt so wonderful in Nakago's presence, and before, Soi had been in total awe of her fellow Seiryuu seishi, that she had practically worshipped the ground he walked on. But now. she was more understanding of her feelings. and loved him. with a woman's heart. "Nakago?" She closed her eyes. "May I remove your armor for you?"
Nakago closed the clam shell and looked at her, curious. "Why this, all of a sudden? I've removed my armor for you many times." The corners of his mouth lifted. Soi didn't open her eyes. Before she would have felt embarrassed, but now, she felt a bit humiliated. She forced herself to speak, her heart trembling. "I know. we've made love many times. but only to heighten your powers." Soi finally looked at Nakago and met his gaze. "But to reach your heart. your feelings." She wouldn't look away. Her heart beat painfully. "Do you remember when we first met? Seven years ago?" Her mind throbbed with the memory. "Ever since. you were the only one for me!" Her eyes begged Nakago to understand. She knew his answer before he gave it, and her heart started to bleed. Nakago looked away. "If there were anyone that could make me happy. It wouldn't be you." He finally admitted. Soi's heart was bleeding. her heart was weakening. but she forced herself to smile. weakly. "Who would it be then?" Nakago wouldn't answer. Her heart torn and bleeding at an alarming rate, Soi turned and walked out of the tent. A minute later, she was crying. When Lilian found her, the Seiryuu seishi Taishi took her in her arms and held her. Soi cried in Lilian's arms, and with Lilian's help, the bleeding slowed and eventually came to a stop. Soi knew her heart would never recover from Nakago's rejection. but something forced her chin up to look at Lilian. Lilian was so kind. and perfectly aware of her own feelings. Unlike Nakago. With a mortally wounded heart, Soi began to think. Then she noticed something. Lilian was. crying. for her. "Lilian." Lilian wept. "It's all my fault! I should kill him and put us both out of our misery!" Soi's eyes saddened. Lilian. "Lilian.I." Lilian shook her head. "Nakago's such an ungrateful bastard! He had his chance! He should have realized how lucky he was that someone like you loved him! He doesn't deserve to be loved!" She cried, yet an image of young Nakago's traumatized face flashed through her mind. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "He might have suffered in his past. but he should be a man and leave it alone!" She said vehemently. She ceased crying in her fury. "He should be grateful for all that he has now! He has no right to take it out on the world! Who does he think he is, a god?!" Lilian was murderous, no longer sad. Soi just stared. "Lilian.?" Lilian glared at Soi. "I've changed my mind, Soi! I'm not going to ask him about his feelings for me! It's not worth it! He's not worth it! I don't love him anymore! I hate him!" "No, Lilian." Soi said sadly. "You don't hate him. You love him. As I did." She stood up and left Lilian staring after her in disbelief. She looked back only once to say, "Lilian. meet me in my tent after you've recovered." She said, her strength and gumption returning to her in her determination. "In. five minutes, okay?" Lilian nodded and wiped her sleeve against her eyes. "H-Hai." Soi nodded and turned, marching back to Nakago's tent. Nakago. maybe Lilian truly was the fire needed to melt Nakago's heart of ice. and there was only one way to find out. She knew she probably would never love again. She still loved Nakago, but she knew that she wasn't the girl for him. She accepted it now. But perhaps. Lilian was that girl. She marched right back into Nakago's tent. He was just putting on his last piece of armor. "Nakago-sama?" Nakago turned and looked at her with expressionless eyes. Strange enough, Soi only felt regret. and a lingering pain. She stared at Nakago steadily. "I'm delivering a message from Yui-sama and Lilian. Yui changed her mind and said she wants to go to the battlefield in a couple more hours." She lied smoothly. Nakago's eyes narrowed. "Nani? Why would she.?" Soi's eyes didn't flicker. "And Lilian wishes to discuss something of importance with you. in my tent. I will see to the troops, Nakago-sama." And to your heart. One way or another, someone's going to conquer it, she vowed. After Nakago had left his tent, she smiled wryly. This was surely the strangest kind of revenge.
"Nakago!" Lilian stared at the general, surprised. "What are you doing here? Where's Soi?" She asked him when he entered Soi's tent. Nakago frowned. Had Soi lied to him? He shrugged that thought aside. She wasn't the type. "You wanted to discuss something of importance to me." He reminded her. Lilian looked absolutely clueless. "I did.?" Her eyes suddenly widened. Soi! She paled, then blushed. What was Soi thinking to accomplish? She had just told her that she wouldn't go along with the plan. But she didn't want Nakago to think Soi had lied to him. But she did. Lilian pretended to nod with understanding. "Oh, right!" She turned around to compose herself and gather her wits. She might as well think of something to discuss with him. She thought for a few minutes, then her eyes lit up. A- ha! I've got it! It's perfect! "I wanted to talk to you about. your wish that Yui-sama's planning on granting." Nakago's eyes narrowed. "What of it?" Lilian didn't know what to say. She knew he wasn't going to get that wish granted anyway. Yui was going to wish for Miaka to gain the ability to summon Suzaku. She fretted for a while, but then she suddenly remembered something. Her duty! Yui wasn't supposed to wish for that either. Lilian sweatdropped. Oh lord. she had a problem. Nakago might as well know a part of it. "I know. from a very reliable source, that you're not going to get that wish, Nakago." Nakago smirked. "I highly doubt that. You may cease trying to sway me, Taishi." "Lilian." "Taishi." Lilian frowned. Lord, he was stubborn. With a wry smile, she realized he was just as stubborn as she was. Nakago's frown returned. What was she smiling about? Lilian sighed. "Yui's second wish is going to ensure that your wish is not going to be granted, Nakago, so you might as well believe it." Nakago's eyes narrowed. "What will her second wish be?" Lilian's smile broadened. "I'm not telling you." She decided, a bit happier already. She sat on Soi's bed. "But I highly suggest you give it up, Nakago." Cease. Lilian's eyes widened and she froze. "Seiryuu." She breathed. This was the first time she had heard his voice ever since his summoning. "Father." Nakago instantly knew Seiryuu was contacting Lilian again. He didn't bother trying to invade her mind, as he knew full well Seiryuu was going to repel him. He slowly smiled. but that was going to change. once he became a god. You will not dissuade him, daughter. If you do so, you risk rewriting the entire ending of the story. Lilian scowled. "Then what else am I to talk to him about?" She was unaware that she was speaking aloud. Nakago's eyes widened curiously. Strange. she was troubled enough to forget to keep silent when Seiryuu was talking to her. You were looking for a topic of discussion to protect the reputation of your friend, the Seiryuu seishi, Soi. You will talk of something else. Lilian's scowl intensified. "Like what?" She asked, highly disgruntled. She still didn't realize she was talking aloud. You will discuss what Soi intended you two to discuss. Lilian's eyes widened. "But I've decided not to anymore!" She protested. "I've changed my mind!"
You will change your mind again. Lilian's eyes narrowed. "Not bloody likely." She growled, embarrassed. Soi obviously wanted Lilian to discuss her feelings with Nakago and her father was encouraging it! Her own father! Seiryuu chuckled. Every father wants his daughter to go on her own someday. He countered. Lilian scowled. "Who are you talking to?" Nakago inquired mildly. Lilian frowned at Nakago. "You know very well who I'm talking to, Nakago! My father!" She felt Seiryuu's presence in her mind disappear. She glared at Nakago. "My father says I can't discuss what I want to discuss with you, so I don't know what to talk about!" Lilian plopped down on Soi's bed. "He said I should talk about what I wanted to talk to you about before. but I already changed my mind. I'm not going to." "What is it?" He inquired, pretending disinterest. Lilian sighed. "I shouldn't tell you, but you might as well know. I was going to ask you the same thing Soi was." Nakago was mildly surprised. He sighed. "You were going to ask me if I loved you?" He sneered. "Why should I answer you when you already know the answer?" Lilian pretended to scowl, but inside, her heart was hurt. "Precisely! That's exactly the reason why I changed my mind!" She snapped. She sat up and looked at Nakago. "That reminds me. can I ask you a favor?" Nakago looked outside the tent, feigning disinterest all the while. "You may ask it. I will decide whether or not to grant it." Lilian closed her eyes, tired of Nakago's coldness. "Nakago. whatever you do. please don't fight the Suzaku seishi." Nakago turned around to look at her at that. "You know that is impossible." He said coldly. Lilian shook her head. "I know you have to fight them soon. but don't fight them. in my world." Nakago went over to the Seiryuu seishi. "Why are you asking?" Don't do it. Seiryuu warned her. Lilian shook her head. I won't have him die! She responded to Seiryuu vehemently in her head. For a while, Seiryuu did not answer. Very well. But do not tell him anything concerning the Seiryuu no Miko's third wish. Lilian was surprised. She had expected Seiryuu to forbid her to tell Nakago anything. You. agree? Only because it means so much to you. Lilian's eyes stung. Thank you, dad. Seiryuu's presence disappeared from her mind once again. Lilian turned to look at Nakago. "Because you will. in the future. This story is close to the end, Nakago. and I was telling the truth. when I said you were going to die." Nakago stared at her. Somehow, he knew she wasn't lying to him now. The thought was unsettling, but he didn't know how it was possible. "How. am I going to die?" Lilian stood up and looked at Nakago with steady eyes. "Miaka is going to be able to summon Suzaku in the end, Nakago. Her second wish will be to seal Seiryuu. Your powers will be sealed." Nakago just stared at her. Lilian's eyes were shining. with what? "Why are you telling me this?" Lilian closed her eyes to stop the coming tears. "Because. I. don't want you to die." She cried. Lilian couldn't take it anymore. She walked out of the tent and into the trees. She kept on walking, knowing that Nakago was following her, but she didn't want to stop. "Lilian." Lilian froze. mostly because of shock. He had actually called her by her real name. She didn't turn around. The stars were beginning to come out. She sensed Nakago behind her. and longed to cry in his arms. for comfort. Lilian fought back her tears, not wanting to cry. She loved Nakago. and she really didn't want him to die. She loved him. "Why. this sudden change of heart?" Lilian turned around and stared at Nakago, warmed by the confusion in his eyes. "If I was in my right mind," She confessed. "I would still want you dead." Her eyes softened and her tears threatened to spill. "But now that I know you have a heart. I'm not so sure. I want you to die." Nakago's eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?" Lilian faced him bravely. "Because I know you better than anyone," She admitted. "I know your past, Akuru Gi. I know your past, I'm living your present, and I know your future." Nakago's eyes widened. Lilian shook her head and bravely continued on. "I have gained my telepathic ability." Lilian looked up at the golden-haired general and noticed he was very near her. "Your mind was the first I saw." Nakago's eyes narrowed with shock. and anger. "What did you see?" He demanded angrily. Lilian's eyes teared. "Everything." She whispered. She knew he was angry. his eyes were the color of sharp blue diamonds. At that moment, she knew he hated her.
Chapter 13
"Yui-sama. are you alright?" Yui opened her eyes, curiously tired. "What. happened?" She felt incredibly tired. "My body. feels. heavy." "Your body is currently occupied by Seiryuu. Because you are using his power, the strain on your body is tremendous. You should recover your strength before you make your next wish. If you don't. you might die." Yui shook her head, determined. "I'm fine. We have two wishes left. One wish was enough for the Emperor, right?" At Nakago's nod, she continued, "We'll use the remaining two wishes as we please. I'm not going to allow Miaka and Tamahome to be together." Lilian paused just outside of Yui's room. Her eyes were sad as she listened to her friend. her mother. "Oh, I almost forgot. I promised to grant a wish for you, Nakago. you've done so much for Lilian and myself. What is your wish? I promise to grant it. Will you tell me your wish ahead of time?" Nakago paused and closed his eyes. He had been waiting for Yui to ask this question for a long time. He had known ever since he had learned about the Seiryuu no Miko and her wishes what this wish would be. but why was he so hesitant? Lilian. An image of his fellow Seiryuu seishi came, unbidden in his mind, and with a surge of unfounded anger, pushed it aside. "I wish." He forced himself to concentrate. ". for eternal life. and the absolute power of a god." With a heartfelt sigh, Lilian turned and walked away. Her heart was heavy. The battle. would come soon. and she would lose Nakago. The man she loved. Tears wouldn't come. but Lilian knew she wanted to cry. But she wouldn't. She'd done enough crying. Nakago had done it. The battle. He would die, and Lilian knew that a part of her would die with him. She loved him. But did he love her? Lilian walked down the hall, sad. Seiryuu had been summoned. Suzaku was sealed. Suzaku would be released. Suzaku would be summoned, and Seiryuu would be sealed. With the sealing of Seiryuu, Nakago would die, and she would be left alone to mourn him. She would be the only one to mourn him. Lilian's heart ached. She loved Nakago with all her heart, of that, she was sure, but her heart would break. she knew it would. if Nakago didn't return her love. Was there even the slightest chance that he loved her? She didn't know. she doubted it. but she felt she had to make sure. Lilian turned into Soi's room. Soi was there, staring at her reflection in the mirror. "Soi?" She ventured cautiously. Soi turned and smiled softly at Lilian. She looked sad. Lilian felt she was the cause of it. "Soi? What's wrong?" Soi looked away. "Oh." "Nothing? Don't put that one on me, Soi. I've said that too many times myself. Now what's wrong?" She sat on Soi's bed and looked at her friend pleadingly. Soi finally smiled. "I was just thinking. about Nakago." Lilian's eyes became pained. "You're experiencing the worst headache you've ever had. right? Trust me, I understand." Soi chuckled softly. "I would think you did. But. I'm just." Soi sighed and looked away. "Sad." Lilian smiled softly. "Really, I couldn't tell." Soi didn't smile this time. "Lilian. I'm glad you came to this world. to us. If you hadn't come and talked some sense into me, I would have been as clueless of my love for Nakago as you are." She slowly undid her bun and let her long, red hair fall like a red waterfall down her back. "I'm a woman, Lilian. with a child's heart. I adored Nakago. I would have died for him. maybe I still would. but you brought me to my senses." She touched her lips, and fingered the rouge. "Nakago will never love me. It just wasn't meant to be. Years ago. when he saved me, I thought he was the world. I kept on thinking that and foolishly loved him until you came. and told me the truth, Lilian. I adored Nakago. knowing that he would never love me in return. Nakago. never looked at me the way he looks at you, Lilian." She took a piece of cloth and started to scrub away the rouge on her lips and the rest of her make-up. "Nakago could never love me. but perhaps. he could love you." Lilian stared sadly at her friend. "Soi. you still. love him, don't you?" Soi nodded her head and her eyes shone suspiciously. "Hai. I thought I loved him before. but because I met you, I realize. that I still do love him. Not with the adoration of a child, but with the heart of a woman. I still love him, Lilian. and I hate myself for it." Lilian smiled sadly. "I know exactly how you feel." She said weakly. Soi looked to Lilian. "Lilian. I want to know the truth. I want to know if he really can love. if there's a chance for either of us. Both of us are cursed to love that man. let's see if one of us was really blessed. Let's learn the truth, Lilian." She stared into Lilian's troubled, sea- blue eyes. "Lilian. onegai. Are you with me?" Lilian looked away and answered with the voice of her heart, "Hai. I'm with you, Soi."
The two women set their plans into action the day they were about to engage the Suzaku seishi on the battlefield. Soi was to go first. She entered Nakago's tent hesitantly. Tonight. she would know the truth. She tried to appear untroubled. and went to Nakago's side as he sat in his bed. "Nakago? It's time. It's time to go into battle with the Suzaku---!" She stared at the clam shell in Nakago's hand, and at the images floating above it. She stared. They were great stone buildings. houses as tall as trees. She was in awe. "What in the world is that?" She looked at the clam in surprise. "That's Tomo's clam shell." Nakago smiled thoughtfully. "That's right. When I went to inspect his corpse, this clam shell had been left behind. Intact. I opened it to pass the time. but I never thought it would show me something this interesting." Soi found herself momentarily entranced. "The world of Yui-sama and Lilian?" Nakago nodded. "Perhaps." Soi turned away and forced herself to focus. She felt so wonderful in Nakago's presence, and before, Soi had been in total awe of her fellow Seiryuu seishi, that she had practically worshipped the ground he walked on. But now. she was more understanding of her feelings. and loved him. with a woman's heart. "Nakago?" She closed her eyes. "May I remove your armor for you?"
Nakago closed the clam shell and looked at her, curious. "Why this, all of a sudden? I've removed my armor for you many times." The corners of his mouth lifted. Soi didn't open her eyes. Before she would have felt embarrassed, but now, she felt a bit humiliated. She forced herself to speak, her heart trembling. "I know. we've made love many times. but only to heighten your powers." Soi finally looked at Nakago and met his gaze. "But to reach your heart. your feelings." She wouldn't look away. Her heart beat painfully. "Do you remember when we first met? Seven years ago?" Her mind throbbed with the memory. "Ever since. you were the only one for me!" Her eyes begged Nakago to understand. She knew his answer before he gave it, and her heart started to bleed. Nakago looked away. "If there were anyone that could make me happy. It wouldn't be you." He finally admitted. Soi's heart was bleeding. her heart was weakening. but she forced herself to smile. weakly. "Who would it be then?" Nakago wouldn't answer. Her heart torn and bleeding at an alarming rate, Soi turned and walked out of the tent. A minute later, she was crying. When Lilian found her, the Seiryuu seishi Taishi took her in her arms and held her. Soi cried in Lilian's arms, and with Lilian's help, the bleeding slowed and eventually came to a stop. Soi knew her heart would never recover from Nakago's rejection. but something forced her chin up to look at Lilian. Lilian was so kind. and perfectly aware of her own feelings. Unlike Nakago. With a mortally wounded heart, Soi began to think. Then she noticed something. Lilian was. crying. for her. "Lilian." Lilian wept. "It's all my fault! I should kill him and put us both out of our misery!" Soi's eyes saddened. Lilian. "Lilian.I." Lilian shook her head. "Nakago's such an ungrateful bastard! He had his chance! He should have realized how lucky he was that someone like you loved him! He doesn't deserve to be loved!" She cried, yet an image of young Nakago's traumatized face flashed through her mind. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "He might have suffered in his past. but he should be a man and leave it alone!" She said vehemently. She ceased crying in her fury. "He should be grateful for all that he has now! He has no right to take it out on the world! Who does he think he is, a god?!" Lilian was murderous, no longer sad. Soi just stared. "Lilian.?" Lilian glared at Soi. "I've changed my mind, Soi! I'm not going to ask him about his feelings for me! It's not worth it! He's not worth it! I don't love him anymore! I hate him!" "No, Lilian." Soi said sadly. "You don't hate him. You love him. As I did." She stood up and left Lilian staring after her in disbelief. She looked back only once to say, "Lilian. meet me in my tent after you've recovered." She said, her strength and gumption returning to her in her determination. "In. five minutes, okay?" Lilian nodded and wiped her sleeve against her eyes. "H-Hai." Soi nodded and turned, marching back to Nakago's tent. Nakago. maybe Lilian truly was the fire needed to melt Nakago's heart of ice. and there was only one way to find out. She knew she probably would never love again. She still loved Nakago, but she knew that she wasn't the girl for him. She accepted it now. But perhaps. Lilian was that girl. She marched right back into Nakago's tent. He was just putting on his last piece of armor. "Nakago-sama?" Nakago turned and looked at her with expressionless eyes. Strange enough, Soi only felt regret. and a lingering pain. She stared at Nakago steadily. "I'm delivering a message from Yui-sama and Lilian. Yui changed her mind and said she wants to go to the battlefield in a couple more hours." She lied smoothly. Nakago's eyes narrowed. "Nani? Why would she.?" Soi's eyes didn't flicker. "And Lilian wishes to discuss something of importance with you. in my tent. I will see to the troops, Nakago-sama." And to your heart. One way or another, someone's going to conquer it, she vowed. After Nakago had left his tent, she smiled wryly. This was surely the strangest kind of revenge.
"Nakago!" Lilian stared at the general, surprised. "What are you doing here? Where's Soi?" She asked him when he entered Soi's tent. Nakago frowned. Had Soi lied to him? He shrugged that thought aside. She wasn't the type. "You wanted to discuss something of importance to me." He reminded her. Lilian looked absolutely clueless. "I did.?" Her eyes suddenly widened. Soi! She paled, then blushed. What was Soi thinking to accomplish? She had just told her that she wouldn't go along with the plan. But she didn't want Nakago to think Soi had lied to him. But she did. Lilian pretended to nod with understanding. "Oh, right!" She turned around to compose herself and gather her wits. She might as well think of something to discuss with him. She thought for a few minutes, then her eyes lit up. A- ha! I've got it! It's perfect! "I wanted to talk to you about. your wish that Yui-sama's planning on granting." Nakago's eyes narrowed. "What of it?" Lilian didn't know what to say. She knew he wasn't going to get that wish granted anyway. Yui was going to wish for Miaka to gain the ability to summon Suzaku. She fretted for a while, but then she suddenly remembered something. Her duty! Yui wasn't supposed to wish for that either. Lilian sweatdropped. Oh lord. she had a problem. Nakago might as well know a part of it. "I know. from a very reliable source, that you're not going to get that wish, Nakago." Nakago smirked. "I highly doubt that. You may cease trying to sway me, Taishi." "Lilian." "Taishi." Lilian frowned. Lord, he was stubborn. With a wry smile, she realized he was just as stubborn as she was. Nakago's frown returned. What was she smiling about? Lilian sighed. "Yui's second wish is going to ensure that your wish is not going to be granted, Nakago, so you might as well believe it." Nakago's eyes narrowed. "What will her second wish be?" Lilian's smile broadened. "I'm not telling you." She decided, a bit happier already. She sat on Soi's bed. "But I highly suggest you give it up, Nakago." Cease. Lilian's eyes widened and she froze. "Seiryuu." She breathed. This was the first time she had heard his voice ever since his summoning. "Father." Nakago instantly knew Seiryuu was contacting Lilian again. He didn't bother trying to invade her mind, as he knew full well Seiryuu was going to repel him. He slowly smiled. but that was going to change. once he became a god. You will not dissuade him, daughter. If you do so, you risk rewriting the entire ending of the story. Lilian scowled. "Then what else am I to talk to him about?" She was unaware that she was speaking aloud. Nakago's eyes widened curiously. Strange. she was troubled enough to forget to keep silent when Seiryuu was talking to her. You were looking for a topic of discussion to protect the reputation of your friend, the Seiryuu seishi, Soi. You will talk of something else. Lilian's scowl intensified. "Like what?" She asked, highly disgruntled. She still didn't realize she was talking aloud. You will discuss what Soi intended you two to discuss. Lilian's eyes widened. "But I've decided not to anymore!" She protested. "I've changed my mind!"
You will change your mind again. Lilian's eyes narrowed. "Not bloody likely." She growled, embarrassed. Soi obviously wanted Lilian to discuss her feelings with Nakago and her father was encouraging it! Her own father! Seiryuu chuckled. Every father wants his daughter to go on her own someday. He countered. Lilian scowled. "Who are you talking to?" Nakago inquired mildly. Lilian frowned at Nakago. "You know very well who I'm talking to, Nakago! My father!" She felt Seiryuu's presence in her mind disappear. She glared at Nakago. "My father says I can't discuss what I want to discuss with you, so I don't know what to talk about!" Lilian plopped down on Soi's bed. "He said I should talk about what I wanted to talk to you about before. but I already changed my mind. I'm not going to." "What is it?" He inquired, pretending disinterest. Lilian sighed. "I shouldn't tell you, but you might as well know. I was going to ask you the same thing Soi was." Nakago was mildly surprised. He sighed. "You were going to ask me if I loved you?" He sneered. "Why should I answer you when you already know the answer?" Lilian pretended to scowl, but inside, her heart was hurt. "Precisely! That's exactly the reason why I changed my mind!" She snapped. She sat up and looked at Nakago. "That reminds me. can I ask you a favor?" Nakago looked outside the tent, feigning disinterest all the while. "You may ask it. I will decide whether or not to grant it." Lilian closed her eyes, tired of Nakago's coldness. "Nakago. whatever you do. please don't fight the Suzaku seishi." Nakago turned around to look at her at that. "You know that is impossible." He said coldly. Lilian shook her head. "I know you have to fight them soon. but don't fight them. in my world." Nakago went over to the Seiryuu seishi. "Why are you asking?" Don't do it. Seiryuu warned her. Lilian shook her head. I won't have him die! She responded to Seiryuu vehemently in her head. For a while, Seiryuu did not answer. Very well. But do not tell him anything concerning the Seiryuu no Miko's third wish. Lilian was surprised. She had expected Seiryuu to forbid her to tell Nakago anything. You. agree? Only because it means so much to you. Lilian's eyes stung. Thank you, dad. Seiryuu's presence disappeared from her mind once again. Lilian turned to look at Nakago. "Because you will. in the future. This story is close to the end, Nakago. and I was telling the truth. when I said you were going to die." Nakago stared at her. Somehow, he knew she wasn't lying to him now. The thought was unsettling, but he didn't know how it was possible. "How. am I going to die?" Lilian stood up and looked at Nakago with steady eyes. "Miaka is going to be able to summon Suzaku in the end, Nakago. Her second wish will be to seal Seiryuu. Your powers will be sealed." Nakago just stared at her. Lilian's eyes were shining. with what? "Why are you telling me this?" Lilian closed her eyes to stop the coming tears. "Because. I. don't want you to die." She cried. Lilian couldn't take it anymore. She walked out of the tent and into the trees. She kept on walking, knowing that Nakago was following her, but she didn't want to stop. "Lilian." Lilian froze. mostly because of shock. He had actually called her by her real name. She didn't turn around. The stars were beginning to come out. She sensed Nakago behind her. and longed to cry in his arms. for comfort. Lilian fought back her tears, not wanting to cry. She loved Nakago. and she really didn't want him to die. She loved him. "Why. this sudden change of heart?" Lilian turned around and stared at Nakago, warmed by the confusion in his eyes. "If I was in my right mind," She confessed. "I would still want you dead." Her eyes softened and her tears threatened to spill. "But now that I know you have a heart. I'm not so sure. I want you to die." Nakago's eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?" Lilian faced him bravely. "Because I know you better than anyone," She admitted. "I know your past, Akuru Gi. I know your past, I'm living your present, and I know your future." Nakago's eyes widened. Lilian shook her head and bravely continued on. "I have gained my telepathic ability." Lilian looked up at the golden-haired general and noticed he was very near her. "Your mind was the first I saw." Nakago's eyes narrowed with shock. and anger. "What did you see?" He demanded angrily. Lilian's eyes teared. "Everything." She whispered. She knew he was angry. his eyes were the color of sharp blue diamonds. At that moment, she knew he hated her.
