Note: Hello! It has been a long week and I was dying to update this sooner. Unfortunately, the server was down. Anyway, this happened to be the longest chapter that I had written, so far. I hope you like it. Na, here are some replies to your reviews. I hope it's satisfying.

~Readviewer : Hello, you're my new reviewer. Thanks for reading, but I'd appreciate if you had a name. I mean, Readviewer sounds mysterious. Anyway, this fiction sets in the medieval, but there won't be any knights, though. I have chosen the eighteenth century, so, no knights but we still have horses…

~Craz_Psycho : Oh, this story is too fast, is it? Sorry. I was so exited that maybe I did not realized that I was speeding. Sorry!

~Ruby : Here is the new chapter you are dying to read. Do enjoy.

~Kurtain : I am sorry that you still do not understand the story. If you have read Military school, you will understand that my introduction is usually two or more chapters long. This is a mystery fiction, so everything that I write counts. In fact, you could even start figuring out what is actually going on.

~Rook : Know what, I love your smile!

~Sumitra : I am glad that you think that my grammar is ok. Usually my teacher will give me a C for grammar. Good to know that you understand me.

There. That wraps it up. So, chapter four. Enjoy!

Chapter Four

Dreams,

I came, you ran,

I jumped, you fell,

Your trails were left behind,

You took my heart away,

And my heart was yours to take,

I dreamt of you each day,

Touching you was nothing to compromise.

My love, my soul,

How could an angel break my soul,

Possibly seen beyond her lights,

Reaching out to you is impossible,

A dream now.

Darling,

My light, My heart,

My friend, my love, my life,

Why oh why has fate taken you,

Away from me…

Am I to be blamed? My guilt, my share and my loss. Those words of comfort are like seasons in the sun. They come, and they go. Together, my hopes, too, all gone. Day after days passed. I enter my daily life without you. It is tough, and hard managing myself without you. I forced myself to face reality. The fact that you had been gone for almost two years, made me wonder, why do I have to suffer?

Every time I walk down the dark and dusty streets, I felt the pain and my heart began to beat heavily when anyone, who looked like you, walks pass me. I tried to forget you, but I failed. My love for you is still strong, even though I have someone new in my life. Darling, will you bless my relationship with her? Will you allow me to love her? Or, should I still bear the pain in which you have kept in store for me ever since you left?

"… Hakkai…"

That voice…

"Hakkai, dear…"

"Yaone…" Hakkai muttered, as he forced his eyes open. His eyelids fluttered and he blinked a few times, before he managed to adjust his sight to the bright surroundings. "How, long has it been?"

Yaone brushed his hair off his face gently. "Three," She answered softly. "Three days."

Hakkai groaned. His head still hurts. Thankfully though, it was not as bad as the day it started. He pulled the tip of the blanket and began chewing on it. With the blanket still in his mouth, he looked around and tried to figure out where they were, until suddenly, the large timber door banged open and Sanzo entered.

"Rise and shine, sleepy head!" Sanzo said, in a sarcastic tone as usual. He pulled a chair by the dressing table and sat by the bed. "What was you beautiful dream, that you decided to sleep for three whole days?"

Hakkai blinked. He did not answer but instead, gave him a weak smile.

Sanzo sighed angrily. He slammed his fist into the thick furnished wall and screamed in a rather frustrated tone. "You should not hide your problems from people, you know!" He said.

Hakkai stared at the young Lord in surprise. He was speechless.

"I could not imagine you could do that to her," Sanzo added. " And, I also refuse to believe that you do not trust us."

Silence.

Sanzo looked at both of them and then, turned his back. He walked to the doorway, and stopped. "Forgive me," The young lord whispered, and walked out.

"I… I…" Apparently, only a voiceless choking sound escaped the stunned count's throat.

Yaone look at him pitifully and held the count tightly in her arms, and Hakkai gratefully pulled himself closer, grabbing onto her, like she was his guardian angel. He buried his face against her and began sobbing uncontrollably.

Sanzo dragged his feet along the long corridor. As he made his way to the west wing of the mansion, his heart was heavy and filled with grief and regrets. He blamed himself for overreacting in front of his one and only best friend. How could he be so heartless. He just woke up, for crying out loud! He scolded himself, silently.

The day was as dark as the mansion itself. It made no difference, with or without the sunlight. The air around was still and silent. All around was quite, as if all the animals, plants and other living things had extinct.

Suddenly, Sanzo's thoughts were interrupted by a sound of door opening and closing from the front door. He heard a short conversation and recognized the voice instantly.

"Hello, duke," He greeted, as a tall red haired man entered the hallway.

"Nice home you got here, man!" Duke Sha Gojyo said as he shook the young lord's hand.

Soon, Sanzo and Gojyo were seen walking together towards the mansion's stable. As they walked, both of them seemed to be in a deep conversation. Never once, Sanzo had thought that he could have so much things to say to the man in front of him. Apparently, it was not a wonder, as they had not met each other for at least half a year, after their last journey together around the world.

As Sanzo moved to pull out two black stallions, something suddenly struck him. Sanzo grinned and looked at him. "Hei, who let a water demon like you into my home?"

Gojyo backed away and laughed.

"What is so funny?" Sanzo said seriously. "I am asking you a question over here."

The duke pulled his long cloak away from the nibbling horse and looked at Sanzo. "How else could I have entered, if not one of your maid had invited me in," He answered.

"My maid?" Sanzo repeated.

"Sure."

The young lord glared at him from behind his silver rimmed glasses. How could the maid open the door for him? As far as he knew and remembered, Elena had followed Sarah out to do some grocery shopping and would not be back till late evening. Apart from them, he could not recall anymore maids in the house. He shook his head. It also could not be David, for he had been in the plantation with Ellidyr all morning. Did he hear wrong or that maybe Gojyo had mistaken Lady Maori for a maid? Perhaps…

Without realizing, Sanzo had been leaning against Islimach for quite a while, that Gojyo suddenly felt the urge to question him. He rubbed Lluagor's chin gently and rolled his eyes over to the still silent man. "What is bothering you, may I ask?"

"Are…"

"Yes?"

Sanzo rubbed his sweaty palms together. His hands suddenly felt chilled. In fact, his whole body had begun to tremble at his own thought. "Are you sure, it was the maid?" He asked, hoping that Gojyo had said it wrongly.

Gojyo chuckled. "What? Are you having memory problem? Sure I am sure that your maid opened the door."

"But!" Sanzo shrieked, unable to control himself. "There are no other maids left in this house, except those two girls that had left early this morning! There could be no maid! Are you sure that it was not Maori?"

"Relax!" Gojyo signed, waving his hands frantically in the air when he realized that he was pinned up on the wall by the blonde's strong hands.

"Oh damn! Sorry!" Sanzo panicked as he released him.

Gojyo coughed and pulled down his sleeves. "Geez, what is wrong with you? It was the maid. Maybe Lady Maori had hired another new housemaid and did not tell you."

"She could not!"

"Wow, slow it down boy," Gojyo chuckled. "Besides, I did not know that Maori had such good taste."

Sanzo stared at the duke in unison.

"I mean, the maid was really pretty."

"Damn you!" Sanzo grinned.

"No, really," Gojyo replied at once. "Her body, man, it was perfect. But that was not the main attraction. It was her skin."

"Great, now her skin?" Sanzo exclaimed, as he followed Islimach to the dried grass.

"Yup, her skin. She was fair, too fair for a daily maid, who does the daily chores in and out of the house everyday," Gojyo said.

Sanzo took a bucket full of water and splashed it all over the duke. He watched gleefully as Gojyo jumped up in surprise.

"What did you do that for?!" The red hair man shrieked, as he began removing his soaked-clothes.

"Daydreaming is not good for you," Sanzo said in short.

"Damn!" Gojyo cursed.

Sanzo clapped his hand and pointed to a long rope nearby. "If there is really a maid, I suggest you pull that rope and get her to bring you some dry clothing."

"You are mean," Gojyo answered back, but pulled the rope anyway. Sanzo eyed the entrance for any sign of incoming carriage with Sarah and Elena. Both of them stood silently and patiently for the so-called new maid.

Apparently, to Sanzo's utter horror, the stable's side door suddenly swung open, and a tall slim figure entered. She looked at them through her dark brownish green eyes and smiled bitterly. As she walked towards them, Sanzo felt as if there was something wrong with her. She looked so… emotionless, without feelings.

Sanzo felt a sharp jolt of pain searing through his veins as she brushed her skin against his. Instantly, he backed away a little. She looks so fragile and colorless, as if blood drained, he thought. The young lord watched both of them as she handed the duke a fresh new outfit. After that, she left.

But, there was something else. Jasmine scent. The small stable was suddenly filled up with the scent of jasmines. How could there be any jasmine scent, if there is no jasmine plants nearby?

"See," Gojyo said from behind. "I told you that you had a new maid."

Sanzo ignore him. He kept his eyes glued to the entrance. There was something about her, but he could not remember. She looked like someone. After a while, he turned and faced the duke. "One more. Why are you here?" He asked solemnly.

Without any hesitation, Gojyo pulled out a letter from his drenched coat. "Hakkai gave me an invitation card. The place he had invited me to, is here. Why? Did he give you anything like this?"

The young lord nodded slowly.

"What did he write?"

"I do not know. I have not opened it yet. I guess, it is just the same," Sanzo answered and looked around. "There is something suspicious going on and we are part of the scheme, like it or not."

"Who do you suspect?"

"…Hakkai."

"Excuse me?" Gojyo said shaking his head. "Please, do not jump into conclusion."

Sanzo pulled Islimach reins and directed it to the exit. "Let us go for a ride."

"Darling, are you sure you are alright?" The baroness called out from behind. The truth was, she did not trust Goku to ride the horse alone, but he had persuaded her all morning. Finally, she allowed him to borrow one of her black stallions. As they rode Fflewdur and Terra through the rough forest lanes, her brother, Kougaiji led them. He however, had chosen to use Hiryu, one of his highly trained white dragons. He did not regret bringing his precious along, as it was the only time he could use it, without being bothered by other country people, who usually, fled at Hiryu's sight.

"I am fine, dear," Goku answered.

By the way his voice left his throat, Lirin knew that he was still unprepared for horseback riding on rugged road. She whispered something into Fflewdur's ear and the stallion began moving closer towards Terra. As soon as they were close to each other, Lirin jumped from her steed and onto Terra.

"Did not trust me?" Goku asked, in a rather hurt tone.

Lirin chuckled and wrapped her arms around his waist. "No, I was lonely."

As they raided through the thick forest, Kougaiji began to feel that there was something wrong with their trip. He held Hiryu's reigns firmly and his other hand was already equipped with a short dagger. Kougaiji smiled to himself every time he studied the dagger and the memories it held. His dear sister gave the precious dagger to him on his fourteenth birthday on the seventh month in the year of the demons. He could remember that certain day vividly in his mind.

It was a very wet and damp morning. It was raining heavily, but that did not stop him from leaving the comfort of his home and went to his dragon lair. The dragon lair was a very special place for him, and still is. That was where Souryu laid her first egg. That day, on his birthday, the egg hatched. Hiryu was a special dragon. Instead of streaks of blue and red, like his clans, he was as white as snow. He took the dragon back home, for fear the other lizards might harm it. He planned to take it back silently and without anyone knowing.

Unfortunately, the simple plan did not work. On his way back, he stumbled across his Uncle Nii. He had such huge mouth that every time he saw that man, he felt like doing him a favor and help stitch up his lips together. As soon as his uncle laid eyes on him and his dragon, his uncle screamed in terror. His round red eyes looked as if it would pop out at any moment. He ordered the old man to keep quite, but he did not heed. Uncle Nii, instead of shutting up, called out his stepmother's guards and ordered them to destroy his creature.

Being only a rookie sorcerer at that time, he did not have enough strength to summon neither Suzaku nor Raikuryu. He could not fight all of them and almost gave up. Thankfully, his hyperactive half-sister was there in time and beat the crap out of them. Lirin smiled after her extreme acts, instead of being sorry for destroying the whole mansion's imperial guards. She handed to him a short blade. A dagger. "Before you graduate from the school of sorcery, you should have one of these for defense," She said in short.

Kougaiji shook his head. Thanks, sis!

Suddenly Hiryu snorted. It had spotted a movement in one of the thick bushed in the jungle not far from its master's sister. The dragon snorted and growled louder.

Kougaiji, who was already an expert in reading dragon's thought, knew that something was wrong. He ordered the dragon to land in front of Lirin and Goku.

"What is it, brother?" Lirin asked at her brother's sudden act.

He however did not answer but motioned them to be silent. Kougaiji left Hiryu with them and crept waded slowly towards the bushes. He saw something from air and Hiryu's sense of danger could not be wrong. "Come out, or I will get you myself!" He ordered loudly.

Suddenly, a large black corona dragon caught Kougaiji by surprised and pinned him down to the ground. Kougaiji shrieked in horror as it began drooling all over him.

"Your brother is going to be his dinner if we do not do anything," Goku said, trying to get down from the horse.

"No!" Lirin shouted. This dragon, she wondered. This is the corona dragon. It was supposed to be extinct centuries ago. What is it doing here? The red haired girl raised her palms and released a small fireball. Unfortunately, it had missed. As if that was not bad enough, the dragon became furious and hurled a large blazing fireball at them, forcing them to run for safety.

Goku ducked behind a log. "You are a dragon expert, are you not? Why do you not stop that thing?"

Silence.

"Brother…?" Lirin whispered. She stared at her brother, who was trapped between the dragon's large nails. Kougaiji was not moving. His was staring up at the dragon's liquid black eyes. As if in trance. What are you doing, brother, Lirin wondered impatiently. Do something of he will eat you up!

Then, out of nowhere, a large figure of a man appeared from among the bushes and stood between them. Lirin could not see his face properly, as it was half covered by his blond hair. He looks familiar, Lirin thought.

The man grinned and pulled out a revolver and a long blade from behind his black coat.

Lirin gasped. Could that be Sanzo?

With demonic possessed eyes, he ran towards the dragon and began slashing and shooting aimlessly. Goku covered Lirin as bits of soils and rock flew around by the strong hurricane blast.

After a while, everything settled down. Goku rubbed his eyes and searched the area for the mysterious man or the dragon. Unfortunately, neither one of them were found.

Lirin pushed Goku gently off her and got up. Her back hurt, but she ignored. She quickly ran to where her brother lay. "Are you alright, brother?" she asked, concerned.

Apparently, he did not answer, but laid still.

Lirin stood speechless beside him. This was not like him at all. She watched as streams of warm tears flowed from her brother's eyes. Still, he said nothing. Was that sadness, or anger tears? She wondered, but did not take the risk. She backed off a little. She knew what would happen if she got stuck in the middle of his anger, which he seldom have.

"What are you doing here?"

A voice from behind startled her. She turned around and saw two familiar men. They were Sanzo and Gojyo. She pushed back her messy hair and stared at them again.

Gojyo looked at her in unison. "Why are you looking at us like we are ghosts?"

Lirin shook her head.

Sanzo snickered and looked around him. Then, he noticed Kougaiji lying on the ground. "What is wrong with your brother?" He asked, making his way towards him. Before Lirin could stop him, he felt himself being pushed aside with a strong force. When he realized, he was already pinned to the tree bark by a pair of strong hands. Sanzo gasped for air. "Kougaiji…"

Kougaiji stared at him expressionless. He tightened his grips.

Lirin rushed forward. What is wrong with him?

"What are you doing!" Gojyo shouted.

"Shut up!" The redhead shrieked.

"K…Kou… I can not breathe!" Sanzo whispered.

Kougaiji shook his head in disgust. "No, I do not care. You must die, horribly, like you had kill that dragon!"

Sanzo twitched. "What dragon! I just came here moments ago and did not see any dragons except an injured you. What are you talking about?!"

"Brother, enough!" Lirin exclaimed, trying to pull her brother's hand aside. "He is telling the truth. We did not see him clearly, how could you accuse him?"

"No!" Kougaiji cried. "Those eyes. I saw his eyes and the dragon's. His was demonic, and the dragon was afraid of him. You killed it!"

"You are not talking any sense, brother!"

End of chapter…