"Hearts Aflame" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 4
Time passed by quickly for Vivien. She knew every near future of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho like the back of her hand. They had met Hotohori, Nuriko.. and Kathryn. She discovered that Kathryn, like Samantha, was also a second Miko. She was the second Byakko no Miko, to be precise. Not only that, but apparently, Kathryn also had powers.. the powers of telekinesis and flying. She had also been known by the people in the book.. as Houki. Vivien remembered who Houki was. Hotohori's empress. The three sisters had introduced themselves to Hotohori and his people, and the emperor had been more than generous when he had offered to help Samantha and Kathryn summon their gods after Miaka had summoned theirs. With a smile, Vivien recalled that Kathryn had done most of the convincing.. in her own way.
With a sigh, Vivien once again tried to summon Suzaku's presence in her mind. He didn't come. He hadn't contacted her again for the longest time. She wondered why.
Miaka had gone to their world and had returned. Vivien and Tamahome had been waiting for her. She knew of the feelings Hotohori had for Miaka and felt sorry for not only Nuriko, but Kathryn. She could tell Kathryn already had feelings for the emperor, but wisely chose not to interfere.
But there was another thing that bothered Vivien. Lilian. What if she was in this world as well? If she was.. then she was in Kotou. She had voiced her suspicions to Kathryn and Samantha, but they had wisely advised her not to act just yet. Their gods had communicated with them and had told them not to interfere too much with the events that would come to pass. Suzaku had yet to give Vivien her special warnings..
Lilian.. Vivien's eyes were pained. Of all her sisters, she had always been closest to her elder sister, Lilian. As different as they were from each other, they had always understood each other. When Vivien's father had disappeared that fateful day so long ago, Lilian had been there to comfort and reassure her. Her cousin-turned-sister, Lilian had always protected Vivien. Vivien loved her other sisters as well, but she and Lilian had had a special bond.. and her heart ached with worry for her. If she really was in Kotou, then she was with Nakago. Her heart clenched with fear.
Closing her eyes, Vivien tried to stifle the pain and fear she felt in her heart. Then, without reason, she slowly lifted her hand. A warm wind blew against her palm, soothing her. She opened her eyes and she thought she imagined flickers of flame dancing across her fingers. Lilian wasn't there. She was alone. She reached out her hand.. reaching for someone to share this moment with. Someone to.. comfort her. A hot tear trickled down her cheek.
A red-haired bandit watched as his wolves chased away the travelers and knelt to pick up the belongings they had dropped. He opened a bag and grinned at the faint glimmer of gold within it. Not bad for one night.. for one lone bandit. He walked over the abandoned horse tied to a tree and calmed it easily. He checked the saddlebags for any extra loot. He would leave behind everything without value so he could get back on the road himself.. back home. He tossed out the packed food but kept the sake. He took a swig of the sake and put it away. He wouldn't drink too much. It would be just his luck if he was ambushed by the bandits of this area.
Then something.. some horrible, pitiful cry pierced the air. The bandit froze. It was coming from the other saddlebag. He tentatively went around the horse and was aghast to see the saddlebag move. He got a sinking feeling in his stomach as he peeked into the saddlebag. His worst fears were confirmed as he saw a tiny, bald baby writhing in the constraints of the rather small saddlebag. "Chikusho.." he swore softly, gently lifting the baby from the saddlebag.
The baby ceased crying as the bandit held the baby close. When it saw him, and at his frustrated expression, it smiled. The bandit's eyes twinkled. The little bugger had the cutest little tooth he had ever seen. He peeked under the swaddling clothes and smiled with relief. It was a boy. Thank goodness. He would have so hated it if it had been a girl. He hated girls. The baby loved the twinkle in the man's eyes and wriggled its feet playfully. The bandit grinned.
The baby immediately burst into tears at the sight of the bandit's fangs. Chagrined, the bandit immediately spoke in an attempt to stop the god-awful tears. "Common, kid, stop crying. Look at uncle Tasuki!" He wiggled his fingers in front of the baby and the baby stopped crying to grab at them. "That's it.. play with uncle Tasuki's clever fingers." He grinned. "If they're clever enough, maybe tomorrow, I'll 'find' you some milk and a home, okay, kid?"
The baby's mouth suddenly made a little 'o' of wonder. Tasuki felt it too. A breeze, a warm breeze, suddenly drifted past them. The air was warm.. pleasant, even. He looked up, and he could have sworn he was hearing someone weeping. It wasn't the baby, that was for sure. It was a woman, weeping. Her sobs were carried along by the wind. He made a face. There was one thing he hated more than women: their tears.
But the sobs tore at his heart for some inexplicable reason. His heart softened and, for some unknown reason, held up his free hand against the warm wind. His eyes widened with wonder. For a moment there, he could have sworn he had felt another's hand, reaching out..
When Miaka had decided to set out with Nuriko to find Tamahome, Vivien persuaded Samantha to stay with Kathryn, with Hotohori, while she went with them. She knew Miaka would need her.. and she knew.. if what Miaka had told her before about the Shicho was true, she would be able to go to Kotou, and see.. Lilian.
Nuriko hadn't minded the extra company.. once she had been assured that Vivien could have a horse of her own. Vivien mounted her horse without any apparent difficulty, though her mind screamed with fear. She had never been able to approach a horse with the calm she displayed now. She hated horses, with their large noses, humongous teeth, menacing eyes, and hooves of steel. And she knew horses hated her too just as much.
Nevertheless, she was on her way to Lilian with Miaka and Nuriko, determined to see this little episode through.
Miaka was pensive on the horse behind Nuriko. Tamahome had left so soon. It was a fine time for him to go. looking for more ways to earn money. Her eyes saddened. Maybe he had forgotten her..? After all, it had been three long months.. She saw the reason behind it, but she still felt a pang of pain that resounded deep in her heart. "You're a welcome sight, you know, Miaka?"
Miaka looked up in question.
Nuriko smiled. Vivien sighed. When Miaka had gone back to their world, Vivien had peen hard-pressed not to beg Taittsukun for a passage home herself. Besides, Taittsukun had told her flat out that she could not return to her world.. until it was time. Vivien had regained her memories of her time with Taittsukun a while back. She had trained with Taittsukun for years as her seishi, Kyoku, along with all five of her kinswomen, to prepare for her role now. Unfortunately, upon returning to their world, it was deemed necessary for them to forget all about the long years of training. Every memory was now returning as strong as ever.. but Vivien wondered why Taittsukun bothered. It wasn't as if they needed any special training to play guide to the Suzaku Shichiseishi. All one needed was a very special friend who just happened to be the Suzaku no Miko to tell her all about the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho.
Vivien was beginning to hate herself. And not only because she was such hot-tempered.. female dog that everyone who met her thought her ill- manned, uncouth, and unworthy, that they decided it was best to keep their distance. She hated herself for having feelings for the Suzaku Seishi, Tamahome.
Vivien knew Miaka and Tamahome were destined to be together, but she couldn't help the way she felt. She never interfered with their relationship, but she couldn't say she had never been a part of it. Miaka and Tamahome saw Vivien as their own personal referee and advisor. But also as a shared, close friend. Vivien's eyes softened. It was wrong of her to have feelings for Tamahome.. she knew it, but her heart just couldn't be helped.
"Tama-chan will be ecstatic!" Nuriko declared.
Vivien forced herself not to close her eyes. She couldn't trust her horse to just follow Nuriko. The horse sensed her fear and would drop her in the nearest ditch if she closed her eyes.
Nuriko smiled. "After you left, he just lost it." She smirked at the memory of Tamahome sitting dumbly atop one of the palace railings, a bird's nest on his head. She also remembered him munching a plate distractedly. Yep, he had definitely lost it. "I wish you could've seen it."
Vivien remembered that well. She had wanted to comfort the Suzaku seishi in Miaka's absence, but knew that she shouldn't have even thought about it. She had just watched him from a distance, her heart sighing with sadness.
Miaka was surprised. "Hontou?"
"Hai. So don't worry about it."
"W-Why should I worry?" Miaka spluttered.
Vivien sighed and answered for Nuriko. "You're the one he loves." She said bluntly. And no one else, she warned herself stubbornly.
"That's not true! Tamahome told me he didn't!" Miaka shook her head vehemently.
Nuriko shook his head. "At the time, he didn't realize it." Oh, how simple and dense was the female mind! Thank goodness he only possessed a female's heart. He couldn't have lived with himself otherwise.
He suddenly frowned. "Hey, what's up with this? The sky's getting dark!"
Vivien reigned in her horse. What was going on? She had trouble searching her mind for an answer she knew she knew. There had been so many events..
"Oh, no! It's getting darker!" Miaka exclaimed worriedly.
Suddenly, Vivien remembered. "Oy! Watch out!" Vivien snaked out a hand and grabbed Nuriko's reins. Her horse tried to rear up. Miaka fell down.
"Daijobu?!" Nuriko and Vivien asked Miaka worriedly.
Miaka stared up at man above her, cloaked in shadows. "W-What do you think you were doing?!" Miaka demanded irritably.
To Nuriko's astonishment, Vivien didn't move to help Miaka. She stepped back.
"Who are you?!" The man demanded of Miaka.
Miaka stilled. That voice..
Suddenly, someone cast a light over both of them. Tamahome stood over Miaka. "Miaka." He sounded stunned. Vivien smiled weakly.
Miaka stood. "Tamahome." She, too, sounded too surprised for words.
Suddenly, Tamahome pulled Miaka close. "Miaka.." Vivien's heart ached. "Is it really you?" He embraced her as if he had once lost her. "It was only three months, but it felt like a thousand years."
Miaka closed her eyes. "Tamahome."
"Miaka."
Vivien had to smile. Everyone was staring at them with bemusement but the couple only had eyes for each other. Miaka held Tamahome close, almost afraid to let go, afraid that he wasn't real. "I missed you.." Her heart thumped. You're so warm.. I can hear your heart beating. Her heart thumped decisively, almost in response to her feelings. Who cares if he's from another world. I want to stay like this.. with him. I love him.. so much.
Tamahome gazed upon Miaka warmly. "You look like you're feeling better."
Miaka smiled. "Yeah.."
Only then did they notice everyone staring at them. Blushing, they quickly put some distance between them. One of the villagers, carrying a torch, asked, "Tamahome-san, who are these people?"
Tamahome smiled. Vivien felt it was safe enough to rejoin her friends. Tamahome only had eyes for Miaka. "This is Miaka, the Suzaku no Miko." He gestured to Nuriko. "This is a gay guy."
Nuriko jabbed him. Tamahome winced. "Seriously, he's the Suzaku seishi, Nuriko."
"That's me."
Tamahome turned to Miaka. Vivien said nothing, but her heart was bruised. He had forgotten about her. She lowered her eyes so Miaka wouldn't see the hurt gleaming in them. "Hey, you know about the Kotou emperor, right? Because of the conflict, there are many suspicious men around. For a fee, I work for these people as a bodyguard." He explained.
He smiled. "Having me around makes them feel relatively secure."
Miaka smiled softly. Tamahome hasn't changed.. I'm glad. One of the villagers finally noticed Vivien. "Tamahome-san? Who's the foreigner?"
Vivien bristled despite her dejected state of mind. "The foreigner can speak for herself." She hissed irritably.
Tamahome looked shame-faced. He had forgotten about her. "Oh, sorry about that, Kyo-.."
Vivien shook her head. "I'm fine. My name is Vivien Smith."
Utter, expectant silence. Vivien sighed. "My seishi name is Kyoku. I am also a Suzaku seishi."
Everyone nodded in sudden comprehension. Vivien frowned, annoyed.
Suddenly, the torches went out. "What's going on?" Tamahome demanded.
"There's no wind, but they're out!" A villager exclaimed.
"Hurry! Get the torch going again!" Tamahome ordered them.
"H-Hai!"
Vivien frowned. Those torches hadn't gone out naturally. She held out her hand. "Hurry! Someone, give me a torch!" She was handed one. There was a rustle in the bushes. Vivien glared the torch into submission. A fire burst into existence just in time for everyone to see a pair of hands grab Miaka and pull her into the brush.
"MIAKA!"
She was gone. Tamahome hurried after her. From the corner of his eyes, Nuriko saw an arrow slice through the air. Vivien narrowed her eyes. "BURN!!!" To everyone's astonishment, the dozens of arrows that had been slicing towards them burst into flame and fell on the ground in ashes.
Nuriko turned to stare at Vivien, open-mouthed. "You have got to teach me that sometime."
Nuriko and Vivien waited patiently until Miaka and Tamahome would return. Nuriko sighed, unable to hold back the question any longer. "You told us that you're a seishi of Taittsukun's.. Kyoku. What was the real reason behind you volunteering to go along with Miaka and myself?"
Vivien didn't see any reason to lie. Besides, of the Suzaku seishi, Nuriko was the most mature and understanding.. Vivien had learned from Miaka.. until he died. Her eyes grew shadowed at the thought. "You know that Samantha and Kathryn are my sisters, right?"
Nuriko frowned. "Tei and Shoshi? About that, are you sure Kathryn's your sister?"
"Of course."
"But if that's so.. then why was she known as Houki all this time before you and your sisters came?" Nuriko wanted to know. "Is she really Houki?"
Vivien shrugged helplessly. "I don't know.. But she admits to having some memories of that Houki person sometimes.. Maybe she and this Houki person are connected somehow.." She offered.
Nuriko nodded. "You may be right, Kyo-chan. That means Houki may not really be gone.. I'm glad." He sighed. "Houki and I were best friends in the palace. I miss her dearly."
Vivien nodded with understanding. "I know how you feel.. I miss my sister, Lilian, too."
"Oh, yeah. You were saying? About your sisters?"
"Oh. Right. Well, I have five sisters in all. Samantha is the youngest at fifteen, and Kathryn and myself are a close second at sixteen. Kathryn's only a few months younger than I am. Lilian is my elder sister. She's eighteen. I have two elder sisters after her, too. Anne and Erin. Anne's nineteen, and Erin's twenty. They're in universities right now.."
"Universities?"
"A place that transforms smart people into industrial geniuses."
"Ah."
"But they weren't always my sisters.. except for Anne, of course. We used to be cousins.."
"What happened?"
Vivien closed her eyes in pain. "Many years ago, our fathers simply.. disappeared. Except for the father of Lilian and Erin.. my uncle. Our uncle adopted us as his own.. and all of us became sisters." She smiled softly. "I guess we had always been sisters at heart.. it wasn't all that hard for us to start thinking of each other as natural sisters. We loved each other dearly. Then Anne and Erin went to their universities." Her eyes saddened. "Two of my sisters are here.. And together, we make three. Our duty is to restore the balance to our respective gods. But there are four gods.. they need four sisters."
"You think Lilian's here."
"I know she's here. Sammy serves Genbu. Kathryn serves Byakko. I serve Suzaku. And I have a feeling Lilian serves Seiryuu."
Nuriko's eyes widened. "You think she's in Kotou?"
"Hai."
"What do you plan to do then? Why did you come with us then? We're not going to Kotou. We're just here to fetch Tamahome."
Vivien then realized her mistake in confiding to Nuriko. "Of course.." Her mind raced, trying to find a good excuse. "I just hope I'm wrong.. about Lilian, I mean. I hoped to perhaps find her here.. in Konan. One can't give up hope, you know."
"No.. one can't." Nuriko agreed quietly.
"Nuriko? What happened?" Tamahome demanded of the Suzaku seishi, coming into the clearing with Miaka in tow. He stared at the ashes on the ground.
"Oh, you mean the ashes? Oh, we were just having a blast, being target practice, that is. Kyoku burned the arrows. We're fine. Everybody's okay." The Suzaku seishi assured Tamahome.
Tamahome smiled at Vivien. "Arigatou, Kyo-chan."
Vivien blushed. "I would appreciate it if you guys called me Vivien. Or Vi, for short."
"But you are a Suzaku seishi! Are you not proud of the honor?" Nuriko was surprised.
Vivien sighed. "Fine, you can call me Kyoku. Or Kyo-chan, or whatever." She said with exasperation. "At least it's better than Vivi." She grumbled to herself.
Vivien managed to convince Miaka to let her follow her to Kotou and snuck away with her. Vivien knew Miaka would need her help. Undoubtedly. They were now at the border. Vivien tried to pass the guard with Miaka before her on her horse, but they had no such luck.
Miaka smiled cheerfully at the guard. "Greetings! Keep up the good work!"
"Hey, do you have a passport?" The guard asked her suspiciously.
Miaka blinked. "Do I need one?"
The guard stared, annoyed by her stupidity. "Of course, you need one!"
The other guard frowned, observing Miaka and Vivien on the horse. "Hey." He nudged his friend. "Look at her clothes."
The guard narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Yeah.. I heard from my superior about a girl from another world."
"Could she be the Seiryuu no Miko?"
Miaka suddenly looked sly. Vivien grinned. She would leave this up to her friend. "That's me! I'm the Seiryuu no Miko."
"Hold it! Do you have proof?"
Miaka blinked, unsure of how to answer that. She pointed in the other direction, at the sky and shouted. "Hey! There's Nakai, lead singer of Smapp!"
Vivien groaned. Miaka should have warned her about her terrible distraction abilities. The guards were only fooled for a moment. "Don't talk nonsense!"
Suddenly, the guards froze. "I.. can't move!"
Vivien smiled. Thanks, Chichiri. She urged her horse forward. They were stopped by a tall rider on a horse. Miaka stared. Only the man's eyes were visible. They were. a piercing blue. Who can he be?
One of the frozen guards stammered. "Sh-Shogun!"
Shogun? Dread crept into Vivien's heart like a black, dark hand. Could it be..?
The man glanced at his guards. "A binding spell." He observed. He smirked underneath his mask. "That's easy." He narrowed his eyes and the spell on the guards was countered and dropped.
Chichiri cursed underneath his breath. He's not bad.
"Who are they?" Nakago demanded of the guards.
The first guard hurried to answer. "Sir, one of them says she's the Seiryuu no Miko?"
"Seiryuu no..?" Nakago's eyes narrowed once more as he observed the two girls. "Which one?"
Vivien glared right back, highly tempted to burn him on the spot. "I am."
Miaka's eyes widened. "No, you're not. I am." Miaka blurted, unable to help herself. Vivien groaned.
"Miaka.. you weren't supposed to say that.."
Miaka looked chagrined. "Oh."
"I couldn't have asked for better timing. I've been searching for you." He looked at Vivien. "And who are you?"
"My mother!" Miaka blurted out again. Nakago arched a brow in disbelief.
Vivien couldn't help from groaning out loud this time. "Baka.. I'm not her mother. I'm her protector."
"A Seiryuu seishi?"
She would never stoop so low. "No. I've been watching after her ever since she came to this.. our world."
"I see. Very well. You will come with us." He smoothly transferred Miaka to his horse before Miaka or Vivien could say anything.
"Now wait a damned minute! You can't just do that!" Vivien protested.
"Can't I?" His eyes narrowed. "If she's really the Seiryuu no Miko.. then she is under my protection now." A blue symbol glowed on his forehead. Vivien's eyes widened. It really is him.
Vivien had no choice but to withdraw. Nakago turned to the soldiers behind him. "Go back and tell the Emperor that I'll be showing up with the Seiryuu no Miko."
Miaka paled. This wasn't what she had in mind. "It'll be too much trouble." She protested lightly. "I just came here to look for somebody. Maybe next time?"
Suddenly, the guards back at the gate hollered. "Hey! Show us your pass!"
A familiar voice swore. "I don't have one! Let me through!"
Miaka's eyes widened. Tamahome.
"Let me pass, damn it!"
Miaka's heart stilled. You still came after me.. Tamahome.. Miaka made up her mind. "Let's go. Haiyaku!" Nakago's eyes narrowed. Vivien sighed. Miaka's eyes were closed in determination. If I yell.. If I let him know I'm here.. surely, he'll come after me. But if I do that, Tamahome will be risking his life again.. So..
Vivien's followed Nakago's horse quietly, her hands on her reins white-knuckled and trembling. She stared at the shogun's back with hard violet eyes. It was him. Nakago. The black-hearted bastard who had manipulated Yui and had attempted to sever the friendship between Miaka and Yui. She hated the bastard just by hearing of him, but now that she had met him, she hated him on a more dangerous, personal basis. She wanted to incinerate him, but knew that Suzaku would not allow it and would stop her. She growled beneath her breath. Rules. The world would be a much better place without them.
She saw a pair of guards hurry towards them and her eyes narrowed. Was she forbidden to incinerate them? She needed to burn something. Right away. Suddenly, she saw a lady run aways behind the guards, silver hair flowing and silk cloth rippling in the wind. Vivien's eyes widened. Her heart stopped.
The beautiful young woman stopped before Nakago's horse. "Nakago!" The woman's blue eyes widened with dismay when she saw Miaka before the shogun. They were wide with recognition. Miaka looked at the young woman curiously, anxiously. The woman was looking at her with a strange light in her eyes.
"Taishi." Nakago frowned and his eyes gleamed.
The woman was staring at Miaka. She walked up to his horse and looked up at the Suzaku no Miko. "Miaka sama.."
Nakago's eyes narrowed at the name. Miaka paled. How had she known her name? Then she noticed the woman's clothes. She was wearing a black skirt and a blue silk blouse.. and a pair of black platform boots. She was from their world! But who was she? Something about her was so familiar..
The woman looked aghast at her loose tongue.
Vivien drew in a breath, her heart trembling. It really is her! "Lily!" Vivien cried out, overcome with emotion. The woman looked at her and gasped. Vivien stared at her. Tears rushed to her eyes.
"Vivi.." The woman breathed, tears in her own eyes.
Vivien jumped off her horse and rushed to her sister. "Lily!" The two sisters embraced. Vivien cried shamelessly. "Lily, I was so worried."
Nakago stared and his eyes narrowed with surprise. Miaka stared at the sisters, comprehension dawning in her hazel eyes. "Kyoku.. is she Lilian?"
The two sisters drew apart. There were tears in both their eyes. Vivien nodded and wiped her face with her sleeve. "Hai.. this is my sister, Lily. Lilian Smith." Her heart sang with joy.
Lilian, smiling, faced Nakago. "Nakago.. this is my sister, Vivi. Vivien Smith."
Lilian suddenly turned to face her sister again. "Vivi.. Kyoku?"
Vivien smiled sadly. She had so much to tell her sister.. "I'll explain..later." She turned to Miaka. "I serve the Seiryuu no Miko."
Lilian frowned. "Seiryuu no.." Thankfully, Lilian immediately understood the implications. "Ah! Soka!" She bowed reverently to Miaka. "Welcome to Kotou, Seiryuu no Miko."
Vivien smiled with relief. She just hoped she knew what she was doing.
Vivien, Lilian, Miaka, and Nakago stood before the Emperor of Kotou, who was reading from the Seiryuu copy of the Shicho. Vivien stared at the Emperor, repulsed. He looked like an old lech.. ugly and repulsive. The total opposite of the handsome Emperor of Konan. Vivien resisted the impulse to wrinkle her nose in disgust.
The Emperor looked up and smiled. Vivien suppressed a shudder. "Ah, Nakago, they said you have brought me the Seiryuu no Miko!" He looked and frowned when he saw Miaka and Vivien. He also looked at Lilian strangely. "Nakago.. who are they?"
Nakago took off his helmet. Vivien and Miaka were startled at his gorgeous looks. Vivien gulped. Why did he have to be so gorgeous? He was impossibly handsome. Nakago looked to Miaka first. "This girl claims to be the Seiryuu no Miko."
Vivien suddenly realized she didn't have a plan. Her eyes widened in panic. He looked to Vivien. "She is Vivien Smith. She serves the girl. She is sister to Lilian Smith, a Seiryuu seishi."
The Emperor did a double take. He stared at Lilian and Miaka. "You have the Miko and a Seiryuu seishi! Well done, Nakago." He looked thoughtfully at Miaka. "Is she really the Miko?"
"Apparently she is."
The Emperor grinned triumphantly and laughed. "Ha! Ha! I shall soon have that young fool, the Konan Emperor, crying and kneeling at my feet! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Kathryn would have had that Emperor crying for that. Vivien and Lilian closed their eyes, knowing what was to happen next. Miaka lost control of herself. "Don't underestimate Hotohori-san!"
The Emperor blinked. "Hotohori?"
Miaka looked stricken. "Ho-ho-ho.."
Vivien rushed to Miaka's aid, embarrassed. "Ah.. gomenasai.. she's been in the sun too long.. ano.."
Lilian suppressed a smile. Nakago looked at the Emperor. "Your Highness, there's someone else I want you to meet."
Vivien stared at Lilian. Lilian was covering her mouth with dismay. Vivien wanted to cry. Lilian glared at Nakago.
Vivien buried her face in her hands. They were dead.
Chapter 4
Time passed by quickly for Vivien. She knew every near future of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho like the back of her hand. They had met Hotohori, Nuriko.. and Kathryn. She discovered that Kathryn, like Samantha, was also a second Miko. She was the second Byakko no Miko, to be precise. Not only that, but apparently, Kathryn also had powers.. the powers of telekinesis and flying. She had also been known by the people in the book.. as Houki. Vivien remembered who Houki was. Hotohori's empress. The three sisters had introduced themselves to Hotohori and his people, and the emperor had been more than generous when he had offered to help Samantha and Kathryn summon their gods after Miaka had summoned theirs. With a smile, Vivien recalled that Kathryn had done most of the convincing.. in her own way.
With a sigh, Vivien once again tried to summon Suzaku's presence in her mind. He didn't come. He hadn't contacted her again for the longest time. She wondered why.
Miaka had gone to their world and had returned. Vivien and Tamahome had been waiting for her. She knew of the feelings Hotohori had for Miaka and felt sorry for not only Nuriko, but Kathryn. She could tell Kathryn already had feelings for the emperor, but wisely chose not to interfere.
But there was another thing that bothered Vivien. Lilian. What if she was in this world as well? If she was.. then she was in Kotou. She had voiced her suspicions to Kathryn and Samantha, but they had wisely advised her not to act just yet. Their gods had communicated with them and had told them not to interfere too much with the events that would come to pass. Suzaku had yet to give Vivien her special warnings..
Lilian.. Vivien's eyes were pained. Of all her sisters, she had always been closest to her elder sister, Lilian. As different as they were from each other, they had always understood each other. When Vivien's father had disappeared that fateful day so long ago, Lilian had been there to comfort and reassure her. Her cousin-turned-sister, Lilian had always protected Vivien. Vivien loved her other sisters as well, but she and Lilian had had a special bond.. and her heart ached with worry for her. If she really was in Kotou, then she was with Nakago. Her heart clenched with fear.
Closing her eyes, Vivien tried to stifle the pain and fear she felt in her heart. Then, without reason, she slowly lifted her hand. A warm wind blew against her palm, soothing her. She opened her eyes and she thought she imagined flickers of flame dancing across her fingers. Lilian wasn't there. She was alone. She reached out her hand.. reaching for someone to share this moment with. Someone to.. comfort her. A hot tear trickled down her cheek.
A red-haired bandit watched as his wolves chased away the travelers and knelt to pick up the belongings they had dropped. He opened a bag and grinned at the faint glimmer of gold within it. Not bad for one night.. for one lone bandit. He walked over the abandoned horse tied to a tree and calmed it easily. He checked the saddlebags for any extra loot. He would leave behind everything without value so he could get back on the road himself.. back home. He tossed out the packed food but kept the sake. He took a swig of the sake and put it away. He wouldn't drink too much. It would be just his luck if he was ambushed by the bandits of this area.
Then something.. some horrible, pitiful cry pierced the air. The bandit froze. It was coming from the other saddlebag. He tentatively went around the horse and was aghast to see the saddlebag move. He got a sinking feeling in his stomach as he peeked into the saddlebag. His worst fears were confirmed as he saw a tiny, bald baby writhing in the constraints of the rather small saddlebag. "Chikusho.." he swore softly, gently lifting the baby from the saddlebag.
The baby ceased crying as the bandit held the baby close. When it saw him, and at his frustrated expression, it smiled. The bandit's eyes twinkled. The little bugger had the cutest little tooth he had ever seen. He peeked under the swaddling clothes and smiled with relief. It was a boy. Thank goodness. He would have so hated it if it had been a girl. He hated girls. The baby loved the twinkle in the man's eyes and wriggled its feet playfully. The bandit grinned.
The baby immediately burst into tears at the sight of the bandit's fangs. Chagrined, the bandit immediately spoke in an attempt to stop the god-awful tears. "Common, kid, stop crying. Look at uncle Tasuki!" He wiggled his fingers in front of the baby and the baby stopped crying to grab at them. "That's it.. play with uncle Tasuki's clever fingers." He grinned. "If they're clever enough, maybe tomorrow, I'll 'find' you some milk and a home, okay, kid?"
The baby's mouth suddenly made a little 'o' of wonder. Tasuki felt it too. A breeze, a warm breeze, suddenly drifted past them. The air was warm.. pleasant, even. He looked up, and he could have sworn he was hearing someone weeping. It wasn't the baby, that was for sure. It was a woman, weeping. Her sobs were carried along by the wind. He made a face. There was one thing he hated more than women: their tears.
But the sobs tore at his heart for some inexplicable reason. His heart softened and, for some unknown reason, held up his free hand against the warm wind. His eyes widened with wonder. For a moment there, he could have sworn he had felt another's hand, reaching out..
When Miaka had decided to set out with Nuriko to find Tamahome, Vivien persuaded Samantha to stay with Kathryn, with Hotohori, while she went with them. She knew Miaka would need her.. and she knew.. if what Miaka had told her before about the Shicho was true, she would be able to go to Kotou, and see.. Lilian.
Nuriko hadn't minded the extra company.. once she had been assured that Vivien could have a horse of her own. Vivien mounted her horse without any apparent difficulty, though her mind screamed with fear. She had never been able to approach a horse with the calm she displayed now. She hated horses, with their large noses, humongous teeth, menacing eyes, and hooves of steel. And she knew horses hated her too just as much.
Nevertheless, she was on her way to Lilian with Miaka and Nuriko, determined to see this little episode through.
Miaka was pensive on the horse behind Nuriko. Tamahome had left so soon. It was a fine time for him to go. looking for more ways to earn money. Her eyes saddened. Maybe he had forgotten her..? After all, it had been three long months.. She saw the reason behind it, but she still felt a pang of pain that resounded deep in her heart. "You're a welcome sight, you know, Miaka?"
Miaka looked up in question.
Nuriko smiled. Vivien sighed. When Miaka had gone back to their world, Vivien had peen hard-pressed not to beg Taittsukun for a passage home herself. Besides, Taittsukun had told her flat out that she could not return to her world.. until it was time. Vivien had regained her memories of her time with Taittsukun a while back. She had trained with Taittsukun for years as her seishi, Kyoku, along with all five of her kinswomen, to prepare for her role now. Unfortunately, upon returning to their world, it was deemed necessary for them to forget all about the long years of training. Every memory was now returning as strong as ever.. but Vivien wondered why Taittsukun bothered. It wasn't as if they needed any special training to play guide to the Suzaku Shichiseishi. All one needed was a very special friend who just happened to be the Suzaku no Miko to tell her all about the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho.
Vivien was beginning to hate herself. And not only because she was such hot-tempered.. female dog that everyone who met her thought her ill- manned, uncouth, and unworthy, that they decided it was best to keep their distance. She hated herself for having feelings for the Suzaku Seishi, Tamahome.
Vivien knew Miaka and Tamahome were destined to be together, but she couldn't help the way she felt. She never interfered with their relationship, but she couldn't say she had never been a part of it. Miaka and Tamahome saw Vivien as their own personal referee and advisor. But also as a shared, close friend. Vivien's eyes softened. It was wrong of her to have feelings for Tamahome.. she knew it, but her heart just couldn't be helped.
"Tama-chan will be ecstatic!" Nuriko declared.
Vivien forced herself not to close her eyes. She couldn't trust her horse to just follow Nuriko. The horse sensed her fear and would drop her in the nearest ditch if she closed her eyes.
Nuriko smiled. "After you left, he just lost it." She smirked at the memory of Tamahome sitting dumbly atop one of the palace railings, a bird's nest on his head. She also remembered him munching a plate distractedly. Yep, he had definitely lost it. "I wish you could've seen it."
Vivien remembered that well. She had wanted to comfort the Suzaku seishi in Miaka's absence, but knew that she shouldn't have even thought about it. She had just watched him from a distance, her heart sighing with sadness.
Miaka was surprised. "Hontou?"
"Hai. So don't worry about it."
"W-Why should I worry?" Miaka spluttered.
Vivien sighed and answered for Nuriko. "You're the one he loves." She said bluntly. And no one else, she warned herself stubbornly.
"That's not true! Tamahome told me he didn't!" Miaka shook her head vehemently.
Nuriko shook his head. "At the time, he didn't realize it." Oh, how simple and dense was the female mind! Thank goodness he only possessed a female's heart. He couldn't have lived with himself otherwise.
He suddenly frowned. "Hey, what's up with this? The sky's getting dark!"
Vivien reigned in her horse. What was going on? She had trouble searching her mind for an answer she knew she knew. There had been so many events..
"Oh, no! It's getting darker!" Miaka exclaimed worriedly.
Suddenly, Vivien remembered. "Oy! Watch out!" Vivien snaked out a hand and grabbed Nuriko's reins. Her horse tried to rear up. Miaka fell down.
"Daijobu?!" Nuriko and Vivien asked Miaka worriedly.
Miaka stared up at man above her, cloaked in shadows. "W-What do you think you were doing?!" Miaka demanded irritably.
To Nuriko's astonishment, Vivien didn't move to help Miaka. She stepped back.
"Who are you?!" The man demanded of Miaka.
Miaka stilled. That voice..
Suddenly, someone cast a light over both of them. Tamahome stood over Miaka. "Miaka." He sounded stunned. Vivien smiled weakly.
Miaka stood. "Tamahome." She, too, sounded too surprised for words.
Suddenly, Tamahome pulled Miaka close. "Miaka.." Vivien's heart ached. "Is it really you?" He embraced her as if he had once lost her. "It was only three months, but it felt like a thousand years."
Miaka closed her eyes. "Tamahome."
"Miaka."
Vivien had to smile. Everyone was staring at them with bemusement but the couple only had eyes for each other. Miaka held Tamahome close, almost afraid to let go, afraid that he wasn't real. "I missed you.." Her heart thumped. You're so warm.. I can hear your heart beating. Her heart thumped decisively, almost in response to her feelings. Who cares if he's from another world. I want to stay like this.. with him. I love him.. so much.
Tamahome gazed upon Miaka warmly. "You look like you're feeling better."
Miaka smiled. "Yeah.."
Only then did they notice everyone staring at them. Blushing, they quickly put some distance between them. One of the villagers, carrying a torch, asked, "Tamahome-san, who are these people?"
Tamahome smiled. Vivien felt it was safe enough to rejoin her friends. Tamahome only had eyes for Miaka. "This is Miaka, the Suzaku no Miko." He gestured to Nuriko. "This is a gay guy."
Nuriko jabbed him. Tamahome winced. "Seriously, he's the Suzaku seishi, Nuriko."
"That's me."
Tamahome turned to Miaka. Vivien said nothing, but her heart was bruised. He had forgotten about her. She lowered her eyes so Miaka wouldn't see the hurt gleaming in them. "Hey, you know about the Kotou emperor, right? Because of the conflict, there are many suspicious men around. For a fee, I work for these people as a bodyguard." He explained.
He smiled. "Having me around makes them feel relatively secure."
Miaka smiled softly. Tamahome hasn't changed.. I'm glad. One of the villagers finally noticed Vivien. "Tamahome-san? Who's the foreigner?"
Vivien bristled despite her dejected state of mind. "The foreigner can speak for herself." She hissed irritably.
Tamahome looked shame-faced. He had forgotten about her. "Oh, sorry about that, Kyo-.."
Vivien shook her head. "I'm fine. My name is Vivien Smith."
Utter, expectant silence. Vivien sighed. "My seishi name is Kyoku. I am also a Suzaku seishi."
Everyone nodded in sudden comprehension. Vivien frowned, annoyed.
Suddenly, the torches went out. "What's going on?" Tamahome demanded.
"There's no wind, but they're out!" A villager exclaimed.
"Hurry! Get the torch going again!" Tamahome ordered them.
"H-Hai!"
Vivien frowned. Those torches hadn't gone out naturally. She held out her hand. "Hurry! Someone, give me a torch!" She was handed one. There was a rustle in the bushes. Vivien glared the torch into submission. A fire burst into existence just in time for everyone to see a pair of hands grab Miaka and pull her into the brush.
"MIAKA!"
She was gone. Tamahome hurried after her. From the corner of his eyes, Nuriko saw an arrow slice through the air. Vivien narrowed her eyes. "BURN!!!" To everyone's astonishment, the dozens of arrows that had been slicing towards them burst into flame and fell on the ground in ashes.
Nuriko turned to stare at Vivien, open-mouthed. "You have got to teach me that sometime."
Nuriko and Vivien waited patiently until Miaka and Tamahome would return. Nuriko sighed, unable to hold back the question any longer. "You told us that you're a seishi of Taittsukun's.. Kyoku. What was the real reason behind you volunteering to go along with Miaka and myself?"
Vivien didn't see any reason to lie. Besides, of the Suzaku seishi, Nuriko was the most mature and understanding.. Vivien had learned from Miaka.. until he died. Her eyes grew shadowed at the thought. "You know that Samantha and Kathryn are my sisters, right?"
Nuriko frowned. "Tei and Shoshi? About that, are you sure Kathryn's your sister?"
"Of course."
"But if that's so.. then why was she known as Houki all this time before you and your sisters came?" Nuriko wanted to know. "Is she really Houki?"
Vivien shrugged helplessly. "I don't know.. But she admits to having some memories of that Houki person sometimes.. Maybe she and this Houki person are connected somehow.." She offered.
Nuriko nodded. "You may be right, Kyo-chan. That means Houki may not really be gone.. I'm glad." He sighed. "Houki and I were best friends in the palace. I miss her dearly."
Vivien nodded with understanding. "I know how you feel.. I miss my sister, Lilian, too."
"Oh, yeah. You were saying? About your sisters?"
"Oh. Right. Well, I have five sisters in all. Samantha is the youngest at fifteen, and Kathryn and myself are a close second at sixteen. Kathryn's only a few months younger than I am. Lilian is my elder sister. She's eighteen. I have two elder sisters after her, too. Anne and Erin. Anne's nineteen, and Erin's twenty. They're in universities right now.."
"Universities?"
"A place that transforms smart people into industrial geniuses."
"Ah."
"But they weren't always my sisters.. except for Anne, of course. We used to be cousins.."
"What happened?"
Vivien closed her eyes in pain. "Many years ago, our fathers simply.. disappeared. Except for the father of Lilian and Erin.. my uncle. Our uncle adopted us as his own.. and all of us became sisters." She smiled softly. "I guess we had always been sisters at heart.. it wasn't all that hard for us to start thinking of each other as natural sisters. We loved each other dearly. Then Anne and Erin went to their universities." Her eyes saddened. "Two of my sisters are here.. And together, we make three. Our duty is to restore the balance to our respective gods. But there are four gods.. they need four sisters."
"You think Lilian's here."
"I know she's here. Sammy serves Genbu. Kathryn serves Byakko. I serve Suzaku. And I have a feeling Lilian serves Seiryuu."
Nuriko's eyes widened. "You think she's in Kotou?"
"Hai."
"What do you plan to do then? Why did you come with us then? We're not going to Kotou. We're just here to fetch Tamahome."
Vivien then realized her mistake in confiding to Nuriko. "Of course.." Her mind raced, trying to find a good excuse. "I just hope I'm wrong.. about Lilian, I mean. I hoped to perhaps find her here.. in Konan. One can't give up hope, you know."
"No.. one can't." Nuriko agreed quietly.
"Nuriko? What happened?" Tamahome demanded of the Suzaku seishi, coming into the clearing with Miaka in tow. He stared at the ashes on the ground.
"Oh, you mean the ashes? Oh, we were just having a blast, being target practice, that is. Kyoku burned the arrows. We're fine. Everybody's okay." The Suzaku seishi assured Tamahome.
Tamahome smiled at Vivien. "Arigatou, Kyo-chan."
Vivien blushed. "I would appreciate it if you guys called me Vivien. Or Vi, for short."
"But you are a Suzaku seishi! Are you not proud of the honor?" Nuriko was surprised.
Vivien sighed. "Fine, you can call me Kyoku. Or Kyo-chan, or whatever." She said with exasperation. "At least it's better than Vivi." She grumbled to herself.
Vivien managed to convince Miaka to let her follow her to Kotou and snuck away with her. Vivien knew Miaka would need her help. Undoubtedly. They were now at the border. Vivien tried to pass the guard with Miaka before her on her horse, but they had no such luck.
Miaka smiled cheerfully at the guard. "Greetings! Keep up the good work!"
"Hey, do you have a passport?" The guard asked her suspiciously.
Miaka blinked. "Do I need one?"
The guard stared, annoyed by her stupidity. "Of course, you need one!"
The other guard frowned, observing Miaka and Vivien on the horse. "Hey." He nudged his friend. "Look at her clothes."
The guard narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Yeah.. I heard from my superior about a girl from another world."
"Could she be the Seiryuu no Miko?"
Miaka suddenly looked sly. Vivien grinned. She would leave this up to her friend. "That's me! I'm the Seiryuu no Miko."
"Hold it! Do you have proof?"
Miaka blinked, unsure of how to answer that. She pointed in the other direction, at the sky and shouted. "Hey! There's Nakai, lead singer of Smapp!"
Vivien groaned. Miaka should have warned her about her terrible distraction abilities. The guards were only fooled for a moment. "Don't talk nonsense!"
Suddenly, the guards froze. "I.. can't move!"
Vivien smiled. Thanks, Chichiri. She urged her horse forward. They were stopped by a tall rider on a horse. Miaka stared. Only the man's eyes were visible. They were. a piercing blue. Who can he be?
One of the frozen guards stammered. "Sh-Shogun!"
Shogun? Dread crept into Vivien's heart like a black, dark hand. Could it be..?
The man glanced at his guards. "A binding spell." He observed. He smirked underneath his mask. "That's easy." He narrowed his eyes and the spell on the guards was countered and dropped.
Chichiri cursed underneath his breath. He's not bad.
"Who are they?" Nakago demanded of the guards.
The first guard hurried to answer. "Sir, one of them says she's the Seiryuu no Miko?"
"Seiryuu no..?" Nakago's eyes narrowed once more as he observed the two girls. "Which one?"
Vivien glared right back, highly tempted to burn him on the spot. "I am."
Miaka's eyes widened. "No, you're not. I am." Miaka blurted, unable to help herself. Vivien groaned.
"Miaka.. you weren't supposed to say that.."
Miaka looked chagrined. "Oh."
"I couldn't have asked for better timing. I've been searching for you." He looked at Vivien. "And who are you?"
"My mother!" Miaka blurted out again. Nakago arched a brow in disbelief.
Vivien couldn't help from groaning out loud this time. "Baka.. I'm not her mother. I'm her protector."
"A Seiryuu seishi?"
She would never stoop so low. "No. I've been watching after her ever since she came to this.. our world."
"I see. Very well. You will come with us." He smoothly transferred Miaka to his horse before Miaka or Vivien could say anything.
"Now wait a damned minute! You can't just do that!" Vivien protested.
"Can't I?" His eyes narrowed. "If she's really the Seiryuu no Miko.. then she is under my protection now." A blue symbol glowed on his forehead. Vivien's eyes widened. It really is him.
Vivien had no choice but to withdraw. Nakago turned to the soldiers behind him. "Go back and tell the Emperor that I'll be showing up with the Seiryuu no Miko."
Miaka paled. This wasn't what she had in mind. "It'll be too much trouble." She protested lightly. "I just came here to look for somebody. Maybe next time?"
Suddenly, the guards back at the gate hollered. "Hey! Show us your pass!"
A familiar voice swore. "I don't have one! Let me through!"
Miaka's eyes widened. Tamahome.
"Let me pass, damn it!"
Miaka's heart stilled. You still came after me.. Tamahome.. Miaka made up her mind. "Let's go. Haiyaku!" Nakago's eyes narrowed. Vivien sighed. Miaka's eyes were closed in determination. If I yell.. If I let him know I'm here.. surely, he'll come after me. But if I do that, Tamahome will be risking his life again.. So..
Vivien's followed Nakago's horse quietly, her hands on her reins white-knuckled and trembling. She stared at the shogun's back with hard violet eyes. It was him. Nakago. The black-hearted bastard who had manipulated Yui and had attempted to sever the friendship between Miaka and Yui. She hated the bastard just by hearing of him, but now that she had met him, she hated him on a more dangerous, personal basis. She wanted to incinerate him, but knew that Suzaku would not allow it and would stop her. She growled beneath her breath. Rules. The world would be a much better place without them.
She saw a pair of guards hurry towards them and her eyes narrowed. Was she forbidden to incinerate them? She needed to burn something. Right away. Suddenly, she saw a lady run aways behind the guards, silver hair flowing and silk cloth rippling in the wind. Vivien's eyes widened. Her heart stopped.
The beautiful young woman stopped before Nakago's horse. "Nakago!" The woman's blue eyes widened with dismay when she saw Miaka before the shogun. They were wide with recognition. Miaka looked at the young woman curiously, anxiously. The woman was looking at her with a strange light in her eyes.
"Taishi." Nakago frowned and his eyes gleamed.
The woman was staring at Miaka. She walked up to his horse and looked up at the Suzaku no Miko. "Miaka sama.."
Nakago's eyes narrowed at the name. Miaka paled. How had she known her name? Then she noticed the woman's clothes. She was wearing a black skirt and a blue silk blouse.. and a pair of black platform boots. She was from their world! But who was she? Something about her was so familiar..
The woman looked aghast at her loose tongue.
Vivien drew in a breath, her heart trembling. It really is her! "Lily!" Vivien cried out, overcome with emotion. The woman looked at her and gasped. Vivien stared at her. Tears rushed to her eyes.
"Vivi.." The woman breathed, tears in her own eyes.
Vivien jumped off her horse and rushed to her sister. "Lily!" The two sisters embraced. Vivien cried shamelessly. "Lily, I was so worried."
Nakago stared and his eyes narrowed with surprise. Miaka stared at the sisters, comprehension dawning in her hazel eyes. "Kyoku.. is she Lilian?"
The two sisters drew apart. There were tears in both their eyes. Vivien nodded and wiped her face with her sleeve. "Hai.. this is my sister, Lily. Lilian Smith." Her heart sang with joy.
Lilian, smiling, faced Nakago. "Nakago.. this is my sister, Vivi. Vivien Smith."
Lilian suddenly turned to face her sister again. "Vivi.. Kyoku?"
Vivien smiled sadly. She had so much to tell her sister.. "I'll explain..later." She turned to Miaka. "I serve the Seiryuu no Miko."
Lilian frowned. "Seiryuu no.." Thankfully, Lilian immediately understood the implications. "Ah! Soka!" She bowed reverently to Miaka. "Welcome to Kotou, Seiryuu no Miko."
Vivien smiled with relief. She just hoped she knew what she was doing.
Vivien, Lilian, Miaka, and Nakago stood before the Emperor of Kotou, who was reading from the Seiryuu copy of the Shicho. Vivien stared at the Emperor, repulsed. He looked like an old lech.. ugly and repulsive. The total opposite of the handsome Emperor of Konan. Vivien resisted the impulse to wrinkle her nose in disgust.
The Emperor looked up and smiled. Vivien suppressed a shudder. "Ah, Nakago, they said you have brought me the Seiryuu no Miko!" He looked and frowned when he saw Miaka and Vivien. He also looked at Lilian strangely. "Nakago.. who are they?"
Nakago took off his helmet. Vivien and Miaka were startled at his gorgeous looks. Vivien gulped. Why did he have to be so gorgeous? He was impossibly handsome. Nakago looked to Miaka first. "This girl claims to be the Seiryuu no Miko."
Vivien suddenly realized she didn't have a plan. Her eyes widened in panic. He looked to Vivien. "She is Vivien Smith. She serves the girl. She is sister to Lilian Smith, a Seiryuu seishi."
The Emperor did a double take. He stared at Lilian and Miaka. "You have the Miko and a Seiryuu seishi! Well done, Nakago." He looked thoughtfully at Miaka. "Is she really the Miko?"
"Apparently she is."
The Emperor grinned triumphantly and laughed. "Ha! Ha! I shall soon have that young fool, the Konan Emperor, crying and kneeling at my feet! Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Kathryn would have had that Emperor crying for that. Vivien and Lilian closed their eyes, knowing what was to happen next. Miaka lost control of herself. "Don't underestimate Hotohori-san!"
The Emperor blinked. "Hotohori?"
Miaka looked stricken. "Ho-ho-ho.."
Vivien rushed to Miaka's aid, embarrassed. "Ah.. gomenasai.. she's been in the sun too long.. ano.."
Lilian suppressed a smile. Nakago looked at the Emperor. "Your Highness, there's someone else I want you to meet."
Vivien stared at Lilian. Lilian was covering her mouth with dismay. Vivien wanted to cry. Lilian glared at Nakago.
Vivien buried her face in her hands. They were dead.
