Saiko grinned in her friendly way and put both hands on her hips, standing in a cocky fashion as she addressed the emperor of Makesai. Her emerald eyes flashed playfully and she winked at the young man before her.

"Emperor, so nice to finally meet you. I thought you might kick me out there for a second."

The ruler of Makesai smiled, speaking to Saiko in an equally good-humored way. "Well, if I might be so bold to say so, your entrance was rather unexpected." he leaned in closer so that the next comment could only be heard by the two of them. He gestured to the men behind him, ".you see how aghast they are."

The young thief smirked, reaching into her pocket and taking a step back. She withdrew the jewel of Taikon, holding it up triumphantly in the light from the doorway so that everyone in the room may see is beautiful glow. Her soul rose as did her head as she explained to the advisors and to the emperor the significance of this small and seemingly insignificant rock.

"This, my friends, is the jewel of Taikon, given to me by Taiitsukun the creator of this world, living proof that I am the true priestess of Taikon!" here she paused to wink at the emperor, "Do you agree?"

The advisors looked absolutely astounded and their mouths stood agape, their eyes mere beads as they stared on in horror. Each thought along the same lines but dared not speak aloud: how could this simple ruffian be the acclaimed priestess of Taikon, the god on which our beautiful city is now built? Such a thing was unthinkable; however, this girl was holding aloft the very jewel which the Tentai, their merciful creator, gave to only the chosen and bestowed to the ones whom could be trusted by her people. Each man slowly composed themselves and one, after taking several deep breaths, stepped forward and spoke directly to Saiko.

"Priestess, please forgive our rude behavior. You are indeed the priestess of Taikon and you shall be given the highest treatment that Makesai can offer you."

The young girl looked on in satisfaction as the emperor nodded in agreement. "Yes, you shall. I will personally see to it."

Saiko sighed and looked off into the distance blissfully; she could only imagine what kind of wonders she would receive from the royal household, possibly mud baths, massages.and a big plate heaped with piping hot guilt. She blinked to reinstate herself and looked apologetically at the emperor. She felt strangely right in her next words.

"Your highness, with all due respect, I can't accept that. I am in great haste, you see. I'm not sure whether or not anyone would understand."

The emperor's young yet weathered face upheld a boyish look of wondering for a moment before he put one hand on her shoulder in a friendly gesture. His dazzling green eyes sparkled as he spoke to the newly appointed priestess. "I'm sure we can come to terms about the matter. Why don't you join me in the gardens?" He turned to led her out of the palace much to the dismay of his advisors, but paused slightly, turning to face Saiko once again.

"Oh yes, please refrain from calling me 'your highness.' To you I am known as Sekaton Sentai, Sentai if you so prefer." With these last words he began his second attempt to leave the chamber, his manner suggesting that Saiko was under orders to follow. She did so willingly, wondering what her newly found acquaintance could have in store for her.

Sentai glided through the stone pathways of the palace and they veered off the main path once that had neared the edge of the walls, entering a sea of greenery and lush forest life. Saiko was startled by the sudden change in scenery and looked about wide eyed as though such beauty had escaped her before. Petals of every shape and size glided their way out of tenderly planted trees and some bamboo, providing the area with a feeling of easiness. The constant ambience of crickets and mockingbirds flowed gently into Saiko's ears, the scent of the hibiscus almost catching her off guard. As they progressed farther and farther into the small jungle, Sentai suddenly guided the priestess into a clearing, a haven surrounded by the tallest walls of bamboo and wildlife. Saiko was secretly marveling at the wonders nature really could hold. Before she had just seen trees as a shelter from the cops or looked at a flower in the window of the bloom shop and wondered how much some guy on the street would pay her for it. Now she saw the true beauty and magnificence in every petal and leaf.

Sentai crossed the clearing a little ways and sat down gracefully with his robes spread about him, nodding at Saiko and turning his eyes towards the adjacent patch of grass. She made her way to him and sat as well, hugging her knees to her chest and looking at the emperor as if expecting him to start speaking. He looked at her the same way and she remembered the point of this little outing; she was to explain the issues at hand to his Excellency. The thief composed herself and began her tale.

Saiko told Sentai of everything that had transpired that day, not forgetting the meeting with Taiitsukun nor the find of her horse, Toushi. The whole time, the emperor just nodded in the correct place, exclaimed, laughed at a particular funny telling, and enjoying the whole thing immensely. He found it not the least bit strange that the priestess was so young but did find her occasional comments far beyond the thought of any normal girl. Every once and a while during her elaborate narrative, she would make a reference to a book or to a word in another language, astounding the emperor with the true extent of her knowledge. Saiko was incredibly at ease when speaking in front of the powerful man and only found a problem in one area.

The most difficult spot in her story came when the emperor posed the question, "How did you come to find Mt. Taikyoku?"

The normally confident girl faltered, her eyes flashing momentarily as though that was the one question she hoped the emperor would never ask. She turned her head slightly, ashamed that Sentai's question was almost unanswerable. Stretching out her legs and smiling slightly she decided that lying would do her no good and it was best if she just revealed the truth now while the matter was at hand.

"Sentai, I was not born in this world. In fact, not until about eight hours ago did I even know it existed. To me, this universe is parallel to my own, a place that I had never heard of or set foot in. I don't remember quite what I was doing when I was sent here," Saiko paused as the one lie escaped her lips but continued soon enough that the emperor was not suspicious, "But whatever the reason, I simply appeared in front of the mountain and now I find myself searching for the seven warriors and trying to save an entire country."

Sekaton Sentai stretched his arms languidly and took the past speech in, seeming as though none of this was at all strange. He glanced over at Saiko and watched her as she looked up at the cherry blossoms cascading down upon them in the winds. Her hand was outstretched and periodically she would try to catch one, letting it sway gently back and forth before it reached her hand. She was very wise this girl, even if she seemed rowdy and wild. Saiko was not at all like the other girls in the court but she was free and open. Sentai did not love her, but he liked her for the person that she revealed herself to be. Being the emperor, almost no one treated him the way she did, as though she was his equal and as though his power did not intimidate her. He smiled to himself and then addressed her.

"Saiko."

She turned, noticing the familiar tone that her new acquaintance was using. It was not one that he would use when speaking to peasants or advisors, but one that she could sense he used between friends. His green eyes sparkled with delight at his new found friend and he continued with his analysis of their conversation.

"Based on what you have told me, of both the balance and your journey, I must say that you're incredibly determined. But, I can not let you continue on after spending only a few hours at the palace. You need time to rest, to organize provisions, then to find an appropriate body guard. I'd say about one week is in order before I can allow you to leave again."

Saiko searched his face for a serious meaning but she could see that the last comment was made jokingly. She smiled, suddenly more at ease and relaxed. When she thought back over the part where Sentai had mentioned a body guard, her mind reverted to the conversation she had had with the great Tentai. Mai Kang; that was the woman she was supposed to ask about. Now was the time.

"I guess that's alright," she chuckled, "but Taiitsukun did mention one more thing. Do you know of someone called 'Mai Kang?'"

The moment these words escaped her lips, the emperor's face lit up and he seemed almost as though he was walking on a cloud. Saiko was puzzled at first but then realized as he spoke that he more than knew this mysterious Mai Kang. He stared blissfully off into the distance as though she was standing right before him and spoke in an ecstatic voice.

"I know Mai Kang very well. She lives in the palace and is the leader of the Makesian Army, a true fighter indeed. She is quite an admirable figure. She has led the army on countless successful campaigns. Her wit and intelligence is far beyond anything that one can comprehend. Mai Kang is truly a wonder."

Saiko just stared open mouthed at the emperor, her eyes wide at this sudden break in his emotional wall. All at once, he was basically, in a matter of speaking, expressing his undying love for this Mai Kang and confessing how he had admired her from afar but dared never touch. All of the sudden, the thief's interest in meeting this girl had raised an indefinite amount. She rose promptly and offered a hand to Sentai, winking broadly at him in a knowing fashion.

"How would you like to introduce us? I believe that this girl is one that I'd like to meet."

Sekaton Sentai's very attitude brightened at this suggestion and he adjusted his beautiful yet hindering robes. He motioned back towards the palace in eagerness and began a hasty exit from the clearing. Saiko rushed after him, barely keeping up with his speedy pace. She could hardly get a word in edgewise as they walked through the sea of bamboo and greenery.

"Sentai, do I sense a little love connection here?"

The emperor's face brightened to a distinct cherry red and the blue flecks in his eyes seemed to glow with indignation. It was almost as though he was a school boy denying his love for the little girl in his class.

"Of course not, our relationship is strictly business," he replied, his eyebrows furrowing unreassuringly. He yanked hurriedly on his over tunic as it became caught on a passing twig.

Saiko sighed as though admitting defeat, sprinting almost to keep up with the ruler's strides. No doubt he was prideful as almost all king figures were; it was foolish of her to think he might even consider revealing such information to someone he had just met. She wasn't put out, merely incredibly curious; what were his feelings for this girl really? Someone like Sentai was going to have to marry eventually, being the emperor of a vast city like he was. An air was going to be in order the minute he passed away and he surely was aware of that. Was he doing anything to remedy such matters? Who was Saiko to judge, she realized, she had only just met the poor man. She retreated out of her thoughts once more as they approached the steps leading up to the main entrance to the high chamber.

Instead of continuing through the doors, the pair veered off to the right walking along the balcony and passing several doors which Saiko could see were traditional Chinese sliding style. Although she was fascinated by the architecture, the curved roofs, the uniquely laid out gardens and surrounding plant life, even the material used to create the walls, she was forced along by the emperor until they came to a solid black door with the emblem of a regally galloping stallion painted onto its thin and frail paper like make up. Saiko ran one hand over the painting, marveling at the intricate detailing, the beautiful paint coloring used to make the drawing more realistic. Really, this was an advanced form of art for this point in time. A voice sounded from inside the room causing Saiko to jump in surprise. It was kind and inviting, the kind of connotation added that made Saiko immediately comfortable with whoever was waiting inside.

"You can come in, I'm not busy."

Saiko slid the door open rather slowly, allowing herself an assessment of her surroundings before she realized that the room was basically an armory with a desk and door. On every wall, from floor to ceiling, were swords resting on small mounts, each a different kind and color as though Mai Kang needed a new one for every day of the year. Some had richly engraved hilts, some very simple ones, while others were engraved with expensive designs and had messages written in other languages adorning the sheath sides. The sight was both awesome and intimidating, but Saiko was truly amazed that one person could obtain this many swords and not have already sold them; they were likely to be worth a small fortune a piece. Suddenly she became aware of a pair of eyes traveling up and down her person, taking in the weapons she had strapped around her waist, the manner in which she was holding herself, and the direction in which her eyes were headed. Upon following the trail on which the eyes led her, Saiko came face to face with the one and only Mai Kang whom she had heard so much about.

The girl in question was sitting in the midst of a vast pile of scrolls, her long dress hems, those of her silver under tunic and green over covering, scattered about her in a graceful yet casual way, the long ribbons of her silver sash twisting about her small waist. She looked to be no more than fourteen years of age but by the way in which she was sitting and the look of aged innocence in her eyes, Saiko could tell that she was much older. Mint green tresses fell about her face playfully, curling slightly around the neck and off setting her slightly tanned coloring. Freckled dotted her nose sparsely and the weathered yet happy appearance that her deep cerulean eyes held intrigued Saiko. Something had happened to her in the past, something that even an insensitive thief could perceive. Saiko's eyes traveled down to the girl's side where an elaborately created sword lay. The hilt was most definitely that of a sacred oak, that was obvious at first sight, but in the middle of the scabbard was a smaller pouch from which a tiny hilt protruded. It appeared to be that of a switchblade, but Saiko could not be sure due to the odd shape. The much larger hilt belonging to that of the main sword was engraved with the emblem of a golden dragon, its scales formed in a way that allowed the wielder to wrap their fingers around in a firmer grip. It was clear from the expression on Saiko's face that this girl, Mai Kang, was indeed a strange character.

While Saiko had been busy looking Mai Kang over, Mai Kang had been doing some looking over of her own. She stood, still maintaining her bright expression but picking up her sword at the same time. Her blue eyes glittered at the prospect of a newcomer and she first addressed the emperor who was standing beside Saiko.

"Ah, Your Highness, what a pleasant surprise. How are you today sire?"

Sentai smiled back at her, the smile a heartbreaking one at that. He was indeed most handsome as he spoke. "I am doing fine, thank you Mai. And yourself?"

Mai Kang smiled, her lips a delicate cherry blossom pink. "Oh, wonderfully sire. Thank you for asking. I see you've brought a friend," she said, nodding to Saiko, who she looked inquiringly at in the most pleasant way possible.

Sentai nodded, placing one hand reassuringly on the priestess's shoulder and motioning her forward. "Yes. Actually, Mai, this girl is more than just a friend. She could very well be the answer to the country's worries. This is Saiko Tai, the priestess of Taikon."

These words reverberated around the entire room, and suddenly, hearing her name addressed this way, actually made sense to Saiko and she was forced into reality with a jolt. She really was the priestess of Taikon, the answer to the land's worries and problems. Somehow, everything in the world was resting on her as she stood there, holding out her hand to shake with Mai Kang. Moving her lips in an automatic fashion, she greeted the girl in a more common fashion.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Saiko."

The girl, apparently a swordsman, was still incredibly surprised and delighted at the same time. Her eyes shone brilliantly and her lips curled into an even more life bringing smile as she shook hands with Saiko fervently, talking about how she had dreamed of meeting the priestess for so long. "I'm Mai Kang, head brigade general of the Makesian army; it's a pleasure to meet you. Please, just call me Kang."

Saiko smiled, uplifted once more by the peppy attitude that Kang maintained constantly. The emperor could see that his assistance was no longer needed and he addressed the two. "I have some important business to attend to so I'll just leave you two alone to become acquainted. Please join me for dinner tonight in the private dining hall."

The three said their goodbyes and this left Kang and Saiko alone in the war provoking room where the two had been introduced. Saiko once more took the opportunity to glance around and ogle the wealthy looking swords. She approached one that she found particularly interesting and she scrutinized it from hilt top to scabbard tip. It was, unlike the other swords, black hilted and made of a stone that she recognized as granite. The small silver engraving on it was that of Taikon, the spirit for which she was now fighting. It seemed so strange to think that in one day, her entire destiny as she knew it had been altered and now she was trying to save millions of innocent people from the wrath of the heavens. Kang's voice brought her out of the pity she had since been wallowing in.

"That is the Shinu Katana, the death sword. They say that the man who founded Makesai used that sword to smite down the ruler of the seventh Hokkan Dynasty who currently inhabited this part of the country. After the battle, the warrior suddenly became infested with the bloodlust, a longing to spill the blood of both good and evil, also inheriting the power to kill all those in his path. The sword had taken him over and his wife, out of love and pity, stabbed him to death in the middle of the night. They say the sword blade, made of the sharpest material known to man, was forged from one of the war god, Guandi's, ribs. In other words," said Kang in a lighter tone, "I wouldn't touch it if I were you. A bad story goes with that pretty exterior."

Saiko stared in awe at the sword, marveling at how wonderful it seemed, so wonderful that she could hardly believe the terrible tale that went along with it, just as Kang had said. "Do you know the story of all these swords?" she asked, examining a few more along the wall.

Kang nodded, awakened by the priestess's interest in her collection. "Most of them. Some came by me through war spoils, others from friends, even one from the late emperor himself. I find it strange and thought provoking at the same time that while they spill so much blood on the battlefield, they are quite beautiful in times of peace."

Saiko could see clearly what Kang was referring to as she witnessed with her own two eyes the slope of the blade on one side, the delicate crafting of the hilt, the shine of the scabbard as though they were polished daily. Just by the look on her face, it was apparent that Kang took great pride in those swords, those weapons of destruction. Saiko pointed to the adjacent sword on the wall and smiled slightly. "What about this one?"

Kang glanced upwards reflectively, trying to remember the tale that lay behind the scabbard. "That one? Let's see. About twenty years ago during the battle of Mankigekira."

For the next three hours, Saiko and Kang remained in the general's military quarters, reliving the days of each sword. The two were fast friends and although Saiko did not share some of Kang's more intellectual thoughts, the girl's fluent explanations also ended up in detailed battle strategies and the history and culture of China. The two were able to carry on long discussions pertaining to such things for each was inept in the subject of history and foreign affairs. At around six thirty, Kang glanced at the nearest sundial outside her room and gasped. "Saiko, we need to be in the dining hall now!"

Remembering their engagement with the emperor, the two made an extremely hurried exit from the general's quarters after Kang had grabbed her sword, leaving a flying trail of scrolls behind them. Dashing around the balconies deftly at high speed, Saiko reached the door to the dining hall in Kang's wake and they dashed inside, coming to a screeching halt right at the end of a six seat table. Sentai was sitting reservedly at the other end, eyeing them with amusement as he often did. He crossed his arms playfully, eyeing them with a mock glare of anger.

"My general and priestess are late to dinner. This calls for dire consequences."

Kang put her hands to her cheeks in teasing terror. "Oh no, not consequences!"

They all laughed and the two girls took their seats, one on either side of the emperor. There was barely any time for talk for as soon as the two were seated, hordes of servants appeared from the doors to the kitchen carrying massive plates overflowing with delicious Makesian delicacies. Saiko stared in awe at a plate sitting directly before her and tried to conceal the trickle of drool sliding down her chin as the emperor held out his hands. Mai took one and after a moment, the hungered Saiko followed her example and the ruler began to say the prayer.

"Taikon,
Che arte in Cielo,
Santificato è tuo ,
Loro regno è venuto,
Tuo sarà fatto,
Su terra per cosí dire in cielo,
Dà ci questo giorno il nostro quotidiano ,
E perdona ci il nostre trasgressioni,
Come noi perdona quelli che oltrepassa contro noi,
E ha condotto ci in tentazione,
Ma consegna ci da malvagio,
Per thine è il regno,
Il potere,
E la gloria, per sempre,
Amen."

Saiko nodded her own personal "amen" as the prayer concluded and she then realized that while the prayer had been in a language uncharacteristic to the country, she had recognized the dialect and origin. As she piled her plate high with salad and pork, she addressed the emperor.

"Sentai, where did you learn the lords prayer in Italian?"

The emperor explained as he motioned the servants out of the room, smiling briefly at Kang.

"When I was just a boy, my father found the country in a terrible state. The land was not fertile and the harvest was lacking, the population was decreasing from the lack of moral in the kingdom and the trade with other countries was not at the normal level. He knew that a call for help was in order and in due course, he alerted the neighboring country of Hokkan. Hokkan, while the countries had been enemies in the past, gladly sent skilled missionaries here to provide the land with food, farming tools and more extensive learning. They were very skilled in the art of foreign languages and taught everyone in the palace French, German, Italian and English in addition to the Japanese and Chinese we were already accustomed to."

Saiko was strongly reminded of her mother's work as the emperor explained the historical fact and her face must have shown her despair. Kang stopped in mid-chew as she munched happily on some suckling pig, shooting her a questioning glance which was quickly repelled. Kang blinked rapidly, not quite sure if she had just been dreaming or if the thief had covered quickly for now the priestess's face was nothing more than a picture of contentment.

Sentai laid down his fork as soon as he was through eating and his mere upholding caused the two girls at the table to turn to him, waiting in anticipation as he readied himself to speak. His eyes were stern and almost emotionless as he relayed his plans to them.

"It is apparent that we must restore balance to this world. In this spirit, Saiko, you and Mai must be destined to gather the other seishi. There is a systematic way that you must go about this. We must first narrow the possibilities down. The four provinces of Makesai are as follows: this main town of Makesai, Genkrai, Taisou and Shuei. This is where you will find the others. I must insist, though, that before you leave you have some kind of training that will allow you to defend yourself."

Saiko cleared her throat very politely, smiling sweetly at the emperor. "Sire, that won't be an issue. I already know how."

Kang appeared to suddenly be interested. "Oh really? What style do you prefer?"

The priestess stared at her blankly, not quite understanding what she was referring to. "Excuse me?"

The emperor broke in once more. "She means what style of katana are you formally trained in?"

Saiko let out a short bark of laughter and held her hands up in a defensive gesture. Her eyes reflected her amusement as she spoke. "Katana? I don't use a katana. I use my switchblade and my fists. Maybe a little old fashioned, but I can take care of my little old self just fine."

Although he believed her, Sentai seemed reluctant to let the issue pass. His face was tight and drawn as though wondering what good a small knife would have against the enemy. He just sighed and decided that it was best not to argue. Eventually, she would learn. He continued.

"Because you have six more seishi left to come into contact with, I suggest you begin your search here in the city tomorrow morning. I must admit, I am not completely comfortable with letting you two venture out alone like this."

Kang could feel her temper begin to boil slightly at these words and her tone was slightly sharp edged. "Sire, we are two capable women, I believe that we can take care of ourselves."

Sentai blushed discreetly and clasped his hands together in a sort of apologetic gesture. "My apologies Mai, of course you are correct. I was wrong to judge the situation so."

Meanwhile, Saiko was puzzling over two very distinct issues which she was quick to point out to the emperor. "Sentai, first of all, are we just going to go charging out willy nilly screaming, 'Any Taikon seishi around here?' Finding them will not go as quickly as I think you might have planned."

The other two sitting at the table just looked at her strangely as though she was the last to know, Kang raising one eyebrow and the emperor's jaw going slightly agape in apparent horror. Saiko's hands moved around her chin in bewilderment. "What, something on my face?"

"Don't you know?" asked Kang, "You are the priestess after all."

"Know what?" asked Saiko irritatedly.

"According to legend," broke in Sentai, "the power of the priestess will draw her seishi to her. Where the priestess appears, the warriors gather. In the past, the other priestesses have used a certain form of device to find the seishi when their power has not been enough to alert the warriors, but unfortunately, that device disappeared two years ago after the last reappearance of Suzaku's miko."

Saiko sighed and moved on to her most important question. "Sentai, you said that we only had six seishi left to find. What about the seventh? I was told the priestess did not count as one?"

A voice from across the table, low and almost dejected, caught the priestess's attention. "I thought that you would see it."

Saiko turned to face Kang, her face a picture of complete and utter confusion. Somehow she could feel the tension in the room, smell the almost dangerous quality that the air held. The good food turned to ash in her mouth as she responded to her new friend's comment.

"Kang, see what?"

The general of the Makesian Army stood slowly, a fluid movement in which her robes moved very little if at all, and she held her sword clenched tightly in one hand. Saiko at first was afraid that in one moment of insanity, Kang was going to draw it and use it as a weapon against her. In a few seconds she gained wisdom and could see by the manner of the girl's actions, it was not supposed to be a threatening display. The emperor seemed slightly saddened, as though he was watching a friend carry a terrible burden that he could not lift from their shoulders. Kang's eyes remained closed as she withdrew the blade from its fearsome scabbard and held it aloft. One hand over the other she began to twirl the sword in a circle, slowly at first but gaining speed as it went. Saiko watched the mighty spectacle in complete awe and admiration. Soon the blade was moving at such a speed that it was no longer visible and Kang's image behind it was slightly blurred and her features distorted. The whirring sounded through the cavernous room, also kicking up a fearsome wind that reverberated around the table. It was curious, the effect the sword was having, for as Saiko continued to look on in wonderment, the twirling circle that had since become a vortex slowly morphed into a shield of a greenish tint. It was as though Kang was holding a humongous disc of energy before her but behind the shield, Saiko could still see the girl's hands twirling in perfect rhythm. Slowly and steadily, Kang turned to her right and began to shift her body so that her back was now turned towards her rapt to attention audience. She undid her sash and for a moment, Saiko looked on in horror, wondering if she was going to strip in front of the emperor. Yet, she only loosened the waist band enough that the slit in the side of her torso covering was revealing the skin on the left side of her back. Saiko gasped as she saw what was imprinted there.

On the left side of Kang's back, glowing bright silver in all it splendor, was the Chinese symbol for Independence. Unknowing and completely unawares, Saiko Tai, the priestess of Taikon, had stumbled upon the first of the Taikon seishi.