Chapter 3

A cheerful face greeted the Emperor, who was sitting dazed on his throne. The little blue-haired Monk had magically and almost disturbingly appeared in front of a rather depressed Hotohori, who didn't even look up to acknowledge his friend. The silence in the grand room was ear-shattering, leaving Chichiri in the rather awkward position of either trying to snap the other out of his rather depressing daze, or leave right there and then. Of course, the good-willed Chichiri abandoned the latter, and smiled wide at the Emperor.

"Good news," the monk proclaimed in delight. "Nakago has returned to Kuto and seems to have taken a docile break in his travels for Miss Yui to catch up on her studies." Still, Hotohori continued to keep to himself, as if he hadn't even heard the information. Chichiri pressed on, "They won't be heading out for a while. It seems that they feel no need to press for their other Seishi. They have no clue we've gathered all of –"

"Chichiri," Hotohori interrupted. "In the midst of absolute confusion, do you believe that ignorance is bliss?" The question caught the monk off guard. He didn't know exactly what he had been asked, let alone how to respond to it, something that Chichiri was usually very good at. Hotohori sighed, rubbing his temples with his hand as he leaned forward in his chair. "I'm sorry," he softly said. "I didn't mean to spring that up on you. Forget what I just said."

"Your majesty," an almost childish-looking Chichiri began. "I think it is always better to know the truth, no da. Ignorance is nothing but ignorance, not bliss." The monk cocked his head and smiled from ear to ear. "I'm sure everything will be alright, your highness."

"You are an amazing person, Chichiri." Hotohori leaned back in his throne now, finally relaxing. He tossed his to the side and closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. "I wish I could be in your shoes." The monk raised a brow, unsure of the emperor's meaning. "You can leave, go off and be a normal person anytime you please. But I am bound to the thrown like a dog on a leash." He tightly kept his eyes shut, as if to hold back some strong emotion. "So I will just have to be happy that you are able to do what I cannot." By the time the emperor had opened his eyes, his jaw had already hit the floor.

There stood Chichiri in front of him in perfect guise; his hair done up, his outfit the same, his stance just as regal. He had done it again. He had made himself into a perfect replica of Hotohori. Quite a talent, indeed.

"No need for you to stay here, your highness. Put your hair down, walk around outside, get some fresh air, no da." Hotohori's eyes softened on his friend, a smile finally rising into his lips. "Perhaps you can go for a walk in the city with Miaka and Tamahome." As the name was said, the emperor's heart leapt into his throat. He smiled again, this time a bit uneasy.

"I think I will. Thank you so much, Chichiri." The emperor stood from the jewel-shrouded throne, bowing respectfully to his blue-mohawked friend. Chichiri took a seat in the royal chair, shifting and squirming to get comfortable. When he was satisfied, he gave a thumbs up to Hotohori and a wink.

"Don't waste your time standing here, no da!" He motioned his hands as to shoo away the real emperor. Hotohori chuckled, coving his smile with the back of his hand. "Go on!" Chichiri urged. Hotohori nodded and began to walk away, just before spinning around and narrowing his eyes at the monk.

"You need to work on softening my features. My face is much more elegant than that."

"I'm glad you're feeling better, your majesty," laughed Chichiri.

That was enough to persuade Hotohori to leave the room and find his own tranquility, with or without Tamahome (preferably with, as you can imagine). He made his way discretely to his own room, quietly changing into his informal, casual attire, and slipped out the back door of the palace.

As silently as he could, he crept around the palace grounds, until the exit was in sight. Almost there, he thought to himself.

"You highness!" A voice called from behind, startling Hotohori as his stomach flipped inside out. He turned around, red in the face, heart beating fast. Long, lavender hair almost swept the floor as the person bowed, Hotohori getting a rather clear look at the back of their head.

"Nuriko, I didn't kno-"he stopped mid-sentence as the person stood straight up. "Oh, Hoki, its you," he tried to smile. She, of course, had no trouble at all giving the emperor a beautifully elegant smile and nod herself.

"Have I caught you at a bad time?" She humbly asked. Her voice was entrancing, corresponding perfectly with her beautiful features; soft eyes, snowy white skin, natural pink in her cheeks and lips. She was perhaps the most beautiful woman in the kingdom (perhaps the most beautiful person, aside from Hotohori himself, of course).

"No," the emperor shook his head. "I was just about to take a walk. Would you care to join me?" He forced himself to smile, and lifted a hand out for her to take.

"I would love to, your highness."