Disclaimer: I disclaim FY. I claim the plotline and the new characters.

Notes: Beware the Shun'u language. And Shun'u beatings. And some playful violence on Ryuuen's part.

Mostly translations for the first part, in case you're wondering what the heck I was typing. Kaa-chan is Japanese for 'Mom" and Okaa-san is for the more formal "Mother". Nii-chan is informal and means "big bro", while Onii-san is formal and means "elder brother". Itadakimasu is what a Japanese person says before they eat, which pretty much means "Thank you [God and family] for the food."

This is a long chapter, due to the fact that, a) my muse is helping me a lot more than usual, b) I left you guys on a cliffhanger last chapter, and c) because I don't know when I'll be back so you deserve more than the usual 8 pages. There isn't a whole lot of action this time around since it deals with Saihitei and politics, but I'll start bringing it up soon.

* * *

Though Konan was feeling the stress between itself and Kutou, there were still places where peace could be seen in the normality of daily life and heard in the laughter of innocent children. One village in particular, though close to the border of the two warring countries, had managed to escape some of the more dangerous raids by little more than fate and the favor of the gods.

Two girls sat around the fireplace of a comfortable cottage, each taking a turn at reading an entrancing story out loud. Both an impressionable 15 years of age, the golden haired figure was in the middle of reading a particularly exciting scene when her copper-haired counterpart suddenly became greatly distracted.

"Yui-chan… I'm hungry."

The reader didn't even skip a beat, segueing from the book to her remark with practiced ease. "Then you should go home. Your mother's probably in the middle of making dinner anyway."

"But I don't want to leave. This story is just too good to stop here!"

"Then you've got bit of a problem, don't you?" the narrator teased.

The brunette sighed deeply, as if making a life or death decision. It was answered in the form of a loud, "Miaka! Dinner!!!" echoing across the village.

The blond giggled and rolled up the scroll. "I think that's your cue."

"A bit obvious," her friend said playfully, both getting to their feet. "Same time tomorrow?"

"But of course. Now scat!"

"Bye Yui-chan!"

"See ya Miaka."

And Yuuki Miaka, glutton extraordinaire, went racing down the beaten path that connected her home to the house of her best friend Hongo Yui.

The twenty-foot walk took Miaka only a few seconds to cross, the smell of six different foods wafting through the air and acting as incentive to move faster. I smell seasoned fish and vegetable soup and fruit and oh so many goodies! She barreled into the house, tossed off her shoes, and dove for her place at the dining table. However, just as she picked up a pair of chopsticks, a hand clamped over her own.

"Miaka!" her mother Sadako scolded. "You know better than to start without your brother."

"Sorry Kaa-chan," she grinned sheepishly, and her mother smiled in return.

"I know you love my cooking, but you must learn patience."

"Yes, Kaa-chan, but I'm awfully hungry. Where is Keisuke, anyway?"

Sadako slowly removed her hands from Miaka's, then turned to finish the last bit of dinner. "There was an argument between the Nyu and Techi families about property or the like, so he and Jomei had to go smooth everything out."

"Oh fun," Miaka sighed, resting her chin on her hands. "Well, I hope he gets here soon. I'm oh-so-starving!!"

"Why don't you try and reach Jomei and see where they are? It'll be good practice."

Miaka's face lit up in a grin. Yeah, that's right! I can do that now! "OK, lemme try…" Closing her eyes and concentrating, Miaka tried to reach for that familiar 'Jomei-ness' that was her brother's ketsu. She could feel the ki of a few other ketsus within the village, but it didn't take her long to find the one she was looking for.

'Jo-jo!'

'Miaka, I may have to injure you severely for using that horrid nickname,' Jomei said, her 'voice full of distaste. 'What is it, that you have embarrassed me so in front of my Seishi?'

The Miko smiled to herself, knowing that Keisuke couldn't have heard anything unless Jomei wanted him to- and the chances of him hearing their conversation was as low as Miaka giving up eating. 'Where are you two? I'm starved and Kaa-chan's waiting for you before we eat.'

'Poor baby. What if I told you we were at least a half-hour away?'

Miaka let out an indignant shriek of surprise, causing Sadako to look at her oddly. 'No!' And she also felt a wince of pain from the ketsu on the receiving end. 'Oops… heheheh.'

'Miaka, you're so mean! First you call me names, then you yell at me. Just for that…'

"We're home!" Keisuke shouted from the front room, his voice making Miaka jump.

"Onii-chan!" she cried out happily, running over to greet the duo. "Mei-chan! I missed you two!"

"Yeah, I'm sure," he said sarcastically, removing his shoes and robes. "As if you ever miss me."

"Cruel! You're just awful to me!" Miaka defended herself.

'She just wants to eat,' the ketsu bumped Miaka's stomach with her nose. 'You can't expect to rank above hunger, now can you dearling?'

Keisuke simply rolled his eyes and walked with Miaka back to the table. "True enough," he nodded, then kissed his mother. "Good afternoon, Kaa-chan. Sorry we're late."

"Ah, don't worry," Sadako brushed away his apology, setting down the last bowl of food. "You were doing your duty, I would never stand in the way of that."

"Though sometimes I wish you would," he muttered. "Today was bad."

"You can tell us about it after prayers," Sadako said, gesturing for her children to sit at their places. "Miaka, if you would be so kind as to lead them today…"

She nodded and folded her hands. "Suzaku, thank you for this family, the chance for peace during the war, and for this food… Itadakimasu!"

And she began to shovel food into her mouth like there was no tomorrow. Keisuke couldn't suppress his snort of mirth, and Jomei let out a mental laugh. Miaka knew she was a bit of an overeater (an understatement, to say the least), but she didn't mind the teasing she repeatedly received from her brother and friends. They know me too well, and I like it too much to tell them to stop.

The family ate in silence for a while before Sadako spoke up. "So tell us about your day, Keisuke," she revived the topic, eating whatever was left that Miaka hadn't inhaled.

Keisuke sighed and began to speak, sounded incredibly long-suffering. "It all began with Techi-san deciding to plant a few Sakura trees behind his house. That's all well and good, except that Nyu-san thinks it'll infringe on his garden and drain the land of useful nutrients for his plants.

"So I, with the great luck of being a Judge, had to go over and decide who was right and who had to bite his tongue and deal. Unfortunately, it's hard to decide what nature's going to do, so I had to propose a compromise. Neither one was happy with me when I left."

Hmmm… as a Miko, I wonder if my jobs are going to be like that. "Nii-chan, after I'm done studying with Peka-san, do you think I'll have to do that too?" Miaka asked aloud, her mouth empty for more than ten seconds.

"I doubt it. You don't have a ketsu to help you make decisions regarding people's minds and motives, but you could work with Peka-sensei to become good at talking with animals," he shrugged.

"We'll see if you even have to do that," Sadako said, a promising note in her voice. "I think, with all the money your brother makes, and the fact that you're a Miko, we might be able to send you off to the Konan Discipline Center."

Miaka felt her stomach drop like a rock. "Wha… wh… what???" With a quick glance at Keisuke's face, she saw that this was the first time he'd heard of her idea, too.

"I've been saving some of the money we earn, just in case of an emergency, but I think this is more important," she began to clear the table, speaking with unbelievable zeal. "Miaka, I'm so excited for you!"

No… no, she can't be serious. She was so stunned she couldn't even look at the leftovers on the table. "But… Kaa-san… are you sure?"

"Just think," her mother spoke dreamily. "You'll be right next to the Palace, and you'll get help from some of the most amazing teachers in the land! I mean, I understand you could also go there when you're older, but if you go now there's a greater chance of you becoming a high-ranking Miko."

Before she could stop herself, Miaka cried out, "I don't want to go!"

And the tension rose in the air like an ominous chill. Sadako turned to her daughter with eyes confused and angry. "Excuse me?"

"Yui-chan's learning here with Peka-san, and I want to stay with her. Please, Kaa-san, please let me stay!"

Keisuke realized where the scene was going and cleared his place as fast as he could. Then the Seishi pair took off without a word, unwilling to risk being caught in the midst of Sadako's infamous temper.

Sadako, meanwhile, had turned to Miaka; her motions slow and intentional. "You are being given the chance to go learn at the Center. Very few rural-land children, those so far away from the capital as we are, are ever lucky enough to visit there once a year, and are forced to learn from resident or traveling Seishi. You may never get to see a Miko out in this area, but at the Center you'll learn from a score of them." With each word, she stepped closer to her youngest child, her voice hard and unyielding. "This is for the best. Trust your mother."

"But Kaa-san, Peka-san's very smart and he knows-"

Slamming her hands on the table, Sadako startled Miaka so much she felt her heart stop. Then her mother said these last four words with stony calm: "You will go there."

The discussion was over; there was no room left for argument. Miaka's throat felt dry and she knew tears would spill if she didn't get away, and fast. She looked down at her dish and let out a strangled, "I'm… I'm done." before getting up and running from the kitchen, her chest beating with injustice and her eyes crying liquid grief.

NononoNO I'm not going! She can't make me! I'll run away if I have to, but I'm not leaving Yui-chan! She cried to herself, reaching the threshold and throwing the door open. But to her surprise, sitting outside the door and waiting patiently was Jomei; the coyote got to her feet as Miaka stopped to look at her.

'Come, little Miko, and run with me until your heart is no longer sore!'

Miaka nodded, wiping her eyes to clear her vision. 'Let's go.'

With the power vested in every Miko, Miaka took the form of her brother's ketsu and sped across the land, freeing herself from the sudden chains that had been wrapped around her spirit.

If only… if only I could control my life. If I was the one making the choices instead of my mother, maybe I would like to go to the Center, Miaka opened herself up, hitting the root of her anger and anguish. But I'm so tired of being told 'Miaka do this' and 'Miaka do that' I can't stand it anymore. Just once… just once I want to choose my path instead of having it carved out for me. Then, maybe, I can be happy.

And she kept running, kept chasing down her dreams without knowing how closely they were chasing her.

* * *

Saihitei was so excited about the upcoming excursion that he was practically humming to himself as he walked through the Center's halls. He never before understood how people could do it, drop their pride like that and sing to themselves without care about what the rest of the world thought.

Ah, but now I see, he smiled lightly. To have so much joy inside that the only release is through song- albeit rather off-key song. But I suppose that's why I was graced with so much beauty, to make up for the lacking artistic talent.

'And such modesty,' Takeshi tickled his mind from Saihitei's protected forearm. 'How could one person be so blessed with so many gifts?!'

'Just… luck,' he told the bird, then stopped in front of a dormitory door. Inside, he could hear the vague sounds of brawling, swearing, and clunking of heavy objects against each other. 'I believe we have found the correct room.'

'More luck?'

'Humph. You wish.' He knocked on the wooden door, hoping they could hear him over the cacophony. Apparently they did, but Saihitei wasn't quite sure he liked what was taking place on the other side of the wall.

"Get the door, Ki-ku!"

"Get it yourself!"

"Dammit you fucker, I'm a little busy at the moment!"

Saihitei sweatdropped and noticed Takeshi was looking equally troubled. 'Perhaps we should come back later?'

'And get them this riled up for nothing? Not a good idea, my Seishi.'

The door swung open to reveal a rather irritated Kishuku with a small sword hanging from his hand. "What?" he snapped, as if talking to one of his peers. Even though Saihitei wasn't wearing his usual conspicuous robes, he knew his elegance and dignity should have been quite obvious to everyone around.

But all the disguised Emperor did was raise an eyebrow, ready to draw his own sword when Kishuku came to his senses and realized whom it was. Then his eyes went wide and he fell to the floor in seconds flat, babbling out apologies. "Heika! Takeshi-ketsu! I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was you! Please forgive me!!"

"Who's at the door?" Shun'u came bounding into sight, half-dressed and disbelieving… at least until he saw Saihitei. "Holy shit!" And he bent down right beside his roommate.

'This could be either disturbing or amusing, depending on how you want to look at it,' Takeshi said, unable to conceal a mental grin.

"Please, stand up, you needn't be so formal," Saihitei spoke softly, so as not to further spook the two Warriors. "We were just stopping by to see how you four were doing. Do you mind?"

'Well, we certainly don't mind,' Toshi pushed past the dazed duo with Genrou right beside him. 'Please forgive our bondmates- they're just excited about the prospect of leaving their classes and duties behind for more than an hour.'

'Won't you come in?' Genrou invited, then knocked a stunned Shun'u over. 'Move and let the man through!'

"'Scuse me, yer Majesty," Shun'u mumbled, getting to his feet. Kishuku followed without any prodding from Toshi, physical or otherwise, and allowed a passageway for Saihitei to come through.

He entered and saw, with a bit of surprise, that the room was a complete and utter mess. Clothes lay scattered over the beds while supplies of many varieties were strewn across the floor like some very dangerous toys. Takeshi took off from his Seishi's arm, choosing the windowsill as his place to watch everything unfold.

"How… how does one acquire so many… interesting items?" Saihitei bent and picked up what seemed to be a chipped sake cup. Kishuku sniggered into his hand and Shun'u went red, then quickly plucked the item out of Saihitei's hand.

"In a room like this, stuff just spawns off th' floor," the redhead griped, tossing the cup into an even messier wardrobe. "Sorry yer Highness had ta see it like this."

Saihitei let out a haggard breath of air. "We're going to see you eating, sleeping, riding a horse, and possibly doing Suzaku-knows-what in the middle of the Konan countryside. I believe we can handle seeing an untidy room."

The duo tossed a look between themselves that clearly bespoke of doubt and disbelief, though not a word was spoken to emphasize the fact. This is going to be harder than I thought, gaining their trust, but then again… it's not as if the Emperor just comes into your room everyday, Saihitei thought ruefully.

'So what are you doing here? Just wandering the halls?' Toshi asked curiously, but expanded the question for all Seishi to hear.

"No, I was coming to visit you," Saihitei said honestly. "We didn't get have much of a chance to talk within the last few days, and I wanted to see how you were faring. Seems as if you have a week's worth of work ahead of you."

"Thanks, yo-… er, Saihitei-san," Kishuku caught himself. "But it only looks like a lot of things. Most of this stuff isn't really necessary for the trip- we just had to throw it somewhere while grabbing the items we did need."

"Do you think you'll be ready to travel by tomorrow morning?" he looked around, wondering which items were needed and which weren't. By my reckoning, there doesn't seem to be anything of value here.

" 'Course, Sai-san," Shun'u said casually, pulling a shirt over his head. "We know what's what- we jes' like ta pretend we don't."

The Emperor smiled, both at Shun'u's joke and the newly given nickname. He'd never been called that before, and rather enjoyed the familiarity. This trip has the potential to be very… entertaining.

"Hey, erm… Saihitei-san," Kishuku cleared his throat, trying to catch the other's attention. "I hope you don't mind me asking this, but… are you going to be riding or flying? I mean… how many horses will we need?"

"Well, there are six Seishi going, but since Doukun's so small he's asked to ride with another person, bringing the horse-count to five. But it has also been figured that since most of us prefer flying or running to riding we brought it down to four. So there will most likely be four riders at a time, with the last horse used to carry supplies instead of loading down the rest with both a rider and their gear. But if and when we find the remaining two, we may double up again or there will be more Seishi in ketsu forms," Saihitei explained, trying to remember the conversation he held with the horsemaster. "Why?"

"Just double checking the carrying capacity," the Tamahome Seishi shrugged, then went back to his packing. "And are we going to keep searching nonstop for the Seishi and Miko, or will we come back here after a certain amount of time?"

"I'm hoping the trip doesn't take more than ten days, but if we have to we'll extend the excursion to twelve, and then return to the Palace by the fourteenth day," he replied. "Konan is not a very large country- we should cover half of it within five days, not counting obstacles we will surely come across."

"So we got 'bout four days ta waste," Shun'u said thoughtfully, plopping down on the bed. "I'll be sure ta use 'em ta their full potential."

"You do realize the gravity of this matter, right Shun'u?" Saihitei asked, making sure the other Seishi wasn't taking his responsibilities too lightly.

He snorted in response. "I ain't stupid- I know what could happen. There're things we gotta do, along with getting th' Miko and Mits Seishi, and it ain't gonna be no cakewalk. But hell, if I can't make my own fun every now 'n then, I may as well jes lay down 'n die."

'And if I may be so bold as to say so, Saihitei-san,' Genrou piped up from under the window. 'You could do well with a few days' release from your duties. I know we could.'

Saihitei couldn't dispute that point; instead he agreed with it. "You're quite right, Genrou. I've been looking forward to this since Houjun-san and I planned it. So I too am going into this with a somewhat lightened spirit."

Shun'u and Kishuku grinned in such an odd way it made him rather nervous, especially when they looked at him with fiendish glints in their eyes. "Lotsa fun…" was all the Tasuki Seishi would say, then went back to his sorting.

Somehow, watching the duo work and prepare made Saihitei feel like he was in the way- a sensation he wasn't used to. His servants had taken care of most of his things so he didn't really have to pack, and he wasn't particularly needed by the country at the moment. So it was with the impulsive need to do something that he blurted out, "Do you need any help?"

Both Warriors stopped what they were doing to look at him. The looks on their faces bordered confusion and shock. "You… help us???" Kishuku repeated dumbly.

"Er… yes, that's why I offered. Three sets of hands are better than two, are they not?"

Shun'u whacked his ear. "Don't think I heard'ya cerrectly, yer Highness. Did'ya jes offer ta help us?"

Before he could answer a sound- like the mix of a roar and a laugh- came from the window. Everyone turned to Takeshi, who was busy cleaning his feathers and looking totally innocent.

"Takeshi?" Saihitei said to his bondmate, wondering when the bird learned to do that.

'Not me,' he replied, then turned and flew out the window.

Opening up the sight of a rather happy panda, with its paws on the sill and its tongue comically lolling out.

"Kohana!" Shun'u recognized the panda, sauntering next to her and leaning against the wall. "What's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"

At this the panda took her paw and swatted Shun'u with enough force to smack him into the opposite wall and leave him twitching there. Kishuku didn't bother to muffle his laughter, and Saihitei found himself joining in the mirth. The two ketsu moved away from the window, unwilling to risk the wrath of the panda.

The panda snuffed loudly then began to shift until the irate form of Ryuuen took its place. "Dork," he muttered, then drew his attention away from the wall angel to Saihitei and Kishuku and grinned happily. "So how you been?"

"Doing all right, thanks," Kishuku returned the greeting and opened the window. "Won't you join us? We're having a lovely time making a mess, beating up Shun, the usual…"

"The usual? All right, I'm coming in!" Ryuuen clapped his hands and backed up a bit from the opening. With the grace only a Seishi could possess, Ryuuen dove through the window, rolled on his shoulder, and finally stood up in a proud stance with two fingers in a "V" held over his head.

Saihitei clapped, thoroughly wowed. He said as much aloud, causing the violet-haired Seishi to blush and grin shyly. "Ah, to be praised by the Emperor. I must've been a good boy!"

By now, Shun'u had peeled himself off the wall. "Ain't fuckin likely…" he muttered, and earned himself another punch from Ryuuen. This time, he went flying through the window without so much as touching the wooden sides.

'Thanks for not putting any more holes in the wall. I, if no one else, appreciate your thoughtfulness,' Toshi said casually.

"That's what I am- extremely thoughty," Ryuuen smiled innocently.

Watching all this unfold, Saihitei could only gape at the way the three Seishi had interacted. Granted that Kishuku and Shun'u lived together and couldn't really help but get to know each other, it still made his heart sore to know that in all his 18 years he'd never made any ties like this.

"Hey, I think I remember Saihitei-san saying something about helping you guys order your stuff," Ryuuen snapped his fingers, bringing the Hotohori Seishi back from inside his head. "And seeing as how Shun'u is a little… indisposed at the moment, you may as well take it."

"Well…" the other hesitated, which Saihitei really couldn't blame him for. I am a bit overwhelming, naturally. "If your Majesty doesn't mind helping, I could use some help reordering."

For the next hour, all four of them- Shun'u had stalked back to the room rather wetly after landing in the middle of the garden pond- fooled around, talked incessantly, and (when they remembered) cleaned up the dormitory room. Through it all, Saihitei learned some of the most fascinating things about his Chosen brothers- their diverse backgrounds, their personality quirks, and even a little bit about the different ketsu. He enjoyed listening to Ryuuen's stories about his travels with Kohana, Shun'u's odd but impressive tales on his different "banditing" missions, and Kishuku's wry comments to provoke the occasional bout of laughter.

But alas, he knew he had to get back to his duties and finish the last bit of work. "After this, I'm going to have to leave you three," Saihitei said regretfully, folding a sleeping blanket with Kishuku's help. "There is one last thing I must do before tomorrow comes."

"What's so important ya gotta leave us?" Shun'u asked, then tossed a wet shirt to Ryuuen. "Catch."

The Nuriko Seishi caught it and put it next to the rest of his dirty clothes. "Probably something silly, like picking the right quill to sign papers with," he joked, and Saihitei wished that he could honestly say he'd never been asked that question before.

"Nothing quite so inane as that," he said. "But I have to choose a temporary successor for Konan's throne. Since I lack an heir and wife, my ministers have been rather-"

"Pushy?"

"Irritating?"

"Something like that- for me to find one, but I refuse to do so only under the pretense that Konan needs me to have a child. It's not fair to the child nor my bride."

"Makes sense," Kishuku nodded as they finished up. "So what do you do then, to pick someone to be Emperor-in-name?"

"That is something I have running through my head," Saihitei admitted. "I trust my ministers, but not as much as to simply hand the kingdom over to them. So finding one heir apparent is going to be difficult without upsetting a balance within the political world of the Palace. Playing favorites, to coin a unpolished phrase."

"Sounds stupid, if ya ask me, for people ta fight over it," Shun'u put his two ryo in. "But if it'sat big a problem, why don'tcha make two people Emperor? This way, they hafta agree before doin something."

"Now there's an interesting idea," Ryuuen said, nodding his head thoughtfully. "A balance, like you said, Sai-san, but in the most literal sense. You don't have to let the rest of the country know you're doing this- they can go to only one or the other for help- but for some of the upper echelon, it would appease a lot of people."

Saihitei was seriously considering the notion. As in, he was already thinking of a few people that would do very nicely in the position. They were good, honorable, and (best of all) had absolutely no intention of stealing the throne were they to be put into this position. Not that he'd be completely and utterly destroyed to find himself a normal person with certain wanted freedoms, but he couldn't desert the land and people in this time of need.

"Shun'u-san, we must thank you for your extraordinary idea," Saihitei declared, going into full-Emperor mode. "If there is anything we can do for you, ask and it shall be done."

So stunned was he about being taken so seriously, Shun'u could only open and close his mouth. Kishuku nudged him to get him going, and Shun'u asked, "Don't suppose it's too much ta ask ta come along 'n see what'cha do?" His bravado coming back, he added, "Wanna make sure these assholes are good 'nuff ta do yer job."

Saihitei had no problem granting that; in fact, he also offered Kishuku and Ryuuen the chance to see the inner workings of the Palace and Center. All three agreed on the condition that Saihitei would join them for dinner outside, something that he agreed to very readily.

A half-hour later, the three Seishi pairs were found standing in the shadows behind a ceremonial Saihitei as he spoke to his ministers of both the country and the Center. Takeshi, like usual, was sitting upon the rafters and watching everything instead of sitting beside his bondmate. Saihitei explained to Shun'u, who complained loudly about the discrimination, that Takeshi kept his distance so that no one would know about Saihitei being a Seishi. "There are many people out there who do not want us as Emperor. They would jump at the chance to hit our weak spot- Takeshi. Only those whom we trust implicitly know of the bond." Shun'u accepted that, but he didn't seem to like it.

Right now, there must have been a good hundred people in the throne room- mostly older men without ketsu, something which Saihitei wasn't so sure he preferred. He noticed Houjun-san was absent, but he was probably dealing with the same problem. I could have used the extra encouragement, he thought wistfully but made do with the three behind him.

Kishuku and Shun'u kept talking and pointing until Ryuuen finally whacked both of them as a warning to shut up. But through it all, he listened to the Warriors and their observations, knowing that they could see just as much (and perhaps more) than he could.

"So we have decided that there are to be four Prime Ministers; two Seishi pairs and two statesmen," Saihitei finished his speech, his voice still firm and clear after all that had been said. "Those who wish to speak at length may do so."

While the men murmured amongst each other, Kishuku knelt next to Saihitei and whispered, "The ketsu want to mind-web. Do you mind?"

"Why?"

"To help you in your decision. We'll speak telepathically to the ketsu and so will you, but since none of them are your bondmate no one will know what you're doing."

He liked the idea. These three… I believe I have underestimated them before. I never realized how much intelligence and ability they wield. And to count them as my friends and have them stand at my back… I've never felt so secure before. As soon as Kishuku backed up, he felt the brush of Toshi and Genrou's minds against his own. Using Genrou and Toshi like the centers of a spiderweb, the four could transmit their thoughts back and forth without speaking a word aloud.

'Ryuuen wants to know when this'll be over,' Toshi sent.

'Tell him soon. Give me twenty more minutes at most.'

'Shun'u's going to kill that man if he doesn't stop stealing jewelry.' Genrou indicated a shifty looking man in the crowd.

'Let the Royal Guard know and they'll take care of him.'

'Kishuku thinks he knows someone who'll do good in this position,' the wolf relayed then gave a name. 'Ah, I see you were already thinking of her.'

'Ryuuen picked her too. We're on the same track, except that Shun'u seems to be rather cowed by her,' Toshi told him. 'He likes the cut of the man over there, though.'

After a few minutes of internal debate with his Seishi companions, Saihitei heard the voices begin to fade out and decided it was best to pick the four now. He stood up, regality flowing around him like an invisible wind. "We have made our decision," he spoke strongly. "Those who we are about to name, please step forward.

"Iroi Mokoto will represent us in political matters," and an elderly man stepped forward, bowing before his Emperor. Voices could be heard in the background about the choice, but Kishuku commented on the fact that since the man seemed to be worried about all people and not just the wealthy made him a good factor. He was also one of the oldest members of the court and could be well trusted.

"Buo Hajichi will represent us in economic matters." This time, a man in his forties came and also bowed in front of Saihitei, his form stiff and nervous. Though much younger than Iroi-san, he had a head for figures and was as honest as they came. Ryuuen mentioned that he knew the man fired some of his underlings for attempted embezzlement, a fact that Saihitei had been previously unaware of.

"Sete Tatsuko will represent us in military matters." This time, the court was buzzing with activity as a sable-haired woman in her thirties carrying a small animal on her shoulder came up in front of Saihitei and prostrated herself. It was very rarely seen for a woman to be so high in the royal government, but she was extremely good at her job and Saihitei knew she would do well. Besides, he knew that the Seishi woman would have no problem ordering the overbearing ministers around (and felt acute disappointment that he would miss seeing it).

"Lastly, Ea Machi will represent us in Seishi and ketsu matters, and she will also be the direct voice of Haon-san." Another woman came and paid homage to her Emperor, a small cat by her side. Even though he didn't have complete control over the Center since he wasn't a Seishi (according to public knowledge), Saihitei still had to regulate all matters concerning the empire as a whole and Seishi were part of the empire. He also knew that since Haon-san had a great deal of work in front of him and didn't need this added to it, the man would be more than happy to let her take the job.

'Rune told us to tell you that Akihito is quite thankful for giving her the job. He would have done it, but he's glad he's not,' Toshi told him, further bolstering Saihitei resolution in his choices.

"From this moment on, those who wish to speak to the Emperor will speak to one of these four Prime Ministers, for we are hereby on official business to inspect our realm. All those who have not been chosen are to leave the Royal Presence," he said, dismissing the masses. Once the room had been cleared (which took another five minutes) the Warrior Trio stepped out from the shadows and followed Saihitei down the steps to the four coheirs. He motioned for them to rise and began to talk.

"You have all heard our words about your duties toward the country and each other. We do not expect a unanimous decision for each problem, but we do expect effort to perceive and honor one another's positions," Saihitei spoke to them, making sure they fully understood their obligations. "If you have any questions, please ask them now." All four were bright and well understood the burden they were suddenly carrying. "Then you are dismissed. We suggest you visit either Yona-san or Haon-san for more in-depth information about the more recent issues."

The two men departed immediately, both going the Emperor's head advisor. However, the two women stayed behind. Saihitei wasn't sure why until they headed to those flanking him.

"Shun'u, ya brat! I knew I saw yer flamin red head behind His Majesty!" Tatsuko grabbed the young man and pulled him into a hug. He blushed furiously while the other two snickered at his discomfort, and even Machi-san was smiling at the scene.

"Tatsu-san! For fuck's sake, lemme go!"

In a matter of seconds, she changed the hug to grabbing his ear in her favored manner of discipline. "Using such language in front of the Emperor!" she castigated him loudly. "Don't make me do something you'll regret." But by the looks of things, Shun'u was already regretting it. She had pulled his head down until it was even with her own, but being that she was a whole head shorter than his 5'11" made it that much more painful. Even Kanae, her ketsu, had crawled up her arm and was biting his ear with great vivacity.

"OwowowowOW!!! Tatsuko-saaan!!" he whined pitifully.

"Gnawed to death…" Ryuuen shook his head. "Bad way to go." The hamster apparently heard the remark and bared her incisors at him.

Saihitei cleared his throat and hoped she wasn't going to main the redhead for life. "We were unaware you knew this Warrior."

"Know him!" Tatsuko cried out and let him go. She began waving her arms around as soon as Kanae made it back to her shoulder, gesturing wildly and using an accent Shun'u would be proud of. "I know all these kids." The trio made identical grousing sounds, which Saihitei could make out the words 'not kids' and 'tried to kill us'. "I taught these two," she indicated Ryuuen and a wincing Shun'u. "some hand-ta-hand, and even a little ki-focusing techniques. This one," and she put her hands on her hips as she looked Kishuku up and down. "tried ta show off in front of me. Thus, I was forced to kick his pert little ass and teach him some manners."

"Which he apparently never learned," Machi put in. "I heard him laughing behind Saihitei-sama's back during the speech." At this, he turned to give Kishuku a deadly glare. Not that I feel as angry as I look, but an Emperor should never be mocked.

"Yeah… well… I… I… I…" he stuttered, turning very red. "I am in so much trouble…"

'I'm sure they'll get around to killing you later,' Umeno, Machi-san's ketsu, said off-handedly. 'But for now, I'd like to wish you four the best of luck and Suzaku's guidance on your journey. You have a hard road ahead of you to travel.'

"Thank you very much," they said together, bending their heads in respect.

'And as much as I would love to stay and chat we must be going,' Genrou apologized. 'This will be our last warm meal for a while and we want to savor it.'

"Ah, leaving so soon?" Machi sounded disappointed. "I so wanted to see Tatsuko teach you boys some more manners, but I guess it will have to wait for another day."

The Warriors bowed towards the two proxies and departed as fast as decorum would let them, but Saihitei stayed behind and began to talk quickly and softly with the women.

"We did not want to mention this in front of company, but we have an extra burden to place upon your shoulders," he told them, speaking gravely.

"We want you two to know that if something were to happen to us, if we could no longer fulfill our duty as Emperor, it will be the choice of yours to pick a new heir to the throne."

Machi gasped and Tatsuko frowned. "You do us great honor, Heika, but if I may be so bold to ask… why us?' Kanae questioned for them all.

"Because I trust Seishi more than normal men," he divulged a little further. "And I say this as me the man rather than we the Emperor. I do not want to think about it, but if I were somehow killed or if Takeshi were to be "disposed of", then Konan would be without a ruler. I care about the people too much to leave them without capable hands, though it may be near impossible to find the right person. But with ketsu I believe they will not be fooled by any lies in a man's heart. Do whatever you need to do and decide however you must, but do not leave the country without an Emperor for longer than a month. By our decree, you two have the final will on my heir."

The women were momentarily dazed, but then they bowed low, taking the additional weight without a word. When they stood up, Machi said seriously, "I sincerely hope that I will never have to carry out this commitment, your Highness."

Saihitei nodded slowly. "I hope so too." He gave them directions on where the find the scroll with the said decree, should this morbid event come to pass. Then all four parted, albeit too solemnly, and Saihitei returned to his chamber.

Takeshi was already there waiting for him. 'Are you all right, beloved?'

'I don't know. I just wish I didn't have to think about things like this,' he said tiredly, stripping off the layers of robes as if shedding his invisible bonds. 'I think I some sleep.'

'You told Shun'u you would eat dinner with him and the others.'

Saihitei really didn't want to go- right now, food was taking a backseat to the want of a long nap. However, he was a man of his word and kept it, even if it killed him.

After changing into a set of lighter apparel, he left the room and went outside to look for the Warriors while Takeshi went out hunting. And even though it only took him a few minutes to find them, he couldn't believe where they were.

"Come on up, the view's great!" Ryuuen said in his usual animated tone, waving his chopsticks around like extensions of his fingers.

"Though you've probably seen it before," Kishuku added, speaking around a mouthful of rice.

"Are you certain it's safe?" he frowned, looking at them.

"Sai-san, I've eaten in spots ten times worse'n this," Shun'u shouted down. "Now get'cher imperial behind up here b'fore we haul you up!"

Taking that as a challenge, Saihitei stood up to his full height and called up, "No one will be hauling me anywhere! I am quite capable of bringing myself up!"

After making sure no one was around he shifted to the more favored form of an imperial eagle, and he took to the roof of the Palace's tallest building without so much as laboring his breath. His powerful wings were beating so hard a small dust devil had formed where he took off, and he managed to carry a bit of that dust with him on the way up, blinding the trio. But instead of landing right next to them, he decided to go just a little higher. From about 5 feet above their heads, he regained his humanity and fell to the roof in one smooth move.

When they regained their vision, Saihitei was standing in front of them with a proud smile on his face. "I believe I would be the one hauling your behind up here, Shun'u."

The bandit gulped down a cup of sake, effectively drowning out his grumbling. "Nice comeback, Your Majesty," Kishuku told him while handing over a dish of food. "We picked you up some stuff. Hope you like it."

"Many thanks," Saihitei said warmly, taking the proffered bowl and sitting next to him, wary of the roof's incline. "And many thanks for helping me today."

"Think nothing of it, Sai-kun," Ryuuen waved away his gratefulness.

"But I'll be expecting my pay by sunset," Kishuku held out his hand. Saihitei only looked at it before turning his attention back to Ryuuen.

"Oh by the way- my friend Riyu wants to have sparring practice with you one day. Didn't want me to tell you, but I did anyway 'cause I knew you could use a partner that wouldn't let you win because you're the Emperor."

"Really? Perhaps when we return I'll find him and take up that offer."

They ate and drank in partial silence, too wrapped up in their own thoughts but enjoying the company nonetheless. I do not know if our travels will be quite this peaceful and unrushed, Saihitei mused. It's best to appreciate this moment of time, for who knows when the next relaxing pause will come? He leaned back against the roof and looked to the sky. This is so… pleasant. I could fall asleep up here.

Turning his head, he saw both Ryuuen and Shun'u had closed their eyes and was probably in the middle of their naps. Kishuku, however, was wide-awake and sitting up. "Is there something on your mind, Kishuku-kun?"

The dusk-haired man sighed. "Nothing of importance to you, Sai-kun. Just worrying about my family. Like usual."

At this, Saihitei sat ramrod straight. "And why would it not be of importance to me?" he demanded, trying to keep his voice low and still yell at the same time.

"You've got hundreds of thousands of other people to worry about," he replied easily. "I just… I need money and I haven't visited my home in a while. What if they need me?"

"Then we'll go there!" Saihitei said resolutely. "For if we cannot help even our brother Seishi and his family, then we are unfit to be Emperor. We shall see what trials you have endured and we shall work to fix them, and for all those who suffer under similar conditions."

Through it all, Kishuku simply stared at the Hotohori Seishi. Then he lay back and chuckled. "Ten days ago, if someone told me I'd be sitting on the Center's roof talking to the Emperor, I'd have probably called him a lunatic. After laughing uproariously at him, of course. But now… this seems right. I keep saying it to Toshi, that everything feels right. From being a Chosen Seishi to knowing six of my seven brothers, I've fit in and come to accept who I am in this big picture. And you know…" he gazed at the other with large gray-blue eyes. "Even if something were to happen to me or you guys, I don't think I'd regret doing a single thing. Despite the pain that may come our way… I'd never change the fact of knowing you."

Saihitei could feel his heart clench in something between pain and joy. Never had such heartfelt truths been shared or given to him. He felt it only fair to return the gift. ""We've got two lives; one we're given and the other we make."" He paused and thought on the words. "Takeshi said that phrase to me many times, and I always disagreed with them, saying that my life is tied to what I was, not who I was or wanted to be. Yet I see now- though I am born to a role, to many roles it seems, it is what I do in them that makes this life worth living. And right now… there is nothing I would do to escape this time shared with you four, even if it meant living without anyone."

"Hmmm…" Kishuku murmured, his eyes shut. "Let's see if we can make life worth living for the rest of the country."

Deciding not to be the odd one out, Saihitei leaned back a second time but didn't close his eyes. He simply lay there, watching the sun set and the world move beneath them. But deep within, he could feel a swell of contentment building in his chest. Right now, sitting upon that roof in the nation's Capital, he wasn't the Emperor of Konan, nor was he the Chosen Hotohori Shichiseishi.

He was just… Saihitei, friend to Kishuku, Ryuuen, and Shun'u- and that was all that mattered.

* * *

::grins in spite of self:: Saihitei is such a cool guy. I feel really bad for him since he was always so alone in the anime- Miaka dumped him, the Seishi left him in Konan to go mountain climbing, etc- so I've given him some buddies to hang with in this fic. He deserves them.

So yeah, I'd love to hear from you people and get some feedback. You guys matter to me! So please read and review. Jaa, mata!!