Between Seishi And Gods

by Kryssa

The Seishi are blessed with ketsu animals that bond to humans and are now called to protect their country and each other by summoning Suzaku. Ch. 20: Despite new and painful knowledge, the Suzakus will head off to Hokkan... after Kishuku goes home.

15. The Form of Deliverance

Disclaimer: I don't own FY.

Warning: This chapter has a definite warning: child abuse. Though I don't delve a great deal into the physical reality of it, it is a sensitive subject and one that I felt needed to be treated as such. There are also warnings of swearing and violence that you should be aware of, so please take care when reading this chapter.

I extend my gratitude to Aikido-chan, who was kind enough to beta-read this chapter for me. ::grins and hugs:: Thank you, Aikido-chan!! Love ya lots!!!!

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"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"Are we there yet?"

"For the last goddamn time, NO!!"

"And if you ask again, I'll slip hemlock in your sake, so help me Suzaku!"

"Shiiiiiit, you'd think we'd be there already! I mean, we've been fuckin ridin around for days and getting ourselves lost 'cause the damn ketsus can't make up their fuckin minds and-"

"Sai-kun, do I have permission to beat his face in?"

"With my sincerest blessing."

'Pardon my intrusion, but there will be no beatings, poisonings, or other vicious threats on Shun's life.'

"Thanks, Gen-kun!"

'At least, not until I get the first bite in.'

Peals of laughter rang out over the simple countryside. Three out of four Seishi were intensely amused by the wolf's "defense", while their bondmates mentally chortled. Even solemn Takeshi crowed with undue laughter.

"Yeah, yeah," Shun'u growled as he kept up his lope besides Saihitei's horse. "Laugh it up, you assholes! Why the fuck am I always the butt of the jokes?"

Tama mindspoke, not bothering to hide his mirth. 'It's really nothing personal, Shun'u, you just make one hell of an easy target!'

Once again, the group burst into a lively round of laughter while Shun'u promised a painful and untimely death upon those who would dare to mock him.

'And you turned your furry red ass on me,' he snapped at the wolf, who was hidden among the waist-high prairie grass growing alongside the path. 'You're lucky I ain't a vengeful man…'

'You're a good man, Shun, for taking the brunt of such humor. We need these moments of light-heartedness, and I thank you for it,' Genrou placated his Seishi's temper the usual way - through intense ego stoking.

'Yeah, I s'pose it is kinda funny…' he grudgingly admitted. 'But next time, can't we use Sai as the -'

'STOP!'

Shun'u literally halted in mid-step, almost falling over from the suddenness of the order. Saihitei and Ryuuen brought their horses up so sharply that both bucked and nearly trampled Juan, who had been walking alongside them.

What the bloody hell is going on??? Shun'u thought, his mind racing between anger and agitation. The shout came not only from Genrou, but also the other three ketsus, which only served to make him more nervous. "You guys know somethin?"

'We do -' 'And you will not like what you see,' both Genrou and Tama's voices were clipped and harsh, though they gave no hint or indication as to what was wrong. The two runners emerged from the grass, then began pulling on their Seishi's robes and thoughts with great urgency. 'Follow us!'

"Wait! What's going on?" Juan demanded, his usually calm demeanor gone without a trace as he grabbed Tama's scruff. "Shun'u is right - we have been following your directions, and, though I trust the ketsu's wisdom, I do not like walking blindly into situations."

"I second that!" Ryuuen voiced, glaring at Kohana, who had suddenly become fascinated with the ground, the grass, and everything but her Seishi. "'Fess up!"

Takeshi sighed, then spoke succinctly. 'You're right. We haven't told you everything, though it isn't because we don't want to. It's because we ketsu aren't completely sure as to what is happening, and we didn't want to get too far off-course if the problem turned out to be trivial.'

Kohana picked up the mental flow of words, sounding very distraught. 'But it is very important! There are feelings of pain and humiliation coming from a nearby village, and we've just now pinpointed its location. Please, my Seishi, trust us and run blind.'

Shun'u was completely taken aback. For the ketsu to admit that they didn't know what was happening… it was more than serious - it was scarily alarming.

Oh shiiiit, this is bad… Shun'u inwardly winced, But if Genrou needs me… I ain't gonna turn away. And he said as much aloud.

"Hey Gen, I'll follow you. What'cha need me ta do?"

If it were possible, Shun'u would have seen the wolf smile with pride. As it was, an echo of three more voices followed his declaration, and both were distracted by the urgency of the situation.

"So do you want me to run or ride?" Juan asked Tama, releasing the cat from the undignified hold.

"Or do you want the horse, so I may fly with Takeshi?" Saihitei offered the big man. "It could be faster."

'I hate to be brusque, but the situation's turned critical and we need to be moving,' Takeshi pushed. 'I don't care how you do it, but follow Genrou and myself - we'll lead you there.'

Like a reflex, Shun'u immediately shifted into his wolf-shape and butted his head against Genrou's. 'Ready whenever you are.'

'Then let's fly!'

The two wolves were off without a backward glance. He heard twin eagle shrieks cut through the sky and the pounding of rhythmic hoofbeats behind him, but his whole being was focused on followed his ketsu across the open plains, cutting through fields and grassland.

'Gen-kun… what's going on?' Shun'u pressed, not bothering to hide his worry and tension and, yes, even a stirring of fear. 'Is it another demon-lady? Dammit, I hope not, 'cause I don't think I can handle another one!'

'No. No, Shun, it's not a demon. At least… not the demon you're thinking of,' Genrou replied, sounding more cryptic than usual. But instead of feeling frustrated - the normal reaction when he wanted answers and wasn't getting them - Shun'u just felt a further, sinking tightness in his gut.

Though they traveled no more than a few miles, the run felt as if it took twice as long as it should have, thanks to the sudden anxiety eating at his stomach. Then, at the edge of the wilderness, where the grassland began to dwindle to farmland, Genrou stopped him.

'Look around - they're here somewhere! I can smell the fear…'

Standing there was a very small village, made of what looked to be no more than a few dozen houses. It looked completely harmless; with the afternoon gently leading into evening, the scene was actually quite homey. It almost reminded Shun'u of his old home.

However, the metallic scent of terror combined with the burning stench of rage reached his sensitive nose and painted the scene with dark overtones.

Seiryuu's shit, this place reeks to the high fuckin heavens!

He was about to make a comment to the wolf when the sound of shrieking broke the thickened silence. His canine ears caught it, and he took off running before his mind had a chance to really process what he had just heard.

Pain… I hear it… I smell it… and I'll be damned if I won't help whoever's hurt!

He followed the squawk-like cries, appearing now at intermittent lengths, speeding up until he reached the backyard of a small house. And what he saw was much worse than any demon he may have imagined.

A little girl was cowering on the ground, curled up into the fetal position and screaming her throat raw as a tall, stocky man beat her with a leather strap. Her body was a mess of dirt, welts, and bruises, and though she tried to vainly protect herself with stick-thin arms, the man would simply kick her and strike again.

For a split-second, Shun'u was shocked so far out of his mind that he could not move. He almost refused to believe what his eyes saw, but there was no denying the truth of the scene.

The man had stopped for just a minute, his chest heaving with anger and exertion. "You little bitch, what the hell is wrong with you? You did it on purpose! It's your fault!" the man yelled as he raised the strip again. "It's all your fault!!!!"

Something within the wolf-Seishi snapped. In animal shape, Shun'u was in constant battle with himself, needing to keep his canine instincts under strict control. But faced with something so evil and so wrong, his primal drive came out full-force and pushed past any moral inhibitions he may have harbored.

So with a howl to chill the blood of Suzaku, Shun'u ran at the man before he had a chance to lower the strap. The man heard it, turned his head with sudden surprise, and barely had time to let out a scream before Shun'u attacked. He sprang up, grabbed the offensive arm in his mouth, and planted his paws in the center of the man's chest. Both man and wolf went tumbling to the ground. The attacker was on his back and his arm bleeding freely into Shun'u's eager mouth. The sound of his screams echoed like music in Shun'u's ears, and he spat out the arm to go for the final killing bite.

You goddamn motherfuckin sonovabitch I''LL SEE YOU IN FUCKIN HELL!!!

'SHUN!'

He actually had his teeth on the man's neck when Genrou stopped him. Shun'u paused in mid-bite, only half-aware of the wolf that had silently come up next to them. 'Don't kill him. Don't do it.' Genrou's voice held no mercy in it. He spoke with simple directness, sounding almost casual in his request for Shun'u to stop.

The Tasuki Seishi slowly pulled back; looking down at the man's terrified expression as he babbled out human words of pleading and begging was meant to calm the wolf-born storm. Yet to no avail - it only further provoked his anger, and he took it out by snapping his bloodstained fangs in the man's face.

'Genrou, don't you fuckin tell me what to do! While someone like this shithead is around, someone who likes beating kids, then I have more than enough reason to see his goddamn blood spilt. And I want to be the one to spill it!!!'

But Genrou pushed on, using all the persuasiveness he possessed, his mind carefully nuzzling his Seishi's. 'Don't sink, Shun, not to a level like that. Not while the girl is watching, you could do more harm than good. Please Shun, if not me then for the girl.'

That was the deciding factor. He was a Warrior, and his duty towards the innocent outranked the need to punish the guilty. Shun'u slunk off the man's chest, still growling loudly with his hackles standing needle-straight, but he did it. 'Genrou, you damn well better appreciate what I did.'

'I do. Thank you.'

'Goddamned ketsu…'

Slowly, Shun'u began to reign in his anger, convincing his wolf-self that judgment could be passed later. He was less than happy to have left the job undone, but the familiar sounds and scents of his Seishi friends and ketsus grounded his feelings and mind.

It seemed they had been nearby for quite some time. Ryuuen gently rocked the girl in his arms and smoothed her hair to soothe her. Juan was kneeling in front of her, speaking soft words of reassurance as he treated her injuries. Tama had crawled into the girl's lap and nuzzled her chin with his head, helping to bring her hysteric cries down to a soft hiccup, and Kohana paced behind the group, protecting them along with making sure she wouldn't further startle the child with her size. Saihitei was nowhere in sight, but Takeshi was perched on the top of the thatched roof and looking down with predatory eyes at the dishonorable figure of a man who would whip his child.

Forget it, bird, Shun'u thought savagely. This one's mine.

He cautiously padded over to the group, making sure to stand behind Ryuuen and out of the girl's eyesight. If she saw what he did, it was possible she'd only get worse seeing him now. Still, he hovered nearby, watching as she began to relax in Ryuuen's gentle arms and under Juan's healing hands.

But once he realized that his life was in no immediate danger, the man stood up and stalked over to Ryuuen. "Hey! Get the fuck away from my daughter!" he shouted, his bravado returning far too fast for his own good.

He made it no more than ten feet from his starting place when Genrou stood between him and the Seishi. 'I wouldn't take another step closer if I were you,' the wolf growled deep in his chest, slowly revealing sharp fangs to the world as his yoku symbol pulsed a threatening red.

Seeing his ketsu standing in front of the abuser, Shun'u was immediately at Genrou's side and looked equally as menacing as his ketsu. You mess with my Genrou or this girl, and no one here will hold me back from tearing your still-beating heart from your chest.

But they weren't the only one to jump to this girl's defense. Kohana raised herself to her full six feet of height, spreading her forepaws as if encompassing the group before her in a shielding embrace. Takeshi screeched a warning from his perch on the house, making it perfectly clear that he could swoop down and tear his talons through flesh without any time lost.

The man was effectively trapped.

"Seishi!" he hissed, backing up a few steps and still cradling his arm to his chest.

"Don't come any closer!" Ryuuen spoke coldly, protecting the child with his body. "How dare you hit your own child, your flesh and blood! What kind of man are you?"

"How dare you tell me what to do with my kid!" he shouted back. "When is it your business to tell a father how to raise his kid?"

"It is the business of a whole village, of a whole land when a child is being abused," Juan's voice resonated deep against everyone's chest. Although he looked tired after the healing act, it did not stop him from sounding as ominous as thunder. "But since the people here do not want to step in, then we will."

"I'm not doing anything any other parent wouldn't do!! How dare you treat me like the problem, when it's her fault!"

What the?!?!?!? … what kind of shit has he been smoking? Shun'u growled in disbelief.

"Every parent wants their kid to be a Seishi. My wife was a Seishi and died when she had that," he pointed accusingly at the child, who huddled deeper into Ryuuen's chest when she saw her father's motion. "We've been stuck here and we didn't get any okane from the Emperor for her death. So I've been raising her, hoping she'll be a Seishi and get us outta this dung heap. And just a few days ago, she had her first cycle, but she never got called. So I sent her into the woods, just in case, but she came back with nothing but a few bruises. Nothing - not even a rat for a ketsu. But… you know what makes it worse?"

His eyes went wild as he kept ranting, and Shun'u could smell the disgust radiating off the man in such strong waves he nearly gagged. "The little bitch is deaf - she can't even hear me yell! She's not even whole; she's not a real child that's worth my time! She's just a worthless little shit I've wasted ten goddamn years on!!!"

A moment of stunned silence as human and ketsu alike took in the sickening words. Then a voice so full of quiet fury that it no longer sounded human came from the house.

"You monster."

Standing at the threshold was Saihitei, his sei blazing with the fire-blood of Suzaku. Like the catalyst in an explosion, seven more symbols shone out with their own hot hatred against this man. Shun'u quickly shifted back into his normal form, wanting to see this man from his human eyes and to take him down with his human hands.

Meanwhile, the Emperor of Konan advanced on the offender, almost exploding with his barely controlled rage. "In all our years… never have we heard of such a perversion," Saihitei spat, as if the words themselves were tainted by the presence of the man. "To force a child to bond, to send them into the outdoors without any sort of protection or guard… And to add the fact that this girl is impaired and deserves your extra care - you are not fit to be called a man, much less her father!" And Saihitei punctuated the words by pulling his sword from his scabbard in one move and holding it steel-straight against the man's sweat-streaked throat.

"You see this gift we have as an excuse to forward yourself in the world, not as the responsibility and blessing it is! Such selfishness, such barbarity - we would strike you down where you stand!!" His voice rose in noble wrath and he swung the sword for a clean beheading.

"Aaaaaaa!" the girl pushed aside Ryuuen's arms and Tama's weight, and ran to her father's side, dousing the eight symbols with their shock. "Nhaaaannaah!" She stood in front of the man, shaking her head at Saihitei and wailing in the most pitiful voice any of them had ever heard.

Sweet fuckin Suzaku, she's protecting the s. o. b….

At this, the man smirked in Saihitei's face and said, "She knows who cares for her," before spitting at his feet.

For a split second Shun'u could only gape. Holyfuckinshit, he just spat at th' Emperor! Then it faded away to a very excited, I'm gonna enjoy burnin his ass ta a pile o' ash.

But before Saihitei could carve out a heart or Shun'u could unfasten his tessen, Tama spoke to the Seishi.

'It's our turn now. Just keep the man from doing anything stupid.'

He sauntered up to the child and rubbed against her legs, catching her attention. 'Hey there, little one,' he projected to her, using the softest, silkiest brush of his mind. It was as if he spoke with feelings and emotions rather than words.

At this, the child gasped in shock at this new sensation of 'sound' and 'hearing'. Then her whole being began to glow with such delight and enchantment that everyone couldn't help but watch her.

Ain't never heard anything before… guess hearin the ketsu in yer head's a pretty big step for her, Shun'u thought as he watched everything unfold.

He came up to the father and pulled him backwards and away from the girl. "Hey you, jus' a warning here, but if ya fuckin breathe the wrong way, I'll have yer heart for lunch. Got it?" Thankfully, the man got the idea (somewhat emphasized by Shun'u's fangy grin and Saihitei's still-drawn sword) and did nothing to endanger himself.

'Do you mind if we ask you a few questions? I'll make sure no one hurts your father while we do,' Tama gently coaxed, trying not to frighten her with this new and unusual way of communicating. She nodded vaguely, her eyes distant and bright, and it looked like she was enjoying the mindspeaking more than they thought.

Shun'u took a deep breath, waiting for the first question and knowing it wasn't going to be good.

Tama dove in. 'How often does he hit you?' he asked, adding the very slightest picture of pain and fear to his words, to "show" her what he meant along with the word-thoughts he spoke. And although he couldn't hear her response, Shun'u could see the hackles spring to attention on Genrou's back and knew – the fucker!!! – how bad the answer was.

When the wolf translated her thoughts, a life-long stream of images filled with such torment and anguish the inferno from before flared up in Shun'u's chest. He wanted more than anything to release it on the sorry excuse for a human still standing behind the girl. Still, he curbed his temper, knowing that Tama and the ketsu needed time to work their magic.

'Do you know why?'

Again, Tama used a bit of emotional encouragement to help her understand him. But all she did was shake her head and look to the ground with guilt in her eyes.

'That's it, this sonovabitch's gonna die!' Shun'u promised. This time, Genrou didn't reply to the threat. Shun'u smiled darkly, knowing that the wolf was seriously considering letting that action come to pass, and even possibly joining in on it.

Kohana took over, reinforcing her words with love and kindness. 'Little one… little darling… do you want him to stop hurting you?'

Her answer was a slight nod of her head, so subtle that had he been anything but a Seishi, Shun'u would have missed seeing it.

'Would you like to come with us?' And she slowly came up next to the girl and licked her hand. The child didn't jump, but simply laid the hand on Kohana's soft forehead and slowly smoothed her fur. Tama had raised himself onto his back legs, his forepaws leaning against the girl's leg, which allowed him to rub his head into her free hand.

'Stay here, Shun, and don't do anything. We're gonna try something and we can't afford interruptions,' Genrou said sharply, leaving his position and carefully walking up to the girl. When she noticed him, he crouched low to the ground and looked up at her with infamous 'puppy-dog eyes', silently asking for her permission to come closer. She grinned and reached out for him, allowing Genrou to join them with no fear in her face.

I'll be damned! Shun'u's jaw dropped as he watched. I ain't seen that trick in yeeeears! The ole boy still 'members how ta beg like an innocent pup!

Suddenly, Shun'u felt himself cut off from Genrou, an almost painful experience in its abruptness. He wasn't too pleased with that course of action, but he also knew that the ketsu had to speak privately and intimately with the child if whatever they were doing was going to work.

And whatever they do, we gotta get her the hell away from here.

It seemed like they were talking for hours on end, though he figured it couldn't have been longer than a half-hour. Turning slightly, he saw Ryuuen was watching him. Looking back with worried, hopeful eyes, the Nuriko Seishi put his hands together in the familiar gesture of 'pray'. Shun'u nodded back and mimicked the gesture before turning away.

We need all the help we can get. She needs all the help.

Saihitei was the first to move. Out of the blue, Takeshi landed on his outstretched arm, 'spoke quickly, and then went back to the roof. Saihitei sheathed his sword, and then said, with forced politeness to the man, "Excuse me, sir, but we need to talk," and pulled him away from the scene. The Emperor glanced at Shun'u, silently asking him to follow, and he did, though Juan and Ryuuen stayed behind with the ketsu.

When the trio was out of the child's line of vision, Saihitei spoke again, his regal voice tinged with hostility. "We have a favor to ask of you. Would you be willing to let your daughter join us on our travels?"

Shun'u didn't miss the calculating look in the man's eyes, the one that said he cared for nothing but himself, and was suddenly tempted to separate those eyes from his face. "Am I getting any money for letting her go with you?"

"You said she meant nothing to you. What do you care what we do with her?" Saihitei shot back, a slip in his carefully constructed expression coming through.

The jerk didn't have the decency to look guilty for his next words. "You're right, she doesn't. She doesn't even look like Se–," he cut himself off. "Like her mother. But will I get anything for handing her to you?"

"If it will save her from this life, then yes, we will pay any price for her safety."

"How much?"

Saihitei gave a number Shun'u felt was extremely appropriate (though overly generous to this asshole). However, he responded with a, "Fuck that. There are other things she can do and get paid that much for."

Shun'u felt his control break again. Like the string of a bow pulled so tight that it snaps, he lost himself in lupine viciousness. But instead of attacking, as he was wont to do, he began to yell with intense ferocity.

"You asshole! You sonovabitch, you goddamned shit-headed child-beating motherfuckin asshole!" he screamed mercilessly as he pulled the tessen from his back. "You don't have a fuckin clue, do you? We're not asking for your permission; we're giving you the choice ta do this the easy way, or the hard way!" He flipped the fan open and pointed it at the corpse-colored man in one smooth stroke, every nerve of his body eagerly waiting for the next step. "And I pray to Suzaku you wanna do this the hard way."

'Hold up one last time, Shun.'

'FUUUUCK!!!! Genrou, damn you, stop interruptin me when I'm doin important stuff like this!!'

Genrou ignored his small tirade. 'The girl wants to see you and Sai-san, but she's afraid of what her father might do to you, and what you might do to him. When she comes to you, just be extra careful about how you gesture and your expressions, all right? Think you can do that?'

He snarled silently. 'Yeah, I can.' Though it went against all his instincts, Shun'u holstered the tessen and turned away from the idiot that would provoke four Seishi pairs into possible violence. Thankfully, Saihitei was standing there with his sword halfway set to draw, so he was watching Shun'u's back and the man's actions.

The group approached cautiously, with Juan walking in front of the child and ketsu as Ryuuen took up the rear. Both of them had schooled their faces to calm neutrality, but spending all the time on the road had only served to help Shun'u read his brothers' body language. They may as well have been screaming in tense anxiety. The ketsu themselves were shielding and Shun'u couldn't get anything from them, but they didn't seem to be upset with the situation. They simply hovered around the girl with pack-like protectiveness.

Don't wanna give 'em a reason to get worried, Shun'u thought briefly, then focused on the child. She was only about four feet tall, meaning that she would be eye-to-eye with his belt buckle if she came closer. With a gentle encouraging push from Kohana, she walked over to Shun'u, her head held down and her hair, a dirty bronze color, curtaining her face from his.

Shun'u's heart sank. Seeing the kid hide her eyes from him like that made Shun'u feel horrible – like he was the one that caused such pain. Filled with the mindset of wanting to give her someone to feel safe around, he slowly got to one knee and extended his hand in her field of vision.

Careful… careful…

When he was certain she saw it, and certain she wouldn't be afraid of it, Shun'u began to lift his hand until it came right under her chin. He cursed her father multiple times over when he felt her flinch at his touch, but still kept his facial appearance soft. He lifted her head until her eyes were even with his. They weren't any exotic color – a simple gray-brown – but when she smiled shyly at him, Shun'u could see the faintest spark of life hiding there. He couldn't help but smile back, coaxing that spark to come even farther out.

Cute kid… for a girl.

"Hi. Sorry if I scared you earlier," he said, knowing that she couldn't hear him but letting his sincerity spill through his expression. "Just trying to protect you."

This time, she broke into a true grin. Whether or not it was due to a ketsu telling her what he said, or that she was just feeling comfortable with his presence, her whole face lit up with a joyful, wholehearted smile. It made Shun'u's spirit lift to see.

But when she turned ever-so-slightly and saw her father standing nearby, all that light disappeared so quickly it may as well have never existed. Shun'u's anger returned, but he kept it firmly in check. Instead, he stood up beside her and brought the hand from her chin onto her head. The action served the dual purpose of comforting the girl and showing the father that he was the one that would take care of her from now on.

'Cause I fuckin dare you ta get through me! he glared daggers into dark, greedy eyes.

"I'm afraid that, despite your previous words, it seems as if your daughter would like to travel with us," Saihitei spoke, his voice deceitfully affable. "It is partially her choice, you know. And as her father, how can you deny her the chance to experience this vast world firsthand?"

He sneered at them and opened his mouth to comment, but Takeshi quickly interjected. 'As much as I would hate to get too involved in this matter, might I make a suggestion?' he asked evenly, though a hint of an edge lay underneath. When no one argued, he kept going. 'Before you make a decision, sir, remember that the Seishi are very well connected to the ear of the Emperor. If you do not let us bring this child to safety, it is more than likely His Majesty will hear of this injustice, and be extremely… displeased with you.'

Hehehe, to put it fuckin lightly!!!!

'However, if you allow us to take care of your daughter, then I am sure there can be very little complications for your side of the issue,' Takeshi finished. If it were possible, the eagle would have been purring with satisfaction at his 'wording'.

A quick flash of fear passed across the father's eyes (something Shun'u was distinctly pleased to see), but it changed back to the familiar look of hostility. "Get her out of my sight," he snarled at them.

"Could we have your name, good sir, so we may remember this girl's family and roots?" Ryuuen questioned innocently, though Shun'u had a hell of a time keeping a straight face.

The man thought for a second before self-preservation won out and he gave it. "Gurao Iuchi. That's Sute, but you can call her whatever the hell you want! Now get off of my property!" his face contorted with anger, and Sute buried her head in Shun'u's coat.

"Trust me, Gurao-san, we have every intention of doing so," Juan said lightly, letting Tama jump onto his shoulders. "I'll go get the horses and start leading them to Hakukou."

"Not waitin on us?" Shun'u frowned.

"Not staying here. We won't move quickly, you can catch up easily. Do what you must do." He turned to the road, and was followed by Saihitei and Takeshi flying above.

Shun'u couldn't blame them. He wanted out as fast as his feet could fly, but there was the girl to take care of. He caught her eye and made the motion of 'walking' with his fingers on one palm, then brought them both to his chest. "Walk with me?"

Sute clapped her hands and let out an odd sound, like a moan that came from both her nose and throat. At first he wasn't sure how to translate it, but then she opened her arms to him and he knew it was a good sound. Without a second thought, Shun'u bent down and she jumped onto his back. She wriggled underneath the tessen holster, then wrapped her arms and legs around his neck and waist, respectively. With a final, contemptuous glare at the pathetic excuse for a man, he wrapped his arms under her legs and winked at her over his shoulder.

Come on, kid, let's fly!!

And they were off and running. Though he didn't move as fast as possible, Shun'u sped across the plains swiftly enough to be nothing but a redheaded blur to those who could catch a glimpse of him and Sute.

A shriek sounded in his ear, alarming him, but when he turned his head to make sure she was all right, Sute was grinning broadly and laughing. Coming up behind them, moving at a quick tempo, were Ryuuen, Kohana, and Genrou – and all were smiling at the picture they made.

"Oh, that's just too cute for words," Ryuuen grinned broadly, not even bothering to hide his amusement.

The bandit favored all of them with a disdainful look and kept moving. "Bite me, Panda Boy," he growled, then slightly bounced Sute. "And you back there – watch that grip! Ain't gonna be fun for either o' us if ya choke me ta death!"

'Don't worry, Shun, she'll be good,' Kohana 'spoke warmly. 'She likes you.'

Shun'u nearly tripped over his own boots, gaining another laugh of excitement from Sute. "What??? Yer kiddin!"

'No, it's true. In order to help Sute trust us, we told her who we were, and what we're like,' the panda explained. 'We told her that you were the one that protected her first. So… from what I can see, she probably thinks you're Suzaku on earth!'

'Though personally, I just think she took a shine to your hair,' Genrou chuckled.

Shun'u's mouth quirked up, though his mind had drifted back to the child on his back. He'd never been one to really bond with kids, though he secretly enjoyed the unending supply of mischievous energy children seemed to be filled with. But because of all the women in his family and their habits, he was afraid that if he actually got too close to a young child, he'd end up over-mothering them by accident.

So to have this little girl, who moments before had been unable to look him in the eye, now holding onto him with great trust and enthusiasm boggled his mind. Ah, maybe I'm gettin soft or somethin… he shook his head. She'll probably wanna spend time with Ryuuen or Ki-ku more 'n me when we get ta Hakukou. So I guess it's okay for me ta enjoy this for now.

When they finally caught up with Juan, the doctor offered to take her up into the saddle with him. Shun'u declined the offer, saying that he didn't mind carrying Sute for a little while.

He neglected to mention that she was contentedly dozing on his back, still clutching his collar even in sleep.

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Author's Notes: This was brought to my attention, that ten years of age is very young for a girl to be getting her first cycle. However, in this day and age, girls are getting their first cycles as early as eight years old, though it can come as late as fifteen. I know that during the time Fushigi Yuugi most likely took place, girls were getting their menses later than that, but for the sake of the storyline I made Sute very young when she got hers. Hopefully, you'll all be able to forgive my slight stray away from "reality" on this subject… I hope.

I'd also like to mention that, thanks to Kaze-chan, I was given a good idea as to how I can get web addresses into a chapter, which is really useful considering the fact that I have two more sets of profiles and profile pictures for everyone. If you cut and paste the whole address, you'll see that there is a multitude of spaces between the different parts of it. Delete all the spaces and it should take you right to the picture. Thanks for your time, and I'd love it if you left a review to let me know how I'm doing!!

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Kohana and Ryuuen

Name: Kohana

Species: Giant panda

Gender: Female

Seishi: Nuriko

Personality: Kohana is a ketsu that thrives on the excitement and liveliness of daily life, almost always looking on the positive side of things rather than the negative. Like her bondmate, she's very affable and doesn't bother to hide it. Much of the time, all a person has to do is come within her telepathic range and their spirits are immediately lifted. One of her few flaws, however, is that Kohana can get very over-protective of the people she cares about, especially Ryuuen. It's not that she necessarily thinks he can't take care of himself, but during the time when he cross-dressed as a girl, Ryuuen forced Kohana to quietly stand aside and not retaliate against the people that mocked him. Thus, she over-compensates for those times. She's not quite as bad with the others, but when she gets a bad feeling about something, she won't hesitate to become very maternal and defensive in a situation, even if it's unnecessary. She's also incredibly perceptive, mostly because she is willing to cast proper conduct away and go deep into a person's mind and heart (without their knowledge) to find their true motives if she doubts their integrity. She's got a good heart, even if her actions can sometimes be a little questionable. Kohana is very adventurous, which causes her to get a little restless from time to time when she isn't feeling very animated, but this recent journey around the country is satisfying that feeling very well.

Picture: http: //www .china .org .cn/ english/ e-panda /15. htm

Bondmate: Chou Ryuuen

Age/Gender: 18/M

Seishi Talent: Ryuuen has superhuman strength and can press 15 tons in usual conditions, but the extent of his strength has not been measured. It has been noted that his emotional state affects his strength, i.e. if he is incredibly angry he will obviously be more powerful in that state rather than when he is relaxed. When he is calm, Ryuuen only uses about 10% of his full power. He is also well versed in many weapons, though he favors the tetsubo - a metal staff used by only the strongest Warriors.

Personality: Deep within Ryuuen's chest beats the heart of a lover rather than a fighter. Though gifted with the raw talent to become a great Warrior, Ryuuen has always preferred the tried and true method of conferring before hitting. This is not to say he is afraid to fight; rather the opposite is true. He is well aware of the dangers that the world poses and knows that sometimes you have to fight for the things you love, but he isn't jaded. An upbeat and extroverted young man, Ryuuen is always the one cheering people up, reassuring them, and generally enjoying life to its fullest. He seems to posses a sort of "feminine intuition", perhaps due to the time he spent posing as a girl, and seems to know what to say and when to say it. He's a big brother to the others, especially when they need someone to talk to and don't want to worry about what kind of façade they have to put up. He is a worrier and can get rather angsty, proving he's not completely immune to the pressures of the world. When he gets depressed Ryuuen has the bad habit of wallowing in misery, and it's not until someone gets him off his rear and doing things will he perk up. He's very levelheaded and protective of his brothers, even though he can be seen beating up Shun'u and Kishuku just as often as he jokes with them.

Panda as a Totem: Bears hibernate in the winter, which may explain their association with retrospection. The symbolism of Bear's cave suggests a strong feminine aspect, one of nurturing and protection. People with Bear Medicine are considered by many as self-sufficient, and would rather stand on their own two feet than rely on others. They are often considered dreamers. Many have developed the skill of visualizing new things, but as a result can get caught up in the dreaming, making little progress in waking reality. Bear's medicine includes introspection, healing, solitude, wisdom, change, and communication with Spirit, death and rebirth, transformation, astral travel, creature of dreams, shamans and mystics.

Pandas' coloring holds the energy of polarity. The panda reminds us to broaden our vision and not get caught in one side or the other. For those with this totem, personal challenges relating to polarized concepts are common. Panda feeds almost exclusively on bamboo and is able to grasp the young stems and leaves of this plant with the aid of a special thumb like structure on its front foot. In metaphysics the thumb symbolizes willpower. The panda teaches us that anything can be accomplished if the desire is strong enough.

Pandas have a lumbering gait on the ground but are agile tree climbers. They prefer being up high watching what's happening on the ground below. From this vantage point, the panda is able to maintain a spiritual connection with the seen and unseen forces. Those with this medicine will be happiest when living by themselves. Relationships can be acquired and maintained, but only if a partner respects the need for privacy and sacred space. Although relationship issues are common for those with this totem, a Panda medicine person will be forced to rely on their intuitive voice for nourishment and guidance. This aids them in developing a deeper understanding of who they truly are.

Some might say that Panda medicine is full of difficulties, and others may see its true value. Whichever way you choose to perceive this ally one thing is certain. The panda is a powerful teacher. All that is needed by the student is a willingness to learn.

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Tama and Juan

Name: Tama

Species: Domestic cat

Gender: Male

Seishi: Mitsukake

Personality: Quite possibly the only smart-assed ketsu known to man, Tama has been around people so much he has a horrible tendency to pick up their quirks (most of them bad). He's a jester that will make witty zingers and comments in almost any situation, and even Juan can't help but be amused by his ketsu's humor. Tama loves to mimic the actions of humans, and is scarily talented at it. He's utterly charming and will use that charm to help influence others to listen to him if need be, but his words and not empty and without reason. Like all the ketsu, he's intelligent and observant, and it's happened on more than one occasion where he's mindspoken to one of Juan's hysterical patients and kept them calm and safe from further injury. However, because he is something of a comic, those who've had little prior interaction with him don't always listen when he's giving advice. Though he doesn't look like it, Tama is pretty sensitive when it comes to being taken seriously, and even if he won't admit it, he'll feel hurt when he's ignored or laughed at. Still, he's pretty self-confident when it comes to most other matters, and is definitely confident enough to state his opinion in most matters. He'll take circumstances into his own paws, proving himself to be a fast thinking when the chips are down.

Picture: See FY manga 4+/FY Anime Episode 18+, but in case you're totally and utterly clueless about him… http:// www .geocities .com /Tokyo /Temple /1226 /4tama. gif

Bondmate: Myou Juan

Age/Gender: 22/M

Seishi Talent: Juan has the ability to heal humans that are ill or injured. He can create an overabundance of his own ki or borrow some from Tama. The only things he can't heal are impairments of genetics, such as mental retardation, and he can't regenerate missing limbs. Depending on the extent of the healing needed, he'll become drained of his ki for a certain period of time, generally a length of one hour to one day. Juan himself cannot become sick or wounded unless his resources fall dangerously low. As a Priest, he is also knowledgeable of a small number of spells, most of which relate to healing and medicine.

Personality: A man of few words and gentle hands, Juan hides his thoughts and emotions behind a carefully schooled face of calmness. However, this is not to say that he is apathetic or dead to the things that happen around him. It's much more accurate to say that he takes things in stride, rarely losing his cool and keeping himself in total control - a trait he had to cultivate as he dealt with emergencies. Juan can be an emotional person, but his feelings run very deep and, except for the most passionate few, are hidden from the rest of the world. He is a very private person, and he needs that sense of intimacy and quiet when he's been through tough times. It does mean that he will, obviously, hermit himself away from humanity for a very long time, which is something he does want to change about himself but can't - he doesn't know how. Juan is opinionated, but he's also a peacemaker and would rather play the part of a diplomat rather than a debater. He does have a dry sense of humor that Tama is quite proud of, something that most people have a hard time believing. He loves the company of animals and children, finding pleasure in their guileless enjoyment of life's offerings. He is the ideal healer-Priest; a man of such kindness and selflessness that the people he are caring for are surrounded in his serene presence. And in the company of the other Seishi, he is finding acceptance among them and allowed himself to slowly open up to them.

Cat as a Totem: Cat medicine teaches awareness, sensitivity, guardianship, detachment, respect, caution, pride, sensuality, and independence. It also helps us learn to observe things quietly without judgment before making decisions. Cats have an association to the 'other world', can see and work in the spirit world, and signifies an interest in the mysterious and occult.

If the cat is your totem animal, you have a spirit helper who is resourceful, strong, and fearless. You will experience a sense of confidence and a new feeling of courage will suffuse your being. With the cat as your totem animal, you will be encouraged to express ability in body and mind. Quite likely you were already a night person before you acquired the cat as your spirit helper, but if not, you will gain a new appreciation for the creative energy that can arrive after midnight. They are associated with myth and lore, magic and mystery, curiosity, cleverness, protection, love, ability to fight when cornered, unpredictability, and healing.

Cats have more rods in the retinas of their eyes, which enable them to see effectively in the dark. The dark is often associated with mankind's fears. Since the cat is at home in the dark, it serves as a valuable ally into the world of the supernatural and the unknown and can help those with this totem move through their fears efficiently. Because of their vision, acute hearing, and high intelligence, they were used throughout history as guardians and protectors. If cat appears in your life the blending of magic and mystery is at hand. A trustworthy teacher, the cat will guide you into the world of self-discovery and transformation.

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