Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yuugi.

Author's Notes: Well, this is a fantastic surprise now, isn't it? Just a month ago I updated, and before that, a year ago! I'm so happy with myself. Anyway, I thank you for coming back to my story. I appreciate all of you readers, and I hope I can continue to write this often for you. Oh yeah, and big shout-out to Roku-chan who beta-read my chapter - much obligued, ma'am.

---------------------------------------

Arrival into Eiyou was a spectacle of immense proportions. The screams and cries of joy that the people's throats produced were overwhelmingly loud to those that happened to be the center of such exultation. In addition, faint traces of singing and music - could music be created in such a cacophony? - simply increased the fervor whenever it reached any ears. Businesses were crammed with out of town customers, and the scents of baking pastries could make any man's mouth water. Everywhere scarlet banners and crimson decorations draped from buildings like feathers of Suzaku. Red flowers of every sort paved the streets like vibrant prayers, tossed with rejoicing force from the worshippers of the phoenix god. The city itself was more alive than it had been in decades.

And all Houjun wanted was to be back in his room meditating and praying to Suzaku for guidance.

Alas, the people were waving and cheering, and the Seishi had no choice but to smile back and return the waves lest they look pompous. The ketsu had no problem showing off; they were strutting and flying for the eyes of the adoring public. In front of Houjun, Kishuku and Saihitei were flanking Miaka, who was staring around with wide green eyes and looking frightened by the crowd. The three led the rest of the Seishi through the city to the Palace gates.

Everything began to move quickly, almost too quickly for Houjun to keep up with. He barely registered the sight of Saihitei being swept up by all his advisors, and the four Prime Ministers waiting for them at the foot of the Palace steps. They looked relieved to see their Emperor return with the Chosen Seishi in tow. There was barely any time for small talk – 'yes, we have everyone; yes, we ran into a few complications; no really, nothing's wrong' – before everyone was separated. Ryuuen, Kishuku, and Shun'u (with a bewildered Sute in tow) was quickly herded back into their section of the Center. Doukun was directed towards Miruka-san, while Miaka and Koutoku were sent to the Headmaster - Akihito-san. Juan, having graduated from the Center already, was left with Houjun, who would have liked to return to his room but was unwilling to leave Juan to his own devices.

'Idea!' Tama said gleefully. 'What if we go scope out a place in the Palace to sleep? I'm sure Sai-san won't mind lending us a room.'

"Why not?" Juan sighed, barely heard over the roar of the crowd as Saihitei came back outside, dressed in full Emperor garb. "Though perhaps we should stay and watch."

'Nah, he won't mind if we leave,' Tama wheedled, pulling on his bondmate's pant leg. 'Pleeeeease? I'm very tired, and a tired Tama is a mopey Tama.'

"No kidding," the Mitsukake Seishi muttered, scruffing his ketsu and putting the cat on his shoulder. "All right, we will find you later, Houjun-san. Take care."

"You too, Juan."

Although there was a huge mass of people, all eagerly leaning on every word Saihitei-sama said, Houjun decided to stay and listen too.

'Couldn't hurt to offer him some of our strength, you know,' Shonin said with a wink. 'He appreciates having us around every now and then.'

With that thought, and a comfortable seat on the stairs, Houjun listened as Saihitei began the first of many speeches to come.

---------------------------------------

"Details we can suffer through later, no da. We need to be on the same page about the big events happening in Konan, no da," the Chichiri Priest said, looking from Machi to Tatsuko, both of whom were looking grim. The time spent as Prime Ministers of Seishi Affairs and Military Matters (respectively) had been a sobering experience for them, but they had done their jobs with honorable zeal.

"Only a few things occurred, but you aren't going to like what we've got to say," Machi replied.

Houjun sighed. "Didn't think I would, no da."

It had been chaos for the last two days. Saihitei had been running himself ragged with all the different matters to take care of, and this was, to quote Shun'u, adding shit to the pile. Houjun had offered his help, saying that he would take care of Seishi matters and update the Headmaster and the others on what had taken place during their journey. The emperor was very grateful for the suggestion.

After the excitement of the Chosen Seishi's return had worn down, it was time to deal with some darker business. In one of the large conference rooms, along with the trio, sat Akihito, Hisa (the Celestial no Miko), Donai, and Miruka; the upper echelon of Seishi and Mikos were all present and accounted for. The ketsu were not present, however; they had decided to hold their own private meeting. It made Houjun a little nervous to think about what Shonin would need to discuss outside of his company.

"There's definitely someone or someones killin' ketsu," Tatsuko started, blunt as ever. By now, all these people were well aware of the murderer, so this news was not surprising. Painful and disturbing, but not unexpected. "Random as hell, though. It's like this person don't sleep or nothin'. Six days ago, we found a ketsu near the Sairou border with a slit throat. Couldn't find the Seishi's body, though. Two days ago, 'nother death happened closer to the mountains – no body, no nothin' – just spiritual residues from the murder. It's fuckin' creepy the way this guy moves 'round."

"Have the Warriors or soldiers been doing anything about this?" Hisa asked, her normally serene face wrinkled with worry. "I don't mean to insult you, Donai-san, but has anybody been trying to stop this person?"

The Chief Warrior shook his head. "No offense taken, although I wish I could give a good answer. As much as I'd give to throw this offender into a Kutou dungeon, we don't know enough. If we could pinpoint the exact place he resides, or predict where he'll appear, then I would send my strongest Warriors. As it stands, we lack the manpower to comb through Konan and be assured that we wouldn't simply be sending single Warriors to their deaths.

"And none of the normal soldiers have been sent to find the man – if multiple Seishi can be killed, there's little chance that a non-Seishi could stand against him."

"And we don't have enough soldiers ta spare, anyway," Tatsuko sighed. "They're all fightin' and protectin' Konan from goddamn Kutou."

"This really pisses me off! This shouldn't be happening, and it shouldn't be possible. Seriously, to kill a bear you must be one hell of a swordsman, much less a simple fighter. What kind of person can kill a ketsu without getting mauled first?" Machi said, throwing her quill on the table in frustration.

A horrible thought entered Houjun' mind. "Outside of the obvious answer?"

At first, no one understood what he meant. Then, with a subtle wave of his hand around the table, the light went off in everyone's eyes.

A Seishi.

Houjun put his hands together and leaned his head against them, as if praying desperately for help and knowing he'd never receive an answer. Dark times have surely come if a brother or sister Seishi is killing their own.

"Before we start jumping to conclusions, perhaps it would be best to discuss the rest of the business at hand," Akihito suggested. "Machi? Do you have any new information?"

The auburn-haired woman nodded slowly. "Seishi issues are usually sent to you, but I did learn something new. It seems that many of the Seiryuu Seishi living here are migrating back into Kutou."

Looks of surprise came up on everyone's face.

"Why?" Miruka questioned.

"The Chosen Seiryuu no Shichiseishi are apparently being called to action, just like our Suzaku Seishi."

"Holy goddamn hell!" Tatsuko swore. "Yer fuckin' kidding!"

"She's not," Houjun put in. "Apparently, our Chosen Miko is well acquainted with the Chosen Seiryuu no Miko, no da."

After being pelted with questions, the Chichiri Priest finally got the chance to tell the group what Miaka had told him. He admitted that the girl didn't have much in terms of proof, but explained that he trusted Miaka's instincts because she was strongly connected with the Seiryuu no Miko.

"That's not much to go on," Donai frankly stated.

"No, it's really not, no da. But Miaka said she could feel the 'rightness' of her friend being the Chosen Miko, no da. And, though I hesitate to bring this up, I believe I felt a sinister presence around Miaka and myself that could have been a Seiryuu Seishi."

"We can't simply go around blaming the Seiryuus for everything, no matter how much we want to," Hisa frowned. "It is unfair to them."

"That is why I was uncertain about mentioning it, no da. It could have been the ketsu killer or a Suzaku Seishi listening in."

"But there was someone there, right?" Machi asked.

"Yes, no da."

They talked on for the next few hours. Miruka brought up the point that a number of traveling Seishi had gone missing, and that any Seishi/ketsu found dead was in the wilderness of Konan and not in any of the cities. Interestingly enough, Hisa said that no Mikos had been found dead, implying that only Seishi were being attacked. Tatsuko mentioned how she had sent a number of Seishi with flight abilities to scout for marks of war, and the only area that gave evidence of Kutou's hatred for Konan was in the upper northeast corner of Konan – near the villages of Miaka and Kishuku. Houjun filled in holes with first-hand knowledge of the battles.

Akihito steered the conversation to a lighter subject; he had welcomed Miaka and Koutoku to the Center, and found a place for them to stay. Both, he said, seemed to be adjusting well, and Koutoku's roommate had no qualms about living with a Seiryuu Seishi (a worry that many of the adults were harboring). Finally, Houjun told about the summoning ceremony, and how it would take place within the next fifteen or so days. He also explained the situation for peace, and received the same reaction from the people sitting before him as from the Chosen Shichiseishi.

"All of us present have read the ShiJinTenChiSho, no da. It clearly states that there must be peace for Suzaku to be called," he started. "To summarize, it was decided that this peace need not last for more than a few minutes - long enough for Miaka to perform the summoning rites and for Suzaku to grant her wishes, no da. So we, the Chosen Shichiseishi, have decided that we need an edict for momentary peace to be passed through Konan on a specific date. Seishi will travel to small towns and the ketsu will help create a giant web of minds so that all can be connected to us."

Houjun almost didn't finish his sentence, for everyone had their own opinions on the matter.

"Oh, you're fuckin' kidding me!" Tatsuko shouted across the table. "Please tell me you're fuckin' with ours heads."

"Why would he lie?" Machi frowned.

"It's not that! It's the insane idea that we - mere mortals - can do what Suzaku's supposed to do."

"I don't see the problem," Miruka shrugged. "If everything is set up ahead of time, and if the ketsu are there to be foci for our ki, then why shouldn't it work?"

"Because we're human. Because people fight and die and there's no way we can protect each and every person from themselves," Donai replied.

"Death is acceptable. Murder is not," Hisa said helpfully. "If an elderly man were to die during the summoning, Suzaku could still be summoned."

Machi sighed. "You and the other Chosen do realize this is a crazy idea."

"We've discussed the matter quite thoroughly with each other and with the ketsu, no da."

"And what do they have to say about it?"

"Just that they can't mindlink everyone in the country. If a Seishi is present in little towns and villages, they could simply be, as Miruka said, the center of a ki-focus. To be blunt, it would keep the people out of possible danger, no da"

Donai shook his head. "I don't like this. It's too big. Though Konan is the smallest of the countries, there are still hundreds of thousands of people living here. We cannot possibly expect all of them to obey Saihitei-sama's edict of peace."

"But we don't have a choice. If it's what Suzaku wants, we have to do it," Machi argued.

"Sure, this wouldn't be a problem, if Suzaku was already fuckin' here and the country was already at fuckin' peace!" Tatsuko shouted back. "No fuckin' way we kin do that, even fer a moment. Shit, it'd be impossible to bring peace to Eiyou without Suzaku helpin'!"

"Maybe it's the effort that Suzaku wants," Miruka offered. "If we can bring even a small measure of peace to the land, then Suzaku can make that peace everlasting."

"Konan's been trying to make peace for decades. Trying this once won't be any more successful than the other times," Donai bluntly stated.

Recognizing how quickly this discussion was degenerating into a battle, the Headmaster quickly took control of the situation. "Saihitei-sama has decided to go through with your plan from earlier, correct?" Akihito questioned Houjun, who nodded. "Then if it is the emperor's will, we cannot and will not go against it. We will help in any way possible to bring peace to the land. It is the only chance we have."

With a few grudging nods and a loud sigh from Tatsuko, details were begun on how to actually go about telling the country of their duty to peace. This required another hour of nitpicking until Miruka yawned and announced her inability to think this situation through as clearly as necessary.

"What say we meet again tomorrow?" she suggested. "Perhaps a day of rest would be good."

Machi stretched in her chair. "Yeah, and I'm getting pretty hungry too. Let's just tell Saihitei-sama the date we'll have the summoning ceremony, and he can get the edicts out as soon as possible."

Donai stood up. "I can go speak to him now. What day should I suggest to him of the summoning?"

Houjun and Hisa conferred with one another. Finally, the Celestial no Miko said, "The ninth day of June," and Donai bowed to the group and took his leave.

"Good luck with Miaka," Houjun said to Hisa as she was leaving. "She's motivated, but still rather inexperienced. She'll need some extra help and training."

She smiled a warm thanks at him, and soon the room was almost empty but for two people: Tatsuko and Houjun. Coming around the table with a wicked grin on her face, she caught the younger man in a hug before he could dash from the room.

"Ya runnin' away from me, Hou-kun?" she winked up at him.

"Only if I'm lucky, no da."

"I've been waitin' two damn weeks fer yer sexy ass, and yer tryin' ta get away from me!"

Houjun tightly hugged the older woman, silently shaking with laughter, and then jumped and gasped as Tatsuko grabbed his aforementioned body part. "Tatsuko!"

"What, what?"

"That innocent act doesn't work around me, no da."

"But yer so damn cute, I can't help myself! An' just be glad it was yer backside an' not yer front… not that I'd mind!"

The Chichiri Seishi simply grinned back, refusing to take the bait. "I've missed you too, no da."

"Doin' all right?"

"Holding my own, no da. A little worn down, but surviving."

"Ain't mad at me fer disagreein' with you and the Chosen, are ya?"

"No. I'm simply frustrated. We, too, recognized the vastness of this task, and it's been hard to convince ourselves that it will work."

"My poor Hou-kun!" Tatsuko said dramatically, grabbing him around the neck and pulling his head into her chest. "I'll make ya feel better in no time!"

Being almost a head taller than her made the position slightly less enjoyable, but Houjun still stood up with a blush on his face. "I know you could, Tatsu-chan, but there is work to be done before I can really relax."

"Just 'member that ya kin come visit me any time ya need a break, sweetie. My door's always open ta ya!"

Houjun chuckled, reading the underlying innuendo, and gave her a final hug. "I'd like to stay and chat, but I need quick nap before getting back to my normal duties."

"Oh, yer no fuckin' fun, Hou-kun!" she pouted.

"Well, not for you, no da!"

Tatsuko roared with laughter. "I love ya, sweetie!" After a quick peck on his cheek, she sailed out of the room. Bye now!"

"Goodbye," he waved back, and with a small flick of the wrist, sent himself into his room.

I shouldn't really be wasting my ki on such trivial things as teleportation when I am perfectly able to walk to my room, but still… Houjun smiled faintly as he collapsed on the bed. One should allow for indulgences every now and then.

-------------

By the next day, knowledge that the summoning ceremony was to take place soon had spread like wildfire throughout the country. Saihitei's proclamations followed soon after, and the land of Konan was abuzz with words of delight and worry. Many were sure that the moment was coming when Suzaku-seikun would save Konan from Kutou. Others were cynical, believing that no small measure of peace could really summon Suzaku and that the whole ordeal was simply myth taken too seriously. Yet regardless of personal views, the people began praying more often to Suzaku-seikun, and Kutou had miraculously backed off from attack.

The Chosen Seishi were beginning to feel the pressure, however. The Warrior trio and Doukun went back to classes, though in their free time they were forced to learn specific conducts in the ceremony. Ryuuen, in addition to his workload, took pity on Saihitei and began overlooking all the preparations in the smaller shrine. Saihitei himself was busy with a number of things; helping Shun'u find Sute a good home, dealing with war contracts from Kutou and peace contracts from Sairou, and memorizing his part in the ritual. The luckiest was Juan, who neither had classes nor was he highly involved with the Center. He spent most of his time in the Hospice or coaching the younger Seishi on their upcoming summoning roles.

Houjun, having gotten a break from teaching Miaka and his normal duties as High Priest, was sitting by the lake and fishing for all he was worth. He knew there were fish present, since the aquatic ketsu that lived in the lake and its connected underground river had to eat something, but he wouldn't bet on actually catching one. Still, it felt good to sit outside with the sunlight warming his back and the sounds of life going on around him. Shonin sat sprawled across his legs, watching the pond for any possibilities of food out of a sleepy eye.

Ah, a nice quiet day. I've missed fishing and watching the world go by. I do wonder what the other Seishi are up to, though. And Miaka. And his mood suddenly became somber. Oh yes, our Miaka-chan. Suzaku-seikun… what are going to do with her?

Houjun did have faith in Miaka; that wasn't to be denied. But he didn't know how much faith she had in herself, and it could mean a world of difference if she couldn't perform the rites. Miaka had been put into a very rigorous tutoring session with Hisa-san and Houjun himself. She began learning and memorizing the rites of summoning, along with small sidesteps to discuss her interaction with each Seishi/ketsu pair. Watching her on a semi-regular basis, the High Priest could see her begin to slowly crumble under the stress of her title. Nearly every day she would leave their session in a hurry, with silent tears of frustration running down her face. It wasn't that she couldn't coordinate her actions and words, or even that she couldn't remember the words, but rather she seemed to be fighting the whole learning process.

It both infuriated and worried the High Priest.

What could she be harboring that would prevent her from wanting to summon Suzaku?

"Houjun-san?"

Spinning his head around, the Chichiri Seishi was infinitely amazed to see Miaka standing there. How did she get this close to me without sensing her ki?

'Too wrapped up in your own thoughts, beloved.'

Ignoring Shonin's jab, he smiled at the Miko. "Miaka-chan, what a lovely surprise, no da!"

"Yeah…" she smiled slightly, and when Houjun looked at the open rock next to him, Miaka took a seat. "So… catch any fish?"

"Nope. Too smart to be baited, no da."

A silence lay between them, though Houjun could clearly hear the sounds of life from all around. He could even hear the sound of Miaka's ki as it buzzed with nervousness. What are you here for, Miaka? For what purpose have you come seeking my advice? He internally questioned. But let's wait and see if you speak first.

It took a few minutes, but Miaka did say something. "Houjun-san… remember how I told you about Yui-chan being the Seiryuu no Miko?"

"Yes."

"And how I didn't want to fight her?"

"Yes."

"… I still don't want to fight her." Miaka quieted as she studied the lake, then began to absent-mindedly stroke Shonin's fur. "I'm not sure, but I think I'm afraid."

"Of what?"

"I don't know. I know I'm afraid of losing Yui-chan. But part of me… part of me is really mad that I have to summon Suzaku. Not that I don't want to summon Him," she quickly added. "But I didn't want it to be me."

Resting the fishing pole in his lap, Houjun simply watched her. "Tell me."

"It… it was something I had kind of talked to my brother's ketsu about. I was angry because it always seemed like someone was making my life go the way they wanted to," Miaka admitted with a touch of hesitancy. "After my father… went away, my mother was always pushing at me to be the best. Like I could make up for him leaving us behind. She had me tutoring with the smartest scribe in our village. She made me wear special robes when I went out so I could attract the kind but wealthy men, even though I didn't really want to be married to them. The only thing I had in my life that I chose was to become friends with Yui-chan. But then Suzaku decided to make me a Suzaku no Miko and her a Seiryuu no Miko and all of a sudden I've lost my home and my family and the one person in my life that I've really cared about because now I have to fight her and - " Miaka broke off in a violent sob, though the tears had been running down her face since she first spoke of Yui.

"Easy," Houjun calmed her, running a soothing hand over her shoulders. Shonin had moved herself into Miaka's lap, licking up the tears that fell.

When she had regained a modicum of composure, Miaka went on. "I suppose that's it, then. I don't want to summon Suzaku because I'm mad at him. I'm mad that he made me the Suzaku no Miko. I'm mad that my destiny can't be controlled. I'm mad that I can't make my own decisions even though I'm fifteen - an adult! And I'm mad that he's taken away from me the most important people in my life."

"And given you new ones, no da."

She turned and blinked at him, as if shocked to see the Priest still sitting beside her. "Huh?"

"Kishuku and Toshi. Doukun and Chie. Shun'u and Yuiren and all the others," he said patiently. "Don't they mean anything to you, no da?"

"Of course they do! They just… they're just not Yui-chan."

"But you'd still die for them, no da. You were ready to let the assassin kill you to save Kishuku and his family. Doesn't that mean something?"

"Uhm… maybe," Miaka said, sounding a bit flustered. "I just couldn't let them die." When Houjun remained silent, Miaka continued. "I do see your point, a bit. It still doesn't make this feeling any easier. I don't like Suzaku taking complete control over my life, and I don't like the idea of fighting Yui."

Houjun sighed. 'Think I should bring this up, even though she might get angry with me?'

For once, Houjun could sense a bit of uncertainty in his ketsu's mindvoice. 'I think so. Just be careful, my Seishi.'

Turning back to the lake, Houjun spoke softly, "I know you have feelings for Kishuku, no da." He saw Miaka stiffen out of the corner of his eye, but continued. "And I wonder if you feel guilty for liking him; as if you were betraying Yui by caring for someone who is a part of the reason why you can't be with her now. So in resisting the idea of summoning Suzaku, you're remaining faithful to Yui, aren't you?"

A lull fell over the conversation, though it was filled with unspoken fears.

"So what should I do?" Miaka finally whispered. "I think… I think I love Kishuku. But I love Yui-chan too."

"You can't compare love and friendship, but you're going to have one at the cost of the other, no da," Houjun said, and his smiling mask suddenly felt too tight for his face. "You can continue to stay faithful to Yui, despite the fact that she is on the opposite side of the war, or you can accept who you are and your connection to the seven of us, even though it is a silent betrayal to Yui."

"You sound like you don't want me to care about Yui-chan."

"That is not my intention. I am, however, being honest. Yui is, as far as you know, the Chosen Seiryuu no Miko and the enemy of your homeland. To say that you don't want to fight her, as her friend, is understandable. But to say that you don't want to fight the woman who may cause the downfall of Konan… that's another story."

"And I'm back to the beginning, still no more sure of myself than I was twenty minutes ago."

"Miaka, I can't give you an answer that will automatically make you turn away from Yui," Houjun sighed, trying not to let exasperation overflow into his words. "But let me just say this; in the past, you have felt you were never able to make decisions about your own life. Now, it is changed. You, Yuuki Miaka, are now being given an option - you can decide to summon Suzaku, or you can simply… not. And I know you feel that that's not a choice, but it is. Just as none of us Seishi were absolutely forced into our roles - we had to accept them, too - it is your turn.

"Do you take responsibility for what is yours to do, or do you choose to turn away?"

"What if I let it go? What happens then?"

"Konan will fall. The land that you've been born in, the land that raised you and gave you a home will no longer exist except as a destroyed bit of property."

Houjun saw Miaka bite her lip, the absolute truth of her possible action starting to hit home.

"Could you… could any of you have really rejected being the Chosen Seishi?"

"It's the same with us as with you - without all the Chosen Shichiseishi, the summoning will not work. That's why we are called the Chosen." He turned to Miaka, giving her a little grin. She weakly smiled back.

"Suzaku could have picked a better Miko."

'I doubt it,' Shonin commented, surprising both Miko and Seishi with her sudden interest in the conversation. 'If nothing else, you're connected to Konan. What Houjun said about Konan falling really hurt you, and I don't think there are many people in the country who are as sensitive as you are.'

A small blush touched the girl's cheeks. "Maybe." Then, to Houjun's interest, he could feel a small rise in energy come from Miaka's ki. "So it really would be okay for me to summon Suzaku, wouldn't it? If I make the country peaceful again, Kutou wouldn't attack it and I could have the chance to see Yui again. Bring her home. And I'd get the chance to learn with you and Kishuku and the others."

Well, I can see my lecture didn't sink in completely, but at least she's leaps and bounds ahead of where we were yesterday."I think that's a good plan, no da. If Konan is no longer at war with Kutou, then it might be safe for you to visit your friend, or for her to see you, no da."

With renewed excitement Miaka jumped to her feet, leaving Shonin to tumble rather ungracefully to the ground. "Thank you so much, Houjun. I'm not sure I understand everything you were talking about, but I'm going to go back and practice for a little while. Might help me to focus."

"Good luck, Miaka-chan," he said, waving her off. She began running for the Center, stopped in mid-step for few heartbeats, then suddenly shifted into the owl-form Chie had taught her. Houjun couldn't help but grin.

Not too bad, Miaka-chan.

'How do you feel, my heartmate?'

'Not too bad, actually. I wish I knew for certain that it was her friend who is the Chosen Seiryuu no Miko. If this Yui isn't even the Miko, Miaka is worried for nothing.'

'Uhm… Hou-chan? Remember when us ketsu went out while the you and Akihito-san and the others had that big meeting a couple days ago?'

'Yes…'

'Well, we were doing the mental equivalent of sending a peace treaty. Though we Suzaku ketsu aren't exactly friends with Seiryuu ketsu, Heisei had given us the name of Koutoku's brother's ketsu. Through him, we were able to get the name of the Seiryuu no Miko, to put Miaka's mind to rest.'

"WHAT?!" Houjun jumped up, knocking the fishing pole into the water. "Why didn't you tell us this before? And why weren't we Seishi informed about this?"

'Though you may think us animals, we are equal to you and we are able to act as we please,' Shonin retorted, her tail lashing as she withstood his glare. 'There are many deeds I know you've done despite my sayings. Though I say the same for myself, I do not think of myself as any more important to Suzaku or Konan than you do.'

Houjun looked at his ketsu, barely able to believe what he was hearing. 'It's not that I don't believe you to be my equal, it's just…'

'You're used to me talking to you first, acting second. However, because all us ketsu from high-ranking Seishi were together, we knew we could get information from the ketsu of Kutou. And we did.'

At this, Houjun sat back down and took a deep breath. A quick spell caused the pole, previously submerged in the lake, to rise out and rest itself between two small rocks. Once he felt calm, he finally asked Shonin what happened.

'One thing to remember is that ketsu politics are a lot different than human politics. We may be able to read one another's minds, but there are still such things as manners and honor. So everything was done very carefully, and nothing was said or done that could possibly endanger any of us, or any of them. With this in mind, we made a plea to the high ketsu of Kutou for the name of their Miko.'

'What was the price?'

'Knowledge of Koutoku's health.'

Houjun's chest tightened. 'You didn't -'

'- Put him in danger? No; his twin Shunkaku has been at his wit's end because he fears that his brother is dead. Thus, we told Hasaki - Shunkaku's ketsu - that Koutoku is here at the Konan Center, safe and healthy.'

'But nothing more?'

'No.'

'… And the name of the Chosen Seiryuu no Miko.'

Shonin paused, though not for dramatic effect. She sounded very pained when she replied, 'Hongo Yui.'

Houjun could almost feel the knife that would cut Miaka's heart in two if she knew. Yes, she was certain her Yui was the Seiryuu no Miko, but to hear it from her ketsu friends would surely break her spirit.

And after so much progress too. 'Does anyone else know?'

'Akihito-san, Koutoku, you… that's pretty much it. No one else thought it was extremely relevant for their Seishi to know. I mean, yeah, knowing there's a Seiryuu no Miko is important, but the name doesn't matter to them. They don't know Yui.'

'Whereas Miaka does, and we matter to Miaka.'

'Do you think -'

'- Perhaps we should wait before telling her. As in after the summoning ceremony. And don't give me that look; you know as well as I do that Miaka would not perform to her highest abilities if she was to suddenly lose this new confidence.'

Leaning back on the rocks, Houjun took the fishing pole in his left hand and began to pet Shonin with his right. "I think I'm just going to fish for a little while, no da. Let this all sink in, and enjoy the rest of the day."

'Good idea. With any luck, you'll catch something!'

"A bit hopeful, aren't we?"

'If by hopeful you mean hungry, then yes.'

Houjun would have replied, but the pole in his hand jumped and he suddenly became focused on seeing what was on the other end. Shonin abandoned all her sluggishness, jumping up and waiting with a grin for her Seishi to reel in the catch. The two of them enjoyed the rest of the afternoon sharing a small sunfish and musing about the days to come.

-------------

The day of the summoning ceremony could not have been a more auspicious date than if a clairvoyant Seishi had chosen the date for them. The work on the Shrine had finished the previous night, and Ryuuen was patting himself on the back for a job well done. Houjun had yet to see the finished marvel, so he was very much looking forward to the younger man's decorations. The ketsu were energetic, having had wishes of good luck and blessings from friends all around the country. Even Kutou had stopped attacking the borderlands of Konan, leaving the people free and at peace.

Houjun sat in his room and stared out the window, wondering if he should be worried about their run of good luck.

'Not yet, beloved, but in the case that everything works too well, I'm sure you mcan trip one of your Seishi brothers while setting up in our specific positions.'

'Very amusing, Shonin.'

'Hey, it's what I'm here for! And you better answer the door.'

Houjun snapped his head up as a soft rapping was heard. "Enter, no da."

Koutoku walked in looking nervous, with a quiet Heisei perched on his shoulder. "Good morning, Houjun-san." The musician smiled and gave Shonin a quick scratch behind the ears before kneeling and bowing before Houjun.

What in Suzaku's name…

"Houjun-san," Koutoku said softly. "I come here asking a blessing of you."

"A blessing, no da? For what?"

"I would ask to stay with you as you proceed with the Suzaku summoning ceremony."

Houjun's eyes widened as he inhaled sharply. Did someone put him up to this? Should I be suspicious? "I don't know, Koutoku. Why do you want to stay?"

"Because I am afraid for you. I am afraid that Ayuru-sama has sent assassins and spies to this Palace so that he can kill you and your friends while you are weak."

This time, the High Priest frowned. "Why didn't you mention this to us earlier, if you are so afraid for us?"

Koutoku turned slightly red. "I don't know; maybe because you have so many precautions already. But this morning, I felt something telling me to warn you, and that I should be there watching over you."

This time, Shonin took over her Seishi's voice. 'I believe that you are a good man and a good Seishi, Koutoku. However, we had no intention of letting anyone join us in the Shrine. We will be guarded from the outside, so that the possibility of interruptions is decreased.'

'Yes, but Kou-chan really really really wants to help. And what if there's someone or something already in the Shrine, hiding until the perfect moment?' Heisei said stubbornly.

"Myself and a number of other Seishi have searched and warded the Shrine heavily, no da. No one is getting in without Suzaku's consent."

'There you go! Why not just let Kou-chan try and walk through the doorway, and if he makes it, he can stay? If not, then we'll wait outside, too.'

"It's not just my choice, no da," Houjun said. "If you could make it through, then I would be a lot more willing to trust you. But again, my Seishi brothers and Miaka may not want anyone here while we perform such a delicate act of worship, regardless of whether or not Suzaku would accept you."

They sat there in silence for a few minutes, with Koutoku still before Houjun. Finally, the Chichiri Seishi sighed. "How about this, no da? Why don't you go to each Seishi and ask them yourself if you can be present? You can even tell them that I agree to such an idea. Then, later, if all agree and we're ready to enter the Shrine, you can join us – with Suzaku's consent. Does that sound fair, no da?"

Koutoku smiled and bowed his thanks. "It does, Houjun-san. I thank you for your kindness." Quickly getting to his feet, he bowed a final time before politely closing the door and heading off to visit the other Seishi.

Houjun went back to staring out the window, feeling extremely unsettled. "I don't understand, Sho-chan. I outright refused to let any other Seishi, be they high or low rank, or any layman accompany us into the Shrine. I even asked Hisa-san – the Celestial no Miko herself! – if she would mind staying on the outside; yet I told Koutoku I found him acceptable. He's not even a Suzaku Seishi, but an untrained Seiryuu Seishi! Wouldn't our phoenix god be offended by the presence of his brother's Seishi? What is going on here?!"

Shonin jumped up into her beloved's lap, who absent-mindedly stroked her fur. 'Suzaku works in mysterious ways. My personal opinion is that if the boy got a feeling he needs to be there, then I'm going to trust it. He might be a diviner along with a ki-focuser.'

'Perhaps… sometimes I find it hard to continue to trust my instincts. My ki-sense is telling me that Koutoku is good, but my mind tells me that I cannot completely trust him.'

'Let's put it this way; if Suzaku really wants him there, then he will be there, whether or not we like it, right?'

'Yes…'

'So stop worrying about it, my Seishi, and just relax. I know the ceremony is in a few hours and it'll be neigh near impossible for you to do so, but remember why we're doing this. If we, the summoning Seishi/ketsu can't be at peace, then neither will the country.'

Hugging the fox gently around her midsection, Houjun thanked Suzaku for the gift of her patience and wisdom. He could feel his body and spirit relax enough to get through his morning prayers and ready himself for the summoning ceremony. After donning his High Priest vestments, Houjun recited his lines one last time - not that he would really forget them - and brushed Shonin's fur until it shone like newly minted silver.

'Aren't I preeeeetty?' she grinned cheekily.

'Oh, very,' he returned, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead - right on the sho symbol they shared. 'Come, my heartmate, it's time to save the country.'

Remarkably enough, he and Shonin weren't the first to arrive at the Shrine. Doukun and Chie were standing outside the locked doors, talking animatedly with Ryuuen and Kohana. When the two pairs saw the Chichiri Seishi drawing nearer, they immediately began asking about Koutoku.

"Are you certain?" Doukun asked nervously. "When he told me you agreed to let him witness the summoning, I was certain you had taken leave of your senses."

"Thank you for your support, Doukun, no da" Houjun said dryly. The boy had the good graces to blush. "What did you tell him, though?"

"Uhm… that if Chie thought it was fine, then I thought it was fine, too."

'And I agreed to let him stay.'

"Oh good, we're not the only Seishi pair that thinks a Seiryuu boy belongs with us, no da."

Kohana gave a small chuckle in the back of her throat. 'Ryuuen and I welcomed him, too. But then again, we are a very kind and generous pair.'

"Modest too," Ryuuen winked, then went serious. "But still, it was really surprising. Do you think someone might try to hurt us?"

"Yes, no da," Houjun answered immediately. "Our Seiryuu enemies are not the kinds of men that will sit on their hands while we are vulnerable, no da. Koutoku's words and fears are not completely unfounded."

"I still don't like it," a clipped voice said, and the trio turned to see Shun'u walking with Genrou. Right behind him were the Tamahome and the Mitsukake Seishi pairs. "I got a feelin' in my gut 'bout this, and I ain't one ta brag, but I ain't wrong 'bout a lot of things when I feel this way."

"But I'll bet you still said it was all right for him to come," Ryuuen grinned as he hugged the redhead. Shun'u made a sound that Houjun assumed was an agreement.

"He's a good kid," Kishuku said softly. "He helped Miaka and my sister. I trust him."

Houjun smiled to himself when he saw other heads nodding.

'Where is Koutoku anyway?' Tama asked.

Before anyone could answer, Saihitei and Takeshi came down the hall towards everyone, followed by Koutoku and Heisei. In any other condition, Houjun would have been shocked to know that everyone present had agreed to let the boy stay. Still, his ki center was telling him that this wasn't wrong. He shared a glance with Juan, the only other person present who was a fully trained Seishi, and was reassured with a nod from the bigger man.

Things may not go as badly as I've been imagining.

When all eight Seishi were together, a silence fell upon the group. The solemnity of the occasion was now tolling heavily in the heads of all present, and no words needed to be spoken. Gazing around the circle, Houjun could see that everyone had dressed in their colored Seishi robes. All the ketsu had been bathed and groomed so that they, like Shonin, nearly radiated the grace of Suzaku. Even Koutoku had borrowed a blue robe from someone, looking equally as sober as the red-robed Suzaku Seishi. It was disconcerting to Houjun, seeing his friends in such formal dress with such brooding expressions. But here they were, ready to do their duty and summon a god to the earth.

This is the moment we've all been waiting for. This is the moment that Konan has been waiting for.

Taking in a breath for strength, Houjun stepped up to the doors, rested his hand on the fastener around the doorknobs, and whispered a spell. The lock came undone and the doors swung majestically open. To prove that there were no traps or invasive spells within the Shrine, Houjun walked in first with Shonin at his side. Nothing happened, but Houjun could sense the tiniest of sparks catching all along his exposed skin. It was as if the fire had reached out from the candles on the altar, testing and tasting him to see if he belonged. When nothing unordinary occurred, he turned back to the group, and his eyes caught Koutoku's.

"Are you ready, no da?"

"Yes. I am."

Koutoku walked forward then stood at the doorframe. Whispering something that might have been a prayer - to which god, Houjun didn't know - Koutoku, with Heisei in the palm of his hand, stepped through the doorway.

And was rewarded with a shower of red fire that caught his skin just as Houjun's was, only this was obviously stronger and much more aggressive. The boy was pitched to his knees, and Heisei let out a strangled shriek as the flames ran over the duo, seeking the truth of their presence. Houjun was ready to push the boy out of the Shrine when, with heart-stopping speed, the fire lifted from Koutoku's body and resettled over the statue of Suzaku.

Letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, the Chichiri Priest came forward and offered his hand to the younger man. "Be welcomed into the Shrine of Suzaku, Seiryuu no Shichiseishi Amiboshi," he said in ceremonial terms. "Be at peace here, and I hope you are well."

Koutoku gave a weak smile, and got to his feet, though he swayed back and forth a bit. "I hope it's not too unmanly to say that I was afraid for my life."

"Nah, ya did good, kid," Shun'u said, clapping him on the back. The rest of the Seishi were coming through the doors after Koutoku was released, and they helped hold him up with supportive hands and expressions. "We're glad yer here."

After the excitement had worn down and the soldiers began to take their places outside the Shrine, Houjun took the time to appreciate Ryuuen's efforts. The small Shrine was generally very sparse in decoration, especially in comparison to the elaborate Temple. However, instead of adding tons and tons of metallic adornments or glass ornaments, Ryuuen had chosen to make the best of what was already in the Shrine. He opened up all the royal red curtains, leaving a thin layer of creamy chiffon to sway in the wind. The windows themselves were opened only a tiny bit, so that the sounds of the outside couldn't interfere with the ceremony, but could let in a fresh breeze every so often. The Nuriko Seishi placed candles almost everywhere he could without setting the whole wooden structure on fire, and it created an atmosphere of warmth and shelter. The large floor tapestry was marked for the four cardinal signs and the constellations, and in the center was a giant fire brazier nearly six feet tall standing on a wide pedestal. It would not burn with the holy flame of Suzaku until Miaka was present, but the phoenix statue at the back of the Shrine, standing on a silk-trimmed altar, was still glowing a very subtle scarlet.

'Here comes Miaka!' one of the ketsu shouted. With that, all the Seishi lined up on either side of the door, ready to greet their Miko as she entered.

The first thing they could see was Hisa-san leading Miaka, who was followed by a pair of serving women. They, in turn, were followed by a number of Seishi Priests and Warriors, who would help guard the Shrine beside the soldiers. When Miaka finally came close enough to walk through the doors, Houjun couldn't help but smile at the picture she made.

Their Priestess dressed in a beautiful gown of red silk that modestly covered her from neck to just below her knees. White voile dreamily floated around her legs and arms. A large golden ribbon was tied at her waist, the ends swaying in time to her steps. Her hair was pulled up, not in those silly buns that Kishuku would tease her about, but in a golden tiara that gave maturity to her usually cheerful face. The only jewelry she wore was on her neck and both wrists.

On any other woman, her outfit would have looked too plain to be the summoning gown of the Chosen Miko. Yet Miaka wore it with an air of serenity, as if she knew she could offer nothing but herself to Suzaku, and secure in the knowledge that Suzaku would accept her for who she was.

Houjun was proud to have her as their Miko, and he looked up at her with warm eyes as she took the ShiJinTenChiSho from his hands.

When she reached the top of the stand, the Chosen Suzaku no Shichiseishi went to their specific positions. Miaka stood at the north so that she faced the south; this way, Suzaku would hear her words with greater clarity. Behind her stood the Chichiri Chosen Seishi, and going clockwise, was beside the Tamahome, Nuriko, Hotohori, Chiriko, Tasuki, and finally the Mitsukake Seishi, who finished the circle at Houjun's right. All the ketsu stood in front of their Seishi, while Koutoku stood off behind Kishuku so that he had a good view of Miaka's position.

The bells of the Palace rang out the declaration that high noon had come; the time when Suzaku's power was at its highest.

It is time.

"Let us begin this ceremony of highest reverence, in which we summon Suzaku from the heavens above to the earth of his people," Miaka called out, her voice carrying proudly through the hallowed walls.

The doors of the Shrine shut themselves from the rest of the world, and hungry flames burst out from the inside of the brazier as Miaka unfurled the ShiJinTenChiSho.

--------------------------------------

Additional author's notes: methodic madness asked me about the ketsu names and their meanings, and I'm more than happy to share such information with everyone. Below are listed the ketsu name, followed by the meaning (if there is one) and maybe some reasoning for my choice. I admit to using Japanese names and words, even if this story takes place in "ancient China"; I justify this by saying that China may not have existed in that world (due to the four countries being in its place), so there's no reason why Japanese can't be their chosen language. I won't do every ketsu's name, but here are a few of the ketsu you'll be most likely to come across.

Toshi - variation of "fighting spirit". Related to Kishuku's talent. A lot of the names below will reflect their Seishi's power, so I'm going to assume you'll recognize them

Genrou - canonical name

Kohana - "little flower". This is a real Japanese name - one of the few I'll use. Alludes to Ryuuen's feminine aspect - his Kourin side

Chie - "wisdom, intellect"

Tama - again, canonical name

Shonin - variation on "magic"

Takeshi - "brave, regal". Another real Japanese name. Reflects Saihitei's personality

Heisei - "calm, serenity". Reflects Koutoku's personality

Hasaki - "edge of blade". Named for the feather-blades on the end of Shunkaku's ryuuseisui

Taiyo - variation of "sun". Relates to the white coloring of both Taiyo and Ayuru

Thanks again for reading!