Written by: Hoshihikari4ever
Summary: Hotohori's journey to becoming Emperor. A crossover between Fushigi Yuugi and Disney's The Lion King
Spoilers: Hmm…*scratches head…* Hmm….*Looks up at Summary* Ah yes, Major Spoilers from The Lion King and Fushigi Yuugi..*Smacks forehead* Duh!! Not that hard to figure out
Disclaimer: I do not own FY or LK…None of it belongs to me!!
Chapter 1
"Ah, finally done with the peace treaty with Kuto's emperor…" The emperor remarked to his comrade. "Hai, another year of peace between Konan and Kuto, no da…If I may say, it went pretty well…don't you think Heika-sama…" The emperor glanced at the teen. "Houjun, I've told you before…you can call me Hiroshi…." "but…I'm still use to addressing you as Heika…no da no da…" Hiroshi patted Houjun's shoulder. "How long have we known each other now?" "Quite some time, four years, five years no da?" "Hai, almost five years now…ever since that day, that day you saved my life…" Houjun shook his head. "and since then, I've looked out for you as if you were my son…or at least try to…you wander to much…" "Hai…I'm a wanderer…I'm not use to staying in one place…" Hiroshi sighs. "Anyways Houjun, thanks for coming with me this time…on this journey to Kuto…" Houjun flashed the older man a smile.
The two did not talk for a while. Finally Houjun handed the other man a set of commoner clothes. "Well, Hiroshi-sama, you should be heading back to the palace no da…" "Hmm…" "Remember you aren't on safe ground until you reach the Konan palace…" "Yes…" Well, I guess this is good bye then…no da…" "Aren't you coming Houjun…Are you sure you must leave….." "I'm sorry I can't no da….I must be off…" Hiroshi took the set of clothes. "houjun, why must you be leaving so soon…" The teen did not reply. Instead he held out his bowl shape hat. "Gomen nasai Hiroshi-sama…" Houjun said. The emperor sighed. Houjun placed his hand on the man's shoulder, squeezing it slightly. "I'll always be here if you need me no da…" he paused. "All you got to do is call my name, and I'll be here in an instant….I promise you…no da…" The emperor smiled. "You promised Houjun Ri…" "Yes…that's a promise to you Hiroshi-sama…a promise to a friend….not just a promise to an emperor…Just remember Hiroshi-sama…Keep that in mind old friend…." The man smiled broadly, a warm smile, which the teen returned. "Sayonara…Heika-sama...have a safe journey back no da…." With those final words, Houjun Ri disappeared through his bowl shaped hat. "Yes, Sayonara Houjun. Hopefully, we will meet again soon…."
* * *
"Hai…you must be the captive…the prisoner that they took in after the last raid on the Hin tribe…" The boy did not reply. His frail body was shaking. The man stared at him, intently, focusing his eyes on the boy's forehead.
"I heard you were a Seiryuu Seishi…" "There was no reply. "Well are you…? My men say that you killed your mother and some soldiers with your chi…" The blue eyes stared into the other pair, determined not to show any weaknesses. "Perhaps…" The older man chuckled. "What a shame… what a shame…killing your very own mother…Even the most horrendous, the darkest creature alive would not do so…and you…you being only a boy…" There was a pause. "No…I'm wrong…you are only an 'animal'…"
The boy raised an eyebrow, but did not respond, for by now he was use to being put down, being stepped down, looked down upon. Golden hair and blue eyes…the Hin race was despised and alienated by the people of Kuto. The boy was fairly unaffected by those harsh words…after all how his first 10 years of life was, the world which he had grown up in had isolated him even among his own tribe, had set him apart from everyone else, had his own God, Tenkou turn its back on him, had the whole world turn its back on him.
The emperor saw his reaction, saw the angry boil in the boy. "Of course…if you are who you claim to be…then there's always redemption." The boy scoffed. "Redemption…" he muttered sarcastically. "and in doing so…your deeds of evil shall be washed away…" The emperor raised his tone at the word 'evil', classifying the boy as one who would destroy all. "and because you are a Seiryuu Seishi I do not wish for you to be consumed by the devil….so instead, now I am offering you a chance of redemption…" The boy scoffed, rolled his head back.
"Boy…what's your name…." "Ayruu…" "Ayruu…." The man repeated as if testing out the name. "So…what do you say….do you want to redeem yourself…and bring glory to the land in which you are destined to protect?" There was a pause, before the boy shook his head 'no'. "You think I would do such a thing….you think I would work for people who's soul purpose was to destroy me and my people….who thought that I was such an inferior race…." The man chuckled. "Being a Seiryuu Senshi….you are part of the Kuto people….think about it…I'm offering you a new life…not only a chance of redemption but also a chance to survive…" The boy still didn't seem to have a response, frustrating the man even more.
"Let's just say you don't have a choice…" Ayruu's eyes shot up at that. "Nani?" The emperor did not reply. Instead he clapped his hands together and a soldier walked in with 3 other children. One boy had dark blue hair, tied in a ponytail and indigo eyes. He wore a blue shirt, with white pants. On his head was a blue bandana. On its center was a bird. The girl had red hair, which fell, past her shoulders. The last child…if you could call it a child, looked a bit wolfish…almost beast like. A long scar ran down one of its eyes.
Ayruu took one look at them before turning to the emperor, waiting for an explanation. "I've decided to spare you four from death…as long as you cooperate and work for Kuto. If you want me to spare your puny little lives then you will work for me…." Ayruu rolled back his eyes. As he did this, he noticed the girl looking at him with a bit of curiosity, a bit of shyness.
"and…what if I won't…." the teal haired boy asked. "I'll kill you now…after all…you're all prisoners which I captured…I don't lose anything…its you who does…" "Hmp! If I work for you….I have nothing to gain…and everything to lose…there's no point in it…no difference then dying now…rather die then be forever enslaved…." The teal haired boy continued in much of a bushiness manner…trying to negotiate and bargain for what the emperor asked of them. "You are in no condition to bargain young man….however…you do amuse me…amuse me a lot….alright….how about this…you help me for the first task…and I'll pay you back…." "with gold?" the boy asked hopefully. "cause I don't work for free…I've been making a living for the past 9 years…and you won't cheat me…." The emperor nodded. "Very well then…if you succeed then I'll pay you for the work you've done..." "Deal!"
"and the rest of you…what do you want in return for serving me and Kuto…" The wolfish boy tried to talk but only came out in a growl. The girl who's eyes had never moved off Aryuu remained silent.
Aryuu thought a bit and then a thought swift through him. He wondered why he hadn't thought of it early. "No…I unlike that boy…isn't in any position to ask…especially since you have my whole tribe begging for mercy….so after much thought, I've decided to just serve you…" The emperor seemed slightly taken aback, but then smiled. "Wise decision…wise decision Ayruu…in fact…in fact if you succeed I'll let all your people go and forbid any more discrimination against them eh?" "I'm grateful…." "Alright…count me in too…" the girl blurted out. "If he says he's going…then I'll go and serve you too…" yet still the girl's eyes did not leave Ayruu. The emperor nodded.
"Very well…wise decisions…I shall now assign you four your first task. Do not fail…or chicken out…for this is both a test of your strengths and your loyalty towards me…remember your life and your love ones life now rest in my hands. You Ayruu and you whole Hin tribe. You Kishuku, your whole family…your siblings and your sick father. You Kaen, your family sold you out…and if you ever want to see them again, you better not fail…and you…" the emperor's eyes landed on the beast like boy. "I've sheltered you since time began…without me…you would be dead!" The wolfish boy gave another growl.
"What is the task?" Ayruu asked. The emperor's lips curled up. "I want you to assassinate the Konan emperor…Hiroshi Seishuku." "Nani??!!" The teal haired boy asked immediately. Somehow he was uncomfortable with this task, a sense of guiltiness spread throughout his body. "No…I'm afraid, I'll decline…." He continued. "Doshite Kishuku? Ah yes, that's right…you come from Konan….you were born and raised there…." "and being so…no matter what you do…I will not…will not betray my country…." "Then I'll kill you…." The boy rolled his eyes. "and your whole family…do not forget…do not forget, if you decline now, then you and your whole family will perish…" Kishuku bit his lower lip, so that a bit of blood formed. "Do I make myself clear?" There was a moment's pause before the boy solemnly nodded.
"Any other problems…." No response. "Good…then be off. Hiroshi should not have gone far, after all, we did make a peace treaty…This should be an easy task…" "Yes….of course at once…" Ayruu replied. "We won't fail you…." "I shall await your good news in a week…otherwise…all your love ones will die…so don't you dare think about failing me"
* * *
Hiroshi watched the kesa disappear. "Houjun…take care of yourself….Don't worry about me….I'll be able to get back to the palace safely."
* * *
Ayruu turned around, frustrated. "Why the hell do you keep following me!!! Leave me alone!!!" "Hey…look….kid" The teal harried boy stepped forward a bit. "We're in this together…weather you like it or not….We've been assigned a task…and we'll accomplish it together….if you fail, we all fail and that'll be the end of us…we must accomplish this task together…"
"First off boy…the name is Ayruu Gi. I'm not a kid, I'm older then you by at least 3 years…I am a loner. In my world, it's everyone for themselves…there is no such thing as team work…you got that? Now buzz off before I harm you…" "Tough attitude you got there Ayruu…well you'll just end up dead…" "Like I'm afraid of death boy…" "The name's Kishuku Sou, quite calling me boy…" Ayruu rolled his eyes.
"If you're so keen in accomplishing the task, then be my guest…I won't stop you….but you can count me out…" "but Ayruu, Kishuku's got a point…how can you be so chicken to back down now….after you agreed?" Ayruu surveyed the girl for the first time. "and why would you care…." "cause, cause…I like you…and, and I don't want you ending up dead…why…why are you so cold towards everyone….Kishuku's just trying to help, he's got a point….once we accomplish this task, we'll be free of its burden."
Ayruu stepped closer towards the girl until he was only inches away. "I don't need your pity. Do you really think this would be the end of it, the end of the burden, it's only the beginning, he wants you to do this now…and then that later….do you really think it'll ever stop?" "but…" "You should be glad I got you out of there…you should be glad I opened out a new path for you…a path of life….if it wasn't for me, and my slick mouth…we'll all be dead by now…." "We will be if we don't finish the task…." Kishuku countered. Ayruu rounded on him. "Why are you…why are you so keen in killing your own emperor…he never did you any harm…." "I need to save my family…." "They are as good as dead…." Kishuku tried to lunge at Ayruu for saying that, but then the girl pulled him back. "What do you mean Ayruu…?" she asked. "I just saved our lives. We got exactly one week to make it out of Kuto and as far away from here as possible…." "I can't just leave my family behind!!" Kishuku continued. "I must return to save them…." Ayruu snorted. "Are you that stupid boy!? He'll kill you never the less….You have no value to him….!" "but…." "after all you are his enemy."
There was silence. "Now would you all excuses me….I must leave Kuto as soon as possible…." "and in doing so…you'll let your whole tribe die?? Ayruu! Is that what you are going to do? To betray your tribe by saving your own skin!!" "I told you. It's everyone for themselves…it's always been and it always will be. Only the strong shall survive…." "You're cold…a cold hearted senseless person…." Ayruu chuckled, before leaving in the opposite direction.
The three watched him leave. When he disappeared completely, Kishuku spoke again. "Come on…we don't need him….We can handle this task ourselves. Once we complete it….we can work together to save our love ones, to see our love ones again…." There was no reply, Kaen was still staring at the place where Ayruu had disappeared.
* * *
~ Two days later~
"Here you are sir, fried chicken, pork and chicken dumpling, and the bowl of plain ramen." "Thank you…." Hiroshi replied. He glanced around the room, taking in the surroundings. It was mostly empty with a few people scattered about. "May I get you anything else sir?" "No…tank you…." The waiter nodded, before going off to sever other customers. Hiroshi picked up his set of chopsticks and started eating.
~30 minutes later~
"Hey!!! Stop that thief!!" Hiroshi looked up at that. He glances around the room to find the waiter chasing a boy. Taking one glance at the boy, he knew that the kid was part of the Hin tribe. The distinctive features, the eyes and hair color could never be mistaken. In the boy's hand was a small bag. "You filthy, stinking creature….I swear I'll kill you…" "Thank you for the bag of gold…." The boy cried as he ran off, out of the door. The waiter followed, yelling incomprehensible insults.
That boy…Poor kid. He must really need the money. Why can't that waiter be a little more generous? Can't he see, see that poverty drove him to steel? If only the Kuto citizen's weren't as cold towards the Hin tribe, then these endless, pointless fight may stop.
Hiroshi stood up, and slammed a bag of gold on to the table before going off to chase the boy, to chase the 'thief.'
"Get off of me….!" Hiroshi quickened his pace as he caught up with the two.
"Boy!! I'll teach ya a lesson ya never forget…you filthy little scum bag! Ya learn never ta steal from me again…" The waiter advanced toward the boy. He pocketed the money, which he got back, before rolling up his sleeves. "I swear….you don't wantta anger me….I swear I'll hurt you….Ya already got back the money…now buzz off…!!" The man laughed. He picked up the boy by his blond hair. Without warning, he began to punch and kick the boy, in the meantime yelling more and more cuss words. The boy however, did not respond, only throwing verbal threats.
"I heard….His Majesty had rounded off all you animals….looks like he missed one…." The man laughed. "Why don't I do him a favor and kill you for him….he'll be please once I present a dead Hin boy to him…" The man licked his lips. "Looks like I'll get rewarded….Nevertheless, even if I don't bring ya dead body to him…I'll still be doing Kuto a great deed…The deed to rid its country of…of people like you!! You….who wasn't suppose to exist, is the cause of all Kuto's problems…!!"
Hiroshi couldn't take it any longer. He just had to step in. It made no sense. He couldn't believe such people exist, people who would take their own frustration or anger on an innocent person. To blame a kid no older then 15, for every little thing that's gone wrong.
"You've asked for your own death!! You stole from me…and now I have every reason to rid of you!!" With that in mind, the man grip the boy's neck, trying to suffocate him. "Last warning man….If you don't let me go now…I'll kill you…." "Kill me??" The man chuckled. "I think you've got it mixed up…I am the one who's going to kill you…"
"Drop the boy….Drop the boy slowly…." A sword was placed on the man's neck. He slowly looked up, slightly started that he and the boy were not alone. "I said to release the boy…." Hiroshi repeated, keeping his sword steady. The man did as he was told. Quickly the boy scrambled behind his savior. Hiroshi glanced at the boy, and then at the man, before replacing his sword. "You have no right…no right for doing what you did…. now scram…. before I change my mind." The man stared at Hiroshi, and then at his sword, then at the boy. He scowled, but did as he was told. "Ya lucky bastard…don't let me bump into you again!!" With that he left in the direction that he came in.
Hiroshi watched the man leave, before turning to face the boy. "Hey there….are you alright kid….?" The boy nodded, but did not reply. "What's your name kid…" "Ayruu Gi…" Hiroshi smiled. "Are you hungry…do you really need that money….why did you steal…you know its bad to steal from anyone…." "No…I am not hungry…yes, I need the money….and yes, I know its bad to steal…." Hiroshi's brows furrowed. "If you're not hungry…there should be another reason that would have drove you to do something you know is wrong…." "I need that money to get out of Kuto as soon as possible…as far away as possible…you know…we the Hin tribe aren't quite welcome here…." "The boy paused. "You aren't of Kuto are you….? I've never met a native who would stand up for my people….they usually join in…." Hiroshi shook his head. "No…..I'm from Konan…." "Konan? The empire that's south west of here…..if I'm correct sir, you worship the beast God Suzaku…." "Hai…."
Hiroshi put on another smile. "By the way Ayruu….you don't have to call me 'sir'….I'm not use to that…." "Then…what should I call you…" "Hiroshi….Hiroshi Seishuku….." The man watched as the boy's eyes widen. He watched as something flickered across the boy's forehead, a character in blue…and if he was correct, it was the character 'kokoro'….The next minute, it had disappeared, making Hiroshi wonder if he had actually seen anything at all.
"What's wrong Ayruu…?" Hiroshi asked, as the boy had jumped back, away from him, and was biting his lower lips, his fist slightly clenched. Still, everything disappeared in a flash, and once more Ayruu looked relaxed and seemed to contain less tension. "Nothing…. nothing's wrong…. sorry…. I must leave now…I must be continuing on my journey…" Hiroshi seemed confused and the change. Ayruu turned and headed away, quickening his pace.
"Hey. …Wait…." Ayruu stopped and turned around. "If you are planning to leave Kuto…. why don't you come with me…back to Konan…I'm heading there now…." Ayruu shook his head. "No….I think its better if we part….besides, I can take care of myself …." "Are you sure…you'll be ok on the road….what if something bad happens…." "Thank you for your consideration…but I assure you….I'm not the one who should be careful, after all, I know Kuto fairly well, and well you Hiroshi….is a foreigner…I think more dangers are going to occur to you….especially to those who are unattended, or travel alone….These Kuto people…well lets just say…they aren't that nice…." "Well, in that case, if we travel together…I think it'll be to both are advantages…" "No…."
Hiroshi tried to pressure on, but still received the stubborn reply.
"Hiroshi…let me give you a piece of advice…. never assume that you know everything….never assume that just because you rescue someone, the person will have a good heart, and not hurt you…." A brief pause. "In other words…. Hiroshi…don't be so trusting….you don't know me…and I don't know you….how do you, I won't hurt you along the way. How do you know, I won't kill you, or take everything away from you…." Hiroshi opened his mouth, but then closed it. "I trust you…. After all, you do owe me. If I just stood around and watched, you would have been killed. I don't think you'll hurt someone who saved your life. You won't do that would you." There was no reply. "All I'm asking is that we travel with each other, and then look after each other…. you can repay your debt like this…not asking you much…just a small favor. In other words…I don't want to see you hurt again ok…?"
"My second piece of advice Hiroshi is that you should keep your guard up. In this world you could never know what might happen….You have to expect anything….Be prepared for anything….Sometimes things are not what they seem. Sometimes people aren't who you thought they were….A person would do anything…can do anything as long as the person is able to achieve their ultimate goal…."
"Well spoken Ayruu…I think you made your point. I'll take your advice…and we shall part…." Ayruu nodded. Hiroshi threw him a bag of gold. "Take care of yourself…that should be enough to get you to a decent place out of Kuto…." "Thank you….I'm forever grateful…" Ayruu started to walk away. Hiroshi watched him leave, seeing great potential for power and ambition within the kid. "Hiroshi…." The boy paused, a distance off. He did not even bother to turn around. "You take care of yourself…remember what I told you, and you should be able to stay alive……" Hiroshi scratched his chin. "Yes…Ayruu…I'll keep that in mind…. Hopefully we'll meet again…."
* * *
~ Three days later in forest (the one where Miaka took shortcut to get to Kuto, but got lost, was almost attacked by tiger and Tamahome saved her…then tricked him to return for a horse, and left alone to Kuto again) ~
"Sh…. Quiet…someone's approaching…" Kishuku said softly. Kaen nodded, and covers the mouth of the wolfish boy, who seems to be making the most noise. The three had been hiding in the forest for a few days already. "Kishuku… are you sure Konan's emperor would take the forest route, and in fact pass by us…." "Yes…I'm positive…I come from Konan, and know this place really well, its like a shortcut between the two empires, it's the fastest, but the most dangerous place to be…." Kaen studded the boy. "and if…he passes by…we just jump out and kill him…." "Yeah….Kuto's emperor said he'll be unguarded…." "but then…have you seen the emperor before?" "No…" "What?? Then how the hell, do we know it's the right man…." "I've heard lots of stories….there's no way I could mistaken him."
Footsteps approached, and the two quieted down.
* * *
Finally, back on safe soil. Now all I need to do is to journey back to the palace. I'm glad this trip is over. No more trips for me…at least not until next year.
Hiroshi slowed down. He was now deep within one of Konan's forests. It was getting late, yet he was not afraid. He knew this forest well enough to walk through it with his eyes shut. After all, this was the way in which he came; it was the shortest way to get from one place to the next.
He stopped, as he suddenly noticed the eerie silence.
Odd, it's awfully quiet. Too quiet. Something's not right. This forest is usually filled with noise…
Then from nowhere, a few shadows zipped through the trees from the sidelines. The next thing he knew, he felt a huge force pound onto him, and he found himself smashed on the floor.
"Yes…..!!! We did it….We got him!!" Kaen yelled joyfully. Hiroshi grunted, surprised that the two people who held him down were barely over 10 years of age. A third boy, one with teal hair, met his eyes, but then filched slightly. "What are you waiting for Kishuku, disarm him, and get it over with…we don't have all day…." Kishuku strode forward, and took the Hiroshi's sword, taking it out of its slash, and then pointing it at the man's throat.
"Dare!! I demand to know who the hell you kids are…! Why the hell do you want me dead…. I've never done anything to you…. We never even met!" Hiroshi's voice was oddly calm, though his heart pounded fiercely. There was no reply. The sword glistened under the patches of sunlight. He looked at the sword, and then at Kishuku, eyes meeting once more. For a brief moment he thought he saw hesitation.
"Cone on Kishuku…kill him, for heaven's sake…What the hell are you waiting…Don't tell me you're backing out now…just like Ayruu did….It's either him or us…." The boy nodded, closed his eyes, and pushed the sword forward.
Shit! Help me…someone…anyone…
Hiroshi too shut his eyes, thinking that it was the end.
"You better watch where you point that sword kid….otherwise you'll kill someone….no da….." Hiroshi's eyes flashed open. A kesa appeared before him. The next thing he knew, Houjun was standing in front of him, his right index and middle finger grasping onto the sword's smooth flash service.
"Houjun…." Hiroshi's voiced trailed of, letting out a sense of gratitude and relief. Houjun did not reply. Instead, he forced the boy back, and began a fearsome battle with him. Kaen, and the wolfish boy, immediately went over and allied themselves with Kishuku.
"Who are you people no da….Why do you want to hurt Hiroshi-sama….?" "It's none of your business kid…. It's our business…. it has nothing to do with you…so why don't you just disappear from wherever you came from!!" Houjun only smiled. "I'm afraid this is my business…I'm making it my business no da….I can't just stand and watch you people kill others….especially one of my friends…."
Kishuku snorted. "Very well….you brought this onto yourself….if I kill you in the process, then forgive me….for I have no intention in doing so…My only target is that man, over there….Last warning….get out while you still can…."
"No…no da…." Came the simple, stubborn reply.
So began the vigorously, senseless, and childish battle between the teens. Yet, the battle was quite planned out, and was much to Houjun's disadvantage. The three, newly acquainted friends, hunted and killed in packs, causing it that much difficult for Houjun to fight the one on three battle.
"I won't let you hurt Hiroshi-sama….no da….It's my sole duty to protect him no da…even if its just against a bunch of children…"
All of a sudden Houjun felt a new sense of chi. His left hand, unconsciously, touched his left knee, where he knew the chi had began. Rising his staff in a defensive position, he blocked a swing that came from Kishuku.
Kishuku jumped back, surprised at the sudden growth of chi he felt. As if from response, he too, felt a sudden surge of energy, rise up in him. The energy started from his forehead, and then traveled down to his hands, and into Hiroshi's sword, which he had been using to battle with.
This weird dude, is good. He's really good, so far, my only match, the only one worthy enough to battle me. I wonder who he is, and what relation he has with that man I was ordered to kill, to kill the Konan emperor.
At the thought of his mission, more energy surged to the sword, gathering at its tip.
Yes, I must finish this battle soon. I mean, who knows how long it'll last? That kid, he's standing up to three people at once, and not showing any signs of defeat. I must hurry, that is if I still want to kill the emperor…if I still want to save my family…who still resides with the Kuto emperor. The sooner I finish, the sooner I could return and rescue my family…my sick father…my brothers and sisters.
That was all it took, the thought of his family still being held by Kuto's emperor. Kishuku's chi rose dramatically. Houjun's eyes, widened, as he felt a strong chi rise in who seemed to be the ringleader of the group. He studied the boy closely. Then he saw it. The bird, which was on the bandana of the teal haired boy's headband, seemed to come alive. It looked as if it had taken a life of its own, and for some reason, glowing a bit red, making it more lifelike then before.
Houjun stared in awe for a bit, slightly letting his guard down, his eyes, still transfixed on the bird. Then without warning, he felt a sharp pain, on his left eye. Next thing he knew Kishuku had already pulled back with a bloody sword. Then everything stopped, the battle stopped and everyone froze.
There was a gasp. Houjun turned his head back, and stared at Hiroshi, who had made the sound.
"Houjun!! Houjun….your eye…your eye!!" Houjun lifted his hand and touched what he thought was the injured area. When he stared down at his hand, it was stained with blood. Then he closed his right eye. Everything turned back. He reopened it, and once again, the surroundings became clear. "I've gone partly blind no da….My left eye…my left eye…." He touched his eye again, his voice trailing off. Then, with a snap of his finger, bandages appeared from nowhere, covering his injured area.
"Houjun….are you…ok…." Hiroshi asked, concerned. "Yes…I'm…." but before he finished, Kishuku had already appeared in front of Hiroshi, sword pointed once again at the man. "Hiroshi-sama!! Watch out!! NO DA!" He tried to run up to the man, but was still too slow. Kishuku had already swung the sword at the man.
"That's enough Kishuku…" a voice spoke up. Just as Houjun had appeared before out of thin air, this time another person appeared. His blonde hair fluttered in the wind. In his hand was the sword.
"Ayruu!!" Kaen cried out, surprised, running up to the boy and then flinging her arms around his neck. The boy stepped back a bit, and then turned backed to look at Hiroshi. A smile formed around Hiroshi's lips, but then disappeared as he saw that his sword was once again pointed at him.
"Ayruu…It's nice to meet you again…." Hiroshi spoke trying to ease the tense situation. "How are you….I hope you didn't bump into any more trouble after our last parting…." Ayruu did not reply. By now, Houjun had moved so that he was standing slightly behind him. Hiroshi eyed the sword, still wondering why Ayruu would hold it against him.
What in the world did I do? Oh Suzaku-sama! Tell me…What did I ever do to these kids. Why the hell can't they leave me alone?? It's not like I owe them anything…Why do they want to drive me to the other world?
Ayruu eyed the man. Finally he place the sword down towards the floor. "A life for a life, my debt has been replied." (Disclaimer: I've got that line from Disney's Mulan) Hiroshi let out a sigh, but was still filled with confusion. "Now….go….get out of here…." He returned the sword to the man, before turning back to face the other teens.
"Ayruu!! You're letting him leave??? And what exactly did you mean…'A life for a life, my debt has been repaid'?" Kaen questioned. "Is that why…you didn't want to participate in his assassination?" Kishuku added.
"No…as a matter a fact…this is only the second time we've met…." Ayruu spoke quietly. "As what I mean…you do not need to know…but I'm sure Hiroshi would know perfectly well…."
"Is that why…Ayruu…is that what you meant? Our little chat….?" "Yes…yes…your majesty….." Hiroshi opened his mouth, then shut it. "Yes…that's right…" Kishuku began. "We know your true identity….you're Konan's emperor eh?" Houjun gripped his staff, taking a step forward. "and just in case…you're wondering why we've been after you…its simply cause we were sent to do so…by Kuto's emperor…."
"That explains it…" Hiroshi grumbled. His eyes swept from one person to the next, slowly taking in their appearances. Then at last his eyes landed on Ayruu.
"What ever did Kuto's emperor offer you no da…offer you enough to drive you to murder a good hearted man…." Houjun did not expect an answer, but he was curious to know…especially from the teal haired boy, who was wearing a mark of a bird, one so closely like Suzaku.
"My whole family's on the line…." Kishuku snapped back. "If…if he's not dead…." He pointed a finger at Hiroshi. "dead….then we, my sick father, and younger siblings are going to end up dead…." He paused. "That's the only reason….I don't have anything against Konan or its emperor….I'm just doing what any son would do."
Kaen and the other wolfish boy did not speak. They thought, and deep down inside, knew there was no real justification for their actions.
My family sold me out. Why should I care the least bit of their survival? Its not like I'll get anything out of it…
"I'm the last 'free' member of the Hin tribe…." Ayruu spoke up. "My whole tribe's been raided, and there's nothing left for me. I'm a loner. I've always been and always will be. I went against the assassination for it does not concern me in the least bit. It's none of my business who reigns, its not like it'll ever change my life. Besides, why should I do the filthy job of an emperor who he and his people has always treated me like dirt and as an 'animal'?"
The two listened, quietly.
"Well spoken Ayruu, well spoken." Hiroshi said. "I see a lot of potential in you. You have character and astounding traits. Now I offer you once more. Will you return with me to Konan…where I can provide you the life that you have not had….?"
"It doesn't really matter, where I go…as long as I get out of Kuto."
Maybe I should go with him. What could go wrong? I've heard he's a much better man then Kuto's emperor. Besides, if I'm correct, Hiroshi has no son, and well he's always wanted one. That boy behind him, he too has potential, yet I've have the weirdest feeling, he won't stay long…he looks more of a wanderer. Anyways, Hiroshi did lay his eyes on me, he does seem to like me a lot. Maybe I can take advantage of this. No I should take advantage of this. If all goes well, and my relationship with Hiroshi grows, then maybe I can fill in that gap of the missing son…If I do so…then if I do so…I may get a shot at being the next emperor.
A smile crossed Ayruu's face, as his plan formulated within his head. Houjun frowned, seeing a flash of evilness appear and disappear between the blonde's eyes. "Well…what do you think….?" "I'm honored…." Ayruu replied, and for the first time, bowed towards the man.
Kaen nudged Kishuku, and whispered something in his ear. He nodded. The two turned and began to leave. The wolfish boy followed behind him.
"Wait!" Ayruu called out, watching as potential followers were about to disappear before him. Kishuku stopped. "Why don't you come with us back to Konan…." "What?" Kaen asked. "I don't think Hiroshi-sama would mind." Ayruu glanced at the man. "Besides, if you're planning to return to Kuto's palace to rescue your family members, you'll just be walking into death….its nearly a week…you won't make it back in time….so forget it ok….they're as good as dead…." Kishuku glared at the other. "I don't care….its my family….and I'll do anything…anything to try and rescue them…."
Houjun spoke up. "I think Ayruu's right no da….I don't think its such a good idea to go back to Kuto…" "but…." "you did say you don't have anything against Hiroshi….no da…" "No…in fact, I am a Konan citizen….my family and I were captured by Kuto during one of their raids….and the only reason I would want the emperor dead, is if I could have my family back…." "I see…" Hiroshi muttered. "I'm sorry to hear that…" he continued. "but if I die…won't Konan fall? I can't let that happen…for if it does, then won't more people die and suffer…." "then you'll just sacrifice my family….!?" Hiroshi did not reply. "How about this no da….I'll go…I'll go and see what I can do…." Hiroshi looked skeptically behind him at Houjun. Kishuku thought a bit, and finally nodded, knowing that the teen before him would be cable of doing things that he could never do.
"However….that would be after I personally make sure Hiroshi-sama returns safely to the palace. I'm not going to let my eyes off of him until then." "I can handle that…." Ayruu spoke up. "No no da…its not like I don't trust you all…but I just need to be sure…." Hiroshi smiled, glad that Houjun was going to stay a little longer.
"Well then, we should get going…." Hiroshi said. "I won't want to delay the rescue mission, the sooner we get back, the sooner Houjun can leave….Besides, I think I've left the palace long enough."
So…the group traveled together. Less then two days later, they were standing in front of the large magnificent palace. As they approach the grand doors opened. Then a boy stepped out. He bowed low. "Welcome back Heika-sama….I'm glad you returned safely…." Hiroshi nodded. The boy stood up straight, then stepped to the side as the group entered the palace.
Finally home at last
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Alright done. I've hopped you enjoyed it. Please give me some feedback by reviewing!!
