Author's Notes: x__x...once again, I am terribly sorry for not getting this chapter out for a couple weeks. I've been sorta good though...working on my other neglected works, because for some strange reason, I can't seem to write this lately. I've got things all planned out...I know exactly where I'm going with this story and how I'm going to end it, but I just can't seem to write to it sometimes. Not to mention...my CD player broke. x_x;. I NEED music to write... *sniffles* it's not fair. So, for now, I'm making my Playstation double as a CD player, but it's just not the same, le sigh. I really appreciate both of your reviews: Otaku Pitcher and HuffPuff. ^__^; I mean, you guys give me constructive comments pointing out things you like...and I really enjoy reviews like that. I mostly get things that're like...'that was gud continue plz ;)' and x_x that doesn't do a thing for me. Hrm...I'm gonna nitpick about my chapter, because I want to say that the strengths of it are mostly in the dialogue...and not in the description. My...descriptions have been running kinda bland lately. And Chichiri says 'no da' to a point that's way more than needed... o__O;. XD um...I don't like Tokaki very much, you can probably tell in this chapter...by his one sentence of dialogue, and my neglect to really describe ANYTHING he does. But, I find myself growing more and more fond of Tomo as the story passes on. Oh yeah...title of the chapter: Taken from a song from Buffy: The Musical. XD it holds a significant part to one of the characters, but I didn't try to steal...honest!! :D; anyway...after long rambly author's notes...I'll let you go on with the chapter. And Krissy-chan's got her fingers crossed, hoping she can hit 40 reviews with this one. I just like nice even numbers. ^__~;;.

It didn't take long at all for Nakago to separate himself from Soi once she had gotten enough balance to stand on her own. That caused a slight frown to appear on her lips, however, she straightened herself respectably, sending a brief glance over Ashitare's way. The wolf was regarding them lazily until he suddenly directed his attention on the entranceway and sprang up on all fours to snarl in that area. Nakago also glanced that way, raising a single golden brow.

"Tomo...do you have some business here?" The general questioned carelessly.

"Ie, Nakago-sama...I simply wanted to see if the rumors were true. And it seems that they were. Soi...you're looking...decent..." Tomo waved those painted nails aside aimlessly.

"And I see you're still looking as queer as ever," Soi immediately retorted.

To her comment, the face-painted seishi cackled, "And you haven't lost your attitude at all...still quite the bi--"

"Tomo...save your petty disagreements and arguments for when I am not around..." Nakago warned, before his gaze shifted back to Soi. His voice didn't change in tone when he addressed her. "Soi, you shouldn't be up when you are weak. Go back to your room and get some rest. I will require your aid soon."

"Hai, Nakago-sama..." The woman pivoted on her heel and started down the hall.

"Excuse me...I will take my leave as well..." Tomo bowed graciously before the Hin Tribesman, feathers toppling fluidly down his shoulders.

"Do whatever you wish...I have no need for you now," Nakago waved him away as though he was a pest.

The illusionist straightened himself out, taking off in the same direction as Soi had. He quickened his pace, skidding past placing his hand against the wall. That elaborately sleeved arm was used to block her path and Soi came to a halt, glaring at him slightly. A smirk twitched into the corner of Tomo's heavily made up lips and he leaned in closer, narrowing his eyes dangerously.

"Don't think that you're act is working..." The ex-performer possessed an all-knowing heir about him.

"Act? What are you talking about?" She raised a brow. Tomo was trying her patience and it was rather irritating.

"Your ploy. You know very well what I mean. You may be able to manipulate other men with your tasteless ability, demo...we both know Nakago-sama is much different..."

"What the hell are you talking about?!"

"Oh...so you're going to pretend like this 'comatose' thing wasn't just some sort of scheme to get Nakago to feel sympathy for you?"

"Ie...unlike you, I don't put on acts..."

"Hoh? Like using that perverted skill of yours to seduce the information out of soldiers wasn't an act?"

"Perverted! Who's the one who's gay here?!"

"Temper, temper, Soi. You don't wish to pass out again, do you?"

She just scowled and went to move past him only to be stopped briskly by his other hand, "What the hell is your problem, Tomo?! Let me go back to my room!"

"Not without saying this...I'm the one who's loved Nakago for so long. He'll see I'm all he needs eventually. And you, Soi, better stay out of it. Go back to wherever it was you were when you were in you coma..."

Soi shoved him out of her way at that point, stepping into her chamber and slamming that door behind herself. Afterward, she fell back wearily against it, bringing one hand up beneath the maroon bangs to press against her forehead. Once she recovered enough to walk, she made her way toward the mirror. Fingertips pinched around the red ribbon, pulling it free of those lengthy strands. She watched that hair unravel itself over her shoulders and she then pulled it together, tying it in a loose ponytail at the nap of her neck. Afterward, she shed the armor from her curvaceous form, drawing a robe around herself with a sigh. Tomo could be so exasperating at times. Especially when she didn't feel well enough to deal with him.

The nineteen year old made her way to her bed, bringing the covers up over her body. Still, she wished she could have listened to his words for once...to go back where she was...where for once in her life she was happy. Yes, she would have loved to have remained in the depths of heaven where she felt no sorrow or anger. It was the one place that the torment of not having Nakago's love couldn't reach her. Now that she was back with him, things just suddenly hurt so much. And despite the horrible things she had done for his sake, she always kept her heart open. That must have been how she got to feel the bliss of Seiryuu's world; his heaven...

Oh, Tomo couldn't have possibly known how much she wanted to return there and get away from all of this...

***

"We're here!" Finally... Miboshi added mentally as he saw the approaching land.

The bandits assembled themselves at the dock, nearly plowing each other over to get a look at Sairou. For everyone except Tasuki (and Miboshi), this was their first trip to the country. Still, the leader wore a rather relieved expression. This was, of course, because soon he would be on the safety of land. With a fang-exposing grin, he ruffled through 'Chiriko's' hair.

"It's a damn good thing yer so smart, Chiriko! Otherwise, it mighta' taken us days to get there, ne?" The fiery seishi closed his eyes happily.

"Eh heh..." Miboshi just shoved the hand away. "Let's just dock..."

Kouji sent a thoughtful glance after the 'child' before his eyes lifted to Tasuki, "Is it just me? Or does he seem less cheerful than he used to be?"

Genrou shrugged, "He was dead for a while. That'd probably take away anyone's cheerfulness, ne?"

Miboshi wove his way around the corner, peering around for any signs of a stray Reikaku 'mongrel.' Once he was sure the coast was clear, his eyes lifted to the sandy landscape that was nearing. One hand lay itself flat against the rail and a smirk crossed his lips. Pretty soon there would be a fight; he would have fulfilled his purpose with those bandits...which naturally meant they could die by his demons along with the twins. Amiboshi had never been useful to their cause. The one and only mission he was sent on, he had failed miserably. Not only that, but he aligned himself with the Suzakuu warriors. If Nakago had wanted it done properly, he should have sent him to possess the real Chiriko in the first place. But, what was done could not be undone, he supposed.

As for Suboshi's worth, in Miboshi's opinion, he was just as disposable. For his brother and Yui-sama, he would do anything...even if it meant screwing over their plans. Tomo could very well have prevented the Suzakuu no Miko from ever being able to summon her beast god, but Suboshi went and murdered him. And he knew very well that he couldn't take on Tamahome, so why he ever bothered to pick fights with him was beyond Miboshi. They didn't need an irrational fool getting in the way, that's why Suboshi had to die as well.

The Seiryuu seishi hung his head with a smirk, We've arrived in Sairou, Nakago-sama...

Good...make certain that you get what you're after.

I always get what I'm going after...that was how it was in the past and how it'll be now...

Un...demo...remember that you did die in Sairou once before...

Miboshi sneered at Nakago's words. He said that purposely...brought up his one failure to which he retorted calmly, I've died plenty of times, demo I've always come back...

Just do not fail me. Demo, if you do...I can send Soi out there, I suppose...

Heh, don't worry...I won't lose to them. I am far more powerful. We're here, however...just docked. Do you have anything else to tell me, Nakago-sama?

Hai...the twins were last seen near Makan Village. I doubt they would have strayed very far from there.

Un...I will keep that in mind...

With that, Miboshi broke the mind-link and headed toward the others, narrowing his eyes. He wasn't just like one of Nakago's other worthless lackies. His only failure was underestimating Chiriko's will, but this time things were going to be different. This time, he was going to win in the end...against all of the seishi that were involved with this conflict. As Miboshi moved toward the deck, he noticed that Tasuki and the others were waiting there, watching him expectantly as he stepped up.

"What are you waiting for? Let's get to Sairou quickly and we'll start our hunt around Makan Village for the Seiryuu no Miko..." Miboshi glanced toward the country in determination. Yes, this time he definitely wouldn't fail.

***

The group ate silently in Sairou. Well, actually nearly silently...as the scraping of chopsticks could be heard. There was some sort of hidden tension between Yui and Suboshi and even more so between Chichiri and Suboshi. Amiboshi eyed them all momentarily as he worked his utensils through the food on his plate and then his gaze drifted toward the lonely Xi Fang, who sat patiently, waiting for them all to finish. He was about to open his mouth to say something until the steady shuffle of boots carried the two remaining Byakko seishi into the room.

Subaru smiled somewhat, "Well, it's good to see you're better now, Amiboshi. Gomen ne, for my behavior toward you all when you first arrived. Especially you, Seiryuu no Miko-san. If you're a friend of Miaka-chan's, then you're a friend to us."

"Arigatou," Yui glanced up with a grin. "Demo, call me Yui. I don't really like all the formalities."

"Un, we should listen to her," Tokaki nodded, the pipe clamped firmly between his lips. "After all...a girl so sexy--"

Subaru furrowed her brows and smacked her husband upside the head. This action forced Xi Fang to stifle a giggle...since she knew far too well how Tokaki was. Chichiri gave Yui a 'don't mind him' look and then brightened his smile.

"I can't eat another bite, no da. It was delicious, no da! Of course, that could only be expected with Xi Fang-chan's cooking..." He glanced toward the girl.

"Un, it was very good," Amiboshi added quickly, setting his chopsticks on the empty plate as his eyes moved to his twin. He gave him a little nudge of his foot to pants' leg beneath the table. "Don't you agree, Suboshi?"

"Un..." The younger mumbled disheartedly, stirring around the nearly untouched meal.

"Arigatou!" She smiled. "If you're all done, I can take your plates in to wash them."

The musician frowned at his brother's indifference before he looked to Xi Fang and volunteered, "I'll help."

Really, Amiboshi didn't know what good it would do to leave Suboshi alone with the others, but he had a distinct feeling that whatever was wrong with him had to do with Yui. Maybe by leaving them alone, he would be able to work things out with her. Even though Chichiri, Subaru, and Tokaki were there. It would still limit the people Suboshi liked, thus forcing him to have a conversation with Yui. So, with that in mind, Amiboshi pushed himself up to his feet, taking his plate and then circling the others to take Suboshi's. He placed one hand of comfort upon the identical shoulder and the irrational one glanced up, offering a faint smile as he watched his brother and Xi Fang exit from the dining area.

Chichiri finished his conversation with the two Byakko no seishi and then turned to the blonde, "Yui-chan, when should we head out, no da?"

"Soon..." She replied, folding her hands on her lap. "As soon as Amiboshi gets back. I don't really know the way to Kutou from here, so perhaps you could help us."

"Hai, no da! If we get to a certain points where a lot of mystical energy is transferred or has been at one point, I could even teleport us there, no da!"

"Un! That'd be great!" Yui smiled, turning her gaze toward Suboshi. "Don't you think so?"

Suboshi furrowed a brow as he glanced up, only to simply shrug in response. He didn't want to be disrespectful in front of her, but she should have known he didn't like Chichiri. And by not liking him, that meant not liking any of his ideas either. He shifted back in his chair, lifting those eyes to meet the glassy blue of his miko's own. What Suboshi wouldn't have given at that point to shrink into himself just to avoid the concerned expression, the one that made him want to take her in his arms and hold her for all eternity. But, she would only yell at him if he did. This was always how it was...he placed his heart out for her and she trampled over it without a care. But, she had wanted to kiss him before! He felt it! It just didn't make any sense...

"Well, no da...I should get us some supplies to take up on the way, no da! My hat's a personal storage place, you know..." Chichiri smiled...that eternally cheerful smile he always wore. What could anyone possibly have to be so cheerful about?

Yui laughed, "Hai, hai."

With that, the blue-haired monk offered a tip of his hat before he faded from view. The younger twin watched him with a sigh. Perhaps the monk knew he wanted some time alone with Yui. But that didn't seem to help the fact that the two Byakko seishi were still there, Tokaki practically salivating over the sight of the Seiryuu no Miko in her short skirt. Subaru seemed to catch Suboshi's look, and she reached over, dragging her pervert husband out by the ear with her eyes closed happily. Once they were a distance away, several yells sounded from the elderly woman about aging Tokaki so much that he wouldn't be able to ogle young girls anymore. Yui glanced after them for a moment, shaking her head with a smile as she turned back to Suboshi.

"This is great, ne? We'll be able to release Seiryuu and then I can go--"

"Doushite...?" Suboshi spoke up out of context, forcing his Miko into silence. He looked up and then brought his hand forward to surround her own. "Yui-sama, doushite...? You wanted me to kiss you earlier, I know you did..."

"Suboshi, is it really appropriate to be having this discussion here?"

"I don't care! Yui-sama, ai shiteru! How many times do I have to say it before you believe me?!"

She blinked and then lowered her gaze to their entwined hands, "I do believe you, Suboshi..."

"Then why are you trying to pull away?"

Yui attempted to remove her hand from his, but he only tightened his grip so as to say without words that he wouldn't let her draw back without an explanation. She sighed, and then lifted her eyes to meet his, "Because...it's just not right, that's why! I came into this world and I'm only going to leave it again. It's stupid to start to have feelings for someone when that love can never be kept any longer than while I'm here. When this book wants me to--"

"Book...?" Suboshi appeared dumbfounded. "What do you mean, Yui-sama? If you wanted to stay in this world, I'm sure there's no reason why you couldn't. Or, I could come to your world. I've been there once before if you remember."

"Ie...it was different, that was--"

"Wait a second..." He slowly withdrew his hand from hers as realization began to settle on him. "When I was about to fight Tamahome...he was talking to his miko. Something about being only a character in a book...being born to live for only her. Does that...this book...when you said you didn't 'write for me' to be alive...what are you saying that I am?!"

Her lips parted slightly and those crystalline oculars met his intense stare. He...wanted the truth. He deserved the truth. And so...she had to give it to him, "Suboshi...you're a character in a book. This whole world is a book, at least...it is in my world. It's because of me that all of this is happening. I was such a baka...I wanted to give you a happy ending, that's all. And before I knew it, Tomo had appeared. And one by one, the rest of the Seiryuu shichiseishi. I did it. So...I have to fix it..."

"Demo...I'm real, aren't I? My thoughts...my feelings...aniki. I'm real, ne? Ne?!" His eyes were wide in desperation.

Seeing this, the Yotsubadai student pushed herself up and made her way over toward him, bringing those arms around his shoulders, "Un...Suboshi. You're very real...to me anyway. You live and breathe...you eat and sleep. And...most importantly, you love me. That's all very real. It's just that in my world, your world is seen through a book. The book is the gateway between the two. So...you're very real...as are all the others who live in this world. I mean...if you weren't...well then...I suppose, I wouldn't be able to do this..."

Yui's voice tapered off as one hand slid along his cheekbone. The willing head was turned toward her own and without any thought, she closed in, letting her lips touch against his. For a moment, Suboshi froze in surprise, until reality...if there ever was one...began to melt away. His arms went around her and he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. None of it mattered for the time being. As long as their mouths were together, as long as they were sharing that moment...it didn't matter if Suboshi was 'real' or not. All that did was the fact that he was with Yui, the girl he loved more than anything else. For the very first time, he had her willing kiss...

"The talking stopped! Not that I could make out what they were saying," Xi Fang had her ear pressed up against the door for quite sometime, eavesdropping on Yui and Suboshi rather unsuccessfully.

"What are you doing?" Amiboshi questioned with mild amusement.

"You can't tell me nothing's going on with those two. I wanted to hear if they got into a lover's quarrel..." She smiled, carrying the plates to the sink at that point and filling up the basin with warm water.

"Nothing is. Otouto loves Yui-sama, demo she doesn't feel the same way..." He sighed, glancing to her.

"Come on...you're telling me that, that guy loves her but she doesn't even like him back? Most girls would kill to have a boy that handsome even remotely like them!" Xi Fang nodded as-a-matter-of-factly, starting to scrub off some of the syrup on the first plate.

Amiboshi blinked and then a rosy hue spread across his cheeks as he pushed the barely touched meal from his brother's plate into the garbage. The girl glanced up at him for a moment and canted her head in confusion.

"Nani...? What's got you so embarr--" She suddenly blushed herself. "Oh, twins. Right. Well, I suppose you could take that as a compliment, Mr. Flutist."

He smiled over at her, gasping a towel and working to dry the dishes that she had just cleaned off, "Arigatou."

"Welcome. So...why don't you tell me about your ability? Your seishi powers, I mean. I know you can't show me, demo it still might make interesting conversation."

"Well, I can channel ki through my mouth. I mostly use a fue to do it, demo I can do it without it for a few things."

"And what does it do?"

"Nearly anything I want, if I put enough concentration into it."

"Honto ni? That sounds really powerful."

"It can be, demo I have to use my life force sparingly. I can get pretty wiped out depending on the spell."

"You must be the most powerful Seiryuu seishi then!"

"Ie...you must never have seen any of the others."

"Well, no...demo I did hear stories. Tamahome told me about Ashitare who killed their seishi...anou...Nuriko, I think. We had plenty of time to talk that night I cared for him...after he fell from the cliff. He also told me some about Tomo, who's illusions led him to believe he was pierced in the back by feathers. Come to think of it, I believe he mentioned you as well."

Amiboshi's gaze moved to her in surprise, "Did he?"

"Un...he was just saying that he hoped you were able to protect Miaka, because you were there."

"Hai, I was. We were able to break the illusion Miaka-san was trapped in. Otouto killed Tomo shortly afterward," He left out the rest...since it really became too complex if he told the story in full detail.

"I see. And now...he's back? You said that he poisoned you, ne?"

"Un. I don't understand why, demo all the Seiryuu shichiseishi are back to life. I was the only one who was alive before."

"Sou ka..." Xi Fang sank into silence, bringing a cloth over the final bowl before she handed it to him. "So, that means that he's back?"

"Who's...he...?" Amiboshi took the dish, collecting the droplets from it with the semi-moist towel.

"Miboshi. The one who killed Tatara of the Byakko no seishi...Tokaki-san and Subaru-san were highly upset. We had a funeral for him. He also was responsible for Chiriko's death they said."

"Un...he is back. As a matter of fact, we're going to have to face him soon. Him and the Reikaku bandits."

"Oh? Well then...get him good for me, okay?"

"You could come with us...you know," Amiboshi smiled faintly.

"Ie. I...I really couldn't. I'd only get in the way..."

"Why do you say that? You want to come, ne? I mean...you said so before about wanting to travel and do exciting things. You said you can use some of your otousan's old powers...so you could probably be very useful..."

In a sudden swish of braids and fabric, Xi Fang had turned to him, adorning nothing but a startled expression on her visage. He knew...he heard her secret. She thought he had been sleeping that whole time and nothing got through to him, but it had. Her lips parted slightly in embarrassment and she looked away, closing her eyes. Raven strands swayed with the movement as she clenched a fist, pressing it up against her chest.

"I...I can't. I wouldn't be any good to you..."

"You know that's not true. You healed me! You'd be highly valuable to us. Much more useful than either me or my otouto are at this point...onegai, Xi Fang?"

She glanced toward him slowly. His eyes were so gentle...so kind...so inviting. How could she refuse the former Seiryuu seishi? So, those lips curved in a quick smile and then she nodded, "Hai!"

"Great! Let's get everyone together then..." Amiboshi closed his eyes happily, making his way to the door. When he pushed it open, however, his gaze landed on his twin and miko, who had entangled themselves in a kiss at some point. He blinked and then backtracked a bit flustered. "Maybe we should give them a little more time."

"Huh? Doushite?" Xi Fang collected her skirt, moving briskly to his side and peering over his shoulder. "Ah ha! I knew it! Guess my women's intuition outweighs your 'twin bond' thing, ne?"

He chuckled, "Fine, fine...you win this one. Demo, just wait until I get the entire story from Shunkaku. Then we'll see how right you really are."

"C'mon! People just don't kiss for no reason..."

"True...but that reason's not always romantic, mind you. Maybe you should go tell Tokaki-san and Subaru-san your decision and pack some things. It may be a few day trip after all."

"Un...you're right. Wait here, I won't be long..." Xi Fang turned and headed out the back door so as to give the couple privacy for a bit longer.

Amiboshi nodded, glancing back to his brother with a sigh, Otouto, what really is going on with you and Yui-sama?

It was probably an hour later when everyone had gathered their things and attached them to the saddle bags of the horses. Tokaki and Subaru generously offered some food and blankets since the days in Sairou may have been warm, but the nights could get rather cold. And what they didn't give them (water, etc.) was provided by the wandering monk. Xi Fang stayed behind for a while as the others set up just to say her good-byes. This was her first time away from home. It was so thrilling, yet at the same time upsetting. The familiar faces she was used to seeing every day would no longer be there. Yet, in their place would be... Xi Fang looked after Amiboshi with a slight blush before she turned back toward her guardians.

Speaking of Amiboshi, he was currently helping Chichiri with loading the last few items in a manner so as not to weigh them down too much. He spared a glance toward his reflected image and Yui, canting his head in interest. They were smiling and happy, so that much was good. At least it meant Suboshi wasn't moping any longer. But, the elder twin looked away, not wanting to be rude. Still, he wanted to know. It wasn't like Suboshi to leave him in the dark about something. They knew everything about each other.

Suboshi untied his horse from the post and then looked to his Miko, "Yui-sama, are you going to ride with me?"

"Hm? Oh...un! We've gone together on horseback many times before, ne?" She smiled, squinting up at the sky. "It sure is hot out here. I didn't remember it being this hot."

"That's just the normal weather in Sairou, I suppose. At least we don't have to travel through the desert this time."

"Hai, thank goodness! Though, I guess it might seem a bit hotter because in my world it's fall..." She glanced away a bit wistfully.

"Yui-sama...?"

"Hm? Oh...gomen! Let's just mount this horse and get ready..." Yui laughed somewhat, reaching forward to touch the saddle.

At the same point, Suboshi's hand had went forward to do something similar and they both met with each other unintentionally. The duo had mirrored reactions, glancing from the hand and then toward the face of the other in surprise. Despite the fact that it was accidental brushing of fingers, those hands didn't seem to want to move away and stayed there for a bit longer. Yui was the one who shyly broke contact, lowering her gaze. Everything about him lately was enough to make her heart flutter in her chest, especially after that kiss they shared. It was a spur-of-the-moment action that Yui wasn't sure had even been a good idea. True, it stopped him from being upset, but was it really going to stop them both from being upset in the long run?

She sighed and then looked up at Suboshi again, depositing a few flaxen strands behind her ears, "We should get ready. As soon as Xi Fang comes, we're heading off."

"Hai, Yui-sama," With that, Suboshi climbed onto the saddle, lowering his hand to help her up. Afterward, his gaze moved to his brother. "Aniki, is everything okay up there?"

"Un!" He glanced back at them. "We're all set. Packed up and everything."

"I think we should probably head to the towers up there, no da," Chichiri motioned to the tall buildings in the distance. "Seiryuu was summoned up there which means I should be able to draw in that power and transport us to Kutou with no problem at all, no da."

"Why are we going to Kutou?" Amiboshi blinked, glancing toward Yui in question.

"The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the answers probably lay there. After all, that's where Nakago is, ne?"

"And Tomo..." Suboshi narrowed his eyes dangerously, a smirk crossing his lips at the violent thoughts of revenge.

"I'm ready!" Xi Fang cut into the conversation, heading over to the group and stopping short as she saw the arrangement. Specifically noticing that everyone had a means of transportation...except for her.

"You can ride with me, Xi Fang-san..." Amiboshi answered her mental question with a cheerful expression, extending his hand down to her.

"Arigatou," She took up his offer, climbing onto the horse behind him.

"Let's go, no da!" Chichiri stated brightly, giving a kick to the animal's side to start it off.

The others followed suit, calling out their gratitude to the two Byakko seishi as they headed on their way. It wouldn't take long at all to get up there. Maybe it would be an hour or so at tops. Provided, there wasn't any trouble on the way. Though, the group rode briskly, sand being kicked up behind them with each passing hoove-fall. Yui tightened her grip around Suboshi instinctively, strands waving wildly behind her. She almost wished she had the sense enough to put them up before they left. But there would be time enough once they got to their destination.

Suddenly, Chichiri's horse came to a skidding halt and his gaze seemed to be focused on something in the distance. Amiboshi paused along with him as did Suboshi (not that he'd have any qualms about leaving him there, but his brother had stopped too). Xi Fang and Yui were clueless as to what the hold up could be, but soon received the answer when Chichiri himself spoke up.

"I sense something...coming this way, no da."

Suboshi narrowed his eyes instinctively, "Hmph! You're probably just trying to stir up trouble for us!"

"Ie, otouto...I feel it too. Vaguely. I can't make out who...demo I definitely feel life force..." Amiboshi nodded, glancing around himself carefully.

"REKKA SHINEN!"

Suddenly, a stream of fire came sailing in their direction, causing the horses to rear back, knocking off their riders. They all rushed away wildly, carrying along with them the supplies that the group had so carefully packed up. Amiboshi offered a helping hand to Xi Fang, who had entered a coughing fit due to the dust that was kicked up by the fleeing animals. He propped her up, moving in front of her protectively. Suboshi was also quick to help his female companion, making absolutely certain she was all right before he leapt to his feet, glaring in the direction that the fire had come from. His foot shifted forward, snuffing the life out of some small flames that were burning in the dry grass. Chichiri glanced toward Suboshi and then moved his staff out in front of him to prevent him from further action...after all, he wanted Tasuki alive. The younger twin sneered at the monk, looking forward again.

The cloud of dirt subsided like a curtain, lifting upward to reveal Tasuki, Kouji, and the small group of bandits with them. The leader's tessen sparkled with fresh embers from it's previous use and a confident smirk curved on the holder's lips. That smirk remained until he noticed Chichiri was with the Seiryuu group. A rather dumbfounded expression swept his features and he glanced back to question 'Chiriko,' finding that he wasn't in the group as he had been previously.

"Nani--" Tasuki lifted a brow, looking to Chichiri for the answers.

The masked seishi just shook his head with a heavy sigh, "Tasuki-kun...you are such a baka..."

A sudden shriek forced all of them to whip around only to see that a demon of some sort had wrapped it's clawed hands around the Seiryuu no Miko. Suboshi's eyes widened and he rushed forward on an impulse, only to hit a magical barrier and fly back. His body did a few limp somersaults until it stopped and his hands slid forward in order to push himself up weakly.

"Yui-sama!" He cried out in desperation, only to find his brother's arms around him.

"Otouto, stay back..."

"I commend you all for get this far...demo, this is where it ends..." An unfamiliar voice sounded behind the demon.

Chichiri's brows furrowed, "Miboshi...!"

**Next Chapter Previews:

After the battle between seishi, with the loss of horses and several wounds, Yui-sama and her group are forced to stop, slowing them down from their goal. Friendships and bonds are made between the Suzakuu seishi and Seiryuu seishi as everyone attempts to put their differences aside, all for the sake of this new adventure. But sometimes conflicts of the heart can be even more powerful than any physical conflict. Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' What seems to be...may not actually be true.