Author's Notes: I'm listening to Voice right now...Tamahome's song. Whoo. Anyway, you guys are awesome. Seriously, awesome. You all made this the story I got the most reviews for, and that's just great. :D Anyway, yeah...I really appreciate all the wonderful feedback. Little comments are such a confidence booster... ^^;. And maybe it's because of all that I managed to get a chapter out in a week. But, I tend to think it's more that I had a whole bunch of ideas for this one. It just kind of took over and wrote itself o__o;. And even then I didn't put everything I wanted to in it. :/...guess I have to save some things for another chapter, ne? XD. It's a bit longer than my other chapters I believe...mostly because it came out longer on paper. I normally write about 7-8 sheets college ruled paper, front and back for chapters...for anyone who's interested o_O;. This one wound up being 9. Ugh, and I hate typing it up. Sometimes I wish I didn't write so damn much so that I didn't have to sit there for hours finally typing up the stories. And proofreading...AND HTMLizing them. It's an all day task, I tell ya!
Um...so about this chapter...yeah, it's probably not the big...climactic fight you thought it would be...it lacks excitement and goes straight for character development because I'm an evil rotten writer o__o;. No, not really...I just wanted to give some depth to the characters while their in my grasp...and explore relationships and friendships. That's what the next chapters are going to be about mostly...getting them to have 'Ties that Bind' so to speak. I just...can't stand when an author takes a bunch of characters, throws them together, puts out a plot and says...'here read.' I need...personality...and conflict. Look for the insinuation of gradual love triangles...e_e; I can't write without them. Anyway...you can see me again at the bottom, I'm feeling particularly chatty and don't want to wait until next chapter to comment about this chapter. So, enjoy the ride for now! ;x see ya soon.
"Miboshi?! What the hell're you talkin' about, Chichiri?! That's Chiriko!" Tasuki was more than confused by what was going on.
Chichiri didn't have the time to respond; he simply pointed his staff outward. As he mumbled something inaudibly, a force of mystical energy shot forward. It connected with the barrier Miboshi had erected and immediately dispersed without so much as even making a dent. The action forced the adversary to laugh, coyly biting down on the tip of that prayer wheel as he looked toward the group and then let his gaze rest on Tasuki.
"Arigatou, Tasuki. Not only did you get me the resources I needed, demo...you led me right to the Seiryuu no Miko. I've thoroughly enjoyed using you all for what you're worth..." Miboshi grinned darkly.
"Ooi! You come over here and say that!" Tasuki was pretty sure he had just been insulted, but really didn't know how else to retaliate.
"Hmph! As you can see...this barrier I've put up can withstand any magical attack. That is to make sure you don't break through and startle this poor demon. After all...this one could rip Yui-sama apart in an instant..." He motioned to the side.
Yui winced slightly as the beast tightened it's grip, her eyes closing painfully. There had to be some way out of its hold. She wriggled her arms slightly, glancing at the others. Everyone appeared concerned...Suboshi especially. The younger twin looked on in horror, before he simply fought his way out of his brother's grip, rushing forward. Amiboshi blinked in surprise, reaching forward in hopes to catch him before he did anything stupid, but it was too late. Every ounce of strength in Suboshi's body was put into lunging at the barrier, and when he did so...this time, he did not fly back. This time, a loud crackling sound rose up, causing several sparks of energy to flicker every which way.
Miboshi regarded him in disbelief, "Nani?!"
"Suboshi! Yamete!" Amiboshi cried out in concern, springing toward him only to have his arm seized by Chichiri. "Chichiri-san?! I have to stop him!"
"Ie...he's getting through, no da. His will and determination will break the barrier so we can save Yui-chan, no da. Xi Fang-chan, I hope you can gather enough strength to heal him after this..."
"Un..." Xi Fang nodded quietly. "I'll try."
"So, uh...Chichiri?" Tasuki moved up to the monk's side before he gave him a dumbfounded look. "What's going on?"
"You're hopeless, no da..." He shook his head with a sigh.
Suboshi gritted his teeth as shocks of ki tore into his flesh, slicing up his clothing in places and drawing blood in the others. Crimson droplets cascaded to the dirt below, lining the soil with unnatural color. Amiboshi watched on in anguish, feeling pangs of his twin's pain deep inside and he flinched once a loud thunderous noise sounded. The barrier began to waver, pulling all the energy into itself until it collapsed completely. Immediately following that was Suboshi's impact with the ground, causing specks of earth to flutter up and gracefully float down atop him.
"Suboshi!" Yui lurched forward, wanting nothing more than to run to him.
"REKKA SHINEN!"
The fire wove it's way to the monster, conveniently missing Yui. That attack connected right on target and the beast released a howl of pain before it dropped the captured Miko. Chichiri instantly disappeared from view, reappearing beneath the girl and catching her in his arms. He offered a warm smile to her which was only met by a startled expression. Then, he lowered her to the ground and Yui took the hint, rushing over toward Suboshi's fallen form. She was soon joined by both Amiboshi and Xi Fang.
"Miboshi...you might as well retreat, no da! Neither me or Tasuki will let you harm Yui-chan!" Chichiri prepared for an attack if the need arose.
"Huh? Oh yeah! That's right!" The clueless bandit leader readied his fan.
"Don't forget about us, Genrou!" Kouji stepped up with a smirk. "We at Reikaku don't take kindly to being fooled."
Miboshi narrowed his eyes, "You'll all die right here by my demons!"
The prayer wheel in his hand began to spin rapidly, becoming one yellow and red blur. From around them, all sorts of diverse creatures sprang up. Some had claws, others sharp fangs or pincers...anything that would inflict tons of damage. Chichiri reached up, taking his necklace and chanting a few things to create a protective shield around Yui, Suboshi, and Xi Fang. He pretty much figured that Amiboshi could fend for himself. With snarls and throaty growls, those monsters leapt forward to tangle themselves up with any opponent they could. Kouji withdrew his sword, backing up against Tasuki once the demons seemed to surround them both.
"All right, Genrou...if we could lead these guys into one area, you could fry 'em, ne?" His gaze drifted toward his leader.
The Suzakuu seishi quirked a brow at the suggestion, but a confident smirk won over his expression, "Un! Sure can!"
"Then I'll give ya the signal..." The second-in-command lowered himself a bit in order to rush off.
Tasuki nodded, steadying his tessen in front of himself and narrowing his eyes on the beasts. Soon afterward, Kouji dashed forward, delivering experienced slashes of his sword. The blade met with claws and flesh (or scales), sending vermilion fluid outward. This caught some of the other bloodthirsty creature's attention and they fell right into the trap, following the blue-haired bandit's lead. The ones that weren't after Kouji were being slain by the rest of the Reikaku group. To atone for their mistake, the bandits did what they did best...and that was fight. A few demons had moved over to the three beneath the barrier and Amiboshi raised his flute swiftly, bringing it to his mouth. A high-pitched note was played, followed up by rather dissonant sounds. He may not have had his powers, but the majority of the beasts had such acute hearing that the noise itself forced them to clutch their heads in pain. Noticing this was the case with those that were after him, Kouji immediately whipped around.
"Genrou, now!!"
Tasuki thrust the weapon forward, "REKKA SHINEN!"
Once again, the fan's spell shot outward, consuming all of the pests as the other bandit swiftly rolled out of the way. The monster's blazed brightly and burned rather quickly, leaving behind a rather unpleasant, charred stench. Kouji watched in satisfaction and pushed himself up with a grin, giving a congratulatory pat to Tasuki's back. Though, the praise was short-lived as their eyes moved toward the creatures that were left. Many of the others were fighting them through Amiboshi's distractions, but they were wearing everyone down fairly quickly. Chichiri furrowed his brows before he faded from view, reemerging behind Miboshi. The monk clutched the enemy against him, holding his staff against his neck.
"Call them off! Call all of them off and leave! I'll kill you otherwise. After all, I have no qualms about killing you in Chiriko's body, since he's no longer in it, no da..."
Miboshi glared back at the one who had him in his grasp, "Go ahead. Destroy the body. You won't kill me if you do..."
The 'child's' crimson gaze snapped back toward Yui before the prayer wheel in his clutch once again began to spin. But this time, it wasn't to raise beasts. No, he collected whatever she was saying to Suboshi and trapped it inside. This he could at the very least do, since unlike his ability to trap voice's completely, he was merely making a copy of her words. They were played back in his mind before a smirk spread across his lips. He had just gotten a much better idea...
"Demo, I suppose you're right. I'll be on my way now. Ja matta ne, Chichiri-san..." With that, Miboshi disappeared from view as well as any of the demons that had not been killed.
Chichiri stumbled forward a bit and furrowed his brows. Miboshi was up to something; it was the only explanation for the swift departure. The real question was...what? Nothing good at all, that was for sure. But hopefully, the next time they fought, everyone would be prepared. For the moment, there were more important things to worry about...like the safety of the others. Chichiri released his barrier and then teleported over to the group. It seemed Xi Fang had successfully patched up the major wound across Suboshi's chest, but there were still several others on him. Not to mention...some of the bandits had been severely hurt.
"Without our horses and with everyone injured like this, we won't be able to reach the temple tonight, no da. It wouldn't be wise to go anyway...even if we could..." The monk glanced back at his fellow seishi. "I suppose you're going to come with us, no da?"
"Un, I guess I gotta. Demo, ya better be sure to fill me in on what the hell's going on..." Tasuki looked to the side for a moment. "Eh, gomen. I guess I screwed up, eh?"
"Miboshi...got away..." Xi Fang cut in before anyone could say a word in response. Her brows knit together. "We have to get him! We can't let him go on after killing Tatara!"
"And Chiriko," Tasuki shook his head with a sigh.
"Well, I'm coming with you guys too," Kouji nodded firmly. "The rest of the bandits should go back and tell the others everything, ne?"
"Un..." Genrou turned toward the others. "Go do that, guys. And if ya see that Miboshi guy, be sure to kick his ass!"
He received several replies in affirmation as the Reikaku bandits headed off. Afterward, the two leaders made their way back over to the five, standing by in case they were needed. Yui watched in concern as Amiboshi tore at the fabric of his tunic, using various strips to tie up his twin's wounds. With a soft sigh, he lowered his forehead against Suboshi's, closing his eyes tightly.
"Otouto, you have to be all right..." The older brother lifted his head slowly to look at the others. "We should...head to Makan Village. It's close to here and even though our place is small, I'm sure Kaasan and Tousan would be more than happy to put us up for the night."
Chichiri nodded to his words, "Hai, no da. I'm sure it would be a good idea to let your otouto rest in comfort, no da."
"Will he be all right, Chichiri?" Yui frowned somewhat, reaching forward to brush away a few light brown strands. He did this to save me. All of it always was to save me. You love me, Suboshi...you really do. I always knew it deep down, demo I didn't think I deserved that kind of love. I need you, Suboshi. Everyone needs you...so please, please...be safe...be well...stay alive. You have to, Suboshi...! Because, I...I really do care about you...
"I believe so, no da. Demo, it might take him a couple days to recover," The monk sighed.
"Gomen ne..." Xi Fang looked away. "I couldn't be of more help to you."
"Ie, Xi Fang. You were probably really worn out from using too much of your powers today," Amiboshi brought his arms slowly around the identical body, lifting his form up carefully.
"Un...besides. No one really cares 'cus this is Suboshi and all," Tasuki nodded, strapping his tessen behind his back.
Yui whipped around to give him a look of disbelief. How could someone say something so cruel? Kouji sighed heavily, reaching over to send his fist into the boss's arm. A wince spread across Genrou's face and he rubbed lightly at his biscep, sending an angry glare toward the one who was responsible for it.
"Ooi! What's the big idea?! It ain't like I'm gonna be all chummy with the one who killed Tama's family!" The redhead shot back defensively.
Amiboshi looked up quickly in question, "Nani...?"
The Seiryuu no Miko sighed, "Un, I know what he did. We all know--"
"Except me! What are you saying my otouto did, Tasuki-san?!" There was something surprisingly threatening about the elder twin's tone...almost overprotective and yet at the same time unknowing.
"Oh c'mon! You got yer whole twin thing and you don't know? He thought we killed you and so he went all psycho and killed those poor kids..."
"It's...it's not true! Suboshi...he wouldn't..." Amiboshi cut himself off, knowing very well that he would. Shunkaku's irrational nature would probably lead him to do almost anything. Closing his eyes painfully, he turned away. "He didn't mean it."
"He damn well did! Ya just don't go killing kids and not meaning it!"
"Yamete!" Yui suddenly broke in, shaking her head furiously. "Suboshi...he knows his mistake. It doesn't make it all right, demo they're all alive now! All alive in my world along with Tamahome so they were okay in the end..."
"So yer tryin' to tell me it was okay?" The bandit rolled his eyes. "Che...girls."
"Genrou, would ya listen to her and stop running your mouth for once?" Kouji glanced to the flaxen-haired girl. "Gomen ne. The boss just doesn't know when it's best to just shut up. Still hasn't changed about him...even way back a few years ago he was like this."
"It's okay, demo...I just want to go..." She looked to Chichiri and Amiboshi with a nod.
"Hai! Demo, since some baka went and scared off our horses, we're going to have to walk, no da."
"Ooi! It was an accident!" Tasuki snapped back.
"It's fine. Let's just go. Amiboshi, lead the way..." Yui spared a glance toward Suboshi's unconscious form as they started to move along. It wasn't right...what he did. I know that. But, it's not as though I can ignore my feelings toward him because of it. If I could just convince myself it was all okay, that it all turned out okay in my world so it really doesn't matter...if I could just tell myself that, then maybe it really would be okay. Demo...would it really? I don't know...Seiryuu...onegai...help this decision come easier to me...
***
Soi found herself suddenly awake with the lack of all the normal surfacing from sleep one would do. It was still light out; she could tell by the rivulets of sun rays that peered in through the window. So, she must not have slept all that long. The woman lay deathly still, glancing up at the high ceiling of the room. No thoughts were available until she subconsciously swallowed. Then, she became aware of her own overwhelming thirst. Her throat was dry and so was her mouth, so swallowing saliva to soothe it wasn't an option. One hand reached toward the stand, lifting the weightless cup before setting it down again. She didn't need to bring it closer to know that it was empty; she knew just by how light it was.
With a soft sigh, her legs moved over the side of the bed and she pushed herself up slowly. A dizzy rush swam into her head and she plopped down again until it faded. Afterward, she made her attempt to stand and did so successfully. That cup was plucked from the surface and she then stepped out of the room and into the hall. Barefeet carried the seishi across the palace floors and she paused soon afterward. There were some odd noises coming from the direction of Tomo's chamber. Curiosity got the best of Soi and she inched toward the door, pressing her ear against it to listen in.
The muffled sounds stopped and all that could be made out were what sounded like a few people shifting around, then some talking. Her brows drew together and she leaned in a bit closer. Tomo's voice rose up, followed by another, but she couldn't make out what they were saying. Before she even got the chance to move, the door knob turned and then was pulled inward. Soi tumbled in front of a soldier's feet and the man blinked down at her, only to rush off in embarrassment. She then looked toward Tomo, who was astonished (and completely nude as well). Although it didn't take long for his unpainted face to become smug.
"Well, well, well...becoming a voyeur, are we, Soi? You haven't been with someone in so long that you had to listen to what I was doing, hm?" Naturally, he cackled at that.
"You were...were doing that with him?!" Soi looked anywhere but directly at him. "I thought you were desperately in love with Nakago!"
"I do love Nakago," Tomo stated plainly, sinking back on the bed. Apparently, he was in no hurry to get dressed. "Demo, a man does have needs too. Surely you of all people should know that, Soi."
"Even a gay man?" She furrowed her brows, pushing herself up as she shut the door behind herself. It was bad enough she had to see Tomo's naked body, the whole castle didn't have to. Then, she turned back toward him. She couldn't leave without winning this time.
"Especially a gay man. Is that the kind of thing that turns you on, Soi? Is that why you were out there? If you're really that into the thought, when we get our powers back, I could make an illusion for you."
"Ie! It sickens me! I didn't even know what you were doing!"
"Hoh? So you just came by to see me then? You thought maybe you'd get to see me naked, ne?"
"Like I would want to..."
"Then, do enlighten me. Why were you listening in when anything I do in here is supposed to be private?"
"I thought you might be talking to Nakago and I wanted to see what about."
"Ha!" He grinned, leaning forward. "So, you admit you think I could have a shot!"
"Ie! That's not what I said! And would you get some clothes on?!"
"Why? I'm not ashamed of my body in the least. Unless it's embarrassing for you to look at me..."
Tomo smirked, pushing himself up. He casually approached Soi, placing a palm near the side of her head as he inched in closer. The raven strands that were free from his ponytail slipped over his bare torso, dangling there when his face neared hers. She immediately tensed up, raising her eyes to uncomfortably meet his. Tomo's other hand moved up, slipping into her hair until it lowered to frame her cheek. The woman's face was tipped in his direction and his voice softened in his truest act.
"Maybe it's just that you find me more attractive than you're letting on..." He whispered close to her lips.
Soi blinked when his mouth almost descended on her own and she suddenly narrowed her eyes. That hand rose up to swipe across his face causing a slap to ring out, "What are you doing?! You can't possibly think I'd want someone like you. You wear more makeup than I do!"
His head snapped aside before a brow twitched downward. Tomo, then, did what any self-respecting (flamboyantly) gay man would do. He smacked her back, "Then how come it took you so long to stop me, hm? My superior acting skills had you thinking I'd actually want to kiss you. No one does, you know. And if they do...it's for lust alone."
"Shut up," That was her only retaliation as she pressed a hand against the inflamed print on her visage.
"Poor Soi. I struck a nerve, didn't I? Serves you right for scaring my little soldier-friend away like that," He moved away, beginning to clothe himself finally.
"Well, it looked like you were done doing whatever hentai things you do anyway, so what does it matter?"
"Are you done now? Because I'd like to get some rest...and quite frankly, you're distracting me."
"I thought you were gay...so having a woman here shouldn't be all that distracting, now should it?"
"I didn't mean it that--" He trailed off suddenly at her next action. There was no way he would have guessed what she would do and his eyes widened because of it.
Soi had undone her robe's sash and the only clothing she had on was now a puddle at her feet. Naked curves of feminine flesh were blatantly exposed and Tomo swallowed fearfully at her tasteless display. She smirked, sidestepping the robe and approaching him. Her thumb hooked beneath his chin to close his mouth that was agape and he immediately snapped his gaze away.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, demo it's not going to do you any good," Tomo glanced back toward her slowly. It wasn't that he was attracted to her that made this uncomfortable, it was just a shock that she would do such a thing. That and the fact that a naked woman stood in a supposedly gay man's room. It was just so...so...wrong.
"What's the matter, Tomo? Never saw a naked girl before?"
"You know that's not true, I've seen you plenty of times like this. With Nakago and with Tamahome that time. And I never had any desire for you to drop your clothes in front of me, so I don't see why you're trying now. Unless you're desperate, Soi."
"I bet you wish this whole thing would do you some good. I bet you wish I could use my technique on you, demo...I can't. Simply because you're gay..." Soi smirked, stepping back. "Not that I would any way. Nakago is the only one who can receive the benefits of the Bou Chuu Jutsu. I bet you're so jealous because I get to sleep with Nakago and you don't. So you can tell me all you want that Nakago's yours and that I better stay away from him. In the end, it's me who's in bed with him. Ja, Tomo..."
She grinned, placing on her robe and letting herself out of the room. That actually felt so good to have the upperhand on Tomo. It would certainly lift her spirits for the rest of the day.
***
Traveling to Makan Village seemed a bit longer than needed, especially when no one seemed to want to talk to the next. Amiboshi had separated himself from the others, carrying Suboshi along. It was understandable that he wanted to be alone, after all, he had a lot of new information to swallow. Chichiri was close behind the twins, deciding it was best to remain out in front of the girls rather than to be in back where the two bandits were. Yui and Xi Fang walked side-by-side and it wasn't that Yui wasn't social enough to talk to her (especially when she looked so much like Miaka), it was just that she was concerned about Suboshi.
Finally, the silence was broken by Xi Fang, "Nee, Chichiri-san? Why didn't we just go back to Subaru-san and Tokaki-san's place? It would have been quicker and I'm sure they wouldn't have minded."
"Hai, demo we wouldn't want to impose on them too much, no da. It's much better to impose on different people before you go back to the others, no da..." Chichiri offered her a playful smile.
She laughed, "Un, I suppose you have a point."
"I certainly hope they don't mind," Yui added, shaking her head. "This is a lot of people to be putting up for the night."
"We could always find an Inn if they do, no da. The important thing is that they take care of Suboshi, no da."
"Un...that's the most important thing of all," The Seiryuu no Miko sighed, lowering her gaze. Though, much to her surprise, she felt a hand of comfort placed on her arm. Yui looked up only to see that it was Xi Fang and the girl offered her a sincere smile.
"Everything'll be okay, you know. Amiboshi would never let any harm come to his otouto and the other way around. So long as their together, they'll be all right."
The fifteen year old forced a smile, "I guess you're right. It's silly for me to be worrying..."
"Ie..." She shook her head quickly. "It's natural for the girlfriend to be overly worried."
"G-girlfriend?! Me?" Yui felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment. "I'm not..."
"Oh, come on, Yui-san! It's no secret how cute those two are and you stand a real shot at happiness with Suboshi. Although, I really don't agree with what you said he did to Tamahome's family, you said it worked out okay in your world, ne?"
"I suppose...demo...it just doesn't take away the fact that he did it..."
"Hai, I know. But I think that if you care about someone so much, you can look past almost anything."
Yui blinked and her features softened, "Xi Fang..."
"Hm...looks like we're here!" She smiled. "Come on, let's catch up to Amiboshi!"
The Miko watched the other pick up her pace and she lowered her head somewhat in thought, I just wish it could be that simple, Xi Fang. She glanced over her shoulder toward Tasuki and Kouji, "Hurry up, you two. We're here!"
Makan Village wasn't a large town, and the buildings were sparse and scattered. There were be clusters of homes here and there, but generally there was a lot of free space. And off in the distance, a tall roof stood over the rest. That must have been where the Shaman Yui read about lived...the one that helped the elder twin to break the forgetfulness leaves spell. Amiboshi quickened his pace, guiding them around houses until they reached the doorstep of his own. This place was a bit more secluded than the rest with a spacious backyard and the river nearby. It really would be nice to stay there for a while.
The elder twin balanced Suboshi in his arms, working one hand free in order to knock. Soon afterward, the door swung open to reveal a plump, middle-aged woman. Her gaze immediately landed on the injured brother, "Kai-Ka!"
The cry forced the father to rush to her side and he looked at the same thing first, but then his gaze lifted to the one holding him. His eyes widened, "Kai-Ka...?"
"Kaasan, Tousan...we need help. My twin does. Would we all be able to stay here? I'll explain the situation to you once I get him laying down."
His mother blinked, looking toward his face slowly. "Kai-Ka? Then who...? You didn't tell us your otouto was your twin."
"Kaasan, we'll talk about this later, like Kai-Ka said," He placed his hand on her shoulder before he nodded to his son. "Un...you all can stay here. Any friends of Kai-Ka's, we welcome with open arms."
"Arigatou, Kaasan, Tousan!" Amiboshi looked back toward the others, before he carried his brother into the place.
One by one, the group followed, thanking the parents politely...except Tasuki, who simply turned to Kouji with an upraised brow, "Who the hell's Kai-Ka?"
Kouji rolled his eyes, slapping his leader upside the head as he glanced toward the rest, but more specifically Yui. So...that was the Seiryuu no Miko. She certainly was pretty...much prettier than he had envisioned her to be. But, then again, he imagined her looking like some sort of demon considering Seiryuu had produced all the 'messed up' seishi. Not saying that having a cross dresser, a mask wearing monk, and just Tasuki in general was a normal thing, but why did the Seiryuu shichiseishi have to be so...evil? Someone as pretty as Yui didn't deserve to be the Miko to such generally bad people.
The mother glanced between the diverse group, before her gaze landed on Yui, "You must be Kai-Ka's bride-to-be."
Yui's eyes widened, "Nani?! Oh...no...I'm not--"
"She the other one's fiancee!" Xi Fang piped up with a wink.
Her face went red. "I am not!"
"Hm...then...are you betrothed to Kai-Ka?" The woman looked to Xi Fang.
"Huh? A-anou...I'm not either. I only just met your son, Miss," The girl glanced away shyly.
"I hope no one minds if I go fishing, no da!" And even if they did, it didn't matter because Chichiri had disappeared from view.
"Oh!" The woman cried out in astonishment, blinking at where the monk had vanished.
"Kai-Ka certainly has a lot to explain..." The father shook his head. "Kaasan, perhaps you should put on supper for everyone."
"Un! I'm starving!" Tasuki offered a fangy grin, although Kouji's fist naturally met the top of his head.
"Genrou, do you have any manners at all?!" He hissed at him, folding his arms over his chest.
"Ooi! What's the deal with you hittin' me so much today!" The fiery seishi rubbed the top of his orange strands.
With a blink at the display, the mother pushed herself up, "Un...I think I'll do that, Tousan."
"I can help you, Miss. I'm very good in the kitchen," Xi Fang rose as well, closing her eyes happily.
"That would be lovely, dear..." She smiled and then they both headed off to the kitchen.
Yui shifted uncomfortably, looking toward the bandits, Great, Xi Fang, leave me all alone with them. Maybe I should go help, too. Demo, I'd feel like such a baka compared to how they cook. I don't want to interrupt Amiboshi and Suboshi. And who knows where Chichiri is. It looks like I'm stuck here all by myself...
"Yui-san...ne?" Kouji glanced to her with a tilt of his head.
"H-hai..." She met his gaze.
He smiled, "What d'ya say we get out of here for a bit and leave my baka leader alone? I promise I'm not a thing like him."
Tasuki furrowed his brows, but snorted and ignored him.
Yui paused for a moment. She hardly knew Kouji, but she supposed the only way to get to know him was by spending time with him. He seemed to be the...better of the two, after all, he didn't say half the rude things Tasuki had. So, she offered him a smile, "Un...it sounds good. I could use some fun around now, let's go!"
Amiboshi had tucked his brother comfortably in the bed after dressing his wounds a bit more properly. He sat on the edge of the mattress, laying his palm flat against the identical visage before he leaned in for a soft, affectionate kiss to his lips. There was nothing strange about such a display. It was simply to convey the hope that he recovered quickly. Unlike normal siblings, he and Suboshi had a close relationship. They were all each other had to worry about for a time and because of that, Amiboshi had to become almost like a parental figure to his younger brother. And part of that parental nature was being overly worried when his brother was in such a state.
Still, Amiboshi couldn't help but dwell on what he learned. He met Tamahome's family; he played songs for the children and made them smile. They must have thought Suboshi was him when he did what he did. The older brother got a sickly feeling in the pit of his stomach and dismissed that immediately. He didn't want to think about such things. The flutist reached down at his side, withdrawing the slender body of that instrument. He fit the mouthpiece beneath his lower lip and began to play...a slow, hopeful tune. It didn't possess the healing powers, but he was simply playing to comfort his brother as he had often done in the past. And much to his surprise, Suboshi began to stir.
He opened his eyes slowly, focusing his gaze on the flute player with a smile, "Aniki..."
"Otouto...are you all right? You were wounded pretty badly."
"Un, daijoubu! I did it to save Yui-sama. Is she okay?"
"Yeah, she's fine..."
"Good...where...?"
"You're at my home in Makan Village..." Amiboshi finished his thought, letting a pensive stare linger on the window. The sun was just beginning to set.
"Aniki, doushitemo?" There was silence and Suboshi became a bit more paranoid, pressing on in an urging tone. "Aniki...?"
"Shun..." The older one glanced back to his wounded brother. "I heard something very bad about you today."
"Was it from that damn Chichiri? I swear I'll tear him to shreds if he's making up things about me!"
"Actually, it was Tasuki-san who said it. I didn't want to believe it...I still don't want to believe it..."
"Nani...?" Suboshi asked in a small voice, more like a child who was about to be scolded.
"Is it...they said that...Tamahome's family, you didn't...did you...?" The musician met the mirrored gaze which immediately averted in guilt. Koutoku sighed heavily, looking away. "You don't have to answer that, I can tell just by looking at you that it's true."
"Niichan...don't be mad..." He watched his twin desperately. It may have been a bit immature for a fifteen year old to refer to his brother as 'niichan,' but Suboshi didn't care. He hated the thought of things being bad with his second self.
"Ie...I can't be mad at you. Though, I am disappointed."
"That's even worse."
"Suboshi, doushitemo? Why...did you do it?"
"I don't know! Nakago told me that Tamahome killed you and already I wasn't in the right state of mind. Everyday was torture without feeling your presence in the back of my mind and soul. I wanted to be able to scratch a message to you or hear your lullabies at night before I went to sleep. I thought you were murdered and you were the only one I had. So I..."
"...you did it for me..."
"Exactly! I hated Tamahome. Not only had he killed you, but time and time again he made Yui-sama suffer. I didn't love her back then, demo she was our Miko and I just needed to do something to pay him back."
"Little children, Suboshi. These were children! Like we were once. We had to watch our parents die and we vowed to each other to fight as Seiryuu shichiseishi to protect children and stop them from suffering!"
"I know!" Suboshi snapped back, those eyes brimming with tears. His voice softened as he continued. "I know...I don't need you to remind me, aniki when I had to relive that day every passing moment in hell."
"Suboshi..." His expression saddened and he opened his arms to invite the younger into them, just so he could cry as much as he wanted to against him, which Suboshi more than gladly did. "I don't hate you nor am I mad. I just...well...I hoped that you had realized how serious what you did was. That you weren't completely guilt-free after such an act...I hoped that you were nothing like Nakago has turned out to be."
"Ie...I'm not. I just..." Shunkaku gulped down some air between sobs. "I just wish I could undo it. I wish I could wipe it away so that you and Yui-sama don't think less of me."
"I don't. And Yui-san cares about you, ne? So, I'm sure she won't."
"I hope you're right..."
"Trust me," Amiboshi smiled warmly, deciding it was best to stray from that topic. They could discuss it more in depth when he was completely better. For now, it was a matter of cheering him up. "What's...going on between you and Yui-san anyway?"
"Huh? Oh...nothing, I don't think."
"I saw you kissing each other."
"You did?" He looked up, drying his eyes with a surprised expression.
The older merely smiled, "Uh huh. And so did Xi Fang."
"Oh, well, nothing's going on still. I don't know what Yui-sama feels for me. Aniki, she's so confusing."
"I think it's a girl thing. They're all like that. Demo, what brought about this kiss, hm?"
Suboshi just settled against that identical chest, I can't tell him. Not yet. He just found out about what I did to Tamahome's family. I can't give him too much to think of...whether we're...actually real or not. "Nothing...it just...happened." That would have been the truth if I was talking about the kiss from the other day that almost happened. I'm not really lying to him...just polishing off the truth a little. We're brothers. We're allowed to have some secrets.
"Fine, fine...I won't ask if you're not going to give me the details."
"Aniki...come on. I don't have to tell you everything...like you're not telling me about things with you and Xi Fang..."
"Nani...?"
"You like her. I can tell..."
"I barely know her, otouto. There's nothing much to tell...let alone...'like' her as you put it."
"Oh well, see. We can have mutual secrets. I'll tell you everything someday, aniki. For now...I'm just so sleepy. Could we just stay like this? Just a little longer until I fall asleep?"
"Of course. I'll be sure to have Kaasan save some food for you, Otouto..." Amiboshi sank back a bit to be comfortable, keeping his arms loosely around the other.
"Arigatou...for everything, aniki. For just being my aniki..." Suboshi mumbled with a sleepy smile.
"I wouldn't want to be anyone else's."
"I'm glad. No one else needs you as much as I do. Promise me that no matter what happens, we'll never be apart again...?"
"Otouto...I promise."
"I'll hold you to that. I love you, aniki."
"I love you too, Suboshi..."
Amiboshi sighed contentedly as he felt his brother's form go lax in his arms. He laid his chin atop the sleeping twin's forehead, giving a reinforcing hug. He would do whatever was in his power to keep that promise for the rest of his life.
***
Miboshi slowly appeared before Nakago, hovering there silently with his payer wheel tightly grasped in hand. He was almost positive he knew what his response was going to be and because of that, a smug expression crossed his features, "I've returned, Nakago-sama."
Without looking up, the man simply rolled his eyes, "I take it you failed as well."
"Not at all."
"Oh? Then do enlighten me. Where is the Seiryuu no Miko?"
"In Sairou with the twins and two remaining Suzakuu seishi."
"And you didn't kill the twins?"
"Nope."
"And you didn't bring Yui-sama here either?"
"Nuh uh," He smirked.
"So, then what part didn't you fail? You did even worse than Tomo when he went out."
"Oh please. You know it would have been a simple manner for me to accomplish had I truly wanted to."
Nakago's eyes lifted toward him and narrowed somewhat, "I don't have the time for your games."
"And yet there's nothing you can do about that. Your absolutely powerless to stop me from playing them, Nakago. Besides, I don't need to take orders from you when I am almost four hundred years your senior. I decided to modify our plan a little."
The man scowled in anger, perhaps the most emotion he had shown in quite some time, "What are you up to, Miboshi?!"
"Don't look so pissed, this will benefit us both," Miboshi grinned, lifting his prayer wheel.
With a heavy sigh, the blond looked toward the item, watching as it began to spin. Slow at first, and then growing quicker. In it's rapid twirl, a voice suddenly rose up...Nakago would never forget that voice. The voice of the Seiryuu no Miko, the whiny, insistent girl who consumed so much of his time over petty circumstances of betrayal. He never cared for her in any way, and had only intended on using her from the beginning. Such was the case this time around. Though, he listened carefully to the words that came through from Miboshi's spindle.
Suboshi...onegai...you have to survive. You have to be okay for me. You have to be there when we free Seiryuu...
Nakago blinked in surprise, glancing toward the other seishi slowly.
"Mmmhmm. I thought you would find that interesting. So you see..." Miboshi trailed off with a coy grin. "Why go to all this trouble of capturing the Seiryuu no Miko...when they certainly can do all of the work for us...?"
**Next Chapter Previews:
With this newfound knowledge, Nakago and Miboshi begin to rework their plans in order to fit the same goal as before. Meanwhile, Yui-sama and the others only start to come up with plans for when they reach Kutou. But were those plans of theirs doomed to failure before they even started? Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' Coming up with new and original quotes for these things is hard o_o;.
MORE Author's Notes: Told ya I'd be back. Okay...now this was the main thing I wanted to address. Before you get all pissed off at me and start throwing things for my making Yui/Suboshi a bit too Tamahome/Miaka-ish...let me explain. I'm trying to write this realistically...which is saying a lot for having this be a fanfic providing others tend to pair up their characters with tentacles or something creepy. But, I can't have them just get together easily. It doesn't work that way...things just can't be that simple. I'm not going to have them get together and break up a billion times like Miaka and Tamahome, because once they get together they'll stay together. But...many people tend to neglect the fact that Suboshi did kill Tamahome's family. Or they brush it aside as nothing. As fangirls, we are allowed to look past those bad things to admire our bishounen (I happen to be a Dilandau-worshipper, thank you very much)...but Yui can't. I know tons of authors tend to not have Yui find out about that and if she does...she'll probably just be like...'oh well...let's make out'. o_o; I can't. I have to have her think about it long and hard because Yui just strikes me as the cautious type about relationships after her failure with Tamahome and Nakago both. But, she really does like Suboshi...and it's tearing her apart inside...unlike Miaka's struggles which were...Tamahome ate all her food and now she has to break up with him! Or just stupid things like that. Yui has to deal with this real struggle...and even when she finally can get past it...I don't know if she'll be over it for as long as she lives.
I also tried to write a sense of vulnerability in Suboshi with his scene with Amiboshi. I seriously think he depends on his brother a lot like that. And although I don't mind twincest with Amiboshi and Suboshi, I'm writing this story without it. Suboshi's attitude is much different dependent upon the person, and he probably is really good at heart despite what he did so angrily. I think everyone neglects to think about Suboshi as a person too, and just think about the things he did...like a lot of the characters in this fanfic. It should be interesting to see how all their opinions change over time. Anyway, now that I rambled on and on...I'll apologize for taking up so much of your time on author's notes...and let you get right to reviewing. ;D.