Author's Notes: I luff you all~! :D You're so sweet! Especially you, Fallon...saying that this is better than the OVA. (Doesn't take much to be better than the OVA ;x), but I really do take it as a compliment since a lot of people happened to enjoy it. ^^ I really do appreciate all your reviews! And I'm so glad that people like Xi Fang. She's fun, actually...because I can do whatever I want with her...being such a minor character in the series. Plus, I thought she was really pretty...soo...naturally...she'd go with Ami. ^_^; And yes...yes...I am going toward Kouji and Yui for a change. It just...stuck in my head ;D but they're kawaii together! Just read this chapter, you'll see. And someone will definitely be forcing themselves into the Amiboshi/Xi Fang couple...
Okay...x_x I am SO sorry. And this is a serious apology...because I'll understand if you don't want to read this anymore...any fans out there. But...I've included dreaded...Gaiden spoilers. :/. Spoilers from Genrou Den...which isn't really a big deal since the translation is out there online and anyone could read it. But! I will be including ones from Ryuusei Den. I tried to think of a way to avoid it, but you know...it just makes a better story if I do include them. .__.;. I really am sorry. But, I'll tell you what. You can E-mail me personally, and I will write out a detailed summary for Ryuusei Den if you don't wish to be spoiled. Or I can point you in the direction where you can buy a translated copy of it. Though, it is pretty pricey...so you might be a bit better off with the summary. Your choice. At any rate, the spoilers for Genrou Den are located in this chapter. The second paragraph of it actually...so...if you don't want to be spoiled for that...just go find the site with it on there and read away. ^^; If you don't mind, then go right on ahead. .__. I hope I don't lose fans because of this. And I really do give you my deepest apologies.
Tasuki sat by himself, staring off toward the doorway mindlessly. He had been left alone for quite sometime as the father of the house had mumbled something or other about getting wood for the stove and went. It suited the bandit just fine because apart from Chichiri and Kouji, he didn't want to spend any time with the others. His other choices happened to be Suboshi and Amiboshi, and even though he really had nothing against Amiboshi, the twins came in a package deal it seemed. And, well, the others were girls. When it came to Genrou...that basically said it all about why he didn't want to hang around them.
Being by himself for so long, he couldn't help but get to thinking (without his sake, there really wasn't anything else to occupy himself with). Reirei...somehow after all those years he seemed to have been reminded of her again. The young girl had been the 'prized possession' of the opposing bandits' fort...the little sister of the Keiron, the boss. She nearly invited herself along anyway, wanting them to kidnap her and then she insinuated herself into his life...his and Kouji's. All that time in the past they were bitter rivals, and Reirei just gave them something more to be rivals over. Kouji liked her so much, yet it was Genrou she loved. It was him she died trying to protect. Miaka reminded him so damn much of her, and Xi Fang looked like Miaka, so that's probably how the memory got resurfaced. But, there was still Nuriko...
Tasuki never had enough pride to admit it to anyone, but somewhere deep down he had started to care for him. It wasn't as though they had much time together or that he enjoyed being pummeled into walls, he just...liked Nuriko as bizarre as it seemed. He remembered coming on the scene of Nuriko's death and just thinking, 'Oh God...not Nuri-chan.' It had happened all over again, him losing someone he was so close to, had so much feeling for. And then he saw Houki. Someone who looked so much like Nuriko. What was up with all the damn look-alikes?!
The redhead pushed himself up, allowing the delicious aroma from the kitchen to carry him in that direction. He came to a halt in the doorway, one fang poking over his lip as he glanced toward the two women. Xi Fang was mixing something up in a bowl while the mother went on and on about stupid little things 'Kai-Ka' did. Didn't she know that he was Amiboshi? Didn't she accept that? Why call him by a name he wasn't...?
"Oh, Tasuki...what are you doing here?" Xi Fang handed the bowl to the woman, glancing up at the Suzakuu seishi.
"Oh, well, I uh...I smelled the cooking. Wanted to check on dinner..." He shrugged and went to turn away.
"You wanna help me set the table?" The girl smiled hopefully. Even though she liked Amiboshi, if she had to hear another 'Kai-Ka' story, she was going to tear her hair out.
Like hell I do. Eh, demo...better be nice. "Un...I got nothin' better to do," Tasuki could not believe he was doing this. He didn't even know how a table was supposed to be set!
"Are you sure you don't want to listen to one more story, dear? It's really quite interesting about Kai-Ka's--"
"No thank you, Miss!" Xi Fang stated a bit too quickly, gathering a stack of plates and handing them to the bandit. She then piled the other items atop and motioned him toward the table.
"Ooi...what's the big idea giving me all these plates?!" Even though he was a bit disrespectful, at least he didn't curse.
"Tasuki-san...you have the muscle...so you get the thrill of carrying the heavy things..." She smiled.
"Che...this is why I hate girls. Always so bossy..." He brought them to the directed place.
She rolled her eyes, taking the items off one by one as she propped them up. Afterward, the girl leaned in closer, jerking a thumb toward the 'mother,' "I think she's a little on the loopy side..."
Genrou tried to bite back a laugh unsuccessfully and he glanced back at the cook, before those amber-hued eyes rested on the one before him, "Why d'ya say that?"
"All she keeps talking about is 'Kai-Ka this' and 'Kai-Ka that.' Doesn't she ever get sick of talking about him?" Xi Fang steadily lightened the load in his arms.
"And you mind? Looked like you had a little thing for Ami--" He was cut off once a hand connected with his arm. "Ooi!"
"What I have or do not have for Amiboshi is none of your business. So, where's Kouji?"
"That ain't none of your bu--" Once again his arm was slapped lightly, and he mumbled something or other about girls before he responded. "He's out with the Seiryuu no Miko."
"He is? Hm...oh well. Can't really expect Yui-san to stay cooped up, even though Suboshi is hurt..."
"Un, well it's better she hangs out with Kouji anyway. He's better than that damn murd--"
Xi Fang quickly pressed a finger against her lips, shaking her head as she motioned toward the woman again, "You don't want her knowing it all, do you? Amiboshi needs to chose what his parents are going to know."
"I guess yer right," He handed off the last plate. "Still, I ain't so easy with stayin' around that kid."
"At least they don't have their abilities any longer..." She dusted off her hands once the final task was completed. "Though, I am a bit disappointed with not being able to see the powers of Amiboshi's flute."
"I saw 'em. He nearly killed us with them..." Tasuki shook his head bitterly.
"A-Amiboshi did...? I thought you were allies. Are you sure it wasn't Suboshi in his place?" Amiboshi seems so nice...so incapable of killing anyone.
"Ie. I'm damn positive it was him. The bastard nearly succeeded too. Demo, he helped Miaka out in the long run, so that's why we really can't hate 'im," The bandit shrugged at the end, looking to her again.
The girl averted her gaze, "I-I see. Excuse me."
With a rush, she hurried out of the room and Genrou blinked a couple times. Some inner voice made him want to follow her, but somehow or another, he just stayed put. The woman turned around to see that Xi Fang had gone and she looked toward the Suzakuu seishi.
"Where is Xi Fang-chan going?"
"Oh...uh...bathroom."
"Ah, I see. Then would you be a dear and dish out some of these foods?" She smiled.
He sweatdropped, What the hell do I look like?! A slave? "H-hai."
"Arigatou...you're a kind boy. You remind me a lot of our son Kai-Ka. Why...when he first came here, he was..." And the mother continued on with her story.
Genrou hung his head. Damn it, he should have chased after Xi Fang.
Nature's light source slowly retreated behind the mountains, and soon thereafter, the sky was wrapped in smooth black velvet bedecked with glittering white sequins. All accented one large puddle of liquid white. The night air was much cooler than day in the streets of Sairou, traveling silently and offering relief to anyone who suffered the afternoon's heat. Cricket's naturally serenaded one another and the noise of footfalls carried two people along a narrow path. Yui had clasped her hands politely in front of herself, receiving rather strange looks from the passersby. It was more than likely because of the Yotsubadai uniform she wore than anything. Kouji was at her side and once they were a good enough distance away, he began to speak.
"Gomen, Yui-san...for my baka leader's behavior. I guess that's really why I wanted to take you out..."
She blinked and glanced up at him with a small smile, "Ie...you don't need to apologize. I mean, some of the comments about Suboshi were rude, but Tasuki's a Suzakuu seishi, so I should expect that sort of thing toward one of mine."
"Do you think Chichiri's like that?"
"No, I like Chichiri. He's nice and easy to get alone with. He seems to know just the right thing to say to make you smile. I wish some of...my seishi were like that..." Yui looked away at the thought.
"I was thinking that too actually. Just how it's a shame for such a pretty girl to have been stuck with those types of people..."
"Oh, but they weren't all ba--" She paused and blushed slightly. "Wait a minute...you think I'm pretty?"
Kouji cleared his throat, averting his gaze in embarrassment, "Didn't really mean to let that slip, demo...I wouldn't have said it if it wasn't true."
"A-arigatou..." She smiled in response.
"Not a problem. See, not all bandits are bad..." He chuckled a bit nervously.
Yui flashed him a grin, easing up a bit. He seemed nice enough and in all honesty, it was really only the fact that he was one of those 'so-called' Reikaku bandits that made her uncomfortable. Her shoulders rolled back and she reached up to tuck a straw-hued strand behind her ear.
"This really is nice, though. Being out here when it's nearly silent..." Yui commented absently.
"Un. I figured some fresh air would do you some good. As well as a whole lot less noise and stress..."
"It's very kind of you."
"Well, they always said I was the charming bandit..." Kouji smirked, but immediately cleared his throat. "I shouldn't have said that, should I? Now you're gonna think this was all about that and I'm not that kind of guy, I swear!"
She shook her head with a small, muffled laugh, "I believe you."
"Good..." Way to act like a Genrou, Kouji. "Maybe...we should get you some different clothes. After all, they're looking for you in the Seiryuu side and it shouldn't be hard to spot you when you're dressed like that."
Yui lowered her gaze toward the uniform, bringing a hand up to clutch the blazer's breast. But this is my one link to Miaka and my world. If I took it off, we couldn't talk anymore. On the other hand, Kouji is right. Wearing clothes like this draws attention to myself. I don't want to put us in any more danger than we are in. Maybe if I just kept the tie with me, I would still be able to talk to her. "H-hai...I suppose you're right."
"I'll pay for you...we can get one here..." The blue-haired bandit motioned toward a tiny shop that had a few garments on display.
"I couldn't ask you to do that...I-I don't want you to spend all sorts of money on me."
"Ah, Yui-san...it's no problem. I've got the money and it's all for a good cause. Besides...a Seiryuu no Miko deserves only royal treatment..." His tone was rich in playful respect, forcing Yui to giggle slightly. "Ah ha! I've gotten you to laugh a couple times with proves we'll be able to get along."
"I saw no problem with that in the beginning..." Yui smiled and then dipped down for a curtsey, continuing along with the act. "After you, kind sir..."
"Oh, don't be silly! A gentleman always makes the lady go first," Kouji motioned her inward, following soon after.
***
The doorknob was turned slowly, opening inward to reveal the moonlight-bathed room. Sneakered steps crept inside silently, moving carefully around the heap of a school uniform that lay on the floor. The figure paused, glancing toward the slumbering former Suzakuu no Miko as she turned in her rest, mumbling about various desserts. Miaka's hand moved upward, clutching the pillow and munching on the side. The sudden movement forced the book -- that until that moment, she had been clutching against her chest -- to the ground. A hand reached forward, taking 'The Universe of the Four Gods' away from the girl's chamber.
Once he was out in the hall, Keisuke exhaled in relief and then headed down to the main room. He didn't know how his sister managed to sleep so easily when Yui was trapped in the book, but then again, he knew the extent of the time difference from the first experience. Anywhere from weeks to months could pass and someone should have been keeping up on the events. When it came to 'The Universe of the Four Gods,' one really didn't know what to expect. So, the college student slipped out of the house where he could read undisturbed.
Sinking onto the front step, he balanced the novel on his lap and turned to where the paper divider had been. Yui's rewrite was what had been used as a book mark and it seemed to be continuing just like the book. Keisuke laughed weakly, "Well, Yui-chan...if this doesn't get you a perfect grade...I don't know what will."
Come to think of it, Yui probably would have gotten a perfect grade anyway. She was always so smart, always doing better than Miaka. She could really make it far in life. And Keisuke admired that. No. He admired Yui. She had always been there in his life, nearly as long as Miaka and in that respect, he thought of her as a second little sister. Girls often came and went in his life (not as much as in Tetsuya's, but quite a bit still). However, Yui was always there...as one stationary part of his existence. He always knew he had an attraction there, but never really considered it anything potential. Until now. He hadn't realized up until the moment she was gone, how much Yui meant to him.
Keisuke sighed and then began to read until he caught up to the appearing kanji that lined blank pages. It certainly was a good thing she escaped the present danger, but there was so much more that waited for her. Nakago wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted. And it almost scared the Yuki brother to think of what Miboshi would do. It was utterly cruel the way he possessed Chiriko. Who knew what he could do now that he was given another opportunity. However, the next sentence that surfaced, he read aloud.
" 'Back in Kutou, Miboshi and Nakago came up with a few ideas to lead the Seiryuu no Miko and the others into their trap...' " A frown crossed his lips. "Yui-chan, you can make it through this and come back. You're a lot stronger now..."
And I certainly hope Taka will help. They need Tamahome...they need all the advantages they can get. I'm counting on you, Yui. You better come back here safely...
***
"We need to make them believe we are still after them..." Nakago commented mindlessly, stroking his smooth chin in thought. "That is the only way to have them release Seiryuu."
"Hai. Such a task would be completely easy if we made them believe we fell for whatever fool tricks they pull. However, knowing what they are going to do is the key in this matter," Miboshi balanced his prayer wheel on his palm. "Naturally, I am now unable to spy."
"We may be able to use one of your demons. Or perhaps Soi. I believe she still has her Bou Chuu Jutsu techniques."
"Hmph! It'd be more reliable to go with the demon..."
The shogun shot Miboshi a silent glare which didn't bother him at all, "Soi is capable of her missions."
"Che...the only mission I recall her going on was that one to attack the boat. Which, she failed. Tomo's plan to lower Tamahome's ki with her does not count. It was a joke to think that, that baka would accomplish anything. Other than that, Soi is weak. Her love for you makes her so..."
"Her love for me increases her desire to fulfill my wishes. It makes her a valuable asset to my plans."
"If you honestly believe that...then I'm afraid you'll be proven wrong. How much longer do you think she can keep her heart open for a man as cold-hearted as you?" The child merely smirked after his question.
"As long as is my will..." Nakago replied carelessly. "Demo, I will think up more later tonight and run over my complete plan by tomorrow morning. That is all. You may leave me now."
Hmph! May leave...? I would have left whenever I damn well felt like it... "Un, Nakago."
With that, Miboshi faded from view and reappeared within his chamber. There wasn't a bed or barely any furniture...just a desk that held various scrolls atop it. And to it's right, a shelf served to house items, the majority of those having to do with the dark arts he practiced. 'Chiriko's' body lowered itself to the ground and his legs untucked themselves so that he could land firmly on his feet. Carrying himself forward, he began to sort through the parchment, fishing out one he had yet to decipher. Then, he reached toward one of the shelves, mindlessly seizing a vile, yet at the same time, knocking something from behind.
"Kuso..." Garnet eyes narrowed.
Miboshi set the potion atop the scroll and then bent down, only to retrieve a necklace of coral with some tiny, glossed-over sea shells woven through it. He paused for a moment and slowly traced the edge with his thumb, a thoughtful expression remaining on his face.
"It's not much, but I want you to have it...as a means of gratitude...for everything you've done for me..."
A feminine voice rang out in his mind as brief flashes of the past flickered about randomly.
"I'm so glad to have met you...Miboshi..."
"I-I saved you because I care about you..."
"You have a strange glowing mark on your neck...what is that?"
"It looks like we're in the same situation, huh?"
"Can you...really make me a...human?"
"Gomen nasai...demo...I just can't love you..."
"Miboshi...?! Nani?! Ya-yamete! Onegai...it hurts! Onegai...Miboshi...!"
He grit his teeth together, chucking the necklace against the wall. Pieces of sparkling shell became fragments of glitter on the floor, thus quelling the memories that plagued the Seiryuu seishi. Miboshi clutched the side of his head for a moment, before he shook it furiously, narrowing his eyes on the remained of that gift.
"I will have you back. And this time...you'll be mine for sure...Inami..."
***
Yui stepped out of the curtain-covered changing area, adorning a dress of a pale blue. The sleeves were accented by embroidered pink flowers and white lace was sewn onto the collar, tapering down the front. Silver buttons held the outfit in place and a matching sash was tied around her waist. The skirt just clung to the top of her hips and flared out at the end. It wasn't a big flair like western dresses were at that time. Rather just a bit binding and subtly loosening up around mid-thigh. The Miko gave a little twirl before Kouji (who had been waiting for her), and then stood in place afterward with a laugh.
"Do you like it...?" She couldn't contain her smile. All dressed up like that, she just felt so...so...
"Beautiful..." The bandit's eyes widened, before he regained his composure. "I mean, it looks really good on you."
"You think so?"
"Oh yeah. It fits you like a glove. Not just any glove, mind you. Like one of the fingerless ones we wear sometimes for jobs and such..."
"Arigatou...I...think?"
"You're more than welcome..." He flashed her a grin. "So, are you going to take it?"
"I don't know...it is kind of expensive, ne?"
"Demo, it's in my price range. It may be the only thing in my price range, but I can pay for it at least," He chuckled. "Besides, when a girl looks that good in it, how can we not buy it?"
"Well...if you're really sure..."
"I am! Here, I'll get the bill..."
Yui nodded, watching him approach the counter and exchange the money. She then lowered her gaze toward the loafers on her feet. She felt rather strange wearing them with such a pretty dress. But, she couldn't do much about that. At least she could blend in more with the people of that world. Her eyes shifted toward the reflective glass of the window. The outfit did look nice on her. She wondered what Suboshi would think of it. Looking downward at that point, Yui sighed in guilt. She was out there having fun with Kouji while Suboshi was suffering. Somehow, it just didn't seem right.
"All right. We're all set. Why don't we get out of here now?" Kouji offered his arm, not allowing Yui to dwell on her thoughts any longer.
She blinked, forcing him a smile and slowly slipping her wrist through the opening, clutching onto his biscep. The tone and definition could be felt beneath that loose white shirt and it caused a pink hue to settle into the Seiryuu no Miko's cheeks. The more time she spent with the bandit, the more she was becoming aware of his physical attractiveness. He was different from Suboshi...not quite so boyish. Probably more due to the fact that he was older than him. He had a rugged sort of handsomeness, much like Tamahome. As a matter of fact, Kouji reminded her an awful lot of Tamahome.
"So, what do you want to do now...?" He broke the silence, glancing toward her.
"Well, I...I think we should head back. Supper must nearly be done by now, ne?"
"Un...probably."
Crystalline spheres lifted to meet his jades and she offered a faint smile. That gaze trailed down to the scar at the side of his cheek and she tilted her head slightly, "How did you get that scar?"
"Hm? Oh this? I didn't tell you before?"
"Ie..."
"Well, I got it from bull fighting..."
"Honto ni?"
"Did I say 'bull fighting?' I meant beast. Yeah, beast. It had these savage fangs and sharp claws and it came down just like this..." He used his freehand to swipe downward. "Which it left it's mark behind..."
Yui raised a brow before she laughed out her next statement, at the same time giving him a playful nudge to the shoulder, "You're lying!"
"Well...maybe I'm exaggerating a little. Maybe the beast didn't have sharp claws...but he did have the fangs! And his name was Genrou..." He smirked slightly.
The girl tilted her head, "Tasuki...?"
"That's actually a lie too."
"What is the truth? Tell me this time, Kouji! Please...?"
His shoulders lifted mindlessly, "It's really just a reminder of my carelessness. I went to get some wealthy guy's coins and he had a knife on him. There's really no elaborate story behind it. Demo, I wish there were. It certainly could have helped me to impress the ladies back then."
"You've never had a special someone in your life? I find that hard to believe."
"Well...there was one girl that I cared about. She liked Genrou, though. And I have a pretty good feeling that he liked her too. So, it doesn't really matter all that much."
A frown just came across her features and she glanced toward the side for a moment. A cluster of fireflies had gathered over the stream, scintillating over the flowing water. What appeared to be little gems chased each other around, lighting up at different points. Feeling the need to brighten the conversation, Yui pointed toward the scene with a smile.
"Look..." She headed over, scanning each little flicker of incandescence. "I used to catch them a long time ago with Miaka. We'd keep them in little jars, demo they always died. It was actually Keisuke who told us that you can't keep something so pretty contained for very long...I still always wondered what made them glow like this."
"I think they're good luck here...to sailors and such. They gather around like this and it means there's going to be a clear night."
"Really? I think we can wish on them in my world. Come to think of it...there's lots of things to wish on there. Though, unfortunately no beast gods," She laughed softly, reaching forward to place her palm beneath a lightning bug. Fingers slowly curled around it and she brought her closed fist against her chest. "It doesn't do much good, though. The wishes you make in my world rarely come true."
"How does it work? Wishing on fireflies that is..."
"Well, I'm not really all that sure. You probably just take one and wish...and then let it go..."
"Hm, then maybe we both should make one. Two wishes are more powerful than one, ne?" Kouji stepped forward, surrounding her hand with his own.
Yui felt a warmth spread into her cheeks and her heart rate pick up as she merely nodded sheepishly, lowering her gaze toward the digits that entrapped the insect. Gnawing on her lower lip, she bowed her head slightly, allowing her lashes to veil those eyes. She didn't know why she was this nervous about being around him...being this close to him. However, it took her a moment to be able to even make a coherent wish in her mind.
I...I wish that everything from this point on runs smoothly and I can free Seiryuu without conflict.
Kouji opened an eye to glance toward her before he smirked, I doubly wish for whatever Yui-san's wish is to come true...
Both opened their hands at that point and looked on silently as the tiny speck of light went flying off into the distance.
The lone firefly came drifting along the stream and then crossed the transition where it met the river. It's journey was stopped short by yet another hand and this belonged to Xi Fang, who had gone out for some air earlier. Her brows set together as she brought her palm closer, watching the insect's light give off through the spaces between her fingers. Lips pinched downward as her gaze meandered over the bends where the water flowed. Slowly, softly...her voice began a low hum...harmonizing only with the steadily moving river and distant crickets. The song grew a bit bolder, stretching over notes gracefully...only just then made up by her, but her frustration could only be released in the form of music. Why, oh why did Amiboshi have to do that?! Why couldn't he have just...fit the perfect image she had made for him...?
Were Xi Fang paying more attention, she might have heard the door open or the approaching footsteps. But, the only thing that filled her mind was the swarm of notes that danced forth from her lips. A shadow fell over her and soon her sung tune was accompanied by that of an instrument...a flute. Xi Fang drew in a breath, opening her eyes in surprise. The piped melody fit along with her song and then ended it's own way. She turned slightly, sure enough...seeing the form of Amiboshi bathed in milky moonlight. He appeared almost like a darkened silhouette against the pool of white behind him. The musician stepped forward, slowly kneeling beside her.
"You have a pretty voice, you know?" He offered her a gentle smile.
Always so kind and nice. It didn't make sense that he could do what he did! Xi Fang said nothing in response, glancing away from him.
"Supper's ready. Demo, Tasuki-san said you ran off. I decided to come and see what was wrong before I explained everything to Kaasan and Tousan..."
"You're..."
Amiboshi blinked when she trailed off like that, "I'm...what...?"
"You're so fake!" She glanced back at him accusingly.
"N-nani...?" His brows raised in mild confusion.
"All this kindness...all this caring...it's so fake!"
"What...are you talking about, Xi Fang-san...?"
Xi Fang's jaw twitched slightly and she closed her eyes, "Tasuki-san...said that you attacked them. That you nearly killed the Suzakuu no seishi before..."
"Tasuki seems to be saying a lot of things that happened in the past lately..."
"Is it...true?" She gazed up at him hopefully, wanting him to tell her it wasn't...even if that was a lie.
Amiboshi sighed, meeting her eyes before he nodded slowly, "Un...it is."
Her eyes sealed tightly and she snapped her head away from him, "D-doushite...?!"
"Xi Fang...it was because...I wanted to be with my otouto again and to meet Yui-sama. I lived a very tortured life...so much civil war could be found in Kutou and those two things were the most important in my mind. Time and time again, Shunkaku and I were separated. And every time we met up again, we were just torn apart in a much worse manner. Nakago...being the evil man he was, forced me to go off without having long to spend with my otouto when we finally were reunited. He said that when I came back, I could meet Yui-sama and that was important to me because I wanted her to wish for peace...in all of Kutou..." He paused, looking to her again. "That and the fact that I loved her before I even met her."
A gasp was pulled into Xi Fang's lips. Those last words hurt even worse than when she found out he did nearly kill all of the Suzakuu warriors, "So...you're...you're..."
"Iya. Not anymore," He smiled somewhat.
Her shoulders relaxed somewhat as relief surged through her body. The girl's attention drifted toward him again, and she thought for a moment, before questioning, "Do you...regret doing it?"
"Well, I did. And I regretted having to do it before I even did. The Suzakuu shichiseishi were such nice people. If anyone, they deserved to summon Suzakuu at that point. Demo, you can't undo what has already been done. And there's really no point in dwelling on it, ne? I know that's a bad thing to say, but Suboshi has it a lot worse now. Thinking about what I almost did is no comparison to what he did do. I can't hold him responsible even if I don't agree with it..."
Her features softened and she nodded, "I understand. Even though I don't like what you almost did...I understand why you did it or really why you felt you had to, I suppose."
"Then, can you try to understand Shunkaku too? It's asking a lot, demo I don't want anyone here making him feel guilty. Only Tamahome-san has the right to say anything to him really..."
A light laugh escaped her lips. It really did feel good to laugh, "I'll try, but you really are a good brother to him. It's strange, though. Whenever it comes to Suboshi, you sound a lot older and mature. A bit overprotective too..."
"That's because I am. My parents...real parents told me to always watch over him. He's the most important thing in my life."
"That really is sweet..." Xi Fang shook her head with a grin. "And now you somehow managed to turn my opinion of you around again."
"Good. I wouldn't want you to hate me. Demo, we really should get inside before the food gets too cold, ne?" He pushed himself up to his feet, tucking that flute away in his belt. One hand went forward to help her to stand as well.
"Un..." She took the aid with her free hand. "I helped make some of it, so I hope it's all right."
"I'm sure it'll be much better than all right. Your cooking is...sugoi!" Amiboshi brought his arm back from her, closing his eyes happily. "But, I'll meet you in there. Walking in together might bring up all sorts of awkward questions from Kaasan."
Her cheeks turned pink, "H-hai...see you in a bit."
Xi Fang watched after him as he went, allowing a smile to crease the corners of her lips. Oh, Amiboshi...I wish that you could just hurry up and start to like me already! I'm getting impatient...
From out of the cracks of that still-closed fist, the firefly emerged. A surprised expression crossed the girl's features and the insect let out a brilliant flash before it began spiraling up toward the night sky. The sparkling stars seemed to beckon it closer and closer until it eventually became a blur against them...and on those wings, it carried...the three hopeful wishes that had been given to it.
**Next Chapter Previews:
With this downtime, Yui-sama and the others begin to strike up friendships with one another. New and old...these friendships start to ease the tension that their group of assembled warriors possesses. But naturally, there will always be conflict when old enemies unite with one another. Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' An adventure can always make some of life's strongest bonds.
Additional Author's Notes: x_x no this won't become a habit, I just forgot to mention a few things. To B-chan, I never considered the perspective of having Amiboshi feel guilt toward it. And even in this chapter...I addressed it a little, but I didn't very much mostly because I felt he had the time a while ago to feel guilty for his actions. Suboshi, however, was so blinded by everything that he just never got around to dealing with the guilt for that.
Um...I'm kind of worried that I might be making Tasuki a bit OOC. As well as a few of the other characters from FY. Tasuki's personality is so hard to grasp...it really is. Just because there are so many different levels to him. But eh... :D so long as the fans don't mind...it's all good! Don't worry, all the others should return by the next chapter...! I just wanted to focus a bit more on relationships between a few characters...mostly Kouji and Yui since I have to develop them.
On a final note...I came up with Miboshi's background story in my head. I think I may write it as a prequel to this story...when I finish it. ^__^;;. Trust me..that little scene with Miboshi will make sense in upcoming chapters. And...on a completely unrelated note (;x)...Inami is the name of one of the Genbu no seishi. Bring about your own conclusions... :D;