Author's Notes: Wow, it's so interesting to see the reactions of you all. Rofl, it seems sadly no one's pro-Kouji/Yui, but that just makes it fun. Because you know I love pressing your buttons. I won't mention either way how this love triangle is going to work out, but I will mention this little fact. By the time they reach inside Kutou Palace, things will be clear. It'll be one emotional roller coaster, just hope you're ready. Hehe, I shall forever assimilate you with Hitomi, Otaku. ^_^ You and your track...! And I'd LOVE it if you did TTTB akugi, Arcanine. I think that'd be way cool. I'm glad some of you others think that the way I write the characters is believable. I'm ALWAYS worried that I'm making characters a bit too OOC for their own good. Rofl, Fallon...you'd think that Tasuki would learn to keep his mouth shut around Suboshi, but then again this is Tasuki we're talking about. He NEVER keeps his mouth shut. Just wait until you read this chapter. Special thanks to you, Kaen and Huffpuff and Otaku even for sticking by this from the beginning. Lol, and Kaen, don't worry about sending the review too early. Like I said, it'd be something I'd do. XD
All right, now there's something I want to address. I don't want you to think I'm moving this along at too slow of a pace. I know they've been in Sairou for a while...I know not much action has happened...and it still might not come for quite a bit. Though, I'll defend myself and say...I just don't feel ready enough to go on too much with the story. I mean, once they get to Kutou...and get everything set up, there will be little room for character development because all the action is going to come at a pretty fast pace. For now, when it's quiet...it's giving everyone a chance to bond, and even still...Kouji's feelings might be coming in a bit too quickly. However, I don't seem to recall it taking him too long to like Reirei in Genrou Den, so maybe he just involves himself quickly? I don't know...I just hope no one has a complaint about that. Anyway, now I'm done. Sorry for taking up so much time, I just wanted to address that. Hope you enjoy this one! ^_^
Touka clutched the bottom of her dress, lowering herself to the dirt beneath her. One hand inched closer to the gravestone that marked Tessou's burial ground. It had been Chama Lee who put him to rest, and even engraved the stone as best as he could freehanded. The marker read: Here lies Tessou. A brave man who fought both valiantly and nobly. Loved by many and with those who died beside him...may he rest in peace. She lowered her head and reached into the wicker basket to take out a few fresh, yellow flowers.
"I brought you some daffodils, Niichan. I know I always do, but they're one of my favorite flowers. So, I thought you'd like them too," She placed them neatly near the pile that was still alive from the previous morning. "Chama Lee's been taking good care of me, so you don't have to worry. I know I'm in good hands now."
She paused a moment, focusing her gaze on the stone, "Chama's gonna be going out real soon to get revenge on Nakago. I know I should've leaned my lesson from last time about revenge, demo Nakago's really a man who deserves to have revenge on him! He pretty much killed you, Niichan. About as much as I killed you. I'm so sorry..."
Touka then perked up with an expression of determination, "So, even though Chama Lee doesn't want me to, and even though you wouldn't want me to, I'm going to help!" She smiled sadly, bringing fingertips forward to trace the lettering. "We're gonna bring peace to Kutou. Just like you always wanted. Then, no more children would have to suffer. No one would be alone anymore...like I was...or Koutoku..."
Upon her last words, the girl pushed herself up to her feet, "So...I should probably get back. Chama Lee doesn't know I'm gone, demo that's okay. He likes to sleep late on rainy mornings. I'll be back to visit tomorrow like always. I love you..."
She placed a kiss against her hand and then brought it to the grave stone. Bowing her head forward, Touka whispered a silent prayer and then started back toward the current place she called home. Her eyes raised toward the sky, and those lips pinched downward. She wished it didn't have to be so muggy lately, however, maybe it was best they got the rain. Her eyes dropped back toward her path again. The toe of her shoe nudged a rock forward and she watched it do a couple limp rolls until it stopped on the heel of a boot. Touka looked up quickly, almost expecting it to be Chama Lee and when it wasn't, a surprised expression settled into her visage. A young male stood there; a smirk on his lips and bandana on his head.
"Hi..." He began.
"...Hi," Touka backed up a step.
"You dropped this..." He reached downward to pick up the stone.
"Oh...it's just a rock. N-not mine..." She continued to inch back slowly.
"What's a pretty girl like you doing wandering around these parts, hm?" A wolfish gleam shown in the man's eye and he suddenly gave a motion of his hand to the side.
Surrounding her at that point, was a group of teenage men and before she could even react, two of them rushed up to grasp her arms. Touka thrashed around in their grip, releasing a cry of surprise once the glint of a blade was seen. The sharp edge was pressed so close to her throat she could feel the burning pain of the knick it was leaving behind. Her body tensed up and a shaky breath was pulled in when she looked to the first man...the one who must have been the 'leader.' Touka was sure that these guys were either slave traders or just the regular lowlife scum that hung around downtown Kutou.
The bandana'd one pinched her chin between his thumb and index finger, turning her head from side to side, "She really is a pretty one. We could probably get lots off of her if we sold her to a brothel. So innocently pretty...the men'd sure love you."
Touka glared at him for a moment, until the ball of her heel dug into the ground and her knee rose painfully into his groin area. The man's eyes seemed to bulge, and he slumped to the dirt. A smirk creased her lips, "Y'don't live with a buncha soldiers without learning a few tricks in self defense!"
She took that opportunity to get free from the others' grips, and then whipped around the clutch the weapon-holder's arm. She twisted it awkwardly, causing the male to release a cry of pain and at the same time, lessening his hold on the weapon. Touka seized it away, backing up from the group steadily until she reached the leader. The blade slid easily beneath his chin, pressing against where jaw and neck met, giving him a temporary distraction from where the majority of the suffering truly was. Her knee dug into the small of his back and raven brows stitched together.
"Call off the group...now!"
"A-a-all right! Just don't hurt me...!"
"Call them off!" She demanded firmly once again.
"Er...all right, guys. You heard her. Let's go find someone else..."
Touka smiled and then removed the dagger. But, her relief was short-lived, for once she took away the threat, the bandana-wearing guy sprang up and rushed at her form. Not even realizing what hit her, she was suddenly pinned helplessly against the wall of a building...the weapon, the only defense she had, clattered to the ground with a rather loud clang. His leg locked itself between hers, preventing her from getting as clear of a shot as she had before, and a smirk came into the man's lips when he leaned in closer.
"A girl with spunk is a real turn on. Maybe I should taste just how sweet you really are..." He inched a bit closer.
Touka's eyes widened and then sealed tightly as her head snapped away, Niichan...onegai! Protect me...!
His warm breath almost made her want to gag -- filled to the brink with the strong, heavy scent of alcohol. The man's mouth almost connected, though suddenly stopped short and deviated from it's desired path. Touka's eyes opened just in time to see her attacker drop to the dirt, obviously unconscious. Beside his head, was a rather large rock, and she looked off in the distance to see the figure responsible for it all. Once she did, her features immediately brightened.
"Chama Lee...!" Boy, was she ever glad to see him.
"All of you...leave! Leave here and leave Touka! Otherwise, I will be forced to hurt you!" The foreigner called out threateningly, brandishing his sword to emphasize his point.
The men regarded him for a minute, but then branched off into haughty laughter, saying various comments such as 'you think you could take us on? Three against one, we'd crush ya easily! That sword ain't a threat.'
Chama Lee narrowed his eyes, "Then you will have to take on a member of Basara...!"
Not giving them a chance to react, the former intelligence leapt forward, sending experted slashes to the stunned gang members. He only inflicted a few minor wounds, but it was enough to scare away those three and they rushed off, leaving behind Chama, Touka, and the unconscious boss. After a few moments, the girl sprang forward, hopping over the form on the ground, and then tossing her arms around her rescuer from behind.
"Chama Lee, you were great! You sure showed them a thing or two! They'll never think to bug me again. Un!"
He simply sheathed his sword and spared a stern glance at her, "What were you doing away from house?"
Touka immediately shrank back sheepishly, "I wanted to see Niichan. I didn't want to disturb you..."
"Is dangerous out here, don't you know that?"
"Well, I coulda beat them up. I almost got away earlier!"
"Touka..." He sighed, turning on his heel so that he could face her directly. "You are beautiful girl. Men like these...like beautiful girl, make money off beautiful girl. Is more than dangerous for you to be traveling alone. Tessou would not approve."
"Well, Niichan's dead!" She retorted shortly, only then realizing what she said. A sad expression settled. "Gomen. It's just...I'm almost fifteen! I want to be able to walk the streets without any sort of protection."
Chama Lee's lips raised for a solemn smile, "And that is what I am trying to work toward. Peace in all of Kutou...so that nobody suffers...nobody is attacked. So that girls like you can walk around freely."
She nodded with a cheerful expression and then brought her arms around him, "Arigatou, Chama. You're the best!"
"U-un..." One would swear for a minute, he was blushing. "Demo, we should go back. There is many things I want to look over as plan against Nakago. And it looks like is going to rain again soon."
Touka glanced up toward the sky once, but then back toward him with a firm nod, And I'm gonna help you, Chama...whether you like it or not...
***
The dim, flashing lights of the strip club made it nearly impossible for Keisuke to read the book, and the overly loud music didn't really help to keep his concentration either. He tilted the pages one way, in hopes of catching more light, but before he even knew what was going on, some overbearing cleavage blocked his vision. He blinked, glancing up at the woman they belonged to, and she offered him a coy smile, dancing back and bending over to take the yen from Tetsuya's hand. With his sunglass-wearing buddy's wolfish grin, it didn't take Keisuke long to figure out he was responsible for what just happened. The dirty-blond college student grabbed a handful of peanuts from the dish, chucking them at the other.
Tetsuya laughed when he was showered by the salty treats, "Nani...? I thought you could use a little distraction."
"Not when I'm trying to pay attention to this!" He motioned to the book on his lap.
"So, what's been happening?"
"I don't really know. From what I can make out, I think Yui-chan's happy. And Nakago's making plans and..."
"What about Soi?"
"She's in bed with Nakago."
"Tch. She deserves much better than that."
"Heh, like you, ya mean?"
"Well, yeah! I'm everything anyone's dream man should be."
Keisuke snickered, "Even Tomo?"
Tetsuya cringed, "Okay...every woman's dream man should be."
"Whatever," He rolled his eyes with a smirk. Though, his expression became serious at that point. "So, are you really planning on going in there?"
"Un! Why shouldn't I? It'd be like a nice vacation..."
"...in a world where you could be killed easily by guys with superpowers."
"Well, true. But, I'd be safe since I'd be the incredibly dashing hero."
"You are such a baka..."
"Sometimes you have to be a little stupid in order to get what you want. I'm sure when I meet Soi, she'll fall head-over-heels for me."
"She'll probably think you're a freak with your sunglasses."
"Nah! Anyone'd realize that they're cool."
Keisuke shook his head absently, "Hopefully you'll at least have Tamahome to protect you."
"You're still not coming?"
"Ie! I ain't doing something stupid just because you are."
"Never stopped you in the past. In fact, it's usually you who's doing the stupid stuff. I don't think I need to mention the Pachinko slots..."
"Well, it's different when lives are at stake. This isn't just some game...these are real people. Yui-chan has a lot of people there to protect her, and us going in there might only screw things up. I personally don't want to meet Nakago...or even Suboshi. I wouldn't even be able to think about protecting her when I could barely even protect myself in a place like that."
"Suit yourself. I'll be sure to get you some pictures. You could probably use some for your course in Ancient China, ne?"
"Well...it's not exactly Ancient China in the book...more like a representation of it, but sounds good to me. Just be sure to do one thing for me..."
Tetsuya plucked a peanut off his shirt, placing it in his mouth, "What's that?"
Keisuke's expression became serious, if not grave, "Make sure Yui-chan's all right..."
"Un! I saved her before, didn't I?"
"All you did was run and dive under her to lighten her drop."
"Still! If it weren't for me, she coulda picked up some serious bruises."
"Whatever. Can we get out of here now?"
"Not yet. I still wanna see a few more girls," Tetsuya smirked, raising his lense-masked gaze to the platform.
"Ugh, fine. Then, I'm going in the bathroom where there's more light..." Keisuke pushed himself upright.
"Meet up with ya later."
"You better not leave me here."
"Un, un...don't worry! I'll need the book at least if I'm gonna go into it. You're just attached to that."
At that point, the college student wove his way through the crowded tables, moving to the back. When he pushed the bathroom door open, the fluorescent lighting poured outward. Keisuke stepped inside, leaving the entrance to close by itself. Glossy lime tile lined the walls, meeting with speckled linoleum. Three urinals, two sinks, and four stalls were the only things that filled the area, for really, what guy was going to come to a strip club to use the bathroom? Because of that, things were very clean; much cleaner than they should normally be. When the bottoms of his sneakers hit the floor, they echoed quite loudly off the ceiling.
Keisuke pushed his way into one of the stalls, sinking down on the toilet seat. Locking himself in there, he turned through the pages he missed, reading over the greater details of what he managed to pick out before. Finally, he came to where it had left off. Sucking in a deep breath, he mumbled aloud.
" 'Amiboshi and Xi Fang made their way into Sairou streets, searching for the place to buy milk...' "
***
"Ohayou, Kai-Ka," The bread-seller tipped his hat at the passing couple.
"Ohayou..." 'Kai-Ka' smiled politely in return.
"How many people know you?" Xi Fang glanced toward him, raising a brow in question.
"Well, you know...it's a small town. Lots of people know the 'Kai-Ka' story," Amiboshi stuffed his hands in his pockets, grinning back at yet another person who greeted him.
Xi Fang nodded, lacing her fingers in front of herself and rolling her shoulders back. Her eyes lifted skyward, and she squinted a bit at the brightness of the sun. Searching the rounded edges of clouds for an appropriate thing to say, she only came up empty-handed. That gaze dropped to their feet, noticing how they both seemed to fall in step...moving in synchronization with one another. Though, this was probably more due to the fact that she was consciously aware of it. She nipped on her lower lip for a moment, until they curved for a smirk.
"I heard about Yui-san's predicament last night with your twin..."
Amiboshi laughed, "Hai...it was interesting to say the least."
"Well, now what do you have to say, Fue-san...? I mean, I seem to recall claiming something was going on between those two, but did you listen? Noo...it was all, 'I would know if something was going on because I know everything,' " She had puffed up her chest and deepened her voice for her impersonation.
The sound of suppressed laughter caught in his throat, "I don't sound like that!"
"How do you know?" Xi Fang giggled.
"Because I sound like Suboshi..."
"Oh...right. Well, the look and words were all the same...!"
"They were not!" He grinned. "For one thing, I'm not conceited."
"Sure you are. But, you probably wouldn't recall...ingested those forgetfulness leaves one too many times. They're messing with your mind," She teased with a smile.
Amiboshi just shook his head with a light chuckle, "You certainly are unique, Xi Fang."
"Arigatou!" The girl piped up proudly. "So...how far away is this milk place? Or are you just trying to take longer in order to spend more time with me?"
"It's not much farther."
Damn...you can't really get hints out of him, can you? "Then, if that's the case, how about we take a little detour, hm? I'd really like to see the village. I've only seen Tokaki and Subaru's place before."
"Don't you want to get back there so Yui-san isn't waiting?"
"Amiboshi...! Come on..." She seized his arm and tugged him in the opposite direction.
"Demo, otouto needs to eat. He needs his strength," The musician wriggled his hand free.
"Hmph! You're just trying to avoid spending too much time with me."
"Iya, iya...that's not it..."
Xi Fang perked up with a grin, "Then~! You better show me around after breakfast! Just to make up for now."
"If that's what you want..." He smiled somewhat. "For now, let's just get that milk."
"Hai!" Her expression became playfully serious as she looped her arm around his. "We're on a mission...! A very important mission to fetch the milk before everyone in the house starves to death! Better hurry, we've already wasted enough time...!"
"Who's fault was that...?" Amiboshi remarked in mild amusement.
"Shush! Who's at fault should not matter!" She placed a fingertip against his lips, and only then realized what she had done.
His plush tiers felt so smooth against her touch with only the faintest trace of moisture upon them. They were so kissably soft...a deep blush burned into her cheeks at the thought. Amiboshi's hand slipped along her arm, removing the single digit from his mouth, keeping the fingers in grasp a bit longer than need-be. Their eyes met, and for a moment, tingling delight traveled down Xi Fang's spine. Her heartbeat sped up in anticipation and subconsciously her chin tipped upward. She was sure that she was going to be kissed, so sure in fact that it only surprised her as Amiboshi drew back, beginning to walk again.
Xi Fang took a few seconds to regain herself, and her brows furrowed, "H-hey!"
He paused, glancing over his shoulder, "Come on, we got to get the milk, ne?"
She sighed and then shuffled after him, "Un."
Maybe she was reading a bit too much into things. Maybe, he didn't like her after all...
"I caught a fish!" Yui declared upon entering the house, and she held up the bucket for display.
"Hai, hai, no da! Her first time fishing and she caught it all by herself, no da!" Chichiri stepped up behind her, removing his kasa from her head and stuffing the fishing supplies back into it.
"That's great, Yui-sama," Suboshi offered her a warm smile.
"Un, un...not only is she beautiful, but talented as well," Kouji smirked somewhat.
The younger twin shot him an unnoticed glare, and Yui just closed her eyes happily, "Now we'll have something for lunch! Though breakfast is still waiting...have Xi Fang and Amiboshi come back yet?"
"Ie...not that I've seen," The blue-haired bandit replied.
"Aniki isn't back here yet...I would know if he was..." Suboshi followed up.
"Hn...well we can't exactly do much without them..." She sighed, but then perked up. "It really is a nice day out, so I can wait for Xi Fang outside."
"I can go with you, Yui-sama," The Seiryuu seishi volunteered quickly, at least this time beating Kouji to the offer. A satisfied grin came into his features, but changed thereafter to a look of happiness.
"Ie, Suboshi. I don't want you getting up too much. You're already hurt enough."
"Well, then I can...no use in having you sit out there alone," Kouji offered, sparing a glance to the one who had wanted to go first. Suboshi's loss was going to be his gain.
Suboshi just clenched a fist tightly.
Yui blinked, offering a weak smile, "Hai, if you want, Kouji. Chichiri, could you take the fish into the kitchen?"
"Hai, no da!" The monk seized the bucket and then faded from view.
Kouji rose to his feet, giving an arm to Yui, which she took. As they walked out the door, he glanced back at Suboshi one last time, a gleam in those jade eyes. For now, he had the victory, but who knew how this would turn out. He just had to be smooth and charming...less overbearing than the Seiryuu seishi. It also helped that he wasn't a murderer. But, at any rate, with this short-lived triumph in hand, he headed outside.
Suboshi slammed his palm down on the table, "That bastard! What does he think he's doing with Yui-sama all the time?!"
"Anou...makin' a move on her. Thought you'd at least catch on to that," Tasuki reached forward to take the glass of juice and guzzle it down with a shudder. It was a bit more sour than he expected it to be.
His brow twitched downward, "I know that!"
"Why ya actin' so surprised? Ain't like you're with her either."
For a moment his thoughts drifted toward the few kisses they shared, but even with those kisses, there had really been no definite feelings involved. At least on her side of things, "That's not the point!"
"Then what is?"
"I don't know, demo you're going to help me."
"Like hell I am! The only one I'd help out is Kouji! He ain't a murderin', sonuva--itte!"
Suboshi smirked, withdrawing the cord of his ryuuseisui that he had just thrown. He might not have been able to impale Tasuki, but the steel orbs certainly could leave a good-sized bump on that empty head of his, "Anyway, you don't have to plan against him...just tell me what's going on between them."
The bandit leader rubbed the side of his head, using all of his very little willpower to not fry the opposing seishi, "Ie! Find out yourself!"
He paused, but then narrowed his eyes, "No dirty bandit deserves to be with Yui-sama!"
"Better a 'dirty bandit' than a murderer! Ya think Kouji ain't a good guy? 'Cus let me tell ya somethin', he's one of the best. He's the type of guys that any girl should want to be with. And I'm routin' for him. Maybe you got yer past with her, but you killed Tama's family. It's one of the lowest, despicable acts I've ever seen and hell, I've seen plenty. Ya mighta been a good guy up until ya did that...but now after it's happened...forget it."
Suboshi fell silent, closing his eyes and biting his lips from the inside. It was true, what he did had been wrong. He knew that now, but he couldn't take it back. It stained his past deeply; the way grass stains sometimes did and it wasn't an easy-to-clean one either. This would forever remain in his consciousness, to torment him every single day he walked and breathed. But, his love for Yui was the only thing keeping him stable. As long as he loved her, he could never truly be bad, because people who were completely evil could never feel love...or remorse for that matter.
A tight grip found it's way around the side of the table and Suboshi stated thickly, "Shut. Up."
"Ie, why should I?! Afraid of the truth? Not man enough to have someone tell it t'ya like it is? Ya think ya deserve Yui after that? Ya think she's just going to think that it's all okay and wind up with ya in the end?" Tasuki narrowed his eyes.
Shunkaku's fingers clenched tighter around the surface edge, pressing so firmly that it hurt. Behind closed lids, tears began to well up...as painful as it was, everything the bandit said was the truth. Oh, how Suboshi wanted his aniki there right then. To hold him and comfort him and say that everything was going to be okay. Long before he ever thought about killing people...way before he even knew he was a Seiryuu seishi...he just wanted to go back for a moment in time and have his 'niichan' there to defend him.
"I..."
Tasuki raised a brow, waited a moment, and then prodded him to continue, "Un?"
"I-I'm..." Suboshi struggled with something internal. It was as though there were two of him and not in the sense that he had a twin, but rather inside of himself. There was the person that was...and the person that could have been long before he had been 'abandoned' by his brother. His more gentle side wanted to break down on the spot and that seemed to be the side that was winning the visceral battle.
Genrou watched him quietly. He almost felt...sorry for him, seeing him that way. Suboshi was a wreck and it was pretty painful to regard. Up until that moment, he had pictured him to be nothing but a heartless bastard, but seeing him like this changed his perspective entirely. The bandit decided it was best to be quiet for now and let the other try to finish.
"I'm...so-sor..." Suboshi drew in a breath, though his pride got to him. For now, he didn't continue with his intended apology, simply scowled. "I said to shut up!"
At that point, the younger twin got up from the table, pretending to rub an itch in his eye, but it was no secret he was trying to hide the tears. Then, he just headed toward the back of the house without another word.
Yui slipped her loafers off her feet and then tugged her socks free as well. They were balled up and stuffed into the bottom of her shoes. Toes curled between soft blades of grass, and she scooted forward, dipping them into the lake. The water was surprisingly cold at first, but then seemed to warm up. Her arms looped around her knees, and she leaned forward to observe her reflection in the rippling surface, watching the shimmering flaxen locks when they tumbled over her shoulders.
"Do you think it was a good idea to leave Tasuki and Suboshi alone...?" She looked toward the mirrored image of the other beside her.
Kouji shrugged, looking toward the 'real' Yui, "Chichiri's there, so he can just give 'em both a good crack to the head with his staff if they do something baka, ne?"
She smiled, meeting his gaze, "I suppose so..."
"So...has your wish come true yet?"
"Nani...?"
"You know, the one you made last night on the firefly."
"Oh! Ie...it hasn't."
"Hn...then I guess mine didn't come true either. It probably just takes some time."
"Hai! Either that or they won't come true. I mean, fireflies aren't exactly the most potent thing to leave wishes on."
"Maybe so...but ya figure they don't really have any other useful purposes, so they might as well grant wishes. Not everyone can be a miko, you know. And no one can be a miko as pretty as you are..." The bandit smiled somewhat. Maybe if he flattered her or did some 'charming guy thing,' it would help. Though, he, himself, felt shy and stupid half the time. He always got this way around girls he liked...especially Reirei.
Yui's cheeks colored somewhat, and she glanced to the sky to change the subject, "It's nice. The weather that is..."
"Un, it'll heat up, though. Always seems to..."
"I'm sure you're right..." She settled into silent though, before a question came to mind. "Nee, Kouji?"
"Un?"
"Do you think we'll work well together?"
Kouji blinked, glancing over to her. A choked sound slipped out, followed up with, "We...?"
"Hai. As in us..."
His heart skipped a beat, and he looked toward her with a slow forming smile, "Us...? You and me?"
"Hai! And Suboshi...and Tasuki...and minna," Yui was apparently oblivious to what he thought she meant.
"Oh..." The bandit's disappointment was audible, but his expression masked it. "Well, I suppose. As long as Suboshi behaves himself. And Genrou too."
"That's what I'm afraid of...Suboshi hates the Suzakuu no seishi. And I'm sure he hates you too since you're closely associated with them. No matter what I tell him, it's not going to change his hostility toward any of you..." She sighed heavily. "I just wish things were a bit less tense."
"Well, you, at the very least, seem a bit happier."
"I suppose I am. I mean, I'm getting to meet new people...all of which are nice. I can make up for what I did in the past...and at the same time, I..."
"Got to see Suboshi again?" Kouji finished her sentence for her, lowering his gaze quietly toward an ant that crawled it's way through the grass.
"Un! I was so upset when I heard he had died. All I really wanted to do was give him a happy ending. That's how this whole thing started..."
"Anou...ya lost me," He quirked a brow.
The Seiryuu no Miko forced a laugh, "Maybe it's better that way..." I don't want to have that conversation all over again. Demo, Kouji does seem like he'd be more mature about it, so maybe in due time...
Kouji nodded, falling silent as he lay back on the grass. He wished he knew exactly how she felt...if she liked him or Suboshi. If there was even a potential relationship for them at all. She shared so much past with the younger of the two twins that it would definitely be an important factor in this small love triangle. He wished he could have known her...been there to comfort her pain or dry her tears. All the while slowly easing his own inner pain and loneliness. All Kouji knew at that point, was that he liked Yui. Every moment spent with her was so exciting and enjoyable. And that...was the type of thing he needed for the future. It was something he needed in the past, but he couldn't go back and change that unfortunately.
Yui glanced toward him for a moment and forced a smile. Her attention was pulled away by the voices of Xi Fang and Amiboshi as they neared the house. She withdrew her feet from the lake, wiggling her toes to free a few droplets. Afterward, those knee-high socks were pulled up her legs, followed by the slipping on of shoes, "They're back..."
"Hm?" He glanced up, and then realized what she was talking about. "Ah...so this meant I'll get to taste some of your great cooking."
"I'm sure it won't be all that great," She laughed.
"Of course it will!" He exclaimed brightly, pushing himself up at that point.
"Hoh? Why's that?" The girl regarded him playfully.
"Because I can't imagine you doing anything that's less than great..." A hand came down to pat her head, and he just walked off toward the cottage once more.
Yui was left behind for a moment, the redness burning into her face, Geeze...I was never this popular the first time in the book. Now I've got two good-looking guys in the running. I guess the 'Shijin Tenchi Sho' really likes it's conflicting romances. Oh, now I really do feel silly thinking like that! Just because Kouji's flirting with me, doesn't mean he...likes me that much, does it? And Suboshi...well...maybe I shouldn't be thinking about this now. The important thing isn't their feelings, it's coming up with a plan for when we reach Kutou. I'll worry about all that other stuff later...
Nodding once in agreement with herself, she headed back toward the house as well.
***
The door to Nakago's chamber opened up at that moment, and the man stepped out in full regalia, consisting mostly of his armor. Booted footfalls carried him down the hall, and at that point, Tomo poked his head out from around the corner. He watched until the shogun, or rather current emperor, disappeared completely before he slipped inside the room. Soi was left alone in there naturally, and she was slowly pulling on pieces of her attire. The illusionist narrowed his eyes and then slammed the door behind himself just to announce his enraged presence. She glanced up quickly, blinking in surprise.
"How...dare you. What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Soi furrowed her brows and then just continued dressing herself, "Doing what Nakago wished for me to do. I'm not about to go against his orders, Tomo."
"Tch. Like I believe that! You probably purposely ran out here, pulling all your cheap tricks!"
She smirked, "What would it matter if I did? You said yourself that Nakago wouldn't fall for my cheap tricks, didn't you?"
Tomo bared his teeth and then lashed out, grasping her hair and giving a fierce tug. The woman grimaced and then brought her hand upward, sinking her nails into his costume. Fumbling blindly and pulling once it curved around silky fabric, she managed to tear it a bit, and Tomo immediately gasped as the rip sounded. He drew back quickly, eyeing the tatter with a rather horrified expression. A palm moved beneath the frays, collecting them for a moment before his eyes narrowed. That hand snapped away and lashed out across her cheek.
"You bitch! This is a one of a kind outfit! I had it made especially for me!"
"Well, you attacked me first!" Soi rolled her eyes, ignoring the swelling red mark that was inflaming on her face. "And it's just so typical of you to worry about your ridiculous get up."
"My outfit is not ridiculous! A simple brothel girl couldn't appreciate the fine artistry of my costume!" Tomo scowled. "Anyone can make money by laying on their back, but it takes real talent to do what I do!"
Rage bubbled up inside of her until it finally burst at his last sentence. Immediately, she lunged forward, dragging him painfully to the ground. Contents on stands near Nakago's bed were upset and some shattered against the floor, sending pieces of glass or hardened clay in every which direction. Tomo grimaced, accepting a few poundings that came to his chest. The nineteen year old grasped the center of that satin outfit.
"Maybe I should rip it a bit further, hm? And just so you know, at least I have part of Nakago! It's a hell of a lot more than you'll ever have!"
"You ruined not only my costume, but my performance!" He reached up and then pressed his sharp-tipped fingers into her exposed forearms.
Soi yelped, lessening her grip. The actor took the opportunity to shove her off, only to spring forward and reverse positions. His crown was left behind in the sudden actions and this attack forced the two to tumble into another shelf. More items toppled over them, messing up the generally immaculate room of Nakago's even further. The crashes were easily heard from the hall, but the two fighting didn't seem to care. They just continued to throw insults at one another...clawing, tearing, and locking themselves in this violent disagreement.
The door suddenly opened and at that, Tomo and Soi stopped what they were doing, glancing up in guilt. Nakago raised a brow, "What is going on in here...?"
They untangled themselves quickly, and the illusionist pushed himself up, attempting to straighten out his disheveled locks, "Nakago-sama...it's just..."
"Tomo's fault," Soi finished his statement. "He barged in here and attacked me."
"I did not--" Tomo glared.
The shogun shrugged slightly, "Even though I am not pleased with the mess you two left behind, I am glad you're both in here."
"R-really...?" They appeared stunned at his words.
"Hai..." He stepped further inside, placing a chair that was knocked over back on it's legs. "I need both of your help."
"Anything, Nakago-sama..." The actor grinned, brushing off his outfit and inching closer to him.
"I'm glad to hear that, because I need you both to work together," He spared a glance toward them as he seated himself.
"N-nani...?!" Soi and Tomo questioned simultaneously and then glared at one another.
"Un. To gather more information from that group in Sairou. I've written out the specific orders on parchment. Demo, I wish for you both to leave as soon as possible..."
"Demo...!" Soi shook her head quickly.
"Nakago!" Tomo tried to protest.
He smirked, "You do not wish to disappoint me, do you?"
"Ie, Nakago. Gomen..." They hung their heads.
"Good..." He lifted a scroll and handed it off. "Prepare to leave at once. I want the information as soon as possible."
The two seishi reluctantly agreed, making their way out of the room. Nakago looked after them before his attention settled on the necklace that draped to the center of his chest. A confident expression seized his handsome visage as his fingers crept up to catch the gem center of the Seiryuu no Shinzaho.
"Let's see just how easily you fall into my plan, Seiryuu no Miko..."
**Next Chapter Previews:
Finally, the group in Sairou establishes their main plan of action, but they are still stuck in Sairou for a little bit more while Suboshi heals up. In the meantime, Soi and Tomo depart for Sairou, bitter about being forced to work together as a team, though willing to do so for Nakago's sake. Will Yui-sama be able to avoid the traps that are set against her? Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' Sometimes all you really need to unite someone, is a plan.