((Well, it's only been what? A year, I've decided to continue my story now since it's summer and I have some free time. Now, we'll see a new evil that will threaten Konan, and even Miaka's world later on. It's been 13 years, do the Suzaku warriors have the ability to stop it? Probably, the good guys do usually win…))

Tatsu, lord of Koutu, stared intently out his window south, towards Konan. He was a tall man, lean, with light green hair that was gathered at his neck with a leather thong. Brows knitted together, he smiled. 'It's almost time now,' he thought. 'Seiryuu, grant me the strength, help me defeat the southerners, and vanquish Taka, Suzaku warrior.' He was named for the two dragon tattoos on his forearms, and had been a young warrior under Nakago when he had been in charge. Now, it was him. Grinning again he cast one last look at out the window towards Konan, then left the ramparts.

Chiriko lounged on the bed, watching Tasuki talk to himself as he unpacked his saddlebags. He could tell his friend was still digesting the news of Taka and Miaka's life together in her world. He had known that the last time all the seven warriors were together that she was pregnant, but they had since had another child.

Sighing, he rolled over grinning slightly. He was glad to be back with his old friends again, for it was the only time he felt complete. Except when he was studying for his exams of course. He propped himself up on his elbows, now Tasuki was waving his arms around wildly. Rolling his eyes, he changed from his dusty travel clothes to suitable ones for the feast that evening. He suggested Tasuki do the same, though he was answered with a heated glare. The man complied anyway.

Tasuki was cursing under his breath, 'How could I have been so damn stupid? Of course they have more children! I would've been a fool not to realize that. It's hard to think that the woman I love, and my best friend are together but its fate that brought her hear, brought them to one another. Here I've been all these years pining after someone who was lost to me from the start. That one time I kissed her, I felt so much, but from me, from my lips there was nothing. I bet all she thought of was Tamahome, no – Taka! Bah! I should've just stayed with my gang and none of this would have happened!' When Chiriko interrupted his thoughts, he glared then composing himself he changed into a nicer set of clothing. Once dressed he followed the younger boy to the dining hall.

Nothing momentous happened at the feast, it was merely 4 hours of course after course of the kingdom's finest dishes, rich and delectable to one's palate. It showed the enormous wealth that had come to the land in the years since the new priestess Mayo had come, and then with Miaka's help and the warriors they had righted all the consequences set in place from the negative feelings and anger harnessed by Mayo herself.

Speeches were in abundance, each warrior, the emperor, his mother Suki, and others all making jokes and telling humorous anecdotes. The tension between Taka and Tasuki seemed gone now, though Taka was unaware of its presence. Tasuki decided to be a friend to Taka, and treated him as such. Though, he didn't ask about Miaka or their children. Others did, and the grimaces, and apparent physical pain it caused him was clear to Chiriko. They all caught up with one another late after the food was gone, and the candles burned low and dim. Each stumbled into bed somewhere around dawn when the sun was just rising over the horizon, staining the hills crimson.

((Here we go as we slowly delve more into the plot. Is it okay so far? Or am I going to slow? R/R! Please. I just wanted you to introduce Tatsu, our villain because I'm still not sure his powers, and what exactly his plan is. I'm still trying to find it all in my head, since it's been so long since I updated. I started this story almost 2 years ago you'd think I know what I was doing, but no I don't. Any suggestions? Post 'em or e-mail me!))