To AznPhoenixFlamez: New reader! You're so dedicated! Thanks! I'm glad
my long story caught your eye.
To MaryDFair: My Amiboshi fic will be 72, most likely. These next few chapters will be fun to write. You don't want me to kill Boushin? I'll consider it, but I doubt any plans I've made will change.
To Metajoker: I still don't know you're favorite character, na no da. Saori add stupidity? She's one of the best characters in this fic!
To Amaya-san: Well, she fought a bit in chapter 70, didn't she? True... not well... You think Karu-san sounds cool, hm? I got he design for him off of Full Moon.
To KittyNyah: Splendidly written chapter? Oh you, you're too much. Saori is brazen, I will agree. I try to keep up with the cliffhangers!
To Delphine: Thank you so much for your email! I was beaming when I got it! That is a LOT of reading. That's over 400 pages in one week! I'm dually impressed, to say the least. I'm glad you like my killing-of- characters! Yes, I never got too into Hikitsu, but I like keeping the mystery about him. The Bandits are just out-of-story for now, I'm not sure if I'll do much more with them though. Lol, that was good reasoning to keep Saori and Boushin together, though Saori still has other ties to the real world! Guess you'll have to see what happens, hm? Thanks SO much for your review!
Chapter 71: The Purest Blue Eyes
"Hokkan troops will make their way there, but if Kutou manages to get past your defense army before their arrival, we can't help you." Mokuba said, looking at a large map that suspended from the ceiling.
Boushin nodded.
"The trip as of now will take about a week at best." Ami added on. "It takes longer to send an entire army, especially since they will have to travel over some Kutou land to get here."
"Though if your army can't hold out that long, then you weren't worth our time." Mokuba again commented.
"Karu-san, please!" Ami spoke out.
"I understand completely." Boushin stood up. "I will be sure to send our extra supply of iron to Hokkan tomorrow morning."
"Though you are able to fill out the papers now." Mokuba said calmly.
"Tomorrow morning is fine." Ami stood in an attempt to block Boushin's sight from Mokuba. "On behalf of his highness, I thank you deeply." She avoided bowing so eye contact wouldn't be made between the two males.
"I will need to speak to both of you again tomorrow, of course." Boushin informed. "It is late, you should rest."
Ami was still for a moment, but then relieved. Mokuba hadn't said anything.
"Oyasumi-nasai." Boushin left the room.
Ami's hand flew up to her heart. "I swear, every time you get one beat away from giving me a heart attack, Karu-san."
"Than perhaps I'll talk longer next time."
Ami began gathering papers off the table. "You don't mean that."
Mokuba pulled the map down. "Hai, you're right. Gomen nasai."
"You're forgiven." Ami looked at him and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "And with that, will you please show more respect towards Boushin-sama?"
"Iie."
"Karu-san, I'm begging you..."
"I will not show respect to a man who doesn't deserve it."
Ami dropped her papers and went around to table to stand in front of him. "How does he not deserve it? He's only 16 and he's leaded a country with dignity and respect, with a wisdom beyond his years! How can he differ from Seki-sama?"
Mokuba adverted his gaze and walked around her. "A man has his reasons."
Ami looked like she was about to bawl. "You men and your testosterone. I can't take this! I refuse to be the negotiator between you two!"
Mokuba smiled. "Miss Kaiku, I do believe that's the first time I've ever heard you raise you voice in anger to me, or to anyone."
Ami blushed momentarily and turned away. "It's only a person as immature as yourself who makes me do so."
He scowled, though Ami didn't see it. Mokuba finished rolling up the map and headed for the door.
"What's bothering you? I'm aware that we don't know each other on the level of friendship, but if it's someone you need to confide in..." Ami called after him.
"Nothing out of the ordinary is bothering me, Miss Kaiku, but I thank you for your concern." He took a deep breath. "I will rest now, perhaps you were right. The long journey has made me ornery."
Ami relaxed. "Arigatou."
Saori yawned only a bit as her horse trotted quickly over the uninhabited land of Konan. She was too worried and too determined to be tired. Except for the few times she had allowed the horse to walk for half- hour breaks, her speed had remained constant. It was still pitch dark, which meant that if would still be a few hours until sunrise. It was only Saori's estimate, but she imagined she left around 10:00 and that currently it could be anywhere from 3:00 to 4:00.
She adjusted herself on her seat. Despite all the traveling she did with the Suzaku seven, the saddle still made her sore. Part of that could be do to the fact that she was steering the horse, not just riding. The horse had been kind enough not to give her any problems so far, though she was sure it could tell she was an inexperienced rider.
Saori lifted a hand up and brushed her hair behind her ears. She hadn't put her barrettes back in before she left, and now her short locks flew freely in the breeze caused by her motion. Her brown eyes glanced up at the bright half-moon in the sky. It was so much bigger here than in Tokyo... the stars were much brighter too. She switched her gaze to her right, where the moonlight had caused a dim shadow of her.
She wrapped a bit more of the rein around her palms and focused ahead. Hesitantly, she slowed to horse down and gradually stopped it. She squinted.
Far, far up ahead, she could see the most miniscule speck of orange. It disappeared for a moment, then reappeared.
"Fire?" She asked herself. Someone may have just walked in front of it too.
After a moment, Saori pulled the horse's head left and began trotting off course towards one of the small, scattered pieces of mountain up ahead. She needed to be cautious, and stay out of sight, just in case the men ahead weren't friendly.
Or, that is, if they were from Kutou.
Tetsuya pulled the gearshift into second as he began slowing down for a light. When the car stopped, he rubbed his eyes from under his sunglasses.
"She found someone." Keisuke announced, his nose planted in the book.
"Who?" Tetsuya questioned.
Keisuke shook his head. "I'm not sure yet. it says 'Saori basked behind the rock, slowing her horse to a steady walk. She cautiously moved closer and closer to the supposed camp, remaining unseen. Dismounting, the girl stilled her horse and began on foot....'"
The light turned green, the car moved. "I don't need her life story, Keisuke. Skip the details and get to the point." Tetsuya mildly complained.
"The DETAILS may be important." Keisuke frowned. "So, that's how you read, hm? No wonder some things don't make sense."
"Everything makes sense, keep reading." Tetsuya ordered.
Keisuke sighed and returned to the pages. He read a bit more, and turned to the next page. A picture had all ready drawn itself, taking up only half a page. Keisuke studied it.
Tetsuya looked over. "What's that?"
"I'm not sure..." Keisuke followed the lines of ink carefully. There was a man in some kind of cape and a girl with long hair... of course, it could be Saori, all the girls were drawn with long hair in this book. The caped man held a hand out, and the girl was watching him.
"Guess we'll find out." Keisuke looked back to the kanji appearing in the book.
Saori could hear voices now, men's voices. She carefully peered around the new stone that she hid behind. She was right, it was a fire, and from the looks of it, a camp. There were two soldiers walking side by side, both casually holding spears over their shoulders. With the poor lighting and the distance between the guards and the fire, Saori couldn't see the color of their armor. She wanted them to be Kutou in hopes that she had found Mayo's camp; that is, assuming her search had been miraculously successful. But then again, she wanted them to be Hokkan or Konan--she'd be much safer. If the guards saw her before she saw Mayo in the first case, she'd be done for.
She swallowed hard. She quickly darted by to the next hiding placed. Luckily, the moon didn't shine here. She stayed low and crept forwards, staying to the side of the two soldiers. It took 10 minutes before she successfully passed them, and before she had a spot where she could see the camp.
There were tents. Large, white, round ones. Her heart skipped a beat. She knew those tents, she had been in a Kutou camp before, and those were the same ones. A few people walked around, which surprised Saori. They were on 24-hour surveillance. Of course, she guessed they'd have to be, being in Konan and everything. There were so many tents.... which one was Mayo's? What if Mayo wasn't here? It could be a Kutou army set out, and in that case, she really would be done for.
But what she saw next relinquished that thought.
Saori quickly ducked her head down. She was still a good distance away, but still. She clasped a hand over her mouth to quiet her breathing, though her pulse thudded loudly from inside her chest.
She made out the words "go" and "Konan" from Nakago's low voice. Saori must have been really lucky, because she found what she had been looking for. Although, at that one moment, she really wished she hadn't.
The conversation between Nakago and a soldier ceased and Saori could just barely hear the sound of Nakago's boots on the dry soil. They were quieting, which relieved her somewhat. She slowly took her hand away from her mouth and took in a much-needed helping of fresh air. She sat frozen for a good while longer before setting out again, more carefully that before. She just needed one clue, one clue to where Mayo's tent was. She'd even be willing to dart in plain sight across the camp to get there.
She looked around. She couldn't continue her path. She wasn't even in the camp yet, but she'd be spotted. Still looking around, she found a large chunk of the bouldery pieces further out and carefully sprinted to them. It put much more distance between her and the camp, however.
She grabbed onto the rock and skidded herself behind a piece of it when she reached, trying to catch her breath. This was a good place to keep watch, the cliffs were much bigger than the ones she had been behind, almost as if she was actually on part of the main range. She rested her head against the boulders for a moment.
Her nerves were going haywire. She never knew she could be THIS gutsy.
"Please, Mayo, let me find you..." She whispered. When her breathing had calmed, she move out in front of the rocks, completely in shadow from the moon. She'd duck every now and then. She couldn't see the camp nearly as well now, even with her 20/20 vision. She had to get closer.... but how?
She carefully moved, the light shining again. She stopped suddenly when she realized it wasn't moonlight.
"Well, what do we have here?" Nakago smirked, his right hand glowing with blue aura.
Saori, her eyes locked with his, slowly stood up, quiet. Her mind was clear of all thoughts, her voice of all words.
Nakago's voice was amused, but it didn't take away from the cold disapproval in it. "You should know better, Saori Kawai. I could sense your presence before you even got here."
He knew her name? That's right, Mayo would have told him. He had met her before too. She didn't think about him sensing her... she thought that since she wasn't a warrior, maybe...
He watched her. She didn't move.
"Where's... Mayo?" She quietly asked.
Nakago smirked calmly. "You won't be seeing her." The light in his hands grew. He didn't bother with any more words. A perfectly shaped diamond of blue chi came darting straight for her. Saori ran, but she felt the force from the power's collision with the rocks behind her, and it through her to the ground. She quickly got back to her feet as she saw a second flash of blue behind her.
He was going to kill her. She'd never get to Mayo in time.
She ran harder, then stopped abruptly, a sharp pain going through her knee as she did so. He was right in front of her. She couldn't run anymore, she couldn't run from him.
She stepped back as his eyes followed her. He didn't move as she cowered from him. Her back aligned with the cliff behind her.
Still, no words. Nakago raised his hand and sent another chi blast above her head. The sound of the rocks exploding pierced into Saori's ears, and she saw the massive wave of falling stone over her. She dropped to her knees with her arms over her head.
The last thing she saw was a sudden spectacle of white light as the rocks crashed around her.
Nakago lowered his hand, looking at the mass of stone. Guards began running to the scene, wondering what had happened. Nakago turned and started back for the camp.
Saori waited for the boulders to hit, but her body went weightless as they crashed, and the wind around her blew strongly as if she were flying through it. She slowly opened her eyes, the images blurry for just a moment.
She WAS flying.
She screamed when she felt herself fall, but a hand was clasped quickly over her mouth and the sensation ceased. She was lowered, sitting, on hard ground.
"Be quiet, he'll hear you." The voice urged.
Saori blinked, shocked as the man removed his hand. She stared at him in awe.
"Su... Suboshi?" She asked.
Suboshi was knelt in front of her. He was dressed now in off-white clothing, and his blue eyes watched hers.
Saori was speechless.
Suboshi looked back the way they had came. They were level with the ledge that Nakago had hit, Suboshi had brought her to the next cliff. He turned back to her.
"Be quiet." He whispered, standing up. He held out his hand. "Come on, hurry."
Saori held out her own hand and he grasped it, Suboshi roughly pulling her to her feet. Before she could object, his other arm was suddenly under her knees and he leapt down from the cliff. Saori clung tightly to him and shut her eyes, afraid to fall. The rising and falling sensations commenced a few more times before Suboshi released her to her feet. They were on level ground, hidden in the dark. Suboshi grabbed her wrist and began running, Saori forced to follow and keep up.
She couldn't believe it. She could only watch him as they both ran over the dry earth. She was able to keep up fairly well. She didn't even realize how far she was running until a burning pain sprang up from her lungs. Luckily, soon after that Suboshi pulled her around a much smaller rock and released her. Saori fell to her knees and coughed a bit.
Suboshi stood, glancing around. They were in the moonlight again, their shadow's standing against the dark stone behind them. Saori regained her strength and looked up at him.
"Why... why did you save me?" She asked weakly.
Suboshi looked down on her. Saori gradually stood back up.
"I'm just returning the favor." He said rather bluntly, his voice not as quiet now. He looked back out in front of them. "They're coming for you, they'll be able to find you here."
"They?" Saori asked.
"The Suzaku warriors."
Saori was a bit taken back. He was even helping her go back, with them? "They" were Suboshi's enemies, weren't they?
"Arigatou gozaimasu." Saori finally managed to say.
Suboshi shook his head, finally turning fully towards her after a minute of silent contemplation. "No, thank you, Saori." He said rather kindly. "I never did thank you, back in Sairo. It took a while for me to come to my senses."
Saori gazed at him, the moonlight reflecting off her eyes.
Suboshi smiled ever so slightly. "I realize you sacrificed your own well being for me."
Again there was a pause before Saori spoke. "Dou... itashimashite."
Suboshi nodded. "I'll make sure they find you before I leave."
"Won't Nakago..."
Suboshi sighed. "Hopefully he didn't sense my presence, I don't think he did..." Suboshi leaned up against the rock and sat down.
"Thank you." Saori said again.
Suboshi watched in front of him, not responding. Saori sat down too. It was really quiet, she couldn't hear the camp anymore, only the whisper of the wind.
"I don't understand you, Saori." Suboshi brought up informally.
"Hm?" Saori asked.
Suboshi rested his elbow on his knee, again looking over at her. "You, and my brother. I don't understand the way you think."
Saori blinked. "What do you mean?"
Suboshi hesitated, and focused on the ground. "I don't understand how you and he can look past enemy lines so easily... how you can see the real person beyond the facade."
That took Saori by surprise. Suboshi still stared at the ground.
"Am I your enemy?"
He seemed almost startled by that reply.
Saori moved onto her knees. "Do you think I'm your enemy, Suboshi?"
He was still, but shook his head.
Saori smiled and relaxed again. "I'm glad." She took a deep breath. "You're a good person, Suboshi. I'm glad I met you."
The faintest blush crossed Suboshi's cheeks. It was quiet for a moment, but Suboshi suddenly perked up a bit. He stood, Saori doing the same.
"They're coming, they should be here in a moment."
"You can tell?" Saori questioned.
Suboshi nodded. "You'll be safe with them, Saori. Ja." He turned to leave, but Saori quickly grabbed his sleeve.
"Wait!" She called.
He turned back around.
"Will... will you do something for me?" She almost pleaded.
Suboshi listened.
Saori stood straighter. "Will you please take care of Mayo? Since... since I won't be able to see her?"
Suboshi smiled softly. "Yes."
Saori returned his smile. "Arigatou. Oh, and Suboshi?"
"Hm?"
"I was wondering..." Saori seemed shy suddenly to ask. "You're a warrior of Seiryu, so Suboshi's probably not your real name..."
"Shinkaku." He interrupted.
"Huh?"
"My name is Shinkaku." He repeated. "And I also have a favor to ask of you."
"What?" Saori realized she was still grasping his sleeve, and let go.
"Don't tell them that you saw me." He stated.
Saori wondered why he'd ask something like that, but she nodded.
In the distance the silhouette of two horsemen could be seen coming. Suboshi noticed them.
"You'll be safe now, Saori." He addressed. The sound of the oncoming hooves could now be heard. Saori watched them approach.
Suboshi looked at the shorter girl. "Ja." He quickly kissed Saori on her cheek. Saori jumped and looked over to him, but he was gone. Her hand rose up and gently touched her cheekbone. She felt her skin grow hot under her fingers.
"Saori!" Tasuki's voice brought her to attention.
She saw the bandit riding ahead of Chichiri. He dismounted before the horse even completely stopped. "Baka! What the hell are you doing out here?!"
Saori bowed. "Gomen nasai!" She apologized.
Tasuki grabbed her shoulder. "You sure have a hell of a lot of explaining to do."
"Hai..." Saori realized the consequences of leaving so suddenly. She saw a mare alongside Chichiri's horse... it was the one that she had ridden on.
Tasuki marched her back to his horse and got her on. "I don't know what the hell goes through girls' heads."
"I'm sorry!" Saori apologized sincerely. "I really am, I was heading back... I thought maybe I could find Mayo..." . . .
Suboshi watched as Saori and two warriors left the scene, hidden in the shadows of the mountain. The faintest glow of the blue symbol on his shoulder could be seen in the dark; he was still using his life force to cover up theirs. He was there for a few minutes until the warriors were out of sight. The symbol died down and he stood up.
"Keep it in mind, Suzaku." He said to the wind. "No matter what, in the next battle, I will defeat you."
Suboshi leapt off the cliff and headed deeper into the shadows, back towards the camp of Seiryu.
To MaryDFair: My Amiboshi fic will be 72, most likely. These next few chapters will be fun to write. You don't want me to kill Boushin? I'll consider it, but I doubt any plans I've made will change.
To Metajoker: I still don't know you're favorite character, na no da. Saori add stupidity? She's one of the best characters in this fic!
To Amaya-san: Well, she fought a bit in chapter 70, didn't she? True... not well... You think Karu-san sounds cool, hm? I got he design for him off of Full Moon.
To KittyNyah: Splendidly written chapter? Oh you, you're too much. Saori is brazen, I will agree. I try to keep up with the cliffhangers!
To Delphine: Thank you so much for your email! I was beaming when I got it! That is a LOT of reading. That's over 400 pages in one week! I'm dually impressed, to say the least. I'm glad you like my killing-of- characters! Yes, I never got too into Hikitsu, but I like keeping the mystery about him. The Bandits are just out-of-story for now, I'm not sure if I'll do much more with them though. Lol, that was good reasoning to keep Saori and Boushin together, though Saori still has other ties to the real world! Guess you'll have to see what happens, hm? Thanks SO much for your review!
Chapter 71: The Purest Blue Eyes
"Hokkan troops will make their way there, but if Kutou manages to get past your defense army before their arrival, we can't help you." Mokuba said, looking at a large map that suspended from the ceiling.
Boushin nodded.
"The trip as of now will take about a week at best." Ami added on. "It takes longer to send an entire army, especially since they will have to travel over some Kutou land to get here."
"Though if your army can't hold out that long, then you weren't worth our time." Mokuba again commented.
"Karu-san, please!" Ami spoke out.
"I understand completely." Boushin stood up. "I will be sure to send our extra supply of iron to Hokkan tomorrow morning."
"Though you are able to fill out the papers now." Mokuba said calmly.
"Tomorrow morning is fine." Ami stood in an attempt to block Boushin's sight from Mokuba. "On behalf of his highness, I thank you deeply." She avoided bowing so eye contact wouldn't be made between the two males.
"I will need to speak to both of you again tomorrow, of course." Boushin informed. "It is late, you should rest."
Ami was still for a moment, but then relieved. Mokuba hadn't said anything.
"Oyasumi-nasai." Boushin left the room.
Ami's hand flew up to her heart. "I swear, every time you get one beat away from giving me a heart attack, Karu-san."
"Than perhaps I'll talk longer next time."
Ami began gathering papers off the table. "You don't mean that."
Mokuba pulled the map down. "Hai, you're right. Gomen nasai."
"You're forgiven." Ami looked at him and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "And with that, will you please show more respect towards Boushin-sama?"
"Iie."
"Karu-san, I'm begging you..."
"I will not show respect to a man who doesn't deserve it."
Ami dropped her papers and went around to table to stand in front of him. "How does he not deserve it? He's only 16 and he's leaded a country with dignity and respect, with a wisdom beyond his years! How can he differ from Seki-sama?"
Mokuba adverted his gaze and walked around her. "A man has his reasons."
Ami looked like she was about to bawl. "You men and your testosterone. I can't take this! I refuse to be the negotiator between you two!"
Mokuba smiled. "Miss Kaiku, I do believe that's the first time I've ever heard you raise you voice in anger to me, or to anyone."
Ami blushed momentarily and turned away. "It's only a person as immature as yourself who makes me do so."
He scowled, though Ami didn't see it. Mokuba finished rolling up the map and headed for the door.
"What's bothering you? I'm aware that we don't know each other on the level of friendship, but if it's someone you need to confide in..." Ami called after him.
"Nothing out of the ordinary is bothering me, Miss Kaiku, but I thank you for your concern." He took a deep breath. "I will rest now, perhaps you were right. The long journey has made me ornery."
Ami relaxed. "Arigatou."
Saori yawned only a bit as her horse trotted quickly over the uninhabited land of Konan. She was too worried and too determined to be tired. Except for the few times she had allowed the horse to walk for half- hour breaks, her speed had remained constant. It was still pitch dark, which meant that if would still be a few hours until sunrise. It was only Saori's estimate, but she imagined she left around 10:00 and that currently it could be anywhere from 3:00 to 4:00.
She adjusted herself on her seat. Despite all the traveling she did with the Suzaku seven, the saddle still made her sore. Part of that could be do to the fact that she was steering the horse, not just riding. The horse had been kind enough not to give her any problems so far, though she was sure it could tell she was an inexperienced rider.
Saori lifted a hand up and brushed her hair behind her ears. She hadn't put her barrettes back in before she left, and now her short locks flew freely in the breeze caused by her motion. Her brown eyes glanced up at the bright half-moon in the sky. It was so much bigger here than in Tokyo... the stars were much brighter too. She switched her gaze to her right, where the moonlight had caused a dim shadow of her.
She wrapped a bit more of the rein around her palms and focused ahead. Hesitantly, she slowed to horse down and gradually stopped it. She squinted.
Far, far up ahead, she could see the most miniscule speck of orange. It disappeared for a moment, then reappeared.
"Fire?" She asked herself. Someone may have just walked in front of it too.
After a moment, Saori pulled the horse's head left and began trotting off course towards one of the small, scattered pieces of mountain up ahead. She needed to be cautious, and stay out of sight, just in case the men ahead weren't friendly.
Or, that is, if they were from Kutou.
Tetsuya pulled the gearshift into second as he began slowing down for a light. When the car stopped, he rubbed his eyes from under his sunglasses.
"She found someone." Keisuke announced, his nose planted in the book.
"Who?" Tetsuya questioned.
Keisuke shook his head. "I'm not sure yet. it says 'Saori basked behind the rock, slowing her horse to a steady walk. She cautiously moved closer and closer to the supposed camp, remaining unseen. Dismounting, the girl stilled her horse and began on foot....'"
The light turned green, the car moved. "I don't need her life story, Keisuke. Skip the details and get to the point." Tetsuya mildly complained.
"The DETAILS may be important." Keisuke frowned. "So, that's how you read, hm? No wonder some things don't make sense."
"Everything makes sense, keep reading." Tetsuya ordered.
Keisuke sighed and returned to the pages. He read a bit more, and turned to the next page. A picture had all ready drawn itself, taking up only half a page. Keisuke studied it.
Tetsuya looked over. "What's that?"
"I'm not sure..." Keisuke followed the lines of ink carefully. There was a man in some kind of cape and a girl with long hair... of course, it could be Saori, all the girls were drawn with long hair in this book. The caped man held a hand out, and the girl was watching him.
"Guess we'll find out." Keisuke looked back to the kanji appearing in the book.
Saori could hear voices now, men's voices. She carefully peered around the new stone that she hid behind. She was right, it was a fire, and from the looks of it, a camp. There were two soldiers walking side by side, both casually holding spears over their shoulders. With the poor lighting and the distance between the guards and the fire, Saori couldn't see the color of their armor. She wanted them to be Kutou in hopes that she had found Mayo's camp; that is, assuming her search had been miraculously successful. But then again, she wanted them to be Hokkan or Konan--she'd be much safer. If the guards saw her before she saw Mayo in the first case, she'd be done for.
She swallowed hard. She quickly darted by to the next hiding placed. Luckily, the moon didn't shine here. She stayed low and crept forwards, staying to the side of the two soldiers. It took 10 minutes before she successfully passed them, and before she had a spot where she could see the camp.
There were tents. Large, white, round ones. Her heart skipped a beat. She knew those tents, she had been in a Kutou camp before, and those were the same ones. A few people walked around, which surprised Saori. They were on 24-hour surveillance. Of course, she guessed they'd have to be, being in Konan and everything. There were so many tents.... which one was Mayo's? What if Mayo wasn't here? It could be a Kutou army set out, and in that case, she really would be done for.
But what she saw next relinquished that thought.
Saori quickly ducked her head down. She was still a good distance away, but still. She clasped a hand over her mouth to quiet her breathing, though her pulse thudded loudly from inside her chest.
She made out the words "go" and "Konan" from Nakago's low voice. Saori must have been really lucky, because she found what she had been looking for. Although, at that one moment, she really wished she hadn't.
The conversation between Nakago and a soldier ceased and Saori could just barely hear the sound of Nakago's boots on the dry soil. They were quieting, which relieved her somewhat. She slowly took her hand away from her mouth and took in a much-needed helping of fresh air. She sat frozen for a good while longer before setting out again, more carefully that before. She just needed one clue, one clue to where Mayo's tent was. She'd even be willing to dart in plain sight across the camp to get there.
She looked around. She couldn't continue her path. She wasn't even in the camp yet, but she'd be spotted. Still looking around, she found a large chunk of the bouldery pieces further out and carefully sprinted to them. It put much more distance between her and the camp, however.
She grabbed onto the rock and skidded herself behind a piece of it when she reached, trying to catch her breath. This was a good place to keep watch, the cliffs were much bigger than the ones she had been behind, almost as if she was actually on part of the main range. She rested her head against the boulders for a moment.
Her nerves were going haywire. She never knew she could be THIS gutsy.
"Please, Mayo, let me find you..." She whispered. When her breathing had calmed, she move out in front of the rocks, completely in shadow from the moon. She'd duck every now and then. She couldn't see the camp nearly as well now, even with her 20/20 vision. She had to get closer.... but how?
She carefully moved, the light shining again. She stopped suddenly when she realized it wasn't moonlight.
"Well, what do we have here?" Nakago smirked, his right hand glowing with blue aura.
Saori, her eyes locked with his, slowly stood up, quiet. Her mind was clear of all thoughts, her voice of all words.
Nakago's voice was amused, but it didn't take away from the cold disapproval in it. "You should know better, Saori Kawai. I could sense your presence before you even got here."
He knew her name? That's right, Mayo would have told him. He had met her before too. She didn't think about him sensing her... she thought that since she wasn't a warrior, maybe...
He watched her. She didn't move.
"Where's... Mayo?" She quietly asked.
Nakago smirked calmly. "You won't be seeing her." The light in his hands grew. He didn't bother with any more words. A perfectly shaped diamond of blue chi came darting straight for her. Saori ran, but she felt the force from the power's collision with the rocks behind her, and it through her to the ground. She quickly got back to her feet as she saw a second flash of blue behind her.
He was going to kill her. She'd never get to Mayo in time.
She ran harder, then stopped abruptly, a sharp pain going through her knee as she did so. He was right in front of her. She couldn't run anymore, she couldn't run from him.
She stepped back as his eyes followed her. He didn't move as she cowered from him. Her back aligned with the cliff behind her.
Still, no words. Nakago raised his hand and sent another chi blast above her head. The sound of the rocks exploding pierced into Saori's ears, and she saw the massive wave of falling stone over her. She dropped to her knees with her arms over her head.
The last thing she saw was a sudden spectacle of white light as the rocks crashed around her.
Nakago lowered his hand, looking at the mass of stone. Guards began running to the scene, wondering what had happened. Nakago turned and started back for the camp.
Saori waited for the boulders to hit, but her body went weightless as they crashed, and the wind around her blew strongly as if she were flying through it. She slowly opened her eyes, the images blurry for just a moment.
She WAS flying.
She screamed when she felt herself fall, but a hand was clasped quickly over her mouth and the sensation ceased. She was lowered, sitting, on hard ground.
"Be quiet, he'll hear you." The voice urged.
Saori blinked, shocked as the man removed his hand. She stared at him in awe.
"Su... Suboshi?" She asked.
Suboshi was knelt in front of her. He was dressed now in off-white clothing, and his blue eyes watched hers.
Saori was speechless.
Suboshi looked back the way they had came. They were level with the ledge that Nakago had hit, Suboshi had brought her to the next cliff. He turned back to her.
"Be quiet." He whispered, standing up. He held out his hand. "Come on, hurry."
Saori held out her own hand and he grasped it, Suboshi roughly pulling her to her feet. Before she could object, his other arm was suddenly under her knees and he leapt down from the cliff. Saori clung tightly to him and shut her eyes, afraid to fall. The rising and falling sensations commenced a few more times before Suboshi released her to her feet. They were on level ground, hidden in the dark. Suboshi grabbed her wrist and began running, Saori forced to follow and keep up.
She couldn't believe it. She could only watch him as they both ran over the dry earth. She was able to keep up fairly well. She didn't even realize how far she was running until a burning pain sprang up from her lungs. Luckily, soon after that Suboshi pulled her around a much smaller rock and released her. Saori fell to her knees and coughed a bit.
Suboshi stood, glancing around. They were in the moonlight again, their shadow's standing against the dark stone behind them. Saori regained her strength and looked up at him.
"Why... why did you save me?" She asked weakly.
Suboshi looked down on her. Saori gradually stood back up.
"I'm just returning the favor." He said rather bluntly, his voice not as quiet now. He looked back out in front of them. "They're coming for you, they'll be able to find you here."
"They?" Saori asked.
"The Suzaku warriors."
Saori was a bit taken back. He was even helping her go back, with them? "They" were Suboshi's enemies, weren't they?
"Arigatou gozaimasu." Saori finally managed to say.
Suboshi shook his head, finally turning fully towards her after a minute of silent contemplation. "No, thank you, Saori." He said rather kindly. "I never did thank you, back in Sairo. It took a while for me to come to my senses."
Saori gazed at him, the moonlight reflecting off her eyes.
Suboshi smiled ever so slightly. "I realize you sacrificed your own well being for me."
Again there was a pause before Saori spoke. "Dou... itashimashite."
Suboshi nodded. "I'll make sure they find you before I leave."
"Won't Nakago..."
Suboshi sighed. "Hopefully he didn't sense my presence, I don't think he did..." Suboshi leaned up against the rock and sat down.
"Thank you." Saori said again.
Suboshi watched in front of him, not responding. Saori sat down too. It was really quiet, she couldn't hear the camp anymore, only the whisper of the wind.
"I don't understand you, Saori." Suboshi brought up informally.
"Hm?" Saori asked.
Suboshi rested his elbow on his knee, again looking over at her. "You, and my brother. I don't understand the way you think."
Saori blinked. "What do you mean?"
Suboshi hesitated, and focused on the ground. "I don't understand how you and he can look past enemy lines so easily... how you can see the real person beyond the facade."
That took Saori by surprise. Suboshi still stared at the ground.
"Am I your enemy?"
He seemed almost startled by that reply.
Saori moved onto her knees. "Do you think I'm your enemy, Suboshi?"
He was still, but shook his head.
Saori smiled and relaxed again. "I'm glad." She took a deep breath. "You're a good person, Suboshi. I'm glad I met you."
The faintest blush crossed Suboshi's cheeks. It was quiet for a moment, but Suboshi suddenly perked up a bit. He stood, Saori doing the same.
"They're coming, they should be here in a moment."
"You can tell?" Saori questioned.
Suboshi nodded. "You'll be safe with them, Saori. Ja." He turned to leave, but Saori quickly grabbed his sleeve.
"Wait!" She called.
He turned back around.
"Will... will you do something for me?" She almost pleaded.
Suboshi listened.
Saori stood straighter. "Will you please take care of Mayo? Since... since I won't be able to see her?"
Suboshi smiled softly. "Yes."
Saori returned his smile. "Arigatou. Oh, and Suboshi?"
"Hm?"
"I was wondering..." Saori seemed shy suddenly to ask. "You're a warrior of Seiryu, so Suboshi's probably not your real name..."
"Shinkaku." He interrupted.
"Huh?"
"My name is Shinkaku." He repeated. "And I also have a favor to ask of you."
"What?" Saori realized she was still grasping his sleeve, and let go.
"Don't tell them that you saw me." He stated.
Saori wondered why he'd ask something like that, but she nodded.
In the distance the silhouette of two horsemen could be seen coming. Suboshi noticed them.
"You'll be safe now, Saori." He addressed. The sound of the oncoming hooves could now be heard. Saori watched them approach.
Suboshi looked at the shorter girl. "Ja." He quickly kissed Saori on her cheek. Saori jumped and looked over to him, but he was gone. Her hand rose up and gently touched her cheekbone. She felt her skin grow hot under her fingers.
"Saori!" Tasuki's voice brought her to attention.
She saw the bandit riding ahead of Chichiri. He dismounted before the horse even completely stopped. "Baka! What the hell are you doing out here?!"
Saori bowed. "Gomen nasai!" She apologized.
Tasuki grabbed her shoulder. "You sure have a hell of a lot of explaining to do."
"Hai..." Saori realized the consequences of leaving so suddenly. She saw a mare alongside Chichiri's horse... it was the one that she had ridden on.
Tasuki marched her back to his horse and got her on. "I don't know what the hell goes through girls' heads."
"I'm sorry!" Saori apologized sincerely. "I really am, I was heading back... I thought maybe I could find Mayo..." . . .
Suboshi watched as Saori and two warriors left the scene, hidden in the shadows of the mountain. The faintest glow of the blue symbol on his shoulder could be seen in the dark; he was still using his life force to cover up theirs. He was there for a few minutes until the warriors were out of sight. The symbol died down and he stood up.
"Keep it in mind, Suzaku." He said to the wind. "No matter what, in the next battle, I will defeat you."
Suboshi leapt off the cliff and headed deeper into the shadows, back towards the camp of Seiryu.