To Metajoker: It's Shunkaku? Ah! it is, isn't it? Thanks for correcting
me on that, I'll see to changing it. You thought the chapter was sweet?
I'm glad! It's a big thing for a tough reviewer like you to say that!
To BD: Another sweet comment, thank you. I try, I try.
To Saori(): Well, I will say the name caught me. You're on chapter 31? That's great, keep going, and maybe you'll see this reply! I'm glad you like Saori and Inami, Boushin rocks too. Hope to hear more from you!
To KittyNyah: Oh come on, there wasn't much of a cliffhangar, was there? They're all safe, happy, going to Reikaku or whatever... that's good in my book.
To Delphine: It is ridiculously lucky that she got to their camp. (Or it could be that I'm too lazy to write about her adventuring around for two weeks. I did that in Sairo, no more Saori-wandering.) I don't do as much with Nakago as I would like, honestly. He's a difficult character to play.
To Polynesia: Yes, I got the Shunkaku thing. I'll get it correct in the future, promise!
To Poruporu: Are you new two? I love new readers. (I love you faithful from-the-beginning ones too) Heh heh, pair up with Nuriko? I may have something in mind if he doesn't die. Thanks for the "good writer" compliment!
Author's note: There was one more review, but after reading it I accidentally deleted it (I keep all reviews in my inbox until I reply to them) and I'm too lazy to look it up, so thanks to whoever you are. Not much I'm going to say on this chapter, but I hope you'll enjoy it. I have more comments at the end if you'll please take the time to read those!
Chapter 72 : In Your Place
"It's been one week since we arrived here to Mt. Reikaku. Even now I still think that I'll wake up and be back at my house, shopping with my mother, watching a movie with Tetsuya... but I'm not foolish. I know I won't wake up. This world is one that isn't meant to be easily escaped. And what would Miaka do if I left before her?"
Yui wrote silently on one of the pieces of parchment bound into a thin book. The first entry into it explained what had happened at the Seiryu camp with Mayo. Since her arrival into this world for the second time, she had been keeping this small diary.
"It's very quiet here. I noticed the other day that I stay in this room a lot. I don't sleep all day, but it does give me time with my thoughts.
"Miaka and Taka seem to be pulling through. Taka is so supportive of her. I really miss Tetsuya when I see them together. Maybe that's another reason why I stay in here.
"Saori is her usual cheerful and optimistic self. She never cries, never complains... I don't know how she does it. However, her smile is the glue that holds this group together, or so I think. I have a strange feeling that she still is hiding something from the trip she took our first night on the mountain, but I don't know what. I'm probably being paranoid.
"Nuriko was down earlier with a tray full of food for me. He chatted for a while. I hope I wasn't too dull a conversation for him. He seems to be in full health again. I saw the mark on his right arm, it's slowly fading. If it leaves a scar, it will only be a small one.
"Tasuki hasn't been around as much. Well, he's around, he makes sure we have everything we need, but something is just... different about him. It's been wearing off, and the other day I heard him in an active argument with Taka upstairs. I imagine he spends time in areas that I don't even know exist in this place... it is his home, anyway. Miaka was worried about him too, she told me about it before she went to bed. She said that when she watches him carefully, she wants to cry. I told her I would be all right. She's really close to all of her warriors.
"Chichiri has been most excellent in our days away from the palace. He's so kind and funny. It's a side of him that I never got too familiar with. He really can be quite the entertainer, and he has a few good stories to tell. I swear, he's been everywhere! He even traveled through Kutou a few years back. I found out that while he was in Kutou once, he stayed at a school for the deaf for a while. I didn't know he knew sign language. When he's not with us, I can usually find him meditating somewhere. I joined him once, but I don't think I reached the same peace that he did.
"Last but most definitely not least, Chiriko. Chiriko spends a lot of time with Saori, which is a relief. I know that I'm with Miaka so much, I'm glad that Saori has a friend too. I over heard Saori explaining the elements of basketball to him this morning over breakfast. She's going to make him play tonight, though I don't think Chiriko's that interested. I may just watch the game."
Yui put the charcoal piece down and closed the book. She stretched her arms out and yawned. She brushed her hair aside. After touching it, she decided she should probably take a bath today. She got up from the bed and pulled her shirt down over the waist of her pants.
"Another day goes by..." she sighed, opening the door and stepping into the hallway.
"Wha-what?!" Keisuke asked, standing up from his chair. He had sat before the desk of the Yotsubadai principal.
The principal nodded. "He hasn't shown up to work in three weeks, his vacation time is well worn out!" He put his reading glasses on. "He doesn't answer his phone, so you'll be my messenger. Taka Sukunami is fired. Make sure he comes in to clear his belongings out. I'll need you here next week to review some resumes for his spot."
Keisuke sulked out of the office and into the crowded halls of the school. First period just let out. Tamaho... Taka fired? Wow, he'll be ecstatic to hear THAT when he comes out of the book.
This was starting to be too much for Keisuke. He had to cover for two people all ready, and go along with the story that Mayo and Saori were kidnapped. And reading the book, not a whole lot of good was happening.
Keisuke reached the stairs to the gym floor. It was going to be a long.... long day.
Mayo sat on the newly cut grass in Kutou's central garden. It laid within the castle walls in a private grove. A small stream ran through it, and the sun shined upon the rich green leaves of the trees around her. She wore a red and orange robe, a few thin braids in her short hair. She spent a lot of time in the gardens when she wasn't away, it seemed one of the few places in this world that she could get peace.
Perhaps that was an idea for her third wish. The last wish would be one she'd wait a long time to make, however. Her body would have to be strong enough so that she wouldn't be overcome by the presence of Seiryu, and she would still be worshipped as a priestess if she possessed Seiryu's power.
Mayo put her hands behind her and stared up at the bright sky. It was warm. A glimpse of purple was seen in her peripheral vision, and she turned her head to see a small lilac being held in front of her. She reached out a hand to it. "Domo, Amiboshi."
Amiboshi smiled, handing Mayo the flower as he knelt temporarily in front of her. "Do you enjoy being alone?" He asked.
Mayo smelled the flower. "Hai, sometimes. It's quiet."
Amiboshi stood again. "I'll leave, then."
Mayo smiled faintly. "Arigatou again."
Suboshi grasped the doorknob of the large, oak door and twisted it, kicking the door with his toe to open it. He stepped in, carrying a long and apparently heavy brown parcel on his right shoulder. He bent over and slugged it onto the floor. He rubbed the spot that it had rested on and looked towards Amiboshi.
He was standing at the open window, his elbows resting on the sill and his back hunched over slightly. He had that same wishful look on his face, like he was looking at something not there.
"Aniki?" Suboshi asked, stepping forward.
Amiboshi didn't respond.
Suboshi stepped over the pack and walked by the foots of both beds to the window, standing beside his brother. "Aniki?"
Amiboshi suddenly glanced over. "Gomen," he apologized, "I didn't hear you."
Suboshi looked out to see what Amiboshi was looking at, but all there were was the tops of trees, the palace wall in the distance.
Suboshi leaned his back against the vertical edge of the sill and folded his arms, putting his weight on one leg. "You've been like that a lot, Aniki. More than usual. You're spacing."
"Am I?" Amiboshi resumed his previous stare.
"Hai." Suboshi sighed. "It's not like you to be depressive."
Amiboshi eventually turned away from the window and slunk quietly to the floor, shielding his face from the sun. "Nothing's changed, brother."
Suboshi stood straight. "What do you mean?"
Amiboshi opened his hands and looked at his palms. "I thought... I had really convinced myself that once again, summoning Seiryu would save us, especially since I'd be there this time. But..." he paused, "nothing has gotten better since Mayo-sama summoned our god. By all means, it's gotten worse. The war pursues on, the hate among us grows stronger, the hate towards the Suzaku seven and the innocent people of both Kutou and Konan... Suboshi, I just can't do it anymore."
Suboshi seemed entranced by the carpeting as he listened.
"I don't fight, I don't want to, and I know that Nakago won't wait much longer for me to 'turn around.' His final battle is coming, we all know it, and I don't have any desire to be part of it."
Silence followed and lingered for a good while between the twins before Suboshi spoke again.
"You really feel that way, don't you brother?" He asked.
Amiboshi nodded solemnly.
Suboshi sat down beside his twin. "Then go." He whispered.
Amiboshi looked over. "What?"
Suboshi faced him, still keeping his voice low. "You want to leave, right?"
Amiboshi blinked a few times. "Hai, but Nakago would never allow it, or I would have left weeks ago. I..."
Suboshi bit his lip. "Nakago... for someone with your track record, he'd rather have you dead than free-roaming."
Amiboshi frowned. "So I remain."
A knock came at the door.
Tasuki put his last necklace on. "Yeah, it's open."
The door opened up and a large tray of food greeted Tasuki.
"Wha?" Tasuki's eye twitched.
"Ohayo Tasuki!" Saori announced herself loudly. She walked in and placed the tray on the long dresser against the wall. "I brought you breakfast."
"And lunch, and dinner..." Tasuki commented, looking at the hoards of food. "Where the hell did ya get all of this?"
"I made it!" She declared.
Tasuki raised an eyebrow. "ALL of it?"
"Hai! It's a cheer-you-up breakfast."
Tasuki walked over. "Cheer-you-up?"
Saori nodded.
Tasuki looked over and the bounding bowl of rice. "Cheer up, huh?" He said. "Guess I've been pretty down if it's that obvious."
Saori's smile faded. "Oh... I didn't mean... I'm sorry."
Tasuki smiled, a fang appearing beneath his lip. "Nah, it's okay. Actually, I'm in a good mood right now, and this breakfast just makes it all the better."
"Really?" Saori sounded hopeful.
"Yep. Thanks kid."
Saori beamed. "You're very welcome! You should come play basket ball with Chiriko and I this evening! You can be on Tamahome's team."
Tasuki shrugged. "We'll see."
After a few more words, Saori excused herself, telling Tasuki to eat up before it gets cold. Tasuki looked at the array of food Saori had made for him. She was a nice girl.
He put his hands into the pockets of his black coat. "Thanks, Saori." He said again to himself.
Amiboshi sat on a low, thick branch of a tree out in the south Kutou garden. He had a few pieces of papers on his thighs, and he jotted down several circles onto the groups of five lines. When he was done, he looked over it, lifted his flute, and played the tune. He hummed it then a bit more slowly, and added on two more notes before playing again.
"It's been a while since I last did this." He thought to himself as he played. The song was only seven bars long so far, but the tune was amazing. It skipped from two low notes to two high ones, and cascaded down in triplets to the starting place. There it broke off into a beat of dotted eighths, which is where Amiboshi currently rested his pen.
When he wrote music, he usually wrote it with someone or something in mind, or whatever he was feeling at the moment. This one however, he wasn't sure what it was leaning on. Either the thoughts of his mind or the feelings of his heart... he wasn't sure. Perhaps the sensations of both were the same now.
He looked at the music once more before putting it aside, balancing it on the bough. He played a tune that he had finished about a year ago, one he had written for a girl who had visited him and Suboshi often before they came to the palace for Mayo. He hadn't thought of her for a long time.
"I don't hear that one as often."
The music halted and Amiboshi looked to the ground. Suboshi's head was about two feet below him.
"It has words, but..."
"You never sing them." Suboshi finished. Amiboshi had a very gentle voice, however, unlike with his flute, he didn't sing out where there was a possibility of someone walking by and hearing him. He was just conservative that way.
"Why are you out here?" Amiboshi asked.
"I was going to say the same." Suboshi reached up and put his hands on the branch by Amiboshi's feet.
"I... don't know, really. I guess I wanted some peace away from the others." The "others" were the Seiryu Seven, or what was left of them.
Suboshi jumped and pulled himself up onto the branch, turning and sitting to face his brother. "They're ones you can't always hide from."
Amiboshi nodded.
Suboshi noticed the music and picked it up, looking over it. "This is what you were doing out here?"
"Hai."
Suboshi looked over the inked notes carefully. He hummed it very quietly to himself. Suboshi could read music as well, just like he could play Amiboshi's flute. The only problem was that he wasn't nearly as good at it. Amiboshi was always the more "intellectual" one, but physically, Suboshi was a better fighter.
"I think..." he put the music down, "I have an idea."
Amiboshi looked up. "For what?"
Suboshi leaned in to his brother. "For getting you out of here." He whispered.
Amiboshi' s eyes went wide, he stared at Suboshi as he pulled away.
"What... do you mean?" He asked. "It's impossible..."
Suboshi shook his head. "It's possible, Aniki. I think I have it all figured out..."
"She still hasn't...?" Boushin asked quietly at the doorway to the large room.
The doctor shook his head sadly and left.
Boushin walked in, watching his mother sleep calmly on the bed. As soon as the baby began kicking she fell back into this state. She hardly spoke a word, she rested all day... the depression seemed to be killing her. She lost her husband, and Boushin lost his father... again. However, Boushin couldn't hide beneath the blankets of his bed, he had to face the realities of the world with an iron fist. He only hoped he would not end up ruling with a cold heart.
He stroked a thin piece of violet hair away from Houki's eyes, kissing her forehead.
"You're a strong woman, Mother..." he whispered. "You've done it once to raise me, you can do it again to raise this one." He looked at the lump in the blankets that was Houki's stomach.
"I pray for you." He spoke again. He turned back for the door. "There is no more time to pray for me. The fate of our people rests within the hands of merciful gods."
"Sumimasen, Suboshi-sama." The thin magistrate apologized after bumping into the teen's shoulder. He adjusted his pad of papers and hussled towards Nakago, who sat casually at a small square table with Soi across from him. A tray on the table had empty bowls and plates on them.
Soi smirked at the man approaching.
He bowed to both of them. "Nakago-sama, the Emperor has asked me to request an inquiry for your plans on Hokkan." His voice was timid.
Nakago smirked, his cold blue eyes glistening slightly. "So he sends -you- to ask me?"
The magistrate shook mildly.
Nakago stood up, his tall build much bigger than the palace worker's. "And how do I know that this information would be given directly to the emperor?" His low voice almost accused.
Soi laughed quietly.
The magistrate quivered, the charcoal pencil at the top of his papers rattling. "It... was... just a request... Nakago-sama."
Nakago smirked. He enjoyed the feeling of intimidation that the man let off.
"He'll get it tomorrow."
The magistrate turned to Suboshi, who had made the statement.
Suboshi looked as though he were speaking to Nakago. "Nakago will go to the emperor, you can leave." By all means Suboshi wasn't telling Nakago what to do, he knew that the general had it all finished, but scaring the pathetic guy like a child wasn't a sight Suboshi enjoyed seeing.
Nakago smirked. "Go."
"Yes sir!" The magistrate quickly complied, scurrying from the room.
Suboshi watched him go.
"My my, Suboshi, learning to stand up for others, are we?" Soi slickly teased, knitting her fingers together beneath her chin.
"I'm going to bed." He announced, walking out the same way the magistrate had gone.
Soi shook her head. "Before we know it, that damn boy may just get a mind of his own, finally."
Nakago returned to his seat. "It's nothing I worry about."
Soi put the fingernail of her right index finger in her mouth. "So rebellious."
"Soi."
"Hm?" The seductive woman looked over.
"I will need you tonight." He said plainly.
Soi smiled just a bit. "Whatever you wish, Nakago. I'm more than happy to oblige."
Nakago reached for a half-full porcelain cup on the table and took a sip of it. "Where is Miboshi? I need to prepare him."
Soi frowned just a bit. "Who knows. Roaming the palace, I assume? I swear he thinks he's the king or something, his attitude..."
"You sound as though you dislike him, Soi."
Soi looked away from Nakago and folded her arms. "Hmph." Was her reply.
Amiboshi came in through the adjoining hallway, looking around. He spotted the two other warriors.
"Have you seen Suboshi?" He asked.
"If you had come earlier, perhaps you would have caught him." Soi almost scolded. "He went to bed just a minute ago."
Amiboshi nodded. "I think I'll join him then." He bowed quickly to the both of them. "Oyasumi nasai." He said before turning back the way he had come.
Soi watched him for just a moment before standing up, her hand holding the front of her silky, scarlet robe up. She turned to Nakago. She didn't have to say anything to get the message through.
Amiboshi glanced behind him before opening the door to his room, two empty beds greeting him. The window was still open, the full moon shadowing the trees into a dark color. A slight breeze tugged at a curtain.
Amiboshi walked quietly to the window as though someone were sleeping. He reached it, watching out into the distance past the palace gate for a moment. He reached down to the flute in his belt and pulled it out, examining the small wooden instrument for just a moment. He looked over his clothes the ones "he" had worn so often.
His gaze returned to the distant horizon, and he squeezed the flute tightly in his fist.
"God speed, brother," he whispered.
Suboshi closed the glass doors of the window and removed his brother's clothes. All he could do now was pray that Amiboshi would be safe.
More author's note: Well, I actually USED Soi in this chapter, even though it was just a bit. I find her to be a fairly hard character to portray, so if you could include in your reviews two things, it would help a lot. Number 1, did you like Soi finally appearing in something other than a pointless battle and would you like to see her more?, and 2, did I portray her well?
To BD: Another sweet comment, thank you. I try, I try.
To Saori(): Well, I will say the name caught me. You're on chapter 31? That's great, keep going, and maybe you'll see this reply! I'm glad you like Saori and Inami, Boushin rocks too. Hope to hear more from you!
To KittyNyah: Oh come on, there wasn't much of a cliffhangar, was there? They're all safe, happy, going to Reikaku or whatever... that's good in my book.
To Delphine: It is ridiculously lucky that she got to their camp. (Or it could be that I'm too lazy to write about her adventuring around for two weeks. I did that in Sairo, no more Saori-wandering.) I don't do as much with Nakago as I would like, honestly. He's a difficult character to play.
To Polynesia: Yes, I got the Shunkaku thing. I'll get it correct in the future, promise!
To Poruporu: Are you new two? I love new readers. (I love you faithful from-the-beginning ones too) Heh heh, pair up with Nuriko? I may have something in mind if he doesn't die. Thanks for the "good writer" compliment!
Author's note: There was one more review, but after reading it I accidentally deleted it (I keep all reviews in my inbox until I reply to them) and I'm too lazy to look it up, so thanks to whoever you are. Not much I'm going to say on this chapter, but I hope you'll enjoy it. I have more comments at the end if you'll please take the time to read those!
Chapter 72 : In Your Place
"It's been one week since we arrived here to Mt. Reikaku. Even now I still think that I'll wake up and be back at my house, shopping with my mother, watching a movie with Tetsuya... but I'm not foolish. I know I won't wake up. This world is one that isn't meant to be easily escaped. And what would Miaka do if I left before her?"
Yui wrote silently on one of the pieces of parchment bound into a thin book. The first entry into it explained what had happened at the Seiryu camp with Mayo. Since her arrival into this world for the second time, she had been keeping this small diary.
"It's very quiet here. I noticed the other day that I stay in this room a lot. I don't sleep all day, but it does give me time with my thoughts.
"Miaka and Taka seem to be pulling through. Taka is so supportive of her. I really miss Tetsuya when I see them together. Maybe that's another reason why I stay in here.
"Saori is her usual cheerful and optimistic self. She never cries, never complains... I don't know how she does it. However, her smile is the glue that holds this group together, or so I think. I have a strange feeling that she still is hiding something from the trip she took our first night on the mountain, but I don't know what. I'm probably being paranoid.
"Nuriko was down earlier with a tray full of food for me. He chatted for a while. I hope I wasn't too dull a conversation for him. He seems to be in full health again. I saw the mark on his right arm, it's slowly fading. If it leaves a scar, it will only be a small one.
"Tasuki hasn't been around as much. Well, he's around, he makes sure we have everything we need, but something is just... different about him. It's been wearing off, and the other day I heard him in an active argument with Taka upstairs. I imagine he spends time in areas that I don't even know exist in this place... it is his home, anyway. Miaka was worried about him too, she told me about it before she went to bed. She said that when she watches him carefully, she wants to cry. I told her I would be all right. She's really close to all of her warriors.
"Chichiri has been most excellent in our days away from the palace. He's so kind and funny. It's a side of him that I never got too familiar with. He really can be quite the entertainer, and he has a few good stories to tell. I swear, he's been everywhere! He even traveled through Kutou a few years back. I found out that while he was in Kutou once, he stayed at a school for the deaf for a while. I didn't know he knew sign language. When he's not with us, I can usually find him meditating somewhere. I joined him once, but I don't think I reached the same peace that he did.
"Last but most definitely not least, Chiriko. Chiriko spends a lot of time with Saori, which is a relief. I know that I'm with Miaka so much, I'm glad that Saori has a friend too. I over heard Saori explaining the elements of basketball to him this morning over breakfast. She's going to make him play tonight, though I don't think Chiriko's that interested. I may just watch the game."
Yui put the charcoal piece down and closed the book. She stretched her arms out and yawned. She brushed her hair aside. After touching it, she decided she should probably take a bath today. She got up from the bed and pulled her shirt down over the waist of her pants.
"Another day goes by..." she sighed, opening the door and stepping into the hallway.
"Wha-what?!" Keisuke asked, standing up from his chair. He had sat before the desk of the Yotsubadai principal.
The principal nodded. "He hasn't shown up to work in three weeks, his vacation time is well worn out!" He put his reading glasses on. "He doesn't answer his phone, so you'll be my messenger. Taka Sukunami is fired. Make sure he comes in to clear his belongings out. I'll need you here next week to review some resumes for his spot."
Keisuke sulked out of the office and into the crowded halls of the school. First period just let out. Tamaho... Taka fired? Wow, he'll be ecstatic to hear THAT when he comes out of the book.
This was starting to be too much for Keisuke. He had to cover for two people all ready, and go along with the story that Mayo and Saori were kidnapped. And reading the book, not a whole lot of good was happening.
Keisuke reached the stairs to the gym floor. It was going to be a long.... long day.
Mayo sat on the newly cut grass in Kutou's central garden. It laid within the castle walls in a private grove. A small stream ran through it, and the sun shined upon the rich green leaves of the trees around her. She wore a red and orange robe, a few thin braids in her short hair. She spent a lot of time in the gardens when she wasn't away, it seemed one of the few places in this world that she could get peace.
Perhaps that was an idea for her third wish. The last wish would be one she'd wait a long time to make, however. Her body would have to be strong enough so that she wouldn't be overcome by the presence of Seiryu, and she would still be worshipped as a priestess if she possessed Seiryu's power.
Mayo put her hands behind her and stared up at the bright sky. It was warm. A glimpse of purple was seen in her peripheral vision, and she turned her head to see a small lilac being held in front of her. She reached out a hand to it. "Domo, Amiboshi."
Amiboshi smiled, handing Mayo the flower as he knelt temporarily in front of her. "Do you enjoy being alone?" He asked.
Mayo smelled the flower. "Hai, sometimes. It's quiet."
Amiboshi stood again. "I'll leave, then."
Mayo smiled faintly. "Arigatou again."
Suboshi grasped the doorknob of the large, oak door and twisted it, kicking the door with his toe to open it. He stepped in, carrying a long and apparently heavy brown parcel on his right shoulder. He bent over and slugged it onto the floor. He rubbed the spot that it had rested on and looked towards Amiboshi.
He was standing at the open window, his elbows resting on the sill and his back hunched over slightly. He had that same wishful look on his face, like he was looking at something not there.
"Aniki?" Suboshi asked, stepping forward.
Amiboshi didn't respond.
Suboshi stepped over the pack and walked by the foots of both beds to the window, standing beside his brother. "Aniki?"
Amiboshi suddenly glanced over. "Gomen," he apologized, "I didn't hear you."
Suboshi looked out to see what Amiboshi was looking at, but all there were was the tops of trees, the palace wall in the distance.
Suboshi leaned his back against the vertical edge of the sill and folded his arms, putting his weight on one leg. "You've been like that a lot, Aniki. More than usual. You're spacing."
"Am I?" Amiboshi resumed his previous stare.
"Hai." Suboshi sighed. "It's not like you to be depressive."
Amiboshi eventually turned away from the window and slunk quietly to the floor, shielding his face from the sun. "Nothing's changed, brother."
Suboshi stood straight. "What do you mean?"
Amiboshi opened his hands and looked at his palms. "I thought... I had really convinced myself that once again, summoning Seiryu would save us, especially since I'd be there this time. But..." he paused, "nothing has gotten better since Mayo-sama summoned our god. By all means, it's gotten worse. The war pursues on, the hate among us grows stronger, the hate towards the Suzaku seven and the innocent people of both Kutou and Konan... Suboshi, I just can't do it anymore."
Suboshi seemed entranced by the carpeting as he listened.
"I don't fight, I don't want to, and I know that Nakago won't wait much longer for me to 'turn around.' His final battle is coming, we all know it, and I don't have any desire to be part of it."
Silence followed and lingered for a good while between the twins before Suboshi spoke again.
"You really feel that way, don't you brother?" He asked.
Amiboshi nodded solemnly.
Suboshi sat down beside his twin. "Then go." He whispered.
Amiboshi looked over. "What?"
Suboshi faced him, still keeping his voice low. "You want to leave, right?"
Amiboshi blinked a few times. "Hai, but Nakago would never allow it, or I would have left weeks ago. I..."
Suboshi bit his lip. "Nakago... for someone with your track record, he'd rather have you dead than free-roaming."
Amiboshi frowned. "So I remain."
A knock came at the door.
Tasuki put his last necklace on. "Yeah, it's open."
The door opened up and a large tray of food greeted Tasuki.
"Wha?" Tasuki's eye twitched.
"Ohayo Tasuki!" Saori announced herself loudly. She walked in and placed the tray on the long dresser against the wall. "I brought you breakfast."
"And lunch, and dinner..." Tasuki commented, looking at the hoards of food. "Where the hell did ya get all of this?"
"I made it!" She declared.
Tasuki raised an eyebrow. "ALL of it?"
"Hai! It's a cheer-you-up breakfast."
Tasuki walked over. "Cheer-you-up?"
Saori nodded.
Tasuki looked over and the bounding bowl of rice. "Cheer up, huh?" He said. "Guess I've been pretty down if it's that obvious."
Saori's smile faded. "Oh... I didn't mean... I'm sorry."
Tasuki smiled, a fang appearing beneath his lip. "Nah, it's okay. Actually, I'm in a good mood right now, and this breakfast just makes it all the better."
"Really?" Saori sounded hopeful.
"Yep. Thanks kid."
Saori beamed. "You're very welcome! You should come play basket ball with Chiriko and I this evening! You can be on Tamahome's team."
Tasuki shrugged. "We'll see."
After a few more words, Saori excused herself, telling Tasuki to eat up before it gets cold. Tasuki looked at the array of food Saori had made for him. She was a nice girl.
He put his hands into the pockets of his black coat. "Thanks, Saori." He said again to himself.
Amiboshi sat on a low, thick branch of a tree out in the south Kutou garden. He had a few pieces of papers on his thighs, and he jotted down several circles onto the groups of five lines. When he was done, he looked over it, lifted his flute, and played the tune. He hummed it then a bit more slowly, and added on two more notes before playing again.
"It's been a while since I last did this." He thought to himself as he played. The song was only seven bars long so far, but the tune was amazing. It skipped from two low notes to two high ones, and cascaded down in triplets to the starting place. There it broke off into a beat of dotted eighths, which is where Amiboshi currently rested his pen.
When he wrote music, he usually wrote it with someone or something in mind, or whatever he was feeling at the moment. This one however, he wasn't sure what it was leaning on. Either the thoughts of his mind or the feelings of his heart... he wasn't sure. Perhaps the sensations of both were the same now.
He looked at the music once more before putting it aside, balancing it on the bough. He played a tune that he had finished about a year ago, one he had written for a girl who had visited him and Suboshi often before they came to the palace for Mayo. He hadn't thought of her for a long time.
"I don't hear that one as often."
The music halted and Amiboshi looked to the ground. Suboshi's head was about two feet below him.
"It has words, but..."
"You never sing them." Suboshi finished. Amiboshi had a very gentle voice, however, unlike with his flute, he didn't sing out where there was a possibility of someone walking by and hearing him. He was just conservative that way.
"Why are you out here?" Amiboshi asked.
"I was going to say the same." Suboshi reached up and put his hands on the branch by Amiboshi's feet.
"I... don't know, really. I guess I wanted some peace away from the others." The "others" were the Seiryu Seven, or what was left of them.
Suboshi jumped and pulled himself up onto the branch, turning and sitting to face his brother. "They're ones you can't always hide from."
Amiboshi nodded.
Suboshi noticed the music and picked it up, looking over it. "This is what you were doing out here?"
"Hai."
Suboshi looked over the inked notes carefully. He hummed it very quietly to himself. Suboshi could read music as well, just like he could play Amiboshi's flute. The only problem was that he wasn't nearly as good at it. Amiboshi was always the more "intellectual" one, but physically, Suboshi was a better fighter.
"I think..." he put the music down, "I have an idea."
Amiboshi looked up. "For what?"
Suboshi leaned in to his brother. "For getting you out of here." He whispered.
Amiboshi' s eyes went wide, he stared at Suboshi as he pulled away.
"What... do you mean?" He asked. "It's impossible..."
Suboshi shook his head. "It's possible, Aniki. I think I have it all figured out..."
"She still hasn't...?" Boushin asked quietly at the doorway to the large room.
The doctor shook his head sadly and left.
Boushin walked in, watching his mother sleep calmly on the bed. As soon as the baby began kicking she fell back into this state. She hardly spoke a word, she rested all day... the depression seemed to be killing her. She lost her husband, and Boushin lost his father... again. However, Boushin couldn't hide beneath the blankets of his bed, he had to face the realities of the world with an iron fist. He only hoped he would not end up ruling with a cold heart.
He stroked a thin piece of violet hair away from Houki's eyes, kissing her forehead.
"You're a strong woman, Mother..." he whispered. "You've done it once to raise me, you can do it again to raise this one." He looked at the lump in the blankets that was Houki's stomach.
"I pray for you." He spoke again. He turned back for the door. "There is no more time to pray for me. The fate of our people rests within the hands of merciful gods."
"Sumimasen, Suboshi-sama." The thin magistrate apologized after bumping into the teen's shoulder. He adjusted his pad of papers and hussled towards Nakago, who sat casually at a small square table with Soi across from him. A tray on the table had empty bowls and plates on them.
Soi smirked at the man approaching.
He bowed to both of them. "Nakago-sama, the Emperor has asked me to request an inquiry for your plans on Hokkan." His voice was timid.
Nakago smirked, his cold blue eyes glistening slightly. "So he sends -you- to ask me?"
The magistrate shook mildly.
Nakago stood up, his tall build much bigger than the palace worker's. "And how do I know that this information would be given directly to the emperor?" His low voice almost accused.
Soi laughed quietly.
The magistrate quivered, the charcoal pencil at the top of his papers rattling. "It... was... just a request... Nakago-sama."
Nakago smirked. He enjoyed the feeling of intimidation that the man let off.
"He'll get it tomorrow."
The magistrate turned to Suboshi, who had made the statement.
Suboshi looked as though he were speaking to Nakago. "Nakago will go to the emperor, you can leave." By all means Suboshi wasn't telling Nakago what to do, he knew that the general had it all finished, but scaring the pathetic guy like a child wasn't a sight Suboshi enjoyed seeing.
Nakago smirked. "Go."
"Yes sir!" The magistrate quickly complied, scurrying from the room.
Suboshi watched him go.
"My my, Suboshi, learning to stand up for others, are we?" Soi slickly teased, knitting her fingers together beneath her chin.
"I'm going to bed." He announced, walking out the same way the magistrate had gone.
Soi shook her head. "Before we know it, that damn boy may just get a mind of his own, finally."
Nakago returned to his seat. "It's nothing I worry about."
Soi put the fingernail of her right index finger in her mouth. "So rebellious."
"Soi."
"Hm?" The seductive woman looked over.
"I will need you tonight." He said plainly.
Soi smiled just a bit. "Whatever you wish, Nakago. I'm more than happy to oblige."
Nakago reached for a half-full porcelain cup on the table and took a sip of it. "Where is Miboshi? I need to prepare him."
Soi frowned just a bit. "Who knows. Roaming the palace, I assume? I swear he thinks he's the king or something, his attitude..."
"You sound as though you dislike him, Soi."
Soi looked away from Nakago and folded her arms. "Hmph." Was her reply.
Amiboshi came in through the adjoining hallway, looking around. He spotted the two other warriors.
"Have you seen Suboshi?" He asked.
"If you had come earlier, perhaps you would have caught him." Soi almost scolded. "He went to bed just a minute ago."
Amiboshi nodded. "I think I'll join him then." He bowed quickly to the both of them. "Oyasumi nasai." He said before turning back the way he had come.
Soi watched him for just a moment before standing up, her hand holding the front of her silky, scarlet robe up. She turned to Nakago. She didn't have to say anything to get the message through.
Amiboshi glanced behind him before opening the door to his room, two empty beds greeting him. The window was still open, the full moon shadowing the trees into a dark color. A slight breeze tugged at a curtain.
Amiboshi walked quietly to the window as though someone were sleeping. He reached it, watching out into the distance past the palace gate for a moment. He reached down to the flute in his belt and pulled it out, examining the small wooden instrument for just a moment. He looked over his clothes the ones "he" had worn so often.
His gaze returned to the distant horizon, and he squeezed the flute tightly in his fist.
"God speed, brother," he whispered.
Suboshi closed the glass doors of the window and removed his brother's clothes. All he could do now was pray that Amiboshi would be safe.
More author's note: Well, I actually USED Soi in this chapter, even though it was just a bit. I find her to be a fairly hard character to portray, so if you could include in your reviews two things, it would help a lot. Number 1, did you like Soi finally appearing in something other than a pointless battle and would you like to see her more?, and 2, did I portray her well?