Author's note: I am SO SORRY for the last chapter, apparently the dividers
didn't post. I'll make sure they do with this one! However, since ffnet
won't psot them anymore, I"ll have to make them out of letters... oo;; I
hope everyone still understood what was going on. My other over-all review
was not great for Soi. Thank you for answering my question on her!
To Delphine: Shone Shone Shone... got it. I think I may have used that word in this chapter too! And honestly, not even the author has any idea what's going to happen to Amiboshi. (Suggestions appreciated.)
To Amiya: Newbie? Nice. The chapter was too short? This one isn't very long either, but the next one will be. (hopefully) I've had a lot of people tell me Saori should become the Suzaku no Miko, but we'll just have to wait and see. I have everything planned out for her, and the question as to who she may or may not end up with? Read and find out!
To BD: Yui is depressive, she gets like that. She has good reasoning, though. I think everyone is hoping Amiboshi is a fast runner!
To Polynesia: I'm glad you like the twins, one of them is the main character in this chapter. All I know in sign language is the alphabet and a few misc. vocabulary...
To Poruporu: Actually, Saori's optimism is a huge factor in this story. Glad you noticed.
To Metajoker: Good thing I had Soi in when I did, ne? Well, a lot of people are somewhat depressed at this point in my story, and Saori can only find so many trays... I'll keep in mind what you said about Soi, thanks.
Chapter 73 : Strong
-x-
The black sky stood out against the odd lights. Long poles stood at the ends of the rock-like streets and basked their shine onto the crowds of people.
The spectators wore strange clothing, they screamed, gasped, shouted... men in blue waved short black sticks in the air.
Lights moved around on strange vehicles--there were so many different colors.
Something whizzed by.
He runs towards me, and disappears. I see it flying, it doesn't stop...
I try to stop it, but it doesn't stop. I feel my limbs grow heavy and see unfamiliar faces staring at me. They're children, but they're so strong...
It burns when it goes through me. My arms and legs are released, and I drop to my knees. It hurts.
The blue bow falls from the lining of my shirt. I grab it, but I don't feel it...
"Yui-sama..."
"Ami... bo..." -x-
"KAH!"
Suboshi shot straight up in bed, beads of sweat rolling down his jawbone. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes darted around the dark room. The curtains at the window were drawn, and the moonlight cast a few shadows over the floor.
Suboshi touched his fingers to his stomach. Though he was awake, he could still feel the odd sensations from his dream. He hadn't had that dream in a while... why it came to him now, he didn't know.
He glanced over to the bed at his right. Empty. The form under the covers was made of pillows and clothing, that was all.
Suboshi rubbed his abdomen until the feeling went away, and he flopped back down onto his pillow, letting the covers remain at his waist. He closed his eyes and took a moment to catch his breath.
It happened so long ago, but he remembered it. Every detail... he remembered it. But now, it was just a dream. He was alive now.
He was alive.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Saori's finger drew across the loose dirt again, making the first trail more prominent. She sat on a small rock on the ground, her knees up to her chest and her chin resting on her free hand. The morning sun shone on her forehead and shoulder through some tree leaves. She stared unknowingly onto the ground, reminiscing in her own little world.
.
--"I don't understand you, Saori."--
--"Shunkaku. My name is Shunkaku."-- .
Saori lifted her chin from her palm and touched her left cheek.
"Saori?"
Saori dropped her knees and turned around at the call of her name. She looked up the small path at the tall man watching her, a smile on his face.
She returned the gesture. "Chichiri! I didn't hear you coming."
Chichiri looked over the surroundings. "I'm just out for a walk, no da. Why are you by yourself, no da?"
Saori shrugged. "Just thinking. Wanna join me?" She patted another rock.
Chichiri shook his head. "Thanks but no thanks, na no da." He started to walk, but stopped. "Oh, and Miaka was looking for you a little while ago, no da."
Saori nodded. "Okay, thanks. I'll be right there."
Chichiri nodded as well and continued on his way, a smooth straw hat bouncing against his back as he went.
Saori stood up and brushed off the gray skirt of her school uniform, doing the same with the pair of white socks she wore. They weren't the original socks she had come in, but they worked all the same.
She took one more fresh breath of clean air before turning around to head back to the fort.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Soi walked through a narrow hallway of the Kutou palace, the walls of floor made of smooth stone. Her long scarlet hair was in a thick braid behind her, a few stray hairs occasionally licking at her face.
The tune of a flute suddenly came to her, and she slowed down in her step. As it came louder she moved to the right wall, stopping all together. It was a calm tune, a melody she had heard a few times before. For a brief moment, she rested her head against the wall and listened to it. She only remained there for a moment before shaking her head and pacing down the hall again.
"You know, playing the same thing over and over gets irritating." She said fairly sternly as she approached the open balcony.
The music stopped and Amiboshi turned back to see her. "I'm sorry, Miss Soi. If you'd like, I'll play something different for you."
Soi hesitated for a moment, but then sighed and turned away, continuing back down the hall.
Amiboshi was silent for a moment as he listened to her footsteps diminishes. He looked back into the near trees branches.
"What the hell is her problem?" Suboshi complained, twirling the flute around three of his fingers. He caught it swiftly and rested his elbows on his thighs. He had on Amiboshi's light blue robe. He had changed his clothes twice today, and it wasn't even noon yet.
He sighed. "There really isn't a lot to do around here without you, brother." He said to himself.
He winced suddenly at a quick pain on his forearm. He pushed up his sleeve to look at it. Faint red kanji drew itself there. It read, "In town called 'Kinuku', safe. Thank you."
Suboshi sighed. "Thank God."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"I've made it my decision to show Emperor Boushin the plans for the 'Loose Stride Strategy.' Take care in informing him every aspect of this stance...." Ami hesitated, translating an odd figure on the paper seemingly marked with scribbles and worm-tracks. "and return the message to me as soon as possible." Ami folded the letter up. "Emperor Sanoii." She finished.
Karu looked out the window, rubbing his chin lightly. "Loose Stride, can Emperor Boushin comprehend such a strategy?"
"As well as you can, Karu-san." Ami placed the letter in its beige envelope and shut it, matching the halves of the broken green seal up. She clasped it tightly in her hands. "We should alert Boushin of his Highness's urgency immediately."
"Yare Yare.... what a pain..." Mokuba turned from the window and headed towards the door. "Shall we write it up first or present it orally?"
Ami thought.
"Never mind it, we'll write it up as we present it." Mokuba decided on his own. "The complications will become more defined and precise that way, and we can avoid too many questions. Here." He held out his hand, and Ami gave him the letter.
"I'll prepare a scroll." She stated.
"We'll need three." Mokuba informed. "And a lot of ink."
"Hai." Ami went towards a dresser drawer and opened it, pulling out the long sheets of paper. "I will tell you now, I only know the outline of the project."
"That's why I'm here." Mokuba sighed. "How much 'outline' do you know?"
"Whatever Miss Cheinun had time to tell me." Ami said, shutting the drawer.
Karu was silent for a moment. "Very well, let's go."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Mayo-sama?"
Mayo turned in the large pool-like bath and crossed her arms over her chest, sinking down into the water a bit. She couldn't see Suboshi, but she heard him. "Hai?"
Suboshi held his arm out, a folded robe and two towels resting on it. His arm was all Mayo could see through the checkered screen, the rest of him was behind a wall to allow Mayo some decency.
Suboshi looked ahead of him. "I was told to bring these to you."
"Where are my servants?" Mayo inquired.
"One is in labor, that's all they told me." The image of Suboshi's arm lowered, and he rested the garments on the floor. "I'll leave them here for you."
"Arigatou." Mayo said.
Mayo waited to hear the door open and shut before she moved. She didn't want Suboshi getting a peep show of her. Slowly she stepped over the smooth porcelain of the bath, entering the more shallow water of the tub. She lowered her arms and sat on the edge, wringing her short hair out and shaking her hands off before stepping out. She walked along the wide screen and onto the other side, moving a bit faster to get the robe. She tied it around her wet form and reached for one of the towels, bending over and tying it around her head. She'd stay in there for a while and relax before she entered into the world of reality again.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Days passed and formed into a week, making three for the members hiding out in the areas of Reikaku. Amiboshi sent messages to his brother once or twice a day, but too many made both of their arms sore. Boushin was informed of the new strategy, and was currently thinking it out and maneuvering with the aid of the Hokkan ambassador and Karu Mokuba. Small battles sprang up along the boundaries, though a hard attack was still being waited out. For now this was the most peace the countries could currently hope for.
- - - -
--Step....--
--Step...--
Suboshi's shoes sounded against the grass and occasional stray twig under his foot as he walked along side one of the extensive palace walls in the cool night. He watched the ground ahead of him as he walked, obviously deep in thought. The small flute in his right hand swayed back and forth among his fingers, it's pendulous end keeping an uneven tempo.
Suboshi stopped and turned, glancing behind him. His ear had caught a step that wasn't his. He skimmed along the wall he had passed, over the lush grass to his side and over the spread trees, and in front of him. Hesitating only a moment, he continued on without a word. His gaze fell again downward, but this time to the strapless black shoes he wore. He watched one follow the other in a medium stride.
He turned again. He turned all the way around. He skimmed the circumference twice, seeing nothing.
Palming the flute, he folded his arms together and leaned against the gray brick wall. "Whoever is there, come out. You're not doing a very good job of masking your foot steps." He said rather calmly.
There was a pause, then the steps could be heard. They were together, not hesitant. They grew louder and the suspect emerged from the shadows of the trees behind Suboshi.
Suboshi stood straight, slightly surprised.
The man smiled.
"Miboshi, what are you doing out here?" The manner he used in talking was masked perfectly as his brother's.
Miboshi smiled, crossing his own arms before him as he walked. His dark coal colored robe fell to his mid-shins, dark brown pants underneath. His long, salmon hair was pulled back into a long ponytail behind him, except for the two thin braids that ran along the left side of his face, ending a few inches above his belt. His dark eyes watched Suboshi suspiciously.
"I could ask you the same, boy." He slickly responded.
Suboshi turned his shoulder away slightly to start his pre-laid path again. "I'm just out for a walk, thinking. I apologize if I did anything to disturb you."
Miboshi scowled at "Amiboshi's" politeness.
Suboshi walked away, returning his arms to his sides and swinging the flute again.
"And you just assume I have nothing to say to the great Amiboshi?"
Suboshi stopped and gritted his teeth. Bearing it, he turned back around.
Miboshi walked forward, the cold look on his face not ceasing. Suboshi didn't know Miboshi too well; barely at all, actually. Miboshi had been the last warrior found, and he was only with them for short time before being killed by the Suzaku Seishi. Most of that time had been spent with Nakago.
"You were the soul I was looking for, actually."
That didn't make Suboshi feel any better. Something about this guy creeped him out.
Miboshi stopped several feet in front of the twin. "You know, Amiboshi, I never did like how you freely stopped my demons from conquering in our last confrontation with the Suzaku warriors."
Suboshi hid his surprise. Amiboshi had stopped Miboshi from attacking? Suboshi thought Miboshi had cut out since he didn't see him in his fight, who could Miboshi have possibly been involved with?
He said nothing, but returned Miboshi's intimidating stare.
Miboshi frowned. "Nakago may have had limits on the Suzaku no Miko, but 'Lady' Yui and the foreign girl were my free call, and if it hadn't been for your interference, they would be off our minds right now."
Suboshi's eyes did widen at that. Yui and the "foreign girl"? Saori? Miboshi had attacked them?!
Miboshi chuckled slightly. "Why, you seem upset with me, Amiboshi."
"Only a low life warlock like you could allow your pathetic demons..."
"Pathetic?" Miboshi instantly cut him off. He took an obvious broad step forward, sending Suboshi a step back. He lowered his eyes to the shorter boy. "I know how you fell about the Priestess of Suzaku, friend."
Suboshi's anger became bluntly apparent at that statement. He lifted the hand with the flute it in up in a fist towards Miboshi's head, stopping it with what little patience he had left.
"Why did you come here in the first place?" He snapped, refraining from the many obscenities soaring through his mind.
Miboshi smirked and turned around, walking to his previous position, putting distance between he and Suboshi. He whizzed back around, his flawless strands following him. His top-like object raised forward from the ground, its gold bright in the dark atmosphere.
"I never liked you, Amiboshi." Miboshi announced. "And I know for a fact that Nakago wouldn't be upset if a no good free loader like yourself perished."
"Nani?!" Suboshi stepped back.
The top of the spinning weapon sparked, a bluish rip forming in the air by Miboshi. Two glowing, green eyes flashed from inside the portal, and dark, three-fingered clawed hands grabbed either side of the opening. Pushing the portal open, a tall, lanky monster stepped out, its ribs sticking to the skin of its abdomen, a wide, toothy snout protruding from its face. Its lips dripped with saliva, and a long, bony tail hovered over the ground beneath him.
Suboshi's eyes opened to their fullest, a shock of terror running his features.
"Sayonara." Miboshi started laughing. "Go fetch." He told the demon.
Upon the order the monster put its lethal hands on the ground and leapt forward. Suboshi darted quickly from his place, the demon crashing loudly into the wall of the palace. Shards of brick clattered around him. The beast shook his head and located his prey again, seeing it running from the battle. It turned sharply on its haunches and followed in pursuit.
Miboshi held onto the bottom spoke of the top and lifted a couple inches into the air, following after his creation. He wanted to see the young warrior when he died. When he came to the next clearing, he caught sight of the front right as the monster's tail whipped through the air and into Suboshi's arm. Suboshi rolled over the ground and the flute went flying, landing in pieces on the grass.
Pushing himself off the ground, Suboshi returned to his feet and ran again, turning around a corner of the palace.
Miboshi laughed as he and his demon followed. "You can't run, Amiboshi! Accept your fate!"
The monster leapt forward and dug his claws into the running boy, catching pawfuls of fabric and ripping them from the wearer. Balancing back on its tail, its back legs kicked Suboshi in the back, forcing him forward and into the dirt.
The beast returned to his feet and crouched, leaping to incredible height into the air.
"ENOUGH!" Suboshi reached behind him as he rolled over, facing the monster falling towards him. He shot his hand forward, extending his arm and fingers above him. A spherical object soared like a comet upwards, striking the demon square in the stomach. The demon choked and fell off course, landing painfully beside its victim.
Without a moment's wait, Suboshi stood and pulled his hand back towards him.
Miboshi watched in shock as the meteor bell swerved and struck three more times in a matter of seconds, each time from a different direction. With every strike it tore the monster's flesh to pieces. The bloody mass fell to the dirt, a spinning ryuseisui floating in its place.
Miboshi shook his head, returning his feet to the earth. "You... You....!"
Suboshi glared at Miboshi as the soiled meteor bell returned to his hand, and disappeared.
Miboshi screamed in absolute rage before returning his death stare. "SUBOSHI!!!! YOU DARE HIDE UNDER THE IDENTITY OF YOUR BROTHER?!!!"
"DAMARE!" Suboshi yelled back as Miboshi fumed. "Tell Nakago if you wish, I don't care!" His face changed to a smirk. "Amiboshi is too far by now to catch."
Miboshi's fists shook with anger at his side. The top beside him spun wildly and flashed a brilliant light, forcing Suboshi to shield his eyes. When the brightness dispersed, Miboshi was gone.
Suboshi was still breathing heavily from his fight as he stood there, the night returning to its usual peace. He looked over at the gruesome form of the demon nearby. He walked towards it, kicking the skull when he reached it.
He regained a satisfied look. "Amiboshi may give you mercy, Miboshi, but pull one more stunts like that, and I'll be standing before your torn corpse."
Suboshi turned his back to the foe and headed towards the palace. He wouldn't tell Nakago about the brawl, though he probably would have sensed it by now.
Suboshi wasn't a child anymore. He was no longer the weakest of the Seiryu Seven. He had proven that fact several times all ready.
And he didn't plan on backing down anytime soon.
To Delphine: Shone Shone Shone... got it. I think I may have used that word in this chapter too! And honestly, not even the author has any idea what's going to happen to Amiboshi. (Suggestions appreciated.)
To Amiya: Newbie? Nice. The chapter was too short? This one isn't very long either, but the next one will be. (hopefully) I've had a lot of people tell me Saori should become the Suzaku no Miko, but we'll just have to wait and see. I have everything planned out for her, and the question as to who she may or may not end up with? Read and find out!
To BD: Yui is depressive, she gets like that. She has good reasoning, though. I think everyone is hoping Amiboshi is a fast runner!
To Polynesia: I'm glad you like the twins, one of them is the main character in this chapter. All I know in sign language is the alphabet and a few misc. vocabulary...
To Poruporu: Actually, Saori's optimism is a huge factor in this story. Glad you noticed.
To Metajoker: Good thing I had Soi in when I did, ne? Well, a lot of people are somewhat depressed at this point in my story, and Saori can only find so many trays... I'll keep in mind what you said about Soi, thanks.
Chapter 73 : Strong
-x-
The black sky stood out against the odd lights. Long poles stood at the ends of the rock-like streets and basked their shine onto the crowds of people.
The spectators wore strange clothing, they screamed, gasped, shouted... men in blue waved short black sticks in the air.
Lights moved around on strange vehicles--there were so many different colors.
Something whizzed by.
He runs towards me, and disappears. I see it flying, it doesn't stop...
I try to stop it, but it doesn't stop. I feel my limbs grow heavy and see unfamiliar faces staring at me. They're children, but they're so strong...
It burns when it goes through me. My arms and legs are released, and I drop to my knees. It hurts.
The blue bow falls from the lining of my shirt. I grab it, but I don't feel it...
"Yui-sama..."
"Ami... bo..." -x-
"KAH!"
Suboshi shot straight up in bed, beads of sweat rolling down his jawbone. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes darted around the dark room. The curtains at the window were drawn, and the moonlight cast a few shadows over the floor.
Suboshi touched his fingers to his stomach. Though he was awake, he could still feel the odd sensations from his dream. He hadn't had that dream in a while... why it came to him now, he didn't know.
He glanced over to the bed at his right. Empty. The form under the covers was made of pillows and clothing, that was all.
Suboshi rubbed his abdomen until the feeling went away, and he flopped back down onto his pillow, letting the covers remain at his waist. He closed his eyes and took a moment to catch his breath.
It happened so long ago, but he remembered it. Every detail... he remembered it. But now, it was just a dream. He was alive now.
He was alive.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Saori's finger drew across the loose dirt again, making the first trail more prominent. She sat on a small rock on the ground, her knees up to her chest and her chin resting on her free hand. The morning sun shone on her forehead and shoulder through some tree leaves. She stared unknowingly onto the ground, reminiscing in her own little world.
.
--"I don't understand you, Saori."--
--"Shunkaku. My name is Shunkaku."-- .
Saori lifted her chin from her palm and touched her left cheek.
"Saori?"
Saori dropped her knees and turned around at the call of her name. She looked up the small path at the tall man watching her, a smile on his face.
She returned the gesture. "Chichiri! I didn't hear you coming."
Chichiri looked over the surroundings. "I'm just out for a walk, no da. Why are you by yourself, no da?"
Saori shrugged. "Just thinking. Wanna join me?" She patted another rock.
Chichiri shook his head. "Thanks but no thanks, na no da." He started to walk, but stopped. "Oh, and Miaka was looking for you a little while ago, no da."
Saori nodded. "Okay, thanks. I'll be right there."
Chichiri nodded as well and continued on his way, a smooth straw hat bouncing against his back as he went.
Saori stood up and brushed off the gray skirt of her school uniform, doing the same with the pair of white socks she wore. They weren't the original socks she had come in, but they worked all the same.
She took one more fresh breath of clean air before turning around to head back to the fort.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Soi walked through a narrow hallway of the Kutou palace, the walls of floor made of smooth stone. Her long scarlet hair was in a thick braid behind her, a few stray hairs occasionally licking at her face.
The tune of a flute suddenly came to her, and she slowed down in her step. As it came louder she moved to the right wall, stopping all together. It was a calm tune, a melody she had heard a few times before. For a brief moment, she rested her head against the wall and listened to it. She only remained there for a moment before shaking her head and pacing down the hall again.
"You know, playing the same thing over and over gets irritating." She said fairly sternly as she approached the open balcony.
The music stopped and Amiboshi turned back to see her. "I'm sorry, Miss Soi. If you'd like, I'll play something different for you."
Soi hesitated for a moment, but then sighed and turned away, continuing back down the hall.
Amiboshi was silent for a moment as he listened to her footsteps diminishes. He looked back into the near trees branches.
"What the hell is her problem?" Suboshi complained, twirling the flute around three of his fingers. He caught it swiftly and rested his elbows on his thighs. He had on Amiboshi's light blue robe. He had changed his clothes twice today, and it wasn't even noon yet.
He sighed. "There really isn't a lot to do around here without you, brother." He said to himself.
He winced suddenly at a quick pain on his forearm. He pushed up his sleeve to look at it. Faint red kanji drew itself there. It read, "In town called 'Kinuku', safe. Thank you."
Suboshi sighed. "Thank God."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"I've made it my decision to show Emperor Boushin the plans for the 'Loose Stride Strategy.' Take care in informing him every aspect of this stance...." Ami hesitated, translating an odd figure on the paper seemingly marked with scribbles and worm-tracks. "and return the message to me as soon as possible." Ami folded the letter up. "Emperor Sanoii." She finished.
Karu looked out the window, rubbing his chin lightly. "Loose Stride, can Emperor Boushin comprehend such a strategy?"
"As well as you can, Karu-san." Ami placed the letter in its beige envelope and shut it, matching the halves of the broken green seal up. She clasped it tightly in her hands. "We should alert Boushin of his Highness's urgency immediately."
"Yare Yare.... what a pain..." Mokuba turned from the window and headed towards the door. "Shall we write it up first or present it orally?"
Ami thought.
"Never mind it, we'll write it up as we present it." Mokuba decided on his own. "The complications will become more defined and precise that way, and we can avoid too many questions. Here." He held out his hand, and Ami gave him the letter.
"I'll prepare a scroll." She stated.
"We'll need three." Mokuba informed. "And a lot of ink."
"Hai." Ami went towards a dresser drawer and opened it, pulling out the long sheets of paper. "I will tell you now, I only know the outline of the project."
"That's why I'm here." Mokuba sighed. "How much 'outline' do you know?"
"Whatever Miss Cheinun had time to tell me." Ami said, shutting the drawer.
Karu was silent for a moment. "Very well, let's go."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Mayo-sama?"
Mayo turned in the large pool-like bath and crossed her arms over her chest, sinking down into the water a bit. She couldn't see Suboshi, but she heard him. "Hai?"
Suboshi held his arm out, a folded robe and two towels resting on it. His arm was all Mayo could see through the checkered screen, the rest of him was behind a wall to allow Mayo some decency.
Suboshi looked ahead of him. "I was told to bring these to you."
"Where are my servants?" Mayo inquired.
"One is in labor, that's all they told me." The image of Suboshi's arm lowered, and he rested the garments on the floor. "I'll leave them here for you."
"Arigatou." Mayo said.
Mayo waited to hear the door open and shut before she moved. She didn't want Suboshi getting a peep show of her. Slowly she stepped over the smooth porcelain of the bath, entering the more shallow water of the tub. She lowered her arms and sat on the edge, wringing her short hair out and shaking her hands off before stepping out. She walked along the wide screen and onto the other side, moving a bit faster to get the robe. She tied it around her wet form and reached for one of the towels, bending over and tying it around her head. She'd stay in there for a while and relax before she entered into the world of reality again.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Days passed and formed into a week, making three for the members hiding out in the areas of Reikaku. Amiboshi sent messages to his brother once or twice a day, but too many made both of their arms sore. Boushin was informed of the new strategy, and was currently thinking it out and maneuvering with the aid of the Hokkan ambassador and Karu Mokuba. Small battles sprang up along the boundaries, though a hard attack was still being waited out. For now this was the most peace the countries could currently hope for.
- - - -
--Step....--
--Step...--
Suboshi's shoes sounded against the grass and occasional stray twig under his foot as he walked along side one of the extensive palace walls in the cool night. He watched the ground ahead of him as he walked, obviously deep in thought. The small flute in his right hand swayed back and forth among his fingers, it's pendulous end keeping an uneven tempo.
Suboshi stopped and turned, glancing behind him. His ear had caught a step that wasn't his. He skimmed along the wall he had passed, over the lush grass to his side and over the spread trees, and in front of him. Hesitating only a moment, he continued on without a word. His gaze fell again downward, but this time to the strapless black shoes he wore. He watched one follow the other in a medium stride.
He turned again. He turned all the way around. He skimmed the circumference twice, seeing nothing.
Palming the flute, he folded his arms together and leaned against the gray brick wall. "Whoever is there, come out. You're not doing a very good job of masking your foot steps." He said rather calmly.
There was a pause, then the steps could be heard. They were together, not hesitant. They grew louder and the suspect emerged from the shadows of the trees behind Suboshi.
Suboshi stood straight, slightly surprised.
The man smiled.
"Miboshi, what are you doing out here?" The manner he used in talking was masked perfectly as his brother's.
Miboshi smiled, crossing his own arms before him as he walked. His dark coal colored robe fell to his mid-shins, dark brown pants underneath. His long, salmon hair was pulled back into a long ponytail behind him, except for the two thin braids that ran along the left side of his face, ending a few inches above his belt. His dark eyes watched Suboshi suspiciously.
"I could ask you the same, boy." He slickly responded.
Suboshi turned his shoulder away slightly to start his pre-laid path again. "I'm just out for a walk, thinking. I apologize if I did anything to disturb you."
Miboshi scowled at "Amiboshi's" politeness.
Suboshi walked away, returning his arms to his sides and swinging the flute again.
"And you just assume I have nothing to say to the great Amiboshi?"
Suboshi stopped and gritted his teeth. Bearing it, he turned back around.
Miboshi walked forward, the cold look on his face not ceasing. Suboshi didn't know Miboshi too well; barely at all, actually. Miboshi had been the last warrior found, and he was only with them for short time before being killed by the Suzaku Seishi. Most of that time had been spent with Nakago.
"You were the soul I was looking for, actually."
That didn't make Suboshi feel any better. Something about this guy creeped him out.
Miboshi stopped several feet in front of the twin. "You know, Amiboshi, I never did like how you freely stopped my demons from conquering in our last confrontation with the Suzaku warriors."
Suboshi hid his surprise. Amiboshi had stopped Miboshi from attacking? Suboshi thought Miboshi had cut out since he didn't see him in his fight, who could Miboshi have possibly been involved with?
He said nothing, but returned Miboshi's intimidating stare.
Miboshi frowned. "Nakago may have had limits on the Suzaku no Miko, but 'Lady' Yui and the foreign girl were my free call, and if it hadn't been for your interference, they would be off our minds right now."
Suboshi's eyes did widen at that. Yui and the "foreign girl"? Saori? Miboshi had attacked them?!
Miboshi chuckled slightly. "Why, you seem upset with me, Amiboshi."
"Only a low life warlock like you could allow your pathetic demons..."
"Pathetic?" Miboshi instantly cut him off. He took an obvious broad step forward, sending Suboshi a step back. He lowered his eyes to the shorter boy. "I know how you fell about the Priestess of Suzaku, friend."
Suboshi's anger became bluntly apparent at that statement. He lifted the hand with the flute it in up in a fist towards Miboshi's head, stopping it with what little patience he had left.
"Why did you come here in the first place?" He snapped, refraining from the many obscenities soaring through his mind.
Miboshi smirked and turned around, walking to his previous position, putting distance between he and Suboshi. He whizzed back around, his flawless strands following him. His top-like object raised forward from the ground, its gold bright in the dark atmosphere.
"I never liked you, Amiboshi." Miboshi announced. "And I know for a fact that Nakago wouldn't be upset if a no good free loader like yourself perished."
"Nani?!" Suboshi stepped back.
The top of the spinning weapon sparked, a bluish rip forming in the air by Miboshi. Two glowing, green eyes flashed from inside the portal, and dark, three-fingered clawed hands grabbed either side of the opening. Pushing the portal open, a tall, lanky monster stepped out, its ribs sticking to the skin of its abdomen, a wide, toothy snout protruding from its face. Its lips dripped with saliva, and a long, bony tail hovered over the ground beneath him.
Suboshi's eyes opened to their fullest, a shock of terror running his features.
"Sayonara." Miboshi started laughing. "Go fetch." He told the demon.
Upon the order the monster put its lethal hands on the ground and leapt forward. Suboshi darted quickly from his place, the demon crashing loudly into the wall of the palace. Shards of brick clattered around him. The beast shook his head and located his prey again, seeing it running from the battle. It turned sharply on its haunches and followed in pursuit.
Miboshi held onto the bottom spoke of the top and lifted a couple inches into the air, following after his creation. He wanted to see the young warrior when he died. When he came to the next clearing, he caught sight of the front right as the monster's tail whipped through the air and into Suboshi's arm. Suboshi rolled over the ground and the flute went flying, landing in pieces on the grass.
Pushing himself off the ground, Suboshi returned to his feet and ran again, turning around a corner of the palace.
Miboshi laughed as he and his demon followed. "You can't run, Amiboshi! Accept your fate!"
The monster leapt forward and dug his claws into the running boy, catching pawfuls of fabric and ripping them from the wearer. Balancing back on its tail, its back legs kicked Suboshi in the back, forcing him forward and into the dirt.
The beast returned to his feet and crouched, leaping to incredible height into the air.
"ENOUGH!" Suboshi reached behind him as he rolled over, facing the monster falling towards him. He shot his hand forward, extending his arm and fingers above him. A spherical object soared like a comet upwards, striking the demon square in the stomach. The demon choked and fell off course, landing painfully beside its victim.
Without a moment's wait, Suboshi stood and pulled his hand back towards him.
Miboshi watched in shock as the meteor bell swerved and struck three more times in a matter of seconds, each time from a different direction. With every strike it tore the monster's flesh to pieces. The bloody mass fell to the dirt, a spinning ryuseisui floating in its place.
Miboshi shook his head, returning his feet to the earth. "You... You....!"
Suboshi glared at Miboshi as the soiled meteor bell returned to his hand, and disappeared.
Miboshi screamed in absolute rage before returning his death stare. "SUBOSHI!!!! YOU DARE HIDE UNDER THE IDENTITY OF YOUR BROTHER?!!!"
"DAMARE!" Suboshi yelled back as Miboshi fumed. "Tell Nakago if you wish, I don't care!" His face changed to a smirk. "Amiboshi is too far by now to catch."
Miboshi's fists shook with anger at his side. The top beside him spun wildly and flashed a brilliant light, forcing Suboshi to shield his eyes. When the brightness dispersed, Miboshi was gone.
Suboshi was still breathing heavily from his fight as he stood there, the night returning to its usual peace. He looked over at the gruesome form of the demon nearby. He walked towards it, kicking the skull when he reached it.
He regained a satisfied look. "Amiboshi may give you mercy, Miboshi, but pull one more stunts like that, and I'll be standing before your torn corpse."
Suboshi turned his back to the foe and headed towards the palace. He wouldn't tell Nakago about the brawl, though he probably would have sensed it by now.
Suboshi wasn't a child anymore. He was no longer the weakest of the Seiryu Seven. He had proven that fact several times all ready.
And he didn't plan on backing down anytime soon.