Summery; Warning; Disclaimer: See First Chapter.
Well, I've been gone a while, but here's the next chapter for you guys! I find that I like to make my characters learn to like each other quickly - good thing, or bad thing? I'm trying to figure it out...kira-miri pointed out that I tend to use names that begin with "k". I don't even do it on purpose! I used a name given to me by Kyae-Sohma's friend, and only realized that the last few characters have had "k". Ah well, it's a rut. I'll change it soon, trust me. I guess I like "k"!
Please review if you read. Comments, ideas, suggestions, and helpful criticism welcome.
"I told you the banquet wouldn't be such a big deal," Bo said, helping Kae reluctantly slip out of her robes and change into a simple plum-colored robe, slightly heavier for the cooler nights. "That Tasuki behaved himself, did he? Well, I suppose Her Majesty's plan was a success, then."
"I guess," Kae shrugged, sliding on matching slippers to warm her feet. "The monk-one stopped him from fighting and helped me back to my chambers."
"That would be Chichiri – he's the eldest one of them all," the woman reminded her. "He's got a playful side, though. Don't let that collected exterior fool you."
"I'll remember that," Kae nodded, humoring the woman. They both looked up as the door open and Houki slipped quietly into the room.
"Oh, Your Majesty!" Bo said, and rushed to get a seat for the Empress.
"Don't bother, Bo," Houki assured her, and got her own seat while she gazed at Kae. "I noticed you did rather well tonight."
"Thank you, Houki," the younger woman blushed slightly as she sat down as well, as Bo fidgeted near the door, waiting to fetch something her Empress required. "The banquet was delicious. Everything was so different than from what I've ever had."
"That would be my chefs, not me," Houki laughed easily. "It was rather amusing watching Tasuki being forced to behave – poor bandit. I feel bad for him."
"Hm?" Kae prodded.
"Well, he was the second-to-youngest Warrior Suzaku had, for one thing – the youngest was a boy of thirteen," the woman told her, pausing a moment in thought. "Tasuki was still just a boy – he still is, isn't he? He'll never grow up," she added, shaking her head in amusement for a moment before continuing. "Anyway, when they lost all their companions it must have been very hard for him. Chichiri confided that Tasuki had grown to feel that the Warriors were a family to him, and to lose your family is a horrible thing."
"I see," Kae nodded comprehendingly and sighed.
"What's the matter, Kae?"
"I wish I knew why I was brought here," she confided. "It certainly wasn't just to attend banquets and meet the last two Warriors – no offense, Houki. I don't understand why I'm here. China seems to be doing just fine from what I can tell."
"Perhaps on the surface," Houki said thoughtfully, surprising Kae. "But inner dissension is still rife throughout our country. The land is no longer as prosperous as it once was, and that brings hardship on those who depend on the land for a living. That also affects the nobility as well – those who care."
"Do many not?" Kae asked, noticing the tone of bitterness in Houki's voice.
"The ruler of Xi-Lang, guarded by Byakko, is competent enough – but Bei-Jia of Genbu refuses to have anything to do with the neighboring countries," she sighed. "And the country of Seiryu, Qu-Dong, is just as troublesome as it always is. Of course, Seiryu is the god of war, so perhaps that is the cause, but that's still no reason to start disagreements with the other lands."
"Wow – you're right. China sounds like a mess," the young woman blinked in surprise at this outburst, before realizing what she had implied. "Oh, Houki, I'm sorry! I didn't mean –"
"No, it's all right," the Empress smiled tiredly. "Suzaku has been good to Hong-Nan, though I often wonder how Hotohori would have dealt with this situation – or if it would even exist if he ruled instead of me. I am merely acting as regent until our son comes of age to take the throne himself."
"Don't say that, Houki!" Kae said suddenly. "You're a wonderful ruler to your people, and the people in Konan seem happy!"
"You mean that?" Houki asked in surprise, and then gently patted Kae on her head, as if she was a much younger child. "I suppose you do. Thank you for listening, Kae – there are not many people an Empress can confide in."
"It was my honor and pleasure, Houki," the surprised woman managed, as the Empress rose to leave.
"Get a good night's rest," she ordered gently. "Tomorrow I will explain in further detail the land for you, and perhaps you can go on a tour of Konan with someone."
"I would like that," Kae said, surprising herself when she realized she meant it. "Sleep well, Houki."
"Good night, Your Majesty," Bo bowed low as the woman left the room, and turned to Kae in surprise. "You should be honored!"
"I am!" she protested, and scooted back as the attendant drew nearer.
"I don't think you realize just how much!" she continued. "Her Majesty is not a talkative person – Chichiri is the only advisor she truly trusts."
"Chichiri?"
"Of course – he is a very competent young man and wise beyond his years, due to his tutelage of Tai Yi-Jun," Bo informed her. "I overheard it several years ago, when the monk was speaking to Her Majesty. I've served in this palace for years, even during her Majesty's husband's mother."
"Wow."
"Now, it's been dark for quite some time, and I'm sure you're tired from the banquet," Bo said suddenly, switching back in competent-attendant-mode. "I have already prepared your bed – I will sleep in the other room, if you need anything during the night."
"But I'm –" Kae tied to protest, but was bustled off by the servant, who booked no argument with her decisions.
"Geez, that woman should've been an Empress," Kae grumbled late that night. Once Bo had left the room Kae, who was used to staying up all hours of the night and surviving on hardly any sleep, had slipped her earphones in and had listened to her music for a while. "Better not waste the batteries," she thought quietly, taking them out and laying them on a nightstand beside the bed. Glancing toward the screen that separated the two rooms, she sighed in relief when she was assured Bo was sound asleep, and carefully slipped out of the bed. Getting her slippers on she grabbed a light white robe to cover her sleeping gown and crept out of the room.
"I can't sleep, and they can't blame me for wanting a look around," she whispered, sneaking down the hallway and making sure not to trip into anything.
Wandering around the palace for a bit, she eventually realized two things. For one thing, she had no idea what time it was.
And she was completely lost.
"Damn!" she hissed, and then winced when she stubbed her toe on a door. Muffling her swears she limped out the open door and saw she was back in the garden from earlier that day. "It's prettier at night," she said to herself, seeing the moonlight reflected in the pond and the flowers closed up for the night. Careful to be quiet she snuck closer to the pond and crouched down beside it, pulling her robe closer to guard against the chill in the air.
"Meow?"
"Good gosh, you dumb thing, don't do that!" she hissed, as the cat appeared next to her. It stared at her like cats usually do and then promptly ignored her. Shrugging, she resumed gazing at the scenery reflected in the pond, and failed to notice anything around her.
"What the hell are ya doin'?"
"Ack!" she gasped, losing her balance in surprise and falling forward into the pond. Her face was millimeters from the water when she realized she wasn't falling in, and turned her head to see Tasuki holding her by the belt, looking very unimpressed. "Let go, you pervert!" she hissed, and was promptly dropped onto her bottom without further ceremony.
"You said let go," he shrugged, heading off any argument while brushing his hands off. She noticed he was wearing his usual outfit – the one he had worn when she had first seen him – and decided to remain on the ground for the time being, shifting around to get comfortable. "Yer gonna get that all dirty an' they'll know you've been out," he commented absently, stuffing his hands in his pockets and gazing at her calmly.
"You're the one walking around fully dressed," she accused. "What are you doing out here so late at night?"
"I could ask ya the same thing," he pointed out, now eyeing her suspiciously. "What kinda girl wanders around in her pajamas?"
"I couldn't sleep," she admitted stiffly, and was surprised when he abruptly plopped to the ground. Resting his elbow on his knee casually he shrugged.
"Me neither," he said grudgingly. "I hate banquets and shit like that, but Chichiri made me go. I wanna go back home to Ligé-San Mountain, not be stuck in this damn palace."
"Ligé-San Mountain?" she repeated curiously, and he sighed.
"I'm the leader of the bandits," he explained patiently, trying not to start a fight – he knew Chichiri wouldn't fall for any lies and kill him for trying to escape at night. "My friend is takin' over while I'm gone, but I don't wanna be away too long. They gotta remember who's the boss there."
"And who is?" she asked teasingly.
"I am!" he retorted, and then sighed. "Why the hell are ya here, anyway? Dumb girls, they're always gettin' me into trouble…"
"I did not!" she informed him hotly. "I didn't do anything to you!"
"Yet," he corrected eagerly. "It's always yet with women. I can't escape 'em!" He groaned and his shoulders dropped pathetically, and Kae remembered what Houki had told her about Tasuki.
"I'm…sorry about your friends," she said hesitantly, staring at the pond blankly. "Houki and Bo told me what happened then."
"What would ya know about it?" he demanded, jumping to his feet. "Don't act like ya know what we went through! You're just some pampered little wench who hasn't the foggiest idea why the hell she's here!"
Kae started to retort but decided his reaction was understandable, and merely remained silent. He paused in confusion, having been expecting an argument and unsure what to do know with a woman who wouldn't yell back at him.
"Sorry – it wasn't any of my business," she said after a few moments, and he fell to the ground once more with a huff.
"It wasn't yer fault," he grumbled, and she saw out of the corner of her eye the bandit was turning faintly pink.
"Whose cat is this?" she asked, pointing at the smug-looking animal.
"That's Tama – he was Mitsukake's cat," Tasuki told her gruffly. "He took a liking to Chichiri and he keeps following him around now. He must like you or something."
"Crazy cat."
"Crazy monk, too."
Kae glanced over at him, but he was apparently ignoring her for the time being. She decided to do the same and shifted around on the ground, a quick look from Tasuki going unnoticed.
"Ya should be goin' back ta bed," he said finally, and stood up over her. She merely shrugged in response, but looked up in surprise when something heavy dropped onto her head. "Just leave it here when ya go in – I'll get it later," he muttered, stalking off with his swinging in embarrassment.
"Thanks," she said softly, hugging the coat around her shoulders. Taking a deep breath of the night air she remained staring into the water's depths, trying to figure out why she was in this strange world filled with gods and bandits.
"Where's your coat, no da?" Chichiri asked, noticing Tasuki wandering around without his usual black-and-blue coat that morning.
"Urm…I actually can't remember," he admitted, scratching his head, completely perplexed. Suddenly he snapped his fingers and disappeared from the room, leaving the monk blinking in wonderment.
"Daa?" he murmured, before remembering something and shouting after his friend, "Tasuki! We have to meet with the Empress soon, no da!"
"Yeah!" the bandit waved his hand in acknowledgment, already out of view.
"He'll be late," Chichiri said matter-of-factly to Tama, who nodded wisely.
"So, Hong-Nan lies between Qu-Dong and Xi-Lang?" Kae checked, inspecting the large map that had been scrolled out onto a large table for her. "While Bei-Jia lies opposite. Weird."
"What do you mean?" Houki asked, glancing over the maps in concern. "There are no mistakes."
"That's not what I meant," she shook her head and straightened again in thought. "I meant it's weird that Suzaku represents south, while Seiryu is east. With the two being such complete opposites, I had assumed Seiryu was north, not Genbu."
"I'm not sure I follow," the Empress told her calmly, and Kae laughed nervously.
"Sorry – I was studying psychology in college, so I guess I'm just getting a different perspective on everything."
"Please explain," Houki suggested, sitting back in a chair while peering at the young woman intently. "Perhaps a different perspective is needed."
"Well, it's pretty dumb – I mean, these are gods…" Kae trailed off.
"Gods are just as likely to succumb to petty differences as their subjects are," the elder woman informed her, accurately guessing Kae's concern. "There is no need to worry about criticizing them."
"It's not criticizing! Analyzing!" Kae corrected her quickly, becoming alarmed that the Empress thought Kae full enough of herself to think herself worthy of criticizing the gods of Houki's world.
"Analyzing, then. Please, proceed," Houki agreed, and gestured to the map.
"Well…I think the attitude of the country is largely reflective of the god they worship and who guards them. Take Genbu as an example. As the first god, he – and Bei-Jia – are pretty certain of their position in this world – rightly so," Kae said, her attitude completely changing as she delved into a field she loved. "I mean, he symbolizes wisdom, endurance, and longevity, right? It makes sense that his people would prefer their own company to others and choose to remain largely self-reliant."
"That is an interesting observation," Houki commented, fascinated by Kae's train of thought. She nodded absently when Chichiri and Tasuki arrived – the latter having finally found his coat – but their presence went unnoticed by Kae, who was completely absorbed in her task.
"And then there's Byakko – the second god. He represents purity, age, and protectiveness – kind traits. That his country, Xi-Lang, would be willing to forge relations with neighboring countries follows suit."
"And Suzaku and Seiryu?" Houki prompted, as Kae paused for a moment. "You mentioned you thought it was strange Seiryu was not opposite Suzaku on the map."
"Yeah," she nodded, regaining her train of thought once more. "Suzaku is the third – both he and Byakko seem content in their respective positions, and don't seem to place much in positions. I think Suzaku is the kindest god…after all, he's a symbol of love, romance, beauty, and rebirth – all beautiful things in life. Perhaps that's why he and Byakko get along so well…the similarities…" Kae mused silently for a moment before snapping out of it and returning to her idea. "Anyway, Suzaku – your country, Hong-Nan – is obviously willing to create alliances with all countries, even Seiryu, for the sake of peace and want nothing more than his peoples' happiness."
"That leaves Seiryu," Houki added, and Kae nodded.
"I'll get to the directions in a moment. Suzaku and Seiryu are complete and total opposites – Seiryu represents authority, strength, and the fighting spirit. All aggressive things, not to mention he's also the last god. He and Suzaku seem to have a grudge, from what you told me. Just from that, I had thought that Seiryu and Suzaku would be opposite on the map, representing that polarity."
"But there's more," the Empress guessed, sensing Kae wasn't finished.
"Yes. As the last god, and one with such aggressive tendencies, I think that Seiryu – and Qu-Dong – have developed an inferiority complex. They think they have something to prove to the rest of the gods, and they do that through fighting and conquering other territories."
"When you put it like that, it makes perfect sense Qu-Dong is such an instigator," Houki agreed. "I'm very impressed, Kae. That was very insightful."
"It's just a bunch of opinions and guesswork," she said, slightly embarrassed. "It probably won't be much help anyway."
"Well, help or not, it was very interesting to hear the problem put into a point of view such as that," the Empress told her. "I enjoy hearing opinions that differ from the norm." Kae began to say something else, but quickly turned red –and silent – when she saw the two Warriors across the room gazing at her. "Wh-wh-when did th-they…?"
"It was very interesting to hear gods put in such terms as those, no da," Chichiri said cheerfully, moving closer to the surprised girl and smiling Empress. "Don't worry, I'm not offended. What did you think, Tasuki?"
"Mm? I dunno," he shrugged carelessly, crossing his arms stubbornly. Kae straightened her robe – a simple dark gray over a color so white it was barely able to be called blue – and wished she had been wearing normal clothes instead of pajamas when she was sucked into China, noticing the two Warriors were now both dressed exactly as when she had first seen.
"Then I wouldn't have to deal with these dresses," she thought, and turned when Houki said something. "Huh? Excuse me, Your Majesty, I zoned out for a moment."
"Zoned out?"
"Wasn't paying attention," Kae admitted, but Houki merely laughed.
"Don't worry about formalities with these two either, Kae. Chichiri is probably the only advisor I really trust."
"You honor me, Your Majesty," Chichiri grinned, bowing slightly. "You wished to see us for something?"
"Yes, I did!" Houki remembered, and turned back to Kae with a smile. "I said last night that I would have someone show you around Konan, didn't I? I'm unable to leave the duties of state, unfortunately, but I was hoping you two could escort her." The last part was addressed, obviously, to the two young men. Tasuki's jaw dropped in surprise, and Chichiri took it in stride.
"Buh-but I'm not a babysitter!" the bandit argued, as they all knew he would. "I'm not here ta watch some chickie!" he protested, pointing a finger at the offended Kae – who promptly glared at Tasuki. After the night before and knowing more about him, he no longer seemed so harsh and frightening to her, and she strode up to him angrily.
"I'm not some 'chickie' – and I'm as old as you!" she informed him, poking him in the chest with her index finger to get her point across. He looked down at her in shock, since she barely came up to his shoulder, before stepping back in embarrassment, still unsure how to react to the confusing young woman before him.
"Women," he muttered, whirling around and crossing his arms stubbornly. "If we're gonna go, let's get movin' already! I ain't spendin' all day walkin' around," he informed them, stalking out of the room.
"It seems Tasuki's decided for us, no da," Chichiri grinned, hiding his own surprise at Tasuki's behavior, and turned to Kae – who had surprised herself with her outburst. "Shall we go then? Konan is a large city, so it's best we get an early start."
"Enjoy yourselves!" Houki called after them, recovering from her own amazement at the small scene before her. "Perhaps Kae can teach Tasuki some manners," she thought out-loud with a smile, before calling for her advisors and returning to her duties as Empress of Hong-Nan.
I admit, the views of the gods Kae just said are ones I've thought about for a while. I'm taking psychology (I didn't spell it right, did I?...) and I thought it was interesting the way that all went. Anyway, please review!