Kenshin sighed in relief when Tamahome finally stopped for the night. The path he had chosen was significantly longer than he had expected. They had just entered the edge of the capital and the blue-haired youth was looking around with a small frown on his face. He glanced at Kenshin speculatively and promptly disappeared into the crowd.
"O-oro?" Kenshin sputtered.
He blinked in the direction his guide had disappeared. Even knowing that he was just tagging along, much to the youth's obvious disapproval, he hadn't expected to be abandoned. Shaking his head in exasperation, he began wandering aimlessly through the city, occasionally asking a passerby if they could give him directions. While everyone was nice enough, no one seemed to know where he wanted to go. Stubborn to a fault, he tapped a purple-haired teenager on the shoulder and tried again.
"Excuse me, sir…" he started.
The teenager rounded on him, outrage shining bright in rose-colored eyes. Kenshin's eyes widened as he took in the expensive looking dress and delicate make up.
"Do I look like a man to you?" the teen snapped in a high voice.
Plastering his patented innocent, idiotic smile firmly on his face, Kenshin scrubbed one hand through his thick red hair.
"I'm sorry, de gozaru," he apologized. "I was just wondering if you could give me directions." He would apologize if he had to for offending the teenager, but he would not consent to call the youth a woman. He could spot a crossdresser when he saw one. No matter how good the boy was, he was obviously male.
The purple-haired teen huffed, still offended. After a moment, though, he seemed to calm a little bit. Shaking his head, he turned to Kenshin.
"Sorry for losing my temper," he offered. "So tell me, where are you trying to go, little girl?" Kenshin's head flopped down to his chest in defeat.
"I'm a man, de gozaru," he muttered dejectedly at the floor. Without looking, he could feel the boy's eyes on him.
"Well, you could have fooled me, dressing like that."
"You of all people should be able to tell, de gozaru," Kenshin grumbled, forgetting to consider that the boy might have superb hearing, which he did.
"What was that?!?"
Realizing that he had inadvertently made a scene on the streets, Kenshin held up one pacifying hand again, adopting a vapid look.
"I just meant that even if I'm not wearing the traditional garb of the area, you should know that no crossdresser wears a shirt that opens in the front…"
SLAP!
"Oro-ro-rooo!"
Spirally-eyed and delirious, Kenshin lay slumped where he had landed, against a tree, upside down in the middle of the street. He had never imagined that the boy's slap could have thrown him that far. It felt like something he would have expected from Sano, had Sano been out to break him in four separate pieces. After awhile, he gave up trying to count all of the pretty birdies and allowed unconsciousness to take him.
The purple-haired boy stood over him, frowning darkly and muttering to himself. Though he had intended to knock the daylights out of the diminutive redheaded jerk, he hadn't actually meant to hurt him. From the neon red handprint on his cheek to the ever-growing lump on the back of his head, it was obvious that the runt needed a doctor.
"Why me?" he grumbled darkly, lifting the tiny form by the back of his shirt and partially dragging him as he headed back towards the castle. He would make sure that the little guy wasn't injured seriously then toss him in the alley to rot. On his trek back, he made no effort to prevent bouncing Kenshin's skull against various objects as they passed, like rocks, trees and other pedestrians. "Stupid conscience," he complained.
* * *
Nuriko stormed onto the castle grounds, not paying much attention to small details, such as to who he was bumping into, stepping on or glowering at. He was suddenly reminded of his manners when he saw a beautiful androgynous face come into view, cascades of dark green hair shimmering around billowing silken robes. Reflexively, he curtsied, accidentally dropping Kenshin as he did so.
"Hotohori-sama," he murmured. "What are you doing here?" Nuriko dared to peek at the emperor, wondering why he was near the harem. He rarely came out to this area on the castle grounds. Hotohori smiled.
"I'm just out for a walk," he said cheerily, curiously prodding Kenshin in the ribs with one sandaled foot. "Who is this?"
"Some poor soul I found unconscious on the street," Nuriko said, neglecting to mention that he was responsible for the redhead being in that condition.
"I see," Hotohori said, smiling sweetly. Nuriko almost melted on the spot. "It was very kind of you to help a complete stranger like this."
"It was indeed, de gozaru," Kenshin muttered woozily. Nuriko nearly jumped out of his skin. After slapping the tiny man, he wouldn't have expected the redhead to have regained consciousness for several hours.
"You're awake?" Hotohori asked in shock.
Aware that he was being observed by the men standing over him, Kenshin pushed himself carefully to his feet, dusting and straightening his clothes. He peered carefully at the newcomer, shocked by the sheen of his lush green hair, but quickly taking in the expensive clothes and elegant posture.
"Hai, de gozaru," Kenshin said, smiling warmly. From the clothes of the green-haired man standing in front of him, he knew that he was someone important, so he tried to remain pleasant. "I am very grateful to…" he trailed off, almost saying 'him' before realizing that no one else could spot the cross-dresser for what he was. He smiled sheepishly instead. "I'm sorry, de gozaru. I didn't catch your name."
"Nuriko."
"It was very kind of Nuriko to help me, de gozaru," Kenshin continued, turning back to the other man. "I'm lost and unfamiliar with this country. I'm afraid I must have said something impolite, de gozaru."
"Lost?" the green-haired man mumbled, looking thoughtful. He smiled again quickly, gaze flickering over Kenshin. "What is your name, little boy?"
Kenshin smiled vapidly, beginning to become amused with the perpetual mistakes about his identity. He decided to have fun with it.
"Kenshin Himura, de gozaru," he said sweetly, leaning slightly forward. When the green-haired man didn't immediately respond to the gesture, he leaned closer, looking like he wanted to tell the man a secret of the utmost importance. As if on cue, the taller man lowered his head to listen.
"Yes?" he asked.
"I'm thirty, de gozaru."
The taller man jerked back as though burnt, looking very ruffled by his mistake. Kenshin knew that if he hadn't had to straighten his clothes upon waking up, he would have been mistaken for a woman again. A quick glance to the side showed him that Nuriko looked just as shocked.
"I was wondering… um…" Kenshin began, looking baffled. He had no idea how to go about asking someone in a high position their name without sounding rude
"Emperor Hotohori," the man supplied. Kenshin stiffened slightly before remembering that he had faced numerous officials in his days as a manslayer.
"I was wondering, Hotohori-sama, if I might find directions to Tokyo here? I am very lost, de gozaru."
"Japan?" Hotohori asked quietly. "How did you get to China?"
Kenshin beamed. Someone knew where he was from. He could finally get home.
"I woke up in a field, de gozaru."
"Is that all you remember?" Hotohori persisted.
Kenshin frowned. "No, de gozaru. I was at Kaoru-dono's dojo when I was surrounded by red light and Saito by blue. Net thing I know, I wake up here, de gozaru. I don't know what happened to Saito, de gozaru."
Emotions raged across Hotohori's face as he listened. At the mention of red light, he looked absolutely delighted. At the mention of blue, he looked mortified. Finally, he dropped both expressions and settled on looking confused.
"And both you and Saito are men?" Hotohori asked softly, not expecting an answer.
"Hai, de gozaru."
Nuriko finally spoke up. "You keep saying 'de gozaru.' Why?"
Kenshin shrugged. "It is common for samurai, de gozaru."
At the mention of samurai, Hotohori snapped out of his contemplation. He began studying Kenshin in earnest. Finally, he nodded.
"You have been chosen," he said suddenly, beaming again. "I expected a priestess to be sent to us, but if Suzaku selected a priest, so be it."
Kenshin listened to him, horribly confused. At the mention of the phoenix god, he said the most intelligent thing he could muster.
"Oro?"
Hotohori smiled at him reassuringly and clapped on hand on his shoulder, leading him inside.
"Come. I will explain everything. For tonight, I insist you and I eat dinner in a proper fashion. I will have a feast prepared to welcome you. Tomorrow, we will begin searching for the other seishi."
Kenshin stared wide-eyed at him as he rambled on happily, speaking of ceremonies, gods and various other things that Kenshin didn't understand. Confused, he looked back towards Nuriko, who was scowling at them furiously. He thought quickly.
"Hotohori-sama," he interrupted. "Might we bring Nuriko as well in gratitude for the generous assistance offered, de gozaru ka?"
Hotohori blinked, caught off guard by the question. He glanced back and nodded towards the purple-haired youth.
"Would you care to join us?" he asked. Shocked, Nuriko stared at them for a moment in silence. "Kenshin has requested that you come to the feast."
Nuriko caught up quickly, looking at the tiny redhead in confusion. After having hit him, he expected the diminutive man to be furious with him. Instead, Kenshin looked up at him hopefully, nodding his head slightly towards the emperor. Nuriko smiled reassuringly, understanding immediately. Kenshin was lost, confused by how he had become lost, and absolutely baffled by what Hotohori was saying. And if he was truly a samurai, he wouldn't mind the company of another warrior.
The two shared a smile before following Hotohori into the castle. He was still spouting nonsense about prophecies, gods and past priestesses. Nuriko rolled his eyes and made a gagging gesture while Hotohori wasn't watching. Kenshin grinned at him and nodded his agreement.
* * *
Saito stalked the streets of Kutou, glaring daggers at anyone who even eyed him strangely. Up until reaching the palace gates, no one dared to bother him. Apparently, stories about his first slaughter in the city had spread like wildfire. He was actually pleased that no one would be irritating him needlessly.
At the gates of the massive castle, several guards met him, blocking his way. Unruffled, he casually eyed their weapons, rolling his eyes at what he saw. They'd be lucky to kill an unarmed child with such meager weapons. Their fighting stances spoke of incompetence as well. He smirked.
"I wish to speak to a scholar," he said. With the morons he had already faced within the city, he saw that as his only chance to find directions. When the guards only squirmed under his glare, he shifted his stance slightly to one more favorable to fighting. "Well?"
"We do not honor requests of invaders," a cool monotone informed him from behind. Saito casually glanced behind him.
"Who are you?"
"Considering the circumstances, I believe I should be the one asking you that question."
Saito turned fully to face a tall blond man mounted on a massive white stallion. He found himself staring into ice blue eyes as piercing as his own amber, silently observing. For several moments, the two glared at each other, gauging positions and postures before Saito relaxed slightly. He had fought enough people in his life to recognize an honest threat. He had no intention of picking a dangerous fight needlessly.
The blonde's eyebrows rose slightly. He was amazed that he the swordsman had backed down so readily. He quickly shifted his opinion of the amber-eyed man. Before, he had assumed him to be some arrogant idiot. Now, he recognized the calculating coldness on the hawk-like features.
"Where are you from?"
"Tokyo," Saito snapped. He may have backed down from an unnecessary fight, but that didn't mean that he intended to be civil.
The blond frowned. "Why are you in China?"
Saito paused, considering. The blond had recognized the city name, something that no one else had managed thus far. He decided to see what information he could pry out of the tall blond.
"Some ahou had something stolen in his possession. It emitted a blue light. I woke up in some alley."
"Blue light?" the blond asked, looking surprised.
"It may have shone red as well, but I was only touched by the blue," Saito said stiffly, glowering slightly. He realized he sounded like a drunkard, but wouldn't further his embarrassment by backing out of his story.
"I see," the blond muttered. "Very well. Come inside. We will speak further of this and I will see if I can provide you with directions."
Saito frowned. "Why are you so helpful all of a sudden?" he asked suspiciously. The blond only smiled.
"If you are who I believe you to be, you could be of great use." Seeing Saito's forthcoming argument, he raised one hand to forestall his protests. "Don't worry. It won't take much of your time. Afterwards, I will do everything in my power to get you back to Tokyo. Agreed?"
Saito nodded stiffly. "Agreed."
The blond smiled again. The expression was devoid of all warmth. Saito offered an identical smirk.
"Now then," the blond said. "Since we are allied, I believe that introductions are in order. You may call my Nakago."
"Hajime Saito."
Nakago nodded and started through the gates. The guards scrambled out of the way. Nakago acted as though he didn't even notice them. Saito followed him warily, taking the time to glare at the guards, who looked extremely nervous of his presence. Smirking, he followed the blond, satisfied with his work. His day wasn't complete until he had traumatized a total stranger.
"By the way," Nakago said suddenly, startling him out of his personal amusement. The blond snorted when he realized what Saito had been doing. That was one of his favorite pastimes as well.
"Yes?" Saito asked testily.
"Who was touched by the red light?"
Caught off guard by the question, it took Saito a moment to gather his wits enough to answer. He had been expecting some comment relating to his torment of the guards.
"A former manslayer by the name of Kenshin Himura," he said. At the curious look he received, he continued as they disappeared into the castle.
To Be Continued…
There you have it. Two priests. Er… maybe. This is going to get really strange eventually. With this kind of crossover, it kinda has to. R&R so I can feed my ego. It fits in the room again and I can't have that.