Written during a three day, non-stop car trip to Mexico from Oregon and while avoiding food in Mexico! . Stupid food poisoning. Needless to say, the doctor at the Red Cross in my mother's town was very amused with my strawberry covered yellow underwear. And all this happen before a flood hit (It was the week before Katrina hit New Orleans), drowning all my clean clothes in flood water, temporarily losing my brother and his girlfriend in Mexico City, after being told by police that we were easy targets for thieves, and neighbors calling the cops on my aunt for fighting! Is it any wonder that it took me almost an year to type it up?

Lesson learned here: Aidenn Legacy does not like adventures in 'reality'. This year, Disneyland. Mickey has yet to try to poison me with food

Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yuugi or Sailor Moon.

To Love, To Lose, and To Love Again

Chapter Three

The gentle crackle of the fire added it's orange glow to the eerie silence of the night sky. Usagi huddled closer to her companion for warmth. The delicate silks of her robes offered a very thin shield against the night wind. Tie to the branch, their horse nickered loudly as an owl hooted. Strange, chirping sounds filled her ears, as Usagi was very tempted buried her face against Tamahome's shoulder.

Tamahome chuckled as he felt Usagi stiffen beside him. He could almost see her pout in the dark, as the owl ceased it's hooting, leaving only the crickets to their music Her naiveté made him smile. It was though, she was a child from a world so completely different than his own. When he stole glimpses of her face, eyes wide with curious wonder, cheeks flushed with childish delight, always met his eye. Despite the light of their campfire, the night's shadows hide that view, he could feel her curiosity tinged with a bit of fright of the unknown that loomed before them, almost tangible to the touch

Quietly he pulled out and wrapped a blanket about their shoulders . Once again, he was reminded how small she was. The delicate shadowed outlines of Usagi's profile caught his eye. How could he have thought of her as a thief. She simply stood out too much to blend in to a crowd, all expensive silks and blonde hair.

"Tamahome-kun?" He looked down at the girl. Her profile stared out into the inky darkness Uncertainty tainting her voice. "Are we really going to sleep outside?"

The owl hooted again. "Yep."

"Why?"

"I don't have enough money for two rooms at a inn?"

"Can't we share a room?"

It was innocent question, but it was enough to make him blush. "We're not married."

"But we're friends!" Usagi said it with such conviction, that it made him smiled. With that, she settled her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, " and friends share."

Tamahome sighed. While the blonde was secure in her knowledge of their friendship, he was troubled. He knew next to nothing about her. Oh, he knew that he liked the blonde. She was adorable and infectious with her bubbly personality. Usagi could make him smile for no reason at all with just one look into her eyes. It was frightening. If he wasn't careful, this strange little beauty could worm her way into his heart to stay.

With every minute, every hour, Tamahome was inching closer to verging off the course of friendship.

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Luna nervously wringed her hands together as she waited for her audience with the emperor. She was slowly going insane, with each passing day that Usagi-sama was gone. She could only pray that those incompetent guards finally found the princess. The dark haired woman had just finally gotten over her initial wrath of her charge's disappearance and just wanted her home. The tiny child was forever getting into trouble and the old emperor had indulged his daughter as her brother did now. With sheer charm and blinding smiles, did she get away with her mischief. None of her siblings caused their nursemaids this much trouble.

One could only imagine what trouble awaited Usagi-sama outside the palace walls…on her own. Luna could feel her blood pressure rising. Usagi-sama…on her own…

….ON HER OWN.

Luna started to hyperventilate.

This was how the head of the princess' guards found her highness' nursemaid. The ivory haired man stared at the woman, the corners of his mouth threatening to turn upward. Artemis, wisely suppressed the urge to laugh outright. He always caught the dignified Luna in her most undignified moments. "Luna-san?"

All he got was a strangled gurgled sound. "Luna-san?"

Nothing. Artemis reached out to touch her shoulder, as the doors to the throne room opened. Never noticing his presence, Luna dashed inside. A fellow soldier looked curiously at his superior. "Sir?"

A goofy look replaced the older man's normally serious façade. "Yes?"

"…Is she the one?"

"Yep."

"…. Congratulations, sir?"

Inside, Luna could barely remember the proper decorum before an emperor, much less care about Artemis' intentions to court her. Usagi-sama's well-being was always foremost on her mind. She bowed to her sovereign clumsily akin toa nervous bridal candidate befor the emperor for the first time. "Your excellency."

"Luna-san." With that silent command, Luna moved forward. Her hands clutched the front of her skirts tightly. "We take it that, you wish to be informed about Usagi?"

She gave a jerky nod. "Yes!… Did you find her? Is she alright? Where is she?" Violet eyes darted across the room and back, searching for the familiar crown of golden hair. She began to tremble. "No? Is it slave traders ? Thieves? Is someone holding her for ransom? She's d-"

Two guards rushed forward to catch the princess's nursemaid as she fainted, her final word hanging in the air. Golden eyes watched, as the nursemaid was escorted away in a waft of smelling salts. Hotohori was overwrought with worry. Never before had Usagi manage to escape so effectively. Her personal guard usually ran a tight ship and with help from the ever efficient Luna, He was able to keep things under control. Also it helped that Usagi was so fair haired, that she stood out like the moon in the night sky.

With a frown and a wave of his hand, Hotohori dismissed his council. Alone. he was left to ponder his youngest sibling. Of course a unique beauty would carry a hefty price for traffickers. Usagi wouldn't know how to protect herself, despite her uncanny aim with household objects. She could be at the mercy of any man. His blood ran cold at the thought. His eldest siblings, both military captains, sent messengers offering their services. His other sister and younger brother sent almost daily inquires on the youngest of them all. Any grudges fostered by each of their mothers were temporarily forgotten. Such was the blonde child…

Worming her way into many hearts.

With innocence, Usagi was loved by his father, mother and Luna, indulged by favored concubines and adored by himself. Not even the most powerful woman in Konan, his mother, the Empress had not disliked Usagi unlike the rest of her husband's children. Nor had the Empress loved her, but that was his mother's way.

It was that innocent that Hotohori wanted to protect. He feared the day when it was lost.

The beautiful emperor left his throne room, his thoughts still plaguing his every step. He failed to note, the sudden company. Only the slightest sound of metal armor reached his ear. Immediately Hotohori stopped and his sister's guard kneel respectively before him. "Your majesty."

Saihaiti acknowledged him, continuing his brief walk. "Have your men found my sister?"

Artemis fell into step with his liege. "There has been no sightings of Usagi-sama since the first day, she snuck out of the palace grounds. It can be said that she is not within the capital. The prisoners, my man apprehended, have confessed to crossing paths with a young man and her highness. Apparently these traffickers had every intention of capturing her highness. A capable martial artist, it seems. The young man fended them off and disappeared with her highness. My men already are searching the outskirts of the capitol. We are ready to search the Konan Empire at your orders, your excellency."

The emperor gave only a stiff nod. "Immediately, set out."

Artemis dropped to one knee. "Yes, your majesty." The older man frown slightly as he rose to his feet. "Forgive me, your majesty." Saihaiti paused in his step., awaiting the guard's words. "It appears that her highness received a stabbed wound before she was whisked away."

Rage danced in normally calm eyes, the emperor's facial features perfectly schooled into a passive mask. Saihaiti had to force himself to speak, overwhelmed by vengeful thoughts. His heart and mind demanded he kill the men who dared to harm his heart. He refused to believe that Usagi was dead. It was just not possible.

The guard awaited his new orders, as they were sure to come. His emperor's voice was oddly cold and devoid of emotion. It was to be expected. "There will be an execution at dawn."

"Yes, your majesty."

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Usagi yawned as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon. Beneath her, Tamahome's horse picked up speed, sensing his master's urgency and her sudden wakefulness. He said nothing to her, as he loosened his secure grip about her waist, leaning forward to urging his horse to fly. It was her back to his chest, any warmth lost when his arm left her waist, was replaced ten-fold. Any other time it would have brought a blush to her cheeks, but not today. Their time was running out. Sleep was becoming a precious commodity for them, more so for the blue haired boy. Tamahome only allowed for an hour stop, two if he was exhausted, before chasing after any leads the mysterious Eiri.

Sensing the shift of weight, Tamahome dared to glanced down at the sleepy profile of Usagi. Delicate shadows of sunlight played across her face. His calloused hands itched to trace the sunrays' path. Would the skin of her face be as soft as her small hands. Tamahome gripped his horse's reins and pressed on. Now wasn't the time to fall in love.

"Tama-chan?" Her voice pulled him out of his thoughts. Tamahome slowed down observing their surroundings. "Where are we?"

"Near the Konan-Kutou border." Tamahome dismounted his horse. Without a second thought his hands spanned Usagi's waist to ease the blonde down. A pink blush rosied her cheeks, before her small hands settle on his shoulders for balance. Children across the road, playing laughed as their mothers smiled knowingly while watching the handsome boy set the pretty girl down. Fighting his own embarrassment, Tamahome looked away. "Everyone we spoke to, said Eiri traveled this road."

Usagi fiddled with the sleeves of her dress. It was common knowledge that the border villages were the most dangerous. Peace was never held for long. Her brother would have a fit, if he knew how close to enemy territory, she was. The princess felt a gentle pressure surround her hand. A soft smile spread cross her lips as she noted that Tamahome's hand encased hers protectively. When she dared to look up, his expression stole her breath away. So gentle, was his face. As though , at this very moment, he only saw her. Everything else had vanished into nothingness, but her.

Her heart beat thunderously, overwhelming everything. Only once had, Usagi seen such a look. Moments before her mother's death. She had escaped Luna , wanting just to see her mother. It was an reverent look of love. In the thrones of death, her mother still inspired such love from the man she loved. So many things that one look meant. Usagi still didn't understand enough, but she was humbled.

The blonde allowed Tamahome to pull her close . The heat of her cheeks intensified as is arms wrapped about her. "Don't worry, Usagi. I'll protect you."

Whatever these feelings were, Usagi was certain, she had no reason to fear them. Her hands settled comfortable against his chest as she smiled up at him. "I know."

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Word came from their spy network.

The favored sister of the Konan's Emperor was missing. If the Kutou's forces could capture the wayward princess, it would be excellent leverage the young emperor. Or so Kutou's esteemed emperor proclaim. But Nakago knew how to read between the lines.

Conceal in merchant's robes, the shogun of Northern county's armed forces walked about the trading post village with disdain. The mere shadow of his presence caused the peasants to part a path in instinctual fear. No, the shogun knew his emperor far better than anyone else. After all he had made it his life's worth to know his enemy.

The emperor wished to find out if the young princess was all beautiful as her siblings. It was well known that the Southern country's royal family was blessed in beauty. If the unfortunate princess was to the likening of his emperor, the stupid child would find herself in her enemy's harem.

"Tama-chan!"

Streamers of gold flew passed him, the brilliant gold of his youth. Lost, but never forgotten. His eyes followed the flaxen strands to the tiny form dashing, clumsily, down the street. A dark haired figure stopped to wait for her. Angrily she latched on to his arm, burying her face into the sleeve of the shirt. Only a side profile of her face was left. Pale, with just a hint of being kissed by the sun. Her clothes, dirtied silk. Still, he needed to see the color of her eyes.

He could make out the young man's face, but spare him no glance. His blue eyes on her and her every movement. A small hand was brought, protectively, to the boy's chest. Her fair features softened into a smile. Her eyes opening to reveal a clear blue.

Unwittingly he moved towards her.

One man

One woman. New life. Rebirth. The dare to hope.

With her, he could accomplish his goal. Revived his slaughtered clan. Bore them into a powerful nation. For no other reason could she be allowed to exist.

"Nakago-sama."

His facial features hardened as his men knelt respectively before him. Tension in the air warned them to trend lightly or incur their superior's wrath. The blond shogun stood tall and powerful. A force to be fearfully reckon with. "Your reports on the Konan princess."

"Nothing, Nakago-sama. Except that Konan soldiers are increasing in number to find the princess."

The young lovers moved unaware. He would seduced her away from her young love. Woo her, steal her away. The golden haired girl was meant to be his. "Then don't return until you find the whereabouts of the damnable child."

"Yes, Nakago-sama."

The shogun looked on to the market day crowd. She had vanished into the throng of people. Each more unworthy that the last to be in her presence. "Find me, a young woman with spun gold hair and blue eyes. Capture her and bring her to me, unharmed. Death for all of you, should one hair be out of place."

He left them pondering his commands, awaiting no answer. It was out of character of their shogun just to abducted a maiden as prize of any sort.

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"Tama-chan's so mean."

"Usagi…"Tamahome sighed , as she pouted. She looked adorable, so much so that he just wanted to gather her in his arms and kept her there, in their own private world. "A tavern really is no place for…"

Her pout deepened into a frown. "But…When I am by myself , I get stared at!" Never had anyone dared to stared at her so openly. Usagi could see the curiosity in the people's eyes, when they caught a glimpse of her. Was royalty really so vastly strange?

Tamahome just blinked, before narrowing his eyes "Well d-uh…" She was something otherworldly.

One hand reached out , fingers threaded through blonde locks. Usagi looked away, knowing if she looked Tamahome in the eye, she would fumbled her words. How could he explain to her, that everything about her was more precious than gold itself. Usagi only dared to look at her companion when his arm slipped about her waist. No amount of gold, he could lay to her feet would match her worth. His own words fumbled on the tip of his tongue. "Tamahome?"

"We're being following." Usagi barely heard the words, whispered in her ear. All she registered was the tingled warmth of his breathe. He kept her close as they moved down the road. They past the vendors and the afternoon crowds streaming into the market place at a steady pace. Weaving in and out through the villagers until reaching deserted back streets. The only signs of lingering life, drying laundry. Usagi glanced back to the busy street, and it's bustling crowd. Sure and steady footsteps caught her attention as she ducked under a linen sheet. Through the material she could only see a shadowy silhouette holding his ground. Usagi could have swore she heard a rough, muttered expletive "Tama-"

Tamahome didn't spare her glance. Tightening only his grip about her wrist, picking up speed. Usagi stumbled over the hem of her robes as they duck pass the drying linens, eager to keep up with Tamahome. Awkwardly she followed his quick, sharp turns. Behind them heavy footsteps quicken, blindly Usagi grabbed at her skirts with her free hand. Past etiquette lessons with Luna stomped about in her mind as she hiked the skirts to her knees for better mobility.

He strained to see any opening out of the deserted alley. Tamahome could feel the pull of Usagi's small wrist, reminding him that she wouldn't be able to kept up with him for much longer; no matter how quick she was. Her tiny slippered feet dogged his frantic pace. Every sudden tugged pulled at him as curses grew louder and more colorful. More importantly, closer. The ripping of sheets from their pins snapped sharply in his ears alongside Usagi's jagged intakes of breathe. What kind of man was he, putting her through all this?

A straggled cry pierced the darken alley. Unwittingly Tamahome whirled around, pulling Usagi into his arms. Bright red hair and a cocky sneer caught his attention first, followed by the long blonde pigtails wrapped about their pursuer's lower arms. Taut, as a tailor's thread and needle. A strained whimper had greeted his sudden actions, Tamahome didn't need to glance down to see Usagi's blue eyes closed against the assault's pains.

Orange hued eyes faced off bluish violet eyes for a fraction of a moments. No words were needed. Both knew what the other wanted and either were going to back down. A sudden high kick broke the stand off. Only quick reflexes avoided any impact. Usagi quickly found herself in the middle of an elaborate tug of war. The stranger's hold of her long locks of her hair only tightened as did Tamahome's arms about her body. Their attacker landed more blows as martial artist hunched over her protectively, blocking any attack that dare to come close to her.

"Che…She couldn' possibly be worth getting' yer ass kicked."

Another tug and a barraged of kicks were his answer. The balance of power remained the same.

"Fucking moron, you should-"

Usagi had grown up watching expert swordsmen, teaching her brother to follow in the footsteps of great warriors. While her only weapon had, always laid deceptively against the folds of her skirts, Usagi knew their common ground. "Tamahome," Each skill couldn't be hampered by unnecessary burdens and right now she was the unnecessary burden. "Let me go."

"-just let her go."

The sudden request loosen the hold about her waist enough. Usagi took advantage of that. The princess whirled about, gritting her teeth. The tightening hold of her hair burned across her scalp, blindly Usagi reached out to grasp her hair, pull with all her might and joined the game of tug of war.

He let her go. There was nothing else he could do, in this fight. Tamahome knew he needed his whole body free to win this fight and protect Usagi. He didn't have to like it, but he had to do it. One fast driving fist into his opponent's face, prove that to his utter discontent. Usagi stumbled back on to the dirt, her pigtails whipped about her from it's sudden release, settling in a golden disarray. She could only watch, as the fight escalate. Every blow land on Tamahome's body felt like a swift kick to her stomach.

So caught up in worry and fright, Usagi never felt the shadows enclose about her. Until it was to late. Instinctively, Usagi glanced back, greet to eyes the color of onyx at her eye level. A sinuous curved at his lips. "Hello, princess."

Her mind fought to place him as she scrambled to her knees. How could possibly know her? The fight between Tamahome and the first stranger carried on, their blood staining the other's hands. Both lost in their world of pain, everything else falling to the wayside. "TA-"

Usagi was barely to her feet as her cry was muffled by a large hand. Her feet dangled in the air as she swept off the ground and into an iron grip. Her hands were child size compare to the one dark hand that stifled her cries, clawing at the muscled hand. It was his liquid voice that stopped the two young men in mid attack. "Shun'u." His grip shifted, and Usagi found herself struggling to breathe. Panic swept through her, her feet kicking frantically, helpessly in the air A single fuda paperlandedat red haired stranger's boots. "I've decide to cut out the middle man."

Usagi's hindered cries came out louder as she found herself propelled upwards, still prisoner, before simply vanishing. Her last conscious thought of Tamahome.

"USAGI!"

"EIRI! YA ASSHOLE!"

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According to Hotohori's character bio, he has 5 siblings all from different mother. I just made Usagi the youngest.