Hello dears! Once again I've managed to scrape up enough time to work on this. I'm dreadfully sorry that it's taking so long…But ― Life calls. TT I'm terribly saddened by that of course. But! Summer is here at last! College and all its nasty finals are out of the way! For a few months at least. I do have a job now but I'm all caught up on my work so I get paid $10/hr to surf the internet and work on my story! D Lucky me. Anywho. To make up for taking so long, I've made this chapter super long. Can't decide if I should finally get going on Rika or finish up this segment in Aya's story…ideas? Always appreciated even if not followed! Feedback, as always, is welcome. So here are the RR's!

Schec.:Sorry! Your name has officially been shortened! Welcome to the club! Anywho…polish, huh? Very cool. I'm sorry it took so long. But my updates will probably never come quickly.

LT:YAY! Someone remembered my b-day! I'm 19! Whoot! I know…manga is so expensive! Good luck on all that! And thanks again! I'll keep your wishes in mind!

D8:Hee! Glad you liked it! And being old is the worst! Your body goes nuts, your mind goes nuts, your family goes nuts trying to care for you….it just sucks all around. Not that there aren't some really cool elderly people out there. But I want to stay young…sigh….too bad it'll never happen lol

Tenni:Of COURSE I reviewed! Why wouldn't I? I'm glad you liked the chapter and I missed you too! I'm glad someone caught on that Aya isn't as strong as she pretends to be. It makes me so happy when the little things are noticed…

AM:It has been awhile, huh? And I LOVED that movie! It was so awesome! Hated that he died though…that sucked. And I'm mentioning his looks in this chapter. I got so caught up in writing the plot that I forgot to mention it…it'd be so easier if you lazy readers would just learn how to read my mind! Lol

He-yan:Yay! A new reader! I'm glad you like it. And YES! It's extremely hard to keep up with all four stories at once. You not only have to remember what everyone is doing and who knows what, but there's the whole thing about keeping everyone at around the same time period…that's the REALLY hard part…I have to keep a chart that lists who's on what day! I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

Silver:Hiya, chick! It didn't take that long…((pouts))…but I guess I'll have to try to update sooner next time, right? Lol And Yes! I love that idea about the bandit…I'll have to use it in some way…((evil grin)) See ya!

Kokie and Tokaki paled at the enormity of this hidden encampment. He could literally have hidden an entire army in the space occupied by the tents. The bandit leader turned to them and smiled. "Welcome." Hundreds of tents littered the sand in the strange oasis valley. All in neat little rows, they stretched far into the distance, broken only by the palm trees and the large lake off to one side. This "Clan" was no small nomadic tribe. It seemed to be a force all its own. Dogs and children darted between tent stakes, playing games. Women chatted as they washed and cooked and cleaned.

The group made their way carefully down the hill on horseback as people drifted outside to greet their war party. Upon realizing that strangers were in their midst, the children disappeared. The dogs grew stiff legged and aggressive. The women stopped their idle talk and only stared suspiciously. Weapons popped up from seemingly no where as they rode closer and closer. A man stepped forth from the crowd that had gathered at the edge of the 'village'. "What have you brought us this time, Shen?" he called out.

The leader, Shen apparently, smiled his unique grin. "Guests, of course. Show the gentlemen," he gave a short bow in their direction, "to one of the spare tents. The young one and the grandmother will reside in my tent until something more suitable can be found."

The man looked slyly at him. "The young one and the grandmother?"

Another grin, "Of course. Must be proper and all that."

"Of course." The man motioned for Tokaki, Tatara, and Kokie to come. All three hesitated. A wink from Subaru and a nod from Aya sent them reluctantly following the strange man. This left Subaru and Aya conspicuously alone among the strange desert nomads.

"So…which way to a bed?" Aya asked from her uncomfortable spot against Shen.

Shen's laughter rang out. "Abrupt as always I see! So be it!" He dropped Aya to the ground where she landed with an indignant squeal. The next instant he was hauling her to her feet. Enraged, she snatched her arm from his grasp.

"I will not be hauled around your camp like a dog!" She hissed venomously. "Either lead me onward like a normal person or get out of the way while I find it myself!" She strode off, pushing away from him.

"Oh, Princess!" He called after her. She turned with an audible huff of breath. "My tent would be that way." He pointed behind and to the left. Without a word ― her face dark and foreboding ― Aya spun around and began practically running in the direction he pointed. A grinning Shen and a rueful Subaru followed at a slightly more sedate pace. Shen occasionally called directions to the still furious Aya. She followed them silently and instantly. At one point she was sure she heard the neigh of horses, but was quickly sidetracked by another called direction from the Shen. Eventually, she stopped in front of a grand tent, much larger than the others.

"Yours, I assume?" Subaru walked quickly forward to join Aya before she did anything rash…like burn it.

"As humble as it is," Shen bowed before stepping up and sweeping the door flap aside for them.

Despite themselves, both of the girls were impressed. The interior was far larger than it looked from the outside. The floor was covered in a soft animal skin of some kind. Furs and blankets of all kinds were stacked by the edges of the walls. Another animal skin separated a section of the back from the rest, which must be the common room. On the walls themselves, there were pictures of everything from hunting parties to what appeared to be naked maidens. Aya's face turned crimson as she caught glimpses of suggestive poses; she whirled away. "Not bad," she admitted.

"Glad you approve," there was a hint of dry sarcasm in his voice, and again, Aya found herself flushing.

"What really was the point of bringing us here?" Subaru got right to the point. "I assume there was one?"

"I'm intrigued by you. I want to know more about your strange connection to this girl." His eyes pierced the girl's. "I want to find out if she is worth protecting." Subaru looked up, eyes narrowed. Something in his voice gave her pause. Where had she heard that before…? "In any case, you may sleep here. The furs and blankets are at your disposal. Just make a pallet on the floor." He turned and strode towards the door.

"Shen!" Aya called before she could stop herself. He turned and looked back at her questioningly. She flushed and looked down. When she again met his gaze, her eyes were challenging. "Who said I needed protecting?"

Lips curled in a faint smile. "Getting past your defenses, my dear, would be half the fun of protecting you." Without another word he left the tent. There was silence for a moment.

"Pick up your tongue, dear," Subaru cut in sarcastically.

"I never ―" Aya squealed angrily.

"Oh, shut up," Subaru laughed. "I was young…an hour ago? I know very well what you're thinking."

Aya grumbled. "I can't help it. He's hott." Indeed, standing about an inch under six feet, Shen cut an imposing figure. His shoulder-length, dark brown hair was pulled back into a low ponytail but couldn't completely hold back the bangs that framed his face so perfectly. And his surprisingly blue eyes seemed to jump out at you.

Subaru snorted, "I can see that. Well, in any case, we need to get some sleep." At Aya's skeptical glance she corrected herself. "Okay, I need to get some sleep. I've been doing a lot of the work around here what with ― everything ― and I'm tired. Plus the desert tribes tend to nap in the middle of the day. It's too hot to do anything, so they sleep."

Giving in, the priestess grabbed an armload of the furs from the fringes of the room. The thickest she lay down for Subaru, quoting something about old bones. The rest she took for herself; and surprisingly, it took her no time at all to fall deeply asleep.

Aya sat up and looked around. For a moment, she was confused. She wasn't in Shen's tent, and her seishi were no where to be seen. Getting carefully to her feet, she studied her surroundings. She appeared to be in a meadow, but it was unlike any she had ever seen. The trees surrounded her grass enclosure in a perfect circle with not a single gap showing beyond. It was as if this meadow was the only place left in the entire world. Something else that caught her attention was the total and complete lack of animal life. No birdsong, no butterflies, not even insects marred the scenery. It was creepy. Aya shivered and rubbed her arms to shake the feeling of being watched. She began to walk towards the trees and towards the relative safety of the forest canopy when something blocked her path. Aya jumped and froze in her tracks. A huge white tiger stood staring her practically in the eyes. In her head, Aya knew she was dreaming. She knew that no tiger could possibly be this big. But it was hard to convince her frantic heart that the tiger in front of her was a figment of her imagination when she could feel its breath on her face, hear its low growl of warning.

Greetings, Priestess of Byakko. A voice sounded from behind her. Aya spun around to face this knew threat, not thinking of the ultimate stupidity of turning her back on a tiger. But, then, this wasn't real, was it? Now she was positive that this was the product of some drug that Shen had undoubtedly slipped her. A bird, every bit as large as the Tiger, hovered in front of her amazed eyes. It was a lovely rose red all over and seemed almost to sparkle in the sunlight. If she wasn't mistaken, it almost looked like the mighty Phoenix of legend.

"Um…hi?" she answered hesitantly.

Do not fear us, the Tiger stepped around her to take a seat beside the Phoenix, who had finally opted to land. We have brought you here to warn you.

A new voice spoke up to her left. There is a great threat coming to our world. You must be prepared to protect it.

Aya turned once again, slightly calmer this time, to see a great blue dragon. It reminded her of the Chinese dragons with its long serpentine body and long whiskers. "Will you guys stop that! It's creepy! Just come out please!"

There was a dry chuckle back near the other two animals. Turning with a huff for the final time, she saw a huge tortoise. Only this tortoise had what appeared to be a snake growing inside its shell with it. Very disturbing. This priestess is direct. I like her.

"Okay…back to this threat I'm expected to stop," Aya rolled her eyes. What a strange dream. "I know the world is in trouble. That's why you brought us here. But what's wrong! What is the threat?"

Darkness is pooling. Darkness so great that even the Seven Stars of the gods will not be able to defeat, the Phoenix flapped its wings swiftly before settling back down.

This Darkness seeks to use anger, hate, and jealousy to separate you. Beware the heart for it can harm as easily as heal. The Tiger growled low in its throat. Standing, it began to pace back and forth in front of the girl.

"That is so cliché. I don't do riddles, you know."

Listen! The Dragon tossed its head and glowered. This is no game! This is our world! Eventually, it will affect your world as well. The worlds are interconnected and the death of one will bring about the destruction of the other.

Properly chastised, Aya bowed her head and prepared to listen. For some reason, she was fairly certain that this was no random dream. And if these were the gods of this world, she certainly didn't want to piss them off!

The Tortoise/Snake god took up the narrative at this point. You will need the help of the Forgotten Ones.

"Who's that?" she interrupted.

I'm getting there. The Tortoise/Snake looked at her sternly, reminding Aya of her English teacher when she'd been interrupted. It amused her to think that the gods must have personalities like any other person…animal…thing. They are the key to defeating the Darkness. You must gather all the seishi of all four gods. Once this has been completed, go to Taitsukun. She will tell you the rest of what you must know.

Aya sighed. "So, that's all I get?"

For now. We will be watching over all of you. Take care, Priestess of Byakko! The Phoenix flapped its great wings and disappeared in a haze of red light.

The Tortoise/Snake approached her next. Do not fear to be bold. The Darkness will only swallow those with weak hearts. It nodded its great, wrinkled head once before slowly sinking into the earth.

The Dragon did not approach but studied her. I am truly sorry, was the only thing it said before vanishing into thin air.

Only the Tiger was left now. It made no move to leave at first. It, too, studied her intently. Finally, it spoke, I believe I have chosen well. I cannot tell you all. I can only warn you of the dangers you may face. Trust in your friends. They will not lead you astray. You have but to call upon me. I will answer. Then, with no further words, the Tiger faded away.

Aya stood alone once more in the center of the meadow. She shivered harder this time. When would she be able to go home? A place where the gods were only abstract things to wonder about in your spare time. A place where they would certainly never kidnap you and ask you to save an entire world. Breathing sharply, Aya looked and woke up.

"Aya," Subaru prodded the girl lying beside her. It was already mid-morning, and she was anxious to find Tokaki and the others. "Aya! Wake up!"

The girl woke with a start and sat up abruptly. "Whoa!"

Sitting back, Subaru eyed her priestess. "Bad dream?"

Blinking slowly, Aya shook her head. "No…no, it wasn't. I dreamed that I was visited by the four gods," she stared at Subaru. "And I'm not at all sure that it was just a dream!"

Now Subaru was really worried. "What did they say? Did they seem angry or disturbed? Maybe their mad at us for not finding the other seishi soon enough or ―"

"Would you chill out!" Aya shook her blonde head. "Jeez! They weren't mad. They weren't 'disturbed' or anything like that at all. It was basically just an information meeting."

"What did they say?"

"Oh, you know, they asked how we were doing…if we were comfortable. They said to tell everyone they said hello ―"

"WHAT DID THEY SAY!"

Aya laughed. "They told me that to defeat the "gathering Darkness" we would need to find the Forgotten Ones."

Subaru frowned, deep in thought. "I have never even heard of these "Forgotten Ones". They said nothing else?"

Shrugging, "Only that we needed to gather the seishi of all four gods and meet at Taitsukun's place. She's supposed to tell us the rest."

Subaru nodded firmly. "Then that is what we shall do. We must find the others quickly! We need to leave as soon as possible!"

"Whoa, whoa! Leaving so soon? Hospitality not enough for you?" Shen's voice cut through the air, making both girls go stiff. He stood in the doorway to the tent, leaning very casually and grinning like a wolf.

Aya stood, well aware of her dusty and wrinkled state. "Unfortunately, we'll have to cut this visit a little short."

Shen shook his head. "I even got up early to see to you ladies." He winked in Subaru's direction. "Should have gotten up a little earlier. You girls are up and dressed already." Aya flushed and Subaru snickered. "In any case, if you'll follow me, I'll take you to the rest of your party."

Subaru stretched with a grimace and allowed Aya to help her to her feet. "I hope they didn't sleep on the ground, too. Tokaki has the worst arthritis in the mornings…"

Shen actually winced. "Well…he was quite stiff when he first woke up. But he's limber enough now. I hadn't thought of that. Our elders usually don't have such problems."

That figures, Aya thought unkindly. She followed Shen and Subaru reluctantly out of the tent. The sunlight seared her eyes; she shaded her eyes and peered around her, trying to find a familiar face. Only those of the villagers met her gaze. She sighed and contented herself to following Shen around like a lost little puppy. Twitching irritably, she shook that thought from her mind. She'd be damned before that would happen.

Once again, Shen cut a rather circular course throughout the camp. By this time, both Aya and Subaru realized that he was purposefully making their path confusing, so that they wouldn't know exactly where they were. A fairly intelligent strategy ― not to mention successful. "Well, we're here." Shen stopped in front of a tent that bore no difference to Aya's eye than the other. Sighing, she stepped through the flap.

"Aya!" Tokaki flew towards her like a shot. He buried his face in her bosom, "I thought they might have ravished you or ―" SMACK! He flew across the room to be caught by an amused Kokie. "Hey…" he rubbed his sore cheek and stared balefully at Aya. "Didn't you miss me?"

She crossed her arms and glared at him. "No." She turned to the other occupants of the room. "Tatara, Kokie, did they treat you ok? Did they feed you? Were you hurt?"

Tatara held up a hand to stem her flood of questions. "Yes, Aya. We were treated as well as could be hoped."

"We're not barbarians, you know," Shen quipped from behind her.

"That remains to be seen," Aya glowered. She turned her attention back to her seishi. "We've got to leave. Now."

Subaru spoke up. She had been busy glaring holes into Tokaki. "Tatara! You've spent time with ―" She broke off with a rapid glance at Shen. "― our Superiors. Have you heard of the Forgotten Ones?"

Tatara looked confused and only shook his head. "No. I have heard nothing. Who are these Forgotten Ones?"

Subaru sighed and shook her head. "We do not know. We were hoping you could give us a hint."

"I am sorry," Tatara apologized. He appeared to be sincerely upset.

"Leaving…now?" Aya reminded the others. She was impatient to be away from here.

"You…prisoners…can't leave?" Shen stepped further into the room.

Aya spun around, hands on hips. She was in a particularly bad mood, and he seemed just the person to take it out on. "And just how exactly are you gonna stop me? I can damn well leave whenever I please!"

Shen grunted and smiled wickedly. "I have several means by which to stop you. But if you'd like to make the attempt, be my guest."

Aya was beyond reasonable thought and simply pushed past him towards the doorway. In an instant, he had grabbed her arm and hauled her back. Eyes snapping fire, Aya emitted a high-pitched sound of frustration. She marched straight back at him, only this time, she made no attempt to push past. She kneed him straight in the balls. It was a move he obviously wasn't expecting because he didn't make even a cursory attempt to block. Crumpling, he also emitted a rather high-pitched sound, this time of pain rather than frustration.

Grinning triumphantly, Aya swept past her defeated opponent. She motioned quickly for the others to follow as she exited the tent. Her seishi stood stock-still for a half second before they followed their priestess. Only Tokaki stopped for a moment in front of the moaning nomad leader to shake his head. "I'm sorry about that. She seems to have some sort of grudge against men and their anatomies…My apologies." He stepped over and around and was gone before Shen could fully register that anyone had spoken.

The troop of seishi plus one priestess strode through the camp like they belonged. And because no alarm had been raised ― they had even been treated as guests ― no one thought to stop them. After a few minutes, Aya thought she recognized a section of the camp. "This way," she whispered quickly, smiling at one nomad who continued to stare at them. Her hunch was correct and soon the corral came into view. "This is the center of the camp," she told the boys. They hadn't needed to come this way on their "tour" of the camp.

"How do you propose we get past the guards?" Kokie pointed towards two men guarding the only gate to the rather large enclosure.

Aya shrugged. She was stumped. There was no way the men would let them have their horses and gear without Shen's permission.

"Who says we have to use the gate?" Tatara asked. Everyone stared. "Well, we don't actually need it do we?"

"Will the horses come over if we called them?" Subaru questioned.

Aya thought for a moment. "Arashi will."

"Uma most likely will, too," Tatara nodded. "And I'm sure the rest will follow him. Even Hentai will follow along. Even if it's only because of the mares."

"So we'll just cut a hole in the fence," Tokaki nodded. "But how will we keep our activities unnoticed? We can repair the fence, but someone will surely hear or see us."

Aya's grin was wicked and contagious. "Not if they have a distraction."