Disclaimer: I do not own characters Tasuki, Chichiri, Houki and the countries Konan and Hokkan. They all belong to Yuu Watase. ha, just thought i'll make that clear. BUT, I did create Reiko, Nakuto, Satomu and the rest who aren't from FY. So technically, i own them.
Author's Note: Re-read, corrected, and I hope I got this right this time. haha. And I took Boushin out for the mean time cos I got his age all wrong and stuff. You might se him later on though. This is my 2nd Chapter for the day. I'm on a writing spree, see. Please please please review. thanks.
Chapter Seven: Of Hope and Courage
Chichiri led Tasuki and Reiko to the Empress' chambers. The two of them walked apart from each other. Reiko still wary of the "pervert" and Tasuki still fuming about being called a pervert. Chichiri just shook his head.
After walking for what seemed ages to Reiko, Chichiri stopped to knock on a door.
"Empress Houki, may we come in? I brought the Hokkan Princess, no da."
"Come in," a soothing voice beckoned. The three entered the room.
It is just like father's chambers, Reiko thought, biting her lip again, trying not to cry.
"Reiko," Genrou's hand reached out. "What's wrong?"
Reiko cast her eyes away and shook her head. "Nothing."
"Princess Reiko," the Empress' beautiful voice made Reiko look up. "I welcome you to Konan." Her purple hair was tied up elegantly.
"Thank you, your highness," Reiko bowed.
The Empress laughed. "My dear child, we're both of the same so-called profession. There's no need to bow to me."
Reiko bit her lip so hard it could have bled. "But I am not a Princess anymore," She fell unto her knees as tears flowed. "The Hokkan Imperial Family is lost, Empress. The Princess of Hokkan does not exist anymore."
Genrou rushed to her side. He hated seeing her like that. "Rei-" Genrou wanted to make her stop.
Reiko ignored him. "Empress Houki, I came to seek help. I cannot bear to see my nation in the hands of Nakuto, the General. Please, your highness. You are the only one left to help me. Nakuto had killed my parents."
Empress Houki eyes widened with shock. "The Emperor of Hokkan.. is dead? But why didn't I hear about this?"
"I do not know, your highness. Nakuto has had the help from many amongst my people. He can easily silence anybody he feels will threaten his claim over Hokkan."
Houki walked towards Reiko. She held out her hand. "Reiko, all is not lost. The blood of the Imperial Family flows through you. As long as you still have hope, and the courage to save your nation, all is not lost."
Reiko used her right sleeve to wipe her tears. The Empress looked at her bandages. "However, right now, you have to concentrate on making yourself better. You can't save a whole nation with broken limbs can you?" Houki smiled. "Meanwhile, I will find out as much as I can the state of Hokkan under the hands of this, Nakuto."
Reiko managed to smile. Ayame was right about getting help from Konan.
Genrou put her arm over his shoulders and helped her up. "Ya shouldn't drop down on yer knees so hard. I wouldn't want ya to break your knees too, ya know."
"Tasuki," Empress Houki called him, "Why don't you bring the Princess around the city and get the servants to give her something to wear for tonight's Festival? You can bring her to the Festival."
"Yes, your highness," Tasuki nodded. "We already planned on going."
"I see," the Empress smiled again, noting the new tone in his voice, a tone of affection perhaps? "Well then, Reiko, enjoy yourself until you fully heal. I will tell you if I recieve anything from Hokkan." Tasuki, Reiko and Chichiri started to leave.
"Chichiri, I need to ask a favour from you." Tasuki and Reiko exchanged puzzled looks then left the room.
"Yes Empress, you need me to do something for you?"
"I was hoping you could go to Hokkan for me. To find out about this Nakuto and his going ons."
"Yes Empress," Chichiri held his cloak. "I'll be back by nightfall." He disappeared behind his cloak.
"You scared me back there," Genrou took Reiko out of the palace grounds. "I knew something was wrong the moment we stepped into the Empress' chambers."
"I'm sorry," Reiko said. "It's just that the Empress' room reminded me so much of my father. I miss him. I miss both my parents."
"Yeah. I know how ya feel," Genrou wanted to lighten things up.
"Let's just forget about it for a day alright? Enjoy ourselves in the city. You owe me remember?" Reiko forced a smile. She was glad Genrou was around to make her feel better.
Two guards came walking down the corridor. Chichiri hid behind the column.
"The General's real pissed with Satomu."
"Yeah, I heard. Kenji told me he heard Nakuto calling him an Insolent Coward. Kenji was doing duty for Nakuto's chambers."
"Did you hear about the Suzaku warriors too? I heard the Princess is now being protected by 'em." Chichiri heard a smack and a groan.
"You idiot, I was the one who told you that."
"You didn't have to hit me!"
"Anyway, Nakuto's raging mad right now. I'm glad I'm doing gate duty today. I wouldn't want to be near the General when he's mad." The two guards walked past Chichiri without noticing him. When the corridor was clear, Chichiri stepped out of the shadows.
"That was useful, no da. Better go find this Nakuto."
He checked every door in the hopes of finding something. He looked at the intricate designs on gold decorations.
This must be the Imperial quarters. Chichiri pushed open a door. Just then he heard a couple of guards coming his way. He moved into the room and quickly shut the door. He put his ear against the door, listening closely for signs that the guards had gone. A silver blade went up below his chin.
"Who are you." A deep hushed voice demanded.
"I'm.. Uhh, a servant no da," Chichiri knew he couldn't reveal who he was. Especially not in Hokkan.
"I've never seen you around here before. And what's with the staff? Why are you in Princess Reiko's room?"
"Princess Reiko?" Chichiri vanished for a moment and reappeared, examing the contents on a desk the other side of the room. The man with the sword dropped his blade, alarmed.
"Who are you?"
"Me? That's not important, no da. Who are you?"
"Why should I tell you?" The man was about twenty, very tall with dark hair. His grey eyes were wide with shock. "Stop touching my cousin's things!"
Chichiri looked at the young man. "Reiko's cousin? Then you can help me!"
"If you're one of Nakuto's minions and if you want me to help you get Reiko back here, then you're mistaken."
Chichiri walked towards him. "I'm not working for this Nakuto, no da. And why do I need your help to find Reiko when I already know where she is?"
"You know where my cousin is?" His eye's became bright. "Please, tell me where she is. I need to see her. I beg of you."
"Why should i trust you, no da. I don't even know your name."
"Please, I need to see my cousin. I need to know she's alright." The grey eyes begged. "I'm Ryota, only nephew of the Hokkan Emperor. Or was.."
"I see.. but you'll have to wait, no da. I need to stay here a while to find out about this Nakuto General."
"We can go now! I know all there is to know about Nakuto. Please, just take me to Reiko."
"Hasty fellow, no da." Chichiri leaned on his staff. "Very well then, let's go." The bedroom door flung open.
"Ryo," it was Satomu. "I've been looking for you." Satomu's eyes shifted to Chichiri. "A Suzaku Seishi! Here in Hokkan!"
"Didn't think I'd see you again, no da." Chichiri smiled. "After running away from us and all."
Satomu went red in the face. "Don't play with me, Konan crap. Guards!" About a dozen guards came pouring into the room. Ryota grabbed his sword from the ground and lashed out, making a couple of them fall upon the ground.
"Hey!" Ryo called out to Chichiri. "Grab that sword on the wall!" He pointed out to the wall above a bed.
Chichiri grabbed it. "C'mon! Let's go, no da."
"Go?! We gotta get through these shitheads first!"
"No need!" Chichiri did his vanishing act again, and suddenly appeared in front of Ryo, lifting up his hat, the two disappeared beneath it.
Satomu shook in anger. Nakuto won't let this off easily.
YAY! whoot. Chapter Seven. Savvy? haha. hmm, new character. Ryo! haha. yeahhhh. I was thinking of making him gay. But.. i dunno. can't make up my mind. Suggestions?