A Hidden Secret

by Twin Girls

To escape, Kayla ran away disguised as a boy. She meets Tasuki and joins him in his destiny as a Suzaku seishi. As their friendship grows, Kayla fears that her secret identity will be revealed to the women-hating seishi. What is she going to do?

15. Knowing Your Fears

Cancer: Hello readers! It's great to see you guys again. I hope we haven't keep you waiting for too long for this chapter to get out. Gemini and I…. (paused momentarily to look around) hmmm….  Where is Gemini anyway?

(Cancer looks everywhere and found Gemini asleep on her bed holding a plush toy of Tasuki)

Cancer: I can't believe she's sleeping and right before the opening of our new posted chapter too!!

Gemini: (drools over her pillow and mumbling words like 'Tasuki'…. 'Kayla'….. 'story must go on'….)

Cancer: (sweatdrops) Wow, she's really out of it…. Hmmmm…. (An evil smirk appeared on her face)…. Well, I see that there is no disclaimer yet… well I better fix that!!

Disclaimer: We, Twin Girls do NOT own Fushigi Yuugi or it's wonderful characters.

            However now due to popular demand, Cancer will now own ALL of Gemini's collection of animes, 99% of the decision-making of this story, AND 87% of all of Gemini's secret supply of DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE!!!

Cancer: BWHAHAHAHA!!!! Gemini can't stop me!!!

Gemini: (continues to snore)

To be continued…….

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Chapter 15: Knowing Your Fears

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Kayla had never really believed that she would ever have a chance to feel the warmth and comfort of having families and friends again other then those brief (yet sometimes awkward) times back in the Mount Leikaku stronghold or in the bittersweet memories of herself when she was still a little girl and her parents had still been alive.

However she had found herself to be proven wrong three days ago the moment when Tasuki had brought the Suzaku assembly back to the inn for her.

At first Kayla had been nervous about meeting everyone even though it had been clear Miaka, Nuriko and Hotohori had favoured her as their ally and friend. However she was still nervous about the reunion completed with butterflies in her stomach. Yet despite her self-doubt, everyone had welcomed her into their group even though she wasn't a Suzaku Senshi herself or in anyway related.

If there was something Kayla had learned from that whole experience was to NEVER let Nuriko hug you when he gets overexcited. Poor Kayla was nearly crushed to death by the beautiful yet EXTREMELY strong Senshi when he saw her again at the inn. To her relief, Miaka had reminded Nuriko of his abnormal strength and the violet-haired Senshi had immediately let her go, apologizing profusely and explaining that he sometimes doesn't remember his own strength.

Despite the fact that Kayla had been a little breathless, she had been very relieved to know that Tasuki hadn't been too thick-headed to remember that she had been still waiting back in the inn and had immediately brought the whole Suzaku assembly with him. She hadn't been sure how much more hassling she would have been able to endure from the innkeeper.

The innkeeper had been ready to have her condemned to a lifetime of hard labour to repay for all the damages in the inn when Tasuki and everyone else had shown up. Upon seeing all the losses, Hotohori had generously stepped in and offered to pay for all the damages, plus an extra bonus that would keep the innkeeper more then pleasantly pleased. Kayla, who had been extremely grateful, had insisted that she would pay him back one day (although she had no idea how because the costs had been more money then she had ever seen in her own lifetime). However, Hotohori had made it clear that it was not necessary. Kayla could only wonder at this man's origin. Perhaps Hotohori was a merchant of some sort to be able to have so much money.

After that, she had a chance the meet the two newest members of their group, Mitsukake whom Miaka had met in a village after their departure from Mount Leikaku. He was the healer who had saved Miaka from that mysterious illness from before. To her amazement, Mitsukake had healed her sprained ankle using his healing powers shortly after their brief introduction without a moment to lose. From their brief encounter, Kayla had found him to be a man of little words yet a man with a great heart who carries a very comforting presence to those around him.

The last member found was Chiriko. To be more exact it was he who had found the Suzaku Senshi rather then they had found him. He had saved them from a hoard of bats sent by an assassin whom coincidently, Tasuki had been chasing in the beginning. That was how Tasuki was rejoined with his fellow Seishi. Kayla could only imagine the reactions he had gotten when he revealed his true identity of being the supposedly dead Seishi, Tasuki. Nuriko had hinted to her later that believing him to be a Seishi had been MORE then doubtful which made her almost laugh out loud.

Chiriko. Though his appearance were somewhat boyish, his character was very mature for a boy his age even though he was one year younger then her. However, Kayla had found herself liking the boy immediately. He carried a very gentle presence with him; anyone who sees him could never picture or imagine him of ever hurting anyone except only for the purpose of protecting others he cares for. He had a boyish nature with a wonderful talent of playing the flute. Kayla enjoyed listening to him play. She couldn't explain it, but listening to him play allowed her reminisce old peaceful memories of the younger and happier life in her past rather then the more painful ones that usually haunts the back of her mind every waking and sleeping moment. Despite the fact that she was sure she had never seen the boy in the past; she couldn't shake the feeling that she had met Chiriko before under different circumstances. But she just couldn't pin point exactly where or when.

Yes, she had been very wrong about never finding family and friends again. It was one of those rare times when she was glad that she had been wrong. She found herself extremely lucky to have found such generous people. Miaka, Nuriko, Hotohori, Mitsukake, Chiriko and even Tasuki, all had treated her with a fair amount respect as if she was one of their own. In addition to everything, she was going to meet Chichiri and Tamahome, who Miaka had enthusiastically emphasized were also very kind-hearted people as well and would welcome her. It was almost too good to be true. It was almost perfect…. almost that is…..

Despite the fact, she was feeling genuinely happy, at the same time, she was feeling very guilty. She still hadn't revealed herself as being a girl. Everyone whom she had met still believed she was a boy. She didn't have the courage to reveal something so important to friends to whom had given her their complete trust from the very beginning. She didn't want to betray this trust by revealing her little secret.

Their views on her may change completely because she didn't have the courage to tell them the truth. Tasuki would probably hate her forever; everyone else would turn away from her. Then probably her uncle- if he didn't believe her to be dead after falling off that cliff- would find her sooner or later and she would be back to where she was in the beginning; lost and alone with her last thread of hope slowly deteriorating from being heartbroken.

She wasn't sure if she was ready to risk it all.

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The first sensation Kayla had felt when she had woken up that morning was utter confusion, shock, and the peculiar feeling of being very WET! "What… what the hell?!" Kayla sputtered from shock as she sat up from her makeshift bed on the ground.

She found herself being soaking wet from the top her head down to her waist. Her long dark bangs were plastered heavily against her face covering her eyes. She instantly brushed her hair away from her eyes with her hand and wiped her soaking face with her sleeves. How the hell did she get all wet?!

Then a surprised squeal interrupted her muddled thoughts from beside her and she turned to see Miaka in a similar predicament as her own. Like her, Miaka was also mysteriously drenched in water and she sat up sputtering in shock very much like how Kayla had woken up. When she had wiped the water from her face she also stared confusedly back at her asking the same question; 'what the hell had happened? How did they both get all wet?' They had just been sleeping peacefully when all of a sudden out of nowhere they were ambushed with water!

Then it happened.

Laughing was heard everywhere. Laughing that sounded suspiciously too familiar. Kayla and Miaka both turned away from each other to face the perpetrators of their harsh abrupt awakening. Standing in front of them were Tasuki and Nuriko, both carrying buckets that had been recently emptied from water as little drops still hang from its edges. Both of them were laughing like there was no tomorrow. They weren't the only ones laughing though. The rest of the Seishi were laughing, Chiriko and Mitsukake were both doing a poor job of trying to contain their laughter. Even Hotohori who had disapproved of Tasuki and Nuriko's stunt, despite himself was chuckling at their shocked expressions.

It didn't take long for both Kayla and Miaka to piece together the fact of what had exactly happened in their own minds.

"Nuriko, Tasuki!! What is the meaning of this?!?!" Miaka demanded accusingly as she glared daggers at her two Seishi while Kayla- who was too angry for words- did the same as she glared at them, silently warning them to come up with a reasonable explanation for this practical stunt or else there was going to be hell to pay.

Nuriko and Tasuki who had finally controlled their laughing, both smirked. It was kind of eerie seeing the both of them acting in unison with each other. Usually the both of them were arguing endlessly with each other almost as bad as when Kayla argue with Tasuki. Tasuki with his dislike in girls had always found something to argue with Nuriko (who after all looks incredibly like a woman). The feeling was mutual with Nuriko who always picked a fight with Tasuki because he thought the fiery Senshi was annoying and just extremely fun to aggravate.

"It was the only way to wake both of you sleepy heads up" Nuriko answered, as if it was most logical thing in the world and turned to wink at Kayla (who turned red in anger and annoyance). "I mean I knew Miaka was always a heavy sleeper but I was surprised to see that you, Kayla could be so difficult to wake up"

"WHAT!" Miaka and Kayla both exclaimed in shock

"I am NOT a heavy sleeper!"

"THAT'S your reason that we're drench in water?!"

Tasuki and Nuriko just burst in laughter again at their protests.

Kayla had just about enough. This was even worst then the time when Tasuki had given her that other so-called 'wake up call' earlier during her time at the stronghold. It had taken her nearly forever to get use to sleeping in the outdoors and now that she could actually manage to sleep peacefully on the outdoor grounds, they had to wake her up like this?! Oh he was going to pay for this. BOTH of them are going to pay! All she had to do was figure out how and wait for the right moment.

Sensing Miaka's anger and Kayla's thirst for revenge, Hotohori decided to step in before things became out of hand. "All right everyone, we should start packing our things now that Miaka and Kayla are both ummm… awaken" (Kayla and Miaka both glared at him) "We should be arriving back to the Konan palace by late afternoon if we get an early start today"

Upon hearing the prospect of finally arriving back to the Konan palace soon, Miaka forgot her anger momentarily in order to pack, eager to get back as soon as possible. She instantly made a mad dash for her bag in which she carried everywhere with her and took out a fresh change of clothes, comb, a towel and some unidentifiable items that had probably belonged in her world. "Chiriko, do you have anything for me to eat? I'm hungry" she asked enthusiastically as she carried her things.

Chiriko smiled kindly and hanged her some food that he had been saving for both Kayla and Miaka since the rest of the Seishi had already eaten their breakfasts.

"Thanks a lot Chiriko, you're the best unlike 'some people' here!" Miaka pointedly as she deliberately shot Tasuki and Nuriko a look, already digging into the food with record speed. Being wet had certainly not affected her appetite in the least.

"I'm going to change" Kayla grumbled as she too, took out a fresh set of clothes (the only other set she had besides the one she was wearing). From what she had heard from Nuriko, Miaka was eager to get back so that they could rescue one of their Suzaku members, Tamahome (who was currently captured in Kutou). Even without asking, Nuriko was more then willing to share with her that Miaka and Tamahome were in love (causing Miaka to blush profusely, but however, did not deny any of it being true). Therefore, she wasn't too surprised with Miaka's great enthusiasm.

Shooting Tasuki and Nuriko another 'I'll get you back for this, I promise you that' death glare, she walked off a fair distance away from group and to a clearing by a small pond. She chose a spot behind some bushes and a close distance by the pond so that she could check her reflection if she needed to. After checking to see if she was being followed or not, she untied her wet braid and began wringing her wet hair letting drops of water drip to her feet.

After letting her hair loose freely to dry, she began to undo the sash on her waist that was used to keep her top on while muttering incoherent words at her bad luck. She could only be glad that only her top was wet so she didn't have to change her pants. Being careful with the bindings around her chest she slipped out of the wet top and began wringing her shirt like a wet towel letting the drips of water fall. After finding her top to be considerably dry, she took out the dry shirt that she had brought with her to change.

It was a rather plain but comfortable light blue shirt with dark blue lining. It was one of the shirts that Nuriko had been kind enough to lend her given that she no longer had the clothes she had packed for this journey. Like the rest of the other clothes given to her, the shirt was still a little too big but definitely better than nothing. Sighing to herself, she slipped the blue top on and began fastening the sash on it.

"Aren't you done yet?"

Kayla screamed in surprised at the unexpected voice behind her. She quickly clutched the opening to her shirt tightly with her hands since she hadn't finish tying her sash yet. She turned shakily and angrily to the person behind her. It was Tasuki! He was stepping out of the few bushes that had been used in hiding her from view.

Kayla clutched her shirt tightly together wanting nothing more than to run and hide. She hadn't even heard him coming up behind her! Of all the time to show up, he had to show up in the middle of her changing!! Why the hell is he here?! Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!!! Did he saw me change?!?!?! Oh Suzaku, please don't tell me he saw me change!!!! She prayed silently as she faced the man with a furious expression, even though she was scared to death in the inside.

"T..T..Tasuki! What do you think you are doing, coming here from out of nowhere and in the middle of me ch…. CHANGING?!?!?!" She demanded furiously.

Tasuki winced a little at her shouting "Damn Kayla! Stop shouting will you? You scream just like a girl" As if to make her situation even worst he continued to make his way closer towards her.

"W..W..What did you see?" Kayla stammered nervously as she unconsciously stepped back, only to her dismay to find the pond right behind her. She was trapped!

Tasuki looked back at her confusedly. "See? See what? What are you so nervous about?" He stopped right in front of her, studying her intently. "Why are you stuttering?"

"M..me? St… stuttering? N… no I'm not" Kayla denied as one of her hand clutched tightly to her shirt, while her other hand fumbled to tie the sash on her waist.

His eyebrows arched in amusement. "Are you sure about that?" Tasuki asked.

"O..of c..course I am! Y..y.. you didn't a..answer my question! W… what are you d..doing here?!" Kayla asked trying to control her voice. Even though Tasuki had told her he had seen nothing, his closeness was doing nothing to ease her nervousness. Kayla just wish he would at least stepped away from her and put a little more distance between them. He was just a little too close for comfort.

"The others told me to check on you since you were taking so long"

"O…oh. I… I'm almost done….You can leave now"

"Why?"

"WHY?" Kayla exclaimed in disbelief "I'm still changing! I'm not done!"

"So I'll just stay here and wait for you" Tasuki said with a smirk.

"You can't!" Kayla panicked as she struggled with her sash with her one hand. Damn sash! Why can't I tie it properly?!!

"Why not?!" Tasuki asked obviously not understanding her need for privacy. "You're a guy too so what are you so nervous about? It's not like I'll see anything I don't have myself"

"Leave!" Kayla was getting desperate.

"Why should I? Unless…." Tasuki paused momentarily lowered his head so that his head was levelled with hers, his eyes staring fixedly into her own. Kayla felt her whole face flush under his intense gaze, for some reason. Damn! Why do I always feel like this whenever he looks at me like that?! It's stupid Kayla!! Her mind screamed. However no matter how furious she was with herself, she couldn't look away from his intensive golden amber eyes.

"U..un… unless what?" Kayla asked tensely.

"Unless…." Tasuki paused in suspense. "You don't want me to see that scrawny little body of yours. There's probably only skin and bones, nothing to see at all" then he burst out laughing at his own little joke clutching his side.

Kayla just stood there staring at him dumbfounded while he laughed. It was then she realized that he had just insulted her. Sure he was making fun of her being a boy and everything BUT nevertheless he had insulted her! I'll show this jerk a scrawny body! She thought angrily, momentarily forgetting her nervousness.

"Oh Tasuki, I should return that favour of yours" she called to the man with fake sugar sweetness in her voice.

"What­ are you_Aaahhhhh!!!!!" Before Tasuki could react, Kayla swiftly and unexpectedly kicked him, sending him completely head-first into the water.

"What the hell?!" Tasuki sputtered angrily as his hands and legs swung wildly in the water trying to keep his head above water.

Kayla quickly took his moment of distraction to finish tying her sash around her waist. "That was for both the wake up call this morning and the 'scrawny' comment" She said satisfyingly, giving her sash a final tug in a secure knot.

"Help!" Tasuki yelled panicking, waving his hands wildly.

Kayla gave him a look of exasperation. "What are you doing? Get out of there now. The others are waiting"

"I can't….. I can't swim! Get me out of here!!"

Kayla stared at Tasuki in disbelief. Then despite herself, she began to laugh. "You….hehe can't…haha swim?! HAHAHA"

"Stop laughing and get me out of here!!"

Kayla couldn't stop laughing. It was just too funny! The almighty, arrogant Tasuki was afraid of water! So the fiery Senshi does have a weakness!

"Hey what's taking you guys so long?" another voice interrupted their brief moment of chaos.

Kayla turned to see that it was no other than just Nuriko and Chiriko coming out of the bushes both carrying curious expressions on their faces at the scene before them. Kayla was laughing his head off while Tasuki was struggling to keep his head above water.

"What's going on you guys, everyone's waiting back there" Nuriko asked, looking at Kayla for answers when the boy had finally calmed down from laughing.

However, Kayla just stopped laughing and without saying a word she headed back towards the camp site. At least she was able to pay Tasuki back for this morning's stunt, all that was left now was to pay Nuriko back, but that can come later.

Oh revenge was sweet sometimes.

Nuriko and Chiriko watched Kayla walked away casually.

"I don't understand. What just happened?" Chiriko asked confusedly looking at Nuriko as if the man would know something he didn't know.

"Who knows, but I think it had something with Kayla kicking Tasuki into the water" Nuriko answered as he watched Tasuki continued to splash wildly in the water.

"Help I'm drowning! I'm DROWNING!!"

"You do realize that Kayla might decide to get you back for this morning's stunt just as he did with Tasuki just now" Chiriko warned the violet-haired senshi while ignoring Tasuki's cry for help.

"I wouldn't worry too much about that right now" Nuriko said nonchalantly.

"What the hell are you two standing there for?! I'M DROWNING HERE!!"

"Ummm….. Tasuki?" Chiriko said hesitantly as he and Nuriko finally turned their attention to the drowning Senshi. Both with sweatdrops on their forehead as they stared at him

"WHAT?!"

"How can you be drowning? The pond is only knee deep"

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If there was ever an expression for total amazement, confusion, surprise and shock all mixed together into one, it would be the one expression that Kayla was currently carrying as she stared at the Konan palace before her. Never in her whole 16 years of living had she seen a place this big or this extravagant. She had lived in small villages all her life, even the stronghold back in Mount Leikaku had been nothing compared to this. There was really only one word to describe it.

"Wow" Kayla breathed as she admired the grand structure before her. Everyone else was pretty much the same way as she was. Well… almost everyone.

She looked back at the others. Miaka and Nuriko were the only ones in the whole group who didn't seem surprised at the sight of the palace. In fact, Nuriko looked rather amused as he watched her expression.

"Now this is what I call high living, what are we waiting for? Let's go inside" Tasuki was the first to break out of his reverie. Without waiting for anyone to respond, he was already walking towards the entrance of the palace. Kayla was about to stop him when….

"DAAAAA!!!!!" a voice suddenly cried.

Kayla was startled when a man with light blue hair and a strange cheery face popped out of nowhere, surprising Tasuki so badly that it caused him to fall back on his bottom.

"Chichiri!" Miaka cried out happily to the strange man. "It's so good to see you again!"

"It's good to see you too Miaka no da" responded the strange man.

Kayla observed the man closely ignoring Tasuki's angry complaints of being ambushed. She realized that this man was actually a monk judging from his clothing and the staff he carried in his hand. He seemed to be older than any one of them (about in his early 20's), yet the cheery face that seem to be etched across his features seem to make him look even younger. So this is Chichiri? What a strange man thought Kayla fascinated as she looked closely to his face. There was something odd about his ever-smiling face. Yet she couldn't exactly say why though.

Then Chichiri looked back at her and their gaze met for a moment. Having been caught staring, Kayla quickly looked away feeling a bit embarrassed. Chirchiri just smiled welcomingly.

"I see that you have found the rest of the Seishi, good work no da!" Chichiri exclaimed enthusiastically. Then his expression became a little confused (or as confused as his cheery face could formed) "I know we're suppose to find three more Suzaku Senshi, but I see four new faces no da. Which one is which?" he asked voicing his confusion.

"Oh right! I forgot you probably don't know who's who yet Chirchiri" Miaka said sheepishly with a hand behind her head. "This is Mitsukake, Chiriko and Tasuki" she said as she pointed to each Seishi as she introduced them individually.

Mitsukake and Chiriko both nodded smiling back at the friendly monk in response as Miaka told Chichiri how she had found them. However Tasuki just grumbled quietly. Having just been caught off guard by the monk's sudden appearance from the beginning had obviously bruised his ego a little.

Kayla, suddenly feeling a bit self-cautious and uncertain began to hide herself a little from view behind Tasuki's tall figure. Although it had didn't seem possible, Kayla could somehow sense that there was something very mysterious about this monk, Chichiri. It was as if his cheery face was a mask hiding his true self deep within. Hiding the powers he holds inside. It was almost as if he would know her secret if he study her long enough with his cheery yet perceptive gaze.

Without realizing her sudden hint of shyness, Miaka had already dragged her out from behind the safety of Tasuki's shadow by the arm and guided her to stand before the monk (I guess you can't really count on Miaka on being the insightful one Kayla thought half-irritated and half- nervously). "And this is Kayla, he's a good friend of Tasuki. He's a really strong fighter also and he saved me once when we first met" Miaka said as she introduced her proudly to Chichiri.

Kayla blushed a little at Miaka's comment. She wasn't use to people complimenting her. It was just something that doesn't occur that often and it usually makes her feel somewhat uncomfortable. "It's nice to meet you Chichiri-sama" she said politely bowing awkwardly for she was unsure in how to address a monk properly.

Chichiri smiled. "It's nice to meet you too Kayla. Please, just call me Chichiri no da" Then to Kayla's surprise, he put a hand on her shoulder in a friendly gesture. "And thank you, for helping to protect our Miko no da"

Kayla smiled back, more relaxed this time. Chichiri may have something secret hidden behind his cheerful exterior, but she decided at that moment, he was someone she could trust along with the rest of the Suzaku Senshi. He was someone that radiated of great amount of wisdom for someone so young.

"How the heck did you appear out of nowhere all of the sudden?! What are you?! A ghost?!" Tasuki cried out all of a sudden as he glared somewhat irritatingly at the mysterious monk. His outburst had broken the friendly moment between Kayla and Chichiri. Kayla had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes in exasperation. Really, didn't Tasuki ever learn the meaning of being SUBTLE sometimes? Then again…. This was TASUKI she was talking about, so being subtle was obviously never in his status.

Luckily, Chichiri just smiled at the fiery-haired man standing before him, completely unaffected by Tasuki's abrupt question. "I was a pupil of the guardian of this world, Taiisuken no da. Therefore, I know many forms of magic that was enhanced with the ability of being a Suzaku Seishi"

Then to everyone's amazement, the monk disappeared into a cloud of smoke and in his place stood another Tasuki! "You could also say that one of my most useful skills would be transfiguration no da!"

"Kuso! What the f*ck!!" Tasuki swore as he stared back at the identical amber eyes of his twin with shock. He had been so startled that he stumbled back a few steps almost tripping and falling on his bottom again. Unlike Chichiri/Tasuki's whose expression was filled with mirth, Tasuki, himself had found this anything but funny.

Kayla and the rest of the group stood dumbfound at the sight of two Tasuki's. The resemblance between them were astonishing, everything was the exactly identical from Tasuki's clothes and beaded jewelleries right down to the smallest detail of his fiery red hair, his smirk and his amber eyes. Kayla stared back and forth between the two Tasuki. It was impossible to tell the difference the real one and the fake one. Obviously, Chichiri skills in magic were nothing to be taken lightly in if he was able to change his entire form so easily like that.

Chichiri/Tasuki smirked and once again turned into a cloud of smoke and was replaced with the smiling monk once more. "I'm sorry if I scared you Tasuki no da" Chichiri said and gave slight bow in apology. However, Kayla was able to catch a slight hint of a mischievous smile on his face, but couldn't be sure since he always seems to be smiling.

"Who said I was scared?! You just caught me off guard!" Tasuki cried trying to retain whatever pride he had felt he had lost. His complaint was cut short when a giggling was heard and everyone turned to see Miaka with her hand covering her mouth trying to hide her laughter. Everyone stared back at her.

"I'm sorry Tasuki, I didn't mean to laugh" Miaka said in between her giggling. "It's just that it was so funny and it's been so long since I've seen Chichiri pull a stunt like that" and she finally burst into a fit of laughter. Then not too long after, Kayla joined her as well as everyone else. Even Tasuki laughed a little saying that a stunt like that would have scared the crap out of his fellow bandits back in the Leikaku stronghold. Kayla laughed until her stomach began to hurt. It had felt wonderful to laugh, even if it was because of something so silly. It was a wonderful and carefree feeling to laugh with all her friends around her. So this is what it truly feels to have such good friends she thought contentedly. Upon thinking about her friends, she finally noticed something that she hadn't noticed earlier. "Where's Hotohori?" she said, voicing her question.

Everyone who had heard her finally calmed down in laughing and also looked around to find her words to be true. The Suzaku Seishi, Hotohori was missing. However, Miaka, Nuriko and Chichiri seemed unconcern with his disappearance. "Oh I wouldn't worry about Hotohori-sama, he is perfectly fine right now" Nuriko said devotedly waving off their concern.

"Why the hell would you say that?" Tasuki questioned eyeing the violet-haired man suspiciously.

"And why do you keep calling him, Hotohori-'sama'?" Kayla asked as if she had finally noticed this peculiar habit for the first time for so long. Since the title 'sama' had always been used as a title for someone of high importance or high status. She suddenly recalled the time when Hotohori had paid for all the damages in that inn when they had came to rescue her from that place. "Is he a rich merchant or something?"

"You mean you haven't figured it out yet?" Nuriko asked with mock amusement. It was easy to tell he was enjoying the look of confusion on their faces.

"Figure what out, Nuriko?" Chiriko spoke for the first time voicing his confusion as well.

However, Nuriko never had the chance to answer him. For soon a very familiar regal voice interrupted their little discussion and all of their answers had been answered.

"Welcome to Konan, Suzaku Seishi. I am the Emperor of Konan"

Everyone turned, and there before them stood the Emperor of Konan. He was dressed in the royal robes of the finest silk. He stood with a high air of imperial power…. yet radiated with an aura of kindness, wisdom and understanding. It was a breathtaking sight. However it wasn't only because of his regal presence that had took Kayla's breath away.

"Hotohori" she whispered as she stared back at the familiar face of the handsome man with the gentle brown eyes and silvery-brown hair. It was without a doubt that the imperial man standing before her was Hotohori. It took her a minute before she registered the fact into her confused mind. Hotohori was the emperor of Konan!! He was the same Hotohori whom she had met under the worst circumstances. The same man whom she had called a baka because he had accused her of attacking Miaka. The same man who had almost killed her on their first encounter under grave misunderstandings. This was the man who had become her friend and also happens to be the Emperor of Konan. She swallowed nervously and looked around. Tasuki, Chiriko and Mitsukake all stood somewhat dumbfound at the Emperor before them. Hotohori faced them with a kind smile and an amused glitter in his gentle eyes.

Well… she thought nervously, laughing silently in relief. At least I'm not the only one who had been totally clueless about this whole thing.

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Yui sighed contently as she laid her head against chest of the man she had fallen in love with ever since she had first laid eyes on him. She wished for this moment to last forever, to stay forever in the arms of the man she love. She had never believed in love in first sight. But this is different she thought as she looked up into the man's piercing silvery-blue eyes. He's different. Tamahome defies all logic and for that I'm grateful She smiled again and lay her head back down on his chest. Tamahome didn't complain and only tighten his hold around her protectively.

Even if he really doesn't belong to you Yui? Her inner conscience spoke to her bringing back that nagging feeling in her heart. Yui stubbornly forced the sinister voice back to the darkness of her mind. She refused to let this end. Not when things were finally going her way. Not when she was feeling happy for the first time ever since she had first laid foot on this god-forsaken world.

"Tamahome" she murmured as she lifted her head again to face the man holding her.

"Yes Yui-sama?" Tamahome answered affectionately to his priestess's call.

"Promise me that you won't leave me ever again" Yui said, her eyes begging pleadingly expressing the loneliness she had suffered for so long.

"Of course Yui-sama" Tamahome answered without a second thought as he placed a tender kiss on her forehead in assurance. "I would never leave you. I would kill whoever will hurt you ever again"

Yui smiled happily again, this was what she had wanted. Even though she was having difficulty with the slight guilt in the back of her mind, she would not back down now. She would die first before she let it happen.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you Yui-sama" a deep familiar voice interrupted the couple and Yui gave a slight blush at being seen in such an intimate position with Tamahome. Don't be silly girl! You were just embracing him that's all. There is nothing to be embarrassed about! Her mind mentally scolded her. She turned to the owner of the voice, breaking the contact of the embrace. "What is it Nakago?" She asked as she faced her most trusted Seishi, the one who had saved her in the alleyway on that dreadful day. Or saved what was left of me her mind cynically added, she closed her eyes in moment of pain. That terrible day was going to haunt her till the day she died.

Nakago caught her small moment of pain and smirked inwardly. She really has no clue he thought amusedly. She knew that the affections Tamahome was now displaying so openly towards her were only because of the effects of the strong Kodoku they had given to him a few days ago. She was a foolish girl to allow herself to bathe in such lies. The truth was staring her right in the face, yet she was too blinded to see them herself. However if she choose to stay in this little idealism, it was her own choice. It will be her downfall he thought heartlessly. It was better for him this way. It made everything so much more easier.

 "Are you feeling well Yui-sama?" he asked with whom everyone else would have mistaken as a tone of concern.

Yui smiled slightly completely fooled by his act of charade. "I am fine Nakago, you don't have to be concern. Why are you here?"

"I came because I had something to discuss privately with Tamahome" Nakago answered, hiding his amusement at the girl's innocence.

"Tamahome?" Yui was confused as she stared at the handsome blond man for answers, yet the emotionless facial features of the cold man gave her none. "What to you want to speak with him for?"

"I'm sorry Yui-sama, but I can not reveal the details to you yet"

"But…" Yui protested, she didn't want Tamahome to leave. However before she could go on further, she was cut short when Tamahome hugged her from behind in a comforting manner, easing all her worries.

"Don't worry Yui-sama, I will return to you" Tamahome whispered affectionately in her ear, causing a small shiver of excitement to run down her spine. Yui nodded, unable to find the words that had suspiciously disappeared in the hollow of her throat. She remained silent as she watched Tamahome left her room to follow Nakago out the door. She silently preyed to the god of Seiyruu, that now that Tamahome was hers, he would keep his promise to her and return to her as soon as possible.

Miaka, you can't win this. I won't let you!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kayla woke up covered in sweat. She had dreamt about her parents again and to her, it had seemed worst then before. She couldn't remember the small details of her dreams for most of it had been blurry and unclear. However, she could still remember the feelings of love yet sorrow she had felt when her parent had appeared before her. It was a wonderful, yet torturous feeling. To see the people whom she had missed so terribly but cannot reach them no matter how she tried. Although the dream hadn't been real, her emotions were true. The despair that she was still feeling now after the dream was as real as any mortal wound to her heart.

I'm surprised that I haven't gone insane yet from all these restless dreams for the past 5 years she thought ruefully. She looked out across the room she was staying in since she had arrived to the Konan palace yesterday.

She was surprised to find that the sun was already setting marking the end of the second day she had stayed here. The setting sun cast a soft orange-golden glow in her room making everything seemingly surreal. It was the most extravagant room she had ever had the luxury of staying in with its comfortable bed, expensive dark oak furniture completed with fresh flowers in a vase. Nevertheless, she suppose she shouldn't be too surprise with the extravagance of the room, after all she was in a palace. However, she didn't have much chance to explore her surroundings. The minute she had stepped into her given room, she had succumbed immediately to the wave of exhaustion (not realizing how tired she had really been in the beginning) and without a second thought, she fell asleep on the bed for once not giving a care in the world.

I can't believe I had slept for so long! I must have been even more tired then I had realized she thought as she gotten out of the bed and placed her shoes back on. She slowly walked towards the table in the middle of her room and sat down in a slight daze. Maybe I should look for the others afterwards to see what the plans are she decided as she stared at the lighted candle on the table. She realized that she really had no idea WHERE exactly the rest of the others are or where their rooms are located. She hadn't been exactly paying attention when the palace servants had led her here to this room. Besides it wouldn't have helped either if she WERE paying attention. The palace was like a maze of endless hallways!

I guess I have no choice but to ask for directions when I set out to find them she decided. She sat there in a sudden daze as her previous dream came crashing back to her. Her heart sank at the pain and to her utter dismay; she began to feel the rising sting of tears threatening to fall from her eyes. Kayla don't you start to cry now! It was just a dream just like it had been for the past 5 years! Get over yourself! Her mind scolded her. However her heart refused to yield to her mind. How can I get over myself if the pain is still so real?

Kayla groaned and placed her head on the table in grief in an attempt to stop her conflicting thoughts. For moment she succumbed to the silence of the room until she could force her tears back. She lifted her head and looked at the tea set that had been placed on the table (most likely by one of the servants while she had been asleep). Feeling that a cup of tea would soothe her conflicting emotions, her hands reached out to take a delicate looking cup and placed it before her. She was about to pour herself a cup of tea when her gaze caught something that was in her cup. It was a black little thing and her dazed little mind had trouble acknowledging what this little thing was. Unfortunately when her mind did registered what this little creature with eight legs was, her whole body froze, her face grew pale and her amber eyes grew wide with fear. She had been so startled that she dropped the kettle that she had been holding in her hand. The crash erupted through the silence of the room and was soon followed by a scream that Kayla didn't know she had been holding.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tasuki yawned as he walked down the hallway. Damn, he was tired. He hadn't been able to get much rest during his stay here. He had just finished talking with the rest of the Seishi about the plans to rescue Tamahome. However, nothing was going as planned. Chichiri had been trying to contact Tamahome in Kutou with his magic but so far for some reason, Tamahome hadn't been responding. Miaka had became terribly worried and even began to cry much to his dismay. Girls he thought irritatingly they're always way too emotional and sentimental.

He had been one to volunteer to accompany Miaka and Chichiri to transport to Kutou to rescue the last Seishi when the time comes. He had heard that this Tamahome was a skilled fighter which had been enough to peak his interest. He was anxious to get some action. He yawned again. Then again, if he was to be in top shape when the time comes, he had better get some rest first.

He headed tiredly for his own room (luckily he was able to remember where it was since the palace was like a complete maze). He passed by Kayla's room in which he knew was only a few doors away from his own. He paused momentarily in front of Kayla's room wondering if he should see what the boy was up to. He raised his hand to knock, only to hesitate momentarily before actually knocking. He shook his head. Why do I want to see him? It's not like I have anything important to talk to him about. He lowered his hand and turned to continue towards his room.

He finally reached his room and was about to step in when suddenly a scream interrupted his thoughts. It took him a moment to realize who the scream belonged to. Kayla he thought damn, he really does sound like a girl when he screams he thought with half amusement and half panic. Taking out his Tessan from its protective sheath behind his back, he quickly ran back to Kayla's room thoroughly convinced that the boy must be in grave danger. However, just as he was about to charge into Kayla's room. Kayla, himself ran out of the room nearly colliding with him. Luckily he was quick enough to catch the boy before he sends them both falling down to the ground.

Yet, Kayla had hardly noticed that he was there. He just continued to struggle against him as if whatever was inside his room was going to come outside and attack him. "Damn! Kayla calm down would ya!" Tasuki ordered as he tried to keep the boy in his arms under control. Kayla seemed to snap out of his panic and look up at him in surprise.

"T… Tasuki?" Kayla whispered as she stared back at the man's face before she remembered the horrible creature in her room. She began to panic once more and hastily broke out of his arms. She pinned herself against the pillar that was opposite to her door, breathing heavily. "In…. Inside!!!" she uttered out before she had trouble breathing again. Calm down Kayla, calm down, calm down… she chanted silently to herself as her eyes were glued to entrance of her room in utter fear.

Tasuki stared at her for a moment before he stepped into her room with his trusty Tessan in hand ready for whatever evil being was inside. After a moment, Tasuki came back out with a confused yet irritated expression on his face. "What the hell did you scream for? There's nothing inside, you sounded like there were a hundred f*cking assassins in there with you!"

"I…It's a h… hundred times w…w… worst than that" Kayla stammered in fear, her eyes still glued to the entrance. Oh god oh god oh god! How the hell did that THING get in there?! Her mind screamed.

"What is it?!" Tasuki demanded, he was very confused now.

"S… sp…." She stuttered.

"Spies?!"

She shook her head.

"Then what is it?!"

She took hold of what was left of her courage and spit out the vile word. "Spider!"

Tasuki stared at her for moment unable to register what she had said into his mind. The expression on his face changed from irritation, to confusion, to surprise, then finally amusement (she didn't believe she had ever seen a person change to so many expressions in such a short amount of time). To her utter dismay, he began to laugh.

"What are you laughing about?" she asked in an irritated tone.

"Y….you're… HAHAHA… afraid of SPIDERS ?!?!?!" Tasuki managed to sputter out in between his laughing. He clutched his side in pain from laughing so hard.

"So what if I am?! What's so funny about that?! Kayla responded indignantly feeling her pride slowly diminishing. Just great she thought bitterly now that he knows my weakness he's never going to let me live this down. Unfortunately for her, Tasuki had chosen not disappoint her.

"I can't believe it! Of all the things to be afraid of, YOU are afraid of little, helpless, eight-legged insects!" Tasuki cried out in great mirth ignoring the cold glare Kayla was giving him. He was about to say some more before Kayla hit him across the head much to his annoyance.

"Just to get it across your head!" Kayla said angrily, her amber eyes flashing. "For one thing, that was NOT a 'little' spider, it was HUGE! Second, they are NOT 'helpless insects', they are UGLY and DISGUSTING! And third, it's not like YOU'RE any better since you're afraid of water!!" she pointed out emphasizing the last point.

Tasuki stared at her slightly taken back for a moment. However the fire burning in his own amber eyes were soon just as fierce as her own. "At least my fear is reasonable since I lived in the mountains practically all my life" he argued fiercely "Your fear for spiders is just plain f*cking pathetic and senseless"

"Pathetic?! Senseless?! How dare you!" Kayla yelled, feeling her temper getting the better of her. Calm down Kayla, he's not worth losing your control over with. Don't give in, don't give in, don't give in...

"What's the matter? Can't think of anything else to argue with me? That is so unlike you! Lost your guts and afraid you're going to lose to me?" Tasuki smirked catching Kayla's moment of inner struggle. He didn't know why he was baiting the young boy like this, but for some reason, things were just flowing out of his mouth like he had no control over in whatever he was saying. Maybe he was trying to pay Kayla back for kicking him into the water from before. Whatever the reason was, things were becoming more and more severe.

Kayla's glare grew colder as she heard Tasuki's conceited comment. Screw self-control!! He's really pushing it!! "You baka!! I can't believe what a jerk you are! I don't know what the hell I was thinking when I decided to come with you in the first place!!"

"Then why don't you go back?! Oh yeah I almost forgot, you don't really have a place to go back to except the stronghold, but then again, Mount Leikaku isn't really your home is it? You don't have anywhere to go!!" Tasuki eyes widen in shock and instantly regretted the moment the words came out. Tasuki you f*cking idiot!! Why the hell did you say that to him?! His mind screamed. He watched Kayla's face paled at his last remark. Damnit Suzaku! What the hell came over me?!?!

Kayla couldn't believe her ears! She knew Tasuki was usually insensitive and crude most of the time. But this time he had gone too far!! He KNEW that this was her weak point. I have nowhere to go…. Damn!  Don't I already know that already?! Why did he have to spit it out in front of my face?!?!  It was a heartless thing to say, it was cruel beyond anything. I won't let it bother me, I won't let it consume me… I won't let it… I just won't….. but her heart failed her and she felt herself began to crumble under those harsh, selfish words from the man she had thought she could trust.

"That wasn't fair" she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "You knew beyond anything else, that I didn't have a choice in the matter" Her gaze was focused to the ground, unable to meet his face.

"I….." Tasuki was speechless. He knew he had gone too far this time. As if to make things even worse, his mind suddenly had a flashback of the incident when he had hurt the boy deeply in the past because of his careless words.

******

"…. For all I know, you're probably a boy a that nobody wants not even your own parents, they probably abandoned you all alone when you're young because they found just how spoiled and annoying you are"

'SLAP!'

"Don't…." Kayla started, his voice filled with venom and bitterness. "Don't you ever speak about my parents like that… How dare you say those things about them?! You have no right!..... You don't even know me"

******

Kuso! It's all happening again… I pushed him too far…. He thought guiltily.  Slowly he placed a hand on the Kayla's shoulder in an attempt to soothe the boy (although he wasn't very sure how he was going to fix this now since he had really made an ass out of himself).

However Tasuki's attempts were in vain as Kayla slapped his hand away in anger. She looked back at Tasuki with such great hostility that it had caused him to involuntarily flinch. "Spare me you're efforts! I don't want you apologizing for something you don't mean!" she said with anger, the hurt evident in her eyes. "You are the most insensitive, brainless, cruel, annoying…. BAKA I EVER HAD THE MISFORTUNE IN KNOWING!!" she yelled, unable to hold her rage any longer. "I HATE YOU TASUKI!!" and with that, she instantly turned around and stormed away.

She didn't look back.

Tasuki stared after Kayla's retreating form. He didn't make an attempt to move even after the boy's figure had long disappeared from his sight. He was just too stunned to move. How did the situation gotten out of control?

"What happened?" a voice startled Tasuki from behind.

He turned to find the concerned face of his fellow Seishi, Nuriko.

"Nothing" he muttered. He really didn't want to share this with anyone right now.

One of Nuriko's delicate eyebrows rose expressing the doubt he has on Tasuki's words. "I had heard you and Kayla arguing. You two were so loud that I'm sure more than half the palace had heard the both of you"

Tasuki just glared at him but remained silent.

Nuriko continued. "Look, it might not be any of my business, but you obviously look like you just lost your soul mate right now so why don't you just tell me what's going on. Maybe an observant person such as myself can help you solve this little dilemma"

Tasuki stared at him in surprise… no, more like shock. Soul mate? Kayla and me? He's got to be joking…. Right? He looked back at the other man, No… he seems pretty damn serious to me…. Soul mate? What the HELL was THAT suppose to mean?!

After a few moments later of continued silence, Tasuki just swore under his breath and decided to do something he had rarely did in his life. He asked for advice. "I said something really stupid and ended up hurting Kayla" He said quietly, unwilling to go into much detail.

Nuriko's looked a little surprise at the stubborn man's sudden change in attitude, but quickly recovered. "Obviously it was your fault" he replied with a smirk ignoring Tasuki's glare. "So what started it?"

Tasuki smiled wryly. "A spider"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A solitary figure stood in the shadows within the Konan palace waiting, watching. It wouldn't be long now thought the man, his silvery-blue eyes scanned the palace gardens as the late evening light began to disappear. The sun was quickly descending and it would only take a few short moments before night would fall. Then it would be the perfect time to strike.

It wasn't difficult to sneak inside the palace walls unnoticed. It had only cost him of a few palace guards (who at the moment were unconscious and well-hidden from view). Suzaku no Miko should be here he thought momentarily. The girl he was sent here to kill by order of Nakago. He smirked. Even if Nakago hadn't ordered this mission, he would have came anyway in order to avenge the pain she had caused for Yui-sama. , Miaka…that's her name, Miaka Yuuki. Much to his annoyance, that strange feeling was surging within his heart again as if to reject his entire being. Then the voices came back again and he clutched his head in frustration.

["How can you be so selfish and not help me look for Yui-chan?!"]

["Is money all you care about?!"]

["I care because I…. I'm in love with you!!"]

["I miss you…."]

That same voice continued on and on, saying things that didn't make sense yet sounded so familiar. Then the voice stop, and were forgotten. All was left was a feeling of emptiness.

He forced himself to dismiss the feeling immediately, this was only weakness. He won't let himself succumb to such limitations. Once he kills her, all of his troubles will be over. He loves Yui-sama and that was all that was most important. Nothing else.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Miaka wandered dazedly across the palace gardens. It was a sanctuary in which its beauty was enhanced by the glowing light of the setting sun. However, Miaka noticed none of its beauty, as a matter of fact; she hadn't even noticed that she was in the garden in the first place. She just wandered aimlessly, her heavy heart filled with worry and doubt. Why? she thought worriedly Why didn't Tamahome answered to Chichiri's call? Did something happen to him? Oh Suzaku, please let him be alright!! Another thought sprang in her mind driving her to despair. What about Yui-chan? Is she alright? She may be the Seiryuu no miko now but she is still my best friend….. but I don't trust her Seishi, Nakago As clueless as Miaka could be at times, she was not that dense that she couldn't see that the blond-haired shogun of Kutou was bad news even though she had only met him once. It didn't help the fact that Nakago had almost killed her on their first encounter either. She shuddered involuntarily at the memory.

Tamahome… she thought again as her heart ached once more. She missed him terribly. The way he smiled at her whenever she was with him. The way he was always so patient with her. How he had swore his undying devotion to her as her Seishi and as her first love. Most of all, she missed the way of how he love her no matter what a clumsy klutz, a baka, or a plain clumsy girl she could be most of the time. Because he loves her because she was Miaka, a typical 15 year old girl who was still in the process of experiencing the big world around her for the very first time.

She stopped walking and found herself standing by a pond under a huge weeping willow tree. Miaka Yuuki, you have to have faith her heart scolded her. Tamahome and Yui will be alright, you just have to believe it…. She looked around and realized for the first time that the dark had already begun to rise, and night has fallen. I better head back now and rest. All this worrying isn't helping me at all she thought ruefully.

"Suzaku no Miko" a voice spoke out of nowhere, startling her so badly that she actually flinched.

"Who's… who's there?" Miaka stammered, trying to suppress the urge to scream. There was someone here all this time? Why didn't he show himself to her in the beginning? However for some reason, she felt something inside of her respond to the sound of the voice. It was……. familiar.  

"I've come for you Miaka" the voice said. Then from behind the willow tree, out came a shadow of a figure that looked painfully familiar. Miaka eyes widen as she immediately recognize the man. How could she NOT recognize him? He had been the very centre of her thoughts since the day he had left her. She swore that at that moment, her heart had skipped a beat.

"Tama…home…" she whispered with disbelief. She couldn't control herself, her mind was so confused yet her heart was soaring with happiness. She must be dreaming. It must have been something she had eaten for dinner. It couldn't be that destiny could be so kind as to let her see him again….. could it?

"Tamahome!! It's you!! " she cried out again, and instantly ran to him to embrace him. She didn't care if this was real or not. She just had to hold him again. She had missed him so terribly. "It's really you!"

The man, Tamahome had not been prepared for the Suzaku no Miko to embraced him so quickly that he had barely had time to react. She was holding him as if he might disappear if she let go as profound as it may seem. A current of emotions flooded momentarily over him and he felt a wave of pleasure within him.

He flinched violently from his wave of thoughts and cursed inwardly. He had a job to do damn it! He was suppose to kill her not let her embrace him like they were…. were…. some lovers!!!

He angrily pushed her away and she stumbled back with confusion written all over her features.

He brought out his nun chucks that he had been carrying with him and with a mighty swing, attacked her from the side. He heard a satisfying, sickening 'crack' at the sound of the bone in her left arm breaking.

Miaka fell to her knees stunned, her broken left arm hanging limply to her side as blood soaked through the sleeves of her school uniform.

"Tama… home?" she replied with pained confusion. He had broken her arm without a second thought. What's happening? This can't be Tamahome she knew. Tamahome loves her….

She swallowed, blinking back the tears. She didn't know if her tears were because of the pain of her arm or the pain in her heart. Maybe it was both. "Why?"

"How dare you touch me or called me by that name you little brat!" Tamahome spitted out. "You have no right!"

"Little… brat?...." Miaka couldn't understand anything. Nothing makes sense. Tamahome was standing in front of her for the first time after for so long and now he is a completely different person, treating her as if he hated the sight of her! "What have they done to you?" she whispered, but Tamahome didn't respond. He just gave her a cold smirk, one that sent a terrible chill down her spine.

"I'm here to kill you, Suzaku no Miko" he said as he emphasized her title with pure distaste.

Miaka paled at his words, but hadn't moved. How could she move? Not when Tamahome was standing right before her now. True, he was different but…. Tears fell down her face as well as her heart cried. But he was still the man she loves. He was in there somewhere… he just has to be….

"Why don't you run Miaka? Too scared?" Tamahome mocked with sadistic amusement as he stared at the pathetic girl still kneeing the grass soaked in her own blood.

"I'm terrified" Miaka answered softly as she looked up at him with great sadness. Her heart was breaking wanting nothing more then to reach out to find the man she loves inside of this cold hard shell.

"But I won't leave you… Woi Ai Ni" she whispered the three little Chinese words. The same words Tamahome had written to her before he had left.

The man flinched again a little from her words but recovered quickly as if it had never happened. "Then you are a bigger fool then I thought. Die!" he said as he ready his nun chucks to strike her with the final fatal blow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I HATE HIM! Kayla thought angrily as she walked, not caring if she got lost. All she wanted to do was to get away from HIM! STUPID BAKA! Why did I even follow him here? It's stupid!!... I came along to find my own path and I end up being miserable!! I should have left him ages ago!! He's an idiot… No, I'M AN IDIOT!!

Finally she stopped walking to find herself to be in some sort of garden. Night had begun to fall casting everything in a silhouette under the moonlight. Great she thought miserably, it's dark and there's no way I can find myself back to my room since I'm lost. Then she stopped her train of thought. Oh second thought, she wasn't sure she wanted to go back to her room since Tasuki was still back there. NO she thought firmly I don't want to go back there and risk seeing him again! I rather sleep in the outdoors!

She sighed as she felt her rage began to subside a little and sadness began to seep in. She continued to walk deeper into the garden as her mind reviewed back to what had happen a few minutes ago.

["Then why don't you go back?! Oh yeah I almost forgot, you don't really have a place to go back to except the stronghold, but then again, Mount Leikaku isn't really your home is it? You don't have anywhere to go!!"]

I still can't believe he said that! She thought frustratingly, just when I thought that he had become considerably nicer to me after all the things we had been through!

Then something in the dark caught her eyes. It was a person… no, two people in the garden. Odd why would someone be here now? She thought curiously before she realized that she, herself was here alone also. Then she recognized the figure that was kneeling on her knees. Miaka?! She thought with surprised. She seems…. hurt! Oh my god! Her eyes widen as she caught the sight of the other figure (a man this time) was getting ready to strike Miaka with a deathly blow with his weapon.

"Miaka!" Kayla didn't have time to think. She ran towards the man in full speed hoping against hope to reach them before it was too late. Just as the man was about to strike, he was knocked out of balance as Kayla slammed full force into him. The force was enough to make him stumbled a few feet away from Miaka, but didn't knock him down as Kayla had hoped it would. Kayla had to give him credit; the man was like a brick wall even though she had been caught him off guard. She quickly kneeled next to girl. "Miaka, are you alright?" she asked worriedly to her friend.

"I… I…. he…" Miaka was so surprised to see Kayla's appearance that she had trouble forming the proper words. She wanted to tell Kayla everything, she wanted to tell him that Tamahome had changed, and that her heart was breaking even though she had only knew the boy for a short period. But she just couldn't say the words.

Kayla caught the bleeding wound on Miaka's left arm and turned around and gave the man her coldest glare. "Who the hell are you?!" she demanded furiously at the man who had hurt her friend. The first and only girl who had ever became her friend.

The man only smirked and Kayla was able to see the man's features clearly for the first time. He would have been considered handsome if his expression weren't so cold and neutral. He had sea blue-green hair tied back with a black bandana along with a long braid behind his back much like her braid. His striking silvery-blue eyes were haunting. He was tall and obviously well built. Kayla had no doubt that this man was a skilled fighter. "This matter is none of your concern boy. You better leave now or I'll have no choice but to kill you" the man warned although he didn't seem concern with her welfare at all.

"If you think that I'm going to leave my friend here, then you are dumber than I thought pretty boy" Kayla smirked. Pretty boy? I must be hanging around Nuriko too long she thought with grim amusement.

"Then you will die along with her" the man said simply as he placed himself in a battle stance holding the nun chucks firmly in his hands.

"Bring it on" she challenged and without further delay she charged towards the man in an attempt to get the first hit. But to her surprise, the man blocked her punch with ease and returned a hit with his weapon which Kayla had barely avoided. Damn! He IS good she thought as she continued to dodge, duck and block from his deadly weapons. However, the man had managed to slip through her defences and landed a hard hit on the right side of her waist. She stumbled back a little in pain, feeling the breath temporarily knocked out of her. Even though, she could already tell in the beginning that this man was a skilled fighter, she had sorely misjudged his abilities. He was much faster AND stronger then she had anticipated! She had no way of winning except maybe to slow him down and deterred him away from Miaka. His skills could match those of Tasuki's or Hotohori's.

"Give up already?" the man mocked seeing her struggled with the pain on her side.

"You wish!" she spat out as she clutched her side trying to hold the pain. She had endured pain many times worse then the one she carried now. It wouldn't stop her. She REFUSED to let it stop her. With a burst of energy, she charged at the man again and once more, he blocked her punch from her right fist towards his stomach. However, Kayla was prepared this time. Just as he blocked her first punch, her other fist came up and hit him right across the face with enough force to knock him down to the ground. Got you! She thought with satisfaction and a little surprised with herself. The man glared back at her and she could see the fury now emanating from his cold blue eyes.

"Kayla! Don't kill him! He's…. he's Tamahome!" Miaka cried, as she had watched the whole fight in horror. She had finally found her voice again from all the shock and her heart was torn between the two. One was the one she loved and the other was her loyal friend.

Kayla's attention snapped back at Miaka's words and turned to her in shock. Nani! This killer is…. Tamahome?!?! The one who everyone says is in love with Miaka?! What the hell?!

Unfortunately for her, she should not have diverted her attention from the man. Using Kayla's moment of distraction, Tamahome quickly charged at her and with one great swing of his fist, he send Kayla flying back, hitting painfully against a wall.

That's going to leave a mark Kayla thought painfully as she tried to get up from the ground using the wall for support. However, her strength chose that moment to fail her and she fell back down to the ground, her back against the wall. She couldn't even lift her head as dark spots danced in front of her eyes. That hit she had taken from that man, Tamahome had been a hard one. She knew that she was losing consciousness fast and she fought against it, but it was a losing battle right from the start. She inwardly cursed her own weakness, I can't faint now! Not yet…. I can't…. Miaka…. not safe….

She looked up dazedly to see Tamahome standing over her. In his hands, were his nun chucks swinging with deadly accuracy. He was going to kill her. That much was clear in his cold eyes. She closed her eyes trying to clear her blurry vision. If her side wasn't hurting so damn much she would have laughed at the irony of the whole situation. She had been looking forward in meeting this last Seishi Tamahome, and now that she does, she was going to get killed by him. Oh the irony indeed.

"Tamahome, don't kill him! Snap out it please…. onegai!" a voice cried out desperately in which Kayla recognized immediately as belonging to Miaka. She forced herself to open her eyes again. Miaka was standing in front of her, defending her from Tamahome's wrath. Her large expressive green eyes shone with pain yet determination in protecting Kayla.

"Stand out of my way Miko or I WILL kill you first like I had planned to in the first place!" Tamahome said angrily.

"I won't let you hurt him Tamahome! You…. you will have to go through me first" she whispered.  Miaka stood firm in front of Kayla, her hand clutching painfully at the bleeding wound of her broken left arm. It was her fault that Kayla was hurt. He was only trying to protect her. How could she live with herself if she couldn't save him? She won't let this happen even if it will cost her, her life!

Despite Miaka's effort, she wasn't strong enough to stand between the skilled former Suzaku Seishi and Kayla. Tamahome just smirked at the girl's attempt. He had to admire the Miko's loyalty to her friend, but it wasn't going to stop him. Nothing will. First he was going to kill this boy who had interfered with his affairs and then he was going to kill this girl.

Miaka you baka! Get out of here! He obviously isn't the same man you knew! Kayla thought desperately as she tried to stand up. But it was in vain, she could barely stay awake herself.

Miaka cried in pain as Tamahome hit her across the face, sending her towards the ground. Her head hit against a rock and she fell unconscious.

"You… traitor…" Kayla struggled to speak, as she glared angrily at the heartless man. "She loves… you".

Tamahome smirked, even though for some reason, his heart had begun to ach. "I love Yui-sama" He replied simply.

Kayla closed her eyes. She was going to die. I'm… so… sorry… everyone… Tasuki… I forgive you…

Tamahome was about to hit Kayla with the final blow when suddenly a blast of flame came out of nowhere, catching the former Seishi by surprised. If it had not been for his reflexes, he would have been killed. However, he still received a serious burn on his left arm, making him drop his nun chucks. He glared at the perpetrator.

"Kayla, are you alright?! Damn it say something!!"

Upon hearing her name, she forced herself to open her eyes once more. "Tasuki…." Kayla whispered, as she looked up dazedly into the worried amber eyes of the man with wild flame hair. Hope began to surge through her again. He was here with her again and for some reason, she felt that odd security of having him near her in the time of crises.

Tasuki tried to help Kayla up by putting an arm around the boy's waist, but the painful hiss from the boy made him stopped immediately.

"Don't…. it hurts too much" Kayla managed to utter. Tasuki swore softly.

"Where else does it hurt?" Tasuki asked as calmly as he could even though he was burning with rage inside.

"Everywhere" Kayla answered with a grim smile. Even though it was true that her body was hurting, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of seeing Tasuki. She couldn't even really remember what it was she had been so angry at him about in the beginning. Maybe it was because her mind was so foggy right now.

"Kayla, Miaka! Dear god!" Nuriko cried as he ran over to the two fallen figures along with the rest of the Suzaku Seishi. Seeing that Kayla had already been taken care of by Tasuki, he automatically made his way to Miaka. He gently began to nudge the Miko awake. Miaka moaned softly and slowly opened her eyes. "Nuriko?" she said softly. Then her eyes began to fill with tears and her face was filled with anguish. "Nuriko, it's Tamahome… he…. he's not himself!!" she cried softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Tamahome? How….?" Nuriko uttered confusedly. Hotohori and Chichiri both stared in shock as well at the man who stood motionlessly before them, both speechless as to why their trusted member, Tamahome had betrayed them.

Kayla felt herself growing weaker and losing all sight of consciousness. Even though, she found her world becoming darker, she no longer felt the need to stay awake as she did before. She didn't have the strength. Everyone is here now…. Everything will be okay she thought numbly, I….. need…. to….. rest…. And she submitted willingly into the darkness.

Tasuki had panicked when he felt Kayla slumped against him in his arms. During that moment, he had forgotten all his anger and rage and all he could think about was the boy in his arms. It was after only finding that the boy had only fallen unconscious that he had allowed himself to breathe again. For a second, that had seemed to last for an eternity, he had feared that Kayla had died. He had honestly thought that he had lost his friend, his brother. He didn't think he'll be able to take it if Kayla had left him, especially after leaving things so damn screwed between them! Then an even more morbid thought crossed his mind causing him to shudder in horror. What if he hadn't arrived in time? What if he hadn't allowed Nuriko to convince him to look for Kayla? In other words, if he hadn't been here in time then he would have regretted it for the rest of his life.

"That bastard is going to get his ass kicked!" Tasuki growled as he glared menacingly at the intruder, as he continued to support the fallen Kayla in his arms in a sitting position. Mitsukake, Chiriko and he, himself were the only ones who didn't knew the identity of the man standing before them was the last Suzaku Seishi, Tamahome.

Tamahome glared angrily at the shock and angry expressions of the intruders who had interrupted his mission. However, his expression changed to one of cruel amusement. "So the whole assembly had arrived" He stated with a smirk.

"Tamahome, what is the meaning of this?!" Hotohori demanded as he glared angrily to his rival. He ignored the gasp from the other Seishi, who hadn't known the identity of the man.  

Nuriko winced at the tone of the Emperor's voice. He didn't think he had ever seen the Emperor to be so angry before. However, he understood the Emperor's feelings. He looked down sadly at the broken Miaka in his arms. His highness was in love with Miaka and had wanted her to be happy. Seeing her hurt like this and by the man she loves…. it was simple to say that this was the final straw. Tamahome, what is wrong with you? Have you gone mad? The Tamahom I know would never hurt Miaka like this he thought sadly unable to understand how something like this could happen.

"I was given orders by authorities of Kutou to kill the Suzaku no Miko" Tamahome responded emotionlessly.

"And you listened?! You're a Suzaku Seishi, Tamahome!!" Nuriko said disbelievingly.

"Do not call me by that name!" Tamahome spat out.

"Why? It is who you are. Do you deny it?" Hotohori said, his tone was as cold as ice.

"I don't care if he's the real Tamahome or not!" Tasuki interrupted angrily. "He obviously doesn't deserve the title! Not after what he did to Miaka and Kayla!"

"I don't know why you are all talking like you all know me" Tamahome said coldly. "I'm here to kill the Suzaku no Miko. However I will kill whoever stands in my way"

"Then I will stand in your way, but I'll kill you first before you even have a chance to blink you bastard" Tasuki challenged. He was about to stand up to fight Tamahome, when he was detained by the Emperor, himself.

"No!" Hotohori stated firmly. It wasn't a request. It was an order straight from the Emperor of Konan. "I'm going to be the one to challenge this traitor. As the Emperor and friend of all those loyal to Suzaku, it is my sworn duty to be the one to rectify this"

Tasuki wanted to protest. He wanted sorely to make that so-called Suzaku Seishi pay for what he did. However a hand rested on his shoulder, stopping him once again. He looked up to see Chichiri. Only to his surprise, this Chichiri was different. Instead of the usual cheery face he had usually carried, this one had a scar over one of his eye. The other eye was a clear, warm brown colour that spoke of great wisdom matching the handsome visage of his face. It was only then that Tasuki realized that the usual cheery face that the monk had before was only a mask conjured by his own magic abilities. For a moment he just stared taken aback by this odd little discovery. That monk is damn creepy when he wants to be! Tasuki thought tensely.

He was snapped out his reverie at the sound of Chichiri's voice. Even the voice of the monk had changed slightly! It was in a more deeper tone then the usual cheery one he had heard before. "Calm down Tasuki, you must look after Kayla while he is still unconscious, we are still unsure if he suffers from any internal injuries" Chichiri said solemnly, his usual 'no da's' were gone.

Tasuki gritted his teeth in frustration knowing that the monk had a point. He was getting impatient and was reluctant to listen to any reasons. He looked down at the boy in his arms. His amber eyes once more reflected the worry in his heart. He will have to stay put and watch for the events to unfold as much as he hated it. Nevertheless, he would be ready to give to fry this man, Tamahome if the terms were to come to that.

"NO!" Everyone turned in surprised at Miaka who had cried out in anguish. Tears rolling down her face. I can't let either of them risk their lives like this, not while I still stand! She thought desperately. And with only sheer will as her strength, she quickly pulled herself out of Nuriko's grasp – startling everyone by her unnatural speed – and ran in between Tamahome and Hotohori.

Miaka are you crazy?! Get back!" Hotohori cried worriedly. However, Miaka ignored him as well as ignoring the protest from her Suzaku Seishi.

"We can't just stand here! Isn't there anything we can do?" Chiriko spoke worriedly for the very first time, overcoming his initial shock. He looked up at everyone for an answer, yet everyone was shock by their Miko's action. Chiriko clutched the flute in his hands. What's going on?! This is wrong! This wasn't supposed to happen….. I hate wars… all the suffering…. he thought ruefully.

To everyone's horror, Miaka made her way closer towards Tamahome . She ignored everything else, she ignored the crying of her name from her other Seishi, and she ignored the terrible pain of her broken arm. Sometime during this whole crises it had began to rain, soaking everyone in the bitter cold. She ignored the rain soaking her clothes and hair also. She was blind to it all. I don't know what had happen to you Tamahome but I know the man I fell in love with is still in you somewhere… I can only hope that I'm strong enough to bring you back…..

Her deep hazel eyes shone with understanding; there was only one way for her to bring Tamahome back. She didn't care for the consequences. Tamahome, do you remember the first time when you told me that you love me? She thought silently. She stopped walking until she was standing in less then an arms distance away from the shell of the man she loved. She gazed up sadly at the cold blue-grey eyes, who stared back at her with hostility and confusion.

He had promised her once that he would always be there by her side and protect her. But this time, she wasn't going to leave him, she was going to be there for him. "Tamahome" she said softly "kill me"

"WHAT!!" all the Suzaku seishi cried in disbelief and horror.

Tamahome was caught off guard by the girl before him. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What?" he demanded as he tried to hide the confusion in his voice.

"If you truly no longer harbour any more feelings for me then kill me Tamahome. I won't stop you" Miaka answered, as she looked straight into his eyes, her tears mingling with the droplets of rain.

Tamahome looked back at her in disbelief and once again felt his heart began to race. What curse is this girl trying to spin on me?! He thought angrily. Nevertheless, if the foolish girl was going to let herself be killed, then he certainly wasn't going to disappoint her.

Before anyone could react, Tamahome took out a dagger he had hidden behind his back and grabbed Miaka in a bruising neck lock. His dagger held threateningly against her neck. Her back pressed against his chest.

"Miaka!!" Everyone cried in alarm.

"Just what the hell does she thinks she's doing?!" Tasuki demanded in disbelief. Why are girls always so damn troublesome?!

"Tamahome! I'm warning you, if you harm even one hair on her I swear by the god of Suzaku that you will pay dearly for this!" Hotohori said angrily.

If it wasn't for Chichiri's interference, the Suzaku Seishi would have rushed immediately towards the pair to rescue their Miko. "We can't be reckless, remember Tamahome is holding her with a dagger" Chichiri said urgently, causing the rest of the Seishi to fall back in despair. Then Chichiri's face grew solemn again. "We must have faith in our Miko, she is trying to bring our friend back" he said softly.

Miaka felt the fear rising within her and her heartache grew. However she stubbornly suppressed her emotions in order to stay in control. This is it… no turning back now… she thought ruefully. "Do it Tamahome" she whispered softly so only the man holding dagger could hear her and she closed her eyes and waited for whatever was to come. Even if Tamahome does kill her in the end, she would still love him. She knew in her heart that it hadn't been within his control. How did she know? She didn't know how. But it didn't matter.

Tamahome looked down at the soaking head of the girl he was going to kill. Her wet reddish-brown hair draped heavily against her head. What is she planning? He was feeling so many things. Confusion, anger, frustration, suspicion, sadness, and….. heartache? Why? Why the hell am I hesitating?! Kill her now! NOW! His mind screamed. Never had he felt so torn. His hand began to shake ever so slightly. He felt as if his body was betraying him, disobeying what his mind was demanding him. Then his eyes widen in horrid realization. He couldn't….. kill her! His heart won't allow it!

Then it happened, his head began to hurt, it started pounding endlessly over and over again. Tamahome dropped the dagger and it fell to the ground soundlessly. His stumbled back away from the girl, clutching his head in pain. Many images came flooding back to him. They were all images of long forgotten memories that he had cherished in his heart. His friends, his family, his Miko…. the Seiryuu…. NO!…. 'Suzaku' no Miko….. she was who he had fell in love with, whom he had sworn ever loyalty to. Miaka….

"Tamahome!" Miaka cried, as she instantly kneeled next to her Seishi as he appeared to be in severe pain. His breathing was irregular, as if gasping for dear life. She was confused. What was happening?! She held him in a close embrace, yet he didn't appear to notice that she was there. She looked back at other Seishi desperately. Yet they had all seemed dumbfounded as they were also completely unsure as to what was happening. Then all of a sudden, a powerful crimson glow erupted around her and Tamahome and she closed her eyes instinctively at its intensity. She felt herself being bathed in warmth and no longer feeling the bitter cold of the rain. Taking a chance, she cracked open her eyes to look, only to gasp in surprise. Tamahome's sign was glowing! The light was so strong that it forced the head band around his head to fall off. However his 'ogre' sign was different as its red light was mingled with a tinge of blue light as if battling for control over Tamahome's mind. Miaka held on to Tamahome tighter, who continue to struggle. Don't give up Tamahome, I'm here she thought pleadingly.

For what seemed to be an eternity, the intensive red light finally diminished into a soft glow. Miaka looked at Tamahome, who was still gasping for breath but no longer clutching his head in pain. She was half-hopeful yet half-worried. She didn't know what had happened but something had changed, she was sure of it. Then Tamahome looked up at her and she gasped when she looked into his eyes. His eyes were no longer cold and unfeeling, but filled with warmth and its intensity left her breathless. They were the same eyes that she could drown into whenever she looked into them, it held all the love that he had for her and yet right now, it was also filled with sorrow. So much anguish.

"Mi… Miaka…." Tamahome whispered as he looked into Miaka's face. He watched as tears shimmering with happiness mixed with the rain on her face. He raised a hand to her face in a tender caress. He remembered everything. What Nakago and Yui had done to him. How he had lost control and forgotten everything that he had ever cherished in his life. How he…. Tamahome swallowed, as flashbacks replayed back what had happened just a few moments ago. Dear Suzaku! He had…. he had almost killed her! He almost killed that boy! He looked down at Miaka's arm to see the bleeding wound of her broken arm. He had broken her arm! "What had I done?" Tamahome whispered in horror and with complete anguish. However he fell unconscious in utter exhaustion before Miaka could give a response.

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"What the hell is taking him so long?!" Tasuki cried impatiently, as he ran his hand through his wild hair in frustration.

"Why don't you sit down and relax Tasu-kun, I'm getting dizzy just watching you pace like that" Nuriko sighed as he sat watching the fiery-Seishi. "I'm sure the doctor will be done soon with Kayla." He and Tasuki had been waiting outside of Kayla's room while the healer was inside. Despite his and Tasuki's protest, the doctor had insisted that they wait outside while he treats the boy's injuries. It would have been easier if Mitsukake could just heal Kayla with his powers, however given the fact that Mitsukake had already used his powers to heal Miaka's broken arm, he wasn't able to use that power again twice on the same day. Therefore, Hotohori had summoned the best healer available within Konan to treat the boy instead.

"Something must be damn wrong if the doctor is taking so long" Tasuki continued to speak as if the violet-haired Seishi had never spoken. "I can't f*cking stand this! I'm going inside" He would have succeeded in getting inside if he hadn't been pulled back (rather quite hard) by Nuriko by the back of his collar. "Damn! Nuriko, what did you do that for?!"

"I told you to relax Tasuki" Nuriko replied irritatingly. "I know you're worried about Kayla-chan and believe me, I'm just as anxious as you are, but you have to wait outside like me until the doctor is done. You don't want to be in there and distract the doctor do you?"

Tasuki opened his mouth to protest but shut it again knowing that Nuriko was right as much as he hated to admit it. He reluctantly turned and leaned against the wall, his arms folded with a sour expression on his face. A silence settled in between the two Seishi as they continued to stare at the closed doors waiting for the doctor to come up with good news or bad news.

To lighten the silence that had fallen between them, Nuriko decided to speak up. "You know, I'm quite surprised that you're so worried about Kayla. From how you usually act, I would have thought that you found of him to be an annoying brat to you" he said teasingly.

However, Tasuki didn't give any indication that he found Nuriko's comment amusing. "It's my fault that he's hurt" he said softly.

Nuriko looked up in surprise at the sad expression on Tasuki's face. "Why do you say that?" he asked.

Tasuki turned away from him. Although his back was now facing him, Nuriko could see that the man was trembling in anger. "Why? WHY?! How could you f*cking ask that?! You were there! You knew that I was the one who drove Kayla away in the first place!" Tasuki cried out, clearly blaming himself.

Silence once again fell in between them.

"It wasn't your fault, no one would have expected for all this to happened" Nuriko said calmly, finally understanding Tasuki's meaning as he placed a hand gently on the man's tense shoulder. When Tasuki didn't reply, he continued. "If Kayla hadn't been there, he wouldn't have been able to save Miaka in time. It's true that Kayla is seriously injured but you and I both know that Kayla's strong. He'll pull through this. Besides, did you really expect Kayla to just stand around and watch Miaka get killed back there?"

"No" Tasuki answered softly and shook his head in defeat. "Kayla's always trying to help other people even though he had enough problems of his own already. He's a baka, always causing me trouble." he said, holding no resentment but more in a faraway tone in remembrance. Always scaring the shit out of me... he's either really brave or just an idiot. Maybe it's both he added silently.

"Reminds me of a certain Seishi I know don't you think?" Nuriko answered knowingly with a smirk.

Tasuki turned and gave him a glare. He was about to give a comeback that would certainly earn him a punch through the wall from the strong violet-haired Seishi when the doors to Kayla's room opened to reveal the doctor finally stepping out.

"How is he? Is he alright? " Tasuki asked instantly bombarding the doctor with questions. Nuriko stood anxiously by his side as he listened to the doctor's reply.

"The young… man is alright" the doctor replied, gently stroking the long beard on his chin. "He had received a serious hit on the head and a rather nasty bruise on his right side and a bit of other scratches. However, it will all heal with a lot of rest and taking the daily medicine prescribed by me until he is fully well again."

Both Tasuki and Nuriko both relaxed again from the news that their friend is well. "Can we see him?" Tasuki asked.

The doctor frowned for a moment but relaxed again. "I suppose it wouldn't be a problem, he hasn't awakened yet from that hit on the head. Please try not to disturb him too much for he still needs much rest. But_" Before the doctor could finish his sentence, Tasuki had already rushed into Kayla's room.

Nuriko stared back at the doors that Tasuki had went through for a moment and turned to give the doctor an appreciative smile. "Thank you doctor for everything" he said graciously. "I think I'll go in and see Kayla also" and he turned to step into the room. However before the Seishi could go in, the doctor cleared his throat quite loudly obviously trying to catch his attention.

"If it isn't too much of a problem, I have some rather important details to discuss with you… it's about your injured friend in there" the doctor said rather hesitantly.

Nuriko instantly became concerned. "But you said he is fine…. He IS fine, isn't he?"

"Why yes Nuriko-sama, he is in fine health, you may not worry about that area"

"Then what is the matter?" Nuriko was confused yet very curious. What was the doctor trying to tell him about Kayla? What was wrong?

The doctor sighed deeply. "It's rather quite difficult to say under such circumstances. I had initially decided to tell this to you and that young man with you earlier. But he had walked off before I could finish what I had to say…. No…. it's perhaps better this way to let one person know about this first"

"Know about what? You are not making any sense doctor" Nuriko reply somewhat impatiently, not really appreciating the fact that the doctor seemed to be stalling.

The doctor looked at him square in the eye and spoke in a hush whisper that only Nuriko could hear. "What I am trying to say is this; When I was checking your friend for injuries, I had noticed that your friend had suffered a nasty bruise on his side_"

"But you told us that already!" Nuriko interrupted impatiently.

"Don't interrupt please, I'm not finish yet" the doctor reply somewhat exasperatedly. I swear young folks today have no patients what-so-ever he thought quietly before he continued. "As I had said, I had noticed that there was a bruise on his side so I had to treat it being the doctor that I am. However when I had to take the shirt off your friend in order to treat the wound, I found that he had bondages across his chest. Not only was that strange but what had surprised me the most was that I…."

The doctor paused for a moment and Nuriko was surprised to see a faint tinge of red on the elder man's face.

"I noticed that your friend is…. different"

"Different?"

"Please forgive me Nuriko-sama, this is rather difficult for me to say, but it seems that your friend is…. is…."

"Doctor?"

"is… a woman…. a young girl to be more accurate"

Nuriko stared at the doctor in shock, mouth wide open and eyes as wide as saucers. His mind was trying to process what the doctor had revealed to him. However the shock of the whole news was mind boggling!

A…. a….. GIRL?!?! KAYLA?! Is this a joke?!?! But one look at the doctor told him that he was indeed very serious. This is…. I can't believe this! Kayla's a girl!!! His mind was going a mile a minute. Nobody knows about this, not even Tasuki and he knows Kayla the longest and Fang-boy hates girls!! But they're good friends, I can tell!! Talk about irony!!

Then an amusing thought hit him despite his shock and he gave a small smirk.

Well….. At least now I know I'm not the only one who likes to cross-dress.

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 Author's Notes:

Cancer: That was about 30 PAGES of typing in this one chapter!!! What the heck was Gemini thinking when she wrote so much?!?!

Gemini: (turns on her bed, still sleeping completely of unaware of Cancer's ranting. She was still cuddling her little plush Tasuki doll)

Cancer: (glares at Gemini) It took me forever to edit the whole chapter!! And how can she leave this at another cliffhanger! Oh my gosh!! Nuriko knows Kayla's a girl!!!! What will happen?!?!?!

(Cancer became very impatient and grabbed Gemini and tried to shake her awake)

Cancer: WAKE UP GEMINI!!! HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?!?! YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE US ALL HANGING HERE!!!!

(Gemini frowns in her sleep and took out a mallet and hit Cancer on the head)

'BANG'

Gemini: Stupid….. Alarm clock….. (fell back asleep completely unaware of what she had just done)

(Cancer fell to the ground with swirls in her eyes and dancing Tasuki's and Kouji's in her head)

Well we hope you enjoy this chapter as much as we enjoyed writing it. It's hard work but it's worth it!! Anyway now that Nuriko knows that Kayla's a girl, what will happen? Will he tell the other Suzaku Seishi's? Will he keep it a secret? Will he let Kayla know he knows her secret? The possibilities are endless!! Sorry for the long wait but at least it wasn't as long as last time LOL. We'll try to get the next chapter up ASAP! Remember to review!! Thanks for all your support!!

Luv ya all!! *~Twin Girls~*