Chapter18 in finally here!! Aren't you excited?! We'll just skip to the story now because we know how anxious you all have been. Thank you for all your patience and support!! Now on with the show!!

Disclaimer: Fushigi Yuugi absolutely, positively without a doubt does NOT belong to us… only Yuu Watase is so lucky…. (sigh)

Chapter 18: Rescue Mission: For the Sake of Others
Kayla didn't like Nuriko's idea. She didn't like it one little bit. The violet-haired Seishi must have been only kidding. It just wasn't possible. Too many things could go wrong. It was too risky. It made her uncomfortable. It made her panic. It was just….

"Are you sure this is the only way Nuriko?" Kayla asked, her voice almost pleading.

However, Nuriko gave her a solemn look of absolute certainty. "I KNOW this is the only way Kayla. Besides, do any of you guys have a better idea?" he asked the others challengingly.

"Well, Nuriko's idea does have its own appeal," Chiriko said thoughtfully.

"Yes, I'll have to agree no da. Despite that this idea is a little implausible. It just might work no da" Chichiri said giving his own opinion.

"Yes and we are running out of time," Mitsukake reminded everyone. Although he, too seemed to be a bit disturbed with Nuriko's idea.

"I don't care how we have to do it. I just want to save Miaka" Tamahome said determinedly.

"I still don't like it" Tasuki said, clearly as uncomfortable about Nuriko's plan as Kayla was for his own reasons. "I mean…. You want US to disguise as…. as…"

"Say it Tasuki. I know you can," Nuriko said amusingly.

"Girls?!?!" Tasuki finally spitted out in shock.

Nuriko looked back at all of them with a bit of exasperation. "I know it seems a little risky but think about it. You already said it yourself Tasuki. The only ones that probably enters and exits the Kaiori bandit's stronghold would either be bandits or prisoners. If one or two of us disguise ourselves as girls and also another one of us disguise himself as a bandit, we can enter the stronghold as if we're offering a slave trade business of some sort" he explained.

"Yes, and then those of us who are disguised as girls can search for a way to find Miaka once they're inside the stronghold no da," Chichiri added.

Tasuki looked from Nuriko to Chichiri then to the rest of the group finding that he was clearly outnumbered. He slumped in defeat. "Fine, fine, I know this is probably the only way so far" he admitted reluctantly. "But which one of us is going in as a girl? It damn well better NOT be me!"

"Never thought of it, I doubt you'll make a convincing girl," Nuriko said lightly.

"Then who's going to no da?" Chichiri asked, echoing Tasuki's question.

"I am of course, since you could say I have a little experience in the cross-dressing business," Nuriko volunteered.

"But Nuriko, I think you should have someone to accompany you in disguise as a girl. It is less risky that way," Chiriko suggested logically.

"Ok, who's going to join me then," Nuriko asked, looking at the group for volunteers.

"I will," Tamahome spoke up. "If Miaka is in there, then I'm going in"

"Hmmm…." Nuriko mumbled as he narrowed his eyes. He pursed his lips as he walked around Tamahome, silently studying him in a contemplative manner. Then as if coming to a final decision he snapped his fingers. "It's not going to work, you can't go as a girl," he said finally.

"What?! How come?!" Tamahome demanded.

"For one thing, you won't be able to control yourself once you're in the stronghold. We know how much you care for Miaka but we can't afford you to be reckless in this," Nuriko stated.

"But"

"And second thing," Nuriko continued, not letting Tamahome finished. "If you fight the bandits, you can't help but to use your powers. Thus alerting the Seiyruu Seishi."

"But"

"And one last thing," Nuriko continued on, "You're too tall, what are you? 5'8?"

"5'10 but"

"Exactly" Nuriko finished. "The Kaiori bandits won't be convinced enough to believe you to be an almost 6 feet tall 'defenceless' girl."

"But you can't expect me to just stand here and wait for you guys to save Miaka on your own!" Tamahome protested angrily.

Nuriko face grew solemn. "I'm sorry Tama-chan. But if you really want to save Miaka, then we'll need to follow this plan right and that would mean that we need to fully convince the bandits that we're a just a bunch of helpless girls."

"Nuriko has a point no da. If we don't get to use our powers then we'll need all the advantages we could get," Chichiri agreed adding his own outlook.

Tamahome slumped in defeat, almost hating himself for being so useless. "Fine," he muttered reluctantly. "But promise me that you'll alert me if anything goes wrong." A hand came upon his shoulders and he looked up to see Mitsukake. His face was filled with understanding.

"We are all worry for her safety, but we have to have faith in our friends," he said wisely.

Tamahome nodded slowly in understanding, allowing a sad smile on his worried face. "Alright then who is going to go with Nuriko inside disguised as a girl?" he asked the question that was going on in everyone's mind.

"We'll need someone who will be able to fool the bandits into thinking that he's a girl of course" Chiriko suggested.

"And it will help if he is small-framed, not too tall nor too short," Nuriko added.

"Looks fcking convincing in women's clothes." Everyone stared at Tasuki who had given the last suggestion. "What? It's true!" Tasuki defended.

"And most importantly, able to defend himself without the use of his powers if anything were to go wrong with the plan no da," Chichiri stated lastly, as he turned his attention back to the group.

A moment of silent fell upon the group of 'men'.

Kayla who had remained quiet throughout the discussion because of her troubled thoughts, suddenly looked up to find everyone staring back at her. It didn't take long to figure out what was going through everyone's mind. "What? ME?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly in panic.

"Why the hell not? You fit all the requirements. You're a runt, so you will easily fit into women's clothes. You're short and you can fight… like a girl but you can fight nevertheless," Tasuki stated with barely contained amusement.

"Shut up Tasuki," Kayla growled, giving the annoying man a glare that could have killed any lesser man.

"Kayla, Tasuki does have a point even though I can't believe I'm admitting to that. Out of all of us, you and Nuriko are the only ones who can disguise yourself as a girl and actually be convincing," Tamahome said, even though his tone held a bit of reluctance due to the fact that he won't be the one sneaking into the stronghold to save his beloved.

Kayla placed a head on her forehead to ward off an oncoming headache. "I don't know if you're encouraging me or if you're making fun of me," she muttered. "This is insane! I don't want to disguise myself as a girl!!" This is just going to expose me to everyone she silently added to herself in fright.

"Excuse me while I have a word with Kayla here," Nuriko said and quickly lead Kayla away from the rest of the group to a more private area in the streets of Tohran. "What's wrong?" Nuriko asked Kayla once he was sure that none of the other Seishi could hear them.

"What's wrong? What's WRONG?!" Kayla nearly shouted in hysterics. Nevertheless, she lowered her voice again so that she didn't catch any unwanted attentions. "How could you ask me that after you know what they are asking me to do back there?!"

"They're asking you to dress up like a girl."

"Exactly!!"

"But you ARE a girl. Then you should have no problem playing this little role," Nuriko stated the obvious.

"Yes but in case you haven't noticed, they all currently think that I AM BOY! If I dress up like a girl and if something goes wrong, my secret will be out!!" Kayla argued furiously.

"And it will be a bad thing if they found out?" Nuriko asked carefully.

"Yes!!" Kayla cried but then lowered her voice again. "I'm not ready to let them find out yet."

Nuriko gave a sigh as he looked back at the group of Seishi who were looking back at them with curiosity. "Ok Kayla. I know this is going to be difficult for you but you're the best option out of the rest of the group," he reasoned as he turned back to Kayla.

"But what about Chiriko?"

"He's too young. You don't want to put him danger do you?" Nuriko said calmly.

"No I don't…" Kayla admitted. "Ok… what about Chichiri? He has that transfiguration spell that can make him disguise as anyone."

Nuriko gave her a look. "Are you forgetting that we can't use our powers?"

Kayla groaned and slapped her forehead in despair. "But I can't do this!" she moaned.

Nuriko gave a small grin at her childish attitude before he grew solemn again. "Kayla look at me," he said seriously as he turned her around so that she would look up at him. "You have to do this, if not for us then do it for Miaka's sake. She's in danger right now and we're running out of time. And you won't be doing this alone. You still have me to join you. And as far as everyone knows, they all believe that you're only a boy disguise as a girl. I made a promise to you that I won't let anyone know your secret until you tell me otherwise. Remember that."

Kayla stood silent for a moment as she gazed up into Nuriko's eyes. His violet eyes shined with sincerity and trust as he waited for her answer. She knew that Nuriko was right and that she was being selfish for only thinking about her own problems when everyone was counting on her. Nuriko would be there for her if anything were to go wrong. Most importantly, Miaka was in danger of being sold off into slavery. She couldn't let that happen to her friend. She knew perfectly well what life as a slave was like. Her five years of agony with her aunt and uncle had taught her that.

She knew that she had already made the decision even before Nuriko had spoke to her privately, but once again; it had been her fear that had been preventing her from doing the right thing. She will have to go through with this risky plan for her friends' sake. She slowly nodded. "Alright Nuriko, you convinced me. I'll do it," she said quietly, hoping she wouldn't regret her decision.

Nuriko smiled at her and gave her a pat in the back. "That's my girl," Nuriko said gratefully earning another glare from Kayla. He just laughed.

"Nuriko! I can't wear this!!" Kayla exclaimed from behind the drapes that were shielding her from view.

"And why not?" Nuriko asked curiously as he expertly applied the last of his makeup on his face without turning away from the mirror.

"It's…. it's too big!!"

Nuriko gave a sigh and he stood up from the vanity table in the room. Since he was already an expert in cross-dressing in the past, he was already dressed in his disguise, along with arranging his hair into a more feminine look. This certainly brings back memories he thought with amusement as he gave a quick look in the mirror one last time. The moment that Kayla had agreed to his plan, they had immediately gone to purchase some local women's clothes from the city and found an inn where they could change into their disguises. The rest of the Seishi were now waiting impatiently outside for Kayla and himself to change.

"How could it be too big? I'm sure that dress should fit you perfectly," Nuriko argued.

Kayla looked down at herself and made a face at the dress she was currently trying on. In truth, the dress does fit perfectly. It was a nice dress. The light blue top had long flowing sleeves and a high collar suited for the cold weather of Hokkan. The collar, sleeves and the wide dark blue sash that wrapped around her waist were decorated with lines of dark golden flowers that stood out against the dark coloured material enhancing the colour of her amber eyes. The long flowing skirt that came with the outfit was the same colour as her top. All in all it was a very nice dress. However, she was feeling VERY self-conscious about herself since it had been a very long time since she had dressed-up as a girl. Even though the dress was considered plain in compare to other expensive clothes she had seen, it was still one of the nicest dresses she had ever wore in her life.

Kayla sighed. "I look stupid," she whined thinking of another excuse that could delay her from coming out from behind the protection of the drapes. Despite the fact that Kayla was really a girl, she completely lacked the experience in 'dressing up'. Such things include the feminine touch of choosing the right clothes, the right make-up or the arrangement of her hair. She never had the chance to learn nor did she wanted to learn. "The Kaiori bandits are not going to be convince once they see me despite the dress."

"What do you think I'm here for? I'm suppose to help you dress up which is completely ironic since you're the real girl here," Nuriko answered with unhidden amusement. "Now come out now so that I could take a look, we're running out of time," he ordered in a firmer tone.

Kayla took a deep breath. The things I do for my friends. Nuriko's going to laugh at me for sure she thought tiredly, as she stepped out from behind the drapes for Nuriko to see.

In opposition to what Kayla had been thinking, Nuriko was far from laughing. In fact, he was temporarily stunned as he stared at the girl who stepped out nervously from behind the drapes. He composed himself shortly afterwards when he had caught himself staring and he let out a broad smile. "Looks like I don't have to do much work after all," he said happily.

Kayla looked at him with a bit of confusion. "What do you mean? I'm not that hopeless am I?" she asked nervously.

For the second time that day, Nuriko just burst out laughing.

"How long is it supposed to take for those two to finish dressing up?" Tasuki asked impatiently, as he waited in the hallway with the rest of the Suzaku Seishi.

"Well it isn't everyday two guys have to go disguise themselves as girls no da. It will take some time no da," Chichiri said reasonably. Although he was secretly quite curious in how this whole event will turn out.

"Besides don't you have to get ready yourself Tasuki," Tamahome asked. Like the fiery Seishi, he was also getting impatient.

Tasuki snorted."What is there to get ready about? I'm going in as a bandit. If you haven't noticed, I AM a bandit already." Tasuki replied quite obviously. It was true. It had been decided earlier that since Tasuki was the one who was most familiar with the Kaiori bandits, he would be the one who would bring the two so-called prisoners to the stronghold in an attempt to struck a slave deal arrangement. Therefore, it would allow Nuriko and Kayla to sneak into the stronghold and save Miaka unnoticed since the bandits would never suspect their own prisoners. It was an almost infallible plan. Almost that is… the only problem would be how Nuriko and Kayla was going to pull it off without having it all leading to a battle in the end. It was the one question that had been worrying everyone.

"Hey everyone we're ready!" a familiar voice interrupted them causing the group of men to turn towards its source. They were temporarily stunned as they stared at the violet-haired Seishi as he stepped out of room. "Well everyone what do you think?" Nuriko asked with amusement as he mockingly struck a pose. He was dressed in a deep violet coloured dress decorated with patterns of blue butterflies. His hair was fixed back in its usual style during the time he had disguised himself back to days he had spent in Konan's royal court. All in all, he looked very much as feminine as those days when everyone had still believed him to be a woman.

Since he had seen Nuriko in disguise before, Tamahome was the least surprised one out of the whole group by Nuriko's appearance though not by much. It certainly brings back memories seeing him like this again he thought wistfully. However this time, Nuriko was not trying to seduce him to hurt Miaka nor was he doing this to gain Hotohori's attention. He was doing this so that he could save Miaka and for that, Tamahome felt like he owed the man a debt of gratitude. "You looked like you're ready to knock them dead not literally of course," he answered with a smile, while the others snapped out of their reverie.

"Wait till you see Kayla," Nuriko said with a wicked smile. However when he turned around, a frown replaced his smile when he realized Kayla wasn't behind him. What is holding that girl now he thought with annoyance. "Just hold on for a second," he said as he pasted another smile on his face and he charged back inside the room, leaving the others to wait again.

"Do you think something is wrong?" Chiriko asked worriedly as Nuriko disappeared into the room again with the others.

"Probably," Tasuki answered with a smirk. "Kayla probably tripped over his own dress."

Nuriko walked back into the room seeing Kayla still standing inside hesitantly, wringing her hands nervously. "What are you doing still standing there? Everyone is waiting outside," he said impatiently with his hands on his waist waiting expectantly.

"I don't think I can do this Nuriko. It's not going to work," Kayla said shaking her head. There was absolutely no way Nuriko was going to convince her to step through that door dress like she was at the moment. Her mind was made up. No matter what he says, it wasn't going to work on her. She will stand firm on her decision. She will NOT go through with this.

"What about Miaka?"

Damn!! She should have known that it was a losing battle to begin with.

"All right everyone, we're ready!" Nuriko announced as he walked out of the room again for the second time.

"Are you really sure you're ready? I don't want you two men to rush yourselves and break a nail," Tasuki commented sarcastically earning a glare from Nuriko, in which he pointedly ignored. He was as impatient as ever and itching for some action. Even though this plan was to be conducted as discreetly as possible, he couldn't help but feel the adrenaline pumping within his veins.

Along with his eager anticipation, he was a tad bit curious in the outcome of what Kayla would look like. It isn't anything to get excited about. He'll probably look like a clumsy boy in a dress that's all he thought in amusement as he let his imagination wandered. He wasn't going to give up a chance to tease Kayla mercilessly the moment he steps out of the room in his girlish disguise. This was after all, a once of a lifetime opportunity. How could he resist?

For some reason, he enjoyed driving Kayla up the wall, seeing the fire in the boy's eyes when he fights back or the sheer determination radiating out of him, the unwillingness to back down. It was just both frustrating yet satisfying at the same time. It was a feeling that made Tasuki wondered secretly if his own sanity was still intact. When had he developed such a bizarre habit? To actually enjoy something that can infuriate and irritate him at the same time. Nevertheless that was the feeling he felt whenever he was with Kayla. Sure, he cares for the boy like a close friend or brother (never will he admit it out loud of course) but it doesn't mean he wouldn't take the opportunity to irritate him. It was too much fun.

Yes, he would definitely need to check up on his sanity later on.

He turned away from his thoughts when he noticed Nuriko was tugging someone not-too-gently out of the room. Apparently, Kayla was more then reluctant to come out. Not that Tasuki could blame him. He wouldn't be too keen, himself on showing himself in public if he was caught in a similar position. Unprepared for Nuriko's strength, Kayla was dragged out of room in a matter of seconds. It was at that moment, Tasuki felt his heart stopped.

Kayla - unprepared from Nuriko's strength - stumbled clumsily out of the room and stood before everyone. Unable to gather the courage to look up to watch her friends' reaction, she kept her eyes on her fidgeting hands. To her dismay, there was only silence that greeted her the moment she had stepped out through the door. Even the usual talkative Nuriko was calmly waiting for everyone's responses. Why isn't anyone saying anything? Do I really look that bad? she thought uneasily. She had never really cared about her appearances even during the time when she had still dress like any normal girl. She had been too busy surviving to care for such trivial things. Now ironically, her appearance seem to be the most important thing at this very moment now that she was presenting herself as a girl for the first time before her friends. Say something here!! Anything!!

Unable to stand the tension any longer, Kayla finally looked up. As she had predicted, everyone were staring at her. However much to her surprise, everyone had seemed…. stunned? Pleased? Surprised? And everything in between. "Ok guys…. enough staring now," she said trying to sound humorous when in truth she was shaking inside. "What do you think?"

It was as if her voice had finally brought the group of Seishi back to reality and enough to stimulate a response.

"Wow Nuriko! You really had outdone yourself this time!" Tamahome exclaimed as he looked at Kayla from head to toe disbelievingly. "If I hadn't known that he was a guy to begin with, I would have been fooled completely!"

"Very convincing work no da! Chirchiri said smiling.

"Kayla, you look simply astonishing!" Mitsukake can't help, but added.

"The Kaiori bandits will be fooled by the both of you for sure," Chiriko said enthusiastically.

"I didn't even have to do that much work… more like everything just… fell into place. No doubt that Kayla is going to attract a lot of male attention if you know what I mean," Nuriko chuckled with satisfaction.

"Nuriko!" Kayla gasped in protest feeling the blush on her face grew redder with every comment. Convincing? Astonishing? M… Male attention?! This wasn't what she had been expecting all.

"What? It's true," Nuriko insisted. "You will certainly be turning a few heads with looks like yours."

"B… but I'm a GUY," she said stressing in the last word very carefully. "I don't want any attention."

"Well no one except us will know that you're a guy will they?"

"But… I… not… NURIKO! That was not really the POINT is it?!" She continued to stammer due to direction this embarrassing conversation was taking place.

While the group continued to watch the interlude between the stammering Kayla and the witty Nuriko with unhidden amusement. Only one member remained surprisingly quiet during the whole conversation. Too lost was he in his own thoughts.

Never in Tasuki's existence had he ever been overcome by so many emotions all at once. How can things be so clear yet so confusing at the same time? Awed yet stunned. Satisfied yet disturbed. Longing yet fearing all at once? And to think all this was merely accomplished from a just a glimpse of the dark-haired boy-in-disguise? How was this possible?!

He… he isn't supposed to look that damn CONVINCING! Tasuki thought in a desperate attempt to keep his emotions in check. He was supposed to make some snide remark about Kayla's appearance now. Society demands it!!

I never noticed how… cute he is when he stammers… WHAT!!! Where the hell did that thought come from?! Dear Suzaku I must have hit my head somewhere and now I'm having all these fucking weird thoughts!! Unfortunately his inner turmoil and unusual silence had captured the attention of the other occupants in the hallway.

"Hey Tasuki, don't you have anything to say to Kayla?" Nuriko asked, giving a Tasuki a sly nudge. If Tasuki wasn't so distracted by his thoughts, he would have been tempted to test if the baka's violet braid could lit up like a candle's wick. Of course, now would be his opportunity to take advantage of the situation. He was going to take his role and make fun of Kayla just like he had planned to all along. He was going to show everyone that he was unaffected by the whole thing. Absolutely nothing was going to stop him.

Even if the runt did look good in a dress.

He unconsciously snuck another glance at Kayla. Damn.

This is it. He's never going to let me live this down Kayla thought with exasperation yet surprisingly with less agitation then she anticipated. In fact, you can even say that she was even willing to endure it for once. Not that she enjoyed being tortured or anything. It was just that everyone else's opinions of her new appearance had completely thrown her off balance. With Tasuki, at least she would know what to expect. In cases like these, she would welcome just about anything that was familiar to her just so she could find solid ground once more. EVEN if it means allowing the loud-mouth baka to make fun of her.

Therefore, that was why she stood there with no intention whatsoever of retaliation and waited. And waited.

"Ummm…. You…. You…. You're….." stuttered the so-called loud-mouth baka.

What is he waiting for? Why doesn't he get it over with already and put me out of my misery. Maybe that way, with me being dead and all, I won't have to go on with this stupid charade. Kayla thought impatiently. She glanced cautiously at the fiery Seishi, whose face by then was turning into a rather bright shade of red. He's probably red from trying hard NOT to laugh out loud… nice of him to try though she concluded with melancholic logic.

"You're… You're… Your flower is… crooked," was what he finally blurted out.

Well there you go Kayla! Something to be expected! He said that your flower ishuhWHAT?! "W..what?" Kayla stammered as her mind went completely blank and stared at Tasuki with a perplexed expression.

"You're flower is crooked," Tasuki repeated rather timidly and pointed towards her head. Upon reflex, her eyes travel upwards which of course succeeded in seeing absolutely nothing.

It was then that everyone else started laughing. Laughing so hard that it practically took all of their strength to remain standing. If an outsider were to walk into the scene now, they would see a group of people laughing like lunatics with the exception of one perplexed-looking individual and another who looked like he would like nothing else but to crawl under a rock and die. Afterwards, that outsider would most likely dismiss the whole scene and return to their room thinking that it would be better not to question about it.

"What? Why is everybody laughing?" Kayla demanded frustratingly. So much for expecting the expected. Not only had Tasuki disappointed her in saying something WAY out of the blue. Now everyone was laughing at them both and she had no idea why!

Finally after feeling some sympathy towards her and having maintained some control over his laughing fit. Nuriko decided to aid with the situation and reached over Kayla's head and rearrange the flower blossom in her hair that (which Tasuki had so gracefully pointed out) was indeed crooked. Just a bit.

"Uh… thanks," mumbled Kayla as she lowered her head in embarrassment. What else could she have said?

"No problem, never thought Tasuki would be so keen on details though," Nuriko replied with a chuckle.

"Shut-up," Tasuki grumbled miserably. His face was also so red with embarrassment that Kayla - looking at him - almost made her feel sort of sorry for him. Almost that it.

Why didn't he use this chance to crush me? It wasn't like he couldn't and… I don't think he was trying to be nice… no not him… not now…. 'You're flower is crooked'? Even that sounded lame to me Kayla's mind was in a whirlwind of emotions, mostly consisting of confusion.

"We're just wasting time here. Are we going along with this or not?" Tasuki retorted with annoyance. Then without waiting for anyone else's response, he turned abruptly and walked away. Not that Kayla could blame him for trying to save what was left of his pride.

And I still have to work with him after this too! Kayla thought with dread. PLEASE she silently pleaded, sending a quick prayer to anyone up there who would listen to her. Please let me get out of this alive… please let me keep my secret for just a while longer.

"There is absolutely no fcking way I'm going in there without my Tessan!" Tasuki yelled furiously, holding his iron fan in a death grip and glaring at the masked monk.

Chichiri sighed, though his mask hid his expression well enough, his patience was wearing thin due to the fact that they were running out of time. He mentally prayed to Suzaku for everlasting patience with the fiery Seishi. "You can't bring it with you for this mission no da."

Tasuki literally growled at Chichiri and Kayla was instantly struck with an image a wolf guarding ferociously over his food and possessions; an animal that was definitely not to be taken lightly with. She couldn't really blame Tasuki's protectiveness over his prized weapon, she would have felt vulnerable too if she were to enter enemy territory without any means of defence. Now that she had thought of it, she had NEVER seen him without his Tessan. The fan was like an extension to his arm; a part of him.

"Look Tasuki," Chichiri finally spoke in a much firmer tone, confirming that his patience was definitely wearing away though his serious voice greatly contrast with the expression of his carefree mask. "Your Tessan is an emblem that represents the leader of Leikaku Bandits; a great enemy of the Kaori Bandits. They would most definitely recognize it and identify you as the leader of their greatest rival and then all our plans will be for nothing. Do you honestly want to risk everyone's lives for this?"

Tasuki remained silent though you could tell from his expression that he already knew what the answer would be. Reluctantly, his grip on the Tessan lessened and with a sigh, he handed it to the monk's waiting hands. "I'm going to come back for it so you better take care of it," he said quietly with an underlying tone of warning. Chichiri nodded in understanding and with quick flick of the wrist, the Tessan was gone within some magic fold within his robes. "Don't worry it's in a safe place until you get back no da."

"Then lets getting this fcking plan over with." Tasuki mumbled and turned expectantly at Nuriko and Kayla.

"Stay safe." Mitsukake said with an encouraging nod.

"And remember to use those flares I had given you to alert us if there are any trouble," Chiriko added, referring the flares that he had conjured himself that are hidden securely within the folds of Nuriko's clothes.

"Don't take any unnecessary risks no da. Just get out of there if it becomes too dangerous." Was Chichiri's advice.

"We'll be nearby and ready if needed." Tamahome said lastly.

And with all that said; they were all ready to go.

As the three of them headed towards the direction of the Kaiori bandit's stronghold according to the directions given by their prisoner, Raijun. With every step closer to their destination, the more nervous Kayla became. A million different questions flew across her mind, each one slowly eating away at her courage when there were so few of it to begin with. So many things can go wrong with this plan like what if the bandits didn't buy their act? What if her secret was exposed? What if Miaka was already hurt? What if… What if… so many 'WHAT IF's' that she was sure her head was going to explode!

She wasn't sure if there was a plan once herself and Nuriko were taken prisoner by the bandits and Tasuki gone. Unless the violet-haired Seishi had something up his pretty sleeves, they were going to have to play this by hand.

Speaking of hand….

Kayla looked down grimly at her hands. Both of her wrists were tied tightly together in front of her as the same goes for Nuriko. To add a touch of realism, everyone had decided that it would be more convincing if she and Nuriko have their hands bounded like real prisoners usually have. She shifted her wrists a little, disliking the fact that she will not have full use of her hands. Even though this was all an act, she couldn't help the feeling of being trapped. Trapped like that time back when uncle almost caught me again whispered the dark recesses of her mind. She shivered involuntarily. She didn't want to be reminded of that particular.

"Do you want me to loosen those bonds for ya?"

Surprised, Kayla looked up to see Tasuki looking back at her expectantly. She was taken aback by Tasuki's sudden display of attention when he had been practically ignoring her since that embarrassing event in the inn. In fact, this would be the first actual sentence he had spoken to her since then. His face even held a hint of genuine concern meaning that her nervousness must have been really obvious to the others. However, the fact that he had cared had made her heart warmed along with a few skipped beats just from the way his gaze seemed to hold her eyes like that. Almost as if silently asking her if she needed his help and support.

She shook herself mentally when she realized how she was reacting and silently scolded herself for getting all flustered over only a single display of concern. She was just too nervous that was all. "No thanks," she answered, turning away from him. "If you loosen it, then it might not look realistic enough. I'll be okay with this."

For a moment, Tasuki looked as if he wanted to say something but had decided not to and instead nodded in understanding before turning to Nuriko. "What about you, Nuriko?"

Nuriko grinned. "You're forgetting whom you're talking to," he replied easily, holding up his wrists. "I can break these bonds easily whenever I want."

The rest of the journey had been made in silence until they had finally reached their destination. The stronghold had seemed like any regular place located in some abandoned alleyway within the large city of Tohran. It was one of those buildings that would have been easily missed if one were not already looking for it specifically. It was a perfect hideout, big but not too grand to catch unwanted attention and hidden from the rest of city from unwelcome visitors. Not surprisingly, the entrance was unguarded yet Kayla had a suspicious feeling that somewhere they were carefully being watched.

How right she had been, for the minute the three of them had stepped through the entrance, the doors had closed behind them along with a dozen swords surrounded and trapping them in place. Kayla was shocked by the initial urge she felt to withdraw behind Tasuki to distance herself from the deadly weapons but luckily restrained herself in time, knowing that it would be too suspicious to seek protection from her supposed captor.

"Is this how y'all usually greet visitors?" Tasuki spoke casually with a smirk that Kayla found herself somewhat impressed by his act of impassiveness towards their hostile welcome.

"It's how we greet uninvited guests."

The three of them looked upward towards the direction of the rough and unfamiliar voice that answered. The entrance leaded to a rather large room along with a staircase in the centre. Their gazes drew upwards and met a large man slowly descending from the top of the stairs. Judging from the reaction of respect and fear emitting from the other Kaiori bandits, it was very clear that this man was their leader. His cruel grey eyes stared calculatingly and untrusting towards the small group below him. "I should have you all killed just for trespassing," he threatened coldly.

"Not if I have something that you might be interested in," Tasuki replied steadily. Both Nuriko and Kayla could barely prevent themselves from staring at awe at the usually crude and short-tempered Seishi. Was this what the real Tasuki is like? Unconsciously comparing the two leaders of two different groups of bandits had certainly shed new light upon the leader of the Leikaku bandits. While the Kaiori bandit leader emanated an air of distrust and cruelty, Tasuki was different. The Leikaku bandit leader projected a calm and collected aura and yet held a sense of authority and fierce confidence that was easily detected by the people in the room who knew him well enough.

Was this why he was chosen? Kayla found herself wondering. Why this fiery man was chosen by the previous Leikaku leader to be heir of his place once he passed away? Why Suzaku had chosen him as being worthy for the role of one of his Seishi? Seeing him like this was enough to confirm her answer.

"And what could you possibly have that would interest me?" the leader asked, his tone filled with sarcasm and doubt as he reached the ground level and stood before them.

Tasuki raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead he gave a small indication to the swords that were still held against them implying that he will speak once the threat was controlled.

Being confident that he still had the upper hand upon them, the leader gave signal for his men to lower their weapons. He then ordered one of his men to search Tasuki for any hidden weapons. The only thing that was found was a small dagger hidden inside one of Tasuki's boots in which the bandit took away. Kayla was only thankful that the leader was ignorant or stupid enough to not order a search done upon herself and Nuriko, under the belief that women are harmless and weak.

Once he was sure that he had the leader's undivided attention, Tasuki shoved both Nuriko and Kayla forcefully, causing them both to stumble towards the leader. "I'm just a man who's looking for a living. Have these two fine specimens for sale and just looking for any potential buyers." He explained, his trademark smirk in place.

The leader narrowed his eyes calculatingly at flamed-hair man trying to decipher if he was telling the truth. However, the stranger's expression revealed nothing. He then walked towards the two standing girls before him. True to what the man had said, these two girls do seem like fine specimen especially the violet-haired one, though the dark-haired one wasn't too far off in comparison. In addition to the other girl that they captured earlier, these three girls will make more then enough profit if he could make the right deals. Not to mention that these stupid girls had practically threw themselves at their doorsteps without them having to resort to the trouble in the first place. Ah, if only things can always be so easy all the time. "On your knees!" the leader commanded the two girls, determined to show them who it was that has the power.

Kayla's insides burned with rage at the leader's command. This… this PIG was a coward!! How dare he prey on the weak!! Her hands clenched and unclenched in fury. She was so close to the man right now and all she had to do was charged at him when he least expected and beat this creep to a bloody pulp without any remorse. It didn't made it difference if her hands were tied or not, she could beat this guy hands down. As she trembled with anger, she felt a slight tugging on her sleeve and discreetly looked up to find Nuriko looking back at her, his eyes silently telling her to control herself.

So her emotions were starting to become obvious again.

Her anger faded a bit and she bit her lips in shame and anger for almost losing herself. Despite what she may think, she still couldn't ignore the fact that this pig still have Miaka hidden somewhere in this god-forbidden place. Therefore with no other choices left, she followed Nuriko's lead and fell to her knees, her eyes never leaving the dirty floor beneath her.

Not noticing her temporary display of rage, the leader sneered satisfyingly. "Obedient and weak," he commented with sick satisfaction.

The leader's words caused the hair on Tasuki's neck to stand. He had nearly lost it when he saw his two friends fell obediently to their knees. He was so enraged by the leader's command that he was on the fine line between blowing his cover and beat this bastard senseless or restraining himself for the sake of everyone else.

Tasuki hated to see his friends suffer and maybe the only reason that he was able to control himself in the end was because of the look on Kayla's face. The boy's face was partially covered by his long, free-flowing hair but Tasuki was able to catch a glimpse of it from the angle he was standing at. He absolutely despised the look on the boy's face for he could practically sense the boy trying so hard to restrain himself from lashing out and maintain whatever dignity was left all for the sake of their friends' life. His heart unexpectedly ached.

He knew that even though he was pained with anger, he couldn't compare it to the humiliation and anger that Kayla and Nuriko was feeling. Bear it Tasuki! You have to fucking bear with it! He repeated silently like a mantra. You have to do whatever is necessary to convince these bastards in taking the bait!

A coarse hand grabbed Kayla roughly by the chin and forced her to look up. She found herself staring eye to eye with the leader's cold, grey eyes and forced herself to bit back a scream. He turned her face roughly from side to side studying her face before dropping it again. He then walked over to Nuriko and did the same to him. "I'll give you fifty gold coins for them," the leader finally announced after he was satisfied with what he saw.

Kayla closed her eyes in relief. Good, the bandits had taken the bait. All Tasuki had to do now was to quickly seal the deal and they could proceed with the rest of the plan. However, nothing could have prepared her for what was to happen next.

"No!" was the fiery-Seishi's response.

"No?!" the leader yelled in shock.

No?!?!? Kayla and Nuriko echoed in their head as they both stared at Tasuki wondering if they had heard wrong.

"What is the meaning of this?! I thought you want to sell them?!" the leader demanded angrily.

Tasuki smirked. "I said that I'm only a man looking for a living. A hundred gold coins."

"A… A hundred gold coins!! That's robbery!!" the leader shouted in outrage.

"And I'm a fellow bandit. A hundred gold coins," Tasuki repeated casually.

"Sixty-five then!"

"Hundred."

"Seventy!!"

"Hundred."

"Seventy-eight!!"

"Hundred."

What the hell is he doing?! Kayla thought with dismay as she watched the two men argued over the price. He's just wasting valuable time, he was just supposed to agree on the first offer and then leave as quickly as possible! Why is he stalling?! She turned to Nuriko for answers but her friend seemed just as confused as she was.

She gasped when she was yanked back to her feet and held closely against another's firm body. She was shocked beyond her mind when she realized the one holding her closely almost intimately was none other than Tasuki! His one hand held tightly and securely around her waist while the other held her face forbidding her to look away. What the… before her mind can formed the question, she was captured in the very clear depths of his golden eyes. Even if without his hand holding her face, she realized that she couldn't look away even if she wanted to. His face was solemn and his eyes held the oddest expression. Trust! She realized without knowing how she was able to figure it out through all her shock. He's asking for trust…. but… why?

That was when she noticed belatedly that he was lowering his own face towards hers. He stopped lowering when their lips were almost touching and she could feel his breath against her skin and she felt the temperature of her body rose to unbearable heat. Her heart was pounding deafeningly in her ears that she was sure the whole room could hear it. She wasn't naive enough to misunderstand what Tasuki was going to do at that moment. What was worse was that she will have no control over it even though every part of her mind screamed for her to push him away, slap him and run away to the opposite side of the world. But her body was failing to function to her brain's command. Why?… he can't… no… he can't… please god no… she silently protested weakly. Tasuki was going to kiss her. Plain and simple.

Then it was over as soon as it had begun. Before his lips had touched hers, he pushed her away again and she stumbled back a few steps in shock. Her hand unconsciously covered her mouth in confusion. What happened?

"You see," Tasuki said coolly as he turned back to the leader of the Kaori bandits. "See how she turns red at even a slight touch from a man. Surely a virgin such as her and her friend are worth the amount I'm asking for."

Kayla's eyes widen in disbelief as Tasuki's words slowly registered in her mind and finally understood everything. It was all part of the act. That little… sham had all been nothing but an act to convince the bandits into further taking the bait. Though she knew that she should have been relieved, all that she felt was numbness. Whether her numbness had been due to shock, relief or even anger, she didn't care. All her mind was thinking was repeating the fact that everything had been an act just for the sake of their cause.

She felt herself ignoring everything around her then. She ignored the fact that her legs finally gave up and she shrank to the ground. She ignored the pain on her bounded wrists. She ignored the slight tugging from her worried violet-haired friend. She ignored the brief hint of concern that had passed through Tasuki's eyes when he gave her a quick glance. She ignored the swift contempt of the situation she had found herself in. And she ignored the moment when the leader had finally agreed to seal the deal.

Author's Notes:

Whew!! Finally chapter 18 is done!!!

(readers groan "It's about damn time!!!")

(sweatdrops) hehe…. Sorry for the terribly long wait. Initially this chapter was done earlier but due to technical difficulties the file was lost and we had to write it all over again. Believe us when we said that it was really difficult to do so and probably was a bit different from our first draft. However, we're still pretty satisfied with this chapter and we hope that you wonderful readers had enjoyed it.

Poor Kayla, she is really going through a lot during this little dilemma with so much at stakes (especially what Tasuki had done too!!). We know that Tasuki seem a little different from the anime/manga but we believe that when the situation calls for it, he can be the mature, dependable person that reflects his true character. Plus the fact that Kayla did not exist in the anime/manga therefore she must have some effect in bringing out the difference in how Tasuki could act in this story (ooohhh… the possibilities!! LOL). We think that this chapter really showed the different sides of Tasuki besides the endearing, potty-mouth bandit we all know and love. Feel free to tell us what you think about it.

Well what will happen next now that Nuriko and Kayla are in?? How is Miaka coping?? How is everything going to work?? Just what the hell was Tasuki thinking when he pulled such a stunt?? All will be revealed in the next chapter!!

Love Twin Girls

P.S. For those of you readers who are still wondering when will Kayla's identity will be revealed (or specifically when will Tasuki know LOL) To tell the truth, it's really hard to pinpoint at the moment which chapter exactly although we do have the idea of how it was going to be done. It's really too much fun to write about the interactions between both Kayla and Tasuki goes through with this whole charade. We hope that it's not getting too tiring for you readers because we really want to build on their relationship first before it all comes tumbling down… (tumbling? hmm….)