Chapter One
"We're almost there."
As the lights of Eiyou glittered before them, Shishi let out a heavy sigh, relief in her bronze eyes. "At last. It feels like we've been riding forever – is it me or did the journey back take longer than the one there?"
"It almost seemed a wasted journey entirely." Aoiketsu bit his lip, gazing down at the bustling capital city. Even though it was drawing towards evening, the streets were still full of people, some looking for evening entertainment while others tried to make a last minute sale in Eiyou's most busy summer season. "We went to Hokkan but we didn't come back with the Shinzahou, after all."
"You said yourself that you didn't mind your Commander whipping it away." Shishi pointed out to him. "Why the hesitation now, Aoi? You had a change of heart now you're back in the midst of the South?"
"No…" Aoiketsu sighed, shaking his head. "I just think that maybe Reizeitei-sama would look on me more kindly if I had something pretty to give him. That's all."
"Reizeitei-sama?" Hikari twisted in the saddle to stare at him, almost losing her grip on the horse's reins as she did so. "What do you mean? Why would Reizeitei-sama be angry with you?"
"Woah, watch it. You almost slipped right off then." Aoiketsu warned her. "I'm glad you're getting more confident riding, Hikari, but even so, you don't have to take silly risks."
"That isn't answering my question." Hikari frowned. "What do you mean, Aoi-kun? Why the troubled face?"
"Probably it's the little matter of him being sent here as Kutou's spy." Myoume said lightly, shooting Aoiketsu an amused glance, and Aoiketsu grimaced.
"Kutou's spy. Nakago's son. Take your pick." He said darkly. "I doubt the Emperor of Kounan will look kindly on either one of those things. I'll be lucky he doesn't throw me in irons the moment we reach the palace – which seems to be where we're heading, if we're taking this path all the way to the heart of Eiyou. Myoume, I thought I was the navigator – why are we here, exactly?"
"As you surmise, to make report to the Emperor." Myoume said innocently. "Also because there's no way for us to get back to the Eastern Village on horseback tonight. It's far too dark and even though half of the bandits in the south-west wouldn't be interested in attacking us, the other half would be more than keen to lay hands on Tasuki's cub."
"They might get a shock, then, if they tried." Shishi said frankly, holding up her right wrist as she did so. "The cub isn't flying solo at the moment."
"Do you think that the Emperor will be mad with Aoi?" Hikari looked anxious. "Even if we speak to him - Myoume, do you think...?"
"I think that he's probably had plenty of time to get used to the idea of Aoi as Kounan's ally." Myoume said reflectively. "Chichiri was going to speak to him after we left, and put it to him as Emperor that he wasn't our enemy and shouldn't be treated as such. Even if Boushin-sama has personal feelings about it, that young man has fully embraced his duty as ruler of the South. He won't imprison Aoi. He mightn't like it - but it'll be all right. For Kounan's sake, he'll grin and bear it."
"I suppose that's something." Aoiketsu sighed. "I just wish I knew exactly what I was doing. I just get more and more confused. I'm protecting Hikari. I want to protect her - hell, I…I love her, and that's something that's gone too far for me to turn my back on now. I can't help it - it's just there inside of me and it's okay with me that it is. But what that means for Kutou - how it ties me into the South when I want to help the East...as Nakago's son, how can Seiryuu want me as Suzaku's protector? That can't make sense, surely?"
"A lot of things still don't make sense." Shishi rubbed her wrist ruefully. "Doryoku is still trying to get into my good books after what happened in that shrine."
"She's still feeling bad about it, huh?" Hikari asked, and Shishi nodded.
"Just a bit." She said ruefully. "Of course, it'd be better for both her and me if she stopped and just let me listen to my own thoughts for a while. I'm getting used to the idea of her hanging all over my mental state, but even so, sometimes I'd rather have some time to myself."
"Well, you did say you didn't want to be alone on the mountain, right?" Hikari pointed out. "So long as you have Doryoku, you can't be that."
"I think we went North for a reason, and we achieved that reason." Myoume looked thoughtful. "I don't know how to explain it, not exactly. But I didn't have any visions of that temple or Bakaru-san or any of that. I didn't see Hyoushin crossing our path at that point, even though he commented on it when we did. It was like…something else. The snow, the cave, the music – all of that I saw and saw really clearly. But the Shinzahou? I never saw that at all. Not once."
"So you think Doryoku was what we went North to get after all?" Aoiketsu shot her a funny look. "In which case we needn't have crossed into Hokkan and I wouldn't be wondering what exactly my Commander is thinking of me right at the moment. I might be in the shit with two Emperors at the moment, you know…at least tell me there was a purpose to us going to Hokkan."
"There was." Hikari sighed. "To get the Shinzahou and we failed. Even if you didn't see it, Myoume. Aren't I supposed to be trying to change fate? But Bakaru-san wouldn't listen to me. Or at least, I think…maybe he was listening, but what he said was strange. He said that giving the Shinzahou to Hyoushin was beneficial to me as well as to him. I don't understand what that means…why would it benefit me, if Kutou had the Shinzahou?"
"Beats me." Shishi shrugged. "But Do-nee says that Bakaru's the only one who can decide the fate of the Shinzahou – who to give it to and all."
"Well, then ask her what she knows about it." Aoiketsu suggested. "If she's so sure that Bakaru-san's decision was okay, at least let her explain why."
"She just says it's because he's the Shinzahou's Guardian." Shishi responded helplessly. "And that's that."
"Well, at least it was the Commander." Aoiketsu reflected. "Bakaru-san said what I've been saying all along – that he's not a bad person and that he's pursuing peace. I've told you that time and time again – Myoume, will you believe me now?"
"I don't know what to think about that man." Myoume's expression became troubled. "Or his continued appearance in my thoughts and visions. When we saw him in that shrine, Aoi, he looked like…something I'd seen before. Somewhere. But I…can't place what or where it came from. Maybe it didn't – perhaps it was just a delusion. Since Bachisu shattered my senses I've been having more trouble cluing things together than usual, to be honest. That's why I was so relieved when we got into the mountains and it was as I'd envisioned it. I'm not sure I'm operating on full throttle even now...so I don't know what to make of it at all."
"What about Miramu?" Hikari sent her an alarmed look. "You could still sense him if he came - right?"
"Yes, I'm pretty sure." Myoume agreed. "When Bachisu-san used his magic, I was sent completely reeling. But it's not like that now, and my brother's chi is the chi I know best of all. Don't worry, Hikari. I'll know if he comes into our line of sight."
"Then that's all right at least." Hikari sighed, and Aoiketsu frowned, shaking his head.
"Not really." He murmured. "Myoume, are you serious? You've been guiding us - saying things - all based on what might be crazy nonsense? What if I'm not what you think I am after all? What if..."
"Shut up." Shishi said bluntly, sending him a dark look. "You make your own decisions, don't you? Or do you need Myoume to tell you what to do after all? Shit, Aoi, be a man about it, okay? Are you protecting Hiki because Myoume told you you were sent here to do so - or because you care about her?"
Aoiketsu reddened.
"Because I care about her." He said softly. "I guess you're right. It just doesn't help me figure out my own role in all this. That's all."
"I don't think what I've seen is unreliable." Myoume said slowly. "I just think...the pictures...haven't been so clear as they might have been since our encounter with the circus. The truth is I'm not used to siphoning out thoughts and images in this kind of environment. I'm active, on the move, with company...I'm creating thoughts and memories of my own to intersperse with the ones I'm receiving from Byakko or through other people. It's not easy to differentiate one thing from the other, sometimes."
"Is there anything we can do about that?" Hikari cast her a quizzical glance, and Myoume shook her head.
"No." She replied. "It's up to me to re-order myself, that's all. I've been constantly on alert, but when we get back home, I'm going to take a while to try and get my head straight. I'll still be listening out for Miramu, and I won't isolate myself from the team - but I am going to hide myself away for a while on and off during the daytime to just focus all my remaining strength on pulling the loose threads back in place. It's too important for me to find them before it's too late, so it's the only option available."
"Being around us really makes it hard, huh?" Shishi said pensively, and Myoume smiled.
"No." She admitted. "Being around you makes me feel like Myoume again. And that's a good thing - that makes me happy. But Toroki is the one Byakko needs and I can't ignore it, when he gave me this power for this purpose. So sometimes I need to be Toroki, not Myoume. And hopefully then I'll be able to put things in their rightful place."
"Well, we're almost back now." Aoiketsu gestured to the glittering gates of the Imperial palace, biting his lip as he cast a glance at his companions. "Are we seeking the Emperor's company tonight? Or...?"
"Chichiri is here." Myoume said simply. "I would say it was a coincidence, but I don't really believe in those. I think it's more likely he sensed Hikari was in the vicinity and came here to meet us. With any luck, he's our ride back to the mountains tonight. The horses can be stabled here...with Tasuki's contacts, I'm sure that there'll be a way to get them home tomorrow, once they've had a well-earned rest."
"The poor things probably won't want to look at us again after this, even if they did have a brief rest in Yukigase." Shishi agreed, reaching down absently to pat the neck of her steed. "And that's good news, if Chichiri's really here. Home sounds good, after the journey we've had."
"Who demands entrance to the Royal Palace of his Highness Reizeitei-sama?"
A guard blocked their way at that moment, and Myoume reined in her horse, casting the man a smile.
"Toroki of Byakko and her companions, Sukunami Hikari, Kou Karin, and Kaiga Aoiketsu." She said clearly, even as Shishi bristled at the use of her real name. "We seek an audience with the Emperor and if possible, with Chichiri-sama also - who I believe is currently within."
"Toroki-sama." The guard stepped back, saluting her with a smile. "Proceed. The Emperor has been expecting your arrival. As you surmise, Chichiri-sama is here and he and Lord Reizeitei have been anxiously anticipating your return."
"Then we won't keep them waiting any longer." Myoume decided, dismounting her horse and indicating for her companions to do the same even as men rushed forward to take the tired animals. "Thank you. If Reizeitei-sama is expecting us, we'll head right there."
"Are you really sure it's a good idea for me to come with you?" Aoiketsu asked doubtfully, and the guard smiled again, inclining his head.
"Reizeitei-sama has expressed a particular interest in seeing you, Kaiga-dono." He said cheerfully, and Aoiketsu felt his doubts growing. "Please, follow me. He is in the central chamber, and he will be glad of your company."
"You heard the man." Myoume nudged him. "Let's go."
The central chamber was not far from the courtyard entrance, and as they mounted the steps, the doors ahead swung back to admit them into the high-ceilinged room beyond. Within, two familiar figures were waiting, and any solemnity was broken in an instant as Hikari let out an exclamation, hurrying forward to hug the scarfaced sorcerer.
"Chichiri!" She exclaimed. "Did you really come here to meet us?"
"Well, it seemed like a good idea, you know." Chichiri returned the hug, eying her with amusement. "You're happy to see me, then? Good to know. Meikyo will be happy, too - she keeps asking me when Hikari-neechan is coming home."
"Meikyo." At this, Hikari's expression clouded. "I'm sorry, Chichiri. We didn't get the Shinzahou. I mean, we found it - we found the man who had it. But he...he wouldn't give it to us. And there wasn't much we could do. We couldn't take it by force...even if we'd wanted to."
"I see." Chichiri pursed his lips. "But you all came back in safety. In itself, that is a victory."
His good eye scanned the faces of the four travellers, then he smiled.
"Very much a victory." He added softly. "I'm glad to see you all."
"I also." At that moment the chamber's second occupant rose to his feet, regarding the quartet gravely as he did so. "Since the dangers are increasing. I trust that my Father's sword has once again protected you from harm, Hikari-san?"
"Yes." Hikari nodded. "It has, Heika. Thank you for trusting me with it - I'm doing my best to look after it."
Reizeitei smiled, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgement.
"It is my pleasure." He said softly, in his low, dignified voice. "I cannot go with you, but this way, at least, my father can."
He paused at this moment, his gaze resting on Aoiketsu, and the young soldier saw a mixture of emotions flit through the Emperor's eyes. He bit his lip, forcing himself to meet the other man's gaze.
"Kaiga Aoiketsu." Reizeitei still spoke in the same reasoned, even tones, but there was something else in the golden eyes now that put Aoiketsu on his guard. The Emperor held out his hand, gesturing to the door at the back of the chamber.
"I would like to speak to you alone, if you will so indulge me." He said quietly, and Aoiketsu swallowed hard, sending Myoume a desperate glance. She shrugged, however, offering him a smile.
"We're in no hurry." She said levelly. "And you shouldn't refuse an Emperor, Aoi-kun. Do as Reizeitei-sama suggests. We'll wait for you - there's a lot to tell Chichiri, too, after all. And we won't go anywhere without you."
"Then it is well." Reizeitei nodded, his hand already around the golden handle that separated that room from this. "Come, Aoiketsu-san. We will speak more privately in here."
Aoiketsu swallowed again, but gathered his wits, obediently crossing the finely polished floor towards the now-open door. Beyond stretched another chamber, just as finely laid out as the one in which they had all assembled, and something about the gentle grandeur of this palace put him even more on edge. In Kutou, he mused regretfully, the war had gone on for far too long for the palace to be half as much a work of art.
The soft click of the door behind them brought him back to the present, and he turned, freezing as he registered the glint of silver metal that now pointed at his throat. His eyes widened in alarm, registering the sudden change in his companion's demeanour with a rising sense of panic and fear, for instead of the gentle, reasoned young Emperor, the man who now stood before him had the self-righteous glint of a wronged soldier in his golden gaze. Even from where he stood, Aoiketsu could tell that Reizeitei had the grip of a fighter and had been well trained in sword techniques. He cursed inwardly yet again that he did not carry a blade of his own, even as he wondered whether he would have dared to draw it on an Emperor even if he had been so armed.
For a moment there was silence between them. Then, very quietly, Reizeitei spoke.
"I wish to hear it from your own lips." He said quietly, no warmth in his usually rich tones. "Who you truly are, Kaiga Aoiketsu. And do not ply me with falsehoods. I am not a fool. I will know if you seek to deceive me."
"I..." Aoiketsu faltered, wetting his lips as he struggled to decide how best to answer. "I...I am Kaiga Aoiketsu, Heika. That...that is my name...as given me by my mother when I was born."
"That is not what I mean." Reizeitei's eyes narrowed, and Aoiketsu almost thought he saw a flicker of Suzaku's fire flare in those golden depths. "Your true purpose among us - disclose it now."
Aoiketsu closed his eyes briefly, summoning all of his courage. Then he opened them, facing the Southern Emperor bravely.
"I'm here to protect Hikari." He said quietly. "Even if I don't totally understand it yet. That's the truth, Heika. That's why I'm here. I wasn't sent here for that purpose...but it's the purpose I have now and...and that was what your Highness asked me to disclose."
Reizeitei did not answer immediately, and Aoiketsu took a hesitant step back, seeking to create distance between himself and the expensive, finely polished silver blade. This was not, he realised grimly, a bandit's rough edged weapon, but a well cared for instrument of war, and the man who wielded it was more than capable of using it to its very best effect.
"If he wants to kill me, I'm not going to get out of here alive." He muttered, trying to calm the panic that surged inside his heart. "Shit, and even after what Myoume said, too! Dammit, is he really going to...because I'm a...spy? Or..."
"You were sent here by Kintsusei of Kutou to spy on Suzaku's people. Correct?" Reizeitei was speaking again, as the blade inched close enough to Aoiketsu's jugular to brush teasingly against the skin of his throat. "To discover the secrets of our Shinzahou, no doubt...to convey back to your Eastern colleagues?"
"Y...yes sir." Aoiketsu admitted hesitantly. "But..."
"And I trust you have discovered all you need to know?"
"I have discovered a lot of things." Aoiketsu said truthfully. "But I haven't reported to Kutou anything except what I've come to learn from Toroki's predictions. That something evil is at work in my homeland and that if we don't stop it, everyone will die. I have tried to protect my friends and my comrades by passing on that warning...but I have not told them Hikari's true nature. I will not, either. It is not my secret to tell."
"And I should believe in your word, why?" Reizeitei's eyes narrowed. "Your eyes are the eyes of that snake-tongued infidel who killed my father. I see the same glitter of seiran blue in them as the legends describe, when talking about the Shougun of Kutou's army. With such blood in your veins - why should I believe you? Why should I trust the account of a son of Seiryuu's murderous Hin?"
Aoiketsu hesitated for a moment. Then he frowned.
"My father was a soldier. Just as I am." He said quietly, meeting the Emperor's gaze. "The ways of war are kill or be killed. He killed your father, Heika - for that deed I'm sorry. But he was also slain by Hikari's father. Because of that act, I never knew the man who gave me these eyes. I have not known for most of my life who he truly was, the man who sired me into this world. I don't blame Hikari for that. I don't even blame her father. Tamahome was a soldier too. He fought for Kounan. He helped win them the war. Nakago's death was a sacrifice of warfare. Such is the rule of life and death, when you're a soldier."
Reizeitei's eyes widened at this, and for the first time Aoiketsu saw a flicker of doubt in his opponent's beautiful eyes. He hesitated, then took a gamble, reaching up to push the sword aside.
"I came here as a spy, and as the son of a man you despise." He added softly. "But I won't hurt Hikari. I intend to protect her, even if it kills me. I believe in her - that she's the one who will save my land as well as yours from destruction and pain. Besides, it's more than that. I...I care about her and I won't let anything happen to her. She is...too important...for me to let her down."
Reizeitei pursed his lips, his gaze flitting briefly to his sword as slowly he lowered it to his side. Then he inclined his head, sheathing the weapon as he reached out to take Aoiketsu's hand in his.
"Forgive me." He said evenly, and Aoiketsu felt a giddy wash of relief flood over him as he realised he had faced down the Emperor and lived. "I have many regrets - much grief - for the loss of my Father. But when you speak like that, I realise...that you are in the same situation as I. My father and yours both...whoever they were and whatever they tried to achieve. Both of them were lost through the war, and both of us grew up without them there."
Aoiketsu stared at him uncertainly, unsure how to take this sudden change in demeanour, and Reizeitei smiled ruefully, releasing his grip.
"I had not intended to interrogate you quite so fiercely." He admitted. "But I...I admire my father a good deal. And I have had eighteen years in which to build up hatred of your father. It...I allowed Boushin's feelings to overwhelm Reizeitei's rationality just for a moment. I apologise."
"It...it's all right." Aoiketsu gathered himself, shaking his head. "To be honest, there's no reason for you to even speak to me civilly, Heika. I am a traitor and a spy - I did lie initially about my reasons for being here and I did come on Kutou's errand. But...I meant what I said. About Hikari. She...I...Kutou don't know about her. I swear. They sent me to find out - but I haven't told them anything about her or what she really is to Kounan. Myoume says that I'm meant to be here, with Hikari - that it was predetermined. But it's more than that to me. I...I care about her more than I've ever cared about any woman before. And if it kills me, I'll keep her safe."
"Even against the wiles of Kutou's Emperor and his companions?" Reizeitei asked softly. "I too have heard Myoume's prophesies, and if Chichiri has faith in them, so do I. If one of your own proves to be our enemy in all of this, will you fight him as though he were not your compatriot, in Suzaku's name?"
"If it's to protect Hikari, I'll do whatever I have to do." Aoiketsu said firmly, realising as he did so that he meant the words he spoke. "She means a lot to me. I won't let anyone hurt her."
Reizeitei paused for a moment, eying him. Then he nodded, resting his hand on the soldier's shoulder.
"Then you are now in my trust, Kaiga Aoiketsu." He said quietly. "Do not let me down."
Aoiketsu started in surprise, gazing at the Emperor in disbelief, and Reizeitei smiled again, the faint glimmer of something other than Imperial will in his gaze.
"You and I are of an age. Of a generation." He reflected. "If I truly seek peace for Kounan, I must reach out, not carry blame. I do not think I will ever forgive Nakago for taking my father from me or for stealing from Kounan one of its best Emperors. But it was not your deed. It was his. And I will not stain the living with the sins of the dead. You mean it, I think, when you say you will protect Hikari from harm. You know how precious a treasure she is to Kounan, now. That you're willing to say you'll defend her even until death…gives me some comfort. Perhaps, if more in Kutou think as you do, there is a chance for reconciliation after all."
"Kutou do not want war with Kounan." Aoiketsu said gravely. "Whatever else I know, Reizeitei-sama, I know that. The Emperor has always been adamant that he doesn't want to antagonise your people into re-igniting the conflict. I think…maybe…they're a little afraid of you and the stability Kounan now has. Because Kutou's history seems to be full of bloody invasion campaigns, they half expect you to act in the same way. Kintsusei-sama doesn't want to fight you. He wants to stop the civil war within the Eastern borders…that's all. It's the only reason I was sent here – the only reason he's at all interested in the Shinzahou at all. Whatever horrible things Myoume's seen – and they are horrible, because she made me see them too – they're not because of the Emperor. Even she says that. Kintsusei-sama would like there to be peace, I think, between our lands."
"Well, perhaps you are the advance guard of such an ambition." Reizeitei reflected. "Although something of great evil lurks in the East. You are not ignorant of that, I hope? Your patriotism has not blinded you completely?"
"I know there's something – someone – acting there in their own interests and that if we let them get all of the Shinzahou together, this world is doomed." Aoiketsu agreed. "And that person is Kutou's enemy as well as Kounan's, so I'll fight them with all I have."
Reizeitei leant back against one of the ornately carved pillars, considering this, and Aoiketsu realised that despite his expensive robes and ornate coronet, he was seeming less and less like an Emperor and more and more like a young man who could easily have been his comrade, if circumstances had been different. He frowned, a little unsettled by this realisation, and Reizeitei eyed him quizzically, a question in his glance.
"Something troubles you?" He asked softly, and Aoiketsu reddened, shaking his head.
"No." He said awkwardly. "I just…couldn't imagine having to be Emperor, that's all. Making all those decisions for so many people. I've had so many things conflicting over the past few weeks – I'm barely able to keep all of them in check. You're the same age as me, Heika – but all of Kounan relies on you for answers. It must've been difficult to grow up that way…to always be the one with the final word."
"Being Emperor is a lonely business." Reizeitei agreed pensively. "But a necessary one and one my father entrusted to me when he gave his life on the battlefield. In the end, the Emperor is the people's man – he acts only on their interests, not on his own. At least, those are the principles my father died by. And I try to live by them as well."
Aoiketsu hesitated for a moment. Then he bowed his head towards his young companion.
"On behalf of my family, then, I want to apologise officially for the death of Lord Saihitei." He said quietly. "Even though the deed was committed before we were born, and without our involvement. Myoume says she feels a blood debt over Jin's death, and I understand a little for the first time what that means. I've always been raised as Kaiga Aoiketsu – the man I believed was my father was capable of horrible things, and I've always felt guilty, whenever I've thought of them. This is somewhat the same way. Nakago can't take back his deed. He can't apologise for his act, or make peace with you over it. But I can. Even as a soldier of Kutou, Heika – I can and I will."
He raised his gaze, seeing astonishment sparkling in the young King's golden gaze.
"I will fight and protect Suzaku no Shinzahou at whatever cost." He said evenly. "I will act in Kounan's name in this battle, as repayment for my father's actions. He hurt Kounan and caused the war in which many people died."
He glanced at his hands.
"I understand for the first time why Kintsusei-sama saved my Commander from slavery, even though it was only one man and it was all he could do." He added. "Because it was all he could do…so he did it. He was only a soldier then – not an Emperor able to give commands or change laws. So he did the only thing he could manage to do, to try and make up for the things his father did. He saved Hyoushin-sama and gave him his life back."
"When you speak like that, there's a spark of something else about you." Reizeitei said slowly. "Almost as if, somewhere deep inside of you, Seiryuu is lurking."
"I don't know about that." Aoiketsu grimaced. "At least, I'm not a Seishi and I don't have the power my father did – just like you and Shishi don't, Heika. I'm just a soldier, even if I am a good one, and even if I have been educated to a higher level than most of my comrades. I just think…Kounan has the things that Kutou doesn't have. And it makes me more determined to fight for them…and to prove to the South that people in the East aren't all murdering double-crossers. Because we're not. At the end of the day…we just want peace too."
Reizeitei smiled, his golden eyes lighting up with hope.
"Then that makes what Hikari and her friends do ever more important." He said decidedly. "To save Kutou from itself. Aoiketsu, you are not an ordinary soldier, are you? You said yourself you have been educated beyond that - the way you talk seems almost as though you have been taught things that would normally only be taught an Imperial son, or a son of the highest level noble elite. Is that the case?"
"My mother died when I was born, and the last thing she asked of the Emperor and my Commander was that I be educated as though I was really a member of the Kaiga family." Aoiketsu nodded. "They've been at court for generations and Kaiga Gin was one of Shoukitei's closest allies...even though I'm bastard born, she wanted to ensure I had every opportunity available to me. It's always been my intention, when Kutou has peace, to take the exams and become an official at court – so I paid attention to everything."
His finger brushed the ring on his right hand, then,
"When I was eight, Hyoushin-sama gave me this ring." He added. "And told me that it was a charge from my mother that I was to do all I could to fight for Kutou's future. That it was her message to me, from beyond death - to do all I could do to support Kintsusei-sama and help Kutou. I've always worn it - as much as a memento of her as anything - but now I'm starting to understand that everything I've been taught had a purpose. My literacy, my navigation skills, my understanding of Kutou's politics...they're all starting to make sense. As if this...was what my mother wanted me to be here for. I just...didn't anticipate that I'd be doing my fighting for Kutou from underneath Suzaku's shadow. That's all."
"Chichiri said that our lands have to stop fearing one another, however." Reizeitei said frankly. "I have faith in Hikari's coming - I believe just as my father did when Miaka-sama came that she can make a difference. This too is Miaka-sama's doing, in some respects...the ways of the Priestesses are always mysterious. But I believe in them. And if it is Suzaku's will that Hikari help save Kutou too, so be it. And then we can look to the future. I would like to reduce the border patrols and relax the guard on the Eastern perimeter...maybe one day it will become a reality."
Aoiketsu hesitated for a moment, then he sighed, shaking his head.
"Kounan is not at fault." He said reluctantly. "The poison is in Kutou. I don't like admitting it, but it's always been that way. That's probably why it hasn't been saved. Hyoushin-sama always says that people are as much responsible for the state of our country as the inattention of the God...and he's right. It's Kutou that's at fault. It's Kutou who causes its own suffering. I thought it was Kounan - that it was at our expense that your land got peace. But it isn't. It's nothing like that. And that's a hard thing to face up to, but if it's how it is, then we'll just have to do something about it."
"This Hyoushin sounds like an intelligent man." Reizeitei said softly. "Your Commander, did you say?"
"Yes. Of Kutou's Imperial Guard." Aoiketsu nodded. "He's the man who trained me to fight in the first place...and who ensured my mother's wishes were carried out."
"Then there is some hope for Kutou yet." Reizeitei smiled. "All right. Your companions will wonder if I have slain you, if we keep them any longer than this. Return to the Eastern Village with Chichiri and the others, and continue to do as you have promised me. I will trust you, Kaiga Aoiketsu. I believe you mean your words, and I will look to you for proof that Kutou's people seek, in the end, peace with Kounan. You are speaking for your whole nation with your actions in this land - do not let me down."
Aoiketsu hesitated for a moment, then he bowed his head to the young Emperor again.
"I won't forget." He promised. "I'll do my best, Reizeitei-sama. No matter what...and also, so long as I'm in Kounan, nothing will happen to Hikari!"
So this was Kounan.
Hyoushin rested his hands on the windowsill, gazing out pensively across the tiled roofs of Kahou's busy streets as he pondered the previous few days. It had not been an easy journey south, he mused, as he watched a family of traders loading up a cart as if preparing for a day's trading in the nearby capital city of Eiyou. Though there had been no obvious pursuit, both he and Maichu had been constantly aware of the possibility and had concealed themselves as best they could when crossing the southern border. Now they had reached the city in which Kayu had hidden during his time spying, and Hyoushin found himself glad that Maichu at least was familiar with the local terrain.
"Thankfully, since he and Kayu exchanged information here, he knows something about the geography and that must work to our benefit." He reflected, leaning up against the cool glass as his gaze darted back towards his still-sleeping companion. The soldier was curled up on the floor of the tiny chamber, still lost in dreams and as Hyoushin watched him, he felt a stab of anger rise up inside of him for how things had come to be.
"This problem is mine. Not his." He reflected. "Yet his loyalty to me has brought him this far. I will not let harm befall him, even if it may be difficult to prevent. He is not a traitor, and if that is what Kintsusei-sama believes me to be…well, then I shall simply have to take responsibility for Maichu's actions as well. I can always say I forced him to come with me, after all. There will be no blood spilt over me…of that I am absolutely sure."
As if he had heard the older man's thoughts, Maichu stirred, opening his eyes as he gazed around him in blurry confusion. At the movement, Hyoushin moved away from the window, and Maichu scrambled into a sitting position, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Hyoushin-sama?" He murmured, and Hyoushin nodded, putting a finger to his lips.
"Better you don't use my name so loudly, even inside this room." He cautioned. "We do not know if people seek us, and just because we are now deep within Kounan's territory does not make us safe."
"True. Sorry. I forgot." Maichu admitted sheepishly, glancing around him as he pulled himself to his feet. "What time is it? It feels like dawn."
"A little after. The sun rises early in the south, but it will probably be another hot day." Hyoushin responded. "We have reached this far thanks largely to your guidance, Maichu – but we must not tarry here when we have a definite objective in mind. Tell me, how familiar are you with the western area that Aoiketsu was making his base? I know that Kayu travelled to the village – but did you?"
"No." Maichu shook his head regretfully. "Souun was as far as I went, but only on the one occasion and only briefly. I know that it's deep into bandit territory, and that the village Aoi was hiding in was one of the ones around the foot of the mountain known as Reikaku-zan. But more than that…I don't know. I'm not even sure of the path between it and Souun, or what it's actually called."
"Well, even despite that, you have done well." Hyoushin assured him. "This is my first visit to Kounan. Without your memory, my progress would have been much slower."
He sighed, glancing out once more at the ever more busy Kahou streets.
"I am sorry, Maichu, for involving you in this." He murmured.
Maichu's eyes widened, and he shook his head.
"You didn't." He said stolidly. "I did. I made the decision to come even before Suiko gave me your sword. I told you, sir – you're not a traitor. And we'll find Aoi and prove it somehow…even if I haven't a clue how."
"Yes, it is a problem." Hyoushin admitted, folding his arms as he leant back against the wall of the chamber. "And disguising myself as a random Meihi tribesman was only a successful ruse whilst in the northern territories. This far south my people are unheard of – and no wonder, if this wretched heat is Kounan's normal climate. Meihi attire is not designed for hot sun – and nor, I fear, am I."
"It is hot." Maichu admitted. "But I prefer it to Sairou's desert and Hokkan's snow. But then you don't feel the cold in the North, do you…? So I suppose this must really suck."
"It is not ideal, but for the time being, it is better than the alternative." Hyoushin mused. "I am exiled, after all – but that only means I cannot enter Kutou's borders. It does not stretch to Kounan. Although I can imagine that…my presence here would be ill-received in the East. If, of course, it was to be discovered."
Maichu was silent for a moment, chewing on his lip as he digested this. Then he sighed.
"We're really in deep shit here, aren't we?" He asked softly, and Hyoushin's expression became grave. Slowly he nodded his head.
"Yes." He agreed. "And it may yet become more dangerous. I am now certain that the enemy in Kutou must be that sly priest Kikei – for he has control of so much in my absence, and – dare I say it – may even be manipulating the Emperor without his awareness. He has Miramu on hand to carry out his dark deeds, and he has effectively two Shinzahou and divine relics in his hands, also. He is not a man to be ignored – and we do not know what his ultimate plan is. Kikei is the one who placed Kintsusei-sama on the throne – so I do not believe he is looking for the man's death. He must know that even in Kutou's unsteady climate, the death of the last surviving Imperial prince would be disastrous. But I imagine that he wishes to increase his power…perhaps by removing me he feels he has more of a chance to influence Kintsusei-sama. I have, after all, always been in his way."
His gaze narrowed.
"When Kintsusei-sama was first crowned, he insisted I be with him as his protector from then on." He added. "He did not abandon me in the way Kikei expected. Rather he took me with him, and gave me a position whereby I was always able to watch over him. I have done so for the past eighteen years. Kikei must be heartily sick of me…and no doubt has long desired my removal. This prediction of Toroki's was surely the final weapon he needed to achieve it."
"But do you think Toroki's prediction meant something? For sure?" Maichu asked hesitantly. "Aoi definitely thought so – but do you too, sir?"
"I do." Hyoushin admitted. "Toroki is a woman of the West. The likelihood is she has never met Kikei – and she cannot possibly know that he is a Hin, when only I and the Emperor were party to that information. Yet she told us in no uncertain terms that a tribesman would betray his King. And so events are unfolding."
"But…what does that mean…for Kayu and I?" Maichu frowned. "Because she…said things to us too. And Aoi seemed to think that so long as I was in Kounan I was potentially in danger."
"I imagine that this is what she saw. This gamble of ours south to find your friend." Hyoushin said heavily. "I can think of no other thing except that Toroki expected you and Kayu to be enemies, not friends. She was surprised to see you together, as comrades – but this now explains it. Kayu is Kikei's puppet, without a doubt. But he has still acted against me. And you have chosen to support me. Which means…"
"Kayu and I are now enemies." Maichu murmured. "Shit. She was right after all."
"So it would seem." Hyoushin nodded. He hesitated for a moment, debating whether or not to mention his other fears, but as he remembered how young his companion was, he decided against it, turning back to the window instead.
"There is no sense in my telling him that this rift between him and Kayu may have a more sinister edge to it." He reflected to himself. "Toroki's words seem to hint at more than just a choosing of sides. And if she has since said to Aoi that danger awaits Maichu in the south…but I must not dwell on it. I may be reading more into her words than she intended to say. For the time being, I will do all I can to ensure he is safe. His loyalty should not be punished, after all – with accusations of treason and threats of death."
"Hyoushin-sama, are you sure that Aoi's really come back this far south?" Maichu came to stand beside him, casting him a questioning look. "You said you saw him in Hokkan – might they not still be there?"
"I don't think so." Hyoushin shook his head. "They couldn't retrieve Genbu's treasure and the girl – Hikari – spoke in no uncertain terms about Suzaku's Shinzahou. That they would hurry back to the South in order to protect it seems logical. And Aoiketsu seems to be one of their party – I imagine he would go where they did."
"I wish it all made more sense." Maichu admitted. "I believe in Aoi – I mean, he said it wasn't treason, and if you're right about that girl, then obviously it's not. But…even so…"
"It is a complicated situation and one which must be handled carefully." Hyoushin inclined his head. "So it is. I think the best course of action is for us to try and locate him – and if we possibly can, apprehend him on his own. We do not know what kind of reception the Southerners will give us, even if we do not mean to cause them harm. Until we have spoken to Aoiketsu, I think it is wiser to keep our distance from them. However…"
He glanced up at the sky, already becoming rich and blue as the sun drew higher over their heads.
"We don't know what's happening in Kutou, and time may be of the essence." He said softly. "I cannot imagine Kikei will discard me and then let me live. I am awaiting Miramu's coming, Maichu – I expect it, and the only reason he has not yet come must be that he has not yet firmly chartered our movements. But he knows Kounan as well as you do and he will find us. We need to find Aoiketsu and have a plan of action in place before he does. I am not afraid of fighting the assassin – or even of trying to kill him, if it is the only option open. But I don't want to attract undue attention. And, most of all, we have a duty to Kintsusei-sama to succeed. Whatever is going on back home – I feel sure that he has need of us."
"Miramu, huh." Maichu rubbed his chin. "Commander…Aoi told me that he was…Byakko's. I mean, that he has another name than Geiyo Miramu, and he's been keeping it a secret."
Hyoushin's expression became grave, and he nodded.
"Amefuri." He agreed. "Yes. I am aware, Maichu. Although I confess I was not so informed when we travelled to Sairou. This information I discovered later…too late, unfortunately, to prevent him from taking a man's life in the shrine of Kitora. I am afraid that act may well cost us dear when assessing our chances of negotiating with the Southerners. This boy – this bandit Jin – seems to have been honoured by the Emperor Reizeitei himself."
"Yeah. I got that feeling too." Maichu agreed. "But more importantly, sir, if Miramu is…then he's a lot more friggin' dangerous than we thought, isn't he? Because if he's a Seishi he has some kind of powers that we ain't seen…and…"
"Miramu is a shadow." Hyoushin sighed. "He appears and disappears at will, concealing himself from those around him. That is his talent – his 'power', as you call it. And in his line of work, it is an asset. Yes, Maichu. He's very dangerous indeed. And even when we do not see him, it does not mean we should not guard against him being there."
Instinctively Maichu glanced around him, and Hyoushin pursed his lips.
"I trust not quite so close as that – not yet, anyhow." He said evenly. "But I suppose time will tell. It would serve us best to keep moving – and to find Aoiketsu as soon as we can. He may, after all, be able to tell us a way to evade the man's attention completely. He has spent time with Toroki – and increasingly I feel we are going to need her assistance too if we are to resolve any of this."
Maichu did not answer immediately, and Hyoushin was aware of the keenness of his companion's gaze as he raised dark eyes to his Commander's amethyst ones.
"How are we going to move any further without people staring?" He asked bluntly. "You said yourself, sir, the Meihi don't exist this far south. And dressed like that…you freak me out, to be honest. It conceals your sword, but even so…you look…like someone other than Hyoushin-sama. You stand out more, somehow, than you did before."
Hyoushin's lips twitched into a faint, rueful smile at his companion's innocent words. A fleeting memory of his encounter with Bakaru and the Meihi flashed across his thoughts, and he nodded his head.
"Perhaps I am someone other than Hyoushin, right at the moment." He murmured, and Maichu frowned, confused.
"Sir?"
"Nothing of importance. Just a passing thought."
"Oh." Maichu looked doubtful, but he shrugged his shoulders. "All right. But…how are we going to hide you? I mean, no offence, sir, but…"
He trailed off, and Hyoushin nodded again.
"I fear that no matter where I am, standing out is unavoidable." He said evenly. "You are correct, of course, but to wear the fighting attire of Kutou's army would be even more suspicious."
He reached up to touch his scarred cheek.
"And in Kounan, even if I was to adopt the guise of a slave, it would not protect us from interest. Suzaku's land has never had a legitimate slave trade and we might lay ourselves open to other kinds of trouble."
"The guise of a…" Maichu faltered, and Hyoushin saw indignation flare in his dark eyes. "Like hell am I ever going to pretend to be a slave owner! I'm sorry, sir, but even I have my limits where orders are concerned. Even if you told me to - there's just no way in hell!"
Hyoushin rested his hand on the young man's shoulder, somewhat reassured by his vehemence.
"I'm glad to hear you feel that way." He admitted. "Very well. There is no other way around it – we must just continue as we are and hope for the best. To stay in Kahou is not beneficial since Aoiketsu is probably further west. I would sooner bypass Eiyou if at all possible – since the capital is a likely place to encounter trouble – and head for this 'Souun' place you mentioned. I feel certain that, from there, we may find the village in which your young friend currently stays. After all, he is in the company of Suzaku Shichi Seishi. I cannot imagine that their residences are unknown."
"Then we're moving on to Souun?"
"We are." Hyoushin grimaced up at the sky once more. "With any luck, we will get the worst of the journey over before the sun reaches its highest point. It is unpleasant to travel in, and I do not wish to hold you back."
"It really affects you, doesn't it?" Maichu realised, and Hyoushin nodded.
"My people are snow-people." He agreed. "We're built to withstand mountain snowfall. We're not built for the hot south. But this is how it is, and I will manage, somehow. We have, after all, more important things to concern ourselves with than an inhospitable climate."
"If that's the case, we should leave right away."
Maichu reached for his sword, hooking it to his belt as he cast his companion a grin. "Sooner we find Aoi, the sooner we can save Kutou."
Hyoushin hesitated, then followed suit, even as his young travel companion unlocked the chamber door.
"And the sooner we leave Kounan, the sooner I can stop worrying about the safety of either one of you." He muttered to himself. "I pray I haven't brought either of you to the South merely to throw away your lives…this quest of ours becomes more dangerous by the second. How far will any of us have to go, I wonder, in order to bring peace to Kutou?"