Chapter Eight
It was dark, and cold, the snow whirling around him in a dancing, dizzy dervish as he struggled to make it to the top of the mountain. Below him, on the ledges of black rock flew the imperial standard of Kintsusei, Emperor of Kutou, and as Maichu hesitated, he saw someone lift a flaming branch to the edges of the neatly woven fabric, setting the banner alight with a triumphant yell of victory.
For a moment he stared transfixed at the writhing, twisting image of the dragon cloaked in thick acrid smoke that rose higher and higher into the ice-blue sky. Then, from somewhere in the distance, he heard someone calling him, and he started, struggling to make out the speaker's words.
"Get up already, will you?"
The voice echoed through his thoughts again, and with a jolt Maichu realised that the world of snow and fire was fading as he began to wake from his uneasy dream. He opened his eyes, shielding them from the sudden glare of bright sunlight that slipped in through the slits in the cramped cell's only window. As he brought the room into focus, he realised that the speaker was the young bandit girl, and she was glaring at him impatiently.
He frowned, struggling into a sitting position as he stared at her quizzically.
"Shit, you sleep like the dead." The girl – whose name was Shishi, Maichu remembered – sent him a disparaging look, shaking her head as she leant back against the dusty stone wall. "Don't you have dawn drills and stuff back in Kutou? Yeesh – for a while there I thought I wasn't going to wake you."
"It's been a rough couple of days." Maichu was alert now, irritation flickering in his dark eyes, yet deep down he knew that he was grateful to her for bringing him out of such a troubled sleep. "What do you want, anyway? I told you I wasn't going to say anything to you or your father until I'd seen Aoi. I'm trained to deal with being a captive, you know – I'm a proper soldier, not just someone who waves around a sword. You can't intimidate me with scare tactics, no matter how much training you've had."
"Will you shut your mouth?" Shishi snapped, and Maichu stared at her, bewildered as she cast a furtive glance towards the door. For a moment she didn't speak, then she sighed.
"Damn, your voice carries." She said resignedly. "And whatever the hell that accent is, it ain't local so it stands out a mile. If you're really so well trained, try actin' a little more discreet about it, huh?"
"I can yell if I want to." Despite himself, Maichu was indignant at taking orders from this young bandit girl. "It's your problem if people hear us, not mine. You and your father forced me here. If you think that me yelling might help me get out of here, well, that's your bad deal. Not mine. And besides…"
Before he could finish his sentence, however, a rough hand was clamped around his mouth and Shishi shook her head violently, red hair flying loose in all directions as she sent him an admonishing glare.
"I said shut up, already!" She hissed. "Or do you want to stay on this friggin' mountain all mornin' long?"
Maichu's eyes widened with surprise at her question, and Shishi frowned, her brows knitting together.
"I'm not letting go until you promise you won't talk so damn loud." She said softly. "Nod if you agree…but I'll be holding you to it, on whatever honour you Kutou people believe in. It's important – all right? I need you to listen to me."
Maichu faltered for a moment, then, slowly, he nodded his head, and as quickly as it had come, Shishi removed her hand from his mouth. She wiped it absently on her shirt, letting out another heavy sigh.
"You're going to get us both into shit at this rate." She said reprovingly. "Shut up and listen. Kashira and the others aren't around. Kashira left the mountain first thing this morning because someone from Kaou-zan was tryin' to sneak up the pass in the night an' he had to go remind them why it is they're shit scared of us. Aniue went with him, but they'll be back soon. Okaa-san is sleepin'. If you want to leave, now's the time to go."
"But…you're…letting me…out?" Maichu stared at her, uncomprehending, and Shishi shrugged.
"Sort of." She admitted. "I mean, I'm coming with you – so I guess it's not quite the same. But this is the thing. You want to speak to Aoi, don't you? And I know where he is. I can take you there – and that's what I'm going to do."
"But…why?" Maichu frowned, eying her suspiciously. "Is this a trap? What's in it for you to go behind your father's back and help me?"
Shishi was silent for a moment, then she sighed once more.
"Aoi trusts you." She said at length. "I know that he does…he's said it more than once before. Papa…Kashira, he doesn't really know Aoi – he hasn't travelled with him, whereas I have. And sure, the guy's an idiot an' he thought he could spy on Kounan…but even despite that, I'm pretty sure I can trust in his judgement. Myoume believes in him too, an' so does Hiki – that's good enough for me. So if you're someone Aoi has faith in…I believe you when you say you ain't here to cause us harm."
Maichu eyed her thoughtfully for a moment.
"Don't tell me that Aoi's pretty-boy looks have finally paid off for him." He said frankly. "You almost sound like you're sweet on the guy…I didn't think he had it in him."
"Shut your face." Shishi brought her hand sharply down against his cheek, eying him scornfully. "I'm a bandit. I don't have time for that kind of shit. Or didn't you understand that yet? This is Kashira's roost. I'm his daughter. One day I'm goin' to be strong as he is an' lead the bandits on Reikaku-zan as well as he does. Do you think I'd do that by goin' soppy over some reject from Kutou's army? Get real, will you? No way. I ain't ever goin' to fuss about bein' some man's trinket."
"All right…then why do you believe in him so much?" Maichu asked her quizzically, touching his cheek ruefully as he did so. "Because I can't see as why you'd suddenly trust someone who's a spy for Kutou to work for Kounan. Aoi's Eastern, you know. Just like me. We ain't here to save Kounan – either one of us."
"Aoi's here to save everything." Shishi said soberly, and Maichu frowned, noting the sudden clouding of her expression. "He understands what we all know – that's all. This world is goin' to blow itself to pieces, pretty much, unless someone does somethin' about it. Myoume's said more than once that Aoi's a part of this – an ally that we can trust. An' I agree with her. He's fought an' killed in Kounan's name already, you know."
"Aoi…killed someone?" Maichu's expression became one of shock, and Shishi nodded.
"Yes." She said matter-of-factly. "Now do you understand? This is a big deal. Are you goin' to come with me, or not? He'll tell you the same thing I have…except I figure you'll take it better from him. An' more, you'll tell him things that we need to know, too. So the quicker you do that, the quicker we know what we're fightin' against. You said you had things you wanted to say t'him – an' we don't have the luxury of waitin' around. Not when Kutou already have three Shinzahou in their possession."
Maichu frowned, weighing up his companion's words. Then he got to his feet slowly, nodding his head.
"I'll come with you." He said quietly. "But I don't pretend I understand all of what you just threw at me. I understand this though …I'm for Kutou. So is Aoi. An' what matters to me is saving the East from destruction. That's what I've always intended to do – I joined the army because of that, an' I want to see it through. But I trust Aoi. He's my closest friend – has been for six years – an' I'd trust him with my life. If he says to trust you all, I'll tell you what I know an' leave nothin' out. But I'll speak to him first. I can't do anythin' else…I have to speak to him."
"Then that's why we're going to the village." Shishi said categorically. "Come on. Follow me. I know a short cut out of here. We'll bypass Papa's sentries an' get into the open woodland easier that way."
"All right." Maichu nodded. "I guess I don't have a lot of choice in the matter."
"Nope." Shishi agreed. "At last, you're showin' some smarts. There's hope for you yet – come on."
"What about my sword?"
"Do you think I'm crazy?" Shishi snorted. "Givin' a prisoner back his weapon so he can fight me for his freedom? No way. Besides, Papa has that. I ain't goin' trespassin' round his chambers tryin' to dig up your lost property. You shouldn't have been dumb enough to lose it in the first place. Papa's Papa but he's still Kashira an' there are still rules. I'm breakin' enough of them by helpin' you outta here…ain't that enough?"
"All right, I suppose it is." Maichu eyed her keenly. "But I still don't see how we're going to…"
He trailed off, watching as his companion drew her sword slowly from her belt, glancing at it then placing it gently against the back wall of the cell.
"Do-nee, wake up, will you?" She murmured. "Let's give it a shot, huh? Create a little detour into the southern passages. Enough people already saw me come down this way – if I go back out with this guy in tow, I'll have them on my tail before we can get out of here."
"Who are you talkin' too?" Maichu was confused, but Shishi didn't answer. Instead she closed her eyes, a look of concentration and determination crossing her young features as the very tip of her rough-edged weapon began to glitter with a sheen of silver light. Maichu whispered a curse, taking a step away from his companion as very slowly a crack began to form in the back wall. At first it was just a hairline but, as Shishi pushed her sword into it, it widened until there was enough space for two slim figures to slip through.
She sighed, lowering her sword, and for the briefest instant Maichu saw a weary flicker in her bronze eyes. Then it was gone, and she was eying him impatiently.
"Well?" She demanded. "Aoi said he called you 'dancing spider' because you can get in and out of places other people don't usually try. So prove it – okay? Get moving. I'll be right behind you."
"What the hell kind of witchcraft was that?" Maichu demanded, but Shishi shook her head.
"Ever mention that to anyone and I'll brain you." She said succinctly. "Just move, will you? Kashira'll be back soon, an' first thing he'll want to do is ask you some questions about Kutou."
"Okay, already, I'm going." Maichu groaned, but obediently slipped into the newly formed crevasse, turning to glance at her as he did so. "But shit, Shishi – you keep some weird people on this mountain."
"Shishi?" Shishi faltered, staring at him, and Maichu frowned.
"That's your name, ain't it?" He demanded, and Shishi nodded.
"Yeah – but why are you usin' it?"
"Your Pa called you it enough yesterday, an' I ain't stupid, you know. I have ears."
"Ears, yeah – I hadn't bet on a brain, but I guess looks can be deceptive." Was Shishi's crushing rejoinder. "Don't think you get brownie points because you remembered, though – just get a move on. Keep goin' left an' then to the right when you reach the fork. Then we'll be out in the valley…an' from there the village is just a short walk."
"And you're not worried about taking one of Kutou's soldiers through the heart of a mountain that hides Suzaku's relic?"
"Shit, even I don't know where that is." Shishi shrugged. "So it's not like I'm going to be able to tell you where its hidden by accident, is it? Reikaku-zan has millions of underground passages – you'd starve sooner than find the right one if you tried to tackle this place on your own. Stop gabbing and just walk, okay? Else I'll have Chichiri exorcise you or somethin' when we get to the farm."
"Exorcise me?" Maichu repeated, and Shishi nodded.
"You've been warned." She said frankly, and Maichu felt the hilt of her sword jab firmly into his back. "I won't tell you again. Move."
"But where did he go?"
Hikari wound the ribbon into the ends of her thick dark hair, shooting Chichiri a startled look as she tossed her plait over her shoulder, getting to her feet. "It's early – barely past dawn. Why would he be going out at that time? If it wasn't for the fact you and I are practicing with my magic, I wouldn't be awake yet!"
She stifled a yawn, casting her reflection in the mirror a rueful glance before shrugging her shoulders.
"I look like I haven't slept in a week." She added. "He must be crazy. Even if he is a soldier and used to dawn rising – we've had a heavy few weeks and…"
"He didn't get up early, you know." Chichiri shook his head. "The truth is that he didn't go to bed."
"He didn't…" Hikari frowned, looking confused. "Then where…what did he…?"
"He went to check the village perimeter for prowlers." Chichiri hesitated, then, "Hikari, Miramu was in the area late last night."
"Miramu?" Horror flooded Hikari's expression. "But…"
"Don't worry." Chichiri held up his hands. "I saw Aoi come back to the edge of the village myself, and Myoume met him outside of the farm. She was worried about him too, but he was fine when I saw them. He and she both headed off towards Souun – I guess they're probably still together. If Myoume's with him, Hikari, no harm will come to Aoi at Miramu's hands."
"I suppose that's true." Hikari sighed, relief flickering in her hazel eyes. "But he's still an idiot. Why would he go after Miramu like that on his own?"
"To protect you, I imagine." Chichiri said lightly, and Hikari pinkened.
"I wouldn't ask him to throw himself into danger." She objected. "It's stupid. I don't want him hurt."
Chichiri eyed her keenly, and there was something in that penetrating ruby gaze that made Hikari's cheeks deepen in colour.
"What?" She asked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Yesterday I tried to warn Aoi about the dangers of falling in love with someone from the other world." Chichiri said gently. "Today I was going to give you the same warning. But Aoi told me that it was too late to make him see things any other way. And I can see by your expression that the same is true for you. I wish I'd been able to prevent it, because in the end it will hurt, Hikari-chan. But if it's how you feel, I won't try and intervene any further. After all, it's just like Miaka and Tamahome, when I think about it…some connections are too strong to be overruled by common sense."
Hikari sighed, crossing the small chamber to the window as she gazed absently down at the grass below.
"Mother and Father moved Heaven and Earth to be together – literally." She said sadly. "But I know that they were an exception. Mother was a proper Miko, after all. She could make that wish and keep them together. And even though she did…even though…"
She rubbed her temples.
"I don't think I could wish to take Aoi home with me." She murmured. "Because this world is his world and the things and people that he loves are here. Dad made the decision to come after Mother, not the other way around. He wanted to come to our world, and so he did. But this…is not the same. And I wouldn't…because Aoi belongs here. It's me who doesn't. That's just how it is."
"You fit in here just fine, Hikari-chan." Chichiri told her gently. "But I'm glad you've realised the implications of your decision. It won't be an easy parting, but at least you're prepared for it, and that will help."
He smiled.
"And now we should get to work on that magic of yours." He added playfully. "Before Aidou drags you off to help prepare breakfast. We've an hour or more before she'll want to feed us, I imagine – every little counts."
"All right." Hikari nodded. "I'll come and…Aoi?"
She faltered, her eyes drawn back to the glass as she caught sight of a figure approaching the farmhouse. As he came more clearly into her line of sight she let out an exclamation, pushing the sorcerer aside as she hurried out of the room and down the stairs.
"Aoi!" She cried, flinging open the front door of the farmhouse and darting out onto the front as the soldier reached the stony pathway. At the sight of him, her heart clenched in her throat, for he was white as a sheet and the front of his clothing was splattered with blood which was already drying to brown in the morning sunlight. His gait was none too steady, and as a memory of Jin's final battle against Miramu flickered through her thoughts, Hikari hurried forwards, fear giving wings to her feet as she ran to greet him.
"Aoi-kun, what happened?" She demanded, grabbing him by the hands as she stared at him in dismay. "You're covered in…are you hurt? Did Miramu…"
"Not me. I'm…I'm fine." Aoiketsu seemed to register her presence fully for the first time, shaking his head as he sought to steady his own wits. "It's not…I need…where is Chichiri?"
"Not you?" Hikari looked confused, then, "Is it Myoume? That bastard assassin, did he…?"
"Myoume sent me to find Chichiri." Aoiketsu swallowed hard, and Hikari was alarmed by how ghostly pale the young soldier seemed. "Miramu…attacked…I need…to find Chichiri."
"I'm right here, Aoi-kun." At the sound of the sorcerer's voice, Hikari almost fainted with relief, turning to see the older man watching them, concern in his eyes. "What's happened? What did Myoume ask you to tell me?"
Aoiketsu swallowed hard again, clearly fighting both shock and dizziness as he turned to face the sorcerer with clouded blue eyes.
"Hyoushin-sama is in the forest." He said softly. "Kikei sent Miramu to kill him. He's hurt. Myoume is…with him. We stopped the bleeding but…Chichiri, please. She wanted you to…to go as quickly as you could. She said you'd be able to find her…will you hurry? Please?"
Chichiri's expression became one of surprise.
"Hyoushin?" He repeated.
"Aoi's Commander." Hikari murmured, and Chichiri nodded.
"I know." He agreed. "But…in Kounan…that is a surprise. And Kikei…? Who is that? Why would he be sending Miramu to hurt anyone?"
"Later. Please. Just go to him." Aoiketsu begged, urgency in his seiran eyes. "Chichiri, Hyoushin-sama is…poisoned. And…I don't know…what by."
"Poison!" Despite herself, fear flickered in Hikari's heart, and Chichiri's expression became grim.
"Of course. You're right." He agreed. "I'll go and I'll do what I can, Aoi. If I can help, you have my word that I will."
He cast Hikari a glance.
"Look after him, huh?" He said softly. "He's in shock. Ask Aidou to prepare something herbal to settle his nerves a little, if you like…but don't let him out of your sight and don't let him come after me. I'll go to Myoume now – I can sense where she is quite easily, you know. You make sure you all stay right here…all right?"
"Yes, Chichiri." Hikari nodded her head, and Chichiri offered her a brief smile. Then, with a flick of his fingers he was gone, and the two, schoolgirl and soldier were left alone outside the farmhouse.
It was Hikari who broke the silence.
"You're covered in blood." She murmured. "Aoi…what in hell happened?"
"Miramu happened." Aoiketsu said grimly. "Need I say more?"
"I guess…I guess not." Hikari admitted. "All right. Come inside, huh? Chichiri will help Hyoushin – I know he will. Even if he is from Kutou, Chichiri'll help anyone in trouble…you know that, right?"
"I know." Aoiketsu agreed. "But…Hikari…if it's poison…"
He faltered, stumbling and Hikari hurriedly moved to steady him, shaking her head.
"Stop it." She said softly. "Chichiri's right – this is worse than I've seen you before, even where blood's concerned. Stop thinking and just come with me – all right? I'll get Aidou-san. Chichiri and Myoume'll deal with what happened in the forest. You need to be here…and to sit down. Chichiri said you didn't even sleep last night – no wonder you can't handle this now. I'm amazed you got this far…if it was so bad as that."
"It was the shinken." Aoiketsu murmured, and with a jolt, Hikari realised that the young soldier did not have the blessed blade at his side.
"The shinken?" She echoed, as she guided him inside and into the front room. "What do you mean, the shinken?"
"When I had it, I didn't seem to notice…the blood." Aoiketsu said slowly. "But when I…went to help the Commander…I dropped it, then. And then…"
He sighed.
"Now I'm useless." He added, frustration in his seiran eyes, but secretly Hikari was glad to see this flicker of life in her companion's expression. "It was all I could do not to pass out in the forest, when I realised how bad he was hurt. And now, too. I'm sorry, Hikari. I'm a mess and I'm making you worry about me."
"It's all right." Hikari assured him. "You're not hurt, which was the first thing that I thought had happened. Remember, when we first met, I told you I didn't mind that you were weak sometimes, because sometimes I am too. You don't have to try to keep up a strong front for my sake. And I have faith in Chichiri. He's smart. He'll know what to do to help Hyoushin."
"Hikari-neechan? Aoi-nii?" At that moment Eiju appeared in the doorway, hands grubby from his morning labours in the woodshed. "What happened? Was there a big fight or something? Aoi-nii, you look like you spilled your guts all down your shirt!"
"Eiju, that's not helping." Hikari sent the youngster a reproachful look as she saw Aoiketsu's face pale once more at the boy's graphic description. "A friend of Aoi's got hurt – that's all. Your Dad's gone to help…can you go find your mother for me?"
"He needs to take a bath." Eiju eyed Aoiketsu critically. "That's what Okaa-san will say. But I'll go tell her anyway."
He disappeared, and Aoiketsu sighed, rubbing his temples as he struggled to gather his wits. Hikari eyed him doubtfully for a moment, then,
"Are you really going to be all right?" She whispered. "He really didn't hurt you, Aoi? Because you look so pale…and…"
"I'm just pathetic when it comes to blood." Aoiketsu said bitterly. "Whatever difference Hotohori-sama's sword might have made, it didn't last. The thing is, Hikari, I was with Hyoushin-sama last night. I mean, I didn't go looking for him – rather it was the other way around. I didn't know he was in Kounan until he accosted me in the forest. But it was…we'd just parted ways when Miramu attacked him. I should have tried harder to make him come back with me…I feel like I abandoned him. Miramu even said he waited for me to get out of the way…if I'd have stuck with the Commander maybe it wouldn't have happened."
Hikari was silent for a moment. Then she shook her head.
"Noone's to blame for the things Miramu does except Miramu." She said quietly. "But Aoi, you said Kikei sent him. Who is Kikei? I don't remember you mentioning him before – or if you did, I must've just passed over it. The name doesn't mean much at all."
"He's the priest of Seiryuu's shrine." Aoiketsu said heavily. "Back in Kutou. He's the one who first involved Miramu in the mission – the one who gives him his orders, I guess, though I never really thought about it till now. He's also the one who first started to get Kintsusei-sama interested in Shinzahou."
"And now he's trying to kill your Commander? The guy who's gone out and done the dirty work to get those Shinzahou?" Hikari looked nonplussed, and Aoiketsu shrugged.
"Kikei and Hyoushin-sama don't really get along." He admitted. "I always thought it was because of that Kutou prejudice some of the older people at court have about Hyoushin-sama being a Meihi. There was some resentment, I think, when the Emperor insisted on making him a part of his court. But…maybe it's something else. Last night Hyoushin-sama told me that Kikei is…is a member of the same tribe my father belonged to. A Hin. And more, he thinks that Kikei is the one who betrayed the Hin…although I don't think he could prove it. When he said that, it all kind of…made sense. And noone except Hyoushin-sama and the Emperor knew about Kikei's roots. Whereas everyone knows about Hyoushin-sama being a Meihi…it's impossible not to know. So he's a convenient scapegoat…considering the implications for Kikei in all of this. He'd need to have someone he could blame, to deflect attention from his own background."
"A Hin?" Hikari's eyes widened. "A…tribesman behind the Emperor?"
"Myoume's prophesy is coming true." Aoiketsu agreed miserably. "In a way that none of us even thought about. And Hyoushin-sama…Hyoushin-sama…"
He faltered, biting his lip, and Hikari saw the glitter of tears in her companion's tired blue eyes. She sighed, putting her arms around him, and hugging him tightly.
"It's okay. You're tired and you're worried, that's all." She said gently. "It's like Chichiri said. You're in shock."
"You'll get blood all over you, if you hug me like that." Aoiketsu objected, pushing her back. "Hikari…"
"I don't care." Hikari shrugged. "It doesn't bother me, and I'm worried about you."
"With good reason, by the looks of it." Aidou's voice prevented Aoiketsu from responding, and the two glanced up to see the mistress of the house in the doorway, Eiju in tow. "My son has a penchant for graphic exaggeration, but I can see he wasn't kidding when he said you'd made a mess of yourself, Aoi-kun. You're not hurt, though, are you? This blood isn't yours?"
"No. Chichiri went to help the injured man…he's a friend of Aoi's." Hikari explained, seeing that Aoiketsu was beyond words at Aidou's brisk appraisal. "But Aoi doesn't like blood…and he didn't sleep last night so the shock of it's gotten to him. Chichiri said you could give him something to steady him – can you?"
"The first thing he needs is a bath." Aidou said succinctly, and Eiju let out a triumphant exclamation.
"I told you so!" He said frankly. "I said that's what she'd tell you to do, Aoi-nii."
"Well, he's not the only one, Ei-kun." Aidou cast her son a sidelong glance. "You've been busy with the wood all morning. Meikyo's brought water up from the well, so you make yourself useful and go see to the both of you cleaning yourselves up. I'll have some fresh clothing laid out for you both, and we'll see how you feel when you're clean of this stuff, Aoi. Somehow I think you'll feel better without herbs, if we just get you away from the blood. Right?"
Aoiketsu gazed at her in surprise for a moment, then he offered her a faint smile, nodding his head.
"I think so." He agreed. "Thank you, Aidou-san. I'm sorry to cause you trouble."
"Well, you're a man, so I don't expect any different." Aidou sighed, shrugging her shoulders as if resigned to the fact. "Go on. Eiju, don't pull that face. If you knew I'd send Aoi to bath, you must've known that I wouldn't have you at my breakfast table with hands as grubby as those. Take him and don't complain – I'm trusting you to make sure the both of you get cleaned up."
Eiju cast his mother a reproachful look, then he sighed, and Hikari knew he'd accepted defeat.
"Yes, Okaa-san." He said wearily. "Come on, Aoi-nii. We better do what we're told."
He grabbed Aoiketsu by the sleeve, pulling him to his feet and out of the room. Hikari watched them leave, then she met Aidou's gaze, and sighed, shaking her head.
"His friend is badly hurt?" Aidou asked softly, and Hikari nodded.
"The man who took Meikyo…did it." She said unevenly. "He used poison, Aidou-san. Like he did…to kill Jin. And I don't know…if Chichiri can really help."
"I see." Aidou's expression became grave. She hesitated for a moment, then she sank down onto the seat beside the young girl, placing a gentle arm around her shoulders.
"You're worried about Aoi, I can tell – but you're also worried about the injured man too, aren't you?" She asked. Hikari nodded.
"I don't really know him – in fact, he's been more like our enemy than our friend in some ways." She admitted. "But I don't really think he is that, not any more. When we were in Hokkan, he said…things that made me think that perhaps I'd judged him wrong. And Aoi…to Aoi…"
She sighed again.
"To Aoi he's like a father." She admitted reluctantly. "And that makes it hurt for me too, Aidou-san. Because if it was my Dad…I…I don't know what I'd do."
"So it's that way." Aidou pursed her lips. "I thought there was something more than just squeamishness in his pallor. Still, a bath will help and Eiju's a plain-spoken, matter-of-fact young man – Aoi needs that, I think, right now. Besides, I imagine that if it's that bad, Hou Jun will bring the injured man back here. And you can best help me by preparing the room at the back of the house into some form of a sickroom. We'll have to do without it for seeing clients for the time being – this looks like being more important."
"And if he dies?" Hikari asked softly. Aidou spread her hands.
"Then we'll make him comfortable until he does." She said gently. "But I expect Hou Jun will want to try and help him, even if it proves impossible. He's like that, my husband. He always has been."
She eyed Hikari critically.
"Thanks to the heat of Kounan's summer mornings, you've not taken any of the blood onto your own gown – which I'm glad of, since that one is fresh this morning." She said evenly. "That being the case, and since Hou Jun is otherwise engaged, it will be quicker if we both go and find blankets and other things for this man to use."
"I'll help." Hikari nodded. "Just tell me what I can do and I'll do it."
She clenched her fists.
"Miramu's a demon." She added. "But when Jin died I promised myself that I'd not let that stupid assassin kill anyone else. So if Chichiri's going to try and save Hyoushin, I'll do whatever I can to help!"