Chapter Ten
"Well, my Shadow of the West. And what do you have to report to me today?"
As Miramu slipped neatly into the shrine of Seiryuu, he found that the priest was already awaiting him, his arms folded in his voluminous sleeves as he fixed the assassin with a beady, thoughtful look. "Your return here was not as swift as I anticipated – could it be that you got distracted along the way?"
"Distracted?" Miramu frowned, meeting Kikei's gaze with a reproving one of his own. "You must be joking. What could get in my way, Lord Priest? Or do you not have faith in the people you send to carry out your dirty work? Have you lost courage in us now that things have become more dangerous?"
"You suggest I am becoming cowardly, when I am merely expressing concern for your delay." Kikei said mildly. "It would not do if something had befallen you, my friend – you should know how valuable you are to me."
"Friend is not a word you should use." Miramu shook his head, his thick braid of dark hair swinging over his shoulder as he did so. "And particularly not towards someone like me. I am a shadow, or had you forgotten that fact?"
He brushed his finger over the leather collar at his throat, touching the red character for 'kage' as he did so.
"Or do you not remember what this signifies, Kikei-sama?"
"Unlike my Emperor's Meihi favourite, I am well cognisant of all my letters, Miramu." Kikei said softly. "On which subject, I hope you have a report to make."
"On Hyoushin, Lord Priest? Or on your writing prowess?" Miramu asked facetiously, and Kikei frowned.
"You are not as amusing as you think you are, you know."
"I don't intend to be amusing at all." Miramu shook his head. "Men with poisoned barbs aren't exactly natural comedians, after all. As for the Meihi, you need not concern yourself with him again. The poison with which I shot him has no known antidote. He is no longer your problem."
"Ah." A smile touched Kikei's lips, the beady black eyes softening somewhat in relief at the assassin's words, and inwardly Miramu decided it would be better to omit the exact details of his assault on Hyoushin. "That is more like the Miramu I know. Good. I am glad to hear it. He has been a thorn in my side for entirely too long…and removing thorns, though painful for a brief instant…has immeasurable long term relief. Don't you think so?"
"I wouldn't know about that." Miramu said quietly. "I don't recall any such thorns ever being removed from my body, Kikei-sama."
"Are we becoming cryptic, all of a sudden?" Kikei raised his eyebrow. "What thorns would you like removing, Miramu? I thought that the death of the Meihi would please you. Am I mistaken?"
"Please me?" Miramu sighed, shrugging his shoulders carelessly. "No. Perhaps in the end I'm disappointed. I hoped his death would be one I'd actually feel something for – enjoyment, pleasure, or even pain…any would have done. But in the end, it was quite a boring routine. Just work. A let down, after all."
"I suppose there's little enjoyment in killing a man whose soul has already left this plane of existence." Kikei reflected. He nodded. "Very well. Work though it may have been, Miramu, I am pleased. You have done well."
"There is something else, Kikei."
"Something else?" Kikei looked startled. "Of what nature? Don't tell me you've begun to work outside of your brief – without promise of payment due?"
"Suzaku no Shinzahou." Miramu ignored the Priest's jibe, facing him seriously. "I know its location and its nature, for I've seen it with my own eyes."
"Seen…it?" Kikei's eyes widened with shock, then excitement. "You speak the truth? You have truly discovered Suzaku's Shinzahou?"
"By chance, it seems I have." Miramu nodded, perching on the edge of the dais and leaning up against the leg of the golden dragon statue as he did so. "The irony of it is that it was the Meihi who first guided me in that direction. I learnt something from him before I struck him, it seems. He appears to have travelled straight to its location – well, perhaps he was a traitor after all."
"That would be the ultimate irony, would it not?" Kikei chuckled appreciatively. "So, the ghost knew the location of the Phoenix's treasure, did he? And this he disclosed to you?"
"No…to the boy. Aoiketsu." Miramu shook his head. "I just happened to overhear them talking."
"So Aoiketsu is involved, now?" Kikei asked, and Miramu shrugged.
"He saw me strike down his Commander, if that's what you mean." He responded. "More than that I couldn't tell you. He's an idealistic dreamer, after all – perhaps he is. No doubt Hyoushin's death will affect him, however…do you think he is a threat to you now, after telling me he was not?"
"I am not afraid of children with big ideas." Kikei shook his head. "Neither he nor Shi Maichu concern me so much as the information you claim to have discovered. If they return to Kutou, I will have them killed quite easily - you are not the only weapon in my pay, and at court, such things are easy. Do not play with me, Miramu. I want to know about the Shinzahou."
"And I want to know your true aim, Lord Priest." Miramu said evenly. "Isn't it about time you cast some light on that? I've helped you in countless ways since I first came to Kutou. You at least owe me a little more information. So I'll make a trade with you. You tell me what it is you seek to do – and I'll give you what I know about Suzaku's treasure."
"A bargain, is it?" Kikei's gaze became thoughtful. "I should know better than to underestimate your intelligence, shouldn't I?"
"Without doubt." Miramu smiled humourlessly. "An assassin has nothing but his wits to protect him, after all."
He cocked his head on one side, eying his companion quizzically.
"Well?"
"I suppose that it is a fair offer." Kikei agreed cautiously. "Though what benefit the knowledge has for you I don't know. My aim is simply this, Miramu. To harness the magic of the four Gods who claim protection over this Earth – and bring them into one source through which I will be able to finally take hold."
"To take the magic of the Gods…and use it to dominate." Miramu repeated slowly. "Predictable, isn't it? And yet, ambitious, too. Don't you need something to unlock that power? You're not capable, are you, of releasing that magic on your own?"
"This has troubled me, also." Kikei admitted. "Until I heard Suiko's prediction and realised there was a way, after all."
"Suiko's…?" Miramu frowned. "What do you mean?"
"If the four Shinzahou are united in Kutou, Seiryuu no Miko will appear." Kikei said simply. "And when that happens, Miramu, I have my tool. My vessel. It's well known that Hongou Yui was devoured by the dragon God Seiryuu on her last visit, and only the wish of Suzaku no Miko saved her from disappearing into oblivion. The Miko's fate is to be consumed, after all – Suzaku's Priestess intervened and so Seiryuu's work was never fully completed. Seiryuu's Miko is a sacrifice and I will use her just that way…to summon the Gods, and then be devoured by them. That is all."
"Seiryuu no Miko, huh." Miramu's eyes narrowed as he remembered Hyoushin's words in the forest. "And you believe in something predicted by that air-headed witch?"
"She is not unreliable when it comes to matters of Seiryuu." Kikei responded. "I believe the Miko will come when we bring the last Shinzahou to Kutou. And then I will find a way to manipulate her, just as I manipulate Kayu and the Emperor. She will be nothing but a young girl, after all. Didn't Nakago manipulate the thoughts and feelings of Hongou Yui, eighteen years ago? From the shadows I watched him toy with her, turning her from an intelligent girl into a resentful, hating child. Those from the Miko's world appear foolish. It can't be difficult to twist such a credulous, naïve creature into doing my bidding."
"And what of the Seishi who guard the Miko, Kikei?"
"Seiryuu's Seishi are conveniently dead." Kikei said frankly. "With one exception, and I am not concerned about a boy who ran from war into exile. There are no Seishi to worry about."
"I heard a legend, once, about Seishi spirits rising from the dead to defend their Priestess." Miramu remarked off-handedly. "Or don't you believe in ghosts?"
"Believe me, Miramu, I have taken that into account, also." Kikei's eyes glittered with something that bordered on amusement. "It is not a problem. Trust me. I am not expecting interference from anyone of Celestial birth."
He folded his hands together, offering the assassin a smile.
"Well?" He prompted. "And now it's your turn. What have you learnt about Suzaku no Shinzahou?"
Miramu hesitated for a moment, absorbing the Priest's words as he carefully went over them in his head.
"There's still something missing from that explanation." He realised. "How can he guarantee that no Celestial Warrior will step forth to defend the Miko? Why is he so sure of himself…I don't understand. But if that's how he wants it – so be it. It's not my concern, anyway – I've never accepted being Amefuri, and I've definitely no interest in defending any Miko, especially not one belonging to another God. Even so, though, he didn't give me the whole truth. And two can play that game, Lord Priest. If that's how you want it – I can take the same tack."
"Miramu?" Kikei pressed, and Miramu smiled, shrugging his shoulders.
"Sukunami Hikari is the one who has the Shinzahou." He said lightly. "She is its protector – its guardian – and the one they flock to in Kounan for this reason. That is the secret she has kept so ably from Kintsusei-sama's spies, Kikei-sama. If you want the treasure – it is she you must go to in order to find it."
"And if I was to ask you to go there and retrieve it from her custody for me?"
"I cannot." Miramu shook his head, and Kikei's eyes narrowed.
"Cannot? Or will not?"
"Both. Either. You choose…I don't mind." Miramu shrugged carelessly once more. "I have no intention of going back to Kounan, that's all. If you want to speak to the girl so badly, you must make other plans."
"I assume there is a reason for this sudden defiance?"
"Yes, there's a reason." Miramu's expression became sober. "Kikei, Toroki is in the south. You and I, we had an accord regarding her. I will not face her again. I have done so too many times already. My life is in danger from her whenever I see her – I will not take that risk again. So long as Toroki is in Kounan – I will not be. That is all."
"Toroki again." Kikei sighed. "For a man of such ability and sense, you have bizarre superstitions sometimes."
"We all have our flaws." Miramu spread his hands. "Even so, you won't change my mind. I won't go, Kikei. Send someone else, if you care so much about it. How about that boy of yours? He's obedient enough a puppet for this – don't you think?"
"Kayu?" The priest's eyes widened, then he frowned. "I should send a young idiot into potential danger – that's what you think?"
"That young idiot is someone you owe a lot to already." Miramu said candidly. "Without his help, Hyoushin would still be a thorn in your side. Besides, he is obedient to you – unlike the troublesome Shadow of the West. You should utilise that while you can. Send Kayu to Kounan…send him to find the Shinzahou. After all, he cares about Kutou. I, on the other hand, am only involved with you for financial gain."
"Sometimes that makes it easier." Kikei admitted, but he sighed, nodding his head. "Very well. I shall follow your advice and send Kayu. I will go now and speak to the Emperor - such a mission is better with his backing, after all. You have done well in ridding me of Hyoushin, else I would be more vexed with you – but I suppose it is as you say. Even the best tools have their flaws."
With that he was gone, the door of the shrine swinging shut behind him, and Miramu leant back against the dragon statue, raising his head to stare into the piercing azure eyes that glared down at him below. They almost seemed to be accusing him, and a wry smile touched the assassin's lips as slowly he nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"Your Miko's in trouble now, isn't she?" He murmured. "If Hyoushin was right…maybe he was."
He sighed, stretching his arms out in front of him as he eyed his black-gloved hands in distaste.
"Another life taken, I suppose." He murmured. "Dead or alive, that Meihi made ripples and they haven't yet calmed. Yet if he was right about that girl…I wonder. Could she really be Seiryuu's Miko and Suzaku's treasure? Is such a thing even possible? And was I wrong to conceal from Kikei the fact that the Shinzahou and the girl are one and the same thing?"
He mused on this for a moment, then shook his head.
"I do not trust Kikei, even if he is paying me." He decided. "No. It is always best to have an ace up my sleeve – besides, if Kayu goes to Kounan, no doubt he will discover enough to keep that fat old man happy. Perhaps, if he manages to bring his Miko here – he'll find she's not so easy to manipulate as he thinks. Sukunami Hikari is not so naïve nor so credulous as a stranger flung into this world – rather has she faced me with defiance on two occasions, and Suzaku's soul burns strongly within her. This could even be interesting – either way, I anticipate something of a show beginning from this point on. I'll have to be careful to make sure I don't miss getting a front row seat!"
"That should be enough water for now."
Shishi set down her pail with a sigh, casting Meikyo a rueful grin as she leant up against the cool stone of the well. "No kidding when you said you needed a lot, chibi – I guess it doesn't help with it being the middle of the summer, either, huh?"
"It totally doesn't." Meikyo shook her head, thick red hair flying as she did so. "Thanks for helping me, Shishi. You too, Hikari-neechan. Now there should be enough for Papa's patient and for anything else."
"It's a heavy job for you, isn't it?" Hikari eyed the small girl pensively, and Meikyo shrugged.
"I like helping." She admitted. "But sometimes it is. Papa says I'll grow into it – but I don't seem to be doing it all that quickly."
She sighed, spreading her hands.
"I guess that maybe Suzaku wants me to be small." She added matter-of-factly. "But it doesn't help when it comes to pulling water or helping Kaa-san in the kitchen."
Despite herself Shishi laughed, ruffling the tousled red hair playfully.
"That's one way of looking at it, I guess." She remarked. "But as it happens, I don't mind helping out today. I think…I'm better off here than going back to the mountain for a while."
"Are you in trouble or something?" Meikyo's ruby eyes widened in surprise. "Is Uncle Wolf angry, Shishi?"
"Probably." Shishi admitted. "Or he will be, when he finds out."
"What did you do?" Meikyo demanded.
"It's complicated." Shishi shook her head. "Don't you worry about it, Mei-chan. It's nothing so very bad. Just mountain stuff. That's all."
"Mountain stuff, huh?" Meikyo looked thoughtful. Then she sighed, casting Hikari a quizzical glance.
"Hikari-neechan, do you know the Tenshi-san who Papa brought back to the farmhouse?"
"The…Tenshi…san?" Hikari echoed, and Meikyo nodded.
"Yes. The man…I think…his name is…Hyou…shin-san?"
"Hyoushin?" Hikari's expression cleared. "Sort of. I guess you could say he was Aoi's adoptive father, in a manner of speaking. I'm sorry, Mei-chan – I didn't realise you meant him. I hadn't thought of him…as an angel."
"He looks like an angel to me." Meikyo admitted. "I never saw anyone so beautiful before. I took water to Papa and Myoume-neesan and he looked like that, sleeping in the back room. Don't you think so? He's like an angel, with silver hair and pale skin. So I guess I just called him Tenshi-san because it's easier to remember."
"I suppose so." Hikari admitted, and Shishi snorted.
"I wouldn't call him that." She responded. "However he looks, Meikyo, he's still just a man like any other man. You know that, right?"
"I know." Meikyo nodded composedly. "Papa said so. Besides, angels can't get hurt or sick, can they? So I know he's not really sent by Suzaku or one of the Gods. But I still think he's beautiful, Shishi. Even if he isn't really an angel."
"I suppose he is, in a strange kind of way." Hikari reflected, and Shishi gave her a sharp nudge.
"That's Aoi's surrogate father you're talking about." She warned, a flicker of mischief in her bronze eyes. "Be careful – someone might get the wrong idea."
"Shishi, shut up." Hikari pinkened. "It's not like that."
"Does Hikari-neechan love Aoi-nii, then?" Meikyo asked innocently, and Hikari's flush deepened as she stared at the young girl in dismay.
"What makes you say something like that, Mei-chan?" She managed at length, and Meikyo shrugged.
"Because he looks at you and you look at him and sometimes when you think noone is watching you you touch hands and stuff." She said frankly. "That's all. I asked Kaa-san about it, and she said that it was because you two liked each other. So you must do – mustn't you?"
"Even the chibi members of the family are cluing into it now, Hiki." Shishi said teasingly. "You can't really deny it, can you?"
"Well, it was strange to me at first." Meikyo said seriously. "Though I think it's nice too, of course, because I like Aoi-nii and I like Hikari-neechan a lot too. But you never do those things with anyone, Shishi – so I wasn't sure about it. I guess you're just not in love with anyone, huh?"
"Decidedly not." Shishi shook her head. "I've no interest in all that mushy crap."
"Kaa-san says you'll probably never be tamed enough to marry." Meikyo reflected. "What do you think she meant by that? I didn't understand."
"Aidou-obasama did?" Shishi stared, colour rising in her cheeks. "Damn, as if I wanted to be 'tamed' as she put it! I'm a lion cub, dammit, not a house cat. She shouldn't even think about it – I'm not planning on getting married to anyone, so why would I care about that?"
"Then calm down, stupid." Hikari sent her a playful glance. "Because you're giving the exact opposite impression, reacting like that."
"You're the one who's stupid, if you think that." Shishi shook her head. "I'm not interested in men or marriage or anything like that. That's what Obasama means, Meikyo. That I don't want to get married. And she's right. I don't."
"I think it'd be lonely, not to get married." Meikyo said thoughtfully. "One day I'd like to, when I'm old enough. Then I can have a family of my own, and that would be nice. I can teach them to read and write, like Papa teaches Eiju and me. And all kinds of other things, too. Having a family's an important thing. Don't you think so, Hikari-neechan?"
"Yes." Hikari hesitated for a moment, then she nodded her head. "Very important."
Shishi saw her friend's gaze dart back towards the farm building, and she knew that the other girl was thinking about the injured Meihi. She frowned, grabbing her by the arm.
"Don't." She murmured. "Aoi's strong and he'll deal with it, whatever happens. And Chichiri's not an idiot. Besides, Hyoushin's not exactly our ally, is he? We shouldn't get all choked up about him being hurt."
"He's still a person and he's still suffering." Hikari shook her head. "Besides, he came to us looking for help. Maichu said as much. You trusted in him – so let's try and trust in Hyoushin, too. For Aoi's sake, Shishi – please, let's try."
"All right." Shishi sighed heavily, nodding her head. "I guess in those terms…I see your point. But even so, Hiki – there's no point in fretting about something we have no power to change."
"There you girls are." Before Hikari could respond, Chichiri's voice cut across their conversation and both turned to see the sorcerer crossing the grass towards them. His expression was tired and uncharacteristic preoccupation lurked in his ruby gaze, darkening the colour of his remaining eye and making him appear suddenly older. At the sight of him, Meikyo let out a yell, running forward to grab her father by the hands.
"Papa! Shishi and Hikari-neechan and I pulled lots of water – is the Tenshi-san any better now?"
"Well, he's sleeping, still." Chichiri sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "His fever isn't improving, and I think we're in for a rough day and night, too. Shishi, I'm glad you're still here, because I have a favour to ask of you."
"A favour?" Shishi looked startled. "What kind of favour?"
"I'd like to speak to your father, but I don't really want to leave the farm." Chichiri explained. "Hyoushin's condition is…uncertain and though Myoume and I have discussed the idea of calling a proper physician from the city, we both realise it's impossible. To do that would be to give people word that Hyoushin was here and still alive – and we don't need to attract that kind of attention to the village. That being the case…will you go to Reikaku-zan on my behalf, and ask Tasuki to come down and see me as soon as he possibly can?"
"Papa?" Shishi faltered, and Chichiri eyed her keenly.
"Something wrong?"
"No…" Shishi sighed. "No. I'll go. It's just…well, I haven't spoken to him since I let Maichu out of the mountain prison this morning and I think he might be a bit pissed with me, to be quite honest."
"Well, if it's any consolation, I think Maichu's being here is a good thing." Chichiri said reassuringly. "It meant Aoi was saved a ride that I'm not sure he was fit to make – and now the boy is here, we can see what we can do about keeping him safe from harm, too. Toroki's predictions haven't just centred on the tribal traitor, after all. She reminded me herself of that earlier on."
"She did say something would happen to Maichu if he was in Kounan." Hikari's eyes widened. "That's why Aoi told him to go North and to Hokkan…to meet up with Hyoushin and the other soldiers. But now Maichu's back in Kounan again…is he in danger here?"
"We don't know, yet." Chichiri admitted. "But considering Hyoushin's predicament, it can't be ruled out that there may be a contract on Maichu's life, too."
"Is it really okay, then? Him being here?" Hikari asked. Chichiri nodded.
"I'd rather he was, for now. For Aoi's sake as well as his own." He responded. "Don't worry, Hikari. Anywhere's as safe as anywhere else, after all."
"I'd better go speak to Papa, then." Shishi said with a frown. "Hiki, if and when Aoi and his idiot buddy come outside, make sure Maichu washes or something, will you? Because I promised Aidou-obasama he wouldn't get mountain dust over everything and I'd rather only be in the shit with one member of the Kou family today, if it's okay with everyone else."
"Don't worry. I'll tell him." Hikari promised. "Although if he's met Aidou-san, I doubt he'll be in any mood to upset her."
"You make my wife sound like some kind of demon." Despite himself, Chichiri's gaze glittered faintly with amusement, and Shishi shrugged.
"Not a demon." She said carefully. "But when it comes to chores and manners and stuff, she can be pretty close. I'll see you guys later, if I survive my encounter with the Kashira – I'll bring Papa back with me with any luck, so don't eat lunch till we arrive. Okay? After all that water pulling, I expect to be fed! After all, Maichu may have got some of Obasama's breakfast – but I came out here to help Mei-chan, so I'm pretty hungry!"
With that she was gone, hurrying through the rows of neatly weeded herbs towards the wooden arch that led out into the centre of the village. A few of the local residents called greetings to her as she passed and she raised her hand in a wave as she recognised each in turn. Although she had grown up on the mountain, she had spent enough of her childhood dotting between Reikaku-zan, Souun and the village inhabited by the Ri branch of her family, and as she walked she felt a flicker of nostalgia flare up inside her heart.
"Lots of things I didn't know, then." She mused, slipping her hands into the folds of her shirt as she sauntered in the direction of the mountain path. "I used to come here with Jin and take it for granted we'd do that forever - every winter when we'd bring stuff down from the mountains to help Chichiri and Aidou-obasama provide for the villagers who needed it - all the jokes he'd make about the next year's lot being even better. This time there is no next year. This is the end of that road."
"You seem melancholy, Shishi."
Doryoku's voice echoed softly in her ear, and Shishi sighed, shaking her head.
"Nostalgic is a better word." She responded. "Sorry, Do-nee. I wasn't really talking to you as such - just thinking."
"Am I intruding?" Doryoku sounded anxious, and despite herself Shishi smiled.
"By eavesdropping on my thoughts without permission?" She responded. "No...I suppose not. It's all right. Just for a moment I'd forgotten. Walking through this village is something I've done a thousand times. But it hasn't ever felt quite as strange as this. I've got you, now. Jin is dead. Hiki's here. Everything's different from how it was last summer."
She shrugged, stretching her hands over her head as she glanced up at the clear blue sky.
"I'm fifteen in a few days." She added. "I think, anyway - I saw Shishiza's stars last night, so I'm sure that it can't be far away. I just feel a lot different from how I did last summer, I suppose. Last summer I was only concerned about the mountain and getting strong enough to be Kashira. And now...I think it's not like that at all. I do want that still, of course. But I've sort of realised that being Kashira would mean Papa wouldn't be there any more. Till I lost Jin, I didn't realise how awful losing someone felt. So maybe I'm not in so much of a hurry to do that now. Who knows, huh?"
"We're going to Reikaku-zan to see your father now, aren't we?" Doryoku asked, and Shishi nodded.
"Do-nee, I'd like your opinion." She said seriously. "About Hyoushin - about the fact we're helping him now. After all, when we were in Hokkan, you used my body and you stopped us from taking the Shinzahou from that man."
"I'm sorry I did that, Shishi. I wasn't trying to hurt you."
"I know." Shishi nodded. "That wasn't what I meant. Really, what it is is that I want to know...is just what you think about him."
"About Hyoushin?" Doryoku seemed surprised. "But I built that judgement based on Bakaru's feelings. Not on Hyoushin's. I do not know this Meihi. But I trust in Bakaru because he is Bachisu's brother and a man of Genbu. His heart and motives I can read very plainly. He believed in Hyoushin enough to give him the treasure, Shishi. So for that reason, I kept faith and did not intervene."
"But Hyoushin doesn't have the Shinzahou now." Shishi sighed. "Maichu hasn't said as much, but I guess when he was kicked out, they took it from him instead."
"So it would seem." Doryoku sounded troubled. "Genbu no Shinzahou is now in the East. I can feel that - it has reached Kutou. But Hyoushin is here."
"You really think Bakaru's judgement was okay, when he gave that thing to Hyoushin, though?" Shishi asked. "I mean, you think that means we can trust him...if he survives enough for us to ask? Because he's from Kutou, like Maichu and Aoi. So..."
"You trust in Aoiketsu, don't you?"
"Yes, I do." Shishi looked startled. "Even though he's an idiot, I guess I understand where he's coming from pretty well."
"And Maichu? Him too, now?"
"Funnily enough, yes." Shishi admitted. "He doesn't seem like...the sort of person who could lie to you for very long. Does he?"
"No, he does not." Doryoku's tones were thoughtful. "If they are from Kutou also, and they trust in this man, why do you not? Do you hold him responsible for Jin's death, perhaps?"
Shishi started at this. Then she sighed, shaking her head.
"That was...Miramu. Not Hyoushin." She said at length. "I guess you have a point. All right. I'll try and follow your train of thought and believe in Hyoushin not being our enemy. After all, Miramu attacked him too, so that's a pretty good indication they're not on the same side. And I don't want that bastard assassin to kill anyone else, no matter who they are. Aoi's pretty messed up over this and because he is, Hiki is too. It's gloomy and depressing if someone else dies. So I guess...I guess I'll just try and trust that he came here with a will to help us after all."
"I think that is likely." Doryoku reflected. "I do not know this man, Shishi, but I do know the ways and the spirit of the Meihi. And this man had that spirit deep within his eyes, when we faced him in the temple in Hokkan. I saw it there, burning far inside of him when he spoke about his tribe and how their word was their bond. It is the same resolution and faith that Bachisu always had. Whatever he has become, Hyoushin is still a Meihi. And the Meihi are honourable - even unto death. Whatever errand brought Hyoushin to Kounan, I think you can trust in his motives. Bakaru did, and so will I."
"It's sort of comforting to hear you say it like that." Shishi admitted. "I guess having you around is more useful than I thought."
"Does that mean you're not mad at me any more?" Doryoku asked hesitantly.
"Who said I was mad at you anyway?" Shishi was surprised.
"I was reading your thoughts without you asking me to." Doryoku sounded penitent, and Shishi sighed, shaking her head.
"Forget it. It's not important." She said with a careless flick of her fingers. "Now pipe down, will you? We're at Reikaku-zan and if people see me talking to myself, they'll think I've finally flipped out."
"All right." Doryoku sounded relieved. "I'll do that, Shishi. Thank you."
"Well, if it isn't the cub."
As Shishi reached the bandit's central base, the sound of Kouji's voice made her turn and she paused, offering the older man a rueful smile as she registered the expression on his face. At the sign of her hesitation, Kouji grinned, slowly shaking his head as he came to clap a heavy hand down on her shoulder.
"Genrou's been looking for you all over the place." He said softly. "A little bit over-ambitious, don't you think? Setting free a prisoner without his say-so?"
"It's not quite like that." Shishi said carefully. "But I need to speak to him anyway, so I better get it over with. Where is he, Aniue? Is he inside?"
"He's walked out to Jin's memorial. I think he thought you might go there." Kouji shook his head. "He's not real pleased with you, kiddo. It's not like you to do something so wholesale an' disregard mountain security, so I hope you have a good reason."
"Yeah, I guess I do." Shishi nodded. "I just don't know if he'll understand it."
She sighed, shrugging her shoulders.
"Oh well. If he's there, that's where I'll go." She added. "Thanks, Aniue. I know it was a crazy thing to do, but really, I kind of had to…so I hope he'll realise that, when I try to explain."
"Well, he can be thick in the head, sometimes." Kouji rubbed his chin pensively. "But he's pretty fond of you, so I'm sure he'll hear you out at the very least. Chin up, huh? I'm sure if you had a good reason, he'll calm down."
"Here's hoping." Shishi murmured. "I'll see you later, Aniue – providing there's any of me left to see!"
With that she darted off into the surrounding woodland, taking the now familiar and worn pathway up to the level where her adoptive brother's remains had been carefully interred within the white stone tomb. As she reached the clearing she paused, swallowing hard as she registered her father's shadow against the paleness of the burial wall, and from the tension in his stocky frame she realised that Kouji had not been exaggerating.
"He's pissed." She murmured. "Dammit…but even so, Chichiri said I did the right thing, and Maichu doesn't seem like he's a threat. I don't think he could tell a convincing lie if his life depended on it – I just have to make Kashira understand the things I do, that's all."
She took a hesitant step forward, and at the sound the bandit leader turned, gazing at her for a moment with an unreadable expression in his bronze eyes. Shishi bit her lip, registering the suppressed anger flickering in the depths of his gaze, and she knew her father was only just keeping a hold on his legendary, fiery temper.
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to take another step towards him.
"A…Aniue said you were looking for me." She murmured, as the silence threatened to grow oppressive. "An' Chichiri asked me to come see you anyway. He wants you in the village, as soon as possible."
"Chichiri, huh." Tasuki's lips thinned, the tip of a fanged tooth protruding as he surveyed her. "So that's where you've been? The Eastern Village?"
"Yes."
There was a further silence, then Tasuki clenched his fist, banging it down against the cold hard wall of Jin's tomb as he did so.
"Dammit, Shishi, what the hell were you playing at?" He demanded, and Shishi's eyes widened at the sudden burst of temper. "I know it was you, so don't pretend to me that it wasn't. That kid was locked up firm as could be last night an' suddenly this mornin' he's nowhere to be found. Shit, kid, don't you understand that he's from Kutou? Dammit, from the same country that killed Jin?"
"Kutou didn't kill Jin. Miramu did." Shishi gathered her courage, shaking her head resolutely. "Maichu's a friend of Aoi's. He told us that himself and Aoi's confirmed it. He's not our enemy, Papa. He's…"
"He's a soldier from Kutou who may just as well have been a spy." Tasuki snapped, and despite herself Shishi faltered, unused to having the full force of her father's fury directed at her. And yet, she realised, deep within that anger was a flicker of fear, and with a jolt she registered the fact that he had been worried about her.
"Maichu's not a spy." She managed. "He's not, Papa. He's here to help Aoi. It's not what you think it is. You don't understand."
"Well, it'd be damn nice if people would run things by me before making decisions about what I do and don't understand." Tasuki responded sharply. "Shit, Shishi, that boy was a trained fighter. He could've hurt you – do you realise that? An' to get him out of the mountain, you must've used the passages. What if he comes back looking for the relic? He could put others in danger too – or don't you understand that this is your home an' not just some fortress other people can't get into?"
"I told you, Maichu's not a spy!"
"And I told you, those decisions are mine to make, not yours!" Tasuki countered. "I'm still Kashira here, you know. Even if one day you want to wield the tessen – right now this is still my mountain an' I still decide what goes on here! You're still a kid, Shishi. You're takin' stupid risks!"
"Like you never did anything risky when you were protecting Miaka-sama?" Despite herself, Shishi's indignation flared up at this. "I know you did, because I've heard the stories from Okaa-san and from Chichiri. So don't be hypocritical about it! I did what I thought was the right thing to do – you know full well that if you'd been me, you'd have followed your instincts, too! Everyone says we're alike – you should realise better than anyone why I took a chance on Maichu and let him go!"
"That's a different thing completely." Tasuki shook his head impatiently. "I'm one of Suzaku's people. I'm stronger'n you an' riskin' my life for the Miko is part of bein' a Seishi. Protectin' Miaka was important, after all. It's not the same situation at all."
"It is! It is too!" Shishi protested. "Dammit, Papa, why won't you listen to me?"
"When you talk sense, I'll listen." Tasuki retorted. "Right now you're babblin' rubbish an' it doesn't justify your breakin' rules so wholesale at all."
"Do you really think you're the only member of the Kou family who's allowed to go throw himself into danger or to make decisions about things, Papa?" Shishi demanded. "You don't understand – you really don't. Everything that's happening is bigger than you realise – it's much bigger, and it's going to get more so as we go on. We can't turn back – any of us. Not now. Jin…Jin even died for this, and you know, it might happen that others of us will die too, before it's over. But that's how it's going to be, so that's what we're going to do."
"Shishi, what the hell are you…"
"Listen, you protected Miaka-sama." Shishi cut across him, holding up her hands as she did so. "You did so and you survived, even though you lost friends along the way. But this isn't about Suzaku no Miko, Papa. Miaka-sama isn't in Kounan now. This is about Hikari. And you're not Hiki's guardian. You're Miaka-sama's. Hikari's not the same thing at all. And Suzaku, Seiryuu, Byakko…Genbu, they all chose us to protect her in the same way. She's the only one that can save this world and even if I don't know how she can do that yet, I'm willing to do whatever the hell I can to make sure she succeeds. Because I'm one of her guardians, Papa. Whether you like it or not – whether I'm a Seishi or not – that's how it is. I'm here to protect Hiki and do what's right for Kounan…even if it means disobeying you. Maichu's not our enemy, and nor is Kutou. You don't understand a thing about it – and I'm fed up with you not taking me seriously enough to think I can take care of myself! I'm not a little kid now – I'm fifteen soon. And shit, I'm old enough to decide for myself when something's right or wrong!"
Frustration bubbled up inside of her, and even as it did so, she felt a flicker of Doryoku's spirit curling around her heart. She let out a gasp as the ground suddenly shook beneath their feet, her eyes widening with horror and dismay as a thin crack began to zig-zag its way across the ground towards the stunned bandit Kashira.
"Shit, Doryoku, stop it!" She exclaimed. "Stop acting on my emotions! Just because I'm pissed – I don't want to attack him! Shit, he's my father – calm down!"
"Shi…shi?" Tasuki stared at his only child, the wind taken completely from his sails as he struggled to understand what had just happened. Shishi rubbed her temples, feeling the agitated energy of the mage spirit pulsing against her own unsettled emotions as she struggled to bring her thoughts back into some semblance of order. Doryoku's reaction had been instinctive, she realised that – that the mage's magic had truly meshed with her own thoughts and feelings now and that the sudden show of temper had almost brought an earthquake to the slopes of Reikaku-zan.
"I need to calm down too, huh." She murmured softly. "Dammit, I need to get this in check."
"What the hell did you just do?" Tasuki found his voice at that moment, grasping his daughter by the shoulders and giving her a little shake as he met her gaze with an anxious one of his own. As Shishi stared at him, she realised his anger had evaporated and that a mixture of fear and worry clouded his bronze eyes. She sighed, slowly shaking her head.
"I wasn't exactly going to tell you…yet." She admitted. "But I guess now it can't be helped. Something sort of happened in Hokkan, Papa. And I…I'm not quite the same way as I was before I left."
"What do you mean, something happened?" Tasuki eyed her suspiciously, and Shishi held up her right arm, running her finger absently over the black shell bracelet as it glittered faintly with silver light.
"This is Genbu's relic." She said carefully. "It's carved from his shell and we retrieved it when we went North. We met an old Meihi – one whose life you saved in an Eastern circus seven years ago. He remembered me – and you – and because he was dying, he asked me to find the relic and take care of it for him. He said she'd be able to lead us to the Shinzahou, so I agreed. We tracked it down in the mountains between Hokkan and Kounan, but the only way to use it was for me to actually put it on. When I did, I was able to wake Genbu's mage, Doryoku."
"Doryoku?"
"Yeah." Shishi nodded. "The only thing is, though, that Doryoku really doesn't like being on her own. She hates being abandoned, so she's sort of hooked herself into me. She says that now we're linked – because I agreed to protect her, I've become her guardian in the Meihi's place. And that means we're connected. Through my blood – she can talk to me, and also give me her magic. Even when…I don't really want it."
She sighed, suddenly feeling tired.
"She's kinda susceptible to my feelings, too." She admitted. "I didn't mean to freak out and crack the ground like that…I'm sorry. I haven't quite got the hang of keeping her or her magic in check yet."
"This thing possessed you?" Tasuki's eyes widened with horror, and Shishi shrugged.
"It ain't quite like that." She responded. "Doryoku's not a bad spirit, Papa. She only wants to help. I'm just not strong enough yet to really understand how to use this connection properly. But I will be. And I'll use it to help Hiki, so it'll be all right in the end. Even though we didn't get the Shinzahou from Hokkan – I think when we go to Kutou, I'll be ready and prepared."
"Shit." Tasuki sank down on a nearby rock, staring at his daughter as if seeing her for the first time. "What the hell is going on here, kid? You say I don't understand – I think it's about time you explained everything to me so as I do. This kid you let free – you really believe in him, huh?"
"I believe in Aoi." Shishi replied. "And Maichu's Aoi's friend."
"Even though that Aoi kid spied for Kutou?"
"Yes." Shishi nodded. "The thing is, Papa…Kutou are the country in the shit at the moment. Not Kounan – that's just a knock on consequence. Aoi came here for that reason. And when I thought about it, I realised that I'd take risks and sneak around if I had to to help Kounan survive…so I'm not really mad at him for that. Besides…Papa, he helped to rescue me from the circus owners when I met the Meihi. He fought someone and killed him coming to my rescue. Given that – of course I trust him."
"He did, huh?" Tasuki rubbed his chin. "I see."
"He did." Shishi agreed. "And it's got more complicated…Papa, Chichiri wants you in the village. Aoi and Maichu's Commander Hyoushin was attacked by Miramu in the forest outside the Eastern Village early this morning."
"Miramu's in Kounan?" Tasuki's fingers instinctively flexed towards his tessen, but Shishi shook her head.
"He's gone, now. Myoume saw him off." She replied. "But Hyoushin is badly hurt. And Chichiri thinks we should help him. From what Maichu told Aoi, both he and Hyoushin are technically outlaws from Kutou at the moment. There's some crazy Priest in the East who's operating behind the Emperor's back and he's going to do something drastic – get rid of the Gods or something, I don't know – so we don't have time to waste. That's why I went against you this morning. Maichu's from Kutou but in comparison with what we're facing, he's not our enemy. And I think – we all think – that we have to work together somehow. Or it isn't going to work out."
"And that's why you're letting this spirit float around your body like some kind of parasite?"
"I'm all right with it, Papa. I told you. Do-nee wants to help me, and I need her help to be strong enough to protect Hiki from harm."
Tasuki sighed.
"If I'd realised saving that old circus Meihi all those years back would have this kind of consequence I'd have thought twice about it." He admitted, and despite herself, Shishi smiled.
"No you wouldn't." She said confidently. "Even if you had known. Because you're not that kind of person, Papa. You wanted to save him there and then, so you did. And you have Suzaku's strength to help you with things like that. Now, thanks to Bachisu-san and Doryoku, I have some of Genbu's and I'll learn to use it in the same way. You should be proud of that, after all. I'm not a kid, now. I'm almost grown up."
"Shit, I guess you are, aren't you." Tasuki frowned, brushing a finger against her cheek as he eyed her pensively. "Jin's death did that as much as anything, too, didn't it? Havin' to think things out for yourself. I guess I understand that…when Hakurou died, I felt somewhat the same. Jin was a good influence on you, kid – that's for sure. He taught you a lot of things I hadn't even realised that you knew. But I guess…you really ain't just the cub any more. With or without this Genbu magic you've picked up…it's time I stopped and realised that you're almost an adult. You're the same age now, more or less, as your Ma was the first time I met her. And you've got a bit of her stubborn spirit in you too, not just mine."
Shishi shrugged.
"I'm like you, but I'm not you." She said simply. "I'm my own kind of bandit. One day I'll be strong enough to wield your tessen, Papa – but it's not so important to me now as it was before all of this. I mean, I don't want you not to be there, and there are other important things in my life now too."
She tilted her head on one side, eying him thoughtfully.
"Will you come with me back to the village?" She asked. "I told them to make sure there was lunch waiting…and Chichiri did say to come as soon as possible. This Hyoushin guy of Aoi's is pretty badly injured – I don't think Chichiri thinks he'll survive, and I'm almost sure he wants to speak to you about it."
"Then I guess this time I'm going to lose my wits an' trust to your judgement on things." Tasuki said resignedly, reaching across to ruffle his fingers playfully through his daughter's thick wavy hair. "Your call on the soldier, kid – I'll respect it an' leave it at that. After all, if you really are Hikari's guardian, an' you really are grown enough to take on that kind of a responsibility…it's about time I listened to you as well, isn't it?"
He nodded, as if confirming his decision to himself.
"We'll go see what Chichiri wants." He added. "But Shishi, before we do…for the time bein' I don't think mentionin' this Genbu woman to your mother is a good idea. She was pretty worried about you goin' off the last time, after Jin's death in Sairou. Let's not freak her out any more than we have to, huh? I'm sure Chichiri'll help you figure it out, if he can…so let's keep it between us for the time bein'…okay?"
"Okay." Shishi looked relieved. "I'm glad you know, but I think you're right. Besides, you are involved in all of this too, even if Miaka-sama isn't here. We came back here to speak to you and Chichiri both about things…specifically about going to Kutou and being strong enough to face whatever's there. We all know that's where we have to be, next…but it's kinda daunting, thinkin' it through."
"No kidding." Tasuki murmured. "But if that's what Suzaku's decided…"
He shrugged his shoulders.
"Sometimes I think we're all puppets an' those Gods just like tweakin' the strings for their own amusement." He reflected. "But either way, it's not like there's a choice involved. If Genbu's spirit's locked into you then you'll come to understand that more an' more as time goes on, Shishi. It ain't the same, bein' tied to them."
He cast her a sidelong look.
"I want you to promise me to be careful, when you do go." He added. "You talkin' so casually about death an' sacrifice ain't somethin' a father wants to hear. I buried Jin an' that was hard enough…Shishi, the mountain can't lose you too. You understand? Your Ma'd never get over it, an' as for me…"
He trailed off, but from the look in his eyes, Shishi understood the unspoken message between them. She nodded, reaching over to squeeze his hand.
"I'm not going to be killed in Kutou." She said firmly. "So don't worry about me. Do-nee'll help me be strong enough, and I'll be fine. It's damn hard to kill Reikaku-zan's people, after all – and even more so members of the Kou family. I promise, Papa. I'll be all right."
"Then there's nothing more to do but go see what your crazy uncle wants with me this time." Tasuki sighed. "But your aunt's cookin' is as enticin' a motive as ever, and I'd better hear him out. Though if this Hyoushin guy is really that bad – Suzaku only knows what he expects me to do about it."
He spread his hands.
"Guess it won't be solved by wonderin' over it – Chichiri's brain works on another level to most people's anyway." He decided. "All right, kid. Lead the way. We're goin' down to join the party…an' to find out just exactly what the situation is!"