Chapter Eleven

The central courtyard of the palace was quiet as Kikei emerged from his quarters, making the short walk across the Imperial complex to the chamber where he knew his Emperor would most likely have secluded himself, working over the suggestions and requests that had been put to him in the morning's council hearings.

As he headed up the steps that led to the Emperor's own private area, he bowed his head towards the guards on duty, offering them a slight smile as he did so.

"Kintsusei-sama is within, I trust? I bring him urgent word and it cannot be delayed."

"Yes, Kikei-sama. I will inform him of your presence, if you would be so good as to wait." The guard nodded, bowing respectfully before withdrawing to carry out his duty. Kikei pursed his lips, his beady gaze flitting across to the other man standing guard outside the Imperial study.

"I have an errand for you also, when your comrade returns." He said softly. "If it is not too much trouble to do the duty of a mere Priest of Seiryuu's Shrine."

"I am sworn to obey those loyal to the Emperor Kintsusei, Kikei-sama." The guard, a young man of no more than sixteen looked startled at being so singled out. "Of course I will obey your command."

"You are a good man, then." Kikei reflected. "Let me ask you something - are you acquainted with the soldier Hei Kayu?"

"Kayu-nii?" The boy stared, then nodded his head. "Yes, sir. I am, sir. Sometimes he's trained with us, before going on the Emperor's business."

"That is what I hoped." Kikei looked approving. "Very well, then you are suitable to help me in this matter. I would like you to go to the barracks and locate Kayu for me. Instruct him to wait for me in the shrine of Seiryuu - I will be with him as soon as I have conducted my business with the Emperor. As you well know, such Imperial business must take precedence - but I need to speak with him on a matter of some urgency."

"Yes, sir." The soldier nodded, saluting as he did so. "I understand and I will do as you say."

"Good." Kikei's thin lips broke into a wide smile. "You will go far, with an attitude such as that."

"Kikei-sama, the Emperor will see you now." The first guard returned at that moment, bowing respectfully towards the Priest as he did so. "He says you should go right ahead and enter, if it is a matter of such importance."

"Thank you." Kikei acknowledged the gesture with a nod of his own head. "I am indebted to you both."

With that he swept past them and into the Emperor's private annexe, inwardly thinking how easy it was to manipulate gullible young men when under the apparent favour of the current ruling lord.

"Outside of the capital, Kintsusei-sama's hold is less steady, as my machinations have proven." He mused, rubbing his beard pensively as he did so. "But here, at least, there is nothing but loyalty to his Imperial status. At least, outwardly. But till now, Hyoushin has always been here to intervene and tackle those who dared to stray. Now that is no longer the case...I wonder if we shall see the true colours of other ambitious men. Fools, if they wish to put themselves so at risk. This has always been my stronghold, after all. And so long as the Emperor trusts me, I have no need to take drastic action."

"Kikei."

At that moment, he entered the Imperial study, bowing before the younger man as he did so.

"Kintsusei-sama - thank you for seeing me at such short notice." He said softly.

"To be truthful, it is pleasant simply to see the face of someone I can trust." Kintsusei sighed, and as Kikei raised his head, he observed the weary, agitated expression on his Emperor's face. "Truly, Kikei, I feel like I have never been quite so stretched in so many directions. This morning, I learnt that redeployment in the Southern province is proving difficult. The rebel leaders were, I thought, caught and dealt with - but it appears they were just a splinter of the main operation. The insurrection has begun to spread westwards, and I am concerned that it will break over the border into other provinces. Yet when my men ask what I can do about it, I have no answer for them. I feel I am failing their expectations."

"Take courage, my Lord." Kikei shook his head. "Kutou has always been a difficult country to appease and you have done more than your best over the time I have watched you rule. You should not take it so to heart - the men here all know that this country is the most important thing to you."

"But they look to me for guidance." Kintsusei rubbed his temples, as the Priest came fully into the chamber, closing the door behind him. "And all I can think of is the disappearance of three of my men and the uncertainty that faces me now."

He shook his head as if to clear it, then raised his gaze to meet Kikei's.

"But you had urgent business with me." He added. "And I am taking up that time with my complaining. I apologise, Kikei. Please, lay before your Emperor whatever it is you have to say."

"I fear to trouble you when your spirits are already so at odds." Kikei schooled his features into an expression of regret. "But following our previous conversation, I have discovered some news which may cause your Highness further distress."

"Distress?" Kintsusei demanded sharply. "What news? Tell me, Kikei - do not conceal information from your King - whatever it is, I must know!"

Kikei hesitated for a moment, gauging the anxiety that burned deep in his companion's dark eyes. Then he nodded his head slowly, bringing his hands together in a gesture of prayer as he did so.

"I have received news from the South." He said softly. "It is now quite definite that Hyoushin - and most likely Maichu as well - have headed in that direction. From what I understand, they headed there with some purpose...in search of something or someone based on information that we have not been given."

"South..." Kintsusei's eyes narrowed. "To find Aoiketsu, maybe?"

"I do not know, sire." Kikei lied, spreading his hands. "But it would seem that Kayu's observations of treason are starting to bear out. Toroki is a powerful prophet and her visions come true."

"I won't believe it." Kintsusei got to his feet, pacing across his study to the window as he gazed out across the palace complex. "Hyoushin may be Meihi-born, Kikei, and he may not be like other people in his manner or his expression. But he is a good man. An honest man. And I trust in him. Whatever his reasons for going South - I don't understand what they are. But I will not believe him capable of treason. Of all men in my company...I could not ever imagine him betraying me."

Kikei sighed, registering the tension in his master's demeanour as he did so.

"Then the final report I have received will trouble you yet further." He said quietly. "Kintsusei-sama, it would seem that Hyoushin reached the south-west of Kounan, with Maichu in his company. From there, the boy has disappeared - I have no knowledge of his whereabouts, nor any indication that either he or Aoiketsu are still even alive. However, what I do know for certain is that Hyoushin himself seems to have fallen foul of mountain bandits. The men of Reikaku-zan are fearsome when antagonised, and they are also protectors of Suzaku's relic. I believe it was this that Hyoushin sought when he went there...and he paid the price for it."

"No!" Kintsusei turned sharply, staring at his Priest in horror and dismay. "Kikei, speak plainly - you're not trying to tell me that Hyoushin is...?"

"Killed by the bandits of the south, so it would seem." Kikei's expression became grieved as he nodded his head. "Yes, sire. I...it pains me to bring you this news. But there seems to be no mistake. He was struck down in the south west. I am sorry, Sire. It seems it will now be impossible to bring him before your court in order to discover his true motives."

He flickered his fingers together in a gesture of reverence for a passed soul.

"He must face a different judge now, and explain to him instead." he added devoutly. "He has gone beyond our reach, Heika."

"No..." A strange expression crossed Kintsusei's features, and for a moment Kikei thought that the shock had proven too much for his king to comprehend. Then the man's eyes hardened, and slowly he shook his head.

"This act cannot be forgiven." He said quietly, an uncharacteristic coldness to his words as he turned a resolute gaze on his companion. "If you speak true, Kikei, then this act is beyond justification. Whether he be a traitor or a friend is my duty to judge, not the duty of foreigners in the South...I will not forget this so easily."

"Sire, war with Kounan is something we can ill afford." Kikei cautioned, and Kintsusei nodded.

"This I understand." He said flatly. "But even so, I will not let the South prevent us from achieving peace for Kutou. They can spill his blood, but they cannot kill the ideals that Hyoushin always lived by. Kikei, this is my will. We will retrieve the Shinzahou and the relic from the South - by force, if it is necessary. We will do what it takes to overcome them. I will not play games any longer."

His eyes narrowed.

"Send men to the South, on my order." he added softly. "You may ask Kayu to lead them, since he seems to be the most competent and loyal soldier I have remaining. Send him to find Suzaku no Shinzahou and the relic of Hisei. This is my command."

"On that matter, sire, I have some less unpleasant information." Kikei could barely keep the glee out of his tones as he acknowledged his King's words. "My agents in the south have revealed to me that the girl - Sukunami Hikari - has a direct connection to Suzaku's Shinzahou. It seems the word came from Aoiketsu originally - before his disappearance into the Southern wilderness. What her connection is, I am not entirely sure - but if we were to bring the girl here, surely then we could elicit that information from her and discover what we need to know. I have the impression that she keeps the treasure with her."

"Hyoushin said something to that end." A faint flicker of remembrance flared in the Emperor's dark eyes. "That when they were in Sairou, Suiko sensed Suzaku's Shinzahou in a place it should not have been."

He nodded briskly.

"Very well." He agreed. "Send Kayu and tell him to bring this girl to me...to Kutou. Tell him also to find Shi Maichu and Kaiga Aoiketsu. If they live, I want them returned to Kutou. If you are correct, and this information was truly from Aoiketsu, he may be in grave danger. I will not have more blood spilt if I can prevent it."

"Yes, sire. I understand." Kikei agreed gravely. "I will do as you ask. I will speak to Kayu immediately, and have him leave for the South...I trust he will prove successful."

"I believe in him. And in you." A faint, sad smile touched Kintsusei's lips. "Don't let me down, Kikei. I have noone else to place my faith in now, after all."

"Yes, sire." Kikei bowed his head. "As you wish. If you will excuse me, then, I will go and carry out your instructions at once."

"Do so." Kintsusei agreed. "And Kikei?"

"Yes sir?"

"If you locate the identity of the bandits who slew Hyoushin...I would also like to see them before my court." Kintsusei's eyes glittered with something that Kikei had never seen there before. "I would like to pass justice on the men who took his life."

"Hyoushin may have been a traitor, my Lord...is that necessary?"

"I do not believe that, even if others do." Kintsusei said firmly. "Whatever he was doing in the South, I believe in his motives. And I will avenge him somehow, Kikei. I must."

"As Emperor, is such an act wise?"

"This is not an act as Emperor." Kintsusei shook his head. "It is an act as his friend. I promised him freedom and life and he has never let me down. Yet I have thrown his life away in the pursuit of my own goals, and I cannot accept that. I must have something...some kind of closure..."

He sighed, looking suddenly tired.

"It may be partisan, but I must." He murmured. "Humour me in this, Kikei. Hyoushin was more than a servant to me. He was my friend...and an Emperor has few chances to form those kinds of alliances."

"I understand, Heika." Kikei pursed his lips, then nodded. "I will pass on that command as well. You can have faith in me - I will not let you down."

With that he withdrew, pausing briefly outside the chamber to reflect on the conversation.

"I saw pure hate in his gaze, then." He reflected. "Hyoushin's death...affected him that badly? But maybe I was right all along - that that Meihi's interference has made a soft, indulgent man of our King. To act with decisiveness and ruthlessness is sometimes the duty of a leader...but it is also concerning. If he begins to discover his own power in this way, he may yet be an obstacle to my ends. To kill the last surviving heir to the royal family is a risk - too much of one, at present - but I must be careful. I underestimated his ties to that ghost of a man...that he would seek so particularly to avenge his death. I should have known that I'd never make him believe Hyoushin was a traitor. But either way, such things are unimportant now."

He folded his hands in the sleeves of his gown, making his way serenely back towards the seclusion of the shrine.

"Hyoushin is dead." He murmured. "And there's no changing that, no matter how much he'd like to. Dead men don't speak, after all."

"Kikei-sama!"

As he entered the holy place, he found Kayu waiting for him, an anxious expression on his young face, and at the sight of him, the Priest smiled.

"You needn't look afraid, boy. You're not in trouble." He said gently. "On the contrary...your Emperor has given you instruction, through me, to do something important on his behalf."

"The Emperor?" Kayu visibly relaxed, his eyes widening in surprise as he digested this. "For me? In particular?"

"Yes." Kikei agreed. "He wishes you to lead a party of men into the south, in search of Suzaku's treasures."

"Me..?" Kayu's eyes almost fell out of his head. "Lead the party?"

"The Emperor's exact words were - 'You may ask Kayu to lead them, since he seems to be the most competent and loyal soldier I have remaining'." Kikei agreed. "He has great faith in you, Kayu-kun - as do I. You are to leave as soon as possible, with men of your own choosing."

"Men of my..." Kayu faltered, then he seemed to gather his wits, nodding his head.

"I understand." He said softly. "If the Emperor commands it, I will obey."

"Good boy." Kikei's expression broke into a broad smile and he patted Kayu warmly on the shoulder. "You make me so very proud, my lad - you know that, don't you? Doing these things for Kutou even in the sight of such adversity."

"I'm a soldier." Kayu said firmly. "I can handle it, if it's in Kintsusei-sama's name. That's what I'm trained to do, after all."

"Indeed." Kikei's eyes narrowed thoughtfully for a moment, then he made up his mind. "Listen, my boy...this information is for you and you alone. You will be going into dangerous territory, after all - and I don't want you to go there unprepared."

"Unprepared?" Kayu repeated, and Kikei nodded.

"The people in the south are sneaky." He agreed. "In the past few days I've done all I can to find information from that region, and I've learnt a few things that are disturbing. Beginning with the progress of your former Commander."

"Hyoushin-sama." Kayu breathed, and Kikei offered him a sympathetic smile.

"It troubles you, the idea of his treason, doesn't it?" He asked gently, and Kayu nodded.

"Yes." He admitted. "I trusted in him. We all did. And now he's taken Maichu off too. Maichu's an idiot and he wouldn't see all the implications...he can't have a clue what he's involved in."

"That is what I wanted to mention to you." Kikei said quietly. "It seems that Hyoushin - and probably Maichu - headed in the direction of the mountain that conceals Suzaku's relic Hisei. You've been to that location, so I know I can trust you to check the region with thoroughness. But it isn't just the relic I want you to find. I want you to locate the boy, Maichu, and also your other comrade Aoiketsu. As you say, Maichu may well have been coerced - and Aoiketsu is probably ignorant of the things that have gone on in his absence. You are their friend - I believe of all people you can convince them of the best course of action."

"I see." Kayu looked thoughtful. "Yes, maybe you're right. I mean, Maichu's a dolt, but Aoi isn't. And he wouldn't know any of this stuff - he was in Kounan when everything happened in Hokkan. If Hyoushin-sama reached him before we did..."

"The Emperor has already dispatched agents to take care of that problem." Kikei said evenly, and Kayu started, staring at him in surprise.

"Take care of...?"

"At first, Kintsusei-sama wished to be merciful to one he believed was a friend." Kikei said regretfully. "And so he merely exiled him. But it seems that Hyoushin's continued actions became a threat. The girl that you were sent to spy on - Sukunami Hikari - is the guardian of the Shinzahou. Such information appears to have filtered through from Aoiketsu to Hyoushin at some point, and there is no doubt in my mind that it is she Hyoushin sought when he travelled so determinedly south. That being the case, it seems he seeks Suzaku's power to threaten the Emperor. Kintsusei-sama has therefore been forced to dispatch agents to remove him from the scene. Messy and unpleasant as the business is - as Emperor, he has had no choice."

"Agents...to kill the Commander?"

"Kayu, he is no longer your Commander."

"I know." Kayu reddened. "Sorry. It's just...hard to take in."

"I know." Kikei said sympathetically. "But as a soldier, I know you understand sometimes such things are necessary. If Hyoushin was to gather the aid of the South, the power of Suzaku...do you realise what kind of a war we might face, then? He had to be eradicated...for the sake of the East, there was no other option. Hyoushin made his choice to betray his Emperor...and there is only one fate for traitors, after all."

"Yes, there is." Kayu frowned, his brows knitting together. "I see. Then I suppose if I see him, that means..."

"I think it unlikely that you will." Kikei said quietly. "I have already received word of his death. The deed has been carried out, Kayu - a man who is marked for death by the Emperor of Kutou does not live long beyond the giving of the order."

Kayu sighed heavily, shaking his head as if to clear it.

"And Maichu and Aoi?" He asked softly. "If they won't come with me...what about them?"

"The Emperor wishes to speak to them." Kikei said evenly. "So you must find a way to convince them. Without their Commander, I don't expect they'll put up much of a fight. You are their comrade, after all. And they are both men loyal to the Emperor."

"So my task is to find Sukunami Hikari, find Aoi and Maichu, and search for the relic of Hisei?" Kayu asked. Kikei nodded.

"That is your Emperor's command." He agreed. "The bandits of Reikaku-zan are fierce, but they are not military folk. You should easily be able to retrieve the things you need. But Kayu, this information about Hyoushin...is confidential. As is our talk regarding Maichu and Aoi. If they can be brought back to Kutou, it will be more difficult if everyone thinks they have somehow betrayed their King. After all, Aoiketsu has merely been operating on the orders he was given before all of this erupted. And Maichu...as you said, Maichu is a fool."

"Yes, he is." Kayu said ruefully. "But of all people, I guess I might be able to talk him round. I'll try, anyhow. But it's okay, Kikei-sama. I understand what you - and Kintsusei-sama - expect of me. I won't let you down and I won't come back to Kutou without finding the things you need. The girl and the relic and any information on the Shinzahou...you have my word."

"Good." Kikei smiled. "Then go, Kayu, and make Kutou proud. After all, there is still a lot to be done before we can await the arrival of Seiryuu no Miko."

Things were becoming worse.

Chichiri stepped out of the front door of the farm house, pausing for a moment to gather his wits as he reflected on the morning's events. Since the arrival of the injured Meihi into his home, he had been engaged in a losing battle to steady the man's fever and bring him back to consciousness, but despite everything he had tried, Hyoushin's temperature had continued to rise steadily, and he had shown no sign of waking up from his stupor.

"Alive he may be, but slipping away." He murmured aloud to himself, glancing down at his hands with a mixture of anger and frustration. "I'm just not cut out to be a healer in this kind of way. It's beyond my capabilities to save this man - I don't know enough. If only Mitsukake were here...but that option is closed to us too. Dammit, I don't want to watch Hyoushin die...even if he is from Kutou, he's still a human being and he's still suffering. And I can't stop that suffering...no matter what I do, nothing seems to work."

"Yo, Chichiri!"

A yell from the path ahead jerked him from his thoughts and he raised his gaze, seeing Tasuki sauntering along the dirt trackway, a resolute Shishi in tow. At the sight of them relief flickered in his heart, although deep down he knew that it was unlikely that Tasuki could do any more for the injured man than he could.

"But even so, I'm glad he's here." He reflected, as he raised a hand to greet them. "And in good time, too."

"So what have you gotten yourself wrapped up in this time, huh?" As he reached the house, Tasuki sent Chichiri a searching look, and the sorcerer knew his wolfish friend had seen the weariness in his ruby gaze. "The cub says you wanted me...that you're takin' in strays from Kutou, now. That's how it is, huh?"

"In a manner of speaking." Chichiri nodded. "You've come quickly, you know...I'm glad of that. I want to talk to you...and I don't think we have a lot of time."

His gaze flitted to Shishi, offering her a tired smile.

"Thank you, Shishi-chan." He murmured. "Hikari and the others are outside, at the back of the farm. They've been waiting for you - and I'd like to speak to your father alone for a while, please."

"Sure thing." Shishi nodded, and something in her reaction told Chichiri that she was more than a little bit relieved to escape from her father's immediate attention. "I'll go find them - and some food, cos I'm starving!"

She grinned at her uncle, then darted off in the direction he had indicated, red hair flying all ways as she vaulted over the hedgerow and disappeared.

"She could use paths and gates instead of treating the place like an assault course." Chichiri observed absently. "Sometimes she really reminds me of you, Tasuki-kun."

"Me too." Tasuki admitted ruefully, rubbing his chin as he contemplated this. "But this isn't why you called me here, is it? This has somethin' to do with your waif an' stray. Let me get it straight - this guy you've taken in all of a sudden is Aoiketsu's Commander from Kutou? The guy who ordered the kid to come here an' spy on us in the first place?"

"Yes, I imagine so." Chichiri agreed. "But that's not really important to me right now. Tasuki, walk up to the stream with me, will you? I don't want to go far from the house, but I don't want Aoiketsu or the others to hear our conversation."

"All right." Tasuki looked startled, but he shrugged, nodding his head as he fell into step with his friend. "Lead the way. Your ideas are often bizarre but they usually work for you. What's on your mind this time around?"

"Hyoushin - Aoi's Commander - was attacked in the forest outside of the village by the man who killed Jin." Chichiri said slowly, and Tasuki nodded, anger glittering in his bronze eyes.

"Shishi told me that." He agreed. "What about it?"

"Well, whatever poison he used on Jin, this time it's not the same." Chichiri sighed. "But even so, Tasuki...I don't know how to cure it. He's still alive...but he's getting worse, and I don't know what to do about it."

"An' now you're asking me?" Tasuki stared. "Shit, you are desperate! What the hell do you think I know about curin' people? You were the one who Mitsukake babbled most of his theories to. Not me...and even if he had, I wouldn't have remembered them. Facts an' figures ain't my thing - I'm an action kind of guy, an' we both know it."

"Yes, I know." Chichiri acknowledged. "But I...I suppose I did have one...thought about it."

He glanced at his hands.

"Last night Myoume and I had a conversation - about Hikari, Aoi and Hyoushin...about all kinds of things." He said softly. "She said that she thought she was wrong originally about Hyoushin's involvement in the unrest in the East...and I think that it's more than likely he's not our enemy at all. He's just a man loyal to his Emperor...a man who was charged with raising Aoiketsu to believe in Kutou. Aoi isn't a bad youngster, Tasuki - noone who taught him the values he has could be the kind of man to cause all of this devastation that both Toroki and Hikari are predicting."

"So what about it?" Tasuki's eyes narrowed. "This has somethin' to do with our Shinzahou as well, I'm guessin'? An' the fact my daughter's suddenly gone makin' deals with Genbu's lackeys in order to better protect her?"

"Shishi..." Chichi murmured, then he nodded. "Myoume mentioned something in passing about that." He responded. "But it's not so much about Suzaku no Shinzahou. Not at the moment. Last night Myoume made a suggestion and the more I think on it, the more I think she's right. Hikari's Suzaku's treasure but she's not just that. She's from the other world and she's not here to save Kounan. She's Seiryuu no Miko."

"Seiryuu no..." Tasuki's eyes widened. "Shit, are you for real?"

"Completely, you know." Chichiri agreed, sinking down onto the grass as they reached the serene banks of the nearby stream. Tasuki hesitated for a moment, then dropped down next to his friend, his expression one of consternation.

"So Tama's kid is here to protect Kutou?" He demanded. "What the hell's with that? She's one of ours, ain't she? She's Suzaku's Shinzahou...Miaka an' Tama's baby...why is she Seiryuu's Miko all of a sudden?"

"Because she is." Chichiri said simply. "It's quite brilliant, really...if you stop and think about it. Tasuki, Kounan and Kutou have never really repaired their relationship since the war. Can you think of a better way to do that than to make one of Suzaku's people a vessel for Seiryuu's protective magic, too? The Gods intended for Kutou to reach out to Kounan for help - and that's what's begun to happen. We've been slow, and so have they. But Hyoushin and Maichu's arrival in Kounan seem to be exactly as Seiryuu and Suzaku wanted it. Even if the palace in Kutou haven't realised it yet...they've come to find the one who can save their land. Our Shinzahou - Sukunami Hikari."

"Shit." Tasuki fell silent for a moment. "Then that kid I had on the mountain...the one Shishi let loose...he's on our side? Or are we on their side? Or are there no sides at all? Or...explain a bit more clearly, will ya? I'm startin' to get confused."

"You're not the only one." Chichiri admitted. "But Myoume believes that it's none of it coincidence. That Hyoushin survived the war and wound up raising Nakago's son like he did - training him and so on - this was all part of the plan. And she's always maintained that Aoi's destiny was to protect Suzaku no Shinzahou. It doesn't make sense...unless Suzaku's Shinzahou is Seiryuu's Miko. And then...then he's taking on his father's mantle and doing what Nakago couldn't do. He's become a replacement for the Seishi that can't be reborn until the legend surrounding Kutou is properly concluded. Equally, Hikari's making allies of Myoume and your Shishi...that's no accident either. We already knew that Shishi was the one who found Hikari, when she first came here. Shishi also brought her back to Kounan. They've a very strong bond too. And Myoume said that Shishi has Genbu's mage - that she received the relic because of something you did seven years ago...when you saved someone's life in Souun."

"She said that too." Tasuki sat back against the trunk of a nearby tree, letting out his breath in a rush. "So all of that...it's all been buildin' little by little to this? That we've been innocently livin' our lives in a way that meant Seiryuu no Miko would appear...in Kounan, not Kutou...because in Kounan there were people who'd teach her an' protect her? That Seiryuu knows his country's full of nutjobs because they already messed up the legend once over there...so this time he's got a bit of help from his ol' buddy Suzaku an' dragged us into Kutou's legend?"

"Yes. Basically." Chichiri agreed. "You've got the gist of it."

"That's messed up, you know."

"Perhaps. But like I said, it's also brilliant." Chichiri smiled slightly. "Except that it's taken this long for us to figure it all out. And that's why I want to save Hyoushin's life, Tasuki. If he and Maichu have come to Kounan to find salvation for Kutou...as Maichu more or less intimated to Aoi...then his death could be a major setback for all of us."

"How so?" Tasuki frowned. "Not that I want that bastard Miramu to take another life, but how does it affect us specifically if this Hyoushin dies? He's just a military officer - right?"

"It's true that he's just one person, and not a divinely blessed one." Chichiri agreed. "But from what Myoume and Aoi have both said, I'm pretty sure he's the only one who might be able to reach the Emperor of Kutou and talk him around to seeing the truth without further bloodshed. At worst, we could wind up with a war breaking out between our countries. If they find out Seiryuu no Miko is here, they might think we're witholding her. Right now, there's a lot of uncertainty in Kutou. Aoi's told me about a man of Hin heritage who has a lot of power there - the man who gives that assassin his orders, and probably who ordered Hyoushin's death too. That's our true enemy. But if Hyoushin really does have the Emperor's trust...he might be the one who can broach relations between us and them. And for Seiryuu no Miko to go safely to Kutou and raise the God...we need all the help we can get."

"All right. I guess I'm with you." Tasuki frowned, his brows knitting together. "A Hin, huh? Like Nakago?"

"So it seems."

"They're a pretty messed up lot, ain't they?"

"I'm not sure it's about the tribe, you know." Chichiri looked thoughtful. "Aoiketsu's one too, by his father's blood...but I think he's turned out quite well."

He sighed.

"But right now our immediate problem is that Hyoushin's been poisoned by an experienced assassin who probably took all precautions in case he was interrupted mid-assault." He added. "And I don't know what I'm dealing with. Myoume's with him now - her people are apothecaries, so she knows bits and pieces and I wanted to come wait for you. But even so, it probably doesn't matter. I don't know how to save him...little by little he's slipping away."

"Then there's not a lot to be done, is there?" Tasuki grimaced. "All very well you sayin' he's important an' on our side an' all, but we're not capable of Mitsukake's healin' magic."

"I wondered what might happen if we combined our strength." Chichiri eyed him hopefully, and Tasuki snorted, shaking his head.

"Don't be an idiot." He said bluntly. "This ain't a byouma, an' this Meihi guy ain't a Seishi. It's not the same thing, Chichiri - it's poison, right? Pure an' simple. No amount of Suzaku chi can drive that out of someone...we both know that."

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Mitsukake might've been able to do it." He admitted. "But as I said, neither of us is him. You've got a lot of spells up your sleeve, Chichiri, but curin' poison ain't one of them. An' even if we could somehow drive the toxin out, he'd never survive an onslaught of your chi an' mine. We're stronger than ordinary people. Jus' because you an' Hotohori-sama drove a byouma out o' me years ago...this isn't the same. It'd kill him...or don't you know your own strength? You damn near killed me...if I hadn't been Tasuki, I'd probably have been done for."

"I know." Chichiri admitted unwillingly, burying his head in his hands as he nodded. "It was a desperate question, but you're right. I just...I'm out of options. He keeps getting weaker, and I feel helpless."

"You don't haveta tell me about that feelin'." Tasuki said quietly, and Chichiri knew he was thinking about his adoptive son. "But sometimes shit happens. An' those of us who're left have to pick up the bits an' push it on. Hyoushin came South lookin' for Seiryuu no Miko - but he didn't come here alone, right? The kid came with him. All the things we need to know, that kid probably knows. An' sure, maybe we can't talk to the Emperor of Kutou quite so easily, but that was never goin' to be so simple in the first place."

He got to his feet, reaching out a hand to haul his friend up.

"If the Meihi dies, we'll avenge him." He added. "Like Jin - I don't mind. For now, jus' make it easier on the poor guy...so he ain't gonna suffer through it. There were people even Mitsukake couldn't save, after all. Don't take it so hard if there's one you can't, either."

Chichiri eyed his friend for a moment. Then he smiled sadly, a sheepish look glittering in his ruby eye as he allowed his companion to pull him to his feet.

"True as that might be, it's hollow." He admitted. "But I'll carry on doing what I can. Meantime, Maichu's told Aoiketsu most things, and I think he'll open up more to the girls, too, now he realises Aoi trusts them. I'm worried for his safety too, to tell the truth. Myoume predicted something bad to happen to him in Kounan, so I'm worried the assassin might come back."

"If he does, he'll find a tessen waitin' for him." Tasuki said grimly, brushing his fingers against the edge of the harisen as he did so. "I ain't kidding...he'd better not even think about comin' near this place again."

"I feel the same way." Chichiri assured him. "And Myoume's senses are quite sharp...she picked him up this time and because she did, we at least were able to bring Hyoushin back here alive. If he wakes up, perhaps he can tell us something himself...I guess we should be thankful for small mercies in times like this."

"Chichiri...about Shishi..." Tasuki hesitated, then he sighed. "About this Genbu dame she's become all buddy-buddy with...do you think it's okay?"

"Myoume said that Shishi had woken the mage because of blood from the Seishi Urumiya, and that the spirit had taken a liking to Shishi right away." Chichiri said thoughtfully. "That they'd established a connection, but that Doryoku - Genbu's mage - didn't seem hostile or dangerous. I think you have to let the cub handle this one her way, Tasuki-kun. The truth is, she's been looking for her strength and losing Jin took its toll on her. She couldn't prevent that. But now...now she's having to grow up and accept that there's a reason he died and she didn't. This seems to be it. Your daughter's as strong as you are, you know...she'll be fine."

"I guess I know that." Tasuki pursed his lips. "All right. I told her already I'd trust her an' go with it, although I ain't sure if I like it. Still...if that's how it is, I guess...there's nothing to be done about it, huh?"

"If it can help her protect Hikari, then it's not a bad thing." Chichiri reflected. "And that's her job, whether you like it or not. That's clear now...Shishi has to go with Hikari places because of that fact. And so she'll go to Kutou, too - better she has some way of defending herself, don't you think?"

"Yes, I suppose so." Tasuki agreed at length.

"When I'm less preoccupied, Tasuki-kun, I promise to sit Shishi down and talk to her about this." Chichiri said softly. "Help her, if I can, to manage what she's acquired. But I'm not worried about her. She's doing what we all do when it comes to protecting a Miko, that;s all. Of all people we understand that better than most."

"That's why it worries me." Tasuki admitted. "Because I know what it means. She ain't a Seishi, even if she has been singled out for this. An' bein' a Miko's protector can mean bein' a sacrifice. Jin...I already buried Jin. I can't bury Shishi too."

"Have some faith in her, huh?" Chichiri chided gently. "I do. I think she's stronger now than she's ever been, and more grown up, too. Your cub's almost a full grown lion, now. And you have to let her do what she needs to do. This is her task, after all. Not ours."

"I know." Tasuki sighed. "All right. I got it. I ain't gonna try an' intervene. I just...this is turnin' out to be a pretty dangerous game we're all involved in...an' it's probably gonna get more so, too. I jus' hope that this time when the smoke clears an' the dust settles...the price of freedom an' peace won't have been too high."