Sorry to make all of you wait. I need many time to translate it.

Before you read it, please understand that this only fanfiction. From this point, you will find many information that maybe a little hard, just try to not confuse. I don't have choice because many unanswered question in thecanon. I must answer it by myself. Without it, I would never finish this fanfic.

Hope you enjoy it, Guys ^^

As a gift to my loyal reader, start from this chapter I will add a quote from one character after title and spoiler in the last part.

Thank you to BuringBright222 to help fixed and changed some phrases in this chapter to make this fanfic flow better ^^

Let's start!


HONEST

"How much longer do I have?"

All the beds of the room were full. There were four people, one on each bed, lying down. The only one that awoke is Rio. His eyes are glazed over and staring at the ceiling. Lilith was watching his behavior. She wanted to ask him about the accident. She had been find them in the courtyard with severe wounds.

Lilith sighed. She walked around the room, watching over the other injured people like Rio. There was Genpachi, Kobungo and Sosuke. Genpachi had many bandages over his chest, head and hands, as well as Kobungo; Sosuke only on his stomach. The other that had been involved had only minor injuries, Shinobu on his right arm and Daikaku on his left cheek. Dosetsu and Hamaji had taken care of them.

Suddenly the door opened and a white-haired priest walked in.

"Did you finish helping them?" Fennegan smiled as usual.

"We've done our best, they just need rest now." Dosetsu gave his answer without looking at Fennegan. Dosetsu felt relieved that his experience as a doctor was useful now, it allowed him to treat everyone with deft skill. "Hamaji, could you give this medicine to Satome?"

"Fine." Hamaji took the small vial and rushed over to Rio.

Fennegan walked over to his sister, who was surly.

"You shouln't have such face." Fennegan told her. Lilith didn't care, she kept her eyes on Rio.

"Excuse me, Sir Fennegan," Shinobu said timidly, "How is Natsume?"

"He'll be fine. Ayane and Nachi are treating him well. Mystical creatures have strong bodies. They can heal themselves quickly, even in serious situations." Fennegan said.
"May I see him? I wanna stay beside Natsume."

"You'd better stay here."

Shinobu went silent. He wanted to see Natsume, and couldn't understand why this person was stopping him. Shinobu wanted to oppose, but Fennegan's glare made him cringe.

Fennegan walked towards one of the beds. He stood beside Hamaji and gave a friendly smile to the young man that being treated by her.

"It is hard to believe she has stolen the beads and the sacred beast from your family." He said quietly. Rio quickly got up. He give gestur to Hamaji that he was okay since she try to stop him. Rio locked his eyes with Fennegan.

"I-," Rio didn't finish the sentence. Something hard his left cheek and Rio fell to the floor.

A teenage boy with long hair and wearing a white kimono had just punched him.

"Shino!" Hamaji grabbed Shino around the waist from behind, hugging him close. "Stop!" she tried to stop him to launch the next punch, "Stop it Shino!"

"LET ME GO HAMAJI!" Shino struggled out from her grasp. Dosetsu ran over to help Hamaji. Together, they dragged Shino away from Rio.

Shino's actions had shocked everyone. Shinobu ran over and stood in front of Shino, using both his hands to hold the boy back.

Where did Shino get this strength? Shinobu wondered.

The three of them were, still, almost overwhelmed by holding Shino back. Shinobu felt something wrong when pushed Shino, but he couldn't get distracted. If he let his guard down, Shino would cause him to topple over.

"Let go of him, Children," Fennergan advised, "You're not going to hold him back."

No one listened. Hamaji, Dosestu, and Shinobu struggled to hold Shino back.

Rio wiped traces of blood off the corner of his mouth. He looked into Shino's green eyes. His eyes were filled with the intent to kill. Rio gently prodded the red mark on his cheek.

"RELEASE ME!" Along with that that shout, the tree people who had been hold him are thrown back. Dosetsu flew back to Lilith and both tumbled to the ground, while Shinobu just got thrown down and Hamaji hit the trolley with the medical supplies and knocked it over.

Shino, finally free, gritted his teeth and glared at Rio.

"Do what you want, I deserve it," Rio said, meeting Shino's eyes.

Once again, Rio felt a fist collide with his left cheek, but afterwards, Shion grabbed Rio's collar.

"Why did you keep this all to yourself all this time?" Their faces were inches apart. Rio could feel Shino's hot breath with every angry pant.

Rio stayed silent, not responding.

"Answer me. "Shino begged quietly.

"It has nothing to do with you." Rio said quietly. Rio knew he had given the wrong answer. Rio was slightly shocked as his body went up and was slammed into the floor. Shino was ready to land the next punch to Rio's face. Fortunately, Shinobu came from behind and locked Shino's arm back with both of his. Shino struggled and screamed at Rio.

"WHO DO YOU THINK I AM? I AM YOUR FRIEND! YOUR BROTHER! WHY DID YOU BEAR ALL THIS ALONE?"

Shino's voice echoed in the silent room. Kobungo, and Genpachi woke after hear Shino's scream.

"Why?" Shino said his voice suddenly weak. His head was down with his hair blocking his face. "Didn't we promise we'd face everything together? No matter how difficult, impossible, we would never leave one another behind?" Shino finally stopped struggling completely. Shinobu thought he could feel Shino's body shaking.

Shino was shaking, and crying. Tears fell off his face and landed on Rio; Rio who had a clear view of Shino's face. Slowly, Rio sat up and reached out to Shino's face.

SLAP

Rio pulled back his had. A red, blush like mark, appeared on his hand.

"Don't touch me." Shino growled. He took a deep breath. "Shinobu, could you release me? I promise I won't go on rampaging like now."

Shinobu release Shino. Shinobu knew he wouldn't have been able to hold Shino back much longer anyway.

Shino wiped his eyes as he stood up. Then, Shino turned to the balcony, walking briskly to the door. Shino opened the balcony door, and without turning back said, "I hate you." Everyone winced as the door slammed shut.


"Get off!" Lilith finally yelled at Dosetsu. Lilith look annoyed because Dosetsu was smiling while helping her up, and looking at her chest. Dosetsu immediately stood up, but kept his eyes on Lilith.

"You'll die if you touch me again." Lilith threatened.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything! I was just trying to help you up and make sure you weren't hurt!" Dosetsu tried to explain. Lilith didn't believe him. She looked away.

Why are women so difficult? Dosetsu wondered.

"What just happened?" Genpachi asked, trying to get up. Unfortunately, his wounds kept him lying down.

"Ouch! My body is aching." Kobungo moaned.

Meanwhile, Shinobu was helping Hamaji. He helped her into a chair. Dosetsu immediately rushed over to check his sister for bruises. Shinobu picked up the trolley and reorganized what had been on it.

Fennegan, who had been quiet for a while said some words that caught everyone's attention.

"It's time to tell them the truth. Shino was right. You need to tell them everything, from the BEGINNING." Fennegan put extra emphasis on 'beginning.'

Rio didn't respond. His attention was still on the door to the balcony.

After saying what he did, Fennegan got up and left the room. Lilith made to follow him, stopped and called Hamaji to follow her.

"I want to stay here." Hamaji firmly rejected.

"Listen to me, young lady. Only the guardians can hear this story. You must leave with me." Lilith's voice trembled with anger.

Dosetsu whispered into Hamaji's ear. Even though she felt reluctant, Hamaji left with Lilith. She gave her brother a nod as she left the room.

After the girls left, there were only the eight men in the room. Rio sighed and kept looking towards the balcony.

"Satomi?" Daikaku called to him. "Is there anything you have to tell us?"

"Is everyone awake?" Rio asked, shifting his weight.

"Sosuke nii-san is still asleep." Shinobu reported.

Rio looked into everyone's eyes one by one.

"From this moment on, you will hear something that may sound impossible." Rio limped to the couch in the room. "This is the truth. Please sit down as it may be long."

Rio sat on the couch alone. Dosetsu sat on the edge of Kobungo's bed, while Daikaku was on the edge of Genpachi's bed. Shinobu chose to sit on the couch with Rio.

You are all aware of the Fusehime and Tamazusa legends, correct?" Everyone nodded. They had heard it the day before from Shino.

"Well, the legends are true. It really happened. But, there is one thing not described in the legends. The two princesses were sisters. Fusehime and Tamazusa are twins."

"They're sisters?" Konbungo asked in shock, his jaw slack.

"It is no wonder they are so similar." Genpachi added.

"Impossible!" Shinobu said, scratching his head.

"What makes you sure about this?" Daikaku asked, looking unconvinced.

"Fusehime told me. Don't ask, just listen. You can think about it later." Rio looked at everyone for a long moment. "Let's continue…."


Meanwhile, one guardian stood on the balcony looking up to the stars.

"It's beautiful. Come see it Murasame!"

Murasame perched on the railing, face to face with his master, Shino. The crow nodded.
Shino smiled. He was happy he could watch his favorite objects in the sky again. Shino raised his hands, pretending to hold a star.

"They're too far away, right Murasame?" The crow nodded again. Shino looked annoyed.

"Murasame, you don't need to pretend anymore. I know everything." Shino held the white collar of his kimono he was wearing. Hamaji had given it to him because his original clothes were torn and covered in blood. Shino pulled his collar down and lifted his hair away from his back. There was something there, on his back. It looked like paint, but it was a black rose tattoo; the flowers shimmered as if they were alive.

"How much longer do I have?" Shino stared at Murasame. "Tell me the truth Murasame."

Murasame couldn't pretend again. He answered.

"I'm sorry. I don't have a choice. Tamazusa has been killing for years. If I didn't change your body, you would have…"

"Thank you." Shino smiled at the crow, "You kept my body very well."

"I can't freeze the process again. The woman's curse has already reawakened. You will…" Murasame couldn't' finish his sentence. Shino finished it though.

"I'll disappear, right?" Shino's resolve was solid. He held no sadness in his voice. He fixed his collar and dropped his hair. Then, Shino looked to the stars again.

"You know, Murasame? I don't care. I remembered everything when I returned to this body. My past, my life, my purpose and most importantly…" Shino paused, "…a promise. My promise to hime-sama.

As my promise to you, I will protect your son until the end."


Rio continued.

"They were special. They were born with Holy Power. Both Fusehime and Tamazusa became priestesses and they dedicated their lives to helping people. They repelled and destroyed evil demons, purified the temple, and healed many people. Everyone loved them. The Satomi family became well known and loved by the villagers.

"One day, something changed their lives forever. All of the demons they had beaten came back together for revenge. The twins were overwhelmed dealing with the demons. They almost lost, but a man appeared before them. He turned into a giant white dog. Apparently he was a youkai. Thanks to his help, Fusehime and Tamazusa were able to beat back the demons again.

"As a sign of gratitude, the Satomi family allowed the man to live with them. Unfortunately, that was the wrong decision. The youkai was able to steal away the hearts of both Fusehime and Tamazusa while he lived with them. He expressed his intention to marry one of the sisters. Their father however was angry. He rejected the youkai's request and sent him away.

"Tamazusa followed the youkai. They were married and lived together in the forest.

"When he found out, the father ordered all of his family members to find Tamazusa. He couldn't forgive Tamazusa of the dishonor she had brought upon the family. He gave the order to finish off his daughter and her husband and any children." Rio paused. He sighed. Everyone was shocked. Kill? They shouted mentally, How can a father be so heartless to his own daughter?

"And so they did, "Rio continued, "Tamazusa managed to escape. Fusehime, who was also seeking for her sister and the youkai, with good intentions, found the man still alive. She took him to a cave on the edge of the forest, determined to hide him from her family. She healed the youkai's wounds. She still loved him, even though she restricted her feelings when her sister ran off with him.

"The man was conscious, and as he woke, he gazed upon Fusehime's face. He realized her feelings. He then hugged her and apologized about his inability to be with her. Fusehime told him that she didn't care, she just wanted him to be happy, even if it broke her own heart.

"A few days later, Tamazusa returned for revenge. Her Holy Power had turned into Dark Power because of her hatred to her family for killing her beloved and child. With the help of evil demons, Tamazusa succeeded in killing most of her family, including her father who had first ordered her own death.

"Tamazusa cornered Fusehime and her eight guardians. As Tamazusa was about to strike the final attack, a giant white wolf jumped in the way and saved Fusehime.

"Tamazusa was shocked. Her beloved husband was alive, but protecting another woman, her own twin sister. She couldn't believe it. In shock, Tamazusa let her guard down. Fusehime and the youkai used this chance to strike back. Combining their power, the youkai and Fusehime sealed Tamazusa into Fusehime's body. The twin sisters were now one.

"They had won the battle. But the payment was high. The seal needed energy. The energy of life. The seal absorbed the youkai's and six of the guardian's lives. Those men turned into ash.

"Fusehime cried for them. It was not long before she realized the terrible fact that something was wrong. Her entire body was full of light. It was then Fusehime realized what had happened.

"She was pregnant. Her baby had prevented the complete fusion. The seal was going to be undone.

"Fusehime begged the remaining guardians to fight back against Tamazusa in the future. She also asked the guardians to take care of her son because she was dying and would not be able to be with him. With the last of her strength, Fusehime made the reincarnation of her guardians in the form of eight beads and spread them across the lands.

"After doing that, Fusehime make her baby get out from her body. She kissed him and send the baby go to a safe place.

"Then the seal was undone and Fusehime turned into ashes." Rio exhaled slowly as he finished his story.

Everyone was at a lost for words, but Rio still had more to say.

"The boy is still alive. One of the guardians managed to find him. He told him to hide in the church with another guardian. After five years, he was called to help find all the beads and their owners.

"I am that guardian. My bead is DUTY. During this time I disguised him as one of us. The child's name is Sosuke."

To be continued


Next chapter: Purpose

Spoiler

a. Hamaji furor.

b. How they are lose in the last battle?

c. The legend of monster.

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