Hey they're all. I am so excited to get to this story underway and I know that I might have missed stepped this story but I assure you that it is because I have been very busy in preparation for my last months of my apprenticeship. I am having some time off at the moment so just bear with me and I will get it out as soon as I can. You won't be disappointed.

So previously on Leave it to Fate; The mysterious Nagas, Takashi has a premonition about Youko and the end of the world. He flies to the Kingdom of Kei to warn her but what will he find once he gets there.

Twelve Kingdoms does not belong to me.

Enjoy.

Chapter 1

The bright, morning sun rose over the Cathian Mountains of Kei's eastern boarder and bathed the rich lush green land with its golden light. Turning the light pink of the sun-rising sky into a beautiful blue, indicating yet another warm, sunny day in the kingdom of Kei. A Kingdom that was slowly but steadily getting to its feet, and whose citizens were starting to rebuild and piece together what was left of their lives. It was a time of peace, so they were making the best of it.

Maids and servant boys raced along the delicately, high dressed halls of Kimpa palace, also known as 'Goldenwave' palace, dutifully going about their early morning rounds and routines before its residence awoke from their nightly slumber. Long, flowing crimson curtains were thrown back to let the sun's glow penetrate and chase away the darkness and large doors and windows were open so the freshness of the morning air could flow through the palace. The lake hanging over the sky shimmered and sparkled from the now risen sun and the countrymen below were taking advantage of that to get in a good days work out in the fields.

Padding gracefully along the decorated halls of his home, with hands behind his back, Keiki, the Kirin of Kei walked with authority and poise as servants and chamber maids bowed their respect to the heavenly creature. Not human in any way, but more of a guardian spirit who's soul job, and purpose in life, was to guide and support his, or her chosen ruler no matter the circumstances and Keiki was no exception, even though his chosen ruler was a little different if not eccentric. But, he was slowly warming up to that stubborn yet warm personality and he wasn't even shocked when he felt the corners of his mouth twitch up.

Youko 'Sekishi' Nakagima, Queen of Kei was not a cunning woman, nor was she devious but when it came to certain matters, if involving the thrown or the welfare of her people, she would see them completed with so much precision and efficiency that it left her ministers and even her Kirin baffled. In the few years she took up the thrown, the 'Red child' of Kei has overseen the safety and stability of her once decaying kingdom and brought it back to life with rapid speed and ascension. It was unnerving but…exhilarating at the same time.

'Good morning, your Highness.' A cheery upbeat voice called out to him. ' Lovely morning isn't it.' He turned and found the head maid, Sayuri, smiling warmly at him. He nodded lightly in acknowledgement at the small, sturdy woman.

'Good morning. It is a lovely morning.' He folded his hands in his flowing robes. 'Has her Majesty risen yet'?

'I believe she is still resting, my lord. It is still early and you know how she likes her morning rest in.' Sayuri said innocently but there was a hint of playfulness underneath that innocence, something that only Sayuri could get away with. Knowledgeable beyond her years, the young woman ran the palace servants with an ironclad fist. Nothing got by her steady eye. Even the stable boys reported to her. Next to Suzu and Shoukei, Sayuri was one scary woman when threatened and someone the Queen trusted explicitly and in turn was very loyal to her Majesty.

'Indeed.' With a nod, Keiki went on his way through the inner sanctum of the palace, towards his Majesty's private quarters with sure, steady steps. The numerous twist and turns and passageways were meant to confuse and befuddle any impending assassins or thieves, but for someone who knew the layout, it was simply just taking the right route. He stepped through the passageway to her sitting parlour were Sameal, her Seicho sat neatly on his perch in the corner of the room, dozing with his head under his wing. He jerked up when he heard the Taiho approach and squawked out.

'Poor Keiki. Poor Keiki-Chan' Kekki shook his head as the bird squawked out his name. Why he let the Queen teach the poor bird that was something he knew he would get done for later. Just then, Nonica and Myumi, the Queen's personal maids stepped through archway of the connecting room, giggling and whispering quietly to themselves before they looked up and found him standing there.

'Excellency. We did not know you had arrived.' Nonica said and bowed her head slightly in respect. Prostration was heeded due to the Queen's first proclamation, but they still were expected to show respect in the company of their superiors. 'Her Majesty is still at rest.'

'The sun as risen and it is well passed the hour. The Queen as pressing matters to attend to today, which need her urgent attention and can not wait. I am sure she will not be angry if I wake her.'

Keiki's tone left no room for argument as the Kirin stepped forward and walked through the small passageway, leaving the two maids gapping behind him. He pulled back the deep purple silk curtains o the Queen's resting room and stepped inside. Youko, being stubborn had chosen to accommodate herself in one of the smaller living quarters at the heart of the palace, that overlooked a small flower garden and koi pond which she tendered and looked after herself. Although he must admit, she did have a knack for gardening.

He smiled and couldn't help but notice how much the room reflected her personality. It was not richly decorated with useless ornaments or tapestries but was simple, yet elegant blended with an air of femineity. At the far end of the room was a large fore-poster bed, covered with heavy royal purple curtains, which were open slightly enough for him to see inside were Youko's sleeping outline was visible.

He walked up to the large bed and gently pulled back the thick curtains and his purple eyes softened slightly. His Queen was resting peacefully on her side facing away from him; one hand curled up close to her face and her flaming, crimson hair was sprawled around her like a cloud. Eyelashes like crescent moons rested against a smooth, tanned face, which was peaceful and mellow while in slumber, unlike when she was dealing with thrown matters or business of state.

He had seen her like this many times but it still caught him off guard that this young woman, so vulnerable and defenceless in sleep was the same stubborn, headstrong Queen who banned prostration and brought a dying country to its feet.

He leaned down and gently touched Youko's robed shoulder, shaking lightly. After a moment, two tanned eyelids flutter before opening. Unnatural forest-green eyes darted around in sleep-induced haze before finally landing on him. Youthful eyes blinked a few times before realization set in and the young monarch groaned unceremoniously and borrowed her head into her pillows.

'Keiki. It's still early. I was having a wonderful dream. Until you woke me up.' Youko sat up and cutely rubbed her eye, she stretched and yawned before turning to her ardent Kirin, noting he was already dressed in his customary flowing black robes. She raised an eyebrow. 'But I see your already dressed and ready to go.'

'One must be up before the sun if he is to make the most of the day ahead. As a ruler, you, your Majesty, should know this.' Keiki chided his young Queen.

Youko resisted the urge to sigh. Was all Kirins` this…dour, or was it just hers. Taking a look at Enki, the Taiho of En, she could rule that one out. But she couldn't really blame Keiki for his austere behaviour. When she was informed about the actions and misjudgements of the former Queen, You-ou, Youko can't help but feel a little sad for her attentive Kirin, a Kirin that unconsciously strived for affection and love. He really was like a child in that sense. So much so that Youko had decided to humble his sombre personality, if only for his sake. Though she'll never tell him that.

She just so happened to look down at Keiki's feet and spotted Hankyou peeking out from the shadows and roll his yellow, slitted eyes at his master in what she could describe as vexation. Youko blinked in surprise before the shirei winked in her direction and slipped back into the safety of the shadows. She watched him leave and shook her head slightly. You and me both, Hankyou.

'You get used to it.' A small voice said in the back of her mind.

'Is he always so hard-headed.'? She asked her every guarding Hinman with a mindful pout.

Jouyuu laughed mentally. 'Saiho can be a little stubborn and harsh sometimes.'

'Stubborn! I swear, one of these days, that man is going to grow a sense of humour and actually smile once in a while.'

'He smiles; just when your majesty isn't looking.' Jouyuu said with a whimsical note.

Faking another yawn to disguise her small smile, she broke off with her Hinman and waved her hand unceremoniously towards the stoical blonde. 'Yeah, yeah. As you always say 'A Queen's number one priority is her Kingdom and the welfare of her people'. Really, Keiki, don't you think it's a bit too early in the morning for a royal sermon.' Youko commented with a hint of playfulness and almost snorted out loud when she saw Keiki blanch.

'But your Majesty, you…' He was suddenly stopped when Youko reached up and placed a delicate hand on his chest. He looked at the outstretched hand then to his Queen and his cheeks turned the slightest shade of light pink.

'Don't worry so much Keiki. Relax and have faith. I will not let you down and just knowing I have you by my side is enough for me.' She took her hand away and placed her feet lightly on the floor and stretched her arms above her head, ignoring the suddenly tense atmosphere.

'Ok, enough of that.' Youko said lightly. 'I think its time for breakfast.'

'Break…fast, your Majesty.' Keiki asked in befuddlement, his head spinning by the sudden turn of his Queens zeal.

Youko had to stifle a laugh. Her Taiho could be so naïve sometimes, especially with things he doesn't understand. It was up to her to save him from further confusion. ' Oh, it's just a term used in Hourai which signifies when you eat in the mornings.' Youko put a finger to her chin and walked past the poker-faced Keiki 'I suppose you call it the 'morning meal' in this world. Its just like living in feudal Japan.'

'Feudal….Japan.'

She stole a glance behind her and saw that Keiki was still standing there, confusion getting more and more apparent on his face. She sighed and resisted the urge to smack her head in light frustration. Oh Keiki, for a man as knowledgeable as you, you sure are naïve sometimes.

'I will be more then happy to oblige you in the continuation of this conversation over the morning fast, Keiki, if you are willing to join me. I hear that cook Nadine's steamed bean buns are your favourite. If you don't hurry up I just might just eat them all.' Youko teased before she walked away, leaving a dumb-founded Keiki standing in the middle of her bedchamber. He shook his head and corrected himself before he filed after his Queen, not even aware of the small smile that graced his lips.

……………………………………………………………….

As the sun grew higher in the eastern sky, Gyouten came alive and buckled at the seams as street peddles and shopkeepers set up their stalls and vendor carts, preparing for a day of heaving bargaining and haggling. The street urchins kept to the shadows of the alleyways, ready to swipe anything that they could get their swift hands on. A small miscreants, no more then twelve stood against a vendor's wooden cart which sold fresh loaves of hot, steamy bread. The young boy's sharp eyes darted back and forth before he looked at the delicious, smelling bread. He noticed the vendor's back was turned to him, preoccupied with a buying customer. He seized his chance and reached up to grab a loaf of bread. At that moment the vendor turned around and caught the small boy.

'Hey you, you little thief.' The burly man barrelled his away towards the boy and grabbed his arm. 'Don't think you are going to get away with this. I caught you trying to steal my bread. Do you know what I do with thieves like you.'

The boy tried to pull his arm free. 'No let me go. I was just hungry is all. I just wanted something to eat, you ugly old brute' He bellowed and pulled harder.

'I'll teach you…'

'There you are. I have been looking all over for you.' The boy stopped his struggles when he looked up and found a cloaked figure standing in front of him. His face was shadowed by the cloak's hood but he could tell the man was smiling. The street vendor kept his hold on the boy and turned also to the hooded stranger.

'You know this street rat, outlander.'

Outlander? Takashi laughed nervously and rubbed his neck. ' Sadly yes, he is my little brother and I must say, thanks for finding him. He can be a slippery little guy.' Takashi looked at the boy. 'Isn't that right.' The boy's eyes widened when he found himself staring into two unusual golden eyes. He nodded and the vendor, with a dark scowl, reluctantly let the boy go.

'Go on, get out of here.' He clipped the boy around the ear.' And if I see you at my stall again, not even the Queen will be able to help ya.'

Takashi's eyes narrowed. 'Your too kind Sir.' He bowed and put a hand in his long, black robe and pulled out a silver coin. 'For your troubles.' He tossed the coin to the peddler, who caught it and put it in his satchel he had attached to his hip. He walked away in a huff when another customer attracted his attention.

The boy eyed the stranger in suspicion but Takashi continued to smile when he walked up to the boy and again reached into his robe to pull out ripe, yellow jackfruit. He bent down on one knee and gave it to the boy who looked down at it for a moment then back to the stranger as if contemplating whether to take the fruit or not.

'Go on, take it. I hear that they are very good this time of year.' Takashi urged him. The boy looked at the fruit once more before he took it and ran the other way, leaving Takashi standing there. Takashi watched the boy run away and sighed before shrugged his shoulders.

'Oh well, what can you do.' His smile vanished and without so much as a falter in his step, Takashi continued on towards his destination. 'Damn all this walking. If only there weren't so many people around. I could just teleport to the palace gates.' He sighed again as he walked on. Being a supernatural being in a world full of humans did have its drawbacks. Being made to play human was one of them.

But he had to admit; Gyouten really was a lively town. Actually the whole country had seemed to come alive, considered that just a few short years ago, Kei- koku was over run with Youma and conflict and Civil war was a constant occurrence. It was a day-to-day struggle just to stay alive. As a supernatural being, one that is not of this realm was forbidden to interfere with the world of men. But, even in this cruel and uncertain world, there were still good and honest people out there. The Queen of Kei was proof of that. And just by looking at how busy and industries the town was, he could tell she was making quite the impression. Oh, how he was looking forward to meeting her.

His smile faded as the reflection of his premonition glided to the surface of his mind. The roar of the Gowrow, the blood soaked ground, Queen Kei standing there as the world exploded around her. The strong and sorrowful emotions overwhelmed him and threatened to split his head into two. He stopped and gripped his head in pain.

'Damn preceptive emotions.'

People passing by eyed the robed stranger wearily before moving on their way, towards their own business. Takashi's breath came out in shallow puffs as he gathered himself and continued on. The ache in his head slowly subsided, but not the ache in his heart.

It wasn't until later that he found himself standing outside the magical iron gates of the large mountain that occupied Kei's royal residence, Kimpa palace. He glanced up at the shimmering sky then back down to the rather foreboding, looking entrance. He didn't even need to touch its bars to know that strong magic had been entwined within the iron making it obvious that, whoever constructed the gate, were trying to keep unwanted visitors out. As was expected, of course as the most important person in Kei resided behind its high bars.

'I see. So that's how they want to play it.' Scowling lightly at the inconvenience, but not the least bit deterred, did a quick survey of the pebbled road for any passing civilians before enveloping himself in a cloud of pearly fog. The shimmering haze drifted up the mountain, like a silent spirit, and through the warm pulsating barrier of the glistening sky. His feet touched down lightly on cobblestone path and stepped out of the foggy mist as it evaporated around him.

He closed his eyes and breathed in deep as the spiritual air bathed and cleaned his lungs with its freshness and purity. Much like a spring morning, Takashi mused and with a swish of his cloak, turned around and found himself standing in front of the large stone pillars of Kimpa palace. He smiled slightly before disappearing as quickly as it came.

'There are still so many uncertain things in this world, Even the Nagas are unsure. How this world must look to some one like you.' He stopped before sighing deeply, before opening his eyes; eyes that were liked harden gold. 'But when the curtain has risen, just how far are you willing to go, Youko Nakagima.'

And with a flick of his wrist, the pearly, grey fog enveloped him once more as it carried him, undetected, inside the palace walls.

To be continued…

I know that I have neglected this fic but I assure you that that is not the case. I just can't seem to find the time to write at all. I basically wrote this on my breaks and when I get home late in the evening. Anyway I don't think you want to hear me whine anymore so I will leave it at that and bid you adieu. Say tuned for the next chapter and remember to review.