Hey they're all. It has been a while since I have updated this fic. I have news on the job front. I am now a qualified chef. Oh yeah. It took three and a half years but I finally got there. Now maybe I will get some respect. LOL. Anyway I watched the twelve kingdoms again and it really gets my goat how they didn't even finish it. Ohhh so angry. I guess I'll just have to make my own ending. I hope you enjoy this chapter and remember to review.

Twelve Kingdoms doesn't belong to be but to its respectable owners.

Enjoy.

Chapter 3

Youko stood on a small stool later that morning inside her dressing chambers while her maids pinned and wrapped the material of her clothing around her. Her arms and shoulders felt like lead with the burden of carrying so much weight.

'I don't know how many times I have to ask this but why do I have to wear so many layers? I feel like a clothes line.' Youko protested lightly as her seamstress fitted the last of her many layers of robes. The royal purple and fiery red fell around her form and swished along the ground like heavy curtains. And this was only her everyday robes. Youko would inwardly shutter just thinking about the layers upon layers of cloth that made up her assembly robes. Her maid looked up from her stitching to glance at her mistress.

'Clothes…Line, Your Majesty?' Nonica asked in confusion.

Youko sighed and waved her hand. 'Never mind.'

'I have graciously told you on many occasions that this is customary for a Queen to dress. You are a Queen so you must dress your station.' Keiki said sternly from behind the purple curtain. Youko scowled and blew out a puff of air instead of sticking out her tongue like she wanted to.

'I wonder who decided that?' ' She muttered to herself.

'If it's any consolation Youko, I know exactly what you're going through. Just to walk around the gardens in Hou one needed at least several layers of inner clothing. Now that I think about it, I don't miss it.' Shoukei, the former princess of Hou said with open understanding, her maids looking shocked at the former –Hime's informal address of their Queen. She sat on a small seat underneath the open window, next to her sat Suzu who had a smile of amusement on her face. Over the last couple of years both girls have become like sisters to the young Monarch and would trust them with anything regarding the welfare of her kingdom.

'Consider your robes as your armour and your shield, Youko. I have no understanding of how it would feel to wear such robes but when I came to this world, the clothes I had on was all I had. They were my protection. Plus I was a Kaikyaku. Society looked down on me. ' Suzu said. A girl who looked about Youko's age when in fact was over hundred and twenty years old due to her Sen-rin status.

'I will tell you something that I heard back in Hourai,' Youko said. 'Society exist only as a mental concept; in the real world there are only individuals. If only I had followed that piece of advice maybe I would have tried to make society like me for me and not the false me.'

'I am finished your majesty.' Nonica announced and stood up.

'Thank you. You are excused.' Her dressmaids nodded and gracefully backed away and retreated out the door as Youko stepped down from the wooden stool and faced the mirror. No matter how many times she looked at her reflection within the glass she couldn't believe it was really her staring back. Youko shook her head and walked over to her dresser with its small array of hairbrushes and accessories all neatly spread out. At the beginning of her reign, she had sold many of her hair jewels and decorations for money to help the citizens of her dying country. They needed food more then she needed a jewel-encrusted hairpin She sat on the pine chair and one of her personal handmaidens, Gyokuyou came over and started to gently brush out her red locks. Youko had protested once or twice to such fawning but Keiki had insisted that she let the maids at least do this for her, if for their sakes and much to her disapproval; she caved.

'What's on the agenda today, Keiki?' Youko asked her hiding Kirin. Keiki could just see his mistress from behind the curtain

'The new Governor of Wa province as arrived with the official documents for the construction of the new homes in the Rouya and Shisui prefectures that require your personal seal. Also you have a meeting with your military generals to discuss the new regime and the inspection of the new squadrons.' Youko listened half-heartedly at her Taiho's words and watched the small pink flowers in her garden blow freely in the breeze. With one last pin, her handmaiden finished her hair. A high bun decorated with a simple clip while the rest of her hair cascading down her back like liquid fire. Youko moved her head from side to side and nodded her approval at what she saw Gyokuyou then sprayed a little of her Majesty's favourite perfume over her hair, before stepping back and smiling.

'All finished your Majesty.'

'As usually you have outdone yourself. Gyokuyou. Thank you.' The brown-haired girl blushed at the high complement and recognizing the dismissal, she nodded and disappeared rather quickly from the room. Suzu and Shoukei laughed lightly from behind their hands, causing Youko to glance at them in confusion. She shook her head at their behavior and spotted Keiki in the mirror waiting nervously behind the curtain.

'You can enter now Keiki before you burn a hole in my curtain.' Youko said. Her Kirin's blonde head appeared from behind the purple cloth and stopped to stand at a respectable distance just behind Youko. Her sparkling green eyes found Keiki's stern violet ones and she gave a small smile.

'So, how do I look?'

Keiki looked nervously at what to say. 'Like a queen, your Majesty.'

Youko knew that was all she was going to get from this proud being so she nodded and stood up to face her friends and Kirin. 'Well I guess I shouldn't leave the Governor of Wa Province waiting. Suzu, have Sayuri bring tea to my study and a light snack as well.'

'I will.'

'Your Majesty. The Chousai and the Taishi are awaiting you in your parlor to escort you to the meeting with the Governor.' Nonica said and bowed respectable. Her blue braids falling over her shoulder.

'Tell them I will be there shortly.' Youko said to her young maid. Nonica nodded and backed out of the room. Youko sighed and folded her hands inside her sleeves. She turned to Keiki.

'I guess it's time to go then. You what they say, 'why put off tomorrow what you can do today.'

…..

Takashi ducked behind a pillar for the third time as another maid past by him. He counted to five and looked around the stone support to make sure the no one else was around. He stepped out of his hiding place and silently continued through the large palace. It was certainly brighter then he remembered. The previous rulers of Kei had kept the palace dark and untouchable but it would seem that Sekishi wanted to defy tradition and give the place a little shine. A little colour. It was no wonder Kei was becoming the topic of so much conversation in surrounding countries.

Takashi stopped mid-step and his ears perked up. His Nagas hearing went into full gear as voices steadily travelled his way. He looked around for somewhere to hide before he looked up and have didn't think twice. He leapt up onto the ceiling's high beams just as four figures came his way. His glowing golden eyes stared down at the group when they came into view. His gaze instantly went to the red-haired woman at the head of the group. It wasn't her robes-well almost- or her regal hairstyle that told him she was the Queen of Kei. It was her flaming red hair and her radiant confidence that shined from her like a torch. Her maids and ministers greeted her with respectable bows and smiles and she responded in kind with a warm smile and a wave. Behind her was her golden Kirin and her two advisors. He angled his head to catch their conversation.

'Your Majesty, the citizens of Rouya and Shisui of Wa Province have requested the construction of new homes since You-ou was Queen but she neglected to see the severity of the situation. They are either living in broken homes or on the streets and are lacking the basic necessities such as food and shelter The Governor of Wa apologises for taking so long to contact you.' Lord Koukan said and handed a parchment of paper to his Queen.

Youko looked over its contents and somberly nodded 'I am sure he is very busy trying to get Wa back on its feet after the devastation left by Gahou and the rebellion. It's only fitting that I hear what he proposes. The people of Wa deserve that much.'

Enho folded his hands inside his robes.' You are still young, your Majesty. Your path is still hazy but given time, it will become clear.'

Youko gave a small smile. 'You're very wise Enho.'

'Enho returned her smile. 'Knowledge speaks, my dear, but wisdom listens. It is my duty as a scholar of this world to teach someone as young as you.'

'Well then I must consider myself lucky.' Youko said before something floated against her senses. She slowly stopped walking and had the urge to look up at the ceiling. Takashi pressed himself even further into the shadows as those unnatural green eyes gazed in his directions before looking away as if searching for something. Could she sense him? Him, a Nagas. A being that was illustrated in many paintings and dances as a being of myth. The queen's eyes landed on him once more before she shook her head.

'Is something the matter, your Majesty?' Keiki asked with attention.

Youko took one last look at the ceiling and her eyebrows came down in confusion. She was certain she saw something up on the roof but whatever she saw a moment ago was now gone. 'Yes I'm all right. My eyes must be playing tricks on me again.'

The group moved on and behind them up on the roof, Takashi let out the breath he had been holding and his illusion fell away leaving him exposed. He thanked the gods for his Nagas heritage for his split second decision to cloak himself in a mirage probably just saved his neck. He peeked to make sure they were gone before he dissolved into mist and drifted after them.

…..

When Youko entered her spacious study with her advisors she found the Governor of Wa sitting patiently in the oak chair in front of her large desk. The rather handsome man sat regally and sure in his formal robes. She remembered him from Gahou's trial when she announced that Koushin of Wa's provincial army was to take up Governor of the torn province- much to the astounded shock of her council- a lowly soldier, the ruler of a province. It was unheard of but he was the only one who met her criteria and was against Gahou's brutal treatment of innocent citizens. Youko felt that only he could really understand the people of Wa, who were in desperate need of some stability. She didn't regret her decision in appointing this man to the post and smiled kindly when the tall, dark-blue man stood up at her arrival and bowed respectably.

'Your Majesty thank you for taking the time to see me.'

'It is no problem, my friend. I am very much glad that you are here. We have much to discuss. Please sit.' Youko gestured to his chair while she moved to her own behind the large desk. Enho and Lord Koukan sat on either side of her and Keiki moved to stand just behind her like a silent guardian. Koushin took his seat just as there was knock on the door and Sayuri walked in, holding a tray with a pot of tea and five cups as well as an apple and cinnamon tea cake- Youko's favourite. She placed the tray on the desk and Youko waved her away. 'Thank you Sayuri that will be all.'

Sayuri nodded and gracefully walked out of the room. Youko reached over to the tray and lifted the pot of tea. ' Oolong, Lord Koushin.' She gestured to the pot and began to pour tea into his cup.

Lord Koushin looked shocked and was ready to jump out of his chair. 'Your Majesty you shouldn't be pouring tea. Please allow me to. I am but a lowly servant after all.'

'You will remain seated.' Youko said sternly, making Koushin sit back in his chair. She continued to pour the tea before placing a cup in front of her uneasy Governor. 'I assure you Lord Koushin that I am quite capable to pour my own tea. I may be a Queen but you can't deny me the simple pleasure of entertaining my guests, could you.'

Koushin caved under those emerald eyes and nodded. 'No, your Majesty.'

'You will find Lord Koushin that her Majesty can be very stubborn when the need arises.' Enho said and nodded his thanks, his long white beard moving up and down when Youko handed him a cup of tea.

'Not true, Enho.' Youko smiled and finished pouring the tea for Lord Koukan and Keiki-who looked more outraged then Koushin, but didn't voice it- and served out the teacake. She sat comfortably in her chair and took a sip of her steaming tea. 'So Lord Koushin, Tell me of your progress in Wa. I have been informed that you are requesting permission to build new homes and the possibility of using land to grow crops. '

Lord Koushin's brow grew serious as he too set down his cup. 'You are correct. The citizens are slowly getting to their feet but many are still suffering from Gahou's reign. Many are in dire need of new homes and new land to grow food.' Lord Koushin reached into his robe and pulled out a rolled up parchment and handed it to Lord Koukan. 'All that is needed is your seal and I can start construction straight away.'

'How much land will be needed?' Keiki asked.

'From my observations, a few hundred acres will be need just for growing crops. Old homes will be torn down and rebuilt into new more sturdier ones.'

Lord Koukan unraveled the parchment and read its contents. He handed it to Youko who read it with ease. She was now very fluent in this world's literature and each word seems to flow easily within her mind.

Lord Koushin watched his Queen read quietly. 'I am aware of how much I am asking to fund this.'

Youko cut him off. 'That is the least of my worries. The people of Wa are suffering; my people and I have a duty to them to provide for them. To keep them safe. I don't want to see them undergo such strife anymore then you do.'

Koushin bowed his head. 'I apologise if I was out of line.'

'You have a lot of work ahead of you if I sign this. It will not be easy. Are you up to the challenge?' Youko asked directly.

Lord Koushin didn't hesitate. 'Absolutely, your Majesty.'

Youko seemed satisfied and sealed her signature on the parchment. 'I'll tell you something Lord Koushin. Back in Hourai, Koushin means 'to rise'. One man can't be left to do everything by himself. Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress but working together is real success.'

She smiled as she handed back the sealed document and Lord Koushin. 'I have complete faith in you Lord Koushin. I would like to visit Wa once you have started construction so I can see the fruits of your success. I leave Wa in your capable hands.'

Lord Koushin looked down at the document in his hands then nervously looked up. 'Can I be honest with you, your Majesty.'?

'Of course.'

He hesitated for a moment before he sighed. 'I'm scared. Scared that I'm not going to be able to live up to the expectations that everyone expects of me.'

Youko listened contently to her Governor's concerns. She sympathized with his worries very well because that is how she felt when she first took the throne. It was no walk in the park running a province, let alone an entire kingdom. She caught the eyes of Enho who smiled and nodded. Her Taishi, so wise and worldly, knew exactly what she was thinking and it filled her with confidence.

She smiled and said gently. 'The bravest thing you can do is admit that you are scared. Even being a little nervous or frightened means that you are willing to try and if you should fail, try again. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared sometimes.'

Up on one of the high beams, Takashi floated in his invisible mist cloud, looking down them. He had slid in under the door and cautiously floated to the ceiling, all the while keeping his presences down to a bare minimum least he should chance the queen spotting him again.

Below him, Lord Koushin seemed to regain his composure after the bout of assurance, nodded and stood up. 'Thank you, your Majesty. I will not let you down.'

'I look forward to reviewing your progress. Please if there is anything else you are concerned about in the near future, don't hesitate to touch base with me.'

Lord Koushin bowed and was let out of the room by Lord Koukan, leaving Youko alone with Enho and Keiki.

'Congratulations, your Majesty. The people of Wa are finally going to get a clean start after so much war and suffering.' Enho said and looked to Youko.

'They can finally have peace.' Keiki also said with a note of sadness.

'That deserve something good after all that has happened.' Youko responded and stood up. 'I just hope the damage can be rebuilt.'

They retired from the room and Takashi watched them leave. Golden eyes floated in midair when a flash of blood and death hit him with such sudden force that he almost uncovered himself and fell to the floor. He pulled the mist tighter around him and forced himself to breath. He had to act now if he wanted to stop his premonition from coming to pass. He didn't know how this woman-child fitted into the picture but there was one thing he was certain of; The Queen of Kei was the key. With that in mind he floated after them out into the long hall.

Maids and servants went about doing their assigned duties, often stopping to show their respects to their Mistress. Youko acknowledged each one with a 'Hello' or a 'Good, thank you.' General Kantai joined them with his friend and second in command, Gaishi.

'Your Majesty the conference with your military generals is ready to commence.'

Youko nodded. 'Very well.'

Without warning, a chilling shiver ran down Youko's spine, as if someone was watching her. Her sense flared to life and her hinman came to the forefront.

'What is it?' Jouyuu asked with sudden defensiveness.

'I felt something just now. Like someone was watching me.'

'Your Majesty, look out behind you.' Keiki's voice shouted through her mind. She was broken out of her mind conversation and turned around.

Suddenly out of nowhere a cloud of mist slowly flowed in front of her to mold into a tall male with piercing golden eyes. His long unnatural black hair flowed around him, caressing his handsome, pale otherworldly face.

'Intruder.' Keiki shouted, causing the whole palace to go into alert. Kantai and Gaishi pulled out their weapons and pointed them towards the trespasser. Hankyou and Hyouki appeared from the shadows and leaped in front of Youko. Shouts could be heard from either side of them and more palace troops came rushing in to surround them, ready to protect their Queen. The stranger looked around him with bored eyes, eying each weapon before those mystical eyes pierced Youko's. He seemed to be looking into her soul as she continued to gaze deeper into those honeyed orbs. The stranger sensed this and smiled slyly. He bowed with his arm across his chest.

'Please forgive the intrusion your Majesty for it is of upmost importance that I speak with you.'

'Who are you?' Youko asked with conservation, her reflexes at the ready should he strike. She could also feel Jouyuu in her mind. The Hinmen ready to protect her with everything he has.

The dark-haired creature stayed in bowing posture. 'My name is Takashi of the Nagas` clan.'

Her guards around her gasped and shocked looks flowed on some faces. By this time Shoukei and Suzu had joined the party, also sported shocked looks.

'Nagas, but there only a legend.' Keiki said.

Takashi smiled with amusement. 'We are, and we are very much real. Have been for almost a thousand years. It just that we never show ourselves to humans,' Takashi then turned to Youko. 'Until now.'

Youko took a step back when the creature, Takashi took a step towards her. The two Youma in front of her growled and crouched into a low battle stance. Youko ignored them all. It wasn't fear that caused her movement, nor was it intimidation- although his size and physic was something to be desired- it was those eyes, they were so mysterious and deep, they seem to suck her in with each passing moment.

'Stay where you are. Another step and my shirei will be forced to attack.' Keiki warned and the protection circle closed in on them. Takashi sighed and dragged a hand through his hair.

'I didn't want to do this but alas. Your Majesty,' he looked at Youko 'I must ask for your forgiveness in advance for this.' Takashi vanished into thin air before reappearing right in front of Youko, wrapped his arms around her and enveloped her in a cloud of mist and disappearing again. The circle of guards and Keiki looked at the spot that was just occupied by their Queen and all hell broke loose.

'The Queen. His taken the Queen. Search every part of the palace. Quickly.' Kantai bellowed and all of his troops scattered, as did the imperial soldiers. Keiki turned swiftly to his shirei. 'Find her.' He commanded.

They nodded and disappeared into the floor. 'What about us.' Shoukei asked and nodded to Suzu.

'She must be still in the palace somewhere. I can still sense her nearby. She doesn't have her sword to protect her.' Keiki said with distraught.

'But she has the Hinmen. Calm yourself Taiho.' Enho advised with calmness, although he was a little worried- ok more than a little- about his protégé.

'You are right. Split up and leave no room unturned.'

…

Takashi reappeared and gently lowered the Queen in his arms to her feet. A strong wind blew around them causing Youko to grip Takashi's forearm. Her hair had fallen out of its styling and whipped around her like a hundred red snakes.

'Where in Tentai's name are we? ' Youko yelled over the noise of the wind and looked around.

Takashi laughed and yelled just as loud. 'We are still at the palace. Were just on the roof.'

'The roof!'

'Yes but I wouldn't try to look down. If the wind blows you off, there is nothing to catch your fall, only rocks a thousand meters below.' With a wave of his hand the wind stopped and Youko opened her eyes. She looked around and found herself in some kind of bubble.

'What is…?'

'I call it my silent bubble. All nagas` have gifts. My main gift is precognition and premonitions but all of my kind can cast illusions, turn themselves into mist and able to teleport, Oh,' he click his fingers ' and we have our other form as well.'

Youko swallowed and unsteadily let go of the man. 'Why have you brought me here.' She asked.

'It was the only place I could talk to you without being interrupted. I apologise again.'

Youko raised an eyebrow and felt Jouyuu watching silently in her mind. Her hinman ready to strike to protect her. 'I will be right here should you need me.'

'Talk to me. Why?'

'You and the Twelve Kingdoms are in grave danger. Danger that if not stopped could end the world as we know it.'

'The end of the world. How do you know this?' Youko narrowed her eyes. She had been in this world long enough not to discredit anything remotely strange.

'I saw you in one of my dreams. You were fighting a Gawrow. A magical dragon that is rumoured to be extinct. You slay it just as the world erupts around you.'

'You dreamt about me? But why me? I am just a Queen of a kingdom. A taika Queen from a land called Hourai.'

'No, you are much more than that, Youko Nakajima' Takashi said and his eyes glowed with seriousness. Youko eyes widened.

'How do you know that name?'

'There isn't much in this world that the Nagas` don't know about. We help keep watch over the world and its occupants. My premonition told me to find you; otherwise the world could be in danger.'

'Alright, alright.' Youko tried to think. 'Let's just say I believe you, what happens now. Where do we go from here?'

Takashi sighed and ran a hand through his hair. 'My premonitions are almost never wrong. I must converse with the elders of my clan about this. And now that I have exposed our existence, they will know what do.'

Ok, but first could you take me back. I pretty sure that the palace is in quite an uproar over your little kidnapping stunt.' Youko suggested.

Takashi nodded. 'I guess you're right. I made enough enemies today and its not even lunchtime. Ok hold on.' He wrapped his arms around Youko, who closed her eyes as they teleported. It was a weird sensation, teleporting. It was like breaking your body down into a million pieces then bringing together like a complex jigsaw puzzle.

'You can open your eyes now, your majesty.' A soft voice said in her ear. She slowly opened her eyes and welcomed the sight of familiar red and purple walls of her palace, not to mention the angry and shocked looks of her guards and her advisors.

'Unhand the Queen and we might show you mercy.' Kantai warned and kept his weapon raised. Kousho stood next to him with his sword raised as well, having rushed over when the alarm was raised. Takashi took one look around decided it was better not to stir the pot anymore. He let go of Youko and stepped back. He held up his hands in surrender as swords and spears surrounded him.

'Ok, this is awkward.'

'Everyone lower your weapons.' A booming voice commanded and everyone turned to Youko, who had her hands on her hips. Hesitant looks flowed through the group of soldiers and jumped back when the voice commanded again 'Do I have to repeat myself. I said lower your weapons.'

They had no choice to obey. They did what they were told and stepped back. Youko glanced around her before a wave of dizziness hit her. She stumbled as the world around her began to spin out of control.

'Your majesty.' Youko heard Keiki shouted before the world went black. Gasps and shouts erupted around them. Takashi rushed forward as Youko collapsed in his arms. He cradled her gently. Rage and hostility washed over Takashi like dirty water and it was all he could do not to wince.

'What happened to her? What have you done?'

'Calm yourself. Her body is just getting used to the teleportation. She should be fine in a little while.' He let Kousho and Kantai forward to take Youko from him. Kousho lift the red-haired queen into his arms and walked away with Shoukei and Suzu in tow.

Takashi watched them leave and turned to find deep violet eyes fixated on him. 'I think you have some explaining to do. And I suggest you do it fast.'

To be continued….

Yes I know I haven't posted a chapter for a while. And no I have no explanation. But I can tell you there is so much to know about the twelve kingdoms. I literally have five pages worth of information, two on Kei alone. It's unbelievable. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter and remember to review.