Hey there all. Lozzypoo reporting in. No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I have a new chapter here for you. Many things have happened this year and it's only February. My dad had to get rushed to hospital after suffering a mild heart attack. My grandmother is not doing so well either and my mother had to fly over to Queensland to see her and has been gone for two weeks. It's hard and frustrating to see family members go through all that.

Anyway on the chapter front I have made an effort to get out more updates on time and more frequently. So thank you for your support and patience while I get my act together.

Enjoy

Chapter 4.

'Where am I?'

Youko's first thought was she had to be floating. Heavy eyelids cracked open and green eyes gazed up peacefully at the vast blue, cloud dotted sky above her as she floated leisurely on the water's surface. Her body drifting lazily with the current, feeling like it weighed nothing more than a feather. Red locks of her long hair swirled with life around her body as she sailed the current. It was peaceful here. With the sun's warm rays and clear blue sky, Youko would be happy just to stay like this forever. But, her rational mind asked her how she got here? What was she doing here? She sifted through her foggy mind and vaguely remembered fainting thanks to the Nagas's teleportation trick.

'Reminder to self. Inform the Nagas if he attempts to teleport me again to introduce his head to my fist' She yawned, suddenly feeling tired. She could just close her eyes and have a little nap. No one will know. She closed her eyes and opening them a second later, she was lying in a field of tall green grass swaying in the breeze. Wow, could clouds get that fluffy? They were drifting lazily in the sky, the warm sun blazing down on her. Somehow, her royal robes had been replaced with a comfy pair of jeans and a white blouse. If this was a dream, she was doing pretty well. All she needed was a bottle of cold soda pop and a bowl of ramen and she would be set. Too bad Enki wasn't here.

'Youko, wake up.'

Someone was calling her but they were too far away, she could barely hear them. Go away.

'Shall I slap her?' It was the Nagas, Takashi she remembered him saying.

'You will do no such thing.' Suzu outraged voice whispered loudly.

'Slapping usually works.'

Slap her. He could try. Was this place his doing? No, it felt like something she would dream at up. Bright blue skies, warm sun, comfortable clothes. No Kimpa palace or grouchy Kirin or a certain monkey spirit in sight. She could get used to this.

'They're calling you. Aren't you going to answer? Answer you are, Queen of Kei.' A very familiar and very unwelcome voice drifted to her ear. Spoke to soon. Great, just what she need. Youko sat up on her elbows and sure enough Aozaru was squatting down beside her, staring at her with his usual wide, sadistic grin. She should ask Enho and the previous King were thinking, sealing Aozaru in the scabbard of Suiguto. All he did was annoy and pester. Youko being his primary target.

'Go away, Aozaru.'

'Go away I cannot. I am a part of you, that I am.'

'Well can't you be a part of me somewhere else. I'm busy now so can I ignore you some other time?'

'It's lazy just lying around here, it is. A lazy queen is what you will become. Become you will.' Aozaru taunted, the imp's smile growing wider with every offensive word spoken, jumping up and down in glee, thinking that he had her Youko remained silent. Lazy, huh. Her vivid green eyes stared up at the clear blue sky, ignoring the blue spirit beside her. Aozaru hated it when she did that.

'Did I offend you your majesty?'

Youko finally looked at the monkey spirit and smiled. Aozaru recoiled. He was not expecting that. 'Aozaru, nothing you say could offend me. I only get offended by things that make sense.'

He blinked at her then laughed, jumping around her. 'Make sense. Make sense.' He started to sing. 'It's you who are not making sense.'

'What are you talking about?'

'Look for what you cannot see. Beware. Beware the river of red.'

What the hell?

'Your majesty, you need to wake up.' This time it was Keiki who called to her. There was deep worry in his voice. The usual stoic, non-nonsense Keiki was worried for her. She had to smile at that. Keiki could be cold and closed off sometimes but deep down, he was just a big softy. She didn't want to make her Kirin distressed. His had enough of that in his lifetime.

'Please, Youko.' Keiki was almost pleading now and it made Youko's heart ache. She looked around her and realised Aozaru was gone. 'Aozaru?'

No answer. 'Aozaru?' She called out. 'Where the hell are you?'

Look for what you cannot see. Beware the river of red. What the hell does that mean? She sighed mentally. It's too early to deal with his cryptic messages. Saying goodbye to her happy illusion, she closed her eyes and felt herself falling into the abyss before slowly opening them again to find herself staring at her bed's canopy with Suzu, Shoukei and Keiki staring down at her in relief and worry. Familiar faces. This she could work with.

'Youko.' Suzu was leaning over her. 'Are you all right?'

'I think so. This is my chamber right?'

'Yes, your majesty.' Keiki said. She smiled and started to sit up when a hand touched her back and helped her up.

'How long was I out for?'

'A few hours.' Purple eyes in a pale face looked her over, scrutinizing over how haggard she must look because she sure felt it. Her outer robes at been removed, and for that she was thankful. They were quite heavy and she would have cooked underneath these covers. She spotted the Nagas in the corner, his arms folded over his chest, looking at least a little apologetic for her movie-style fainting spell.

'I see you weren't a figure of my imagination.'

He smiled but it didn't reach his golden eyes. 'Unfortunately.'

'Does everyone faint when you do your little zipping through time and space trick or am I just lucky? Thanks Keiki.' She took his offered hand when she went to stand. She was still a little shaky but she nodded to Keiki to let him know she was fine and he can let her hand go. Her hair had been blown out of its styling so it flowed around her like a cloud. She snagged a hair tie she kept stashed away and put her hair up into a ponytail. Simple and out of the way.

'Not usually. Most just feel dizzy. You fainting, your body was just was a little bit shaken up by the sudden stress teleporting does to it if you're not used to it, your majesty.'

'Not used to it, that's kind of an understatement.' Youko eyed the Nagas. At first glance Takashi looked like a normal human being, a very handsome human being but looking deeper there were a few characteristics that stood out. Like his eyes. Burnished gold eyes with black slits, like a serpent's. And she hadn't noticed before, probably because they were on the roof of her palace, towering over the city by thousands of feet but his ears were slightly pointed. And they twitched. It was actually kind of neat. But she supposed a pointed eared, snake eyed man was a norm in this world.

Or maybe not. Nagas` have remained hidden for over a thousand years. See she listens.

And then there was the problem at hand. The one that brought Takashi here to her door and she didn't really want to discuss the prospect of the world ending in her bed chamber. Besides she could do with some tea or maybe a stiff drink. She was old enough now and it wasn't everyday a strange serpent man came to your palace and told you that he dreamed about you slaying legendary dragons. Ok so a stiff drink might be a bad idea. 'Suzu have Sayuri bring tea to my study. And I am not to be disturbed, not even if Shoryuu and Enki decide to drop by in a flying car. And can you send for Enho. I am in need of his insight.'

'Flying car?' Keiki and Takashi spoke together. She waved them off.

'Yes, Youko.' Suzu left and Youko turned and motioned Takashi to follow her to her study. She strode out her chamber and down the narrow corridor, expecting to be bombarded by her guards and ministers and but she encountered no one which was fortunate. Youko expected Keiki was responsible for that.

'Jouyuu. What exactly are the Nagas?'

'An ancient race of beings that take the form of white serpents. They have many powers, some say gifted from the very hands of Tentai himself.

'Your majesty you still have your meeting with your military generals to attend to. The palace is still in an uproar over your attempted kidnapping. It would be wise to show them you are unharmed.' Keiki said behind her, no doubt supporting a look of disapproval.

Takashi snorted. 'If I brought her back, it's not really kidnapping, is it horse man.'

'Horse man.' Keiki sputtered, sounding rather offended. He was a Kirin after all. 'I think you should learn a little bit more respect for one such as I.'

'Well I'll let you know when I do.'

Youko stopped, causing Keiki to nearly bump into her and turned, fighting the temptation to put her hands on her hips, instead she just shook her head. 'Boys, Boys, boys.' She said sweetly. 'Really. If you prefer to take this outside to a mud pit I would be more than happy to oblige but time is of the essence and there are a few things that we need to discuss. Ok. Is that satisfactory for you both?' She raised an eyebrow for good measure.

'Yes. My apologise, Highness.' Keiki lowered his eyes to the floor, a hint of red crossing his pale cheeks. Takashi just shrugged but he suddenly become very interested in his shoes, probably trying to hide the smirk that crossed his face.

She ignored them both and pulled back the purple curtain and stepped into her sunlit study, not surprised to see Enho and Suzu already inside, a tray of steaming cups of tea in front of them with a plate of her favourite sugar biscuits, thanks to Sayuri. That woman was a Godsend. Enho stood up and smiled kindly at her through his long white beard then turned to Takashi and bowed his head respectfully.

'It is an honour, Nagas.'

'I take it they're big in this world?' Youko asked her Taishi. Enho nodded, his wise eyes holding a spark of awe. It was quite interesting.

'Yes, they are sacred, majestic creatures of legend. Creatures that are as revered as the Kirin.'

'I see.'

Takashi rubbed his neck in embarrassment. 'Thanks, but Takashi is fine.'

'Please, sit.' Youko sat at the head of the table and motioned to the others to sit down. She took a cup of tea from the tray, told everyone to help themselves and blew on the hot liquid, taking a small sip before putting it down. She looked towards Takashi who sat on the other end and pierced him with her emerald green eyes. His own startling gold ones staring right back.

'So.' Youko said.

'So.' Takashi said back.

'No use beating around the bush. Explain to me more about this prophecy regarding the end of the world and what it has to do with me and the twelve kingdoms?'

'What prophecy, your majesty?' Keiki demanded beside her.

'Apparently, the end of the world is going to happen and I am the key. Isn't that correct, Takashi?'

'What?'

'As I said before my premonitions are almost never wrong but they don't always make sense and dreaming of you battling a Gowrow is a bit of a head spin.'

'Impossible. Gowrow have been extinct for hundreds of years.' Shoukei said.

'Exactly.' Takashi nodded. 'But I know what I saw. This is why I must seek out the elders of my race and ask for their council. And now that I have revealed our existence I have a feeling I will not be very popular but they will know what to do.'

'What is a Gowrow exactly?' Youko asked.

Enho was the one who answered. 'Gowrow's are legendary dragons Youko. Wingless creatures said to be at least twenty feet in length, twin tusks emerging from its head. As Ms Shoukei has pointed out they have been extinct for centuries. The last recorded sighting was on the mountain of fire in the kingdom of Sou. It's inactive now, has been for two hundred years.'

'Sou.' Youko thought back to the lush country ruled by the enigmatic priest king, Ro Senshin. She still had the wooden flute he had carved for her as a gift for her ascension to the Kei throne. Basically he said it was a 'welcome to the monarch club' gift. He was one of the only male rulers, besides Shoryuu, Youko came to realise who had a sense of humour. Recalling their pleasant conversions they shared to be nothing but witty comments and playful chit chat. And he was quite handsome, for a six hundred old man.

'I heard they were attracted to the scent of blood?'

'Correct.'

'Do you know when this event is to occur?' Suzu asked Takashi.

He shook his head. 'Who knows. Could be tomorrow. Could be a year from now. My predictions don't usually have a date stamped on them but Youma sightings have increased in the last year around the mountain. A mountain that a few months ago was supposed to be inactive but troubled whispers have reached our ears of late telling us the steam has been seen rising out of the mountain.'

Youko laced her fingers together. 'But that could be just a coincidence? Back in Hourai dormant volcanoes become active all the time.'

'That's not all; we have also heard whispers of a number of Youma sightings on the boarders of Han and Kyou.'

Youko had not yet had the pleasure of meeting the monarch of Han. With trying to get her dying kingdom back on its feet, she had not had much time to do anything else. She did however have the luxury of meeting the Queen of Kyou and boy, was that an affair to remember. She still got a headache every time she thought about it. She was pretty sure Shoukei felt the same. 'Who else knows of this?'

'The kingdom's rulers have managed to persuade their people that it's just a freak occurrence, which is probably wise. I don't think spreading a mass panic across the kingdoms would be the best solution.'

Youko nodded and rubbed her lip. 'I agree.'

'How can we trust your words when you entered the palace without permission and attacked the Queen?' Keiki folded his hands in his robes. He actually looked angry.

'Shouldn't that be a sign that what I say has to be true. Do you think we Nagas` would just come out of the woodwork just to have a chat about the weather, no and I didn't 'attack' her, Kirin. I just spirited her away so we could have a little conversation in private. Look you can either trust me or not but the end of the world is coming and it's coming in all its devastating glory.'

'we're not saying we don't believe you, Takashi. It's just hard to grasp.' Enho said calmly behind his white beard.

'Well you better grasp it quickly because it's going to happen whether you're ready or not. The Youma are surely getting ready.'

Youko thought of Aozaru and wondered if the troublesome monkey had heard anything through the demon grapevine. He would be reluctant- when wasn't he- to do what she asked but she had something he wouldn't be able to pass up and Aozaru just loved his presents. Her Suiguto might also be able to give them a clue into what's going on.

Youko tapped her chin. 'Have any Youma been spotted in any other kingdoms? More than usual?'

'Hmm, no not that we have heard but suspicious noises has been heard coming from around the forests of Kou's capital.'

'Like what?'

'Howling. But when soldiers go an investigate they find no signs of anything had been there. Not even a paw print.

'Howling? Interesting.' Youko hated to do this. She looked to Takashi. 'I know someone who could have a little looksee for us. He has quite a few connections in the Youma community although his payment can be rather high. Fortunately I know just what he likes.'

'Who?'

'Aozaru.'

'That irritating blue monkey hiding within the scabbard that sheaths Suiguto? Kei's sacred sword?' Takashi frowned. 'You sure know how to pick 'em.'

'No we're just good mates.' More like he liked to torment and she ignored him. They had a very dysfunctional relationship. 'Aozaru can find out what's happening with the Youma.

'Youko. Be wise. You cannot ask the sentient spirit for aid. He is too untamed to be trusted.' Enho said with high disapproval. Enho knew Aozaru better than anyone since it was he who sealed the blue monkey in Suiguto's sheath.

'I know but he's our only option in finding out what's going on. When I was unconscious, Aozaru came to me. He told me to 'look for what you cannot see and beware the river of red.'

'What do you suppose he meant?'

Youko shrugged and looked out the window. 'Who knows. My spirit guide wasn't quite upfront with the details. My sword also has the ability to see future events. It might give us some insight. Trust me. Keiki, can you please get me Suiguto. Suzu, can I have the blade in your boot and a glass of water.'

Keiki stood up, not looking too happy with her little plan but remained silent as he walked behind her desk. He opened Suiguto's protective box, warded with powerful magic that when activated would seriously burn anyone who isn't Keiki, Enho or herself, and took out the sword. He walked back over and handed it reluctantly to her. She nodded her thanks and also took the small steel blade and the glass of water from Suzu. Placing her sword in front of her, along with the water and blade, she pulled back her long sleeves and unsheathed her sword, the Hekisoujo dangling from the end. The long blade gleamed brightly and she took a glance at her reflection. Hope this works. Biting her lip, she laid both sword and scabbard side by side and took Suzu's pointed dagger.

'Keiki, you might want to step outside for a moment.' Keiki hated the sight and smell of blood. All Kirin did.

'What do you plan to do, Youko?' Suzu asked.

'My blood summons Aozaru. One drop the monkey will come running. Let's just hope he will be cooperative.'

Keiki hesitated a moment but he shocked her by saying; 'I would like to stay, your majesty.'

She looked at him as if to say 'are you sure.' He nodded but Youko could tell it was still hard for him. I'm going to have to make it up to him later. Maybe I'll read those books on the financial and political histories of Kei; Keiki was always asking her to read them. She sighed. And here I thought I was going to have a nice quite day. Doing the rounds. Talking to my Generals. Cutting my finger so I can summon my spirit guide. She took a deep breath and nipped the tip of her index finger with the blade. She glanced at her Kirin when she heard Keiki take a shuddering breath and knew she should have ordered him from the room. She held it over the scabbard and a single drop of blood flowed out of the cut and dropped onto the black leather. She quickly wrapped her finger with her handkerchief as the sheath started to glow and the light began to manifest itself into the familiar smiling form of Aozaru.

'You summoned me, your majesty.' The spirit bowed mockingly.

'Yes I did. I have a little job for you, Aozaru. Something that requires your talents.'

'Oh, do tell. Do tell please.' He grinned wider. His pale blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

'Something is happening within the Youma community and I want you to find out what it is.'

'Something indeed. What will you be trading in return, Mistress Youko Nakajima?' He put a good sarcastic twist on mistress that made her raise an eyebrow. Damn monkey.

She didn't hesitate giving her answer. 'My hair.'

'Your hair?' Aozuro looked confused for a moment before something clicked inside his brain and he laughed in glee. 'Yes, Yes. That would do very nicely.'

'Oh, no Youko. Not your lovely hair.' Shoukei cried.

'There must be something else you can trade, your Majesty?' Keiki asked, his face too pale and his lavender eyes too big. Bless her big, strong, stubborn Kirin.

Youko waved the concern away. 'It's just hair. It will grow back. I have the time and besides. I've always wanted to have short hair.' She turned to Aozaru. 'So do we have a deal, monkey?'

'That we do. That we do.' He clapped his hands and jumped around as if he had just won the lottery. She nodded and took down her crimson hair; bunching the long silky strands in her hand, she took hold of the dagger once more. Placing the blade just above her hand, she closed her eyes and cut her hair off in one clean swipe. Gasps surrounded her, which she ignored. The now shortened strands falling to her shoulders, Youko held up her cut hair up to Aozaru.

'As promised.'

Aozaru took the hair and bowed low, disappearing with a click of his fingers, leaving nothing but blue smoke.

'Well that was interesting.' Takashi said after a moment of silence.

'Indeed.'

Familiar footsteps, heavy and authoritive could be heard coming down the hallway, stopping right outside the door. Now, only a select few were permitted to be allowed inside this part of her private quarters, most of them were in the room and only one of two people walked like that. Takashi eye's flashed, ready for a fight but Youko held her hand up to tell him all was well.

'Be calm. It's only my general. Keiki.'

Her Kirin nodded and stood up, walking over to the door and pulled the curtain aside. 'What is it General Kanti? I thought I made it clear that her Majesty was not to be disturbed.'

Her hanjyuu General put his fist in his hand and bowed over it. 'My apologise, your Excellency but Rakushun has just arrived with his Majesty King of En and his Kirin and requested that they speak with you. It's quite urgent.'

Ok, but Rakushun as well. Youko waved her hand. 'Thank you General. Have them sent to my parlour. I'll be right there.'

Kanti nodded and left, but not before glancing at her hair.. Takashi ran a hand through his own hair and stood up. 'I have stayed to long. I must go and seek out the elders. Hopefully what I dreamt won't be become a reality.'

'Yes let's hope. Will you be returning with your findings?'

Takashi nodded. 'Within a day or two. If you have need to me just say my name. The wind will carry it to me.' And in a swirl of white mist, Takashi was gone. Life feels like it just got more bizarre. She shook her head, her hair gracing her shoulders and looked at each person sitting around her.

'Suzu, I want you to take a handful of your man and go to Han. Talk to the locals. I will also send Kousho along with you. Shoukei I would send you to Kyou but considering your…history with the Queen I thought it best that you go to Sou instead. Considering what we know, I think it's best we be discreet. Aozaru should have something for me by the end of the day. You're to leave immediately.' Youko had switched into Queen mode.

'Yes, your Majesty.' Both nodded.

Suzu and Shoukei both stood up and left the room, leaving her with Enho and Keiki. Her Taishi and Taiho both had mirrored looks of concern on their faces. It was quite comical really 'Don't look so worried, gentlemen. All will be well,' I hope. 'Let's go find out what the two amigos and Rakushun want. No doubt to show me a new flavour of bubblegum Enki brought back from Hourai.'

It wasn't the first time Shoryuu and Enki have decided to drop in while she was in a meeting or out on some errand, telling her councillors that it was urgent they speak to her when really all they wanted to show her the new flavour of potato chip or cola Enki had managed to bring back with him from his many trips to the other side. She did however enjoy those little drop ins. It's hard getting cola in a place that doesn't even have electricity. And it would be a nice change of topic.

'Enho, do you still have records about the twelve kingdom's history?' If anyone had those records it would be Enho.

'I do.'

'I'm going to need them.'

He bowed his head and folded his hands in his robe sleeves. 'Consider it done.'

Youko stood up and her two companions did as well. She sheathed Suiguto and walked over to her desk to place her sword back in his protective casing but at the last minute tied it around her robe belt. No doubt she didn't look at all presentable to a King but neither did Shoryuu half the time when she came to visit. Keiki must have read her mind because he gave her a disapproving look

'You are not dressed to receive, your Majesty.'

'No time. I'm sure King En won't mind my state of dress. More pressing matters await us. Besides he will be more shocked at my hair than anything else' Youko winked and strode from the room. Keiki followed suit and fell in quietly behind her. Yep, life was defiently going to get interesting. But why would Shoryuu and Enki bring Rakushun with them if they were only here to discuss something as mediocre as bubblegum? She tried to tell herself this was just a normal visit from friends with normal intentions. She kept telling herself that but why did it felt like anything else but.

To be continued…

Ok I know that I haven't updated this in like forever but I would have had this out last week but I quit my old job and have been running around trying to find new employment. Trying to find a good restaurant around Mandurah is like finding a needle in a haystack. But it's all good now so I hope you enjoy this chapter and my apologise yet again.