Author's Notes: This chapter's pretty random... a LOT of rambling and etc. X-) And it's pretty long, I know. Well after this one, I won't be updating anytime soon, 'cause I'm busy with my exams, (Yeah, school sucks, grins). Anways, Miaka and everyone in the 'real' world won't be making any appearance here, since time flows by very slow in their world, and they don't know that Yui has been sucked back into the book. Oh well.. And before I forget, I'll be adding a certain character from the Fushigi Yuugi novel, "Ryuusei Den" (namely Touka, and maybe more other characters in the future chapters).

CHAPTER 3: "The Shadows Of Tomorrow"

Mount Reikaku – the fortress stood in complete silence in the outskirts of the Konan Empire. It was a run-down territory that belonged to the great Konan bandits, or so they claimed. The Reikaku bandits were a bunch of sloppy, drunkards who, without the aid of their leader, were immature men who drink and have fun for a living. However, they do have a leader now, Genrou (more specifically known as Kou shun'u, or Tasuki, perhaps – one of the Suzaku shichiseishi) has come back to them, now that the war between Kutou and Konan was over. Everything was in peace again, and though Tasuki was reunited with his fellow bandits, he hated the fact that his exciting adventure with the Suzaku Seven was over. And truth be told, he missed them so much it was like having a constant stomachache – he missed the journeys, the dangerous fights and the weird places they'd go to.

So in that particular day, the young bandit leader sat silently outside of the gang's tavern, in a ratty old cave, while the rest of his fellow bandits were inside gambling and drinking. Eyes closed in relaxation, boots propped on the ground, and both hands clasped together on the side of his cheeks. He was reminiscing on those fun adventures, until a loud crackling noise forced him out of his thoughts.

"What the–"

Tasuki stood up, and briskly searched around the area, only to find nothing. "Show yourself, ya wimp!" He roared, thrusting his tessen defensively.

"Take it easy, Tasuki." A familiar voice replied back. A straw hat floated mildly on his direction, and a figure popped out. Tasuki's eyes widened at the mere sight of it. "CHICHIRI?!"

Chichiri looked at him with the same cheerful expression, and quickly unveiled his mask, revealing his true identity. "We've got a problem, y'know." Tasuki couldn't help but feel a bit relieved. 'Could this mean I'd be having another full-blown adventure?' He thought happily. "Problem? What kinda problem?"

Chichiri shook his head. "A big one, y'know. Yui-chan, the Priestess of Seiryuu, she's here in our world. We've got to protect her, y'know. Something evil's planning on getting her! And it could possibly be Nakago."

Tasuki shrugged. "What do ya mean? Yer talkin' nonsense. The Priestess of Seiryuu started the war in the first place, so why would we help her? Plus, that Blondie General's dead. Seen him getting' killed by Tama." Tasuki patted Chichiri on the back, comfortingly. "Hate to say this, homie, but yer on crack. Did ya eat anything rotten?"

Chichiri fixed Tasuki with a rather stern look. "This is no time for jokes y'know." He stated, tonelessly. "Nakago, as well as the other Seiryuu warriors, have been revived, y'know. And Miaka would've probably wanted us to protect Yui-chan. No time to explain, y'know. We have to get to Yui-chan before it's too late!"

"I…" Tasuki hesitated. "Fine. But I wanna bring someone along. He's been dyin' to fight alongside Suzaku's best warriors for a long time!"

"Someone along?" repeated Chichiri hoarsely. "Who?"

"Oi Kouji!" Tasuki hollered, kicking the tavern door forcefully. The young brunette-haired bandit grinned as Tasuki approached him. "What's up, Genrou?" He asked, placing his cup of sake' on the table.

"Well, Chichiri and I are going to rescue The Priestess of Seiryuu and kick some cocky asses!" Tasuki raved, stomping his foot on the ground. "And you, are gonna join us! Doesn't it sound fun?"

"M-Me?" Blurted Kouji. "Ya really mean it, Genrou?"

"Yeah, who else am I talkin' to huh?"

"Oh, thank you Genrou!!" Kouji said, shaking Tasuki's hand briefly, then turns to Chichiri to do the same. "And thank you person with the fake face for yer approval!"

"H-Hai…" Chichiri said, without elaborating. "Then we're heading off to Sairou right now. We should be taking the southern route, just to be safe, y'know." He instructed, though the two bandits weren't paying any attention to him. They were busy doing their own thing.

"Genrou, don'tcha think we should at least prepare?"

"Right, right. And we need to say our lame goodbyes to the men too. Oh, damn, this is gonna be troublesome."

"And maybe we should pack some food, and maybe some sleeping bags too, and my favorite sword.-"

"WOULD YOU TWO SHUT UP AND LISTEN!" Chichiri thundered across the room, interrupting the two. "No time for talking, y'know!! If you need to prepare, do it now!" Kouji exchanged looks with Tasuki. "He's a wild one, ain't he?"

Tasuki let out a nervous laugh. "Damn right. Chichiri ain't in a good mood today. I think he ate something expired this morning, and his stomach's pretty upset." He whispered, as to not let Chichiri hear. Kouji nodded. "Well, we better get packin'. You too, Genrou."

Tasuki's lips curved to a small smirk. "I don't need anythin' if I have my tessen."

Amiboshi gazed into Yui's azure blue eyes that seemed to be shimmering in the light. The more he looked at her, the more he found himself lost in those cerulean blue depths. "Are you feeling better?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

Yui nodded. "But I feel like I've been hit by a gigantic boulder."

Amiboshi smiled as he placed the try of food on the bed. "You should eat. It'll help you recover quickly." He instructed, handing her the chopsticks.

"Arigato…" She said, her cheeks turning faint pink.

Just then, a petite little brunette, probably around 10 years old or so, stepped into the room, wearing a purple-checkered kimono, and holding a handmade teddy bear on her right.

"Sorry to intrude, demo, Kaika-oniichan, Obaa-san needs help in the kitchen."

"Hai," Amiboshi replied at once. "Gomen, Yui-san… I'll be back in a bit. Mei-chan, please keep her company."

The little girl, known as Mei, nodded sheepishly. "Sure thing, 'niichan!"

'Yui-san? Since when did Suboshi address me with a 'san'? What happened to the "sama"?' Yui wondered bewilderedly, her eyes searching him, trying to find subtle hints that he was Suboshi. He looked like Suboshi… he talked like Suboshi… but something was telling her that it wasn't Suboshi. He had already left the room, but Yui was still looking at the place where he had last been.

"Hey, 'nee-chan," Mei turned to Yui. "Are you Kaika-oniichan's bride-to-be?" She asked with a grin.

Yui stirred a little. "EH?! Y-You must've gotten me wrong! I don't know who this 'Kaika-oniichan' is!" She snapped.

Mei looked at her oddly. "Whaddya mean you don't know? Kaika-oniichan's been taking care of you all this time! Kaika-oniichan's been watching over you since he brought you here!" Mei exclaimed.

Yui blinked, blankly. "Can you tell me more about this 'Kaika-oniichan'? I am kind of confused." Yui pleaded. "Please?"

"Okay. But only if you're Kaika-oniichan's bride-to-be. Then Mei will tell you everything she knows."

"F-Fine." Yui said irritably, still not knowing who this 'Kaika' person was. "Just please tell me."

Mei sat on Yui's bedside, and placed her teddy bear gently on her lap. "Well… Obaa-san and Ojii-chan found a boy drifting on the village's lake one day. He was closed to dying, so they took him in, and decided to adopt him. Then they named him 'Kaika-oniichan.'"

Yui listened attentively to Mei's story, as she continued, "Kaika-oniichan doesn't remember much about his past. Demo, he's a really good person! He's very kind and loving… You see, when Kutou and Konan were at war, Kutou's forces raided this village. Mommy and Daddy were killed during the raid, Mei was about to be killed as well, but Kaika-oniichan protected Mei with all his might! Kaika-oniichan promised Mei that he'd be there to protect her forever." A hint of sorrow trailed down her voice.

'During that time,' Yui thought, 'I was the one who caused the war…'

"It's all the Priestess of Seiryuu's fault!" Mei exclaimed, a few tears already forming in her eyes, as it burned with rage. "If it weren't for her, Mei would still have Mommy and Daddy..."

'Gomen Mei… if you only knew that the Priestess of Seiryuu… the one responsible of your parent's deaths, is right here beside you… You'd hate me.' Yui thought bitterly.

"Gomen, 'nee-chan, but every time I remember that night, it makes me sad…" Mei quickly wiped her tears off with her finger. "If it weren't for Kaika-oniichan, Mei wouldn't be here right now… that's why Mei love him lots… and Mei want the best for him…"

Yui forced a smile, "You know what? I think Kaika-oniichan's lucky enough he has you." She said with a wink.

Mei returned the smile. "You're really pretty, 'nee-chan. I'd be happy if you were going to marry Kaika-oniichan… there are many village girls who are fond of him, demo, you're the prettiest and the kindest! Mei's routing for you two! You're way better than that other girl who came here before."

"Eh? What other girl?"

"Well, she was a foreigner like you too, and she was almost wearing clothes similar to yours… demo, Mei didn't like her one bit! She claimed that Kaika-oniichan was some person named 'Amiboshi' and he was part of an evil group called the "Say-you Shaving team"."

'Could that girl be Miaka?' Yui wondered, not minding the "shaving" part.

Mei's expression turned into a pout. "She even ate a whole month's supply of food in one day! She was really annoying. Mei couldn't stand her."

'No doubt about it. It was Miaka… she's been here too. And that person whom I thought was Suboshi… was Amiboshi…'

"You're prettier than that girl, 'nee-chan." Mei stated, flatly.

"Arigato, Mei-chan. Demo, call me Yui, okay?"

"Like, Yui-neechan?" Asked Mei.

Yui winked. "Hai. Sounds good to me."

Mei's eyes gleamed with joy. "Ne, Yui-neechan! Mei doesn't have any older sisters… but Mei wishes she had one… so, can Yui-neechan be Mei's sister?"

"Sure." Yui answered sheepishly.

Mei jumped for joy. "Wai! Now Mei has two 'nii-chans!! Wai!"

'I can't revive your dead parents… but I hope being your friend helps you ease the pain you're feeling a little.' Yui shifted her gaze around the room, simply avoiding any eye contact with Mei. She felt guilty enough.

Amiboshi sliced the radishes into small pieces, and placed them into the soup that was boiling on the stove. "Need help with anything else, 'kaa-san?" He inquired.

The elderly woman smiled, as she set the utensils and the plates on the table. "Thank you, Kaika. You've done enough… by the way, how's the girl?"

'Kaika' grabbed a chair and took a seat beside his foster mother. "She's awake… and doing well." He added.

"That's good." The elderly woman said, taking a seat as well. "You should introduce us. I'd love to meet her.-"

"That won't be necessary!" Mei cut in from behind. "'Nee-chan's already here!!" Mei pushed Yui upfront, and forced her to shake the mother's hand.

"Yui-neechan, this is Obaa-san. Obaa-san, this is Yui-neechan."

The elderly woman's eyes lit up. "My, my. Kaika has outdone himself again. You are a beautiful girl," She said bowing slightly. "It's nice to meet you, Yui-san."

"It's nice to meet you too!" Yui bowed awkwardly. "And thanks for taking care of me. I really appreciate it!"

The elderly woman smiled. "That's no problem. But give credit to Kaika, since he brought you to our home in the first place.. You seem well and in-shape… Kaika, why don't you take the beautiful lady out and show her around? It's a lovely day!" She suggested.

Amiboshi accepted the suggestion, and escorted Yui outside. It was a lovely day, indeed. The sky was blue and cloudy, the sun shone through and birds chirped around. The village was very peaceful. Although it was a small place, it was still very beautiful. Amiboshi took Yui to a grassy, shady area, near the riverbanks. There, they rested on nature's grounds. Yui found it a bit awkward being with a person she just met, yet looked like a person she already met before and knew very well. Amiboshi was playing a beautiful melody with his wooden flute. Yui couldn't help but be amazed.

"Amiboshi-, err, I mean, K-Kaika," She stuttered. "The song you're playing is beautiful. You're really good at playing the flute."

Amiboshi chuckled somewhat. "Arigato… I've been playing the flute since I was very young." He said, playing a different melody this time.

Yui couldn't help but ask him, "Do you remember? Your past, I mean." 'You've got a big mouth Yui! Next time, think things through!' She mentally punished herself, regretting for asking that question.

Amiboshi paused, and narrowed his eyes, as he placed his wooden flute back in his pocket. "Yes, I do remember…" He started, "I remember everything… my whole past, my brother, the war between Suzaku and Seiryuu… everything." He said, leaning onto the tree trunk behind him. "When you appeared in this world this time, I felt a presence I knew greatly of, but didn't know what. Then, realization struck me. And I remembered everything." He sounded indifferent, but his eyes gave away his true feelings.

'I can see it,' Yui thought, 'the pain… the anger, and sorrow in his eyes.' She couldn't ignore it. She wouldn't.

"When the war between Konan and Kutou started, you ran away, abandoning the rest of the Seiryuushichiseishi, came into this village to start anew." Yui said, looking away from Amiboshi's intense gaze. "I think it was a good idea. You're a kind-hearted person."

Amiboshi let out a small sigh. "It's because I hated war. Everything about it. When Nakago-sama gave me the task of going to Konan and impersonating "Chiriko", one of the Suzakushichiseishi, I was astonished to see that Konan was a very peaceful place and the warriors their bonded with harmony. It was then that I realized I couldn't be part of that peacefulness because I was born a Seiryuu warrior, and my destiny is to serve under the God of War… and I, just wanted so much to escape that fate."

Yui forced a smile on her face. "If I met you the first time I came here, then I would've forgotten the whole 'revenge-against-Miaka-thing'." She trembled a bit, as tears started trickling down her agile face. Amiboshi looked at her. She was so innocent, so vulnerable and so beautiful… yet she was in so much pain... even more pain that he could ever be. "It's my fault… I started the war… I was the Priestess of Seiryuu, and it was my duty to regain the land's peace… but I didn't! Instead, I reverted it and caused trouble. It's because of me innocent people suffered… it's because of me Mei-chan's parents died…" She sniffled, trying to force back the tears that were already overflowing.

"Yui-san, it's not your fault-"

"Yes, it is!" Yui immediately cut in. "Because of me, you had to suffer too… because of me, you and your brother were separated… it's because I was so damn selfish… all I ever cared about was how I felt, and never the feelings of the others around me… because I was betrayed, I lost myself and became a cold-hearted monster… That's why I should be punished. I know you loathe me, so why don't you just kill me now with your powers!!"

"It's not your fault," Amiboshi said, once again. "It's only natural to feel that way. Yui-san, you're human, you make mistakes. But the best part is, you can always find a way to erase them, no matter how impossible they may be."

Yui's eyes widened as Amiboshi wrapped his arms around her, embracing her tightly in a comforting manner.

"Mistakes… erase them…" These words ran through her thoughts, as a past memory flashes in her mind – a memory of her, and her mother many years ago.

FLASHBACK...

Six years old Yui Hongo colored mindlessly the caricature she'd just finished drawing. It was a drawing of her mother, father and her, posing happily in a beautiful cloudy place. She hands it to her mother, after finishing. Upon seeing the drawing, her mother burst into tears.

"What's wrong, Mommy? Why are you sad? Don't you like the drawing I drew?" Yui asked, frowning a bit.

Mrs. Hongo smiled. "I'm not sad, Yui-chan! In fact, I love it very much. Seeing it, I can't help but miss your daddy." She exclaimed. "But what's this blue light in the background?" She points to a sapphire-blue light that was outlining the three of them in the drawing.

"It's all ugly!" Yui exclaimed. "I wanted us to shine like the light, because we were in Heaven with daddy – just like the angels! But I messed up all the colors, and I can't draw our faces very well either."

"Then the first thing you should do is erase it all! Do you see this eraser?" She hands Yui a small pink eraser, and demonstrates, erasing the faces with a single wave.

"Now you try! With one wave of your hand, you can erase any mistakes!"

"Remember, Yui-chan… any mistakes…"

END OF FLASH BACK...

Yui wiped her tears and looked up at Amiboshi. "Arigato," She said softly, a few tears trickling down her face. "I hope... we get along better from now on..."

Amiboshi felt his cheeks redden slightly. "H-Hai." He replied.

A few miles away, two cloaked figures walked alongside the isolated rivers, that wound between overgrown, rubbish-strewn banks. There was no sound apart from the whisper of the waters, and no sign of life apart from the two. "Ne, Shunkaku… I'm hungry…" The shorter of the two complained. "Can't we stop and rest for a bit? Or maybe eat something?" She put her hood down, revealing a brunette girl, with a face so vulnerable and innocent, yet with revenge and anger in the depths of her eyes.

Suboshi took off his hood as well, and gave her a firm stare. "Touka, if you came here just to be a nuisance, go back home! I don't need any distractions on this mission."

The girl, known as Touka, frowned. "Demo… staying locked up inside my room is boring. And Chama told me you were going to see Kotouku, and I wanted to see him too!" She explained, clinging onto his left arm.

Suboshi gritted his teeth. "Fine," He said irritably. "Just stop holding on to me like that. It's annoying."

She pouted slightly. "Kotouku might be your twin brother, but he sure is different from you! He's sweet, kind-hearted and loving. You're brash and impatient, and self-absorbed. You're with a girl, Shunkaku! C'mon! Show your "gentlemen" side! If you keep this up, you'll never have a girlfriend!"

Suboshi walked on, still ignoring her comment.

Touka frowned again as she rushed beside him. "You know, that pretty vendor girl back at home seemed to be pretty fond of you… why didn't you accept her?"

Suboshi clenched his fist, "It's 'cause, I already found someone…" He stated, flatly. 'Someone whom I entrusted the most the precious thing I had… my heart…'

Touka blinked. "O-Oh…"

Between wind and sea, between flame and ice. There lies the Abyss of Shadows. Between night and day, between darkness and light. There lies Tenkou, an evil god hungry for power and control over the book world and the real world. For centuries, no living being has tread upon the dusty grounds of the cave. Yet today, is a new day.

"I have news that is sure to impress you, Tenkou-sama." Tomo, the Seiryuu warrior, bowed respectively.

Tenkou was seated directly in front of a burning fire, so that it was difficult, at first, for new arrivals to make out more than his silhouette. "You look so confident that your reception will be good." Tenkou said, eyeing Tomo with such intensity.

"I have found the whereabouts of the Priestess of Seiryuu. Presently, she is at Makan Village in the Empire of Sairou. She is not alone, however. Amiboshi, one of her seishi, is with her." Tomo concluded.

Tenkou's snake-like eyes gleamed, as his lips curved to a slight smirk. "We will let our army of annihilators do that job for us… however, we will retrieve a former ally who is in desperate need of our help right now."

Tomo stood up slowly, clutching Shin (his shell) to his chest. "You'll pay, Suboshi. I'll get my revenge on you for killing me…" He muttered. "And I'll make sure your beloved Priestess will suffer right in front of your very eyes..."

Yui let out a slow miserable sigh as she sat quietly on the kitchen table, barely touching her food. It had already been five days since she had arrived in the book world, and she wondered if Miaka and the others noticed she's been gone. "After all, time does fly faster here than over there," She thought, tucking a strand of her golden hair behind her ears. However, she had to admit that she was glad to be able to meet Amiboshi. The last time she came, she never had a chance to meet him. And over the last days, the two had become such good friends.

"Yui-san, are you alright? You barely touched your plate." Amiboshi said, with an expression of touching concern on his face.

Yui smiled wanly. "Don't worry, I'm fine! I was just wondering… how I can go back to my own world…"

Amiboshi felt his heart sink slightly. "G-Go back? Why?"

"Because this isn't my home… and I don't wanna trouble Miaka and the others by being here… I already caused them to suffer once and I don't want to again."

"I see…" He said, simply. "By the way, how's Miaka-san?"

"She's fine," Yui answered. "She and Taka are planning on getting married."

Amiboshi forced a smile. "The last time she came here... she seemed very upset. I'm glad things are working out for her." Yui nodded.

The elderly woman, with her husband and Mei entered the kitchen, bringing more plates of delicious food. "Hello there," The father greeted Yui with a warm smile as he took a seat beside her. "I believe we haven't been introduced yet, since I have been off to a fishing trip with my crew. By the way, I'm Kaika's father. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Yui shook his hands gently. "I'm Yui. Hongo Yui."

A small smirk etched his features. "You are a beautiful woman, and very polite too. I'd be happy if you were to marry my son."

Yui and Amiboshi blushed furiously, turning deep red. "'t-tou-san!" Amiboshi yelled, "Please, don't say such things!" The mother smiled mischivously. "Oh, but I can tell... Kaika, you've grown pretty fond of her haven't you? And you too as well, Yui-san..."

Yui blushed, "Well... I... I..."

The father grinned. "Let's leave that behind shall we? There's a small Harvest Festival in the center of the village tomorrow night. Why you all go?" He inquired, quickly changing the subject before embarassing his son even more.

Mei beamed, clasping her hands together. "Harvest Festival? That sounds fun! Ne, Yui-neechan, Kaika-oniichan, can we go together? Onegai?" She pleaded.

Yui smiled, still recovering from her embrassing situation. "Sure… demo, I don't have any kimono with me… and you should wear something traditional during festivals, ne?"

The elderly woman smiled. "Don't worry, Yui-san. I've got lots of kimonos that is sure to fit you perfectly!"

Yui couldn't be thankful enough. "Arigato!" She thanked her, "I really am thankful!"

At that moment, Amiboshi got down on one knee and took Yui's right hand, entwining them to his own. "Yui-san, I'd like to take this opportunity and ask you… would you go out with me? At least for tomorrow night?" He pressed a light kiss to her knuckles, and she could feel all her blood rushing to her face, making her blush even harder than before.

"B-B-But," She stuttered.

"I promise I'll be worth your time. Please?" He pleaded, softly.

"H-Hai," Yui replied, feeling her heart racing. He was so sweet, and so kind… Yui couldn't help but feel tenderness in his little touches and his small compliments. When she was with him, it's as if all her problems disappeared in a matter of seconds. She didn't know it, but was she starting to fall in love with him?

Sairou is a bright and cheerful land, protected by the guardian deity, Byakko. It's a land that is more than inhabitable. Today, many of them are meeting in the little village of Makan, not far from the city's capital, to attend the once-in-a-year Harvest Festival. Many farmers and others join together to prepare their offerings, which they will present to their Beast God as a token of gratitude and respect. Tasuki, Chichiri and Kouji have traveled far, and now, they have finally reached the city's capital, where they see the people working in unity.

"What's wit' them all? Carryin' loads of food in that wooden box when they should be eatin' it at this time of day." Tasuki commented, pointing at the farmers.

Chichiri shrugged. "It's for the Harvest Festival tonight, y'know."

Kouji grinned. "I don't know 'bout ya all, but I'm joinin' in this Harvest Festival thing. My stomach could use some chow for tonight. Whaddya all say, huh?"

"I say I'm with ya on this one, pal." Tasuki agreed, tapping Kouji on the back with his hand.

Chichiri nodded. "I guess we have no other choice, y'know. Yui-chan could be here anywhere, y'know. So keep your eyes open!"

"Peace to you, strangers!" Someone interrupted. The three turned around to see a small old woman, wearing a green kimono, smiling graciously at them, with a calm atmosphere.

"Who are you, old person?" Tasuki inquired rudely, thrusting his tessen forward. "Ya ain't an evil witch or anything are ya?"

The old woman chuckled. "I am Shawi, head of this town."

Chichiri bowed his head slightly. "Sorry about my companions… they're kind of drowsy at this time of day, y'know… Anyways, it's a pleasure to meet you, miss! We're–"

"It doesn't matter who you are!" She cut in, again. "I can see kindness in your eyes and I sense that you've come from very far away!"

Chichiri gave a nod.

"That doesn't surprise me! Many come to offer their help! Our Harvest Festival is one of the widest-known festivals beyond our land!" She concluded.

"Quite a shallow old lady, eh?" Tasuki whispered to Kouji. "And she's got a real tendency to be cuttin' people's sentence."

Kouji muffled a small laugh. "And look at that hairdo! Not a suitable one for an old lady!" He laughed, pointing at her braided hairdo.

"You're young! And you have strong, agile legs!" Shawi said, her eyes gazing at both Kouji and Tasuki. "They will be of great use to us in completing the Harvest Festival…"

"Holy shit! We didn't mean to make fun of ya!" Tasuki yelled, taking a step away from Shawi. "Are ya plannin' on cuttin' our legs off to offer it to Byakko or somethin'?"

She smiled. "Dear Heavens, no!" She cried, aloud. "I need you to use your feet on smashing black grapes. They're the finest in Sairou and we'll be using it later tonight!"

"Ah!" Kouji remarked. "So where will we do the smashin'?"

"It's a surprise!" She exclaimed with a wink. "And if it puts a smile on your faces, you'll be paired up with two travelers who've come far away as well. They might be friends of yours!"

Tasuki grinned. "Friends of ours?"

Shawi lead them to an open field, where monstrous wooden barrels filled with black grapes rested in the grassy grounds. "Before climbing up, please remove your shoes." She instructed. The three did what they were told, and when climbing up the barrel, their eyes wrested on two, very familiar people, Suboshi and Touka, who were smashing grapes as well!

"S-SUBOSHI?!" Tasuki yelled, aloud. "Or w-was it, Amiboshi? No, wait, what's his other name again? Oh yeah! I mean, K-Kaika?"

Shawi smiled. "Friends of yours? I knew it!"

"Friends of ours?!" Tasuki yelled, gritting his teeth. "Never, ever, ever in a million years!!"

Shawi walked away, ignoring Tasuki. "Well, I'll leave you five alone. Just keep smashing the grapes with your feet. I'll be back soon."

"Suboshi, what are you doing here?" Chichiri asked him, suspiciously.

Suboshi clenched his fist and gave a smirk. "Hmph. Like I'd tell you."

Tasuki twitched. "Argh, always the bastard, huh, Suboshi?!" Tasuki roared, gripping his Tessen defensively.

Suboshi grinned. "You're just jealous we got here first, slow stupid Suzaku warriors!"

Tasuki gritted his teeth. "Like I'd be jealous of you! My tessen is so much cooler than yer stupid yo-yo weapon!"

"At least I don't look like Ashitare, with those teeth! Suck it up, fangboy!"

"Ya just got blacklisted on my blacklist, insane, psychotic, idiot, crazy, weirdo!!"

"You were blacklisted way before I met you, high-tempered asshole!"

"Go back to Hell, brat!"

"Not until you change that hairdo of yours!"

"Shuddup! Your insanity is killin' me!"

"So are your fangs!"

"Leave 'em, alone, TWINCEST-OBSESSED, idiot!" Tasuki shrugged, grinning as he seen Suboshi's poutful expression.

"Whaddya say?"

"Ya heard me. I said, TWINCEST. OBSESSED. IDIOT. Seen you kissin' yo' brother! Ya desperate because the Priestess of Seiryuu wouldn't accept ya? Now look," He pointed his fingers to Touka, who was indeed frightened of him. "Now ya got yourself a childish wimpy girlfriend! Way to slay, Su-bo-shi!" He said, mockingly. Touka hid behind Suboshi. "Shunkaku, that fiery-heard weirdo is scaring me!" She exclaimed.

"That's 3 points for Genrou and 2 point for Suboshi!" Kouji announced.

Suboshi laid a grip on his Ryuuseisui as it suspended in midair. "You don't know how I feel… for Yui-sama…" He said, tonelessly. "Because your Priestess is a rotten-decaying-glutton-ugly-ugly-person! When I seen her naked, I thought I'd go blind forever!"

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Chichiri yelled, promptly stopping the two from involving themselves to a deathmatch. "NO FIGHTING! NOT NOW, Y'KNOW!!"

Tasuki clenched his fist. "I'll let you go. Just for now." He said, rudely.

"Yui-chan is here, y'know. And we are going to work in unity in order to help! Something evil's planning on getting her!" Chichiri stated, eyeing Suboshi with an intense expression, then turning around and doing the same with Tasuki. Suboshi gritted his teeth, and turned his back on them. "Hmph. Like I'd join your stupid group, idiotic Suzaku's. I'm gonna save Yui-sama myself! I don't need any help from you!"

"Argh, there he goes again, Chichiri!!" Tasuki roared. "Suboshi! Yer just waitin' to be deep-fried aren't ya? Don't worry! I'll grant ya yer wish! REKKA SHI–"

"THERE'LL BE NO FIGHTING HERE!" Shawi immediately grabbed his tessen, gripping it with all her might, "Makan Village is a peaceful village!! Unless you want to be punished severely for your actions?"

Tasuki paused. "F-Fine. No fightin'."

Shawi smiled. "Good! When you've finished, there's another tub full of grapes waiting for you all. And then a relaxing supper by the fire!"

Yui gazed at her reflection on the mirror, as the elderly woman brushed her long blonde hair into loose braids. She couldn't be thankful enough to be able to borrow one of their beautiful kimonos. She had chosen a light-colored orange one, with tiny cherry blossom flowers sewed on the garment. "Arigato for lending me this kimono! It's very beautiful,"

The elderly woman smiled. "No problem. It fits you perfectly, and you look very pretty. Kaika will be transfixed."

Yui was flushed. "A-Arigato…"

Amiboshi played a cheerful melody on his flute outside, as Mei watched him, a small smile etched on her face. "Kaika-oniichan looks handsome today!" She exclaimed, pointing at him.

Amiboshi smiled lightly at her compliment.

"Ah, Yui-neechan!" Mei said, suddenly, looking past him. Amiboshi turned around to see Yui standing in the doorway, wearing her kimono. She smiled shyly, twirling a strand of her hair with her finger. She looked very beautiful... the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He blushed lightly.

"Wow, nee-chan, you look sooo pretty!!" Mei commented, rushing to her. "Ahh, everyone looks so pretty today. How about Mei? Does Mei look pretty too?"

"Hai! Mei-chan looks very cute!" She glanced at Amiboshi, who was still blushing. "And so does your Kaika-niichan,"

"Well, it's time you all get going," The elderly woman said, seing them off.

"Ano, obaa-san, you sure you're not going with us?" Mei asked. "It's gonna be fun! Really fun!" The elderly woman chuckled. "I'd love to, but I'm oretty old. And your father is very tired, I need to take care of him. But, enjoy your night!"

"HAI!" Mei squealed, clinging onto Yui and Amiboshi. "Sounds good to me! Let's get going!"

They reached the center of the village which was filled with hundreds of villagers and farmers, food-stands, small carnival rides, and at the center of the festive ground was an enormous statue of Byakko, with smashed-black grapes surrounding it. Amiboshi and Yui went around, as Mei tagged along – they enjoyed everything, it was a night to remember! After hours of excitement, they rested on the small wooden benches just near the food-stands. The night was young and still. The stars twinkled brightly in the midnight-blue sky, and the pale moon shone in the middle. A double-shooting star streaked across the velvet sky, leaving trails of stardust in its wake.

"Look, look!" Mei exclaimed, pointing towards the dying star. "It's a double shooting star! Let's all make a wish!!"

Yui and Amiboshi exchanged looks and smiled. "Okay."

Yui crossed her fingers and closed her eyes, and then she solemnly whispered, "I wish… everything turns out alright…"

"You're not supposed to say it, or else your wish won't come true," Amiboshi scolded her gently. Yui pouted and frowned. "Fine." She said, sticking her tongue out, but stopped when she realized Amiboshi was looking at her with a serious expression.

"I-I was just joking!" Yui said, avoiding his gaze.

"Yui-san… I…" He hesitated. Yui's cheeks flushed a faint red color. "I…"

"Ey, what's with you two?!" Mei interrupted.

"N-Nothing!! Nothing's wrong with me and Yui-san!" Amiboshi snapped, turning his head. 'Damn… why does she always have to interrupt?'

Mei raised a brow, seeming unconvinced. "Hmm, is that so? Then, why do you look so red?"

Amiboshi twitched. "Cause it's hot?" He reasoned.

"Really, Kaika-oniichan… you like her don't you?" Mei whispered.

"W-What makes you think that?! I just met her!" He snapped, blushing harder than ever. Mei grinned. "See?"

"HELP! HELP ME!" The fierce cry of a woman caught their attention. It was a horrible squealing yell.

"W-What was that?"

Meanwhile, in the other side of the festival grounds – Tasuki, Chichiri and Kouji are enjoying themselves to a small buffet inside a small tavern. Shawi had cooked them a wonderful meal. "Here's another serving! Help yourself, please. You've earned it." She said with a smile.

"Damn, I'm beat!" Tasuki said, getting a handful of delicious food on his plate.

"Yer tellin' me? I never imagined smashin' grapes could be exhaustin'!" Kouji exclaimed, taking a sip of hot tea.

"Stop complaining," Chichiri said. "We're lucky we got to eat in the first place!"

Tasuki gritted his teeth. "Yeah, but the worst part is, we're still eatin' with them rotten Seiryuu brats!"

Suboshi glared at him. "You got a problem with me, Fangboy?!"

"A problem?! Yer a pain in the hole!"

"So are you! You don't see me complaining!"

"Yer askin' for it, bastard!" Tasuki clenched his fist to a ready-to-punch mode, but was interrupted by the tavern door getting smashed by a monstrous-like creature, with gigantic fangs and a full-scaled body, running past them.

"W-What the hell is that thing?"

Commotion ran through the whole festival, as these monstrous creatures destroyed everything in its place.

"Help me! Please, my son! He's…"

Amiboshi stood up to comfort the woman. "It's okay, miss. Don't worry. What happened?"

"I-It was a m-monster! H-He attacked u-us. T-Took m-my son…" She sobbed, her tears overflowing. And then, out of nowhere, out of nothing, they were surrounded. At least twenty monstrous figures, suspending in midair, formed a vast circle in the midst of the three. Screams, a blaze of silver light on every side, as the woman rolled over, unconscious.

"N-Nee-chan! T-There everywhere!" Mei shouted, her voice filled with fear and desperation, as her vision went dark, and she too, fell unconscious. She was curled on the ground, her arms clamped over her face.

"Do something! Anything!" Yui pleaded, turning to Amiboshi, her whole body trembling and shaking. Amiboshi hesitated at first, but looking at Yui's determined expression, he nodded. He grabbed his flute, and started playing a high-pitched melody that grew faster and faster, and higher and higher by the second. "What are you doing?!" Yui yelled, frantically. "When I said 'do anything', I didn't mean 'play your flute'! Now is NOT the time to serenade us with music!" Amiboshi ignored her, and focused his attention on his flute. Suddenly, he was surrounded by a blue aura, and two of the monstrous figures in front clutched their heads with their hands, and dropped dead on the ground.

"Wow, that's amazing!" Yui raved. "Now just keep doing it until every single one of 'em dies!"

Amiboshi suddenly paused, as the blue aura surrounding him vanished completely. "I don't know why, but all of my chii just vanished!" He looked around desperately, trying to pick up anybody that could help them, but nobody was there. Most of the villagers gad evacuated the area, and all that was left were houses and taverns in shambles.

"WHAT?!" Yui shouted.

"I can't use my abilities. It's as if all of my powers were sucked out of me!"

Yui gasped. "Then, what are we going to do?!"

Before Amiboshi had time to reply, the creature glided towards them with blinding speed. It was hovering over the ground. "Come with us… Priestess of Seiryuu… and we will spare your friends…" It said with a cold, murderous voice, as it turned to Yui. 'Come with us…' Yui lost any sense of what was happening as her vision went dark. 'Yes… come with us… come…' It said, as Yui slowly strode forward. She felt a strong force pursuing her forward. She couldn't stop it.

"NO! Yui-san! Don' t go with them!!" Amiboshi yelled, trying to stop her, but was thrust backwards by another monstrous figure. 'Dammit… I can't get to her! It's like she's in some sort of trance! And these creatures…"

Yui was already just a few yards close to the creature.

"YUI-SAN! STOP!!" Amiboshi bellowed, trying to get to her. The creature shot him with a blaze of silver wisp, and he was thrown aback to a tree.

"Yui-san… don't… go…" He said weakly, forcing his body to stand. The creature's icy fingers were closing in his throat. He could smell its putrid, death-cold breath, filling his own lungs, drowning him. "Amiboshi… Amiboshi!!" Yui finally snapped out of it.

"Death's the only solution for persistent humans like you." It said, smashing his wooden flute with it's scaly tail, before thrusting him back to the earth-cold ground. Yui could not take it in, and her terror for the others was paramount. "STOP IT!" She cried. "DEATH'S NO SOLUTION! It's a MISTAKE! A mistake!!" In the middle of the unspeakable confusion… Yui's mind was clouded with shock, desperation and outrage. And she remembers that simple, definite gesture…

"You can erase any mistake, Yui-chan… remember, any mistake…" A gesture she now repeats mechanically without thinking. She held her hand up, and waved it to the right, as if she was holding an eraser. And in one, fleeting moment, all of the monstrous creatures disappear by her will.

For Amiboshi, who she considers her faithful and loyal seishi…

For Mei, who she considers her young sister…

and for the citizens who she is beginning to consider her own people… Forever.

One instant.

"Did we get here too late?" Tasuki asked, standing on top of a building with Chichiri and Kouji, looking a bit fumed, as he watched over the whole grounds.

One glance.

"It's Yui-chan, y'know!" Chichiri exclaimed, pointing to Yui.

One word.

"Yui-sama!" Suboshi yelled, as he rushed to her aid with Touka tagging along.

At times, it takes very little to completely change people's destinies… and to divide them…

The dark sky drastically lit up, as the sun beamed out, signifying a new day. 'What did I just do?' Yui wondered, looking up at Suboshi, with wide eyes. "S-Suboshi…?" She ran to him, wrapping her arms around his waist, overcome by emotion. "It's you… it's really you, right?" Tears flowed down her cheeks, and she looked into his eyes. He nodded slightly.

"Kotouku!!" Touka cried, helping Amiboshi up. "You're badly injured! Are you okay?"

"Touka? W-Why are you here?"

"No time for that!" she snapped, quickly wiping her tears. "You saved everyone, Kotouku! You did, ne?" She asked, her eyes gleaming. Amiboshi glanced at Yui and Suboshi, and shook his head slowly. "Yui-san... she... saved us..."

Realization struck Yui, as she immediately let go of Suboshi and walked towards Amiboshi and Touka, with teary eyes. "Amiboshi… I'm sorry… I couldn't stop them from hurting you." She kneeled down. Amiboshi lifted his hand and cuffed one side of her cheek. "Yui-san…" He smiled weakly. "I'm glad… you're safe…"

Extra Notes: That ends the third chapter! Well, how was it? Wasn't too bad, right? Or was it? Twelve pages was a lot of effort on me. I did this chapter on a rush, just to let you know. So again, don't mind the errors. Maybe I should get a beta if these stupid grammatical errors are getting in the way of the whole story... oh, and for those of you who don't know, "Shunkaku" and "Kotouku" are Suboshi and Amiboshi's real name (with their surname, "Bu"). Well, do review and tell me what you think! ) Ja ne!