Hello readers, thanks to those who reviewed and Happy Valentine's Day! Did you receive chocolates from friends and family? Well I don't, I gave out cookies and chocolates though~ I'm so glad that most of you like the Sumi I wrote in this story. You guys got to like him because he is not going away any time soon~ I left the last chapter in a cliffy right? (I hope)

Chapter 10 – The Water Garden

X.X.X

"Sumi, Sumi answer me!" Takahiro cried frantically as he held Sumi in his arms. His sweat droplets flowed from his forehead to and down his flawless cheek. The fiery wings that soared before closed,like a withered flower.

"He should have known better than to come to the Water Kingdom." Shinobu said icily. He folded his arms across his chest, staring at Sumi, with no hint concern for the intruder.

Takahiro turned his head slightly to look at Shinobu. "What do you mean?" he asked carefully, his eyes never fully leaving the unconscious Sumi.

Shinobu opened his mouth, and was about to say something but Miyagi interrupt him. "Let's bring Sumi to one of my guest room first." he said as he walked forward to help Takahiro. He let Sumi's one hand over his neck, one hand holding him in place, the other hand around his waist and walked towards the door. He led the way and the others followed behind.

He led them to a huge room with a theme of light blue color. Light blue curtains were neatly tied and there was a white study table right at the opposite of the blue bed. Miyagi handed Sumi to the servants already in the room and the set him on the bed. The servants were Halves. They had a human body with animals ears and tails. Takahiro was shocked. He only saw Beast in the Fire Kingdom. This was the first time he saw the Halves. *(See chapter 5 for details on Halves and Beasts) Takahiro immediately rushed over to his side. The room was in silence as the servants and Takahiro helped the unconscious Sumi. They used a damp towel to wipe the sweat that formed beads on his forehead.

"Why is Sumi senpai like this?" Misaki asked, deciding that he should break the silence.

"The people of the Fire Kingdom are not allowed into the Water Kingdom." Usami said. He was leaning against the door with his arms crossed.

His words caught Takahiro's attention. He handed the towel in his hands to the servants and turned to face Usami. "Why? I don't get you." Takahiro asked, almost panicking. This doesn't sound good... he felt his heart pounding faster every second as he waited for Usami to speak.

Usami inhaled deeply and continued, "As we all know fire and water do not mix. Sumi is the lord of the Fire Kingdom, his power over fire is stronger than anyone. Coming to the Water Kingdom would affect the beings with even the slightest fire power. It's a miracle that he only fell after coming into the kingdom for so long."

Takahiro was stumped. He did not know what to say. He came here because of me! I was worried about them...he came without thinking!

"But my lord, please consider. It is not safe to be there. It's –!"

The demon's words that warned Sumi before echoed in his head.

It's my fault!

Looking at his brother paled face, Misaki asked, "Then what can we do?" when he asked Usami, he thought he saw a flash of anger in his eyes. But it disappeared as soon as it appeared.

"We can send him back to the Fire Kingdom! He is not even supposed to be here!" Shinobu scowled, obviously not feeling any concern for the unconscious man.

"We could do that..." Miyagi said with one hand clutching his chin. "But he could die. He's been here too long. To bring him back we need at least two days."

Takahiro panicked when he heard the word "die". He rushed forward and pulled Miyagi's sleeve, "Is there any other way?" he asked, his voice filled with worried.

"There is - !" his words were cut off by Usami's deep scowl. "You can't be suggesting that can you?" he glared at Miyagi.

"What is it?" Takahiro turned to Usami and asked agitatedly.

"Nothing! We will send him back to the Water Kingdom as fast as we can. End of discussion!" Usami said as he stomped out of the room and closed the door behind him with a loud bang.

"It is risky for him to wait any longer right?" Misaki asked Miyagi who nodded silently back.

"Please tell me!" Takahiro cried. His eyes staring right at Miyagi.

Miyagi looked at Takahiro's determination eyes, sighed, and said, "You need to travel to the center of the Water Kingdom to get the Water Lily that grows once every fifty years. I can't help you much. Being the Lord of the Water Kingdom, I can't help someone from the Fire Kingdom but I can send you to that place right now. You've got twenty-four hours before he stays in a coma forever."

Shinobu grabbed Miyagi's arm and cried angrily, "Why are you helping him!" he pointed at Sumi.

Misaki was shocked to see Shinobu react so agitatedly. He was so funny and caring although his words are harsh but this time, he seem different...

Miyagi grabbed Shinobu's shoulders and stared right into his eyes. "Clam down Shinobu! You can't just leave him to die, can you? Don't worry, I'm here." he pulled him to him and embraced him tightly. "Don't worry, I'm here." he whispered into his ear gently and assured him once more by holding his head and letting it rest on his shoulders.

Shinobu calmed down. He wrapped his hands around Miyagi and let himself relax in Miyagi's embrace. When he felt him clam down, Miyagi gently lifted him and looked into his eyes. "You ok?" he asked softly. Shinobu nodded. Miyagi turned to face Takahiro and asked, "You're sure you want to go?"

Takahiro looked at Miyagi, his eyes with no hint of wavering. "Yes."

"I'm coming with you too!" Misaki cried, not wanting to leave his brother again.

"I'll have to discuss this with Usami first." Miyagi said, as he walked towards the door.

"No!" Misaki cried. "Usagi-san does not like Sumi. He will not agree to it. I'll bring Gin with me." With a soft whistle, Gin jumped into the room from the window and bowed before Misaki.

Miyagi pondered for a moment and said, "Alright. But listen carefully, the Water Lily is something earned, not found. Only the one who really needs it will get it." Misaki and Takahiro nodded. "Close your eyes." Miyagi ordered gently. Both men nodded and closed their eyes. They felt a soft warmth surrounding them. They felt their feet left the ground and wind blowing upwards.

Shinobu watched as the two men and Gin got transported by Miyagi's water magic. Water flowed smoothly to form a huge magic circle and swirl around them. They floated and the water beneath them formed an image. The Water Garden! Shinobu stared at the garden curiously. No one had been there except for Miyagi a few hundred years ago.

The Water Garden, the most scared place of all in the Water Kingdom. Only the lord of the Water Kingdom knew the way to the garden. The garden's sole purpose was to protect the single Water Lily that grew in the garden. Although the Water Lily bloomed every fifty years, any one who wanted it because of greed touches it will cause the flower to wither immediately. The person will also be 'eaten' by the forest. No one knows what in the forest. Many had traveled far and wide to search for the garden, hoping to find it and used it to take over the Water Kingdom. The Water Lily can give power or heal any person in pain. I hope they succeed...

X.X.X

"Hmm..." Misaki felt something hot and slimy touch his face. He tried to push it away but it did not work. He slowly opened his eyes and found himself staring right into a pair of golden eyes. When his vision cleared, he saw that it was Gin licking his face. He sat up and his hand gently brushed the soft grass and his brother laid beside him. Misaki scanned the surroundings and he found himself staring at plants he never saw before. They were beautiful and were like ice. They glittered under the sun. The whole garden was filled with white and green. It looked like a paradise for animals but the garden was silent - so silent that it was creepy.

Misaki moved to his brother and gently shook him. "Brother... brother." he called softly. Takahiro stirred and slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the sunlight. "Where are we?" he asked as he sat up.

"I guess this is The Water Garden." Misaki answered, scratching his head.

"It's beautiful." Takahiro said in awe as he scanned the surroundings.

Misaki shook his head. "Now is not the time to be impressed. We still need to find the Water Lily."

Takahiro snapped out of it and said, "Oh right." he stood up and asked, "Which place do you think we should start from first?"

Gin gave a soft growl and wagged his tail lightly. Both men turned to look at the sliver wolf. "I think Gin know the way. It was the right choice to bring him along." Misaki grinned and followed Gin.

This place is huge. Please let us find the Lily in time. I must save him!

X.X.X

"You what?" Usami yelled as he pinned Miyagi against the wall, grabbing the collar of his shirt.

Shinobu panicked. He approached Usami, grabbed his arm and demanded, "Let him go! Misaki wanted to go with Takahiro on his own!"

Usami inhaled deeply and slowly relaxed his grip. "I want to find him. Send me to him." Usami demanded lightly.

"I can't do that." Miyagi replied flatly. His reply was met with Usami cold, piercing stare. Miyagi waved his hands in front of him and said, "Don't look at me like that! Other lords from other kingdoms are not allowed in the garden! I can't send you there."

"Damm it!" Usami bellowed as his hands formed fists and hit the wall right beside Miyagi's face, barely missing Miyagi's face by an inch.

Why did he have to go just to save him? Usami thought angrily as he stared coldly at Sumi who was still unconscious, lying on the bed.

Please, just be safe...

X.X.X

There, here is chapter 10 and it's early by one day. Well cause it's valentine's day~ I hope I did not disappoint anyone with this chapter? I got a feeling that this chapter sounded like a fairy tale. ;X Does anyone feel the same? . Please review to tell me. :)