Chapter 20:

Hotohori's eyes narrowed dangerously, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword as he studied Chulivey.

' How did she recognize me? But more than that how did she recognize Lee?'

His voice mirrored his unspoken thoughts "Who are you woman? Friend or foe?"

Chulivey bowed " I am Chulivey, my Lord. This is my Aunt Yuka and my cousin Ukano."

Hotohori's eyes fell on the young girl who looked at him wide eyes .His stern black eyes softened a little.

"Are you really the Prince?"Her voice was curious.

"Perhaps."Hotohori smiled.

Ukano pondered on this for a while "Then where is your crown?"

"I had to leave it at the capital."

"Why?"

"Because I am on a mission."

"Are you going to save a princess from an evil demon? Will you fight the black warrior?"

"Ukano "Chulivey cut in softly but firmly "Cease your questions for a while. My Lord, I believe that you have already seen the condition of the inn. This is a poor accommodation for a prince..."She waved her hand around the barn "But please accept the little hospitality that we have to offer."

"Thank you "Hotohori inclined his head gracefully."But you have not yet explained how you recognized me."

"I will my Lord. Perhaps this should allay your doubts a little "She rolled up the sleeve of her hand to display the sign that glowed faintly.

"You...are a seishi."Menesku moved a bit forward as if to verify the authenticity of the sign.

"Yes "Chulivey said.

"But Suzano said that you already knew that Cousin Chulivey was a seishi."Ukano piped in.

"I did?" Hotohori sounded confused "And who is Suzano?"

"She is very beautiful "Ukano responded enthusiastically "And she fights vampires!"

"What?"

"Forgive my Cousin."Chulivey cut in more firmly this time "Perhaps after you are refreshed a bit she tell you all about Suzano."

Hotohori looked at Ukano who was looking at him with wide hopeful eyes .He smiled." Sure."

After sometime they were sitting around the fire. Their sodden garments were hung on a line to help them dry .The storm still raged outside, the wind howling and battering against the door. But inside the barn it was warm and dry. Lee was feeling sleepy. Chulivey had offered her one of her robes. Now Chulivey was taller than her and therefore the robe was oversized, but it was warm and cozy.

When Chulivey and her family moved to the barn somewhere around noon, Yuka had brought some necessary supplies with them. That included some clothes, lanterns, some pots and pans and some food .She had offered the three men some of Tenjou's clothes. But Tenjou was of a short stocky stature and none of his clothes fit any of the men .So they had no other choice than to peel of they're dripping wet tunics and sit near the fire to dry them.

"So "Hotohori turned towards Chulivey, the translucent white undershirt was like a veil on his rippling muscles "Could you tell us what happened here?"

"Yes ..sort of "Chulivey stared into the fire "But before that perhaps you should listen to Ukano's side of the story ."

"Hmm..All right."

"Ukano "Chulivey called out to her cousin .She was at the other end of the barn helping her mother prepare some food.

At Chulivey's call she came bounding up to them "Cousin Chulivey?"

Hotohori patted the seat beside him "Come sit."

There was a blush on Ukano's cheek as she shyly took her place beside the fire.

"So Ukano, can you tell us what happened here?"

Ukano looked at Hotohori "Yes."

"Then tell us "

Ukano never had such an audience .She felt her chest visibly swell with pride."Well it all started at midday..."

There was a pin drop silence as she narrated the events of the previous day.

"Then ..this morning ..after the sun rose ..My mother and I went to see what happened. They were gone ...Suzano, Fahon and Kenji .We found Cousin Chulivey stumbling downstairs..and we came here ."Ukano ended lamely.

There was a collective exhale of breath. Then Hotohori spoke "You were very brave."

"I was?"Ukano sounded hopeful.

"Yes "Hotohori smiled at her "Now go and assist your mother."

Ukano was not pleased .She wanted to stay a while and listen to the tales of the capital .She pouted and reluctantly dragged her up.

"Maybe later I can tell you a wonderful story "Hotohori added as a way of compensation.

Ukano brightened up "Okay "She went to assist her mother.

"Okay time out."Faraco spoke up "The Black warrior has vampires?"

"He could have for all we know."Menesku shrugged "However we do not have any special force to fight such ..Things ."

"Does..he really have ..Vampires?"Lee's voice was shaky.

' Because vampires have this unhealthy obsession with the blood of young, innocent, virgin females ' The voice in her head reminded her ' In this case you .Okay ..so maybe you are not innocent ..but you are still young and a virgin .'

"Lee calm down."Faraco put a reassuring hand over Lee's suddenly cold ones "Menesku stop frightening Lee."He said angrily.

Menesku raised an elegant eyebrow "Lady Lee need not be afraid .We will protect her."

'Yeah right ' the voice in her head snorted.

"I believe we are deviating from the actual topic here "Hotohori cut in "And Lady Chulivey has not told us her side of the story yet."

"Please my Lord "Chulivey said quietly "I am no lady, call me Chulivey."

"If you insist. Chulivey."

"Well one thing I can assure you Lady Lee "Chulivey smiled at the young girl "Whatever attacked me..was no vampire ."

"It wasn't?"Lee relaxed visibly.

' Now that relieving.' The voice in her head spoke.

"It was something far worse."

' What !'

"Perhaps I should start from the beginning."

"That would be nice."Hotohori agreed.

"It all started in the year Lord Hoshimaru was murdered."Chulivey began, noticing Hotohori stiffening instinctively at the mention of his late father's name."My uncle Tenjou and me went to the capital to witness your coronation. That is how I recognized you today ..."

' But you have changed my Lord. Five years ago you were a boy, nearly swallowed up in silken robes and heavily laden with jewels .You were so distant ..A boy king ..I guess five years is the difference between a boy and man.'

"When I was returning to my village I met a man called Sukitsho, my mentor."Chulivey continued with a sigh "Under his guidance I studied the art of magic for three years. With him I traveled all over Konon to further my knowledge."

' I saw Konon change .I saw war break out afresh between Konon and Kutou .I saw Menesku take up the reigns as shogun of Konon .I saw him deal some crippling blows to the armies of Kutou .I, like the rest of Konon dreamed of a victory. And I saw the rise of The Black warrior...'

"At the end of the third year, my master advised me to go the Konon school of Magic on the bank of the Lake of Tears to expand my horizon .So, I did .Two years passed and I though that I could be of some use in the fight against the black warrior .So, I decided to go to the capital .I was crossing the great grassy plains when I came across something."

' A man... a dying man..An old friend.'

" It was a parchment, yellow with age containing a most extraordinary ..Legend ..A story if you will.."

' He made me memorize it ...He was gone the next morning..I searched. It was as if the earth had swallowed him up.'

"Actually, it was only part of a story. But it intrigued me ..."

' It challenged the very foundations of my beliefs..'

" So, I began to research on it. It was then that I felt it.something following in my footsteps ..Something evil .."

' An unseen dark shadow that seemed to feed on my very life-force ...A malevolent aura dredged up from the depths of hell.'

" I tried to fight it ...but ...I am no weakling.still..."

' How could I fight something I could not see.something that hid in my own shadow. The truth was I had no idea how to fight it. I tried putting up shields, it fed on it ...I tried to hit it with offensive spells..but I couldn't see it .Where would I direct my attacks ?After sometime I was too far gone to care .'

"I kept walking..."

' I could feel my strength fading ..but I walked on ..I knew that if I fell, I would never get up...'

" I was not sure where I was going..."

' Perhaps I wanted to see my family..Perhaps I hoped for a miracle ..I was not ready to die, not like that..not alone .'

"Then today morning I finally felt.relieved..."

' I felt free .The evil presence..It was gone...'

"And so were they who saved me..Apparently.."

There was a long pause. Then Lee put one trembling hand over Chulivey's hand "Oh.."Her voice quivered with sympathy "How you must have suffered.."

"Actually the only thing that suffered is my pride."Chulivey chuckled bitterly "Apparently I am not as strong as I thought I was."

"What nonsense!"Lee declared indignantly "You could have died!"

' Could have? I would have died..if ..' Chulivey bent forward and removed the loose floorboard to bring out the bag containing the rubies "They left this behind ..Fahon..Kenji and Suzano .."

Gingerly Hotohori took the bag and emptied its contents on the floor.

" Oh Suzaku!"Faraco's brown eyes bulged "Are those ru-ru-rubies?"

Lee fingered the stones "Pretty.."

"Wow!"Faraco rolled a stone on the palm of his hands "Wow!"

"Faraco, your lack of observation appalls me."Menesku said calmly.

"What? I have never seen rubies before!"

"Understandable. But it ill affords a solider to be so easily distracted from his real goal."

"In a language I understand Menesku."

"The bag fool. Observe the bag."

Faraco took the bag up and studied it "Its a bag .I see nothing unusual."

"The design on the bag "Menesku rolled his eyes "It's of Kutouan origin."

"Really?"

"Forget it."

Hotohori's brows were crinkled into a heavy frown "This bag is definitely from Kutou .The designs, the dye used..everything points in that direction . But ..Menesku ..could it be ..?"

Menesku nodded his head "Such an idea crossed my mind as well..But it does not add up .."

"Still ..But why .."

"That is a possibility ..still they would not .."

Faraco leaned towards Lee "Do you know what they are talking about?"

Lee nodded "No."

' I swear those two are like trigonometry.' The voice in her head said ruefully 'Just when you think you were beginning to understand the subject..You are back to square one.'

"One of them had green eyes."Chulivey cut in softly "Really ...mesmeric green eyes.."She fought down the blush that rose to her cheeks.

"Suraco.."Menesku inhaled sharply.

"Suraco?"Chulivey inhaled sharply remembering the mocking green eyes...

"I assure you my Lady, I am no friend of yours.."

"Now, now, Menesku "Hotohori held up his hand in a placating manner" There is no need to jump to conclusions."

"Well I know nobody else who has mesmeric green eyes "Menesku said through gritted teeth "The bastard has really unique eyes..like gems .."

Chulivey paled "They were.."She gulped "Are you talking about Suraco the illusion master?"

"Naturally "Menesku frowned "Only think my Lord, we are awfully near Taiskun's abode and you yourself admitted that the black warrior would surely come here.."

Chulivey felt her heart clench .Her green-eyed knight was Suraco... The dreaded illusion master! One of the many people she was training to vanquish. But if they were the enemy, why did they save her?

"Pardon me Menesku."Chulivey cut in "But there is something that does not make any sense Yesterday I was so weak that I could not even move of my own accord. They could have killed me easily. There was no body to stop them..."She voiced the question that was troubling her "Why let me live?"

"How the hell will I know? I am not the black warrior."Faraco grumbled.

Lee giggled, "You are so silly Faraco."

"And foolish "Menesku added.

"Hey "Faraco protested angrily.

"I believe that we are deviating from our original topic yet again."Hotohori interrupted with a small smile, then his face grew serious when he turned his eyes towards Chulivey "It is quite possible that one of the people in the inn was Suraco, but the main question is what attacked you..and more importantly why?"

Chulivey stared into the fire; her eyes distant .She seemed to be deep in thought. Then she broke the uncomfortable silence that had fallen over them.

"I do not know what attacked me."She sighed, "In all my travels I never even heard of such a creature. Nor did any of the books in the library of the school of magic that dealt with dark arts ever mention anything remotely similar to it. As you all know, the Konon School of magic has one of the most extensive libraries in all the lands."

"Yes."Hotohori agreed, "I know."

"All I could sense was a lingering presence of evil, it was so faint that I thought I was imagining things. The truth of the matter is that I don't even know what it looks like."She concluded bitterly.

' Some seishi I am, unable to protect my own hide.'

"And as for why I was attacked, I don't know that either, technically."Chulivey frowned "I know it has something to do with what I was researching on..But .."

"But?"Hotohori prompted.

" Forgive me my Lord, I am not ready to share that knowledge ..yet "Her voice was pleading

' For if what I found is true, then it is so terrible that I dare not share it with anybody ..Not until I am sure that it is indeed the truth ..Until then I must bear this burden alone.'

"I know I nearly died, but it doesn't mean that it was because of the knowledge I possessed .I have to be sure."

' Liar. Not even you believe in that silly logic you presented .You know exactly why you were attacked.'

"However I do realize that by withholding this knowledge from you, I could put all of you, including Lady Lee in danger .I know that my duty as a seishi is by the Suzaku no miko's side. But, I do not wish to be the potential cause of her danger .So; with your permission "She turned towards Hotohori "I would want to go on my own separate way."

"No!"

Lee's violent outburst startled them all.

"Chulivey, I don't want my seishi to serve me "She turned her lovely eyes towards her " I want beside me, as my friend. I want you as my friend Chulivey. Friends help each other when they are in danger. What kind of comrade will I be if I leave you in danger? Do you think that I am that selfish?"

Chulivey was looking uncomfortable "No, of course not my Lady .I was just being logical."

" I say to hell with logic."Lee declared, her eyes shining with passion "We are friends and we must stick together through thick and thin. I cannot expect you to risk your life for me if I dare not do the same for you .You will travel with us, won't you?"

"Hotohori please, I want Chulivey to come with us."

Hotohori's lips twitched "The more the merrier I say. What do you say Menesku?"

Menesku's gray eyes stopped on Chulivey's face for a while before nodding slowly "Its fine by me."

"Hey welcome to the group "Faraco smiled.

"Thank you."Chulivey's lips curved into a small smile "Thank you Lady Lee."

Lee grinned broadly "Great. This day turned out great after all."

Faraco bend towards Lee, his voice was a low whisper so that only she could hear "Lee, I am not good with words and all, but that was a great thing you did. Menesku ain't pleased, but he is always cranky, so that don't matter, but hey, you truly are the sunshine in our lives."

Lee blushed with pleasure "Faraco..."

Hotohori's eyes narrowed at Lee's blush .His lips curved upwards in a deceptively lazy smile.

' Ok Faraco. This is war.'

He got up from his position and walked over to where Lee was sitting, kneeling gracefully at her side. He lifted one of her slim hands in his strong brown one and caressed her knuckles lightly with his lips, his voice was deliciously husky "You never cease to amaze me Lee."He didn't bother to lower his voice, he had meant for it to carry "Your beauty is only exceeded by your kind heart .Can I keep it?"

' Gah! Is he flirting with me?' Lee's face was a brilliant vibrant pink, almost florescent in its intensity.

' Ok breathe. s..l..o..w..l..y ' The voice in her head sounded flustered as well ' Well who am I kidding? When was the last time any boy flirted with us ? That was like ..Never ! Panic !'

" H..Hotohori ?" Lee bushed even harder .

" I believe Ukano is signalling us ."Faraco's voice was sharp .

"Is she ?" There was a faint mockery in Hotohori's eyes as they clashed with Faraco's brown ones .

"Look for yourself ."His voice was quiet .As if to reinforce his words they heard Ukano's shout "Cousin Chulivey .Dinner is ready ."

' If he thinks that I am going to back down because he is emperor ,he has another thing coming .'

"And besides Lee is tired and she wishes to rest ."

"I know that Faraco "Hotohori got up .

"Come Lee ,let me escort you to dinner ."Faraco jumped in before Hotohori could utter a word and gallantly offered Lee his arm .

"Umm thank you ."Lee accepted Faraco's hand and allowed her to be guided to where the food was being served .

' Thank you God ' Lee sighed ' I need some time to cool down .'

Hotohori's face was pleasant as he followed the pair ,but there was the light of battle in his eyes .

' Have it your way then Faraco .'

" I see that you are amused ."

Chulivey jumped up at the sound of Menesku's voice "Shouldn't I be ?"

"Ah the traditional tussle between the Miko ,The Prince and the Seishi "His face became more serious than usual "I am beginning to worry how this might end ."

"What will be, will be General .There is no use fretting over it ."She said wisely .

"It was Suraco Chulivey "His voice was grim "Do not imagine him as any knight in shining armour , even though he might have saved you ."

A blush rose to Chulivey's cheeks ,but she kept her voice cool " Trust me Menesku ,I know my priorities ."

"Good."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Moonchildcnb13 :Thank you so much for your review .Keep reading .

Yusagi :Hey ! I was missing your reviews .Thanks for reviewing .

Keep reading !

Please review!