Chapter 23:
The charred skeleton of the once magnificent house that stood like a lonely sentinel on the banks of the Yellow river was not an unusual sight in those parts of the lands that were close to the border of Kutou .It stood as a reminder of the time when Kutou had pressed relentlessly into Konon, laying waste to its beautiful landscape. It was once the house of a Daimyo but when the village fell, this magnificent house was put to flames. A lot of time has passed since then .The villagers returned and once more the village echoed with life. Only this house remained, as a reminder of the First war.
A cloaked figure stopped outside the ruin. The night was dark and the moon was hidden behind a thick veil of clouds .If one accidentally saw the cloaked figure they would thought they saw nothing but a darker shadow in the silence that surrounded them. But there was no one to observe the shadows cautious progress into the ruin. The village was fast asleep.
Inside the building a small fire burned in one of the somewhat habitable rooms. The light that the flickering flames cast around the room was meager and the shadows dominated over the light. A man sat cloaked in the shadows with his back to the wall .The cloaked figure stopped in front of the man.
"Interesting decor."The figure said looking around .It was a woman's voice smooth and slightly husky.
"I am glad you like it." The man smirked showing even white teeth."Won't you take a seat Zori?"
"Shadow, Izuke. When we meet under these conditions call me Shadow."The figure removed the cloak from her body and spread it like a sheet on the ground. Then she took a place beside the fire.
" I prefer to call you Zori..Zori."Izuke moved towards the fire, letting the flames cast some light on his face."So why this emergency call?"
"I see that you have not changed."Zori cast an eye on Izuke's handsome profile.
He was a rather well built man with dark handsome face .His slightly wavy brown hair fell in a messy disarray over broad shoulders .He had rather cynical blue-gray eyes surrounded by a forest of absurdly long lashes .A faint half moon scar on the left side of his face marred his otherwise flawless countenance but somehow that scar managed to enhance the cruel beauty of his face, as did the mocking smile on his firm lips.
The smile on his lips deepened "Do you want me to change Zori?"
Zori smiled, absently twirling a lock of hair that escaped her tight bun."Not really."
"I thought so."He put out a hand and drew Zori into a heated embrace crushing her body against his as his lips plundered hers with wild abandon. Zori did not fight .She leaned into his embrace and deepened the kiss.
After sometime he let her go just as abruptly as he had pulled her in. Zori's face was flushed and her lips were slightly swollen from his ruthless assault. Izuke smirked as he ran a finger over her lips.
"You have not changed either my dear. You are still the slut I remembered you to be."
"Bastard "Zori spat, her eyes flashed with anger.
Izuke chuckled " That..I am Zori." Then his face became serious "So, what business have you with me?"
"These are troubled times Izuke "Zori's voice was husky as she absently drew patterns on his chest "You and I fish best in troubled waters."
"I am a mercenary Zori .I thrive in chaos .Go on."
" I am fishing." Zori's eyes darkened.
"Ah .For what?"
"Not what fool, who?"
" You interest me Zori. Who is it?"
"A general."
"A general? Menesku?"
"No."Zori smirked "The Black Warrior."
For a moment silence reigned. Then Izuke threw back his head and laughed."The Black Warrior? You wish to ensnare the Black Warrior?"
"Do you see this Izuke?"Zori touched the necklace around her slender white neck .It was an ornate chain set with pearls rubies and diamonds that sparkled in even this nearly non existent light."What do you think of it?"
"Precious .Who gave it to you .The Black Warrior!"
"You thought correctly. I sold some information to him. This was my reward."Zori smirked "I saw the Black Warrior Izuke .He is everything they spoke of and more."Her voice deepened with desire "I have never wanted anything more in my life .I swear he is like an aphrodisiac."
"And here I was thinking that you had the hots for Menesku."Izuke's voice was slightly amused.
"I do."Zori admitted "But even he fails to evoke such feelings in me. Yes. I want to tame the mighty Dragon of Kutou."
" I believe he is already tamed."Izuke chuckled " Do you know what the people of Kutou say? They say that the Black Warrior is a celestial dragon bound on this Land by the love he holds for the beautiful princess of Kutou."
"Bullshit. I cannot believe that you actually believe in that sort of shit."
"No. I believe that he is human with every little human desire and want."
"I think so too "Zori smiled "What red blooded man would not want me?"She pouted provocatively.
Izuke chuckled and pulled her towards him drawing her into another kiss. He released her and studied her profile with hooded eyes "Everybody, except the one you want."
"Bastard "Zori spat bringing her hand up in a flash to slap him. Izuke blocked her readily enough. It only seemed to anger her as she launched herself at Izuke like a cornered wildcat. For a while they sparred, their movements so fast that they appeared like a blur to the untrained eye. Then Izuke pinned Zori to the ground holding her hands above her. Zori struggled for a while but Izuke's weight did not let her move. She ceased her struggle and looked up into his face, her eyes burning with rage.
"Zori "Izuke smirked holding her still with one strong hand while he wiped away the blood from the corner of his mouth with his other one, lifting the finger up to his mouth to taste his salty blood.
"You have become slow."
"Obnoxious pig."Zori said bitterly "Let me go."
"Very well "Izuke released her and moved away.
Zori sat up and smoothed her mussed up hair "How dare you take advantage of me?"
"Don't make me laugh Zori. I didn't hear you protesting. Besides ours is a relation of give and take .I use you, in return I let you use me."
"Bastard."
"Whore."
"Izuke, do you want in or not?"
"Let me hear the plan first."
" I am tired working for small fry." Zori smoothed her dress "The work is boring and the pay is ..Well not enough. It leaves me dissatisfied and no where near my actual goal."
"What is that?"
"Power .I want power Izuke."
"I thought you wanted money and pretty jewels."
" Money comes with power. They are one and the same. One of the main reasons I joined the harem was to be close to the seat of power, right in the middle of courtly intrigue."Zori's eyes shone "I want to be Empress."
"It is a nice dream Zori .How do you propose to achieve it?"
"At first I thought that I would ensnare Hotohori into wanting to marry me. I am very eligible you know. "
"So you wanted Hotohori as your husband and Menesku as your toy-boy .I pity them both."
Zori ignored his comment "But lately, I have been having different ideas. Hotohori ..is too .."
"Noble."
"Yes .He does not have the ambition to grow, to conquer."
"And I believe you found somebody who does?"
"Yes."
"And who is that? The Black warrior?"
"Yes .Oh yes."
"You are a fool Zori."Izuke said coldly, the cynical smile on his lips deepened "You yearn for the impossible."
"Impossible is it? "Zori's voice was mocking.
"Yes. You are no Keeah."Izuke said quietly.
"What competition is a silly little girl to me?"Zori flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"Does the candle wish to challenge the radiance of the sun? Does the crow wish to wear the plumes of a swan? "
"Is she that beautiful then, that she turns you into a poet?"
"If only I were a poet."Izuke chuckled mirthlessly "I have seen her Zori. If I were a poet I would know the right words to describe her. But the fact is no man who wants to win her will look twice in your direction."
"Do you desire her Izuke?"Zori's voice dripped with sarcasm "The Princess and the Hitokiri .How romantic."
"I do not desire her Zori."Izuke's voice was harsh and the cynical smile that usually always lurked on the corner of his mouth had disappeared" There are very few people I respect. She just happens to be of them."
"Oh Izuke."Zori pouted mockingly "Have I touched a nerve?"Then her face turned grim "You really like her then."
"Who the hell says anything about liking her."Izuke's lips curved up into a small smile yet again " A creature of the night respects the sun but he doesn't like it for when the sun rises then he has to hide himself from its radiance."
"So you are in?"
"As long as the pay is good .I care nothing for your ambition to be ruler of the world. What I don't understand is how you propose to ..endear yourself with the black warrior ."
"Subtly of course."Zori said quietly "The only way to have any access to the black warrior is to provide him with information. Information that no one else has. Slowly I will win his trust. Once I have is trust.."
Izuke chuckled "Everyone is allowed to dream Zori."
"You will eat your words when I will have the Black Warrior wrapped around my little finger."
"More likely he will have you wrapped around his little finger."
"We will see about that Izuke .No warrior is immune to a woman's charms and the Black Warrior is no exception."
"If you say so."
"And you are correct .I do require you to procure information."
"About what?"
"Anything and everything..Especially the Black Warrior."
Izuke got up and pulled the cloak around him "I hope you can pay me for my trouble my dear .I am not into charity."
"Get me what I want."Zori ran her slender fingers lightly over her lips "And I will give you anything you desire."Her eyes held an inviting gleam and her voice was seductive.
"That's good."Izuke smirked leaning towards her "For now I will take a small advance payment for my services."
He leaned in further till their lips almost touched. Zori smirked and leaned up awaiting his kiss. Izuke's smirk deepened. His hand moved like a flash and snatched the necklace from Zori's neck. Almost instantly he was by the window, the necklace wrapped around his wrist.
"Kisses are nice my dear."His voice was mocking "But I prefer something more..Shall we say materialistic." He waved his hand in a flamboyant bow "Later my dear Zori."
He was gone.
Zori raised her hand to touch her now empty neck .Her eyes flashed angrily "Bastard."
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"Will ..He be all right?"Lee's voice shook a little as she looked at Hotohori's pale battered face.
"He is a warrior .He will live."Menesku spoke calmly, his gray eyes revealing none of his inner turmoil. Ever since they had arrived at Taiskun's abode he was sitting like a sleepless sentinel at Hotohori's bedside refusing to leave his side no matter what. "He will be all right Lady Lee "Menesku spoke in what he thought was a assuring manner and even managed to conjure up a ghost of a smile on his face.
Lee shuddered. Thinking of the war sent unwelcome shivers up her spine .She was sure that she was going to have nightmares about the Black Warrior .She still remembered the terrified scream that had died at her throat when she fell herself plummet towards the ground. But Hotohori had managed to catch her..
"You are safe " His voice was so low that she had to strain her ears to listen to what he said .He raised a bloodied hand as if to touch her face .Lee saw him sway before he crumpled into a heap on the ground.
"Hotohori." Lee panicked bending over Hotohori's form "Oh my God. Hotohori." With some effort she turned him over .The meager light was almost gone now, but even in this light Lee saw how badly Hotohori was wounded .Her hands was covered with his blood and it dyed the ground around him red.
' Oh shit.' Lee saw Hotohori's breath come in pants .It was as if he had trouble breathing .She saw the blood on her hands and dress and felt nauseous.
' No time to be queasy now.' The voice in her head snapped.
' But what do I do.' She felt panicked.
"Wake Chulivey." Menesku's calm voice penetrated her thoughts.
' How the hell is he so calm at a time like this?' Lee frowned.
"Work fast Lady Lee."Menesku urged in the same quiet voice "We cannot move. Perhaps Chulivey could assist us. Take that water bag and use the water in it."
" By Suzaku Menesku, how the hell are you so calm?"Faraco's voice quivered with anger " Look at how much Lord Hotohori is wounded."
" I am not blind Faraco. But becoming hysterical is not going to help us."Menesku spoke in that maddeningly quiet voice "Lady Lee ..the water bag ."
"O..Okay."
Lee hurried to the water bag that had fallen to the ground when the black warrior had snagged her. She hurried over to Chulivey and sprinkled the water quiet liberally over Chulivey's face .She saw Chulivey's eyelash flutter open. She tried to sit up.
"Ouch .My head." Chulivey winced lifting her hand to tenderly touch the bruise on her head.
"Chulivey."Lee clutched at Chulivey's tunic "Hotohori.."
"Calm down."Chulivey assured her wincing as she tried to get up.
"Chulivey, can you undo this spell that holds us?"Menesku questioned her.
"I will try." Chulivey concentrated. Slowly the charges that held Menesku and Faraco disappeared. Instantly Menesku was by Hotohori's side bending over his prone form.
"My Lord."Menesku laid a hand on Hotohori's heart calling him softly. Hotohori did not answer.
"Oh my God."Lee's vice shook "He is not ..Dead ..Is he?" Her eyes swam with unshed tears of anxiety and dread.
"Nonsense."Chulivey scoffed .She was worried as well but her face did not betray her innermost feelings .She moved towards Hotohori's prone body.
"We need to get him into a shade .It will be night soon and we cannot spend the night in the open. The cold might worsen his injuries."She said briskly.
"I will look for a suitable place."Menesku got up.
"Good. Meanwhile I will try to clean his wounds to the best of my ability."
"And exactly why are you trespassing on my mountain?"
Lee looked up surprised .A really old woman with flowing robes floated in front of them.
" Its an illusion." Faraco who had painfully limped up behind her said with a low growl.
"Shut up Faraco."Chulivey snapped " I am Chulivey.."
" I know who you are." The old woman raised her hand.
"Then surely Lady Taiskun you know why we are here and that we are in dire need of assistance." Menesku said somberly.
"You are Takemaru's boy."Taiskun zoomed in on Menesku "Aye I know you and your purpose of disturbing me." She floated towards Lee "Is this the miko?"
" Yes my Lady."
' This is Taiskun?' The voice in her head was disbelieving " She looks more like the wicked witch of the west.'
' Shut up.' Lee scolded the voice ' She is the only one who can help us..and Hotohori .'
"Please Lady Taiskun." She joined her hand in supplication " You have got to help us."
"Of course."Taiskun snorted, "Can't have that boy bleeding all over my mountain."
" Lady Lee." A small pressure on her shoulders broke her chain of thoughts .She turned towards Chulivey's calm face.
"Yes Chulivey."
"Come. You must eat something."
" I don't think I can eat Chulivey .Not with Hotohori .."
"Nonsense "Menesku scoffed "Starving yourself will do my Lord no good. Please go and refresh yourself. "
"But Menesku won't you eat?"
"The Nyan-Nyans will bring me something to eat. Besides there are plenty of fruits here as well."He indicated at the fruit bowl that resided on a low table by the bed "Go on Lady Lee. My Lord would want you to be strong."
"I know."Lee sniffed "Very well. Lets go Chulivey."
Menesku watched them disappear beyond the lacy curtains and allowed the emotionless mask he had worn for so long fall away .He looked as his slumbering friend with worried gray eyes.
"My Lord." His voice was a terse whisper " Please wake up."
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He looked around .A cold wind caressed his cheek and played with his wayward locks .A few torches tried desperately to dispel the dense darkness of the moonless night, their flickering flames fighting a loosing battle against the cold harsh wind. He was vaguely aware of the groans and mournful cries that surrounded him and the shadowy shapes that rushed past him in a kind of frenzied activity.
He frowned.' Where am I? Where is everybody? Menesku?' He looked around ' Is this an illusion?'
Hotohori moved towards the shapes .For the first time he became aware that he was standing in the midst of a ruin. It looked as if a frenzied demon had rushed through this magnificent city razing it to the ground. He saw its tall crystal spires lie humbled in the dust, its buildings reduced to nothing but a pile of rubble, its sparkling fountains now cracked and dry .He saw several men pull out a rather injured man from under the rubble and laid him on a rather dirty makeshift pallet .He saw a woman in white robes move towards them.
The woman paused in front of the pallet "Another survivor."Her once pristine silk robes were now tattered and stained with blood. Her brown hair had become undone and fell all over her face obscuring her features .She bent down to study the man.
"Take her to my sisters."Her voice was strained and tired "We might save this one yet."
"Certainly Priestess."The men lifted the pallet and bore it away to a further corner.
The Priestess called after them "Hurry back. There is still much work to be done."
' Where am I? ' Hotohori wondered yet again ' is this a dream? Perhaps I should ask the priestess.'
He moved ahead and stood in front of the priestess "My lady, can you tell me where I am?"
The priestess stared ahead unseeing and walked past him as if she wasn't even aware that he existed. Only then Hotohori became aware that nobody gave any indication that they noticed him .It was as if he was a spectator to this entire scene. A strange dread seemed to creep up Hotohori's spine.
' Am I dead then? Is this hell? Is this my purgatory? To be a mere spectator while the world changed in front of me. To see and feel but unable to share those feelings .To be always alone and yet always be surrounded by a crowd. To walk alone for all eternity ..Suzaku, deliver me from this nightmare.'
Suddenly he was aware of a strange hush that fell on the scene.
' What is happening?'
A warrior rushed into the ruin. It was clear that he had ridden hard and fast. It was also clear that he had returned from battle .A blood stained handkerchief formed a makeshift bandage on his arm and the dark blue cloak that whipped behind him was tattered and caked with mud and dried blood .His magnificent plumed helmet was dented badly at several places .He stopped casting a wild eye around the ruins.
The priestess walked towards him "You have come my Prince."Her voice was sad and forlorn.
The man gripped the priestess's shoulder "Where are they? Tell me where is she?" His voice quivered with suppressed passion and anxiety.
Hotohori felt that he had heard the warrior's voice somewhere.
"They ..are not here my lord ."
"No riddles Priestess."The grip of the mailed hands on her shoulders tightened "Where is she?"
"I am sorry."The priestess brought out a dusty bloodstained ribbon from the folds of her cloth and held it out to the warrior.
The warrior recoiled as if burnt "No." His breath came in short pants "No."
"This is ... all we found. There isn't anything left."
The man snatched the ribbon from the priestess's hand .His fingers curled around it as he sank to the ground holding the ribbon to his heart.
"Beloved."
The word was spoken with such desperation that it pained Hotohori. Never before had he heard that word spoken with so much love or with so much grief. It was as if somebody had clutched heart and was squeezing it.
' Menesku is right. I am too softhearted .Why else am I so pained by another man's sorrow? Is this heartbreak? If it is then I never want to go through it.'
He felt himself moving away from the desolate scene desperate to distance him from the overpowering grief that seemed to bind him in iron shackles.
" My Lord."
Hotohori felt something restrain him .He tried to move but something forced him to remain immobile.
" My Lord."
He heard the call again. This time more urgent.
" My Lord. Please wake up."
' Wake up? I ...was dreaming?' Hotohori eyes flew open .For a while the world seemed to spin in front of his eyes before coming into focus .He could see a pair of tired gray eyes fixed on his face.
' Menesku?' He felt immense relief flood him ' I ..Was dreaming then. But the ache in my heart ...it was so real...'
"My Lord."He heard Menesku's urgent voice.
He smiled tiredly "Menesku."
"By Suzaku you scared me shitless .I swear I will destroy that devil reincarnate and every one of his bastard companions."
"You are swearing Menesku? You must have been worried."Hotohori couldn't help teasing him "I am sorry."
"Yeah whatever."Menesku grinned, "How are you feeling?"
"Sore."Hotohori replied truthfully "Actually, I am feeling a little hungry."He looked around "Where are we?"
"We are at Taiskun's abode." Menesku informed his friend "Chulivey has nothing more than an bruise and a monstrous headache courtesy of Suraco .My shoulder hurts a bit and Suraco has added a few more battle scars to my already impressive collection. Faraco has a badly sprained ankle .We thought it was broken but thankfully it wasn't so .He is sleeping."
"And Lady Lee."
"She has retained no physical damage but.."
"But?"
"She will not accept it, but she is scared of the Black warrior."
"It is all my fault."Hotohori said bitterly "I should have been more careful."
"We should all have been more careful."Menesku said calmly "But what is done is done."
"Is it?"Hotohori's eyes flashed "We were evenly matched Menesku even though I am a seishi and he is not. You are right Menesku, we cannot allow them to release Seiryuu."
"We are in no condition to chase them yet."
"They are just as wounded as we are. Like us they will need time to recover."
"They have the better doctor."Menesku said simply."Sotisku, the royal doctor of Kutou is known for his healing abilities throughout the lands .He is also a close confidant and advisor of Lady Keeah."
"Lady Keeah."Hotohori frowned "By Suzaku ...That girl!"
"What girl?"Menesku was confused.
"I must sit up. Menesku, help me sit up."
Menesku helped him sit up and arranged the pillows for his comfort.
"Menesku don't sit so stiffly. Take a goddamn pillow."
"I am quiet all right."
"Nonsense."
Reluctantly Menesku took a seat at the edge of Hotohori's bed and propped a pillow under his arm.
"There. Happy."
"Of course "Hotohori snorted, "Oh look there comes our food."
A couple of Nyan-Nyans carried in a laden tray. Hotohori gingerly took a bowl and thanked them. They bounced out carrying the empty tray.
Hotohori sipped into the bowl "Broth .I hate it."
Menesku's lips twitched "Its nutritious."
"Whatever .I saw a girl in the mountain on the other side of the river .It was just before you informed me that you had sensed the Black Warrior. She looked vaguely familiar to me, but I did not recognize her then .It was she. Princess Keeah. Suzaku ...I was so blind."
"Are you sure My Lord?"
"Of course Menesku .I know what I saw. In all the pictures the spies brought she was like covered with a ton of paint and swallowed up in like ..An enormous kimono and frankly I never paid much attention."
"So what gave her away?"
"Her eyes."
"Her eyes?"
"Yes Menesku, you cannot help but notice her eyes. They are different .All those pictures I saw of her eyes caught my attention."
"Oh."Menesku's voice was faintly teasing.
"Ever heard of keep your friends close but your enemies closer."Hotohori said irritatibly.
"Especially if the enemy is as beautiful as the Princess of Kutou." Menesku's eyes twinkled.
"Can it Menesku .Do I accuse you of having an thing for the Black Warrior?"
"What?"
"I swear you call his name in your sleep."
"I do not have gender issues my Lord."Menesku said stiffly "This much I assure you. Besides the dreams with the Black Warrior in it are hardly pleasurable."
"Sorry Menesku .I was only teasing you."
"I know. But are you sure that it is Lady Keeah you saw."
"Definitely."
"I don't know .It seems a little weird that the Princess herself would come waltzing into enemy territory .She could have been apprehended or worse."
"It would seem that she has infinite belief in the powerless of her shogun."Hotohori gritted his teeth "It would also seem that they wanted to prove that they could snatch a victory from right under our nose. "
Menesku was silent.
"By Suzaku Menesku, we were the one to drop our swords. We lost Menesku .We stepped back."
"Only the battle my Lord .The war is far from over."
"How right you are "Hotohori chuckled mirthlessly "The battle is not over yet. By Suzaku Menesku if only I were a bit more careful. I never expected him to use such underhand means. To use Lee as a shield. Have you ever heard of anything more dishonorable?"
"It was a perfectly sound strategy my Lord."Menesku said quietly.
"What!"
"Don't be angry my Lord. Remember I once told you that a chain is only am strong as its weakest link and ironically our strongest link is also our weakest link. Lady Lee is our strength, but she is also our weakness .We left our weakness unprotected .He used it. Makes perfect sense."
"It was still dishonorable."
"Perhaps. But the end justifies the means."
"Just whose side are you on Menesku?"
"Yours my Lord."Menesku's lips twitched "But doesn't mean I will agree to everything you say." His face became grim "This is not a duel my Lord that we should care about honor and rules. This is war and the only thing that matters here is victory."
Hotohori was quiet for a long time. Then he spoke."You are right. But somehow this leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."
"I know."Menesku said quietly "I have tired you enough my Lord .You should rest now my Lord."
"Rubbish."Hotohori snorted.
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It was the same room in which Taiskun had received Keeah the previous day. Soft morning light came in through the open window .Lee stood in front of one window gazing into the cloudy sea outside.
"Lee."
Lee turned around .Her face split into a wide grin "Faraco."
Faraco was standing at the doorway leaning heavily on a cane. Painstakingly he made his way towards Lee .Lee moved forward and offered him her arm as support.
"How are you Faraco?"
"Actually, I am supposed to ask you that."
"I am fine Faraco."Lee sighed helping Faraco sink onto a cushion.
"I am sorry Lee."Faraco's voice was small.
"Whatever for?"
" I swore I would protect you but I failed you."Faraco's voice was frustrated "I couldn't even put up a proper fight .I failed in every way. As a solider, as a seishi ..As a freind."
"Faraco."Lee knelt before him and laid a hand on his shoulders "What are you talking about? You fought very bravely. It was only your first battle, you couldn't have known exactly how strong the Black."She shuddered a bit "Warrior was."
Faraco did not miss the shiver that ran through Lee's body .He could not help the growl that rose from his throat."Lee."He caught her wrist "Does he scare you?"
Lee had a faint urge to deny it but decided against it."Yes."Her voice was small "He scares me."
"To tell you the truth..."Faraco leaned in towards her "I am a bit scared of him as well."
Lee giggled "Really?"
"Yeah."Faraco felt very happy to have made Lee laugh "But next time I will kick his ass."
"It was a nice dream while it lasted."Chulivey said quietly taking a seat beside Faraco.
"Hey."Faraco protested.
"How are you Chulivey?"Lee grinned widely.
"Tolerably better."Chulivey turned towards the door "My Lord."
Lee turned towards the door to see a Hotohori leaning heavily on Menesku .Lee moved towards him "Hotohori you are awake .I was so worried about you."
"You were?"Hotohori's mouth curved into a small smile "I am sorry to have worried you "
"That's all right." Lee smiled happily "You are okay. That is all that matters."
Hotohori was about to make a witty retort when his eyes fell on a tapestry on the wall .It showed a warrior sitting on the ground clutching a tattered ribbon to his heart. A dark ruin surrounded the warrior emphasizing the grief and desolation that seemed to emanate from the picture.
' Its just like my dream. What does it mean? What did I see? Was it a dream at all? Suzaku, I do not need these complications.'
"Depressing picture isn't it?"
Hotohori turned around "Lady Taiskun. Accept my apologies for not greeting you properly yesterday."
"Don't bother."Taiskun snorted floating to her seat "Ask what you want and be gone .I do not like visitors."
' Not quite the benevolent picture I had painted.' Hotohori frowned "Well you are all seeing .Why don't you tell us what we want?"
"I would rather hear you mouth it."
' Well we wouldn't be in this shit if you hadn't told that black haired witch where Seiryuu was sealed.'
"Are you questioning my judgment?"
" I beg your pardon?"
' Suzaku ,she can read minds .'
"Do you think that I shouldn't have told the Princess of Kutou where Seiryuu is imprisoned?"
"Why did you tell her when you have already seen how the power of Seiryuu was abused by Kutou?"
Taiskun's face was cryptic." One question brat .I will answer only one question."
"Very well."Hotohori let out a frustrated sigh "Where is Seiryuu imprisoned?"
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Animemoma : Thank you for the reviews .I re-read my chappies and found that could be improved upon .I will edit this fic as soon to correct those mistakes ,grammar or otherwise.
Nerysa : I am glad that you stumbled on to this fic as well .Unfortunately ,I haven't seen the movie Nemesis ,but I read a book of Agatha Cristie by the same name recently .Loved it .Thanks for the review .
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