Chapter 24:

Saori shivered a bit drawing the woolen cloak around her. She stared into the calm blue depths of the Hope Lake and saw the keep she was currently residing in reflected on its glassy surface, as were the snowcapped mountains that surrounded the windswept valley in which the lone stone structure stood defiantly .The sun had risen high in the sky and its golden rays bathed the valley in a warm glow. Saori turned from the window .It was clear that the cheerful temperament of Nature had little effect on the clouds of worry that clogged her mind.

She exited from the balcony, her expression thoughtful as she walked down the long corridor to her destination .The solders who stood guard in the shadowy recesses of the corridor bowed when she passed, but other than a gracious inclination of her head she gave no other sign that she had acknowledged their greeting .Her feet stilled when she heard a spirited voice.

"By Seiryuu Sotisku, I absolutely refuse to swallow that foul smelling concoction you have procured."

Another voice followed.

"Suraco, you better drink this like a good boy or as Seiryuu as my witness, I will force this down your throat!"

Saori's lips curved into a small smile. Noiselessly she walked up to the door from where this argument had ensured .The door had been a little ajar. Saori looked in through the crack.

A golden haired boy sat sullenly propped amidst many pillows, his bandaged arms folded defiantly in front of him .His hair was a little mussed and fell in disarray over broad shoulders. Saori winced a little to see the bandages around his torso. Another red haired boy sat at the edge of his bed trying to make the golden haired boy swallow the contents of the bowl he was holding .He was looking extremely harried.

"Suraco, you do realize how important it is for you to recover quickly."The red haired boy's voice was frustrated.

"Fine."The golden haired boy looked more sullen than usual."Give me the damn medicine."

Saori chuckled inwardly as she exited the room closing the door softly behind her .She was glad that Sotisku and Suraco were arguing .It gave her a sense of normalcy .It also lifted the cloud of dread and anxiety that enveloped her since the day a rather distraught Sotisku had turned up in the middle of the night with his two bleeding and half dead comrades .One was Suraco and the other was ...the Princess of Kuotu, her granddaughter...Keeah. That was two weeks ago. Hearing Sotisku and Suraco argue somehow gave her heart the fickle reassurance that everything would be okay.

She sighed .She was no stranger to war yet it did not make the consequences of war any more bearable to her now than decades ago .She saw an attendant walking up ahead of her .She called her.

"Ai, where are you going?"

The girl called Ai bowed respectfully "I am taking the Princess her breakfast Queen Mother."

"That will not be necessary."Saori extended her hands "Give me the tray .I am going to see my granddaughter and will take this tray up to her."

"But Queen Mother..."

Saori took the tray from Ai's hands."Go now. And let no one disturb us."

She began to walk towards her destination. The tray was a bit heavy in her hands and it made her journey longer.

Saori smiled to herself ' I have become old .The strength in my limbs are failing me.'

She stopped in front of the large ornate door for a while before stepping inside. A young girl sat on an enormous bed pouring into an yellowing manuscript .Her figure was nearly lost in the wallowing silken bed sheets and the overlarge sapphire blue robe she wore. Bright light from the open windows fell on the bed giving the room a most cheerful feel.

Saori however had stopped at the doorway, the scene spread out in front of her triggering fond memories in her mind. This room had been her room when her husband had been alive .In fact this was the room where she had first entered Reishi's life as his bride. Thatmemory still made her flush like a giddy lovesick girl. After Reishi's death she had moved to a different room, this room too full of memories for her to bear .For many years this room had remained unused, her son Kaminari was too busy with the affairs of the state to visit this mountain keep ...

Then this room found use again, her granddaughter Keeah set up her quarters in this room whenever she visited this place. Saori often felt that sometimes Keeah escaped to this mountain sanctuary to get relief from the pressures of the state. But most of the times she came here to think and plan her strategies .She were very like her grandfather in that respect, possessed by a single mindedness of purpose that frightened her sometimes.

Presently, the girl became aware of her presence .She saw her face spilt into a welcoming smile.

"Grandma. Please come in."

Saori went in slowly and put down the tray by the bed before sinking painstakingly into a cushioned chair that was kept there. Lately, her joints had been troubling her.

"Good morning child .How are you today?"

"Sore "Keeah admitted truthfully "But I am feeling much better now .How is Suraco?"

"I believe I heard him argue with Sotisku today morning."

"So, he is feeling better."Keeah's smile was relieved "I am glad."

"As am I."Saori smiled, then her face became grim "What are you up to little one?"

Keeah looked at her grandmother .She had been dreading this question for quite some time. She smiled pleasantly "It was an ambush grandma."She lied casually "We were taken by surprise."

Saori smiled, her eyes brooding."I am glad that you are safe."She rose and took a seat beside Keeah "Your hair is a mess .Let me brush it for you."

"That would be nice grandma."

Saori brushed Keeah's hair gently with long strokes, marveling at silky cascade. Reishi had red hair with an unusual golden tinge. That red hue was also reflected in Kaminari's chocolate brown hair. But Keeah's hair was dark, just like her mother, dark and glossy like a raven's wing. Saori smiled. Keeah resembled Reishi in other ways though. Like the way her eyes had become unreadable a moment earlier. Saori instinctively knew that she was lying.

"Keeah will you tell me what is really going on?"

"I am still working on how to defeat Konon."

"So, what were you doing in the cursed forests?"

There was a moment of silence. When Keeah spoke her voice was deceptively calm "I was curious to know more about the past of Kutou."

Saori let the heavy braid settle on her back and came in front of Keeah .She looked into Keeah's eyes, her voice was grave "The truth child."

Keeah's fathomless eyes held her gaze "That is the truth grandma."Her voice was calm.

Saori groaned inwardly ' Ah Reishi, this is truly your blood talking. Like you she hides her secrets behind her awful calm. Like you my love she tries to confuse me with her words. But, my love, I am not young anymore .I cannot take this tension.'

"Is it?"Saori probed stubbornly.

The expression in Keeah's eyes became more unreadable "Ask nothing of me now grandma. Just trust me."

Saori sighed .The expression in Keeah's eyes was one she had seen many times before, in her son and her husband; she would not get anything out of Keeah now .She put her hands over Keeah's "I have seen many things in my life child."Her voice was grave "I buried my husband .I lived .I buried my son .I lived .Do you know why? For you, light of my life .If anything were to happen to you..."She paused, her grip on Keeah's hand tightened "Do you realize how I have spend these last two weeks? You turned up nearly dead in the middle of the night ...I nearly..."She lifted her sleeves to sniff delicately.

"By Seiryuu grandma."Keeah's voice was dejected "Don't take me on a guilt trip."

' Hah! Gets them every time.' Saori did not let none of her triumph show on her face which was as grave as usual "I am sorry child .You have a lot on your mind without the whining of this old woman."She conjured up a small wan smile "I will take your leave now."

"Wait grandma."Keeah held Saori back "I was being rude .I believe that you need to know of this .I... I did not want to worry you."

' Your granddaughter is as much of a sucker for tears as you were.' Saori smiled understandingly "I understand child."

"Perhaps you have heard that each of the four countries has a celestial guardian."Keeah began slowly.

Saori stiffened."Keeah. Seiryuu is a myth .Why do you believe in a myth?"

"Believe me grandma."Keeah gave a harsh chuckle "Seiryuu is no myth. During the first war he was imprisoned by the Suzaku no miko .I..."She paused a while a slow smirk curling up her lips "I am going to free Seiryuu."

Saori shivered."What madness is this Keeah?"

"Madness."Keeah's eyes had a glacial look in them "I think not grandma. Seiryuu exists .I feel his presence."She laid a hand on her heart "Here."She put her hands over Saori's "Grandma, I will succeed. Never fear."

Saori was silent for a long time. Then she raised her head to smile at Keeah "Do what you must child" She rose and pressed a small kiss on her forehead "I know you have not confided the entire truth in me. But it doesn't matter .I have faith in you .You will succeed."

"I intend to."Keeah's voice held a cool confidence.

' Ah Reishi, this one is as arrogant as you.' Saori's smile wavered a little "Just be careful."

"Oh believe me grandma."Keeah's voice held a dangerous edge "I have no intention of getting hurt the next time I see the pretty boy."

' Pretty boy?' Saori raised an eyebrow .The expression on Keeah's face frightened her a little. Her eyes were hooded and a small sardonic smile played on her pretty lips .At times like this Keeah appeared like a stranger to her .A cold ruthless stranger to whom nothing mattered but victory... not friends ...not family ...not honor ...nothing.

"Grandma."Keeah smiled .The stranger was gone "I see I have worried you."

Saori smiled, relieved "Why do you think my hairs turned gray?"She bends and pinched her cheeks playfully "I will take my leave now. Perhaps you should rest a while."

"I will. Right after I finish this scroll."

"Very well."

Saori smiled as she closed the door behind her. However once the door closed behind her the smile left her face .She clasped her hands together in a small prayer.

' I do not know who you are Seiryuu ... but if you are listening to this old woman, hear my prayer. Protect my heart, my Keeah ...This is all I ask from you.'

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Hotohori clutched the woolen robe around him .The air was cold and his breath rose in a mist in front of his face. Still, this biting chilly air was more welcome than the seedy motel they were housed in .In his opinion he had never seen a more despicable structure .The rooms fairly stank with the mingled smell of alcohol and sweat of unwashed bodies and the rodents which peeked from under the loose floorboards had more moral character than some of the patrons who favored this particular institution .If he were given the choice he would have never put a foot in this accursed place ... Thankfully, the room opened into a narrow sliver of a verandah and Hotohori had gladly escaped the stinking confines of the room in favor of the biting cold outside .

He leaned on the rickety walls and observed the busy street from his vantage point .He frowned remembering why he was here .It was exactly a month ago when he had met Taiskun.

" The mythical island of time "Menesku frowned "Where is it?"

They had returned to the capital after meeting with Taiskun and were ruminating on what she had said.

"I have never heard of any such island."Faraco confided.

" Actually there is a story about the said island."Chulivey looked up from her scroll with a smile.

"Please Chulivey. Tell us."Lee's eyes shone with excitement.

"Yes."Hotohori said encouragingly "Please do."

" Up in the north, hidden in the cold misty seas of Ku Youg was an island called Fa Sang .It was a great seat of learning. People from all over the lands went there to study .It is said that the history of all the ancient nations were recorded in the great library of Fa Sang. That is why it was called the island of time .A popular legend suggest that Lady Time herself resides in the island of time and it is she who writes the ever changing glyphs that were thought to be stored in the great library. And then one day the island disappeared."

"Disappeared? How so?"

"It is not clear my Lord. But some stories suggest that the inhabitants of the island had become proud and in their arrogance had angered the God of the sea .In his anger he sunk the island under the sea."

"Load of crap."

"Precisely Menesku."Chulivey smiled "But you never know with Gods. There is yet another legend which tells a different story."

"Indeed."

"Ah yes Menesku, and I think that you will find this more plausible .It says that the island was conquered and the seat of learning lost."

"Really."Lee's voice shook a little " That is terrible."

" Yes it is."Chulivey frowned " Whatever the cause, the island simply disappeared from history. What remains now are all fictions, distorted versions of the actual facts and many scholars believe that Fa Sang was nothing more than a product of an over imaginitive mind."

"Well if Taiskun says the island exist, then it must be there."Hotohori said grimly "The stories you read must give some indication of Fa Sang's possible location."

"It does."Chulivey fiddled with the scrolls "All the stories place Fa Sang in the cold northern seas ... off the coast of present day Nobu."

"Nobu?" Both Hotohori and Menesku stiffened "Are you sure?"

" It is a possibility."

Hotohori and Menesku frowned .Lee looked at them "What are you so worried about? What's wrong with Nobu?"

" I have heard of Nobu." Faraco began hesitatingly "It is a port far to the north, surrounded by mountains on three sides and an cold misty sea on the last side."

"I am not afraid of a little cold."Lee grinned "Look we are taking a gamble here .I say lets roll the dice and see what happens."

Hotohori smiled .He liked Lee's optimism."I suppose you are right."

" Suppose?" Lee lifted her chin in the air "I am right."

" That you are Lady Lee."Chulivey smiled "It is just that ... Nobu is..."

"A lawbreakers paradise."Menesku said grimly " As Faraco said before, its inhospitable location makes it almost inaccessible from land and the Ku Youg Sea is too dangerous and temperamental to venture into. However Nobu is a comparatively warm place in the frozen Northern plains, besides being a natural harbor. Some quirk of nature keeps this port ice free even in the midst of the bitter winter. And even though it is a part of Hokkan ...It is quite above the law..."

"Shall we say, that, its rather unique position has made it an ideal haven for all those characters who consider themselves to be above the law." Hotohori chuckled.

" Are you worried about my safety Hotohori?"Lee's face had become serious.

"Shouldn't I be?"Hotohori's voice was grim.

"I am sorry Hotohori." Lee's voice was small.

"For what?"Hotohori was incredulous.

"I am sorry for being so weak."Lee fisted her hands looking down on her lap, biting her lips to check her tears " If I were not so weak, then you would have defeated the black warrior."

"Lee."Faraco put a reassuring arm on her hand "Forget it .It was not your fault."

"And besides what made you think that if I had succeeded in defeating the Black Warrior Princess Keeah would abandon her pet project of freeing Seiryuu?" Hotohori's voice was harsh "At least I showed her that it won't be as easy as she thought it would be."

"But,"Lee said slowly "The Black warrior is her Shogun .If you had succeeded in defeating him, wouldn't the blow dealt to Kuotu be great ... "

Menesku looked up impressed. Sometimes Lady Lee was so... sensible.

"Hah!" Hotohori's voice was brooding " Anyway, there is no point in dwelling on that anymore. Since we have to take a risk lets take the plunge .We will go to Nobu."

"Hotohori."Lee's voice shook "Please take me with you .I will try my best not to be a bother."

"Lee."Hotohori spoke quietly " I don't think that we could function properly without you. Besides I think the palace is just about as safe as Nobu .At least when we are in Nobu we will not have to pretend to trust anybody."

Hotohori sighed. So, here they were, housed in one of the seedy establishments that abounded in the narrow streets of Nobu. Menesku was downstairs attempting to order a small repast, but the buxom maid who was to take the order seemed to be interested in other things. She was always pressing her serving tray between her impressive ... assets ... with rather interesting results. Hotohori had observed Menesku's plight from the top of the stairs before he came to seek the solitude this verandah.

Chulivey was resting. Teleporting them to the outskirts of Nobu had sapped her strength .She had assured him that a good nights sleep would revive her. Lady Lee was in front of the smoking fireplace desperately trying to warm her numb fingers bundled in furs and woolen cloaks. Despite her brave reassurance that she did not mind the cold nothing could induce her to leave the fireside.

" Hotohori ... I said I will be strong and all but I swear that this place is colder than the North Pole."

Hotohori smiled at the fond memory before frowning ' What the hell is a North Pole?'

Faraco was beside Lee. Hotohori frowned. Lately Faraco was always at Lee's side .It irritated him .It irked him that Faraco was always monopolizing Lee but, it irked him more that Lee did not seem to mind what was in his opinion Faraco's rather juvenile attempts to woo her.

' Especially when he is interrupting my juvenile attempts to woo Lee.'Hotohori thought sullenly 'Lee is so innocent .I love the way her eyes reflect her feelings ...how they change color when she is happy or sad ...or excited...' Hotohori smiled as he closed his eyes hoping to recreate that fond memory in his inner eye but the eyes he saw were not Lee's innocent stormy blue ones .The ones he saw were dark and fathomless holding the lure of the mysterious in their bottomless depths along with a gleam of mockery .

' What the hell! ' Hotohori opened his eyes with a start .He ran a cold finger over the bridge of his nose.

He stiffened .The ki was familiar .He looked down into street that lay before him .His hands curled on the rickety rails gripping them so tightly that his knuckles turned white .It was her. Hotohori's dark eyes scanned the narrow street until he spotted his quarry amongst the throng. Like the rest of the people in Nobu she was draped in a heavy black woolen cloak lined liberally with fur covering most of her face. There was nothing in her appearance that would separate her from the natives of Nobu except the slight arrogance in her gait that was not noticeable but under close scrutiny .Yet, to Hotohori she seemed to stick out like a sore thumb.

' It would seem that we are in the right track.' Hotohori's lips curved into a small predatory smile ' Come, Come Princess .It is time for a rematch.'

It was almost as if she felt his presence as well .Her footsteps stilled in front of the inn where they were staying .She looked up.

Hotohori saw her eyes rest on his face .The shadow of the heavy hood she wore obscured half of her face yet it somehow managed to enhance the mystery of her unreadable eyes .The cold wind blew errant black locks on her face .She lifted a gloved finger and tucked the strands in. The mockery in her eyes deepened. And then she smiled.

Hotohori felt something the pit of his stomach and it was not a very pleasant feeling .Her smile disturbed him .It was not a pleasant smile .It mocked him and challenged him ... but more than that it beckoned him to answer the call of the naked challenge in her eyes.

' Do you dare stop me my Prince?' Her eyes seemed to taunt him ' Come and try ...if you dare.'

Hotohori had not even realized that his eyes had begun to bleed red and something inside him stirred to answer the unspoken challenge in her eyes.

The duel between there eyes lasted for a while before she lowered them with the same mocking smile playing on her lips .She gave a defiant toss of her head before melting into the crowd.

Hotohori had not even realized that he had jumped down from the verandah to land lightly on the cobbled stones of the street. None of the people gave him a second thought as they continued on their business. Jumping out of windows or verandahs was nothing out of the ordinary in Nobu.

' Call Menesku .It is unwise to tail her alone.' The rational part of his brain argued. Hotohori watched her cloak disappear around the corner .He squashed his good sense and followed her.

' There isn't enough time.' He rationalized.

It was almost as if Keeah knew that he was tailing her .She seemed to wander aimlessly through the winding streets of Nobu and Hotohori had a sensation that she was luring him deeper and deeper into a maze.

' I swear that she is leading us into a trap.' The feeble voice of his rational mind was squashed ruthlessly by the devil of recklessness that seemed to posses him.

' So what?' It growled.

It was around a corner that he finally lost Keeah. Actually it was rather strange .He rounded the corner to find himself in a deserted alley. Keeah had vanished! Squinting his eyes he looked around. It would seem that he had come to a seedier part of this seedy town. The carcasses of several houses stared down at him and cold wind whipped through the creaking wood creating curious moaning sounds ...like that of spirits in agony.

It was shout that roused him from his stupor.

"Take that you sons of bitches."The sheer vocal ability of the owner of the voice amazed Hotohori "Yer calling me a fucking cheater!"

Interested Hotohori followed the sound towards the source of the commotion .It seemed that a couple of rather burly men of questionable character had cornered a boy of his age .The boy fought lustily his kicks and punches were very well placed ...But it was becoming clear that he was outnumbered. With a cry Hotohori plunged himself into the fray.

All his rational self and years of self-control had urged him to turn his back on a silly street brawl but his frustration at loosing Keeah's sight needed an outlet. And since he couldn't beat the shit out of the Black Warrior, these thugs would have to suffice.

Very soon, they had succeeded in scattering the forces that disappeared screaming something like "We'll be back."

"Yeah run "The boy shook his fist at their retreating backs before turning towards Hotohori "Could have taken care of them ya know, but thanks for yer help."

Hotohori nodded "Who were they?"

The boy swore softly and long. Hotohori was impressed .He did not know half of the vocabulary used. But he gathered the information that they we indeed men of questionable character who were unjustly harassing the boy who had justly defeated them in a fair game of cards.

During the boy's rather long and colorful recital Hotohori had observed him .The boy seemed to be of his age with an open smiling face. Rather unkempt chocolate brown hair with streaks of orange fell on his lean face and his amber eyes fairly sparkled with humor when he spoke. And when he laughed Hotohori couldn't help but notice that his canines were rather pronounced ...like fangs.

"Yer watching my fangs?"

Hotohori flushed at the question "Pardon me Sir .I did not mean to stare, but..your fangs are rather unusual ... are they not ?"

The boy stared at him "Ooo ...manners."He grinned, "Did ya run away from home?"

"Umm..."Hotohori was at a loss.

"Heh! Thought so!"The boy seemed to take his silence as a affirmative answer "To tell ya the truth, me self ran away from home as well "He grinned conspiratorially "I'll teach ya the ropes of how to get around."

"Umm...Thank you ...I think."

"This will not do at all."The boy said gravely "Them manners. They must go. They're like me fangs. Bane of my existence."

"How?"

"You gotta blend in the crowd. Them fangs make me stand out ... can't be helped though ...It runs in the family ...but them manners can be ironed outta your system."

Hotohori was beginning to feel amused "How?"

"Ya need some sake."The boy declared putting a friendly arm around his shoulders "By the way, me names Liang. What's yer name pretty boy?"

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Animemom : Glad you liked the chappy and thanks so much for the review .

Keep reading !

Please review !