Nemesis: Forgotten Anathema

by Cheetara

[Complete] Some doors should never be opened. Some secrets should remain as they are, buried in the dark soil of the past. But the past always holds the key to the future and the children must bear the consequences of the sin of their forefathers.

49. Chapter 38

Standard disclaimers apply.

Chapter 37:

"There is one thing meself hates more than women." Liang's teeth chattered, as he pulled the cloak closer around himself. "And that's being caught in a stupid freaking snowstorm with some direction blind moron." He glared at the figure in front of him. "Yo doc, do ya even know where yer going?"

"I think so." Sotisku's voice sounded restrained from behind the muffler he had wrapped around himself, worried blue eyes surveying the bleak landscape, searching for the landmarks, which he had been told defined the borders of the ruins that the people of Hokkan call, The Old City.

"Ya think so." Liang growled. "Meself has a good mind to pound yer sorry ass into the fucking ground."

"And that is going to help you find Lao Shin?"

"Yer sarcasm ain't appreciated."

They stopped in the White Plains, pausing in the knee-high snow. The sun had set some time ago, plunging the lands into darkness. The light of the lantern that Sotisku held cast a small circle of light around them, the flickering yellow flame no match for the cold winds that howled in the darkness around them, clawing at their faces with long frozen nails.

"Now look 'ere, you fucking bastard of Kutou. Do ya intend to freeze meself to death?"

"Oh will I be so lucky?" Sotisku rolled his eyes.

"Meself should torch yer ass."

"I don't like your inclination towards my ass." Mischief danced in Sotisku's eyes, though his voice remained perfectly calm. "You keep on saying that you hate women. It makes one wonder, does your attention run in another direction?"

There was a dangerous gleam in Liang's eye. "What do ya mean?"

The glimmer in the blue eyes deepened. "That maybe ... perhaps you are attracted to men?"

There a moment of silence. Then Liang lunged at Sotisku with a soft speedy oath and as their bodies went tumbling ingloriously into the snow the lantern fell from Sotisku's fingers, its glass breaking with a small tinkle. The tiny yellow flame gasped a little before the cold winds snuffed it out.

"Fool." A contemptuous voice sounded in the darkness.

"Well, ya started it you fucking bastard."

"I was only joking you brain deficient moron."

"Brain deficient moron? That's a new one."

"Hmph."

There was a moment of silence.

"Meself don't hate all women ya know."

"That's really enlightening, I can almost see it lighting up our way."

"Bastard. Me self's was 'aving a serious moment there."

"Really? Was that what it was?"

"Fucking bastard."

"Moron."

Silence descended once more. Finally Sotisku spoke.

"So what now?" He frowned in the darkness. "How the hell are we going to find the city now?"

"Don't worry." Liang stirred. "Me self's got an idea."

"Really? I shudder in my shoes."

"Ya'll eat yer words, ya fucking bastard." Liang flourished his fan. "Rekka Shien!"

A brief flare lit up the darkness around them before they seemed to be plunged into a deeper darkness tan before.

"That really helped." Sotisku's voice was sarcastic.

"At least meself tried." Liang said sulkily.

Silence descended once more between them. Then Sotisku's voice was heard.

"Liang, look. Doesn't that look like a lantern?"

Through the curtain of falling snow, a tiny flicker of light could be seen, almost like a speck of glitter on dark velvet.

"Maybe its some guy!" Liang exclaimed. "Hey! Over 'ere."

"I don't think they can hear you over the sound of this wind." Sotisku frowned. "Use that flame of yours. Maybe that'll get their attention."

"Right! Here goes ... Rekka Shien!"

A brief flare lit up the landscape once more, almost like the breath of a sleeping Dragon, before darkness ruled supreme again.

"Now 'ere's to hoping that this idea of yers work."

The tiny glimmer of light that had appeared no bigger than a pinprick now came closer and closer, slowly growing in size as it did. Soon, they were able to make out the form of the person who carried the lantern.

"Do you two need any help?" The man spoke.

"What does this look like? We ain't enjoying the landscape ya know."

Sotisku elbowed Liang aside. "Forgive my friend's lack of tact." He was at his most charming. "We do need help. We were looking for the Old City. Could you assist us?"

The man raised his lantern a bit, letting the flickering yellow light dance on their faces.

"The old city?" He turned. "Follow me and stay close."

He turned. Sotisku picked up his bag from where it had fallen in the snow during their tussle getting ready to follow the man.

"Yo dumbass." Liang poked Sotisku. "Did ya learn nothing from Fa sang? We ain't gonna follow some freak in a snowstorm."

"Well, I survived Fa Sang." Sotisku said tersely. "I don't think that we are that easy to kill."

"Ya gotta point there." Liang agreed. "And since we ain't got nothing to do, lets follow that fellah."

"Finally."

"And then me self's gonna get drunk."

"The Old City is a ruin, you nutcase. There are no taverns there."

"Fuck off. Ya take the joy out of a man's life." Liang paused. "And why does the fucking quack stay in a ruin?"

The man in front chuckled, an indication that he probably heard every word of what they said.

"Well young man, you'll have to ask the fucking quack that question."

OoOoO

Sotisku felt like he had been trudging through the knee-high snow for hours. The ferocity of the wind seemed to be picking up and snow fell like sifted cotton around them. The man in front of them kept on going through the white wasteland, untroubled by either the wind or the cold. He walked ahead, back straight, not once looking back to make sure that they were still following, but with the sure step of one who knew exactly what he was doing.

Come to think of it Liang was right. What was a person doing out here in the wilderness, so late in the night? That too alone, in a snowstorm, which showed every indication of evolving into a blizzard. But he was not going to tell Liang that. He glanced briefly in his direction. He found his companion looking murderous and mumbling something about fucking quacks and planning one hundred ways of torturing and killing them.

His lips twitched. After all, some of Liang's ideas were truly innovative.

All of a sudden, in the insufficient light of the little yellow flame that guided their path, he became aware of dark shapes looming up around them. They were moving through broken columns that seemed to be scattered around them like the toys of some gigantic child. As they moved ahead, he became aware that they were approaching a much larger shape, whose corrugated outlines seemed to be etched in the sky.

Liang was silent now, but he could feel the tension radiating from his form. Fa Sang had made them all very ... paranoid. His grip on the staff increased a little.

' Oh well.' He sighed. 'Even though I know the extent of my skill, at least the feeling of having a weapon is making me somewhat comfortable.'

The man paused in front of the gigantic structure they had seen earlier. It turned out to be the dilapidated remains of an ancient house. There was low door carved into the stone wall. The man hung up the lantern he carried on a peg outside the door, before pushing it open. The door yielded with a small protesting groan.

"Enter." He gestured them to follow him. "This keep is not as broken down as it appears."

"Yeah." Liang snorted. "Right."

Nevertheless, he followed the stranger inside. Once they were inside, the stranger closed the door shutting out the howling wind. It was remarkably warm inside; to Sotisku's surprise it was even a little cozy. A small fire crackled in the hearth, a simmering pot over it. For somebody surviving on Taasha's Surprise for the last few weeks the aroma was more than enticing. It was like his entire being was screaming.

' Food! I must have food!'

He forced his mind away from the very mouth-watering distraction and turned towards the man. He saw that the man had taken off his damp cloak and was in the process of hanging it from a stand that resided by the doorway. Sotisku followed his suit, watching with narrowed eyes as the man moved around the room brightening the flame of the lamps that hung from the walls.

"Yo." Liang's voice was a terse whisper. "The fellah seems teh be awfully familiar in this freaking place."

Sotisku frowned. Liang was right. There could only be three possible deductions to be made from this. First: They had walked into a trap ... again. Second: This man was possibly very close to Lao Shin. Third: This man was Lao Shin!

"Wait, Sir." He moved ahead, a little flustered. "Forgive my impudence. But, are you Lao Shin?"

The man turned. "Perhaps."

"We ain't playing twenny questions 'ere." Liang's knuckles were white as he gripped the fan tightly. "The man asked ya a question. Answer it dammit."

"What you need young fool, is a lesson in patience." He sat down cross-legged in front of the fire. "Sit down and mayhap I will impart it to you."

"Meself will teach ya patience, ya..."

"Liang." Sotisku put a restraining palm on Liang's arm. "Please Sir." He tried to keep his voice even. "Please tell us if you are Lao Shin and if you are not ... then please tell us where we might find him. It is a matter of utmost importance."

The man chuckled. "You would not come to Lao Shin if it were not a matter of utmost importance. Take a seat."

Sotisku sat down, pulling Liang down with him. "Are you?"

"Lao Shin?"

"Yes."

"Well, that is what I am called."

"What do ya 'ave teh take such a fucking roundabout way teh say yer name?" Liang snapped. "Why can't ya say: Me name's Lao Shin. There. Clean an' simple."

"I suppose I could." Lao Shin smiled. "But I like putting on mysterious airs and talking in roundabout obscure terms. Do you have a problem with that?"

"The fucking quack is a total nutcase." Liang spat under his breath.

"I will pretend I did not hear that." He poked the fire. "So what brings you here?"

Sotisku looked at him from his position across the fire. Something about Lao Shin's profile reminded him of a hawk. Perhaps it was his sharp features, perhaps it was the way green eyes speckled with amber stared at him from under frowning brows, perhaps it was the way he held himself, an apparently casual posture that did not quite camouflage the alert watchfulness under it. Yes, this was not how he had pictured Lao Shin in his mind.

"What is this Sir? Do find it hard to believe that I am Lao Shin?"

Sotisku flushed, a little bit disconcerted by the accuracy of that accusation, but mostly because of the steady appraisal of those sharp eyes when Lao Shin addressed him.

"My apologies." He tried to keep his voice even. "I ... I had not expected you to be so ... young."

"You would have rather liked me to be old and wrinkled." He chuckled. "But if it is any consolation, I do have some gray hairs." He pointed at the silver hairs that were sprinkled liberally through his caramel colored hair, somehow managing to lend a certain dignity to his face without making a statement of age. "Besides, age is a relative term. An old man who has no knowledge is no better than a child, despite his gray hairs..."

"Yo, quit the damn philosophy." Liang cut in. "We get the freaking point. Yer old. We agree. Capice."

"As I was saying." Lao Shin continued as if he had not heard Liang's words. "An old man who has no knowledge is no better than a child despite his gray hairs. On the other hand, a child who has knowledge is in fact an old man in terms of knowledge despite of his lacking the gray hairs we tend to symbolize as the signs of wisdom."

"Finally, me thought ya ain't gonna stop."

Sotisku resisted the urge to box Liang's ears. He spoke before Liang could anything else. "How true." He agreed. "Once again I present my apologies. Allow me to introduce ourselves. I am Sotisku and this is..." He pointed in Liang's direction. "This is Liang."

"Sotisku?" Lao Shin repeated the name thoughtfully. "I have heard of you." Once again Sotisku found himself on the receiving edge of another piercing look. "And what business has the royal doctor of Kutou with me?"

Sotisku stared, a little startled.

"Don't look so surprised Sotisku. Your skill has ensured that your name is known far and wide."

There were spots of color on Sotisku's cheeks. "Those reports are highly exaggerated."

"I am sure they are. But let us not dwell on that. I believe that you were about to tell me what fair wind brought you to my door."

Up until this moment Sotisku had thought that his task was rather simple. Find Lao Shin and solicit his aid. But now, when he was asked to present his case, he found himself at a loss of words. Somehow Lao Shin seemed to sense his inner indecision.

"Sotisku." His voice was serious. "Don't be afraid. I give you my word that nothing of what you say shall go beyond these walls."

"Very well." Sotisku frowned. "I am not sure where I should start. Well, it all started when we wanted to release Seiryuu, a mission which took us to the legendary island of time, Fa Sang..."

OoOoOoOoO

Izuke took a deep breath, slowly bringing his sword to a defensive posture, eyes fixed on some invisible opponent in the semi-darkness. He moved his body slowly, with almost lazy movements, his rhythm belying the violence he kept in check. His pace increased slowly as he executed the well-practiced katas on the smooth cold floor of the dojo, his rhythm melding into a well-synchronized dance of death.

Panting he paused at last, damp strands of hair clinging to his forehead, sword still held in an defensive posture.

"Come in." His voice broke the still of the room.

The shadow behind the door hesitated a while and then slid the door open. A cold draft entered the room flirting with the lonely flame of the single lamp that burned in a corner, making its reflection dance on the shining blade.

"Loki, what was it that caused you to disturb my solitude?"

Loki bowed so low that his head almost touched the ground, casting a fearful eye on the naked steel edge. He had seen too many head dispatched summarily to trust any sharp edge.

"My Lord." He stammered. "My deepest apologies."

"Don't bore me Loki, get the point."

"Ah yes, that. A ship has drifted ashore."

"And you have come to give me this news?" Izuke yawned. "Loki, your uselessness is reducing your lifeline rather drastically."

Fear rolled off Loki in waves, he bend lower still. "It is one of ours."

"Indeed?" Izuke's voice was bored. "So?"

"It ... it is the Black Typhoon!"

With a faint click Izuke imprisoned the shining blade in its sheath. "Wasn't that the ship heading for Kafa?"

Loki nodded vigorously.

"But ... that was almost three years ago!" Izuke muttered, almost as if he was talking to himself. "I hope Tong Li has a good explanation for his tardiness."

"Ah, that my Lord." Loki coughed. "The ship was empty. We found no crew on board."

"No crew?" Izuke voice did not betray his surprise, if possible he sounded even more bored.

"Yes, my Lord. We searched thoroughly, but we found no trace of the crew and the cargo is almost completely untouched."

"Almost?"

"Perhaps you should see for yourself my Lord." Loki paused. "The men our frightened Sir."

"Frightened? Of what?" Izuke was amused.

"The men think..." Loki gulped. "The men think that the Devil's Circle has gobbled up the crew of the Black Typhoon."

"What rubbish." Izuke snapped. "But you are right. I need to see this for myself." He turned to go. "Come Loki, lead the way."

OoOoO

Izuke stared at the ship. It was a strong build and sleek design, just rightly built to outmaneuver the unwieldy and heavy battleships, which the coast guard of Kafa employed and for a ship that was apparently at sea for three years it was still in reasonably good shape. A small crowd of curious onlookers had gathered around the ship. Loki had sent a few of his people to set up a perimeter around the ship, managing to keep the crowd under control.

As he approached the ship the crowd parted like a curtain before him, a sudden hush descending on the scene.

"Good people of Nobu." His voice was heavily laced with sarcasm. "There is nothing to see here. You will not receive any booty from this ship either. So, disperse."

An angry buzz rose in the air, but the crowd began to move away. The goons surrounding the ship moved up and helped the few laggards who still lingered on their way. The area was soon quite empty and the dock returned to its normal business.

"So you see Loki." Izuke's lips curved into a small smile. "They will still continue to watch this ship, but more discreetly. We may now proceed to examine this ship in leisure."

He turned towards the ship and had hardly taken a step in that direction when he stopped, his shoulders stiffening.

"Mioko." His voice was honeyed. "Welcome to Nobu."

A deep chuckle answered him.

"Your ki sensing abilities never fail to amaze me Izuke."

Izuke turned towards the woman who now approached him, the cloak of dark blue wool accentuating her fine figure.

"I try Mioko." He said humbly. "But I could sense you only because you dropped your shield."

Mioko lowered the hood, a slow curving smile on her lips. "Izuke, I never knew that humility was one of your finer qualities."

"I try." He lifted her hands brushing the tips of her white fingers with his lips.

Mioko acknowledged his homage from under hooded eyes, the smile on her lips deepening. "Very charming Izuke. But don't expect me to swoon."

"No? Mioko, you break my heart."

"Don't worry, you'll find somebody to glue it back." Mioko chuckled. "After all, this is Nobu. Even love is for sale here."

"Yes, that it is." Izuke turned towards the ship. "What a pity."

"Indeed. So why is the Prince of Nobu so worried?"

"This ship was lost at sea almost three years ago." He began walking towards the ship. "Now it has suddenly returned. I find that rather disturbing. Don't you?"

"I had no idea that you thought of me as a fool Izuke." Mioko's voice was just enough high to reach his ears. "That's an idea I will need some time to get used to."

Izuke stopped suddenly, so suddenly in fact that Loki almost crashed into him. "Stay here Loki." He extended his hand towards Mioko. "Shall we my lady?"

"By all means. I have tarried overlong already."

The narrow plank led to a slippery deck. Mioko stepped lightly onto it casting her eyes about, their cold depths betraying none of the curiosity she felt. She laid a hand on the bulwarks stiffening slightly as her senses registered the fading traces of magic that still hung in the air.

"Mioko."

Izuke's voice broke her concentration. She turned towards him carefully wiping off all the emotion from her face.

"I am curious. What brings you to Nobu?"

Mioko studied the tips of her nails. "I thought my purpose was quite clear Izuke. I came to meet with you."

"Mioko." Izuke moved a little closer to her, his voice a soft purr. "I did know you cared."

"Ah those melting bedroom eyes." She yawned. "Do not bore me Izuke."

"Harsh Mioko." Izuke chuckled, genuine amusement in his eyes. "Perhaps that is why you are the one person whose conversation delights me."

"Silence flatterer." Mioko chuckled as well. "Let not waste our time dallying because time is one thing that I loathe to waste."

"Well said. Lets get serious now."

"You have send spies into Kutou. May I know why?"

"To gather information naturally."

For a moment Mioko was silent. "Zori. That fool." Her voice was a sharp hiss. "I should have known."

"So was it you who introduced Zori to our dear Shogun of Kutou."

"She had vital information. I thought that our association would be ... err ... beneficial to me."

"I should probably warn you that she was practically salivating at the mention of the Black warrior."

"No need to be crude Izuke." Mioko smiled. "Half the female population in Kutou swoons at the mention of his name."

"But not you."

"I do not swoon."

"I wonder why you didn't approach me? You know I could have done a much better job than Zori and since you're my friend I would even give you a discount."

"Your brain has dulled by association Izuke. It was Zori I needed then, it is you, I require now."

"I see. So how may I help you?"

"Sung's death has come at a very propitious time."

Izuke snorted. "Sung would disagree."

"He probably would, silly man, positively sitting on a goldmine and not even aware of it."

"I have never heard anyone call Sung silly before but you are somewhat right."

"Naturally. Now the question is, do you want to be the cock on your silly little dung hill as well?"

Izuke frowned a little. "Get to the point Mioko."

"Did you know that two of the finest jewels in both the lands are out of their treasure chests?"

"I have had the good fortune of meeting with the Ruby but the Sapphire has eluded me so far."

"Of that I have no doubt. The Sapphire is very cold and elusive when it comes to business."

"Yet so desirable."

"Careful my friend, lest you burn your hands."

"You know that I have an excellent instinct for survival. But, why are you asking me this?"

"What did the Ruby want here?"

"He is my client. I do not betray my client."

Mioko silently pulled out a pouch from the folds of her cloak. "Will this persuade you?"

"Possibly. What's in it?"

"Start talking Izuke and maybe you'll know."

Izuke's lips curved into a smirk. "At another time I would be moved by your offer but not now. I seek something more than money."

"Contacts perhaps? You shall have them."

"It is a pleasure doing business with you Mioko but, I should warn you. I aim high."

Mioko chuckled. "I did always know that you would think beyond Nobu."

"And I am guessing I know who send you here."

"Indeed? Who?"

"The Dragon that guards the Sapphire. What surprises me is why did he not accompany her?"

"Possibly because she did not want to leave her treasure chest unguarded. Obviously there wasn't a more suitable choice than her shadow."

"Obviously. Still, it is a bit strange that agreed with her."

"What choice did he have? After all no servant is greater than the master. If the Sapphire wants the Dragon to guard her nest then the Dragon will have no choice other than following her orders."

"Ah the loyal general." Izuke yawned. "But then loyalty can be so boring."

Mioko opened the mouth of the pouch she was holding bringing out a single gold coin and feeling the cold metal between the tips of her fingers. "Unless you are loyal to the right thing."

"Absolutely." Izuke agreed. "So the Dragon is eager for the news of his Sapphire?"

Mioko did not answer, a small cynical smile played on her lips for a while before her face became expressionless once more.

"I don't know about him." She said at last. "But I am most eager for the news of the Sapphire."

"Indeed?"

"And if you have news I could introduce you to the highest bidder in Kutou. I am sure you will impress him more than Zori did."

"Well, can he impress me?"

"He usually always does." For a while Mioko was silent. "Something has happened, I don't know what. Nor can I place my finger on what it is that makes me feel this way. But I feel that the equations of power are about to change and I want to catch the ride. Question is, do you want to come along?"

Izuke chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I have sensed it. It was like an enormous amount of energy being released before ... it just vanished." Suddenly he stood very straight, almost as if something had clicked in his mind. "Mioko, the Ruby wanted a ship to go some island. Fa Sang, yes, that was the name."

There was the barest flicker of something unrecognizable in Mioko eyes. "So." She hissed. "So..."

"So ... what?"

"Have you heard of the legend where the Suzaku no Miko imprisoned Seiryuu in a magical scroll?"

"A fairy tale. I have heard of it. Are you trying to say…"

"Why else would the Ruby be so desperate to get to Fa Sang?"

Comprehension dawned in Izuke's eyes. "To stop the Sapphire?"

"Correct. So long the Ruby had the Miko and the seishi the war was tipped in their favor. But if the Sapphire has managed to free Seiryuu then ..."

"Its anybody's game."

"Precisely."

Izuke chuckled, grasping the bulwarks rather hard. "What troubled times lie ahead. Brilliant!" Then his face turned somber. "It was almost three weeks ago that the Ruby had set sail and till now there is no news of him." There was an almost gleeful look in his eyes. "Oh I can imagine the condition of his treasure chest."

"Izuke, do you really think that the Ruby would be foolish enough to return to Nobu?"

"Of course he will not return, which is why I have set up a patrol along the shoreline. I am hopeful that they might be able to escort them here. And even if they fail, which they will, I will still have news of the Ruby."

"And of you have that news you could extrapolate the position of the Sapphire. I see. Perhaps you should know I sensed magic in this ship."

Izuke raised an eyebrow. "Magic?"

"A lingering trace of a teleportation spell."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Hmm. Of course, my fault, I never did consider that option." He frowned. "Come, let's look around. Maybe we'll gather some much needed information."

OoOoOoOoO

Faraco groaned a little opening one bleary eye. For a moment he lay absolutely still, staring blankly at the ceiling before realization dawned on him.

' Oh yes, I remember now...'

With some effort he raised himself on his elbows slowly reaching for the water jug that resided on the low table beside his pallet. His hands shook a little but he found that he had regained some of his strength. The water came as a welcome relief to his parched throat and it also cleared his foggy brain somewhat.

The last week had been a little more than a blur to him, excluding the days when he slept in the arms of merciful oblivion. But later they had become jumbles of mazes, blurred colors and far away voices. For a while he thought that he heard Lee's voice through the fog and clung to it as desperately as a drowning man would clasp at a handful of straw to keep himself afloat. He had hoped that when he opened his eyes he would see her sweet face and hear her voice welcoming him back. Instead, he woke to a very irritated red head.

' Lee.'

His voice sounded vague and faraway to his ears. His vision swam a little before slowly returning to focus. His eyes searched around, something akin to panic in their depths.

' Where am I? Where is Lee?'

Some of the events that had taken place previously began to return to his mind and he found himself struggling to get up.

"For Seiryuu's sake, lie still moron."

Faraco growled, the sound not even a shadow of its actual form. His eyes rested on the red-head who had just issued this order to him, wanting to look defiant but looking confused instead.

"I am Sotisku." The red-head approached him, a parody of a smile on his lips. "I am glad to see that you are awake."

A thousand questions crowded in his mind but he could mouth only one. "Lee?"

"Lee? Oh, you mean the miko." Sotisku put a palm on his forehead almost as if to check his temperature. "She is with Lord Hotohori. I suppose she will be up presently."

' Hotohori.' He felt a pang of something bitter in his heart. ' Why does it not surprise me?' He frowned bits and parts of had happened returning to his mind. ' At least this means Lee is safe, though I wish that she were with me.'

He dimly realized that Sotisku was holding something to his mouth and it was almost instinctively that he gulped down the fiery liquid. Sotisku moved away again.

"Since you have returned to consciousness I am slowly going to reduce the quantity of medicine I am giving you." His voice was casual. "That means very soon you are going to feel some pain." He bustled about talking almost to himself. "Its not like I want to reduce the dosage but we have a real short supply of medicine, so when it starts, you'll have to grin and bear it." He came towards Faraco once more absently straightening the blankets that covered him. "I am going to check on Menesku and Suraco now, okay."

He was gone.

Faraco watched him go frowning a little. ' Sotisku?' The somewhat clearer part of his brain questioned. 'Haven't I heard that name before?'

Then suddenly all the fog in his head seemed to melt away and the truth dawned on him with stunning clarity. ' Sotisku... Isn't that the name of the royal doctor of Kutou? Suzaku, have we been taken prisoners?'

He found himself struggling to get up. ' Lee. I must find Lee.'

A small sound caught his ear. Instinctively he turned towards the door, his eyes alighting on the still figure who stood there. His eyes lit up.

' Lee!'

"Faraco!" Lee was at his side in an instant, her eyes shone as she knelt at his bedside taking one of his hands in hers. "You are awake!"

Though he smiled, his eyes searched her face soaking in the paleness of her profile, the shadows under her eyes, the dark bruise that still marred her pale flesh. He raised his hand lightly touching her face.

"Are you all right Lee?" His voice was very somber.

"Of course I am." Even though she laughed the shadows did not completely disappear from her eyes. "I am just a little tired." One of her hands rested on his forehead. "But really Faraco, shouldn't I be the person to ask you that question? But I won't do it because you are not all right." The hand that rested on his forehead now moved in slow soothing patterns through his messed up hair. "You can't imagine how glad I am that at least you have finally opened your eyes."

"At least you?" The grip on her free hand tightened a little. "What do you mean Lee?"

Lee laughed, too brightly perhaps. "Its really nothing Faraco. Don't worry about it."

"Lee."

"Ah, I thought you returned Miko." Sotisku's voice interrupted them, causing both their heads to jerk towards him. "I need you to go to Chulivey and ask her if she can salvage some more bandages from the chests below."

Faraco tried to rouse himself on his elbows, trying to look threatening but failing miserably at that effort.

"I know you." His eyes narrowed. "You are that doctor from Kutou."

Sotisku raised an eyebrow. "So?" He turned towards Lee. "Miko, I need those bandages now."

Lee got up, sighing a little. "Very well."

Then Faraco understood why she was looking so pale. She was very tired. He did not let go of her hand choosing instead to favor Sotisku with a smoldering look, which somehow did not convey the required message because Sotisku looked sublimely unconscious. He just looked a trifle irritated.

"Move it Miko." He said sharply. "And you." He pointed his finger at Faraco. " Let go of her hand. I don't have time to deal with all this lovey-dovey crap now." He turned to go but not before delivering a parting shot. "Move it Miko. Make yourself useful."

"Ye ... Yes Sotisku." Lee stammered once she had recovered her voice.

Faraco glanced at Lee, loving the sudden color that bloomed in her cheeks and the shyness in her eyes that her thick lashes had failed to veil. Slowly he slackened his hold.

"Lee." He had not completely released her. "Return soon."

Lee smiled. "Of course." The color did not recede from her cheeks. "But first, I must get those bandages."

"Okay."

She smiled once more before slowly exiting the cabin. Left alone he began to think about his present situation, trying to piece together the information he had gathered. But nothing made sense. The only thing he understood was that Lee was tired to the bone.

'Oh and she looked so cute when she was all blushing and embarrassed.' He frowned, mentally scolding himself. ' Okay Faraco, concentrate.'

There was nothing in Lee's behavior that suggested that she was afraid of Sotisku or anybody else. She was afraid, perhaps a little worried, but not about she. Her movements did not seem to be restricted and ...

There was another sound at the door which interrupted his chain of thoughts. Eagerly his eyes snapped towards the door.

"Lee."

"Do meself look like a freaking girl to ya?"

"Liang." Faraco's smile visibly dampened. "Its you."

"Yeah,yeah. Meself is very 'appy to see ya as well."

"And Lee is not a freaking girl.She is, well ... Lee."

"Whatever. Where's the fucking quack?"

"If you mean Sotisku, he is in the next chamber." He frowned. "Liang, correct me if I am wrong. But, isn't Sotisku the royal doctor of Kutou?"

" Course he is." Liang paused directing a brief searching look in his direction. "Ya don't get shit of what's goin' on 'ere do ya?"

"You know I don't. So tell me."

"Well, meself don't blame ya. Ya were knocked up rather hard after all."

"I know." Faraco gritted his teeth.

"But ya saved the girl. So I guess that accounts for something. Teh get to the point. We all got kinda separated and me and Chulivey got attacked some freak ass monster. We totally kicked its ugly butt. Turns out that all of us were attacked. Them others were attacked too ya know. So we all got kinda wounded." He frowned. "Remember Shizimi, the fucking bastard. He tried to kill us. He totally wrecked Menesku and that ... Suraco. Hotohori was kinda wounded too, so we ain't got no choice but to ally ourselves with them others."

"Shizimi?" Faraco was surprised. "Why would he attack us?"

"Damme if I know. But he gave us some real trouble ya know."

"We killed him?"

Liang flushed. "We couldn't scratch the freaking asshole. And that woman made us ... retreat."

"Retreat?"

"We ran away. Capice."

"Oh I wouldn't call it running away Liang." Once again Sotisku's voice interrupted their conversation. "There is no harm in retreating once in a while."

"Its cowardly." Liang growled.

"And what use would you have of heroism if you were dead Liang?" Sotisku retorted dryly. "Has the miko returned with the bandages?"

"Nah."

"Did you bring them?"

"Nope."

"Then what are you doing here?"

"We gotta go an' find that guy ya keep talking about."

Sotisku's eyes lit up. "Are we near land then?"

"Taasha says so. Lets roll."

"Roll?"

"Well, come on. We ain't got all day ya know."

"Wait a minute Liang. Are you suggesting that I should come along with you?"

"Meself ne'er thought yer stupid. 'Course that's exactly what me means."

"Wait." Sotisku put up a hand. "Exactly whose stupid idea is this?" His blue eyes flashed. "Do you expect me to leave the side of two such critical patients? What if something untoward happens in my absence? Who is going to answer for that?"

"Chill doc." Liang put his hand up in a placatory manner. "It ain't my idea ya know. Yer Princess suggested it."

"Princess?" The heat in Sotisku's voice did not recede. "Well, I'll have a word with her." He flounced out of the room.

"By all means." Liang called after him.

"Liang."

Liang turned at Faraco raising a questioning eyebrow.

"What was he talking about? Critical patients?"

"Sotisku will flay me fer telling ya anything that should upset ya."

"Liang, I don't like to be kept hanging and I can't be more upset than I already am, you know. So tell me."

"Well its Menesku and them illusionist Suraco. The fucking bastard Shizimi beat the livin' daylights outta them. "

"Oh." Faraco was quite for a while. "Is it that bad?"

"Yeah."

"Then Sotisku is right. He can't leave their side."

"Yeah, that's true. But them Princess is right as well. She says we gotta find that Lao Shin as quickly as possible. No one knows the freaking way to them old city better than Sotisku. He could find the way faster than any of us could, ya know."

"Has he been to Hokkan before?"

"Nah."

"Then don't you think that you are being a little too optimistic about him finding the way quickly."

"Them Princess says he got the entire map in his head and he's got a kickass memory. Meself vouchsafes that."

Faraco sighed. "Perhaps you are right. But will he go?"

"Che. Sure he will. Them woman got them all wrapped around 'er little finger."

"But what if something does happen while he is away?"

"Nothing's gonna happen Faraco." Liang's usually smiling face was grim. " And if it does ... Well, its a chance we gotta take. Besides, Chulivey ain't in any position to walk much and Taasha's gotta look after the ship. That leaves only meself, Sotisku and Lee. Now, there ain't any point in putting Lee in any more danger. So, its gotta be me and Sotisku."

"I see." Faraco fell silent again.

Moments later the door open and Sotisku bounced in. His blue eyes were still shooting fire, but other than that, he had every appearance of an awe inspiring calm.

"Liang." His voice was cold. "I suppose you already know the plan. Let's go."

Liang shot Faraco a look that clearly said: What did me tell ya?

Unbidden a small smile rose to his lips.

Liang pulled the cloak around himself. "After ya doc."

With a sigh Sotisku hoisted his backpack on his shoulders and paused at the doorway taking deep breaths, almost as if to steady him. His blue eyes rested on the figure who had limped to the doorway.

"Chulivey, you know where the medicines are." He said quietly. "Use them ... if required. But, I hope the need will not arise."

"I hope so too." Chulivey held out a feather to him. "When you find Lao Shin use this to signal us."

"I will."

"God Speed then. And ... good luck."

Faraco sighed. The dull ache, which was slowly spreading through his body distracted him from his thoughts.

'Damn.' He groaned. 'This was our worst mission ever. Not only did we fail to stop Seiryuu from being released, we had to ally ourselves with them. And Lee almost got killed.' He growled at that memory. 'Damn it.'

He laid back on the pallet, staring at the ceiling trying to remember what happened next. Time had never seemed to move so slowly. He and Chulivey shared some small talk but soon they fell silent and that silence seemed to stretch the time even more. And he wondered why Lee had not returned from where Sotisku had send her.

"Lee is resting." Chulivey's calm voice interrupted his thoughts. He wondered whether he was that transparent. "My Lord Hotohori insisted that she rest her limbs a while."

Irrational anger flooded him. "Under his supervision no doubt." Try as he might he could not keep the bitterness out of his voice.

"Naturally Faraco." She laughed.

"Hmph." Faraco felt silent again. ' I know she was tired and needed rest. I could have told her that. But no ... it hadto be him!"

"Hotohori is a great warrior Faraco." Was that a gleam of mischief in Chulivey's eyes? "He has a certain edge over you."

' Other than a handsome face and loads of money.'

"Yes."

' Oh well, what is it?'

"A perfect sense of timing."

He liked Chulivey better when she was silent.

He groaned again. He needed to sleep but sleep eluded him. It was strange considering how weak he felt, the room he was housed in was warm and cozy and the pallet under him infinitely more comfortable than the one he had on the ship. Encased deep within the white icy plains of Hokkan this place did give him a sense of security and strangely enough that made very uneasy.

' I guess I've become paranoid.'

He sighed, raising a hand to touch his aching forehead. Sometime after that he must have fallen asleep. In fact he was quite disoriented when a light touch on his shoulders awakened him. Confused he looked up at the pair of brown eyes staring down at him.

" Wake up Faraco." Chulivey's voice was somber. "They have managed to locate Lao Shin. We have to abandon ship."

Faraco snorted. What was the purpose of waking him up anyway. It was not like he could move. And he definitely did not like being carried like a damsel in distress to this room by some weird cat guy Chulivey called Taasha. Worse, he had not seen Lee ever since she left to get the bandages. The man they call Lao Shin had honored him with his presence earlier and frankly he was glad that he was gone. That man piercing gaze made him really uncomfortable. And yes, his diagnosis had been quite short and simple.

"He'll live."

Faraco shook his head.

' I could've said that.'

There was small sound at the door. Eagerly his eyes turned towards it.

'Maybe its her.'

"Hello." A familiar redhead entered the room. Suzaku, he was starting to hate Sotisku.

He favored the doctor with a very fake smile. "Hello to you too."

Sotisku knelt beside him. "Here. Drink this. It'll help you get some sleep."

"Where's Lee?" Faraco hated how whiny he sounded.

"Asleep." Sotisku's voice was calm. "She needed it. We all do. Now drink."

Now that was true, Lee did need sleep. Faraco reluctantly followed his instruction, downing the sweetly scented fluid. The ache in his body began to recede only to be replaced by a strange kind of lethargy. His eyes closed of their own accord. Dimly he was aware of Sotisku pulling the blankets over him and reducing the brightness of the lantern, before coming to stand over him.

"You and Hotohori. What do you see in the miko?" His voice was amused.

Then the world went black once more.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

Sotisku sighed a little rubbing his eyes as he closed the door silently behind him. He hadn't lied to Faraco. They all did need sleep. He yawned, stretching himself like a cat. The muscles in his neck felt a bit cramped but the pressure on his mind had lessened somewhat. Lao Shin had approved of the way he had treated his patients.

"They'll live."

That assurance did not sound fake. He had plenty of time to watch Lao Shin today and he understood the validity of Lao Shin's fame. His charges were safely tucked in and asleep. Even Menesku was breathing easily after many weeks and though he was not completely out of danger, at least he was no longer teetering on the brink of the abyss of no return.

His feet padded silently on the cold stone floor as he moved through the long hallway, the reason for Lao Shin choice of living quaters slowly becoming clear to him.

'There is plenty of accommodation for one thing.' He smiled. ' This place isn't as run down as I thought it would be.'

In fact this part of the city where Lao Shin resided was quite habitable, clean even. At one time this might have been the house of some influential noble, a mere carcass of what it used to be, but still serviceable. There was even a hot water spring in the rundown bath-house at the back of the structure.

A small sound caused his head to jerk up. "Liang, you're still up?"

Liang held up the lantern, stifling a yawn. "Yeah. Somebody's gotta be on sentry duty ya know."

"That will not be necessary Liang."

Before Liang could answer a long mournful howl swept through the hall. Soon others joined with it, their voices rising in one bone chilling chorus.

"What the hell?"

"And yer saying we're safe."

"Maybe that's some wild animal." Sotisku grinned awkwardly.

"If ya say so. Me self's gonna check it out."

"No Liang." Sotisku stiffened, feeling a familiar fission of dark energy. "Wait." He said quietly. "I will come with you."

"Fine." Liang shrugged. "Come." The tension in his shoulders showed that he felt it too.

"Maybe we're just being paranoid." Sotisku chuckled nervously.

"Or maybe yer Lao Shin is some freak ass skin popping monster."

"Liang."

"Chill doc. Aren't ya gonna take a staff or something?"

OoO

They stepped out of the door, gingerly placing their foot on the white snow. The snow storm had receded, leaving behind a bitter cold wind. The sky had cleared and the pale moon had shown her silvery face bathing the White Plains in her dull silver light. Sotisku shivered. It was eerily quiet.

"Yo this place looks like a tomb."

Sotisku agreed with Liang, though he did not quite like the reference to the word tomb.

Once again he heard it, that long shuddering howl. Beside him Liang swore swift and long.

"Damn it Sotisku. Look!"

The plains around them seemed to have come alive, the snow moving slowly like a live creature towards them. Looking closer he was able to make out the limbs of the creatures, larger and flipper like, almost slithering over the ground. They stopped ocasionally, almost as if to listen to something, before starting their march once more.

"Shit. Shit. Shit."

Sotisku agreed.

"There ain't no way we could kill all of them bastards."

Sotisku agreed to that as well.

"Maybe they're harmless." He tried of reason.

"Right and meself is dancing monkey."

"Really? Are you?"

"Har. Har. Funny. Really funny. Think brainy boy. Whatcha gonna do now?"

"I am not brainy boy. I don't know what to do."

"Oh look, 'ere comes the cavalry."

The snow in front of them had begun to swirl like a mist of fireflies, slowly solidifying ...

"Damn. Must these bastards 'ave a fancy entry?"

Sotisku felt the cold fingers of dread creep up his spine when his eyes fell on the still figure in front of him. It was a man, perhaps, for he could not see the face behind the golden screaming mask. A cloak of the purest white covered his body, heavily trimmed around the neck with fur, pooling in a silvery mass around his feet. He appeared to be almost like a marble statue, white, cold and ... dead, no color about him except the gold of his mask and scarlet of his hair.

His fingers tightened around his staff.

"Yo." Liang shouted. "Are ya just gonna stand there?"

"Liang, I don't think you should antagonize him."

"Fucking bastard. Come, if ya dare."

"No really sir, stay where you are."

A cold mocking laughter swept over them, the man spoke, his voice frozen like the white plain they were standing on.

"Fools."

He raised one hand, long white fingers pointing at them, almost as if commanding the creatures to attack. The creatures rose, almost like a tidal wave rushing towards them.

"And ya thought them creatures were harmless."

Sotisku gritted his teeth, trying to cool his tumultuous heart, waiting for the inevitable, when his ears caught another sound.

It was a soft sound, like the twang of a hunters bow. Almost immediately he heard a swish, like that of an arrow cutting through the cold air before a streak of light raced past his ears colliding with the white mass that raced towards them. There wasn't a sound, not a whimper as the arrow struck the creatures enveloping them in a strange white hot embrace, soundlessly lulling them into a fiery death.

"Holy Suzaku. What the hell was that?"

They heard another voice, as smooth as honey.

"Seriously Caderyn, that you are out of practice is quite evident."

Of its own accord Sotisku's head snapped towards the source of this voice, freezing as his eyes fell on the mysterious newcomer.

He stood on one of the broken columns, arrow nooked on a great golden bow, the jewels inlaid in it glinted a little in the silvery light. The dull rays of the moon fell over magnificent leather wings and lean sinewy muscles. Standing there, he seemed to be painted in shades of white and black, almost like a vengeful dark angel.

"Stay out of this fool." Caderyn addressed the still figure.

Amused eyes, the color of molten gold studied his adversary. "You stray on my lands Caderyn. I do not like people who trespass on my land." He paused. "Perhaps you have forgotten. Allow me to re-educate you."

He swooped down like a hawk on its prey, the edges of his bow glowed momentarily before elongating into a wicked steel edge.

"Holy freaking Suzaku. Who the hell is that?"

That and a thousand other questions troubled Sotisku's mind. His blue eyes followed the movements of Caderyn and the mysterious archer as they danced around each other, blades singing, eager for blood. For what seemed an eternity they fought under the pale moon before Caderyn went stumbling back, his white cloak stained scarlet.

"You should not have interfered." Caderyn hissed. "My master will hear of this."

A sardonic laugh answered him. "Yes, tell Him." The archer's voice was acidic. "Tell him, that it is I, Rashim of the House of Zephyr, who guards the portal of this city."

Caderyn growled and then he was gone almost as suddenly as he came.

Rashim laughed, a scornful bitter sound. "Weakling." He turned his golden eyes towards them, silently studying them for a while, before melting away in the shadows of the ruin that surrounded them.

"What the hell was that?" Sotisku finally found his voice.

"I dunno." Liang rubbed his forehead. "Maybe meself should not 'ave taken that second helping of mushroom."

Sotisku frowned, unable to count of what he saw as an aftereffect of consuming too many mushrooms. "Lets go inside Liang."

"Sure." Liang opened the door stepping back inside. The dark aura they had sensed was gone. "At times like this me self really miss sake."

Sotisku raised an eyebrow.

"Well, if meself was drunk then I could've swore them birdmen don't exist."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

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