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.

50. Chapter 39

Standard disclaimers apply.

Chapter 38:

Master Tao, when I left Ubasti you gave me strict instructions to record my travels in detail. You advised me to study the various cultures I would encounter and absorb the knowledge they had to offer me. When were we having this discussion Master? It seems so long ago. Nine months and twenty-five days. Yes, it was exactly nine months and twenty-five days ago that I sailed from Ubasti. Does absence make the heart grow fonder? Strange, I do not miss Ubasti. Well that is not entirely true. I miss you. I am babbling. After all I wasn't supposed to fill half of this parchment with a vivid description of my inner dynamics.

I have not recorded anything for the past few days. Not to mention that whatever I had recorded for the past eight months has been washed overboard. So, I am pretty much starting from the scratch.

I did not know what I would find in this world outside Ubasti. The temple records, which I was allowed to access, were rather vague on that subject. I did think then that the author had perhaps purposely withheld some necessary information. At that time I had dismissed it as wishful thinking. However, with your help I was able to extrapolate a somewhat accurate map to my destination, Tur.

Tur, the High Priests insisted that I would find the artisans who could fix the Mirror of Bastet in this place. I instinctively knew that they were lying. But then again they hardly speak the truth, so why bother? I knew that I was going on a wild goose chase. I knew that once I stepped out of Ubasti I could never go back. I also knew that I had no place in Ubasti anymore, not after...

I had decided that I would not think about that anymore. It is the past and I had decided to leave it behind me. Yet, sometimes, it creeps into my mind when I least expect it. The ache in my heart was torturous in the beginning but now I feel nothing but a passing twinge. You were right. I was overreacting. But enough of that now. Now, lets get back to business.

Do you remember Master, you and I had spent many sleepless nights discussing and estimating the time I would require to reach Tur. Apparently; the charts we had consulted were slightly defective. It took much, much longer that we calculated. But then the world had changed much. The cities that I was supposed to pass by did not exist, nor did the civilizations that were supposed to be all-powerful. In fact, even their memory had ceased to exist. Now, they have no place even in legends. I guess we should not have remained so closeted while the rest of the world around us changes.

Therefore, it is only natural that they will not even know of the tribe of Bast. I knew I would appear to them as nothing more than a monster, a freak. After all that is exactly what we would think of a human if they happened to stray into Ubasti. I therefore, decided to stay out of sight as much as possible and finish my task a quickly as possible.

Even before I entered Tur I knew that the High Priests had withheld some very important information from me. Perhaps, at the back of my mind I was expecting this. The wondrous underground city described in the scrolls with its sparkling fountains and bustling streets hardly had any resemblance to this dead graveyard I walked into. The city still stood, forgotten under the white snow, a pale shadow of its former glory. It was obvious I would find nothing of use in that city.

I wouldn't call it a rude awakening but it still hurt. When I stepped out of Ubasti I knew there was no turning back for me. Now I knew for sure that I could never go back. Therefore now there was only one option open to me. I had find a place for myself in this world where I would be no doubt considered a monster. I had to step carefully otherwise I would end up being displayed in a cage like some freak. I didn't find that a very welcoming prospect.

And there was another thing. Do you remember talking about another island? Fa Sang, the legendary island of Time, repository of all the knowledge of the Old World. Other than Tur, that was the only place I could find the knowledge I required to fix the mirror of Bastet. Also, I wanted to know what really happened in Tur. The knowledge that the Priests denied me.

In the middle of Tur there is a temple. It reminded me of the temple of Bastet in Ubasti. Yet no two structures could be more different. It was cold, dark and unwelcoming. Not that I found the warm and extremely well lit Temple of Bastet welcoming at any point of time in my life, but never mind that. It was like my instinct warned me not to step inside. Of course that is only a stylized way of saying that I was scared. It galls me to admit that I was afraid, yet fear was something that stuck to me like a tick from the moment I entered Tur. I am not afraid of solitude, yet there was something in Tur that caused my survival instincts to go haywire.

I knew I would find what I sought in that temple, a map to Fa Sang. After all what I saw around me was just a older version of Ubasti. I realized I needed help. It was time to find my pack.

The place where I docked in now a part of a Human kingdom. They call it Hokkan. Their language was a little difficult to understand but I grasped it soon enough. I realized that it is a corrupted version of the language once employed by the tribes who stayed on the Eastern Earth. I guess those boring lessons I received from the Temple did have some use after all.

There is a city not far from Tur along the shoreline of what the Humans call the Ku Youg Sea. The weather is harsh and unforgiving, the ground barren and frozen white. Nothing can survive in this frigid desert and frankly it made me wonder why the Human's chose such a place to set up a colony.

The city was called Nobu. I am sincerely hoping that this is not the best example of Human architecture. The streets are narrow, inlaid with cobbled stones, winding aimlessly through the city almost like a maze. The houses have sprung up alongside the road like wild mushrooms with narrow windows and low doors often leading to rooms overflowing with the smell of wine, smoke and unwashed bodies. A nauseating mixture, I can assure you that.

The dock was much better. I could smell the salty air of the sea and watch the lazy waves roll.

I did not have much knowledge of Human nature but I did not have to be a genius to know that these were Humans of a very shady nature. The prospect of my finding a pack in this place looked decidedly slim. The only thing they cared about was shiny gold pieces. I had some with me but I was afraid they would stab me in the back if they saw a glimmer of gold about my person.

On my fifth day stood on the dock and as the light of day faded my hope faded with it. It was then that I saw them. They stood at the docks. Their voices were low but I could hear what they were talking about. They wanted to go to Fa Sang!

"Taasha."

Startled Taasha looked up from the parchment. His face broke into a amused smile.

"Princess?"

Keeah stood at the doorway leaning rather heavily on a stocky staff, her eyes surveying the spartan settings of his room, resting for a while on the open parchment.

"Are you busy?"

Taasha set aside the brush. "Not at all." He got up moving towards the doorway. "But aren't you supposed to be in bed?"

Keeah snorted, slapping aside his hand thereby declining his offer for help, limping forward painstakingly before lowering herself into a low chair that resided by the window. "Sotisku is getting on my nerves. He is acting like I have never been wounded in battle before." She smiled a little. "Besides, we've been here for over a week already. I feel much better now."

Taasha took the empty seat in front of her. "I am glad that you feel better."

Silence descended. The bright rays of the sun crept into the room through the tall narrow windows casting zebra patterns on the bare stone floor. A bitter cold wind flew through the room flirting with their loose tresses before returning to the White Plains outside. Keeah stared out of the window, fathomless eyes focused on some invisible point in the snow bound ruins.

After sometime she spoke. "This room is cold." Looking around she could spot no iron brazier with its smoldering fire; an arrangement she had noticed in the other rooms, which kept the rooms fairly warm.

"I don't like the smell of smoke." Taasha said quietly. He looked at Keeah suddenly realizing that even though he might find the cold bite of the wind somewhat relieving others might find the situation uncomfortable. He got up, a little flushed. "Please excuse me for a moment Princess. I'll be back presently."

"Don't bother Taasha. The events of the last few weeks has been so surreal that I find the cold embrace of the wind very welcoming." Keeah gestured Taasha to sit down. "Sit down Taasha. I have matter of some importance to discuss with you."

Taasha sat down.

Keeah was silent once more, almost as if she was trying to find the right words to express herself. In the end she spoke. "I don't want to appear unnecessarily intrusive but what were you writing about?"

Taasha grinned. "I was writing about us." He held up the parchment for her to investigate. "See."

The ink had yet to dry and the letters glistened a little. Keeah ran a bandaged hand over it. "Your script is so strange."

"That's only because you are unfamiliar with it."

"True." Keeah put down the parchment. "When I first met you I found your grasp on our language a little strange. I found it difficult to believe that somebody who apparently had no inkling of our people had such a wonderful grasp on our language."

"Yes." Taasha agreed. "And I found it strange that you never questioned that fact."

"I chose to overlook it."

"I see. But I was under the impression that you trusted me."

"I did. But I did not trust you because I believed in you. I trusted you because I had no other choice." Keeah paused. "Belief came much later."

Taasha grinned. "I started this journey with a sort of similar mindset when I joined your pack. Like you said, belief came much later. That you are so honest helps a lot."

Keeah laughed. "I am not honest Taasha. I am honest with you, because you are ... pack."

Taasha felt a strange warmth coil around his heart. "Thank you." His voice was somber. "It has been quite a while since I belonged anywhere."

Keeah's eyebrow rose slightly, her eyes rested for a while on his face and Taasha had a sensation that those veiled eyes looked right into his soul but thankfully she did not pursue the issue. He was not sure whether he was ready to answer her questions yet. Instead she returned to observing that invisible speck in the White Plains.

"Taasha, do you remember the picture of the mirror of Bastet you showed me when we first met." She said at last. "Do you still have it?"

"Yes. I had it in the pouch of my waistband." Taasha's voice was slightly curious. "Thankfully it was not washed off board."

"Could you show it to me once more?"

"Certainly." Taasha got up and went to the worn leather pouch that resided at one corner of the table. From its belly he drew the yellow parchment and presenting it to Keeah.

For a while Keeah studied the picture. "Could you repeat the legend concerning this mirror one more time?"

Taasha stared. "What's the point? Its only a fairytale."

"Myths often have a basis in reality. I am sure this legend is just an exaggerated version of the truth. We just have to skim the cream from the milk."

"If you insist." Taasha sighed. "A long time ago, when Time was young and the Gods but mere children, a great and terrible Evil besieged creation. There was a terrible fight; a war so terrible that the Heaven and Earth wept tears of blood and in the end the forces of Good triumphed over the forces of Evil. Goddess Bastet lend her strength to the forces of Good in this battle and it was her timely help that turned the tide of the battle in favor of the Gods. After the war was over the Gods wanted to thank her, so they presented her with this mirror. Goddess Bastet gave this mirror to the High Priest of the temple of Bastet before she ascended to join with the Gods above."

"That's it."

"Well, that's the summarized version of it."

"I see."

"I don't see why you are bothering with this silly child's tale. It is not even remotely true. Bastet was no Goddess. She was a mortal, like you and me."

"Taasha, your anger is clouding your judgment. Think. What were you told about Tur?"

"A wondrous underground city, throbbing with life and vitality, hidden like a shy maiden under the thick veil of a cold desert. Its architecture was the most beautiful in the Eastern lands and the magical crystals of Ta-Meri lighted its streets. Next to Fa Sang, it was the most renowned seat of learning in the Eastern Lands. It was a thriving port, a gateway to the Eastern lands for the ships that came from across the Great Beyond. In short, it was the heart of Bast."

"The heart of Bast." Keeah repeated. "Are you sure?"

"Positively. But, there is no mention of any queen called Bastet ruling Tur."

"Possibly Taasha, but you told me that you studied only those parchments that the Priests allowed you to access and you already know that they denied you vital information."

"That ... is true."

"You know, people often call Ryuu-no-Kokoro the heart to Kutou."

"I beg your pardon."

"Kutou is my land and Ryuu-no-Kokoro is its capital."

Taasha was silent for a while, taking his time to digest what Keeah had said. But before he could speak Keeah spoke again.

"Looks like I have given you a lot to think about." She chuckled. "Well, I will leave you at that then." She got up with a small groan. "I am going to go and visit Suraco now."

"I will accompany you."

"That is not necessary Taasha." Keeah smiled. "Record your observations well Taasha. Later, we'll see whether our speculations concur."

OoOoOoO

The small hut looked almost lost amongst the tall stately mountains, a tiny insignificant speck of black on the pristine white background. The wood was rotten, groaning and protesting every time the cold wind moved through the numerous cracks in the once solid wall and through the empty sockets that at one time had been the windows of the house. A single figure waited in the deserted house, staring out of the window, dark eyes searching the landscape. One small foot could be seen from under the folds of the flowing navy blue cloak, tapping impatiently on the dirty floor.

The house protested once more and the figure stiffened a little before whirling around.

"Mioko."

Mioko knelt in front of the figure, black cloak pooling around her body. "My lady Saori."

Saori lowered her hood, her face was a dignified indifferent mask, but her wavering eyes betrayed her anxiety. "Get up Mioko, such formality is unnecessary." Her voice was calm. "What news do you have?"

"I found them." Mioko got up. "Sort of."

"Sort of?"

"They went to Nobu."

"Nobu? In Hokkan?"

"Yes, my Lady."

"Good grief. What did they want in such a place?"

Mioko stared at Saori. "Did not my Lady Keeah tell you anything?"

"She never does."

"How true."

"So what news do you have?"

"Do you know that the Suzaku no Miko has arrived My Lady?"

"Stale news Mioko."

"Possibly. But this is bad news for Kutou. It would mean that now Konon has the Miko, the seishi and the power to summon their God. It tips the scales of this war heavily in their favor."

"I know that Mioko."

"I am sure you do my Lady." Mioko paused. "There is only one way to balance the odds."

"Is there?"

"Yes. We have to find the Seiryuu no Miko."

Saori stiffened. The conversation she had with Keeah days ago in the mountain keep replayed in her mind.

"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 matte. I have faith in you. You will succeed."

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

She drew a deep breath, her face paled a little. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. "She did say..."

Mioko looked up curiously. "Say what?"

"That she wanted to release Seiryuu."

Mioko was silent for a while. When she spoke her voice shook a little. "That would be the logical step."

"Logical?"

"Yes. One must assume that one of the reasons that Kutou does not have any star warriors is because Seiryuu was sealed during the First War by the Suzaku no Miko. So, the only option was to release Seiryuu."

"I see. The path most logical..."

"And most dangerous."

"And most dangerous. Is that what took them to Nobu?"

"Yes. It also took another to Nobu."

"Another?"

"The Prince of Konon."

"Hotohori?"

"And his merry men."

"I see. But isn't that logical as well. They would have wanted to stop Keeah."

"Naturally." Mioko paused. "A few days ago an enormous ripple of power washed over the lands, having a focus somewhere in Hokkan."

"Yes, I have felt it too."

"I knew that Lady Keeah was headed for Nobu. I drew the conclusion that the scroll in which Seiryuu was sealed must be hidden somewhere in the vicinity of Nobu. That sudden flux of power made me wonder..."

"Are you trying to say that Keeah might have succeeded in releasing Seiryuu?"

"If there is a sorceress powerful enough to undo that spell at this time, then its Keeah." Mioko said quietly. "You know that."

Saori sighed, staring out of the window. "I know, still ... Besides will it be that simple to undo a miko's wish."

"Yes, I was skeptical about that too. Then I realized something. In all the legends the miko wished that Seiryuu be sealed, she did not wish that Seiryuu be sealed forever. So..."

"If one has the key..."

"One can undo the lock." Miko chuckled. Then her face became serious again. "So when I felt that spike of power I had to ascertain what it was? When I arrived in Nobu I heard that a ship had drifted ashore. It had sailed from Nobu three years back and was assumed to be lost at sea. Now, it had returned mysteriously but without any crew on board."

"Interesting."

"I know. However, that was not what interested me. It was the faint trace of magic that surrounded it."

"Magic?"

"Yes, of course from the distance where I was standing I couldn't be too sure. It was very faint, as if a minimal amount of ki has been utilized to perform that spell." Mioko moved to stand by the window. "But I needed to move closer to be sure. Fortunately, I knew a very influential person in Nobu. Izuke."

"And he is?"

"A very renowned shadow assassin, the Prince of Nobu." There was a cynical smile on her lips. "A rather ambitious rogue. Apparently, he was the one who gave Lord Hotohori the ship he needed to travel to island called Fa Sang."

"An ambitious rogue indeed. He wants a playground much larger than Nobu I think." Saori frowned. "Fa Sang. Where have I heard that name? Ah, I remember now. It is the island of time, is it not? Could it be there where the scroll was hidden?"

"We cannot be quite sure my Lady, but since Lord Hotohori journeyed there, one can assume that that was Lady Keeah's destination as well."

Saori sighed once more, her face looking a lot careworn. "I hope she is all right Mioko."

Mioko looked at her and though her voice was calm, her eyes betrayed her anxiety. "Have faith my Lady."

"That's what she says. Have faith. I try Mioko, I really do, but..." Saori shook her head, almost as if to gain control over herself. When she looked up she was the dignified old queen once more. "Enough of that now. Tell me what else you found."

"A lot, my lady, yet nothing."

"Do not speak in riddles Mioko. Elucidate."

"I was able to persuade Izuke that working with me would be in his best interests and we decided to investigate the ship together." Mioko paused as if trying to find the right words to continue her narration. "Perhaps it will be best if I show you."

From the folds of her cloak she pulled out a rather used and worn black ribbon. A few red hairs still clung to it. She deposited the hair band in Saori's open palm. Saori's finger closed over it. Her lips trembled a little.

"Sotisku." She took a deep breath. "I gave this to him because I thought that his hair was getting too wild." She looked at Mioko. "Was he on the ship?"

"Possibly." Mioko frowned. ' How do I tell her about the empty medicine bottles and traces of blood? How do I tell her how I found the linen cut up into long strips, almost as if it would be used to wrap up something? I do not want to worry her more than she already is.'

"Are they wounded Mioko?"

Mioko looked up a little startled. "Possibly." Her voice was smooth.

Saori laughed. "Are you trying to spare this old woman anxiety by withholding information from her?"

"No, no, my Lady."

"You said it was a weak teleportation spell. That means they were wounded, else Keeah would have teleported them all the way to the Forbidden City." Saori's voice was somber. "I am sure there are still somewhere in Hokkan trying to recuperate from their wounds."

"I think so too my Lady."

"I am sure that your friend Izuke has also come to the same conclusion. You will have to find them before he does. There are still many who would pay through their nose to see Keeah dead."

"I will try my Lady and Izuke is not my friend."

"No need to be offended Mioko." Saori chuckled. "But you need to leave immediately. I will not keep you waiting any more."

"Very well my Lady." Mioko bowed before turning to go.

"Goodbye and good luck Mioko."

Mioko stepped outside. 'You were right my Lady. I did withhold information from you. The faint aura of the teleportation spell I sensed did not bear Lady Keeah's signature. I wonder what that means. Still, my Lady Saori is right. I have to find them before Izuke does.'

OoOoOoOoOoO

Lee stepped outside into the courtyard hugging the rather serviceable woolen cloak closer around herself. It was a great morning, bright and cheerful. There was a chilly twang in the air muted somewhat by the warmth of the sun. Lee smiled stretching herself happily.

' Why don't we stay out here and soak up the sun for a while?'

For once Lee agreed with her inner voice. She did feel like lazing around in the sun for a while. Apparently, somebody else had a similar idea. Her lips curved into a smile as her eyes alighted on a familiar figure.

"Faraco." She moved to stand beside him. "Can I sit here?"

Faraco looked up a little startled, for a spilt instant his eyes were unfocussed, then his face broke into a smile. "Lee." He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "You startled me."

'You startledhim?' The voice in her head scoffed. 'That's new. He was so deep in thought that he did not even sense us. Hmm. I wonder what has got him so worried? Now, repeat you question.'

"Sorry." Lee smiled. "Can I sit here?"

"What a stupid question Lee." Faraco patted the empty spot beside him. "Come, take a seat."

Lee sat down. This was one of the few stone benches in the courtyard, which were still intact, well almost intact. The ornate backrest had fallen off but otherwise it was till in considerable good shape. Faraco had relapsed into silence; golden head bend a little in deep thought. Lee sighed, leaning back a little, enjoying his presence in companionable silence.

Her stormy blue eyes surveyed the courtyard situated right in the heart of the run down mansion they were housed in. This house had seen better times. She could almost see children play around the dry fountain, which stood in the middle of the courtyard, their giggles mixing with the soft gurgling of the waters that trickled in the fountain.

'Shut up!' Her inner voice interrupted. ' I could do without that image. Remember what happened the last time you thought children playing around the fountain was cute.'

Lee shuddered a little. "Oh yeah. I had almost forgotten about that."

' Figures.'

Lee sighed, slumping a little, returning to observing the courtyard once more.

' I know silence is golden. But this is getting a tad irritating. And how can Faraco ignore a sexy young lady sitting right next to him?'

Lee frowned. "He is worried about something."

' Then ask him what he is worried about. Just because Faraco ignores us doesn't mean we have to ignore a nice sexy man right beside us.'

Lee's cheeks flamed. "Pervert."

'Hypocrite.'

Lee put up a hand to cool her hot cheeks, taking a while to compose herself. "Faraco." She touched his arm. "Is anything worrying you?"

Faraco looked at her. "Other than my wounds you mean?"

'Smart ass.'

"Yes. Go on Faraco." Lee's voice was gently persuasive. "You can tell me."

Faraco stared into space for a while. "I am worried about a lot of things." He said at last.

"Menesku?"

"Yeah, him."

"You shouldn't be. I went to check on him this morning. He looks much better. Lao Shin tells me that he is responding very well to his treatment."

"I know. I talked with Lao Shin myself."

"Then..."

"I..." Faraco frowned. "I do not like this alliance we have forged with Kutou."

' Well news flash Faraco, neither us nor they like the fact that they have to be project partners with their enemy. But that was the only way we could have gotten off that accursed island alive.'

"Faraco, at that time..."

"I know Lee." Faraco frowned. "I know. At that time this was the only choice we had and I support the decision we took. Its just that ... Sotisku is a pretty decent guy you know."

' That is seriously a matter of opinion.'

"He has a pretty sour tongue when he is angry..."

' The understatement of the century.'

"But he has a good heart. The only thing is that he does not trust me, or I him."

' Where are you going with this Faraco?'

"It was so simple before. The people of Kutou were just nameless, faceless villains who I had to kill if I had to protect my country." Faraco turned at Lee. "If I had to protect you." There was a sudden intensity in his voice as his fingers closed around her upper arm. "My world was all black and white. Now I know my enemy, they are not nameless or faceless anymore and they give the same justification as me to continue this war. My world is turning gray Lee, I cannot understand it."

"Faraco." Lee's voice was consoling, as she touched his cheek with her palm. "Maybe after this, there will be no need for war." She smiled. "You worry too much."

"You are right Lee." Faraco's smile did not reach his eyes. "I worry too much."

"I am not naive Faraco." Lee began slowly.

'Hah! That is the joke of the century.' Her inner voice sounded more sarcastic than usual.

Lee decided to ignore it. "I am not pretending to understand the suffering and pain caused by this war because I can't." She paused. "But it is not the answer. This shows that we can manage to co-exist with them without killing each other. This is a worth a try you know."

"Lee, it isn't so simple."

"I never said it was. But we've got to try." Lee snapped. "Somebody has to swallow their ego and make a push for peace. It might as well be us."

'Woh, you surprised me there!'

"I know." Lee agreed with her inner voice. " I surprised myself there."

"You are right Lee." Faraco was looking at her with a strange expression in his eyes, almost as if he was seeing her for the first time. "You are so right." His voice held a tinge of wonder.

"I am, am I not?" A tinge of pink dusted her cheeks. "Am I not the miko who is going to change your world?"

"I don't know about the rest of the world." Faraco's voice had a strange husky feel to it. Vaguely she was aware that one of his arms had snaked around her waist. "But you have changed my world."

"Faraco." She found herself unable to tear her eyes away from his melting brown orbs, feeling a tide of pink creep up her cheeks.

' Good grief girl what is wrong with you. Get a grip on yourself.'

"Lee." On his lips her name sounded like a prayer, soft and fleeting.

"Fa ...Faraco." Lee was beginning to feel like a deer caught in the headlights. "Why is he looking at me like that?"

'Isn't it obvious? I think he wants to kiss you. You must put an end to this nonsense, unless of course, you want to kiss him... Do you?'

For some reason Lee felt her heart swell with an unknown emotion. Almost of her own accord she leaned into his embrace, her decision taking her by surprise.

"Yes, I do!"

Moving forward she closed the distance between them.

They separated a while later, panting a little. Faraco's still held her lightly, almost as if he was reluctant to let her go. Lee could feel his eyes on her face, her cheeks flaming scarlet. All of a sudden she felt shy and awkward in his presence, the easy camedarie that had existed between them melting away to be replaced by a strange but not entirely unwelcome sensation.

Lee bit her lips, trying to sort out this sudden rush of feelings that clouded her mind. "I ... I think that there is something between me and Faraco."

'There had better be.' Lee wondered how her inner voice could remain so composed. 'One doesn't kiss people just like that you know.'

"I..."

'You can sort out your confusion later. Now snap out of it. I believe we have company.'

Lee felt Faraco stiffen a little. She followed his gaze, freezing.

"Hotohori!"

They separated instantly, Lee flushing a vivid scarlet and Faraco turning as white as a sheet. However, he was the first to recover.

"Good morning my Lord." There was a hint of defiance in his voice.

Hotohori inclined his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Good Morning Faraco." He sounded perfectly affable. "My Lady Lee." There was nothing in his voice or denamour to show that he was even remotely affected by what he had witnessed. "Isn't this a glorious morning?"

For some reason Hotohori's behavior seemed to mortify Lee more. "Ye ... Yes. It is." Her voice reflected the jumbled mess she was inside.

Hotohori limped forward and Lee wondered how he could manage to look so dignified even when he was bandaged up like a mummy.

"So, Faraco, how are you?" He grinned. "Lady Lee tells me that you fought very bravely. If I were not so sadly indisposed I would have come to visit you earlier."

Faraco moved in his seat a little, visibly uncomfortable. "I feel much better my Lord."

"Good."

For some reason Lee began to feel suffocated. It was like something cold was coiling itself around her heart draining away all the warmth she had experienced earlier on. That combined with the sudden nauseous feeling in her stomach made her feel distinctly uncomfortable.

'I don't know why you are feeling guilty. I mean, look at Hotohori, he does not give a shit that he saw you kissing Faraco.'

For some strange reason that brought little comfort to Lee. "Shut up." Lee snapped inwardly. "I can kiss whoever I like. I don't see why Hotohori should complain."

At this point Hotohori interrupted her inner dialogue. "And you Lady Lee. I hope that the injury in your leg has healed."

Lee glared at him, feeling a little infuriated. "I am fine Hotohori." Her voice sounded a little curt. "For God's sake Hotohori, drop it."

' And why the hell are you being so rude with him? He is just trying to be nice.'

"That's the whole point, I don't understand it..."

'Wait a minute.' Her inner voice snapped. ' Hotohori walked in on an obviously intimate moment. He is just being polite by not mentioning it. And why should he be upset if you kissed Faraco. But more than that, why are you upset that he is not upset? Hmm?'

Lee froze. "I ... I am not upset." She snuck a shy look at Hotohori who was making a rather polite but inconsequential conversation with Faraco. "Its just that..."

Almost as if Hotohori felt her gaze on him, his eyes swerved in her direction. Lee felt another tide of scarlet rush up her cheeks.

"Before I forget Lady Lee." He smiled at her. "Chulivey has asked me to inform you that if you wish to take a bath you should make a beeline for the bath-house. I believe that she has put everything in readiness for you."

This was the opening she needed. She needed to be alone for a while and couldn't figure out how to do it.

"That's great." Even to her own ears she sounded a little overeager. "I will go now." She got up. "Later guys." She gave them a merry wave, before turning and fleeing to the silent sanctuary of the bathhouse with as much grace as she could muster.

'Sheesh, when did our life become such a soap opera?'

OoO

Faraco watched Lee's cloak of dark blue wool disappear through the columns, the spirit of elation in his heart fast replaced by a strange unwelcome sensation. It occurred to him that he missed the warmth of Lee's presence more than he thought. He glanced in Hotohori's direction. Like him, his eyes were trained on Lee's receding figure, a steel edged smile on his firm lips. Faraco felt the temperature around him drop a notch.

'For a morning that started so wonderfully, this day has definitely taken a turn for the worse.' He pursed his mouth, a martial light springing into his eyes. 'Oh who am I kidding? This day is great and I don't want to change one freaking moment of it.'

"Faraco." Hotohori's voice broke him out of his reverie. "I cannot thank you enough for saving Lady Lee."

Faraco flinched. 'Damn. He is using his formal voice.' A shadow of a smile touched his lips. "That is not necessary my Lord. It is my duty."

"Duty, Faraco?" Hotohori chuckled taking a seat beside him. "Are you sure that, that is what it was?"

Faraco was silent for a while, hating the unwavering scrutiny of Hotohori's dark eyes. "You know that I do not need a reason to protect Lee."

"Naturally, Faraco."

Faraco wondered how Hotohori could sound so calm, so composed. It was getting on his nerves.

"Naturally, my Lord." Try as he might he could not keep the heated defiance out of his voice, raising his face to meet Hotohori's dark orbs. "I love her!"

"I know Faraco." A small lazy smile curved on Hotohori's lips. "No need to be so dramatic."

Faraco felt his cheeks heat up. "I am not being dramatic." He took a deep breath to calm himself. "I know that you love Lee..."

"Hmm. I always thought you did."

"But I love her too. I love her very much, with all my heart..."

"Faraco, don't bore me. Get to the point."

"Well the point is, if Lee has chosen me then..."

"Chosen you Faraco?" Hotohori's voice was lightly contemptuous. "Aren't you being a bit too overconfident?"

Faraco bristled. "My lord, I have reason to believe..."

"It was just a kiss Faraco."

"It wasn't just a kiss." Faraco frowned. 'And you are suffering from a severe case of sour grapes.'

"A kiss is only a kiss unless you can persuade the girl that you are her one and only. Have you succeeded in doing that Faraco?"

'How the hell would I know? You decided to butt in before I could say anything.'

"I didn't hear Lee declare her undying love for you either." Hotohori yawned.

'I know. But you needn't rub it in my face anyway. We will get there eventually.'

"In fact, she looked very confused. Even a idiot would know that her heart is still undecided. Don't be a fool and imagine that you have triumphed because you have won one battle." The steel edge had returned to his voice. "The war is still on."

'He has finally dropped that oh so polite tone. This I can deal with. I think.'

"War?" Faraco repeated thoughtfully.

"That's the only thing love can be equated with."

"And if Lee chooses me..."

"Then I will step back. I am sure that we both want to see her happy."

"Very well." Faraco took a deep breath. "May the best man win."

Hotohori got up, placing a reassuring arm on Faraco's shoulders. "Don't worry Faraco. I intend to."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

I am not really sure where I should start because I never recorded my experiences. I am just not very much inclined towards literature, or may be I am just plain lazy. But the happenings of the last few days have ranged from terrifying to bizarre. Terrifying was Fa Sang and bizarre was allying ourselves with Konon to get off that God forsaken island. We are still stuck with them, so I guess the shock has lessened somewhat. But enough of that now.

Where should I start. In the very beginning perhaps when I suggested that maybe we should go to the cursed forest in order to determine what happened to our guardian deity. What was I thinking? I should have known that worse things were in store for us when that evil serpent tried to kill me. I will not even mention anything about that weird creepy hooded man who just kept popping out of nowhere.

Oh well, did I mention that evil old hag ... I mean the great and benevolent Taiskun told us where Seiryuu was hidden. How nice of her. She completely forgot to mention the perks associated with it. Well, first we nearly got sliced into sushi by a psychotic cat thing, then we were attacked by great sea monsters and then ... Oh yeah, we had a blast.

Then we reached Fa Sang. We could have taken the front door but no, we had to take the scenic route. It took us right past creepy pools and endless mazes and evil undead creatures. The lich was an added bonus. He thought that we would like to take separate tours of his wondrous island where we would no doubt meet with many of his merry men.

I landed in one of the islands, which surrounded the main island of Fa Sang. I was not alone. Apparently two of the Suzaku seishi were marooned there as well. The female I already knew, it was Chulivey. The other must have joined them in Nobu. He introduced himself, rather colorfully I must add, as Liang. I was fortunate on two counts. First of all, they had managed to dispatch one of the Lich's merry men, so I did was fortunate not to have been introduced to this Butcher. And secondly, they were so badly beat up they had not in them the strength to beat me up. Besides, they were worried sick about their own comrades and so was I. So, we forged an alliance.. And here I was thinking that I had no inclination towards politics.

Fa Sang is very impartial. By what I could understand, they had it in for both of us. And here I was worried about Menesku. Never mind that. The modus operandi of Fa Sang was very clear. Divide and conquer. The only way we could be of any use to the others is if we could get across and frankly I did not know how to achieve that. We were still pretty much divided on that when we felt that scenery around us melt away, much like Suraco's illusions. Then I realized that the Lich must have enveloped the entire damn island in one gigantic illusion. That's makes me remember what Suraco told me once:

This life is one gigantic illusion,

A little reality and a lot of confusion.

I suppose there is a poetic soul buried deep, deep inside Suraco. Or maybe he just quoted it. Lets not get off topic here. Taasha joined us. I must say that having his tall form beside me gave me much confidence. It seemed that he too had forged an alliance, with the Suzaku no Miko. Apparently, she and Tankana's brother Faraco had gotten separated from the rest of their group. Faraco was pretty badly wounded. I patched him up. We needed a ship to carry us off the island. Fortunately, Taasha managed to locate a pretty serviceable ship. He said it was fast. That was what really mattered.

The weather suddenly started to behave erratically. Dark thunderclouds gathered over, lightning flashed and thunder echoed across the sky like distant drumbeats. There was a burning sensation in the body and my limbs felt oddly heavy. There was unknown suffocating feeling of elation in my heart. I instinctively knew what it was. Princess had succeeded.

Seiryuu had been released!

We had succeeded in doing what we wanted but strangely that seemed of little consequence now. I now know that combined cocktail of elation and anxiety could be very nauseous. I was also sensing an unknown ki from the mainland, an enormous battle aura for quite some time and frankly it was giving me palpitations. Chulivey and Liang departed soon after to get the others while I, the miko and Taasha stayed back. We had to ready the ship for departure. I hoped they would return in one piece but more than that I hoped that they would get the others to agree to this ... alliance we had forged.

Obviously, I had hoped for too much. After what seemed like an eternity they returned. Actually, Chulivey transported them here. By some quirk of fate, the others had met and decided to work together. Yes, we are fates favorite playthings. Apparently some guy called Shizimi had tried to kill them and when I looked at Suraco and Menesku's battered forms, I knew that he had nearly succeeded. Princess and Lord Hotohori were very injured too but I knew that with proper care, they would soon recover. However, there was little time for that. We had to set sail immediately.

The next few days were a blur and I must admit that I was in a very unpleasant mood. I took it out on the others, which I know was not the right thing to do. I am sorry. But they needn't know that. Or maybe I will apologize ... sometime in the distant future. But enough of that now. Lets move on.

Most of the medicine had been washed overboard and the ones I carried in my sachet were very inadequate. Fortunately, I always keep a stash of medicinal herbs with me. There were some dried herbs in the ships stores as well which could be of some use. I thought that I had a pretty decent arsenal at my disposal. Oh how the Gods must have laughed at my arrogance. When I started on my patients I knew that I had most definitely bitten off more than I could chew.

Faraco, I had already patched up. He had lost a lot of blood, which accounted for his present state. He was responding very well to treatment. He would recover.

Princess, Lord Hotohori, Menesku and Suraco were the four who had fought this Shizimi. When I examined their wounds I realized that it was Menesku and Suraco who had born the burnt of that battle. Both of them had lost a tremendous amount of blood and their entire body was covered with angry red cuts. I have seen plenty of sword wounds but I have never seen any that were dealt with so much finesse. It was the work of an artist. Small, deep, precise. I thought that it was a miracle that he missed the internal organs.

As time progressed another realization dawned of me. It was no miracle that they were still alive. I knew Menesku was fast. Perhaps he used his speed to doge Shizimi's attacks. He might not have been entirely successful but he may have managed to protect his internal organs somewhat. I must ask Menesku about this when he wakes up. I also realized that if Shizimi had entered the battle with the intention to kill, they would be dead. Either he was playing with them as a cat plays with a mouse or he had never wanted to kill them in the first place. Now that is sort of hard to believe. Still, I could not help but notice that the wounds he had inflicted, though numerous and deep were not exactly mortal, not even the wound on Menesku's abdomen. It would cause a lot of pain and blood loss, but not death. So, if they died, it would be due to blood loss and lack of medical attention. They could survive if they could manage to retreat somehow. But it seemed that Shizimi had made retreat impossible.

I was wrong. Maybe Shizimi did want to kill them ... us.

But why?

Imagine my frustration. I knew that Menesku and Suraco needed special medical attention. Something that I was unable to provided. Never before did my lack of knowledge become so glaringly evident to me. I knew that I was only delaying the inevitable. That was when the name Lao Shin occurred to me. My master once told me that in all the lands there is only one man whose skill surpassed even the legendary Suzaku seishi Mitsukake and that was Lao Shin. When I presented this proposal in front of Princess and Lord Hotohori, they readily agreed. And that, is how we are here.

Lao Shin's fame as a great healer is indeed well deserved. Every part of his fabled skill is true, as are the stories of his eccentricities. He does indeed disappear when the first rays of the sun touch the Earth and returns only when the sun has sunk well below the horizon. The miko believes that he is a vampire. I told her that there is no such thing. I don't think she is convinced.

I think that he goes to the city to collect food. In these last few days I have never seen anybody come out here but the larder is always well stocked. And Taasha somehow manages to procure fish and fresh meat everyday. I must say that we are considerably well fed.

Anyway, lets not deviate from the point. As I already said Lao Shin has stuff inside. But one thing struck me as strange. When he examined Menesku's wounds, there was this strange gleam in his eyes. He said.

"Ah. After so many years ..."

Something tells me that swallowed half of what he had wanted so say but he went about treating Menesku's wounds almost as if he was used to treating these sort of injuries. But then again it might have been my overactive imagination reinforced by all that lack of sleep.

Anyway ...

Suraco is tossing in his sleep again. He is a little feverish lately. Lao Shin tells me that it is natural and an indication that he is recovering. Hmm. I must trust him. I am ending this entry here. I'll return presently. Oh I almost forgot. I must sign my name.

Sotisku.

OoO

With a small sigh Sotisku put down the brush. The ink was still to dry, gleaming a little in the morning light. Pushing the chair back he got up moving towards the bed, worried blue eyes looking down on the occupant of the bed.

'Suraco.'

Suraco was tossing and turning, chafed mouth parting in incoherent words. His sweat streaked golden hair stuck to his forehead and one pale, bandaged arm clutched at the blankets almost as if it was his last hope. He struggled with the sheets that covered him, cords standing out in his neck in a silent scream, desperate to escape the entity that was dragging him down into the depths of nightmares.

"Suraco." Sotisku put a slight pressure on his arm, his voice cajoling. "Calm down." He put a hand on his feverish forehead. "Calm down Suraco. You are safe here." He shook Suraco a little. "Wake up Suraco, its only a dream."

It was almost as if his voice struck a cord inside Suraco's subconscious. He stopped writhing, one bony hand grasping Sotisku's wrist in a surprisingly strong grip. Suraco's eye fluttered open, for a while the bleary green eye stared blankly at the ceiling before turning towards Sotisku. The briefest flash of recognition flashed in their depths.

"Sotisku." His voice sounded faraway.

Sotisku patted his hand, smiling a little. "Hey. What got you so worked up?"

He closed his eye almost as if trying to force away the last traces of the nightmare from his eyelids. His dried lips parted once more.

"Ryutoshiki ..."

"Ryutoshiki?" Sotisku frowned. "There is no one here Suraco. It's only a bad dream. Go to sleep."

"Bad dream ..." Suraco repeated, assured. His face broke into the shadow of a smile, the grip of his long fingers around Sotisku's fingers lessened. "I think ... I will sleep..."

"Yeah, you do that." Sotisku grinned, watching Suraco's eye close. "I will be right here."

When Sotisku was sure that Suraco was asleep he gently detached his hand from Suraco's grip. With a small sigh he straightened the blankets before coming to stand by the window.

"Ryutoshiki." He repeated. "Hell Raiser. Now that is an interesting name."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO

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