Chapter Four
"At last. Hengei."
Hikari scrambled down from the back of Jin's horse, rubbing her limbs ruefully as her bandit companion dismounted neatly beside her, gathering the beast's reins in his hands as he cast her an amused look. A short distance away, Shishi had already leapt down from her own steed, watching them with playful impatience.
"We made it, and in good time, too." She said approvingly. "It's getting dark, but it's not pitch black yet. We've time to try and find an inn or somewhere to stay - and to stable the horses, too, until we get back from our trip."
"We're leaving the horses here? For sure?" Hikari looked hopeful and Shishi snorted, casting her friend a derisive look.
"You wuss." She said teasingly. "And you didn't even fall off, so I don't know what you're complaining about."
"It's bumpy and uncomfortable and I hate heights." Hikari shivered. "At least I do when you're galloping along at pace and the only thing stopping you from falling headlong is a strip of leather!"
"In your case, it was Jin stopping you from falling headlong. Not the reins." Shishi pointed out, sending Jin a mischievous look and the older bandit grimaced, cuffing her playfully across the back of the head.
"It's too late in the day to be that sparky." He warned her. "What about the horses, Shishi? We are to leave them here - did Kashira say so?"
"Yes." Shishi agreed. "That we should stable them in Hengei and do the rest of the trip on foot. Chichiri apparently said that some of the terrain round the desert and the mountains in the scrub is hard going for horses - so it's better if we walk from hereon in. But he gave me money to pay for their keep."
She fumbled in her belt, pulling out a leather pouch and holding it up. "See?"
"Don't wave it around, you idiot." Jin glared at her. "We're not on Reikaku-zan now - use your brain if you don't want to attract every thief in the area?"
"Oh." Shishi looked sheepish, obediently slipping the pouch back into the folds of her clothing. "Sorry. I guess the dust's gettin' to my brain a little."
"What brain?" Hikari teased, and Shishi poked out her tongue.
"Stop being kids a moment and listen up, huh?" Jin was clearly losing patience, and glancing at him, Hikari realised with a jolt how seriously he was taking the responsibility of this trip into the West. "We don't know this town too good, an' the market's already packin' up for the night, so we'd better make tracks unless we want to be stuck out here in an empty city with a duststorm probably on the way. Either of you see any place that looks like an inn?"
"If it's an inn you're wanting, lad, you should cross the square and head into the south quarter." A passing old man paused, catching the end of their conversation as he grinned at them with a gaptoothed smile. He pointed, nodding his head. "That way. There's rooms there, an' travellers are always welcome. First time in Sairou, is it?"
"Yes. Thank you." Jin looked relieved. "Hear that, girls? The Southern quarter is what we want."
"That fits." Shishi grinned. "Thanks, ojisan. Can we stable the horses there too?"
"Sure can." The man nodded. "Friend of mine runs a place not too far from the edge of the quarter, actually...stables an' the rates aren't bad. Have you travelled far?"
"From Kounan." Jin said briefly, and the man grinned.
"Kounan! I haven't been there in years." He said, a nostalgic expression touching his eyes as he let out a sigh. "Mountain path's too difficult now, at my age, but when I was as young and spry as you, I'd be back and forth through those hills. Had to watch those mountain folk, though - stiff they were, sometimes, on taking their toll on the path!"
Hikari cast her companions an amused grin, as Jin and Shishi exchanged looks.
"I've heard that the Reikaku-zan bandits aren't as vicious as some gangs." She said innocently. "But then, I've never fallen foul of their toll before."
"You're from the South too, huh?" The old man peered at her. "Funny - you don't look like a southerner to me. But then, nor does the red-head here - I guess Kounan's got more diverse than I remember, huh?"
He offered his gap-toothed grin again, then,
"My friend's place is the third one, in the furthest corner." He added. "Tell them that you come with Shuyo's recommendation an' he'll find you rooms for sure."
"Thank you, that's kind of you." Jin said soberly, bowing his head. "We appreciate your help. Come on, girls. It's getting dark and the horses are getting restless."
"So we're going to trust his advice?" Shishi whispered, as they led the two tired, skittish horses across towards the area that the old man had indicated. "You heard what he said...he used to skip out on toll if he could. What kind of a man do you suppose that makes him?"
"He seemed friendly enough to me." Hikari shrugged. "Even if he was a bit...strange in the things he said. And he did tell us somewhere we could stay for the night. Sairou's a peaceful country, right? We shouldn't worry about people being friendly."
Jin grinned.
"I think we can probably take his advice. This does look like the right place to come for an inn." He reflected, gesturing towards the sprawl of taverns and stables that spread out before them as they rounded the corner and entered the quarter itself. "As for what he said about the mountain, it doesn't surprise me. You heard what he said, right? Back and forth across the mountains. It stands to reason he'd try to avoid the toll."
"I don't see why." Shishi grimaced. "Why'd he be back and forth anyway? Some woman in Kounan he couldn't keep away from?"
"More likely he was a smuggler." Jin shrugged his shoulders carelessly. "There used to be a lot of them, once upon a time."
"Smugglers?" Hikari looked startled. "Really?"
"Yep." Jin nodded. "Aniki told me about it. His people used to be involved in it, at one time. The trade, I mean. An' Reikaku-zan was as well, once. When it was really thriving. I mean, we took toll from the smugglers too, but from what Aniki said, they cut deals for protection an' things like that. A major operation, it was, years ago. All kinds o' things were shifted over the border, then."
"Smugglers and bandits...no wonder the mountains are dangerous." Hikari murmured, and Jin laughed, shooting her an amused smile. He shook his head.
"Naw. It ain't so much that way any more." He reflected. "Stopped, pretty much, before Aniki was even on the mountain. Not really sure why. I know they shifted diamonds an' other crystals that were mined in Sairou for market in Eiyou an' places like that - so I've been told, anyway. Perhaps the mine was exhausted - but more like, it got too risky. Government got involved an' started to clamp down on wantin' their share of the profits. Plus there was plague in the villages that were involved in the heart of it - decimated the population. So I guess...it just died out."
"Plague?" Hikari looked alarmed, and Jin nodded.
"No idea what." He added. "But Aniki said his family all died of it. Why he didn't is a mystery, I s'pose - but he wound up at Reikaku-zan after an' there was no smugglin' under Hakurou-sama's regime. An' Kashira ain't taken it up again, neither. I don't think he approves of it, t'be honest. He doesn't see it as our line of work."
"Damn right it's not." Shishi said hotly. "We're bandits, we're not sneak-thieves who creep around the place with stolen goods! We take toll an' we put it to good use! Reikaku-zan isn't like other mountains - of course Papa doesn't believe in us smugglin'!"
"I think it sounds fun." Jin reflected. "But I guess you're right. The villages round Reikaku-zan rely on us for protection an' support, especially since Kaou-zan gained so much influence under that bastard Kieron. So I guess it's better, the way things are."
"I can't imagine Tasuki approving of anything sneaky." Hikari reflected. "He's not a sneaky kind of guy."
"No, he ain't." Shishi agreed. "That's why he's a good Kashira. Because everyone knows where they stand. He ain't the type to lie or pretend if he ain't happy about somethin' or someone. He settles it straight an' then it's done with. Sneakin' is a coward's game - like that Miramu. It ain't Kashira's style an' nor is it ours, these days."
She stifled a yawn, glancing across the square.
"That one is the place that guy was talkin' about." She added. "Must be. Are we goin' to follow his advice? Looks all right a place, from here. An' he wasn't kiddin' about the stablin'...for one night, it should be okay, right?"
"It should." Jin frowned, a thoughtful look flitting into his dark eyes. Slowly he nodded.
"All right." He began slowly. "Don't hit me, either of you. I don't mean this the way it sounds."
"Mean what?" Hikari stared at him, and Jin shot her a rueful look.
"I think it would be better...if we took one room tonight. Not two." He hazarded. Shishi's eyes opened wide at this.
"Jin!" She exclaimed. "What the hell? What'd Kashira say, if he found out you wanted to bed down with us in the same room when he's left you in charge of this trip?"
"That's exactly why." Jin rubbed his chin. "I told you, don't hit me. I don't mean anythin' funny by it. I won't watch you change, an' I'll stand out in the hall while you do it, if you like. But listen. I am in charge of you guys. An' even though I know you're damn good with a sword, Shishi, an' Hikari's been able to use Suzaku's magic sometimes, I still feel responsible. I don't know this city an' I don't want to leave you by yourselves. Even if you can take care o' yourselves...I won't sleep if I ain't sure you're within easy reach in case o' trouble."
"Jin..." Hikari's expression, which had taken on a look of alarm at his initial words, softened into a smile. "You know, we're only here to sleep, right? Sairou is peaceful - right? We're not out in the desert yet...and Chichiri didn't say anything about Hengei being really dangerous...did he? I thought the point of spending the night here was to be safe and away from the mountain wolves and theives."
"It is." Jin agreed. "But..."
He frowned, brushing his fingers against the hilt of his sword.
"All cities have underworlds." He murmured. "Believe me - it ain't a matter of whether or not a country is peaceful. Kounan has thieves an' vagabonds, people who'll kill you for a few coins if they're desperate for somethin' to eat. An' while the East still have slavin', you'll get the traders still out lookin' for an unsuspectin' soul to drag aboard their wagon. These things are facts of life in all countries, Hikari - I'd feel safer if we didn't split up too much tonight."
"When you put it that way, maybe you're right." Shishi acknowledged. "Even Kashira'd say that keeping everyone safe an' together is important. But you damn well better not be thinkin' of usin' this opportunity to take advantage, Jintsui!"
"Take advantage of what?" Jin protested, and Shishi raised an eyebrow at him. Much to Hikari's surprise, Jin's expression transformed from one of confusion to one of dismay, and he shook his head.
"Stop it." He said bluntly. "Else you'll sleep in the stables with the damn horses."
"Yeah, that'd be convenient." Shishi murmured, and Jin's expression darkened.
"I'm not kidding." He warned her. "Zip it."
"Are there really slaves in the East?" Hikari asked hurriedly, as she sensed a squabble brewing between the two pseudo-siblings. "In Kutou - people are kept as slaves?"
"In parts." Jin nodded. "So I've heard. The trade there thrived under the last Emperor, accordin' to Chichiri. The current one's been tryin' to cut it out - but Kutou's a messed up place. Even the Emperor isn't in control of what people are doin' - it's nuts."
"Kutou has always been full of war and death and making people suffer." Shishi said categorically. "Why else would someone like that freak Nakago wind up existing, huh? I swear, we need to stop them from whatever it is they're planning. Considering their track record, they're twisted enough to destroy the world just for fun."
"So we'll stop them." Jin said evenly. "But right now, we're going to find a room and stable the horses."
He grinned, his dark eyes lighting up with humour.
"We'll save the world tomorrow, okay?" He added. "An' study Chichiri's map a little more. Maybe someone'll be able to tell us the best path out of here, in the mornin'. Byakko is a big deal in the West. Surely someone in Sairou will know where we can find the Seishi known as Toroki?"
---------------
It had indeed been a day's ride to Eiroku.
As Aoiketsu dismounted his steed, he let out a sigh of relief, fumbling at his waist for the gourd that held the precious drinking water he had found invaluable during the long and monotonous trek across the desert lands. All around him, his comrades were acting in similar ways, each one of them dusty and tired from the arduous journey.
"First snow, now sand." Maichu remarked, as he handed his horse's reins to the groom of the stables. "You know, the East has its problems, but it makes me really glad that I was born there, coming to places like this."
"It is grim." Aoiketsu acknowledged. "I was starting to think we'd never get here. And with us travelling by day...through desert land..."
"To save time." Maichu grimaced. "Just because that Suiko woman can manipulate water, and was able to keep us supplied through underground streams and lakes during the trek, it doesn't make it any easier to cross the land under the glare of the sun. I'm liking Sairou just as much as I liked Hokkan so far. And this is only the West! God only knows how hot it must be in the South."
"No doubt we'll find that out too, soon enough." Aoiketsu said wryly, and Maichu nodded.
"No kidding." He agreed. "Oh well. At least it proves the old adage that there really is no place like home. Civil war there may be, but still..."
"Mmm." Aoiketsu nodded. "But we're here now. That's something, at least."
As they rejoined their companions on the main street, Aoiketsu cast their enigmatic commander a glance, noting that, despite his usual impassive composure, the heat and strain of the ride had affected him also. A short distance away, shrouded in a wispy black cloak so as not to excite suspicion, Suiko was clearly in some kind of petulant sulk, and Aoiketsu reflected that since they had left Kutou's port, the unpredictable mage had become more and more childish.
"Is she really any use to us?" He wondered. "If all she does is whine and moan and stamp her feet? True, she could tell us where water sources were on our journey, but it wasn't like she did much to help us reach it if Hyoushin-sama didn't order her to directly. She's turning into a royal pain - I guess I can see why they shut her in that cave."
He glanced around him, looking for the other unpopular member of the party, and his brows knitted together as he observed Miramu's apparent nonchalance, unaffected by the heat or the dry land despite the fact the sun was still high in the sky even at this late hour. As if sensing the attention on him, the man lifted his head, meeting Aoiketsu's gaze with an amused, taunting one of his own, and Aoiketsu bristled, turning his head away.
"Another liability." He decided. "Yeesh, Kintsusei-sama, what have you sent us to Sairou with, anyway?"
"We've made good time, in the end." Hyoushin was speaking now, and Aoiketsu turned his attention back to his commander as he fought to focus his tired brain on the man's words. "We'll spend the night in Eiroku, and progress to the next town on the morrow. I had hoped to travel further by cover of darkness, but I can see that some of you are at the end of your tether already. It is a nusiance, but I have no intention of leaving anyone behind - so I imagine we will have to take another long day in the sun tomorrow."
"Great." Maichu grimaced. "Hyoushin-sama, is all of Sairou desert?"
"More or less." It was Miramu who answered this question, folding his arms lazily across his chest. "It's not like your Eastern land, soldier. There is little water and the towns have sprung up where there are sources. Does it depress you, seeing dust and emptiness for so many hours together?"
"Damn right it does." Maichu reflected. "No wonder you quit this place and came to Kutou."
Miramu laughed, inclining his head slightly.
"Yes. Although there were a few other reasons why I left Sairou than just the desire to be near plentiful supplies of water." He said evenly. "I'm not popular in these parts."
"You're an assassin. Doesn't that go with the territory?" Aoiketsu asked, and Miramu shrugged.
"Probably it does." He agreed, unconcerned. "I must say, it is nostalgic. Coming back to Eiroku after all these years. This is my home ground, you know."
He flung out a hand towards the south-west, offering a grin.
"My home village is just beyond that rise, about an hour and a half by horse. Or less, if you know the best paths." He added. "Although that place holds no interest to us on this trip. We're heading north-east instead, towards the Kanin mountains you can just see across the horizon. That is where you will find Byakko's treasure - so it won't be quite a complete homecoming."
He let out a humourless, strange chuckle.
"I imagine that the people of my village won't be sorry to have missed me." He added. "As I said, I'm not overly popular."
"Then you keep your head down too, Miramu." Hyoushin said quietly. "And tell us what you know about Eiroku. If this is local territory, you can once more advise us on where the best place is to stay."
"In this town? Anywhere's as good as anywhere else." Miramu said wryly. "Eiroku was once a thriving trading town, but since the crystal mines became exhausted, it lost some of its prominence. These days most of the families here scrape a living on what trade they can manage from the desert sands. Few people come here seeking shelter...and even fewer leave here without being accosted by beggars or bandits of some nature. Such is the sad fate of this town."
"Great. So we've stopped in the middle of criminal country?" Kayu demanded. Miramu shrugged.
"That depends on who you are." He reflected. "The people of Eiroku are very suspicious of outsiders as a rule. They are a closeknit community - there's no infighting or backstabbing among their own people. But if they discover you're from the East, they will probably see you as fair game. Particularly if they see her."
He gestured at Suiko, who glared at him in return.
"She's obviously not from Sairou. I have no doubt that they'd be afraid of her. And yourself as well, Hyoushin. I imagine they see few Meihi in these parts."
"There are few Meihi in any parts these days." Hyoushin said evenly. "So that is not unusual. I am quite unconcerned by people who stare at me. We have little choice but to brave the potential hostility of the townsfolk and try and beg shelter...even in a town such as you describe, it is better than heading into the desert right away."
"If that's what you want." Miramu nodded. "Follow me."
"If Sairou is such a peaceful country, why is Eiroku such a messed up city?" Aoiketsu wondered, as they followed the lithe assassin through the oddly empty streets. "And shit, where is everyone? It's like a ghost town."
"Watching us, probably." Miramu said carelessly. "I told you. They get twitchy about strangers."
He spread his hands.
"As for your other question, Aoi-kun, do you really have such naive faith in the Beast God to provide peace and security for everyone? Don't be foolish. Sairou is at peace, yes. There is no war here, and no killing. But there are still poor people. There are still limited resources. Such things are facts of life in parts of Sairou. In peace and in war, that is just how things are. You are a fool indeed if you believe Byakko no Miko and her Celestial slaves had any power over those matters."
"Miramu is probably right." Hyoushin reflected. "Even if we achieve the Emperor's errand and there is a way to raise Seiryuu, it will still be up to the people of Kutou to help put their wounded country back together, in the end. Divine magic is all very well, but if the will to change is not in the hearts of the people, then it will not succeed."
"Hyoushin-sama." Aoiketsu shot his commander a startled look, and Hyoushin nodded.
"I am a realist." He observed. "Such is my belief. Kutou must also help itself, if Seiryuu's power is to be used to its utmost effectiveness."
"Well, and I never thought you and I would agree on anything, Hyoushin." Miramu laughed. "But I see we both have doubts over the strength of divine monsters to protect the ways of man."
"Don't say things about Seiryuu-kami-sama." Suiko snapped, glaring at him. "He's not a monster, he's a dragon. And he'd wipe you out in a second...don't underestimate what he can do!"
"So you do remember how to speak, then." Miramu laughed. "You've been sulking so long I almost thought we'd left you behind, Suiko."
"I hate this dry, dusty place." Suiko pouted. "And I hate you, so I don't want to talk to you."
"Stop it, both of you." Hyoushin sighed, flicking his fingers towards the path ahead. "It seems we've attracted some company, and it's better we do not give them the impression of hostility."
"Er...Commander...they already look kinda hostile." Maichu's fingers were already inching towards his blade, and as Aoiketsu assessed the demeanour of the group that blocked their way he swallowed hard, half-ready to follow his friend's example.
"Noone is to draw their weapons." Hyoushin said softly, as if somehow he had seen their actions without even looking around. "This mission is peaceful. No blood will be spilled. We will not alienate the people of Eiroku if we can avoid it."
"They don't seem convinced. And we're out-numbered." Kayu swallowed hard. "Hyoushin-sama, do you think you could tell them that we're not spilling blood?"
"Geiyo Miramu!"
Before Hyoushin could respond, a man stood forward, sword clasped in his hand as he did so.
"You have some nerve to return to this town! Or have you finally come to face your justice?"
"Hoku-san." Miramu seemed unconcerned by the sudden singling out, or the vehemence with which the townsman had spoken his name. He bowed his head almost mockingly, holding out his hands. "And it has been a long time, hasn't it? Ten years, or very nearly that? I'm impressed that you recognise me, considering the length of time."
"I would never forget you, Geiyo Miramu." The man's voice shook with anger, and for a moment Aoiketsu had the impression that the stranger would dart forward and attempt to impale the assassin on his weapon there and then. Somehow he controlled himself, but there was pure hatred in his eyes, and Miramu chuckled, shaking his head.
"I should be honoured." He murmured. "This is more than the homecoming I imagined, Hoku-san. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company? You...and half of the town?"
"Do not play games with me." Hoku's eyes narrowed to slits, his words little more than a hiss. "You and your companions all, if they choose to shelter you - you will face justice for your crimes. We have not forgotten...ten years may be a long time for you, but we have waited for the day you were foolish enough to return to Sairou."
"Foolish indeed." Miramu sighed, as if the whole thing was simply a matter of inconvenience. "Believe me, I would not have chosen to come here. However, money speaks...and we all have to live, don't we?"
"Not a rogue like you. Not if we have our way!" Hoku snapped. "Submit to us and your companions will be let free. You know the penalty for coming here and staring at me with those cold, cursed eyes."
"I am not afraid of you." Miramu's fingers moved swiftly towards his quiver. "Or killing any of you. You should know that...considering why you want me so badly."
"Wait." Hyoushin put up his hands, glancing from Miramu to the angry townspeople. "An explanation, if you please."
"You are a foreigner to this land. It does not concern you." Hoku said darkly, and Hyoushin's eyes narrowed.
"On the contrary, Geiyo Miramu is in my protection, on the orders of my Emperor." He said softly. "And I do not seek conflict of any kind. Therefore there must be a solution to your concerns. Tell me. What is it you seek Miramu for?"
Hoku's eyes narrowed, and Miramu let out another amused chuckle, although this time Aoiketsu saw the same uncertain, dark flicker of something in the assassin's unusual eyes.
"He is a demon who must be suppressed." Hoku said at length. "He and any who seek to protect him. He is evil, stranger. You cannot be oblivious to that fact."
"I did not claim to be his friend. Only that I am ordered to ensure his safe conduct through Sairou." Hyoushin said coolly. "And I ask you again - what matter is it of such urgency that makes you demand him and threaten his life?"
"Ten years ago he killed a man in this town." Hoku said quietly, sending Miramu an accusatory look. "A man who was my brother."
"I see." Hyoushin's eyes narrowed, and he cast Miramu a sidelong glance.
"This is true?"
"I don't deny it." Miramu shrugged his shoulders. "And I'm not sorry for it, either. If he were here in front of me, I would do it over again. I almost feel it's a pity that I'm not able to, if you want to know the truth, Hoku. I have plenty of reasons to slay him more than once, after all."
"You see! He is a demon!" Hoku exclaimed, and Miramu snorted.
"That would be logical, since I was sired by one born in hell." He snapped, and Aoiketsu's eyes opened wide as he registered the sudden change in Miramu's demeanour. From relaxed and taunting, there was the hint of genuine anger in his indigo eyes, and the assassin suddenly had the look of the predator about him. "I have no regrets for your brother, Hoku. He was evil incarnate. If I am too, so be it. He was, after all, the man who was my father. For that alone, his death was a justifiable punishment. I never asked for life, or for him to play the part he did in my conception. He has paid the price for his crime...and I do not regret it."
"Miramu!" Hoku raised his weapon, clearly incensed, and Hyoushin sighed, drawing his own blade and moving to stand between them.
"I am not here to spill blood." He said softly. "Nor do I wish to take sides in something which is none of my concern. I am an emissary of the Emperor of Kutou, and as such, I must obey the orders given me. I am instructed to protect Geiyo Miramu from harm, though it gives me little pleasure to do so. And I will not condone his attack on your or your people, either. Clearly you have suffered at his hand - for which I offer my apologies. It is not my intention to condone his action or undermine your resentment. But I must ask you to lower your weapons and allow him safe conduct. He is needed by my King, and for that reason, I must be willing to fight to defend him. No matter what his nature."
At Hyoushin's words, Hoku faltered for a moment, eying the Meihi doubtfully.
"You would protect a demon such as this from justice?" He asked quietly. "And yet you say you seek to avoid bloodshed? Do you not understand the suffering this man has caused, man of Kutou?"
"I cannot imagine that it would be possible for me to understand that." Hyoushin said levelly. "And nor will I insult you or your brother's memory by claiming that I do. No, Hoku-san. I am not able to comprehend what you have lost, or your anger for this man. But my mission here may be to the benefit of hundreds and thousands of innocent lives in Kutou. In doing this, Miramu is surely earning his penance for the lives he has stolen. And as I said, I have my orders. I will not fight you, if I do not have to. I seek nothing more than a peaceful settlement. But Geiyo Miramu must remain alive. He is needed."
Miramu laughed at this, his usual composure restored by Hyoushin's words.
"You do amuse me, Hyoushin." He reflected. "You hate me, yet you defend me, because it is Kintsusei-sama's word."
"I have honour enough to obey my Emperor's instruction." Hyoushin replied without even looking around. "Otherwise, Miramu, it would give me much pleasure to hand you over to these people who seem to have a justifiable reason to want you dead."
"As justifiable a reason, I imagine, as I had for wanting to kill my father." Miramu said evenly. "As I said, if I am evil, it is inherited."
"Such tales are lies!"
"They are not lies." Miramu's eyes narrowed. "I did not slay my father because I cared about you or your feelings, Ojisan. I did it because a monster such as he deserved death. For my sake, for my mother's sake - and for being the instrument of so much suffering - I executed the man who was the cause of everything. I have never concealed the crime, nor lied about my having taken pleasure from it. I would take little pleasure from slaying you, Hoku. But I will not repent the death of my father. And if you attack me, I will defend myself. With all the attributes that made me such a fearsome opponent for your brother, even as a boy of fourteen."
Something sinister flared in the indigo eyes once more, and Aoiketsu bit his lip, wondering how Hyoushin was going to manage to diffuse the escalating situation.
For a moment there was silence, then Hyoushin sighed.
"Hoku-san, what is the most precious thing to you? The thing which, aside from vengeance, you desire most in this world?" He asked quietly.
Hoku stared at him, nonplussed, and Hyoushin gestured around him at the desolate, run-down streets.
"Eiroku has fallen on rough times, correct?"
"Yes." Hoku admitted. "However..."
"The crystal trade has moved on, and your town has not the resources to pick itself up and move on with it?"
"I don't see how..."
"So tell me, Hoku-san. What would make Eiroku's condition improve?" Hyoushin asked softly. "Stuck here, at the edge of the desert. What would be to Eiroku's benefit?"
"Do you seek to make some bribe or trade for the life of that wretch?" Hoku demanded. Hyoushin inclined his head.
"As you say." He agreed. "As I must."
"There is only one thing which could bring Eiroku back to life." Hoku said bitterly. "And even your Emperor could not grant that, man of the East. I appreciate your attempts, however..."
He trailed off, and Hyoushin's eyes flickered with understanding.
"Water." He murmured. "Am I correct, Hoku-san? Your town struggles because it lacks water?"
"Water is precious all across the West." Hoku agreed. "But you are not able to provide miracles. And in the absence of such things, we will not be denied our justice. After ten years, we will avenge the death of my brother once and for all."
Hyoushin's brows knitted together, then he turned back towards his companions.
"Suiko." He said firmly, and the mage's head jerked up as she stared at him in confusion.
"Hyoushin?"
"You heard Hoku-san's words." Hyoushin said evenly. "The town needs water. Water is the only thing that they will consider in trade for Miramu's life."
"I don't care." Suiko said petulantly. "I don't like Miramu. He should die."
Hyoushin's brow twitched in irritation.
"That was not a request." He said flatly. "It was an order."
"An order from the Emperor, perhaps?" Suiko asked him coquettishly, and Hyoushin nodded.
"You can consider it so." He said evenly.
Suiko sighed, reaching up to push back the hood of her cape as she surveyed the scene with distaste, and several of Hoku's followers gasped as they absorbed her unusual appearance.
"I don't see the need to preserve Byakko's rubbish." She said frankly, shooting Miramu a poisonous look as she did so. "But if it's an order from the Emperor, I must act on it. Hyoushin, you're mean."
"Yes, I am." Hyoushin was unmoved. "Stop complaining and do as you are bidden."
"Wait...what is she? What are you going to do?" Hoku was apprehensive, and Hyoushin offered him a slight smile.
"Suiko is Seiryuu's mage, and Guardian of Kutou." He said quietly. "She has the power to manipulate water, as given her by the divine Seiryuu himself. She will provide your town with water, if you allow us to pass through unmolested, and do not continue to seek the death of Geiyo Miramu."
"Is...is...is that true?" Hoku's eyes widened, and Hyoushin nodded.
"If those terms are acceptable to you." He agreed. "I will not pretend that I can buy your cooperation or make you forget your grief at losing your brother, Hoku-san. But this might serve as an adequate memorial - that Eiroku may once more be able to flourish as it once did."
He gestured to Suiko, who sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Such a waste of time and effort." She muttered. "Giving water to this dusty, dirty little town who have no appreciation for Seiryuu-kami-sama. I am not Byakko's servant, Hyoushin. Must I really taint myself by helping these heathen people?"
"If you don't want to be returned to your cave rather more swiftly than planned, yes." Hyoushin said bluntly, and Suiko fixed him with a hurt look.
"You're so cold." She reproached him. "Just like these people. You don't understand anything about Seiryuu-sama either, and..."
"Do as you are told, or I will send a message to Kutou forthwith and inform the Emperor of your disobedience." Hyoushin cut across her. "He has the Shinzahou and he has Seiryuu's scale. I have no doubt that, considering those things, he could have Lord Kikei seal you back where you came from even at this remote distance. Do not try my patience, Suiko. Do as you are bidden - bring water forth for the town of Eiroku."
"Fine." Suiko grimaced, but she clapped her hands together, closing her eyes as her body shimmered with azure light. For a moment nothing happened, then there was a creak and a shudder as the trackway heaved apart, a crack zigzagging its way across the land. Aoiketsu was sure that, even from where he and Maichu were standing, he could hear the bubbling rush of water surging to the surface, and as the first drops broke through the dry land, Suiko spread her hands, guiding the sudden flow into the town's dry well.
"Your wretched town has water." She told the startled Hoku frankly. "Though I don't care if you kill that man...it doesn't bother me."
"You...are truly a witch?" One of Hoku's companions found his voice, and Suiko's brows twitched in irritation.
"I am a mage. Speak with some respect." She snapped. "Hyoushin, I've done what you said. I've diverted the underground source so that it will plenish the well indefinitely. Will you stop being mean to me now? I've given them water."
"Will it suffice, Hoku-san, that we exchange this water for the life of Geiyo Miramu?" Hyoushin asked softly. "Undeserving as he may be, Kutou has grave need of him. And people in my land suffer worse than even you and your kind do."
Hoku was silent for a moment. Then he met Hyoushin's gaze.
"You are a man of honour." He said quietly. "Even though you bring an enemy to our town, you are cognisant of our discomfort and you seek to help without causing us harm. You are correct - the water your friend has summoned will indeed help sustain the lives of many people in Eiroku - and, perhaps, help to revive our failing prospects, also."
He cast Miramu a look of distaste.
"You will doubtless face your demons soon enough." He added. "My friends and I will not take your life. This time. This water is a fitting memorial to my brother - but I do not wish to see you in Eiroku again. You are not welcome here. You are never welcome here. Is this understood, Geiyo Miramu?"
"I face my demons every day I wake up, Ojisan." Miramu said evenly. "I have no desire to hang around your town, either. As I said, it was not my choice to come. And I will not be coming back."
"I suppose this means we're moving on again tonight." Aoiketsu murmured, and Maichu grimaced, nodding his head.
"I can't imagine we'll be staying here, considering." He agreed. "Dammit. I'm so tired, too."
"Maybe we'll head for Miramu's village." Aoiketsu wondered, and Maichu snorted.
"Do you think that his family will welcome home a father-killer?" He demanded. "Not a chance. No. Hyoushin-sama will make sure we steer well clear of anywhere where Miramu's past might be a problem. He is a sly bastard though, isn't he? I can't make out what he's thinking. I mean, we all train to kill in combat - but he seems to do it for fun. What kind of guy takes pleasure in killing his own father?"
"One who was scarred by him irrevocably, I imagine." Aoiketsu frowned, remembering the conversation aboard the boat, and Maichu sent his friend a surprised look.
"Are you saying you feel sorry for him? That you're on Miramu's side?"
"No." Aoiketsu shook his head. "I don't like him or trust him. But I think he's twisted. Maybe crazy. He says some of the strangest things - about life and death and God knows what. Something must've made him that messed up."
He sighed, glancing at his hands.
"He told me on board the boat that he killed his father and that he didn't regret it." He added. "I wasn't sure if it was bravado or if it wasn't. Guess it wasn't."
"Why the hell did he tell you that?"
"Not sure." Aoiketsu admitted. "He got all funny about my eyes, too."
"Your eyes?" Maichu stared. "You don't mean he was hitting on you? Aoi..."
"No, you moron!" Aoiketsu cuffed his friend impatiently. "Not that. Don't be stupid. I meant he just commented on the colour. Like it was unusual for someone from Kutou to have blue eyes."
"It is unusual." Maichu reminded him, and Aoiketsu frowned.
"Not that unusual." He murmured. "Not if you come from the western borderlands."
"But you don't." Maichu said bluntly. "The Kaiga family come from central Kutou and have done for generations."
He narrowed his eyes.
"So you are still thinking about this father thing." He realised. "And whether or not you are who everyone's always said you are. Aoi, let it go, huh? It's not important. And so what if your eyes are blue? Blue is Seiryuu's colour, isn't it? You should be proud."
"Seiryuu's colour." Aoiketsu bit his lip. "Yes. I suppose you're right."
"Suiko looks like she might throw another wobbly." Maichu reflected, and Aoiketsu grimaced.
"She's a pain." He said categorically. "And she's all over Hyoushin-sama...I'm amazed he hasn't swatted her away like a fly."
"I guess you can't do that to Seiryuu's mage." Maichu laughed. "Even the Commander realises that, although he's damn short with her. And she seems to take it, too. Did you notice that? When Hyoushin-sama calls her a witch, she doesn't flinch. But if anyone else does...do you think guardian spirits can have crushes?"
"I think you've had too much desert sun." Aoiketsu said frankly. "Come on, Maichu. We're moving out, by the looks. Guess we'll be hiring fresh horses and making that overnight trek after all - even if we fall asleep in the saddle!"