Chapter Twenty
So, they were back in Kutou.
Hyoushin halted his horse at the gates to the Kutou palace, returning the salute of the officer on duty as he cast the man a grave smile. Despite the fact they had had no trouble on the return voyage, and that they came bearing the treasures of Sairou, the pale-skinned Meihi found that his thoughts were still preoccupied and troubled by the decision he had made in Hengei.
"To send my three best soldiers into enemy country...and one of them in the company of an unpredictable assassin." He mused, even as he dismounted his beast, handing over the reins to a waiting groomsman as he gestured for his fellow soldiers to follow suit. "It is a gamble, without a doubt. I hope it is a gamble which pays off. There are scant few men in whom I place absolute trust - I hope I have not weakened my Emperor's stand by sending the ones I have."
"Hyoushin!"
The voice of the Emperor startled him back to himself and he smiled ruefully, dismissing the tired soldiers as he turned to face his companion.
"You've made good time." Kintsusei sent his friend a relieved grin, patting him on the shoulder as he indicated that they should walk together towards Seiryuu's shrine. "Ever since Miramu returned to the palace, I've been concerned for your safe transport home - even with Suiko's help."
"Yes. Suiko's help." Hyoushin's gaze flitted to the mage, who, unlike the soldiers, had not dispersed. Instead she had chosen to trail them to the shrine at just enough distance that she could hear everything they said, and from the petulant expression on her face, it was clear she was not happy to have been ignored. "I'm not sure how much faith to place in that...although I admit, she did have her uses."
"I heard that, mean Hyoushin." The mage retorted, spreading her hands as warning trickles of water bubbled up against the edges of the stone-slab pathway. "Don't talk about me behind my back!"
"It isn't polite to eavesdrop, Suiko." Hyoushin said levelly. "So that makes us even, I think. Besides, this is a private conversation in any case. I have to make report to my Emperor - you are dismissed, just as the other men. I have no need of you immediately, and I'm sure Kintsusei-sama doesn't want to be troubled by your games. Go find a pool to play in - I'm sure if we require your assistance, we will be able to find you."
"Hyoushin?" Kintsusei cast his companion a confused look, and the Meihi shook his head.
"Suiko does not understand anything but the bluntest of instruction, it seems." He said regretfully. "And even then she seems to choose which orders she should and should not obey."
"I'm not a dog." Suiko bristled. "I'm Seiryuu-kami-sama's guardian spirit, and..."
"And you have likely done a fine job guiding my ship home, but you must be tired." Kintsusei said softly. "Rest, Suiko. We will speak later...the trip to the dusty lands must have been a trial for you and your water-based magic."
Suiko paused in mid-rant, her eyes opening wide as she digested the Emperor's words. Then, very pointedly, she bowed towards him.
"I understand, Koutei-heika." She said lightly. "I will do as you say. Please, call on me if you need my help again."
With that she skipped off towards the rear grounds of the palace, and Hyoushin shook his head slowly.
"You always have a way with difficult individuals." He observed frankly. "I won't pretend I am not glad to be free of her company."
"She's been troublesome?" Kintsusei questioned, and Hyoushin spread his hands.
"Define troublesome." He admitted at length. "She is a very...tactile creature, Kintsusei-sama. And she likes to hang all over me, to cause me as much annoyance as she possibly can. It is true that her magic came into its own in Sairou on several occasions...but between her spoiled routine and Miramu's unpredictability, it was not an easy quest."
"Yet you succeeded." Kintsusei smiled. "I am sorry to send you into such situations, my friend. And if you would like, I will command Suiko to be more prudent in her behaviour."
"I doubt it will have much effect, even if you did." Hyoushin shook his head. "She has listened to you now, my Lord - but her moods are mercurial and she changes tack from second to second. It is difficult to keep up."
"I suppose that sending a woman - even a woman like Suiko - on a voyage with militarily trained men was always going to be a problematic situation." Kintsusei rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "But you seem to have managed. I'm glad. And gladder still to have you returned - albeit in depleted numbers."
"Indeed." Hyoushin inclined his head. "Did you say that Miramu has already come back to Kutou?"
"He arrived this morning." Kintsusei nodded. Hyoushin's eyes narrowed.
"He has conducted his latest mission without complication?"
"According to the assassin's words, he parted company with Aoiketsu as agreed, in the forestland surrounding Kounan's western mountain country." Kintsusei nodded. "But if you want to speak to him yourself about it, be my guest."
"I will." Hyoushin agreed. "And by now, Kayu and Maichu will have also crossed into Kounan. I expect to hear from one of them by the end of next week, if all goes well. What our movements are until then are up to you, my Lord."
He eyed his companion quizzically.
"Lord Kikei is not put out that I chose to send Kayu on such a mission? He has, I know, special interest in the boy as one of his waifs."
"No. Actually, he seemed quite pleased you'd placed trust in the lad." Kintsusei smiled. "But I know you don't do things rashly, Hyoushin. Kayu's a fine soldier, I know that - but you must feel he's come on further, to trust him in this way."
"Yes." Hyoushin frowned. "It is rather a test of character, perhaps. But he is with Maichu - and impulsive and indolent as that boy can be when he chooses, he's also one of the best young fighters I've ever trained. He's not on a par with Aoiketsu in his native battle instinct and understanding of enemy positions. But he is far superior to any other man I've trained - I believe that, although Kayu is the elder, he may learn from Maichu's opportunism."
"Well, all we can do is wait for word from them, then." Kintsusei reflected. "In the meantime, come speak to Kikei and to Miramu. Now you've returned, we have to discuss the possibility of raising Byakko's guardian spirit. I wasn't sure if it would be possible, but Miramu says that it is - and more, that he knows a spell to do it."
"A spell." Hyoushin's eyes narrowed. "Has he told us how he came by this information, or does he persist in keeping secret the true nature of his connection to Toroki?"
"He's said nothing, and I have not asked." Kintsusei shook his head. "In the end, so long as he has the information we need, I don't suppose it is important. Men such as him must have their secrets - and it is better that he hides something of this nature than something more serious."
"Considering the nature of the man, I would be surprised if he was not hiding a good deal more from us." Hyoushin sighed. "In Eiroku, we encountered angry townsfolk baying for his blood, my Lord. And I did not like to have to bribe them to let us through - they would have lynched him for the murder of his father, and I confess, I understood their feelings. To protect the life of such a man - when he elicited that promise from you, Sire, I'm sure he knew that such an event would occur. I hope that he...will not be accompanying me on any more travels."
"I think it's unlikely." Kintsusei smiled. "He knows nothing of Hokkan, by his own admission. And I wouldn't send him into Kounan again, because now he's too well known down there and after the death of one of Suzaku's bandits, I'm sure that they know he's affiliated with us. It would be a foolish risk...next time he might kill someone important."
"Yes." Hyoushin agreed, as they reached the door of the shrine, the guard on duty bowing before the Emperor as he opened the door to admit them.
"Lord Kikei is within, sire." The man said, and Kintsusei nodded.
"Thank you." He responded. "We will join him immediately."
Inside the shrine, the holy flame was already burning, and Hyoushin could make out the hunched, white-bearded form of the priest as he huddled over his old books, evidently poring over them for a particular prayer or incantation. At their entrance, however, he discarded his work, bowing his head in acknowledgement of their presence.
"My Lord - so Hyoushin has finally returned, has he?" He said softly, and Hyoushin's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Unfortunately boats are not instantaneous forms of transport, and Sairou is a good distance from Kutou." He said softly. "My apologies for the inconvenience, Kikei-sama."
He fumbled at his belt, holding out the cloth bag that contained the mirror, and the small bone casket that Miramu had killed the bandit to obtain. Kikei's greedy eyes flitted over them, and as he took them from the Meihi's grasp, he set them down on the stone shelf beside the fire, pushing back the fabric protector to reveal the glitter of Byakko's te-kagami.
"Well." He murmured. "So now we have another piece in Kutou's puzzle...the quest for peace grows ever closer."
He smiled.
"And I understand Miramu was able to be of great help." He added. Hyoushin nodded.
"He did indeed lead us to the location of the mirror, and he himself retrieved the fang." He agreed. "Though I have not attempted to open the casket. I do not know how to - though my Emperor says that Miramu knows a spell by which one can raise Byakko's mage. If this is so, maybe he can also unlock the bone chest that he retrieved at such grave personal risk."
"That almost sounded like a criticism, Hyoushin."
The assassin's voice rang out from the back of the chamber, and Hyoushin glanced up, meeting Miramu's teasing indigo gaze as he did so. His eyes narrowed.
"You were here all the time?" He asked softly, and Miramu laughed.
"I like to listen before I speak." He agreed. "But I'm surprised - are we on such hostile terms after travelling so merrily together, Hyoushin? I did, after all, keep my part of the bargain. And at my own risk, I took your man deep into the enemy's territory, also. I have become rather invaluable to Kutou of late - why do you speak about my role with such blatant censure?"
"Because you killed a man you were not charged to kill." Hyoushin said flatly. "And I despise unecessary bloodshed. There was no need - you are fortunate if this does not complicate our situation further."
"He was just a bandit, Hyoushin." Miramu snorted. "The one you should show interest in is the girl you've sent your pretty-boy Aoi to find out about. Hikari. She's the one you should care about. Forget the bandit - he's not important and he never was."
"Hikari." Kikei paused in his assessment of the treasures, shooting Miramu a curious look. "You mentioned this girl to me also, Miramu. What is it about her that interests you so much?"
"I'm only an assassin, Kikei-sama. I don't understand the ways and means of the Beast Gods." Miramu said evenly. "I only know the little I do through the stories taught to me as a child...so I cannot be certain of anything specific."
"But...?" Hyoushin said softly. "You and Suiko both spoke of Hikari - and Suiko spoke also of Suzaku's power within Sairou's cave. If you won't tell me, Miramu, at least speak before Kintsusei-sama and explain to him your interest in the girl."
"Aoiketsu is far better positioned to find out anything you want to know, with those fine features and pretty eyes of his." Miramu looked amused. "I told you, I don't know anything. And I certainly wouldn't know about Suzaku's magic. I told you - I'm just an assassin who happened to cross paths with Toroki in my youth. That's all. The only reason I mentioned the girl by name was because she seemed to have elicted Toroki's support...and I know that Byakko's prophet doesn't do anything by halves."
Hyoushin eyed the assassin thoughtfully, but Miramu met his gaze easily, offering him a playful smile.
"Ah. You don't believe me." He said frankly. "That's unsurprising, I suppose, considering my profession. Your caution probably does you credit, Hyoushin."
"We'll await Aoiketsu's first report, then, before we make a move to the North or the South." Kintsusei said slowly. "If Suzaku has joined forces with Byakko we must be careful about how we move. We have no Celestial Warriors of our own, after all."
"Suiko believes we do." Hyoushin said evenly, and Kikei stared at him.
"Pardon me?" He demanded. "The Seishi for Seiryuu died in the war with Kounan - don't you think that, as a priest, I'd know if one lived?"
"And yet one does." Hyoushin smiled faintly at the Priest's discomfiture. "Amiboshi. Suiko claims he was the guardian of Seiryuu's Shinzahou...is this information of any use to us now we have that treasure in our custody?"
"Amiboshi." Kintsusei's expression became one of surprise. "And Suiko told you this?"
"Yes." Hyoushin confirmed. "She said that he was still alive and living in exile in the North Country."
Kikei's expression became one of annoyance, and he shook his head impatiently.
"Such information is useless now that we have Seiryuu's treasure and mage." He said dismissively. "For now, we must focus on Genbu and Suzaku. I have tried to locate the Shinzahou for the north, but I have had no luck. Not even spies I've sent into Hokkan have brought back data...and we must rely on the soldiers in the south to dig out information on Suzaku's, which is similarly well hidden. It will delay us...but this can't be helped."
He frowned, biting his lip.
"Kayu and Maichu have gone to relay Aoiketsu's information, correct?" He said quietly, and Hyoushin nodded.
"Yes."
"Can we really spare two men to do one man's job?"
"We can ill afford to spare one man to do it, Kikei-sama - but we need to know what we are up against." Hyoushin said pragmatically. "You are considering Kayu's safety in this, perhaps? Because I believe he is a good enough soldier to keep himself safe."
"I have no doubt about that." Kikei shook his head, a thoughtful look glittering in his dark eyes, and something in it put Hyoushin on edge. "Very well. Then when we receive news, perhaps Kintsusei-sama will be able to judge our next move more clearly. Whether to go North or South."
"I feel it will probably be North, but we will wait for the information before I order any further journeys." Kintsusei said evenly. "And Miramu - you will be paid for your services so far. But you will not be required to accompany Hyoushin on the next trip...I think for the both of you, that would be a better state of affairs."
"As you wish, Koutei-sama." Miramu bowed his head towards the Emperor, his thick dark braid of hair falling over his shoulder as he did so. "If you'd rather I stayed here, then I won't object. So long as you're paying me well, I've no reason to do anything but obey your orders, after all."
"Well, so far you have done well. Although I am not pleased to hear you spilled the blood of an enemy." Kintsusei sighed. "It is a delicate political situation between the East and the South, Miramu - as a Westerner, you may or may not perceive the intricacies. But please, try to remember it for future reference. We cannot afford a war."
"I understand, my Lord." Miramu agreed softly. "It won't happen again."
"Then that is resolved." Kintsusei seemed relieved. "And now, to Byakko's fang. Miramu, is it true you know a spell that can release Kitora's spirit and bond her into human form in the way Kikei raised Suiko?"
"Yes, in a sense." Miramu slipped his fingers into the folds of his clothing, pulling out a small ceramic bottle, which he held out. "I took this when I was in the caves - before I retreated from Toroki's presence, she dropped it. It contains a special substance carried by Byakko's chosen - she no doubt brought it to release the fang herself. But I relieved her of it and the fang before she could act."
Hyoushin eyed the assassin thoughtfully, certain there was a glimmer of untruth in his words, but Kikei had already grasped the vial, pulling the stopper as he gazed inside. He frowned.
"Blood?" He murmured. "Dried...dried blood? This is your special substance?"
"In the West, it is dry, desolate country." Miramu agreed. "And it is not fresh - I did not wound Toroki, after all. The blood is old and therefore has dried into powdered form from the climate. But it is Seishi blood. The one thing that can release the seal on the casket and raise the mage. Without it, you cannot hope to bring Kitora to life. Not even with all the most holy Seiryuu prayers, Kikei-sama."
"I see." Kikei's dark eyes narrowed and he nodded his head. "Yes, you make sense. This is, after all, Byakko's treasure. It must be raised by Byakko's blood."
He shot Hyoushin a sidelong glance.
"Even if we lacked the same for Seiryuu, it seems my magic was able to overrule that weakness." He said slowly. "But this is a different God completely. Very well. I know how to proceed."
He dipped his finger in the dried, blackened substance, rubbing it carefully over the seal of the casket. For a moment it glowed white, then there was a soft click as the lock was released, and as Kikei lifted the lid, all could see the glittering white fang of the tiger, set in soft purple velvet as if placed there by divine hands.
"Byakko's fang. The relic of Kitora." Kikei murmured, running his blood-dusted finger against the artefact, and it glimmered in response to his touch. Satisfied, he nodded his head, reaching over to take the Shinzahou as he sprinkled flecks of the substance over its shiny surface.
"This is truly Byakko's blood. As ever, Miramu, you have left nothing to chance." He murmured. "The death of one Suzaku bandit is a small price to pay, Sire, surely, in light of this?"
"I suppose so." Kintsusei agreed cautiously. "Although I would still rather kill as few people as possible...especially Southerners."
"But with Kitora, our strength will grow further."
Kikei closed his eyes, bringing his hands together as he murmured an incantation. As Hyoushin watched, the treasure and the relic both were bathed in dazzling white light, and as he glanced away from it, Hyoushin caught the interested, half-amused expression on Miramu's face. He frowned, his gaze darting back briefly to the Priest and his spell, before settling on the assassin once more.
"Toroki's blood?" He mused. "But who carries their own blood around like that? Why would Toroki need dried blood to release the seal of the casket, anyway? I think not. She would not carry such a thing - she need only slash her own fingers to provide all the blood she needed. And she is not a fool - even if she is unbalanced, she is not stupid. She would not be so careless. So where did that blood come from?"
And then, as he remembered Suiko's words in the cave, his eyes widened.
"Byakko's rubbish." He remembered. "Is that what she meant?"
He ran his gaze briefly over the assassin once more, and this time Miramu caught his eye, offering him a knowing smile. In that instant, Hyoushin felt his certainty grow, and he returned the look with an impassive one of his own. Inwardly, however, his thoughts were racing.
"Miramu is one of Byakko's." He realised. "He must be. He hides it - but I am sure of it. He alone unlocked the shrine of Kitora. He had blood on his palm - a strange place for a man such as him to sustain a battle wound, even defensively. He used his blood - and so the blood that Kikei is casting his spell with is his own. I wonder what that means in the bigger picture. Is Miramu really working with Kikei and the Emperor like he claims to be? Has he really turned so far from Byakko and Sairou that he would willingly give his country's treasure into enemy hands? I wonder. And I must be careful. He has kept this a secret for a reason, and to reveal it may be dangerous for all of us. It is better to know it and not speak of it, not even to the Emperor, in case it puts his life in peril. At least, not until I find out more information about Miramu's other self or his long term intentions. But it concerns me."
He bit his lip absently, even as he saw the flare of light begin to solidify and take the distinctive form of a woman before them in the shrine. Even though her body was still translucent, Hyoushin could clearly make out her features, with the vivid golden eyes and the flowing white hair that curled over her shoulders and down her back. Like Suiko, she was ethereal in her appearance, her robes patterened with the brown and green of the forest and around her throat glittered a pendant in the shape of the chinese character for 'tree'.
"Ki." He reflected. "Kitora. So as Suiko has power over the element of water, does Kitora then have power over the element of wood? What would that mean, then? Plant life? Did not Kikei-sama once say that one of Byakko's warriors commanded such similar powers, in the past?"
He frowned, struggling to remember the little he knew about Byakko's people as the haze began to fade and Kitora shook her head as if to clear it, hair flying out in all directions as she did so. The gesture was somehow in keeping with her feline, feral appearance and there was something else in the mage's expression that put Hyoushin immediately on his guard. Where Suiko had a tendancy for petulance and temper, Kitora's expression contained a flicker of cool, sardonic amusement, and as she brought her hand up absently to her face to brush her wild waves of hair from her face, Hyoushin was aware that instead of normal human nails, Kitora's fingers bore sharp animal claws.
"Kitora-sama." Kikei bowed his head before her, raising his gaze to meet hers. "We have awoken you from your sleep. Will you assist us in our quest for peace?"
Kitora eyed him for a moment. Then she smiled, a teasing, humourless smile as she reached out to brush her long, slender fingers against his face.
"I am Kitora, the Byakko mage." She murmured. "I have been woken by Byakko's blood to do Byakko's bidding. Not yours, little man."
"Byakko has given Kikei-sama and Kutou's Emperor, Lord Kintsusei his blessing by giving him the blood of a Seishi." Miramu said quietly. "Kitora-sama, as a man of the West, I confirm that this is Byakko's will. You are needed in Kutou - for the sake of Sairou and its people."
Kitora's eyes widened as she registered his presence, her gaze falling on him as she slowly crossed the floor towards him. Without a word she reached out her fingers, scraping her nail pensively against the leather collar that the assassin always wore at his throat. Miramu frowned, reaching up to push her hand away.
"Shadow, are you?" Kitora seemed amused by this, and something in the sing-song nature of her voice almost made her sound kittenish. "You bear the character 'kage' at your throat. Well, Kage...and you are here to represent Byakko's blessing?"
Miramu did not respond, and Kitora raised her fingers, scratching her long cat's claws down his cheek as she drew blood. Miramu glared at her, and she offered him a warm smile, glancing at the glittering red liquid that now stained her fingers. Then, very deliberately, she licked them clean.
At length, she nodded.
"Very well." She agreed, turning back to face Kikei with a derisive, half-condescending smile. "If it is Byakko's will I serve Kutou, so be it. I will do as you bid me, little man - as you possess the fang and the Shinzahou, you must indeed have the Tiger's blessing."
"Then you will help us?" Kintsusei looked relieved, and Kitora sent him a piercing look.
"I will." She agreed. "You have my word, Kutou no Koutei-sama. I will obey Byakko's obligation and fight for the East."
Something about the inflection of her words reminded Hyoushin of Miramu's equally evasive use of language, and the Meihi frowned, surveying their newest ally with faint distrust.
"She tasted Miramu's blood and changed her allegiance. So I am right in my suspicions. He is indeed one of Byakko's Celestial Warriors, just as his sister is." He decided. "But this raises a problematic question. Suiko was raised by Aoiketsu's inferior blood. Now Kitora has been awoken by the tainted, bitter blood of an assassin. I don't pretend I understand divine magic, but I'm sure that Suiko is not meant to be as much trouble as she has proven to be. This must be a side effect of the way in which she was brought to life. So if that's true - what kind of spirit will Kitora prove to be? With Miramu's blood unlocking her spirit - what have we unleashed?"
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Morning.
Aoiketsu rested his hands on the sill of the window, wincing as he jarred his gashed arm. It was another bright Kounan day, but somehow, he reflected, it was hard to equate the tropical warmth of the south with the dry arid dustiness of the Western lands.
"Is this why the Shougun was so interested in Kounan?" He wondered, as he leant up against the wall, gazing absently across the land that made up the apothecary's herbal farmstead. "Because even though it's hot, and smaller than Kutou, it has such lush vegetation? And it seems so peaceful...it's hard to believe that a border away in Kutou so many people are suffering so much."
He sighed, shaking his head as if to clear it.
"I hope Hyoushin-sama made it safely back." He reflected. "And that Maichu and Kayu have reached their destinations easily, too. It's risky...and if I'm going to be travelling with this Hikari and her friends, I'll be on the move. It'll be much harder for them to keep tabs on me, if that's the case. We might have to reassess our communication plans. Although it doesn't seem like Kounan have any information on Genbu's Shinzahou either. So I wonder...Commander, what would you have me do?"
"Aoi-kun?"
A voice from the doorway made him start and he turned, a smile touching his lips as he registered the young girl who had been so kind to her the previous afternoon. She was probably about fifteen or sixteen, he decided, and he had been surprised when he had first realised that this was the Hikari that he had been sent to learn about. At first glance she looked no different from any other young village girl, although her hair was fastened in an unfamiliar style, and vaguely he remembered the oddness of her attire on the previous afternoon's encounter. However, now she was garbed in the average dress of a southern villager, and in the fresh light of day he found himself wondering what it was that had attracted so much attention in Sairou.
"How's your arm?" Oblivious to his thoughts, the girl slipped into the room, closing the door behind her. "Chichiri's gone to the mountain to speak to Tasuki and Shishi about our plans...I think he's going to bring Shishi back with him, so we can discuss it properly. You are still going to come with us, aren't you? There's been no sign of Miramu in the last few hours, because Myoume's still here and she's been keeping an eye open. But it's probably not safe for you to take off on your own."
"I've no desire to do that." Aoiketsu eyed her ruefully. "As you've seen, I'm no match for one of Byakko's chosen warriors."
"No, nor are we, I don't think." Hikari sighed. "It's all right, Aoi. Shishi might think you're a wimp, but I don't. I mean, not everyone is a fighter. And I really don't want to see Miramu kill anyone else. Losing Jin...was hard enough. I can't let it happen again."
"This Jin was a close friend of yours?" Aoiketsu asked curiously, and Hikari nodded her head.
"Sort of." She agreed. "It's hard...to explain what he was, really."
"Perhaps...more than a friend?" Aoiketsu asked softly, and Hikari reddened, shaking her head.
"No. He wasn't that." She replied firmly. "I mean...I don't know, maybe he might have been, eventually, if he...if he hadn't died when he did. But I...I wasn't in love with him. If anything he was like a brother figure to me like he was Shishi. But...he and Shishi grew up together. It's different for her."
She sighed again, leaning up against the wall next to him.
"I really wonder what Kutou must be like, to allow all these things to happen." She reflected absently. Aoiketsu frowned.
"A very sad place." He murmured softly. "Full of civil war and rebellion. And blood. Lots of that."
"I guess it must be painful for you to think of - I'm sorry." Hikari looked guilty. "With your family and all."
"I never knew them." Aoiketsu said truthfully, running his finger absently over the Kaiga ring that still glittered on his right hand. "But I carry this, so I'm bound to them. So long as I have this, noone else can claim the Kaiga lands."
"You could just give it to them, then they might leave you alone." Hikari suggested, and Aoiketsu shook his head.
"It was the last thing my Mother gave me, before she died." He said gravely. "It's more to me than a symbol of my family. It's the only thing I have that she once had...the last thread between her and I. So it's more important than deeds to property. It's a true family keepsake."
"I'm sorry." Hikari looked sheepish. "I guess I sort of understand that. I mean, I miss my mother a lot, when I'm here."
"Chichiri-san said you were his ward - you seem to be a part of the Ri family, from the way the young ones have adopted you." Aoiketsu spied an opening and took it, leaning back as he surveyed her with interest. "Does that mean your parents are also gone, Hikari?"
"My parents..." Hikari hesitated, then she shook her head.
"They're both alive, but I can't be with them at present." She said carefully. "So I stay here, with Chichiri and Aidou-san. They've been kind to me. Chichiri is an old friend of my father's...so it seems logical."
"An old friend, huh?" Aoiketsu looked startled, and Hikari nodded.
"He was Tamahome, once." She said softly. "Of the Suzaku Shichi Seishi. Sou Kishuku."
"Tamahome..." Aoiketsu's eyes widened with surprise. "Truthfully? You are, then, the daughter of one of Kounan's blessed, as Shishi appears to be?"
"Yes." Hikari looked sheepish. "Hard to believe it, huh? I really don't glitter with divinity. But it's true. Father was Tamahome. Only he hasn't been for a long time. He can't fight for Suzaku any more, so it's in Chichiri and Tasuki's hands. And I've come to help, because, well, I care about Kounan too. And...and I don't want anything bad to happen to Mei-chan and Eiju in particular."
"I see." Aoiketsu bit his lip. "You have a kind heart, Hikari-san. You spoke well to me yesterday, when I was just a useless stranger in the forest. And you are obviously fond of Chichiri-san and his family. I'm sure they're glad of your help at a time when they perceive danger to Kounan."
"I wonder about that." Hikari rubbed her temples. "I feel more like a burden most of the time. But it's different now Jin is...now he's passed on. I won't forgive that, no matter what. Your enemy is our enemy, Aoi - the assassin known as Miramu. I won't ever forgive him for killing Jin, or for hurting Meikyo or causing pain to Myoume by acting in the way he does. And now I'm angry for the fact he hurt you, too. So no matter what, we'll stop him and we'll put an end to the madness in Kutou. Somehow. We'll show them that you can't be that way."
Aoiketsu was silent for a moment, digesting this. Then, slowly, he inclined his head.
"I wish I could be of help." He said softly. "But I'm afraid I will prove to be useless in my own way."
"You can't help being squeamish at the sight of blood." Hikari pointed out, offering him a grin. "I'm sort of glad you are, actually. Like I said yesterday, Shishi's so strong, and I always feel like the useless one. I don't know if I could offer my life in exchange for someone else's the way Jin did in Sairou, either. So it's nice to find someone who has real fears that hold them back. I hate feeling like a coward...do you ever feel that way, too?"
"I have often been frustrated by my weakness." Aoiketsu said honestly. "But at least you have a cause to believe in, Hikari-san. I...I'm just trouble for anyone who helps me."
"Rubbish." Hikari grasped him by the hand, squeezing it tightly. "You're alive, and you know the way to Touran. Right? And from there to the mountains? In which case, when we do leave, you'll be better than a map! In Sairou, Jin did most of the navigating. He was...really good at reading maps and though Shishi can, she's not so good as Jin was. But if you can - it will help."
"Then I'll do my best to do my share." Aoiketsu promised solemnly. "I just hope my presence among you doesn't attract danger."
"Hikari-neechan! Hikari-neechan!"
At that moment, the door of the chamber flew open to reveal Meikyo, red hair flying as she hurried excitedly up to the schoolgirl. "Hikari-neechan, there's someone who wants help and Kaa-san has gone to see Hakei-san because her baby is coughing - she's not here! Will you come and speak to them, please? Kaa-san said she'd be right back, but Papa's still on Reikaku-zan with Uncle Wolf an' I can't find Myoume-san anywhere!"
"Myoume's scouting for danger again, I suppose." Hikari frowned, clasping the girl's tiny fingers in hers. "Well, I'll come, Mei-chan, but I doubt that I know anything about herbs or anything like that. So if it's a potential patient, they'll have to wait until Aidou-san or Chichiri are home."
She cast Aoiketsu a grin.
"Will you come too, Aoi?" She asked, and Aoiketsu looked surprised.
"All right." He agreed, nodding his head. "So long as there's no blood."
"Aoi-niichan doesn't like blood?" Meikyo eyed him in surprise. "But...you're a boy. Aren't you?"
"Yes, I'm a boy. I'm just a boy who doesn't like blood." Aoiketsu said with a faint smile, and Meikyo frowned.
"I didn't know boys could be like that." She said seriously. "Hikari-neechan, did you know? Jin-nii wasn't scared of blood - and he always had a sword. But Aoi-nii doesn't have a sword and he's scared of blood, too."
"I know." Hikari agreed. "But everyone's different, Mei-chan. I don't like horses, or spiders, all that much. And your father doesn't carry a sword, either. Not all men do."
"No, but Papa has magic and he's Suzaku's." Meikyo responded. She cast Aoiketsu a smile.
"I don't mind blood." She said, reaching up to slip her hand into his as she repeated the gesture with Hikari's. "It's just stuff from inside of you, you know? But I don't like it when Papa is away from home. Then I'm scared. Papa says everyone is scared of something...I guess blood is just the thing you don't like, isn't it?"
"I guess so." Aoiketsu eyed her, nonplussed, and Hikari laughed.
"All right, Meikyo. Let's go see to this visitor." She said playfully. "You lead the way. We're right behind you."
Meikyo nodded her head, hurrying out of the door and as her two older companions followed at a slower pace, Aoiketsu shot Hikari a sidelong glance.
"I see why you like this place." He said quietly. "I've never had siblings...it must be nice."
"Well, my own brother I can't stand, but Meikyo and Eiju are lovely." Hikari laughed. "I suppose that you would be an only child, though, if your mother died when you were born. I guess it must've been sort of lonely."
"Yes." Aoiketsu agreed. "It was, at times. But I wasn't totally alone. I mean, I had the man who raised me...but then I...I was separated from him, too. And now I am completely on my own."
"Did...did he die?"
"Not exactly. We were just...separated." Aoiketsu shook his head, realising they were shifting close to dangerous territory and he frowned, changing the subject. "So you have a brother? Older or younger?"
"Younger." Hikari replied. "Eiju's age. But he's with my parents...and I'm here. So you won't meet him. My home's a long journey from here, and difficult to get to."
"I see." Aoiketsu didn't see, but decided it was as well not to press the point for at that moment they reached the front room of the house, where Meikyo was talking excitedly to a hooded, caped figure. At the sight of him, Aoiketsu's eyes widened, and it was all he could do not to shout out the man's name. As the stranger removed the hood of his cape, he met Aoiketsu's gaze across the room, and the soldier saw a flicker of relief in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, but Ri-san isn't home at the moment." Oblivious to the glance, Hikari stepped forward, bowing her head apologetically in the stranger's direction. "And I don't know anything about herbs, so I wouldn't know what to say. But if you want to take a seat, Aidou-san will be back soon, I know she will. And I can make you some tea - at least, I can if Mei-chan helps me."
"I'll help." Meikyo nodded immediately, and Hikari offered her a smile.
"Right." She said. "Would that be acceptable, okyaku-sama?"
"Thank you...it would." The young man nodded his head. "I am in no pressing hurry."
He frowned ruefully, reaching down to rub his boots.
"I can't ride any further with the blisters on my feet." He added. "So a rest will be welcome."
"Then Aoi, can you look after him for a minute while Mei-chan and I get tea?" Hikari sent Aoiketsu a quizzical look, and Aoiketsu gathered his wits, nodding his head.
"That I think I can manage." He agreed ironically. "Yes, Hikari-san. I'll do as you say."
"Then we'll be right back. Come on, Mei-chan - you know where Aidou-san keeps all the ingredients." Hikari flashed the youngster a smile, and as they left the room, Aoiketsu let out a sigh, sinking down onto an empty bench.
"I thought you were supposed to be in Kahou." He murmured softly. "Why are you here in the Eastern Village, Kayu?"
"To make sure you're alive, of course." Kayu's eyes narrowed. "And that Suzaku's folk haven't slaughtered you yet. But obviously you're fine...so I could have saved myself the ride."
He grimaced down at his feet.
"Besides, I do have blisters." He added. "Maichu and I both parted ways and he headed to Eiyou. I said I'd come here and make sure all was well, since I had a just reason to come to an apothecary and Hyoushin-sama's intelligence told me that much about Chichiri of Suzaku. I suppose it's too soon to expect you to know anything important yet?"
"Too soon indeed. I've barely been here ten seconds." Aoiketsu frowned. "Give me a chance at the very least."
"All right." Kayu relented, nodding his head.
"Although..." Aoiketsu hesitated, remembering the recent conversation, and pausing. "Maybe there's one thing. At least, I don't know if it matters or not. But it might."
"Anything is better than nothing." Kayu arched an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"This Hikari kid seems like any other village kid to me. No different from the bandit she spends time with." Aoiketsu said honestly. "She's an average young girl as far as I can see. But she told me her father was Tamahome of the Suzaku Shichi Seishi. So maybe that's why Suiko was so interested in her - because she's got Suzaku Seishi heritage. Almost certainly it's why she's wrapped up in all this - the bandit girl she hangs out with is Tasuki's daughter, so if Hikari's Tamahome's it makes some sense. Even if that's all she is, it's still in her blood."
"Tamahome, huh?" Kayu's eyes narrowed. "That's the bastard who slew the Shougun, ain't it?"
"Yes. The same one." Aoiketsu nodded his head.
"Then you be damn careful, Aoi-kun." Kayu warned him. "If she finds out you're from Kutou an' representin' Kintsusei-sama - you don't know if the daughter's the same as the father in that respect."
"She doesn't seem to be violent or aggressive." Aoiketsu admitted. "I think...she seems like a normal girl to me. Actually, she seems quite kind. But I suppose it might be an act, since I'm the interloper."
"So as I said, be careful." Kayu repeated, and Aoiketsu nodded.
"I will." He agreed. "Tamahome was the one who slew our Shougun, not Hikari - but you're right. It never hurts to be cautious."
"And it's something I can report back when Maichu and I confer." Kayu added. "So when I've got something for my feet, I'll ride to Eiyou and speak to him. I think we might be working in relay, in terms of conveying messages home."
"No, that won't work." Aoiketsu shook his head, his gaze flitting towards the door to the back room as he heard a peal of Meikyo's laughter. "Speak more quietly, Kayu. I can't risk being found out yet. But no - the Southerners are preparing for a trip North. To Hokkan. Touran, to be exact. So I won't be here."
"You've already inveigled yourself an invite?" Kayu looked startled, and Aoiketsu grinned.
"I didn't even have to try." He admitted. "Apparently because they think Miramu is after me, they consider it a safer option for me to be with them. But listen, Kayu. Toroki is here. The woman you met in Sairou - she's definitely an ally of Suzaku. I met her last night and she looked at me...for a long time. She hasn't said anything, but I...I'm not sure. I have to be very careful around her. Right now she's keeping an eye on the village from some unknown location while Chichiri's away from his post here - she takes things very seriously, and she has a way of tracking down Miramu. But if she's around, she mustn't see you here."
"Damn right." Kayu shivered. "I don't like that dame. She's creepy. And besides, we've met before...I don't intend on her seeing me here."
He frowned.
"Maichu and I will have to reassess our plans, then." He decided with a sigh. "I think it's probably better if you're heading to Genbu's country that one of us shadows your trip and the other reports back to Kutou. I'm worried about Kintsusei-sama and Lord Kikei in the absence of the three of us."
"I think Kikei-sama will take care of himself, and Hyoushin-sama will take care of the Emperor if he needs it." Aoiketsu said firmly. Kayu's brows knitted together.
"I'm worried about that, too." He owned. "It's a bad feeling I have, and I can't explain it fully. But Hyoushin-sama sent you, me and Maichu south. Doesn't that seem odd to you? Maichu thinks it's an honour - a promotion, if you like. A special errand on the Emperor's orders. But...it seems strange. The three of us are probably the strongest and most loyal soldiers in the Imperial Guard at the moment. Why has he risked all three of us at once?"
"What are you trying to say?" Aoiketsu stared. "That Hyoushin-sama's sent us away because we're loyal to the Emperor? But so's he!"
"I...don't know." Kayu bit his lip. "Look, I can't tell you much more. Just, talk to that Toroki dame if you can. Find out what she knows about Kutou. She said something when we took the Shinzahou that spooked me and I can't get it out of my mind. Something about the Emperor and an enemy of tribal birth. Maichu thinks it was a ruse, but she was half-mad in the eyes when she said it...so find out what you can. If just for my peace of mind."
"Are you suggesting Hyoushin-sama is going to betray the Emperor?" Aoiketsu frowned. "That's the biggest nonsense you've ever come up with, Kayu!"
"I know, it sounds insane, but I can't think of any other explanation." Kayu bit his lip. "Hyoushin-sama made us promise not to tell anyone, and Maichu hasn't - but I'm not sure it's a promise I want to keep, if it has implications like that. The Emperor's safety is important...for Kutou's sake, all hell would let loose if anything happened to him. We both know that. So if Hyoushin-sama isn't the guilty party, we need to know who is and whether or not Toroki was lying. You're in the perfect position to find out that...do you think you can?"
"Hyoushin-sama would never betray the Emperor, but I'll see what I can do." Aoiketsu said with a sigh. "If just to prove that's the case."
"I want that to be the case, too." Kayu said grimly. "Though I don't know why he'd want us to keep it a secret if there's nothing to it."
"I wasn't there so I can't comment." Aoiketsu said evenly. "But I won't ever believe the Commander could betray anyone. He probably doesn't even know the kanji for betrayal...I'm serious. You should focus on your duty and on helping Kutou. Go to Eiyou, find Maichu and tell him what I told you - that in a few days, maybe a week we'll be heading North. I haven't any information on any Shinzahou, yet. It's too soon. But if one of you shadows our progress, I might learn more. All right?"
"All right." Kayu sat back in his seat with a sigh. "I get it."
He pursed his lips.
"You know, with your hair bound like that, you do look like the spoiled Kaiga exile." He acknowledged. "Seeing you without a sword is like seeing a man without his leg. And what happened to your arm? I don't remember you being wounded when you left Hengei."
"Miramu's parting gift to me." Aoiketsu touched the bandage grimly. "Listen, if you want to beware anyone, Kayu - be careful of him. He's sick in the head."
"I suppose he thought if you were wounded, you'd be easier to feel sorry for." Kayu mused. "I bet you heaved your guts a bit over that."
"It wasn't pleasant." Aoiketsu said stiffly. "And shut up - I think they're coming back."
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting so long, okyaku-sama." Hikari re-entered the chamber at that moment, bearing with her a mug of steaming tea. "Here. Aidou-san has just come back and I've told her you're here - she'll be right through to see you as soon as she's gathered the right ointment for travel blisters."
"You're kind." Kayu offered Hikari a warm smile. "I'm supposed to be in Eiyou by nightfall, and my father will be ready to kill me if I'm not there."
"You're a trader then, okyaku-sama?" Aoiketsu asked softly, and Kayu nodded his head.
"Trade's always good in the south." He agreed. "And I'll be in trouble if we waste even a day of good business."
"My apologies for the delay, okyaku-san." Aidou herself emerged at that instant, a vial of something in her hand as she bowed her head towards him. "I'll tend to your needs now. Mei-chan, thank you for playing hostess, and for your help too, Hikari-chan. You're relieved now, though - why don't you take Aoi-san up to the mountain? Meikyo has chores to attend to, and I'm sure Hou Jun will have a use for the pair of you up there, since it's on account of your trip he's gone."
"Good idea." Hikari nodded. "Aoi, are you game? I need to go to Reikaku-zan, anyway. I...I haven't been there, since Jin was buried. And I need to go...and see him."
Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, and Aoiketsu shot her a glance, a faint flicker of sympathy stirring inside of him. He nodded.
"I'd like to see this Reikaku-zan mountain. I've heard a lot about it and its infamous bandits." He agreed evenly. "Will you lead the way, Hikari-san?"
He bowed his head in Kayu's direction, their gazes meeting briefly once again. "Please excuse us, okyaku-sama - I wish you much fortune with your business in Eiyou."
"Indeed. Thank you, sir." Kayu replied gravely. "I trust our trip will prove successful."
The walk up to the mountain was not a long one, and as they climbed higher above the valley, Hikari paused to point out various of the villages in the surrounding area.
"And that's Souun." She concluded. "All of this area is protected by the bandits that live on this mountain. They call themselves bandits, but I guess they're not entirely thieves and rogues. I mean, they do take care of the poor people in the villages and stuff. And because Tasuki is here, and Kashira, they see him as Suzaku watching over them. I think he sees it, too...that he's the closest thing they have to a divine guardian. He seems to take it real seriously, because some of the villages hereabouts are really poor."
"I suppose I didn't think of bandits acting in that way." Aoiketsu turned to survey the landscape. "And that is the village we've come from? The so called Eastern Village?"
"Yes, although in truth it lies to the west of Reikaku-zan." Hikari sent him a rueful look. "I don't know how it got its name, to be honest. It might have something to do with Kaou-zan, though. That's the mountain in the distance...but we don't ever go there. Seriously, Aoi, the bandits there are really bad news."
"True rogues, perhaps?" Aoiketsu reflected, and Hikari nodded.
"From what I've heard." She agreed. "They've tried to kidnap both Shishi and her mother on numerous occasions."
"Then that explains why Shishi carries a sword." Aoiketsu murmured. "I am honestly not used to seeing a girl with a blade at her waist - but somehow it does not seem wrong, with her."
"No. And she's a good fighter with it, too." Hikari said ruefully. "Thankfully. Because I have a sword too - at least, it's sort of mine. It was lent to me by Reizeitei-sama. But...it's not really mine and I can't really use it properly. It once belonged to Hotohori-sama of the Suzaku Shichi Seishi - but I don't have a clue how to wield it."
"You have met Kounan's Emperor?" Aoiketsu stared at her, and Hikari laughed.
"On two occasions." She admitted. "His father and mine were battle comrades - remember?"
"I'm not so knowledgeable about Kounan's history as I could be." Aoiketsu admitted, and Hikari grinned.
"That's right. You're from Kutou." She remembered. "It's easy to forget that, because when I think of Kutou I think of all the bad stuff that's been going on lately. And the stories Shishi and the others have told me, about Seiryuu's Shichi Seishi. But when we were in the North, I did meet the man who was once known as Amiboshi. And he was a kind man, too. So I suppose it's not fair to think that all people from Kutou are bad. I'm sorry, Aoi-kun. I'm being unfair towards your homeland, aren't I?"
"At present, probably not." Aoiketsu bit his lip, a wistful look entering his seiran eyes as he shook his head. "As I said, Kutou is a very sad place. And I wish it was at peace, so that I could go home and not worry about any of this. But it isn't and I cannot and such is life."
"You can stay in Kounan, though. We'll stop Miramu from hurting you." Hikari said firmly. "I promise, I won't let him kill anyone else if I can stop it."
"Thank you." Aoiketsu offered her a smile. "As I said before, you have a kind heart. Especially towards a stranger about whom you know next to nothing."
"I know that Miramu hurt you, and that your family were dead." Hikari replied. "Chichiri told us about the Kaiga family before you regained consciousness yesterday - because he saw your ring. So we already knew something about it. It's all right, Aoi-kun. Even if you were born in Kutou, you don't need to worry about it. You're welcome in Kounan - you're not the enemy we're fighting against."
Aoiketsu was silent for a moment, eying her keenly as he absorbed her open, resolute expression. As he met her hazel gaze, he felt a faint flicker of guilt stir up inside of him for his deception, and he frowned, unnerved by the fleeting sensation.
"This is Tamahome's daughter. The child of the man who destroyed the Shougun and his companions." He told himself firmly. "Why, then, do I feel bad lying to her? I'm not here to pander to Kounan's needs but to help Kutou to achieve its objectives and find peace. Kounan already has peace - they don't need Shinzahou and surely it must be an act of spite or greed that drives them to collect them. But...to what end? I really don't understand any of this. And what Kayu said - does he really believe Hyoushin-sama might be a traitor? That's nonsense. I won't believe it. But Kayu...Kayu wasn't sure. Everything's so complicated - I hope I can find out the information I'm here to find soon. Then I can retreat and go home and report all I know to the people who I have faith in. Nothing else matters - I'll do my duty and report to Hyoushin-sama and Kintsusei-sama the information they need. Hikari and the people of the South aren't important. At the moment, they're the enemy. Keep that in mind, Aoi, and keep on your guard - you don't know enough about anything yet to make a confident decision."
"Are you still with me?" Hikari waved her hand in front of his eyes at that moment and he jumped, turning his head towards her with a rueful smile.
"Sorry." He said apologetically. "I was enjoying the peace and the beauty and I became lost in it for a brief moment."
"Kounan is beautiful. "Hikari agreed. "I really hope it can stay that way. I've heard so many horrible stories about the last war. I really don't want there to be another one...even if I'm not here to see the worst of it."
"Why would you not be?" Aoiketsu was startled, and Hikari looked sheepish.
"My home is a long way from here." She said evenly. "I told you."
"But it's not even within Kounan?"
"No." Hikari agreed. "But it's complicated to explain. It's just a long way away, that's all."
"I see." Aoiketsu frowned. "So Tamahome can't help his fellows in your quest, then, because he is too far from Kounan to be of use?"
"Yes. Exactly." Hikari nodded.
"But you're here."
"Like I said, it's complicated." Hikari shrugged. "And really not all that interesting. Besides, we're here. This is the pathway that leads to the bandit hideout - just stick with me, okay? They know who I am, now, and that I'm under Tasuki's protection. So noone will hurt you, not while you're with me."
"Hiki!"
Before Aoiketsu could reply, Shishi had jumped down from a tree branch, landing squarely on the path in front of them and making Aoiketsu jump with the suddenness of her appearance.
"Chichiri said you were coming this way, so I came to meet you." She said with a grin. "He and Papa...Kashira are discussing the best route for us to take North. It seems complicated, so I really hope your navigation is up to something, Aoi. Especially when we reach Touran."
"I have a good memory." Aoiketsu nodded. "And I'm a competent map reader, also...I would not have escaped with my life to this point if I did not have some navigational skill at finding alternate routes to take. I promise, I know my way."
"Then we'll be fine." Hikari said decidedly. "Aidou-san had someone who needed a remedy, so we came this way to meet up with you and get out of her way. Myoume's patrolling the village - at least, I guess she's still hunting her brother's chi, or something like that. I've not seen her since dawn. But I wanted to show Aoi the view from the mountain, so I brought him with me. And...and while I'm here...Shishi, I wanted to...see Jin."
"Yeah, I figured." Shishi frowned, then nodded her head. "Are you going to bring wimp boy there with you, or are we leaving him behind?"
"I could wait for you here." Aoiketsu offered, but Hikari shook her head.
"I don't want to leave you on your own. Not in bandit country - they don't know you." She said frankly. "You'd better come."
"But you keep your distance from my brother's grave." Shishi added. "It's nothin' funny, just..."
"It's all right." Aoiketsu offered her a slight smile. "I understand. He was known to you and to Hikari-san - and he was dear to you both. I am a stranger. I will not intrude on your time with him - I promise."
"Good." Relief flickered into the bandit's bronze gaze. "Because no offence to you, but it really ain't your business."
"And I wouldn't try and make it so." Aoiketsu said evenly. Shishi sighed, shaking her head at him resignedly.
"Do you always speak so damn formal?" She demanded. "You sound like a stuck up spoiled court brat right at the moment. Relax a little, will you? Dressed like that, with your hair in ties...you look like a prime target for robbers if not for your assassin stalker. We should have burned that for the blood instead of letting Aidou-obasama mend it and clean it through - and we ought to make you out like a bandit while you're here. At least then you'd look less easy to take down, even if you are a prize wimp."
"I'd rather dress in my own attire, thank you." Aoiketsu affected indignation, and Shishi sighed.
"Hiki, you're chief babysitter since he's stoppin' with you at Chichiri's right now." She said frankly. "Can't you do somethin' about him? At least make him dress like a friggin' peasant if not like a bandit. Maybe he's scared to have a sword in case he cuts himself an' passes out, but he could look less distinctive. Especially if we're travellin' north. People will notice."
"Shishi has a point." Hikari reflected. "Aoi, we might need to discuss that with Chichiri when we get back to the village. Maybe he or Aidou-san will have an idea."
"But..." Aoiketsu began, and Shishi shot him a dark look.
"Do as you're told." She snapped. "Or do you want to advertise your presence to that bastard Miramu for miles around?"
"No, of course not, but I..."
"Then it won't hurt to tame your appearance down a little. You ain't the goddamn Emperor, after all." Shishi shook her head. "You're an exile, that's all. A noble son, maybe, but a damn exile - that means you're no better'n anyone else, an' you can dress like it, too."
"Peasant clothing is uncomfortable." Aoiketsu said mildly, and Shishi snorted.
"Not as uncomfortable as bein' impaled on my sword." She said bluntly. "So think on that, okay? Come on, Hiki. We're goin' to see Jin - Aoi, you follow us but keep your distance, okay? Remember what you said about intrudin' - I don't know what kind of honour Kutou's exiled nobility cling to, but whatever it is, use it, huh?"
With that she grabbed Hikari by the arm, pulling her off to the left towards a mountain path almost hidden by the thick growth of trees. Aoiketsu followed at a safe distance, resisting the urge to retort to Shishi's brusque words as he reached up to finger a lock of his dark hair.
"Well, I seem to be convincing as the Kaiga's exiled son." He mused ruefully. "She won't let up, but at least if she's looking at me that way, she won't imagine I'm anything other than what I seem. Hyoushin-sama was right - all that tuition and all that time spent in proximity to court nobility as a child has prepared me well for this. At this rate they'll never suspect that Kaiga Aoiketsu is actually a soldier of the Imperial Guard and no more noble than either of them."
As the trees began to thin out ahead, he could make out the distinctive shape of two stone tombs constructed on a smoothed ledge of the mountain, and alongside them lay a third carved casket, the beginnings of a similar shelter growing up around it. He paused, leaning up against the tree as he observed first Shishi then Hikari kneel down beside the casket, and he frowned.
"The bandit. Jin." He murmured. "The one Miramu killed in Sairou. I don't know whether or not he's important to all of this. But I know he's not just a bandit. This whole mission is important to Kounan, even if I don't understand it yet."
He sighed, running his gaze over the boy's tomb.
"You were younger than me, but you died for your country like any soldier." He reflected. "And now I'm here to rip apart that sacrifice you made and render it useless. I don't know why it should bother me, because I never met you and I never will. Maybe it's because of how Hikari speaks - and Shishi too. But Hikari...especially Hikari. The way she said...about never forgiving Miramu for what he'd done. Why do I start to feel guilty about it? He was just a Kounan bandit...wasn't he?"
He ran his fingers through his thick dark hair.
"Hyoushin-sama always taught us not to value life cheaply. Perhaps that's why I feel like I do." He acknowledged. "Or it's because Hikari and her companions have generally been kind to me. Especially her. Like she really wants us to be friends. And in another circumstance, I'd want to be friends with her too. But shit, I'm a spy. This Kaiga Aoiketsu is an act - all of it is just pretend. I'm here for information, not to make friends. And no matter how kind she is, I mustn't falter in my resolve. She's Tamahome's daughter. Tamahome killed the Shougun. That makes her my enemy."
His gaze flitted to the two girls once more, as he observed the serious expressions on their faces and the glitter of tears that dusted Hikari's cheeks. Faintly he could just make out her voice, and as he heard her words, something clenched inside of him.
"I'm sorry, Jin. For being a coward, and for putting you in this position." She said, her voice shaking as she spoke the words. "I feel like I let you down. But I promise it won't happen again. I won't forget any of this...I won't forget what you've done for me. I won't let Miramu or Kutou get away with murdering you. We will stop this - we'll prevent everything from being destroyed. You died to make sure I lived - and I swear, Jin, I won't let it go to waste. I'm not going to be scared any more - I'm not going to be a coward. I promise...I'm here and I'll stay here till Kounan is truly safe. I swear it...that's what I'm going to do."
She clenched her hands together and Aoiketsu bit his lip as he registered the resolve both on her face and in her voice.
""For your sake and for Kounan's sake, we're going to succeed this time." She said firmly. "No matter what dirty tricks Kutou's people pull on us...this time we're going to win!"
:::Byakko no Yokan:::
--Owari--