The next morning, though no one was truly rested, everyone donned cloaks and walked though the valley. The closer they got to the end, the fewer the flowers. Eventually, it became bare rock. They reached the edge and found a sheer cliff overlooking a large lake. On the shore surrounding the lake was a city, and on the lake, suspended by metal walkways was a strange castle.

"This is Zenmi Castle, where Taishakuten resides." Yasha told them.

Sakura noticed something. "The reflection on the water, it doesn't match the castle."

"Because the reflection you're seeing isn't a reflection at all." Karura explained. "What you see on the water is the Shura Castle."

"It's a castle under water?" Kurogane asked skeptically.

"Wouldn't be the strangest thing we've seen." Fai reminded him.

"No, it's not under water, it's in a separate plane of existence." Yasha didn't look at them as he explained. "Only the Ashura's and those specifically invited may enter. Not even Lord Ryuu, the master of water can reach it."

Everyone fell silent, contemplating.

"All right, then!" Ryuu's enthusiasm broke the silence. "Let's do what we gotta do! I wanna get back home in time for dinner!" He started walking, obviously thinking the others would follow.

"Lord Ryuu, wait." Yasha's words halted him.

"Hm?" Ryuu turned, waiting for an explanation.

"If you come with us to Zenmi Castle, it will solidify the rumors of your mutiny. We all have a personal grudge against Taishakuten, even these strangers have a reason." He gestured to Syaoran and the others. "But you don't. And you have your people to protect. It is a kings duty to fight and live on for his tribe. The dragon tribe is waiting for your return. They are the ones you must protect."

Lady Karura and Soma didn't say anything but had looks of agreement. Syaoran wanted to help Ryuu, but he knew it had nothing to do with him, so he remained silent as Yasha continued.

"IT's not too late. Go back to the palace of the Dragon King. Go back and do your duty, Lord Ryuu. You needn't walk down this path of danger."

Ryuu's face was expressionless, then he smiled.

"Is your head on straight, Lord Yasha? It's not like I'm here by choice. THe Shura sword showed that I'm one of the of the six stars. And I doubt Taishakuten hasn't noticed that I've joined y our cause." Ashura looked from Ryuu to Yasha, worriedly. Ryuu's joking smile turned a little sad. "I know I have my Dragon tribe. But, I've gained another, here, on this journey. I cannot betray you, just as I cannot betray them." His eyes hardened as he gazed at all of them. "I'll choose which path I go down. Because that's how I live my life." For once, Syaoran saw not only his friend, but a person who was a king, someone very strong. "Lord Yasha, for now, we have to keep our minds on defeating Taishakuten," RYuu stood next to Yasha, his grin back." But after, you and I will have our duel. Don't forget it!"

Ashura looked up at Ryuu from his place in Yasha's arms. "Ryuu..." Ryuu's hand came down on his head and started scruffing his hair. "Wah!"

"And if I didn't come along, who'd feed you?" Ryuu teased. "Well? Can you argue that? You still think I should go?

The child shook his head vigorously. "Stay with us! I... I just want you to be able to keep smiling."

RYuu stared at him, then smiled, putting his hand on his head, gently this time. "Don't worry about that, I'm strong." He flicked Ashura's forehead playfully. "I can protect myself. Like I'll protect you, Ashura."

Ashura rubbed his forehead and smiled. Then, his eyes suddenly went blank. He grabbed his left wrist.

"Ashura!?"

Out of his hand rose a sword whose blade was so clear, it looked like it was made of glass. Ashura raised his head and opened his eyes, the sword was floating just above his hand.

"It's a star," Ashura intoned in a voice not his. "The last of the six stars."

One the sword reflected the image of a woman in black, ornate armor.

"Lady Kendappa?!" Yasha exclaimed in surprise as Soma covered her gasp with her hands. "Lady Kendappa is the sixth star?!"

"But, that doesn't look like her at all!" Ryuu interjected. "What's with all the armor?"

"Now she really looks like Empress Ameterasu." Kurogane murmured, inspecting the image.

"The stars have gathered as the heavens ordained." Ashura continued in the strange voice as if they never spoke. "The fruition of the prophecy is near. Follow that star." He pointed. "Follow it, and obtain what you seek."

They all turned to see where he was pointing. "It's Zenmi Castle!" Syaoran exclaimed.

"Lady Kendappa is at Zenmi Castle?!" Yasha said disbelievingly.

"That's perfect!" Ryuu was ecstatic.

"My Lady ..." Soma's whispered voice, to Fai, sounded heart broken.

Ashura's sword disappeared back into his body and he fell back into Yasha's arms. He leaned his head into his hand, his face pale and skin clammy.

"You okay, Ashura?" Ryuu asked. His response was a nod of the head.

" 'The fruition of the prophecy is near.' " Fai repeated. " 'Follow it and obtain what you seek.' Seems straight forward to me. It's time to storm the castle." Fai smiled as he gestured with is hands.

"It's about time!" Kurogane smirked

"Kurggy just wasn't to fight, he's such a barbarian." Mokona said mockingly.

"Shut, fur-ball."

"Zenmi Castle, you're going down!" RYuu punched his fist into his hand. "With Lady Kendappa right there already, we'll kill that Taishakuten just like the prophecy said!" Everyone nodded in agreement.

Ashura led them as they started moving. "Let's go!"

Second update in one week. I'm on a roll. I did that because it's gonna take me a while to get the next chap. written and typed because I've got crazy profs breathing down my neck. How you enjoy.