Hohoho, this story is already in M because there will be M. Anyway, I seemed to have been growing out of sex scenes. Haha. Anyway, don't mind me and please continue reading! :D Btw, I'm trying to update my other fictions—and seriously failing. I will probably finish this story first before updating the others. Sorry about that, I can be really serious about one story if I want to. :D

ThePinkMartini: Well, they are connected in some way or another with Yui in this story so... heehee. :D

Princess-of-doctors: While reading the Seiran Den (Nakago's Gaiden Novel), there were instances when I ended up laughing because Nakago's so cute and funny! :D Yeah, Soi will sometimes come in between them. ;)

Obsessed Dreamer: Yes, Minako is very Yui and Soi's role will be somewhat like that. Sorry Soi-lovers, I'm not really a fan of her character. Heehee. I bet Soi-Nakago lovers hate Yui to the core.

Khryztinne: Yes, I love Nakago and his pimples. :D I think he can be funny, especially when he's young. I bet the Emperor had a laugh making fun of him in bed (o_O).

Lyndel: Yeah, Nakago-Yui rocks! :)

Disclaimer: FY is not mine.

Poisonous Seeds

By Slavedriver2008

SHADOWS COVERED THE trees and the wind howls, cold and lifeless, mimicking a four-foot creature's cries as the moon becomes full and bright and complete in form. The princess continued to thread on the barren shady earth, heading with no definite direction into the murky sea of branches and leaves. A white creature slowly formed beside her and padded feet made measured steps on the damp ground. Yui turned and her blue eyes met yellow irises.

"Shinji…" she called in a light voice. Recognition flashed over the animal's eyes.

The name you gave me… It is beautiful but it is a sinner's name… You can call me by my real name… Ashitare…Yui blinked. The words created itself in her head and she stopped walking. In slow movements, she kneeled before the wolf, still a cub but bigger than the dogs in the palace. I can speak better in dreams… when the moon if full…

"How can you do this…?" she asked, eyeing him intently. The cub sat down before her and created the illusion of smiling.

I cannot enter your dreams… but you can enter mine…The cub slowly walked toward her and licked the sides of her face. Yui smiled and patted the pelt on his neck. The Hin is not very nice to you… But he is a good man…

"You know he's a Hin?" she asked, surprised. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I can only speak clearly when the moon is full… and only in dreams…He answered. Yui shook her head and smiled, patting the creature. When the Spring Bearer comes… We can speak more clearly… without the moon's consent…

"The Spring Bearer?"

Come… the Elder waits…The wolf pulled the sleeve of her robe and Yui allowed him to lead her further into the darkening forest. The night was unstill and something stirred in the air but she could not identity what it was. He is near… we must hurry…

The wolf led her into a small fire where an old man with a burly body sat on a wooden log, eyeing the fire intently. His hair was white and long and his yellow eyes held a firmness and savagery not common to men. A long scar was in the middle of his face, stretching from the forehead to the bridge of the nose. Wolves lingered beside the man and as Yui looked around, found more creatures surrounding the fire.

"Sit down, hime-sama," the old man said, not taking his eyes off the fire. Ashitare pulled her on another log and she sat down, across him, the wolf taking the place under her right hand, nuzzling it to pat its head. "My grandson had grown a liking for you… I could not blame him, your soul is connected to numerous other souls…"

"Grandson…?" she asked and the earlier dream she had lingered at the back of her head. Could she trust this man?

"Yes, it is my mistake to allow Ashitare's death. But the gods have forgiven my propensity and allowed me to lead my pack," he noted slowly. "Although I can only lead them through dreams… that only you may enter…"

"I don't understand…"

"You are in the presence of darkness. He will want nothing but your death. Never entertain the seeds of poison that he will plant in your head, your heart," he said slowly, in a tone that made the hair on Yui's back prickle. "Once you fall into his hands, once he succeeded in banishing your hope, there will be no future for us… for our country…"

"Ojii-sama… You are speaking in circles, I do not—"

"In time you will understand… In time…" A sad smile crept over the man's face. "The answers you seek are in your heart. Do not let yourself be blinded by false images. What is on the surface… is padded with lies…"

Yui-sama, He comes! Hurry, you must leave or he will know…Ashitare quickly stood up and pulled the sleeve of her robe. Yui-sama—leave or he will find this sanctuary!

"Who?" Yui stood up, looking at the young wolf with concern. The wolves around them stood on their feet and howled, in a state of panic. The leaves moved faster, swiftly, as if breaking away from brittle branches.

The Dark Man comes…

YUI OPENED HER eyes and she sat up from the bed. Sweat beaded her forehead and every part of her skin. Heavy breathing came from her dry mouth and she pulled the blanket to her body. The moon was still full outside the window and she turned to the door. Her instincts tell her someone was beyond the door and it was not Ayuru.

Her thoughts returned to the warrior Nakago. Where was he? He had not returned to the room. Not that she wanted him to return… She flushed at the events that happened before she fell asleep and her face burned as her body seemed to become more alive with the thought. What was happening to her? He was a lowly man who abused her. Why does her body react this way? And her heart, why does it pump fast at the mention of his name? At the mere thought of him?

Yui jumped off the bed and headed for the door. She should look for him and Ashitare. If not, she'll escape with the boy as the last she wanted was to end up in shackles in the capital. She opened the door and she smiled when she found out that no guards were stationed on the door. It was obviously another miscalculation from the shogun. Why was he shogun in the first place? She stepped out of the door and gasped when a pair of dark eyes probed into hers. Nakago's right hand man, Tenkou, smirked at the sight of her coming out of the room.

"Nakago-sama is with the warrior Soi," he stated and the hair at the back of Yui's hair prickled. Soi was Kaen, the woman who can control lightning. She could not get used to calling them by their seishi names. "It seems that you were not enough for him."

"What?" she asked, dumbfounded.

"It seems that the general needed a woman, not an inexperienced girl," Tenkou stated, eyes shimmering at the surprise he lit in her. Yui's eyes misted, knowing what the commander meant. She doesn't care about Nakago and Soi. They can do what they want and she wouldn't care. What she wanted was to escape. But why… why does she feel this way? Her heart felt heavy.

"I don't know what you're talking about…" she stammered and the man laughed mirthlessly.

"At the far end is Soi-sama's room, where the General rests. You should at least… take a peek." The man smiled wide, as if sharing a valuable secret. He turned around and walked away, stopping at the door he mentioned and then turning his head toward her direction. He then disappeared quickly, not looking back.

The corridor was left barren and cold, except for her presence. The mark of the Min House was at the far end of the corridor, hanging in bold colors. The Min house was never close to her family and was mostly complacent when it comes to political affairs. Noble houses seldom admit troops into their houses. But Nakago was one of the shoguns of Kutou. No man in his right mind would refuse a shogun.

Even against her will, Yui walked toward the room and stared at the small golden knob. No sound came inside and her heart started to beat loud. Curious, she placed her palm on the closed door. Was he really inside? Was Soi—Kaen—inside as well? Daggers slashed her heart at the thought and she pulled her hand back, as if touching fire.

An unexplainable aura covered the night and it shrouded her sense of reason. She had briefly forgotten the dream and her thoughts were filled with what lies beyond the big mahogany door. She took a step closer and placed her hands around the knob, turning it very very slowly, holding her breath.

ASHITARE JUMPED FROM sleep and looked around the cage where he was locked. A man walked toward him, sneering, holding a whip. Fear gripped him as he immediately recognized the man. The dark-haired man whacked the cage and the tip of the whip hit his small body. He cried from the pain.

"You can never hide from me," the man said devilishly, whacking him repeatedly inside the cage. The boy cowered to the side and covered his face, cheeks bleeding from the man's whip. He wanted to scream but no voice left him. "You will be mine!" He laughed loud, adding to the fear inside his body. "Your clan will be mine! You cannot hide in dreams!" The sound of the whip continued to drill through the night.

Priestess… Priestess…He called in his head, hoping she'd finally wake up and come to his rescue. Save me…She would not hear, he thought. She was faraway, very far away. Ashitare closed his eyes. He should not lose consciousness. No, he must stay awake. Once he gives in, the devil will have his way with his dreams.

Shrill laughter continued to emanate from the man as he continued to whip him. The parts of his body bled, one by one, causing an unbearable throbbing pain in his flesh. But he will be strong, he should be strong until she finds him.

"She will not come for you—she has forsaken you!" The man screamed and tears fell from the boy's eyes. "You are nothing to her!" Laughter filled the night but the boy continued to hope. It was the elder's advice. Never lose hope.

THE SHOGUN CLOSED his eyes as the warrior Soi moved on top of him, wrapping his swollen manhood in her warmth. His fist clenched and he struggled to drift away from the image of her face in his head. The uncertainty, the voice, the brightness of her cheeks, the mere sound of her breathing was enough to drive him insane. He throbbed more and the woman ended up moaning as she used his body to increase his chi. Labored breathing reached his ears but it did not cause his body to harden on its own.

It was her.

Nakago cursed as his powers increased, surpassing the normal intensity he usually uses. He needed this, at this ungodly time. His defenses were crumbling at her presence. Damn her for making him feel like the fourteen year old boy he used to be. Curse her for calling his name. He wanted to kill her but the moment she touched her pale smooth skin, another emotion emerged and he was left with the memories of her skin, her mouth, the scent, the feel of her body. He punched the bed where he lied and his mark shone bright.

"Be quick," he ordered, voice deep and angry. The woman nodded profusely, moving quickly, resisting the urge to moan. Soi's red hair moved lightly with every movement and his stomach clenched.

Nakago closed his eyes and tried to dream of the death of his mother, the sacrifice Tarlia made for his powers to awaken, the agony he endured every night in the wretched man's bed. He winced as the mark shone brighter, engulfing him, them, in the powers of the god of the East. But another memory drilled in his consciousness. He used to keep those memories at bay. But now, it had come out without his consent, nagging at him, eating the anger that was left of him. He was getting weak. He needed Soi to increase his powers so he can drive the images away. But it seeped, persistently. He shut his eyes, willing it go away but it stayed, it lingered.

"Nakago, why are you up so early?" Koyuu asked, wrapped in his armor. Even with the soldiers guarding the palace, the general was always ready for an attack. The boy looked up, cheeks aflame.

"I am waiting for the sunrise, Father," he answered softly. He was still dressed in his robes and in a few more minutes, the household would wake up and he will be forced to take a bath. But before the maids whisk him away, he wanted to see her. "She always comes with the sun… but I don't see her anymore…" he whispered. The boy leaned on the window, overlooking a beautiful garden and a single but full-sized house.

"Your mother…?" the general asked very softly. It had been only a few months since he was brought to the palace. The general's eyes saddened at the image of the boy and the woman.

"The Emperor did terrible things to us, to me. But it was okay because in the morning she comes to drive away the pain…" he whispered, looking at the house. "I want to see her again…" The boy's eyes widened and redness filled his face as an image emerged from the house. He immediately ducked below the window, hiding. "She saw me…" Confused, Koyuu turned toward the house and he smiled wide, bowing down.

"Koyuu-sama! Ohayou!"

The girl's voice drilled through Nakago's head and he opened his eyes, heaving. He turned toward the door and his eyes widened. He leaned on his elbow to get a good view of her face and her misty blue eyes. Soi stopped moving and turned to what caught his attention. The girl bit her lip and then scampered away, closing the door quickly.

"Nakago-sama—"

"Get off," he ordered. In an instant, his mood had changed for the worst.

MINAKO ROLLED THE black ball on her fingers, eyeing them intently. He had left three pieces of the medicine under her care. He could make some more if the need arises. The princess evaluated whether to use the medicine or not. The conversation with the warriors had been unfruitful to say the least. The thought of talking to commoners made her skin prickle. No matter how many baths they take, no matter how lavish the clothes they wore, she could smell the stench of the streets in them. It made her sick.

"If one of the warriors seems unwilling to follow your orders, use it on him hime-sama," the man told her before he left. "Warriors are always too stubborn but the Kodoku will tame them."

The princess clutched the ball and dropped it back on the brown box as if touching fire. She wanted to use the Kodoku on only one man but the latter had been very supportive there was no use to do so. She would not use good medicine on those lowly creatures. She straightened her robe and looked at her reflection one last time before heading toward her father's room.

A dozen servants followed her as she headed toward the Emperor's chambers. The guards bowed down as they passed and she held her chin up, smirking. It had been her dream to live her life, to be respected and followed and venerated by the whole empire. Kutou was the second biggest empire in the Four Kingdoms and a royalty of the country always got more respect than the others. Her father's right hand man bowed to her.

"A pleasant night, Minako-sama, the Emperor and the Crowned Prince are waiting inside," he said and she raised an eyebrow in response. As the highest woman in the court, she was not required to answer. She was the only one who greeted the servants. Minako's forehead creased at the thought.

The majestic doors parted and she walked inside, taking off her beautiful studded slippers, robes made of fine indigo silk flapped along the richest most expensive carpet in the kingdom. Her ebony hair bore diamonds and pearls, pendants that would envy every woman in the harem. She was beautiful and starkly different from the former princess.

She bowed low when she entered the chamber, where they were to talk. Her servants were left outside and the doors quickly closed behind her. There were only three of them in a big room that rivaled hers. She walked toward the reserved seat at the left side of the Emperor, head bowed down. The moment she was seated, she looked up and greeted her father.

"A pleasant evening, Father, may Seiryuu bless you." The Emperor nodded and she faced her brother. Unlike her, the Crowned Prince has light brown hair, one he got from their mother. "A pleasant evening, Aniue." He nodded and placed down the cup of sake.

"How was your conversation with the warriors?" the old man asked immediately, not even bothering with formalities. Minako sighed.

"Not very well, Father. They are against the possibility of pledging for Hakei," the princess stated. Prince Hakei nodded slowly, smirking.

"Those are disappointing news, sister. You are probably making a lousy way of being a priestess," the prince teased, raising an eyebrow. The girl flustered and threw him sharp looks. "You are always a bad actress."

"Enough of this bantering," the Emperor said before it could go any further. "What news do we have of Hokkan?" he asked and the prince turned to the older man.

"The hierarchy is in disarray with the appearance of the miko. I managed to sign an agreement with Temudan-sama to have the Genbu warriors assassinated." The Emperor nodded, satisfied with the news. "I already sent some of our troops in the search and hid the others in the border—in case a full-blown occupation takes place," he narrated confidently.

"I hope he does not become a problem," the Emperor commented. Hakei smiled.

"I sent my most trusted commander. Once the ruling emperor is killed, Temudan will assume the throne. It is easy to have him killed, Father," the prince explained. "Everything is under control in Hokkan but I believe it is not the same in Konan?" Minako's hands clenched on a fan and she opened it immediately, fanning herself.

"I have already told the Seiryuu shinchiseishis to prepare for war."

"And…?" the Emperor inquired, expecting her to say more. The princess frowned.

"I am still waiting news from Nakago—"

"Ah, your favorite useless warrior," Hakei teased, laughing lightly.

"Well, you will be happy to know that he is on his way with Yui-hime," Minako said and the older man stopped laughing. He eyed her sharply and she smirked in response. "At least my favorite useless warrior found four shichiseishis and your beloved, unlike your troops."

"Hakei, did you send troops to find her?" the Emperor asked with disbelief. They were only mobilizing half of Kutou's army, the other half was still under Koyuu's command. He was, for Minako, a stubborn general.

"I did," he admitted, eyeing his sister with repressed anger, tightening his hold of the cup. "She is important in my dealings with Hokkan, Father. Temudan-sama only signed the agreement because I told him Yui has chosen me as her husband," he confessed and Minako snorted.

"She is a Hongou—We killed the Emperor to get the throne. She would kill you on your wedding night, Aniue," Minako said sharply. She could not believe that his brother would choose her as his Empress. It was insane—what would become of her being the highest woman in the court? "Choose a woman from the harem."

If a woman from the harem becomes the Emperor's wife, Minako will retain her position. The harem had been filled immediately after they ascended to power and she chose the nobles herself. Everyone feared her and will willingly give way. It was her step to retain her power even if her father died. Hakei, she realized through time, has a heart that can be easily assuaged—especially by a woman.

"She is the daughter of one of the most important woman in the Roun clan," Hakei reiterated. "Hokkan will never raise arms against Kutou as long as she is in the court. I would have never resorted to keeping her alive if you succeeded in claiming Konan and strengthening our army," he stated, making Minako's jaw clenched.

"I have plans, I am just waiting for news—" Minako stated, her voice breaking. The Emperor raised a hand and she stopped talking. She resisted the urge to cry. Her role, in the grander plan, was to lead the occupation of Konan, a small empire in the South.

"Very well. Once Yui-hime arrives tomorrow, I want to hear your plan Minako," he told the young princess. She nodded in response, lips still trembling. "Hakei, I will wait for news on Hokkan but so far, you did well." The prince nodded smugly.

The two discussed more about strategies and Minako was left clutching her fan. The only thing she wanted was to secure her position but with her becoming Hakei's wife, she will be thrown away for good. She might even end up in the harem. After exchanging a few more drinks, the Emperor called it a night and they both bowed down.

When the two left the inner room, Hakei pulled his sister's arm and clutched it tight. She winced from the contact. But she could not hit him back, as much as she wanted to. Anger brewed over the handsome man's face.

"Tell your favorite useless warrior that he shall not lay a finger on her. If I see one scratch, I will have his head," Hakei stated sternly. He let go and headed out of the chamber. Everyone bowed low before him, leaving her gnashing her teeth.

Minako's mouth thinned. She knew better than to cross Hakei when he was angry. She loathed the princess and her brother gave her more reasons to kill her.

TEARS FELL FROM her cheeks as she ran out from the manor house, surprisingly not encountering any soldier in the dead of night. But Yui didn't care, the only thing she wanted was to get away from him, as far as possible. Everything she felt was new to her, the anger, the jealousy, the pain. She wiped the tears on her face as she looked around, hoping to find Ashitare and escape with the boy. It was the original plan. Why did she let the commander make her do another thing? Yui realized, as she stepped on the ground that the commander was not to be trusted. He seemed to know the hidden unknown desires in her heart. It troubled her then, it troubled her now.

The image flashed in her head and her heart tightened. She hated her heart for reacting as such and she wanted to pull it out of her chest. But the more she denied it, the more it throbbed. She heard a faint whimper and she followed the voice. Yui turned left and immediately found a cage. Lying on the ground was the bloodied boy, crying.

"Ashitare," she called softly, tears flowing from her eyes. "Ashitare, it's me…" The boy looked up and ran immediately, licking her cheek and holding tight to the bars that separated them. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry… Ojiisan asked me to take care of you but… I'm sorry!" She touched the boy's cheek and he snuggled to her. She smiled, guilt still filled her.

A strong hand grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away from the boy. Ashitare growled menacingly, rocking the cage, desperate to get out. A pair of arms pushed Yui on the ground and her eyes widened when two men eyed her hungrily, the same eyes when Nakago pulled her from his tent. It bore ill intentions that made her body shook with fear.

"Look who we have here… The shogun must have let her get away. Maybe he's through with her." One of the men covered her mouth before she could release a scream. The other held on her ankles, pinning them down separately.

"Well, it's not our fault, ne? Let's just take the opportunity. I wonder what princesses' taste like," the other laughed lightly as she struggled to get away from them.

A punch landed on her stomach and she coughed, her head spinning. Her vision blurred and the man laid her down on the ground, giving her air. But his hands pinned her as the other pulled the ties of her robe, showing off her young and naked body.

"Stop—" she coughed as tears fell from her eyes. Another punch landed on her stomach and she choked. Ashitare's growls filled the otherwise quiet night. His mark shone brightly and Yui saw him transform to a wolf inside the cage. "Ashitare—" The wolf pushed the cage but the locks didn't open. The bars only shook but didn't bulge.

"Don't mind the wolf," one of the men said. "Look at this, soft smooth skin." The men laughed and Yui felt their hands on her body, on the parts Nakago had for himself earlier.

"STOP!"

The men's teeth sank on her skin, hands groped her breasts without gentleness, without warmth. Another punch landed on her stomach and she coughed again, pain enveloping her body and a stinging reverberated in her head. Her stomach tightened as their hands and mouths roamed mercilessly. She sobbed, not having enough strength to scream. She reached her hand toward the cage, at Ashitare who continuously growled and threw himself at the cage, his mark shining bright.

"Ashitare…"

Nakago…

A familiar power enveloped her and in a blink, the men disappeared, leaving behind ashes over her battered and bruised body. A strong pair of arms wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her up. Nakago's cold hand landed on her cheek, his eyes wide. His mark shone beautifully on his head. Ironic, she thought, the shogun doesn't have a heart. How can he keep a heart?

"Did they touch you?" he asked in an angry voice, jaws tight.

"Would it matter?" she asked back, eyes red and sore, body in pain. Their eyes met and a solitary tear fell from her eye. "I'm already broken."

Salty tears dropped one by one and the pain in her heart returned. Ashitare continued to growl as Nakago looked down on her form, with eyes she had never seen before. She sobbed and her stomach tightened, throbbing from the punches she endured. She coughed and cried, her body shaking violently. The blood from her mouth spilled on his robe and his arms held her tight, never letting go.

Meters away, a woman looked away, hands tightly closed. Her long red hair hung on her back and sweat still streaked her skin. She pursed her lips and turned away, hurt evident in deep brown eyes. A familiar figure appeared before her and the man smirk.

"Soi, can you rival a princess?" Tenkou smiled wide and Soi looked away, walking back to her room. He turned toward the shogun and shook his head, fascination sketched over his dark soulless eyes.

CHARACTER INFOCUS

Shinji – Otherwise known as the warrior Ashitare. He is the remaining child of the Honshou, a tribe capable of turning to wolves and speaking the language of the legendary creatures. Named by the princess, he is traveling with her to find the remaining warriors but eventually had to choose his loyalty. His real name is unknown. The tribe's mark is a white wolf.

Kaen Haku – Otherwise known as the warrior Soi. Her family was included among those killed by a military rebellion in the early years of Shin the Great's rule. She was adopted by foster parents and grew up in Eisei. She was eventually sold off to a brothel and became a prostitute. She was brought to the palace and swore loyalty to Nakago. Her mark is a sparrow on a branch of cherry blossoms.

A/N: Whew, so many thing happening in one night, ne? Haha. I really tried to put as little as possible with Nakago's memories but argh—it's failing. I can't help but incorporate those small details! He must be a rather troubled young (hot) man! :D Anyway, please do leave reviews!