I'm really sorry for last chapter. I've always visualized it in my head but I guess it didn't end right because I was too uninspired to go through the detail descriptions. Sorry again, hope this chapter makes up for it. Anyway, I forgot to mention that this is already Part 2 of this story. It will run for around 33 or 34 chappies. I've finally decided on an ending thanks to Princess-of-doctors!

Khryztinne: Wow, you left me so many questions. Haha. Let's see… I'll try to clear some things in this chapter but I'm not sure if I can answer more. Glad you're still reading.

Princess-of-doctors: Haha. Yeah, I'm so envious because they're all goin' gaga for her! But not as cheesy as the Suzaku warriors, though. Haha. The faraway kingdom is also in reference to Seiranden. You should read it one of these days, it made me cry.

ThePinkMartini: Actually, I discreetly want Amiboshi too. He has this innocent puppy love thing for her. Haha. Cute.

Obsessed Dreamer: Nah, you're right, it's scattered—was uninspired when I wrote that chappie. Gomen!

Disclaimer: FY is not mine.

A New Day

By Slavedriver2008

THE WOODLAND WAS drenched in the darkness and the Eastern sky was bathed in stars. The clouds finally cleared after the raging storm that lasted all throughout the day. The smell of damp earth fleeted over the land, in an aroma that mixed with the smell of pine trees and wood and a faint faint scent of evening flowers in bloom. It was a beautiful spring night, not too cold not too hot, a cool night to lie on the grass and look up to the stars.

The moon was missing in the heavens but the ground was lit enough to avoid the use of lamps. A throng of horses walked through the still soft ground, creating sounds that were as lazy as the evening and the land around them. The general Koyuu straightened his back and led the army across the woods with only one destination in sight.

Before them loomed the shadowy peak of the Holy Mountain, a neutral ground located at the middle of the four kingdoms. It was believed to house the creator of the world. To a man with a pure soul it is a lush mountain but for those with evil intentions, it appeared merely as a pile of rocks, decaying and drenched in the color of soot. In the morning the mountain disappears behind thick fluffy clouds no air could part. After a good rain it becomes slightly visible, a silhouette in the great divide.

The general sighed and uttered a silent prayer, hoping to reach the mountain in less time. The mountain can be reached in fifteen days from the capital. With a horse, the journey will be cut down to seven, but it was if no one hampers their quest. With the current commotion in Shinryu, a battle-less journey was impossible.

All his men, half of Kutou's army, followed his command when he decided to leave the capital and look for the princess, now the priestess for the god of spring. He could not erase the image that blanketed the heavens that morning: dark cloudy skies, thunders that shook the kingdom with lightning that seemed to want to break the world below. Then the dragon appeared from the sea, flying with a sound that swallowed all the other sounds, moving up and circling the skies. At the dragon's head was a girl and on her forehead was the mark of Seiryuu, a cursive writing that denoted immortality and power. The heavens parted and light shone, illuminating the creature and the priestess in a series of beautiful glittering lights. The image then burst after a shrill high-pitched cry. The earth trembled, the mountains shook, and every citizen of Kutou stayed inside their abodes, gasping and praying as the rain fell, hard and demanding on the roofs of their houses.

She was hidden in layers of mist, disappearing completely from the sea.

Koyuu saw two ships that morning: the Imperial vessel where Nakago stood and another one with a white dragon banner. The sight of the white dragon made his skin crawl; for the Shi family to come out of hiding was not a pleasing sight. The empire was in peril of another civil war and it was no longer a battle for the crown but a battle for the priestess, for Seiryuu's three wishes. Whoever can control the beast will be the new leader of this land. May Seiryuu bless and protect her, Koyuu prayed as the horse continued to tread silently on damp ground.

A horse appeared before him and he stopped, his men halting behind him. He unsheathed his sword as a band of soldiers like himself, not too big in numbers to attract attention, walked out of the woods. In the midst of the commotion, it was dangerous to trust even his comrades. In a time when all loyalties were broken, a fox could easily disguise itself as sheep.

"Koyuu-sama, please lower your sword. We did not come to fight," the man said and his companions nodded. Koyuu eyed them intently and the man climbed down from his horse. The man took off his helmet, showing off shoulder-length purple hair and a determined soft face.

"You are from General Kei's army, why turn your back on your master?" he asked in a mild but gruff voice. The last he wanted was to trust Kei's men. He was too power-hungry it clouded his judgment and his people were used to slaughtering their own kind. If the Emperor hadn't died, he would have been stripped of his title.

"When the miko comes, all bonds will break, general. We are no longer under Kei-sama's command. We want to join your group," the man said. "We want to protect Yui-sama. Aren't you going where she is?"

"I am afraid we have no idea of her whereabouts…" Koyuu admitted. "We are moving toward the Holy Mountain to seek the guidance of the Creator." The kind-hearted general pulled the rein of his horse and it moved to the side. "I do not have any right to deprive you of your choices. You may join us but I cannot promise a better life. Some of your soldiers are still too young to be away from their families."

"We have made the decision Koyuu-sama. Our lives… We want to give it to the priestess… to Yui-sama," the man said and the men behind him nodded, pleading for him to take them in. He sighed, giving off a wary nod.

"Koyuu-sama, look—" Eichuu cut their conversation and pointed toward the sky. All the soldiers turned to the scene and they gasped as an image slowly created itself above the Holy Mountain. The general's breath caught when he saw the light and they all watched in wonder as it created a figure.

Blue lights, shifting from light blue to dark indigo was dancing above the mountain, imitating the slithering form of a dragon flying above the heavens. Some of the men climbed down their horses and pulled off their helmets, praising the god who was passing by the land of Kutou. The light graced above the mountains and into the sea, moving and moving further, until it disappeared in the light of the rising sun. Koyuu closed his eyes and uttered a prayer, a wish. For him, for his son.

"Seiryuu has indeed arrived in Kutou—" the men gasped and whispered behind him as the general waited for the passage to end. When the light disappeared, he raised his hand and the commotion behind him halted.

"The priestess waits for us. Let us hurry," he said and the troop nodded. The new recruits climbed their horses and followed him, toward the mountain, toward salvation.

YUI OPENED HEAVY-lidded eyes and she mustered the strength to stand up from bed. Once sitting, the pain in her body surfaced and she uttered a heavy groan. She placed a palm at the back of her neck and massaged the pain that built up during the night. She straightened and surprise filled her when she moved her fingers over her bare back to find it devoid of scars and wounds.

An immediate impulse was to look around the room and she found heavy draperies covering the windows. The room had tables and chairs made of fine wood but the walls were slightly turbid, showing signs of old age. She could not see more beyond; the room was big enough to hide the other parts in the shadows.

The door slowly slid open and Yui pulled the blanket to cover her naked chest. Light entered lavishly and a man blocked some, creating a glow behind him. Yui could not see him clearly, let alone recognize him in the light. Seeing her discomfort, he slid the door back into place and when she finally saw him, her eyes widened.

"Chuuin-san…" she called softly. As if it was the signal he was waiting for, the performer walked toward the bed in graceful elegant strides, the robe barely touching the floor. He sat down at the side of the bed and looked intently at her flustered face. His gray eyes softened and a smirk made its way on his lips.

"You haven't changed…" he started, whispering in a cool smooth voice. "You still forget my little instructions." Yui leaned closer to him, laughing in the usual mocking tone that echoed across the big dim room. "I said that when we meet again, I am no longer Chuuin Ryou."

"Hai, I'm sorry—" He quickly silenced her with a kiss and she gasped as he moved his mouth over her lips, pulling the lower lip and then darting an intruding tongue to enter her mouth. "Wait—"

Their tongues lapped together and Yui closed her eyes, releasing a soft moan as her hands slowly clutched his robe. Instead of pushing him, she pulled her closer. It was probably the effect of the darkness and the fleeting feeling that he will leave her once she pushed him away. She wanted him to stay, she doesn't want to be alone again. She briefly remembered the night she was whipped and someone comforted her. Was it Tomo? Warm soft tongue explored her mouth and cold hands roamed her back, her thoughts lost in the tedious movements of his tongue. He moved away and she swallowed hard, lips parted. Was it him? She was half-conscious and could not remember much. She knew him then but she could not understand why she could not remember him now.

"The boy did well with the cuts on your back," he whispered, heaving slightly, not taking his eyes off hers. His cheeks were in shades of pink and it warmed her. She had never seen him blush before. Right now, everything in him was new in her eyes.

"Boy…?" she gasped, remembering the face that woke her up last night. "Kotoku—Kotoku is here—" He thumbed the sides of her mouth and he smirked.

"It's Amiboshi now. I should punish you again for forgetting," he whispered and before she could say more, his lips were again on hers, fiery and passionate.

"Chuuin—stop—" A muffled scream left her when he started to trace the roof of her mouth and she fell on the bed. He groaned and climbed the bed, not breaking the kiss.

She let out a sharp intake of breath when he cupped a hardened breast, tugging at the tip beneath the silken sheets and sending bolts of familiar sensations to her body. His mouth left hers and began to trail her neck, slow and intoxicating. She stifled a moan as her fingers clutched long black hair, guiding his head down her naked and burning flesh. She had felt this way before, a form of addicting sensations that were similar yet different. Her eyes opened as he kissed the valley between her breasts. The scene was familiar, the movements even. She knew what he would do next and the budding aching between her legs were proof of what was to happen.

But this was not to be.

"Chuuin—Tomo—STOP!" She pushed him away, pulling a pillow to block his handsome face. He stopped, cursed as he slowly moved away. He sat on the side of the bed, evidently trying to relieve the hardness between his legs. Tomo released a sigh, arranging the robes on his shoulders. Yui clutched the linen to hide herself, looking away in humiliation. She placed the pillow to cover her still heaving chest.

"Virgins are dense to men's needs…" he said in a bored voice. "You kiss better now… Tell me have you been kissing other men while I'm away?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and moving his face near hers.

"Tomo—" A loud laughter left him and Yui raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in his behavior. He was very unpredictable yet it made her happy. He was in a good mood; she liked that. He cupped her face, eyes smiling.

"I missed you," he whispered and a lump formed on her throat. "Did you miss me? You should, I'm your future husband. You missed me, eh?" he asked in a tone that made Yui roll her eyes. He was playing around again. It was always easy for him to fool around.

"You haven't changed…" she answered wryly and he laughed again. "Am I really… the priestess…?" she asked and Tomo's face became serious.

"The food is ready, get dressed and come out when you're done." He stood up and walked away, not even bothering to answer her question. He was at the door when he spoke again. "Don't take too long. Not because you're a girl now means you have to make us wait."

A smile left Yui's lips while he walked away. She pulled a robe from the side table and placed it on. She washed her face in the nearby bowl of water and then parted the heavy draperies to let sunlight inside the room. Cool early morning air passed through her body after she opened the windows and the faint sound of the flute reached her ears. She smiled wider, closing her eyes to utter a silent prayer in the morning. The melody was soft and lovely. It was the song Kotoku made for his priestess. For her.

Another sigh left her and gazed at the tree-filled plains. They were somewhere within the outskirts of Shinryu; she could see the tall Imperial Palace from where she stood. It was barely an inch, and in between them were swathes of high century-old trees. The sea can be seen from the window and the sight brought back the sadness in her heart.

"Ayuru…" she called softly, remembering yesterday's events.

She remembered the pearl and wrapped it around her fingers. It was pounding softly, matching the beats of her heart. What does she need to do to have him on her side? He loathed her. He hated her as a princess. But would he hate her as his priestess? She remembered the softness in his eyes before he kissed her and the thought made her warm all over, warmer than when Tomo did. But again, it was not to be. She was a priestess and he was her warrior.

The sound of the flute stopped and when she looked down, found Kotoku looking up to meet her gaze. He smiled and she could see the soft red glow on his cheeks. She returned the smile and he waved his flute, mouthing some words she quickly understood. I will play another song for you…

A softer gentler sound fleeted in the air. It was a happier hopeful tune, something fitting for a beautiful new day. She watched him and wondered why he was not angry at her, for lying to them about her identity. She remembered the reaction on his face when she walked inside the throne room. He looked at her from head to foot, with disbelief that shifted to understanding. Another figure appeared below and she almost giggled when Shunkaku pinched his aniki's ear. The flautist stopped and surprise registered over his handsome young face.

"Stop playing around, aniki!" Shunkaku screamed and Yui giggled. The younger twin looked up and he flushed, frowning immediately afterward. "Why are you laughing? Come down now—we're hungry!" he screamed too loud that some of the birds flew from the nearby branches of trees. Kotoku placed a hand on the younger twin's head, forcing him to bow.

"Gomen nasai, Yui-sama—"

"I'm going down," she answered aloud. She smiled wider and turned around, pulling the robe tighter. The pearl hung around her neck and she moved it over her lips before letting it go. The surface was warm.

It was a gift from Koyuu-sama, the most valuable treasure he kept from the woman he loved. Nakago gave it to her and those were enough reasons to value the gem, though he claimed it was merely a cheap stone. It has no engravings, unlike the pearls she grew up with. Despite its lack of identity, she liked it. It doesn't belong to anyone. Somehow, it gave her a sense of freedom.

The house was big but barren, some rooms were broken and water still dripped from some shattered wood to the floor. She could not imagine the floor size and decided to stop counting—the house was probably as big as the Imperial Palace. At the end of the hallway was a familiar but ancient banner. The cloth was dry and brittle as if it will become ash once she moved her fingers over it. But what caught her attention was the mark on the banner. A three-legged white dragon—the mark of the House of Shi.

When she went down the stairs, she immediately saw a battered but beautifully-crafted wooden table. Tomo was sitting at the head, reading a parchment. He turned to her direction and raised an eyebrow, slowly folding the paper and placing it down. The twins appeared on the nearby door and Kotoku, Amiboshi, bowed while Shunkaku, Suboshi, immediately grabbed a chair and had himself seated. Tomo gestured the seat on his right arm and she nodded, walking toward it. The food was laid down in front of them, placed in boxes as if it had traveled from another house. Kotoku finally sat down across her, still looking down.

"Where are we?" she asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

"In my family's broken down manor house," Tomo answered and she nodded. She expected his lineage, it was uncommon for a man to be beautiful and be a scavenger. "You don't seem too surprised."

"I've seen this house before… before it started to fall down…" she started, feeling gloomy. She had forgotten that he was of a noble house. If the Shi ascended into power, the warrior Tomo would have been an Emperor like Saihitei. "In a dream… When you were sick—"

"Yes, yes, I remember," he cut her, smirking. "And we slept together naked under the sheets kissing and touching—ah, I remember it very well." Her eyes widened and she flustered. Suboshi choked on his drink and Amiboshi stared at her in wide eyes.

"AAHHHH! YOU HENTAI!—I THOUGHT YOU'RE GAY!" Suboshi screamed and Tomo gave him dagger looks.

"You punk—" Tomo glared at the boy, his mark shining. He finally sighed and rolled his eyes, realizing it was futile to fight with a boy. "I can make love to whoever I choose. Now sit down and stop acting like a brat." Shunkaku flustered and disgust spread over his face. He sat down, grumpy. Amiboshi blinked at her, still surprised.

"We did not do anything inappropriate," she told him and he nodded. He then smiled, looking down.

"I know… Yui-sama is not that type of girl," he said and Suboshi pinched his ear again. "Shunkaku—" Yui's stomach grumbled loud and she covered her mouth in shame. They all looked at her, surprised. She smiled wide, flushed.

"I haven't eaten since the day I arrived in Shinryu. They didn't give me food in prison," she explained and the twins nodded vigorously. Now that she mentioned it, she was starving. The twins both quickly grabbed the bowls and started to place food on her plate. "Eh…?"

"Yui-sama must be very hungry, please eat and don't worry about us," Amiboshi said.

"You can eat half my share—but just half, I'm a growing boy." Suboshi continued to fill her plate and by the time they were done, it was overflowing with rice and noodles and pork and vegetables, and looked like cat food. She bowed down in appreciation, smiling to herself.

"Arigatou," she said, taking the chopsticks and starting to eat. Once food touched her tongue, her hunger emanated and she began to eat faster, munching as quickly as she could and then swallowing hard to fill her stomach. It felt wonderful to be eating again, to taste the spices Kutou was famous for. She sniffed but continued to eat, her eyes misty. She was very happy.

"Here," Tomo offered her a cup of tea. The strong scent of Oolong tickled her nostrils and she bowed, taking it into her hands. "My grandmother made it. I must say it is quite good." She smiled at him and he smiled back.

"Arigatou for saving me yesterday," she said, turning to the twins. "I never thought I'd still wake up today. I am very happy. Please take care of me," she said, bowing down.

"Eat, we have a long journey ahead," Tomo said. "The old man—"

"Old man?" she cut him and he turned away, looking uneasy.

"His grandfather. He was here earlier to bring food and some horses for our journey," Suboshi explained and she nodded. Tomo rolled his eyes at the interruption.

"Anyway, the old man said we should ask guidance from the creator. She has the scroll for the summoning," the performer said with distaste. Yui took a drink of her tea. It left a strong bittersweet taste in her mouth.

"Summoning…"

"You know the legend. The priestess comes, looks for the warriors, summons Seiryuu, makes three wishes and poof—everybody's happy," Suboshi said again and she smiled, nodding vigorously. He was very energetic.

"A very creative narration, boy," Tomo teased.

"Hmp—that's all there is to it, you know," Suboshi hit back and the two exchanged sharp looks. Amiboshi laughed lightly between them.

"When do we begin the journey?" the older twin asked, rubbing the sweat on his forehead.

"Tomo-sama! Tomo-sama! Urgent news from your grandfather—"

A man appeared from the doorway and they all turned to him. He hastily bowed down and handed a parchment, offering it in his palm. Tomo stood up and took it harshly. The paper made sounds as he opened it and he crumpled it in his fist once he was done reading. He turned to them, his handsome face pale. The performer, who was an epitome of calmness, swallowed hard.

"It seems we have to leave now," he stated like a verdict that cannot be broken.

SILENCE FILLED THE throne room. The sound of the world outside and the very little movements inside were absorbed by the thick draperies of blue. Nakago could hear his heart beat softly, the pearl throbbing as well. She had awaken and was moving away. Relief washed through him but he quickly banished the feeling and kept his eyes downcast, his fist touching the floor near his knee and foot, bowed in the lowest he can before his majesty.

"Your father has betrayed me," the emperor stated. Nakago bowed lower, his face closer to the blue carpet that covered the foot of the throne. "Nakago, where does your loyalty lie?"

"I am still by your side, your majesty," he stated in his usual expressionless tone. "My loyalty is to the Murasaki house, your majesty. To you and to one else," he added.

"I see…" the emperor said, fingering the moustache on his chin. "But you have Seiryuu on your forehead—"

"My Lord, I will use Seiryuu's powers to protect your house. You are also serving under his graces," he cut him, boldly. He had sided with the wrong house but he could not break the bonds he made. He was not a man who easily breaks his loyalty. He owed much to the Murasaki house.

A brief memory trailed in his thoughts and he shook it away. No, the heavens had made its choice. It had chosen to completely shut him from its doors. There was nowhere but hell for his soul. He will be damned for eternity; he knew this the moment the mark appeared on her forehead. None of his wishes came true and none will be granted in the future. He cursed in his head, cursed the god in the heavens as his fist clenched in repressed anger.

Heavy footsteps reverberated in the marble floor and it cut the continuous flow of memories in his head. Nakago kept his eyes down, waiting as another general bowed beside him. Thick black coat fell to the blue floor and he wanted to smirk. The most useless general had arrived.

"My Lord, the princess and her companions have left the manor house," Kei-sama reported in a stern deep voice. "They have sensed the attack. The Shi family had left the mansion in the capital as well," he added. The Emperor nodded, still fingering the hair on his chin. "It is believed that the princess—the priestess—will be headed for Mt. Taikyoku for the scroll of heaven and earth."

"Very well, it is decided," he stated and the two generals looked up, awaiting orders. "Let it be proclaimed amongst Kutou that the priestess and the other warriors are to be killed—immediately," he stated and Nakago's heart started pounding loud. Sweat beaded his forehead. "Whoever gives food and assistance to them shall be persecuted." The man placed his hand down and turned to the younger general. "Nakago, I am sending you and your army to execute the priestess and her warriors with or without the scroll."

"Your Highness, let me—" Kei butted in but the Emperor shook his head. "I have won wars and this new general has none to boast of."

"No, Nakago has sworn his loyalty to me," he said and Nakago nodded, smirking. "I have a better plan for your skills and your men."

"As you wish, your majesty." Kei bowed. He eyed the blond beside him and his jaw clenched as well.

"Your highness, rest assured that I will use my army to bring you glory," Nakago stated. Instead of responding, the Emperor ran his fingers over his moustache and smirked, eyes expressionless and cold, staring and seeing nothing.

CHARACTER INFOCUS

Chuuin Ryou – Otherwise known as the warrior Tomo. He is the star performer of a mobile troupe but is revealed to be from the Shi house, one of the oldest and most prominent noble houses in Kutou. He was left in the marketplace of Sairou as a boy and was taken in by the theater. The Shi family mark is a white dragon and his mark is a scorpion.

Kei Tokino – the merciless shogun of Kutou who controlled one-fourths of the army. He rose to power by the influence of the Shi house but betrayed them and sided with the Murasaki once the princess Minako proclaimed herself the priestess. His mark is a jaguar.

A/N: The dancing lights is an aurora borealis and I made it appear every morning before sunrise in reverence to the priestess. Thanks for reading! Please don't forget to leave reviews!