I know I've been in hiatus for almost a year. I'm tremendously busy, you see. But that aside, I already edited the previous chapters of this fiction. Hopefully, all inconsistencies with regards to small details have been ironed out. I also published a new story: Rainbow Skies. This is a cross-over fiction between FY and Saiunkoku Monogatari. :D
Princess-of-Doctors: Wow, the cheering team is really cute! I might have a brief meeting with Saihitei again. Right now, the Tomo moments are taking a backseat to give way for the main romance lead.
ThePinkMartini: Oh, I clarified that "virgin" issue in the rewrite. With all the emotional rollercoaster Yui is experiencing, I missed that rape part. Gomen!
Khryztinne: Thanks, dear beta! :D
Anne Raven: I tried to be as faithful to the original concepts of canon so I just tied together some loose edges in the story. :D Thanks for liking this story!
Obsessed Dreamer: Heehee. Yeah, Nakago's really a possessive creature and I toned it down in numerous instances so when he finally becomes open with his feelings, everyone will go kyaaa!
Almecestris: I can't promise that Yui and Nakago will be happy in the end but I will try to give them more moments together from now on since the time is ripe for such things.
Sayuyagami1001: Oh, that's why I need a beta. Heehee. I tend to just write what's on my mind. :D
Miss Cat Lover Chii: The Yui-Tomo moments make me go kyaaa too! Haha. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this story. You left such nice and entertaining reviews.
Disclaimer: Fushigi Yuugi is not mine.
Mountain on Fire
By Slavedriver2008
I'M YOUR MASTER…
Nakago awakened with a start, clutching his sword from the side of the bed. Sleep did not come easily for him these past days and tonight, he had been waking up every hour, with his heart thumping out of his body. He wiped the sweat that beaded his forehead and stood up. Outside, the moon was nowhere in the heavens and the lack of it made his skin crawl. The moon belong to Seiryuu, he control the waters with its power.
The shogun cursed at the thought. He doesn't care if his moon was missing. He care not too if the god disappeared for good in the skies. But a part of him felt otherwise. He took his armor and wore it. He was becoming complacent, taking off his armor in the middle of the night, in the middle of war. He washed his face and let the waters move through the curves on his face, thoughts lingering back to the dream.
He does not have a master but himself. His body does not belong to Seiryuu, who gave him this cursed mark. His loyalty does not belong to the god of his tribe. And last of all, his heart was his and his alone. He had killed it countless times, slaughtered the part of him that knew human emotions that can easily be assuaged. He never needed it. No, he never needed a heart.
A heavy sigh left him as he sheathed his sword. The falcon cooed softly beside him, stretching its wings. He had been thinking a lot lately, thoughts that made him question who he is and what he should do. Since the day the demon showed itself with eyes burning of rage, Nakago had been questioning his existence, his decisions, even the trail of thoughts that nagged him every day, every night as they wait at the foot of the mountain.
He threatened to hurt her.
A curse left the general's mouth and he slapped the table where the basin was placed. The waters moved, creating ripples that ruined his steady reflection in the waters. His mark shone bright and the sweat from his forehead rolled to the waters.
"Why must I protect you?" he whispered, his jaw clenching. "Why am I destined…" He shook the thought away. He instinctively slapped the basin with the back of his hand and it flew in the air, landing broken on the ground. The falcon, now fully awake, made a sharper sound. "I must get my revenge before…"
Without another word, Nakago pulled his cape and turned to the entrance of his tent. His cold blue eyes were fixed on the darkness before him. And before he could think of anything, he stepped into the night with a throbbing heart.
YUI DISAPPROVED THE idea but she had no choice but to follow. Time was running out. In a few hours, the Kutou army will reach the Holy Mountain and as any strategist will know, the army will camp in key areas at the foot of the mountain, waiting for the warriors to fall into a trap. With the help of Suzaku warrior Chichiri, they were able to devise a crafty plan for safety. The dragon priestess doesn't approve of it. But still, they separated to put the plan into action.
The priestess heaved a sigh as she pulled the reins of the horse, making it move faster along the thickening rainforest. Ahead, the warrior Suboshi was riding his own horse, figuring out their direction in the darkness. The plan was simple: They separate into two groups. One will cross the Southern border of the Holy Mountain that extends to Mt Reikaku and then head off to the West City of Konan, Souun. From there, the first group was to ferry into Sakana, the hidden village.
What made her wary was the path of the second group, which was composed of Tomo and Amiboshi. They were to act as decoys. They won't battle the army head on but they will be passing the areas where the soldiers were expected to camp. The path was more complicated. The two will divert the attention of the army to the North through Tomo's illusions. From there, they will have to fend off for themselves until they reach the foot of the mountain.
They were all supposed to meet at Sakana, where another temple stood, protected by Seiryuu himself. It was protected by the borders of Konan and getting there required passing by Souun and crossing the cave. If the army wanted to reach them, they will be noticed immediately by the Konan soldiers. The advantage, however, was also a disadvantage. If they become cornered, there will be nowhere to go from Sakana. They decided to risk it. The war will not be won without risks.
"Yui-sama," Suboshi called her softly, ruining the thoughts that permeated her head. "We are nearing Mt Reikaku… Please don't go far from me... the bandit's lair should be somewhere nearby."
"Hai…" she answered. "Are there any news from Amiboshi?" she asked and Suboshi nodded.
"They are already near the foot of the mountain," Suboshi informed her. "Don't worry Yui-sama, they will not be harmed. I'm sure Tomo-sama will make sure they arrive safely in Souun."
Yui nodded and heaved another unsure sigh. There was no use worrying, they were grown men after all. What she must do was to focus on the plan. The best way to make it work was to survive. Yui doesn't know what she'll do once the others were harmed but she doesn't want to think about it. Not when they're so close to Konan's territory. If only she had maintained connection with Saihitei, things would have been easier. He would definitely provide them a safe place to stay. But Yui doesn't want to depend on nobility anymore. She trusted Saihitei but not the men around his throne.
They reached a clearing but the horses stopped walking and stayed at the middle, making panicked noises. Yui looked around, staring into the darkness to find shadows, lurking, trapping them where they stood. Suboshi immediately pulled his horse closer to hers. The mark on his right arm glared and Yui touched it, getting the young man's attention.
"Don't use your powers," she told him. "Not until we know who we're against," she added. He nodded and slowly, against his will, the light died down. Yui held her breath as the shadows finally emerged from the trees, vicious eyes stared them down and her hand gripped Suboshi's arm when the shadows stepped into the light.
They were a big group of ragged men, hairy in the face, with piercings and muscular arms that held on to different forms of tools for combat. Some had bows and arrows, some wore swords, while most have long wooden sticks. They were ready for a fight. Most of the men smirked when they looked at them and Yui's skin prickled when some eyed her in those dark lewd eyes. Suboshi cursed and placed an arm before her as a sign of protection.
"Who do we have here?" the apparent leader of the group said. He was a bulky man with an eye patch. "Two stowaways—a rich girl with a retainer," he added in a thick Southern voice. "The boss already has a girl but that one can make him happier!" His laughter rung in the cold air and Suboshi clenched the reins of Yui's horse.
"Hold tight, Yui-sama," he whispered and Yui nodded.
Without another word, he kicked his horse and they galloped toward a part of the circle, where there were less men guarding them. Blue light flared on Suboshi's shoulder as his ryuseisui swirled around him. He used it to push the men away, effectively breaking the circle to free their horses.
"Seize them!"
The horde of men ran after them and Yui closed her eyes, clinging to the mane of the horse. The sound of feet was far behind them but her heart won't stop as they ran with abandon. A swirling rope wrapped around her and she screamed when she was pulled off the horse, falling into the rough ground in a force that made her bones break.
"Shunkaku!" Suboshi fell as well and Yui's scream died in the sound of rushing feet. Strong pair of arms grabbed her and covered her mouth. The man who caught her harshly pulled her from the ground and placed a dagger on her throat.
"Don't touch Lady Yui—" Suboshi screamed as the men rounded on him. "You blockheads!" A hand hit him in the face and Yui closed her eyes. When she opened them, Suboshi's mouth was bleeding.
"Stop strugglin' kiddo if ya don't wer gonna slash this missy's throat," the man who was holding her screamed. Suboshi's eyes widened and he gritted his teeth.
"Who are you? What do you want from us?"
"We're the bandits of Mt Reikaku, if ya want to live, you better shut yer mouth and follow us!" The leader of the group said. He laughed and the other bandits laughed as well. The man pulled the dagger away from Yui's throat and sheathed it. Without another word, the man with teal hair carried her on his shoulder while Suboshi was dragged away.
"I'm a friend of Genrou—he said he'll give me free passage if I cross the mountain," she said but the bandits laughed mirthlessly.
"Friends of Genrou?" The man smirled. "Ya missy must be diggin' yer tomb—that silly bastard ran away when our boss took over ta bandits lair. If ya want to survive, ya better stop mentionin' his name missy!" He laughed lightly and slapped her butt. Yui squealed, making the group laugh louder.
"Hey—I said don't touch her!" Another punch landed on Suboshi's face and Yui shook his head at him. Yui begged him not to react, not to use his powers. Don't fight, she mouthed and he looked down, still evidently angry.
They reached a stronghold in the mountain after a few minutes of aimless walking. The bandits were pulling their horses, mumbling every now and then that they have horses of high breed. They wondered how much they'll cost. Once in a while, the man who was carrying her would put his hand on Yui's butt and rub it, making her flush. He would remark as well how she was not voluptuous, a comment that will make the other bandits laugh again. Yui gritted her teeth and stayed quiet, cheeks red.
A stench of beer filled Yui the moment they entered the stronghold and Yui squirmed when she saw the place. Rats were moving everywhere, stains were on every table, and the walls smelled of rotten meat. Yui wanted to gag and had even coughed on some instances.
"Put them along with the others!" the leader commanded and Suboshi was thrown into a cellar, a made-up prison of sorts. The man who carried her slowly placed her down but roughly pushed her inside. She made a sound when she landed but Suboshi, hands still tied, caught her with his body.
"Stay there until our boss said so!" the leader said and stomped away. When the others were gone, the man with teal hair smiled at her. He touched the pocket behind his pants and Yui instinctively touched hers. Her eyes widened when she felt a bulge, a metal knife. He placed one on the road earlier! When she turned to him, he gave her a wink. "Hey Koji! Stop flirtin' with 'da girl!" With a smile, the man turned and left.
Suboshi shifted beneath her and Yui immediately moved away to give him air. "Shunkaku, are you hurt?" she asked, noticing the blood that clotted on the side of his mouth.
"No, it's nothing but a light punch. Did they do anything to you?" he asked in return and she shook her head.
"No. But we can't waste time here," she added. She slowly pulled out the metal knife and used it to cut the ropes around them. But she was having a hard time cutting it. It doesn't help that she was tied tight. He gently touched her hand and took the knife.
"Let me do it… We'll get out of here before the night ends, Lady Yui," Suboshi assured her and she smiled back.
"Lady Yui…?" a voice came from the further end of the prison.
When Yui and Suboshi turned they found two people, tied as well. One was a woman who bore a purple hair with a mole under her left eye. But the other made Yui's breath caught. A man with long brown hair moved closer, a man with a beautiful handsome face and hazel eyes that widened at the available light in the cellar.
"Saihitei…?"
AMIBOSHI'S HEART WAS thumping loud as they moved through the shadows of the forest, too careful to attract unsolicited attention from the Imperial Army that was camped at the foot of the mountain. The moon has disappeared from the heavens tonight, making the ground below darker than the usual. He held his breath, not wanting the illusionist to read his hesitation. He looked at his arm and worry crept through his face when he saw not one message from his brother.
"Suboshi stopped sending messages. Something must have happened," he couldn't help but voice out in the darkness. Tomo stopped his horse and turned to him. He kept a cool composure but Amiboshi knew he was having an internal debate. The performer finally shook his head.
"We can't go back. If we do, we can't shake off this army," he noted. He turned his attention back on the road they were treading.
"I understand." Amiboshi finally released the breath he was holding. He looked behind them and sighed. I'm sorry, brother. Please take care of yourself and Yui-sama this time…
The sound of the mountain answered him, crickets frolicking in the night, the swaying of the leaves, the light thumping sound created by hooves of their horses. He hoped the heavens would protect the two. Surely, Seiryuu will do something to protect every one of them. He loved this country because he sent the best woman to be his priestess. A smile finally graced his lips at the thought.
"Shhh…" Tomo broke the younger boy's reveries at the same time he halted his horse. Their horses stepped on twigs and it created a cracking sound. But it was masked by clanking steel in the distance. Voices followed and harried footsteps filled the air before them.
"What's happening?" Amiboshi asked but Tomo did not answer. Slowly, they moved their horses toward the camp. It was the blond shogun's army, they realized after moving silently around it, hiding in the darkness. When they came closer, a sight of a battlefield greeted them. Everywhere, soldiers were fighting, men with the same armor. "I don't understand. This is Nakago's army but why…?"
A black horse appeared in the distance and Amiboshi's eyes widened. It was Kei, the Black General. Amiboshi never liked the man, he was one of those few aristocrats who smirked and made fun of his mark. He even raised a hand against him and Suboshi when they first arrived in the castle, after Nakago captured them. General Kei had the look of satisfaction in his face as his men lined up the numerous soldiers under Nakago's army.
"General Kei, we can't find General Nakago!" one of his men reported. Kei laughed mirthlessly.
"Ha—I knew it! He left his army! Finish them all off!" he ordered and Amiboshi covered his mouth. "Tomorrow, we finish the priestess and the warriors!" The soldiers begged for Kei's mercy but his men slashed at them, killing them instantly. Amiboshi's stomach clenched in anger. Before he knew it, his mark shined bright, attracting the attention of the Black General.
"Damn it—run, Amiboshi!" Tomo ordered, pulling the rein of his horse and speeding off in the forest. Amiboshi clutched the reins as they ran away. His insides were boiling, he wanted to save those men, he wanted to go back. "No! We can't go back!"
"But Tomo-sama!" When they were a great distance away, Tomo stopped his horse and landed a punch on his stomach. Amiboshi made a sound from the pain, crouching. The bright light from his shoulder slowly ceased. "I can use my flute… It'll be quick…"
"We have a mission, boy. We'll save them—but not tonight," he said, heaving hard. Amiboshi's hand clenched and tears beaded his eyes. Tomo cupped the top of the younger boy's head and pulled him closer. "We have to stay alive for Yui-sama… For your brother, for our town, for the people we love."
Tears fell from Amiboshi's eyes but he nodded. He understood. He just could not accept it, his conscience could not leave those people to die. He swallowed hard and wiped the tears with his elbows. He was about to say something to the performer but the sound of horses' hooves came closer from the darkness. Tomo cursed and when Amiboshi looked up, an army had surrounded them. A young man smirked at them.
"Congratulations, gentlemen. You found my army."
A/N: Yes, the mountain is quite big. Technically, there are three armies at the foot of the mountain—all waiting for Yui's team to descend. The tricky thing is, none of them know which part of the mountain her team will be coming out from. In a sudden twist of events, Yui and Suboshi ended up in the bandit lair in Reikaku, which is connected to the Holy Mountain. Haha. I hope that doesn't confuse the geography. Please do leave reviews!