Shunkaku walked through the palace halls, silently fuming. The captain had given him a scathing lecture in front of the whole platoon during inspection that morning. His fingers had itched, longing to whip out his ryuuseisui and give the man a piece of his mind. And now, he had been so immersed in mentally flaying his pug-nosed superior that he missed his destination and was already two corridors away when he realized it.

The guard who was stationed at the door and saw him pass by earlier, had a derisive grin when he returned. "What’s the matter, kid?" the guard sneered. "A little lost?"

"Shut up! Mind your own fuckin’ business!" Shunkaku snapped as he took the place the guard vacated.

The older guard rapped him on the head. "Foul-mouthed brat! Oi, make sure you keep your post. He’s a Suzaku sei, after all."

"I know that!" Shunkaku growled, glaring at the man as he massaged his scalp. The guard just smirked and walked away.

Grumbling, Shunkaku leaned back against the wall. Through the corner of his eye, he watched as the guard took a turn at the end of the corner and disappeared from view. Only then did he stand up straight and faced the door of the room.

Well, what do we have here? A Suzaku seishi. Shunkaku gave a small snort. Surely they’ve been deceived. No one could be _that_ stupid. Surrendering himself to Kutou! Fool!

He moved a hand to open the door but then he stopped.

Shunkaku frowned.

The thought gnawed at him. It was something he cannot push at the back of his mind. He took a step away but something held him back.

Giving a frustrated sigh, he placed his hand against the door’s wooden surface, ready to slide it back.

"What are you doing?"

Shunkaku jumped.

"Maiden!" he exclaimed scrambling down into a low bow while the Maiden’s eyes widened in recognition.

"It’s you! The boy from last night! Why are you…" she broke off what she was about to say and stared hard at him. "Oh…I see. You were caught, weren’t you?"

Shunkaku felt the tips of his ears grow hot. He didn’t answer. Only lifted his head a little, looking at her through the curtain of bangs that fell in his eyes.

She had a somewhat amused look on her face and her lips were slightly twisted as if holding back a smile.

She thinks that’s funny? Great. Just great. Now she must think I’m some bumbling oaf.

"We always seem to meet in such unlikely circumstances." She observed, giving him a thorough look-over.

"It seems so, miko-sama," Shunkaku answered gruffly, uncomfortable under the scrutiny of those icy blue eyes. An awkward silence descended upon them.

Shunkaku shuffled his feet while the miko cleared her throat and said, "Could you please open the door?"

Kuso! It was only then that he realized that she was holding a covered tray with both hands. And it looked heavy.

"I’ll take that, miko-sama!" he said, horrified that he had failed to notice, and quickly held out his hands.

The Maiden shook her head. "No, it’s alright. I’ll bring this in myself."

Shunkaku blinked.

The Maiden was bringing the captive food like some servant-girl?

"Please, could you open the door? This is a bit heavy."

Shunkaku immediately pulled the door open. "Of course, miko-sama...gomenasai..."

As his eyes followed her in, all the while cursing himself silently. But as he was about to pull the door close, he couldn’t resist taking a look inside.

The occupant of the room, who had been sitting on the bed, quickly stood up when the miko entered the room.

"Yui!"

"Ohayou. I brought you your breakfast, Tamahome," he heard the Maiden answer as she set down the tray on a nearby table.

Shunkaku’s eyes narrowed as he studied the teal-haired seishi, taking in the other youth’s tall, lean frame.

"Arigatou. You shouldn’t have bothered," the seishi said as he approached the miko. "Listen, Yui. About going back to Konan--" he stopped abruptly as he caught sight of Shunkaku.

Realizing that he had been spotted, Shunkaku quickly ducked back, hastily shut the door and retreated to his spot by the wall.

That was close, he thought as he leaned against the wall. His heart was pounding heart against his chest. He raised a hand to his forehead. He felt strange. He couldn’t shake the vague feeling of recognition that tugged at the back of his head.

He shook his head.

�

"Tamahome? What’s wrong?" Yui asked worriedly.

"Uh…nothing. I thought I saw someone there," he said, motioning towards the door.

"Oh, that must have been him. He certainly is strange."

Tamahome frowned. "Him?"

"That boy standing guard outside. I caught him trying to enter your room."

"Guard? Is that who he is? That boy?"

"Hai," Yui said as she turned to the table and uncovered the tray. When she glanced up, there was a puzzled look on Tamahome’s face. "What is it?"

"Nothing…it’s just that, it felt strange when I saw him—like I know him."

Yui frowned. "It can’t be. He’s from here. A local. You must have mistaken him for someone else."

Tamahome nodded slowly. "Yeah…you’re right. That must be it."

�

Leaning against the wall, Shunkaku tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling.

He was bored out of his mind and his legs were beginning to hurt from standing too long.

He glanced furtively at both ends of the long corridor and, when he saw the coast was clear, sank down on to the floor.

Only seven more days to go…he told himself.

The captain, having cleared his head, had decided to lower the duration of Shunkaku’s punishment to two weeks. Already a week had passed but it had seemed to Shunkaku, the longest week of his life. Time was passing so slow, especially now that he’s aware that a Suzaku sei is so near. He never attempted to look inside the room again and he stood as far away from the door as possible.

His thoughts began to wander. Aniki, when are you going to come back? Nearly a month had passed since Koutokou had left for Konan.

As he stretched out his legs in front of him, he felt a prickling at the back of his neck. Shunkaku scrambled to his feet and stood at attention. He knew who was coming.

He glanced nervously to the side as Shogun appeared at the end of the hall. The Seiryuu sei’s chi was so strong that Shunkaku could feel it even from a distance. Even with Koutokou standing next to him, l his chi never felt this strong. Because of this, being around the Shogun made him nervous extremely nervous.

He bowed low.

"Is the Maiden inside?"

"She is, Shogun," Shunkaku answered and moved to open the door. Looking in, he saw the miko standing close to the teal-haired seishi. They appeared to be deep in conversation. The miko had been visiting him everyday for the past week. The thought made Shunkaku frown. He glared at the unsuspecting seishi.

Who does he think he is anyway? Making the miko wait on him like that… Shunkaku thought grumpily. His dark thoughts were interrupted by Nakago who brushed past him.

"Just leave this open. I won’t be in long."

"Yes, Shogun."

�

"It's silk," Yui said as Tamahome fingered the material of his new jacket. "It looks good on you. You look great," she added, stepping back to admire him. "I knew black would look good on you."

The door opened and Nakago strode in. Tamahome tensed but Nakago just ignored him.

"Lady Yui, I'm sorry to disturb you but I have interesting news for you."

Yui frowned at the interruption but nodded, urging him to continue.

"The Maiden of Suzaku has fallen ill. She has contracted a fatal disease which has no known cure."

Yui let out an involuntary gasp. Miaka!

She turned to Tamahome whose expression mirrored hers. Why are you upset, Yui? she asked herself. She deserves to go through this. If Miaka didn't exist, Tamahome would've been yours.

She looked back at Nakago. "Thank you for telling me," she said softly.

Nakago cast a look towards Tamahome's direction. He had to suppress a smile at the young man's face.

"I'll leave you now, Lady Yui," he said bowing low then he turned on his heels and left.

As the door closed, Tamahome walked over to his bed and sat down heavily.

"Miaka…," he said, burying his face in his hands.

Yui clasped her hands together and eyed him worriedly.

Suddenly, Tamahome stood up and started pacing the room.

"Damn it! I can't sit here and let this happen!" He walked over to the dresser and grabbed his pack. He slung the pack over his shoulder and headed for the door.

"Tamahome! Wait! Where are you going?!" cried Yui as she ran after him and grabbed his arm.

"I have to!" He tried to shake her hand off but she clung to him.

"I won't let you leave! I can’t!" Yui gave him a pleading look. "You're our prisoner! What if someone finds out? The Emperor will surely send an army to attack the borders!"

"Let go, Yui!" Tamahome snapped as he extracted her hand from his arm forcefully. He then headed for the door and yanked it open, only to find the path blocked by a golden-haired boy.

"Where the hell do you think you’re going?" the boy demanded. He glanced at Yui, saw her tear-streaked face and his hand immediately went to the weapon tucked in his belt.

"Stand aside if you don’t want to get hurt," Tamahome said impatiently. Yui gasped when she saw a red kanji mark begin to glow on his forehead. She turned to Shunkaku, intent on telling him to back down when to her surprise, the boy stared back at Tamahome, unafraid, and barked out a laugh. "You don’t scare me!"

"I’m not playing games, kid," Tamahome said, his patience wearing thin as he dropped his pack.

Yui saw the boy’s expression darken and quickly stepped between the two. "Tamahome, please!" she said then turned to Shunkaku. "Stay out of this, boy."

"No, it’s not fine! Yui, why are you being like this? Miaka’s ill!"

"How dare you talk that way to the miko!" the boy shouted.

"Both of you, just stop. Tamahome, please come back in--" They both ignored Yui.

"Get out of my way, boy, or you’ll--" Tamahome barely had the time to step out of the way as something flew past his head and embedded itself on a pillar behind him.

"K’so!"

"What’s the matter? Did I catch you by surprise?" the boy sneered, smirking as he pulled at the rope he was holding, dislodging his strange weapon.

"What the hell…" Tamahome stared at the boy. "What is this? I can feel you! You’re--"

Shunkaku’s confident smirk suddenly faltered. Dammit! Could he sense my powers? Panicking, he gripped his weapon and lunged forward. "Shut up and fight!"

"Watch out!" Tamahome dove for Yui.

Something crashed against the wall, sending pieces of plaster and splinter flying everywhere. Both Yui and Tamahome stared, open-mouthed, at hole in the wall.

So did Shunkaku.

Baka-yarou! He cursed himself. He quickly glanced down at his arm. They weren’t glowing, much to his relief. He looked back at the huge crater, created by his blow. He never thought he could do that without his powers.

He looked back at Tamahome who was still holding Yui.

"Let go of her!" he shouted, his weapon raised threateningly.

Tamahome clenched his jaw and glared at Shunkaku. "You’re the one to talk! You nearly killed her, you idiot!" he shouted back. His mind was racing. It can’t be. He can’t be what I think he is!

He glanced at Yui who appeared to be fine then to the empty corridor behind him.

He let go of Yui.

"I’m sorry, Yui," he said and started running.

"Stop!" Shunkaku shouted, torn between staying to see if the Maiden was all right and running after Tamahome.

Tamahome ignored his shout and was about to turn at the corridor when he skidded to a halt as Nakago and half a dozen guards appeared in front of him at the end of the hall.

Nakago crossed his arms. "I figured he'd try something like this."

"No! Nakago, please…" Shunkaku could only stare at her in surprise as Yui left his side and ran forward. He felt Nakago’s gaze burn straight at him.

"Restrain her."

Shunkaku nodded, ran after Yui, and caught her by the arm.

"No! Nakago! Don’t!" Yui cried out, struggling against Shunkaku.

Nakago ignored her pleas and stepped up to Tamahome. "Get this straight," he said, "You're a gift for Lady Yui."

"Speak for yourself, asshole," Tamahome spat out and stared back at him defiantly.

Nakago's eyes narrowed. "Your body will be shown the meaning of that." He motioned to the guards. "Take him away."

�

Koutoku walked the royal palace’s long passages, stopping every now and then to peek inside the open doors of the rooms he’d pass. He’d been going around the palace since the first day they arrived. He thought it a useful to have an understanding of the palace grounds. Who knew how handy it might be someday.

His paced slowed to a halt when he heard voices ahead of him. He glanced around. The hall was empty.

He walked quietly towards the door to his left. He door was slightly ajar. He looked in quickly. The room was furnished like a sitting room, and inside sat the miko and her two seishi, Nuriko and Chichiri.

"Are you sure it will work?" The miko was saying.

"Yes," he heard Chichiri answer. "But you have to understand Miaka, it won’t be easy. I can cast the spell but you have to give me several days to work at it. I’m sorry we can’t get to Tamahome sooner."

"That’s alright, Chichiri. As long as we get to rescue him and Yui, I can wait."

"Now wait a minute! How come I can’t come? I’m perfectly capable of protecting Miaka. Why’d you have to bring that foul-mouthed fool anyway? Why not take me?" The voice was a deep feminine alto.

"We’ve already talked about this Nuriko. Tasuki’s powers will be more useful in Kutuo," the Maiden said.

There was a cry of protests but Koutoku had already stopped listening. He leaned back into the shadows, deep in thought.

They’re going to Kutuo?

He felt a sudden flash of uneasiness. I have to be there, if things go wrong. His thoughts went to his brother. Shun will be there to protect the miko. His apprehension began to ease up. And besides, what good would two Suzaku seishi and their miko be against four Seiryuu seishi and an army of imperial guards?

A few days. That was what Chichiri said. Koutokou pulled his flute from his belt. He had no means of warning them back in Kutuo and if ever the Suzaku no Miko’s plans succeed, then it would all be up to him. And that left him with very little time.

He stepped away from the shadows and stepped into the doorway.

"Hey, you guys! I’ve been looking for you, " he said, drawing his lips up into a bright smile. He still could not believe that they were allowed to speak so freely to the miko. The easy, companionable way in which she interacted with her seishi had immensely surprised him in the beginning, especially since in Kutuo the Maiden hardly saw anyone except Nakago. But he was quick to adjust and as the days passed, he found that it made his task easier, being so close to the miko all the time.

"Suboshi!" Miaka called out gaily. Nuriko was still frowning while Chichiri stood up.

"I’ll leave you now," he said. "I still have to talk this over with Hotohori." He then promptly disappeared into his kasa.

Koutokou stepped into the room and raised his flute. "Would you like me to play something for you?"

Miaka grinned. "Sure!"

�

Shunkaku paced the hall restlessly, stopping every now and then to listen to the sounds coming from inside the miko’s room. He let out a sigh of relief when he no longer heard the muffled sound of sobbing.

The Shogun had ordered him to escort her back to her room and it had not been a very easy task. She head resisted him all the way back, wanting to go to where they had taken that insolent Suzaku sei. He felt both annoyed and helpless, torn by his desire to let her do what she wanted. But that would mean going against the Shogun’s orders. He didn’t think he’d be able to get her to go inside her room. Thankfully though, the Shogun appeared, and they both went inside the miko’s room. They had closed the door, but Shunkaku could still hear the miko’s voice forcefully arguing with the Shogun. After several minutes, the Shogun emerged from her room and told him not to let her out under any circumstance.

He stopped pacing to lean against the wall by the door, frowning as he thought back to what had just happened.

//"What is this? I can feel you! You’re--"//

The Suzaku sei’s words kept echoing in his head. Shunkaku frowned.

"Damn Suzaku!" he muttered then stopped. What the hell am I saying? I’m a Suzaku sei too! He would have laughed at the irony if he didn’t know what it all meant.

Shunkaku suddenly felt drained. He tilted his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. He felt the beginnings of a terrible headache.

Then the sound of the door opening made his eyes fly open.

He turned and saw the miko standing at the doorway.

Shunkaku was immediately in front of her. "I’m sorry, miko-sama but---"

"Please," said the miko, grabbing him gently by the arm. She looked at him with a pleading look in her eyes. Shunkaku swallowed. He had prepared himself for this moment. But he didn’t expect her to be so…passive. It would have made things easier for him if she were shouting at him to stand aside.

"You don’t understand," she said, "This is all my fault. I forced him to come here. He doesn’t want to be here. And now Nakago’s going to do something horrible and it’s all my fault. So please…"

"Anou…" Shunkaku stammered. On one hand, he didn’t particularly care as to what the Shogun plans to do with the seishi. But as for the miko…and he still owed her for that night in the garden.

He let out a defeated sigh.

"I understand, miko-sama."

�

Shunkaku muttered angrily under his breath as he scrubbed the floor viciously.

"Oi! Watch where you’re going, you jackass!" he barked as one of guards sauntered by him tracking muddy print all over the newly cleaned floor of the barracks.

The man just looked at him and smirked. "With that attitude of yours, no wonder you got in trouble. Now quit whining and do as you’re told!"

Shunkaku could only glare at him. He was in a foul mood.

A very foul mood.

He’d just spent the whole day cleaning floors. His hands felt raw, his back hurt and he could feel the beginnings of a headache.

"Dammit!" he hissed when a particularly stubborn stain failed to submit to his brutal attack. Finally, he gave up, throwing the rag back into the bucket full of dirty water and standing up to stretch his aching limbs.

Cold bastard, he thought remembering the way the Shogun eyed him from head to toe, contemplating his punishment. The Shogun had been hesitant about putting him through the whip. He was, after all, the brother of a Seiryuu seishi. And so, he had to endure this humiliation instead.

He’d never hear the end of this from his fellow soldiers. And no doubt the Shogun knew it.

Shunkaku had already gotten into a fight today when one of the men had the nerve to say he had no balls. He smirked, remembering how the man’s nose made a satisfying crunch when his fist connected with it. That would be the third nose he had broken this week.

He stripped off his shirt, intent on heading out to the bath-house when the gong began to sound. Shunkaku immediately tugged his shirt back on and ran outside. In a matter of seconds, a whole troop was assembled outside of the barracks.

Shunkaku ran up to the nearest man in line.

"What’s going on?" he demanded.

The man gave him a distracted look then said, "There are Suzaku-Star Warriors inside the complex. And their Maiden is with them."

Shunkaku froze.

Then before he knew it, everyone was already trooping out of the courtyard.

"Shit," he cussed, running around, unsure of what to do.

Then as he turned, somebody grabbed him by the collar. It was the captain.

"Where the hell do you think you’re going boy?!" the man barked at Shunkaku. But before Shunkaku could open his mouth to answer, he was shoved back through the door of the barracks.

"You stay there! You won’t be getting a piece of the action tonight. Go and finish up your cleaning!" the captain sneered, and Shunkaku had to dig his fingers into his palm to keep from punching the man.

The door closed behind him with a resounding slam.

For a moment, the dark room glowed with an eerie red light. Then, as Shunkaku calmed down, it disappeared.

He sat down on his bed and stared at the mucky water on the bucket.

He raised his hand and massaged the throbbing in his temples. He felt the hairs in his arms rise up. Somewhere in the palace, someone was using his powers.

Shunkaku laid back and closed his eyes, trying to shut everything out.

�

Koutokou stopped playing at the sound of the warning gongs. He looked back at Tasuki who was suddenly jerked awake.

"What the fuck is that?" the flame-haired seishi asked him, his unbandaged eye narrowing warily.

Koutokou shrugged and tried to appear calm though in truth, his heart was hammering in his chest. He had been particularly jumpy ever since Tasuki, Chichiri and the miko returned from Konan. Not only did they come back empty-handed, but the two—with the exception of Chichiri—came back badly injured.

Chichiri suddenly burst into the room.

"Tamahome is back in the palace! And Lord Hotohori has challenged him to a duel!"

"What?!" cried Tasuki. He struggled to get up. "Help me out, will ya’!" he barked at them.

Koutokou and Chichiri exchanged worried glances.

"Tasuki…" Chichiri started to say.

"I’ll fuckin’ get up with or without your help!"

Koutokou sighed and walked towards the bed. He held out his hand and, with a grunt, managed to help Tasuki up.

"Alright. Let’s go."

�

He felt weak. Extremely weak. He didn’t even protest when somebody gathered him in his arms and carried him back to his room.

His room.

In Konan.

He was back.

His head hurts and he couldn’t focus on anything. Everything was a blur of motions. All he knew was that he was back and that Miaka was holding his hand.

Everytime he tried to think, to clear things up in his head, he’d feel dizzy and his head would throb.

"Rest now, Tamahome," came a stranger’s voice.

Yes, rest.

"Thank you, Mitsukake," he heard Miaka say. Then he felt Miaka gently squeeze his hand.

"I’ll stay here with you," she said. Then, "Thank you everyone. It’s ok now. I’ll stay with him."

"Are you sure, Miaka?" That was Nuriko’s voice. That he recognized. There were so many new voices. He tried opening his eyes, but they felt too heavy. And there was a tingly feeling in his side. Like that time when they were in Mount Taikyokou after the battle in Seiryuu’s Temple, and Taiitsukun had healed his wounds through magic.

"I think we should probably leave them alone." Aah. Hotohori. He felt strange. Images of swords flashing came to mind. But he couldn’t understand why. Couldn’t remember. Later then. He would remember later.

"I’ll stay with you, Miaka. I’ll play him a song to make him sleep better." There. Another new voice. Tamahome’s eyelids flickered.

"Thank you, Suboshi."

Tamahome could hear the footsteps, then the sound of the door closing.

Everything was quiet.

"Should I play now?" that unfamiliar voice asked.

"Yes, please," answered Miaka.

Then there came soft, soothing sound. A flute.

As Tamahome listened, he could feel himself drifting away into unconsciousness. It was as if the music was tangible and was drawing him into slumber.

With one final effort, he opened his eyes. He wanted to see Miaka’s face before he fell asleep. As his eyes flickered open, his gaze fell on a figure directly before him, seated by the door.

Tamahome gasped.

"Y-you!" he managed to say but with a great deal of difficulty. His muscles felt lax. It was difficult to speak, much more move around.

But he wanted to sit up.

That boy. That boy! I know him…

"Tamahome!" Miaka cried, alarmed. "What is it?"

Tamhome struggled to move, but couldn’t. His limbs felt heavy. Miaka was pressing a gentle yet restraining hand on his shoulder.

"Lie back, Tamahome. Please. You need to rest," he heard her say.

The figure by the door has already stood up. He saw a flash of surprise in the boy’s face. Then it turned to a look of wariness. The boy had stopped playing when Tamahome had called out to him. But now he raised his flute to his lips once again.

The music! No…stop… he wanted to say it out loud but he couldn’t move his lips. He was slowly losing consciousness. The last thing he saw before his eyes closed was Miaka smiling down at him reassuringly.

"Please sleep, Tamahome…"

�

Koutokou let out a sigh of relief as Tamahome’s eyes finally closed. He lowered his flute to his side and took several steps closer.

"Is he asleep?" he asked Miaka.

"Yes, thank you," answered Miaka as she sat back down by the bed and brushed back Tamahome’s bangs with her fingers.

Then she stopped and looked back at him with a puzzled look on her face. "What do you think was that about? He was looking at you."

Koutokou suddenly felt uneasy but just shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea."

"Oh well," Miaka said as she turned back to Tamahome. "At least he’s asleep now. I’m glad he’s back. But Yui…oh, Yui…"

Koutokou studied Tamahome intently.

Of course. He’s been to the palace. He must have seen Shun. This only means I can’t wait till the summoning. I must do it soon.

He turned and walked back to his seat with a heavy feeling in his stomach.

Yes. I’ll have to finish it all soon. Very soon.

TBC