Chapter Thirteen

"You expect me...to go in there?"

Hikari gazed up at the palace with a mixture of apprehension and disbelief, biting her lip as she gauged her companion's serene expression. "It...it's huge, Chichiri - are you really sure I won't be, you know, arrested or something? I mean, I...never met royalty before, and I really don't think that he'd care about me...even if I am the daughter of a friend of his father's. Let's go back to the village, huh? I feel...weird, standing here, and..."

"Stop babbling, you know. People will think you're strange." Chichiri said softly, mischief in his red eye as he took her by the arm, leading her towards the young guard on sentry duty. "I told you, it's all right. You don't need to worry. In your world, this might seem a strange thing to do, but you're not in your world now. Things are a bit different, where Suzaku no Miko and her family are concerned. In your world, Miaka and Taka-kun might simply be your average married couple but here in Kounan they're two of the most respected people in recent history."

"Really?" Hikari sent him a doubtful look. "It seems kind of...strange to me."

"I know, but trust me." Was Chichiri's simple response. "Let me explain to the guard, and don't worry, all right?"

"Chichiri-sama!" As they drew into the young guardsman's line of sight, he bowed his head, offering Chichiri a respectful smile, then repeating the gesture to the Seishi's bewildered companion.

"Morning." Chichiri said cheerfully, twitching his frayed kasa as he cast the man a warm grin. "I hoped we might see the Emperor. I know it's short notice, but yesterday Reizeitei-sama gave us indication that we'd be welcome to come as soon as we had anything to report, and well, I have something rather important to relay to him...something which I think might interest him more than a little, you know."

"Yes sir." The guard saluted, bowing his head again as he stepped aside. "We have been instructed that you are to be granted entrance at all times. The Emperor is at the Shrine of Suzaku this morning, paying his weekly respects to his late father, lord Saihitei. If you would like, I can run and bring him a message? Or...as you will it, you might attend him at the shrine?"

"We'll go there. You have plenty to do, I imagine." Chichiri said decidedly, his ruby eye twinkling. "Thank you. We'll be out of your way now. Come on, Hikari. You heard the man - we're going to the Shrine of Suzaku."

"The what of who?" Hikari frowned, as she felt a tug on her arm, pulling her away towards one side of the palace grounds. "Wait, Suzaku is the name of your phoenix thing, isn't he? And shrine...like a temple? Is that where we're going? Some religious place?"

"Yes. In a manner of speaking." Chichiri agreed. "Although it's also the place where a dear friend of mine is interred, so to me it's more than just a place of worship. Over the years, Hikari-chan, it's become quite a focal point for those of us born to do Suzaku's will. In fact, I believe it's somewhere you've been before, too - though of course, you wouldn't remember."

"I did?" Hikari looked non-plussed. "You mean...when you say I was here before?"

Chichiri nodded.

"Yes. That's right." He said. "With your mother's friend Mayo."

"I still don't get how Aunt Mayo could've brought me here before I was born." Hikari frowned. "It makes no sense. A lot of things really don't make much sense here, you know."

She sighed, glancing down at her attire as she almost tripped on her long skirt, grabbing out for Chichiri's other arm to steady herself. "Including the clothing! Women really dress like this and manage to get through the day without killing themselves?"

"Mostly." Chichiri chuckled. "You are like your mother in that respect, then? I seem to remember Miaka-chan had a tendency to be clumsy, from time to time."

"Only when I'm forced to walk around in a tent." Hikari grimaced. "I thought what that Shishi girl was wearing was bad, but now I'm starting to sympathise. At least the way she was dressed, she could move around."

"I think you look very pretty." Chichiri said mildly. "And besides, you are here to see the Emperor. Tasuki might get away with coming to the palace in bandit attire, but we won't push it on your part, all right?"

"I guess so." Hikari acknowledged with a sigh. "All right. I'm sorry. It's just not really all that comfortable. I wish I had my jeans with me...at least then I'd be able to move."

"Jeans?" Chichiri blinked, eying her for a moment. Then he shrugged, smiling wryly.

"Your world is just as strange." He reflected. "And we're here. Are you clean and tidy, Hikari-chan? You're about to enter a holy place, after all."

"I don't think Aidou-san would have given me much choice, after you sent me off to find her this morning." Hikari reached up to touch her hair self-consciously. "She seems to take those things seriously, and I didn't really get much say in the matter. I guess I thought bathing was less important in your world, since you don't have showers or running water as far as I can see. But Aidou-san kinda showed me I was wrong - I don't think I've ever been quite so clean in my life. And my hair...feels funny up like this. I always wear it in a braid...is it really normal, to style it this way?"

"For a young, unmarried village girl, yes." Chichiri agreed. "And although we're going to reveal to Boushin who you really are, Hikari-chan, it's probably not a good idea to broadcast it far and wide that you came from another world. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that you aren't here to be Suzaku no Miko in your mother's stead. If you were, I'd be able to feel the life forces of the other Seishi pulsing with Suzaku's spirit, and I can't. They're alive, sure enough. But they're not being called to arms...so whatever you're here to do, it's not to gather the seven stars of Suzaku."

"I don't have a clue what you're talking about." Hikari sighed, gazing up at the clear blue sky. "And who's Boushin? I thought we were here to see Rei...whatever it was sama?"

"Oh. Yes. Reizeitei-sama." Chichiri looked sheepish. "I'm sorry. Boushin is the name his mother gave him - and I've known him since he was a small boy. Reizeitei-sama is his imperial name - and I should do better remembering it, I'm sorry. It's just hard, sometimes, when you remember the small child clutching his teddy-bear."

He cast Hikari a sidelong glance.

"A teddy-bear your mother left with his father." He added. "As a keepsake, when we left for Hokkan to find the Genbu Shinzahou."

"My mother gave an Emperor a teddy-bear?" Hikari stared, and Chichiri grinned.

"I told you, there were no false airs and graces between the Miko and the Emperor, in those days." He said nostalgically. "And I'm sure you'll find Bou...Reizeitei-sama is keen to befriend you, too. In your world, you might be a gulf away from an Emperor's attention. But in this one...being the daughter of Lady Miaka and Tamahome is almost as good as being an Imperial son."

"I'll take your word for it." Hikari looked doubtful, and Chichiri spread his hands.

"You'll come to realise it." He said lightly, placing his palms against the door of the shrine. "For now, let me explain to his Highness who you are and what you're doing here - so far as I'm able to do that."

"All right." Hikari nodded, and Chichiri pushed open the door, leading her through the ante-chamber to the inner sanctum of the shrine. He paused, then knocked gently against it.

"Reizeitei-sama, I'm sorry to disturb you, but it's something quite important." He said carefully. "It's Chichiri, of the Suzaku Shichi Seishi, and I've brought someone to meet you. Someone who has a connection with you and with your father's past - and who may hold a key to what's going on in the Eastern lands."

"Chichiri?"

The door swung back, and Hikari drew breath sharply, staring up at the young man who stood before her, momentarily robbed of speech as she took in his handsome, elegant features and the bright, clever golden eyes that sparkled with life and energy. He was dressed in formal, dressy robes which, in any other circumstances she might have found amusing, but yet there was something in the man's bearing and countenance that made her realise this was the Emperor Chichiri had spoken of, and that there was nothing remotely funny about him.

He cast her an interested look, then offered Chichiri a warm smile.

"I had not expected to see you again so soon. I feel honoured." He said, in his gentle, dignified voice. "I was paying respects to my Lord Father - would you join me and say a prayer for his soul?"

"Of course, as ever." Chichiri agreed cheerfully. "Hikari, you can come too. It won't hurt you to pay respects to someone who your mother held in high esteem, after all."

"Mother?" Reizeitei's eyes widened, and he cast Chichiri a startled glance. "Chichiri-san...what do you mean? This girl was known to my father in some way?"

"She's the daughter of Tamahome and Suzaku no Miko." Chichiri said casually, as if he was announcing something of little importance. "It seems fitting that she should come pay her respects to Lord Saihitei, on her parents' behalf."

"The daughter of..." Reizeitei trailed off, lost for words as he stared at the girl anew. Then he seemed to remember who and where he was, looking abashed as he gestured towards the statue of the golden phoenix.

"Then by all means, her prayers will also be most welcome." He said gravely.

Hikari stared at the statue, awed by it's overbearing, glittering presence, and her eyes were drawn to a small golden plaque that glittered beneath the beast's claws. Although she could not make out all of the inscription, she recognised the character for 'star' and the one for 'Emperor' and she realised this marked the grave of the man Chichiri had told her about - the Suzaku warrior Hotohori, who had once been a close friend of her parents.

Feeling self-conscious and awkward in her long, heavy skirts, she followed Chichiri's lead, kneeling down and putting her hands together as she closed her eyes. Surrepticiously, however, she cast a sidelong glance around her from beneath lowered lashes, taking in the profile of the young king who knelt only a short distance to her right.

He was, without doubt, the most handsome man she had ever seen.

"And he's an Emperor. Arina would die if she knew." She told herself, biting her lip as she took in the dignified aura that the young man exuded. "Are Emperors meant to be cute as well as rich and powerful? I never really paid attention to it before. He doesn't seem old enough to be ruler of a country - he can't be much older than me, if his Dad and mine fought together with Chichiri and my mother to raise this Suzaku creature. But somehow he seems...so grand."

"Hikari-chan, you can get up now." A hand on her shoulder told her that her companions had finished their devotions and flushing red at having been caught daydreaming, she scrambled to her feet, looking sheepish and awkward as she attempted to gather her wits. Chichiri offered her an amused smile, then cast the Emperor a glance, nodding his head slowly.

"Yes, Boushin-kun. Just like you, Hikari is a child of a Seishi."

"But...Miaka-sama and Tamahome no longer reside in this world." Reizeitei cast Hikari a thoughtful, faintly awed look, and Hikari was struck with a jolt as she realised the Emperor of all Kounan was eying her almost as if she was some kind of divine being. "Has she come from there, Chichiri? If so, I understand your coming...this is news indeed!"

"There are a lot of things I need to tell you, Heika, and I'm not sure I have a lot of time to do it in." Chichiri admitted. "Here seems as good a place as any, however, since it's fairly private. Yes, Hikari has come from Miaka's world, but she's more to you and I than just the daughter of old family friends. Hikari is something else to Kounan - she is the embodiment of Miaka and Tamahome's love for one another. If you remember, six years ago, a girl called Mayo assumed the mantle of Miko to carry out Miaka's wishes and protect this world against the dark forces tearing it apart. Do you recall? You were a boy of twelve at the time, so I'm sure that you do."

"Yes. I remember Mayo-sama quite clearly." Reizeitei's brow creased slightly as he nodded his head. "But..."

He faltered, as comprehension flitted across his face.

"Are you telling me...this girl...is the baby she brought to Kounan? That this child is Miaka-sama's Shinzahou - the blessed treasure of all Kounan?"

"You are as smart as your father, and as quick to understand." Chichiri grinned, nodding his head. "Precisely that, Heika. And it seems to have been her power as Shinzahou which brought her here to us. She appeared around Reikaku-zan, and Tasuki conveyed her to me to handle. I was going to try and send her home, but...it seems that there's a specific reason for her to be here. And considering that fact, Hikari-chan has agreed to stay in Kounan a little longer. I think, Heika, that her presence is important. And more, we're going to need her."

"Hikari." Reizeitei said softly. "Your name means light...it is a fitting name for one blessed with Suzaku's divine power."

"I...I don't feel very divine, your...your Highness." Hikari found her tongue, shaking her head. "Actually I'm sort of confused."

"Which makes two of us." Reizeitei admitted. "Chichiri - you sound like you have grave news to impart to me, yet you're unsure quite how to do so. Will you forgive me if I ask you to be direct? I have a feeling it is not something I wish to hear, yet as Emperor of Kounan, I think I must know it as soon as possible."

"Yes, I think you must." Chichiri sighed. "Heika, when Hikari first appeared in this world, it was a deserted wasteland. You might not be aware, but the world in which Miaka and Tamahome now live moves at a slower pace of time than this one - normally, therefore, it should be many years into our future for someone of Hikari's age to be able to enter here again. This, I believe, she did...but that the time concurrent with her own was dead. Everything...everyone. Not only that, but it had been so...for quite some time."

A flicker of pain surfaced in his ruby eye.

"She is quite sure she saw my own family among this world of death." He added slowly. "And that is why she has decided to remain in Kounan. Because she seeks to help prevent whatever caused such a thing to happen...to my family and to all of the people in this country."

"Death? Deserted...wasteland?" Horror flickered in Reizeitei's golden gaze. "This is...Kounan's future? Hikari-san...has come from Kounan's future, as an omen? A warning...that we are all doomed to die?"

"I think she's come here to try and stop it." Chichiri shook his head. "That Suzaku's sent her here now she's old enough to be here. She's fifteen, Heika, the same age that Suzaku no Miko was when she came to Kounan the first time. I'm sure that Hikari is Suzaku's emissary - and that she was drawn back from that time to this one because she has a connection to Tasuki and I. As Shinzahou, her destiny is to be protected by the Suzaku Shichi Seishi. And that is our duty, as surviving warriors - to ensure no harm comes to her."

"I see." Reizeitei bit his lip, and Hikari glanced at him, wondering absently how he had possibly understood Chichiri's horribly confusing explanation. "So in fact, she has come to use her holy power to protect Kounan somehow?"

"Yes. I think that's the case."

"And this, you believe, relates to the unsettled East?"

"Probably." Chichiri inclined his head. "Right now, though, we're still uncertain of many things. I still have to discuss this with Tasuki, and I have someone else I need to consult, too - someone who, I hope, will give us a clearer idea of what we're facing. It'll have been a while since I've paid her a visit - but with any luck, she won't hold it against me."

Hikari glanced up sharply at this.

"Someone else?" She asked curiously. "Who?"

"You'll see." Chichiri said with a grin. "It's easier to show than tell, you know?"

"So you are the daughter of Suzaku no Miko." Reizeitei turned his beautiful eyes back towards Hikari, offering her a smile and as he did so, Hikari felt herself flushing beneath the intensity of his gaze. "That you have come to Kounan in our time of need...I thank you, Hikari-sama. You are as welcome within this place as Chichiri and Tasuki - as the Shinzahou of Suzaku, this shrine is somewhere you belong even more strongly than I do. You are indeed well-named - if you are to bring light to an otherwise difficult situation."

"I...I don't know about that..." Hikari faltered, and Chichiri chuckled.

"Poor Hikari is still working out how to walk in long skirts." He said, amused. "But it's all right, Heika. I'll do my best to help her learn about her place in this world, and what it means to be the Shinzahou. To be able to shift through time like she has shows she has a lot of magic sealed up inside of her - even with all my spiritual power, that's something I'm not able to do. I imagine that once we've unlocked it, Hikari will be a valuable ally for you and all of Kounan. She just needs a little time to adjust."

Hikari blushed, and Reizeitei sent her a smile, for a moment his expression lighting up with a flicker of mischief and personality behind the sobriety of his demeanour.

"I see." He said softly. "Yes. I suppose it must be very different, in the Miko's world."

He tilted his head slightly, eying her pensively.

"My father loved your mother very dearly." He said reflectively. "Before he met my mother, and fell in love with her in the manner of people who are able to love for life. I am grieved he is not here to see you - I know it would have brought him pleasure to see the child whose future existance he died to preserve."

"Died to...?" Hikari stared at him in alarm. "What do you mean?"

"Hotohori-sama - Saihitei-sama - was killed in battle against Kutou, the country whose border lies to the East." Chichiri said softly. "He sacrificed his life against their Shougun, Nakago - a man of Kutou's God Seiryuu, as well as a man of decidedly evil intentions. Many, many people died at Nakago's hand, before your own father put an end to his atrocities by bringing him down. Hotohori-sama's life was given bravely - in an attempt not only to protect this world, but also to try to prevent Nakago from entering your world - and from slaying your mother and father. He took Miaka's safety more seriously than he did his own, in the end. His duty as Emperor and as Seishi to protect drove him to the very end."

"I see." Despite herself, Hikari's heart clenched as she looked at Reizeitei with new eyes. "I'm sorry. It must have sucked...I mean, it must have been very bad, to lose your father like that."

"He passed away before I was born." Reizeitei said evenly. "But in some respects, that made it harder. Still, he did not leave us right away. He did come to the palace, when I was a baby, as a spirit to protect my mother and I from demons."

A smile touched his lips, lighting up his expression.

"It was your father who enabled my father to hold me in his arms." He added. "I remember it, although I was only two years old. I remember it most vividly...the time my father held me, and told me to make him and Kounan proud."

His eyes glittered with tears, but he held his composure, spreading his hands.

"And now you are here to help Kounan, in your parents' stead." He added. "Just as your parents had, your heart must also be good, Hikari."

"I...I don't know." Hikari felt self-conscious. "I'm not sure it's that good. But I guess...I guess we'll find out, won't we?"

She sighed.

"To be honest, I don't know much about my parents when they were in this world. In fact, until I turned up here and had a sword jabbed in my back, I didn't even know it existed." She admitted. "Mum and Dad have never talked about it...I guess I'm starting to see why. I mean...there's no way I'd believe it, without having seen it for myself. But it means I...I don't know a lot about your father, your Highness, or any of the other Suzaku warriors. Or even about Kounan and the things my parents did in the past. I don't know anything at all, to be honest. And I don't know how to be this Shinzahou thing, either."

"But I'm sure, in Chichiri's capable hands, that will all soon be rectified." Reizeitei said comfortably.

He bent to the foot of the bird statue, reaching behind the creature's glittering leg as he extracted something, dusting it off and then holding it out to her. Tentatively Hikari took it, her eyes widened as she realised what it was.

"But this is a photograph!" She exclaimed. "You mean you have cameras in this world?"

"I don't know what manner of magic produced it, but it belonged to my father, and it was given him by your mother." Reizeitei said with a smile. "I know it was important to him, because he was holding it when he died. Mother said that all of Suzaku's warriors once had a picture like it. Chichiri - you probably do, too."

"Yes." Chichiri agreed, coming to peer over Hikari's shoulder at the battered, battle-scorched image. "It was taken before we left for the North Country - the last time the eight of us were ever together as living, breathing souls. Only a few weeks later we were on the mountain where Nuriko died...this was really the last time we were a proper, complete team."

"So this is...all of the Suzaku warriors?" Hikari asked, pursing her lips as she gazed at the damaged image. "Chichiri, what's wrong with your face? You look like a kitten - and what's up with your eye? You don't have a scar!"

"I was wearing a mask, you know." Chichiri laughed. "I used to do that a lot, back then."

"A mask?" Hikari sent him a funny look. "To cover up your eye?"

"Yes and no." Chichiri shrugged. "It's complicated...but I haven't worn it in years. Ri Hou Jun doesn't wear a mask - his wife tends to object if he does, you know?"

He grinned playfully, and Hikari pursed her lips ruefully, acknowledging to herself that Aidou probably would have something to say about something as odd as thekitsunemask.

"That's the mountain bandit. Genrou." She observed, turning her gaze back to the picture. "Right? And that...oh God. That...that's my...my mother. And...and...Father? Only he looks so...his hair is..."

She faltered, glancing at Chichiri in confusion.

"He looks a little...different." She admitted.

"That's because Tamahome was originally from this world." Chichiri said simply. "But he was reborn in your world so he could stay with Miaka. Suzaku's spell had a few modifications, you know...that's all. I guess you could say that's the real Sou Kishuku, in that picture. And the man you know - is the new, improved Sukunami Taka...you know?"

"Confusing." Hikari groaned. She bit her lip, her gaze flitting over the other three grainy, smiling faces.

"That must be the late Emperor, lord Hotohori." She decided. "Rei...Reizeitei-sama, you look...a lot like your father, you know."

"So I have been told, although I doubt I am quite so handsome as he was. He was quite a legend, in his lifetime, so I've been led to understand." Reizeitei said with a grin.

"And the other three? The man, the woman and the young boy?"

"Myou Juan - 'Mitsukake', Chou Ryuuen –'Nuriko' and Ou Doukun – 'Chiriko'. Except Nuriko was a man, you know."

"No way." Hikari snorted, peering at the picture. "That's a guy? Okay, he's not wearing a dress exactly, but...he looks more like a girl than my mother does! Are you seriously telling me that's a man?"

"Yes. All of Miaka's Seishi were men." Chichiri nodded. "Appearances are deceptive, Hikari - didn't we already have that conversation?"

Hikari glanced up at him, pinkening as she remembered her initial reaction to her companion's scarred eye. She sighed, nodding her head.

"I guess so. I'm sorry." She said slowly. She glanced at the picture once more, then held it out to the Emperor, who took it, returning it reverently to its secret place.

"Now I look at the picture beside you, I can see you have your mother's likeness in your face." He said pensively. "You truly are the child of Lady Miaka. Kounan is indeed blessed."

"And now I've seen...that, I guess I have to believe Mum and Dad were here, once." Hikari chewed down on her lip. "And that all of this stuff you've been telling me really is real."

"I thought you'd already come to that conclusion, Hikari-chan?" Chichiri looked startled, and Hikari spread her hands.

"I suppose I hoped that maybe it was still a misunderstanding." She admitted. "But I guess now I know it wasn't. So...so I guess that means I really am meant to be here, for some weird reason."

"Well, it's probably time we did find out more about that." Chichiri agreed. He inclined his head in the Emperor's direction, offering him a smile.

"Reizeitei-sama, with your permission, I want to assist Hikari as much as I can in whatever she needs to learn to help Kounan. And whatever she needs to do to be successful here." He added. "I have somewhere I need to take her, and then I think it's likely that Tasuki and I will have to confer on the best course of action. Do we have your blessing, to act as we see fit in the name of Suzaku?"

"As ever." Reizeitei nodded his head. "As you already said, your duty is to protect Kounan and Suzaku's Shinzahou. Even an Emperor cannot intervene in the will of the God."

"Then I guess Hikari and I have somewhere else we need to be." Chichiri looked thoughtful, eying his young charge reflectively. "Hikari, say your goodbyes to the Emperor...I think it's time we moved on to the next place. And then, maybe, things will begin to get a little clearer."

The inside of Seiryuu's shrine was silent, flames flickering with blue light in the sconces around the walls as the Priest carefully prepared his spell. In the dim, uneven light, the Emperor of all Kutou and his faithful Meihi guardian stood deathly still as Kikei undertook process upon process, incantations and spells falling from his lips as he cast his hands over the central purifying flame.

As the fire spat and glimmered with life, Kikei's expression seemed to relax, and he nodded, as if confirming something to himself. Then, very gently, as if touching something more precious than life itself, he slipped his fingers into the blue jewelled casket, his skin brushing against the holy scale for the first time.

There was a glimmer of blue flame, as his touch was repelled, and he frowned, eying it for a moment. Then he nodded again, hovering his hand mere inches from its surface as he muttered another ancient spell.

As the Emperor and his companion watched, Suiko's relic glittered and hummed with light and energy, hovering for a brief moment from within its safe, secure resting place as sparks of ethereal electricity seemed to flare out all around it, connecting with the central flame. As soon as the two made contact, the fire flared a vivid, azure blue, and from within the depths, the faintest outline of a shape began to be visible.

"Kintsusei-sama, step forward." Satisfied with his work, Kikei turned, beckoning to the Emperor who, momentarily awestruck had to jerk himself from his daze, obediently moving closer to the flame as if he was not ruler of Kutou but a young boy being guided by an experienced, indulgent master. Hyoushin's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze flitting between the flame and his Emperor as if he suspected some danger, but as his hand hovered near the hilt of his sword, Kikei offered him a faint, derisive smile.

"You too, Hyoushin, unless you are scared to face the power of Seiryuu." He said softly. "Kintsusei-sama is not afraid, but if you are, you do not have to observe this."

"I have no fear of spells or incantations, Kikei-sama." Hyoushin said evenly, coming to stand level with his companion. "Whether woven by Priests of Seiryuu or the divine Gods themselves."

"Kikei...what is that?" Before Kikei could retort, Kintsusei's voice interrupted them, his tones faltering as he gazed upon the brilliant blue flame. "In the fire...there's...something there."

"Not something, my Lord. Someone." Kikei shook his head. "Through the powers invested in me as Priest of the Divine Seiryuu's Shrine, I have summoned the spirit of Suiko, the Guardian mage of Kutou to assist my Emperor in his quest for Kutou's peace."

"The spirit of..." Kintsusei's eyes widened. "But...then Suiko is...a person?"

"Suiko is a powerful magical splinter of power, left behind in this one scale belonging to Seiryuu himself." Kikei shook his head. "But she assumes the form most acceptable to those who she is created to serve and protect. She is not as strong as she once was, it's true - but there is still enough energy in the scale to project a weak, faint image of her in human form. Of course, with Yui-sama's Shinzahou, we'd have enough of Seiryuu's power to give her physical form away from this place...as it is, we will only be able to communicate with her as a prisoner of the flame, and she will not be able to use her own magic while in this unstable state. However..."

"Then what use is she to us, Kikei?" Hyoushin asked, irritation flecking in his violet eyes. "If she cannot use her divine magic, is she not more than a ghost in a flame? You had better have spent your energies resurrecting the Shougun's ghost. At least he had spiritual power upon which Kutou's future could have depended."

"Kintsusei-sama, must this heathen be present at such a defining, significant moment?" Kikei sent his Emperor a beseeching look. "Hyoushin may have been cultured and educated in the ways of the East since you brought him into your service, but it really is not appropriate to have one who denies Seiryuu's divinity so blatantly step so deep within his shrine."

"I am Kintsusei-sama's bodyguard. For this, I must be willing to go where he does, and I do." Hyoushin's expression did not falter for a moment. "Including here. If Seiryuu minds my presence, no doubt he will be sure to inform me of his displeasure."

"Kintsusei-sama!" Kikei exclaimed, and the Emperor glanced up, clearly startled from an almost hypnotic reverie.

"Kikei? Why are you shouting?"

"Kintsusei-sama, is it necessary for Hyoushin to be in the Shrine while Suiko is being awoken?" Kikei asked wearily. "He persists in mocking the God's magic at every turn."

"You are mistaken, Kikei. I don't have any reason to mock Seiryuu." Hyoushin bowed his head slightly in the Priest's direction. "I realise that he is a spiritual being beyond the comprehension of man or beast. It is merely the ritual and those who carry it out...that is where my contentions lie. And as for my presence here, so long as Lord Kintsusei's person may be threatened, I will not leave his side. Assassins can strike in the darkest of places, Kikei-sama. As I'm sure you need no reminding - after all, you are one of the few who survived the Shougun's purging of the palace, eighteen years ago."

There was no threat in Hyoushin's tones, nor in his demeanour, but the icy glint in his violet eyes seemed to make the Priest bristle, as if a personal insult had been cast.

"Lord Kintsusei!"

"Both of you, stop it." Kintsusei seemed to remember where he was at that point, holding up his hands. "This is not the place for a personal disagreement nor a debate on spiritual matters. We have more important, pressing things than your religious differences - on one thing we are all agreed. That the peace of Kutou matters more than anything else. And that whatever ends we must follow to achieve that...must be entirely explored."

He turned, casting Kikei a smile.

"I have faith in your spells, Lord Priest." He said softly. "As I do in Hyoushin's loyalty, and his ability to protect me. He and you both are welcome in my company, whether together or apart. I will not send either one of you away to placate the other, not when I need the both of you to help me in my endeavours."

"I have no complaint to make, Lord." Hyoushin said softly, a flicker of amusement in his amethyst gaze at this. "As you say, Kutou's peace is the most important matter at present."

"Then maybe I can finish my explanation of Suiko's chief purpose within the flame of Seiryuu." Kikei sounded impatient, shooting the Meihi a dark glare, which was returned by an interested, placid smile. "As I was saying, she cannot use her divine powers while she is a spirit trapped in magic fire. But she can tell us something valuable nonetheless. Seiryuu's magic calls out to her across this world. The whereabouts of Yui-sama's Shinzahou...is something that she will know beyond all doubt."

"And with the Shinzahou, we can restore her?" Kintsusei's eyes widened. "I see. Then your spell has merit indeed, Kikei."

"My Lord, with the power of Yui-sama's Shinzahou, do you intend to try to raise Seiryuu himself?" Hyoushin asked softly. Kintsusei glanced at Kikei, who shook his head.

"Seiryuu cannot be summoned so simply." He said with a disdainful smirk. "Although I wouldn't expect you to know such technicalities, Hyoushin. To summon the Beast God, there must be a Priestess from another world. We have no such thing. And we would have the power of only one Shinzahou. When Yui-sama raised Seiryuu the last time, she used the combined power of two."

"Then...aside from raising this Suiko guardian spirit, is there a purpose to us obtaining the Shinzahou of Seiryuu?" Hyoushin again directed his question at his Emperor, who frowned.

"Kikei believes so, and I have faith in his expertise." He admitted. "Even though we have no Miko. Seiryuu's Shinzahou is the start, Hyoushin, that's all. If we could track down the Shinzahou belonging to the other Beast Gods...maybe, with their combined powers, and their combined Guardian magic...we might be able to generate something powerful enough to protect Kutou in the way our neighbours have been protected."

"Kutou lives under a curse." Kikei said frankly. "Because the legend of Seiryuu no Miko occured long before its appointed time. For some reason, unknown to any living soul, the Mikos of Suzaku and Seiryuu existed in this world alongside one another, and provoked war between the lands. Bloody conflict followed, and neither land was able to be saved as a result. However...since that time, Suzaku no Miko managed, through some dark art of her own, to convey peace to Kounan. Even I do not know by what method she brought this about. All I do know is that Suzaku no Miko's legend was the true one - the one destined to fall at the time at which our troubles began. And since Seiryuu no Miko should not have entered this world yet, Kutou cannot find its divine peace."

"A curse." Hyoushin's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and then, slowly, he nodded his head. "Yes. This I can understand."

"All the present suffering in Kutou can be traced back to the years leading up to the conflict between Seiryuu and Suzaku no Miko." Kintsusei sighed. "The truth of it is that both sets of Seishi were engaged not in protecting and preserving their lands as peaceful places but instead were defending them and fighting an almost holy war."

"During this time, Seiryuu no Miko's Shinzahou was misplaced." Kikei agreed. "It's my belief that part of Kounan's peace is because Suzaku no Miko somehow invoked the power of her Shinzahou and that this now resides somewhere within the Southern Lands. Since it's well travelled rumour that Suzaku rose in the skies over the Miko's world, it was somehow possible for her to send there not only her holy treasure but also a Priestess through which to enact the summoning of the Beast God in Kounan for the first time. And since Suzaku had not appeared in this world before, this shadow Miko was able to make the wish for Kounan's peace...a happy outcome that seems denied to the people of Kutou."

"So we gather the Shinzahou." Hyoushin said slowly. "And then you believe we will be able to rectify this?"

"With power like that, noone would dare to cause trouble for Kintsusei-sama again." Kikei said simply. "But small steps first. Lets focus on our own treasure, for the time being."

He turned to the flame, muttering a final incantation as he spread his hands before the blue glow, and both Hyoushin and Kintsusei watched as slowly but surely the image of a woman became more and more clear in the flickering, dancing fire. In this spiritual state she seemed both divine and ethereal, her eyes glimmering with azure energy, and thick sapphire hair winding around her shoulders in curls that rather resembled waves upon the seashore. At her throat, a pendant glittered with the image of the beast God, and as she became more and more visible, she seemed to stir from a deep stupor, glancing around the shrine at the chamber's occupants as if seeing them for the first time.

Kikei bowed his head, holding his hands out to her in a gesture of peace.

"Suiko, Guardian of Kutou, the servants of Seiryuu summon you." He said softly.

For a moment, there was no response. Then, as the girl's eyes seemed to flare with a fire all of their own, she let out a peal of faint, ghostly laughter, an amused smile twitching at her mouth as she tilted her head coquettishly to one side.

"Aged priest, you grovel before me as if I am a genie, ready to grant you wishes." She murmured, her voice barely more than the whisper of the tide. "Who are you, who seeks to speak to Suiko, Guardian of Seiryuu's land of the East?"

"Kikei, Seiryuu's servant and Priest of the Shrine." Kikei's head remained bowed. "And the Lord Kintsusei, Emperor of Kutou, the land which lives beneath the protection of the Azure Dragon's power."

"I see." Suiko's eyes glimmered thoughtfully. Then she nodded.

"Step forward, Emperor of Kutou." She said gently, holding out spectral hands to beckon to him and Kintsusei started, then obeyed her, reaching his own fingers to hers tentatively. For the briefest of moments, they brushed skin. Then she pulled her hands back with a mischievous laugh, the sound rippling around the chamber.

"You seem uncertain, Koutei-heika." She said lightly. "Do you truly wish for my help?"

"I seek peace for Kutou, Lady Suiko." Kintsusei admitted. "And if you can help me in that regard, then yes, I seek your assistance most desperately."

"And your associate?" Suiko's eyes flitted to Hyoushin, who eyed her for a moment, then bowed his head slightly. "He seems to be even less sure than you are, Koutei-heika."

"Ignore him. He's a fine soldier, but he's also a heathen and unwilling to learn the ways of Seiryuu." Kikei said disparagingly, shooting Hyoushin a glare which was returned with an even, icy glance of disdain. "Suiko-sama, it is my Lord Emperor and I who seek your advice. We wish to find the treasure of the Priestess of Seiryuu, in order to restore you to full form. And..."

"And you believe I might know where it is?" Suiko asked softly. Kikei nodded his head, and she offered him another, playful smile, reaching out ghostly fingers to pat him on the head. "You are wise, Lord Priest. My strength is failing, but I can tell you something of its whereabouts. The magic of the Shinzahou is stronger than the magic within my heart at this time...it calls out across the land and even in this state, I am able to hear it's cry."

"Is it within the Eastern lands, Lady Suiko?" Kintsusei asked eagerly. "In the land Yui-sama came to protect?"

"No, the treasure is not within these borders." Suiko shook her head. "It lies to the north, on a direct line from here, but deep into the land of the snow. Within mountain country. It is guarded, however, by those who bear the blue mark of Seiryuu's constellations - both before and beyond the grave. And it is to them you must apply to claim the treasure belonging to Seiryuu no Miko."

"Blue mark?" Hyoushin murmured. "Such as that the Shougun had on his brow?"

"She means the mark of a Seishi." Kikei frowned. "But...Lady Suiko, tell me how this is possible? All the Seiryuu Seishi are dead...killed in battle against Kounan. How can the Shinzahou be protected by any of them? I don't understand!"

"I cannot tell you what I do not know." Suiko flicked her hand carelessly. "I have neither the strength nor the inclination to learn more about it. The Northern lands hold little interest for a spirit of the sea - frozen water doesn't suit me at all."

Before any of them could react, her image blurred and faded back into the flame, and the light which had enveloped Seiryuu's scale dimmed, until the relic dropped back into its case, silent once more.

"Very helpful." Hyoushin remarked succinctly. "I presume by Northern lands, she does mean Hokkan?"

"I imagine that she must." Kintsusei sighed. "But Kikei is right, Hyoushin. If all of Seiryuu's men are dead...how can the Shinzahou be in the protection of those before and beyond the grave? It makes no sense to me either."

"Perhaps one or more of Seiryuu's warriors have been reborn?" Hyoushin suggested. "It is not impossible, is it?"

"They would be very young." Kintsusei looked doubtful. "Even if they had been reborn immediately after their deaths..."

"But not impossible." Kikei admitted reluctantly. "Though I'm surprised the idea came from you, Hyoushin."

"It was put into my head by an innocent conversation between some of my men." Hyoushin said evenly. "We have no way of knowing whether or not our Seishi have been reborn, however Kutou still lies in a precarious position. And unless I am much mistaken, the legend of Seiryuu's constellations do state that when the land is in peril..."

He trailed off, and Kikei's eyes narrowed.

"For one who pretends to know nothing, you seem to know a lot." He said softly. Hyoushin's eyes flickered, and he bowed his head in acknowledgement.

"I listen and I learn, Lord Kikei." He replied calmly. "That is all."

"So if we assume at least one of Seiryuu's Seishi has been reborn, what are they doing in Hokkan?" Kintsusei wondered. "As warriors of Seiryuu, shouldn't they be in Kutou? It doesn't make any sense."

"Unless their families fled to avoid the civil war." Hyoushin suggested.

"True." Kintsusei admitted. "I suppose that is a possibility - that they left Kutou and crossed the border into Hokkan."

"Even so, how are we going to track them down?" Kikei demanded. "They might not know who they are, or what they're protecting. In which case...how will we know? How can we find something that's in a land the size of Hokkan? This country is large enough, but the northern territories are three times bigger at least!"

"May I suggest by use of a map, Lord Kikei?" Hyoushin said evenly, dry humour in his amethyst eyes. "That is, after all, how most people find their way anywhere."

"If you're just going to be flippant, Hyoushin..." Kikei began, but Kintsusei held up his hands.

"No, I told you both once." He said mildly. "We're on the same side. Besides...something has occured to me. Something I remember someone once mentioning...something...little by little it's coming back to me. That not all of the Kutou blessed were originally born in Kutou. Perhaps because of the curse you mentioned, Kikei - the fact they were summoned to life too soon to properly carry out the legend and protect Kutou. But...I'm almost certain...aside from Nakago, born of the Hin tribe, there was another...one born in the northern lands. Ashitare...the wolf-man."

"Ashitare." Kikei's eyes widened with comprehension, and slowly he nodded his head. "Yes. I believe you are right, Sire. In fact, I'm certain of it. Such a monster of a man - in a literal sense - I'm sure that no such people have ever lived within Kutou's borders. Yet there are legends of wolf-demons and other monsters of the snow along the Hokkan-Kounan border and deeper into the northern mountains."

"Then perhaps we are seeking the reborn spirit of this wolf-man Ashitare." Hyoushin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Tell me, Priest - is there any way to track the spirits of Seiryuu's Seishi?"

"If I had such a method, I would not have tried to raise Suiko so soon." Kikei snapped.

"Then my Lord, perhaps if I was to travel to the North...I might have some luck in tracing this Shinzahou through old-fashioned methods." Hyoushin turned to the Emperor. "With a few of my men, I'm sure that we could learn something."

"Do you even know what it is?" Kikei demanded, and Hyoushin shrugged.

"Not clearly, but I can be told." He said simply. "And I believe of all men I am best suited to undertake this mission. After all, in times past, my people migrated from the snowlands to Kutou in search of warmer climates. I am not as troubled by the cold as men born of other tribes or peoples...and I am more than willing to undertake the journey, with my Emperor's permission."

"I think that would be the best course of action." Kintsusei looked relieved. "Yes, Hyoushin, do that. Take a group of men and go North. Yui-sama's Shinzahou is a teardrop earring she wore during the summoning ceremony in Sairou - but I'm sure you would recognise it, if you came into its vicinity."

He glanced at Kikei.

"Kikei, will you also ensure that Hyoushin has a charmed mirror to take with him on this trip? If Suiko should be able to give us further information, we should be able to convey it to him as soon as possible, and Hokkan is a day's ride at the very least. It would be simpler to keep in contact via your spiritual magic."

"Yes, my Lord." Kikei sighed, sending the Meihi a look of dislike. "If you think we can trust someone so ignorant of Seiryuu's magic with something so important."

"I would trust Hyoushin with my life, Kikei." Kintsusei said frankly. "Then it is decided. Select your men, Hyoushin - I want you to depart as soon as is possible."

"Yes, Lord."

"And Hyoushin?"

"Yes, Kintsusei-sama?"

"Take Aoiketsu with you." A flicker of meaning flared in the Emperor's dark eyes, and the Meihi nodded, understanding dawning on his own face.

"I already had intended to do so, my Lord." He agreed lightly. "The boy has acquitted himself well enough of late, deserving of a trip away from the palace. And besides, it will be good experience for him. I had already decided to include him in the party, if you had agreed."

"Then it's settled." Kintsusei smiled. "I have faith in you, Hyoushin...and the Shinzahou's soon and safe return to its homeland."

"So now where are we?"

As they exited Chichiri's unusual hat, Hikari raised a hand to her head, faintly nauseous by the second transfer in such a short space of time. Glancing around her, she realised that they were atop what appeared to be a mountain, although she quickly registered that this was not Reikaku-zan. Indeed, it did not look like it was even a part of the same world, with so many contrasting colours and lights glimmering from every peak and crevasse she could see. For a moment she just drank it all in, spellbound by the view unlike anything she had ever seen. Then she cast her companion a questioning look, taking in the pensive, almost nostalgic expression on his scarred face.

"Chichiri? Where have we come to now? Is this somewhere else in K...Kounan?"

"Not exactly, you know." This time Chichiri glanced at her, offering her a smile. "But somewhere just as significant. It was a home from home for me for three years or more when I was training to be Chichiri, you know - and your parents both came here too, on several occasions. This is Taikyoku-zan - and if I was to say we were as close as possible to the gates of Heaven, I wouldn't be telling you lies."

"The gates of..." Hikari stared at him blankly, and Chichiri chuckled.

"You know, when you give me that look, you really do remind me of your mother." He said absently. "But I'm perfectly serious. Besides, in a sense, I wanted to test you as well, Hikari-chan. Not that I doubted you - but I know you doubt yourself. But you see the landscape, don't you? Colours and flowers and everything beautiful, for miles around?"

"Yes..." Hikari bit her lip. "Like some kind of wild acid trip or something. Why?"

"Because only those who have good hearts can come here." Chichiri said gently. "And whatever your doubts, Hikari, you have a good heart. Though I was sure that would be the case - after all, you are Miaka and Tamahome's daughter."

"I wish you wouldn't call Dad that." Hikari admitted.

"Tamahome?" Chichiri eyed her keenly, and Hikari nodded.

"Yeah. It makes it feel like I don't really know him."

"I suppose I see what you mean." Chichiri reflected. "I'll try and remember, though it's hard to do, you know. To me he's always really been Tamahome...Even when he was here under the name Sukunami Taka, Tamahome seemed to roll off all of our tongues more easily. But I'll try and remember."

"Thanks." Hikari offered him a faint smile. "So is this place...the place where the person we came to see lives?"

"You catch on fast." Chichiri nodded. "The person we've come to see is the controller of this world - the hermit, Taiitsukun. Well, she's a lot more than that, really, but...I won't confuse you too much right away. For the time being, it's probably better you think of her as some kind of guide - she's able to see out all across the lands and I'm sure that she'll know more about the current situation than we do. She's like that, you know...and she's always been helpful, in the past."

"Thank you, Chichiri. It's nice to know that even after all this time, you remember your old mentor."

A voice came from behind them, startling both, and Hikari turned, letting out a yell as she jumped back behind her Seishi companion. Hovering in front of her was the oldest, most wrinkled and decidedly un-pretty woman she had ever seen, her grey-white hair swept up under a grandiose headdress and her sagging, unflattering form wrapped in elegant robes which somehow added to the surreal nature of her appearance. Bright, beady eyes glinted from within a sunken, jowled face, and Hikari swallowed hard, inwardly deciding that as much as Chichiri's scar had repulsed her on their first encounter, this woman was several times as bad.

"Hikari, stop that." Chichiri said reprovingly. "It's rude, you know - at least say hello."

"Well, well. Sukunami Hikari." The old woman cast the schoolgirl a thoughtful look, then she smiled, the effect sending fresh shivers down Hikari's spine. "Suzaku no Shinzahou...I did wonder how long it would be before you showed up in this world. The portents have been there for a while...that Suzaku's power needed to be in this world, instead of in Miaka's. And at last, Miaka's realised it, and sent her Shinzahou back to the Shijin-Tenchishou."

"I don't think Miaka had a lot to do with it, to be honest." Chichiri admitted. "I think Hikari sort of found her way here on her own."

Hikari gazed up at the being doubtfully, nodding her head.

"It wasn't on purpose." She said faintly. "Did you...really know my mother?"

"Yes, and she was just as hopeless on first encounter as you, my dear, but I'm sure that like her, you have much to gain from your time in Chichiri's company." Taiitsukun said comfortably, nodding her head. "Both he and Tasuki - flame-headed fool though he is - will no doubt be able to teach you about this world, and help you unlock the magic Miaka and Suzaku sealed inside of you."

"You know why we're here, then." Chichiri surmised, and Taiitsukun's expression became grave. She nodded, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

"There is a great danger coming from the East. Bad omens - bad signs." She said softly. "You know that since the war with Kounan, Kutou has never truly been at peace, Chichiri. And you've experienced and survived first hand the trauma war can bring between two principle nations of this world. Kutou's Emperor Kintsusei is not a black-hearted man - but he is a desperate one, and he seeks to bring peace to his land, no matter what the cost. Even now he has begun to embark on a path which, if not prevented, could spell the end of not only Kutou, but the entirety of this existance. He is already dabbling in power beyond his control or his understanding, and not all of those who surround him are men to be trusted."

"And that's why Hikari is here?" Chichiri pursed his lips. "I see. That makes some kind of sense, you know. I've felt things coming from the East for a while now, and both Tasuki and I have seen our characters appearing without us willing them to do so. What about the others, Taiitsukun? Will they be re-awoken too?"

"You and Tasuki have been chosen by Suzaku as the Shinzahou's guardians, as I think you have already surmised." Taiitsukun shook her head, her jowls wobbling and making the bewildered Hikari feel faintly queasy. "There is no need for the others to be disturbed from their new lives. For fifteen years, Tamahome and Suzaku no Miko have been guardians of the Shinzahou. But now she's needed here - and so it's your turn to play babysitter for a while."

"Yes, I'd realised that much." Chichiri agreed, sending Hikari a smile. "But I'm prepared to do that, you know. But Taiitsukun, Hikari...when she came here...she saw..."

"I saw death and devastation." Hikari murmured. "Is that really going to happen to this world?"

"That, I think, may well depend on you." Taiitsukun said softly. "Sukunami Hikari. And how seriously you take your promise to Chichiri and his family, to stay and help in the fight to save Kounan. There are, after all, many trials along the way for you to face. It won't be an easy task to undertake."

Hikari bit her lip.

"Meaning I might never get to go home?" She asked hesitantly.

"I already promised you that you would, so you will." Chichiri assured her. "One promise in exchange for another, Hikari-chan."

"But you are needed here, that is for certain." Taiitsukun said soberly. "Chichiri, have you ever heard a legend about four splinters of divine magic embedded within hidden shrines in each of the four lands?"

"I'm not sure." Chichiri looked surprised. "I may have done, but it's been so long..."

"Well, I'll refresh your memory." Taiitsukun's eyes twinkled. "Relics left by the beast Gods on their first coming to this world. Before Mikos, before Shinzahou, these shards of magic were left as part of the Beast's covenant with the people of each land - the promise of protection in return for faith. Tenkou abused these relics and drained their power somewhat during his reign of terror sixteen years ago - but they still exist, and still contain enough magic to potentially be an ally or a threat, depending how they are used. If someone was to possess both Shinzahou and relic, they might restore the guardian spirits to their full strength."

"And this is what the Emperor of Kutou is up to?" Chichiri's good eye narrowed to a near slit as he absorbed this information. "He's stealing Shinzahou...or at least, that's what he intends to do?"

"Yes." Taiitsukun agreed. "And relics, too, no doubt. With the power of all of these, he may even be able to raise the Gods themselves over Kutou's skies."

"But for that, doesn't he need a Priestess from Miaka's world?"

"If he claims all the Shinzahou, Chichiri, he would have such a Priestess." Taiitsukun's gaze rested once more on Hikari, and as the girl understood the implications of the woman's words, she paled.

"He wants...to get me?" She whispered.

"Don't look so scared. That's why Tasuki and I are here - to protect you, you know." Chichiri said easily. "Besides...Taiitsukun, do Kutou know what form our Shinzahou takes?"

"Not yet. And they may not come to learn it for some time." Taiitsukun shook her head. "Time enough, perhaps, for Hikari to discover her true strength."

"And as for Suzaku's relic? Suzaku's guardian spirit - what do we do about that?"

"For now, nothing." Taiitsukun reflected. "At present Hikari hasn't enough power to unlock Suzaku's guardian spirit Hisei, or to revive her. She doesn't understand enough about who she is for that, yet."

"But you can tell us where that relic is?"

"Hidden closer to home than you might think - within the bowels of Tasuki's Reikaku-zan." Taiitsukun smiled. "But as I said, you cannot - or rather, must not -attempt to reach it yet. It would put it in grave danger of being stolen, if you were to unearth it before Hikari is ready to use her power to bring Hisei to life."

"Then what can we do?" Chichiri questioned. "Presumably grab the Shinzahou and/or the relics before Kutou do - but...where do we even begin?"

"Kintsusei of Kutou has already sent a party towards Hokkan in search of their own Seiryuu Shinzahou." Taiitsukun said simply. "It seems that it's in the possession of two of Seiryuu's Celestial Warriors - before and beyond the grave, to quote their guardian Suiko."

"So they already have their relic?"

"Yes, although as yet she's only been awoken as a vague spirit - a ghost in a flame summoned by the magic of a Priest. She's told them to head North...which seems a wise course of action for you, too."

"I don't understand any of this." Hikari confessed. "What are we doing? This Hokkan place - wasn't that where you said one of your friends died, Chichiri? Why do we need to go there...? Do I have to go, too?"

"You need to stick with Tasuki and I, and it's us who will be going, so yes." Chichiri said with a nod of his head. "As for why, to find the Shinzahou belonging to Seiryuu before the Kutou men do - you heard what Taiitsukun said. If their Emperor unites all of these, then..."

"But without me, surely, he can't?"

"Let's not take the gamble, Hikari-chan. If we left it to that, you might find yourself a target." Chichiri said wisely. "And certainly they'd want to know more about who you were and why you were so important to Kounan. Remember what I said about acting incognito - noone who needn't know should know that you're even from another world, let alone Suzaku's holy treasure."

"I guess." Hikari bit her lip. "All right. I suppose so."

Chichiri turned his attention back to the strange, elderly figure, a thoughtful look on his face.

"Hokkan, for Seiryuu's Shinzahou." He said slowly. "Not Genbu's?"

"No. Not yet. It's Seiryuu's that they seek."

"I see." Chichiri hesitated, then, "You said before and beyond the grave...Taiitsukun, is it possible that the Shinzahou...the earring Yui wore in the ceremony to summon Seiryuu - is it in Amiboshi's possession? That even though he lost his memories, he might yet be the one entrusted with care of the treasure?"

"Your mind is still sharp, Chichiri." Taiitsukun smiled. "Yes. Amiboshi is indeed in possession of Seiryuu's Shinzahou. And he is not as oblivious to his past as he might be, considering the proximity he has to Seiryuu's treasure. Besides, one other thing has jogged his memory, too. Remember, I said that the Shinzahou was in the care of two Seiryuu Seishi. You must take care, on this trip - Amiboshi is likely to be reasonable, however..."

"However." Chichiri frowned. "I'm guessing that means that Suboshi is also somewhere in the vicinity. You said before and beyond the grave - Amiboshi is alive and Suboshi is dead, but as brothers their bond surpassed all of that. Is that what you're telling us? That Suboshi and Amiboshi both guard Seiryuu's Shinzahou and that, considering Suboshi's past history, we shouldn't count on convincing him easily that we should have it?"

"Especially if he comes to realise that Hikari is Tamahome's daughter." Taiitsukun sent Hikari a meaningful look, and the girl frowned.

"Why should that matter? Who is Suboshi, and who is Amiboshi?" She asked. "Seiryuu Seishi, like Chichiri is a Suzaku one? But if this Suboshi is dead, what can he do to us?"

"He is a spirit, which means he's not as dead as he should be, and he hasn't been reborn like my old comrades all have." Chichiri said briefly. "Suboshi and Amiboshi were twins, and both were boys of about your age now when the war broke out between Kutou and Kounan. Amiboshi...escaped it. He didn't want to fight. But Suboshi...they couldn't be more different."

He bit his lip, then,

"Suboshi was the one who killed your father's family, Hikari-chan. In this world, at least. Sou Kishuku's entire family were murdered by him and his Ryuuseisui. Taiitsukun is right. He's potentially a serious threat, especially to you."

Hikari swallowed hard.

"Murdered?" She whispered, remembering fleetingly her father's cryptic comments in the conversation she had overheard. "By a boy of...of fifteen?"

"Suboshi had a lot of hate, and also a lot of love, which can ultimately be just as destructive." Taiitsukun said sadly. "Love for his brother, love for Seiryuu no Miko. Unlike Amiboshi, he's had no chance to grow up or grow out of those emotions - he is as he was then, a troubled, hot-headed boy of fifteen, trapped in a warp of time. And I imagine his love for both will keep him guarding the Shinzahou - unless you can find a way around it."

"Well, we'll have to try." Chichiri said briskly. "Hikari-chan, we're going now. Back to Reikaku-zan. We'll tell Tasuki the situation, and then we'll make plans. Dangerous or not, it looks like we're going into the north...and hopefully, to find the Seiryuu Shinzahou before the people from Kutou!"

:::Densetsu No Hikari :::

-Owari -

Author's Note: How To Find Part Two of this Story.

I can't believe I have to write this AN, because back when I uploaded this story, nobody had this problem, but I've had a few anonymous reviews from readers apparently confused where this story goes after this. Since they're anon reviews, I can't PM a reply, which makes it even more frustrating.

When I wrote this story I was in the habit of splitting long tales at logical points to make separate stories. It's a practice I haven't really continued in my Bleach stories, which are true volumes in their own right, and don't end on cliffhangers. However, with both Tenchi and Fushigi Yuugi long tales, there were separated parts. This one is in five parts. The first is named for Hikari, the rest after the Four Gods in sequence, depending on which God's land/seishi/shinzahou is most prevalent during the tale.

So, Anon reviewers-san-tachi, the second part of this story is the Shinzahou Chronicles Vol 2 (Seiryuu no Teki). Then Vol 3 (Byakko no Yokan), then Vol 4 (Genbu no Takara) and finally, Vol 5 (Suzaku no Unmei). I thought that was clear from the overall title, but I guess not. Anyhow, from here, read Seiryuu no Teki for the next part of the story.

Please, no more anon reviews asking where Part Two is and if there will be one ;) Though I'm no longer writing Yuugi fic, this is one of the projects I did finish ;)