Chapter Seventeen

"Kikei-sama, why the summons so early in the morning?"

Kintsusei pushed open the door of the Seiryuu shrine, casting the priest a look of confusion as he stepped into the central chamber, Hyoushin not far behind him. The glittering azure eyes of the golden sea dragon stared down at him, as if watching his progress, and he frowned, rubbing his temples as the ghost-like Meihi carefully re-fastened the door behind them, standing against it as if ready to ward off any sign of trouble.

"Has something occured that I should be aware of?"

"Yes, sire. My apologies - I realise it is early yet." The aging priest bowed his head, anticipation in his expression as he met the Emperor's tired gaze. "But in the circumstances, I thought you'd want to be aware as soon as possible. I have good news."

"Good news?" Kintsusei stared, suddenly forgetting his early morning fatigue as he gazed at the Priest in hope. "Do you mean...?"

He trailed off, and Kikei's smile widened, as he extended a hand towards the back of the shrine, clicking his fingers. As if hazing out of the shadows, a figure emerged, pausing to bow before the Emperor as he did so.

"Miramu!" Kintsusei's eyes widened, and Kikei nodded.

"Yes, sire." He agreed softly. "Miramu has returned from his mission in Kounan - and I think you'll be happy about the result."

"You...have it, then?" Kintsusei asked falteringly, turning his gaze on the assassin, who chuckled, slipping his hand into the dark folds of his outfit to produce the small black casket. Carefully he opened it, and Kintsusei let out a gasp as he registered the glittering earring that lay nestled carefully within.

"Seiryuu no Shinzahou." He whispered. "Even from here, I can feel the God's magic resonating within it."

"How many throats had to be slit in the pursuit of this treasure, I wonder?" Hyoushin observed acidly from his post at the door. "Are we to expect the wrath of Kounan's Emperor on our heads for this, Miramu? Or did you actually manage to control your lust for blood in the delicate nature of this mission?"

"Well, if it isn't Hyoushin!" Amusement flared in Miramu's unusual eyes, and he laughed, shrugging his shoulders. "You don't change, do you? As stoic and cold as ever...the veritable marble statue that haunts the halls of this palace. You should be careful of that, my friend - one day someone might mistake you for a stone carving and try to polish you."

"You might answer the question, rather than attempting to be humorous." Hyoushin said evenly, crossing the floor until he stood a mere few feet from the assassin, meeting his gaze coolly. "The Suzaku Shichi Seishi in possession of this treasure - were they still alive when you left them?"

"My orders were to take the treasure without slaying the men of the Phoenix." Miramu said simply. "I am capable of following instructions, Hyoushin. Yes, they live. It was not in my brief to kill them, and with a little persuasion, they relinquished the Shinzahou to me of their own free will."

"Good." Kintsusei looked relieved, holding his hand out for the box, and Miramu passed it over, a smirk touching his features.

"You shouldn't underestimate my ability to persuade." He added. "I'm very good at it. And so long as I'm well paid, I'm more than happy to put my skills to your purpose, Koutei-heika."

"Indeed." Kintsusei acknowledged, closing the casket with a snap and offering the assassin a smile. "I'm gratified that you took such note of my final instruction to you, Miramu...about not spilling unecessary blood. Kutou can ill afford war with Kounan at present, after all. Kikei said I could trust your discretion, and it seems his judgement is sound. You have done well...and you will be paid according to the terms Kikei promised you. You have my word as Emperor."

"Then I am more than happy to do your bidding, Koutei-sama." Miramu bobbed his head half-mockingly once more. "I suppose this means that Hyoushin and I might be able to re-kindle our acquaintance a little, also - which will be pleasant. It's been a few years, hasn't it, Hyoushin? Two, at the very least."

"I have no desire to renew anything with you, and there is nothing to renew." Hyoushin shot him an icy look. "I did not approve of your presence here then, and I do not now. Just because you have operated on Kikei-sama's orders and just because your tactics in deception and betrayal brought down a significant insurgency leader, I still do not believe in your way of doing things. You are not the kind of man that can be trusted."

"I'm hurt." Miramu looked anything but hurt, leaning up lazily against the arching figure of the dragon as he did so. "Thanks to my intervention, you were saved a full out battle with the loss of many lives, isn't that so? Isn't that why you agreed to have Kikei deploy me in the first place? You should be thanking me, Commander...you have precious few men you can call fully loyal to Kutou, or am I mistaken?"

Hyoushin met his gaze impassively, and Miramu laughed.

"As cold and silent as the grave, just as ever." He murmured. "Very well. If that's how you feel, I won't push the issue any further."

"So that's how the two of you have encountered each other before." The Emperor looked thoughtful. "It seems a lot of things go on behind my back."

"Not really, my Lord." Hyoushin shook his head. "You were aware that troops were mobilised to fight the direct rebel threat two summers ago. And you were aware that the rebel leader suffered a fatal spasm, breaking up the insurgence. He transgressed into crown lands and provided a significant threat to your life...in order to prevent bloodshed within the palace of a widespread nature, I was forced to accept Kikei's suggestion and let Miramu be involved in a coward's game of cat and mouse. It was a carrying out of duty as your chief protector...although if you feel I was remiss in not reporting it to you in full, you have my apologies. At the time you were in considerably ill health, you may remember, following the previous battle encounter...it was the only way to resolve the situation, and allow you to recover from your injuries in order to resume control."

He bowed his head.

"You did, after all, grant me the right to act against the enemy in your name." He added softly.

"It's all right." Kintsusei held up his hands. "I trust your judgement, especially where the soldiers are concerned, and I know you would only act in my and Kutou's best interests. And besides, I'm aware of Miramu's unique talents now...unique indeed, and to our benefit once again. In light of that, I'm willing to consider him an ally. He has, after all, revealed his hand to us - he is a paid mercenary, as many soldiers are. And so long as we meet his demands, he will, I'm sure, meet ours."

"Your Emperor is a wise man, Hyoushin." Miramu reflected. "He understands the rules of business better than you do, it seems."

"Kikei, now we have the Shinzahou, we can raise Suiko fully from the relic, can't we?" Kintsusei asked, and Kikei nodded.

"Yes, and I have already begun to prepare the spell." He agreed. "You are aware, my Lord, that Suiko is a powerful mage and she will operate on behalf of those who possess Seiryuu's holy treasure. In light of that, you will have a strong ally - perhaps not as strong as Seiryuu himself, but one willing to fight to defend your cause. And now, with the possession of this artefact, there is no turning back. In order to save Kutou, you must pursue all the avenues, not just those belonging to Kutou."

He narrowed his eyes.

"You must accumulate more strength." He added. "So long as the other lands possess their Shinzahou, they can still pose you a threat. And now we know Kounan is mobilised to be potentially hostile...it's not a risk we can take."

"Then we must raise Suiko, at once." Kintsusei decided. "And ask her further advice."

"As you wish, my Lord." Kikei bowed his head, stretching his hands out for the Shinzahou, which the Emperor relinquished, watching with eager, hopeful eyes as his elderly Priest prepared his spell once again. The scale still sat in its alcove and now, with gentle, careful hands, Kikei placed the Shinzahou alongside it, clasping his hands together as he closed his eyes. The words of a spell passed softly from his lips, and almost before he had finished speaking, the flame flared into life once more. As it did so, Kikei drew his hands sharply over the top of the two holy relics, and as he did so, the flame exploded into a burst of blue light that made the Emperor let out an exclamation, covering his eyes from the glare.

As the light faded, he peered cautiously back towards the fire, his breath catching in his throat as he registered the outline of a woman standing before the statue of the sea dragon. No longer a ghost in the flame, as the moments passed she became more and more vivid, her azure hair flowing across her shoulders like wild sea waves and her eyes as deep as underground cave pools. Mesmerised, Kintsusei could only stare at her, and at his expression, the woman let out an amused laugh, the sound like a cascading waterfall as she dropped to her knees before him.

"Kutou no Koutei-sama, I am Suiko of Seiryuu." She said softly, her voice gentle and rippling like the lap of waves on a beach. "The guardian of the Eastern lands. So I was blessed to be by the Azure Dragon. In what way might I serve Kutou, and the one who possesses my master's holy treasure?"

"Suiko." Kintsusei breathed, holding out his hands to her, and she cocked her head on one side, reaching up to brush his fingers with her own.

"Indeed." She agreed. "Does something trouble you, my Lord? Am I less than you expected?"

"No...not at all." Kintsusei gathered himself hurriedly, pulling her gently to her feet. "You do not need to bow before me, Suiko no Seiryuu. You are the representative of the God I serve...therefore there is no reason to bow to me."

"You are Seiryuu's representative in Kutou...the one who seeks to protect it with his heart and soul." Suiko shook her head. "Therefore you are my master, and your orders I will obey. You have brought Seiryuu's treasure to me, so I know your intentions are true. What is your wish, Emperor of Kutou? What would you have me do?"

Kintsusei frowned, eying the mage for a moment as he considered.

"Suiko, when you were in the flame, you could trace the whereabouts of the Seiryuu Shinzahou." He said softly. "Can you also sense the whereabouts of other Shinzahou? And tell me whether, in order to save Kutou, we need pursue the locations of these treasures? Can you help me save my country, or do we need to go a step further?"

Suiko frowned, a strange, blue light glimmering across her aura as she digested his question. Slowly she shook her head.

"I am Seiryuu's mage." She said softly. "I am not able to trace the whereabouts of the other beast gods or their treasures unless they are very close by. Such a power does not befit the Guardian of the East. However..."

She tilted her head on one side, casting him a playful smile.

"You wish to raise my master Seiryuu, do you not?" She asked. Kintsusei nodded.

"Yes...if it's the only way to save Kutou."

"Indeed." Suiko shrugged, spreading her hands. "Very well, then. I cannot tell you where they lie, but I can tell you this. If you can bring together all four of the Shinzahou belonging to the Beast Gods, you will have the power to summon Seiryuu and grant your wishes for Kutou's future."

"All four...?" Hyoushin frowned. "So we are indeed going to have to set out on more journeys, then? Have I misunderstood the legend - I thought that a Miko was required in order to summon the beast Gods at all?"

"You're an interesting one." Suiko crossed the floor towards him, placing her finger against his cheek as he shied back from her touch. "You do not like me, do you, man of the North? You are closed to me...you do not share your companion's faith in Seiryuu's ability to save Kutou."

"I believe in the work of men, not the divine." Hyoushin said flatly. "I have never seen any divine benefit in my lifetime...from any God, Kutou's or otherwise."

His eyes narrowed.

"And I am a man of the East. Not a man of the North." He added softly. "This is the land of my birth and the land to which my loyalties are sworn. I am not interested in Hokkan. I seek peace for Kutou, just as my Lord Emperor does."

"I like you." Suiko decided, a mischievous smile touching her lips. She turned back to the Emperor.

"Koutei-sama, this one is intelligent, even if he is cold." She remarked. "Will you follow my advice, and send him to find the other treasures?"

"He raises a good point, though." Kintsusei reflected. "About the need for a Priestess. How can we bring a girl here - one from the world beyond this one? It's not possible...is it?"

"If you assemble all four Shinzahou, such a Miko will be revealed to you." Suiko's eyes glimmered with sapphire light. "I cannot tell you how, or when, or what she will look like. But whilst I cannot feel the Shinzahou of my master's brethren, I can sense one to whom Seiryuu has a connection. Seiryuu no Miko will come, but only when you have brought all four treasures to Kutou."

She shrugged.

"I will do what is in my power to assist you." She added. "As Seiryuu's representative, I have power over the rivers and seas, and I put this at your disposal."

Her eyes twinkled, as she shot Hyoushin another amused look.

"I would like to accompany this one on his journey." She added. "Being stuck in a shrine here is so boring, and I might be able to help. After all, I've slept for far too long - I'm dying to get out a little and see the world."

"My Lord...?" Hyoushin raised an eyebrow, and Kintsusei sighed.

"Suiko's powers are needed here, but then again, they are also needed in the location of the other Shinzahou." He murmured. "If what she says is true - if Seiryuu no Miko will come, then...then we have no choice but to do as she says. It's as Kikei originally advised me - that in the absence of Seiryuu Shichi Seishi, the only way to save Kutou is to amass the treasures. His portents and Suiko's have been the same...I believe that this is the path we should follow."

Hyoushin sighed, but nodded his head.

"You wish, then, for me to return to Hokkan?" He asked softly.

"Hokkan?" Suiko shivered. "Brr. Cold, just as you are, man of the North."

Hyoushin's eyes narrowed, but he ignored her remark, casting the Emperor a quizzical look, and Miramu chuckled.

"She has known you ten seconds and she already has you summed up. That shows how strong her spiritual power is, Hyoushin." He said, amused. "But I wouldn't be in such a hurry to go to the North again, if I were you. I think...you might have better luck...in the West."

"The West?" Kintsusei frowned, staring at him in confusion. "But...Sairou is the hardest land to reach from Kutou - to get there Hyoushin would have to cross either Hokkan or Kounan - why do you say such a thing, Miramu?"

"Because you don't know where Hokkan's Shinzahou is, nor Kounan's." Miramu shrugged his shoulders. "But I know where Sairou's is. And the location of Byakko's fang relic, known as Kitora."

He winked.

"For a price, I might be willing to share that information." He added. "In the name of such a good cause."

"You'd sell out your homeland's holy treasure for money?" Hyoushin asked quietly, and Miramu shrugged his shoulders again.

"I came to Kutou because it's as far from Sairou as you can get while still remaining in the four lands." He said softly. "I have my own reasons, and they are to your benefit. Besides, can you afford to refuse my knowledge? Without my help, I doubt you'd get very far...Sairou is a hot desert land, and even with Suiko-sama's water related magic, I expect you'd find it tough going."

He grinned.

"On the other hand...I could lead you almost to it." He said evenly. "Having two Shinzahou and the power to raise Byakko's mage...would surely be a stronger defence against invasion from the South?"

"Miramu...you are sure about this? That you know where these things are hidden?" Kintsusei asked softly. Miramu nodded.

"I do." He agreed. "And I have no overriding loyalty to any land or Beast God - only to who pays my fees. I would gladly reveal this to you, Koutei-sama, for the right price. There are only two conditions I might ask you to humour, if I was to return to Sairou."

"Ah. Here we are. The conditions." Hyoushin's lips thinned, and Miramu laughed, shaking his head.

"No...you shouldn't be so suspicious." He chided. "They're quite simple. As a man of Sairou, I will not enter the place where Byakko's Shinzahou lies. To betray the beast God within my own land would carry a harsh penalty if I was to be observed - and I will not face the Guardian of the Shinzahou. I will take you there, but I will not fight to secure it for you. This is my first condition."

His eyes narrowed, clouding and concealing his true emotions for the briefest of moments.

"There is a tale in Sairou that if one kills the Guardian of Byakko's Shinzahou, another of the Tiger's chosen will hunt down and slay her killers." He added in soft tones. "I imagine that in those circumstances, an assassin would be far from welcome."

"A genuine curse or an old wives' legend?" Hyoushin asked quietly, and Miramu offered him a wry smile.

"I believe it." He said evenly. "I believe it very strongly - that if Byakko's Guardian died, someone would be out for revenge."

"We've gained Seiryuu's Shinzahou without spilling Seishi blood." Kintsusei said with a frown. "I imagine the same can be said of Byakko's, Miramu. Don't worry about that - we don't seek war with the Western lands, either...your concerns are understood. But you said two conditions. What is the second?"

"That while in the West, I have the protection of Kutou's entourage, Kintsusei-sama." Miramu bowed his head in the Emperor's direction. "As I'm sure you can imagine, an assassin generates enemies, and there are people in Sairou who would like to see me strung up in a village square. Naturally, I would rather not be in that situation."

"They seem fair enough conditions to me, if you can indeed lead Hyoushin and his men to the Shinzahou." Kintsusei pondered, then nodded. "Very well. Your terms are met, Miramu."

He rubbed his chin, as if musing over the situation.

"I think it might be better all round to dispatch you by sea this time, Hyoushin, rather than send you through the lands." He added. "With Suiko's gifts over the water, it should be a smooth and simpler form of transport than the risk of the snowlands or the hostility in the south."

"By boat?" Hyoushin pursed his lips. "Very well, if that is your wish, my Lord. I have but one question."

"Yes?"

"May I once more select my own soldiers to accompany us on the trip West?" Hyoushin asked. "I understand you wish Suiko-sama and Miramu to accompany me, but otherwise - do I have the freedom to choose my own men?"

"As ever." Kintsusei agreed. "In this matter, your judgement is your own."

"I understand." Hyoushin bowed his head. "Then with your Highness's permission, I will withdraw to brief the soldiers. I anticipate as quick a departure as possible...and will await your final pleasure."

With that he withdrew, and Miramu shook his head, looking amused.

"He really doesn't want me to go with him, does he?" He reflected aloud. "That makes it fun."

"He will act as Kutou requires him." Kintsusei said thoughtfully. "With Sairou's treasure, we will be stronger indeed. But to bring Seiryuu no Miko to Kutou...we must go further. I must have your word, Miramu, that you will not be lured away by any enemy to serve their cause while we seek these treasures."

"Koutei-sama, so long as you are paying my fee, I have no need to stray." A lazy smile flickered at the corners of Miramu's lips. "You have my word, as much as an assassin ever promises, to do the bidding of Kutou."

"Then I suppose I must trust in that." Kintsusei reflected. "Very well. Then I wish you luck."

"I'm sure luck has nothing to do with it." Miramu's eyes narrowed for a moment, then he shook his head. "But I'll do my best to make sure Byakko's Shinzahou is taken away from Sairou."

His lips thinned, and he nodded his head, his indigo eyes hardening as if remembering something.

"Yes. On that you do have my word."

-----------------

"Hikari-neesan? Hikari-neesan? Wake up! Uncle Wolf is here and he an' Papa want to speak to you!"

Hikari opened her eyes, blinking against the bright sunlight as for a moment she struggled to work out where she was. Then, as she registered her small companion, she remembered that they had returned to the Eastern Village and that she was safe within the walls of Chichiri's farmhouse home. As she pulled herself into a sitting position, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she cast her young visitor a searching gaze. At first glance Meikyo did not look any the worse for wear for her encounter, her thick reddish waves pulled back from her face with a blue ribbon and her ruby eyes sparkling with excitement. However, a thick white bandage swathed her lower right arm, concealing the wound inflicted by the ruthless assassin, and Hikari was once more reminded of how serious a game they had all become involved in.

"Morning, Meikyo." She said with a smile. "How are you this morning?"

"I'm all right." Meikyo looked surprised. She smiled back, holding out her arm. "Papa bandaged it and it doesn't hurt any more. He says it will be all better soon, so it's okay."

"Good." Hikari reached across to take the tiny fingers in hers, squeezing the hand gently. "We were worried about you."

"I was scared." Meikyo admitted. "But Papa came, and Hikari-neesan, too. So then I knew I'd be all right. Papa works for Suzaku, and he has special magic powers that make him protect people, you know. And Hikari-neesan…"

She frowned, eying her companion curiously.

"Papa says you work for Suzaku, too, only you're not a Seishi like he is so you didn't get a special mark like his or Uncle Wolf's." She murmured. "Is that true?"

"I suppose it is." Hikari agreed ruefully.

"Do you have special powers too?"

"Well…sort of." Hikari hesitated, then shrugged her shoulders. "In…in a way."

"Then that's why you came to visit us." Meikyo said with a matter-of-fact sigh. "It makes sense, now."

She cast her companion a grin, her reddish eyes lighting up.

"Thank you for coming to save me, Hikari-neesan." She added. "I didn't get to say thank you yesterday, but Kaa-san would say it was rude, if I didn't say it to you now."

"That's all right." Hikari assured her, hugging her young companion tightly. "You and your family have made me feel at home – it was like coming to rescue a little sister. I didn't even think about doing it – I'm just glad you're safe."

"That man was evil, wasn't he?"

"Yes." Hikari pursed her lips. "But he won't be coming back. He has what he wants, so you don't need to be scared, Mei-chan. I don't think you'll see him again."

"I'm not scared." Meikyo shook her head. "Papa and Hikari-neesan will protect me. And Uncle Wolf, too. Because that's what Suzaku's people do."

"I guess they do." Hikari digested this, then she nodded. "All right, then. You said Tasuki was here? And that they're waiting for me? I wonder if I have time to have breakfast before we go to Taikyoku-zan. I'm starving hungry this morning."

"Kaa-san was cooking fish." Meikyo told her. "I was helping, but Papa asked me to come wake you up."

"Oh, that reminds me." Hikari grinned, pushing back the covers and getting out of bed as she stretched her still sleepy muscles into cooperating with her wishes. "Yesterday, your father took me to Souun, and I brought something back for you and for Eiju. I gave his to him yesterday, but I haven't seen you to speak to you till now, have I?"

"A present…for me?" Meikyo's eyes widened, making her look even more young and innocent than ever, and despite herself Hikari laughed, nodding her head.

"Yes." She agreed. "I thought it might make you feel better."

She rummaged through the pile of discarded clothing, locating the small, wrapped parcel at the bottom, which she held out to her companion. "Here."

Meikyo took it carefully, unwinding the paper little by little to reveal a small stitched doll, its black-fibre hair wound back from its face in a braid. For a moment she stared at it. Then she grinned.

"It's Hikari-neesan!" She exclaimed.

"Pardon me?" Hikari looked non-plussed, and Meikyo thrust the doll forwards.

"Look…it's Hikari-neesan." She repeated. "It looks like you…it really really does!"

"I guess…maybe a little." Hikari eyed it cautiously, then shrugged her shoulders, and Meikyo giggled.

"I'm glad you came to Kounan, Hikari-neesan." She said, hugging the doll tightly to her chest as she slipped her free hand once more into her companion's fingers. "Thank you for my present. I like that you've come to stay with us. Stay a long time, all right?"

"As things stand, I might be staying a long time." Hikari grimaced, rubbing her temples. "Right now, though, I need to get dressed."

"I'll help!" Meikyo offered. "I'll get you some water to wash with!"

With that she was gone, haring out of the room at top speed, and despite herself, Hikari smiled.

"She's all right." She murmured, remembering the expression on the girl's face when she had been given the gift. "And…and it was worth it, what Jin and I decided to do yesterday. No matter what…no matter if I have to stay here…saving Meikyo was worth it. And that's why I am still here. To make sure I do help both Meikyo and Eiju. This isn't about strangers in strange lands any more. It's about people I know and who I'm starting to care about. I guess that makes the difference."

She glanced out of the window, seeing Eiju in the morning sunlight as he poked around with a stick in a suspiciously rodent-sized hole on the farm's perimeter, and her smile widened.

"Well, maybe this world isn't so bad after all." She reflected. "I mean, for now. Dad knows where I am and he…didn't sound that cross. So…so I guess I feel a little better…about being here like this."

Once Meikyo returned, bearing her heavy burden, Hikari made quick work of getting up, hurrying down the steps to the front room as she wound a length of blue ribbon into her long dark hair. As she reached the bottom, she found Tasuki waiting for her, and at his expression, she offered him a rueful, apologetic smile.

"Sorry…I didn't mean to keep you waiting."

"You're a girl – it's par for the course." Tasuki said resignedly. "Are you hungry? Chichiri's wantin' to head up to Taikyoku-zan as soon as possible, but…"

"I am hungry." Hikari agreed. "But…we can go there by his magic, can't we? Like he and I did the last time we went?"

"Yes." Tasuki nodded.

"Then lets do that first. I can eat when we come back." Hikari decided. "When I know exactly what the situation is."

"All right." Tasuki nodded, looking approving. "Hey, Chichiri! She's here…are we going?"

"You don't want breakfast first, Hikari-chan?" Chichiri emerged from the front room, and Hikari shook her head.

"I'd rather not eat and fly." She admitted, and Tasuki laughed, patting her on the shoulder as he sent her an amused look.

"Already you're used to Chichiri's landin' style." He said, shooting his friend a grin, which was met by a rueful grimace. "Right then. Let's get this over with, Chichiri – see what the old sand witch has to say about things this time around."

"Will she be angry with me, for giving Miramu the Shinzahou?" Hikari asked, suddenly anxious as she pictured the wizened old woman and her piercing, knowing gaze. Chichiri shook his head.

"It's not important now. What is is what we do next." He said frankly. "Hold on tightly to my arm, Hikari. I'm about to cast the spell."

Hikari did as she was bidden, closing her eyes as she felt herself being whisked up into Chichiri's mysterious hat and the endless pool of darkness that seemed to be contained within it. She swallowed hard against the swirling sensation, but almost as soon as it had begun, the feeling was over and she found herself once more on the glittering, colourful landscape that was Taikyoku-zan.

"Well, so we meet again, Suzaku no Shinzahou."

The creaking tones of the old hermit made her turn, meeting the woman's strange, all-seeing stare as she tried not to look intimidated or revolted. At her expression, Taiitsukun smiled, slowly shaking her head as she eyed her young companion thoughtfully.

"You seem to have become stronger since we last spoke." She ruminated. "But you have a long way to go."

"Taiitsukun, you probably already know what happened with Seiryuu's treasure." Chichiri said slowly, casting Hikari a glance as he did so. "In the circumstances, Hikari did what she thought was right, and I…can't blame her for it. Actually, as a father, I'm glad she did it, you know? But it does mean a complication – Hikari will not be able to go home yet, will she?"

"That decision lies with her." Taiitsukun said gravely. "As it always has."

"I'm not going home yet." Hikari shook her head. "I want to help, Taiitsukun. Is there a way that I can? If I…if I got stronger, could I…could I be Suzaku no Miko? Could I raise the God and grant Kounan's wishes?"

"You would have to gain a lot of strength before such a course of action would be even remotely possible." Came Taiitsukun's discouraging reply. "You are Suzaku's Shinzahou, but you are also a girl from the other world. To attempt to use your own power – even Suzaku's holy power – to take on both the roles of summoner and facilitator would require twice as much strength and dedication than that your mother or Mayo-sama possessed between them. To become Suzaku no Miko, you would have to surpass both of them, and probably the power of those that surround you, also. It is a tall order."

"But not impossible?" Hikari bit her lip.

Taiitsukun spread her hands.

"Perhaps not." She admitted. "Although I feel certain that it is not your destiny, Hikari. Miaka was Suzaku no Miko - you are not your mother."

"But that girl Mayo used the Shinzahou to summon Suzaku, though. And she just used Suzaku's Shinzahou – just Hikari." Tasuki objected. "Why would it be so crazy for Hikari to do it? The power's the same – I don't get it!"

"Mayo's strength and the Shinzahou's were separate, and even then Mayo required Miaka's help from the other world to carry out the summoning process." Taiitsukun said gravely. "Miaka was still Suzaku no Miko in spirit and strength. Mayo was her vessel into this world - but there has only ever been one true Suzaku no Miko."

"But Hikari is from the other world." Chichiri remarked. "And so she could become a Miko...couldn't she? If Kounan is truly in the danger we know it is - couldn't she take on the mantle, even temporarily? She has Suzaku already inside her - would it really be so difficult to achieve?"

"Indeed." Taiitsukun nodded. "Hikari's strength and the Shinzahou's are the same thing. If she was to become Suzaku no Miko, she would have only herself to call upon."

"Then why is she in this world at all?" Tasuki demanded. "If she's not a Miko - is she really just here to be Suzaku's Shinzahou? 'Cause that means now she's here, that idiot in Kutou might try and grab her too, right? By coming here she's now a target for him. What good is there in her being here if they can try to steal her - if she can't raise Suzaku, what the hell are we doing gathering Shinzahou anyway?"

Taiitsukun shrugged.

"Certainly, at present, Hikari is not strong enough to use her power to defend your country." She acknowledged. "And I do not know whether she is able to become Suzaku no Miko...although, if Kounan were to possess the Shinzahou from Sairou or Hokkan, it may be enough to carry out your wishes."

"So if…we got…the other treasures…" Hikari frowned. "You mean, if we hadn't lost Seiryuu's Shinzahou, I could have…?"

"In the state you are now? No." Taiitsukun shook her head. "You have got stronger, child, but you are not yet near strong enough to summon a Beast God."

"So it doesn't matter, after all." Hikari sighed. "All right. So if we go to Hokkan or Sairou, and got one or both of their treasures, how would I be able to summon Suzaku then?"

"You may not be able to." Taiitsukun sent her an infuriating gaze. "As I said, Miaka was Suzaku no Miko. Miaka brought peace to Kounan. There is no call for Suzaku no Miko to return."

"But Kounan is in danger." Hikari said stubbornly. "I saw it! And I...I want to help stop it!"

"So what will you do, Suzaku no Shinzahou? Suzaku's power already lives within you, after all."

Hikari swallowed her frustration, sending Chichiri a helpless glance, and Chichiri spread his hands.

"Taiitsukun, what do you advise we do?" He asked softly. "You said before that Kutou are seeking the four treasures. Is that still true?"

"Yes." Taiitsukun confirmed. "Even now, envoys from the East are making preparations to travel to the Western lands."

"The Western lands?" Tasuki frowned. "Why there? Isn't it one hell of a way for them?"

"They no doubt have their reasons." Taiitsukun pursed her lips. "It would be unwise to let them take it so easily, if you really seek to protect this world. I cannot tell you much about Sairou's Shinzahou, but you have one great advantage over the travellers from the East. Sairou's border is within a day's ride from Reikaku-zan – in contrast, even coming by sea and avoiding potential conflict with people in your land or the North, those from Kutou will not reach the desert West within this week."

"So we could head off that way now and get there before them?" Tasuki asked. Taiitsukun pursed her lips.

"Sairou no Shinzahou is in the custody of one who wears the Tiger's mark." She said softly. "But getting to its location will not be easy. Equally, convincing the Guardian to relinquish it…will be even more difficult to achieve."

"One of Byakko's people?" Chichiri looked startled. "Reincarnated?"

"As you say." Taiitsukun looked thoughtful.

"And there's no way for us to track it – you can't give us some clue as to where we should be going?" Tasuki asked.

"In your case, Tasuki, you're not going anywhere." Taiitsukun shook her head, and the bandit bristled, anger glittering in his bronze eyes.

"What the hell do you mean by that?"

"Who are you, Genrou of Reikaku-zan? What mark do you have emblazoned on your forearm?" Taiitsukun murmured, and Tasuki's brows knitted together.

"Suzaku's, you mad old hag. What does that have to do with anything?"

"Suzaku's." Taiitsukun ignored the insult, nodding her head slowly so that her jowls wobbled against her throat. "Quite so."

"Wait." Chichiri frowned. "Are you saying…Tasuki and I…can't go to Sairou?"

"She said that?" Tasuki looked blank. "Are you sure?"

"But if they can't…how can we get the Shinzahou?" Hikari looked alarmed. "Taiitsukun, please – will you explain what you mean?"

"You have been playing in far more dangerous waters than you realise." Taiitsukun said with a sigh. "Listen to me. Chichiri's family were assaulted by the assassin known as Miramu. He is not a man to be taken lightly. Not only did he succeed in wresting the treasure from you, he also managed to track your movements and beat you to your own home territory. And, as you've already surmised, he is in the pay of the Eastern Empire."

She frowned.

"Kutou's men will come to Kounan. They must, to achieve their goal." She added. "Deep within Reikaku-zan is the relic Hisei, Suzaku's Guardian spirit. And then there is Hikari – the Shinzahou, of whose true form they remain ignorant. Kutou have already raised their mage, with the help of the Shinzahou Miramu stole from you. She is not an enemy to be gainsaid, either. In the circumstances, it seems clear that it was your chi, Chichiri, and that of Tasuki that your enemies were able to follow. For this reason…for you to go West…"

She shook her head.

"There is risk." She murmured. "If Kutou learn that Kounan's protectors are not within the Southern Lands."

"So Kutou are scared of us." Tasuki snorted. "And they're such cowards that they'll only attack when our backs are turned?"

"Don't underestimate them. Desperation brings its own strength." Taiitsukun reflected.

"Tasuki and I have to stay in Kounan in case of an attack. That's what you're saying." Chichiri rubbed his temples. "But that doesn't help in terms of finding the Shinzahou from the other lands, Taiitsukun. We can't be in two places at once."

"Hikari will go, of course."

"But…" Hikari's eyes widened, then, "Alone? Are you kidding me?"

"Not alone." Taiitsukun shook her head. "I'm sure that you will have an admirable armed escort from Reikaku-zan, if you so choose. But Suzaku's Seishi must stay in Kounan for the time being. Next time the casualties may be more than one scared little eight year old. Villages, communities – both Tasuki and Chichiri understand the risks of war better than you can, my child."

"So you're sayin' we let Hikari an' Jin an' my cub go off into the West to face God knows what on their own?" Tasuki demanded. "You've finally gone senile!"

"To do so is Hikari's destiny, Tasuki. Your impatience won't change that." Taiitsukun said softly, and Tasuki stared at her.

"You think I'm goin' to let them throw themselves into danger without one of us bein' there to protect them?" He exclaimed. "You have lost your mind! The altitude of this place has finally gotten to you!"

"Your duty is to protect Kounan, Reikaku-zan no Genrou." Taiitsukun told him firmly. "The ones who should defend Hikari are not here to call upon. Your duty to protect her as Suzaku no Shinzahou lies within the Southern lands. You have both already seen the potential cost of leaving Kounan and embarking on trips into the other lands. You are no longer trailing Suzaku no Miko. This is not that legend. And in the absence of other protectors, Hikari has Jin and she has Shishi. They are the only ones who must leave here with her. They are, in the absence of Celestial Warriors, the ones who will be her guardians on this trip."

"Have you any idea what you're saying?!" Tasuki demanded. "What do you mean, the ones who should defend her? The other Suzaku Seishi? But what's wrong with us?! What on earth are you talking about, you mad old bat!?"

"No, I think she's right, you know." Chichiri looked troubled, shaking his head. "Potentially, we know that Hikari is the one who can find the treasure. She found Seiryuu's – and she is growing stronger. And in theory, she is more powerful than I am – in terms of the magic Suzaku sealed inside of her. It should…be all right."

"But I don't know how to use that power!" Hikari protested. "I can't protect myself, let alone anyone else! And what about Jin and Shishi? They don't have any power at all!"

"And yet, this is your destiny." Taiitsukun's expression softened, and she cast the young girl a smile. "Don't look so disheartened. The Guardian of Byakko no Shinzahou is not someone you should fear."

"You just said persuading this Byakko person to relinquish it would be difficult." Tasuki objected. "Now you're saying she shouldn't be bothered about it? Which is it?"

"Both." Taiitsukun said serenely. "I do not think Toroki will choose to fight – she is not a violent woman by nature."

"She's a woman?" Tasuki blinked, and Taiitsukun nodded.

"She is." She agreed serenly. "And one born of a gentle disposition. Convincing her of your need for the treasure – therein lies the true objective. Toroki takes her role as Byakko's Seishi very seriously…Hikari's real challenge lies in negotiation, not in combat."

"Well, I suppose that's a little easier." Hikari frowned. "I mean, if it's not going to mean fighting over it. I don't really…want to fight a Seishi if I can help it. Even a re-born one."

"You already have, my child, and triumphed." Taiitsukun reminded her, and Hikari frowned, shaking her head.

"No…" She murmured. "I didn't really fight Suboshi. I might have talked him down – but it's not the same thing."

Taiitsukun's expression became thoughtful, but she did not make any further comment. Instead she shrugged her shoulders.

"Hikari, this is the true test of your convictions." She said at length. "Your destiny is to travel into Sairou – not just for Kounan's sake, but for the sake of this world. Will you accept that task?"

Hikari swallowed hard, biting on her lip, and for a moment there was silence. Then, slowly, she nodded her head.

"I promised." She said helplessly. "So what else can I do? I can't just not do anything…but…are you sure…I'll be all right?"

"Have faith in yourself a little." Taiitsukun advised. "You have a few days to prepare for your journey. Kutou will not reach Sairou for a week at the earliest, and even then they have more land to cross than you will to reach the Shinzahou's location."

She gestured towards Chichiri, offering him a smile.

"As far as teachers go, I think you could do worse." She added. "Listen well, Hikari, and let Chichiri tell you what he can. You have maybe four days in which to practice and learn as much about your magic as you can, before setting off into the mountains."

Hikari glanced at Chichiri, who slowly nodded his head.

"We'll begin as soon as possible." He agreed gravely. "And see just how much of Suzaku's power we can stir inside of you before the time comes for you to head into the desert."

"There's nothing else you can tell me?" Hikari glanced at Taiitsukun hopefully, and the aging hermit smiled, looking both sinister and surreal at the same time.

"Beware the one who bears the sign of the net." She murmured.

"Chiriko?" Tasuki blinked. "What the…?"

"Will you be quiet, you foolish bandit?" Taiitsukun eyed him impatiently. "No, not Chiriko. The one who bears the mark of Amefuri…in the desert lands. You will likely encounter him…when you do, beware. Things are not always as they seem – do not take his presence lightly. So long as you heed my warning, all will be well. Do not engage him in conflict…you cannot possibly understand the kind of enmity he is capable of unleashing on those he considers in his way."

"So there are two Byakko Seishi in Sairou? Not just one?" Chichiri asked sharply. Taiitsukun nodded.

"Both born as Guardians of the Shinzahou, but Amefuri has denied the Tiger's call." She added gravely. "He will try to make your path difficult, and on this subject you must seek Toroki's help. She is, after all, the only one who understands his true nature and the secret of his power. You and your companions must listen well to her words – take her advice as if it came from me. If you do not…you will regret it. You must make an ally of Toroki if you are to successfully complete your task."

"I better hope she's in a helpful mood, then." Hikari sighed. "Fine. All right. I got it, I think. No more – I might freak out completely if I have to take in any more information."

Chichiri sent her a troubled look, then he held out his hands.

"Grab on." He said softly. "We don't have much time – and I want to ensure you're as prepared as you can be before we let you go anywhere near Sairou's border!"

:::Seiryuu no Teki:::

--Owari --