Disclaimer: Man, am I getting tired of this. I do not own Fushigi Yugi in any way. All the credit must go to the wonderful Yuu Watase-sama, who allows us to use her characters and concepts here in fan fiction. I do own several original characters, and the ideas for this particular plotline. Now I better not get any complaints.

Author's Note: I just wanted to take this moment to say thanks to everyone who gave me some really good ideas for fillers in this chapter and more to come. Without them, as much as I would've hated to do it, GA might be discontinued! Le gasp! But now I intend on finishing it! I just can't tell you exactly when that will be, heh. Those following people are: Dee-chan (penname: It's The Dee), Chiharu-chan (penname: Chiharu Kamoshiro), Rika-chan (penname: Rika Hitoshi, Rikku Urashima), Sarah-chan (penname: Seira Ayuda), and Ashton-chan (penname: Insanity Squirrel.) I love ya all!

!IMPORTANT NOTICE!: It has been brought to my attention that "Gathering Again" or GA as I refer to it, bear some resemblance to some of the things that are in another's fan fiction that I will not deny having read. This fic is called, "Fushigi Yugi: The Next Chapter" or FY:NC. Please note that is not my intention to plagiarize other's works just to use for myself, even though the story and its authoress are very kickass (hiyya, Dee-chan! ). I was not thinking of FY:NC at any time while writing GA. For those of you who have read/are reading it, my "Lady" and the Dark Seven are not intended to be replicas or copies of original characters in that story. As for the whole "Lady" bit, I wasn't sure what my Dark Seven should call this woman to show they had a great amount of fear for her commands, as well as give their respect to her as their leader, if you will. Get what I'm saying? And I would like to point out that my Dark Seven are nothing remotely similar to Dee-chan's "Elements" in several ways, which will be revealed as you read.

There.

If you remember the story plot up until this point and want to skip the nifty recap, just scroll down until you see a 'xXxXx' and then begin to read. If not, the recap is there for a very special reason just for you! Also here are a few more important things to look out for:

" "-spoken words

' '-thoughts; (if it's like this: "The old saying goes, 'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.'" it doesn't count.)

italics-in this instance, it shall be a flashback; I sometimes use this for dream sequences, too.

Story Recap Thus Far: Chihiro has entered the world of the book, taking up the role as the Priestess of Suzaku, or Suzaku no Miko. Journeying through Konan under the guise of a young man—with the help of an enchanted, appearance-changing bracelet given to her by Taiitsukun, she discovers her seishi one by one in the form of different animals. Along the way the group of animals and their miko encounter the warriors of Seiryuu, also reborn as animals. With the Seiryuu seishi out for revenge, it was important that they reach Taikyoku as soon as possible.

On one occasion, she meets Toroki and he saves her life from a group of street bandits. This mysterious young man teases the Suzaku Priestess to no end, and leaves her company after a short while only to rejoin her in her travels later.

Before locating her last warrior, Chiriko, Chihiro suffers a great loss: a young girl, Ren, who had befriended her earlier (thinking she was a boy), discovers the miko's secret and pushes her away. Fate would have it that they would meet again under dangerous circumstances. During an attack by three animal members of the Seiryuu seven, Ren's cousin, Shuro, reveals himself the reincarnated Genbu Celestialwarrior, Namame.

Sensing the situation up north growing worse, as well as the distress of the Suzaku Seven, Taiitsukun uses her awesome powers to whisk them back to her holy palace. There, Chihiro recites an incantation that reverts her warriors' bodies back to that of human beings. It was not long after that when Taiitsukun spoke to Chihiro about an ancient relic called the Dragon's Eye. With the holy scroll long since burned, and no shinzahos remaining to aid the summoning of Suzaku, the Dragon's Eye was the only way to save the land from certain destruction and complete darkness. One problem with this: The relic is supposedly nestled deep within Kutou, the home country of the Seiryuu seishi.

Taiitsukun quickly sent them all from her palace to go in search of the Dragon's Eye, and they were just clearing the borders of the sacred mountain when a dark, imposing figure made himself known. Who was he, and what exactly did he want?

xXxXx

"Hello, warriors and Priestess of Suzaku. I knew I would come across you eventually, if I waited here long enough."

"Who are you?" Hotohori's normally gentle voice took on an imperial tone of command. "Identify yourself immediately!"

The dark stranger grinned, muttering to himself. "Ah, I see…so you would be Xing's match, then…" He continued eyeing the other seishi gathered about the priestess, the dark-haired girl with that smooth, alabaster skin. She seemed utterly terrified.

Tasuki glowered, pointing the metal fan out towards the stranger, and decided to make things perfectly clear. "Listen! I ain't waitin' around fer ya t'quit mumblin' to yerself! Either tell us who ya are, or beat it, 'cus I'm gonna fry ya to a crisp with my tessan right now!" Disengaging Chihiro from his arm, he wound back, shouting the incantation that would call forth the holy flames. "Rekka-"

"I don't think so." Before Tasuki could finish, Yuan leapt up, vanishing from sight but only for a moment. He reappeared up on a nearby tree limb above their heads, leaning casually against the tall trunk. "Just helpless little sparrows…how can you possibly protect one, small girl?" Scanning the group once more, he frowned when his topaz eyes came to rest on where Ren. Shuro, and Toroki stood, lingering on them, a puzzled frown forming.

"In case you were wondering," Shuro call up to him with a smug air, "Toroki and I get our power from two other deities, he from Byakko, and for myself, Genbu. I am called Namame."

Nuriko grinned, sensing their adversary's apparent surprise. "Maybe having a telepath on our side won't be so bad after all."

Yuan recovered quickly from the surprise, playing along. "You guessed correctly, 'Namame.' Though hasn't anyone informed you how rude it is to invade another's personal thoughts?"

He shrugged indifferently. "Guess it slipped my mind." Edging slightly closer to Chichiri, he murmured, "I don't understand. I can enter his mind, but not deeply. Something…something's blocking me from doing so, otherwise…"

Toroki twirled the twin blades he held in his hands, interrupting Shuro's whispered conversation. "Oi! Why don'cha come down? I mean, if you're that scared of us an' all, by all means just hop away like you've been doing, like a scared, little bunny, and we'll mosey on in our own direction." He winked. "Sound good?"

"I have no intention of leaving just yet… Toroki, wasn't it? I came here with more important goals in mind, not to play guessing games with you, as entertaining as they are."

"Then what the hell do you want?" Tamahome yelled, exasperation clear in his voice.

"Not just yet, Suzaku no Tamahome," Yuan spoke smoothly. He shifted position in the tree, springing off it and landing before them once more. "Send over to me the one you call 'Tasuki.' In fighting him will you see exactly who I am."

"Why Tasuki? What do you hope to accomplish here no da?" Chichiri had not looked away from the dark form since he first appeared, hands clenched around his copper staff, ready to defend his comrades if necessary. He did not like the strange glimmer in those cunning eyes. Their enemy was secretly planning something. He could feel it. Yet, when he tried to tap into the man's life force as Namame had, he was met with a formidable barrier, one that was utterly saturated with darkness.

Yuan's cocky eyes slid over to him. "Wouldn't you like to know, little monk? Can't you feel the answer?" The dark one turned to Shuro. "Or read my mind, perhaps?"

The Genbu warrior's face shifted to a frustrated glare, hand reaching out to make sure Ren was still safe at his side.

"Don't bother with him, Chichiri." Tasuki, who had never been one to turn down a challenge, came forward with the tessan resting over his shoulder and a wide grin on his lips. "Heh, if he wants t'get his ass kicked, I'd be more than happy t'do it for him."

Chihiro quickly grasped his shirtsleeve before he could stray too far from her side. "Tasuki, please…don't. It feels wrong, and what if…please don't," she pleaded.

Golden eyes stared down at her uncomprehendingly. "What? Ya think I can't stomp his ass on my own?"

She answered quickly. "Iie. I mean," the Suzaku priestess quickly corrected herself, "I do believe you could, demo…"

"Tasuki, don't be a complete idiot." Nuriko stepped around to face him, lowering his alto voice so the dark stranger would not hear. "This guy's got some trick up his sleeve that he's waiting to use, I just know it. There's a reason he knew your name and wants to fight you." His hand reached up, coming to rest on the redhead's shoulder. "I'm telling you now, don't rush headlong into a battle without knowing what you could be up against. I made that reckless mistake on Mount Black."

Tasuki fidgeted at the memory from their past, eyes dropping away from the violet-haired seishi.

"Come, come, we haven't all night," their enemy called over to the group, tapping his foot to show his impatience. "If you send him over to me now, I promise only to wipe the forest floor with his head and leave the rest of you alone."

"How nice of you," Toroki muttered, clucking his tongue in annoyance.

Tasuki shrugged out of Nuriko's hold, casting what he hoped was a reassuring smile at his brother warrior. "I think I'll be alright. You were alone when ya jumped inta that battle. I've got more than enough support." Here he gestured to the cluster of friends standing protectively around them. "And I got this." Tasuki flicked his golden eyes down at the tessan on his shoulder. He stepped around Nuriko, moving to engage the enemy, diamond tessan in hand. "Ya said ya wanted a fight. Let's go."

"Wonderful. So glad you decided to accept." Yuan cast him a fake smile, feigning elation. "Even though you will be sorely humiliated before the eyes of your friends by the time we're through." A sarcastic snort from his opponent was the only reply to this. "Now the fun begins."

"Cut the crap." Tasuki's symbol blazed to life as the enemy and his comrades watched him take one step forward before he suddenly disappeared, as if vanishing into thin air.

"Oh, you are fast," Yuan remarked. As the diamond tessan came down on him, Yuan turned and sidestepped the assault, easily avoiding the strike. He smiled. "But not fast enough."

Cursing at the other's unanticipated speed and his missed attack, Tasuki tried another tactic with the metallic fan, unable to use his incantation at such close range. His opponent ducked, evaded, and dodged each blow with a frightening quickness that almost matched his own. Setting his jaw in determination, Tasuki tried faking him out with an attack and instead swung out in a roundhouse kick. His opponent leaned back, leisurely watching as the black-booted foot passed a hairsbreadth from his face.

'He dodged again!' Disbelief filtered through golden eyes. 'There's just no way…' He was sure the two of them must be moving about the clearing at an alarming rate. 'How th'hell is this guy so fast?'

At last, the enemy had had enough. Reaching behind his back, Yuan extracted a weapon and blocked the 'wing' seishi's dangerous advance with a tremendous clang. Everyone gave a start, including Tasuki.

"It can't be!" Nuriko exclaimed, eyes wide as the two figures paused in their fighting long enough for everyone to get a clear look at them.

Chiriko gaped. "Another tessan?"

Smirking, the stranger broke free from his power struggle with Tasuki. He flipped backwards, springing off a nearby tree trunk and sending a flying kick Tasuki's way. The seishi bandit instinctively blocked with his forearms, exerting enough strength to push away his attacker. This did little to throw off the dark-haired stranger's balance, though – he landed gracefully a short distance away with perfect ease, folding his arms and regarding the group ruefully. The tessan in his hand gleamed as it caught some of the moonbeams from the sky, the night wind playing with his long black hair.

"Who are you?" Nuriko demanded, taking a step closer to the foot of the huge chunk of rock, bracelets about his wrists gleaming. "What do you want from us?"

Yuan smiled. "It is not a matter of what I want. I am only here to test you. And as for who I am…" His topaz eyes moved to connect with Chihiro's wide, frightened ones. "I am not so much a stranger as all of you seem to believe." At that moment, the wind increased for only a moment and loosened some of his hair, which had been tightly pulled back into the long ponytail that rippled out from behind.

For a moment, Chihiro could not move. After a couple more moments, she found that she had been holding her breath – and realized that everyone else had been doing the same thing.

Tasuki's eyebrows narrowed in disbelief. "No way… It's…me?"

"No, not quite," supplied their enemy with a curt laugh. "I am most definitely not you. As ya can see," his accent changed, becoming thicker and molding into an exact replica of Tasuki's voice. "Both of us have what'cha might call distinguishin' traits ta identify ourselves by…" A roguish grin passed over his face, revealing a set of white fangs. "Yet, I'm th' very image of you. Confusin' as hell, ain't it?"

"You are Tasuki, but you aren't?" Chiriko thought aloud.

"Quit toying with us! Just get down here and fight, coward!" Tamahome shouted up to him, the 'oni' glowing crimson on his forehead.

The dark one shook his head, the clicking of his tongue coupled with a few mock-remorseful headshakes. "Pathetic fools…the answer is staring you right in the face, yet you cannot grasp it. I am not simply an illusion or a manifestation of the mind. I am real flesh and blood, just as you are. But I serve as…shall we say…a reflection of all that Tasuki is not. I am called Yuan. You might say that I am his shadow."

"His shadow?" Chiriko's young face tightened in frustration.

"Do you still not understand? Suzaku Seishi certainly are thick. And here I thought stupidity was only abundant in one of you. I guess intelligence is something I beat all of you on." Sighing, he lifted his metal fan, arm swinging it about in a circular motion and extending it toward s the group below. He stared coolly at his many targets, concentrating his power and bringing it forth in two words: "Rekka Shin'en!"

A spiral of ghostly-colored fire erupted out of the cool steel and swept down upon his target. Chihiro, eyes round as saucers, cried out a desperate warning, "Tasuki!"

Tasuki saw the attack as well and avoided it easily enough. The spell struck the ground, flames roaring and crackling as they seared an ugly black hole in the earth. Yuan made a gesture with his free hand, and the spiraling pyre of death suddenly split into several twisting, winding columns of silvery flames that shot out in multiple directions. Tasuki's eyes fearfully turned to his friends, but his worry soon subsided. Chichiri had thrown up a magical shield around the group of warriors, deflecting the deadly flames.

Although protected, everyone within the barrier felt the unpleasant heat searing over them. The symbol on Chichiri's knee lit up as he strengthened the magic to keep the flames at bay. If Yuan was like Tasuki, but not, would that mean he also possessed Tasuki's level of strength and weakness, or did he excel above them?

When the current of black flames ended, Chichiri carefully released his grip on the shield, looking about intently for any sign of their enemy as the rest of the Suzaku Seven cast astonished glances at one another. Yuan had used the same spell as Tasuki!

The masked warrior's eyebrows knotted together. "He's still here. But where?" He did not have to wait long for the answer.

"I am the very opposite of you," a voice somewhere above them said, directing his words more at Tasuki than at the rest of the group. "However, our talents appear to be evenly matched. As I expected. As I expect of all of you." There was a pause before he added, "You'll be pleased to know I am not the only one, I'm sure."

"There are others no da?" Chichiri interjected, still maintaining the shield around him and his companions.

"No, I'm lying," Yuan answered with intense sarcasm. "There are seven of us all together, one for each of you standing here who serves Suzaku." He sighed. "Observing what you are made of will suffice for now. I must get back. The next time we meet, we fight for real." At this, his voice began to fade. "And who knows? Maybe next time I will bring one of my companions along with me. They are all looking forward to becoming acquainted with their lighter selves." Then he was gone.

Waiting an extra moment to make sure the danger had passed, Chichiri released his grip on the barrier and let it fade into nothing. The moment the protective shell of magic vanished, Chihiro was running over to Tasuki, nearly barreling into him before she could stop. "Tasuki, you're okay, ne? You didn't get hurt?"

"No, I'm fine," the redhead grumbled in reply, alternating hands with the tessan before putting it away. Fists clenching at his sides, Tasuki still glowered at the treetops where Yuan had disappeared. "That cocky pansy-assed son of a …"

"Is everyone alright no da?" The general reply was a solid "mm" from all.

"None of us would be all right if it wasn't for that barrier of yours," Shuro spoke up, drowning out Tasuki's long string of curses. "I sensed his intent, but I didn't get the opportunity to voice it out loud before he attacked."

Nuriko heaved a small sigh. "Then please get faster," he laughed. "I really hate surprises in situations like that." His armbands reverted back to their original bracelets, a puzzled, terrified expression etched across his face. "There's another one of me wherever he comes from?"

"Yeah, how messed up is that?" Toroki drawled, using his special fazing ability to avoid a killer knuckle-punch aimed at his head.

"Not only you, Nuriko, but all of us," Hotohori added, lowering the holy sword and allowing his body to relax again. "According to Yuan, they are just as strong as the rest of us."

Toroki spoke up once more as he slid the two daggers back into place at his side, assured that the violet-haired warrior would cause him no harm for the moment. Unless provoked. "Tell me about it. We gotta be careful from here on in. I mean, after discovering there's another girly-looking man like you running around…Yeow!" The Byakko warrior activated his ability just as a rock the size of his upper body was hurled at him full force. "I was just saying!"

"Grow up," the violet-haired warrior snapped in a huff, glaring doom in his general direction.

"I have. I'm way older than any of you."

Tamahome folded his arms in front of him, closing one eye cynically. "You certainly don't act like it."

Toroki whirled on him. "Hey, know what? Go peel a banana with your foot, that's a funny trick!" A few snickers rose up from the group at this comment, since Tamahome's previous form had been a monkey.

But though they seemed jovial on the outside, inside they were still thrown off balance from the latest news from their enemy. Doubles of themselves, just as strong and similar in appearance yet completely set on meeting their other selves just to kill them?

Shuro's head lowered in thought. "Why couldn't I get inside his mind?" he muttered to no one.

xXxXx

Dark forms stood gathered about their Lady, waiting when Yuan reappeared in their midst in the same stance in which he had left the Suzaku. He grinned, turning to the shrouded throne and bowing to one knee. "I did as you requested of me, Lady."

"Good, Yuan. I was watching you the entire time to make sure you didn't break your promise to me. You came very close." By the tone in her voice, consequences might have been dire if he chose to do other than he was commanded, had she been talking to someone else. She spoke with a honeyed tone that one might have used when speaking to a small child. Yuan was the Lady's favorite. No real harm would be wrought upon him even if he had disrespected his orders.

He bowed lower. "You should never doubt any promise I make to you."

Red eyes like ginger followed his movements, gleaming mischievously. "Indeed."

Across the room, Jiang listened to the conversation as best he could over the sound of his own heavy breathing. A cold sweat lined his brow from the difficult barrier he cast and held for such a long period of time in order to prevent any possible harm to Yuan—his Lady's order—in addition to the continual surge of dark energy flowing through him, given by the Lady. Strength waning, he swayed on his feet and might have collapsed but for the set of arms that caught hold of him, holding him steady. He glanced down wearily at the young woman at his side, shooting her a grateful smile while trying unsuccessfully to maintain his balance.

The small amount of movement caught her attention. "Li Wei," their Lady addressed the young woman among her Stars, "Could you help Jiang back to his room? I fear I might have…exhausted his help for the time being."

"I don't need—" A dangerous glare cut off the dark sorcerer's words. He quietly bowed his head and said nothing more. Li Wei performed a courteous head bow.

"Right away, Mistress." The two faded away from the darkness, leaving only Yuan, the Lady, and the others standing in shadow.

"They seem very strong. Stronger than I might have imagined." She casually reclined where she sat, leaning her head onto the back of a slender, pale hand while a look of intrigue shadowed her delicate features. "Even those other two the Suzaku took with them. And not just in physical strength. They seem tightly bonded to one another."

"They are," Yuan confirmed. "My light and I were evenly matched, I think." The dark seishi arranged his words with care before speaking to his Lady. "You ordered me not to harm any of them. So, because I respect and serve you so well, I carried out your commands. However, the limitations…"

"I understand. You will get your chance to battle those fools. I will not ask you to hold back the next time I send you."

"Yes, Mistress." Yuan bowed sincerely, but the look of excitement burning in those eyes was hard to miss.

"When will we get to engage them?" A voice from the darkness spoke up for the first time. "My light looks like a wuss to me. And all the legends in the land tell of him being the strongest of the Suzaku Shichi Seishi. I think I might enjoy crushing him into the ground."

"I would like to ascertain their level of strength, in a more cerebral setting," a younger voice stated.

Qiang shook his head in the affirmative. "A fight I'd like to see would be Jiang and that wimpy sorcerer the Suzaku has among them. Li Wei knows her way in a fight, too. But it would be interesting to see what you'd cook up, Ru." The other two standing there nodded their silent agreement.

Their companion in the darkness responded with an intelligent, pleased giggle. "You will. Whenever our Lady wishes to send me."

"Eventually, I will send all of you to them," she promised. "They must be introduced to your different strengths slowly. I fear too swift of an introduction may desensitize them from the surprise. It shall be fun indeed." The lady heaved a tired sigh. "But for now, leave us. I wish to be alone."

The others knew well enough just whom she meant by 'us.' Her followers bowed respectfully and, like the first two, vanished and left her and her favorite star, as she called him, alone together.

She beckoned Yuan forward and he came to her side. Yuan could see by her changed countenance that something was bothering her. He came to her, waited for her to speak, as was always the general habit. Eventually when she did meet his eyes, there was something in them he had not seen for a long while. "What is troubling you?"

Her voice was hard and cold. "Please, just…don't speak to me. Dealing with talking animals this afternoon and then having to watch you, my dearest star, playing with those fools…it has been demanding of me. I need comfort."

"As you wish." His arms encircled her slender form and drew her close. She smiled contentedly, resting her head against his chest.

"I am not sending you out to them so soon. The others need a chance to have at them."

"And who will it be?" His tone had lost its initial softness, but he dared not let his disappointment show too much.

The Lady sighed. "Oh, we shall see. Later. Just stay with me." She closed her eyes against his chest, knowing he would obey her command.

xXxXx

The Suzaku party traveled as far as they could for the evening, and then decided to settle down for the night. At Chiriko's advice, they found a nice spot in the surrounding forests beneath Taikyoku that would conceal them from any unwanted eyes as well as protect them from the elements, since it had been storming on a regular basis these past few days. While the sky didn't appear threatening, a little precaution never hurt anyone.

They had not bothered to look at first, but when the Oracle had transported them from her palace, she also had the Nyan Nyans re-supply them for the journey to Kutou for the Dragon's Eye, which none of them were looking forward to making. Within these packs contained everything they would need, but right now all they wanted were the blankets and a bit of sleep.

Toroki took first watch. He was not all that keen on shutting his eyes this night, not after so many dreams and trains of thought always leading him to a certain individual from his past. Decades, and the pain was still there, almost fresh. Just temporarily numbed. So he was quick to offer himself for first watch so that they would have at least a warning if the Seiryuu or that Yuan character decided to visit them again. Which did not seem likely, according to the monk, though Toroki suspected he'd only said that to ease the others' fears.

His green eyes wandered over to the group, watching their interactions with each other and again found himself slightly envious of the bonds they seemed to share. The way they exchanged smiles or kind words, helping their comrades set things up for the night hours ahead. Despondently, Toroki reached into a little pack he always kept with him and found some decent-looking fruit at the bottom, which he nibbled on, taking position on a tree stump on the edge of their camp. 'This is gonna be a long night. I know they said they'd all take turns, but I don't feel like sleepin'.' Quiet giggles and murmurs over his shoulder informed him that at least some people were happy this evening, and, since he certainly couldn't share in that sentiment, it only made him frown more and bite more heavily into his stolen fruit. 'It's gonna be a real long night.'

"Bet you wish you were still a dog, ne, Tasuki-chan?" Toroki heard Nuriko remark, watching as he shoved the startled redhead aside hard enough that he rolled a bit before stopping a short distance away, spreading out his own blanket and taking a spot alongside Chihiro. "That way you two could still sleep together and cuddle up nice and cozy…" To this statement, the 'willow' seishi earned a blush from both miko and fellow warrior. "So I was right?"

Already Tasuki was reaching for his tessan. "Nuriko…" he growled dangerously, "I'm gonna kill you…"

"No, don't do that!" Chihiro was already hanging from the redhead's arm to keep him from drawing the weapon. "I'm sure Nuriko was only kidding…ne?"

Nuriko nodded innocently, but Tasuki could tell from the devilish sparkle in those mauve-colored eyes that he felt just the opposite. With a huff, he stormed to the farthest end of camp and plopped down near Tamahome, rolling so his back faced them.

Chichiri shook his head at their familiar, childish antics. "Just like old times no da," he murmured to himself, but Toroki didn't miss the frown that passed over his face. "If only the circumstances weren't so dire…" Switching back to reality and smiling through his mask, he turned to the youngest member of their traveling party. "Chiriko, how about you move further in no da?" He suggested, and helped the boy move and lie out his blankets again in a different spot. They would be sleeping in such a way that should something arise, those most at risk or less likely to fight would be safely tucked in a tight circle of protection.

Nuriko shrugged, speaking in Tasuki's direction just to see if he could provoke the younger warrior more. "I mean, sure, some people wear multiple layers or wrap themselves in blankets on nights like these. Others just have sex."

The entire group sweatdropped at the statement, even more so when Tasuki lifted his right hand and left only his middle finger extended. Mitsukake, covering Chiriko's ears, was unable to also shield the boy's eyes from the obscene gesture.

Tamahome nudged Tasuki with his foot from where he lay, using his arm as a pillow. "Now you know what I endured when Miaka was around," he joked. The redhead just shrugged, still remaining with his back towards him. Tamahome was silent a moment, then sighed, lowering his voice. "Nuriko wasn't too far from the truth, was he?" Tasuki's shoulders tensed, confirming his suspicions. "Thought so. See you in the morning." With that, he too rolled over, facing the opposite direction.

"If ya find yerself still breathin' by then," a very grouchy, very embarrassed Tasuki grumbled into his blanket.

It did not take long for everyone else to fall to sleep, exhausted as they were. They needed the strength to prepare for the long route into Kutou, which would be fairly dangerous once they walked through the border checkpoint. True, Kutou was no longer the militaristic, power-hungry place it had been before the war – not openly, anyway. However, it was still a dangerous nation and no one was happy to make the trip, but they knew they needed to find this Dragon's Eye to stop to the approaching darkness, prevent it from engulfing the land, and if that meant venturing into Kutou, then they would have to do just that.

Toroki was supposed to wake Nuriko for his turn at the watch two hours before whatever time it was now, but what the hell, he didn't need sleep. Sleep only brought up bad memories, and who needed those? However, guard duty was boring the stuffing out of the Byakko warrior. All you did was sit, listen, and stare into the darkness around you. Not much fun at all, especially since there appeared to be no real danger nearby. Toroki needed something to do, yet everything he thought of half a second later he instantly put down, as all the possible activities would distract from his current duty.

'Wait just a minute,' he thought. 'Why do I have to stay here? Why should I look out for these guys? More importantly, why the hell am I even here in the first place?' Toroki frowned. He didn't owe these guys anything, as far as he was concerned, and unless his sharp ears misunderstood everything they'd said so far, which was rarely possible, they were heading into Kutou, a dangerous place, for some worthless treasure. What was it—the Dragon's Nose? —something like that. Not only that, but before they were being followed by rabid animals that would pop up and attack them out of nowhere. Now there were these creepy look-alikes that were going to show up from time to time at random and give them trouble, and they all thought he would just happily plod along and help them take out the bad guys?

But Toroki had taken no vows to help in their fight. He hadn't even wanted to go with them to Taikyoku, but things just sort of happened that way. And now the old hag was making him go along to protect the priestess. He didn't really see the need for that, though. What, Chihiro had seven actual guardians, and with Shuro – 'Guess it's Namame now,' Toroki mentally corrected himself – coming along, for whatever reason, made nine. So why did they need him?

"Huh," he mused out loud. "Guess they don't after all." The Byakko warrior rested his head in his hands, eyeing the sleeping group quietly. Maybe he would only tag along for a short while, and then slip away when no one was looking. If they didn't like it, that was just too damn bad. And as for the Oracle, she could shrivel up into a dried prune for all he cared. After all, she was partly responsible for ruining his life, her and Byakko. He hated both of them in their due measures.

Mind finally made up about this decision, a devilish light flickered in his cat-like eyes, pupils narrowing into thin slits as his head once again turned in the direction of the sleeping group, coming to rest on a certain individual. The grin on his face only grew wider. Oh, but why hadn't he thought of this delightful idea before?

Slowly, Toroki stood up and activated his seishi ability, which would help block all sound of his approach for what he was about to do. None the less, he tiptoed to where Chiriko lay nestled in his blankets in soundless slumber, head resting on his small knapsack for a pillow. Toroki held his breath as he knelt down, carefully extending his hand and reached through the knapsack material, relying on his sense of touch to locate the object he sought. His movements were slight, however, not wanting to wake the boy up because then his fun would be blown. He would be right back to where he stared: bored as hell and brooding.

A victorious grin broke over his face as his fingers at last touched the wanted objects within the pack. Toroki's hand clenched around the item, and he slowly slid his prize away, eyes never once leaving the sleeping boy's face. Chiriko didn't even stir. Looking down in his hands, Toroki held a thin-tipped paintbrush and a small well of black ink. He had seen Chiriko fiddling with them earlier on a piece of parchment, discussing the details of the scroll with Chichiri and Hotohori before going to sleep. Back then, Toroki hadn't cared; he was preparing himself for perpetual boredom for the duration of the night. But that was hours ago. Now that he had the bottle of ink and the brush, he was going to put them to some good use and personal enjoyment at another's expense.

Slinking silently through the grass, the Byakko warrior crept up to the sleeping form of Tamahome, first checking to make sure his prey was fully asleep. It wouldn't due to have him wake up before he finished his little trick. Uncorking the bottle as quietly as possible, he dipped the bristle into the dark liquid, swiping it on the lip of the bottle to wipe away any excess ink. Then, holding his breath, he lowered the wet brush down to Tamahome's face, poking him with it experimentally. The Suzaku warrior remained deep in sleep, clueless of the other's actions. This encouraged Toroki to become bolder, and he chanced a long brush stroke along the 'oni' warrior's cheek. Still, Tamahome did not awaken. Toroki fought off excited snickers as he gently glided the brush over different areas of his face.

He was having so much fun thinking about how infuriated Tamahome would be when he woke up – and what he might do if he ever discovered the culprit's identity – that he almost missed the two, new life forces as they drew closer to the camp. Almost.

Toroki pulled back, prank forgotten for the time being and listened, green eyes squinting into the darkness. Where his eyes could not see, his heightened senses as a celestial warrior took over. There were definitely two individuals headed their way. He did not know if the approaching persons were aware of the group's presence or not. Setting down the bottle of ink and brush, he lay down and pretended to sleep, listening all the while, waiting to see who would appear from the trees when a shadow passed over the ground from the sky above. Without making too much movement, Toroki glanced up to see nothing but the stars glittering back at him in the night sky. He frowned. 'Am I losin' my touch, or just my mind?'

Rustling caught his attention from some bushes a little in front of him and, utilizing his ability, he slipped further into the ground, head peeking out from beneath Tamahome's blanket as he watched and waited. 'Maybe it's one-a them dark warriors again, or those psychopath Seiryuu freaks,' he thought. 'Either way, there's no way I can wake everyone up now. I'll have to deal with it myself.' That final thought made him grin in delight. At last his perpetual boredom would be at an end!

Two forms slipped through the trees into the clearing, both measuring the same height. Toroki squinted, vision having to adjust to the darkness before he understood the reason: They were identical twins. Both had dirty blonde, almost brown hair, which was held back by a dark headband. The one, seemingly surer of the two, had a flute tucked into the dark sash at his waist while the other had an unusual weapon dangling from his. The two soon spotted the sleeping group. The one with the dangly weapon leaned into his twin and seemed to whisper something, but what it was Toroki could not hear. What were those two here for anyway? Should he warn the others right away, or wait a moment? He was still at indecision when he heard a faint jingle coming from the darkness behind the twin boys. They must have too, for they gave a start and whirled around, expecting to find someone there but instead found themselves staring into darkness.

"What are the two of you doing here no da?" A calm, firm voice asked, appearing out of nowhere into the starlight and startling the pair once more. Smiling mask in place, Chichiri stared the two down, ringed staff held upright next to his body as he placed himself between the brothers and his sleeping companions. "More importantly, why are you here?"

The twin with the dangly weapon made a strange gesture with his right hand and the long cord and two metal orbs hanging around his waist unknotted itself and seemed to come to life, metal objects buzzing as they began spinning dangerously before him. The one with the flute spun around on his twin. "Suboshi, don't—" He stopped, however, when something sharp pressed firmly into his back between his shoulder blades.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Toroki hissed as he rose up out of the ground behind the flute-twin like an apparition, directing his words to the one called Suboshi. "Unless you don't wanna be a twin anymore." To prove his point, he applied a little more pressure to the dagger tip into the unnamed twin's back, making him wince. "Let's put those ball-thingies down, ne?" He glanced over in Chichiri's direction. "Why didn'cha tell me we were gonna have guests? I would-a helped make 'em feel more welcome."

The monk regarded the Byakko warrior with cool amusement. "I didn't want to interrupt your fun with Tamahome no da."

"Heh, how nice of ya," Toroki said with a snigger, turning his attention back to Suboshi. "Hey, kid, wanna put those things down? My offer from earlier won't hold much longer."

"Aniki…" Suboshi stood tense half a second longer, metal orbs of the ryuuseisui still spinning menacingly.

"Suboshi, it's alright," the one with the flute spoke up, trying to ignore the sharp pain poking into his back. "They won't hurt us. The Suzaku Seven aren't like Nakago and the rest of them."

Suboshi hesitated a moment longer, then did as his twin requested.

"That wasn't so hard now, was it?" Toroki asked, voice slightly laced with sarcasm. "Now how about tossing me that toy of yours."

"He could still use it even if you took it no da," Chichiri informed him, then focused his attention on the twin with the flute. "I'll repeat my question from earlier: What are you doing here with your brother, Amiboshi?"

"I had to get away from Nakago and the others," Amiboshi responded, jerking out of Toroki's hold and casting an irritated glance over his shoulder before turning back to the monk. "I'm tired of the constant fighting. There isn't even a good reason for it this time around. I came here with my brother because we want to help you." Amiboshi looked sincere enough, but none of them missed the cynical muttering that escaped his younger brother as he folded his arms in a huff.

The Byakko warrior snorted. "Help us?" Toroki did not sound like he was buying that at all. "Right, and your little group of friends and your brother here nearly did us in on several occasions. But I guess that was just to toughen us up, ne?"

"We had no choice!" the older twin protested. "My brother and I took a chance and escaped tonight! We came to warn you!"

"Hah! Warn us about what?" Toroki still didn't look at all convinced, but Chichiri waited patiently for Amiboshi to explain.

"Nakago's joined alliances with the woman responsible for consuming the land up north!"

Chichiri's half-circle eyebrows shot up in surprise while Toroki blurted out, "Whoa, wait! What's this about?"

Amiboshi took a deep breath before he explained.

xXxXx

After a time the silver vixen stopped in her tracks, allowing the hawk on her back to hop off. The dove landed on the ground shortly after, delicately folding its wings. A couple feet away, the wild dog heatedly lowered his body to the ground with a dull thud just as a brightly colored spider skittered past him. The dog withdrew from its presence distastefully.

"Gauging your reactions tells me we've failed." The group gave a small start at the familiar voice, watching as a lithe form slithered out of the cover of bushes. Icy blue eyes portrayed their disappointment more vividly than any words he could have spoken. "What happened this time?"

"It was Taiitsukun," the silver she-fox answered, soft, gray muzzle curling back a little in frustration. "She whisked them all away to her palace."

Amiboshi's soft coo caught everyone's attention. "But before that, there was this awful shriek that seemed to beat us into the ground. I don't know where it could have come from." The dove's head lowered to its breast in a contemplative manner. "It was that sound that freed them from Tomo's web, and then Taiitsukun collected the Suzaku seven and took them away."

The spider twitched with agitation. "Not only that, but there are two other warriors with them. I sensed Celestial power from them both, one who serves Byakko, and the other Genbu." An angry sneer twisted Tomo's voice as he uttered the name of the tortoise-god. "Both were human and very much in tune with their powers."

"What do we do now?" Suboshi asked, ruffling his feathers. "Do we just wait for them to leave Taikyoku and attack then? Or—"

"Unless you have any relatively intelligent ideas, refrain from speaking again," Nakago's cold-as-steel voice interrupted. "I grow tired of that witch's constant meddling in our affairs with the Suzaku Seven. That leaves us to…"

A dark chanting rose up from the forest around them, hissing low at some parts and ascending to almost urgent, high notes as it whispered about them. The mist seemed to respond to the voice, curving and taking shape, reaching out to the unsuspecting animals that stood frozen, unable to do anything but watch as the change began to take place. Even so, the chanting did not let up until at last the transformations were complete. Seconds later all of them were back to human form and suitably clothed.

With a human hand, an astonished Amiboshi slid his polished wooden flute from his belt. A glance at his brother, and another to the rest of the Seiryuu Seven, led him to discover that they were just as surprised over this new development. He opened his mouth to speak, but never got the chance. A figure robed in white, a long cowl covering most of her fair face, appeared within their midst. Even Nakago gave a small start. Two other forms garbed in much darker colors flanked her to the left and right; their faces, unhooded, were bathed in light as they came forth. As the light moved over one face in particular, Suboshi reacted, weapon buzzing at his waist long before he realized the Meteor Bells were back in his possession.

"Be at ease, Suboshi of the Seiryuu Seven," the young woman spoke, touching a hand to the bicep of the handsome young man at her side. "This is not the Celestial warrior Tamahome. Qiang is my servant. You need not fear him." The way the dark doppelganger exchanged glances with Suboshi, however, suggested otherwise. His eyes also traveled over to the only female member of the Seiryuu group, grinning in an unmistakably flirtatious manner. Soi stared back, a little confused as well as intrigued.

"The one on my left is Xing, and it is likewise for him. I trust you can identify who his double is in your own time."

"Do you have any real purpose appearing here?" Nakago bluntly inquired, piercing blue eyes clear of any detectable emotion.

The young woman nodded to his less than polite question. "The Suzaku Seven are searching for an ornament called the Dragon's Eye. It is imperative that they do not find it."

"What has that to do with us?"

"Shut it, spider-boy," the one called Qiang directed these words at Tomo, who merely glared back.

The woman's fingers laced together beneath the folds of her white sleeves. "I need you to be the ones to find it first, or take it from them by force if it comes to that. With it, they can summon Suzaku and that will be the end of my reign here." Suboshi decided not to mention that she didn't look much like royalty. "In return, I shall bestow you with further abilities so that you may seek your revenge against the Suzaku Seven."

Nakago smiled humorlessly, hand lifting and reaching out to them. A faint, blue glow pulsed at his fingertips threateningly. "We are not interested."

Before he could even release the blast, the two dark-cloaked figures were standing guardedly in front of their charge. Faster than anyone could detect, the one called Xing had his sword drawn and held in a defensive stance while at his shoulder, a swirling indigo, almost black energy gathered between Qiang's cupped hands. A fierce fire shown in their topaz eyes as they connected with the cold blue ones of Seiryuu's most powerful warrior. The others stood by, tense, waiting to see what would happen.

The young woman looked completely unfazed by the whole thing. "I don't think you understand. I've given you back your bodies in order to better deal with your enemies as well as serve my purposes, and now you're going to leave me empty-handed in return?" She shook her head, a small laugh passing over her lips. "No, I don't believe you will. You are going to go after them and obtain the Dragon's Eye for me and destroy them in whatever order seems best to you." Her voice was so void of emotion and reminded Amiboshi so much of Nakago that he had to fight down a shiver. Sensing his unrest, Suboshi drew a little closer to his twin. "You may kill them all, I don't care. But leave the priestess to my warriors and me to handle." The fake smile from before resurfaced. "I trust we have an understanding, Nakago-san?"

xXxXx

"Nakago made a deal with her?" Chichiri asked when Amiboshi had finished. "I wouldn't expect him to follow orders from anyone."

Amiboshi nodded. "I couldn't sit by and do nothing after everything else I heard them discuss, plans of attacking you and your friends…or join them!" The mere thought horrified him. "I know there was animosity between us once as well as distrust after I…" his face darkened at the memory, "betrayed you at the summoning of Suzaku all those years ago… and there still might be now. But I hated the useless fighting then as I do now, and that woman needs to be stopped. If she has her way, this entire world will be plunged into darkness. Please, let me—let us help you."

"How do you know all the details about this mess?" Toroki spoke up for the first time in a while. "You must've stayed a real long time to know every detail through and through like that…how do we know you're not playin' us for fools? An' why bring your brother with ya since he obviously doesn't share your view on things?"

Amiboshi's blue eyes narrowed angrily. "I couldn't leave him behind with…with them!" he spat out the last word in disgust. "Soi is all right, I think, but the others, Nakago, Tomo, Ashitare…they can't be trusted. I just… I get this feeling that Nakago wouldn't hesitate to send us all to our deaths, if only to further his own plans. From what I've heard from some of the others, I think he might've done just that. And the thought of my brother alone with those people…!" He suppressed a shudder at the idea. "Anyway, Suboshi can be trusted. He agrees with me on this." Amiboshi offered the monk a small smile. "He's just having a hard time thinking of you guys as his allies, is all."

"I don't believe him," Toroki stated right off the bat. "Let's just kick their sorry ketsu an' throw 'em out, ne, Chichiri?" The Byakko warrior rubbed his hands together in preparation for the anticipated battle, but stopped when he saw that the seishi monk had not moved to assist him. "Yo, Chichiri! Hello?" Was it possible for monks to just randomly fall into trances flat on their feet? Or maybe the guy was going deaf and just needed him to repeat everything a little louder. He ripped two blades out from beneath his sleeves and twirled them expertly in his hands. "Okay, well, while you decide which nifty little spell to use, I'm gonna go to town with my knives, okay?"

"Wait no da." Chichiri's voice stopped Toroki in his tracks. For a long time, the Suzaku seishi simply regarded the brothers with that searching look of his, mahogany eye occasionally straying over to his still-sleeping companions. Eventually, he sighed. "…I want to believe you. No, I think I already might. But I'm afraid there might be too much dividing us already."

He slipped off his mask, shooting a meaningful glance at Suboshi. "If I remember correctly, you were the one responsible for the massacre of Tamahome's family in our previous lives." Both brothers glanced down, ashamed at the memory, but Chichiri continued, knowing he couldn't spare the twins any sympathy right now. "I'm not sure if Tamahome would be willing to forgive that. You also haven't been kind to him in this life – he sustained some pretty harsh wounds from your talons no da. And everyone remembers those battles. Working with you, or even just being in your presence… My primary concern right now is protecting my brother warriors no da. The upcoming ordeals are going to test all of them, more than any of us can imagine, I suspect, and I don't want to put even more stress on their shoulders." The monk closed his eye for a moment, nodding resolutely before meeting the brothers' gaze again. "I'm sorry to have to say this, but I think it would be best if the two of you leave before the others wake up no da."

"At last, he speaks!" Toroki sarcastically muttered under his breath. He grinned up at the twins, "Well, you heard the man. Go on, get lost now."

xXxXx

"Jealous you haven't left the barrier yet?" A voice queried from behind, making Li Wei jump in surprise. Whirling about she offered the one responsible a nasty glare, but he just laughed. "No worries, I haven't met my lighter self yet. I just served as an escort for Her Preciousness to hide behind while we talked to the Seiryuu Seven. I wasn't too thrilled to be going and neither was Xing." His female associate remained silent, so he kept talking. "In fact I think he was downright bored the entire time, but he's better at hiding things like that than I am. I think he's just itching to use that sword of his on a real opponent."

"And did you realize, Qiang, that I really don't care?" she snapped, spinning away and causing the long, dark braid to whip over her shoulder.

Qiang chuckled at this, throwing his hands in air. "Uh-oh, the rose has thorns! What is bothering you anyway?"

"None of your business," she shot back a little too quickly.

"Are you angry because you haven't been picked yet?"

"I said it was none of your business!" Li Wei hissed.

"Chao, Ru and Jiang haven't been picked, and you don't hear them bitching about it." Qiang paused, pondering over this statement a moment before adding, "Actually, Jiang bitches a lot about how he's the strongest and how She still favors Yuan anyway…"

"I don't care, just go away!" The female warrior leapt up and began heatedly stalking away.

A slow smile grew over Qiang's face as he quietly added, "Or are you just pissy because She's always hanging off of him and you can't even get near him?"

Abruptly stopping in her tracks, Li Wei spun around to face her fellow warrior, a fierce fire raging in her eyes. "Shut up," she hissed in warning. "I can punch a hole through a solid brick wall and I could just as well use your head as a battering ram. Don't even try mocking me."

He sighed, shaking his head in dismay. "Tsk, tsk, tsk." Qiang hopped up, stretching casually. "See, there's your whole problem right there. Maybe if you weren't so cold, you might turn a few heads."

Li Wei could not keep herself from laughing, though it contained anything but delight. "Please. You act as if you know the answers to all my problems."

"In most cases, I think I might, actually," he answered back, flashing her a charming smile that only earned him another cold glare. Discouraged, Qiang heaved another sigh. "Oh well, so much for building confidence in someone." With that, he turned and began walking away. Li Wei glared at his back until she thought she would burn a whole straight through his head.

'That over-arrogant, pompous…' she huffed, stringing along a few other words after it to satisfy her own anger and annoyance. Sometimes she truly detested all of them, even Yuan, as highly as she thought of him, for the fact that he rarely noticed her. On her own once more, she fell to wondering briefly when it would be her turn to confront her Light. What would it be like? Would their Mistress send her alone or with a companion? 'If it's Qiang, I'd sooner hang myself,' Li Wei decided, wrinkling her nose distastefully.

A soft chuckle made her look up, her topaz eyes meeting with a pair the same color but with a softer quality to their sparkle. "Xing," she greeted, smiling.

"Going to sneeze?" he asked. His tone sounded mildly amused but, somehow, he also managed to seem disinterested, almost bored, by his fellow warrior.

Li Wei blinked. "Huh? Oh, no, I was just…thinking of something." She coughed. "Um, where are you headed?"

"To see Her," he said, voice showing a bit more enthusiasm now that the topic had switched over to him. The excitement dancing in his eyes was hard to miss. "Apparently my turn has come at last."

"Oh? Who is going with you?"

He shrugged. "What does it matter so long as my Light is there? If you will excuse me…" Xing brushed past her to get a move on his assignment. "If you are so worried that you will be sent with Qiang, know that I do share your grievance. He does tend to be a bit of a show-off. But then again, so does Yuan."

xXxXx

"'Get lost?'" Amiboshi repeated, eyes wide and disbelieving.

"Wow, you're good at mimicking what other people say," Toroki drawled.

The older twin ignored him. "But…but what I'm telling you is the truth!"

"I'm not saying you're lying," Chichiri corrected. "I'm actually grateful for what you've told us no da. I just don't think things would run smoothly if the two of you came along. Your brother…"

"I can't just go with you and leave Suboshi behind!" Amiboshi protested.

"I'm not suggesting you do," Chichiri calmly replied once more in an attempt to shush the older Seiryuu twin, glancing tentatively towards his sleeping companions. It was a miracle none of them had awoken yet from the sounds of their voices. "But I am suggesting that it may be best if we go our separate ways."

"You're not getting it," Suboshi spoke up for the first time in the conversation. "Before that woman left, she told us that the Dragon's Eye would be easier to find because we're of Seiryuu," he explained. "Because our guardian-god is a dragon."

"Oh wow," Toroki said, pretending to be astonished as his hands cupped over his cheeks. "He really can speak for himself when he wants, and sound quite intelligent in the process. Aww…"

Suboshi glowered in his direction. "The point is, you send us away and you send away any advantage you might have over Nakago finding it first. And if he gets hold of it, it will be really difficult to take back."

A chilly gust of wind swept over them all. Chichiri stood at indecision, trying to weigh out the possibilities and doubts in his mind and bring about a balance. It might be true that with the twins, or even just one of them, they might have an advantage and wind up locating the Dragon's Eye well before the Seiryuu Seven, yet he could not simply overlook the hostility between Tamahome and Suboshi.

"Chichiri?" The monk turned at the sound of his name, automatically slipping his mask back on as Nuriko sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. "Didn't you just feel that? Tonight definitely started out warmer than…" His words ended, catching sight of the twins. "Wh-what are they…?"

"Nuriko…" Any attempts Chichiri made to get the younger seishi to quiet his voice did no good. In seconds he heard other voices stirring from their slumber.

"Nuriko? What's…" Chihiro's eyes widened, catching sight of the strangers among them. "Ano…" She hesitated, unsure how to react.

Hearing their priestess acted like a chain reaction, and the other warriors decided to get up as well. Tasuki was the last to notice the twins, yawning widely as he spoke. "Nani? 'Zit mornin' already?" He peeked out from one of his golden eyes and at last spotted the brothers; he froze in his position, all traces of sleep vanishing from his features.

Tamahome was on his feet in an instant, eyes fixed on Suboshi and 'oni' symbol glowing brightly in the early morning light. "What is he doing here?"

"Tamahome, matte…" The corners of Chichiri's mouth twitched at the sight of his brother seishi, but he turned quickly back to the brothers, managing to maintain a somber expression on his masked face. He relayed the information he had just received for the benefit of his companions, casting a tiny look of annoyance at Toroki whenever the Byakko warrior chose to butt in to add a few sarcastic remarks.

Hotohori nodded his head thoughtfully, listening. "I see…it would make sense. Their energy, connected to Seiryuu, would give us a better chance of finding the Dragon's Eye first."

"Yeah, I guess we don't really have that connection, Suzaku bein' a bird an' all," Tasuki interjected, comprehension at last dawning in his golden eyes.

"A phoenix, Tasuki." Chiriko corrected, giggling when the redheaded seishi mumbled a 'whatever' under his breath and yawned again.

"Bird, phoenix, both got wings an' feathers, don't they?"

On this particular occasion, Mitsukake took his turn to speak. "Nakago's chances at finding the Dragon's Eye haven't been reduced by much. Don't forget he is very powerful, and no doubt the other Seiryuu Seishi are still with him."

Nuriko nodded. "So we should take advantage of this new leverage and get going before they catch up with…" Turning to look at Tamahome to see how he was taking this, the 'willow' seishi noticed something different about his Celestial brother – something that made him burst into giggles. "T-Tama-chan…your—your face…"

Previously focused on other things, everyone turned inquiringly and either grew very silent, fought back giggles, or – in the case of Tasuki and Nuriko – just burst into outright laughter. Even Ren cracked a smile.

Unnoticed went the disapproving look Suzaku's oldest member sent to Toroki, who brushed it off and watched the upcoming events with undisguised interest. His artwork consisted of a mostly-completed circle around Tamahome's right eye, poorly drawn eyelashes on his opposite cheek, a splotch of black on the tip of his nose, over-whelmingly large lips and a scribbled kanji for 'monkey' inscribed in place of the usual Suzaku character on his forehead.

"What about my face?" Tamahome grumbled, touching his fingers to his left cheek and blinking when they came away covered in wet ink.

He heard Tasuki snickering next to him. "Who did yer make-up, Tama?"

"You did this, didn't you?" Tamahome snapped, fists clenching at his sides.

Tasuki held up his hands defensively. "Not me, I swear…heheh…" The bandit spied the violet-haired seishi. "Why didn'cha tell me ya were gonna prank him t'night?"

"I—I didn't do it," Nuriko answered truthfully with unrelenting giggles, casting what he hoped was an apologetic look at Tamahome. Beside him, Chihiro fought hard to contain her laughter. Thankfully, most of the others were copying her behavior – though they didn't need to press their hands quite as firmly to their lips like she was.

It was hopeless trying to force a confession out of anyone. Tamahome sighed, plopping back down on his sleeping mat. "Never mind, just get me something to clean it off…" Hotohori tossed him a rag and a skin filled with water from his pack.

"Minna? Who removed my brushes and ink from my sack?" Chiriko asked with a curious expression as he carefully took back his possessions, pouring some water on the bristles to cleanse the ink from them.

Toroki folded his hands behind his head and whistled innocently. Chichiri shook his head, sighing.

Luckily, the ink was still wet enough that it came off with some water and a bit of rubbing from a hand towel. Lowering the cloth to his lap, violet eyes once again found Suboshi still staring over at him. His own narrowed in response. "You still didn't answer my question," he said coldly.

"Tamahome, I-" a hand on his shoulder cut off Amiboshi's words. He turned, watching as his twin, face hard and serious, took a step closer to the group. He hurriedly reached out and caught Suboshi's arm to keep him back, but the other jerked free.

"It's okay, Aniki…" Suboshi assured him, moving cautiously closer and closer to the others. "I'm not going to hurt them."

"Yeah, right…" Toroki said, snorting.

"He isn't." Namame spoke up, green character glowing through his shirtsleeve. Maybe this alone was what made Chichiri stay his hand from any action as Suboshi walked past him, sapphire eyes locked on Tamahome, who stared back undaunted. Chihiro and the others glanced at one another uneasily, watching as the distance between the two closed. Tamahome stood up to meet him, and it was just as he did this that Suboshi fell to his knees, touching his hands and even his forehead all the way to the ground.

"Gomen nasai!" he cried, eyes on the ground. Then, quieter this time, "Gomen nasai. I…I know there's no excuse for the actions in my previous life. I know that now. I live with those sins every day, with their terrified eyes staring back at me, and I can't find a good reason for what I did. So I don't expect you to find one, either." His hand gripped at the grass nervously. "But that's not important right now. This isn't about what happened before. It's about this Dragon's Eye, right? About saving the world from disaster, right? My brother and I can help you. We want to help you. Both of us. I don't… the fires from my village, from before…" his head shot up, and their gazes met across the darkness, "I don't want to see them engulf the rest of this world, too! So, please. You don't have to forgive me. You don't even have to trust me. But I'm begging you to trust my brother. Let us help you."

A shocked silence followed, sets of eyes traveling back and forth between Tamahome, fists clenched at his sides, and Suboshi, still on his knees, waiting. Namame squinted at the pair curiously, symbol glowing a soft green in the moonlight.

After what seemed to the others like hours, Tamahome took a deep breath and slowly let it out in a long sigh. He folded his arms over his chest and glanced away to the side, hesitating a bit before muttering, "Well, we don't exactly have a choice, now do we?"

Only then did Suboshi risk leaving his bow, cautiously coming to his feet. After another long pause, he offered a hand, not in friendship, but as if to seal the pact just established between them. A bit reluctantly, and after a pause just as long, Tamahome reached out and grasped his former enemy's hand. They shook once, then let their grips relax and release.

xXxXx

"Li Wei, there you are," a familiar voice made the young woman turn with a start.

"What is it? Did She change her mind about sending you?" she inquired, delicate eyebrow raised questioningly.

"No, I came to tell you that you needn't worry about Qiang accompanying you on your turn," Xing replied in his usual cool, unemotional way.

"Oh." Sensing that there seemed to be more he had to say, she didn't interrupt and waited quietly.

"You won't be joining him because I am."

Li Wei made what she hoped was a sympathetic expression, trying not to let her obvious relief overshadow it. "When do you leave?"

"Now." He answered simply. "Ja ne."

And with a tiny burst of silver light, he vanished.

xXxXx

Translations:

Oi-hey!

Oni-ogre/ghost (Tamahome's symbol)

Seishi-warrior

Suzaku Shichi Seishi-The Suzaku Seven Warriors (sounds easy enough, right?)

Ryuuseisui-Suboshi's weapon thinger

Aniki-Suboshi's special word/nickname-type of thing for his older brother, his twin

Nani-what?

Matte-wait

Minna-everyone

Gomen nasai-I am so sorry

Ja ne-an equivalent of our departing 'later!'

A/N: YAY! At last, Chapter 21 makes its debut! Me so happy! And, heh, sorry this took so, so long. A lot of things came up and, well, if you had to deal with them, you'd understand my reasons for lagging behind. And, yes, you may all roll your eyes as I again promise to try and have the next chapter out faster. I said I'd try, that's what counts, dangit! Hopefully I didn't leave you in too much suspense this time around. Possible fluff might be coming up in Chapter 22; I'm not sure. Keep thy fingers crossed! More action for sure! R&R your thoughts to me, please? Lol. Later.

Amaya