Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ The Ties that Bind ❯ Redemption Isn't Easy to Achieve ( Chapter 6 )

Author's Notes: Hm...that's something I meant to address in the last chapter...the OVA. You see, I have just recently seen the OVA, and started the fic when I had only seen the end of the series. Thus explaining how it doesn't really fit in...so yeah. I'm disregarding the OVA, although I am sad to see new characters like Renhou and Rokou not making an appearance in my fic...perhaps I'll do something with them at another point. *______* especially Ren. Though, on a side note...I really didn't enjoy the OVA so much. I thought the first three episodes were really good...until of course that little thing happened to my Amiboshi. I have to admitt that I don't really like Suboshi all that much, which is amazing with how much I've written about him, ne? Anyway...Amiboshi is the one I liked better... ;-;. But ah well...on that note, I'll let you get on with the chapter...which really wasn't up to my full par, but I was at a loss for things to happen in it. Enjoy... ^_^;...oh! And if anyone could give me the actual Japanese spelling for 'The Universe of the Four Gods'...I'd appreciate that a bunch.

"I'll ask you one more time, Suboshi...where is Yui-sama?" Tomo questioned impassively, allowing the closed 'shin' to rotate between his fingers mindlessly.

The other glared at him, sparing a quick glance toward that shell. It wasn't as though Tomo could use his abilities, so he at least didn't have to worry about the trickery of illusions. Though, he almost wished he could have used his ryuuseisui to rip him to shreds. First, the man tried to kill his aniki and now he wanted to get Yui. If ever there was anyone he hated more than anything--it was Tomo. After all, no one dared harm the two most important people in his life and lived to tell about it.

"I should have known you would be quite stubborn..." The illusionist flicked his wrist and in place of the clam shell, there was a small blade. "You know my talents include mundane illusions. You could also call them simple magic tricks if you would. Since there's nothing you can do to defend yourself, if this blade were to pierce you, it would fill your body with poison...killing you in an instant. It would be a simple manner for me to search for Yui-sama without you around to interfere."

"YOU'LL NEVER GET HER!" Suboshi went to reach at his side and his eyes widened once he felt the dagger no longer strapped there.

Tomo watched him with a cackle, "What's wrong, Suboshi?"

The younger twin inched back. Even though he wanted nothing more than to fight the other seishi, if he wanted to protect Yui, he needed to get away from there. Maybe if he led Tomo away from that place, he could lose him somewhere in the forest. Then, he could get both the Seiryuu no Miko and his brother to safety. Suboshi moved back a step and furrowed his brows. For a moment, no one dared make a sound or motion. It was as though they were sizing each other up, trying to decide who would be the first person to attack.

A smirk tugged on the corner of Tomo's lips, "Die..."

Suboshi's eyes widened and he prepared to do anything to spring out of the way. A well-decorated arm lifted, aiming the knife at the boy. It was nearly tossed, and before anything an agonized cry filled the air. There was darkness and then silence. Finally, after a pause, Suboshi lifted those lids. A confused glance was spared toward Tomo and then those eyes widened as he saw him doubled over in pain. He glanced down toward his belt, spotting the limp ryuuseisui still strapped there. If it wasn't that...then...how...?

"Suboshi!"

He glanced behind Tomo toward the one standing there and those features brightened, "Aniki!"

Amiboshi withdrew the dagger from the illusionist's arm, quickly rushing over toward his brother, "Are you all right?"

"Hai...what did you do?"

"I saved you...like you saved me that time before..." The elder brother handed the weapon toward his sibling. "You can use this better than me."

Tomo clutched his arm, eyeing the threads of blood as they wove together down the elaborate sleeve. His brows furrowed and he spared a glance to the twins, "Damn you, Amiboshi! You two are always getting in the way!"

"Well, when anyone messes with my otouto and they don't away with it..." Amiboshi folded his arms over his chest, leaning against his mirrored image's shoulder.

"ANIKI, WATCH OUT!"

Suboshi shoved his second half to the ground as soon as the knife of Tomo's went whizzing past them, just grazing the sleeve of Amiboshi's tunic. The blade landed on the grass between them and Suboshi turned toward Tomo, glaring at him. Amiboshi, on the other hand, rolled over into a crouch wearing a matching expression. The opponent gritted his teeth and then sprang to his feet in an attempt to flee. His plans were immediately thwarted by Suboshi, who lunged forward for him. Their two bodies connected painfully, but in the end, the result was what the fifteen year old had hoped for. He had Tomo pinned against the earth beneath him.

Amiboshi moved up slowly, grasping the dagger from his brother's side. The blade was then held up against their adversary's neck, nearly touching the pale flesh, "What is it that you're after, Tomo?"

"Hmph! It doesn't matter if you kill me, Amiboshi. The results will be the same..."

"Aniki asked you a question!" Suboshi nearly growled out the words as he tightened his grip until it inflicted suffering.

"Isn't it obvious what Nakago-sama wants? Our powers are sealed by that scroll. Only our miko can unlock them by reading off of it. Much like the ceremony to summon Seiryuu. The same garments must be worn and the preparations must be made. Then, with his powers back...Nakago-sama will be able to take this world over as well as any other he so wished. If you quietly handed over Yui-sama...I'm certain Nakago-sama would spare your life..." Tomo cackled quietly. "That isn't saying I would."

"You'll never--"

Amiboshi sent a warning glance in his brother's direction, before he drew the weapon back, "We don't know where Yui-sama is. So, go now, Tomo and leave us alone."

Suboshi blinked in surprise before he lifted his weight off of the illusionist, who more than happily raced away, nursing his wounded arm. The younger one looked after him in silent hatred, then glanced to the duplicate of himself, "Aniki...doushite? We could have just killed him now and he wouldn't be able to come after us again."

"Maybe so...demo...this way is better. If he can go back and report that Yui-sama isn't with us, then it will give us all much more time to get her home like she wanted. Maybe Kaasan and Tousan will let us stay there."

"I spoke with your Kaasan tonight. She ran into me after I got these from the bakery..." Suboshi raised the sack slightly to display what he had received.

Amiboshi's eyes widened, "You stole from my village? She didn't see, did she?"

"Ie...demo...she misses you. She loves you very much, aniki. You were very fortunate to have met up with that family."

"Hai...I think so. Demo, we should bring these up to Yui-sama, ne? We could eat first and then leave before any more of the others come to track us."

"Un..." Suboshi nodded in agreement. "Let's go."

***

The Chinese Buffet was a cozy restaurant with oriental music playing in the background and of course, the all-you-can-eat bar...which Miaka was already on her third or fourth serving from. But, if anyone was happy, it was Taka. After all, Chinese food was his favorite. Poor Tetsuya, however, had somehow managed to get himself roped into being the money source for Keisuke, but at least he didn't have to be the chauffeur. That was a job all Taka's own.

"Keisuke...you need to stop freeloading off of me..." Tetsuya removed those sunglasses for a brief moment so that the lenses could be wiped with a napkin.

"Well, excuse me. You're supposed to be my friend. I'd think you'd be more than willing to help me out..." The elder Yuki dug his chopsticks into some of his food, raising it to his lips.

"Yeah, key word...help. You have me doing everything here, from research to fueling your sister's problem."

" 'ey! I 'on't 'af uh froblem..." Which naturally Miaka's mouth was stuffed far beyond the normal capacity.

Keisuke sweatdropped and looked toward his friend, "Well, I'm still broke..."

"That's because you need a job."

"And a car..." Taka chimed in.

"Taka! How can you agree with him?! Everyone's just ganging up on me..." He sighed and shook his head. "Demo...Yui-chan is in the book again and we have to figure out a way to help her."

"Well...you guys said that she started to rewrite the ending for a project, ne?" Tetsuya glanced toward them all, receiving nods in response. "Well, my best bet is that by adding anything to such a book, you'd reopen the link between reality and 'The Universe of the Four Gods.' And once it's opened, much like the book itself, you'd have no choice but to finish it. So, until an ending comes, Yui-chan will be stuck in there."

"And none of us can really do anything about it. Unless..." Keisuke spared a thoughtful glance in Taka's direction.

A nervous expression crossed Taka's face as he swallowed down the rest of his food, "Nani...?"

"We might need Tamahome back in there to protect Yui-chan..." He replied.

"Ie!" Miaka burst out suddenly, forcing several glances to be sent in her direction. "I don't want Taka going somewhere that I can't follow. It's bad enough that Yui-chan's in there, if I lose both my best friend and boyfriend, I would have no one!"

Keisuke furrowed a brow, "Gee...thanks a lot."

"Miaka-chan...Keisuke might be right..." Tetsuya offered a sympathetic look in her direction, which was well-masked behind thick shades.

"Really?" The college student glanced toward his companion in surprise.

"Un...having Tamahome there might help. Suboshi and the others...they've become ordinary people without the power of Seiryuu. Demo, now Tamahome could use his powers where they can't."

"You expect me to side with Suboshi?!"

"Not even for Yui-chan's sake?" Tetsuya frowned somewhat.

"But, I-I'm not even Tamahome anymore. I was reborn in this world as Taka. I don't have his powers."

"I'm sure you can unlock them if you tried. After all, it's a fiction book..." The brunet smirked.

"Yeah, that's right! You can do whatever you want like summon up all the beautiful babes in the world..." Keisuke became a bit starry-eyed and wound up being swatted on the back of the head by Tetsuya.

"Oniichan...it doesn't work like that. Demo, I don't think Taka should go. I'll miss him and like I said...I at least need one of those two people here..." Miaka lowered her gaze for a moment.

"Miaka..." Taka sighed and then shook his head. "Give me the night to think things over, all right?"

"Fine...demo...keep this in mind. The world in the book moves much quicker than here. By the time you've decided...months could pass whereas here it was only a few hours. So, onegai, be able to tell us by morning..." Keisuke wore a rather serious expression.

Taka nodded slowly, "I will."

***

It was amazing what darkness could do to a person. Every small shadow that flittered against the cavern's walls sent twinges of fear throughout Yui's body like static shocks. She had gathered Amiboshi's cloak and wrapped herself up for both a sense of security as well as a shield for the chilly night air. The more she was consciously aware of it, the more she hated being alone. Especially with Nakago after her. But, Nakago had lost his powers completely, so that was one good thing. If he still had them, it would have been a simple matter to find her. She shuddered silently at the thought.

What's taking Amiboshi and Suboshi so long? Shouldn't they be back by now? I hope Suboshi wasn't in that much trouble. If anything happened to him...I don't know what I'd do. He's sweet...kind...overprotective...demo, that's sort of needed in this type of situation. He's also quite handsome... Yui blinked and then blushed somewhat. Where did that thought come from?

Her attention drifted toward the mouth of the cave and those eyebrows slid together. Still, it was taking them an awful lengthy time to get back. The sky outside was starting to lighten up, showing that morning was rolling in. And if anything happened to the twins, Yui would be stuck without anyone around for protection. It wasn't as though she was near Konan, so seeking out the aid of the Suzakuu shichiseishi was an impossibility. This was Sairou...the country the Byakko no Miko first came to.

Yui's features brightened considerably. The Byakko no Miko! Two of her celestial warriors resided somewhere in Sairou. She could go to them for help. Of course, she would prefer it if Suboshi and Amiboshi could be there with her. Her gaze went back toward the entrance and she released a sigh. But, the sound of footsteps made her perk up a tad. A bit too eager to believe it was her seishi returned, Yui sprang upright, watching the area intently. The thought that it could be anyone else didn't seem to cross her mind.

Luckily, the two boys were the ones to return. Without another thought...or really one to begin with, Yui launched herself forward and threw her arms around Suboshi's shoulders, overcome by such overwhelming joy, "Suboshi! You're safe, thank goodness!"

Suboshi's cheeks burned brightly with embarrassment and he raised his hands to support her back, "Un...my aniki came to the rescue."

She drew back slowly, looking between them, "What happened?"

"Tomo attacked Suboshi..." The elder brother replied and then shook his head. "We wounded him and let him return, thinking that we have no clue of your whereabouts, Yui-sama."

Suboshi narrowed his eyes, "If I could still use my ryuuseisui--"

"Otouto, onegai. Don't talk like that in front of Yui-san."

After realizing his temper was getting the best of him, he glanced toward the miko, "Gomen, Yui-sama."

"It's all right, Suboshi."

"I think we should eat and then get out of here as soon as we can. It'd be safer to move around and figure out who we can ask for help in returning you to your world..." Amiboshi glanced toward Yui.

"Un...I'm starving," The girl laughed somewhat. "Maybe I've been hanging around Miaka a bit too much lately."

"You both made up?" Suboshi handed off the food so the others could sort through it.

"Un...none of it was her fault really. I suppose I was just jealous of Tamahome. Demo, Nakago had lied to me the entire time."

"You mean you weren't--"

"Raped? Ie...not at all," Yui sighed somewhat, looking through the sack and pulling out a few items to eat.

"That's wonderful news, Yui-sama. I'm glad for you."

"Arigatou."

The trio sank into silence just long enough to eat. Yui felt much better just getting something in her mouth, let alone her stomach. She probably ate a bit more than she should have, but feeling pleasantly stuffed sure beat being hungry any day. And even a little bit of strength returned to her body, which made her certain that she would be able to make the trip to the village. Those blue eyes raised toward the others to see how they were progressing with the meal. Amiboshi was done and Suboshi was just finishing, so Yui decided to tell them her idea.

"I think it might be a good idea to find out where the two Byakko seishi live in Sairou. Maybe if we can explain our situation to them, they might be willing to protect us. It'd be worth a try, ne?"

Amiboshi looked to her and nodded, "Un...I know where they live. After all, you can't live in Sairou and not know."

"Great! We can go to them now, then."

"You should use that cloak, Yui-sama so that no one notices you all that much," Suboshi motioned toward the cape she had wrapped around herself.

"Un..." Yui reached downward, clutching the center of the cloth. "Let's leave before it becomes morning completely."

"Hai..." The twin's responded in unison and then led the way outdoors.

It wasn't too long before morning took light and during the early hours of that morning...the thunderstorm had subsided in Kutou. Tomo had returned to the palace, one hand cradling the wound on his arm which had finally sealed up. He had to admit that he was a bit disappointed by the turnout of things. If he had had his shin, none of this would have happened. An illusion could have been brought up to give those two twins absolute anguish.

Ashitare, the grey and white dusted wolf, lay in front of the hall's entrance, gnawing on a bone of some sort, which Tomo absolutely refused to ask where he had gotten it. Instead, he moved over in that direction, scratching red-painted nails behind the animal's ear. The fur-covered ear swerved back a tad at the touch and a yellow, one-eyed glance was given toward the painted-face. Tomo attempted a smile, but it really only came off as half a smirk.

"Ashitare, I must report to Nakago-sama."

The wolf grunted, taking his bone and moving away from the hall so that he could pass.

"Arigatou..." And Tomo headed down that area afterward. He took a few twists and turns before he stumbled across the general's door. "Nakago-sama?"

"Tomo..." The man emerged from his chamber and then eyed the wound at his side. "Let me guess...you failed me."

"Gomen nasai..." He hung his head in shame. "Suboshi and Amiboshi both teamed up on me."

"Were you able to at least find out if they do have Yui-sama?"

"They claim they don't, Nakago-sama. Demo, I'm not too sure I believe them."

Nakago raised his shoulders indifferently, "If they do have her then it's only a matter of time until they seek out the help of the remaining Suzakuu shichiseishi. And if that is the case, then we can rely on Miboshi to help us out."

"Hai..."

"If that is all the business you have with me, then leave. I was highly busy before you disrupted me with the results of your failure of a mission."

Tomo lowered his gaze and bowed graciously, "Hai, Nakago-sama."

Afterward, they went their opposite ways and the illusionist returned to his own room. He shed the upper half of his outfit and then went toward the wash basin, allowing a cloth to absorb the liquid. Then, it was pressed against the jagged stab mark, causing him to wince as little pulses of pain raced through his bloodstream. Once he was sure it had been cleaned out as best as he could, some gauze was taken to wrap it properly. The cloth was then used to strip the face makeup from his skin and he moved toward the mirror when he was done.

The reflection was quite handsome beneath all of that elaborate paint. Tomo possessed a good-looking visage with smooth skin of a pallid fleshy hue. Though, he wasn't completely narcissistic and really appreciated his artistry more than any physical attribute of himself. However, upon drying off the dampened patches that spread over his face, he offered a smirk toward the reflection of himself.

"If I'm right, Amiboshi, and you were knicked by that blade when I threw it...you should soon be feeling the effects of the poison..." Tomo cackled almost silently at that thought.

During their journey into town, Amiboshi and Suboshi had explained to Yui what it was that Nakago was after and everything that Tomo had told them during the attack. As a simple solution to the problem, she had resolved to do absolutely nothing for them. After all, if she was the only one who could perform the ceremony, then if she just refused to do so, no one else could do it in her place. The last thing that could ever happen was for Nakago to gain his powers back. And Yui was through being used by that man.

So, with Amiboshi's guidance (and a pit stop to his home, just to explain that he would be a little longer on the mission), they all came up to the cottage where Tokaki and Subaru resided. The town itself was familiar, for Yui remembered looking out toward it from the towers just north of the village. That was where she had summoned Seiryuu after receiving the Shinzaho from Tatara...after betraying Miaka to receive it. Those features downcasted for a moment, before she looked back toward the place. A nervous knot twisted deep in her stomach as she approached the door. Digits were wrung together and for a few brief moments she tried to decide what to say. It didn't seem right to just come right out and ask for help after everything that happened between them. But, really...she had no choice. Trusting her instinct...that it would tell her the appropriate thing to say...she gave a timid knock to the frame.

Fairly quickly, an elderly woman opened the door, offering a confused blink toward the trio, "Hai?"

"Anou...ohayou, Subaru-san. I'm not quite sure I know how to ask you this, demo--"

"Do I know you?" She inspected Yui for a moment as though sensing there was something familiar about her.

The girl lowered her gaze, "We have met before...under much different circumstances."

"Circumstances...? Wait a moment...step closer."

Yui blinked and did so, watching Subaru scrutinize her face. Beneath the longer hair and rather pale features, it was apparent that the older one could tell who it was. The seishi reacted in surprise and took a step inward.

"You're the Seiryuu no Miko, aren't you?!"

"Hai, demo...I didn't come here to fight, Subaru-san! Onegai...I don't want to fight anyone anymore...I realized everything I did was wrong," The fifteen year old raised her hand in protest.

"And how am I supposed to believe that when you deceived Tatara and Miaka once before?"

"Ie! Things are different now! I swear...I need your help...you and Tokaki-san."

"Ha! You have some nerve, Seiryuu no Miko. Asking for my help after what you had done in the temple. After you willingly tricked Tatara into giving you the Shinzaho...and caused so many people such grief."

The harsh words caused Suboshi to narrow his eyes and yell to Yui's defense, "Yui-sama has a good reason!"

Amiboshi sighed when his brother raised his voice, which he figured would probably only result in infuriating the woman. He reached forward to catch his twin's shoulder, but his hand didn't seem to want to make it and simply fell short of it's desired place. Topaz-hued eyes widened suddenly as a strange sensation rose in his body. It was as though a heat was bubbling inside of him, causing his entire body to hinder it's motion. He watched the concerned faces in front of himself as they seemed to move in slow motion, growing dimmer by the second. Eventually, the elder twin was completely swallowed in darkness and his form toppled forward, a lifeless heap directly into the arms of his brother.

"Aniki!" Suboshi's eyes widened in panic. "Aniki, speak to me!"

Yui gasped slightly and then looked back toward the woman with frantic hope, "Onegai...let us in! We have to help him!"

Subaru looked toward the fallen boy for a moment in contemplation, before she nodded and led them inside the house. Suboshi carried his brother closely, keeping his chin pressed against the burning forehead. Amiboshi had to be all right, he just had to. The younger one couldn't take losing his aniki again...not now that he had him back. The few hours they had spent with one another had made up for all of that time they missed together. He would never be able to live the same way if the second half of his soul disappeared entirely...after all...no one could only live with part of a soul.

**Next Chapter Previews:

One of the Suzakuu shichiseishi, Tasuki...unaware of the plot against him, starts to lead Chiriko toward Sairou where Yui-sama actually remains. Little by little, Nakago's plans start to fall into place and Miboshi continues to deceive those who believe him to be the celestial warrior Chiriko. But, with one of the seishi wounded...will Yui-sama be able to prevent being caught with the twins? Next time, in 'The Ties that Bind.' Deception is unforgivable unless you truly prove your sorry.