Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ The Ties that Bind ❯ Vegence is Best Left Unserved ( Chapter 7 )

Author's Notes: Ah, another chapter out on time. I'm good, ne? :D Hrm, I feel like Yuu Watase herself, putting these notes in before each chapter (you'd have to read some of the Manga to know XD.) Though, I'm certainly NOT as talented as she is...her drawings are so good ;-;...especially in the form of a certain few twins who shall remain nameless. Anyway, first thing's first. I'm going to say that I like Miboshi a lot... *prepares to be attacked by all the rabid Chiriko fans* but, I really do. For as little screen time as he got...he was just awesome. Definitely one of the better Seiryuu shichiseishi...and that is where my tons of narration for him comes in. XD now you can all say that you know a Miboshi fan! Since there are so obviously very few of them. n__n; And as always...enjoy the chapter!

The bandits of Mount Reikaku were a disgusting bunch of pathetically immature men...or so Miboshi thought as he watched them sleep, half piled on top of each other after merely collapsing from far too much alcohol consumption. Why it was necessary to drink like that, he couldn't fathom. Though that was simply why he was much better than them all. In the end, it was people like Miboshi who could manipulate useless fools such as Tasuki and his group. But when anyone was that ignorant...they deserved to be used. It was all they were good for anyway.

Miboshi smirked at the thought, tucking those legs beneath himself. He didn't necessarily need rest or even food. Spirits had no use for such things and he certainly didn't care about keeping the body's strength up. If that being began to suffer because of it's lack of nourishment, then he could always find a new body to enter. It kept him immortal for so many years until that brat Chiriko was able to contain his soul and drag him down to death with him. Though, Miboshi was the one who got the last laugh. After all...he was alive, and Chiriko was dead. The only reason he still had that child's body was because his had been destroyed so long ago.

He sighed, sparing an impassive glance toward the window. The sun was rising higher and higher, filling the room with even more light. By the time the bandits actually woke up, it would be afternoon. It was ridiculous for them to be blowing the time like that! Miboshi had half the mind to go and kick them awake. But, no. Chiriko wouldn't do a thing like that. Damn the kid for being so considerate. And just how did Miboshi know about the boy's attitude? Simple. While he was preparing for this role, he delved into the vacant mind of the unoccupied body, seeing memories that would show him the proper way to act. Oh, how he loathed being cheerful.

Finally, after all that time, he heard a yawn rise up. His eyes shifted in that direction, watching the bandit leader push himself upright. It was about time they started waking up. They needed to start on their quest soon before Yui got too far away. They already had no clue where to begin their search. She could have been anywhere. It was like finding a needle in a haystack...a very large haystack.

"Ah, Chiriko! You never change do you? I bet you were up all night reading that book there..." Tasuki used his tessen to point in the direction of the open book on the table.

Miboshi looked toward it and arched a brow. Well, he had only opened it to pass the time, but it sounded more realistic fang boy's way, "H-hai."

"Oh man, I got a headache. Probably shouldn't have had all that rum. But, eh, what the hell...wouldn't hurt to have some more today. 'Course you can't, Chiriko. You're much too young for that..." He chuckled at his own comment.

I'm fucking older than you'll ever dream to be... Still, he decided to reply calmly once again, "Hai."

"You want some breakfast? I do! I'm starving. Hey! Hey, Kouji!" Tasuki nudged the blue-haired bandit with the toe of his boot.

"Nani...? Oh, we're busy now...please come back later. Arigatou..." Kouji mumbled sleepily, dropping back into a snore.

Genrou furrowed his brows and then used the diamond fan to crack his dear friend over the head with, "Kouji! Get off your lazy ass and get us something to eat. Me and Chiriko are starving!"

"If I'm the lazy one, why are you making me get up to get breakfast?" He rubbed the side of his head, already feeling the swollen lump beneath turquoise strands.

"Because I'm the leader and I can do what I want," The fiery seishi smirked smugly.

"I don't know why the old boss favored you so much."

"Eh, quit your complaining and just get going. After all, laziness'll not be tolerated in my gang...heh heh. Oh yeah, don't forget the booze too!"

"You got the money for this?"

"Er...just bum some off Eiken. He's passed out, he won't care. Besides, he's not yet finished paying off his debt to me for taking over in my absence."

"Hai, hai..." Kouji headed off to do just that.

"Anou...Tasuki-san?" Miboshi questioned, using Chiriko's sweet voice to do so.

"Un, Chiriko?" He plopped down on a chair, giving his full attention to the 'younger' one.

"We...are going to start looking for the Seiryuu no Miko today, ne?"

"Ah, of course. Right after breakfast. Maybe we can even head up to Mt. Taikyoku and get help from Chichiri and Taiitsuken."

His eyes widened, "Ie! Just you and the bandits will do fine. I'm sure you can handle a mission like this on your own."

"Well, when ya put it like that, of course I can! I can kick nearly anyone's ass and as for finding things...that's my specialty!"

Miboshi breathed a sigh of relief. Thank Kami-sama for Tasuki's arrogance, otherwise he would have been in trouble. First off, Taiitsuken would have been able to prove his original story false, and then Chichiri more than likely could have sensed who he really was. Either way, the well-thought out scheme would have gone up in smoke before his very eyes. He just couldn't have that...not when it meant gaining full use of his abilities were at stake. Though, the way he was at that point, he probably could have taken on those Suzakuu shichiseishi. Multiple abilities had been kept including his one to summon demon beasts. The only thing that had been lost was being able to trap various components of a person within his prayer wheel (i.e. their voice, their strength, even their hope).

"So, you got any ideas as to where we should start looking?" Tasuki pulled Miboshi out of his thoughts. "Maybe Kutou?"

"Ie...Kutou should be the last place we look, because if the Seiryuu no Miko is there, then it would mean we were too late. I think we should start looking through Konan first and split up the bandits to search."

"Good plan. 'Course you always come up with good plans 'cause you're Chiriko. Demo, you need real men to carry them out. Heh, if only Tama-chan could see me now."

"Hai..." Words couldn't express how sick Tasuki made him feel. Just his attitude was completely irritating.

"So, all we can do now is sit and wait for Kouji to get back. Why don't you tell me what's been going on with you?"

"I've been dead," Miboshi replied bluntly. Well, it was true for both cases.

"Heh..." Genrou sweatdropped. "Right."

"We should discuss our main strategy, Tasuki-san. That's the most important thing right now."

***

Suboshi and Yui stood in silence outside one of the rooms of that house. Subaru had taken Amiboshi inside of there to examine him and also see if there was anything she could do to heal whatever she might have found. The waiting seemed grueling and far longer than it was. And Suboshi seemed consciously aware of every sound and movement, springing to his feet at points when he thought they were going to exit the chamber. Visibly, he was a wreck...he appeared as though he was going to break down at any moment. And there was nothing Yui could do about it.

Slowly, one hand moved forward perhaps to rest comfortingly on his shoulder. But it never made it to it's spot. The sudden opening of the door forced Suboshi to lunge forward, clutching the elderly woman's shoulders. Yui's features saddened as she watched the two helplessly.

"Aniki! Is aniki okay?!" The younger twin looked behind Subaru frantically, hoping Amiboshi was there. Unfortunately, he was still unconscious on the bed.

"Ie...I'm afraid your aniki has been subjected to a highly powerful toxin," The former Byakko seishi plucked his hands away from her.

Suboshi's eyes widened, "You can help him, ne? Ne?!"

She closed those lids and snapped her head away from him, "There's nothing I can do. I tried using my powers to reverse the day's effects on his body and it won't work. The poison has a strong hold on him."

His lips set together in a thin line as the battle with Tomo replayed in his mind. The knife the other seishi had that was lined with poison must have cut his brother when he threw it. Suboshi couldn't stop it from happening. And so, a dangerous look crossed those features, "I have to go somewhere..."

Yui gasped, reaching forward to snatch his wrist in alarm, "Suboshi!"

The fifteen year old paused, turning toward her, "Yui-sama...I...if my aniki dies then Tomo's responsible for it. I have to kill him for what he did..."

"Again?!"

His brows furrowed.

"Look, Suboshi, I know you're hurting and upset...demo...going up against Tomo when you don't even have your abilities is just crazy! Even for you!"

And at that point, he did something surprising. That arm was ripped away from her grip, "What would you know?! You've never had anyone like I have my aniki! You've always had a family back in your world...you never had to watch them die in front of you! He's been the only one there for me! He loves me...and all he wanted was to just have a good life! And if that bastard Tomo gets his way and Amiboshi dies...then I'll have no one! I certainly can't take to lose him again!"

Yui scowled for a moment and then swiftly brought one hand across his cheek. For a moment, the slap rang out through the hall way, echoing over the silence that had fallen over them. Upon eyeing the red mark that rose into the pale flesh, her gaze was then lifted to the boy and turned to a glare, "Baka! Don't you even care that he could kill you instead?! Don't you even care that you could be the one to die instead of your brother?! Don't you even care about the promise you made me?!"

Suboshi blinked, bringing his hand to press against his inflamed skin. He appeared quite stunned after she said all of that and even more shocked to see the tears that was cascading down her visage. Yui brought her hands up to cover those crystalline oculars as her voice softened.

"I know...you're upset right now...I know it's painful. Demo, Amiboshi is strong. He's broken through the curse of forgetfulness leaves before, ne? He lived when he fell into that river that surely would have killed anyone. I'm sure...he could manage another miracle. So...onegai...onegai, Suboshi...don't leave me alone here. You're the only one I can count on...onegai..." With that, she could no longer suppress her sobs.

"Yui-sama..." His expression cleared completely of anger as though the smack as well as her words had finally snapped some sense into him. He stepped forward, taking her in his arms and a palm moved over soft flaxen strands. His words came out as a whisper, breathed into her ear softly. "I'll keep my promise to you, I swear..."

Yui couldn't help but lean into him. His gentle warmth, his soothing words...they were just so very comforting. A type of comfort that she wanted at that very moment...much more than anything else in the world.

Floating. Falling. Drifting along...this was how it felt in Amiboshi's subconscious. It was so very hot and painful that even rest was restless. The tangle of bed sheets bound him in one spot with limited movement and sweat-drenched strands were matted together. His condition was worsening far too quickly as though he was plunging into the center of hell's flames themselves. Suddenly, a brief sense of relief came in the form of a liquid-soaked cloth being pressed to his forehead. Amiboshi fought through the thick blankets of fever and managed to open his eyes just slightly.

For a moment, he thought he was hallucinating...that the image before him wasn't real. But, although disoriented, there was a great sense of realism in the figure before him. Amiboshi reached forward, laying a damp palm against the feminine cheek, "Miaka-san..."

The girl herself blinked at the touch and then at his words. That was the second time someone had mistaken her for the Suzakuu no Miko, "Ie...I'm not Miaka. My name is Xi Fang."

Her words washed over him, causing that hand to drop against his side, "Xi...Fang...?"

"Un...I live here with Tokaki-san and Subaru-san. Are you feeling any better?"

He could see it much clearer now. Her resemblance to Miaka was striking, but there were several distinct features that made the two different. Unfortunately, the crisp image became dull and fuzzy once again. Finally, he admitted the truth, "Ie. I feel worse."

"I see...drink this...it helps lower fevers some. Although, I don't know what we're going to do about the poison in your body..." She handed him a cup containing an elixir of some sort.

Amiboshi reached up in an attempt to take it, but he was just far too weak. Xi Fang pursed her lips somewhat, and then slid closer toward him, leaning in so that the rim was pressed to his mouth. She tipped it forward somewhat and watched him take some of the beverage into his body. The rest just trickled messily down the corners of his lips. A soft laugh escaped her throat and she used her sleeve to dry his face somewhat. Afterward, she placed the cup back on a stand.

"There. You should be a bit better now that--"

Before Xi Fang could even finish, the elder twin's arms had encircled her, forcing her body to be pressed up against his moist flesh. Her eyes widened in surprise and for the moment she was absolutely still, not wanting to make one subtle motion. Thick braids of woven sable plummeted over her shoulders and those deep violet-blue eyes lifted toward his face. Even within his fever-flushed state, he was still quite handsome. She blushed deeply at that realization. There hadn't been a boy she thought was cute ever since Tamahome had been there to stay with them.

Amiboshi's lips parted wordlessly, moving without sound. Xi Fang watched this before she leaned forward in curiously, "Nani...?"

"Mi...a...ka-san...thank goodness...your...all right."

Her teeth gritted and she snapped out of his arms quickly. Why did all the boys that came around there have to be associated with her! It was bad enough the first time with Tamahome and now this new teenager came in...also so obviously having feelings for the Suzakuu no Miko. He, too, had the nerve to mistake her for Miaka! No matter how delusional he happened to be at the moment, it angered her.

"Don't think I'm staying in here because I want to watch you. Subaru-san's making me. That's all," Xi Fang stated curtly, plopping down on a chair in the opposite side of the room. Though, her rage subsided soon and her features softened. "Maybe I should make you some soup when someone else comes in to care for you. My Okaasan used to say, 'food made from the heart can heal almost anything.' So, it's worth a try, ne?"

She paused for a moment and observed his sleeping form.

"Wanna hear a secret?"

The only response were his shallow breaths.

Still, she continued, "Thought so. Demo, the truth is...even though I like being here with Subaru-san and Tokaki-san, there's a part of me that wishes to leave. I want to go out in the world and do so many things. I can't, they say. Everyone always thinks just because I'm a girl, I can't do anything right except cook and sew. I was envious of Miaka when she was here with Tamahome. She got to travel with them...and see so many things just because she was the Miko. Or...maybe it was because she was from another world. I wish I could have been that lucky.

"Like Subaru-san...she was a fighter, a Byakko no Seishi. I wish I could have been blessed with that type of fate. You would figure the daughter of one of the other seishi should be able to do more...it's not fair, don't you agree? ...Good. Though, it isn't like I'm completely powerless. My Otousan, who was known as Kagasuki under the beast god Byakko, was able to use wind type abilities. I heard he could summon up tornadoes or powerful gusts to blow his enemies away. Tokaki-san told me many stories about their adventures over ninety years ago. And I've noticed that I'm able to move small things with a little breeze...as though a ghost of his powers were given to me. But, I've only done it in secret, so you can't say one word of it to anyone, all right?"

None of her words seemed to have reached the dozing flutist anyway, to which Xi Fang smiled, "Good...I'm glad I can trust you."

***

"That was great! I'm stuffed..." Tasuki patted his stomach in satisfaction, using his index finger to pick the area between his right fang and teeth.

"Un and next time you're going to steal the money from Eiken..." Kouji sweatdropped. "He rolled over on me."

"Heh, too bad for you! Nee, Chiriko...we should head out now, huh?" The bandit leader glanced toward the boy.

"Hai..." He responded. "Tasuki-san, you should split up your men into a couple groups like we discussed. Put your more capable fighters in our group. I have to take care of something first."

"Well, that means me an' Kouji are just going to have to team up then! Kouji! Let's go pick out our group!"

"Un!"

And with that, both raced off. Miboshi glanced after them and rolled his eyes, stepping into the back room. His legs tucked beneath himself and he floated up a tad, bowing his head in concentration. Opening a mind link between two people required a great deal of thought to be put into it. First, to open the channel, and second, to establish communication itself. But, Miboshi did so fairly quickly and began to send his message away.

Nakago-sama...we're about to set off...the bandits of Mt. Reikaku and myself. Did Tomo have any luck narrowing down Yui-sama's location?

Ie... The man paused for a moment before he continued. Demo, I suspect she is in Sairou with the twins. And even if you do not find her there...I'm sure you can rid us of those pesky nuisances so they don't find Yui-sama.

Heh, so I take it Tomo failed to do either. Figures...without his shin, he's worthless.

His worth is not something you should concern yourself with...just focus on your mission, Miboshi. Do not fail me...

As you wish, Nakago-sama.

Their link was then broken and Miboshi smirked somewhat, "Hmph. I think you'll be the one who's surprised this time around." His teeth ground together and he spoke rather sarcastically. "Nakago-sama."

"Chiriko! Are you ready?!" Tasuki's obnoxious voice sounded from the other room.

"Hai!" He replied, sinking back down to the floor and walking out to meet the group of assembled bandits. "There's been a change in plans, Tasuki-san."

"Huh? Nani?! Don't tell me we're not gonna get to do this! I've been looking forward to it too!"

Kouji patted Genrou's shoulder comfortingly.

"Ie, we're still going...demo, our group should head to Sairou."

"Doushite?" His brows furrowed in confusion.

"Because it'll be the hardest place to search. I'm sure you're up to the challenge, Tasuki-san."

"Hai, hai! Sairou it is!"

"The other groups should look around Konan and even Hokkan. We have to find her. And given that it will take us a few day's time to travel all the way there, the meeting spot should be in Sairou. How about the temple where the ceremony to summon Seiryuu took place?"

"Anou...wouldn't that bring back bad memories for you, Chiriko?"

"Nani...? Oh! Ie, I'm fine with it. Besides, it's the best known place around there...an easy landmark to find so to speak."

"Well, now that you've got this whole thing planned out, let's go!"

"Un...we gotta get a boat to set sail."

"A...b-boat?"

"Hai! How did you think we were going to travel?"

"Anou..." A fang dug into his lower lip nervously.

"We better get moving, Genrou..." Kouji urged him forward.

Tasuki nodded and sighed. He hated boats...AND water. But, of course, he had to look tough in front of his bandit buddies. So, reluctantly as ever, he led the way to the palace in order to ask Houki-sama for a ship.

***

Miaka got home fairly late that night, and yet, she still had homework to do. Normally, she would have called up Yui by now to ask for help. And that reminded her, she wondered if her mother had found out yet. How could they explain it to the woman that she wasn't going to be home for a while? After the first time with the book, Mrs. Hongo wasn't exactly pleased to find that Yui had disappeared for those few days. Maybe avoiding the topic all together would be the best decision. Either that or she could leave it up to Tetsuya to explain. He got along with Yui's Mom the times they actually spoke. But, then again, what parents didn't like Tetsuya?

The former Suzakuu no Miko made her way to her room tiredly. Everything that happened that day had seemed overly long as if time itself was trying to stretch the minutes for all they were worth. She wondered how much time had passed in the book...days, weeks? Was Yui even all right anymore? Overcome with sudden concern, Miaka took a detour, grabbing 'The Universe of the Four Gods' and bringing it back to her room. She flipped through the pages, reaching the last couple that were written on. Slowly, Japanese characters began to appear.

Miaka sighed and read aloud, " 'The Seiryuu no Miko sat in the guest room that had been given to her and looked up at the stars outside the window. To those stars, she offered a prayer...for Amiboshi to get well again...' Oh Yui-chan."

She lowered the story and at that moment, her elbow had knocked into a picture on her stand, reminding her of it's presence. One hand moved forward to catch the frame and she looked over the still images of Taka, herself, and Yui. They all looked so happy together. She just wished Yui was back there. Either that, or that she could go to Yui.

Suddenly, she recalled Taka's words about the connection between herself and her best friend. At the very least, she might be able to talk to her if she wore her school uniform. Quickly, that clothing was shed and she tossed on the typical blazer, skirt, and tie combination. Knee-high socks were tugged up her legs and finally her feet were slipped into those loafers. Miaka hurried over to the bed, laying the book there and leaning over it as though to amplify her voice.

"Yui-chan? Yui-chan! Can you hear me?"

From her current spot, Yui's head lifted toward the ceiling with a confusion clouded expression, "Mi...aka?"

Hai! Yui-chan! How are you?

Those blue eyes glazed over with tears, "I'm just fine. Demo, Amiboshi's ill...poisoned actually. We don't know if he'll make it..."

He will...he has to. You better tell him that Miaka will punch his lights out if he isn't there to protect you!

She released a sheepish laugh before it simply turned to a halfhearted sigh, "I don't know what to do anymore, Miaka...everyone's suffering so much because I'm here."

Yui-chan, it's not your fault.

"Ie...it is. If I wouldn't have been such a baka and rewrote part of the story...it would never have happened..."

Maybe, demo...maybe this will help you resolve things. I just wish you could come home soon.

"Me too. Is there any indication that I might be leaving soon in the book itself?"

Ie...demo...Tetsuya said that it probably has you in there for a purpose and until that purpose is fulfilled...you'll have to stay there. Much like how we were trapped there until we summoned the beast gods before.

"A...purpose, ne?" Yui glanced toward the side thoughtfully. Although, the bubble containing her thoughts was popped once there was a light tap on the door. "Someone's here...I should go talk to them. Arigatou, Miaka...for talking to me. If I'm right about something...I might be seeing you sometime very soon..."

It's no problem. You can expect to hear from me quite a bit, Yui-chan! Demo, just be careful in there...and come back to our world safely.

"Hai..." And then she felt the link between them vanish. Her gaze lowered to the floor a moment until the knock rose up again.

"Yui-sama?"

A faint smile creased her lips at the sound of that familiar voice and she opened the door slowly, "Suboshi? Nani?"

He glanced behind her and then around the room before his eyes returned to the girl's face, "Who were you talking to?"

"Miaka..."

"Eh?!" His eyes widened in fear. "Doko?!"

Yui laughed softly, moving back from the entrance to give him room to step in if he so wished, "She's back in our world. She was just able to talk to me because of our school uniform." One hand was placed flat against the green blazer to show what she was talking about.

The younger twin appeared confused yet at the same time relieved, "Anou...do you want me to get you something to eat, Yui-sama? Subaru-san made a nice supper."

"Ie, I'm fine. Is that all you came by to ask?"

He blinked, "Hai. I can go if you wish..."

"Ie! I didn't mean it like that. I'm glad you came. Truth is, I could use some company. I'm feeling rather lonely and homesick right about now..."

"I'm sorry..." His features grew sympathetic.

"It isn't your fault, Suboshi. You don't need to apologize. You're actually one of the things that is going right around here," She paused and then blushed slightly. "That sounds strange, doesn't it? Gomen...what I just meant to say was that I'm glad your here, Suboshi. I'm glad that you're the one who found me in this world, and that you decided to stay rather than chase after Tomo..."

"Arigatou..." The fifteen year old glanced away a bit modestly. He certainly wasn't used to such compliments...or really any at all. Unless of course they were by his brother.

"It's no problem...demo..."

Suboshi arched a brow at her abrupt stop, "Yui-sama...?"

"Huh? Oh, gomen..."

"Daijoubu. Demo, what were you going to say?"

"Well, Miaka told me that the only way I can go back to my world is to fulfill the purpose I came here for."

"Hai?"

"Un...I've decided to do it."

"What's the purpose, Yui-sama?"

The Seiryuu no Miko raised her attention toward him and those slender brows knit together in determination, "To go through with the ceremony...to free Seiryuu."

**Next Chapter Previews

With the visit of an 'old friend,' Amiboshi makes a miraculous recovery and Yui-sama's decision forces them to set off for Kutou. Luckily, their group is up by one member, but is that still enough to prevent detection by Miboshi and the group of Reikaku bandits? Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' Can the toughest obstacles really be overcome?