Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ The Ties that Bind ❯ Work First; Play Later ( Chapter 8 )

Author's Notes:Aww! Thank you all for your sweet reviews! I think it's harder to get reviews on Mediaminer than FF.net so I'm thankful for the two I got. :D Hrm...yanno, I didn't go where I wanted to with this chapter. I was going to have Miboshi run into everyone, but I just couldn't bring myself to do so. Yanno why? XD because I love the chemistry I have between Tasuki and Miboshi. Tasuki's all like...well...we all know Tasuki, and Miboshi doesn't have half the patience for him which makes it somewhat amusing. Though~! ...though...I did set myself up for another pair of characters to be like that, and I think they'll be even more amusing...see if you can figure out just who I mean... XD shouldn't be all that hard. Um...I don't know where Mitsukake goes...I'll just assume he's going to be all right wherever he is...with the rest of the dead seishi o_O;. I mean, I only brought him in because of the 'convenience in fanfic' rule. Not saying that I don't like Mitsukake, I sorta did...just because I feel bad that no one else likes him o___o;. Oh, and there shall be no Keisuke for a while. He needs sleep...as well as the other characters in the real world...so they probably won't be showing up for quite a few chapters from now. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter...

For a moment, Suboshi stood silently...unsure of how to react. It shouldn't have come down to this choice, that he knew. It was what Nakago wanted. And Suboshi learned the hard way that what Nakago wanted wasn't necessarily a good thing. As a matter of fact, most of the time it was wrong. But, a part of him somewhere deep inside felt some sort of guilty happiness at the mere thought of being able to use his Ryuuseisui again. Nevertheless...this simply wasn't about his feelings, but that of his miko's.

"Are...you sure, Yui-sama?" He managed to ask.

Yui simply nodded, "Un...it's the only way. You and your aniki...with your powers back, you could protect me better..."

Suboshi lowered his gaze at her words. She seemed so confident that Amiboshi was going to make it, when he wasn't even sure if his twin would survive one more night. It was painful to think that he could possibly lose him again. Whenever they found each other, it was almost as if some force was working to tear them apart. For a long time in his life...Amiboshi was the only thing he knew; the only one who ever gave a damn about him. That may have still been true. But, he would have liked to hope that Yui was starting to feel a bit stronger toward him.

"Gomen..." Her voice rose up softly, forcing Suboshi to look up in surprise. "Gomen...I didn't mean to...what I said hurt you, ne?"

"Ie...it's fine. I'm fine..." The younger twin made a failed attempt to smile some.

Yui frowned and then pushed herself forward, bringing her arms around him. A startled look crossed the young boy's face and he looked down at her slowly. She was so close that the smell of her hair seemed sweetly smothering. Suboshi raised his hands, placing them on her lower back. All to comfort him...this was all for comfort. Being so close to the woman he loved...he couldn't help but find enjoyment in that simple embrace. Her smell...her hair...her lips. Every small detail about her was sheer perfection. If he could just...just once...

Before that thought had a chance to manifest itself in his mind, he found his hand slowly inching along her shoulder. Slender fingers found their way to the delicate jawline and he used his thumb to tip that chin in his direction. Much to his surprise, Yui was receptive to the touches and those thick lashes raised to reveal beautiful pools of cerulean. Suboshi found himself captured by the entrancing gaze that seemed to urge him on with his inner desires. His heartbeat quickened within his chest and he began to inch closer. He wanted nothing more than to feel those plush lips upon his own. Closer...closer...he could nearly feel the moisture of her breath...the kiss was almost his...

Yui wanted it, too. She wanted nothing more than to feel that mouth over her own, to feel a connection with Suboshi that she never allowed herself to feel before. Her hand moved up his arm, laying on the side of his neck. Watching the descent through steadily lowering lids, she prepared for the sweet touch. Their first kiss..their real first kiss. Every moment seemed like eternity as they drew closer. The incessant pounding against her chest forced all sorts of new feelings to coarse throughout her body. She scarcely felt the brush of his lips...

That was until a loud noise on the other side of the room forced them to tear apart, breaking the wonderful force that had been drawing them together. Yui stared wide-eyed in the direction of that sound as Suboshi moved in front of her slowly, narrowing his eyes. But, the only thing that was visible was a simple straw hat. He blinked a couple times in confusion and dropped his guard somewhat. It was quickly regained, however, when a figure began to emerge from the opening. Immediately, Suboshi recognized him as the blue-haired monk for the Suzakuu side.

The Seiryuu seishi bared his teeth, "What are you doing here?! Stay away from Yui-sama!"

Chichiri glanced toward Suboshi with nothing short of a smile on his face. Of course, that was more due to the mask he wore than anything, "Is that any way to talk to someone who came here to help you, no da?"

He was about to retort angrily when Yui simply lay a hand on his shoulder. She stepped forward so that she was no longer blocked out, and then settled her gaze on the new arrival a bit thoughtfully, "You're...Chichiri, ne?"

"Hai, no da," The other seemed to smile brighter before he tapped the rod against the floor. The brass charms that were attached to it jingled slightly with the motion. "I brought someone who can help Amiboshi-kun with his wounds, no da."

"How did you know about my aniki?!"

"Taiitsuken's mirror, no da..." He stated plainly and then pointed behind himself. "Mitsukake can come any time your ready, no da. I'll just summon him from Mount Taikyoku, no da!"

Suboshi 'hmphed,' folding his arms over his chest. He was still bitter toward the Suzakuu seishi, but somehow knew that they wouldn't do something bad to his brother. He, however, refused to say anything more to the other. With any luck, he would simply help his twin and then leave.

Yui, however, seemed extremely happy about this, "Un! Onegai...call him right away!"

"Hai, no da!" Chichiri made his way over to the hat, hitting his staff on the ground a couple times. "Mitsukake! They're willing to let you help Amiboshi-kun, no da!"

The younger twin glanced toward Yui, leaning in closer, "Are you sure about this, Yui-sama? I still don't trust them. What if they do something to aniki?"

She sighed slightly and shook her head toward him, "Trust my judgment, Suboshi. Miaka is my friend, and these are her seishi. At this point, having them as allies gives us the advantage over Nakago."

"Demo--"

"Don't question my decisions..." She smoothly brought her index finger against his lips as she offered a smile. "I am your miko, after all."

Suboshi frowned somewhat and then lifted his gaze toward the Suzakuu seishi. Before long, another figure emerged from the hat. This one, however, was simply a spirit...the ghost of the healer that once was. From beneath Chichiri's cloak, a white cat emerged and if it were possible for an animal to smile, one would have sworn the kitten was. Mitsukake spared a glance toward his neko and offered him a rather pleasant expression.

"It's good to see you too, Tama..."

Chichiri returned his gaze toward the two of Seiryuu again and grinned, "Let's go heal Amiboshi-kun, no da!"

"Genrou...doushitemo?"

"Nani? Eh...er...nothin'..."

Kouji sweatdropped, "Then why're you clingin' onto that pole for dear life?"

"I ain't, damn it! I'm just checkin' this boat's stability, eh heh heh..." Tasuki reluctantly let go of the wood, sending a nervous glance over the side of the deck.

"Ya sure are actin' strange...ever since we got out on the water..."

"Damn it, I am not! This is how I always act!"

"Really? I don't seem to recall you clinging onto things back at the fort, Genrou."

"Ah, shaddup! Like I said...I'm just checkin' to see if everything's stable..." The bandit leader nodded confidently and went to take a proud step forward before a sudden gust of air caused the boat to lurch a bit. His eyes widened and he instantly latched onto Kouji. "We're all gonna die!"

He blinked and then plucked the Suzakuu seishi's arms off of him. Miboshi, who had seated himself on a crate not too far off, glanced toward the both of them with a sigh. This was the best help he could get? It was a shame Tasuki hadn't died with the rest, of course things wouldn't have worked out to his favor if that was the case. Still, he just wished the boss of the bandits didn't insist on talking to him so much. It wasn't as though Miboshi had the patience to hold stupid conversations with him. Thankfully, for now, he was preoccupied with Kouji.

That gaze drifted back to the rippling waters ahead of him. Mousy brown strands fluttered a bit with the winds that had risen up. At least they were guiding them in the right direction. At that rate, if it continued, they were bound to reach Sairou right the next morning. Miboshi smirked somewhat...then, they would get Yui. It was only phase one of his plan, but it meant things were slowly falling into place.

"Nee, Chiriko? How can you just sit there like that?" Tasuki approached his 'fellow seishi' slowly.

"It helps me think..." Miboshi responded abruptly.

"Un...but...arent you scared you're gonna fall in or somethin'?"

"Ie...unlike you, Tasuki, I can swim."

"Ooi! I can swim! Where'd ya get the idea that I couldn't?" He glanced around himself nervously to make sure none of the other bandits heard.

'Chiriko' looked up at him, "I was on the first boat ride with you."

"Eh heh...hai. Anou...can ya just keep that a little secret between you and me? Can't have my reputation as boss around here be ruined, you know..."

The child rolled his eyes somewhat, gazing back at the water, "Hai."

"Thanks, Chiriko! You're the best..." The bandit gave a forceful pat to the other's back, causing his body to jerk forward somewhat.

Miboshi closed his eyes in annoyance, If you touch me again...I'm going to summon up the biggest sea-creature you've ever seen.

"So, uh, how long you think it's gonna take us to reach Sairou? The sooner we get off this boat, the better."

"I actually think it'll be very soon, provided we don't get any rain and the wind keeps up at the pace it's going. These breezes make for very good traveling."

"Un...if they don't rock the boat too much..." Tasuki shuddered.

"Ooi, Genrou! We got food out here!" Kouji called from the opposite side of the ship.

"Hai! Hey, Chiriko, you gonna come and get something?"

Miboshi shook his head, "Ie, you just go. I'd like some peace for now...to plot out our coarse."

"Yeah, all right. Yer always thinkin', demo I guess that's what yer good at, huh?" He offered a fangy grin, clamping his hand down upon the 'child's' head.

The Seiryuu seishi ground his teeth together and thankfully, for the mission's sake, Tasuki had run off. Miboshi honestly didn't know how much more of the trip he could take before he, himself, would try and commit suicide by use of that prayer wheel. But, at the moment, he was completely alone. And the solitude was something that he appreciated when his company had to be those Reikaku bandits.

Amiboshi's condition was worsening drastically. Xi Fang had stayed beside him to help him the best she could, but even that didn't seem to be good enough. His fever had risen far beyond what was normal and it was only a matter of time before the poison's effects forced his body to shut down. Strained breaths were drawn into the musicians lips and he let out cries of pain every now and then. Raven brows stitched together and the girl drew her hand back from him. She bowed her head, allowing sable strands to drift over her eyes.

Otousan...onegai...if you can hear my prayer...help me to heal this boy. Help me to do something...onegai...

Xi Fang's lids snapped open as though the answer had been given to her from deep inside. A look of determination crossed her features and slender digits pointed outward. Twin gusts of a greenish light rushed forward, encircling each other and snaking one around the next. They wove together, sending glittering drops into the sick one's body. Eventually, the powers were absorbed completely, and Xi Fang merely watched for a few moments in surprise, although it was shortly afterward that the strength began to leave her. Those knees shook before they gave out completely.

But, the girl never did hit the ground. The support of two hands came from behind quite suddenly and seemingly out of no where. Xi Fang glanced over her shoulder, only to spot the familiar smiling face of Chichiri's. She blinked a couple times, before her head tilted some in confusion. Just how and when did he get there...?

"Your body's not used to using that type of power, no da. It was surprising you even stood as long as you did, no da!"

"Chichiri-san, how did you--" Xi Fang's eyes moved past him toward the spiritual form of Mitsukake, who lowered himself to the bed.

Tama leapt onto the mattress, trotting over to the phantasm of his owner. The healer brought a transparent hand forward, placing it over the center of Amiboshi's chest. A bright aura emitted, slipping inside the boy's body in a similar fashion as that spell of Xi Fang's had. At that point, the door was flung open and an out-of-breath Suboshi stood there to watch the healing. He didn't trust the Suzakuu shichiseishi alone and the fact that they had gotten there before him made him a bit angry. But, he stayed calm. For his twin's sake.

Yui made it there shortly afterward, pausing behind her seishi, "Is he going to be okay?"

"Un..." Mitsukake sat forward, removing his palm. "Xi Fang's spell neutralized most of the poison. The magic I used will just wake him up shortly and undo all of the damage that was done to his body as a result of the toxin. Without it, he probably would have healed on his own in a few days. This just sped along the process..."

"Good...now leave," Suboshi narrowed his eyes.

"Suboshi! Don't be rude..." Yui sighed in exasperation. He was impossible. Although, her gaze shifted toward Xi Fang, and those features wore an expression of surprise. It was amazing how much she resembled Miaka. Still, she offered a warm smile. "You can do magic?"

"Un...well...sort of. I'm new to it..." Her eyes dropped to her hands and she clasped them in front of herself.

Before anyone's conversation could progress, Amiboshi's groan caused a silence to fall over the group. His lids raised slowly, fluttering open and a confused look swept his visage, "Doko...?"

"Aniki!" Suboshi nearly trampled over everyone in his path just to get to his twin and once he did, he threw his arms around him. "Thank goodness!"

The elder twin winced on impact, but then offered a faint smile toward him, "Su-Suboshi..."

"We're at Subaru-san's house, no da. You were poisoned badly, and Xi Fang here healed you, no da!" Chichiri's hand came down atop the young girl's head. Mitsukake cleared his throat, causing the monk to add. "With Mitsukake too, no da."

"Xi Fang...?" Amiboshi glanced past his brother toward the said female. He offered her a smile of gratitude (to which she blushed) before his gaze moved back to the masked seishi. "Chichiri-san, what are you doing here?"

"I've come to help Yui-chan, no da!"

"Yui-sama!" Suboshi almost growled as he shot a dirty look in the Suzakuu seishi's direction. That, of course, was simply met with Chichiri's normal smile.

"Daijoubu, Suboshi! I don't mind..." Yui stated with a cheerful look. "Arigatou, Chichiri. We definitely will need your help..."

"Hai, no da!" The blue-haired monk beamed.

"Well, I suppose I should get back to Mount Taikyoku. Minna will get lonely without me there..." Mitsukake pushed himself up to his feet, and Tama instantly mrowed in protest. "Gomen ne, Tama. Demo, I'm sure you'll have fun on this mission with Chichiri."

The cat perked up happily and then rushed toward his temporary master. Mitsukake simply smiled and then made his way toward that straw hat. Once he reached it, the healer stepped inside the opening and disappeared from view. Afterward, Chichiri lifted the item and placed it atop his head. Xi Fang glanced after everything for a moment, before she offered everyone a wan smile.

"I can make us all something to eat. I'm sure everyone's starving...after all, it's almost morning..." The girl motioned toward the light-orange sky outside the window.

"Hai! I could go for something to eat, Xi Fang-san..." Amiboshi grinned and then managed to sit up with his brother's overprotective arms still around him.

She blinked and blushed some, dismissing herself sheepishly.

"Xi Fang is an amazing cook, no da! I had some of her food the last time I was here, no da."

"Un...I'm sure she is, Chichiri-san..." The flutist looked after where the girl exited for a few moments.

"Aniki, are you really all right?" Suboshi frowned somewhat in concern, pushing a few strands of hair away from his brother's identical visage.

"Hai, daijoubu! I'm as good as new..." He smiled, although it faltered somewhat. "Gomen ne...because of me we slowed down our quest."

"Ie, aniki! It wasn't your fault. It was that bastard Tomo! When I get my hands on him I swear I'll rip him to shreds for hurting you. I'll start with those feathers and then--"

"Suboshi, onegai...don't talk that way," The elder twin sighed, laying his palm gently on the other's cheek.

"Demo...we do have a lot of trouble ahead of us, no da..." Chichiri's voice seemed to grow serious, though it was hard to take him that way when his mask formed nothing but a perpetual smile.

"What do you mean?" Yui lifted her eyes toward him.

"Tasuki, no da. The baka fell right into a trap, no da."

"A trap? What kind of trap?" The Yotsubadai student pursed her lips.

"Well, it seems Miboshi has Chiriko's body, no da. He tricked Tasuki into coming here after you, no da."

Yui gasped in remembrance of what she had read right before she arrived in the book, "That's right! Nakago was planning it..."

"Hai, which means--"

"We're in trouble..." Amiboshi finished the monk's sentence in his own way. "If I remember correctly, Miboshi knows all sorts of spells. If he finds us, then..."

"Ie! I won't allow anything to happen to Yui-sama..." Suboshi furrowed his brows, before he glanced to Chichiri. That glance suddenly turned to a glare and he rushed forward, grasping the collar of his shirt. "Why don't you do something about it?! It's because you're here to betray Yui-sama's trust, isn't it?!"

The mask-wearing seishi faded from the irrational one's grip, reappearing behind him, "It's not that simple, no da. I can't go there because Miboshi has a barrier set up blocking any outside influence. It's almost as though he knew I would try, no da."

"Then, what should we do?" Yui closed her eyes for a moment, as though trying to block out the overwhelming feeling of being in over her head.

"Wait for them to find us...after all, I'm sure we could gain Tasuki-san's help. Chichiri-san has many abilities as well so he should be able to counter Miboshi's spells..." Amiboshi nodded. "At least...I hope it would be enough..."

"I don't like it..." Suboshi paused and then turned to face the Suzakuu seishi. "I don't like you! I don't want to work side-by-side with you for anything!"

"Yamete, Suboshi!" The Seiryuu no Miko furrowed her brows. "That's enough..."

A sort of silent tension befell the four and for a while no one said anything. No one really knew what to say. There were so many different degrees to the situation that not one single point could be justified. Thankfully, Xi Fang's voice rose up from the kitchen, informing them that the meal was prepared. Amiboshi slid out from the cover's and accepted Chichiri's support as they made their way out into the hall. Both Suboshi and Yui lingered there for a moment or so before the girl started after them. Suboshi's brows pushed together and he hurried forward, gathering her in his arms from behind and drawing her close to his chest. A breath captured in her lungs and she stopped all movement, staying completely and utterly still. After all, she didn't really know what else to do.

"Gomen, Yui-sama..." He started. "It's just that I really don't like any of the Suzakuu shichiseishi. Nakago-sama always told me that they were the bad guys...and everything that they did to me...to aniki...to you. It's hard to just get over that so easily. Demo, I know I should respect your opinion..."

She sighed softly, sparing a glance toward him before she turned around completely, "It's all right, Suboshi. I just wish you weren't so unreasonable sometimes."

"Gomen..."

"Ie...let's just forget about it and get some breakfast, ne? I'm sure it'll do us a both a lot of good to just forget about all of--"

Before she even got a chance to finish, she felt Suboshi's warm mouth connect with hers. Oh, her own eager lips never did forget the kiss-to-be from earlier. But, somehow doing that now seemed wrong. There were so many problems in that world because of her. What right did she have to be enjoying herself? No matter how much her body wanted to return it, she forced herself to pull back, bringing her palm across her lips to swipe away the moisture; his moisture.

"Yui-sama, ai shiteru. I've never stopped in all of this time..."

Azure oculars went wide at his words and a slightly stunned expression was the only response she could offer for the moment. Although she finally found the will to fight out of his arms, there was nothing she wanted to hear more than those words, his sweet promises of forever, and feel his kiss...but she couldn't! Yui closed her eyes and whipped away from him, feeling his questioning gaze burn into her back.

"Yamete, Suboshi...stop wasting such foolish emotions. Come on, let's get something to eat..." Without even waiting for a response, she stepped out.

The best way to avoid the situation...was to kill it before it started. It was the best thing for the both of them. After all, Yui would have to go back to her world one day...and Suboshi stay there. Even though deep down she knew everyone here was real, she knew she couldn't exist in this world for eternity. As Suboshi couldn't live in her world. Miracles only happened to Miaka. So, in doing this...it would prevent them both from getting hurt in the long run. But, if that was so...then why did she feel so utterly miserable?

From within Kutou palace, Nakago had just received word from Miboshi himself. It seemed that they were coming up on land and would be there fairly soon. Everything was steadily falling into place. And it couldn't have been long before he got all that he desired. Yes, with Yui's shinzaho around his neck, their plan was especially secure. She was a weak girl who's emotions could easily be played on. He knew that far too well from his experience before.

The blond general sat calmly on the throne of the castle. With no emperor around, there was no one to stop him from doing so. Especially when he, himself, was the one with the most authority around there. Kutou forces looked up to him as though he was the one who gave them their freedom and made all the past misdeeds right again. In a sense, he was. But, that was not his original intention. It was merely to kill the man who did so much to him all those years ago.

Nakago's eyes closed slowly and he bowed his head. Silken gold draped over the blue armor, shimmering in the dim candle light. Ashitare laid at his feet protectively. It was probably more due to his animalistic nature than anything to be so devoted to the man. But, it didn't matter much...he had a plan for him. Nakago always had a plan. The only time he didn't was the only time he failed. Though, what he was doing now would surely make up for all of it in the long run.

His lashes raised and those cold topaz eyes settled on the doorway. A figure stood there, shrouded in shadow. Lids narrowed some at the intrusion and Nakago slowly pushed himself up completely. Ashitare raised his head, an ear moving back in confusion, but the animal then glanced toward the person and sprang up on all fours. A low growl emitted from the wolf's throat and his 'master' brought a hand forward to rest atop the fur-covered head.

"Who's there?" His tone didn't possess any fear or worry, for he wasn't either of those things.

The shadows shifted and the click of heels brought the being closer into the light. Nakago blinked and watched the woman...his eyes landing on the parts as they came into view. Tan armor...deep maroon strands...blue eyes...it was...

"Soi..."

The nineteen year old flashed a feeble smile, "Nakago..."

She would have lost her balance and fallen at that point, had the general not been quick enough to catch her. Soi blinked in surprise and raised her eyes toward his handsome face. Naturally, no readable expression could be found within his features, but she could have sworn there was something warmer about his eyes. Maybe it was simply the odd lighting. Or...perhaps...he really was glad to see she was awake.

**Next Chapter Previews:

Yui-sama and the others finally depart, only to run into conflict on the way. In the meantime, Miboshi of the Seiryuu shichiseishi appears to have double intentions. Little by little, everything starts to fall into Nakago's control. Will it be too late for Yui-sama to realize the trap she's playing into? Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' Trust isn't something to be handed out on a silver platter.