Disclaimer:
Fushigi
Yuugi does NOT belong to me. Oh how I wish it did! That would mean I would have
a great ability to write and such… >.> Eh heh… Anyway, dun sue… I’m
penniless.
Chapter One:
Slender fingers soundlessly
worked over the intricately carved woodwind as his full lips kissed its surface
in order to channel his soft breath into its hollowed body. With these
movements a melancholy tune flooded forth in soft pitches. The notes seemed to
linger in the darkened night as the water of the pond rippled in the wind.
Heavy
lids slid open slowly to reveal two saddened pools of blue indigo that barely
reflected the light of the stars above. They seemed too desperate to reflect
such a joyous twinkle of pale white light. One deep blonde brow arched as his
eyes caught sight of the couple standing a good six yards away. From his perch
in the middle of the pond, he could see everyone.
He
purposely overlooked Hotohori and Nuriko, not to mention Tasuki and Chichiri.
They weren’t his primary targets this evening. No, his mark was on the boy with
deep teal colored hair and midnight eyes that closely resembled the onyx stone.
There was more to the innocent tune he played. So much more indeed. Little did
they know what he did right beneath their careless gazes.
No,
he wasn’t the boy Chiriko. They should have known. He had to admit, he’d played
his part so well. Nearly to perfection. The tune then took a dip in sound as he
exhaled a long sigh of frustration. He didn’t want this. Not anymore. They
were… his friends. All his life, he’d had no one. No one ever cared about him.
No one except… otootochan. His sweet Otooto.
If
nothing else, he missed the younger boy with all his heart. If only he could
just see his twin. Just one more time, then he wouldn’t be having such a hard
time fighting off these feelings. He’d do anything. Anything at all to ensure
his brother’s future. With that thought, his eyes fell closed in order to let
his mind wander. Visions of his sweet younger brother filled his mind.
Life
was worth it as long as those wide oculars of indigo blue were rested on him.
He was the father figure even though they were mere minutes apart in age.
Sometimes he wondered how it was possible to be so close to anyone. But the
answer always turned out to be the same. They were two halves of the same soul.
They were two sides of the same coin balancing one another out in perfection to
ensure their harmony. Nothing compared to that feeling.
Straightening,
he opened his eyes once more to rest them on the girl with russet hair as she
stood in the embrace of Tamahome. He didn’t deserve her. The girl was to lively
and caring to be in the arms of one that willingly left her side only to be
turned against her. Sure it was Nakago that had poisoned him, but if he’d
really loved her, he would have found his way out from under the spell. Right?
Frowning
deeply, his porcelain forehead furrowed. The determination was renewed. Even if
his heart adored Hotohori, Chichiri, Mitsukake, Nuriko, Tasuki, and Miaka, he
could never like the boy Tamahome. Never. What he did was unforgivable. No one
had cared about him like Miaka had, and him hurting her only hurt him as well.
At this thought his tune was re-enforced as his chi entered the notes as they
slipped from the flute.
When
it was all over, he’d at least be rewarded with knowing he hurt Tamahome as
well. Looking away from them as their lips met, he finally lowered the flute.
Upturning his eyes to the sky, they fell on the eastern portion of the sky.
Faintly he could make out the constellations under Seiryuu. Seiryuu… The god he
was born to serve. Nakago, Suboshi, Amiboshi, Soi, Tomo, Ashitare, and Miboshi.
He’d only met the first five, but he knew he only liked two of them.
Soi,
in her womanly beauty, had hidden qualities. Where her undying love and
devotion was pinned on Nakago, a motherly side of her cared about he and his
twin. She took such good care of them. Yes, he was Amiboshi, and his beloved
twin was Suboshi.
Closing
his fist around his flute he felt his mind stop on thoughts of his deceased
parents. His father had given him the flute. The flute that he had used to save
his twin all those years ago, and that very flute was now going to be used to
betray the only people he could call ‘friends’. If he didn’t want to hurt them,
then why? Why was he doing this? Because of his brother. Everything was for
Shunkaku, and it always would be.
He’d
give up the chance to have real friends just so he could protect his Shun-chan.
“Shun-chan…” Whispering softly into the still night his voice was merely lost
in the chorus of crickets and frogs that kept residence in the bounds of
Konan’s capital. He needed to hear from his brother. He needed to desperately.
Slipping his flute into the sash about his thin waist, he then carefully rolled
up the sleeve of his tunic. Gently unraveling the cloth about his wrist, he
then began to write lightly down his arm in kanji.
[You awake, otootochan?] Staring at his pale skin for a long moment, he slowly began to give up hope. It seemed that he was either not awake, or he wasn’t paying any attention.
[Hai
Aniki! Genki da na?] At the response that he could tell was eagerly written,
his eyes widened happily. There was nothing as wonderful as the connection they
shared. Even when they were so far apart like they were at that moment.
[Hai.
I’m fine Otooto. I miss you…] Frowning sadly, he felt the tears prick the back
of his eyes wanting to fall.
[I
miss you too. Don’t get caught, ne?] Amiboshi nodded slowly allowing his dark
bangs to shadow his eyes. No, he wouldn’t get caught. He needed to see his
Otooto again.
[I
won’t Shun-chan. Wo ai ni.] Smiling lightly, he wished he could see how his
twin’s eyes lit up. They always did when he said that. Since it was a rarity
for him to utter the endearment, Shunkaku seemed to eat it up as though it were
candy.
[Honto
ni? Sugoi! Love you too Aniki! Get some sleep, ne? Good night! Arigauto… for
talking to me… I was feeling so lonely… without you.] Eyes of deep blue widened
at the length of his brother’s message. Reading it’s content though, caused his
heart to throb from the loss. The loss of his twin not being before him.
[And
I am lonely without you. Have sweet dreams Otooto. I miss you… Ja mata ne.]
After his brother bid him farewell, he rewrapped his wrist gently and unfolded
his tunic. His heart seemed so much lighter now that he’d spoken with his other
half. He always did.
*****
Staring
down at his wrist for a long moment, the wide pools of deep sapphire widened
slightly. He’d wanted to talk longer. He wanted to tell his brother so much.
But he knew it wasn’t safe. Nakago had told him that he shouldn’t instigate any
sort of contact with Koutoku. None whatsoever. Letting out a long sad sigh,
Shunkaku sat back down on his bed.
Peering
through the curtain of deep blonde, he gently moved his hands to untie the knot
at his side. After that, he slowly unraveled the weapon from it’s place and sat
it on the beside table. It was nice to know that the Suzaku brat Tamahome was
no longer around.
Letting
out a soft sigh, he looked to the door for a few moments. He’d finally been
allowed to meet the Seiryuu no miko. She was lovely. Her sandy blonde hair and
blue green eyes had put his heart in a state of awe. He really didn’t know what
it was really. It was either her looks or the fact she was the priestess that
made him like her so much. It was quite possibly both.
That
was another he had meant to tell his Aniki. About the priestess that Amiboshi
had searched for but never got to meet. Now he was stuck living amongst the
Suzaku Seishi. He could say nothing good about the lot. After all, it was their
fault that he couldn’t be near his Aniki. If there was one thing he hated, it
was not being near his twin.
It
was a sickening sensation. Like part of his heart and soul was missing and
existed far, far away. Inhaling sharply, he allowed his lithe form to fall against
the mattress. Since the Ryuuseisui was no longer present to hold his orange
tunic in place, the soft material slid apart hanging loosely at his sides. The
dark blue satin tunic beneath shimmered in the candlelight as his eyes slid
over the pale blue ceiling. Everything was, well, blue there.
Sighing
softly he sat up and allowed the orange material to fall away only to insight
memories of the last time he saw his older brother. Oh how he wished he could
have kept his brother there. Couldn’t someone else have gone? Why did it have
to be ‘HIS’ Aniki?
“What’s
the matter Otooto?” Wide oculars of deep blue met the matching set with a look
of genuine concern within them. “Daijoubu ka?”
“Daijoubu…”
Speaking softly, Suboshi looked away hiding his visage. He didn’t want to upset
his twin. He never wanted that, but Amiboshi could always see right through
him. That’s when he felt the gentle hands reach out and carefully pull away his
weapon, which he’d been fumbling with for a good half hour. When he was nervous,
nothing got done. Even simple tasks were monstrous.
“Sweet
Shun-chan… I’m sorry…” Speaking lowly in a comforting tone, Koutoku gently then
pulled the orange vest like tunic away and stood in order to fold it. Placing
it on the chair in the room, he then rolled up the Ryuuseisui and placed it on
top. “I have to go… You know that…”
“Why
can’t someone else go?” Crying out in vain, Shunkaku locked his eyes on his
brother’s back. Scanning the lavender tunic he wore, he felt his insides
quiver. He wouldn’t be able to survive without his twin. It would be close to
impossible!
Koutoku
swallowed hard before turning to smile gently at the younger. Crossing the room
back to the other, he gently pushed the younger down against the bed and pulled
the sheet up over his thin frame. Tucking him in like a parent would, he then
leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on the boy’s forehead. “Because I’m the
only one level headed enough?”
This
made the younger twin frown. “I don’t want you to go Aniki.” Reaching out he grasped
the other’s shoulders and yanked him down into a fierce hug. Not just a normal
hug, but also one that refused to grant any sort of release. “I don’t want you
to ever leave me again!”
Blinking
slowly in surprise, he finally calmed and slid his arms around the smaller’s
waist. “Shh… That isn’t our decision. It’s our duty as Seiryuu Seishi.” Raising
a hand to his brother neck, he carefully threaded long slender fingers into the
silken strands. “I don’t want to leave you Shun-chan. You know I don’t.” Pulling
back gently, he merely smiled into the other’s eyes. “Wo ai ni, Otooto.”
Instantly
Shunkaku’s eyes lit up and widened drastically. He couldn’t contain the joy he
felt whenever his brother confessed that one phrase to him. “I love you too
Aniki!” Beaming brightly, the younger then reached up and kissed Koutoku
lightly on the lips. It was just a soft chaste kiss that held nothing outside
of adoration and love.
Although
that much was true, and it was obvious the kiss was innocent, Koutoku felt his
cheeks flush. Without looking he pulled his twin against his chest and cradled
him there. He didn’t know how to handle the emotions thrown at him. He was
normally the one that kept a cool near stoic appeal, but his twin always seemed
to break that down. “Go to sleep Otooto. Good night and sweet dreams.”
Muttering
back under his breath, the younger nearly instantly fell into the waiting arms
of sleep. “You too… Aniki…” Amiboshi just smiled as he moved to lean his back
against the wall. He would remain with his brother and hold him. After all, he
wouldn’t see him again for a long time. In truth, he didn’t know if he would
even see him again. Frowning deeply he leaned down and kissed the top of
Suboshi’s head.
“Sleep
well my sweet Shun-chan. For when morning comes, I will be gone.” Holding the
younger a bit more tightly, he closed his eyes. Whispering softly he felt the
remorse throbbing in his heart. “Though I wish it were not so. Oh how I wish…”
Growling
under his breath, Shunkaku ripped the satin shirt away and tossed it on the
ground. Blowing out the candles that lit the room, he watched everything become
immersed in darkness. It was a strange eerie comfort. Slipping beneath the
covers he buried his face into his pillow. “Aniki! ANIKI!” Sobbing softly for only
a few moments, he soon regained control and closed his eyes tightly.
Something
was wrong. Something inside told him that things were not going to be ok, and
the one person he cared most about would be stripped away from him. And if that
truly happened, his sanity would be stripped away as well. Biting his lower
lip, he soon tasted the warm irony tasting liquid that spilled forth. Physical
pain would never compare to the pain of losing his Kou-chan. How he loved his
Koutoku. “Please… let me be wrong!”
****
So
soon, the time for betrayal was so very soon. Fidgeting with his flute,
‘Chiriko’ tried not to look anywhere else. Preparations were being made for the
ceremony to summon Suzaku, and he knew what needed to be done. That is, what
needed to be done according to his role as a Seiryuu Seishi.
Blinking
at this thought, his young brow furrowed deeply in concentration. Had not
Byakko and Genbu been summoned? Why did Suzaku have to be halted? Shaking his
head, he cursed these thoughts. This was for the good of his home country.
Things would get better if only Konan would fail in their attempts. But then,
what of Konan?
/
Seiryuu… Why? Why can’t I see things the way Otooto and the others see it? Why
couldn’t you have chosen someone more fit than I? / Shuddering he felt the
chills wash down his spine. He never wanted to be a warrior, but by birth he
had been predestined to be so. Closing his eyes, his fingers wrapped around the
flute that he clung to so often.
“Chiriko?”
Not moving, he didn’t register his ‘name’. “Are you all right Chiriko?”
Looking
up suddenly his eyes met with a pair of sparkling hazelnut. “Nuriko…” His voice
was so soft; he could tell Nuriko was struggling to hear. “I’m fine. Thank you
for your concern. Do they need us yet?”
“Not
yet. Miaka is going through preparations so, it shouldn’t be much longer.” The
older Seishi hummed softly in his throat in a near alto sound. Yes, this
particular violet haired celestial warrior bore a striking resemblance to a
female. In every way at that. “You just seemed a little tense, so I thought I’d
check on ya. Gotta look out for everyone! We’re a team ya know! Friends to the
end.” Grinning broadly, Nuriko gave a playful punch to the dark blonde perched
on the rail.
Widened
oculars of brilliant sapphire pinned on Nuriko as his brain processed what had
been said. ‘Friends to the end.’ That simple phrase hurt more than cheered his
spirits. This was all wrong. But there was no turning back at this point. After
all, even if he turned himself in, they wouldn’t forgive him, and his brother
would hate him. In the end, his feelings didn’t matter. “Arigauto… Nuriko-san…”
“Not
a problem! What are friends for? Go get ready! Miaka will be done soon!”
Trotting off, the teen seemed too happy for his own good. But then, that was
just the way Nuriko was. Giving off a soft sigh, he hardened his resolve. / For
Otooto… /
Frowning
almost frigidly he hopped down from his perch and hastily headed into a
desolated area of the Konan palace. It would soon be time, and he needed to
report in on what was going on. Taking one last deep breath, he carefully
rolled up his sleeve and began to write on his arm. There was no turning back.
****
“What
can he do to stop the summoning? He’s nothing but a mere child.” Standing before
Yui and Nakago, Suboshi shifted uneasily. It made him nervous just being around
the blonde general but Yui seemed to make him shiver in his own boots. Was it
just because she was beautiful in his eyes? Or was it because she was the
priestess? Whatever the answer, he wasn’t able to truly think through the
matter, for a pain caused him to flinch.
“Well,
there’s our message now. What’s the news Suboshi?” Nakago looked up at the
young Seishi smirking dryly in amusement as Yui blinked in surprise. Her question
about how they would halt the summoning of Suzaku interrupted.
Smirking
in reply as he removed the bands around his arm, Suboshi chose to overlook the
last thing said by the young priestess. “Yes, Amiboshi says that the ceremony
is about to be held and things are going exactly as planned.” Without looking,
the younger quickly wrote in reply even though he knew he shouldn’t. [Be
careful… Aniki. Wo ai ni…]
Yui
blinked in disbelief as she stared at the ‘boy’ in her presence. He was her age
and she saw no reason why she should be impressed. “How does he know that?”
Looking to Nakago, she didn’t even see the hurt flash over Suboshi’s porcelain
smooth features.
“They
say that twins share a strong bond unlike any other living being. It’s that
bond that allows them to communicate so easily even at great distances.” Nakago
once more smirked before looking to Suboshi whom was forlornly staring at his
arm waiting for the characters to disappear. “Good job, now all we can do is
wait.”
The
young girl fought the urge to snort. It was too strange for her and she didn’t
particularly want to deal with it. But as always, she placed her faith in
Nakago. “Of course Nakago.” Turning completely away from Suboshi, the only
person she acknowledged was the general himself.
Suboshi
merely scowled without looking up. His eyes were locked on the slowly fading
kanji that read the words that were now burned into his mind. [And I you,
Otooto. Do not dwell on me…] The words were cherished even though they were
extremely foreboding. They held a prophecy that he refused to believe. Biting
his lower lip, he felt the wound there from the few nights before.
Why
did he keep having these feelings? Backing out of the room, he soon turned and
bolted down the hallways not stopping until he stood in the shrine dedicated to
Seiryuu. Breathing in short gasps, he stood there trying his best to calm both
his rapid breath and his heart. Swallowing, he raised his hands in order to
press them together. It had been forever since he’d prayed, but this was
definitely the time to start again. Closing his eyes, he felt himself drown in
the feeling of his brother’s chi.
He’d
stay there until he knew for sure that Amiboshi was ok and on his way back to
him. He would move for no one and for nothing until that moment. The only one
that meant a thing to him was in danger, and this was the only thing he could
do. /Oh please Seiryuu… Bring him back to me… I don’t want to lose him again… /
****
I
did it… Pinning a frigid glare of deep sapphire on the seven before me, I held
the flute poised to my lips. The shrill tune I played was ear splitting to all
but myself. They were writhing in utter pain wanting to know why. They wanted
to know why I was doing this to them. Why I had so willingly betrayed them. The
longer I played, the more I wished one would break the spell and kill me.
Pausing
in my playing, I felt the chilling smirk curl my lips. How could I do this? I
wasn’t this evil! But even with the pleading my heart put forth, I ignored it
and sneered at the Suzaku Seishi. The only friends I’d ever had. Tasuki had
fried my tunic revealing the faintly glowing blue symbol residing on my right
shoulder. “Yes, I am one of the Seiryuu Seven. Amiboshi… You Suzaku warriors
are far to trusting, and for that, you all will die. My chi that I have slowly
introduced into your own through my music will now rip you apart! I didn’t play
nonstop for no reason you know.”
They
were so appalled. In truth, I couldn’t believe it myself. Replacing the flute,
I played with renewed vigor. I tried desperately to block out the sounds of
their voiced pain and the anguish that was evident in their eyes. Especially
hers… That’s when I realized; I was no better than Tamahome. Cringing, I
finally realized that Miaka was approaching me.
The
high pitch of my flute shattered her headpiece as she collapsed to the ground.
Part of me wanted to stop and run to her, but the other part said to stay there
and carry out my duty. I couldn’t bear it, seeing her like that. She was so
kind and loving, even knowing my real name and purpose she still called me
Chiriko. Another realization hit me; I wished that I were Chiriko.
“Please
Chiriko! Stop!” Narrowing my eyes, I averted them from her. I had to do this,
even if I didn’t want to. I would pay for my sin later. That’s when I heard it,
the soft mellow tone of a simple leaf flute. I know, it would have dispersed my
spell eventually, but I let it do the job much more quickly. It was like a
flood of relief flooding over me.
The
spell was broken. Thank Suzaku for the seventh warrior, the real Chiriko. But I
had partially succeeded. Suzaku could no longer be summoned. Could no longer…
that’s it! If I died, then Seiryuu wouldn’t be summoned as well. Smiling only
briefly to myself, I soon sprinted past them almost on a whim of instinct.
Maybe
I didn’t want to die, or was it because of my love for my twin? If I couldn’t
get back to my twin… Then… I would allow myself to die. It would be better that
way. Throwing one last glance at Miaka I felt my heart freeze. She seemed so
concerned over me. I couldn’t even grasp why.
Closing
my eyes I sprinted across the capital city almost blindly knowing full well
that Tamahome and Tasuki were behind me. Half of me wanted them to catch up,
but then I ran harder when I thought of my brother. Oh Shunkaku, what is wrong
with me?
Reaching
the river, I knew it was my last chance. “Sir! Launch your boat! Please!”
He
looked at me funny before shaking his head. “Not today kid. We’ve already had
one boy swept away. The river is dangerous.” Turning away from me the man went
about his business once more.
My
heart sank. There was nothing else I could do. “Amiboshi! Stop right there you
punk! After we took you in and made you our friend!”
It
was Tasuki. His fiery words bit into my heart. He had every right to say them
to me and I didn’t argue. I merely stepped back and remained silent. That’s
when she appeared with Chichiri. Ever helpful Chichiri always arrived in the
nick of time. Sighing softly, I stared into her light brown eyes and winced.
“Please… Chiriko…”
I
watched her reach out to me, but I backed away. I was too close to the edge.
Tightening my grip around my flute and felt the wall give underneath my foot.
That’s when I felt my body fall. I waited for the worst, but I was surprised
feel myself stop only to dangle in mid air by my flute.
Tracing
up my savior’s arm, I once more saw her kind face. There was so much fear and
concern in her eyes, but it soon melted into a caring smile. She was so strong.
Shunkaku, she was stronger than I. I’m so sorry. I returned her smile and felt
my heart stop.
I
wasn’t strong, not like you Shunkaku. You would have stood up for what you
believe. Not follow someone’s orders like I did. I never lived for myself, not
once. But that’s ok Shun-kun… I lived for you. She seemed so happy, the way she
reacted to my smile. That’s when I let go. Oh please, forgive me. It couldn’t
be helped. It was so much better this way. Good-bye Shun-chan… Forgive me. I
love her. I love you. It’s… It’s better this way.
As
I felt my body submerge in the torrent river I lost consciousness. It was
expected. I had planned to die. From the moment I let go of my precious flute I
had intended to die… My dear… Shunkaku… Goodbye… Miaka…
****