Hey everyone! ^_^ Due to the wonderful response I got to my first FY fic, I 
finally decided to write a sequel. I had intended it to be much shorter, but it 
didn't turn out that way. This sequel is going to be a several part work, the 
way it turned out. Please don't shoot me. (I know that the fans of my SM fanfics 
will gladly do it for you...) It will contain spoilers for a whole load of stuff 
- so if you don't like spoilers, then this isn't a fic you should read. 
You can read this fic without reading "Sacred Trust" first, but it will make 
more sense to you if you've read my other fic. 
Part of the idea for this fic came out of a random comment that Nuriko made in 
Episode 32 and the idea kind of grew out of all proportion to reality. I hope I 
don't freak you out too much. ^_^ Uh... I think that's it... {shrug} Hope I 
didn't forget anything... 


Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me (except for Emi, Kechiko, 
"Kourin's" adoptive parents, and Osozaki) - they are all property of Watase Yuu. 




Osozaki Blooms I


Trapped by Love 




The girl shifted in her saddle and contemplated the road ahead of her. It forked 
in three directions - left, right, and straight. She looked down at the map in 
her hands and frowned, I don't remember seeing this on the map... The fiery bay 
mare beneath her stamped her right forehoof and snorted. The girl immediately 
laid a hand on her neck and patted her, "Easy there, girl. It's OK." She hopped 
down from the lady-saddle and looped the horse's reins over her neck, holding 
them loosely in her hand. She walked closer to the crossroads, staring at the 
choices and frowning. 
The last time she had come this way, she had been 10 years old, just leaving her 
family. Unwillingly, she thought back to that time, what had made her leave her 
otherwise happy home... A surge of grief roared its way up from the depths of 
her mind, leaving her on her knees in the dirt, whimpering hoarsely. Her mare 
reached down to sniff at her and she grabbed the horse's neck to haul herself 
up, then proceeded to cry into the horse's mane. Kourin... she sobbed, It hurts 
so much... Why did you have to die? It had been 7 years now, and she hadn't been 
able to forget - not that she wanted to. But deep in her heart, she wished that 
the overwhelming grief would diminish just a little. 
Finally gaining control over her reluctant body, the girl remounted the horse, 
settling her legs into their proper positions on the side-saddle. She looked 
once more at the map and then at the waning sunlight. Well, I need to find 
somewhere to sleep, and the right fork is closest to the direction I want to go. 
I may as well go that way and hope I find a village... With that decision made, 
she urged her tired mare into a canter. The mind-numbing grief that she had 
submitted to earlier had left her feeling weak and exhausted, and she hoped she 
wouldn't have to ride much longer. 
It was with great relief that she saw lights ahead of her on the road, Could it 
be a city? She pushed her horse into a gallop, and the mare, catching her 
eagerness, put on a burst of speed. The girl giggled with delight, for a moment, 
happy. That happiness faded quickly when she saw what those lights really were. 
She jerked her horse to a stop and slid off the saddle, one word escaping her 
lips, "Bandits!" She pulled her horse behind some bushes and knelt down, 
watching them closely, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. 
She pushed some leaves aside, cursing to herself, How do I get myself into these 
situations? She looked around at the bandits - most of them were sprawled around 
a campfire in varying states of drunkenness. She wrinkled her nose in distaste 
at such a display of lowborn appetites. Her seven years of living at a noble's 
court had refined her sensibilities to rival those of a court princess. The lord 
and lady she had taken refuge with had treated her as their own child, teaching 
her everything she needed to know about how the nobility expected their 
daughters to act. By the end of her stay there, she had almost forgotten her own 
lowborn heritage. 
Then the royal messenger had come to court. He was visiting all the highborn 
families to tell them that the young Emperor's advisors were gathering the most 
beautiful young women of the country to live at court. They were to be potential 
brides for the young Emperor, Saihitei. When Kourin's adopted parents had heard 
the news, they had been overjoyed and had sent for her at once. When the 
messenger set eyes upon her, they lit up. He had fawned over her the entire 
evening, certain that once the Emperor saw her beauty, the question of the next 
Empress would be answered. There would be a royal procession in the capital - 
everyone would want to see the Emperor's new bride. 
Kourin had blushed and humbly denied his gushing compliments until that point. 
At the mention of the words "royal procession" she had felt her face drain of 
color. She felt faint and begged to be excused. Her parents' eyes had followed 
her as she ran from the room. When she reached the haven of her own suite, she 
collapsed onto the bed, sobbing. "Kourin..." She had lost her only sister 
because of a "royal procession" - one planned to show off the prince - Saihitei. 
The thought of being asked to parade before him as a possible bride... The 
bastard had been responsible for her sister's death! How could they ask such a 
thing of her? She curled into a miserable ball and fell into a deep sleep. 
The next morning, she had awoken feeling miserable. She had dressed quietly, 
then had even done her own hair. She walked towards the dining room, head bowed. 
She knelt before her parents, "Gomen nasai, kaasan, tousan. I didn't mean to 
embarrass you yesterday. Don't ask me to go to the capital, please! But she 
didn't dare say that aloud. She bowed her head and fell silent. 
Her mother was the one who spoke next, and to her misery, she did ask, 
"Kourin-chan, we only want the best for you. You know that. There is no future 
for you here - but if you could be Empress..." 
Kourin nodded, feeling the numbness spread over her limbs. She whispered, "If 
that is my parents' wish, then I can do naught else. I owe you both so much - 
more than I can ever repay. If you really wish me to go to Court, then I will do 
so." 
Her father smiled, "I will prepare an escort immediately." 
Kourin smiled sadly and shook her head, slowly raising her eyes to meet her 
father's, "I am not that helpless, Otou-san. And I travel alone, you know that." 

Her father frowned, "But what will the Emperor think - a woman traveling all the 
way to the capital, alone? Surely, we have managed to teach you better than 
that." 
Kourin looked up again, slowly pulling down the neckline of her dress to reveal 
her glowing seishi symbol, "And surely you have not forgotten this? How I saved 
your life when you were trapped under that rockslide?" She let her dress fall 
back into place, "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle myself. I am a 
Suzaku Seishi - surely once the Emperor knows that, he will forgive my one slip 
of unladylike behavior. After all, the young Emperor is a seishi as well. He 
will understand." With that she stood, "If that is all, I will go pack my 
things. I will take my leave of you this afternoon." 
Kourin came back to herself with a start, some of the bandits had begun moving. 
She clutched the reins of her horse tighter - Osozaki had been a gift from her 
adoptive parents. She patted Osozaki's nose, trying to quiet her. The name had 
been a pun - her father had always called her his 'hana', his flower. And her 
mother would jokingly answer that no, she was no hana - she was an osozaki, a 
late blooming flower, for she had come to them so late in life. She smiled as 
the memory of her parents teasing laughter surrounded her. 
Unfortunately, this meant she didn't hear the bandit coming up behind her - not 
until it was too late. He delivered one mighty blow to her left temple, dropping 
her quickly into unconsciousness. 



When Kourin awoke, it was to the unpleasant feeling of having her hands and feet 
bound behind her. When the rough feeling on her face proved to be hard ground, 
she sat up quickly, shaking her head to clear it. She made a quick visual survey 
of the area and felt her heart sink when she counted the sheer numbers of 
bandits in the camp. She again cursed her own bad luck as her words came back to 
haunt her... ~I am not that helpless, Otou-san. And I travel alone, you know 
that.~ She began to wish that she had accepted his offer of an escort. She 
tested the bonds on her wrists, trying to wriggle free. She hadn't used her 
seishi powers since saving her father's life seven years ago - it was unladylike 
and she knew it. She didn't plan to start now. 
One of the bandits took notice of her activity and strolled over, laughing 
quietly, "Well, what have we here? A lovely young lady - looks to be court-bred. 
Mind if I come in? Not at all - I'd love to spend the day with you." His lips 
spread to reveal two rows of gleaming white teeth. He knelt down and took her 
face in his hands, peering into her chocolate brown eyes. She jerked her head 
out of his hands and glared at him in impotent anger, "How dare you!" 
He smiled and reached out a hand to finger her hair, confined in its simple 
braid for traveling, "You have most unusual hair, young lady. A beautiful shade 
- I've always been partial to purple..." He lifted the hair to his lips and 
kissed it - suave as any courtier. 
Kourin began to shake, "W-what do you want from me?" 
Another voice spoke from off to the left. The blue-haired bandit in front of her 
lifted his head and smiled when he heard it, "Come over here, Genrou! You've 
gotta see what the other boys brought in last night!" 
Soon a fiery-haired boy stepped into view, a long black coat obscuring most of 
his frame. He smiled and walked over to them, "Hey, Koji - what's all the 
excitement about?" Kourin looked up at the boy, eyes pleading for help - he 
looked nice enough and (unlike his friend) he couldn't be much older than she 
was. He ignored her look and reached out his hand to tilt her head from side to 
side, examining her face. His smile revealed two overly long canines, "She's 
quite a catch, Koji - certainly pretty enough to keep the Leader happy." 
Kourin felt her anger growing and she encouraged it - she would not let this 
lowborn filth lay their hands all over her! Her eyes began to blaze and Koji 
laughed - she ignored him, focusing on her chi, the way the sensei had taught 
her... 



Genrou stared at the girl as she fumed, amused. Suddenly, he felt a gathering of 
power - a great pull on the energy around him - and it was coming from the girl! 
Her chi began to rise, rolling off her in great waves. Koji laughed, and Genrou 
grabbed his shoulder, pulling him away from the girl who was beginning to glow 
with a red light, "Shit, Koji! What were the guys thinking? Are they all fucking 
crazy? That woman's a damned Suzaku Seishi!!" His words finally penetrated and 
Koji cursed, letting Genrou pull him away - he knew to trust his friend in 
matters concerning the Seishi, after all, Genrou was one himself. 
The two young bandits turned to stare at the woman who had surged to her feet, 
the bonds scattered around her. She screamed in anger and flashed her hand 
towards Koji, nails outstretched. He yelped, grabbing at the ragged wound her 
fingernails had left on his left cheek. Her voice was cold, and unusually deep, 
as she spoke, "How dare you lay your hands on me! None of you are even fit to 
groom my horse! You'll pay for this indignity..." 
Genrou put his hands up, "M'lady, please! We didn't know! Calm down! We won't 
hurt you." He turned to his friend, "Koji, go get her horse! Make sure that all 
of her belongings are packed - and get her extra trail supplies, OK?" Koji 
nodded and ran off. Genrou turned back to the woman, "I don't think you really 
want to hurt me, lady. Though I'll admit we didn't treat you too nicely just 
now. Koji doesn't really mean any harm - he just likes to mess around with 
people." He stopped talking to gauge her reaction to his talking. When she made 
no move to threaten him, he smiled, "My name is Genrou, what's yours?" 
The angry glow was beginning to fade from around her. Her voice returned to its 
normal, semi-husky lilt, "Kourin." Genrou couldn't help but notice how beautiful 
that she was. She was unlike any woman he'd ever met - fiery, he liked that. She 
had spirit and wasn't afraid to show it. And when she got pissed, she was as 
brave as any boy. He smiled, showing a little fang, "You know, I think you 
scared the hell out of Koji - and not much scares him." 
The last of the angry glow faded, and she smiled, "Is that so?" 
Genrou smiled, needling her, "And I think that slash you gave him is going to 
leave a scar..." 
She blushed in embarrassment and immediately apologized. Genrou decided that she 
was even prettier when she was embarrassed. He smiled, "Heh - I wouldn't worry 
about it. He's been complaining that he looks too young. He'll probably be happy 
for a scar - it'll make him look more 'seasoned'." They shared a laugh over his 
friend's silliness. Genrou decided that he liked Kourin's laugh as much as he 
liked her voice and her looks. He suddenly felt very much like a little boy - 
even though he was sixteen years old. He swallowed and said, "So, where were you 
heading?" 
The girl's eyes took on a sad look and her shoulders drooped, "The Palace... I'm 
to be a Court Princess - a potential bride for the young Emperor." 
An irrational anger shook Genrou and he wondered what the hell he was doing. He 
hated women - had always hated women! And now, in one fell swoop, this one had 
him wishing that he was a knight in shining armor! He shook himself and took a 
deep breath, this was not the time to fall for a woman's wiles. He nodded to her 
and said, "I wish you luck on your journey, lady. I'll keep the boys in check so 
you can get out of here." He reached back to grab the horse from Koji's shaking 
hands and handed the reins to her, "Safe trip, Kourin." He turned and walked 
away. 
Kourin was confused - one moment, the boy had been talking and laughing with 
her, and the next moment, he was being as curt as possible with her. She shook 
her head, thinking that she'd never understand men. She nodded to Koji, thanking 
him for helping her escape. The few men standing near enough to have seen the 
incredible display, made anti-evil signs in her direction. She laughed, mounted 
her horse, and rode off as quickly as she could. The bandits were overjoyed to 
see her leaving - they didn't want a woman around who was stronger than most of 
them. 
Koji slowly made his way back to the tent he shared with Genrou. Genrou was 
busily shoving things into packs and rolling up his bedroll. Koji put a hand on 
his arm, "What do you think you're doing?" 
Genrou jerked his arm out of Koji's grasp, "Packing. What the hell does it look 
like?" 
Koji sat down on Genrou's bed and raised an eyebrow, "I can see that much, my 
friend. But why are you packing?" 
Genrou sighed and stopped his furious packing, "I need to get away from here for 
a while. I'll come back, Koji, I promise. I know the Leader wants me to succeed 
him, and I want to please him, I just can't be here right now, OK?" 
Koji smiled and patted his shoulder, thinking that a pair of beautiful brown 
eyes might be what was chasing his friend away from their home, but he refrained 
from saying anything. If Gen-chan had fallen for the young lady, it was better 
for him to get it out of his system on his own terms. He laughed, "I think 
that's the first speech I've heard you make that didn't include one curse word!" 

In the knock-down, drag-out fight that ensued, Genrou proved, beyond a shadow of 
a doubt, that his vocabulary was still up to specs. 



Two weeks on the road... It's enough to tire anyone out, Kourin thought quietly. 
She rubbed the back of her neck and yawned. The sun had set 30 minutes ago, but 
she had been able to see the Palace by then and had opted to finish her journey 
that night. I want to sleep in a real bed and have a nice long bath... She urged 
her mare forward and was at the palace in another hour. 
She approached the gates with trepidation, suddenly not sure if she really 
wanted to go through with this, parents' wishes or no. She felt a strong urge to 
just turn her horse around and run back down the road. Just as she was about to 
turn Osozaki's head, a young man stepped up next to her, holding up a lantern, 
and taking the decision right out of her hands. He put a hand on Osozaki's reins 
and smiled up at her, "M'lady Kourin, I'm glad to see that you made it here 
safely. The roads are very dangerous this time of night. Bandits and slave 
traders prowl this area, looking for pretty young woman like yourself." 
He helped her to dismount, then took her horse's reins from her. He nodded over 
at his fellow guardsman who raised his lantern and smiled. He bowed to her, 
"I'll take your horse to the stables and see that your things are brought 
inside. Toshio will see that you get safely to a room for the night, all right?" 

She nodded dumbly as she watched the guard lead her horse away. She couldn't 
help the sinking feeling that filled her body, dropping her heart down into her 
stomach. She swallowed and straightened her back and shoulders. Toshio held a 
hand out to her, and she placed her arm through his, smiling her thanks, and 
allowed him to lead her inside. 
She was put up in a guest room until the next day when she could be presented at 
court. She unbraided her hair and ran a brush through it - Kourin's brush. Her 
breath caught in her throat and she choked on a sob. Kourin would have enjoyed 
this - every moment of it. She had wanted to be a lady and go on adventures. She 
turned the brush over in her hands and read the inscription on the back. ~Wo ai 
ni, imouto. Happy Birthday. -Your niichan, Ryuuen~ 
Ryuuen - now there's someone I haven't thought of in a while, she thought as she 
regained control of herself. She thought about the name, Ryuuen - a boy's name. 
Appropriate for a boy. Not a lady - not a beautiful court princess. She felt her 
hands start to shake and she dropped the brush. This time, she couldn't stop the 
tears that shook loose from her eyes. Imouto - where are you when I need you? I 
miss you so much... 
How long she stayed like that, Kourin had no idea. From the morning light 
streaming through the window, she could tell it had been too long. She looked up 
at the mirror and gasped in horror at the damage her bout of weeping had done to 
her face. She hurried to her private bath and washed herself, trying not to see 
the evidence of her one deception. She toweled herself off and dressed quickly. 
She grabbed the brush and ran it through her hair, piling it up into a 
complicated style. Happy with her hair, she pulled out her make-up and attacked 
her face, trying to erase the signs of tears. 
When she looked presentable again, Kourin checked the time - she still had an 
hour before she had to appear at court. She debated what to do, finally pulling 
out a piece of stationary and a pen. She wrote a short letter to her parents 
telling them that she had arrived safely and was awaiting an audience with the 
Emperor. She thanked them again for their kindness and sent them her love and 
best wishes. She sealed the letter and rang the bell for a servant. When one 
appeared, she handed over the letter and told her where she wanted it sent. The 
servant bowed low to her and left the room. 
Kourin straightened her hair once more and stood up tall and proud. She headed 
for the throne room and waited for her introduction. Finally, she heard a 
servant announce her name and she stepped forward to kneel before the Emperor. A 
soft gasp went around the court when all saw her beauty - but the Emperor 
himself was unaffected. He's responsible for Kourin's death, she reminded 
herself. She steeled herself and looked up into his eyes - the bastard's eyes. 
What she saw made her heart melt - the Emperor was indeed young. No older than 
she was. And his eyes... They were as lonely as her own. And he was absolutely 
gorgeous... She had heard stories of his beauty, but had never believed them - 
no one could look that good! After all, the same rumors were spread about her 
own beauty and she knew she was unworthy of them. But the rumors hardly did him 
justice. She could feel the heat rise to her face and her heart began to pound 
in her chest. 
He met her eyes for a brief second and frowned. With a wave of his hand, he 
dismissed her. She stood up in a daze and was led to her permanent rooms. That's 
it? That's all? Her fists clenched in anger, He didn't even notice me! How dare 
he! I am not one to be ignored! She leapt to her feet, intending to take her 
anger out to her horse in the form of a long ride. She froze, her hand on the 
doorknob and she brought a hand to her mouth, Now that I'm a Princess, I can't 
leave the Court! She sank to the floor, her knees curled to her chest, Trapped! 
I'm trapped! NO!! She buried her head in her knees and - not for the last time - 
wept. She wept for her sister, for her parents, for Osozaki, and for her freedom 
- wept as she lost it all in one cold look... 



Saihitei frowned as his advisors called another name into the court crowd. 
Another woman stepped forwards and knelt at the bottom of the dais - what had 
her name been? Oh yes, Kourin, that was it. He looked her over, wondering if 
this one would be different from any of the others. A voice whispered in his 
mind, She isn't Suzaku no Miko, Hotohori - she'll be just like the others... He 
looked down, meeting her suddenly visible eyes - was that anger he saw burning 
in their depths? He leaned closer, trying to get a better look, then watched in 
disappointment as the look of anger was slowly replaced by a slightly vapid, 
admiring look - the same one that all the other women wore. He waved his hand, 
dismissing her. 
He sighed, resting his head on his hand. He could have sworn he saw something 
else in her gaze - something different. He rubbed his forehead, feeling an ache 
forming. There was something about this Kourin - something unusual. For one 
moment, he had felt a kinship spring up between them - he had felt a loneliness 
coming from her that had rivaled his own. He wondered what might have caused 
such a desperate loneliness in someone else - and that look of anger on her 
features! He couldn't get the girl out of his mind... No matter how hard he 
tried, she was still there! He cursed silently and stood up - he'd take his bad 
attitude out to the stables, court etiquette be damned! 
The Emperor stormed off the dais, ignoring the protests of his advisors and 
guards. He raced to his rooms - noting the one that Kourin had been assigned was 
just a few doors down. He threw open his door and found an outfit appropriate 
for riding. He slipped out the back door of his rooms and snuck out to the 
stables. He found the head stablemaster, and forced himself to calm down - 
Kechiko was the only person in on his little charade. He dredged up a smile for 
his old mentor and asked if he had any horses that needed to be exercised. 
Kechiko smiled, somewhat sadly, "Well, that new princess, Kourin. She came here 
by horseback, and her horse will need to be ridden. She can't ride it herself, 
after all." 
Saihitei frowned, "But if she rode it here..." 
Kechiko laughed, "Oh, I don't mean that she isn't capable of riding it, boy. 
She's a Court Princess, now - she isn't allowed to leave the Court to come to 
the stables - much less ride her horse!" 
Saihitei felt his heart sink even lower - anyone who had the spirit and strength 
to make a two week journey to the capital, on horseback, by herself, didn't 
deserve to be locked away like that... Why did she even come here? He nodded to 
show he understood, and went to find Kourin's horse. 
She was a pretty little bay mare, only 15 hands high, but well muscled. She 
whinnied quietly and sniffed him - probably wondering where her mistress was. 
Saihitei saddled her and mounted quietly. He rode her out towards the 
surrounding woods, finding his favorite trail. She quickly proved to be more 
horse than he'd thought she was. He wasn't her mistress and she knew it - this 
would certainly be one interesting ride... 



Kourin looked out the window of her suite and sighed, wishing she could be out 
with Osozaki instead of here. Suddenly she stood up and threw the curtains open 
- Someone was riding her horse! She felt a scream well up in her chest as the 
young man rode her out into the woods. When she got a better look at the young 
man's face, she recognized him as the Emperor. She clenched her fists tightly, 
How dare he! But a nasty chuckle soon escaped her lips when Osozaki tried to 
throw him and nearly succeeded. She laughed again, Give him Hell, Hana! She 
watched them until they were out of sight - Osozaki was still trying to throw 
him. 
When they could no longer be seen, Kourin sank down onto the windowseat and 
wrapped her arms around herself. There weren't even any books here! She heard a 
quiet knock on her door and called for her visitor to enter. A young maid pushed 
the door open and knelt before her, "My lady, my name is Emi. I am to be your 
servant. Is there anything you require?" 
Kourin smiled, glad to at least have some company. She looked around the room, 
wondering if there was anything to do. She smiled slyly at Emi, "Do you know any 
Court gossip...?" At Emi's conspirational wink, Kourin's smile broadened, "Good, 
in that case, you can entertain me with stories while you brush my hair." 
Emi bowed and retrieved her brush from the vanity. Kourin settled back into the 
brushstrokes, content to simply enjoy being pampered. And Emi hadn't been 
kidding when she said she knew gossip! The things some of these courtiers did! 
When she had tired of listening to Emi chatter, she told her that that was 
enough and gave the woman a genuine smile - it had been good to have someone to 
talk to. Emi blushed as she put the brush away. Kourin told her to sit, and 
slowly laid out the rules. She appreciated any assistance that Emi wanted to 
give her (especially if that came in the form of juicy gossip about the Emperor) 
except for two things - she bathed herself and dressed herself. Emi didn't 
understand, but that didn't matter as long as she obeyed. 
They both turned as a knock reverberated through the wood of the door. A servant 
stood on the other side with ten messages in his hand, and an invitation to take 
dinner with the Court. Kourin took the messages and thanked him, letting Emi 
show him out. Kourin sat down at her desk and opened the letters. She smiled - 
ten marriage proposals, none of which were from the Emperor. She allowed herself 
another nasty chuckle - she could lead them all on, playing them off one 
another. With Emi's inside information on the lot of them, it could turn out to 
be one interesting game... It would be one way to alleviate her utter boredom - 
and the power she had over them might make her feel a little less trapped... She 
smiled a nasty smile and told Emi to go fetch her best dress. 



Kourin sighed as she sipped at her drink and watched another newcomer to court 
fawn all over her. No matter how much the older courtiers warned them, the new 
ones were always overtaken by her beauty and convinced that they could win her 
affections. The boy stopped talking and she smiled, waving at him to continue. 
He gushed at her and resumed his babbling. Inwardly, she sighed - it had been 
nearly a year since her arrival at court and the games she played with the young 
lords was beginning to bore her. She needed more in life, and she knew it. She 
knew that the Emperor still rode her horse every day, and it never ceased to 
annoy her - though it did give her some satisfaction every time Osozaki managed 
to throw him. It was as if he was flaunting himself - deliberately dangling his 
own freedom in front of her face. 
She got up from the table, leaving the young noble sitting there staring. She 
put down her glass and walked out into the corridor towards her rooms. The 
Emperor had not said one word to her since she had arrived here, and she was 
getting desperate. She knew that she found him attractive, and her traitorous 
heart was quickly letting her fall for his many charms. And she couldn't shake 
the feeling that his was a kindred spirit - someone who would truly understand 
her, and her pain. She shook her head in resignation. It all boiled down to one 
fact - he was a challenge, and she couldn't resist a challenge. Unfortunately 
for her, the Emperor wasn't as easily caught as the other young lords. His heart 
was already taken by the legend of Suzaku no Miko - yet another reason for 
Kourin to hope that the brat never made an appearance. She frowned, upset, not 
really noticing her surroundings. She found herself on a low balcony at the end 
of the corridor and leaned on the railing, contemplating the stars. 
She didn't hear the footsteps behind her until a pair of hands descended on her 
shoulders to whirl her to face their owner. She opened her mouth to scream, but 
a hand descended to cover it and a face pressed close to hers, urging her to 
shush up. Finally she did and the hands released her. She stepped back, feeling 
the railing press into her skin. The figure flashed her a grin and she saw a 
little fang peek out the corner of his mouth. She gasped as she recognized the 
bandit who had so confused her the year before, "Genrou? Is that you?" 
He laughed and spread his arms wide, "In the flesh! I've been wandering the 
world for about a year now, and I figured I'd drop in to check on you. Catch the 
Emperor's heart, yet?" 
She slapped him lightly on the arm and he yelped in pain. She was immediately 
apologizing - it softened her face. Genrou smiled as he saw the young woman he 
had known last year in the bitter, angry one he had found at court. She was 
unhappy and he knew it. It made him guilty that he hadn't rode to her rescue 
when he had the chance. He put a finger under her chin and forced her to look up 
at him, "Do they treat you that badly, here?" 
Kourin's eyes started to tremble and Genrou cursed - no matter how much he hated 
them, he couldn't stand to see women cry. He pulled her to his chest and she 
buried her head into his dark coat, sobbing bitterly. He finally caught the 
words she was mumbling as she calmed down, "It's not that they treat me badly - 
it's just that I'm trapped! I can't ever leave! And the Emperor!" She looked up 
at him, anger blazing in her eyes, "He has the audacity to ride my horse every 
day - right where I can't help but see him! I think he does it just to mock me." 
She suddenly clutched at his coat, "Genrou! You're a bandit, you can steal my 
horse from the stables! Please? You'll keep her safe for me, won't you?" 
Genrou found himself agreeing with her as he soothingly rubbed her back, "I 
will, Kourin-chan. Don't worry." The smile she gave him was pure gratitude and 
he was dazzled by it. He couldn't help himself and bent his head to kiss her 
lips, one arm still wrapped around her waist, his hand pressed to the small of 
her back. She was startled, but she didn't resist - Genrou wondered if this was 
the first time she'd been kissed. He cursed himself for being so weak, and 
slowly let go of her lips. She blinked a few times then focused on him, eyes 
wondering. He brushed away one of her tears with his thumb and flashed her a 
crooked grin, then turned to leap back over the rail. But, before he did, he 
turned back to her, "Do you remember, Koji, Kourin-chan?" She blushed, but 
nodded. He smiled, "Just thought you'd want to know - you did give him that scar 
that he wanted." She laughed lightly as Genrou disappeared over the railing into 
the night. 



Genrou risked one last look at Kourin as he disappeared into the forest. She had 
a dreamy look in her eyes, and the fingers of one hand rested lightly on her 
lips. He smiled at the sight, sure now that this had been her first kiss. He 
hadn't been able to help himself - she was so beautiful, and she was so much 
like him! He grinned, allowing a fang to show - she had a vicious streak in her 
that rivaled any bandit's. I mean, the way she played around with those 
courtiers! He chuckled as he recalled the servants eager gossip - she was never 
meant to be a princess, and she had known it from the start. Unfortunately for 
her, whatever fool had sent her here hadn't. 
When Genrou found himself at the back entrance to the stables, he pulled himself 
up short - what the hell was he doing? That woman had him jumping at her every 
whim! He began to laugh quietly to himself. Oh, she was good, all right! Yet, 
for some reason, he didn't mind. He began to fiddle with the lock, all the while 
telling himself that he was only doing it because that little bay mare was a 
very valuable animal - even though the explanation didn't ring true in his head. 

He got the lock open and slipped into the stable, quickly identifying the mare's 
stall. He quietly slipped into the stall and pulled a hackamore over the mare's 
head - not having time to bother with a saddle or a bridle. He threw the reins 
over the mare's head and with a well-controlled jump was settled on her bare 
back. She snorted and pranced, but Genrou quickly calmed her. He guided her out 
into the field, then let her open up into a gallop, blowing a kiss back at 
Kourin as he rode, I'll come back for you someday, Princess. I promise... 



The next day, the Emperor found out that Osozaki had been stolen. He was furious 
- he had been planning to ride the bay mare in the day's procession! He swore - 
that meant he'd have to ride in a carry-chair. There were no other horses who 
were as beautiful as that little mare, and he wanted to appear at his best for 
this procession. Something special was going to happen today. He could feel 
it... He growled softly to himself, sure that some god was having way too much 
fun at his expense. He stormed down the hallway to Lady Kourin's rooms, wanting 
to tell her the bad news himself, for some reason. He was met by her servant who 
told him that the Lady was in the bath and could not be disturbed. He thanked 
the woman and told her to pass the message on to her mistress, then stalked off 
to get ready for the parade. 
When Kourin got out of the bath and dressed, she smiled, pressing her hand to 
her lips again. Imagine that - my innocence stolen by a bandit! Who would have 
thought! Kaasan would just die... She giggled and slipped two daisies into her 
hair, feeling giddy. When she stepped into the room, and saw Emi, she smiled, 
placing a flower in her hair, as well. 
Emi didn't want to ruin Kourin's good mood, but it was the Emperor's order... 
"My lady - the Emperor was here. He wanted to tell you that your horse was 
stolen last night." 
Instead of spoiling her good mood, the news seemed to increase it. She whirled 
around the center of the room, ending sitting on the vanity. Emi started to 
brush her hair as she continued to smile, "I know, dear Emi, I already know. And 
I'm sure that the Emperor was very upset that he couldn't ride her in the parade 
today, too!" She continued to giggle as she relaxed into the brushstrokes - it 
was going to be a wonderful day... 



Later that night, she was proven wrong. The word had spread quickly - Suzaku no 
Miko had appeared. Kourin cursed vehemently - it wasn't fair! Now she had no 
chance at all at the Emperor! And what made it worse - Suzaku no Miko was the 
barest slip of a girl, and far too young and naive to be the wife of an Emperor! 
As her ire rose, Kourin could feel the blaze of her seishi symbol as it began to 
glow from that spot on her chest. She encouraged it and actively gathered her 
chi - as her sensei had taught her 13 years ago - and released it in one 
explosive punch to the wall of the palace. 
When the wall came crashing down in front of her, she blushed, then paled in 
fear. She ran back to her room - what if someone had seen her? Her heart was 
thudding in fear. It was stupid to take such a risk, and she knew it. She hurled 
a few choice curse words at herself, then spent, she collapsed onto the bed. 
She'd get the Emperor to notice her if she had to kill Suzaku no Miko to do it! 
  


*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

  


Kourin awoke and looked around at her surroundings. She wasn't in her room at 
the palace. She stood up, then stared down at herself when she didn't feel a 
dress swirl around her ankles. She blushed when she saw what she was wearing - a 
pair of pants and a tunic that barely covered her hips. She reached a hand up - 
her hair was pulled back into a tight bun - a man's hairstyle. She rushed over 
to the lake that she had seen and peered at her reflection, ready to cry at the 
sight. I look like a boy! She fell to the ground, wrapping her arms around 
herself, and sobbing uncontrollably. 
A hand rested on her shoulder and she heard a voice - a sweet, beautiful, 
wonderful voice. One she had tried to emulate, and had failed - once she had hit 
puberty, she couldn't speak that high anymore. The best she'd been able to 
manage was a very husky alto. She began to sob even harder. The voice spoke 
again... ~Niichan, please don't cry.~ 
She spun around and buried her face into the stomach of the owner of the voice. 
Her sobs grew louder as the girl's hands descended to rub her back, ~It's OK, 
niichan. I forgave you long ago, you don't need to torture yourself like this.~ 
Her sobs slowed, then stopped, but she didn't lift her head from the girl's 
body. She pulled the girl closer to her, forcing her to sit on the ground with 
her. She managed to choke out a few words, "Kourin? Imouto-chan?" She winced 
when she heard how deep her voice sounded. The girl put her small hands under 
her chin and lifted it so their eyes met. The girl smiled at her, ~Hai, 
Ryuuen-chan!~ 
She jerked away from the girl as if she'd been hit, "That isn't my name!" She 
clasped her hands over her mouth when she heard that awful tenor voice escape 
her lips. The girl sighed and stood up. She turned to face her, taking note of 
her matured appearance - easily 7 years older than when she had... She choked on 
another sob. 
~You can hurt yourself all you like about this, but I refuse to be a part of 
it.~ She stepped closer, laying her cool hands on Ryuuen's hot cheeks, ~Ryuuen, 
oniichan, I loved you so much... And my death was not your fault! It was my own 
damned fault for not looking both ways before I tried to cross the damned 
street!~ 
Ryuuen's mouth dropped open as he heard his delicate little sister curse, 
"Kourin..." He winced again at the voice that emerged from his lips. 
Kourin pulled him to his feet and held him close, ~Oniichan, you are who you 
are. Nothing will change that - no matter how much you will it to be so. It 
won't change the fact that I'm dead, and it won't change the fact that you are a 
seishi. Your duty is to protect Suzaku no Miko - not harm her. You know that - 
sensei taught you that.~ 
Ryuuen let his arms settle around Kourin's waist and he pulled her close, "I 
know... Deep down inside myself, I know that. But-" 
Kourin smiled into his eyes, ~No buts, niichan. You caught yourself in this neat 
little trap - Suzaku no Miko didn't do it to you. If you hadn't insisted in this 
charade to be female - to be me...~ 
Ryuuen pulled away from his sister and went to stand at the lake. He sighed 
softly, "I know, Kourin. Believe me, I know." 
The bitterness in his voice made Kourin giggle, ~But you know, niichan - I have 
to admit that you look better in dresses than I ever did...~ 
Ryuuen blushed and turned to face her, "Is that so...?" He raced after her as 
she turned to run. The race ended in a rough and tumble fight at the edge of the 
woods, Ryuuen carefully holding back his strength. Kourin eventually won, 
pinning Ryuuen under her body and laughing, ~You let me win!~ Ryuuen laughed as 
he pulled her down to lay on his chest, then sobered, "I've missed you, Kourin. 
So much..." 
Kourin pulled herself up slightly so she could peer into his face, ~Ryuuen, 
there's something I need to tell you. It's the reason that they let me see you.~ 
She put a finger to his lips when he tried to interrupt, ~Shh... Don't talk, 
just listen. You have to understand this. The things that you do in the next few 
weeks will determine how soon you come to join me.~ At the eager look in his 
eyes, Kourin shook her head, and a tear fell from the corner of her eye, ~No, 
Ryuuen. I couldn't bear it if you died so young - you deserve so much more than 
what you have! And it's not what you think... You see, because I died so young - 
the gods gave me another chance at life almost immediately afterwards. I hadn't 
had enough time to do anything wrong with my life.~ Her expressive eyes bore 
into his, ~Please, niichan, promise me that you'll try to live - and try to get 
along with Suzaku no Miko! She's really a very nice girl... You'd like her if 
you gave yourself a chance to.~ 
Ryuuen frowned as he pulled Kourin back down to rest on his chest. He was so 
tired... He nodded, "All right, Kourin - you win. I'll give her a chance. At 
least I'll try..." 
Kourin's gasp of relief startled him, and he turned to ask her what was the 
matter, but was met with a sound kiss on the lips. His cheeks turned bright red 
before he understood. The rapport built up between them and buoyed his soul up 
in a way he hadn't felt since her death, 7 long years ago. He had needed this so 
badly. Kourin lifted her lips from his and settled her head on his chest, 
listening to the beating of his heart. ~You'll see me sooner than you think, 
Ryuuen... Wo ai ni...~ 
Ryuuen managed only a brief response before being sucked back to the world 
below, "Wo ai ni, imouto-chan!" 
  


*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*


Kourin woke up and sat straight up in bed, shaking and gasping for air. She had 
seen her imouto! That hadn't just been a dream, she was sure of it! Kourin's 
last words to her echoed through her head... 


~You'll be seeing me sooner than you think, Ryuuen...~


She wondered what her precious imouto had meant by that. A yawn interrupted her 
thinking, *But I can puzzle that out later...* As she let sleep claim her, she 
could have sworn she felt a small pair of arms wrap around her waist, and a 
small body snuggle up to her back. A small voice whispered into her ear... ~Wo 
ai ni, niichan...~