*grins*  Well, here's another part finished.  
*smiles*  I've been agonizing over it for a while, and I'm glad I finally got it 
all put 
together.  ^_^  It turned out to be longer than most fic parts I put out, but 
*shrugs* I guess that's all to the good, ne?  *smirks*  It's 48 KB, but don't 
let that scare you.  ^_^  Please don't forget to e-mail me with Comments and 
Criticisms.  ^_^ 


Warning: There is a mild yaoi warning in this one - as with most of this series. 
 ^_^  But there is a bit of actual kissing going on in here.  *gasp*  *grins* 
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me, they belong to Watase 
Yuu-sama, please don't sue me for using them...  *smiles* 
Dedication: Yup that's right - there's a dedication in this part.  *smiles*  I 
was gonna dedicate a paragraph, but that sounded a little too cheesy, so I'm 
gonna dedicate the whole part.  *smiles*  It's dedicated to Kai Ling Ng for 
always being around to read/edit my stories and provide me with snippets of 
details that I can't find on my own (like what Tasuki's character is - now you 
can figure out which paragraph I was gonna dedicate... ^_^), for helping me 
think of titles (yup - she helped me pick out this one) - and 'cuz her b-day 
just came and went and I didn't know soon enough to get her a real present.  
*smiles*  So, I hope this is good enough.  ^_^  This one's for you, Kai Ling - 
Thanks for everything, and Happy Belated B-day!  *giggles insanely* 




Osozaki Blooms V

Swept Away



Kouji sighed heavily as he stared at himself in the mirror.  Things were going 
even worse than usual.  With Genrou gone and the Leader dead, a dog named Eiken 
had taken over the Mt. Leikaku bandits.  Genrou had been the chosen successor 
and had a strong following of his own, but Kouji wasn't popular enough to rest 
control from Eiken.  They'd been reduced to attacking weakened road travelers - 
it was despicable.  They never used to have to prey off such people.  The world 
had been theirs once - or at least all of Mt. Leikaku.  They had been feared.  
Kouji shook his head - this just wasn't good.  I hope Genrou gets his sorry butt 
back here soon... 



Genrou stared at the bandit headquarters, "K'so!  This is awful - Eiken's in 
charge?  That bastard.  I knew I should have come back sooner!"  He slammed his 
fist into a nearby tree trunk.  Our former leader, Suzaku keep his soul, never 
would have tolerated this.  Damn it!  The bay mare beside him neighed 
questioningly.  He turned towards her and patted her neck, "It's all right, 
little one.  We'll fix this."  He swung his leg up and over Osozaki's back and 
gathered up the reins.  He turned one last 
time to sneer at the squat building - so much like Eiken, himself... - "I'll be 
back Eiken - and I'll take the Leadership from you.  You just wait and see."  He 
kicked Osozaki into a canter, eager to find a hiding place of his own. 



Nuriko winced in pain as the harsh bruises on his back made themselves felt.  
Itai...  Those men had caught him totally unawares - it was inexcusable.  A 
sudden fear gripped his throat - Miaka!  As if the thought had called her, 
Nuriko heard her voice calling him.  He peeled his eyes open and sat up - she 
was safe.  Well, maybe not safe, but relatively uninjured.  He looked to his 
other side - yes, Hotohori-sama was here as well.  There was a patch of blood on 
his right sleeve, but he looked 
fairly unhurt. 
He watched as Miaka fussed over the Emperor, getting herself all upset in the 
process.  He longed to take her into his arms and comfort her, but 
unfortunately, his arms were tied behind his back.  A noise by the door caused 
him to look up.  Rage colored his vision red as he gazed at the man framed by 
the door - Kouji.  One of the Mt. Leikaku bandits.  He inched a little closer to 
Miaka. 
Miaka didn't seem afraid, but Nuriko placed himself a little in front of her, 
just in case.  Kouji looked all of them over as if they were haunches of meat 
for sale.  What is going on here?  When Kouji's gaze fell on Nuriko, his eyes 
narrowed, then one of his eyebrow's rose up into his hairline.  Damn - the 
bastard knew who he was.  Nuriko gathered his legs under him, getting ready to 
stand up and take care of those disgusting men, when Miaka's voice stopped him. 
"Nuriko, Hotohori - wait a moment.  Remember?  The mirror showed the symbol for 
Mountain - that means that one of these men might have a character somewhere on 
their body!  And we need to find the remaining seishi..."  Her eyes pleaded with 
them to agree.  Nuriko folded first.  As much as he feared for her well-being, 
he couldn't deny her anything. 
Kouji walked over to them, breaking the spell Miaka's words had cast.  Nuriko 
felt a light touch on his scalp - a hand running through his hair.  He jerked 
his head away and glared at Kouji, his eyes falling immediately on the ragged 
scar gracing Kouji's cheek.  Kouji smiled and stepped back, then gasped in 
surprise as Miaka pulled his shirt open with her teeth.  Nuriko stared on in 
silent horror as she followed up this procedure on every other bandit present.  
Finally finding his voice he yelled, "Miaka!  Don't be vulgar!" 
Miaka hopped back over to them and smiled, "Remember?  The fifth seishi might be 
here - I have to find him!" 
Kouji grabbed Miaka's shirt collar and gave Nuriko and Hotohori an evil smile, 
"This one is spirited.  She'll do for Eiken," then handed Miaka off to another 
of the men.  He turned to Nuriko and smiled at him before following Miaka and 
the other out the door. 
Nuriko stared after Miaka, not able to form a coherent thought.  She'll do for 
Eiken...?  I hope that doesn't mean what I think it means...  A pair of hands 
undoing the ropes at his wrists made him jerk back to himself with a jolt.  The 
other bandits were smiling and leering at them.  One spoke up, "We'll let you 
stay untied as long as you agree to serve us, ladies.  Now, that doesn't sound 
so bad, does it?" 
Hotohori frowned and opened his mouth to object, but Nuriko interrupted, "Of 
course, bandit-sama!  It would be an honor to serve you!"  He gave the young men 
the most brilliant smile that he could manage, then spoke under his breath to 
the Emperor, "Heika-sama - they think that we're women.  If they untie us and 
think we're not a threat, we can get away from them easily.  Ne?" 
Hotohori's mouth worked for a moment before any words emerged, "We have to 
behave like serving girls?  That's..."  He paused a moment, then hung his head, 
"For Miaka's sake, I would do far worse things."  He stood, walking over to 
where the drinks were.  Nuriko watched him go, before he too stood up, his 
stomach clenched in knots.  Even when there's no chance 
of winning her, you still love her.  You would suffer humiliation and worse for 
her safety.  What can I offer that will make you look at me the same way?  Suki 
da, Hotohori-sama...  He shuffled off after the Emperor with his heart in his 
throat.  Atashi no baka... 
He grabbed a tray with a bottle of alcohol and started to walk over to the 
table, head bowed and eyes downcast as befit a woman.  It was so easy to fall 
back into that role...  He swallowed hard - I'm done with that now, remember?  
He sighed, why couldn't his life be a little easier?  He heard Hotohori speaking 
and his head jerked up.  He became aware that he was staring, but couldn't help 
it.  Hotohori was - he was...  A small giggle escaped Nuriko's lips and he 
clapped a hand to his mouth almost choking on his laughter in the process.  
Hotohori-sama, the Emperor of all Konan Country was sitting between two bandits, 
serving drinks and acting as any young girl awestruck at being in the presence 
of so many interested men.  Nuriko thought he might just die.  Another giggle 
escaped from between his fingers.  Maybe this situation wasn't so bad after 
all... 



Genrou slowly dismounted, pulling Osozaki's reins over her head in the process.  
He led her into a stable and untacked her, grooming her thoroughly.  She leaned 
into each brushstroke, body relaxed - moreso than she'd ever been since he'd 
stolen her.  "You like it here, eh?  Can't see why.  Now that Eiken's in charge, 
the place is a shambles." 
The mare turned and snorted at him and he grinned, "But what do I know?  You see 
somethin' good in this fuckin' place - who the hell am I to argue, ne?"  He led 
her into a box stall and pitched some hay in after her, "Well, you enjoy your 
stay, then.  Depending on how well my plan works, we may not be here long..."  
He closed the door and walked into the adjoining building.  Taking a deep 
breath, Genrou smiled ferally.  If I play this right, Eiken won't know what hit 
'im...  He fingered the small pieces of enchanted paper in his jacket pocket - 
he'd got 'em off a wandering monk a few months ago.  Strange guy - had some sort 
of speech impedement - but he was a pleasant enough traveling companion and he 
had some neat tricks. 
He settled himself down on a chair and pulled out five slips of paper, carefully 
writing the characters for "wolf" on four of them.  On a whim, he wrote "Lady 
Kourin" on the fifth.  He picked up the fifth paper and smoothed it in his 
hands, unsure of why he'd written Kourin's name on it.  It wasn't as if he 
wanted to see her, or anything...  He eyed the paper warily, as if it might jump 
up and bite him.  Lightly tossing it into the air, he said quietly, "Genjitsu 
Shinzarou".  Within seconds, Lady Kourin was standing in front of him in all her 
feminine grace.  He held a hand up to her cheek, wanting to touch it, and she 
backed away from him, growling.  He frowned, uncertain and opened his mouth to 
ask what was wrong. 
Kourin put a hand up to forestall his words, then crossed her arms over her 
chest, "And what do you think you're doing, Genrou?  Ne?  Sitting around while 
you let that man take what is rightfully yours?  Why did you summon me, anyway?" 

Genrou stared at the woman as a slow smile overtook his face, "Still bossing me 
around, ne?  "Why is it that it doesn't bother me as much when it's from you?"  
He shook his head, then added, "I guess I just needed to talk to someone..." 
Kourin sat gracefully down at the table and tilted her head to the side, "Why 
me?  Why not go talk to Kouji?  He must be around somewhere - and _he's_ a real 
person..." 
Genrou took both of her hands in his and shook his head, "I wanted to talk to 
you.  I miss you." 
Kourin frowned at him, then yanked a hand free to smack his head, "Tasuki no 
BAKA!  You have more important things to do than lust after me."  She blushed 
lightly.  Genrou almost smiled at that, She's never blushed around me before...  
She continued, "So, go out there and do them!"  Seconds later, her form vanished 
into a series of sparkling lights.  He sat back in the chair, grabbed up the 
other papers and shoved them back into his pocket - Kourin was right.  He had 
things to do. 



Nuriko's head jerked up, what had that man said?  He flicked a glance over at 
Hotohori, who had risen to his feet.  Nuriko stood as well, ears intent on the 
conversation at one of the small tables.  The men sitting there wore serious 
expressions as they spoke of their sympathy for the girl who'd been taken to 
Eiken - Miaka.  Hotohori's eyes glazed over in anger as he snarled out, "What 
did you say?  What will he do to Miaka?" 
Nuriko shook his head - He's so naive...  He pushed up his sleeves and raised an 
eyebrow at Hotohori, who nodded.  Within seconds, he had the bandits crushed up 
against a wall.  He turned to Hotohori, ready to go kick some serious bandit 
butt...  and his jaw dropped.  Hotohori looked like he wanted to throw up, and 
the man who had wrapped himself around Hotohori's waist looked like, well... 
Nuriko blushed.  He looks like me on one of my more lustful-after-Hotohori 
days...  Hotohori turned a pleading glance on Nuriko who smiled, "My pleasure, 
Hotohori-sama."  That bandit quickly joined the others knocked out in the 
corner.  Nuriko smiled grimly, No one clings to my Hotohori-sama, but me. 
They both heard the footsteps at the same time.  They took up positions on 
either side of the door, Hotohori with his sword drawn.  When Kouji stepped 
through the door 20 seconds later, he had but a moment to take in the state of 
his men before Hotohori had him slammed against the doorframe with a sword to 
his throat.  The Emperor's voice was full of primal fury as he quietly spoke, 
"Miaka is... where?" 
Kouji's eye flickered from Hotohori to Nuriko.  Nuriko lifted his right hand and 
curled his fingers into claws, smiling evilly.  He made a small slashing motion 
with his right hand and stared meaningfully at the scar on Kouji's cheek.  Kouji 
swallowed hard and stared at the two men a moment longer.  He made his decision, 
"I'll take you to her." 
He led them down several corridors, finally stopping in front of an ornately 
decorated door.  "Here.  This is Eiken's room."  Nuriko could hear the disgust 
in the other man's voice and paused for a moment in contemplation.  Kouji had 
respected the bandit leader when last they had met, and Genrou was supposed to 
take over from him - so why was someone else in charge?  Where was Genrou?  For 
a moment, Nuriko felt a flash of fear - Genrou couldn't be dead, could he? 
A scream interrupted his thoughts - Miaka!  No!  He looked to Hotohori who was 
trying to yank the door open - it was locked.  He swore quietly and placed a 
hand against the wall.  It was solid brick.  He looked down at his fist and back 
up at the wall.  This was going to hurt...  "Hotohori-sama!  Here!"  Without 
further preamble, Nuriko cocked back his fist, gathered his power and slammed 
his fist through the brick wall.  He barely felt the impact as the wall crumbled 
in front of him, nor did he notice Hotohori's wary look of respect and 
gratitude.  He only had eyes for Miaka.  Her shirt was partially undone and her 
hands were still tied. Her eyes were wide with fear.  He saw red.  Before anyone 
else could even register the movement, he was through the wall and on top of 
Eiken.  He dealt Eiken a solid blow to the head, then gathered Miaka up into his 
arms and carried her to the other side of the room, hovering over her 
protectively. 
Eiken glared at the intruders while clutching his head which was bleeding 
sluggishly. As he reached into a box at the side of the bed, the fat bandit 
swore, "Kisama. You're going to pay for this..." 
Nuriko stood up, hands balled into fists and arms held casually at his sides.  
His voice was quietly menacing, and very matter-of-fact, "It is not I who will 
pay, you filth."  He pointed down at Miaka, though he kept his eyes on Eiken, 
"This girl is Suzaku no Miko.  She is far more important to this country and 
this world than you could ever be.  And she is infinitely precious to I and 
mine."  He took a step forward, pulling his fists up, "You laid hands on her.  
Without her permission.  I can not forgive such an act.  I will not forgive it." 
 He cocked back a fist to let fly at Eiken, but was stopped by a low growl from 
off to his right.  He turned to look, and Eiken took the opportunity to bash him 
in the stomach with the iron fan he'd pulled from the box.  Nuriko fell to the 
ground, clutching his stomach in pain. 
Hotohori watched the situation with a growing sense of unease.  What had gotten 
into Nuriko?  That had been almost scary...  Before he could puzzle out an 
answer, Miaka's scream called his attention away.  He looked up to find her 
slung over another man's shoulder like a sack of potatoes.  Nuriko hadn't missed 
this development, either.  He had clambored to his feet, one arm still wrapped 
around his stomach.  When he saw the man who now held Miaka, his face went 
chalky white.  Hotohori almost missed his whispered comment, "Genrou..." 
The fiery haired man - Genrou, Hotohori guessed - held Miaka possessively, a 
mischievous smirk in his eyes.  He glared at Eiken, "Caught off guard, how 
despicable.  You're lower than dirt, Eiken - and I'll see your fucking ass 
trampled like it."  He rolled his eyes up to look at Miaka, "So, I see you've 
got yourself a woman?  Well, she's mine now, Eiken.  You want her back, you're 
gonna have to fight me for her."  His gaze returned to Eiken's angry face, "And 
you'll have to challenge me for the Leadership, too.  I don't intend to go down 
without a fuckin' fight.  So, meet me back here at 10 o'clock - and be ready to 
get your ass kicked." 
With that comment, Eiken leapt to his feet, holding the iron fan in a 
threatening posture.  His look of anger soon turned to fear.  Genrou pulled four 
pieces of paper out of his jacket, yelled the words, "Genjitsu Shinzarou!" and 
ran from the building, Miaka jouncing along on his shoulder. 
Nuriko moved as if to chase after the fiery-haired man, but Genrou's "papers" 
put a stop to that idea rather quickly.  Four angry, snarling wolves circled 
around the four men, snapping and slashing.  One leapt for Nuriko's throat and 
the smaller seishi went down under the weight, frantically scrabbling for a hand 
hold in the beast's fur.  He managed to get himself turned over so that he lay 
on top of the wolf, but couldn't get a hand free to knock it out. 
Hotohori would have been glad to help him, but he had problems of his own.  Two 
of the wolves were circling him, herding him towards the third.  He held his 
sword out in front of him, feinting at each, trying to distract them - to no 
avail.  Finally, unable to back up any farther, he lunged at one, his sword 
going clean through to- air?  The wolf disappeared, leaving a torn piece of 
paper in its wake.  Soon afterwards, the rest of the wolves disappeared.  Nuriko 
and Hotohori looked at each other and nodded - now would be a perfect time to 
escape.  They ran for the door, leaving Eiken screaming behind them.  Neither 
one noticed that Kouji had already left. 



Genrou pulled open the door of his hideaway, mindful of the girl on his 
shoulder.  This whole idea left him feeling cold - he didn't want to have to 
hurt an innocent girl.  Not that he was all that fond of girls, but the child 
had nothing to do with his and Eiken's fight - it bothered him.  He closed the 
door and headed inside to the couch.  He lowered the girl down onto it and 
caught her eyes with his gaze.  Her own were still wide and fearful.  She pulled 
as far away from him as she could.  Genrou shook his head sadly, "Daijabou, 
ojousan?  I didn't scare ya too badly, did I?" 
She stared blankly at him for a moment, then stuttered, "B-but - I don't 
understand..." 
Genrou smiled at her, one of his fangs peeking out from under his upper lip, 
"Oi, gimme a little credit - I don't intend to hurt you. This isn't your fight, 
after all."  He untied the ropes around Miaka's wrists and gently massaged the 
circulation back into her hands, "Damn Eiken, making me do all these fucking 
underhanded things..."  His mind wandered off on a bit of a tangent as he 
thought of all the things that Eiken's greed had forced him to do.  He cursed 
quietly to himself - this was the lowest of all the things he'd had to do.  A 
sudden draft on his shoulders brought him abruptly back to himself.  What???  
The girl had pulled off his coat and almost had his shirt off, too!  "What the 
fuck are you doing, you little hentai???"  He yanked his clothing back into 
place, eyeing her anxiously. 
The girl gave him an innocent smile and started to explain, "You see, I'm Suzaku 
no Miko - I'm kind of famous around here."  Genrou's mouth dropped open after 
the first six words, but the girl took no notice and kept speaking, "We - that 
is, myself and my two seishi - are here looking for another Suzaku sichiseishi.  
His name is Tasuki."  Genrou actually winced, then tucked his right arm under 
his left, hiding his right forearm.  The girl continued to speak, "We'll be 
happy to help you get the Leadership back - but could you help us to find our 
seishi?  I would be very grateful..." 
Genrou's heart contracted painfully, I hate women, I hate women...  If she 
starts crying I'll probably end up going with her. 
K'so.  He cleared his throat and she looked up expectantly.  He was saved from 
having to answer by a voice at the door. 
"Oi!  Who is it?  Why it's that wonderfully handsome, young bandit Kouji!  
That's right - I've come to check up on my newly returned buddy, Genrou.  Might 
I come in?  Why certainly!  A-ri-ga-to!"  The door opened and the blue-haired 
bandit stood framed in the doorway.  He paused there a moment, taking in the 
fact that Miaka had Genrou backed into a corner of the couch before smiling and 
running over to grab Genrou into a back-breaking hug, "Gen-chan!  Where the hell 
have you been?  It's been 
over a year!  You could have at least written once or twice!" 
Genrou pounded Kouji's back gratefully, "Oi...  You know how it is.  There's a 
lot out there to see - I got sidetracked." 
The two young men pulled apart, and Kouji ruffled his younger friend's hair.  He 
watched as Genrou spluttered and jerked away from him, growling angrily.  He 
laughed, then just watched as Genrou proceeded to babble on about all that he'd 
seen over the past year.  Kouji tapped a finger against his chin and though - 
Lady Kourin was still around here somewhere - most likely with the other seishi. 
 But would it do Genrou any good to know that?  He could only wonder.  It looked 
like his friend had only just managed to get his feet back on the ground - it 
probably wouldn't be a good idea to remind him of Kourin now.  Genrou finished 
up his tale with a brief synopsis of his plan and an introduction of Miaka.  
Kouji smiled and bowed to the girl, "I believe Suzaku no Miko and I have already 
met, Genrou."  He kissed the girl's hand lightly, "And I believe I owe you an 
apology, ojousan.  I treated you rather badly, before." 
Miaka blushed and pulled her hand back, "That's OK.  I guess I can forgive you - 
just don't do it again." 
Kouji grinned, "Not a problem, ojousan.  I think I can manage that."  He turned 
his eyes to look over at Genrou, "And has Fang-boy been treating you all right?" 

Genrou growled and raised a fist threateningly.  Miaka laughed and nodded her 
head, "Aa.  He's been treating me fine, Kouji-san."  Her face turned serious, 
"He told me about your problems with Eiken and I want to help!  Eiken's an awful 
man and he doesn't deserve to be leader." 
Genrou stared at her and spluttered for a moment, "You can't be serious!  I may 
not intend to hurt you, but you're still a hostage!  Besides, what can you do?" 
Miaka bared her teeth at him, "I'm Suzaku no Miko, Genrou - you'd be surprised 
at what I can do when pushed." 
Genrou threw his hands in the air and turned away from her, "Fine.  Have it your 
way.  But don't come crying to me when you get hurt!"  He stalked off to his 
bedroom and closed the door behind him.  A few minutes later, the door opened 
again and he heard soft footsteps crossing the room a moment before Kouji's 
weight settled next to him on the bed.  He sighed, "Go ahead.  You got somethin' 
to say?  Say it." 
Kouji patted his shoulder, "Grace period, Genrou - remember?"  He jerked his 
head in the direction of the door, "Suzaku no Miko is gathering the seishi.  
Looks like yours is up." 
Genrou rose to his feet and turned to yell at his friend, "You think I don't 
know that??  What the fuck am I supposed to do?  Suzaku no Miko needs me, the 
Bandits need me - everyone needs me!  K'so."  He ran his fingers through his 
hair and ended up tugging furiously at the flame-red locks. 
The older bandit smiled at his friend's antics, "No one said this would be easy 
for you, Gen-chan."  He tilted his head, "You want to go with her, don't you?" 
Genrou exploded, "Fuck, no!  Damn it, Kouji.  I can't walk out on everyone!  Our 
Leader is dead.  He wanted me to take over from him and I wasn't here to do it.  
Now Eiken's in charge and I have no choice but to stay and fight!  If I leave, 
who the hell's gonna keep him in line?" 
Kouji shrugged, "I don't know, Genrou.  It's not an easy choice.  Let's just 
take this one step at a time for now, OK?  Tonight we'll fight Eiken.  If we 
win, well - we'll take it from there.  It may very well be that this'll be a 
moot point come morning."  He stood and ruffled Genrou's hair, "Don't get all 
bent outa shape, kid.  Worry doesn't suit you."  He laughed at Genrou's angry 
expression and left the room to see to Miaka's comfort. 
Genrou stared angrily at his friend's retreating back, finally walking after him 
and closing the door.  Damn him, anyway.  What does _he_ know about what I want? 
 He walked back to the bed and took off his jacket.  He tossed the jacket on a 
chair and lay down in bed, staring at the ceiling.  I don't want to go with 
her... or do I?  He sighed and rolled over onto his side, tucking his left arm 
under his head, I guess that's the problem, isn't it?  I don't know what I want 
anymore.  This used to be enough - the promise of leading the Mt. Leikaku 
bandits...  But now...  He pulled his left hand out from under his head and 
rolled up his right sleeve.  There, on his forearm, the symbol of Wing shone 
brightly in red.  Ever since he'd met Miaka, he'd felt a pull towards her - not 
necessarily a desire to help, but a need to help. 
He pushed his sleeve back down and rolled back over onto his back.  This wasn't 
the time to think about things like that - now was the time to think about 
fighting Eiken.  As far as he knew, Eiken had taken up using the former Leader's 
tessen.  He'd be hard to beat with an advantage like that.  His illusions would 
only help so much... 
Genrou ran his hands through his hair and tugged at it some more.  Why me?  I 
don't get it...  Why do I have to get involved in this stuff?  He looked outside 
at the setting sun and shook his head, Enough worrying - I gotta rest up so I'll 
be fresh for the fight.  'Specially now that I've got to look after that damn 
kid, too...  Sleep did not come quite that easily, but when it finally did, his 
dreams (for once) were pleasant. 



Nuriko edged a little closer to the Emperor, starting to shiver in the cold 
evening air.  That was one good thing about women's clothing - it was a heck of 
a lot warmer...  Hotohori turned to him and raised an eyebrow.  Nuriko blushed 
and leaned back away, muttering, "Gomen..." as he moved. 
Hotohori watched the other seishi for a moment, wondering what had prompted 
that.  After a moment or two of watching Nuriko, he noticed that the other boy 
was shivering.  He turned his head away and watched the bandits coming and going 
from the main building - no doubt looking for them.  A motion out of the corner 
of his eye caught his attention - Nuriko was rubbing his arms and looking like 
he was ready to curl up into a little ball to conserve heat. 
Hotohori looked away again, an uncomfortable feeling in his chest.  Nuriko 
looked so vulnerable like that, so helpless.  Thoroughly unlike the viscious 
Court Lady he'd been but a year ago, or the brave avenger he'd been but two 
hours ago.  He didn't quite know what to make of it.  A small sneeze sounded 
from Nuriko's general vicinity - it was too much.  Hotohori turned to Nuriko and 
said quietly, "Are you all right?" 
He'd startled the other boy - he could tell.  Nuriko's eyes went wide and he 
nodded quickly, perhaps a little too quickly, "Hai, 
heika-sama.  I'm fine.  Really." 
Hotohori lifted one elegant eyebrow, a corner of his mouth lifting to join it, 
"Are you certain?  You look as if you're about to catch your death of cold..." 
Nuriko flushed a delicate pink, "Gomen...  I didn't mean to worry you, 
heika-sama.  It's just that - well...  Women's clothing is a lot warmer than 
men's and it's rather chilly out here, tonight..." 
Hotohori smiled, "Is that all?  I thought it might have been something serious.  
And didn't I tell you not to call me heika-sama?  It's a bit too formal for 
conditions such as these, don't you think?" 
Nuriko smiled back and nodded, "Hai, Hotohori-sama."  He turned back towards the 
bandit headquarters, eyes bright, "Hotohori-sama...?" 
"Yes, Nuriko - what is it?" 
"Do you really love Miaka, Hotohori-sama?  I mean, really love her?" Nuriko's 
voice was slightly breathless as he spoke, as if he'd only barely managed to 
force the words out. 
Hotohori sat down on the ground, legs stretched out in front of him.  He turned 
his face up to look at the stars.  He didn't have to answer that question and 
they both knew it.  But something about the way Nuriko asked... "Hai, Nuriko.  I 
think I do.  I've been waiting for someone like her all my life.  Someone who 
could love me for who I am - not what I look like or what I do.  Someone who 
could love me as Saihitei, or as Hotohori - not as the Emperor.  And Suzaku no 
Miko - Miaka - could do that."  He fell silent, only barely noticing as Nuriko 
settled himself beside him.  He felt a touch on his arm and looked down to find 
Nuriko's hand resting on his upper arm, "Nuriko?" 
Nuriko shook his head and smiled at him, "I know how you feel, Hotohori-sama...  
Exactly how you feel.  But, have you ever considered that there might be others 
out there who could love you that way, as well?" 
Hotohori let out a short laugh, "Can you think of one?" 
Nuriko was about to reply when a rustle in the bushes had Hotohori on his feet 
and tracking it.  So his reply was nearly inaudible, and said more to himself 
than to the one it was intended for, "Me..." 



Genrou, Kouji, and Miaka crept quietly through the bushes outside of Eiken's 
headquarters - or rather, Genrou and Kouji crept quietly.  Miaka, unfortunately, 
was making enough noise for a whole army.  Genrou muttered under his breath, 
"K'so!  She's gonna get us discovered for sure!  Why the hell did I let her talk 
me into bringing her along?" 
Kouji nodded grimly, "You had no choice Genrou.  We'll just try to make the best 
of it, ne?" 
Seconds later, Genrou held up a hand, "Both of you - stop!  Be quiet, I need to 
listen..." 
Kouji and Miaka knelt down next to where Genrou was crouched and waited for his 
next words.  He cursed quietly, "I heard something.  Damn it!  I know I did..." 
Miaka put a hand on his shoulder and smiled, "It'll be OK, Gen-chan.  I'm sure 
it will."  Noticing that Genrou had pulled several 
pieces of paper out of his coat, she leaned over to look at them, "What are 
those?" 
Genrou grinned ferally, "They create illusions.  Whatever you write on them will 
appear when you say an incantation."  He shrugged, "They've been useful - I got 
'em off a wandering monk a few months ago.  Strange fellow, that one.  But he 
was a pretty decent guy once you got over how fuckin' strange he was."  He 
abruptly stopped talking when he saw Miaka scribbling words down onto the 
papers, "Kisama!"  He grabbed the papers, "These aren't for playing around 
with!" 
While he and Miaka were busy arguing, they failed to notice the two other people 
creeping up behind them.  One jumped on top of Kouji, then other on top of 
Genrou - Miaka managed to scrabble out of the way and hide behind a bush.  
Genrou looked up into the face of his attacker and froze.  He knew that face - 
those eyes, that hair, those lips...  He'd seen them enough times in illusions 
over the past few months to have them memorized.  Apparently, the owner of the 
face felt the same way - from how 
she was staring at him.  Genrou reached up to push Kourin off him, his hand 
brushing up against her... chest???  Nanii??  She has none!  What the fuck?  
Kourin's mouth dropped open and she slapped him, pulling to herself to her feet 
right afterwards. 
Before Genrou could really figure out what was going on, Miaka's voice rang out 
across the area, "Yamete!  Gen-chan, Kouji - these are the seishi!  They're not 
our enemies!  Hotohori, Nuriko - please stop!" 
Hotohori and Kouji broke off their attacks to stare at the girl.  Hotohori ran 
over to Miaka and grabbed her up into a hug, "Miaka!  You're all right!  Thank 
the gods..." 
Miaka patted his back and smiled at him, "Aa...  Gen-chan and Kouji have been 
looking after me - they're really very nice."  As Hotohori reluctantly let go of 
her, she turned to face the other three men, "Genrou, Kouji - this is Hotohori 
and that's Nuriko," she pointed out each of them in turn, "And these are Genrou 
and Kouji," she added for the seishi's benefit.  "I'm helping them to win their 
fight against Eiken - and now that you're here you can help, too!  They said 
that they'd help us find Tasuki when we're finished.  Isn't that wonderful?" 
Genrou watched Nuriko as the other boy watched Miaka - he was so like Lady 
Kourin!  It was just uncanny...  And the look on his face as he watched Hotohori 
and Miaka - it was so sad.  He felt an irrational impulse to take the 
purple-haired seishi into his arms and comfort him - he looked like he needed 
it.  He cleared his throat, "Look - this is all well and good, but it's not 
helping me beat Eiken..." 
Miaka smiled at him, "Then lead the way!" 
He laughed, "Eiken's not gonna know what hit 'im when we get through with 
him..." 



Nuriko watched Genrou's back as they walked.  Genrou knew who he was - he was 
sure of it.  A deep red flush rose to his cheeks, He almost looked happy to see 
me until...  His hand rose of its own accord to his mouth, Oh this is 
terrible...  I didn't want- Oh, I don't know what I want anymore.  And 
Hotohori...  His throat tightened - the Emperor really thought he loved Miaka.  
Even if Tamahome came back, he might not have a chance.  It just wasn't fair.  
And now Genrou...  Nuriko lowered his eyes to the ground, Why is my life so 
damned hard?  It isn't fair... 
Genrou paused at the door to the building, taking a deep breath and turning to 
face them all, "Are you all ready?" 
Nuriko nodded, face still slightly flushed, "Hai.  We're ready." 
Hotohori and Miaka nodded, Hotohori drawing his sword in preparation.  Kouji 
smiled, "Now or never, Genrou." 
Genrou smiled, showing his fangs, "Now."  He shoved open the door and strode 
down the hallway, staring down every other bandit they encountered.  They all 
backed away from the anger and power in his eyes.  Inwardly, Genrou laughed, Oh, 
they'll be sorry they sided with Eiken.  Real sorry.  The hallway widened out 
and Genrou found himself facing Eiken with the Former Leader's tessen held 
possessively at his side.  Kisama...  That's not yours - it never was. 
Eiken sneered at him, "Well, here I am, Genrou."  He brandished the tessen 
threateningly, "Come and get me - if you dare." 
Kouji moved as if to attack and Genrou held up his hand, "No, Kouji.  This is my 
fight.  Just me and Eiken - best man wins."  He pulled out several papers from 
his jacket, getting ready to throw them.  He watched Eiken's eyes, waiting for 
him to make the first move. 
He was therefore startled out of his wits when Miaka ran forwards to try to grab 
the tessen from Eiken's hands.  He was dumbfounded.  He'd never seen anyone make 
such a strategically stupid move before!  Damn!  He lifted his illusion papers 
and yelled, "Genjitsu Shinzarou!" as he threw them at Eiken, expecting several 
wolves to appear.  What he got was several plates of food.  What the- ?  Huh??  
He tried several more times, with the same results.  Eiken was starting to laugh 
hysterically - which fortunately meant his guard was down.  Genrou was about to 
move in to grab Miaka - when a tall, blue-haired man beat him to it.  What in 
the- ?  Who's he? 
When the fight was all over - and he had the tessen - Miaka was kneeling on the 
floor clutching one of the spirit papers and crying.  Genrou read it, slowly - 
Ta-ma-ho-me.  Maybe it was the blue-haired guy.  What's she so upset about, 
though?  He watched as the Kourin look-alike - Nuriko, dropped down next to 
Miaka, wrapping his arms tightly around her and rocking back and forth - like a 
brother might.  Her sobs slowly quieted to a few tired sniffles.  He stepped 
forward, maybe to ask if she 
was all right - but stopped.  He couldn't get any more involved with these 
people.  He had won the fight, fair and square - and was now Leader of the Mt. 
Leikaku bandits.  He had to stay here, he had no choice. 
He looked around for Kouji, wondering where his friend had gotten off to.  
Always wandering off...  I guess he went back home.  He spared one last glance 
at Miaka and Nuriko then sheathed the tessen and headed back to his room - he'd 
earned a good night's sleep after tonight. 



As he'd suspected, Kouji was already there, getting ready for bed.  Genrou 
plopped down onto his own bed and let out a huge sigh.  Kouji glanced over at 
him, unsure what to say to his friend.  He wanted to talk to Genrou about Kourin 
- especially now that they all knew she was a boy, but he didn't know quite how 
to broach the subject.  And he wasn't exactly sure how much Genrou had figured 
out for himself...  He settled on a neutral approach, "You know - Nuriko looks 
an awful lot like Lady 
Kourin..." 
The pillow that Genrou tossed his way hit him in the face, cutting off the rest 
of his words.  Genrou groaned and flopped face down on his bed, "I know!  I 
know!  Damn, I hate women!  They're so fucking cunning!  How do I know it's not 
Kourin in disguise!  Or maybe it's her son for all I know!  Argh!" 
Kouji smiled as he tossed the pillow back, Genrou could be so dense sometimes it 
was amazing... "You're really gone on that woman, aren't you, kid?  Over a year 
and you still miss her?  Man, you've got it bad." 
Genrou growled, "I am not fuckin' 'gone on her', OK?  I just thought she was an 
interesting lady, all right?  You know, the kind you could really talk to." 
Kouji nodded, "Aa.  Aa.  I know what you mean.  But you've treated that mare of 
hers like it's the Empress - and I saw you staring at Nuriko..." 
Genrou threw another pillow at him, "I don't have to put up with this - I'm the 
Leader!  I'm going for a walk."  Announcement made, Genrou got up and left the 
room, trying to ignore Kouji's hearty guffaws as he left.  I do not love Kourin! 
 The mere thought turns my stomach.  I'm gonna go check on her damned horse... 
The sight that met his eyes upon reaching the stables startled him completely.  
Osozaki tolerated him because her mistress had told her to, no one else could 
touch her.  But there was the purple-haired seishi, running his hands all over 
the bay mare - who was doing nothing to stop him.  On the contrary, she was 
leaning into the touch and nuzzling the boy whenever he stopped!  That tears it! 
 Who the hell is this boy?  He walked up to the mare's stall and raised an 
eyebrow at Nuriko, who had 
gone still at his approach.  He nodded once, letting a fang show, "We need to 
talk.  Now." 
The boy gave Osozaki a final pat and Genrou noticed that Nuriko's hand was 
shaking as he locked the stall. He indicated for the seishi to precede him from 
the stall as they walked into the woods in silence.  Finally Nuriko broke the 
silence, "She's just such a beautiful mare, I had to take a closer look!  Where 
did you buy her?  Or did you steal her? Haha.  No, you wouldn't do that..." 
Genrou grabbed the boy and slammed him back into a tree, keeping a tight grip on 
his wrists.  The boy stared up at him in fear - like he'd been caught doing 
something he shouldn't have.  Genrou stared into the chocolate brown eyes in 
front of his and leaned closer.  He wasn't as dense as Kouji sometimes thought 
he was - he could put two and two together just as well as anyone else.  And 
just now, he'd gotten five.  He frowned at Nuriko, "Kourin."  He made it a 
statement, but the boy answered as if it were a question. 
He slumped in Genrou's grip, suddenly limp.  His voice shook, "H-hai, 
Gen-chan...  Gomen nasai..." 
Genrou was startled when a tear slipped from the boy's eye - from Kourin's eye.  
And he never could stand to see women cry - and Kourin - Nuriko - whoever the 
hell he was! - was close enough to a woman to make him uneasy.  He released his 
bruising grip on Nuriko's wrists and pulled the boy to his chest, as he'd 
thought to do earlier.  He lightly rubbed his back and said soothingly, "It's 
OK.  It's OK.  Shit.  I'm not mad.  Stop crying..." 
Nuriko huddled against the bandit's chest, miserable that he'd failed another 
friend with the truth.  I don't want to see him look at me that way...  Like I'm 
some pervert or something...  He pulled away from Genrou and turned his head 
away, "Gomen nasai, Genrou.  I'll go away if that's what you want..." 
Genrou smiled and chuckled a bit, "You know, Kourin - uh, Nuriko - what the hell 
do I call you anyway??" 
Nuriko stared up at him, half-fearful, "Nuriko is fine..." 
Genrou nodded, "Anyway, I've thought about you a lot in the past year.  Maybe 
more than I should have.  And I couldn't help but think that I should have taken 
you with me when I stole Osozaki.  Shit, Nuriko - you didn't belong in a Court - 
especially as a Princess!  So why the hell did you let them lock you away like 
that if you didn't have to?" 
Nuriko dropped his eyes, "G-gomen...  I just..." 
Genrou growled and bared his fangs, "And will you stop fuckin' apologizing for 
every thing you say??  I'm not mad at you!" 
Nuriko avoided the question and neatly changed the subject, "Thank you for 
taking care of Osozaki for me.  She's obviously been well cared for and very 
pampered.  I appreciate it." 
Genrou frowned, "Not a problem.  I promised ya, didn't I?  Hey, what's the 
matter with you?  You look all upset - I told ya I wasn't mad, and I fuckin' 
meant it!" 
Nuriko acted properly shocked, as if he'd just noticed, "Has your language 
always been this - uh, rough?" 
Genrou grabbed Nuriko's face in his hands, unsure what he was going to do once 
he'd done it.  He stared into Nuriko's eyes, searching - he didn't know for 
what.  He slowly became aware of a desire building up in him...  Nuriko's eyes 
were wide, startled - but he wasn't pulling away.  Last year...  I kissed him... 
 He's a guy and I kissed him!  His treacherous thoughts reminded him of how soft 
Nuriko's lips had been and he was filled with a desire to kiss them again...  
But he's a fuckin' guy!  You don't do that with other guys! 
He turned his attention back to Nuriko's face - his lips were slightly parted.  
In shock or anticipation?  Only one way to find out... 



Nuriko's thoughts cut off when Genrou grabbed his face.  He stared up at the 
bandit, a little scared - he knew what Genrou was capable of when he was angry.  
But he'd said he wasn't mad...  His eyes raked over the other boy against his 
will - that tousled red hair that reminded him of the fire that Genrou wielded 
with such skill.  The ice-blue eyes that could bore their way into a person's 
soul.  The cute little fangs that peeked out from under Gen-chan's top lip.  
Those full lips...  Nuriko felt his face start to redden, remembering that one 
time - when Genrou had kissed him... 
He met the other boy's eyes, slowly becoming aware that he wanted Genrou to kiss 
him again.  Oh god, what's wrong with me?  I really am some kind of pervert...  
He watched in shocked fascination as Genrou brought his face closer.  Could he- 
?  No...  Why would he- ?  All the rest of his thoughts took an abrupt flight 
out the window as Genrou's warm lips closed over his.  He went utterly still - 
in shock.  His eyes fluttered shut, as he merely enjoyed the sensation.  One of 
Genrou's hands slipped around to the back of his head, while the other wrapped 
around his waist, pulling him closer.  His heart beat a rapid pace in his chest 
and his only thought was that he didn't want this to end... 



Genrou held the older boy to his body, willing him to respond to his kiss.  He 
didn't.  Maybe I was wrong... Shit!  He watched Nuriko's closed eyes, hoping for 
some indication...  There was none.  He reluctantly released Nuriko's lips - it 
had been nice while it lasted.  He cleared his throat and Nuriko's eyes 
fluttered open.  One of his hands lifted to touch his lips and his eyes were 
filled with - wonder?  Maybe... 
Nuriko lifted that hand to Genrou's face, eyes wide with awe.  Genrou stood 
still while Nuriko ran his hands over his face, just watching him.  Finally he 
whispered, "Why...?" 
Genrou just chuckled and kissed him again.  This time Nuriko responded - a 
little clumsily, but eagerly.  Genrou privately decided that his earlier lack of 
response had been caused by inexperience, not a lack of desire.  Translation: Go 
slowly...  He pulled his head away from Nuriko's and laughed at the older boy's 
small sounds of dismay.  Nuriko frowned up at him and Genrou leaned down to kiss 
his forehead, "There's always tomorrow..." 
Nuriko abruptly pulled away from him - Genrou was once again stunned by his 
inhuman strength, "What's the matter?  What'd I fuckin' say?" 
He noticed that Nuriko was crying again, "There won't be a tomorrow - we have to 
find the rest of the seishi!  There was supposed to be one here, but we couldn't 
find him...  That means we have to leave..." 
Genrou felt his heart contract painfully.  He knew exactly where Tasuki was...  
He absently scratched at his right forearm, where his character was.  I have a 
responsibility to the bandits - I'm their Leader, now.  I can't leave!  Damn it! 
 Shit.  Why me?  He turned his head away from Nuriko and said quietly, "I 
understand..." 
Nuriko walked back to stand in front of Genrou, "Gen-chan.  You've been here for 
a long time - do you know who Tasuki is?" 
Genrou forced himself to meet those hopeful eyes - his heart thumping like 
crazy.  I want to tell him!  I want to go with him!  This is fuckin' stupid!  
But I can't...  The Former Leader entrusted the men to me. I can't betray his 
faith...  He tore his gaze away from Nuriko's, "Gomen nasai, Nuriko.  I can't 
help you." 
Nuriko stepped back, an angry frown on his face, "You mean you won't.  Is that 
it?  Were you just playing with me?  I don't appreciate being toyed with Genrou. 
 You should have just left well enough alone - if you aren't man enough to 
finish what you start."  He turned and stalked away, "And I'll be taking Osozaki 
with me when we leave.  Take care, Genrou." 
Genrou watched him walk away, heart in his throat.  Does being Leader always 
hurt this much?  We might have had a chance for something.  Even though he's a 
guy... he's the best damned woman I ever met!  Shit.  I can't take this anymore. 
 I'm going to bed.  He stormed back to his room and undressed for bed.  That 
night, his dreams were filled with images of an indigo-haired woman with 
chocolate brown eyes. 



Genrou stared at Miaka from over the Former Leader's coffin, feeding her lie 
after lie.  Kouji was watching him in silent horror - 
Genrou had been many things, but never a liar.  Nuriko was doing his best not to 
look in Genrou's direction.  Whenever their eyes met, Nuriko blushed and turned 
his gaze away.  Genrou almost faltered in his story, Damn it!  If this is what 
it means to be Leader - lying to my friends, then I don't want the fuckin' job!, 
but he continued lying. 
One of the other bandits spoke up with some story about a woman who could raise 
the dead - Suzaku no Miko immediately decided to bring her here to raise Tasuki. 
 Genrou and Kouji stared at the man, thinking similar thoughts... Oh, shit.  
Genrou was ready to slam his head against the wall - if the seishi went through 
all that, just to find out that he was Tasuki, they'd never forgive him.  Nuriko 
would never forgive him.  Oh gods, what've I done? 
When they left, Kouji stood with him, watching them go.  Finally Genrou growled 
at him, "All right.  You've obviously got somethin' on your mind - why don't you 
fuckin' say it?" 
Kouji put a hand on his shoulder and shrugged, "You know what I think.  We're 
all glad that you stayed, and I have no intention of letting your secret out, 
but when they find out you lied to them...  They're gonna be awful pissed." 
Genrou slumped, defeated already, "Shit.  I know.  But how can I leave?  The 
Former Leader wanted me to take over from him.  I have responsibilities, 
remember?" 
Kouji patted his shoulder, then squeezed it briefly, "We'll always be here for 
you, kid.  That won't change.  But Suzaku no Miko - she needs you in a way we 
never could.  And Nuriko - even though he's not a woman, it's no mean feat to 
see that he's crazy for you, Gen-chan.  And I think you feel the same about him. 
 They need you.  And if you decide to go, I can watch over the boys until you 
come back." 
Genrou heaved a big sigh, "I'll think about it.  And Kouji..." 
Kouji smiled at him, "Hmm?" 
Genrou gave him a big grin - full of fang, "Arigato." 



The next day, Genrou found himself at the stable with his packs, grumbling about 
baka women who go and mess up the lives of honest men. Kouji was running things 
for him and he had the blessing of all the bandits except Eiken.  That man was 
trouble...  He'd taken the tessen with him - it could be useful and he didn't 
trust Eiken enough to leave it behind.  He shook his head. What the- ?  He 
stopped in his tracks in front of Osozaki's stall.  The mare was still here!  
What the hell?  There was a 
note on the stall door and Genrou leaned closer to read it. 
~Oh dear!  It seems I've forgotten my horse, Gen-chan!  How awful - you'll have 
to bring her to me...  Ja ne!!  -Nuriko~ 
He tore the note off the door and read it a few more times.  Finally, he tore 
the note into little pieces and threw them into the air.  "I HATE WOMEN!!!!!"