A word from the Author:

Chapter 7

Shoryu sat down into Rokuta's seat. The soft cushion squished with dampness, but it really didn't matter because he was also soaked. He poured a cup of tea, drank it, and caught his breath. The recent excitement left his body and the color of his skin flushed- his face in particular.

"You were asking Rokuta about sex?" Shoryu asked, not even flinching at the subject, not even showing the least amount of embarrassment. His face seemed rosy, but Yoko was sure it was because of the cold water from the pond.

Yoko twiddled her fingers around her teacup and watched them move as the embarrassment filled her face. She replied with a subdued tone, "I just don't get its purpose here..."

"Pleasure and pleasure only..." Shoryu responded.

"It's got to be more than that, or why would King Kou have been so against it."

"It's all because of the Kaikyaku from three-hundred and fifty years ago. With the rise of Kaikyaku population, it has been making people paranoid. He thought that if the Kaikyaku or Taika become high-ranking officials, one day they would rule the world and over throw the Gods. As we all know that is impossible. There is no one that can destroy a God."

"Unless you take away the peoples faith in them,” Yoko answered.

Shoryu put the teacup down, "There will always be believers, no matter how few. As for King Kou, I think it was the fear that you would create a stronger kingdom than Kou. If he had put the same energy in his kingdom as the energy he spent trying to destroy Kei, Kou would have been a great kingdom as well."

"Hopefully the next ruler won't be so selfish."

"Hopefully, the next ruler of Kou will be as beautiful as you," Shoryu added.

"King En..." Yoko breathed. "You shouldn't say things you don't mean."

"What's with the formality all of a sudden," Shoryu replied. "You know I never say things I don't mean."

"Stop flirting with Yoko," Rokuta snapped from the doorway. "Go change your clothes, Idiot."

"Yes, Master," Shoryu grumbled. "I swear you act like such a mommy sometimes."

Rokuta flinched at the comment. "Don't act like such a baby and just do it."

Shoryu stood and stretched, resting his hands behind his head. "I think you're just jealous that I spent time with Yoko." Rokuta's left eye twitched again. "Our little Kirin has a crush..." Rokuta's teeth began to grind, "I do not."

"That's all right, Rokuta," Yoko stood up and exhaled. "I prefer you over Shoryu any day." She leaned down and gave the Taiho a peck on the cheek, causing him to melt into his shoes.

"Hey, no fair!" Shoryu gasped. "Where's mine?"

"You don't get one," Yoko replied. "Remember, you had the pleasure of my company."

"We're having a party four nights from tonight...Keiki should be able to grace us with his presence by then, right?" Shoryu asked.

"He should be back by then," Yoko answered.

"We can hope," Shoryu replied. "Hey, Brat..."

"Yeah," Rokuta answered.

"Make sure Yoko makes it back to her room. I'm going to take a bath and prepare for bed."

"No worries," Rokuta replied. "She'll make it to her room safe and sound."

With the door shut tightly behind, Shoryu headed inside and down the hallway to the staircase leading to his room.

The Unkai grew dark as the sky below it, dusk had settled upon the world below. "Lets head inside and I'll walk you back to your room." They went inside walking the same path Shoryu had only moments ago. Rokuta turned around, walking slowly backwards as he faced Yoko. "If you want a bath before bed, I can send a servant to help you?"

"That would be great," Yoko replied.

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Keiki made it to the top of Reimei Mountain just before dusk. At the peak was a small, primitive one-room cabin surrounded by a grove of trees. A stream trickled by which led to the waterfall he saw earlier during the day. Hidden behind the cabin is a blacksmith shop about third the size of the cabin. Smoke rose from the tiny chimney and the sound of metal striking metal could be heard in the distance.

The Kei-Taiho rounded the side of the cabin to see the seemingly middle-aged man hunched over an anvil, hammering a long blade. "What are you working on this night, My Friend?"

The man looked over his shoulder and wiped the sweat away from his forehead, "Oh, It's you, Keiki! This is going to be the new weapon for the Kingdom of Kou. You know once a blade is defiled with the blood of a Kirin, it can't be used any more."

"I have come to ask a favor, Roushin."

"What is it that you need?"

"My Queen's sword has been really active as of late. It’s because the scabbard is cracked. I was wondering if you can fix it?"

"Let's see it." Keiki removed the weapon and scabbard from his side, and handed it to Roushin. Even the old swordsmith could pull the sword from it's sheathe, showing that the scabbard had received maximum damage. "This has seen better days, but I'm sure I can fix it." Roushin pointed toward the house, "You can rest inside if you like while I prepare to fix the crack."

"It's alright; I think I'll watch for a while."

"You can sit on the stool over there," Roushin replied.

Keiki took a place upon the stool and watched the old artisan start preparations to fix the scabbard. Roushin laid the scabbard across a table and walked to a column of shelves in the back of the room. He reached for a canister, some tools, and a long rounded piece of wood. He returned to the table and jammed the piece of wood inside the scabbard. He opened the canister afterward and placed an even layer of gel into the crack.

"This is going to take a day to dry," Roushin said and then washed his hands in a basin. "Let's head inside."

Once inside, Roushin made some dinner: rice and steamed vegetables (because Kirins don't like to eat meat). He gave a bowl to Keiki and sat down in front of the fire along side his guest. "How is Kei doing these days?"

Keiki swallowed the lump of rice and veggies and took a drink of water. "I think Yoko is doing a great job. She's been serious about her commitment to the kingdom."

"Give it about twenty years...Once things are settled and the Kingdoms starts making money, she will build a wonderful place to live."

"Your reassurance is a comfort." Keiki placed the wooden tumbler down at his side. "I will feel better after the scabbard is fixed."

"I understand." Roushin replied. "That sword has caused many problems in the past."

"More problems than you know."

Keiki finished dinner and offered to clean up the mess in the kitchen - more like - what was supposed to be the kitchen. It was an area near the door where a small sink situated itself snug in the corner. A hand pump rested at the edge of the basin and a single cupboard encircled the area below. Keiki washed the few dishes and put them away. When he finished, he retreated to the futon that Roushin prepared, where he took out the book and decided to read. With his anxious heart, he was sure not to sleep anyway. Keiki's eyes skimmed over the pages.

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This perked Keiki's interest. King En, not even Rokuta ever mentioned a word about either the book nor the Kaikyaku couple. They should certainly know since they have been around far before this couple arrived in En. What is the secret behind this book?