Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Reflections	By : vampkitten27 Category: +S to Z > Twelve Kingdoms Views: 9410 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twelve Kingdoms, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
After re-working the story, the plot rather thickens to this pivotal moment in the story. The truth about the book is discovered. How will it effect Keiki�s decisions?
Chapter 8
A few days later...

Suiguu fit the now repaired scabbard; it seemed as good as new. Roushin tried to draw the sword from the scabbard, but it refused to budge. It was working with and controlling the sword again. "Draw the sword, Keiki." Being the Kirin of Kei, he could draw the sword as well as Yoko, but it was still a worthless item to him. Not only could he not use it to kill beasts, if he did manage to kill a beast, he would have to worry about the blood. All he could do was draw it and put it back.

"You need the Gods of Mount Hou to bless the scabbard again. That should complete the ritual. However, I wouldn't worry too much about it. You can have it blessed at any time, the scabbard will hold, but the aura might still escape and influence your Queen."

"I see..." Keiki replied. "I will go to Mount Hou as soon as I can, but I must return to En for the time being."

"Have a safe journey, Keiki." Roushin responded. �Before you leave, I have a favor to ask of you. Before you go to Mount Hou, could you return here within a month and take Kou's celestial weapon with you?"

Keiki nodded, "I owe you for fixing Suiguu's scabbard."

Roushin bowed his head, "Thank you, Keiki. It would take weeks to get to Mount Hou on my own." Being just a mere Sennin did not grant the super speedy travel of a Kirin or Emperor, or the same acknowledgement by the Gods. His life belongs to the gods but in a different servitude. Travel arrangements we not a right earned by normal immortals, even if they are the celestial weapon creator.

Keiki took his belongs out to the yoma and packed up to go. He motioned toward Roushin, "I'll be back in a few weeks." Roushin gave a friendly wave of his hand. "Have a safe journey."

_______________________________________________

Yoko stared into space as if dazed and exhausted. Shoryu and Rokuta walked beside her, showing her around the Prefectual Offices. Rokuta gave Yoko a minor nudge, "It's not that boring."

"Yes it is," Yoko answered. She scribbled down some notes on a piece of parchment and looked toward Shoryu. "Can we break for lunch?"

Shoryu sighed, "I suppose it's passed noon by now."

They had spent most of the morning and afternoon showing Yoko do�s and don�ts - things such as how she should separate government offices and not clump everything into one giant mixing bowl. It was how Shoryu stated it. Rokuta was all official words, while Shoryu seemed to use brief comments, mostly those of a comedic nature to liven the mood. When Shoryu managed to be serious, he spent most of that time explaining that the people always come first. The first thing on that list: to establish free housing and equal land distribution. Drawing people back to Kei is the first objective, but to be successful, population counts and information are needed. The best option is to form a Prefectual Office like the one in En. Afterward, survey the land and divide it equally among those who are willing to use it to benefit the kingdom. Take account of skills and appoint people to a proper position. If they have no skill, put them into an apprenticeship.

Yoko yawned. It felt like one big History, Geography, Politics, and Economics lesson rolled into one. Rokuta and Shoryu reminded her of the teachers at home...what used to be home. They were boring, but nothing that compares to this.

"Yoko..." Jyouyuu informed. "Keiki is on his way and should be back within the next few minutes."

Yoko grumbled, "Why are you giving me such short notice?"

"He just informed me only a few moments ago... You were busy..."

Rokuta asked, �what�s the matter, Yoko?"

"Jyouyuu was just telling me that Keiki will be joining us��

"About time," Shoryu replied. "Let�s head back to the palace and meet him there."

"It's alright", Yoko replied. "He can find me because of Jyouyuu."

Rokuta stretched and placed his hands behind his head, "Let�s go to the Inn at the end of the street. They have the best steamed vegetables."

"I'm in the mood for a mixed meat stew," Shoryu replied.

Rokuta turned a green, "How could you...you know what that stuff does to me."

Shoryu laughed, "Yeah, I know. I just thought you look better green."

Yoko covered her mouth and stifled a laugh. "Makes me wonder what Keiki would do."

Rokuta covered his mouth and took a deep swallow. "I imagine the same. We can't stand blood or eating meat. It's an impure act."

"I see," Yoko replied. "I take it you will be sitting alone unless Keiki finds us."

Rokuta gave a nod, "The Inn knows who I am and will give me a private room away from the guest. I normally wouldn't allow that type of treatment, but I can't stand the smell of meat."

Yoko gave this some thought. This could be one reason why the servants ask that she brush her teeth several times a day. After consuming meat, it�s best to subdue the scent in order to keep the Kirin from getting sick. Maybe she should try a vegetarian diet. It can't be all that bad. "I think I'll try some of those steamed vegetables."

Rokuta nudged Shoryu, "Looks like you will be alone."

Shoryu gave the little Kirin a cocky grin, "I can grab some company at the Inn."

Rokuta gave a little sweat drop and looked toward Yoko, "Let�s hope he doesn't literally grab some one..."

"He wouldn't do such a thing, would he?" Yoko asked.

"Who knows...?� Rokuta replied. "I just don't get what he sees in women."

"Well, you never got a chance to grow up," Yoko replied. "If you did, I'm sure you would realize what it is he likes about girls."

"Oh I know what it is and it distracts him," Rokuta replied.

"If I didn't know better, I swear you were jealous." Yoko stated, hitting a raw nerve. He flinched at that simple remark even shuddered at the thought. "You could take that the wrong way! Yoko!"

"I know," Yoko moved pass him and faced Rokuta with a quick turn. "Maybe I meant for you to take it the wrong way?" His stomach churned, "That's really gross, Yoko." Yoko laughed. "You're over five hundred years old, even if you have the body of a fourteen year old. So... grow up already."

Yoko's words, innocent as they were, rocked him to the core. She was right; he looked fourteen, even if he was over five hundred years old. How could anyone take him seriously if he looks like a child. They don't, simple as that. Shoryu treats him like a kid brother and the people act as if he is a brat. One thing adults used to say still bothered him �Children should be seen and not heard�. Even with his age, he still felt like a child, even when the people change their tune when they figure out he is the Kirin. Nevertheless, it is never a second sooner.

Yoko looked back at Rokuta as they walked out onto the city street. "Rokuta, I hope you didn't let what I said bother you. I was just kidding."

"No...It didn't bother me," Rokuta composedly lied.

"I should apologize," Yoko sadly replied. "Truth is you are the most grown-up Kirin I�ve met. Even Keiki has a childish side."

"It's hard to imagine Keiki being childish," Rokuta laughed.

"Yes, it's true. He whines a lot, and when he doesn�t get his way, he gets grumpy and moody."

"Actual tantrums?" Rokuta asked.

"No...It is in a different way. His child like behavior seems to be refined. He doesn't get down on the floor and kick his feet. He just likes to nag until he gets his way."

"I see," Rokuta replied. "I never thought Keiki would act like that."

A voice asked from behind, "Act like what?" The two turned around, only to meet with an angry cobalt glare. They both grinned and inched toward Shoryu who had started walking toward the Inn. "We were talking about lunch." Yoko changed the subject. "Rokuta says I should try the steamed vegetable stew and egg custard tart." She nudged Rokuta, "Right..."

"Uh right," Rokuta hastily replied. They both smiled at Keiki.

"I heard every word," Keiki affirmed, upper brow still twitching. "Jyouyuu filled me in while laughing."

"Well, you can't deny that it's not true," Yoko replied. "You�re rather temperamental at times." She folded her hands in front of her and twisted her fingers together. She looked ready to bolt down the street but didn�t. �Jyouyuu, You traitor.�

Jyouyuu slipped out of Yoko�s body and moved toward his master, where he dissipated into the ground near Keiki�s feet. �Traitor indeed,� Keiki replied. �Laughing about it��

Yoko whispered to Rokuta, �So serious he�s scary!� Rokuta laughed. �That is Keiki.�

Yoko reached out and took one of Keiki�s hand into both of her own. �Let�s go! I�m starving�� He looked down at the petite cool hands holding onto his much larger right hand. He shivered. A rush of emotion filled his veins, his heart. �

What is this I�m feeling?�

The fluttery feeling left his blood and entered the pit of his stomach. �Her hands are so soft and gentle�� His eyes motioned toward a couple on the street; the man leaned toward his wife and gave her a gentle peck on the lips. When his gaze returned to Yoko, his cheeks were flushed with color.

�I thought I seen him blush?� Yoko questioned. �No way��

_____________________________________________

When they arrived at the Inn, the Owner quickly ushered Rokuta to a room in the back. Yoko and Keiki followed with Shoryu not too far behind. Before the waitress serviced them, talk turned to banter about Suiguu.

�Where is the sword?� Yoko was quick to question.

�It�s at the palace. One of Shoryu�s servants showed me the way to your room and I left it on your bed.�

Yoko carefully poured some tea and passed the cup to Keiki who gratefully accepted it. �I take it there were no problems?�

�No, the scabbard was easily corrected and returned to its previous condition.� Keiki replied. �But�I do have to take it to Mount Hou for a blessing.�

�I�m surprised you didn�t do it right away.�

�There wasn�t time,� Keiki replied. �Besides, I promised Roushin that I would return and take Kou�s weapon with me.�

�Kou�s weapon is prepared?� Shoryu asked. Keiki nodded. �Yes. I saw it myself.�

Rokuta reached for the teapot, �That means the new Kirin will be born soon.�

Shoryu added, �Yeah, we should go visit it after its born-give it a welcoming into the world.�

�Wonder what it will be�a boy or a girl?� Yoko asked.

Keiki put his cup down, �A girl�Kou�s Kirin has always been female.�

�Yep, it�s true�� Rokuta replied. �Maybe this one will be a boy�you never know. Who really cares, as long as he or she picks a better ruler than the last.�

�Agreed,� Shoryu replied. �We don�t need another greedy emperor on Kou�s throne.�

The waitress brought in the meal, the same one as always but times four. Even Shoryu settled. He poured Yoko some tea and handed the cup to here. Yoko accepted the cup from Shoryu, when the fine porcelain passed between their hands, their fingers lightly brushed another, sending a shrill of delight down Yoko�s spine. As Shoryu passed the cup to Yoko, she almost dropped the shiny white eggshell glass. A few droplets of water scalded her finger, but she managed to get it under control. She reclaimed the thin porcelain cup and placed it onto a saucer. �Are you burned?� Shoryu asked.

�Just a little�� Yoko replied.

Shoryu took out a small container maybe the size of a compact makeup jar. He took some of the waxy cream out and placed it on the pink areas of her finger, and as soon as it encountered her skin, it immediately felt better. �Thank you, Shoryu.�

Yoko looked toward Keiki and there was something about his gaze, the way he looked at he almost seemed hurt. Was he angry? She had never seen that look on his face before. He stared at her, wondering what exactly happened while he was away. It couldn�t have been much, Jyouyuu seen to that. Whatever it was, it wasn�t good. Shoryu and Yoko seemed closer, or maybe it was just his imagination playing tricks on his mind.

________________________________________________

Keiki�s guestroom was next to Rokuta, but down the opposite end of the hall from Yoko. Keiki stared at the book for a moment, picked it up and wandered out into the hall. It was time, time for this mystery to end. He stood outside Rokuta's door and prepared to knock. Two raps later and Rokuta stood at the entrance.

He quickly whispered, "Rokuta...I need to ask you something about a book I found."

Rokuta stepped to one side, "Sure, what is it?"

Keiki brought the book out of hiding from the envelope of his arms; and when Rokuta saw the title; his eyes went blank with fear. "I thought every last copy been burned."

"Why?" Keiki asked.

"You have read the whole thing right?" Rokuta questioned.

Keiki explained, "Not yet, I'm only half way through. Do you know the story?"

"Know it...you could say that since I saw it happen." Rokuta moved to one side. "Come in and I'll tell you."

Keiki sat down in a chair near the desk, while Rokuta stood, his head held low. He was not for sure how to tell Keiki about this, and if he did, there were dire consequences to pay. It was blasphemy; the Gods would probably punish him. It was too late; Keiki had the book, read half of it. It wouldn't take too much to figure it out. What could he do about it now? Rip the book out of his hands and toss it on the fire. No, it was too late to hide the truth. Rokuta thought for a moment. He had two options: tell the truth or permit Keiki to discover that truth by finishing the book. It was better just to tell his brother the truth.

"That book...it's not about a samurai...but... a short-lived Emperor of Tai."

When he arrived in En, it was clear that he understood the language, but refused to speak it. He was afraid of us, of this place. I couldn't blame him; I was that way when I first arrived. So was Taiki (Kaname). Emperor Tai came into one of the Prefectual Office, stirring up quite a commotion. The secretaries had no idea what to do, so they called upon me to see him. After he calmed down, he spoke this worlds language and I was immediately amazed. He was the first Taika I'd seen since Shoryu.

He was frantically looking for his wife. On the other side of town, Shoryu ran across another situation. There was an ill woman at an Inn. The maids who worked there told him about it; and out of curiosity, he decided to check it out.

Rokuta shamefully looked away from Keiki, "It was the Tai-Rin and she was in pain due to childbirth."

Keiki's mouth dropped open. "How could such a thing remain quiet for so long?"

Rokuta shrugged, "Everyone who saw it happen mysteriously died, except Shoryu and I...only because we promised on our lives never to speak a word. As for Tai-Rin, she died after the baby was born. You know how we are when it comes to blood... On sheer will power alone, the Tai Emperor lived for a year after Tai-Rin's death. During that year, he met up with other Kaikyaku, who helped him establish that book in the Kaikyaku language. Meantime, the Gods took the child to Mount Hou, where she lives as a Sennin maiden, oblivious to her true nature. No one knows which shrine maid she is and it is impossible to figure out. Only if the roles had been reversed, it wouldn't have been such a tragedy."

Keiki remembered something he heard once and whispered a reply, "You cannot help who you love..."

"What was that?" Rokuta asked.

"Nothing," Keiki sadly replied and left the room as quick as he had entered.

He stood outside his bedroom door for only a moment, thinking about the rest of the story. His deepest dread was true. He thought that this would be the outcome. When Rokuta confirmed it, his dreams of being with Yoko were to remain just dreams. When Satoshi wrote about Miyu, it was obvious she was a black Kirin. Japanese people don't have blue eyes or fair skin. He described her as being a goddess. Of course, it was true she was the Tai-Kirin and he the Emperor, but it was too late for them to realize it. By the time they learned, she was dead and he was dying.

Keiki could understand why the Emperor wrote this book. He wanted it known everything been taken from him and his true love. In his eyes, Tai-Rin was a woman, no matter if she was a Kirin. After finding out the truth, he must have been devastated and wanted to take revenge on the Gods. Alternatively, maybe, long as his story stays alive, he and Tai-Rin stay alive. Maybe it was just a warning to those of who are Taika and brought back to this world.

Keiki shook his head, 'Selfish...it's selfish...he didn't need to do this. The gods gave him one gift, the life of a child who is given an eternity. Why shake the beliefs of so many people?' In the end, he found his own beliefs shaken to the core. He hit the door open and slammed it, thinking how unfair it is that he must lose all interest in Yoko, especially now when he finally figured everything out. He must never want her, or desire her, no matter how much he loves her. Sharing life with her as Servant and Master will just have to be enough...

"I don't want Yoko to end up like this...I don't want to make a mistake...I won't have it..." He tossed the book into the hearth and watched the flames devour the pages.
- 7
- 8
- 9
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Reflections