
Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/10987218.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M, Gen, M/M, Multi
  Fandom:
      Fushigi_Yuugi, Yoroiden_Samurai_Troopers_|_Ronin_Warriors
  Relationship:
      Yuuki_Miaka/Sanada_Ryo/Tamahome, Hotohori/Mouri_Shin, Date_Seiji/Nuriko,
      Rei_Faun_Shuu/Hongo_Yui, Rajura/Nakago, Soi/Shuten, Sanada_Ryou/Rei_Faun
      Shuu/Date_Seiji/Hashiba_Touma/Mouri_Shin
  Character:
      Yuuki_Miaka, Tamahome, Tasuki, Nakago, Amiboshi, Ashitare, Kajiwara
      Tetsuya, Sukunami_Taka, Subaru_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Tamahome's_Father, Sou
      Gyokuran, Okuda_Takiko, Tama_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Shouka_(Fushigi_Yuugi),
      Suzaku_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Taiitsukun, Sanada_Ryou_|_Ryo_Sanada, Date_Seiji
      |_Sage_Date, Tokaki, Hashiba_Touma_|_Rowen_Hashiba, Rajura_|_Dais, Anubis
      |_Cale, Shutendouji_|_Anubis, Naaza_|_Sekhmet, Yagyu_Nasuti_|_Mia_Koji,
      Yamano_Jun_|_Yulie, Byakuen_|_White_Blaze, Arago_|_Talpa, Suboshi,
      Miboshi, Chichiri, Chiriko, Sou_Chuei, Mouri_Shin_|_Cye_Mouri, Seiryuu,
      Yuuki_Keisuke, Sou_Yuiren, Sou_Shunkei, Tan_Chamka_|_Tomite, Tomo_
      (Fushigi_Yuugi), Kouji_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Houki_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Soi_
      (Fushigi_Yuugi), Hongou_Yui, Kokuen-oh, Saranbo, Kayura_|_Lady_Kayura,
      Nyan_Nyan
  Additional Tags:
      Crossovers_&_Fandom_Fusions, Alternate_Universe_-_Fusion, Het_and_Slash,
      Yaoi, Fivesome_-_M/M/M/M/M, Language, Sappy, Fluff_and_Angst, Attempted
      Rape/Non-Con, Suicide_Attempt, Dark
  Series:
      Part 1 of Destined
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-05-24 Updated: 2017-06-12 Chapters: 13/? Words: 47955
****** Balancing Hearts ******
by Deathangelgw, Sarit
Summary
     When the five Troopers met Yuuki Miaka and Hongo Yui, none of them
     knew just how much all of their worlds would change. After they
     defeat Arago, they get pulled into a special book. Will they be able
     to return without a high cost?
***** Chapter 1 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 1/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: So, a long while back, we wrote what we called affectionately our 'Epic
fic of Epicness' which is a crossover fusion of Fushigi Yuugi, Yoroiden Samurai
Troopers, and Gundam Wing. No, we didn't add in Sailor Moon. Deathangelgw
woulda gotten shot by Sarit! XD But we kinda burnt out on it, but loved the
fusion, so we thought we'd try again. Here it is. Completely separate from our
other collab, we hope you enjoy it! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
It was a warm sunny day, but Miaka didn't even seem to notice. She'd just left
the others in the living room and headed to her boyfriend's bedroom. Yui had
come over as well, chatting with Shu, Touma, Shin, and Seiji while she went to
check up on Ryo. Opening the door, she slipped inside and shut the door behind
her quietly.
 
Byakuen looked up, then let his head fall down again with a thump as he watched
her. He glanced over at the deeply asleep Ryo, growling slightly in distress.
Miaka smiled softly at the tiger, patting him on the head reassuringly. She
wasn't afraid of him, strangely. She didn't know why, since she didn't know
many people that kept a pet tiger around. She sat on the edge of the bed and
took one of Ryo's hands in hers, just watching him sleep.
 
A bit later, the rough tan fingers curled slightly around hers as his eyes
fluttered open. Ryo blinked slowly and turned his head, smiling as he saw his
girlfriend. "Hey," he tried to say, but grimaced at his dry throat.
 
"Hey. How are you feeling?" Miaka asked softly, brushing his black hair from
his face.
 
Grimacing as he licked his chapped lips, Ryo rasped out, "Tired," before making
another face. Byakuen chuffed in amusement as he gave a large tiger grin.
 
"Tired. He wakes up from who knows how long a nap and he's tired," Miaka rolled
her eyes, but then winked at him and Byakuen. She helped Ryo to sit up before
offering him a glass of water. Taking the glass shakily, Ryo smiled slightly at
her as he tried to drink. "Slowly, you're still weak," Miaka cautioned, helping
him as much as she could.
 
His eyes glittered with a 'Duh you think?!' look as he finally got to drink. He
sighed in relief as the cold water raced down his throat and he relaxed against
his pillows as he handed her his glass again. "How are you?" he whispered.
 
"Fine. Worried sick, but fine," Miaka said loftily, then took one of the
pillows and thwapped him on the arm with it. "BAKA!! Worry me half to DEATH!!"
 
Grinning as he leaned away, Ryo put his hand up defensively. "Hey! You knew the
risks!" he protested.
 
She growled, still glaring at him. "Hai, I did, but I didn't expect my
boyfriend to be a complete baka and actually give up! Grrrr. I swear, if you do
it again, I'm going to get my own armor and kick your ASS!"
 
Laughing slightly before coughing, Ryo shook his head. He grabbed her hand and
used what was returned of his strength and pulled her to him to kiss her
deeply. "Arigato, Miaka..." he purred against her lips.
 
She smiled and leaned into him, returning the kiss. "Douitashimashite. Now rest
beloved. You need to regain your strength."
 
"Stay? Just...just for a bit. I-I missed you..." Ryo whispered as he cupped her
cheek.
 
"Hai, I'll stay." Miaka smiled and scooted onto the bed. There was just enough
room that she wouldn't fall, or hurt him. Wrapping his arm around her, Ryo
turned to his side and snuggled close, falling asleep almost immediately with a
small smile on his lips. Byakuen huffed and purred as he went back to sleep,
content. Miaka smiled at the two. She gave a little yawn, and then wrapped her
arms around Ryo and joined the two in a peaceful sleep.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Seiji tilted his head as he felt Ryo return to sleep, smiling softly. Shin
caught the look and grinned. "Leave it to Miaka-chan to put him to sleep
again," he commented teasingly, snickering as Touma continued to tease Yui on
subjects from school.
 
"Well of course she can," Yui replied with a roll of her eyes. She gave a sigh
then smacked Touma with a pillow. "Will you stop it?!"
 
"Iie! Not till you admit it!" Touma protested with a grin as he tickled her.
Shu snorted as he mowed on some more hamburgers as Nasuti cooked them up.
 
"I'll never admit it!" Yui retorted, retaliating and tickling him right back.
 
Laughing as he grabbed her and pinned her, he purred softly, "Yui-chan, you
can't beat me and you know it..." The three other young men rolled their eyes.
Touma was always trying to get the girls to join in their other 'fun'.
 
Yui rolled her eyes and arched an eyebrow up at Touma. "You have two seconds to
get off before you become more girl then boy."
 
"You are no fun, Yui-chan..." Touma pouted as he sat them both up before
ruffling her hair and dashing off. He was in very good spirits that day.
 
Seiji cocked an eyebrow and sighed. "He is going to be impossible to deal with
later..." he muttered before sipping his tea.
 
"You can't blame me." Yui smirked, sticking out her tongue at him.
 
"Hai, we can. He only gets that when you are around. Genuis similarities and
all," Shu muttered through a semi-mouthful of food, causing snickers from Shin
and a glare of disgust from Seiji.
 
Yui rolled his eyes, and then smirked and winked. "Hai, but I'm much smarter
than he is."
 
"I'd like to see that happen..." Shin replied with a smirk as he handed her
some tea.
 
"Oh you will when finals come around." Yui stuck out her tongue at him before
accepting the cup of tea.
 
"All you do is talk," Shu growled out before swallowing and adding. "I think
you two will be tied."
 
"Tied in what?" Touma asked as he sauntered back in, smirking as he caught
Shin's eyes looking him up and down slowly in appreciation. He had changed into
his tight blue jeans and black t-shirt.
 
"Tied? Please! Everyone knows girls are smarter than boys," Yui said with a
wink and smirk at Touma.
 
"Not in this room!" Touma shot back with a cheeky grin.
 
"You know, I can't wait to go back to school," Shin commented with a smile as
he stretched back.
 
"Oh? Why?" Yui asked absently, sipping her tea.
 
"Just being back to what we call normal, I guess," Shin replied with a shrug
and a smile. Yui and Miaka were the only ones who knew about them and their
duty. They had even helped Nasuti and Jun.
 
Yui nodded, nursing her cup of tea. "I can understand that. Maybe now that it's
all over you guys can actually take a rest."
 
"That'd be nice..." Shu sighed as he relaxed, sinking in his chair. "Those
bakayaro youkai. I hope they rot..." he growled out half heartedly.
 
"Considering they live in hell, they probably will," Yui teased him, drinking
the last of her tea and setting the cup on the table.
 
Sticking his tongue out at her, Shu huffed and rolled his eyes. Seiji placed
his cup down and sighed. "We should at least get our books and uniforms. Yui-
san, are they still at your house?" he asked softly as he gazed at her.
 
"Hai, they are. All packed away safely in one of my trunks in my closet," Yui
said with a wink. "You boys should come over and try them on and make sure they
still fit."
 
"Cuz we've bulked up!" Shu stated as he puffed up his chest, earning laughs or
eye rolls from his best friends.
 
Yui arched an eyebrow upwards with a smirk. "Oh really? So should I sell
tickets to the floor show you boys will give then?"
 
"Of course! We can make money while we're testing!" Shu scoffed, earning snorts
and laughter again.
 
"You? I was thinking of me," Yui smiled innocently. They all laughed at that
and went back to their tea, chatting amiably.
 
*~~**~~*
 
"It's a good thing okaasan and otousan are gone on a holiday," Yui said as she
unlocked the door to her home.
 
"Yea. Imagine explaining how four hot hunks are coming into your house with you
and Miaka-chan," Shu commented with a leer as he patted her butt.
 
"Oh? Where are they? I don't see any," Yui said, smacking Shu's hand before it
could connect.
 
Miaka snickered. "It's a good thing you didn't include Ryo in that, Shu-chan."
 
"He's the best of us!" Shu protested as he nursed his 'injured' hand. "Mou Yui-
chan! Must you be so mean?" he whined.
 
Shin snorted as Touma smacked Shu upside the head. "Perhaps if you treated her
like a woman instead of a sex toy, you wouldn't get smacked," Seiji commented
with a smirk.
 
"Listen to him, you might learn something," Yui sniffed indignantly, opening
the door for them. Once everyone was inside, she closed the door.
 
"Eh, he's just a fuddy duddy. Too fixated on his-itai!" Shu rubbed his head as
a twitching Seiji smacked him while the other two laughed. Yui smirked
impishly, heading for her bedroom. She opened the door and went straight to one
of the trunks near the far wall. She knelt down and started pulling out school
books and uniforms. "Aw man! I didn't know we had to wear these ugly things!"
Shu protested as he made a face while holding up a shirt. He glanced over,
making a face again as the other guys had started stripping to try on their
uniforms.
 
"They aren't that bad," Yui said, watching with slightly wide eyes. She shook
her head and got up to sort through the books, keeping her eyes on what she was
doing.
 
"Yea says you. You get to umph, wear a skirt..." Shu grumbled as he took off
his t-shirt and pulled on the good shirt. He laughed as Shin hopped around as
he pulled up his pants.
 
"So? That means what exactly?" Miaka asked, her hands on her hips. She didn't
even comment on her friend. If it wasn't for the fact that she had feelings for
Ryo, she'd be near drooling herself.
 
"It's easier to wear skirts!" Shu finally finished as he put on his jacket.
They all looked at themselves, checking the fit.
 
"Not bad. Looks like they did that better this year," Touma commented as he
flexed.
 
"Oh really? And how would you know that, Shu-chan?" Yui asked with a smirk,
finally looking up now that it was safe for her sanity.
 
"Cuz the other ones were a lot tighter," Shu replied smugly, then frowned as he
saw a tear in his shoulder. "Aw man!"
 
"Good one, baka!" Shin commented with a laugh.
 
"Oi, well you're going to have to wear it like that till end of school
tomorrow, baka!" Yui growled, her hands on her hips while she glared at Shu.
 
"Mou. I need to sew this up..." Shu pouted before returning Yui's glare. "Why
are you glaring at me?" he demanded, sticking his tongue out.
 
"Because I feel like it. Oh fine, you big baby. Take it off and give it to me."
Yui sighed, holding her hand out.
 
Eyes shining, Shu crowed. "Arigato, Yui-chan!" he cried as he took off his
jacket, albeit carefully so as not to rip it anymore, then handed it to her.
 
"You baby him, Yui-chan," Touma commented fondly.
 
"I do not," Yui huffed, sticking her tongue out at Touma. She pulled out her
sewing kit and set the items she'd need around her. Shu stuck his tongue out at
Touma as well as they set about getting changed. Yui sewed up the rip in the
shirt expertly, her eyes never leaving the material. Miaka smiled at her friend
and shook her head, sitting down on the bean bag in the middle of the room.
Picking up some of the books, the guys commented on their classes they were
taking, Shin teasing them about being underclassmen. "There, all done," Yui
said, handing Shu back the jacket. "Make sure you don't tear it this time."
 
"Hai hai," Shu grumbled good naturedly as he smiled at her thankfully before
folding it.
 
"Should we head over to the school to see on our schedules?" Seiji asked as he
stretched.
 
"Nah. There should be some envelopes in the chest," Yui said, sitting back. She
winked at Miaka.
 
Miaka snickered and winked back. "Well, get dressed guys! We have school!"
 
"Not till tomorrow!" Shu protested, whining as the others laughed or groaned.
 
"Nope, today!" Miaka crowed, bouncing up and down with glee at the look on his
face.
 
"That's right! It's orientation," Yui grinned with a mischievous smile.
 
"Mouuuuuuuuuu!" The Troopers fell over, groaning at the injustice. They had
just saved the day three days before! Miaka and Yui smirked in triumph. They
loved springing things on them like this.
 
"Why does Ryo get out of this?" Shu grumbled as they got up to get going.
 
"Cuz he's out like a light and couldn't stand up long enough to listen to his
name being called, much less his schedule?" Shin commented as they started out.
 
"Well that's not fair! Why can't we skip?!" Shu demanded as he stomped his
foot.
 
"Because we are responsible. Now knock it off, Shu," Seiji commented quietly as
they waited for Yui to lock up things.
 
"That's right. And it won't hurt you any," Yui said with a smirk, locking
things up. She nodded to Miaka, who stood up and led the way out of the house.
 
"So, can we get something to eat on the way?!" Miaka asked.
 
"Hai! Can we get something to eat?!" Shu chimed in as he held his grumbling
stomach, earning laughs or groans from his best friends. Yui shook her head,
though she grinned. It was nice to have their friends back again. They stopped
at their favorite cafe before heading towards the school for orientation. They
met up with some more of Yui and Miaka's friends as they went in.
 
"Mou...I'm still hungry," Miaka whined, causing Yui to snicker.
 
"Honestly, Miaka! You had nearly twice what Pig Boy had!" She winked at Shu,
letting him know she was teasing.
 
"Oi, I resemble that!" Shu growled back with a grin before scarfing a burger
down. He swallowed the last of his soda and tossed it into the garbage as they
walked towards their school.
 
The four young men stopped, staring up at the school with soft smiles. "Time to
be normal," Shin whispered softly, happily as they nodded.
 
"Hai." Miaka smiled at them. She took Shin's arm and led him inside. Yui shook
her head and winked at the others before following her best friend into school.
The others grinned and followed the girls inside, looking around. The
orientation went quick and they headed out, talking excitedly about what will
be going on this year.
 
Yui shook her head at her friend, who was still red in embarrassement. "I can't
believe you hit the sensei with your desk!"
 
"Gomen! It was a dream!" Miaka protested.
 
"Musta been some dream to hit sensei with that desk..." Seiji commented as the
others snickered in amusement.
 
"He was taking my food away!" Miaka whined, and then blushed crimson.
 
Yui snickered, shaking her head. "Only you...well you guys want to come with
me? I have to go to the library to return a book."
 
"Sounds good. I need new material anyways," Touma commented as he fingered his
own books.
 
"Our own nerd of the boys," Shu teased his friend, laughing as he was swatted.
 
Yui sniffed, rolling her eyes. "I'm not a nerd!"
 
"Yes you are!" Shu teased Yui as he ruffled her hair, earning some more laughs
from the others as they went inside. The four stopped suddenly, looking up at
the building as they felt some kind of disturbance.
 
"Mou...it's so big," Miaka said in awe, staring up at it. "And impressive! It's
so...well...National!"
 
Yui snickered, shaking her head as she led the way inside. "It is the National
Library, Miaka. I'll be right back."
 
"Matte, Yui-chan," Touma said quietly, breaking them out of their thoughts
before following her inside. They had felt something deeply disturbing that
they couldn't describe. Hopefully it wasn't something they couldn't handle...
 
"Oi, you guys worry too much," Miaka said with a wave of her hand. She looked
around her, sighing. She was hungry. Maybe they had a juice machine around
somewhere.
 
"Yea whatever..." Shu muttered as they went inside, his eyes worriedly on Yui
as the two geniuses left their view. Shin and Seiji looked around steadily,
intently searching for whatever had set off their senses.
 
"Oooo...look! A juice machine!" Miaka giggled, heading down a little corridor
where some vending machines could be seen. She dug into her pocket and pulled
out a coin.
 
"Oi, Miaka-chan! Be careful!" Shu called down distractedly as they looked up
the hallway. Suddenly, a light trilling surrounded them followed by a strange
red bird floating by. They watched in shock as it went by them, then up the
stairs.
 
"Nani? Ooooh..." Miaka dropped the coin. She watched the bird fly by and head
up the stairs. Strangely, she wasn't afraid of it.
 
"Oi! What are you guys doing here?" Yui asked, poking her head in the hallway.
 
"What's wrong with-oi!" Touma cried as the three other Troopers raced up the
stairs, eyes intent as they followed where the bird had gone. Miaka headed up
the stairs, almost a dazed look on her face. Yui frowned, looking over at Touma
before shrugging and going after them. Touma followed as well, understanding
what his friends/lovers sent him through their link. They came to the room
where the bird had gone and snuck in, looking around intently.
 
"Miaka?" Yui asked, poking her head in the room that Miaka and the others had
gone into.
 
"Eh?!" Miaka turned and gave a relieved sigh. It was only Yui and Touma. This
place had started to creep her out.
 
"What are you guys doing in here? You'll get in trouble," Yui said, though she
did come into the room herself.
 
"There's a presence here..." Seiji murmured as he and the other three looked
around warily, searching the aisles slowly.
 
"What kind of presence?" Yui asked in curiosity. Miaka walked along the wall of
books, running her fingers along the spine of some books. She jumped, giving a
surprised sound. One of the books had fallen out of the shelf and landed on the
floor. It was an old book, red with white binding.
 
Hearing the sound, the four ran over, then breathed a sigh of relief. Shu
looked over at Yui, his face filled with concern. "Something...different. Not
evil, but still...not of this world," he murmured.
 
"Oh?" Yui frowned, walking over to the book. She knelt on the floor, Miaka
coming to sit next to her. "Shin Jin Ten Chi Sho...the Universe of the Four
Gods?"
 
"What is it?" Miaka asked, watching as her friend opened the cover.
 
"It says it's an ancient Chinese novel," Yui said, looking over the ancient
Chinese writing.
 
"Ancient novel, huh? Ne, Touma, what can you make of it?" Shu called out, then
blinked as he looked at it. "M-Matte. I recognize the writing..." he whispered
softly, shocking his friends.
 
"What does it say?" Miaka asked, turning to look at Touma.
 
Yui frowned, tracing a finger along the text. "This is the story of a young
girl who single-handedly gathered the Seven Seishi of Suzaku and gained the
power to make all her dreams come true. The story itself is an incantation and
whomever reads it gains the main character's power to have their wishes
granted. This is because, once they turn the first page, the story will become
real and begin." Yui frowned and looked at her friend. Miaka shrugged. She
didn't know what any of that meant either. All of a sudden, a bright red light
came from the pages of the book and surrounded the two girls. They both cried
out, but to no avail.
 
The book fell to the ground, both girls gone.
 
"What does that me-Nani?!" Shin cried out along with the other three as a red
light flared up, surrounding the two young women.
 
"Yui-chan! Miaka-chan!!" Touma shouted as they ran to the book and he picked it
up, shaking it frantically. "Yui-chan!! Miaka-chan!!"
 
"What the hell just happened?!" Shu demanded, shaking with shock.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 2 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 2/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: Let the evil commence! Bwahaha! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
The two girls lay on the ground of a desert wasteland. Miaka groaned before
opening her eyes and looking around. Where were they?
 
Yui woke at the same time and the two friends wondered where they were and how
they'd gotten there. Miaka sniffed and then started to cry. "Waaaaah!! There's
no food here! No cheeseburgers, no noodle houses!"
 
"Oi! Is that all you think about?" Yui rolled her eyes and then yelped when she
was grabbed from behind.
 
Bawdy laughter was heard as several smelly hairy men surrounded them,
brandishing broad scimitars. "Well well well. Looks like we have some fine
specimens here.." the head hairy man commented gruffly as he smirked.
 
"Hey ugly! Let go of my friend!" Miaka growled while rolling up her sleeves and
glaring at them while Yui struggled to get free.
 
"Or you'll do what?" one of the others demanded with a grin as they flashed
their scimitars.
 
"Or I'll do...THIS!" Miaka pulled up her arms and took a defensive stance. She
then gave a cry and rammed into one of the guys with her head. With a cry, the
guy released Yui and stumbled backwards. Snarling, the others charged at her,
enraged. "Ah!" Miaka cried out, shielding her eyes.
 
"Stop it," a new voiced sounded. A tall man with teal hair stood behind one of
the men, holding the bandit’s hand to keep his sword from dropping down on
Miaka.
 
"Nani?! Let go!"the man snarled as he struggled to break free. The other men
turned their focus onto the stranger as they glared at him menacingly. The
newcomer wasn't impressed. He proceeded to teach these men a lesson on not to
go after young girls. It wasn't pretty, at least for them men. Yui and Miaka
held onto each other, watching in awe. The newcomer was quite handsome, but
that wasn't what they noticed. A red symbol appeared on his forehead while he
fought, the Chinese symbol for ‘ogre’. Squealing like pigs, the slavers
scampered off, cursing the man as they disappeared.
 
"Well, now that's taken care of..." The young man dusted his hands off and
walked up to the two girls, kneeling in front of them. "You two, are you all
right?"
 
"Thank you so much!" Yui gushed, both girls looking at him with admiration.
He'd saved their lives!
 
The young man held his hand out to them with a shrug. "If you're thankful, you
should give me some money."
 
"Nani?!"
 
The boy sighed. "I take it you don't have any. Figures I'd end up saving poor
people. Sheesh!" He got up and waved at them. "I hate poor people!"
 
"Grrr...ingrate! How can you ask women for money after saving them?!" Yui
growled, not even noticing that Miaka wasn't with her. She looked down, her
eyes wide. There was a large red circle at her feet. Before she knew it, she
had disappeared, returned to the library.
 
"Yui-chan!"
 
"Yui!"
 
"Yui-san, daijoubu!?"
 
"Yui-chan, speak to me!"
 
Strong arms enfolded Yui as the four young men gathered round, eyes wide with
shock at her reappearance. Groaning, Yui opened her eyes and looked around. She
gasped, holding onto them with wide eyes. "Miaka! Where is she?!"
 
"Miaka?!" They all looked at each other in realization and looked at the book.
 
"She never came out..." Shin whispered in horror, shaken.
 
"Oh man, Ryo is going to kill us!" Shu groaned as he hugged Yui to him tightly,
still trembling from the fright they'd had.
 
Yui sniffed, unconsciously snuggling against Shu for support. "She was with me
when we were attacked! Then this guy showed up. He was cute, but what a moron!
He wanted us to pay him! Then I remember seeing a red light and I was here
again!"
 
"We...we read that in the book. We saw it happening!" Shu whispered, shaken as
the others listened in shock.
 
"Nani?" Yui gasped, looking over at the book in awe. Picking up the book, Touma
sat down next to them and they began to follow just what was going on in the
book.
 
Their confusion grew as the story progressed. Was the girl inside really Miaka?
But they couldn't question for long. Suddenly, they all stiffened at once,
shuddering. "Oh no...not now!" Seiji murmured.
 
"What? What's wrong?" Yui asked, alarmed. She held the book in her hands,
trembling as they'd read.
 
"A youkai has entered the Ningenkai! Kuso!" Shu slammed his fist in the floor
before hugging Yui. "We have to go before they find Ryo," he whispered in
apology as the others nodded.
 
Yui nodded wordlessly. "Go, all of you. You have to keep him safe. I'll stay
here and see if I can't do something to get Miaka out."
 
"Arigato, Yui-chan..." Touma murmured as they smiled in thanks before heading
out.
 
But Shu stopped just before he left, turning to her. "Yui..." He stopped,
biting his lip.
 
She smiled at him and went over to him. Standing on tip toes, she kissed him on
the lips softly. "Go Shu. Protect Ryo and then come back and help me, onegai?"
 
Gazing at her steadily, Shu suddenly leaned in and pressed his lips to hers
gently, yet firmly, hugging her close. "We'll come back...don't give up, ok?"
he whispered against her lips.
 
"I won't," she whispered, her eyes closed. She touched his cheek tenderly and
smiled. "And when you come back, Miaka will be back! I'm sure of it!"
 
"Hai. And when we come back...you and I are talking..." Shu whispered as he
cupped her cheek gently.
 
"Shu! Hayaku!" Touma called out, somewhat angrily.
 
"Kuso..." Shu sighed before kissing Yui again, smiling as he cupped her cheek
before dashing off.
 
"Hai, and maybe more than talk," Yui whispered, watching them dash off. She
sighed and sank back down the floor and picked up the book to start reading
again. There had to be a way to get Miaka out of the book.
 
*~~**~~*
 
The Troopers went into battle distractedly, nearly failing in their charge to
protect Ryo as he called on Kikoutei. But they didn't tell him just why they
had been so distracted after finally defeating Saranbo. And unfortunately in
their weakened state, they weren't able to return to Yui's side.
 
A knock sounded on the door of the Troopers home and a bouncy voice filled the
house. "Ryo? Shu? Touma? Guys? Are you here?"
 
Five heads raised up from the back of the couch as Nasuti went over and let
Miaka in. "Miaka-san!" Nasuti said in surprising, causing a rush of young men
to come out and suddenly glomp her.
 
"Miaka-chan, you're ok!"
 
"How'd you get out of that book?!"
 
"Where's Yui?!"
 
"When did you get out?!"
 
"What is going on?!"
 
The voices stopped at Ryo's snapped, yet bewildered question and the four other
Troopers turned slowly to look at their leader guiltily. Miaka felt a twitch
begin at the front of her brow. "You guys didn't tell him?! OI!" She shook her
head, but frowned suddenly. "You haven't seen Yui-chan? But...but...I thought
she was here..."
 
Silence fell over the group as four of the Troopers stared at Miaka in horror
and one stared at her in utter confusion. Shu trembled barely as he reached
over. "Yui-chan isn't with you?" he whispered shakily, frozen inside with
terror.
 
"No! I've been looking for her ever since I came back! I thought she might be
here!" Miaka trembled, her hands coming to her lips. "Yui-chan..." Could she
have been sucked into the book in place of Miaka?
 
"Someone mind telling me what happened?!" Ryo murmured softly as he rubbed the
bridge of his nose, eyebrow twitching.
 
"Oh Ryo-chan!" Miaka whimpered, running over and glomping tightly to him. "It
was horrible! Yui and I got sucked into this book, only she escaped and I kept
trying to find her. Except I didn't know she'd gotten sucked out! And I met
this really obnoxious guy who didn't want to help me, but I sat on him and made
him help me and then we met the Emperor, but then he looked like a her and we
found out it was a he. Then we met this girl who really hated me but then found
that she was a he, isn't that just so amazing!? And then I got sick and they
helped me come back but now I can't find Yui-chan!"
 
Ryo stared at her in shock before looking at his best friends for confirmation.
They nodded grimly and his face became dark with anger. "And why didn't anyone
tell me?!"
 
"You were out and we forgot with Saranbo!" Shu protested, obviously trembling
with the worry for Yui.
 
"Don't blame them, Ryo-chan. I'm sure they did what they could and if you had
someone to fight, you couldn't take the time to worry about me," Miaka said
reasonably, hugging him. "But if Yui-chan isn't here, then that means she went
into the book in my place! We have to go after her!"
 
"Hai, you're right..." Ryo murmured, his face hardening grimly. "But we can't
leave this world unprotected..." he whispered uncertainly.
 
"I don't think we have to worry about anything. With Arago gone, what more
could attack?" Shin pointed out. "Saranbo was the last General, right?"
 
"We don't know that Shin. Some of us should stay behind..." Seiji murmured as
he glanced at his friends.
 
"Hai. Seiji, Shin, Touma...you three stay behind and watch out for the world.
Shu, you're with me and Miaka-chan," Ryo ordered quietly. Shu smiled gratefully
as the others nodded in agreement. Miaka nodded, holding onto Ryo's arm. They
had to find Yui no matter what. She couldn't stand the thought of her friend in
so much trouble because of her. Then she thought of Tamahome and flushed. Maybe
it wasn't such a good idea for Ryo to go along...
 
The others went to get ready and Ryo turned to Miaka, holding her close. "I'm
so glad you're ok, Miaka. I didn't know what had happened to you..." he
whispered shakily as he held her tightly. He nuzzled her neck, eyes closing
with his fears. "I needed your presence so much recently...."
 
"I missed you so much," Miaka whispered, burying her face in his chest. "I was
so confused and I didn't know what I should do."
 
"We're together again. I promise to be there from now on..." Ryo whispered
before tilting her face up and kissing her deeply. He loved her. He knew now
that he loved her deeply. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the
kiss. She loved him so much, which was why she was so confused. Tamahome had
been nice and he'd saved her life. Wrapping his arms more firmly around her,
Ryo gently broke the kiss, reining in his ardor. They hadn't gotten very far, a
mutual agreement since she knew of his destiny, but they didn't need to. He
smiled at her, then looked over as the others came down, ready to head out, two
to go with Miaka, three to see them off. "Let's go."
 
"We'll have to go to the library. The book is still there," Miaka said, holding
Ryo and Shu's hands in her own. She smiled at them both, reassured. They would
find Yui and come back home and everything would be normal again.
 
"Well that's a relief," Shu muttered with a grin as they started off for the
library.
 
"Hurry back!" Jun cried as he waved from his stand next to Nasuti and Byakuen.
Byakuen roared plaintively, wanting to accompany Ryo but unable. Leading the
way to the library, she led them up the stairs. Just as she remembered, the
book was on the floor. She bent down and picked it up, making sure her pack
didn't make her tumble forward.
 
Looking over her shoulder, Shu and Ryo read as various kanji appeared. "And the
four Generals of the world beyond...what the hell?!" Shu cried as they stared
in shock at the book.
 
"The Masho?!" Ryo demanded, but didn't have time to get an answer as a red
light flared up. They all cried out in shock as it blinded them. Miaka barely
heard the call of her brother before the red light engulfed them. She held onto
Ryo and Shu and felt the phoenix lead her to the other side. She cried out
before falling onto the form of a young man on a throne.
 
"Miaka?!"
 
"Hotohori! Wai, I'm back!"
 
"Watch it!"
 
"Coming down!"
 
"Oi what the hell?!"
 
"Look out!"
 
"Move it!!"
 
The five Troopers all tumbled down onto the ground around the throne, staring
around themselves in first wonder, then horror as they saw each other. "Kuso!!
We're all in!" Shu cried in horror.
 
"Hey! You guys weren't supposed to follow!" Miaka accused, glaring at Shin,
Touma, and Seiji.
 
Hotohori blinked, staring at the newcomers in awe. "You bring warriors, Miaka?"
 
"Er...sorta..." Miaka sweat-dropped and grinned with a shrug.
 
"Like we planned it," Touma grumbled as they stood up. Ryo strode forward and
helped Miaka up, holding her close as they faced the Emperor.
 
"Mind introducing us, Miaka-san?" Seiji asked quietly as they stood formally in
front of the obviously important man.
 
"Oh! Gomen!" Miaka flushed, then grinned. "Hotohori, these are my friends! This
is Shin, Touma, Seiji, and Shu. And this is...my boyfriend, Ryo. Guys, this is
Hotohori, the emperor of Konan-koku."
 
Hotohori's glad expression faded at the last. "Ah, I see. Welcome, all of you.
I am pleased to meet you. I am sure Nuriko and Tamahome will be glad to see you
have returned Miaka."
 
"Miaka-chan!" A purple haired woman came rushing in. Miaka giggled and the two
jumped up and down excitedly.
 
"Nuriko-chan!" Miaka giggled, and then blinked. "You're still dressing like a
girl?" Nuriko shrugged. Miaka grinned. "Oh...where's Tamahome?"
 
"He's not here," Nuriko said sadly and Hotohori nodded.
 
"He went back to his home while you were gone," Hotohori said by way of
explanation.
 
"Oh, I see," Miaka said, and then took Ryo's hand and squeezed it.
 
"A pleasure to meet you both," Seiji murmured as they bowed to both people.
 
"Arigato gozaimasu for taking such good care of our Miaka-chan," Shin added
with a soft smile. Ryo nodded his agreement as he smiled softly down at Miaka,
holding her close.
 
"Of course. How could we do otherwise?" Hotohori sighed and shook his head.
"Things have gotten bad, Miaka. You'll need to go get Tamahome and return to
the palace."
 
"Aah...hai," Miaka swallowed.
 
"So who's this Tamahome? And what can we do to help?" Ryo asked softly as he
looked up at the Emperor, his tiger blue eyes inquisitive.
 
"Tamahome is one of Miaka's seishi, a guardian of the priestess, even as Nuriko
and I," Hotohori said, noticing the look on Miaka's face. He'd thought that she
and Tamahome had gotten close, but if this man was her boyfriend...he groaned
inwardly. Things only got more confusing and difficult it seemed.
 
"Ah huh...looks like a lot of explaining needs to be done, ne, Miaka-chan?" Shu
asked as he looked pointedly at her. Ryo was oblivious to the discomfiture of
the other two Seishi, but the four who had been first involved weren't. Miaka
turned her head away from Shu and buried it in Ryo's chest. She didn't want to
think about it, not when she had Ryo with her now.
 
"Well, you best be off. Nuriko will accompany you," Hotohori instructed and the
guards opened the door, leading the way to the stables with a nod from
Hotohori.
 
"You're coming with us?" Seiji asked Nuriko with a small smile, bowing his head
in respect to the Seishi as they followed the guards. Ryo murmured softly to
Miaka, smiling at her as he suggested something to her.
 
"Well of course I am. Someone has to lead you lot along," Nuriko winked and
then sighed. "I should change clothes though." Miaka smiled at Ryo, snuggling
close to him.
 
"We can wait," Seiji murmured reassuringly to Nuriko as they looked around.
"Meet us in the courtyard?" he suggested, not wishing to seem pushy.
 
"Sounds good. Meet you all there then." Nuriko winked at Miaka and then dashed
off to his quarters.
 
"I'll show you the way," Miaka said, taking Ryo's hand and leading him out of
the throne room. Smiling softly as he squeezed her hand, Ryo laced their
fingers as they walked along. The other four looked around in awe, talking
softly as they gestured here and there. None of them wanted to consider the
fact that they were *all* there. Once in the courtyard, Miaka turned to all of
them and sighed. "I guess I better tell you all what's going on."
 
"Ya think?" Shu asked sarcastically as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Just how long were you in here?!"
 
"What do you mean, Miaka?" Ryo asked softly, eyes soft with confusion.
 
Miaka gave Shu a hurt look and then turned to Ryo. "From what I gather, I was
in here for about four hours, but that was time back home, not here. I was here
for two months."
 
"T-Two months?!" Touma choked out as they stared at her in shock.
 
"Miaka, you best really start explaining things, since I'm still in the dark,"
Ryo murmured quietly, a sinking feeling within him. Something had seemed off
and now he wondered just what had happened.
 
Nodding, Miaka took a deep breath and began. "When Yui and I opened the book,
we were brought to this world. A group of men attacked us, but a young man
saved us. He asked for payment and I turned to get some money and when I turned
around he and Yui were gone. So I started looking for either of them..." She
didn't spare herself anything, and told them everything. About how she finally
met Tamahome and got him to take her to the Emperor, about meeting Hotohori and
Nuriko. And how Tamahome had saved her life, how he'd saved her from being
crushed to death.
 
"Looks like we owe this Tamahome..." Seiji murmured as he crossed his arms over
his chest, then glanced over as he caught sight of Nuriko. "And I think that it
is time we got going," he added with a smile.
 
Ryo watched his girlfriend, having done so through the whole explanation. He
saw it then...the look that he thought had only been for him. It was when she
mentioned the good bye at the end. Shaken, he gritted his teeth and hid his
emotions, like Seiji would. He would keep quiet for now.
 
Miaka kept her gaze on the floor and wished her confusion would go away. She
loved Ryo with all her being, but no one had ever saved her life before.
Tamahome had done that one act selflessly and without reason. She'd wanted to
see him again, if only to prove to herself that she didn't love him, only Ryo.
Once they were all mounted and Nuriko led the way, Miaka sighed and rested her
head against Ryo's back. "I'm sorry."
 
"For what?" Ryo asked softly as he steered their horse, smiling slightly as he
noted Seiji's discussion with Nuriko, joined in by the other three as they got
more information on the area and what had happened.
 
"For everything." Miaka sighed, snuggling against his back. "I love you, Sanada
Ryo. I love and don't want to feel anything for anyone else but you. Why is
this happening?!"
 
Relaxing, Ryo placed a hand on her thigh, rubbing it comfortingly. "I don't
know, but don't let it bother you. Just...just remember how much I love you as
well, which is a lot," he said, smiling wryly.
 
She giggled and nuzzled against him. "I'm glad. What if...what if it turns out
he does love me?"
 
"Guess you'll just have to let him down easy, girl..." Ryo murmured, feeling a
flare of jealousy in him at the thought of anyone else wanting *his* girl.
 
Miaka giggled suddenly. "Oh I will, will I? What if I want a threesome thing?"
She loved to tease Ryo, though she knew he'd be fairly jealous about anyone
coming after her. That made her happy, that he loved her enough to want her for
himself and no one else. Stung, Ryo took his hand back and faced forward, his
jaw clenching as he fought his anger and hurt. She would want someone else
beside him?! Wasn't he good enough?! Giggling, Miaka poked him in the ribs.
"I'm teasing, baka. You know you're the only one I want in my life. No one, not
even the Emperor of this world, compares to my Ryo-chan."
 
But Ryo didn't answer her. Her comment had hurt, how lightly she took how much
he loved her had injured him far worse than any youkai. He kept his gaze ahead,
struggling with his emotions internally as he kept up a blank mask. Miaka
sighed and closed her eyes, fighting off tears. She wished they'd never found
that book. It had only brought her pain so far, pain and confusion. She wanted
things to be the way they had been.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 3 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 3/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: HA! Drama already! Hope you enjoy it! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
They eventually came to a town and decided to stop to eat. By then, the others
had noticed Ryo's reticence and Miaka's misery. It was obvious something had
been said. Miaka withdrew from them, trying not to say anything for fear it
would do more damage. Did he really think of her love so little as all that?
That she needed a replacement for him? She knew her heart, and even if it was
confused with what had happened with Tamahome, she knew that Ryo was the one
for her and always would be. But maybe he didn't see it that way.
 
Ryo walked off into the woods, brooding on what had been said. He had issues
from his destiny, the weight of Kikoutei's price hanging heavily over him even
then. But he needed Miaka...needed her light in his life. She was as much
everything to him as the guys. But her teasing remark about needing another had
hurt. Even if had been teasing.
 
Nuriko arched an eyebrow, watching Miaka and Ryo walk off in opposite
directions. He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You know, a lot of things would
have been solved if we'd known she had a mate."
 
"That isn't our fault then...." Seiji murmured as he watched Nuriko. "She
didn't speak up and now they are both hurting. But I think they'll talk it
out," he commented with a shrug.
 
"One can hope. And hope Tamahome doesn't take it as badly as I think he will,"
Nuriko said with a sigh and shake of his head.
 
"Yea no kidding..." Touma muttered as he came over, sighing as Seiji nodded.
"Ah well, let's go talk to them both, shall we?" he suggested cheerfully.
 
"You, friend Touma, are far too cheerful," Nuriko said with a laugh. "Hai,
let's go see about talking to them."
 
"Hai," the two Troopers agreed with smiles before splitting up. Touma went to
talk to Miaka, while Seiji headed for Ryo.
 
Miaka sat underneath one of the large willow trees, her kness pulled up to her
chin. She stared at the forest floor, not even really seeing it. First her
worry for Yui and now this. Maybe everyone at school was right, she couldn't do
anything right.
 
"Miiiiaaaaaaka-chan!" Touma said sweetly as he popped his head from around the
tree trunk, smiling down at her. He sighed and sat next to her, hugging her
close. "So, what can we do to fix this up?" he asked amiably.
 
She sniffed and buried her face in his chest. Giving in, she sobbed softly,
trembling. "I don't know! I was only teasing and now he's so mad! I didn't
think he thought so little of me!"
 
"So what'd you say? More then likely, it was his low self esteem that replied,
Miaka-chan," Touma replied gently as he rubbed her back, easing her sorrow.
 
"He said that if anyone liked me, I'd have to let them down easy. I jokingly
said what if I wanted a theesome and he got angry! How could he think so little
of me, that I would want something like that?!" Miaka sobbed softly.
 
"Oh Miaka-chan. He thinks you would compare him to that other. It's different
with us, since we're all best friends and as close as can be because we have
you in our lives already. But if someone new was introduced? Eh, call it a male
ego thing if it makes things easier. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love
you," Touma murmured as he rocked her and rubbed her back.
 
"Then...then why won't he talk to me? Or believe me when I say I was teasing!"
Miaka sobbed, trembling. She didn't want anyone else but Ryo, couldn't he see
that?
 
"His pride is hurt, Miaka-chan. How would you feel if someone had hurt your
pride in a teasing manner, not taking your feelings into complete account?"
Touma asked gently as he tilted her face up to look at her. "Not that you were
insensitive, but seriously? How would you feel if he so lightly suggested the
same thing with another woman?"
 
Miaka looked down and sighed. "Probably want to find out who she was and gouge
out her eyes. But what can I do? He won't even talk to me!"
 
"Let Seiji and Nuriko talk reason into him. You know how he gets with his
emotions..." Touma replied soothingly as he touched her cheek, smiling gently.
"And especially when it's about you."
 
She smiled and nodded, sighing. She then giggled and looked up at Touma
innocently. "Did you see the look Seiji gave Nuriko earlier?"
 
"Yea, I'd say he's a bit smitten. Think it might be returned?" Touma asked with
a wide grin as he helped her up so they could go find Ryo.
 
"I don't know. Nuriko has the hots for Hotohori-san. He posed as one of the
harem girls to get close to him. He might," Miaka conceded, holding onto
Touma's arm when he got up.
 
"Eh, we'll see where it goes," Touma commented as he shrugged, using his
connection with Ryo and Seiji to find them. Ryo felt calm, which was a good
sign.
 
"I suppose," Miaka said softly, letting him guide them. She bit her lip
nervously in anticipation. Seiji glanced over as Ryo spoke softly with Nuriko
on something and winked at Touma and Miaka before focusing on the conversation
again. Ryo, sensing both Touma and Miaka, fell silent and looked over, his
expression unreadable, yet non-threatening. Nuriko winked over at Miaka and
then returned to his conversation with Seiji. Miaka swallowed and forced
herself to move forward. She stood in front of Ryo, her eyes filled love. She
held out her hand to him wordlessly, her eyes conveying her love and longing
for him and only him. She was no longer confused on her feelings.
 
Reaching forward, Ryo gently, wordlessly, took her hand and held her close. He
nosed her head tenderly, whispering, "Gomen ne, Miaka, for hurting you..."
 
"Iie, iie...I should apologize for hurting you," Miaka whispered into his
chest, holding him close. "Gomen nasai. I don't want anyone but you, not ever."
 
"I know, Miaka, I know..." Ryo whispered as he held her close, then tilted her
chin up to kiss her tenderly. She sighed softly and returned the kiss, tangling
her fingers in his hair. Holding her tightly as he deepened the kiss, Ryo
purred. He blinked though as a hand fell heavily on his shoulder and looked
over. Touma flashed him a 'v' sign.
 
"Ne...get a room, bud," Touma said cheerfully.
 
"We would but there are no rooms around," Miaka said cheekily, sticking out her
tongue at Touma. She nuzzled against Ryo, but stilled.
 
Nuriko frowned, coming over to them. "It's gotten dark awfully fast..." Looking
around, the three Troopers tensed, waiting for an attack. Ryo held Miaka close,
eyes narrowed as they searched the surroundings.
 
"AAAH!"
 
"Itai!" Nuriko spun around, holding in his hand a wooden bokken that had been
aiming for his head. He glared at the assailant, then sweat-dropped. "Baka!"
 
"Eh? Oi! Nuriko!" A male voice sounded from the darkness. Light appeared and a
young man, a little older than the some of the Troopers, stood. He had teal
hair in a ponytail and he had a cocky grin on his face. "What are you doing
here?"
 
"Tamahome! You jerk! You could have hurt one of us!" Miaka growled, glaring at
her other seishi.
 
"Miaka! You came...back." He stopped, staring at her and the man that was
holding her. "And you brought friends it seems."
 
"Aaah...so *this* is the infamous Tamahome!" Touma commented lightly as he
pointed.
 
Ryo's eyes narrowed at Tamahome, his arm tightening around Miaka. "Nice to meet
you," Ryo said quietly.
 
"Likewise," Tamahome said, turning to look at Nuriko. "What's going on?"
 
"We just came to find you. We need to find the other seishi," Miaka said
softly, not looking at him.
 
"I see. Well you found me didn't you?" Tamahome said, turning away.
 
"Are you going to come with us then or are you going to pout now?" Seiji asked
softly so it was just in the group.
 
Ryo sent his friend a quelling glare before looking apologetically at Tamahome.
"He didn't mean that. Please, come back with us. You are needed," Ryo said
softly as he loosened his hold on Miaka.
 
Tamahome turned and glared at Seiji. "I happen to be working, thank you very
much." He turned to Ryo and shrugged. "I am needed here as well."
 
"Needed?" Nuriko asked, tilting his head. What was Tamahome doing there anyway?
 
"I rented myself out as a bodyguard to this village," Tamahome explained, then
looked around with narrowed eyes when then the torches went out. "Be careful!"
 
Ghostly hands reached out from the brush and grabbed Miaka, pulling her in. She
gave a muffled cry and then disappeared. "Miaka!!" Ryo cried, taking off after
her immediately.
 
"Matte, Ryo!" Touma shouted as they tried to focus in the sudden pitch black.
Tamahome called out for Miaka at the same time that Ryo did. He grimaced and
then ran after Miaka and Ryo.
 
"Oi...ah!" Nuriko turned, then grimaced and leaned against a tree, just as a
cascade of arrows flew from the brush, hitting the men surrounding them and
pinning Nuriko to the tree.
 
"Watch it!" Seiji cried as he tried to block as many arrows as he could along
with Touma. He ended up braced before Nuriko, taking the arrows against his
subarmored body.
 
"Oooo hello there," Nuriko snickered, eyeing Seiji with a grin.
 
Seiji smirked back at Nuriko, then straightened, pulling out the pinning arrow.
"Daijoubu?" he asked softly. He looked around, his eyes sad at how few they had
been able to save. "Kuso..."
 
"I'm fine," Nuriko said, sighing when he saw all the deaths. "Things are
getting even worse than I had thought."
 
"You mean that someone else is doing this?" Touma asked quietly as he came back
over, crushing the arrow in his hand before looking over. "I wonder if Miaka-
chan is ok..."
 
"Kutou most likely," Nuriko said with a frown. "They know we have Suzaku no
Miko and will stop at nothing to see her death."
 
*~~**~~*
 
Ryo ran after Miaka, then stopped as he came into the clearing. "Who are you?!"
he demanded as he grabbed Miaka from the strange monk.
 
"Hai! Who are you, Mr. Fox Face!" Miaka demanded, still trembling.
 
"Waaah...so mean, na no da!" The monk pouted, blowing on his hand where Miaka
had bit him. "I don't mind you biting me, Suzaku no Miko, but Kutou's agents
are after you."
 
"Nani?" Miaka blinked and then eeped when the monk vanished into his hat.
 
Tamahome arched an eyebrow and frowned. "Kutou agents have been terrorizing the
countryside. That's why I came here to protect the village."
 
"I'm guessing Kutou is another land nearby?" Ryo asked as he went over to the
hat and picked it up, examining it. He could sense the magic and knew that
wasn't the last of that monk.
 
"Hai. It is the land near us and the one that is trying to start a war,"
Tamahome said, frowning when Miaka reached out and took the hat from Ryo. She
grinned and put it on her head.
 
"Then we better get back," Ryo stated softly, feeling uneasy for an odd reason.
He smiled softly at Miaka, cupping her cheek. "You sure you're ok?" he murmured
quietly.
 
Miaka smiled and nodded. "I'm okay, don't worry about me!"
 
"We better get back," Tamahome said, turning away and heading the direction
they'd come. He didn't want any of them to see the sorrow in his eyes.
 
*~~**~~*
 
"Wonderful...just what we need..." Seiji muttered as he rolled his eyes, then
looked over as Shin and Shu ran in.
 
"K'so! What happened?!" Shu demanded as they saw the massacre.
 
"And where's Ryo and Miaka-chan?" Shin added in worry.
 
"We're here! We're o...k..." Ryo gasped as he saw the carnage and instantly hid
Miaka's eyes. But it was too late. Miaka had already seen it and she screamed,
clinging to Ryo.
 
"What happened?!" Tamahome demanded, looking around at the men and on guard.
 
"I'm guessing the enemy," Nuriko said with a shrug. "We better get out of
here."
 
"Hai. Let's get somewhere safe," Ryo said grimly as he rubbed Miaka's back. He
locked eyes with Tamahome and his gaze softened. This man had taken care of
Miaka there. He could never have bad feelings for him.
 
"We found a nice inn nearby," Shin said distractedly as they headed off.
 
"Sounds like a good idea.” Tamahome nodded. "The people should greet us. I've
been helping with keeping it safe."
 
"So you're Tamahome then?" Shu asked as they walked along, each of the Troopers
taking a protective stance around them.
 
"Hai," Tamahome said, and then grinned. "Hold on a sec..."
 
He vanished into the underbrush just as a group of villagers came in. Loud
noises could be heard from the brush before Tamahome emerged, ten guys piled up
on the floor. He cackled and grinned. "That's ten!"
 
Miaka sweat-dropped. "Oi..." Eyes twitching, the five Troopers stared at
Tamahome before shaking their heads and finishing their walk to the inn. None
were going to even go there...
 
"You know, he could do it for free," Miaka remarked with a sniff.
 
One of the villagers shook his head. "He doesn't ask much of us and we're glad
to accommodate." Miaka didn't say anything more, just rolled her eyes and
headed after the guys to the inn.
 
"Miiiiiiaka-chan! Hayaku or we don't get to eat!" Shu called out as they went
inside. The other four snickered in amusement at that sure fire way of getting
her in.
 
"AAAH! NOOOOOOOOOO!" Miaka screeched, running as fast as her little legs would
carry her and nearly running Shu over in her haste to get into the inn. All of
the guys nearly fell over laughing as they followed her in to eat. None of them
made mention of the fact that Seiji and Nuriko were sitting near each other or
of the fact that Ryo was attempting conversation with Tamahome. Miaka sat at
the table, watching them all with a smile. She was a bit surprised to see that
Ryo was talking to Tamahome, and the Seishi was actually answering. Shaking her
head, she dug into her food, glad that things were starting to work out.
 
After a while, they all settled down to sleep, though Shin and Ryo volunteered
to stay up on watch. With the threat of the Kutou assassins still out there,
they didn't want to take any chances. Miaka tossed in her sleep, hearing Nuriko
snore. She sighed, opening her eyes and looked at the ceiling. She wondered
again why Tamahome wanted money so much. It seemed to be the only thing he
thought about. Her sharp ears perked when she heard someone getting a horse
ready outside. She snuck over to the window, only to see Tamahome getting on it
and heading off. Suspicious, she dragged Nuriko awake with her flashlight and
the two left the comfort of the inn to tail him.
 
The Troopers saw the two following Tamahome and rolled their eyes. He'd told
them where he was heading, so they weren't worried. But obviously, those two
didn't know when to stop snooping. With a nod of agreement, they followed after
the three at a distance. Overcome with curiosity, Miaka led the way after
Tamahome. They'd grabbed a horse and followed him into a nearby village.
Tamahome greeted some of the villagers, who seemed to know him very well. He
finally dismounted in front of a house and four children ran out.
 
"Nii-chan! Nii-chan! Nii-chan!"
 
Tamahome laughed and hugged each in turn. "Chuei, Shunkei, Yuiren, Gyokuran!"
 
The Troopers all smiled warmly from their hiding spots in the trees. Now this
was a sweet sight...
 
The five siblings entered the house and Nuriko and Miaka took the opportunity
to sneak over to the house. They sat under a window, listening to everything
that was said. It was just so sweet! Tamahome had done everything just to help
his family. No wonder he wanted money all the time!
 
When Tamahome started holding Yurien frantically when she fainted, Miaka didn't
even think twice. She jumped up onto the window sill and jumped in, ordering
everyone around to get blankets and medicine while she tended the little girl.
She didn't notice Tamahome twitching on the side, giving her a death glare. Ryo
looked over at Seiji and nodded. Seiji winked and jumped down, then sauntered
over to the house, hands in his pockets. "Miaka-chan...do you need some help?"
he asked warmly as he leaned on the doorjamb.
 
"Grrr...we need medicine and water! She's sick!" Miaka held little Yurien,
ignoring the still twitching Tamahome.
 
Nuriko shook his head, patting Tamahome's father's hand. "This is normal, I'm
afraid."
 
One of Tamahome's siblings looked up and poked his brother. "Nii-chan?"
 
"What is it Gyokuran?" Tamahome asked, kneeling next to his sister.
 
The little girl blinked and looked completely innocent. "Is she your wife?"
 
Seiji snorted and started laughing softly as he heard a growl in the bushes as
well as other stifled laughter. He came in and wagged his finger at Miaka. "Let
me," he said with a grin before sitting down and placing his hand on the
fevered head. Miaka took a step back and went over to Ryo.
 
Nuriko snickered and winked at Ryo before gazing solemnly at Tamahome's father.
"Hai, otousan. It's true...they've gone all the way, if you know what I mean."
 
"NURIKO!" Tamahome screeched at him, glaring at the other Seishi while he
laughed and winked.
 
"Just playing, Tama-chan."
 
"I'M NOT A CAT!"
 
Seiji's hand glowed a soft green as he healed the little girl. Finished, he
smiled down at her. "There we go."
 
"Arigato, Seiji." Miaka smiled and then blinked. "What are you doing here?"
 
"Following you," Seiji replied with a smirk before nodding outside. Shu, Shin,
Touma, and Ryo all leaned in the two windows, watching them with grins.
 
"Ne, Seiji, heal the good man too," Shin suggested with a wink, earning a smirk
from his best friend.
 
"You can do that?" Nuriko asked, gazing at Seiji with renewed admiration.
Blushing faintly, Seiji nodded as he glanced away before taking the older man's
hand in his own. He closed his eyes and healed Tamahome's father, his hands
glowing a soft green.
 
Miaka growled and glared at the four in the window. "I can take care of myself
you know!"
 
"Sure you can, Miaka-chaaaaaan!" the four replied with a wave, laughing.
 
"I can!" Miaka glared at them, then poked Ryo in the shoulder. "Tell them, Ryo-
chan! You know I can, ne?" Tamahome hid a grin behind his hand. How could she?
She was such a klutz!
 
Ryo smirked at her as the others snickered in amusement. "Well...in some things
you can..." he murmured with a wink.
 
"Grrr...no nookie for you!" Miaka pouted, crossing her arms over her chest and
sniffed indignantly.
 
"Like he was getting any anyways!" Shu chortled as Ryo flushed, kicking him in
embarrassment before turning away.
 
"Oh just...shut up, Shu!" Ryo snapped out before stomping off towards the
forest. Miaka stuck her tongue out at Shu and ran after her boyfriend.
 
Tamahome rolled his eyes. "You other worlders are strange."
 
"Yea? And you like it..." Touma murmured with a smirk, knowingly.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Ryo sighed as he sat near the river, tossing rocks into the river. Why did they
always have to bring *that* up?!
 
"Hey," Miaka said, coming up to sit next to Ryo near the river. She pulled up
her legs to her chin and rested her head there.
 
"Do...are you ever...mad that...that we haven't..." Ryo sighed as he looked
away, blushing brightly.
 
Miaka giggled and shook her head. She wrapped her arms around him and scooted
over so she sat in his lap. "Iie, for I know we will when we are ready."
 
"It...doesn't bother you?" Ryo whispered softly as he nuzzled her tenderly.
 
"Iie. Having you in my arms is enough. And kisses. I like kisses." Miaka
giggled, showing him how much by a kiss on the lips.
 
"Oh yea?" Ryo asked with a grin before kissing her again and again until they
were pressed together in a deep kiss. He ran his hand up her back, rubbing it
slowly.
 
"Hmmm..." Miaka purred, her arms wrapped around his neck. She pulled him
closer, returning the deep kisses with longing.
 
Purring as he kissed her, Ryo snuck his hand under her shirt, caressing the
skin there. But that wasn't to go any farther as he suddenly scooped her up and
jumped out of the way as a pick axe crashed down to where they were. "Nani?!"
 
"Aaah!!" Miaka screamed, falling back onto the grass. She clung to Ryo,
trembling in fear. What was going on?
 
Putting on his subarmor, Ryo blocked the next attack, growling angrily. "Who
are you?!"
 
"Your worst enemy!" The man hacked at Ryo with his axe, only to cry out and
fall back. Two hands appeared from the inside of the hat that Miaka wore around
her neck, blasting the man back with a stab of power. He grunted and got up,
fleeing.
 
Stunned, Ryo looked over at Miaka, then stared as the hat floated up. "Nande?!"
he whispered before looking around suddenly. The hat floated up and the monk
appeared once more.
 
Miaka blinked and shook her head. "Hey! It's that fox guy from before!"
 
"The monk? What the hell?" Ryo muttered before crying out as he was hit from
behind by another assassin.
 
"Ryo!" Miaka reached out to him but the monk moved fast. He used his staff and
thwaked one of the assassins. He looked at Miaka with a frown.
 
"You should be careful, Suzaku no Miko. Things you do have consequences."
 
"Consequences?" she asked and then cried out when she heard screams coming from
Tamahome's house.
 
"Yadda...the guys...the kids..." Ryo grunted out as he rubbed his head when he
stood. "Miaka! Stay here!" he ordered before heading off swiftly for the small
village. Like that order was going to be heeded. Miaka ran after Ryo and
screamed when they reached the house.
 
Everyone was tied up, hanging from the walls. The children were crying and
Tamahome and Nuriko were struggling to get free. Struggling, the four other
Troopers warned Ryo and Miaka away as another assassin appeared. Ryo snarled as
he leapt to the attack. "Kisama!"
 
The assassin smirked, holding out his hand. One of the ribbons that held Nuriko
tightened, strangling the Seishi. "Don't move or they all die before you can
get near me, whelp."
 
Growling, Ryo relaxed slightly. "What do you want?"
 
"Why...the death of Suzaku no Miko, of course..."
 
They all looked over as Rajura appeared, laughing softly as he came in.
"Rajura!" Seiji cried in shock as they struggled harder.
 
Miaka eeped from the doorway and the other assassin smirked. "We will let them
all go on one condition: Suzaku no Miko let's us kill her." Miaka gasped,
trembling in fright.
 
"Miaka no!" Tamahome growled, then cried out in pain when the ribbons tightened
on his throat. The children all cried out in pain, being twisted by the
ribbons.
 
"No, stop! Don't hurt them!" Miaka sobbed, swallowing. "You promise not to hurt
them?"
 
"But of course," Rajura replied oily, chuckling as he crossed his arms over his
armored chest.
 
"Don't believe him, Miaka-chan!" Shu snarled as he strained against his
webbing, slowly breaking them.
 
"Be silent, bakayaro! You never could handle my web," Rajura laughed evilly.
 
Miaka swallowed and looked at them sadly. "Gomen nasai..." She stepped forward
and bowed her head. If her death would keep them all safe...
 
The assassin smirked, drawing his blade.
 
"Yadda!" Ryo shouted, then grunted as Rajura tied him down with webbing.
"Kisama!!" Rajura laughed as he watched Miaka approach, eyes glittering with
malice.
 
Miaka stared back at Rajura, unafraid. "Swear to me on your dark soul that
you'll let them go unharmed if I let you kill me."
 
Smirking as the Troopers shouted protests, Rajura inclined his head. "I swear
on my Master, Arago."
 
"He's dead!!" Shu snarled out as he strained harder on his restraints, growling
as Rajura laughed in amusement.
 
"Then do it, Masho," Miaka said, looking up at him unflinchingly.
 
"Perhaps another time, no da."
 
Miaka blinked, surprised to see the monk standing in front of her. "Mr. Fox?"
 
The monk sweat-dropped. She was too much sometimes. One of the assassins gave a
cry and attacked and the monk threw a chi ball at him, sending him hurtling
through a wall. Taking the distraction, Shu burst free along with Seiji and
Touma and attacked, snarling in rage as they freed the kids and the others. Ryo
instantly went after Rajura and the assassins with Shin, enraged at having been
used. The monk moved with them, attacking at will. The material on his pants
tore, revealing a red character on his knee.
 
Nuriko growled and grabbed one of the assailants, holding him down. "Now talk!
How many of Kutou's agents are trying to kill Miaka!"
 
Rajura snarled and laughed as he tossed out his weapons, slicing the assassin's
throat before disappearing. "Until next time Troopers..."
 
"Grrr!" Nuriko snarled and then looked down at the assassin. He gurgled, saying
something about once they find Seiryuu no Miko all would be theirs before he
died.
 
"Seiryuu no Miko?" Miaka whispered, going over to Ryo and clinging to him now
that their enemies were gone. "Yui-chan!"
 
"Nani?" Ryo whispered as they came in, holding her.
 
"Yui! It must be Yui!" Miaka insisted. She then told them how she'd become
Suzaku no Miko. "I bet it's the same thing! If their miko is a girl from
another world, it has to be Yui!"
 
Going to the side so the Seishi couldn't hear them, the Troopers listened to
Miaka before looking at each other. "All right then...Shu, Seiji...head for
Kutou. The rest of us will stay here," Ryo murmured quietly, looking sternly at
his girlfriend to make sure she minded him.
 
Miaka glared. "It's my fault she's here in the first place! Besides, none of
you know the lay of the land or know where anything is! I have to go! It's my
responsibility! She's here because of me!"
 
"And like you know where to go," Shu sneered, his eyes glinting with anger at
her. "She got here because of us too, so we're taking responsibility."
 
"Besides, if there are Masho involved, we *have* to go," Seiji murmured
quietly.
 
"Fine." Miaka crossed her arms and stomped away. They just didn't understand!
She couldn't let anyone else get hurt because of her.
 
Ryo sighed and looked at the others. "Move...and keep in contact so we can find
you," he hissed out before following his girlfriend.
 
"Did you have to be so mean, Shu?" Shin asked quietly as he and Seiji walked
off towards the south.
 
Shu looked over, his face hard. "She doesn't get what we know, so I had to be
mean. One of us had to be. If she hates me, fine, she hates me. I'll still love
her like a sister," he replied just as quietly before heading off with Seiji.
 
Miaka walked into the forest, doing her best to keep silent and leave no trace
of her path. She knew she sucked at it, but she had to try. She couldn't stand
by and let others do what she had to do. The monk's words came back to her. She
had to take responsibility for her own actions. There was nothing they could
have done to keep Yui from getting drawn in, but she could have. She could have
not had them go near that book, or she could have stayed in until the story was
finished. But she didn't and now Yui was probably in danger because of her.
 
Ryo caught up with his girlfriend and grabbed her, holding her tight. "What are
you doing, baka?" he whispered softly, burying his face in her shoulder.
 
She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. "I don't care what Shu says. It's
my fault Yui's here and I have to find her. You understand, don't you Ryo?"
 
"Iie...it's no one's fault but this stupid book's. But we're all here now, so
we should *all* work together," Ryo replied quietly as he rubbed her stomach
soothingly.
 
"But I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me," Miaka whispered,
closing her eyes and leaning into his touch. "I couldn't stand it if you or one
of the others got hurt because of me."
 
"I know babe, but we can take care of yourself better than you. And we can
sneak in better," Ryo whispered just as softly as he hugged her close.
 
Miaka looked up at him and frowned. "So are you saying that I'm useless and I
can't take care of myself without one of you around? Is that it?"
 
"Iie. I'm saying that we can handle the enemy better. You don't know those
Masho..." Ryo whispered as he gazed at her solemnly.
 
"I know enough about them. I wasn't totally clueless when you were fighting
them," Miaka retorted with a huff.
 
"Knowing about them and fighting them are two different things, Miaka!" Ryo
cried, exasperated. Why was she being so stubborn?!
 
"Why would I need to fight them? All I'm going to do is find Yui and when I
find her, go home," Miaka retorted, turning her head away.
 
Sighing, Ryo let her go, angry and hurt that she was being so stubborn and
questioning him and his decisions. "Fine. Go. I don't care," he said softly
before turning and stalking off.
 
"I wish you could trust me just once, Ryo. Just once...it would be nice to be
believed in," Miaka whispered sadly, watching him go. Pushing back her tears,
she clenched her fists and ran into the forest and towards Kutou. Ryo turned
around and swiftly followed her into the woods towards Kutou, sending the word
to Shu and Seiji of the change in plans. They accepted the change easily and
kept going.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 4 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 4/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: Everyone is so stubborn xD Enjoy! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
When Ryo, Shu, and Seiji didn't return, Tamahome went in search of Miaka. The
monk, Chichiri, went along with him. After searching for them, they both came
to the conclusion that all four had ditched them to head for Kutou. Determined,
they raced after Miaka and the Troopers, trying to catch up to them and stop
them.
 
Shin and Touma went into Tamahome's home and looked around. "Ne, Nuriko-san,
where are Tamahome-san and Chichiri-san?" Shin asked politely as he put his
hands behind his head.
 
"I think they went after your friends. They were gone a long time," Nuriko said
quietly. He finished putting the children to bed and led the way out of the
house to talk.
 
"Shimatta..." Touma hissed as they went outside. "Bakayaro! Why don't they let
us handle this?!"
 
Shin pet Touma on the shoulder gently, smiling. "Daijoubu, Shu and Seiji will
intercept them, I'm sure."
 
Nuriko frowned darkly. "May I remind you, as much as we value your help, this
is not your affair or your world. We are not weaklings to be discounted or
thrown aside. We may not be powerful by your comparison, but we will do what we
must, with or without your aid and you are wrong to discount us."
 
Touma flushed at the reprimand as Shin looked at him darkly as well. "Gomen
nasai. I didn't mean to make you guys sound weak. But the Masho are involved in
this and they are worse than anything you've dealt with..." he whispered
softly.
 
"Perhaps they are, and I will certainly defer to you when it comes to them. But
you do not know this land, nor do you know Kutou. We do," Nuriko reminded them
with a kind smile. "Perhaps we should work together instead of apart to deal
with this, ne?"
 
"That's what we want as well. Forgive us. We're still teens under our
destinies," Shin said with a smile as Touma looked away in embarrassment.
 
Nuriko winked at them and put an arm around each. "Not to worry! I'm not much
older than you. Even Heika is only eighteen. Come, let's go find our comrades!"
 
"Only eighteen? Wow he seems older..." Touma muttered then blinked as he saw
the faint flush on Shin's cheeks. What the hell?! Shaking it off, Touma
shrugged. "Anyways, we should stay here, shouldn't we?"
 
"Tamahome's family should be okay. On second thought, we should go back to
Eiyou. Heika-sama will want to know what's going on," Nuriko admitted with a
sigh.
 
"Hai, it would be a good idea," Shin agreed after clearing his throat
nervously, avoiding Touma's intense look as he flushed and looked away.
 
"Then shall we? Would you care to ride with me, Shin?" Nuriko asked, noticing
the flushed face of the young Trooper with a grin.
 
"Uh, arigato..." Shin whispered as he looked down. Touma snickered, then yelped
as he got elbowed for his 'efforts'.
 
"It's settled then." Nuriko went over to the stable and returned with two
horses. He mounted one and held out his hand to the young red head. "Need
help?"
 
"I can mount just fine..." Shin replied huffily as he mounted up, ignoring
Touma's muffled snickers. Touma mounted up as well and started them off.
 
"Just checking." Nuriko grinned, turning the horse in the direction of the
capital and led the way. Shin flushed as he held lightly to Nuriko's waist.
Seiji had better not hear about this one. Nuriko shook his head at the two with
a grin. Maybe he should give up on Hotohori. There was a very cute blond near
the Kutou border that he found quite interesting. They arrived at the the
palace in a flurry of concern and questions before they went before Hotohori.
"Heika! We have news!" Nuriko called, opening the doors to the throne room. He
blinked and flushed when two of the guards went sailing. "Gomen..."
 
Hotohori couldn't help but snicker. "It's all right, Nuriko. What news?" Shin
and Touma snickered as they followed Nuriko, then knelt before the Emperor in
deference. "No please. You don't have to do that, not when we're alone,"
Hotohori admonished them with a wave of his hand. "We are all friends after
all, ne?"
 
"Not yet, but we can work on it for ya," Touma said easily with a grin as Shin
looked up, blushing slightly before looking down.
 
"Besides...it's proper," Shin murmured.
 
"I've had proper all my life, Shin. It's nice to let go every now and then, so
let go. Please?" Hotohori asked softly, looking at the young redhead with a
soft smile.
 
Blushing even more and glaring at Touma as the blue haired Trooper snickered,
Shin nodded and stood with Touma. "Gomen nasai, Hotohori-sama."
 
Hotohori sighed and shook his head. "One of these days, I'll get you to quit
being so formal, Shin-san. Just you wait."
 
Nuriko snickered and sat back on a divan. "Shin, go ahead and tell him what
happened."
 
Touma stifled his laughter as Shin blushed even more at being singled out by
the Emperor. He watched as Shin fidgeted since the shy Trooper hated being in
the spotlight for any reason. "K-Kutou has been sending assassins after Miaka-
chan and now Seiji, Shu, Tamahome, Ryo, Miaka, and Chichiri are on their way to
Kutou because of the threat of there being another Miko," Shin murmured
swiftly, looking down.
 
"Miaka went too?" Hotohori groaned, covering his eyes. "Sometimes she just
doesn't know when to stay out of harms’ way. At least the others are with her
and will be able to protect her. Arigato for bringing me this news."
 
"Wild horses couldn't stop her when she gets an idea in her head," Touma
commented with a grin as Shin mirrored the grin, his blush cooling as they
talked.
 
"So I've noticed on occasion." Hotohori grinned. "Ah well, I am sure they know
what they are doing." He did wish he could be there to help, but knew it was
impossible.
 
"There is other news that is not as good," Shin murmured as he looked down.
Touma nodded grimly as Shin continued. "Several of our own enemies seem to have
teamed up with Kutou."
 
"No, that is not good news at all." Hotohori frowned darkly. "We can barely
stand against Kutou as it is and if they have aid, we won't stand a chance."
 
"Hey...it's why we're here!" Touma reassured Hotohori with a grin and a wink as
Shin smiled softly and nodded.
 
"I am glad of that." Hotohori smiled lightly. He looked over and sweat-dropped
at the snoozing Nuriko. "Oh, well, let us find somewhere else to speak and
leave Nuriko to his sleep."
 
"Eh, why don't you go talk with Shin? I'll take Nuriko to bed," Touma commented
with a wave of his hand. He'd gone over and picked up the sleeping Seishi as a
squeaking Shin had protested, then smiled over his shoulder as he left.
 
Slowly, Shin looked back up at Hotohori before looking away, blushing brightly.
"Um..."
 
"Am I so frightening to you, Shin?" Hotohori asked with a grin. He was kind of
cute when he blushed like that.
 
"Iie...just um...intimidating..." Shin mumbled as he looked down, toeing the
ground. With the guys, it was easy to be with them. He knew what to say or act
around them because of their link. But with Hotohori, that was a whole new ball
game.
 
"Intimidating?" Hotohori shook his head and came to stand in front of Shin. He
smiled, lifting the young Trooper's face up with his finger. "I shouldn't be.
We are all friends, ne? Or I hope we are at least."
 
"Well, we don't know each other well yet, but I'm sure it won't take long..."
Shin replied as he smiled slightly at Hotohori, trembling at the soft touch.
 
"I'm sure it won't either. Tell me about yourself, Shin," Hotohori prodded the
young man gently with a smile.
 
Stepping back carefully, uncomfortably, Shin turned so they were walking
towards the walkways. "What do you want to know?" he asked quietly.
 
"Whatever you wish to tell me," Hotohori said lightly with a soft smile. Better
to start off that way and not put any pressure on Shin.
 
'Well that helps me not...' Shin thought in annoyance as he scowled, rubbing
the back of his head as they walked along. "Well um, I'm obviously not from
here..." he started lamely, grimacing at such a stupid comment. 'How come he
has to ask me about me?!' he whined silently.
 
"Hai, I gathered that much. Tell me about your home," Hotohori prodded with a
grin.
 
"Well I-I'm originally from a place called Hagi in Yamaguchi, but I moved to
Tokyo for school and..." Shin looked down, eyes sad as he thought on all that
had happened. "And our destiny..."
 
"Destiny is never an easy thing to bear," Hotohori admitted. He looked out past
the railing and into the night. "I can understand how hard it is. My destiny
has never been an easy thing to deal with either."
 
Swallowing hard, Shin watched Hotohori. "At least you can lead a semi-normal
life," he murmured, not realizing how bitter he sounded as he looked out past
towards the courtyard. He hated fighting, hated being what he was. He just
wanted them all to be normal again.
 
"Oh really?" Hotohori arched an eyebrow in amusement. "You think being the
Emperor is normal? Your world certainly is a strange place if that is normal."
 
"At least you don't have to worry about dying before your time..." Shin
whispered quietly as he walked ahead. He knew he should have stayed away. This
was only making what he held as petty and meaningless. He was destined to
protect the world always. He hated it...hated fighting and what it brought
them. He hated seeing the four men he loved hurt if he failed somehow and he
hated himself for failing them.
 
Shaking his head, Hotohori looked up at the stars. "Shin? I can trust you, ne?
Can I confide something to you that no one knows but myself?"
 
Blinking in surprise, Shin stopped and nodded. "You can trust me," he murmured,
his kanji shining briefly on his forehead as he gazed up at Hotohori.
 
"No Emperor has lived past the age of twenty-five. When I was fifteen, I sought
out a seer to find out if I would be the first. What she told me was this: if I
followed the path of a Seishi, I would die before I turned twenty. If I ignored
my destiny, then I would die sooner.”
 
Eyes wide, Shin stared up at Hotohori, shaken. He had that same feeling for
himself and his friends. "Why would she say that?" he whispered softly, his
hand clenching in his longing to touch Hotohori reassuringly, soothe away that
trouble.
 
"Because I am one of the Suzaku Seishi," Hotohori said, pulling back the cuff
of his shirt. A red mark could be seen on his neck, the kanji of a Suzaku
Seishi. "I was born to guide and protect the Suzaku no Miko, yet I'm unable to
do so because I am also the Emperor."
 
"That's not fair!" Shin cried angrily, then looked away sharply. "Gomen, it
isn't my place to say anything..." he whispered softly, trembling. But it
wasn't fair. He felt his heart sink, remembering the look in Hotohori's eyes as
he had held Miaka before Ryo had reclaimed her as he came to a realization. 'He
loves Miaka-chan...baka...'
 
Hotohori laughed, shaking his head. "Please Shin. We are friends, ne? You can
say what you like. I agree, it isn't fair, but there isn't anything I can do
about it." He sighed and shrugged. "When Miaka first came here, I thought
myself in love with her. I'd grown up believing that the Suzaku no Miko would
be someone I could look to, someone that would love me for who I am, not
because I'm a Seishi or the emperor. But I don't think I feel that way
anymore."
 
'What the hell?! Is he reading my mind?!' Shin wondered as he stared at
Hotohori, bewildered before answering. "Ah, I see..." he replied guardedly
before falling silent. What more could he say that would be one upped by this
guy?! He squashed down his irrational irritation as he started walking again,
needing to move.
 
"I'm sorry if I've offended you, Shin. I've needed to get that out for awhile,"
Hotohori said with a sigh and looked out at the stars again. "It's been
bothering me for awhile now."
 
"Iie, you didn't offend. I just don't know what to say," Shin replied quietly,
neutrally. He didn't know how to be around the Emperor.
 
"Ah good." Hotohori sighed and sat down on a bench. "If my presence bothers you
so much, Shin, you can go. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
 
Shrugging, Shin glanced over and smiled softly. "There are worse things to be
uncomfortable with," he murmured before leaning against the railing, hands in
his pockets.
 
"Ah. I'm sorry, you just seem to be uncomfortable around me," Hotohori said,
though he hid his pain well. He'd never had any friends, mainly because of his
status. Friends were a rare thing for him and he cherished them dearly.
 
"I'm like that with anyone new. You shoulda seen me with the guys, Yui-chan,
and Miaka-chan when we first met," Shin explained with a small smile as he
relaxed.
 
"Ah, I see. That's quite understandable." Hotohori smiled, relaxing a bit. He
was always afraid that people would just want him around because he was the
Emperor, not because he was Hotohori. "Well, ignore my paranoid self. If I do
something stupid, feel free to smack me."
 
'In my dreams...' Shin thought as he glanced over at Hotohori, cheeks reddening
in his embarrassment. "It's not a bad thing to be paranoid. Just bad when it's
all you have and causes you to push others away...." he muttered as he looked
down.
 
"I suppose so. You are far wiser than I, Shin." Hotohori smiled lightly. "Hmmm,
how bored are you?"
 
"Not very..." Shin replied hastily, fearful that Hotohori would think his
quietness was boredom.
 
"Oh." Hotohori looked crestfallen at that admission.
 
"Doushite?" Shin asked quietly, feeling his heart tug at the crestfallen look.
He tilted his head, smiling slightly. "Did you want to do something?"
 
"Well, I was hoping you'd want to practice with me," Hotohori said with an
unaccustomed shy smile. "I don't get many adversaries that will actually fight
me in earnest."
 
Blinking in surprise, Shin tilted his head. He grinned then and nodded. "Sure.
It'll be fun to have someone else to spar with," he replied warmly.
 
"Truly?" Hotohori's eye widened in excitement, but then narrowed suspiciously.
"You won't go easy, will you?"
 
Cocking an eyebrow, Shin snorted. "Haven't yet," he replied as he crossed his
arms over his chest. "Do you wish swords or staffs?"
 
"Swords, if you don't mind. I need to practice sorely on my swordsmanship."
Hotohori grinned excitedly. He'd never had a real partner in swordplay before.
 
"Well, I'm not as good in that, but we can see," Shin commented as he winked
playfully, getting excited now as well. "Lead the way!"
 
"This way!" Hotohori all but jumped to his feet and lead the way to the armory.
They would need suitable weapons after all, before heading for the practice
yard. Grinning at the excited Emperor, Shin walked swiftly alongside him,
chuckling. This was going to be interesting. Once in the armory, Hotohori
looked around for a couple practice swords. Finding a decent pair, he grinned
back at Shin. "Why don't you pick a couple of staves as well. We'll get a good
workout."
 
"Think you can keep up with a Samurai Trooper?" Shin asked challengingly as he
grinned before grabbing a couple of staffs. He glanced at the armor,
considering if he should put on his subyoroi.
 
Hotohori rolled is eyes heavenward. "Do you think you can keep up with a Suzaku
Seishi?"
 
"Then it should be fun, ne?" Shin purred out as he winked at Hotohori before
dashing past the Emperor towards the gardens, laughing.
 
"That it should," Hotohori said with a grin, watching his new friend run out.
It was nice to have someone that understood. He was going to enjoy his time
with Shin. Going to the gardens, Shin sighed as he looked around, smiling. The
moon hung high above them, glistening as it colored the land around him. He
pulled out his sphere and concentrated, dressing in his subyoroi. Once in the
middle of the practice yard, Hotohori stripped down to his leggings. He made
sure the tie that held his hair back was in place before removing his sword
from its sheath and standing in the en garde position.
 
Shin looked over and stopped, staring as he blushed. He was really glad he was
in his sub yoroi. He swallowed hard, his face flushed as he murmured,
"Um...that's not very fair..."
 
"What isn't?" Hotohori asked, looking up at the blushing Shin. He couldn't help
but smirk and raise an eyebrow. "Is something wrong, Shin? And why are you
wearing all that armor? We're only practicing. I'm not going to hurt
you...much."
 
Regaining himself at the jibe, Shin grinned. He removed his subyoroi in a flash
of light before taking off his shirts and shoes and socks. He tapped his foot
on his practice sword before swinging it easily around him. "Ready?" he asked
with a wink as he brought his sword up before him in an easy stance.
 
"Ready when you are." Hotohori smirked, pulling his sword up in front of him.
He closed his eyes and then darted forward, swinging his sword. Dodging easily,
Shin smacked the blade away with his own before flipping over Hotohori. He
laughed softly as he swirled around, swinging his own blade at the Emperor.
Hotohori's blade came up almost effortlessly, parrying Shin's blow. As he
learned his opponent’s movements, Hotohori's own movements became more fluid
and graceful. As they sparred, his own blows soon became more determined and
more forceful, every swing a careful calculation.
 
Shin blocked and attacked effortlessly, grinning the entire time. This was just
like sparring with the guys! A challenge and fun! But finally, he leapt over
Hotohori and tapped him on the side. "I win."
 
"You think so? I think it is a draw." Hotohori smirked, pointing downward.
Hotohori's sword point was pointed at a very...sensitive spot.
 
Grinning, Shin cocked an eyebrow. "Is that a hint?" he murmured seductively
before pulling back. "Shall we start again?"
 
Hotohori just smirked and tossed back his hair. "Hai, let us start again. Only
this time, let us be a bit more serious about this match."
 
"Take away all my fun..." Shin purred as he crouched down before leaping
forward in a swift attack.
 
"But of course." Hotohori snickered, bringing his blade up to meet Shin's
attack.
 
"Then show me what you truly got," Shin whispered as he fought with Hotohori
for supremacy before ducking down and knocking the Emperor's legs out from
under him. Hotohori cried out, but he quickly regained his footing. His eyes
narrowed dangerously and the mark that was on his neck flared to life, pulsing
in a deep red. He raised his sword and attacked, his Seishi power filling him
and aiding in his ‘battle’.
 
Blocking and returning the attacks, Shin grinned, pleased. He loved having a
good challenge. Their attack grew more fierce and swifter as they slashed,
parried, and thrust until they deadlocked, swords locked together as they
struggled to overpower the other. Almost nose to nose with Shin, Hotohori
couldn't help but grin. "You truly are a worthy adversary, Shin. My thanks for
not coddling me like others do. It appears we are evenly matched. How do you
propose we break this stalemate?"
 
"First to blink?" Shin offered with a playful grin as he held their stalemate,
winking. "Or the first to turn...away..." he purred out.
 
"First to blink is too easy. Turning away sounds good." Hotohori smirked,
leaning in a bit closer for emphasis.
 
"First to turn away then..." Shin purred as he licked his lips slowly. He'd
played this game before...
 
Having training as a ruler, Hotohori had learned to never turn away from
anyone. He smirked, looking into Shin's eyes. He didn't have any intention of
looking away, especially since if he did, Shin might take it as a rejection and
he certainly didn't want that. Smirking back, Shin strengthened his push to
over power the Emperor. He didn't want the other man to think little of him,
but he also didn't want to outright defeat him. That's why he kept his yoroi
power in check. But there was something about being so close to Hotohori that
had his blood singing with more than the fight.
 
Pleased that Shin wasn't giving in so easily, Hotohori pushed back with just as
much strength. He hadn't used his full power yet, though he certainly didn't
want to. It was powerful to injure, even kill an adversary and he didn't want
to harm Shin. This was getting very interesting indeed...
 
"Are you holding back?" Shin whispered knowingly as he grinned, pushing just a
bit harder. He was fully enjoying himself, just like he would with the others.
But that sometimes ended rather...passionately. Flushing with that sudden
thought, Shin almost pulled back. But he didn't want to lose...
 
"I should ask the same of you," Hotohori replied with a smirk. He pushed back a
bit harder against Shin, leaning in ever closer to the young Samurai Trooper.
 
"Like you, if I use my full power, it may be a bit...much..." Shin whispered
huskily, feeling overwhelmed by the scent and nearness of Hotohori. Oh he
wanted this one so much...
 
"Then don't complain," Hotohori whispered and then winked. He leaned a bit
closer to the point where their lips were just inches from touching. Breath
hitching, Shin stared at Hotohori wide-eyed. He couldn't...he wouldn't! With a
gasp, he broke their hold and walked away, stopping a few feet away, shaking.
Unconcerned about his win, Hotohori moved closer to Shin. He brought his hand
up and tilted Shin's face around so he could see him. He looked into the young
Trooper's eyes before leaning in and kissing him softly. Gasping and groaning
at the same time, Shin leaned into the kiss, pressing them together. This was
just what he had wanted! His sword clattered to the ground as he wrapped his
arms around the strong neck, pulling them closer.
 
Pulling Shin closer, Hotohori deepened the kiss before finally pulling back. He
smirked and winked conspiratorially. "My prize for winning our match." Panting
softly, Shin stared up at Hotohori. He flushed then and pulled away swiftly.
Just a prize...why wasn't he surprised? Feeling his heart clench, Shin went
over and picked up his shirt before walking away. Frowning, Hotohori went over
to his new friend, ignoring his shirt. He reached out and cupped his friend's
face in his hands. "That was for our contest, this is for us." This kiss was
more searing and filled with pent up passion and desire, heartfelt and filled
with longing and loneliness. Stunned, Shin stood stock still, not returning the
kiss as he stared up at Hotohori. He didn't know what to do...he was too
confused.
 
After a moment when he realized Shin wasn't returning his kiss, Hotohori pulled
away, flushed with embarrassment. He hadn't meant to show so much of his
emotions. He should have known better than to do that; he should have kept them
locked away like he normally did. "I-I apologize if I offended." Hotohori
turned away quickly before grabbing his own shirt and slipping into it. He kept
his back to Shin, so the other wouldn't see how badly his hands were shaking in
his sorrow and loneliness.
 
Touching his lips with shaking fingers, Shin watched Hotohori. He walked
forward swiftly and pushed Hotohori up against a tree, kissing him hard. He let
all of his bottled up feelings come out as he held Hotohori captive. Surprised,
Hotohori closed his eyes and leaned against the tree. He wrapped his arms
around Shin and returned the hard kiss, moaning softly in pleasure. Slowly,
Shin nipped at Hotohori's lips, purring. "Next time, just say you want to kiss
me before stating it is for the game..."
 
Hotohori snickered and purred right back. "But then I wouldn't have gotten to
see that pretty surprised look on your face."
 
"How about another look?" Shin growled out before he began suckling his way
down, his gaze downright predatory now.
 
Groaning, Hotohori gasped, his head falling back slightly. "Aaah...I would love
to, but not here. Perhaps somewhere a little more private?"
 
"Right...here..." Shin growled out as he knelt down, smirking up at the Emperor
as he slowly unlaced the strained leggings. "Unless you have a problem with
your advisors seeing you being deep throated by one of the strangers..." he
purred out as he stroked the released cock slowly.
 
"They might have a problem with it, hai..." Hotohori moaned, his eyes wide.
"But more than that, I don't want anyone to see you but me."
 
"No one will..." Shin whispered as his forehead glowed. The area glimmered
softly around them before he set to work licking at the leaking member. Too
wrapped up in the wonderful sensations filling him, Hotohori tangled his
fingers in Shin's hair. He moaned, trying to thrust into Shin's mouth as
pleasure filled him. Shin moved his mouth faster as he opened it wider, taking
in the leaking member happily. He played his tongue over the throbbing cock as
he picked up his rhythm, sucking hard. Crying out, Hotohori threw his head
back, his fingers digging into Shin's hair. He whispered the young Trooper's
name breathlessly, his body trembling in need. Moving faster, Shin moved a hand
down to fondle the tightening balls there. He groaned around the leaking
length, suckling harder as he moved. That was all it took and Hotohori cried
out, arching slightly in his release. Closing his eyes, Shin swallowed
everything offered, then licked the Emperor clean before guiding him down to
his lap.
 
Panting heavily, Hotohori wrapped his arms around Shin and nuzzled his neck.
"You, my friend, are very evil. I think I like it."
 
"Think, hmm? I'll have to work on it then," Shin purred out as he grinned.
"Shall we go to your rooms?" he whispered huskily.
 
"Hai..." Hotohori said in a daze. He blinked and then blushed. "Gomen. I'm not
used to this sort of thing..."
 
"Daijoubu..." Shin whispered as he touched his finger along Hotohori's face. "I
shall enjoy teaching you," he murmured as he hugged Hotohori close. He stopped
and blinked, looking inward as he searched for his friends. "I can't feel
them..."
 
"Who? Your friends?" Hotohori asked, concerned now. "Hmmm...perhaps they are
under a shield of some sort." That couldn't be good.
 
Shaken, Shin looked at Hotohori worriedly. "I hope they're all right..." he
whispered softly, feeling suddenly very guilty. There he was, doing this, when
his best friends might be in danger!
 
"I'm sure they will be. They're all very capable," Hotohori reassured his young
friend. "I know how hard it is to stay behind when your friends and loved ones
are in danger."
 
Nodding mutely, Shin helped Hotohori up. "We should return to the palace before
we are looked for," he mumbled numbly, worriedly.
 
Hotohori sighed and nodded, knowing it was the right thing to do. "But later?
Tonight?" He took Shin's hand in his own, lacing their fingers together. Shin
gazed up at Hotohori, trembling. He wanted to, badly. But would it be all
right? Slowly, he nodded. He would find a way. Smiling back at Shin, Hotohori
squeezed the young Trooper's hand. If they didn't have each other, they didn't
have anything.
 
Nodding, Shin slowly let go of Hotohori, not wanting it to end. He was afraid
that if he did, he would wake up and find it a cruel dream. He went over and
put on his shirt before grabbing their workout weapons. Taking the swords,
Hotohori smiled at Shin before kissing him softly. He winked and then led the
way back to the armory. Things had to get better, for all of them. Silently,
solemnly, Shin followed Hotohori to the armory as he considered all that had
happened. He noticed the advisors watching them, then swarming in, instantly
berating the Emperor. He felt his heart clench as he received several glares
before he left.
 
Hotohori ignored the advisors completely, placing the weapons away. Once Shin
was gone, he turned to them and gave them a cold glare. "My private life is
just that, private! What I do in my free time is my affair, not yours."
 
"Demo Heika! You must produce an heir and this...stranger...is not of Konon-
koku!" one of the older advisors protested, making a face. "And...well he can't
produce an heir for you!"
 
"I said ENOUGH!" Hotohori roared, turning to glare daggers on the one that
spoke. "I know my duty without you telling me of it! I said that will do! Now
go!"
 
"Hai, Heika," the advisors murmured in discontent as they bowed before
skittering away. They grumbled between themselves, angered at the sincere
disregard that their Emperor had to the state of things.
 
Once they were gone, Hotohori slumped to the floor, staring at nothing. He knew
his duty...how dare they suggest otherwise? What was wrong with him wanting
love, even if it was with another man? He knew he had to marry and produce an
heir. He knew what he had to do, but why couldn't his duty and his heart be the
same for once?
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 5 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 5/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: Drama drama everywhere! Why we do it, we don’t care! Enjoy! Oh, and please
review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Once they were gone, Hotohori slumped to the floor, staring at nothing. He knew
his duty...how dare they suggest otherwise? What was wrong with him wanting
love, even if it was with another man? He knew he had to marry and produce an
heir. He knew what he had to do, but why couldn't his duty and his heart be the
same for once?
 
A hand came down in front of the Emperor as Touma leaned in with a small smile.
"Hey, don't listen to those buzzards. You just follow your heart," he said
softly with a wink.
 
Looking up, Hotohori smiled lightly at Touma. He accepted the hand, coming to
his feet. "It is easier said than done, Touma-san. They are right. I do need to
produce an heir for the country."
 
"But not at the cost of your heart. I'm sure you'll find someone
understanding," Touma commented as he smirked. He frowned lightly then. "I
suggest you find Shin. I can sense he is distraught."
 
"I wonder why," Hotohori drawled sarcastically. He shook his head and thanked
Touma before leaving the armory in a search of his friend. Touma grinned as he
watched Hotohori leave before heading back to his room. Hopefully they would
work it out and he hoped their friends were all right. Walking down the
hallway, Hotohori noticed everyone kept out of his way, so as not to anger him
further. He ignored them for the most part, heading for where he knew Shin
would be, his suite of rooms. He knocked gently before sticking his head
inside. "Shin?"
 
Shin sat near the large plush rug in front of the fire, curled up with his arms
wrapped around his legs. He didn't look over or even acknowledge Hotohori as he
stared at the waning flames. Walking into the room, Hotohori closed the door
behind him. He went over to Shin and sat behind him, wrapping his arms around
his friend. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Shin. It doesn't mean I'm going to
listen to them, you must believe that." Shin didn't reply, not moving into the
embrace as he sat staring into the flames. His face was wet with tears, though
he had brushed them somewhat when he heard Hotohori's approach. "Shin, talk to
me, please?" Hotohori begged, burying his face in Shin's back. "I'm sorry. I
wish I were normal and we didn't have this to deal with. I'm sorry."
 
"S'not your fault," Shin murmured quietly as he stared into the fire. "It's for
the best, no da. We shouldn't have done that anyways."
 
"You know something? I'm glad we did and I hope to share more experiences with
you, Shin." Hotohori rested his chin on Shin's shoulder and sighed softly. "I'm
not going to let them dictate my life or what I want." Shin didn't reply as he
stared at the fire. His eyes grew sad suddenly as he curled in on himself
somewhat. "I'm sorry, Shin." Hotohori sighed, looking into the fire with a deep
sadness. "Maybe it would have been better for you if I hadn't admitted how I
felt about you. At least then you wouldn't have this horrible sadness weighing
you down."
 
Sighing, Shin shrugged. "I live with sorrow every day since I took this up," he
murmured as he brought out his yoroi orb, which pulsed gently before them. "Why
should any hope of a love life be different?"
 
Hotohori shook his head, though he reached out to touch the small orb. It was
astonishing. "We all do what we must. And who said you can't have a love life?!
I certainly don't intend to give you up."
 
Shin closed his fist over the orb and pulled away slowly. "Don't give me up,
but as friends," he murmured quietly, his heart aching. Hotohori swallowed,
pulling back even as Shin did. He turned his head away, clenching his fist.
Friends...was that all they were to be then? Was he never to know the warm
touch of a loved one?
 
Shin shivered as he hugged himself, feeling immensely cold. He should
leave...should move...something...but he couldn't. He just felt like he had
died inside. He closed his eyes, feeling fresh tears slip down his face. He
would never be brave enough to ever take up what he wanted.
 
Not caring, Hotohori reached out and cupped Shin's face in his hands. He kissed
his friend hard and passionately before pulling back. "I don't give a rat’s ass
what they want or think I should have or shouldn't have. I want you, Shin and
no one else. And if I have to fight them tooth and nail every inch of the way
to keep you, I will."
 
Stunned, Shin stared at the suddenly ineloquent Emperor. "Demo..." he trailed
off, shaken.
 
"No buts, I mean it. I don't care. I've done everything for my country and
people. I will marry, if it is needed. But for now, I will have what I want,"
Hotohori said fiercely. Leaning back, Shin stared at Hotohori, speechless. This
was so different a person than he had come to know. He didn't know if he liked
it or not...
 
Hotohori stared back and then looked down. Why couldn't he ever have anything
for himself? He sighed, keeping his gaze on the floor. "I'm sorry if my words
offended you, Shin. I'm not like my Kutou counterpart, where everything is
about his pleasure. I've sacrificed and given up so much for my country and
I'll gladly do it. I just would like something for myself just once."
 
'And why not?' Shin thought to himself, frowning angrily as he thought on his
own life. 'Everything gets taken away. Why does this have to be?' His hand
clenched into a fist as he uncurled swiftly, pushing Hotohori to the ground and
laying out on him in one smooth move. He looked down at him, his soft green
eyes gentle, yet fierce in their fire as he braced himself above Hotohori.
"Seize what you can in life..." he whispered softly.
 
"Hai, for it may be lost or taken away," Hotohori whispered softly, cupping
Shin's cheek tenderly. "It doesn't matter how long we have together, only that
we don't throw this opportunity away."
 
"Do you know truly what you ask?" Shin whispered huskily as he leaned in
closer, pressing close to Hotohori, his eyes smoldering with held in lust and
desire. "If we go ahead with anything, I will want all of you. I won't stop. I
can't."
 
"Probably not but I don't care. Show me everything, Shin," Hotohori whispered
back softly. "Show me what I've missed all my life."
 
A beautiful smile split Shin's face as he beamed down at Hotohori. "That I
will...and more..." he whispered before leaning in for a deep kiss. Moaning,
Hotohori leaned into Shin, letting his friend teach him all that he would. Shin
began removing their clothes slowly as his tongue and mouth worked Hotohori's,
showing him how much pleasure could be found in just kissing. He moved down
slowly, playing his tongue over every salty inch of the Emperor, moaning at the
delicious taste. Hotohori groaned, his head falling back in pleasure. His long
brown hair fell behind him and he reached out for Shin, marveling at the
wonderful sensations that were filling him at Shin's delicious touch.
 
Shin ran his tongue along Hotohori's cock slowly, tasting him as he had before.
But he didn't focus on it as he did earlier. Instead, he pushed Hotohori's legs
up and out, running his tongue down to the puckered entrance hidden there.
 
Hotohori cried out, surprised at the touch. He bit his lip, closing his eyes, a
soft moan escaping him. It was strange, but also good.
 
Grinning, Shin looked up at Hotohori and winked. "You will enjoy this...believe
me..." he purred out before he ran his tongue over the puckered entrance again
and then pressed his tongue in slowly.
 
"Ah!" Hotohori shouted, arching at the sudden sensation. It was like nothing
he'd ever experienced before, but it wasn't entirely unpleasant. He bit his
lip, moaning softly, his fingers tangling in Shin's hair. Gently, Shin pushed
Hotohori's legs farther apart, opening the other man to him as his tongue
delved deeper inside. He wiggled his tongue, tasting the Emperor greedily as he
ate him. Hotohori cried out, arching slightly at the touch. He moaned
plaintively, his fingers tangling into Shin's hair. The sensations were almost
overwhelming in their intensity. Leaning back, Shin pressed a finger gently at
the wetted entrance, looking up at the need-filled man above him. He lapped
gently at the leaking member as he pushed in until a knuckle was in.
 
Crying out, Hotohori bit his lip, trying not to scream. Whatever Shin was doing
to him was incredible. Never in his life had he felt anything like this and he
found he wanted more, not less of it. Smiling softly, Shin pressed finger
deeper, then glanced around as he licked slowly at the leaking cock. He
searched for an oil vial, something to ease his way. Hotohori whimpered,
wondering what it was Shin was looking for. Freeing his mouth, Shin gazed up at
Hotohori. "Do you have any oil?" he whispered softly as he stilled his finger
before wiggling it, brushing it against the edge of the bump he felt there.
 
Hotohori cried out, his back arching in pleasure. He tried to concentrate on
Shin's question but it was very difficult. "Over...over there..." He pointed to
the nearby table, biting his lip to stifle the scream that wanted to come out.
Grinning, Shin shifted up and reached for the table drawer, searching for a bit
before pulling out the vial. He smirked as he brought it down, then removed his
finger before oiling his fingers, making sure Hotohori was watching. "What are
you going to do?" Hotohori asked, more out of curiosity than anything else.
 
"I am going to be deflowering you very soon," Shin replied huskily as he
shifted close again and pressed an oiled finger to the puckered entrance of his
soon to be lover. He grinned and winked up at Hotohori. "And I must stretch
you," he added before pushing the finger in slowly.
 
"Ah!" Hotohori cried out, arching at the sudden invasion. He whimpered, but bit
his bottom lip to still his cries. It was the oddest sensation, though not
entirely unpleasant.
 
"Relax. It'll pass, believe me," Shin murmured as he wiggled the finger around,
slowly thrusting it inside in a small mimicry of what was to come.
 
"Oh...." Hotohori moaned, his head falling back in pleasure. It had just
suddenly begun and did it feel wonderful. He mewed softly, arching into Shin's
hand needily. Moaning softly at the sensuous beauty before him as Hotohori gave
into his need, Shin pushed in a second and then a third finger, stretching the
Emperor. He cupped his own straining arousal, unbuttoning his jeans to relieve
the pressure. Biting his lip, Hotohori let his head fall back in pleasure. He
moaned softly, spreading his legs wantonly, needing more, though he didn't know
what that more was. Groaning at the sight before him, Shin removed his fingers
and, with fumbling fingers, worked his own clothes off. He couldn't wait any
longer!
 
Moaning at the loss, Hotohori watched his soon to be lover and stilled Shin's
hands. He leaned in, kissing him hotly, his hands replacing Shin's in removing
his new lover's pants. Shin groaned as he was finally freed and leaned into the
kiss. He stood, kicking aside his pants and underwear before sitting swiftly to
kiss Hotohori while oiling his hand. Wanting to help, Hotohori took the oil and
lathered his own hand up. He had a feeling he knew what Shin was about to do.
He smirked before taking Shin's aching arousal into his hand, stroking it.
Falling forward, but bracing himself around his lover, Shin shuddered visibly.
"Fuck..." he whispered hoarsely as he thrust into Hotohori's hand.
 
"Am I doing it wrong, koishii?" Hotohori purred, stroking his soon to be lover
slowly and sensuously.
 
"God no!" Shin hissed out huskily as his hips flexed before he placed a hand on
Hotohori's. "Yamette or it will be over faster than I want..." he whispered.
 
"Or I," Hotohori said, pulling his hand back reluctantly. He kissed his love
softly, sensuously. "Show me what else there is, love."
 
"It might hurt, but just relax..." Shin whispered as he panted while moving one
of Hotohori's legs over his shoulder. He gently nudged his member at Hotohori's
entrance before pushing in slowly. Biting his lip on a cry, Hotohori nodded.
Shin was right. It did hurt. But he tried to calm himself, remembering that it
hurt for a woman as well. He'd been taught how to calm a female, so he used the
same principle here and let himself relax. Leaning in as he continued in, Shin
whispered soothingly. "Shh...calm...relax around me...it gets better..." He
stroked Hotohori's flagging member as he finally came to the hilt, using the
coaxing strokes to calm himself.
 
"Hai..." Hotohori whispered, his eyes closed. He let himself relax, leaning
into Shin's hand. The pain had begun to leave him and he felt strange.
 
"Feeling better?" Shin whispered as he felt Hotohori relax a bit around him. He
ran his finger along the head, digging into the slit with his finger as he
rocked his hips a bit.
 
"Hai..." Hotohori moaned, panting softly. His fingers dug into the sheets on
either side of him, a deep moan of pleasure escaping him. It was incredible.
He'd never felt anything like this before.
 
"This is nothing..." Shin purred out as he began to thrust gently into
Hotohori, bracing himself above his lover as he moved.
 
"Ah!" Hotohori arched, crying out in unexpected pleasure. He hadn't expected
that! He moaned, his head falling to the side, his fingers Leaning in as he
began moving harder, Shin ran his mouth along the exposed neck, nipping here
and there as he panted softly. Moaning incoherently, Hotohori arched against
his lover, clinging to him tightly. He moaned softly, shivering in Shin's arms.
Pleasure was all he knew and he couldn't think of anything else but the
wonderful man above him.
 
Shin held Hotohori close as he moved harder. "Gods, you feel so good..." he
groaned out as he thrust faster, using his stomach to caress his lover's cock
as they moved.
 
"Ah!" Hotohori cried out, shaking his head, his hair flying around them in his
pleasure. It was too much. He couldn't hold on. With a cry, he felt his release
take him and he whimpered softly, his vision clouded with ecstasy. Groaning
quietly, Shin thrust swiftly before coming hard, filling his lover with his
seed. He cried out as he was slammed with pleasure, his body arching. Hotohori
whimpered, burying his face in Shin's neck. It was a struggle to catch hims
breath, but when he did he smiled. Shin relaxed, falling against his lover as
his shudders left him weak and sated. He nuzzled Hotohori's neck, purring
softly. Sighing softly, Hotohori nuzzled back, content. No matter what happened
in the future, he would always treasure this time."
 
"Feeling good?" Shin whispered as he turned them to their sides. He smiled
quietly as he brushed his hand over Hotohori's face tenderly, his eyes softly.
 
"Hmmm, hai, you?" Hotohori purred, nuzzling into his lover's hand. He was
feeling more than just good. More like, he was feeling complete and whole.
 
"Whole..." Shin murmured unexpectedly as his eyes fluttered satedly. He
realized what he'd said and looked at Hotohori in fear.
 
"Me too," Hotohori admitted with a smile. "Are you a mind reader, koishii? I
feel the same way."
 
"Koishii...I like that..." Shin murmured tenderly, skipping the other question.
He ran his fingers along Hotohori's side, caressing him.
 
"I thought you might," Hotohori purred, nuzzling close to his lover. "Promise
you won't go away, Shin?"
 
"Promise," Shin replied softly, automatically without thinking. He didn't need
to think about it. It was no longer a question.
 
"I'm glad of that." Hotohori smiled and then yawned. He grinned. "Maybe we
should go to bed. The floor isn't all that comfortable, even with the wonderful
company."
 
"You'd be surprised..." Shin mumbled softly before grinning. He sat up slowly
and removed himself from Hotohori before standing and stretching. Moaning at
the loss, Hotohori took a few minutes to finally get up. He was a bit weak and
wobbly, but he felt good. "You'll be sore in the morning," Shin commented as he
slipped his arms around Hotohori's waist, steadying his lover as he smiled.
 
"I figured that out almost immediately," Hotohori groaned, but smiled at his
lover.
 
"Yak yak," Shin shot back with a chuckle before helping Hotohori on the bed.
(which included much rolling and pinning of the Emperor)
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 6 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 6/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: So, smut done...on with the show! Enjoy! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Seiji and Shu ran along the branches as they headed south, sensing where the
Mashos and Yui were. They finally arrived to what looked to be a border patrol
station and jumped over the wall swiftly into the trees. They stopped though as
they sensed Ryo closing in and then-
 
"Shimatta..." Shu cursed as his fist clenched tightly.
 
"That girl doesn't listen worth shit," Seiji muttered just as annoyed.
 
Miaka crossed the border between Kutou and Konan, looking around. Where could
Yui be? At the palace maybe? Had they found her yet?
 
"Stop! You need a passport to cross!"
 
Miaka blinked and stopped in her tracks, a guard blocking her way. "Eh?!"
 
Shu and Seiji growled, but then stopped as they saw Ryo. Fine, let *him* fix
it...
 
Ryo sauntered over and smirked at his girlfriend. "Baka...trying to go across
without clearance again? These nice gentlemen don't need this," he said with a
wink at the guards before his kanji flashed, freezing them in their spots.
Looking at each other with grins, Shu and Seiji shook their heads in amusement.
 
Miaka growled and glared at Ryo. "I told you I was going to look for Yui..."
 
"What is this?" She stopped, surprised as she turned around. A tall man on a
horse rode up to them, arching an eyebrow. "What is going on?"
 
"Sir...we can't move..." one guard groaned while trying to move but to no
avail.
 
"Hm...interesting," the blond man on the horse said, waving his hand and the
barrier disappeared. Ryo's eyebrow flew up in shock along with the two hidden
Troopers at this act. That was impossible! But Ryo hid it well as he glanced
calculatingly at the mounted shogun. Who was this guy and did he mean trouble?
 
"Such a weak barrier," the shogun remarked with a smirk. "Who are you girl? You
are not from around here."
 
"Uhm..." Miaka frowned, then blinked. If he was from Kutou, he would know if
they had Yui or not.
 
"You wear strange clothing, as from another world..." the shogun mused and then
arched an eyebrow when she nodded and stepped forward.
 
"I am! I'm Seiryuu no Miko!" It was the only way Miaka could think of to get to
the palace and see if Yui was there.
 
The blond smirked. "Well then, Seiryuu no Miko, it is good that I have finally
found you."
 
Ryo growled inwardly before stalking over and wrapping an arm around her waist.
"We're on a journey, so if you don't mind, we'll be heading off now," he
commented pleasantly.
 
"I don't think so." The blond shogun raised his hand and a squad of soldiers
surrounded them. "I think, Seiryuu no Miko, that you and your servant will come
with me to the palace." Miaka swallowed, looking over at Ryo. Did they really
have a choice? They couldn't fight all these men and she still had to find Yui!
 
Locking eyes with his girlfriend, Ryo sighed inwardly. /Shimatta. Shu! Seiji!
Follow us!/ he ordered as he nodded agreement with the shogun. Shu and Seiji
silently followed them into the capital of Kutou, worried sick now for Yui.
They just hoped she was safe. Miaka held Ryo's hand, following after the blond
shogun. They headed for the castle on top of the hill and it was obvious that
was their destination. It had to be Kutou's palace and she found herself
incredibly nervous.
 
Miaka wasn't the only nervous one, but Ryo didn't show it. And it was for
different reasons. He could sense the Masho nearby and getting closer and it
made his skin crawl. He saw flashes of Seiji and Shu briefly from the corner of
his eye as they made their way to the palace near them, but they remained
hidden to everyone else. It wasn't long before they entered the palace and the
shogun escorted them to the throne room. He waited for their cue to go into the
chamber where the Emperor awaited. He watched the two out of the corner of his
eye and he smirked.
 
Ryo looked around, trying to sense where the Masho were. But he just couldn't
seem to focus on them, which frustrated him more than anything. But he didn't
let it show and instead focused ahead as they went inside. Oh he hoped Yui was
safe. Miaka made a face once they entered, seeing the Emperor on the throne. He
was so ugly! Not at all like Hotohori!
 
"Greetings, my lord. We have found Seiryuu no Miko at long last," the shogun
intoned, bowing before his lord.
 
"Truly? It is a joyous day! Now Konan and that brat Emperor will fall before us
at long last!" The Emperor of Kutou laughed. "You have done well, Nakago."
 
Nakago smiled and bowed once more. "Your Majesty is too kind. But I do have one
more surprise." He waved his hand and one of the curtains moved. A young girl
stepped out and came forward.
 
"Yui..." Miaka whispered, seeing her friend standing there, looking frightened
and uncertain.
 
"Yui-chan!" Ryo whispered, stunned and overjoyed at seeing Yui looking safe and
sound, though obviously frightened. He dashed forward, hugging her tightly.
"Yui...you're safe..."
 
"Ryo?" Yui whispered and then sobbed when Miaka flung herself at them. "Miaka?
Is it really you?"
 
"It is! Oh Yui-chan! I was so worried!" Miaka sobbed, hugging her best friend
tightly.
 
"Daijoubu?" Ryo whispered as he held them both, rubbing her back gently. "Shu
has missed you so much."
 
"He...has?" Yui whispered and then for some reason, turned away.
 
"Yui?" Miaka asked, concerned. She touched her friend's shoulder gently.
 
Yui shook her head and smiled. "I'm fine, truly! It's so good to see you all
again!"
 
"We should leave..." Ryo whispered urgently as he cupped their faces. "They're
nearby."
 
The Emperor arched an eyebrow at the two girls dressed alike. "Two Seiryuu no
Mikos?"
 
Nakago bent down and picked up at scroll that had fallen out of Miaka's purse
when she'd rushed over to Yui. He opened it and smirked. "Rather, Suzaku no
Miko it would seem. This is Konan's summoning scroll."
 
"Ooops..." Miaka looked at Ryo in a panic. They were in trouble now!
 
"Shimatta! Move!" Ryo hissed as he grabbed their hands and dashed through the
gathered guards, smacking a couple out of the way. He led them through the
halls, avoiding the guards when suddenly black lightening shot out, hitting him
from the girls with a cry.
 
Anubis laughed as he appeared, grinning wickedly as he saw them. "Now now,
Ryo...where are you going?" he asked smoothly as he stepped forward. Groaning,
Ryo struggled to sit up, pain rocketing through him.
 
"Ryo!" Miaka cried out to him, but stopped when Yui shook her head.
 
"Come on, this way! Ryo can take care of himself! We'll just be in the way."
Yui pulled her friend along and away from the two fighting. "Besides, I want to
show you something."
 
Ryo faced Anubis, growling lowly as he stood up. Anubis chuckled softly as he
brandished his sword before attacking. Ryo swiftly put on his subyoroi and
leapt into battle, hoping that the girls were safe.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Shu ran swiftly, sensing Miaka and Yui. He'd left Seiji to battle with the
suddenly appeared Rajura in order to find Ryo and the other two. But then they
had separated, so his main concern was Miaka and Yui. "Miaka-chan! Yui-chan!"
he called, then barreled to a stop as he nearly ran into them. He gave a glad
cry and hugged them both in relief. "Yokatta! You're safe!"
 
"Shu! Sugoi!" Miaka hugged him back tightly.
 
"Shu?" Yui looked up at him, startled. She hadn't expected to see him. She
touched his face tenderly before abruptly pulling away.
 
"Yui? What's wrong?" Shu asked softly, hurt that she had pulled away. He hugged
her close, holding her. "I was so worried. I-I didn't know what to do..." he
whispered softly as he held her, not letting her go.
 
Yui flinched at his touch and pulled away. She smiled at him sadly. "Gomen
nasai, Shu. I'm just really tired. It's been a long ordeal."
 
Nodding in understanding even as he tried to squash his disappointment, Shu
held her hand. "We need to find Seiji," he murmured as he glanced over at Miaka
as well.
 
Miaka nodded. "Oh! And Ryo! He was fighting Anubis when we escaped!"
 
"Kuso!" Shu swore as he looked back to where Ryo had been. Making a decision,
he turned to them. "Find someplace and hide! We'll find you! I'm going to help
them out," he ordered softly before hugging them both tightly. "And be careful.
I don't what I'd do or what the others would do if you were hurt," he whispered
tenderly to them both before running off.
 
Yui nodded and grabbed Miaka's hand and pulled her along. It wasn't long before
they ran into Tamahome. After conferring briefly, they agreed to hide in small
room while the guards ran around, trying to find them. Yui excused herself from
them after Miaka had sobbed that she'd lost the Suzaku summoning scroll. Yui
offered to go get it and before they could protest, she was gone. Once Yui was
gone, Tamahome reached out and cupped Miaka's cheek. "You came back.
 
"Hai..." Miaka pulled back from him, turning her head away. "I'm sorry,
Tamahome. I can't."
 
"It's because of him, isn't it? Because of Ryo." Tamahome couldn't help but
feel a stab of jealousy. Ryo had exactly what he'd longed for from her.
 
"Tamahome, I'm sorry, truly. I can't." She turned away from him, but then
gasped when he pulled her back to him and kissed her.
 
Yui had returned with the scroll, happy. They would all return to Konan and she
could be with Shu now. She was certain he would understand. A glad cry was on
her lips but she stopped when she saw what was in the next room. Tamahome and
Miaka were kissing. She moved away, her heart filled with turmoil. Nakago had
been right after all...
 
What Yui didn't see was Miaka slapping Tamahome across the cheek and glaring at
him. "I choose my own heart, Tamahome. Don't ever do that again unless I ask
it."
 
He sighed and nodded and then frowned. "Yui?"
 
"Hai!" Yui stepped into the room, not having heard their exchange. "I have it!
Let's go!"
 
*~~**~~*
 
Shu met up with Ryo and they thrashed Anubis before meeting up with Seiji and
Rajura, where the two Masho teamed up against them. They battled up to a large
building that caught their attention, the feeling of immense power emanating
from it. Ryo looked around, frowning, then cocked an eyebrow. "Chichiri-
san...come on out..." he murmured quietly as he, Seiji, and Shu sat, for some
odd reason, safely near the temple. They stood up and smiled happily as they
saw Yui, Miaka, and Tamahome heading for them.
 
Chichiri popped out, looking like a duplicate Nakago, only in super deformed
mode. He grinned and waved. "No da!"
 
Miaka grinned and waved back. "Wai! We're all together again!"
 
"Hai...though...can you all come with me for a moment? I want to show you
something interesting," Yui said softly, almost timidly.
 
"Hai, Yui. We have time," Shu said warmly as he put his arm around her waist
and held her close.
 
"We shouldn't waste too much time," Seiji warned as they followed her.
 
Yui smiled at Seiji. "It won't take long, I promise." She led the way down a
corridor, to a pair of double doors. On the doors was an image of a dragon.
"Miaka, this way."
 
"Uh...okay." Miaka blinked, looking back at their friends before following her
inside. It was dark and she fell back, screaming. Something large loomed over
her.
 
"Miaka-chan! Yui-chan!" The three Troopers ran forward and into the shrine, but
looked back as Tamahome and Chichiri ran into a force field. "Nani?" Ryo
whispered, shocked.
 
"This is the shrine of Seiryuu, none of Suzaku can enter," Yui said by way of
explanation. She smiled at Miaka, turning around her thoughtfully. Miaka
blinked, trembling. For some reason she couldn't feel anything. She was
completely numb.
 
Looking at the others, Yui turned her head. "Nakago."
 
"At your service, Yui-sama." Nakago appeared, smirking. He raised his hand,
knowing the signal would be heard by the other Masho, alerting them to come and
hold the Troopers.
 
The three Troopers cried out as they were pinned unexpectedly by Shuten,
Anubis, and Naaza while Rajura appeared next to Nakago, smirking nastily. Shu
looked at Yui pleading. "Nande, Yui! Why are you doing this?!" he demanded as
they struggled to break free.
 
"Why? You ask why? Why don't you tell them, Miaka," Yui growled.
 
Miaka fell to her knees in pain, gasping for breath. She cried out, Yui's hand
in her hair, pulling painfully. "Why don't you tell them how you only came back
here for him? You only came back for Tamahome, not me! You're such a slut!
Don't you have enough? Don't you have all of their love already? It's never
enough for you is it?"
 
"Yui, that's not true! I came back for you, no one else!" Miaka defended
herself, crying out when Yui shoved her to the ground.
 
Yui glared hatefully at her once best friend. "I'll never forgive you, Miaka. I
cried out for you to come help me but you never did." She pulled her sleeve
away, revealing a scar on her wrist. "As long as I still have this scar, I will
NEVER forgive you!"
 
"Yui, mou yamette..." Shu pleaded as he strained to get free, tears in his
eyes. "What happened, Yui!? Onegai! Tell us...tell me!" he begged, ignoring the
mocking chuckles from the Masho.
 
"Pathetic Troopers. Why did you come in the book as well? Was it to get Seiryuu
no Miko?" Rajura asked quietly, chuckling evilly.
 
"Seiryuu no Miko?" Seiji whispered as they all looked at Yui, stunned.
 
"Hai, I am Seiryuu no Miko," Yui declared proudly, lifting her chin. "When I
came here I was alone and I called out for help but no one came. I called for
you Miaka." She bent down and pulled on Miaka's hair, making her friend cry out
in pain. "But you were too interested in your boyfriend to hear my cries. I
called out for you, Shu, but you were probably too concerned with your stomach
to hear me." She turned angry eyes onto Shu and then turned to Nakago. He
smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Nakago is the only one that
cared. He saved me when those men attacked me He saved me when I tried
to...never mind. It doesn't matter anymore."
 
Tears dripped down Shu's clenched jaw as they stared in disbelief at her. He
gave a cry, struggling harder. "Yadda, Yui!! That's not true at all!! We didn't
have our uniforms on to hear you!! We came here as soon as we could!!" he cried
desperately, struggling to break free.
 
"Silence Trooper! Your lies will not help you this time!" Rajura spat as Naaza
swiftly hit Shu on the back of the head. Shu gasped and fell unconscious,
earning cries of concern from Seiji and Ryo.
 
"Shu!"
 
"Shu! Daijoubu!"
 
Yui took a step forward but stopped when Nakago placed his hand on her
shoulder. "Come, Yui-sama. Let us leave these to the Masho."
 
"No!" Yui looked over at the entrance to the shrine, surprised. Tamahome
strained against the barrier, using all of his strength to finally break
through.
 
"Hayaku, no da!" Chichiri opened a portal, beckoning to all of them to get
through quickly. He held up a barrier, hoping it would hold off the Masho long
enough for the others to get away.
 
Seiji scooped up the fallen Shu and ran towards the portal. Ryo followed, but
gathered Miaka to him. He looked over as the Masho watched them, then focused
on Yui. "Onegai, Yui-chan, come with us!" he whispered pleadingly, tears in his
eyes. Yui made as if to go, but stopped when Nakago placed his hand on her
shoulder. She looked up at him and then moved closer to him, ignoring Ryo's
offered hand. "Yui..." Ryo whispered in agony before gathering Miaka to him.
"We'll come back for you, Yui, I promise!" he cried before leading the way into
the portal with Tamahome and Chichiri.
 
Once they were gone, Yui turned and left the chamber, ignoring the tears that
fell from her face.
The Masho saw her leave and sighed in annoyance. Rajura cocked an eyebrow as
his yoroi melted away, then glanced at Nakago. "What do you think?"
 
"She'll do as she's told," Nakago said, looking out at the door they would have
to replace. "Tamhome now...he is an interesting one. He bears watching."
 
"And other things," Naaza said nastily, smirking as the other three chuckled
before parting to go their own ways.
 
Rajura placed a hand on Nakago's arm. "What do you plan on doing?" he asked
softly.
 
Nakago smirked. "They think they've won so far, but they haven't. We will send
assassins to Konan to wreak havoc and then they will be given an ultimatum. We
will then see how things go from there."
 
"What ultimatum?" Rajura purred out with a smirk as he ran his hand up Nakago's
arm.
 
"You shall see," Nakago replied with a shrug. "Never go without a plan, my
friend. That is the downfall of the Emperor. He does not anticipate every
possible contingency."
 
"And yet you keep me in the dark. Your most trusted listener..." Rajura
countered sassily as he sauntered away, winking over his shoulder.
 
"It's more fun that way. I enjoy basking in your admiration of me." Nakago
smirked, winking back before following him.
 
Snorting, Rajura leaned against a pillar, crossing his arms over his chest as
his subyoroi vanished, leaving him in a dark gray and maroon yukata. "Is that
so? My my, where did this ego emerge from?" he asked softly, smirking.
 
"Oh it's always been there. You just haven't ever seen it," Nakago retorted
with a smirk.
 
"Ah yes, you tend to go all slavish with me," Rajura purred out before
sauntering past the pillar. "Come with me like a good little boy," he teased,
knowing how to rile up the blond quite easily. Nakago narrowed his eyes
angrily, but followed. It was true and he knew it. he didn't like to be the one
in charge in sex. Rajura smirked knowingly as he slowly led the way to a new
room. He enjoyed changing rooms to see how far he could push his lover. While
he delighted in taking charge, he wanted to see if Nakago would learn to truly
be himself around him. What he saw in the blond's eyes when he was free in his
bliss made Rajura hungry for it to be so all the time.
 
Thinking back on the first time they'd slept together a week after the Masho's
appearance in this strange place, Rajura shivered in anticipation. He went into
a small room and sat up on the counter, waiting for Nakago. Nakago followed
after Rajura, though at a sedate pace. He made sure no one was around before
joining Rajura in the room. He didn't care to have anyone nearby that could
hear them, after all. Lounging back on his hands, Rajura crossed his ankles
before him as he waited for Nakago. He hoped the shogun would hurry it
up...battle always made him in need of vigorous release.
 
Closing the door of his chambers behind him after entering, Nakago narrowed his
eyes at his new lover. "Comfortable are we?"
 
"Mmm indeed. And rather bored. Took you long enough," Rajura purred out as he
watched Nakago in amusement, his blue eye glinting slightly. "Come here and
remove your armor," he ordered softly.
 
"I come and go when I please, not at your command," Nakago retorted, though he
did do as Rajura told him, and took off his armor.
 
"Is that so?" Rajura murmured as his eye half lidded while he watched his
lover. "Come here," he ordered softly again. Following Rajura's orders, Nakago
came over and knelt next to his lover. “No no...you know where you belong,"
Rajura murmured softly as he caressed his fingers through Nakago's golden hair.
Nodding, Nakago took his place back down near Rajura's leg. He smirked up at
his lover, his fingers trailing up his thighs. Smirking back, Rajura licked his
lips slowly and nodded. "Take your time this time, Nakago..." he whispered
huskily as he spread his legs slowly and leaned back on his hands.
 
Arching an eyebrow upwards, Nakago rolled his eyes but did as he was told. He
smirked, pushing his lover's legs apart to nibble on Rajura's leg. He'd tease
him first, just to get back at him for being so impatient. Laughing quietly at
the tease, Rajura watched Nakago go at his work. He did indeed enjoy being with
the shogun.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 7 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 7/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: Yui-chan's crazy, isn't she!? Just kidding. Enjoy! Oh, and please review
;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Miaka yawned and opened her eyes. Sitting up, she looked around and saw that
they were in Mt. Taikyoku once more. She looked around and smiled when she saw
Ryo was nearby. Near her, she could see that Tamahome was in another bed,
wrapped up in sheets. Had he been injured too?
 
Ryo came back over from where he had been staring out the window and sat down
next to her, holding her close. "I'm so glad you're awake finally..." he
whispered quietly as he ran his fingers through her hair. "The shock must have
gotten to you..."
 
"Ryo..." Miaka whispered and then flung herself into his arms, clinging to him
tightly. She was hoping that it had all been a dream and that they'd be home
and all of this would be gone.
 
"Gomen ne, Miaka. Gomen," Ryo murmured as he rubbed her back gently, closing
his eyes at her pain and his failure. They had failed to get Yui and now she
was trapped in Kutou with the Masho and that shogun.
 
"It's not your fault," Miaka whispered, hugging him tightly. "I just wish I
knew what was wrong with Yui-chan!"
 
"I do too. Shu is heartbroken. He hasn't moved from his bed since we got here,"
Ryo whispered shakily, nearly in tears at his friend's pain. "I think he
realized just how much she means to him."
 
"Oh no..." Miaka whispered, clasping her hands to her chest. "Poor Shu! It
wasn't his fault though. I so wish I knew why she was so angry. What happened
to her while she was here?"
 
"I don't know, Miaka. I wish I did," Ryo replied quietly, sorrowfully as he
glanced away. His eyes landed on Tamahome and he felt himself go blank. He
didn't know what to make of the Seishi.
 
"He hurt himself, trying to break that barrier to get to us," Miaka said
quietly after noticing where Ryo's gaze fell. Truthfully, she knew he'd done it
to save her, but also knew he wouldn't have just stopped at her.
 
Frowning slightly, Ryo looked down at her. "What's on your mind?" he asked
quietly as he hugged her tightly.
 
"I don't know," Miaka admitted with a sigh, looking up at him. "He knows how I
feel about you yet he did it anyway. Why?"
 
"If I knew that, I'd be the mind reader of the group," Ryo replied with a
smirk, though he too was troubled. He sighed and glanced away. 'What if
Tamahome just can't get over her? Do I step back if her feelings prove
otherwise?' he wondered, frowning.
 
"You mean you're not a mind reader? Could have fooled me," Miaka teased,
snuggling close to him. She kissed away his frown, smiling softly.
 
"Wench," Ryo growled with a smirk before kissing her. He laid her out on the
bed, kissing her in relief that she was safe. She purred, wrapping her arms
around his neck and returned the kiss wholeheartedly.
 
"You know, you two COULD get a room and save those of us that are unattached
the agony," Tamahome's voice floated over from the other side of the room where
he lay.
 
Looking over in surprise, Ryo rolled his eyes. "We *are* in a room and if you
don't like it, then do something about it," he replied tartly before kissing
his way down Miaka's neck in retort.
 
"Hn." Tamahome turned his gaze away from them, trying not to let his sorrow
overwhelm him.
 
"Ryo, stop." Miaka frowned, glaring at him. Couldn't he see that what he was
doing was hurting Tamahome? He didn't have to like her Seishi, but she did
expect him to be polite and not thoughtless.
 
"He can come over here and stop me if it hurts him so much. But if it doesn't,
then it isn't my problem," Ryo murmured quietly before sighing and sitting
back. He stood and walked over to the window, resuming his observation of the
outside.
 
"Ryo." Miaka sighed, exasperated. She loved him dearly but he was trying her
patience. "Where are we anyway?"
 
"Mt. Taikyoku from the look of it," Tamahome remarked, ignoring Ryo.
 
Snorting, Ryo glared over at Tamahome's back. "Got something up your ass or do
you want something pushed up there to relax that attitude?" he snapped out
nastily.
 
Tamahome turned a hateful glare onto Ryo. "I don't know what your problem is,
asshole. Honestly, I don't see what Miaka sees in someone like you. The Seiryuu
have a better attitude than you do! So lay off and stay out of other people's
business why don't you? You're not wanted or needed here."
 
"Will you two stop it already? There's enough testosterone running around
without the both of you making asses of yourselves! We have more important
things to deal with! Like...Yui-chan," Miaka shouted before trailing off,
bowing her head as she thought of her friend.
 
Feeling apologetic to Miaka, Ryo went to her and held her close. "We'll get her
back, Miaka. I promise," he whispered tenderly as he rubbed her back. "And
we'll fix things..."
 
"I hope so..." Miaka whispered softly.
 
"Ah, it's good to see that you're awake finally," Taiitsukun drawled, coming
into the room. Tamahome eeped and hid underneath the covers.
 
Eyebrow twitching, Ryo stared at Taiitsukun. "Who the hell are you?!" he
demanded.
 
"Her name is Taiitsukun, Ryo...and where did your manners go?" Seiji commented
as he came in, frowning at Ryo darkly.
 
"Uncouth whelp aren't you?" Taiitsukun snorted, striding in. She waved her hand
and Miaka and Tamahome were instantly dressed. "We have things to discuss,
Suzaku no Miko."
 
"What things?" Miaka asked, surprised to find herself in her school uniform
again.
 
"Seiryuu no Miko and the gathering of your Seishi," Taiitsukun returned with a
shrug.
 
"Why don't you answer how we got here first before we listen?" Ryo insinuated
stubbornly as he crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at the old lady.
Seiji rolled his eyes and sighed quietly as he sat down next to Tamahome,
smiling at him slightly, reassuringly. Tamahome smiled briefly, but turned to
look at the Creator.
 
Taiitsukun couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Impudent brat. But since it is
relevant..." She motioned to them and departed the room. Miaka blinked and then
hurriedly got out of bed to follow.
 
Seiji sighed and stood up, then met up with Ryo. "Shu's really in bad shape. We
need to talk to him," he murmured as they followed Taiitsukun.
 
"Where's Chichiri?" Ryo asked softly as he looked around casually.
 
"Here, no da!" Chichiri waved to them at the entrance to the room they'd been
led to. It was huge and there was a giant mirror in the center.
 
Taiitsukun swept in, taking a seat near the mirror. "The others should be here
soon. Nyan Nyan went to fetch them."
 
"Who's Nyan Nyan?" Ryo asked with a frown as they stopped before the large
mirror.
 
"Nyan Nyan!!" Several little girls came out from the hallway, followed by Shu,
and bounced around them, giggling. "Heal heal! Mend mend!"
 
Taiitsukun rolled her eyes and glared at the little girls. "Now that we are all
here, I shall start from the beginning. Miaka, you are the Suzaku no Miko. it
is your duty to summon Suzaku by gathering all seven of the Suzaku Seishi. The
rest of you came through a portal to balance out the unexpected presence of the
Masho. None of you should be here, save for Miaka and Yui. Your presence
disturbs the delicate balance of our world and you are here to counter the
Masho and restore that balance."
 
"But how were the Masho brought in even?!" Ryo demanded angrily, insulted with
the insinuations. He calmed as Seiji placed a soothing hand on his shoulder.
 
"What about Yui? What happened to her?" Shu asked miserably.
 
"I do not know, Ryo no Rekka. That is for you to find out," Taiitsukun replied,
unfazed by his anger. She turned her attention to Shu and her expression became
filled with sorrow. "Yui is to be Seiryuu no Miko. That is her destiny, just as
Miaka's is to be Suzaku no Miko."
 
"But...but...that means I have to fight her! I don't want to fight her!" Miaka
sobbed, wringing her hands.
 
Taiitsukun sighed and shook her head. "I am sorry, Miaka. But that is yours and
Yui's fate. As to what happened to her." She waved her hand and the mirror
flickered to life. "Gaze upon the mirror and it will tell you what you wish to
know." Shu trembled, but remained firm as they looked up at the mirror waiting
for the scene to begin. Seiji and Ryo moved to his side, feeling as though
something terrible was going to be revealed.
 
The mirror shimmered and then an image of Yui appeared. She was dressed in her
school uniform and in a bad part of town in the Kutou capital. It was obvious
that it was a less than nice place for a young girl to be in alone. She called
out to Miaka and Shu and the others, searching for her friends. It was obvious
she was very scared and lonely. She stumbled upon a group of men and backed up
when they leered and approached her. She ran but was unable to get away. They
grabbed her and she started screaming.
 
"Mou yamete!!" Miaka screamed, closing her eyes and trembling uncontrollably.
The vision on the mirror disappeared, turning black.
 
Shu slowly sank to the ground, jaw tight as he stared at nothing.
"She...she..."
 
"That's why," Ryo whispered, shaken and as grim as Shu and Seiji. They hadn't
helped her. They hadn't rescued her.
 
"We failed her," Seiji whispered softly.
 
"Yui-chan!" Miaka sobbed, hugging herself tightly as she sobbed. Her friend had
gone through all that. No wonder she hated Miaka now. Bowing her head, she
fought back her tears. She turned around and faced them, resolution in her
eyes. "I'll do it. I'll find the other Seishi and I'll summon Suzaku and I'll
get Yui-chan back!!"
 
Ryo smiled grimly as he hugged her tightly. "Hai, we will," he murmured gently.
 
Shu got up and rushed from the room, ignoring Seiji's calls for him as he left.
"Shu!" Miaka called after him and ran after him. Tamahome sighed and bowed his
head. So much tragedy, when would it ever end?
 
Ryo looked up at Taiitsukun, eyes sorrowful. "Will you take us back to Konan-
koku?"
 
"Hai, I will," Taiitsukun nodded, her eyes gazing back towards where Miaka and
Shu had disappeared.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Shu ran towards the balcony and stopped, trembling as he gripped the banister.
He'd failed her so much! How could he call himself a Trooper if he couldn't
have even protected her?! Following Shu, Miaka found him on one of the
balconies. She gazed at him sadly and walked over to him. Standing next to him,
she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. "She...I...oh god, I failed
her!" Shu cried in desperation, shaking as he leaned into her.
 
"Shhh, it wasn't your fault, Shu. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine," Miaka
whimpered, hugging him close. "You and the others had your job to do. I
shouldn't have taken my uniform off, then I would have heard her. I’m sorry."
 
"We took off our uniforms as well!" Shu snapped angrily, then hugged her
tightly. "Gomen nasai. Gomen. It's not your fault..." he whispered.
 
"Nor is it yours," Miaka said firmly, cupping his face in her hands. "We'll get
her back, Shu. I swear it. I'll use one of my wishes to get her back and make
her okay if I have to, but we will get her back!" Nodding, Shu held her close.
Yui's screams would forever haunt him as well as the stab of his betrayal. He
had failed her...none could say it differently. Miaka hugged him tightly,
kissing his cheek. "The best thing we can do for Yui-chan is to get her back,
ne?"
 
Nodding firmly, Shu sat back and sighed, wiping his face. "We should go," he
murmured grimly.
 
"Okay." Miaka stood up and held out her hand to him. Taking it, Shu stood as
well and hugged her again before leading the way to the guys. Miaka smiled up
at him softly. Holding his hand in hers, she let herself be led back to the
others. They joined up with the others, Shu bravely putting on a smiling face
as they prepared to return to Konan. Seiji suggested softly that they teleport
them over to the palace, using the other two as beacons. Taiitsukun nodded her
approval. Anything that she didn't have to do herself, she was more than
willing to go along with.
 
"Uhm...sure." Miaka smiled while wrapping her arm around Ryo's arm and grinning
up at him.
 
"Don't worry. It's safe. Everyone together?" Ryo looked around, making sure the
two Seishi were with them before linking hands with Seiji and Shu. With a
flash, they were gone, returning to the palace.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 8 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 8/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: Drama, drama, drama...Enjoy! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Hotohori was holding court as usual when a red light appeared, making the
advisors scatter with surprised cries. As usual, Miaka stumbled and nearly
crashed into Hotohori. "Oh, ohayo, Hotohori!"
 
Ryo kept his hold on Miaka and smiled as they landed safely. "Oi, we're back!"
 
"Gee ya think?" Touma commented sarcastically as he came over, grinning. Shin
grinned as well from his spot near Hotohori and Nuriko. Their grins slipped as
they felt Shu's sorrow and locked eyes with the other two, finding out what had
happened. Seiji's eyes subtly looked around for Nuriko and he smiled gently as
he saw the purple-haired Seishi.
 
"We're all here! Well, sort of," Miaka admitted with a sigh, smiling over at
Shu. "But now we just need to find the other Seishi! Once we summon Suzaku,
everything will be fine!" Hotohori sighed and smiled at her. She was always so
optimistic, though he wondered if she wasn't putting on a facade for everyone
like she was wont to do. He was surprised at the look on Tamahome's face. His
friend seemed despondent for some reason. Wasn't he glad that she was back?
 
"Why don't we go rest up so we can get going tomorrow?" Seiji suggested softly
as he observed the tensions. Shin went over and wrapped his arm around Shu,
murmuring softly to him and earning a small nod.
 
"Hai, I think that is a wise decision," Chichiri remarked, surveying the
tension in the room and not liking it at all. Tamahome nodded and then left the
throne room abruptly, causing Miaka to look after him in concern. Shin led Shu
out, smiling over at Hotohori as they left. Ryo led Miaka out while Seiji met
up with Touma and they headed out as well, talking quietly. Hotohori smiled
back before going back to the advisors.
 
Miaka sighed, looking back at the others. She smiled over at Nuriko, who winked
at her from where he sat on a nearby rail. "Everything work out?"
 
Ryo smiled in greeting at Nuriko as well, nodding. "Hai...how were things?"
 
"Not bad," Nuriko said with a shrug. He looked over at Ryo with a raised
eyebrow. "You really should do something about Tamahome, you know."
 
Frowning, Ryo hugged Miaka closer. "Why?" he asked quietly, neutrally.
 
"Because if you don't, he'll die," Nuriko retorted. "You saw him earlier. He's
given up. He may not mean anything to you, but he's my friend and I don't want
to see him hurt."
 
Frowning even more, Ryo looked down at Miaka. How was he supposed to help
someone who was, in essence, his rival? He sighed and closed his eyes, then
nodded. "Fine fine...I'll try," he muttered.
 
"Good," Nuriko said, jumping down and winked at Miaka. He took her hand and
drew her along. "Come on! We have some stuff to do, Miss Miko!"
 
"Ack!" Miaka swiped at Nuriko but giggled. She was glad Nuriko was stepping in
to help out. She wasn't sure what she could have done for Tamahome, he would
have just denied everything to her.
 
Sighing in resignation, Ryo set off to find Tamahome. He stretched out his
senses as he walked along, sensing the Seishi. The figure of Tamahome could be
seen near one of the ponds. He sat on a rock, idly throwing rocks out into the
water. He watched them skip across the surface silently, not really paying
attention to anything around him. Going over the bridge, Ryo sighed as he saw
Tamahome. He knew in his heart that, if Miaka had chosen differently, he'd
probably be the one there right now. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and
continued on his way. He stopped near the pool. "Hey, mind if I join you?"
 
Starting, Tamahome turned to look behind him and saw Ryo. He frowned, but
turned back around. "Suit yourself."
 
"Arigato," Ryo murmured as he sat down on a boulder near Tamahome. He glanced
out and sighed. "I'm sorry for what I said at Mt. Taikyoku. Momentary lapse of
non-testosterone sensitivity," he muttered, flushing as he realized just how
mean he had sounded.
 
"Ah. So I take it you're not usually such an insensitive jerk. That's good to
know." Tamahome refrained from rolling his eyes, but only barely.
 
Sighing as he bit his tongue on a retort, Ryo propped his chin on his fist.
Great. Tamahome was being sarcastic now. 'Now what am I supposed to do? Shag
him?' he wondered in annoyance.
 
"What do you want, Ryo? You're not gloating, so I know it isn't for that. Who
made you come here?" Tamahome demanded.
 
Growling inwardly, Ryo held himself from smacking Tamahome. "Nuriko brought it
up, but he made a valid point. Besides, I..." He glanced away. "I don't want to
hurt Miaka anymore."
 
"Oh I see. You don't want to hurt Miaka anymore. How, may I ask, are you
hurting her? She's the one that's in love with you, if I remember correctly,"
Tamahome remarked bitterly, looking away.
 
"Then you don't understand her at all," Ryo replied softly as he glanced over
at Tamahome. "She cares about you and if someone she cares about is hurting,
then she is hurting."
 
Sighing, Tamahome looked down into the water. "No, I know that. I thought to
get away and not hurt her. I know my presence hurts her, confuses her and I
don't want to make trouble between you two."
 
"Have faith in love. We'd have worked it out," Ryo replied wryly as he leaned
back on his hands. He studied Tamahome and said suddenly, "How did you meet
her?"
 
"She and Yui were being attacked by some slave traders," Tamahome remarked,
grinning when he thought of it. "I saved them and asked for money and they
actually believed me."
 
"Ah...then what happened?" Ryo asked, actually curious.
 
"I left them and the next time I saw them, Miaka was alone and looking for Yui
in the capital." Tamahome snickered and shook her head. "The little fink
blackmailed me into helping her even."
 
"Sounds like her. That's how we went on our first date," Ryo commented with a
grin. "And then?"
 
"She blackmailed you, huh?" Tamahome shook his head. "Well she called me a
slave trader and I had to help her to get her to shut up. Then of course she
just HAD to go up to the Emperor's carriage and demand a jewel. I thought we
were dead for sure..."
 
Laughing, Ryo shook his head. "Luckily, Miaka had had Yui to pull her back from
following us...but she would have come with us, Nasuti, and Jun," he said with
a fond smile, his eyes gentle. "What did she do next?"
 
"We ran for it and eventually got thrown into the dungeon," Tamahome remarked
and then snickered. Beaming proudly, he pulled out the three sticks of gum he
still had. "She gave me these too! I tried to sell them but the stubborn onna
followed me and Nuriko to the bazaar."
 
Eye twitching, Ryo bit his lip on his laughter. "You are excited about some
gum?" he asked, struggling to not laugh.
 
"Well sure! It turns you into a demon!" Tamahome held the pieces of gum
tightly. "I'll sell them and I should make enough money to help my family for a
long time."
 
Smiling softly, Ryo placed his hand on Tamahome's over the gum. "Your family
loves you deeply and you them. Such a thing is rather rare," he murmured
quietly before taking off his watch. "Here...sell this too. I hope it brings
you luck. It's real silver too."
 
Stunned, Tamahome could only stare at the watch and then up at Ryo. "Why?" He
couldn't fathom why Ryo would want to help him. Didn't he hate him for his
feelings about Miaka?
 
Glancing away, Ryo smiled sadly. "I lost my family when I was little. And now
the guys are my family. They, Miaka, and Yui-chan taught me about being a
family, so I know how important it is to you to protect them," he murmured
quietly. He ran his hand through his hair and smiled sweetly at Tamahome. "And,
despite what you think, I don't hate you...just get jealous," he stated with a
flirty wink.
 
"Jealous huh? What for?" Tamahome smiled but then turned away. "She's obviously
already made her choice."
 
Gently, Ryo placed his hand on Tamahome's shoulder. "Just because she chose me
doesn't mean she doesn't love you. She trusts you as she trusts us. That is
something that is very hard to earn with all of us. We have a destiny that
could have us dying at any minute, so love is given when it is proven," he
stated quietly.
 
"True, though that doesn't help my heart much. Ah well. I am glad that she has
someone that cares for her," Tamahome said, ignoring the pounding in his heart
that told him he was a fool.
 
"She has a lot of people who care for her, including you. I don't begrudge her
knowing that love, for it can help her just as much as mine," Ryo stated and
smiled softly, realizing that he did indeed believe that.
 
"Uhhuh." Tamahome shrugged and then grinned. "Ah well. You should probably get
back to her." He didn't mention the fact that he didn't really believe Ryo.
Miaka had already chosen and he knew it.
 
"Eh, walk with me," Ryo said with a grin as he stood and winked at Tamahome.
"We can talk." Blinking up at Ryo, Tamahome shrugged. He stood up fluidly,
dusting himself off and nodded to Ryo to lead the way. Walking next to Tamahome
as he placed his hands behind his head, Ryo whistled before asking, "So what
did you feel when she left?"
 
"Nothing at first," Tamahome admitted with a shrug. "Happiness that she
wouldn't be sick anymore."
 
Stopping, Ryo faced him, tilting his face as he asked, "And then it hurt?"
 
Tamahome nodded, looking away. "It was like a part of me had died when she
left. Nuriko even found me eating a plate once. After that, I couldn't stay
here any longer and went off to find work."
 
Not understanding why, Ryo reached forward and brought Tamahome's face up to
look at his own. "Never be ashamed, never hide from it, and never deny it," he
said softly, his eyes soft.
 
Looking back, Tamahome shrugged and gave a fake smile. "It doesn't matter
though, does it? When Suzaku is summoned, you and she will go back to your
world where you belong and I'll remain here. Better to forget about her now
rather than later when it will hurt worse."
 
"Too late, I think..." Ryo murmured knowingly before sighing softly. He wrapped
an arm around Tamahome's shoulders and started them off again. "So how old are
your siblings?"
 
Noting the change in topic, Tamahome gladly took it. They talked about his
family all the way to his chambers. At the door, he turned and smiled
tentatively at Ryo. "Arigato, Ryo-san. You've given me much to think over."
 
Smiling as he studied Tamahome, Ryo followed his instincts once more. "Here's
something else to think on," he murmured before leaning in and brushing his
lips over Tamahome's in a gentle kiss. He turned and smiled before heading into
his chambers he was sharing with Miaka.
 
"Nani?" Tamahome whispered after the kiss was done. His eyes wide, he lifted
his hand to his lips and shook his head. What the hell was that? Shaking his
head, he stepped into his quarters and shut the door, pondering on all that had
happened.
 
Ryo smiled as he walked in, then sweat-dropped as he saw Miaka. "Miaka-chan..."
he groaned as he went over.
 
"Oro?" Miaka blinked, her mouth stuffed full of food as she sat on the bed. Her
bag was opened on the bed next to her and everything was spilled out on the
covers.
 
Going over to her as his eyebrow twitched, Ryo smacked her on the back, causing
her to cough out the lot. "What are you doing?" he asked in exasperation.
 
"Hey!" Miaka protested, pouting. "I'm eating, what does it look like I'm
doing?! I'm hungry!"
 
Grabbing a donut, Ryo began to feed her as he grinned while sitting on the bed.
"Then eat slower, baka..." he murmured lovingly.
 
Still pouting, she munched on the donut he gave her. "Ryo-chan is so mean..."
she batted her eyes at him, looking cute and innocent.
 
"Ryo-chan is making sure you don't choke so he can kiss you senseless later,"
Ryo replied with a smirk as he handed her some more food in moderation.
 
Miaka purred and put aside the food before she tackled him to the bed. "You can
kiss me senseless right now if you'd like." Laughing, Ryo rolled them so he was
on top and proceeded to follow her instructions. He kissed her deeply as he ran
his hand down her side slowly before his mouth slipped down her chin and neck.
Purring, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss. Biting her
lip, she moaned softly, tilting her head to the side to give him better access.
Gently, Ryo ran his fingers up along Miaka's side under her shirt, slowly
exposing her skin. He suckled on her neck as he cupped her breasts and thumbed
her cloth covered nipples in slow circles. Moaning, Miaka arched against him,
giving a soft cry. She shivered under his hands, running her fingers through
his hair.
 
Moving down as he pushed her shirt up, Ryo tongued her chest between her
breasts, suckling softly there. He just couldn't get enough of her. She purred
and then gave an eep, pushing Ryo off her and blushing furiously. Hotohori
arched an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips. "Forgive me for intruding, the door was
open. Miaka, Ryo, we must discuss something. In my study, if you will."
 
Ryo groaned as he buried his face in the mattress. "Must we now?!" he demanded,
then growled as he heard Shin snicker.
 
"Hai, now, Ryo! It's important!" Shin countered with a laugh, winking as a
flustered Ryo glared at him.
 
"Very," Hotohori remarked, an amused look on his face.
 
"Hai, hai! Ryo, off!" Miaka commanded, blushing furiously. They were never
going to hear the end of this!
 
Spanking her lightly before rolling up, Ryo glared at his snickering friend.
"What *is* it, Hotohori...sama," he belatedly added the '-sama', flushing in
embarrassment as he waved his hand.
 
Hotohori shook his head, but then grew serious. "We have a problem on the
western border that we need to discuss."
 
"What's wron-" Ryo stopped as he stiffened along with Shin as they stared
around them.
 
"Miaka!!"
 
Tamahome, Nuriko and Chichiri ran into the room, just as a pair of dark figures
materialized within Miaka's chambers. "Who are you?!" Ryo demanded as the other
Troopers ran in as well, surrounding the intruders.
 
"Messengers from Kutou-koku," the one said with a smirk. They eyed Tamahome and
Shu and their grins grew wider. "We have a message from the Shogun of Kutou and
Seiryuu no Miko."
 
"Yui?! What is it?!" Shu demanded as he took a menacing step towards them,
stopped only by Seiji. Ryo glanced over at Tamahome in worry as he placed
himself a bit more between Miaka and the 'messengers'.
 
"What is it you want?" Hotohori retorted, taking a step forward. If they dared
to harm Miaka...
 
"Down, weak emperor of Konan," one of them sneered, and then turned to
Tamahome. "It is Seiryuu no Miko's wish that Tamahome and the one known as Shu
return with us to Kutou. Per our Shogan's orders, should you refuse, all of the
villages on the western border will be attacked, with no survivors."
 
"No!" Tamahome took a step forward, growing. His family lived on that border!
 
"You rat bastards..." Ryo snarled as he and the others crouched, readying to
attack.
 
"Matte!" Shu stared stonily at the invaders as his friends stared at him. "I'll
go. I'll not be responsible for innocent people's deaths," he murmured.
 
"Shu..." Seiji whispered, stunned.
 
"A wise decision. Seishi?" the other remarked, a smirk on his face. They were
so easy to manipulate...
 
Tamahome growled, clenching his fist at his side. "I will go."
 
"Tamahome! You can't! The summoning!" Nuriko took his sleeve, shaking his head.
 
"We don't have all the Seishi for that, Nuriko," Tamahome replied softly and
then turned to Miaka. "Find the others, Miaka. When you have, we'll come home."
 
"And don't think that we'll be lax," Shu growled out, his eyes flashing
angrily. "Hurt one hair on a child's head or on any of our friends..." He
grinned nastily, his face darkening with warning. "And you'll wish you hadn't."
 
"Shu...don't..." Shin whispered in fear.
 
"I have to see her, Shin! I have to see her and find...find out!" Shu cried,
clenching his hand tightly. He glanced at Tamahome. "Let's go, Tamahome."
Tamahome nodded. He looked back at Miaka, and then Ryo. Shaking his head, he
walked over to the two intruders and nodded to Shu.
 
Miaka bit her lip and stood next to Ryo. "We'll find them and bring you home,
Tamahome, Shu! I promise!"
 
"You have our word," Ryo whispered as they watched them leave. /Onegai,
Tamahome...come back to us soon.../ he sent silently as he held Miaka close. He
watched as they left silently with the intruders, the soldiers allowing them to
leave.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 9 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 9/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: And what’s up with Ryo and Tamahome?! >3 Enjoy! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Tamahome stumbled a bit once they reappeared. How these assassins were able to
move so quickly, he didn't know. He recognized the Kutou Palace and frowned. It
sure hadn't taken them long to get to Kutou. Shu looked around warily, then
growled as he stiffened when soft nasty chuckling floated out. Rajura slowly
stepped from the shadows, bowing to them mockingly. "Welcome to Kutou-koku," he
purred.
 
"Rajura," Shu growled out.
 
"It is good to see that you took up our offer," Nakago remarked dryly.
 
Tamahome growled, his fists clenched at his sides. "Only for Yui, Nakago."
 
"Tamahome! Shu!" Yui cried, running in and embracing both of them. "I'm so glad
you came!"
 
"Yui!" Shu whispered hoarsely as he hugged her tightly to him, glaring up at
Rajura as the Masho snickered.
 
"How sweet. I think I am going to gag now," Naaza stated as he came in from the
shadows, sneering.
 
"Naaza! Behave yourself!" Yui scolded angrily, turning to give them a glare.
She sniffed imperiously and then took Tamahome and Shu's hands in her own.
"I'll see about your rooms."
 
"Yes of course, Yui-sama. Whatever you wish," Nakago purred, bowing politely to
hide the malice in his eyes.
 
Tamahome narrowed his eyes, but nodded to Shu and let himself be led away. Shu
growled a warning as the two Masho chuckled evilly while they left. He followed
Yui with Tamahome, his eyes focusing on Yui like a hungry man on a piece of
bread. He squeezed Yui's hand, trying to convey all of his feelings in that one
touch. He just wanted to hold her and take away all of her pain. Yui smiled at
him, but it was clear her smile did not reach her eyes. She stopped at a room
and motioned to them. "Tamahome, here is your room. And right across is yours,
Shu. I hope you like them. I arranged them myself."
 
"They look great, Yui!" Shu replied half heartedly, not looking in really as he
kept his gaze on her. He glanced at Tamahome and smiled slightly. "We'll talk
later," he murmured. Tamahome nodded, looking at the two before going into his
room and shutting the door. Yui fidgeted, looking down at the floor. For some
reason she couldn't meet his eyes. Watching her, Shu gently tugged her into the
room and shut the door. "Yui, onegai we need to talk," he whispered pleadingly.
 
"About what? Isn't the room to your liking?" Yui asked, still refusing to look
at him. She walked over to a table and rearranged the flowers there, her back
to him.
 
Shu watched her before going over and wrapping his arms around her, holding her
close. He buried his face in her neck. "I missed you so much. Why did you
stay?" he whispered hoarsely.
 
"Why would I go?" Yui replied, trying not to stiffen at his closeness. "Nakago
took care of me and saved me when I needed it. He's the closest thing I have to
a friend since Miaka betrayed me."
 
"She never betrayed you!" Shu whispered hoarsely as he turned her around. "*I*
didn't betray you..." he whispered faintly. "We searched for you and couldn't
find you anywhere and then Miaka figured out you were here! We couldn't move
fast enough then!"
 
Yui sighed and shook her head, touching his face tenderly. "Poor naive Shu.
Don't you realize she came back only to be with Tamahome? She doesn't care
about you, about me, or Ryo. But perhaps you are right..." She looked away and
sighed, shaking her head. "I'll tell you truthfully Shu, I didn't want to go
because I knew that if I did, I would become like I always am around her: just
a piece of baggage. This is my turn to do something, to be important."
 
"And what about the rest of us?" Shu asked softly as he pulled her around,
making her look at him. "Do you know how upset we were? Forget upset...we were
crying! We failed *our* Yui-chan and now she doesn't want us!"
 
She shook her head. "I was angry before. I didn't mean the words I said, Shu.
I'm not mad at you. I know, of all people, you would have come for me and only
me. But you know, they aren't so bad, the Masho. I've gotten to know them while
they're here and they aren't that much different from you and me."
 
"The hell they aren't!! They are sadistic killers, Yui!!" Shu snarled as he
stomped away, pacing angrily as he gestured wildly. "We *fought* them, Yui!!
They tried to kill us multiple times!!" he cried as he turned to face her.
 
"Because they were ordered to! Arago isn't here, Shu!" Yui retorted with equal
anger. "How do you know that they weren't under some spell Arago had them
under? You don't! They've taken care of me, just as Nakago did! They can't be
all horrible if they did that!"
 
"And why would they if they are under a 'spell'?" Shu asked sarcastically,
growling. He pointed out the door. "You saw how they 'greeted' us! That's them
being 'nice'!! I-I don't want you around them!!"
 
Yui glared at him stonily. "YOU can't stop me. I'm not the hostage here, you
are, Shu. They do what I tell them to do and they listen to me. How else would
you greet someone that was your enemy? Once you get to know them for who they
really are, you'll change your mind."
 
Stung, Shu turned away. "Yui, I guess things really did change you..." he
murmured softly, sadly as he went over and laid out on the bed, his back to
her.
 
She turned her head away and wrapped her arms around herself. "You didn't
really think that things would be the same as they were before did you? I'm not
the same person I was, Shu. I can't be. Too much has happened to me..."
 
"Yea. I said the same thing to my parents when I went home after dying to
protect this world," Shu replied quietly as he curled up. "But I never thought
I'd ever lose your trust..." He glanced over his shoulder at her, his face hard
yet bleak. "Your love."
 
Looking up, Yui went over and sat on the edge of the bed. She touched his face
tenderly, hesitantly. "I never said you did, Shu. Why do you think I asked them
to bring you here?"
 
"I don't know anymore, Yui," Shu replied as he turned towards her. He wanted to
gather her close, hold her, and take away all of the terrible things that had
happened to her. "Do you think I've changed with all that happened to me?"
 
"You're a little different, but that's to be expected," Yui admitted with a
sigh. Impulsively, she climbed into bed next to him and leaned into him,
feeling safe. Even if she couldn't stand to be around many men, she knew no
matter what happened, Shu wouldn't hurt her. She had thought he had betrayed
her like Miaka, but she knew his duty and knew there would have been nothing he
could do. Miaka didn't have that same excuse.
 
Automatically, Shu wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him like
he used to when they'd have free time and they would talk. He blinked back some
tears as memories came to him. "I just wish for everything to be better..." he
whispered softly, not realizing he'd spoken.
 
"I know you do. Maybe it will, in time," Yui admitted with a sigh. "Shu?
Promise me something? Promise you won't leave me again..."
 
"Never. I won't ever abandon you again," Shu whispered fiercely before hugging
her to him, tucking her close.
 
"Good. No matter what happens, right?" Yui whispered, snuggling against him
tightly.
 
"No matter what..." Shu whispered softly, closing his heart away on what he
knew would happen. He had duties, but Yui was more important. He had to help
her, no matter what.
 
"I'm glad..." She sighed and looked up at him. Swallowing her nervousness back,
she leaned up and kissed him. "I don't know what I would do without you, Shu."
 
Eyes shining with deep caring, Shu cupped her face tenderly before kissing her
softly. "Just never forget I...that I..." He swallowed hard, then smiled. "I
love you, Yui. No matter what happened, I love you."
 
Eyes wide in surprise, she could only nod numbly. No one had ever said that to
her before. She smiled, leaning her head against his chest and closed her eyes.
"Don't worry, Shu. Everything will be fine."
 
Holding her tenderly, Shu smiled as he brushed his fingers through her hair.
"Hai...everything will be fine."
 
"Hai..." Yui said, her eyes on his chest, a small smile on her lips. Everything
would be fine. She would summon Seiryuu and Miaka would get what was coming to
her. And she would take Shu away from the others. Shu smiled softly. Everything
would be fine. They'd take Yui back with them and then kick Arago and the Masho
as well as the Seiryuu into hell and make them wish they had never touched Yui
or anyone one else. He would be hers, that Yui was certain of. Now all she had
to do was twist things a little. Nakago had counseled her on this, with
Rajura's help. She hated that she had to do something like this, but it was for
Shu's own good. He needed to see the truth, like she did now. "Ne, Shu, how
much do you love me?"
 
Looking down at her, Shu smiled. "A lot, why?" he asked as he rubbed her back
gently.
 
She smiled and leaned into him, touching his face. "Show me how much?"
 
Looking both confused and concerned, Shu held her tenderly. "Yui...I..." he
tried to say, but stopped. How could he think of doing something along those
lines after all she had been through. He hugged her close, burying his face in
her shoulder. "When you are ready, I'll take you to the stars and back," he
whispered finally.
 
"You promise?" she whispered, holding him close to her. She was glad that he
hadn't taken what she offered. It just meant that once things went a bit
farther, she could use that to her advantage. Running her fingers through his
hair, she held him against her. "I love you, Shu. I trust you."
 
"I promise, Yui. I love you too much to ever hurt you or use you. I want it to
be special. My gift to you to know the heavens you give to me," Shu replied
softly, then flushed. He almost sounded...poetic!
 
She giggled and tapped his nose. "My my...a poet does lie underneath that rough
exterior of yours. I rather like that. Much better than 'let's hop into the
sack'."
 
Sticking his tongue out as he wrinkled his nose, Shu snorted. "Please. That
gets me nowhere! Foreplay is more fun!" he declared with a smirk.
 
"Oh really? So is that what all that talk before of sex had been? Foreplay?"
Yui smirked, poking him in the ribs.
 
"Itai! And hai! Of course. More like seeing if someone is interested," Shu
replied with a grin as he tickled her.
 
"Hey!" Yui batted at his hand and sniffed. "So, coming on to a girl and asking
her if she'll have sex is to see if she's interested?!"
 
Looking thoughtful as he leaned up on his hand, Shu tapped his fingers on her
hip. "Well, I know it's that way with the guys. With girls, well, for me it's
different." He stopped, flushed, realizing he had been about to reveal
something that she would clue in on real fast if she thought back.
 
But it wasn't something she didn't know already. She smiled and traced her
finger down his arm. "So...does this mean I have to compete with them as well
for your affections?"
 
"No, love." Shu's voice was soft and solemn as he watched her. "We're close,
hai, and we love each other. But you're different in my heart."
 
"I'm glad to hear that. Shu, kiss me," Yui whispered, cupping his face in her
hands.
 
Smiling gently, Shu brushed his thumb over her lips tenderly. "With pleasure,"
he whispered before leaning in to kiss her softly. He trailed his tongue over
her lips before deepening the kiss, drawing her closer to his body. Leaning
into him, Yuire responded to the kiss, her arms wrapped around his neck. It had
been three months since Nakago had found her and the pain hadn't gone away
since then. But she also knew she could trust him not to go too far, though she
did intend to test that quite a bit. Rubbing his hands up and down her back
soothingly, Shu deepened the kiss, keeping a firm control on his emotions.
 
After a moment, she pulled back and looked up into his eyes. "We've waited a
long time for that haven't we?"
 
"Since the day we met," Shu murmured with a soft smile as he cupped her cheek,
brushing it tenderly with his thumb.
 
"Has it been that long?" Yui asked with a smirk. "I seemed to remember thinking
you were a hot-headed brat."
 
"And I thought you were a stuck up brainy," Shu shot back with a grin as he
traced a circle on her back slowly. "It's only been six months, but it really
feels like forever."
 
"Hai, I know. And the way you guys made us worry all the time," Yui teased,
tapping his nose.
 
Smirking, Shu nuzzled their noses. "Back at ya, babe," he purred out with a
wink.
 
Yui smiled and shook her head. "You are impossible."
 
"Moi? How so?" Shu asked as he looked innocent.
 
"Yes, you," Yui retorted, poking him in the side and arching an eyebrow up at
him.
 
"How so?" Shu demanded lightly as he tickled her.
 
"That's for me to know and you to find out," Yui replied loftily, returning the
tickle. Laughing, Shu tickled her back, subtly keeping her on the bed. "You're
such a beast!" Yui giggled and smacked at his hands. "Now behave!"
 
Smirking, Shu rolled so she was on top and held her close. "Only if you do,
babe." Yui blinked and then grew tense. She scrambled away from him, breathing
heavily and leaning against a nearby wall. She closed her eyes, trying to
banish the visions that kept returning. Realizing what was happening, Shu
scrambled to his feet and went over to her, making sure to give her room. "Yui
it's ok. It's just me. Follow my voice and come back to me. You're safe. You're
safe..." She shook her head violently, backing away from him. She turned and
fled from the room, running blindly. "Yui!!" Shu cried as he chased after her.
He skidded to a stop as he found Yui in the arms of Rajura. He growled. "Let
her go!!"
 
"Shut your trap, Trooper. What did you do to her?" Rajura snapped back as he
soothed the young woman. Yui sobbed into Rajura's chest, trying to get control
over herself. Rajura and Nakago were the only two she trusted, had ever trusted
since they found her and saved her.
 
Shu leaned back, feeling his shoulders droop in defeat as he watched Rajura
soothe Yui's fear and pain. Why did Yui do that?
 
Sniffing, Yui rubbed her eyes and smiled at Rajura. "Arigato, Rajura-san. It
wasn't his fault. I overreacted again."
 
"You should go and rest, Yui-san. Go on. We shall 'escort' Shu no Kongo to his
room," Rajura replied softly as he gently turned her to head for her rooms
along with a guard escort.
 
Shu snarled and stomped forward, but was stopped by a bunch of guards. "Yui
wait!"
 
Yui stopped and turned back to Shu. She fidgeted, looking down. "Gomen ne, Shu.
It wasn't your fault. Take care of him for me, Rajura-san? He's very
important."
 
Rajura frowned as he glanced at Shu while he struggled with the guards. "Fine.
I will be...nice...to him," he acceded in disdain as he crossed his arms over
his chest.
 
"Yui...onegai..." Shu whispered, but then let his arm drop in defeat. He didn't
fight the soldiers as they bullied him back to his room. Watching him briefly,
Yui went back to her room, her head bowed. She hadn't meant to react that way
to Shu, but she couldn't help it. She did care about him, but some things she
just could not do. But she was determined to keep him and take him from the
others. Shu went to his rooms and laid down, arms behind his head. He reached
out mentally for his friends and took comfort from their love.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Rajura sneered as he felt the connection, but didn't cut it off like he could
have. He walked into the rooms he shared with Nakago. "Yui will break them
easier than we could have," he murmured in amusement.
 
"Oh really?" Nakago was surprised by that statement. He hadn't really thought
much of the idea of having her turn Shu against his own. But from what Rajura
was saying, it seemed to be working. Perhaps she was useful after all.
 
"Hai. I could say her feminine charms, but he is more protective of her than
expected. I sense that certain things are also happening. I don't think it will
take much to turn him around," Rajura replied with a smirk as he lounged on the
window lazily. "I have spoken with Naaza and he has doctored up that koduko as
we wanted. When we use it, there will be nothing to break them from our hold,"
he purred out.
 
"Good. Kodoku on its own is rather powerful, but with his added strength to it,
we shouldn't have any worries." Nakago shrugged. "Their concern for each other
will ultimately be their undoing."
 
"What a pity," Rajura agreed in amusement before he straightened and went over
to Nakago and wrapped his arms around the slender waist. "What else should we
plan for? Surely they will now begin the search for the last of their Seishi,"
he murmured softly.
 
"Let them. It will avail them naught." Nakago smirked, brushing back his hair.
"Plans are already in place to combat the eventuality that they find the other
Seishi."
 
"Are we sending Amiboshi? His innocence will endear him to those weaklings..."
Rajura purred as he leaned into the touches as he rubbed Nakago's waist.
 
"Of course we are. It will serve our purpose. It will keep him out of harm’s
way and keep Suboshi in line." Nakago smirked. "Never do something with only
one objective in mind."
 
"Always a good thing," Rajura murmured as he winked. "May I make a
recommendation?" he asked as he twirled his finger through one blond lock.
 
"Of course. What is it?" Nakago asked, arching an eyebrow upwards slightly.
 
"I recommend sending one of the Masho to ensure Amiboshi's success," Rajura
suggested as he brushed his fingers down.
 
"Oh? And why would we need to do that?" Nakago asked, his eyebrow raised in
inquiry.
 
"*Always* have a back-up," Rajura murmured as he smirked back.
 
"Hmmm...this is true," Nakago admitted. "And he can keep an eye on the boy."
 
"At least until he is in enemy territory," Rajura added with a smile. "I would
suggest Shuten or Anubis...or I could if you want it."
 
Nakago thought about it and then smirked. "Send Anubis. His lightning should
come in quite handy I should think."
 
Tilting his eyebrow, Rajura gazed at Nakago in surprise. Because of his ability
with illusions, he would have thought that Nakago would have sent him. "As you
wish. I shall inform him later," he murmured quietly, thoughtfully.
 
"Good." Nakago had his reasons for wanting Rajura to stay. Some were personal,
yes. But most had to do with his coming plan with Tamahome and Shu. Pulling
away slowly, Rajura went over to the window, frowning as he looked outside. He
was confused on his feelings and what had just happened. Arching an eyebrow
upwards at Rajura, Nakago shrugged. If Rajura wanted to tell him, he would.
Sighing softly, Rajura turned and walked out, frowning. He didn't know what to
make of things. Shaking his head, Nakago left Rajura to his thoughts. It
wouldn't do to disturb him anyway. He had his own duties to attend to, at any
rate.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 10 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 10/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: What is Nakago up to!? Who knows...Enjoy! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Sighing softly, Ryo leaned against the railing outside of the room he was
sharing with Miaka, watching the stars and moon above them. He closed his eyes,
feeling the emptiness that he had felt since Tamahome and Shu had left their
group. To say he was terrified for them was an understatement...
 
Looking outside, Miaka sighed and shook her head. Ever since Shu and Tamahome
had left, Ryo had been moping. She certainly understood it, but it hurt her to
see him like that. Going over to him, she wrapped her arms around his waist.
"They'll come back to us soon. I know they will."
 
"I can't feel them, Miaka, and I fear what I did see," Ryo replied quietly as
he wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her around so he could hold her.
"I wish I knew what was going to happen."
 
"I'll tell you. We're going to find the other Seishi and then we'll bring them
home," Miaka said confidently. "I know we will."
 
Looking down at her, Ryo sighed and held her close. "I hope you're right," he
murmured.
 
"Of course I'm right! I'm the Miko!" Miaka winked at him, and then hugged him
tightly. "You know Yui won't let anything happen to them, even if she is a bit
strange now. What's bothering you so much? Did you have a fight with Tamahome
before this happened?"
 
"Iie," Ryo murmured as he led her back into the room, shutting the door behind
them. He didn't elaborate as he let her go and sat on the bed, sighing. Arching
an eyebrow, she shook her head. Going to the nearby table, she set out the cups
to make tea. Ryo turned to his side, sighing quietly. He didn't want to admit
to Miaka just what *had* been said between him and Tamahome. He had to admit he
didn't know what was going on himself.
 
"You're awfully quiet," Miaka commented from where she heated the water. She
closed her eye and sighed. "You don't have to tell me what happened if you
don't want to."
 
"Nothing bad, if you really want to know," Ryo murmured as he gazed at the
wall.
 
"Then why has it disturbed you so much?" Miaka asked, bringing over two cups of
tea to the bed and sitting down on the edge next to him.
 
Sighing, Ryo turned onto his back and gazed at her. "Just...some things that
might not be accepted," he murmured in reply.
 
"Accepted from who?" Miaka asked, holding out one of the cups to him with a
loving smile.
 
Accepting the tea, Ryo gazed at her silently. "You."
 
"Me?" Miaka looked at him with concern and then smiled and shook her head. "You
know I am open to a great many things. Why don't you tell me and then see for
yourself?"
 
Sitting up and placing his arm on her other side, holding her close, Ryo
murmured, "Open enough to consider two of us?"
 
"Two of us?" Miaka asked in confusion. She looked at him quizzically, and then
opened her eyes wide. She smiled and tapped his nose. "Someone is forgetting
how upset he was over a little joke I had made earlier it seems."
 
"Remember our conversation? The one I had with Tamahome?" Ryo asked softly with
a smile, his eyes shaded and wary.
 
"Hai, I do," Miaka nodded, remembering it quite clearly.
 
"I gave him something to think about," Ryo replied softly as he looked away.
 
Miaka smiled, reaching out to cup his cheek. "Would that something be this?"
She leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips.
 
Returning the kiss tenderly, Ryo smiled softly in relief. He cupped her cheek
and nuzzled her gently. "You...understand?"
 
"Hai, I do." Miaka nodded and smiled. "I was very confused about my feelings
before. I tried to push them away for your sake. I love you above all others,
but I started to have feelings for him too."
 
Brushing a thumb over her cheek, Ryo murmured softly, "Slowly, love. We don't
even know if he would wish something like this."
 
"I know. All I know is I-I hurt him." Miaka bowed her head sadly. She hadn't
wanted to hurt Tamahome. He'd saved her life on numerous occasions.
 
"As did I," Ryo replied as he hugged her close to him, brushing his lips over
her forehead.
 
"What are we going to do? He can't stay in Kutou!" Miaka sniffed, snuggling
close to him for comfort.
 
"He's safer there than you know," Ryo replied gently as he rubbed her back.
 
"I guess..." Miaka sighed and nuzzled against him.
 
Sighing softly, Ryo held her close before kissing her softly. "We'll get them
back soon. I promise," he whispered.
 
"I know we will." Miaka smiled up at him and hugged him tight. Holding her
tightly, Ryo sighed softly. He hoped that he could follow up on his promise.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Back in Kutou, the very person Ryo and Miaka had been talking about sighed in
his room. Ruffling his hair, Tamahome looked outside and wondered how the
others were doing. A quiet knock came to the Seishi's door before Shu peeked
in. Tamahome looked up and smiled. He beckoned to Shu. "How are you holding
up?"
 
"Not well, but eh...that's expected," Shu replied as he went in and sat on the
bed next to Tamahome. "How about you?"
 
"Surviving," Tamahome said with a shrug. That was the best he could come up
with at the moment. "Have they done anything to you yet?"
 
Glancing away, Shu sighed. "Iie. Well, nothing that time won't heal," he
murmured.
 
"I'm sorry." Tamahome took Shu's hand, his eyes filled with understanding. "Did
you want to talk about it?"
 
"For what? We're here and there isn't much more we can do except sit around,"
Shu replied quietly as he squeezed Tamahome's hand. "I'm sorry you got dragged
here. You and Ryo seemed to finally be getting along."
 
At the mention of Ryo's name, Tamahome flushed, looking away. "I suppose we
were. It isn't your fault that I'm here. I know why they asked me to come. To
delay the summoning once Miaka finds the other Seishi."
 
Snorting, Shu rolled his eyes. "Do they think we're dumb? Once we hear that
everything worked, I'll get us out of here," he stated in disdain, annoyed at
such presumptions.
 
Tamahome grinned and then tapped Shu on the forehead. "May I remind you, there
are only two of us and four of your enemies, not to mention however many of the
Seiryuu Seishi are here? We'll get out, but quietly, without them every
knowing."
 
"I'm not *that* bullheaded, arigato," Shu replied stiffly as he glared at
Tamahome in offense. "And we're taking Yui with us."
 
Tamahome sighed and looked away. "Gomen gomen, I didn't mean to offend. I'm not
thinking straight. Are you sure Yui will come with us? She refused to last
time."
 
Clenching his hand into a fist, Shu growled. "I will make sure of it! She can't
stay with these monsters!" he declared softly, then smirked. "And I'm going to
enjoy it if they fight us..."
 
Unable to restrain himself, Tamahome rolled his eyes. "Even I know not to take
on four at once, Shu-san. Killing yourself is NOT on the agenda."
 
"Who said I'd get killed? Shu no Kongo can take on those assholes," Shu
declared haughtily as he thumped a fist on his chest.
 
Rolling his eyes again, Tamahome arched an eyebrow up at Shu. "I thought you
said you weren't foolish."
 
"I said I wasn't bullheaded, not foolish," Shu replied with a grin, winking.
 
"Uhhuh. Don't make me kick you ass, Shu-san," Tamahome said good-naturedly with
a wink back.
 
"I'd like to see you try it!" Shu shot back with a laugh as he leaned back onto
his hands.
 
"Don't even try and tempt me." Tamahome smirked, laying back down. He placed
his hands behind his head and looked up at the ceiling. "I wonder what Ryo and
Miaka are doing right now."
 
"Prolly making out..." Shu muttered absently as he picked at his jeans.
 
Tamahome stiffened but then relaxed. "I wouldn't be surprised."
 
Blinking, Shu glanced over, then sighed and shook his head. "Gomen. I forgot
you got a thing for Miaka," he murmured apologetically.
 
Shrugging, Tamahome kept his expression neutral. "Is that what everyone thinks
it is? A 'thing'?"
 
"Depends," Shu replied warily as he looked over at Tamahome. "We all have
'things' with each other. It's how close we are. And you helped her out and
have a 'thing' with her. Problem is, is it meant to be?"
 
"Apparently not when she has a boyfriend already, ne?" Tamahome retorted,
coming to his feet and staring out the window.
 
Snorting again, Shu stood up and leaned against the bedpost, studying Tamahome.
"Who are you jealous of? Ryo...or Miaka?" he retorted, eyes narrowing. Tamahome
didn't say anything, merely looked outside. He didn't know, to tell the truth.
His feelings were so very confused in regards to Ryo and Miaka. Watching
Tamahome, Shu got up slowly and stared out the window. "You know, it's ok to
love them both. Nothing wrong with it," he murmured quietly.
 
"Oh really?" Tamahome turned to stare at Shu incredulously. "I can't! It
wouldn't be right!"
 
Snorting once more, Shu rolled his eyes as he looked at Tamahome. "News flash,
cutie pie. What kind of relationship do you think me and the guys share?" he
retorted as he shook his head.
 
"This is different," Tamahome protested, his eyes on the garden below them.
 
"How?" Shu asked in disbelief as he stared at Tamahome. "Cuz she's a girl? Cuz
she's the Miko? What?"
 
"No!" Tamahome turned and stared at Shu. Was he that blind? "Because we're more
than friends! At least I thought so."
 
Cocking an eyebrow, Shu smirked slowly. "So are me and the guys and we still
have sex together," he commented lowly.
 
"NANI?!!" Tamahome fell over and stared at Shu up from where he sat on the
floor. Surely he'd heard wrong!
 
Shaking his head as he chuckled, Shu leaned against the windowsill as he locked
gazes with Tamahome. "Let me let you in on a little secret. We have a very deep
bond through all we've done together. It’s how we've survived. One thing leads
to another and well..." He smirked. "Let's just say that we're fairly free with
each other."
 
"Oh. I didn't know that," Tamahome admitted, looking down. "Then why does he
want anything to do with me if he has all of you?"
 
Sighing, Shu looked out the window. "We're close, completing each other in ways
that no one can understand. But we're not meant to be together as...well
couples. Ryo has Miaka, but..." Shrugging, he smiled slightly. "Let's just say
that we're looking for that special someone."
 
"Ah. And Yui is that for you, ne?" Tamahome asked softly. "Even before, I could
tell she meant a lot to you."
 
Looking down and away, Shu sighed. "She is that for me, hai. Whether I am that
for her or not, I don't know anymore," he murmured sadly.
 
"You are. She's confused. It's that damn Seiryuu bastard," Tamahome seethed,
glaring at the wall as if Nakago would appear out of it.
 
"I don't know anymore. I mean, I failed her. Terribly. I wasn't there for her
when she most needed me," Shu replied softly as he tightened his arms around
himself.
 
"You did not fail her. It wasn't your fault what happened anymore than it was
Miaka's," Tamahome retorted with a shake of his head. "It was horrible, to be
sure. But didn't you say you were off fighting something at the time?"
 
Sighing, Shu looked over at Tamahome, considering. "Hai. In our world, the
Youjakai has been trying to take over. A Majin attacked and we had to get it
taken care of." He sighed softly, glancing away.
 
"Then you have nothing to be sorry for," Tamahome said sternly. "You were doing
your duty to her and your people. I doubt she would have thanked you to abandon
your people just for her. Once she's thinking straight, anyway."
 
"Yea...sure..." Shu murmured sadly as he looked outside. "But that's how Ryo
could love you..."
 
"I guess." Tamahome turned back to the wall, saying nothing else. His words had
already hurt Shu enough.
 
Sighing, Shu turned towards Tamahome. "Look. We already know that Miaka cares
about you, but stepped back because she loves Ryo. But I've already gotten from
Ryo that you two might be having a thing now too. So...just...look." He stopped
and sighed again. "Don't close your heart, man. Love comes in many ways," he
murmured softly as he reached up and placed a gentle hand on Tamahome's back.
 
"Thanks, Shu. But you should listen to your own words and not give up either,"
Tamahome remarked, placing his hand over Shu's and smiled reassuringly.
 
"So we'll learn something from this! Big deal!" Shu scoffed teasingly as he
winked.
 
Tamahome snickered, shaking his head. "Hai, we'll learn something from this.
And we'll teach those Seiryuu bastards a thing or two!"
 
Grinning as he nodded, Shu winked. "We'll teach them not to mess with us!"
 
"YEAH!!" Tamahome smirked, his eyes going shifty-eyed. "They won't know what
hit them when we go after them!"
 
Cackling softly as he rubbed his hands together, Shu winked. "As we like to
say...hard and fast, boys!"
 
"Eh?" Tamahome blinked, uncomprehendingly.
 
Laughing, Shu clapped Tamahome on the back. "Something you better learn if you
want to get anywhere with Ryo!" he replied before sauntering over towards the
bed.
 
"Huh? Oh..." Tamahome blushed, shaking his head at Shu. "You're a bad
influence, Shu. A very bad influence."
 
"I try," Shu replied with a grin as he laid out on the bed, hands behind his
head. His smile softened as he watched Tamahome. "But if you want to know
anything, feel free to ask."
 
"Uhm, no thanks." Tamahome flushed and then rubbed his face quickly.
 
Shrugging, Shu relaxed. "I'm not offering to teach you sexual things. Just info
on him," he murmured with amusement.
 
"Oh, well, good, cuz then I'd have to hit you," Tamahome retorted with a grin.
"Uhm...okay. What things?"
 
"Depends on you!" Shu replied cheerfully as he continued to relax comfortably.
 
"You are making absolutely NO sense whatsoever," Tamahome whined.
 
"Yes I am," Shu replied seriously as he sat up. "I can't just go spouting any
old thing. I don't know what you want to know."
 
"That's probably because I don't know what I should know," Tamahome growled and
then blinked. That made no sense even to him!
 
Shu blinked, then laughed as he patted the bed next to him. "Come here, genius!
Start asking questions!" he declared with a chuckle.
 
Sticking out his tongue, Tamahome got up and laid down on the bed next to Shu.
"I don't know what to ask."
 
"Well, then I guess I'll start with basics. Ryo is fifteen, an only child,
parents are dead, aaaaaaaaand tends to take to heart too much when we get
hurt," Shu stated as he waved his hand. He turned his head, smirking. "Am I
getting warmer?"
 
Tamahome stuck out his tongue at Shu and snorted. "I knew that already."
 
"Really? How'd you hear that since not even Miaka knows about him being
parentless..." Shu murmured, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
 
"He told me," Tamahome said with a shrug.
 
Shu cocked an eyebrow in disbelief. "That's interesting..." he murmured.
 
"I think...or maybe it was someone else..." Tamahome frowned, scratching his
head. "He did tell me some stuff but I'm afraid I was...er...rather in a
shocked state and didn't hear much of it."
 
"Aa, sounds about right," Shu commented with a grin. "He does that to you,
shocking you."
 
"Uhm, yeah..." Tamahome swallowed, remembering just what Ryo had done to shock
the hell out of him.
 
Smirking as he looked over slowly, Shu cocked an eyebrow. "So, did you like how
his lips felt on yours?" he asked archly, grinning.
 
"Eeeh?!" Tamahome scooted back, his eyes wide. How did he know?!
 
Grinning, Shu sat up onto his elbows. "Oh come on! I can see it in your eyes!
It's a look that you aren't the only one to have!" he stated with a smirk. He
leaned in, his grin becoming wicked. "So did he give you tongue or just a hot
kiss?"
 
"Shu-san!" Tamahome blushed furiously, looking away in embarrassment.
 
Cackling, Shu shook his head. "Oh come on! It'll help with your questions!" he
urged with a grin.
 
"Uhhuh, sure it will..." Tamahome muttered, still incredibly embarrassed.
 
Laughing, Shu fell back onto his back as he shook his head. "You certainly are
a prude! And you hope to court both Miaka *and* Ryo?? Oh boy..." he muttered
with a grin.
 
"I am not a prude!" Tamahome retorted, miffed.
 
"Prove it," Shu challenged quietly, smirking as he leaned up.
 
"How?" Tamahome asked suspiciously.
 
"Start asking questions," Shu replied seriously, eyes narrowed. "Ryo and Miaka
mean the world to me. They're like family and Ryo especially. So I'm not about
to let someone go off saying they want something more from their relationship
and then not even try."
 
"I'm sorry." Tamahome turned his head away with a sigh. "You have to understand
it from my point of view. I fell in love with Miaka when she was here and then
I find out she has someone else and then suddenly that someone else shows an
interest in me. Why? Is he doing it because he doesn't want Miaka to be hurt or
is it genuine? I just don't know."
 
"With Ryo...it's always genuine. He's anything but not genuine," Shu replied
with a sigh, his eyes sad. "He's pure hearted when it comes to that."
 
"But all I have is your word. I don't know first hand." Tamahome sighed and
rubbed his forehead. "Why would he care about me all of a sudden? He didn't
even like me when you guys showed up at first. Why now?"
 
Shrugging, Shu sat up and leaned against the bed headboard. "He disliked me at
the start. But getting through life and death situations kinda makes one open
up, ya know?"
 
"He didn't like you?" Tamahome was curious now. Why wouldn't he have liked Shu?
 
"Oh yea! Hot headed, always raring for a fight...that's me!" Shu replied with a
laugh and a wink. "But in the end, when everything grew so dark and desperate,
we all hung together and, well, won, or so we thought," he explained, sighing.
 
"You'll win again, I know you will," Tamahome said with conviction and
shrugged. "I wish I had half as much strength as you guys seem to have."
 
"Then die," Shu said flatly as he looked down at Tamahome, frowning. "Cuz
that's how we got so much 'strength'. We died and came back, pulling it
together at the end to barely save our world. Yea, we're really great heroes."
 
"Oh but you are." Tamahome shook his head at Shu. "Who else would even do what
you've done? That takes a great hero just to get up and go out and do what you
do."
 
"Like we had a choice..." Shu whispered sadly as he looked away. "You take what
you can get then, Tamahome. That's what you'll have to deal with if you do look
at Miaka and Ryo as something more. Miaka already understands. Do you?"
 
"I'm a Suzaku Seishi, Shu," Tamahome replied with a shrug. "I grew up knowing
that I was born only to protect Suzaku no Miko. I will give my life for her if
I must. My entire life belongs to her. I understand more than you know."
 
"Do you? You say you know it, but do you accept it? Saying and accepting are
two different things," Shu retorted, but not unkindly.
 
"Of course I have. I wouldn't have protected Miaka the time that shrine fell on
top of her if I didn't," Tamahome said seriously. "I will give my life for her
if it is needed."
 
"There is a difference in protecting someone and in loving someone," Shu shot
back seriously, growling.
 
"Not when you protect them because you love them," Tamahome returned with a
shrug.
 
"But is that all you base your love on?" Shu retorted angrily, disgusted with
the mere thought.
 
"What? On protection? No it isn't." Tamahome sighed and sat up. "I don't know
why I love her. I didn't even like her when I first met her, I thought she was
an irritating little brat."
 
Chuckling, Shu nodded. "Yea we all did. She's gets under your skin," he
commented.
 
"See?" Tamahome grinned and shook his head. "She's cute though. Eh. I'll figure
it out eventually."
 
"I hope so. I really hope so," Shu murmured softly. Tamahome nodded, looking
out the window again. He sighed and shook his head. "Let's go for a walk. I
need to move," Shu decided as he stood up.
 
"Sounds like a plan." Tamahome got up and headed for the door. He was more than
ready to leave this room. Maybe they could find an escape route and get them
and Yui out. Whistling softly as they headed out, Shu smiled as they walked
along the halls. Screw their guards. They needed a walk! Strangely, Tamahome
noticed the guards didn't stop them. They watched them carefully, but they made
no move to halt their movements. He shook his head and sighed, following after
his new friend. Looking around in interest, Shu whistled nonchalantly as they
walked around, smirking as he saw various things. Rounding the corner, Tamahome
gave an umph as he was run into by someone else.
 
"Ow...."
 
Itai! That hurt..."
 
Tamahome growled, looking up. "Watch where you're going!"
 
"Why don't you do the same thing?!" the boy that they'd run into growled, his
gray eyes flashing.
 
"Both of you watch it. Now let's move it," Shu commented as he slid a hand
through Tamahome's elbow and directed his friend away. They didn't need trouble
because of some hot headed toddler...
 
"Hey! Don't you run away from me!" the youth growled, chasing after them. "You
can't run from a Seiryuu Seishi!"
 
"Nani?" Tamahome turned and eyed the boy with a snicker. "YOU'RE a Seiryuu
Seishi? Aren't you a bit short?" The boy growled, his eyes flashing.
 
Smirking as he stopped and crossed his arms over his chest, Shu shook his head.
"Go back to your nanny, kid. You ain't got nothing we need to worry about," he
stated with amusement before jerking his head at Tamahome to get them going
again.
 
Growling, the youth pulled out what appeared to be a weapon. "How dare you!"
The ‘weapon’ appeared to be a ball on some string, something Tamahome had never
seen before.
 
A hand clamped on the youths shoulder just as he was about to leap at the
attack. "Nani?"
 
"Shunkaku, stop," the other replied and Tamahome blinked, rubbing his eyes. Was
he seeing double?!
 
"But aniki! They insulted me!" The other pouted and glared.
 
The other shook his head firmly. "They are guests of Miko-sama, now stop."
 
"Hai..." The hot-headed one pouted, moving behind his twin.
 
The other bowed politely to the two. "Forgive my brother, he is rash. I am
Koutoku and this is my brother, Shunkaku. We had heard that you were to be
staying with us under Miko-sama's orders and were curious about you. Forgive
any impertinence on my twin's part."
 
"Eh, it's ok. He's young," Shu replied amiably as he offered his hand in
greeting to Koutoku. "Name's Rei Faun Shu. This is Tamahome. You both Seiryuu
Seishi?" he asked warmly.
 
"We are." Koutaku bowed politely. "I am called Amiboshi and this is Suboshi."
 
"Aah, pleasure," Tamahome bowed in return. Suboshi snorted and crossed his arms
over his chest.
 
'Well we know who is the older of the two....' Shu thought in amusement as he
bowed as well. "Would you like to join us in our walk? We're touring the
palace," he offered amiably, always willing to make friends.
 
"I'm afraid these two can't join you in your...sojourn," Rajura stated as he
came forward, eyes cold as Shu glared at him. "Amiboshi...Suboshi. Go to the
throne room," he ordered sharply.
 
"Now, wait a minute! They were with us!" Shu declared indignantly.
 
"Iie...it is all right, Shu-san. We must attend to our duties," Amiboshi said
quickly, keeping his brother behind him. He looked at the Masho with
undisguised fear before bowing to them and leaving with his brother quickly.
 
Tamahome glared at the Masho. "Afraid we'll corrupt your precious Seishi,
Masho?"
 
Smirking, Rajura cupped Tamahome's chin roughly before chuckling. "Iie. Just
making sure they remember their place and who the enemy is," he replied before
letting Tamahome go.
 
Shu snarled as his fists clenched tightly. "You monster! Quit hurting them!
They're just kids!"
 
"So are you..." Rajura replied, laughing evilly as he turned and walked away.
 
Tamahome growled, his fists clenching. He looked at Shu and sighed. "He's an
ass. No wonder you guys have been fighting him. Next battle, can I help?
Please?"
 
"With my blessing," Shu replied with a wide grin as he patted Tamahome on the
back. "He isn't what he seems though..." He sighed quietly and glanced away,
then turned. "Come on. Let's go."
 
"Hai." Tamahome followed his friend, looking back once where Rajura had gone.
He sighed and shook his head. Turning back, he followed after Shu down the
halls.
 
"Ignore him for now, Tamahome-kun. We'll get him later," Shu murmured as they
walked along.
 
"Hai..." Tamahome shook his head, following after his friend.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 11 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt. 11/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: Drama, then cute then drama...yes we have a plot! xD Enjoy! Oh, and please
review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Rajura smirked as he went to the throne room, cocking an eyebrow at the twins
as he passed them to go and stand next to Nakago. Suboshi stood just behind his
brother, glaring at Rajura when he entered. He didn't say anything. Even he
knew better than to say anything bad about Nakago's ‘aide’. Nakago smirked at
Rajura and then looked at the twins. Rajura smirked back, then focused on the
group. Shuten shifted, growling. "All right, we're all present. What is your
problem?" he snapped out testily as he crossed his arms over his chest.
 
"Oh no problem. You just have a job to do." Nakago smirked, eyeing the twins.
"Amiboshi. You will leave here and head for Konan. Your job is to infiltrate
the Suzaku Seishi as one of them, and then sabotage their summoning. Shuten
will accompany you."
 
"Nani?! Attend that sniveling, whining brat?!" Shuten demanded, outraged as his
fellow Masho chuckled quietly.
 
"Iie. Accompany that Seiryuu Seishi," Rajura corrected, smirking as Shuten
snarled at him.
 
"HEY! Don't say such things about my aniki!" Suboshi glared at Shuten, his fist
clenched in anger.
 
Amiboshi shook his head, holding his brother's arm. "Shun, don't."
 
"Hai, Shunkaku. Don't," Naaza warned with a smile as Shuten sneered at the
twins.
 
"Just don't get in my way," Shuten growled out, turning away.
 
"I wouldn't dream of getting in your way, Shuten-san." Amiboshi looked at them
seriously, his hand on his brother's arm. The touch seemed to calm Suboshi,
though he looked scared.
 
"Save it for the Suzaku, whelp," Shuten shot back, snarling, before grabbing
Soi's hand and storming out. He was not happy.
 
"You're dismissed." Nakago waved to the twins and Amiboshi took his brother's
hand and pulled him out of the throne room.
 
The others left as well, leaving Nakago and Rajura. Snorting, Rajura sat in the
throne, lazily kicking his leg. "Well now. This should be interesting..." he
murmured as he twirled a soft lock of white hair around a finger.
 
"Hmmm...perhaps." Nakago shrugged. "This will give us the time we need to find
the other two Seishi. Once we have them all, we can begin the summoning
preparations."
 
"Mmm...Miboshi and Tomo. It shouldn't be too hard," Rajura replied lazily as he
tugged on the lock before smirking at Nakago. "Do you want to send one of the
Masho?" he asked slyly as he crossed his legs and his kimono parted.
 
"Hmmm. Send Soi and Naaza." Nagako tapped his chin in thought. He smirked and
nodded. "Those two should be able to handle it and she won't mope around here
when Shuten leaves."
 
"Indeed. Mustn't have a moping female. One is enough," Rajura replied
sarcastically as he sneered. He shifted so he was laying across the seat, legs
propped up on one arm with his head on the other. His kimono fell down, baring
him.
 
"Most definitely. Enjoying yourself?" Nakago rolled his eyes at Rajura and
shook his head.
 
"Mmmm I am indeed comfortable. Care to join me?" Rajura replied with a smirk as
he stretched. "I may even let you have some control."
 
"You're all heart." Nakago rolled his eyes at his lover. "Now is not the time,
Rajura. We have things to attend to before the brat leaves."
 
"Take away all the excitement of despoiling the very thing that has led you to
what you are now," Rajura replied in a bored tone of voice as he swung his legs
around and stood up. He smirked knowingly over his shoulder at Nakago as he
sauntered out.
 
The throne of Kutou wasn't what had made him what he was but the man who sat in
it. Nakago sighed, shaking his head. He wanted only one thing: the Emperor's
head on a pike, preferably form one he had used himself.
 
"Coming?" Rajura called over his shoulder as he changed into his sub yoroi.
Nodding curtly, Nakago followed after Rajura. For some reason he felt disturbed
about something but he couldn't place what it was. Rajura led the way to the
other two Masho and waited for Nakago, frowning as he tapped his foot. He hated
waiting. But Nakago wasn't in any particular hurry. He smirked, enjoying making
Rajura irritated. He couldn't let him think he had complete control around
there, after all. Rajura saw Nakago and shot him a look of warning. He wasn't
about to be ruled by that blond.
 
"What's wrong, Rajura? Nakago getting a will of his own?" Anubis purred out,
chuckling cruelly along with Naaza. He grinned as Rajura shot him a really
nasty look.
 
"Let's get a few things straight," Nakago said ominously. He turned an icy
glare onto Rajura. "I am not a plaything for your amusement. If you want to get
back to your world, you will follow MY orders. This is MY world and you will
follow what I say. If you have a problem with that, you can leave. I don't need
you. You are a convenient means to an end, but I can do what needs to be done
WITHOUT you as easily as I can with you."
 
For some reason, that stung Rajura and he didn't think it was out of pride. His
eyes narrowed as he flicked his wrist, sending a thin, yet deadly thread around
Nakago's neck. "And let's get one thing straight: you are nothing without us.
You might think your powers are worth something, but believe me when I say that
they won't help you," he hissed out as the other two Masho stood menacingly.
 
"I'm nothing? I was doing quite well without you before you came here," Nakago
retorted, unperturbed by the thread around his neck. "Kill me then, Rajura.
Death would be a salvation to me. Nothing you can possibly do to me would make
me care one way or another."
 
The other two Masho watched intently as Rajura stared at Nakago, his face hard.
Silence dropped over them all before Rajura flicked his wrist, releasing
Nakago. "You are still needed. I won't waste allies," he snapped out before
leaving.
 
"Nor I," Nakago said softly, watching him leave. He looked briefly at the other
two before he turned and walked out. Naaza and Anubis glanced at each other,
cocking eyebrows in curiosity. What did that portend?
 
Rajura stormed to the room he was sharing with Nakago and almost turned away he
was so upset. He didn't know what he was upset over, and that confused and
infuriated him. Returning to his room, Nakago wasn't surprised to see Rajura
there. He stood in the entrance, watching the other silently. Rajura paced for
a few minutes before going over towards the vanity. He stopped, staring as he
touched his face...his wet face. With a snarl, he grabbed one of the vials and
flung it at the wall, hearing it smash as he trembled. He could NOT be having
feelings for that arrogant general!
 
"It’s hard, isn't it? Having emotions," Nakago said softly from where he stood.
He'd watched Rajura have his tantrum.
 
"I don't know what you are talking about!" Rajura snarled angrily as he whirled
around, facing Nakago.
 
"I think you do." Nakago closed the door after him. "It hurts, doesn't it?
Feeling rejected."
 
"Rejected?! By what, you?!" Rajura scoffed as he snorted, rolling his eyes
while crossing his arms over his chest. "Don't make me laugh."
 
"Then why did you leave?" Nakago asked, his arms crossed over his chest. He
didn't move closer to Rajura, keeping their distance.
 
"Our conversation was finished! What more was I to stand around and wait for
you to say?!" Rajura demanded as he gestured wildly, disconcerted at his wild
emotions when he was usually so fierce and controlled.
 
"Nothing," Nakago said softly, looking at the other. He sighed and shook his
head. "Nothing apparently, Rajura. Nothing at all."
 
Growling deeply, Rajura strode forward and grabbed Nakago around the neck. "I
should kill you. You are nothing but a thorn in my side! Arrogant and so sure
of yourself. You should bow down to me and my Master," he hissed out as he
lifted Nakago.
 
"Why should I?" Nakago retorted, not lifting a finger to stop Rajura. "You're
intimidated, Rajura. You're used to people bowing before you and when I won't,
you take it as a threat."
 
"Urusai!" Rajura snarled out as he tightened his hold, pushing Nakago hard
against the wall. "You are a mere mortal that I can crush easily!"
 
"I am a Seiryuu Seishi and not so easily destroyed," Nakago retorted calmly,
not even grunting at the pain he felt. He'd learned long ago not to show any
sign of pain.
 
Smirking, Rajura tightened his hold, then easily flung Nakago across the room.
"You think so? You are so young and naive..." he murmured as he stalked slowly
after Nakago.
 
Grunting, Nakago came to his feet fluidly. He arched an eyebrow at Rajura and
shrugged. "I haven't been naive for many, many years, Rajura. It is you who is
naive. Tell me, Rajura, where do your powers stem from? Are you so certain they
will sustain you against the power of a god?"
 
Laughing cruelly, Rajura ran a hand through his hair. "Is this about your
pathetic beast god? Don't make me laugh. He has a smidgen of power compared to
Arago-sama," he replied almost indulgently as he strode forward.
 
Nakago shook his head and smiled. "That is what you believe and what he has
told you. Both are false." He held his hand out and a blue ball of power
surrounded him, growing larger the closer Rajura came.
 
"Do you think to kill me with your itty bitty power?" Rajura sneered as he
didn't slow. His hand came up, mimicking Nakago as a pulsing magenta orb
appeared and grew.
 
"No. I do not wish to kill you at all," Nakago said truthfully. "If we are to
work together, Rajura, you must learn that I am no weakling and I will not take
any shit from you. We are equals, both in power and desire. What happens in the
bedroom has no consequence outside."
 
"Never does," Rajura murmured, almost growling as his ball grew. "I am tired of
your games. Quit playing with my mind!"
 
"Playing with your mind? I have done no such thing. I have been perfectly
honest with you," Nakago retorted, frowning. What in Seiryuu's name was Rajura
talking about? Snarling, Rajura threw the ball at Nakago. But it missed, fading
as it lost momentum. Enraged once more, Rajura lunged forward, hitting Nakago.
Nakago took the blow wordlessly, his arms wrapping around Rajura. He held the
Masho tightly, shaking his head.
 
Growling with his rage, Rajura struggled to break free, beating on Nakago's
chest. "Release me! Let me go, you child!!"
 
"I'm not a child, Rajura." Nakago was rather surprised. Rajura shouldn't have
any problems breaking free, yet he didn't. He pulled him closer, leaning down
to kiss him softly.
 
Yanking his mouth free, Rajura glared tearfully up at Nakago. "What are you
doing to me?!" he whispered almost painfully as he shook, no longer struggling.
His face cracked as anger flared through him. "Release me! Whatever you are
doing to me, stop it!"
 
"Why?" Nakago whispered, turning the tables and pressing Rajura against the
wall. He leaned in, his lips only inches away from Rajura's. Rajura's presence
had made him forget about Soi, and that took some doing. He wasn't blind to
what his emotions were, just chose to ignore them most of the time. "Why are
you afraid to love, Rajura?"
 
Stiffening, Rajura stared at Nakago in stark terror. "Let me go. Onegai, let me
go," he whispered softly, pleadingly. He couldn't love! He couldn't! That was
something he would never have in this or any other lifetime!! His pact with the
dark lord had proven it!
 
"Are you sure you want me to let you go?" Nakago whispered softly before
kissing Rajura tenderly.
 
Whimpering, Rajura's fingers clenched in Nakago's tunic under the armor as he
allowed the kiss, hesitantly returning it. He shook his head, tears streaking
his cheek as he turned his face away. "Mou yamette. You are killing me..."
 
"Am I? Are you certain you're dying?" Nakago whispered softly. He lifted
Rajura's face and smiled.
 
Sweat dripped down Rajura's face, mingling with his tears as he trembled.
Suddenly, a thin line of blood ran from his patched eye. "Onegai, release me
from whatever spell you have on me..."
 
"It is no spell, Rajura," Nakago replied gently, reaching out a hand to touch
the bleeding eye. "It is human emotion, feelings."
 
"It is a curse! I gave those up centuries ago!" Rajura spat out in distress as
he trembled.
 
"Why are you so afraid of them?" Nakago pressed, leaning in closely to Rajura.
 
"Not afraid!" Rajura snarled as he tried to break free, but he
couldn't...wouldn't...fight harder. He sobbed suddenly as he covered his
bleeding eye. "I made a pact. I can't let emotions take me away from Arago-
sama!" he cried brokenly.
 
"Why not? Arago-sama doesn't care about you. If he did, he would be here. He
isn't, is he? But I am," Nakago whispered, cupping Rajura's face in his hands.
He kissed him softly, tenderly. He'd never thought of himself as the tender
sort, but something within him had come out at the sight of Rajura and it
wouldn't be shut off now. Almost desperately, Rajura clung to Nakago as he
returned the kiss, his fingers clawing at the silken sleeves that adorned his
lover's arms. He shuddered, then turned away, gagging and throwing up blood as
he shook.
 
Reaching out, Nakago placed his hand over Rajura's heart. He could sense the
curse that was upon his lover, the curse that killed his body whenever emotions
took hold of him. There had to be a way to break the curse upon him, but still
have him connected to his yoroi undamaged. Retching, Rajura trembled and fell
to his knees weakly, shaking with pain. This had happened once before, at the
beginning. His only happiness was in death and destruction. Holding Rajura in
his arms, Nakago found it. He pulled his lover into his lap and closed his
eyes. Blue fire surrounded them, his power slipping into them both, trying to
mend the tears that the curse had created.
 
Screaming in agony, Rajura arched sharply, twisting as he tried to escape the
pain. He gasped thickly, trying to get a breath as blood filled him. He relaxed
suddenly, growing cold as he was healed. Holding Rajura close, Nakago filled
him with his own power, replacing what Rajura had lost. Gurgling came from
Rajura's throat as he tried to breath before he gagged and moved to the side,
throwing up more blood. He choked and coughed, clearing his lungs as he panted.
Rubbing Rajura's back, Nakago waited until the current spasm passed. "Better?"
 
"Why did you do that?" Rajura rasped out as he panted softly, still shaking
here and there. "Get rid of me and you will have no more troubles..."
 
"Get rid of you and I wouldn't be able to live with myself," Nakago replied,
touching Rajura's face. He smiled and held out his hand. "We're partners in
this, are we not?"
 
Gazing warily at Nakago, Rajura slowly raised a hand and rested it within
Nakago's. "Why?" he asked quietly.
 
"Why what?" Nakago asked, clasping his hand over Rajura's gently.
 
"Why did you help me?" Rajura whispered huskily, his voice scratchy from his
retching.
 
"Because, oddly enough, I do care about what happens to you," Nakago admitted
with a sigh. He didn't understand it himself really.
 
Looking away, Rajura tried to understand all that had happened, then firmly
pushed it aside. "Arigato for the help," he murmured.
 
"Hai." Nakago smiled and shook his head. "Come. I think we both need our rest,
ne?" Nodding silently, Rajura allowed Nakago to help him up, then went over to
the bed and laid down. He curled up, falling asleep almost immediately. Nakago
laid down next to his lover, his fingers absently running through Rajura's
white hair. He didn't understand the feelings coursing through him either, but
he was willing to explore them. At least for the time being.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 12 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt.12/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: Oh the connections...Enjoy! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Shuten growled softly as he paced within the room he shared with Soi, obviously
agitated. "Why me?! And then sending you off to who knows where...." He snarled
again as he smacked the wall in anger.
 
"You worry too much, Shuten-san." Soi smiled, dressed in a kimono. She looked
to be as elegant as any of the courtiers, though she held much higher rank than
any of them, being a Seiryuu Seishi.
 
"Worry?! Me?! Iie," Shuten protested with a snort before coming over to her and
sitting next to her. He cupped her cheek, then kissed her softly, lacing his
fingers in her hair. "You I never worry about. You are powerful and I will
never worry about you, for I know you can handle yourself. I just dislike being
used like some common soldier!" He snarled and stood up, pacing once more. "I
am Shuten! Oni Masho of the Youjakai and greatest of them! To be sent on a
messenger run with some *child* is...is..." He stopped, growling.
 
"A noble work," Soi replied, standing and wrapping her arms around him from
behind. "I can think of no one else I would trust Amiboshi's safety with than
you. He is young, hai, but he is intelligent. He isn't the child many see him
as."
 
Sighing softly, Shuten leaned back into her embrace. "Intelligence doesn't save
you if you haven't the cunning or wisdom to know when to use it," he murmured
as he cupped her hands to his chest.
 
"Hmmm, true. But wisdom only comes with experience," Soi purred into his ear,
her body pressed against his back. "You of all people should know this, Shuten.
You are the wisest of all the Masho."
 
Snorting as he grinned, Shuten turned in her arms, then kissed her deeply as he
wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close. "Flattery gets you everywhere,
my dear Soi," he growled lowly, seductively.
 
"Oh I know. That's why I do it," she purred, wrapping one leg around his and
arching her body against his muscular one. She smiled, nibbling seductively on
his bottom lip. "Besides, I have to make sure I get...ahem...your powers up to
full before you go. You wouldn't deny me that pleasure, now would you?"
 
Eyes becoming serious as he cupped her face, Shuten whispered, "I would deny
you nothing, my dear Seishi." He leaned his head in, kissing her deeply as he
pulled her close to him.
 
She purred, draping herself over him wantonly. Pulling back, she traced a
finger around a lock of his red hair. "Take me to bed, my lord." Smiling,
Shuten lifted her into his arms fluidly, then kissed her deeply as they went
towards the bed. He laid her out, removing her kimono before laying out on top
of her and taking her lips once more in a passionate kiss. She purred, wrapping
her arms around his neck. She pulled him against her, her hand reaching out to
search for soft skin she could touch and explore.
 
Growling almost ferally as his green eyes lit upon her with desire, Shuten
leaned up and tucked his arms under her, holding her close as he suckled down
her neck. He brought one of his hands up, cupping her breast as he spread her
legs for him. Soi moaned, her head falling back in pleasure. Her hands slid in-
between them, parting the fabric of his yukata to touch and caress soft skin.
One leg wrapped around his waist, pulling him down against her. Leaning up once
more, Shuten smiled at her as he shrugged off his kimono, his dark red hair
falling over one shoulder to caress her. He gazed down at her, eyes unreadable
as his hand moved over her slowly, memorizing her.
 
She moaned softly, arching into his hand's touches. Her fingers tangled in his
red hair, pulling his lips to hers for a searing kiss. Groaning into her mouth,
Shuten ran his hand down her leg, pulling it around his waist as he pushed into
her body, joining them once more. He gasped in pleasure as he was gloved within
her hot body and buried his face in her neck, holding her close as he just
reveled in their joining. Moaning softly, Soi arched up against him, her legs
wrapping around his waist to pull him in deeper. He felt so incredibly good
inside her.
 
Nuzzling her neck, Shuten began to slowly rotate his hips against her,
stimulating her inside and out as he moved. He leaned up and kissed her deeply,
wanting to say so much, yet holding back as he made love to her. She moaned his
name, her back arching in ecstasy. Only he could do this to her, make her feel
pleasure so completely. She threaded her fingers through his hair, her body
moving with his. Shuten placed kisses all along her neck, face, and upper chest
as he moved within her, whispering her name as he covered her in kisses. He
shifted up, pressing himself closer as he began thrusting in short sharp
thrusts, still keeping it fairly slowly.
 
Arching against him, Soi clung to him desperately. It felt so good...so
incredibly good. She whispered his name, her eyes closing in ecstasy. A soft
blue light began to shimmer around her, slowly at first, but soon with greater
intensity. "You don't have to, Soi. I just wish to be with you," Shuten
whispered as they moved together, quickly speeding up as he began to lose his
control. He leaned his head down, roughly kissing along her neck as he held her
close.
 
"I-I know," Soi moaned, her head thrashing from side to side in her pleasure.
"I-I want to..." She gave a gasp, arching up against him with a loud cry. The
light around her grew brighter and it encompassed Shuten, becoming almost
blinding in her pleasure.
 
Nearly spasming as he was engulfed, Shuten could help the cry and increase of
speed that reacted to it. He began moving harder into her, thrusting wildly as
he leaned up and locked eyes with her. Just as he came, he cried out, "I love
you!" Crying out his name, Soi trembled in his arms, her own release hitting
her hard. She panted for air, her lips forming the same words his had. Spasming
as he was squeezed, Shuten slowly dropped onto her as he gasped for air,
holding her tightly to him. He groaned softly as he jerked a bit with
aftershocks before relaxing fully in sated bliss.
 
Moaning softly, Soi nuzzled his neck with a happy sigh. "Hmm, love you. Keep
safe on your journey. I hope this will encourage you to come back to me safe."
 
Tilting his head to the side, Shuten kissed her deeply, drinking of her as much
as possibly before air was needed. "There was never a question, my love," he
whispered huskily.
 
"Hmm, good," she purred, wrapping her arms around his neck weakly. It always
tired her out, but it was a good kind of tired.
 
Nuzzling her neck, Shuten gently ran his hand over her face, returning her
energy level up subtly. "You will be careful?" he whispered softly.
 
"As long as you will be." Soi stilled his hand, smiling softly. Leaning his
head up, Shuten smiled tenderly at her and nodded. He bent his head in, kissing
her softly as he shifted out of her and tilted them to their sides. He hated
leaving her body, just wanting to forever be one with her, but it wasn't meant
to be. She didn't protest, though she wanted to. She wrapped her arms around
him, leaning against him so their skin touched. If he couldn't be inside her,
at least she could feel his skin against hers. Twining his legs and arms around
or with her, Shuten held her as close as possible, already dreading their
parting, though it wasn't until the next day. He nuzzled her neck, pressing
kisses there. She smiled, snuggling close to him. "It'll be all right, my
love."
 
"I hope so," Shuten growled out as he held her close, his hands roaming over
her as if to memorize her even more.
 
"I know so," Soi replied confidently, arching into his touch.
 
"Up for another round or four?" Shuten purred out as he pulled her hard against
him, his hands roaming down to cup her ass.
 
She giggled, wrapping her arms around him. "Always with you, my dear one."
 
"Mmm good..." Shuten replied with a low growl before flipping them so she was
on top. He would never get enough with her.
 
*~~**~~*
 
"It's not fair!" Suboshi growled, pacing back and forth. After leaving the
throne room, he and Amiboshi had retired to the gardens for some fresh air. "I
want to go with you!"
 
Amiboshi sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know you do, Shun-chan. But you
can't."
 
Shu heard the shouting as he walked with Tamahome and cocked an eyebrow at his
friend before sneaking over to listen in. He wondered where Koutokou was
planning on going.
 
"Why not? Two is always better than one! And I don't trust that Masho," Suboshi
growled, punching his fist into a tree. "They'll betray us!"
 
"Shunkaku! Be quiet!" Amiboshi glared at his twin. "Don't say such things out
loud! Do you want Nakago to hear?"
 
"No..." Suboshi looked down and slumped onto the grass next to his brother. He
sniffed and looked up when Amiboshi took his fist into his hand and rubbed the
abraded flesh gently.
 
"Have faith in your otouto. I'll be fine." The elder twin smiled at his twin
and Suboshi nodded, smiling back.
 
Frowning thoughtfully, Shu glanced at Tamahome. He wondered where Kotoukou was
heading. He suddenly had a bad thought: What if he was going to Konan? Tamahome
looked back, a similar frown on his own face. He didn't like the sound of this
either. He looked up suddenly and frowned. Amiboshi had brought his flute to
his lips and a soft melody came from the instrument. It was almost hypnotic in
the tones it produced. Shu shook his head at the tones, then brought out his
orb. A gentle orange glow surrounded him and Tamahome, protecting them from the
magic. Suboshi blinked and then yawned. He laid down on the grass and closed
his eyes, falling asleep instantly. Lowering the flute, Amiboshi watched his
brother sleep, his fingers running through his hair. "You guys can come out
now, you know."
 
Tamahome made a face and rolled his eyes at Shu. Shu grinned at Tamahome as he
allowed his shield to die and stood, stretching. "Hallo!" he called cheerfully,
looking like they had just appeared.
 
"Hello." Amiboshi shook his head, watching as a flustered Tamahome came out as
well.
 
"So, where're ya headin that has hothead so uptight?" Shu asked, smiling to
take the sting out of his name for Shunkaku.
 
"Oh, just to a nearby village," Amiboshi lied smoothly, shrugging. "We've only
been together for a short time, so any time we're away is hard for him."
 
"Being twins would do that. I know I miss my little brothers and sister," Shu
agreed with a smile, knowing the lie for what it was. "So could we come with
you? We're both into exploring," he asked with a grin.
 
"Ah, I don't really think they'd allow that. You being prisoners and all,"
Amiboshi said evasively. "I'm sure if they won't let my brother come along,
they aren't going to let you."
 
"Eh, thought I'd try," Shu replied amiably as he sat down and leaned back
against the tree. "Right, Tama-chan?" he asked with a grin.
 
"Hai," Tamahome said, twitching at the name he was being called. It was
irritating and Shu knew that he was sure.
 
"Hmm..." Amiboshi frowned, but said nothing else.
 
Grinning innocently back at Tamahome, Shu shifted and grew more comfortable.
"So, what's your powers as a Seishi? I noticed that most of you guards are
pretty hot stuff with something, though Tama-chan is proving to be rather
vague," he commented with a wave at Tamahome.
 
"Why do you want to know?" Amiboshi asked, suspicious. Why would they want to
know or care what his powers are? Unless they intended to use the information
against them somehow.
 
Cocking an eyebrow at Amiboshi, Shu smirked. "Always know your enemy. I know my
enemies, but you...I just want to know about you. You can manipulate chi, can't
you?" he asked quietly.
 
"Why would I tell my enemy what my power is? You think I'm stupid?" Amiboshi
said bluntly, ignoring his brother's startled look. "Try again."
 
Cocking an eyebrow, Shu glanced over at the now awake Suboshi. "Must not be
very strong if block head here is awake again," he commented with an amused
grin. He stood up and stretched, yawning. "Well, good luck with whatever you
do. And if we run into each, let's hope it isn't as enemies. Come on, Tama-
chan. I'm hungry," he stated as he headed back into the palace with a backwards
wave.
 
Amiboshi glared at their retreating backs before he smiled softly. He looked
over at the confused look on his brother's face and patted him on the shoulder.
Tamahome frowned, but said nothing as he followed after Shu. Walking silently
for a bit, Shu finally stopped. "I don't trust them, Tamahome. I think we
should stop them somehow. I have a bad feeling they are going to make things
very difficult for our friends," he stated quietly.
 
"I agree," Tamahome said, running his fingers through his hair. "But what can
we do? They're on to us already, or at least that Amiboshi is."
 
"Yea, that Amiboshi is a smart kid. I like him though. I don't sense any
duplicity or evil in him. Same with Suboshi. He's a hot head, but a good kid.
Kinda reminds me of me," Shu admitted with a chuckle as he put his hands behind
his head and resumed their walk. "But, I have something they don't. A link to
the others. I can warn Ryo and the guys so they can be on their guard."
 
"True. That might be the best." Tamahome looked back and then sighed, shaking
his head. "They are good kids, I can tell. They're just doing what they think
is right, like us."
 
"Or else too scared to fight back against blondie. I saw how they looked at
him. I've seen that look on kids that got picked on daily, fear and a bit of
defiance, yet fear keeps them quiet," Shu murmured softly before sighing. He
smiled brightly and cackled in glee as they came to the kitchens. "Yosh!
Dinner!" he cried in delight. He went inside, then skidded to a stop, eyes
wide.
 
Tamahome nodded at Shu's words, sighing softly. He'd seen the look before as
well. Shaking his head, he gave a yelp as he ran into Shu's back. "What'd you
stop for?"
 
Shu didn't answer as he swallowed hard, watching. 'Yui...'
 
Turning at the sound of someone at the door, Yui stared at the two behind her.
"Well, are you you two coming in or going out? You'll let all the food get cold
holding the door open."
 
"G-Gomen..." Shu whispered as he turned and bumped into Tamahome before
automatically stepping around the Seishi and nearly running out. He didn't know
how to act with her anymore...who he was with her. He knew he loved her, but he
didn't think she loved him. And that hurt far worse than any Masho attack. Yui
blinked at Shu's sudden exit, frowning. Tamahome smiled and shrugged before
stepping back and going after his friend. She turned back to what she'd been
doing, a hurt look on her face. Shu all but ran back to his room, shaking. He
slowed down and sat down on the bed, shaking. He put his head in his hands and
just stilled himself. He didn't know what to do...didn't know how to help
anymore.
 
Following after his friend, Tamahome sat down on the bed next to him and rubbed
his back soothingly. He sighed, shaking his head. Such sadness. "G-Gomen. Aw
you shouldn't have followed! You coulda gotten food! Besides, watching over
some kid who is just confused and stuff..." Shu snorted as he sighed as he
shook his head, while rubbing a hand briefly through his hair. Jumping up as he
shook his fist, Shu growled. "Yosh! I just need to exercise! Get out my energy!
That's it!" he declared as he began doing push ups.
 
"Or maybe you just need to talk?" Tamahome said, kneeling on the floor next to
Shu. "It's okay, you know. You don't have to be strong all the time, Shu-san."
 
"Eh? Whatcha talking bout, Tama? I just got excess energy!" Shu retorted, even
as he worked harder. "Feel the burn...oh yea...feel the burn..."
 
Shaking his head, Tamahome stopped Shu and pulled him into his arms. "Shh, it's
all right. I understand, really I do. I'm sorry."
 
"What're you talking about?" Shu asked shakily as he sniffled through his
sudden tears. "M'fine! See? No sadness here! Just...just dust. Yea, dust."
 
"Right...sure it is." Tamahome shook his head, reaching out to brush away the
tears.
 
"What can I do, Tamahome? She doesn't trust me. I want my Yui back, but I don't
know what I can do," Shu whispered as he trembled, breaking down a bit.
 
"I know." Tamahome hugged his friend and sighed, shaking his head. "She's being
manipulated. We just have to do what we can to show her that."
 
"She's a smart cookie. She can make her own decisions. And...and I'm not one of
them," Shu declared as he stood up and began pacing, shaken.
 
"Yes she is smart, but you know what happened to her. That would affect
anyone's judgment. Maybe she is trusting those that she shouldn't be," Tamahome
said, his face darkening at the thought of Nakago.
 
"Nakago," Shu snarled as he stopped, his hand clenching into a fist. "How can
she trust that...that...that sleazy bastard over me!?"
 
"He was here when she was attacked and, as far as she knows, is trustworthy,"
Tamahome sighed, shaking his head sadly.
 
"Yea well he's a sleaze!" Shu snapped as he stopped. He roared suddenly in rage
and punched the pillar, cracking it.
 
Arching an eyebrow upwards, Tamahome sighed and shook his head. "Feel better?"
 
"Hai," Shu grumbled as he shook his hand a bit before walking in front of the
windows. He sighed softly as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I wish I knew
how to get my Yui back. She doesn't trust me anymore and I don't know what to
do."
 
"We need to get her out of here, then she'd be fine," Tamahome said, frowning
thoughtfully.
 
"Let's wait. You told Miaka to find the other Seishi, right? Then we stay here
until then and make a break," Shu decided firmly before smirking over at
Tamahome. "Meanwhile, we cause trouble."
 
"Trouble eh? Sounds good." Tamahome smirked, cracking his knuckles. Anything to
make the Seiryuu's lives a living hell.
 
"Hai. We'll start small, like just being annoying. And then we'll start taking
them on. Think you can handle those Seishi with me?" Shu asked as he smirked.
 
"Please. I can handle them without you." Tamahome snorted and rolled his eyes.
 
Laughing, Shu clapped Tamahome on the shoulder. "You're going to give Ryo a run
for his money when you two finally shag. All right! Let's head out for some
trouble!" he declared before heading to the window and jumping out, whooping
and scaring half of the servants.
 
"Uhhuh." Tamahome blinked at Shu and shook his head. He followed after the
other, rolling his eyes, though a grin split his face.
 
Shu landed lightly on his feet and bounced a bit, grinning at the shocked
soldiers and servants around him. "Now now...no gawking! On your toes!" he
ordered with a chuckle before sauntering away with Tamahome. Shaking his head,
Tamahome grinned at the bewildered guards before following after Shu.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 13 *****
Title: Balancing Hearts pt.13/?
Authors: Deathangelgw and Sarit
Disclaimers: None of these characters are ours. We only toy with them
mercilessly!
Warnings: AU, Crossover/Fusion, Slash, Het, Lemon/Lime, Sap, Angst, Dark, OOC,
Some M/s.
Rating: PG-13 up to NC-17
Pairings: Ryo/Tamahome/Miaka, Nuriko/Seiji, Shin/Hotohori, Shu/Yui, Nakago/
Rajura, Soi/Shuten, Ryo/Seiji/Touma/Shu/Shin, others to come xD
Timeline: Just after Arago's first defeat in the YST series and before the FY
series begins.
Summary: When the Troopers met Miaka and Yui, little did they know how integral
the two would become to their lives. And little did any of them know that their
picture just got a whole lot bigger. Will love help bring balance?
A/N: So we were with the Seiryuu group. Now it’s time for Suzaku’s peeps!
Enjoy! Oh, and please review ;)
 
'thoughts'
/telepathic speech/
 
Ryo sat back as he sat with his friends and the three remaining Seishi as they
ate breakfast and discussed what had happened the previous night. He knew that
he wasn't the only trying to put up a facade of cheerfulness, but it was
heartening nonetheless to see happiness in two of his friends' eyes. 'Now if we
could just get things straightened with Yui, all will be good!' he thought in
exasperation as he sighed and rubbed Miaka's thigh. Miaka smiled back at Ryo
before going back to her breakfast. She was very worried about Shu and
Tamahome, but tried not to show it too much. The others didn't need to be
worried about her as well.
 
Seiji smiled softly as he leaned against one of the pillars of the palace,
watching as Shin and Hotohori strolled by, talking animatedly. Shin seemed so
happy now, finally content and whole as he hadn't been with the rest of them.
'In fact, none of us really felt whole together, save maybe Shu and Ryo. I
wonder if we'll be as lucky,' he thought to himself, smiling as thought about a
certain purple haired man.
 
"You look pensive, Seiji. Care to speak of it?" Nuriko asked as he came up
behind the Trooper and sat on the edge of the railing. He watched Hotohori
speak with Shin and smiled, shaking his head.
 
'A god out of my dreams...' Seiji thought as he smiled slowly at Nuriko. "I am
just watching one of my best friends and wondering on my other friends," he
replied softly. 'And thinking about you...'
 
"Ah, I see." Nuriko nodded and his braid flew behind him in the breeze. "You
know it's strange. There would have been a time when I would have been angry
and jealous of Shin and the attention Hotohori-sama gives him."
 
"And now?" Seiji asked as he watched the Seishi. His hand reached out and
touched the flying braid, smiling.
 
"Now I'm just happy for him." Nuriko shrugged, then smiled at Seiji.
 
Grinning back, Seiji nodded. "I'm happy for them too," he murmured as he
glanced out at the courtyard.
 
"And what about you?" Nuriko questioned curiously.
 
Looking at Nuriko, Seiji smiled softly. "I am keeping my options open, content
for now with the relationship I share with the other Troopers," he replied.
 
"Aaaah...I see." Nuriko nodded, smiling slightly. "It is always good to keep
your options open. You never know when something, or someone, might fall right
into your lap."
 
Grinning slowly, Seiji leaned against the railing and tilted his head. "Very
true. Or when knowing someone new may prove so...enlightening."
 
"Of course. Enlightenment of the soul is a worthy pursuit." Nuriko winked at
Seiji before taking his braid and brushing the end against Seiji's nose.
 
Swiftly, Seiji grabbed the braid gently and brushed it slowly under his chin
before threading it through his fingers. "A *very* worthy...pursuit..." he
murmured.
 
Snickering, Nuriko arched his eyebrow upwards. "And what do you propose to do
about it?"
 
"Learn," Seiji replied softly before brushing the braid tip along Nuriko's hand
and arm in a sensuous touch. "I've been watching you, Nuriko..."
 
"Really? And why have you been watching me?" Nuriko smiled at the touch, though
he didn't make any move.
 
Shrugging slightly, Seiji smirked as he brushed the hair tip over and down
Nuriko's chest. "A feeling..." he murmured.
 
"And what kind of feeling would that be?" Nuriko queried with a smirk.
 
"A pleasant and warm feeling," Seiji replied with a smirk before he let the
braid slip from his fingers.
 
"Well that is good. I would hate to inflict a horrid feeling on you." Nuriko
winked.
 
"The only thing horrid is that we haven't kissed yet," Seiji murmured, taking
heart at the open feeling he was receiving.
 
"Hmm...you might be right. What do you propose we do about that?" Nuriko
snickered, arching an eyebrow up at Seiji.
 
Shrugging as he smirked, Seiji started to saunter away. "I am going for a walk.
Would you like to join me?" he asked with a purr.
 
"Sounds wonderful," Nuriko all but purred, following after Seiji, his eyes
twinkling with mischief and interest. Sauntering along, Seiji strolled towards
the other end of the gardens. He sighed happily as he folded his hands before
him, then stretched as he yawned. With everything that had been happening, he
hadn't been able to relax. Now, he wanted to relax and explore things with
Nuriko. He had a strong feeling that Nuriko was well worth the feelings that
were growing within him. Following after Seiji, Nuriko idly walked along behind
Seiji, whistling to himself. He could see the nearby harem girls and shook his
head with a sigh. He remembered when he lived with them and laughed with them.
It seemed to be ages ago.
 
"They seem happy here. I'm glad Hotohori is such a good ruler," Seiji murmured
before stopping and facing Nuriko as they came into a more secluded area of the
gardens. "But you seem closer to them..."
 
"I used to be one of them," Nuriko explained with a shrug. He smirked,
wondering if Seiji knew just who and what they were.
 
Cocking an eyebrow, Seiji gazed at Nuriko in interest. "So, you were into
cross-dressing as well?" he asked softly as he leaned against a tree.
 
"I had my reasons for it." Nuriko shrugged again, his eyes on the concubines.
"Not just cross-dressing. I posed here for a long time as my sister, Kourin."
 
"Why?" Seiji asked automatically, then stopped, bowing his head. "Gomen
ne...don't answer that if you don't wish to," he murmured.
 
"It's all right, Seiji." Nuriko looked up at the sky, rubbing the back of his
neck. "When I was younger my sister Kourin was killed by a coach in the street.
She was my everything, and I couldn't get over her death. So I became her."
 
Dismayed, Seiji reacted instinctively and put his hand on Nuriko's arm, rubbing
it soothingly. "I understand," he murmured quietly, and he did. He knew about
being someone he wasn't for years.
 
Nuriko smiled, grateful for his understanding. "I came here because I knew this
was what she wanted to do with her life. Of course, then I met Heika and the
others and the rest is history, as they say."
 
"Or history in the making..." Seiji murmured as he turned and went to sit near
the river.
 
"That too," Nuriko admitted, jumping up onto the edge of the nearby bridge and
balancing on the edge.
 
Seiji sat next to the river and brushed his fingers through the waters.
"Through the waters of time and the sands of magic..." he murmured quietly.
Nuriko tilted his head to the side, watching Seiji curiously. Seiji shivered
violently as he looked away from the waters. He hated the future that he had
seen. He felt tears come to his eyes and sighed.
 
"Seiji? What is it? What's wrong?" Nuriko asked in concern, placing a hand on
the young Trooper's shoulder.
 
Gasping, Seiji turned away, shaking. "N-Nothing..." he whispered softly as he
ran a shaking hand through his hair.
 
"It didn't seem like nothing." Nuriko frowned in concern. "Are you sure?"
 
Rubbing a hand over his face, Seiji sighed quietly. "The future is bleak. We
shouldn't be here..." he whispered quietly. He stood swiftly, running his hand
through his hair. "Why are we here?!" he cried to the sky in futility.
 
"Perhaps to help us along," Nuriko replied softly. He looked into the water,
trailing his fingers into it from where he dangled over the edge of the bridge.
"We Seishi are lonely. Only Tamahome had the possibility of finding someone for
himself. You've seen Hotohori. He was quite despondent when Miaka left. Then
you all showed up and Shin changed that. You've changed all of us."
 
Almost offended, Seiji's shoulders stiffened. "So we're now a whoring service
to whatever fuck powers did this to us?!" he demanded softly as he stared out
over the river.
 
Nuriko rolled his eyes heavenward. "Honestly. Youth today is so sensitive. Did
I say that at all? No, you help us and complete us. We are the Miko’s
guardians, but you are ours."
 
Growling as he grabbed his hair, Seiji turned swiftly and glared at Nuriko. "We
*can't* be! We are needed out there and if we don't get back there then
everyone is doomed! And it'll be our fault because we're *here* and..." He
stopped and turned away, shoulders shaking as he tried to control himself.
"Gomen ne. I should go," he murmured.
 
Shaking his head, Nuriko looked at Seiji sadly. "So then, our world means
nothing to you and yours then? If these enemies of yours are here, does that
not mean that my people are in just as much danger? Do we mean nothing to you
then?"
 
"Iyah!" Seiji cried, wide-eyed. "We care about....everyone..." he trailed off,
looking away as he realized what he'd just said. He sighed and covered his face
with a hand.
 
Going over to Seiji, Nuriko wrapped an arm around Seiji's shoulder. "And I do
not think that of you, Seiji. I know you care and I know how hard this is on
you."
 
"You have no idea," Seiji murmured as he looked away, his face bleak. "It's
hard, you know? Knowing that if you slip up somewhere, millions could be put to
a fate worse than death," he whispered as he turned away. "And then trying to
remember the others."
 
"I know it all too well," Nuriko admitted with a sigh. "But then, such is the
fate of ones that would save others, isn't it?"
 
"At least you haven't seen your death and lived it," Seiji whispered as he
stepped away.
 
"Live it, no. At least not yet." Nuriko shrugged. "I am a Suzaku Seishi. Very
few Seishi live for long. It is our destiny to give our lives for our Miko."
 
Looking sharply at the Seishi, Seiji frowned darkly. "What is so special about
the Miko anyways?" he asked as he tried to shrug off his vision.
 
"Ah. Without the Miko, we cannot summon Suzaku." Nuriko smiled and took a seat
near the river’s edge. "Miaka is Suzaku no Miko...and the only one that can
summon our god. He will give her three wishes, and in those wishes she can save
us all."
 
Cocking an eyebrow, Seiji sat down next to Nuriko. "And you trust *Miaka* to do
that?" he asked in mock astonishment. "Heaven help us..."
 
Nuriko laughed, shaking his head. "Miaka is a sweet girl. She may seem flighty,
but she will do what is necessary when it is necessary. She won't fail. Suzaku
would not have chosen her if he did not believe in her."
 
"Maybe that's why we're here. A back up plan..." Seiji murmured uncertainly as
he looked at the water. His eyes became shadowed, sorrowful.
 
"Or perhaps you are here to keep your enemies from influencing things," Nuriko
suggested with a shrug. "It could be that when they arrived they set things out
of balance and you are here to right that balance."
 
"Great. Another balance..." Seiji muttered bitterly as he rested his crossed
arms on his bent knees. He laid his chin on them, sighing.
 
Nuriko chuckled. "Much in the world has a balance, young Seiji."
 
"Yea, including any life we might have..." Seiji muttered as he glanced away
and sighed. He stood up abruptly and stripped, then dove into the water. Nuriko
arched an eyebrow, watching Seiji strip. He shook his head and watched the
blond, admiration sparking in his eyes. Diving down as far as he could go
before coming up to the surface, Seiji gasped with relief as he tossed his
hair. Nuriko shook his head and looked down, hiding the slight blush. Seiji was
a very handsome man. Gliding through the water slowly, Seiji sighed softly. The
water was cool, but not that cold. He turned onto his back, smiling as he
looked up at the heavens as the sunlight caressed him through the water.
 
Shaking his head again, Nuriko stood up. It was just too inviting. "You are a
bad influence, Seiji-san." He pulled his sash off and dropped it to the ground.
Standing slowly, Seiji looked over and smirked. He watched as Nuriko was
revealed slowly, finding himself hardening as he watched. He released a soft
sigh of appreciation. Dropping the rest of his clothing, Nuriko stood, letting
the cool night air caress his soft skin. He sighed appreciatively, and then
unbound his hair, letting the purple locks flow around him before he headed
into the river.
 
"Beautiful..." Seiji whispered as he watched avidly, his eyes wide with rising
need.
 
Nuriko arched an eyebrow, smirking impishly. He dove down into the water,
coming up after a few minutes, his hair pooling around him. "Ah, that does feel
good."
 
Slowly, steadily, Seiji walked over to Nuriko, his eyes darkening with desire.
"Hai...you do..." he murmured softly.
 
"You flatter me, Seiji. Arigato." Nuriko smiled, eyeing the young Trooper that
was approaching him. Just when Seiji was close enough to touch, he pushed back,
creating distance between them. His smile was coy, almost playful and not at
all distressed.
 
Grinning slowly, Seiji followed, slowly stroking through the water. He was
enjoying this little game. "Come back, my lilac cloud," he whispered.
 
"Lilac cloud? I don't recall falling from the sky," Nuriko teased, swimming in
circles, making sure to stay just out of Seiji's reach.
 
Smirking as he swam closer, Seiji wiggled his eyebrows. "You did. An angel that
deigned to walk among the mere mortals..."
 
"Oh, an angel now, am I?" Nuriko snickered, splashing water at Seiji. "Such
eloquence. I am quite undeserving of it."
 
Making a lunge, Seiji grabbed and held Nuriko to him, but not tightly.
"Undeserving? I don't think so..." he murmured softly.
 
"No?" Nuriko arched an eyebrow upwards and pushed back his hair.
 
"No," Seiji replied with a smile as they floated in the pool. He gently rubbed
the Seishi's back slowly, searching Nuriko's eyes.
 
"Ah, well then." Nuriko smiled, leaning into the touch. "What is it you want,
Seiji?"
 
"Someone...someone who I can trust...." Seiji whispered softly as his eyes
became shadowed.
 
"Hai, you can trust me, Seiji," Nuriko whispered back, cupping the blond's face
in his hands. Closing his eyes at the touch, Seiji gently pulled Nuriko close
and held him. He nuzzled close, taking in the soft scent of the Seishi.
"Shhh..." Nuriko whispered, holding Seiji close. He ran his fingers through the
soft blond hair, soothing him gently. Wrapping his arms more firmly around
Nuriko, Seiji sighed shakily. He trembled slightly, feeling his emotions well
up. Shaking his head, Nuriko soothed Seiji as best he could. "It will be all
right, Seiji."
 
Nodding, Seiji snuggled close, then sighed softly and leaned back, smiling.
There were no tears on his face and his eyes shone with caring. "Arigato."
 
"You're welcome." Nuriko smiled and leaned back. "Feeling better now?"
Tenderly, Seiji traced his finger along Nuriko's face, his eyes following his
finger as he smiled gently. Nuriko smiled back and leaned into the soft touch.
Eyes gently asking for permission, Seiji tenderly kissed Nuriko, holding him
close. More than giving permission, Nuriko returned the kiss, adding a hint of
passion to it. Groaning softly, Seiji held Nuriko tightly as he deepened the
kiss. He ran his fingers over Nuriko's shoulders, soothing...sensuously.
Shivering under the touch, Nuriko responded wholeheartedly. His own hands ran
down Seiji's back, purring softly into the kiss. Shuddering in pleasure,
Seiji's hands ran down to the firm buttocks, which he grabbed and used to pull
Nuriko hard against him. He pressed his tongue into the Seishi's mouth, tasting
him deeply.
 
Groaning, Nuriko responded with equal ardor, his hands roaming over the soft
skin of the young Trooper. He pulled back, and then nibbled on Seiji's bottom
lip enticingly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Eyes dark with desire and
delight, Seiji returned the nibble as he lifted Nuriko while kneading the firm
flesh. He resumed the heated kiss as he rocked slightly against the purple
haired man. Biting his lip on a groan of pleasure, Nuriko returned the
sensation. He smirked, guiding them slowly over towards the nearby waterfall.
It was...much more secluded in that direction. Smirking back, Seiji ran his
mouth down along Nuriko's pale neck as he held the Seishi tightly against him
while walking along. He leaned Nuriko against a boulder near the waterfall,
purring deeply as the moonlight caressed the pale body before him. Nuriko
rested against the bolder, smirking impishly at Seiji. He arched an eyebrow
upwards and then slipped behind the waterfall, his finger motioning for Seiji
to follow.
 
Eyes alighting with desire and intrigue, Seiji followed after the Seishi under
the pounding waters and into the alcove behind it. He slipped his arms around
Nuriko again, smiling. "Seeking to hide your beauty from others?" he asked
softly.
 
"No, more like hide yours," Nuriko corrected, pushing Seiji against a nearby
quartz wall and kissing him hotly. Groaning, Seiji wrapped his arms around
Nuriko once more as he returned the heated kiss. He rocked against the Seishi,
shuddering in pleasure. Purring into the kiss, Nuriko pressed his hot body
against Seiji's, grinding into him. He moaned softly, his long wet hair
surrounding the both of them. Hands trailing down again, Seiji grabbed Nuriko's
ass and pulled him so the long legs framed his hips, opening the Seishi to him.
His tongue danced with Nuriko's as he rocked against the Seishi. Gasping in
pleasure, Nuriko leaned into Seiji demandingly, needing so much more. It had
been so long and he'd given up so much to become his long dead sister.
 
Seiji shifted his hand as his mouth trailed down Nuriko's neck, brushing his
fingers along the hidden entrance between the firm cheeks. He groaned, feeling
the tight hole quiver at his touch and wanting so much. Nuriko gapsed and
arched into Seiji's touch. He growled, kissing the blond with renewed vigor,
his hand taking hold of his soon to be lover's arousal. Returning the eager
kiss, Seiji growled as well in rising pleasure as he arched into Nuriko's
touch. He sucked hard on the tongue in his mouth, demanding for more as his
finger pressed into Nuriko slowly, teasingly. Groaning, Nuriko arched into the
fingers and stroked his soon to be lover harder. His tongue tangled with
Seiji's demandingly, needing this as much as he needed air to breath or water
to drink. Seiji was like a drug he couldn't live without and didn't want to.
 
Pushing in a second and third finger, Seiji stretched Nuriko as they rocked
against each other. He nibbled down Nuriko's neck, then bit down at the
shoulder/neck juncture, growled softly as he held his soon-to-be lover to him
possessively. He wanted Nuriko so badly it hurt, physically, emotionally, and
soulfully. "Aaah! Seiji, onegai. Don't tease..." Nuriko pleaded, his head
falling back in pleasure.
 
"Trust me...I don't intend to..." Seiji purred as he removed his fingers and
pushed Nuriko up farther, just over his jutting cock. He kissed Nuriko deeply
as he positioned them, then stopped. "Sure?"
 
"Shut up and screw me," Nuriko growled, kissing Seiji hard, his body falling
down onto his new lover. He groaned at the sensation, shivering in pleasure.
Seiji nearly shouted in pleasure as he was suddenly sheathed, his body bucking
in response, pushing up into the Seishi. He grabbed the taut ass and pulled his
lover to him tightly as he began moving almost immediately before flipping them
around bracing Nuriko against the boulder, thrusting steadily. Crying out,
Nuriko gripped Seiji's shoulders and moved with him, his head tossing back and
forth in pleasure. Clinging to his lover, he moved with him effortlessly,
loving the feel of having Seiji inside him. Moaning, Seiji grabbed Nuriko's
lips in a fiery kiss as he moved faster, clutching the Seishi to him
desperately as they moved. He gasped in the kiss as his hands bruised the soft
flesh.
 
Kissing his lover back passionately, Nuriko moved harder against his lover. He
groaned, his legs coming up to encircle Seiji's waist. He moaned plaintively,
shaking as pleasure began to overwhelm him. Whispering huskily as he moved
harder, Seiji leaned in enough so their stomachs were stroking Nuriko's cock
between them as he pounded into Nuriko. He moved his mouth down, he bit down
hard onto his lover's shoulder. Screaming, Nuriko bucked against his lover, his
head thrashing in pleasure. He bit his lipa nd felt his release nearing. He
cried out suddenly, arching against his lover as he came.
 
Burying his face in Nuriko's shoulder, Seiji bucked twice before climaxing
hard, grunting hard as he shuddered. He gasped sporadically as he was clenched
rhythmically as he found his release. Panting heavily, Nuriko clung to his new
lover tightly. He purred softly, nuzzling Seiji's neck in complete contentment.
Returning the nuzzle, Seiji shifted his head just slightly to kiss his lover as
he caught his breath. He sank slowly into the shallow water, soothing and
healing Nuriko's abraded back. Snuggling close, Nuriko sighed softly and purred
in his lover's arms. He smiled up at Seiji, running his fingers through his
lover's hair. Smiling back, Seiji gently brushed his lips over Nuriko's.
"Regrets?" he asked softly, tenderly.
 
"Of course not!" Nuriko wrinkled his nose at Seiji and winked. "What about
you?"
 
"One regret," Seiji replied as he smirked. "That we hadn't been in a nice soft
bed for the first time."
 
"Eh. Beds are overrated." Nuriko smirked, nibbling on Seiji's neck. "Besides,
we can play in bed all day and night if we want to."
 
"Or forever..." Seiji whispered softly as he tilted his head back, not wanting
to admit to just how much that thought appealed.
 
"That too," Nuriko admitted with a sly grin. "But for now, perhaps we should
wash off and get dressed and head back?" Grinning, Seiji kissed Nuriko deeply
before slipping from the slender body. Groaning at the loss, Nuriko smiled at
his lover. He stretched in the water and then dunked underneath and came up
after a minute. Brushing his hair from eyes, he couldn't help but grin.
Grinning back, Seiji mimicked his lover, dunking under the water and coming
back up, brushing back his hair to reveal his face fully. "Wow! You do have two
eyes!" Nuriko joked, snickering as he backpedaled away from his lover with a
grin. Cocking an eyebrow, Seiji proceeded to splash his lover, grinning. He
dove forward, grabbing Nuriko and dunking him. Coming up sputtering water,
Nuriko narrowed his eyes. He gave a cackle, and then tackled his lover, pulling
him under the water.
 
Grabbing his lover, Seiji laughed inwardly as they wrestled underwater. He
brought them up and kissed Nuriko hard. Laughing with Seiji, Nuriko returned
the kiss before pulling back. "I can see you're much happier now."
 
Smiling sweetly at Nuriko, Seiji nodded. "Come, let's go back."
 
"Hai." Nuriko smiled and let his lover lead the way back to the palace.
 
As they got closer to the palace, Seiji glanced at his lover, smirking. "My
place or yours?"
 
"You pick." Nuriko smirked, winking at his lover.
 
"You are impossible..." Seiji replied in exasperation as he tugged Nuriko to
him, kissing his lover hard.
 
"I try." Nuriko grinned, returning the kiss. He took his lover's hand and led
him to his quarters. Smirking in amusement, Seiji followed his lover and then,
once inside, pushed Nuriko up against the wall for another hard kiss. Nuriko
returned the kiss, happy that he'd found someone. He'd thought that Hotohori
had been the one, but now hwe knew differently. Hopefully things would work out
for them all. Urgently, Seiji moved Nuriko to the bed and began making love to
him once more. He felt more complete than he ever had and prayed that
everything would last.
 
TBC
 
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!
