Title: Trading Places [4/?]
Disclaimer: I don't own them and the idea for the role reversal came from the debate on the fyfanfictionML. Idea for Miboshi was stolen in part from WingSong2003, who graciously betaed this for me. Fuuka and Yuuma are from the Tamahome Novel.
Notes: AU; role reversal of the Suzaku and Seiryuu no Seishi.
Warnings: Language; bastard Hotohori; Yaoi hints
/ ... / = thoughts
~~~~~~~~~~ = scene change
//...// = flashback
*...* = emphasis
~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~
Yui walked for what seemed like hours and slowly came to the conclusion that she was indeed extremely lost. /Why did I run like that? It can’t be because Soi said Tomo was on Opera singer in a former life, could it?/ She glanced through a doorway and was surprised to see the young General, with his shirt off, fixing his poor abused hair. As she continued to watch, he turned, hand reaching for a weapon too fast for Yui to see it.
“Who’s there?” Tomo stood facing the slightly open door, having felt the unfamiliar chi approaching. After leaving strict orders that no one was to come near his room, save the twins and the Emperor, the illusionist kept his weapon close at hand. He walked quickly to the door, flinging it open. “Lady Yui? What are you doing here?”
“I ... went for a walk around the palace and I’m afraid I got a bit lost,” the blonde looked sheepish as she lowered her gaze to the floor.
Tomo smiled, relaxing and motioning the blonde in. “Then, if you will but allow me a moment, I’ll escort you back to your room. It isn’t safe for even a Miko to be wandering the halls this late at night.” He walked to the bed, grabbing a light shirt. “I thought Lady Soi was with you.”
Yui nodded, looking around the small room. “She was, but I left her in Seiryuu’s Shrine, I ... needed some air.”
Tomo nodded. “That place can be overwhelming at times. But you must have been wandering quite a ways to reach this part of the palace. The Shrine is on the far side of the Throne Room.” He glanced at the young woman and noticed that she seemed nervous. “Is something wrong, Lady Yui?”
Shaking her head, the blonde turned to him. “Nothing. I was just wondering ... Soi said you believed in past lives. That you believed you were an Opera singer. Why’s that?”
“I don’t really know. When I was younger, an Opera guild came to my village and I was able to mimic them perfectly. They asked my parents to let me join them, but Lord Nakago had already requested my presence at the palace. Actually, I was delayed in arriving here because I wanted to see the performers. Though whether I should be thankful to my parents or the Emperor, I’m not sure. An Opera guild isn’t exactly the best place for young boys.” Tomo sat at his dressing table, motioning for the blonde to sit on the bed. “I don’t know if you know or not, but once a boy belongs to an Opera guild, they own him, literally. His fate is left entirely up to his masters.”
Yui shuddered slightly as she sat on the bed. The thought of what was left unsaid more than she could bring herself to imagine. “Then it sounds to me like you should be grateful to both of them. I know Soi said that the Emperor brought both of you here when you were kids, but why did you stay? She said she left to marry Kyoshi, but remained rather vague about the details.”
Tomo stared at his reflection for a few moments before turning back to her. “Forgive me, Lady Yui, but it is getting late. You really should be in bed.” He stood, turning to the door. “We can talk of these things later.”
“I’m sorry, Lord Tomo. I did not mean to upset you.” Yui stood, taking a few steps toward him. She looked up in surprise when he placed a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s okay, Lady Yui. There are some things in my past that I’m not proud of. And I would prefer that you see me as I am now. It is prideful, I know, but that is one of my faults.”
Yui smiled. “There is nothing wrong with a little pride. As long as it is not your driving force.” She stared at the young man and her smile grew even wider. “Now I know who it is you remind me of.”
Tomo raised an eyebrow as he led her out of the room. “Really? Who is it that I remind you of, Lady?”
“Ok, first things first. Stop calling me, ‘Lady’, please. It’s starting to freak me out.” She shuddered lightly before grinning at him. “Just call me Yui, okay? And the person you remind me of is my fiancé. His hair is close to the same color.”
“Very well, La-Yui.” He smiled when she said he reminded her of her fiancé. “Well, there is one thing I do believe in. And that is, if we are reincarnated, we meet the same souls. No matter what world we live in.”
“So, are you saying that in another life, you’re Tetsuya? That’s my fiancé’s name. Somehow I doubt that.”
/Only if you are Lord Nakago./ “So do I. Although, I’m sure you are well loved by this man, I do not think that he is me. My tastes do not run the same as other men.”
Yui smiled to herself, nodding. “So that’s why you stayed.” When her companion gave her a curious look, she smiled at him. “Don’t worry, Lord Tomo. I understand more than you think I do about your world. But you still have a lot to learn about mine. I will tell no one.”
The illusionist looked at her curiously as she continued walking. “Tell them what? What do you mean I don’t understand your world?” He hurried his steps to catch up to her and became even more confused when he saw the smug look on her face. “Lady, please...”
“I’ve told you, stop calling me that. I’m not going to explain myself until you stop calling me Lady.”
Tomo frowned, but continued walking. /How can she understand our world? She just got here!/
~~~~~~~~~~
Tendoh slammed his fists onto the table and glared at his brother. “Why? Why did you throw them into the dungeons if you knew they were Seishi!? Sometimes, brother, I swear, I do not understand you! You talked as if she was just a mere peasant, when she’s anything but. It makes me wonder if you really want Suzaku called.”
Saihitei glared at his brother, the red symbol on his neck flaring to life. “Of course I want Suzaku called. *I* am his Seishi, brother, not you. I sent them to the dungeons because I wasn’t sure. If I had brought her straight to you, what would you have done, *brother*. Would you have immediately proclaimed her as the savior of our land?”
“I do not know, brother, but I would not have put her in the dungeons.” Tendoh sighed. “I know you thought what you did was for the best, but you should have come to me with your suspicions. I am the Emperor, Saihitei. And our brother is the High Priest. If you were not comfortable telling me, you should have at least told him.”
“I apologize, brother.” Saihitei relaxed slightly, the symbol fading from sight. “I thought that if she really was the Miko, Suzaku would make it known. As for them being Seishi, I did not know. They never revealed themselves to me. In fact, it seemed ... it seemed almost as if they wanted to be caught.”
“Perhaps they sensed the same thing you did. That the time for the Miko’s coming had arrived. After all, aren’t all Seishi drawn to her? Just as she is drawn to them?”
“Perhaps they thought you already had her here at the palace?”
The two brothers turned to the third member of their little council, a man they had forgotten seemed to shadow the Shogun more and more these days. He was a tall young man with eyes the color of the setting sun and hair the shade of violets. Sitting beside the Shogun, he watched the two carefully. “Just a thought.”
Saihitei nodded. “They may have. And getting themselves thrown into the palace dungeon would at least bring them closer to her.”
“But brother, they had no way of knowing you would not kill them on sight.” Tendoh slumped into the seat, knowing that neither man would ever dare mention his unusual behavior that evening. “Saihitei, tomorrow, I want you to take the Miko and search for the other Seishi. We already have three, that leaves us with only four more to find. Take as many troops with you as you need.”
Saihitei nodded, rising from his chair. He bowed to his brother, noting that his shadow seemed to mimic him perfectly. Once they were out of the room, he glanced at the other man. “You said nothing, Ryuuen. Why is that?”
Ryuuen shrugged. “If you had wanted him to know, I’m sure my Lord would have informed the Emperor. It is not my place to correct my superiors.”
“You shall be rewarded for your intelligence, old friend,” Saihitei replied. “Come, let us pay a visit to our new guests. I want to make sure they are ready to depart in the morning.”
Ryuuen nodded, following after the other man. As they walked through the courtyards, he couldn’t contain the shudder at seeing the bodies of the guards, still hanging as an example to anyone that would oppose the Miko.
~~~~~~~~~~
“The Shogun informed the other Seishi of their early departure, making sure that the servants prepared Imperial uniforms for them. He knew his brother would likely disagree, but he saw no reason in hiding the Miko’s identity. His companion, on the other hand, informed the maids to also pack plain clothes for the two men and to find a cloak for the maiden. Unlike the Shogun, he knew the true nature of some of Konan’s inhabitants. Miko or not, a young lady was still a target.”
“Well, at least Nuriko still has some wits about him,” Keisuke replied. He put the book down, glancing at his companions. Tetsuya seemed to have passed out on the couch and Kyoshi looked like he wasn’t far behind. “Kyoshi?”
The brunette turned to the other man, holding his head slightly as the other man seemed intent on swaying back and forth. “What?”
Keisuke smiled slightly, tossing a pillow to the other man. “Sleep. They’re both safe for now. We’ll start reading again first thing in the morning.” He waited until the other man had taken his advice before picking up the drink Tetsuya had brought him over an hour ago. He downed the drink in one gulp before leaning back into the chair, bringing the book up once more.
“The Shogun and his companion stopped outside the door to the Miko’s room. Inside they clearly heard two voices, one the Shogun recognized immediately.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Miaka smiled at the young man standing across the room from her. “I really can’t believe it. You look exactly like him.”
“Exactly like who, my Lady?” Yasuo smiled at the young maiden. She had agreed to be the Miko shortly after the Seishi were discovered and hadn’t taken her eyes off the young priest since they first met.
Blushing, Miaka finally dropped her gaze. “My ... never mind. I may never see him again, anyway.”
“Why do you say that? If he is so important to you, I’m sure you will find each other.”
She let her gaze drop completely to the floor. “But he’s not that important ...” she replied, hoping the other couldn’t hear. Her head jerked up as someone knocked on the door.
“Priestess, may I speak with you?” Saihitei waited until he heard the hesitant reply before entering the room. He nodded to his brother and bowed to Miaka. “Priestess, the Emperor wants me to escort you and the others on your journey to find the rest of the Seishi.”
Miaka nodded slightly. “Forgive me, Lord Saihitei. But why would he want you to escort me? Surely any of your men would be capable ...” Her voice died in her throat as the symbol on his neck flared to life once more. “Hotohori...”
Hotohori raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. “We leave in the morning. Rest well, my lady and do not fear. There will be guards posted at your door for your safety and Lords Chichiri and Mitsukake are just down the hall. My rooms are not far, either. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.” He turned, stopping when she spoke.
“Hoto–Lord Hotohori, may I call you that?”
“Yes, my Lady. I would be very pleased if you would.”
Miaka stood from the bed and bowed to the two men. “It is an honor to meet you, Lord Hotohori.” She watched as they left, noting that the violet-haired man she hadn’t noticed before smiled at her before closing the door. She felt a chill run through her and dropped back onto the bed. /Why? Why do they all seem so familiar?/ Her hand went to the ring on her finger and she sighed. After she slipped the ring off, she held it up to the light, watching as the candle was reflected through the stone.
/It’s just a dream, Miaka. See, even Kyoshi is here. And I’m sure the Shogun is a boy from school. In the morning, I’ll wake up at Dad’s and everything will be back to the way it was before./ The Priestess felt her heart sink as these thoughts crossed her mind. “But what if I don’t want to wake up? Even if this is a dream, it’s better than being at home. At least here, someone listens to me,” she replied, thinking of the young Priest that resembled her fiancé.
~~~~~~~~~~
Yui thanked the young General for escorting her back to her rooms, smiling at the confused look he still had on his face. She had refused to elaborate on what she had said, telling him that things would be different in the morning. As she walked to her bed, she felt her leg begin to ache from the wound she had received earlier that morning. /Has it really only been a day? Seems like so much longer. Miaka ... where are you?/ She collapsed onto the mattress and was asleep within moments.
On the other side of the room, a petite figure stepped into the light coming from the open window. /Sleep well this night, Seiryuu no Miko. It will be your last./ Moonlight glinted off the blade as the figure pulled a knife deep from within her robes. Just as she was about to strike, she heard footsteps and voices outside the door.
“Lady Yui! Lady Yui!”
“Shun, will you tell me what’s wrong, please?”
“Lady Yui’s in trouble! I felt it!” Shunkaku burst into the room, seeing nothing but the sleeping figure on the bed. He crossed the room quickly, checking the blonde for injuries. “She seems fine.”
He grinned sheepishly as he glanced back at Soi, lowering his voice. “I guess I was overreacting.”
Soi shook her head as she picked up a dagger from the floor. “I don’t think so,” she replied softly. She checked the room carefully, noting the open window. “They must have come through here. Probably when I was showing her around the palace. It is a good thing they did not catch her roaming the halls by herself.”
She closed the window, turning as more footsteps alerted them to the arrival of the other Seishi. She then handed the dagger to the Emperor and motioned for them to move to the hallway, so that they wouldn’t wake the blonde. “Shun felt it first. We think someone tried to kill Lady Yui.”
“I should have checked her rooms before I left, but I never thought ...” Tomo took the dagger from the Emperor and examined it. He cursed when he noticed the phoenix carefully carved into the blade.
Nakago sighed, glancing at Shunkaku, who was still by the Miko’s bed. “Tomo, put guards on this room. I don’t want anyone else getting that close.”
Tomo nodded, gripping the dagger so hard his knuckles turned white. He jumped when Nakago placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, old friend. She is safe, that’s all that matters. But ... if you would, perhaps it would be better if you moved from the bowels of the palace to one of the rooms here? At least until we find the others.” Nakago smiled slightly before turning back toward his chambers.
“Still living in the pit, Tomo?” Soi smiled slightly at the illusionist. She spared another glance into the room, noting that Shun had already fallen asleep next to Yui. “Your twin is rather zealous, is he not, Kotoku?”
The older twin, who had remained in the shadows until now, nodded. “Yes, he is. But he is very loyal. He will not leave her side unless ordered to do so.” He bowed to the two older Seishi and went back to his room. /And perhaps, not even then./
Soi sighed, watching him leave. “For twins, those two sure are quite the opposites, aren’t they? One is loyal to a fault and the other ... is a mystery.”
Tomo nodded. “He is. One I have yet to solve. But I’m sure with the Miko finally here, Kotoku will finally find his true self. I will go notify the guards. Please wait here until I return.”
“Of course.” She watched the other leave and leaned against the doorway to the younger woman’s room. /With Konan getting this desperate, we may have no choice, but to rush the poor girl. The rest of the Seishi must be found soon. There are only two left./
Somewhere in Kutou, a lone wolf cried out, seeking his brothers.
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