The Twelve Kingdoms Forum

Sorry, didn't know where else to post a fic either than here... if this is goes against any rules, just tell me and I'll delete it.

Note: SPOILERS for episodes 1-13. Some changes are made in those episodes in this fic.

LOST ~ Chapter 1
By: Seravy

After that girl Sugimoto was escorted out, after she had given her land without his approval, they stood in silence. His back was to her, regal and rigid, as he watched the wagon trot away, the girl's scream faintly touching their ears. Despite the perfect sunshine that shone through the window that day, the air was dead still. She couldn't tell whether he was angry or not and when she opened her mouth to ask, his large hand connected with her face. It was a solid hit, without hesitation or regret and from the stern lines of his face, he was furious.

"You're forgetting your place. Don't make me remind you again, Kourin."

It stung. His words were like knives, shredding her naked heart. Even now, she could still hear those words replaying themselves over and over again in her head. Luckily, it was interrupted by another wave of pain. The attacks were becoming more frequent and unbearable, like millions of fire ants, ravaging her from the inside out. This was her punishment, heaven demanding to be heard. But what was she to do? She was ordered not to set one foot outside this chamber after she had fainted three days ago in front of Shuusei's governor and some guards. Everything but her bed was removed. The only window on the left was sealed shut with Gachou perched on the sill, watching her every movement.

There was a time when they shared a dream, when she was eager to do his every bidding. But now, every command seemed harder and harder, each one involving the sacrifice of innocent lives and the making of rules that she failed to understand. He assured her that it was for the greater good.

Another sweep of outrageous heat burst through and she clamped down on her bottom lip to keep from screaming. An unexplainable chill then took over and the heat settled, leaving her breathless with freezing exhaustion. Her nyoukai was immediately by her side, offering her little comfort as she examined two hideous marks that appeared today. One on her lower neck and the other on the left palm, all of them small like delicate fingertips, rosy as a baby's cheeks. It would only be a matter of time until they manifested themselves to cover every inch of her skin with the colour of dark dead blood. Then, it would be over; the pain, the confusion, her lord. She immediately stopped herself from thinking.

The door creaked and Issai immediately retreated into her shadow. Her lord disliked youmas, even more than half-beasts and kaikyaku. The soft soles of his shoes patted as he approached her, a copy of Gachou on his shoulder. He was dressed in his usual navy robes, the royal emblem on the bun of his gray hair. She didn't need to look to know as she felt every detail through the hazy veil. It had been three days since she had last seen him and this abrupt visit could only mean one thing.

"Kourin."

She answered him like any loyal servant would. Courteous and submissive.

"The evil kaikyaku is making her way to Agan for a ship to En. Send an attack immediately."

A stab of pain, purely within her chest, rocked into her. Through the terseness of his words, she couldn't help but wonder if her lord cared... about her. It was a selfish thought and Kourin banished it by stating her usual concerns, a thin strand of hope begging him to listen.

"But, shuujo, there'll be innocent people there as well."

"They are but a small sacrifice for the peace of the world. If I allow that kaikyaku to roam free, more disasters shall fall upon Kou. Save your clemency for our people."

"Kaikyaku and sankyaku have always been a part of this world. She is innocent as with Sugimoto. Heaven is angry. We must--"

"Kourin!"

His voice was firm and annoyed, deftly cutting her off. Once again, she had said too much, his unrestrained fury the evidence. It pained her to act against his wishes, a part of the bond between a kirin and her emperor, yet she didn't want to send another shirei into a meaningless battle and fall victim to the Suiguutou, the symbol of the Kei kingdom. It possessed the power to slay youmas and immortals but this was not reason enough to make her lord stop this endeavor. Her silence and hesitancy evoked his rage once again.

"Are you challenging me?"

"I would never."

"But you are. Your duty is to serve me, not to lecture me. Now send the attack. This is your chance to redeem yourself after the uncountable failures from before."

"But, shuujo--"

"Enough!"

Kourin became silent as instructed, closely examining the mark on her left palm. No matter what, she had pledged to follow his every order and gently closing her eyes, she called for her koucho shirei until another surge of sudden heat interrupted her summon. She prayed that it would last long enough until her lord left. But he waited, almost patiently and when it ended, he spoke, his voice oddly calm and gentle.

"Kourin. You have failed me again and again, and I'm sick and tired of it."

That quick spark of relief vanished, replaced by an unnamed fear, rendering her motionless.

Suddenly, a foreign presence appeared in the confined space of her chamber, reeking the air with hostility and madness. Despite the numbness of her limbs, Kourin pushed herself off the bed and stood protectively in front of her lord. Summoning Issai and Shinou, they watched the darkness with caution. Her sight told her nothing but her senses were pricking with alert.

"Show yourself!" she demanded and footsteps to her left answered her call. She quickly ordered Shinou to attack. The ape-like youma, the most agile of her line, leapt out but before he even landed, a quick glimmer caught him and Shinou fell with a gruesome yelp, his body laying before her in pieces. The curt light she had seen were short throwing knives, now sitting in her dead youma's shredded body, glowing an eerie blue. The sign of a touki.

She saw it again. Right in front of her this time but before she could react, a puncturing cool zipped in her back, from her right shoulder down to her left side, freezing her movements as the glimmer emerged and punctured her body.

Falling, she saw the ceiling zoom past her, followed by her lord and an unsheathed sword, dripping red in his hand. Blades, purposely aimed at the joints of her limbs, sat in her flesh as she watched her lord with disbelief and utter pain. The strong stench of her own blood blurred her sight as a sickeningly haze settled in her head. Issai ran to her aide but only to have her wings pinned to the solid walls by the same attack.

Immobile like her nyoukai, Kourin couldn't even move a limb, not even to defend herself when a painful weight stepped into her stomach, toying with the flexibility of her ribs. A shadow loamed over her and she struggled for a better view until a sudden current sucked each knife out. She screamed but her lord didn't even flinch.

"Pathetic."

The voice was raspy with a hint of madness at its edge. Kourin looked up to see a hooded figure, catching a short gleam of red underneath. He pressed his leg harder and a couple of bones gave way. Even though she couldn't see his face, Kourin could feel him smirking with satisfaction.

"What do you want to do with her?"

Her lord snorted disdainfully.

"A kirin that disobeys her lord is nothing but a useless beast. Do as you like."

The hooded figure reached down and hooked his fingers around her bracelet, easily removing it from her wrist. It was the same one she used to seal Keiki.

"Shuujo..."

Kourin held her lord's gaze, pleading to him soundlessly but Kou-oh simply dismissed it as the attacker reached out and grabbed her throat. Her bracelet began to glow a blinding white light, its magic slowly binding itself into her. She could feel her eroded strength being sealed away, forced into confinement. A potent drowsiness began to invade her senses.

Suddenly, a raspy yelp stopped the seal. Gachou, whom they have all forgotten, flew from the windowsill and into the hooded figure, much to her own surprise. Issai took the distraction and in desperation, ripped her wings through the knives and with a strong flap, swept up her master. She burst through the closed window and into the cool night air, flying desperately away to protect her Taiho.

Kourin just laid there in her nyoukai's arms, the pain in her back diminishing as her vision blurred into nothing. All she could remember was Issai looking over her, gently smiling.

"Don't forget a Kirin's true purpose--"

End of Chapter 1

Just incase there was some confusion, this fic takes place after the koucho attack during episode 7. This is kindda like an AU as Kourin was not attacked like that in the series and since I like Kourin so much, I dedicate this fic to her! I hope those who read it like it. And if there's anything that needs improvement, do tell. Your help is appreciated.

~Seravy
seravy_@hotmail.com

LOST~ Chapter 2
By: Seravy

"Where is she?"

A loud crack of thunder echoed his question but it wasn't as loud as the rattling of chains that followed the shrouded shadow before him. Droplets of rain mixed with blood dripped from his heavy disguise. With a gruff throw, a blood-soaked robe fell onto the elegant tiling of the royal court. It was navy in colour with a hint of purple and a dark outer coat, the same design as the one he ordered his kirin to wear. There was an immediate look of panic that plagued Kou-oh's aged face, the possibility of his own death beating his imagination.

"The youma only had this when I caught it."

There was a strong hint of rage in his raspy answer. He audibly swore and kicked the bloody mess of white feathers behind him. Gachou squawked loudly in his cage, beating the remaining stubs of his wings weakly against his confinements. The answer calmed the emperor of Kou and he resumed his usual mask of superiority.

"Then why are you back?" he demanded, impatience laced tightly in his words but all he received was a careless shrug.

"Just thought I should refresh myself a little."

"You imbecile! How could you let her get away!? "

As fast as the lightning had struck, he was on the steps of the gyokuza, a hand wrapped solidly around Kou-oh's neck. Underneath the hood, wide eyes, contorted by madness, glimmered under the brief light of lightning. They blazed, matching the strong red of his iris.

"Don't forget who you're talking to. I'm only here because I feel like it, and if I'm not happy, I will ripe your head off. Even immortality can't save you from that."

He tightened his grip and just as his victim was on the verge of unconsciousness, he released the emperor, leaving him gasping for breath. A strange calm took over his ragged breathing and the man casually tossed his head to a side.

"Besides, there's nothing to worry about as we do have that weakling's nyoukai. She'll come for it for sure."

Proceeding up the steps, he sat himself onto the gyokuza, breathing down on the emperor that was still catching his breath.

"Just remember to keep your end of the bargain."

A large grin flew onto his face as the storm raged on.


**************

The carriage rode steadily into the robust settlement of Shinsei, the busy city bustling along its daily routine in the high noon sun. The little girl peaking from the carriage's open back squealed with delight, the change of scenery exciting her young appetite for adventure. The others that followed closely behind on foot wore the same look of delight, itching to perform the new routine they had all practiced very hard for during their journey here.

Soon, the theatre came into view and they all cheered. It was much larger than the last one and despite their fatigue, they all went to work eagerly. The men began the stage's setup, carrying and setting the heavy props. The three musicians went to their pit on the side, carefully laying out their instruments. There was no need for music scores as they all knew their part well off their hearts. The women on the other hand unloaded the two carriages behind the theatre to set up their living quarters for the endurance of the stay. Yoko was asked to purchase a few necessities and with her most sincere pledge of best behavior, Gyokuyou tagged along as well.

The appetizing smell of food assaulted their noses while robust voices, coming from all directions, advertised thousands of merchandises to induce their interest. As expected, the six year old was practically dragging her everywhere, never stopping for more than ten breaths on a spot. Gyokuyou's favorites were the street performers and the little handcraft shops on the sides. But the trip quickly drew to an end as Yoko bought the last item of their shopping list.

Gyokuyou took long longing glances as they slowly made their way back until a loud gong gathered everyone's curiosity. Promising that this would be their last stop, Gyokuyou managed to persuade Yoko to join the crowd. She placed the little girl onto her shoulders and with a bit of pushing and shoving, they finally managed a decent view of the center. Oddly, there was nothing to see but a bright red cloth, covering a crate of some sort and a basin of water.

"Hey, hey! Everybody! Gather 'round! It's a once in a lifetime experience, don't miss out! Hey hey!"

Someone in the crowd hooted impatiently, yelling for the short stubby man to hurry.

"Now, now. Let's not be hasty as this is a very VERY special treat. As you all know, with the occurrence of a shoku, it's not uncommon for another from the land of Wa to cross into our lands. I'm not sure if you've seen a kaikyaku but I can assure you that they're all nothing but bringers of misfortune. But of course, there's always exceptions."

Another roared with impatience but the man just ignored him and continued like a mysterious storyteller.

"Beyond the sea of emptiness lies more than just lowly kaikyakus, and here, my friends, is the proof!"

The red veil was removed and a spell of silence befell the crowd. Nobody moved, even their eyes were still, unblinking. Underneath the cloth was a simple cage, rusted with a sickly orangey brown and within it was the most extraordinary thing they have ever seen. A little girl huddled like a ball with hair like pale gold silk. Only twelve beings in the entire world could ever possess such hair colour and even if they did see them, it would always be from afar, a speck within their sight. But now, it was right before them, like a dream come true. A middle-aged woman who could no longer hold in her question, spoke for them all.

"How do we know that you're not lying and just dyed the girl's hair?"

"My, my, that is a very good question and I also have a very good answer to that."

Struggling with his pudgy fingers, he undid the lock then took the loop of chain that was fastened along with it into his meaty hands. With a large pull, the girl tumbled out from the corner, the metal collar around her neck pulling her forward. The crowd tightened for a clearer view, as more people joined the gathering. The man then walked over to the basin, dragging his prize with him.

"No dye can resist warm water and here is the proof that you all want."

He roughly grabbed a fistful of exotic hair and plunged the girl's head into the water, giving it a few good swings and wriggles to prove his point. After he was satisfied with his experiment, he finally pulled the girl up, who coughed and choked as he proudly presented the result, yanking her head up.

"And you definitely don't see a kaikyaku this pretty everyday!"

Convinced, the people let out an exited noise while Yoko watched in horror. That woman also had hair like this colour, a colour which she had secretly grown to hate. This was all happening because of her and a flood of memories froze her every moment. Then, their eyes met. The dead blue in those foreign orbs suddenly lit up with life and the chain rattled as the girl started to run towards her. But her path was cut short as her captor roughly jerked her back. Several asked to touch the long cascade of golden hair and were more than willing to pay for such an opportunity. And when the man gave out little packages for sale, each containing a strand of pale gold, the crowd moved in and Yoko lost sight of the girl.

"Poor girl," whispered Gyokuyou, breaking Yoko's trance, "We should help her."

"No."

The red-haired kaikyaku's curt response reminded Gyokuyou of when she first met her friend.

"There's nothing we could do to help her. Besides, we have to get back before your mother worries about you," said Yoko, carefully tucking away the edge in her voice.

"But she's a kaikyaku too."

Yoko stiffened and when she refused again, Gyokuyou crossed her arms tightly before her chest and stomped ahead of her all the way to camp. The six year old told her mother about the incident when they got back. They all expressed their sympathy but took no action as it was permitted to own Kaikyakus in Kou. Gyokuyou gave the entire camp the silent treatment while Yoko repeatedly told herself that she did the right thing. After all, everybody else was doing the same.

End of chapter 2

Excuse the 's' on certain terms as I couldn't think of another way to do the plural form.