Utena, Revolutionary Girl Fan Fiction ❯ Love's Honor ❯ Chapter Seven ( Chapter 7 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter Seven

Supper ended rather uneventfully. The dishes were cleared
away as the musicians played soft melodies on lute and harp.
The trio of nobles lingered there at the high table while
the various members of Clan Saionji began to disperse,
following their individual routines. The story Lord Touga
had related had seemed to warm the situation between the
foster brothers and the clan; to Utena's discriminating eye,
she could see less hostile looks tossed their way, and the
conversation between the pair of chieftains had lapsed into
a recollection of shared adventures. While quite pleased
with her possible champion's success so far, the rose-haired
maiden couldn't help but feel a bit of dismay at the longing
way her maidservant Wakaba continued to stare at the
verdant-maned highlander. Sadly, she knew that such a man
as Lord Kyouichi was beyond her servant's reach. A prince
such as he married for power, and often had mistresses for
love -- to the detriment of the women so involved for such
individuals were usually scorned by society.

While the two noblemen continued to speak about their shared
past, Utena gently caressed her silver cup with a finger,
lost in thought. Unexpected movement caught her eye; the
figure of a ruddy-haired man stepped up onto the dais and
rapidly approached the fortress's lord. After a few
moments' whispered conversation, the Saionji warrior made an
equally hasty retreat.

"Interesting," she heard Touga murmur next to her.

"What is, my lord?" she asked, staring up at the
scarlet-haired chieftain.

"Apparently there's a messenger at the portal."

"But it's after dark. Must be an urgent missive indeed,"
the pink-maned girl replied, her curiosity piqued. Like
virtually every stronghold in the uncertain world, the gates
of Pinehaven were closed and barred against the dangers of
the night. That a messenger arrived after twilight instead
of finding a place to sleep out the darkness hinted at an
urgency above the norm, for usually the porter of a fortress
would refuse to open the gates for anyone at that hour.

"That seems to be Saionji's guess as well, since he gave the
order for the messenger to be allowed in."

What conversation that remained within the Great Hall came
to a halt as the ruddy-haired clansman returned, the slender
form of a youthful male trailing behind. The lad was a
comely one, with light golden-brown hair neatly trimmed
short, his dark blue hose and sky blue tunic covered over
with a tabard -- a sleeveless surcoat consisting of front
and back panels of cloth tied together at the sides reserved
for the exclusive use of heralds. Emblazoned upon both
rectangular panels of royal blue cloth was a heraldic
device: over a golden oak tree uprooted from the ground, a
silver dove flew upward into the sky. Though the coat of
arms meant little to the pink-haired maiden, the highlander
lords obviously knew it.

Upon seeing the young herald, Saionji hissed in what seemed
to be alarm, his noble form stiffening and his violet eyes
widening. A contrast to his friend, Touga appeared merely
curious at the messenger's appearance, though the
green-haired chieftain's reaction made the Red Tyger raise
his eyebrows. "Hmm . . . I wonder what message was so
urgent that the Kaoru sent out a herald so late in the day?"

Catching his words, Utena turned her aquamarine gaze from
the heraldically-attired newcomer to look at the
scarlet-haired lord. "The Kaoru?" she queried. The name
struck a chord, being that of a family somewhere just beyond
those clans just across the border between the northern
kingdom and the kingdom from which she came.

With a scrape of wood against wood, Saionji rose from his
throne-like seat, crossing over the remaining distance
between his guests and the herald with a few rapidly taken
strides.

"Aye, Clan Kaoru," the Kiryuu prince replied, cobalt gaze
remaining focused upon his friend and the messenger. "They
are a relatively modest clan in both power and numbers, and
their holdings border both the Saionji lands and mine to the
south." Watching as the golden-brown-haired youth showed
the other prince some sort of proof of the veracity of the
message -- from what he could see, Touga was certain that
the herald had shown a leaf of blank vellum adorned with a
wax seal bearing the impression of the Great Seal of Clan
Kaoru -- the redheaded noble leaned back in his chair.

Continuing to stare at the knot of people, Utena noted that
whatever the message was, it was apparently memorized by the
herald given the youth's rigid stance and unfocused
expression as he talked to the green-haired lord. "What do
you think it could be about?" she softly questioned. After
all, they were Touga's neighbors. One could reasonably
assume that he would have some knowledge of the doings of
the other clans that surrounded his holdings.

"I'm not sure," the redheaded nobleman admitted, his
expression thoughtful. (Why *would* the Kaoru feel it
important to contact Saionji? Unless . . .) His expression
hardened, a suspicion suddenly impinging upon his thoughts.

The group of people being watched broke apart, the tall
figure of the emerald-haired prince swiftly walking back
toward the high table, the herald and the Saionji warrior
trailing behind. Both the Kiryuu chieftain and the noble
maiden straightened as Saionji rejoined them. Turning
toward the youthful messenger, he gruffly demanded, "Repeat
to Lord Touga what you told me about the Phoenix and the
Panther."

(Ohtori and Arisugawa?) Touga wondered, eyebrows rising in
surprise. Of the families of the highlands, those two were
the ones truly able to rival his own wealth and power.
Whereas the holdings of the Golden Panther -- the chieftain
of the Arisugawa was so called for the coat of arms that
symbolized the clan -- were located further north in the
rugged country to which had been pushed the ancient peoples
of the island, those of the Ebon Phoenix -- the ruler of
Clan Ohtori -- could be found along the border shared
between kingdoms.

Utena blinked, startled, recognizing the reference to "the
Phoenix". Clan Ohtori -- a powerful family that was perhaps
the most influential in the courts of Utena's home kingdom,
especially under the rulership of the man that had married
the former chieftain's only child -- had for its heraldic
symbol a black phoenix rising from a nest of red flames all
on a silver background. She'd seen Lord Akio before,
resplendent in white clothing trimmed in red and black,
those times she had been to the royal court; the
pale-lavender haired prince had struck her as not only being
the very image of a chivalrous and handsome lord but also
somehow familiar.

"If it pleases, my lord, I bear a message from the heir of
the Kaoru," the golden-brown-haired herald began, bowing in
respect to his new audience while he slipped once more into
his memorized patter. "Rumors abound of the forces of the
Ebon Phoenix already gathering in their lord's strongholds.
The neighboring clans are nervous, certain that Ohtori will
be making hostile moves as spring advances. Lord Miki
assures that his own investigation points to the veracity of
the rumors. His own scouts have reported the movements of
Ohtori warriors towards the castles closest to the northern
borders of Lord Akio's lands."

Touga frowned, not liking the message at all.

"Of the Golden Panther, the news is this," the messenger
continued, dark brown eyes remaining staring and unfocused.
"It's been finally learned that since the dead of winter,
the chieftain of Clan Tsuchiya has been missing. No one's
seen any trace of him despite the efforts Clan Arisugawa has
put into discovering his whereabouts, so the Golden Panther
has appealed to all of the clans to search for him."

"And here we are caught in the middle," Saionji muttered.

The scarlet-maned lord nodded, understanding his friend's
concern. Ohtori lay to the south of them, just beyond the
Kaoru lands. The Arisugawa were allied to the Tsuchiya as
overlords; with the chieftain missing, they would have to do
their best to maintain order within their vassal clan while
either Lord Ruka was found or a new chieftain was chosen.
If Ohtori was truly going to go on a conquering campaign
against his neighbors, having the holdings to the north in
inner turmoil would increase the Ebon Phoenix's chances for
accomplishing his goals. "And the Kaoru are positioned to
take the brunt of it if he truly does go on the move. Did
Lord Miki ask our assistance in this matter?"

"No," the violet-eyed nobleman answered, then scowled.
"Actually, he asked if I could possibly travel to Kaoru Keep
to further discuss the matter."

"What about me?"

"There was no mention of you, Lord Touga," Saionji
responded.

"Hmm." The Kiryuu prince mulled over the news. (Either
another herald was sent to my home for me to hear of this in
that manner, or . . .) "Saionji, is there any reason for
the Kaoru to think that you are more willing to help them
against anything Ohtori may do than I?" he asked, fixing his
foster brother with his steady gaze.

The other highlander chieftain glared back, his stance
becoming abruptly defensive.

That alone was all the confirmation Touga truly needed.
Closing his eyes a moment and suppressing a groan, he
sighed. Remembering his promise to deal honestly always
with his friend, the redheaded lord took a moment to pick
his words carefully. "You have every right to make
alliances as you see fit, Saionji, however, I ask you to
think carefully over your actions. It's my opinion that
Lady Kozue would not be a good match for you."

"How did you . . .?" hissed Saionji, a thunderstruck
expression on his handsome face. Recovering, he shook his
head, his long, curly locks of emerald green swaying about
him. "Never mind that. You'd just say whatever it takes to
get your own way."

Hand still caressing the glimmering metal of her goblet,
Utena silently watched as the lords talked amongst
themselves. Behind them, the tabard-enshrouded herald and
the Saionji warrior patiently waited in silence for their
dismissal.

"If that's what you believe then there's little I can do to
dissuade you of that notion," Touga replied, a melancholy
light deep within his cobalt-blue eyes. "However, I do
truly believe that Lady Kozue would only make you miserable.
I'd rather see you happy, my friend. And that means even if
you decide to wed someone other than my sister."

"A likely story," Saionji muttered, turning his attention
back to the two men standing behind him.
________________

The jingle of tack and the thump of horse hooves on the
packed earth of the trail broke through the peaceful
stillness of the surrounding evergreen forest. Large
aquamarine eyes attempting to scan over the way ahead, Utena
found herself continually staring at the back of the Kiryuu
prince. Each time she looked upon him -- he was easy to
spot with the springtime sun shining down upon his mane of
long, straight hair -- she could feel a pleasant warmth fill
her. Now a smile graced her beautiful face whenever she
thought about the two of them dancing under the stars, where
before it had made her grit her teeth in irritation.

Once the Kaoru herald had been escorted to a cot to spend
the night with the other household staff of Pinehaven, and
the rest of the Saionji clanmembers had scattered and
settled down for the night, the trio of nobles had remained
at the high table, Utena's entourage staying seated at one
of the trestle tables on the hall floor. A short debate had
ensued, coming to a conclusion that had led to her presence
here on this southward-winding trail. Touga had been able
to talk his friend into allowing him and the rose-haired
maiden to accompany Saionji to the other clan's stronghold.

Also as part of the party were her four servants and Touga's
five warriors, along with an equal number of Saionji men and
the herald that had arrived the night before. The two
chieftains rode at the head of the group with a pair of the
Saionji and a pair of the Kiryuu flanking them. Then came
Utena, Wakaba and Shiori directly behind her and Ryu and
Tatsuya immediately following them. The remainder of the
highlanders brought up the rear, their eyes constantly
searching for any signs of unexpected hostility.

Their travel along the path from Pinehaven to Kaoru Keep had
been an uneventful one, the weather sunny and losing its
early springtime chill. They had ridden along the base of
the Saionji's valley along the banks of the Whitewater,
following the rapids-filled river up to its source high up
the side of the ridge that surrounded the southern end of
the glen. Then it was up and over the shoulder of the ridge
through a narrow pass that opened up at the source of yet
another river. The pathway followed along the Blue River's
bank, leading them down into the forest-covered lands of the
other valley.

They broke from the trees, emerging out into cultivated
land. The peasants out working the fields -- the ground had
softened enough from the late winter frosts to begin the
plowing -- paused in their labors long enough to stare at
the riders passing by, though Utena was pleased to see that
they appeared more curious than anything else and there were
no hostile glares tossed their way. From what she could
observe, the rose-haired maiden got the sense that this clan
had fared perhaps not quite as well as the Kiryuu but better
than the Saionji over the season just past.

Continuing onward, she could see that the river widened into
a lake. From an island the rose from that waters, a
stone-walled keep overlooked the blue-tinted liquid.
Guessing that this was the capital of Clan Kaoru, she
couldn't help but wonder just what awaited them there.

Noting their destination appearing in the distance, Touga
finally gave into the temptation that had been prodding him
ever since they had set out on their journey. Turning in
the saddle, he gave his gentle guest a long, lingering look.
Once again she was dressed in a boyish costume, her tunic
and hose this time in shades of blue that enhanced the color
of her large eyes, a dark blue tam much like her rose pink
one perched atop her head. It still amazed him slightly
that she could fit all that hair of hers under those hats,
and he found her attractive as the fake youth simply because
he was aware of her true femininity underneath her slight
disguise.

Movement to the right caught Saionji's eye. Glancing that
way and discovering his foster brother staring over his
shoulder, the green-haired lord smirked slightly. "I still
think she's got a touch of the Fey," he said, those being
the first words either one of them had spoken since the
beginning of the trip.

"If she's the sorceress, I would hardly mind being lost in
enchantment," the Kiryuu prince replied. "Ever since I
pulled her from the lake, I've had a feeling that we were
fated to be together."

"I envy you," Saionji muttered, "being sure of what the
future would hold."

Touga wisely decided to remain silent, shifting his
attention back to keeping his eye on the path while letting
his thoughts drift once more to the delicate beauty riding
behind him. Three times now she had challenged him; three
times he had apparently passed her tests. Of the six
virtues held in esteem by those who spoke of the power of
Love, he had yet to face tests for justice, forgiveness and
trust. Though curious as to what she could ask of him to
prove himself in those virtues, he had to admit to being
impatient. There were times he felt like just sweeping her
off her feet and seducing her into being his, but then would
come an empty hollowness at the thought of "winning" her in
such an underhanded manner. No, he *would* protect her,
even from himself, and he would earn his precious rose's
love the honorable way.

With the thunder of hooves across the heavy wooden planks of
the drawbridge, the group of travelers crossed over into the
bailey surrounding the keep. Like Touga's home, this was
another shell tower, with a stone outer wall and wooden
construction inside, and the curtain wall along the shore of
the island was stone as well. The small castle seemed in
good repair; hearing noises and glancing up, Utena could see
a crew working on the top of the tower. More than likely
they were pouring molten lead over the roof to better
protect it from the elements of that northern clime. Their
arrival was announced by a shout from those standing guard
atop the gatehouse; the moment they came to a halt, a number
of grooms appeared from the stables to see to their horses.

The newcomers remained standing in a small knot, the
warriors loosely surrounding the servants and nobles in the
center, while the door to the stone keep opened. The figure
that emerged was that of a lad, his straight azure hair
cropped short, his countenance one that bespoke at once of
both keen intelligence and youthful innocence. Dressed in
garb of blue, silver and white that accented his coloring,
he carried himself with a regality and maturity that was at
odds with his age of fourteen winters. As the youth walked
down the stone steps, another figure emerged from the keep.
This one was that of a girl; in appearance, she looked
almost like the young lord, though her hair was slightly
longer and of a violet-blue hue, her eyes a darker shade of
azure. Like the other, she too was clad in the same colors,
her surcoat of darkest blue and her chemise snowy white.

"Lord Miki Kaoru and his twin sister, Lady Kozue," murmured
Touga to his rose-haired companion by way of an explanation.
"He helps his father, the chieftain, rule over their clan."

"And she?" Utena asked, catching a tone of *something* in
the tall noble's voice.

"She watches over her brother much as my sister watches over
me."

"Oh . . ." the boyishly-clad maiden replied, recalling how
jealously clinging Lady Nanami was.

"Lord Saionji, a pleasure to see you. I'm glad to see that
my message went through," the azure-haired youth called out
the moment he was within shouting range of his soft-spoken
voice. Large blue eyes settled upon the scarlet-haired
chieftain for a moment. "And Lord Touga? I had expected
your arrival somewhat later. A surprise . . ."

"I happened to be visiting my foster brother at his keep
when your herald arrived," the Kiryuu prince answered.
"Your message seemed to be of an urgent matter, so I asked
to accompany Saionji on his journey here."

"Well, 'tis good fortune that. Welcome, both of you, to my
humble abode," Miki said, stepping forward. Behind him, his
sister walked in his wake while the Saionji and Kiryuu
warriors parted ranks to allow the twin nobles through. For
a moment, Kozue's sapphire eyes stared at the emerald-maned
chieftain with an almost calculating look before she glanced
demurely away. Though the look was a fleeting one, it still
made the hair on the nape of Utena's neck rise, a chill
shivering down her spine. Then she found herself being
stared at by the noble lad. "And who is this?" the Kaoru
heir queried, glancing to the older men in curiosity.

"Lord Miki, Lady Kozue, may I introduce to you Lady Utena
Tenjou," responded Touga, gesturing to the girl in question.
"Lady Utena, the children of the chieftain of Clan Kaoru --
"

"Lady Utena Tenjou?" Miki replied, large eyes going wide.
"From the lowlands, correct?"

"Aye, my lord," the rose-haired maiden responded, inwardly
frowning. Well aware of the tensions between the
highlanders and the people who resided in the southern
kingdom, she couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed at
the thought of this innocent-seeming lord harboring some of
those resentments.

To her relief, Miki merely nodded, apparently filing that
information away for some future use. His attention turning
to the other men, he spun on a heel and gestured for them to
follow him. "Let's go inside where I may discuss things
further. Kozue, could you please see to it that Lady Utena
and her entourage are found suitable quarters?"

"As you wish, my lord," the sapphire-eyed maiden replied,
taking a step toward the oddly-dressed girl. As the
noblemen and their warriors walked away, Kozue gave the
other maiden a long looking over. "Aren't you an
interesting one. Come along and follow me," she ordered,
striding off toward the keep a number of paces behind the
group her brother was leading.

"There's something unsettling about that one," Wakaba
whispered, trotting forward to get right next to her
mistress. Brown eyes remaining fixed on their hostess, the
ponytailed handmaiden added, "I don't think she's very
trustworthy."

"I'm sure we're in good enough hands," Utena murmured
reassuringly.
________________

"I'm worried. From what I've been hearing, Ohtori could be
seriously thinking of campaigning against the neighboring
clans this year," the azure-haired noble said, taking a sip
from his silver goblet. Seated in a comfortably-upholstered
chair in his father's office, Miki glanced from Saionji to
Touga. "All winter long there's been talk of their
blacksmiths working long hours by torchlight to repair and
make armor and weaponry. Heeding the rumors, I've sent out
some of my most trusted men to slip across the border and
observe the various strongholds of the Phoenix nearest our
lands. Ever since the hard frosts broke, they've been
reporting back a gathering of mounted knights in those
fortresses."

"And you've not done anything in your own southern
fortresses that would prompt Ohtori into thinking he needed
to fortify his along the border, correct?" Touga asked, his
expression one of contemplation.

"No," the Kaoru heir answered, shaking his head. "You know
me. I'd much rather get along in peace with my neighbors.
However, since I have confirmation that his forces are
shifting northward, I'd be a fool to not shift my own forces
accordingly."

"Agreed," Saionji responded, nodding. "Because of
topography, he'd more than likely just come marching
straight through your lands to push northward. I hate to
say it, but the Kiryuu are too powerful for him to just
leave alone if he's making a serious bid to wrest control of
the highlands."

"If he's foolish enough to do that, you're damned right I'll
do my best to cut him off from his supplies in his own
lands," the scarlet-maned chieftain said. Glancing over at
his friend, he nodded, "And I hope you stand with me should
it come to that, Saionji."

The verdant-haired lord scowled, taking a sip of his drink,
his hand clenching the cup hard enough for his knuckles to
turn white.

Feeling the sudden tension in the office, the youngest
nobleman there flicked his bright blue gaze worriedly from
one guest to the other. Those who lived near the Saionji
and the Kiryuu were aware of the rivalry between the foster
brothers; the emerald-haired chieftain had made his feelings
on the matter quite public numerous times.

Touga gave his friend a long look, ignoring the twinge of
sadness that came in response to not getting an immediate
avowal to face a common threat together. After a pause, he
gently queried, "Will you stand with me against the Phoenix
should he march against me?"

"I don't see that I have much of a choice," the violet-eyed
lord growled. "As your vassal, I *must* stand with you."

"I'm not ordering as overlord, Saionji," the redheaded
chieftain responded. "I came to visit you as a brother and
a friend, and I'm asking you as an ally for your help in a
time of need. Please?"

The hand clenching the silver goblet slowly relaxed. The
last thing the verdant-maned prince had wanted was to have
advantage taken of his friendship, of being forced to help
simply because it was assumed he would. That he was being
asked, and not ordered, soothed his ruffled pride. "Very
well, Lord Touga," he finally said. "Should Ohtori come
knocking upon your door, my clan will be there with yours to
toss him back where he belongs." Smiling faintly, he raised
his cup in a slight salute towards the other man. "As
brothers and allies then."

"I'm actually hoping to forge an alliance with the Saionji
myself," Miki softly said, entering the conversation again.
"I knew the two of you would stand together, given your
past, but we are between you and the Phoenix -- "

"I'll give you what aid I can, Lord Miki," Touga replied,
"and you'll not have to give anything in return. Ohtori is
a serious threat to the way things are, and I'd rather not
see him gain control of the kingdom. Saionji's right: I'm
too dangerous to the Phoenix's plans to be left in peace.
He will eventually come for me, so I'd rather take the fight
to him on my terms."

The innocent-appearing youth smiled in relief. "Thank you,
Lord Touga. I hesitated in asking for your assistance,
unsure of your reaction." Tilting his head slightly, Miki
then frowned. "The lady that's traveling with you . . ."

"Lady Utena," the redheaded lord supplied.

"Aye. There's something you must know."

"What's that?"

"Ohtori's searching for her," the azure-haired youth
answered, frowning. Noticing the startled looks both
noblemen were giving him, Miki continued, "As part of my
information-gathering, I had my men pose as peasants and
merchants. One of the things I've consistently heard is how
Ohtori's been sending people throughout the lowland kingdom
looking for a Lady Utena Tenjou. She apparently travels
often, and has managed to elude those sent to find her."

"Any idea on what he wants from her?" Touga asked,
cobalt-blue eyes narrowing at the thought of the handsome
prince -- or anyone, for that matter -- getting their hands
on his delicate rose.

"That's something I've been unable to discover," Miki
reluctantly admitted, shaking his head in the negative.

Leaning back in his sturdy, oaken-framed chair, Saionji
stared off into the distance, a thoughtful expression on his
usually sour countenance. Not long after his foster father
had sent the little pink-haired girl home with her remaining
relatives, a group of men had come looking for her. Though
not privy to the conversation between the now-dead Kiryuu
chieftain and the strangers, Saionji recalled their tones
being harsh and demanding and their departure had been less
than cordial. At the time, Touga had been elsewhere,
training up with the exchequer on how to tally the demesne's
accounts; the green-haired boy had excused himself from the
same lesson to use the garderobe to relieve himself and the
tones of angry voices had caught his attention. Though
puzzled back then and thinking the encounter strange, it was
a memory that had slipped his mind until now. Why would
those men have been looking for a girl already returned to
her family? And why would Ohtori be searching for her now?

"Well, it looks like I shall have to discover that for
myself," murmured the scarlet-haired lord before taking a
long sip from his goblet.

Their azure-haired host then turned his equally blue gaze to
stare at Saionji. "Have you decided on an answer yet, my
lord?"

"I'm still thinking about it," he replied, reaching up to
brush a stray lock of emerald hair from his face.

"There are others interested as well," Miki pointed out.

"I'll give you a definitive answer very soon," Saionji
reassured. "Just tell me what's all this about Lord Ruka
going missing?"

"The lands of the Golden Panther are in an uproar. It seems
that Lord Ruka's been missing since Midwinter's Day, but so
certain were the Arisugawa that he'd be found on either his
lands or theirs that they've kept his disappearance to
themselves. With the coming of spring and the opening up of
travel, it became certain that he wasn't anywhere they
expected," the young nobleman replied.

"I'm certain that the Arisugawa is less than pleased at this
turn of events," commented Touga, taking a sip from his
chalice. "A large portion of their power comes from their
control of the Tsuchiya."

"Of course," Saionji muttered. "I'm sure the Panther is on
the prowl."

"There's no heir-designate either," Miki remarked, his
wide-eyed expression turning even more unsure. Highland
custom took into consideration how brutal elections to clan
leadership could be, so often a current chieftain would name
a successor -- usually the eldest son, though any relative
with enough royal blood could be so designated -- and the
elections held after the chieftain's death often were only
approvals of what had been planned all along. "Lord Ruka
hadn't gotten around to naming one, and he has no offspring
. . ."

"Wonderful," the emerald-maned lord growled, shaking his
head slightly. In order to rule, since a chieftain was
considered the avatar of the royal power of the entire clan
-- a holdover from ancient times, when a clan leader
symbolically married the land that supported him and thus
became a semi-divine figure -- any person of the blood royal
needed to be physically whole and mentally capable. Those
that weren't invited ill luck to plague the clan, thus the
blind, the simple, the lame, or disfigured could not accept
the coronet. There were many a family who ruthlessly clawed
their way to the top by blinding or otherwise maiming their
royal relatives to disqualify them for the ascension to the
chieftainship. "So the Arisugawa gets stuck mediating a
scramble for power within their largest vassal clan. A
rather unfortunate coincidence given the Phoenix's
sword-rattling."

"I wouldn't put it past Ohtori to have known about this all
along," Touga replied.

"Aye, he seems to have eyes and ears in a number of places,"
Miki said.

Cobalt-blue gaze flicking over to settle on his foster
brother, the Kiryuu prince mulled over an idea that had
prodded him numerous times since learning of his friend's
elevation to chieftain. Saionji had grown up feeling
inferior, being constantly reminded of his subordinate
position. All through their boyhood and adolescence, Touga
had had little desire to have such a relationship with the
other royal heir. Indeed, his whole push to claim Saionji
as a foster brother had been to gain for himself a friend --
an equal -- not some underling to order around. For as long
as the former chieftain had been alive, it had been
Saionji's father who was the subordinate. Now that it was
Saionji himself, the redheaded noble was swiftly discovering
that he had little stomach for enforcing such a submissive
role onto his friend.

(Does he feel the same unease, I wonder?) Touga asked
himself. (To be always treated as an equal, only to now be
made to bow and scrape should he do what's proper now that
we are grown?) The question made the Red Tyger narrow his
eyes in irritation. Around him, the conversation had fallen
into an awkward silence. (No. I want to keep my friend,
not my vassal. I would rather see him happy . . .) Staring
into his silver goblet, the scarlet-maned nobleman softly
called out, "Saionji."

Emerald eyebrows rose in curiosity at the odd note in his
friend's voice. "Aye?" he responded, violet gaze staring at
the other noble.

"I have a gift for you. Lord Miki, would you kindly be my
witness?"

The youthful noble blinked, startled at the softly-spoken
request. "Sure, Your Lordship," he managed to stammer out,
wondering what was about to unfold. "I'll witness whatever
you'd like."

"Thank you." Giving the azure-haired youth a smile, Touga
then turned his attention back to the verdant-maned man. "I
promised you that I came to visit you only as your brother
and friend. Forgive me for slipping into the role of
overlord for just this moment."

Saionji scowled, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What are you
about, Touga?"

"This." The redheaded lord pushed back his chair, rising to
booted feet. Light flashed off his signet ring as he
extended his hand toward the glaring highlander. "I, Touga,
Chieftain and prince of Clan Kiryuu, hereby revoke and
dismiss from my service Lord Kyouichi Saionji and all his
clan. The debt of blood is resolved, and you and yours are
free of any claims and obligations I may have had as
overlord. From this day forward, Clan Saionji shall have
all the powers, privileges and obligations they had as an
independent coronet in the days of our grandfathers."

(What?) All Saionji could do was stare, thunderstruck, at
the standing nobleman. They were being released from their
vassalage? Able to once again make their own destiny as
they saw fit? Could his one true dream be that easy to
grasp after all this time?

"Lord Touga . . ." Miki softly breathed, equally stunned.
Sadly, experience had shown him that most would grab at any
chance of power, yet here was one willing to give up a
measure of control -- for apparently nothing more then a
deep friendship.

"You heard and witnessed, Lord Miki," the scarlet-haired
chieftain replied. "Clan Saionji is free of my control."

"What do you *want*?" abruptly growled Saionji. Surely
there had to be some strings attached, *somewhere*.

Lowering his gaze to focus on the office's carpet-adorned
floor, Touga brought to mind his promise to the rose-haired
maiden. Those that loved dealt honestly with the objects of
their affection, no matter what form that love took.
Saionji deserved the truth; to do otherwise would be
disrespectful of the friendship they had. "I want my
friend, Saionji. I want my foster brother. We can't be
what we were to one another if I remain your overlord, and
you are not your father."

"That's it? That's all you want?" He frowned, uncertain.
Yet the melancholy Saionji saw etched upon his friend's
countenance seemed genuine.

"It's all I want. Nothing more."

"If you think I'm going to suddenly grovel at your feet -- "

Touga laughed, his chuckle filling the room as he lifted his
hand to run long fingers though his straight, silky red
hair. "No, Saionji. I don't even care if you thank me or
not. I only desire your friendship, not your prostrate form
at my feet."

"Good," the emerald-haired lord replied. "Because
friendship is all you're going to get from me."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Touga responded.