I am finally getting back to writing, though I am uncertain how often I will be able to upload new chapters since I am going to school. I would have posted over the summer but my laptop decided to die on me and I only got my new laptop Just before the new school year started. As I said in my last chapter I do not know how frequently I will be able to update, but I will try to get some time in just to write on those days when I do not have as much homework. I hope I can update more often. Lastly, I do not own "The Twelve Kingdoms" series.

'Character thoughts'

Kaneme's Pov:

Kaneme sat in his room enjoying his package of strawberries, while reading his copy of "Seikishi: Tokyo's Queen of Kei".

Kaneme felt euphoria as he read the book. It felt as if he finally was going in the right direction. He felt as if he finally had a clue as to what really happened when he was spirited away. But one question came to mind. Why was he spirited away in the first place? Youko had been spirited away to become a great queen dragging Yuka and Asano with her according to the book. Was he brought there by accident? No. That couldn't be the answer. If it was why would people start mysteriously dying around him. People did not mysteriously die around Yuka.

Kaneme thought over the facts and decided he was definitely not human. So his main concern was whether he was a Youma or not. As much as it made sense for him to be a Youma one fact just did not fit. Kaneme does not like meat or the smell of blood. There was no possible way he was a Youma. But then what was he. He certainly did not think he was a ruler of one the kingdoms. The main reason being the same as his reasoning for why he was not a Youma.

He wished Yuki Sukito had given a better description of what a Kirin was. Then he would know for certain if he was human or not. What were the traits of a Kirin? How are they any different from humans, other than the fact that they can turn into a flying Unicorn.

The two Kirins described in the story seem so familiar.

Keiki. The Kirin of Kei. Kaneme was enraged that he had been treated so badly. How dare that fake queen treat him as such. Kei Kirin was always so kind when I was younger.

'Wait. Did I just think that.' Kaneme thought, 'Did I know the Kirin of Kei when I was last in that world? Why can't I remember.'

Kaneme put down the book. He knew he was not going to get any more information out of the book. Kaneme just wished that there was a way for him to remember everything. That was his main reason for choosing the book. At least Kaneme knew there was going to be a sequel coming out.

The publishers had hired him to do the artwork for the cover on the next one, so tomorrow he was meeting with Sukito to discuss the details.

Kaneme looked at his clock.

"It's getting late", Kaneme said to himself letting himself drift into a blissful unconsciousness.

\

"Help!" Screamed the desperate woman.

She was being chased by who knows what. The thing was growling and baring its fangs.

"What have I done to deserve this!" The woman screamed as she was backed into a corner.

"You have disrespected our lord Kirin for far too long", the monster said, "And for that you have to die!"

"Ahhhh!"

When Kaneme awoke that morning he felt that somewhat queasy. He had to ignore it however because he had a meeting today one that he would not miss for the world. Kaneme got ready quietly as not to wake his mother. He knew if she woke up there would be no way to make it to the meeting. Kaneme then all of a sudden heard a knock on the door.

Kaneme shuffled down the steps knowing his family would be too lazy to get it this early in the morning.

Kaneme opened the door coming face to face with a police officer.

"Can I help you?" Kaneme asked the police man.

"We would like to ask you a couple questions young man." The policeman said sternly, "You are in a lot of trouble."

"If you do not mind me asking. What did I do?" Kaneme asked innocently.

"We are investigating a string of deaths in which every person who died is connected to you in some way. You are going to need to come in for questioning seeing as you are the most likely suspect."

"Alright." Kaneme said.

The next couple of hours were a blur. Keneme knew he was going to miss the meeting with Sukito at this rate.

When the police officer finally got around to questioning him he had already been there for three hours. Kaneme was glad that his meeting started at four otherwise he would definitely not make it.

"Where were you yesterday around seven pm?" Questioned the officer.

"I was selling one of my paintings to my employer." Kaneme answered honestly, "I could call him if that would be helpful."

"Do that and put the phone on speaker." The officer demanded handing kaneme a phone.

Kaneme then went to the phone and dialed the number.

"Hello."

"Hey it's me." Kaneme said.

"Ah. Taiki. Is this about the meeting later today?"

"Actually no. But I am not sure if I'm going to make it."

"Why is that? Where are you now?"

"Ummm..." Kaneme did not know how to explain his situation without someone freaking out.

"Taiki? What's wrong? Are you in trouble?"

"I'm fine, but I need you to confirm that I was with you around 7 pm."

"You were definitely with me around 7 last night. You always come around before an auction to sell your work. Speaking of which, I have the money from your painting. I'll give it to you after the meeting. Call if you think you will make it.

"Thanks, I will talk to you soon."

BEEP... BEEP...

The police officer sighed, "Is there any other places you could have been around 7:30 last night?"

"Well, I went to the grocery store and bought some strawberries." Kaneme said, "You can check the security cameras at the facility just to be certain I am telling the truth.

After an hour more of interrogation Kaneme was finally deemed innocent and was aloud to leave.

Kaneme checked his watch. Just enough time to get to the meeting.

Yuka Pov:

When Yuka awoke that morning she was verry excited. Firstly she expected that she would be meeting the missing Kirin of Tai today and she is going with Kaneme to get smoothies this afternoon. Yuka stared at the clock. Crap. She knew she was going to be late. 11:30. How could she sleep until 11:30. Maybe it was because she was putting the final touches on her manuscript from the time she got home last night until around 5 am.

Yuka quickly got ready for the day and ran out of the apartment she had gotten after she had enough income to leave her father. When she got to the meeting point she saw her publisher sitting with the auctioneer that usually deals with Taiki's work.

"I'm glad I wasn't the last one here." Yuka said.

"Well, Taiki might not actually be able to make it..." The auctioneer started saying as his phone rang. "Nevermind. I just got word he that he is on his way."

Yuka tensed if Taiki was the man she believed him to be, she knew he was never late. She excused herself from the meeting informing the two employers that she had to make a phone call. She went to the nearest payphone and dialed Kaneme's home number. No one answered. Why is she so worried she knew Taiki was coming, but she still had this weird feeling in her gut that somehow there was something wrong with the entire situation. At that thought she went back to sit with the two employers to wait for Taiki to arrive.

Sorry it took so long to produce a chapter. Once I got my new laptop I tried to write but I kept hitting a writers block. Thanks for reading my story and pleas follow/favorite/review.