So I started writing this chapter and Windows shuts down. No biggie auto recovery will bring back my work. Nope. Auto recovered everything but the chapter I was writing. So I had a Patricia Heaton moment, where I deeply buried my anger and resentment and just rewrote the work*. But I just know in my heart of hearts that nothing will be as poetic and brilliant as the work that was lost. Teach me not to save frequently.

*For those who don't get the reference: Read a book called "Fired! Tales of the Canned, Canceled, Downsized and Dismissed"

Tsuki found her walk home very troublesome. The guards were toying with her, looking for an excuse to discipline her. If she walked too slowly, she was smacked in the back by the orbs of their staffs. When she moved at a moderate pace, they discreetly tried to trip her. She feared if she moved too fast they might claim she was trying to escape or some such nonsense, and for that offense, they may have tried to bury the blades in her back.

Hiei watched the whole exchange and grimaced when one of guards actually did manage to snag her foot with his staff. She didn't fall to the ground; she somehow managed to keep her balance. But not before the other guard swung his staff sharply at her head with a command to keep moving. She took the blow with an obvious look of annoyance, but kept her lips set in a grim line. Her feet quickly moved forward least she earn a second one. It made Hiei's blood boil. Would she not stick up for herself? Hiei increased his pace to intercept Tsuki and the guards.

But as he moved to pass others in the group, Kurama's footsteps crossed in front of him. Kurama's head was turned as he agreed with something Ruo-jian said. For the scantest second he looked back at Hiei and shook his head almost imperceptibly. It was just like Kurama to be aware of everything and to hold onto the bigger picture. Whatever was going on between Tsuki and this village was of secondary importance to the overarching mission. As long as her life was not in immediate danger, they were not to interfere. Hiei snorted his opinion, but decreased his pace.

Yusuke for his part hadn't noticed what was going on with Tsuki, he was too busy watching the villagers. It was odd, but the women all wore the same clothing, although older ladies seemed to favor red and younger girls white. Their ensembles matched Tsuki's, although her's was the only one to incorporate the striking addition of black.

He also noticed that no one wanted to look him in the eye. He did manage to make eye contact with one woman, but she quickly ducked her head when she realized he was looking directly at her. Though not before a man near her saw the exchange. The man's look of disgust and anger made the woman visibly flinch before she walked away as rapidly as she could without running. As Yusuke watched the woman hurry off, Botan's voice rang in his head from the he'd overheard her conversation with Yukina… "Her clan is almost as strict as yours for behavior of women."

He looked ahead toward Tsuki, moving silently enduring the stares and whispers of her own people. Her warped personality and gender image made a little more sense now. Judging from the little he'd seen of the women here and what he witnessed earlier of Tsuki, it was no wonder she chaffed and rebelled, especially against her femininity. Yusuke couldn't decide whether he admired her fire or felt sympathy for her dysfunction.

Tsuki managed to pick up her pace just a little bit without the guards attacking her. Her goal was to get home ahead of the group and speak to her father in private, if only for two minutes. If he saw her first without the entourage, he could indulge his natural reaction and not embarrass her further in front of her friends.

Her goal didn't come to fruition. Upon reaching the gates to her father's estate, her father's guards barred her entrance. Tsuki seethed inside as Ruo-jian's town guards snickered at her rejection. The men that refused her entrance had known her since she was born. However, she was a Diren first and foremost, and one that had deserted her home at that. Besides, she was forbidden to speak in front of men not directly in her bloodline, as was the custom. She could not tell the guards that she was an envoy for Koenma. She knew as soon as she spoke she would probably be slapped before she could finish the sentence.

Ruo-jian's idiots did not care to shed any light on the situation on her behalf. So she waited at the gate until Ruo-jian and the others caught up. She waited for Kurama to present the letter of introduction and she waited for the guard to rush off to notify the head of house, her father, of the arrival of guests. The entire entourage; Ruo-jian, his guards, and the yu-yu crew were escorted inside the gates to await their host.

Tsuki remembered this room, little had changed. It was her father's office/library/ study/sitting room. In this room, he greeted important guests and conducted business. It was designed to impress. Greens, gold and polished blacks gave the ambience of wealth and power. Tsuki fondly recalled memories of this room. Reading her father's tomes on botany and herbalism. Spying on important meetings. She used to stand right there in front of the desk as he scolded her harshly on the dictates of womanhood.

Realizing that her thoughts were taking an unpleasant turn, she abruptly turned away from the desk. When she turned, she realized two pairs of eyes had been staring at her. Hiei as usual held her gaze for a moment before he looked away. Ruo-jian on the other hand gave her a long hard malicious smile full of smug satisfaction.

No doubt, he knew what was about to happen as well as she did. Her father was about to reunite with his shameful Diren of a daughter. In the worst scenario, he would not be able to control his rage and Ruo-jian as well as everyone else would bear witness to her father's wrath against her. In the best scenario, he would hold on to his temper for the sake of his guests and let her have it when no one around.

Next to her, Yusuke slapped her shoulder. Her annoyed glance softened when she realized he'd offered her a silent sign of camaraderie. Finding some awkward comfort in his presence, Tsuki took a deep breath and waited for her father. As if on cue, Tsuki heard the sound of footsteps outside in the hall. The doors to the room swept open by her father's two handmaidens. In walked her father, Si, followed closely by his personal steward.

"Holy hell, it's another midget." Though Yusuke's muttering wasn't meant for anyone else ears, all heads including Si's snapped in his direction. There was no denying that their benefactor was not a man of great stature. All the same, Tsuki turned to Yusuke and gave him a look designed to melt his face off.

Acting quickly to cover the faux pas of the leader of the envoys, Ruo-jian bowed shallowly signaling his men who bowed deeply to Si. Ruo-jian had expected Si to acknowledge the bow with a greeting, and thus distract from the Yusuke's clumsy outburst. Instead, he walked swiftly toward Yusuke.

The crowd parted and allowed Tsuki's father to pass through. The determined look on his face ensured each person stepped aside. Even Kurama and Hiei moved wordlessly out of the way. Kurama had decided to let the scene play out and for Yusuke to deal with the effects of his own brazen mouth. Hiei was amused and wanted to see what the gentleman who was only inches taller than himself would do.

Tsuki hurriedly stepped back as well, leaving a void of people around Yusuke. He glanced around suddenly very conscious that everyone had abandoned him. With Si bearing down on him, he realized maybe he hadn't got off on the best foot. He quickly tried to find something to say to diffuse the situation, but was spared when the lord strode pass him.

Instead, Si went right to Tsuki. When Tsuki realized he had eyes only for her, she panicked. She hadn't expected him to go for her after Yusuke had put his foot so thoroughly in his mouth. The unwavering look in his eyes was all the warning Tsuki needed that she was looking at the worst-case scenario. Hastily she dropped down in ketou hoping she placated him some with her show of obedience and submission. Before she could finish the first set of prostrations, Tsuki felt her father's hands grasp her arms firmly. He hauled her up roughly. Then pulled her close as his arms wrapped around her.

"Lingai, daughter, you have returned."

Si crushed her against him and kissed her forehead. He hadn't held her like this since she was a brat small enough to be swung in his hands. Tsuki was shocked down to her core and slow to process the event. Ruo-jian wasn't as lost for words. He tried to temper his antagonism with respectful words, but his tone was firm. "Lingai? Don't joke, loashi. You may always call me son, but that is no longer your daughter, beautiful or beloved. She is a Diren."

Tsuki felt her father's arms drop as he grasped her around her shoulders and pulled back. Of course, she thought. He'd temporarily lost his mind. His first born and noble son had died, his honorable wife had long left the world, all he had left was his wayward daughter. For a moment he must have forgotten his deep shame of her and rejoiced in having the last of his bloodline home again. Now that Ruo-jian had broken the spell, he clearly would…

"She is lingai." Si's words were intoned with the power and steel of his rank and position in the tribe. There were few who could gainsay him when he chose to throw his considerable influence around. At the very least no one here had the power to contradict him. Pulling his daughter forward, he placed his hands on her shoulders in paternal affection as he addressed those gathered. "This is my daughter. She is here as an envoy of Koenma. Therefore she will be afforded all the same rights and respects as those she travels with."

Tsuki's friends sensed this was an important declaration, but they did not know how deeply this challenged the customs. Her father had renounced her Diren status, honored her as daughter, given her the rights and privileges of any man, and ensured her respectful treatment as an envoy of Koenma. No woman, no matter how high in esteem in the eyes of the tribe, had ever been afforded the same position as what was being offered now. And Tsuki was probably the least respectable female in the history of the tribe.

"Loashi, you can't be serious. This is an affront!" Several of Ruo-jian men looked as if they agreed with their leader's vehement outburst. They, however, were smart enough to keep their mouths shut. The silence that descended only emphasized that no one else was willing to oppose the master of house. Not to his face in his own home.

Quickly, Ruo-jian sensed that he has no true support in his battle. Turning a mottled shade of red, he clenched his jaw. "Of course, you are free to do in your home as you wish, no matter how unconventional. But do keep in mind that while her behavior may be permitted, people may not respond as intended beyond the gates of the estate." With that, Ruo-jian spun on his heel and smartly marched out taking his precious town guard with him.

The exit of Ruo-jian and his men left the room feeling open and refreshing. It wasn't until they were gone that those left noticed the depressing and heavy ambience Ruo-jian emanated. Si turned to Tsuki and searched her face. She was still mute with shock. Kurama once again came to the rescue. He cleared his throat and quickly introduced himself and the others. "I know we should speak at greater length about the purpose of our visit, but we would greatly appreciate a moment to put down our belongings and freshen up."

It was a load of crap. Si knew that Koenma would have sent the group via portal, but it was a somewhat reasonable excuse to disperse the group and the uncomfortable tenseness of the situation. "Yes, of course." Si gestured to his handmaidens, who quickly stepped forward. "Please convey our guests to their rooms." Without asking Tsuki's permission, her father took her pack and handed it to one of the handmaidens. "Place this is Tsuki's room and lay out something more appropriate." With a look for his daughter, "We have much to discuss."

The handmaiden accepted the pack with a nod of obedience and no hesitation but Hiei, Yusuke, and Kurama saw the curious looks the girls tossed each other with veiled peeks at Tsuki. Still, they dutifully followed the handmaidens out of the study.

When the doors closed shut, Si faced his daughter. He smiled wide at her. "Come let me look at you. It's been so long." His eyes raked her face, soaking in all her features. He noticed the coils in her hair, though her style lacked the intricacy and length of customary Shingen coiffures. As he reached to tuck a stray wisp back into place, he commented "You're lovely. Hard to believe when you take more after me than your mother."

Even as he spoke, Tsuki dodged her head to the side and away from his hand. Si's smile faltered as he took in her frown and look of distrust. "Perhaps," he said as he gestured to a small table with chairs, "we should sit. There seems much to discuss."

Though her father sat, Tsuki stood unsure what to do. Who was this man? This wasn't the father she remembered. But he wanted to talk and that was good, because she wanted answers. Finally, she moved forward and slowly lowered herself in to the high backed chair. The man across from her smiled as if he had won a great victory. "I imagine you have a great many questions and so d…."

"Why?"

Si looked taken aback by the interruption. After a moment, he responded gesturing vaguely. "Well, I assumed you were like me. I have missed you and wondered what you've been doing these past ye…"

Tsuki huffed out a breath of hot air and rolled her eyes. "You misunderstand, father. I want to know why you did what you did just now. Not just daughter, but lingai, envoy of Koenma, with all the rights and respects of the others." Tsuki shook her head. "Why do that? Why for me?"

A grim line was set in lieu of Si's smile. "I did that to protect you and make up for my behavior in the past." Sighing deeply and tapping his fingers steadily on the table, he contemplated his words. "Things went so wrong in the past; I hardly know where to start."

"I find that the beginning is a popular place to begin."

Si grinned and chuckled. "You always had a way with sarcasm, Tsuki." Tsuki had no response to that; after all, she certainly hadn't inherited her mouth from her mother or her father. So she softly feh-ed and shrugged one shoulder carelessly. Si's tapping continued as he tried to find the beginning.

Finally, he settled on a question. "Did you ever wonder about your name?" The look of incredulity and annoyance warned him, so Si cut Tsuki off before she said something snide and veered off topic. "Tsuki. Shigure. Those aren't Shingen words."

"Of course not. Mother named us. She always had a flare for the exotic." Tsuki's voice carried a note of wistfulness.

Si was equally wistful as he told her, "Your mother was exotic. So different from any other woman I'd ever met." He blinked suddenly as if coming out of a reverie. "She wasn't born here, Tsuki. She wasn't even a toxic demon."

Having left the tribe and found passion outside her species and race, the concept of a relationship between a tribe member and a non-tribe member wasn't alien to Tsuki. But within the tribe, they were very xenophobic on relationships. Her mother wasn't a toxic demon and her straight-laced by-the-book father had loved her. That was hard to digest. Yet her mother had melded into the society of the tribe. Tsuki would never have guessed the truth. "What was she?"

"She told me they call themselves: Subashiko. We know them as the ephemeral children or Mistwalkers." Tsuki expelled a huff of air as if she'd been smacked on the back. She couldn't have been more shocked, than if she found out her mother was a human.

Mistwalkers were a unique breed of demons. Tall, graceful, lithe humanoids with a lifespan that operated in cycles. They hibernated for decades to awake for years. Though they could live to millennia old, the time spent awake was only centuries. Supposedly, their 'short' lifespans are what drove their dramatic tendencies. Mistwalkers were allegedly to be precocious, avid doers of all things. Giving them a reputation for reckless abandon, that further shorten their lifespans.

How had her stick in the mud old man, ever enticed a creature of undiluted passion for life? Then again, maybe there was more legend to the accounts than truth. Her mother was vibrant, especially so for what should have been a female toxic demon. But she was not someone with an undiluted passion for life.

"I can tell what you're thinking. It's hard to believe she was a Mistwalker, yes?" Tsuki could only nod. "It's true, I assure you. But I fell in love with your mother and she fell in love with me. We couldn't bear to be apart and I had strong ties here. In the end, with the help of Dao, I disguised her as a toxic demon from a sister tribe that was destroyed. I renamed her, Lanhua.

"For a Mistwalker, your mother was considered excessively demure by her people; even so she had to taper down much of her natural exuberance. Any oddities in her behavior though were chalked up as the traits of her nonexistent tribe, which had very loose standards. Dao kept your mother's secret, but I always lived in constant fear of people finding out the truth."

Si paused and looked at his daughter. She didn't seem upset, but just soaking in all the information. For once, she was waiting to hear him out. "Not long after our marriage ceremony, Shigure was born. People commented on the sudden birth as Lanhua swelled and labored within three months. They thought she must have lain with another man before me. They whispered about Shigure being a bastard."

At Tsuki's sharp intake of breath, Si saw her fury. He was oddly proud that she was still so fiercely loyal to Shigure. He rushed to clear up the situation. "For the record, he's not a bastard. He is my flesh and blood, just as you are. It's just the physiology of Mistwalkers. With them, all bodily functions are hyper-metabolized. When you were born, we hid behind the excuse of showing late and a premature birth. Returning to Shigure's problem though, he fixed most of it himself. He was the perfect son and tribesman. He excelled at everything he turned his hand to. He was honorable. You could not speak of an honorable young man's mother without insult to the young man. With such a paragon of a son, people stopped talking about Lanhua.

"But then you were born." Tsuki stiffened at the change in tone in Si's voice. He didn't sound angry as he normally did when discussing his daughter. He just sounded…weary. "Tsuki, if you had been born a boy, you would have been a pride. You have better command and range of your abilities than most of the men. Your mind soaks in knowledge and generates theories beyond what even the elders could understand. You…" Si sighed and trailed off for a brief moment. "But you are not a boy, you are a female. Being better than others was not a mistake, but you lacked discretion. Every time you did something out of line with female decorum, you drew unwanted attention. Unlike Shigure, whose actions uplifted Lanhua's reputation, everything you did blotted her name.

"You and Shigure are different from the average Shingen children. Shigure with his height and physical prowess from a bloodline that spawns *cough* shorter men. You with your brain and persistence in free thinking, when women should not have minds of their own at all." Tsuki decided to let the slight to females stand unimpeded since the yokel spewing the insult was her well-educated progenitor.

"I was afraid people would notice how exceptional you children were and eventually wonder how someone who can trace his roots back in the tribe for 12 generations could have such remarkable children." Si's face was one of austere shame. "I tried to curb you to protect your mother. You took the brunt of my frustration with protecting Lanhua.

"For the sake of that goal. I made horrible choices."

"Like my betrothal."

"…Yes." Si admitted. He could see where Tsuki wanted to conversation to go, but he pushed on wanting to get all his sins on the table. "At the time, the idea of you settled and caring for your family held appeal. I would have delighted in grandchildren and hopefully, they would have preoccupied and calmed you." Tsuki took this to mean that he wanted to make her someone else's problem. After all when she became married she passed from her father's responsibility to her husband's.

"The worst choice I ever made concerning you occurred the night of your accident. Koenma brought you home. I hadn't practiced medicine in ages, but it was clear you were dying. I ordered the doctors away. I thought you would be better off dead."

Silence filled up the study as Si words hung between them. "Was this supposed to be some sort of epiphany or revelation?" Tsuki asked. Her face had reverted to the blank mask she used when she was deeply hurt. "I was aware that you wished I'd never be born before that even…"

"No. You don't understand. I love you Tsuki. Despite everything I ever did, I loved you. Was proud of you in fact. I was strict because of Lanhua, but I never regretted having you. But that night, you were carried home, nearly every bone broken; organ's punctured and hemorrhaging. You were in pain and on death's doorstep. It seemed so clear right then. If you died, you'd be free. No more disgrace and forced ideals, no more pain. Lanhua's secret would be safe too."

The smashing of a jade paperweight against the wall was almost in the tandem with the end of his sentence. Tsuki was seething. Her breathe was labored and tears were threatening to streak from the corners of her eyes. She had hoped to retain her façade of indifference, but his all-so-altruistic speech had rendered her too infuriated. The things he said were true, she'd even wished to die that night and be free of everything. But to imply that he wished it on her for her good, when all he clearly cared about was his wife's precious secret.

"Now you know what I have to make up for, why I'm doing this for you."

"No, not really." Si tilted his head, as if he didn't understand. He thought the situation was self-explanatory. Apparently, it wasn't to Tsuki. "You expect me just to believe you had a change of heart. Something must have happened that suddenly made you value me so highly as to be contrite over wishing me dead!"

Si shook head and returned to looking out the window. "You lived. And the guilt... That should be obvious. But I guess there is no hiding the rest of the truth, we've come so far now."

"There's more to the story. Shocking," Tsuki muttered in scathing tones.

"Shigure saved your life that night, but he didn't do it alone. You were far-gone; there was little hope. Your mother knew that if your body has access to the demonic abilities of her…your… people you could heal. You could live. So she confined the truth to Shigure. He was shocked by her confession, but always the level headed one, he focused first on how this information changed your situation."

"What did he do?" Tsuki slumped back into her chair. As her hands dropped into her lap, she belatedly realized she was clutching a little figurine. Probably one she was moments from hurdling at a wall. She awkwardly sat it on a little end table.

"Who knows? He and Lanhua colluded in secret, knowing my wishes for you. Afterwards, he was understandably upset with me. And it's not as if he could ever speak about the incident with anyone else. Not without placing you and Lanhua in grave danger. He still bore me a grudge, that's why he left to live in that forsaken cabin in the forest. I know not how did achieved it, but your Mistwalker blood was awaken. You are now more your mother's child than ever before."

"So my body healed itself after that." Si nodded and Tsuki thought back on when she was shot through the chest. She was alive and the wound had healed with unnatural speed. Though she had close scrapes over the years, she had never been seriously hurt in the human world until her gunshot wound. She never realized that she was fundamentally changed, but then again. "Are Mistwalkers a fast breed?"

"Not the fastest breed, but faster than any toxic demon could hope to be. I had noticed you were fond of running after your incident."

"I wasn't fond of it. I was fleeing from little boys with sticks who called me awful names," Tsuki snapped. Si cleared his throat in such a way, that Tsuki was aware that he had known of the treatment she had received after her near death experience.

"Anyway, that's all there is to tell. You recovered. After your mother died, Shigure left home. Then too did you. An exceedingly foolish man was left all alone for all he tried to protect his family."

"Woe is you, father." Tsuki remarked bitterly. But she wasn't as angry as she thought she should be. He had committed horrible mistakes, which he regretted. Though he seemed more sorrowful about the consequences than his choices. But he had made those choices to protect the only person Tsuki held in higher esteem than Yuki, her mother.

She looked at her father and knew with clarity and a bit of longing that she could never forget his treatment of her. She would not be able to forgive or to accept him as a father in the terms most children viewed their fathers. What she could do, was accept the blessing he'd given her and treat him with the respect due his title if not his person.

Standing, Tsuki formally bowed as befitted her status as lingai. "Thank you, loashi, for the truth after so many years." At first, when Si heard the title, loashi he reached for his daughter's hand. But when she finished her sentence, he realized there was a cool detachment in her manner. He had finally broken down the wall between them, but there was no tearful and forgiving reunion. Though he felt an uncomfortable ache in his chest, he was relieved that she wasn't quick to forget those who wronged her. It bespoke of intelligence, that those who blindly believed words could dissolve transgressions did not have.

He rose and bowed to his daughter, before pulling a discreetly placed rope to summon a handmaiden. Soon Tsuki found herself in a lushly appointed suite. There she dropped onto a bed and contemplated everything she had just learned and how her life would now change. In the end after hours of circular logic and murky rhetoric on what-ifs, she decided the point was moot. Tomorrow was the red moon and she would live or die based on that.

An hour later found all the guests and the master of the house sitting at a delicious repast. Handmaidens bustled about seating everyone and bringing plates of roast meats, vegetables, fruits, breads, and pastries. Kurama thought to start the dinner conversation with small talk, but Yusuke opened his mouth first with an astute observation.

"Are all the servants here women? I haven't seen a male face except the guards."

Si smiled politely at the question, but it was Tsuki who answered. "Toxic demons have an excellent fertility rate but for some reason we have nearly three times as many girls born than boys. The jewels of the flock are used to build alliances between the tribes and influential families. The others are apprenticed out as servants or nursing aids."

"Odd." Kurama remarked. "Despite all the men being guards and the females servants, there does not seem to be that many more females than males."

At this Tsuki blanched and quickly began digging into her food with gusto. Si answered amicably, "An accurate observation. We have a custom that helps keep our population more…" Si paused for the right word, "balanced."

Kurama felt strongly he would not like the answer, but continued. "Balanced? How is that achieved, sir?"

"Perhaps, they are one of those cultures that delight in throwing children from cliff sides down to their deaths." Hiei had intended his remark to be a commentary on such cultures that culled there numbers. But at his words Tsuki visibly startled and spilled her cup. Si was more dignified but looked distressed as well. Very late, did Hiei recall Tsuki's tale. "Though, I'm sure it's nothing so drastic and sinister." He amended.

"Of course not." Si looked mollified and recovering, but Tsuki was anxiously darting looks at the doors to the great dining room as if she would like nothing better than to make a dash for it. But she faithfully stayed seated, by something unknown power while Si explained the mystery of their population control. "We have a rite of passage for our women. Those who qualify by the date must partake in the rite. Those who do not pass are exiled. It may seem harsh, but they are given food, water, clothing, and currency before they leave to make life smoother for them."

There was an inelegant snort from the table and all eyes drifted to Tsuki who suddenly tried to hide her contention. Kurama tried again for small talk, his aim was diplomacy. He didn't want to launch into their reasons for being here when there was so much tension in the table. As Tsuki had said, the letter got their foot in the door, but if Si didn't approve of them, he wouldn't offer any real help.

He cast about for a topic, when a handmaiden rushed over to Si with a white card in her hands. Si read the card and quietly addressed the young girl. Soon she hurried once again from the room. Si turned to his guests and announced there would be more guests dining with them this evening.

A moment later, the doors to the dining room opened and five men entered. Everyone recognized Ruo-jian at the rear and waited patiently as the other men were introduced. Si announced each man present as a member of the tribe's governing council. The last man before Ruo-jian, walked around the table to Si. Si stood and shook hands vigorously with the man while introducing him. "This is Dao. Also a council member, but more importantly my closest friend and godfather to my children."

Turning back to Dao, "I assume you have come here to greet Koenma's honored envoys." It was more of a statement, though Si looked at his newest visitor for a response. Dao glanced meaningfully at his son, but nodded and affirmed his desires to pay his respects, as did the rest of the council.

Each member of council formally addressed each member of the envoys. When they came to Tsuki, the men inclined their heads barely and looked to the next person. Tsuki knew they didn't do it to slight her. In fact, they were being respectful to her as the dictates of her society went. Perversely, she couldn't hold her tongue despite the tension it would cause.

"Good evening esteemed gentlemen. You have all known me since birth so introductions are hardly necessary, but I hope the night finds you well." Kurama nodded and Yusuke smiled in approval of her seemingly good manners, but they were shocked by the reaction of the newcomers who startled.

"See!" accused Ruo-jian. "It speaks." The council murmured their disapproval and cast reproachful looks at the girl.

"Ruo-jian!" Dao snapped repressively. He turned to his goddaughter, "Forgive him, Tsuki. He is, ah we are, unaccustomed to women addressing men not their bloodline, as you know." The apology was delivered with every ounce of civility and sincerity until the he added the last three words with a trace of censure in his tone. Obviously, he knew Tsuki was goading the council and he did not approve.

Tsuki merely inclined her head as an acknowledgment of the veiled reprimand, but didn't offer an apology of her own or a promise to refrain from unduly provoking the men further. Dao turned to his friend, who was rubbing his temples, clearly exasperated with his daughter's, though mild, shenanigans. "We the council also came because Ruo-jian brought forth an interesting claim that you have granted Tsuki the freedom to speak as well as other concessions."

'So this is the way of it.' Tsuki thought. They were going to ambush her father in his own home. She had expected a public attack on herself, not a politic-y game of cat-and-mouse. Just so, Dao turned and looked at the other seated at the table, "Perhaps now is not the best venue. Honored envoys, would you excuse your host and his daughter?"

Tsuki's eyes snapped at the neat little trap he had set. Obviously, he wanted them to hear and witness. Kurama played his part though not for the reason Dao had probably imagined. "If it is all the same, we will stay here. Tsuki is an envoy of Koenma and anything concerning her concerns us all." Yusuke piped up with well placed "Yeah!" while Hiei folded his arms looking as unmovable as a boulder.

Dao shrugged and looked sympathetically at Tsuki as if he'd tried to spare her the ignominy of it all. Tsuki wanted to claw his eyes out. "Well, to begin. We, the council, feel it was highly irregular that you took it upon yourself to alleviate her Diren status. This is not a personal matter, but one of society, law, and order. However," Dao paused and glanced at all present. "We, the council, are prepared to accept the amendment to her status as she is an envoy of Koenma. His approval acts as a pardon for her sins."

"The amendment of status returns Tsuki to the status of an unwed female relation to a n elder of the tribe. Your other concessions, such as free speech, exceed the boundaries of this status. Once again, the council has voted for leniency. We will allow her unrestrained speech, so long as it pertains to matters of envoy business.

"In return for such leniency, we hope that you as her father will ensure that Tsuki upholds all other Shingen law."

There was curious silence from those at the table. Tsuki and her father exchanged bewildered glances. This was more than Tsuki could hope. Condemnation was expected and instead they offered her respect they clearly didn't think she really deserved. It made Tsuki question their motives. But to openly question them would be a taken as a sign of disrespect. Tsuki had a sinking suspicion that Dao had once again laid a tidy trap.

Finding nothing else to say, Si bowed graciously. "Thank you council for your leniency. Of course, Tsuki will uphold the other strictures of our culture."

"Great," smiled Dao as he clapped his hands together in triumph. "Everything is settled. Now perhaps we may join you for dinner and speak of happy tidings."

"Of course, of course," boomed Si, glad the situation had resolved so neatly. More plates and chairs were brought in and the council sat dispersed throughout the ensemble. Tsuki bared her teeth in a grimaced as Ruo-jian took his seat on her left. His distaste for her was so thick, Tsuki wondered why he'd chosen that seat at all. On her right Hiei continued to frown. Realizing she wouldn't have a conversation on her side of the table, Tsuki looked across at Kurama and Dao who were seated across from her.

Dao gave her a blinding smile. "Ah, to be young. You must feel such excitement." Tsuki smiled back blandly, knowing he didn't really expect an answer. Old habits die hard, she knew. Like all toxic males, he phrased his speech to females in such a way that did not require a response, but gave the illusion of including the lady in the conversation. Still Dao's society was better than that next to her. So she added an encouraging nod.

At her nod, Dao gave a look of approval. 'Probably thinks I'm acting the part of a proper little Shingen minx.' In an attempt to stymie her desire to say something inciting, Tsuki picked up her glass to drink. Sadly, it was empty. Almost as soon as the frown emerged on her face at the empty cup, water was pouring into it.

Tsuki looked sharply at Ruo-jian as he poured. The look may as well have asked a question, because he replied, "You looked thirsty." Then he turned from her to converse with the guest on his other side. Taking a deep swallow, she vaguely remembered that he was generally well mannered except with her. Once again, the adage about old habits returned to mind.

Dao appeared to have noticed the brief interaction because he smiled at the two before asking Si, "Quite the pair your daughter and my son. When shall we plan the ceremony?" There was desultory laughter from some at the table, but it sounded off. As if they weren't laughing at Dao's bland joke but at the situation. But Si tensed and Tsuki looked at the smug council member with distrusting eyes. With both responses as such, Dao looked perfectly confused. The perfect part led Tsuki to suspect another ruse.

Dao glanced around the table as everyone realized he had not been joking. As if by way of explanation, Dao indicated the un-happy couple. "They have been promised to each other since before Tsuki's previous status. Upon return to her natural status, she is expected to comply with Shingen law." He turned back to Si. "She will marry my son."

For a moment mild chaos ruled. The council member twittered, apparently enjoying the scene unfolding. Yusuke let loose a colorful expletive, while Kurama tried to probe for further details.

Tsuki was focused completely on Hiei. Despite the noise level of the room, his words were so clear it was as if his voice was in her head. 'You are promised, Thing?' The tone of voice was so sharp and horrible that Tsuki actually flinched. His eyes were burrowing into her with such intensity.

At that moment, Dao imposed his considerable loud and deep voice over the table. "She is engaged to Ruo-jian. Si, you will see that she honors this obligation. She will belong to him." Hiei grimaced and grabbed his head and Tsuki saw a flash of purple briefly beneath his headband.

She quickly grabbed his free hand, beneath the table and shouted, "No!" All eyes of course pierced her. Looking around frantically, she tried to think fast, but faced with an imminent meltdown from Hiei (an outburst he was sure to regret and blame her for) and a marriage to someone she abhorred, diplomacy failed her. "I don't want to marry Ruo-jian." Turning in her seat without letting go of her hidden grasp of Hiei, she faced Ruo-jian.

He looked pained, but he said with all the dignity he could muster, "I am prepared to do my duty by you."

Hiei grunted and Tsuki surreptitiously pulled his hand into lap and began caressing its topside in comforting circular motions. "That is not necessary."

Dao frowned at her. "I'm afraid it is."

"No. Its. Not." Tsuki hissed through clenched teeth at her godfather. "He doesn't want me; I sure as hell don't want him. Why force a dead issue, huh?" Tsuki ended hopefully looking around the table for some support.

Ruo-jian looked disbelieving and mad. "Want? This isn't an issue of want. You belong to me, plain and simple. You will have some level of lifestyle as my wife, but you know that women are barter-able property. Your value as an envoy of Koenma is enough to suffer bonding and mating with one such as yourself."

Tsuki looked ready to give the cocky aristocratic brat a taste of the sharp side of tongue, but Hiei ended all conversation at the table when he suddenly stood a fisted his hand in Tsuki's hair and yanked her to face him. "YOU DO NOT BELONG TO HIM!"

"Of course not!" Tsuki shouted.

Hiei dragged her closer, "YOU BELONG TO ME!"

"I don't belong to yo…"

"THING!" Hiei's roared and came within an inch of her face.

With his rage and desire twisted face so close, Tsuki voraciously back-pedaled her unfinished statement. The words tumbled out of her mouth so quickly they sounded like one long word. "All yours. Completely yours. Never thought otherwise for a second."

"HIS!?" Ruo-jian roared behind her. "Do you mean he has…has...has"

He stuttered over the conclusion but Tsuki knew what he was asking. She couldn't turn to face him because Hiei still held her hair firmly in his grip. But she fairly screamed, no; while Hiei bared his teeth at Ruo-jian over her head, "Yes!"

"Tsuki!" Si shouted shocked. Tsuki slumped into her seat not caring if she left a hunch of scalp in Hiei's hand. Luckily, he released her tresses as she collapsed. Her face was bright from red forehead to neck, ear to ear. The look on her father's face made her hide her face in her hands.

Dao in the meantime had walked around the table to his son and was pulling him away Tsuki and Hiei. Hiei felt triumphant, but something in his mind screamed this was a bad turn of events. The suspicion increased when Dao looked far more triumphant than upset as well. "Well, her marrying my son is out of the question now."

"Dao," Si began, but Dao raised a hand to ward off whatever he was saying.

"No Si, do not apologize. We all expected your daughter was" with a cutting look at Tsuki, "experienced. But to have her lover thrown in our faces, it is too much. We withdraw our offer of marriage." The council abruptly stood to take their leave with Dao bringing up the rear. Before Dao exited, he turned back to the table. "This unpleasantness does not change the ruling of the council. But as a young woman, un- betrothed, and of childbearing years, she must go through the Red Moon ceremony. Good night."

With his last words, Tsuki realize the door on the cage of Dao's trap was slammed shut. The offer to return her status was just a lure into placing her within the confines of Shingen law. Her arranged marriage to Ruo-jian had kept her from having to participate in the coming of age ceremony for women. But with her rejection and his withdrawal of the offer of marriage, she was like any other unwed female. Law decreed she was qualified and must accept the Red Moon rite. She had hoped to use her status as envoy to be removed from the rite and to be exempt from the death penalty for failure to participate. That no longer was an option. Dao clearly wanted her to participate in the Rite. Which meant he probably wanted her dead.

Really ChordsofMusic, nine months? Nine months to update. You didn't have any free time in nine months to type, really?!

Okay, I openly acknowledge I suck and I apologize for keeping you guys waiting. I'm gonna try to return to my weekly updates. Downside, chapters will probably be shorter.

Anyway, quite the outburst from Tsuki and Hiei, huh? In the next chapters, fists fly, hearts break, the Jagan is fixed, and the ending of the story races closer. See you at the next chapter of Red Moon: The Jagan and the Jaganashi. Stay Tuned.