*Click* *Click* *Click*

The only sound that surrounded me in these abandoned halls was that of my own heels against the blue marble floor. My cloak settled around my shoulders, brushing against my legs with each movement they made. All around me was beauty... that of the sculptures I passed... that of the women whose bejewelled eyes followed my motions... but the most beautiful sight I could imagine was not yet in my grasp. Soon, I told myself... soon, it would come.

My eyes closed against the memories, those which came to the fore whenever my mind wandered that particular path. I refused to stop them. They lent themselves neatly to my cause, reminding me of my goals with each pawn I set in motion. Such a play, indeed... I nearly found myself chuckling as I thought of it. I could imagine his reaction when he fell... the opposing 'king' falling to the knight he had sworn to his side. Forgetful bastard... or perhaps he actually assumed that I would let it pass as I did everything else in my life. No, he would pay his due in good time. No point in moving too early... I had waited most of my existance for this.

Leaving the hall, I moved to my personal quarters. None would disturb me here. I smiled as a thought struck me then, my gaze dropping to the red scroll that lay in my hand. No, one other would come here... and unless I missed my guess, it would be soon. She would help her long lost friend, and demand the scroll of me. Predictable to a fault... she would be angry, accuse me of tricking her. Given enough time in my company, and she would return to her friend and see her devotion to her seishi. Blind hope often leads to the most amusing of situations... particularly when that hope is denied.

Yui wanted the dark haired Suzaku seishi... one would have to be thick to miss that. Or blinded by the same feeling, as was the Suzaku no Miko. A tangled web indeed. A smile came to my lips as I gazed out into the failing sunlight. Soon...

Her voice behind me... the raised tone of anger. Good. The more emotional she is... the easier this will become. Remind her... remind her of the pain she's endured... remind her of the friend who never came to her aid. I can barely supress the delight in my eyes as she runs, carrying the precious scroll away. No matter. It will never leave this place, and neither will Suzaku no Miko. Too perfect... each piece moving precisely where I wish. Good gods, Seiryuu must smile upon me in this wretched life. It's almost as if the god Himself is making amends for the past. So be it.

*Click* *Click* *Click*

The hall is empty once more... the soldiers all searching for the missing priestess and the two who came to save her. They won't succeed. I will.

I pause, glancing down the corridor to the wide double doors that lead to the Emperor's throne room. Soon, you arrogant fool. Soon you will know the humiliation you dealt to me so long ago. For now, however, I turn away. The Shrine is not too far... and I must be there soon.