Watari glanced a little forlornly out of the window, a doleful expression on his normally cheerful face. He leaned his elbows on the ledge, propping his chin with his hands as he let himself feel a little depressed for a rare moment. Behind him, his patient lay as still as a mannequin. 003 hooted at him as the small owl fluttered onto his shoulder, as if telling him to snap out of the emotional ditch he had dug himself into. Watari sighed as he patted the soft downy head of 003.

" How is she? "

" Oh hi, Tatsumi-san. " Watari turned and greeted the cool sapphire-eyed shinigami somewhat dispiritedly.

" Her physical wounds have almost recovered yet she is still in a coma. I've done everything but she's not responding. "

His cerulean eyes widen briefly when Tatsumi saw how affected Watari was and a certain wild notion flashed in his mind. Tatsumi smiled slightly at the direction of that stray thought but composed himself quickly as he placed a hand on the other shinigami's white-clad shoulder in a gesture of encouragement.

" It's got nothing to do with your skills as a doctor, Watari-san. Hane's wounds are beyond those physical ones caused by me. I think her encounter with Muraki Kazutaka evoked some past emotional and mental trauma. By remaining in a coma state, she is only trying to protect herself. "

" Muraki Kazutaka... That man is truly a monster!" Watari clenched a fist fervently.

" There will be a reckoning the next time I cross paths with that doctor but first I need to bring Hane to GenSouKai. "

" GenSouKai? " Even 003 gave a surprised hoot.

" It's a direct order from EnmaDaiOu. "

Tatsumi replied as he moved to raise the bed until Hane was in a semi-sitting position. Occupied by his thoughts, Watari suddenly noticed that Tatsumi dressed for travelling in a mahogany overcoat. Another coat of soft dove gray had been placed on the bed when Tatsumi had entered the room. Taking the gray coat, Tatsumi gently bundled the unconscious Hane into it. When he was done, he lifted her from the bed, careful to support her frail body against his. Her head rested against his collarbone, the silver fall of her hair covered her face and Tatsumi felt a sense of protectiveness for the woman he carried in his arms.

" Tatsumi-san, I don't get it? How would being in GenSouKai help Hane regain consciousness?

" I don't have the answer to that. If EnmaDaiOu wants her there, GenSouKai must hold the key to her recovery. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~

An increasingly fierce sounding little growl finally penetrated the hazy consciousness of Byakko. The last thing the wind shikigami remembered was that he had discovered a new cave for his customary naps and this new cave had came with an extra nice surprise with a hoard of fresh lychees. It also happened that the fruit with the thin reddish-brown shell and sweet white pulp was one of shikigami's favorites. Byakko had happily gorged himself on the pile of juicy fruit before falling asleep.

" Grrrrr....! "

The huge white tiger rolled to his side and continued to snore softly pointedly ignoring the growls as a product of his subconscious inducted by a full belly.

" Grrrrrrrrr...! "

" Yeeooowww! "

A sharp stab of pain concentrated near the tip of his tail brought the Western Guardian Beast awake instantaneously with a mighty roar. He glanced around and prowled through the cave, turning his mighty head from left to right but tried as he might, Byakko saw nothing yet his tail continued to sting. Thinking that he could reduce the pain a little by licking his tail, Byakko swung his tail around and his sky blue eyes widened in shock.

" Nani?! "

~~~~~~~~~~~~

" Welcome to GenSouKai, Shadow Summoner. Your visit is unexpected but a pleasure nonetheless. " Souryuu greeted the Shoukan Division secretary politely using the little known title as a honorific.

" It is a pleasure to see you as well, Souryuu-sama. However, I am afraid the purpose of my journey here is beyond a mere visit. There is a favor that I need to ask of you, Souryuu-sama. "

Tatsumi inclined his head respectfully as he returned the greeting of the powerful water shikigami that governed the alternative world known as GenSouKai . He had never really thought that he would come to GenSouKai since the need to master a shikigami had never occurred to him. Tatsumi's mastery of shadows had been more than adequate for his duties. He knew that everyone present in the hall was curious to see what kind of request he would make and he also knew that they were already speculating on the woman he still carried in his arms.

" What can I do for you then? "

" I have here with me a shinigami known as Kimura Hane. She had been badly injured and EnmaDaiOu had issued the order that she be brought to GenSouKai. I cannot stay as other duties bind me thus I humbly request hospitality for her. "

If Souryuu was surprised, he hid it well but the rest of his advisors betrayed their astonishment as they whispered among themselves at the mention of the supreme ruler of Meifu. The wounded shinigami must be of some significance to have warranted such attention.

" I see. Since it is the wish of EnmaDaiOu, we are honored that she will be our guest for as long as she needs to stay. Kijin, please show our visitors to the Inner Hall." At the command, a youth with hair the same azure shade as Souryuu presented himself to Tatsumi.

" Yes, Otou-sama. I am Kijin at your service, Master Summoner. "

" Well meet, Kijin-sama and I thank you, Souryuu-sama for your generosity. I will excuse myself now. " Following Souryuu's son, Tatsumi left the great hall where the water dragon held court.

" Don't worry. Master Summoner. We have good physicians here, I'm sure they will be able to help your companion, " Kijin assured him.

" Thank you, Kijin-sama. Please call me Tatsumi. Hane physical wounds have healed; it's emotional and mental ones that still torment her. I have to admit that a partial responsibility is mine to bear."

" Please call me Kijin then, Tatsumi-san. I am sure that you must have had a good reason for what you have done. I don't believe that you are a cruel man, Tatsumi-san. If you were, you would not have brought her here personally. "

Tatsumi was surprised that the youth was so perceptive and the comment lapsed into a comfortable silence between them as he followed Kijin's lead. A stranger to GenSuoKai, Tatsumi viewed his surroundings with appreciation. The alternative world was a beautiful place. Passing beneath an archway that separated the administrative hall, they entered the palace that was Souryuu's private quarters. A huge courtyard garden surrounded the magnificent structure, resplendent with well-tended trees and shrubs. Snowy water lilies bloomed in abundant in the ponds and Tatsumi could see the graceful shapes of carps in the water.

" Oniisan! "

A little girl ran towards them, heedless of her ornate robes and threw herself straight at Kijin. The gentle-eyed young man smiled warmly as he caught the laughing child. The open affection between brother and sister touched Tatsumi yet it also made him felt a little sad when he thought of Hane. She too had an elder brother that she loved but death was all he brought to her.

" Play with me, Oniisan! " The adorable little lass tugged at her brother's hand, imploring him with her big brilliant eyes.

Shaking his head, Kijin reminded her fondly. " Tenkou, we have guests. "

" Oh! "

Her attention focused on her elder brother; Tenkou had not noticed Tatsumi. Feeling shy, she immediately scooted behind Kijin, trying to hide yet at the same time peeping out from the folds of Kijin's robes at their guest. The man with hair the rich shade of mahogany had beautiful cool cerulean eyes beneath his glasses and although he might look a little aloof, Tenkou could sense that he was kind. Her curiosity was roused when she saw that he carried someone in his arms.

" Hello, Tenkou-sama. I am Tatsumi, a shinigami from Meifu." Tatsumi smiled reassuringly at the shy child.

" Don't mind her, Tatsumi-san. Our little Tenkou is shy by nature. We are hoping that she will outgrow it soon. "

Tenkou did not reply but blushed prettily and nodded her head. Kijin had however noticed his sister's interest in their guest though. Holding her hand as they continued across the courtyard, the youth softly explained to her. The child's brilliant eyes were full of compassion and she almost looked, as she was about to cry.

" We have to make her better, Oniisan! "

" Yes, Tenkou. We will help Hane-san to our best ability. "

Assured by her brother, Tenkou nodded enthusiastically.