Disclaimer: YnM belongs to Youko Matsushita-sensei.

Gardens abound in the world of the Shikigami. There is no shortage of blossoms from common blue and white dalendials to the rare and exotic such as the tifonel lily, which only grows in water turbid with crocodile dung.

Rikugou, his nose wrinkled, slowly bends over to pluck a tifonel bud from its pod. The eyes above his brows blinked warily, keeping close watch on the score or so crocodiles who in turn were eyeing him with unwanted interest.

With a tired satisfied sigh, he dropped the tifonel in his pouch, straightened and walked away hastily from the pond.

Done. With this stock, I don't have to gather more for at least three months.

The tifonel lily didn't have medicinal value nor was it even considered a pretty flower. It wasn't even edible. It's only practical use was that it made an excellent binding agent for leather polish.

Finally, I'll be able to finish that stack in my workshop. I do wish Genbu-dono would write slow.

Rikugou shook his head, amused by the elderly God.

Can't believe how much he has to write about. One book in two weeks. Speedy tortoise.

Among his fellow Shikigami, Rikugou was one of a few who practiced the old art of book binding by hand. His father had taught him. His sire in turn had learned it from his own father, Rikugou's grandfather.

The art was considered tiresome. The invention of the printing press produced great quantities of books. Once, books were only available to those who can afford them. Then, they were more valuable and more ornate.

Still, Rikugou found no shortage of work. Old Shikigami like Genbu and even a few youngsters like Kijin preferred hand-bound books. Plain covered books simply didn't have personality. Even Souryuu, whom Rikugou didn't get along splendidly with, didn't begrudge his son's wishes in this matter. From the highly regarded Dragon Family, Rikugou often received old treasured tomes in need of repair.

Rikugou's pace quickened as he emerged from the woods and entered the clearing adjacent to his residence. He had recalled that the journal Kijin had requested was already delayed for a week.

It was nearly done, but Rikugou wanted to douse the binding with tifonel before the final setting. The added procedure would bring out the best in the leather. He was fond of Kijin, and oftentimes wondered how grumpy Souryuu could have a son so kind and gentle.

Kijin definitely takes after his mother, thought Rikugou.

It was the last thought he had before an earth-splitting yell deafened him, and something heavy fell right on top of him.

Much later, in Rikugou's residence.

"I'm sorry, Rikugou-san!" Tail moving in forlorn circles, Byakko looked plaintively at his friend.

An ice pack on his head, Rikugou stared back and stated, "You flattened my flowers."

Tail paused, it was several moments before Byakko figured out what he was referring to.

"Oh! The tifonels!" He clapped his hands together, bowing. "I'll make it up to you!" He declared, "I'll replace the ones I squashed, and I'll even get extra. Is that okay? Will you forgive me then?"

"... If you harvest me a year's sup-"

"A year's supply?!" Byakko's tail drooped. "I'll have to go to a dozen pits to get that many."

"Make that two year's supply worth. Genbu-dono has started on his memoirs."

"Rikugou-san, you know I hate crocodiles!"

"Ne. Who likes them, and need I remind who it was who suddenly dropped from the skies above..."

"... Okay. Okay. Give me your word that you won't tell anyone about that, and I'll get your stinking flowers."

"Agreed."

Shoulders slumped and dragging his tail, a dejected Byakko shuffled for the door. Behind him, Rikugou smiled and said, "Do hurry. When you come back, tell me what happened, and tomorrow, we will begin your training."

"What training," said Byakko sullenly.

"On how to properly exit and enter Gensoukai."

Unknown to most of the residents of Gensoukai, Byakko, one of the Four Gods, had become the sworn Shikigami of Shinigami Tsuzuki. It is without precedent that one of the four greatest Shikigami of Gensoukai has allowed itself to be mastered.

"You don't have to rub it in, Rikugou-san."

"I have to for my sake and others," replied Rikugou, removing the ice pack from his head, then feeling his skull over with tentative fingers. "You nearly broke my neck," he complained.

By allowing himself to have a master, Byakko was at the beck and call of Tsuzuki. At any time, he would be summoned from Gensoukai to aid Tsuzuki should situation warrant it or should the master demand it.

"I didn't mean to," whined Byakko, wringing his tail. "You know I haven't been out for centuries, and the portals are different now." His lips curled with distaste. "It felt like I was being swallowed in and spitted out."

"You know Gensoukai has been transferred," Rikugou said sternly, wincing when he located a tender spot.

"I know. I know. It's not all my fault still. It's Tsuzuki's first time summoning. He's not very good at it yet."

Rikugou suddenly straightened and regarded Byakko silently. After a few silent moments, Byakko let out a deep breath.

"I know, Rikugou-san. I should have told you first. You know I would have if you had been here."

Rikugou shook his head. "This sounds like a bad match. From what I hear from you about him, you two are too alike."

"That's why I picked him," declared Byakko, now cheerful. "Tsuzuki makes me laugh. You should hear him recite poetry. What a clown. ... Oh oh, I have to go get your flowers now. Just have time to get enough before sunset. Bye Rikugou-san!"

Off goes Byakko while Rikugou sighs tiredly and closes all his eyes.

Not too far away from Rikugou's residence is the family estate of the Souryuu's household. The entire house was in a frenzy, preparing the feast to celebrate the birth of this generation's second child.

Kijin, placed in charge, was puzzling over the guest sitting arrangement.

Hmm... Byakko-san should be here... No, Father wouldn't like that, but I can't put him farther away since he is one of the Four. No doubt, he would also like to play with Tenkou-chan... Tousama won't like that either. ... I need to consult Genbu-dono about this.

***

The next day, midday sunlight finds Byakko still sleeping soundly. He hadn't even bothered to change into his night clothes before going to bed. The chamber door swung open to reveal Rikugou, who, upon seeing the peaceful scene, looked up heavenward and shook his head.

*SLAM*

Byakko sat up awake. "W-what?" He muttered before going back to sleep.

Rikugou sighed, walked over and pulled Byakko's tail very hard.

"YEOW!!!"

After several tussles and spats, Byakko, wide-awake and grumpy, was sitting up in his bed, holding on to his tail protectively and barely listening to what Rikugou was saying.

"Did you even hear what I said?" Rikugou finally asked.

Eyes cast downward, Byakko nodded automatically, still nursing his tail. He yowled when a pillow hit him smack in the face.

"What did you do that for?!" He yelled at Rikugou, one hand rubbing his injured nose.

"You weren't listening!"
"Yes, I was too listening!"
"What did I say then?"
"... Uh..."
"There, you see. You weren't listening."
"I did listen, but I forgot." Byakko ducked, as another pillow, this time, missed him.

"Why are you so grumpy this morning?!" Shouted Byakko, "I got all your rotten flowers, didn't I?!"

"It's not morning, it's noon," Rikugou corrected him tersely, "I expected you hours ago."

"What? What? I already paid more than enough for falling "accidentally" on you yesterday. Besides, I got nipped at least a dozen times by those crocs!"

Looking utterly frustrated, Rikugou reached over, grabbed Byakko by the front of his tunic and shook him. "Baka! Didn't you receive your invitation?!"

"E-eh? I-inv-vita-a-tion?"

Rikugou released him and retrieve an envelope from his pouch. He held it up in front of Byakko's face. The seal on it was already broken, but it was unmistakably Souryuu's family crest.

Byakko blinked then frowned at Rikugou questioningly. The other man answered, "There will be a feast to celebrate Tenkou-chan's coming."

"... Who's Tenkou-chan?" Byakko inquired blankly.

Rikugou replied, "Souryuu's secon-"

"Oh!" Byakko clapped his hands together, his expression absolutely delighted. "How wonderful! They must be so happy. I must hurry over there and congratulate the-"

"IDIOT!" Rikugou slammed an elbow into Byakko's skull. "You're suppose to keep away from Souryuu! The last thing you want is to be suddenly summoned away in public."

Tears of pain in his eyes and a lump on his head, Byakko looked at him mournfully. "But I want to play with Tenkou-chan..."

"You can play with her later."
"... But she must be a beauty like her mother... I must go see her!"
"Byakko!"

***

That evening.

"Welcome, Rikugou-san. It is a great honor to have you here with us."

He nodded to Kijin, then remarked, "Where are your parents?" Kijin was the only one at the entrance and welcoming the guests.

"Ah." A slight smile curving his lips, Kijin replied solicitously, "They are entertaining the others."

"I see. They are giving you more responsibilities these days, and you are indeed growing taller each day."

"Thank you. Rikugou-san."

"Oh, yes. I almost forgot. Here is the journal you requested, Kijin-kun.

He handed over a large leather-bound book which Kijin eagerly accepted. His eyes flickered with delight as his fingers traced the intricate design Rikugou himself had tooled into the cover.

"Rikugou-san, this is marvelous! I didn't expect you to craft such a fine thing for me." Kijin blinked, suddenly looking a little flustered. "Its value is worth much more than the payment I gave you."

Rikugou waved his concern away. "Think nothing of it. I appreciate that you had commissioned me to do what I enjoy doing. The look on your face when you saw it is payment enough."

Kijin stared at him, looking dubious. "... Surely, I can do something to compensate for your time and energy. Let me, at least, pay the worth of your work."

Rikugou smiled and said indulgently, "Kijin-kun, it is ill-mannered to turn a gift into an item paid."

"Indeed," agreed Kijin immediately. "But gifts are to be exchanged, and favors must be returned. I am indebted to you, Rikugou-san. What can I do for you?"

... This is too easy, thought Rikugou

As if hearing his thought, Kijin nodded and smiled expectantly.

***

Souryuu nodded approvingly, pleased with the way his son had planned the feast. The inner court was lit by countless lanterns and discretely placed electric lights. Scores of tables, each seating twelve, were arranged in beeswax pattern. Already, half were filled, its occupants being attended by Souryuu's servants.

On the north-side, on a landing several steps higher, a crescent-shaped table had been placed. There would be seated the host, his family and important guests.

Currently, only Genbu was seated there with Tenkou-chan in her crib. Both were sleeping.

Souryuu frowned and looked around, searching for the missing individuals.

***

"Congratulations, Shikaze-chan!" Suzaku smiled, enthusiastically embracing her dear friend. "Tenkou-chan is absolutely adorable, just like her mother!"

Still slightly pale, Shikaze blushed clearly, looking embarrassed and pleased at the same time. "Arigatou," she said softly, then after a few awkward moments, she returned Suzaku's hug.

Noticing her reticence, Suzaku froze uncertainly then released Shikaze.

"Ah... I'm sorry, Shikaze-chan. I forgot you are still tired afte-"

"No no," Shikaze interrupted firmly, "I am quite fine." Then she gave Suzaku a reassuring smile before turning away to talk to another guest.

Eh...? What's wrong with her?

***

Genbu woke up, his sleep interrupted by a crash behind him. He sat there, blinking sleepily while behind, a servant was helping his friend up from the floor. The man had tripped when his foot caught on the edge of Tenkou's crib.

"You are so clumsy!" His friend whispered harshly.
"I didn't mean too!" The other man retorted, trying to keep his voice low as both cleaned up split food and drink. "I was sure the way was clear-"
"Stop making excuses! You were just careless."
"Shut up!"

Genbu yawned, deciding there was too much clamor now to nap peacefully. A pity... he had such an interesting dream.

He suddenly straightened, closing his eyes then rubbing them before looking again. Did he just saw the specter of a cute little girl standing in front of the table before him and smiling mischievously?

***

Souryuu was not pleased.

"What do you mean by Byakko is indisposed?" He repeated coldly. Rikugou, the object of his irritation, held out his hands, all eyes blinking innocently. It was an unnerving sight though Souryuu was unfazed by it.

"Tousama," Kijin, between his father and Rikugou, answered instead, "Rikugou-san has explained everything to me. Two days ago, Byakko-san had the misfortune of falling into a crocodile pit."

"Ouch." Suzaku, beside Souryuu, said feelingly.

"Indeed," added Rikugou, "He was gathering some ingredients for me."

"That doesn't explain anything," said Souryuu stiffly, "No number of reptiles can stand against the White Tiger, and what was he doing, working for you, Rikugou?"

Rikugou straightened. "He wasn't working for me, Souryuu-sama," he corrected politely, "He was helping me. He offered actually, said he was bored."

"Heh." Genbu nodded with understanding. "That boy always did have too much time in his hands."

Souryuu was not swayed. "Why is he not here?" He sounded like he was about to lose his temper.

Rikugou opened his mouth to answer then closed it abruptly. He raised his hand to his mouth and murmured against it. "Well... you see, he's-"

"In bed with a terrible rash," finished Kijin, grinning broadly. He suddenly coughed into his fist, concealing open amusement. Byakko was after all his elder.

Suzaku giggled, while Souryuu was stumped speechless. Genbu looked amused.

"Er... yes," Rikugou confirmed then elaborated, "I am afraid Byakko-san seems to be allergic to crocodilian excrement."

***

Outside, Byakko sneezed, then rubbed his nose, feeling absolutely miserable.

It's not fair...

He was sitting on a lone hillock located a good distance away from Souryuu's residence. It didn't help, for the cool night breeze blowing against his face brought the sounds of revelry and celebration clearly to his ears. Worse than that, it carried the smell of food and drink to his nostrils. Souryuu was famed for throwing extravagant parties.

Byakko moaned piteously.

***

"So this is Tenkou-chan?"

Despite his animosity towards Rikugou, Souryuu smiled and nodded, his pride as a father clear. Standing close and beside him, his wife, mother of the celebrant, smiled as well; her graceful stature a fine match for her husband's imposing bearing.

Rikugou nodded and gestured to Kijin, who handed him a paper-thin ivory plague. Minuscule holes of varying sizes dotted it. It a representation of the night sky of the day Tenkou was born.

Rikugou asked, "Was this taken at her birth?"
"Yes," answered the mother.
Souryuu nodded once. "At the moment our daughter cried."

Rikugou, pleased, smiled. "Then, my reading will be accurate." With that, he placed it on the table and sat down to begin constructing Tenkou's star chart.

***

His tail limped on the ground, Byakko looked mournfully at the lights shining from Souryuu's estate. He could only hope that Rikugou would bring him something from the feast.

He whimpered for the umpteenth time and burrowed his face into the ground. At least this way, he smelled earth not food.

What pained him even more than being left out was that he was not there to play with Tenkou-chan. Not only that, if he had to avoid Souryuu all the time, it may be years before he could actually play with the baby.

*GLOOM*

Suddenly something tugged at his tail.

***

Rikugou frowned. Souryuu immediately asked, "Is there something wrong?"

"... No." Slowly, Rikugou shook his head. "Everything is fine... except that her reading has an anomaly, just as the one I did for Kijin-kun had also."

Souryuu frowned, and his wife said softly, "For Kijin-chan, it was three stars that were uniquely aligned, but you said they were not to be concerned about."

Rikugou lifted his eyes from the chart and considered both parents. "Yes, of course," he said reassuringly, "Kijin's stars predicted no evil omens. However, they were not fortuitous signs either."

"... And Tenkou's?" Souryuu's eyes flickered and move to where his daughter was sleeping peacefully in her crib.

"It is the same three stars," answered Rikugou. "Though I am not surprised. They are siblings after all."

Kijin, who was standing beside his sister's crib, looked down to his sister. Suzaku, sitting beside Rikugou, suddenly pointed out, "They're not twins though. Are their alignments identical?"

"... No, they aren't," said Rikugou after a moment's pause.

Genbu harrumped. "Substance and truth," he declared, receiving puzzled looks from everyone except Kijin, who had not looked up from his sister. His mother didn't looked surprised.

***

"Don't ever do that again!" Byakko yelled, his tail clutched to his chest.

"Okay, I won't," said the little girl who had pulled his tail. She grinned and bowed apologetically. "I'm very sorry about that. I didn't mean to pull so hard."

His momentary scare dissipating, Byakko's expression turned sheepish. "Aw... you didn't actually pull hard at all." He let go of his tail, allowing it to go near her. "You startled me," he scolded with a growing smile. "It is not nice to sneak up on people."

She grabbed the tip of his tail and stroke it. "I didn't sneak up on you," she corrected then asked, "What are you doing here all alone anyway?"

Byakko, cut in mid-purr, sighed. "... It's complicated," he answered, gesturing for her to keep on stroking his tail.

"You're cute." The little girl giggled. "What's your name?"

***

"I must say," remarked Genbu to Souryuu, "your daughter sleeps soundly."

"Eh...?" Souryuu looked blank.

***

"Rikugou-san," said Suzaku, "I don't remember, but didn't you predict something for Kijin-chan at his coming's feast?"

Rikugou nodded. "Yes, I did though I do not know if it has been proven."

"What was it?"

"He is one whose words are substance."

Suzaku stared at him. "... Now I remember why I forgot it."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't understand it."

***

"Byakko-chan, come on." The little girl gestured at him to hurry up.

"... I don't think this is a good idea," muttered Byakko, creeping after her. They were at the rear egress of Souryuu's house.

"We're only going to sneak into the kitchen," she said, "I'm sure no one will mind a few missing dishes."

"Still..." Byakko was undecided. "Isn't this stealing..."

"Not at all."

"Eh?" Before Byakko could say anything more, she darted on ahead and into the house.

***

I am one whose words are substance.

Kijin smiled, his hand reaching down to touch his baby sister's cheek. She twitched slightly at the contact, but continued on sleeping.

What are you, my sister?

He started when his mother appeared, placing her hands on his shoulders. Kijin looked back and up at her, worried at the weariness in her eyes.

"... Are you all right, Mother?"
"Of course, Kijin-chan. Of course."
"Perhaps you should sit down and rest, or better still I should take you back to your rooms now. I will bring Tenkou-chan later."

His mother shook her head and embraced him instead. "I'm all right, Kijin-chan."

Kijin tilted his head, puzzled; his hands reaching up to cover hers. They felt cold. Before he could express his concern for her once more, she whispered into his ear.

"She is one who reveals truth."

*CRASH*

Doubly shocked, Kijin stood still as his father and the others rushed by towards the kitchens.

***

"BYAKKO!"

It was the first discernible thing Suzaku heard when she arrived at the kitchens. There she saw the funniest scene she had witnessed in a long time.

"Eh... Gomen. Gomen, Souryuu-sama..." Byakko was trying in vain to extricate himself from a mess of pots, pans, sauces and live crustaceans.

"Yeow!" He yelled when one particular mean-looking crab clamped its pincers on his thumb.

"Let go! Let go!" He swung his arm wildly, with the crab locked firmly on his appendage.

"Byakko! I demand an explanation for th-" Suzaku gasped as did everyone else when the crab smacked into Souryuu's face.

...

Byakko paled as an ominous aura surrounded Souryuu.

Oh no... Suzaku stepped back.

"Father!" Kijin appeared. "Father! You can't do that here!"

Byakko nodded fervently. "Kijin's right," he said rapidly, "You'll destroy your kitchen and me along with it!"

Suzaku glared at him. "Shut up, Byakko!"

Byakko quieted, while behind Souryuu, Rikugou was muttering under his breath.

After many terse moments, the angry glow around Souryuu died down. He straightened and marched purposely towards Byakko, whom he grabbed by the ear and dragged away.

"Rikugou, Kijin, in my study, now!"

***

There was no way she was going to miss this. Suzaku positioned herself inconspicuously near the door just in case a quick exit was necessary. Beside her was Genbu who observed the proceedings with keen interest.

Byakko, Rikugou and Kijin were facing a furious Souryuu.

"Well," snapped Souryuu, "start explaining."

"Uhm..." Byakko stared at his fingers, his injured thumb had swollen considerably. Rikugou glanced at him and looked away, frustrated. Kijin took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"Byakko-san has been mastered."

Suzaku stared at Genbu, who had uttered the statement.

***

Souryuu --- "... Genbu-dono, what do you mean..."
Genbu --- "I mean that exactly. Byakko-san is now tenured."
Souryuu --- "... Byakko!"
Byakko --- "Hai, Souryuu-sama!"
Souryuu --- "That trainee... you didn't..."
Genbu --- "Yes, he did."
Souryuu --- "Impossible... who witnessed the test...?"
Kijin --- "... Tousama-"
Genbu --- "It was I, Souryuu."
Souryuu --- "... What?!"
Genbu --- "Well, I saw no reason not to."
Souryuu --- "But-"
Genbu --- "After all, it will do well for Byakko-san to get a little more exercise now and then. Besides, his Shinigami passed the test with flying colors."
Souryuu --- "..."
Genbu --- "Simply, Byakko-san here was afraid you would be upset if you ever found out. However, I am afraid his foolishness got the better of him this time."

***

Without another word, Souryuu left his study. Kijin, after giving Genbu a look of wonder, ran after him. As the door shut close behind him, Byakko collapsed bonelessly to the floor. He yelled when Rikugou kicked him in the ribs.

"Baka! I told you not to come!"
"It's not my fault," complained Byakko. He looked like he was about to say something further but fell silent instead. Rikugou also looked like he had further to say but threw his hands up and marched towards the door.

"I give up!" Rikugou declared, opening the door and leaving. Byakko scrambled to his feet and ran after him.

"Rikugou-san, it isn't my fault!"
"Oh, keep quiet!"

Suzaku stared at Genbu. "... Did you know about this the whole time... Why didn't anyone tell me?!" She complained crossly.

Genbu smiled benignly at her. "They didn't tell me either."

"... Huh?"

Genbu scratched his forehead; his wise craggy face, sleepy. "I dreamt about it."

***

Unfortunately, this wasn't the end of the matter. Souryuu brought the matter to the attention of the Golden Emperor and forwarded complaints to the heads of JuOhCho and even to Enma. He threathened to have Gensoukai sealed and all Shikigami recalled until Shinigami Tsuzuki withdrew his claim on Byakko.

***

Tsuzuki stood once again in the courtyard of the White Tiger, this time, feeling great remorse at the trouble he had brought to this world.

He heard something and turned around just as Byakko knocked him off his feet.

"Tsuzuki-san!" Byakko grinned down at him. "So good to see you again!"

Unable to help himself, Tsuzuki smiled back. "Byakko-sama."

***

"You don't have to worry about Souryuu, Tsuzuki," Byakko told him reassuringly. "You passed the test I gave you, and there is no way he can counter that."

Tsuzuki shook his head. "Byakko-sama, I don't want to cause any trouble between you and Souryuu-sama."

Byakko laughed. "There's always trouble between me and him! To Souryuu, I am nothing more than a spoiled brat."

Tsuzuki smiled slightly then sobered once again. "I don't want you and him to fight because of me."

Byakko's smile faded. "Tsuzuki-san, I tell you it's not your fault."

"I'm sorry, Byakko-sama."

***

Please don't come to me anymore. I order you not to come to me anymore.

***

Tsuzuki rubbed at his eyes, trying in vain to keep the tears from coming. High above, Gensoukai's skies were dark. Lightning flashed in the horizon. The winds howled unceasingly.

He tripped, falling to his knees. A sharp pain in his ankle told him he twisted it. As he took deep breaths and waited for the pain to subside and for his ankle to heal, it began to rain. He was getting soaked.

... I don't care...

The pain in him was greater for causing the sadness in Byakko's eyes.

Whatever I do, I always hurt others.

He clutched at his head, allowing tears to flow freely, feeling it run down his face with the rain.

There is no difference between helping and hurting.

"One is salty. The other isn't."

"... Huh?" Tsuzuki looked up just as the rain stopped falling on him. A man holding an umbrella kneeled in front of him.

He looked at him uncertainly, and the stranger said, "Just because you're in the rain doesn't mean I won't know you are crying."

Tsuzuki remained still as a finger traced his cheek. The other man then placed his finger against his mouth.

"It's salty. You've been crying. Why?"

Tsuzuki looked away.

"Hmm... well. You can tell me later. Right now, let's get you indoors. Shinigami you may be, but even they have not discovered the cure for the common cold."

"Leave me alone," said Tsuzuki.

"I cannot," replied the stranger, "Byakko will never forgive me if I did."

"... What..." Tsuzuki stared at him.

The stranger smiled. "I am Rikugou. Byakko told me to protect you."

Fin.