Chapter 3 - A New Friendship

After both Suzaku priestess and princess awoke, they were treated to a grand breakfast to welcome them. Lady Hoshi realized that Miaka and she should blend it to avoid being targeted by the enemies and so she asked Empress Houki for some clothes of that world and how to dress up in it.

Immediately the servants brought so many clothing and also taught the two young ladies how to put up their hair. Miaka had red hair and hazel eyes so she chose dresses that were harmonious to the red color. Hoshi meanwhile, had green eyes and black hair and she too followed Miaka's example.

After the make over, the two young ladies liked their hairdo but they were uncomfortable in the dress which restricted their movements. The Empress reasoned that its purpose is to make women very lady like by taking small steps. "But we are already young ladies so why must we act like one again", Hoshi mumbled.

Empress Houki heard it and replied that this method is a way of attracting men since marrying a good husband is the most important thing for women of this age. Miaka and Hoshi felt irritated that women of this age had to depend on men so much but realized that they have to respect that's country's norm or risk offending Empress Houki.

The empress brought them to the dining hall and as she introduced them, all the men were awestruck by the beauty of the two young ladies. Taka and Tasuki particularly showed such a big reaction because their jaws were agape. Nuriko noticed this, snap Tasuki back to reality and reminded him that he didn't like girls. Taka immediately welcomed Miaka to sit by his side while Hoshi sat at the last available seat, next to Tasuki.

While everyone ate, Hoshi was not eating very well. "I just recovered and don't have that much of an appetite", replied Hoshi when Chiriko asked why she was not eating as fast as Miaka. As usual Miaka just inhaled her food and everyone sweat-dropped as to how their Suzaku priestess is not affected by anything.

Hoshi also questioned Chichiri's whereabouts and some replied meditating while the others replied fishing. Tasuki said that this is his usual quiet time.

After everyone ate, Hoshi thought that Chichiri may be back from whatever he was doing and must be hungry and so, she excused herself to bring Chichiri some food and also want to know how he is recovering from the drain of energy in saving her. Indebted to him, she also plans to offer her help in anything that she can do.

She told everyone to go ahead with their plans and she will join them soon. As she reached Chichiri's place, she heard voices and peeked inside. There was no one else beside Chichiri on the bed resting so he couldn't be holding a conversation. Hoshi went inside and lay the food tray on the table and approach Chichiri.

She found him tossing and turning with sweat beads on his face and neck. She felt his forehead and said to herself, "Oh my God, he's having a high fever and it's all because of me." Feeling guilty she quickly ran out and came back with a basin and wash cloth to cool him down. She didn't tell anyone because she didn't want them to worry, which would disrupt their training and concentration.

As she cooled his forehead down, he was mumbling Hikou's name. Hoshi was well aware of Chichiri's dark past but wondered why would he still have these nightmares when Hikou has already forgiven his friend and even requested that Chichiri's scar be healed so that he could move on with his life and not dwell in the past.

As Hoshi was about to go rinse the wash cloth for the fifth time, a strong arm grab her and pulled her into the bed chamber. Then in a flash Chichiri's was on top of her and started strangling Hoshi. Hoshi wanted to cry for help but no voice came out. She kicked and struggled but Chichiri was too strong for her. "Why Hikou, why did you betray me? Give her back, give Kouran back to me!!" was all Chichiri said.

Then Hoshi realized that Chichiri was still dreaming. Suddenly she felt breathless, energy and life leaving her body. Her eyelids felt heavy and as she was about to lose her consciousness, the last thing she saw was Chichiri being pulled away and the other warriors bursting into the room.

SLAP!! "What are you doing strangling Hoshi? She's our Suzaku guardian princess, not the enemy!! Wake up Chichiri!!" Tasuki yelled. He had slapped his friend Chichiri in the face in an effort to wake him from his nightmare. Miaka rushed to Hoshi to check on her and realizing that she isn't breathing called for Mitsukake, the healer.

Mitsukake immediately raised his mark against Hoshi and as the light glow, it healed Hoshi. Then as soon as she was healed, she suddenly woke up gasping for air, hands fighting someone off. Miaka grabbed her hands and told her to calm down and that everything is alright. Hoshi looked around to find Miaka and all the warriors including a bewildered Chichiri.

"How… how … did you know … where to find … me, Miaka?" asked Hoshi barely sounding a voice. "We completed our training with our new power and decided to rest before continuing it to the next level," replied Chiriko. "Then as we entered the palace grounds, we heard screams from Chichiri's room so we went to investigate only to find this monk squeezing the life out of you" continued Miaka.

Immediately Chichiri bowed low and beg for forgiveness from both the priestess and guardian princess. Miaka was outraged that a monk could do such act and ordered him to go meditate and think over his actions. Hoshi wanted to explain that Chichiri was having a terrible nightmare and simply mistook me for Hikou but her voice still hasn't recovered from the strong force of Chichiri's hand.

So she used her hands to object Miaka's decision and with a soft voice she explained the situation. Then Miaka asked Chichiri to explain himself. "It's my fault and I deserve to be punished. If you release me I will immediately go away from here to meditate to clear my mind." said Chichiri.

As soon as he said that, Hoshi objected harshly with a hoarse voice that Chichiri going away will delay training and this is not good if we are to defeat the enemy.

When it has been decided that Chichiri is not going away, Hoshi asked Mitsukake why her voice is still so terrible. Mitsukake said, "Lady Hoshi, my healing power mainly got your heart beating and lungs breathing again but the damage from Chichiri's force on your throat cannot be completely healed by my powers because part of the damage was caused by trauma.

In essence, the wounds have been healed but your mind is suffering from its after effects so much so that your mind tells you that the throat is still sore. So I would recommend that you stop talking for your mind to completely relax and heal itself."

That is when Miaka decided that as punishment, Chichiri will be spending every moment with Hoshi so that Hoshi can relax around Chichiri and her mind will be able to recover from the trauma.

The others voiced the concern that Chichiri may try to kill Lady Hoshi again but Miaka said "Their proximity not only helps Hoshi but also Chichiri in training to use his newfound powers as well as control his nightmare."

The next day, as soon as Hoshi was awake and headed out of the room for breakfast, Chichiri was outside waiting for her. He did not wear his mask and said "Good morning, I hope you slept well." Hoshi nodded her head and mouthed the words "Where's your no-da?" Chichiri smiled and said "I am trying to put the past behind me, so the first steps are to not wear the mask and stop saying no-da.

I don't want to be always looking happy as that means I am pretending to be happy and that is not good as that way I am suppressing my past instead of accepting it."

And I guess you were about to say that you are glad for me, right?" Chichiri continued. Hoshi nodded her head and smiled and together they headed for breakfast.

With that begins a beautiful friendship.