Alexisa continued to follow the red light that shone brightly in front of her, she had been running towards the light for almost one whole day so afar, and it looked like she was not getting any closer to the light. No matter how hard she ran the light kept the same distance in front of her.
"God damn that light," said Alexisa as she stopped to rest for a few minutes. "If I knew this was going to be a flipping marathon run I would have taken my horse from camp, but no, mister red light forget to mention how long it was going t take me to get there," said Alexisa as she looked at the light. "Well here goes nothing," said Alexisa as she took off running once again. 'Well at least I am getting my exercise in for this week huh,' she thought as she continued to run.
"Guardian."
"Huh, Who said that?" asked Alexisa as she stopped running and looked around here. She had not even noticed that the forest around her had become foggy. 'When did that happen?' she thought as she looked around to try to find who had called her.
"Who's there?"
"You have finally come"
"Are you Taitsukun?"
"I am," said a voice as a figure could be seen coming through the fog towards Alexisa. IT had belonged to an older woman with ribbons that floated around her and she sat on a cloud.
"Why am I here?"
"We will discuss this in my palace please follow me," said the women as she turned around and headed back into the fog with Alexisa close behind her. The two women walked in silence until the fog disappeared and Alexisa saw a beautiful mountain.
"Is this Mt.Taikyoku?"
"Yes, this is my home. Now please follow me," said Taitsukun as she floated up the mountain and into the palace at the very top of the mountain. Alexisa followed her and gazed at the mountain that she now climbed.
"Now please sit," said Taitsukun as they came to a room. Alexisa saw the cushion that Taitsukun motioned to and she made her way to it and she sat down.
"This is most unusual."
"What is?"
"A guardian is the last resort and is rarely called upon, unless the beast god feels that there will be a great danger to his Priestess and her warriors. A Guardian is a valuable warrior within them they have the power of all seven warriors including their own. What this power is no one knows, it is up to the Guardian for find out for himself or herself. But unlike the other warriors you must not only protect Miaka, but the warriors as well, so that is why this training is so important, you must train your body and mind to fight and stay fighting for as long as possible. "
"What do you mean?"
"As Guardian of Suzaku you have been blessed with a large amount of power, this power will prove very useful to you in the future. You have more power than all the warriors combined, but unlike the warriors your power does not come from the beast god it comes from the warriors, that is how you have the power of all seven in you. That is why it is imperative that you protect them all with your life, since when a warrior dies their power will fade from your body. The final task given to the Guardian of the beast gods is this, when Miaka summons Suzaku she will be devoured by the god, unless you are willing to give your life in place of hers."
"So in the end Miaka or me at the end huh? Well that does not make sense, all the time that I am protecting her and you expect me to just let her be eaten by Suzaku?" she asked
"That will be up to you when the time comes. Now is there anything else you wish to know?"
"When you said that I have the power of all seven warriors what do you mean?"
"Each warrior has their own skill that they are a master of. Hotohori is a master swordsman, Tamahome is a master of Martial Arts, Nuriko is a master of brut strength, Chichiri is a master of magic, Tasuki excels at speed, Mitsukake has the power to heal, and Chiriko holds the greatest power of wisdom and knowledge."
"So back at the village?"
"Yes, you used your power of healing to kill the monster and free Shoka, but I have to tell you this, every time you use one of their powers it will drain you of strength."
"Is there anything that I can do to prevent this?"
"There is training that can be done to teach you mind to cut off the power before it drains any all of your energy, the training is not easy but if you do not train then every time you use their power it will take longer and longer for you to recover until it will finally take all your strength, and you will die. Also as a Guardian you are able to sense a warriors presence when they are near to you, with time this connection will grow to where you will be able to talk to them telepathically. This skill will prove invaluable for you, as the connection between you and the warriors deepens you will be able to feel them at all times."
"When can I start this training? Taitsukun?" asked Alexisa as she looked at the woman n front of her.
"Now if you wish. Nyan-Nyan," said Taitsukun as a small girl popped up, she only stood as tall as Alexisa waist and had teal hair that was put into buns on the side of her head with the rest flowing down around her. "Take Alexisa to her room, we will start training after she gets some rest," said Taitsukun addressing the girl.
"Come come, Guardian, you must be tired. Come follow Nyan-Nyan," said the girl as she floated in front of Alexisa. Alexisa followed the girl down the hall to a room. "Here is where Guardian will stay," said Nyan-Nyan.
"Call me Alexisa," said Alexisa looking down at her.
"Guardian must rest so will be ready for training tomorrow."
Alexisa watched as Nyan-Nyan floated back down the halls and Alexisa turned to look at the room she had been given. The room was all white with a single queen bed in the middle, which was also white. Alexisa walked towards the bed and sat down, it was the soft as anything she had touched before. She lowered her back into the bed and almost fell sleep right away. 'No can't fall asleep, let's go find Taitsukun so I am start my training,' thought Alexisa as she walked towards the door and out into the hallway in search of Taitsukun. She found Taitsukun in the room that they were just in.
"So are you ready to start your training?" asked Taitsukun
"Yes, I am. I want to rejoin my friends as soon as possible," said Alexisa as he walked closer to Taitsukun.
Taitsukun turned and faced Alexisa. 'I don't think she knows what she is getting herself into," thought Taitsukun as she looked at her. 'But I can see why Suzaku choose her as his guardian, she will do anything and everything in her power to protect Miaka and the others.'
"Please follow me then."
Taitsukun lead Alexisa into a garden. "This is where you will train. You will train your body to be strong as well as your mind, Nyan-Nyan here will help you to train your body," said Taitsukun as Nyan-Nyan appeared beside her once more.
"Is this all I have to do?"
"Do not be fooled Nyan-Nyan is an impressive opponent, Chichiri still has yet to beat her in a fight, after you train with her you will come to me where I will help you train your mind to fight off fatigue," said Taitsukun as she left Alexisa and Nyan-Nyan in the garden. They fought for over three hours and Alexisa could not believe the strength of Nyan-Nyan, every time she though that she had found an opening the girl flipped around and avoid her attack.
"Guardian must go see Taitsukun now, we will continue this tomorrow," said Nyan-Nyan as she flipped and vanished into thin air. Alexisa breathing heavily slowly made her way back into the palace and found Taitsukun.
"Did you enjoy the exercise Guardian?" asked Taitsukun.
"I just got my butt beat by six year old," said Alexisa falling to the ground.
"Do not be fooled by Nyan-Nyan appearance, she may look and talk like a child but she is far more older than you would believe, now please come here," said Taitsukun pointing to a spot in the floor. "Now in order for you to use a warrior's power and not pass out you must have a strong mind, I will try to enter your mind you are try to force me out," said Taitsukun
"Now, can't I rest a bit?"
"No, the reason that I had to fight with Nyan-Nyan before this is this. This is how your body will feel after you have used a warrior's power. Now you must be able to force me out, this will help you in retaining strength after you have used a power."
Alexisa closed her eyes and tried to prepare her mind to ward off Taitsukun, but after that fight with Nyan-Nyan she was much to weak to fend off anything. She tried with all her strength but it failed, every time Taitsukun was able to enter her mind and read her thoughts. They continued this for an hour until Taitsukun stopped. "This is what you will do everyday, you will first fight with Nyan-Nyan or three hours then you will come to me where you will try to force me out of your mind. When you are able to do both you have completed your training and I will return you to Miaka and the others. Now return to your room to rest and relax and I will see you tomorrow," said Taitsukun
Alexisa slowly got to her feet and stumbled back to her room, when she entered she noticed a door way that had not been there before, she stumbled over to it and saw a nice hot bath ready for her, she took off her clothes and soak her tired body and mind in the hot water. 'It is going to take me years to learn to this, but Miaka and the others don't have years, so I have to do this and quickly so I can return and help everyone,' thought Alexisa as eh got out of the bath and went to the bed to sleep.
For the next two weeks Alexisa woke up fought with Nyan-Nyan then tried to force out Taitsukun with her mind. Alexisa had progressed faster than Taitsukun had thought, with in five days of fighting with Nyan-Nyan Alexisa had learned several new moves and she was ale to knock down Nyan-Nyan for the first time No one had ever been able to knock Nyan-Nyan, not even Chichiri and he had trained here for almost three years. It became easier for Alexisa to block out Taitsukun; Taitsukun was even having trouble trying to break down Alexisa's wall that she had set around her mind. Just after two weeks of training Alexisa was ready to return to Miaka.
"Alexisa come here child," said Taitsukun as she caught Alexisa going out side for her fight with Nyan-Nyan.
"Yes."
"I think you are ready to return to Miaka."
"Are you sure, but the other day you said that I still could use more training."
"That I did, but I believe that you will be able to continue your training on your own, you have beaten Nyan-Nyan two times already which is incredible, and you have even been able to block your mind to me. Besides Miaka and the others are in need of your help, there is a spy among them, you will know who it is. As for how to deal with the spy will be up to you. There is one more thing that I need to show you before you leave," said Taitsukun leading Alexisa down another hallway to a room with a giant mirror inside. "This mirror allows me to see anything past or present that I so need to, There is a girl named Yui, Miaka's best friend from her world, she was bought her a few months ago and she believes that she was raped by men in downtown Kuto, but she does not know is that they never touched her. Nagako, leader of the Kuto army has twisted her mind in letting her believe that she was raped, and left by Miaka. I am asking you to tell Yui the truth if you are ever faced with her, give her this mirror so she will be able to see what really happened that day. This will let her know the truth and let her release her anger towards Miaka," said Taitsukun handing Alexisa a small compact mirror.
"I will do as you wish Taitsukun," said Alexisa taking the mirror and putting it into a pocket. "Now how will I get back?"
"I will transport you to the Konan palace, there you must seek out Hotohori and the other warriors and help them in their journey that is still to come," said Taitsukun as she closed her eyes and whispered a spell that surrounded Alexisa, she saw her soundings change and she stood outside of the palace in Konan.
'Well lets see what I can do' thought Alexisa as she closed her eyes trying to sense the presence of the warriors. She could feel Nuriko, Hotohori, Tasuki, Mits, and there were two that she did not recognize. She walked towards the gates to the palace when she saw two guards. 'Couldn't Taitsukun transported him in the palace instead of outside,' thought Alexisa, as she leaped over the wall and onto the palace grounds. 'Now just need to find someone and tell them that I am back,' she thought closing her eyes and locating the closest person, and she found that it was Hotohori with another warrior one that she did not know. She opened her eyes and made off towards where she felt Hotohori was she traveled the halls until she came across the room that Hotohori was in. She stopped in front of the door ad she turned the handle and let herself in.
"Hello Hotohori," said Alexisa as she pushed in the doors and walked into the room.
"Alexisa? Is that you?" asked Hotohori leaning over the table.
"Who else would it be? Sorry Hotohori but I think that you look much better as a normal person," said Alexisa as she looked at him. "I mean that hat it is just so funny," said Alexisa trying to cover her laughter.
"Yes, I do agree with you as well, but this is the attire that has to be worn by the Emperor," said Hotohori "Pardon me Chichiri, this is Alexisa," said Hotohori looking at e man with the mask and then to Alexisa.
"Hi, so even you could not beat Nyan-Nyan, I find that hard to believe?"
"Nyan-Nyan?" asked Hotohori
"Yea, I went to Taitsukun place,"
"Taitsukun?" asked Chichiri
"Yea, I stayed there for a month and she trained me."
"Well sounds like you had an interesting time, why don't you tell us all about it over dinner tonight," said Hotohori.
"That sounds great. If you don't mind me asking what were you two talking about?" asked Alexisa as she came in the room some more.
"Since all the warriors are gathered we were discussing how to retrieve Tamahome from Kuto," said Hotohori
"Ok, well just let me know when we plan to leave then," said Alexisa as she turned to leave.
"Well I was thinking that it would be best to only send a small group of people ya know," said Chichiri.
"That sounds good, but I will be on of those few. There is no way to talk me out of it either Chichiri, I am going and it is final," said Alexisa as she walked out of the room.
"She has not changed a bit," said Hotohori sitting back down.
"Who was that your Majesty?"
"That was Alexisa, you will find out more about her at dinner tonight, she is a great friend to Miaka."
Alexisa closed the door and wondered the halls. 'I should have asked Hotohori for a room so I can relax till dinner,' thought Alexisa as she turned a corner and ran into Tasuki.
"Hi Genrou."
"Alexisa your back," said Tasuki looking at her, and giving her a hug. "I did not think you would come back," said Tasuki hugging her tighter.
"Of course I would come back, I just had to know why I was bought here," said Alexisa as she hugged him back.
"When did you get back?" asked Tasuki as he released the hug.
"Not even an hour ago actually, Taitsukun said that you all might need help so here I am here to help," said Alexisa smiling "So how has everyone been?"
"Well after you left we were all unsure of what to do but we continued the search and we found the last warrior and we came here, and been here ever since," said Tasuki as they walked the halls together.
"I heard that some people are going to go to Kuto and get someone?" asked Alexisa looking at him.
"Yea, Tamahome, and once we get him back, we will be able to summon Suzaku," said Tasuki as they walked by the pond and leaned against the rail.
"You ok there Genrou?" asked Alexisa as she came up beside him.
"Yea, Why you ask?"
"Well you seem a lot more relax than you just to be, and you have yet to yell at me for me calling you Genrou."
"So where did you go when you left us?" asked Tasuki with a hushed voice.
"I went to Mt. Taikyoku to train with Taitsukun."
"Was your training that important that you had to leave us?'
"Yea that, sorry about my abrupt departure, I wanted to come and tell you all where I was going but I couldn't, I had to find Taitsukun and start my training."
"Abrupt, you stormed out of camp, and the next thing I know a voice is telling us that you would come back in a few months."
"Genrou, I said that I am sorry; what else do you want me to do?"
"Why did you leave?" asked Tasuki looking at her with anger in his eyes.
"I told you didn't I! I had to start my training. Why can't you understand that?" said Alexisa with anger n her eyes as well.
"Why was this training so important? Huh? You think you are so important because you are the Guardian of Suzaku. Don't ya? Since when does being a Guardian take such a high priority your life?" Tasuki yelled at her.
"You WANT a reason? Then here it is Tasuki; the reason I had to leave was because of you, all of you. I have to protect you all, not just Miaka. Everyone, I even have to protect the great mountain bandit. At least you knew from birth you had to protect someone. ME I was a normal girl, living a normal life when I was bought her and was told that I will have to give my life to save Miaka and there is nothing that I can do to stop it!" yelled Alexisa starting at Tasuki.
A crowd had formed around the two as their raised voices rang through the palace and reached a number of people, among them was Miaka, who was glad at first to see her friend, now she just looked at her in shock. 'Alexisa is going to have to die to save me? But why?' wondered Miaka as she looked at the back of her friend. Alexisa looked around her and saw that a large amount of people had gathered and were all looking at her. Alexisa ran towards the crowd and pushed people to of her way, she had no clue where to go she just needed to get out of there. Tasuki watched her go with a shocked expression on his face.
"Alexisa, I'm sorry I have no clue," said Tasuki under his breath as everyone cleared the halls and returned to work.
Miaka watched everyone leave then she came up to Tasuki.
"Tasuki?" asked Miaka as she walked closer to him.
"Miaka, I had no clue. I yelled at her because she left without a word and then the first thing I do when she comes back is yell at her," said Tasuki as he hung his head.
Miaka began to reach out her had but she pulled it back halfway. "Do me a favor will ya? Tell His Majesty that I won't be at dinner tonight," he said as she watched him turn around and go to his room. Miaka wanted to talk to him but she thought it best to leave him be at the moment. She bought her hand back down to her side and looked up into the sky. 'Why does Alexisa have to give her life to save me, there has to be another way. I can't ask her to do that,' thought Miaka as she watched a bird fly through the sky.
"Hey Miaka, what was all that noise about just now?" asked Nuriko as he turned the corner and saw Miaka.
"Oh that, well Alexisa came back."
"Alexisa, well that's great, but why do you look like your down in the dumps?" asked Nuriko as he looked down at Miaka.
"Tasuki and Alexisa were yelling at each other and then Alexisa said something."
"What did she say?"
"Nuriko, Alexisa has to die in order for me to live," said Miaka looking up at Nuriko with tears coming to her eyes.
"What? Why?"
"I don't know but that is what she yelled and then she ran off."
"Miaka, don't worry about it to much, you should be happy your going to get Tamahome soon remember. Don't worry about what Alexisa said too much, you should be happy," said Nuriko giving Miaka a hug and trying to soothe the girl.
"Yea, I guess your right," said Miaka as she wiped her tears that had begun to fall.
