Hey, guys! Well, I'm glad to see the last chapter worked out well... Actually, that particular chapter was pretty hard; lots of my other chappies are so fast paced! It was hard doing one where the scene was so much more calm and stuff... Enough of my rambling! ON WITH THE STORY!
Chapter 12: Ceremony Gone Awry
"WHAT!" So, Tamahome had returned to them, only to complete his mission and kill Miaka. Tokaki and Tasuki glanced at each other. They both burst out of the infirmary, eager to help their priestess in any way possible. They rushed onto the soaking palace grounds, ignoring the rain that fell upon them. There in the center of the grounds, was Hotohori and Tamahome. Hotohori tossed the betrayer one of his swords, revealing his challenge.
"Take the weapon, Tamahome!" The emperor yelled. "I will not fight an unarmed man!"
Oh, god... Tokaki thought, dread surging throughout her entire body. Is he.. is he going to kill Tamahome? Sure enough as if on cue, the two warriors of Suzaku fought, each for different purposes, each fueled by different emotions. The warriors clashed continuously, swords smashing together. Each time one of them was close to scoring a hit, the other warriors gasped with fear.
Suddenly, Hotohori's sword sliced past Tamahome's arm, his blood already staining his sleeve as well as his opponent's blade. Tokaki suddenly felt a bolt of pain go through her forehead. She noticed a small puddle on the ground. When she bent down to look, there in her reflection, was the mark "Tamahome" on her own forehead.
Wha... What does... this mean! She looked back up to see the battle, amazed by the sight that greeted her. Hotohori had already struck Tamahome a few more times, and he was beginning to wear out. The normally kind look in Hotohori's eyes was replaced by hatred, and he was hellbent on killing the warrior before him. No...! NO! They can't!
"Stop it! BOTH OF YOU!" Tokaki found herself screaming before she could stop herself. "Tamahome!" She called, turning to him. "If you're really a Suzaku warrior, then listen to me! Do you have any idea how much Miaka's suffered because of you? She was at the point of killing herself because of what you did to her when we went to Kuto! But she still cares about you, after all that's happened! Doesn't that count for something?"
Chichiri silently noticed anther flicker of the Tamahome he once knew. Perhaps this time Tokaki would reach him like she almost did in Kuto! He gave the southern guardian a silent prayer as he continued to watch in silence, knowing that was all he could do...
"I have no clue what happened to you back in Kuto," The Kousokuryoko seishi continued, "But you have to remember your job as a Suzaku warrior no matter what! Not only that, but what you mean to Miaka!" Suddenly, Miaka ran out from behind a building in the palace. The instant her eyes fell on Tamahome, her body went numb. She opened her mouth, screaming his name.
"TAMAHOME!" In that instant, millions of memories flooded back to him, wracking his skull like a tidal wave. Images of his miko, his fellow warriors, and all the good times he had spent with them before having arrived to Kuto all rushed back to him. His head pounded like a drum. The sensation was so overwhelming, the warrior began trembling violently. With that, he collapsed, clutching his head and screaming in agony, wishing desperately for the pain to stop.
Flashback
"Tamahome... I'll be waiting for you when under the tree when the moon is at it's highest! Be there, okay? That's a promise!"
Flashback
"Mi...aka..." Tamahome muttered, his character once again glowing on his forehead. The said miko rushed up to him, sobbing.
"Tamahome!"
"I'm... I'm sorry, Miaka. I wasn't able to make it there... under the tree... and I was late..." Miaka smiled, swiping at the tears that fell from her eyes.
"It's okay. The moon... it's midnight right now..." While the two talked, Mitsukake healed Tamahome's wounds. Everyone was overjoyed by the return of their fellow warrior and friend Tamahome. The real one.
>. >. >. >.
Tokaki took a small sip of her sake, everyone, especially Tasuki watching intently. They were all celebrating Tamahome's return, and Hotohori had gotten out some of his finest booze for them to drink. Tasuki had offered the Kousokuryoko a glass, who had already taken some hearty gulps of the alcohol. She took the glass, everyone watching in suspense. She took a sip, and...
"You know... it's kinda bitter..." A groan sounded from Tasuki.
"But when you get used to that, it isn't that bad!"
"WHOO! Alright, Tokaki!" Everyone else groaned in agony, realizing that their might just be two drunk seishi in their midsts instead of just one.
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Tokaki stepped out of the cool night air, smiling. She hadn't gotten drunk, ("Surprisingly," the other seishi had commented.) not wanting a headache in the morning since the summoning ceremony would begin tomorrow. She plopped down beside a lake, smiling once again as she watched the cool mirror like surface of the water.
Tomorrow I'll be going back to live with Tasuki in Mt. Reikaku! She thought happily. Suddenly her smile was replaced with a blush. Tasuki! It'd be a little awkward living with him now, knowing that he had kissed her and all. What was she going to do? She had to admit, she now felt a little embarrassed, maybe even a little self conscious. Sure, Tasuki had kissed her and all, but what if it was just an action that held no meaning? She had seen some of her friends get hurt before in her world because of guys who had led them on, saying that they loved them when in reality, they didn't care less. And it all started out with a kiss. But Tasuki wasn't like that. Tokaki knew it. Although he may have hit on girls before, he wouldn't make them think that he had feelings for them when he really didn't care. What worried Tokaki more was if Tasuki's kiss really didn't mean anything to him.
Because... it sure meant something to me... She thought sadly.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a beautiful melody. It was Chiriko's flute. She looked up to see the young flutist sitting near her on a rock, seemingly deep in thought. He looked up, startled by her presence.
"Oh! Uh, hello Miss Tokaki!' He said kindly, giving her a small smile.
"Hey to you, too. Just Tokaki. I'm not into formalities." She replied, throwing back a smile of her own. "So, what are you doing out here?" She asked casually.
"Just thinking." He said, his face having a more passive look to it. "Um... Tokaki?"
"Yes?"
"Uh... if you had to do something... what would you... do?" Tokaki's brows furrowed in concern at the question. Wanting to ask a question of her own, she replied,
"Depends what it was, I guess. Would it be for yourself... or for someone else?"
"Someone else, I guess... What if... you changed your mind about it, but you couldn't turn back, and you felt really guilty about it?" Tokaki's concern increased.
"Chiriko, is something the matter? What's wrong?" The boy's eyes took on a strange look, almost one of guilt. It was gone as quick as it came, however, and another carefree smile replaced it.
"Nothing. A friend of mine... one I had before I met you guys, wanted some advice, so I thought I may as well ask one of you guys. Sorry for worrying you. I think I'll go back in. It's getting a little cold." He started to get up, but was stopped by Tokaki.
"Hey, Chiriko." He stopped and turned around. "We're all your friends here, so if you need to talk about something, go ahead, okay?" He flinched slightly at the word 'friends', but smiled once again, nodded, and vanished into the shadows. Tokaki stared at the place where he had previously been before turning back to the water to think some more.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned, and saw Tasuki.
Shit. She quickly got up, worried about his injuries.
"Tasuki, you're not supposed to be out here! You'll make your injuries worse!" The redhead grinned sheepishly, retorting with an, "I need fresh air" comment. With Tokaki's help, he sat down on the cool grass next to her. They both sat in silence, not knowing what to do.
"Tasuki..." Tokaki whispered, praying for the answer she wanted. "Today, when you held me, why did you kiss me?" Tasuki sat up a bit straighter.
Why did I kiss her? He asked himself. He had hit on girls plenty of times before, but that time when he kissed Tokaki, it was different. There was something fueling the action, though, making it so much different than other times when he hit on girls. Maybe I should just... tell her that...
"T-Tokaki... w... wo ai ni. I love you." With that, he got up, and tried to walk away. Suddenly he felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around him. He heard in the softest whisper,
"Tasuki... I love you, too." With that, the red head turned, lifted Tokaki's head, and gave her yet another kiss, one much more passionate than the first.
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Tokaki woke up in a surprisingly good mood. She got up, stretched, and started to get changed. It was funny just how different she felt now that she knew Tasuki loved her. Before, when her friends got boyfriends, she would always find them in such cheerful moods and talking about them, feeling so happy. She never knew why they felt so excited just to have someone's companionship, but now she did.
And after the ceremony's over... Tokaki thought, a huge grin forming on her face. She hurriedly finished her changing and ran out the door, looking forward to the exciting moment for Suzaku to appear...
"Miaka, it's time for you to prepare yourself for your duty as the priestess while you're cleansing yourself. Be sure to think about your wishes then, because you'll only have three."
"What!" Tokaki interrupted. "Just three? Ouch. That bites!" Hotohori turned to her as well.
"Actually, Tokaki, it seems that you also play a huge role in the ceremony. You also get a wish of your own." Tokaki's eyes widened. So, she too could get a wish granted, huh? But what was she going to use it on? Miaka already said that would use one of her wishes on her, no matter how much she said she didn't have to, and she was already going to be living with Tasuki. Speaking of which...
"GENRO IS BAAAAAACK!" The said redhead bellowed, delivering several hearty kicks to Tamahome's head. Tokaki giggled in spite of herself, watching the funny ex-bandit. Hotohori smiled briefly, but then turned back to the matter at hand in a matter of seconds.
"You too will also have to take a special cleansing bath and don the robes of the Kousokuryoko warrior. You can think about your wish then." Tokaki thanked him, letting some of the maids of the palace lead her off. She glanced at Tasuki who had stopped fighting with Tama to wave. She grinned at him, giving him a cheerful wave back.
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Tokaki sighed as she felt the lukewarm water cascade down her body. She closed her eyes, letting the water surround her as she continued to think of her wish. As she stepped out of the bath, she came to a final decision to save it. After all, opportunities like this didn't happen all the time. She looked at herself as the maids helped her with her clothes. It was a simple loose scarlet dress with light fabric, making it easy to move around in. There were some simple patterns on it, but it still looked really pretty. A single crimson flower was pinned to her hair, which was now held up in an intricate bun.
I wonder what Tasuki will say... She thought wryly, blushing.
Tokaki slowly walked into the dimly lit room, joining the other celestial warriors. She blushed as Tasuki's eyes grew wide, staring.
"Wow..." He whispered, leaning down to whisper to her. "Ya look great." Tokaki blushed a deep shade of red, giving him a small smile. Hotohori came up to her, giving her some directions.
"Tokaki, step up next to Miaka at the altar, please." Tokaki's feet seemed to get a mind of their own as she did as Hotohori told. The young emperor stepped up to her, his face solemn.
"Tokaki, do you know what is supposed to happen during the summoning ceremony?"
"Uh... the celestial warriors are supposed to transmit their chi to the Miko so she has enough energy to summon the beast god, right?" Hotohori nodded.
"Yes, but absorbing the chi of a lot of other people can be a difficult task for any regular person. For the Kousokuryoko warrior, however, it is very easy. You need to take in all of our chi, and then transmit it and your own chi to Miaka. This way Miaka can still get the energy she needs to summon Suzaku, but it won't create too much physical strain on her either. Do you understand?" Tokaki nodded. Hotohori returned the gesture, returning to the other warriors. He gave Miaka a small nod. It was time to begin.
"The four palaces of Heaven..." Miaka began, reciting the summoning spell. "The four corners of Earth..."
The other warriors folded their hands in prayer as they focused their chi on Tokaki. Tasuki gave a silent prayer to the southern god for his lover, hoping she would be alright...
>. >. >. >.
Tokaki flinched slightly as she felt the chi of he friends enter her conscious. She closed her eyes, smiling. She let out a small sigh, pleased with the strange yet welcomed feeling. She could feel all of them with her in that very moment. Tasuki's courage, Nuriko and Hotohori's kindness, Mituskake's silent support, Chichiri's wisdom, Tama's bravery, and...
Tokaki's eyes snapped open. Chiriko's chi. It was different from everyone else's. While everyone else's chi carried the crimson glow of Suzaku, Chiriko's was an icy blue. Tokaki began to turn to Miaka to stop the ceremony, when suddenly she screamed. The now unfamiliar chi began to attack her. It felt like someone stabbing her mind with a white hot dagger. Another strangled scream ripped from her throat, causing the others to jump into action.
"Chiriko!" Tasuki yelled angrily. "What the hell are- AAH!" Chiriko lifted up his flute, and he began playing a tune. It seemed to rip out their souls and shred them to pieces, the tune was so melancholy. Tasuki finally mustered the strength to lift his fan. He choked out the spell that released his holy flames. The attack barely missed the traitor, and it burned off the boy's sleeve, revealing...
"I am Amiboshi, a Seiryu celestial warrior!" He whispered, a bright blue character glowing on his sleeve.
"Ami...boshi..." Tokaki muttered, clutching her head in agony. "Wh...why...?" Amiboshi's eyes took on a regretful look as he held up his flute once more.
"I'm... I'm sorry." He whispered, his voice dripping with guilt and regret. "I'll... try and make your deaths as quick as possible..." With that, the tune began again, screams filling up the room in a matter of seconds. It seemed like the terrible assault would never end...
Suddenly, a new sound filled the room, the painkilling melody sounding so wonderful to the warriors of Suzaku. Amiboshi stopped playing, frozen with shock. He cursed with frustration. As he tried to get away, Tamahome struck him, knocking the boy to the floor. He quickly regained his balance, and ran out the door.
"Get back here!" Tamahome yelled. Tasuki ran out the shrine door, unsheathing his fan. Tokaki cursed, running after him.
>. >. >. >.
Amiboshi stood at the edge of a canal, cornered by Tamahome and Tasuki. Suddenly, a huge wolf appeared beside them with Miaka riding on it's back. The boy glared, jumping into the air with his flute held high above his head...
"Chiriko! No!" Miaka cried, scooting off Tokaki's back. "Why do you want to hurt people with your flute when you make such beautiful music!" Amiboshi's eyes widened as his feet touched the floor. Suddenly, the ground beneath him crumbled. With a startled yell, he began to fall backwards. Miaka hurled herself over the edge of the cliff, grabbing on to the flute that had once been used as a weapon against her. "Chiriko..." She said barely above a whisper and giving him a small smile. Amiboshi gave her a sad smile back, regret still shining in his eyes. With that, he released the flute, falling to a watery death... Or not.
This time, Tokaki hurled herself over the edge, biting into Amiboshi's shoulder. She ignored his yells of protest and agony as she began to drag him back on land.
"WHA AH HELL OO AH 'INK YOU'RE DOIH?" (Translation: "What the hell do ya think you're doing?" Hey, you try talking with some guy's shoulder in your mouth and see how easy it is! )
When Amiboshi was finally safe, everyone went back to the shrine, the now unconcious Amiboshi riding on Tokaki's shoulder. The shapeshifter ignored the looks of disbelief that were given to her by Tamahome and Tasuki as she asked Chichiri to take him to the infirmary to get his wounds treated. With that, she, Miaka, Tamahome, and Tasuki all went back to the shrine to find a small boy with the others.
"Hey guys. Uh... who's this?" Tokaki asked, giving the boy a smile. Her eyes widened in surprise when he spoke with a surprisingly mature vocabulary.
"I am the one who helped you in your time of need." He held up a small leaf and held it up to his lips, playing the tune that saved them. "I used this leaf to disrupt his sound waves, and weaken his spell which was upon you and the other warriors. As for my identity..." He held up his tunic, revealing a glowing symbol for 'Chiriko'. "I am the true Suzaku celestial warrior, Chiriko."
>. >. >. >.
Yay! Another chappie done! Oh, and I'm so sorry about taking so long to post it up! Since it's Easter and all that jazz, me and my family went up to see some relatives and celebrate, so I had to be away from the beloved computer! AAAH! (huggles computer) Please forgive the delay! Here are the review answers!
Amasaki Reyoko: Hee hee. I'm glad you liked it! Yeah. Tokaki and Tasuki finally made out! HOORAY! Yeah. Actually, chapter 11 was pretty hard; all my other chapters have been more fast paced and stuff, so it was hard writing with such a calm atmosphere. Tasuki's little speeches were also hard. I wanted them to sound nice but not too cheesy for Tasuki! LOL
ladysakaya: Aww... yeah. Tests always suck! I'm happy to know that I brightened up your day tho. Thank you for your review and all the good compliments!
Silver Pain: Haha. It would be pretty funny if Nuriko did see them. But Nuriko isn't blind... He'll get the information out of them somehow that will end up being pretty comical...
Tasuki &Tokaki: (gulp) Why do you hate us so?
LiL-pUnK-pNaY27: I'm glad you liked the chapter! Yup. Nuriko completely ruined it... If he had been a split second earlier tho...
Crimson Firefox: Yay! New reviewer! I'm glad you like it so much! Hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
Chibi Angels: No problem! Glad you liked this chapter!
germain: Uh... o.O well... hm. You're certainly... thinking very much ahead, huh? Um... No. I wasn't really planning that, but if I have a change of mind, it won't be something all descriptive and lewd and all that crap. (This is a PG13 fic after all. But then again, Tasuki and Tokaki sure wouldn't mind all that much doing that, huh?) But I'm happy the chapter made you so happy. Hope you liked this one too.
That's all guys! Well? What are you all still doing sitting on your asses and reading? GET REVIEWING! (cracks a whip) Joking. But still!
