Hello there everyone! I've been away for a while, haven't I? I hate not having the internet.
Well, let me first say that I am dedicating this chapter to a dear reader, Usagi Tenou for her encouraging words.
Thank you Sapphire11224, koldy, Usagi Tenou, DivineLust, Eternalmoonprincess, lil-saturn-goddess, Tsuki no Echo, graydevilforever, ElberethUndomiel, Kyo-Luvs-me-the-most, vynnessia, CM Aeris Queen of Insanity, Delphine Pryde, Dragon7, Kahuri-chan, Kurropoi Kitsune, Shizuka Eien, Slightly Wicked, Sulianna, Xaxy, elendurdarkstar, and midlight bunny for reading and your lovely reviews (I really hope I didn't forget anyone). I thank the rest of the readers as well, you're truly wonderful! Without you guys, I really would not have continued with this story. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, darlings!
Usagi's bedroom door creaked open to the sight of her good friend Hotohori, followed surprisingly by Haruka. The girl's face lit up at the site of her. Uranus stepped through the threshold with a smug grin. "Hello my kitten." The corners of her mouth formed an ecstatic smile and she jumped to her feet.
"Haruka!" She threw herself at the older woman, her head nuzzling against the woman's chest. "I missed you so much!" A gloved hand ran through Usagi's golden locks before placing a tender kiss atop her head.
"I missed you too my kitten." Usagi smiled up at the woman, her eyes brightly colored.
"I miss hearing you call me that." She smiled and quirked her head to the side with a giggle.
"I'm sure that you three have much catching up to do," Hotohori interjected for a moment. "There will be a banquet this evening for our new guests; I hope your stay is comfortable. We'll figure out the rest afterward." He then made his exit with a graceful bow. Haruka quirked a brow at this.
"He's quite accommodating for someone who doesn't even know us." She noted in a strange tone.
"He trusts you both." Usagi said happily. She looked back to the girl she held.
"Is that so?" She nodded up at Haruka, her smile still apparent.
"Because you're my friends." Haruka had to smile now as well. In the book, these people had taken such good care of her; good people.
"Where are the others?" Haruka questioned, now scanning the room. Rei stepped through the door, rubbing at her damp hair with a white towel.
"I haven't seen the others." She stated plainly as she walked by the outer soldier. The woman had to quirk her head in question. Rei plopped down on the edge of the bed, wringing her hair out with the towel. "We all should have ended up in the same place." Haruka pinched the bridge of her nose, now frustrated from realization.
"We all let go." Rei stopped playing with her hair to listen fully now.
"Our hands?" She asked. Haruka nodded. "But you and I got here okay. They should have to."
"Unless they were thinking of something else." Usagi pulled herself from the older woman's embrace to look up at her.
"What are we talking about?" Rei sighed and shook her head.
"The sailor teleport, odango-atama." The blonde girl shot her fiery friend a scowl and she simply sneered back. "Where could they be then?"
"I don't know," Haruka said, thoughtlessly stroking Usagi's long pigtail. "They could be anywhere by now." She stepped away from her friend completely now, worry etched in her face.
"How will we find them? What if they're in trouble? This is all my fault! If I hadn't fallen into the book none of you would have…" Haruka placed a gloved finger over the worried girl's lips.
"You don't worry about this. Rei and I can figure this out. You have enough to worry about. Shh, don't interrupt. Worrying will not change the fact that what's happened has happened. Our princess needs to stay level headed." With her last words she tickled the bottom of Usagi's chin with a comforting smile. The blonde girl stayed silent for a few moments before finally nodding.
Rei finished with her hair and easily flipped it off to the side. She left her spot and placed her hands on Usagi's shoulders, facing her back. "It'll be okay Usagi." She rested her chin on her shoulder. She let the moment linger long enough to let her friend know she was genuine… but afterward she had to break the ice. "Let's head off to dinner now. That Chichiri guy ran away which is very unsporting, and I still have some questions I'd like answered!" She tapped the girl's backside teasingly before heading for the door, Usagi's face red as a beet. Haruka could only sigh.
"Haruka…" The raven haired girl called before stepping out. "You should change back." The older woman stared at her speaker for a moment, confused. "You don't want to walk around in your sailor form forever, do you? Besides… I think we can trust them enough with this. After all this is ancient China, they don't know anything about the sailor senshi. For all they know you're just… dressed up." She was hoping her words made sense; she didn't think she was going for a long shot. It seemed to make enough sense. No one from this era would know, right? After a long pause for thought Haruka nodded with a somewhat uncertain smile.
"I suppose your right." She clutched the pendant between her breasts and the air swept around her before her respective glow engulfed her uniform, slowly fading until her everyday clothes were replaced. "Let's go then."
(-Break-)
"The Priestess and maiden sat together, their friends at their side, old and new. Different courses were placed as stories passed around the table." Ami frowned and turned the page. She still felt badly about breaking the connection. After skimming through the banquet she closed the book and rested her chin in her hand. Where could the others have gone? Did it really depend on what they were thinking at that exact moment? If this was true… Ami's eyes widened as her thoughts ran amuck.
Ami searched through her school bag until she picked out her mini comp. She tapped for a half a second and the screen cut to snow. She heaved an exaggerated sigh and tapped at the keys again. A moment later the snow stopped for a half a beat. It looked like one of the girls. It'd happened to quickly to tell though. Ami starred the thing down, as if looking long enough would change the screen. It did, and it was Mina. She smiled and opened her mouth. She noticed something before she spoke though. Something was different about her. She looked younger. A lot younger.
"Ami?" The voice on the other end spoke. Ami raised her brows. Wow. "Ami, can you hear me?" She tilted her head to the side, looking curious. Mina rolled her eyes. "I can see you, you know."
"What happened?" She was younger! God, by how much? What on earth was going on?
"Um, I don't really know. After we teleported, no one was with me. Probably because we…" Ami nodded before she could finish; she nodded back. "Well, after that, I ended up here." She blew at her bangs. "And now look at me! I don't know what in the hell has happened. I just don't get it." Ami sweat dropped. "How were you able to get a hold of me? I didn't think you'd be able to, what with where I am and all." Ami shrugged. Really it was just luck. She didn't think it'd work either. A moment passed and Ami told Mina about what was going on in the book and about Haruka's idea on the matter. Mina nodded, looking tentative. "Am I the only one gone?"
"I don't know yet. You're the first one I was able to reach." Mina nodded.
"So, what can we do to get back?"
"I haven't gotten that far yet. Keep your communicator close though, okay? I'll try and reach you again when I've thought of something." Minako nodded. "Oh, and one more thing. How did you get so young?" The little girl on the other end frowned, looking ready to cry.
(-Break-)
Yui leaned against the wall as she sat at the head of her bed. She wore her purple robe, her legs bare. Her arm was propped up on her bend knee as she starred into Shin, Tomo's shell. A moment later she curled her lips in disgust. "Look at her. She's just so content with him." Mamoru stood at the foot of the bed, looking hollow.
"Who are you referring to?" Tomo inquired from the corner nearest her bed. He approached her.
"Tamahome, of course." Yui answered bitterly.
"Oh, I see. It seems you need to clarify these days, seeing as you've taken the habit of stealing other women's men. For a moment there I'd thought you'd grown jealous of this rabbit's new love and wanted to take him as well." He could see the distain in her eyes as she scowled at him. She was filled with so much hatred. She snapped Shin shut and aimlessly threw the tiny thing back in the seishi's direction. He caught it easily without a flinch. "Did I strike a nerve, Lady Yui? I was only trying to make a point."
"Get out." Yui pointed to the door, her tone spiteful. Tomo carelessly bowed by a nod of his head and made his way out, grinning all the while.
"I'm sure Mamoru will cheer you up." Tomo hurried the rest of the way down the hall as her screams drew nearer. She'd obviously jumped out of bed. Her door slammed and the noise echoed throughout the palace. Still he grinned. He so loved taunting her.
Originally Tomo was on his way to Nakago's quarters, but since Yui's was on the way, he'd decided to make a quick side stop. He despised the girl to the very core, and since he couldn't hurt her physically, he'd taken to hurting her emotionally. It wasn't quite as good as doing away with her, but it had to do. Nakago wanted her to stay. Tomo scoffed, still walking down the hall. Why did he want her so badly, anyway? He knew she was the priestess, but he'd treated her much more caringly than he'd liked. He bit his lip, smearing his delicately painted flesh. "Bitch," he mumbled. She'd managed to take Nakago away from him. She didn't deserve his attention; she didn't deserve anyone's!
He stopped at his Lord's chambers and rapped on the door. Silence. He raised his hand again, but a voice held him in place; "Enter." Tomo did so and carefully closed the door behind him. Nakago stood, bear back facing his guest. He fastened the sash around the waist of his pants. Tomo bit at his lip again as his hands fumbled at his sides. Seeing Nakago like this always made him fidgety. The blonde man glanced over his shoulder, eyes impatient.
"I was wondering, Lord Nakago…" The man's head turned away as Tomo spoke. "Why… we aren't doing anything."
"About what?" Nakago's tone was blank.
"About these Suzaku fiends!" His voiced raised an octave as his hand gestured outside. "Why are we simply sitting here as if we have nothing to do? She has all of her fellow warriors, and now there are more! This silly rabbit is trouble, I tell you. She may even aid the priestess in summoning Suzaku! Is that what you want?" His words were carelessly spit out. His adrenaline rush died the moment the last sentence was uttered. As expected, Nakago turned around. Tomo swallowed hard; he hadn't meant to stir things up, but he was getting restless. He'd already been punished for the times he'd run out against his Lord's wishes. He quickly bowed his head. "F… forgive me, My Lord." Tomo pleaded, but the man didn't speak.
He walked toward him, his steps slow and discouraging. Tomo didn't consciously back up, he hadn't realized he was until Nakago had him pressed against the door. The foreigner's face was inches from his. The man drew a breath and when he exhaled Tomo relished in the feel of his warm breath against his lips. He was excited and flustered and terrified all at once. The awkward silence only made the situation worse to him.
"Are you questioning my tactics?" Tomo shook his head dumbly and Nakago smiled. "Good." He wondered what he should have done when he realized that Nakago was staying put. Why was he staying put? He enjoyed the closeness, and though it didn't seem at all intimate, he also enjoyed imagining that it was. God, he was pathetic. He was still smiling; this was getting a little uncomfortable. To continue staring at him with nothing to say would make him feel even more stupid, so he lowered his eyes. The vague hint of a wicked grin graced one corner of his mouth as his eyesight focused at the lower regions of his lord's body, making him forget for a moment this incredibly awkward display. He shouldn't have stared, but he did, still grinning.
"Do I intimidate you?" His leader changed the subject. Well, sort of. Tomo looked back up at the man and eventually nodded. He did intimidate him, but probably in ways his lord wasn't aware of. Nakago was never afraid to toy with either gender. Tomo figured it gave him a sort of satisfaction. He truly was perverse if left to his own devices. Somehow though, this excited his interest in his lord even more. He personally wouldn't play with women if he didn't have to, but that was just him. All the same, it was always fun to toy with a person's head, and in certain cases, a little sacrifice was worthwhile.
"Do I frighten you?" He went on, an aggressive look in his eyes followed by a somewhat formless grin. Tomo came to know that look, and yes, it frightened him. That strange look he held at times, almost sadistic, as if he hungered to be perverse. This intrigued him as well, but it was hard to be more intrigued than downright scared. No one ever knew what Nakago would do, the first time or the next.
"You do." Tomo said clearly, lost in this reverie of thought. He didn't know quite how to depict himself at the present moment, so his face was blank. Probably that was the safest way to play it.
"Why do I frighten you?" His voice was the same as it always was; flat. But that look stayed in his eyes, which of course let others know differently. He only sounded level headed at these points. Of course he was consciously doing this. He could hide everything so easily if he'd wanted, but this was part of his game, and he enjoyed every minute of it.
"You're crazy." Tomo blurted matter-of-factly. He was afraid that might have been pushing the boundaries, but there was no truer answer. His sadistic grin broadened considerably and Tomo had to swallow. This had gone from awkward to downright unsettling.
Nakago closed the distance between them so quickly that Tomo had no time to react. The foreigner's lips pressed so forcefully against his own that it hurt. He had no idea what made his lord go into such a fit of crazed temptation, but did he ever really need a reason?
(-Break-)
Usagi held the useless brooch in her palm, looking down on it hopelessly. She sat at her bed now, conversing with the two girls. "It hasn't been working." She pointed out unnecessarily. Haruka nodded, her arms folded as she listened to the girl.
"We know that, Usagi." Rei reminded her gently, making her way to the side of the bed. She settled on the floor and rested her arm over the edge, placing her free hand over her full hand. Usagi chuckled weakly.
"Sometimes I forget that you've been reading." At this Rei gave her a short-lived smirk. Usagi wasn't sulking, she didn't look sad like she had most of her past time in the book. To be honest, she didn't wear much of any emotion. As Rei mentally analyzed her friend her head slightly tilted to one side. She looked exhausted; tired of feeling sad, angry, and guilty.
"We haven't figured out yet why you can't transform." Haruka put out. Usagi only nodded; neither had she. Rei's hand had stayed covering hers and her brooch, and now it gripped them securely.
"Don't worry, Usagi. We'll figure it out. Some of us are here now at least, and we can help you and the others fight until we can figure everything out." Again, she only nodded. She wasn't upset, just so tired.
The familiar beeping of a communicator beeped in Haruka's pocket. Usagi was amused by this. Everyone's things were still working but hers. She bit her lip. Rei listened as she heard Ami's voice fade in and out. After she repeated herself a time or two, Haruka nodded and cut the connection. The older woman looked to both girls
"Ami's going to try to reunite us here through the teleportation once again. Apparently when the circle was broken, each of the girls' concentration on this location… changed." She had a slight smirk on her face as she said this.
"I didn't hear the whole thing," Usagi said. "Where are all the girls right now?" Haruka explained where each girl had gone, and with a particularly bigger smile, explained where her lover had daydreamed herself away to. Rei couched a bit awkwardly and then rubbed at the back of her necked. Haruka quirked a brow in question.
"Okay," The raven haired girl threw her hands up. "Not all of us are interested in your 'oh so interesting' personal life." The older woman barked with laughter, hands on hips.
"You're just jealous." Rei shrugged as if to say 'whatever you say'. "When's the last time you were in a relationship?" She decided to raise the white flag at the girl's un-amused violet eyes. Both girls' communicators went off this time and Rei stood. "Okay, we're going to try and try this again; Ami's pinpointed all the girl's locations. As soon as she says so, we're going to join hands and concentrate. She stepped over to Rei and eyed Usagi when she didn't stand. "Aren't you coming, kitten?"
"My powers don't work anymore… I don't see the point." There was a short pause and then Haruka sent the girl a sympathetic look.
"Humor me, kitten." The corner of her mouth tugged into a reluctant smile. She really did love that nickname, it made her feel loved. Sluggishly she stood, and when she made her way to the girls Haruka placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder. "Now, let's transform." The two called out their respective words and in a moment they were transformed. A moment passed before Usagi heaved a sigh and called out. Like before, the crystal flicked but died. Usagi bit her lip as she eyed the crystal. The tension resonated from the blonde in great attempts to stifle selective words. "It's all right," Haruka said, again touching her shoulder, "Just concentrate with us. You're still the princess; you may not be able to transform, but you can still certainly do something with that thing." A moment later Usagi nodded and joined hands with the senshi.
Ami clicked away at her mini computer, all other thoughts lost to concentration. After ten minutes of tinkering she'd managed to get each of the girls on screen. She'd already transformed, her visor on. "Are you girls ready?" Each girl gave their okay and Ami stood. "Alright," she started, "since we're not all together, we need to concentrate harder than ever. Instead of concentrating on the place, this time we'll be focusing on Rei, Haruka and Usagi. I believe that we'll have a better chance at getting there by doing so. Concentrate hard now, this is our only option." Each girl had transformed and readied herself; all they waited for now was Mercury's say so. Once she gave it, they concentrated all their attention to the three in the book.
Mercury held her computer in both hands, thinking on the three as clearly as she could. 'I'm not going to screw up this time.' She assured herself mentally. 'This is for our princess!' A strong blue light overwhelmed her, and the harder she concentrated, the stronger it glowed. She rose from her spot, her toes just barely touching the floor, and soon the coffee table rose too. Shortly after everything around her that wasn't anchored to the ground rose a short distance from the floor. The light was so bright now that it would have been blinding to anyone else.
Back in the book the girls concentrated, and even though Usagi was doing so as well, she seemed to provide no results. She held the open brooch in her hand, staring down at the crystal. 'Please', she pleaded with the thing. 'Please help me!' A sudden burst of soft pink light exploded from the girl. It was so strong that her hair came undone; it felt like a tremendous gust of wind. She was afraid she'd be knocked on her ass if she hadn't been holding onto her friends. The proper words hit each of the girls at the exact moment and they called out, "Sailor Teleport!"
All seven colors mingled together as they spewed out from every knook and cranny of the palace until the performance was complete. Their feet touched the floor as gravity came back, and with a weak smile, Usagi welcomed the girls. Her knees buckled from under her and she'd blacked out before even hitting the floor.
"Usagi-chan!" Mercury jumped toward the girl, and when she fell in her arms, she collapsed as well. The two fell to the floor in an unconscious heap and the rest of the group closed in on them.
"Well that was a little taxing." Uranus sighed, looking down on the girls with apologetic eyes. Jupiter picked up her blue haired friend in an effortless swoop to place her in bed. Uranus did the same with the princess and she covered them both. Neptune followed after her love and touched her shoulder. The tall blonde turned her head to look upon her with a smile, and Neptune kissed her gingerly.
"I missed you." She whispered. This made the rugged soldier laugh. "Not too much, from what I heard." The delicate woman grinned wickedly at her partner and winked.
The group changed back, wondering what to do next when the door was flung open. "I swear," Haruka mumbled, "no one ever knocks around here." Michiru giggled and faced the new group with a stern face. Rei stepped forward and explained to the group what had just happened as best she could. She wasn't too in detail about the transforming part, or the teleportation, which of course left gaps. She realized this sounded too shady, and simply explained it as finding a way to bring the rest of the girls into the book.
Miaka stepped forward to speak. "But then, who has the book now?" The silence that followed from the miko's question was more than awkward.
"Uh," Mina laughed at their stupidity. "We hadn't really thought that far ahead… obviously." She said, twiddling her fingers in a dumb smile.
"It's still confusing though…" Miaka thought out loud. "I thought my brother had the book."
(-Break-)
The clouds looked heavy against the setting sun. The sky was dusted with gold against the horizon and a little farther off the first star had shown in what was left of the daytime sky. Usagi sat at her favorite spot under the willow, her bare toes soaking in the water of the lake. This place would most likely be the death of her. Thinking back on the close calls she had here made her smile. It was ironic how a place that gave her such peace could be at such chaos at times. Her smile faded though when she realized that it was she who brought the chaos with her. She gathered her legs up and weaved her fingers together. So maybe it wasn't as ironic as she thought. She'd been silent here for nearly an hour, and soon someone's hand settled atop her head. She looked up to find a very comforting face and soon found her smile again.
"Too crowded?" Chichiri asked as he settled beside her. She shrugged, still holding her position.
"I was only thinking." She loosened her grip and leaned back on her palms, her legs now stretched out so her feet sank into the water.
"What about this time?"
"Everything, nothing." Her reply made him laugh.
"That was specific, ya' know." Usagi laughingly nodded in response, her hair bouncing with her head. The moment had gone quickly and she was back to thinking.
"Everyone's here now." She stated plainly, her expression poignant. As she looked at him he saw that her eyes were back to cobalt. She wasn't crying; she'd gotten stronger, but through her eyes it was so easy to read what she felt. Only if someone knew her well enough, though. A complete stranger wouldn't know that she hurt when her eyes were such a color, of course. "We're going to have to start making plans."
Chichiri kept silent for that moment, not knowing really what to say in return. His thoughts wandered to Mamoru and he found himself sneering. That man was by no means deserving of her. Why did she feel she needed to save him? He'd molested the poor girl for Christ's sake. Then he remembered the Kodoku and sighed. It still wasn't an excuse though. Tamahome had managed to overcome it. If this man's love was supposedly so great for her, then why hadn't he managed the same feat? He could only take Usagi's word for his feelings, though. His own opinion was completely different. The corners of his mouth sank in a frown. She was going to save him, and then what? Be with him again? Go back to her world? Suppose she did save him. The drug wouldn't wear off. How would he overcome it? And how much did he take? Was he even as strong willed as Tamahome?
"If I've made things worse," he started, "by kissing you, please know that it wasn't my intention." Usagi's thought process stopped the instant he opened his mouth, and her attention was fully focused on the man removing his mask. "I thought that I was stopping myself that day." He said with weak laughter. "I remember telling myself to move back, and for a moment I thought I had." This brought the girl a smile.
"You did move back." She reassured him. His good eye widened as he looked at her, taken aback. He opened his mouth; the plan was to question her now. Why? Why did she kiss him? The girl sighed, her burden was growing. "Oh, this is a problem." She looked away and kicked her foot in the water, a few droplets splashing against shore. "I should be the one apologizing, Chichiri." She paused and looked back at him sincerely. "I'm not playing games though. You're the first man beside Mamoru that I've felt this strongly for." Oh boy. He was starting to feel like a temporary replacement. He placed his mask back on while she spoke. "My feelings for him have been fading, perhaps because of what's been happening." That was obvious. "My heart calls for you instead." Her choice of words froze him, made his own heart jump. He knew she wasn't lying, but it didn't help the fact that he felt like he couldn't have an honest chance with her. He felt as if he wouldn't be a genuine individual; just someone to fill in for who's truly missing. Right now though, her words echoed in his mind and gave him peace, for the time being.
"I'm toying with fate here." She said and frowned. Her feelings were at war with each other. She'd loved Mamoru for so long, but sometimes when she was alone, she wondered about the possibilities there could be if her future wasn't already set in stone. Did she only love him because she had to? No, that wasn't entirely it. Although it felt a little bit like that. Her feelings for Chichiri were different, and with that made them stronger. Why were her feelings for this man so different? She started to think on that. Though Mamoru said that he loved her, the phrase was often rare, and took her a lot of effort to get him to say. They'd been together for so long, but he always seemed to be the same way. He was always so distant. He seemed monotone when it came to caring for her. Maybe that was why her feelings for Chichiri were so different; he wasn't distant, and though he hadn't given her any three small words, she could recall times where his words were full of feeling and sincerity. She was terrified of losing Chibi-Usa, and because of that she couldn't afford to toy around like this. But she also found it hard to ignore these feelings that were eating her up. "But it might be worth it," she continued. She leaned forward now, palms against the earth as she faced him. "I'm falling for you, despite what fate had planned for me."
He felt moved, and surely he looked the same way, for he'd been silent for the longest time. Through her speech his staff had been forgotten, placed down beside him. Every word she spoke up until now seemed to be so harsh. She was only being truthful though, and for that he'd awarded her points. Maybe he wasn't a temporary fill-in. Maybe he really did have a chance. Her last words inspired him.
The moments of silence had been long, and though he seemed to be thinking, Usagi couldn't take his speechless state much longer. She frowned hopelessly and opened her mouth. Okay. She thought. Just apologize and ask him to forget everything you just said. "Chichiri…" Her tone was already apologetic.
In that instant he'd leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, not fully kissing her, but certainly shutting her up. He would have said it if she hadn't fallen silent. He pecked her lower lip while she responded by touching his cheek with one hand and keeping herself up with the other. She still leaned forward but now was propped up on her knees. She felt goofy on all fours. Well, now three. Chichiri's touched the small of her back and gently tugged, pulling her forward until she pressed against him. His tongue passed by her lips, eager to delve again like before. If she leaned against him any more she'd have tipped the both of them over. She made a note to stay still but laughed at herself when he fell back. She never was good at listening, least of all to herself. This had broken the kiss but she obviously wasn't bothered. She hovered over him now, her hair draping at either side. She leaned down for another kiss and let herself rest atop him. This was the most at ease they'd been, she thought. Even more than before when they'd first kissed. Of course, that was the first kiss. And of course having it interrupted didn't help, and the way in which it was interrupted. She deepened the kiss and grinned inwardly at the feel of his hands roaming her back.
"How cute. You two should get a room, really." A sappy voice teased. Usagi sat up with a start. Chichiri awkwardly cleared his throat and sat up as well. "You're both so easy to spot." The voice came from above and the couple looked to the top of the tree. Perched in the highest branch was a young woman. Her skin was a murky shade of green with teal locks that fell to her hips. Her eyes looked bloodshot, like she'd stayed in the pool too long, her irises a faded blue. Only the important parts were covered, and that was with thick drenched strips of what looked like seaweed. Usagi squinted for a better look. Actually, she looked soaked all together. The woman smiled down at the two. "I've come for your pure hearts." Usagi's posture straightened and her expression hardened.
"If I had a nickel for every time…" Usagi was stopped short as Chichiri leaped toward her. The ground behind them came loose as an explosion hit and the two of them tumbled to a stop as earth rained down on them.
"Are you okay?" Chichiri looked down on her. He stood when she nodded. The girl hurried to her feet and gripped the monk's tunic as she stood safely behind him. He peered ahead near the small crater and cursed. He'd left his staff.
This new woman left her perch as she slowly descended to ground level. "I honestly don't know how you got by the others. You let your guard down far too easily. My guess is dumb luck." Her words were calm and focused. She raised her arm toward the two, her hand clenching the small sphere of white light in her hand. "Luck isn't going to get you out of this one though." She said, her tone giving away her hunger for destruction.
She reared back to make her move and Chichiri yanked away his cloak. With his hands pressed together he quickly mumbled a few incoherent phrases. The enemy hurled the sphere at them for all she was worth and with his last words his cloak went into action, blocking the couple off from the hit. The light struck the cloth and disappeared within it. A small glow shown through the other end of his cape and quickly he reached forward to take it.
"What the hell…?" She mumbled a moment later. Had he absorbed it? She formed another, this time larger and pitched it out. Again the bright sphere disappeared within the cloth. She sounded what she thought was a menacing snarl and used both her hands now. The couple stood still as she concentrated a great deal of her power into this one. Her hands contracted and the veins in her forearms protruded as the light grew.
Behind the shield of cloth Chichiri looked back at Usagi with a smile. "I don't think she's learning, ya' know." This made the blonde whisper a chuckle. The next blow was dealt with tremendous force; the wisps from the tree were swept up with the gust of wind and the water from the lake rippled restlessly away from shore. All this effort and the couple weren't affected, again the cloak had simply swallowed her power.
Like before, the spheres of light leaked through the other end. He'd absorbed every hit and gradually gathered it into his own hands. She stopped after the third hit, mostly likely strategizing. He peaked past the cloth to make sure. She stood there dumbfounded, her stance exhausted and pathetic. He gathered it all and readied himself behind his makeshift shield.
"Come out!" The woman shouted, sounding much like a child who wasn't getting her way. "You can't just hide behind that forever! Why don't you fight for a change! Coward!!" Chichiri took away the spell on the cloak and it fluttered to the ground. This satisfied their enemy, but only until she saw what was at the other side. "Shit…" was all she could manage before the monk hurled her own clout right back at her. Her legs didn't respond quickly enough to dodge the blow, but it hadn't hit her full on. When she finally did move, the sphere hit her entire left side, sending her spiraling to the floor. She landed with a disgruntled whimper. She was sapped; the blow had rendered her still. She found the strength to direct her gaze toward her singed flesh before clocking out.
Chichiri took the piece and tied it back around one shoulder and then went for his staff. Usagi stepped toward the hole in the earth. It wasn't very big in diameter, but appeared deep enough to hold half of her. The fact that it struck her favorite sitting spot gave her added incentive to walk over and shove her foot in the woman's face.
(-Break-)
"If you don't find it in the next ten minutes I officially disown you! We should have found this thing a week ago." Tetsuya rolled his eyes behind his shades. He knew that his friend was all talk. Most of this was anxiety over not knowing how his sister was, anyway. He was worried too. He rummaged through a forgotten box at the floor of his closet. No book. "I can't believe you lost it in the first place!" Kesuki reprimanded again.
"Hey, I didn't lose it!" Tetsuya argued as he stomped into the living room. Kesuki reached in the fridge and threw a beer at his friend, hoping it would knock him square in the face. Instead, he caught it effortlessly with a grin and tipped the bottle to the side as if to say "Thank you, cheers". The added sarcasm didn't help, but he was getting just a tad bit fed up with feeling like the scolded child.
"Did you find it?" Kesuki asked and twisted the cap off. Tetsuya shook his head. "Okay," he strained to say after a long drink. "I hereby strip you of all your rights as a friend." Tetsuya stared down his friend, though he didn't realize it. Sometimes shades were a good thing, and sometimes they were just downright annoying. Why the hell did he wear them indoors anyway? He yanked them away and angrily chucked them to the floor.
"Look, I didn't lose the fucking book, Kesuki!" He approached the kitchen where the blonde stood and slapped the island countertop. "I put it right here, right here! The only time it left my sight was when I went to the bathroom to take a leak." Kesuki nodded, but clearly was still annoyed.
"A little too much information, but fine. Why isn't it here then?" Tetsuya threw up his hands thinking, How the fuck should I know, you idiot! The two finished their first beer and drank away at a second. By the third the two simply stood side by side in silence, staring down the countertop. "Maybe if we stare at it hard enough the book will come back." The blonde man offered sarcastically. This got him scowled at for several seconds.
"I've got an idea." Tetsuya proposed and opened the fridge. "How about we finish the rest of this case of beer and then stare at the counter in meaningless hopes that it will return?"
"How many are left?"
"Sixteen."
"Fuck it, let's drink!" Tetsuya took two more bottles from the bottom shelf and tossed one his friend's way. Kesuki twisted the cap off and stared at the label. "What kind of beer is this, anyway?" His friend had already chugged half of his.
"Some American brand." He answered simply.
"I know that, but what's it called?" Tetsuya paused before answering him.
"Didn't you take English?"
"Yes, asshole, but I don't speak it that much. What is it called?"
"Rogue Dead Guy Ale."
"Kinda' bitter." Kesuki mumbled after taking a long pull.
(-Break-)
The group adapted to one another quickly and today they all loafed about in the throne room. Ami sat with Mitsukake and Chiriko listened babbling on about what she knew of herbal medicine and ancient text. Rei teased Tasuki about his fangs while he threw thoughtless insults at her, for lack of finding something to make fun of her over. Makoto spoke with Nuriko, mainly questioning him about his preference in gender which didn't seem to bother him in the least. He went on to give her some tips on make up. Mina drooled all over his highness and he reveled in the attention. Miaka and Tamahome sat at the stairs as usual and surveyed the people around them with satisfied smiles. As for the two lovers, they at the back wall, behind Hotohori's throne, arms crossed, ears open. The doors opened and through stepped Chichiri and Usagi. Usagi made her way to the stairs and took a seat next to the priestess. The monk stood and faced his highness.
"They're still coming." Usagi announced after a sigh.
"Did we miss the fun?" Nuriko asked, smiling on the outside but worried on the inside. The emperor stood from his seat and eyed the crowd of women to speak.
"What exactly are they after?" Haruka stepped from the background at this question. Michiru wasn't far behind.
"Pure hearts." Usagi answered with a dreary tone of voice.
"And," Haruka placed her hand over Hotohori's shoulder with a cautious look in her eyes. "That's all we can say." There was an awkward silence.
"Come on, Haruka." Ami pressed. "Surely we can at least let them know what these pure hearts are." The older woman thought on this for a moment before nodding. She then looked to the emperor.
"Every person carries a heart crystal." She started. He nodded at this; he'd heard Usagi mention pure hearts before. "These enemies are after a pure heart, which is a great deal more valuable than that of a regular heart crystal. Unfortunately that's all I can say… for now at least." He respected her reluctance and left it at that.
"For now, we must keep our eyes on the pri…" Michiru caught herself and quickly faked a cough. "Usagi at all times. She is not to leave our sight. We need to group together and formulate a plan to get into Hokkan." Her slip up drew in the crowd's attention.
