Kida: We're getting close to finding the fifth member of the Suzaku Seven, people!
Naruto: Who is it? Who is it? Who is it?!
Kida: You'll find out in the next chapter!
Tamahome: Not this one?
Kida: Nope, this is where Aika begins her journey...and Kurama threatens to kill you.
Tamahome: WHAT?!
Kida: I, Kida Tenshi, do not own Naruto or Fushigi Yuugi. I only own Aika Hitsubasa and any future OCs. I hope you all enjoy!
Rescued from Kutou by Tamahome and Chichiri, the Priestess of Suzaku Lady Aika, was taken to Taiitsukun's palace on Mount Taikyoku to recover. There for the first time she learned the terrible truth of what had happened to her best friend, Lady Yui, when she arrived in Kutou three months earlier. Encouraged by the strange and mysterious powers of Taiitsukun, Lady Aika reaffirmed her duty as the Priestess of Suzaku and returned to Konan with renewed determination. But when she arrived, she found herself the object of desire in a burning battle between passions of Tamahome and the Emperor Hotohori.
'There's only you, Tamahome,' Aika thought as she held Tamahome. And so Lady Aika realized just how strongly her heart was now bound to Tamahome.
~0~
It was a new day and Naruto and Sasuke were at the training fields, sitting under a shaded tree. Hinata had joined them and was worried for Aika and Yui.
"The Priestess of Suzaku learned how Tamahome truly felt and returned his love with all her heart," Naruto read. He sighed. "Hard to believe the Priestess of Suzaku is my best friend. Believe it! She was never this popular with the boys here," he said earning a nudge from his wife.
"It's the truth. Not a lot of guys wanted to be around her," Sasuke said to Hinata who frowned.
"Well, at least someone loves her here," she said. Something caught Naruto's eye.
"But at that moment, Tamahome sensed an ominous presence."
~0~
Tamahome and Hotohori both suddenly sensed something dark and snapped their heads up. Tamahome held Aika close.
"Something is in here with us," Tamahome stated looking around.
"What is it?" Aika asked looking around. Hotohori opened the door.
"Be careful, both of you. I can sense something very evil in this room," Hotohori warned as he rushed over with Kurama. Kurama jumped up and stood beside Aika, growling with his tails whipping angrily.
"I can smell ya, bastard! Reveal yourself so I can sink my teeth into ya!" Kurama growled.
"Listen carefully," a male voice said.
"Who're you?" Tamahome demanded as he held Aika close.
"I bear a message from Kutou for the Priestess of Suzaku. Our forces have already occupied several villages in Konan. Your kingdom is ours for the taking if we wish. However, if the one member of the Suzaku Seven known as Tamahome is delivered to Kutou, we will advance no further," the Kutou assassin stated. Aika looked at Tamahome with worry.
"Deliver Tamahome to the enemy? I wouldn't let that happen!" Aika glared up as she had a kunai ready.
"Those are our terms. If the one member of the Suzaku Seven known as Tamahome is delivered to Kutou, we will advance no further," the assassin stated.
'But why in the world would Kutou want Tamahome?' Aika thought to herself until she remembered Yui.
"I love Tamahome more than you! I do! That's why I'm going to take him away!" Yui shouted.
'Is that it? Is it Yui?' Aika thought as Chichiri and Nuriko ran in.
"Aika!" Nuriko called. "There's evil present."
"It's up there!" Chichiri shouted looking up. He used lightning and shot it up to the ceiling, making the Kutou assassin appear and fall to the ground. Hotohori attacked with his sword, cutting a piece of the mask before Tamahome kicked the assassin who dodged and jumped out the window. Nuriko stepped out of the room across from him.
"Kurama, go after him!" Aika ordered before Kurama ran out of the room.
"Stop right there!" He called. The assassin started running, Kurama running after him. "Have it your way then!" He broke up the stone railing before throwing it, hitting the wall instead of the assassin who jumped over the wall. "Oh no! He broke the palace wall! How awful!" Nuriko said 'nervously' before Tamahome elbowed his head.
"You broke the wall!" Tamahome and Kurama retorted before walking back into the room. "He's gone." Aika walked up to him as Kurama stood beside her.
"Tamahome, don't go, please. We have to find another way," she said, her eyes showing worry as her hand rested on his chest. Tamahome placed a hand on hers, holding it there before looking at Hotohori.
"Your Majesty, what's this about villages being attacked?" He asked.
"Three villages on the border, to the south west in the Juso Prefecture. They were attacked by soldiers wearing all black. Fortunately, their guards were vigilant and most of the residents made it to safety," Hotohori replied.
"Why would they go to all that trouble just to get Tamahome?" Nuriko asked. Kurama sighed.
"If we give them Tamahome, what would they want next?" He pointed out making Hotohori nod and look at Tamahome.
"Tamahome, do not concern yourself. Our military may be weaker than theirs, but we have never fallen to Kutou and never will."
"It's clear, Emperor. I don't sense anything evil around here," Chichiri stated.
"We had better get some rest before we have any more surprises. I doubt we will be disturbed again tonight," Hotohori said.
"All right," Tamahome replied. Soon others left and Aika looked at Tamahome with concerned.
"Tamahome?"
"The enemy is just one step away from taking away my own village, Aika," Tamahome said frustrated.
"You're not going to do what they ask, are you?" Aika asked worried.
"Don't worry, Aika. I'm not going to give into their plan. Get some sleep. I'm gonna stay up and watch over you for a little while," Tamahome said to her.
"You're not going to sneak off while I sleep?" Aika asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah right!" Tamahome said as Aika got back into bed. Aika took a hold of his hand.
"Fine, but I'm watching," she muttered, giving his hand a small squeeze.
"And here I thought we trusted each other," Tamahome chuckled a bit before returning the small squeeze. "Oh, do you want this back?" He asked taking out the necklace from under his shirt. Aika smiled a bit and kissed his hand softly.
"No, you keep it. Consider it a good luck charm. Seems to have worked so far," she mused making Tamahome smile as his other hand ran through her hair.
"Yeah, it has. Get some sleep," he said softly to her. Aika smiled a bit before she fell asleep. Tamahome watched her sleep for a while, thinking to himself. Kurama walked in when he saw Tamahome getting up to leave. He growled a bit and used one of his tails to trip him. Tamahome glared at him. "Kurama…"
"You are an idiot," Kurama glared coldly at him. "Don't you know how worried and frantic Aika will be when she learns you went to the Kutou Empire? I know you're worried about your family, but that's a reason to go off acting like an idiot," he stated.
"If it means keep Konan and my family safe, then I'll happy be called an idiot. I'm not just doing this for them, I'm doing this for Aika," Tamahome stated.
"By running off to Yui? That's what you're doing. Yui is the reason you are the one they want in Kutou. Yui loves you. At least that's what Aika told me. Yui even confessed it to her and that she would take you away. If you break Aika's heart then the Suzaku Seven will become the Suzaku Six," Kurama growled before leaving the room. Tamahome thought about what he said before looking at Aika.
"Tamahome…" Aika whispered in her sleep. He got up and walked over to the bed. He bent down and softly kissed Aika on the lips.
"Aika," Tamahome whispered, his lavender eyes looking at her lovingly and sadly. 'I'm sorry, Kurama…I have to do this to keep her safe,' he thought before sneaking out. He jumped up to the top of the wall and looked back. "Stay well, my love," he said before jumping down only to run into two black masked figures.
"Are you Master Tamahome?" One of them asked. Tamahome stood with narrowed eyes.
"So the Emperor of Kutou is promising to end this war if I come along with you?" He asked them.
"That is the promise, yes. You can take that horse," the man replied. Tamahome stared at them for a moment, hesitant.
~0~
Morning came and Aika was frantically looking around the rooms.
"Tamahome? Tamahome, where are you?!" She called with worry. Nuriko opened his door, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"What's the matter, Aika?" He asked.
"Nuriko, Tamahome is gone!" Aika said looking at him with worry.
"Aika," Hotohori voiced making her turn to see him walking up with his councilors. "What's wrong? Why are you so frantic?" He asked concerned. Kurama ran up to her and stood next to her.
"I have a good reason to be frantic. Tamahome was nowhere to be found this morning!" Aika said with a serious gaze. Hotohori's eyes widened.
"He didn't…"
"He left a message for me in this notebook, but I'm afraid I can't read it very well. It's written in this country's language and I haven't learned that much about the language," Aika said opening her notebook up for him. She handed it to him so he could read the Chinese characters. Hotohori read it and gasped a bit. "Hotohori, please….tell me he didn't…"
"Aika, I'm afraid you already know where he went," he said making her eyes widen. "He's gone off to Kutou to stop the war. The note says: 'While I'm in Kutou, use the break in the war to find the other three of the Suzaku Seven. When they're assembled, I'll make my way back to you'," Hotohori told her.
"No, that can't be right. He told me yesterday he wouldn't do anything so foolish. There must be some mistake. Please, that can't be what the message said…" Aika said, worry in her eyes while she tried to remain calm. Hotohori looked down sadly. Aika sighed slightly before walking away.
"Aika…" Nuriko frowned.
'Tamahome…you lied,' Aika thought upset. Kurama watched her leave before looking down with his ears flattened. He then glared at the castle wall and growled.
"Son of a bitch…I warned him," he hissed.
"What do you mean, Kurama?" Nuriko asked.
"He was about to leave last night until I stepped in. I warned him that if he left and hurt Aika that there wouldn't be any Suzaku Seven anymore. More like Suzaku Six," Kurama said as his tails swished angrily.
"While I would normally agree, I'm afraid we need him, Kurama. Maybe after we are finished with all of this," Hotohori said to him. Kurama smirked.
"I like the way you think, Kit," he stated.
~0~
Hotohori stamped some papers with his signature while he listened to Aika. He looked at her as well as Nuriko, Chichiri, and Kurama.
"You are going to look for the other three Warriors?" He asked her.
"Yeah, I'm as rested as I can be," Aika smiled though Kurama knew it was fake.
"You could end up searching for them forever because with the Scroll of the Universe of the Four Gods in Kutou's hands, you'll have no clue where in all the Empire's to begin," Hotohori pointed out. Aika sighed a bit.
"I know that." Hotohori thought he offended her.
"Aika, I believe you can pull off anything," he tried to reassure until he saw something in her hand. "Huh? What's that?" He asked her. It was red with black rimming and a gold flower in the middle.
"A gift," Aika replied. She then thought to when Taiitsukun gave it to her.
"Instead of Suzaku's Universe of the Four Gods, focus on that hand mirror and you'll know if you're getting closer to the Suzaku Seven," Taiitsukun had told her. Aika smiled a bit as she looked down at the mirror.
"This will help me find them. Bye," Aika said before turning to leave.
"Aika," Hotohori said making her stop and look at him.
"Yes, Hotohori? What is it?" She asked him. Hotohori started at her for a moment.
"Ah, forget about it. Just be careful," he said to her. Aika frowned slightly, wondering what he had wanted to say. She then left with Nuriko and Kurama who was laying on her head. Chichiri had stared at Hotohori for a minute before following Nuriko and Aika. They left the capitol then. Aika was riding her own horse this time, having done a little practicing. Kurama sat in front of her while Nuriko and Chichiri road their own horses.
"Wow, the sky is just as blue as it is back home," Aika smiled a bit. Kurama and Nuriko frowned knowing she was trying to act like this morning didn't faze her.
"Kit…"
"Anyways, when we come to a place that's connected to one of the Suzaku Seven, this hand mirror will let me know somehow," Aika said to the two of her Warriors.
"Is it doing anything?" Nuriko asked her. Aika looked at the mirror Kurama was holding.
"Aika, it's starting to show a symbol!" Kurama told her as the symbol appeared.
"Mountain," Aika read.
"Mount Reikaku is up ahead, but we will have to be careful. It's a well-known haven for mountain bandits," Nuriko warned.
"Don't worry, Chichiri will know if anything's up," Aika smiled until she saw Chichiri wasn't behind him. "Okay! Where'd the hell did that monk go!?"
~0~
Hotohori sighed as his closed hand supported his chin up. He opened his eyes and gasped a bit when he saw Chichiri under his deck.
"Ch-Ch-Chichiri," he stammered from shock.
"Just thought I'd stop by for a chat, ya know!" Chichiri told him.
"What sort of a chat?" Hotohori asked sweat-dropping.
"If you don't mind my saying so, Emperor, you seem very depressed, ya know," the monk observed. The Emperor of Konan stood and turned from him as Chichiri sat cross legged on the desk.
"I might be the Emperor, but I'm also a human being with feelings of my own even though the kingdom comes first. Not that Tamahome has given himself to save the kingdom, my one wish is to stay by Aika's side to serve as her protector in Tamahome's absence," Hotohori explained.
"Seems to me you need some to fill in for you while you're off adventuring, ya know," Chichiri smiled doing a hand seal.
"I'm sorry?" Hotohori asked turning as Chichiri transformed. Hotohori was shocked to see Chichiri had turned into him. Hotohori then sweat dropped to see the eyes were close liked Chichiri normally would have.
"We could be twins, ya know! The kingdom is safe for the time being. Shouldn't be any harm in letting me substitute while you protect Aika, ya know!" Chichiri said to him.
"Chichiri, you would do this for me?" Hotohori asked, flatter in his tone. Chichiri nodded. "I guess, all I can say…is that I'm much more handsome," he said making Chichiri sweat-drop. "My eyes are open, the bridge of my nose is far more prominent, and my body is more sexy. Refine your appearance immediately or you'll make me look-!"
"Slow down, Emperor. This is as good as it gets, ya know!"
~0~
Right now Aika, Nuriko, and Kurama stopped at a restaurant to get something to eat.
"Order something with beef!" Kurama said to Aika. Aika sweat-dropped with a look.
"You're one bossy fox, you know," she muttered before looking at the waiter. "I'll have some chicken and beef please," she smiled kindly.
"I'll be right back with your food," the waiter smiled back before leaving to go get the food. Aika stretched a little.
"Too bad Chichiri gets to miss out on this, wherever that monk went," she mused.
"I wouldn't let him anywhere near my beef!" Kurama exclaimed, possessive of his meat.
"And here I thought the Nine Tails was supposed to be scary. You're just like a possessive little hound," Aika mumbled.
"Hey! Watch it, Kit!" Kurama warned, hitting her with one of his tails. Nuriko was watching the two and frowned when he saw Aika didn't look upset. He knew better.
"Aika, you don't have to force yourself to be cheerful anymore. You're worried about Tamahome," Nuriko told her.
"I'm not worried, you are," Aika said trying to brush it off.
"NOT ME! YOU!" Nuriko shouted breaking the table in half with his fists. Aika and Kurama sweat-dropped.
"What the hell-?" Kurama asked.
"They just don't make tables the way they used to," Nuriko said with a nervous laugh.
"No, they just don't make them for your damn strength!" Kurama exclaimed. The three then moved to the table next to the broken one.
"So you're not worried about Tamahome at all, huh?" Nuriko asked disbelievingly.
"They made his choice. No sense crying over it," Aika said as the waiter sweat-dropped at the sight of the broken table before he set the tray of food down.
"Here is your food," the waiter smiled.
"Oh, it looks wonderful. Thank you," Aika smiled happily. Kurama sniffed the food and drooled.
"Smells like heaven to me!" He grinned before Aika ate her chicken.
"Well, maybe you wanna hide your feelings, but I don't buy it," Nuriko said crossing his arms. Aika suddenly saw a table with two guys, a customer and the waiter. Her eyes narrowed at how suspicious they looked. Nuriko followed her gaze discretely. "Those guys are up to something," he stated.
"Yeah," Kurama agreed before looking at his beef. He pushed the plate away with his paw as Aika moved her plate away. She stood as the waiter came to attack with his sword until Nuriko grabbed the blade.
"Aika, you've gotta get out of her! These guys are working with the mountain bandits! Run for it!" Nuriko shouted until Kurama jumped up and clawed the guy's eyes out. The bandit ran away crying in pain.
"Screw that! I'm not leaving you!" Aika said to him. She saw the other coming and had her kunai ready to attack.
"Aika!" Kurama shouted.
"I want that money!" The man shouted as he went to hit her with the weapon. He suddenly groaned in pain. Kurama jumped and hit him hard with his tails making him fall to reveal Hotohori who had stabbed the man with his sword.
"Hotohori!" Aika exclaimed.
"Your Highness," Nuriko said relieved to see him. Aika sighed a bit and put her kunai away.
"I never get any action," she mumbled with a slight pout. Hotohori chuckled.
"Sorry about that, Aika. Maybe next time," he said to her. Kurama laughed a bit.
"Ninja girls, they always wanna fight the big guys!"
"I'll fight you right now if you don't shut up," Aika said to him.
"I'd like to see ya try, Kit," Kurama smirked as she jumped up into her arms.
~0~
"So, Chichiri is taking your place as Emperor while you're gone. But why are you doing this?" Aika asked after they had left the restaurant. They were now in a forest.
"Because I was worried about you. And I'm worried about Tamahome," Hotohori replied. Aika smiled.
"But you don't need to worry about me, I can take care of myself," she assured him as he handed her a note. She looked at it. "This is the note Tamahome left for me."
"There are some rooms on the page next to his message. Do you know their meaning?" Hotohori asked as she looked at it. "It says 'I love you'. This is how Tamahome feels about you from the bottom of his heart," he said while Aika looked at it with slightly wide eyes. "To protect his family, his country, and above all, to protect you, the one he loves more than anything, Tamahome gave himself to the enemy." Aika looked down.
"It's my fault…of course. I…I didn't want to believe he gave himself up for me," she said to him.
"Will you always stay with me, Tamahome? Will you never leave me?" Aika asked as they kept holding each other in their arms.
"Of course I won't, silly girl," Tamahome smiled.
"He said he'd stay with me," Aika whispered as tears started flooding down her cheeks. Hotohori frowned and pulled her to his chest. They didn't know Nuriko and Kurama were watching them. Aika pulled back and wiped her tears. "I'm sorry," she murmured before looking at Hotohori. Hotohori leaned into kiss her until she pulled away and turned. "I'm sorry, I can't."
"That much? You love Tamahome that much, Aika? I know that you don't love me, but I had hoped you'd get to know me. Maybe it's unfair for me to tell you this now, but I love you, Aika. I have loved you from the moment we first met," Hotohori said making her think back to when she was lost on the courtyard and she met him.
"I'm sorry, Hotohori…I'm so sorry," Aika whispered as fresh tears came to her eyes.
"Aika! Watch out!" Kurama shouted as a spike trap came hurdling towards Aika and Hotohori.
"Aika!" Hotohori shouted as he tackled her to the ground.
"Aika! Your Highness! Stay down!" Nuriko shouted as he ran up. He was suddenly hit and knocked out.
"Nuri-!" Kurama shouted until he was knocked out as well. The last thing Aika heard was someone laughing.
~0~
Aika woke up to find her wrists and ankles tied up. She sat up and struggled.
"Dammit," she hissed. She looked over and saw Nuriko, Hotohori, and Kurama tied up as well. "Hotohori! Nuriko! Kurama!" She called to wake them up.
"Shut up, I have a damn headache," Kurama muttered before seeing he was tied up. "OKAY! WHOEVER TIED ME UP BETTER BE READY TO HAVE THEIR THROATS RIPPED OUT!" He growled as he struggled. Nuriko and Hotohori woke up.
"Aika," Hotohori said as they sat up.
"What a relief. Any injuries?" Aika asked receiving head shakes. "I wonder where we are now," she mumbled.
"The last thing I remember was running toward the two of you," Nuriko said.
"And I remember seeing you get knocked out," Kurama grumbled. Aika looked at Hotohori's m and frowned.
"You idiot, you said you didn't get hurt. You're bleeding," she stated.
"It's nothing," Hotohori said as he shifted and groaned when he felt pain in his arm.
"Hotohori, you got hurt when you pushed me out of the way of those spikes," she said as she did her best to move over to him. "You saved my life," she added looking at him. Suddenly the door opened to reveal five men.
"Well, well, it seems the prisoners are awake."
"You're pretty stupid not to know who we are."
"Yeah, we're famous. We're the mighty bandits of Mount Reikaku."
"We'll accept this gold as your toll payment for safe passage," a guy said holding Aika's bag up.
"From here on you'd better do as we say and don't try anything stupid." Aika glared at them.
"Oh shut up! I have a headache and hearing you all talk isn't making it any better! I don't care who the hell you are so just shut your damn traps!" She snapped irritated.
"Uh oh…Aika's pissed," Kurama sweat-dropped a he hid behind Hotohori.
"Quite the feisty one, isn't she?" One of the guy smirked as he walked up to her.
"I'm not feisty…I'm fiery!" Aika said doing hand seals. "Fire Style: Grand Fireball Jutsu!" She said before fire blew out of her mouth. The man ran around screaming while he was on fire.
"Something tells me the boss will like her," a man said before Aika glared at him.
"Try taking me to your boss and I'll use lightning next time!" She growled making the guy yelp and jump back. She was suddenly punched in the head. "Hey! What the hell?!" She asked as a guy with blue hair got up her by her tied wrists.
"Where'd the little brat come from? She reminds me of Genrou," he said meaning when he saw her fire ability.
'One of these guys has to have the Mountain symbol on him. I remember the mirror showed me that symbol when we came close to here,' Aika thought to herself.
"Koji!"
"I came because the boss wants me to bring him one of these prisoners. We might as well make it the biggest trouble maker," Koji smirked.
"Aika!" Hotohori called.
"Let her go, ya scum!" Kurama growled.
"If you're gonna take someone then take me!" Nuriko called. Aika inwardly smirked but smiled at her friends.
"Hey, don't worry about me. I'm not scared of these, idiots," she said before hopping over to them. She bent down in front of them. "I got an idea about this. If I'm right, one of these guys is the fifth member of the Suzaku Seven. Just wait here and rest if you can. After all, you've been hurt, Hotohori. Kurama, keep them safe for me," Aika whispered making Kurama nod until she was grabbed away.
"Move it! We've got business," Koji said dragging her.
"Yeah, yeah, take me to your boss, jerk," Aika muttered.
"But-!" Hotohori went to protest. The blond who first spoke went up to Hotohori.
"Hey, baby, you're pretty fine. Wanna serve us some drinks?" He asked wrapping his arms around him. "We could become good friends if you're nice."
"Baby? What the hell!?" Hotohori exclaimed.
"No offense, Emperor, but the mountain bandits here seem to think we're both women," Nuriko whispered to him. "They were probably fooled because we're both prettier than Aika is." Kurama laughed.
"You two? Women? Prettier than Aika? Stop! I can't take it!" He laughed.
"We're going to take these off," a man said taking their restrains off. Nuriko then punched Kurama, shutting him up.
"We have to play along with them long enough to buy Aika some time," Nuriko told Hotohori.
"But that means I have to pretend to be a common serving girl!" Hotohori hissed quietly.
"You can do it. Sheesh, it's not that hard. All ya do is flirt, act interested, and serve drinks," Kurama muttered. That's when the plan got into action. The guys sat at the table.
"Bring me my drink. You there!"
"One moment," Hotohori told them before putting something on. He then flipped his hair. "Their waiting for us, Nuriko," he said looking more attractive, surprising Nuriko and Kurama. "Please, let me serve you some more, big boy. What a tremendous drink you are," Hotohori fake smiled as he poured drinks. "I love men who can drink."
'The Emperor's enjoying this a little too much,' Nuriko sweat-dropped. Kurama was rolling around laughing.
"I-I wish-hahaha-N-Naruto could-hahahaha-could see this!" He laughed.
~0~
At the Kutou Palace, Tamahome was sitting cross legged on the floor, arms crossed as the two assassins stood by him.
"Welcome, Tamahome, Warrior of the Suzaku Seven," Nakago said appearing. Tamahome glared at him.
"You again," he sneered.
"I am Nakago. A Celestial Warrior just like yourself. I serve Seiryuu however."
"Seiryuu? Is that why you ordered this? Or is this just an excuse to get rid of me?" Tamahome glared as Nakago walked up. "So, now that you got me here, what's next?"
"I will use you to comfort the Lady Yui," Nakago smirked. He then grasped Tamahome's chin. "Besides, you may prove to be amusing to keep around. You're the first person who's ever hit me, so I'll keep things lively for you. I'd hate for you to die of boredom." Tamahome smirked.
"Heh, I'm surprised. You're a sloppy fighter," he said. Nakago smirked before slapping him.
"Nakago, keep away from him!" Yui shouted as she ran over. She gently wiped blood away from Tamahome's lip with her handkerchief.
"Ha, I've been slapped harder by children," Tamahome smirked at Nakago.
"Wait out in the hall way. I want time alone with the prisoner," Yui told Nakago and the assassins with a firm tone.
"As you wish, Priestess of Seiryuu," Nakago bowed his head to her before leaving with the assassins.
"I'm so sorry. I'll speak with him. I'll make sure he treats you better from now on," Yui said to Tamahome, her eyes softening.
"Forget about me. What about you? They must be doing something to force you to be the Priestess of Seiryuu for them. If I had been able to save you the first time, you wouldn't even be here," Tamahome said to her.
"I'm treated okay. I'm sort of surprised Aika let you come here," Yui told him.
"I left by myself in the middle of the night," Tamahome stated.
"I see…"
"But she'll be all right. I know she'll be able to find the other members of the Suzaku Seven without me. And once she has, I'll escape back to Konan along with you and Suzaku's Universe of the Four Gods," Tamahome said as he stood and went to the window. "We just have to be patient," he said smiling at her over his shoulder.
"Right," Yui replied. She looked away with a smirk. 'Aika, no matter how hard you try, I'll make sure you fail. Now that I have Tamahome, you'll never see him again.'
~0~
"There was no turning back. The Priestess of Suzaku was on her way to meet the bandit's leader," Naruto read before sharing looks with his wife and Sasuke.
Kida: *Coming up with plan on how to kill Yui*
Chichiri: She really doesn't like Yui, ya know!
Tamahome: Yeah, we've noticed.
Naruto: You idiot, you're trying to help Yui and you don't know that she chose to stay willing?!
Tamahome: Last I checked, she was your best friend. Shouldn't you stand up for her?
Naruto: She was my best friend. Was. NOW I'LL SMACK SOME SENSE INTO HER! BELIEVE IT!
Kida: That's my Naruto! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Please favorite and comment!