Fushigi Yugi: Mysterious Play

Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play

Season 2

Chapter 14

Festival Play

: Or:

The best is yet to come…

By:

NightMare

With lost boys and Chocobo Billys from:

Annikia Valentine

Dedicated to:
The Mighty Royal Trumpet Loving Frog

--

Author's Note: I know I should really get back on track…but this is fun! .

Side Note: During the first part when I say the seishi's names I'm referring to the actors…not the actual seishi. Am I insulting your intelligence or what? --;

Side Side Note: Yes. I know some of you think play format is evil. But this is (pause for dramatic effect) a PLAY! Of course if you want to be technical about it the entire thing is a mysterious play…but lets not nit-pick…

--

Sharon grinned. The play had just gotten interesting.

Miko: Oh! I'm saved! Thank you!

Tamahome: Yeah sure…no problem.

Narrator: Little did they know that this demon had been sent as a diversion by the emperor of Kutou.

The crowd boos at the mention of Kutou.

Hotohori: T…the m…miko is…saved…g…good….

Tasuki: That should have been me! It was my weapon! My victory! My….

Tamahome: Do ya want me to tell you how ya can be useful with this fan?

Tasuki: Well…I…

Tamahome: Take it and shove it in that big hole ya call a mouth for a few hours!

Chiriko: That monster was awfully easy to defeat, I think-

Chichiri: That monster was too easy to defeat! I think it was a set up!

Hotohori: I…it…might be…tr…true.

Mitsukake to miko: Hey, baby, need help?

Miko: Yes, thank you, dear sir.

Mitsukake helps her to her feet then 'accidentally' stumbles forward and his head lands on her chest.

Miko: Oh! Watch your step, Mitsukake.

Mitsukake: With pleasure!

Nuriko: I wanted to pound somebody. How about you, girly boy?

Hotohori shrinks away from Nuriko, paling.

Miko: Oh. But all is well! I am saved. Saved…by my love!

Tamahome: Huh?

Runs over and embraces Tamahome, heaving against him. Tamahome goes white.

Tamahome: Crap! Get away from me!

Pulls out of her tenacious grip and practically runs to the other side of the stage.

Miko: My love! Come back!

Tamahome: Stay away from me! I'm warnin' ya!

Chichiri: How dare you threaten the miko! If you were not one of the shichi seishi I would cut out your liver right here and leave you for the buzzards.

Tamahome: Uh…huh. Don't ya have a hat to disappear in or somethin'?

Chichiri: What?

Tamahome: Never mind.

A whistling noise fills the air.

Hotohori: Wh…what is that?

Chiriko: I remember that sound. Wasn't that the one that the blue dragon-

Chichiri: I know that sound! It was when the blue dragon alighted! That means that our enemy has come.

Tasuki: Well I am ready to fight him. I, Tasuki, sneakiest of thieves…bravest of warriors…gentlest of lovers…. Casts a look over in the miko's direction.

Tamahome: The hell? The first two parts are fine! Whaddya mean gentlest of lovers? As in girls?!

Tasuki: Yes I love girls! Who do you think I am? Hotohori?

Hotohori: Hey!

Nuriko: Shut up, girly boy.

Hotohori shuts up.

Tasuki: And it is I who loves the miko! Love her with everything! Would give her anything!

Tamahome: Just wait a damned-

Miko: Oh Tamahome love! Then you do care about me!

Tamahome: Wait! No! Back!

The miko comes over and hugs him again, planting slobbery kisses on his cheek.

Miko: Oh my darling.

Tamahome: Somebody get me outta heeeere!

Hotohori: This is insane…

Miko: Oh! But I cannot live without my Tamahome!

Tamahome: Yes ya can! It's not that hard!

The Miko bats her eyes.

Miko: Are you sure about that my love? Then perhaps I'm not trying enough.

Sweatdrops all around as everyone stares at the miko.

Chiriko: I think Nak-

Chichiri: I think Nakago is coming! We should be prepared to fight! Stand behind Miko! I will defend you until my sword is red with his blood!

The miko detaches herself from Tamahome and rushes in a cute, maidenly fashion, behind all of her seishi.

Narrator: Nakago is a powerful fighter….

The crowd boos.

Narrator: He will probably kill at least one before this final battle is over. The shichi seishi decide to send their bravest to the front!

Voice from the crowd: Well then you'd better keep Hotohori way in the back!

Hotohori: Very funny Ryuuen!

Tamahome: So who's gonna go?

Tasuki: Whoever is first will die first.

Chichiri: I…must defend the miko.

Mitsukake: Hey pretty one…yeah you in the red hat I…. Oh…umm…were we talking about something?

Hotohori: I…I'm the emperor. Emperors don't go into battle…I don't think.

Nuriko: I have to make sure girly boy doesn't do any gay things to embarrass the throne.

Tamahome: So basically you guys are a buncha little wimps and all this is about is who is gonna get sacrificed first?

The seishi (except for Tamahome) look down at Chiriko. Tasuki gives him a little nudge to the front.

Tamahome: Ya can't send a little kid like that!

Chiriko: I don't mind I-

Nakago: I…have…arrived…to kill…you all. Bwa…ha ha…ha ha.

Nakago enters. He is about four feet tall with a mop representing a wig. The crowd either boos or laughs.

Narrator: And the fight begins. It is fierce and brutal. Yet through all this, the miko remains calm and serene.

Miko: Eee! Don't let him get meeee!

Narrator: Although he fought bravely. Mitsukake is the first one to die.

Mitsukake: Oh no! I'm hurt Arrg! Urrg! Ohh! I can see the light! Urrg! Ahh! Eeg! Gasp! Choke!

Falls over and twitches a bit, then remains still

Narrator: The second one to fall is Chiriko…the poor small one did not have enough strength.

Chiriko sinks slowly to the ground.

Chiriko: Ah. I want to-

Chichiri: to Nakago. You monster! You fiend! With a swipe of my mighty sword I will cleave you in-

Chiriko: SHADDUP FOR A MINUTE, WILL YA?!

Chichiri blinks and is stunned into silence.

Chiriko: I want so say…good bye.

Closes his eyes and goes still.

Narrator: The fight goes on. Hour after hour, but Nakago never tires. Finally it is too much for Tasuki…and he dies.

Tasuki: Oh! I am going to die! I can see my life! I can see it as the illustrious leader! Stealing and looting! Oh the women! So many yet I loved none save the miko! I…

Tamahome: Just die already will ya?!

Tasuki: Never! Not until I'm done you cur!

Tamahome stalks over to Tasuki and shoves the Tessen in his mouth. Tasuki falls.

Narrator: Finally…ah he seemed so strong and yet…for all his strength. Nuriko dies.

Nuriko falls back on Hotohori, nearly pinning the slighter man to the floor.

Nuriko: Oh girly boy! I mean…Your Majesty! Although I have always called you gay, I have always loved you!

Hotohori: Get…off!

Sharon didn't know how to react to that. Mostly because she didn't know how Nuriko was going to react to it. If she did the wrong thing she was liable to be punched through a wall. Tasuki looked over at them. Took one look at Nuriko…and burst into gales of laughter. Nuriko's eyes narrowed into slits. He started forward. Ann grabbed onto his arm.

"No, Oniisan! Stop! This is just a play!" she cried. Nuriko dragged her relentlessly forward as if she wasn't even there. "Sharon, get the other arm!" The sixteen-year-old complied and dug into the ground with her heels. It was useless. Nuriko shook them off and calmly walked on stage like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Tasuki stopped laughing as the purple haired seishi approached him.

"Aw shit," he said. Nuriko smiled sweetly, knocked the bandit into the sky with a vicious uppercut, yanked the bouncer off his brother, and calmly walked back off. Sharon glanced up to watch Tasuki's progress in the sky and saw him come crashing, none to gently back down, near the 'miko'

"Oh! Tamahome, love!" the woman cried, hugging the poor woman hating bandit to her ample chest. Tasuki gave a muffled cry and waved his arms up and down in an effort to get away. Poor guy.

"Do not tell me that's me" Tamahome said suddenly. Sharon glanced over her shoulder and saw him standing there with his arms folded.

"Where have you been?" she asked. A manic gleam came to Tamahome's eye and Sharon wondered if she should have asked.

"Some vendor needed me to run something to another vendor who needed me to run something back."

"That was nice of you," Sharon said cautiously. Tamahome smiled, lifting a small string of jangling coins and rubbing them against his face.

"Five ryo worth of nice," he said with a goofy smile. "If I go back when the play is over I'll get ten more! Ten pretty ryo!"

Sharon rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the fake Tamahome on stage who was desperately trying to peel himself away from the giggling miko. Geez.

"Will- you- let- go!" Tasuki growled.

"See he's not a thing like me," said Tamahome. He leaned a little closer and murmured. "I wouldn't be trying to get away."

Ann giggled and Sharon felt her face go red but pretended it didn't. Stupid Squash-boy.

Tasuki finally managed to pry himself from the 'miko's' grip and again, got as far away from her as he could.

"Even though he is powerful and can wield his weapon better then any average man, Chichiri is fatally wounded by Nakago's magic," the narrator said. 'Chichiri' fell to one knee, the sword still out in front of him.

"If I had the energy to do so I would tear out your throat! I would cut you into bloody pieces, I would…" he went on for a bit, listing the many things he would do to the midget.

"That's me, no da? They don't know me very well do they, no da."

Sharon jumped as Chichiri popped up suddenly by her side. Gah. She wished he wouldn't do that! He smiled at her.

"There are more coming, no da."

Really? Sharon turned, heart jumping and waved enthusiastically at Mitsukake who towered over the crowd. He lifted a hand back and when he got closer she saw he had Chiriko with him who looked a little flustered.

"There's a lot of people here," the boy said, adjusting his hair which had come somewhat loose during the walk. "Everyone wants to get close to the stage."

"Well no one is going to take our spots," Nuriko said with conviction and, actually, people were giving Nuriko a wide berth. Sharon didn't blame them. She let Chiriko in front of her so he could see better and, in doing so, ended up moving a bit closer to Tamahome. He looked down at her, she looked up at him. Gah. Proximity warning. Too close, too close. Slipping from his side, Sharon slid over to Nuriko and took his arm, both for friendship and to anchor herself there. The purple haired seishi gave her a bemused smile but didn't try to shake her off.

Up on stage, Nakago was approaching "Hotohori" and "Tamahome" the only two living seishi. Sharon flinched inwardly and clung to Nuriko's arm tightly, trying not to think about it being real. It wasn't. It was just a play, just a stupid play. The miko sat on the stage behind her two seishi, clutching her hands to her heart. A maid in distress if ever there was one.

"Prepare…to die," said the tiny Nakago. "For now I will….kill you…and…your…little miko, too. Bwa…ha ha…ha ha," he said.

"Oh, whatever shall we do?" she cried, still just sitting there.

"Get off your …butt and do something!" Sharon snapped, censoring herself just in time. It was just a play, she knew it was, but this miko was really starting to annoy her. The woman's eyes narrowed a moment as she glanced out in the crowd, in a second, though she composed herself, straightening her neck. The only one who seemed to notice it was her was Tasuki who was grinning at her, but she couldn't tell if he was laughing at her or not. He'd better not be laughing at her.

"O wise voices of the air," said the miko, her voice full of drama. "There is nothing to do, with my dear seishi gone." Sharon twitched. "There is no hope left…"

Oh…oh that was it. She wasn't going to stand for that. She didn't care if it was just a play. Letting go of Nuriko, Sharon marched up to the stage. Tasuki was right by the edge of the stage, as if he'd read her mind. He held out a hand to help her up. She clambered up and stood next to the miko…Hong's daughter…whatever…who looked close to becoming an ax murderer.

"Listen, you," Sharon snapped. "Your…seishi are dead after having sacrificed themselves for you and all you can do is sit there whining about how sad you are."

"Get off the stage!" someone shouted.

"No!" Sharon snapped, whirling to face the audience. She was burning, she didn't even think she'd ever been this angry. Her hands were shaking from it and she clenched them into fists. "There is always hope! Always!"

"You've…lost?" said the Nakago, though he seemed unsure. He wasn't Nakago, just another person from Konan. Someone she was trying to protect.

"That doesn't matter." She'd lost so much already. "We're going to keep fighting!" Because that was the only thing she could do. The only thing they could do. Giving up was not an option. "We won't give up, we won't surrender and we will win."

No matter what she had to do. No matter how many times she lost. No matter what she had to suffer through.

A roar filled her ears and it took her a moment to realize it was the crowd, raising their fists in the air. Sharon felt her face heat, a strange mix of embarrassment and joy swelling inside her. These people…these…strangers…they were Konan and they were all with her. She glanced behind at the woman who was giving her a strange look and realized she'd just interrupted, stole the spotlight. It wasn't…very fair.

"That was kind of rude of me," she said to the woman, smiling apologetically. The woman, ah, she really needed to know her name, gave her a hard look, then smiled a little herself and shook her head.

"You seem to have gotten more of a reaction than I ever did," she said with a sigh. "Well, other than laughter."

"Who doesn't like to be entertained?" Sharon said, seeing the woman was trying to get up and held out a hand to help her. The woman smiled at her fully and put her hand in Sharon's, it was cool and very smooth.

"So do whom do I owe the honor?" said the woman, once she had straightened.

"Um…" should she really tell her? "I'm Sharon." Well she didn't really need to know the rest did she? The woman raised her eyebrows and looked as if she was about to say something when the sound of a horn rang out. The crowd murmured and Sharon glanced out to see paper lanterns being lit, one by one in a straight line and at the end of the line was an ornate carrying chair, with Hotohori sitting one it. Sharon smiled and folded her arms, shaking her head.

"Hori-kun certainly knows how to make an entrance," she muttered to herself. From out of the corner of her eye she saw the actor seishi pull themselves out of their "death". She focused on Hotohori, though, who seemed to have a miniature procession with him, the men with the lanterns marched ahead, the light glinting off the gold designs on their red clothes. The crowd bowed in reverence. Sharon resisted the urge to wave to him but enjoyed the smile on his face. She met his eyes and smiled back at him, glad he had come. Someone pinched her sharply, then and she yelped, half glaring down at the woman who was bowing. Actually all the actors were. Tasuki was, too as were the rest of her seishi.

"Bow you idiot," the woman hissed. Sharon blinked. Should she? She hadn't really before. But maybe… Maybe this would be a good time to do it. Gah, but should she bow as a seishi or like the people out there were or like the lady was or what? After a short bout of panic she decided to mimic the lady and bowed the best she could, wincing as it was probably wrong.

She heard a thump like wood knocking against wood of the stage and started to look up but the lady nudged her. Sharon focused her gaze on the stage itself.

"We apologize," Hotohori's rich voice rolled through the air, over the reverent silence. "Though we have watched this performance for many years in secret, we have never before made ourselves known to our people. However, tonight is a night for change, for mysteries to be revealed, dreams to come true. Tonight, I wish to present to you those that are saving our beloved Konan."

Applause, some cheers, Sharon peeked up and noticed that people in the crowd were unbowed at least but everyone on the stage was still down. Gah. She shot Hotohori's back a desperate look and what she saw made her straighten in surprise. He was wearing a slightly grander version of what he wore on the road, a long red tunic, belted at the waist, except this had a deeper red color and had gold around the sleeves, there was a gold phoenix on his chest as well she saw as he turned toward her. His hair was down, but bound back at the bottom and shone in the light. Suddenly she saw him as his people must see him, someone grand, imperial, almost god-like. Not that she would tell him this, though. Honestly his head didn't need to get any bigger than it already was.

"First," said Hotohori, smiling at her before sliding his gaze to someone else. "We should introduce your shichi seishi. Those that risk their all to protect their beloved miko. I am, of course, Hotohori."

Sharon smiled but felt her heart flutter a little at his words. They'd better not risk their all. She wasn't going to have any one of them die on her. She tried not to think about this as Hotohori moved to Rouku's side. All color drained from the other man's face and Sharon could see his hands tremble.

"You did a commendable job," Hotohori said, putting a hand lightly on Rouku's shoulder.

"Thank you," the man squeaked. He looked as though he were going to pass out.

"As for Tamahome," Hotohori started. Tasuki smirked and looked as though he was going to say something, but Hotohori continued. "Who, despite our many differences, is a strong brave leader and protects our miko to the best of his ability."

He didn't even glance at Tasuki as he spoke, but Sharon had the feeling that half of that was directed at him. Hotohori swept out his hand in an elegant gesture and Tamahome was smiling as he came on the stage, in such a way that Sharon heart nearly stopped. He clasped Hotohori's hand and bowed as the crowd cheered. Sharon bit her lips to stop herself from cheering her lungs out, she did clap though, smiling as hard as she could at him, and Hotohori who was making all this happen. Tamahome winked at her before taking his place beside Hotohori.

"Your Majesty," the one who played Tasuki said, ambling up to Hotohori in a short respectful bow. "Where is the warrior whom I played? I am sure he is proud of my superb acting and representation. After all I…"

"Tasuki is right there," Hotohori cut in, gesturing to the smirking bandit. The weasely man stared up in shock at him for a moment than bowed.

"You're not as refined as I expected," said the man. "But it was an honor."

"Thanks," Tasuki said, dryly. Oi! Sharon pouted.

"Perhaps not as refined as a member of nobility," said Hotohori. "But Tasuki possesses more courage than I have seen in many years, including the bravery to speak his mind."

Even if he does put his foot in it, Sharon added mentally. She stood back, clapping for him too as he seemed to stand even straighter. Right now, she knew she didn't have to worry about anything.

"Nuriko," Hotohori said, actually going to the edge of the stage to help the purple haired seishi up. Sharon put a hand to her mouth to cover a giggle. She had never seen him so red before. Even as Nuriko came up on stage, Hotohori held his hand for a moment or two longer. "Thank you," Hotohori said. "For your heart and for your strength in the protection of our beloved miko."

"I…it was my pleasure," Nuriko stammered, snapping his fan open with an elegant but flustered gesture, fanning himself. Hotohori let him go finally and Nuriko went to stand by Tasuki who, again looked like he was going to say something. Nuriko's lips pulled into a taunt smile and he snapped the fan closed against his free hand. Tasuki's smirk disappeared and he cleared his throat.

Chichiri was next, commended for his wisdom and calming presence. She had to edge out on the stage a little to see him. He looked frail next to his actor, but Sharon knew better.

"You're…" said the actor uncomfortably. "Forgive me, but you are nothing like I expected."

"It's a surprise to me too, no da," Chichiri said cheerfully. Mitsukake came next, almost hesitantly on the stage. He didn't look entirely comfortable and Sharon had to smother her laughter to see him towering over the short man that played him, looking for all the world like a brick wall next to a small shrub.

"We would be dead many times over without Mitsukake's presence," Hotohori said. "He has not only kept us healthy," the corner of the emperor's mouth twitched into a smile as he glanced sidelong at her. "But managed to keep us sane as well."

Now just what was that supposed to mean? Sharon folded her arms and tried to look annoyed but couldn't help but smile. Finally it was Chiriko's turn. If anything, he looked even more uncomfortable than Mitsukake. Sharon wanted to come up to him and put her hands on his shoulders to let him know it was all right, but she didn't want to steal the spotlight. The young actor who had played Chiriko's role smiled at him and bowed but Chiriko didn't seem to be any more confident. Hotohori put his hands on Chiriko's shoulders.

"Despite his youth, if not for Chiriko we would assuredly be dead. We owe him our lives."

Chiriko went red and began to stammer something about how it was really nothing but couldn't seem to get the words out. Sharon pretended to rub her nose and instead shouted behind her hand.

"Yeah, Chiriko!"

"Woo!" shouted Ann from the crowd. Sharon sought her out and grinned at her. Ann gave her the peace sign in response.

"We would like to present, once again," Hotohori said. "The Suzaku no shichi seishi." The crowd cheered and applauded. A small movement caught her eye and Sharon saw the midget had taken off his wig and was turning it over in his hands. Well…they weren't the only one's in the play after all. She edged back to stand beside him and he looked up at her, smiling nervously. Poor guy.

"What's your name?" she asked him just loud enough so he could hear her.

"Zhi Min," he said, patting at his balding forehead with the wig. "And yours?"

"Sharon," Sharon said, smiling at him. As the applause died down, she stepped forward on the stage, a hand on Zhi's shoulder to take him with her.

"Wh…what?" he stared.

"Let's hear it for Zhi Min, too!" Sharon shouted so that people heard her. She didn't want him to be forgotten after all. "After all, it would hardly be a play without an antagonist!"

There was silence at first and Sharon realized that people were looking to Hotohori for conformation. Had…she…just done something bad? Hotohori seemed startled for a moment, then smiled and clapped, sending off a tidal wave of applause over the crowd.

"And our nice narrator!" she said, since she was on a roll. The man stepped up and bowed but seemed to be a little unnerved as he clutched his scroll. Did actors usually have this much stage fright?

"Forgive me, my lords," he said, when he could be heard. It took Sharon a moment to realize he was speaking to the seishi. "It was in the script that you were all to come back...but…" his eyes slid accusingly to her. Sharon felt her face heat. She had kind of ruined it, hadn't she?

"Do not be concerned," Hotohori said with a smile. "I knew of your intentions."

"Speaking of wonderful intentions," Sharon said and prayed she wasn't stepping on Hotohori's toes. "A big round of applause for your lovely miko! She did a wonderful job!" The woman stepped forward so gracefully and bowed with equal grace to a crowd that absolutely loved her. Sharon smiled. Of course they did. She was so elegant. Sharon kind of wished she could be a little more like her. She applauded loudly as the woman deserved.

"Yes, she was a splendid miko," said Hotohori. "But would our people care to meet the true Suzaku no Miko?"

Oh gah! Sharon felt her face go red and her stomach jumped as the crowd's cheers seemed even louder. Oh no. Oohhh no. There was no way she could…. Not after they… Not after she… No. Gaaaah. Maybe she could run. Yeah. That was a good idea. She would just dash off the stage when no one was looking… Except everyone was looking, all her seishi were watching her and smiling. The expressions on their faces. It was too much. They couldn't…possibly…mean what she was seeing in their faces. That…that intense happiness. She wasn't that good. She wasn't very good at all. Oh gah, oh gah.

"Well she requires very little introduction," Hotohori said, holding out his hand to her. "For you have already met her."

Oh gah. She was frozen. Stuck. Had to move had to move. Move stupid feet! Hotohori's smile only widened and he came to her, fluidly, gracefully, like molten gold and took her clumsy sweaty hand but didn't even flinch. Hand over hers, he guided her gently in front of everyone. She felt like she could see all of Konan standing there watching her. Oh gah. What should she do? What should she do? Wave? Bow? What? The crowd was still cheering. She wished they wouldn't…. Not for her…. She wished the stage would just swallow her up.

"There is nothing to fear," Hotohori murmured, guiding her once more as Sharon followed him dumbly, concentrating on not tripping over her dress. "They love you. All you must do is love them back."

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, his lips warm. Sharon wanted to stammer that she didn't know how, to end this. Before she could, though, two female attendants came and before she could figure out how to breath had bundled her into an expensive looking red silk robe with gold phoenixes swirling all over it. An equally expensive looking headdress, with red gems was tucked into her hair. The next thing she knew, she was sitting in the carrying chair, lifted high by four strong men and carried off the stage into the swirling crowd.

All at once everyone seemed to reach for her, the word Suzaku no Miko seemed to be everywhere. Along with words begging blessing. They…they really thought that she was…something special. Well…she didn't want to disappoint them by ignoring them. Summoning up the courage she reached out and brushed extended fingertips with her own, accepting gifts of flowers and one scrawny boy was trying to reach above the crowd to offer a gold bracelet. Sharon felt kind of bad, but took it with thanks anyway. Another man, with his wife clinging to his arm, was holding up a baby.

"Bless him, your grace!" the man called. Sharon couldn't quite reach him, though and wasn't sure how to get the people holding the chair to move over. As if reading her mind, the chair stopped and Mitsukake came up, taking the baby gently and handing it to her. She thanked him with a smile, taking the child a bit awkwardly. He was a hefty little thing, maybe a year, with big dark eyes and a ready smile. She wasn't sure how one went about blessing a baby, but kissed it's forehead anyway. Then, remembering something Ann's little brother liked, she shifted the child and blew a raspberry against it's neck. The baby squealed with laughter and Sharon laughed too. This wasn't so bad.

--

Ah, everything was going so wonderfully. Hotohori watched, bittersweet joy coiling in his stomach. The people were getting to meet their beloved miko and seishi, and the palace guards kept the massive crush impressively controlled. Sharon was shining, whether or not she knew it. It was true, she lacked the grace and finesse of a courtier, but he could see the love in his people's faces, the devotion as she eagerly reached out to touch, to connect and soon she would be gone, gone on a trip where he could not follow.

Hotohori took a moment to gently take the hand of an old woman who was requesting his attention and spent a few moments trying to hear her above the roar of the crowd and her own flowing tears. He didn't understand much, but it didn't matter, when she was done he kissed her hand and wished her a long happy life. He didn't even know her name and he would likely never see her again, but she was one of his people. His people. His Konan.

Fireworks exploded overhead in a glistening shower of noise and light. Sharon looked up just like a child, clapping her hands together. Hotohori watched her, then the other seishi, his fellow seishi, who spoke and laughed and mingled with the crowd. His heart twisted. It would be long before he saw them again too. He would miss them, he realized, even though he barely even knew them. They were his comrades, his friends. He suddenly understood something which had eluded him for so long. There was not one of them he couldn't trust, just as every one of them trusted him. Well once they returned he would make sure to take advantage of that. He would not let this time, this valuable time of joy, slip by him any longer. Nuriko came up to his side, then, looking worried. His face was not as flushed as it had been, though it was hard to tell in the darkness.

"Hotohori-sama," he said, raising his voice to be heard above the noise. "Is there a way we can find Ann? I'm a little worried about her."

Ah yes, that was probably a good idea. It would not be good for anyone were Sharon's friend to fall into enemy hands, or get lost in this crowd. He stopped to pull aside a guard, giving the lady's general appearance. It didn't take long for the man to find her. She seemed a little disoriented. Since Nuriko had been swept away somewhere, probably distracted by someone he knew, Hotohori offered his arm to keep her close and out of the confusion. She hesitated a moment before taking it, her hand warm on his arm.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked above the roar.

"Very much, Your Majesty," she shouted back, though she still couldn't seem to meet his gaze. "It's crazy out here!"

"The best is yet to come," he told her. They went out to the main street, Sharon still carried in the lead. It was rather odd to be walking near the tail end of this kind of procession, but he was feeling strangely relaxed, almost liberated. Gongs and drums sounded ahead of him and a giant phoenix costume, bedecked in bells and flashing eyes danced and twined through the procession of miko, seishi and noblemen. It was beautiful. More beautiful than anything he'd ever seen.

--

Sharon yawned and stretched her arms over her head. One look out the window told her it was almost noon. She smiled and rubbed at her eyes and blinked as she saw a vase of flowers. Flowers were everywhere, arranged carefully, there was even some bamboo arranged in a pot. She felt like she was in a green house. They were all from the festival, she realized. All these for her. Sharon put her hands over her face, remembering. Gah. That…that had been unreal. Just unreal. There was no way they would be that happy if they knew…they knew how she really was. But she wouldn't think about that. No. And she'd find something to do with the small pile of jewelry she'd somehow accrued and was sitting on a pile on a table at the far end of the room. It wasn't right that she could keep something like that. It couldn't belong to someone like her.

Though it did remind her of something she had wanted to get last night and totally missed the opportunity. Darnit. Well maybe Keiki could find a way to help her out. That sort of thing was his job, right? Her stomach growled at her in irritation. She sighed; but first, breakfast. Or something like it. Sharon slipped out of bed and pulled on the plaid skirt and the white dress shirt again. She hadn't worn it in a while. In fact, it was almost a little weird to be wearing it. She felt like she'd been in nothing but fancy Chinesey clothes for the past few days. Deciding to forego the socks lying crumpled and dejected on the floor, Sharon snatched her brush and headed for the main dining hall, brushing her hair as she went.

Only Ann was there. Otherwise the place seemed deserted. However, the moment she sat down a woman seemed to pop into existence by her elbow and asked what she cared to eat.

"What she's having," Sharon said, covering a yawn with her hand. It was too early in the…noon to make decisions like that.

"Mornin'," Sharon said, resting her chin on her hands. Ann gave her a dry look under a tousled mop of brown hair that told Sharon she'd just woken up too.

"It's noon," Ann said.

"Eh, same diff," Sharon said, wincing a little as her stomach growled again. Urgh. Hungry. Didn't she eat anything last night? She honestly couldn't remember. "Anyway, I don't want to hear it from you. You just woke up, too, admit it."

"Yeah," Ann said, poking at her noodles with her chopsticks. "But unlike some people this isn't my usual routine. I swear, I don't know how you sleep so much."

"Practice," Sharon said. There was silence. Sharon yawned again. The more the silence went on, however, the more Sharon had the feeling something was wrong. Ann kept staring at her bowl, poking around with her chopsticks but not eating very much at all. The servant came with her breakfast, rice gruel with eggs on top and two small oranges. Sharon thanked her and began to peel an orange, sucking off the juice as it squirted on her fingers.

"You're leaving tomorrow," Ann said, finally, looking up at her. Sharon blinked.

"Leaving?"

"Yeah…you know," Ann said. "For Hokkan."

"Hokkan?"

"You know…the Shinzaho?"

"The Shinzaho?" Okay. So she was mostly just playing along now. Ann gave her a dryl look and drummed her fingers against the table.

"The thing you have to get to summon Suzaku?" Ann said. Sharon pretended a blank look. Then said.

"Oooh." She bit into her orange. She hadn't forgotten about the shinzaho but this was the first she'd heard that they were leaving tomorrow. Why so soon? Well better now than later, she supposed. They sooner they got the Shinzaho, the sooner Konan would be safe. Sharon glanced at Ann who was giving her a concerned look.

"We won't be long," Sharon said around a mouthful of orange. She swallowed it and tried to smile. "Trust me! We'll be back before you know it!"

"I wish I could come with you," Ann said, resting her chin in her hands.

"It's dangerous, Anni…."

"Going to Mt. Tai…Peachez was dangerous too," Ann said. Yeah. That was a good point but… Sharon shook her head. It wasn't the same. Back then…back then they didn't have anyone breathing down their necks. Back then it was just them. Kutou didn't even really exist except for a vague place somewhere east.

"Yeah, but we didn't have any enemies to contend with," Sharon said.

"Taiitsukun let me come here for a reason and that was to help you," Ann said, folding her arms. "I had a choice and I decided to help you. I can't just stay here."

"You have to, Anni. If you…if you died I could never forgive myself. Besides, you're helping me by staying here." Sharon didn't say what else was in her mind. She sort of wished Taiitsukun hadn't sent Ann here at all. Sure Sharon loved her friend and had missed her, but it was too dangerous for someone without any powers at all. She would hate for Ann to get caught in the middle, but she had the feeling it was all ready too late.

"How is that helping?"

"Because then I won't have to worry about you. Here I know you're safe."

"Well why would Taiitsukun send me if she didn't think I could defend myself?"

"I don't know, Ann, but you're not coming with us," Sharon said, surprised a little at the tone in her voice. Ann looked surprised as well. Sharon sighed and smiled, reaching out to squeeze Ann's hand. She hated the look that Ann was giving her right now, as if she was somehow someone different. She wasn't. She just…didn't want to see anyone else she cared about get hurt.

"Sharon…," Ann said. Her jaw was set, as if she was going to try to convince her. Sharon stood, knowing she had to go before that happened. Ann was good and always knew what to say to make Sharon see her side, but Sharon couldn't allow it.

"Well I better go. I have to talk to Keiki about something," Sharon said, trying to sound cheerful.

"But…," Ann started. Sharon left, she knew if she staid Ann would be able to say something or do something to change her mind. She knew she was probably hurting her, but hurting was a lot better then her getting hurt on some journey.

She couldn't let Ann come. It just wasn't right. Ann should have stayed behind in their world. But at least in Konan she was safe, for now. Who knew what could happen in the future? Nothing could happen if she wouldn't let it and she wouldn't. She would summon Suzaku. Not just for Konan…but for her friend.

--

Sharon did look for Keiki and found him soon enough, asking him to go get something for her and giving him the money to do so. She felt a bit bad about it but there wouldn't be time for her to do it herself. Especially since she needed to pack. She should start now actually but she just couldn't go back to her room. It was a little frightening to think that tomorrow…tomorrow they would leave this all behind again to go on a dangerous journey…again. After a while of wandering, she eventually found herself in the gardens.

It didn't surprise her. Whenever she was troubled, she always seemed to be drawn to this place. It was so beautiful and peaceful. She saw Chichiri sitting by the lake, a fishing pole in his hands. Tama-neko sat beside him, the tip of his tail twitching in anticipation. Sharon smiled and moved to sit down beside the cat. After a moment of hesitation, she dangled her feet in the water, wincing a little at the cold.

"How are you doing today kitty?" she asked, scratching his head.

"Meow," the cat said simply. She giggled.

"You are one smart cat, Tama." The cat purred as if to say, ' I know.' She sat for a bit, looking out over the water.

"So…you catch anything yet?" she asked, glancing out over the water. It was a pointless question, she guessed, because he didn't exactly have a pile of fish beside him.

"Not yet, no da," he said pleasantly. Sharon smiled. That's what she liked about him. He was never sarcastic over questions. Hotohori was right, he was really calm. She glanced at him, watching him. The wind ruffled his bangs.

"When did you wake up?" she asked, just for something to say.

"A little before the sun rose, no da." Chichiri said. Sharon nearly facefaulted.

"Aren't you tired at all?"

"Not really, no da."

Geez. How could anybody stay up that late, then wake up that early? It didn't seem possible. Then again, Chichiri wasn't at all like normal people. She watched him some more, staring at his smiling face. Well…mask really. He wore it all the time. It must be nice to be able to smile all the time like that. She wondered what his expression was really like behind the mask. Was he sad? Tired? Annoyed? Would he even let her know?

"Hey, Chichiri, why do you wear your mask all the time?" She asked before she thought about it and almost wished she hadn't. It was probably a personal question. She felt her face heat, turning her gaze back to the water and seeing her reflection. She looked away from that, too, glancing over the big gorgeous lake.

"Why do you want to know?" he asked. His voice seemed more mellow this time.

"I'm just curious…I mean, it lets you smile all the time. That would be great to have something like that. " Gah, this was quickly delving into the area of absolutely no tact. She felt her face go red and kicked at the water a little, sending ripples in ever widening circles. He didn't say anything and she didn't blame him. It was a really personal question to begin with. She couldn't stop thinking about it, though. Maybe if she had a mask, no one would worry about her. Maybe if she had just smiled instead of…well…complaining, spending more time with Amanda... But she had the feeling that Amanda had never really liked her to begin with. Ugh and she had to go against her, too, didn't she? To get the shinzaho.

"I don't want to go against Amanda again," she said, half to herself. "I mean, isn't this enough? She already hates me. Sometimes…" Sharon paused, the truth coming to her even though she didn't realize it, didn't want to admit it. "Sometimes I wish I could just…forget about it, you know? It would be so easy to do this if she weren't my friend."

"She is your friend," Chichiri said. Sharon looked at him and saw he had taken his mask off, revealing the white scar that slashed across his face. It made something inside her twitch, as if she was seeing him for the first time. The real Chichiri, someone she didn't even know that much. "She will always be your friend, even if you are not always hers."

"Yeah well that doesn't make it any easier. I mean, what difference does it make? No matter how much I like her, if she hates me—"

"You can't really know her mind," Chichiri said softly, looking beyond her over the lake. "Or her heart. She could love you very much and not even know it herself. She could be waiting for you to save her. If you think you really know how she feels, you could make a terrible mistake."

Sharon rested her chin on her knees. Was that really true? She'd known Amanda for years. They had been best friends, hadn't they? Well sort of.

"If you want to know about my mask, I'll tell you." He was looking at her again. Waiting patiently. Sharon smiled sheepishly.

"You don't have to. I didn't mean to pry."

"I want to," he said.

"Okay," Sharon said, watching him. Whatever he was going to tell her sounded serious….