Chapter 2: What She Is, Was And will Soon Be
About two weeks had gone by since Sora had come to the book world. Chichiri had told her about the priestess and the other warriors. He told her about all their adventures and all he had predicted to happen. He had tried to teach her some magic but to no avail, nothing. Tasuki and her talked often but usually ended in a fight. Usually a playful one but Tasuki never liked it. Kouji had been making passes at Sora since she got there but never got close since Tasuki and Chichiri were on guard at her side all the time. She liked Kouji and had a pretty good time with him but made a point not to flirt with him too much after all.
It had been quite some time after all and nothing happened at the pond. Maybe the dreams Tasuki and Chichiri had were just to lead them to Sora. Chichiri had suggested going the palace but that was no good. What could lady Houki do for them? Then Tasuki came up with an idea, "Why don't we got to Mt. Taikioku?" That's just what they did.
They only had three horses so Sora had to take turns riding with each of the men. She rode with Chichiri first since she had a greater bond with him. She rode in front and they talked about small things like what they did when they were little and what they want to do later on. Tasuki frowned the whole time since he was bored out of his mind. If they had to talk he wanted to hear some juicy stuff. "Hey Sora."
"Yeah?"
"How far have you gotten?"
"WHAT KIND OF A QUESTION IS THAT!?"
"Well if you two ladies over there have to gossip we might as well hear some good tuff."
"Ladies no da? I resent that no da!"
"Well Sora how far have ya gotten?"
"None of your business!"
"Oh come on. Did you get all the way ya know?"
"No! In fact I never got anywhere! Happy?!" Sora shrinked into the saddle since she was kind of embarrassed. Chichiri had his arms around when he was holding the reins but tightened his grip around her to comfort her since he knew she was a little upset. Tasuki kind of felt bad for asking but somehow he kind of wanted to know.
"Sorry. Didn't think you were so fragile.woman.hmph."
"Well you asked and I answered! And I'm not fragile! You're the one who had to apologize!"
"I didn't have to apologize just for an excuse! I did cause I thought it would make ya stop whining! If your so pissed why don't you ask me something!"
"FINE I WILL! Um.how many.erg.how.no.I know! How many times do you jack- off in a week.or in a day.whatever CUMS easier to you. Hehe."
Kouji looked at Sora and smiled and looked at Tasuki. "Genrou buddy. She got you there."
"I KNOW THAT! AND I DON'T JERK-OFF!!!"
"I bet he does it a lot no da. He's too shy to say he imagines you when he does it no da hehe no da!"
"CHICHIRI! NOW YOU HAVE TO GET IN ON IT YA STUPID BASTARD!"
Chichiri shrunk deeper then Sora had and Sora just laughed. " Suppose that means I win. Hehe. Well serves you right for challenging me hehe!"
"How come you haven't even kissed anyone yet then Sora? You diseased or something?"
Sora cocked an eyebrow at Tasuki and hung her head down. "I'm not so sure why. I suppose I'm waiting for someone I love." Tasuki looked at her a moment but dropped his eyes once she raised her gaze to him. Chichiri smiled and patted her on the head.
"I think it's sweet that you're saving your kiss for someone you love no da. I admire that no da."
"Really? You don't think it's stupid? I thought I was just being a nerd not kissing anyone yet."
"No really. It's very cute. Most girls would jump at their first chance to get kissed. You are so picky. I suppose you'll end up with a good guy. He'll sure be lucky." Kouji said. He smiled at her. Not a coy smile but a real smile a friend would give.
"Thanks Kouji. That means a lot to me." Kouji blushed a little bit and smiled. Maybe he had a chance. The trick was not to be a pervert. But Kouji had noticed that Tasuki had fallen silent.
"What's goin' on Genrou? Why ya all silent?"
"All this mushy crap is making me sick."
Sora looked at him and laughed. "Well I think that isn't the case. Maybe he wants to go jack-off but can't get away from us since he just took a leak like a half hour ago.hehehe!"
"WHAT?! NO!?"
Soon though they came to entrance of Mt. Taikyoku. Kouji only saw a barren land since he wasn't a Suzaku seishi. But maybe that wasn't the problem. Sora could see it. She wasn't a seishi or priestess though. Kouji took the horses and tied them to a tree. He laid down and fell asleep. He would probably have to wait till the rest for them were done. Almost immediately they were greeted by Nyan Nyan and transported to the main hall of Taitsukun's palace where they would meet Taitsukun.
The old god appeared before them. Chichiri nodded to her, Tasuki passed out and Sora.just made faces as if she were going to be sick. After all like everyone else she couldn't keep a straight face.
"Enough of that! Chichiri seems to be the only one with some decency around here! Well I'm sure you can to figure out why you are here and your way of getting home right?"
"HAI!" Sora raised her hand high as if she was in class.
"To tell you the truth I am not sure why you are here."
"What?" They all said in unison.
"I don't know much but I do know your origin Sora. At least I believe I do. Like humans are ruled by gods the gods are rules by spirits.perhaps more of the spirit of the human heart. Every thing in existence has a spirit. And as I can tell you are one of those spirits."
"But I'm not dead." BONG Taitsukun bonked Sora and continued.
"You have powers. Chichiri has sensed them when he first met you. But your spirit is holding back for some reason. You are a spirit of the elements I believe. Your name Sora is a dead give away. The wind sings in your voice, the brush shielded you from serious injury when you fell, water led you to destiny and fire burns in you heart wherever you find trust. I'm sure of it."
"Um ok."
"Don't take this lightly Sora. I don't know why you are here but if I'm correct you may not live through it." Sora blinked. 'Me? Die? That doesn't sound good' she thought. Tasuki looked at her and then approached Taitsukun.
"Is there anything we can do? We can't have her die!"
"I'm not saying she WILL die it's just a very likely possibility."
"For an old bag your pretty useless." Taitsukun hit Tasuki. Sora looked slightly worried but that soon pasted when Taitsukun came over to Sora and put her hand on her shoulder.
"You need to reach within yourself and be true to everyone around you. You can't fight for your life or friends if your spirit is not willing. With this I leave you to journey to Mt. Ummei."
"Where would that be?"
"No one knows and you will only find it when you overcome and obstacle."
"And that would be."
"You will know when you've done it."
The three companions left and found Kouji still sleeping. They nudged him awake and took him back to Mt. Reikaku since this was a dangerous journey and Tasuki would never put such a burden on his friend. Sora had been very quiet lately. Chichiri was worried about his illegitimate little sister and Tasuki more then any of them was worried as well. When they had traveled for a few hours in utter silence Tasuki got uncomfortable. "Say Sora.what is it that you think you'll have to do to get to Mt. Ummei?"
"..."
"Um.how about the weather we have been having?"
"Nice I suppose."
"Erg.Ok what's wrong? What are you hiding?"
"Nothing.can we stop? I feel tired."
"*sigh*Ok."
When they stopped Chichiri helped Sora off her horse and gave her a pat on the head. Sora gave him a smirk. As real as a smile she could give. He gave her a weak smile back. He knew she knew what she had to overcome. He let it go though. With the mask on his face he knew all too well how solitude and silence can help the pain. Tasuki on the other hand didn't like to see anyone sad.
Sora had walked into the brush and sided by the edge of a cliff. Tasuki had followed her. He saw her there and freaked. He rushed to her and almost tackled her to the ground.
"WHAT ARE YA DOING!? YOU WANNA GET KILLED!?"
"What's your problem? I was just looking."
"You weren't just looking. I could see it in your face."
"I have gone through a lot lately. More then you could understand. Things that may seem smaller then they really are. I used to feel like I was at the edge of a cliff. I push myself knowing it will hurt when I hit but jump anyhow. But that was only emotional. I have no intent to end my life. It just feels so good to be on the brink of letting go. I never would though. I'm too much of a coward."
"COWARDS END THEIR LIFE! Well I still can't believe you would though. What could have happened that could have twisted your heart?"
"Something that most people could take."
"Talk to me then."
"I would rather not."
Sora looked down at her feet and sighed. Tasuki hated to see her sad. He tilted her chin up toward his face. With his thumb he whipped away some unshed tears. This poor girl. He grabbed her and hugged her. She resisted at first but then in a moment of despair she hugged him back tightly as if it were her last hug. He was surprised. He never expected her to do that but it was good that she was letting some of her pain out. She wept into his chest and bellowed. "You can't imagine what I feel. My best friend took away the only person I had ever fallen in love with and my friends.that won't even try to make me feel better. They accuse me of everything that goes wrong! They don't even understand and they won't try and it feels like they hurt me again and again. I feel all alone. All I ever wanted was someone I could confide in like my best friend. But that over.over.I don't think there is a single human being left in the world."
"Is that what happened? That must really suck."
"Suck! My whole world crashed! Please don't try to say it's not my fault. My friends say that it was because I couldn't forgive her. What she did was betray my trust and my honor for her.she took my pride."
"I can't say I know how you feel but if you want a friend.I'll be here for you. I won't let you die and I will protect you with all that I am. I swear."
Sora looked up with wet eyes. She saw him smile at her. 'Please don't let me fall in love again.' She thought. She clung to Tasuki shirt and breathed in deep. "Now I have to figure out what I need to let out.and I highly doubt that is it." She let go her grip and stepped away. Tasuki just looked at her with a wide mouth. She turned away but said one thing. "You say you'll be there for me. It's only time before I lose you too. It is something that always happens."
"I would never.do that to you."
Tasuki almost felt as if he were to cry. How could she deal with so much pain and be so cold. He couldn't help her. If only he could. She had run moments before away from him. He ran after her and found her scared and dodging attacks. He looked in the sky and saw a man with dark green hair and purple eyes. He wore white and brown wings much like Sora's from the dream.
"Oh my dear sister. I did all I could to make you happy. I give you a new reality and you still mope. Well what can I do with you? If you had loved me none of this would have happened. You would have never been hurt." Sora was out of breath and Tasuki rushed to her side and pushed her behind him. He sent flames towards the man. Nothing. The man disappeared and reappeared by Sora. "You will remember me yet and you will come to be mine in the end." He held her chin and licked her cheek before disappearing.
"WHAT WAS THAT! %^$& THAT WAS WEIRD! HOW DARE HE TOUCH YOU!! AND HE LICKED YOU?!!!"
Sora looked at Tasuki and trembled. She fell into his arms. "That man.he seems so familiar...holy shit." Tasuki picked her up ever so gently and took her back to the camp. He laid her on her blanket and tucked her in. She was very weak from what had happened and a bit of rest would do her good. Chichiri saw the whole thing and grinned at Tasuki.
"Don't give me that look."
"What look? I think it's cute no da. You're like her little faithful puppy no da."
"Well maybe but she's been hurt badly."
"WHAT? WHAT HAPPENED NO DA!?"
"No not like that. Her heart has been hurt. She thinks she's all alone in the world and doesn't think she will ever have a true friend. She even said I would betray her someday too."
"Ok tell me everything no da."
About two weeks had gone by since Sora had come to the book world. Chichiri had told her about the priestess and the other warriors. He told her about all their adventures and all he had predicted to happen. He had tried to teach her some magic but to no avail, nothing. Tasuki and her talked often but usually ended in a fight. Usually a playful one but Tasuki never liked it. Kouji had been making passes at Sora since she got there but never got close since Tasuki and Chichiri were on guard at her side all the time. She liked Kouji and had a pretty good time with him but made a point not to flirt with him too much after all.
It had been quite some time after all and nothing happened at the pond. Maybe the dreams Tasuki and Chichiri had were just to lead them to Sora. Chichiri had suggested going the palace but that was no good. What could lady Houki do for them? Then Tasuki came up with an idea, "Why don't we got to Mt. Taikioku?" That's just what they did.
They only had three horses so Sora had to take turns riding with each of the men. She rode with Chichiri first since she had a greater bond with him. She rode in front and they talked about small things like what they did when they were little and what they want to do later on. Tasuki frowned the whole time since he was bored out of his mind. If they had to talk he wanted to hear some juicy stuff. "Hey Sora."
"Yeah?"
"How far have you gotten?"
"WHAT KIND OF A QUESTION IS THAT!?"
"Well if you two ladies over there have to gossip we might as well hear some good tuff."
"Ladies no da? I resent that no da!"
"Well Sora how far have ya gotten?"
"None of your business!"
"Oh come on. Did you get all the way ya know?"
"No! In fact I never got anywhere! Happy?!" Sora shrinked into the saddle since she was kind of embarrassed. Chichiri had his arms around when he was holding the reins but tightened his grip around her to comfort her since he knew she was a little upset. Tasuki kind of felt bad for asking but somehow he kind of wanted to know.
"Sorry. Didn't think you were so fragile.woman.hmph."
"Well you asked and I answered! And I'm not fragile! You're the one who had to apologize!"
"I didn't have to apologize just for an excuse! I did cause I thought it would make ya stop whining! If your so pissed why don't you ask me something!"
"FINE I WILL! Um.how many.erg.how.no.I know! How many times do you jack- off in a week.or in a day.whatever CUMS easier to you. Hehe."
Kouji looked at Sora and smiled and looked at Tasuki. "Genrou buddy. She got you there."
"I KNOW THAT! AND I DON'T JERK-OFF!!!"
"I bet he does it a lot no da. He's too shy to say he imagines you when he does it no da hehe no da!"
"CHICHIRI! NOW YOU HAVE TO GET IN ON IT YA STUPID BASTARD!"
Chichiri shrunk deeper then Sora had and Sora just laughed. " Suppose that means I win. Hehe. Well serves you right for challenging me hehe!"
"How come you haven't even kissed anyone yet then Sora? You diseased or something?"
Sora cocked an eyebrow at Tasuki and hung her head down. "I'm not so sure why. I suppose I'm waiting for someone I love." Tasuki looked at her a moment but dropped his eyes once she raised her gaze to him. Chichiri smiled and patted her on the head.
"I think it's sweet that you're saving your kiss for someone you love no da. I admire that no da."
"Really? You don't think it's stupid? I thought I was just being a nerd not kissing anyone yet."
"No really. It's very cute. Most girls would jump at their first chance to get kissed. You are so picky. I suppose you'll end up with a good guy. He'll sure be lucky." Kouji said. He smiled at her. Not a coy smile but a real smile a friend would give.
"Thanks Kouji. That means a lot to me." Kouji blushed a little bit and smiled. Maybe he had a chance. The trick was not to be a pervert. But Kouji had noticed that Tasuki had fallen silent.
"What's goin' on Genrou? Why ya all silent?"
"All this mushy crap is making me sick."
Sora looked at him and laughed. "Well I think that isn't the case. Maybe he wants to go jack-off but can't get away from us since he just took a leak like a half hour ago.hehehe!"
"WHAT?! NO!?"
Soon though they came to entrance of Mt. Taikyoku. Kouji only saw a barren land since he wasn't a Suzaku seishi. But maybe that wasn't the problem. Sora could see it. She wasn't a seishi or priestess though. Kouji took the horses and tied them to a tree. He laid down and fell asleep. He would probably have to wait till the rest for them were done. Almost immediately they were greeted by Nyan Nyan and transported to the main hall of Taitsukun's palace where they would meet Taitsukun.
The old god appeared before them. Chichiri nodded to her, Tasuki passed out and Sora.just made faces as if she were going to be sick. After all like everyone else she couldn't keep a straight face.
"Enough of that! Chichiri seems to be the only one with some decency around here! Well I'm sure you can to figure out why you are here and your way of getting home right?"
"HAI!" Sora raised her hand high as if she was in class.
"To tell you the truth I am not sure why you are here."
"What?" They all said in unison.
"I don't know much but I do know your origin Sora. At least I believe I do. Like humans are ruled by gods the gods are rules by spirits.perhaps more of the spirit of the human heart. Every thing in existence has a spirit. And as I can tell you are one of those spirits."
"But I'm not dead." BONG Taitsukun bonked Sora and continued.
"You have powers. Chichiri has sensed them when he first met you. But your spirit is holding back for some reason. You are a spirit of the elements I believe. Your name Sora is a dead give away. The wind sings in your voice, the brush shielded you from serious injury when you fell, water led you to destiny and fire burns in you heart wherever you find trust. I'm sure of it."
"Um ok."
"Don't take this lightly Sora. I don't know why you are here but if I'm correct you may not live through it." Sora blinked. 'Me? Die? That doesn't sound good' she thought. Tasuki looked at her and then approached Taitsukun.
"Is there anything we can do? We can't have her die!"
"I'm not saying she WILL die it's just a very likely possibility."
"For an old bag your pretty useless." Taitsukun hit Tasuki. Sora looked slightly worried but that soon pasted when Taitsukun came over to Sora and put her hand on her shoulder.
"You need to reach within yourself and be true to everyone around you. You can't fight for your life or friends if your spirit is not willing. With this I leave you to journey to Mt. Ummei."
"Where would that be?"
"No one knows and you will only find it when you overcome and obstacle."
"And that would be."
"You will know when you've done it."
The three companions left and found Kouji still sleeping. They nudged him awake and took him back to Mt. Reikaku since this was a dangerous journey and Tasuki would never put such a burden on his friend. Sora had been very quiet lately. Chichiri was worried about his illegitimate little sister and Tasuki more then any of them was worried as well. When they had traveled for a few hours in utter silence Tasuki got uncomfortable. "Say Sora.what is it that you think you'll have to do to get to Mt. Ummei?"
"..."
"Um.how about the weather we have been having?"
"Nice I suppose."
"Erg.Ok what's wrong? What are you hiding?"
"Nothing.can we stop? I feel tired."
"*sigh*Ok."
When they stopped Chichiri helped Sora off her horse and gave her a pat on the head. Sora gave him a smirk. As real as a smile she could give. He gave her a weak smile back. He knew she knew what she had to overcome. He let it go though. With the mask on his face he knew all too well how solitude and silence can help the pain. Tasuki on the other hand didn't like to see anyone sad.
Sora had walked into the brush and sided by the edge of a cliff. Tasuki had followed her. He saw her there and freaked. He rushed to her and almost tackled her to the ground.
"WHAT ARE YA DOING!? YOU WANNA GET KILLED!?"
"What's your problem? I was just looking."
"You weren't just looking. I could see it in your face."
"I have gone through a lot lately. More then you could understand. Things that may seem smaller then they really are. I used to feel like I was at the edge of a cliff. I push myself knowing it will hurt when I hit but jump anyhow. But that was only emotional. I have no intent to end my life. It just feels so good to be on the brink of letting go. I never would though. I'm too much of a coward."
"COWARDS END THEIR LIFE! Well I still can't believe you would though. What could have happened that could have twisted your heart?"
"Something that most people could take."
"Talk to me then."
"I would rather not."
Sora looked down at her feet and sighed. Tasuki hated to see her sad. He tilted her chin up toward his face. With his thumb he whipped away some unshed tears. This poor girl. He grabbed her and hugged her. She resisted at first but then in a moment of despair she hugged him back tightly as if it were her last hug. He was surprised. He never expected her to do that but it was good that she was letting some of her pain out. She wept into his chest and bellowed. "You can't imagine what I feel. My best friend took away the only person I had ever fallen in love with and my friends.that won't even try to make me feel better. They accuse me of everything that goes wrong! They don't even understand and they won't try and it feels like they hurt me again and again. I feel all alone. All I ever wanted was someone I could confide in like my best friend. But that over.over.I don't think there is a single human being left in the world."
"Is that what happened? That must really suck."
"Suck! My whole world crashed! Please don't try to say it's not my fault. My friends say that it was because I couldn't forgive her. What she did was betray my trust and my honor for her.she took my pride."
"I can't say I know how you feel but if you want a friend.I'll be here for you. I won't let you die and I will protect you with all that I am. I swear."
Sora looked up with wet eyes. She saw him smile at her. 'Please don't let me fall in love again.' She thought. She clung to Tasuki shirt and breathed in deep. "Now I have to figure out what I need to let out.and I highly doubt that is it." She let go her grip and stepped away. Tasuki just looked at her with a wide mouth. She turned away but said one thing. "You say you'll be there for me. It's only time before I lose you too. It is something that always happens."
"I would never.do that to you."
Tasuki almost felt as if he were to cry. How could she deal with so much pain and be so cold. He couldn't help her. If only he could. She had run moments before away from him. He ran after her and found her scared and dodging attacks. He looked in the sky and saw a man with dark green hair and purple eyes. He wore white and brown wings much like Sora's from the dream.
"Oh my dear sister. I did all I could to make you happy. I give you a new reality and you still mope. Well what can I do with you? If you had loved me none of this would have happened. You would have never been hurt." Sora was out of breath and Tasuki rushed to her side and pushed her behind him. He sent flames towards the man. Nothing. The man disappeared and reappeared by Sora. "You will remember me yet and you will come to be mine in the end." He held her chin and licked her cheek before disappearing.
"WHAT WAS THAT! %^$& THAT WAS WEIRD! HOW DARE HE TOUCH YOU!! AND HE LICKED YOU?!!!"
Sora looked at Tasuki and trembled. She fell into his arms. "That man.he seems so familiar...holy shit." Tasuki picked her up ever so gently and took her back to the camp. He laid her on her blanket and tucked her in. She was very weak from what had happened and a bit of rest would do her good. Chichiri saw the whole thing and grinned at Tasuki.
"Don't give me that look."
"What look? I think it's cute no da. You're like her little faithful puppy no da."
"Well maybe but she's been hurt badly."
"WHAT? WHAT HAPPENED NO DA!?"
"No not like that. Her heart has been hurt. She thinks she's all alone in the world and doesn't think she will ever have a true friend. She even said I would betray her someday too."
"Ok tell me everything no da."