Astral Love
by: Amaterasu
Chapter One : Reunion
Twenty-seven year old Hotohori rose fom the plush seat of his private office and stared at the skyline that was offered to him through the magnificent glass windows he had installed. He breathed in deeply and started meditating to dispel those worries and pressures loaded upon him because of another day of grueling work. His own glass etching firm, the one he dreamed of all those years, have finally come true. It was a successful and profitable business. He loved to work with his hands and looking at his reflection in the mirror.At his age, he shouldn't have been this successful but he had already earned his first million.
A knock on his door interrupted his musings and a frown crossed his brows. His secretary poked her head in "There's someone here, looking for you. She insisted that you know her. I know you wouldn't appreciate being disturbed but she was persistent. " shrugging apologetically, she awaited his answer.
With a small sigh of impatience, he nodded at her curtly and sat down once more on his chair. He almost toppled himself and the chair over when he caught sight of the woman who sailed through the door.
"Nuriko?" he breathed out, not daring to believe
"You look surprised Hotohori-sama." a small smile of amusement graced her lips as she settled herself in the chair.
Hotohori's glance slid over her, confirming that she really is a woman now "Well, I was just surprised. I haven't seen you or any of them since I was born at this time."
"Yeah, me too. Now, imagine my surprise when I saw your all-familiar face in one of those magazines Kourin keeps around the house. I fell flat on my face" Nuriko chuckled and Hotohori joined in, enjoying the mental picture.
"But, I did not come here for that Hotohori-sama. I wanted to show you something." Nuriko extracted a small rectangular object from her bag and handed it to Hotohori. Feeling peculiar and curious, he opened the package and found himself staring at his image, etched in glass.
For moments, he did not speak, move or even breathe. He stared in rapt fascination at his image so alive and vibrant on the glass. He had never seen anything of this caliber, even if it was his line of work. "You did this?" he asked her, awed.
Nuriko smiled then nodded. "You were gifted with a hand for business, I was given a rare talent."
Hotohori considered her words and his decision came in a snap "Will you work for me? I'll cater your works in our gallery, put out advertisements..."he never finished his sentence for the purple haired woman wad shaking her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't.You see, I'm taking care of my brother and sister right now with a steady pay job. I can't take the pressure of being an artist. I just wanted to give that to you. I'll be going now... "
"Wait! Will you just tell me where you live? Maybe this time I could meet Rokou and Kourin as a living human being." his crooked smile touched her heart so she pulled out a card of Rokou's and handed it to him. "It's my 25th birthday next Friday so if you could drop in please feel free to do so." She gave him one last smile and sailed off once more.
The raven-haired man leaned against his seat, feeling contented and at peace. Strangely, he feels as if he had come home.
_____________________________
The next day held much more surprises, in Hotohori's opinion. He was running late for a meeting. A stockbroker was willing to invest in his firm. Although sight unseen, he's sure the man will give a good impression on him. It was gut feeling.
He entered the conference room ready to call out a good morning to everyone. He was frozen in place when he caught sight of the lone occupant of the room. The blond hair and wide shoulders are familiar, eventhough they are encased in a suit, not the armor he last saw him wearing. Before the other man ended his life.
" Nakago. " he said flatly, his quiet voice echoing loudly in the room.
The big man turned around. His piercing blue eyes narrowed when he saw Hotohori "Saihitei Seishuku " he nodded, amusement evident in his tone.
"This world is really full of surprises" Hotohori commented as he took the seat across Nakago.
"Yup.You're so right.Never thought of you as the business man type."
"Well, I never thought you as a stockbroker either"
Gold eyes locked with blue. A battle of will ensued until they were both laughing "You never changed Hotohori. You're still that intense creature I met at the battle field. "
"You haven't changed too.Still the smart mouhted ass you usually are. "Hotohori shot back
"Amen to that. Well? Are we goingto do business or reminisce all day?" Nakago demanded impatiently
"Well, if you're going to be like that...."
__________________________
Now, Hotohori thought that he'll meet his other comrades at a later date, he was sadly mistaken. Later that day, he went to his old highschool to visit his favorite professor. As he searched the halls, he collided into a pink haired boy whose nose was buried in a book. The boy looked up at him, his eyes widened and whispered "Hotohori-sama?"
"Chiriko?"
They nodded simultaneously and burst into guffaws at their dumbfounded expressions.
They chatted. Chiriko is now seventeen. Though he did not look much different, he's taller than he used to be. They talked some more until it was time for Hotohori to go, his visit with the professor totally forgotten.
"By the way, Chiriko, are you taking up chemistry courses now? " When the boy nodded, he continued "Well would you like to work for me? You could help my team develop more lasting chemicals for my mirrors "
Chiriko beamed "Sure Hotohori-sama! Expect me at your office Saturday at nine!" he gave a friendly wave and ran away, leaving Hotohori with his thoughts.
________________________
"The sign outside says I could apply? As one of your polishers?"
Hotohori swung around to find him face to face with a blue haired monk.
"Chichiri!"
"Hai! It's me Hotohori-sama no da!" The monk replied his face pulled back in that perpetual smile of his.
"It is so good to see you. Have you been well?" Hotohori inquired
"Aa."
Hotohori smiled, taking in Chichiri's eternally smiling face. Then a thought struck him "Er, Chichiri? Are u still wearing a mask? "
The other man shook his head " It's just that I've been blessed with a good life, that's why I'm happy."
"That's good. Have you a wife?"
"Hai. Her name is Shiva. Here, this is she" and handed Hotohori a picture
He stared at it for a moment " This is one..."
"Of the Nyan-Nyans. Yes. But she doesn't remember who she was once."
"Well my friend, you do have a good life. However, I'm not going to hire you as one of my polishers. I know you have a knack for organizing things, and my manager is very incompetent. So, I'm going to make you my general manager."
Chichiri smiled " Arigatou Gozaimasu. But I really want to rise through the ranks on my own. That's why I wanted to start as a polisher. That is if you don't mind "
Hotohori beamed. The man before him did not lose the integrity he admired him for " Very well, you start tommorrow. 6 am sharp "
"Yes sir! " After giing Hotohori a jaunty salute, he walked out of the door, whistling to himself.
Happy and satisfied, Hotohori sank back to his chair and continued his work.
________________________
It was Sunday, and Hotohori, as it was his routine, took a jog around the park. He was so light-headed that morning that he did not notice the other jogger until he bumped into him. Rubbing his head and murmuring apologies, he raised his eyes to look directly into Tasuki's shocked face.
" Your Majesty..." he breathed out,
Hotohori shook his head " Iya, I'm not an emperor anymore, just call me Hotohori "
Tasuki broke into a smile " Yeah, Hotohori, so how have you been?"
" I'm fine. I'm on the glass-etching business. How 'bout you?"
" Oh, I'm a lawyer "
Hotohori did a double-take " Nani?"
Tasuki's grin widened even more " Yeah, weird isn't it? " and broke into laughter. Hotohori joined in until they were clutching their sides.
" Hmmm, what a life! Chichiri's married to one of the Nyan-Nyans, Chiriko's seventeen, Nakago is a stock broker and Nuriko's a female."
Tasuki paled " She? "
Hotohori nodded " Oh brother!"
" So are you working alone or do you have a firm?"
"I'm a senior partner in my own firm. If you haven't noticed, I'm older than you are at this lifetime. I'm 45 already " Tasuki complained
"Yeah, so what's your firm's name? "
"Kou and Sukunami "
Hotohori's brow crinkled "You mean Sukunami Taka? "
" Oh, there's my partner and his wife now " Hotohori turned around to see Tamahome and Miaka jogging towards him.
"Hey, Shun'u who's your new friend?" asked Miaka, her eyes uncomprehending
Hotohori sought Tamahome's eyes and saw recognition there " She forgot?" he asked the blue eyed man, his voice thick
" I'm glad to see you, Hotohori " Tamahome pronounced as he enveloped Hotohori in a bearhug
" Anata, who's your friend? " Miaka once more
"He's one of our old college buddies. This is Sahitei Seishuku, alias Hotohori " explained Tamahome
Miaka pondered on this for a moment "Hmmm,,, Hotohori? I think I'll use that on my novel. That is if you don't mind? "
"Iya. I don't mind. What's your novel about anyway?"
"It's about an ancient chinese legend. A girl travels to ancient china to obtain the power of an mythical God. She has seven... Oh! look what time it is! I'd better start dinner. Won't you join us? "
Hotohori shook his head "Thanks for the offer, but I've got to get back to the office."
Tasuki and Tamahome waved goodbye to Hotohori while Miaka walked on, oblivious to the pain she caused.
* Notes
jap terms
....sama = master (e.g Hotohori-sama-Master Hotohori)
Arigatou Gozaimasu = Thank You Very Much
Iya = No or Nope
Nani = what
Anata = dear
@ Saihitei Seishuku is two names actually. In Ancient China, an emperor has two names. One is the given name or birth name. The other is given when the person is hailed as the Emperor. In Hotohori's ase, Seishuku is his given name, Saihitei is the Emperor name and Hotohori is the Suzaku warrior name.
@Nyan-Nyans are those little green haired girls at Taiitsu-kuns place. If you've seen the FY last episode, you would hae seen them as grown up. Take note, they're quite pretty.
@Shun'u is Tasuki's real first name. His real name is Kou Shun'u, Kou being his surname.
@Anata is literally " You" but there are people who use them as an endearment. This is what Tomoe alled Kenshin when they were husband and wife.
@Sukunami Taka is Tamahome in Miaka's world. He's the guy in the last episode.
@I really haven't done enough research on reincarnation so there might be things here that you might find is not true. Take note that this is fiction.
@ so you might be wondering what's Nakago's part in all of these. Well don't hold your breath, he doesn't have a part here. i just wanted to include him.
wahahahahaaha!
____________________________________________________________________
Go to Astral Love Two: Dreams
by: Amaterasu
Chapter One : Reunion
Twenty-seven year old Hotohori rose fom the plush seat of his private office and stared at the skyline that was offered to him through the magnificent glass windows he had installed. He breathed in deeply and started meditating to dispel those worries and pressures loaded upon him because of another day of grueling work. His own glass etching firm, the one he dreamed of all those years, have finally come true. It was a successful and profitable business. He loved to work with his hands and looking at his reflection in the mirror.At his age, he shouldn't have been this successful but he had already earned his first million.
A knock on his door interrupted his musings and a frown crossed his brows. His secretary poked her head in "There's someone here, looking for you. She insisted that you know her. I know you wouldn't appreciate being disturbed but she was persistent. " shrugging apologetically, she awaited his answer.
With a small sigh of impatience, he nodded at her curtly and sat down once more on his chair. He almost toppled himself and the chair over when he caught sight of the woman who sailed through the door.
"Nuriko?" he breathed out, not daring to believe
"You look surprised Hotohori-sama." a small smile of amusement graced her lips as she settled herself in the chair.
Hotohori's glance slid over her, confirming that she really is a woman now "Well, I was just surprised. I haven't seen you or any of them since I was born at this time."
"Yeah, me too. Now, imagine my surprise when I saw your all-familiar face in one of those magazines Kourin keeps around the house. I fell flat on my face" Nuriko chuckled and Hotohori joined in, enjoying the mental picture.
"But, I did not come here for that Hotohori-sama. I wanted to show you something." Nuriko extracted a small rectangular object from her bag and handed it to Hotohori. Feeling peculiar and curious, he opened the package and found himself staring at his image, etched in glass.
For moments, he did not speak, move or even breathe. He stared in rapt fascination at his image so alive and vibrant on the glass. He had never seen anything of this caliber, even if it was his line of work. "You did this?" he asked her, awed.
Nuriko smiled then nodded. "You were gifted with a hand for business, I was given a rare talent."
Hotohori considered her words and his decision came in a snap "Will you work for me? I'll cater your works in our gallery, put out advertisements..."he never finished his sentence for the purple haired woman wad shaking her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't.You see, I'm taking care of my brother and sister right now with a steady pay job. I can't take the pressure of being an artist. I just wanted to give that to you. I'll be going now... "
"Wait! Will you just tell me where you live? Maybe this time I could meet Rokou and Kourin as a living human being." his crooked smile touched her heart so she pulled out a card of Rokou's and handed it to him. "It's my 25th birthday next Friday so if you could drop in please feel free to do so." She gave him one last smile and sailed off once more.
The raven-haired man leaned against his seat, feeling contented and at peace. Strangely, he feels as if he had come home.
_____________________________
The next day held much more surprises, in Hotohori's opinion. He was running late for a meeting. A stockbroker was willing to invest in his firm. Although sight unseen, he's sure the man will give a good impression on him. It was gut feeling.
He entered the conference room ready to call out a good morning to everyone. He was frozen in place when he caught sight of the lone occupant of the room. The blond hair and wide shoulders are familiar, eventhough they are encased in a suit, not the armor he last saw him wearing. Before the other man ended his life.
" Nakago. " he said flatly, his quiet voice echoing loudly in the room.
The big man turned around. His piercing blue eyes narrowed when he saw Hotohori "Saihitei Seishuku " he nodded, amusement evident in his tone.
"This world is really full of surprises" Hotohori commented as he took the seat across Nakago.
"Yup.You're so right.Never thought of you as the business man type."
"Well, I never thought you as a stockbroker either"
Gold eyes locked with blue. A battle of will ensued until they were both laughing "You never changed Hotohori. You're still that intense creature I met at the battle field. "
"You haven't changed too.Still the smart mouhted ass you usually are. "Hotohori shot back
"Amen to that. Well? Are we goingto do business or reminisce all day?" Nakago demanded impatiently
"Well, if you're going to be like that...."
__________________________
Now, Hotohori thought that he'll meet his other comrades at a later date, he was sadly mistaken. Later that day, he went to his old highschool to visit his favorite professor. As he searched the halls, he collided into a pink haired boy whose nose was buried in a book. The boy looked up at him, his eyes widened and whispered "Hotohori-sama?"
"Chiriko?"
They nodded simultaneously and burst into guffaws at their dumbfounded expressions.
They chatted. Chiriko is now seventeen. Though he did not look much different, he's taller than he used to be. They talked some more until it was time for Hotohori to go, his visit with the professor totally forgotten.
"By the way, Chiriko, are you taking up chemistry courses now? " When the boy nodded, he continued "Well would you like to work for me? You could help my team develop more lasting chemicals for my mirrors "
Chiriko beamed "Sure Hotohori-sama! Expect me at your office Saturday at nine!" he gave a friendly wave and ran away, leaving Hotohori with his thoughts.
________________________
"The sign outside says I could apply? As one of your polishers?"
Hotohori swung around to find him face to face with a blue haired monk.
"Chichiri!"
"Hai! It's me Hotohori-sama no da!" The monk replied his face pulled back in that perpetual smile of his.
"It is so good to see you. Have you been well?" Hotohori inquired
"Aa."
Hotohori smiled, taking in Chichiri's eternally smiling face. Then a thought struck him "Er, Chichiri? Are u still wearing a mask? "
The other man shook his head " It's just that I've been blessed with a good life, that's why I'm happy."
"That's good. Have you a wife?"
"Hai. Her name is Shiva. Here, this is she" and handed Hotohori a picture
He stared at it for a moment " This is one..."
"Of the Nyan-Nyans. Yes. But she doesn't remember who she was once."
"Well my friend, you do have a good life. However, I'm not going to hire you as one of my polishers. I know you have a knack for organizing things, and my manager is very incompetent. So, I'm going to make you my general manager."
Chichiri smiled " Arigatou Gozaimasu. But I really want to rise through the ranks on my own. That's why I wanted to start as a polisher. That is if you don't mind "
Hotohori beamed. The man before him did not lose the integrity he admired him for " Very well, you start tommorrow. 6 am sharp "
"Yes sir! " After giing Hotohori a jaunty salute, he walked out of the door, whistling to himself.
Happy and satisfied, Hotohori sank back to his chair and continued his work.
________________________
It was Sunday, and Hotohori, as it was his routine, took a jog around the park. He was so light-headed that morning that he did not notice the other jogger until he bumped into him. Rubbing his head and murmuring apologies, he raised his eyes to look directly into Tasuki's shocked face.
" Your Majesty..." he breathed out,
Hotohori shook his head " Iya, I'm not an emperor anymore, just call me Hotohori "
Tasuki broke into a smile " Yeah, Hotohori, so how have you been?"
" I'm fine. I'm on the glass-etching business. How 'bout you?"
" Oh, I'm a lawyer "
Hotohori did a double-take " Nani?"
Tasuki's grin widened even more " Yeah, weird isn't it? " and broke into laughter. Hotohori joined in until they were clutching their sides.
" Hmmm, what a life! Chichiri's married to one of the Nyan-Nyans, Chiriko's seventeen, Nakago is a stock broker and Nuriko's a female."
Tasuki paled " She? "
Hotohori nodded " Oh brother!"
" So are you working alone or do you have a firm?"
"I'm a senior partner in my own firm. If you haven't noticed, I'm older than you are at this lifetime. I'm 45 already " Tasuki complained
"Yeah, so what's your firm's name? "
"Kou and Sukunami "
Hotohori's brow crinkled "You mean Sukunami Taka? "
" Oh, there's my partner and his wife now " Hotohori turned around to see Tamahome and Miaka jogging towards him.
"Hey, Shun'u who's your new friend?" asked Miaka, her eyes uncomprehending
Hotohori sought Tamahome's eyes and saw recognition there " She forgot?" he asked the blue eyed man, his voice thick
" I'm glad to see you, Hotohori " Tamahome pronounced as he enveloped Hotohori in a bearhug
" Anata, who's your friend? " Miaka once more
"He's one of our old college buddies. This is Sahitei Seishuku, alias Hotohori " explained Tamahome
Miaka pondered on this for a moment "Hmmm,,, Hotohori? I think I'll use that on my novel. That is if you don't mind? "
"Iya. I don't mind. What's your novel about anyway?"
"It's about an ancient chinese legend. A girl travels to ancient china to obtain the power of an mythical God. She has seven... Oh! look what time it is! I'd better start dinner. Won't you join us? "
Hotohori shook his head "Thanks for the offer, but I've got to get back to the office."
Tasuki and Tamahome waved goodbye to Hotohori while Miaka walked on, oblivious to the pain she caused.
* Notes
jap terms
....sama = master (e.g Hotohori-sama-Master Hotohori)
Arigatou Gozaimasu = Thank You Very Much
Iya = No or Nope
Nani = what
Anata = dear
@ Saihitei Seishuku is two names actually. In Ancient China, an emperor has two names. One is the given name or birth name. The other is given when the person is hailed as the Emperor. In Hotohori's ase, Seishuku is his given name, Saihitei is the Emperor name and Hotohori is the Suzaku warrior name.
@Nyan-Nyans are those little green haired girls at Taiitsu-kuns place. If you've seen the FY last episode, you would hae seen them as grown up. Take note, they're quite pretty.
@Shun'u is Tasuki's real first name. His real name is Kou Shun'u, Kou being his surname.
@Anata is literally " You" but there are people who use them as an endearment. This is what Tomoe alled Kenshin when they were husband and wife.
@Sukunami Taka is Tamahome in Miaka's world. He's the guy in the last episode.
@I really haven't done enough research on reincarnation so there might be things here that you might find is not true. Take note that this is fiction.
@ so you might be wondering what's Nakago's part in all of these. Well don't hold your breath, he doesn't have a part here. i just wanted to include him.
wahahahahaaha!
____________________________________________________________________
Go to Astral Love Two: Dreams
