@-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;---
** SPOILERS FOR EP. 40 AND ON **
@-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;---
The Calling
By Moonsong
tsukinouta@yahoo.com
Part 8: Tamahome
He was too late.
"Kishuku!"
Shiao tore out of the house in a mad rush, calling his son's
name. "Kishuku, where are you?"
"Shiao! What is the matter?" Ai-wen scrambled outside, having
been roused by her husband's call.
Shiao faced his wife frantically, eyes none-too-sane. "Kishuku-
he is not in bed."
Her eyes widened. "He..."
"I have to find him!"
~*~*~*~*~
Kishuku was shivering. He had left intending to go directly to
his teacher's home and beg the couple to take him in. He knew his
father would be upset but there was no reasoning with the pull in
his heart. The calling was too strong. He hoped that someday, his
father would understand. He just wasn't cut out to be a farmer.
He'd been branded by a god from birth, for Suzaku's sake. Even
his father couldn't deny THAT. And if he tried to, all Kishuku
would have to do was get mad enough that his symbol would show.
Considering the circumstances, he didn't think that would be too
hard.
A few minutes later, he caught sight of the enormous tree
standing guard over the Hahm residence. Breathing a sigh of
relief, he clattered up the wooden steps and rapped on the door.
No one answered. He knocked harder. Still nothing. Finally, he
pounded on the door. "Sensei!!
There was no answer.
Biting his lip, Kishuku slid to the floor, bravely holding his
tears in check. Where were they? Why weren't they answering?
Surely Hahm-sensei wouldn't have just left without SAYING
something! Maybe there was another explanation. Maybe something
had happened to them. Sniffling, the little boy ground his damp
eyes with his fists and tried to think. Crying was for babies and
girls. He was a Suzaku no seishi. He would have to be strong.
With one last shake of his head, Kishuku stood, determination
etched on his young face. "Think," he muttered to himself. "What
would sensei do?" Stepping back, Kishuku studied the door. It
didn't look like it had been broken into. Maybe the couple just
had to go somewhere and left a note. Reaching for the latch, he
almost pushed the door open but stopped.
What if there were bandits in the surrounding woods?
He remembered his father mentioning that a pack of them had been
seen near the village. Eyes narrowing, he quickly dropped down,
just enough to pitch most of his body into darkness. His training
took over and he slowly inched his way to one side of the porch
where there was another entrance to the basement. Once under the
house, he could take a look around without anyone seeing him. He
had almost made it to the second door when a hand grabbed his
collar and yanked him up.
There was no time to think. Tamahome grabbed the arm holding him
and swung his legs forward, dislodging the man's grip. He fell to
the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of his lungs.
'RUN!' his mind screamed but his legs were having trouble moving.
He shook his head groggily. He had to get away from here. He was
just beginning to get up when heavily muscled arms encircled him
in a vise grip.
"You won't get away that easily," the man growled, his breath
stinking of alcohol and something rotten. Tamahome struggled but
his arms were pinned down. "I'm sure your parents'd pay a bundle
to get you back."
Tama thought fast. "I'm an orphan!" he hissed and let out an ear-
curdling screech. There was no point in staying quiet now. If Lan
or anyone was around, they'd surely hear and come to help. A
grime covered hand clapped over his mouth, silencing him.
"Shaddup!"
"Get your hands off my son!"
No. It couldn't be. Tama's heart sank even as the bandit turned
to face the newcomer. 'No, tousan,' he pleaded silently, 'you're
just going to get hurt...'
"This yours?"
"Yes," Shiao said, advancing slowly. "Now let him go."
By that time, the rest of the bandits emerged, two from the
house, four in the woods. Tamahome looked surveyed them, fear
crawling from the pit of his stomach to wrap cold tendrils around
his heart. Even if he were a fully trained seishi, he might have
trouble taking out that many. And he was only a child. Somehow,
he had to get both him and his father out of this.
The bandit laughed. "We got uses for kids like him."
Shiao's eyes narrowed. "Let. Him. Go."
Without warning, one of the men from the trees launched himself
at Shiao.
"Tousan!" Tama screamed as his father went down under the
assault. Shiao had never been a fighter. He'd never actually seen
him stand up to ANYthing until now. Struggling, Tama kicked his
captor again. No effect. This wasn't supposed to be happening.
This COULDN'T be happening. In desperation, he bit the hand
holding his mouth shut.
This time, he was rewarded with a scream.
The bandit dropped him again but he was ready for it this time.
Freed, Tama scrambled away, his eyes darting back to his father
on the ground a few feet away. The moonlight caught something
silver. A knife! Just as his brain registered the possible
danger, the blade came down. Shiao twisted to the left, the knife
embedding itself into his leg instead of his chest.
"IIEEE!!" The scream poured from his throat as his father's blood
stained the dirt where he and Lan had once trained. Fire shot up
and down his veins ending at a point in the middle of his
forehead. His mind howled with rage but it was driven down by the
thirst for something bigger: vengeance. Bathed in crimson light,
he charged into clearing.
"LET HIM GO!" Eyes blazing, Tamahome grabbed the bandit's leg and
flipped him off Shiao, throwing him on his back. Shiao scuttled
away. The man scrambled up, fury written all over his face.
Growling, he lumbered forward to grab the boy.
Tamahome ducked under his attacker's legs and came up on his
other side. Before the man could turn around, he jumped high in
the air and aimed a kick at the bandit's back.
Shiao watched his son fight with growing horror. There was no
sanity in those eyes. The bandit was on his knees. He was
murmuring something. Shiao's throat tightened. He had to put a
stop to this.
"Kishuku..."
Tamahome wasn't listening. His face expressionless, the little
seishi went up to the bleeding man, grabbed two fistfuls of hair,
and jammed his knee into the man's face. There was a sickening
crack. The bandit collapsed, blood gushing from his nose.
The others stared with shock, first at their fallen comrade, then
at the little boy who had caused it. His small figure still
glowed an angry red. Eyes widening, they all did what any half-
brained bandit would do in such a situation. They ran.
Tamahome watched them impassively. His arms lowered but his eyes
never left the retreating bandits. On the ground, Shiao could
only stare in shock. He'd seen the sign of Suzaku only once
before, and it had not glowed this intensely. His son seemed
consumed with power and for a moment, he felt fear strike him
again. This time, of losing Kishuku. Oh, he knew, as all parents
did, that their offspring would all have to leave the nest
someday. But to lose him like this... panic gripped him
momentarily. Kishuku's eyes were still scarlet.
"Kishuku?"
No response.
"Kishuku!"
Nothing. Not even a blink.
Taking a deep breath, Shiao tried one more time. "TAMAHOME!"
The boy snapped to attention. "Hai?" He blinked a few times and
the red glow faded as abruptly as it had come. "Tousan?" Glazed
eyes cleared and focused on Shiao. Shock registered on the boy's
face. "Tousan!"
Kishuku ran to his father, his eyes streamed tears as he knelt
next to him. "Tousan! Daijoubu? I'll get help! I'll-"
"Daijoubu Kishuku. I'll be fine. Just a scratch." Bracing an arm
on the earth, Shiao sat up gingerly, wincing as he moved his leg.
"Doushite, tousan?" Kishuku was openly weeping now, his courage
melting away at the sight of his father's injury. If only he had
been faster! If only... "Gomen, tousan. I shouldn't have run
away. This is all my fault!"
Shiao stilled his lips with a touch. "It is said, that a man's
heart is made strong to protect the ones he loves. As long as you
learn but that one lesson, I shall be proud of you."
Like a brilliant sun emerging from behind a storm cloud,
Kishuku's face started to light. Tears still flowed down his
smooth cheeks, but this time, of joy. "Arigato, tousan," he
whispered, clasped his father's rough hand into his smaller one.
His father understood. And he still loved him. For the first time
since he showed the mark of Suzaku, Kishuku felt really, truly,
happy.
Well, as soon as his father's leg was better anyway.
"Tousan, can you walk? I should fetch okaasan and the healer,"
Kishuku said worriedly.
"Hai, hai. Sometimes you worry like your mother," Shiao grumped.
Son or not, he still wasn't used to admitting a weakness in front
of anyone. His leg hurt horribly but he could walk. Thankfully,
the healer's hut wasn't too far away.
"It's just because we care about you."
Shiao paused, his eyes misting. He took a deep breath and turned
to his son. "I love you, Tamahome."
Was it his imagination or did his son just start glowing a bit
more? It must not have been for Kishuku suddenly wrapped his arms
around his father's waist. Awkwardly, Shiao returned the hug,
patting his back, unsure of what else to do. He wasn't exactly
one for public displays of affection. His son's next words were
all the reward he needed.
"I love you too, Father."
----------
Unnoticed by the happy pair, two figures perched in the trees
nearby, having witnessed the entire spectacle.
"Well. That turned out much better than I expected."
"He's going to hate me though."
"Why do you care? I doubt we'll ever see him again. He'll grow
up, find his miko, fight the good fight, and get old just like
you."
"I am not old!"
"Che! Says you!"
"If I'm old, then what are you, woman?"
"Young and beautiful."
"You-"
"And if you say anything to counter that, I will beat your head
in."
Silence.
Then, "Do you really think we'll see him again?"
With a roguish grin, Lan swung down from the branch and regarded
his wife with that impish smile. "I know we will. I just hope I'm
in good enough shape to hold him off when he tries to get back at
me for leaving him." He extended his hand out to her, knowing
full well that she could get out of the tree herself but wanting
to be chivalrous anyway.
Smirking, Dourim took the hand and jumped down. "Such an ego. I
doubt he'll even remember you."
"We'll see about that."
Having successfully fulfilled their mission, the two Byakko no
seishi took to the road hand in hand, heading the opposite
direction as Tamahome and his father. If and when they did meet
again, they were confident that Tamahome would become the great
warrior the prophecies ordained. He may not become the richest,
the smartest, or even the most talented of the group, but he had
the heart of a seishi. That was all that mattered.
~ END ~
Author's Notes: *dies* Oh. My. Sweet. Suzaku. I can't believe it.
I'VE FINALLY FINISHED A MULTI-PART FIC!!!!! XD XD *bounces around
excitedly* I know, I know, this is like, nothing to some of you
but I've never finished anything longer than a 14 page oneshot
since I've started writing fanfiction so this, THIS is... I can't
even describe how insanely HAPPY I am. ^O^ I've been staring at
this last chapter for almost 10 freaking months! ;; I'm sooo
glad it's finally done! XD Comments and feedback are always
appreciated but not necessary. ^_^ tsukinouta@yahoo.com
Most of this chapter was inspired by Tamahome's first image song,
"Ai to iu na no Tatakai ni," specifically the following lines:
Chichi no kotoba wo (( I've remembered ))
Omoidashite'ta (( My father's words ))
Subete nakushita (( Even in those lonely days ))
Kodoku na hibi mo (( When everything was lost. ))
Otoko no mune wa (( "If the heart of a man ))
Itoshii hito no (( Can become a shield ))
Tate ni naru mono (( For his beloved, ))
Sore dake de ii (( That alone is enough." ))
And fittingly enough, it's playing on Winamp as I write this
note. XD The above was romanized and translated by Takayama
Miyuki (Miyuki@jlyrics.org) from http://www.jlyrics.org. Used
with permission.
Other credits for this go to Felicia, aka Tomo no Miko, whose
site I used to get the info regarding Tokaki, such as his real
name, etc. *bows* Visit her site at:
http://www.sempai.org/~felicia/fushigi.html
The names for both of Tama's parents are obviously made up. I got
them from the Kalabarians Site http://www.kalabarians.com . I
tried to pick names that matched the personalities I created for
them so you can look them up there if you get bored.
Disclaimer: All original materials belong to their respective
owners. Fushigi Yuugi belongs to Watase Yuu and a bunch of big
companies. No copyright infringement is intended. The story is
mine and I would appreciate an email asking me for permission
before posting it anywhere else.
Copyright © October 9, 2001 by Moonsong. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.midnightrevolution.org/moonsong/
** SPOILERS FOR EP. 40 AND ON **
@-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;--- @-;---
The Calling
By Moonsong
tsukinouta@yahoo.com
Part 8: Tamahome
He was too late.
"Kishuku!"
Shiao tore out of the house in a mad rush, calling his son's
name. "Kishuku, where are you?"
"Shiao! What is the matter?" Ai-wen scrambled outside, having
been roused by her husband's call.
Shiao faced his wife frantically, eyes none-too-sane. "Kishuku-
he is not in bed."
Her eyes widened. "He..."
"I have to find him!"
~*~*~*~*~
Kishuku was shivering. He had left intending to go directly to
his teacher's home and beg the couple to take him in. He knew his
father would be upset but there was no reasoning with the pull in
his heart. The calling was too strong. He hoped that someday, his
father would understand. He just wasn't cut out to be a farmer.
He'd been branded by a god from birth, for Suzaku's sake. Even
his father couldn't deny THAT. And if he tried to, all Kishuku
would have to do was get mad enough that his symbol would show.
Considering the circumstances, he didn't think that would be too
hard.
A few minutes later, he caught sight of the enormous tree
standing guard over the Hahm residence. Breathing a sigh of
relief, he clattered up the wooden steps and rapped on the door.
No one answered. He knocked harder. Still nothing. Finally, he
pounded on the door. "Sensei!!
There was no answer.
Biting his lip, Kishuku slid to the floor, bravely holding his
tears in check. Where were they? Why weren't they answering?
Surely Hahm-sensei wouldn't have just left without SAYING
something! Maybe there was another explanation. Maybe something
had happened to them. Sniffling, the little boy ground his damp
eyes with his fists and tried to think. Crying was for babies and
girls. He was a Suzaku no seishi. He would have to be strong.
With one last shake of his head, Kishuku stood, determination
etched on his young face. "Think," he muttered to himself. "What
would sensei do?" Stepping back, Kishuku studied the door. It
didn't look like it had been broken into. Maybe the couple just
had to go somewhere and left a note. Reaching for the latch, he
almost pushed the door open but stopped.
What if there were bandits in the surrounding woods?
He remembered his father mentioning that a pack of them had been
seen near the village. Eyes narrowing, he quickly dropped down,
just enough to pitch most of his body into darkness. His training
took over and he slowly inched his way to one side of the porch
where there was another entrance to the basement. Once under the
house, he could take a look around without anyone seeing him. He
had almost made it to the second door when a hand grabbed his
collar and yanked him up.
There was no time to think. Tamahome grabbed the arm holding him
and swung his legs forward, dislodging the man's grip. He fell to
the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of his lungs.
'RUN!' his mind screamed but his legs were having trouble moving.
He shook his head groggily. He had to get away from here. He was
just beginning to get up when heavily muscled arms encircled him
in a vise grip.
"You won't get away that easily," the man growled, his breath
stinking of alcohol and something rotten. Tamahome struggled but
his arms were pinned down. "I'm sure your parents'd pay a bundle
to get you back."
Tama thought fast. "I'm an orphan!" he hissed and let out an ear-
curdling screech. There was no point in staying quiet now. If Lan
or anyone was around, they'd surely hear and come to help. A
grime covered hand clapped over his mouth, silencing him.
"Shaddup!"
"Get your hands off my son!"
No. It couldn't be. Tama's heart sank even as the bandit turned
to face the newcomer. 'No, tousan,' he pleaded silently, 'you're
just going to get hurt...'
"This yours?"
"Yes," Shiao said, advancing slowly. "Now let him go."
By that time, the rest of the bandits emerged, two from the
house, four in the woods. Tamahome looked surveyed them, fear
crawling from the pit of his stomach to wrap cold tendrils around
his heart. Even if he were a fully trained seishi, he might have
trouble taking out that many. And he was only a child. Somehow,
he had to get both him and his father out of this.
The bandit laughed. "We got uses for kids like him."
Shiao's eyes narrowed. "Let. Him. Go."
Without warning, one of the men from the trees launched himself
at Shiao.
"Tousan!" Tama screamed as his father went down under the
assault. Shiao had never been a fighter. He'd never actually seen
him stand up to ANYthing until now. Struggling, Tama kicked his
captor again. No effect. This wasn't supposed to be happening.
This COULDN'T be happening. In desperation, he bit the hand
holding his mouth shut.
This time, he was rewarded with a scream.
The bandit dropped him again but he was ready for it this time.
Freed, Tama scrambled away, his eyes darting back to his father
on the ground a few feet away. The moonlight caught something
silver. A knife! Just as his brain registered the possible
danger, the blade came down. Shiao twisted to the left, the knife
embedding itself into his leg instead of his chest.
"IIEEE!!" The scream poured from his throat as his father's blood
stained the dirt where he and Lan had once trained. Fire shot up
and down his veins ending at a point in the middle of his
forehead. His mind howled with rage but it was driven down by the
thirst for something bigger: vengeance. Bathed in crimson light,
he charged into clearing.
"LET HIM GO!" Eyes blazing, Tamahome grabbed the bandit's leg and
flipped him off Shiao, throwing him on his back. Shiao scuttled
away. The man scrambled up, fury written all over his face.
Growling, he lumbered forward to grab the boy.
Tamahome ducked under his attacker's legs and came up on his
other side. Before the man could turn around, he jumped high in
the air and aimed a kick at the bandit's back.
Shiao watched his son fight with growing horror. There was no
sanity in those eyes. The bandit was on his knees. He was
murmuring something. Shiao's throat tightened. He had to put a
stop to this.
"Kishuku..."
Tamahome wasn't listening. His face expressionless, the little
seishi went up to the bleeding man, grabbed two fistfuls of hair,
and jammed his knee into the man's face. There was a sickening
crack. The bandit collapsed, blood gushing from his nose.
The others stared with shock, first at their fallen comrade, then
at the little boy who had caused it. His small figure still
glowed an angry red. Eyes widening, they all did what any half-
brained bandit would do in such a situation. They ran.
Tamahome watched them impassively. His arms lowered but his eyes
never left the retreating bandits. On the ground, Shiao could
only stare in shock. He'd seen the sign of Suzaku only once
before, and it had not glowed this intensely. His son seemed
consumed with power and for a moment, he felt fear strike him
again. This time, of losing Kishuku. Oh, he knew, as all parents
did, that their offspring would all have to leave the nest
someday. But to lose him like this... panic gripped him
momentarily. Kishuku's eyes were still scarlet.
"Kishuku?"
No response.
"Kishuku!"
Nothing. Not even a blink.
Taking a deep breath, Shiao tried one more time. "TAMAHOME!"
The boy snapped to attention. "Hai?" He blinked a few times and
the red glow faded as abruptly as it had come. "Tousan?" Glazed
eyes cleared and focused on Shiao. Shock registered on the boy's
face. "Tousan!"
Kishuku ran to his father, his eyes streamed tears as he knelt
next to him. "Tousan! Daijoubu? I'll get help! I'll-"
"Daijoubu Kishuku. I'll be fine. Just a scratch." Bracing an arm
on the earth, Shiao sat up gingerly, wincing as he moved his leg.
"Doushite, tousan?" Kishuku was openly weeping now, his courage
melting away at the sight of his father's injury. If only he had
been faster! If only... "Gomen, tousan. I shouldn't have run
away. This is all my fault!"
Shiao stilled his lips with a touch. "It is said, that a man's
heart is made strong to protect the ones he loves. As long as you
learn but that one lesson, I shall be proud of you."
Like a brilliant sun emerging from behind a storm cloud,
Kishuku's face started to light. Tears still flowed down his
smooth cheeks, but this time, of joy. "Arigato, tousan," he
whispered, clasped his father's rough hand into his smaller one.
His father understood. And he still loved him. For the first time
since he showed the mark of Suzaku, Kishuku felt really, truly,
happy.
Well, as soon as his father's leg was better anyway.
"Tousan, can you walk? I should fetch okaasan and the healer,"
Kishuku said worriedly.
"Hai, hai. Sometimes you worry like your mother," Shiao grumped.
Son or not, he still wasn't used to admitting a weakness in front
of anyone. His leg hurt horribly but he could walk. Thankfully,
the healer's hut wasn't too far away.
"It's just because we care about you."
Shiao paused, his eyes misting. He took a deep breath and turned
to his son. "I love you, Tamahome."
Was it his imagination or did his son just start glowing a bit
more? It must not have been for Kishuku suddenly wrapped his arms
around his father's waist. Awkwardly, Shiao returned the hug,
patting his back, unsure of what else to do. He wasn't exactly
one for public displays of affection. His son's next words were
all the reward he needed.
"I love you too, Father."
----------
Unnoticed by the happy pair, two figures perched in the trees
nearby, having witnessed the entire spectacle.
"Well. That turned out much better than I expected."
"He's going to hate me though."
"Why do you care? I doubt we'll ever see him again. He'll grow
up, find his miko, fight the good fight, and get old just like
you."
"I am not old!"
"Che! Says you!"
"If I'm old, then what are you, woman?"
"Young and beautiful."
"You-"
"And if you say anything to counter that, I will beat your head
in."
Silence.
Then, "Do you really think we'll see him again?"
With a roguish grin, Lan swung down from the branch and regarded
his wife with that impish smile. "I know we will. I just hope I'm
in good enough shape to hold him off when he tries to get back at
me for leaving him." He extended his hand out to her, knowing
full well that she could get out of the tree herself but wanting
to be chivalrous anyway.
Smirking, Dourim took the hand and jumped down. "Such an ego. I
doubt he'll even remember you."
"We'll see about that."
Having successfully fulfilled their mission, the two Byakko no
seishi took to the road hand in hand, heading the opposite
direction as Tamahome and his father. If and when they did meet
again, they were confident that Tamahome would become the great
warrior the prophecies ordained. He may not become the richest,
the smartest, or even the most talented of the group, but he had
the heart of a seishi. That was all that mattered.
~ END ~
Author's Notes: *dies* Oh. My. Sweet. Suzaku. I can't believe it.
I'VE FINALLY FINISHED A MULTI-PART FIC!!!!! XD XD *bounces around
excitedly* I know, I know, this is like, nothing to some of you
but I've never finished anything longer than a 14 page oneshot
since I've started writing fanfiction so this, THIS is... I can't
even describe how insanely HAPPY I am. ^O^ I've been staring at
this last chapter for almost 10 freaking months! ;; I'm sooo
glad it's finally done! XD Comments and feedback are always
appreciated but not necessary. ^_^ tsukinouta@yahoo.com
Most of this chapter was inspired by Tamahome's first image song,
"Ai to iu na no Tatakai ni," specifically the following lines:
Chichi no kotoba wo (( I've remembered ))
Omoidashite'ta (( My father's words ))
Subete nakushita (( Even in those lonely days ))
Kodoku na hibi mo (( When everything was lost. ))
Otoko no mune wa (( "If the heart of a man ))
Itoshii hito no (( Can become a shield ))
Tate ni naru mono (( For his beloved, ))
Sore dake de ii (( That alone is enough." ))
And fittingly enough, it's playing on Winamp as I write this
note. XD The above was romanized and translated by Takayama
Miyuki (Miyuki@jlyrics.org) from http://www.jlyrics.org. Used
with permission.
Other credits for this go to Felicia, aka Tomo no Miko, whose
site I used to get the info regarding Tokaki, such as his real
name, etc. *bows* Visit her site at:
http://www.sempai.org/~felicia/fushigi.html
The names for both of Tama's parents are obviously made up. I got
them from the Kalabarians Site http://www.kalabarians.com . I
tried to pick names that matched the personalities I created for
them so you can look them up there if you get bored.
Disclaimer: All original materials belong to their respective
owners. Fushigi Yuugi belongs to Watase Yuu and a bunch of big
companies. No copyright infringement is intended. The story is
mine and I would appreciate an email asking me for permission
before posting it anywhere else.
Copyright © October 9, 2001 by Moonsong. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.midnightrevolution.org/moonsong/