Chapter 4

Seshiri blinked at Tamahome. "So no one REALLY knows what the Shinzaho is?!" He nodded. "Hai." Seshiri threw up her hands. "Oh well that's just perfect! That helps us out a LOT trying to find it…" Tamahome nodded. "I know! It's going to be like trying to find a needle in a haystack!" Seshiri sighed as the little boy came up. "Hey mister!" he called up to Tamahome. "Mr. Tamahome! Would you like to play with me?? Please??" Tamahome grinned down at the kid. "Sure why not!" Seshiri smiled slightly. "Ja ne Tamahome!" Tamahome nodded and walked off with the little kid.

Seshiri spotted Nanuri and ran over to her. "Nanuri! Can you believe it?!" Nanuri shook her head. "No way! It's unbelievable!" Seshiri blinked. "Nani? I hadn't finished what I was saying!" Nanuri put her hands on her hips and smirked. "You were going to comment about how STUPID it is that no one knows what the Shinzaho looks like…" Chibi-Seshiri frowned. "No! Actually I wasn't! Well…. Actually I was…. But… Anyway!" Chibi-Nanuri laughed, bringing her hand up to her mouth. Chibi-Seshiri grinned saying, "Is that your new trademark?" Nanuri nodded, "Hai!"

"Konnichiwa!" Tasuki came up behind Seshiri and hugged her. Chichiri and Tasuki had just come from playing with the little kid. "Konnichiwa no da!" Seshiri grinned. "Hi Tasuki, Hi Chichiri." Nanuri said hello to the both of them before looking behind Tasuki and Seshiri. "Here comes Miaka!" Miaka came running to them, bouncy and bubbly as ever. "KONNICHIWA!" The SD Miaka grinned. Looking around she blinked. "Where's Tamahome?" Tasuki growled. "He's over there playing with that ugly brat." Nanuri raised an eyebrow. "Nani? Actually I think he's a cute little kid!" Tasuki snorted. "Yeah well cute is not the word I would use!" Miaka turned to Chichiri. "What's with Tasuki?" Chichiri tried not to laugh. "Tasuki tried to play with the little kid no da!! But, the boy said Tasuki had a scary face and started to cry no da.."

SD Nanuri burst out laughing. "Poor little kid!" Chibi-Miaka pointed at Tasuki. "AH! HE'S RIGHT! Smart kid.." SD Miaka grinned. "Kidding Tasuki, kidding!" Chibi-Tasuki pouted. "I DO NOT HAVE A SCARY FACE! Come on!? What's so scary about this face?!" Seshiri grinned, doing her best to keep from laughing. "Of course you don't! You have a very good face…." She hugged SD Tasuki and kissed his cheek. "Your face is perfectly fine!" Chibi-Tasuki nodded. "Exactly! See, Seshiri knows what she's talking about! I" Nanuri sat up quickly. "Wait wait wait, Seshiri knows what she's talking about!? IT'S A MIRACLE!" SD Seshiri whapped Nanuri's head. "Baka! Shaddup!" Nanuri laughed. "I'm joking!" Standing up Nanuri scanned the area. Chichiri grinned. "It's funny just watching you guys insult each other no da!"

"Has anyone seen Nuriko?" "Er…" Seshiri looked around. "Well you were with him last, riiiiight?" Nanuri shook her head, trying to hide her grin. "Shut up Seshi-chan!" Seshiri backed up. "Hey, hey what did I say?" Chichiri looked around. "Gomen Nanuri-chan no da!" Pausing Chichiri looked around. "I think I'm going to talk with the elders some more no da! Ja ne no da!" Tasuki nodded. "Ja ne!" Nanuri waved to Chichiri. "Ja ne.." Seshiri called out to Chichiri. "JA NE!" Turning around he waved one last time before disappearing into where the elders stay.

Nanuri turned her back to Tasuki and Seshiri, putting her hands on her hips. "I'm gonna go look for him!" Tasuki grinned and hugged Seshiri tightly. "You do that Nanuri.." "Psh." Nanuri rolled her eyes and walked off to find Nuriko.

Tasuki hugged Seshiri again. "Ai shiteru!" He said, grinning. The cold wind blew around them, the grass rippling like waves. Tasuki held Seshiri closer, closing his eyes. "Ai shiteru Tasuki…" She whispered, leaning her head against his chest. Seshiri's hair whipped around in the wind, as they stood together on top of the hill overlooking the plains. Tasuki lifted Seshiri's face until she was looking into his eyes. Smiling he closed his eyes and softly kissed her.

Chichiri ran towards Tasuki and Seshiri. "Tasuki! Seshiri! We're setting off in a few minutes! You might wanna…. get… packed.. no da…." Chichiri stopped running, standing next to Seshiri and Tasuki who were still kissing. "Uh…. Tasuki… Seshiri….. Hellooooo?" Chichiri sweat dropped. "It's time to get ready no da.." He said, quietly. Tapping Tasuki on the shoulder Chichiri frowned. "Hello? You have to get packed no da!" Tasuki turned to Chichiri. "Gah! Why does someone ALWAYS interrupt us in the middle of stuff? It just aint fair!" Seshiri smiled. Hugging Tasuki she said, "Baka… Come on, we have to go get packed." Muttering Tasuki let go of Seshiri and walked off to his room.

Chibi-Chichiri shook his head. "Gomen Seshi-chan! You guys just kinda have to be packed before we leave no da…" Chibi-Seshiri nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense!' Chichiri smiled. "Ok no da! I have to finish packing myself, so.. Ja ne!" "Ja ne!" Seshiri said, waving.

Walking back to her room she saw Nanuri already packing. "Hi Nanuri!" Nanuri looked up from packing. Moving a strand of hair out of her face she smiled. "Hey Seshiri! I'm just packing.. trying to force these stupid clothes into the bag.." Chibi-Seshiri sweat dropped. "Well you shouldn't have taken all of your stuff out of your bag.." Nanuri looked up. "Hey! It's not my fault I didn't know we'd be leaving like RIGHT after we got here!" Seshiri shook her head and kneeled down to pack her stuff. "Did you find Nuriko?" Nanuri grinned. "Oh yeah." Seshiri raised an eyebrow. "Care to give details?" Nanuri sighed, clasping her hands together. Getting starry-eyed she turned Chibi. "A long kiss, a passionate embrace, those are part of what happened when I found him! First he put his arms around me and hugged me, and then he kiiiiisssed me, and THEN he-" Seshiri cringed, cutting Nanuri off. "Gah! Too much info!"

Nanuri shrugged. "Well YOU'RE the one that wanted to know! I was just obliging!" SD Seshiri nodded. "Yeah yeah yeah well now I know NEVER to ask what goes on between you and your lover boy!" SD Nanuri nodded. "Good idea… Because last night he-" Seshiri closed her eyes tightly. "I don't wanna know, I don't wanna know, I don't wanna know!" Nanuri laughed. "I'm kidding Seshi-chan! Geez don't take everything so seriously!" Seshiri shrugged. "Well how am I supposed to know when you're joking or not?" Seshiri shoved the last of her stuff into her bag and stood up. "Nani?!" Nanuri stared at her, bewildered. "You're done ALREADY!?" Chibi-Seshiri stuck her tongue out at Nanuri. "Well I wasn't a complete BAKA and take all my stuff out!"

Seshiri heaved the pack out of the room she walked over to where the horses were. Nuriko waved. "Hey Seshi-chan!" Chibi-Seshiri looked over to Nuriko. "HI NURIKO!" Seshiri looked at the horses. "Ok! Er.. Which one am I using again?" Nuriko pointed to one of the mares, laughing. "THAT one Seshi-chan!" Seshiri smiled and dropped her pack. "Arigatou! Er… Nuriko… what's with the big saddle?" Nuriko had placed a huge saddle on top of his mare. Blushing slightly he turned to Seshiri. "Well I thought that we could save money by having Nanuri and me share a horse…" Seshiri gaped at Nuriko as Tasuki, who had come out of nowhere, walked over to his horse and put his pack down. "Hey… That's actually a pretty good idea…" "You serious Nuriko?" Nuriko nodded, turning redder. "Yeah! I mean we ARE a couple right? Aren't couples allowed to do that kind of stuff?" Tasuki nodded. "It's perfectly fine fer couples to do that! Nuriko… Are there anymore saddles like that?" Chibi-Seshiri looked at both of them as Nuriko replied. "Hai. There were 3 or 4 in there." Tasuki gave Seshiri a fangy grin as he walked over to her.

"Seshiii-chaaan!" He said. Putting his hands on her waist he looked down at her, his eyes twinkling. "Care to share a horse?" Chibi-Seshiri nodded, laughing nervously. "Hai! Sure, why not?" Hugging her quickly he grinned. "Wai!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll be right back!" He motioned to the barns. "I'm just gonna go um yeah." Seshiri laughed, smiling as he raced off to the barns, eager to get one of the bigger saddles. Seshiri sweat dropped, turning back to Nuriko, who was shaking his head laughing. "Seshi-chan, would you mind getting Nanuri?" Seshiri nodded. "Hai, if you put my stuff on the packhorse!" Nuriko nodded. "Ok, ok, fair enough!" With no effort Nuriko picked up the pack putting it on the horse. Strapping it on he turned to Seshiri. "Aren't you going to get Nanuri?" Seshiri nodded, "Yeah! See ya!" Nuriko nodded before turning back to adjusting the straps on the horse.

"Nuri-chan!" Seshiri yelled, bursting into the room. Nanuri had just shoved the last bit of her clothing back into her bags. "Hah!" standing up, triumphant Chibi-Nanuri grinned. "They put up a good fight but in the end I was the victor!" Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah come on!" Nanuri frowned. "What's the rush?" Seshiri grinned slyly. "Nuriko wants to share the horse with you!" Nanuri's eyes widened. "Really!?" Seshiri nodded. "Hai!" "SUGOI!!!!!!" Chibi-Nanuri jumped about 3 feet in the air. Grabbing her bag she ran out to meet Nuriko.

Seshiri slowly left the room. Walking out she ran into Chiriko. "Ah! Gomen Chiriko!" Chiriko shook his head and looked up from the ground. "No problem!" He said. Feeling his arms he grins. "Nothings hurt, I'm ok!" Seshiri smiled and helped Chiriko up. "CHIRIKO! You're SO kawaiiiiiiiii!" "Uh. Pardon?" He asked, startled. Hugging the little genius Seshiri grinned. "Ah, Gomen Chiriko, I've just wanted to tell you that for a while." Grinning Chibi-Chiriko sweat dropped. "Ok!" Seshiri knelt down and picked up Chiriko's pack, handing it to him. He smiled. "Arigatou!" "Eeeee KAWAII!" She squealed. "Ah!" He said, jumping back from the Chibi-Seshiri. Running over to the horses Chiriko fled from Seshiri. "TASUKI!" He said. Tasuki finished saddling the horse and turned over to Chiriko. "Nani?" Chiriko hid behind Tasuki. "You might wanna get your girlfriend under control!!! She keeps calling me kawaii"! Tasuki shuddered.

"She did?! That's the worst insult! You don't wanna be kawaii, you wanna be manly!" Chiriko blinked. "But I always thought kawaii was a good thing!" He shook his head solemnly. "Not for guys. Guys aren't kawaii, they're manly!" Seshiri put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at Tasuki. "Manly?" SD Tasuki nodded. "HAI! Manly!" Miaka heaved her pack onto the other pack horse. "What's this about being manly?" Nuriko, who had been keeping quiet, lifted Nanuri onto the horse. "Tasuki is poisoning Chiriko's mind." Mitsukake placed his pack on the pack horse. Walking over to Chiriko he picked up the little Seishi. "Don't listen to Tasuki, he doesn't know what he's talking about." Mitsukake and Chiriko both got onto their horses. Tasuki looked at them all indignantly. "What?! I'D never wanna be called kawaii!"

Tamahome pushed Miaka onto their horse and swung up. "What's this about Tasuki being kawaii?" Chibi-Tasuki growled. "I AM NOT KAWAII!" Tamahome raised an eyebrow. "Geez, ok, ok." Tasuki muttered as Seshiri got onto their horse. "Mwahaha!" He said, grinning. He climbed onto the horse with Seshiri in front of him, grabbing onto the reins. Nuriko followed Tasuki's example and swung onto his horse that he was sharing with Nanuri.

The elder walked out with the little boy, smiling up at them. "Just be careful out there!" the old man croaked. Miaka smiled. "Don't worry! We will! Arigatou gozaimasu!" The little boy ran over to Tamahome. "Hey mister!" Tamahome smiled down at the kid. "Hey.." "Soon I'll be able to ride a horse! So then I can ride with you!" "Ok then! It's a deal! Next time we meet you can ride with me!" The boy looked over at Tasuki, his face gleaming. "Bye-bye guy with the scary face!" Tasuki muttered. "Goddamn brat.." "Shush!" Seshiri said, poking Tasuki. "Byyyyee"! The kid called as they all started off on the trail to the city.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

"So this is the city?" Tamahome asked, turning to Chichiri. Chichiri nodded. "Hai no da!" Chiriko looked around. "It's freezing!" He said, frowning. Miaka grinned eagerly. "Well it's snow! I haven't seen snow in forever! Back in my world it snows during the winter!" Nuriko nodded, "Since Konan has such perfect climates we never see snow there." Seshiri smiled. "Ok, so what do we do now?" Chichiri thought for a moment. "Well we should split up to search for the Shinzaho no da! I can go with Chiriko, cause he's just a kid no da! Tamahome, and Miaka, and Mitsukake should all go together, and Nuriko, Nanuri and Seshiri should go with Tasuki because he's dangerous no da!" Tasuki looked up. "Hey! What's THAT supposed to mean?!" Nanuri grinned saying, "Exactly the way it sounds."

The Seishi all looked for the Inn.

This is going to be interesting! I wonder what will happen… What if Seiryuu reaches the Shinzaho first? I guess I shouldn't think about that… Hm.. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts… Tasuki gave Seshiri a reassuring hug. Smiling Seshiri sighed happily. I still can't believe it! It seems like I only met Tasuki a little while ago, and now… So much has happened since I first went to Konan. I learned magic.. Made some great friends… And fell in love with Tasuki! I can hardly believe we've all come this far. Are we here?

"Seshiri, come on!" Tasuki said. Halting the horse in front of the Inn Tasuki swung off and held his hands out to Seshiri to help her down. Seshiri took his hands smiling and jumped off. "Arigatou!" SD Seshiri said. Chibi-Tasuki huggled her. "Any time!!!!" Nuriko and Tasuki led the horses to the stable as Seshiri and Nanuri grabbed the packs and walked inside. Dropping the packs on the floor they both scanned the room. "So hungry!" SD Seshiri groaned as her stomach rumbled. Miaka was already seated at a table, waiting to be served.

"Hai!" Chibi-Nanuri said, drooling as a steaming plate of food was served to a family. "Ok Nanuri! Let's get the rooms and run back down to eat!!!" Nanuri nodded. "GOOD PLAN!" They ran up to the receptionist. "OK! We'd like.. um…" Seshiri blinked. "Are they going to order their rooms separately?" Nanuri nodded. "I think so.. So.." "Four rooms!" The receptionist nodded. Tasuki walked over to them. "Nani? Did I hear four rooms? But Seshiri! I thought we were gonna share!" Chibi-Seshiri whapped Tasuki. "Baka!" Chichiri walked over to them. "Did you just order the rooms for you guys?" Seshiri nodded. "Ok, I can take care of the other rooms!" "OK!" Seshiri said, jumping over to a table. She sat down and waited to be served.

"Mm… Hungry!" Nanuri said, sitting down across from her. A waitress walked over to them. "Hello, what will you order?" Seshiri was about to order when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Thinking it was Tasuki she turned around smiling. When she saw a drunk guy smiling back at her she jumped up screaming. "AAAHHHHH WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YER DOIN'?!" "Hey babe!" He said. Sake was on his breath, and he had a goofy smile. "You've gotta cute face! Ya wanna hang out with me?" "Ehhh" Chibi-Seshiri backed away from the drunk. Tasuki saw Seshiri was in trouble and walked over to where she was. "Hey!" He yelled at the drunk, "What the hell do you think yer doin!?" "Hey hey hey!" The drunk man slurred, bringing his hands up. "No need ta get pissy! I didn' know she was yer's!"

Nuriko walked over to them. "What's the commotion?" "Hey you!" The drunk called up. "You don't look bad either! You wanna have some fun?" Nuriko stared at the drunk. "How dare you! One, I'm a guy, two, I have a girlfriend, three, I am NOT that easy!" Another drunk called out to the table where Nuriko Nanuri Tasuki and Seshiri were gathered. "Hey! One of you babes wanna have a drink?" Tasuki growled at the guy. "Leave us the hell alone!" Nanuri shook her head. "This isn't gonna work! We're gonna be stopped by every pervert around!" Yet another drunk pervert walked over to them. "Hey you!" He said, pointing to Nanuri. "You look real fine, I could pay you for a-" Nuriko cut him off, slamming his fist into the guys stomach. "Back off!" Nuriko growled, his eyes flashing.

Wooooahhh I've never seen Nuriko that pissed before!!! Good job Nanuri! He wont let those perverts lay a hand on you!!!! "Get the hell away from us!" Tasuki called after the perverts who were now backing away.

"Damn… What are we gonna do?" "Well…" Nuriko said. "I can make it a little bit easier if I don't look like such a girl." Tamahome and Miaka walked over to the table, just as Nuriko pulled out a knife. "Ok then!" Nuriko reached behind him, grabbing his braid. Pulling it in front of him he sliced off his hair.

The beautiful purple locks fell to the ground and Miaka picked them up. "NURIKO! Your beautiful hair..!" Nanuri stared at the hair in Miaka's hand. "You didn't have to do that! It's kinda obvious you're a guy.." Nanuri giggled. "Nuriko! You can't dress like a girl anymore!" Miaka stared at him. Nuriko shrugged. "It's about time I stopped acting gay…" Grinning he sat down next to Nanuri and hugged her. "It's not that big of a deal! Why worry about hair when we might run into the Seiryuu Seishi?"

Chichiri, Mitsukake, and Chiriko arrived. "I got the rest of the rooms no da!" Tamahome nodded. "Yeah.. We'll probably run into the Seiryuu Seishi.…" Chichiri sat down, frowning. "Hai… But there's a problem no da.." Nanuri looked over at Chichiri. "Nani? A problem?" Chichiri nodded. "Hai, we can't use our powers for communication. We want to keep our Chi down so we wont be discovered." "Agh this is such a mess!" Tasuki sat down next to Seshiri. Chiriko stood up on his chair. "I have an idea!" Tasuki jumped. "Gah! Where did you come from?! Don't surprise me like that!" Chiriko sweat dropped. "Gomen Tasuki." Miaka cocked her head. "What's your idea?" "This!"

Chiriko pulled out a flare, smiling proudly. "Nani? What's with the fireworks?" Nanuri sat, clueless. Nuriko laughed, "Baka, it's a flare!" "Oh! Yeah! Right!" Seshiri nodded. "I get it! So, we find the Shinzaho and we fire that flare thing… right?" Chiriko nodded. "Hai! It should be visible by anywhere in the city…" The waitress returned and asked once again "What are you going to order?"

Minutes later the waitress returned with their food. "Mmm… Delicious!" Seshiri grinned and ate her pile of food in instants. "Where are our packs?" Mitsukake raised his hand slightly. "I put them upstairs in the rooms." Seshiri grinned. "Arigatou!" Seshiri stood up. "I think I'm going to go check out my room… which number is it?" Chichiri pulled out a handful of keys. "Your room is number five no da!" He tossed her the key. Catching it she flashed a smile. "Arigatou!" Seshiri waved and raced up to her room.

Opening the door Seshiri stepped inside. Carefully placed on the chair was Seshiri's pack. Seshiri silently thanked Mitsukake again and walked over to it. Tossing it on her bed, she began to unpack. Hard to imagine all the perverts that are here! I am VERY glad Tasuki's here to protect me from those drunks… "Nani?" Seshiri jumped, startled, as Tasuki came up behind her and hugged her. "Helloooo!" He said, grinning. Sighing, relieved, Seshiri turned and kissed him. Seshiri turned away from him, pushing the pack off her bed and sat down. Tasuki smiled down at her, holding out his hand. "Here." "Hm? What are these…" Seshiri picked up earrings from his hand, almost identical to his own.

Tasuki grinned and dropped his hands at his sides. "Earrings, obviously.." Seshiri laughed, "You know that's not what I meant! Why are you giving me these?" Tasuki shrugged and sat down on the bed next to her. "I've always had them. My dad told me that when I found that 'special girl' that I should give them to her. I never, in my wildest DREAMS thought I'd find the 'special girl' he was talking about." Putting his arm around her shoulders he smiled. "That was before I met you." Seshiri smiled and kissed Tasuki. "Arigatou Tasuki!…… Ai shiteru…" He grinned and hugged her. "Ai shiteru Seshi-chan." She kissed him again before standing up. Walking over to the mirror she carefully put on the earrings before turning around, grinning.

"These are BEAUTIFUL Tasuki! Arigatou!" She said, hugging him tightly. Tasuki shrugged grinning slyly. "I don't think they'd be half as beautiful if you weren't wearing them!" SD Seshiri bopped his head lightly. "Hey! Since when are you such a sweet guy?" Tasuki shook his head laughing. "Baka, I've always been like this… I just haven't really shown it.." Tasuki smirked and pulled Seshiri into his lap. She turned around and kissed him repeatedly. "Tasuki, as much as I'd LOVE to stay and sit in your lap… I think they need us downstairs.." Tasuki cringed. "Are you sure?" Seshiri nodded. "Hai." Seshiri kissed Tasuki again. Tasuki sighed. "Ok.. Fine then.." Standing up he picked Seshiri up with him and put her on the ground. "Ok! Let's go find that stupid Shinzaho so we can get back to where we were!" Seshiri grinned and kissed Tasuki again. "Ok!"

Grabbing Tasuki's hand Seshiri walked down the stairs with him. "Ok! So, are we setting off?" Chichiri nodded. "We're all going to search the area no da! And meet back here in a little while no da…" Seshiri walked over to Nanuri and Nuriko. "Ok! We ready?" "Hai!" Nanuri grinned. "OK! Let's go!" Chibi-Tasuki stepped outside, followed by the others.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri stared at the rock. "I have no idea what this says…" Tasuki raised an eyebrow and peered at it. "It's got Genbu on it… There's gotta be some sort of relation.."

Nanuri pointed at it. "Yeah, but it's just got a bunch of squiggles!" Miaka, Tamahome, and Mitsukake followed them out of the Inn. "Hmm…" Miaka turned around, stopping a woman. "Excuse me, can you read this?" The lady shook her head. "Gomen, This is an ancient script that was abolished 200 years ago. The only ones who would be able to read it would be those that wrote it or scholars." Nuriko nodded. "That makes sense.." A young man came up to them. "My father is a scholar, he can translate for you!" Tamahome nodded. "Ok! We can do that!" The woman turned to Miaka. "I wouldn't trust him, he's a thug." Miaka frowned. "Well we have to figure it out somehow…" Tamahome smiled slightly. "I'll go with him Miaka, you and Mitsukake can look around for more clues!"

Miaka nodded. "Dammit! I can't find my hat and I'm FREEZING!" Nanuri complained. Miaka smiled over at her. "Here Nuri-chan! You can use mine! I'm not cold!" Miaka took off her hat and tossed it to Nanuri. "Arigatou!" Nanuri said, eagerly putting on the hat. "No problem!" Miaka said, smiling. Turning to Seshiri, Tasuki, and Nuriko she waved. "Ja ne!" Miaka turned around and walked away with Mitsukake as Tamahome ran off after the young man. Seshiri blinked. "Oooook… Well that kind of destroyed what we were going to do.. What should we do? They kind of took our job.." Tasuki scowled. "Tamahome's an overachiever who's ALWAYS gotta be the hero! I HATE that!" Nuriko nodded and hugged Nanuri. "We might as well sit down."

Chibi-Seshiri looked up. "What… are those?" She said, pointing to the bits of snow, falling from the sky. Nanuri raised an eyebrow. "Those are snowflakes! Don't tell me you've never seen them before…" Seshiri shrugged. "Fine, I wont…" Tasuki stared at her. "You've never seen a snowflake before?" Seshiri shook her head. "Never seen snow either…" Nuriko nodded. "That makes sense!" putting his arm around Nanuri, Nuriko pulled her closer. "Taiitsukun probably doesn't have many snowflakes… And other than that you were in Konan, where it doesn't snow!" Seshiri nodded. "Poor deprived girl!" Tasuki picked up a lump of snow in his hand. "See, snow is frozen.. umm…. Water.. things.. and it makes snow! And it goes back up to the sky and then it falls back down!" Seshiri blinked. "Did that make sense to ANY one?" Nuriko stared at Tasuki. "'Fraid not." Nanuri smirked. "Tasuki is the expert at not making sense"!

"Bwah!" Chibi-Tasuki grinned before hurling the snowball at Seshiri. "AACK! What the?" "Woohooohoo!" He laughed, jumping away from her. "You KNOW I'm gonna get you back, right?" Tasuki grinned and hid behind Nuriko and Nanuri. "Hai!" Picking up some snow Seshiri tossed it at Tasuki, missing him and hitting Nanuri. "Aha! Oops! Gomen Nanuri!" Nanuri stood up. "Hey!" Chibi-Nanuri picked up a ball of snow and threw it at Seshiri, who barely dodged it. "Go mee go mee!" SD Seshiri laughed, victory dancing.

Seshiri's dance was cut short by another snowball, thrown by Chibi-Tasuki. "Hey! I was busy dancing!" Tasuki nodded. "I noticed!" "Grr!" Chibi-Seshiri grabbed a handful of snow, packing it into a ball. She then hurled the ball at Tasuki, hitting him square in the face. "Boo yeah!" Chibi-Seshiri said, laughing.

A low growl carried over to them from a rooftop. "Hm?" Nanuri said, turning around. "Nani…?" Nuriko frowned at the figure on the roof, and hugged Nanuri close to him. The wolf man stepped out of shadow. "I am Seiryuu Shichi Seishi, Ashitare!"

Seishi name: Ashitare

Age: unknown

Occupation: Seiryuu Seishi

Hair: like a wolf's

Eyes: like a wolf's

Power: Brute strength, once his human half dies he can become a wolf.

He sniffed the air. "And I have come.." He said, turning to Nanuri and narrowing his eyes. "To kill the Suzaku no miko.." Tasuki stood up, cautiously backing up to where Seshiri was standing. Nuriko growled at Ashitare. "What the..? Nanuri isn't the miko! She's not even one of the Seishi!" Ashitare shook his head. "The miko smells like the miko.." Nanuri blinked. "OH SHIT! IT'S MIAKA'S HAT!" Before she had time to do anything else Ashitare jumped down from the roof, lunging at an old man.

"AAAHHHHHHHHHGGGG" The old man screamed in pain as Ashitare devoured him. A clueless bystander screamed. "HOLY SHIT WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?!" A woman screamed in horror. "IT'S A MONSTER! STAY AWAY FROM IT!"

Tasuki muttered to Seshiri. "Smart people…" Tasuki kept in front of Seshiri, just in case. "The old taste awful. Now it's your turn!" Ashitare drooled. "I seek young human blood!" Snarling he lunged at Nanuri. "AAAHHHHH" Nanuri screamed and ducked her head as Nuriko blocked Ashitare, who ripped at his shoulder. Nuriko yelled out in pain but pulled the flare from inside his jacket. As Ashitare advanced again Nuriko pulled the flare, setting it off right into Ashitare's eye.

The Seiryuu Seishi growled, howling in pain he clutched his eye. Ashitare then turned tail and ran away from them as fast as he could.

Nuriko bit his lip and grabbed his shoulder. He turned to Nanuri. "Are you ok?" Nanuri nodded. "Just a little shaken up." Nuriko smiled slightly. "I'm glad you're ok!" Nanuri stood up. "But you aren't! Are you ok?" She said, running over to him. "I'm fine.." Tasuki walked back to Nuriko with Seshiri. "What was that thing…?" Nuriko winced. "Seiryuu Seishi.." "Come on Nuriko, let's get you back to the Inn…"

Back at the Inn Nuriko was sitting up in bed. "Arigatou!" He called after the nurse, who had just bandaged his shoulder. Nanuri watched over Nuriko, worried. "Nuriko! Lay back down! You need to rest!" Nuriko laughed slightly. "Come on, it's not as if I've broken my leg or something, I'm FINE, the nurse even said so!" Nanuri frowned. "Even so, I'd rather have you not do a lot of stuff until Mitsukake has a look at you." Nuriko smiled. "Don't worry Nuri-chan!" Pulling her down on the bed next to him, he hugged her. "I'm FINE…" Nanuri smiled and kissed Nuriko. "Yeah.. I guess." Seshiri leaned against the door, going unnoticed. "Hmmm…. I think I'm gonna leave you two alone." Grinning Seshiri left Nuriko's room.

That's SO KAWAII! They're perfect for each other! Heh, poor Nuriko…. What the hell was that anyway. That THING was a Seiryuu Seishi? Seeing Soi was bad enough for my poor eyes! But THAT thing… Seshiri shuddered. I 'can't wait' to see the REST of the Seiryuu Seishi!!!!!! They just keep getting worse and worse!…… Remembering the beasts razor teeth, and sharp claws Seshiri felt a chill go up her spine. Gah… That was possibly the worst chill I've ever had. I'm beginning to think that Tasuki was right. Something isn't quite right here.. For some reason I just don't feel safe in Hokkan……

Reaching the tavern Seshiri scanned the room for Tasuki. Tasuki was seated at a stool, guzzling sake. "Taasukkiii!" She said, walking over to him grinning. Turning around he gave her a fangy grin. "Konban wa!" Seshiri hugged him from behind and put her head on his shoulder. "Hey! What's with all the sake?" Tasuki gestured at the sake. "Isn't it obvious? For DRINKING!" Chibi-Seshiri whapped him. "Baka, I know that! I wanna know WHY you're drinking it." Chibi-Tasuki grabbed another bottle of sake. "Cause I feel like it!"

Chibi-Seshiri blinked as he finished off his second bottle. "Tasuki-san… You CAN pay for that… right?" SD Tasuki froze. "Oh… Dammit.. I hadn't thought about that.." "Baka!" Laughing she whapped him. "Lucky for you, I have some money!" Tasuki stared at the coins she pulled out. "Nani? How'd you get those!??!" Seshiri grinned "I have my ways!" Dropping his bottle of sake he stared at her in horror. "NANI!? YOU PLAYED PROSTITUTE?!!?!?" Seshiri shook her head laughing. "I'm JOKING Tasuki-san!" She hugged him. "I got these from Hotohori." Tasuki grew wide eyed. "NANI?! YOU PLAYED PROSTITUTE WITH HOTOHORI!?!??!?!?!??!?!?!??!?!?" Seshiri whapped him. "No baka! I said I was joking! Hotohori gave me some money for Hokkan!… Before we left! He gave YOU money too!" Tasuki blinked. "Oh.. Yeah… Oops…" Laughing nervously he dug into his pocket, pulling out the money. "Eh! You're right! I'd forgotten!" Seshiri rolled her eyes. "I'd noticed."

Tasuki stood up. "I think that's enough sake for now! I've got better things to do!" placing the money at the bar he flashed a grin at Seshiri. "Liiiiiike?" Tasuki walked over to her and put his hands on her waist. "Liiiiiiiike…" Tasuki kissed her. Leaning back he grinned. Seshiri nodded, "Yeah, you're right, that is better than you drinking sake." Shaking his head he laughed. "Silly girl." Kissing her again the bartender came up and tapped them on the shoulder. "Gomen nasai, but people are complaining.." Tasuki looked up. "Nani?" Looking behind Tasuki Seshiri winced. People throughout the room were giving them glares. The bartender whispered, "Would you two get a room!? Or at LEAST take it somewhere else!"

Tasuki grinned back at Seshiri. "Hmm. Getting a room sounds good enough to me!" Seshiri whapped him. "Baka! Come on, let's go outside." Tasuki grinned and walked out of the tavern, arm around Seshiri.

Stepping outside Seshiri looked up at the sky. Seshiri grinned at Tasuki and kissed his cheek. Walking over to a bench Seshiri sat down, Tasuki sitting next to her. Snuggling close to him Seshiri closed her eyes. "Ai shiteru." Tasuki hugged her closer and kissed the top of her head. "Ai shiteru, Seshi-chan." Seshiri looked up at Tasuki and smiled. Tasuki grinned down at her and gently kissed her repeatedly. "SESHIRIIII! TASUKIII!" Miaka's shrill voice rang out. Wincing Seshiri turned to Miaka. "Konban wa Miaka.." Miaka skipped over to them, "WE FOUND OUT WHERE IT IS!" Leaning down next to them she whispered, "It's in the Kokuzan caverns!" "Oh really? That's wonderful!" Seshiri smiled. Miaka nodded. "I know! I'm starved… Ja ne!"

Miaka ran off inside the Inn, ready to order some food. Seshiri turned back to Tasuki, kissing him. Once again they were interrupted as Mitsukake and Tamahome walked over to them. Tamahome stood in front of them, "Have you seen Miaka?" Tasuki rolled his eyes. "Hai, she went inside to stuff her face.." Tamahome walked away from them. "Arigatou." Mitsukake started to follow him inside when Seshiri stopped him. "Mitsukake, you might wanna check into Nuriko's room. We had a confrontation with a Seiryuu Seishi, and he got hurt.." Mitsukake nodded. "I will." Tasuki smirked. "You might wanna knock first. "Nani?" Mitsukake frowned. Tasuki laughed. "Never mind!" Mitsukake walked away with a puzzled look on his face.

Hugging Seshiri tightly Tasuki kissed her, "We should probably go inside…" He said, forcing the words out. Seshiri nodded, kissing him. "Hai." Seshiri stood up, walking back to the Inn. Tasuki caught up with her and grabbed her hand. Smiling he held her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Grinning Seshiri kissed him before they entered the Inn. Walking in Seshiri let go of Tasuki's hand. "I'm gonna go upstairs." Tasuki nodded. "Ja ne!"

Seshiri ran up the stairs. I wonder how Nuriko's doing? Heh, I bet Nanuri's making him feel looooooaaads better! Running into Mitsukake Seshiri jumped back. "Ah! Gomen nasai Mitsukake!!!" Mitsukake stood in front of her, solid as a rock. "No problem! Nuriko's all healed, in case you were wondering." SD Seshiri sweat dropped. "Actually I was!"

Mitsukake smiled. "I thought so. If you'll excuse me, I am very hungry." Seshiri nodded and stepped out of Mitsukake's way. Geez he's polite! Ok! Going to check on Nuriko and Nanuri! Seshiri stood in front of the door, pondering whether to open it or not. Well I open it, see how he's doing, leave…. But if I interrupt something Nanuri wont ever forgive me! I might as well… just… pop in for a minute. Seshiri slowly opened the door. "Helloooo?" Seshiri stepped into the room just as Nuriko and Nanuri stopped kissing. "Hi Seshi-chan!" Nanuri said. Nanuri was seated on Nuriko's bed while he pulled her close with his hands on her waist.

Chibi-Seshiri sweat dropped. "Gomen, uh it's just that um Miaka found out where the Shinzaho, and um it's dinner so we all might wanna go down. And eat." Ehehe Nuriko doesn't have his shirt on! I bet Nanuri's happy about that! "Arigatou Seshiri!" Nuriko said, standing up. Nanuri stood up, grinning from ear to ear as Nuriko slipped on a shirt. "You guys head down, I'll be right there! I gotta primp myself up!" Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Still acting like a woman I see.. Come on Nanuri!"

Seshiri walked downstairs with Nanuri following. "I'm staaaaarved!" Nanuri said, her stomach rumbling. Seshiri nodded, walking into the tavern. "Well that's what dinner is for!" SD Miaka had already finished several bowls of the delicious food when Nanuri and Seshiri sat down. Tasuki sat down next to Seshiri as she ordered. Poking her, he smirked. "Hungry?" "STARVED!" She said as Nuriko sat down. "Hi!" Hugging Nanuri, who was gleaming, Nuriko began to order. Lowering his voice he turned to Tamahome, who was seated across from Miaka. "So where is the Shinzaho?"

Tamahome looked around before muttering back, "A place called the Kokuzan caverns… When the others arrive we're going to tell them to start searching for the caverns first thing tomorrow." Seshiri nodded. Turning to the waitress, who dropped off her food, she smiled, "Arigatou!"

Stuffing her face Seshiri finished off the food quickly. Seshiri closed her eyes, yawning. "Mm… Tired…" Tasuki hugged her. "You should go to sleep early, we're gonna have a full day tomorrow." Mitsukake, seated next to Miaka, nodded. "Hai, even I plan to go to sleep early." Seshiri stood up. "Yeah, you're right. I'm gonna go to bed… I'm exhausted and we DO have a LOT ta do." Standing next to the table she smiled. "Oyasumi!" Turning around about to leave, Seshiri tripped over herself. "AAHH!" Chibi-Seshiri stayed on the floor, face down. She muttered. "Stupid… feet… always tripping.." Nanuri burst out laughing, "It's been a while since Seshi-chan tripped! I thought she'd finally gotten balance!" Chibi-Seshiri stood up, laughing nervously. "Oooo clumsy, I just tripped! It happens to everyone doesn't it?" Miaka nodded. "It happens to me a LOT!" Seshiri nodded, gesturing towards Miaka. "See? Fine example!"

Tasuki stood up, shaking his head. "Do you need me to escort you back to your room to make sure you don't trip?" Chibi-Seshiri shook her head, "No I can walk fine all by myself thank you very much!" Turning around Chibi-Seshiri was about to walk to the stairs when she tripped over herself again. "Gah!" She said, sitting up. Chibi-Tasuki raised an eyebrow. "Silly girl!" Grabbing her hand he pulled her up. "Come on." Seshiri pouted but walked with him up the stairs anyway.

Gah! That was embarrassing! I had JUST finished saying I could walk without tripping, and then I tripped. Of COURSE I'd do that… it's just the sort of thing I would do! But I haven't tripped in a long time! Yay for me! Tasuki stopped in front of Seshiri's room, hugging her. "Oyasumi Seshi-chan!" He said, kissing her. Grinning Seshiri kissed him back. "Oyasumi!" opening the door she stepped in. "I'll see you tomorrow Tasuki-san.." He nodded. "Ja ne!" Turning his back to her Tasuki walked away, back to the tavern.

Closing the door behind him Seshiri changed before jumping into bed. She lay in bed, eyes closed thinking. Well tomorrow the search for the Shinzaho REALLY begins! I wonder what we're gonna find? Aren't Genbu's Seishi supposed to be guarding it? Oh well…. I guess I'll find out tomorrow! Seshiri sighed and relaxed, falling asleep.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Tasuki climbed up onto the horse, hugging Seshiri. "Hmm I like these big saddles." Seshiri laughed. "Well as long as you have control of the horse, I'm fine with it!" Nuriko swung onto his horse, Nanuri in front of him. "Ok!" He said, turning to Chichiri. "So we all check different parts of the mountain?" Chichiri nodded. "Hai no da!" "Same groups as before?" Nanuri asked hopefully. "Hai!" Tamahome nodded. "Ok then! Let's go!" Pulling the reigns tight Tasuki began the long ride.

At the foot of the mountain Nuriko stopped his horse. "So, should we ride up the same way? Or split up?" Seshiri looked over at Nanuri. "I think we should stay together.." Nanuri nodded. "Yeah, I agree!" Nuriko shrugged. "Anything for the ladies!" Tasuki nodded, smirking. Urging his horse onward they galloped up the mountain. "AAH! Slow down! We don't wanna miss it!" Nanuri shouted. Nuriko obliged, hugging her. "Gomen Nanuri! I have a feeling it's at the top though." Tasuki nodded. "Hai, Seshi-chan and I can ride up quickly and scout out the top while you guys can take your time!"

Nuriko nodded. "That's a good idea." Seshiri grinned, waving to Nanuri. "Ja ne Nuri-chan!" Tasuki rode the horse quickly up the mountain, wanting to get there as soon as possible. "Seshiri." "Hm?" "That feeling I'm having. The one I've had ever since we got to Hokkan?" Seshiri nodded. "Hai..?" "It's been getting stronger, and worse. Something is definitely not right." Seshiri sighed. "I don't know what's wrong Tasuki… I have the same feeling…" Tasuki hugged her. "There's the top!" Tasuki brought the horse to a stop. Tasuki jumped off the horse and helped Seshiri down. "Damn! Freezing…" Tasuki muttered. Seshiri nodded, shivering.

Walking over to a huge boulder she blinked. "Okay, why is there a boulder in front of the door…" Tasuki smirked. "Obviously it's there to keep people out!" Seshiri blinked. "Oh. Hah! Yeah! I knew that!" Tasuki grinned and hugged her. He froze as a low growl was heard behind him. Closing his eyes he whispered to Seshiri, "Seshi-chan. Ashitare is here. Right behind us." Seshiri stiffened up, eyes wide with fear. "I want you to run while I blast him with fire." Seshiri nodded slightly, shaking. "Now!" Tasuki said, turning around to face Ashitare he brought up his tessen. "REKKA SHI-" Nuriko and Nanuri came into view. Nanuri called out, "TASUKI! SESHIRI! ASHITARE IS HERE!". Nuriko brought the horse to a stop. "Shit! He's already here!"

Nuriko jumped off the horse, running to help Tasuki. Tasuki glared at Nuriko "Shut the hell up I'm a little busy!!!!!! REKKA SHINEN!" Tasuki yelled, pointing his tessen at Ashitare. Fire erupted from the tessen, Ashitare was singed by the flames, just jumping out of the way in time. "AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGG!!!!!!" Ashitare howled in pain. Ashitare lunged at Tasuki, tackling him before he could get out of the way. "Ah! Dammit!" Tasuki gritted his teeth and fought back the Seiryuu Seishi.

Seshiri stared at Tasuki as he struggled with Ashitare. "Dammit!" Nuriko cursed. "I can't get in there!" Seshiri's mind raced. Tasuki…… Dammit.. TASUKI! Ashitare bit into Tasuki's shoulder, forcing him to drop his tessen. Gasping in pain Tasuki threw Ashitare off of him, stepping back. "Nuriko!" He called. "Get Seshiri and Nanuri out of here!" Nuriko stepped towards Tasuki. "But-" "NO! Get them the hell away from here!" Nuriko turned to Seshiri. "Seshi-" "NO! I'm staying!" She said, stepping away from him. "TASUKI!" She called out. "TASUKIIII!" Tasuki clutched his shoulder, wincing as his blood stained the snow. "Seshiri… I said to get the hell out of here!"

Ashitare growled. "I hunger for blood, and your blood I'll have!" Licking his lips the beast lunged at Tasuki again. Tasuki, distracted, was tackled once again. "Dammit! This bastard is strong!" Ashitare clawed at Tasuki, ripping his shirt as well as his skin. Tasuki cried out in pain, but fended off the Seishi.

Tasuki… Tasuki.. Please… Tasuki.. He's killing you!… don't.. please. You can't win this fight! This is just like the last time… With Tamahome… Tasuki! Please, don't. "TASUKI! Stop! Please!" Seshiri sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Tasuki!…….. Please!…." Seshiri fell to her knees, her voice ringing out. "TASUKI!….. I can't… Don't… Please!" Nanuri screamed, hiding her face away from the battle. Seshiri sobbed and got to her feet. "ASHITARE! GET THE HELL AWAY FROM TASUKI!" Seshiri was about to charge into Ashitare but Nuriko grabbed her, holding her back.

Ashitare turned to face the sobbing girl, growling. "You're next little bitch!" Tasuki swung a fist into Ashitare's scarred face, burnt from the flames. Howling, the Seiryuu Seishi lifted Tasuki up, digging his claws into his flesh. Tasuki yelled again, doing his best to get free. Seshiri fought against Nuriko. "No! Let me go! I have to help him! I can't just watch him…" Turning back to Tasuki she screamed. "TASUKIII!" Tasuki growled at Nuriko. "Don't…Let her… Near…" Seshiri closed her eyes, sobbing. "TASUKIIII!!! PLEASE… TASUKIII!" Nuriko closed his eyes tightly, holding Seshiri firmly. "Gomen.. Seshiri.." He said, a sob in his voice. "I… can't…"

Tasuki……... No…… don't die… please don't! "TASUKI!" Seshiri collapsed sobbing. "Tasuki…!" Tasuki fought Ashitare back. Stepping away from the Seishi he tried to dodge on coming blows, slow from the loss of blood. "Dammit!" he cursed. "He's fast and strong.. I can't keep up.." Tasuki glanced out of the corner of his eye, spotting his tessen. Jumping back, Tasuki grabbed it, quickly turning it into a blade. "Ok bastard… Since you're so good at dodging fire… Now… I'm ready…" Tasuki's clothes were soaked in blood. Overcome with pain Tasuki stood ready for an attack. Ashitare smirked grabbing some of the snow stained with Tasuki's blood. Licking it the beast grinned. "You have good blood. I will enjoy drinking it!" Tasuki narrowed his eyes, growling, "Come on and try it!"

Snarling, Ashitare jumped at Tasuki, claws first. Tasuki jumped back, then in, spearing Ashitare's heart on the sharp point. Gasping with pain Tasuki looked down at his chest, where Ashitare's claws were embedded deeply, going right through to the other side.

"TAASUKIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" Seshiri screamed. Nuriko let go, in shock, letting Seshiri run over to Tasuki as he fell to the ground. Ashitare smirked, pulling his claws out of Tasuki. Standing triumphant for a few moments, the Seiryuu Seishi's eyes rolled to the back of his head, and he collapsed, dead.

Seshiri ran to Tasuki's side, tears streaming down her face. "Tasuki… Baka…" Tasuki smiled up at her. "It's ok… He's dead…." Lifting his hand up Tasuki placed it on Seshiri's cheek. "Seshiri… I want you to…. continue on… without me…" Seshiri shook her head, tears scattering. "No! Stop talking like that! You're going to be ok!… you have to be ok! I can't live without you!" Tasuki chuckled slightly, coughing. "Seshi-chan…" "NO!" Seshiri sobbed. "Please… Tasuki… Don't leave me… I… I need you…" Tasuki wiped away her tears, accidentally smearing some of his blood on her cheek. "Seshiri… Please… Don't cry…" Seshiri sobbed. "Tasuki…" Tasuki smiled at Seshiri, lovingly. "Ai… Shiteru… Seshiri……"

Tasuki's eyes closed as his hand fell from her cheek. "T…Tasuki…?" Seshiri whispered, the her voice cracking. "Tasuki….. No… No… This isn't supposed to happen.. It's not supposed to end like this! You're supposed to take me back to the bandits… and show me what a good bandit leader you are… remember?… You promised… Tasuki.. please." Seshiri wailed. "You're supposed to keep your promises!" Sobbing quietly Seshiri reached down, putting her hands on the side of his head. "Tasuki… stop it… This.. This isn't funny… TASUKIII!" Seshiri screamed, tears streaming down her face as she leaned against Tasuki. "..Tasuki…"

Nanuri came up behind Seshiri, placing a hand on her shoulder. Seshiri shook, sobbing uncontrollably. "Seshiri…" Nanuri said quietly. Seshiri ignored her friend, sobbing over Tasuki's body. Chichiri, Chiriko, Mitsukake, Tamahome and Miaka came into view. "What happened?!" Miaka cried. Racing over to Tasuki. "Tasuki…" Miaka burst into tears as Tamahome held her. Tamahome looked in disgust at Ashitare's body. "Did this thing.. do it..?" Nanuri nodded, gulping. "Hai." Chichiri took off his mask. "We could all feel something was wrong…… We could feel one of us…. The life force.. go out… So we rushed over as soon as we could…"

Seshiri was completely tuned out to what was going on around her. Tasuki….Tasuki…. Why…? You… You can't be dead… You promised.. You aren't supposed to break your promises!… I never thought I could feel so empty… so alone… this can't be… he can't be dead! He was alive and happy a few moments ago…… Just a few moments ago I was in his arms. He was so warm and happy.. I don't believe it! He can't be dead! Seshiri whimpered. "…Tasuki…" Seshiri closed her eyes tightly but the tears continued to flow. Nanuri kneeled down next to Seshiri, placing a hand on her back. "Seshiri… it's time to go…" Nanuri pulled her friend up as she said in a small voice, "..Tasuki!…" Nanuri hugged Seshiri, letting her friend cry into her shoulder. Unable to stop her own tears from flowing, Nanuri cried as well, hugging Seshiri.

Mitsukake kneeled down next to Tasuki. Holding out his hand the green light flowed around Tasuki, making his wounds disappear, and his clothes mend. "There…" Mitsukake said, taking a step back. Chiriko cried into Chichiri's cloak, hiding his face. "He… He could be sleeping.." Chiriko cried softly. Chichiri patted Chiriko's head. "He looks so peaceful…"

Miaka, crying into Tamahome's shoulder, turned to the others, drying her tears. "We……. We….. We have to go on… And get the Shinzaho….." Nuriko nodded. Solemnly walking over to the boulder Nuriko put his hands at the base. Lifting up the boulder his bracelets turned into wrist guards. The gift from Taiitsukun enhanced his strength, and he threw the boulder to the side, no trouble. Nanuri let go of Seshiri, who then fell to her knees. Walking over to the others Nanuri dried her tears. "I'm going to go take Seshiri back to the Inn… I don't think she can go any further." Nodding Nuriko hugged Nanuri tightly. "Ja ne Nanuri.." He whispered.

He turned his back to her and walked into the cave, following the others.

Nanuri walked over to Seshiri, who was kneeling in the snow, sobbing. Hesitating Nanuri pulled Tasuki's weapon out of Ashitare, wiping it clean on the snow.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Miaka quietly stepped into the Inn, followed by her Seishi. Nuriko, who was last, slammed the door shut, cutting off the howling wind. Walking into the tavern he saw Seshiri seated at a table, staring blankly at Tasuki's tessen as tears silently ran down her cheeks. Nanuri was seated at a different table, drinking some sake.

Nuriko sighed and walked over to Nanuri. He put his hand on her shoulder whispering, "How is she..?" Nanuri closed her eyes sighing. "She's just been like this the entire time. Hasn't moved, hasn't eaten, hasn't spoken a word… And… She hasn't stopped crying…" Nuriko sat down next to Nanuri. "Dammit.." Nanuri opened her eyes, looking at him. "The tears have been falling constantly, but she hasn't made a single noise. Just. Crying. Silently. It's scary.." Nuriko took Nanuri's hand. "I still can't believe it… He's just gone…" Nanuri nodded solemnly. "Damn the Seiryuu Seishi… Damn them…" Nuriko sighed. "We didn't have much luck in the caverns. Yeah we got the Shinzaho alright but some strange stuff happened." Nanuri blinked at him, puzzled.

"Like?" "Like… We had to fight against ghosts, and their test was to have the Miko strip and become frozen. She had to get out without the help of her Seishi." Nanuri stared at Nuriko, mouth wide open. "And??" Nuriko frowned. "For some unknown reason.. The ice around Miaka began to melt…" Nanuri took a breath. ".. Melt?" Nuriko nodded. "I guess Tasuki's still watching over us." Nanuri frowned. "But his tessen… It's right there." Nuriko shrugged. "I can barely understand it either. Maybe since his spirit doesn't need the tessen to produce flames." Nanuri rubbed her forehead. "This is confusing…" Nuriko nodded. "Well we got the Shinzaho, and left the caverns. Right when we got out Ashitare snatched the Shinzaho from Miaka and ran away with it."

Nanuri sat up quickly. "NANI!?" Nuriko nodded. "It would seem that his Seishi power was to transform into a wolf once his 'human' form died." Nanuri slouched back down. "Dammit! Will we ever be rid of him?!" Nuriko rubbed his eyes. "I'm tired… I'm going to go to bed in a few minutes." Nanuri nodded, taking a sip of her sake.

…… Empty…… Seshiri sat, staring at Tasuki's tessen, tears falling silently down her cheeks. … I feel empty… and alone… I can't believe it… It's not real… I have to be dreaming… I'm dreaming! That must be it! This must be a horrible nightmare! Come on Seshiri, wake up! Wake up! When you wake up Tasuki will be there, alive and happy, and holding you in his arms… So… WAKE UP Seshiri completely ignored what was going on around her. It was as if she was alone in the world. The only other thing there was Tasuki's tessen. The other people around her weren't real. Pushing, shoving, talking, it was as if they weren't even there.

No… Seshiri… Don't! Don't get yourself believing what isn't true! Tasuki is dead…. He's dead! And he isn't ever coming back! No matter how much you want him to… No matter how much you cry for him to return… He isn't… He's gone forever… Seshiri didn't even feel the hand on her shoulder. "Seshiri…" Nanuri stood behind her friend. "Seshiri.. I think.. I think it's time for you to go to bed…" Seshiri looked up at Nanuri, her eyes blank, almost lifeless. Seeing right through Nanuri, Seshiri looked back at the tessen, continuing to cry. "Seshiri.." Nanuri felt a lump in her throat that wasn't there before.

"SESHIRI" Nanuri yelled, shaking her friend. "Seshiri!" Seshiri turned to Nanuri, noticing her for the first time. "Seshiri! You have to go upstairs! Don't.. Don't take this so hard! It's affecting all of us, ALL of us! Not just you! You have to get over this… I know it might seem a little soon.. But… If you get into the habit of living like this, you'll kill yourself. Let him die Seshiri…" Nanuri's voice fell to a whisper. "Let him die…" Seshiri stood up, closing her eyes, she turned to Nanuri. "Gomen… Nanuri…" Nanuri hugged Seshiri tightly. "Baka… Come on." Leading Seshiri up to her room Nanuri sat on her bed.

Patting the spot next to her Nanuri looked over at Seshiri hopefully. "Please.. Seshi-chan.. Sit down… We have to talk about what happened…" Seshiri nodded slightly. Walking over to the bed she sat down. Looking down at her hands she realized she was holding Tasuki's tessen tightly in her hands. Nanuri watched Seshiri, waiting for her to talk.

"Empty…" "Hm?" "I feel empty… It's like.. A piece of me is missing…" Seshiri sighed, continuing. "When Tasuki…. When Tasuki was alive… I gave him a piece of me. I gave him my heart.. When he died.. He took my heart with him… I'm not a whole person anymore… I can't explain it…" Nanuri choked back tears. "Seshiri…." Seshiri shook her head slightly. "I can't understand it… I'm alone now… Alone in the world…" Nanuri shook her head. "No! You are NOT alone! You still have me and Nuriko! And all the other people that love you! You can't stop living! Tasuki!… Tasuki wouldn't want that! What would he do, what would he say if he saw you the way you are now? He wouldn't want you to be depressed.. and sad.. all because of an accident… He'd want you to be happy… This isn't really you… You aren't a depressed person!… He'd want you to be the person you really are… The girl he loved.." Seshiri continued to stare at her hands.

Nanuri shook. "Seshiri… Don't hurt yourself over this.. I know it seems hard, but with time you'll get over it… Just.. don't.. Tasuki wouldn't want that…" Seshiri laughed slightly. "No.. I can't… I promised Tasuki I wouldn't… And.." Seshiri's voice cracked. "I keep my promises…" Nanuri sobbed. "Oh Seshiri…" Hugging her friend Nanuri cried onto her shoulder.

After a few minutes Nanuri took a deep breath and wiped away her tears. "Gomen nasai, Seshiri.." Seshiri forced a smile. "Don't worry…" Nanuri gulped before continuing. "Well.. I talked it over with Nuriko.. and.. We think that if you don't want to continue on.. That's ok.. We don't want you to push yourself too much…. Cause it WOULD be hard to go on after…" Nanuri's voice trailed off. Seshiri shook her head. "No.." Biting her lip and forcing back tears Seshiri smiled. "You are NOT getting rid of me that easily.. Yeah it's going to be hard, but I can handle it." Nanuri shook her head. "It's ok Seshiri… You don't HAVE to go on…" Seshiri shrugged. "I've come this far… Why give up now?"

Seshiri wiped away her tears. The blood that had been smeared on her cheek wiped off onto her hand. Puzzled Seshiri looked at it. Nanuri looked at Seshiri's hand and tried to speak, but the lump in her throat prevented her. Seshiri bit her lip until it bled, trying not to cry. Looking down at her front she saw, for the first time, Tasuki's blood that had stained her clothing as she was leaning over him. Seshiri closed her eyes tightly, forcing herself to talk. "I guess… I should get changed…" Nanuri opened and closed her mouth, unsure of what to say.

Seshiri shook as she stood up, "I'm going to go to bed.. Oyasumi Nanuri." "Seshiri-" "I'd like to be alone now…. I'll see you in the morning." Nanuri nodded, and stood up. Walking over to the door she opened it, standing in the doorway. "Oyasumi Seshiri…" Closing the door softly behind her, Nanuri left.

Seshiri placed Tasuki's tessen on her bed and walked over to her dresser. Seshiri changed into her nightgown quickly, hurling the stained clothes across the room into the corner. Walking over to her bed she stared at his tessen. She lay down and pulled the covers over to her. Holding the tessen tightly Seshiri shut her eyes. Tasuki… Seshiri fell asleep quickly, exhausted.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri woke up. She sat up, yawning. She rubbed her eyes, red from crying in her sleep. Picking up the tessen Seshiri threw her legs over the side of the bed standing up. She quietly tip toed out of her room and walked over to where Tasuki had stayed. Cautiously she poked her head inside.

.. His room.. It's just the way it was before.. Heh.. I guess the maids didn't want to come into a dead man's room… Seshiri walked across the room and sat on Tasuki's bed. … Why did I come here? I know it will just make me sadder than I already am.. if that's possible.. Seshiri buried her face in her hands and wept. Tasuki! I'm trying to be strong!.. I really am! I just.. can't… I can't do this… Seshiri's thoughts were interrupted by a person at the door. "Seshiri.." Seshiri looked up quickly, drying her tears. Chichiri sat down next to her, his mask in his hand. "Nanuri told me she talked to you about…" Seshiri nodded. Chichiri sighed. "Seshiri, as your teacher I am telling you that it's going to be very hard to get over his death… And as your friend I am telling you that we will all be there to support you." Seshiri forced a smile. "Arigatou gozaimasu."

Chichiri sighed. "It's always hard when you lose someone you love." Seshiri nodded. Clearing her throat she stood up. "I'm going to go get packed and changed… We leave soon, right?" Chichiri nodded. "Hai." Seshiri nodded and walked back to her room.

Chichiri shook his head. "Tasuki… Why the hell did you have to die..?" Sighing he stood up and walked out of the room, heading downstairs.