Chapter 5
Seshiri shoved the rest of her clothes in her pack. She fastened on the tessen and looked in the mirror. Nanuri's right. I have to keep on living. No matter how much it hurts to go on, I can't stop now. She grabbed her pack and walked down the stairs quietly. When she reached the bottom she spotted the others eating. She walked up to them forcing a smile. "Ohaiyo Gozaimasu." They all turned and stared at her. Nanuri jumped to her feet and pulled out a chair for Seshiri. Seshiri sat down, looking at them uneasily. Miaka stopped eating and stared across the table at Seshiri with wide eyes.
All conversation at their table had stopped, all eyes were on Seshiri for what seemed like decades. What are they all staring at? Why are they treating me like I'm either a bomb about to go off, or a flower easily crushed! Well I'm gonna act natural I guess… HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO ACT NATURAL IF THEY'RE ALL STARIN AT ME LIKE I'M A MONSTER!?
"What are you all looking at?" "Nothing…" They all resumed what they were doing, piling food onto Seshiri's plate. They all watched as she took a bite. She stood up. "Ok, what the hell is wrong with you all? Yes I lost Tasuki, yes the love of my life is gone forever, an yeah it's gonna take a long time to recover, but you don't need to treat me like… like.. I'm some sort of freak!" Nuriko stared at her. "Gomen Seshiri…" Seshiri sighed, exasperated, and sat down.
Nanuri sighed looking over at Seshiri, riding alone on her horse.. Softly she whispered to Nuriko. "She looks so sad… and… lonely…" Nuriko hugged her tightly. "I know… She's going to be like that for a while…" Nanuri sighed again and looked out at the desert stretching before them.
Come on Seshiri, you can do this. You can get over him! How hard could it possibly be? Simple. Easy. Not hard at all…. Just get over him! Seshiri looked up slightly as Tamahome raced past her, going the opposite way. "I can't stand this! I'm going to find Miaka!" Chichiri nodded. "Ok no da! So.. We go this way no da!" Seshiri followed Nanuri and Nuriko, lost in thought. …Dammit… I can't stop thinking about him! All the good times we shared… all the happy moments… At least it lasted for a while… I'm sorry it had to end… It felt almost as if nothing could go wrong, that no matter what happened things would always be that way… perfect… but.. She sighed. I was wrong… as always… Everything has to end sometime.
Nanuri turned back, watching Seshiri. "Shouldn't we go back an talk to her? Try to help her forget?" Nuriko shook his head. "No… Let her get over it at her own pace. The more we try to rush it, the worse it's going to be for her." Nanuri poked him. "Hey, when did you get so smart?" Nuriko shrugged. "Hey, love changes a guy! Also my beautiful hair!" He sighed dramatically. Nanuri laughed. "Yeah, why did you do that?" Nuriko smiled. "Actually I didn't think I'd actually do it. I was kinda in shock after I did! But, it was for the best." Nanuri nodded. "And.. Now another question that's been bothering me for forEVER…" SD Nuriko blinked. "Nani?" Chibi-Nanuri laughed slightly. "Eh well back on the ship, you told Tasuki that you liked-" "Loved." "Loved… me.. Didn't you think he'd tell EVERYone?"
Nuriko shrugged. "Well, he swore he wouldn't tell… and he was the only guy who knew what it was like.. and he knew if he DID tell I'd pound him!" Nanuri laughed. "Baka." Nuriko grinned an hugged her.
Seshiri watched the couple, smiling slightly. At least someone's going to be happy. This doesn't seem to be a fairy tale story for the rest of us…. Seshiri reached up with one hand and slightly tugged on her earring. Nani? I… I'm still wearing the earrings! The ones Tasuki gave to me just before… Seshiri took a deep breath. Taking the reins back in both hands she forced her horse to a trot.
It's nighttime already? Hm.. Time passes quickly.. Seshiri looked up ahead and called out. "Chichiri! Are we almost there?" Startled by the voice Chichiri almost fell off his horse. Chibi-Chichiri flailed before gaining balance. "AH! Gomen na no da! I don't think so… We might have to sleep outside until we reach the city." Nanuri nodded, shivering. "Ah! It's freezing!" Nuriko hugged her warmly. "Chichiri! Do you think we might be able to stop now?" Chiriko looked behind them, speaking up for the first time. "I'm a little worried." "Why?" Mitsukake looked down at Chiriko.
"Well.. We haven't seen or heard from Tamahome or Miaka in a long while…" Nuriko nodded, putting his hand on his cheek. "Shouldn't we stop and let them catch up to us?" Chichiri paused, thinking for a few moments. Seshiri jumped off of her horse, leading it up to the front. "I'm getting tired… we should probably rest…" Chichiri thought a few moments more before nodding. "Ok no da…." They all got busy and set up camp.
Nanuri blinked as they all gathered in a circle, finished getting ready. "One question…" "Hm?" Mitsukake asked. "How do we light the fire?" They turned to Seshiri, expectantly. SD Seshiri blinked at them. "Nani? But.. What do I light on fire? How do I even know the tessen will work for me! After Taiitsukun upgraded it, it's only worked for Tasuki!" Nuriko laughed. "Oh just give it a try! You can burn some of these old stuff we don't need anymore! Like uh.." Nanuri grabbed a blanket. "We could sacrifice this right?" Chiriko nodded. "Well it would be colder for one of us."
Seshiri shrugged. "For me, I'm going to sleep outside anyway." This statement was followed by an awkward silence as Seshiri pulled out the tessen. The group all took a deep breath and backed away from the blanket. Seshiri clasped the tessen in both hands as she concentrated on the incantation. "Rekka, SHINEN!" Seshiri yelled, fire roaring from the tessen. The blanket erupted in flame, sending sparks scattering.
"AAHHH!" SD Nanuri screamed, jumping into Chibi-Nuriko's arms. Chiriko jumped back as Chichiri jumped about 10 feet in the air. "SCARY NA NO DA!!!!!!" Chibi-Seshiri grinned eagerly staring at the tessen in awe. "That was SO…" SD Nanuri jumped out of the startled Chibi-Nuriko's arms. "Cool?" SD Seshiri nodded. "Hai! Cool!" Chiriko stood closer to the fire warming his hands. "This is very strange. I did not expect it to work." Chibi-Chichiri nodded. "Hai no da…" Mitsukake frowned, leaning closer to the fire. "Love can overcome any obstacles, even powerful magic from Taiitsukun. I think that Tasuki loved you so much that in his death, you were passed the power."
Chibi-Seshiri blinked. "That's about as clear as mud…" Nanuri grinned. "Hm.. But it sounded great didn't it?" SD Seshiri grinned. "Definitely." SD sat down next to the fire, still holding the tessen tightly. Arigatou gozaimasu, Tasuki….
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"Waauuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Chibi-Nuriko stared up at the city, full of people. "SUGOI! WE MADE IT!" Chibi-Nanuri jumped off the horse and victory danced. "Wai.." Seshiri said to herself.
Watching Nanuri and Nuriko Chibis Seshiri chuckled. I have to admit, being around my friends does help me forget… I can only IMAGINE what I'd be like if I hadn't come! Even more depressed and alone than ever. Seshiri turned to Chichiri as they stood their horses in front of the gate. "So, you're saying that you can help me train again?" Chichiri nodded. "Hai no da! It's been a few months-" "At LEAST a year!" Chichiri grinned. "A few months since you last practiced! You HAVE been a little busy with… certain things… I was thinking you might want to start up again."
Chibi-Seshiri nodded. "Arigatou Gozaimasu Chichiri-sama!" Chibi-Chichiri smiled. "I figured while we're here it would take us a while. We DO have to wait for Tamahome and Miaka to get here, who KNOWS how long that will take no da… Might as well get caught up no da!" Seshiri smiled, urging her horse on through the huge gates. "I think we should uh leave the horses here.. an take them to a barn or something.." Nanuri said, scanning the crowd uncertainly. "I can do that." Nuriko raised his hand. "I'll join you!" Nanuri grinned. Nuriko laughed slightly as Chichiri interrupted. "I'm going to go find an inn to stay in…" SD Seshiri blinked. "HAH! An INN to stay IN!" She laughed a real laugh for the first time in a few days. Chiriko stared at her. "You find the strangest things funny Seshiri-chan."
Seshiri jumped off her horse. "Ok, I can go with Nuriko and Nanuri…" Mitsukake nodded. "Chiriko and I can join Chichiri." They all got off their horses and grabbed their packs, pushing through the crowd to the inn. Seshiri waved to Chiriko and turned around to see that Nuriko and Nanuri had vanished. Chibi-Seshiri looked around. "Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit I'm lost! Where'd everyone go…?" Seshiri was pushed over as a new hoard of people rushed by. "AAAHHH!" A young tall man with a cloak and hood lifted her to her feet. "Uh… Konnichiwa." She said. He smiled. "Konnichiwa." He said in a soothing voice. "Do you live here?" He nodded. "Hai. I believe your friends are over there. He said, pointing to Nanuri and Nuriko. "Ah! I see them! Arigatou!" He smiled. "I really must be going. Be careful, the Capital of Sairou is very much like a maze…" Seshiri smiled. "Uh.. bye?" Suddenly the man disappeared into the crowd.
Turning back to where she had seen Nuriko and Nanuri she threw up her hands. "Dammit this is getting annoying!" The pair had disappeared once again. Turning around Seshiri rammed into someone. Falling over she looked up at the person who had knocked her over. She stopped short of shouting the string of insults she had prepared when she looked into his eyes. "T.. Tasuki..?"
Tasuki kneeled down smiling. "Baka. You fell." He picked her up, grinning. In shock Seshiri stared at him. "What, no hello?" Seshiri's eyes were wide. "T… Tasuki… You… No! You died.. back in Hokkan…" Tasuki shook his head. "I'm not dead Seshi-chan! What are you talking about? Had a little too much sake?" Seshiri shook her head, confused. "But I-" "Seshiri, come on an stop this game! I want my tessen back already! Hasn't this chase been going long enough?"
Seshiri blinked. "I… Yes.. Uh… Gomen Tasuki." Uncertainly handing him the tessen she stood up. "I'm not really… understanding…" Tasuki grinned at her, taking the tessen. "What's wrong Seshi-chan?" She backed away from him. "No. You aren't Tasuki! Y.. You're dead!" Tasuki took a step towards her confused. "But Seshi-chan… what are you talking about? How could I be dead, I'm standing right here!" He smiled, hugging her. "Come on Seshi-chan… Let's go back to planning the wedding." Seshiri backed up from him quickly. "Nani? Wedding?" Tasuki flashed a fangy grin. "Baka, you have really had WAY too much sake…" "What wedding… Who's getting married?" He bopped her head lightly.
"OUR wedding baka!" She frowned. "What… I…" He kissed her. "Baka… Don't you remember? I proposed yesterday…" Seshiri shook her head slightly, looking down. "I… Guess I did have a lot of sake… I don't even remember…" Tasuki chuckled. "You silly girl." She smiled, closing her eyes resting her head on his chest as he held her tightly.
"Seshi-chan!" Nanuri called, running over to Seshiri. Raising an eyebrow at Tasuki an Seshiri she continued. "Sooooo… The wedding is when?" Tasuki smiled and hugged Seshiri. "Well we had decided on two days from now when Seshi-chan here took my tessen." He tapped Seshiri's nose with his. Nuriko walked over and put his arm on Nanuri's shoulder. "Can we go back to the inn now? Are we FINALLY done with this chase?" Seshiri nodded.
Tasuki kissed Seshiri again and turned back to the inn.
Seshiri sat down on her bed and frowned at Nanuri. "I know I know it's weird but I dunno…. I have this weird feeling that something's just… not right…" "Nani?" "I dunno.. It's like MY memory is different from everyone else's! Like… I have the strangest feeling that Tasuki died back at Mt. Black…" Nanuri raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? Don't you remember? Mitsukake came just in time!" Seshiri shook her head. "Oh yeah! That.. That must have happened! Gomen.. A little too much sake as Tasuki says!"
Nanuri squealed. "EEEE I can't believe you're getting married in TWO DAYS!" Seshiri grinned. "I KNOW! Strange, ne? I don't even know what to do! I've never been to a wedding before…" Nanuri blinked. "Well… as far as I know you guys just sleep together." Seshiri raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?" Nanuri frowned slightly. "No not really… I'm sure there's something before the good part." Chibi-Seshiri laughed. "Well, night Nanuri." Nanuri stood up. "I guess that's my signal to leave?" Seshiri nodded. "Yes it is!"
She dropped back on the bed, taking a breath of relief. Ugh! I don't understand it! Something isn't right… I can't quite place my finger on it but SOMETHING is REALLY wrong.. I THINK I would remember if he proposed! I know my memory isn't that bad! Besides… I could have sworn he died… The confused Seshiri closed her eyes and fell asleep quickly.
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Seshiri sat in Tasuki's lap as she drank sake. "So where's everyone else?" Nanuri grinned. "Well this is like the PERFECT city! Chiriko found some ancient scrolls to translate, and Mitsukake found some amazing new techniques in healing!" "What about Chichiri-sama?" Nuriko kissed Nanuri. "Well I don't think he's too happy. He hasn't been able to communicate with Hotohori-sama since we entered this place."
Seshiri frowned. "I should probably go-" Tasuki shook his head. "Noooo." He said, holding her tightly. "Pleeease?" Chibi-Tasuki gave her puppy dog eyes. "Ah ok ok fine then…" She grinned and kissed him. Seshiri cut off the kiss abruptly, standing up. Tasuki looked at her, confused and hurt. "Nani?" Seshiri shook her head, closing her eyes. Rubbing her forehead she sighed. "Gomen nasai Tasuki…" "Don't worry about it." He grinned. "I can live without you for a few moments……….." A few seconds later Tasuki jumped up and pulled Seshiri into his lap. "Time up!" Seshiri grinned.
What am I worried about? This is Tasuki! He kissed her gently as Nuriko and Nanuri walked off to explore the city some more. Seshiri closed her eyes and kissed him as he put his arms around her. There's nothing wrong with Tasuki kissing me… Tasuki…. It feels like I haven't been in his arms in forever!… I … I missed being here so much… Tears ran down Seshiri's cheek and Tasuki leaned back. "Seshi-chan? What's wrong?" He wiped away her tears, taking her face in his hands. "It's just…" She looked into his eyes. "I… I've missed you so much…" "Nani? Baka." He hugged her tightly. "I'm right here… I'm not going anywhere…I promise…" She sighed happily, closing her eyes.
It's ok… He's Tasuki… He just promised he wasn't going to leave… Every doubt, every suspicion had been washed from her mind. He kissed her gently. "Ai shiteru Seshi-chan."
The next day Seshiri sat in Tasuki's lap, blinking up at Chichiri. "But.." Chichiri through up his hands. "I'm just confused no da! Tamahome and Miaka still haven't caught up! They have had PLENTY of time no da… I STILL can't reach Hotohori… I'm just worried no da… Something is blocking my magic spells na no da… Seshi-chan, would you try to help me-" "Nope." Tasuki cut off Chichiri. "Who asked you no da!? I am asking Seshiri!" Tasuki hugged Seshiri tightly. "She's going to be with me today." Chichiri frowned. "But Tasuki, I just need her for a few-" Tasuki growled "No! Dammit, I wanna spend some time with her!"
Seshiri opened and closed her mouth, speechless. And Why is Tasuki being so protective? He's never been like this! Not with one of our friends! "Ai shiteru Seshiri." She grinned. "Ai shiteru Tasuki!" He kissed her gently, closing his eyes. Seshiri grinned and kissed him. Yawning she stood up. "I'm tired… I think I'm going to go to sleep…" Tasuki nodded. "Ok, I'll come up to say goodnight, I just want to talk to Chichiri a little." Seshiri nodded, smiling, and walked back into her room.
Seshiri sat on her bed waiting for Tasuki to come say goodnight.
Tasuki stood leaning against the door. "Hey Seshi-chan." Walking in he sat down next to Seshiri. Tasuki kissed Seshiri and pulled back grinning. "I can hardly BELIEVE we're getting married! I don't even remember-" "Shhh" Tasuki said, kissing her. "It's not that hard, I love you, you love me… That's what people in love normally do…" Seshiri grinned, "Yeah… You're right…" Leaning against her Tasuki kissed her repeatedly.
Seshiri was pushed back onto her bed as Tasuki leaned over her. N.. Nani? Seshiri was bewildered and scared but Tasuki continued to kiss her. I… I… Tasuki fumbled with her clothes as Seshiri did her best not to fight him off. Why do I wanna smack him? This is TASUKI… I love him, so… It's ok, right? Seshiri gulped and closed her eyes tightly as Tasuki continued to kiss her. Tasuki, becoming frustrated with her difficult clothes, proceeded to tear Seshiri's shirt. What the hell does he think he's doing!??!?!?! I can't stop him though.. He'd be hurt… and then he'd hate me… We're getting married anyway, right? It's ok, right? Pausing for a moment Tasuki said something softly. "Kakaka…." Seshiri's eyes flew open and she pushed him off of her, standing up. Fitting her shirt back on properly she looked down at the floor. "Gomen Nasai Tasuki… I.. I don't know what happened! I didn't mean to…" Tasuki smirked at her. "Don't worry Seshiri. We can wait." Seshiri avoided his eyes as he walked over to her. "Ai shiteru." He kissed her softly and left.
Suddenly Seshiri was standing on the rock hard ground. "Nani?!" She said, looking around. She saw Miaka, Amiboshi, Tamahome, and the others all struggling against a tall man with dark hair covered in makeup.
Seshiri frowned, confused. Looking down she picked up Tasuki's tessen. "Nani?" Amiboshi screamed at Seshiri. "FLAME HIM SESHIRI!" Seshiri looked up at the familiar voice, and saw Suboshi running into view. "What the hell is going on?!" She waved Tasuki's tessen at the man shouting, "REKKA, SHINEN!" Flames spewed from the tessen, the man having time to barely jump away.
"For those of you just joining us I am Seiryuu Shichi Seishi, Tomo! Kakakaka!" Seshiri's eyes widened as she heard him laugh.
Seishi name: Tomo
Age: 21
Occupation: Seiryuu Seishi
Hair: Black/Dark Brown
Eyes: black? I think?
Power: Illusion
Tomo smirked at her. "Hai, it was me." Seshiri took a step back, tripping over herself. "No…" She closed her eyes tightly, trying to shut out what was going on. Nanuri ran over to her. "SESHI-CHAN!" She hugged her friend. Suboshi, who had run to help his brother, finished off Tomo, killing him.
Tamahome held Miaka in his arms triumphantly. Nanuri stared at them. "Why does Miaka have no clothes?" "Uh well.. long story…" An old man stared at Miaka, drooling." Tamahome frowned. "PERVERTED OLD MAN!"
Seshiri was staring at the tessen in her hands, tears flowing. "Oh Seshiri…" Nanuri whispered as tears gathered in her eyes. For a few minutes all eyes were on Seshiri as she sat crying. Nuriko took Nanuri in his arms, letting her cry on his shoulder. Chichiri looked at Seshiri, taking his mask off. "I don't understand it…" She said quietly. Chiriko cried as Mitsukake wiped away his own tears. "I… I just get used to the fact that he's gone forever… And.. And then he's back.. and suddenly I find out.. it's not really him… I just… I can't…" Seshiri couldn't continue and broke down sobbing.
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Seshiri lay on her back in bed, staring up at the ceiling. So far those Seiryuu are responsible for every bad thing that's happened in my life… I can't believe this. They tried to make the perfect world for all of us. I guess it wouldn't have been perfect for me if Tasuki hadn't been there….. Bastards… They gave me Tasuki for a few days and then snatched him away again. Seshiri cried silently, putting her hands behind her head. I can't understand this. I accept the fact he's gone, and then those damned Seiryuu come and mess it all up again…
It could have been real. Tomo WAS Tasuki, he had to take on Tasuki's form. I can't believe it. Even I was fooled. But how did he do it? Did he tap my memories or what? Does Tomo know how much he hurt me back there? That was probably the plan… Seshiri sat up and gazed over at the tessen on the beside table.
…. Tasuki…. I can't do this anymore. I just can't. It's too much stress. Gomen nasai Tasuki! I can't handle this! You have broken your promises to me, I'm going to break my promise to you. Maybe if I do that I'll actually be with you again. In your arms again. For real. Seshiri wiped away her tears and stood up. Seshiri walked over to her pack and pulled out the knife stuffed away in one of the side pockets.
She stood up slowly staring at the blade. She slowly put the point down on her arm and pressed. Staring at the small drops of blood she smiled slightly. Perfect. She quickly put the blade to her wrist. She began to press the blade down onto her wrist when Nanuri burst into her room. Nanuri took one look at what Seshiri was doing and rushed over to her. Grabbing the knife Nanuri pulled it away from Seshiri. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" Staring at her friend in horror Nanuri screamed her head off. "WHAT ABOUT THOSE PROMISES YOU MADE TO YOURSELF AND TASUKI!?!"
Seshiri collapsed on the ground crying. "Gomen…. Gomen nasai Nanuri! It… It's all about broken promises, so far he's broken ALL his promises to me. And.. If he can't keep his own promises what am I supposed to do?" Nanuri hugged Seshiri, crying. Seshiri took a deep breath. "And I figured…. If… If I died… Then I'd be with him again." Nanuri shook her head. "Seshiri. I don't know how the afterlife works but I do NOT think that killing yourself will get you where you want to be! What about all the stuff you have to do here?" Seshiri gulped and closed her eyes, wiping away her tears. "Gomen nasai… I.. I promise not to try it again." "You swear?" "I Swear on Suzaku." Nanuri hugged Seshiri tightly.
Nuriko threw the door open and stepped inside. "I.. I heard someone screaming…" Nanuri looked over her shoulder at Nuriko. Nanuri was hugging Seshiri tightly as she sobbed. "I'm such a baka." Seshiri said, whimpering. "I wont do it again." Nuriko kneeled down next to them, worried. "What happened?" Nanuri waved a hand at the knife, which was laying on the floor. Nuriko stared at the knife with the faintest trace of Seshiri's blood on it.
"Oh gods…" He said in a low whisper. He hugged Seshiri as Nanuri stood up. "It's ok now…" Seshiri continued to cry as Nuriko stood up. Sitting on the floor Seshiri wiped away her tears. "G….Gomen…. I.. I'm fine…." Nanuri sighed. "I want you to come out of your room and have dinner with us…. It's not good for you to be locked up in here, not leaving." Seshiri nodded slightly, in a daze. "Hai." She said. Nuriko frowned, putting his hand on Nanuri's shoulder. Whispering he said, "I don't think she's going to get over this very easily…" Nanuri turned to him. "Of course not. She loses the guy she loves, he supposedly comes back, and then she loses him again. How do you think YOU would feel?" Nuriko nodded. "I see your point." Sighing he looked over at Seshiri. "Seshi-chan.. Come out and see our hosts. You were kind of… out of it… when we arrived." Seshiri stood up without a word and turned to them. "Hai, I think I will…" Nanuri smiled and took Seshiri's arm.
"Come on!" Nanuri led Seshiri out the door with Nuriko following. She walked Seshiri over to a large room where the others were. Seshiri looked at them all blankly as they stared at her. Conversation had stopped, and once again Seshiri found herself being treated as an outsider. Why did they suddenly stop talking? Where they talking about me? Of course they were. Why else would they stop?…. Do they realize they're making it worse? Can they understand that.. that them acting like this isn't helping at all? Seshiri refused to speak, afraid that if she tried to talk she would cry.
Nanuri turned to an old woman and the old man from before. "Seshiri-chan, this is Subaru-sama and Tokaki-sama." Seshiri bowed slightly as Subaru smiled at her. Chichiri nodded. "Hai, they were Byakko Seishi.." Tokaki smirked. "Yup…"
Seishi name: Subaru
Age: over 100?
Occupation: Byakko Seishi, house wife
Hair: Silver
Eyes: I have nooo idea
Power: can bend time slightly, and has power to restore things to what they used to be
Seishi name: Tokaki
Age: over 100…
Occupation: Tamahome's master and Byakko Seishi
Hair: Gray/Silver
Eyes: O.o I'm not sure
Power: Teleportation, various martial arts
Seshiri sighed. "Gomen nasai, I know I've been rude by not appearing sooner." Subaru shook her head. "Don't worry, you have had a lot on your mind." Standing up Subaru attended Seshiri like a mother hen. "It's hard to go through what you've been, so don't worry about being rude or polite here…" Seshiri nodded slightly. Looking behind Subaru's shoulder Chibi-Seshiri blinked at Tokaki. "What's HIS problem?" Subaru turned back to face her husband. "Ugh. I believe the perverted old man is staring at you. Your shirt IS a little torn up…." Seshiri blinked and sweat dropped. "Er… I never did change out from…." Subaru nodded, understanding. Smiling kindly she said, "I think it would be best for you to have a hot bath and change into some cleaner clothes." Seshiri nodded, smiling slightly. "Hai, that will help."
Nanuri turned to Tokaki. "And you AREN'T going to watch her, no matter how much you want to!" Tokaki faced the others muttering. Nanuri rolled her eyes and turned back to Subaru, "I don't know how you stand him." Subaru laughed. "You get used to it." She turned Seshiri around and headed for a separate part of the house.
Subaru pointed at a huge bath in the far west part of the house. Chibi-Seshiri stared at it, wide eyed. "Woowww….. It's HUGE" Subaru grinned. "Hai. You can soak for as long as you like, baths are very soothing. They calm the nerves better than any magic potion." "Arigatou gozaimasu!" Subaru smiled kindly, heading out of the room. "It's no trouble. You can use the bathrobes over there when you want to go back to your room." Subaru said, gesturing to some bathrobes. Seshiri nodded and grinned.
Subaru closed the door behind her and left Seshiri alone. Seshiri quickly locked the door and walked back to the tub. I do NOT want Tokaki coming in here. He's a dirty pervert! Poor Subaru… Hmm… I think I'm going to practice my magic… Seshiri leaned over the tub and closed her eyes tightly. Whispering an enchantment to herself quietly the tub was suddenly full of hot steaming water. "Oooo! I can still remember it! WAI!" Chibi-Seshiri victory danced.
Seshiri quickly took off her clothes and slipped into the water. Heyy this IS nice! Seshiri closed her eyes and sank into the water. Hm.. It must have been expensive getting an indoor private tub. Usually people just use springs or the public baths unless your important, like Hotohori. I wonder how he's doing. Has Chichiri been able to contact him since we were in the fake Sairou? Hmm.. I'll have to ask… Seshiri sighed. I don't want to think about it, but I have to. I have to get over this. If I want to keep going I'm going to have to do my best and get over him! It's hard though. Loosing the one you love. Part of me died with him, and I have to fill that piece of me that's missing. He's dead Seshiri. Get over it. Dead…. A few tears made their way down Seshiri's cheeks. The sooner you get over him, the better. So… just… get.. over him! It's hard though… I just have to do my best…. Seshiri sighed again relaxing.
After a long hour of soaking Seshiri climbed out of the tub. Draining the water she dried off with a towel and slipped on one of the bathrobes. Wrapping it around herself tightly Seshiri cautiously opened the door. She walked down the hall tip-toeing. She made her way back to her room, quickly shutting the door behind her.
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Seshiri stood next to Chichiri looking at the mirror in his hands. "Mm.. I'm full! That girl who lives here… Shih Fuan… She makes some really good food! Er.. As opposed to Miaka… Heh.. It was kind of amusing watching Nanuri and Shih Fuan fighting over the kitchen! I have to admit, I liked Nanuri's food better… I STILL can't believe Tamahome choked down everything Miaka made! Poor guy. Oh well. What's that?" Chichiri grinned at her. "Finally no da! I thought you'd never let me talk! This mirror will allow me to communicate with Hotohori-sama no da.." Chibi-Seshiri stared at the mirror. "Ooh…. Can I try it?" Chichiri nodded, handing her the mirror. "So I just stare at it?" Chichiri nodded. "I showed Miaka how to use it while you were busy, so I know it works."
Suddenly Hotohori's image appeared in the mirror. "Konban wa Hotohori-sama!" Chibi-Seshiri said, grinning. "Konban wa Seshi-chan. How are you doing?" Seshiri grinned at him. "I'm doing great! I just REALLY don't like the idea of going after a SECOND Shinzaho!" Hotohori laughed slightly. "I am sure you shall all obtain the second Shinzaho with no problems."
Behind Hotohori appeared a young girl, looking over his shoulder at the mirror. "Hotohori-sama?" She said quietly. "What's that?" Hotohori turned away from the mirror and looked back at the girl. "I am using the mirror to communicate with the other Suzaku Seishi. This young woman I am talking to is Seshiri." The girl smiled and nodded. "Do you think I can talk to her Hotohori-sama?" Hotohori nodded and turned back to the mirror. "Oooooooooh" Chibi-Seshiri grinned slyly. "Ooooooh Hotohori! Who's THAT? Is she your giiiiiiirlfriiiiiiiend?"
Hotohori turned slightly red and smiled. "This is Gurase, the woman soon to be my empress."
Name: Gurase Nobutoshi
Age: 16
Occupation: Hotohori's Fiancée (oo what a job…)
Hair: Navy
Eye: brown (?)
Powers: none (er.. at least I think none.. how about I say the ability to look fabulous 24/7?)
In the background Gurase poked Hotohori, grinning coyly. "Hey! Hotohori-sama! Am I ever going to get to talk to them?" Hotohori laughed and handed over the mirror.
"Konban wa Gurase-sama!" "Konban wa Seshiri-sama!" Seshiri grinned. "Sooooo I hear you're marryin HOTOHORI!" Gurase got a glazed look as she gazed into the distance. "Hai!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait! I hope the Suzaku Seishi will be here for the wedding though..." Seshiri nodded. "Yeah! I really wanna be there toooooooo! Soooooooo…. How long have you known Hotohori?" "For a while now. I was transferred to his Harem while you guys were all heading out to Hokkan!" Seshiri grinned slyly. "Aaaaaaah I seeeeeeee. So you've had time to get to know him… hmmm." Chibi-Gurase blushed. "Oh yeah I got to know him pretty well." Chibi-Seshiri laughed. "Oh I understand! I understand PERFECTLY!"
Seshiri and Gurase would have talked longer but Chichiri interrupted them. "Gomen nasai ladies, but Nuriko wants something." Seshiri turned around to see Nuriko. "Ah! Gomen Nuriko! Didn't see ya there." Out of breath he tried to talk. "It's Miaka!!!" "Nani?" Chichiri stared at him. "She's gone up to the mountain…… the temple… the one full of demons and monsters!!!" Seshiri almost dropped the mirror. "NANI!? WHY THE HELL DID SHE DO THAT?!" Nuriko shook his head. "I'm not sure, but Tamahome broke up with her, and so she said something like meet me there if you really care for me!" Seshiri cursed. "Baka!" Chichiri took off his mask. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Seshiri turned back to the startled Gurase and said, "Gomen Nasai Gurase-chan! I have to go! Baka Miaka has done something again, and we have to go save her! I'll talk to you later ok! Nice meeting you!" Gurase grinned. "Ok! I'll talk to you when you get back then!" Chibi-Seshiri grinned. Handing Chichiri the mirror, Gurase's image disappeared. "I can transport to where the others are, and then transport them to the temple. It will make things faster." "Hai no da!! I can transport to the temple directly.." Nuriko nodded. "Good idea." Seshiri looked over at the setting sun.
"Baka… Miaka why did you go there? Especially when it's almost NIGHT!" Seshiri shook her head. Putting her hand on Nuriko's shoulder she muttered an enchantment.
Instantly they were in the way of the other's path. "Konban wa!" Seshiri said quickly. Nanuri ran over to her. "Seshiri-" Seshiri shook her head. "No time to talk, the miko is in trouble! Everyone gather around me! Where's Tamahome?" Chiriko stepped forward. "He's up ahead." "Ok." Seshiri turned, facing the nearby temple. "Ok! Hurry up and gather around! What the hell's taking you guys so long?!" Nanuri whispered into Seshiri's ear. "Gomen Seshiri but I have to tell you! I can barely hold it in any longer!" Seshiri muttered an enchantment, closing her eyes tightly. "Nuriko and I are-" Suddenly they were in the temple. Nanuri fell backwards into Nuriko, causing a domino affect. Soon everyone was on the ground muttering.
"NANURI! BAKA!" Chibi-Seshiri yelled, about to whap her friend. Suddenly Seshiri froze. "Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait… Hold up rewind and freeze. You and Nuriko are WHAT?" Chibi-Nanuri clasped her hands together. "When we get back to Konan Nuriko-san and I are getting married!" Chibi-Seshiri's jaw dropped. "No way!" Chibi-Nanuri grinned, triumphantly. "Yes way!" "No WAY!" "Yes way!!!" Nuriko laughed nervously. "Would you guys mind wrapping it up? We DO have a miko to save…" Seshiri blinked. "Oh.. Yeah.. Right… I forgot!" Mitsukake stood up and pulled Chiriko to his feet. "So where do we go from here?"
Out of nowhere Tamahome and Chichiri came running into view. "Come on guys! We have to find Miaka!" Chichiri nodded. "HAI NO DA! PICK YOURSELVES UP AND RUN! THIS WAY!" Seshiri nodded. "Ok!" Tamahome raced past them. "Hurry UP already! Seiryuu are here! Who KNOWS what they'll do to Miaka if they find her!" "Dammit! Seiryuu's here?" Seshiri chased after Tamahome and Chichiri, the others close behind her.
Dammit Miaka! Where are you? We gotta find you before…. AHA! Found you! "MIAKA!" Tamahome called out. Miaka had been grabbed by a statue on the wall, which was now holding her tightly. Seshiri pulled out Tasuki's tessen. "Rekka SHINEN!" The statue crumbled to dust, and Chibi-Miaka fell to the ground. Tamahome whispered something into Miaka's ear as she closed her eyes tightly. Nanuri slowly walked up behind Tamahome. "Miaka… Is.. Is something wrong with your voice?" Miaka waved her arms around as the others stared at her. "Nani? Miaka… this is no time for games!" Seshiri frowned. Miaka pointed down the hall. "I guess she wants us to go that way?" Nuriko said, frowning. Chibi-Miaka nodded and began running down the hall. "Follow the leader!" Seshiri said, and followed Miaka closely.
Miaka led them to a big room and pointed vigorously. What the hell is going on here? A young man whirled vines around him, killing a hoard of Demons that had sprung up. Cackling in front of him, hovering in the air sat a young bald man. "Nani?" Seshiri whispered as she ran in on the scene. She turned to Nanuri. "Who's THAT? And what's with the bald demonic midget child?" Chibi-Nanuri shook her head. "I dunno. And. I have a feeling I don't WANT to know!" the midget child hovering in the air laughed an evil laugh.
"Tatara! You may look young, but your insides are that of a 100 year old man!"
Seishi name: Tatara
Age: a few hundred years old
Occupation: Guard of the Byakko Shinzaho
Hair: light brown
Eyes: Green I think… Blue maybe
Powers: controls plants
Nanuri whispered to Seshiri. "What's with the rattle?" The man smirked, noticing Miaka. "Welcome Suzaku Seishi! I am Seiryuu Shichi Seishi, Miboshi."
Seishi name: Miboshi
Age: unknown
Occupation: Seiryuu Seishi
Hair: Bald O.o
Eyes: uh…black
Powers: Has a prayer wheel thing. Can do some major enchantments and raise demons.
Seshiri gaped at him. "Dammit! Those Seiryuu Seishi are like BUGS, it's impossible to kill them!" Nuriko nodded. "Come on!" Advancing he and Tamahome followed Miaka into the room. Shaking, Seshiri held out the tessen, ready to attack.
Turning back to the young man, Tatara, Miboshi smirked. "It is obvious you have exhausted your powers! You are now mine for the taking!" Miboshi raised his prayer wheel and another demon sprung up. This one grabbed Tatara and held him up. A long tail whirled around. The sharp claw on the end pressed against Tatara. "If anyone moves, this Byakko Seishi dies." Turning around Miboshi smiled triumphantly at a girl in the shadows. "Seiryuu no miko, you are free to go now. You can ease your mind. There is no way the Suzaku Seishi will save Tatara."
Nakago appeared, walking through the wall behind Miboshi. "Yui-sama. The ceremony awaits you." Yui nodded and handed Nakago a mirror. Seshiri stared at the two, wide eyed. The second Shinzaho! They have it! How did they get it? Tatara. He must have handed it over to them! Dammit. That means that they've won… Tamahome took a step toward Nakago and Yui. "NAKAGO!" He yelled, glaring. Miboshi smirked. "Hold it, or he dies." Seshiri threw up her hands in frustration. Nakago pulled Yui close to him, disappearing into the wall where he had come from.
"Agh! There's nothing we can do!" Nanuri said, growling slightly. The tail drew back, about to skewer Tatara when a large vine appeared out of nowhere. The vine wrapped around Miboshi and pulled him in front of Tatara, intercepting the blow from the claw. The claw went right through Miboshi as a scream of pain rang out.
"You… bastard.." He said, groaning as he fell to the ground. Tatara fell as well, crumpling as he hit the stone floor.
Seshiri and the others ran over to the fallen Byakko Seishi. "TATARA!" Tokaki yelled, running as fast as he could towards them. "TATARAAA!" Subaru screamed, kneeling beside her friend. "Tokaki…… Subaru…" Tatara said, groaning. His voice, just above a whisper was raspy and frail. "I….guess… I'm going… to heaven… first…" Seshiri closed her eyes and turned to Chichiri. Chichiri had taken off his mask as he gazed at the fallen Seishi. "The vine must have used up all his energy… he's dying from the effort." Seshiri's eyes teared up. What's wrong with me? It's not like I knew either of them. They're strangers… but… he's another human dying. Dying because of those damned Seiryuu. Tokaki yelled at Tatara. "Ass what the hell are you talking about! You.. You promised Suzuno 90 years ago… that you would both die at the same time!" Seshiri gulped. Another promise.. broken… Another person dead.. How many people will have to die before Seiryuu wins?
Nanuri stood up, wiping away tears of her own. "Ok! We go after Seiryuu no miko!" Chibi-Nanuri ran towards the wall. "SALLY FORTH!" She yelled, ramming into the wall. Falling over the SD groaned. "Baka." Nuriko said, laughing slightly. "It turned back into a wall." "Oh Hah." Nanuri stood up. "Oops!"
Tatara turned to Tamahome, holding up his hand. "Tamahome…right? Even though.. We knew we would be parted. I and Suzuno.. Byakko no miko.. loved one another… Just like the two of you…" He gestured to Miaka and Tamahome. "When the time for parting came…. And we couldn't meet again… we had no regrets… someday.. back in her world… she'd marry another man, have children… but.. if that will make her happy… if the woman I love became happy.. then I saw that as my own happiness. Our hearts were tied together… So even though we lived in different worlds, we were together… and all this time… all this time… I wouldn't let go of that belief…." Having said that, Tatara took one last breath before dying.
Seshiri dried her tears and stood up. "Tatara.." Subaru said quietly "Tatara.." She repeated, her voice getting louder. "Tatara!" Tokaki yelled. Chiriko and Mitsukake stood at the edge of the circle around Tatara's body. Wiping away his tears Chiriko sighed. Miboshi, sprawled on the floor, chuckled silently and glared up an Chiriko. Seshiri took a step back, tripping over herself, falling right in front of Chiriko. "AAAH" SD Seshiri said. "aha.. my-" Seshiri was cut off as her eyes darkened and a scowl grew on her face. Nanuri turned to Seshiri. "Baka!" She said, laughing. "You're even more clumsy than I…" Nanuri paused, staring at Seshiri, who was holding her head down, chuckling. "S..Seshi-chan? What… What's wrong?" Chiriko took a step back from Seshiri as Mitsukake pulled him away from Seshiri.
Chichiri stood up. "Seshiri..?" Seshiri stood up, chuckling as the others stared at her, bewildered. Nuriko stood in front of Nanuri, blocking her from Seshiri. "Seshi-chan.. what are you doing?!" He said, trying not to shout. "I.." Seshiri said darkly. "Am Seiryuu Shichi Seishi, Miboshi. And this body is now MINE!"