Wow it's the third chapter already. I hope you've liked what I've written so far. I have to once again thank my friend Jacob for all his wonderful help. You can send comments to me at SailorStarJen@aol.com. Don't flame me or I'll send my ferocious kitty Astrid after you. ^_^

Disclaimer: You know the drill people. I'm penniless and not worth the time.

I dedicate this chapter to Skya, for encouraging me to finish this chapter.

Fushigi Yuugi

Hand of Destiny

Chapter Three: The Suzaku Seven

By: Delphine

"That's it where's my mallet!"

- Delphine

"The emperor explained to the Priestess of Suzaku what she must do to complete the legend," Jacob read.

"So there are seven warriors of Suzaku that I have to gather before I can complete the summoning? How am I suppose to tell them from everyone else?" asked Jennifer.

The Konan emperor pulled down his collar to reveal the glowing red kanji. "Each of the Suzaku Seven have a mark like this one. This means that I am a Warrior of the Suzaku Seven, Hotohori. The other seven are Chichiri, Nuriko, Mitskuke, Chiriko, Tasuki, and Tamahome."

Now we're getting somewhere! Smiling, Jennifer asked, "Do I call you Hotohori?"

"If you wish too," he said, smiling back.

Oh my god! He's so fine! I will not ogle; I will not ogle… Still smiling, Jennifer said, "Well, let's get started then!"

"Too bad she never got that excited over a school assignment," commented Jacob.

"The only reason she's being cooperative is that Hotohori happens to be a babe," said Marcia.

"Uh, I wouldn't really know anything about that," said Jacob with a sweat drop.

Marcia raised her eyebrows. "Really?" she said with a mischief smile.

"Don't you dare start that again," he said firmly.

"You like Hotohori!"

"I already told you I'm not like that!"

"Jacob likes Hotohori, Jacob likes Hotohori!"

"Shut up!"

"Make me!"

"You like Soi!"

Marcia eyebrow twitched in anger. "I do not! I like Tamahome!"

"Soi!"

"Tamahome!"

"Soi!"

"Tamahome!"

"Soi!"

"Tamahome!"

"Admit it you like Soi sauce!"

"I do not!"

Jacob gave a disbelieving look and looked at the book in his hands. "Whatever, Hotohori called for the most skilled warriors and scholars in Konan."

"I really don't!"

Jennifer stared at the rows of men in front of her. Turning to Hotohori, she asked, "You have got to be kidding."

"These men are the best in their different fields," Hotohori told her.

"Still…" she said, giving a disgusted look at the ruff looking men.

I know non-of these men are who we are looking for. Nuriko is somewhere here in this palace if I could just get a chance to look around. I think I just might have an idea. Well, it works on my mom so let's see if it works on an emperor. "I don't feel really well, Hotohori, could you continue without me?" Jennifer said in her most pitiful voice, clutching her stomach.

Giving her a concerned look, he said, "Of course."

The stone railing had started to crack under the pressure Kourin was squeezing it. Who does that girl think she is! I've been in the palace longer and the emperor never paid any attention to me! She looked towards the brown hair emperor with worshipful eyes. She notice that the blond hair girl had left his highnesses side. Besides who ever heard of a blond hair priestess. She looks like she's from the wiped out Hin tribe.

"Nuriko?" came a hesitant voice from behind her.

She swung around in surprise. Who..?

She had been looking around only for a minute or two before she found who she was looking for. Jennifer recognized the purple braided hair almost immediately. What if I'm wrong? What if it's different from the anime? What if Nuriko really is a girl instead of a guy? Don't think like that, Jennifer. I have to try at least. "Nuriko?" she asked hesitantly.

At the sound of his name Nuriko swung around with a surprised look on his feminine face. "You," his said, "You're the Priestess of Suzaku."

Smiling despite being nervous, Jennifer said, "That's right and you're Nuriko of the Suzaku Seven. Right?"

"Uh…" he mumbled in shock.

I've sent my poor Nuriko into shock! "I am right aren't I?" she said again, prompting him to respond.

"Yes," he said, looking at the ground.

He thinks I'm going to tell his secret to the emperor. Jennifer felt her heart melt in pity for him. Oh, poor baby! With an even more radiant smile she wrapped both her arms around his left arm. "Let's talk some where more private," she said, kindly.

Tears had started to form in Marcia's eyes. "Everyone is coming in before Tamahome!" she wailed.

Sighing, Jacob patted her shoulder.

The servants buzzed the latest rumors in the Konan imperial palace. "Did you hear that Lady Kourin has left on family business?"

"No I hadn't. But I have heard from my sister that her friend's cousin's friend's sister who works near the Priestess' room that they've found another of the Suzaku Seven."

"No, way. Who?"

"I heard his name is Nuriko."

The Priestess of Suzaku allowed herself a satisfied grin as she introduced Nuriko to Hotohori. Nuriko had changed his court princess attire for something a bit more masculine that is if you considered lavender pants and shirt masculine. Oh, well, at least I got him out of that dress.

"So now we have found two of the Suzaku Seven," Jennifer said, smiling proudly.

Hotohori nodded slightly, "Now need only gather five more."

Nuriko started to speak, "The Priestess and I have concluded that we should seek out the help of Taiitsukun in searching for the rest of the Suzaku Seven."

Hotohori nodded, "An excellent plan. She was the one who gave the four empires their own copies of the Universe of the Four Gods. I shall go as well."

One of the advisors sputtered, "Your highness you cannot go off on some adventure like a child."

A sad expression passed on Hotohori's face as the weight of his duties once again crushed him. Jennifer, furious at him being hurt, yelled at the advisor, "Why not? He may be the Emperor but he is also one of my warriors, destined from birth to protect me. Nuriko can't protect me alone!"

"It just not done," protested the same advisor.

"Oh pig swallow!" she said, giving him a disdainful look.

The advisor gulped, his skin turned pale. Out of the corner of her eye, Jennifer could see Nuriko cracking his knuckles as if he was about to fight. "Then again there's always room for change," he said, trembling.

What a wimp! Jennifer snorted at the cowardly man. Hotohori, who had been watching the exchange, had a bemused expression on his face.

It's nice to someone stand up to them, thought Hotohori. That group of men for far too long had pushed him around. They continued to pester him about everything including him not having a wife. Of course that may not be a problem for to long, he thought as he gazed at the Suzaku Priestess.

"So now all the guys are going to fall in love with Jennifer instead of Miaka," predicted Jacob.

"What!" Marcia screeched. "My Tamahome better not fall in love with her!"

"It's not like you're a better choice."

Steaming, Marcia whipped out the Universal Dimension Mallet of Girls and smashed Jacob to the ground. "The pain…" was all he managed to squeak out.