Disclaimer: I think you know by now.
Author's Note: Sorry it's taken me so long to get to this chapter. Also, if anyone wants to post these chapters on their site just give me a letter. I've been working on a comic version of my fan fiction so I'll try to send it to those who want it when I'm done.
Fushigi Yuugi
Hand of Destiny
Chapter Five: Kitty!
By Delphine
"Hotohori, bade farewell to the Priestess of Suzaku as she set out on her journey.
In front of the royal stables was a small gathering of people. The blue haired monk with the gravity defying bands, Chichiri, was sitting on a large brown stallion with purple haired Nuriko on a similar horse. Jennifer was saying good-bye to Hotohori before she mounted. "Why can't you come with us and blow off those advisors for a little bit?" she asked.
Giving her a soft smile, he shook his head. "I regret that they are right this time."
Her face fell in disappointment. "Oh…"
Putting his hand under her chin, he said, "You'll be back before you know it and with the fourth of the Suzaku Seven."
Jennifer nodded slightly in assent. Hotohori removed his hand and replaced it on her waist, pulling her into a gentle hug. Dipping his head, he captured her lips in his. Nuriko gawked at the public display of affections and Chichiri averted his eyes. Jennifer pulled back with a small smile on her face. "With that to look forward to you can bet I'll be back."
Hotohori helped her onto the saddle so she was sitting in front of Nuriko. "I'm counting on you to watch over her, Nuriko," said Hotohori, sternly.
"Yes, your majesty," Nuriko said with his teeth clinched.
If Hotohori noticed he didn't bring it up. Upon Nuriko's command the horses spurred into action. As they left the palace grounds Jennifer couldn't help but wonder if Nuriko was jealous at the attention that Hotohori was paying to her…or was he jealous of the attention she was paying to Hotohori?
"No, comment," stated Jacob.
"Their going to see Tamahome, yeah!" shouted Marcia.
"Tamahome's ugly," said Chelsey, "I like Suboshi."
"What!" Marcia cried. "You better take that back!"
"No way!"
Wisely, Jacob stayed out of the argument. Astrid watched amused at their antics that reminded her of how she and THAT dog of Chelsey's always fought. The black, gray, and white tabby stalked over to the dark-haired boy with feline grace. Giving the book a thoughtful glance she put one paw onto the book. To everyone's surprise a red light enveloped the cat and she disappeared into the book. "Well…" Jacob began, blinking in surprise, "that was unexpected."
"MMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!"
The horse-riding group looked up into the sky in surprise as Astrid came flying down. She landed on Nuriko, knocking him off the horse. "What the hell!" he cried as he struggled to get the clinging cat off his face. "GET IT OFF, GET IT OFF!!!!"
"No da," Chichiri muttered as he sweat dropped as he watched Nuriko jump around like a mad man.
When Jennifer caught sight of her kitty she gave a short squeal and hopped off the horse. "Astrid," she said, happily, unlatching the frightened tabby from the purple-haired man's face. She squeezed her cat, as if she was a teddy bear. As soon as Jennifer began scratching her ears, Astrid began to break out in a chorus of purrs.
"What is that thing?" Nuriko demanded.
Giving a hundred-kilowatt smile, she said, "This is my pretty kitty, Astrid."
The man gave a questioning look at the blue-haired monk, who shrugged in return. "Oh, boy…"