Wa Ga Fushigi
Chapter Three: Stumbling Realizations
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sierra Omega here, with the long awaited third chapter! Sorry to take so long, but when you're on a cruise you can't take a computer with you *sniffle.* ^_^() Anyway, I made it extra long, and there's plenty of action, excitement and intrigue to go around! So sit back, relax, and enjoy -- but don't forget to review!
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Ryuurei paced the roof of Genrou's house in more than a little agitation, trying valiantly not to spit out various insults as she did so.
Oh yeah, they think they can just leave me here all by myself? The least they could've done was send Scarface with me! What's his name…? Kouji? I have a bone to pick with him, anyhow. I seriously cannot believe this…
On and on she went in her angered musings, completely unaware of the events unfolding just outside of the bandit hideout…
~~~
"Oh great," Ri moaned. "Now what? I wish I was there to help her…" he punched the book lightly, then jumped back in surprise as a shimmering golden dust sprayed out from the force of the blow. Curiously, he did it again, and more sparkling magic fled from the pages.
I see… he thought with an eyebrow raised. There's more in store for me, is there? But what could it be--
A sharp ringing sound snapped Ri out of whatever trance he had been in, causing the boy to jump to his feet and drop the book. He looked about wildly, then sighed as he realized it was only his small cell phone.
"Hello?" he answered in a whisper.
"RI KEIFU! Where the heck are you?"
"Aiya! Hikari!" he stammered. "Not so loud!"
"I'll talk to you however I like, cousin or not!"
"Ok ok… just calm down, Hikari…" he rolled his eyes, clinging to the phone in desperation-- he thought he heard someone outside the door-- "What's wrong?"
"Well, let's see," she began sarcastically. "I've only been looking for you FOR TWO HOURS!"
"YIKES! It's been that long!?" he exclaimed, looking at his forgotten watch in horror.
"YES."
"Gomen ne, Hikari! Tell Okaa-chan I'll be home in a few hours… I'm at Ryuurei's studying! Okay, ja ne!!!"
"RI! Come back he--" *click!*
Snapping the phone shut, Ri sank back down to the floor and set the ringing to silent mode. He picked up the book again, but not before moving to a more hidden spot behind a large bookshelf.
This way if someone comes barging in, they won't see me… he mused, adjusting his glasses. Now… where were we…
~~~
"CHICHIRI!" Genrou shouted as he grabbed the monk by his shoulders. "We gotta find Ryuurei!"
"Daaa! Genrou! Stop with the shaking! I'm getting dizzy!"
Abruptly and with much embarrassment, the new bandit leader halted his assault. "Er… gomen. But-- we've gotta huge problem! There's still a few of the guys who don't know Eiken's been booted out! They're out lookin' for the girl!"
"NANI? We have to get back to your place, na no da! That's where I sent her!"
Genrou grinned, brandishing his tessen. "Then what're we waiting for! Let's go!"
Meanwhile…
"Whoa… what was that?" Ryuurei paused, listening intently. Crouching down on her knees, she crept over to the edge of the roof and peered down. Instantly she was blinded from the glare of bright torches, but her eyes shot open once more at the sound of a familiar voice.
"Search da whole place, boys!" Eiken squealed angrily. "Dat girl's gotta be in here somewhere! And when you find her, kill that monk while yer at it and burn dis place to da ground! Got it?"
Murmurs of agreement and assent echoed from the small group of bandits… no more than five or six with Eiken included.
I have to buy some time… Looking around and studying her aggressors, Ryuurei noticed a much younger bandit -- no more than fourteen years old -- carrying a short sword. Narrowing her eyes, she followed him until he was out of earshot from the others. Then, as he was inspecting the surrounding bushes, she leaped from the roof and fell on him rather ungracefully.
"OOMPH! Hey! Get offa me!" he shouted as he roughly shoved her to one side. Then realization dawned upon him once he got a closer look of Ryuurei. "Wha… wait a second! You're that girl! EIKEN! I FOUND--"
*SLAP*
He was out cold. Ryuurei rubbed her fist with a wince. Damn… men make it seem so easy.
"Sorry little guy, nothing personal…" she murmured as she removed the short sword, and was pleased to find a dagger and slingshot as well. These could come in handy…
"Oi, Yuki! Whassa matter?" a voice called from the darkness.
Uh-oh… Chichiri… where are you?
~~~
Daa… I have to find her, or I'll never forgive myself!
"Hey, Chichiri! Slow down already, willya?" Genrou huffed somewhere behind. However, the plea went unheeded as the monk sped up. Something told him that Ryuurei was already in big trouble… and as a Suzaku Seishi, it was his duty to protect her.
Some protector I am, no da…I can't even use my powers now; I wasted my strength against the bandits! He struggled for breath as he hurtled over various fallen tree branches and unconscious bandits along the way, clutching his staff for dear life and in fear of what fate could befall his Priestess.
He'd been a loner for many years; traveling without company ever since his early teens. No one knew anything about him… and any person that he'd met before would never remember him despite his eccentric and exceedingly bright personality… or so was the face that he showed to the world.
Chichiri wasn't at all the happy-go-lucky guy everyone saw… even the monk had a serious side; one that haunted him each and every day. And it was this facet that threatened to come out … to bubble to the surface for others to see. And the thing was, he didn't even know why it was happening now. All he really understood was that it revolved around his duty to the Priestess of Suzaku… and that he had to stay strong so that Genrou and the others wouldn't lose hope. That was one quirk about Chichiri; he could always lighten the toughest situation with a smile. But the smile stayed hidden as sweat poured from his brow in trepidation and anxiety…
"We're getting close now, no da!" he called back to Genrou, who grunted in response while attempting to stay close. A burst of hope filled them as they noticed no immediate danger… but then the sounds of shouting men and the smells of burning wood reached them.
"Oh crap!" Genrou growled. "They're gonna burn down my hideout! Kouji, hurry up!"
"Yeah… sure thing boss…" the blue-haired bandit panted.
"RYUUREI!" Chichiri shouted as the girl's scream sliced painfully into his mind.
~~~
"YAH!" the Priestess screamed as she blocked another bandit's blow. She tried in vain to ignore the slash across her right leg, but blood freely poured from the wound, and her strength with it. Raising her short sword, Ryuurei moved to a defensive stance as two bandits circled her position. Eiken stood beyond the sidelines, cackling and eyeing the scene in glee.
"Dat's right boys! I wanna see 'er die nice and slow!"
"Shut up, you pig!" She snapped back with a snarl. "I'd like to see you try fighting me yourself!"
The bandits laughed cruelly. "Girly, you couldn't last another minute like dat," said one.
"Yea, but ya gotta admit she got spunk dere, Kaijou," answered another. Both of them laughed again, and Ryuurei growled angrily.
Her leg hurt. A lot. But she had to stay strong… had to buy some time for Chichiri and Genrou to get there. With one leg rendered nearly useless, it was only a matter of time -- and a short time at that -- until she couldn't fight any more.
One of the bandits shifted; she narrowed her eyes. Gritting her teeth together, Ryuurei braced herself for the oncoming charge. Raising her weapon, she slashed at the oncoming club… blocked again… then blindly stabbed at the bandit's exposed side.
"AAAH!" Screeching as shrill as a banshee, he fell to one knee as crimson fluid flowed from one shoulder. "You little wench! I'll get you for that!"
Suddenly, it seemed all in slow motion as the injured bandit, joined by his comrade, charged at Ryuurei. With widened eyes, she tried to back away and side step their path, but her leg finally gave out and collapsed under her weight. Groaning, she hit the ground with enough force to knock her breathless just as the thieves were upon her… she shut her eyes tightly…
And was startled from her fear by the sounds of their screams. Her head shot up and a gasp tore from her in surprise as a shimmering red shield repelled the two bandits.
"What the--" the exclaimed, and whirled around to see Chichiri, Genrou and Kouji, along with other bandits arriving on the scene.
"Ryuurei!" Chichiri called in desperation, sprinting to her side. "Look out!"
She turned back, just in time to see one of the bandits ready a knife… he aimed…
"Take this, wench!" he crowed, throwing with all his might. The blade glinted as it spun towards its target…
~~~
DAMN! The monk cried out in his mind… I have to hurry… With one last burst of strength, he leaped in front of Ryuurei…
…just as the knife embedded itself into his left shoulder. "Priestess…" he whispered, then all went black for the monk.
"Chichiri!" Ryuurei gasped as she turned him over. "Chichiri!" Her golden hair fell over her terrified face as she shook him lightly, trying to awaken him. Looking to the guilty weapon in his shoulder, she proceeded to pull it out ever so slowly as to not quicken the loss of blood. As she did so, her other hand moved to stanch the bleeding, as she had no clean cloth to cover it with.
"Oi! Is he hit?" Genrou called out as he rushed over to their position. Huffing for air, he stumbled over to assess the monk's injury. At his direction, Ryuurei removed her hand reluctantly for a moment and allowed him to examine both knife and wound. His golden eyes turned serious, red hair almost glowing from the firelight as he bent to help his comrade… Ryuurei blushed slightly at the near contact… he smelled of cologne…
"He'll be all right," he replied gently, sighing at last in relief. "But now I've got some business to take care of. Take care of him, Ryuu. What about you? You okay?" He glanced at her leg with concern, but she raised a hand to stop him.
The girl's blush deepened at the new nickname, but she nodded. "It's not that bad. I just need some rest." At that, the bandit leader's features hardened considerably as he brought forth the feared flame tessen, and turned towards the remaining bandits that threatened to tear them limb from limb at Eiken's command.
"Now, listen up, ya idiots!" he snarled at the remaining bandits. "I'm the leader now! Ya got it? Eiken's out! I've got the tessen!"
To prove his sincerity, Genrou held up the fan as if it were a trophy of triumph, calling out the spell that activated its fury. "REKKA… SHINEN!" Flames of gold and crimson flowed outwards into the night, circling around the bandit as he began to glow in an eerie red light. The surrounding men looked on in complete awe of his power over the dancing flames, many crying out that he was a demon, or perhaps a spirit. Either way, the realization dawned over them all that this man was their true leader, and a man to be greatly feared. No one doubted his ability then… no longer was there any question. He who held and controlled the tessen was lord of the mountain, and this time the loyalty was undisputed.
"Eiken!" Genrou called out from the cloak of fire. "I suggest you leave Mt. Leikaku, and I mean now, or I'll fry your ass right here! Ya hear me?" All could see the man's fury even from beneath the circling inferno… the shining blaze of his golden eyes that lit even the matching red of his wild hair. He growled like the terrifying wolf, fangs and all, with hatred and animosity towards the pig like man, who merely stood stock still in complete horror.
"Don't come back!"
With a squeal, Eiken scrambled to his feet and ran as fast as his large legs could carry him down the mountain… never to return.
Sometime later…
"Daa…" Chichiri moaned, combing a hand through his blue hair as sunlight penetrated his cracked eyelids. "Where am I…?" He struggled to sit up, but managed only to fall back onto the pillows…
Nani? What pillows? He took a good look around, now that his vision had become clear, and realized that he was in a small room that smelled of liquor and sweat. With a second sweeping gaze, he noticed the mismatching sheets and curtains, the crude chairs, and splintering rafters above him.
Oh. I must be back at the hideout… but what happened? Where's… Again, but more successfully this time, he moved to an upright position. He whipped his head around, and breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of Ryuurei asleep in a chair at the foot of his bed. For the first time in days, Chichiri smiled. I'm glad she's all right.
As if by his thoughts alone the girl stirred from her slumber, groggily opening her blue eyes and fastening them with his. "Chichiri?"
He nodded, and she shook her head as if in disbelief. Blinking, she looked up again, and her entire face brightened into a grin. "Chichiri!"
Immediately the monk found himself within a tight embrace, blushing as he noticed his lack of a shirt. However, he disregarded the observation and began to hug the girl back just as forcefully.
"Ryuurei…Priestess… are you all right?" he asked softly, stroking her hair absently. "Your leg…"
"I'm fine; it was only a minor injury," she answered, pulling back to look at him. "But I was so worried about you! You've been out cold for two days!"
He gave her a surprised look, and she returned it with a grim one. "That bandit… his blade was poisoned. Genrou luckily knew where to find the cure and gave it to you before it was too late. I… I was so worried you wouldn't make it… I'm so sorry… that blade was meant for me, not you! You shouldn't be made to suffer!"
"Priestess… it is my duty to protect you, as your guardian. I must keep you safe from anything… I should be the one apologizing, for placing you in danger in the first place."
"Oh, don't be silly, it wasn't your fault," she remarked, smiling. "And stop calling me 'Priestess.' I'm not a princess or anything… just call me Ryuurei."
The monk looked stunned for a second, then matched her grin. "All right then, Ryuurei."
She laughed then, a sound similar to bells in Chichiri's ears. He didn't know why, but the sound was so soothing…
"What's so funny?" he asked thoughtfully, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.
"I'm not that sure, really," she replied, still giggling. "You just seem so formal all the time, and yet so comical. It's almost like…" her smile faded, and she looked away… "Like you're hiding something."
Both froze, Chichiri in fear, and Ryuurei in shock of what she'd just said. Oh no… I've messed up again… she thought, mentally beating herself. Shimatta…
"I… um… gomen ne, Chichiri-san…" she stammered as her face turned bright red. "I shouldn't have said that to you… it's none of my business… anyway… I'll go get Genrou to make sure you're okay…" she stood up and tried to step away, but not before Chichiri grabbed hold of her tiny wrist with an outstretched hand. She looked back, and saw that his face had fallen to gaze at the sheets; her eyes filled with tears in anger at herself… never had she meant to hurt him so!
"I figured you would find out eventually…" he began. "But never so soon…" a hand raised to his face, and when he raised it to Ryuurei once more, she saw that he was removing something…A mask.
"I've only shown this face to one person… because it reminds me of my past." As the last of the façade was pulled away, the girl saw the true face of her protector, handsome and chiseled, but all happiness had gone. Instead, a brown eye, once hidden, revealed a deep pain and sadness that pulled at the Priestess's heart. The other, she saw, was missing, closed forever and marked by a deep scar the ran across the left side of his face and over the bridge of his nose.
"This face… is the face of a murderer, Ryuurei… a face I never wanted another to see, because I never want to kill again like I had so long ago… I want to protect life, not destroy it… and so I donned the happy mask so that I could help others, even though I still carry my burden for eternity."
"Chichiri…"
"I don't want to hide anything from you, Ryuurei," he admitted. "I'm not sure why I trust you so much -- we've only just met -- but I know… or rather, I hope… that now that you know the truth about me, you won't shun me."
His grip lessened, then dropped from her hand. He covered his scar, hiding it once more from Ryuurei. "I'm sorry," he said as he turned away to replace the mask where it had once been, only this time, Ryuurei could see right through it… "I'm not trying to ask for pity or forgiveness…"
"I know," she replied. "It's all right. I won't tell anyone… and I don't hate you, Chichiri…" she sat down next to him, embracing him once more. "We all make mistakes, and I know you regret it. That's all I need to know. I still trust you, and I thank you for trusting me.
"Furthermore… you don't have to hide anything from me any more. I want to be your friend, not just your Priestess." She raised his face, gently forcing him to look up. "That is, if you accept my friendship."
"Ryuurei… I…"
"Oi, Kinoko! You up yet?" Genrou called as he burst into the room with a grin. "I brought ya-- WHOA!" He halted in his tracks, blushing as red as his hair. "Er… 'm I interruptin' somethin' here?"
Ryuurei had to giggle as Chichiri's face began to rival the bandit's in color; she didn't think one could turn that shade of scarlet! "No, not at all, Genrou. Come in… he's fine."
"Uh-huh…" he nodded, but didn't look convinced. "Anyhow, I brought ya some supper, Ryuu, and some extra in case Sleeping Beauty decided to wake up… and so he did! And I'll be leaving now! Okay later!" He sped out the door before another word could be uttered, leaving the monk and the Priestess alone.
"I guess I'll go smack some sense into him," the girl rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. "You can have my dinner, Chichiri. Eat up, and I'll be back later, okay?"
He nodded as he watched her turn away, biting his lip as if he wanted to say something.
"Ryuurei!" he blurted out just before she exited. She turned to face him, but all he could do was mumble a thank you before taking a great attention to his food.
~~~
Genrou sat cross-legged in his quarters as he sank his teeth into a good-sized drumstick that oozed with grease. Kouji relaxed nearby, staring blankly out the window with a stupid grin on his face.
"Dis is da life, eh Boss?" he asked, popping a piece of meat into his mouth.
"Sure is," the bandit leader agreed. But how long will it last?
"Man, that girl Ryuurei sure is somethin'," Kouji continued, scratching the scar on one cheek. "She's damn pretty, managed to hold off two or three of da guys with no sweat; not to mention she's a Priestess with one helluva temper. Whatcha think?"
"Yeah, she's somethin' all right," he nodded. "Somethin'…"
The room was silent for a time, until the blue-haired bandit tossed a glance over to Genrou and noticed his faraway look. "Mt. Leikaku ta Genrou. Where are ya? Snap outta it, Boss!"
"What?" the leader shook his head wildly, looking at his friend as if for the first time.
"You were long gone," Kouji remarked. "Whatcha thinkin' about?" Then it hit him. "Oh, wait. You're thinking of goin' with 'em, aren't ya?"
"You know I can't do that, Kouji," Genrou answered with a growl. "I can't leave you guys here again. Suzaku knows what'll happen."
"Yeah, but since you mentioned Suzaku, I think you should go. If ya want, I can take care of da guys while yer out with Ryuurei. Ain't no big deal, right? Dey trust me, as long as I got yer okey-dokey."
"You'd do that, buddy?"
Kouji grinned. "Sure! I know what dat girl means ta ya. You owe her one, right? And I'll tell da boys why yer gone, and dey'll understand, too. Damn sure dey'd respect ya even more for it! And if dey don't, I'll make 'em!"
Both chuckled, and Genrou looked back up at his friend with thanks in his eyes.
"Aw, don't say nothin', Boss," Kouji stated with his hand waving in dismissal. "Like I said, no big deal, eh? Go with Ryuurei. Yer supposed to."
"Thanks, man. You're the best." As he got up to leave, a knock came on the door.
"Come in," Genrou commanded, and Ryuurei entered soundlessly.
"There's somethin' I've been meaning to show you, Ryuu-chan."
"Really? What is it, Genrou?" she replied, intrigued by his sudden lack of confidence. At first, he said nothing, merely plopping down in front of her and looking her solemnly in the eye, but as Kouji elbowed his side, he grunted and began.
"Well, er… I know that you're the Priestess of Suzaku, and that Chichiri is one of the stars preordained to protect you… well, the thing is, I know of another warrior of the seven that is supposed to help ya out."
"Huh? Are you serious, Genrou?"
"Yeah. His name's Tasuki… and he's got the sign of a wing on his arm. And uh… he's me."
The girl didn't respond for a moment, as if waiting for something.
"See, I can prove it…" he raised a sleeve, and sure enough, the Chinese symbol for 'wing' appeared near his elbow in a wash of red light. He raised it up for Ryuurei's inspection, and she lightly touched it as if to ensure its existence. Genrou held his breath as she did so, as did Kouji, until at last she looked up at him with a smile.
"I believe you… Tasuki. Does this mean you'll go with us?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I'm supposed to, aren't I? Who am I to stop destiny, no matter how much of a pain in the ass it can be."
"Way ta go, Boss!" Kouji laughed, slapping Genrou -- now Tasuki -- on the back in congratulations. "Let's go tell the others!"
~~~
Daybreak. The sun rose to gaze over the Southern Kingdom of Konan, as did its Priestess and her two warriors to meet it. Fully rested and prepared for the long trek that lay before them, they turned one last time to bid farewell to the bandits of Mount Leikaku with remorse.
"Keep in line guys, or you'll get it when I come home!" Tasuki called with a sad grin. For good measure, he waved his tessen in goodbye, allowing the fan's metal plates to glimmer in the growing light of day. Ryuurei also stood to smile and bow gracefully to the men, who returned the gesture sincerely… though awkwardly.
Chichiri chose to merely stand tall and silent at the girl's side, one hand resting on her shoulder for support. He was still weak from the poison, but well enough to complete the journey ahead of them to mount Taikyoku… and to Taiitskun.
"It's time, no da," he said gently, and Ryuurei nodded reluctantly.
"Good-bye! Take care!"
"Bye Ryuurei! Come back ta see us!" the bandits yelled back, whistling appreciatively.
"Later, you slugs!" Tasuki added, choking a bit on his words. And with that, the three turned to face their oncoming destiny with confidence and determination radiating in their eyes.
~~~
"Oi…" Ri paused as he rubbed his forehead. "This book's giving me a headache. And you, Taregami-chan! Baka desu -- thinking you could take on a couple of bandits yourself! That's just like you to act like a hero! Scare me to death while you're at it…
"But then, you got lucky that time. I just hope you're more careful… good thing Chichiri was there to bail you out."
Ri adjusted himself against the bookshelf, earnestly reading on in the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. Black hair fell in complete disarray from worry, and his glasses were soaked in condensation and dust from the tiny reference room.
"Jeez, I'm gonna be old and gray before I turn eighteen!" he said aloud. "When will this madness end?" With a groan, he wiped his face with one hand and followed the ancient Chinese Kanji as it continued to appear on the yellowed pages.
'The Priestess and her warriors departed from the calm and serene Mt. Leikaku in search of the hidden peaks of Taikyoku, and with them their native god, Taiitskun. However, their journey did not allow for such ease of passage as Chichiri and the girl knew before; little did they know that great danger lay ahead… obscured by a coming storm…'
~~~
"Chichiri! Can't you teleport us to some cave near here?" Tasuki fumed while huddling under his blue coat, soaking wet from the pouring rain. "This ain't gonna let up anytime soon!"
Indeed, only hours after midday the sky had turned dark, covered by ominous and swirling black monstrosities of clouds that gathered in unison to form a powerful maelstrom filled with lightning, hail and rain. The Suzaku Seishi, caught unawares, had found no shelter before it hit; now their protection merely stood as an old, rickety oak that threatened to fall at any second. Ryuurei had curled up into a ball, wrapping her body as much as possible under her school uniform jacket while shivering uncontrollably.
"It's not that easy, na no da," the monk answered with a deep frown. "We'll just have to wait it out right here. It shouldn't be too long; these spring squalls never go for more than a few hours, no da."
"A few hours? What're we supposed to do until then? Just sit here???"
"That's all we can do," Ryuurei sighed. "Just be patient, Tasuki. Chichiri knows this place well enough to know what he's talking about. I trust him." The bandit merely grunted in reply, mumbling about monks and crazy girls under his makeshift tent.
"Are you sure you're all right?" Chichiri inquired, turning back to the shivering girl. His forehead creased in concern, and Ryuurei immediately became shy of the monk's gentleness. She wasn't used to this kind of attention aside from Ri's, but he was almost a brother to her while Chichiri…
Well, just what is Chichiri, anyway? He's so kind and open with me… or is it because he's supposed to protect me?
Somehow feeling her confusion, he gave her a wary smile and proceeded to remove his cloak, wringing out the water droplets that had collected onto the dark fabric. Then, he aired it out a bit and placed it over Ryuurei's shoulders, securing the knot firmly. The girl watched him as he did this, staring in wonder at how he was so careful in getting it right… like it was a life or death situation. He sat back to look over his work, and was rewarded by her tired smile.
The cloak felt good around her; she reveled in the softness and yet strength as it warded off the chilly winds that whirled around them, the scent of it reminding her of sunshine in a field. She looked back up at Chichiri in thanks, only to find herself lost within his penetrating gaze. They sat there for a time, just staring at one another as the rain continued to pummel them; it was of no matter. Slowly and with surety, the monk removed his mask as he had done before, but this time there was no hesitation. The façade dropped like a fallen leaf onto the grass, forgotten. Ryuurei glanced at it for a moment, then back up to Chichiri's true face questioningly. With a smile, he lifted a finger to his lips and tossed an amused glance over to Tasuki. She followed it, and managed to stifle a giggle just in time; the bandit was asleep, a drop of drool hanging on his lower lip.
Looking back to the monk, she was again ensnared by his charming -- but still mournful -- features. She tilted her head to the side in order to see him better, staring in wonder at how his white shirt fell so perfectly around his toned form, thought in amusement how his blue bangs could stay up even in the wet weather.
"Are you all right… no da?" he said at last, never moving his gaze from hers.
"I… I'm still a bit cold…" she stammered, blushing. "But thank you for the cloak."
His features brightened, and he moved to sit down next to her, holding his knees and placing his staff on a fallen log. He settled down against the trunk of the tree the three had made camp beneath, heaving a deep sigh as he did so.
"I promise you, Ryuurei, we'll get you home. But until then, I'll protect you." He closed his eye. "And I know Tasuki would say the same thing… but Ryuurei… don't be afraid to depend on me, all right? I don't want anything to happen to you."
The girl remained silent, merely finding solace in looking upon his tanned face and feeling his warmth so close to her. Almost on instinct, Ryuurei moved to close the gap between then, laying her head on his chest. Chichiri, to her relief, didn't appear to mind, simply choosing to wrap an arm around her in a loose embrace. She shivered at the contact, causing him to look down at her in concern. Slowly, tentatively, he raised her chin with his free hand… and pulled her into a slow, sweet kiss.
For a moment Ryuurei sat still, stunned, but as she realized what was happening began to return the gesture, wrapping her arms around the blue-haired monk to be even closer to him. As they kissed, he stroked her hair, pulling it behind her ears ever so gently and brushing worn fingers over her cheek.
"Chichiri…" she breathed, just as they pulled apart. "I…"
"Shh…" A finger was placed on her lips. "Don't speak. Rest."
And so she did, warm and safe within her protector's arms.
~~~
'The cold, loud and rumbling crash of thunder awakened the sleeping girl from her pleasant dreams of home and of her friend,' Ri read aloud. 'However, her impending scream of surprise was muffled by Chichiri's hand over her mouth…'
~~~
Ryuurei struggled to get out of the monk's grasp, but he held firm.
"Be still," he commanded. "There's something wrong here."
Reluctantly, she complied, and she was once more able to speak. "Where's Tasuki?"
"Scouting. He and I sensed danger while you were sleeping, and so he went to check it out. I have a feeling we'll have to get moving soon; are you feeling up to it, no da?"
"I think so." She noticed, to her dismay, that he had replaced the mask over his face again, but temporarily disregarded the emotion; she too was beginning to feel threatened. Sitting up in Chichiri's arms, she looked around the dreary setting; still it poured, but not so hard of a rain, but the thunder and lightning had greatly increased. The trees stood eerily still, looking almost painted in stark black and white against the brilliant flashes of purple electricity that crackled dangerously above.
"We're near Mt. Taikyoku," the monk explained. "Strange things happen in the midst of that place… it is to discourage the evil of heart from entering the area, no da. However, as Suzaku's chosen, we should have no problems."
Bushes rustled nearby, and a fanged face popped out from them with a deep frown in tow. "Somethin's out there, Chichiri, but I dunno what it is." Tasuki's hair, Ryuurei noticed with amusement, was filled with blackened leaves and thorns, while his face had dirt all over it; it looked as if he'd gotten into a fight with a mud hole and lost miserably.
"I feel it too, Tasuki, no da," the monk replied in a serious tone. "We need to complete the trek to Taiitskun as soon as we possibly can. Let's go. Ryuurei? You ready, no da?"
She nodded, and as soon as her warriors helped the Priestess to her feet, they were off, trudging into the sinking mud that deepened with each moment of pouring precipitation.
~~~
'The Priestess walked between her warriors in fear, knowing quite well that even with them she was not safe. The three did not realize then that they were being watched… watched by an entity so powerful that they could not begin to comprehend the power that this being wielded…'
Jeez, Ri thought apprehensively. What else could happen… do I really want to keep reading this…?
Suddenly he began to hear pounding outside the reference room. He paused to listen, and realized with a start that the sounds were footsteps heading down the hallway…
"Ri Keifu! Where in the world are you?!"
The boy groaned. Oh great… not her…
~~~
"Rekka, SHINEN!"
A horde of zombies was instantly entangled in a blazing inferno. As they screamed, their bodies dissipated into harmless piles of dust and ash, but to the Suzaku Seishi's fear even more monsters took the place of those destroyed, even faster than before.
"There's too many!" Ryuurei cried out from behind Chichiri. "We have to get out of here!"
"We can't, no da!" the monk snapped. "We're surrounded! There's no way out!"
With a frustrated screech, the Priestess of Suzaku raised her short sword -- the bandit boy had let her keep the weapon -- and proceeded to slash at anything within an arm's width of her. The undead forms writhed and shrieked all around her, gaping mouths and bulging eyes oozing blood and other rank bodily fluids she couldn't begin to name. Their skin peeled off as raindrops hit, flaking off in putrid chunks of green, white and grey. Some crawled on all fours, others remained standing… but even those with a limb or two missing still made their way to Ryuurei; she appeared to be their clear target.
Tasuki and Chichiri had closed in back-to-back, with barely enough room to keep Ryuurei in between… they were outnumbered, and it was only a matter of time until their time ran out. It appeared as though they were doomed to drown within the sea of death… to fall beneath the stinking and rotting flesh and bloodied bone…
"Ahhh!" Ryuurei screamed as two of the bodies grabbed her by the arms, jaws wide and dripping with acidic fluid that began to burn holes in her dirtied school uniform. They were all around her, dragging her further and further away from the Seishi. Her short sword had long been discarded, lost in the masses without a trace or hope of being recovered.
"HELP!"
"Ryuurei!" Chichiri called, reaching out to the girl. Tasuki at last turned to echo the gesture, his face contorted into the utmost horror and fury, wild hair flying in all directions similar to the flame he yielded.
"Chichiri!" the bandit shouted, punching the monk in the arm. "Use your magic, dammit!"
"I… I can't!" he exclaimed, features weakened even through the mask. "Anything I can throw at them will hit the Priestess, too!"
"Then I'll just have to do it myself!"
"Tasuki! Wait!"
"CHARGE!" Rushing into the hurtling horde of bodies and outstretched limbs, Tasuki shoved forward; bashing, stabbing, and slashing with his tessen for he couldn't use fire at such close range. Many of the zombies turned to combat him, while the rest continued to usher Ryuurei at an even greater distance away…
"RYUUREI! DUCK!"
The girl's head shot up, and with the last of her strength hurled her body downward into the mud and underfoot of the mob of undead. Seeing that she was safe, Tasuki let out a piercing battle yell and, thrusting his tessen into the ground, engaged his attack.
"REKKA SHINEN!" The wind picked up, lightning flashed, and a magnificent blaze rose from the depths of the earth to engulf the army of soulless creatures, becoming a fiery whirlwind that coursed over the land as if the air itself were composed of crude oil. Chichiri dove beneath his cape for protection just as the flames passed over, covering his ears against the inhuman, animalistic howls and screeches of the burning corpses. Somewhere, within that horrible sound was Tasuki, feeling his clothing burn and his skin heat up so much he could no longer bear it.
No… gotta hold on… gotta save Ryuurei…can't stop…
On and on he repeated the spell, until the very last zombie fell to dust.
~~~
Ryuurei struggled to her feet, disentangling the disgusting and horrid bodies that had fallen as a shield over her during the firestorm and looked in search of her companions.
"Tasuki! Chichiri! Where are you!"
A small moan answered her from nearby, and she hurried over to the source of the sound to find the fanged bandit lying face-down on the ground.
"Ryuurei…" he murmured as his amber eyes gazed up at her glassily. "You're all right…"
"Yeah, but you're not, you idiot!" she scolded, scrunching her face into a pained scowl. "You're lucky you were wearing so many layers of clothing! Pretty much all that was singed was your hair… Oh man! Tasuki! Your hands!"
Indeed, the boy's hands were heavily blistered, and very red from the stress of the fire he had created, all the way up to his elbows. However, the only area that remained untouched was that around Tasuki's celestial symbol, which continued to flare brightly and pulse with energy. Hastily, Ryuurei ripped off a part of her sleeve and began to wrap it around the wounds, mumbling the entire time.
"You shouldn't have done that. That was really stupid, you know that? This cloth isn't very clean, but it'll do for now… now stay there," she commanded in her most authoritative manner. "I have to find Chichiri."
"I'm already here, no da."
The girl jumped in surprise, whirling around to see the monk standing solemnly before her, cape slung over one arm. "I was lucky to have this," he said, motioning to the midnight blue cloth. "Charmed to be fireproof and waterproof. Comes in handy, no da."
"I'm glad you're ok," the Priestess sighed in relief, running a hand nervously through her brown locks. "But we have to help Tasuki."
~~~
'As the Priestess and Chichiri tended to their comrade's injuries, someone watched them from beyond the storm clouds…'
~~~
::So. They appear to have bonded quite well to their 'Priestess.' Very interesting. But that little scuffle wasn't enough of a test for the girl… Let's see how you deal with this.::
A wave of a hand and the whisper of a word, and an entity was cast out to the seishi with intentions yet undiscovered…
~~~
"Tasuki, hurry it up, no da!" Chichiri shouted over the roaring thunder. "We have to make Mt. Taikyoku before we're attacked again!"
"Aw, man… can't we rest for a few minutes, 'Chiri?" the bandit whined, slumping over and giving the monk puppy dog eyes. "I'm damned tired and can barely move another step!"
"Don't give me that, you're a Suzaku warrior! If you can live through a blazing inferno like the one you created, a few more miles on foot won't kill you!"
Tasuki's eyes widened and his jaw dropped to the ground. "A few more miles? That's it. I'm not movin' an inch, dammit." And with that, he unceremoniously plopped himself down onto the ground, his jacket squelching deep mud that oozed and protested from the weight. Disgusted by the sound, the redhead looked down and groaned again. "Dammit, this is my best jacket! Now it's ruined."
"It serves you right, no da," Chichiri scolded. "Now come on, it was destroyed anyhow. Quit your whining and let's go."
"No, and you can't make me." Tasuki then stuck out his tongue as far as it would go, eyes bugging out comically in the process. Crossing his arms in defiance, he raised his chin proudly. "I am staying here, oh almighty Chichiri, and I ain't movin' until I feel like it."
"All right then, no da, but I hope you enjoy the company of zombies and werewolves!' The monk turned his back on him, and started down the road again to the mountains that loomed in the distance. Ryuurei paused, more than a bit irritated by the bandit's bickering and carrying on.
"Don't be such a baby," she said, raising an eyebrow at the glare she received. "We're all tired, Tasuki, and want to rest, but don't you understand it's dangerous to be out here when we're surrounded by evil things lying in wait for us? It's stupid; and I don't know about you, but my legs are killing me, and I want to get to Taiitskun before they give out."
Taken aback by her bold speech, the bandit sighed. "Er… sorry 'bout that, Ryuu. I'm just exhausted from all of this; I drained all of my energy against those monsters," he looked up, eyes serious, "Because I had to save you."
Her face felt hot, and she turned slightly to keep him from seeing. "Thanks a lot. But come on… we can't keep destiny waiting, now can we?" She held a hand out to him. "Here. Let me help you out."
It was Tasuki's turn to blush as he hesitantly grabbed her small wrist to aid in standing up. As he regained balance on both feet, his pull increased as the mud gave beneath his boots; Ryuurei fell forward, tripping into his arms. She immediately froze, as being so close to him was unsettling… but comfortable.
"I… uh…" she stammered, pulling back. "Sorry; how clumsy of me. I better go catch up to Chichiri…"
"Wait, Ryuu. Hold up."
"Huh?" She turned around. "What is it?"
"Well… um… you said that you weren't feelin' so hot yourself, so lemme help you out?" He placed a hand on her shoulder, walking around to stand beside her. She looked up into his golden eyes, which held nothing but pure concern within. His jaw was set, as if to prevent from saying something that he wanted to, and his red hair flowed in silky bangs over his face that swayed gently in the tiny breeze.
"I'm fine, really Tasuki… you don't need to…"
"Eh, but I want to. S'only fair, right? Besides, ya let Chichiri lend you a hand. You scared of me or somethin'?" He looked hurt.
Ryuurei didn't know what to say. Her heart was pounding, her mind was racing, but she had no idea of how to respond. Not that she wanted to refuse… but she was so confused about her feelings… and those of her Seishi. Did she like either of them? Both of them? Really, really like them, in the sense akin to infatuation or even… love?
No, she decided, it was too soon to tell. Far too soon. Despite her puzzlement and musings, she smiled tiredly up to Tasuki. "No, I'm not scared of you. Why should I be?"
He grinned. "Well then. Here we go!" Stepping closer to the Priestess, the bandit picked her up in both arms and held her close to his chest. "Hold on, Ryuu. This'll be a fast ride." Then, taking a deep breath that sent a shiver of excitement down the girl's spine, he took off after the retreating form of Chichiri, who had turned around after noticing that neither of the two had followed.
"Sayonara, Kinoko!" the seishi waved as they sped past the monk, who merely stood there for a moment in surprise. Ryuurei thought she felt that they were being glared at, but she couldn't be sure, as Chichiri still had his mask on. For some reason, she began to feel guilty, but the feeling passed as she buried her head in the crook of Tasuki's neck.
~~~
Without knowing it, Ryuurei's action had sparked intense emotion within the heart of her seishi. Chichiri was indeed very annoyed by Tasuki's actions, feeling very angry and irritated to the point that he began to give chase to the speedy bandit to not be outdone.
Tasuki, for his part, felt like he could fly. Holding Ryuurei felt so right, and he wanted nothing but to stay that way forever with her. However, his more contemplative side told him that he was being stupid, that he hated girls and should avoid Ryuurei at all costs except to protect her from danger.
But then, he thought, if I hate girls so damn much, why am I so willing to give up my life for her? I know it's not just because it's my destiny or whatever…
~~~
Ri froze in place, accidentally dropping the book as he did so. Cursing, he prayed that the girl outside wouldn't hear him… but the pleas were made in vain, for just then the doorknob started to move.
"Keifu! Keifu! You're in there, aren't you? Get out now, or I'll…" she went quiet, and a blue light could be seen from under the door just as it flew open. "What…"
"Hikari!" Ri cried. "What are you DOING here?"
"I…uh… am not that sure," she said finally, but her face hardened again. "But whatever the case, I've found you, and you're coming back with me right now!"
Ri sweatdropped. "You mean you didn't know I was here?"
"Don't change the subject, baka!" Aoi Hikari was a very tall girl, and had reddish-brown hair with golden highlights that cascaded down to the small of her back in a smooth waterfall. Having bangs as long as the rest of her locks, stray strands fell over a well-tanned complexion and green eyes. Her school uniform looked a bit worse for wear; she'd apparently checked everywhere while looking for her cousin, Ri.
"Calm down, Hikari," the boy soothed, raising his hands in defeat. "I'll go with you… but let me grab this book…" Jeez, for a year younger than me, she sure is authoritative. I'd hate to be one of her kids, if she ever has any.
"What book? That one?" she pointed, crossing her arms. "You can't take it… it's reference, isn't it?" She smoothly walked over to where he was standing, staring coolly at the tattered and yellow pages of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. "What's so great about it? Just looks like some old sutra or something."
"No… there's a lot more to it than that," Ri shook his head. "You're not gonna believe this, but Ryuurei's inside this book."
They stared at one another for a moment, and the next thing the by knew, his cousin was bracing herself against a bookshelf while caught in barrels of laughter. "It's true!" he protested. "See?" He flipped to a page, shoving the book into Hikari's arms.
"What?" she asked, still laughing, but at her cousin's insistence, read the paragraph. "' The Priestess screamed as she blocked another bandit's blow. She tried in vain to ignore the slash across her right leg, but blood freely poured from the wound, and her strength with it. Raising her short sword, Ryuurei moved to a defensive stance as two bandits circled her position. Eiken stood beyond the sidelines, cackling and eyeing the scene in glee.' What do you think this is, Keifu? Some kind of a joke? It's not funny. You wrote in this book, didn't you?"
"No! Look!" Then he turned to the last sentence he had read, pointing out the kanji that were slowly appearing as events unfolded in the story.
"'Back in the girl's world, her friend Ri read on in the mysterious play while his cousin looked on in disbelief…' What in Jigoku… that's happening right now!" Hikari yelped, suddenly paling as she read on. "'But then, just as she tried to decipher the meaning of everything going on, Aoi Hikari found herself surrounded in a blinding blue light…' Aah… Keifu! Help me!!!"
Indeed, the girl was engulfed in light of brightest sapphire, and to the boy's amazement, his cousin's body disappeared within the illumination and flowed into the pages of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho.
"No! HIKARI!"
~~~
"Oowww…itai…" Hikari moaned, rubbing her head. "That hurt. RI! Where are you --" It was then that she realized her surroundings, and her eyes went wide as saucers. "NANI?"
It was the most beautiful room she had ever seen. To her right she saw an enormous, fluffy bed with the whitest of sheets and softest of pillows, with tall bedposts that reached the ceiling and were draped over with a canopy of red and white silk embroidered in gold thread. The floor beneath her was of shining golden wood, completely free of cracks and knotholes. Various chairs crafted by the finest tools and covered in rich cushions sat in perfection, and with them a table that held a gleaming golden tray of food and drink. The walls were adorned with brilliantly woven tapestries, many depicting a man with red hair surrounded by the image of a brilliant scarlet phoenix with eyes of gold.
"Where am I…?" Hikari thought aloud, too afraid to move a muscle. "Could I be inside that book?"
"Who goes there?" called a rich voice nearby. "Who dares to disturb me?"
Uh-oh… "Er… sorry! I'm a tourist and got lost! Ja ne!" She whirled around in search of a door, only to find the blade of a very long -- and very sharp -- sword pressed against her neck. An arm wound itself tightly about her waist, and the voice came again, this time in her ear.
"You had better have a good explanation for yourself, girl," the voice said softly and not at all menacing despite the blade on her throat. "I do not want to have to kill you. I can call the guards at any minute… are you here to assassinate me, perhaps? Your clothes do not resemble those of the women in my harem."
Guards? Assassinate? Harem? Where am I? "No!" Hikari answered, shaking her head just a bit for emphasis. "I'm sorry… but I just got here and I don't know where I am! I was with my cousin just a moment ago… but some weird light sent me here…"
"Stop. Did you say a strange light brought you here?" The hold around her dropped, and Hikari turned around to face her aggressor. The voice belonged to a beautiful man with flowing, wavy brown hair that fell below his broad and sculpted shoulders. Cocoa eyes stared out from a face so sculpted and regal that would make even Michelangelo turn red, and his body, adorned in robes of silk in the finest quality stood tall, proud and strong. In one hand, he held a carefully constructed sword embedded with emeralds and rubies that sparkled and glittered happily in the dim lighting of the room. Hikari was spellbound, taking a step back from the assault of his intense beauty.
The man, mistaking her actions for fear, put away his sword into a shining ebony sheath.
"I won't hurt you," he assured, raising a hand to stop her, his voice gentle. "Please, tell me your name?"
"Hikari. Aoi Hikari…" the girl stammered, relaxing a little now that the weapon was safely discarded. "Who are you?"
The man smiled. "I am Saihitei, Emperor of Konan… but you may call me Hotohori… Priestess of Suzaku."
~~~
"Tasuki! You left Chichiri way back there!" Ryuurei smacked the bandit's shoulder from the safety of his arm as the two, exhausted, walked ahead on the long and winding mountain path.
"I'm right here, na no da."
"Gyah!" both jumped in surprise, turning around to see a rather solemn monk standing a few feet away. Though he gave away no signs of fatigue, the sweat beading his brow revealed his strife to keep up with the bandit's speed.
"You know Tasuki, it's not wise to just up and carry off the Priestess like that, na no da. You were foolish to do so; what if you had walked right into a trap?"
"Shut yer trap!" the redhead sneered. "You jealous or somethin'? I don't even like girls. Just thought I'd let the poor thing have a break was all. What are ya anyway, her father?"
"I'm her guardian, na no da, as are you. Take care to think out your actions next time, my friend, or it could be the end of us all, no da."
"You worry too much!"
"You worry too little, no da."
"Why you little… I oughta pound you for that, Kinoko!" Veins were bulging around Tasuki's face, which had changed to one of demonic, yet comical nature. Ryuurei found herself giggling behind her hand as Chichiri shrank down to the size of a small child and began to literally run circles around the confused and bewildered bandit, who pulled his tessen and turned around and around his circles trying to flame the Chibi-monk.
"Can't catch me na no da!"
"You little runt! Come back here! Rekka shinen!" he yelled as Chichiri laughed and made faces at him, using his staff to knock at the other seishi's legs and knock him over. The flames spread in a circle around the fiery-tempered bandit, but Chichiri managed to dance around them as easily as if he were a frog on lily pads.
Ryuurei watched the spectacle for a while, but then decided to retreat into solitude. Pushing aside some bushes, she trudged uphill until she began to notice that a dense fog was beginning to fall all around the area. A feeling in her gut told her to turn back, but as she did so there came a rustling of tree branches, then a growl.
"W-Who's there?" she called out. "Show yourself! I'm not afraid of you!"
::Oh, but you should be, Priestess of Suzaku.::
"Who are you? Where are you?" Laughter began to fill the air, hoarse and terrifying.
::You had better go and find your friends, Priestess, before it is too late!::
"Chichiri! Tasuki!" the girl murmured. "What have you done to them?"
::Nothing yet, but you had better hurry.::
No… she thought, breaking into a run in the direction she had come.
~~~
"Na no da! Na no da! Tasuki-kun's too slow!" Laughing wildly, the little monk waved his arms around, while a huffing and puffing Tasuki glared venomously at him.
"Shut up already. I'm too tired to mess with you, crazy Kinoko." He looked around. "Hey, did ya see where Ryuurei went?"
"Maybe to the bathroom, na no da!" he announced.
Sweatdrop.
"Nah, I noticed her leaving a while ago," the bandit continued. "I'd better go and look for her before she gets herself into more trouble."
A puff of smoke, and Chichiri had transformed back into his old self. "Stay put, Tasuki. I'm gonna go and find Ryuurei."
"Hey wait! Why m'I the one that's gonna just stay? I should go!"
"Will you think about it for a second?" the older seishi snapped, catching Tasuki by complete surprise. "I'm starting to sense an evil presence here… and I'm pretty sure that it's after the Priestess. But if she's in danger, here is where she'll search for us first. You have to stay and wait for her in case she's chased by something, and use your tessen to destroy it!"
"Uh… I think I see what ya mean, Chichiri. Okay then, I'll stay here, but only for Ryuurei. I don't trust you."
"Same to you, bandit," the monk replied, a bit too coolly for Tasuki's liking. But before he could say anything in response, Chichiri's staff emanated a red light, and he was gone.
"Jus' great. Now I gotta just sit here." Sighing, the redheaded bandit sat down with his back to a tree, and closed his golden eyes.
~~~
Something is very wrong here… Chichiri thought as he felt the dangerous chi increase in power. I can't sense Ryuurei anymore… something must have happened! Just then, his mind felt a third presence. That feels like… Tasuki? Damn! I told that baka to stay put!
He stopped in his tracks, waiting impatiently for the other seishi to catch up. "Baka no da!" he exclaimed as he turned around. "Didn't I just explain to you…"
"No need to, Chichiri." The man emerging from the bushes said. Indeed, it was Tasuki, but he was not alone. In his arms, he held an unconscious figure…
"Ryuurei!" the monk gasped. "What happened?"
"She said that she was attacked. By you."
His eyes went wide. "Nani…"
Five minutes earlier…
Tasuki heard a scream, and his eyes shot open at the realization that the source of the sound came from the direction Chichiri had headed, and belonged to Ryuurei!
"RYUU! I'm comin'!" Knew I couldn't trust the damned monk…
Thorns and fallen trees pulled at his broken clothing, tearing mercilessly at his skin as if to prevent him from moving forward. The fog that hovered like dense cotton in the air didn't help things, either, but as he focused, he could just barely feel the chi of Ryuurei close by.
"Where are you? Ryuurei! Answer me!" he called, but was answered only by a moan only a few feet away. "Ryuurei!"
Kneeling down, he at last spotted her body, half-hidden in the tall grass. Her school uniform was torn in several places, her face contorted into a mask of agony. As he neared one eye opened, and then the other… "Tasuki…chan…"
"Don't try to move, Ryuu…" he soothed, slowly pulling her into his arms. "Tell me what happened…"
"It… it was… Chichiri…"
Their gazes locked, and Tasuki felt his fury begin to build…
~~~
"But, I didn't do it! You have to believe me, Tasuki!"
"I don't have ta believe anything, you lying scumbag," he snarled. "I'll kill you for what you did to her!" Slowly, ever so gently, he placed Ryuurei safely on the ground, and rolled up his sleeves. Chichiri noted with fear that the 'wing' character glowed brightly near his elbow, and when he looked up into the bandit's face he saw that his eyes had turned into a bloody crimson, also releasing internal light.
"Tasuki… what's happened to you…"
"Nothing…" the seishi leered. "I feel better than ever. Let's settle this now, Chichiri… I've been wantin' to do this for a long time, y'know… ever since I saw you two back at the hideout…"
"You're not yourself… focus…"
"I'll focus all right! On you! REKKA SHINEN!"
"Daaa!" Chichiri exclaimed, falling to the side just in time to see a wall of flame pass over his previous position. "Tasuki! Settle down!" But his plea went in vain as the Leikaku bandit powered up his chi again for a second blast. Finding no other choice, the monk got to his feet and raised his staff while moving to a defensive stance.
"Rekka Shinen!"
Chichiri murmured an incantation, and just as the fire was upon him a red shield flickered into existence.
Tasuki laughed, the scarlet glow in his eyes increasing. "Not bad, Kinoko. But you can't beat me!"
He fired again… then again… while Chichiri suffered the assault beneath his dying shield; it could only hold for so long and his energy was beginning to wane…
~~~
She heard shouts nearby. Fearing for her own safety and that of the ones she cared for, she followed the sounds to a scene she never expected.
Chichiri and Tasuki… were fighting one another. Tasuki appeared to be the more aggressive and dominant fighter, using his tessen with great skill and evading the ki blasts that Chichiri managed from beneath his protective shield. Though the redhead showed no sign of fatigue, it was clear that Chichiri couldn't hold out for a lot longer.
Desperately trying to figure out the problem, she spied a stirring form somewhere behind Tasuki. Upon closer scrutiny, the girl gasped upon the realization… that it was the very image of herself!
As if sensing Ryuurei's presence, the false image of the teenager raised her head and grinned widely.
::So, you are the Priestess of Suzaku? What a puny thing you are.:: a voice mocked within her mind.
"Who are you… and what have you done to my friends?"
::I did nothing… they are merely reflecting that which is in their hearts. They are fighting because they hate each other, and will not stop until one has fallen dead.::
"You witch! I won't let you!" Balling her hands into clenched, white-knuckled fists, Ryuurei broke into the fastest sprint she could muster into the middle of the battleground…
~~~
The one who watched over these scenes frowned deeply, wrinkling their brow in confusion and surprise.
::She wouldn't go that far for those two… would she?::
~~~
Tasuki was exhilarated… never before had he felt so alive… and ironically, it was in battle with one he was deemed to remain a companion of. But it didn't matter… no, to him nothing mattered anymore except revenge for Ryuurei. Hie golden eyes, now a glittering ruby, narrowed as he concentrated his chi into a devastating attack that would burn through Chichiri's shield and turn the monk into ash…
Oh no… the shield won't hold… I have one chance… Chichiri winced as the pain of a dozen near misses in burns pulled at his skin. Forcing himself to focus, he gathered as much energy as he could into the one attack he needed to counter Tasuki's…
I have to hurry… Chichiri… Tasuki… I'm sorry…
Both men shouted out their attack in unison, and two glowing walls of power appeared on either side of the battleground. Just as their energy reached the peak, it was released, roaring and rushing to clash into a blinding explosion…
…which Ryuurei had every intention of stopping.
"NO!" she screamed, throwing herself in the line of fire. Both men stopped dead in their tracks as the girl jumped forwards, shrieking as the intense heat of their strength hit her full-force. She covered her face with her arms, but stood stock-still as to let darkness consume her consciousness.
"No… it couldn't…be…" Tasuki stuttered as the fierce collision of energy began to fade, looking from the girl in the middle to the fallen one at his side. His eyes began to flicker, moving from searing scarlet to gleaming gold and back again. At last, he fell to his knees, dropping his tessen in the process.
"RYUUREI!" he shouted upwards, throwing his face to the sky as tears ran down his face in bitter realization.
Chichiri had already allowed his staff to fall, and he gazed in horror at Ryuurei, who stared right back at him with dead eyes.
"I'm sorry…" she mumbled, before tumbling as a rag doll would down to the bloodied soil. Not wasting a moment, Chichiri rushed to her side and took her into his arms. His mask fell off from the onslaught of tears that coursed down the sides of his face, but it didn't matter to him any more.
"Ryuurei… Ryuurei!" he cried, shaking her as hard as he dared. "Wake up! Please wake up! Ryuurei! Don't… don't leave me here…"
Tasuki watched the unfolding scene, feeling the anger that had once consumed him shrivel back into nothingness. His breathing was ragged in hatred, though this time not at Chichiri, but at himself. I was so stupid… why the hell did I go an' do all of that… wait… he looked over to the false Ryuurei, who had raised herself onto her feet and was dusting off her skirt as if nothing had happened. Feeling his gaze, she looked up to smile innocently and bat her eyelashes at him.
"Whatever is wrong with you, Tasuki-chan? You look like you're mad."
"Damn right I'm mad…" he growled menacingly. "You… you made me attack Chichiri! You made me hurt Ryuu… the real Ryuu!"
The girl sneered. "My dear Tasuki, those emotions you felt were your own. I had nothing to do with it. As for my being Ryuurei, of course I am. In a sense, at least."
"I don't wanna hear it! Fry, you little bitch! REKKA--"
She raised a finger. "Tsk, tsk, Tasuki-chan," she taunted. "Blind anger gets you nowhere… when will you learn…"
"Eh?" he paused, puzzled. The figure laughed once more, and to the seishi's astonishment she began to transfigure her body into a bloated, grotesque shape of black and green. The body of Ryuurei immediately began to disappear, sucked into a scaly hide that was covered in thick ooze, which released a horrible stench similar to that of zombies into the air. Tasuki covered his nose, eyes wide and transfixed in revulsion and horror.
"What the hell?"
Chuckling could be heard, deep and coarse from within the still-growing creature. "Prepare to watch your friends die, 'Tasuki.'" Long, slimy arms extended from the main trunk of its body, heading straight for…
"CHICHIRI! LOOK OUT!"
~~~
"Ryuurei…" the monk sobbed in despair. "You can't die…" He hugged her close to his body, trying to transfer his ki into her. He felt his limbs go numb in the process, but at this point, he no longer minded… so long as his Priestess survived… he could feel her heartbeat fade… Please…
"CHICHIRI! LOOK OUT!" Tasuki cried out, and the blue-haired seishi shot his gaze to the bandit just in time to see branch-like arms reaching out to grab him. A knobby, sticky hand clasped around his throat, squeezing his windpipe closed and dragging him up, up, and away from the still-prone form of Ryuurei. He struggled to get free; thwacking the creature with his staff, but another arm slithered over to snatch the weapon away.
"Rekka SHINEN!" Tasuki shouted, trying to free his comrade… but he too found himself within the clutches of the fake Ryuurei/monster. Even more limbs extended to grasp his wrists and waist, rendering the tessen completely useless as it tumbled to the ground below. His golden eyes flashed in fury, baring his fangs at his opponent.
::I know you can hear me, Priestess of Suzaku. Try to free your companions, or the three of you will die!::
Chichiri gasped for air, his eye closing in pain. Have to… get free… He heard Tasuki's incessant cursing and yelling while he kicked at the base of the monster, but to no avail as his mouth and then legs were bound.
::Well, 'Priestess?' Do you feel nothing for them?::
~~~
Ryuurei was floating in a thick mist that was soft to the touch, wondering where it was taking her. Numbness filled her heart; the beat was clearly audible and soothing in its slow tempo. Darkness of blackest pitch flowed about her ghostly form, beckoning her forward into the depths of unconsciousness. Her body felt light, lighter than air, and in her mind she could hear faint voices of those she had left behind. She wanted to go to them, aid them, but at the same time, something was pulling her further and further into the surrounding darkness; a pillar of light could be seen near the end of the dank tunnel.
Could this be death? She wondered blankly. Have I died, or come close to it? Oh dear… and I never got to tell Ri goodbye…
A sound reached her ears, deafening in contrast to the silence she had fallen into. 'Ryuurei! Ryuurei!'
Oh, Ri, is that you?
"Yes, it's me, Taregami!" the boy shouted into the book, trying to keep his voice from choking. "You have to wake up!"
'But why, Ri-chan? There's nothing left for me… I can't get home… and I'm already dead…'
"No! Stop it! You're not dead yet!" he barked frantically, "And you're not going to die, you hear me! I won't let you!"
'I miss you Ri. I wish I could see you one more time…' her voice became meek and soft as it grew ever weaker. Ri's paralyzing fear clutched at his insides… he couldn't bear to lose her!
"Ryuurei! Wake up! You will see me again! I promise you! But you have to wake up and listen! They're calling for you! Can you hear them? Tasuki and Chichiri? They need your help!"
'There's nothing I can do for them…'
"So you're gonna just let them die??? Where's the Kinpaku Ryuurei I knew? Always ready to help someone! You saved them once! You can do it again!" His eyes filled with the bitter tears of desperation, and all hope was on the verge of shattering until, once more, he heard her again.
'I… I can?'
~~~Do you really think I can, Ri?~~~
"AHHH!" Chichiri cried through clenched teeth. He was beginning to see spots at the corners of his vision… and now the creature had all three of them. He jerked back and forth to reach Ryuurei's limp body, but the monster laughed and kept them just enough apart. A tear flowed anew down the monk's cheek as he prayed to Suzaku for forgiveness from his failure. Ryuurei…
Suddenly, just as he was about to give in, he felt a surge of ki, and his eye opened to its widest. Could it be…?
A red light began to surround the monster, which began to scream and flail in obvious pain.
::WHAT IS THIS?:: it bellowed. The grip over the monk's throat lessened, and finally released. He fell onto his back, but rolled just as the hand dived for him again. The crimson mist grew brighter, and finally Chichiri discovered with a gasp that the source was none other than Ryuurei! She was awake, and grabbing the monstrous arm that had wrapped around her with both hands. Her eyes burned with resolve and determination, her hair flying about as if gravity did not exist. Her grip tightened about the creature as it stared at her with bulbous black eyes, mouth set into a grim line with concentration.
"You'll pay for this," she said coldly, and, throwing her head back, unleashed an expanse of scarlet energy that encompassed the entirety of the abomination and showering it with burning shafts of flame. The thing screeched in agony, hurling its arms about and jerking back and forth. Soon the limbs' movement slowed, at last dropping an unconscious Tasuki to the ground. But Ryuurei did not relent in her attack, seemingly possessed by the powerful spell she was creating.
Then, with a huge blast of ki aimed at the trunk of the monster, Ryuurei screamed. The creature's death throes echoed the ear-shattering sound, until it exploded into a mass of putrid slime that showered over the followers of Suzaku. However, the red ki that wrapped around the Priestess of Suzaku did not lessen as she fell like a shooting star to the earth; Chichiri dove through the grass, rolling to catch the girl in his outstretched arms. He stared at her body in complete awe, having never seen such power before in a human being. He stroked stray hair out of her dirtied face; the contact was enough to banish the excess ki from Ryuurei's thin frame. She moaned, cracking her crystal-blue eyes open.
"Chi…chiri…" Her voice, weary and hoarse, nearly broke his heart. How could one so young hope to wield such energy? It was easy to see that Ryuurei was in great pain… and there wasn't a thing he could do to help.
"Shh… hush now, don't talk," he soothed, cradling her close. "You did very well…"
::Indeed she did, Chichiri. Even better than even I expected.::
His face paled. "That voice…"
::Yes, you know me, monk, and thus I shall reveal myself to you.::
A shadow appeared before the seishi and his priestess, a void in the silhouette of one very short and aged. White light flashed upon the filling of this void, and thus Chichiri was graced by the form of none other than…
"Taiitskun-sama…" he breathed, bowing his head in reverence.
The old woman's heavily wrinkled face lost its serious expression for a moment, breaking into a small smile. "Enough, Chichiri. You are no longer my pupil, though it seems like you might require some extra training."
"Forgive me, Taiitskun," the monk pleaded. "I have failed my Priestess and shamed you."
"Ho ho ho!" the deity began to laugh heartily, her green robes swirling and swaying. "On the contrary, you and your Priestess have greatly impressed me!" The booming, amused voice caused Ryuurei to stir once more, and the girl worked to raise her head and view the newcomer with wonder.
"Who… are you…?"
"I, dear child, am whom they call Taiitskun, the creator of this world and hermit of Mt. Taikyoku." At these words echoed over the mountainside, it began to transform from a desolate landscape to one of lush greenery and life. Flowers of every shade and hue blossomed instantly all around them, and multicolored bubbles filled the air.
"You have proven yourself worthy to be the Priestess of Suzaku," the god continued, "and have passed my tests with flying colors; your performance was certainly more than I had ever expected from one so young… I'm sure Chichiri would agree." At the mention of his name, the said monk blushed.
"You mean…" Ryuurei stuttered, "that… all of this…" she gestured around her, "and all the pain we suffered was a test?" The girl attempted to get to her feet, but ended up falling back into Chichiri's open arms.
"Hush now," he scolded, gently adjusting her body to a better position. "Do you realize who you're talking to? And you mustn't aggravate your wounds…"
But Taiitskun raised a hand to silence them. "It's all right, Chichiri; her anger is understandable, and quite admirable. She shows no fear in the face of power that she knows not to be good or evil -- she just now proved that in the face of her own death." The seishi shuddered, but turned to the sounding of a deep groan behind them.
"Oi… Chichiri… are you okay? Where's Ryuu-- AH! IT'S A DEMON!"
THWACK! The flame-haired bandit went flying in the air as Taiitskun, who had her eyes closed in annoyance as veins popped out on her forehead, held up the tessen and threaten to strike again. There was a whistling of air as the seishi hit the ground, bouncing once or twice before finally settling in one spot.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A DEMON, WOLF BOY?!?!"
"Owww… shit… that old hag hits hard…" 'Wolf Boy' muttered while rubbing the bump on his head. His gaze swept over to Chichiri, and at the sight of Ryuurei he was instantly at her side. "Ryuu? Ryuu… are you okay?"
"She will be fine," Taiitskun answered smoothly, "after I have her wounds attended." She looked over her shoulder. "Nyan-Nyan!"
"Yes ma'am!" chirping voices replied, and with a singular pop!, half a dozen little red-robed girls with seafoam green pigtails appeared and surrounded the Priestess and her entourage. Chichiri recognized the little nanny spirits with a repressed chuckle, noting that they too remembered him.
"Chichiri! Chichiri!" they giggled, pointing to him. "Where's your mask? Who is this girl? Who's the guy with the fangs?"
"What the hell…" Tasuki was saying, eyebrow raised in suspicion and curiosity. When one of the Nyan-Nyan began to poke at his burnt shirt and torn pants, he jerked and started to shoo them off with teeth bared. "Get offa me, you little runts!"
"Fix, fix, fix!" they chanted, bustling in little circles around the Suzaku Warriors.
"Are you the Priestess?" one of them asked Ryuurei in a bell-like and gentle voice. At her nod, the child clapped her hands in glee, and blew on the girl's tired face. Suddenly Ryuurei began to feel sleepy, feeling her eyelids droop on their own. In moments, she was fast asleep, returning to her own world in the dreamscape.
"You too!" the Nyan-Nyan grinned, waggling a finger pointedly at Chichiri. Blowing on his face, he too lost all consciousness and knew no more. The last thing he heard was a muttered curse from Tasuki as he joined them in slumber.
~~~
Ryuurei tossed and turned back and forth as she slept, seeing numerous images, both good and bad, pass over her subconscious mind. She saw her family, her friends. She saw her school, her home, the library… and here it switched to the world she had fallen into. The red phoenix of Suzaku pulling her into the world, meeting Chichiri… meeting and discovering Genrou and his identity as Tasuki… Taiitskun…
Ryuurei… Ryuurei… wake up…
"Who…?" Light assaulted her eyes, and she struggled to open them against their will. She felt a cool hand against her cheek, and the distant mumblings of voices… at first all she could see was an intermingling of light and darkness, and then the dark outlines began to take shape into figures she had only begun to know. Exclamations were uttered as sleep left her mind, but still the words were meaningless and jumbled together. Someone left the room, she could hear their footfalls echoing and growing fainter. The hand on her face moved slightly, cupping her cheek gingerly and gently. Ryuurei could make out a mahogany eye, half-obscured by a scattering of blue bangs…
"Chichiri?"
The monk nodded, sighing in relief. "You're all right," he murmured.
"Where are we?"
"Don't worry right now, just rest," he said, placing a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll go and get Taiitskun."
But a large ki caught his attention, signaling that the deity had already arrived. Tasuki also entered, clutching his head. The monk rolled his eye, shaking his head. He must have insulted her face again…
"Indeed he did, Chichiri," she answered, reading his mind as if it were an open book, but then her eyes swiveled to regard the Priestess. "But enough of that now. We have much to discuss, Priestess of Suzaku."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Next in Wa Ga Fushigi: Hikari discovers what it means to be a Priestess, but is she the real one? Meanwhile, conflict again erupts between the seishi while on Mt. Taikyoku as Ryuurei is told by Taiitskun what is to be her destiny. Kryillion_dono takes over in Wa Ga Fushigi: Chapter Four!
