Part 4 – Tamahome's Turn!

Nuriko wandered around until he spotted a large group of people crouded around a few boxes that were set up to look like a podium. It looked as if someone was trying to sell something due to the different amounts of money being called out. (S: hmm…the first auctioneer must have originated in Ancient China) Nuriko walked closer to the commotion, trying his best to stay out of people's way since his feet had already been run over by two little kids in a rush.

Nuriko: (looking around) It's gotta be Tamahome. Who else would create this kind of – *SMASH!* (a very large man tries to step around Nuriko this time, but ends up stepping on him instead)

Nuriko: (starts jumping around in pain while holding his foot) ITAI! If ANYONE ELSE steps on my petite feet I swear to SUZAKU that I will permanently IMPLANT your head in the ground under them! And I CAN do that!!! Got it?!

Heads turn in the direction of the jumping crossdresser.

Nuriko: Hey! (looks up to the sky) Isn't there a nicer way to put that?

Suiren: Me? I'm not in this Nuri-chan, and no, I can't think of any better words for crossdresser.

Nuriko: Then just call me a "she" and not a "he" okay?

Suiren: Nai, I don't think I could do that. I'd just get confused. Can we get back to the story by any chance? Look at all of this unwanted attention you're getting. (Motions to the people at the auction still staring at Nuriko with shocked expressions)

Nuriko: (puts his foot down in embarrassment) G-Gomen nasai. (Mustering courage) Close your mouths for goodness sake!

The people at the auction thing obediently do so. Tamahome jumps off the few boxes he's standing on in the middle of the area and runs over to his friend.

Tamahome: Nuriko? What are you doing here? You know, you're not helping by scaring off the buyers…(he hints with his hand to his mouth)

Nuriko: What do you have left to sell? And what do all these people find interesting in it? You don't even need the money anymore, do you?

Tamahome: (with a goofy grin) You can never have too much money! (more serious) And if I'm going to start a life with Miaka, I'm going to need as much money as I can get to support us, considering it's not coming from anywhere else.

Nuriko: Awwww…(his eyes get cloudy) That's so SWEET!

Tamahome: (with a sigh) Yeah, too bad it's Miaka's stuff from Japan that I'm selling.

(Nuriko's seen falling over behind Tama-chan accompanied by a sweatdrop rolling down his head)

Tamahome: (Turning back to him) So, anyway, you never answered why you're here.

Nuriko: Oh yeah! I have to ask you an important question.

Tamahome: Important, huh? That doesn't sound good, but go ahead.

Nuriko: Would you like to buy a duck?

Tamahome: (taken by surprise) A what?

Nuriko: A duck.

Tamahome: (puts his hands on his hips) How much does it cost?

Nuriko: You would ask that. But actually, I…don't know. I've never thought about that before.

Tamahome: (throws his hands up in the air, exasperated) Well, you can't expect me to buy something if you don't know how much money I have to pay!

Nuriko: Good point. Miaka never mentioned the cost.

Tamahome: (starts to walk away) I'll see ya later, Nuriko.

Nuriko: No! You can't leave! No one's playing the game right!

Tamahome: (yells over his shoulder) Go see if Tasuki wants one! (grinning) He and Chichiri said they'd be fishing!

Nuriko: (left by himself) Tasuki? Somehow I don't think he's going to want to play any game, but I guess I can try and find out. Wait a minute, Tasuki fishing?!?!

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S: Yes, Chichiri likes playing teacher, doesn't he? Well, we shall find out how well Tasuki does at something that doesn't include whipping the fan around.

(^.^ That sounded like a major Tasuki put-down didn't it? Oops, gomen Keimei-chan!)