A/N: Hello again minna chan!! Sorry to keep all of you waiting for this chapter. It took me a lot of time thinking for an idea for this chapter.
Tasuki: Yeah a long time alright.... Can't you see that all of my fans are waiting to see what I shall do?
A/N: *pokes Tasuki in his side* ano.. Tas-chan, this chapter is not about you...
Nuriko: *hits Tasuki on his head* do aho! This chapter is all about me... Muahahahahaha....
Tasuki: Itai!!! How dare you Nuriko.... *a fight commences*
A/N: *shouting over the noise* Ok people I just wanna say again that I don't own any of the characters here; both from Sailormoon and Fushigi Yuugi. Ciao!!
Chapter Four:
Everyone at the table looked at Miaka as she championed another bowl of steaming rice. The waiter looked horrified as he placed another bowl of rice on the table. It is true that the journey had been tiring and hungry.
"So how many days have we traveled, Chichiri?" Tamahome asked as he tore his gaze from his ever-hungry girlfriend.
Counting his fingers, Chichiri replied "One week and three days. If we hurry, we might reach Taiisukun's place tomorrow."
"Nani? Tomorrow? I better eat a lot before I go hungry tomorrow," Miaka whined as she attacked another chicken wing.
"Chh!! Tis no wonder you look like the pig outside," Tasuki commented. A vein could be seen swelling at the angry miko's temple as she stares daggers at Tasuki behind her chicken wing.
A crash could be heard coming from the inn as Miaka gave Tasuki one of her famous head splitting kick. All of the occupants of the inn turned to watch the pro-wrestling match as the rest of the Suzaku seishi and Usagi sweat-dropped.
"Maa... maa... Calm down Miaka-chan. I don't think he meant what he said ne Tasuki?" Usagi smiled lopsidedly as she tries her best to compose her angry friend.
Miaka was just about to calm down when an unexpected comment slipped from Tasuki's lips. "Well it is true, it had only been four hours since you last ate..." he never quite finish sentence before a bowl crashed into his face. Ladies and gentlemen please place your bets on the fight between the beautiful Miaka and heart throbber Tasuki.
"I think we should just let them tire themselves out," Chiriko sighed. Everyone nodded their agreement except for Tamahome who was busy catching the flying dumplings and siew mai in the air and popping them into his mouth.
"Chichiri, is that scared jewel safe with you?" Hotohori raised his voice to be heard over the commotion that the wrestlers are making.
"Hai, no da. Safe and sound," Chichiri smiled.
Usagi for once was ladylike in her table manners and appetite. She had grown out the bad habit of being a glut a week since she had arrived here. After all, she didn't want to be given the title of the second miko of Suzaku. One Miaka is enough to clean up the entire food in Konan. Usagi smiled as she watched her friend engage Tasuki in another gut wrenching battle. But the smile didn't last long as a wave of fatigue washed over.
Everyone at the table turned towards the clattering sound. Hotohori who was closest to her caught her in time before Usagi could fall off her chair.
"Usagi! Daijoubu, ka?" Hotohori asked as he looked searchingly into his beloved's eyes.
"Hai! Daijoubu. I'm just tired, that's all. Nothing serious," Usagi tried to smile but failed as wave of nausea hits her.
Seeing her closed eyes and gasping, Hotohori requested a room from the innkeeper. "Ie, Sai-chan, I'm Ok. Truly. Anyway we need to get the jewel to Taiisukun as fast as possible before it falls into the wrong hands," Usagi protested.
"She is correct, no da. We have to get to Taiisukun's place immediately. Furthermore we have Mitsukake to heal her, no da," Chichiri remarked. Even though he is worried for his petite friend's condition, the jewel came first.
"Alright. But you are riding with me. I don't want to have you fall off your horse," Hotohori growled out. Usagi smiled before she kissed him on the cheeks reassuringly.
Across the table, Nuriko sat, staring jealously behind his concealing bangs at the couple's embrace.
Seiryuu Camp @---}-------
"What do you mean that you don't have it?" Nakago icily stared into his minion's eyes.
"The Suzaku seishi and their miko are very strong, Nakago-sama," the minion shuddered as the cold stare Nakago is giving.
Nakago slowly walked towards him. "Do you know what I do to failures?" Nakago smiled evilly.
The minion's eyes widened at the question. "Nakago-sama. Onegai... onegai give me one more chance. I swear that I get the jewel," the minion stuttered as he silently prayed Nakago would spare his life.
Nakago circled around the minion like a hawk as he made up his mind. "I am a very reasonable man. Of course you can have another chance."
At the mention of his spared life, the minion's eyes widened in relief as he promised to finish his job and turned around to head towards his mission.
A strong black orb suddenly hit the minion in the back. The minion fell forward onto the floor, lifeless. "then again, maybe not" Nakago smiled as he stared at the large hole in the minion's body.
"Miboshi!" Nakago called out.
As soon as the name was called, a small figure with a demonic look on its face stepped behind the shadows.
"Take over his mission. Make sure you complete it or else I will totally make you take over his place," Nakago stated to the figure behind him.
"Hai!" with that the figure disappeared into the shadows.
"Such a waste," Nakago looked back at the corpse before he sought out Soi.
Back to the Suzaku Seishi @---}------
Hotohori smiled as the precious bundle in his arm snuggled into the crook of his neck again. No matter how strong she tries to show off to everyone, he still knew the little secret to get about her resistance. Hotohori chuckled at the memory right after they had dinner just now. Usagi was protesting that she was well to ride alone. After minutes of debating with the impossible woman, Hotohori felt his patience slipping. Bending down from his horse, he had kissed her deeply. Hotohori chuckled again when he remembered how mad she was when she found herself nicely saddled up with him right after the kiss.
Nuriko watched the couple in front of him. For the first time in his life, he wished that he was in Hotohori's place and not in Usagi's. How it happened he still didn't know. But one thing for sure, he is in love with that woman in Hotohori's arms.
He had been in love with her for quite some time now. She is the only one that had ever understood his feelings, understood him. She is also the only one who had ever accepted who and whatever he is even when he was a cross-dresser. She is the first one who had made him feel the way he is now.
Nuriko climbed off his horse since Chichiri said they wanted to spend a night camping here. Even though his body is moving, his mind is not. Without knowing it, Nuriko started to sing softly Usagi's favorite song.
I've been looking for that special one
And I've been searching for someone to give my love
And when I thought that all the hope was gone
You smile, there you were and I was gone
Nuriko glanced again at the beauty that is starting to stir in Hotohori's arms. Should he tell her? Should he tell her what lies in his heart every time he looked at her? But could he stand the rejection? Nuriko looked once again at the couple, envy evident in his eyes. He knew that he could never take over Hotohori's place. He didn't have the charm, the fame, the title or even the money to be like Hotohori. For the second that day, Nuriko cursed Hotohori's good fortune.
All through supper, Nuriko had been taking glimpses of the woman who had been plaguing his min. He was so intense on his thoughts that he didn't even hear Chichiri calling him.
"Nuriko!" Nuriko immediately snapped out of his thoughts to find his friends staring at him worriedly. Nuriko grinned lopsidedly in return.
"Daijoubu ka, no da?"
"Uh... Hai!" Nuriko laughed nervously, trying to cover his embarrassment.
After much contemplating with himself, Nuriko took in a deep breath and traced Usagi's step that she had taken to the nearby stream.
Hotohori watched Nuriko followed Usagi through his slits. He decided to give his comrade five minutes to say his mind to Usagi before he pursue his comrade and bring him back by his collar if needed. He had been noticing the stealing glances and watched Nuriko watched Usagi.
He knew that his closest friend had a thing for his Usagi. At first when he knew of this infatuation, he had wanted to give his friend a very, very long talk but decided against it. Its not that its Nuriko's fault that his friend fell in love with Usagi. It's hard not to fall in love with her. Furthermore he respected Nuriko's feelings and even felt honored that someone saw his Usagi like how he sees her as.
But there is still a border of can do and can't do. And one of them is now. Thinking its enough time already, Hotohori stretched out, stood up and went in search for his future empress bringing his sword with him.
Nuriko watched as Usagi splashed her face with the crystal clear water form the stream. Gathering all of his courage, Nuriko cleared his throat.
Usagi momentarily stopped what she was doing. Turning around, she smiled at Nuriko. "Nuriko-chan."
Nuriko smiled back in reply. "Ano... Usagi-chan..." Nuriko stammered, clearly not knowing where to start.
"Hai, Nuriko-chan," Usagi smiled supportingly as she watched Nuriko nervously shuffle from foot to foot.
"I have to tell you something, Usagi" Nuriko seriously stated.
"And...?" Usagi raised an eyebrow, totally puzzled.
"Well you have done a lot for me. You have changed me from a cross-dresser to what I am now. You have even made the society accepted me without any comments mentioned. And..." Nuriko looked at Usagi who know is smiling at him.
"And...?" Usagi prodded.
Walking slowly towards Usagi, Nuriko suddenly took her in his arms. A surprise gaps escaped from Usagi at the close contact. Looking deeply into her azure eyes again, he whispered softly to her, "And I think I have fallen in love with you."
Usagi's eyes widened again but this time in astonishment. Tears starts welling in her eyes, as she knew that the answer she would give to Nuriko would hurt him badly.
Usagi her head guiltily and answered, "I'm sorry Nuriko. I am so sorry. I can't love you like how you love me. My heart belongs to another."
Nuriko dropped his hands to his side and spat out a curse. "Its Hotohori, isn't it?"
"Hai," Nuriko nodded when he heard the whispered reply. A tear trickled down his cheek. Nuriko felt his world slowly crumble. Why is it that when he had found happiness, it always come back as pain? Well at least he had confessed his feelings....
Wiping the strayed tear away, he placed a hand on Usagi's shoulders. "Well at least I know who held your heart. Furthermore I think both of you deserve each other.
Suddenly Usagi threw herself into his arms, crying. "I'm sorry Nuriko. Truly! I had never had an elder brother. So when you became close to me, I had regarded you as my oneechan."
Nuriko smiled as he pulled her away softly to wipe away her tears. "Daijoubu, Usagi. I will always be your oneechan."
"Honto?" Usagi asked earnestly.
"Hai!" Nuriko nodded. An imoto... Like how he had a younger sister when he was younger. Usagi.... my imoto...
"Arigato!" Usagi hugged Nuriko and Nuriko did likewise.
A twig snapped. Both Nuriko and Usagi looked at the direction of the sound. A smile played at Usagi's lips when she recognized whom it was.
"Its late. We have a long journey tomorrow and you need rest, Usagi," Hotohori said. Turning to Nuriko, he nodded. "You too Nuriko."
With a nod, Usagi retraced the steps back to the camp with Hotohori and Nuriko tailing her.
"She's all yours Hotohori. But he fairly warned. If you were to harm her in any way, I shall hunt you down even to the end of the world and I don't care if you are an emperor or not," Nuriko whispered only for Hotohori's tears. A nod was Hotohori's reply.
Suddenly a loud shout followed by an explosion sounded from the camp. Without wasting any second, the three rushed back to camp, all armed and ready.
Chichiri was had been guarding the camp suddenly felt a strange ki. Concentrating hard on it, Chichiri tries to recognize whose ki it belongs to. His eye widened as he recognize whom it belongs to. Miboshi of Seiryuu!!
Chichiri shouted for his friends to wake up but an explosion that was directed straight at him cut off the shout. By this time al the Suzaku seishi had awakened and present even Usagi, Hotohori and Nuriko.
"Bloody hell! Show yourself, you coward!" Tasuki roared into the silent night.
As if to answer his question, a figure appeared from the shadow with an evil grin and a wild look in his eyes. Seeing the menace, the seishi immediately surrounded their miko, protecting her, except Chichiri who was being held by an angry Usagi.
"Pathetic fools! You think you can protect your miko with your play toys that shoots out water and butterfly?" laughed the intruder.
"How dare you! Reikka shinen!" fire appeared from Tasuki's fan but as soon as it reached the intruder, the fire diminished.
"What the hell happened?" Tasuki asked, puzzled.
"He diminished your fire. The only reason he could do that is because... argh! He is a sorcerer, Miboshi of Seiryuu," whispered the pained Chichiri.
"Well, I see that you are awake, Chichiri. I have not much time so prepare to DIE!!" with that the seishi and Usagi was suspended in mid-air. With a flick of his finger, a bolt of negative energy passed through them and screams of pain could be heard.
"Die Suzaku Seishi! DIE!!" Usagi heard Miboshi said before he laughed evilly. Usagi felt her chest being crushed. She had to break the energy force before it is too late. Concentrating hard, Usagi began counter deflecting the energy force.
Miboshi's eyes widened in surprise as the seishi suddenly fell onto the ground, the energy force destroyed. Miboshi tried to find a logical reason for the failure but found none. Without giving any time for the seishi to attack, Miboshi sent a big all of negative energy that will destroy anything in its way to the miko.
"Nani?" Miboshi took a step back when he saw the ball hovered just a meter away from Miaka and slowly disappeared in thin air.
"You are not going to hurt any of my friends," a voice sliced through the air.
Miboshi turned toward the direction of the voice. The picture before him nearly scattered his thoughts. There kneeling beside Chichiri is a girl whose hair color was lighter than gold and tied into buns on each side of the head with hair streaming from it. It was not the beauty that captivated him but the strange aurora and powerful ki that she posses.
The Suzaku seishi and Mika watched in wonder as Usagi slowly rose with her head bowed. All the while she was rising, a pink aurora that had been surrounding her slowly got brighter. What happened next really amazed them. Usagi's head suddenly jerked up and stared straight into Miboshi's eyes and all of them could see the crescent moon n her forehead shining.
"I am not going to let you hurt them!" Usagi screamed. With that, Usagi hovered a foot above the ground, her hair reaching the sky ad the pink aurora with the crescent moon as one, shine brightly.
Miboshi quickly muttered a spell to kill Usagi but found himself frozen. The next thing he knew, he couldn't remember anything about the strange blonde followed by a great powerful force hitting him square on the chest, injuring him badly.
Miaka watched as Usagi blasted Miboshi, sending him reeling against a tree. She watched as Miboshi struggled himself up, making more puddles of blood.
"I'll get all of you for this later. I mean it!" Miboshi sputtered out before he disappeared into the darkness again.
Usagi watched as Miboshi disappeared into thin air. She was about to head towards Hotohori and seek comfort in his warmth when she fell her energy slowly draining out from her. "Sai-chan." Usagi whispered before succumbing into sweet oblivion.
At the mention of his name, Hotohori turned his attention towards the caller. His heart nearly left him when he saw Usagi slumping onto the ground. In an instant he was at her side, cradling her. He breathed a sigh of relief when he felt her pulse.
"We better move off and head towards Taiisukun's. I don't want to have another encounter with any of the Seiryuu seishi especially that mad guy," Tamahome said as he readied the horses.
After readying themselves, the group set off to Taiisukun's place.
Juuban District @--{-------------
"You guys felt that?" Minako asked all the other sailor senshi. All of them nodded their heads. Minako felt another wave of exhaustion and strange tingling. She had never felt as such before except when the time Usagi really needed their help. She was about to speak out her mind when Luna entered the room, dragging a big red cylinder behind her.
"Can someone lend me a hand here?" Luna panted as she dragged the long cylinder. Hotaru, who was the nearest, got up and helped the poor feline.
Opening the catch, Hotaru took out a red scroll. By this time, everyone's attention is focused on Hotaru and the red scroll.
"It's a scroll on Suzaku. It may give us an information on where Usagi might me," Luna spoke out.
Unrolling the scroll, Hotaru began reading. "In another realm and time, there lived a world called The World Of Four Gods. The gods are each worshipped by four different countries. Hokkan worshipped Genbu, Kuo worshipped Seiryuu, Sairou worshipped Byakko and Konan worshipped the phoenix god, Suzaku...."
A/N: Hello again minna-chan! Ok so how do you think of this chapter? Anyway please be prepared for any scenarios or places that is not inside the anime itself in the future chapters. I did told all of you that I NEVER follow the episodes or characters of the anime... lol... it makes the story more interesting and .....spicy... *eyes twinkling with mischief*
Sorry for making Nuriko lose his chance at Usagi... But I PROMISE that in the chapters that is gonna come he WILL have the perfect one...lol.. nope! I won't tell... Just keep guessing... *eyes twinkling with mischief* sweet dreams minna chan!!
PS: the song that Nuriko was humming or singing is by Bosson: One in a million
Tasuki: Yeah a long time alright.... Can't you see that all of my fans are waiting to see what I shall do?
A/N: *pokes Tasuki in his side* ano.. Tas-chan, this chapter is not about you...
Nuriko: *hits Tasuki on his head* do aho! This chapter is all about me... Muahahahahaha....
Tasuki: Itai!!! How dare you Nuriko.... *a fight commences*
A/N: *shouting over the noise* Ok people I just wanna say again that I don't own any of the characters here; both from Sailormoon and Fushigi Yuugi. Ciao!!
Chapter Four:
Everyone at the table looked at Miaka as she championed another bowl of steaming rice. The waiter looked horrified as he placed another bowl of rice on the table. It is true that the journey had been tiring and hungry.
"So how many days have we traveled, Chichiri?" Tamahome asked as he tore his gaze from his ever-hungry girlfriend.
Counting his fingers, Chichiri replied "One week and three days. If we hurry, we might reach Taiisukun's place tomorrow."
"Nani? Tomorrow? I better eat a lot before I go hungry tomorrow," Miaka whined as she attacked another chicken wing.
"Chh!! Tis no wonder you look like the pig outside," Tasuki commented. A vein could be seen swelling at the angry miko's temple as she stares daggers at Tasuki behind her chicken wing.
A crash could be heard coming from the inn as Miaka gave Tasuki one of her famous head splitting kick. All of the occupants of the inn turned to watch the pro-wrestling match as the rest of the Suzaku seishi and Usagi sweat-dropped.
"Maa... maa... Calm down Miaka-chan. I don't think he meant what he said ne Tasuki?" Usagi smiled lopsidedly as she tries her best to compose her angry friend.
Miaka was just about to calm down when an unexpected comment slipped from Tasuki's lips. "Well it is true, it had only been four hours since you last ate..." he never quite finish sentence before a bowl crashed into his face. Ladies and gentlemen please place your bets on the fight between the beautiful Miaka and heart throbber Tasuki.
"I think we should just let them tire themselves out," Chiriko sighed. Everyone nodded their agreement except for Tamahome who was busy catching the flying dumplings and siew mai in the air and popping them into his mouth.
"Chichiri, is that scared jewel safe with you?" Hotohori raised his voice to be heard over the commotion that the wrestlers are making.
"Hai, no da. Safe and sound," Chichiri smiled.
Usagi for once was ladylike in her table manners and appetite. She had grown out the bad habit of being a glut a week since she had arrived here. After all, she didn't want to be given the title of the second miko of Suzaku. One Miaka is enough to clean up the entire food in Konan. Usagi smiled as she watched her friend engage Tasuki in another gut wrenching battle. But the smile didn't last long as a wave of fatigue washed over.
Everyone at the table turned towards the clattering sound. Hotohori who was closest to her caught her in time before Usagi could fall off her chair.
"Usagi! Daijoubu, ka?" Hotohori asked as he looked searchingly into his beloved's eyes.
"Hai! Daijoubu. I'm just tired, that's all. Nothing serious," Usagi tried to smile but failed as wave of nausea hits her.
Seeing her closed eyes and gasping, Hotohori requested a room from the innkeeper. "Ie, Sai-chan, I'm Ok. Truly. Anyway we need to get the jewel to Taiisukun as fast as possible before it falls into the wrong hands," Usagi protested.
"She is correct, no da. We have to get to Taiisukun's place immediately. Furthermore we have Mitsukake to heal her, no da," Chichiri remarked. Even though he is worried for his petite friend's condition, the jewel came first.
"Alright. But you are riding with me. I don't want to have you fall off your horse," Hotohori growled out. Usagi smiled before she kissed him on the cheeks reassuringly.
Across the table, Nuriko sat, staring jealously behind his concealing bangs at the couple's embrace.
Seiryuu Camp @---}-------
"What do you mean that you don't have it?" Nakago icily stared into his minion's eyes.
"The Suzaku seishi and their miko are very strong, Nakago-sama," the minion shuddered as the cold stare Nakago is giving.
Nakago slowly walked towards him. "Do you know what I do to failures?" Nakago smiled evilly.
The minion's eyes widened at the question. "Nakago-sama. Onegai... onegai give me one more chance. I swear that I get the jewel," the minion stuttered as he silently prayed Nakago would spare his life.
Nakago circled around the minion like a hawk as he made up his mind. "I am a very reasonable man. Of course you can have another chance."
At the mention of his spared life, the minion's eyes widened in relief as he promised to finish his job and turned around to head towards his mission.
A strong black orb suddenly hit the minion in the back. The minion fell forward onto the floor, lifeless. "then again, maybe not" Nakago smiled as he stared at the large hole in the minion's body.
"Miboshi!" Nakago called out.
As soon as the name was called, a small figure with a demonic look on its face stepped behind the shadows.
"Take over his mission. Make sure you complete it or else I will totally make you take over his place," Nakago stated to the figure behind him.
"Hai!" with that the figure disappeared into the shadows.
"Such a waste," Nakago looked back at the corpse before he sought out Soi.
Back to the Suzaku Seishi @---}------
Hotohori smiled as the precious bundle in his arm snuggled into the crook of his neck again. No matter how strong she tries to show off to everyone, he still knew the little secret to get about her resistance. Hotohori chuckled at the memory right after they had dinner just now. Usagi was protesting that she was well to ride alone. After minutes of debating with the impossible woman, Hotohori felt his patience slipping. Bending down from his horse, he had kissed her deeply. Hotohori chuckled again when he remembered how mad she was when she found herself nicely saddled up with him right after the kiss.
Nuriko watched the couple in front of him. For the first time in his life, he wished that he was in Hotohori's place and not in Usagi's. How it happened he still didn't know. But one thing for sure, he is in love with that woman in Hotohori's arms.
He had been in love with her for quite some time now. She is the only one that had ever understood his feelings, understood him. She is also the only one who had ever accepted who and whatever he is even when he was a cross-dresser. She is the first one who had made him feel the way he is now.
Nuriko climbed off his horse since Chichiri said they wanted to spend a night camping here. Even though his body is moving, his mind is not. Without knowing it, Nuriko started to sing softly Usagi's favorite song.
I've been looking for that special one
And I've been searching for someone to give my love
And when I thought that all the hope was gone
You smile, there you were and I was gone
Nuriko glanced again at the beauty that is starting to stir in Hotohori's arms. Should he tell her? Should he tell her what lies in his heart every time he looked at her? But could he stand the rejection? Nuriko looked once again at the couple, envy evident in his eyes. He knew that he could never take over Hotohori's place. He didn't have the charm, the fame, the title or even the money to be like Hotohori. For the second that day, Nuriko cursed Hotohori's good fortune.
All through supper, Nuriko had been taking glimpses of the woman who had been plaguing his min. He was so intense on his thoughts that he didn't even hear Chichiri calling him.
"Nuriko!" Nuriko immediately snapped out of his thoughts to find his friends staring at him worriedly. Nuriko grinned lopsidedly in return.
"Daijoubu ka, no da?"
"Uh... Hai!" Nuriko laughed nervously, trying to cover his embarrassment.
After much contemplating with himself, Nuriko took in a deep breath and traced Usagi's step that she had taken to the nearby stream.
Hotohori watched Nuriko followed Usagi through his slits. He decided to give his comrade five minutes to say his mind to Usagi before he pursue his comrade and bring him back by his collar if needed. He had been noticing the stealing glances and watched Nuriko watched Usagi.
He knew that his closest friend had a thing for his Usagi. At first when he knew of this infatuation, he had wanted to give his friend a very, very long talk but decided against it. Its not that its Nuriko's fault that his friend fell in love with Usagi. It's hard not to fall in love with her. Furthermore he respected Nuriko's feelings and even felt honored that someone saw his Usagi like how he sees her as.
But there is still a border of can do and can't do. And one of them is now. Thinking its enough time already, Hotohori stretched out, stood up and went in search for his future empress bringing his sword with him.
Nuriko watched as Usagi splashed her face with the crystal clear water form the stream. Gathering all of his courage, Nuriko cleared his throat.
Usagi momentarily stopped what she was doing. Turning around, she smiled at Nuriko. "Nuriko-chan."
Nuriko smiled back in reply. "Ano... Usagi-chan..." Nuriko stammered, clearly not knowing where to start.
"Hai, Nuriko-chan," Usagi smiled supportingly as she watched Nuriko nervously shuffle from foot to foot.
"I have to tell you something, Usagi" Nuriko seriously stated.
"And...?" Usagi raised an eyebrow, totally puzzled.
"Well you have done a lot for me. You have changed me from a cross-dresser to what I am now. You have even made the society accepted me without any comments mentioned. And..." Nuriko looked at Usagi who know is smiling at him.
"And...?" Usagi prodded.
Walking slowly towards Usagi, Nuriko suddenly took her in his arms. A surprise gaps escaped from Usagi at the close contact. Looking deeply into her azure eyes again, he whispered softly to her, "And I think I have fallen in love with you."
Usagi's eyes widened again but this time in astonishment. Tears starts welling in her eyes, as she knew that the answer she would give to Nuriko would hurt him badly.
Usagi her head guiltily and answered, "I'm sorry Nuriko. I am so sorry. I can't love you like how you love me. My heart belongs to another."
Nuriko dropped his hands to his side and spat out a curse. "Its Hotohori, isn't it?"
"Hai," Nuriko nodded when he heard the whispered reply. A tear trickled down his cheek. Nuriko felt his world slowly crumble. Why is it that when he had found happiness, it always come back as pain? Well at least he had confessed his feelings....
Wiping the strayed tear away, he placed a hand on Usagi's shoulders. "Well at least I know who held your heart. Furthermore I think both of you deserve each other.
Suddenly Usagi threw herself into his arms, crying. "I'm sorry Nuriko. Truly! I had never had an elder brother. So when you became close to me, I had regarded you as my oneechan."
Nuriko smiled as he pulled her away softly to wipe away her tears. "Daijoubu, Usagi. I will always be your oneechan."
"Honto?" Usagi asked earnestly.
"Hai!" Nuriko nodded. An imoto... Like how he had a younger sister when he was younger. Usagi.... my imoto...
"Arigato!" Usagi hugged Nuriko and Nuriko did likewise.
A twig snapped. Both Nuriko and Usagi looked at the direction of the sound. A smile played at Usagi's lips when she recognized whom it was.
"Its late. We have a long journey tomorrow and you need rest, Usagi," Hotohori said. Turning to Nuriko, he nodded. "You too Nuriko."
With a nod, Usagi retraced the steps back to the camp with Hotohori and Nuriko tailing her.
"She's all yours Hotohori. But he fairly warned. If you were to harm her in any way, I shall hunt you down even to the end of the world and I don't care if you are an emperor or not," Nuriko whispered only for Hotohori's tears. A nod was Hotohori's reply.
Suddenly a loud shout followed by an explosion sounded from the camp. Without wasting any second, the three rushed back to camp, all armed and ready.
Chichiri was had been guarding the camp suddenly felt a strange ki. Concentrating hard on it, Chichiri tries to recognize whose ki it belongs to. His eye widened as he recognize whom it belongs to. Miboshi of Seiryuu!!
Chichiri shouted for his friends to wake up but an explosion that was directed straight at him cut off the shout. By this time al the Suzaku seishi had awakened and present even Usagi, Hotohori and Nuriko.
"Bloody hell! Show yourself, you coward!" Tasuki roared into the silent night.
As if to answer his question, a figure appeared from the shadow with an evil grin and a wild look in his eyes. Seeing the menace, the seishi immediately surrounded their miko, protecting her, except Chichiri who was being held by an angry Usagi.
"Pathetic fools! You think you can protect your miko with your play toys that shoots out water and butterfly?" laughed the intruder.
"How dare you! Reikka shinen!" fire appeared from Tasuki's fan but as soon as it reached the intruder, the fire diminished.
"What the hell happened?" Tasuki asked, puzzled.
"He diminished your fire. The only reason he could do that is because... argh! He is a sorcerer, Miboshi of Seiryuu," whispered the pained Chichiri.
"Well, I see that you are awake, Chichiri. I have not much time so prepare to DIE!!" with that the seishi and Usagi was suspended in mid-air. With a flick of his finger, a bolt of negative energy passed through them and screams of pain could be heard.
"Die Suzaku Seishi! DIE!!" Usagi heard Miboshi said before he laughed evilly. Usagi felt her chest being crushed. She had to break the energy force before it is too late. Concentrating hard, Usagi began counter deflecting the energy force.
Miboshi's eyes widened in surprise as the seishi suddenly fell onto the ground, the energy force destroyed. Miboshi tried to find a logical reason for the failure but found none. Without giving any time for the seishi to attack, Miboshi sent a big all of negative energy that will destroy anything in its way to the miko.
"Nani?" Miboshi took a step back when he saw the ball hovered just a meter away from Miaka and slowly disappeared in thin air.
"You are not going to hurt any of my friends," a voice sliced through the air.
Miboshi turned toward the direction of the voice. The picture before him nearly scattered his thoughts. There kneeling beside Chichiri is a girl whose hair color was lighter than gold and tied into buns on each side of the head with hair streaming from it. It was not the beauty that captivated him but the strange aurora and powerful ki that she posses.
The Suzaku seishi and Mika watched in wonder as Usagi slowly rose with her head bowed. All the while she was rising, a pink aurora that had been surrounding her slowly got brighter. What happened next really amazed them. Usagi's head suddenly jerked up and stared straight into Miboshi's eyes and all of them could see the crescent moon n her forehead shining.
"I am not going to let you hurt them!" Usagi screamed. With that, Usagi hovered a foot above the ground, her hair reaching the sky ad the pink aurora with the crescent moon as one, shine brightly.
Miboshi quickly muttered a spell to kill Usagi but found himself frozen. The next thing he knew, he couldn't remember anything about the strange blonde followed by a great powerful force hitting him square on the chest, injuring him badly.
Miaka watched as Usagi blasted Miboshi, sending him reeling against a tree. She watched as Miboshi struggled himself up, making more puddles of blood.
"I'll get all of you for this later. I mean it!" Miboshi sputtered out before he disappeared into the darkness again.
Usagi watched as Miboshi disappeared into thin air. She was about to head towards Hotohori and seek comfort in his warmth when she fell her energy slowly draining out from her. "Sai-chan." Usagi whispered before succumbing into sweet oblivion.
At the mention of his name, Hotohori turned his attention towards the caller. His heart nearly left him when he saw Usagi slumping onto the ground. In an instant he was at her side, cradling her. He breathed a sigh of relief when he felt her pulse.
"We better move off and head towards Taiisukun's. I don't want to have another encounter with any of the Seiryuu seishi especially that mad guy," Tamahome said as he readied the horses.
After readying themselves, the group set off to Taiisukun's place.
Juuban District @--{-------------
"You guys felt that?" Minako asked all the other sailor senshi. All of them nodded their heads. Minako felt another wave of exhaustion and strange tingling. She had never felt as such before except when the time Usagi really needed their help. She was about to speak out her mind when Luna entered the room, dragging a big red cylinder behind her.
"Can someone lend me a hand here?" Luna panted as she dragged the long cylinder. Hotaru, who was the nearest, got up and helped the poor feline.
Opening the catch, Hotaru took out a red scroll. By this time, everyone's attention is focused on Hotaru and the red scroll.
"It's a scroll on Suzaku. It may give us an information on where Usagi might me," Luna spoke out.
Unrolling the scroll, Hotaru began reading. "In another realm and time, there lived a world called The World Of Four Gods. The gods are each worshipped by four different countries. Hokkan worshipped Genbu, Kuo worshipped Seiryuu, Sairou worshipped Byakko and Konan worshipped the phoenix god, Suzaku...."
A/N: Hello again minna-chan! Ok so how do you think of this chapter? Anyway please be prepared for any scenarios or places that is not inside the anime itself in the future chapters. I did told all of you that I NEVER follow the episodes or characters of the anime... lol... it makes the story more interesting and .....spicy... *eyes twinkling with mischief*
Sorry for making Nuriko lose his chance at Usagi... But I PROMISE that in the chapters that is gonna come he WILL have the perfect one...lol.. nope! I won't tell... Just keep guessing... *eyes twinkling with mischief* sweet dreams minna chan!!
PS: the song that Nuriko was humming or singing is by Bosson: One in a million