~ Darkness… ~
A profound yet suffocating darkness loomed and throbbed as a figure stirred softly from within its depths. Outstretching an elegant arm of pale ghost like white, the darkness slowly faded like a puddle of watercolors to a soft shade of gray revealing a sea of obsidian hair that touched the air like a solid cape of silk framing the same ghostly figure. Tilting her head in a near lifeless manner, two orbs of onyx gave off a dull sheen as they took in the sight just before her. It was then that an expression finally touched her blood red lips only giving herself an even deadlier appearance. Soon… She need only wait a little longer…
~*~
Sunday. Sunday's were truly a god sent to the younger of the twins due to the fact that he didn't have to deal with the proper etiquette that was expected of a student. Especially a student in Japan. Behavior was key in any young adults life if they wanted to make it any where in life. Sighing softly, Shunkaku closed his eyes even as he felt the soft hairs on the back of his neck slowly raise as someone came up behind him. "Shun-chan?"
Not bothering to move, the former Seishi merely allowed a mental smile to himself at the soft sound of Siân's voice. "Hai?" It had been her idea to drag he and his older twin to the park yet again, but at that moment he was just glad to be a normal boy with in a small world of endless problems. And that contentment was only made stronger because of the fact that the two most important people in the world to him were only mere yards away from him.
A gentle smile touched her smooth features as she stepped closer and slowly slipped her arms about his shoulders. Leaning her head on the center of his shoulder blades, she gave a soft sigh that only mirrored the happy calm that he felt. The threat of danger for just a moment was far from them right then and neither wanted to think about it. "Kou-kun went to buy us some lunch. He says he needs to move around a bit since he's been in bed so long."
Smirking lightly, the ashen blonde nodded his head before allowing his eyes to open. "Understandable, ne?" Turning about in her embrace, he unintentionally broke away from it slightly in his attempt to face her. "How are you feeling?"
Peering at him with a curious gaze of emerald, she finally nodded her head and then sighed. Shawn didn't seem to be convinced though, and it made perfect sense. It was only the night before that she'd finally told him everything about her past as Umiyame. The bloody, hateful past that she'd tried so hard to leave behind. "Daijoubu yo! Please don't worry about me… I'm just happy that I now have a chance to change the ending with at least three of them…"
Watching her careful with a careful gaze of blue indigo, he finally gave in to her insistence. "As long as you're happy… Tell me… how did you manage to summon Genbu?"
Tilting her head slightly, she gave him a queer look before answering in a tone that spoke that the answer was completely obvious. "We entered the shrine and summoned him."
Shaking his head at her dumbfounded answer, he then rolled his eyes and rephrased his question. "Could you tell me what happened? Did you not have a change of heart after you were wounded? How did everything end…?"
Nodding with a slow deliberateness, Siân seemed to get lost in thought as she remembered days long gone to her. It was such a deep concentration that she didn't even notice when Koutoku approached them smiling happily eagerly showing them the food he'd bought for lunch. Approaching the duo, Amiboshi blinked before giving his twin a questioning look. Shunkaku only shook his head before looking back to Siân as he spoke in a soft voice. "Sh, just listen."
The room containing the shrine in honor of Genbu no longer held the grandiose feel it had at one time. Now all that could be felt was a lingering smell of blood and the silenced screams of pain that dully echoed throughout the silence. Takiko could be seen at the bottom of the small steps that led up to the shrine curled into a ball as she rocked her body with unending sobs.
Hatsui was the only one able to sit with her, as the others were too busy trying to care for the mortally wounded. One couldn't really say, but somehow the three that were struggling for each breath remained in a state of complete awareness merely holding on for the sheer purpose of making it through the ceremony. Iname and Uruki seemed to be speechless as they tried all they could to bind the wounds that couldn't seem to stop seeping blood. All knew it was too late, but all of them were too stubborn to admit it.
Dropping her head back limply, Umiyame stared at the elaborately decorated stone ceiling her eyes wide open yet blanked of all emotion. Blinking slowly, she felt a pricking sensation in her eyes that caused her to suddenly frown. It had been ok to think of only herself dying, but now… Hikitsu and Tomite… They didn't deserve to die. The fact that they were was just so wrong to her. Turning ever so slowly to gaze upon them, she noted how they still manage to smile whenever they were addressed by the ever-calm Namame. And sadly, all it did was make her own heart grow even colder.
Glancing over at Umiyame, a hint of sarcasm was in her blue gaze as Uruki addressed her in a sarcastic tone. "Should've been careful what you wished for… itoko…"
Blinking at this, Umiyame looked away from her and stared directly at the shrine. Soon this would all be over and she wouldn't have to think about it. "Are we ready to begin?" Her voice was unnaturally weak at that point. It was indeed the point of no return.
Namame nodded sadly then walked over to the priestess. Smiling at her ever so lightly, he then handed her the green and black scroll that would be used for the Genbu summoning. "It's time to begin Takiko-sama. They'll be fine…" Though his voice was assuring, everyone else knew he was lying. But everyone knew he needed to. If she were distraught, things could go wrong, and if she hesitated to begin, they would die before they could even save their country.
Slowly she rose to her feet and gave a slight nod as he slowly backed into his place. The wounded remained seated in their positions drowsily concentrating as the ceremony began. In truth it was all a big blur to Umiyame. She remembered the rising of Genbu, the shower of green light, and the priestess making her first wish. The wish that Hokkan would finally be at peace and eternally protected from the forces against it. The next wish was unknown to the others though, for as soon as she made it, she disappeared and none heard from her ever again.
For the longest time, seven sets of eyes had stared at the shrine in utter silence. Finally pulling her eyes away from the object, her emerald eyes soon locked on both Hikitsu and Tomite. They looked so weary, and she knew that their time was going to be up soon. As was hers…
"Look!" It was Iname that cried out as she jumped up to the shrine and gently picked up the necklace that lay upon the shrine. It was the first holy object. The Shinzaho.
It would need to be protected for all time, and the answer agonizingly apparent to them all. Tomite blinked slowly as his hazy iridescent eyes settled on the object. "My spirit will remain in order to protect it…"
Hikitsu also nodded as though some secret knowledge was completely clear to him. "Bury deep in the mountains where no normal mortal can reach it… I will also remain to protect it." It had been decided. But as the eyes then drew to Umiyame, a sudden realization washed over them all. In their discussion, the female warrior had taken her last painful breath.
~*~
It was obvious that her smiles were growing weaker each time she forced herself to paste one on her lips, but neither twin argued nor asked about it. They knew Siân better than she wanted to believe. All she wanted was to make up for the way things had been. The way things had ended back then. Perhaps had she the time, she would have been able to see her error then, instead of now when she couldn't see them all at once. Sighing softly to herself, she then allowed her deep emerald eyes to drift upward in order to glance at the twins as they carried an argument that by all means 'looked' calm. "Aniki… Why didn't you buy ME any?"
"You didn't ask me to?" The older only smiled as he took another bite of the dessert that both twins had been eyeing all through lunch. "Honestly Suboshi, you can't expect me to think for you."
"Well, why not Amiboshi?" Narrowing his eyes slightly, Shunkaku's deep blue eyes took on a mischievous glint. "You and I both like the same things usually… and everyone is always saying that I need some one to look after me. One never knows what I'll get into next."
Eyeing the smirk that was slowly growing on his younger twin's face, Koutoku suddenly frowned and broke the food in half handing it over to him. "You shouldn't use your misfortune to get you the advantage…" It was more of a mumble than a statement, but whether it was one or the other, Shunkaku was obviously pleased with himself.
At the look of childish glee in his dark orbs, Siân felt a true smile cross her lips that soon broke into a soft fit of laughter. "You two are something else."
Koutoku only blinked out of his grumbling before blushing slightly. "Hey now, there's no need to laugh at us now is there? I'm sure you're just as gullible as I am where Shun-chan is concerned."
This only caused her to giggle even more as the former seishi turned a dark shade of red at his older brother's comment. "ANIKI!" The outburst only led up to more laughing contributed by Koutoku nearly bringing Shunkaku to an all-new shade of crimson. But as always the smiles and laughter were all short lived as a small child around the age of thirteen ran up panting for air.
"Hi! Taka and Miaka asked me to find you guys!" Smiling brightly, the child then bowed even through his breathlessness before peering at them with olive orbs. "I'm one of the…"
"You're Chiriko aren't you?" All stopped in order to look at Amiboshi as he gave the child what seemed to be an apologetic look.
"You're right! And you must be Amiboshi if you know who I am, ne? Though, my name is Ou Do Kun." Still smiling, the boy did his best to make it perfectly clear that there were no ill feelings and there wasn't a need to apologize. "And this must be Suboshi." Turning, Chiriko bowed slightly to the younger twin before looking to Siân and pausing. "I don't believe that we've met though. And I don't believe I know your name."
Arching a brow curiously at the youngest of the Suzaku seishi, she then nodded before allowing a gentle smile to cross her countenance. "I'm Umiyame of the Genbu seven. But please call me Siân. What did they need of us Ou-san?"
Closing his eyes, the preteen merely nodded his head in a manner that was almost as grown up as the smile that was easily set upon his lips. It was all too obvious that he was far beyond his years and far more mature than was natural. "They wanted me to get you to come to the university library because they've found Soi and the Genbu warrior Iname. And please, just call me Chiriko if it's easier for you."
"Hai, Chiriko-kun." Nodding in affirmation, Siân then looked to the twins and smiled softly. "Shall we go then?"
There was something more to the smile and both of the brothers knew it was there. It was yet another chance to see one of her fallen comrades and apologize, or at least make things right again. Koutoku gave a slight nod as he slowly began to gather up the articles left over from lunch. "It will be nice to see Soi-san again."
"Hai… It will." Shunkaku nodded hesitantly as he finally realized he was the only one not helping the others clean up. Soon, the work was done and the four found themselves well on their way. For the most part, the quartet was silent, and surprisingly, Suboshi was the one to break the silence. "Who all will be there Chiriko-san?"
Looking up at the younger twin, the boy smiled and nodded his head in understanding. "Taka-san Miaka-san, Yui-san, Tetsuya-san, Soi-san, Iname-san, and Keisuke-san. We thought that since you and your brother are the only known Seiryuu, that it would be wise to invite the two of you. Soi-san seems a little out of place…" Looking down slowly, a look of regret over that fact washed over his repose. "The battle between the Seiryuu and Suzaku Seishi… was most unfair to all of us…"
At this, Amiboshi nodded, but Suboshi refused to respond. Siân on the other hand wasn't really certain what to think. She hadn't been there when that battle occurred and at that moment, she was sure it was a good thing. "Has the book responded to either of them Chiriko-san?"
At this, the boy timidly gave a sort of nod confirming her question. "Hai… When Soi-san touched the book the room filled with the blue light of Seiryuu, but nothing happened when Iname-san touched it. It's rather puzzling indeed. There seems to be no logical reason for this to be happening. None what so ever…"
Shaking his head softly, strands of sandy brown fell into eyes of indigo hiding the look of confusion due to a deep lack of understanding. "A book… It just seems too odd. Unfair…"
All eyes fell on Koutoku as they continued on their journey. He was right. All four were supposedly from a book. Lives that were altered all for the sake of a story. Lives that had been lost all so that a few symbols and words could appear on a piece of paper. It all made no sense at all. "Maybe… maybe it will make sense soon. We can only hope…" Siân's voice was desperate, but at that point, all of them were.
~*~
Once again the room was crowded as the small group filled the small room. All eyes were rested on the brown leather covered book on the center of the oak table. Upon their arrival, Iname had quickly latched onto the unsuspecting Siân and hugged her tightly. Words were spilled forth from the young girl's lips of remorse and glee mixed as one. All the Seishi Umiyame could do was hug her back and smile brightly reassuring her that it was her own fault and that things would be different.
On the other hand, the twins had greeted the older woman respectfully, getting a bright smile from Koutoku, and a gentle nod from Shunkaku. Where it wasn't nearly as emotional, it was definitely something of sentimental value for all three of them. Now the time found them all silent not knowing what to say. All had touched the book but one, and he was proving to be the unwilling party. "Maybe we need the book to run it's course? We don't know what will happen unless we all touch it…"
"Ne, Chiriko-san, what if it's really bad? Ya know… we all just up and disappear or something…" Chu blinked slowly from her spot beside Siân, light blue eyes wide with something akin to fear.
"Where that's true Chu-chan, it's also true in what Chiriko-san is saying…" Soi held the book within her gaze a moment longer before glancing up at the door as it flew open to reveal the livid Genrou waving a fist mainly at Taka.
"TAKA! Why didn't you tell me you were meeting again??? How could you leave me out?" A look of genuine hurt worked over his face as he then ran over to Miaka and gave his best puppy look not even noticing the intense gaze pinned on him. "Miaka-chan! Even you!" Sighing softly, he then turned away with a melodramatic sigh. "And they wonder why I say I hate women…"
"Well MAYBE we didn't want you to be here cause you're such a spazz Genrou!" With this, Taka stuck his tongue out at the fiery red head and crossed his arms over his chest.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"
"Tasuki-san… Taka-chan! Stop it!" Miaka gave them both a pleading look that only fell upon deaf ears. All the while, Iname edged her way closer to Tasuki eyes wide and sparkling with what looked like awe.
"HOE! He's hot!" Clapping her hands together, Chu received everyone's attention instantly. "UMIYAME-SAN! Who is he???"
Glancing at the now gaping mouth of Genrou, Siân felt herself chuckle suddenly at her friend's blatant statement as well as her forthright question. "That's Genrou, Chu-kun. He was the Suzaku Seishi, Tasuki."
"WAI! NE! Genrou-kun! I'm Tanne Chu!" With that the girl leapt after him with the very intent of glomping only to miss him as he ran in fear.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS WOMAN? I HATE WOMEN!!!" Even with his maneuvering, it was obvious that Iname wasn't about to give up. Dodging between Amiboshi and Soi, Iname followed closely knocking the older twin unsteady sending him flailing forward toward the small table where the book sat.
Instinct caused him to reach out and catch himself, but something strange seemed to happen. Purposely the older twin tried to avoid contact with the book but soon he found that like magic, the book seemed to move straight into his path causing him to brush his fingertips lightly over it's old cover. All that was heard was the screams from both his brother and Siân before the room was dropped into pure darkness. But what the others saw was completely different.
One instant everyone stood around the table, and the next Soi, Tasuki, Siân, Shunkaku, and Koutoku were all gone within a blink of their eyes. Iname could only blink as she glanced about truly confused beyond all reason. "Wh-where… are they?"
Miaka was the next to come to as she frantically searched the room, even looking under the table for her lost friends. "TAKA! They're gone!"
It had been another long boring day for the Hahm couple as they sat silently on the balcony of their apartment. For the most part, they'd been discussing the books strange behavior not really understanding why or what it was doing. "What do you think is going to happen Dourin-chan?"
"I don't know… I can't seem to understand it myself." Twirling a long strand of silvery platinum hair around a finger, Tokaki could hear her soft sigh even above the wind as it blew around them. He would have commented, said anything to comfort her, but before he could, everything went dark and soon, the balcony was completely empty.
"You're not still mad at her, are you Tomite-san?" Ayame looked at the boy with amethyst hair pleadingly before giving the third party a hopeful glance that requested help.
"Ayame-san… Tan-kun is rightfully upset about past events. But I understand why you think he should forgive and forget. I'm sure you of all people know how bad she'd gotten in those days, and yet now you fight for her. It's very admirable." Nodding his head slowly, one graceful hand raised to gently brush the long locks of blonde out of his one good eye.
"That's not it… I'm just…" The shorter boy exhaled heavily before shaking his head. "I think I'm just not comfortable with how close she is to that psychotic loser."
"Hey! No talking about Shun-kun that way! He's not nearly as bad as you think…" This only made Ayame frown harder wishing she hadn't doomed herself to this pointless argument.
"All I have to say is… I refuse to tolerate…" That was all that was heard as the three were suddenly cloaked in a palpable darkness stifling all sound and all sight only to reveal that they were no longer there.
"Where did Tasuki run off to, no da?" Chichiri frowned slightly as he shaded his eyes from the onslaught of sunshine that seemed to blare down upon the trio as they sat at a table outside of a teashop.
"Does Genrou really need a reason to run off Houjun-san? He's always been the spontaneous troublesome type." Hotohori stated calmly before sipping slowly from the porcelain cup in his hands.
This only got the third one with them to laugh softly and nod his head causing a wave of deep violet to fall into golden eyes. "His highness has a point Chichiri-san. You shouldn't worry about Tasuki-san."
"Honto… demo… With all this book business, I just don't feel right about it." Houjun sighed softly before sinking deeper into his chair shaking his head. "I can't help but wonder what's going to happen next…"
"It's because you were a monk maybe?" Smirking lightly, Nuriko leaned back in his chair as his long arms crossed behind his head. "You worry too much Houjun-san." As if on cue, the conversation was cut short as the veil of darkness fell upon them choking off all communication in a suffocating manner only to dissipate leaving an empty table and passerby's with wide disbelieving eyes.
~*~
In a matter of minutes, the darkness cleared only to leave fourteen people lying upon the ground unmoving. What had only been a few moments had felt like days to them, and none made an effort to move at all. Siân was the first to stir giving a soft moan as she forced her eyes open in order to take in just what had happened. Only, she wished she hadn't all too late. It was desert, that was a simply known fact, but it was the gut feeling that made her heart sink. Slowly but surely she looked down only to see she was wearing the exact clothing she had worn years ago when she'd died in Hokkan. Shivering, she then looked up to see the others noting that attire had totally changed for her companions entirely just as hers did.
This was the universe of the Four Gods. This barren wasteland was what remained of the land she had once called home. Shaking her head slowly, she then instantly ran to Shunkaku nudging him softly. She knew she should have let him come to on his own, but fear was tightly gripping at her throat making the simple task of breathing completely unthinkable. "Shun-chan… please… wake up!"
Moaning softly, the boy soon turned slowly only to slowly blink and gaze in bewilderment at the girl he'd loved and adored all of his current lifetime. Focusing on her, he suddenly sat up and looked at her in concern. "Daijoubu Siân-chan?" Stopping in mid question, his eyes suddenly widened as he took in her attire. "Siân-chan…"
Nodding her head slowly, she then pointed idly at his orange and blue clothing before letting out a soft sigh. Things were not going in a direction that either of them liked. It had taken them entire lifetimes to get over their lives in this world and the last place they wanted to see was exactly where they were right then. "Daijoubu…" Brushing his hair gently face, she then sighed and looked up as a few others began to stir. "I'm going to check on everyone else."
Slowly getting to her feet, she noted Nuriko as he struggled to his feet in order to go to the unconscious Hotohori while Chichiri moved to the dazed and confused Tasuki. Not far from that, Amiboshi was gently lifting Uruki into his lap sighing softly as he checked to see if she was ok before looking up to smile at his twin gently. Smiling in relief to herself, she then knelt down beside Tomite and reached out to sweep his amethyst bangs from his closed eyes. "Tomite-san…"
"He'll be fine, just give him a minute…" Looking up sharply, her eyes met with the solitaire orb of silver before it directed its attention to the magenta haired Seiryuu Seishi. In all truth it amazed her how everyone seemed to react to the situation. Totally opposite sides were gently expressing concern to one another in a way she didn't deem possible. But then again, she herself had fallen in love with a Seiryuu Seishi, and all her life she'd despised anything that had to do with the land of Kutou.
Off to her side she heard Tokaki gently inquiring about Subaru's health before being pinched for his absent comment concerning all of the pretty young ladies he'd ended up with in this situation. Shaking her head, she laughed softly before looking down at the amethyst haired boy as he slowly opened his iridescent orbs of green in order to gaze at her quietly. "Hey there handsome… doing ok?"
Nodding slowly he then managed a small smile before sitting up next to her. "I'm fine." Pausing briefly, she watched as his eyes widened dramatically. "My clothes…" They were the same as she remembered them. Royal purple bordered in gold and the ever-present bucket shaped hat. Giving a soft sigh, her train of thought was broken as a resounding cry broke the quiet atmosphere about them.
"AH! I'VE DIED AND GONE TO HELL!!!"
"I do say, she's just as ugly as I remember her…" Hotohori's voice soon followed the words that Tasuki made sure everyone heard.
"Sanakakebaba!" This time it was Nuriko that shrieked as he hid behind the calm yet disgusted Hotohori eyes wide with an equal disgust.
Though, what surprised her the most was when she heard Suboshi voice a question of his own nearly causing Siân to faint. "Whose the ugly old hag?" And with him, she dually noted the look of disgust that crossed Tomite's own face.
Though, before she could really look to see who they were talking about, a distinct crackle of electricity filled the air as all five offenders were struck by lightning. "Man… You should have learned by now, no da. Taitsu-kun has a nasty temper when it comes to being made fun of…"
Looking up slowly at Houjun's words only to meet the old disgruntled gaze of the floating old woman in question. Shaking her head slowly, she then rose to her feet ignoring Tan and Shunkaku as they twitched slightly with wide eyes. "What's going on and who are you may I ask?"
Turning her head slowly to look at Siân, Taitsu-kun sighed and shook her head at what looked like to her as a bunch of brats not worth her time. "With comments like that for a greeting, I'm not sure I even want to help you people anymore."
This only caused Chichiri to sigh as he turned to smile at Umiyame placidly. "This is Taitsu-kun, she's the creator of the Universe of the Four Gods. And don't worry, she'll get over it. They always act like this when they see her, no da."
"CHICHIRI!" Grumbling slightly, the old woman sent him a steady glare before looking back to her. "You seem to be mature enough to talk to…"
"Please forgive our friends for their behavior." This time it was Hikitsu whom had stepped up beside Umiyame smiling gently. "We'd be very honored if you could explain to us what is going on and why we are here."
"Very well… I'll tell you. But one word out of the femme boy, narcissist, fang boy, yo-yo boy, or bucket hat boy and I will leave the fourteen of you out here to rot." Still glaring at said people, she was soon cut off as Tokaki suddenly became aware of the situation and put in his two sense in a whiny tone.
"Uck… Whose the hag?" Though, before Taitsu-kun could say anything, Dourin slammed a hand into the back of his head frowning deeply.
This seemed to amuse the old creator as a smile soon curled across her lips wryly. "As I was saying…" Still smirking, she then threw a quick glance over the lot before sighing. "As you can tell, you're back in the Universe of the Four Gods, and at this point in time, all that remains is a barren waste land." Shock seemed to spread through out the group as they for the first time truly looked at their surroundings. "Why you are here? That's because I summoned you. But my intent was to summon all of the Seishi, and it seems I've only been able to retrieve you fourteen. A shadow is falling over this world. And with this presence, our world is disappearing." Pausing, she looked at them with a steady gaze that spoke of both dread and calm all at once. "And should it totally vanish, so will everyone of you. All of us will cease to exist…"
"NANI!?!" It wasn't just one cry that broke her explanation; it was almost everyone present. "Doushite???"
"I'm not sure how… I just know that a deep hatred for this world has somehow thrown off the balance and is slowly devouring everything that is. And sadly, the fate of this world's future, as well as your own lie within your hands. There is nothing I can do. Somehow… my powers are diminishing as well."
"Uso… This can't be…" Soi looked at Taitsu-kun with wide eyes before dropping them to the ground. None of them wanted to be there, but it seemed that none of them really had a choice. And if they didn't comply, it seemed that they would all cease to exist. "Demo… if we don't know what we're really up against, how can we stop it?"
"I don't know… But I have a feeling that it will come to you."
"We'll never know peace… will we?" Siân spoke dryly as she slowly began to shake her head. "We'll never know what it's like to live without pain and suffering… will we?"
"Gomen nesai Umiyame-san… I can't answer that for you… I just know that if you don't fight to save your lives, none of us will survive…" Taitsu-kun spoke softly before gazing at her sadly. "Please… I beg you."
"It seems… that we don't have a choice… is that what you're saying Sanakakebaba?" Tasuki asked through clenched teeth easily baring his fangs at the idea entirely.
"That is correct…" Returning the glare, she fought the urge to electrify the red head once more.
"Then there is no choice. I will help you and leave the name Chen Emtato behind once more in order to be Hikitsu." Turning to look at his fellow Genbu Seishi, he smiled sadly before inquiring. "Will you all help me?"
"Of course! Without a doubt!" Uruki beamed as she bobbed her head not even paying attention to Tomite and Umiyame as they also nodded in consent.
"Guess that means I'll have to tag along to take care of all you losers! I'll help out too!" Tasuki grinned before hooking an arm around Chichiri's neck. "So will 'Chiri-san!"
"Sure thing, no da!"
"Then I will too! Gotta keep fang boy there in line you know!" Smirking evilly, Nuriko then patted the former emperor on the shoulder nearly knocking him completely off his feet. "So will his highness of course!"
Laughing softly, Subaru smiled and nodded her head in agreement. Slapping a hand quickly over her husband's mouth she then cheerfully put forth her own admission. "We'll help too!"
"Very well then… it seems it can't be helped… I'll help as well. Soi-san, otootochan, will you help as well?" Both nodded silently only to make the others grin minutely. Never before had seishi of different gods worked together like this, indeed it was a historical event.
"I'm glad to hear you all consent to this. I can't promise you that it will be easy, especially when you don't truly know what you're up against…"
"You have no idea…" It was only a whisper, but the tone was cold enough to freeze the blood in your veins instantly. "None of you could stop the hate that is mine. And soon… oh so very soon… you'll see why…" A soft laughter soon ensued causing the fourteen to shiver in place as they frantically looked around hoping to see something, anything at all, but nothing at all was to be found.
~*~
~ ~ ~ Ok you guys. I get the picture and I threw this chapter together within a span of three days. So if it sucks, that's why. I did try though. I'm sorry it's taken me so long, but life is getting in the way. I seem to have no time to even think for my self anymore. ^^;; I work 30 hours a week and go to school for 13 hours a week. So, homework is the top priority. The only reason this got done was because a certain reviewer scared me into action. O.O I didn't want to be flamed. O.o;; So, I'm really sorry this took so long. It's not really a matter of writers block, just a matter of not having any time. I hope this chapter makes up for it… Sorry again. I hope you enjoy.