Disclaimer:I do not own Fushigi Yuugi or any of its characters.The other
characters in the story,(Senka,Rie,and Soiru)belongs to me.
Mystique Enshrined
Chapter Two~Familar Faces
Fair,slender fingers ran along the coll silk material of a ash-coloured cape.Soiru's mind wandered back to the fond old times where she and Nakago used to chase each other around,playing childhood games.All those joy and laughter was put to an end when Kutou massacred the entire tribe mercilessly.
'We did nothing to deserve the hell we've been through..',Soiru narrowed her ocean-blue eyes which were filled with bitterness.
With a wave of her hand,a greyish coloured wave of ki slammed into the rocks nearby,causing them to collapse into a heap.
"Nii-chan,rest assured that I will avenge your death."
It was 9 hours since Chichiri and Senka left Mt.Taikyoku.Senka,who had never experienced such a long trip before,sank her head on Chichiri's back,sound asleep.The horse they were riding,being equally as exhausted,almost tripped over a stone as it trotted along the dirt road.Its sudden sudden jerk woke Senka up instantly.
"Are we nearing Mt.Reikaku already?"Senka rubbed her eyes sleepily.
"Not for about at least 1 day,provided we keep up at our present pace,no da."
Senka lifted her head up towards the darkening sky.
"Chichiri,must we continue the journey until we reach Mount Reikaku?"
"Senka sama,you must be tired no da."Chichiri drew the reins and put the horse to a stop.Leaping off the horse,he said,
"There is a village ahead,no da.Let's take a rest there before heading off in the morning to continue the journey.C'mon,give me your hand,Senka sama."
They were walking towards the village with the tired horse in tow.An uncomfortable silence lingered as Senka and Chichiri neared the village.
Senka fidgeted for a little while.
"Ne,Chichiri.."
"Ya Senka sama?"
"Can you not call me Senka sama?I..I mean we are supposed to be fighting alongside each other right?That makes us equal..so.."
Senka looked at the cheery-faced monk directly in the eye.
"Just call me Senka ok?"
The monk gave an understanding nod.
"Hai,Senka sa--I mean,okay Senka!",he spoke brightly.
Senka gave a grateful smile.
"Then let's make it quick to the village,Chichiri!I am famished!"Senka tugged her companion towards the dazzling lights of the village ahead of them.
Soiru thought of the days when Nakago put his duties as a Shogun aside to visit her in a nearby village.She had become firm friends with a copper-red headed native girl,Haku Kaen.It had took Soiru by surprise when she found out that her best friend turn out to be one of the Seiryuu Seishi,Soi.Fate,had brought her brother and best friend together,yet it was the same cruel fate that had seperated them..just like how it tore her and Nakago apart from their mother.
"Soiru sama,you asked for me?"
Soiru composed herself before turning to face a painted face-man,whose head wore a fanciful headress adorned with feathers.
"Taiitsu-kun had already found a girl to seek out the Suzaku Seishi and the Seiryuu Shinzaho.Tomo,you will be the first to take action.Bewitch the purity of the girl.Do not fail me."
"Hai,Soiru sama."
NOTE:Taiitsu-kun wanted a girl with a pure and innocent heart to carry out the task of saving the Universe of the Four Gods(Eg.the Mikos).Even if one managed to removed the chasity of the girl,it would be of no use because her heart was still pure.Only making the girl fall in love with an evil person(bewitched) can make her lose the purity of her heart and thus making her unable to carry out the task of saving the world.
Chichiri and Senka were seated at a table near the window.People looked at them warily as they passed by the two.Even the patrons at the nearby tables viewed them in suspicion.
"The people here are kinda weird.."Senka shifted in her seat uncomfortably.
Chichiri rested his staff on a chair and scanned his immediate surroundings.
"There are many bandits around no da.Be on your guard,Senka."
A waiter approached their table and poured hot piping Chinese tea into the cups laid in front of them.
"Travellers,any food for you?We have the best Chinese food in town.But according to the restaurant policy,you have to pay before the food is served."
Chichiri ignored the faint sound of a growl coming from Senka's stomach.Blushing,Senka took her cup of tea and sipped it.
"Give me two bowls of noodles,no da.And some buns."
"Hai,Reverend.It will be five taels of silver please."
Chichiri presumably brought out a small bag and took out some taels.The waiter widened his eyes at the bag,which seemed to be choked full with money.Upon handling the money to the waiter,Chichiri instantly regretted his earlier action.The patrons at the nearby tables turned to stare at the monk.There was an uncomfortable silence as eyes were focused on Chichiri by his action,which caught too much unwanted attention.He tightened his grasp on the staff,muscles stiffening,as if preparing for a fight. . The waiter left them and very soon,the restaurant was back to its bustling,noisy,form.Chichiri breathed out in relief and glanced at Senka.The girl caught his eyes and blushed.
"NeChichiri..I've always wanted to apologize for that incident in the bathroom back at Taikyoku.."she mumbled, lowering her eyes on the table.
"It's okay,no da.That was just an accident,right?"
Senka looked up at the cheerful-looking monk.The smile on his mask was one of sincerity.Almost at once,Senka's mood was lightened.She nodded and smiled back at the monk.She was beginning to enjoy his company already.
'I only wanted to seek revenge..to the heavens who had given me hell....'
"no...NO NII-CHAN!!"Soiru's eyes flew open.Her long blonde hair was plastered to her face,covered in sweat.Soiru shivered uncontrollably despite the heat she was feeling.
'It is the same nightmare again..'she thought,sinking her head into her hands.
Chichiri was admiring the beautiful lights and the many rows of people on the streets outside.
'Reminds me of Kouan's capital,Rouyang,'he thought.'How long has it been since he last saw Hotohori sama?'
Chichiri was jerked out of his thoughts when he spotted a familar face among the crowd.A exceptionally tall man in the midst of the sea of people,his spiky hair held up by a cloth band around his head.
"Mitsukake!"Chichiri stood up and was about to rush towards the direction of his former ally when he felt a wrung on his left shoulder.
"Where do you think you are going?"
Chichiri spun around to find himself face to face with one of the restaurant patrons.
"Ya ain't going anywhere without surrendering your money to the Reikaku bandits!"
'Looks like i have no choice,"Chichiri mumbled quietly to himself,and was about to thrust out his staff when the bandit let out a cry of pain and toppled onto the ground.
"Ya asking for death by impersonating us Reikaku Bandits!Reikaku bandits will never do such a lowly thing of robbing an unarmed monk!"
Chichiri looked up at the attacker at once,only to face a a pair of flaming amber orbs,unmistakenably familar.
"Tasuki!It's you!"
There was a mix of confusion and astonishment in the eyes of the red haired bandit.It was instantly replaced by a look of recognition.
"Chichiri!What a coincidence!"
*****
"So,ya mean we got to help tis gal here to get the Seiryuu Shinzaho?A mission for the Suzaku Seishi after 2 long years,ya?It has been ages since I last thoroughly worked out these limbs of mine." Tasuki smirked at Senka,who stared back with a no-nonsense look.
Tasuki invited his two fellow Suzaku Seishi and Senka to his home.They were discussing about the task Taiitsu-kun gave them between numerous bottles of sake after a sumptuous meal of authetic Chinese fare.
"Ya,the monsters are multiplying at super fast rate,no da.We need to get the final Shinzaho and use its power to destroy the source of these monsters,no da.What do you think,Mitsukake?"
"We need to find Chiriko and the rest and get to Kutou as soon as possible."the famous healer frowned,deep in thought."Chiriko's village is about 2 days ride away from here."
"'Got it,so we set off first thing tomorrow morning,ya?"Tasuki downed a bottle of sake and smacked his lips in satisfaction."Business matters aside.How is our travelling monk doing these years?"
"I travelled to the three countries for the past two years,no da.I returned to Kouan with the intention to visit the Suzaku Shrine,when I saved Senka from her forced marriage.Strangely enough,it was this girl who Taiitsu-kun has thought to be the best person for the task,no da."Chichiri smiled at Senka who return his smile with a light blush on her cheeks.
"Taiitsu-kun sure had many funny ideas going in her head."Tasuki glared at the girl with a look of disapproval on his face."After Miaka went back,I decided to return to Mt Reikaku.But with the multiplying of monsters and stuff liddat,I went home pretty often,to check out the safety of people in my hometown,ya.."
"Since a year ago,Tasuki had been travelling to and fro between Mt.Reikaku and here.I happened to be treating the people here and Tasuki wanted me to look after his town while he was away at Mount Reikaku."Mitsukake petted his cat,Tama-chan resoundingly.
Senka tried to listen to the Seishi's conversation,but her eyes soon grew heavy.The hearty meal she had awhile ago led her halfway towards dreamland.Senka tried to stifle another yawn,but her attempt was unsuccessful,judging from the questioning looks the Seishi gave her.
"Ah,Senka must be exhausted after travelling for such a long distance.We were too absorbed in our conversation,no da."Chichiri gave the weary girl an apologetic smile.
"You are right,we've got to set off first thing in the morning.We should get some rest."Mitsukake added.
Tasuki frowned at his fellow Seishi' decision.It has been a long time since they could actually sit down and catch up with each other.Even the time before Suzaku was summoned,they were too busy with the task to have a relaxing chat.
"Hey,we rarely had the time to chat with each other and.."Tasuki started.He stopped speaking midway when he saw that the rest had already retired for the night.Shrugging his shoulders,Tasuki went to his room,and within minutes,he sank into sleep mode with a loud snore.
Where am I? As if in a daze,Senka found herself moving slowly towards the open window.She climbed up the window. It is happening again No.. Upon reaching the window,she felt a rush of the cool evening breeze.Although her mind was screaming for her to stop,she leapt off the window. NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
"Senka!Senka,can you hear me?Answer me,no da!",Senka felt a familar voice calling out to her,and forced her eyes open.
Chichiri stood by her bedside,the same worried expression plastered on his face when she had her first nightmare.
"Chichiri!"Senka sank her head into Chichiri's chest.
"It's okay,no da.It was just a nightmare."The monk patted her back comfortingly.
"It is the very same one i dreamt of that night,I'm afraid it will return again..."Senka choked out between her sobs.Her tears was already dampening the front of Chichiri's shirt.
"Don't be,no da.I will stay here and keep you company,no da."he spoke reassuringly as he squeezed her cold hand.
With that assurance,Senka finally managed to compose herself and loosened herself from Chichiri's arms.She looked in front of her.Tasuki and Mitsukake,in their night clothes,were standing next to her bed,looking equally as worried as Chichiri.They have been standing there patiently until they were allowed a chance to speak.
"You sure made a racket with your screams.Even my snores werent half as good."Tasuki spoke jokingly in an attempt to ease her emotions.
"Gomen,I didnt mean to wake you up.Gomen-nasai.."
"Na.Just dont let it happen too often.I dont want to be named Panda- Seishi."Tasuki rummaged Senka's hair playfully.He swiftly strode out of the room with a loud yawn.Mitsukake,who gave her a concerned smile before following Tasuki out of the room.
Senka lifted her head to face the cheery-face monk.
"Arigatou,Chichiri..for being with me whenever I needed you.."Senka squeezed Chichiri's hand gratefully.
"It is nothing,no da."Chichiri felt his cheeks heat up,and was relieved that he had his mask on."You should go to sleep now,no da.I will be with you."
With her companion's reassurance,Senka slowly drifted to sleep..in Chichiri's arms.
'Where's everyone?'Senka rose from her bed with a loud yawn.Rubbing her eyes sleepily,she looked around the small room,confused.
"Ah Senka!You are awake,no da.Genki?"Chichiri smiled cheerfully.Senka noticed that he seemed busy with luggage of some sort.
"Ne-Senka!Dont idle off there and help out with the loading!We are setting off to Chiriko's village soon!"Tasuki yelled as he slumped a bag over his horse's back.
"Hai!Let me help you with those,Mitsukake!"
***
A boy of no more than sixteen stood in the main hall of a large room.
"Soiru-sama,you asked for me?"
"Suboshi,do you remember how you were saved by me?"
"I can never forget,Soiru sama.You resurrected me so that I have a chance to see Aniki again..and to avenge myself.I am eternally grateful to you,Soiru-sama."
"Now this is your chance to express your gratitude."Soiru lifed up the ash- colored cape and clutched it firmly in her hands."Take the Kus with you and destroy Hetai.Leave none except Chirko alive.Chiriko,the Suzaku Seishi."
"Damn,the trip is so long.The sun's frying me already!Double up,horse!!!!"Tasuki tugged the horse's reins a little too forcefully,and sent himself diving towards the ground in the cloud of dust.
As Tasuki mounted his horse with a mouthful of complaints,Senka stretched her head behind Chichiri's back.
"Why must we take the long road?Isn't there a road that pass through Mitsukake's hometown and Mt.Reikaku?"
"Senka sama,the road we are taking to Hetai,which is Chiriko's village is longer,but there are more monsters near the other road.Tauki did some analysing of the area the previous night before deciding on this road."Mitsukake gave Senka a reassuring smile."Don't worry,Senka sama.We the Suzaku Seishi will protect you with all our strength."
"Ah..Tasuki has grown up in this past 2 years.Becoming responsible and sensible,no da."Chichiri added.
Senka looked at Chichiri's back.
'Chichiri..you have put in alot of effort in this mission too,havent you?' Senka thought.
"Ne-minna!You sensed something unusual?"Tasuki shouted out all of a sudden.
Chichiri's face grew serious.
"Evil ki...Chiriko's village is in danger!Let's go!"
"What do you want,Suboshi?!"Chiriko laid in a crushed heap in front of the Seiryuu Seishi,Suboshi."Take me if you want,don't hurt the villagers!"
"Gomen,Suzaku Seishi.This is my Lady's command.Now,come with me obidiently."
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF CHIRIKO!"
Suboshi spun around to face Tasuki,Chichiri,Mitsukake,and an unknown girl.
"Let Chiriko off,you dog!"Tasuki brought out his Tessen."Fight me if you dare!"
Following Tasuki's words,the other Suzaku Seishi brought out their legendary weapons,prepared for battle.
"CHOTTO!!!How can a fight be without me?!"
Everyone turned to the source of a feminine voice,astonished. A girl,dressed in an elaborate headband and tribal clothing,ran a hand though her auburn hair and presumably brought out a bow.Narrowing her brown eyes,she spoke menacingly
"I will not allow anyone to destroy my village!"
Author's Note:Sorry for taking ages to write this chapter!As a form of apology,this chapter is more on the long side.Hope you can enjoy reading it!To me,this chapter is rather boring though,but I promise Chapter 3 will be alot more exciting..coz Tomo will become an ally of the Suzaku Seishi(oops),and Senka finally finds out the truth behind her nightmares.Also,there will be great progress in Chichiri and Senka's relationship.And just who is this mysterious girl in Chiriko's village?Sounds good?All of this will be answered in the next chapter.And I promise i will finish it ASAP!Please do read and review!!
P.S:Thank You to e two kind-hearted souls who had bothered to point out the mistakes that me,as a muddle-headed author has committed.Arigatou no-da!
Mystique Enshrined
Chapter Two~Familar Faces
Fair,slender fingers ran along the coll silk material of a ash-coloured cape.Soiru's mind wandered back to the fond old times where she and Nakago used to chase each other around,playing childhood games.All those joy and laughter was put to an end when Kutou massacred the entire tribe mercilessly.
'We did nothing to deserve the hell we've been through..',Soiru narrowed her ocean-blue eyes which were filled with bitterness.
With a wave of her hand,a greyish coloured wave of ki slammed into the rocks nearby,causing them to collapse into a heap.
"Nii-chan,rest assured that I will avenge your death."
It was 9 hours since Chichiri and Senka left Mt.Taikyoku.Senka,who had never experienced such a long trip before,sank her head on Chichiri's back,sound asleep.The horse they were riding,being equally as exhausted,almost tripped over a stone as it trotted along the dirt road.Its sudden sudden jerk woke Senka up instantly.
"Are we nearing Mt.Reikaku already?"Senka rubbed her eyes sleepily.
"Not for about at least 1 day,provided we keep up at our present pace,no da."
Senka lifted her head up towards the darkening sky.
"Chichiri,must we continue the journey until we reach Mount Reikaku?"
"Senka sama,you must be tired no da."Chichiri drew the reins and put the horse to a stop.Leaping off the horse,he said,
"There is a village ahead,no da.Let's take a rest there before heading off in the morning to continue the journey.C'mon,give me your hand,Senka sama."
They were walking towards the village with the tired horse in tow.An uncomfortable silence lingered as Senka and Chichiri neared the village.
Senka fidgeted for a little while.
"Ne,Chichiri.."
"Ya Senka sama?"
"Can you not call me Senka sama?I..I mean we are supposed to be fighting alongside each other right?That makes us equal..so.."
Senka looked at the cheery-faced monk directly in the eye.
"Just call me Senka ok?"
The monk gave an understanding nod.
"Hai,Senka sa--I mean,okay Senka!",he spoke brightly.
Senka gave a grateful smile.
"Then let's make it quick to the village,Chichiri!I am famished!"Senka tugged her companion towards the dazzling lights of the village ahead of them.
Soiru thought of the days when Nakago put his duties as a Shogun aside to visit her in a nearby village.She had become firm friends with a copper-red headed native girl,Haku Kaen.It had took Soiru by surprise when she found out that her best friend turn out to be one of the Seiryuu Seishi,Soi.Fate,had brought her brother and best friend together,yet it was the same cruel fate that had seperated them..just like how it tore her and Nakago apart from their mother.
"Soiru sama,you asked for me?"
Soiru composed herself before turning to face a painted face-man,whose head wore a fanciful headress adorned with feathers.
"Taiitsu-kun had already found a girl to seek out the Suzaku Seishi and the Seiryuu Shinzaho.Tomo,you will be the first to take action.Bewitch the purity of the girl.Do not fail me."
"Hai,Soiru sama."
NOTE:Taiitsu-kun wanted a girl with a pure and innocent heart to carry out the task of saving the Universe of the Four Gods(Eg.the Mikos).Even if one managed to removed the chasity of the girl,it would be of no use because her heart was still pure.Only making the girl fall in love with an evil person(bewitched) can make her lose the purity of her heart and thus making her unable to carry out the task of saving the world.
Chichiri and Senka were seated at a table near the window.People looked at them warily as they passed by the two.Even the patrons at the nearby tables viewed them in suspicion.
"The people here are kinda weird.."Senka shifted in her seat uncomfortably.
Chichiri rested his staff on a chair and scanned his immediate surroundings.
"There are many bandits around no da.Be on your guard,Senka."
A waiter approached their table and poured hot piping Chinese tea into the cups laid in front of them.
"Travellers,any food for you?We have the best Chinese food in town.But according to the restaurant policy,you have to pay before the food is served."
Chichiri ignored the faint sound of a growl coming from Senka's stomach.Blushing,Senka took her cup of tea and sipped it.
"Give me two bowls of noodles,no da.And some buns."
"Hai,Reverend.It will be five taels of silver please."
Chichiri presumably brought out a small bag and took out some taels.The waiter widened his eyes at the bag,which seemed to be choked full with money.Upon handling the money to the waiter,Chichiri instantly regretted his earlier action.The patrons at the nearby tables turned to stare at the monk.There was an uncomfortable silence as eyes were focused on Chichiri by his action,which caught too much unwanted attention.He tightened his grasp on the staff,muscles stiffening,as if preparing for a fight. . The waiter left them and very soon,the restaurant was back to its bustling,noisy,form.Chichiri breathed out in relief and glanced at Senka.The girl caught his eyes and blushed.
"NeChichiri..I've always wanted to apologize for that incident in the bathroom back at Taikyoku.."she mumbled, lowering her eyes on the table.
"It's okay,no da.That was just an accident,right?"
Senka looked up at the cheerful-looking monk.The smile on his mask was one of sincerity.Almost at once,Senka's mood was lightened.She nodded and smiled back at the monk.She was beginning to enjoy his company already.
'I only wanted to seek revenge..to the heavens who had given me hell....'
"no...NO NII-CHAN!!"Soiru's eyes flew open.Her long blonde hair was plastered to her face,covered in sweat.Soiru shivered uncontrollably despite the heat she was feeling.
'It is the same nightmare again..'she thought,sinking her head into her hands.
Chichiri was admiring the beautiful lights and the many rows of people on the streets outside.
'Reminds me of Kouan's capital,Rouyang,'he thought.'How long has it been since he last saw Hotohori sama?'
Chichiri was jerked out of his thoughts when he spotted a familar face among the crowd.A exceptionally tall man in the midst of the sea of people,his spiky hair held up by a cloth band around his head.
"Mitsukake!"Chichiri stood up and was about to rush towards the direction of his former ally when he felt a wrung on his left shoulder.
"Where do you think you are going?"
Chichiri spun around to find himself face to face with one of the restaurant patrons.
"Ya ain't going anywhere without surrendering your money to the Reikaku bandits!"
'Looks like i have no choice,"Chichiri mumbled quietly to himself,and was about to thrust out his staff when the bandit let out a cry of pain and toppled onto the ground.
"Ya asking for death by impersonating us Reikaku Bandits!Reikaku bandits will never do such a lowly thing of robbing an unarmed monk!"
Chichiri looked up at the attacker at once,only to face a a pair of flaming amber orbs,unmistakenably familar.
"Tasuki!It's you!"
There was a mix of confusion and astonishment in the eyes of the red haired bandit.It was instantly replaced by a look of recognition.
"Chichiri!What a coincidence!"
*****
"So,ya mean we got to help tis gal here to get the Seiryuu Shinzaho?A mission for the Suzaku Seishi after 2 long years,ya?It has been ages since I last thoroughly worked out these limbs of mine." Tasuki smirked at Senka,who stared back with a no-nonsense look.
Tasuki invited his two fellow Suzaku Seishi and Senka to his home.They were discussing about the task Taiitsu-kun gave them between numerous bottles of sake after a sumptuous meal of authetic Chinese fare.
"Ya,the monsters are multiplying at super fast rate,no da.We need to get the final Shinzaho and use its power to destroy the source of these monsters,no da.What do you think,Mitsukake?"
"We need to find Chiriko and the rest and get to Kutou as soon as possible."the famous healer frowned,deep in thought."Chiriko's village is about 2 days ride away from here."
"'Got it,so we set off first thing tomorrow morning,ya?"Tasuki downed a bottle of sake and smacked his lips in satisfaction."Business matters aside.How is our travelling monk doing these years?"
"I travelled to the three countries for the past two years,no da.I returned to Kouan with the intention to visit the Suzaku Shrine,when I saved Senka from her forced marriage.Strangely enough,it was this girl who Taiitsu-kun has thought to be the best person for the task,no da."Chichiri smiled at Senka who return his smile with a light blush on her cheeks.
"Taiitsu-kun sure had many funny ideas going in her head."Tasuki glared at the girl with a look of disapproval on his face."After Miaka went back,I decided to return to Mt Reikaku.But with the multiplying of monsters and stuff liddat,I went home pretty often,to check out the safety of people in my hometown,ya.."
"Since a year ago,Tasuki had been travelling to and fro between Mt.Reikaku and here.I happened to be treating the people here and Tasuki wanted me to look after his town while he was away at Mount Reikaku."Mitsukake petted his cat,Tama-chan resoundingly.
Senka tried to listen to the Seishi's conversation,but her eyes soon grew heavy.The hearty meal she had awhile ago led her halfway towards dreamland.Senka tried to stifle another yawn,but her attempt was unsuccessful,judging from the questioning looks the Seishi gave her.
"Ah,Senka must be exhausted after travelling for such a long distance.We were too absorbed in our conversation,no da."Chichiri gave the weary girl an apologetic smile.
"You are right,we've got to set off first thing in the morning.We should get some rest."Mitsukake added.
Tasuki frowned at his fellow Seishi' decision.It has been a long time since they could actually sit down and catch up with each other.Even the time before Suzaku was summoned,they were too busy with the task to have a relaxing chat.
"Hey,we rarely had the time to chat with each other and.."Tasuki started.He stopped speaking midway when he saw that the rest had already retired for the night.Shrugging his shoulders,Tasuki went to his room,and within minutes,he sank into sleep mode with a loud snore.
Where am I? As if in a daze,Senka found herself moving slowly towards the open window.She climbed up the window. It is happening again No.. Upon reaching the window,she felt a rush of the cool evening breeze.Although her mind was screaming for her to stop,she leapt off the window. NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
"Senka!Senka,can you hear me?Answer me,no da!",Senka felt a familar voice calling out to her,and forced her eyes open.
Chichiri stood by her bedside,the same worried expression plastered on his face when she had her first nightmare.
"Chichiri!"Senka sank her head into Chichiri's chest.
"It's okay,no da.It was just a nightmare."The monk patted her back comfortingly.
"It is the very same one i dreamt of that night,I'm afraid it will return again..."Senka choked out between her sobs.Her tears was already dampening the front of Chichiri's shirt.
"Don't be,no da.I will stay here and keep you company,no da."he spoke reassuringly as he squeezed her cold hand.
With that assurance,Senka finally managed to compose herself and loosened herself from Chichiri's arms.She looked in front of her.Tasuki and Mitsukake,in their night clothes,were standing next to her bed,looking equally as worried as Chichiri.They have been standing there patiently until they were allowed a chance to speak.
"You sure made a racket with your screams.Even my snores werent half as good."Tasuki spoke jokingly in an attempt to ease her emotions.
"Gomen,I didnt mean to wake you up.Gomen-nasai.."
"Na.Just dont let it happen too often.I dont want to be named Panda- Seishi."Tasuki rummaged Senka's hair playfully.He swiftly strode out of the room with a loud yawn.Mitsukake,who gave her a concerned smile before following Tasuki out of the room.
Senka lifted her head to face the cheery-face monk.
"Arigatou,Chichiri..for being with me whenever I needed you.."Senka squeezed Chichiri's hand gratefully.
"It is nothing,no da."Chichiri felt his cheeks heat up,and was relieved that he had his mask on."You should go to sleep now,no da.I will be with you."
With her companion's reassurance,Senka slowly drifted to sleep..in Chichiri's arms.
'Where's everyone?'Senka rose from her bed with a loud yawn.Rubbing her eyes sleepily,she looked around the small room,confused.
"Ah Senka!You are awake,no da.Genki?"Chichiri smiled cheerfully.Senka noticed that he seemed busy with luggage of some sort.
"Ne-Senka!Dont idle off there and help out with the loading!We are setting off to Chiriko's village soon!"Tasuki yelled as he slumped a bag over his horse's back.
"Hai!Let me help you with those,Mitsukake!"
***
A boy of no more than sixteen stood in the main hall of a large room.
"Soiru-sama,you asked for me?"
"Suboshi,do you remember how you were saved by me?"
"I can never forget,Soiru sama.You resurrected me so that I have a chance to see Aniki again..and to avenge myself.I am eternally grateful to you,Soiru-sama."
"Now this is your chance to express your gratitude."Soiru lifed up the ash- colored cape and clutched it firmly in her hands."Take the Kus with you and destroy Hetai.Leave none except Chirko alive.Chiriko,the Suzaku Seishi."
"Damn,the trip is so long.The sun's frying me already!Double up,horse!!!!"Tasuki tugged the horse's reins a little too forcefully,and sent himself diving towards the ground in the cloud of dust.
As Tasuki mounted his horse with a mouthful of complaints,Senka stretched her head behind Chichiri's back.
"Why must we take the long road?Isn't there a road that pass through Mitsukake's hometown and Mt.Reikaku?"
"Senka sama,the road we are taking to Hetai,which is Chiriko's village is longer,but there are more monsters near the other road.Tauki did some analysing of the area the previous night before deciding on this road."Mitsukake gave Senka a reassuring smile."Don't worry,Senka sama.We the Suzaku Seishi will protect you with all our strength."
"Ah..Tasuki has grown up in this past 2 years.Becoming responsible and sensible,no da."Chichiri added.
Senka looked at Chichiri's back.
'Chichiri..you have put in alot of effort in this mission too,havent you?' Senka thought.
"Ne-minna!You sensed something unusual?"Tasuki shouted out all of a sudden.
Chichiri's face grew serious.
"Evil ki...Chiriko's village is in danger!Let's go!"
"What do you want,Suboshi?!"Chiriko laid in a crushed heap in front of the Seiryuu Seishi,Suboshi."Take me if you want,don't hurt the villagers!"
"Gomen,Suzaku Seishi.This is my Lady's command.Now,come with me obidiently."
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF CHIRIKO!"
Suboshi spun around to face Tasuki,Chichiri,Mitsukake,and an unknown girl.
"Let Chiriko off,you dog!"Tasuki brought out his Tessen."Fight me if you dare!"
Following Tasuki's words,the other Suzaku Seishi brought out their legendary weapons,prepared for battle.
"CHOTTO!!!How can a fight be without me?!"
Everyone turned to the source of a feminine voice,astonished. A girl,dressed in an elaborate headband and tribal clothing,ran a hand though her auburn hair and presumably brought out a bow.Narrowing her brown eyes,she spoke menacingly
"I will not allow anyone to destroy my village!"
Author's Note:Sorry for taking ages to write this chapter!As a form of apology,this chapter is more on the long side.Hope you can enjoy reading it!To me,this chapter is rather boring though,but I promise Chapter 3 will be alot more exciting..coz Tomo will become an ally of the Suzaku Seishi(oops),and Senka finally finds out the truth behind her nightmares.Also,there will be great progress in Chichiri and Senka's relationship.And just who is this mysterious girl in Chiriko's village?Sounds good?All of this will be answered in the next chapter.And I promise i will finish it ASAP!Please do read and review!!
P.S:Thank You to e two kind-hearted souls who had bothered to point out the mistakes that me,as a muddle-headed author has committed.Arigatou no-da!
