Chapter 27
The ship was getting ready to set sail for Genbu, after many suggestions by Chiriko that by sea was the best way to get to the north land. All were packing their stuff and carrying it on board the ship, and all were quite excited for this trip. All except Kristin.
Not to her surprise did Hotohori realize that as Emperor he had to stay behind and watch over his country. Kristin wanted to stay behind with him, but everyone agreed that it only made sense that she come, for she was the Priestess, after all. This was all being done on her account.
On the ship, Tasuki and Caitlin were already in sour moods, as Caitlin and Tamahome had to drag the bandit on the ship, as he was afraid of water and could not swim. Caitlin tried to assure him that since she had the power of water, she was now an excellent swimmer, and would be able to save him if he fell over board. This did not calm his mood, and they dragged him on, as squirmish as he was.
After some time alone to talk, Kristin realized that they were exactly two weeks ahead of the original anime show, do the star festival was completely avoided. None of them were too disappointed. They could only stare in shock as they realized they were in the terribly animated 26th episode. All the others were confused as they noticed Kristin and Caitlin laughing to themselves at random times.
Nuriko carried most of the luggage onto the ship, and began to complain as Tasuki and Tamahome were doing nothing but sulking and goofing off.
Tasuki and Caitlin were in argument.
"Rekka shinen is MY line," Tasuki cried. "You're going to have to think of something else, so there!"
Caitlin paused in thought, then brandished her fan and yelled, "WATER SLAP!!" Tasuki was slapped in the face with a wave of water. Caitlin gave a smirk and walked away to where Chiriko was dealing with the map along side Chichiri.
It was then that Tamahome came up to the Emperor and timidly asked, "Do. do you mind, Your Highness, if I can travel back to my family so that I can say goodbye?"
Hotohori stared at Tamahome in his ridiculous out fit, and then, he smiled. "Of course you can. It will cause a bit of delay for the ship, but I'll allow you this."
Kristin gulped. Amiboshi wasn't dead, so Suboshi had no reason to come and have revenge on Tamahome's family, right? And Nakago had no grudge against Tamahome yet, so he wouldn't even suggest that Suboshi go and have revenge on his poor, innocent family, right? And yet, Kristin still felt nervous about it all. She wanted to go, just to make sure all would be alright.
She walked up to Hotohori to say so, but stopped. She wanted to spend her last minutes with Hotohori, not Tamahome before she left. But the family.! Besides, she'd still get to see him tomorrow morning, wouldn't she?
Kristin gulped, looking up at Hotohori's shinning gold eyes and brilliant hair. "Should I go with Tamahome?" she wondered out loud.
"No, you stay here," Tamahome said, "I'll be fine on my own."
"Oh, but you'll be lonely, won't you?" Kristin asked, not wanting to get him nervous over something that probably wouldn't happen.
"I'll join you, Tama-chan," Nuriko called.
"No thanks," Tamahome said, and quickly made his way out of sight.
"You truly have a wonderful heart," Hotohori said to Kristin, making her blush. She caught Nuriko's long glances at Tamahome, and realized he was probably going to catch up with him anyway. Kristin prayed in her heart that her assumptions were right about Nakago and Suboshi.
By the end of the day, most everyone had finished packing, and the boat was truly ready to set sail. Everyone went out that night among the city, to havea last look around the warm and comfortable climate of Konan before having to leave for Genbu's land. (No, the Author DOESN'T remember the name of that land! If you do, please let me know!)
Kristin was in the Palace, quite alone with Hotohori. They sat on a balcony, over looking the city of Konan, as the brilliant pink and orange strips of light from the dying sunset bathed the city in a soft glow of light. Kristin sighed. Hotohori sighed.
"It's a shame you can't come," Kristin said. "It'll be months before we get back, you know. Are you sure you can't risk this, just once?"
Hotohori looked down cast. "I'm sorry. You know my Officials. And they're right. I can't abandon my duty as the Emperor. Besides, I know you'll be safe with your Celestial Warriors. And I will see you again, Kristin-sama. Please don't cry. As soon as we get that Shinzaho, everything will turn out for the better."
"Naiidoska said first," Kristin reminded the Emperor. "I suppose getting the Shinzaho is the first thing to do in order to summon the beast god. "
"You're so clever," Hotohori said, a smile in his voice. "It's one of the millions of things I love about you, Kristin-sama."
Kristin blushed again, and he pulled his heavily robed arms around her, pulling her close. She could smell his sweet smell of hair and his body was so warm. She wanted to fall asleep in his arms, watching the romantic sunset drop below the horizon. As it did, she looked up into the face of the Emperor, and then it happened. He leaned forward and kissed her gently, yet passionately. She seemed to melt in his arms as the sun light faded, and she finally fell asleep, feeling ever so safe and warm in his loving embrace.
Back in Kutou, Boboshi 2 was getting much praise as the cheez its he stole managed to feed the entire country. Nakago wanted to keep them all to himself, but Martha insisted that they feed the country first. She reminded him the it was important to think of others before your self, but Nakago seemed quite contrary to that rule.
Martha now sat in a little room, playing a game of war with Miboshi, who was on the verge of winning. The door burst open and a Boboshi popped in.
"News from the Underground!" he shouted. "The Suzaku Seven are heading for the North land to find the Shinzaho!"
"You should inform the general at once," Martha said, and the Boboshi nodded his head and ran out of the room.
"I suppose we will be following these Suzaku Seishi?" Miboshi asked, as he flopped down his Ace of Diamonds quite conveintally at Martha's last card.
"You've been cheating, haven't you?!" she cried.
"How do you cheat at WAR?!" Miboshi cried.
Martha grabbed the deck of cards, and began to shuffle them when the door opened, and Nakago stalked into the room, happiness in his face, even though he was hiding it. Martha could tell when he was happy. It was the way his eyes seemed to sparkle when his mood was lifted.
Suboshi followed him with Amiboshi at his heels.
"Meet the Priestess of Seiryu," Suboshi said, bowing his brother at Martha. Martha stood up, and took the boy's hand. He seemed nervous at first, then smiled.
"It's great to be around normal people again," he said, as Makiko joined the group, shutting the door behind her.
"So," Suboshi said, flopping himself down on a squishy chair, "I guess we should go and stop those Suzaku from reaching the North land, huh? We can finally begin to show off our power and kick some Suzaku ass!"
"It's not polite to swear," Makiko said, going over to Miboshi and cradling him in her arms.
"We go to the North land if the Priestess wills this so," Nakago said, his voice lovely and low. Martha grinned. Alright! she thought. Things were finally going to start happening!
"Just so long as you don't kill my friends," Martha squeaked. "Besides, we MUST get that Shinzaho before them. It is unfair that we had all our warriors gathered, and then that Tuba Master came and made it impossible for us to reach them. We are going to summon Seiryu first!"
Nakago smiled, then hid it quickly, pretending to be serious.
Suboshi was beside himself in joy. No, Martha really didn't want any of the Suzaku killed, so she was going to avoid as much bloodshed as possible.
"What about Ashitare?" Amiboshi asked. "Isn't he still a great threat to us? I mean, he's one of our number, but he's chosen to follow the Lone Wolf Warrior instead."
"He WHAT?!" Miboshi and Suboshi choursed together.
"It's true," Nakago said, "as I went to Konan to retrieve your brother, Ashitare abandoned the path of Seiryu for the path of...um, Wolf- dom, I guess."
"Ah, well," Suboshi said. "So we're getting our selves a ship and all, right?"
"Perhaps," Nakago said. Martha knew what Nakago was thinking. He was going to send Soi, another of the warriors who had the power of lightening, against the Suzaku while he and Martha would go over land. Whether the other celestial warriors were going to be going over by sea or land with them, she did not know.
"I'm sending out guards to collect the remaining warriors," he said. "It'll be hardest re-locating Tomo and his...girl friend, but I'm sure they'll be with us as soon as we get to the North land."
"Girlfriend?!" the twins cried in unison.
"What did I miss?" Suboshi asked. "I thought the queer was gay!"
Nakago gave an odd look at Suboshi as he responded, "That's what the entire palace though as well, including myself, but apparently we've judged Tomo wrong. Either that, or he's changed. . . for the better."
A Boboshi stuck his head through the door just then, and got Nakago's attention.
"The Emperor needs to see you, general," he said, and Nakago growled as he joined the Boboshi.
Suboshi yawned. "I think I'm going to pass out now. Come on, Amiboshi."
Amiboshi left sighing, saying, "It's SO good to be back with normal people again."
Martha glanced at Makiko cradling Miboshi, then put the deck of cards down. "Are you going to go to the shrine of Byakko?"
"What are you talking about?" Miboshi asked.
"Your body. you got it from the shrine of Byakko, didn't you?"
"How did you know?" he said, his eyes wide.
"Makiko told me," Martha said, and Makiko smiled.
"Miboshi's staying with us, isn't he?" Makiko cooed, hugging him tight. Martha's face went red and she sweat dropped before leaving the room.
Miboshi rolled out of Makiko's arms. "I should get rid of this body, don't you think?"
"Are you going to...?" Makiko asked, and Miboshi simply nodded his head.
"I'm going to contact Naiidoska and ask for my original body back," he said. "I'll be out of date, fashion wise, but I'll still be Miboshi, no da."
Makiko squealed with delight, and followed out of the room with Miboshi, heading for the shrine of Seiryu to restore the body of Miboshi, demon caller of the Seiryu Seven.
The ship was getting ready to set sail for Genbu, after many suggestions by Chiriko that by sea was the best way to get to the north land. All were packing their stuff and carrying it on board the ship, and all were quite excited for this trip. All except Kristin.
Not to her surprise did Hotohori realize that as Emperor he had to stay behind and watch over his country. Kristin wanted to stay behind with him, but everyone agreed that it only made sense that she come, for she was the Priestess, after all. This was all being done on her account.
On the ship, Tasuki and Caitlin were already in sour moods, as Caitlin and Tamahome had to drag the bandit on the ship, as he was afraid of water and could not swim. Caitlin tried to assure him that since she had the power of water, she was now an excellent swimmer, and would be able to save him if he fell over board. This did not calm his mood, and they dragged him on, as squirmish as he was.
After some time alone to talk, Kristin realized that they were exactly two weeks ahead of the original anime show, do the star festival was completely avoided. None of them were too disappointed. They could only stare in shock as they realized they were in the terribly animated 26th episode. All the others were confused as they noticed Kristin and Caitlin laughing to themselves at random times.
Nuriko carried most of the luggage onto the ship, and began to complain as Tasuki and Tamahome were doing nothing but sulking and goofing off.
Tasuki and Caitlin were in argument.
"Rekka shinen is MY line," Tasuki cried. "You're going to have to think of something else, so there!"
Caitlin paused in thought, then brandished her fan and yelled, "WATER SLAP!!" Tasuki was slapped in the face with a wave of water. Caitlin gave a smirk and walked away to where Chiriko was dealing with the map along side Chichiri.
It was then that Tamahome came up to the Emperor and timidly asked, "Do. do you mind, Your Highness, if I can travel back to my family so that I can say goodbye?"
Hotohori stared at Tamahome in his ridiculous out fit, and then, he smiled. "Of course you can. It will cause a bit of delay for the ship, but I'll allow you this."
Kristin gulped. Amiboshi wasn't dead, so Suboshi had no reason to come and have revenge on Tamahome's family, right? And Nakago had no grudge against Tamahome yet, so he wouldn't even suggest that Suboshi go and have revenge on his poor, innocent family, right? And yet, Kristin still felt nervous about it all. She wanted to go, just to make sure all would be alright.
She walked up to Hotohori to say so, but stopped. She wanted to spend her last minutes with Hotohori, not Tamahome before she left. But the family.! Besides, she'd still get to see him tomorrow morning, wouldn't she?
Kristin gulped, looking up at Hotohori's shinning gold eyes and brilliant hair. "Should I go with Tamahome?" she wondered out loud.
"No, you stay here," Tamahome said, "I'll be fine on my own."
"Oh, but you'll be lonely, won't you?" Kristin asked, not wanting to get him nervous over something that probably wouldn't happen.
"I'll join you, Tama-chan," Nuriko called.
"No thanks," Tamahome said, and quickly made his way out of sight.
"You truly have a wonderful heart," Hotohori said to Kristin, making her blush. She caught Nuriko's long glances at Tamahome, and realized he was probably going to catch up with him anyway. Kristin prayed in her heart that her assumptions were right about Nakago and Suboshi.
By the end of the day, most everyone had finished packing, and the boat was truly ready to set sail. Everyone went out that night among the city, to havea last look around the warm and comfortable climate of Konan before having to leave for Genbu's land. (No, the Author DOESN'T remember the name of that land! If you do, please let me know!)
Kristin was in the Palace, quite alone with Hotohori. They sat on a balcony, over looking the city of Konan, as the brilliant pink and orange strips of light from the dying sunset bathed the city in a soft glow of light. Kristin sighed. Hotohori sighed.
"It's a shame you can't come," Kristin said. "It'll be months before we get back, you know. Are you sure you can't risk this, just once?"
Hotohori looked down cast. "I'm sorry. You know my Officials. And they're right. I can't abandon my duty as the Emperor. Besides, I know you'll be safe with your Celestial Warriors. And I will see you again, Kristin-sama. Please don't cry. As soon as we get that Shinzaho, everything will turn out for the better."
"Naiidoska said first," Kristin reminded the Emperor. "I suppose getting the Shinzaho is the first thing to do in order to summon the beast god. "
"You're so clever," Hotohori said, a smile in his voice. "It's one of the millions of things I love about you, Kristin-sama."
Kristin blushed again, and he pulled his heavily robed arms around her, pulling her close. She could smell his sweet smell of hair and his body was so warm. She wanted to fall asleep in his arms, watching the romantic sunset drop below the horizon. As it did, she looked up into the face of the Emperor, and then it happened. He leaned forward and kissed her gently, yet passionately. She seemed to melt in his arms as the sun light faded, and she finally fell asleep, feeling ever so safe and warm in his loving embrace.
Back in Kutou, Boboshi 2 was getting much praise as the cheez its he stole managed to feed the entire country. Nakago wanted to keep them all to himself, but Martha insisted that they feed the country first. She reminded him the it was important to think of others before your self, but Nakago seemed quite contrary to that rule.
Martha now sat in a little room, playing a game of war with Miboshi, who was on the verge of winning. The door burst open and a Boboshi popped in.
"News from the Underground!" he shouted. "The Suzaku Seven are heading for the North land to find the Shinzaho!"
"You should inform the general at once," Martha said, and the Boboshi nodded his head and ran out of the room.
"I suppose we will be following these Suzaku Seishi?" Miboshi asked, as he flopped down his Ace of Diamonds quite conveintally at Martha's last card.
"You've been cheating, haven't you?!" she cried.
"How do you cheat at WAR?!" Miboshi cried.
Martha grabbed the deck of cards, and began to shuffle them when the door opened, and Nakago stalked into the room, happiness in his face, even though he was hiding it. Martha could tell when he was happy. It was the way his eyes seemed to sparkle when his mood was lifted.
Suboshi followed him with Amiboshi at his heels.
"Meet the Priestess of Seiryu," Suboshi said, bowing his brother at Martha. Martha stood up, and took the boy's hand. He seemed nervous at first, then smiled.
"It's great to be around normal people again," he said, as Makiko joined the group, shutting the door behind her.
"So," Suboshi said, flopping himself down on a squishy chair, "I guess we should go and stop those Suzaku from reaching the North land, huh? We can finally begin to show off our power and kick some Suzaku ass!"
"It's not polite to swear," Makiko said, going over to Miboshi and cradling him in her arms.
"We go to the North land if the Priestess wills this so," Nakago said, his voice lovely and low. Martha grinned. Alright! she thought. Things were finally going to start happening!
"Just so long as you don't kill my friends," Martha squeaked. "Besides, we MUST get that Shinzaho before them. It is unfair that we had all our warriors gathered, and then that Tuba Master came and made it impossible for us to reach them. We are going to summon Seiryu first!"
Nakago smiled, then hid it quickly, pretending to be serious.
Suboshi was beside himself in joy. No, Martha really didn't want any of the Suzaku killed, so she was going to avoid as much bloodshed as possible.
"What about Ashitare?" Amiboshi asked. "Isn't he still a great threat to us? I mean, he's one of our number, but he's chosen to follow the Lone Wolf Warrior instead."
"He WHAT?!" Miboshi and Suboshi choursed together.
"It's true," Nakago said, "as I went to Konan to retrieve your brother, Ashitare abandoned the path of Seiryu for the path of...um, Wolf- dom, I guess."
"Ah, well," Suboshi said. "So we're getting our selves a ship and all, right?"
"Perhaps," Nakago said. Martha knew what Nakago was thinking. He was going to send Soi, another of the warriors who had the power of lightening, against the Suzaku while he and Martha would go over land. Whether the other celestial warriors were going to be going over by sea or land with them, she did not know.
"I'm sending out guards to collect the remaining warriors," he said. "It'll be hardest re-locating Tomo and his...girl friend, but I'm sure they'll be with us as soon as we get to the North land."
"Girlfriend?!" the twins cried in unison.
"What did I miss?" Suboshi asked. "I thought the queer was gay!"
Nakago gave an odd look at Suboshi as he responded, "That's what the entire palace though as well, including myself, but apparently we've judged Tomo wrong. Either that, or he's changed. . . for the better."
A Boboshi stuck his head through the door just then, and got Nakago's attention.
"The Emperor needs to see you, general," he said, and Nakago growled as he joined the Boboshi.
Suboshi yawned. "I think I'm going to pass out now. Come on, Amiboshi."
Amiboshi left sighing, saying, "It's SO good to be back with normal people again."
Martha glanced at Makiko cradling Miboshi, then put the deck of cards down. "Are you going to go to the shrine of Byakko?"
"What are you talking about?" Miboshi asked.
"Your body. you got it from the shrine of Byakko, didn't you?"
"How did you know?" he said, his eyes wide.
"Makiko told me," Martha said, and Makiko smiled.
"Miboshi's staying with us, isn't he?" Makiko cooed, hugging him tight. Martha's face went red and she sweat dropped before leaving the room.
Miboshi rolled out of Makiko's arms. "I should get rid of this body, don't you think?"
"Are you going to...?" Makiko asked, and Miboshi simply nodded his head.
"I'm going to contact Naiidoska and ask for my original body back," he said. "I'll be out of date, fashion wise, but I'll still be Miboshi, no da."
Makiko squealed with delight, and followed out of the room with Miboshi, heading for the shrine of Seiryu to restore the body of Miboshi, demon caller of the Seiryu Seven.