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Chapter 13 – Goodbye and Goodnight

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Arafae's wing rested on Nikyia's back as she sat sobbing in her room. She had already been crying for three hours straight, with no sign of stopping.

Nikyia…I wish there was something I could do to help…

For once the hawk was showing genuine pity for the girl. She still said nothing. Her breath was still shaky from so much crying. Luckily, no one had come to see why she wasn't at dinner. Arafae couldn't help but wonder what that cursed monk had told them. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so much anger towards one single person.

"Why….did father do this to me?" her voice caught as she tried to speak.

I just don't understand it…Your father's supposed to be the god of love. He would never let you be hurt. Not like this. Trust me, it was all Peacock-bang's fault.

Unfortunately, his words didn't work. She only started sobbing harder. A glow of red surrounded her, and she collapsed into a deep sleep. Arafae sighed and closed his eyes, preparing for his trip as well.

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Nikyia felt two arms encircling her, unaware of the trip she had just taken. Startled, she looked up into the eyes she barely recognized.

"M-mom?" she forced out. Her mother nodded.

"I told you I'd see you again."

"Aerelia…" Suzaku's voice called before he appeared. "What happened? Why did you bing Nikyia here?"

He didn't know. Nikyia let out another sob and clung to her mother.

"There now, dear," Aerelia whispered, patting her daughter's long hair. "It will be alright…"

"What happened?" Suzaku faced the now asleep Arafae. The hawk lowered his head as best as he could.

Chichiri told her they couldn't love each other any more. I can't believe how heartless he can be…After everything with her families, he goes and breaks her heart. But…m'lord, is it true? Would she really be forced to come here after the summoning?

Suzaku hesitated, then nodded.

"After they finally found each other, I didn't want to hurt her by telling her. Perhaps I should have told her earlier…"

Perhaps.

"He found the scrolls then?"

Arafae sighed and nodded.

And she was so happy to see him again…M'lord…do you think she should know everything now? Everything about…

"No!" The god's voice was strong, but there was something in his eyes that showed fear. Nikyia and Aerelia looked up at the shout. Suzaku looked away from his family. "She can't know. When the time comes, and no later. Once Tamahome returns, and I am summoned, she will never need to know."

Are you sure? Arafae's eyes were on Nikyia and her mother. Tears still sparkled on the demi-goddesses cheek, but they seemed to have slowed. Are you sure…everything will work out the way it was meant to?

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"Nikyia…" A light push and quiet voice roused Nikyia from her rest. She had cried herself to sleep in Suzaku's realm and been returned to her mortal body after doing so. A blob of something long and purple gave her another push. Nikyia grabbed her pillow and shoved it over her head.

"Lemme alone…" she muttered. She could feel tears welling in her eyes again.

"Nikyia, what's wrong? Are you feeling alright? You missed dinner and breakfast."

"Not hungry," was the mumbled reply. Nuriko sighed and easily lifted the pillow.

"Did something happen?"

"Nothing happened. Why would anything happen?"

"Arafae told me."

That got Nikyia sitting up. Her eyes held a look somewhere between sadness and anger.

"Why would you care?" her voice was familiar, he thought before realizing it was the same voice she had used when he arrived at the palace a few years ago as a woman of the harem.

"Nikyia, don't go back to that…"
"Go back to what?!" she shot. "I don't care anymore! Why should I care about anything when I'm only going to get hurt?! First the family I had in Miaka's world, then the family that adopted me after that, then Mother, Father and Genrou, and now this! It's just not worth it anymore! Every time I ever care, I get hurt!"

"Nikyia…"

"Let's just get Tamahome, do the summoning and get this over with…I don't want to be here anymore…"

"What would the summoning have anything to do with it?"

Because that's when she has to go to her father's realm…for good…

Nuriko didn't seem unnerved by the ability to understand Arafae.

"Just leave me alone…"

"Miaka's going to Kutou tonight to get him. I thought you'd like to know…"

Nuriko stood up from the bedside and began to head for the door.

"Nuriko?"

He stopped.

"Yeah?"

"How's she getting there?"

"Chichiri, I guess."

Nikyia pushed herself out of the bed.

"I should get going then…"

"Going…?"

"It's a long trip to Kutou. I've got to make it a fast one."

"You're planning on WALKING to Kutou?!"

"Nope." Nuriko sighed in relief. "Flying."

Apparently she had made up her mind already. Nuriko knew she'd do anything to protect Miaka. She always had. Not even Seiryuu would stop her from doing so.

"At least get some food before you go?"

The girl was already debating taking her bow.

Leave it. Take your knife. It will be the best weapon you'll need there. Nikyia nodded to show she heard as she slid the knife under her belt.

"Be careful…"

"I'm not a child."

"You're Suzaku's child."

But she was already gone, Arafae a wing-beat behind her.

Stay on your guard, and keep to trees. You don't want to be seen by anyone, do you?

"I don't need to be told what to do. As long as I don't have to see him."

Hm. Speak of the blue haired devil…

"Nikyia?"

Nikyia turned her head. She'd rather take on Jaden powerless than look at him again. When she felt his hand on her shoulder, she jerked away. Arafae snapped at the offending hand.

"Look, Nikyia, will you hear me out?"

"You've got five breaths to tell me what you want."

"This may take a bit more-"

"Then make it work."

"I saw your father last night."

So much for those five breaths. Nikyia turned to face him.

"And?"

Chichiri took a deep breath.

"He told me he was disappointed, but that I had done the right thing."

"No!"

Arafae cringed.

"No…Father…Father wouldn't say that! He's the god of love, right?! He would never say that!"

"Nikyia, why can't you admit that we weren't meant to be together?!"

Nikyia's eyes narrowed.

"I've already got that through my head. I'm just trying to find ways to hate you."

Without another word, Nikyia turned and began running towards the palace entrance.

Arafae ruffled his feathers.

And it took so long for her to get over her brother…just imagine how long this little problem may take…

"It's true Arafae…" Chichiri let the hawk land on his arm. "It's what he told me no da…"

I know…but he has yet to tell her. For a god, he's a fool.

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Nikyia leaned against a tree and sighed. She had been running all day and part of the night. She hadn't expected to not have full control of her wings yet, and it was a long way by foot to Kutou. However, she had done it. Managing to use her wings only once to jump the wall, she was inside, on the branch of a tall tree. She had a good view of the courtyard, and would feel it when Miaka arrived. Only minutes later did they come. However, there were now four Suzaku life forces. Looking around, she spotted Miaka, Chichiri, and Tasuki nearby. Miaka held Mitsukake's cat in her hands, and they all stood around a gigantic tree surrounded by flowers. Rather peaceful for the country belonging to the god of war. Her heart stopped as two stronger life forces approached. Dare she call out? Could she? Before she could decide that for herself, the owners of the life forces appeared. Jaden, the blonde haired Seiryuu seishi, and Miaka's friend, along with a regiment of soldiers, greatly outnumbering them all.

"Oh gods…" Nikyia whispered as Miaka attacked the closest guard.

"Chichiri! Tasuki! Get out of here!" Miaka shouted. Tasuki stepped forward , but Chichiri grabbed his shoulder. Both of them vanished, and the branch Nikyia was on got a little bit heavier.

"Fancy seeing you here," she spoke casually, keeping her eyes on Miaka.

"Nikyia?"

"Bird girl!"

Nikyia sweatdropped.

"How'd you get here no da?"

"She probably flew."

Chichiri paused.

"She can fly?"

Nikyia rolled her eyes.

"You guys find Tamahome. I'll handle Miaka."

Without giving them a chance to argue or ask anything else, Nikyia hopped off the branch and started falling towards the ground. Sure enough, as she fell, her wings expanded, letting her drop softly to her feet and curling up as she ran. Chichiri gaped.

"Toldja," Tasuki smirked.

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Where the hell are the dungeons supposed to be? Nikyia's feet were carrying her as best they could for having been running all day. This palace was nothing at all like the one in Konan. Konan…Hotohori and the others must be worried. We're late as it is… A scream broke her train of thought. What the?!

"EEIII!!" A strong force slammed into Nikyia from behind.

"Miaka!"

"Reow!"

"Hey kitty." Nikyia patted the kitten's head.

"Nikyia, what are you-?"

"Protecting you, of course Priestess."

"Touching, really. Pity it won't be for long."

Nikyia froze. Jaden…how'd he find them so fast?!

Oh gods no…

"Miaka, run! Go find Tasuki and Chichiri!"

Having no other choice, Miaka grabbed the cat and ran.

"Idiot…so busy worrying about your priestess you don't even bother to block your life force, even when we know you're here."

Nikyia took a step back, intending to run. A sharp pain alerted her too late the idea was a bad one. She was surrounded by guards, all wielding spears.

"Suzaku damn, Jaden, you always did play dirty…" her hand managed to find the bleeding on her shoulder. It wasn't extremely bad.

"One shouldn't use her father's name in vain," he smirked. Guards filled out behind him too. She was trapped.

"Not really. If it were up to him he probably would." Her hand moved to hover over the knife at her waist. Jaden's fingers snapped. Another spear shot out, knocking the blade out of her belt and to the floor.

"I wouldn't recommend you go after it," Jaden chuckled to himself as one of the soldiers picked it up. Fire was literally burning in Nikyia's eyes.

"Give…it…back…"

The soldier shook his head, and handed it to Jaden.

"The man you called your father here made it, didn't he? A swords maker, correct? I hear he was quite skilled." Here, Jaden's mouth curled into a sneer as he examined the weapon. "Pity he had to be killed with his wife, and that pest of a child."

Something inside Nikyia snapped. Everything from four years ago came together.

"You…" her fist clenched tightly, and fire burned around it. "You had them killed, didn't you?"

"Smart girl. I heard in detail how you managed to kill my spy. Your brother put up a bit of a fight I heard, but was nothing more than a pest."

"Genrou…you killed my brother…"

"Will you stop blabbering on?"

"I'LL KILL YOU!!" Nikyia lunged at the blue-haired teen, rage burning in her eyes. Jaden was expecting this. The next thing Nikyia felt was a knife digging into her stomach, and all the air being taken out of her.

"Let me go!"

Nikyia managed to raise her head up enough to see Miaka…with the blond Seiryuu. Jaden pulled out the knife and left her fall to the ground.

"Ah, Nakago. You have the priestess. Good." A strong kick sent Nikyia rolling. Miaka gasped. "Take this pain in the ass with her. Have them both taken care of as soon as possible."

"As you wish, Lord Jaden."

Jaden cast one last glance at Nikyia before turning around.

"There can only be one god-child, Nikyia. Only the strong can live. The mistake must die." With that, he walked away. Two guards violently yanked Nikyia to her feet while the others departed back to their posts.

"Give her here. I'll take care of them both."

"Yes General."

The two other guards left as well. Nakago now was dragging Miaka and supporting Nikyia, who was still badly bleeding. The wound wasn't fatal, but it wasn't getting any better.

"Let us go!! I need to see Tamahome!! Nikyia needs a doctor!"

"Why should I let you go? Your friend is in no condition to go anywhere alone, and you'll find your friends may suffer as well."

"What?" Miaka gasped. Managing to raise her head, Nikyia caught a glimpse of Tasuki, tied to a pole, and Chichiri. A burning pain shot through her, and she fell from Nakago's grasp, hand covering the bleeding wound.

"Nikyia!" Miaka pulled her arm away from Nakago and knelt beside her red-headed friend.

"Get…Chichiri…and Tasuki…don't let him…hurt…" She was shaking badly.

"Move your hand."

A piece of dark blue fabric fell in front of her view as something pulled her arm away from the wound.

"Chichiri!!" Miaka shrieked and fell over. Sure enough, where Nakago had just stood was the blue haired monk himself. The image of him tied to the pole vanished, and Tasuki was able to escape the rope.

"What the fuck happened?!" His eyes were wide in amazement as Chichiri bandaged the wound with a piece of his kesa.

"J-Jaden…"

"Shh na no da. Don't talk. Don't want you getting hurt worse before we can get back to Mitsukake no da."

Nikyia managed to nod as he tied off the make-shift bandage.

"Now, what happened no da?" Chichiri whispered as the bleeding finally slowed.

"Jaden…"

"Who?"

"Son of Seiryuu…my enemy…hated him for longer than I've lived here….we were old enemies…since we were kids. He…had them all killed…my brother…idiot…I attacked him. He had my knife…stabbed me." Breathing was slightly painful; she guessed it was from the wound in her back. It too had failed to stop bleeding.

"I hope tearing my kesa won't stop us from getting home no da…" Chichiri sighed as he tore off another piece for the back wound.

" 'Ey Miaka, what happened with yer arm?" Tasuki noticed a red stain on her sleeve. Somehow her arm was crushed.

"Do people here have no respect for women?!" the bandit exclaimed, forgetting for a moment he hated them himself.

"We're more than just women, Tasuki. We're the fate of two countries – YAH!"

Her hands shot to the stomach wound, a cold sweat building on her forehead. The pain shooting through her brought her to her knees.

"Nikyia!"

"It….hurts…" she was shaking badly, worse than before. The bleeding seems to get worse.

"This is bad…Maybe we should take you home no da."

Nikyia clenched her teeth.

"I…can handle it…I've had worse…" she forced a smile. The smile was replaced by surprise as Chichiri pulled her into a gentle embrace.

"Liar…" he whispered.

Miaka smiled at the two as Tasuki's mouth dropped open.

"I didn't know those two were in a relationship…"

"You've got a lot to learn about all of us," Miaka flashed a grin as the kitten mewed. Chichiri released Nikyia from the hug and turned to Tasuki and Miaka.

"I'm going to try and find Tamahome no da. Stay here and keep hidden no da." A pop and a bit of smoke replaced Chichiri with Nakago. But even being Nakago couldn't change the softness in his eyes when he looked down at Nikyia, blood slowly seeping through the torn piece of kesa. "I'll hurry no da." Saying so, he quickly walked off.

"You should lie down…" Tasuki helped the demi-goddess to do so as Miaka pulled out a handkerchief to stop the bleeding on her arm with. A small piece of paper fell out with the handkerchief. Miaka picked it up and sat there, looking at it.

"Oh my GOD! Nakago's stripping for the troops!"

"WHAT?!" Tasuki shouted, looking away. Miaka jumped up and quickly tied him back to the pole.

"Mi-Miaka…"

"Play dead, Nikyia. I'm sorry, but I have to go back!"

Without another word, she ran off, leaving Tasuki griping the whole time. Heavy footsteps told Nikyia someone was coming, and rather fast. As Miaka said, she played dead, but Tasuki kept whining.

"Tasuki! Nikyia! My cover's blown! We've got to get out of here no da!" Nikyia opened her eyes to Chichiri carefully and quickly pulling her up. "Where's Miaka?"

"Who the hell d'ya think did this to me?!" Tasuki griped.

"Miaka did this?"

"I tell ya, girls don't play fair!"

"You're just stupid."

That brought a smile to Nikyia's face, but it didn't last long.

"Miaka went back to the place you were waiting for Tamahome." The bleeding was finally stopping. Nikyia didn't know how much more she could stand to lose.

"Run ahead Tasuki no da. We'll be there as soon as we can no da."

Tasuki nodded and ran off, the kitten at his heels. Chichiri moved Nikyia's arm around his neck to help her up.

"Mitsukake's gonna have quite a job when we get back no da…"

Nikyia clenched her teeth again.

"Gods damn my luck…everything's going wrong. Nothing's gone right since we found Chiriko…"

"Part of it's because of me, right?"

Of all the things she wanted to say, "Yeah" was not one of them.

"When we get back…once we get back, and Mitsukake's healed you, we'll talk. Right now…all I can tell you is I think that was one of the worst mistakes of my life…right up with everything I did when I was 18."

Nikyia was silent. What was up with this sudden change of heart? Less that 24 hours ago he had been saying them breaking up was the right thing. And Father!

"Tasuki! Miaka!"

They were at the tree now. Tasuki was holding onto Miaka, crouched near the ground. Tamahome held a nun-chuck-like weapon on his hands.

"Good, you all saved me the trouble of trying to find you. It'll make killing you all a lot easier," Tamahome smirked. Nikyia eyes widened as Chichiri lowered her down next to Tasuki and Miaka.

"Tamahome, what's wrong with you no da?" Chichiri hesitated as he found Miaka being dropped into his arms.

"You…" Tasuki hissed. "You did this to her didn't you?"

Tamahome glared down at the fanged seishi.

"Didn't you? You crushed her arm and her spirit! After she wanted to see you!"

"So what do you plan on doing about it?" Tamahome's voice was cold.

"Do? I'm gonna pound your head in!"

"Tasuki! Be careful!" Nikyia was forcing herself to her feet despite her pain, not taking her eyes from the two seishi preparing for battle.

A hand shot around front of Nikyia, pulling her back against the body belonging to the arm, and a familiar knife blade glided against her neck.

"Someone should pay attention to her own battles," Jaden smiled cruelly. He was too damn good at hiding his life force.

"You're getting a good "foul play" streak up," Nikyia growled.

"So I've been told."

A scream pursed Nikyia's lips as the blade dug into her skin at her throat, but she wouldn't let it come. She wouldn't give him that joy.

"Doesn't it hurt, Red? I'm sure it does. I know you've done similar to me many times before."

"But I never did it with intention of killing…" Nikyia hissed.

"You should have when you have the chance." The knife was pulled away and a violent push threw her to the ground. She could feel the other wound opening again. Oblivious of the fight between Tasuki and Tamahome, she coughed, feeling blood rise up in her throat. A kick from Jaden sent Nikyia flying into the large tree, and the pain that shot through her head was the last thing she remembered.

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TA: HAH!! Cliffhanger!! Whatcha think? Anyone expecting Nikyia to get the crap beaten out of her this chapter? I doubt it =P Oh c'mon, admit it….o-kay, anyway…PLEASE leave review no da!! More surprises coming up next chapter, if I get reviews no da.