Chapter 14 – Goodbye is the Hardest Word
It was some time later Nikyia's eyes finally opened.
"Where…?" she whispered to herself. The room was bright, the bed she was lying on was soft, and she was still alive. A slight heaviness on her stomach brought her fully awake.
Look who's finally awake, the bird shook his wings.
"Ara…fae…?"
Do you have ANY idea how WORRIED I was about you?! First you leave for Kutou BY YOURSELF and leave me here to worry about your safety and THEN your father tells me you're getting the life beaten out of you and there's nothing any of us can do due to a barrier, THEN-
"Arafae, relax. Everything's fine," a voice across the room came
Pushing herself into a sitting position, Nikyia saw the room occupied someone else.
"Chichiri?"
He smiled, mask in hand.
"Nice to see you awake no da."
"What happened?" she asked as he walked over to the bed and sat on the edge.
"You've missed a lot no da. You've been unconscious for days."
"You're going to keep me in suspense, aren't you?"
Chichiri chuckled and shook his head.
"It's a bit of a story no da. Basically after you were knocked unconscious, Jaden wouldn't stop hurting you. He was about to kill you no da…and we couldn't do anything but watch. All of a sudden, you weren't there anymore." Here his voice turned amused. "This total stranger had you over his shoulder, standing next to me and Miaka. He had golden eyes and brown hair. He laid you down and actually started fighting for you. He nearly beat Jaden, except for the fact we had to save Tasuki, Miaka, and you no da. Tasuki was almost killed by Tamahome, and Nakago was about to finish us off. Chiriko saved us by breaking the barrier with his flute. The stranger came back with us and left, just saying to take better care of you. Oh…" Chichiri placed something in Nikyia's hand. "He also got this back for you no da."
Nikyia looked down at the knife in her hand and smiled.
"I'll have to thank him…if you ever point him out to me-" she paused. Why was there a strand of hair in her face? Her hand instinctively moved around to the back of her head. Chichiri grinned sheepishly.
"It looks better that way no da…"
You lie, monk man.
One hand from each party swatted at the feathery annoyance. Chichiri glared at him for a moment before looking back at Nikyia.
"He just barely missed you when that other guy appeared. Um…your hair kinda got in the way no da!"
"No big loss," she grinned. "Right now I'm just glad to be alive."
"So am I…that…you're alive, I mean…"
A few moments of silence passed as Arafae swatted at "demonic mockingbirds" around his head.
"Chichiri, why-?"
"I'm sorry…"
Both had started speaking at the same time. Nikyia paused.
"For, everything that happened the other day…I'm sorry. It must have shocked you…I know I hurt you…"
"Hurt? Me? No, I was laughing my ass off here in my room."
"Do you want to listen or do you want to criticize me no da?"
I'll take the latter gladly!
Chichiri sweatdropped.
"I wasn't talking to you…"
"Sorry…I'll be good." Nikyia put on an innocent face.
"Anyway…I guess…do you have any idea how painful it is to see the person you care for more than anything in the world nearly killed? It hurt me to see you in so much pain, and I couldn't help but think it was my fault…"
"Chichiri…"
A sigh came from Arafae, followed by a wing meeting blue haired head.
You idiot! Of course it was your fault! If you hadn't gone and broken her heart, she wouldn't have worn herself out traveling on foot to Kutou and THEN she wouldn't have been so slow in her fight with Jaden! THEN-
SMACK! The bird was embedded in the wall once again with the demon mockingbirds.
"Don't listen to him Chichiri. He speaks evils."
Without a chance to look back towards him, Nikyia found herself being pulled into another embrace.
"I've been so worried…" Chichiri whispered.
"Awww!! How cuuute!"
Both human occupants of the room sweatdropped and looked towards the door. Nuriko stood in the doorway, hands clasped and hearts practically flying around his head. Following his comment, he waltzed in.
"You two make the cutest couple," he smirked.
"And you know just how to ruin a moment…" Nikyia glared.
"Oh, now I'm being scorned for coming to check on you?" His hands shot to his chest. "You wound me so!" Dramatically, he proceeded to collapse onto the bed. "Farewell world! My best friend has killed me with her scorn!"
Not even Nikyia could hold back laughter at Nuriko's act. Chichiri chuckled and contented himself with an arm around her shoulders while the theatrical guest remained.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" Nikyia choked out between laughs. "Drama queen."
"I thank thee!" Nuriko popped back up into his perky self, inducing more laughter. Then he sat right back down on the bed. "Just so you both know, everyone in the palace has pretty much figured out there's something between the two of you."
Nikyia cocked her head inquiringly, accidentally resting her head on Chichiri's shoulder during the act. Nuriko's repeat of the "so cute" act alerted her of her action. Blushing, she sat back up.
"To continue with what I was saying, Arafae and Chichiri have barely left your side since everyone got back from Kutou. Chichiri only left when Miaka went and tried to drown herself during a storm and when Tamahome came back from Kutou intending to kill Miaka, fought his majesty, got himself stabbed with his majesty's sword, got his memories back and got healed by Mitsukake. Quick joyful reunion and then he came back here."
Nikyia was left blinking.
"I…missed…what?!"
After a quick (slightly longer) explanation and numerous reassurances that Miaka, Tamahome, and Hotohori were alright, Nuriko finally took his leave.
"Great guy, but always shows up when you don't need him to…" Chichiri sighed. Then he looked back at Nikyia. "Anyway, where were we?"
"Pretty darn close," Nikyia smirked. A light blush ran across her face as an unexpected kiss was planted on her lips.
"I don't know how to say I'm sorry any other way…" his voice was quiet, as if he was afraid she wouldn't forgive him. Grinning mischievously, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Apology accepted," she purred.
Hey! Hey! NOT in front of the bird you two!!
~~~~~~~~~
"Everything looks great, guys!" Nikyia looked up at the statue of Suzaku. The shrine was being decorated in preparations for the summoning. Hotohori smiled.
"It's wonderful that you're healed in time for the ceremony."
"Oh come on!" Nuriko laughed, swiftly laying a hand on Nikyia's back. "You think a few major life threatening injuries could kill our Nikyia?"
"Life threatening injuries, no. A few more hearty slaps on the back from you, possibly," Nikyia grumbled, getting back onto her feet. "So, later today?"
"Yes. Then all of Konan's worries will be over and…" here, Hotohori's voice fell, "and Miaka may return to her world." Nikyia sighed, remembering she had to have a talk with her father regarding Chichiri's readings in the scrolls.
"Whatever the four gods deem shall be, shall be. We cannot try to stop it." Nikyia looked towards the door moments before it opened and Chichiri walked in, masked face beaming.
"I have the scroll your majesty no da!" he said cheerfully, holding up the Universe of the Four Gods. Nikyia blinked.
"When did…?"
"Tamahome returned to Kutou for it when Nakago thought he was still under the influence of the Kodoku no da," Chichiri smiled.
"Taiitsukun will probably want her mirror back after the summoning…" Nuriko mused, heading out of the shrine, winking towards Chichiri, Nikyia, and Hotohori. His majesty didn't seem to get Nuriko's intentions as he began to discuss the ceremony with Chichiri.
"Hotohori! Chichiri! Nikyia!" Miaka bounded into the shrine, Tamahome steps behind her.
"Miaka. It's good to see you well," Nikyia grinned at the overly-genki girl. She quickly found the air being knocked out of her via a giant hug from Miaka.
"I'm so glad you're okay!" she exclaimed.
"Oh come on…" Nikyia grinned, detaching the smaller girl. "You think I can die that easily? It's gonna take Jaden a lot more than that if he wants to kill me."
Miaka grinned in agreement and turned towards the elder two seishi.
"So, what exactly is supposed to happen at the ceremony?" she asked, directing the question mainly towards Chichiri.
"Basically, the priestess recites the incantation in the Universe of the Four Gods and throws the scroll into the fire."
Miaka sweatdropped.
"I read it?"
"Who else would?" Nikyia grinned as Miaka began a panic attack, yelling about being unable to read the Chinese kanji. After Chichiri reassured her he'd help with the reading, Miaka was led off for the purification ceremony.
"Miaka, wa-" Tamahome couldn't get out the rest of his sentence before he found Tasuki's foot embedded in his head. Mitsukake had finally saved up enough power to heal him.
"It was certainly more peaceful before his recovery," Chichiri looked away from Tasuki's glare innocently. Hotohori and Nikyia laughed as Tasuki proceeded to chase the monk around the shrine.
"Your majesty…" Nikyia's laughter had stopped. She was now looking at the ground. Hotohori raised an eyebrow. Nikyia hadn't called him that when speaking only to him in ages.
"Your majesty, is it required I be at the ceremony?"
Hotohori's look of surprise grew.
"Nikyia…why would you not want to attend?"
The red-haired goddess looked up at the phoenix statue.
"It may be best…for me…and for all of you…if I don't see any of you after I leave this shrine…" her voice was steady, despite the strong desire to cry she felt. A hand rested on her shoulder, and she felt herself being pulled into a hug.
"Thank you, Nikyia," Hotohori whispered. "Thank you for everything you've done for me, as a friend and as my goddess."
Okay, screw the strong act…
Tears began to fall freely on her cheeks.
"And thank you for helping me to here today," she choked.
"Hey, what's the tears here fer?" Tasuki's accent reminded Nikyia of who else was in the room. It also brought her to realize Hotohori was crying as well. He knew then…Another pair of arms encircled her, Chichiri.
"I'll miss you…" he whispered. Tasuki just blinked, looking at the girl and the two guys hugging her from both sides.
"I don't know what the fuck this is about, but what the hell!" Tasuki grinned and joined the three in the group hug around the demigoddess. As soon as she was able to move again, Nikyia wiped a tear from her scar.
"I'm going to miss you all…" she whispered. Tasuki blinked and begin to think.
"Shiiittt! Nik, yer not leavin, are ya?!"
"Language please, Tasuki," Hotohori looked towards the flame haired seishi. "And yes, after the summoning."
"Aw, don't gimme none of that crap. Yer not getting rida us that easily," Tasuki winked.
"I'll have to arrange a trip to Mount Taikyoku after the summoning no da," Chichiri grinned, slipping an arm around her. Instantaneously, she pulled him into a tight embrace.
"You know I'm gonna miss you most of all…"
"I know no da."
"Can the fuckin romance, please!" Tasuki croaked, a disgusted look on his face. Nikyia smirked.
"You wish." She pulled Chichiri closer.
"Nikyia…I love you too but I have to breathe no da…"
The time for the ceremony neared, and reluctantly, Nikyia said goodbye to each of her friends.
"I say again, yer not getting rida us that fuckin easily," Tasuki growled, rubbing his friends now short hair.
"You'll be at my wedding with Hotohori, right?" Nuriko winked.
"Keep dreaming, Nuriko."
"Suzaku keep you safe, Nikyia," Hotohori smiled, patting her shoulder.
"I'll miss yooooouuu!!" Miaka glomped her.
Chiriko smiled up at her and played a short tune on his flute.
"Music to keep in your heart, Nikyia."
"It's been fun," Tamahome waved. Here, Nikyia paused and poked him.
"You take care of Miaka or I WILL come down from the heavens and hurt you."
Tamahome sweatdropped, grinning sheepishly.
"Take care," Mitsukake grinned, letting Nikyia pat the kitten one last time.
"I'll be speaking with Taiitsukun soon regarding a permanent residency at Mount Taikyoku no da," Chichiri chuckled behind his mask, hugging Nikyia one last time.
"Guess I'll have to be visiting the old hag more often then."
Cut the sap. Arafae groaned. Let's go, Nikyia.
Tearfully, Nikyia looked around the shrine one final time before rushing out into the sunlight. Soldiers now surrounded the shrine. Shaking her head, Nikyia's wings spread and carried her to the top of the shrine. From there, she carried herself to the front of the palace, the perfect place to watch the city for the last time. The market was busy, as always. Nikyia smiled. She was going to miss this place, and all the people she had met while getting there. Arafae settled down beside her.
It will be different…
Yes, it will be.
The red glow appeared again, surrounding them both.
"Whaa?" Could the summoning be over that quickly? Without a chance of thought, she was in her father's realm. Suzaku looked frightened.
"Nikyia!"
"Father?"
Suzaku?
Aerelia appeared next to him, her face just as worried. She rested a hand on her husband's shoulder.
"Nikyia, what's going on? Why is the summoning being performed?!" Suzaku's voice was urgent. Nikyia raised an eyebrow.
"Why else? All seven constellations are gathered."
"They are not!"
The three words hit Nikyia harder than anything had before, even Chichiri's words from before.
"W-what do you mean, Father? We have Tamahome, Hotohori, Nuriko, Tasuki, Chichiri, Chiriko, and-"
"Chiriko? My chosen Chiriko is on his way to the city now!"
All went silent in the realm of the gods.
An impostor, m'lord?
"Chiriko…an impostor?" Nikyia was shaking, a mix of fear and astonishment on her face. "No…it's impossible."
"It's must be. The seven constellations are not gathered!"
Nikyia!! Arafae faded away.
A sharp pain bit into Nikyia's ear. Swiping her hand in it's direction, Arafae got knocked sideways, tumbling off the roof.
GWAH!! THUD!
"Ow!!"
Nikyia blinked and crawled to the edge of the roof. A small boy stood at the entrance, or had stood. He had recently been hit by a plummeting hawk.
"Sorry about that!" Nikyia called down sheepishly. The boy looked up and smiled.
"Quite alright! Could you direct me to the shrine of Suzaku?"
Nikyia blinked, remembering what Suzaku had said.
"You wouldn't happen to be…Chiriko, of-"
"The Suzaku seishi, yes. I am." The boy smiled. "Am I correct in hypothesizing you are the child of the fire god?"
"Big vocabulary for a squirt," Nikyia smirked, hopping off the side and letting her wings carry her to the ground in front of the boy.
Nikyia!! Stop wasting time!! We've got to get to the summoning before the impostor ruins it!
"My intelligence is my Suzaku granted power!" the real Chiriko smiled.
"Good for you. Now, we've got to hurry."
"To the shrine! Lead the way!" Chiriko seemed to know exactly what was going on. With the young seishi in tow, Nikyia ran as fast as she could towards the shrine.
"Wait!!" Chiriko shouted, grabbing onto her arm. Nikyia stopped.
"What is it?"
Chiriko put a finger up to his mouth. In the silence, a soft music could be heard from a vent, letting heat out of the shrine.
"It's Chiriko…the impostor Chiriko." Mingled with the music were screams.
"Using his ki to destroy their minds. Nice ploy." Chiriko ran over to a bush and picked a leaf.
"What are you doing?" Nikyia raised an eyebrow. Chiriko grinned.
Gaah!! He's so cute!!
Women…Arafae rolled his eyes. Chiriko had moved the leaf to his mouth and somehow, he was playing a tune. He kept playing, even when Chiriko the impostor's had stopped.
"After him!" Tamahome shouted, and Nikyia turned her head in time to see the impostor Chiriko run out, Tamahome and Tasuki after him.
"A simple leaf flute," Chiriko smiled proudly. "It stopped his concentration and thus broke the spell."
Nikyia chuckled.
"Seems like Father did a good thing, picking that for your seishi trait."
"Thanks!"
TOO CUTE!!!
Will you shut up about that?
"So, what's your name?"
Nikyia blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"Your name. What is your name? You never told me."
Nikyia grinned at the young seishi.
"Nikyia. Nikyia Seikun."
"I am Ou Doukun! But you can call me Chiriko!"
"Miaka, what happened to Chiriko?" Nuriko's voice echoed from the vent. Chiriko looked up at Nikyia.
"I believe you should introduce me to the remaining constellations," the boy piped. The goddess nodded in agreement.
"Let's go, squirt."
"Don't call me squirt!"
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TA: whoo! New chapter!! Heheee… Ain't Chiriko just the CUTEST?! I could just hug him to pieces!!
Nuriko: Let the kid breathe TA.
TA: ehee ^^;; Well, next chapter's got some surprises for the Goddess, and it's also time for The Festival of Lights. But that's next chapter. NOW is time to get my butt in gear for an essay. (I write my best at night ^^) Ja!