Oheyo minna! *gushing* Ah! I'm so happy with the response I got for my
story! Hehe^-^
Chaotic Cosmos- o.O.I didn't even realize I did that *mutters to self about being a baka* hehe.alright.it should be fixed now.
Celestial DreamBLaze- Doesn't our Usa always have some sort of connections anyways? ^-^V;; nosy advisers? Pestering our dear Hoto-chan? You don't say!! *gasp*.^.~V
SilverDawn- Yes, Miaka will be in the story as the Suzaku no Miko.
Everyone who wants to know *and guessed* if Usa's brother is Sukaku- just read the chapter! ^-^V
Disclaimer- Don't own either shows
------------------
Chapter Two
------------------- Recap-
"What is she?!" She vaguely heard someone cry, but she did not care. She wanted to be in the safe embrace of her onii-chan.she wanted the comfort and protected feeling she got around her onii-chan.
"ONIIIIIII-CHAAANNNNN!!!!" She cried out again, and everyone watched in horrified awe as the once bright sky filled with dark clouds, lightning flashing, thunder roaring. A large bolt of lightning, a golden red in color struck the ground right in front of Usagi. The bolt of lightning gave off a blinding flash of light, and when it faded, the sky was once again clear, and a figure stood in front of Usagi.
"Onii-chan!" Usagi flung herself into the figure's awaiting arms.
----End Recap--------
Silence reigned throughout the crowd, as everyone watched, awed and horrified, yet honored of being witnesses to the sight before them.
"Onii-chan!" Usagi sniffled, clinging onto the strong arms of her brother.
"Sagi-chan." The redhead murmered affectionately, smiling at her as only a brother could.
"Suzaku-sama." Usagi looked up as the voice that had allowed Tamahome freedom whispered her brother's name, with something akin to wonder in his voice. She looked up in time to see a man bow down, an action that seemed to break the others out of their trance as they, too, quickly bowed to her brother, an excited murmur going through the crowd.
Usagi frowned.she couldn't see the face of the man who had whispered her brother's name with such marvel, the cap he wore and the fact that he was bowing, face bent down being the reasons. Giving her brother a somewhat questioning, somewhat pleading look, she silently asked with her eyes to take command. Her brother gave her a stern look. She gave him her patented puppy eyes. It was the battle of the strongest..she enlarged her already large eyes, he frowned, she pouted, he stared, unaffected, and then she enlarged her impossibly large teary eyes even more, her bottom lip trembling while pouting.Suzaku sighed, and looked down, not amused as Usagi smiled brilliantly at her victory.
"You may rise." Usagi stated, in a voice she rarely used anymore. In what she had dubbed her "court voice".it was the voice of a princess.
None, save Tamahome and Hotohori did so.
Usagi bit back a gasp. 'Bishonen!!!!!!' she screamed to herself in her mind. 'Bishi, bishi, bishi!!!" she continued to repeat in her mind, staring intently at the man in front of her.
His flawless tanned skin was framed by his dark brown hair, which she saw to have a nice twinge of green mixed with it. She was sure that the green could only be seen under certain lighting, however.somewhat like her hair, she mused. Unfortunately, she could not determine the length of his hair, as most of it was tucked under his cap. His golden brown eyes bore into her very soul, and she could not bring herself to take her gaze away from his. In fact, it was the sound of her brother clearing his throat that finally caused her to tear her gaze away from his, a slight blush staining her cheeks.
"Saihitei Seishuku." Usagi gasped as the man turned his attention to her brother. She had often heard her brother speak of him, the current emperor of Konan.she had heard he was young.but to see him in person.he could not be any older than she appeared to be! And running a whole empire.a man who held such beauty! As emperor, he held such power and riches, so why did she see that deep sadness and loneliness underlie his eyes? Surely, he must be content with his life! Still.the life of royalty was a lonely one.she promised herself to make sure he would not be lonely for long, startled at her own sudden interest in the man.
"Hai, Suzaku-sama?" His voice did not tremble once, nor show any sign that he was worried or surprised to see her brother, unlike the other mortals of whom she saw encounter her brother, though that was a rare occasion. What an interesting man.
"I am most displeased with your people's treatment towards my sister." Her brother's ruby eyes flashed
"My deepest and most sincerest apologies, your greatness. We had no idea-" The young emperor had no chance to finish.
"THERE SHOULD BE ANY REASON WHY MY SISTER WAS TREATED AS SHE WAS, REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU DID OR DID NOT KNOW! IF I-" Suzaku stopped his tirade, as he felt his sisters hands touch his own.
"Onegai, nii-chan.I'm fine! See?" She showed him her hands, as if it would show if she was harmed or not. "Onegai, please don't get angry at Saihitei- sama. It's not his fault.I was being careless.onegai?" She pleaded with him.
Suzaku stared at her, studying her intently. His sister could be quite reckless at times. He gave a sigh, relenting. "Hai.I suppose I shall leave them be.imouto, come on." He turned to face the young emperor in front of him.
"See that your guards learn to mind themselves."
"Of course, Suzaku-sama." Hotohori bowed, once again.
Suzaku opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by his sister.
"Nii-chan!! What did you mean come on?!"
"Isn't it obvious, imouto? You're coming back with me!"
"But I don't want to go back!" Usagi whined, but stopped at her brothers glare. "Onegai? I want to stay here for a bit.onegai?"
Damn her and her puppy eyes.
"They're not going to like this!"
"It was their idea! Now don't you have somewhere to go.someone to fight with?" Her eyes twinkled with mirth. "Sayonara, nii-chan.tell everyone I said hi!"
"Sayonara, omouto. Call me if they do anything." A flash of red lightning, and he was gone. Usagi stared after where he stood for a moment, before turning to look at the crowd. They, in turn, stared in fear and awe of her. Usagi turned her attention to Tamahome and Seihitei. Tamahome stared at her in shock, Seihitei in surprise, both still bowing, as was the rest of the crowd.
They all looked at her intently, wondering what wise and majestic words would sprout from her mouth.
"I'm hungry!"
------------------------
"So.you're telling me that she," Usagi gestured to Miaka, "is my brother's miko?"
After Usagi's announcement in front of the crowd, Seihitei.erm.Hotohori (he had asked her to call him by his seishi name) had decided that she should accompany him to the palace.that is, if she wished too. There would be food there, too, so naturally, Usagi had agreed. Linking arms with the surprised blushing emperor, she had led him to what she had assumed to be his carriage, while ignoring the sudden warmth and completeness she had felt, instead complaining about how he really ought to send his guards out to a spa for a week or so, or at least send them to some anger-management counseling.
Surprised, he had merely stared at the chattering girl, a slight blush on his cheek, eyes wide. Not only did her beauty possibly surpass his, she was the sister to a god, their god, but she was treating him like a..normal person. A grin made its way to his lips. A normal person.
When they had arrived at the palace (which took longer than usual, as halfway to the palace, they had to turn around and retrieve the forgotten Tamahome), introductions had been made. To say that the Suzaku seishis were astonished and somewhat disbelieving over the story would be an understatement. Eventually, they accepted the story and Usagi had asked that she not be treated differently just because of who she was.
'They don't even know my truest self!' She had thought to herself.
And so, here they were, eating the delicacies made by the cooks in the gardens, and listening to the tale of how the Suzaku seishis had met up, as requested by the guest of honor, Usagi.
It was certainly an amusing story, Usagi decided. To think, Miaka had fallen atop of Hotohori, the emperor! Usagi had to bite back a chuckle at that part.it reminded her of her first meeting with her.previously intended.
"Yes." Tamahome looked exasperated. He had already known the story, after all, he WAS the first one to meet Miaka, but this girl, sister to a god or not, could not seem to grasp the story, and it was irritating him to no ends. Usagi turned to stare at Miaka, both girls watched the other, their cheeks bulging with the dumplings in their mouth, resembling chipmunks. Usagi chewed slowly, thinking intently, and swallowed.
"Wah! You're so obviously the right person for the job!" She nodded her head knowingly, satisfied and patting herself in the back.
"What?! Even after yer see her pig out yer think she's the right person for ther job?!" Tasuki eyes were wide. "Women! I'll never understand them! Too much emotions.that's why I hate them-"Tasuki went flying into a tree.
"Erm.gomen?" Usagi smiled sheepishly as everyone turned to stare at her. Her eyes turned serious as she sat back down, looking at everyone before her.
"Tama-chan." Miaka looked up from her food, her eyes defensive as she heard the nickname the new girl had for HER boyfriend.
"If you were the first to meet Miaka.how come you weren't with her when I arrived?"
"I was at my village, visiting my family." AN- pretend they weren't killed by Suboshi, I need them later on in the story!^.~V
"Ohh.ok!" Usagi stood up and bowed politely to the group in front of her. "Domo arigatou, minna-san, demo, I believe I should take my leave now." She turned to Hotohori. "I thank you for your kind hospitality, your majesty. I wish you all the best." And she turned to leave the gardens.
Hotohori stared at her retreating back. She could not leave! She was his friend, and.and.
"USAGI-SAMA! MATTE!" He called out, to both his and everyone else's surprise. He got up, and ran to catch up with Usagi, whom had turned to face him, curiosity peaked.
"Hai, Hoto-chan?" He blushed at the nickname. "Didn't I tell you to call me Usagi or Usa?" She demanded, a cute pout forming on her lips.
"Gomen, Usagi-sa-Usagi," He smiled kindly at the smaller woman in front of him. "Do you have a place to stay?"
Usagi quirked an eyebrow. Surely, he wasn't suggesting she stay in the palace! She would be an inconvenience! "No, but I'm sure I can find one."
"Why don't you stay here?"
"Arigatou for the offer, Hotohori-chan, demo, I don't wish to impose."
"Nonsense! I would be honored if you would allow me to host your stay, here at Konan! It wouldn't do for another, too! It is my obligation as the emperor of Konan and as your friend!" Usagi's smiled brilliantly, as Hotohori immediately blushed at his words.
'Kawaii!!' Usagi thought dreamily.
'When have I ever blushed this much?!' Hotohori questioned himself, then met Usagi's dreamy gaze. 'Gorgeous.'
"Well then, Hoto-chan, I accept your offer!" Usagi smiled brightly at him, and Hotohori could feel another blush. At his blush, Usagi giggled.
"You're kawaii, Hoto-chan!" She beamed at him and ran back to the others, Hotohori's gaze burning into her back.
'Kawaii?' Hotohori puzzeled. Many had complimented him of his beauty, it was obvious that he was the most beautiful in all of Konan. 'After all, I'm so beautiful, it's scary.' He thought to himself.
Then, this strange woman, who happens to be the sister of his god, shows up and not only does he face a competition as the most beautiful in all of Konan, but he finds himself not minding it but actually LIKING it, AND he finds himself acting differently around her. There was something different about Usagi, and he knew it wasn't just because she was Suzaku's sister.
'Kawaii.' She had called him.and when it came from her, it felt as if everyone in the known universe had upped and told him he was the most beautiful of them all. Coming from her, it felt.special.
----------------------
"I am well aware of the words spreading throughout the kingdom, and I assure you it is not false." Hotohori stated to his council.
"Not false?! But the very idea of this is absurd, your majestic!" One of the younger councilmen cried out.
"Hush, you! Let your superior speak!"
"I was, in fact, there when the great Suzaku-sama honored us with his appearance, and left us with the presence of his sister." Hotohori paused, thinking of Usagi, before continuing. "In fact, she is here in the palace as we speak."
"What?!"
"Suzaku-sama's sister!?! Here?!! We must meet her!"
"She must be honored!"
"There must be some sort of celebration in her honor!"
"We must build something in her honor!"
"Worship her! Perhaps a temple solely for her devotion!"
Hotohori stared at his council, quite amused, as they exclaimed their surprise at the unexpected news, however honoring it was, between how to please the god's sister.
"Enough, council. She shall have all that her heart's desires as long as she remains our guest. She has made it clear to I that she does not wish for her status to influence our treatment towards her. We shall carry out her wishes, as I have promised her."
"She has what?!"
"Your majesty, surely you do not mean we are to treat her like..like."
"Like an average person?" the melodic voice of Usagi rang out. The council all spun around as Hotohori gaped at Usagi.
She was garbed in a icy pink silk kimono. Pale yellow embroideries, in the forms of lotus flowers formed intricate patterns in the kimono. She had a matching pink shawl of the best silk strung over her shoulder. Around her neck was a gold chain, with a flat ruby at the end, reaching just under her collarbone. At the center of the ruby, was a large crystal, glowing soft silver. Her golden silver hair was up in its traditional tradition, with two spheres on either side of her head and streamers flowing down, just reaching the floor. Wisps of hair was left to frame her face, bringing out her full cherry lips, the natural flush of her cheeks, the perfect structure of her face. Her large innocent cerulean eyes, with hints of silver stared at the council curiously.
"I hope I'm not interrupting something." She said softly, smiling at the council.
"Forgive my rudeness, miss, but.., who are you?" One of the councilmen asked. Usagi smiled softly and serenely at them, instantly sending a feeling of tranquility upon them.
"I apologize for my rudeness. You may call me Usagi." Usagi grinned, almost impishly.
"Does the lady have no surname?"
"Iie, this lady does not."
"Usagi-chan." Hotohori whispered, though it caught everyone's attention. Staring at their awe-struck emperor, they each began to devise a plan.the kingdom needed an empress.and it seemed the emperor may have just shown them who she may very well be.
"Hoto-chan! Gomen about interrupting, I was bored and no one was around. I decided to look for you and found myself.here. I hope you don't mind.the guards let me in. Did you send them to see someone about anger-management? They're a lot nicer today." Usagi walked up to Hotohori gracefully, delight shining clearly in her eyes.
Hotohori stared at her, before falling into a fit of laughter.
"Nani?!" Usagi looked around her, surprised, as the councilmen, too, began to laugh, though for a different reason. "Nande?!"
"Usagi-chan." Hotohori smiled warmly at her as the laughter died down. The council stared at the two. Their emperor seemed.different.happier. Well, at least they wouldn't have to worry about him not finding an empress! And look, they were even giving each other pet names!
"Hai, Hoto-chan?"
"Meet my council. Council, meet Usagi, sister to Suzaku-sama."
Silence.
"Megami, forgive us!" instantly, each councilmen was bowing to her.
"..." Usagi turned to Hotohori, who shrugged. Turning back to the bowing figures ahead of her, she frowned. "Please, rise. Call me Usagi." She smiled warmly at them.
"Usagi-sama-"
"Uh uh! No sama! Just Usagi or Usagi-chan."
"Demo-" Immediately, the young man was hushed by the other councilmen, some of whom sent him a glare.
"Do as she wishes!" Were the loud whispers.
"Ano.It was nice to meet you all." Usagi bowed her head politely.
"It was an honor to be graced in your presence, your greatness." Usagi frowned slightly at the title.
"Just Usagi, please." She smiled warmly at the young man, who in turn became the subject of Hotohori's glare. Hotohori broke his glare away from the young man, somewhat confused as to why he had the sudden urge to pummel the man to the ground, beating him senseless. Just in time, too, as Usagi focused her attention on him.
"Hoto-chan! You know, you're just the person I wanted to see!" Usagi gave him a dazzling smile.
"Did you wish for anything?" Hotohori asked, somewhat worried that she was unhappy at the palace.
"Hai," She walked up to Hotohori, linking her arms through his. "Come walk around with me? I haven't learned my way around, just yet, and I don't wish to be lost on the first day." Even as she was saying this, she was leading him down his throne, across the room, and towards the gardens, and he didn't seem to notice it at all, so enthralled was he with her.
"Oh, Hoto-chan, have you ever heard of cherry blossoms? They're very beautiful! I haven't seen any here.such a shame.I adore them." and she continued to talked enthusiastically to the emperor as they walked to the gardens, arms linked.
The councilmen stared at each other, then broke out into a grin.
"His majesty seems quite captivated by Usagi-sama."
"As she seems him.."
More grins.
"But what of the miko?"
-----------------------
End Chapter.woo hoo! Finally finoished typing! Hehe! Well, review minna! I'll try to get the next chapter out faster, depending on reviews ne? ^-^V
Chaotic Cosmos- o.O.I didn't even realize I did that *mutters to self about being a baka* hehe.alright.it should be fixed now.
Celestial DreamBLaze- Doesn't our Usa always have some sort of connections anyways? ^-^V;; nosy advisers? Pestering our dear Hoto-chan? You don't say!! *gasp*.^.~V
SilverDawn- Yes, Miaka will be in the story as the Suzaku no Miko.
Everyone who wants to know *and guessed* if Usa's brother is Sukaku- just read the chapter! ^-^V
Disclaimer- Don't own either shows
------------------
Chapter Two
------------------- Recap-
"What is she?!" She vaguely heard someone cry, but she did not care. She wanted to be in the safe embrace of her onii-chan.she wanted the comfort and protected feeling she got around her onii-chan.
"ONIIIIIII-CHAAANNNNN!!!!" She cried out again, and everyone watched in horrified awe as the once bright sky filled with dark clouds, lightning flashing, thunder roaring. A large bolt of lightning, a golden red in color struck the ground right in front of Usagi. The bolt of lightning gave off a blinding flash of light, and when it faded, the sky was once again clear, and a figure stood in front of Usagi.
"Onii-chan!" Usagi flung herself into the figure's awaiting arms.
----End Recap--------
Silence reigned throughout the crowd, as everyone watched, awed and horrified, yet honored of being witnesses to the sight before them.
"Onii-chan!" Usagi sniffled, clinging onto the strong arms of her brother.
"Sagi-chan." The redhead murmered affectionately, smiling at her as only a brother could.
"Suzaku-sama." Usagi looked up as the voice that had allowed Tamahome freedom whispered her brother's name, with something akin to wonder in his voice. She looked up in time to see a man bow down, an action that seemed to break the others out of their trance as they, too, quickly bowed to her brother, an excited murmur going through the crowd.
Usagi frowned.she couldn't see the face of the man who had whispered her brother's name with such marvel, the cap he wore and the fact that he was bowing, face bent down being the reasons. Giving her brother a somewhat questioning, somewhat pleading look, she silently asked with her eyes to take command. Her brother gave her a stern look. She gave him her patented puppy eyes. It was the battle of the strongest..she enlarged her already large eyes, he frowned, she pouted, he stared, unaffected, and then she enlarged her impossibly large teary eyes even more, her bottom lip trembling while pouting.Suzaku sighed, and looked down, not amused as Usagi smiled brilliantly at her victory.
"You may rise." Usagi stated, in a voice she rarely used anymore. In what she had dubbed her "court voice".it was the voice of a princess.
None, save Tamahome and Hotohori did so.
Usagi bit back a gasp. 'Bishonen!!!!!!' she screamed to herself in her mind. 'Bishi, bishi, bishi!!!" she continued to repeat in her mind, staring intently at the man in front of her.
His flawless tanned skin was framed by his dark brown hair, which she saw to have a nice twinge of green mixed with it. She was sure that the green could only be seen under certain lighting, however.somewhat like her hair, she mused. Unfortunately, she could not determine the length of his hair, as most of it was tucked under his cap. His golden brown eyes bore into her very soul, and she could not bring herself to take her gaze away from his. In fact, it was the sound of her brother clearing his throat that finally caused her to tear her gaze away from his, a slight blush staining her cheeks.
"Saihitei Seishuku." Usagi gasped as the man turned his attention to her brother. She had often heard her brother speak of him, the current emperor of Konan.she had heard he was young.but to see him in person.he could not be any older than she appeared to be! And running a whole empire.a man who held such beauty! As emperor, he held such power and riches, so why did she see that deep sadness and loneliness underlie his eyes? Surely, he must be content with his life! Still.the life of royalty was a lonely one.she promised herself to make sure he would not be lonely for long, startled at her own sudden interest in the man.
"Hai, Suzaku-sama?" His voice did not tremble once, nor show any sign that he was worried or surprised to see her brother, unlike the other mortals of whom she saw encounter her brother, though that was a rare occasion. What an interesting man.
"I am most displeased with your people's treatment towards my sister." Her brother's ruby eyes flashed
"My deepest and most sincerest apologies, your greatness. We had no idea-" The young emperor had no chance to finish.
"THERE SHOULD BE ANY REASON WHY MY SISTER WAS TREATED AS SHE WAS, REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU DID OR DID NOT KNOW! IF I-" Suzaku stopped his tirade, as he felt his sisters hands touch his own.
"Onegai, nii-chan.I'm fine! See?" She showed him her hands, as if it would show if she was harmed or not. "Onegai, please don't get angry at Saihitei- sama. It's not his fault.I was being careless.onegai?" She pleaded with him.
Suzaku stared at her, studying her intently. His sister could be quite reckless at times. He gave a sigh, relenting. "Hai.I suppose I shall leave them be.imouto, come on." He turned to face the young emperor in front of him.
"See that your guards learn to mind themselves."
"Of course, Suzaku-sama." Hotohori bowed, once again.
Suzaku opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by his sister.
"Nii-chan!! What did you mean come on?!"
"Isn't it obvious, imouto? You're coming back with me!"
"But I don't want to go back!" Usagi whined, but stopped at her brothers glare. "Onegai? I want to stay here for a bit.onegai?"
Damn her and her puppy eyes.
"They're not going to like this!"
"It was their idea! Now don't you have somewhere to go.someone to fight with?" Her eyes twinkled with mirth. "Sayonara, nii-chan.tell everyone I said hi!"
"Sayonara, omouto. Call me if they do anything." A flash of red lightning, and he was gone. Usagi stared after where he stood for a moment, before turning to look at the crowd. They, in turn, stared in fear and awe of her. Usagi turned her attention to Tamahome and Seihitei. Tamahome stared at her in shock, Seihitei in surprise, both still bowing, as was the rest of the crowd.
They all looked at her intently, wondering what wise and majestic words would sprout from her mouth.
"I'm hungry!"
------------------------
"So.you're telling me that she," Usagi gestured to Miaka, "is my brother's miko?"
After Usagi's announcement in front of the crowd, Seihitei.erm.Hotohori (he had asked her to call him by his seishi name) had decided that she should accompany him to the palace.that is, if she wished too. There would be food there, too, so naturally, Usagi had agreed. Linking arms with the surprised blushing emperor, she had led him to what she had assumed to be his carriage, while ignoring the sudden warmth and completeness she had felt, instead complaining about how he really ought to send his guards out to a spa for a week or so, or at least send them to some anger-management counseling.
Surprised, he had merely stared at the chattering girl, a slight blush on his cheek, eyes wide. Not only did her beauty possibly surpass his, she was the sister to a god, their god, but she was treating him like a..normal person. A grin made its way to his lips. A normal person.
When they had arrived at the palace (which took longer than usual, as halfway to the palace, they had to turn around and retrieve the forgotten Tamahome), introductions had been made. To say that the Suzaku seishis were astonished and somewhat disbelieving over the story would be an understatement. Eventually, they accepted the story and Usagi had asked that she not be treated differently just because of who she was.
'They don't even know my truest self!' She had thought to herself.
And so, here they were, eating the delicacies made by the cooks in the gardens, and listening to the tale of how the Suzaku seishis had met up, as requested by the guest of honor, Usagi.
It was certainly an amusing story, Usagi decided. To think, Miaka had fallen atop of Hotohori, the emperor! Usagi had to bite back a chuckle at that part.it reminded her of her first meeting with her.previously intended.
"Yes." Tamahome looked exasperated. He had already known the story, after all, he WAS the first one to meet Miaka, but this girl, sister to a god or not, could not seem to grasp the story, and it was irritating him to no ends. Usagi turned to stare at Miaka, both girls watched the other, their cheeks bulging with the dumplings in their mouth, resembling chipmunks. Usagi chewed slowly, thinking intently, and swallowed.
"Wah! You're so obviously the right person for the job!" She nodded her head knowingly, satisfied and patting herself in the back.
"What?! Even after yer see her pig out yer think she's the right person for ther job?!" Tasuki eyes were wide. "Women! I'll never understand them! Too much emotions.that's why I hate them-"Tasuki went flying into a tree.
"Erm.gomen?" Usagi smiled sheepishly as everyone turned to stare at her. Her eyes turned serious as she sat back down, looking at everyone before her.
"Tama-chan." Miaka looked up from her food, her eyes defensive as she heard the nickname the new girl had for HER boyfriend.
"If you were the first to meet Miaka.how come you weren't with her when I arrived?"
"I was at my village, visiting my family." AN- pretend they weren't killed by Suboshi, I need them later on in the story!^.~V
"Ohh.ok!" Usagi stood up and bowed politely to the group in front of her. "Domo arigatou, minna-san, demo, I believe I should take my leave now." She turned to Hotohori. "I thank you for your kind hospitality, your majesty. I wish you all the best." And she turned to leave the gardens.
Hotohori stared at her retreating back. She could not leave! She was his friend, and.and.
"USAGI-SAMA! MATTE!" He called out, to both his and everyone else's surprise. He got up, and ran to catch up with Usagi, whom had turned to face him, curiosity peaked.
"Hai, Hoto-chan?" He blushed at the nickname. "Didn't I tell you to call me Usagi or Usa?" She demanded, a cute pout forming on her lips.
"Gomen, Usagi-sa-Usagi," He smiled kindly at the smaller woman in front of him. "Do you have a place to stay?"
Usagi quirked an eyebrow. Surely, he wasn't suggesting she stay in the palace! She would be an inconvenience! "No, but I'm sure I can find one."
"Why don't you stay here?"
"Arigatou for the offer, Hotohori-chan, demo, I don't wish to impose."
"Nonsense! I would be honored if you would allow me to host your stay, here at Konan! It wouldn't do for another, too! It is my obligation as the emperor of Konan and as your friend!" Usagi's smiled brilliantly, as Hotohori immediately blushed at his words.
'Kawaii!!' Usagi thought dreamily.
'When have I ever blushed this much?!' Hotohori questioned himself, then met Usagi's dreamy gaze. 'Gorgeous.'
"Well then, Hoto-chan, I accept your offer!" Usagi smiled brightly at him, and Hotohori could feel another blush. At his blush, Usagi giggled.
"You're kawaii, Hoto-chan!" She beamed at him and ran back to the others, Hotohori's gaze burning into her back.
'Kawaii?' Hotohori puzzeled. Many had complimented him of his beauty, it was obvious that he was the most beautiful in all of Konan. 'After all, I'm so beautiful, it's scary.' He thought to himself.
Then, this strange woman, who happens to be the sister of his god, shows up and not only does he face a competition as the most beautiful in all of Konan, but he finds himself not minding it but actually LIKING it, AND he finds himself acting differently around her. There was something different about Usagi, and he knew it wasn't just because she was Suzaku's sister.
'Kawaii.' She had called him.and when it came from her, it felt as if everyone in the known universe had upped and told him he was the most beautiful of them all. Coming from her, it felt.special.
----------------------
"I am well aware of the words spreading throughout the kingdom, and I assure you it is not false." Hotohori stated to his council.
"Not false?! But the very idea of this is absurd, your majestic!" One of the younger councilmen cried out.
"Hush, you! Let your superior speak!"
"I was, in fact, there when the great Suzaku-sama honored us with his appearance, and left us with the presence of his sister." Hotohori paused, thinking of Usagi, before continuing. "In fact, she is here in the palace as we speak."
"What?!"
"Suzaku-sama's sister!?! Here?!! We must meet her!"
"She must be honored!"
"There must be some sort of celebration in her honor!"
"We must build something in her honor!"
"Worship her! Perhaps a temple solely for her devotion!"
Hotohori stared at his council, quite amused, as they exclaimed their surprise at the unexpected news, however honoring it was, between how to please the god's sister.
"Enough, council. She shall have all that her heart's desires as long as she remains our guest. She has made it clear to I that she does not wish for her status to influence our treatment towards her. We shall carry out her wishes, as I have promised her."
"She has what?!"
"Your majesty, surely you do not mean we are to treat her like..like."
"Like an average person?" the melodic voice of Usagi rang out. The council all spun around as Hotohori gaped at Usagi.
She was garbed in a icy pink silk kimono. Pale yellow embroideries, in the forms of lotus flowers formed intricate patterns in the kimono. She had a matching pink shawl of the best silk strung over her shoulder. Around her neck was a gold chain, with a flat ruby at the end, reaching just under her collarbone. At the center of the ruby, was a large crystal, glowing soft silver. Her golden silver hair was up in its traditional tradition, with two spheres on either side of her head and streamers flowing down, just reaching the floor. Wisps of hair was left to frame her face, bringing out her full cherry lips, the natural flush of her cheeks, the perfect structure of her face. Her large innocent cerulean eyes, with hints of silver stared at the council curiously.
"I hope I'm not interrupting something." She said softly, smiling at the council.
"Forgive my rudeness, miss, but.., who are you?" One of the councilmen asked. Usagi smiled softly and serenely at them, instantly sending a feeling of tranquility upon them.
"I apologize for my rudeness. You may call me Usagi." Usagi grinned, almost impishly.
"Does the lady have no surname?"
"Iie, this lady does not."
"Usagi-chan." Hotohori whispered, though it caught everyone's attention. Staring at their awe-struck emperor, they each began to devise a plan.the kingdom needed an empress.and it seemed the emperor may have just shown them who she may very well be.
"Hoto-chan! Gomen about interrupting, I was bored and no one was around. I decided to look for you and found myself.here. I hope you don't mind.the guards let me in. Did you send them to see someone about anger-management? They're a lot nicer today." Usagi walked up to Hotohori gracefully, delight shining clearly in her eyes.
Hotohori stared at her, before falling into a fit of laughter.
"Nani?!" Usagi looked around her, surprised, as the councilmen, too, began to laugh, though for a different reason. "Nande?!"
"Usagi-chan." Hotohori smiled warmly at her as the laughter died down. The council stared at the two. Their emperor seemed.different.happier. Well, at least they wouldn't have to worry about him not finding an empress! And look, they were even giving each other pet names!
"Hai, Hoto-chan?"
"Meet my council. Council, meet Usagi, sister to Suzaku-sama."
Silence.
"Megami, forgive us!" instantly, each councilmen was bowing to her.
"..." Usagi turned to Hotohori, who shrugged. Turning back to the bowing figures ahead of her, she frowned. "Please, rise. Call me Usagi." She smiled warmly at them.
"Usagi-sama-"
"Uh uh! No sama! Just Usagi or Usagi-chan."
"Demo-" Immediately, the young man was hushed by the other councilmen, some of whom sent him a glare.
"Do as she wishes!" Were the loud whispers.
"Ano.It was nice to meet you all." Usagi bowed her head politely.
"It was an honor to be graced in your presence, your greatness." Usagi frowned slightly at the title.
"Just Usagi, please." She smiled warmly at the young man, who in turn became the subject of Hotohori's glare. Hotohori broke his glare away from the young man, somewhat confused as to why he had the sudden urge to pummel the man to the ground, beating him senseless. Just in time, too, as Usagi focused her attention on him.
"Hoto-chan! You know, you're just the person I wanted to see!" Usagi gave him a dazzling smile.
"Did you wish for anything?" Hotohori asked, somewhat worried that she was unhappy at the palace.
"Hai," She walked up to Hotohori, linking her arms through his. "Come walk around with me? I haven't learned my way around, just yet, and I don't wish to be lost on the first day." Even as she was saying this, she was leading him down his throne, across the room, and towards the gardens, and he didn't seem to notice it at all, so enthralled was he with her.
"Oh, Hoto-chan, have you ever heard of cherry blossoms? They're very beautiful! I haven't seen any here.such a shame.I adore them." and she continued to talked enthusiastically to the emperor as they walked to the gardens, arms linked.
The councilmen stared at each other, then broke out into a grin.
"His majesty seems quite captivated by Usagi-sama."
"As she seems him.."
More grins.
"But what of the miko?"
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End Chapter.woo hoo! Finally finoished typing! Hehe! Well, review minna! I'll try to get the next chapter out faster, depending on reviews ne? ^-^V