Chapter 13: Hope for Tomorrow
"Tenshi?" Daikonsen called. "Tenshi, are you there?" Her dark eyes searched a purple horizen.
She needed someone to listen to her, she needed someone to hold her. A wisp of breath rushed out when the arms of the man she called Angel came around her. *Tenshi...*
"I've been waiting for you," he said grinning, while whispering into her ear. "I've been waiting for you, Firefly." The crimson color of his eyes flashed with burgundy as her voice hissed a sensual wave through him.
"Will you hold me?......." He did as he always did when he was in his own dreams.
"Of course, m'lady. Only if I can listen to your voice, just like the sound that a fire makes at twilight." Something inside her choked, a feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Everything is chaos right now. Kakusei was raped. His Majesty and Nuriko were fighting over Mirakuru. Miaka can't be with Tamahome, they can't even hold each other. And poor Tauski, he's helpless, Kakusei keeps pushing him away. And all of us guardians, have to be virgins!" Tenshi's eyes focused on hers at that remark. We all know that Densetsu isn't one, and neither is Kakusei. All that is left is me--"
Tenshi's breath rushed out of his lips. *I don't know how anybody could resist.*
"And Mirakuru. But I don't think she can hold on much longer. She's strong at heart, but not when it comes to her emotions. She could easily surrender herself to the desires of his Highness or Lord Nuriko. And I don't think that we can summon Suzaku if the guardians aren't all pure."
"You can..." Tenshi's lips brushed the back of neck. "All you need to really summon me--him is to have the faith in you heart and the spirit to fight." A sigh escaped her lips. "Just don't let the darkness overcome you."
"The flames of the fire will be my guide."
"You cannot rely on that power. Rely on your own and then you'll stand a chance." He turned her to face her. "Listen to my voice. The darkness of the Seiryuu Seven is not a part of Seiryuu himself. The one called Nakago is the cause for the evil. He must be destroyed. Can you do that for me?"
"Kill?!?!" Daikonsen asked afraid. "I can't." Her face turned away from his, ashamed that she couldn't do it.
"Trust me--events will lead to a fierce anger in you're heart that you will spill blood. I know it will be hard for you Daikonsen, but you must." His hands cupped her chin and held it there. "You must for the cause, for the future, for all that you hold dear, for me, for yourself."
Her eyes finally met his and they shook. "Alright. For you Tenshi, anything."
He smiled at her. "Help me pierce the darkness, Firefly." His mouth went to hers instantly and she kissed him back.
*I will Tenshi.*
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Light glistened of glassy tears, and the sunshine made them glow. Kakusei's eyes were wet and her face, damp; she'd stayed up the whole night unable to sleep. *That man--he--he--he took away my virginity. I wanted it to be with someone I loved--like Tasuki. But it will never be like that anymore.* He would never understand, our so she thought.
At that moment the man she loved stood at the door listening painfully to her sobs. *Kakusei!* He fought back his tears. "Kakusei..."
She jumped at his voice and sat up seeing his shadow at the door. The sun made his earrings dazzle in the light. She could see that he was upset, his face in his hands, supported by his knees.
"Genro..." The door flew open before she could get to it.
Tasuki forced himself upon Kakusei. "Listen to me! It was not you're fault for what happened to you. You did not deserve it more than anyone else!!"
"Tasuki!" Kakusei struggled beneath him. "Get off of me!!!!!!!!"
"No! Not until you talk to me!!!" He cried with a frown and determination. "In my eyes you're still as innocence as a new born child. To me you still are a virgin, you still are innocent!!!!!!!!!"
Kakusei stopped struggling. "Tasuki?" Their eyes met.
"I love you!!!!!!!!! Please don't hide yourself from me anymore, it's killing me!"
She was stunned, he was hurting. He was hurting because she was.
"..............................Tasuki--make love to me...................................."
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Mirakuru pushed the door open to her room, allowing fresh air to enter the room. She sighed and brushed a hand through her hair. "It's so hot today," she couldn't help but smile as the sun caught her eye. Mitsukake had finally healed her wounds and she was top notch again. "Bright too!" She watched as the guards switched shifts and some maidens waved to her.
"Good Morning Lady Mirakuru!" One smiled. Two others waved.
"Hi!!" She waved back and then her attention focused on a door opposite to hers on the upperfloor of the palace. *Hotohori...* She'd forgotten about him, forgotten about his wounds.
Before she left her her room to see him, she changed into something more formal. "I was suppose to check in on him. I hope he forgives me for falling asleep after my visit to Nuriko--" Her fingertips went to her lips. "Nuriko!" *That's right! He and I--he kissed me--told me he loved me. And I--did not refuse him--nor did I except him. Mixed feelings. I better hurry to Hotohori.* She sat down in front of her mirror. "Something quick but neat." She picked at her hair for a few minutes before she finally put the shorter upper half in a bun and pulled every wisp of hair out of her face. The lower half she braided and encircled the upper bun in it.
A cherry color glossed her lips and blue eye make up made her eyes seem even more bluer than they already were. She smiled at her reflection, pleased with her appearance. A formal dress was the most appropiate. She slipped a dress Nuriko had given her after he had stopped cross-dressing. She chuckled wishing she could have seen Nuriko dressed as a woman. "That'd be hilarious." *Back to reality hun.* Her mind told her. "Okay--let's get this day started.
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As the Lady of Prayer slipped out of her room many noticed her. She ran pass Chichiri and gave him a quick smile. Before he could say a word she blurted out, "Not now Chichiri!" She seemed more herself then ever. Smiles fluttered from her face as she yelled to her friend. "I have to speak with Hotohori! See you later!"
"Bye." He blinked, "What's gotten into her?!" He glanced blankly at her and familiar arms came around him.
"I think she's happy today. As I am," Densetsu's voice trailed off and she was suprised to find that Chichiri took off his mask in broad daylight.
"The feeling is mutual," he said as he turned to her with a grin. "A sense of peace has fallen over Konan today."
"I agree with that completely Chichiri." Chiriko smiled from behind. "Something is definetly different about everybody. As if a spell was cast."
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"Majesty?" Mirakuru peeked into his room she saw shadows on the walls and voices.
"Seems everybody is having a pleasent a maid said." Her voice was joyful. "Do you agree Highness?"
"Yes," his voice was lying. "I think that all the people of Konan are finally starting to relax after that last attack."
"Majesty, let me help you with that," another maid said.
Mirakuru peered closer and then walked in. Her checks flushed and her eyes widened. The maids had been helping the King get dressed and he stood there in front of her, his clothing not quite covering his untire body.
"What?!" A maid cried. "You can't be in her right now! The Emperor is dressing!!"
Hotohori's attention turned to behind him, his green eyes peering back. He went to awe when he saw that a woman as beautiful as the morning dawn standing in his door way. "Lady Mirakuru?!" His voice was calm as he spoke, but his face was not as calm as he seemed. "What is it that you need?"
"Um--" Her smile was whipped from her face. *He's mad.*
"Well, what is it? As you can see I am very busy and am not to be bothered." His eyes closed as he spke and then he turned his head away from her. His hair was already put up so he could not hide his anger behind the strands that normally fell into his eyes.
"I needed to talk to you."
He seemed to be thinking as he neither moved, nor spoke. "Alright... Please, leave us."
The maids left without a word and still the young Emperor stood, his back to his guest, his totally exposed to his waist. Her heard her footsteps lightly touching the floor beneath her feet and then felt the brush of her soft fingertips on his back. He bite back from gasping in a sensual way as her hands caressed his back and chest as she pulled his shirt over his shoulders. But as she touched his shoulder he let out a whin.
"Oh, you're wound, I'm sorry, Highness." She drew her hand back but then removed the bandage over it. "Nuriko really did a number on you didn't he?" she asked without a response.
"Ouch, that looks like it hurts. Here," she went around to the front of him. "You gonna have to bend down I can reach that high and see at the same time." He did as she asked without looking directly into her eyes. But he watched her work at his shoulder with a subtle smile on her face. "There!" she said with a look of pride on her face. "I knew I could get it right if I watched Mitsukake enough."
"What did you want to tell me?" He asked looking up at her from his place on his knees.
"By know you already know about Nuriko and I don't you?" He nodded and felt kind of awkward on his knees, as if he were bowing to her. "He and I are--he--well, he--he loves me, I guess." She pulled the shirt complete over his shoulder and pinned it in place. "And I wanted to tell you that I love somebody else."
*No.* He didn't want to hear it.
"I am in love with somebody else."
*No!* He didn't want his heart broken again.
"I am in love with a man that loves cares for me as much as I do him."
"I don't want to hear it!" he finally cried out, wanting to cry.
She then pulled him to her. His head touched her breasts and he could hear her heart beating. "Hotohori--I'm in love with you!"
"Huh?!" His breath rushed out from his lips. *Me?!*
"I don't return Nuriko's feeling's because I love you, and only you." Her bright eyes found his as she slipped to her knees and daringly cupped his cheeks with her hands. "I never realise how much I did, not until I saw how easily it could be take away from me."
His eyes were wide but returned to their normal state, except so warm and soft-hearted. She had changed him. Before he wasn't nearly this emotional or empatheic. He kissed her forehead and then found that he wanted her again, his breathing rate increased. Soon he was panting because of the heat inside of him. "I want an anwser, a real one this time. Mirakuru, will you do the honor of becoming my wife and Empress?"
Her hands clenched hard but then she brought her hands to her face and watched her wrists. The twin star gem glew so brightly they were lighting up the room. In an instant they both knew that she truely did love him more then anything. Before she answered she pulled the collar of his shirt down to see his neck.
His Seishi character was glowing and he spoke meeting her eyes. "I'm just not sure that if we were destined to be together or not. Suzaku might tear us apart."
She closed her eyes, hearing his words and allowed herself to power up a level so that her Suzaku marking would show upon her forehead. "Just because we weren't meant be, doesn't mean we can't be."
He smiled lightly.
"But nothing lasts forever so I can't promise you eternity."
"Then let's make our own destiny."
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"Taiitsu-kun?" Miaka bleated at the old woman appeared in the fire as the were asking to be blessed for the battles ahead before they left that day for the Shinzaho. Miaka blinked, her green eyes staring in wonder. "What are you doing here?"
Tamahome chuckled a bit and Taiitsu-kun frowned at him. "I am here to answer your prayer for blessings and to speak with the Lady Guardians."
"Wha?!" The girls asked, looking to each other. Mirakuru had not arrived yet, but everyone else, but her and Hotohori were accounted for. "What do you need to say to us???" Daikonsen asked the woman.
"In a moment," her voice was husky but she was definetly wise. "First I will bless you all, giving you more access to your powers... Now--" she was ready to begin but Mirakuru stumbled in, Hotohori following quietly behind.
"Sorry guys!" They young woman said with a smile. "I kinda got caught up with something." She grinned and then quickly turned to Hotohori, then back. She stood near Chiriko and Mitsukake before she took her place on the eastern side of Miaka. Kakusei stood at the north, Daikonsen on the west, and Densetsu on the south; Miaka stood in the middle while the Seishi stood all around the 5 woman.
"Could we get started?"
"Yes. Sorry Miss Taiitsu-kun." Mirakuru bowed in appology then knelt before the Lady Priestess.
"Alright... I bless thee in the name of Suzaku and all of the heavens. May you're journeies be found with pride, love filling your lifes and may pain be short lived..."
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"...........Kishukubr......" Tamahome looked up at Taiitsu-kun listening to his real name being said from her mouth. "Yes..."
"Saihitei..." Hotohori's eyes looked to the center of the room.
"Yes..."
"Houjun..." Chirchiri.
"Yes..."
"Myojuan..." Mitsukake.
"Hmm."
"Dokun..." Chiriko.
"Yes!"
"Genro..." Tasuki.
"Yeah."
"And Ryuuen..." Nuriko.
"Yes." Nuriko's voice was distant anyone could tell, but something about him was different. He wasn't quite the same soft, playful Nuriko they all cared for.
"Do you care for these five young women?" Taiitsu-kun asked with a stern voice.
"Yes!" The group said without hestitation.
"More than you're own lives... More than anything?"
"Yes!!" The seishi chanted.
"Then we must help these girls become stronger. Without the extra power, virginity could have provide for Densetsu and Kakusei, they have all become weaker. They are not at their full potential. Therefore, we must help them to awaken their powers."
"But how?" Chichiri asked.
"By becoming as one and intensifing their beings." She paused. "Now, everyone concentrate. See each other in your mind and come together. Raise your power levels and combine in spirit... Now see these girls in the center and through it at them!!!!!"
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Within moments the seishi were entirely exhausting, all gasping for air and feeling weak. "Oh man," Nuriko choked, "That took a lot out of me."
"Definetly, but what happened?!" Tasuki asked and then they saw it. Saw the 5 women standing there. Each having the character of Suzaku piercing their forehead. Miaka stood in the middle.
"We're different somehow." Miaka's voice trailed off, until she nearly fainted, landing in the arms of Tamahome.
"Miaka!!" He shook her fiercely. "Are you alright?!"
"Yeah, I think so..."
Mirakuru, Daikonsen, Kakusei, and Densetsu stood with newly changed appearances. They definetly looked the same, but there was something much different, very different.
"Densetsu?" Chichiri approached her and tried to touch her but his hand went right through her face. "What?!" He gasped and she looked up at him with dark eyes.
In an alienated voice the girl said, "My name is Saikyo. No longer am I Densetsu, but Saikyo, the 'strongest'." She turned away and you could see right through her, a bow in her hand. "My powers have fully awakened and I am a Seishi of Suzaku.
"As have I..." Daikonsen said... "Kenjitsu, the 'lady of the sword.' This way," she looked at her hands with sigh. "This way we have a chance to defeat Seiryuu and Kuto."
"Shinjitsu... the only 'truth...'" Kakusei turned to Tasuki. "You have given me back my strength and will. Because of you I can live." Tasuki smiled at her but she did not return the smile.
"In this form, they are perfect warriors, almost limitless power and the fight without emotion. No sense of guilt, anger, or pity. They will show no mercy, no sense of surrender."
"But how will they feel? How will they live, truely live?!?!" Miaka had come out of her trance, she was no different then before, only more intune with her friends and powers.
"They must do this, because as we all know, you eight cannot do it yourselves..." Taiitsu-kun responded.
"They cannot feel? They cannot love? They cannot be happy?" Hotohori protested. "I do not agree with this method of fighting. They cannot be perfect warriors without emotion!!!" He faced the floating Mirakuru, "Mirakuru, you have to see through this, this is not what we wanted!"
"Kibou," she responded, her eyes empty of feeling.
"What?!"
"My name is Kibou." She glared fiercely at him, unemotionally. "That's what you wanted, Saihitei. I am not an object, and you do not control me."
Nuriko suddenly returned to his normal self and his heart split in two. "You can't possibly agree with this, Mirakuru!!" Tears struck his eyes.
"What do you imply, Ryuuen?"
"My name is Nuriko!!" He glared back at her. "Use my name! You are not you like this!!"
"Maybe not but this is the only way. I am the last 'hope'. We are the last resort." She calmly landed on her feet, still transparent.
The twin star gems no longer glowed on their bodies. "Don't be a fool Ryuuen. You can sense our power and it scares you." Kakusei glared to him and then to Tasuki. "We cannot afford to be distracted by any of you." Tasuki's smile vanished.
"I appologize for this transformation. It is not permanent. It will eventually wear off when these girls are ready to change back to their normal forms, and at anytime they can change back."
Taiitsu-kun told the stunned Seishi and Miko. "It is for the best."
"But--" Miaka cried with wide eyes. She tried to reach for Taiitsu-kun but the old woman vanished before the young Priestess could get to her. "They can't possibly fight like this." She clung to Tamahome who watched the new warriors land on their feet.
"Kenjitsu!" He cried to Daikonsen. "You can't fight like this, you know this better than any of us." The girl listened but did not hear.
"Obviously you have misprecieved me, Kishukubr. We have no flaws like this." Her eyes were cold and icy as she glanced restlessly at Tamahome. "I can keep my promise to Ten--" Kenjitsu gasped and her hands went to you mouth. *Tenshi.* The star jewels on her forehead began to glow.
The Priestess took the chance and cried out. "Daikonsen!! Feel the love there is here!" Tears pierced Miaka's eyes. "Mirakuru!! Kakusei!! Densetsu!!"
*Kenjitsu--* Kibou said silently to her. The gems flickered out and she turned towards the girl once named Mirakuru, now called Kibou. *You have to remain unaffected by emotion. Otherwise you know very well that you will not be able to keep your promise to Tenshi.*
It was apparent that the Lady Kibou, had tapped into the heart of Daikonsen, just then, and learned of her friend's secret meetings with the man called Tenshi.
*Yes.* Kenjitsu turned back to face the other seishi. The four women landed on their feet and their bodies were no longer transparent.
Nuriko looked up at the girl who did not return his feelings for her. *You cannot even love Hotohori this way, let alone me.*
"Today we will leave for the Shinsaho; all of us." Saikyo walked into the center of the group. "I expect it to be by noon." Her eyes met Chichiri's as she approached him.
Meanwhile Tasuki's heart was breaking as he watched his lady go past him. "Not this. Not after--*
Flashback
He striped her of her clothes and the girl beneath him clung tightly to him. "I've been waiting for this for so long." Heat lashed inside of him, but he ignored the rising desires and gently kissed her lips.
She had never refused his kiss and never would. "I'm in love with you," She whispered between their mouths, and he took her. As he drove himself inside her she whimpered his name, "Tasuki."
"It's alright, Koi (Love)..." He leaned his forehead against her's and found her eyes. "As far as I'm concerned, your losing your innocence to me..."
As she opened her mouth to speak he pushed himself deeper within her, driving out all words. Only a sigh escaped her lips.
Present Time
"Shinjitsu!" He called her new name, knowing she would no longer respond to 'Kakusei.' Kakusei turned around softly.
"Yes?" Her heart was once again hidden from him.
"Koi--What about this morning--you and I--we--" His face reddened, mostly because of the tears he was fighting a war against, and beginning to lose.
"What about it?" Empty. She was empty. A few minutes went by and neither one spoke. She then quietly nodded and walked away from the temple, all the while, Tasuki stood stunned.
"Tasuki--" Chiriko yanked on his sleeve. "Hey don't worry about it. It's obvious you love her, and I could see that she wanted to be in your arms just now. She'll be herself before you know it!" The little boy smiled.
"You think?!" Tasuki smiled slightly feeling a strong sense of hope.
"Yes!"
"Yeah!" Nuriko cried, a smile crossing his face. "This whole damn thing will be over soon!!"
Then and there Nuriko vowed to protect Mirakuru as his friend and nothing more. He wanted her to be happy and if it wasn't with him he was just going to have to face it. *I swear to always protect you Mirakuru Tenno!*
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Chichiri met Densetsu at the edge of the carpet. "Dokun." She spoke his name in a whisper and she hid the glowing gems on her hands. She was somewhere between Saikyo and Densetsu and it was closer to one or the either each moment that past.
"Yes." Chichiri's seriousness shown through his mask. "I understand these circumstance very well. Just promise me something."
"Hmm?" The gems faded out but still burned a little. He came closer to her and his soul touched hers. His body could have become one with hers if not have been for the garmets they wore, as he pressed her mouth to his, bringing her head as close to his as possible.
"You will not ever forget what we share--" Her gems burned brighter then any flame of Suzaku and it was obvious that Densetsu was the one he was loving mouth to mouth, and that the promise was made.
"I love you, Chichiri," a voice said and then Densetsu was gone. Saikyo nodded, smiled slightly, and then walked away leaving the rest of the Suzaku Seishi confused and frustrated.
"Seems to me we are gonna have some fun when these girls are back to normal!" Nuriko was unusually happy and he grinned. He walked over to Miaka and pulled her from Tamahome, just as Kibou and Kenjitsu walked out together without a word. Strong arms went around her, "Hey," his voice said encouragingly. "Don't worry about the girls. They're not completely different." She blushed.
"I think we can see this as a challenge to overcome, but now you'll always have a better chance of winning eating contests against me, now that Mirakuru isn't joining us." He winked at her with a smile.
"What?!?!" She whirled around and frowned. "I always win!"
"No, I do." Nuriko said as if he really were a woman. "I'm much better at it then you and plus it doesn't show if I gain weight, but you--that's another story."
"What are you talking about, Nuriko?!" She cried as the two teased each other.
"Face it Miaka--you've gained weight," his cheeks puffed out. "You've getting fat!"
"Nuh-uh!"
"Yeah-huh!" He pretend to pick her up. "See I can't even lift you."
As the two bickered the other Seishi turned to the Emperor. "Sire, should I see if we are ready to leave?" Chiriko asked repectfully.
"Yes." Hotohori smiled friendly. "Somehow I think everything is going to be okay." He turned slightly to Nuriko with only faith. *I think you're going to be the one to keep us all together, united and strong...*
"Tenshi?" Daikonsen called. "Tenshi, are you there?" Her dark eyes searched a purple horizen.
She needed someone to listen to her, she needed someone to hold her. A wisp of breath rushed out when the arms of the man she called Angel came around her. *Tenshi...*
"I've been waiting for you," he said grinning, while whispering into her ear. "I've been waiting for you, Firefly." The crimson color of his eyes flashed with burgundy as her voice hissed a sensual wave through him.
"Will you hold me?......." He did as he always did when he was in his own dreams.
"Of course, m'lady. Only if I can listen to your voice, just like the sound that a fire makes at twilight." Something inside her choked, a feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Everything is chaos right now. Kakusei was raped. His Majesty and Nuriko were fighting over Mirakuru. Miaka can't be with Tamahome, they can't even hold each other. And poor Tauski, he's helpless, Kakusei keeps pushing him away. And all of us guardians, have to be virgins!" Tenshi's eyes focused on hers at that remark. We all know that Densetsu isn't one, and neither is Kakusei. All that is left is me--"
Tenshi's breath rushed out of his lips. *I don't know how anybody could resist.*
"And Mirakuru. But I don't think she can hold on much longer. She's strong at heart, but not when it comes to her emotions. She could easily surrender herself to the desires of his Highness or Lord Nuriko. And I don't think that we can summon Suzaku if the guardians aren't all pure."
"You can..." Tenshi's lips brushed the back of neck. "All you need to really summon me--him is to have the faith in you heart and the spirit to fight." A sigh escaped her lips. "Just don't let the darkness overcome you."
"The flames of the fire will be my guide."
"You cannot rely on that power. Rely on your own and then you'll stand a chance." He turned her to face her. "Listen to my voice. The darkness of the Seiryuu Seven is not a part of Seiryuu himself. The one called Nakago is the cause for the evil. He must be destroyed. Can you do that for me?"
"Kill?!?!" Daikonsen asked afraid. "I can't." Her face turned away from his, ashamed that she couldn't do it.
"Trust me--events will lead to a fierce anger in you're heart that you will spill blood. I know it will be hard for you Daikonsen, but you must." His hands cupped her chin and held it there. "You must for the cause, for the future, for all that you hold dear, for me, for yourself."
Her eyes finally met his and they shook. "Alright. For you Tenshi, anything."
He smiled at her. "Help me pierce the darkness, Firefly." His mouth went to hers instantly and she kissed him back.
*I will Tenshi.*
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Light glistened of glassy tears, and the sunshine made them glow. Kakusei's eyes were wet and her face, damp; she'd stayed up the whole night unable to sleep. *That man--he--he--he took away my virginity. I wanted it to be with someone I loved--like Tasuki. But it will never be like that anymore.* He would never understand, our so she thought.
At that moment the man she loved stood at the door listening painfully to her sobs. *Kakusei!* He fought back his tears. "Kakusei..."
She jumped at his voice and sat up seeing his shadow at the door. The sun made his earrings dazzle in the light. She could see that he was upset, his face in his hands, supported by his knees.
"Genro..." The door flew open before she could get to it.
Tasuki forced himself upon Kakusei. "Listen to me! It was not you're fault for what happened to you. You did not deserve it more than anyone else!!"
"Tasuki!" Kakusei struggled beneath him. "Get off of me!!!!!!!!"
"No! Not until you talk to me!!!" He cried with a frown and determination. "In my eyes you're still as innocence as a new born child. To me you still are a virgin, you still are innocent!!!!!!!!!"
Kakusei stopped struggling. "Tasuki?" Their eyes met.
"I love you!!!!!!!!! Please don't hide yourself from me anymore, it's killing me!"
She was stunned, he was hurting. He was hurting because she was.
"..............................Tasuki--make love to me...................................."
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Mirakuru pushed the door open to her room, allowing fresh air to enter the room. She sighed and brushed a hand through her hair. "It's so hot today," she couldn't help but smile as the sun caught her eye. Mitsukake had finally healed her wounds and she was top notch again. "Bright too!" She watched as the guards switched shifts and some maidens waved to her.
"Good Morning Lady Mirakuru!" One smiled. Two others waved.
"Hi!!" She waved back and then her attention focused on a door opposite to hers on the upperfloor of the palace. *Hotohori...* She'd forgotten about him, forgotten about his wounds.
Before she left her her room to see him, she changed into something more formal. "I was suppose to check in on him. I hope he forgives me for falling asleep after my visit to Nuriko--" Her fingertips went to her lips. "Nuriko!" *That's right! He and I--he kissed me--told me he loved me. And I--did not refuse him--nor did I except him. Mixed feelings. I better hurry to Hotohori.* She sat down in front of her mirror. "Something quick but neat." She picked at her hair for a few minutes before she finally put the shorter upper half in a bun and pulled every wisp of hair out of her face. The lower half she braided and encircled the upper bun in it.
A cherry color glossed her lips and blue eye make up made her eyes seem even more bluer than they already were. She smiled at her reflection, pleased with her appearance. A formal dress was the most appropiate. She slipped a dress Nuriko had given her after he had stopped cross-dressing. She chuckled wishing she could have seen Nuriko dressed as a woman. "That'd be hilarious." *Back to reality hun.* Her mind told her. "Okay--let's get this day started.
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As the Lady of Prayer slipped out of her room many noticed her. She ran pass Chichiri and gave him a quick smile. Before he could say a word she blurted out, "Not now Chichiri!" She seemed more herself then ever. Smiles fluttered from her face as she yelled to her friend. "I have to speak with Hotohori! See you later!"
"Bye." He blinked, "What's gotten into her?!" He glanced blankly at her and familiar arms came around him.
"I think she's happy today. As I am," Densetsu's voice trailed off and she was suprised to find that Chichiri took off his mask in broad daylight.
"The feeling is mutual," he said as he turned to her with a grin. "A sense of peace has fallen over Konan today."
"I agree with that completely Chichiri." Chiriko smiled from behind. "Something is definetly different about everybody. As if a spell was cast."
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"Majesty?" Mirakuru peeked into his room she saw shadows on the walls and voices.
"Seems everybody is having a pleasent a maid said." Her voice was joyful. "Do you agree Highness?"
"Yes," his voice was lying. "I think that all the people of Konan are finally starting to relax after that last attack."
"Majesty, let me help you with that," another maid said.
Mirakuru peered closer and then walked in. Her checks flushed and her eyes widened. The maids had been helping the King get dressed and he stood there in front of her, his clothing not quite covering his untire body.
"What?!" A maid cried. "You can't be in her right now! The Emperor is dressing!!"
Hotohori's attention turned to behind him, his green eyes peering back. He went to awe when he saw that a woman as beautiful as the morning dawn standing in his door way. "Lady Mirakuru?!" His voice was calm as he spoke, but his face was not as calm as he seemed. "What is it that you need?"
"Um--" Her smile was whipped from her face. *He's mad.*
"Well, what is it? As you can see I am very busy and am not to be bothered." His eyes closed as he spke and then he turned his head away from her. His hair was already put up so he could not hide his anger behind the strands that normally fell into his eyes.
"I needed to talk to you."
He seemed to be thinking as he neither moved, nor spoke. "Alright... Please, leave us."
The maids left without a word and still the young Emperor stood, his back to his guest, his totally exposed to his waist. Her heard her footsteps lightly touching the floor beneath her feet and then felt the brush of her soft fingertips on his back. He bite back from gasping in a sensual way as her hands caressed his back and chest as she pulled his shirt over his shoulders. But as she touched his shoulder he let out a whin.
"Oh, you're wound, I'm sorry, Highness." She drew her hand back but then removed the bandage over it. "Nuriko really did a number on you didn't he?" she asked without a response.
"Ouch, that looks like it hurts. Here," she went around to the front of him. "You gonna have to bend down I can reach that high and see at the same time." He did as she asked without looking directly into her eyes. But he watched her work at his shoulder with a subtle smile on her face. "There!" she said with a look of pride on her face. "I knew I could get it right if I watched Mitsukake enough."
"What did you want to tell me?" He asked looking up at her from his place on his knees.
"By know you already know about Nuriko and I don't you?" He nodded and felt kind of awkward on his knees, as if he were bowing to her. "He and I are--he--well, he--he loves me, I guess." She pulled the shirt complete over his shoulder and pinned it in place. "And I wanted to tell you that I love somebody else."
*No.* He didn't want to hear it.
"I am in love with somebody else."
*No!* He didn't want his heart broken again.
"I am in love with a man that loves cares for me as much as I do him."
"I don't want to hear it!" he finally cried out, wanting to cry.
She then pulled him to her. His head touched her breasts and he could hear her heart beating. "Hotohori--I'm in love with you!"
"Huh?!" His breath rushed out from his lips. *Me?!*
"I don't return Nuriko's feeling's because I love you, and only you." Her bright eyes found his as she slipped to her knees and daringly cupped his cheeks with her hands. "I never realise how much I did, not until I saw how easily it could be take away from me."
His eyes were wide but returned to their normal state, except so warm and soft-hearted. She had changed him. Before he wasn't nearly this emotional or empatheic. He kissed her forehead and then found that he wanted her again, his breathing rate increased. Soon he was panting because of the heat inside of him. "I want an anwser, a real one this time. Mirakuru, will you do the honor of becoming my wife and Empress?"
Her hands clenched hard but then she brought her hands to her face and watched her wrists. The twin star gem glew so brightly they were lighting up the room. In an instant they both knew that she truely did love him more then anything. Before she answered she pulled the collar of his shirt down to see his neck.
His Seishi character was glowing and he spoke meeting her eyes. "I'm just not sure that if we were destined to be together or not. Suzaku might tear us apart."
She closed her eyes, hearing his words and allowed herself to power up a level so that her Suzaku marking would show upon her forehead. "Just because we weren't meant be, doesn't mean we can't be."
He smiled lightly.
"But nothing lasts forever so I can't promise you eternity."
"Then let's make our own destiny."
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"Taiitsu-kun?" Miaka bleated at the old woman appeared in the fire as the were asking to be blessed for the battles ahead before they left that day for the Shinzaho. Miaka blinked, her green eyes staring in wonder. "What are you doing here?"
Tamahome chuckled a bit and Taiitsu-kun frowned at him. "I am here to answer your prayer for blessings and to speak with the Lady Guardians."
"Wha?!" The girls asked, looking to each other. Mirakuru had not arrived yet, but everyone else, but her and Hotohori were accounted for. "What do you need to say to us???" Daikonsen asked the woman.
"In a moment," her voice was husky but she was definetly wise. "First I will bless you all, giving you more access to your powers... Now--" she was ready to begin but Mirakuru stumbled in, Hotohori following quietly behind.
"Sorry guys!" They young woman said with a smile. "I kinda got caught up with something." She grinned and then quickly turned to Hotohori, then back. She stood near Chiriko and Mitsukake before she took her place on the eastern side of Miaka. Kakusei stood at the north, Daikonsen on the west, and Densetsu on the south; Miaka stood in the middle while the Seishi stood all around the 5 woman.
"Could we get started?"
"Yes. Sorry Miss Taiitsu-kun." Mirakuru bowed in appology then knelt before the Lady Priestess.
"Alright... I bless thee in the name of Suzaku and all of the heavens. May you're journeies be found with pride, love filling your lifes and may pain be short lived..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"...........Kishukubr......" Tamahome looked up at Taiitsu-kun listening to his real name being said from her mouth. "Yes..."
"Saihitei..." Hotohori's eyes looked to the center of the room.
"Yes..."
"Houjun..." Chirchiri.
"Yes..."
"Myojuan..." Mitsukake.
"Hmm."
"Dokun..." Chiriko.
"Yes!"
"Genro..." Tasuki.
"Yeah."
"And Ryuuen..." Nuriko.
"Yes." Nuriko's voice was distant anyone could tell, but something about him was different. He wasn't quite the same soft, playful Nuriko they all cared for.
"Do you care for these five young women?" Taiitsu-kun asked with a stern voice.
"Yes!" The group said without hestitation.
"More than you're own lives... More than anything?"
"Yes!!" The seishi chanted.
"Then we must help these girls become stronger. Without the extra power, virginity could have provide for Densetsu and Kakusei, they have all become weaker. They are not at their full potential. Therefore, we must help them to awaken their powers."
"But how?" Chichiri asked.
"By becoming as one and intensifing their beings." She paused. "Now, everyone concentrate. See each other in your mind and come together. Raise your power levels and combine in spirit... Now see these girls in the center and through it at them!!!!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Within moments the seishi were entirely exhausting, all gasping for air and feeling weak. "Oh man," Nuriko choked, "That took a lot out of me."
"Definetly, but what happened?!" Tasuki asked and then they saw it. Saw the 5 women standing there. Each having the character of Suzaku piercing their forehead. Miaka stood in the middle.
"We're different somehow." Miaka's voice trailed off, until she nearly fainted, landing in the arms of Tamahome.
"Miaka!!" He shook her fiercely. "Are you alright?!"
"Yeah, I think so..."
Mirakuru, Daikonsen, Kakusei, and Densetsu stood with newly changed appearances. They definetly looked the same, but there was something much different, very different.
"Densetsu?" Chichiri approached her and tried to touch her but his hand went right through her face. "What?!" He gasped and she looked up at him with dark eyes.
In an alienated voice the girl said, "My name is Saikyo. No longer am I Densetsu, but Saikyo, the 'strongest'." She turned away and you could see right through her, a bow in her hand. "My powers have fully awakened and I am a Seishi of Suzaku.
"As have I..." Daikonsen said... "Kenjitsu, the 'lady of the sword.' This way," she looked at her hands with sigh. "This way we have a chance to defeat Seiryuu and Kuto."
"Shinjitsu... the only 'truth...'" Kakusei turned to Tasuki. "You have given me back my strength and will. Because of you I can live." Tasuki smiled at her but she did not return the smile.
"In this form, they are perfect warriors, almost limitless power and the fight without emotion. No sense of guilt, anger, or pity. They will show no mercy, no sense of surrender."
"But how will they feel? How will they live, truely live?!?!" Miaka had come out of her trance, she was no different then before, only more intune with her friends and powers.
"They must do this, because as we all know, you eight cannot do it yourselves..." Taiitsu-kun responded.
"They cannot feel? They cannot love? They cannot be happy?" Hotohori protested. "I do not agree with this method of fighting. They cannot be perfect warriors without emotion!!!" He faced the floating Mirakuru, "Mirakuru, you have to see through this, this is not what we wanted!"
"Kibou," she responded, her eyes empty of feeling.
"What?!"
"My name is Kibou." She glared fiercely at him, unemotionally. "That's what you wanted, Saihitei. I am not an object, and you do not control me."
Nuriko suddenly returned to his normal self and his heart split in two. "You can't possibly agree with this, Mirakuru!!" Tears struck his eyes.
"What do you imply, Ryuuen?"
"My name is Nuriko!!" He glared back at her. "Use my name! You are not you like this!!"
"Maybe not but this is the only way. I am the last 'hope'. We are the last resort." She calmly landed on her feet, still transparent.
The twin star gems no longer glowed on their bodies. "Don't be a fool Ryuuen. You can sense our power and it scares you." Kakusei glared to him and then to Tasuki. "We cannot afford to be distracted by any of you." Tasuki's smile vanished.
"I appologize for this transformation. It is not permanent. It will eventually wear off when these girls are ready to change back to their normal forms, and at anytime they can change back."
Taiitsu-kun told the stunned Seishi and Miko. "It is for the best."
"But--" Miaka cried with wide eyes. She tried to reach for Taiitsu-kun but the old woman vanished before the young Priestess could get to her. "They can't possibly fight like this." She clung to Tamahome who watched the new warriors land on their feet.
"Kenjitsu!" He cried to Daikonsen. "You can't fight like this, you know this better than any of us." The girl listened but did not hear.
"Obviously you have misprecieved me, Kishukubr. We have no flaws like this." Her eyes were cold and icy as she glanced restlessly at Tamahome. "I can keep my promise to Ten--" Kenjitsu gasped and her hands went to you mouth. *Tenshi.* The star jewels on her forehead began to glow.
The Priestess took the chance and cried out. "Daikonsen!! Feel the love there is here!" Tears pierced Miaka's eyes. "Mirakuru!! Kakusei!! Densetsu!!"
*Kenjitsu--* Kibou said silently to her. The gems flickered out and she turned towards the girl once named Mirakuru, now called Kibou. *You have to remain unaffected by emotion. Otherwise you know very well that you will not be able to keep your promise to Tenshi.*
It was apparent that the Lady Kibou, had tapped into the heart of Daikonsen, just then, and learned of her friend's secret meetings with the man called Tenshi.
*Yes.* Kenjitsu turned back to face the other seishi. The four women landed on their feet and their bodies were no longer transparent.
Nuriko looked up at the girl who did not return his feelings for her. *You cannot even love Hotohori this way, let alone me.*
"Today we will leave for the Shinsaho; all of us." Saikyo walked into the center of the group. "I expect it to be by noon." Her eyes met Chichiri's as she approached him.
Meanwhile Tasuki's heart was breaking as he watched his lady go past him. "Not this. Not after--*
Flashback
He striped her of her clothes and the girl beneath him clung tightly to him. "I've been waiting for this for so long." Heat lashed inside of him, but he ignored the rising desires and gently kissed her lips.
She had never refused his kiss and never would. "I'm in love with you," She whispered between their mouths, and he took her. As he drove himself inside her she whimpered his name, "Tasuki."
"It's alright, Koi (Love)..." He leaned his forehead against her's and found her eyes. "As far as I'm concerned, your losing your innocence to me..."
As she opened her mouth to speak he pushed himself deeper within her, driving out all words. Only a sigh escaped her lips.
Present Time
"Shinjitsu!" He called her new name, knowing she would no longer respond to 'Kakusei.' Kakusei turned around softly.
"Yes?" Her heart was once again hidden from him.
"Koi--What about this morning--you and I--we--" His face reddened, mostly because of the tears he was fighting a war against, and beginning to lose.
"What about it?" Empty. She was empty. A few minutes went by and neither one spoke. She then quietly nodded and walked away from the temple, all the while, Tasuki stood stunned.
"Tasuki--" Chiriko yanked on his sleeve. "Hey don't worry about it. It's obvious you love her, and I could see that she wanted to be in your arms just now. She'll be herself before you know it!" The little boy smiled.
"You think?!" Tasuki smiled slightly feeling a strong sense of hope.
"Yes!"
"Yeah!" Nuriko cried, a smile crossing his face. "This whole damn thing will be over soon!!"
Then and there Nuriko vowed to protect Mirakuru as his friend and nothing more. He wanted her to be happy and if it wasn't with him he was just going to have to face it. *I swear to always protect you Mirakuru Tenno!*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chichiri met Densetsu at the edge of the carpet. "Dokun." She spoke his name in a whisper and she hid the glowing gems on her hands. She was somewhere between Saikyo and Densetsu and it was closer to one or the either each moment that past.
"Yes." Chichiri's seriousness shown through his mask. "I understand these circumstance very well. Just promise me something."
"Hmm?" The gems faded out but still burned a little. He came closer to her and his soul touched hers. His body could have become one with hers if not have been for the garmets they wore, as he pressed her mouth to his, bringing her head as close to his as possible.
"You will not ever forget what we share--" Her gems burned brighter then any flame of Suzaku and it was obvious that Densetsu was the one he was loving mouth to mouth, and that the promise was made.
"I love you, Chichiri," a voice said and then Densetsu was gone. Saikyo nodded, smiled slightly, and then walked away leaving the rest of the Suzaku Seishi confused and frustrated.
"Seems to me we are gonna have some fun when these girls are back to normal!" Nuriko was unusually happy and he grinned. He walked over to Miaka and pulled her from Tamahome, just as Kibou and Kenjitsu walked out together without a word. Strong arms went around her, "Hey," his voice said encouragingly. "Don't worry about the girls. They're not completely different." She blushed.
"I think we can see this as a challenge to overcome, but now you'll always have a better chance of winning eating contests against me, now that Mirakuru isn't joining us." He winked at her with a smile.
"What?!?!" She whirled around and frowned. "I always win!"
"No, I do." Nuriko said as if he really were a woman. "I'm much better at it then you and plus it doesn't show if I gain weight, but you--that's another story."
"What are you talking about, Nuriko?!" She cried as the two teased each other.
"Face it Miaka--you've gained weight," his cheeks puffed out. "You've getting fat!"
"Nuh-uh!"
"Yeah-huh!" He pretend to pick her up. "See I can't even lift you."
As the two bickered the other Seishi turned to the Emperor. "Sire, should I see if we are ready to leave?" Chiriko asked repectfully.
"Yes." Hotohori smiled friendly. "Somehow I think everything is going to be okay." He turned slightly to Nuriko with only faith. *I think you're going to be the one to keep us all together, united and strong...*