Disclaimer: If I owned FY, I wouldn't be sitting here and typing stories on the computer; I would be enjoying myself on the beach. And since I'm not, I don't own FY.
"WHAT?!"
My eyes almost bulged from their sockets as I pointed at the both of them. Hikitsu's eyes seemed to follow suit as he stared at both Seiki and Geishun (or was it Urumiya and Hatsui?) with his mouth hanging wide open. "Urumiya and Hatsui as in the Genbu seishi?" I managed to squeak, not believing my ears.
"You've got the right people," the person who was Geishun nodded with a smile. "And I assume that the both of you are Tomite and Hikitsu? Where's the Genbu no miko?"
As if hearing her name, Takiko rode up on my horse, looking as frightened as always as she clung onto its mane. Iname was galloping on another horse beside her, leading Hikitsu's stallion towards the four of us. She did look a little exhausted; I guess that did take much of her powers.
"Chamka! Hikitsu! Are you okay? Who are these people?" Takiko jumped off my horse, almost catching her leg on the stirrups as she lost her balance. "Oh…whoops…uh…help!!"
FLUMP.
I blinked as Seiki caught her with both his arms and gave her a charming smile, which to me, looked more like a leer that those men always gave to women when they visited brothels. Takiko immediately flushed bright red, blinking as she turned to look at me. "Uh…Chamka? What's going on here?"
Seiki smiled, and I shuddered. "Well, it looks as if this is the Genbu no miko, isn't she?" he gave her his brightest, most charming smile as he gently let her down to her feet. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear miko. I am Seiki, or rather known as Urumiya, and this is Geishun, or to you may be known as Hatsui."
"Sa…roko?"
The five of us turned to look at Hatsui who was staring at Takiko with glassy eyes. "Saroko…I thought you were dead. Why are you here? I buried you myself at the village burial ground…"
"Saroko?" Takiko repeated, looking as confused as the rest of us. "Ano…I'm Okuda Takiko from Japan, not Saroko…Chamka, would you mind telling me what's going on here and who are these people? Do you know them?"
"Baka," I sighed, tapping her head in the most annoying fashion that I could imagine and she frowned, glaring at me. "Honestly, I thought you learned something from what Iname taught you. Maybe if you could jog that lousy memory of yours, you'd remember that the both of those names are the names of two of the Genbu seishi. Which brings me back to the question, what is your proof of being seishi, anyway?"
Hatsui had lost the slightly blank look on his face and was flushing with a gigantic sweatdrop on his head. "Oh, forgive me, miko-sama, it's just that you reminded me so much of someone I knew…"
"Your sister, actually," Urumiya shrugged, patting him on the back as he rolled up the sleeves of his long shirt to his shoulders and bent his arm. There, glowing just above his elbow, was the sign for 'danger'. Stepping closer, I rubbed it as hard as I could, wondering if this was indeed the glowing paint that I had heard existed for sale in the capital. Unfortunately, it was authentic.
"Ow!" He glared at me, rubbing his arm as the bright green glow faded into nothing. "All right with the rubbing already- you know it's authentic, don't you? Of course, if our dear miko was the one to do that, I would truly not mind, especially when it involves a pretty girl rubbing my elbow as an apology…"
It was amazing to see that Takiko didn't hit him over the head- it looked as if she had reserved that especially for me. Instead, she was glaring at him with folded arms, muttering 'Hentai' under her breath. Genbu, she actually found evidence that I wasn't the only one who was interested in girls around here! It was a miracle!
Hatsui gave his counterpart a slight punch in the ribs, shooting him a mock glare good-naturedly. "Don't you study your legends, Seiki?" he sighed, shaking his head. "I thought you, of all people, should know that the miko has to be pure for the summoning ceremony. Miko-sama, please forgive him for his brashness. He's still a kid."
Saying that, he began to take off his shirt and I shuddered. Was everyone in the capital this perverted? Well, well, it looked as if I've met a haven of similar interests here. Genbu, how could you stand the people living in the capital of Hokkan doing such things?
Hatsui seemed to frown at me, looking slightly annoyed. "Tomite, I'm not doing anything of that sort!" he blurted out, and I blinked. Had it read my thoughts? "Yes, I can read your thoughts- it's part of my seishi powers. And for your information, I just wanted to show everyone this."
True to his word, as his shirt came off, there on his stomach was a bright green character that read as 'Encampment'. Hikitsu was now raising an eyebrow in my direction and I glared at him, daring him to say something and risk eternal mutilation now.
"So…" Hikitsu quickly changed his line of view to look at the two new seishi. "I guess we'll have to welcome the two of you, but now, my guess is that we should try to make our way to the capital first. It'll be much safer there."
Urumiya shrugged. "Sounds fine with me. Come on, Geishun; we'll meet you guys at the city entrance, okay?"
Then, even before either of us could speak, he grabbed Hatsui's hands and levitated himself off the ground, promptly flying off. Takiko exchanged looks with me, and raised an eyebrow.
"I told you we'd meet a seishi who could fly."
-------
I had never expected the capital to be this big- maybe it was because I had spent my entire life in a small village near a forest instead of living on the wide plains. People bustled in and out of the city gates, minding their own business while some vendors were sitting at the entrance, trying to sell their wares to the newcomers.
Urumiya was standing near the gigantic metal doors, tapping his foot impatiently as he folded his arms, frowning a little. "Genbu, what took you so long?" he complained, not looking very pleased as he glanced at the four of us. "Don't you know that the cold can be damaging to our miko's health?"
"We sure do," I muttered under my breath, raising an eyebrow at Takiko who lifted an arm and-
WHACK!
"I'm not helpless!"
At once, I crumpled to the floor with swirly eyes, drawing strange looks from the guards who were patrolling the gate, and from Urumiya and Hatsui too. "WHAT DID I DO?! Believe it or not, it's true, you damn head-hitting onna!"
We were definitely drawing some weird look from the small crowd that had assembled around us. Murmurs ran through the atmosphere, and Urumiya definitely did not look pleased. "Genbu, and I thought we could actually go into the capital without any hassles. Honestly, why do you have to scream at the miko like that?"
Hatsui cast a quick glance at the growing group around us, sweatdropping slightly as he tapped Urumiya lightly on the shoulder. "Um…Seiki? I know you're busy, but this doesn't seem like an appropriate time to sit here and argue. Perhaps we should go and see the emperor before sorting out our…differences. Trust me, the publicity doesn't do wonders to your reputation."
"All right, clear up, clear up, there's nothing to stare at," I heard a rough voice come from somewhere behind the crowd and there was a loud shuffling of feet, as if someone was pushing themselves through the death trap of people. "Captain of the guard here, clear out, emperor's orders. Move along now, yes, that's it…
It was less than a minute before an entire troop of soldiers stood in front of me, squinting as if I was some horrible exhibit put out for someone's circus freak show. "That's him, isn't him? Take him away; I can't believe the Kutou was this brave to send one of their generals here…"
Two of them grabbed my arm, and immediately out of reflex, I punched one in the gut, kicking the other in a place where I knew it would hurt for very long before at least ten swords were placed close to my neck. Oh…crap.
Urumiya looked confused, blinking as he stared at this 'captain of the guard'. "What seems to be the problem?" he questioned, raising a slight eyebrow at the armoured men. "We're not bringing anything illegal into the capital- we're the Genbu seishi in fact. We're here to see the emperor."
"Hai, Urumiya-san, the emperor is expecting you. As well for this Kutou prisoner who calls himself a general that you've brought back, don't worry- we'll treat him well enough. In prison, that is."
"WHAT?!" I exploded, wincing as the swords were drawn closer to the vein on my throat. "I'm no Kutou general of anything of that rubbish- I'm from Hokkan! What's with you people?!"
Hikitsu nodded, stepping forward, his face looking very serious now. "I demand that you release him now- he's none other than Tomite, one of the Genbu seishi. If you throw him into prison, you could face a death penalty as a punishment from hindering the miko from summoning Genbu.," he spoke very slowly, and I could see a vein popping up on his head as he spoke. Genbu, if they made him angry, this was not going to be a pretty sight…
There was murmur or doubt as the soldiers turned to their leader, as if asking for a clarifying order. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and I could do nothing but glare at the swords that threatened the flow of blood running to my head.
"…Very well," the captain of some sort, whatever he was, nodded, not looking very pleased with the outcome. Apparently, he had caught sight of Hikitsu's glowing symbol beneath his eye-patch, and didn't want to mix around with an angry Genbu seishi. "We shall ask for heika-sama's advice on this matter. However, this…seishi will have to be kept under close surveillance as it will be dangerous if he turns out to be...not who he seems."
Hatsui turned to look at me with a slight troubled look on his face as he chewed on his bottom lip slightly. "I guess we have no choice. Tomite, you'll have to endure this for a little longer. Unfortunately, you seem to resemble a certain someone from…Kutou."
"Well, this had better be quick," I muttered under my breath as the swords were taken away from my throat and my hands tugged roughly behind me. "Ow! A little courtesy wouldn't hurt you, you know; is this the way you treat a guest? No wonder no one's coming to the capital!"
"Move along," the captain (whatever he was, I didn't care now- who would think of such things when they were about to have their head chopped off?) gave the orders and I felt a rough shove behind my back, forcing me to walk. This was ridiculous- I was being treated as if I was a prisoner of war. What in Genbu's name I did was beyond me though.
There was silence among our small group as we walked through the roads, drawing whispers from the people that came out to point and stare. I squeezed my eyes shut, not believing that I had to bear such embarrassment. This was insane! These soldiers, especially that obnoxious captain of theirs had better start thinking of an apology when they discover who I really am, or else, they won't live for long. The emperor would have their heads.
"Hang on, Chamka," Takiko whispered and I opened my eyes, looking at her from the corner of my eye to see how unhappy she was with this arrangement. "I'm sure this is all just a misunderstanding."
"Well, I certainly hope so," I sighed, watching as the walls of the palace drew closer and closer by each step. "If it isn't, this world really has gone crazy."
-------
I had to admit that despite the condition that I was being treated, I was still in awe at the sight of the palace's interior. Shiny, wonderfully polished mahogany wood were modeled into doors of such majestic grace while the floor was tiled with shiny marbled that had been buffed so well that I could practically see my reflection off the floor.
Takiko herself seemed to look as astounded as I did, her eyes wide as saucers while her jaw seemed to drop to the floor. "Sugoi…this is the palace? The emperor must really be a rich person…"
"You can say so," Hatsui smiled slightly as he nodded before throwing a glance in my direction. "The Hokkan palace is the richest place in all of Hokkan, housing both the emperor and the national treasury. That's why there are so many guards around…"
As if to prove his word, a troop of guards marched past, most probably patrolling the area. I noticed, though, that their eyes hardened at the sight of me, as if I was some type of filthy rubbish that someone had just picked up from the trash. "Captain, is this…?"
"We haven't confirmed his identity yet, but we'll be going to see the emperor for this. Resume your patrol- we don't want anyone skulking around the palace intent to cause havoc."
I snorted, noting how snobbish he sounded at that moment with that commanding tone at all. Hikitsu seemed to sense my hostility and stretched out an arm, touching my shoulder slightly. "Don't worry- we'll get you out even if the emperor doesn't believe you. You are one of us, after all."
"Hikitsu…"
Hatsui nodded, his eyes serious as we continued through the maze of doorways and rooms in the corridor of the palace. "Trust me, we do know that you aren't one of the Kutou generals that they are talking about, but no one else will believe you. Unless…" He turned to look at Takiko who blinked and pointed towards herself. "Unless she consents to say something to the emperor about this. If they find you guilty of being a Kutou citizen…you could very well have yourself beheaded."
"You think I don't know that?" I asked bitterly, only to have yet another rough push on my back and a growl to 'walk or suffer'. "Hey, watch it, will you? I protect the Genbu no miko all the way to the capital and all I get is something like this? Honestly, don't you city people know any manners?"
"Miko? Genbu no miko…?"
"Uso…"
A murmur of disbelief swept throughout the entire troop as they turned to stare at both Iname and Takiko- the only two onnas in the group itself. Takiko sweatdropped, turning from side to side frantically before looking at me in alarm. Apparently, she hadn't expected that so many people would know about her, and now looked frightened enough to sink to the ground.
"Chamka…" she sounded scared, growing pale under her rosy skin, and I stiffened slightly. Genbu, don't tell me she was going to back out of being the Genbu no miko now?!
Fortunately, Hikitsu stepped to the front. "I do believe that this is a matter that the emperor himself should attend to. Kindly lead the way- now."
There was an edge to his voice and I shuddered, wondering what Hikitsu could do under these circumstances. I had only head that tone when Hikitsu as about to burst into a furious rage that could practically leave the entire palace half frozen in ice. This was dangerous…
The captain himself seemed to be share the very same thoughts as me, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the silver haired seishi. I don't think he was very pleased with the situation at the moment, judging by how quickly it was slipping out of his hands- especially when it involved a potentially dangerous seishi that he was facing with.
We came to a sudden halt in front of a high, oak door that seemed to touch the ceilings, looking so foreboding that Iname shrank behind Takiko at the sight of it. It was shut and no sounds could be heard from inside it, as if we were on a one way trip to somewhere we could never return. It was almost scary…
He turned to gaze sharply at the guards at the door who were so absorbed into exchanging stories to each other that they hadn't noticed our arrival. "Two of you! Don't you know better than to slack on duty? If an enemy came here at this very moment, will you be responsible if anything happens to heika-sama?"
They immediately snapped to attention, their eyes wide as the bowed, apologizing profusely. Honestly, the guards in the palace were of no use- if they could stand here doing nothing but talking, wouldn't it be better if they were sent back to their villages to breed goats and farm?
"We shall settle this with the emperor as it is the only way," he turned to stare hard at my face, as I daring me to say something to oppose his authority before nodding to the guards at the door. "We are here to see the emperor- please open the door."
The armoured men nodded, only lifting their eyes to gaze curiously at me before pushing the door open. I inhaled as the door swung open, embracing my fate as it could cut my life short at any moment.
Author's notes:
Ahahaha! You people must be wondering who is this 'Kutou general' who resembles Tomite, no? You'll just have to wait to find out! And what happens if Tomite is beheaded? *gasps and turns the 'Plot Twister® that she owns* Ahahaha!
No, you can't bash Urumiya for being an…um hentai person…^_^;;. Why is he hentai? You'll find out soon enough too- I'm not giving anything away until you people review like nice little reviewers. (Yes, that's blackmail and if you don't comply, I won't tell you why! :p Hey, that rhymes…comply and why. Weird…)
Just in case you were wondering, Hatsui's sister (yes, Saroko) died a few years back, and Takiko resembles her. So…it's as if Saroko's come back to life for poor little Geishun, and he goes into shock for a while at the sight of Takiko but snaps out of it when he realizes that she's the Genbu no miko. Poor guy.
Tomite seems to be portrayed as one of a rather nasty temper in this chapter…well if you were on your way to get yourself beheaded for no apparent reason, wouldn't you feel the same? Of course, he has the support of both Takiko and Hikitsu…and Iname, but she doesn't have a very active role in this chapter. Maybe next chapter, ne??
Ugh…my exam's drawing closer as I type this, and I'm dreading it. Maybe some of you could give me any pointers? No telling me to cheat, though, cheating's not good. *shakes head*
Kang Xiu is forever the first reviewer, no da. You've got to be my most ardent fan, girl!! But really, you have to lay off on the praises- I feel so embarrassed! =^_^=And Flying Heart, don't worry about not reviewing. Of course, you could do like nuri-chan and review all the chapters that you've missed... XD
Nyan-nyan Neko, what do you mean Urumiya turn out like Nakago? Trust me, he's wayyyyy nicer than Nakago. I know.
Random plea: REVIEW! Okay, maybe it's not so random after all…
Okay them, until next time, ja ne~!
