Chapter 8: Chaos

Last asleep and first to rise as usual. Jade was waiting on the dock for the others to wake-up. Nuriko walked up behind her. Without turning around, "Good morning Nuriko."

"Is there no way to sneak up on you?"

"Keep trying, you'll find a way."

"All packed?"

"Yep. Dios revealed when I can use him. I was starting to think only Mom had in her what Dios looks for."

"Is your scroll done yet?"

"All but my conclusion. I wonder if my power will be passed on sometimes."

"I thought you hated it?"

"I pray it won't be passed."

"Oh. Better pack your stuff on the ship. It might get confused."

"Thanks Nuriko."

Jade came back with her pack and Dios. The dock was now full of life. Nuriko was calling for help loading. Tamahome was teasing Tasuki about the water. Hotohori was handing his sword off to Miaka. Six of her seven were going. Jade walked to Hotohori. "I'll try to do as good of job as you would do."

Hotohori looked down at Jade and smiled gently. "Stay safe yourself. Remember, you're only a child."

"That's a low hit."

"Low hit or not it looks like they're leaving."

"Later this will be settled."

She turned and ran up the ramp to the ship. Dios jingled as she ran. "Where are you going to put that thing so no one gets hurt?"

"Tasuki, it shouldn't matter. You're the only one that tried to grab it."

"No, it's dangerous."

"Soon it won't matter, I'll be wearing it."

"Then put it on."

"I can't yet."

"Why not?"

"I'm done."

"Done with what?"

"Done arguing about Dios."

"Tasuki, Dios is living no da. I think he dislikes being pushed."

"Thank you Chichiri. I was starting to think Dios was too complicated."

Jade walked to the rear of the ship and looked back at what they left. Clouds started to roll in. "Chiriko, what's going on?"

"This isn't a normal storm."

"Crap, I'm not ready yet."

"Ready?"

"Dios isn't making this any easier."

She walked away from Chiriko. "Dios can I wear you without use of your power yet?"

She held Dios over her head. There was a downward pressure. She let it go. After it settled she pulled her hair through the back and was ready to go. She went to the front and looked towards the skies. "Soi! I know you're near. Show yourself!"

The only reply was a magnification of the storm. Tasuki was safe but now Nuriko, Tamahome, and Miaka were in the water. Jade could only watch as they drifted away. She tried to go after them but was held back Juan. She looked up at him. "Don't worry we'll get them back. The storm is just too bad now."

"But I'm to protect him."

"Jumping in won't help him."

"Dios, give me strength."

They fought the storm trying to get close to them. Jade watched the sky. She knew what was coming and had to stand firm. They found them and pulled them back aboard. Soi finally showed herself. Miaka faced her with Hotohori's sword. Jade wished it hadn't been that way. Soi wasn't that bad, just dedicated to Nakago. She retreated in defeat.

Just as Jade feared Soi reported back that she was with Suzaku's group. "So she's helping them now?"

"She stayed back from the fight. I don't know what she's doing on their side."

"Her presence is enough."

"Does that mean I don't have to spare her anymore?"

"Wait on that. She might still be of some use to Lady Yui."

"I don't see how."

"She knows the future. It brought tears to her once. I think it might be in our favor."

Tasuki poked Jade in the back. "I thought you couldn't wear that thing."

"Dios allowed me to wear him. I still can't use the power yet."

"Will we ever get to see this great power?"

"Maybe. I've decided where I want to wake-up. That makes the time closer."

"Where?"

"Not now. This place has ears."

This new land was much colder. Jade was just so happy to be on dry land. "Oni?"

"What's wrong Jade?"

"I've been meaning to ask, where did you go just before we left? You seem different since you got back."

"It's nothing for you to worry about. I think I understand you a bit more now."

"What happened? How do you understand?"

He ruffled her hair taking care to avoid Dios. "I'll tell you later. For now please don't worry."

"You understand and tell me not to worry? Promise to tell me."

"Promise."

"I won't worry now."

She closed her eyes and flashed a goofy smile. The trip was stressful. This new city had a clue if they could read it. Tamahome had left with another man to ask the meaning. Jade traced the letters with her fingers. Some of them were familiar to her. Her father was teaching this language to her. "He's coming."

She turned to Miaka and Nuriko who were sitting on the stairs waiting. "Who's coming?"

Jade sat down. She remembered a meeting of two forces. A tear fell. "What's wrong? Did the message upset you?"

"No, a memory. Ashitare is coming. He's a force to recon with."

"Where is he?"

"Near. He wants blood."

Jade's eyes ignited and the hourglass appeared. "What are you doing?"

"Sorry but I'll see you in a few hours."

Jade disappeared to the void. Dios played no part in the slip this time. She miscalculated and reentered too late. Ashitare had his blood but didn't escape unharmed. Dead for now but Nuriko was in no mood to die. He managed to move the stone blocking the entrance before his strength gave out. Jade ran to his side. "So this is what you saw?"

Jade's face was full of tears. "Yes. The blood is so much worse now. Please don't die."

"You know how this is going to end for me. Don't make it worse for yourself."

The others arrived quickly but too late for Nuriko. Jade stood back. Blood stained the white snow. Tasuki seemed to take it the worst. He looked to Jade. "You knew didn't you?"

"I did."

"Then why didn't you do anything to stop it?"

Tasuki now held her by the shoulders. "I couldn't."

"Tasuki! That's enough. She can't change what happens. Isn't it bad enough to know something so horrible?"

Tasuki paused at Tamahome's words. He released his grip. "Sorry."

She backed away from him. They entered the chamber Nuriko had cleared the way for. Jade kept to the rear behind Juan. Inside Tomite and Hikitsu greeted them. Jade stopped the flow of time around herself to keep safe. She kept herself ready but was still obscured by Juan as they tested Miaka. She broke free of her icy grave. Jade was sick of it. She walked to the front. "That's enough. Even humiliated she wins. Now keep your word!"

"Erica?"

"What?"

"Erica, you came from this time for them?"

"How do you know that name?"

"You said you came from the future back when we were still alive. We agreed to help when the time came."

"Erica was my mother. What did she look like then?"

"She did look a little older but I ignored it because you have Dios. It didn't have an emerald then. She held a child. I guess that would be you. Where is Erica now?"

Jade lowered her head. "She's dead. Killed because they wanted something from me. I don't want revenge, I want to live without fear."

"Just like her. Could I ask your name? Erica was a wonderful person, I can see you're following her example."

"My name is Jade. We would appreciate any help you could give us."

"Why did you come here? Erica never told us why our help would be needed."

"I'm with all that remains of my family. I can't let him die like my parents did. You've taught me something already. Thank you."

Miaka got the trinket she was looking for and we got ready to leave. Jade spoke with Tomite and Hikitsu a little longer before saying good-bye. They walked outside Miaka holding the trinket. A wolf ran through and took it from her hands. Miaka took chase but lost Ashitare. Jade told Chichiri she was leaving and when she'd meet up with them again. He didn't stop her but didn't seem to like the idea much either.