Chapter 9: Illusions

Jade entered the void and exited back to find herself directly in front of Nakago. "What have you come back for? Aren't you finally free? I could have killed you right now."
"I wanted to ask a few questions."
"What makes you think I'd answer you?"
"Nothing. I told you once your wish would never be granted. Why are you still trying? If Yui knew the truth she would never have accepted to be priestess."
"I think you lied. If you do believe that to be true I know I have a better chance at achieving that goal with Yui than I would have with you."
"Why do you need me?"
"I might need to live in a better time."
"That's all?"
"I see you found Dios. Erica was impossible to approach when she wore that. It is one of the gods of your world. I might not need you anymore. Once you figure out how to use that I can't use your power."
"I could use yours."
"So you do know a little more than waking dreamers. You can't use it yet can you?"
"Why do you ask?"
"No shadow. I figured you would use the power as soon as you got it."
"Soon. But it will not be very spectacular."
"Erica would be hurt to know you took the curse yourself."
"Do not talk about my parents!"
"Still tender after four years I see."
"I would hope our paths never cross again."
She entered the void again. "Dios, what are you?"
From the darkness came a reply. The voice felt like it came from every direction. "I am Dios. I can wake dreamers and borrow power. You, I only accept because the gold master added the emerald in your name."
"Would you like to be left here? You don't seem to like me much."
"No. Don't take that wrong. When he originally added the stone I saw no hope for you. Now I see what your father must have. Ian was very smart but his dedication was stronger."
"Don't speak of my father. You of all things have no right."
"Right? I gave him his gift as well as yours. Do you want me to take it back?"
"Take it all if they can come back."
"I can't do that."
"Well Dios you offer me nothing then. I'll go back if you don't mind."
Again the void seemed to contain only her. She took that as an answer. Desert surrounded her. Jade thought she missed for a moment then saw Tomo. Amiboshi was being held by an illusion. Jade approached quietly. Tomo turned to see her when she was only a few feet away. "What do you hope to accomplish by coming back?"
"Tomo, why do you have Amiboshi in vines?"
"If you don't get out of my way I won't hesitate to trap you in an illusion for your own good."
"Do you realize how easy it would be for me to get out?"
He held out a small shell. Jade smiled. Tomo's tricks never change. She held out a hand and surrounded herself in the emerald light. "How long do you plan on keeping that up? That has to be draining."
"Well, you know me. I don't know when to give up."
Tomo smiled. He knew she was almost done. Jade sank to her knees but didn't let her protection falter. She tried to support her weight with her left arm. Slowly she started to sink to the ground. Just as it started to flicker and fade Dios lit up like it was the sun. Now time didn't stop around her. Dios stopped time completely. Shakily she stood up. Jade took the shell from his hand and smashed it. Tight in his other hand was also a shell. This one held Miaka's world. She tried to free Amiboshi with no luck. Jade started away. She was a safe watching distance when she looked back. "Thank you Dios."
She looked to the stars. "I look to the stars. Witness to eternity yet the only reply they have is to twinkle dumbly. If they could talk what would we learn?"
She wanted to help yet everything she had tried failed. Like many times before she now had to wait on others she knew were coming. Angered at the wait she went back. This time she wanted to prove her power was not one to laugh at. Tomo smiled as he watched her return. "You aren't very smart."
"I can't run when you have one of my friends."
He found another shell. Jade was now in his illusion. "Tomo, are you in here too?"
"You can hear me but I'm not in there with you."
"Nakago must be proud now that I'm in a safe and convenient spot."
"You still think you're in control?"
"You'll see."
Jade slipped time. Even Tomo couldn't recreate the void. Tomo stood there. He didn't understand what happened. She hadn't broken the illusion, yet she wasn't in it any longer.

Tamahome felt he failed. The ones he cared about he lost. Miaka disappeared and he hadn't seen Jade since they lost the first Shinzaho. He hoped for a future with Miaka and had his past with Jade.
He remembered hearing about her family about a year before he was hired. Her father's reputation and the strange manner in which her parents dressed made them the source of many rumors.
The day he was hired, although eight years ago, was still fresh in his mind. "Oni."
It was followed by a sharp tug on his shirt. He turned to see what was still clutching his shirt. He saw a little black haired girl that kept hanging around him. He pulled her back up to her feet. "Careful. Why do you keep calling me 'oni'? Was I mean to you once?"
Jade looked back confused. She didn't understand what he was talking about. A man walked up behind her and picked her up. "She doesn't remember the last half of the word. Jade means to say oniisan."
Tamahome looked to Jade in arms and pointed to himself. "Oniisan?"
She smiled and laughed. "Oni!"
"Might I ask the name of the one Jade trusts?"
"It's Sou Kishuku, sir."
He put Jade back down. Tamahome knew she was still a little shaky at walking. He had never seen her father. Normally her mother was right behind her ready for the fall. Tamahome saw it, just for a second. Jade's eyes lost all the white and were pools of green. "Jade, remember what I said?"
Her eyes were just like anyone else's again. He looked back to Tamahome. "I've been wanting to ask if you were willing to be hired to watch over Jade."
He thought for a moment on how hard he'd have to work. How much trouble could a two year old be? Other than she called him 'oni' she seemed to be of little trouble. "I accept the offer."
Tamahome laughed at his memory. The one time she needed protecting he failed and now he lost her. Why did she trust him? He was seven years older than her yet it never bothered her. He had almost always been her big brother. He thought to himself, "She still calls me 'oni' even though she knows the difference."

"Well Dios, the time is near. Are you going to let me wake-up soon?"
"Why do you want to?"
"Answering a question with another is not proper form. I'd rather be reborn than restart my life. That is one reason, probably the biggest."
"And Tamahome?"
"He'll find a way to be with Miaka. I still want to live in that world even if he leaves. I don't know any other life."
"Do you really see life so clear cut?"
"Why does it have to be muddy?"
"You don't live with the mind of a normal person. Passing through life as impartial as if you lived outside of it."
"If I just start again, what's the point?"
"If you wake you won't start again. Do you want to continue this life?"
"The only choice I have not made is to take the role of blue dragon. I don't want that. My choice is this life, my best life."
Jade closed her eyes. There was a warmth surrounding her in the cold darkness. She felt strength. Before she always felt weak even in the void. Now it was different. The void didn't matter to her anymore. Dios's power was now hers as well. She realized Ian's plan. When he made a harbor for Dios he made it to suit Jade later but also Erika. The rubies were so Erika could use Dios. Ian never had plans to use the power. The gold wasn't his link; it was a symbol of the thread of time in the void. He added the emerald later just to ensure Jade would gain control. She opened her eyes. It was time to return.
Only a few seconds had passed as she entered time to stand behind Amiboshi. She looked down and smiled. Beneath her was now a shadow. Tomo looked up from the empty shell to see her. "How did you escape my illusion so easily?"
"Dios helped."
"Dios? Should I know that name?"
"Only time will tell you that."
"Well if does protect you where was he before? When Nakago held your freedom, where was he? Why have I never seen him?"
"Dios wasn't with me then. Tell Nakago for me that the power of Dios will destroy him."
"Really, is he with you now?"
"Yes."
"Where? In that void you talk about?"
She pointed to the gold bands that threaded through her hair and around her head. "This is Dios."
He laughed. "The great and powerful Dios is a thing?"
"A power encased in a thing. This thing is a safe, only with the key can Dios be used."
"Let me guess the key is that little time piece on your face."
"Nope. My key is the world my power leads me to. Something that protects Dios."
"And you'll defeat Nakago by pausing time outside the void?"
"My power is defense but Dios is strength and attack. I dislike your game. I'd like to take Miaka and Amiboshi with me now."
"Then use that great power and defeat me."
Jade couldn't. Dios would hurt Amiboshi and Miaka if she used it. Tomo saw the delay as defeat. He saw her words as hollow. "No, I'll save that power. Know that I'm awake now. You have no chance."
Jade slipped time again. "Why did you come back? You can see all this from time now."
"Even with your power I still run."
"You wanted to wake-up and now you hide from the life. Are you sure this is your choice?"
"Now I am. What is my true home like?"
"It is nothing like this place. There is one country and all follow the will of Dios. It is a few written rules for life and not my actual will guiding them. The sky is almost always has a purple cast to it. The plants are silver not green. You would look lovely there. Erika was the girl everyone was after. Very few people have gifts like you do. Most are normal plain people. I think she chose Ian because of how dedicated he was. Ian kept his gift a secret. Your birth was a mixed reaction. Most thought you were a lucky child to look so much like your mother. Others took pity thinking you had to be blind from how your eyes looked.
Home would look like a fairy tale to you now. If you wanted to go back I'm sure you'll be taken care of."
"I'd be just like Miaka then."
"How?"
"I like Chiriko and Tasuki. I've stayed back because I know their future path."
"So, there is a human soul in there. Be just like Miaka then. She made a choice so should you."
"That sounds so simple when you say it. I'll spend more time to figure this out. Mind if I ask what you look like?"
"You're not ready it see my true form yet. That is of little concern right now anyway. Quit hiding and start living."
Jade felt herself being pushed out of the void. Dios had spoken and that could not be gone against. She protested but still found herself in the dew-covered grass at Tomo's feet. She looked up at him surprised at where Dios had placed her. For now the void was closed. "Welcome back again Jade."
"Mind telling me where to find Nakago?"
"Only from inside an illusion."
"I can't accept that offer. So where is the real Nakago?"
"So you want to make my job easier?"
"What?"
"You aren't a target. Nakago wants you as a spare priestess for now. He seems to have plans after for you as well."
"Are you just his puppet?"
"A pawn that wants to be a queen, and you call me a puppet?"
"Pawn? I have my own game going."
"Your own game? That would be?"
"I've always been a priestess. I just have to finish the game and let it go."
"Your Dios, this might be of interest to Nakago after all. Even more because your power works here."
"Tomo, do you have any idea what power you refer to? What good is it? Have I ever truly helped Seriyu?"
"You will if that is what Nakago wants."
"Let me enter under their illusion."
"Of all fantasy worlds I have created, you want to be there and not exploring new ones?"
"Theirs, no other. I have no wish to visit a place in illusion only. Does it matter? Both ways I'll be detained for Nakago."
"True, what are you planning?"
"Nothing. Will you answer my request or not?"
"I…"
"Wait."
"What?"
"I want to know before. Do you know my illusion?"
"You have one?"
"I'm ready now."
Jade closed her eyes. Tomo would now be looking for it. It would dig into him knowing there was an illusion he didn't notice. She opened her eyes and almost laughed. Before her was a huge building and the form of Tomo in the illusion. "So you must be watching me every moment?"
"You found a way out last time. I want to make sure it doesn't happen again."
"Leave me alone."
Jade pushed Tomo away. Dios ignited with her light. Tomo was thrown back. She pushed him out of his own illusion. He decided that could wait for later and concentrated on Miaka's illusion world.
Jade started to try to get her friends to realize the illusion as it faded around them with Tomo's death. She urged them to move remembering the trouble Miaka was in. They arrived to see Tamahome fighting Suboshi.
All Jade could do was smile. Tamahome was so happy to have Miaka in his arms. She sank to the ground. The force she had delivered to Tomo had caught up with her. A small trickle of blood fell from under Dios. Tasuki noticed it first and squatted down next to her. "Are you okay?"
She looked up at him unaware of the blood. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."
He wiped the blood away avoiding Dios. "This doesn't look fine."
She pushed his hand away and stood on shaky legs. "It's nothing."
He grabbed her arms so she was now facing him and it kept her from falling. "Stop that. Level with me, what at least caused it."
She removed Dios and carefully sat it on the ground. Tasuki looked at her face and saw no source for the blood once her face was clean. "The power is still a little strong for me."
He was satisfied with that answer for now. She replaced Dios and followed to Tokaki's home. Life didn't continue on the path it was on. Tamahome rejected Miaka. Jade was confused by it. She looked Tamahome in the eyes. He tried to judge what she was going to say but was lost in the emerald sea. "Oniisan, why did you do that to Miaka?"
He ruffled Jade's hair. She was disappointed in him. He could tell if not only because she said 'oniisan' instead of 'oni'. I'll tell you when you're older."
He walked off. Now she was angry. He never did that to her before. Her next source to ask was Tokaki. He was outside on a high tree limb sitting. "Tokaki-dono?"
"Yes Jade-chan? You don't need to be formal."
"I would like to talk with you."
"This is talking."
She shook her head. The goal was to get to him since he wasn't moving. Quickly she climbed the tree and was now on a near branch. "This is talking."
"You're a quick climber. Where'd you learn that?"
"Tamahome."
"You've known him a while haven't you?"
"That's why I wanted to ask what's going on. He'd never hurt Miaka like that. I asked him what was going on and he avoided it. Oni has never done that to me before."
"Nothing to be worried about. This breakup is for the best. You'll see."
"No. They are meant to be together."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Time has shown it."
"So, you must be Ian's kid. How is he? I can't believe he let you come. He said his daughter held the keys to the future."
"He's been gone for a few years."
"I'm sorry. No matter what you think you know this is the best for Tamahome. Your crystal ball is wrong."
"I use no such thing."
Jade shifted her weight n the limb so she could see him better. Her footing slipped as she lost her balance. Tokaki reached for her and missed. He watched as she closed her eyes. She looked like she had given up. There was a flash of green light. Now he only saw white sand raining down. It shimmered like snowflakes as it fell. He looked for Jade but she was gone.
The last grain hit the ground as the sand started to glow green. He then saw Jade standing where the stand once was. "What did you just do?"
"I slipped time but left a marker for me to come back to."
"So you do have the keys to time. How are you going to use this power?"
"What do you mean? I can't change the future."
"But you can see it and the thread of time."
"There is more than one. I will have the chance to see Miaka's for a short time as they become one for a few hours."
"Fuse them. Then Tamahome can be with Miaka."
"What of the world? To places can't share the same time."
"Perhaps you're right. For a ten year old you seem to think a lot."
"Should I not have and ended up as Nakago's tool?"
"No, that's not what I meant. You have Erika's temper, priestess."
"What?"
"I've known. Their names were as strange as yours. Don't worry, I also know you didn't take the job."
"That's not really true. Dios is a god from my world. I have his power now."
"Erika said something about that."
"How'd you meet them?"
"I was traveling and met Tamahome. I decided to teach him to fight and a few meaningful subjects. Your parents were just starting to build their home. You were very small. Erika held you in her arms like she would loose you forever if she let you go. They were willing to share what little they had. I learned why they were there and that they were hiding from a great evil. I told them I trained a boy that would be able to protect you well. They turned down the offer saying you would choose the guardian one day. I left soon after. It seems you chose Tamahome anyway."
"He thinks he failed. I don't blame him for what happened. I gave him something that will protect him if he ever needs it. He only needs to trust and the seed will grow. Tamahome is strong enough to use the power from the seed without any practice."
"What seed?"
"A seed of Dios."
"Dios allowed him to hold a seed?"
"Yes."
"That's amazing. Ian couldn't hold it and he built the house it now lives in."
"Did he tell you where I need to go?"
"Only that you were the key to the future."
"I think I know."
"What?"
"Never mind. Nothing can change what I'm going to do."
"I know I have no authority over you. Be warned if you beat me to seeing Ian again I will not forgive you."
"Don't worry. I have no plans for that."
She waved and ran off to the kitchen. Xi Fang stopped her at the door. "Slow down. What's your hurry?"
"I want to help."
Subaru turned Jade around and lead her out by the hand. "Maybe tomorrow Jade. Miaka and Xi Fang are cooking tonight. It's too crowded with anymore in the kitchen. Okay?"
"I understand."
Jade trotted out to the table. Tamahome was already seated. She sat across from him and gave him a death glare as best as she could with empty eyes. "Stop that. You see the future; you know I'll never be with her. I can't follow her and she can't stay."
"Do I?"
The tone in his voice dropped to a scolding one. "Jade."
"All I'm going to say is this: is there just one way to cook fish?"
"Your point?"
She slammed her hands on the table as she stood up. "Oni, are you so dense? I wander why I waste my breath."
"Sit down."
Jade smiled as she sat down. The rest of the group joined them as Xi Fang came from the kitchen with the first dish. The table was soon set. Miaka's all looked burnt and Xi Fang's perfect. Tasuki opened his big mouth and crushed Miaka with his words. After she ran off Tamahome took it upon himself to eat everything Miaka had prepared. "Oni, you're going to regret doing that."
"Jade, enough. I don't care."
Jade excused herself from the table. The others watched Tamahome finish all that Miaka had prepared. "Tamahome, what's wrong with Jade? She's been withdrawn, no da."
"Probably saw something coming that she wants to avoid."
"You've been pretty cold to her as well. I thought you two were related."
"I have not been cold to her Tasuki. Besides, we aren't really related. I was just her guardian."
Chiriko looked up from his dish. "Did you ask what was coming?"
"No. She'd never say anyway. Sometimes I think she really wants to tell me but truly can't say what she saw. Other times it seems she taunts me with what she does say. Like today, she started talking about ways to cook a fish when I asked how I could be with Miaka."
"What exactly was said?"
"I said Miaka couldn't stay here and I couldn't go to her world. Then she asked if there was just one way to cook a fish."
"She answered you. There must be another way that we haven't found yet."
"Chiriko, why didn't she just say that?"
"I think you were right about wanting to say but not being able to."
"It's annoying."
"Think of it through her position. She knows important things yet can't go and tell us straight out."
Tasuki went to look for Jade. She was sitting on the ground looking over the water. "You okay?"
"I'll be fine, you'll be fine. Most of us will be fine."
"Something's coming up that's not going to end well. Am I right?"
"Yes."
"Must be terrible to see these things coming."
She looked up at him. "Tasuki, do you want to know what my illusion is?"
"Sure."
"I've lived fifteen years since I was five."
"How's that? You are only ten, right?"
"Now I'm ten. I once lived to sixteen and started over at age five again."
"So you're older than me!"
"My mind is, not physically."
"Why did your life start over?"
"I was dreaming. Each escape into the void was a small disturbance to my sleep. Instead of waking up the dream started over again. I'm awake now, so now I risk death."
Tasuki hit her in the arm. "Snap out of it. You shouldn't think of things like that."
"Did you have to hit me?"
"It worked didn't it?"
"I think there are better ways."
Jade trotted off into the fading light. She knew Miaka had already left and was going to follow. Jade kept her distance. She could only watch as Miaka messed up. Jade surveyed the setting. There were too many powers for her to show herself. Nakago, Soi, and Miboshi were there with Yui. Miaka argued with Nakago as Miboshi stole her voice.
Jade waited until they had left Miaka with Tatra. She stepped from the shadows before Miboshi and Nakago. "These games grow old."
"I hear you have a new game."
"Not a new game. A new player, Dios."
"What should I fear that for? It failed to save your parents."
"Erika was the caretaker, not the priestess. My duty is clear now. Make no mistake, we are now after opposite goals."
"Miboshi, have fun. She says she is of no use to me so I'll believe her."
Nakago left to get Yui. Jade waved and slipped time to find her Suzaku friends. She had lost a few minutes to find Miboshi dead and Tatra quickly slipping away. "He's meeting Suzuno. Don't be sad."
Jade stood back knowing it was for the best while the others cried. She felt Miboshi start to find a new host. Jade remembered. "No! Miboshi, just give-up."
It made no difference to him. Chiriko was doomed to his fate. She could only watch as Chiriko killed himself. "I see the path but why must I take it?"
Tasuki patted her on the back. "Do what you have to. For some reason I trust you."
"Thanks Tasuki. Forgive me for not being able to do more. We should join the others on the roof."
"You're right. Let's go Juan."
Jade stood on the roof and saw Yui start to summon Seriyu. She also closed her eyes. The hourglass ignited. A blue light shot up from the alter on which Yui stood to be answered by Seriyu's presence. Jade leaned her head back. An emerald light shot from the green stone of Dios to the sky. It lasted about five seconds then was gone. Nothing followed it. Jade opened her eyes and looked to the others. "It has started."
Chichiri insisted they go back to Konan. Jade also followed them. As soon as they arrived Jade ran to find Hotohori. She knocked on his chamber door. "Hotohori, I need to talk to you."
The door opened. "Jade, come in. I'm glad to see you're safe."
"I've seen Houki. She seems nice but that isn't what I originally came to talk to you about. I've started it."
"You helped with Seriyu?"
"No, I've started to use the power of Dios to stop the chaos that is starting."
"What chaos? Can you tell me?"
"Only because you won't live to see it. Nakago has a wish that will destroy both this world and Miaka's. Dios is keeping the threads of time separate for now. I can't do anything about the other wishes she'll make."
"So, I'm going to die?"
"Defending your country."
"Why can you tell me this?"
"It won't change the fact that you will battle for your country. Seriyu knows about Dios now so I have to be careful."
"Why?"
"Dios has all the power to do what Seriyu can do. It can also grant the wish none of the four gods can."
"So Tamahome and Miaka can be together."
"Not just together but choose which world they would be in."
"Would you go back to your world as well?"
"I think I'll stay here."
"Why?"
"There is no one I know in my world. I might as well have been born here for all I know."
"I've never met a person so absolute in their choices as such a young age."
"I need to go."
"Where now?"
"I need to call Dios again."
"If you must."
Jade backed out of the room. She stood in the courtyard. The wind played with her hair and swayed the folds in her robe. She folded her hands and closed her eyes. The mark appeared on her face as she leaned her head back. Again the emerald light shot into the sky. This time the clouds darkened and it started to rain. Drops of water hit her face but she remained still, unaffected by the change in the weather. The wind picked up and whipped around her. Her eyes popped open as the light stopped. The weather returned to normal just as quickly. "That can't be safe, no da."
"What do you mean?"
"That light beacon can be seen for miles. Nakago will find you, no da."
"Tomorrow the time lines cross. I will signal him my last time."
"What happens then?"
"Dios will come and the time lines will never cross again."
"Won't that seal the entrance from Miaka's world?"
"I don't think it will seal. It will just make it much harder to enter and impossible to combine again."
"Are you fighting tomorrow, no da?"
"I'll be here until the time lines cross. Then I will have some time there. I might decide that is the world I want."
"You shouldn't decide so lightly, no da."
"Nothing is ever taken that lightly be me. It's late. I should get to bed soon."
She gave him a hug. "What was that for?"
"Something you'll need later, but I won't be here to give it to you."
"Why? What's going to happen?"
"A war. Nothing past that makes any difference."
She trotted off to her room. Tonight was rest, a fading Heaven. With the morning came the first sign Hades was taking a firm hold. Outside they were getting ready to fight. "Where have you been?"
"Looking ahead and planning my motions."
"Nice to know you have a plan. Get up here."
"Sorry Tasuki, I need my own horse."
Hotohori looked at her. "Why?"
"I'd be in the way behind someone. Me sitting behind is a vulnerable spot."
"Take the black one from the general."
"Thank you."
She got the horse and returned to the group. She rode sidesaddle as well as they rode normal. Her robes flowed to cover both sides of the horse. Tasuki was still staring. "Stop that. I dislike being stared at."
"Sorry. Rare to see a girl handle a horse."
She eased the horse over to his. "Keep focused on the task at hand."
They rode into battle. In the middle of the crossfire she raised a shield around them. The green light surrounded them. She over did it to protect them all. Even with Dios's power she couldn't hold the shield. Jade leaned into the horse feeling a little weak. "Thank you for trying Jade."
"It is the least I could do Hotohori."
"Look, it's Yui!"
Miaka pointed to the ridge over the battle. Jade looked at Yui starting to ask Seriyu her next wish. "Miaka, stay safe. I'll follow a little later."
Miaka and Yui both disappeared. Tamahome was also gone. Jade got off her horse. Tasuki rode up next to her. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm going to find them."
"How?"
Jade's eyes and the hourglass ignited. A final blast of green light and she was gone. The two time lines were starting to tangle. She entered Miaka's time where they crossed.