**4/20/2003: Happy Easter, everyone!  This is Chapter 2!  Are you ready?  Here we go!

The dining room was just as impressive as the throne room had been, as was fitting for a palace.  However, since Kayami was starving, she didn't pay much attention to it.  As she walked over to the extremely large and ornate dining table, she noticed that only Chichiri was sitting at it.  He was seated at the head of the table, waiting patiently.  Kayami noticed that her place had been set all the way at the other side of the table.  That would just not do.  One couldn't have a conversation with someone if one had to shout at them.

Glancing around, Kayami didn't see anyone, so she took the liberty of picking up her plate and utensils and moving them down so that she sat next to Chichiri.  Much better.

Kayami had been too occupied with moving her eating utensils over to where he sat, and she hadn't noticed Chichiri/Hotohori's expression when she had walked into the room.  If she had taken the time to really look at him, she would have noticed the stunned expression on his face.

Wow.  That was the only thought running through Chichiri's mind when he saw her.  Kayami looked dazzling in the palace clothing that Tenwei had picked out for her.  Abruptly, Chichiri told himself to stop thinking like that.  Get a hold of yourself, Chichiri! he shouted mentally at himself.  You're a monk, remember?!

When Kayami had situated herself comfortably to "The Emperor's" right, servants appeared and began to serve the meal.  Kayami was curious to see what the food of the Konan palace would taste like.  I wonder if it's like the food we have at banquets in the other world…

She was not exactly right, but close.  The food was delicious.  Kayami was pleased to note that it was not too spicy or rich.

Over the course of the wonderful meal, Chichiri and Kayami chatted about various things.  Or rather, Chichiri asked Kayami questions that she could not possibly answer at the time, and she tried to change the subject on him.  This didn't work all the time, so sometimes Kayami had to find creative ways to tell Chichiri to mind his own business...in a much nicer way, of course.  She never lied to him, but preferred to tell him that he would have to be patient and find out later.

For example, by the end of dinner, Chichiri didn't know why or how Kayami had come to the world of the book, how she knew about him, or how she was able to tell that his Hotohori disguise wasn't real.  However, he did know that she was from the Priestess' world, she enjoyed being outside as much as he did, and that her favorite color was red (for obvious reasons unbeknownst to him).

Kayami learned a few things about Chichiri as well.  He had been a monk for six years, his favorite activity was fishing, and he liked the color blue, although he didn't have a favorite.

Both were curious about the other's lives, so over the course of the next two weeks, they got to know each other better.  Of course, they tried not to make it really obvious.  Chichiri was aware of rumors that might start, may have already started, about Kayami and him and their relationship, which was a platonic one.  The mage didn't want Hotohori to come home to a scandal.  To try to prevent that, Kayami and he only talked for about an hour every day, over dinner.  That was the only time they really saw each other, as Chichiri was busy running Konan and Kayami was busy exploring the palace and the city with Tenwei.

Despite not having a lot of time to talk to one another, Chichiri and Kayami became good friends during the time that the Priestess and her Warriors were out locating the others.  Tenwei and Kayami also became close friends, as they spent most of their time together.  This was because Tenwei had been assigned to Kayami as her personal maid by Chichiri.  The Suzaku warrior did this after Tenwei walked into the dining room one night during dinner, and Chichiri didn't have his disguise on. 

After the servants of the palace served the food, they left the room to give Chichiri and Kayami privacy.  Once they were gone, Chichiri took the opportunity to drop his disguise and take a break from the somewhat draining process of keeping an illusion going all day and night.  (He didn't dare risk being woken in the night if there was an emergency and he wasn't Hotohori.)  He did this every night, to try and replenish some of his energy by not using magic while he ate. 

Anyway, one night a servant forgot to bring out a dish.  Tenwei volunteered to take it into the room.  Her apologies to His Majesty died on her lips as she saw who was sitting in the Emperor's chair.  After that, there was nothing Kayami and Chichiri could do but explain the situation to her and swear her to secrecy.  Chichiri assigned her to be Kayami's personal maid in order for their friendship to grow, but also for Kayami to keep an eye on Tenwei and see that she kept her mouth shut as promised.  Not that they didn't trust her, but she was still a very young woman at 16½ years of age, prone to gossiping like all the rest of the maids.

The night before Miaka and the others would arrive at the Konan Palace, Kayami's father decided to check on her progress.  He made sure to contact her before she went to sleep, but after Tenwei had left the room for the night.

The "ai" symbol on Kayami's arm flared into existence, a split second warning to her. 

**Kayami?**

**Yes, Father?**

**How is everything?**

**It's fine.  I'm really good friends with Chichiri.  I think I've successfully kept his mind off of his problems; I've done the best I can.  Of course, even though you asked me to, I didn't become his friend just because of that, Father.  He's a really great guy, and I like him.**

**I'm glad.  Now, I feel that I should warn you right now: The Suzaku no Miko will be returning tomorrow.**

**Tomorrow?  That's good.  I am anxious to meet her.**

**I'm sorry.  You won't actually meet her tomorrow.  You need to come home.  Your sister is worried.**

**But I've already been here so long.  Can't Rayna wait for a few more minutes while I meet the Priestess?**

**I'm afraid not.  Don't worry, you'll be meeting the Priestess soon enough.**

Kayami sighed, both mentally and physically.  **Can I say good-bye to Chichiri?  Or Tenwei?**

**You'll see Tenwei in the morning, and probably all day, so I don't see why you can't say your farewells to her.  Chichiri, on the other hand, is a different story.  He will be too busy to see you personally tomorrow.  Plus, the warriors and the Priestess will be arriving just before dinner.  Chichiri will be busy greeting them.  That's when you'll be transported home.**

**Oh.**  Kayami sounded a little sad.

**Perhaps you could leave him a note.** Suzaku suggested gently.

**What could I say that wouldn't give away anything?** Kayami responded, distraught.

**I'm not sure.  Perhaps you could just hint at things.  It doesn't have to be a long note, dear.**  I'm not being helpful at all! The god thought to himself.

**Well…okay.**  Kayami didn't sound very convinced.

**I'll see you tomorrow, then?**

**Yes, Father.  Good night.**

**Good night, Kayami.**

--*--*--

Chichiri awoke the next morning, ready to face the day.  Or rather, face the decisions.  The Emperor's advisors had warned him that his entire day would be filled with court decisions.  Needless to say, the monk was looking forward to dinner, when the day would be over, and he could talk to Hikaru.  He really did enjoy speaking to her. 

After Chichiri was finished dressing and eating a quick breakfast, he was summoned to the throne room.  And here we go!  Just keep your focus, Chichiri.  You are the Emperor of Konan right now; act like it and help these people!

--*--*--

Kayami's morning turned out to be the opposite of Chichiri's.  Tenwei could tell something was wrong with her friend, and she asked her about it.  Hikaru told her the truth, just without details – she was going back home today.  Tenwei was sad, but she buried the feeling and immediately resolved to seem cheery for her friend's benefit.

"So it's your last day, huh?  Well, we'll just have to make it your best!  What do you want to do?"

"Let's go shopping!" Kayami cried excitedly.  (Shopping – the one thing that the female population can never tire of…at least in America!)

Tenwei quickly agreed, and the two friends hurried off in search of bargains and great finds alike.

--*--*--

At sunset, Kayami perceived that it was time for her to leave.  The brief flaring of the symbol on her arm assured her of this fact.  Just as she was finished packing, Tenwei came into the room.  She had managed to keep the tears at bay all day, but seeing Kayami's packed bag, the 16-year-old lost her composure.  Kayami hurried over to hug her, tears in her own eyes.

"Oh, Tenwei, please don't cry," she said.  "I'll be back as soon as I can.  You won't even miss me!"  This only made Tenwei cry harder.

"Good-bye, Tenwei!" Kayami cried.  At the same time, a flash of Suzaku's light appeared, so bright that Tenwei had to close her eyes.  When she opened them, Kayami had vanished.

***********************************************************************************************************

The Author Speaks!  (aka Author's Notes)

What's up, people?!  It is I, Cortney, authoress of this fic!  Anyway, I'm so glad some certain individuals took a few minutes to read my little fic.  I would like to thank them further:

~Tori89: Well. I'll certainly try to make this fic as good as the beginning.  Thanks for the compliment!

~Rhapsody: Thank you!  "A great writing format?"  Oh, you're making me blush!  And don't worry, I'll update more soon (I hope)!!!

~Kim: Hey, girlfriend!!!  Stop with the "genius" stuff; that is just like the "Cortney est belle" situation!  And don't talk like that; your stories have always outshined mine!!  And Mrs. G does not worship me – I leave that to you and Hil!!!  (Just kidding, don't hurt me!)  You have so much talent and you're a fantastic writer as well.  Plus, my title is not that great; it just popped into my head.  See you at school!

~Mysticalpower: Yes, I think it's a nice story as well.  As for who Suzaku's daughters are, you'll have to wait for the next few chapters.

~Shadow Hawk: I'm so glad you love it!  I wasn't sure if I got Chichiri's personality right; I was just writing how I thought he might think.  I would have to say that I agree my story has potential, though I don't think "great" is the word for it.  Talk to you later!

~Hilary: Hee hee!  My fic "hooks" you?  Sorry, girlfriend, but that makes me think of our lovely English teacher.  I'll try to see if I can't incorporate more smells and feelings Chichiri misses when he's outside…I don't know how good of a writer of senses I am, but I'll do my best!  I'm so glad you think I did a great job!  See you on Monday!

~Smack: I'm impressed that I impressed you!!!  No complaints?  That's really something!  But then again, I usually have no complaints on your fic, so maybe it's not.  About the hows and whys one can become a daughter of a god, that will be coming up in the next few chapters, 6 or 7, possibly.

Thank you all for reviewing!!!  I take your comments to heart, and try to improve if I can.  I hope to put up Chapters 2 and 3 today, just because you guys are so awesome.  Now, I must warn all readers of this fanfic, and I'm only going to say this once: This could be the last time (after Ch. 3) that I update for awhile.  What with school (finals, Stanford 9, etc, etc. argh) and all, I will be extremely busy.  If you could be patient, I'll try to update like crazy when I've got the time, so you won't be left hanging…for too long, anyway.

Well, I think I've talked enough for one sitting.  See you later!!

~Cortney