Author Note: It has been brought to my attention by one of my best friends (thanks, Kim!) that in the last chapter, I typed "Hikaru" instead of "Kayami" a couple times. That is because Hikaru was Kayami's original name, until I made up my own so I wouldn't be sued by Clamp. I'm sorry for any confusion, and hopefully you all just ignored it, like Shadow Hawk. Sorry again! Now, on with the next chapter! Oh, I really should have put this in the summary, but I forgot so it's here now: This story is full of spoilers, so be careful if you haven't seen the whole series and OAVs!

Chapter Four

Neither Rayna nor Kayami were surprised when their father contacted both of them a little while later. He instructed them both to pack a bag and, after a little prodding from his two daughters, revealed the identities of the Suzaku and Seiryuu no Mikos. Both young women were shocked, as they each knew Miaka and Yui. After they recovered from their shock, Rayna came up with a brilliant idea.

Pooling their resources, the daughters of the god of the Crimson South made presents for their younger friends, to give to them when they saw them. Then Rayna and Kayami packed, and their father transported them safely to the other world. They were instructed to protect both girls to the best of their abilities. As much as Suzaku disliked Seiryuu, he would make sure the Priestess of both Suzaku and Seiryuu were watched over, seeing as they were friends of his daughters.

--*--*--

Weeks had passed in the world of the book. The other Suzaku Celestial Warriors were found, the summoning ceremony was ruined, plans were made to find the Shinzahos, and Suboshi took his revenge for the death of his brother.

It was the morning Miaka and all of the seishi except Hotohori would be leaving on a boat headed for Hokkan. A chibified Tamahome was dangling a chibi-Tasuki over the side of the boat, taunting the young bandit with fiery hair about his fear of water.

Suddenly, a pair of women walked casually out of the nearby forest, prompting the handful of guards around Hotohori to spring into defensive stances. The seishi also became protective of their Priestess, ready to fight for Miaka if need be. The women did not stop walking, nor did they slow their leisure speed. They certainly saw everyone's actions, but their faces, posture, and pace gave no reaction away.

The two stopped when they came within 10 feet of Hotohori, close enough to see clearly, but not so close that they would be easily harmed by the well- equipped guards. Before anyone could move a muscle, the taller of the two women bowed deeply to Hotohori. After a split second's hesitation, the other followed suit.

They straightened at the same time, and each person took in their appearances. Both wore jeans, though the older woman's pair was much darker compared to the younger, and it did not sport deliberate tears. The younger had on a black tank with the words "DO NOT CONFORM" across the chest. On her feet were black and silver skater shoes. She had typical "punk" jewelry - black leather, studs, and rings. Her eyes were heavily outlined in black eyeliner, and she wore her hair down. However, her midnight locks didn't hide the numerous piercings she had in each ear. Those were her only piercings - her sister wouldn't allow anything else. Rayna was 17, and looked the part.

Kayami, being 23 and 5 years older than her sister, dressed a bit more conservatively. She wore a modest magenta V-necked top. However, the rest of her outfit was more like her sister's. She also wore skater shoes, though hers were black and white, and the belt around her waist was black leather with small silver studs. Her ears sported three pairs of earrings and one cuff on her right one - more than most women, but still less than Rayna.

The silence was shattered by Miaka, who ran toward the pair, screaming, "OH MY GOSH!!!" The sister exchanged a glance and a half-smile before Rayna was nearly plowed over by the Priestess's hug.

"Hi.Miaka," she gasped, trying to force air into her crushed lungs. "Could you.let go?"

"Oh, sorry!" squealed Miaka, releasing her quickly. "I was just so excited to see you!"

"As to be expected," Kayami remarked, holding her arms out expectantly. Miaka hugged her as well, though not as tightly as she had Rayna.

"Hi, Miss Takira!" cried Miaka. She grabbed a hand on each sister and started pulling them toward Hotohori. "Come on, I'll introduce you to everybody!!"

The sisters exchanged amused glances again, but let themselves be dragged along. Miaka stopped in front of the Emperor of Konan.

"Hotohori, this is Takira Rayna and her sister.ummm.well, I call her Miss Takira," Miaka said, frowning slightly.

"Takira Kayami, Your Highness," Kayami cut in smoothly, bowing again.

Hotohori nodded once. "Pleased to make your acquaintances, Takira Kayami and Takira Rayna."

"Please, if you would, Your Highness, our first names are fine," Kayami said.

"As you wish."

Miaka pulled on their arms once more. "This is Tamahome." The teal-haired man held out his hand to shake.

"Nice to meet you, ladies," he said. The corners of Rayna's mouth twitched, but her usually serious expression did not change otherwise.

"Do I miss something?" Tamahome asked, slightly confused.

"You called her a lady - someone sweet, shy, demure, etc, etc. She doesn't consider herself a lady," Kayami said calmly.

"Oh, well.I." Tamahome didn't know what to say.

"Don't worry about it," said Rayna coolly, speaking for the first time. They moved on.

"Nuriko, meet Rayna and.and."

"Call me Kayami, Miaka."

"Okay! Nuriko, this is Rayna and Kayami."

"Hello, Rayna and Kayami."

"Hi, Nuriko," the sisters chorused, and then looked at each other, amused.

"And this is-" Miaka started.

"CHICHIRI!!" Kayami cried, giving him a hug. His surprise was hidden by his mask, but he returned the hug gladly. They stepped back after a moment. The two had matching expressions on their faces, for Kayami was smiling happily, just like the mask was.

"I take it you know each other," Rayna said dryly. Kayami rolled her eyes.

"Oh, Rayna, quit being dumb. Get your butt over here and say hi to Chichiri," Kayami reprimanded.

"Yes, Mother," Rayna mocked, but she obliged and shook Chichiri's outstretched hand.

Miaka regained her hold and pulled them again. "Come meet Tasuki, guys!"

"Genrou," the bandit corrected.

Miaka cocked her head, confused. "No, your name is Tasuki."

"My real name's Genrou, remember?"

Miaka just squinted at him. "Huh?" (Short-term memory!)

Rayna let out a snort, which turned into a chuckle. The Celestial Warriors watched in amazement as her laughter filled the air.

"What did I do?" Miaka and Tasuki said at the same time, causing her to laugh harder.

"You guys."she managed between laughs, "are.hilarious!"

Between her giggles, the sisters met Mitsukake and Chiriko.

"Ah, so this trip won't be so bad then, huh, Ray-Ray?" asked Kayami of her still-chuckling sister.

"I guess not, Mi-mi," said Rayna, who calmed down a bit more.

"Excuse me," Hotohori said, "but did you say 'this trip?' Are you going with them?"

Kayami looked at her sister, and the giggles stopped immediately. They were both serious once more. After a pause, Kayami spoke.

"Yes, we are to go with Miaka and the others on this journey. We were sent by Suzaku."

Everyone gasped. Kayami glanced at her sister.

**Do you think that explanation was all right, Rayna?**

**Well, I guess it'll have to do.**

**Oh, really? And what would you have said, O All-knowing One?**

**I dunno. Didn't think that far.**

Kayami sighed mentally. **Baka.**

**Hey!**

They both fell silent, waiting for the reactions that were sure to accompany Kayami's announcement.

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

Review Corner:

~MercuryMoon: I'm glad you like it! I do my best. And who said anything about marriage?? (Dun dun dun!!!!) Just kidding. You'll find out later about Suzaku, although to be completely honest with you, I'm not sure about his whole situation yet. But never fear! I'll figure something out. Chichiri is the best - he's so hot, and funny, and hot, and nice, and hot.lol. He is really fun to write about! I'm glad my writing style intrigues you, although I do make mistakes (see above note for proof). Thanks for reading!

~Kim: Hanakkahwanzumus? Do I know what that means but have just forgotten? Or is that an inside joke I'm not in on? I'm so glad you like Rayna!!! But she is a main character - hence the title of my story!!! Lol, silly Kim. I'll keep you posted, Soapbox Queen of the World!!! You rock!!

~Rhapsody: You love it?! ::turns to imaginary audience:: Did you hear that, folks? Rhapsody loves my story!!! ::runs around screaming:: You like me, you really like me!!!! Lol!! And don't you worry, this story's got plenty more to come!!!

~Smack: If you have questions, why don't you ask them? I am confused. Anyway, thanks for the support! Oh, and please update update update!!! You can't leave me hanging!!!!!

~Shadow Hawk: What do you mean, you can only ask so many questions? What's with you people?! I am here to serve you! Ask away! Drown me with questions, I don't care!! My only warning is that I won't be able to answer all of them. It didn't occur to me that my story and its cliffhangers are suspenseful. As for the Suzaku thing, you just gotta wait! I'm going to go read your fics now!

~Fiery-chan: AAAHHH!!!! ::hides:: I'm so sorry I forgot to tell you about this fic!!!! Please forgive me!! Thanks for the thumbs-up; I think you're the first to do that. Also, thank you for the encouraging words - you, like some other reviewers I have, have made me blush. I don't think I deserve all the praise!! I love your fic, too, so it's cool you appreciate mine. Have you updated lately? I'll have to check. Probably not, since you're so busy! And why does everyone comment on my grammar? It's not like you guys' stories don't have great grammar, too. You don't know how happy I am you support me, Fiery-chan!!! Lol - caffeine high!!! You should ask Shadow Hawk about me when I'm hyper.on Mountain Dew, chocolate cake, and no math homework for a week!!! Lol!! Hope you won't be too busy to keep on reading and reviewing!!!

Love you guys!!!

*Cortney*