The Secrets That Last
Chapter three
Hotohori sighed, cupping his chin in his hand as he leaned his elbows on the railing of the small gazebo. "Chaos." he thought with a frown. "I wonder what the fate of my kingdom is now. Things are changing so quickly." He blinked out of his thoughts as a woman's voice cursed behind the bushes in front of him. Instinctively he reached for his sword. Until the figure fell straight through the bushes and landed in the moonlight, that is. She cursed again.
"Kuso! You would think a place like this would have a map of some kind! What kind of baka designed this place anyway?! Oh.I'd just love to have five minutes with that guy alone.ooh, grrr." she growled, standing up and dusting off.
Her pale ivory skin seemed to glow beneath the gentle lunar rays and her fiery golden hair seemed to be streaked with moonbeams. The long silky waves rippled like water as she moved about. Her eyes were the perfect portrayal of a star filled night sky, being a shade of deep midnight blue and sparkling dazzlingly. Her rose colored lips looked as soft as their color suggested and they were currently in an adorable pout.
"Why did Suzu-chan have to wake me up so very early in the first place? Damned gods think they can just pop up at any given moment and boss you around. Grr.the least the feather-brained baka could do was provide me with some decent directions. Ugh!" the girl grumbled as she looked around.
Hotohori was shocked. Was this girl crazy? "She certainly is beautiful though, her lovely features are almost a match for my own.perhaps they are even superior." He leaned over further to hear her better.
"Geez! I wouldn't even have to be here if Ryu-chan hadn't opened up his big fat mouth and gotten in to that dumb argument with Suzu-chan. Why can't those two just give it a rest?! They keep going at it like kids! Man, there is going to be some serious bitching when I return." She groaned, having finished her thirteenth spin. "Kami-sama, at this rate I can expect to return in a millennia at least!" she sighed, rubbing her temples. "This is just not my day. Oi Cye? Why don't you stop laughing at me and help me out?" she glanced at a nearby tree.
Hotohori held back a gasp as a silver falcon with black eyes and talons soared out of the tree and landed on the girl's shoulder. "What a rare and beautiful creature! I have never seen such a stunning beast!" he thought in awe.
The girl smirked. "Well, it's about time, oh annoying one. What were you doing over there anyway? Besides mocking me." She pet the great falcon's feathers.
Cye bobbed his head up and down, black beak aimed at Hotohori's shadowed form. The girl cocked her head to the side, peering into the shadows.
"Hello? Is there someone there? You needn't hide! I would appreciate a guide; perhaps you can assist me? I must be escorted to the emperor to request a hearing with him!" she called into the darkness.
Hotohori noted that she seemed unafraid at the prospect of not being alone. Without knowing why, he stepped from the gazebo and into the moonlight. "Why must you see the emperor?" He asked simply.
She looked him over, shrugging. "That is none of your concern. What are you doing out here, spying on me? Are you a spy?" she didn't even blink as Cye took to flight. He soared back into the shadows without so much as a sound.
Hotohori crossed his arms over his chest indignantly.
"A spy? Do I look like a spy to you? A man of such rare and astonishing beauty, a mere spy? I am far more that a measly spy." He said in a regal tone.
The girl laughed. The sound resembled chimes. "Gomen nasai for thinking you less that worthy of your appearance. Demo, appearances are not always what makes the man. 'Tis the mind that manipulates personality, ne? Forgive me for my grievous error in judgment." She bowed gracefully, golden locks spilling over her shoulders.
Hotohori stared at her. "It was nothing, a simple mistake in identity. Um.who are you to speak such elegant words? Your beauty illuminates the night with its radiance and I am at a loss as to how one man may capture the title of a silver rose in but a single word." He blushed as he realized what he'd said and that he had walked up to her during the little speech. Now he stood in front of her, embarrassed for once.
"Ne, you are a man of great pride to speak such flawless words. Tell me," she relaxed, smiling. "What is the name of the first man to ever lay eyes upon my face? I believe that a fair exchange of names is in order, ne?" she smiled casually.
He nodded slowly. "I am known as Hotohori, of the Suzako seishi. And my formal title is." he sighed inwardly. "Once I tell her it's back to being treated like an untouchable. She'll be walking on glass before I can even get her name." He thought, a spark of anger and sadness entering his eyes.
She covered his mouth with her delicate hand to silence him; her eyes softening like smoldering blue ashes. She smiled softly as the intoxicating scent of roses enveloped the young emperor.
"I know. You're Saihitei, ne?" She removed her hand, shaking her head dismissively. Hotohori tensed, waiting for an apology of some kind.
"It does not matter." Shock! "I am Serenity; call me Usagi. My formal title is in no need to be mentioned. That's Cye, my friend and guardian. The purpose of my requesting your audience was to ask if you could provide a suit for Cye and me. We will be spending at least a week in Konan before we journey to Kutou to tend to some personal matters. Housing and food during my stay must be adequate to the extent of an honored guest. Do you accept?"
Hotohori frowned. "Forgive me, for I do not mean to sound petty, demo, how will my accommodating you benefit me?" he asked, kicking himself several times mentally.
Usagi smirked. "Aah.are you asking this from a personal perspective or for others?"
He blushed slightly at her insinuation.
"Do not worry. I leave during the day and sleep at night. I will not bother you or others. Do you accept my terms?" she gazed at him steadily as Cye reappeared and landed on her extended arm.
Hotohori nodded. "Hai. I will have a room prepared for you immediately. Follow me, perhaps you would like a meal before you retire for the evening?"
She smiled, looping her arm through his and ignoring his startled expression. "Arigotou! I shall decline on that last offer but I will accompany you to the dining hall before I leave you."
Hotohori stuttered. "Well, whatever suits your interests.So, what brings you to Konan? Certainly you are aware of our current difficulties with Kutou."
Usagi smirked mysteriously. "To you, Hotohori, my past shall remain in shadows. But I shall tell you this, I came from the mountains."
They continued to walk in silence.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi sighed as she lay on her bed. The room was fairly large, with silver walls and fancy designs carved in gold. A huge gold sculpture of Suzako in bird form took up the majority of one wall. She smiled at it fondly. "Nice piece of work, ne?"
Cye perched on the bedpost, nodding his head up and down.
Usagi smirked, sitting up. "Well, you're not very talkative today. Nande?"
Cye glared around the room suspiciously. "I don't like this. The darkness has nearly doubled since your re-entry to the mortal plain. He probably wanted to make a point by sending some of his minions to collect energy before the first wave." The deep voice held a strong British accent. Usagi nodded, standing up and tracing the statue's delicately carved feathers.
"That does seem likely. I assume minna-chan is aware of this?"
"Hai."
"Then they've taken care of them?"
"Hai."
"And Seiryuu? What does he say?" Usagi held her hand to her chest, glancing at Cye.
"The usual. The baka is too proud to admit that Kutou is the main source of negative energy for Chaos. Of course, Byakko and Genbu won't have anything to do with Suzako and Seiryuu's arguments. Those two bicker over anything and everything. Can you imagine their reactions to learning that Chaos has reawakened?" he snorted.
Usagi smiled. "Hai, I can imagine them at each other's throats now. Speaking of, where is Chaos right now?"
"I believe he was last located near the Blue Star. She holds much anger and hatred, which Chaos is more than happy to reinforce. Demo, he may have moved. Why don't you contact Genbu and ask him? He's the one always flaunting his ability to find people." Cye began to preen.
Usagi gasped. "Oh my gosh! I forgot! I promised Ryu-chan I'd contact him when I arrived! And Suzu-chan made me swear to scout out the palace for spies form the dark kingdom! I completely forgot all about them! Hurry Cye! The sun is going to rise in an hour!" She cried, grabbing a pair of sandals and quickly tying the ballet-like strings at her knees. Cye ruffled his feathers in annoyance.
"Well, aren't we on track? I can't believe you Usa! We must hurry if you want to avoid the Red Star discovering you," he said urgently, flying out the window after her.
Usagi landed bellow the window with a grunt. She wasted no time in racing toward the lake.
"Kuso, minna-chan must be looking for me." She cursed mentally.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi sighed as she gazed into the cool water's surface. "Breaking the waves of time with immortal grace and beauty, I call upon the four gods of the universe parallel to the Earthen Realm." She chanted, bowing her head slightly as the water began to boil. "Suzako, god of Konan, the flaming bird of grace, the guardian of life and chooser of soul mates," an explosion of fire rocked the waves as a flash of feathers passed before Usagi's eyes. "Seiryuu," she continues, her hand held before her. "God of Kutou, the dragon lord of war, the guardian of death and reincarnation, bringer of pain and misfortune," Waves of water crashed together as a streak of green scales erupted from the huge, churning blue abyss. Usagi brought her other hand out as well. "Byakko, god of Sailo, and Genbu, god of Hokkan, retired as the guardians of mortal spirits and souls, choosers of destinies and fates, bringers of health and luck," a great clash of stripes and shell appeared in an explosion of all the elements. "Appear before me, guardians of this dimension, appear before your chosen bride. I demand it!" Immediately the waters cleared to reveal the impatient faces of four men.
"Well it's about time. Usa-chan, where have you been?" demanded one man in annoyance. The man appeared to be Asian, with olive skin and sparkling ebony eyes. He had thick black hair tied behind him in a small ponytail and his garments were out of date, but flattering to his handsome appearance, in shades of green and brown with gold designs.
Usagi smiled. "I love you too Gen-chan."
He sighed.
"Usa-chan, Genbu was right. We thought you were in trouble for a moment. Try to be more punctual in the future." This man spoke gently to her, a warm smile on his lips. He had flaming red hair and gold eyes that reflected flaming ruby. His skin was tanned and he was obviously in his late teens or early twenties by appearance. His clothes were red with gold designs and his arms were crossed over his chest in a patient, superior look. So far, he had only opened his eyes for the first sentence.
"But Suzu-chaaaaaaan! You never told me how to find the damned palace! I spent half the night lost in the gardens!" Usagi whined.
Suzako opened his eyes and stared straight into hers. "I was not aware that such information would be necessary. And besides, you seem to have found your way." He smirked. Usagi blushed and avoided his eyes.
Unfortunately, this only caused her to look straight into the face of a man with striking blue-green eyes with hints of silver. His hair was a shade of azure blue with teal highlights and he looked to be perhaps a bit older that the other two. He wore shades of blue and green with silver designs. The look of fire in his eyes was unmistakable as the light of war, dancing coldly as emotions swayed between each other. He neither smiled nor frowned as he gazed at her solidly, glancing at Suzako briefly with a spark of jealousy in his eyes.
"So what do you have for us?" he asked, his voice deep and rough. Usagi sighed. Cye swooped down to perch on her shoulder, nodding to the four gods.
"Well, the area has been secured, no saying that Chaos already has set spies though. Everything here checks out perfectly so far and I haven't run into any more youma since I left Touji. At sunrise I plan to saddle Starlight and catch up with my old friend that I was telling you about." Usagi explained. She smiled, fingering the fancy gold band on her left ring finger. "Anyway, any news on Chaos?" she looked into the previous man's eyes, grinning.
"Ne, we thing we know why he's chosen this world to feed off of." He said.
"That so? Well tell me, Ryu-chan!" Usagi gave him a "Why didn't you finish?" look.
Seiryuu shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest again. "We've determined that Chaos sensed your presence when you reverted to your true form three years ago. He locked onto your energy signature and sent that spell class youma to you."
"But the spell youma attacked two years ago." Usagi frowned.
"Hai, it could only get to you on the mortal plain so it took a year to locate you and carry out its mission." Seiryuu explained.
Usagi nodded. "OK. So that's how I got the curse, but that still doesn't explain why Chaos is here now."
Cye swapped the back of her head with his wing. "Let him finish!" he growled.
All four men smirked at this. Usagi growled, glaring at Cye who glared right back. "Don't think you're the only one who was cursed that day." Cye said simply.
Usagi cooled down at this and returned to looking at the image in the lake. Genbu picked up for Seiryuu.
"Chaos must have felt the growing conflict between Kutou and Konan and looked at it as the perfect opportunity to, if you will, kill two birds with one stone. He could feed off of the negative emotions on both sides and draw you out of our realm at the same time, like a moth to a flame. I believe that he plans to capture you and use you as a battery for his armies when he attempts to conquer this world. Of course, with the limitless energy you possess, it's no surprise that he's got his warriors after you. I think it'd be best if you stayed with the Suzako seishi and gained some strong connection with them in both your forms. Try to conceal your powers for as long as possible, it wouldn't be good if they grew suspicious of your intentions." He finished.
Usagi nodded. "Alright, I'll."
Seiryuu interrupted her. "How come she can't stay with my seishi? They are far superior to Suzako's men!" he grumbled loudly.
Suzako rolled his eyes. "Oh lay off Seiryuu! Your seishi are more irresponsible with people's lives than schoolchildren are with that of an insect!"
Seiryuu growled. "What are you talking about? Usa-chan would be more that safe with them!"
"Iie! She's safer in Konan!"
"Kutou!"
"Konan!"
"Kutou!"
"Konan!"
"Grr."
"Grr." They glared at each other.
Usagi glanced at the last man who still hadn't spoken. "Byakko-chan?" she said softly. He stared in surprise, looking at her with silvery blue eyes. His eyes were a shade of shocking laser blue with silver sparkles and silver lining around the iris. His hair was short and cropped, a shade of silvery white that strangely had no effect on his youthful appearance. His skin was similar to her own in color: a shiny ivory. She smiled softly at him and he returned it almost shyly. "Please take care while I'm gone." she whispered to him softly. He nodded.
He wore all white with black boots, belt, and head and armbands. His outfit was composed of a non-sleeved shirt, baggy fighter pants, calf boots, and a headband that went to his waste. His figure was lean and muscular, suggesting him as a martial artist. His left ear was pierced with a silver earring, but beyond that he wore no jewelry except several rings on his left hand. He was by far the most attractive of the four men.
He still remained silent.
Usagi grinned as she caught the group's attention. "Minna-chan, I must leave if I am to stay on schedule. Gomen, demo, ja ne!" The image flickered once before disappearing just as Suzako and Seiryuu dove into yet another argument over why she left so early.
Cye glanced at her. "The sun shall rise within the hour, you should get ready."
Usagi nodded, turning around. "Very well, I shall prepare myself for the oncoming battle. Accompany me?"
Cye bobbed his head up and down. "Hai, of course."
Chapter three
Hotohori sighed, cupping his chin in his hand as he leaned his elbows on the railing of the small gazebo. "Chaos." he thought with a frown. "I wonder what the fate of my kingdom is now. Things are changing so quickly." He blinked out of his thoughts as a woman's voice cursed behind the bushes in front of him. Instinctively he reached for his sword. Until the figure fell straight through the bushes and landed in the moonlight, that is. She cursed again.
"Kuso! You would think a place like this would have a map of some kind! What kind of baka designed this place anyway?! Oh.I'd just love to have five minutes with that guy alone.ooh, grrr." she growled, standing up and dusting off.
Her pale ivory skin seemed to glow beneath the gentle lunar rays and her fiery golden hair seemed to be streaked with moonbeams. The long silky waves rippled like water as she moved about. Her eyes were the perfect portrayal of a star filled night sky, being a shade of deep midnight blue and sparkling dazzlingly. Her rose colored lips looked as soft as their color suggested and they were currently in an adorable pout.
"Why did Suzu-chan have to wake me up so very early in the first place? Damned gods think they can just pop up at any given moment and boss you around. Grr.the least the feather-brained baka could do was provide me with some decent directions. Ugh!" the girl grumbled as she looked around.
Hotohori was shocked. Was this girl crazy? "She certainly is beautiful though, her lovely features are almost a match for my own.perhaps they are even superior." He leaned over further to hear her better.
"Geez! I wouldn't even have to be here if Ryu-chan hadn't opened up his big fat mouth and gotten in to that dumb argument with Suzu-chan. Why can't those two just give it a rest?! They keep going at it like kids! Man, there is going to be some serious bitching when I return." She groaned, having finished her thirteenth spin. "Kami-sama, at this rate I can expect to return in a millennia at least!" she sighed, rubbing her temples. "This is just not my day. Oi Cye? Why don't you stop laughing at me and help me out?" she glanced at a nearby tree.
Hotohori held back a gasp as a silver falcon with black eyes and talons soared out of the tree and landed on the girl's shoulder. "What a rare and beautiful creature! I have never seen such a stunning beast!" he thought in awe.
The girl smirked. "Well, it's about time, oh annoying one. What were you doing over there anyway? Besides mocking me." She pet the great falcon's feathers.
Cye bobbed his head up and down, black beak aimed at Hotohori's shadowed form. The girl cocked her head to the side, peering into the shadows.
"Hello? Is there someone there? You needn't hide! I would appreciate a guide; perhaps you can assist me? I must be escorted to the emperor to request a hearing with him!" she called into the darkness.
Hotohori noted that she seemed unafraid at the prospect of not being alone. Without knowing why, he stepped from the gazebo and into the moonlight. "Why must you see the emperor?" He asked simply.
She looked him over, shrugging. "That is none of your concern. What are you doing out here, spying on me? Are you a spy?" she didn't even blink as Cye took to flight. He soared back into the shadows without so much as a sound.
Hotohori crossed his arms over his chest indignantly.
"A spy? Do I look like a spy to you? A man of such rare and astonishing beauty, a mere spy? I am far more that a measly spy." He said in a regal tone.
The girl laughed. The sound resembled chimes. "Gomen nasai for thinking you less that worthy of your appearance. Demo, appearances are not always what makes the man. 'Tis the mind that manipulates personality, ne? Forgive me for my grievous error in judgment." She bowed gracefully, golden locks spilling over her shoulders.
Hotohori stared at her. "It was nothing, a simple mistake in identity. Um.who are you to speak such elegant words? Your beauty illuminates the night with its radiance and I am at a loss as to how one man may capture the title of a silver rose in but a single word." He blushed as he realized what he'd said and that he had walked up to her during the little speech. Now he stood in front of her, embarrassed for once.
"Ne, you are a man of great pride to speak such flawless words. Tell me," she relaxed, smiling. "What is the name of the first man to ever lay eyes upon my face? I believe that a fair exchange of names is in order, ne?" she smiled casually.
He nodded slowly. "I am known as Hotohori, of the Suzako seishi. And my formal title is." he sighed inwardly. "Once I tell her it's back to being treated like an untouchable. She'll be walking on glass before I can even get her name." He thought, a spark of anger and sadness entering his eyes.
She covered his mouth with her delicate hand to silence him; her eyes softening like smoldering blue ashes. She smiled softly as the intoxicating scent of roses enveloped the young emperor.
"I know. You're Saihitei, ne?" She removed her hand, shaking her head dismissively. Hotohori tensed, waiting for an apology of some kind.
"It does not matter." Shock! "I am Serenity; call me Usagi. My formal title is in no need to be mentioned. That's Cye, my friend and guardian. The purpose of my requesting your audience was to ask if you could provide a suit for Cye and me. We will be spending at least a week in Konan before we journey to Kutou to tend to some personal matters. Housing and food during my stay must be adequate to the extent of an honored guest. Do you accept?"
Hotohori frowned. "Forgive me, for I do not mean to sound petty, demo, how will my accommodating you benefit me?" he asked, kicking himself several times mentally.
Usagi smirked. "Aah.are you asking this from a personal perspective or for others?"
He blushed slightly at her insinuation.
"Do not worry. I leave during the day and sleep at night. I will not bother you or others. Do you accept my terms?" she gazed at him steadily as Cye reappeared and landed on her extended arm.
Hotohori nodded. "Hai. I will have a room prepared for you immediately. Follow me, perhaps you would like a meal before you retire for the evening?"
She smiled, looping her arm through his and ignoring his startled expression. "Arigotou! I shall decline on that last offer but I will accompany you to the dining hall before I leave you."
Hotohori stuttered. "Well, whatever suits your interests.So, what brings you to Konan? Certainly you are aware of our current difficulties with Kutou."
Usagi smirked mysteriously. "To you, Hotohori, my past shall remain in shadows. But I shall tell you this, I came from the mountains."
They continued to walk in silence.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi sighed as she lay on her bed. The room was fairly large, with silver walls and fancy designs carved in gold. A huge gold sculpture of Suzako in bird form took up the majority of one wall. She smiled at it fondly. "Nice piece of work, ne?"
Cye perched on the bedpost, nodding his head up and down.
Usagi smirked, sitting up. "Well, you're not very talkative today. Nande?"
Cye glared around the room suspiciously. "I don't like this. The darkness has nearly doubled since your re-entry to the mortal plain. He probably wanted to make a point by sending some of his minions to collect energy before the first wave." The deep voice held a strong British accent. Usagi nodded, standing up and tracing the statue's delicately carved feathers.
"That does seem likely. I assume minna-chan is aware of this?"
"Hai."
"Then they've taken care of them?"
"Hai."
"And Seiryuu? What does he say?" Usagi held her hand to her chest, glancing at Cye.
"The usual. The baka is too proud to admit that Kutou is the main source of negative energy for Chaos. Of course, Byakko and Genbu won't have anything to do with Suzako and Seiryuu's arguments. Those two bicker over anything and everything. Can you imagine their reactions to learning that Chaos has reawakened?" he snorted.
Usagi smiled. "Hai, I can imagine them at each other's throats now. Speaking of, where is Chaos right now?"
"I believe he was last located near the Blue Star. She holds much anger and hatred, which Chaos is more than happy to reinforce. Demo, he may have moved. Why don't you contact Genbu and ask him? He's the one always flaunting his ability to find people." Cye began to preen.
Usagi gasped. "Oh my gosh! I forgot! I promised Ryu-chan I'd contact him when I arrived! And Suzu-chan made me swear to scout out the palace for spies form the dark kingdom! I completely forgot all about them! Hurry Cye! The sun is going to rise in an hour!" She cried, grabbing a pair of sandals and quickly tying the ballet-like strings at her knees. Cye ruffled his feathers in annoyance.
"Well, aren't we on track? I can't believe you Usa! We must hurry if you want to avoid the Red Star discovering you," he said urgently, flying out the window after her.
Usagi landed bellow the window with a grunt. She wasted no time in racing toward the lake.
"Kuso, minna-chan must be looking for me." She cursed mentally.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi sighed as she gazed into the cool water's surface. "Breaking the waves of time with immortal grace and beauty, I call upon the four gods of the universe parallel to the Earthen Realm." She chanted, bowing her head slightly as the water began to boil. "Suzako, god of Konan, the flaming bird of grace, the guardian of life and chooser of soul mates," an explosion of fire rocked the waves as a flash of feathers passed before Usagi's eyes. "Seiryuu," she continues, her hand held before her. "God of Kutou, the dragon lord of war, the guardian of death and reincarnation, bringer of pain and misfortune," Waves of water crashed together as a streak of green scales erupted from the huge, churning blue abyss. Usagi brought her other hand out as well. "Byakko, god of Sailo, and Genbu, god of Hokkan, retired as the guardians of mortal spirits and souls, choosers of destinies and fates, bringers of health and luck," a great clash of stripes and shell appeared in an explosion of all the elements. "Appear before me, guardians of this dimension, appear before your chosen bride. I demand it!" Immediately the waters cleared to reveal the impatient faces of four men.
"Well it's about time. Usa-chan, where have you been?" demanded one man in annoyance. The man appeared to be Asian, with olive skin and sparkling ebony eyes. He had thick black hair tied behind him in a small ponytail and his garments were out of date, but flattering to his handsome appearance, in shades of green and brown with gold designs.
Usagi smiled. "I love you too Gen-chan."
He sighed.
"Usa-chan, Genbu was right. We thought you were in trouble for a moment. Try to be more punctual in the future." This man spoke gently to her, a warm smile on his lips. He had flaming red hair and gold eyes that reflected flaming ruby. His skin was tanned and he was obviously in his late teens or early twenties by appearance. His clothes were red with gold designs and his arms were crossed over his chest in a patient, superior look. So far, he had only opened his eyes for the first sentence.
"But Suzu-chaaaaaaan! You never told me how to find the damned palace! I spent half the night lost in the gardens!" Usagi whined.
Suzako opened his eyes and stared straight into hers. "I was not aware that such information would be necessary. And besides, you seem to have found your way." He smirked. Usagi blushed and avoided his eyes.
Unfortunately, this only caused her to look straight into the face of a man with striking blue-green eyes with hints of silver. His hair was a shade of azure blue with teal highlights and he looked to be perhaps a bit older that the other two. He wore shades of blue and green with silver designs. The look of fire in his eyes was unmistakable as the light of war, dancing coldly as emotions swayed between each other. He neither smiled nor frowned as he gazed at her solidly, glancing at Suzako briefly with a spark of jealousy in his eyes.
"So what do you have for us?" he asked, his voice deep and rough. Usagi sighed. Cye swooped down to perch on her shoulder, nodding to the four gods.
"Well, the area has been secured, no saying that Chaos already has set spies though. Everything here checks out perfectly so far and I haven't run into any more youma since I left Touji. At sunrise I plan to saddle Starlight and catch up with my old friend that I was telling you about." Usagi explained. She smiled, fingering the fancy gold band on her left ring finger. "Anyway, any news on Chaos?" she looked into the previous man's eyes, grinning.
"Ne, we thing we know why he's chosen this world to feed off of." He said.
"That so? Well tell me, Ryu-chan!" Usagi gave him a "Why didn't you finish?" look.
Seiryuu shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest again. "We've determined that Chaos sensed your presence when you reverted to your true form three years ago. He locked onto your energy signature and sent that spell class youma to you."
"But the spell youma attacked two years ago." Usagi frowned.
"Hai, it could only get to you on the mortal plain so it took a year to locate you and carry out its mission." Seiryuu explained.
Usagi nodded. "OK. So that's how I got the curse, but that still doesn't explain why Chaos is here now."
Cye swapped the back of her head with his wing. "Let him finish!" he growled.
All four men smirked at this. Usagi growled, glaring at Cye who glared right back. "Don't think you're the only one who was cursed that day." Cye said simply.
Usagi cooled down at this and returned to looking at the image in the lake. Genbu picked up for Seiryuu.
"Chaos must have felt the growing conflict between Kutou and Konan and looked at it as the perfect opportunity to, if you will, kill two birds with one stone. He could feed off of the negative emotions on both sides and draw you out of our realm at the same time, like a moth to a flame. I believe that he plans to capture you and use you as a battery for his armies when he attempts to conquer this world. Of course, with the limitless energy you possess, it's no surprise that he's got his warriors after you. I think it'd be best if you stayed with the Suzako seishi and gained some strong connection with them in both your forms. Try to conceal your powers for as long as possible, it wouldn't be good if they grew suspicious of your intentions." He finished.
Usagi nodded. "Alright, I'll."
Seiryuu interrupted her. "How come she can't stay with my seishi? They are far superior to Suzako's men!" he grumbled loudly.
Suzako rolled his eyes. "Oh lay off Seiryuu! Your seishi are more irresponsible with people's lives than schoolchildren are with that of an insect!"
Seiryuu growled. "What are you talking about? Usa-chan would be more that safe with them!"
"Iie! She's safer in Konan!"
"Kutou!"
"Konan!"
"Kutou!"
"Konan!"
"Grr."
"Grr." They glared at each other.
Usagi glanced at the last man who still hadn't spoken. "Byakko-chan?" she said softly. He stared in surprise, looking at her with silvery blue eyes. His eyes were a shade of shocking laser blue with silver sparkles and silver lining around the iris. His hair was short and cropped, a shade of silvery white that strangely had no effect on his youthful appearance. His skin was similar to her own in color: a shiny ivory. She smiled softly at him and he returned it almost shyly. "Please take care while I'm gone." she whispered to him softly. He nodded.
He wore all white with black boots, belt, and head and armbands. His outfit was composed of a non-sleeved shirt, baggy fighter pants, calf boots, and a headband that went to his waste. His figure was lean and muscular, suggesting him as a martial artist. His left ear was pierced with a silver earring, but beyond that he wore no jewelry except several rings on his left hand. He was by far the most attractive of the four men.
He still remained silent.
Usagi grinned as she caught the group's attention. "Minna-chan, I must leave if I am to stay on schedule. Gomen, demo, ja ne!" The image flickered once before disappearing just as Suzako and Seiryuu dove into yet another argument over why she left so early.
Cye glanced at her. "The sun shall rise within the hour, you should get ready."
Usagi nodded, turning around. "Very well, I shall prepare myself for the oncoming battle. Accompany me?"
Cye bobbed his head up and down. "Hai, of course."