The Secrets that Last
Chapter 6
Ren glanced uneasily at the setting sun as he and Tasuki walked up the palace steps. Tasuki noticed his apprehension but shrugged it off as worrying about the youma from earlier.
"The others should be expecting us. Do you think they've decided yet?" Tasuki grinned.
Ren shrugged. "Ne, I'd expect so. I must tell you though, I don't have long before I have to leave again to run a small errand." He said, glancing around.
Tasuki blinked. "Nani?"
"I promised a young woman at a bar that I would help her home tonight. I mustn't break my word." He answered simply.
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "You haven't changed a bit. You always did have a thing with the women. I don't see how you can stand them and their annoying crying and wining." He grumbled.
Ren chuckled. "I see that my words have effected you. Gomen if they've caused you trouble. The truth is that women are often upset because they want everything to be perfect. It's just their nature I suppose." He smiled. "In any case, your miko is a young woman, ne?"
"Nah, Miaka's just a kid." Tasuki smiled. "She's more of a little sister to us seishi than what your thinking."
Ren shrugged. "If you say so."
Although he may have continued, anything he might have said was cut off by a loud squeal.
Nuriko raced toward them. Tasuki sweat-dropped as Ren was tackled to the ground.
"WAI!! Ren-chaaaan!!!! Miaka no baka said I was ugly!!" the feminine seishi wailed.
Ren smiled sheepishly at Tasuki's "told-you-so" look.
He sighed. "Nuriko, Miaka probably didn't mean it. And besides," he swallowed hard.
"Here goes my pride." He kicked himself mentally.
"I think you're very attractive." He smiled.
Nuriko sniffled. "Honto?" He gave Ren huge puppy dog eyes.
Ren smiled kindly. "Hai. Very much so. Don't you agree Genro?" Ren looked at Tasuki desperately.
Tasuki grunted. "Whatever."
Nuriko smiled brightly, hugging Ren tightly and dragging him into the palace with Tasuki trailing behind.
"Everyone's waiting for you inside! Come on!"
Tasuki sweat-dropped as he noticed the blue hue that was beginning to take over Ren's complexion.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Tasuki shifted in boredom as he waited with his fellow seishi and Touji outside Hotohori's study. The attractive young ruler had been locked in the tiny room with Ren and Miaka for almost an hour.
Tamahome groaned. "What could possibly be keeping them so damned long?!" he whined.
Tasuki grunted. "Ren's methods are almost always verbally tiring, demo, they work efficiently."
Everyone stared at him.
He shrugged. "Ren said it once."
Understanding blanketed the seishi. They relaxed again.
Touji was fiddling with a small object past everyone's view, his lack of creativity astonishingly boring.
"I'll give 'em five more minutes, but if they aren't out by then, grrr." Nuriko scowled. "You don't want to know what I'm going to do."
Everyone sweat-dropped at this.
The door creaked open in the following silence and Hotohori, a pensive Miaka, and a smiling Ren left the room.
Everyone looked at them anxiously.
"Minna-chan, Ren has offered to take us to Mt. Reikaku in one week's time. Preceding our departure, we'd best prepare ourselves for the oncoming training. Ren, why don't you explain?" Hotohori gestured absently toward the staring group.
Ren smiled. "Alright minna, in preparation for our departure I am putting all of you on a special diet that will work to enhance your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. You will each meditate for an hour before the sun sets each night and I will provide you each with a small pendant." He held up a handful of dangling multi-colored pendants.
Nuriko gushed. "They're so pretty! Can I have the purple one? Where'd you find such lovely jewels?"
Ren chuckled. "These pendants are powerful gems I was given to bestow upon you. They hold powers within them that you will eventually learn to control. Once you can focus your powers through these, then we can move on to sculpting them into fighting techniques and spells. Chichiri,"
The blue haired monk looked up.
"You should easily be able master your gem." He handed the smiling monk a sky blue jewel that seemed to almost glow with a faint blue fire dancing within it.
The monk gasped. "What an immense power, no da!"
"It grants a great deal of power, hai. Demo, that power you sense is only a reflection of your own inner strength. Once you learn to focus it through the Sky Jewel you will be the most powerful magician in existence."
Chichiri stared at him, a shocked awe displayed on his face.
"That's, my power, no da?" he breathed, gazing deep into the blue depths of the stone. Vaguely he realized that the shade of blue was similar to Ren's eyes.
Ren nodded. "Hai, now you." He handed Chiriko a small gold crystal with the sign of wisdom imprinted on it.
The boy stared at the jewel in awe, his eyes widened like saucers.
"It's so pretty." He cupped it in his hands like it was incredibly precious and delicate.
Ren chuckled. "Hai. That's because each of your stones appearances represent your pure heart. Their holder is the only one who can control them that way. Of course," he added. "If your heart wanders or becomes unsure, you can not use the stone."
Everyone contemplated this for a moment.
Ren continued. "Now, Mitsukake, here is yours."
This gem was a deep green shade that seemed to contain a sparkling gold flame.
"The Healing Jewel is perfectly suited. It will help to unlock your most powerful abilities. You will be able to heal more without loosing as much energy. The damaging effects on your life force that occur presently would ultimately diminish your soul, demo, this should stop those effects early on. Here you are,"
Mitsukake held the item in his hands, gazing into the gold flame in wonder. "I feel.calm." He said softly.
Ren smiled. "That's because you're feeling the effects of your healing right now. The gem is calming you just as your powers calm those they are applied to."
"I think I understand." Mitsukake smiled. "Arigotou."
"No thanks needed. Just learn to control your powers and all debts will be repaid. Now, Hotohori,"
The young emperor nodded, taking the offered gem. His was a shocking sapphire with electric blue facets. The thing was shining brightly as he took it in his hands.
"The Water Jewel, because you are linked to the element of water. You will soon be able to conjure up powerful spells that involve your element. Tsunami's and such. Once you learn to concentrate these spells, you will be capable of causing mass destruction or simply putting out a camp fire."
Hotohori nodded, tying the pendant around his neck. He put it in his shirt.
"Tamahome, here is the Warrior Gem." Ren took this one more delicately than the others. It was a flaming ruby with crackling orange and gold in the center.
Tamahome looked at it in awe. "Wow."
"It will sharpen your skills. Your strengths will be greater and your weaknesses will vanish once you've learned to control it. That specific gem is legendary for it is said that Suzako himself created it."
"All right Nuriko," Ren handed Nuriko the purple gem. It was a rich violet with the image of a golden willow in the center; the willow seemed to almost be alive within its confinement. Its leaves even rustled in an invisible wind.
"The Power Jewel. It will duplicate your current strength one hundred folds. By the time you've mastered it you will be an undefeatable opponent in the field of strength."
Nuriko gushed. "Wow! It's so pretty! I just love it! Thank you Ren-chan!!!"
Ren laughed bashfully, blushing slightly under Tasuki's annoyed glare.
"Genro, you still have yours, ne?" Ren chuckled uneasily. He smiled, calming down as Tasuki nodded.
"Yeah, I still got mine. See?"
He pulled out a small pendant from his shirt. Everyone gasped at the sight.
Tasuki's gem was by far the most commendable. It was a fiery red, similar to Tamahome's, with a fire phoenix portrayed in the center. The bird was perched in the center of the gem, golden flames surrounding its body. It had striking green eyes that seemed to glow through the surface.
"I'm glad you kept it." Ren smiled fondly at his best friend.
Tasuki shrugged carelessly, looking away. "Yeah well, ya know, thought it might come in handy some day."
"Good thinking, have you kept up your training?"
Touji laughed outright. "Ha! Genro hasn't practiced with that old rock since the week after you left! Ha! Ha!"
Ren smiled at Tasuki's uncomfortable look. "That's alright. We'll just have to see how much you remember. Alright, minna-san, we'll begin tomorrow. I'll leave the cook orders to make you each separate meals and I'll try to get you each the appropriate clothing. In any case, it is almost night and I must be going. Genro, Touji, I must ask you something. Come with me to the palace gates?"
The pair nodded.
"Alright. Emperor, I will come see you first thing in the morning to discuss the specifics of this agreement."
Hotohori nodded.
"Ja ne!" Ren and Tasuki and Touji walked away.
Nuriko and Miaka watched them with hearts in their eyes.
"Ja ne Ren-chaaaaaan!!!" they chorused.
Ren lifted his hand in parting.
*******************
"So what's up Ren?" Touji crossed his arms behind his head as they walked.
Ren smiled. "I was just curious, what has it been like these past three years without me? My training was full time and I never experienced life outside my masters' domain. Sometimes I didn't even know the day. How have things changed?"
Tasuki grunted. "Well let's see, nothin' special. Whatcha think Touji?"
"Nah, nothin' really big changed. Just the whole thing with leadership, but you already knows about that." Touji shrugged.
Ren smiled. "Great. Thank you for telling me. I'll take it alone from here. Ja ne!"
He waved as they stopped at the palace gates. Starlight was waiting patiently for his master.
"Hey there Star, let's go shall we?" Ren smiled, stroking the horse's neck and mounting.
Tasuki and Touji waved as they left.
"Hey Genro," Touji grinned.
"Yeah?"
"I saw that."
"Huh?"
"That look."
"Nani?"
"That look you just gave Ren. That 'I missed you but I'm too proud to say so' look."
Tasuki blew up. "Nuh-uh! I did not look like that! I'm just happy he's back damn it! Can't a guy be happy his friend's back?!"
Touji rolled his eyes. "Sure, Genro, sure."
Tasuki sighed as they went back inside.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi blew her bangs from her eyes in a sigh. "Damn. That was too close for comfort."
"You got that right." Cye grumbled. "Mind getting off of me now?" he added sourly.
Usagi blushed, climbing off of her companion. "Gomen ne."
Cye ruffled his feathers. "No harm done. You're right though, that was way too close for comfort. In the future you'll have to be more careful about timing. And please refrain from riding Starlight when darkness sets in." The last comment was spoken with severe distaste.
Usagi blushed again. "Hee, hee, I said I was sorry."
"Hmph, we'd better get to our room before his highness comes around."
"What's that?"
"Oh please, didn't you notice the way he looked at you? The way he was awed by your beauty? He'll be back tonight if I'm not mistaken."
Usagi groaned. "Cye-chan, I don't need another suitor. I need to be left alone so I can do my work."
"Demo, you are supposed to befriend the other seishi ne? Befriending the emperor would be very useful to that effect."
"True. I suppose it could be managed."
Usagi continued to mumble to herself as she walked briskly to her and Cye's room, the intelligent falcon perched on her shoulder.
She never noticed the studious emperor until she had collided with him full force. Both had been too involved in their own thoughts to notice each other.
They both fell back, landing on the ground with equal grunts of annoyance at being disturbed. Cye was sent flying.
"Why don't you-!"
"You should-!"
They stared at each other.
"Usagi-san, what a pleasant surprise." Hotohori choked out in shock. "Let me help you there, I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going. Miaka must be rubbing off on me."
"Emperor, the pleasure is all mine." Usagi laughed lightly as Hotohori helped her up, still rambling. "Apologizing is really not necessary, we were both at fault." She smiled.
Hotohori chuckled, overcoming the tension in his heart. "You are right. But since I ran into you, would you like to accompany me for a walk through the garden? I was planning to think alone. But company is always so rare that it is greatly appreciated when available."
Usagi smiled. "I wouldn't be imposing?"
"Not at all." Hotohori said quickly.
"Very well then, lead the way." Usagi smiled at his reassurance. Cye reappeared and perched on her extended wrist as they walked toward the garden.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi stared at Hotohori out of the corner of her eyes.
"Emperor," she began.
Hotohori glanced at her shortly, his pensive expression briefly flashing to curiosity.
"What troubles you so? It is obvious that your thoughts are disturbed."
"Is it that noticeable?" Hotohori smiled tiredly. The two were sitting side by side on a fountain bench. A stone figure of Suzako was the exquisite centerpiece.
Usagi smiled lightly. "Hai. As a matter of fact it is. I am surprised that one so high in social status can display such obvious discomfort and not have servants and counselors alike begging to know why."
Hotohori smiled. "Not really. The majority of my counselors are too busy with the country and their own problems to be concerned with mine. I suppose I prefer it that way. I don't want them to be plagued with my own personal troubles as well."
Usagi pouted. "Honto? That's not good."
"Nani?"
"You shouldn't keep everything bottled up inside or some day, when you're older, you'll blow up like a shaken bottle."
Hotohori chuckled at the comparison. "Perhaps you're right."
"I am right." Usagi smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. She was wearing an elegant off the shoulder silver evening gown that gently brushed the ground. It had to have been woven of moonlight because it sparkled with every move she made and it was almost transparent. Her body was shadowed beneath the material. Her hair was in an odd odango style that Hotohori had noted from the previous night. She was dazzling to say the least and Hotohori was awed by her elegance. Her every move seemed to be perfect, like a well-practiced dance or composition.
"Tell me what it is that troubles your mind." It was an order, leaving no room for argument or discussion.
Hotohori blinked. That was the first time anyone had ever spoken to him like that.
"Ne, I uh,"
Usagi sighed. "Emperor, calm yourself. I will not bite. Just tell me what it is and I may be able to assist you."
Hotohori smiled, calming himself and leaning into a more comfortable position.
"Alright. A man named Ren came to the palace today."
"Hai." Usagi's eyes sharpened, the silver in them becoming more apparent.
"And he was apparently acquainted with Tasuki, not that that is wrong. Anyway, he warned me about some oncoming force intent on demolishing our world. Of course, however farfetched that may seem, I believed him."
*Flashback*
"It is imperative that you allow me to train you all. Onegai; for the sake of every human being that exists here. You have to let me train you for Chaos."
Hotohori frowned at Ren. He didn't know what to make of this man that, to his undying annoyance and defeat, was the most beautiful he'd ever encountered. He cleared his throat.
"Our loyalty lies with Miaka. We have devoted our lives to protecting her and keeping her safe from harm. If we journey to Mt. Reikaku with you and allow you to train us, then what would become of her?"
Surely a man who bore such incomparable beauty would bear a brain as well.
Ren looked surprised. "Do you really believe that I would leave the Suzako no Miko without her court? What kind of fool do you take me for?" he chuckled, giving the comment's harshness a carelessness that surprised the emperor.
Hotohori's eyes widened slightly. A man such as this, whose ways spoke of wisdom and experience, was surely to be commended.
"Miaka-san would of course be trained as well. The power of Suzako flows through her being. She is actually very powerful, it is only a matter of unlocking her potential as I see it."
"I see." Hotohori nodded. "Then I accept your offer to train us. The others have already consented to your training. Miaka, would you be willing to be trained as well?"
Miaka blinked, turning from staring at Ren to smile at Hotohori.
"Hai!" she chirped brightly.
Ren smiled. "Excellent."
*End Flashback*
"The thing is that despite my belief that Ren has good intentions, I am still unconsciously suspicious of his motives. I just don't understand why someone like that would just reappear after having been missing for so long and claim to want to save the world, do you understand?"
Usagi smiled. "Hotohori-sama,"
"Just Hotohori is fine," he stated absentmindedly.
"Hotohori, you have considered the possibility that perhaps this Ren was sent to you? I mean, going by your description, it sounds like the gods might have sent him. And did you ever think to ask where he was all those years? Perhaps that would calm your nerves?"
Hotohori stared at her. How ever outrageous the idea seemed, the more he considered it, the more sense it made. Ren, a fair skinned blonde man with unsurpassed beauty and charm.where other than the realm of the gods could he have come? And if Suzako was afraid that his followers were in danger.of course!
"You're right!" Hotohori smiled. "He must have been sent by Suzako! No wonder!" He quickly hugged Usagi and grabbed her hand. She stared at him startled.
"Come! I must introduce you to the Suzako seishi! They must meet you!" he began to lead her off in a jog.
Usagi was too surprised to refuse.
*&^*&^*
Hotohori dragged Usagi onto the steps of the palace where everyone was standing or sitting around.
Chichiri's head snapped up. "Who are you, no da?" he gasped.
"Such immense power!" he thought in shock. Her presence had caused a shock to his system that he couldn't shake.
Usagi stared at him blankly. "Nani?"
"Minna," Hotohori interrupted.
Everyone looked up. Tasuki frowned slightly at her as Tamahome and Chichiri gazed at her with an odd look in their eyes. The look differed with each man.
Miaka just stared.
"Hotohori? Who's she? Where'd she come from?" she asked confusedly. Something about this girl would not leave her alone. There was something oddly familiar about those beautiful azure eyes. Miaka shook the feeling away.
"As I was saying," Hotohori smiled. "This is Usagi. She'll be staying in the palace for a short time so I wanted you all to know who she was. You may run into her every now and then." He explained.
Usagi curtseyed gracefully, elegance and beauty radiating from her slim figure. She smiled kindly. Miaka got stars in her eyes.
"Wow! She must be a princess! She's so pretty!" she thought excitedly.
"I had hoped to get the chance to know the Suzako seishi a bit better before my departure. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me." She smiled ruefully at the truth in those words. It was, in reality, only a chance to meet and understand *these* seishi. This millennium's choice.
She smiled at Nuriko. "Something on your mind?" she asked gently, her voice a soft silvery purr.
Nuriko stared at her. He shook his head. "Iie. You just remind me of someone. That's all." He said quickly.
Her eyes sparkled with hidden secrets, mysterious silvery-blue orbs gazing at him serenely. Nuriko was lost in them for a moment.
"Who?" Usagi cocked her head to the side, a slight frown marring her features.
Nuriko blushed slightly. "Oh nobody! Don't worry about it!" he exclaimed.
Usagi smiled, shrugging. "Very well. I don't believe I know all of your names. Who are you?" She smiled at Chiriko.
The boy blushed under her gentle gaze.
"Watashe wa Chiriko, desu." He smiled bashfully.
"And I'm Tasuki, this is Touji." Tasuki grinned, slapping his friend on the back. "You just missed Ren though."
Usagi smiled. "Ren? The man you mentioned earlier?" She looked at Hotohori, who nodded. "Is he another Suzako seishi that I am unaware of?"
Tamahome snorted. "Not even close. He's just some guy Tasuki used to know. He's a lady hogger." The last part was spoken with a slight tick in his left eye.
Usagi smiled. "Sounds charming. And you two are?"
Chichiri flashed a peace sign. "Chichiri, no da! And this is Tamahome, no da!"
Usagi giggled. "Chichiri, hmm.where have I heard that name before? Oh well, and you are?"
"I am Mitsukake, and this is Tama." Mitsukake smiled, Tama meowing from his shoulder.
Usagi giggled. "Well, hello there Tama-chan." She made a soft purring noise and Tama leapt from Mitsukake's shoulder to hers.
She grinned. "What a darling. And you must be Lady Miaka. It is an honor to meet you at last. I have heard much about the Suzako no miko that I am inclined to investigate while I'm here. Would that disturb you?"
Miaka grinned hugely. "Nah! Ask away! I'll tell you anything you want to know!" she flashed a peace sign. "No secrets here!"
Usagi frowned slightly. "Even the purest heart conceals secrets of darkness. Perhaps those are the darkest truths of all." She said, her voice suddenly cold.
Miaka stared at her, sober. "Nani?"
Everyone stared at Usagi, different expressions of shock and disbelief displayed on all of their features. The sudden change in atmosphere had hit them all.
Usagi shook her head, silver streaked locks tumbling over her shoulders with the movement. "Nothing. Forget about it. Nuriko-kun?"
Nuriko looked up blankly. "Hai?"
"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" she asked. She was, of course, referring to the way he kept staring at her.
Nuriko shrugged. "It's just that you remind me so much of a friend of mine from when I was younger. She looked just like you." he shrugged.
Usagi shrugged back. "That so? Hmm. Cye-chan?" she called.
The falcon swung down from his hovering position and perched on Usagi's shoulder, giving the startled spectator's a superior look.
"Minna-san, this is Cye-chan." Usagi introduced.
Miaka smiled nervously under the bird's dark stare. "Nice birdy." she mumbled.
Usagi smiled softly. "He's a falcon actually. One of the most powerful birds of prey in existence. His kind is well known for their intelligence and keen senses." She explained.
Miaka laughed uneasily. "Ne, that's very, uh, interesting. Hee, hee.does he always stare like that?"
Usagi glanced at Cye blankly. "Rrr.Cye-chan, stop that." she said softly. The great predator of the skies almost grunted before lifting itself to the sky and soaring out of view again.
Usagi smirked. "Baka bird." She mumbled.
Tasuki frowned at the place where Cye had disappeared. "That looked just like Ren's old falcon." He said softly.
Usagi cocked her head slightly to stare at him. "Nani?"
"Cye, he looks just like Ren's old pet, what was its name?" Tasuki glanced at his friend.
Touji smiled. "Ren called it Aqua. Right?"
"Yeah, 'cuz it had those weird-looking aqua eyes. Eesh," Tasuki shivered for effect. "I swear I thought that thing was gonna eat me alive every time it looked at me. The way it always stayed right on Ren's shoulder and never seemed to leave." He shivered again.
"Yeah," Touji shook his head. "How Ren kept the damned thing without freaking out is past me."
"How come he doesn't have it now?" Chiriko asked, ever the inquisitive one.
Usagi stiffened slightly at the question, Hotohori and Nuriko noticed. They frowned faintly at the gesture.
"Oh, it was squished on some mission to the Kutou palace. Ren said that some of Kutou's warriors had cornered him and Aqua had just attacked them all. One went on a rampage and a pillar fell on the poor thing or something. It was the first time I ever saw Ren upset." Tasuki answered, recalling the event.
"Honto? Sounds like a freak accident to me." Miaka made a face. "Weird."
Usagi gave a small, forced smile. "Minna-chan, would it be too forward to ask if I could spend the rest of the evening with you? I was supposed to go out tonight, demo, I was just going to wander around the area to get a feel of Konan."
Hotohori answered before any words could be said. "Of course. And why don't we give you the tour ourselves? Don't you agree minna?"
Everyone stared at him.
"Uh.yeah, sure." Miaka smiled brightly. "Let's give Usagi-chan a tour!"
Everyone smiled and agreed. Decision made.
Usagi smiled and laughed lightly. "Ne, very well then. I would be honored to be in your company."
Nuriko and Tasuki walked beside her as they all left, Hotohori not far away.
Chapter 6
Ren glanced uneasily at the setting sun as he and Tasuki walked up the palace steps. Tasuki noticed his apprehension but shrugged it off as worrying about the youma from earlier.
"The others should be expecting us. Do you think they've decided yet?" Tasuki grinned.
Ren shrugged. "Ne, I'd expect so. I must tell you though, I don't have long before I have to leave again to run a small errand." He said, glancing around.
Tasuki blinked. "Nani?"
"I promised a young woman at a bar that I would help her home tonight. I mustn't break my word." He answered simply.
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "You haven't changed a bit. You always did have a thing with the women. I don't see how you can stand them and their annoying crying and wining." He grumbled.
Ren chuckled. "I see that my words have effected you. Gomen if they've caused you trouble. The truth is that women are often upset because they want everything to be perfect. It's just their nature I suppose." He smiled. "In any case, your miko is a young woman, ne?"
"Nah, Miaka's just a kid." Tasuki smiled. "She's more of a little sister to us seishi than what your thinking."
Ren shrugged. "If you say so."
Although he may have continued, anything he might have said was cut off by a loud squeal.
Nuriko raced toward them. Tasuki sweat-dropped as Ren was tackled to the ground.
"WAI!! Ren-chaaaan!!!! Miaka no baka said I was ugly!!" the feminine seishi wailed.
Ren smiled sheepishly at Tasuki's "told-you-so" look.
He sighed. "Nuriko, Miaka probably didn't mean it. And besides," he swallowed hard.
"Here goes my pride." He kicked himself mentally.
"I think you're very attractive." He smiled.
Nuriko sniffled. "Honto?" He gave Ren huge puppy dog eyes.
Ren smiled kindly. "Hai. Very much so. Don't you agree Genro?" Ren looked at Tasuki desperately.
Tasuki grunted. "Whatever."
Nuriko smiled brightly, hugging Ren tightly and dragging him into the palace with Tasuki trailing behind.
"Everyone's waiting for you inside! Come on!"
Tasuki sweat-dropped as he noticed the blue hue that was beginning to take over Ren's complexion.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Tasuki shifted in boredom as he waited with his fellow seishi and Touji outside Hotohori's study. The attractive young ruler had been locked in the tiny room with Ren and Miaka for almost an hour.
Tamahome groaned. "What could possibly be keeping them so damned long?!" he whined.
Tasuki grunted. "Ren's methods are almost always verbally tiring, demo, they work efficiently."
Everyone stared at him.
He shrugged. "Ren said it once."
Understanding blanketed the seishi. They relaxed again.
Touji was fiddling with a small object past everyone's view, his lack of creativity astonishingly boring.
"I'll give 'em five more minutes, but if they aren't out by then, grrr." Nuriko scowled. "You don't want to know what I'm going to do."
Everyone sweat-dropped at this.
The door creaked open in the following silence and Hotohori, a pensive Miaka, and a smiling Ren left the room.
Everyone looked at them anxiously.
"Minna-chan, Ren has offered to take us to Mt. Reikaku in one week's time. Preceding our departure, we'd best prepare ourselves for the oncoming training. Ren, why don't you explain?" Hotohori gestured absently toward the staring group.
Ren smiled. "Alright minna, in preparation for our departure I am putting all of you on a special diet that will work to enhance your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. You will each meditate for an hour before the sun sets each night and I will provide you each with a small pendant." He held up a handful of dangling multi-colored pendants.
Nuriko gushed. "They're so pretty! Can I have the purple one? Where'd you find such lovely jewels?"
Ren chuckled. "These pendants are powerful gems I was given to bestow upon you. They hold powers within them that you will eventually learn to control. Once you can focus your powers through these, then we can move on to sculpting them into fighting techniques and spells. Chichiri,"
The blue haired monk looked up.
"You should easily be able master your gem." He handed the smiling monk a sky blue jewel that seemed to almost glow with a faint blue fire dancing within it.
The monk gasped. "What an immense power, no da!"
"It grants a great deal of power, hai. Demo, that power you sense is only a reflection of your own inner strength. Once you learn to focus it through the Sky Jewel you will be the most powerful magician in existence."
Chichiri stared at him, a shocked awe displayed on his face.
"That's, my power, no da?" he breathed, gazing deep into the blue depths of the stone. Vaguely he realized that the shade of blue was similar to Ren's eyes.
Ren nodded. "Hai, now you." He handed Chiriko a small gold crystal with the sign of wisdom imprinted on it.
The boy stared at the jewel in awe, his eyes widened like saucers.
"It's so pretty." He cupped it in his hands like it was incredibly precious and delicate.
Ren chuckled. "Hai. That's because each of your stones appearances represent your pure heart. Their holder is the only one who can control them that way. Of course," he added. "If your heart wanders or becomes unsure, you can not use the stone."
Everyone contemplated this for a moment.
Ren continued. "Now, Mitsukake, here is yours."
This gem was a deep green shade that seemed to contain a sparkling gold flame.
"The Healing Jewel is perfectly suited. It will help to unlock your most powerful abilities. You will be able to heal more without loosing as much energy. The damaging effects on your life force that occur presently would ultimately diminish your soul, demo, this should stop those effects early on. Here you are,"
Mitsukake held the item in his hands, gazing into the gold flame in wonder. "I feel.calm." He said softly.
Ren smiled. "That's because you're feeling the effects of your healing right now. The gem is calming you just as your powers calm those they are applied to."
"I think I understand." Mitsukake smiled. "Arigotou."
"No thanks needed. Just learn to control your powers and all debts will be repaid. Now, Hotohori,"
The young emperor nodded, taking the offered gem. His was a shocking sapphire with electric blue facets. The thing was shining brightly as he took it in his hands.
"The Water Jewel, because you are linked to the element of water. You will soon be able to conjure up powerful spells that involve your element. Tsunami's and such. Once you learn to concentrate these spells, you will be capable of causing mass destruction or simply putting out a camp fire."
Hotohori nodded, tying the pendant around his neck. He put it in his shirt.
"Tamahome, here is the Warrior Gem." Ren took this one more delicately than the others. It was a flaming ruby with crackling orange and gold in the center.
Tamahome looked at it in awe. "Wow."
"It will sharpen your skills. Your strengths will be greater and your weaknesses will vanish once you've learned to control it. That specific gem is legendary for it is said that Suzako himself created it."
"All right Nuriko," Ren handed Nuriko the purple gem. It was a rich violet with the image of a golden willow in the center; the willow seemed to almost be alive within its confinement. Its leaves even rustled in an invisible wind.
"The Power Jewel. It will duplicate your current strength one hundred folds. By the time you've mastered it you will be an undefeatable opponent in the field of strength."
Nuriko gushed. "Wow! It's so pretty! I just love it! Thank you Ren-chan!!!"
Ren laughed bashfully, blushing slightly under Tasuki's annoyed glare.
"Genro, you still have yours, ne?" Ren chuckled uneasily. He smiled, calming down as Tasuki nodded.
"Yeah, I still got mine. See?"
He pulled out a small pendant from his shirt. Everyone gasped at the sight.
Tasuki's gem was by far the most commendable. It was a fiery red, similar to Tamahome's, with a fire phoenix portrayed in the center. The bird was perched in the center of the gem, golden flames surrounding its body. It had striking green eyes that seemed to glow through the surface.
"I'm glad you kept it." Ren smiled fondly at his best friend.
Tasuki shrugged carelessly, looking away. "Yeah well, ya know, thought it might come in handy some day."
"Good thinking, have you kept up your training?"
Touji laughed outright. "Ha! Genro hasn't practiced with that old rock since the week after you left! Ha! Ha!"
Ren smiled at Tasuki's uncomfortable look. "That's alright. We'll just have to see how much you remember. Alright, minna-san, we'll begin tomorrow. I'll leave the cook orders to make you each separate meals and I'll try to get you each the appropriate clothing. In any case, it is almost night and I must be going. Genro, Touji, I must ask you something. Come with me to the palace gates?"
The pair nodded.
"Alright. Emperor, I will come see you first thing in the morning to discuss the specifics of this agreement."
Hotohori nodded.
"Ja ne!" Ren and Tasuki and Touji walked away.
Nuriko and Miaka watched them with hearts in their eyes.
"Ja ne Ren-chaaaaaan!!!" they chorused.
Ren lifted his hand in parting.
*******************
"So what's up Ren?" Touji crossed his arms behind his head as they walked.
Ren smiled. "I was just curious, what has it been like these past three years without me? My training was full time and I never experienced life outside my masters' domain. Sometimes I didn't even know the day. How have things changed?"
Tasuki grunted. "Well let's see, nothin' special. Whatcha think Touji?"
"Nah, nothin' really big changed. Just the whole thing with leadership, but you already knows about that." Touji shrugged.
Ren smiled. "Great. Thank you for telling me. I'll take it alone from here. Ja ne!"
He waved as they stopped at the palace gates. Starlight was waiting patiently for his master.
"Hey there Star, let's go shall we?" Ren smiled, stroking the horse's neck and mounting.
Tasuki and Touji waved as they left.
"Hey Genro," Touji grinned.
"Yeah?"
"I saw that."
"Huh?"
"That look."
"Nani?"
"That look you just gave Ren. That 'I missed you but I'm too proud to say so' look."
Tasuki blew up. "Nuh-uh! I did not look like that! I'm just happy he's back damn it! Can't a guy be happy his friend's back?!"
Touji rolled his eyes. "Sure, Genro, sure."
Tasuki sighed as they went back inside.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi blew her bangs from her eyes in a sigh. "Damn. That was too close for comfort."
"You got that right." Cye grumbled. "Mind getting off of me now?" he added sourly.
Usagi blushed, climbing off of her companion. "Gomen ne."
Cye ruffled his feathers. "No harm done. You're right though, that was way too close for comfort. In the future you'll have to be more careful about timing. And please refrain from riding Starlight when darkness sets in." The last comment was spoken with severe distaste.
Usagi blushed again. "Hee, hee, I said I was sorry."
"Hmph, we'd better get to our room before his highness comes around."
"What's that?"
"Oh please, didn't you notice the way he looked at you? The way he was awed by your beauty? He'll be back tonight if I'm not mistaken."
Usagi groaned. "Cye-chan, I don't need another suitor. I need to be left alone so I can do my work."
"Demo, you are supposed to befriend the other seishi ne? Befriending the emperor would be very useful to that effect."
"True. I suppose it could be managed."
Usagi continued to mumble to herself as she walked briskly to her and Cye's room, the intelligent falcon perched on her shoulder.
She never noticed the studious emperor until she had collided with him full force. Both had been too involved in their own thoughts to notice each other.
They both fell back, landing on the ground with equal grunts of annoyance at being disturbed. Cye was sent flying.
"Why don't you-!"
"You should-!"
They stared at each other.
"Usagi-san, what a pleasant surprise." Hotohori choked out in shock. "Let me help you there, I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going. Miaka must be rubbing off on me."
"Emperor, the pleasure is all mine." Usagi laughed lightly as Hotohori helped her up, still rambling. "Apologizing is really not necessary, we were both at fault." She smiled.
Hotohori chuckled, overcoming the tension in his heart. "You are right. But since I ran into you, would you like to accompany me for a walk through the garden? I was planning to think alone. But company is always so rare that it is greatly appreciated when available."
Usagi smiled. "I wouldn't be imposing?"
"Not at all." Hotohori said quickly.
"Very well then, lead the way." Usagi smiled at his reassurance. Cye reappeared and perched on her extended wrist as they walked toward the garden.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi stared at Hotohori out of the corner of her eyes.
"Emperor," she began.
Hotohori glanced at her shortly, his pensive expression briefly flashing to curiosity.
"What troubles you so? It is obvious that your thoughts are disturbed."
"Is it that noticeable?" Hotohori smiled tiredly. The two were sitting side by side on a fountain bench. A stone figure of Suzako was the exquisite centerpiece.
Usagi smiled lightly. "Hai. As a matter of fact it is. I am surprised that one so high in social status can display such obvious discomfort and not have servants and counselors alike begging to know why."
Hotohori smiled. "Not really. The majority of my counselors are too busy with the country and their own problems to be concerned with mine. I suppose I prefer it that way. I don't want them to be plagued with my own personal troubles as well."
Usagi pouted. "Honto? That's not good."
"Nani?"
"You shouldn't keep everything bottled up inside or some day, when you're older, you'll blow up like a shaken bottle."
Hotohori chuckled at the comparison. "Perhaps you're right."
"I am right." Usagi smiled, crossing her arms over her chest. She was wearing an elegant off the shoulder silver evening gown that gently brushed the ground. It had to have been woven of moonlight because it sparkled with every move she made and it was almost transparent. Her body was shadowed beneath the material. Her hair was in an odd odango style that Hotohori had noted from the previous night. She was dazzling to say the least and Hotohori was awed by her elegance. Her every move seemed to be perfect, like a well-practiced dance or composition.
"Tell me what it is that troubles your mind." It was an order, leaving no room for argument or discussion.
Hotohori blinked. That was the first time anyone had ever spoken to him like that.
"Ne, I uh,"
Usagi sighed. "Emperor, calm yourself. I will not bite. Just tell me what it is and I may be able to assist you."
Hotohori smiled, calming himself and leaning into a more comfortable position.
"Alright. A man named Ren came to the palace today."
"Hai." Usagi's eyes sharpened, the silver in them becoming more apparent.
"And he was apparently acquainted with Tasuki, not that that is wrong. Anyway, he warned me about some oncoming force intent on demolishing our world. Of course, however farfetched that may seem, I believed him."
*Flashback*
"It is imperative that you allow me to train you all. Onegai; for the sake of every human being that exists here. You have to let me train you for Chaos."
Hotohori frowned at Ren. He didn't know what to make of this man that, to his undying annoyance and defeat, was the most beautiful he'd ever encountered. He cleared his throat.
"Our loyalty lies with Miaka. We have devoted our lives to protecting her and keeping her safe from harm. If we journey to Mt. Reikaku with you and allow you to train us, then what would become of her?"
Surely a man who bore such incomparable beauty would bear a brain as well.
Ren looked surprised. "Do you really believe that I would leave the Suzako no Miko without her court? What kind of fool do you take me for?" he chuckled, giving the comment's harshness a carelessness that surprised the emperor.
Hotohori's eyes widened slightly. A man such as this, whose ways spoke of wisdom and experience, was surely to be commended.
"Miaka-san would of course be trained as well. The power of Suzako flows through her being. She is actually very powerful, it is only a matter of unlocking her potential as I see it."
"I see." Hotohori nodded. "Then I accept your offer to train us. The others have already consented to your training. Miaka, would you be willing to be trained as well?"
Miaka blinked, turning from staring at Ren to smile at Hotohori.
"Hai!" she chirped brightly.
Ren smiled. "Excellent."
*End Flashback*
"The thing is that despite my belief that Ren has good intentions, I am still unconsciously suspicious of his motives. I just don't understand why someone like that would just reappear after having been missing for so long and claim to want to save the world, do you understand?"
Usagi smiled. "Hotohori-sama,"
"Just Hotohori is fine," he stated absentmindedly.
"Hotohori, you have considered the possibility that perhaps this Ren was sent to you? I mean, going by your description, it sounds like the gods might have sent him. And did you ever think to ask where he was all those years? Perhaps that would calm your nerves?"
Hotohori stared at her. How ever outrageous the idea seemed, the more he considered it, the more sense it made. Ren, a fair skinned blonde man with unsurpassed beauty and charm.where other than the realm of the gods could he have come? And if Suzako was afraid that his followers were in danger.of course!
"You're right!" Hotohori smiled. "He must have been sent by Suzako! No wonder!" He quickly hugged Usagi and grabbed her hand. She stared at him startled.
"Come! I must introduce you to the Suzako seishi! They must meet you!" he began to lead her off in a jog.
Usagi was too surprised to refuse.
*&^*&^*
Hotohori dragged Usagi onto the steps of the palace where everyone was standing or sitting around.
Chichiri's head snapped up. "Who are you, no da?" he gasped.
"Such immense power!" he thought in shock. Her presence had caused a shock to his system that he couldn't shake.
Usagi stared at him blankly. "Nani?"
"Minna," Hotohori interrupted.
Everyone looked up. Tasuki frowned slightly at her as Tamahome and Chichiri gazed at her with an odd look in their eyes. The look differed with each man.
Miaka just stared.
"Hotohori? Who's she? Where'd she come from?" she asked confusedly. Something about this girl would not leave her alone. There was something oddly familiar about those beautiful azure eyes. Miaka shook the feeling away.
"As I was saying," Hotohori smiled. "This is Usagi. She'll be staying in the palace for a short time so I wanted you all to know who she was. You may run into her every now and then." He explained.
Usagi curtseyed gracefully, elegance and beauty radiating from her slim figure. She smiled kindly. Miaka got stars in her eyes.
"Wow! She must be a princess! She's so pretty!" she thought excitedly.
"I had hoped to get the chance to know the Suzako seishi a bit better before my departure. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me." She smiled ruefully at the truth in those words. It was, in reality, only a chance to meet and understand *these* seishi. This millennium's choice.
She smiled at Nuriko. "Something on your mind?" she asked gently, her voice a soft silvery purr.
Nuriko stared at her. He shook his head. "Iie. You just remind me of someone. That's all." He said quickly.
Her eyes sparkled with hidden secrets, mysterious silvery-blue orbs gazing at him serenely. Nuriko was lost in them for a moment.
"Who?" Usagi cocked her head to the side, a slight frown marring her features.
Nuriko blushed slightly. "Oh nobody! Don't worry about it!" he exclaimed.
Usagi smiled, shrugging. "Very well. I don't believe I know all of your names. Who are you?" She smiled at Chiriko.
The boy blushed under her gentle gaze.
"Watashe wa Chiriko, desu." He smiled bashfully.
"And I'm Tasuki, this is Touji." Tasuki grinned, slapping his friend on the back. "You just missed Ren though."
Usagi smiled. "Ren? The man you mentioned earlier?" She looked at Hotohori, who nodded. "Is he another Suzako seishi that I am unaware of?"
Tamahome snorted. "Not even close. He's just some guy Tasuki used to know. He's a lady hogger." The last part was spoken with a slight tick in his left eye.
Usagi smiled. "Sounds charming. And you two are?"
Chichiri flashed a peace sign. "Chichiri, no da! And this is Tamahome, no da!"
Usagi giggled. "Chichiri, hmm.where have I heard that name before? Oh well, and you are?"
"I am Mitsukake, and this is Tama." Mitsukake smiled, Tama meowing from his shoulder.
Usagi giggled. "Well, hello there Tama-chan." She made a soft purring noise and Tama leapt from Mitsukake's shoulder to hers.
She grinned. "What a darling. And you must be Lady Miaka. It is an honor to meet you at last. I have heard much about the Suzako no miko that I am inclined to investigate while I'm here. Would that disturb you?"
Miaka grinned hugely. "Nah! Ask away! I'll tell you anything you want to know!" she flashed a peace sign. "No secrets here!"
Usagi frowned slightly. "Even the purest heart conceals secrets of darkness. Perhaps those are the darkest truths of all." She said, her voice suddenly cold.
Miaka stared at her, sober. "Nani?"
Everyone stared at Usagi, different expressions of shock and disbelief displayed on all of their features. The sudden change in atmosphere had hit them all.
Usagi shook her head, silver streaked locks tumbling over her shoulders with the movement. "Nothing. Forget about it. Nuriko-kun?"
Nuriko looked up blankly. "Hai?"
"Why do you keep looking at me like that?" she asked. She was, of course, referring to the way he kept staring at her.
Nuriko shrugged. "It's just that you remind me so much of a friend of mine from when I was younger. She looked just like you." he shrugged.
Usagi shrugged back. "That so? Hmm. Cye-chan?" she called.
The falcon swung down from his hovering position and perched on Usagi's shoulder, giving the startled spectator's a superior look.
"Minna-san, this is Cye-chan." Usagi introduced.
Miaka smiled nervously under the bird's dark stare. "Nice birdy." she mumbled.
Usagi smiled softly. "He's a falcon actually. One of the most powerful birds of prey in existence. His kind is well known for their intelligence and keen senses." She explained.
Miaka laughed uneasily. "Ne, that's very, uh, interesting. Hee, hee.does he always stare like that?"
Usagi glanced at Cye blankly. "Rrr.Cye-chan, stop that." she said softly. The great predator of the skies almost grunted before lifting itself to the sky and soaring out of view again.
Usagi smirked. "Baka bird." She mumbled.
Tasuki frowned at the place where Cye had disappeared. "That looked just like Ren's old falcon." He said softly.
Usagi cocked her head slightly to stare at him. "Nani?"
"Cye, he looks just like Ren's old pet, what was its name?" Tasuki glanced at his friend.
Touji smiled. "Ren called it Aqua. Right?"
"Yeah, 'cuz it had those weird-looking aqua eyes. Eesh," Tasuki shivered for effect. "I swear I thought that thing was gonna eat me alive every time it looked at me. The way it always stayed right on Ren's shoulder and never seemed to leave." He shivered again.
"Yeah," Touji shook his head. "How Ren kept the damned thing without freaking out is past me."
"How come he doesn't have it now?" Chiriko asked, ever the inquisitive one.
Usagi stiffened slightly at the question, Hotohori and Nuriko noticed. They frowned faintly at the gesture.
"Oh, it was squished on some mission to the Kutou palace. Ren said that some of Kutou's warriors had cornered him and Aqua had just attacked them all. One went on a rampage and a pillar fell on the poor thing or something. It was the first time I ever saw Ren upset." Tasuki answered, recalling the event.
"Honto? Sounds like a freak accident to me." Miaka made a face. "Weird."
Usagi gave a small, forced smile. "Minna-chan, would it be too forward to ask if I could spend the rest of the evening with you? I was supposed to go out tonight, demo, I was just going to wander around the area to get a feel of Konan."
Hotohori answered before any words could be said. "Of course. And why don't we give you the tour ourselves? Don't you agree minna?"
Everyone stared at him.
"Uh.yeah, sure." Miaka smiled brightly. "Let's give Usagi-chan a tour!"
Everyone smiled and agreed. Decision made.
Usagi smiled and laughed lightly. "Ne, very well then. I would be honored to be in your company."
Nuriko and Tasuki walked beside her as they all left, Hotohori not far away.