The Secrets that Last
Chapter 9
"NANI?!?!?!?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "I said give me all you've got." She clarified. "As in attack me. I want to see how much power you can use without tiring or straining yourself. Come on!"
Chichiri stared at her like she had grown five noses.
"You can not possibly be serious, no da." He said blankly.
Usagi groaned. "Chichiri-chan, I told you, think of me as Ren, not just a woman. I can handle it so don't worry. Just give me all you've got."
Chichiri slowly raised his hands, striking several positions and chanting, then arranging them to be palm out toward her.
"Attack!" he shouted.
The spell erupted in a show of flashing indigo and magenta. Usagi calmly waved her hand, creating a barrier that absorbed the attack without the slightest effort.
Chichiri gasped, jaw slackened in shock. "I, I don't understand.that was my most powerful attack, no da." He breathed.
Usagi grinned. "Sugoi! Try this Chichiri," she clasped her hands together and clamped her eyes closed.
"Serpents of the ice and snow here my call!" A freezing blue wind began to pick up around her, snow swirling about her form.
"I summon you spirits of water and wind!" Usagi's eyes burst open, glowing a haunting ice blue.
"Ice Serpents Strike!" She swung her hand around, ending with her fist above her head and her free hand extended toward Chichiri. What appeared to be snakes made of ice, water, and snow whistled at a blinding speed toward the monk. He instinctively created a shield and watched with wide eyes as the frightening snakes met his shield. He swallowed hard, fear clogging his throat as they seemed to be grinning at him, taunting him as they wrapped themselves around the shield and coiled over one another. The hissing alone was enough to make one sick to the stomach. Chichiri gasped, putting more power into his shield as it cracked against his will.
Usagi watched Chichiri struggle with the serpents for a moment more before she finally raised her hand.
"Return!" she commanded.
The snakes melted away, forming a puddle that quickly disappeared into the blackness.
Chichiri was left kneeling, head bowed with his breaths coming in short gasps. Sweat dripped silently down his smooth cheeks, hitting the black abyss and disappearing. His eyes were closed tightly.
"What kind of spell was that, no da?" his words were strained through ragged breaths. Usagi came up beside him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.
"Look at me Chichiri-chan,"
He twisted his head to gaze tiredly up at her smiling face.
"That was your second challenge. That was an attack spell. You are capable of it if you'd like to try."
Chichiri swallowed, his breath becoming more even.
"I don't understand, no da. If I'm capable of casting a spell that powerful how come I am unable to defend myself against it, no da?" His crimson eye reflected the genuine lack of understanding seen in a child's.
Usagi smiled gently, offering him an understanding look. "It's not that you are incapable of casting an efficient defense spell, it is simply that you are using the wrong spell. I will teach you the correct defense spells as soon as I teach you several attacks. Now, will you stand beside me here?" She offered him her hand.
He stared at her extended hand, his eye clearing to its previous burning crimson. He allowed her to pull him to his feet.
"Now," Usagi began. "Put your hands together as so," She clasped her hands together as she had before. "And close your eyes."
Chichiri straightened his shoulders, recovered from his previous lack of composure. He followed Usagi's orders, breathing deeply.
Usagi waved her hand, slicing through the darkness. The image of a seething youma with tentacles, claws, and poisonous spikes covering it from head to toe came alive before Chichiri's closed eyes.
The youma's arms and legs were chained so it couldn't escape, their ends disappearing into the darkness.
"Now chant with me and search deep within yourself. I want you to be able to feel that stone on your necklace burn against your chest. Understand?"
Chichiri nodded. He was about to begin when he couldn't resist asking, "Will it hurt, no da?"
Usagi nodded before his closed lids.
"Hai. Very much. Demo, that's the price of power."
Chichiri's jaw hardened. His hands began to shake as he applied pressure to them, pushing his palms against one another.
"Follow me," Usagi began, "Serpents of the ice and snow here my call!"
Chichiri's voice echoed Usagi's as the icy blue wind began to pick up around him, snowflakes dancing around him.
"I summon you spirits of water and wind!" Chichiri's eye opened abruptly, flashing a fierce aqua.
"Ice Serpents Strike!"
Chichiri swung his hand around without thinking, as Usagi had, with his fist above his head. Once more the snake-like beings formed, circling Chichiri at a blinding pace before attacking the youma his other hand was directed at. The sky blue pendant around his neck began to glow. Chichiri's eyes went wide with pain as it burned into his skin.
"Na-nani?! What's happening, no da?!" Chichiri let out a painful cry as the stone burrowed into his chest, creating a burning sensation beyond comprehension.
Usagi gave a proud smirk as the snake attack ate through the youma's shield and viciously destroyed him. The snow snake wrapped around the youma, freezing him along with the water snake while the ice snake ripped it apart.
"Look Chichiri-chan, your spell worked." Usagi pointed out, glancing at the kneeling seishi.
Chichiri gasped, looking up to view the fading mass of frozen flesh. He felt unsure. His chest hurt so much. Throbbing pain, or wait, the throb.it was his heartbeat!
"Usagi-chan," Chichiri gasped, turning to her. "Onegai, I need to know what's happening to me, no da."
Usagi looked down at the pitiful image of the fallen monk and nodded.
"Very well." She nodded.
"Here," She waved her hand through the darkness and the blackness was replaced by the surroundings of a dojo. They were in a room that looked like a training chamber.
"This is where the rest of your training shall take place."
Chichiri was still writhing in pain, almost completely oblivious to the change in surroundings. He was vaguely aware of Usagi's presence beside him before he felt himself being lifted in slender, yet strong arms and being carried somewhere. He opened his eyes as the pain subsided to a dull throb in tune with his heartbeat.
He gazed at Usagi through a confused crimson orb.
Usagi sighed. "I will not attempt to woo you with excuses or possible misinterpretations."
Chichiri reached out to her, taking her hand in his own and staring into her bewitching orbs.
"Just tell me what's happening to me, no da." He pleaded, squeezing her hand.
Usagi stared at him for a moment, nodding slowly. "The Sky Stone is replacing your heart."
"Nani?" Chichiri's eye was a storm of emotions.
"It is going to burrow into your flesh until its thrumming heat is the beat of your life. The pain will go away once I've worked with you a little more and the change is completed. At that time your power will be immensely improved."
"Nande?"
"Pardon?"
"Why is this necessary?"
Usagi swallowed, closing her eyes. What she had to say next was going to be very hard for the man before her to accept.
"Chichiri-chan, when a seishi is born in your world the gods already know his fate. They take away any excess powers that he doesn't need or that are at the time too much for him to handle. They mold these powers into the form of stones or gems. You see, each of your friends will have to endure the same pain to reclaim their birthright. This process is merely giving you back what you'd lost so long ago."
"And Miaka?" Chichiri asked after everything she'd said had sunk in.
"She has no need for a stone. She is not of your world anyway. Her training will not involve a focus."
Chichiri nodded. He collected himself. "So, if what you're saying is correct, no da, then the sooner I train the sooner this pain will go away, no da?"
Usagi nodded.
Chichiri smiled. "Then bring on the training, no da!"
Usagi smiled; her small guilt at dragging him to accept his birthright diminishing.
"Hai! If you want to get over the pain, copy me,"
And so Chichiri began to learn the techniques that the Suzako Warrior of the Skies was destined to master.
Soon the stone had replaced his heart and filled him with a power beyond his wildest dreams and Usagi began working with him to master it. Youma after youma was called to the Zone at Usagi's bidding and three months before the years ending, Chichiri was ready to face his hardest challenge yet.
Usagi herself.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi smiled at Chichiri. She was so proud of the young man made warrior. His lean, masculine frame was toned and solid, not a bit of fat on him. His eye was a deep crimson sparkling with fiery wisdom and awareness. He moved with a grace and agility that befitted a god.
"Alas my friend, you have nearly completed your training." She said smoothly.
Chichiri smiled at her. Over the past nine months he had grown quite fond of his lone companion in this confining room. When the two of them had become so exhausted that sleep became a necessity Usagi had created futons for them to sleep on, but any rest they had was short and just enough to keep them going. Her training had been more difficult than he'd expected. Each new attack or defense spell was either quickly learned or not at all. But past her hard exterior, Chichiri had grown to respect a more serene, happy side of her that he had the honor of witnessing every so often. Her mysterious nature and endless facets kept him fascinated with her every move. She never cried, never expressed sorrow or anger, the only negative emotion she seemed to be able to show was the occasional spurt of annoyance when he woke her from meditation. Chichiri could not deny that he felt more than simple friendship for the beautiful young woman, but he refused to let that get in the way of his training. In an attempt to vanquish any of his weaknesses he had gained one that was now his only one.
Usagi herself.
And now it was time for him to face her. Attempt to defeat her.
He was ready.
"I am ready, no da." Chichiri smiled at her, hiding the admiration and warmth in his eye behind a mask of fiery crimson.
Usagi waved her hand, the dojo disappearing. Chichiri found himself once more in the empty black void that he had originally awoken to with his arrival into the Zone.
Usagi floated before him, arms crossed over her chest with a Cheshire smile on her face.
"Chichiri-chan, the last three months of your training will be spent as follows." She snapped her fingers. Immediately hundreds of youma appeared out of nowhere, surrounding Chichiri.
"First, you must defeat these hideous creatures. They range from first class to third class youma. I will send millions of youma to you in the next two months. Within that time you must use all of your power to defeat them. I don't care how you do it. Just remember, youma have no idea what is fair or not and even if they did, they wouldn't care. Save your code of honor for those who respect it. Once the two months have ended I shall vanquish any leftover youma and I will face you myself."
Chichiri nodded. The youma were all frozen in different positions, most with their mouths open in protest, so he didn't feel threatened. Usagi had explained that with all of the youma sent to her over the years by Chaos she had frozen most of them for training purposes rather than killing them.
Sick, but efficient.
Usagi smiled, now floating right in front of Chichiri. "I know you can do this Chichiri-chan. I've trained you well. I know I don't need to say this, but good luck." She leaned forward, catching him by surprise, and dropped a soft butterfly kiss on his lips. The kiss lasted for longer than just a butterfly kiss though. Warmth flooded his being and Chichiri's eyes widened as a memory flashed through his mind.
***Flashback***
Pain.
Stinging pain.
In his arm.
What was that sensation?
Chichiri felt something soft against his lips. Warmth flowed into his being.
He felt heavy.there was something on his arm.hurting him.stinging him like a burning needle.what was that softness on his lips?
"Mmm." he moaned against the softness. He strained to open his eyes.
A blurred image of gold and pale skin reached him. He tried to concentrate on what he assumed was the blur's face.
"Ren?" he whispered hoarsely. "Did we make it, no da? What happened, no da?"
The blur seemed to shake its head.
"Chichiri-san, it's me." The voice was soft and gentle, a silvery tune.
Chichiri's eyes widened hugely as he recognized the voice. He sat up quickly.
"Usagi-chan?! What are you doing here? Where's Ren?" He gasped as his vision cleared. He was lying on what appeared to be nothing. All around him was black. Nothing but darkness in every direction. The nothingness was consuming. He looked at Usagi.
Her body was surrounded by a faint silver aura and her eyes glowed softly in the darkness. A deep royal blue that sparkled with silver stars.
He stared in shock. She was so beautiful.
***End Flashback***
"It was her." he thought in awe. "She was kissing me, giving me life, energy. All this time it was her kiss that brought me here." He smiled. "And that pain, she must have healed it." With all of the healing spells he'd learned he could easily take care of a thousand injured soldiers by now.
He had little time to dwell on this revelation as Usagi pulled back, floating above the youma, and smiled.
"See you Chichiri-chan!" she called sweetly. She disappeared into the darkness.
Chichiri quickly created a shield as the youma awoke, immediately beginning to attack. Chichiri began to strategically eliminate them.
He smiled to himself as spell after spell was sent toward the raging youma.
"Usa-chan."
%*%*%*%*%*%*%Outside the Zone
Tasuki glanced at Touji, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"They're coming back tonight." He stated, performing several karate exercises.
Touji nodded. "Hai." He followed Tasuki's example. Both men wore baggy white gi pants with black calf boots. They weren't wearing shirts.
"We should get stats on the others to decide the next trainee."
"Would Ren want that?"
"I wouldn't think he'd have a problem with it. Who do you think should be next?"
Touji didn't hesitate in his reply as he struck at an invisible enemy with fluid movements, slow and steady.
"The emperor. Hotohori."
Tasuki nodded. "Hai, he seems to be the best candidate."
"He is the most self disciplined. And he's already got a well-developed ability. Ren would have an easier time with him than Tamahome."
"OK, we'll have Hotohori sent next. Demo, before he returns, we must work to improve Tamahome's attitude."
Touji grinned, standing with his arms crossed now. "You're startin' to sound like Ren. If you want to work on Tamahome's bad attitude, be my guest. I'm not gonna mess with him though."
Tasuki laughed a little too loud, putting his hand behind his head. "Well actually, I was kinda hopin' that you could help me.say, hee, hee, hold him down.?"
Touji sweat-dropped. "."
%*%*%*%*%*%*%Back in the Zone
Chichiri gazed at Usagi cautiously.
She grinned. "It's time Chichiri, do you think you're ready?"
He nodded, not daring to take his eyes off her.
"Then let's begin."
"Alright, be ready, she could attack at any time." Chichiri advised himself.
Usagi and Chichiri crossed their arms over their chests, the typical position when attacking or being attacked because it made the casting of spells easier and allowed more power to flow through the body.
Usagi swiftly cocked her head to the side and a shock wave was sent toward Chichiri. He blocked, floating out of the smoke and narrowing his eyes. This sent his own attack spiraling toward her. This silent war of unspoken spells continued for an indefinable amount of time.
Finally Usagi took it a step further.
"Unspoken games as we have played offer little interest to me now, let us take this little challenge to the next level, shall we?"
Chichiri smirked, confidence in his gaze. "Why not?"
"Screaming Firebird Strike!" Usagi cried. A fiery red phoenix soared over her head, screaming a fearsome war cry as it flew toward Chichiri.
He quickly countered. "Wind Bird Hurricane!" Behind Chichiri a whirlwind formed, taking on the shape of a phoenix and advancing toward its golden- eyed counterpart. The two birds clashed in a flash of violent indigo and fiery crimson. Usagi's eyes glowed their haunting shade of ice blue while Chichiri's took on a stunning aqua.
Once more the battle between them raged with more power and ferocity than ever before. The two birds fought for their masters, clawing, batting, and biting. It was a battle of beasts of magic, a dazzling display of the powers of good in a meaningless war that would serve no purpose but for this moment meant everything to its participants.
The two battled for days, weeks. By the time the month was over, they were both casting high scale energy spells, drawing on their final energy reserves. Both were drenched in sweat, cheeks flushed.
Usagi threw her head back, blowing the hair from her eyes. "Chichiri-chan, I do believe it time to end this."
Chichiri's determined gaze bore into her. "I rather agree, no da."
They both smiled at each other in understanding, all defenses dropping in an instant.
"Truce?" Usagi offered her hand, floating toward him.
"Truce." Chichiri followed her example and they shook hands.
Usagi grinned.
"I'm so proud of you Chichiri-chan!" She pounced on him, hugging him tightly.
He grinned, returning the embrace.
"Usa-chan,"
She looked at him in surprise.
"Arigatou. For everything."
Usagi smiled, her eyes softening. "Iie Chi-chan, arigatou." She laid a gentle kiss on his lips before pulling away and returning them to the dojo room. "We have several hours before we must return. I've prepared a special surprise for you for completing your training."
"Honto?" Chichiri looked at her with playful suspicion.
Usagi giggled, her eyes sparkling. "Hai!"
She flicked her wrist and the dojo melted away to reveal a beautiful landscape. Hills, trees, grass, flowers, everything one could ask for in nature.
Chichiri stared in awe. "It's all so beautiful." He breathed.
Usagi smiled. "Hai. And now, it is time that you are made able to fully enjoy it."
Chichiri looked confused. "Nani?"
Usagi walked toward him, touching his cheek. "Chichiri, Suzako's Wind Bearer, your god grants you sight, clearer than ever before."
Chichiri was too shocked to react as Usagi leaned forward and kissed his scar. In that one perfect moment the scar that Chichiri had spent so long hiding from the world.healed. He opened his eye for the first time in years. Chichiri gasped.
Tears welled in his eyes as he saw everything from a different perspective.
"Usa-chan, a-arigato!!" He reached to trace the scar, his fingers brushing against smooth, untarnished flesh. It was as if the scar had never been.
"Suzako is proud of you Chichiri, and so am I." Usagi smiled, cupping his cheek. "And in two hours you will be able to see, for the very first time, your friends and priestess through the eyes of a true Suzako seishi."
Chichiri choked on his happiness, unable to speak.
For the first time in years, he felt truly happy. Nothing could have ruined this for him. Nothing.
Chapter 9
"NANI?!?!?!?"
Usagi rolled her eyes. "I said give me all you've got." She clarified. "As in attack me. I want to see how much power you can use without tiring or straining yourself. Come on!"
Chichiri stared at her like she had grown five noses.
"You can not possibly be serious, no da." He said blankly.
Usagi groaned. "Chichiri-chan, I told you, think of me as Ren, not just a woman. I can handle it so don't worry. Just give me all you've got."
Chichiri slowly raised his hands, striking several positions and chanting, then arranging them to be palm out toward her.
"Attack!" he shouted.
The spell erupted in a show of flashing indigo and magenta. Usagi calmly waved her hand, creating a barrier that absorbed the attack without the slightest effort.
Chichiri gasped, jaw slackened in shock. "I, I don't understand.that was my most powerful attack, no da." He breathed.
Usagi grinned. "Sugoi! Try this Chichiri," she clasped her hands together and clamped her eyes closed.
"Serpents of the ice and snow here my call!" A freezing blue wind began to pick up around her, snow swirling about her form.
"I summon you spirits of water and wind!" Usagi's eyes burst open, glowing a haunting ice blue.
"Ice Serpents Strike!" She swung her hand around, ending with her fist above her head and her free hand extended toward Chichiri. What appeared to be snakes made of ice, water, and snow whistled at a blinding speed toward the monk. He instinctively created a shield and watched with wide eyes as the frightening snakes met his shield. He swallowed hard, fear clogging his throat as they seemed to be grinning at him, taunting him as they wrapped themselves around the shield and coiled over one another. The hissing alone was enough to make one sick to the stomach. Chichiri gasped, putting more power into his shield as it cracked against his will.
Usagi watched Chichiri struggle with the serpents for a moment more before she finally raised her hand.
"Return!" she commanded.
The snakes melted away, forming a puddle that quickly disappeared into the blackness.
Chichiri was left kneeling, head bowed with his breaths coming in short gasps. Sweat dripped silently down his smooth cheeks, hitting the black abyss and disappearing. His eyes were closed tightly.
"What kind of spell was that, no da?" his words were strained through ragged breaths. Usagi came up beside him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled.
"Look at me Chichiri-chan,"
He twisted his head to gaze tiredly up at her smiling face.
"That was your second challenge. That was an attack spell. You are capable of it if you'd like to try."
Chichiri swallowed, his breath becoming more even.
"I don't understand, no da. If I'm capable of casting a spell that powerful how come I am unable to defend myself against it, no da?" His crimson eye reflected the genuine lack of understanding seen in a child's.
Usagi smiled gently, offering him an understanding look. "It's not that you are incapable of casting an efficient defense spell, it is simply that you are using the wrong spell. I will teach you the correct defense spells as soon as I teach you several attacks. Now, will you stand beside me here?" She offered him her hand.
He stared at her extended hand, his eye clearing to its previous burning crimson. He allowed her to pull him to his feet.
"Now," Usagi began. "Put your hands together as so," She clasped her hands together as she had before. "And close your eyes."
Chichiri straightened his shoulders, recovered from his previous lack of composure. He followed Usagi's orders, breathing deeply.
Usagi waved her hand, slicing through the darkness. The image of a seething youma with tentacles, claws, and poisonous spikes covering it from head to toe came alive before Chichiri's closed eyes.
The youma's arms and legs were chained so it couldn't escape, their ends disappearing into the darkness.
"Now chant with me and search deep within yourself. I want you to be able to feel that stone on your necklace burn against your chest. Understand?"
Chichiri nodded. He was about to begin when he couldn't resist asking, "Will it hurt, no da?"
Usagi nodded before his closed lids.
"Hai. Very much. Demo, that's the price of power."
Chichiri's jaw hardened. His hands began to shake as he applied pressure to them, pushing his palms against one another.
"Follow me," Usagi began, "Serpents of the ice and snow here my call!"
Chichiri's voice echoed Usagi's as the icy blue wind began to pick up around him, snowflakes dancing around him.
"I summon you spirits of water and wind!" Chichiri's eye opened abruptly, flashing a fierce aqua.
"Ice Serpents Strike!"
Chichiri swung his hand around without thinking, as Usagi had, with his fist above his head. Once more the snake-like beings formed, circling Chichiri at a blinding pace before attacking the youma his other hand was directed at. The sky blue pendant around his neck began to glow. Chichiri's eyes went wide with pain as it burned into his skin.
"Na-nani?! What's happening, no da?!" Chichiri let out a painful cry as the stone burrowed into his chest, creating a burning sensation beyond comprehension.
Usagi gave a proud smirk as the snake attack ate through the youma's shield and viciously destroyed him. The snow snake wrapped around the youma, freezing him along with the water snake while the ice snake ripped it apart.
"Look Chichiri-chan, your spell worked." Usagi pointed out, glancing at the kneeling seishi.
Chichiri gasped, looking up to view the fading mass of frozen flesh. He felt unsure. His chest hurt so much. Throbbing pain, or wait, the throb.it was his heartbeat!
"Usagi-chan," Chichiri gasped, turning to her. "Onegai, I need to know what's happening to me, no da."
Usagi looked down at the pitiful image of the fallen monk and nodded.
"Very well." She nodded.
"Here," She waved her hand through the darkness and the blackness was replaced by the surroundings of a dojo. They were in a room that looked like a training chamber.
"This is where the rest of your training shall take place."
Chichiri was still writhing in pain, almost completely oblivious to the change in surroundings. He was vaguely aware of Usagi's presence beside him before he felt himself being lifted in slender, yet strong arms and being carried somewhere. He opened his eyes as the pain subsided to a dull throb in tune with his heartbeat.
He gazed at Usagi through a confused crimson orb.
Usagi sighed. "I will not attempt to woo you with excuses or possible misinterpretations."
Chichiri reached out to her, taking her hand in his own and staring into her bewitching orbs.
"Just tell me what's happening to me, no da." He pleaded, squeezing her hand.
Usagi stared at him for a moment, nodding slowly. "The Sky Stone is replacing your heart."
"Nani?" Chichiri's eye was a storm of emotions.
"It is going to burrow into your flesh until its thrumming heat is the beat of your life. The pain will go away once I've worked with you a little more and the change is completed. At that time your power will be immensely improved."
"Nande?"
"Pardon?"
"Why is this necessary?"
Usagi swallowed, closing her eyes. What she had to say next was going to be very hard for the man before her to accept.
"Chichiri-chan, when a seishi is born in your world the gods already know his fate. They take away any excess powers that he doesn't need or that are at the time too much for him to handle. They mold these powers into the form of stones or gems. You see, each of your friends will have to endure the same pain to reclaim their birthright. This process is merely giving you back what you'd lost so long ago."
"And Miaka?" Chichiri asked after everything she'd said had sunk in.
"She has no need for a stone. She is not of your world anyway. Her training will not involve a focus."
Chichiri nodded. He collected himself. "So, if what you're saying is correct, no da, then the sooner I train the sooner this pain will go away, no da?"
Usagi nodded.
Chichiri smiled. "Then bring on the training, no da!"
Usagi smiled; her small guilt at dragging him to accept his birthright diminishing.
"Hai! If you want to get over the pain, copy me,"
And so Chichiri began to learn the techniques that the Suzako Warrior of the Skies was destined to master.
Soon the stone had replaced his heart and filled him with a power beyond his wildest dreams and Usagi began working with him to master it. Youma after youma was called to the Zone at Usagi's bidding and three months before the years ending, Chichiri was ready to face his hardest challenge yet.
Usagi herself.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Usagi smiled at Chichiri. She was so proud of the young man made warrior. His lean, masculine frame was toned and solid, not a bit of fat on him. His eye was a deep crimson sparkling with fiery wisdom and awareness. He moved with a grace and agility that befitted a god.
"Alas my friend, you have nearly completed your training." She said smoothly.
Chichiri smiled at her. Over the past nine months he had grown quite fond of his lone companion in this confining room. When the two of them had become so exhausted that sleep became a necessity Usagi had created futons for them to sleep on, but any rest they had was short and just enough to keep them going. Her training had been more difficult than he'd expected. Each new attack or defense spell was either quickly learned or not at all. But past her hard exterior, Chichiri had grown to respect a more serene, happy side of her that he had the honor of witnessing every so often. Her mysterious nature and endless facets kept him fascinated with her every move. She never cried, never expressed sorrow or anger, the only negative emotion she seemed to be able to show was the occasional spurt of annoyance when he woke her from meditation. Chichiri could not deny that he felt more than simple friendship for the beautiful young woman, but he refused to let that get in the way of his training. In an attempt to vanquish any of his weaknesses he had gained one that was now his only one.
Usagi herself.
And now it was time for him to face her. Attempt to defeat her.
He was ready.
"I am ready, no da." Chichiri smiled at her, hiding the admiration and warmth in his eye behind a mask of fiery crimson.
Usagi waved her hand, the dojo disappearing. Chichiri found himself once more in the empty black void that he had originally awoken to with his arrival into the Zone.
Usagi floated before him, arms crossed over her chest with a Cheshire smile on her face.
"Chichiri-chan, the last three months of your training will be spent as follows." She snapped her fingers. Immediately hundreds of youma appeared out of nowhere, surrounding Chichiri.
"First, you must defeat these hideous creatures. They range from first class to third class youma. I will send millions of youma to you in the next two months. Within that time you must use all of your power to defeat them. I don't care how you do it. Just remember, youma have no idea what is fair or not and even if they did, they wouldn't care. Save your code of honor for those who respect it. Once the two months have ended I shall vanquish any leftover youma and I will face you myself."
Chichiri nodded. The youma were all frozen in different positions, most with their mouths open in protest, so he didn't feel threatened. Usagi had explained that with all of the youma sent to her over the years by Chaos she had frozen most of them for training purposes rather than killing them.
Sick, but efficient.
Usagi smiled, now floating right in front of Chichiri. "I know you can do this Chichiri-chan. I've trained you well. I know I don't need to say this, but good luck." She leaned forward, catching him by surprise, and dropped a soft butterfly kiss on his lips. The kiss lasted for longer than just a butterfly kiss though. Warmth flooded his being and Chichiri's eyes widened as a memory flashed through his mind.
***Flashback***
Pain.
Stinging pain.
In his arm.
What was that sensation?
Chichiri felt something soft against his lips. Warmth flowed into his being.
He felt heavy.there was something on his arm.hurting him.stinging him like a burning needle.what was that softness on his lips?
"Mmm." he moaned against the softness. He strained to open his eyes.
A blurred image of gold and pale skin reached him. He tried to concentrate on what he assumed was the blur's face.
"Ren?" he whispered hoarsely. "Did we make it, no da? What happened, no da?"
The blur seemed to shake its head.
"Chichiri-san, it's me." The voice was soft and gentle, a silvery tune.
Chichiri's eyes widened hugely as he recognized the voice. He sat up quickly.
"Usagi-chan?! What are you doing here? Where's Ren?" He gasped as his vision cleared. He was lying on what appeared to be nothing. All around him was black. Nothing but darkness in every direction. The nothingness was consuming. He looked at Usagi.
Her body was surrounded by a faint silver aura and her eyes glowed softly in the darkness. A deep royal blue that sparkled with silver stars.
He stared in shock. She was so beautiful.
***End Flashback***
"It was her." he thought in awe. "She was kissing me, giving me life, energy. All this time it was her kiss that brought me here." He smiled. "And that pain, she must have healed it." With all of the healing spells he'd learned he could easily take care of a thousand injured soldiers by now.
He had little time to dwell on this revelation as Usagi pulled back, floating above the youma, and smiled.
"See you Chichiri-chan!" she called sweetly. She disappeared into the darkness.
Chichiri quickly created a shield as the youma awoke, immediately beginning to attack. Chichiri began to strategically eliminate them.
He smiled to himself as spell after spell was sent toward the raging youma.
"Usa-chan."
%*%*%*%*%*%*%Outside the Zone
Tasuki glanced at Touji, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"They're coming back tonight." He stated, performing several karate exercises.
Touji nodded. "Hai." He followed Tasuki's example. Both men wore baggy white gi pants with black calf boots. They weren't wearing shirts.
"We should get stats on the others to decide the next trainee."
"Would Ren want that?"
"I wouldn't think he'd have a problem with it. Who do you think should be next?"
Touji didn't hesitate in his reply as he struck at an invisible enemy with fluid movements, slow and steady.
"The emperor. Hotohori."
Tasuki nodded. "Hai, he seems to be the best candidate."
"He is the most self disciplined. And he's already got a well-developed ability. Ren would have an easier time with him than Tamahome."
"OK, we'll have Hotohori sent next. Demo, before he returns, we must work to improve Tamahome's attitude."
Touji grinned, standing with his arms crossed now. "You're startin' to sound like Ren. If you want to work on Tamahome's bad attitude, be my guest. I'm not gonna mess with him though."
Tasuki laughed a little too loud, putting his hand behind his head. "Well actually, I was kinda hopin' that you could help me.say, hee, hee, hold him down.?"
Touji sweat-dropped. "."
%*%*%*%*%*%*%Back in the Zone
Chichiri gazed at Usagi cautiously.
She grinned. "It's time Chichiri, do you think you're ready?"
He nodded, not daring to take his eyes off her.
"Then let's begin."
"Alright, be ready, she could attack at any time." Chichiri advised himself.
Usagi and Chichiri crossed their arms over their chests, the typical position when attacking or being attacked because it made the casting of spells easier and allowed more power to flow through the body.
Usagi swiftly cocked her head to the side and a shock wave was sent toward Chichiri. He blocked, floating out of the smoke and narrowing his eyes. This sent his own attack spiraling toward her. This silent war of unspoken spells continued for an indefinable amount of time.
Finally Usagi took it a step further.
"Unspoken games as we have played offer little interest to me now, let us take this little challenge to the next level, shall we?"
Chichiri smirked, confidence in his gaze. "Why not?"
"Screaming Firebird Strike!" Usagi cried. A fiery red phoenix soared over her head, screaming a fearsome war cry as it flew toward Chichiri.
He quickly countered. "Wind Bird Hurricane!" Behind Chichiri a whirlwind formed, taking on the shape of a phoenix and advancing toward its golden- eyed counterpart. The two birds clashed in a flash of violent indigo and fiery crimson. Usagi's eyes glowed their haunting shade of ice blue while Chichiri's took on a stunning aqua.
Once more the battle between them raged with more power and ferocity than ever before. The two birds fought for their masters, clawing, batting, and biting. It was a battle of beasts of magic, a dazzling display of the powers of good in a meaningless war that would serve no purpose but for this moment meant everything to its participants.
The two battled for days, weeks. By the time the month was over, they were both casting high scale energy spells, drawing on their final energy reserves. Both were drenched in sweat, cheeks flushed.
Usagi threw her head back, blowing the hair from her eyes. "Chichiri-chan, I do believe it time to end this."
Chichiri's determined gaze bore into her. "I rather agree, no da."
They both smiled at each other in understanding, all defenses dropping in an instant.
"Truce?" Usagi offered her hand, floating toward him.
"Truce." Chichiri followed her example and they shook hands.
Usagi grinned.
"I'm so proud of you Chichiri-chan!" She pounced on him, hugging him tightly.
He grinned, returning the embrace.
"Usa-chan,"
She looked at him in surprise.
"Arigatou. For everything."
Usagi smiled, her eyes softening. "Iie Chi-chan, arigatou." She laid a gentle kiss on his lips before pulling away and returning them to the dojo room. "We have several hours before we must return. I've prepared a special surprise for you for completing your training."
"Honto?" Chichiri looked at her with playful suspicion.
Usagi giggled, her eyes sparkling. "Hai!"
She flicked her wrist and the dojo melted away to reveal a beautiful landscape. Hills, trees, grass, flowers, everything one could ask for in nature.
Chichiri stared in awe. "It's all so beautiful." He breathed.
Usagi smiled. "Hai. And now, it is time that you are made able to fully enjoy it."
Chichiri looked confused. "Nani?"
Usagi walked toward him, touching his cheek. "Chichiri, Suzako's Wind Bearer, your god grants you sight, clearer than ever before."
Chichiri was too shocked to react as Usagi leaned forward and kissed his scar. In that one perfect moment the scar that Chichiri had spent so long hiding from the world.healed. He opened his eye for the first time in years. Chichiri gasped.
Tears welled in his eyes as he saw everything from a different perspective.
"Usa-chan, a-arigato!!" He reached to trace the scar, his fingers brushing against smooth, untarnished flesh. It was as if the scar had never been.
"Suzako is proud of you Chichiri, and so am I." Usagi smiled, cupping his cheek. "And in two hours you will be able to see, for the very first time, your friends and priestess through the eyes of a true Suzako seishi."
Chichiri choked on his happiness, unable to speak.
For the first time in years, he felt truly happy. Nothing could have ruined this for him. Nothing.