( Hello again all! Yes, it has been quite a while since I updated I admit. Been busy what with the holidays and whatnots! But I return, bearing another chapter of this little ficcy of mine. Have fun now! ^-^!)

Disclaimer: The usual statement. Sometimes I wonder about what Yu Watase is up to at this very moment, though... Probably sleeping. (mumble) ...lucky...(grumble).

The Adventures of the Priestess of Byakko

By Mistress Fire-Hazard ^-^!

Chapter Seven- Rapture

Killing me, Suzuno thought as she slightly wiggled her legs to get her blood flowing again. I can't sit like this for much longer.

She looked sideways at a guard nearby and tried her best to smile politely. Instead, her face formed a wobbled grimace that barely concealed her discomfort. She sweated nervously, urging herself not to give in and just collapse.

Though Suzuno tried to put up a good front, her efforts were lost on the guard. He stayed staring straight ahead, as still as a statue. He barely moved enough to breathe.

Suzuno returned her gaze to the empty throne in front of her. How long had she been waiting now? Two minutes? TWENTY minutes? An HOUR?

She looked down at the floor and her hands, clenched together in her lap. As she sat there, legs tingling like new-fallen snow, palms and fingers sweating, she wondered for the hundredth time, Where could Là Tián be?

*---*

After they had found a cart to carry the wounded Tatara into town with, Suzuno, Là Tián, and Subaru had made their way back to the restaurant and loaded Tokaki on board. Subaru had been attending to Tatara, fussing over him, quite unaware that it was she who had inflicted the damage. As Là Tián drove the cart, Suzuno watched Subaru attend to Tatara. And whenever Subaru held Tatara's face in her hands, checked for steady breathing by putting her ear to his lips, put her hand on his chest over his heart to check it's beating, Suzuno unconsciously frowned and had the crazy urge to shove Subaru away from Tatara. Even though Suzuno knew that Subaru was just trying to help him, SHE wanted to be the one to examine him. SUZUNO wanted to take care of Tatara, the way he had taken care of her when she was dying of dehydration in the desert. She lowered her eyes, longing to put Tatara's head in her lap and run her fingers through his hair.

When Subaru leapt down from the cart to load Tokaki into the back, Suzuno smiled a little relieved smile before she got into the back of the wagon.

Lady Priestess? Subaru asked Suzuno in a calm voice. Will you grab this man's shoulders?

Suzuno nodded and took hold of Tokaki's arms, helping Subaru carry Tokaki onto the cart.

Watch that you don't hit his head. Oh, he's bleeding so badly! What could have happened to him? Subaru mused aloud, retying the makeshift bandage around his chest and applying more pressure.

Suzuno looked down, not knowing what to do. Subaru didn't seem to remember that she was the one who attacked them all. Là Tián had explained briefly to Subaru that Suzuno was the Priestess of Byakko and that her warrior friends were badly hurt and needed medical attention. Subaru had solemnly nodded, and at once set to work on helping them with the knowledge that she possessed.

Suzuno's mind reeled as she subconsciously moved Tatara's head to her lap and stroked his hair. When should I tell her about what really happened? Would it be right? I think she needs to know. But when to tell her? And why if she was truly a celestial warrior of Byakko, would she attack her fellow warriors and the priestess she was supposed to protect?! It makes no sense! What should I do? Là Tián? Tokaki? Tatara? What should I do, Tatara?

Subaru's voice asked from far away. Did you hear me?

Suzuno's head jerked up to face Subaru. I'm sorry. What did you say?

I asked if you could check that man's breathing and his pulse. I have to attend to this other one.





His name is Tokaki, Subaru. And I'm Suzuno. And (gasp!) Suzuno was taken by surprise a bit as she noticed that Tatara's head was nestled comfortably in her lap. th-this is Tatara. Suzuno blushed in embarrassment a little, but it shifted to a happy blush when she smiled down at his peaceful face, so happy that he was alive.

Subaru smiled. Well, since you care for him so much, I trust that you will take good care of him.

Suzuno nodded and her jealousy of Subaru melted away under the flame of Suzuno's loving attention to Tatara.

In a short time Là Tián, now Kokie, had led them through the city. She jumped down from the driver's seat and excused herself, saying she needed to find a bathroom. After a short time, some soldiers had found them and escorted them into the palace grounds. In the blink of an eye, Tatara and Tokaki had been whisked away. Palace guards escorted Suzuno and Subaru into the throne room of the emperor. They were both told to wait there until the emperor arrived.

And so they sat, showing proper respect, for how long they could no longer tell... waiting for the emperor to arrive... worried for their companions and friends. Waiting, and worried.

*---*

As Suzuno wondered yet again about the missing girl, sounds of people shuffling into the throne room brought her out of her head and back into the room. Wise-looking men with long beards came from behind the throne and then the emperor emerged and solemnly took his seat.

Suzuno and Subaru bowed their heads in respect.

We are sorry to have kept you waiting. Our health has been quite bad as of late and we regret not being able to properly receive you, the emperor conceded.

Receive us? Suzuno thought and briefly imagined a package with her plaits being handed to the emperor as he smiled, Just what I've been waiting for!'

Subaru raised her head. We thank you for your hospitality, your highness. If you would please tell us if our male companions are well?

The emperor smiled. Yes, they are being attended to as we speak. We have made them as comfortable as we can. And now, is it true what we hear? the emperor asked with hushed excitement. Are you truly the Priestess of Byakko?

Subaru smiled. I am not, your majesty. She is. Subaru pointed to Suzuno.

Suzuno now looked up at the emperor. His attention shifted to Suzuno and looked her up and down with wide eyes as Suzuno stared at him.

The emperor had the look of a man who had not eaten well in a few days. His thin, black hair was beginning to gray and bags were beginning to form under his eyes. But he looked like a young boy from the way he was looking at Suzuno.

Yeees. We see now, the emperor thought out loud, his voice and excitement raising with each statement. Foreign clothes. Pale skin. And gracious! YELLOW hair! Just like she described!!

Much to the surprise of his attendants, the emperor leapt up from his throne with a light spring and kneeled in front of Suzuno, absolutely gushing like an excited child receiving a new toy.

Thank you so much for coming! the emperor almost squealed, taking Suzuno's hands in his own. I can't thank you enough for what you have done for my daughter! She and her mother mean the world to me! The emperor surprised Suzuno yet again by bowing before her. As a loving husband and father, you have my deepest, most heartfelt thanks! If you can save my wife, I will grant you whatever you wish!

Y-your majesty! the counselors blushed in shame. Have you forgotten yourself?! Such a display is unfitting, even if she IS the priestess!

a familiar voice sighed. I guess it's too late to ask you not to embarrass me in front of my friends.

Suzuno looked up to see her young friend standing beside the throne, resplendent in fine silks, jewelry, and a headdress with golden tigers. Là Tián? Is that you?

Kokie blushed and waved her hand dismissively. You don't have to call me Là Tián. Only my dad and mom call me that! Sorry if I-

Kokie didn't get to finish as Suzuno gave her a huge glomping hug. The counselor's jaws dropped to the floor at Suzuno's brash behavior toward their princess and even Kokie was a little shocked.

We were so worried about you! You didn't come back and then we got separated! Don't scare me like that, okay? Suzuno cried in relief that her young friend was safe.

Kokie shifted from surprise to open affection for her friend and returned the embrace. Her eyes were squeezed shut against the happy tears that threatened to flow.

Kokie whispered with a smile.

*---*

After the initial surprise of Kokie's true identity wore off, Suzuno settled back down beside Subaru. Kokie explained that she had managed to find her mother using her newly awakened powers. She had sensed her presence in a confined room of the palace. It turned out that the empress was the first to take ill and decided to cause the rumor that she was missing to preoccupy the emperor so that no one else would catch the debilitating fever. In secret, the empress sent for the best doctors, but there was little they could do to ease the suffering empress.

Though the empress tried to contain the illness, it was too late for her husband to escape. Soon after her, the emperor had fallen ill with the same fever. After two days of waiting and worrying by his bed, Kokie disguised herself in common clothes and managed to escape from the palace in search of a cure. She had little hope and almost no direction, but she was determined to find her mother and save her father, who loved and cared for her more than anything.

When Kokie left her friends on the pretext of finding a lavatory, she sneaked back to the palace, determined to use her new found powers to save her parents. With her talent, she was able to heal her father enough to break his fever and restore a little of his health. And though she succeeded with her father, her new talent could not help relieve her mother. The empress' fever raged on and Kokie was helpless to stop it. Before she tried to heal her father, she described her friends and their location to the captain of the guard, insisting that they be brought to the palace and treated as honored guests.

Please, Suzuno, Kokie pleaded, tears threatening to engulf her eyes. Please pray to Byakko to save my mother. Kokie's tears poured and she fell to her hands and knees. She rambled on in a desperate, pleading voice, shaking with fear. I'm sorry I was mean to you earlier. I didn't mean it. I was just scared. Please forgive me! My mama is dying!! Please help her!!

As Kokie collapsed and wept, Suzuno immediately went to her side and hugged her tight. Subaru rose and walked up to Kokie.

Take me to your mother, child. I will do all I can to help her.

Kokie looked up at Subaru's face, strong and reassuring. It brought a watery smile to her face. She wiped her eyes and nodded. Then grabbing both Suzuno and Subaru's hands, she took off at a run to her mother's room.

The room radiated the aura of a death room. Incense burned and the windows were shut. A few low burning lamps provided some light in the stifling hot blackness of the room. As soon as they entered, Suzuno and Subaru almost choked on the incense, coughing and waving their hands before their faces.

This incense, Subaru thought. It's clouding my mind. I can't sense anything properly in this room.

A nearby doctor bowed before Kokie. I am truly sorry, princess. There has been no change for the better. She does not have much longer to live. Wha-Who?

The doctor was startled by Subaru rushing past him to examine the empress. Her cheeks were flushed bright red to match her long hair. Subaru felt the empress' forehead, trying to sense the source of the illness, though she knew without a doubt exactly what was wrong.

As she contemplated her next orders, Subaru felt a sharp twinge. Even Kokie felt it and visibly recoiled. It was chi. The chi of one of the other warriors. Though she had not known her comrades long, she could tell the difference between their chis.

Subaru looked at Kokie. Their eyes met in determination as they fired words back and forth.

Subaru fired in a low, but strong voice.

He's dying, Kokie whispered back, a slight tremble and crease in her brow.

I must go to him, Subaru stated, but pleaded permission with her eyes.

Kokie felt no real love for Tokaki. The guy was an chauvinist jerk who had the brazen audacity to smack on a princess' royal seat. But, still. Had he not protected them? Had he not shielded them from danger, sacrificing himself to give his friends and warriors a running chance? That in and of itself was the most selfless, intrepid, and loyal act Kokie could think of. And, though she would never admit it, she admired him for it. Kokie gave Subaru a nod of approval.

Subaru stood up and calmly gave brief orders as she left the room. The empress needs light and clean air. Open all of the doors and windows. Put out that sickening incense at once. Light more lamps and strip the bed clothes. She needs a bath with cold water. Cold! Not hot! Then get fresh bed clothes and soak them in cold water. You must keep her body cool. Cool water and fresh air will help bring down the fever. And with those words, she was gone.

The doctors watched her leave, stunned eyes and dropped jaws. The doctor to greet Kokie was the first to recover. H-How dare that-!

Kokie silenced him with a murderous frown and stared down at the others. Well? You heard her! Do as she said! Put out the incense! Open the windows! We can hardly breathe in here! Get the bath ready! Now!!

And as Kokie shouted orders, Suzuno wondered just what she could do to help. She felt so powerless then. Her friends all had special powers, but her? She had nothing. Nothing that could help them. She looked to a guard nearby. Excuse me?

The guard was a little nervous due to Kokie's persistent commands. Y-yes, Priestess?

Suzuno smiled gently at him. Would you please tell me where Tatara is? He is one of my companions. The monk with long hair?

Ah, yes! Come. I will take you to him.

*---*

Subaru rushed down the hallways like a hurricane, determined to get to Tokaki as fast as she could. Before it was too late.

His cry behind a slightly opened door revealed his location to her. She found him in a well-lit room, unattended and lifeless. Why is there no one to watch over him? she wondered. But she could not wonder long.

Shoving the table against a far wall gave her the whole center of the room. She dragged Tokaki out of bed and positioned him on his back in the very center. Subaru then took out her concealed bag of herbs and potions and began to work. She opened a blue bottle which smelled strongly of garlic and sour milk and poured a steady stream of the liquid in an even circle around him while chanting, Let this keep out all outside evils. All that wish to do harm cannot pass.

When the circle was complete, she piled sweet herbs in five little mounds around the outside of the circle. To tempt the divine gods to look favorably upon us and protect us, I offer these to sweeten the temper.

Subaru then took out a small dish made from an abalone shell. Into it she put dried ginger, camphor bark, and biting her fingertip, let four drops of blood fall into the bowl. In this, ginger to balm the body, camphor to awaken the soul, and blood to appease the tiger. So saying, she lit the contents of the bowl on fire and placed the bowl on Tokaki's chest, directly above his heart. I call on you, Byakko! My sovereign god! Great white tiger!! I offer myself, your loyal servant and beg of you to save this man! He is Tokaki, your warrior and protector of your priestess!

With the last of those words, she rose to her feet and began an erratic dance. As she waved her hands, spreading them back and forth across the length of Tokaki's body, she began to moan and sing, like a demented woman. As she sang the chant, and moved her body the way her mother had taught her, she could feel her chi being summoned from her body, awakening her, and calling forth her powers.

*---*

Suzuno quietly entered Tatara's room so that she would not disturb him if he were asleep. She realized when she sat by his bedside, that he was in a deep slumber. Her heart tingled with warmth at seeing him again. True, most of him was spotted with bandages, but it was the look on his face that made her relax. That was the look she loved to wake up to. His face spoke of peace and contentment, of calm dreams and soft whispers. She had awoken to this face for the past few days on their journey to the capital. She often watched him in those quiet early hours and wondered what he dreamt about, wanting to reach out and brush her fingers against his cheek. And to think that in that very same evening, she was afraid that she would lose that face and that opportunity forever. He had almost died to save her.

It was then, when she thought that he had truly died. Then, when she fully realized just how much he meant to her. Then, when her heart swelled with love and felt crushed with misery. That moment lasted for an eternity. But then it ended in bliss and relief when Kokie told Suzuno that Tatara still lived.

Overcome with emotion, Suzuno lifted Tatara's head to her chest and held him against her. Suzuno whispered, tears beginning to trail down her cheeks. You may not want to hear this, but I must say it. I love you. I know you are a monk and I'm only a girl, and that it's taboo to talk to you about this, but you must know. Even if you tell me you cannot love me in return, even if you forbid me to touch you, my love for you won't falter. You don't have to love me back, just let me love you from afar and I will be happy.

And Suzuno wept, her tears a union of happiness for her love and sorrow for his expected rejection.

*---*

After Kokie had finished barking orders at the doctors, she knelt by her mother's side and whispered to her.

Don't worry, mother. I'm here. You don't need to be afraid anymore. My friends will help you. You'll be well soon. I promise.

Kokie paused and kissed her mother's sweat-drenched forehead. Then she noticed that the room was very still. Not a sound, not a voice, and the room was still dark and clouded with incense. Kokie looked up at the doctors. They had remained still as statues.

Didn't you hear me?! Open the windows? What's wrong with you?! Kokie demanded, incredulous that they would disobey her.

From the blackness of the room, one voice was heard. A calm and detached voice. Very cold and quite familiar.

Why don't you calm down, little princess? Really what we are doing is for the best, the icy voice tried to reason.

Kokie rose to her feet and faced the voice's direction. Her chi began to lick in anger around her body. Kokie growled in low anger.

Why don't you try to heal your whore of a mother again? Perhaps it will work this time?

YOU BITCH!! Kokie screeched with unbridled fury. She bared her fingers, ready to scratch out the voice's eyes. DON'T YOU DARE CALL MY MOTHER A-!!!

Suddenly Kokie fell to the floor, choking and wheezing.

About time the incense took affect on you. You are stronger than I thought. But now, your strength has failed and I have won, the chilling voice purred in satisfaction. I will leave you shortly. But before I go, I wish to thank you for healing my husband. In gratitude, I will let you die with your mother. Be happy at least that death will not take you alone.

Kokie grabbed onto the escaping woman's robe, intent on keeping her there until she could rise above the incense's debilitating effects. My father, Kokie strained through her teeth, will NEVER marry YOU! Even if my mother and I die, that will not be enough to change his mind. He told me so. It is only out of PITY that he keeps you in comfort! This is not the way to win his heart!!

With a frigid glance, the woman paused and lowered herself to whisper in the princess' ear. You truly ARE a fool. What made you think that I wanted his heart?

At those words, Kokie lashed out to attack. But the icy woman was too quick for her. She rose and backed away, chucking her tongue as if in shame.

You have no time left, little girl. Say your prayers. But I doubt they will save you, the inclement woman cackled as she exited the room with the fake doctors, locking it behind her.

*---*

Subaru panted and continued to dance, willing her chi to heal as her talent so dictated. But nothing changed. Tokaki was still comatose, his chi like a flame dying in a wind's embrace. Spiritual death was upon him. If she could not heal his chi, then he would be paralyzed and beyond any help.

Subaru's mind churned with desperate solutions. The one that popped into her mind was the bedding technique. It would be effective and more than likely save him, but he was unconscious and in no condition to receive her properly. It was dark, evil chi that possessed him and only Kokie could conquer that. So Subaru patiently waited and continued her frenzied dance. Hoping that Kokie's mother would heal soon and allow Kokie to help her save Tokaki.

*---*

The trembling was small at first. A slight twitch every few seconds. Then before Suzuno took the signs seriously, Tatara's body began shaking into an uncontrollable seizure. His eyes stayed closed but the rest of him was thrashing and jerking. Almost as if his soul were trying to escape from his pain-lashed body. Suzuno panicked and tried to stop him.

she cried, keeping a firm hold around his chest. Tatara! What's wrong?! Oh, wake up!! Please wake up!!

But he did not hear her and continued to quake.

Suzuno leapt for the door, intending to have the guard get a doctor. She yanked at the handle, but it would not move. It was locked. On the outside.

Suzuno banged on the door, determined to be heard. HELP!! Someone help us, please!!! He needs help!! He's dying! If you can hear me, get a doctor! Quickly!! HELP!!!

Though she banged until her fists were bruised and cried herself hoarse, no one came. Suzuno ran back to Tatara, jumping on top of him to make him stop his violent thrashing.

Please help me! Suzuno prayed desperately as she held Tatara tightly. Anyone! Byakko!! Please help me! Please don't let them die! Give me the power to save them!! I will be strong! I promise!! Just don't take him from me!

And with all of the power she could muster from within, she let out a cry that shook the earth and shattered souls.



A faint sparkle of yellow light tinkled from Suzuno's heart, then her body erupted into searing flames of light. And faster than lightening takes to strike, the holy light enveloped Tatara and his body's frantic lurching ceased and became calm. But the light did not stop there.

*---*

The death room was suddenly filled with a searing light and the windows burst open at once. In a matter of moments, the incense had dissipated and clean, fresh air entered the room.

Kokie coughed out the last of the poisonous smoke and rose, feeling better and stronger than ever. Her character glowed fiercely and Kokie felt her power return to her ten fold. She turned to her mother and held out her hand to reach for her. Her blast of white chi enveloped her mother as it had with Subaru, only stronger and brighter as it purified her body.

When at last the power had diffused, the empress' eyes opened and she sat up. She saw Kokie and her face broke into a relieved smile.

My darling Là Tián! the empress almost cried, holding out her arms. I am well, my love!

Kokie's lip trembled and tears welled. she cried, running and collapsing in a sobbing heap in her mother's arms. She cried out her name, over and over as she buried herself deeper into her mother's embrace.

Her mother rocked her back and forth in her loving arms, sharing in her daughter's great joy at being reunited.

*---*

Behind closed eyes, Subaru felt strong yellow light hit her like a shock wave. But instead of weakening her, it emboldened her and made her feel more powerful than she ever had.

Subaru opened her eyes to see the room shaking and the same powerful light covering both her and Tokaki. She watched and screamed out her song as the dark chi faded away under this miraculous light. As she felt the holy light leave, it seemed that her strength had also left her and she fell within the circle on top of Tokaki. She felt so weak after such a soul-wrenching experience that she thought she could never move again.

Below her, Tokaki began to stir and awaken. And the first things that met his senses of sight, touch, and smell were Subaru's pendulous, soft, sweet perfumed breasts, barely concealed in her dress, smushing themselves against his face.

I'VE DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN!!! Tokaki cried out, joyfully wrapping his arms around Subaru and burying his face deeper within her chest.

His joy was short-lived however. At that moment Subaru's fist came down and split his head open.

As Tokaki lay, twitching on the floor and trying to recover, Subaru cracked her knuckles and smiled at her unexpected but welcome second surge of strength.

*---*

Apprehensive guards rushed to the source of the light and were surprised to find the room locked and bolted from the outside.

As the guards toiled to open the room from without, within the holy light had at last dispersed and returned to the heavens from whence it came.

Suzuno lightly fell, exhausted onto Tatara's chest, hoping against hope that all had been healed. Then she felt Tatara's hand pet her head.

Her eyes met a blissful sight at Tatara's warm and caring smile and eyes. His azure gaze filled with emotions, finally allowed to come forward.

I heard you crying out to me, he whispered, too emotional to speak any louder. And I felt your little hands and fingers, coaxing me to find you and stay. I heard your little voice saying, I love you, Tatara.'

Suzuno then hung her head, blushing with sudden embarrassment and unable to meet his eyes. I-I meant it. I truly do love you Tatara. Even though you are a monk and I'm just-

Suzuno stopped talking and even thinking when she felt Tatara's lips close over hers in a light, yet passionate kiss. Tatara brought his arms around to hold her close. And he embraced her with his entire heart when he broke the kiss.

You have saved my life, Suzuno. And I am very confident that you have saved more this evening. Can just any girl wield that holy light of Byakko? I think not. You are the priestess. Our priestess, Tatara confided in Suzuno. And as he moved and gently took her face in his palms to look in her eyes, his blue eyes burned like flames and he added, MY priestess.

Suzuno's lips trembled. She had hoped and dreamed of this, but thought it unreachable. And yet, here was her dream before her, begging her to accept him. She embraced Tatara again in the affirmative and Tatara let out a sigh of relief and contentment.

Smiling against her cheek, Tatara spoke in a voice that only Suzuno could hear, but the tone was full of nothing but acceptance and pride.

Suzuno. I love you.

(continued in chapter 8)

Chapter 8 preview: Everyone has healed and everything is at peace in the palace once more. As the priestess and her warriors take a well-deserved rest, revelations abound. Two deep loves are blossoming, though one is as yet one sided. Families are reunited and a shocking revelation leads to the most difficult battle of all. To be continued...

(YAY!!! (sniffle) I'm-I'm just so happy that I finally got this chapter done. I've been slaving over how to get everything I wanted just right and miraculously managed to pull it off. Did Byakko lend me some of that holy light? Hmmmm. But more chapters are in the works and I'm feeling great! I was promised a great reward if I finished this chapter tonight, so now I leave to reap and exploit it! But before I go, I again want to thank all of my readers who have been patiently awaiting my return with the next chapter. Without you, this story would have died. Thank you for being its and my lifeline. I love you guys so much!! (collapses in a mushy heap)
^-^!)