Messing With Washuu's Inventions Has Advantages

Disclaimer: Ya'll should know this by now. I don't own!!!!

Tsumi: I'm on a roll! Third chapter of a month out! That's a record for lil' me! Onto the fic!

Chapter Eight: And After That

The entire Konan palace was in an uproar with the return of Miaka, Tasuki, Chichiri, Ryoko and Kiyone. Of all the plans they made, only one had worked, at no minor cost either. Both Miaka's arm and her spirit were shattered and Ryoko had a large wound in her side that was still slowly bleeding. The two who took the worst of it were Tasuki and Kiyone. The only thing that Tasuki didn't seem to break was his vocal cords and Kiyone kept drifting in and out of consciousness from fever.

The resident healer, Mitsukake, faced a dilemma. His powers could only be used once a day, but there were four who needed immediate treatment. Miaka was the miko, so, logically, she should be treated first. However, Tasuki had dislocated and broken bones, as well as bruises that covered his entire body and wounds with dried blood on them. Kiyone was currently on the verge of death and Ryoko was already slightly pale from blood loss.

Miaka was the first one to speak, the first words she said since the incident.

"I . . . I can wait Mitsukake. Please use your powers on one of the others first. They need it more than I do . . ."

"What the hell are you waitin' for?! Heal Kiyone or Ryoko first, ya damn idiot! I'm not made of glass ya know and . . ." he felt a jab against his injured ribs. ".....OOOOWWWWWW!!!!! NURIKO THAT F^&%IN' HURTS!!"

Nuriko just smiled. "Just trying to find out when you developed that big caring heart of yours is all."

Ryoko looked up at Mitsukake with a strained smirk. "I heal fast enough. Heal Kiyone first."

Mitsukake looked over to Chichiri, who was still holding Kiyone, and smiled. "I'll heal Kiyone-san first."

Only a few minutes later, a flash of green light filled the room Kiyone had been given and disappeared, taking with it all of the wounds Kiyone had acquired on her body. The steady rise and fall of her chest indicated she was fast asleep. "It is done." Mitsukake said. "I will bandage Miaka, Tasuki and Ryoko and we should all rest as well." As he began ushering everyone else out of the room, he caught a slight hesitance in the monk. "You may stay if you wish, Chichiri." He said with a smile and shut the door.

Chichiri pulled a chair over to Kiyone's bedside and took off his mask, running a hand over his face. /Am I going crazy?/ He asked himself. /The voice I heard yell for help yesterday in my head is similar to Kiyone-san's. Was it just my imagination or was she truly calling out to me?/ Looking down at the woman he was keeping vigil over, he let his thoughts wander to what happened in a mere twelve hours . . . Tamahome's betrayal, rescuing Miaka from Nakago, how pretty Kiyone was without the injuries.

Chichiri froze. /Where had that thought come from no da?/ Sighing and shaking his head slightly, he cleared his mind and tried to find a semi-comfortable position, before falling asleep.

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"OW! OW! OH F^%&, OH F^%&!! OWWWWWW!!!! Damnit Mitsukake, can't you be gentler?! I'm dyin' here!"

Mitsukake gave him a serious glance. "Three broken ribs, a broken arm and leg, multiple abrasions and cuts over your body, if that didn't kill you, nothing will."

"That's no excuse for treatin' people like people, ya butcher!"

"Once I recover my powers, I'll heal you, alright?"

"Hell no! You're healing Ryoko first!" Mitsukake raised an eyebrow and Tasuki flushed red. "Or Miaka. Whoever needs it more." He then broke eye contact and looked off to the side.

Mitsukake smirked and chuckled quietly as he bandaged Tasuki's arm. Tasuki looked back over to him and glared. "What the hell are you laughing about?"

"It seems that our dear fang-boy developed a crush on Ryoko." Mitsukake said in a slightly teasing voice, which was odd for the healer.

Tasuki's eyes bulged and he turned an even deeper shade of red. "No! Hell no! I hate women, remember?! There's no way in hell I could like Ryoko like that!" He then turned his head to the side again and tried to get his raging blush under control.

Mitsukake just smiled and continued his work, one thought floating though his head. /No matter how many times you may say it's not true, deep down, you know it is./

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Ryoko was the last one to be bandaged, since she had insisted Mitsukake bandage Miaka's arm first. As she was being treated, she couldn't help but think back to what exactly happened during the fight. /Nakago's power . . . why did it seem similar to the Jurai Power?/ She clenched her eyes shut and forced herself not to whimper when Mitsukake hit a sensitive spot.

"Sorry, Ryoko." Mitsukake apologized.

"It's fine." She replied distractedly.

Mitsukake blinked. "Something on your mind?"

Ryoko's gold eyes looked over to where Mitsukake was sitting and she sighed. "Just making a note of something."

Mitsukake wanted to question her further, but the door opened and Chiriko walked in. Tying the last bandage he stood, Tama-neko jumping onto his shoulder. "Take care." he said.

"Ryoko-san, would you like me to play something?"

Ryoko blinked before closing her eyes. "Sure, why not?" Chiriko sat down and began to play, the melody haunting and somewhat forlorn. After a few minutes, Ryoko opened her eyes. "Hey, Chiriko," She looked over to him and saw that she had his attention. "Did you manage to follow us to Kutou, or do you have a twin?"

The melody Chiriko was playing stopped suddenly and he looked at Ryoko with wide eyes. Ryoko just blinked, suddenly suspicious. "I-I don't know-"

"Don't lie to me, Chiriko!" Ryoko yelled at the boy, the stress of the day getting to her. "I know what I saw there, and so help me, you are going to explain it!" She stood up, creating her laser sword as an added means of 'persuasion'.

Chiriko looked ready to grab his flute and place a ten-foot barrier between himself and Ryoko, but the look on her face told him not to risk it. That was when his savior walked in.

"Ryoko, I thought you would like something to eat." Nuriko's cheery voice greeted as he stepped into the room with a tray full of food, eyes closed as he smiled cheerily. Ryoko managed to put away her energy sword before Nuriko could see. When Nuriko opened his eyes, he looked at Ryoko, who seemed to be glaring hatefully at Chiriko, then at Chiriko, who was as pale as a sheet. "Is something wrong?" He asked.

Chiriko seemed to jump and clumsily grabbing his flute, he rushed outside, muttering "Nothing! Nothing at all!"

Nuriko just blinked then looked toward Ryoko, who had just sat back down on her bed. "Did something happen?"

Ryoko shook her head. "It's nothing to worry about." Ryoko gave him a mischievous smile and disappeared only to reappear floating in the air level with him and looking intently at what he brought. "So, whatta bring the injured one?"

Nuriko laughed. "All your favorites of course!" As the two fell into conversation, all thought of the incident faded out of their minds.

But it remained in Chiriko's.

Going into his room, he let out a breath of relief. Chiriko-or Amiboshi as he was also known as-bit his lip. Was it that Ryoko saw his twin during her small visit to the Kutou palace, or did she have a psychic gift among many of the other abilities she possessed? Sighing, he began to undo the bindings on his arm.

He needed to talk to his twin about the whole thing.

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Kiyone moaned and opened her eyes. /Where?/ She thought hazily, before remembering the events of last night. Her rescue from the dungeons in Kutou palace, and passing out in the blue haired monk's arms. /So, that leaves where am I now? And why don't I have anymore injuries?/ Sitting up, she suddenly caught sight of someone beside her bed. She could only blink in surprise at the sight before her.

Chichiri sat in a chair pulled up beside her bed, kesa draped over his shoulders like a blanket, arms crossed, mask off. His head nodded up and down on a regular basis as he slept, and sun streamed in through the open window, making him seem like something one would see in a dreamlike haze. /Chichiri-san, why did you stay up for me?/ Kiyone thought. Looking at the post beside her bed, she saw the smiling face Chichiri had first used to greet her with. /A mask?/ She wondered quietly, before lowering her eyes, catching sight of the scar across his eye. /Probably to hide that scar . . ./ She thought rationally.

As the bed she was on creaked as she shifted, Chichiri's eye fluttered open. Looking up, he caught Kiyone's gaze and his eye widened. "Oh! Kiyone-san! I didn't know you were awake no da!" Grabbing his mask, he started to put it on when Kiyone stopped him with a question.

"Why is it that you wear that, Chichiri-san?"

Chichiri blinked. "My scar makes most people uncomfortable no da." He said, moving to place his mask back on.

"It doesn't bother me." Kiyone said truthfully. Chichiri blinked again and placed his mask back on the post. Kiyone smiled and looked around the room again. "Where are we exactly?"

"Konan palace." Chichiri said, slightly amused as Kiyone's eyes widened in surprise.

She looked back at him and tilted her head slightly. "I was also wondering, how long was I out? And, how are all of my injuries healed?"

Chichiri smiled. "You were sleeping maybe a day, no da. And for your second question, Mitsukake used his powers to heal you na no da."

Kiyone nodded before looking around the room again. She sighed as she thought of something. /Be careful what you wish for, it'll most likely come true./

"Kiyone-san, are you hungry?" Chichiri asked. "I'm pretty sure you didn't have anything to eat in Kutou no da . . ."

Kiyone nodded. "Yeah, I am hungry." She said.

Chichiri stood and placed his mask on. "I'll go get you something then, no da."

"Thank you, Chichiri-san." Chichiri nodded and proceeded to leave when Kiyone stopped him again. "Um, Chichiri-san?"

"Yes, no da?" Chichiri asked.

"Can you please just call me Kiyone?" She asked shyly.

Chichiri smiled from under his mask. "Only if you call me Chichiri, no da." Kiyone nodded and with that settled, Chichiri left.

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Tasuki kept his eyes shut, though he was awake. /Damn . . . why couldn't I get much sleep last night?/ His mind went back to Mitsukake's comment. 'It seems that our dear fang-boy developed a crush on Ryoko.' /Could Mitsukake be right?/

Tasuki gave himself a mental slap. /Don't you even think about it Genrou! You grew up with six women! They are nothing but BAD NEWS! Get it though your head, fang-boy!/ He let out a sigh. /But then, why was I so angry when Ryoko was blasted by that blonde bastard? Or, when she fell on me, why didn't I want to let her go?/ He groaned quietly as he realized the only possible answer. /Way to go, Genrou. You fell for a damn woman!/

Opening his eyes, he looked up at the ceiling, blinking his amber eyes as they adjusted to the sunlit room. "Now the only thing is if she feels the same way . . ." He said out loud.

"If who feels the same way?" Tasuki jumped as two yellow eyes suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Damnit woman, don't do that!" He yelled as Ryoko materialized, floating above him.

Ryoko just smirked and sat cross-legged. "You still didn't answer my question, fang-boy. Who are you talking about?"

Tasuki looked away. "No one . . ." he muttered.

Ryoko's eyebrows furrowed and she floated to the way he was facing and kneeled by the bed. "You normally don't act like this." She pointed out bluntly. "Come on, Gen-chan, tell me!"

Tasuki raised an eyebrow. "Gen-chan?" He asked. Ryoko blushed lightly.

"It sounded cute . . ." She muttered, lowering her eyes.

Tasuki gave his trademark fanged grin. "And when the hell did I become cute to you?" He asked.

Ryoko blanched. "I-I neversaidthatyouwere!" She said quickly, her blush deepening. "I think I should be leaving . . ." She said, standing up quickly, and regretting it just as fast. She bit her lip and placed her hand over her left side.

"You alright, Ryoko?" Tasuki asked, concern rising in him.

Ryoko clenched her eyes shut. "Damn, I have to get that bastard back the next time I see him." She sat down on the bed beside Tasuki, the pain slowly starting to ebb away.

"Didn't Mitsukake heal you yet?" He asked.

"I told him to use it on Miaka first." She said.

Tasuki growled. "I told him to heal you first damnit!"

Ryoko blinked and turned to him. "You did?" Tasuki's eyes widened and he flushed bright red.

It was at that moment that Chiriko ran in. "Tasuki!" He froze as he caught sight of Ryoko. He swallowed hard and forced himself to continue. "The guards say that Tamahome's come back!" He said before hastily leaving.

Tasuki growled. "Damnit, doesn't that guy know when to stop?!" He sat up slowly, trying not to put much weight on his broken arm. /F^%&! How the hell am I supposed to walk when I can barely stand?!/ When he opened his eyes, he saw a walking stick held out in front of him. Looking up at Ryoko, he gave her a trademark fanged grin and with her help, they made their way outside.

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"Chichiri, isn't there anything we can do to stop them?" Kiyone pleaded with Chichiri, watching the battle between Tamahome and Hotohori with wide eyes.

"I wish I could no da." Chichiri replied. "But if I interfere now, both of them might die. Can't you see it? Hotohori-sama has committed all of his chi and fury into this duel na no da." Kiyone bit her lip and continued watching as the battle became even more heated.

"Tamahome!" At the worst possible moment, Miaka suddenly appeared. "Tamahome, this isn't like you! Please stop!"

In his crazed state, he turned to kill his true target and . . .

"Tamahome!!!" Miaka cried out in horror as her lover's body fell to the ground. Hotohori lifted his sword, now coated with Tamahome's blood from the fatal wound he had dealt him.

Miaka cradled Tamahome's body, tears streaming down her face. "Tamahome you promised . . . you promised you'd never leave me . . ."

Hearing her voice, Tamahome opened his eyes, hand reaching for his fallen sword. Miaka saw the action and her eyes watered. "Tamahome . . . if that is what you want, do it." Tamahome's eyes widened and Miaka continued. "I'll happily die for you, if that's what you want. Tamahome . . . I just want you to be happy."

"Mi . . . Miaka?" At the different tone of Tamahome's voice, Miaka looked up and saw the mark of 'Oni' shining brightly on his forehead. "Miaka . . . I'm so sorry . . ."

Miaka smiled, tears still streaming down her face. "Mitsukake!" She yelled.

At his miko's request, Mitsukake put his gifts to use. "Don't worry, Miaka, everything will be alright." Miaka nodded, swiping at her tears ineffectively, glad that her lover's soul had been redeemed.

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Tasuki sat glaring at Tamahome from across the table, who pleasantly conversed with Kiyone while eating. Finally growing tired of his intense gaze, Tamahome looked directly at Tasuki and sighed. "Not hungry?" He asked.

Tasuki resisted the urge to snort. "Just the sight of you makes me sick." He said.

Tamahome blinked innocently. "Tasuki, we've just met. I don't understand why you seem to hold some personal grudge against me."

A red vein began to pop out of Tasuki's forehead as he recalled 'traumatic' events. "P-PERSONAL GRUDGE!!!! AND YOU DARE TO SAY WE JUST MET??!?!?!?! WHO THE HELL THINK BASHED ME IN?!?!? IT WAS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!"

And thus, another battle between friends began.

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Seventh Chapter done! Keep on the lookout for chapter eight.

SessyRyo: Okay I can take your praise one of two ways: I can either be modest or I can be stuck up about it . . . *ponder* For once, I choose the latter. *insert Naga laugh* Yes, all bow before me! And, I've got something we should do . . . we should ask Washuu-san to create a cloning device to replicate many Nakagos so we can torture him more than once!

Sw33tSaiyanPrincess: Oh my God I converted you into a Nakago hater! ^_^ Now I just have to get the rest of Fushigi Yuugi and then I can die in peace.

Burnedshadow: *is jealous* I can't believe it, you MET Watase-sama?!?! *bows before Burnedshadow* And, fresh from the Nakago Cloning Device © , here's a Nakago for you to torture *shoves new Nakago to Burnedshadow* Oh, and you need this! *hands Burnedshadow a chainsaw* Have fun kiddies! *laughs maniacally*