"Hearts Aflame" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 12
"Where are we?" Vivien asked Tasuki the next morning.
"Sairo. We went ahead of the others."
"Sairo?!" Vivien shot up in her bed and turned away. She was still hurt from the realization that Suzaku was her runaway father, but she had given her word. She would help Miaka no matter what. And they were in Sairo.. but which one? Were they in the actual Sairo or the Sairo that was Tomo's illusion? But how to find out..?
Then she got it. "Are we in an inn or something?" She asked tentatively.
Tasuki nodded. "This place is pretty expensive."
Vivien frowned. Then this wasn't Tomo's illusion, for in his illusion, he had arranged for the seishi's absolute comfort, and they hadn't had to pay for anything. Then where was everyone else? Tomo's illusion. Vivien jumped out of bed. "Let's go, Tasuki!"
"Go where?" Tasuki was confused. There was a lot Vivien wasn't telling him..
"To the other Sairo!"
"Huh?" Yep, definitely a lot she wasn't telling him.
"What the heck do you mean, you don't know?!" Vivien demanded angrily. "Where's Sammy?!"
"She went off with Tamahome and Miaka and didn't come back." Chiriko tried to explain.
Vivien swore. Think, think, think. What was happening now?! Then she snapped her fingers. "Aha! Amiboshi!"
"Amiboshi?" Tasuki frowned. "What about him?"
"Miaka's with Amiboshi.. and Sammy just might be with them! Let's go!"
"Ne, Tasuki, what's with her?" Chiriko asked the bandit wearily.
Tasuki sighed. "Like what do I know?" His eyes darkened. I'm only the guy who's going to marry her, that's all.
It took them a long time to find Tamahome, and when they did, the sight wasn't pretty. They stood behind Amiboshi, who was looking as Tamahome and Miaka were reunited. Vivien could see Amiboshi's broken finger and beyond him, a bleeding Tomo, and.. and.. no Samantha! Vivien ran to Amiboshi. "Amiboshi! Where's Sammy?"
Amiboshi turned to face Vivien. His eyes widened. "I left her with Miaka when I came here to rescue Tamahome..!"
Vivien pushed Amiboshi aside and ran to Tamahome and Miaka.
Miaka looked into Tamahome's eyes, her heart swelling with happiness. "Tamahome, I wasn't raped by Nakago after all!"
Tamahome's eyes widened. "Hontou?"
Miaka smiled tearfully. "Yeah!"
"I hate to break up the moment here, but I was wondering if you two have seen my sister, Sammy? Samantha Smith, brown hair, green eyes? Remember her?" Vivien asked, a brow raised.
Miaka looked at Vivien. "Kyo-chan! How did you --?"
Vivien's eyes softened. "Never mind that. Have you seen Sammy?"
"Tei?" Miaka's eyes suddenly widened with fear and shame. "I.. left her in the village.."
"WHAT?!" Vivien grabbed Amiboshi's hand. "Let's go, music boy!"
"Matte." Tasuki grabbed Vivien's wrist. "Where do you think you're going, Vi?"
Vivien's eyes softened. "I'm going to find my sister."
"You're going to go at top speed down a mountain? Not very smart, Vi. Even with superhuman speed, the descent's impossible."
Vivien was dismayed. "You're right.."
Tasuki smiled gently. "I'll go with you." Without another word, he suddenly changed his shape. Everyone exclaimed with surprise as a wolf suddenly appeared before them in Tasuki's stead.
Vivien smiled. "Arigatou, Tasuki." Then with a twist of her chi, Vivien whirled in red breeze and a red falcon leapt into the sky. Amiboshi stared as the falcon and wolf sped down the mountainside and his eyes hardened with resolve as he picked up his flute.
"Amiboshi?"
Amiboshi played three quick notes, and before their eyes, the Seiryuu seishi was gone. Miaka blinked. ".. I didn't know he could do that."
Chichiri and the others were flabbergasted. Chiriko pressed a hand to his head. "That was impossible.. I researched his power and the best melody in this world, enchanted or not, could not possibly execute the spell of teleportation.."
Chichiri nodded and frowned. "Exactly so. Then how..?"
Mitsukake finally realized the truth. "Tei!"
Miaka and Tamahome stared at the healer. "Nani?"
Mitsukake slowly smiled. "So that's it.. love is the key."
Miaka finally understood. "Ah.. wakatta.."
Everyone except Mitsukake stared at the Suzaku no Miko. "You do?"
Miaka was smiling. "Hai.. love is always the key. The reason why Amiboshi was able to exceed his powers is because.. he loves Tei." Her eyes were shining.
Chiriko frowned. "Miaka-sama, that still doesn't make any sense."
Mitsukake shook his head. "It makes perfect sense."
"Sammy."
Samantha whirled around. Her eyes widened. "Ami - ah.. Kaika?! What are you doing here?"
Amiboshi looked around him and gave out a low whistle. Every Kotou soldier was entombed in ice while the villagers were protected by an icy dome. Samantha looked sheepish. "Sorry. It was just for their protection." She apologized, misunderstanding. With a snap of her fingers, the icy dome shattered and the villagers gasped in surprise. Suddenly, Samantha saw the broken finger.
"Amiboshi! What happened?!" Samantha cried, forgetting to call him 'Kaika' out of concern. She rushed to him.
"Woah now! How in the hell did music-boy get down here before us?!" Vivien demanded, shocked at the Seiryuu seishi's appearance.
Tasuki smoothly reverted to his true form and frowned at the Seiryuu seishi. "Would you mind answering her question, Amiboshi?"
"Does it really matter?" Amiboshi asked, exasperated.
Vivien had a serious look on her face. "Yes, it does, actually. I want to know how you could out-fly my third power." She stated seriously.
Samantha looked at her sister. "Vivi.. where's Mitsukake?"
Vivien shrugged. "He's with the others. Tomo's down, so they're okay." Then her eyes widened. "Holy shit! I forgot all about him!! Tomo!"
Samantha's own eyes widened with realization. "That's right!"
Tasuki didn't know what the sisters were thinking, but he knew what to do. "Let's go." He transformed back into a wolf and raced towards the mountain again.
Vivien watched Tasuki go. She looked at Samantha and noted the gash in her side. She wouldn't be able to make the ascent. "Sammy.. are you going to be okay?"
Samantha smiled gently at her sister. "Of course."
Vivien pinned Amiboshi with a glare. "You better protect her, Amiboshi! With your life! Understand?" She didn't wait for an answer as she turned back into a red falcon and flew after Tasuki. As she soared up the mountain's side, she watched Tasuki make his way ahead of her. Her heart was moved. They moved as one.. were they truly destined to be together?
They were too late. Tamahome had already fallen off the illusioned cliff and Tomo had already trapped Miaka inside his clam. Vivien suddenly realized that since Amiboshi was not there, no one would be able to save her friend. Unless.. she took his place.
"Let Miaka go, Tomo!" Vivien demanded of the Seiryuu seishi.
Tomo looked startled for a moment, then his eyes narrowed. "You look familiar.." Then his eyes widened. "You wouldn't happen to be related to Taishi, would you?"
Vivien frowned. Taishi? Her expression cleared. He must mean Lilian. "Hai. I am Lily's sister, Vivien Smith, also known as Kyoku."
Tomo's eyes widened. Kyoku?! She was another of Taittsukun's seishi and she worked for Suzaku. Things could prove difficult with her. If her power was anywhere near Lilian's, then he would have to be extremely careful with her. "Ah. I should have known. I'm sorry, but I cannot release your friend. I suggest you take yourself and hide somewhere until I'm done. Your life may be endangered else-wise."
Tasuki smirked. "We're not going anywhere, bub. Release Miaka or prepare to get roasted." He whipped out his tessen. "And I like my meat well-done."
Vivien grinned. Great minds thought alike. "You heard him, peacock. Release Miaka now or prepare to get toasted!"
Tomo's mind raced. Combined, the powers of the two Suzaku seishi would be invincible. He would be incinerated. His eyes narrowed. There was only one thing left to do. He closed his mind and cried, "Rise!"
Vines rose up from the ground and attacked the nearest seishi - Vivien. Vivien yelped but she couldn't move in time. A vine grabbed her wrist. Vivien swore and tried to focus her power, but vines were coming at her from everywhere. She couldn't concentrate!
"Rekka Shinen!"
The vines became ashes instantly. Vivien rubbed her sore wrist and smiled gratefully at Tasuki. Then she saw another vine rise up behind him. "Tasuki! Look out!" Suddenly, more vines wrapped around her and lifted her into the air. "Woah!"
"Rekka Shinen!" Tasuki incinerated the vine behind him and incinerated the vines that tried to grab him yet again. "Shit!" Suddenly, a thorned vine lashed across his back and he swore at the sudden pain. "Rekka Shinen!" The thorned vine went up in flames just as he noticed Vivien enslaved by more vines and being held up in front of Tomo. "Vi! REKKA SHINEN!" Incinerating the vines completely, Tasuki raced to Vivien.
Tomo cackled. "Well, my dear. You're looking a little tired. I think you should.. rest." His eyes flashed and to Vivien's horror, her body started to disappear.
"Tasuki!"
"Let her go, you bastard!" Tasuki slammed the butt of his tessen on Tomo's back. The Seiryuu seishi grunted with pain.
"Vi!" Suddenly, Vivien was gone. The vines disappeared back into the ground. "Vi!"
Tomo got back to his feet, an evil grin on his face. "You're too late. She's gone."
* * *
"Vivi! Wake up! We have to go to school!"
Vivien's eyes flickered open. Where was she..? She sat up and found herself in her bed. She was.. home? A heavy weight settled in her chest. Why was she feeling so.. sad?
"Vivi! Are you up?" Kathryn peeked inside Vivien's room and cocked her head at the dazed look in her sister's eyes. "Nope, you still look half-asleep. Well, get up, girl! Did you forget what day this is?"
Vivien shook her head. "I.. forgot."
Kathryn rolled her eyes. "Right, like who could forget today's the first day of school? We only spent ten hours in the mall yesterday shopping for school stuff. Come on girl, get up!"
"All right, I'm up, I'm up." Vivien got out of her bed and yawned. "Are you done using the shower?"
Kathryn smiled. "Yep." She stepped into Vivien's room and twirled. "What do you think? What does this outfit say to you?"
Vivien observed Kathryn's outfit with a wry smile. Her sister was wearing a blue silk blouse and a pair of white jeans. All her power-bead bracelets were on, and her necklace, of black cord and a bone pendant, hung around her neck. Her belt was simple black, but with a yellow smiley-face buckle. To complete the outfit, her sister had donned her hippest black platform boots. Vivien grinned. Kathryn and her boots. "It says 'I'm cool and weird.' I'm getting a hyper vibe from it."
Kathryn beamed. "That's great! I was going for hyper!" Then she went to Vivien's closet and began tossing out clothes.
Vivien hurried to her sister. "Hey, watch it!"
Kathryn rummaged through Vivien's closet. "Let's see.. I want your outfit so say, 'feisty and short-tempered.' That'll be best."
"It will?" Vivien frowned. "Won't that keep everyone away from me, though? Even if it's true.."
Kathryn sighed. "Really, Vivi.. the only people that should befriend you are the ones that can get along with you. Sure, it'll keep away some people, but it'll draw your sort of crowd at the same time and won't you be happy then."
Vivien arched a brow. "My sort of crowd?"
"You know. The ones who embrace danger and all sorts of reckless behavior. Not that reckless mind you, but the people who's not afraid of being a little.. abnormal in the sense that you pursue entertainment in all sorts of dangerous activities."
Vivien made a face. "It's called not being afraid to have fun, Kate. And people don't really label sports as 'dangerous activities' nowadays, Kate."
Kathryn wrinkled her nose. "You don't like the word 'dangerous'? Then is 'hazardous-to-one's-well-being-and-mind-deteriorating activities' suit better?"
Vivien chuckled. "You just don't like sports, Kate. Admit it."
"Why would I like something that guarantees pain and soreness in every muscle of my body? Ah, here we go!" Kathryn pulled out a pair of black tight-fitting jeans and a white tank-top. She also pulled out a red blazer accompanied by a pair of red sandals. "It says 'I like being abnormally sporty, fiery-tempered, and danger-loving.."
"Try adventurous."
".. 'but I'm not a bad person'. Nice, isn't it? It'll send all the right signals. Especially to the boys. This is the year you'll get a boyfriend, I'm sure of it! If it isn't, then we're all doomed to spinsterhood!" Kathryn declared dramatically, throwing the clothes at her sister.
Vivien rolled her eyes. It had become an unwritten rule that none of them would obtain a boyfriend before Vivien. She was the adventurous one and would tell them if it the 'water was fine' so-to-speak. If she succeeded in having a nice love life, the others would follow. The pool of couples was a dangerous, unpredictable world, and if someone finally had the nerve to dive in at last, they would only follow suit if she managed to get to the surface. Long ago, Vivien had been elected as the 'lab rat', and all six sisters had sworn never to find a boyfriend until Vivien did. It annoyed Vivien to no end.
It was lunch time. Vivien picked at the stomach-churning cafeteria food and sighed. Her sisters were late. Finally, Samantha arrived. "Hey, Vivi. How's the food?"
"Horrible." Vivien replied miserably.
Samantha made a face as she sat down. "It must be, if even you wouldn't eat it. Lucky I brought our emergency lunches."
Vivien's face lit like a beacon. "Ooh! You're the best, Sammy, I swear!" She grabbed the wrapped peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches from her sister and began to devour them, wrapping and all.
Samantha sweatdropped. "No problem."
"Hey, peeps! How's the food?"
"Vivi couldn't eat it." Was Samantha's reply.
Kathryn wrinkled her nose. "Eew. I'm not touching it then. It has to be beyond bad if she won't eat it. Got any more sandwiches, Sammy?"
Samantha smiled. "Here. I'll save two for myself and Lily."
"Thanks, Sammy." Lilian finally arrived at their table. She watched Vivien cramming all the food in her mouth and shuddered. "Should I find another table? Her stomach'll get so big, there won't be any room for me."
"I heard that." Vivien mumbled before she finally swallowed all ten sandwiches.
"You know, I believe Vivi might be part-chipmunk after all, guys. That's the only plausible reason I can think of for her high-capacity cheek- space." Samantha quipped.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." Vivien took a long swig of her energy drink. "At least the drinks in the vending machines aren't equally contaminated." She sighed with contentment at being partially full. "So, how is it so far?"
Lilian sighed. "I'm rather disappointed, actually. I thought skipping ninth and tenth grade, and into twelfth would give me some more challenge. But the academics are really too easy."
Samantha nodded her agreement. Vivien wrinkled her nose. Samantha had also skipped grades - she had skipped ninth and tenth grade and was now in eleventh grade. Well, Kathryn and herself had also skipped a grade, but not two like her eldest and youngest sister. Kathryn was now in tenth grade and Vivien was in eleventh. But they weren't on the level of Lilian and Samantha. She sighed. It was just like them to rub it in.
Kathryn sighed. "It's even worse for me. I already have detention."
All three sisters chuckled at that. Vivien's eyes twinkled. "Detention? Already how?"
Lilian grinned. "I bet she argued with the teacher."
"It was just a friendly little debate." Kathryn protested.
"About what?" Samantha asked curiously.
Kathryn shrugged. "It was in earth science. We were talking about endangered species, I think. She handed out a cool little pamphlet and she said everyone was contributing to the endangered species problem in their own little way. She has a nasty temperament, that woman. And horribly suspicious, too. I protested against her rather unfair accusation and before you knew it, she phoned the principal."
Vivien laughed. "Kate.. this is the first day, too! Well, I can't blame you entirely, of course. Your teacher sounds just plain nasty."
Kathryn chuckled. "Exactly."
"Hey, babe."
Vivien turned and looked up at one of her classmates, a handsome jock with too-big muscles accompanied with a too-big ego and too-miniature brain. She frowned. He had been hitting on her all morning. "Get lost, muscles."
He ignored that and smiled. "Hey, I was wondering if, you know, could see me later today after practice.. near the parking lot, you know."
Vivien was disgusted. "You're sick. Go over to one of the cheerleaders and ask them. Sorry, big guy, but I'm not available."
He arched a bushy brow. "You're taken?" He sounded disappointed.
Vivien nodded. "Yep. The only guys I'm interested in are Mr. Italian Sausage and Mr. P. J. Sandwich. Sorry."
The guy sighed. "Lucky guys. Well, see ya, babe."
"Whatever." Vivien sipped her drink. "What a moron." She turned to see her sisters all staring at her with disbelief. "What?"
"I can't believe you just turned that guy down. You've never turned a guy down before, Vivi." Lilian explained.
Vivien shrugged. "I guess I just wasn't interested."
Kathryn shook her head vehemently. "Who are you and what have you done with my sister? Vivi, he was a jock. You know, large-muscled and small brain-matter --- your kind of guy. And you just turned him down? Are you ill or something?" Kathryn reached across the table and felt her sister's forehead.
Vivien gently moved Kathryn's hand away and sighed. "I'm fine, Kate, really. It's just.. I'm not interested. Is that so weird?"
"Yes." Everyone said.
Vivien shrugged. "Well, I can't help what I feel, so leave me alone already." She got up and walked away from the table without another word.
"I'm worried." Kathryn said worriedly.
"I know." Samantha sighed.
Lilian frowned. What was going on with Vivien?
"Go wolves! Arrooo!" A jock howled as the guy who had hit on Vivien moved on her again.
Vivien froze at the mention of 'wolves' just as the jock placed her hand on her shoulder. She stiffened.
"Hey, Vivien. Are you sure you don't wanna go out with me tonight."
Vivien's gut twisted. "I'm sure." She gritted out. She tried to wrest her shoulder free, but he put his hand around her waist instead. Something behind Vivien's eyes burned with rage. "Leave me alone."
"Come on, baby, you don't mean that."
"I do. Now let go!" She glared at the hand around her waist. Suddenly, he yelped with pain and held up his hand. It was already starting to blister.
"Woah! What was that?!" He grabbed someone drink and stuck his hand in its icy coldness.
Vivien stalked away. "Vivi!" Her mind was reeling. What was going on? As she stormed outside the cafeteria doors, she bumped right into another student. "E-excuse me." She muttered.
"Vivien?"
Vivien turned. A handsome guy was standing behind her, a concerned expression on his face. She stared. Boy, was he handsome. He had silky black hair and dark, sensual eyes. Woah. "Er.. do I know you?"
He smiled. "That's harsh, Vivien. Hey, I'm sorry about last class.. I didn't mean to be so.. forward."
"Vivi!" Lilian ran out of the cafeteria doors. "There you are! What happened back there? Oh, hi, Tom."
Vivien frowned. Tom?
Lilian suddenly had the impression she was interrupting a moment, so she quickly mumbled to her sister, "Go for him, Vivi. It takes a lot of guts for a guy to face a girl after being rejected. He's smart, handsome, and very descent. Go get him, girl. I'll meet you at the usual place after school, okay?" Lilian hurried away.
Vivien shook her head. What was going on? Why didn't she remember anything.
"Er.. Vivien?"
"Y-Yeah?" Vivien looked up.
"I said I'm sorry."
"Oh.." Vivien had no clue what he was talking about. "It's okay?"
He ran a hand through his silky black hair. "Look, I never meant to embarrass you.. well, I had to ask before that jerk made his move.. did he?"
"Did who?" Vivien was so confused.
"Rex. The football jerk."
Vivien dimpled. "You mean jock?"
"Same thing. I heard he was going to ask you out and I wanted to ask you before he.. am I confusing you?"
She was beyond confused. "Uh.."
The guy stuck his hands in his pockets. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? But.. I just want an answer, you know? Will you.. go out with me tonight?"
Vivien blinked. Go out with.. him? What in the blazes was going on?! The hell?!
Tomo cackled. "How amusing. She doesn't know what's going on. Quite amusing. But it's intriguing.. how alike the towns of Miaka and Kyoku are.. yet so different.."
"You stupid freak! Let me go!" Tasuki demanded angrily, trying to wrest himself free of the vines holding him down.
Tomo cackled again. "Not a chance, fangs. I've got her right where I want her.. I must get close to her.. and discover all her secrets.. She is Taittsukun's seishi.. after all.."
Vivien burped. "Yum! What an awesome date! Can we go out again tomorrow, Tom?"
Tom sweatdropped. He and Vivien were at a buffet.. and within half an hour of their arrival, there was no more buffet! Vivien had eaten everything! The waiters kept on glaring at them. He blushed. "Er, sure.. I was thinking the library tomorrow?"
Vivien frowned. "Library? What's to eat there? I was thinking ice cream, maybe?"
Tom feared for his wallet. "Won't the library be better? I mean.. don't you have a test this week?" He asked hopefully.
Vivien sighed. "You're right.. We're taking an assessment test in Earth Science on Friday.. Maybe we should go to the library tomorrow, Tom."
Tom was relieved. He sighed. "Are we finished here, yet?" He asked hopefully.
Vivien frowned. "Whatever gave you that idea? I still haven't had my desert!"
Tom groaned.
Tomo scowled. "Gluttonous, useless girl." He muttered angrily.
Tasuki smirked. "Having problems already?"
"Shut up."
"Ah.. that was the best date I've ever been on!" Vivien gushed. "Well.. it's not as if I have any dates to compare it to.."
Tom stared at his empty wallet. He had had to pay the buffet for the extra food.. and it hadn't been cheap. "Why am I not surprised?" He muttered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. Hey, Vivien, I was thinking.. Why don't we study at the library until Thursday? So you'll be prepared on Friday."
Vivien made a face. "Three whole days at the library? I think I'm going to be sick. Can't we do something else? I heard a new pizza parlor's opening on the corner of my block on Wednesday. Why don't we go there?"
Tomo had a dark scowl on his painted face. "Dratted girl. Is food all she thinks about?"
Chapter 12
"Where are we?" Vivien asked Tasuki the next morning.
"Sairo. We went ahead of the others."
"Sairo?!" Vivien shot up in her bed and turned away. She was still hurt from the realization that Suzaku was her runaway father, but she had given her word. She would help Miaka no matter what. And they were in Sairo.. but which one? Were they in the actual Sairo or the Sairo that was Tomo's illusion? But how to find out..?
Then she got it. "Are we in an inn or something?" She asked tentatively.
Tasuki nodded. "This place is pretty expensive."
Vivien frowned. Then this wasn't Tomo's illusion, for in his illusion, he had arranged for the seishi's absolute comfort, and they hadn't had to pay for anything. Then where was everyone else? Tomo's illusion. Vivien jumped out of bed. "Let's go, Tasuki!"
"Go where?" Tasuki was confused. There was a lot Vivien wasn't telling him..
"To the other Sairo!"
"Huh?" Yep, definitely a lot she wasn't telling him.
"What the heck do you mean, you don't know?!" Vivien demanded angrily. "Where's Sammy?!"
"She went off with Tamahome and Miaka and didn't come back." Chiriko tried to explain.
Vivien swore. Think, think, think. What was happening now?! Then she snapped her fingers. "Aha! Amiboshi!"
"Amiboshi?" Tasuki frowned. "What about him?"
"Miaka's with Amiboshi.. and Sammy just might be with them! Let's go!"
"Ne, Tasuki, what's with her?" Chiriko asked the bandit wearily.
Tasuki sighed. "Like what do I know?" His eyes darkened. I'm only the guy who's going to marry her, that's all.
It took them a long time to find Tamahome, and when they did, the sight wasn't pretty. They stood behind Amiboshi, who was looking as Tamahome and Miaka were reunited. Vivien could see Amiboshi's broken finger and beyond him, a bleeding Tomo, and.. and.. no Samantha! Vivien ran to Amiboshi. "Amiboshi! Where's Sammy?"
Amiboshi turned to face Vivien. His eyes widened. "I left her with Miaka when I came here to rescue Tamahome..!"
Vivien pushed Amiboshi aside and ran to Tamahome and Miaka.
Miaka looked into Tamahome's eyes, her heart swelling with happiness. "Tamahome, I wasn't raped by Nakago after all!"
Tamahome's eyes widened. "Hontou?"
Miaka smiled tearfully. "Yeah!"
"I hate to break up the moment here, but I was wondering if you two have seen my sister, Sammy? Samantha Smith, brown hair, green eyes? Remember her?" Vivien asked, a brow raised.
Miaka looked at Vivien. "Kyo-chan! How did you --?"
Vivien's eyes softened. "Never mind that. Have you seen Sammy?"
"Tei?" Miaka's eyes suddenly widened with fear and shame. "I.. left her in the village.."
"WHAT?!" Vivien grabbed Amiboshi's hand. "Let's go, music boy!"
"Matte." Tasuki grabbed Vivien's wrist. "Where do you think you're going, Vi?"
Vivien's eyes softened. "I'm going to find my sister."
"You're going to go at top speed down a mountain? Not very smart, Vi. Even with superhuman speed, the descent's impossible."
Vivien was dismayed. "You're right.."
Tasuki smiled gently. "I'll go with you." Without another word, he suddenly changed his shape. Everyone exclaimed with surprise as a wolf suddenly appeared before them in Tasuki's stead.
Vivien smiled. "Arigatou, Tasuki." Then with a twist of her chi, Vivien whirled in red breeze and a red falcon leapt into the sky. Amiboshi stared as the falcon and wolf sped down the mountainside and his eyes hardened with resolve as he picked up his flute.
"Amiboshi?"
Amiboshi played three quick notes, and before their eyes, the Seiryuu seishi was gone. Miaka blinked. ".. I didn't know he could do that."
Chichiri and the others were flabbergasted. Chiriko pressed a hand to his head. "That was impossible.. I researched his power and the best melody in this world, enchanted or not, could not possibly execute the spell of teleportation.."
Chichiri nodded and frowned. "Exactly so. Then how..?"
Mitsukake finally realized the truth. "Tei!"
Miaka and Tamahome stared at the healer. "Nani?"
Mitsukake slowly smiled. "So that's it.. love is the key."
Miaka finally understood. "Ah.. wakatta.."
Everyone except Mitsukake stared at the Suzaku no Miko. "You do?"
Miaka was smiling. "Hai.. love is always the key. The reason why Amiboshi was able to exceed his powers is because.. he loves Tei." Her eyes were shining.
Chiriko frowned. "Miaka-sama, that still doesn't make any sense."
Mitsukake shook his head. "It makes perfect sense."
"Sammy."
Samantha whirled around. Her eyes widened. "Ami - ah.. Kaika?! What are you doing here?"
Amiboshi looked around him and gave out a low whistle. Every Kotou soldier was entombed in ice while the villagers were protected by an icy dome. Samantha looked sheepish. "Sorry. It was just for their protection." She apologized, misunderstanding. With a snap of her fingers, the icy dome shattered and the villagers gasped in surprise. Suddenly, Samantha saw the broken finger.
"Amiboshi! What happened?!" Samantha cried, forgetting to call him 'Kaika' out of concern. She rushed to him.
"Woah now! How in the hell did music-boy get down here before us?!" Vivien demanded, shocked at the Seiryuu seishi's appearance.
Tasuki smoothly reverted to his true form and frowned at the Seiryuu seishi. "Would you mind answering her question, Amiboshi?"
"Does it really matter?" Amiboshi asked, exasperated.
Vivien had a serious look on her face. "Yes, it does, actually. I want to know how you could out-fly my third power." She stated seriously.
Samantha looked at her sister. "Vivi.. where's Mitsukake?"
Vivien shrugged. "He's with the others. Tomo's down, so they're okay." Then her eyes widened. "Holy shit! I forgot all about him!! Tomo!"
Samantha's own eyes widened with realization. "That's right!"
Tasuki didn't know what the sisters were thinking, but he knew what to do. "Let's go." He transformed back into a wolf and raced towards the mountain again.
Vivien watched Tasuki go. She looked at Samantha and noted the gash in her side. She wouldn't be able to make the ascent. "Sammy.. are you going to be okay?"
Samantha smiled gently at her sister. "Of course."
Vivien pinned Amiboshi with a glare. "You better protect her, Amiboshi! With your life! Understand?" She didn't wait for an answer as she turned back into a red falcon and flew after Tasuki. As she soared up the mountain's side, she watched Tasuki make his way ahead of her. Her heart was moved. They moved as one.. were they truly destined to be together?
They were too late. Tamahome had already fallen off the illusioned cliff and Tomo had already trapped Miaka inside his clam. Vivien suddenly realized that since Amiboshi was not there, no one would be able to save her friend. Unless.. she took his place.
"Let Miaka go, Tomo!" Vivien demanded of the Seiryuu seishi.
Tomo looked startled for a moment, then his eyes narrowed. "You look familiar.." Then his eyes widened. "You wouldn't happen to be related to Taishi, would you?"
Vivien frowned. Taishi? Her expression cleared. He must mean Lilian. "Hai. I am Lily's sister, Vivien Smith, also known as Kyoku."
Tomo's eyes widened. Kyoku?! She was another of Taittsukun's seishi and she worked for Suzaku. Things could prove difficult with her. If her power was anywhere near Lilian's, then he would have to be extremely careful with her. "Ah. I should have known. I'm sorry, but I cannot release your friend. I suggest you take yourself and hide somewhere until I'm done. Your life may be endangered else-wise."
Tasuki smirked. "We're not going anywhere, bub. Release Miaka or prepare to get roasted." He whipped out his tessen. "And I like my meat well-done."
Vivien grinned. Great minds thought alike. "You heard him, peacock. Release Miaka now or prepare to get toasted!"
Tomo's mind raced. Combined, the powers of the two Suzaku seishi would be invincible. He would be incinerated. His eyes narrowed. There was only one thing left to do. He closed his mind and cried, "Rise!"
Vines rose up from the ground and attacked the nearest seishi - Vivien. Vivien yelped but she couldn't move in time. A vine grabbed her wrist. Vivien swore and tried to focus her power, but vines were coming at her from everywhere. She couldn't concentrate!
"Rekka Shinen!"
The vines became ashes instantly. Vivien rubbed her sore wrist and smiled gratefully at Tasuki. Then she saw another vine rise up behind him. "Tasuki! Look out!" Suddenly, more vines wrapped around her and lifted her into the air. "Woah!"
"Rekka Shinen!" Tasuki incinerated the vine behind him and incinerated the vines that tried to grab him yet again. "Shit!" Suddenly, a thorned vine lashed across his back and he swore at the sudden pain. "Rekka Shinen!" The thorned vine went up in flames just as he noticed Vivien enslaved by more vines and being held up in front of Tomo. "Vi! REKKA SHINEN!" Incinerating the vines completely, Tasuki raced to Vivien.
Tomo cackled. "Well, my dear. You're looking a little tired. I think you should.. rest." His eyes flashed and to Vivien's horror, her body started to disappear.
"Tasuki!"
"Let her go, you bastard!" Tasuki slammed the butt of his tessen on Tomo's back. The Seiryuu seishi grunted with pain.
"Vi!" Suddenly, Vivien was gone. The vines disappeared back into the ground. "Vi!"
Tomo got back to his feet, an evil grin on his face. "You're too late. She's gone."
* * *
"Vivi! Wake up! We have to go to school!"
Vivien's eyes flickered open. Where was she..? She sat up and found herself in her bed. She was.. home? A heavy weight settled in her chest. Why was she feeling so.. sad?
"Vivi! Are you up?" Kathryn peeked inside Vivien's room and cocked her head at the dazed look in her sister's eyes. "Nope, you still look half-asleep. Well, get up, girl! Did you forget what day this is?"
Vivien shook her head. "I.. forgot."
Kathryn rolled her eyes. "Right, like who could forget today's the first day of school? We only spent ten hours in the mall yesterday shopping for school stuff. Come on girl, get up!"
"All right, I'm up, I'm up." Vivien got out of her bed and yawned. "Are you done using the shower?"
Kathryn smiled. "Yep." She stepped into Vivien's room and twirled. "What do you think? What does this outfit say to you?"
Vivien observed Kathryn's outfit with a wry smile. Her sister was wearing a blue silk blouse and a pair of white jeans. All her power-bead bracelets were on, and her necklace, of black cord and a bone pendant, hung around her neck. Her belt was simple black, but with a yellow smiley-face buckle. To complete the outfit, her sister had donned her hippest black platform boots. Vivien grinned. Kathryn and her boots. "It says 'I'm cool and weird.' I'm getting a hyper vibe from it."
Kathryn beamed. "That's great! I was going for hyper!" Then she went to Vivien's closet and began tossing out clothes.
Vivien hurried to her sister. "Hey, watch it!"
Kathryn rummaged through Vivien's closet. "Let's see.. I want your outfit so say, 'feisty and short-tempered.' That'll be best."
"It will?" Vivien frowned. "Won't that keep everyone away from me, though? Even if it's true.."
Kathryn sighed. "Really, Vivi.. the only people that should befriend you are the ones that can get along with you. Sure, it'll keep away some people, but it'll draw your sort of crowd at the same time and won't you be happy then."
Vivien arched a brow. "My sort of crowd?"
"You know. The ones who embrace danger and all sorts of reckless behavior. Not that reckless mind you, but the people who's not afraid of being a little.. abnormal in the sense that you pursue entertainment in all sorts of dangerous activities."
Vivien made a face. "It's called not being afraid to have fun, Kate. And people don't really label sports as 'dangerous activities' nowadays, Kate."
Kathryn wrinkled her nose. "You don't like the word 'dangerous'? Then is 'hazardous-to-one's-well-being-and-mind-deteriorating activities' suit better?"
Vivien chuckled. "You just don't like sports, Kate. Admit it."
"Why would I like something that guarantees pain and soreness in every muscle of my body? Ah, here we go!" Kathryn pulled out a pair of black tight-fitting jeans and a white tank-top. She also pulled out a red blazer accompanied by a pair of red sandals. "It says 'I like being abnormally sporty, fiery-tempered, and danger-loving.."
"Try adventurous."
".. 'but I'm not a bad person'. Nice, isn't it? It'll send all the right signals. Especially to the boys. This is the year you'll get a boyfriend, I'm sure of it! If it isn't, then we're all doomed to spinsterhood!" Kathryn declared dramatically, throwing the clothes at her sister.
Vivien rolled her eyes. It had become an unwritten rule that none of them would obtain a boyfriend before Vivien. She was the adventurous one and would tell them if it the 'water was fine' so-to-speak. If she succeeded in having a nice love life, the others would follow. The pool of couples was a dangerous, unpredictable world, and if someone finally had the nerve to dive in at last, they would only follow suit if she managed to get to the surface. Long ago, Vivien had been elected as the 'lab rat', and all six sisters had sworn never to find a boyfriend until Vivien did. It annoyed Vivien to no end.
It was lunch time. Vivien picked at the stomach-churning cafeteria food and sighed. Her sisters were late. Finally, Samantha arrived. "Hey, Vivi. How's the food?"
"Horrible." Vivien replied miserably.
Samantha made a face as she sat down. "It must be, if even you wouldn't eat it. Lucky I brought our emergency lunches."
Vivien's face lit like a beacon. "Ooh! You're the best, Sammy, I swear!" She grabbed the wrapped peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches from her sister and began to devour them, wrapping and all.
Samantha sweatdropped. "No problem."
"Hey, peeps! How's the food?"
"Vivi couldn't eat it." Was Samantha's reply.
Kathryn wrinkled her nose. "Eew. I'm not touching it then. It has to be beyond bad if she won't eat it. Got any more sandwiches, Sammy?"
Samantha smiled. "Here. I'll save two for myself and Lily."
"Thanks, Sammy." Lilian finally arrived at their table. She watched Vivien cramming all the food in her mouth and shuddered. "Should I find another table? Her stomach'll get so big, there won't be any room for me."
"I heard that." Vivien mumbled before she finally swallowed all ten sandwiches.
"You know, I believe Vivi might be part-chipmunk after all, guys. That's the only plausible reason I can think of for her high-capacity cheek- space." Samantha quipped.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." Vivien took a long swig of her energy drink. "At least the drinks in the vending machines aren't equally contaminated." She sighed with contentment at being partially full. "So, how is it so far?"
Lilian sighed. "I'm rather disappointed, actually. I thought skipping ninth and tenth grade, and into twelfth would give me some more challenge. But the academics are really too easy."
Samantha nodded her agreement. Vivien wrinkled her nose. Samantha had also skipped grades - she had skipped ninth and tenth grade and was now in eleventh grade. Well, Kathryn and herself had also skipped a grade, but not two like her eldest and youngest sister. Kathryn was now in tenth grade and Vivien was in eleventh. But they weren't on the level of Lilian and Samantha. She sighed. It was just like them to rub it in.
Kathryn sighed. "It's even worse for me. I already have detention."
All three sisters chuckled at that. Vivien's eyes twinkled. "Detention? Already how?"
Lilian grinned. "I bet she argued with the teacher."
"It was just a friendly little debate." Kathryn protested.
"About what?" Samantha asked curiously.
Kathryn shrugged. "It was in earth science. We were talking about endangered species, I think. She handed out a cool little pamphlet and she said everyone was contributing to the endangered species problem in their own little way. She has a nasty temperament, that woman. And horribly suspicious, too. I protested against her rather unfair accusation and before you knew it, she phoned the principal."
Vivien laughed. "Kate.. this is the first day, too! Well, I can't blame you entirely, of course. Your teacher sounds just plain nasty."
Kathryn chuckled. "Exactly."
"Hey, babe."
Vivien turned and looked up at one of her classmates, a handsome jock with too-big muscles accompanied with a too-big ego and too-miniature brain. She frowned. He had been hitting on her all morning. "Get lost, muscles."
He ignored that and smiled. "Hey, I was wondering if, you know, could see me later today after practice.. near the parking lot, you know."
Vivien was disgusted. "You're sick. Go over to one of the cheerleaders and ask them. Sorry, big guy, but I'm not available."
He arched a bushy brow. "You're taken?" He sounded disappointed.
Vivien nodded. "Yep. The only guys I'm interested in are Mr. Italian Sausage and Mr. P. J. Sandwich. Sorry."
The guy sighed. "Lucky guys. Well, see ya, babe."
"Whatever." Vivien sipped her drink. "What a moron." She turned to see her sisters all staring at her with disbelief. "What?"
"I can't believe you just turned that guy down. You've never turned a guy down before, Vivi." Lilian explained.
Vivien shrugged. "I guess I just wasn't interested."
Kathryn shook her head vehemently. "Who are you and what have you done with my sister? Vivi, he was a jock. You know, large-muscled and small brain-matter --- your kind of guy. And you just turned him down? Are you ill or something?" Kathryn reached across the table and felt her sister's forehead.
Vivien gently moved Kathryn's hand away and sighed. "I'm fine, Kate, really. It's just.. I'm not interested. Is that so weird?"
"Yes." Everyone said.
Vivien shrugged. "Well, I can't help what I feel, so leave me alone already." She got up and walked away from the table without another word.
"I'm worried." Kathryn said worriedly.
"I know." Samantha sighed.
Lilian frowned. What was going on with Vivien?
"Go wolves! Arrooo!" A jock howled as the guy who had hit on Vivien moved on her again.
Vivien froze at the mention of 'wolves' just as the jock placed her hand on her shoulder. She stiffened.
"Hey, Vivien. Are you sure you don't wanna go out with me tonight."
Vivien's gut twisted. "I'm sure." She gritted out. She tried to wrest her shoulder free, but he put his hand around her waist instead. Something behind Vivien's eyes burned with rage. "Leave me alone."
"Come on, baby, you don't mean that."
"I do. Now let go!" She glared at the hand around her waist. Suddenly, he yelped with pain and held up his hand. It was already starting to blister.
"Woah! What was that?!" He grabbed someone drink and stuck his hand in its icy coldness.
Vivien stalked away. "Vivi!" Her mind was reeling. What was going on? As she stormed outside the cafeteria doors, she bumped right into another student. "E-excuse me." She muttered.
"Vivien?"
Vivien turned. A handsome guy was standing behind her, a concerned expression on his face. She stared. Boy, was he handsome. He had silky black hair and dark, sensual eyes. Woah. "Er.. do I know you?"
He smiled. "That's harsh, Vivien. Hey, I'm sorry about last class.. I didn't mean to be so.. forward."
"Vivi!" Lilian ran out of the cafeteria doors. "There you are! What happened back there? Oh, hi, Tom."
Vivien frowned. Tom?
Lilian suddenly had the impression she was interrupting a moment, so she quickly mumbled to her sister, "Go for him, Vivi. It takes a lot of guts for a guy to face a girl after being rejected. He's smart, handsome, and very descent. Go get him, girl. I'll meet you at the usual place after school, okay?" Lilian hurried away.
Vivien shook her head. What was going on? Why didn't she remember anything.
"Er.. Vivien?"
"Y-Yeah?" Vivien looked up.
"I said I'm sorry."
"Oh.." Vivien had no clue what he was talking about. "It's okay?"
He ran a hand through his silky black hair. "Look, I never meant to embarrass you.. well, I had to ask before that jerk made his move.. did he?"
"Did who?" Vivien was so confused.
"Rex. The football jerk."
Vivien dimpled. "You mean jock?"
"Same thing. I heard he was going to ask you out and I wanted to ask you before he.. am I confusing you?"
She was beyond confused. "Uh.."
The guy stuck his hands in his pockets. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? But.. I just want an answer, you know? Will you.. go out with me tonight?"
Vivien blinked. Go out with.. him? What in the blazes was going on?! The hell?!
Tomo cackled. "How amusing. She doesn't know what's going on. Quite amusing. But it's intriguing.. how alike the towns of Miaka and Kyoku are.. yet so different.."
"You stupid freak! Let me go!" Tasuki demanded angrily, trying to wrest himself free of the vines holding him down.
Tomo cackled again. "Not a chance, fangs. I've got her right where I want her.. I must get close to her.. and discover all her secrets.. She is Taittsukun's seishi.. after all.."
Vivien burped. "Yum! What an awesome date! Can we go out again tomorrow, Tom?"
Tom sweatdropped. He and Vivien were at a buffet.. and within half an hour of their arrival, there was no more buffet! Vivien had eaten everything! The waiters kept on glaring at them. He blushed. "Er, sure.. I was thinking the library tomorrow?"
Vivien frowned. "Library? What's to eat there? I was thinking ice cream, maybe?"
Tom feared for his wallet. "Won't the library be better? I mean.. don't you have a test this week?" He asked hopefully.
Vivien sighed. "You're right.. We're taking an assessment test in Earth Science on Friday.. Maybe we should go to the library tomorrow, Tom."
Tom was relieved. He sighed. "Are we finished here, yet?" He asked hopefully.
Vivien frowned. "Whatever gave you that idea? I still haven't had my desert!"
Tom groaned.
Tomo scowled. "Gluttonous, useless girl." He muttered angrily.
Tasuki smirked. "Having problems already?"
"Shut up."
"Ah.. that was the best date I've ever been on!" Vivien gushed. "Well.. it's not as if I have any dates to compare it to.."
Tom stared at his empty wallet. He had had to pay the buffet for the extra food.. and it hadn't been cheap. "Why am I not surprised?" He muttered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. Hey, Vivien, I was thinking.. Why don't we study at the library until Thursday? So you'll be prepared on Friday."
Vivien made a face. "Three whole days at the library? I think I'm going to be sick. Can't we do something else? I heard a new pizza parlor's opening on the corner of my block on Wednesday. Why don't we go there?"
Tomo had a dark scowl on his painted face. "Dratted girl. Is food all she thinks about?"
