Les Jeux Mystèrieux: The Mysterious Games
Disclaimer: There's a bad word in this episode. I try to avoid words like it, but the occasion does merit it. So…yeah. Don't worry, I'm not going to start swearing constantly; I'm keeping this PG-13. And there are some rather graphic (in a non-sexual way) parts near the end…I apologize for those as well.
Anne: Last episode, we finally realized the horrible truth of Katherine.
Chris: No, not that truth. Just the truth about her being kidnapped and tortured by Kutou.
Kat: What do you mean, "that" truth?
Luna: So Anne almost had a nervous breakdown, but managed to spill her feelings to Tatara.
Nick: I'm such a good listener.
Janna: So then we brainstormed about how to save her…
Jeff: Eventually, Karasuki figured out that Tokaki could teleport us there if Amefuri lent her his chi.
Max: So we're making a refuel stop off at Shijuen before we go to Kutou. It's the calm before the storm…
Episode 19: Ten yori chitta (Scattered from the heavens)
(Anne stands before the Emperor, smoothly recounting her trip since she left Shijuen. The Emperor listens with rapt attention, so rapt it's clear he's not faking it. When Anne finally finishes, he sits back in his chair)
Emperor: That was quite an amazing journey.
Anne: Yeah, I guess. It felt long.
Emperor: Yes…you have been away from your world for weeks, correct?
Anne: Yes, it's been quite a while now…
Emperor: You must miss your home.
Anne: Yes, I do…I haven't thought about it much, but I do miss home.
(The Emperor does not respond, thinking thoughtfully. Anne waits, and then interrupts his contemplation)
Anne: Um…may I ask you a question?
Emperor: (snapping back to attention) Anything you wish.
Anne: Do you…know how to summon Byakko?
(The Emperor's eyes narrow)
Emperor: You will have to explain your question.
Anne: Well, see, I don't really know what to do. I mean, once I find all seven Celestial Warriors, I can summon Byakko. But I don't know exactly how.
Emperor: Well…I, myself, do not quite know. You may be able to find out from the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho, but I'm sure Taiitsu-kun would know.
Anne: Ah, that is a good idea. We'll stop at Mt. Taikyoku on the way back to Shijuen.
Emperor: Speaking of your trip to Kutou…
Anne: Yes?
Emperor: How are you planning to get there in one day? And what are you planning to do there?
Anne: Well…we hadn't thought about it too much. We were just going to go in…and get Katherine, and get out.
(The Emperor's eyebrows raise in a gesture that only the nobility can perfect)
Emperor: That plan needs a bit more thought, I believe. You won't be able to just waltz into enemy territory and free your friend.
Anne: Yeah, I guess…we have all day, though…
(The Emperor sighs)
Emperor: Let me help you a small amount. Although Kutou is our enemy at present, it was not always this way. There are places that are still loyal to Sailo, even in the capital of Kutou. One of these places is a restaurant called the White Lotus. Meeting the proprietor, whose name is Ye Pan, has a large chance of facilitating your plan. (the emperor reaches into his sleeve, and produces a white ring) Give him this, and tell him that the White Chrysanthemum sent you. He'll help you.
Anne: (taking the ring) Ye Pan…White Lotus…OK. I see.
Emperor: You will need to get into the jail under the Imperial Palace…you'll need some sort of disguise. Ye Pan can probably help you with that.
Anne: All right. Thank you very much for the advice.
Emperor: (smiling) It is not a problem. Having you succeed is in my interest as well.
Anne: (nodding) OK! I'll be off, then!
Emperor: Enjoy yourself today. Tomorrow will not be easy.
*************
(The group scatters around Shijuen for the afternoon, seeing the sights, smelling the smells, and touching…never mind. As evening approaches, the seven rendezvous in the large meeting chamber provided by the Emperor.)
Tatara: Wow…Shijuen sure is big.
Amefuri: (sitting down) I'm stuffed.
Toroki: I almost got lost…
Tokaki: Good that I know this city, or Subaru and I wouldn't have gotten back.
Subaru: You got us lost!
Tokaki: But I found our way back too, didn't I?
Subaru: How could you not? The palace is the largest building in the city, and located smack-dab in the center!
Karasuki: Anne, what did you do all day?
Anne: Well, I relayed the story of our trip so far to the Emperor…and got some advice.
Subaru: (suspiciously) Really? That's all you did?
Anne: What does that mean?
Subaru: You were in there an awful long time…
(Anne's eyes widen in comprehension, and she blushes deeply)
Anne: Subaru! I'd never do something like that! …well, maybe I would. But I didn't!
Karasuki: Suuure. That's our Anne, after every man she can find.
Anne: Hey!
Tatara: So, what'dja talk about?
Anne: Oh. He said that we need a plan if we're not going to fail miserably…
Toroki: Smart guy, the emperor.
Anne: (eye roll) No, he gave me the name of a place that's sympathetic to Sailo, the White Lotus, and a name of a man there, Ye Pan. He might be able to help us.
Karasuki: But we still need some sort of plan.
Amefuri: Well…we can't just walk right into the jail to find Katherine.
Toroki: We're going to need disguises.
Anne: But how? Me, Karasuki, Tokaki and Amefuri aren't even Asian; we'll never be able to sneak in, no matter what our disguises are.
Tatara: Wait…if Subaru, Toroki and I were to disguise ourselves as Kutou's soldiers…and then take you four in as our prisoners…couldn't we feasibly get right to the jail, without any trouble?
(The group stares in amazement)
Tokaki: Wow…that's actually…
Subaru: …really smart!
Tatara: I hide my massive intelligence well.
Karasuki: It's possible…that that plan could work. Assuming we could get soldier's uniforms and bluff our way past the guards…
Anne: I'm sure Ye Pan could get us some uniforms, if he's as helpful as the Emperor made clear. And we're pretty good at bluffing.
Amefuri: But there is the matter of the shield over Katherine.
Toroki: That is true. Could you try breaking through it again?
Amefuri: Sure…it couldn't hurt anything, seeing as I have all night to rest.
(Amefuri closes her eyes, and her white symbol glows brightly. She settles into the trance…and then her eyes open widely, almost instantly)
Subaru: Whoa! What happened?
Amefuri: (eyes wide open) I'm not going to break through this shield…
Tokaki: Why not?
Amefuri: It's the strongest shield I've ever seen in my entire life. It's far beyond any shield I could break through.
Anne: You could make one like it, right?
Amefuri: Possibly, but it would kill me to keep it up for any more than a minute. The amount of chi pouring into such a small area must be humongous… if nothing else, the shield's drain on chi would be too large to sustain over any area larger than Katherine's cell.
Toroki: So what will that shield mean for us?
Amefuri: Mercifully, nothing. It's only a shield over her mind; it's not physical at all. We'll be able to move Katherine out of the shield, and everything will be fine.
Anne: But…if it's such a strong shield…who could have made it?
Toroki: Perhaps the same person that's supplying those seals to the entire army.
Tatara: (goes abruptly SD, growing long whiskers and "ark"'ing loudly) Seals? I like seals!
Subaru: (throws a harpoon at Tatara) No! Those sticker-things they put on us that blocked our powers.
Tatara: (dodges harpoon and returns to normal) Oh. Those.
Tokaki: That's a good idea…but that still doesn't explain who made the shield.
Anne: Was there anyone in the palace with such a high chi level?
Amefuri: I didn't check, but I don't think so. I would have seen their chi from miles away, and the only one even close to that level would be Katherine.
Toroki: Could she have put the shield up?
Amefuri: No. All of our chi has the trademark Byakko style. If it were hers, I would know. What worries me…is that I didn't recognize the magic.
Tokaki: It wasn't from Kutou?
Amefuri: The chi wasn't that of Seiryuu…or Suzaku or Genbu for that matter either. It just seemed…empty.
(There is a silent break in the conversation. Eventually, Tatara speaks)
Tatara: Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm going to bed. Tomorrow's going to be tiring!
Toroki: That's a good idea. We should all retire to our rooms.
Anne: All right. Have a good night, everyone. Be ready to depart at dawn.
*************
(Cult place)
Liao: Please tell me that there is news to report.
Ren: There is…but the news isn't good.
Mei: What a surprise.
Jun: You keep quiet!
Person 4: Come on, spill.
Ren: The Priestess found the Guanjun, as you all know.
Liao: Yes, and?
Ren: And the previous Guanjun, Sitao, promptly kidnapped the Priestess in the night as ransom.
Person 4: How is that bad news? That's great!
Ren: Wait. The Guanjun dueled Sitao in a duel to the death, and Sitao lost.
Mei: He lost? I had heard that he was an exceptional fighter.
Jun: He obviously couldn't hold a candle to our fighting style.
Mei: Your fighting style. I take no part in it.
Jun: Didn't I already tell you to shut up?
Mei: I must not have heard…or perhaps I just didn't care.
Person 4: STOP IT!!!!
(Mei and Jun, surprisingly, do)
Person 4: Why are we always fighting amongst ourselves? The Return will never happen if we can't get along!
Liao: Surprising words from you, Liang, and ones that I agree with most wholeheartedly. I do not believe that we have failed. The execution will happen in two days, correct?
Jun: Correct.
Liao: And where is the Priestess?
Ren: Last I heard, she was traveling east from the Battle Arena.
Liang (Person 4): Maybe we do have a chance. They can't get here in two days, can they?
Jun: We've underestimated them this whole time. Maybe we should station our own guards around the final Star.
Liao: Mei, could you shield her from outside contact?
Mei: I've already tried. Something else has done it for me.
Liang: Something else?
Mei: Yes, and it's far more powerful than I am. Stranger still, the shield most resembles the Fifth Discipline…
(All four others take in a collective breath)
Jun: What? But that's impossible!
Ren: Someone stronger than you…and also a Fifth Disciple?
Mei: Stranger things have happened. If nothing else, we need not worry about who put it up; the fact that it exists is enough. An ally, even an unknown one, is a blessing in these times leading towards the Return.
Liao: That is true…if nothing else, I can sleep more soundly knowing that someone is helping the true cause.
Liang: Still…it feels odd nonetheless.
Mei: If there is nothing else to do, shall we pray for a speedy Return in these troubled times?
*************
(The sun rises over Shijuen, rousing the populace from their rest. Anne awakens when a knock comes to the girls' door. Anne sleepily gets out of bed, treading carefully to avoid waking Subaru or Amefuri, and opens the door. Tatara, Tokaki, Karasuki and Toroki stand expectantly outside her door, each fully dressed.)
Anne: (still groggy) Um…good morning?
Toroki: "Be ready to depart at dawn," eh?
Anne: Yeah, what about it?
Karasuki: Anne, the sun's been up for over an hour.
Anne: (snapping to attention) Are you serious? Oh, no! I'll wake the girls, and we'll be out in just a moment!
(Anne slams the door quickly, and a muffled shout is heard from inside the room. The boys look at each other, confused, but they don't do anything. There are many loud noises from behind the door, including a crash, a boom and what can only be described as some distressed animal cry, sounding something like a "KKK-KWEH!!!!" Needless to say, in a matter of minutes, the girls are out of the door, looking as if they've been up for hours.)
Subaru: Good morning.
Tatara: Good morning!
Toroki: Those sounds…
Amefuri: Sounds? What sounds?
Toroki: …never mind…
Anne: Well, then, are we ready to go?
Tokaki: We should probably eat first.
Anne: Good idea! I'll ask the Emperor!
Karasuki: No offense intended, Anne, but he's not here.
Anne: Wait. I learned this the last time I was here.
(Anne raises her hand imperiously and snaps her fingers, once, twice. Almost instantly, a random servant comes running from down the hallway.)
Random Servant: Priestess! What can I do for you?
Anne: (very haughtily) My Warriors and I wish to partake in breakfast before we commence our conquest of Kutou.
Servant: (humbly) Very good, very good. It will await you in the dining hall.
(The servant speeds off, leaving everybody but Anne dumbfounded)
Amefuri: What…the hell was that?
Tokaki: When did you say you learned to do that?
Anne: (elated) It worked! I'm so happy!
(Everybody falls over. Eventually, the group makes their way to the dining hall, and to a veritable feast. The food is delicious, and is served in very large portions, so the group manages to get their minds off the coming trials by eating. Eventually, everyone finishes, and they leave the dining hall.)
Toroki: So, where are we going to do this?
Amefuri: (to Tokaki) I don't care. It's all the same to me.
Tokaki: Same…I guess the throne room would work.
Anne: All right. We'll just make anybody who's in there leave.
Tatara: (to Subaru, whispered) I think her station is going to her head.
Subaru: (whispered back) I agree.
Anne: What was that?
Tatara+Subaru: Nothing!
(The dining hall is close to the throne room, and getting there takes only a few minutes. Inside, the Emperor sits on his throne, apparently thinking with his eyes closed…or perhaps sleeping. When the group enters, he lifts his head)
Emperor: Good morning.
Anne: Good morning. We're actually about to leave.
Emperor: I see. I assume you have thought up a good enough plan?
Anne: Yes, we have. We'll be back by tomorrow, hopefully.
Emperor: And if you aren't?
Anne: …we'll be back.
Emperor: All right. Are you leaving now?
Anne: Right now.
Amefuri: OK! Circle up, everyone!
Tokaki: Wait! I don't even know where I'm going!
Toroki: That would help.
Karasuki: Here, I'll scry for Ye Pan.
(Karasuki pulls out the mirror nonchalantly, and closes his eyes without a chant. In a moment, the mirror clears to reveal a large city, with a huge palace complex in the center. The view zooms down into a small but busy district, and then to a shop. It appears to be a barbershop, called the White Lotus. The mirror darkens)
Karasuki: Got it?
Tokaki: Yup! I'm ready.
(Anne, Subaru, Tatara, Karasuki and Toroki form a circle around Amefuri and Tokaki. Amefuri once again places her hand over Tokaki's cheek, and the white aura reappears around her body. Like last time, it flows down her arm and into Tokaki's body. Everybody touches some part of Tokaki's arms, and then he nods.)
Tokaki: Here we go…
(There is a large flash of light, and yet another tugging feeling. There is what appears to be a large crash, and the group lands in a dark alleyway. After untangling themselves, they survey their surroundings. Outside of the alleyway, a large number of people walk in both directions. They are dressed differently than the Sailan people had dressed; their clothes are less colorful, but they look more comfortable and loose.)
Anne: We're going to have a hard time blending in with this crowd…how far is it to the White Lotus?
Tokaki: I think we're just next to it. If we move fast, we can make it.
Karasuki: Great. We're trying to blend into a country even more foreign than Sailo, and if we're found, we'll be killed.
Subaru: You have a habit of bringing out the worst in every situation.
Karasuki: Just keeping it real.
Amefuri: Ok, stop. Let's just go.
(The group pokes their heads out of the alleyway, looking left and right. The White Lotus, luckily, is just across the street. The seven scamper across the street, entering the barbershop as stealthily as possible. On the street, a man watches them and then walks away.)
(The barbershop is rather customerless. A woman is getting her hair done up in strange ways that end up looking like a rather complex bird's nest. It's both unlike and similar to a modern hair salon. The man doing her hair looks them over as they walk in.)
Man: (gruffly) You're a large group; what do you all want?
Anne: We're looking for a Ye Pan. Our business is our own.
(The entire group cringes at Anne's incredibly cliché'd remark. The man stands up, a bit skeptical)
Man: And what would you be wanting Ye Pan for?
Anne: We have a message for him...from the White Chrysanthemum.
(The man raises one eyebrow and finishes the woman's hair, sticking a few pins into the tangle. The woman smiles, hands him a few coins, and then leaves. The man closes the door as she leaves, putting up a "Closed" sign, and motions for the group to sit down in the chairs for waiting. Anne, Tatara, Karasuki and Subaru do. Amefuri, Tokaki and Toroki remain standing. After putting up some wooden boards over the windows, the man stands over them, an imposing figure.)
Man: From the White Chrysanthemum, eh? And how would I know that you're telling the truth, and aren't some Imperial spies?
(Anne reaches into her pocket and pulls out the white ring, holding it up for the man to see.)
Anne: Here. This is proof.
(The man takes the ring, examining it.)
Man: (softening tone, a bit, but still gruff) This does surely resemble his ring…but I still don't have proof that I can trust you. Who are you all, exactly?
(Anne looks around, and nods once. At once, all the Warriors besides Subaru bare their glowing symbols; Tokaki turns his head, Tatara holds up his hand, Karasuki looks over his shoulder, Amefuri pulls down her shirt slightly, and Toroki brushes his hair away from his forehead. Anne watches, emotionlessly, as the man's eyes widen, and he falls to one knee.)
Man: You are…forgive me!
Anne: Don't start with that. Get up! I assume you're Ye Pan?
(The man stands up.)
Ye Pan: That I am. I apologize for the skepticism; a man in my position can't be too careful.
Anne: I understand.
Ye Pan: You…are the Priestess of Byakko, right?
Anne: Yes, I am. I've come to get your help.
Ye Pan: I figured you'd be around eventually…but I didn't know if you'd get here in time.
Tokaki: What do you mean by that?
Ye Pan: Oh, so your guardians talk? I'm pretty sure as to why you're here; you're going to get back the final Warrior from Kutou's clutches, aren't you?
Amefuri: That's what we're here for…but how do you know about that?
Ye Pan: How can I not? It's all over the city. They're going to execute the "Byakko Witch" at noon tomorrow. Everybody's going to come watch.
Subaru: Katherine…
Anne: The Emperor said you could help us.
Ye Pan: I would be willing to do all in my power to help you, if it means that you will bring peace to Sailo.
Anne: All right. We had planned to sneak into the jails, using the members of our group that won't blend in as prisoners. Then, we would find Kath- the last Warrior, and then break our way out.
Ye Pan: That's a good base for a plan, but it needs some work.
Anne: We need some soldier uniforms. Can you get three?
Ye Pan: I can…how do you plan to get into the jail?
Anne: Bluff our way through?
Ye Pan: That won't work…I'll give you a seal that'll get you through without any questions. And how many exactly were you planning to go in with?
Anne: All of us, of course.
Ye Pan: That won't work. You need a smaller group…I would say, at most three guards and two prisoners.
Toroki: Well, then it should be obvious. Karasuki and Anne don't have any offensive or defensive powers at their disposals, so it should be them who stay behind.
Anne: No. I'm going. I don't care if I'm a liability.
Karasuki: I don't mind staying behind; I can keep up with the action anyways by scrying.
Tatara: Then…who else'll stay behind?
Amefuri: I will.
Tokaki: What? We need you!
Amefuri: I'm tired from the trip here…and I can help you guys communicate telepathically if I'm here. Plus, between Karasuki and me, we can alert you guys to any dangers ahead of you.
Subaru: That…might work. If Tatara, Toroki and I wear the soldier uniforms…
Tokaki: And Anne and I are prisoners…
Toroki: This plan might just work.
Ye Pan: All right! I'll go out and find three uniforms, closest to your sizes as I can get, and I'll be back.
*************
(It's late in the afternoon at the back gates of Kutou's Imperial City. The two guards staffing the gates are sitting around, clearly bored out of their minds.)
Guard 1: No way. Shi Jun has got it going on. She's got the assets, and knows it.
Guard 2: She looks like a man. If that's the way you like them, then that's your business.
Guard 1: Oh yeah? Tsao Mei is barely even legal. What are you, some sort of pedophile?
Guard 2: Legal or no, she's still much more feminine.
Guard 1: Typical that they'd be noblewoman…
Guard 2: And that yours is married!
Guard 1: A small detail. She'd leave her girly husband for me any day.
Guard 2: Dream o- hey, what's that?
Guard 1: What's what?
Guard 2: They're people approaching!
(The two guards stand up quickly on either side of the gate. When the three soldiers and the carriage reach them, it's as if they were always in that position.)
Guard 1: Halt! Who goes there?
Soldier 1: (deepish masculine voice) We've got some prisoners to bring into the jail.
Guard 2: Prisoners? You're going to have to show them to us.
Soldier 2: (slightly less deep, but still masculine voice) Can't let you see them. They're very important; meriting the Imperial Seal, even.
(The two guards stand up straighter)
Guard 1: Imperial Seal? They're that important?
Guard 2: Wow- I mean, I'm going to have to see that seal before I let you through.
(The third soldier, without speaking, holds up a piece of paper. The two guards look at it, and then suck in their breath.)
Guard 2: It is an Imperial Seal!
Guard 1: In that case, you're clear to go! You know the way to the jails, right?
Soldier 2: No, we're good.
Guard 2: OK, don't get lost.
(The first guard runs over to the gate's lock and pulls out a large key. He unlocks it, and the carriage goes through into the inner hallway, which is empty. When the gate is closed again, the soldiers drop their front)
Soldier 1 (Toroki): That was easy.
Soldier 2 (Tatara): Who wants to relay what just happened to Amefuri?
Anne: (from inside carriage) I will.
Tokaki: (from inside carriage) Can I get out now? It stinks in here.
Soldier 3 (Subaru): No. Wait a few hours more.
Anne: (telepathically) [Amefuri, you there?]
Amefuri: [Yeah, I'm here. We can see you perfectly, and hear you just as well.]
Anne: [Good. Where do we go from here?]
Amefuri: [Follow this hallway to the end, and turn left. Take the second right and go down the stairs.]
Anne: [Will do.] Hey, follow this hallway and at the end turn left. Pass the first right and then turn right after that, and then go down the stairs.
Soldier 2: Um…we can't bring the carriage down the hallway.
Soldier 3: Fine. We'll take you prisoners out of the carriage, but only if you promise not to escape.
Tokaki: I can't make any promises.
(Tokaki and Anne get out of the carriage, and Tatara conjures up some hemp ropes to tie them up with. They follow Amefuri's instructions and reach the bottom of the stairs. Every time a soldier gives them a second glance, Subaru flashes the seal, which shuts them up.)
Anne: (to Amefuri) [OK, what now?]
Amefuri: [You're almost there. Take this hallway until it ends, and then turn left. There, go down another flight of stairs.]
(Anne relays the information, and the group follows it.)
Amefuri: [Now, turn right and go until the t-junction. Make a right, and then an immediate left.]
(Anne relays the information, and the group follows it.)
Amefuri: [There should be another flight of stairs to your right. Take them down.]
(Anne relays the information…)
Tokaki: This place is a maze!
Soldier 1: Hush. Prisoners don't talk.
Soldier 3: He's right, though.
Anne: [Are we almost done?]
Amefuri: [Yes. There is a four-way intersection ahead of you. Take a left, and the jails are down the final staircase.]
(Anne relays the information, and the group descends the final flight of stairs. A guard sleeps, quietly, on watch of the jail cells. There are a great many of them, only guarded by one sleeping guard.)
Soldier 2: The security in this place sucks.
Anne: You want to make this guy sleep for a while longer, Tokaki?
Tokaki: My pleasure.
(Tokaki teleports out of his rope tie, appearing behind the man. With a quick chop to the back of the man's neck, he starts once but then falls forward, breathing but not sleeping.)
Soldier 1: OK. Let's find Katherine.
(The group unties Anne and splits up over the many jail cells.)
*************
(The dark, reflected-surface room. Instead of moonlight, now a ray of sun falls upon the surface.)
Figure: (masculinily feminine voice) Ah…they have finally found her. But what will be their reaction? And how will they react to their predicament afterwards? Oh, this is most amusing.
*************
(Tatara, still dressed in his soldier outfit, rounds a corner, still looking around. He doesn't look down as he walks between the cells, but when he does, he stops moving completely. In the cell in front of him lies a dark, curled shape with long brown hair. The rags that cover it clearly used to be clothes, but now they are too ripped to even barely cover the figure. All over the figure's body are long red scars and large red welts, creating a ghastly imitation of flesh. Tatara's eyes widen, and he steps backwards in horror. The figure stirs for a moment, hearing someone, and slowly turns its head. The figure is blindfolded…but it is truly Katherine.)
Tatara: Oh my god. Oh…my god.
Katherine: …nick?
Tatara: Oh, no. They…I found her. I FOUND HER!
(Tatara turns away, not being able to stand another moment. The group rounds the corner quickly, and sees Tatara, now kneeling on the ground, hand over his mouth.)
Anne: Tatara! What's wrong?
Toroki: Look! Over there!
(Subaru quickly moves over to the cell, and stifles a scream.)
Subaru: (in horror) Don't look…don't look!
Tokaki: What?
Subaru: (disbelief) Tokaki, Toroki, go away.
Toroki: Go away? Why?
Subaru: GO!
(Toroki and Tokaki quickly walk away, out of sight of the cell, confused. Subaru and Anne look at Katherine in shock.)
Katherine: l…luna? anne?
Anne: K…Katherine…oh, no…
(Subaru shakes at the bars, tears streaming down her face now)
Subaru: Open! Open…
(Tatara stands from behind them, and without looking holds out a hand. A small green tendril pokes out from the ground, and worms its way up the bars and into the keyhole. As it grows, there is a click and the lock opens. Anne and Subaru run in, kneeling next to Katherine. Tatara simply leans against the wall, frozen in horror.)
Katherine: you…you're really here…
Subaru: (scared) Don't talk! I'm going to heal your wounds!
Anne: (in hysterics) It's been over a week? Can you go back that far?
Subaru: I've got to try.
(Subaru holds her hands over Katherine's body, drawing upon all of her power. A white glow surrounds Katherine, and her wounds slowly begin to disappear. Subaru grits her teeth, and pours more power into Katherine. The left side of her chest is glowing, even through the soldier uniform. Finally, all of the wounds disappear, leaving Katherine with unmarred skin once again. Subaru breathes out, and then doubles over in pain.)
Anne: Subaru!
Subaru: (chest heaving) I…it's ok. Give me…a moment.
Anne: Katherine! Katherine, can you hear me?
(Katherine moves again, seemingly hampered. Anne looks her over, worried, and sees that her arms and legs are tied. Quickly, Anne unties her and then takes off the blindfold. Katherine's eyes look tired, but widen in disbelief.)
Katherine: Anne…it's really you…
Anne: What…what did they do to you?
(Katherine turns her head)
Katherine: I don't…want to talk about it right now. (she sits up slowly) My wounds…they're gone.
Subaru: That was me. I healed them.
Katherine: Oh…so that's your power…
Anne: Can you get up?
Katherine: I think so…
(Katherine tries to stand up, but can't)
Katherine: I feel really weak.
Anne: We'll get one of the boys to help you…but first, put on Subaru's soldier outfit. You can't walk around in the rags you're in.
(Katherine changes without getting up. As she does, Anne catches a glimpse of Katherine's stomach, which has a glowing symbol for "stomach." It would be amusing in any other times…)
Anne: Katherine, why did they blindfold you? They didn't…!!!
Katherine: No, they didn't do that. It was the only way they could contain my power.
Subaru: The only way?
Katherine: Those stickers…they didn't work on me. As long as I could see them, I could use my powers. So they blindfolded me…why did you call Luna Subaru?
Subaru: That's my Celestial Warrior name; we're all using them so we don't attract attention. Chris is Tokaki, I'm Subaru, Nick is Tatara, Max is Karasuki, Janna is Amefuri and Jeff is Toroki. Anne is…Anne. Do you know yours?
Katherine: Yes, they mentioned it when they found me…I'm Kokie. (turns to Anne) So you're the Priestess…
Anne: Yes…what's your Celestial power? Why would they need to blindfold you?
Kokie: It's-
(Suddenly, there is a deafening boom)
*************
(in Ye Pan's barbershop, Amefuri and Karasuki feel what appears to be a shockwave, causing them to fall over. Ye Pan doesn't move.)
Ye Pan: Whoa! What's with you guys?
Karasuki: (sitting up) You didn't feel it?
Amefuri: That's really strange…what was that?
Karasuki: The mirror! It's gone black!
(Sure enough, the mirror, which has previously shown Anne, Subaru and Katherine, has gone completely black)
Amefuri: Oh, no. [Anne! Anne, come in!]
(There is no answer)
Amefuri: I've lost telepathic contact with them!
Ye Pan: What does that mean?
Karasuki: (at the window) Amefuri…come look at this. This can't be good.
(Amefuri moves to the window, and gapes. Around the entire Imperial City is a huge black globe)
Karasuki: (dumbfounded) What is it?
Ye Pan: What's what?
Karasuki: You can't see it?
Ye Pan: See what?
Karasuki: THE HUGE BLACK GLOBE OVER THE IMPERIAL CITY???
Ye Pan: Um…no.
Amefuri: (in disbelief) It can't be…there isn't…it's a shield. That's why you can't see it…only people with chi powers can.
Ye Pan: Oh. So you're not crazy?
Amefuri: (ignoring that, as she has more important things to worry about) And…it's the same strength of the shield around Katherine. (suddenly, realization dawns) That's what that boom was! The amount of chi used to create a shield that large…of that strength…would have created such a large discharge!
Karasuki: Then…are Anne and the others all right?
Amefuri: I doubt the shield would have hurt them…but there's somebody in there with that strong a chi! Their power must be phenomenal…
Karasuki: …We are SO majorly FUCKED!
*************
(Taiitsu-kun's mountain pavilion. Taiitsu-kun sits in front of her mirror, in shock. The mirror shows the black globe surrounding the Imperial City of Kutou)
Taiitsu-kun: No…it can't be. The chi…it's like hers, for the second time. The first time could have been a coincidence, but now…it has to be her. How did she escape? And…what does this mean for the Universe of the Four Gods?
*************
(Back in the jail. The force of the boom knocked everyone to the ground. Hesistantly, they get up. All are unhurt.)
Anne: What was that?
Subaru: I have no idea! Tatara! Come here and help Kather-Kokie up!
(Tatara runs over and holds out a hand. Kokie grasps it, and pulls hard. When she finally stands on her feet, she wavers a bit. Tatara sighs, and puts her arm over his shoulder, holding her up.)
Kokie: I don't know what that was…but we have to get out of here.
(The four walk back to where Tokaki and Toroki are standing)
Tokaki: Katherine! You're OK!
Kokie: Not quite. And it's Kokie now.
Toroki: What was that sound?
Anne: We don't know…but I think we should leave now.
Tokaki: Good idea. Let me check the stairs for guards.
(Tokaki closes his eyes, ready to teleport. But nothing happens. His eyes open in confusion)
Tokaki: Um…I can't teleport.
Toroki: What do you mean, "you can't teleport?" How can you not teleport?
Tokaki: It doesn't work!
Subaru: Wait…I can't feel that chi connection.
Tatara: Me neither.
Kokie: I can feel my chi fine.
Toroki: I can't. You don't suppose…something's blocking us?
Anne: Kokie is immune to those seal things…but the rest of you aren't. Is it possible that that's what that boom did?
Tokaki: It would make sense…but we're really screwed.
Toroki: Wait. Do you hear that?
Tatara: Hear what?
Toroki: It sounds like…voices. And running steps.
Kokie: You idiot! The guards!
Anne: OK, we're leaving. Toroki and Tokaki; you guys can still fight without chi. Take the front. Tatara and Kokie will follow them, and Subaru and I will follow in back. Let's go, quickly.
(The group sets the marching order, and quickly runs to the stairs as fast as Kokie can. At the top of the stairs are several guards with swords drawn)
Guard: Byakko scum! Trying to do a jailbreak!
Tatara: You don't "do" a jailbreak.
Toroki: Not now!
(Toroki draws his double swords and jumps at the guards. Tokaki follows him, kicking out at the nearest guard.)
Anne: We're breaking through!
(The group rushes the guards, pushing through as they are busy with Tokaki and Toroki. They are greeted by a four-way intersection)
Subaru: Oh, no, which way?
(Toroki and Tokaki join them, leaving several downed guards in their path. From down the hallway come loud voices and more loud footfalls.)
Anne: This isn't good. We won't be able to move fast in such a large group.
Tatara: You can't be suggesting that we split up.
Toroki: It is smarter; we have a better chance of getting out if we're not six people.
Tokaki: But we can't take the chance that someone will be left behind!
(A bunch of guards come running from the jail's direction.)
Anne: There's no time! Toroki, come with me; Tokaki, go with Subaru; Tatara, stay with Kokie! Each pair will find some way out of the complex. When you get out, try to re-establish telepathic contact. It's the only choice we have.
Kokie: This is NOT a good idea…
Anne: Now! RUN!
(The three pairs run down the three hallways not occupied by onrushing soldiers.)
*************
(The darkened reflective room)
Figure: (androgynous voice) Well…this is most amusing. How ever will they get out? I can see that the Adept Star knows what my shield is…sadly, she can't help them! How droll, to watch them fight for their lives…soon, the Priestess will summon Byakko. And then…I will be ready.
*************
(Toroki and Anne run up a flight of stairs, only to be confronted with three guards)
Toroki: Damn!
(Toroki holds his swords out at the ready, standing in front of Anne)
Guard: Prepare to die!
(Toroki closes his eyes, building concentration. Anne watches him in confused fright as the guards rush for him.)
(As soon as they get in striking distance, Toroki moves. In a blur of movement, he darts foreward, slashing three times. He stops in a crouch behind the soldiers, who crumple to the ground in disbelief. Anne runs past them, not wanting to see the soldier's wounds.)
Anne: That was nice…but did you really have to kill them?
Toroki: Yes. I did.
Anne: Well…OK, fine. We don't have time to debate this. Let's go.
(Anne and Toroki run down the hall. It turns to the right, but there aren't any stairs; there is a hallway filled with doors.)
Toroki: I think we picked the wrong way to go.
Anne: Well, keep going!
(Past the hallway of doors, there are two flights of stairs, one to the left, one to the right.)
Anne: Right or left?
Toroki: Stand back.
(Toroki holds up his sword, and crosses it over his body. With a flick of his wrist, he throws it onto the ground, spinning. The sword spins around and around, finally coming to rest with the point pointing left.)
Toroki: We go left.
Anne: I didn't think you'd be the superstitious type…
*************
(Tokaki and Subaru run up the stairs to a familiar hallway)
Tokaki: I think we came this way.
Subaru: (calling backwards) HEY! THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY!
Tokaki: Shut up! You'll tell all the guards where we are!
Subaru: Oh. Oops.
(Just then, two guards round the corner.)
Tokaki: Way to go!
(Tokaki runs at the pair, jumping into the air. The two guards draw their swords, but Tokaki's feet meet with their faces too fast for them to react. Subaru catches up to Tokaki with a sigh)
Subaru: Why do you get to have all the fun? I wish I had my powers…
Tokaki: Speaking of which, why did you tell Toroki and I not to look at Katherine?
Subaru: Because she was nearly naked! Stupid!
Tokaki: (blushing) Oh. Duh.
Subaru: Stop feeling embarrassed because you're an idiot! Come on!
(Subaru runs down the hallway. Tokaki tilts his head)
Tokaki: Did she…just insult me? I can't tell.
*************
(Tatara and Kokie walk quickly down the hallway. As they round the corner, about seven guards run towards them)
Tatara: God! Why did we pick the most infested way? I can't even use my powers…
Kokie: Leave them to me…I can use my chi now.
(Kokie stands up straight, not needing Tatara as a crutch. Her eyes seem to glaze over, turning white. The white spreads all over her body, and she floats off the ground almost effortlessly.)
Tatara: Whoa…
(The guards stop moving in fright. Kokie raises her hand upwards, fist closed. Suddenly, she throws her fingers open. The air seems to almost ripple, and then there is a loud bang. The guards fly backwards, hitting the wall 50 feet away with loud cracks. Kokie stops glowing white, but she still levitates)
Tatara: What…was that??
Kokie: My power, of course. It's over air.
Tatara: Whoa…so you don't need to lean on me anymore?
Kokie: Of course not. I never really needed to.
(Kokie flies off down the hallway, followed by Tatara. They pass the guards' broken bodies and turn left. There are stairs at the end of the hallway, which Tatara runs up and Kokie floats over. They are at the center of a T-intersection, and there are guards running at them from all sides)
Kokie: Close your eyes…this is going to be messy.
Tatara: What are you going to do!?!?
Kokie: Don't say I didn't warn you…
(Kokie's eyes glow white again, and she extends her arms, as if grasping something. At once, each guard doubles over in pain. Tatara watches in confusion.)
Kokie: Free yourselves from your bonds of flesh…COME TO ME!
(Kokie closes her hands, and pulls them abruptly towards her body. At once, every single guard's bodies explodes in a shower of red. Tatara's confusion turns to horror, and as he sees the remains, bile rises in his throat.)
Tatara: Kokie…you…
Kokie: Took revenge on them for what they did to me. I told you not to look.
Tatara: But…
Kokie: Come along, and try not to get wet.
(Tatara struggles to hold his breakfast in as he follows Kokie past the human organs and blood.)
*************
(Anne and Toroki go up another flight of stairs)
Toroki: This place is endless! Are you sure you can't reach Amefuri?
Anne: No, I can't. I guess that boom must have disrupted her chi too!
Toroki: Well, we have to keep on going. I hope the others aren't lost.
Anne: Maybe we shouldn't have split up…
(Meanwhile, Subaru and Tokaki are equally lost)
Subaru: We've been here before already!
Tokaki: No, I'm sure the exit is just around the corner!
Subaru: Lucky there aren't any guards…
Tokaki: You mean, there aren't any guards anymore.
Subaru: True.
(Subaru and Tokaki turn the next corner…and bump straight into Anne and Toroki)
Anne+Toroki+Subaru+Tokaki: AAAAAHHHHH!!!
(Suddenly, they realize who they just bumped into.)
Toroki+Tokaki: Whoa!
Anne: It's…
Subaru: …you guys!
Tokaki: Are you guys lost?
Anne: Yeah.
Subaru: Maybe…splitting up wasn't the best idea.
Toroki: Funny. That's just what Anne said.
Tokaki: Where are Tatara and Katherine?
Anne: She's Kokie now…
Tokaki: Way to answer my question.
Subaru: Have you seen them?
Toroki: Nope.
Anne: (sighs) This isn't going well at all.
Tokaki: At least we're not dead. We could be attacked by guards at any-
(There are many loud yells from down the hall.)
Subaru: Way to jinx us!
Anne: Fine. We'll stick with the run-until-we're-out-of-here plan.
(So the four run from the guards down that hallway, and instead of taking the stairs down, they turn left. At the end of the hallway are stairs up. The four cautiously walk up the stairs, and find themselves in the entrance hallway.)
Anne: Great! We're finally out.
Toroki: Not…quite.
(A large group of guards stand in formation in front of the main gates. Their swords are drawn, and they look ready to attack at any moment.)
Tokaki: Shit! There must be thirty of them!
Subaru: We can't take on this many without chi!
Captain: Chaaaaaaarge!
Anne: That sounds SO dumb!
(The soldiers rush forwards. The group looks around anxiously, looking for some way to escape…but there is none. Toroki draws his sword, and Tokaki strikes a martial pose. Subaru and Anne stand behind them, worried.)
Subaru: We can't fight them off! We have to run!
Toroki: We don't have a choice!
(Suddenly, the air in front of them ripples a bit, and circles radiate outwards from a central point, as if a pebble dropped into a pond. The soldiers stop their charge, confused as to why the air is rippling. Anne, Subaru, Toroki and Tokaki have the same reaction, staring at the ripples in confusion.)
(A bulge appears in the center of the ripple, pushing outwards towards the group. They instinctively back away, but in a moment the bulge pushes out quickly towards the soldiers. There is a huge, deafening bang, and the soldiers are lifted up off the ground and thrown into the wall.)
Tatara: Anne!
(The four turn to the stairs, where Tatara stands and Kokie…floats. Her eyes are white, and her hand is outstretched.)
Subaru: Kokie…did you do that?
Kokie: Who else? I'm the only one not affected by whatever's affecting you?
(Anne looks at the soldiers, who are now lying against the wall, writhing in pain.)
Anne: But…that's horrible…
Tatara: Believe me, it's not the worst she can do.
Kokie: They deserved it. It's a far cry from the revenge I should take.
Toroki: We have more important things to worry about…like getting back to Ye Pan's.
Anne: Right!
(The group, now with Tatara and Kokie, run to the door outside. It is barred from the outside, and too big to break through)
Tokaki: OK…so now what?
Kokie: Stand back.
(The group does, hesitantly. Kokie holds out her hand again, and her eyes glow white. There is a white flash, and the large wooden door explodes outwards with the pure force of will emanating from Kokie. The group cautiously exits, wary of the guards, but they are nowhere to be seen.)
Tokaki: We're out! Wow…
Subaru: And we've got all the Celestial Warriors! You know what this means…
Anne: We can go home!
Kokie: (eyes returning to normal) Finally…
Tatara: We have to get back to Shijuen first.
Anne: No, we have to stop at Mt. Taikyoku. I need to find out how to summon Byakko.
Toroki: Let's get back to Amefuri and Karasuki, and then get the hell out.
Tokaki: What the hell…
(Tokaki looks back at the Imperial City. It's covered in a huge, swirling black globe.)
Tatara: WHOA!
Anne: What is that???
Kokie: It's a seal…that's why you couldn't use your chi in there.
Toroki: It's huge…
Subaru: We don't have time right now. Anne, contact Amefuri and tell her we're all right. We're going to Ye Pan's, and then we're getting the hell out.
*************
(Amefuri sits in Ye Pan's barbershop, worried sick. Karasuki is pacing manically, while Ye Pan sits at the window, doing nothing.)
Anne: (in Amefuri's head) [Amefuri?]
(Amefuri jumps up, startling Karasuki and Ye Pan)
Amefuri: [Anne! What's happening?]
Anne: [We're OK; we're all out. For some reason, everyone's chi except Katherine's stopped working suddenly, and I couldn't contact you.]
Amefuri: [Yeah, did you see the huge black shield? That's what blocked your chi…how's Katherine?]
Anne: [She's OK now…she was in bad shape earlier. She's really the Byakko Celestial Warrior Kokie.]
Amefuri: [Well, hurry back. The whole city's going to erupt in chaos once they figure out she's gone.]
Anne: [OK. We'll be back soon.]
Karasuki: AMEFURI!!!!!!!
(Amefuri breaks the telepathic conversation abruptly in reaction to Karasuki)
Amefuri: What?
Karasuki: What are you doing? You suddenly jumped up, and then just stood there blankly. I've been talking to you for the past minute.
Ye Pan: You haven't been using any of them drugs, have you now?
Amefuri: No! I just heard from Anne. Apparently the group found Katherine, who is the Byakko Celestial Warrior Kokie, and has gotten out of the palace. They're on their way here.
Karasuki: Oh, that explains it. When are we leaving?
Amefuri: Presumably when they get back; the sooner we leave, the better.
Ye Pan: Good idea…the soldiers would probably come here first when they hear your friend's missing. This place is known to be sympathetic to Sailo.
Karasuki: I'm surprised you even have business, what with the war and all.
Ye Pan: I still have my customers…but the majority won't come back. But it could be worse; I could be out on the front lines, fighting against my countrymen.
Amefuri: And those would be Sailo or Kutou's forces?
Ye Pan: Both.
(Karasuki looks out the window to see Anne, Tokaki, Toroki, Subaru, Tatara and Kokie run towards them. His eyes brighten, and he opens the door.)
Karasuki: Good to see you guys.
Amefuri: You're all safe! Was it hard?
Tokaki: There were some tough spots…but on the whole, it was rather sparsely manned.
Tatara: Strange, that…but lucky for us.
Ye Pan: Well, they are rather short-staffed during the war. I wouldn't be surprised.
Kokie: Are we going to go, or what? Staying here is dangerous.
Anne: Good idea. (turns to Ye Pan) Ye Pan, thank you for everything. We couldn't have done it without you.
Ye Pan: Don't thank me. You're the one who's going to bring peace to Sailo and Kutou.
Anne: OK…let's head to Mt. Taikyoku! Circle up, everybody!
Subaru: Why are you so peppy all of a sudden?
Anne: I'm happy! We've succeeded, despite all of the challenges before us!
Toroki: Anne, we don't need a pep talk or an inspirational speech.
Anne: (blushing) Sorry. Carry on, carry on.
(The group forms the requisite circle around Amefuri and Tokaki. Amefuri once again transfers her power to Tokaki. Everybody except Kokie puts their hand on Tokaki's arms, but she follows suit once she realizes that they're only making contact.)
Tokaki: All right! Off to Mt. Taikyoku!
(Tokaki concentrates for a moment, and there is a bright flash of light)
*************
(The darkened reflective room. The figure stares into the ripples, watching the group disappear)
Figure: (still the bi-gendered voice) Good…they've succeeded. I had my doubts for a moment…but now my plans can proceed as normal.
(There is a knocking sound from somewhere)
Figure: Damn, why must they always disturb me at the most inopportune times?
(The figure groans, and then a strange thing happens; the voice becomes lower, to that of an older man)
Figure: Come in!
(A door opens, shedding light on the room. It is a small shrine, with a statue of a blue dragon at the end. In front of it is a large mirror inlaid into the floor. An old man kneels in front of it, but looks backwards, clearly perturbed. From the door, a soldier in blue enters)
Soldier: Emperor! I have news!
Emperor: What do you want?
Soldier: The Byakko Celestial Warriors and Priestess have broken in and liberated the prisoner!
(The Emperor's eyes widen, but he is obviously feigning surprise.)
Emperor: How did they do that?
Soldier: Apparently…they walked in…took the prisoner…and walked out.
Emperor: (clearly angry) Idiots! I leave one simple task to you, and you botch it! Leave me now; I must pray to Seiryuu for guidance now! Take care of things until I come out, and do not disturb me!
Soldier: Yes, your majesty!
(The soldier exits quickly, closing the door. The room once again returns to darkness. The Emperor turns back to the mirror, and when he speaks, his voice is bi-gendered again)
Emperor: Heh…Very nice. "Pray to Seiryuu." Very, very clever. (closing his eyes) Those idiots, they think me some sort of crippled old man…although they would be correct. I do need a younger body…all I must do is bide my time…until a time that rapidly approaches.
Anne: Yes! Success!
Luna: We did it, we did it! (does happy little dance)
Nick: (waving, and almost in tears) I'd like to thank the Academy, my parents and all the little people I've stepped on to get to the top…
Chris: Can I kill him? Please?
Max: After the summoning ceremony I'll help you.
Jeff: The time when we'll go back is so close…it almost feels scary.
Janna: At least we'll be done here…finally.
Kat: Stay tuned for the next episode, "Todokanai Nozomi," or "Unreachable Wishes."
AN: Finals are over! Yes! So proud of me. It surprisingly didn't take that long to get this chapter out, despite its length. Strange. Now that Winter Break is what's up, I'll be writing a bunch. Expect to see new episodes up sooner rather than later…in fact, the next one might be up by Christmas! Wow! Then again, maybe not…but New Year's for sure.
Yes, Kokie's power is rather…graphic. But the non-bloody ones are cool. Interesting how the Celestial Warriors basically increase in power/usefulness as they're found…
Ye Pan is based completely, right down to the name, on a character from the book The Examination. I liked that book, so I stol- based a character on one from that. It's a homage. Really.
The plot is thickening nicely, don't you think? It's a pleasure to write these episodes. This one turned out incredibly long, but I think it's done rather well…except for one chunk, which I don't particularly like, but I'll leave you to formulate your own opinion. Just think…next episode is the final episode in the First Season! Crazy, isn't it? Yes, I said "First." Yes, the implication for a Second is there…but more on that in the AN after next episode.
And while you're at it, search for "miserable failure" on Google for a laugh.