Les Jeux Mystérieux: The Mysterious Games
Luna: Things aren't looking up. We managed to escape from Konan without a hitch...
Katherine: And ended up in Shijuen. That wasn't too bad, until...
Max: Tatara and Tokaki had this huge fight about what we should do about the Suzaku Warriors.
Nick: Idiot.
Chris: Dumbass.
Jeff: That caused everybody to take sides, only compounding the problem. When we asked Anne to decide, she couldn't, and we were forced to sleep in separate rooms.
Janna: Then Anne went to bed and had a crazy nightmare. When she woke up, she found to her dismay that Shijuen was under attack!
Anne: Can things get any worse? Honestly!
Episode 27: Himitsu no yashin (Secret Ambition)
(Subaru leans against Anne's doorframe, out of breath)
Subaru: Oh, Anne, I was so worried! Shijuen's under attack! The entire city is overrun by black-clad warriors!
Anne: What? Slow down and explain!
Subaru: (not slowing down) There are warriors everywhere, attacking the townspeople, causing general havoc...nobody knows who they are, or what they want!
Anne: Have they infiltrated the palace yet?
Subaru: I don't know...listen, you have to get dressed. Everybody's meeting the Emperor for a quick council of war.
Anne: Um...ok. Fine. I'll be in the throne room in ten minutes.
Subaru: All right. Hurry; I don't think we have much time!
(Anne quickly dresses, going for speed rather than quality. In about nine minutes, she stands in front of the Emperor, flanked by the rest of her Warriors)
Emperor: Anne, I normally wouldn't impose on you, but...this is an emergency. We need to drive these invaders, whoever they are, out of Shijuen immediately. We need your help.
Anne: We're all happy to give it, I'm sure...but...who are these warriors?
Emperor: I have no idea! And that's what worries me! An army this size must have come from somewhere, not to mention must be sent from somewhere...
Anne: It doesn't matter. We'll help you get rid of them, whoever they are.
(Anne turns to her Warriors)
Anne: You guys can do this, right?
Toroki: With pleasure.
Tokaki: Absolutely...(with a glance at Tatara) as long as I don't have to do it with him.
Tatara: (with an answering glare) Believe me, the feeling's mutual.
Anne: Guys, can you just work together for the moment?
(Tokaki and Tatara look at each other for a second)
Tokaki+Tatara: No.
(Anne throws her arms up and turns around.)
Anne: Fine! I'll separate you guys into groups, and we'll all get along, ok? Subaru, you'll go with Tatara. Kokie, you'll go with Tokaki. Amefuri...do you mind going with Toroki?
Amefuri: (a bit apprehensively) I'll be fine.
Anne: Toroki?
Toroki: No problem.
Anne: All right. Those are the three groups.
Karasuki: What about me?
Anne: You're staying with me...wherever I'm staying.
Emperor: All of you, thank you so much. I can't thank you enough.
Anne: It's not a problem. If we don't do anything, we're dead anyways.
Emperor: Good point.
Anne: OK, guys, go out and kick some butt!
All: Yeah!
*************
(Taiitsu-kun sits in her trademark chair. Her mirror shows an image of the bracelet she gave Anne)
Taiitsu-kun: That's odd...I felt an energy emission from the Shinzahou last night. But...what would it have reacted with? She's certainly not using it for its purpose. Perhaps I should not have given it to her...
*************
(The Emperor paces angrily back and forth in the worship room)
Emperor: (female voice) Stupid girl, stupid stupid girl! I wish she would stay out of all this!
(The Emperor pauses for a moment)
Emperor: However, it is fun to watch her antics...
(The Emperor shakes his head, and continues to pace)
Emperor: No! It's not worth it! At least she won't have a chance to spoil my plans a second time; the second ceremony draws near. I wonder how that ceremony is coming, by the way...
(The Emperor paces over to the scrying mirror. He absently waves his hand over it, to show an image of Berit talking with several guys)
Emperor: She certainly seems ready...why isn't she doing it?
(All of a sudden, the Emperor clutches his chest in pain. He grits his teeth, and stands up straight once again)
Emperor: This body won't last much longer...(glancing at the mirror) Hurry up, girl!
*************
(Tatara and Subaru run out of the palace grounds, into Shijuen proper. The sight before their eyes is stunning. The streets are empty, except for several figures dressed completely in black.)
Tatara: There they are!
(Tatara and Subaru run forwards, as the group of masked warriors run to meet their charge. Before they can get too close, Tatara throws his hand forwards, sending out a spray of green vines. The figures stop, but it is too late. The vines have already ensnared their feet, and quickly climb up their bodies)
Tatara: Gotcha!
(Subaru jumps towards one, thrusting her hand at the warrior's face. There is a bright flash of white light, and he crumbles into aged dust. Subaru has already vaulted into the air, out of the reach of the others. Meanwhile, the other warriors have pulled knifes out of their garb and have slashed away the constricting vines)
Tatara: Damn! Guess it's time for plan B...
(Tatara raises his hand, and a long, thick vine sprouts out of it. It has many large thorns poking viciously out of it)
Tatara: Subaru, watch out!
Subaru: All right!
(Tatara whips the vine at the group of warriors as Subaru jumps high into the air. The vine savagely rakes at the enemies, eliciting screams of agony and torn flesh. Subaru comes down with a graceful roll, touching two of the enemies and aging them into dust as rolls. Pulling out of the roll, she hits the last three with three punches, leaving only black clothes in her literal dust. Subaru stops moving, and brushes her hands off)
Subaru: That was pretty easy! And to think I was worried about these guys!
Tatara: It wasn't too bad. Lemme check the clothes for clues to their identities.
(Tatara and Subaru search through the black clothes for some clue. The outfits are the equivalent of hooded jumpsuits, with masks to cover their faces.)
Subaru: For some reason...these outfits look familiar. I can't quite place them, though...
Tatara: You're right! Gosh, I can't remember where I've seen them before!
Subaru: Oh well. At least they aren't that hard to deal with.
(Subaru and Tatara run off down the street, missing the figure standing in the shadowed alley.)
Figure: (familiar, masculine voice) So those are the Stars of Byakko...
*************
(Tokaki punches forwards, sending one of the men flying. He quickly spins around, catching the attacker behind him with a roundhouse kick. Kokie floats above him, and her trademark white glow appears around her. As Kokie raises her hand, there is a whizzing sound, and Kokie's eyes widen)
Kokie: Shit!
(Kokie manages to fly to the side just in time to avoid the thrown dagger, but when the next one comes, it nicks her on the arm)
Tokaki: Kokie, get down!
(Kokie grimaces, but floats down to the ground to avoid several more daggers. Tokaki groans, and disappears, confounding the assailants. Kokie takes that second of surprise to flick her hand, sending several of the warriors flying. Tokaki reappears to send two more into the air with a spinning uppercut. One of the remaining warriors pulls out a knife and jumps for Tokaki.)
Kokie: Watch out!
(Tokaki does not respond, but simply sidesteps the charge, nimbly grabbing the knife out of the warriors' hand. Tokaki throws the knife at another onrushing warrior, and delivers a swift chop to the de-knifed one. Kokie throws her hands forwards, causing the three standing warriors to fall quickly to the ground.)
Tokaki: Err...what are you doing?
Kokie: Simply intensifying the strength of the force of gravity acting on them.
(Tokaki looks at the three figures, who are now unable to move)
Tokaki: Nice trick. Maybe they'll talk now?
Kokie: If not, it'll only get worse.
(Tokaki squats next to one of the writhing warriors)
Tokaki: Wanna tell me who sent you?
(The masked man growls and spits on the ground)
Tokaki: Have it your way. Harder, Kokie.
Kokie: No problem.
(Kokie pushes her hand down a bit more, causing the three men on the ground to gasp in pain)
Tokaki: If you don't want to talk yet, I'd be happy to tell her to continue.
(There is a curious popping sound, and almost on cue, every single one of the bodies bursts into a shower of blood. Tokaki wrinkles his nose as blood splashes onto him, so he stands up quickly)
Tokaki: Well...I guess that worked. A bit theatrical, perhaps...
Kokie: (confused) I didn't do that.
(Tokaki turns around abruptly)
Tokaki: What?
Kokie: I think...that was them.
Tokaki: They...
(Tokaki turns around, looking at the several pools of blood interspersed with black cloth.)
Tokaki: ...destroyed themselves?
Kokie: Yeah...what an odd thing to do.
(Tokaki racks his brain, as something nags at him. But try as he might, he can't remember why this gruesome scene is so familiar)
Kokie: What's wrong?
Tokaki: For some reason...this reminds me of something.
Kokie: (surprised) It does? What?
Tokaki: That's the odd thing...I can't remember.
Kokie: Nice. Maybe it'll come to you eventually.
Tokaki: Yeah...sure.
Kokie: Maybe we should contact Anne to tell her how we're doing...
Tokaki: Good idea.
(Tokaki reaches into his pocket, to touch the pearl from Taiitsu-kun)
Tokaki: [Anne?]
Anne: [Oh, Tokaki! That was rather...bloody.]
Tokaki: [You saw it???]
Anne: [I have Karasuki here; I'm keeping an eye on everybody.]
Tokaki: [Oh. Duh. But...that wasn't Kokie.]
Anne: [It wasn't??? Then what happened?]
Tokaki: [Not sure. I think they destroyed themselves...and oddly, it reminds me of something.]
Anne: [What?]
Tokaki: [I can't remember.]
Anne: [Tokaki!]
Tokaki: [Well, sorry. I just can't.]
Anne: [I suppose, if you can't you can't...just stay safe. Don't take any risks.]
Tokaki: [Did you see them? They were amazingly easy!]
Anne: [They may be, but don't let your guard down.]
Tokaki: [Yes, mother.]
Anne: [Fine. Get killed.]
Tokaki: [I'll talk to you soon. Make sure you stay safe too.]
Anne: [I will.]
*************
(Amefuri and Toroki cautiously walk down a deserted street.)
Amefuri: I don't see anyone...
Toroki: They're all inside their houses.
Amefuri: That's not what I meant.
Toroki: Oh, I don't see any of them either. Good point.
Amefuri: It's suspicious...
(Toroki and Amefuri turn the corner onto Shijuen's largest street, the street out of the east gate. The street is completely empty, except for one tall man dressed in a white robe near the gate.)
Toroki: Who's that?
Amefuri: Good question. He doesn't look like one of them...
Toroki: Here. I'll get his attention. (yelling) HEY, YOU!!! IT'S DANGEROUS OUT HERE!!!
(The man does not appear to hear them, although he is facing towards them. Toroki and Amefuri look at each other in confusion)
Toroki: Did he hear?
Amefuri: No idea. I guess we gotta get closer.
(As the pair walk towards him, they notice that he is older than they thought, even beginning to develop wrinkles. His black hair is bound into a knot at the top of his head in the imperial style, signifying his high rank. His clothes also suggest opulence.)
Toroki: Hey! This place isn't safe!
(The man continues to stare forwards, until Amefuri and Toroki finally get within 20 yards of him.)
Man: It's about time you got here.
Amefuri: What are you talking about? This place is no place for a civilian!
Man: Civilian? You mistake me, young lady.
Toroki: Then, who are you? And why are you being so impolite?
Man: I believe that an introduction is in order. My name is Xu Liao.
Amefuri: Ok...Mr. Xu...why are you introducing yourself?
Liao: Simple. You deserve an explanation for what's about to happen.
Toroki: An explanation? For what??? And how is your name an explanation?
Liao: (ignoring Toroki's first question) Very simple. I am the head of a certain...organization. Does the name Senri-E mean anything to you?
Amefuri: Err...no.
Liao: Ah, an uninitiated? Fine. I will not spare my precious time to enlighten you at this present moment; I have far more pressing manners to attend to.
Toroki: Hey! I'm not done with you!
Liao: Quite true. However, I must depart. I will, however, leave you two with some playmates to keep you company. And...I suggest you guard the Priestess well.
(Liao raises his hand, and throws something at Amefuri. He then turns and runs. Amefuri feels something stick onto her, and then hears Toroki's cry of alarm. She looks up to see about 25 assassins surrounding them)
Toroki: Damn...he must be the one who sent these people!
Amefuri: We'll discuss this later!
(Amefuri raises her hand to summon a shield, but she can't touch her chi)
Toroki: Hurry up!
Amefuri: I...can't use my chi!!!
Toroki: What???
Amefuri: That bastard...he must have thrown a seal at me!
(Amefuri looks at her arm, and sure enough, there is a white piece of paper with calligraphy on it)
Toroki: Damn! Here, I'll hold them off; you call for help.
(Amefuri sticks her hand in her pocket, reaching for the pearl. The assassins jump for the pair of them, but Toroki is already moving. In one swift motion, he draws both his Deity's Swords and jumps forwards. He cuts down two assassins in one slash, and moves on to the three threatening Amefuri, who is deep in telepathic communication)
Toroki: There's too many of them! Somebody...
*************
(At the same time, Anne, Kokie, Karasuki and Tokaki hear Amefuri's voice.)
Amefuri: [Help! We're at the east gate! Please! Toroki can't hold them off alone!]
Anne: [Amefuri!]
Kokie: [We're coming; hold on!]
Amefuri: [Hurry!]
(Kokie jumps into the air, leaving Tokaki on the ground)
Tokaki: Hey! Wait up!
Kokie: Teleport! I'm going the direct route!
(Kokie flies above the buildings, aiming for the east gate. As she nears it, she sees the large mass of black figures around Toroki and Amefuri)
Kokie: Oh, no you don't!
(Kokie's eyes turn white as she flies at the large mob. Above Toroki and Amefuri's heads, a huge translucent disk appears. It distorts light through it as it ripples, like the surface of a pond. Then the filmy surface pulls upwards in the center, making an almost conical shape.)
(All the assassins stare up at it, and hence they are caught unaware when the film rebounds back towards them with a amazingly loud boom. Every black-clothed figure is sent smashing into the ground, the majority bouncing off the ground with sickening crunches.)
(Toroki and Amefuri are the only ones still on the ground, and they look around at the falling bodies in amazement. Kokie descends next to them, and in a moment, Tokaki blinks into existence next to them.)
Toroki: Wow...nice one.
(Kokie frowns)
Toroki: What?
Kokie: You're with them.
(Toroki stares at her incredulously)
Toroki: You can't be serious! You're going this far, just over some petty argument?
Tokaki: It's not petty. It's vitally important.
Toroki: Look, we're not getting into this right now. But, honestly! Shouldn't we be worrying about more important things?
Amefuri: Name something more important that doesn't relate to this issue.
Toroki: Um...damn.
Kokie: Exactly. So, bugger off or submit to reason.
Toroki: No, all of you! Why are we fighting like this? Aren't we all friends here?
(Kokie, Tokaki and Kokie stare at him with undecipherable expressions, and then turn and begin to walk towards the palace, leaving Toroki in the dust.)
Toroki: Something's wrong...am I the only sane one here?
*************
(A room inside Sailo's palace, with a large table in the center. Anne sits at the table, across from Karasuki. The Emperor sits at the head of the table, anxiously watching Karasuki's mirror, which is now showing a general view of Shijuen from above. There are black dots in several parts of the city, representing attackers.)
Karasuki: The black dots are going fast...the legions and the Warriors are doing a good job.
(The Emperor exhales in relief. It's hard to tell how long he had been holding his breath)
Emperor: Thank Byakko. I don't know what would have happened to Shijuen if you all hadn't been here.
Anne: I wouldn't celebrate just yet...they aren't all defeated yet, nor do we know who they are.
Karasuki: The block dots keep going; we're gonna be celebrating pretty soon.
(Anne suddenly jumps in the air, and then fumbles in her pocket)
Anne: Hold on...I'm vibrating.
(Anne finally finds the pearl, and touches it.)
Anne: [Hello?]
Toroki: [Hi, Anne. Amefuri and I are fine now; Tokaki and Kokie came to our rescue.]
Anne: [Oh, that's great. I saw the whole thing, but I was still worried.]
Toroki: [Then, did you see the tall guy?]
Anne: [Tall guy? Nope.]
Toroki: [It was odd...he said his name was Liao something, and he was very tall...and oldish...and he seemed to know what was going on.]
Anne: [Really? Where is he now?]
Toroki: [I don't know. He disappeared, but he did leer at me and Amefuri for a while before sealing her powers.]
Anne: [What? He sealed her powers???]
Toroki: [Yeah, with one of those sticker things. Didn't you see?]
Anne: [No, I only saw after you called for help. No wonder you guys got overwhelmed.]
Toroki: [So, we're heading back to the palace. Is that OK?]
Anne: [Yes, it's fine. The Shijuen home guard's got it basically under control.]
Toroki: [All right. We'll see you soon.]
(Anne breaks the connection, looking up)
Anne: That was Toroki; he, Kokie, Amefuri and Tokaki are heading back to the palace.
Karasuki: That's good. In fact, all of the black dots are almost gone.
Emperor: Really? That's amazing!
Anne: Should I recall Tatara and Subaru?
Karasuki: If the others are coming back, why not?
Anne: All right.
(Anne reaches into her pocket again)
Anne: [Tatara?]
(A little while later, Tatara responds.)
Tatara: [A little busy, Anne...]
Anne: [Oh, sorry! Listen, when you're done, just come back to the palace. Shijuen's almost clear.]
Tatara: [Gotcha. Later, Anne.]
(Anne frowns as she pulls her hand out of her pocket)
Emperor: What's wrong?
Anne: (annoyed) Tatara was too busy to talk.
Karasuki: Fighting is hard work, Anne.
Anne: I know...but, still!
Emperor: (laughing politely) You're quite the egotist.
Anne: (icily) Thanks.
Karasuki: No wonder...he and Subaru are really blasting through.
Anne: (suddenly thoughtful) Subaru must be tired...she's been the one aging everybody.
Karasuki: Really...oh, there they go. They're done with the last batch in that area.
Emperor: Good. How many more black spots are there?
Karasuki: I would guess that they're now under 50...
Emperor: Then, you think that the legions can handle the rest?
Karasuki: I think so.
(The Emperor is about to start thanking Anne again, when Karasuki holds up his hand for silence. Anne raises one eyebrow, but keeps quiet)
Karasuki: Did you hear something?
Emperor: No. Did you?
Karasuki: Of course I heard something. Why else would I say it?
Anne: Karasuki, be nice. What did it sound like?
Karasuki: I don't know...it was only a quick "thump."
Anne: Well, now you're creeping me out. Just keep an eye on the- AAAAAGH!!!!!
*************
(Subaru and Tatara briskly walk back towards the palace)
Tatara: You tired?
Subaru: Honestly? Not really.
Tatara: Wow...I kinda am.
Subaru: Well, you're a weakling.
Tatara: Thanks.
(Subaru keeps on walking, until her pocket starts buzzing. She frowns, and reaches in to touch the pearl)
Subaru: [Yeah?]
(To Subaru's surprise, it is Karasuki's voice she hears. It's unusually frantic for Karasuki.)
Karasuki: [Subaru, can you help us? Warriors have entered the palace!]
Subaru: [You're kidding! We're on our way!]
(Subaru takes her hands out of her pockets)
Subaru: Tatara, the palace is under attack.
Tatara: What?
Subaru: I don't know! Karasuki sounded worried!
Tatara: Wow...it must be bad. I'll call Toroki.
Subaru: Sure, but run while you do it.
(Toroki calmly follows Amefuri as she follows Tokaki, who is following Kokie. His pearl rings, and picks it up)
Toroki: [Yes?]
Tatara: [Toroki, you gotta come quick, the palace is under attack, and Anne might be in danger, and we're running as fast as we can, but Karasuki was worried, and-]
Toroki: [Tatara! Slow down!]
Tatara: [Sorry. Listen, just get over to palace. There are warriors inside!]
Toroki: [Gotcha. We'll be there.] (to Amefuri, Kokie and Tokaki) You guys, there are attackers in the palace.
(Kokie turns around while flying, but neither of the other two do)
Kokie: Really? Then why weren't we called?
Toroki: Honestly, now is not the time for this! Tatara sounded really worried!
Tokaki: (over his shoulder) Tatara can worry all he wants.
Toroki: You guys are going to leave Anne alone??? Didn't you hear what that Liao guy said? He told us to guard the Priestess well!
Amefuri: No offense, Toroki, he didn't seem so believable. Just kinda crazy.
Kokie: Assuming that there is a crisis, Tatara and Subaru can probably handle it. In my opinion, we would have heard about it if it did exist.
(Toroki bites his tongue to keep from screaming, and then breaks into a run)
Toroki: Fine! Be that way!
(Amefuri and Tokaki sigh and look at each other)
Tokaki: He's gotta get a better comeback than that.
Amefuri: Poor guy.
*************
(Anne closes the door with a slam, locking the black-dressed assassins out of the room. Karasuki and the Emperor immediately move to the courtyard door, and open it)
Anne: Where are you guys going??? Won't they be out there too???
Karasuki: It's better than staying here, where we know they'll be!
Emperor: Anne, come on. I know a way out from the courtyard.
(Anne shakes her head, then runs out into the courtyard. She almost runs into the Emperor, who is standing still. Anne stops abruptly, and looks around him to see why he stopped.)
(In the middle of the courtyard is the tall man in a white robe.)
Liao: (with a nod) Good afternoon, your Majesty. Priestess.
Karasuki: Who are you? And what are you doing in the courtyard?
Liao: Oh, just enjoying the sunshine while I waited for you to come out.
Anne: What???
(Anne looks at the Emperor, who seems as if he is trying to remember something.)
Liao: You took a long time; I had to flush you out.
Karasuki: You didn't answer my question. Who are you?
Liao: My name is Xu Liao...but that is none of your concern. I have come to complete the task set upon me by Senri-E three years ago.
Anne: Three years ago...
Liao: Why, my dear girl, you don't understand what I'm saying? Don't you remember all the attempts on your life when you were last in this world?
(Both Anne and Karasuki's eyes widen)
Karasuki: Then...you sent those assassins! The ones to kill Anne, and the ones to kill me!
Liao: Brilliant observation. As you can see, they didn't get the job done...so I'm going to finish it right now!
(Anne gasps, but then steps forwards)
Anne: Wait! Before you kill us, answer me one question!
Liao: Don't stall, girl, it's impolite.
Anne: (plowing ahead) Why did you want to kill me? What did I do to you?
Liao: Oh, that's simple. I'm surprised you don't know already. It's not what you did to us; it's what you would have done if you had summoned Byakko—or should I say what you did do? (waving his hand dismissively) I don't have the time or the patience to explain our philosophies to you. I'd just like to finish this, right here, right now.
(Liao raises his hand, and snaps imperiously. From the courtyard's roofs jump two-score assassins. Anne, Karasuki and the Emperor instinctively move to the center of the courtyard, but still far away from Liao)
Liao: This is where it ends, Priestess of Byakko! You don't have your little Warriors to protect you now!
Karasuki: Oh, and what would you do if you didn't have your little cronies to do your fighting for you?
(Liao's eyes widen, and he clenches his jaw)
Liao: You'll pay for that comment, boy. (to the assassins) Now! Kill-
Tatara: NOT SO FAST!
(Liao turns in midsentance, upwards and behind him. There is a crashing sound as two assassins fall into the courtyard, propelled by a smash from Subaru and Toroki's staff. Tatara stands between his two comrades, brandishing his thorny whip)
Tatara: (holding a hand up to the sky) I heard the entire story! So, it's you who's been sending all those assassins against us? I won't allow you to torment innocent maidens like you have, playing with their hearts and just throwing them away!
Subaru+Toroki: (hanging their heads) What the hell is he saying...
Tatara: (lowering his hand to point at Liao) In the name of the moon, the sun, and the stars, I won't allow it! I'll destroy you, here and now, forever and beyond, as your just punishment for your sins! Prepare yourself! It's you and me! One-on-one!
(Liao watches Tatara with a slightly bemused expression on his face)
Liao: (loudly) Boy, playing the drama queen will backfire on you one of these days. I'd love to stay and...duel with you, but I have important places to be. Now, my assassins! Kill the Priestess and her Warriors!
(Tatara's face turns into a glare as Liao mutters something to himself, almost unintelligibly. The only word Anne can make out is "mei", which makes no sense. Unexpectedly, Liao is enveloped in a bright purple aura, and then he disappears in a flash of...purple.)
Anne: What is with the color purple these days?????
(The instant Liao disappears, all the assassins jump from the rooftops and run towards Anne, Karasuki and the Emperor. In alarm, Subaru and Toroki jump down and begin to run for them as well. The assassins have the head start, and Anne, Karasuki and the Emperor quickly see that they will be surrounded in seconds.)
(Tatara reaches quickly to his beaded necklace, and picks off a seed, throwing it at Anne, Karasuki and the Emperor. As it leaves his hand, there is a small flash of white as his Celestial symbol ignites)
Tatara: Anne, don't move!
(Anne looks up at Tatara to see a large green web of vines flying right for her. Despite herself, she screams, as the web falls over them...forming a dome-like structure. Anne, Karasuki and the Emperor watch in awe as a protective dome literally grows around them)
Karasuki: He can do that?
Anne: I guess so...
Emperor: (sitting down) This place could actually be quite cozy if we weren't under attack...
(Anne watches warily through the holes between the vines as the assassins stop running in surprise. Then, as one, they pull out their knives.)
Anne: Oh, no. The knives are out.
Karasuki: Damn! Can they cut through the vines?
Anne: No ide-
(Anne is cut off as the assassin in front of her is swiftly cut in two by Toroki's katana. Anne watches in something close to awe as Toroki darts from assassin to assassin, quickly and cleanly dispatching each one with the minimum amount of blade contact.)
Emperor: That one is really something.
Karasuki: Yes, Toroki? He's quite good with the sword.
Emperor: No...I was talking about the girl.
(Subaru is literally jumping from assassin to assassin, ripping off pieces of clothing and then aging them through the rips, all while nimbly avoiding their knife thrusts and still keeping up.)
Anne: Oh, Subaru? She is...quite something. What that something is...we haven't quite figured out yet.
Emperor: (a bit confused) I see...
(Between Subaru and Toroki, the assassins are all mangled or piles of dust in short order. Tatara moves over to the dome, and with a single touch the vines untangle and slither away. Anne looks at them with something akin to disgust)
Anne: Tatara, that was disgusting.
Tatara: I'm glad you liked it.
Emperor: (standing up regally) Thank you very much for saving my life.
Tatara: Err...it was nothing. Really. Don't mention it...
Anne: Wait, where's everybody else?
Toroki: Oh, the other Warriors? They didn't believe me when I said you were in trouble.
(Anne's eyes widen.)
Anne: You're kidding.
Toroki: Nope. It was pure luck I met up with Tatara and Subaru, or I would have come alone.
Anne: But...why wouldn't they believe you???
Karasuki: Simple; he's in the wuss group.
(Anne's eyes grow really big, and she stands up.)
Anne: I am going to put a stop to this petty nonsense, right now. Tatara, Subaru, Toroki, Karasuki; come with me to the throne room. I'll get Amefuri and the others to come.
(Anne angrily reaches into her pocket.)
Anne: [EXCUSE ME?]
(In a moment, Amefuri, Tokaki and Kokie all pick up)
Anne: [EXCUSE ME????]
(There are three screams as Anne deafens the listeners)
Tokaki: [Anne! Quieter! Please!]
Amefuri: [Owwwww....my mind hurts....]
Anne: [Why didn't you all come? WE WERE BEING ATTACKED!!!!]
Kokie: [...what?]
Anne: [I'll wait until we can talk in person. Come to the throne room.]
(Anne reaches the throne room before everybody else, furiously angry. When Tokaki, Amefuri, and Kokie finally enter the room, they take one look at Anne and attempt to leave)
Anne: No. We're going to stay here, and we're going to get this whole thing straightened out.
Karasuki: What whole thing?
Anne: THIS PETTY SQUABBLING!!!! I can't stand to see you all argue like this! Aren't we all friends, huh? And why wouldn't you guys come to defend me, just because you didn't believe them?
(Subaru, Tatara and Toroki smirk at the sheepish Amefuri, Toroki and Kokie)
Karasuki: Look, I don't see what's so bad; you guys are such hypocrites it's not even funny!
Tatara: What? Hypocrites?
Karasuki: You guys are getting bad cause we're in favor of beating the crap out of the Suzaku Warriors; and yet you three just beat up a whole bunch of assassins without even flinching!
(Subaru, Tatara and Toroki stare at him for a moment)
Subaru: What are you talking about??? The Suzaku Warriors are innocent, but the assassins aren't!
Karasuki: Really? Aren't they just following orders too?
Toroki: But-
Anne: STOP IT!!!!!!
(Everybody shuts up, very fast.)
Anne: This is exactly what I'm talking-
(Anne suddenly stops talking, as a voice speaks to each one of the Warriors at once)
Taiitsu-kun's voice: [All of you! Stop fighting! We have a situation on our hands!]
Anne: [Taiitsu-kun?]
Taiitsu-kun: [Yes, of course it's me! Who else? Listen, I'm going to teleport you all to Mt. Taikyoku.]
Tokaki: [Why??? We're kinda in the middle of being attacked!]
Taiitsu-kun: [No, you're not; they won't bother you for a while.]
Kokie: [Look, just tell us what's going on!]
Taiitsu-kun: [Fine, I'll get to the point. Berit has summoned Suzaku!]
-
Luna: Wooooow! That was intense!
Katherine: Maybe if you're weak.
Chris: Those assassins were easy!
Nick: Too easy to stop Anne from being killed?
Max: They thought you'd be lying; it wouldn't be far from the truth.
Jeff: What was that????
Anne: ALL OF YOU, JUST SHUT UP!!!
Janna: Yeah...we have bigger fish to fry; like Berit. Stay tuned for "Fuuin sareta chikara", or "The sealed power."
AN: There wasn't an Author's Note last chapter; hope nobody missed it. I'm just writing like crazy, seeing as I'm on Spring Break now. I even expect to have one more chapter done before I go back to school. Amazing!
Granted, these Author's Notes aren't really that important, 'cause they're really just rambling outlet for me...but as a side note, I want to say happy birthday to a good friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, but knows who he/she/it is. Be assured that I couldn't have done this story without you.