Les Jeux Mystèrieux: The Mysterious Games
Luna: Just when we thought our situation couldn't get any worse...
Jeff: ...a swarm of assassins attacked Shijuen.
Chris: That SUCKED. Granted, the assassins were easily disposed of, but still...
Max: The guy in charge of the attack, some Liao person, even personally paid a visit to Anne.
Anne: I was honored. I love meeting people who want to kill me.
Nick: Well, look at it this way. What if we hadn't been there?
Katherine: You're too optimistic. Besides, our problems aren't over yet...
Janna: ...and if Taiitsu-kun's message is true, our problems are never going to be over.
Episode 28: Fuuin Sareta Chikara (The Sealed Power)
(Cult headquarters...wherever that is. All five candles are lit)
Ren: You have returned. What was the result of the attack?
Liao: Our mission...was not successful.
(Nobody speaks for a moment.)
Jun: Why did you botch it?
Liao: Excuse me? I do not botch anything.
Liang: Actually...
Liao: (ignoring Liang) The Stars of Byakko are very powerful. Our assassins were no match for them. I almost had the Priestess, but three of them...appeared at the last minute to save her.
Mei: (emotionlessly) So it was not your fault...our assassins were simply not skilled enough?
Liao: (relieved that someone understands) Exactly.
Jun: Don't blame your failures on us. You were commanding.
Liao: I could not help if the assassins you trained were incompetent!
Jun: My assassins were trained with all the skill I possess!
(Before the conflict can escalate, Ren holds up his hand for silence. Miraculously, both Jun and Liao see it in the dark)
Ren: Please. Fighting will not solve anything. It is obvious that we need a better plan to eliminate the Priestess of Byakko.
Mei: You have one?
Ren: Actually, I do. It's remarkably simple; if the assassins are not adequate, then it is necessary to send in more skilled warriors.
Liao: And those would be...who?
Jun: (to herself) Oh...Ren, you are brilliant. (to the others) I understand completely what he is saying. If my assassins were not enough...we will go in ourselves. The Warriors of Byakko are no match for Ren and I.
Mei: Truly, a foolproof plan...assuming you two do not fail.
Ren: It is impossible. Our style of fighting is impossible for anyone not trained in it to counter. You know this.
Mei: I am simply playing Devil's Advocate. This plan, finally, has a chance of working.
Liang: Wait a minute...I have a question.
Mei: Not surprising. Ask away.
Liang: (hesitantly, to avoid Mei's scorn) Shouldn't...we be concentrating on the other Priestess? From Konan?
(Liao, Jun and Ren are thoroughly surprised. Not only is this an intelligent question coming out of Liang, but it is a valid question. Mei, however, does not seem fazed in the least)
Mei: A good question. Yesterday, I would answer "yes". But last night, I communed with Senri-E.
(Now all four are surprised)
Jun: You communed??? Directly?
Ren: (regaining his composure) And?
Mei: She told me...that our most important adversary right now is the Priestess of Byakko and her Stars. The Priestess of Suzaku is of no moment, and...is even serving Senri-E's wishes.
Liao: (incredulous) Serving Her wishes???
Mei: I was mystified...but the communion was fleeting. However, I will abide by Her wishes and do Her work...
All: (ritually) As shall we.
*************
(Sailo's throne room. Taiitsu-kun is telepathically communicating with the group.)
Taiitsu-kun: [Fine, I'll get to the point. Berit has summoned Suzaku!]
(Anne's mouth drops open, closely followed by every other member of the group, as Taiitsu-kun speaks to them telepathically)
Taiitsu-kun: [I'm sure all of you can understand the urgency of this situation. You all have to get here as soon as possible.]
(Anne is too dumbstruck to think anything back.)
Amefuri: [I get it...in that case, I'm sure it's no problem for us to come.]
Tokaki: [Yeah...er...could you teleport us there?]
Taiitsu-kun: [Too weak to do it? Fine. I'll do it myself.]
Anne: [Wait! Just...wait a second.]
(Anne breaks the communication for a second, to look at the thoroughly confused Emperor)
Anne: I'm sorry...we all have to leave.
Emperor: You do? Why?
Anne: Important things are happening in Konan...Taiitsu-kun needs us to come to Mt. Taikyoku.
Emperor: (sincerely sadly) Oh...I see. Well, I suppose the legions can handle things here. Thank you very much for your help.
Anne: Not a problem. Now...I think we have to go. (to Taiitsu-kun) [OK...we're ready.]
Taiitsu-kun: [Good. Hold on tight...]
(There is the now familiar sucking feeling in the pit of Anne's stomach. However, instead of the tugging she had felt when Tokaki teleported the group, there is only a flash of purple light. In a moment, she is standing in Taiitsu-kun's throne room. As her vision clears of purple, Taiitsu-kun and the rest of her friends sharpen from blurs into people)
Subaru: Wow...that was...gentle.
Karasuki: Tokaki, she's way better than you are at this.
Tokaki: Well, excuse me! I've only had a week of practice! She's probably had...millions of years!
Taiitsu-kun: (angrily) I'm not that old!
(Taiitsu-kun quickly calms herself and looks around the room.)
Taiitsu-kun: Now that we're all here, we can get down to business.
Toroki: Yes. Please explain what's going on.
Taiitsu-kun: I already did, basically. Berit has summoned Suzaku.
Amefuri: We heard you! What we want to know...is how she did it???
Tatara: When we were there...yesterday! She only had five Warriors! How could she get two and summon Suzaku in one day???
Taiitsu-kun: Truly, it is a surprise to me as well. But, we have bigger problems than Berit simply summoning Suzaku.
Kokie: And what would those problems be??? The only one I can think of might be the attack on Shijuen, but even that doesn't come close!
Taiitsu-kun: No, the attack on Shijuen was a different sort of problem. (to herself) I never guessed that they would move in such a overt manner...
Anne: (finally speaking) Who? Who are you talking about?
Taiitsu-kun: (moving out of her thoughts) No, it is of no important right now.
Anne: (with conviction) No! It is important! These were the people who were trying to kill us when we were in this world last! I need to know who they are!
Taiitsu-kun: (with equal fervor) I told you, it is not important! There will be time for all these explanations later. There is no time right now; we have two pressing problems to deal with.
Subaru: OK! We get that there are issues! Just tell us what they are!
Taiitsu-kun: (with relief) Finally. We can get down to business...again. Now, I will begin with the lesser problem. As you know, Berit summoned Suzaku a few hours ago.
Toroki: All right...so what's the problem?
Taiitsu-kun: As Anne suspected...after Berit made her first wish, her chi was not strong enough to hold off Suzaku consuming her.
Anne: (scared) You mean...Berit...!!!!
Taiitsu-kun: No, she was not completely consumed. However, she is in a state of perpetual unconsciousness right now.
Karasuki: Perpetual unconsciousness...a coma?
Taiitsu-kun: I do not know what your name for it is. Regardless, she is in this state, and her chance of recovery is uncertain.
(Anne's eyes stay wide open)
Anne: (unbelieving) Oh...my god...Berit.
Tatara: Wait! Taiitsu-kun! You said that was the lesser of the two problems! What could be worse than that?
(Taiitsu-kun closes her eyes, and slowly reopens them)
Taiitsu-kun: Berit has made her first wish. However...her first wish...
Kokie: Aw, spit it out already!
Taiitsu-kun: (with an unknown emotion) Her first wish did not expel the armies of Kutou from Konan.
(The seven Stars gape at Taiitsu-kun. Anne is still in shock, although Taiitsu-kun's words do barely register.)
Amefuri: But...if she didn't wish for that...what was her wish?
Taiitsu-kun: That is the bigger problem. The only ones who know what Berit wished for are Berit...and Suzaku. Nobody else is privy to the Priestess's wishes unless they are told them after the fact.
Tokaki: So then...what could she have wished for? And why?
Taiitsu-kun: It is uncertain as to what was running through Berit's head at the moment of the summoning. But this is what you need to do. You must return to Konan, and try to rouse Berit from her...sleep.
Anne: (slowly getting more and more angry) You're...kidding. Go back? To Konan? What would that help?! If Berit's in a coma, there's nothing we can do!!! All we'd do is get in another fight with those Celestial Warriors of Suzaku!!!!!!
Taiitsu-kun: (ignoring Anne's anger) That is not important! We must know what Berit's wish was. You eight are the only hope for reviving Berit...if there is any hope at all.
Anne: (still angry) But-
(Taiitsu-kun turns towards Anne with the scariest glare she can muster up. Anne instantly shuts up, and unconsciously takes one step back)
Taiitsu-kun: (calmly) Do you want your sister to live, or not?
Anne: (cowed) I...I...
Taiitsu-kun: (matter-of-factly) I will be frank with you. There is a slim chance that Berit will ever wake up. At this point, you eight are the only hope for Berit's survival. If Suzaku's consuming of Berit only left physical damage, as it did with you, then it would be a simple matter to deal with. But her will was not strong enough to fight back against Suzaku. I do not know how you can wake Berit out of her trance; I do not even know if it is possible. What is important is that if it is, you are the only ones that can do anything about it. Do you understand me?
(Nobody speaks for a moment, digesting Taiitsu-kun's words. Then, Anne slowly begins to speak)
Anne: (carefully trying to keep her voice from shaking) I understand. I will go to Konan, then, for Berit's sake.
Taiitsu-kun: (relieved) Good. If that's all, I'll send you there.
(Before Taiitsu-kun can do anything, Tatara holds up his hand)
Tatara: Wait. Won't we have to fight the Suzaku Warriors?
Tokaki: (scornfully) Of course we will, dumbass. What do you expect?
Tatara: (angrily) Shut up! I wasn't talking to you! I want to know if there's some way to avoid conflict! This situation is too important for us to be fighting them!
Kokie: (surprisingly calmly) When will you understand? There isn't another way.
Anne: (finally cracking) STOP IT!!!!!!!!!!
(Anne clenches her fists, desperately trying to stop the flow of tears down her face. But try as hard as she might, she can't dam the salty water anymore. The Warriors stare at her in surprise. Taiitsu-kun only frowns)
Taiitsu-kun: (only slightly surprised) I'm surprised it took her this long. It's good to let it out, isn't it?
(Tokaki's eyes nearly bug out)
Tokaki: What does that mean??? You're "surprised"? Don't you care about her feelings??? Can't you see she's crying?
(Taiitsu-kun once again whirls on Tokaki, not even concealing the hate in her eyes)
Taiitsu-kun: (pushed too far) I warned you last time, boy, but this time I won't let you off so easily. I warned you not to make foolish comments, even if you are simply worried about your friend! You obviously can't see what's in front of your eyes! The reason that the Priestess is breaking down right now is the fighting between all of you!!!
(Anne does not respond to this comment, just continues trying to dry her tears even as more flow out. Each of the Warriors look sheepishly at Anne, and then look away. Tokaki says nothing)
Taiitsu-kun: I've been watching this squabbling for a while now, and it's time to stop! As I have tried to tell you, there are more important things to worry about than a petty fight! There isn't time to deal with this right now, but I can tell you this! If you persist in this idiocy, then there will be worse repercussions than Anne crying! Now, I will send you to Konan, and I will not tolerate any more fighting!
(Taiitsu-kun levitates off her chair, and floats over to Anne, who is still crying. Taiitsu-kun gently reaches over to Anne's cheek with one hand, and gives it a reassuring stroke)
Taiitsu-kun: (uncharacteristically motherly) Little one, do not cry. Soon, all your problems will be over. Now, dry your eyes, and do what you must. I know the pain you feel, and if I could take it from you, I would.
(Anne swallows loudly, looking up at Taiitsu-kun. With a small nod of her head, she wipes her face off. Miraculously, her tears have almost stopped. Taiitsu-kun smiles a small bit, and then returns to her chair. Her grave expression returns, and she places her fingers together.)
Taiitsu-kun: (ominously) I'll be watching you while you're in Konan. Any fighting...and you'll answer to me. Hold on tight.
(Taiitsu-kun closes her eyes, and her purple-black aura flares up. There is a flash of purple, and the group disappear. Taiitsu-kun opens her eyes, and looks up towards the ceiling)
Taiitsu-kun: (to an unknown listener) I know what you do, and I will not allow it anymore. Too long you have spread your taint, and now you have dragged this poor girl into your web of deceit. Have you not learned? Or must I teach you the lesson with my own hands...
*************
(Kutou's water-seeing room. The Emperor has found an expensive chair for which to watch the action in the mirror from. The mirror shows Taiitsu-kun, speaking to some unknown person. The Emperor smiles in a decidedly creepy way)
Emperor: (female voice) So, you've finally connected the dots? I'm surprised it took you that long...but be assured that you won't be teaching me anything. I won't allow you to spoil my plans any longer, nor will I allow those idiot fanatics to get in my way.
(The mirror ripples, changing to a view of Berit, lying in a canopied bed, apparently asleep. The Emperor coughs loudly and painfully, putting his sleeve up to his mouth. When he pulls the sleeve away, there are spots of blood on it)
Emperor: (clearly in bad shape) This body can't hold me much longer...that girl needs to wake up! As soon as she does...my wait will be over! And then none of you will be able to stand in my way any more!
*************
(Hotohori sits on his throne, distraught. He has turned away every advisor that tried to see him, and will not speak to anyone outside of the Suzaku Stars. There is the now-repetitive knock on his palace door, and he does the customary thing; ignores it)
(A moment later, the knock comes again, more insistent. Hotohori still does nothing. Then, Kokie's voice sounds through the door)
Kokie: OPEN THE DAMNED DOOR!!!!!!!!!!!
(Hotohori looks up, surprised)
Hotohori: That voice...it's familiar.
(Hotohori begins to walk down the approach to the throne to the door, when there is a loud boom, and the door explodes inwards. Hotohori holds his hand in front of his face, and when the standard dust that comes with any explosion clears, Kokie floats in the doorway, not too happy. Behind her stand the rest of the Byakko Stars and Anne, still out of it)
Hotohori: (on his guard) You!
Kokie: Yeah, it's us. We need to see Berit, pronto.
Hotohori: (hand going to his waist) I wouldn't make demands like that if I were you. I will not let you see Berit, not after what you did to her yesterday!
(Karasuki steps around Kokie, to face Hotohori)
Karasuki: What are you talking about? Anne didn't do anything to her! I was there!
Hotohori: Of course you'd defend her! I can't accept your word! Now, you shall not pass!
Kokie: Save the epic movie quotes for somebody you can handle! Everybody, go! I've got this guy under control!
(The group runs for the door to the side of the throne. Hotohori growls, and begins to run for the door. He is caught completely from behind when Kokie raises her hand, sending him flying to the ground. Tokaki reaches the door first, pushing it open so that the others can run through. Hotohori gets up slowly, drawing his sword)
Hotohori: Fine. If it's a fight you want, then I'll give you one. (not to Kokie) Chichiri? Can you hear me? The Byakko Stars have returned...yes, do that.
Kokie: What are you plotting? Can't you get it through your head? Anne just needs to see Berit!
Hotohori: And I told you, I won't let you pass.
Kokie: Sorry, you kinda let all the others get away. Although I am the most dangerous...
Hotohori: No matter. The others will stop your allies, and I will stop you. I will not lose!
Kokie: ...said General Custer to his troops. Don't be surprised if things don't go your way.
*************
(The group rounds a corner, only to stop in surprise. Standing in the middle of the hallway, as if waiting for them, stand Nuriko and Chichiri.)
Nuriko: (with a smile) Persistant little buggers, aren't they?
Chichiri: (happily) I guess they don't know when to give up.
Tatara: Look, we don't want to fight you! We just need to see Berit!
Nuriko: Nope. Can't let you in.
Subaru: Don't be stupid! We're the only ones that can wake Berit up!
(Chichiri's eyes narrow, and he loses all traces of his former happiness)
Chichiri: (suspiciously) How do you know about that?
Amefuri: (refuting) We talked to Ta-
Nuriko: (totally serious) Save it! I doubted it for a while, but you confirmed it yourselves! The only way you could have found out about Berit's condition is if you were the ones that put her in that condition in the first place!
Toroki: Now, hold on! You've got it all wrong!
Chichiri: Why continue this charade? You can't lie to us, nor can you get past us!
Tokaki: Wanna bet? I've got the girly guy; he may be strong, but he can't fight.
Toroki: I'll take the mage; he can't hurt me with my swords.
Nuriko: Making battle plans? You forget something; we're still in between you and your target.
Tokaki: Not for long...Everybody, hold on to me and I'll teleport you past.
(Anne, Amefuri, Tatara, Subaru and Karasuki place their hands on Tokaki's arms. Nuriko and Chichiri, sensing that Tokaki is up to something, charge forwards. Toroki steps forwards, drawing his Deity's Swords, stopping Nuriko and Chichiri in their tracks. Behind him, there is a flash of light, and the entire group disappears.)
Chichiri: That's a nice trick. Unfortunately, that leaves you against the two of us.
Tokaki: Don't be so sure!
(Nuriko jumps to the side at the last minute, as a flying kick from Tokaki barely misses his head. At the same time, Toroki jumps at Chichiri, both swords at the ready.)
(Toroki slashes at Chichiri's right side, cutting from above and angling his blade downwards. Chichiri twirls his staff expertly and flicks Toroki's sword away from him. Toroki is already slashing at Chichiri with the other Deity's sword, though.)
(Chichiri simply continues to spin the staff, deflecting the other slash. As Toroki is thrown off-balance, Chichiri jumps backwards out of melee range.)
(A few feet away, Tokaki aims a punch at Nuriko's face. Nuriko raises his right hand up quickly to block Tokaki, grabbing hold of Tokaki's fist with an iron grip. Tokaki grimaces as he struggles to free himself from Nuriko's hold, but cannot move his hand. Nuriko grins, and punches Tokaki in the stomach, hard, while letting go of his hand.)
(Tokaki goes flying from the force of the blow, passing Toroki in the air, as the other boy holds the Deity's Swords out in front of him. Toroki watches in a mix of awe and fear as Tokaki flies past him, blinking out of existence just before he hits the wall.)
Chichiri: Gotcha.
(Toroki turns his head back to Chichiri to see a humongous bolt of red lightning flying towards him. He throws up the Deity's swords in the vain hope that they will deflect the bolt of lightning.)
(Tokaki reappears, still moving at the same velocity, but now towards Nuriko's backside. Nuriko nimbly sidesteps, sending Tokaki to the floor. In a flash, Nuriko pounces, twisting Tokaki's arm behind his back.)
Nuriko: Don't move, or I'll break your arm.
(Tokaki prepares to teleport away, but he suddenly hears Toroki scream. He turns his head just in time to see the red flash as Toroki is thrown backwards. Tokaki's eyes widen as Toroki lies on the ground, clothes singed all over from the lightning.)
Tokaki: Why didn't he dodge that??? What's going on? Last time we were able to beat these guys without breaking a sweat...
*************
(There is a white flash, and Anne and the others appear in the middle of a foreign hallway.)
Amefuri: I don't see Tokaki, or the other people...I guess it worked.
Tatara: Great! Then, onward to victory!
Subaru: You mean, onward to Berit.
Tatara: (pouting) You're ruining my moment...
Karasuki: We don't have time for this! Let's just go, and shut Tatara up while we're at it.
Tatara: Hey!
(Tatara, mercifully, does not make a comeback, and the group runs down the hallway, hopefully towards Berit, wherever she may be. In fact, the next corner they turn has two familiar-looking red doors)
Subaru: Whoa...Tokaki really did it.
Amefuri: Err...he did?
Karasuki: Yeah, these are the doors to Berit's room. We were here last time.
Tatara: So true. Are we going in?
(Amefuri is about to say something, but Anne abruptly nods, and speaks for the first time)
Anne: Yes...I want to see her with my own eyes. See if she's...
Tatara: Whoa, don't overdo it. Let's just open the door, and...
(But before Tatara can even reach out, the door opens, revealing Tamahome and Tasuki)
Tasuki: Well. Never thought I'd see you guys back here.
Amefuri: We're back. Get used to it. I didn't think you'd be back here, after that beating you got last time.
(Tasuki's eyes narrow, but Tamahome holds out his hand.)
Tamahome: (bluntly) Why have you returned?
Subaru: We're here-
Anne: (finishing her sentence) –to see Berit.
(Tamahome's eyes widen, then narrow in suspicion)
Tamahome: Why? Wasn't one trip enough?
Anne: (as loudly as she can manage) I told you, I'm her sister. Last time, I came to warn her against summoning Suzaku, a warning she...didn't take to heart.
Tasuki: Bullshit! You didn't come to warn her, you came to kill her!
Tatara: Hey! You weren't there; you didn't see their conversation!
Tamahome: As I recall, neither were you.
Karasuki: But I was! The only one who wanted to kill people was Berit!
Tasuki: (annoyed) Look, I don't know what you're trying to pull. Just cut the crap; you're not getting to Berit, and that's final.
Amefuri: Can you stop us? We're going to get to her; we're her only hope for her revival!
Tamahome: We won't let you! No...I won't let you!
(Amefuri and Tatara instinctively step forwards)
Tatara: We need to revive Berit! Anne needs to see her; can't you empathize? Anne cares about her sister, and wants to see her!
Tasuki: Shut up! REKKAAAAAAA-
(Amefuri gasps, and flings up her hands as Tasuki screams "Shinen" with a wave of his fan. The white shield appears just in time to deflect the blast of fire, but this time, Amefuri can't hold the shield up for long)
(Tasuki lowers his fan, as Amefuri lowers her shield. Anne, Subaru and Karasuki have gathered behind her and the shield, but Tatara stands next to her, defiantly. As the shield disappears, Tatara throws out his hand, sending vines at both Tamahome and Tasuki.)
(Tasuki jumps out of the way, charging towards Amefuri. Tamahome jumps upwards as the vines slam into the space where he was a moment ago, his forehead glowing red, and dives for Tatara. Tatara throws up his hands, creating a vine mesh over him and Amefuri.)
Tatara: Anne, go for Berit! We can hold off these two!
Karasuki: Gotcha! We're going!
(Tamahome's foot punches through the mesh of vines, sending Tatara to the ground. Tatara barely hits the ground when a huge fire blast passes over him, incinerating his vines. Tamahome reaches down and grabs his throat, lifting him up with one hand.)
(Amefuri screams in defiance, throwing a ball of white energy at Tasuki. Tasuki holds up his fan to scatter the energy, continuing for her. Amefuri jumps at Tasuki, ducking at the last second to avoid his fan swipe. Karasuki, Subaru and Anne run for the door, a fact not missed by Tamahome.)
(Tamahome throws Tatara against the wall with a loud crack, and his forehead erupts into a blaze of crimson. He turns around, and raises his hands up high.)
Tamahome: (furious) I won't let you hurt Berit!!!!
(Amefuri sees the beginning of an energy discharge, and gasps, diving in between Tamahome and her three running allies, summoning a white shield around her body. Tatara looks up in pain, to see Tamahome unleash a large red ball of energy at Amefuri)
Tatara: Amefuri!!!!
(The red ball blasts through Amefuri's shield, sending her flying into the wall. Anne and the others almost stop for a moment, but get into the door at the last second, closing it behind them. Tatara sees this, and sighs in relief.)
Tasuki: REKKKKKKAAAA...SHINEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Tatara turns his head to the right, only to see the onrushing blast of fire heading right for him.)
*************
(Karasuki slams the door, as Subaru and Anne stop running, panting. Inside Berit's room, there is quiet for a moment. Berit lies on the bed, apparently sleeping.)
Anne: B...Berit...
(Subaru raises her head as a blood-curling scream sounds from the hallway)
Subaru: That...was Tatara! What's going on???
(Subaru moves to open the door, but Karasuki stops her)
Karasuki: No! We can't go out there; Anne needs to do all she can to revive Berit first.
Subaru: But...Tatara...
Karasuki: We don't know what's going on...it could be good, we don't know.
(Anne kneels next to the bed, taking Berit's hand. It is uncharacteristically clammy)
Anne: Berit? Can...you hear me?
(Berit shows no sign that she hears Anne, she simply continues to lie on the bed, motionless)
Anne: I came as soon as I could. I...heard what had happened, and...I didn't know what to think. Now that I see you...I...
(Anne breaks off her monologue to wipe at her eyes, which have spontaneously began to tear up)
Anne: Taiitsu-kun said...that I'm the only one with a hope of waking you up. If there is any hope at all...
(The tears are now streaming down Anne's face, and she is not even trying to stop them)
Anne: I...don't know what to do anymore. Why...why won't you wake up? Berit...if you can hear me at all...please, wake up. Please...I can't handle this...seeing you like this...and being helpless to do anything.
(There is another loud explosion from outside, and the entire room shakes. Anne looks up at the door, which is being barred by Subaru and Karasuki.)
Subaru: We can't hold the door for much longer!
Karasuki: Are you getting to Berit???
Anne: I...
*************
(Kokie jumps into the air to avoid Hotohori's quick slashes. As she flies over his head, she flicks her hand, rippling the air in front of her. Hotohori throws up his sword, and when the concussion ruptures the air, the wave of energy passes harmlessly past him.)
Kokie: Damn that sword! I can't hurt him at all!
(Kokie continues flying past, quickly surpassing Hotohori's reach. She turns in midair, hovering with a smile on her face)
Kokie: Can't hurt me, can you?
Hotohori: (keeping his annoyance in check) The same could be said of you.
(Kokie shrugs, a very strange-looking action in-flight.)
Kokie: That's fine; I don't need to hurt you yet.
Hotohori: (now losing his temper) But I shall hurt you now!!!
(Hotohori yells a battle cry, and jumps into the air, sword raised. Kokie raises one eyebrow and floats to the side, easily dodging the sword slash. She turns around to watch him fall to the ground, when there is a bright flash of light, and a pain in her eyes.)
(The small boy stands next to throne, arm outstretched, clearly finishing a throwing motion. Kokie screams, and her hands move to her eyes, which close in pain. Abruptly, Kokie falls out of the air, hitting the ground with a crash, sending a wave of pain and memory coursing through her veins)
(Katherine is pushed to the ground by a blue-clad soldier, who promptly ties a blindfold around her face)
Soldier: Can't have you witching us anymore, now. Be a good girl, and we won't hurt you...too much.
(Katherine is dragged to her feet, and pushed to walk. When she tries to summon her powers, nothing happens. She tries again, but her efforts are to no avail. Katherine tries to wrench her hands out of the soldier's, in the vain hopes that she can drag the blindfold off her face.)
Soldier: Keep still! You aren't going anywhere soon, and we're going to have some fun later...
(Katherine struggles against the soldier's deathgrip, pushing herself to the ground in a desperate attempt to free herself. But the soldier simply pulls her arms upwards, bending them backwards painfully and dragging Katherine to her feet. A single tear slides down her face...)
(Hotohori stares in confusion as Kokie writhes on the ground, clutching her eyes. The little boys steps forwards, causing Hotohori to turn.)
Boy: (high, prepubescent voice) It is exactly as I thought. Tasuki truly saw something when he saw her eyes glowing. For some reason, her vision is needed to maintain her powers.
Hotohori: But...why?
Boy: I do not know. But, she is incapacitated; will you not finish the job?
(Hotohori's face hardens as he turns back to Kokie, who has now shakily gotten to her feet, and is scratching furiously at her eyes.)
Hotohori: Yes...the time has truly come. Now, you shall die!!!
(Hotohori raises his sword, and jumps at Kokie with a battle cry. Kokie futilely tries to jump to the side, but Hotohori deals her a savage slash to her arm, drawing a fountain of blood. Kokie screams again, falling back to the floor. It is at that moment that the pearl in her pocket vibrates.)
*************
(Tokaki slams into the wall, propelled by another blow from Nuriko. He tries to teleport, but he is in too much pain.)
Nuriko: Will you give up yet, or do I actually have to kill you?
Tokaki: Damnit...good question...where's Toroki? He must be in the adjoining hallway...
(Tokaki looks up at Nuriko, who is slowly advancing)
Tokaki: (remembering Master Kung) What am I supposed to do now, old man? I'm up against overwhelming odds, and yet...I'm done. I just hope that you helped Berit, Anne...I'm...sorr-
(Tokaki is about to finish the thought, when he feels a vibration from his pocket. After a moment, he registers it as Taiitsu-kun's present. He weakly maneuvers his hand into his pocket to touch the pearl)
Subaru: (clearly distraught) [Tokaki??? Tokaki, can you hear me???]
Tokaki: (wearily) [Yeah...what happened?]
Subaru: [There's no time to discuss it right now! We need to get out of here, right now!]
Tokaki: [Subaru...I'm sorry. I can't even find...the strength to teleport.]
(There is a momentary pause)
Subaru: [Tokaki, you have to! If we can't get out of here...then...]
(Subaru does not finish her sentence, but she starts to think almost immediately)
Subaru: [I know you can do it! We're all counting on you, Tokaki! Anne...Anne needs you right now, more than ever!]
Tokaki: [I...can't....]
(Tokaki is jolted out of his thoughts by a hand around his throat, that of Nuriko. He is lifted up, slowly but surely, until he is dangling above the floor. Tokaki looks down weakly into the stern face of Nuriko)
Nuriko: Looks like you guys weren't all you were cracked up to be. I didn't really want things to go this far, but...at least Berit's ok.
Tokaki: ...you...bastard...Anne never...did anything to you...
(Tokaki coughs once, and Nuriko moves his head to the side to side to dodge the blood. Nuriko tightens his grip around Tokaki's neck, causing Tokaki to moan in agony.)
Tokaki: Got to...get out of here...need to teleport...
(Tokaki tries to grasp his chi, but it eludes him. Nuriko presses harder, slowly siphoning off Tokaki's breath. Tokaki clenches his fists, as a last motion of defiance)
Tokaki: [No...I'm not going to give up...I won't forget your lesson!!!!!!!]
(There is a bright white glow from Tokaki's hands, quickly mirrored by Tokaki's cheek. Nuriko's eyes widen, but it is too late. There is a bright white flash, as bright as a dying star, that sends Nuriko flying to the ground. When the flash fades, Tokaki is gone.)
(Hotohori gasps as Kokie's body is suffused with white light. Hallways away, Tasuki, Tamahome and Chichiri have the same reactions, as their respective opponents glow brightly. In Berit's room, Subaru, Karasuki and Anne all brighten to incandescence, and then disappear.)
*************
(Tatara screams in pain as he rematerializes in one of the bedrooms in Sailo's palace. After a moment the rest of the group appears as well.)
(Karasuki's eyes clear first, and when he can see Tatara, he fights back the urge to barf. Karasuki moves quickly in front of Tatara, and speaks loudly)
Karasuki: Don't look at him!!!! Don't look!!!
(Anne blinks a few times to clear her eyes, and is about to turn around when Amefuri takes hold of her arm. Anne's eyes widen, but Amefuri pushes her, limping, towards the door, motioning for Subaru and Kokie to follow)
Amefuri: No...you don't want to see this.
Anne: But...I can't....just leave...
Amefuri: Just trust me; you don't want to look. We'll stay in this room, but...don't turn around.
(Toroki, Tokaki and Karasuki stand in shock around Tatara, whose face is drenched, between the tears of pain and the blood. Tatara's whole body is burnt, with the majority of his clothes singed or simply non-existant. Where his clothes have burned off are huge, bloody burns, most larger than one handspan. Tatara's head is bleeding profusely, clotting his hair and running down his face.)
Toroki: Tatara...what happened to you?
(Toroki looks similarily singed, but not nearly as badly. His clothes are slightly tattered, and most of the articles look like they are made of charcoal. Tokaki seems far worse. His left eye is blackened, and his cheek is swelled up. He is currently sitting down, staring in horror at Tatara. His leg is bent at a hideous angle, and he doesn't appear to be able to stand. Karasuki, as usual, is unhurt.)
Tokaki: Su...subaru...get...su...
(Tokaki passes out, flopping loosely onto the floor. Karasuki stares at him for a second, and then moves over to the girls quickly. Subaru is tending to Kokie's arm, which, despite Subaru's efforts, is bleeding savagely. Amefuri and Anne sit next to each, facing away from the boys. Anne is unhurt, but Amefuri is bruised so badly that something must be broken.)
Karasuki: Subaru...we need you here.
(Subaru looks up as she ties off the makeshift bandage, causing Kokie to gasp in pain. But, as Kokie grits her teeth, the flow of blood lessens.)
Subaru: (trying to be upbeat) What's up?
Karasuki: Not much good. I didn't want you to have to see Tatara, but he needs you.
Subaru: Is it...that bad?
Karasuki: Yes, it is. Look, I'm going to go get the Emperor; he surely has physicians. You help Tatara, all right?
Subaru: Sure...I'll get right on it.
(Subaru cautiously moves over to where Toroki kneels next to Tokaki. Most of Tatara is obscured, but she can see his legs, which are just as burnt and bloodied as the rest of him.)
Subaru: (trying not to mention Tatara) Is Tokaki ok?
Toroki: He appears to just be tired. It looks like he has a few broken bones and such, but he can probably be healed.
(Subaru nods, and then tries to look past Toroki, who quickly holds up his hand)
Subaru: Toroki, can you move? Karasuki said I need to help Tatara...
Toroki: (reluctantly) No problem...but steel yourself before you look.
(Subaru bites her lip as Toroki slowly moves to the side, and when Tatara is fully visible, Subaru gasps. She drops to her knees weakly, putting her hand to his neck to check his pulse)
Subaru: God...it's so weak! Did...Tasuki do this to him???
(Subaru pushes Tatara's hair off his face as she struggles not to burst out crying. Tatara moans, clearly in intense pain)
Subaru: (motherly instinct kicking in) Sssshh, ssshhh, just relax. I'm going to fix you, don't worry. Just lie still...
(Subaru places one hand on his cheek, and with the other grasps his right hand. By this time, Anne has stood up, and is staring at Tatara in horror. Toroki realizes that she is looking, and quickly stands up with a wince of pain)
Toroki: Anne! You shouldn't look at him!
(Anne steps backwards, hand to her mouth, and turns around in a futile attempt to dispel the macabre image from her mind. Amefuri puts her hand on Anne's shoulder, but Anne is already sobbing, shoulders bobbing up and down in a disgustingly periodic rhythm)
(Subaru closes her eyes, and her chest flares into light. The light spreads down her hands, and onto Tatara's wounded body. The white light spreads over his entire body, morphing his body into a glowing figure.)
(Subaru grits her teeth, the healing clearly taking a strain on her body)
Subaru: It's so hard...I don't know if I have the energy to do this!
(But despite her doubts, Subaru presses on, pouring more and more energy into Tatara's body. As she uses her last vestige of power, she looks at Tatara in dismay; he is still not completely healed)
Subaru: Oh, no...I can't do it anymore! Damnit...I need more power!
(Subaru removes her hand from Tatara's cheek, and moves it to the center of her chest, fist clenched. Inadvertantly, she brushes against the hourglass suspended around her neck)
Subaru: Of course...Taiitsu-kun's hourglass!
(Subaru touches the hourglass tentatively, and a rush of energy flows through her veins. The weakening glow around Tatara's body intensifies, and he returns to his body of a few hours ago. Inside the hourglass, the sand flow quickens, and about one-quarter of the sand remains on the top half.)
(Subaru opens her eyes, and sways a bit. Toroki notices this, and moves over to her side as she falls over backwards. Toroki's eyes widen, but he catches her before she hits the ground. The sand in the hourglass stops running through.)
(Next to Subaru, Tatara slowly opens his eyes. He blinks once or twice, then sits up abruptly, examining his body to make sure everything is there. When he sees Subaru, he gasps)
Tatara: Subaru! Toroki, is she all right?
Toroki: How should I know? Hasn't she done this before?
Tatara: Oh...yeah...my bad.
(At that instant, the door opens, and the Emperor of Sailo strides in, followed by three old men and Karasuki. When he sees the sorry state of the Byakko Warriors, his eyes widen)
Amefuri: Karasuki, you're back.
Karasuki: Yeah, I brought doctors. Is...everything going to be ok now?
(The three old men spread out around the room, one moving to Kokie, one moving to Tokaki and the third moving over to Subaru. Toroki waves the man over to Amefuri before standing up, haltingly)
Toroki: Yes...the worst is over. Subaru used all her energy to heal Tatara, but I think they're both fine.
(The two boys turn their eyes to Anne, who is kneeling on the ground, crying.)
Karasuki: Actually...something tells me the worst hasn't happened yet, not by far.
-
Chris: WHAT THE HELL???? How did I beat down by NURIKO???
Max: Well, he is a bit stronger than you are...
Chris: But he can't fight to save his life! Tatara beat him, for god sakes!
Nick: What's that supposed to mean?
Luna: Hey, hey, boys. Didn't you listen to Taiitsu-kun?
Janna: They're not fighting about that anymore, so it's ok.
Anne: If only that was the worst problem we had to worry about!!!
Katherine: Tell me about it! Or, even better; find out in the next episode, "Heinan ga yatte kita".
Jeff: Or, "The Distress of War has Come".
AN: Once again, not much to say. This episode took longer than expected; getting back to school after spring break isn't easy ._. I'm going to have to work to make my deadlines; I want this story to finish before Summer Vacation...it's going to be a crunch at this point, but barely manageable. We'll see if I can do it ^_^