Les Jeux Mystèrieux: The Mysterious Games
Max: If you've been tuning in diligently, you'll remember the cult very clearly.
Luna: But until now, we'd only actually met one of the members.
Katherine: Last episode, we met the other four members, in a heated battle.
Nick: We were able to defeat them, but now everybody is wounded in some way...
Janna: ...besides Anne and Karasuki, of course.
Chris: Dammit! I wanna kick those guys' asses so bad...
Anne: Shh, shh...calm. Calm.
Jeff: Now we're headed back to Mt. Taikyoku...why do I get the feeling that we're running in an endless circle?
Episode 30: Houou no kuufuku (The Phoenix's Hunger)
(Karasuki stands above Anne, who is kneeling next to Amefuri. Sailo's throne room is in much worse condition than it was one hour before; Mei's explosions have left large craters and burn marks on the floor, and there are scattered bloodstains.)
(Karasuki looks around the room, at Tatara, Kokie, and Amefuri, all of whom are lying unconscious on the ground. Toroki stands up, and walks slowly over to Anne and Karasuki.)
Toroki: What are we going to do? Everyone's hurt, and Subaru's still asleep..
Anne: Karasuki's right...Taiitsu-kun can help us.
Toroki: But...Tokaki's asleep too. We can't teleport there.
Karasuki: Yes...but Taiitsu-kun can teleport us there, if we can contact her...
Anne: Yeah...but how to do that? Amefuri's passed out!
Toroki: Maybe...our pearls can do it? I mean, it would make sense
Anne: That's a good idea...I'll try it.
(Anne reaches into her pocket and touches the pearl. Instantly, she feels that telepathic mental link to the rest of the pearl-bearers. Anne frowns, and tries to contact Taiitsu-kun.)
(At first, Anne runs into a mental barrier when she tries to establish a link with a non-Byakko-Warrior. In Anne's mind, there is a pearly wall in front of her, stopping her from communicating with anyone else. Anne grits her teeth, and pushes at the wall with her mind)
(At first, nothing happens. Then, ever so slowly, the wall begins to give a little, with tiny cracks appearing in its center. As Anne pushes harder, the cracks widen, little by little. With a sudden splintering sound, the wall bursts into shiny white pieces, leaving an endless expanse of grass beyond.)
(Anne looks around, surprised. What used to be simply seven points of light symbolizing her friends has now turned into an endless green field under a blue sky, with thousands of flitting points of light floating in it.)
Anne: Is this...what Amefuri sees? No wonder it takes her so long to use telepathy...but more importantly, how am I going to find Taiitsu-kun in this mess?
(Anne looks back at the white lights symbolizing her friends. She can recognize them all by sight, as each of their lights has a certain chi that is specific to each. Slowly, a crazy idea dawns upon Anne)
Anne: Wait...Amefuri, Kokie and Karasuki have larger lights than the rest...could it be that these lights represent one's chi?
(Anne looks closer at the field of lights. Now that she knows what to look for, several of the lights seem bigger than others. Anne tries to get a closer look and finds that she can move rapidly between lights. Anne flies quickly through the field, looking for someone with a larger chi.)
(Anne speeds up, continuing to move eastwards. Then, on the horizon, Anne sees it. The chi is the largest she has seen, easily as large as her head. The others had been simply points of light, including those of Amefuri, Kokie and Karasuki. As if to underscore the point that the chi is Taiitsu-kun's, the orb of light has a dark purple tint.)
Anne: Well...guess I found it. I knew she was strong, but not THAT strong...guess it takes a bit more chi than Kokie's to create the world...
(Anne rolls her eyes at the stupid thoughts running through her head, and then frowns)
Anne: Oh well. Not much to do but try and make contact...
(Anne hesitantly reaches her hand out, brushing against Taiitsu-kun's chi. The instant she touches it, her mind is filled with loud, painful white noise. Anne screams, but tries to keep herself from being consumed)
Anne: Aahhh!!! It hurts!!! Must...get through!!! [T-taiitsu-kun! Taiitsu-kun!!!]
(Anne pulls away, unable to withstand any more. A moment later, the purple chi glows slightly, and Anne feels telepathic contact.)
Taiitsu-kun: (completely shocked) [Anne? Is that you?]
Anne: [Yes! What was that noise???]
Taiitsu-kun: [Security measures...how are you speaking to me right now??? And why?]
Anne: [I needed to talk to you, so I used your pearl...]
(The surprise emanating from Taiitsu-kun's mind is palpable, and Anne pushes down an urge to widen her eyes)
Taiitsu-kun: (getting her emotions in check) [You used the pearl? How, pray tell, did you do that?]
Anne: [Err...well...there was this wall...and I pushed it, and it broke. Then I saw this field of grass with a bunch of lights representing people's chi...and then I found you.]
Taiitsu-kun: (to herself) [A wall...and then a field of grass...that's a new perspective...I never expected something like this to happen...]
Anne: [Huh?]
Taiitsu-kun: [We'll talk about this later. Just tell me why you wanted to contact me.]
Anne: [Oh, yes...well, we need to get over to Mt. Taikyoku, and we need you to teleport you.]
Taiitsu-kun: [Let me guess; Tokaki's too weak to do it.]
Anne: [No! That's not the reason at all...see, yesterday we went back to Konan, as per your request...and, it didn't work. Tatara got burned within one inch of his life, Tokaki got most of his bones broken, Amefuri, Kokie and Toroki sustained other injuries, and I couldn't wake Berit up. On top of that, we got a visit from four of those crazy cultists today, and they only hurt Tatara, Kokie and Amefuri more! Subaru can't help us, because she used all of her energy healing Tatara yesterday...]
Taiitsu-kun: [This is very unsettling...I did not expect that the Suzaku Stars would fight again, and certainly I did not expect that they would be able to defeat your Warriors... (pausing for a moment) I understand your need. I will certainly teleport you to Mt. Taikyoku.]
Anne: (with a mental sigh of relief) [Thank you...let me alert Karasuki and Toroki first.]
Taiitsu-kun: [It is nothing...I will wait one minute.]
(Anne breaks off the mental contact, and wills herself out of the grassy field. With a rushing feeling, she opens her eyes. Karasuki and Toroki do not seem to have moved)
Anne: All right; she's going to teleport us to Mt. Taikyoku.
(Karasuki and Toroki look at each other, surprised)
Karasuki: Did you already talk to her? That must have been half a minute!
(Anne's eyes narrow, but before she can speak there is that tugging feeling in her stomach signifying teleportation. To Anne's surprise, the teleportation this time is not gradual or relaxed, it is almost as jerky as Tokaki's. Her vision fades into a purple mist, and then into darkness.)
*************
(The pentagram cloister. All five candles are lit, and all five cultists are in attendance)
Liao: You four have returned from Shijuen; were you successful?
Mei: (sharply) No. We were not.
Liao: As you can see, the situation is not as easy as it appears.
Jun: As I recall, we succeeded in comparison to your pitiful attempt.
Liao: Mei said you were not successful.
Ren: We did not accomplish our goal; the Priestess of Byakko is still alive. But we managed to inflict serious wounds upon three of the Stars, and impair the other.
Liang: I really didn't know that they could fight that well...
Mei: Shut up, Liang. I begin to wonder if your monetary contributions are enough to offset your stupidity.
Liang: (flabbergasted) Mei! That's...a horrible thing to say!
Liao: Mei, please. We are all under stresses, and we must ruminate upon our next course of action.
Jun: That's true...I'm beginning to wonder if we really should concentrate on the Priestess of Byakko. Since she entered our world, the Priestess of Byakko has consistently thwarted our attempts to kill her or her Warriors. Maybe we should concentrate on the Priestess of Suzaku instead.
Mei: (shocked at the very idea) But...Senri-E specifically told me to focus our energy on the Priestess of Byakko!
Ren: Jun, if I understand you correctly, you are going against Senri-E's wishes.
Jun: No, that is not my meaning. Senri-E may have told Mei that the Priestess of Byakko is the greater danger, but to attack her and hers again would be suicide. Senri-E surely did not suspect that we would be outmatched.
Liao: (calmly) Your ideas border on heresy.
Liang: No, they don't! You guys don't get it; she's just saying that we have to do what we can, and not get all wrapped up in stuff we can't do! Right, Jun?
Jun: (amused) My goodness; not only have you taken my side, you've correctly articulated my opinion.
Mei: Well...I suppose that I can accept that. As long as we still promise to get rid of the Priestess of Byakko as well.
Ren: It appears to be a good plan. Let us proceed with that goal in mind.
*************
(Anne, Karasuki and Toroki pop out of the air, landing hard on the floor of Taiitsu-kun's audience room. Anne coughs, standing up in as graceful a manner as she can. She looks around with surprise, and then looks at Taiitsu-kun in confusion)
Anne: Hey...where is everybody else?
(Taiitsu-kun sits on her throne, for once without one of her scrying mirrors around her)
Taiitsu-kun: They're being tended by the Nyan-Nyans.
Karasuki: That felt kinda...like Tokaki was teleporting us.
Taiitsu-kun: Excuse my haste; I felt that the need to talk eclipsed the need to carefully bring you here. I'm sure you are used to it by now.
Toroki: Yeah, we are...but what's with the need to talk? How important can this be?
Taiitsu-kun: I'll explain: I want a full account of what happened in both Konan and Shijuen.
Anne: Um...all right. There's not much to tell; we went to Konan, as you told us to...but then the Suzaku Warriors attacked us.
Toroki: Kokie took on Hotohori, getting us past the throne room, and then Tokaki and I took on Nuriko and Chichiri.
Karasuki: Then, Amefuri and Tatara held off Tamahome and Tasuki so Anne could get into Berit's room...
Taiitsu-kun: And then what happened?
Anne: Well...what you told us was true; Berit was in a coma. She didn't respond to anything I did...and then we had to leave. It was, altogether, a failure.
Taiitsu-kun: I have only one question; why did the Suzaku Warriors attack you?
(Anne, Karasuki and Toroki look at each other)
Karasuki: I'm not quite sure, really...
Toroki: I think...that they think...that we're the ones who put Berit in the coma.
(Taiitsu-kun raises one eyebrow)
Taiitsu-kun: (skeptical) That's an odd thing to believe. Why would they think something like that?
Anne: Well, they were pretty hostile to us the first time we went anyways. I think Berit had something to do with it...but I'm not sure.
Taiitsu-kun: Well, then, what happened in Shijuen?
Karasuki: Oh. Well, we woke up and ate breakfast this morning...and then two cloaked strangers arrived at the gates. They turned out to be two of the cultists that had been trying to kill us.
Taiitsu-kun: Really...so they have truly showed themselves?
Toroki: Er...yes? Then, two more appeared...and then we made them go away!
Taiitsu-kun: How descriptive. Anne, explain what you did to the pearl.
Anne: Oh! Well, I needed to contact you, so I used the pearl...and then-
(Taiitsu-kun holds up her hand, stopping Anne in mid-sentence)
Taiitsu-kun: No. Explain what you did in order to contact me.
Anne: Okay...well, when I normally used the pearl, my mind was in this white space with seven points of light representing my friends. I wanted to contact you, and you weren't in the white space, so I tried to leave it. But, there was this white wall stopping me from going on. So, I pushed, and after a little while it broke. Then, I realized that I was really in an endless field of grass, with little white dots for people's chi. Then, I found yours, and made contact. That's all...but, why did you want to know?
(Taiitsu-kun has been listening to all of this with rapt attention. When Anne finishes, she draws in a slow breath)
Taiitsu-kun: That pearl...is simply a device that makes contact between minds. The way it does this is by giving the user the ability to use their chi to make telepathic contact, but only to certain people; for your pearls, it was only in the space occupied by the chi of you and your friends. What astounds me is the fact that you were able to break the barrier on the pearl, and use the pearl as a general telepathic device.
Anne: Is that...so special?
Taiitsu-kun: I made that barrier myself, and you broke through it. I didn't know that your chi was that strong.
Anne: (blushing a bit) Oh, well...
Karasuki: Believe me, we had no idea either.
Taiitsu-kun: You do know that you can use that pearl to contact telepathically anyone in this world now, much the same way that I do, right?
Anne: (a bit surprised) Really? I mean, that makes sense, but...
(Anne thinks for a moment, and then her eyes widen a bit)
Anne: You don't think...that I could try to reach Berit that way, could I?
Taiitsu-kun: Theoretically...you could try. In fact, that has a chance of working.
Anne: Maybe I should try right now...
Taiitsu-kun: No, right now you need to rest. All of you have been going for days now without real rest, and the most important thing for all of you is to get some sleep. In fact, I'll have the Nyan-Nyans look at you three as well, if only to relieve your weariness.
Anne: Thanks a lot, Taiitsu-kun.
Taiitsu-kun: Don't thank me yet; tomorrow you're going back to Konan.
(Anne, Karasuki and Toroki gape at Taiitsu-kun)
Toroki: What??? You're kidding! They'll massacre us!
Taiitsu-kun: Not if I stop them, they won't. We'll discuss this tomorrow. Right now, return to your rooms and I'll have the Nyan-Nyans see to you.
Karasuki: Hey! Hold on; Anne, did you tell the Emperor we were leaving?
(Anne's eyes widen in surprise)
Anne: Oh, no! I didn't alert him at all! He's probably worried sick by now...
Taiitsu-kun: I'll take care of it. All three of you, go to your rooms. Now.
Anne: Yes, mother...thank you. Again.
Taiitsu-kun: Go!
(Anne, Karasuki, and Toroki, suitably cowed by Taiitsu-kun, leave the audience room. Taiitsu-kun frowns, levitating a mirror over to her throne.)
*************
(Breaking a long, restful slumber, Anne opens her eyes. Once again, she is in that strange, wall-less room in Taiitsu-kun's pavilion. Anne rubs her eyes to wake up, and gets her clothes from the side of the bed, where they are miraculously washed and pressed.)
(Upon leaving the room, she finds that she is the only one up so early. After dismissing the thought of going back to sleep, Anne leaves the common room to find some food.)
(After wandering through the halls for a while, Anne quickly gets bored, not to mention a little bit lost. With a frown, Anne retraces her steps...or tries to.)
Anne: This place is a maze! How did I find my way around here before???
(Anne stops in front of a large door. It looks familiar, so Anne thinks about where she saw it last. In a moment, the location returns to Anne's mind)
Anne: Oh, this is Taiitsu-kun's throne-room-abode thingy. Maybe I can go in and ask her for some food...
(Anne knocks on the door politely, waiting for a response. When none comes, she knocks again. This time, there is a response, but it is conveyed telepathically.)
Taiitsu-kun: (gruffly) [What do you want?]
Anne: [Oh! I'm sorry...]
Taiitsu-kun: [Answer the question, girl, or go away!]
(Anne glares at the door, but thinks for a moment.)
Anne: Wait...is there anything I wanted to ask her? Actually...there is! (returning to telepathy) [I wanted to ask you a few questions...]
Taiitsu-kun: [Fine...you can come in. Just make it quick, as I'm busy!]
(Anne glares some more, but clears her expression as the door opens. Anne politely walks up to Taiitsu-kun's throne, where the old woman sits, regarding a mirror)
Taiitsu-kun: (not really paying attention) Yes?
Anne: Well...um...I wanted to ask you a few things.
Taiitsu-kun: Go ahead. I'm listening.
Anne: First...what's this bracelet you gave me?
(Taiitsu-kun turns towards Anne, one eyebrow raised)
Taiitsu-kun: I told you before, it's an old heirloom of mine. Why do you ask?
(Anne hesistates for a moment)
Anne: Oh, darn...I don't want to have to tell her about that dream of mine... Oh, no reason. I was just...wondering.
(Taiitsu-kun frowns, knowing Anne is concealing something. Quickly, Anne changes the subject)
Anne: Um...I also wanted to know...if I'm going to return to Konan...how am I supposed to help Berit? I mean...I don't...
(Taiitsu-kun raises her hand to stop Anne from continuing)
Taiitsu-kun: I understand. Honestly; I don't quite know if there is a way that Berit can awaken from her...coma. I can't help you with this.
Anne: But...why do I have to go back to Konan then???
Taiitsu-kun: Ah. We shall discuss that when all the Stars of Byakko are gathered. Did you have any more questions?
(Anne thinks for a moment, and is about to answer no, when a strange question pops into her head)
Anne: Taiitsu-kun? Who's Senri-E?
(For a moment, Taiitsu-kun's face loses all of it's color, blanching to a pale white. The next moment, her face looks normal, making Anne wonder if the blanching happened)
(Taiitsu-kun frowns deeply, looking at Anne with a penetrating glance)
Taiitsu-kun: (suspicious) Where did you hear that name?
Anne: (slightly creeped out) Err...um...the cultists mentioned it a few times? I just wondered if it had any significance...
Taiitsu-kun: (sharply, ending the conversation) It doesn't. If you don't have anything more to ask, breakfast is now ready in your common room.
Anne: All right...I'm finished now. Thank you very much.
(Anne quickly leaves the room, shutting the door behind her. She leans against the wall, holding up her wrist so the bracelet catches the light)
Anne: I never expected to get such a reaction out of Taiitsu-kun...who is Senri-E anyways?
(Anne is jolted out of her thoughts by a growling stomach. Anne relaxes her arm and smiles)
Anne: Well, if nothing else, I can definitely be sure of hunger...
*************
(Anne finds her way back to the common room, and opens the door. To her surprise, everybody else is already up. More surprisingly, everybody seems to be energetic and full of appetite)
Karasuki: About time you got here, Anne; the food's almost gone.
Anne: Whoa! When did you guys get up?
Amefuri: (pausing between bites) About 15 minutes ago. Sit down, eat.
(Anne sits down at the empty spot at the end of the table, beginning to eat the delicious food.)
Anne: So, if you guys are all up...is everybody feeling better?
Tokaki: Healthful and dandy! I doubt Subaru could have done much better than the Nyan-Nyans did!
Subaru: Hey! There's no little blue-haired girl that can do things better than I can!
Tatara: Not true...they're so much cuter than you are.
(Subaru takes a break from eating to hit Tatara in the back of the head)
Kokie: It's almost like...I never got hurt. It's almost creepy that those things can heal so well.
Toroki: And this food is very good...
Anne: It's good we're all getting along again...
Karasuki: There's nothing to fight about anymore. In fact, I'd say things are getting downright boring in the book.
(Anne laughs at this, and is quickly joined in her mirth by the rest of the group.)
(When everyone has finished eating, Anne speaks up again)
Anne: Now that we're done, Taiitsu-kun wants to speak to us.
Toroki: What about?
Anne: Uh...I think she wants us to go back to Konan.
(Nobody speaks for a moment, then the room erupts into loud complaints)
Tatara: WHAT????
Tokaki: She wants us to go back????
Anne: (a bit intimidated) Uh...yeah?
Amefuri: Why??? Has she completely snapped?
Karasuki: Perhaps she enjoys watching us get beat up...
Kokie: Or...she wants us to go back to Konan and beat up the Suzaku Warriors!!!
Anne: No! That can't be it...I'm sure that she has a valid reason...
Subaru: Well, I want to know this reason, and how she thinks you can wake Berit up.
Toroki: Yes. Let's go.
(The Byakko Warriors leave the table and exit the room, leaving Anne in their dust. Anne sighs, and follows them in a slightly bored, slightly annoyed mood)
(Tokaki opens the door to Taiitsu-kun's sanctum, followed closely by Amefuri, Kokie and the other Byakko Warriors. Taiitsu-kun looks up, surprised to see the group so soon)
Tokaki: (angry) What's this about us going to Konan again???
Taiitsu-kun: (passively) Haven't you learned not to speak until you know the facts yet?
(Tokaki's eyes widen, and then his face turns red from annoyance)
Amefuri: Well, if you'd please explain why we have to go back to Konan, that would be wonderful.
Taiitsu-kun: Simple. The Suzaku Warriors believe that you eight are enemies; you must cure them of that notion.
Kokie: And how are we supposed to cure them of that? They won't believe us!
Taiitsu-kun: I understand that. I'll help you this time; they will believe me.
Subaru: All right...but then, how is Anne supposed to wake Berit up?
(Taiitsu-kun frowns deeply)
Taiitsu-kun: Regrettably...I do not have a solution to that problem. As I said before, if the problem were only physical consumption then it would not be a problem. But I have no way of healing her mental state. I am sorry.
(Nobody says anything for a while. Eventually, Anne speaks up)
Anne: I understand...but...I'm not going to give up yet. I know there's a way to heal Berit, we just haven't thought of it. With the help of the Suzaku Warriors, we'll definitely think of something.
(Taiitsu-kun gives what is a smile for her)
Taiitsu-kun: I'm glad. Now, I'll send you back to Konan.
Toroki: Wait. How are you going to provide the Suzaku Warriors with evidence that we are trustworthy?
Taiitsu-kun: Simple. I'll project an image of myself there and speak directly to them.
Tatara: Ohhhh....smart!
Taiitsu-kun: Are you eight ready? With luck, this visit may be the last you have to make.
(The group nods, with Anne nodding last. Taiitsu-kun closes her eyes, and places her fingers together. Her dark purple aura springs up around her as she mutters a few words. Anne and the others feel a displacing sensation, and the world dissolves into deep purple)
*************
(The Emperor of Kutou looks into the rippling mirror. Inside it is Berit, now lying in a new bed in a larger room. The Emperor's eyes close, and he coughs once, sending droplets of blood flying. One hits the mirror's surface, and it abruptly turns back into a normal mirror.)
(The Emperor struggles to his feet, and after taking a few steps he braces himself against the pillar)
Emperor: (completely feminine voice) It will be today...I can feel the convergence. Finally...after waiting for so long, I can abandon this body.
(The Emperor coughs once again, the wracking rasp sending the old man to his knees)
Emperor: It...must come today. This body...will not survive this day. I can...almost taste it...it's so close...
*************
(Hotohori sits on his throne, in full empire attire. Several advisors kneel before him, updating him on the current situation on the front)
Hotohori: I see...then, speak to my military advisor and return to me with your report.
Advisors: Your majesty!
(The advisors politely stand up and leave quietly. Hotohori closes his eyes with a sigh)
Hotohori: Berit...why won't you get well?
(Hotohori is jolted out of his thoughts by a purple swirl in the center of the throne room. He gasps, standing up in anticipation of some enemy. But, the figure to emerge from the whirling void is...Taiitsu-kun)
Hotohori: Taiitsu-kun!!!
(Hotohori instantly falls to his knees, as Taiitsu-kun casually appraises him.)
Taiitsu-kun: Hotohori. It has been a long time.
Hotohori: Your holiness...
Taiitsu-kun: Oh, stand up. In fact, bring all of your fellow Stars; we need to have a conversation.
(Hotohori gracefully gets to his feet)
Hotohori: It will be as you request, your eminence!
(Hotohori gestures to a messenger, hidden in the curtains. Within a few minutes, all seven Suzaku Warriors are assembled. There is Hotohori, Tamahome, Nuriko, Chichiri, and Tasuki, as well as an older man and the very young boy that blinded Kokie)
Hotohori: What is it you wanted to discuss?
Taiitsu-kun: Just one thing...
(Taiitsu-kun places her fingers together. From the void emerge Anne and the rest of the Byakko Warriors. The Suzaku Warriors show various shocked expressions)
Chichiri: What is the meaning of this??? Why are they here???
Taiitsu-kun: This is what I needed to speak to you about. For some reason, you seven are under the impression that these eight are your enemies.
Tamahome: They are!!! They were the ones who put Berit into this state!!!
(Karasuki frowns in disgust, followed by the rest of the Byakko Warriors)
Karasuki: For the last time, it was not-
Taiitsu-kun: SILENCE!!!
(As if by magic, both groups of Warriors fall quiet. Taiitsu-kun holds up her hand, and begins to speak)
Taiitsu-kun: I don't know where you got that idea, but Anne and her Warriors are not the cause of Berit's sickness.
(As one, the Suzaku Warriors gape at Taiitsu-kun)
Taiitsu-kun: Bring Berit here.
Older Suzaku Warrior: It is not a prudent idea to move her when she is in this state...
Taiitsu-kun: (addressing the older Suzaku Warrior) Mitsukake, her injuries are not physical; moving her will not have an adverse effect. Go!
(Tamahome scrambles out of Taiitsu-kun's sight, and returns a few minutes later carrying Berit. He gently places her limp body onto the throne. Anne bites her lip to keep from crying out)
Taiitsu-kun: Now. Let me set the record straight for you. The Byakko Stars and the Priestess of Byakko are not your enemies. In fact, Anne and Berit are sisters in their world.
(The Suzaku Warriors stare at Taiitsu-kun in an unbelieving stupor, but she just continues)
Taiitsu-kun: This state of Berit's is caused by her summoning of Suzaku! When the god is summoned, it consumes the Priestess. This is the only cause of Berit's sickness; nothing else! Now, I want to know why you believe that the Byakko Warriors are the enemy! Tell me!
(The Suzaku Warriors look a bit sheepish, until finally Tasuki speaks up)
Tasuki: Well...er...Berit told us...that these guys wanted ta kill her...
(Taiitsu-kun narrows her eyes)
Taiitsu-kun: I believe that this tangled web is finally beginning to unwind. It is imperative that Berit wakes up, so that we can get to the bottom of this. However...I regret that I cannot stay here any longer. Projection is very energy-consuming, so I will leave you all to sort things out. And, no fighting; I'll be watching you all.
(Taiitsu-kun closes her eyes, and she floats back into the swirling purple portal. The portal spirals a bit before shrinking out of existence, leaving seven relieved Byakko Warriors and seven confused Suzaku Warriors. There is silence for a time, until Tatara finally breaks the silence)
Tatara: Well...that was fun; when can we go?
(Subaru and Tokaki both smack Tatara hard, making the rest of the group smile. Reluctantly, the Suzaku Warriors calm down slightly)
Chichiri: Then...you all are truly not our enemies?
Kokie: That's what we've been trying to tell you all along!!! Jeez...
Young boy: If this is true...this is a serious flaw in our data.
Hotohori: (to the young boy) That is true, Chiriko...the real question is "what is truly going on?"
Amefuri: I don't know what's going on, and neither does the rest of us, but I know one thing; we have to wake Berit up.
Mitsukake: I'm afraid that that is beyond my healing talents. Whatever is happening to her...it's all mental.
Subaru: She's being consumed by Suzaku. Didn't you hear?
Tasuki: Hey! If Berit's gettin absorbed by Suzaku...then why isn't yer Priestess in the same condition?
Anne: Berit's will isn't as strong as mine. It took a lot of work after I made the wishes...
(Anne sighs, but then her eyes widen and her head rises)
Anne: Wishes...that's it! I know how we can save Berit!
(Tamahome's eyes brighten)
Tamahome: How???
Anne: It's simple...I'll make my last wish to Byakko, to protect Berit from being consumed by Suzaku!
(Each of the Byakko Warriors gape at Anne, and then each of them starts protesting)
Karasuki: No! Anne, you can't!
Tatara: If you make your last wish, you'll...you'll...
Anne: It's the only way! I'm prepared...to do it to save her...
(The Suzaku Warriors, meanwhile, are confused)
Nuriko: What's the matter? What's going on?
Amefuri: If Anne makes her last wish, Byakko will consume her, body and soul! It'll be like Berit, except the same thing will happen to Anne's body!!!
(Seven pairs of eyes widen at the very idea; Anne's offer to sacrifice herself convinces them more than Taiitsu-kun ever could have)
Subaru: Anne, don't! There's got to be another way!
Anne: (strangely calm) No...there isn't. I see it now; why I only made one wish when I summoned Byakko. They were conserved so that I could save Berit.
Kokie: Anne, don't! Don't throw your life away!
Anne: I'm not throwing it away...I'm doing this for Berit. Finally...I can stop being helpless. Finally...I'll do things for myself, by myself...KAI-JIN!
(A white circle appears below Anne, sending up light and wind, pushing her hair upwards in an unearthly glow. The Byakko group stares in unbelieving horror as Anne's view dissolves into white)
*************
(Anne opens her eyes; she is standing in the grassy field of her mind, now interspersed with white flowers. In front of her stands the beautiful incarnation of Byakko)
Byakko: (in that beautiful voice) Thou hast summoned me thrice. What is thy final wish?
Anne: I...I...
(Anne shakes her head, getting ahold of herself)
Anne: I want you to protect Berit from being consumed by Suzaku!
(Byakko's beautiful face falls, into a disappointed expression)
Byakko: I give thee my condolences...but that is one thing that even I cannot do. The affairs of my brothers are not mine to meddle in...I entreat thee to reconsider thine wish.
(Anne's face falls, and she bows her head)
Anne: But...Berit...
Byakko: I am truly grieved for thy pain...but I needs must not interfere.
(Anne holds off the urge to cry in despair, when a sudden thought rises from the depths of her mind, raising her spirits and her head)
Anne: Then...if you can't completely protect her...can you make her consumption be purely physical?
(Byakko looks at her with a long, measured look, thinking. After a moment, he speaks)
Byakko: I know not if mine brother shall accept that wish...but it is one that I am prepared to grant thee. Art thou prepared?
(Anne looks up, confused, and then she understands what Byakko is saying. Anne bites her lip, and then nods resolutely)
(Without seeming to move to her, Byakko wraps his arms around Anne gently. Anne's eyes widen)
Byakko: Thy travails have ended...thou canst finally rest.
(Anne closes her eyes, leaning her head onto Byakko's chest.)
Anne: Finally...it'll all be over. Finally...
*************
(Anne's body relaxes, then drops limply to the ground. Her falling is captured in slow motion, at least in the horrified eyes of the Byakko Warriors. The Suzaku Warriors look on with a mix of confusion and pity.)
(Before Anne can hit the ground, she is caught by Tokaki. He stares at her face, frightened beyond words at her calm visage as he lowers her to the ground)
Tokaki: Anne! Anne! Come back, Anne!!!
Tatara: (with one hand over his mouth) No...she didn't...she couldn't have...!!!
(Kokie bends down next to Anne, resolutely pushing her emotions to the back of her mind)
Kokie: (getting angrier and angrier) Anne! Can you hear me, Anne? Stop this idiocy at once! I absolutely will not allow you to do this, you hear? Anne!?
(Toroki places his hand on Kokie's shoulder. When she looks up at him, he sadly shakes his head. Kokie's eyes widen, and determined tears begin to trickle down her face)
(Subaru sobs openly into Tatara's shoulder, as he stares into the distance blankly. Karasuki is trying to look anywhere but at Anne's limp form, but he cannot look anywhere else.)
(Amefuri kneels down, and grasps Anne's hand. She appears to have a remarkable hold on her emotions)
Amefuri: Anne...I know you can hear me. Whether it be from inside yourself, or from somewhere else, I know you're there. Anne, I'm going to be frank. You need to come back!
(Anne does not respond, and Tokaki simply stares at Amefuri in acceptance of the futility of what she is doing. Amefuri closes her eyes for a moment, then starts to speak again)
Amefuri: (eyes still closed) Anne, do you remember the first time that you met me in this world? It was after I was poisoned. I don't remember when you first came in, but what I do remember is waking up and seeing all of you in that temple. You saved me then...from dying in an unknown world. I'm not going to let that happen to you!!!
(Kokie looks at Amefuri, tears streaming down her face)
Kokie: Yeah...Amefuri's right! You came to save me too...when I was in Kutou. I remember that like it was yesterday. You braved all the guards to save me...I can't just let that stand! Anne! Come back!!! Please...
Karasuki: (getting control of himself) When you came, Anne...you saved me from being killed by assassins...
Tokaki: (still crying) You saved me from Shijuen's jails...
Toroki: I saved you from Sitao...I can do it again...
Tatara: (breaking out of his trance) I saved you from the assassins...
Subaru: (moving off Tatara's shoulder but still in pieces) I saved you from your wounds, Anne! Don't leave yet!!!
Tokaki: Anne...we can't do this without you!!! Please! Come back...please...
*************
(Anne sighs into Byakko's embrace, enjoying the peaceful feeling. But she is jolted out of her peace by voices)
Tokaki: Anne...we can't do this without you!!! Please!
(Anne opens her eyes abruptly)
Anne: That...was Tokaki!
Kokie: Anne!!
Tatara: Anne!!
Anne: And...Kokie and Tatara...
Amefuri: Come back, Anne!
Karasuki: Don't give in!
Anne: Amefuri...Karasuki?
Subaru: Anne...
Toroki: Fight it! We're all waiting!
Anne: And Subaru and Toroki!
(Anne trys to move out of Byakko's hold, but he does not move his arms)
Anne: I...have to go back. They still need me.
Byakko: No, Anne. Thou dost not need to help them anymore.
Anne: (pushing a bit harder) No, I do need to! Please!
Byakko: I give thee my condolences...but this is not a wish I can grant thee.
Anne: No!! Let go of me!!! I need to go back to my friends!!!
Byakko: This is not possible. The covenant between the Priestess and her God needs must be obeyed.
Anne: What covenant??? I didn't know about any covenant!!
Byakko: By using thine wishes three...thou relinquish'st thine body to me.
Anne: (struggling now) I never agreed to that!!! I never knew about that covenant!!!!
Byakko: It has been this way since the First Priestess herself...thou hast not a choice.
Anne: No, I do have a choice! I won't be bound by rules that I can't control! Let...me...go!!!!
(Anne's bracelet, still on her wrist, begins to glow purple. Byakko's beautiful face contorts in what could be supposed as agony)
Byakko: (horrified) Thou hast brought...that into this realm? How came this to pass?
Anne: Please...I know you're a God...and I can't ever equal your power...but I need to return to my friends!!!
(Byakko's arm unclasp, releasing Anne from their grasp. Her bracelet continues to shine, the color approaching violet.)
Byakko: The Void Shinzaho...how camest thou to this artifact?
Anne: I...don't know what you're talking about! Frankly...I don't care anymore! My friends need me, and that's all that matters!!!
(Anne closes her eyes, and she disappears from the field of flowers. Byakko stares at her in horror as she leaves)
*************
(Anne slowly opens her eyes, to see her Warriors gathered around her. By now everyone is in some state of distress, be it Subaru's frantic tears or Karasuki's stoic expression. Tokaki is the first to notice that Anne's eyes are open, as he is the closest to her.)
Tokaki: (blinking back tears) A...nne?
Anne: Um...hi?
(At the sound of Anne's voice, all seven of the Warriors snap to attention. Not quite believing their eyes. The next moment, Anne hears what appears to be a strangled cry in unison of seven voices, and then she feels what it is like to be hugged by seven people at once...while lying down)
Anne: (a bit overwhelmed) I'm glad to see you guys too, but...I can't breathe!
(The seven Byakko Warriors give Anne some room, and she sits up slowly, sighing a bit. When she reaches her sitting position, she looks around at her friends.)
Anne: Gee...you guys look like warmed over death. Come on; there's no need to be sad anymore!
Tatara: We just thought...for a moment there...
(Kokie stands up, totally infuriated)
Kokie: You idiot!!!! Don't you ever do something like that EVER again!!! Ever!!! You hear me???
Anne: Um...
Amefuri: Kokie, don't get mad at her. You're just as relieved to see her alive as the rest of us are.
(Kokie makes a "hmph"ing sound, but keeps silent. Subaru is about to say something, when a rather annoyed voice sounds from the other side of the room)
Berit: (impatiently) If we're quite done with all of this sentimental rubbish, can we get down to business?
(Anne stands up weakly at the sound of that voice, and stares in awe at Berit, who is standing up in front of the throne, to the great surprise of the Suzaku Warriors)
Anne: Berit!!! You're...awake!!!
(Berit raises her eyebrows in a disdainful expression)
Berit: Of course I'm awake, no thanks to you.
(At this, all the Byakko Warriors turn towards Berit, shocked, and the Suzaku Warriors just stare in confusion at Berit. Anne simply gapes, then closes her mouth)
Anne: (flabbergasted) Berit, what are you talking about??? The only reason you woke up was-
(Berit holds up her hand impatiently)
Berit: I've already told you that I don't want to hear it. What I want to know is how you are still alive when I explicitly said you should be killed!!!
*************
(The Emperor of Kutou's eyes widen, and he turns his head heavenward)
Emperor: (woman's voice) She has awakened...body and soul. Finally...the time of reckoning has come!!!
(The Emperor closes his eyes, muttering a few words. There is a flash of purple light, and his body is suffused with a dark purple miasma. The miasma slowly bleeds off his body, until he is left without any purple glow around him. His eyes open once, and his body slumps to the ground, lifeless)
*************
(The Byakko Warriors spread out around Anne, almost in a protective semicircle)
Karasuki: Now you just listen here, Berit!!! Anne almost killed herself to save your life a moment ago!!!
(Berit examines her nails with feigned interest, then looks up)
Berit: Oh, really? I suppose that I was "dying", just as she said too.
Amefuri: (nearly exploding) My god, Berit! Listen to yourself!!! You were the closest thing to dead!!!
Berit: Don't be stupid. I got a bit tired, and I slept for a while.
Tamahome: (worried beyond belief) Berit...what's wrong with you?
(Berit turns back to Tamahome, who is watching her with a shocked expression on his face)
Berit: Tama-dear, what's the problem? I'm just-
(Berit stops talking abruptly, and her entire body goes stiff. The Byakko Warriors look on, confused, but the Suzaku Warriors stare in horror at Berit, who is now undergoing what appear to be epileptic seizures)
Anne: Berit!!! Berit!!! What's going on???
(Berit screams, bending over backwards at a hideous angle. Oddly, she does not fall over, but appears to be held up by some invisible force. Her body begins to glow, at first a faint color but then the color deepens into dark purple.)
(Anne stares at Berit in confused terror, an emotion now shared by the Byakko and Suzaku Warriors alike. Berit slowly returns to a standing position, but she seems somehow different; the contours of her face are sharper, and her gaze is piercing. Not to mention the large purple glow that surrounds her body.)
Berit: (in the same deep feminine voice of Kutou's Emperor) Finally...finally!!! (she looks at her hands and then smiles) The body of a Priestess...now, I can exact my just revenge!
Tamahome: Berit...what...
Berit: Idiots. Soon, you shall understand...everything. KAI...JIN!!!
*************
(On her throne, Taiitsu-kun's body stiffens in fright, an expression of pure horror on her face)
Taiitsu-kun: No...it cannot be possible. Senri-E...she could not have...impossible!
(Taiitsu-kun reaches for a mirror, and with a quick flick of her wrist and an extension of her chi she summons up a picture of Berit suffused with the purple aura, causing her to audibly gasp in fear)
*************
(In a candlelit shrine, Mei kneels in front of an alter of a feminine idol. Suddenly, she sits up in confusion)
Mei: That chi...feels like the Divine. But...it surely cannot be.
(Mei reaches into the air, sketching a black square in the air with her chi. After concentrating for a moment, the square shimmers and shows Berit, in all her purple glory. Mei starts in fear, instantly prostrating herself onto the floor)
Mei: She has truly come to this world now...Senri-E...
-
Chris: What...the hell is this???
Luna: If I had to speculate, I'd say that Senri-E has truly come to this world now.
Max: You idiot!!! I could have told you that! What does it mean???
Nick: The better question is to ask what any of this means...are we all inferior lifeforms, struggling against for an unattainable goal of supremacy?
(There is silence for a moment)
Janna: That's it. You're going to the mental institution.
Jeff: (grabbing Nick) All right. Let's go.
Nick: Noooo!!! TOONCES!!!!! Why have you forsaken me???
(The rest of the group watches as Nick is carted off to a mental institute)
Anne: Well, that was fun. In other news, the next episode is called "Mayonaka no chinmoku".
Katherine: Or, "The Silence of Midnight".
AN: Well, wasn't that exhilarating? Have you noticed that the pace of the story has been increasing rapidly for the past several chapters? It's intentional, don't worry. The fever pitch is building to...you guessed it, a climax! Just hold on to your hats, kiddies, cause this story isn't stopping anytime soon!