Les Jeux Mystèrieux: The Mysterious Games
Jeff: Last episode, Berit opened her soul.
Katherine: There wasn't much in there.
Luna: Katherine! Afterwards, Amefuri entered Anne's mind to bring her back to life.
Max: No, seriously.
Chris: Anne woke up, with a serious change of attitude.
Janna: Just when we thought we were out of the woods, Tatara arrived with the bad news.
Nick: Senri-E was no longer in the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho...she had entered the real world!
Anne: The stage is finally set for the final chapter of our story...hold on tight!
Episode 35: Mochitsudzuketai mono (The things I want to hold on to)
(Sitting in her throne room, Taiitsu-kun calmly inhales, waiting to address the waiting Warriors and their Priestesses. The Suzaku and Byakko Warriors anxiously wait for her to begin, but Taiitsu-kun simply sits in her chair. After an eternity, she finally speaks)
Taiitsu-kun: Congratulations on your recovery, Anne.
Anne: (bluntly) Don't we have more important things to talk about?
(Taiitsu-kun raises one eyebrow. At the same time, Karasuki, Toroki and Tokaki nearly fall over)
Tokaki: What did she say???
Anne: (ignoring the boys and addressing Taiitsu-kun) It seems to me that we don't have time for idle chatter.
Tatara: I told you she changed a bit.
Karasuki: A bit??? That's like saying that Taiitsu-kun is just beginning to age!!!
Taiitsu-kun: I heard that.
Anne: Karasuki, please. We don't have much time.
Taiitsu-kun: Anne is correct. About two hours ago, Senri-E's chi disappeared from this world. Only fifteen minutes ago was I able to detect it again; now it is in the world of the Priestesses.
(The Suzaku Warriors gasp, while the Byakko Warriors merely look shocked)
Chichiri: How is that possible??? How can denizens of this world enter that world???
Taiitsu-kun: It has happened before...however, keep in mind that Senri-E is not of this world.
Toroki: Oh...she was born in our world, wasn't she?
Taiitsu-kun: (dismissing the question and addressing the Byakko Warriors) Yes. Now, I do not know if I can safely send you back to your world.
Kokie: What are you talking about??? There's no way we're staying in this world while Senri-E is in ours!
Taiitsu-kun: I told you earlier, I do not want you all involved in this.
Kokie: And I told you earlier, we're already involved!
(Anne raises her hand for silence, stopping the inevitable shouting match)
Anne: With all due respect, Taiitsu-kun, Kokie is right. Not only have we been explicitly involved already, this is our world that she's in. If anything, that makes us more involved.
Karasuki: (aside) I don't know about you, but I like this new Anne.
Tokaki: She's so masculine...no wonder she reminds me of Kokie.
(Taiitsu-kun closes her eyes and sighs)
Berit: Will you stop doing that??? Quit sighing and get to the point!
Nuriko: Amen.
Taiitsu-kun: (opening her eyes) Fine. I have no choice but to send the Byakko Warriors, Berit and Anne back to their world.
Tamahome: Hey...what about us???
Taiitsu-kun: It is enough strain upon reality to transport people between worlds. To transport all of you to a world that you do not belong would have dire consequences.
Tasuki: But...we can't just sit here while that witch goes crazy over there!
Taiitsu-kun: You have no choice, sadly.
Amefuri: All right...but I have one question. How in the world are we supposed to combat Senri-E without our powers?
Taiitsu-kun: (raising both eyebrows) Without your powers? What do you mean by that?
Tatara: Yeah! When we went back to our world after summoning Byakko, we didn't have our powers.
Taiitsu-kun: Did you have any connection to this world?
Tatara: Connection? What sort of connection?
Taiitsu-kun: Did any of you have any belongings that you brought from this world?
Kokie: Nope...Byakko switched all of our clothes.
Taiitsu-kun: That would be it. Unless you have something from this world to anchor your powers, they are unusable.
Anne: If that's the case, then how could I make wishes to Byakko?
Taiitsu-kun: The powers of a Priestess are special, and seem to defy most other laws of magic. As such, you did not need an anchor, and nor would you if you had another wish.
Toroki: All right...but it's going to be slightly awkward to be in our world in these clothes.
Taiitsu-kun: Isn't there something else that you all have that is of this world?
(The Byakko group thinks for a moment)
Subaru: Of course! Those pearls you gave us!
Taiitsu-kun: Those will suffice. Ensure that they maintain contact with your body or your clothes at all times, or your link to this world will be broken.
Berit: All right...I'll make my wish to Suzaku now.
ByakkoSuzaku Warriors: WHAT???
Berit: Well, we have to get home, don't we?
Anne: Don't be stupid. You're not going to use that wish; not now, and not ever. Have you forgotten how we all entered this world?
Tokaki: Um...yeah?
Anne: Taiitsu-kun brought us here. (to Taiitsu-kun) You can send us back, can't you?
Taiitsu-kun: Didn't I say that already?
Berit: Oh...oops.
Anne: Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!
Karasuki: How in the world are you looking forward to this???
Tokaki: Are you sure Kokie isn't acting demure now? Maybe they switched bodies...
Kokie: Why, you...
Amefuri: Nope. Same old Kokie, different Anne.
Tatara: Well, you know...if we're going to head off to our deaths, we should be happy about it!
(Everyone in the room stares at Tatara)
Nuriko: (disbelieving) Do you even think before you speak or does it just come out???
Anne: Look, we're not going to die.
Kokie: So then what is your proposal for dealing with Senri-E?
Anne: (confidently) We'll figure it out when we find her. Don't worry, everything will work out.
Karasuki: We're doomed.
Chiriko: (politely changing the subject) Then...Berit...you're really leaving?
(Berit bites her lip nervously)
Berit: Yeah...I knew this would eventually happen. I...I'm sorry, guys. This just isn't my world.
Tamahome: (barely holding back an emotional outburst) No! You can't leave! I thought...I thought...we...
(Berit closes her eyes and resolutely shakes her head)
Berit: Tamahome...I'm sorry. It would never work out between us.
(Tamahome's eyes widen in pain, and he quickly turns away. Nuriko reaches out to touch his shoulder, but he bats it away half-heartedly)
(Berit opens her eyes cautiously, and stifles a gasp as she sees Tamahome's reaction. Hotohori smiles sadly, and holds out his arms. Berit takes one cautious step forwards, then quickly moves to Hotohori and gives him a huge hug. One by one, Berit gives each of her Warriors a heartfelt goodbye, giving the weeping Tamahome a kiss on the cheek)
Tatara: (wiping his eyes) It's so...beautiful...
Tokaki: I think I'm gonna barf. Can we leave yet?
(Taiitsu-kun coughs once, showing a strange courtesy. Berit swallows once and breaks off hugging Tamahome)
Taiitsu-kun: Is everyone ready?
(Anne nods once with determination, followed by seven nods from the Byakko Stars. Berit blinks once, slowly, and then meekly follows suit)
Taiitsu-kun: All right. Once in your world, I will not be able to aid you; communication between worlds is hard enough, and to directly affect your world is beyond even my powers.
Anne: We'll be ok.
Taiitsu-kun: I hope that you are correct in that assumption...in any case, the rest I leave to you.
(Taiitsu-kun pauses for a moment)
Taiitsu-kun: I must reiterate, once again, that I did not want you involved in this conflict...I only hope that-
(Anne holds up her hand, cutting off Taiitsu-kun in midsentance. Taiitsu-kun raises both eyebrows in surprise)
Anne: We're not going to get into this again. Let me just say this; now that Senri-E's threatening our world...we have no regrets. Right, everyone?
(Anne turns to look at her fellow Warrors. As one, they nod with the same resolve that shines in Anne's eyes)
Berit: (slowly beginning to smirk) All right! Let's do this!
(The Suzaku Warriors smile through their tears, genuinely, as Taiitsu-kun places her index fingers together. The Void aura suffuses her body with its almost ultraviolet glow)
Taiitsu-kun: (eyes closed) You're going back now...I'll take the liberty to change your clothes.
(Anne is about to thank Taiitsu-kun, but that familiar tug grips her stomach and pulls)
Taiitsu-kun: (to Anne, telepathically) [Don't thank me yet; deal with Senri-E and I'll consider us even.]
(Anne smiles as Mt. Taikyoku fades to purple mist, and then to enveloping darkness)
(There is a poofing sound, and nine bodies fall onto the floor with eight loud "thud"s. Slightly fazed, Janna sits up and looks around. The Byakko group and Anne all lie on the floor of Anne's room; Berit lies on Anne's bed)
Janna: Whoa...we're back.
(Janna cautiously stands up, examining herself. She is wearing the same clothes she wore when she entered the book for the second time. The same goes for the rest of the group, with the clear exception of Jeff, who has his various weapons still)
(On the floor, the other members of the group groan and stir. The boys sit up, looking their surroundings over with awe)
Nick: Wow...so this is Anne's room.
Katherine: (sitting up) Hey! You guys shouldn't be in a girl's room!
Max: Blame Taiitsu-kun.
Anne: (standing up) Look, I don't really care. Don't we have a problem to take care of?
Berit: (sitting up) It's like I never left...
(Berit turns her head to look at the clock on Anne's bedside table. When she sees the time, her eyes bug out)
Berit: (frightened tone) Oh no...I distinctly remember reading the book at 1:00.
Chris: (brushing himself off for no apparent reason) Well what time is it now? I think we entered the book at...two something?
Luna: It's past three-o-clock!!! My parents would have been here an hour ago!
(Katherine's eyes widen in fright)
Katherine: Oh god...what happened? They must have gone crazy! We must have entered the book...and just disappeared...for an hour!
Jeff: Well, we guys are all fine...Max's parents probably still think we're at the computer place.
Max: The people there might be slightly freaked out, though...
Janna: My parents are going to kill me...
Anne: We'll deal with all that later. Let's just go downstairs right now.
(Anne resolutely walks out of the door)
Berit: Seriously, Amefuri, what drugs did you give her?
Janna: Amefuri? I'm Janna now...I think. (musing to herself) Is there even a difference?
Nick: Now is not the time for an identity crisis! Come on, let's not get left in Anne's dust!
(The group runs down the stairs after Anne. Anne's Mom sits on the couch, clearly distraught. When she sees Anne, she gasps)
Anne's Mom: Anne! My god, where have you been! We were all so worried...
(When Anne's Mom sees the rest of the people coming down the stairs, her mouth drops open)
Anne's Mom: Wha...what's going on here??? Where did you all come from??? And why is Jeff carrying so many swords???
Anne: Listen, Mom, there's not much time to explain. We need-
(Anne's Mom stands up, in full Parental Intimidation Mode)
Anne's Mom: Now listen here, young lady! I demand an explanation! First of all, what are all these people doing here? Second, where were-
(Anne's Mom is cut off abruptly by a call from the other room)
Jon (Anne's little bother): Mom! Come see this! There's this news bulletin on TV, and apparently this crazy lady is doing all sorts of weird stuff downtown!
(The group looks at each other in horror)
Jeff: Senri-E???
Anne's Mom: (luckily, not hearing Jeff) Anne, we'll talk about this in a moment. This sounds interesting.
(Anne's Mom walks into the other room, quickly followed by the other nine. Jon is sitting on the couch, watching the TV. On the TV is an image of what is unmistakably Senri-E, down to the ribbons and dress)
Berit: Oh god, it is her.
Anne's Mom: It's "her"? Who do you mean by "her"? Just what exactly is going on???
(Anne holds out one hand to silence her Mom)
Anne: Mom, I'm sorry about this. But we need to deal with this problem right now. (turning to Chris) Can you teleport us there? To where she is?
Chris: Yeah, assuming my powers still work...
(Chris attempts to focus his chi. Within a second, his Celestial Symbol illuminates his cheek)
Jon: Whoa! Cool!!!
Chris: Yeah, I can. Shall we go?
Anne's Mom: Go??? None of you are going anywhere!
Berit: We'll explain everything when we get back. Let's go.
Chris: All right. Everybody, make some contact and we'll be off.
(The others touch Chris' shirt and head, ensuring a direct link. Chris clenches his fists, still gloved with the fingerless black gloves. His Celestial Symbol flares into light, and there is a flash of white light, blinding Anne's Mom and Jon momentarily)
(When Anne's Mom and Jon can see again, everyone has disappeared)
Anne's Mom: (completely confused) Wha...wha...
Jon: (completely amazed) SWEEEEET!!!!!!!
(The normally bustling downtown street is currently empty, save the woman in the purple dress standing in the center of the street. The reason is readily apparent; the nearby buildings are in various states of dead, thanks to extensive sonic damage. Senri-E looks with disdain at the police cars assembling around her)
Senri-E: Well, things certainly have changed around here. They didn't have these in my time.
(Several policepeople climb out of the cars, guns pointed at Senri-E)
Policeman 1: Don't move!
(Senri-E raises one eyebrow)
Senri-E: (idly, to herself) My...guns certainly have developed while I was gone. It's a pity that they haven't evolved enough to hurt me.
Policewoman 1: Put your hands up or we'll shoot!
Senri-E: Go ahead; see where it will get you.
(Senri-E opens her mouth, song erupting with the force of a concussion. The sonic shockwave expands outwards, throwing police cars and their drivers into the air only to smash them into the walls of nearby buildings)
Senri-E: (elated after that show of superiority) Well, that was good for a quick rush. I suppose I'd better get down to business rather than continuing to indulge myself.
(Senri-E raises her hand above her head and opens her mouth. Before she can begin to sing, a blast of energy from behind throws her forwards. Senri-E rolls nimbly to her feet, regally pivoting around to face the source of the attack)
(Katherine hovers above the ground, eyes blazing white. Around her cluster the other Byakko Warriors, all braced for battle. Anne and Berit stand before all of them, arms crossed)
Senri-E: Oh, look. It's everyone's favorite nuisances. And they're striking poses too. How quaint.
Anne: Quit bantering, Kyoku. We're getting rid of you before you can cause any more trouble!
(Senri-E raises her eyebrows a slight amount)
Senri-E: (mildly surprised) Oh, so she told you about me? I'm very surprised; I didn't expect her to even go that far. It's too bad you didn't get the full story, or even the truth; Himiko always was quite biased.
Berit: Sorry, but there's not much more story to tell. I can't even fathom what you could tell us to justify what you did.
Senri-E: Always determined, aren't we? It's remarkable how much confidence you and your sister have regained in such a short time. I almost feel bad for what I have to do...almost.
(Anne's lips tighten in annoyance, prompting a smile from Senri-E. Senri-E slowly extends her left hand forwards, causing her ribbons to unfurl and splay out around her body)
Senri-E: It's best that you get this over with; I have important things to do.
Anne: (pointing at Senri-E) The pleasure will be all ours! Everyone, this is it! The moment we've all been waiting for!
(With screams of rage, the Byakko Warriors jump into battle. Chris and Jeff run quickly at Senri-E, flanked by Janna and Nick. Katherine does not even move, but simply raises her hand above her head)
(Katherine's Celestial Symbol blazes white as the air around Senri-E ripples with energy. Senri-E smiles, and jumps backwards as she begins to sing a discordant tune. The purple character on her arm quietly glows as the ripples in the air collapse silently)
(Senri-E has no time to gloat over her parry, for Jeff and Chris begin their attack instantaneously as Senri-E finishes her jump. Jeff steps forwards, staff in hand, swinging the tip at Senri-E's head in a vicious overhand smash as his forehead glows white. Chris lunges at Senri-E's stomach, right fist pulled back in anticipation of the punch, as his cheek glows white)
(An outstretched purple ribbon blocks Jeff's staff, bouncing it backwards and throwing Jeff off-balance. Senri-E reaches out with her right hand to grasp Chris's fist as her song grows more fast-paced and high-pitched. With a simple twist of her wrist, Senri-E viciously twists Chris's whole arm with a sickening crack)
(Chris gasps as he teleports away from Senri-E, reappearing next to Anne, Berit, Luna and Max. Luna gasps when she sees Chris, and immediately kneels next to him and begins the healing process)
(Katherine tries again, her eyes glowing to form more violent ripples above Senri-E's head. Senri-E sighs, and snaps her fingers as her song suddenly drops in pitch. Katherine suddenly drops like a stone, hitting the ground hard. She does not move)
Senri-E: (stopping for a moment to offer mock pity) Tragic, really. I wasn't able to block your powers before due to your high amount of Void chi. Now that I know that, it's a simple matter to stop you from being a nuisance.
(Jeff has no time to look backwards as he quickly reverses his staff's momentum to swing at Senri-E again as she speaks)
(Behind Jeff, Nick grasps his necklace and concentrates, his right hand bursting into pure white light. He pulls off one of the seeds, and throws it at Senri-E's feet)
(Janna raises her hands in front of her body, summoning a ball of white chi. The ball slowly begins to grow as Janna pours more chi into it)
(Senri-E shrieks suddenly, causing Anne, Berit and Max to wince. Jeff gasps as his staff suddenly shatters into shards of wood, some piercing his skin while other fly off into every direction besides that of Senri-E. Jeff screams as Senri-E smacks him with her left arm, sending him flying)
Max: Jeff!!! Jesus...
(Senri-E smirks down at Jeff, who is trying hard to stand up despite the many slivers of wood embedded in his torso and arms. Anne watches in anguish, trying not to go to Jeff)
Senri-E: (pausing her song) See? Boys who play with sticks tend to get hurt.
Nick: You BITCH!!!!
(Nick snaps his fingers, causing a loud bang. Anne and Berit look around in confusion for the source of the sound, but Chris and Luna look instinctively at Senri-E. The seed that Nick threw is rapidly erupting vines, crawling up Senri-E's legs to twine around her body. Senri-E screams in rage, but she cannot immediately dislodge the vines)
Nick: Janna, now!
(Janna raises the ball of energy above her head. While it started out the size of a golf ball, the orb of white energy is now over one foot in diameter. Janna screams as she lets the ball loose to fly towards Senri-E)
(A single note blows the vines off of Senri-E's body, causing a spherical wave of purple energy to spread out from Senri-E's body. The white sphere hits the purple shield, and after a momentary struggle dissipates)
Janna: (winded) No...way...
(A thundering song breaks the silence as Senri-E resumes her singing. Out of the purple shield flies a purple ribbon, streaking away from Senri-E at a blazing speed. Luna gasps as she sees the ribbon's target; the immobile Chris)
(Berit and Anne watch in horror as the ribbon flies at Chris, who is still being healed by Luna. Senri-E smiles in victory)
(There is a crashing sound, and the shattering of glass. Max stands in front of Chris and Luna, Taiitsu-kun's mirror held upright in his hands. The ribbon quivers a bit, embedded in the metal backing of the mirror, as shards of broken glass fall to the floor)
Max: Well, now...you've broken a mirror. That's seven years of bad luck right there.
(Senri-E's eyes widen in astonishment, but she has no time to be surprised, for Jeff and Nick step forwards)
Jeff: (drawing his sai) Looks like your bad luck starts right now...
(Nick holds out his hand, summoning thorny vines and sending them at Senri-E. Jeff jumps forwards, both sai posed to gore Senri-E)
(Senri-E's other ribbon slashes through every single one of Nick's vines, dropping them to the floor. The stumps of the vines rapidly entwine around the ribbon, grabbing it and quickly forming complex knots)
(Jeff's first sai is slapped away by Senri-E's hand, and a quick sforzando in her tune wrenches Jeff's other hand away from her before she can be hurt)
(Max gasps as the ribbon pulls out of what remains of his mirror to fly at Janna, who is not paying attention to the ribbon)
Max: Janna!!! WATCH OUT!!!
(Janna turns in fear, to see a purple ribbon flying at her. With a quick hand movement, she throws up a white shield of energy)
(The ribbon hits the shield with a clang, but it continues to push forwards, attempting to crack Janna's shield and resolve in one blow)
(Janna grits her teeth as she pushes forwards with all her will, summoning all the chi in her body to repel the ribbon)
(Nick steps backwards as he pulls with the vines, essentially pulling the ribbon forwards. With a swing of his vines, he attempts to send the ribbon flying)
(Senri-E punches viciously at Jeff's face, sending blood spurting out of his nose and once again sending him flying)
(The ribbon, unfortunately, does not want to be controlled, and with a metallic ring it cuts through all of Nick's vines)
(There are two screams, at the same instant, as Nick and Janna are both impaled with ribbons. Anne gasps as the two fall backwards, blood pouring from where the ribbon is imbedded)
(Senri-E stops her song, appraising her fallen opponents)
Senri-E: (gloating) Well, Anne, I hope you had fun watching me tear apart your Warriors.
(Chris growls, and disappears from next to Luna)
Luna: Oh, no! Chris!!!
(Chris reappears above Senri-E's head, leg poised to flatten her head. Senri-E looks up, grins and belts out one range-busting note, the highest any of the group has heard her sing. There is a colossal concussion, and Chris's body falls to the ground several feet away from Senri-E with a sickening crack)
(Luna looks at Chris's body in horror. His back seems bent at an unnatural angle, and his nose, ears and mouth are all bleeding)
Berit: (shocked) Oh my god...
(Even Anne struggles not to scream at the sight of her friends, who are each in a similarly bad way)
Senri-E: Haven't you realized yet? Your Warriors can't defeat me. You yourself are powerless. I would have thought you of all people would have learned something from your long series of mistakes.
(Anne's eyes harden with resolve, and she stands up a little straighter)
Anne: I have learned from my mistakes. I've learned not to let them bring me down!
(Senri-E raises one eyebrow)
Senri-E: (interested) Fine, you can believe that if you want. Unfortunately, that resolution won't solve this predicament you seem to be in.
(Anne does not react, but says nothing)
Senri-E: (sensing victory) You can say that you're not going to let your mistakes in the past bring you down, but it won't help you if you don't have a plan of action in the present. Right now, you have no plan.
Anne: (calmly) I'm not going to be pulled down by your words, Senri-E. You have no rationale for coming back to this world, nor for spreading destruction and chaos. In fact, you had no rationale for starting either of Kutou's wars or for trying to kill us.
(Senri-E's eyes harden, and when she speaks her voice is filled with anger)
Senri-E: (with simmering anger) Do not speak of what you do not understand. You are a young, naïve girl, who knows nothing of what I have endured. You have no place to question me, who has suffered far more than you have or ever will!
Anne: (not breaking her serene state) And does the fact that you have suffered give you the freedom to inflict pain upon others?
(Senri-E's eyes blaze, and she raises her hand above her head in rage. With a scream, the two ribbons pull out of Nick and Janna's bodies. Berit gasps as Senri-E's scream intensifies, sending the ribbons flying at Anne's body)
(Anne does not flinch as the ribbons fly at her. All of the Warriors stare at Anne in horror)
Luna: ANNNE!!!!!
(Surprisingly, the ribbons do not stab through Anne's chest. Instead, they wind themselves around Anne's neck and lift upwards, creating a morbid noose. Anne grits her teeth and pulls at the ribbons, trying to dislodge them)
Senri-E: (enraged) You see??? You see??? You are powerless! Powerless!!! I could kill you right now, and then I'd be the ruler of this world!!! The rightful ruler!!!
Berit: Anne!!! Oh god...I have to make my wish!
(Anne's eyes widen as her resolve breaks)
Anne: (struggling to breathe) Berit, don't!
Berit: It's the only way!
Anne: (wincing as the ribbons begin to cut into her neck) No...Katherine...your gift!!!
(Katherine moves a bit, trying to levitate into the air. Unfortunately, her power is still blocked, so she cannot move. She reaches into her pocket)
Senri-E: Now what is she trying to do? I hope you know it won't work...
(Katherine spits at Senri-E defiantly as she flicks her wrist, throwing something at Senri-E. There is a sound of paper hitting skin, and Senri-E stares at her stomach, where Taiitsu-kun's Void Seal now sits. Senri-E stares in disbelief, until she bursts out laughing)
Senri-E: You idiots...you IDIOTS!!! Trying to use a Void Seal on me...didn't you learn anything from the Deity's Swords??? Void relics can't affect me!
(Katherine stares in horror as Senri-E picks up the Void Seal and throws it to the ground)
Max: We...we're doomed...
(Anne continues to struggle in the air, still held up by the ribbons that slowly choke her. Berit screws her eyes shut, and then slowly reopens them. On her forehead appears the red symbol for "King")
Berit: I'm sorry, Anne...there is no other way. KAI-
(Senri-E's eyes widen as Berit begins to speak the summoning word. All at once, her body and the ribbons disappate into purple mist, sending Anne falling to the ground as air rushes into her lungs. Berit's eyes widen as the mist once again flies into her body, attempting to take control as it did the last time)
Anne: Oh, my god...BERIT!!!!
(Berit stands in an endless, flat plain. There are a few trees here and there, and their leaves are vibrant red, the color of maple trees in the height of fall. Berit looks around in surprise)
Berit: This is...my mind? Why am I here???
(Suddenly, the blue sky above her is covered with ominous, purple clouds. A wind whips up, blowing Berit's hair into her face)
Berit: Oh, no...Senri-E!!!
Senri-E: (disembodied voice that seems to come from everywhere at once, and yet is still furious) YOU FOOL!!! YOU DARE TO DEFY ME FOR THE SECOND TIME!!!! I WILL MAKE YOU PAY BY STEALING YOUR WISH FOR THE SECOND TIME!!!!
(Anne tries to stand up, but cannot. Berit's body stiffens as her eyes clench shut tightly)
Anne: Berit...don't give up, Berit!!! Fight!!! Don't let her take control of your mind!!!
(Berit hears Anne's voice as Senri-E's mind begins to press against hers. The clouds above her build as Berit's mind begins to give way)
Berit: No...I won't let her beat me again... I WON'T GIVE UP!!!!
(Berit grimaces as she pushes back at Senri-E with all of her will. Senri-E's mental attack is pushed back slightly, but she is still gaining access to Berit's mind)
Berit: I...have to make the wish...right now...KAI...JIN!!!!
(As Berit mentally speaks the words, Senri-E's mind tightens around her mind like a vice)
(Berit gasps as Senri-E's mind completely enters hers. The images of Senri-E's memory blaze past her, and the snatches she catches make her want to scream. Suddenly, the wish takes effect and Berit's mindscape disappears in a flash of red light)
(Within a heartbeat, Berit stands in an ocean of fire. In front of her stands the beautiful god Suzaku)
Suzaku: Thou hast called upon me for the final time. What dost thou wish for?
(Berit's eyes widen as Senri-E, inside her mind, attempts to force words out of her mouth)
Berit: NO!!! I WON'T LET YOU WIN!!! (forcing each word out) I...wish...for...the...destruction...of...Sen...
(A savage blow to her mind stops Berit from finishing her sentence and causes her to mentally scream. Senri-E once again tries to impose her will upon Berit, and this time, Berit has become too tired to pit her will against her)
Berit: I...can't fight any more...I can't wish for her destruction...but I can't give up...I can't...
(With one final mental push, Berit forces Senri-E away from her mind)
(Luna gasps as Berit's body is engulfed by fire. As her clothes burn away, she smiles once before she disappears in a flash of red light)
Luna: BERIT!!!!!
(Senri-E laughs, a high, keening sound that grates against all of the Byakko Warriors' eardrums)
Senri-E: (laughing) What a weakling...she couldn't stop me from making my wish!!! Now, I truly am the ruler of this world!!!
Max: No...Berit didn't...
Senri-E: Imbeciles!!! Now you will witness-
(Senri-E's mouth drops open as she sees Anne stand up, slowly. Anne has her eyes closed, and she has one arm raised above her head. On that arm is the bracelet that Taiitsu-kun gave her; it is glowing a fierce purple)
Senri-E: (in disbelief) No...it can't be!!! It's not possible!!!!
(Senri-E shrieks again, in a desperate attempt to hurt Anne somehow. But a sudden, dark purple aura springs up around Anne, dispelling whatever malevolent attack Senri-E had planned)
Max: Anne???
(Anne's eyes open, and they are blazing purple. The Byakko Warriors stare in confusion at Anne; only Senri-E seems to understand what is going on)
Anne: (in a deep, almost masculine voice that sounds mysteriously like an incantation) "The fifth palace of heaven..."
(On Anne's left foot shines two glowing purple symbols. They are the characters for "Crown Prince")
Anne: "The fifth direction of the earth..."
(Anne's right thigh glows next, this time with the purple symbol for "Emperor")
Anne: "With deep faith, virtue and truth..."
(Two purple symbols shine through Anne's clothes on her right hip. They form "Illegitimate Son")
Anne: "The Endless Void, creator of the world, grant us our wishes. Now, I speak these words."
(Two purple symbols shine on the right side of her neck. They are "seraglio")
Anne: "The six constellations are revealed from earth to the heavens, from all life that began with you."
(The symbol for "pole", or "Kyoku", appears on Anne's arm, causing everyone to gasp)
Nick: She...no way...
Anne: "I only wish you heed this..."
(Two symbols appear on Anne's right cheek. They are "Four Horsemen")
Anne: "Come from your exile and honor us with your presence!!!!"
(With the final line of the incantation, the bracelet around Anne's wrist flares into incandescent purple light, followed purple aura around Anne's body, which explodes into a conflagration of purple. The Byakko Warriors have to hide their eyes as the purple engulfs their vision)
(In Anne's house, her mother faints onto the couch. Jon is glued to the TV, even as the camera breaks and becomes static)
Jon: SWEEEEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Anne opens her eyes, slowly. When she sees where she is, she fully opens her eyes and looks around in confusion. She is floating in what appears to be an endless sea of mixed purple colors, mixing in a surreal mélange of a single hue)
Anne: Wha...where is this place?
Thou hast called upon me?
(Anne jumps, or does the equivalent, as the voice comes from everywhere and nowhere at once. It is very deep yet completely androgynous at the same time, and it does not sound hostile in the least)
Anne: (slowly understanding) Are you...the Void?
That name has been given to me in times ancient. Thou mayest call me so if thou wish it so.
Anne: Then, this is where you are? Outside of the Universe of the Four Gods?
I affirm thy hypothesis.Anne: So...I can make my three wishes now?
I regret most bitterly, but thou mayest not wish thrice. Mine power has only a limited effect outside of mine sanctuary.
Anne: Then...two wishes?
It is only within mine power to grant one of thy wishes.
(Anne's mind whirls, trying to think of what one wish she can make)
Anne: Oh no...one wish only??? I need to get rid of Senri-E...but I also need to get Berit back! And then there's all the damage Senri-E has caused, not to mention the strange memories I'm sure my Mom has... One wish...
Thou needest must make haste. Our contract grows to a close.
(Anne's mind suddenly arrives at something. Initially, she dismisses it as an idle thought, but it begins to grow on her the more she thinks about it)
Anne: Wait...your power is nearly limitless, right?
Correct. However, mine power only can affect mine sanctuary unless aided by a Priestess such as yourself.
Anne: Then...I know my wish.
Thou needest not utter the word of power.
Anne: Oh, all right...then this is my wish. I wish that you, the Void, end your exile and return to the world that needs you!
(Around her, the purple mist seems to turn white for a brief instant)
Your wish...is mine command.
(The purple glow fades, leaving Anne lying on the ground, seemingly unharmed. Max and Luna stare at her for a moment in shocked silence)
KYOKU.
(The Byakko Warriors look up in surprise as the voice seems to resonate within all of them. Nowhere is the source of the voice visible, but Senri-E has fallen to her knees and is trembling all over)
Senri-E: (terrified) No...no...
KYOKU! Thou hast betrayed me again!
Chris: Where the hell is that voice coming from???
Anne: It's the Void...
(The Byakko Warriors look away from Senri-E to Anne, who is sitting peacefully on the ground)
Jeff: The Void???? You mean...the fifth god???
Anne: Shhh. I think everything's going to get better now.
Senri-E: No! It...it was you who betrayed me! I...I...
Do not trifle with me, Kyoku. Thou knowest well why thou deservest punishment!
Senri-E: (wailing now) Please!!! Please forgive me!!! It was a mistake, it was all a mistake!!! Please!!!
The time for forgiveness has passed. I shall be merciful to thee, for this girl wishes it.
(Senri-E stares in horrified confusion at Anne. Anne simply nods once, sadly, surprising the Byakko Warriors as much as Senri-E)
Katherine: What??? She wishes it???
Kyoku...now, finally, thou wilt know peace.
(A purple aura surrounds Senri-E, much to her surprise. She screams as the purple begins to devour her body bit by bit, swallowing it up into the same purple glow. As her body disappears, the purple glow shrinks until it disappears as well)
Anne, thou hast freed me from mine sanctuary. Nay, from mine prison.
(Anne looks up at the blue sky with a sad smile)
I know what thou wishest, and it shall be mine pleasure to grant it.
(Above the Byakko Warriors and Anne, a red sphere appears. It floats downwards to the ground, much to Anne's astonishment. Slowly, the red color fades to reveal none other than Berit)
Anne: (happily shocked) B...Berit!!!
Now, Anne...finally, it is finished.
(The street around the group shimmers a bit, and returns to its normal, not destroyed, state. The wounds of the Byakko Warriors slowly disappear, and Berit opens her eyes. Anne stares upwards, as if to catch a glimpse of the Void)
(Suddenly, behind her sounds a familiar voice)
Taiitsu-kun: Anne!
(Anne stands up quickly, turning around to face the familiar voice. Hovering in the air is Taiitsu-kun, looking immensely happy. The mouths of the Byakko Warriors drop again)
Chris: (terrified) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Taiitsu-kun: (ignoring Chris) Congratulations, Anne. I'm very proud of you.
Anne: Er...hi? How are you here???
Taiitsu-kun: I'm not; it's just a projection.
Anne: Oh. Sorry.
Taiitsu-kun: (continuing where she left off) It's taken so many Priestesses, over so many years, but finally the cycle can be broken.
Anne: Cycle? What cycle?
Taiitsu-kun: The cycle of Priestesses, of course! You are the one who has accomplished the task for which the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho exists!
Anne: You mean...summoning the Void?
Taiitsu-kun: Not summoning, Anne; freeing! The only way the Void could be freed from its self-imposed exile was to use its own power through a Priestess. Unfortunately, you were the second Priestess of the Void, so none before you could have done it.
Nick: Priestess of the Void???
(At this, Berit sits up. She is miraculously clothed and healthy-looking)
Berit: Yes...it was my final wish. I couldn't wish for Senri-E's destruction, but I could wish for Anne to become the Priestess of the Void.
Taiitsu-kun: And it was the correct wish! Now, both worlds will go back to normal; no one in this world will remember anything about Senri-E, and my world will slowly make the transition of acceptance of the Void.
(Taiitsu-kun pauses for a moment)
Taiitsu-kun: And thus, it is done. Before I end the cycle completely, I have one question for you. The Void said that you wanted it to show Senri-E mercy. Is this true?
(Anne nods once, slowly)
Anne: I...I don't really know. I guess...I don't really think, deep down inside, that she was a bad person. She just did horribly, horribly wrong things.
Berit: I agree...I saw some of her memories, when she entered my mind while I was making my last wish...they were horrible. I think I understand her...a bit.
(Taiitsu-kun bows her head)
Taiitsu-kun: That's a very noble thing of you to do, Anne. Although she used to be my friend...I do not know if I could have done what you did.
(Taiitsu-kun looks up, her face brightening)
Taiitsu-kun: Finally, the time has come. The cycle will end now, with the destruction of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho!
(All nine pairs of eyes widen at Taiitsu-kun's declaration)
Berit: Wait...what???
Taiitsu-kun: Not the Universe I live in now...just the book in your world. My world no longer needs Priestesses from your world. The system of the Priestesses was flawed to begin with; although it was the only way to free the Void, it let the people of my world pass their problems onto another, innocent soul. You see, the people of my world need to learn to solve their own problems, without the intervention of a Priestess.
(Anne closes her eyes, and then shakes her head once)
Taiitsu-kun: (confused) What?
Anne: (eyes still closed) I'm sorry...I don't want you to do that.
Katherine: Wh...why not??? You could destroy the book! Just think how much pain that might save some other girl in the future!
Anne: You're right...but, all the same, I don't want the book destroyed.
(Anne slowly opens her eyes)
Anne: You see...I've learned so much from my time in the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. Although at times, it was painful...I wouldn't want to deprive someone else of the experiences I've had. I think the pain was worth it, in some way.
(Taiitsu-kun takes a moment to process this information, but she slowly nods)
Taiitsu-kun: I understand what you're saying...and although I do not quite agree, I will abide by your wishes. It is possible that you are right.
(Taiitsu-kun closes her eyes and places her hands together, index fingers raised to touch at the fingertips. She concentrates mightily, and her aura flares up to the colossal proportions. The Byakko Warriors feel something disappear from their pockets, and suddenly, as if with a gust of wind, their grips upon their chi fade)
(Taiitsu-kun opens her eyes. She appears much more weary than she did a moment ago)
Taiitsu-kun: I have taken your pearls back...with that, your connection to my world is forever severed.
(Anne looks at her wrist, where the bracelet still sits)
Anne: But...
Taiitsu-kun: The bracelet I will let you keep. Consider it a souvenir; it will never be needed again.
(Taiitsu-kun's image flickers once)
Taiitsu-kun: (bemused) I'm surprised...that took more out of me than I would have thought. I must be getting old. In any case, I must cease this projection...it is finally done.
(Taiitsu-kun image flickers another time, and then completely disappears. Anne stares at the spot where her image used to be for a long moment)
(A quiet house, on a quieter street. The mailbox outside it says "Anne's Family's Mailbox")
(Suddenly, the quiet is shattered by a ring of a phone and the pitter-patter of steps on the stairs. Inside the house, Jon answers the phone)
Jon: (into the phone) Hello? Jon speaking. Anne? One moment, I'll check.
(Anne storms through the kitchen door)
Anne: (beyond annoyed) Jon, give me the phone!
Jon: (into the phone) Oh, dear. I believe that she's indisposed at the moment. Can I take a message?
Anne: JOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
Jon: (a bit frightened) Ah, excuse me, she seems to have revived. Here she is.
(Jon hands Anne the phone and runs at top speed out of the kitchen. Anne bites her lip and puts the phone to her ear)
Anne: Jeez...hello?
Katherine: Hi, Anne!
Anne: (relaxing a bit) Oh, hi Katherine. What's up?
Katherine: (amused) Oh, not much. It's a beautiful day, and I thought it would be nice if we got everyone together and did something fun!
Anne: (a bit skeptical from Katherine's tone) That sounds good...what did you have in mind?
Katherine: (growing more and more amused) Well, there's supposed to be a great exhibit at the Institute of Art on Ancient Japanese art...
(Anne blinks a few times)
Anne: You're kidding me.
(On the other end of the phone, Katherine bursts out laughing)
Katherine: I am, I am! Don't worry! I thought we'd go to something simple and harmless, like a movie instead!
(Anne exhales after holding her breath)
Anne: Oh...for a moment there, I thought...
(Anne looks at her wrist, where lies a beautiful amethyst-studded bracelet)
Anne: I think...I think that would be just wonderful.
FIN
AN: My god. It's finally done. It's been almost one year since the birth of this story as a fleeting idea in my crazy mind; 11 months and two days, if I remember correctly (I don't remember the exact date so anally of course; the inception happened at a specific event with several of my friends). It's been quite the whirlwind, but before I go into nostalgia, first some notes on the content of this chapter.
Avid readers of LJM will have noticed in particular three things, all of which occurred during Anne's summoning of the Void. First, the symbols for the Void Warriors. The positions on Anne's body, I made up. The meanings, I DID NOT MAKE UP. Well, perhaps except for one.
Using my handy-handy star chart (which gave me all the names of the Tenkyoku seishi I used earlier in the story), I was able to find low-quality pictures of the characters used in the Void Warrior's symbols. By looking them up, I found that they had several, some surprising meanings. Only two merit discussion; "seraglio" and "Four Horseman". The characters Koukyuu (in this case, mind you) make up an idea that does not occur exactly in Western culture. A Koukyuu was a sort of inner palace in imperial times, reserved only for women. As such, the only parallel term in our language is harem, or seraglio. Koukyuu does not have the extra baggage that harem or seraglio have! The idea just does not exist in a one-word description.
And for "Four Horsemen"...I admit I stretched it a bit. The characters for "Shiho" were difficult. The first, "shi", was obviously "four". But "ho" was perplexing. Not only could I not really make it out at first, what I assume to be its correct meaning was referring to Alcor, the Little Horseman star (did I mention all this kanji stuff comes from WWWJDIC? Well it does. And it's an amazing dictionary. OK props over). I had never heard of Alcor, and some research gave me nothing to work with. So I was forced to translate "Shiho" as "Four Horsemen". I suppose it worked out well, because of the Biblical connotation of "Four Horsemen"...I guess. Maybe. You guys won't tell anyone, I hope?
The next thing was the incantation Anne used. It differs in several subtle ways from the real incantation in Chapter 20. Look back and see how it's different; I think it's interesting. The final thing was how the Void spoke. It's interesting to me how the format of a story can affect the reader's perception of the story, especially when the format is broken. I hoped the Void had the intended effect on you readers as I thought it would; I'd like to hear any comments you have.
One more thing; I promised to reveal how the chapters were named. Any student of Japanese will instantly know the pattern; it's the Japanese alphabet! If you want to know how long this story was originally supposed to be (in chapters), look up the chart on Japanese syllables, take out wa/wo/n and add up the syllables.
And now, finally. It's over. Obviously, I'm sad to see LJM go, but I will be moving on almost immediately. As soon as this chapter goes live on , something new will appear on It's a prequel to my next story, which will be neither fanfiction or in script-format. Check it out; it's called Reflections.
Before I leave, I have to give props where props are due. First, to all my friends that inspired the various characters and some of the events in this story. Second, to the many sites on the internet that gave me enough background to write this story. WWWJDIC, an FY Mythology page (it's on sempai . org / felicia / myth . html without the spaces) that gave me the star chart which provided most of the ideas for the plot, the super Ssu Ling site (From onmarkproductions ; you might know Ssu Ling by their Japanese name; Shi Jin), and the various Zodiacal and Blood Type (Typical?) sites I used for Chapter 21. Third, a huge bow to Watase Yuu-sama; without her, FY and hence this fanfic would not exist. And finally, many hugs and kisses to you readers who have taken the time to read this story. Thank you to everyone, and goodnight!
P.S. LJM may be finished, but it's certainly not done. Stay tuned for more goodies to come; I'm thinking one, maybe two joke episodes (OAV's?) and perhaps a full revision of the whole story from start to finish.