Disclaimer: See Chapters 1-9.
Thanks to. . .
Otaku Pitcher: It was a little longer, I suppose. Glad I made you happy! (Just don't get too used it the longer chapters. I try my best but sometimes they have to be short.) I'm glad that you're proud of me. Sometimes it's fun to leave off in awkward places. But I'll try to get better at not doing it so much.
miLady: Close, oh so close! Nakago never really makes a real appearance, though Yume does report to him on several occasions. Nakago isn't that bad of a person though I give him a hard time in this story. Tasuki's my favorite too. (If you haven't figured that out yet.)
Author's Note: Well here's chapter 12! I'm glad you liked that last chapter and sorry it took a while to get this chapter up. I've been busy. Yea. . .uh. . .not that many of you care. I don't have much else to say so sit back and enjoy the chapter. That sounded weird. . .
'. . .' represent Yume's thoughts (or those strange voices in her head. . .)
Chapter 12: The Last Night!
Shiriko and I wandered aimlessly through the palace. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go or even where we'd end up. Eventually, we found ourselves at the shrine where I was taken earlier. I walked in and looked at the center statue; a beautiful golden phoenix trapped in a pose that made it seem like it was frozen in time. "That's Suzaku, the guardian deity of the Konan Empire," a distinguished yet kind voice from behind me informed me.
"It's an impressive statue. Very realistic," I replied, turning around. "What brings you here, your highness?" I asked. 'Of course the emperor would just appear behind me. They always seem to do that. These "celestial warriors" give me the creeps sometimes.'
"I came to pray for the safety and success of your upcoming journey. I know not how you will assist them on their voyage but I wish you safety and success as well," he answered.
"Thanks, Hotohori. That is very nice of you, I think. Can you keep a secret?" I asked. I was in a weird mood at the moment and it reflected in the way I handled this conversation. He gave me a curious look but nodded. "I don't know how I'm going to help them, either. As far as I know, I'm nothing but a normal girl on my world. Sure, I come here and everyone thinks I'm something special, but I know I'm not. I don't know what to do," I admitted. Maybe my confusion clouded my judgment because in normal circumstances, I would never tell that to him. I might tell it to Chichiri. Well. . . maybe, but certainly not the emperor.
"I understand. I felt similarly when I first became emperor. Just try your best. I'm sure you'll discover your purpose and skills soon enough. I have faith in you. You wouldn't have been brought here if you didn't have a purpose."
I was touched by his faith in me; someone he really didn't know. "Yea, I guess so. I have to go now. Nice talking to you!" I raced off and Shiriko followed me. 'I wouldn't have been brought here if I didn't have a purpose? Too bad that purpose is going to end up causing a lot of tears. Why do these stupid Suzaku warriors have to be so nice? Why can't they be mean to me like Nakago so I won't feel guilty about being a spy? Damn conscious. Who needs it?' "Come on, boy. Let's go keep a promise."
I wasn't sure which room was his but luckily for me, he was in the hall that I was speeding through. "Hey Yume. What's the rush?" he asked.
I stopped suddenly and whirled around. Shiriko followed as best he could but these floors weren't so good for stopping suddenly. Shiriko slid into me causing me to slide into Tamahome. "These floors aren't good for stopping suddenly are they?" I mumbled. It took me a minute, but I realized that it was Tamahome I slid into, not the wall. "Oh Tamahome! Great! Just the person I wanted to see! I talked to Miaka a few minutes ago and I know what's wrong!"
He looked extremely happy for a guy who was just smacked into by someone who until just recently he disliked. "We better not talk about it here. I don't want anyone to know about Miaka's and my problems." We went to a secluded gazebo in the garden. "So what's wrong? Does she hate me?" He looked so worried and hopeful at the same time that I had to change part of what she told me. I wouldn't be the one to break his heart. 'You're getting attached. . .' my mind warned.
"No nothing like that. Taiitsu-kun told her that her body needs to be 'pure' until she summons Suzaku. She can't be 'touched' until she does. As far as I know, she still loves you or whatever so don't get all upset. Ask her about it yourself, though. She might not have told me everything," I answered.
"I'll ask her about it tonight. Thanks a lot, Yume."
"Don't mention it, Tamahome." He left looking very relieved. 'Sometimes, I think I'm too nice to these people.' "Come on, Shiriko. Let's go eat something quick and then head back to our room."
Dinner was just being served as I got there. Only Miaka, Hotohori were there besides me. Everyone else was being "summoned." "Can we eat now?" Miaka asked, her mouth watering.
"Sure. . ." Hotohori answered, giving her a sweat drop look. The words were barely out of his mouth when Miaka started her onslaught on the food. 'She eats like she's never eaten before,' I noted.
I grabbed some food I thought I recognized and started eating as well. I sneaked some meat to Shiriko and finished what I had on my plate. The others would be here soon and it would be harder for me to get away with everyone here. "I'm done so I'm going up to my room to rest," I announced. I was dismissed without question from Miaka and a quick nod from the emperor. Just as the door closed I heard the others arrive.
"Starting without us, I see," I heard Tamahome joke.
"Where's Yume?" Tasuki asked.
"She already ate. She asked to be excused to her room to rest," Hotohori answered. 'I better get out of here before they decide to look for me!' I thought as I hurried away from the dining room.
Shiriko and I made it safely back to our room without confrontation. 'I better do this fast.' I grabbed the bead from my bag and walked into the little closet. I pushed the button and the screen appeared, just like before. "Hello again, Yume. I do enjoy these rare encounters," Nakago greeted. "Excellent timing by the way. I trust you have something important to tell me this time?"
I nodded. "Very important. It seems the group is going on a little journey in search of something and I am to go with them," I informed him.
"That is very good to hear." He almost looked impressed.
"Nakago! Who are you talking to? One minute I'm talking to you and the next you're hurrying off to your room talking to yourself! Is that anyway to treat your Priestess?" a bitchy female voice from somewhere near Nakago yelled. 'I should have known that they would have an obnoxious priestess here, too.'
"Lady Yui. I'm very sorry. I got a report from the spy I told you about. You know, the one from your world. I was talking to her," he told the other girl. The face of a girl with short dirty blond hair appeared next to him. She dressed in a shirt and skirt that looked suspiciously like Miaka's.
"Is that so? I want to talk to her!" the girl, Yui, declared.
"Just a moment, Priestess." He turned back to me. "Yume, there's someone I'd like you to meet. This is Lady Yui, the Priestess of Seiryuu." The girl took the bead.
"Uh, hi Yui," I said.
"You're from my world? You don't look like it. You don't even look Japanese," she replied, unimpressed. I suddenly liked Miaka a lot and almost felt sorry for Nakago. Almost. This girl was a bitch!
"That's because I'm not Japanese, I just have a Japanese name. I'm American and the only reason I'm dressed like this is because Miaka took me out to town and I had to try and fit in. Normally I wouldn't be caught dead in a dress," I replied as calmly as I could. I really wanted to slap her.
"Why would Miaka take you out somewhere?" she asked. She almost looked hurt. Nakago, hiding in the background, looked like he wanted to bang his head against a wall a few times.
"Just to do something. We were bored and she wanted to show me around. Why do you care?"
"I don't. I was just curious." 'Sure. . .' "So you're from America?" she asked, changing the subject.
I wasn't going to go for it. I've had my fair share of talking to her for now. "Yea, but I can't really talk long. No telling when they'll be back. Nice meeting you. Tell Nakago I said bye." I closed the connection, put the bead away and laid down on my bed. It felt so nice just to relax for once. I sighed. As much as I liked to relax, it got kind of boring after a while.
I got up and paced my room. Shiriko looked up at me and sighed. I stopped pacing and got out a notebook. I started recording everything that had happened since I got here. That way, if I woke up at home I would be able to tell if it actually happened or if it was all a dream. Once I finished that, I pulled out my CD player and changed it to one that I could dance to. I had a lot of excess energy and I needed to use it. I changed into the pajamas Miaka gave me, put the headphones on and pushed "play." Some DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) music I burned came on.
I started dancing. I had several ways to relieve stress and dancing was one of them. It worked best when I was full of energy and upset. I only did this when I was alone. If my family knew that I liked to dance around in my pajamas, well, let's just say that I'd never live that one down. When I did actually dance, I liked to try and forget everything but the music. The room really wasn't big enough to go all out but I did my best. The first song ended and I took a quick break. This wasn't a CD I listened to much; it was one of those that you have but only listen to on rare occasions when you crave something different. I ended my break and started dancing again. I became so absorbed in the music that I didn't even notice when the door opened. Had Shiriko not noticed and got in my way while I was dancing, I would have just kept going. "Shiriko! What's the big idea getting in my way? You know better than that!" I exclaimed after tripping over my pet. I paused my CD player to yell at him. "Now I have to restart the song. . .Ugh! You can be such a pain sometimes!" He didn't respond like he normally did. Instead, he just looked at the door. I glanced over and saw an amused Tasuki leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. He was smirking contently. I blushed crimson. "What the hell do you think you're doing just walking into my room like this?" I exclaimed, completely mortified. 'How much did he see? I did do some jumping and my loose shirt rose up quite a bit. Damn him and damn the horse that brought him!'
"I knocked but you didn't answer. I heard banging and voices I couldn't understand. I thought something happened to you," he answered. He was still smirking and his little fangs were just visible. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't stay mad at him. Wait, I could and I would.
"Like you really care what happens to me! What's your excuse for coming here in the first place?"
"You weren't at dinner. I wanted to make sure that everything was ok." He was really annoying me. He doesn't really care what happens to me, does he?
"I had finished eating already," I told him roughly.
"I was told you were resting." He gave me a strange look, like he thought he caught me doing something I wasn't supposed to be doing.
"So you came up here even though you thought I was resting? What were you planning to do once you got here?" I asked him giving him a quizzical look.
"Uh. . .talk to you?" he answered hesitantly. "Well, now that I know that you're alright, I think I'll go to bed. Gotta rest up for the trip tomorrow."
"Uh-huh. Bye Tasuki." He left and I put my CD player and everything else I took out away. I was guessing we had to get up early but I didn't want to go to sleep. I laid down on my bed and thought about everything. My last thought was of Tasuki. . . Why did he really care where I was at dinner? I smiled to myself thinking about the way he tried to cover for himself. I loved being able to turn things around on people. With that in mind, I allowed myself to slip off to a nice. . . peaceful sleep. . .
Author's Note:
Tasuki: I was just going to talk to her. Honest.
Smack: Ha ha ha. Yea right. Sure ye were.
Tasuki: ::grumbling:: Stupid jerky author.
Smack: Come on Tasuki. You know you love me. Well, here's next chapters quote. (If I can find one. . .)
I heard a rather disgusting sound, like someone puking. "Yea, that's real clean," I yelled on impulse.
The noise stopped for a second. "It's not like I can help it. You think I wanna puke my brains out?" The noise resumed.
Smack: Guess that will have to do. It was nice and long and probably the best quote I can find from the chapter. Just a warning, the next chapter will probably be a little shorter than usual so don't expect much, ok?
Thanks to. . .
Otaku Pitcher: It was a little longer, I suppose. Glad I made you happy! (Just don't get too used it the longer chapters. I try my best but sometimes they have to be short.) I'm glad that you're proud of me. Sometimes it's fun to leave off in awkward places. But I'll try to get better at not doing it so much.
miLady: Close, oh so close! Nakago never really makes a real appearance, though Yume does report to him on several occasions. Nakago isn't that bad of a person though I give him a hard time in this story. Tasuki's my favorite too. (If you haven't figured that out yet.)
Author's Note: Well here's chapter 12! I'm glad you liked that last chapter and sorry it took a while to get this chapter up. I've been busy. Yea. . .uh. . .not that many of you care. I don't have much else to say so sit back and enjoy the chapter. That sounded weird. . .
'. . .' represent Yume's thoughts (or those strange voices in her head. . .)
Chapter 12: The Last Night!
Shiriko and I wandered aimlessly through the palace. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go or even where we'd end up. Eventually, we found ourselves at the shrine where I was taken earlier. I walked in and looked at the center statue; a beautiful golden phoenix trapped in a pose that made it seem like it was frozen in time. "That's Suzaku, the guardian deity of the Konan Empire," a distinguished yet kind voice from behind me informed me.
"It's an impressive statue. Very realistic," I replied, turning around. "What brings you here, your highness?" I asked. 'Of course the emperor would just appear behind me. They always seem to do that. These "celestial warriors" give me the creeps sometimes.'
"I came to pray for the safety and success of your upcoming journey. I know not how you will assist them on their voyage but I wish you safety and success as well," he answered.
"Thanks, Hotohori. That is very nice of you, I think. Can you keep a secret?" I asked. I was in a weird mood at the moment and it reflected in the way I handled this conversation. He gave me a curious look but nodded. "I don't know how I'm going to help them, either. As far as I know, I'm nothing but a normal girl on my world. Sure, I come here and everyone thinks I'm something special, but I know I'm not. I don't know what to do," I admitted. Maybe my confusion clouded my judgment because in normal circumstances, I would never tell that to him. I might tell it to Chichiri. Well. . . maybe, but certainly not the emperor.
"I understand. I felt similarly when I first became emperor. Just try your best. I'm sure you'll discover your purpose and skills soon enough. I have faith in you. You wouldn't have been brought here if you didn't have a purpose."
I was touched by his faith in me; someone he really didn't know. "Yea, I guess so. I have to go now. Nice talking to you!" I raced off and Shiriko followed me. 'I wouldn't have been brought here if I didn't have a purpose? Too bad that purpose is going to end up causing a lot of tears. Why do these stupid Suzaku warriors have to be so nice? Why can't they be mean to me like Nakago so I won't feel guilty about being a spy? Damn conscious. Who needs it?' "Come on, boy. Let's go keep a promise."
I wasn't sure which room was his but luckily for me, he was in the hall that I was speeding through. "Hey Yume. What's the rush?" he asked.
I stopped suddenly and whirled around. Shiriko followed as best he could but these floors weren't so good for stopping suddenly. Shiriko slid into me causing me to slide into Tamahome. "These floors aren't good for stopping suddenly are they?" I mumbled. It took me a minute, but I realized that it was Tamahome I slid into, not the wall. "Oh Tamahome! Great! Just the person I wanted to see! I talked to Miaka a few minutes ago and I know what's wrong!"
He looked extremely happy for a guy who was just smacked into by someone who until just recently he disliked. "We better not talk about it here. I don't want anyone to know about Miaka's and my problems." We went to a secluded gazebo in the garden. "So what's wrong? Does she hate me?" He looked so worried and hopeful at the same time that I had to change part of what she told me. I wouldn't be the one to break his heart. 'You're getting attached. . .' my mind warned.
"No nothing like that. Taiitsu-kun told her that her body needs to be 'pure' until she summons Suzaku. She can't be 'touched' until she does. As far as I know, she still loves you or whatever so don't get all upset. Ask her about it yourself, though. She might not have told me everything," I answered.
"I'll ask her about it tonight. Thanks a lot, Yume."
"Don't mention it, Tamahome." He left looking very relieved. 'Sometimes, I think I'm too nice to these people.' "Come on, Shiriko. Let's go eat something quick and then head back to our room."
Dinner was just being served as I got there. Only Miaka, Hotohori were there besides me. Everyone else was being "summoned." "Can we eat now?" Miaka asked, her mouth watering.
"Sure. . ." Hotohori answered, giving her a sweat drop look. The words were barely out of his mouth when Miaka started her onslaught on the food. 'She eats like she's never eaten before,' I noted.
I grabbed some food I thought I recognized and started eating as well. I sneaked some meat to Shiriko and finished what I had on my plate. The others would be here soon and it would be harder for me to get away with everyone here. "I'm done so I'm going up to my room to rest," I announced. I was dismissed without question from Miaka and a quick nod from the emperor. Just as the door closed I heard the others arrive.
"Starting without us, I see," I heard Tamahome joke.
"Where's Yume?" Tasuki asked.
"She already ate. She asked to be excused to her room to rest," Hotohori answered. 'I better get out of here before they decide to look for me!' I thought as I hurried away from the dining room.
Shiriko and I made it safely back to our room without confrontation. 'I better do this fast.' I grabbed the bead from my bag and walked into the little closet. I pushed the button and the screen appeared, just like before. "Hello again, Yume. I do enjoy these rare encounters," Nakago greeted. "Excellent timing by the way. I trust you have something important to tell me this time?"
I nodded. "Very important. It seems the group is going on a little journey in search of something and I am to go with them," I informed him.
"That is very good to hear." He almost looked impressed.
"Nakago! Who are you talking to? One minute I'm talking to you and the next you're hurrying off to your room talking to yourself! Is that anyway to treat your Priestess?" a bitchy female voice from somewhere near Nakago yelled. 'I should have known that they would have an obnoxious priestess here, too.'
"Lady Yui. I'm very sorry. I got a report from the spy I told you about. You know, the one from your world. I was talking to her," he told the other girl. The face of a girl with short dirty blond hair appeared next to him. She dressed in a shirt and skirt that looked suspiciously like Miaka's.
"Is that so? I want to talk to her!" the girl, Yui, declared.
"Just a moment, Priestess." He turned back to me. "Yume, there's someone I'd like you to meet. This is Lady Yui, the Priestess of Seiryuu." The girl took the bead.
"Uh, hi Yui," I said.
"You're from my world? You don't look like it. You don't even look Japanese," she replied, unimpressed. I suddenly liked Miaka a lot and almost felt sorry for Nakago. Almost. This girl was a bitch!
"That's because I'm not Japanese, I just have a Japanese name. I'm American and the only reason I'm dressed like this is because Miaka took me out to town and I had to try and fit in. Normally I wouldn't be caught dead in a dress," I replied as calmly as I could. I really wanted to slap her.
"Why would Miaka take you out somewhere?" she asked. She almost looked hurt. Nakago, hiding in the background, looked like he wanted to bang his head against a wall a few times.
"Just to do something. We were bored and she wanted to show me around. Why do you care?"
"I don't. I was just curious." 'Sure. . .' "So you're from America?" she asked, changing the subject.
I wasn't going to go for it. I've had my fair share of talking to her for now. "Yea, but I can't really talk long. No telling when they'll be back. Nice meeting you. Tell Nakago I said bye." I closed the connection, put the bead away and laid down on my bed. It felt so nice just to relax for once. I sighed. As much as I liked to relax, it got kind of boring after a while.
I got up and paced my room. Shiriko looked up at me and sighed. I stopped pacing and got out a notebook. I started recording everything that had happened since I got here. That way, if I woke up at home I would be able to tell if it actually happened or if it was all a dream. Once I finished that, I pulled out my CD player and changed it to one that I could dance to. I had a lot of excess energy and I needed to use it. I changed into the pajamas Miaka gave me, put the headphones on and pushed "play." Some DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) music I burned came on.
I started dancing. I had several ways to relieve stress and dancing was one of them. It worked best when I was full of energy and upset. I only did this when I was alone. If my family knew that I liked to dance around in my pajamas, well, let's just say that I'd never live that one down. When I did actually dance, I liked to try and forget everything but the music. The room really wasn't big enough to go all out but I did my best. The first song ended and I took a quick break. This wasn't a CD I listened to much; it was one of those that you have but only listen to on rare occasions when you crave something different. I ended my break and started dancing again. I became so absorbed in the music that I didn't even notice when the door opened. Had Shiriko not noticed and got in my way while I was dancing, I would have just kept going. "Shiriko! What's the big idea getting in my way? You know better than that!" I exclaimed after tripping over my pet. I paused my CD player to yell at him. "Now I have to restart the song. . .Ugh! You can be such a pain sometimes!" He didn't respond like he normally did. Instead, he just looked at the door. I glanced over and saw an amused Tasuki leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. He was smirking contently. I blushed crimson. "What the hell do you think you're doing just walking into my room like this?" I exclaimed, completely mortified. 'How much did he see? I did do some jumping and my loose shirt rose up quite a bit. Damn him and damn the horse that brought him!'
"I knocked but you didn't answer. I heard banging and voices I couldn't understand. I thought something happened to you," he answered. He was still smirking and his little fangs were just visible. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't stay mad at him. Wait, I could and I would.
"Like you really care what happens to me! What's your excuse for coming here in the first place?"
"You weren't at dinner. I wanted to make sure that everything was ok." He was really annoying me. He doesn't really care what happens to me, does he?
"I had finished eating already," I told him roughly.
"I was told you were resting." He gave me a strange look, like he thought he caught me doing something I wasn't supposed to be doing.
"So you came up here even though you thought I was resting? What were you planning to do once you got here?" I asked him giving him a quizzical look.
"Uh. . .talk to you?" he answered hesitantly. "Well, now that I know that you're alright, I think I'll go to bed. Gotta rest up for the trip tomorrow."
"Uh-huh. Bye Tasuki." He left and I put my CD player and everything else I took out away. I was guessing we had to get up early but I didn't want to go to sleep. I laid down on my bed and thought about everything. My last thought was of Tasuki. . . Why did he really care where I was at dinner? I smiled to myself thinking about the way he tried to cover for himself. I loved being able to turn things around on people. With that in mind, I allowed myself to slip off to a nice. . . peaceful sleep. . .
Author's Note:
Tasuki: I was just going to talk to her. Honest.
Smack: Ha ha ha. Yea right. Sure ye were.
Tasuki: ::grumbling:: Stupid jerky author.
Smack: Come on Tasuki. You know you love me. Well, here's next chapters quote. (If I can find one. . .)
I heard a rather disgusting sound, like someone puking. "Yea, that's real clean," I yelled on impulse.
The noise stopped for a second. "It's not like I can help it. You think I wanna puke my brains out?" The noise resumed.
Smack: Guess that will have to do. It was nice and long and probably the best quote I can find from the chapter. Just a warning, the next chapter will probably be a little shorter than usual so don't expect much, ok?