Disclaimer: Please see previous chapters as I am lazy and do not feel like
putting up one every chapter.
Thanks to. . .
neppy: Yes, Byakko is the bomb. Hehe. Wait til this chapter.
Songwind: I'm glad you understand my dilemma! On one hand, I want to update, that's fun but on the other I have to do homework. If teachers would just stop assigning homework, that would be different but that'll never happen. The gods might save her. I don't know. You decide.
Otaku Pitcher: Thank you! I like to add a bit of comedy here and there because other wise this story would be sad and I don't want a sad story. They are no fun. The depressing chapters are good. I * personally * love the way this one turned out and it is kind of depressing too. But that's not the point. Thanks again for your understanding.
miLady: That's ok but I must confess that I was beginning to wonder what happened to you. I was like 'Hmm . .miLady hasn't reviewed in a while. I wonder why?' and then I got your review so I now know. Yea, the gods are quite unusual. And as for the four girls, they are her reluctant assistants. (They are mainly there to support the plot and provide comic relief).
o_O: I'm glad you like the story and Yume. She's a pretty cool character, if I do say so myself.
Author's Notes: Thanks to all of you for your understanding (and reviews!). You guys rock! I hope I didn't take too long to get this chapter up. If I did, too bad because I think it's worth the wait. I love this chapter. ::nods:: Yup. But that's just me. o.O And we all know that I am a strange one. Anyway, I don't have much to say in this except that Yume's mouth gets a little out of control along with just about everything else in this chapter and this is possibly why I rated it PG-13. I mean, the quote I gave you from last chapter should have alluded to that. Well, I guess that's it. Enjoy.
'. . .' dialogue in Yume's head.
Chapter 26: The Interrogation from Hell
I awoke later than I had done the entire time I was in this world. I even felt a little refreshed. I got dressed in some of the clothes I took from the palace and was beginning to think that today might be different. Maybe today will be a good day. 'But if it's going to be a good day, why do I have such a bad feeling in my stomach? Why would Chichiri apologize in advance if I have nothing to worry about?' I thought as I got dressed. In my clouded state of mind, I forgot to keep Shiriko in my room. He came with me as I descended the stairs to eat breakfast. "She finally awakens!" Fae exclaimed as I entered the room. "Are we going to have any more random outbursts?" I glared at her.
"Somebody's still touchy," Seppuka mumbled, looking at my glare.
I sat down at the end of the table by myself, Shiriko by my side. The table went silent. They were probably talking about what to do about me before I came in. I don't really give a shit anymore about what they think about me. Screw them. I didn't even feel much like eating but I knew I had to. The group began to murmur as I grabbed the food that was closest to me. I didn't think asking one of them to "pass the gravy" would go over to well right about now so I dealt with whatever was in reach. "Yume?" My eyes drifted over at Tamahome but I didn't bother to reply. "Once you finish eating, we have some questions for you."
"I can't say I'm surprised. I don't care. Whatever," I responded dully.
The group, minus Seppuka, Renee, Fae, and Katana, left the dining area as soon as the words were out of my mouth. 'Gee thanks guys. I love you too.' I finished what was on my plate and followed my escorts out of there. They led me to the room with the giant mirror that I had been taken to the night before. 'We're back! We thought you might want someone on your side,' Byakko announced. I almost smiled. 'Thanks you guys, but I thought I was just a tool?' 'You are but we have to protect you and get you through this or we'll be out of a tool,' he said cheerfully.
We entered the room and I was told to take a seat but declined. I'd rather stand. Seppy, Fae, Katana, and Renee joined Taiitsu-kun behind everyone and I was alone. Well. . .I had Shiriko, who was sitting to the right of me, standing guard over me. 'My right hand man.' Everyone was lined up, staring at me. Chiriko was on the end, looking like he was about to cry. Mitsukake had his arm around him and was wearing an unreadable expression. Next to him was Tamahome, who was glaring at me. Miaka was just staring at me, like she had been betrayed. Chichiri was next to her and he wouldn't meet my gaze. I now understood why he had apologized last night. This was going to be hell. Tasuki was on the other end of the group, looking utterly disgusted. I felt like a convict standing in the gas chamber, when all the people whose lives you ruined are standing around, jeering at you, thinking how great it will be when the gas is administered and your life ends. Justice. That's what it is to them. Sick, Hammurabi justice. Though I must say, right about now, the gas sounds pretty darn good compared to this. Miaka nudged Tamahome and he cleared his throat nervously.
"I'm sure by now you have some idea why you're here," he began. "Last night while we were out looking for you, we encountered a Seiryuu warrior. He informed us that he was there to reclaim you for Nakago although he decided it would be better just to kill you. When we asked him about it, he said you were a spy brought to this world by Nakago but you were revealed. I have to hear it from you, were you brought here as a spy be Nakago?"
I took a deep breath. I knew this question would come eventually. I thought if I accepted this from the get go I would be prepared enough when the time came to answer it. Boy, was I wrong. "Yes." They gasped and either looked at me like I betrayed them completely or like they hated me. I heard a stifled sob come from Chiriko. Shiriko moved in front of me and showed his teeth. It was too much for me. I wasn't hurt, I was pissed. "And don't you look at me like I betrayed you. I didn't know you when this whole thing started. It was either work for Nakago and spy on some girl I didn't know or sit back and watch my best friend die and then wind up murdered myself. I think I made the right choice and I don't for one-second regret it. I doubt there is one person among you who would have made a different selection if you were put in that situation." They just stared at me.
"We may make the same decision as you but that does not mean that we can just let you get away with it. You still spied on us and that makes you a dangerous enemy. We can't just let you walk free," he replied icily.
"What are you going to do? Murder me? Go ahead. I DARE you. Just try it. See how far you get," I said, glaring at him. "I didn't have a choice. If you feel that me being forced into spying on you for an enemy, only telling him things I knew he'd already know, risking my life in an attempt to save the very person I was supposed to be spying on and fighting along side of you is a valid reason to kill me, try it. You still don't know how I got away from Nakago. I quit, that's true, but my. . .method was quite effective." 'Yume. . .you're acting a little, well, over confident. You might want to tone it down a bit. Play the innocent little girl, the victim. Otherwise, you might not be able to get away,' Suzaku suggested. 'No, this is me. I'm sick of pretending to be something I'm not. This is stupid. I risk my life for these people and this is what I get. I'm through acting nice. They want to take me down, let them face the real me and let's see who wins.'
"We're not going to kill you. The truth is you have no proof to validate your words. We don't know that you're life was threatened. You could have made the decision on your own, for all we know. This could all be part of some plot to get yourself out of trouble," Mitsukake replied.
'Care for some assistance?' Byakko asked. 'One second.' "Can I fake this?" I questioned. 'Now Byakko.' A semi-familiar sensation like I was being put into the background of my own body took hold and the scar of Byakko's symbol began to glow. "I will prove to you that Yume is not lying about this and that it is not part of some psychotic plot to get herself out of trouble. I'm in her mind. I would know if she was plotting something," I heard myself say.
"What do you mean 'you're in her mind'? Who are you?" Tasuki asked him.
I saw myself crack a grin. "Me? I am no one you need to worry about. Not now anyway. Perhaps later on, but for now, I am here to help Yume as she is here to help me," he answered. 'A wee bit cocky, are we?' 'Just a bit, but that's Byakko for you,' Seiryuu laughed. "Observe the mirror and watch a glimpse of Yume's memories from the day she was forced to come here." My hand waved and, like an excerpt of a movie, my memories played on the giant mirror. It was shown as though there were someone standing there, filming the entire thing in third person. It started as Shiriko took off and I was dragged along the ground. The group watched intently as I was cornered and Shiriko was frozen. They even heard my thoughts. It was even more disturbing as I watched it happen to me. The group regarded the screen attentively and experienced my fear, uncertainty, and anger as I was threatened and forced to come. The "show" ended as I was transported here and was knocked unconscious from the fall. Byakko gave me back control of my body and I looked at them for responses. 'Thank you, Byakko.' 'No problem, kid.' "I told you I didn't have a choice."
"Yume. . .we had no idea," Miaka started.
"Save it. I didn't expect anything else from you. Now what memory of me do you want to see? Do you want to see my fight with Nakago now? Or are you good in the memory department? What horror of my life do you want me to relive next?" I snapped.
"Well, I for one want to know how you got away from Nakago in one piece," Tamahome said, curiously.
"My original plan was to go ahead with what I came there to do. I'm sure Miaka told you what she was asked to do so I don't think I have to fill you in on the details of that," I explained. "But I couldn't go through with it. I tried to back down and was cornered. Never attack someone when they're cornered. In the end, I basically kicked his ass." They looked shocked. "I don't suppose you need proof on this one, too, do you? Please say you don't. That's one memory I'd rather not have to relive."
"No, I think we need to see it. We don't know if you're lying or not so we could use some proof," Tamahome said. "Besides, it's not every day we hear about Nakago getting beat up. Even I have trouble with him."
"Yea right. He'd kick your ass," I barked. "Unless, he fought fair against you. Not the way he fought with me." 'That's enough Yume. Let's just show them what happened and try to remain civil, please,' Suzaku chided. 'Let her have her fun,' Seiryuu commented. 'Please don't start at the beginning. I don't want to have to relive that. Please, just do that for me.' 'I'm doing it this time. If anyone is going to broadcast one of my warriors disgrace, I will,' Seiryuu said, taking control.
"Now warriors," he used my voice to say. "Where would you like to start?"
"I, for one, would like to see what happened from the moment she entered the camp," Tamahome told them, smirking contentedly at me. I know he's just doing this because I said I didn't want to relive it and that pissed me off.
"Suit yourself. I warn you, some of you may be. . .offended by this particular memory. I advise you to take the little one out," Seiryuu suggested. "He shouldn't have to see or hear this." Katana escorted Chiriko out of the room and Seiryuu waved my hand. The mirror showed me entering the camp. My doubts and fears were all that was heard in the room as I watched myself enter the tent. I relived everything as if it were happening around me, once more feeling the fear and powerlessness. It consumed my entire being as I saw Nakago kissing me. Then, I saw what occurred the moment I "lost touch with" reality. The bracelets were what threw him off. My voice sounded icy, evil, powerful, as I taunted him. I felt a slight bit of satisfaction while watching my "work." Seeing myself beat up Nakago after all he put me through seemed like justice to me. I was happy doing it. The group looked awed by my sheer power and control. I could have killed him, but I didn't. I still don't know why I chose not to at that moment. It would have made things so much easier for me. For one thing, I wouldn't be standing here right now. Self control. Is it really so great? The memory stopped as I left the tent, cursing the unconscious form of Nakago. "Is that proof enough, mortals? Do you believe Yume now?"
They just gaped at me. Fear is what I saw reflected in their faces. Even Seppy looked at me with an air of reverence. I wasn't sure why, but I liked this. I liked being in control. . .being feared for once instead of being the one in fear. It felt good. Seiryuu went back to the recesses of my mind and I was in charge again. "What are you all looking at? Don't tell me you're surprised that I took down Nakago when I was paralyzed when your hero Tamahome barely made it out alive against a water-downed version? You didn't. . .underestimate me, did you?" I sneered. They just stared and backed up a bit. "Don't worry, I understand your lack of faith in me. As you heard, I didn't have much faith in myself at the time, either. I'm not going to attack you if that's what you're thinking so you can stop staring at me like I'm a time bomb waiting to explode."
"Like a what?" Chichiri asked.
"Never mind. I suppose you wouldn't know what a time bomb is. Figures. Stupid people. Ay," I mumbled. "The point is I can't attack you. I. . .don't have permission to attack you or else I'd probably be considering it right about now."
"Permission? What do you mean you don't have permission?" Tasuki questioned.
"I am the Oracle. Killing you would violate my role and make my masters upset. Such a thing I do not wish to do," I said in a misty voice.
"You have masters? Since when?" He looked at me strangely.
"See the hair? The scars? They aren't there for just for the hell of it. The scars are the brands that tie me to them. This is Genbu's," I said, pointing to the one on my forehead. "This one belongs to Byakko." I pointed to the back of my left hand. "This one is Seiryuu's." I pointed to my right hand. "I'm not showing you Suzaku's but it's here." I pointed to my lower chest, right above my. . .you know. "Are we done here?"
"Wait. . .you're the Oracle? What do they do and why are you it?" Tamahome exclaimed.
"Delayed reaction there, buddy," I said under my breath. "We are tools for the gods. Our sole existence is for the good of the gods. We do as instructed and are here to help them get their point across," I explained. "And as for why I was chosen, your guess is as good as mine. I have a hunch that it might have something to do with the fact that three of the four gods think I'm hot but I'm not sure." The gods grumbled in my head. 'Yup, you caught us, Yume. We're that shallow. You got us all figured out,' Byakko responded. 'I know.' The group just looked at me kind of strangely. "What? They said so when I met them. Why is that so hard to believe? You can't all think I'm that ugly. Not that it matters to me what you think, it's just strange to me."
"No. . .we don't all think you're ugly it's just odd to think that you can possibly have all the gods in your head. I mean, how is that possible?" Chichiri asked me.
"Let's just say I have an immense mind," I replied smiling. "The gods like me. I can't help it. Well, Genbu says he hates me but I know deep down he really cares." 'I do not,' Genbu grumbled. 'You so do. I can tell.' "But are we all caught up? Can I get on with my new life? I have a lot to do and little time to do it in."
"The warriors and priestess should depart to retrieve the second Shinzaho soon. We need to find it before Nakago does," Taiitsu-kun interrupted. "I will send you after lunch. For now, get ready to leave. However, it might be in your best interest to leave Yume alone. She will be staying here while you travel. She has much to learn before she will be ready for her role in all of us. Go. Now. Leave."
"Fine." Everyone, including my assistants and Taiitsu-kun, left the room, leaving me alone with Shiriko. I remained there, wishing to recap on all that happened in this room in the past hour or two in peace. It was then I realized Tasuki hadn't left. He had stayed behind. 'Maybe this is my chance to make up for before. Maybe he still cares.'
"Tasuki, about before when you. . ."
"Save it. I don't want to hear your excuses," he said harshly.
"I wasn't going to give you an excuse. I was going to apologize! I couldn't say what I felt then! You don't understand all that was going through my head when you told me how your feelings! I was so happy but at the same time, scared. I couldn't tell you the truth. You have no idea how badly I wanted to, trust me. It took all I had to say those harsh things to you. It tore me up inside. I didn't want to end up hurting you in the end," I cried. "But I hurt you anyway and I'm sorry. I hope someday you'll be able to forgive me and understand." I left the room, Shiriko trailing behind me.
After lunch, the group left. Tasuki wouldn't talk to me and neither would anyone else. I didn't care. When the time comes for me to save all their asses, then we'll see. They'll all see. "What do we have to do, first?" I asked Taiitsu-kun after the departed.
Author's Note: Wow that was a long chapter. And if you thought the characters were a little out of control, just remember what's going on. This is an interrogation, not a friendly little Q and A game. You have to remember that. I wrote this whole chapter over again so be thankful to Smack. It took her a long time to write this (especially off the top of her head) but she took the time to do it for you. So I hope you appreciate it. I'm not sure why, but I really like the way this chapter turned out. You can agree or disagree, that's your choice, but I think it came out great. So, I guess that's it. Here's you quote and goodbye.
"That orange-haired guy, Tasuki I think his name was, and you seem to have this tension between you. Were you two, you know, involved, by any chance?"
Haha. So long for now!
~Smack
Thanks to. . .
neppy: Yes, Byakko is the bomb. Hehe. Wait til this chapter.
Songwind: I'm glad you understand my dilemma! On one hand, I want to update, that's fun but on the other I have to do homework. If teachers would just stop assigning homework, that would be different but that'll never happen. The gods might save her. I don't know. You decide.
Otaku Pitcher: Thank you! I like to add a bit of comedy here and there because other wise this story would be sad and I don't want a sad story. They are no fun. The depressing chapters are good. I * personally * love the way this one turned out and it is kind of depressing too. But that's not the point. Thanks again for your understanding.
miLady: That's ok but I must confess that I was beginning to wonder what happened to you. I was like 'Hmm . .miLady hasn't reviewed in a while. I wonder why?' and then I got your review so I now know. Yea, the gods are quite unusual. And as for the four girls, they are her reluctant assistants. (They are mainly there to support the plot and provide comic relief).
o_O: I'm glad you like the story and Yume. She's a pretty cool character, if I do say so myself.
Author's Notes: Thanks to all of you for your understanding (and reviews!). You guys rock! I hope I didn't take too long to get this chapter up. If I did, too bad because I think it's worth the wait. I love this chapter. ::nods:: Yup. But that's just me. o.O And we all know that I am a strange one. Anyway, I don't have much to say in this except that Yume's mouth gets a little out of control along with just about everything else in this chapter and this is possibly why I rated it PG-13. I mean, the quote I gave you from last chapter should have alluded to that. Well, I guess that's it. Enjoy.
'. . .' dialogue in Yume's head.
Chapter 26: The Interrogation from Hell
I awoke later than I had done the entire time I was in this world. I even felt a little refreshed. I got dressed in some of the clothes I took from the palace and was beginning to think that today might be different. Maybe today will be a good day. 'But if it's going to be a good day, why do I have such a bad feeling in my stomach? Why would Chichiri apologize in advance if I have nothing to worry about?' I thought as I got dressed. In my clouded state of mind, I forgot to keep Shiriko in my room. He came with me as I descended the stairs to eat breakfast. "She finally awakens!" Fae exclaimed as I entered the room. "Are we going to have any more random outbursts?" I glared at her.
"Somebody's still touchy," Seppuka mumbled, looking at my glare.
I sat down at the end of the table by myself, Shiriko by my side. The table went silent. They were probably talking about what to do about me before I came in. I don't really give a shit anymore about what they think about me. Screw them. I didn't even feel much like eating but I knew I had to. The group began to murmur as I grabbed the food that was closest to me. I didn't think asking one of them to "pass the gravy" would go over to well right about now so I dealt with whatever was in reach. "Yume?" My eyes drifted over at Tamahome but I didn't bother to reply. "Once you finish eating, we have some questions for you."
"I can't say I'm surprised. I don't care. Whatever," I responded dully.
The group, minus Seppuka, Renee, Fae, and Katana, left the dining area as soon as the words were out of my mouth. 'Gee thanks guys. I love you too.' I finished what was on my plate and followed my escorts out of there. They led me to the room with the giant mirror that I had been taken to the night before. 'We're back! We thought you might want someone on your side,' Byakko announced. I almost smiled. 'Thanks you guys, but I thought I was just a tool?' 'You are but we have to protect you and get you through this or we'll be out of a tool,' he said cheerfully.
We entered the room and I was told to take a seat but declined. I'd rather stand. Seppy, Fae, Katana, and Renee joined Taiitsu-kun behind everyone and I was alone. Well. . .I had Shiriko, who was sitting to the right of me, standing guard over me. 'My right hand man.' Everyone was lined up, staring at me. Chiriko was on the end, looking like he was about to cry. Mitsukake had his arm around him and was wearing an unreadable expression. Next to him was Tamahome, who was glaring at me. Miaka was just staring at me, like she had been betrayed. Chichiri was next to her and he wouldn't meet my gaze. I now understood why he had apologized last night. This was going to be hell. Tasuki was on the other end of the group, looking utterly disgusted. I felt like a convict standing in the gas chamber, when all the people whose lives you ruined are standing around, jeering at you, thinking how great it will be when the gas is administered and your life ends. Justice. That's what it is to them. Sick, Hammurabi justice. Though I must say, right about now, the gas sounds pretty darn good compared to this. Miaka nudged Tamahome and he cleared his throat nervously.
"I'm sure by now you have some idea why you're here," he began. "Last night while we were out looking for you, we encountered a Seiryuu warrior. He informed us that he was there to reclaim you for Nakago although he decided it would be better just to kill you. When we asked him about it, he said you were a spy brought to this world by Nakago but you were revealed. I have to hear it from you, were you brought here as a spy be Nakago?"
I took a deep breath. I knew this question would come eventually. I thought if I accepted this from the get go I would be prepared enough when the time came to answer it. Boy, was I wrong. "Yes." They gasped and either looked at me like I betrayed them completely or like they hated me. I heard a stifled sob come from Chiriko. Shiriko moved in front of me and showed his teeth. It was too much for me. I wasn't hurt, I was pissed. "And don't you look at me like I betrayed you. I didn't know you when this whole thing started. It was either work for Nakago and spy on some girl I didn't know or sit back and watch my best friend die and then wind up murdered myself. I think I made the right choice and I don't for one-second regret it. I doubt there is one person among you who would have made a different selection if you were put in that situation." They just stared at me.
"We may make the same decision as you but that does not mean that we can just let you get away with it. You still spied on us and that makes you a dangerous enemy. We can't just let you walk free," he replied icily.
"What are you going to do? Murder me? Go ahead. I DARE you. Just try it. See how far you get," I said, glaring at him. "I didn't have a choice. If you feel that me being forced into spying on you for an enemy, only telling him things I knew he'd already know, risking my life in an attempt to save the very person I was supposed to be spying on and fighting along side of you is a valid reason to kill me, try it. You still don't know how I got away from Nakago. I quit, that's true, but my. . .method was quite effective." 'Yume. . .you're acting a little, well, over confident. You might want to tone it down a bit. Play the innocent little girl, the victim. Otherwise, you might not be able to get away,' Suzaku suggested. 'No, this is me. I'm sick of pretending to be something I'm not. This is stupid. I risk my life for these people and this is what I get. I'm through acting nice. They want to take me down, let them face the real me and let's see who wins.'
"We're not going to kill you. The truth is you have no proof to validate your words. We don't know that you're life was threatened. You could have made the decision on your own, for all we know. This could all be part of some plot to get yourself out of trouble," Mitsukake replied.
'Care for some assistance?' Byakko asked. 'One second.' "Can I fake this?" I questioned. 'Now Byakko.' A semi-familiar sensation like I was being put into the background of my own body took hold and the scar of Byakko's symbol began to glow. "I will prove to you that Yume is not lying about this and that it is not part of some psychotic plot to get herself out of trouble. I'm in her mind. I would know if she was plotting something," I heard myself say.
"What do you mean 'you're in her mind'? Who are you?" Tasuki asked him.
I saw myself crack a grin. "Me? I am no one you need to worry about. Not now anyway. Perhaps later on, but for now, I am here to help Yume as she is here to help me," he answered. 'A wee bit cocky, are we?' 'Just a bit, but that's Byakko for you,' Seiryuu laughed. "Observe the mirror and watch a glimpse of Yume's memories from the day she was forced to come here." My hand waved and, like an excerpt of a movie, my memories played on the giant mirror. It was shown as though there were someone standing there, filming the entire thing in third person. It started as Shiriko took off and I was dragged along the ground. The group watched intently as I was cornered and Shiriko was frozen. They even heard my thoughts. It was even more disturbing as I watched it happen to me. The group regarded the screen attentively and experienced my fear, uncertainty, and anger as I was threatened and forced to come. The "show" ended as I was transported here and was knocked unconscious from the fall. Byakko gave me back control of my body and I looked at them for responses. 'Thank you, Byakko.' 'No problem, kid.' "I told you I didn't have a choice."
"Yume. . .we had no idea," Miaka started.
"Save it. I didn't expect anything else from you. Now what memory of me do you want to see? Do you want to see my fight with Nakago now? Or are you good in the memory department? What horror of my life do you want me to relive next?" I snapped.
"Well, I for one want to know how you got away from Nakago in one piece," Tamahome said, curiously.
"My original plan was to go ahead with what I came there to do. I'm sure Miaka told you what she was asked to do so I don't think I have to fill you in on the details of that," I explained. "But I couldn't go through with it. I tried to back down and was cornered. Never attack someone when they're cornered. In the end, I basically kicked his ass." They looked shocked. "I don't suppose you need proof on this one, too, do you? Please say you don't. That's one memory I'd rather not have to relive."
"No, I think we need to see it. We don't know if you're lying or not so we could use some proof," Tamahome said. "Besides, it's not every day we hear about Nakago getting beat up. Even I have trouble with him."
"Yea right. He'd kick your ass," I barked. "Unless, he fought fair against you. Not the way he fought with me." 'That's enough Yume. Let's just show them what happened and try to remain civil, please,' Suzaku chided. 'Let her have her fun,' Seiryuu commented. 'Please don't start at the beginning. I don't want to have to relive that. Please, just do that for me.' 'I'm doing it this time. If anyone is going to broadcast one of my warriors disgrace, I will,' Seiryuu said, taking control.
"Now warriors," he used my voice to say. "Where would you like to start?"
"I, for one, would like to see what happened from the moment she entered the camp," Tamahome told them, smirking contentedly at me. I know he's just doing this because I said I didn't want to relive it and that pissed me off.
"Suit yourself. I warn you, some of you may be. . .offended by this particular memory. I advise you to take the little one out," Seiryuu suggested. "He shouldn't have to see or hear this." Katana escorted Chiriko out of the room and Seiryuu waved my hand. The mirror showed me entering the camp. My doubts and fears were all that was heard in the room as I watched myself enter the tent. I relived everything as if it were happening around me, once more feeling the fear and powerlessness. It consumed my entire being as I saw Nakago kissing me. Then, I saw what occurred the moment I "lost touch with" reality. The bracelets were what threw him off. My voice sounded icy, evil, powerful, as I taunted him. I felt a slight bit of satisfaction while watching my "work." Seeing myself beat up Nakago after all he put me through seemed like justice to me. I was happy doing it. The group looked awed by my sheer power and control. I could have killed him, but I didn't. I still don't know why I chose not to at that moment. It would have made things so much easier for me. For one thing, I wouldn't be standing here right now. Self control. Is it really so great? The memory stopped as I left the tent, cursing the unconscious form of Nakago. "Is that proof enough, mortals? Do you believe Yume now?"
They just gaped at me. Fear is what I saw reflected in their faces. Even Seppy looked at me with an air of reverence. I wasn't sure why, but I liked this. I liked being in control. . .being feared for once instead of being the one in fear. It felt good. Seiryuu went back to the recesses of my mind and I was in charge again. "What are you all looking at? Don't tell me you're surprised that I took down Nakago when I was paralyzed when your hero Tamahome barely made it out alive against a water-downed version? You didn't. . .underestimate me, did you?" I sneered. They just stared and backed up a bit. "Don't worry, I understand your lack of faith in me. As you heard, I didn't have much faith in myself at the time, either. I'm not going to attack you if that's what you're thinking so you can stop staring at me like I'm a time bomb waiting to explode."
"Like a what?" Chichiri asked.
"Never mind. I suppose you wouldn't know what a time bomb is. Figures. Stupid people. Ay," I mumbled. "The point is I can't attack you. I. . .don't have permission to attack you or else I'd probably be considering it right about now."
"Permission? What do you mean you don't have permission?" Tasuki questioned.
"I am the Oracle. Killing you would violate my role and make my masters upset. Such a thing I do not wish to do," I said in a misty voice.
"You have masters? Since when?" He looked at me strangely.
"See the hair? The scars? They aren't there for just for the hell of it. The scars are the brands that tie me to them. This is Genbu's," I said, pointing to the one on my forehead. "This one belongs to Byakko." I pointed to the back of my left hand. "This one is Seiryuu's." I pointed to my right hand. "I'm not showing you Suzaku's but it's here." I pointed to my lower chest, right above my. . .you know. "Are we done here?"
"Wait. . .you're the Oracle? What do they do and why are you it?" Tamahome exclaimed.
"Delayed reaction there, buddy," I said under my breath. "We are tools for the gods. Our sole existence is for the good of the gods. We do as instructed and are here to help them get their point across," I explained. "And as for why I was chosen, your guess is as good as mine. I have a hunch that it might have something to do with the fact that three of the four gods think I'm hot but I'm not sure." The gods grumbled in my head. 'Yup, you caught us, Yume. We're that shallow. You got us all figured out,' Byakko responded. 'I know.' The group just looked at me kind of strangely. "What? They said so when I met them. Why is that so hard to believe? You can't all think I'm that ugly. Not that it matters to me what you think, it's just strange to me."
"No. . .we don't all think you're ugly it's just odd to think that you can possibly have all the gods in your head. I mean, how is that possible?" Chichiri asked me.
"Let's just say I have an immense mind," I replied smiling. "The gods like me. I can't help it. Well, Genbu says he hates me but I know deep down he really cares." 'I do not,' Genbu grumbled. 'You so do. I can tell.' "But are we all caught up? Can I get on with my new life? I have a lot to do and little time to do it in."
"The warriors and priestess should depart to retrieve the second Shinzaho soon. We need to find it before Nakago does," Taiitsu-kun interrupted. "I will send you after lunch. For now, get ready to leave. However, it might be in your best interest to leave Yume alone. She will be staying here while you travel. She has much to learn before she will be ready for her role in all of us. Go. Now. Leave."
"Fine." Everyone, including my assistants and Taiitsu-kun, left the room, leaving me alone with Shiriko. I remained there, wishing to recap on all that happened in this room in the past hour or two in peace. It was then I realized Tasuki hadn't left. He had stayed behind. 'Maybe this is my chance to make up for before. Maybe he still cares.'
"Tasuki, about before when you. . ."
"Save it. I don't want to hear your excuses," he said harshly.
"I wasn't going to give you an excuse. I was going to apologize! I couldn't say what I felt then! You don't understand all that was going through my head when you told me how your feelings! I was so happy but at the same time, scared. I couldn't tell you the truth. You have no idea how badly I wanted to, trust me. It took all I had to say those harsh things to you. It tore me up inside. I didn't want to end up hurting you in the end," I cried. "But I hurt you anyway and I'm sorry. I hope someday you'll be able to forgive me and understand." I left the room, Shiriko trailing behind me.
After lunch, the group left. Tasuki wouldn't talk to me and neither would anyone else. I didn't care. When the time comes for me to save all their asses, then we'll see. They'll all see. "What do we have to do, first?" I asked Taiitsu-kun after the departed.
Author's Note: Wow that was a long chapter. And if you thought the characters were a little out of control, just remember what's going on. This is an interrogation, not a friendly little Q and A game. You have to remember that. I wrote this whole chapter over again so be thankful to Smack. It took her a long time to write this (especially off the top of her head) but she took the time to do it for you. So I hope you appreciate it. I'm not sure why, but I really like the way this chapter turned out. You can agree or disagree, that's your choice, but I think it came out great. So, I guess that's it. Here's you quote and goodbye.
"That orange-haired guy, Tasuki I think his name was, and you seem to have this tension between you. Were you two, you know, involved, by any chance?"
Haha. So long for now!
~Smack