Disclaimer: Do I ever claim to own Fushigi Yuugi? I don't think so. So why
would I start now? Nor do I own Superman. I'm just using him as an example
to a reviewer.
Thanks to...
neppy: Naw, Nep. I think I'll keep it this way. You know, I wish a certain someone (you know who that is) would listen to that advice. I happen to think it is very good advice for people. Lil Yume is pretty cool but I like someone more. Hehe. I love our web comic.
Meepsies: Ok, first of all thanks for the thumbs up. ::gives it back:: Now, while I appreciate any and all feedback from my reviewers, I do not appreciate it when they criticize me on incorrect facts. Many of the things you had problems with in my story was due to your obvious lack of attentiveness while reading. I am not trying to be mean, just pointing something out. First of all, I'd like to inform you that Yume is far from invincible. She's mortal; therefore she can die just as easily as the next person. If you shoot her with a gun, she will die. She's not Superman. Second of all, have you ever been a fifteen-year-old girl? Your life is a soap opera. There are some days when your emotions are like that. It's due to unbalanced hormones. Remember health class? And, while the emotions are important, I don't think the story revolves around Yume's emotions. Oh, and where did Yu Watase define the personalities of the gods? She might have, I'm not claiming to be an expert on everything and anything to do with the show because I do have a life but I was never aware of her defining them. I do know that in several different author's notes, I said I would be making up the personalities of the gods. Go back and check if you don't believe me. Last time I checked, Yume was the main character of this story, which is why events seem to revolve around her. That's what I learned in English class my whole life: stories revolve around the main character. In the first novel of the manga, in the little chart thing in the beginning, next to Taiitsu-kun's name, it says "an Oracle." Pick up an English version of the book if you don't believe me. Plus, Yume is the Oracle and if by this point in time, you don't know that than you really, really need to go talk to your literature teacher about active reading skills. And one last thing, I put a lot of time and effort into this story. I have spent hours researching and looking things up to make sure I don't distort events beyond what I want. You can't put a character into a pre-written story and expect everything to be the same. It just cannot be done. I hope this didn't sound too mean because I do try and be a nice person most of the time. If you are still interested in this so very unoriginal and incorrect fic, I suggest you reread it for your own benefit. You obviously didn't catch everything the first time.
Otaku Pitcher: No. You don't confuse me. Honestly, you're like my favorite reviewer. I was just having a bad day. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I'll have to check on those spelling errors; they were probably last minute changes that I never bothered to spell check. And, once again, I apologize for saying you confuse me. Oh, if you want to know, I did finally update Itsuka.
Songwind: No problem. It's ok. You can't catch 'em all. (Pokemon!) And yes, Byakko would be cool.
chibichibi386: Thank you so much!
Chibificgrl-100: Thanks! I wish I could fly too. Or, snap my fingers and appear places. That would be kinda cool, too.
Metajoker: Oh...thank you! Was I really an inspiration? That's really nice of you to say. And I'll see if I can read your story, too.
Author's Note: I am not going to lie to you guys today. I know this took- what? two months? - to get up but there are a lot of reasons for that. I'll stick with the basics. One, I got my first flame and it totally pissed me off. The person said it wasn't a flame, just a "nit-picking" but it still pissed me off and made me really, really not want to work on this story. I mean, everything they criticized me on was incorrect so they can go print out their review and stick it up their butt. : ) Sorry, but if you are going to tell me I suck, at least have the courtesy to make sure your facts are correct. Grr. Anyway, after that I went away for a week and then I painted my room and did some other stuff. I had this chapter pretty much ready to go but just couldn't get around to putting it up. I hope you all don't hate me too much. I love you. You guys that read and actually pay attention bring smiles to my face. Really. Sometimes when I have a really bad day (like I've been having) seeing your reviews and words of encouragement just brightens my day. Thank you. Ok, now this is getting way too sappy and sentimental so I'm just going to start the chapter before you all puke and exit out of the chapter.
Chapter 29: Decisions and Departures
As much as I wanted to perfect flying, upon entering lunch Taiitsu-kun curtly ordered me to remain with both feet firmly on the ground. I replied by sticking my tongue out at her when she wasn't looking. I don't care if she thinks I shouldn't get in the habit of flying. It's fun. Besides, who is going to notice me flying out in a magically protected mountain? She also told me that because I was so passionate about my lesson, she'd give me the rest of the day off. What a nice woman. All during lunch, I felt as though Taiitsu-kun was hiding something from me. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depends on who you ask), mind reading was not on my list of special skills so my hunch could not be proven until she felt the urge to tell me.
I decided to use my free time to take Shiriko on a walk which brings us up to what I am currently doing: stumbling through the hallways in a futile attempt to find my room. "This place is even harder to find your way through than the Konan palace!" I exclaimed to no one in particular.
"Not if you know where to go," someone responded. I recognized the voice as Seppuka's.
"If I knew where to go, I wouldn't have a problem, now would I?" I retorted. "Could you help me?"
"I suppose. I don't have anything else to do," she answered. "You are trying to find your room, aren't you?" I nodded. "This way."
She led me through the seemingly endless hallways silently and as though she knew every inch by heart. "Have you stayed here for a long time?" I asked her.
"Stayed here? I've been living here ever since I was old enough for my parents to ship me off. They said it was for the best," she replied bitterly.
"Why would they say that?"
"Gee, I don't know. It might have something to do with the fact that I am tied to an enemy country's god and now, unfortunately, you," she snapped. "Look, I really don't want to talk to some kid about my past. There's your room so good-bye and good riddance."
I opened the door while she was talking and Shiriko bounded out into the hall. He jumped up on me so that my arms were supporting his front paws. "Guess it's a good thing I decided to take you for a walk," I mused. "Ok, ok. Down, Shiriko."
He obediently got off and proceeded to sit himself in front of Seppuka. "Is he going to move?" she asked, eying Shiriko with an obvious distaste.
"I don't know. He should but that doesn't mean he will. He has a mind of his own most of the time." I went into the room to get his leash and when I came back, Seppuka was on the ground. Shiriko had one paw on her stomach and was standing next to her looking quite pleased with himself. "Shiriko! What'd you do? Seppuka, are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I tried to walk past him and the stupid mutt wouldn't get down. He knocked me over."
"Shiriko! That's no way to treat a friend!" He trotted over to me and laid at my feet, stomach up, and gave me his best "puppy dog" look. I rubbed his stomach with my foot. "I'm not mad at you. Seppuka, you should be able to leave now."
She got up off the floor and brushed herself off. "You're just lucky he caught me on a good day or I might have paralyzed him permanently. Nakago made a mistake letting him go." She turned her back on us before adding, "Oh, and for future reference, I am not your friend." She waved her hand over her shoulder and strode away.
"Maybe I should have let you finish her off," I joked. The dog jumped to his feet, tail wagging, and looked at me as if to say "I'll still go get her if you want." I laughed at his eager expression. 'He's always so willing to do anything for me.' "No, Shiriko. She's not worth it. Let's just find somewhere for you to run and for myself to sit."
I put him on the leash and we set about to wander the huge palace. I didn't really know where we were going and I didn't care, either. 'It doesn't matter what Seppuka says: this place is hard to find your way around,' my mind grumbled. Eventually, we emerged into a field. I figured it was more than likely the one Renee led me to last night. Everywhere I looked, weird multi-colored bubbles floated. No matter how childish it may seem, both Shiriko and I had the desire to run and pop them. But, it probably wasn't the best idea in the world and I told Shiriko so. "We better not pop them, buddy. We don't know what they are."
Leaning over slightly, I let Shiriko off the leash. He stalked off, seemingly disappearing into the few shadows happily, although I find it hard to believe that someone can stalk away happily. I watched him for a second before searching for a place to sit myself. I found a tree and decided that was as good of a place as any. I really just needed to sit and think; the location didn't matter to me. It was funny, in a way. Shiriko went off to explore the great mysteries of the unknown while I was stuck sitting underneath a tree to figure out the not-so-great mysteries of my known. 'But the again, if it's known, can it be a mystery? I guess in my life, I don't really know anything for sure. The only thing I've been able to count on is Shiriko. Sometimes, I think he's my best friend, no matter how pathetic that may seem. He has stayed with me through all of this, even when I wish I could have left myself, even when I let everyone else down.'
The past few days have passed in a haze for me. I didn't really have time to react. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently but I know that will never happen. I'm not sure I'd even change my decisions if I could, even with my knowledge of the consequences. I'm beginning not to care anymore. It's like that song "Whatever will be, will be." I don't know why they don't add on a "and there's nothing you can do to change that so why even bother trying?" but that's just my opinion. 'I've been so depressed lately; it's a wonder I can even find reasons to wake up in the morning. I mean, my life's not a soap opera and I shouldn't act like it is. Sure, most teenager's lives do seem to come straight out of the mind of one of those freak's minds, but that's no excuse for allowing myself to sit around and feel sorry for myself. There will be other guys. Everything happens for a reason. This will make sense eventually,' my mind decided. 'You just keep telling yourself that,' Genbu mocked. 'You guys come back at the worst times!' I wailed. 'I'm the only one back and you should not be whining about your pathetic life. You should be training. Why aren't you?' he asked. 'Why do you need to ask? Just search my mind for the answer. But you shouldn't even have to do that since you are a god and gods are supposed to know everything, aren't they?' I couldn't help myself. He snooped in on my private discussion so now I taunt him. 'You are supposed to be a tool so why don't you answer your master?' he snapped back. I stuck out a mental tongue at him. 'Taiitsu-kun said I could have the afternoon off because I'm so good at flying,' I told him in as good of a haughty voice I could make my mind sound. 'You better not be lying because Suzaku wants to move out. Seiryuu said his priestess will have the second Shinzaho soon and he wants you to talk to her before she summons him so get off your lazy ass and tell Taiitsu-kun to send you there. Now!' he ordered. 'Fine, but do me a favor and get the other gods back. I don't like being stuck with you.'
I called Shiriko and we went back into the palace together. I ran into Renee on the way there who told me Taiitsu-kun was in a private meeting with Katana to discuss the rest of my training. I went back to my room and got out the notebook I had been using as a journal. "Well, Shiriko, it's been a while since I wrote in this. I have some time so I might as well." The dog sighed and lay down on the bed next to me as I began to write. I had lost track of how many days I've been here. It feels like a really long time but I know it hasn't even been a month yet. Not even half of one. 'I think I'll just go with day number then. That seems right.' I wrote about Nuriko's death, Tasuki, my encounter with Nakago, and even how I have all the gods in my head. I recorded just about everything that had happened to me the past few days. Just as I was finishing up, I heard a knock on my door. Shiriko's eyes opened and his ears pricked up. "Yes?" I said, closing the notebook and storing it away.
The door opened and Taiitsu-kun walked in. "You wanted to talk to me before?" she asked. "What did you want?"
"The gods and worried. Yu- The Priestess of Seiryuu is going to have the second Shinzaho soon," I answered. 'Yume, let me speak to her now,' Seiryuu ordered. The scar that represented Seiryuu began to glow and I felt myself be pushed to the back of my mind.
"So you are speaking now, Seiryuu? What about your priestess troubles you?" Taiitsu-kun questioned in a much more respectful voice than she had used with me. 'Well, what'd you expect? He's a god, you're not,' Suzaku said when I said so.
"I'm concerned that she may not be acting with the best interest of Sairou at heart. Nakago is polluting her mind. If he gets his wish granted..." He trailed off.
"We could end up with another Unwoven one. The Fates and Nephiro would love that. She'd had to share her cave," Taiitsu-kun said, finishing it for him in a tone of disgust. Despite that, she shuddered. (A/N: Anyone reading my other FY fic will know Nephiro. I try to tie my stories together sometimes. I know, bad Smack. Don't worry; it's not important to the plot. Just a little hint to the future of the other story.)
"Exactly. She's being...tolerable now but who knows what will happen if a new face joins her forces?" 'Huh? What's an "Unwoven one" and who's Nephiro?' I asked. 'It's better not to ask or she may sense it and penetrate your thoughts. Besides, Byakko is sensitive about it,' Suzaku replied. 'I am not sensitive about it!' 'Yes, yes you are.'
"What do you want me to do?" Taiitsu-kun asked gravely.
"I need you to send Yume, Seppuka, Renee, Fae, and Katana to wherever my priestess is. I need them to find out what she is planning and, if possible, talk some sense into her before a force is let loose that can destroy both worlds," he answered. "As soon as possible."
"Sometimes, I wonder how well Nephiro is held at bay," Taiitsu-kun murmured absently. "This has her written all over it." Shaking herself, she said, "I don't think Yume is ready yet."
"She's going to have to be. Whatever she doesn't know now, she'll just have to learn out there. There is no other way."
"I suppose you are right. Consider it done," she told him. "Yume, get your stuff together. All of it. I don't know if you'll be returning. I'll tell the other four." She hurried off and I was given back control of my body.
I raced about the room gathering my things. I didn't have much and what I did have was barely unpacked. About fifteen minutes later, Shiriko and I met the rest in the main hall. Taiitsu-kun looked about as unsure as I felt.
"Are you ready to go?" she asked me.
"As ready as I'm going to be," I replied, trying to seem confident but inside I was shaking. I wasn't ready to go into the heart of enemy lands and possibly face Nakago. But then again, I probably never will be. 'Calm down, Yume. You'll be fine. We're all right here,' Byakko comforted.
"All right then. I wish you five luck," she said. With one last look at us and a wave of her hand we were on our way...
Author's Note: There ya go. Hope you liked it. Ignore the allusion to my other story; she may or may not be important later on. Well, she might actually appear in the story in the future. Hehe. Anyway, I don't really like this chapter. It's kind of, I don't know, blah? I mean, parts of it are good but over all it's just... blah, you know? Ok, I don't need to criticize my own story, that's what I have people like "Meepsies" for. They lower my already low self-esteem to the point of no return! Sorry, I'm still a little ticked off by that. I hope the rest of you don't read as absent-mindedly as her. You pay attention, right? You know that Yume is the Oracle, right? Please tell me you do? Ok, I'm done. I'll stop. Now, here's your quote.
"What's this dog doing in my room?"
~Smack
Thanks to...
neppy: Naw, Nep. I think I'll keep it this way. You know, I wish a certain someone (you know who that is) would listen to that advice. I happen to think it is very good advice for people. Lil Yume is pretty cool but I like someone more. Hehe. I love our web comic.
Meepsies: Ok, first of all thanks for the thumbs up. ::gives it back:: Now, while I appreciate any and all feedback from my reviewers, I do not appreciate it when they criticize me on incorrect facts. Many of the things you had problems with in my story was due to your obvious lack of attentiveness while reading. I am not trying to be mean, just pointing something out. First of all, I'd like to inform you that Yume is far from invincible. She's mortal; therefore she can die just as easily as the next person. If you shoot her with a gun, she will die. She's not Superman. Second of all, have you ever been a fifteen-year-old girl? Your life is a soap opera. There are some days when your emotions are like that. It's due to unbalanced hormones. Remember health class? And, while the emotions are important, I don't think the story revolves around Yume's emotions. Oh, and where did Yu Watase define the personalities of the gods? She might have, I'm not claiming to be an expert on everything and anything to do with the show because I do have a life but I was never aware of her defining them. I do know that in several different author's notes, I said I would be making up the personalities of the gods. Go back and check if you don't believe me. Last time I checked, Yume was the main character of this story, which is why events seem to revolve around her. That's what I learned in English class my whole life: stories revolve around the main character. In the first novel of the manga, in the little chart thing in the beginning, next to Taiitsu-kun's name, it says "an Oracle." Pick up an English version of the book if you don't believe me. Plus, Yume is the Oracle and if by this point in time, you don't know that than you really, really need to go talk to your literature teacher about active reading skills. And one last thing, I put a lot of time and effort into this story. I have spent hours researching and looking things up to make sure I don't distort events beyond what I want. You can't put a character into a pre-written story and expect everything to be the same. It just cannot be done. I hope this didn't sound too mean because I do try and be a nice person most of the time. If you are still interested in this so very unoriginal and incorrect fic, I suggest you reread it for your own benefit. You obviously didn't catch everything the first time.
Otaku Pitcher: No. You don't confuse me. Honestly, you're like my favorite reviewer. I was just having a bad day. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I'll have to check on those spelling errors; they were probably last minute changes that I never bothered to spell check. And, once again, I apologize for saying you confuse me. Oh, if you want to know, I did finally update Itsuka.
Songwind: No problem. It's ok. You can't catch 'em all. (Pokemon!) And yes, Byakko would be cool.
chibichibi386: Thank you so much!
Chibificgrl-100: Thanks! I wish I could fly too. Or, snap my fingers and appear places. That would be kinda cool, too.
Metajoker: Oh...thank you! Was I really an inspiration? That's really nice of you to say. And I'll see if I can read your story, too.
Author's Note: I am not going to lie to you guys today. I know this took- what? two months? - to get up but there are a lot of reasons for that. I'll stick with the basics. One, I got my first flame and it totally pissed me off. The person said it wasn't a flame, just a "nit-picking" but it still pissed me off and made me really, really not want to work on this story. I mean, everything they criticized me on was incorrect so they can go print out their review and stick it up their butt. : ) Sorry, but if you are going to tell me I suck, at least have the courtesy to make sure your facts are correct. Grr. Anyway, after that I went away for a week and then I painted my room and did some other stuff. I had this chapter pretty much ready to go but just couldn't get around to putting it up. I hope you all don't hate me too much. I love you. You guys that read and actually pay attention bring smiles to my face. Really. Sometimes when I have a really bad day (like I've been having) seeing your reviews and words of encouragement just brightens my day. Thank you. Ok, now this is getting way too sappy and sentimental so I'm just going to start the chapter before you all puke and exit out of the chapter.
Chapter 29: Decisions and Departures
As much as I wanted to perfect flying, upon entering lunch Taiitsu-kun curtly ordered me to remain with both feet firmly on the ground. I replied by sticking my tongue out at her when she wasn't looking. I don't care if she thinks I shouldn't get in the habit of flying. It's fun. Besides, who is going to notice me flying out in a magically protected mountain? She also told me that because I was so passionate about my lesson, she'd give me the rest of the day off. What a nice woman. All during lunch, I felt as though Taiitsu-kun was hiding something from me. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, depends on who you ask), mind reading was not on my list of special skills so my hunch could not be proven until she felt the urge to tell me.
I decided to use my free time to take Shiriko on a walk which brings us up to what I am currently doing: stumbling through the hallways in a futile attempt to find my room. "This place is even harder to find your way through than the Konan palace!" I exclaimed to no one in particular.
"Not if you know where to go," someone responded. I recognized the voice as Seppuka's.
"If I knew where to go, I wouldn't have a problem, now would I?" I retorted. "Could you help me?"
"I suppose. I don't have anything else to do," she answered. "You are trying to find your room, aren't you?" I nodded. "This way."
She led me through the seemingly endless hallways silently and as though she knew every inch by heart. "Have you stayed here for a long time?" I asked her.
"Stayed here? I've been living here ever since I was old enough for my parents to ship me off. They said it was for the best," she replied bitterly.
"Why would they say that?"
"Gee, I don't know. It might have something to do with the fact that I am tied to an enemy country's god and now, unfortunately, you," she snapped. "Look, I really don't want to talk to some kid about my past. There's your room so good-bye and good riddance."
I opened the door while she was talking and Shiriko bounded out into the hall. He jumped up on me so that my arms were supporting his front paws. "Guess it's a good thing I decided to take you for a walk," I mused. "Ok, ok. Down, Shiriko."
He obediently got off and proceeded to sit himself in front of Seppuka. "Is he going to move?" she asked, eying Shiriko with an obvious distaste.
"I don't know. He should but that doesn't mean he will. He has a mind of his own most of the time." I went into the room to get his leash and when I came back, Seppuka was on the ground. Shiriko had one paw on her stomach and was standing next to her looking quite pleased with himself. "Shiriko! What'd you do? Seppuka, are you ok?"
"I'm fine. I tried to walk past him and the stupid mutt wouldn't get down. He knocked me over."
"Shiriko! That's no way to treat a friend!" He trotted over to me and laid at my feet, stomach up, and gave me his best "puppy dog" look. I rubbed his stomach with my foot. "I'm not mad at you. Seppuka, you should be able to leave now."
She got up off the floor and brushed herself off. "You're just lucky he caught me on a good day or I might have paralyzed him permanently. Nakago made a mistake letting him go." She turned her back on us before adding, "Oh, and for future reference, I am not your friend." She waved her hand over her shoulder and strode away.
"Maybe I should have let you finish her off," I joked. The dog jumped to his feet, tail wagging, and looked at me as if to say "I'll still go get her if you want." I laughed at his eager expression. 'He's always so willing to do anything for me.' "No, Shiriko. She's not worth it. Let's just find somewhere for you to run and for myself to sit."
I put him on the leash and we set about to wander the huge palace. I didn't really know where we were going and I didn't care, either. 'It doesn't matter what Seppuka says: this place is hard to find your way around,' my mind grumbled. Eventually, we emerged into a field. I figured it was more than likely the one Renee led me to last night. Everywhere I looked, weird multi-colored bubbles floated. No matter how childish it may seem, both Shiriko and I had the desire to run and pop them. But, it probably wasn't the best idea in the world and I told Shiriko so. "We better not pop them, buddy. We don't know what they are."
Leaning over slightly, I let Shiriko off the leash. He stalked off, seemingly disappearing into the few shadows happily, although I find it hard to believe that someone can stalk away happily. I watched him for a second before searching for a place to sit myself. I found a tree and decided that was as good of a place as any. I really just needed to sit and think; the location didn't matter to me. It was funny, in a way. Shiriko went off to explore the great mysteries of the unknown while I was stuck sitting underneath a tree to figure out the not-so-great mysteries of my known. 'But the again, if it's known, can it be a mystery? I guess in my life, I don't really know anything for sure. The only thing I've been able to count on is Shiriko. Sometimes, I think he's my best friend, no matter how pathetic that may seem. He has stayed with me through all of this, even when I wish I could have left myself, even when I let everyone else down.'
The past few days have passed in a haze for me. I didn't really have time to react. I wish I could go back in time and do things differently but I know that will never happen. I'm not sure I'd even change my decisions if I could, even with my knowledge of the consequences. I'm beginning not to care anymore. It's like that song "Whatever will be, will be." I don't know why they don't add on a "and there's nothing you can do to change that so why even bother trying?" but that's just my opinion. 'I've been so depressed lately; it's a wonder I can even find reasons to wake up in the morning. I mean, my life's not a soap opera and I shouldn't act like it is. Sure, most teenager's lives do seem to come straight out of the mind of one of those freak's minds, but that's no excuse for allowing myself to sit around and feel sorry for myself. There will be other guys. Everything happens for a reason. This will make sense eventually,' my mind decided. 'You just keep telling yourself that,' Genbu mocked. 'You guys come back at the worst times!' I wailed. 'I'm the only one back and you should not be whining about your pathetic life. You should be training. Why aren't you?' he asked. 'Why do you need to ask? Just search my mind for the answer. But you shouldn't even have to do that since you are a god and gods are supposed to know everything, aren't they?' I couldn't help myself. He snooped in on my private discussion so now I taunt him. 'You are supposed to be a tool so why don't you answer your master?' he snapped back. I stuck out a mental tongue at him. 'Taiitsu-kun said I could have the afternoon off because I'm so good at flying,' I told him in as good of a haughty voice I could make my mind sound. 'You better not be lying because Suzaku wants to move out. Seiryuu said his priestess will have the second Shinzaho soon and he wants you to talk to her before she summons him so get off your lazy ass and tell Taiitsu-kun to send you there. Now!' he ordered. 'Fine, but do me a favor and get the other gods back. I don't like being stuck with you.'
I called Shiriko and we went back into the palace together. I ran into Renee on the way there who told me Taiitsu-kun was in a private meeting with Katana to discuss the rest of my training. I went back to my room and got out the notebook I had been using as a journal. "Well, Shiriko, it's been a while since I wrote in this. I have some time so I might as well." The dog sighed and lay down on the bed next to me as I began to write. I had lost track of how many days I've been here. It feels like a really long time but I know it hasn't even been a month yet. Not even half of one. 'I think I'll just go with day number then. That seems right.' I wrote about Nuriko's death, Tasuki, my encounter with Nakago, and even how I have all the gods in my head. I recorded just about everything that had happened to me the past few days. Just as I was finishing up, I heard a knock on my door. Shiriko's eyes opened and his ears pricked up. "Yes?" I said, closing the notebook and storing it away.
The door opened and Taiitsu-kun walked in. "You wanted to talk to me before?" she asked. "What did you want?"
"The gods and worried. Yu- The Priestess of Seiryuu is going to have the second Shinzaho soon," I answered. 'Yume, let me speak to her now,' Seiryuu ordered. The scar that represented Seiryuu began to glow and I felt myself be pushed to the back of my mind.
"So you are speaking now, Seiryuu? What about your priestess troubles you?" Taiitsu-kun questioned in a much more respectful voice than she had used with me. 'Well, what'd you expect? He's a god, you're not,' Suzaku said when I said so.
"I'm concerned that she may not be acting with the best interest of Sairou at heart. Nakago is polluting her mind. If he gets his wish granted..." He trailed off.
"We could end up with another Unwoven one. The Fates and Nephiro would love that. She'd had to share her cave," Taiitsu-kun said, finishing it for him in a tone of disgust. Despite that, she shuddered. (A/N: Anyone reading my other FY fic will know Nephiro. I try to tie my stories together sometimes. I know, bad Smack. Don't worry; it's not important to the plot. Just a little hint to the future of the other story.)
"Exactly. She's being...tolerable now but who knows what will happen if a new face joins her forces?" 'Huh? What's an "Unwoven one" and who's Nephiro?' I asked. 'It's better not to ask or she may sense it and penetrate your thoughts. Besides, Byakko is sensitive about it,' Suzaku replied. 'I am not sensitive about it!' 'Yes, yes you are.'
"What do you want me to do?" Taiitsu-kun asked gravely.
"I need you to send Yume, Seppuka, Renee, Fae, and Katana to wherever my priestess is. I need them to find out what she is planning and, if possible, talk some sense into her before a force is let loose that can destroy both worlds," he answered. "As soon as possible."
"Sometimes, I wonder how well Nephiro is held at bay," Taiitsu-kun murmured absently. "This has her written all over it." Shaking herself, she said, "I don't think Yume is ready yet."
"She's going to have to be. Whatever she doesn't know now, she'll just have to learn out there. There is no other way."
"I suppose you are right. Consider it done," she told him. "Yume, get your stuff together. All of it. I don't know if you'll be returning. I'll tell the other four." She hurried off and I was given back control of my body.
I raced about the room gathering my things. I didn't have much and what I did have was barely unpacked. About fifteen minutes later, Shiriko and I met the rest in the main hall. Taiitsu-kun looked about as unsure as I felt.
"Are you ready to go?" she asked me.
"As ready as I'm going to be," I replied, trying to seem confident but inside I was shaking. I wasn't ready to go into the heart of enemy lands and possibly face Nakago. But then again, I probably never will be. 'Calm down, Yume. You'll be fine. We're all right here,' Byakko comforted.
"All right then. I wish you five luck," she said. With one last look at us and a wave of her hand we were on our way...
Author's Note: There ya go. Hope you liked it. Ignore the allusion to my other story; she may or may not be important later on. Well, she might actually appear in the story in the future. Hehe. Anyway, I don't really like this chapter. It's kind of, I don't know, blah? I mean, parts of it are good but over all it's just... blah, you know? Ok, I don't need to criticize my own story, that's what I have people like "Meepsies" for. They lower my already low self-esteem to the point of no return! Sorry, I'm still a little ticked off by that. I hope the rest of you don't read as absent-mindedly as her. You pay attention, right? You know that Yume is the Oracle, right? Please tell me you do? Ok, I'm done. I'll stop. Now, here's your quote.
"What's this dog doing in my room?"
~Smack