Disclaimer: I don't own the marvelous anime and manga this fic is kind of
sort of based on.
Thanks to...
Songwind: I know that's what flamers are there for but she pissed me off. I don't care if people don't like my story; I just think that if they are going to tell me they don't like it, they should have valid reasons. And I am also a really, really big perfectionist and I have high standards. I know I should keep my opinions to myself on my story because I am my first critic but sometimes...I don't know. I tell people anyway. But thank you for the support. And I'm sorry it took so long to update.
VanyD: Well thanks for saying it wasn't horrible. I was having writer's block and just wrote a filler chapter. The reference to my other story is actually going to be very important either later on in this story or in the sequel. I haven't completely decided on when but it will happen. So...watch out.
Chibificgrl-100: Don't worry; I'll finish this story. It might take me awhile because school is evil but I will finish it. Promise. And I honestly can't remember how I came up with the name Shiriko. ::ponders and draws a blank:: Oh well. Thanks for the review!
Otaku Pitcher: Are you kidding! You are good for lots of stuff to writers! You're like my favorite reviewer! And I'm completely serious. You always let me know when I have spelling issues that I miss somehow. You're the only who does that! Everyone else passes 'em by. And I'm glad you like the chapter, though I think this one might be a little better. Yume does some role-playing.
neppy: No, I don't have ESP. I just started off with a basic idea of you and it evolved into this. Smile and be happy. Thanks for the heads up on that spelling issue. I'm leaving it for now. :)
Mushroom: (Sorry for shortening your name. It's cool, I mean, I like it, it's just really, really long.) Yea, you know, the other characters are off doing their own things. Yume has a different path to take than them for the moment. They will probably be in the next chapter but for now, they are going their separate ways. As for the all-powerful Yume thing, as you will see later in this chapter, she has her limits. She is still a "normal" teenage girl in her mind. I think if someone shot her, her first thoughts would be shock, which would then melt into "OMG I'M GOING TO DIE!" Not "Let's use my new powers that I've only had for a day." You have a very valid point but there are more things to consider than what she can do. Sometimes you have to think of what you would think of if it were you.
Metajoker: I know that chapter was short. This one is super long though! Well, for me, it is. I'm glad you at least think it has a nice flow. Thank you.
kyebaka: Thank you!!! I made the gods immature on purpose. I figured that I would have them act like eighteen-year-olds, though I don't remember now. o.O Oh well. Thanks again!
Fyfangirl26: Well, Yume has a lot on her plate right now but there will eventually be some interaction between them. Not for some time, though. The other characters have to take care of some stuff and Yume has to do her thing but they will meet again, in very weird circumstances and maybe, just maybe, they'll come to terms with how they feel about each other.
AquaRose: Thanks! It gets even more complex once you get to the ending. You'll all hate me for that. (The ending is the only part that I have actually planned out and let me tell you, if you hate me for the cliffhangers I throw in now and then, you will despise me for the ending.)
Author's Note: I know. Another long wait. We have this evil of all evils known as "block scheduling" in school this year and it's taken me a bit to get used to. That and I've been feeling kind of down lately, about this story and life in general. But I have battled the bleakness and have forced myself to sit here and type this for you. I like the chapter title because I, for one, have definitely felt like that at times. How about you? I know you have. We all have at one point or another. It's a fact of life. Anyway, this chapter is kind of weird. Yume gets some split personalities and role- plays a little. But I like it and I hope you will too. It's also longer than the last chapter by a lot so you should be happy. And without further ado, here's chapter thirty...
Chapter 30: Sometimes I Just Want to Put on a Bunny Suit and Scream
The six of us (including Shiriko) materialized in some hallway that I only could guess was in yet another palace. I was getting sick of them. I didn't know what to expect in this place. I was, in a sense, surrounded by enemies. There was small comfort in the fact that the four girls around me were under orders to protect me. Very small comfort. "I guess we're here," Renee said. She sounded just as nervous as I felt.
"Yea...but now what? This place looks huge," Fae responded, looking around. "It's kinda dark in here. Not very cozy."
"I can fix that," Seppy said. She held out her hand, palm up, and a ball of light formed on it, illuminating our surroundings. "That's better."
"But we still need to know what to do. Should we search for the others or concentrate on the priestess first? Yume, you're supposed to be the leader, what do you propose we do?" Katana asked me. Every eye turned towards me, searching for an answer, but I didn't have one.
"Uhh..." I started. 'What should we do?' I asked the gods. 'You should go look for my priestess. Those four should concentrate on finding the others. They will need all the help they can get soon,' Seiryuu ordered. 'And try not to be so nervous. We're with you if you need us. No one will listen to you or take you seriously if you look like you're afraid of your own shadow,' Byakko added. "You four go find the others. Tell them nothing of where I am and what I'm doing. Their task is to find the Shinzaho, not look for me," I declared, regaining my composure and then some.
"What about you?" Katana questioned. "Will you be ok?"
"I'll be better off by myself, trust me," I answered. "Now get going. They need you, I don't." They warped off somewhere, taking the light with them. Now it was just Shiriko and I. 'Just the way I like it.' "Which way do you think she is, Shiriko?" I whispered so as not to draw attention to us.
The wolf dog sniffed the air and headed towards the left. I naturally followed. I almost found myself wishing Seppuka was still around: I could use her little ball of light. Then I remembered that I had my own source of light. I got out my flashlight and turned it on. It helped a little. Now I could at least see the ground in front of me as I walked. Shiriko led the way through the seemingly endless hallways that were so popular in palaces in this world. Then I heard the sound of footsteps echoing in a near by corridor. I froze and listened as they continued. Peering over my shoulder, I saw nothing but shadows. 'Go there, Yume,' Seiryuu ordered. 'And dim your light! No need to let them know we are coming!' I turned off my flashlight and replaced it in my bag before heading down the passage. I, accompanied by Shiriko, entered stealthily (meaning I somehow managed not to trip over my own feet) and found a young man walking in the opposite direction. He seemed preoccupied by something and did not notice my approach, which was a good thing in my mind. 'Perfect. Not Yui but not Nakago or Tomo either.' 'Talk to him. Maybe he can direct you to Yui's apartments,' Seiryuu commanded. 'As you command so do I obey, master,' I replied sarcastically. 'That's right and you better not forget it.' 'Shut up.' 'Just go already. You waste too much time,' he said. I stuck a mental tongue out at him but moved towards the youth.
"Excuse me, sir. You look like you know you're way around here. I'm a little bit lost. I'm trying to find my way to the priestess. I have some final instructions from Nakago for her. Could you please take me to her?" I asked the retreating form. The boy looked up at me and I took a good look at him. He had dirty blonde hair, somewhat long and held back by a blue headband and attentive blue eyes that seemed intense. I almost stepped back upon meeting his gaze but held my ground. I refused to be intimidated by a mere boy's eyes. He was wearing some sort of orange vest over a blue shirt. He didn't look that much older than myself.
"Why would Nakago send a newbie to do something so important? And what are you wearing? Not even the Priestess has clothes like that," he questioned, eying me with those intense eyes suspiciously.
"I'm not exactly new. I just don't leave Nakago's apartments much," I lied with a perfectly straight face. 'Ew! Yume! That's nasty! I expected better of you!' Byakko cried. The youth, however, eyed me with much greater interest. "I was the only one around at that moment so he sent me. And as for the clothes," I shrugged, "I like them. They're comfy." 'I should have thought before wearing my own clothes. One of those dresses would have been a lot more discreet.'
"What about Soi?" he asked. "I thought that was her job."
"What you're thinking is. I don't have the ability to help his life force. I'm his...Oh, what's that word?"
"Whore?" he offered.
"No...that's not it," I replied, ignoring the intended insult. "I'm his mistress, not his whore."
He studied me even more carefully now, walking in a circle around me, apparently considering. "I think he did mention something about a girl your age that looked like you. But what's with the dog?" he said finally.
"Nakago gave me him to protect me from strange men. He's good company sometimes," I explained. Shiriko's ears went down when I said that and I pet his head in what I hoped appeared to be just a fond stroke rather than an attempt to sooth him. "Now, are you going to bring me to her or not?"
"What does Nakago want you to tell her?" he asked. 'What's with the twenty questions? Man!'
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that. It's a secret, you know. Just between the priestess and Nakago and, well, me." I stepped towards him so that my face was only about an inch away from him and looked up into his eyes. "It's nothing personal. I'd love to tell you but I can't. You understand, don't you?"
His face colored and he nodded. "Yea, I understand." He took a step back and grabbed my hand. "Come on, I'll take you. Yui's room is right this way." Still holding my hand, he led me through the halls. I usually don't like playing the dim-witted "easy" girl, but it can be fun and it works. "She should be in there and if she is not, she will return shortly," he said, indicating a door to the right.
"Thanks for all your help. Look me up later. We should get together. You're kinda cute." I patted his cheek, winked and entered the room before he could react. As far as I cold tell, Yui was nowhere to be found so I took advantage of the time and looked around. It was a big bedroom, with a four- poster bed and a bit of furniture, much nicer than my Konan room. "Shiriko, if she's here, find her."
The dog sniffed the air and shook his head no. 'Damn kid. She's not even here!' 'She'll come back. She's probably being prepared for the ceremony. Sit down and relax,' Seiryuu told me. 'Yea right. How can I relax when I'm right in the center of enemy headquarters? For all I know, that kid could go blabbing to someone and that could reach Tomo or Nakago and then they'll know I'm here.' 'That's not going to happen. Now sit down or I'll make you,' Seiryuu ordered. I sat down in one of the scattered chairs and Shiriko settled by me feet. I was nearly asleep when we heard footsteps outside of the door. I froze. 'What should I do?' I asked terrified. 'Hide!' Suzaku answered. 'Behind the bed! Hurry!' I did as I was told and waited. Seconds passed like minutes, each one filled with to the core with uncertainty. The doorknob turned, creaking unnaturally loudly, then the door opened. Two sets of feet entered the chamber. "Leave me. I can handle this myself," the haughty voice of Yui ordered. The second set of feet left and Shiriko took a step out from behind the bed.
"No! Shiriko! Stay!" I whispered hoarsely. But it was too late. He disappeared completely from my sight and into the open.
"What's this dog doing in my room?" Yui snapped.
"He's mine," I said before I could stop myself. The last thing I needed was her to call the guards and that was bound to happen if I didn't reveal myself. It could still happen but it is less likely now. Or at least, I hoped it was. I stepped out from behind the bed and stood next to Shiriko. Seeing her standing there in her stupid little robe without a hint of remorse over what she had done to Nuriko was too much. A flood of emotions washed over me. I loathed her and I wanted to kill her. Slowly and painfully. I hated the fact that I was here to help her. She deserved whatever she got and then some. But I had to obey. "Don't be scared. I was sent her to advise you."
"Wait...I know you from somewhere," she said, studying my face. "You're that spy that went AWOL, aren't you? I thought you quit working for Nakago," she added, looking slightly nervous. 'Ah good. She heard the stories.'
"I didn't quit. I just moved onto bigger and better things," I responded, smiling slightly in a taunting manner.
"Then who sent you here?" she asked, looking more than just a little nervous now. I wanted to take full advantage of this but decided that I should just follow orders.
"Seiryuu," I answered.
"That's not possible. He has not been summoned yet."
"Why does everyone always say that? I'm the Oracle. I communicate with the gods via the mind and spread their messages to you common folk." 'Don't taunt her, Yume. That will never work,' Seiryuu muttered.
"What are you babbling about? I didn't know there was such a thing," Yui sneered.
"I don't have the time or patience it would take to explain everything to you. It's not important that you understand how it happened or what my role in this world is. What does matter is what I am here to say," I snapped back.
"And what exactly are you here to say?" she questioned. "I have a lot to do and don't have time to waste on ex-employees."
"I'm here to protect your pathetic existence so if I were you, I'd drop the attitude. I wasn't sent here to deal with your shit so cut the crap and listen to me." Her eyes glared death at me but she said no more. "Mind if I take I seat?" She shook her head no and I seated myself in a chair opposite of where she was standing. 'Yume, you are going about this entirely the wrong way. If you don't start behaving properly, I will take control,' Seiryuu warned. "Now then, in order for me to help you, I need to know what you are planning on wishing once you summon Seiryuu."
"Why should I tell you? For all I know, this could be a trick to get me to tell you what I'm planning. How do I know you aren't Miaka's lackey now?" she demanded in a very snooty voice. I took a mental deep breath. 'This girl is going to be the death of me,' I thought, forgetting for once about the gods.
"First of all, I'm not on very good terms with Miaka and her little pals at the moment. You know the whole spying thing? Yea, they didn't like that too much. Secondly, I will never be anyone's 'lackey' as you so aptly put it. And last of all, you should tell me because if you don't, you will wind up being consumed by the very god that is meant to grant you your wishes. Now then, if you have no further objections, might we get started?" I responded in what I could only consider a tight voice. "You don't have to tell me the intricacies of your plans, just what your plans are concerning Nakago. That's all I need to know," I added as a sort of afterthought. When she still didn't speak, I decided to change tactics. "Well, if you still don't feel comfortable trusting me, at least listen to my advice. You cannot grant Nakago the power he desires."
"I have no choice," she mumbled under her breath. I got the impression that I was not supposed to hear that remark but chose to reply anyway.
"Listen to me, Yui. You always have a choice whether or not you see it right now. You just have to be brave enough to risk it. Please do as I say."
"You don't understand. Nakago saved me. I'm in debt to him," she replied sadly.
"That doesn't mean you have to grant him his wish. He's using that debt against you! He's using you! Can't you see? Nakago will destroy our worlds with that kind of power! You mustn't let him have it! I beg you," I pleaded.
"You don't know Nakago at all! He'd never use me! He cares about me!" she screamed at me. "GUARDS!!! Help! There's an intruder in my room!" She smirked maliciously at me. The door swung open and six armored guards entered. "Seize her and take her to the dungeon. Inform Nakago of her presence. I'm sure he would love to have a few words with a traitor like her."
I backed into a corner as the guards advanced towards me. The gods were silent. They grabbed my arms and forced them behind my back. Shiriko began to growl. "Shiriko! Get out of here!" I hissed to my dog. To the men I said, "Relax, I'll go peacefully. I'm not completely incompetent. I know when there is no hope." Shiriko took off out the still open door while they were distracted with me.
"The dog, you idiots!" Yui shrieked. "Get it!" Three of the men took off after Shiriko and I prayed for his safety. He would find the others. He has to.
The other three guards escorted me to the dungeon: one behind me to hold my arms, the other two to either side. They led me through endless corridors, then down a staircase, until we arrived in a dark, damp passage that appeared to be a hallway. On either side were doors, barred and locked. The whole place smelt of something rancid. Opening one of the doors, the guard that had been holding my arms pushed me into the room before shutting and locking the door behind him. I landed with a thud on the hard rock floor. I got up, rubbing my now sore butt, and looked around. If ever there was a hopeless situation, it was the one I was in now. Although it was still daylight outside, the cell was almost pitch black. The only light came from the tiny opening on the door, and that was from a torch lit in the hall outside. There was nothing to sit on except the floor and due to the lack of light, I was hesitant to sit on it. Who knows what could be on the ground? I tried the door in an attempt I knew would be fruitless and was not surprised when it didn't budge. In an act of frustration, I kicked the door. All that accomplished was making my foot hurt. I was not a happy camper.
'Damn my luck! I don't suppose one of you can help, can you?' I asked. 'Err...No, not really,' Byakko replied. 'Wonderful. Absolutely fuckin' perfect. Nakago is on his way and I'm stuck in a cell with four gods in my head that can do nothing to help me! What good are you if you can't help?' I raged. 'We can keep you company,' Suzaku suggested. 'Wahoo.' I was trapped, completely and utterly trapped with Nakago on his way and my only hope rested with a dog and a group of people who currently hate me. Sitting, well, squatting, in a corner, I prayed that Shiriko would reach the others. I felt like putting on a bunny suit and screaming. And I did, well, I didn't have a bunny suit but I screamed as loud as I possibly could until my throat was hoarse anyway. 'Feel better?' Byakko questioned. 'Shut up.'
Author's Note: Wow, that was a long chapter and most of it I just sat down and typed. Like, all of it, actually. The original version of this chapter provided a bit of an outline to follow but for the most part, it was just my Maroon 5 CD and me (and yes, I know that is improper grammar). ::smiles:: Yea...I'm really into this band Maroon 5 for some reason. I love them. They are awesome. And if you don't like them, that's ok. I won't hate you if you don't hate me, ok? Anyway, back to the chapter: what'd going to happen to her? Will Shiriko reach the others? Will they even know what to do? Poor Yume. Does the chapter title make sense now? Hee hee. I actually didn't know what to call this chapter and after the ending, it just seemed right. I hate to tell you guys this but we are really nearing the end. I think we only have five to ten chapters left. : ( Oh well. I'm calling it quits on this chapter. Here's your quote:
"Only because you have no standards, you wanton."
I actually don't know if I'm going to keep that part in the next chapter but I really do like that quote. Because I changed most of this chapter, I'll probably have to make up the next few, too. Oh well. See you all next chapter!
~Smack
Thanks to...
Songwind: I know that's what flamers are there for but she pissed me off. I don't care if people don't like my story; I just think that if they are going to tell me they don't like it, they should have valid reasons. And I am also a really, really big perfectionist and I have high standards. I know I should keep my opinions to myself on my story because I am my first critic but sometimes...I don't know. I tell people anyway. But thank you for the support. And I'm sorry it took so long to update.
VanyD: Well thanks for saying it wasn't horrible. I was having writer's block and just wrote a filler chapter. The reference to my other story is actually going to be very important either later on in this story or in the sequel. I haven't completely decided on when but it will happen. So...watch out.
Chibificgrl-100: Don't worry; I'll finish this story. It might take me awhile because school is evil but I will finish it. Promise. And I honestly can't remember how I came up with the name Shiriko. ::ponders and draws a blank:: Oh well. Thanks for the review!
Otaku Pitcher: Are you kidding! You are good for lots of stuff to writers! You're like my favorite reviewer! And I'm completely serious. You always let me know when I have spelling issues that I miss somehow. You're the only who does that! Everyone else passes 'em by. And I'm glad you like the chapter, though I think this one might be a little better. Yume does some role-playing.
neppy: No, I don't have ESP. I just started off with a basic idea of you and it evolved into this. Smile and be happy. Thanks for the heads up on that spelling issue. I'm leaving it for now. :)
Mushroom: (Sorry for shortening your name. It's cool, I mean, I like it, it's just really, really long.) Yea, you know, the other characters are off doing their own things. Yume has a different path to take than them for the moment. They will probably be in the next chapter but for now, they are going their separate ways. As for the all-powerful Yume thing, as you will see later in this chapter, she has her limits. She is still a "normal" teenage girl in her mind. I think if someone shot her, her first thoughts would be shock, which would then melt into "OMG I'M GOING TO DIE!" Not "Let's use my new powers that I've only had for a day." You have a very valid point but there are more things to consider than what she can do. Sometimes you have to think of what you would think of if it were you.
Metajoker: I know that chapter was short. This one is super long though! Well, for me, it is. I'm glad you at least think it has a nice flow. Thank you.
kyebaka: Thank you!!! I made the gods immature on purpose. I figured that I would have them act like eighteen-year-olds, though I don't remember now. o.O Oh well. Thanks again!
Fyfangirl26: Well, Yume has a lot on her plate right now but there will eventually be some interaction between them. Not for some time, though. The other characters have to take care of some stuff and Yume has to do her thing but they will meet again, in very weird circumstances and maybe, just maybe, they'll come to terms with how they feel about each other.
AquaRose: Thanks! It gets even more complex once you get to the ending. You'll all hate me for that. (The ending is the only part that I have actually planned out and let me tell you, if you hate me for the cliffhangers I throw in now and then, you will despise me for the ending.)
Author's Note: I know. Another long wait. We have this evil of all evils known as "block scheduling" in school this year and it's taken me a bit to get used to. That and I've been feeling kind of down lately, about this story and life in general. But I have battled the bleakness and have forced myself to sit here and type this for you. I like the chapter title because I, for one, have definitely felt like that at times. How about you? I know you have. We all have at one point or another. It's a fact of life. Anyway, this chapter is kind of weird. Yume gets some split personalities and role- plays a little. But I like it and I hope you will too. It's also longer than the last chapter by a lot so you should be happy. And without further ado, here's chapter thirty...
Chapter 30: Sometimes I Just Want to Put on a Bunny Suit and Scream
The six of us (including Shiriko) materialized in some hallway that I only could guess was in yet another palace. I was getting sick of them. I didn't know what to expect in this place. I was, in a sense, surrounded by enemies. There was small comfort in the fact that the four girls around me were under orders to protect me. Very small comfort. "I guess we're here," Renee said. She sounded just as nervous as I felt.
"Yea...but now what? This place looks huge," Fae responded, looking around. "It's kinda dark in here. Not very cozy."
"I can fix that," Seppy said. She held out her hand, palm up, and a ball of light formed on it, illuminating our surroundings. "That's better."
"But we still need to know what to do. Should we search for the others or concentrate on the priestess first? Yume, you're supposed to be the leader, what do you propose we do?" Katana asked me. Every eye turned towards me, searching for an answer, but I didn't have one.
"Uhh..." I started. 'What should we do?' I asked the gods. 'You should go look for my priestess. Those four should concentrate on finding the others. They will need all the help they can get soon,' Seiryuu ordered. 'And try not to be so nervous. We're with you if you need us. No one will listen to you or take you seriously if you look like you're afraid of your own shadow,' Byakko added. "You four go find the others. Tell them nothing of where I am and what I'm doing. Their task is to find the Shinzaho, not look for me," I declared, regaining my composure and then some.
"What about you?" Katana questioned. "Will you be ok?"
"I'll be better off by myself, trust me," I answered. "Now get going. They need you, I don't." They warped off somewhere, taking the light with them. Now it was just Shiriko and I. 'Just the way I like it.' "Which way do you think she is, Shiriko?" I whispered so as not to draw attention to us.
The wolf dog sniffed the air and headed towards the left. I naturally followed. I almost found myself wishing Seppuka was still around: I could use her little ball of light. Then I remembered that I had my own source of light. I got out my flashlight and turned it on. It helped a little. Now I could at least see the ground in front of me as I walked. Shiriko led the way through the seemingly endless hallways that were so popular in palaces in this world. Then I heard the sound of footsteps echoing in a near by corridor. I froze and listened as they continued. Peering over my shoulder, I saw nothing but shadows. 'Go there, Yume,' Seiryuu ordered. 'And dim your light! No need to let them know we are coming!' I turned off my flashlight and replaced it in my bag before heading down the passage. I, accompanied by Shiriko, entered stealthily (meaning I somehow managed not to trip over my own feet) and found a young man walking in the opposite direction. He seemed preoccupied by something and did not notice my approach, which was a good thing in my mind. 'Perfect. Not Yui but not Nakago or Tomo either.' 'Talk to him. Maybe he can direct you to Yui's apartments,' Seiryuu commanded. 'As you command so do I obey, master,' I replied sarcastically. 'That's right and you better not forget it.' 'Shut up.' 'Just go already. You waste too much time,' he said. I stuck a mental tongue out at him but moved towards the youth.
"Excuse me, sir. You look like you know you're way around here. I'm a little bit lost. I'm trying to find my way to the priestess. I have some final instructions from Nakago for her. Could you please take me to her?" I asked the retreating form. The boy looked up at me and I took a good look at him. He had dirty blonde hair, somewhat long and held back by a blue headband and attentive blue eyes that seemed intense. I almost stepped back upon meeting his gaze but held my ground. I refused to be intimidated by a mere boy's eyes. He was wearing some sort of orange vest over a blue shirt. He didn't look that much older than myself.
"Why would Nakago send a newbie to do something so important? And what are you wearing? Not even the Priestess has clothes like that," he questioned, eying me with those intense eyes suspiciously.
"I'm not exactly new. I just don't leave Nakago's apartments much," I lied with a perfectly straight face. 'Ew! Yume! That's nasty! I expected better of you!' Byakko cried. The youth, however, eyed me with much greater interest. "I was the only one around at that moment so he sent me. And as for the clothes," I shrugged, "I like them. They're comfy." 'I should have thought before wearing my own clothes. One of those dresses would have been a lot more discreet.'
"What about Soi?" he asked. "I thought that was her job."
"What you're thinking is. I don't have the ability to help his life force. I'm his...Oh, what's that word?"
"Whore?" he offered.
"No...that's not it," I replied, ignoring the intended insult. "I'm his mistress, not his whore."
He studied me even more carefully now, walking in a circle around me, apparently considering. "I think he did mention something about a girl your age that looked like you. But what's with the dog?" he said finally.
"Nakago gave me him to protect me from strange men. He's good company sometimes," I explained. Shiriko's ears went down when I said that and I pet his head in what I hoped appeared to be just a fond stroke rather than an attempt to sooth him. "Now, are you going to bring me to her or not?"
"What does Nakago want you to tell her?" he asked. 'What's with the twenty questions? Man!'
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that. It's a secret, you know. Just between the priestess and Nakago and, well, me." I stepped towards him so that my face was only about an inch away from him and looked up into his eyes. "It's nothing personal. I'd love to tell you but I can't. You understand, don't you?"
His face colored and he nodded. "Yea, I understand." He took a step back and grabbed my hand. "Come on, I'll take you. Yui's room is right this way." Still holding my hand, he led me through the halls. I usually don't like playing the dim-witted "easy" girl, but it can be fun and it works. "She should be in there and if she is not, she will return shortly," he said, indicating a door to the right.
"Thanks for all your help. Look me up later. We should get together. You're kinda cute." I patted his cheek, winked and entered the room before he could react. As far as I cold tell, Yui was nowhere to be found so I took advantage of the time and looked around. It was a big bedroom, with a four- poster bed and a bit of furniture, much nicer than my Konan room. "Shiriko, if she's here, find her."
The dog sniffed the air and shook his head no. 'Damn kid. She's not even here!' 'She'll come back. She's probably being prepared for the ceremony. Sit down and relax,' Seiryuu told me. 'Yea right. How can I relax when I'm right in the center of enemy headquarters? For all I know, that kid could go blabbing to someone and that could reach Tomo or Nakago and then they'll know I'm here.' 'That's not going to happen. Now sit down or I'll make you,' Seiryuu ordered. I sat down in one of the scattered chairs and Shiriko settled by me feet. I was nearly asleep when we heard footsteps outside of the door. I froze. 'What should I do?' I asked terrified. 'Hide!' Suzaku answered. 'Behind the bed! Hurry!' I did as I was told and waited. Seconds passed like minutes, each one filled with to the core with uncertainty. The doorknob turned, creaking unnaturally loudly, then the door opened. Two sets of feet entered the chamber. "Leave me. I can handle this myself," the haughty voice of Yui ordered. The second set of feet left and Shiriko took a step out from behind the bed.
"No! Shiriko! Stay!" I whispered hoarsely. But it was too late. He disappeared completely from my sight and into the open.
"What's this dog doing in my room?" Yui snapped.
"He's mine," I said before I could stop myself. The last thing I needed was her to call the guards and that was bound to happen if I didn't reveal myself. It could still happen but it is less likely now. Or at least, I hoped it was. I stepped out from behind the bed and stood next to Shiriko. Seeing her standing there in her stupid little robe without a hint of remorse over what she had done to Nuriko was too much. A flood of emotions washed over me. I loathed her and I wanted to kill her. Slowly and painfully. I hated the fact that I was here to help her. She deserved whatever she got and then some. But I had to obey. "Don't be scared. I was sent her to advise you."
"Wait...I know you from somewhere," she said, studying my face. "You're that spy that went AWOL, aren't you? I thought you quit working for Nakago," she added, looking slightly nervous. 'Ah good. She heard the stories.'
"I didn't quit. I just moved onto bigger and better things," I responded, smiling slightly in a taunting manner.
"Then who sent you here?" she asked, looking more than just a little nervous now. I wanted to take full advantage of this but decided that I should just follow orders.
"Seiryuu," I answered.
"That's not possible. He has not been summoned yet."
"Why does everyone always say that? I'm the Oracle. I communicate with the gods via the mind and spread their messages to you common folk." 'Don't taunt her, Yume. That will never work,' Seiryuu muttered.
"What are you babbling about? I didn't know there was such a thing," Yui sneered.
"I don't have the time or patience it would take to explain everything to you. It's not important that you understand how it happened or what my role in this world is. What does matter is what I am here to say," I snapped back.
"And what exactly are you here to say?" she questioned. "I have a lot to do and don't have time to waste on ex-employees."
"I'm here to protect your pathetic existence so if I were you, I'd drop the attitude. I wasn't sent here to deal with your shit so cut the crap and listen to me." Her eyes glared death at me but she said no more. "Mind if I take I seat?" She shook her head no and I seated myself in a chair opposite of where she was standing. 'Yume, you are going about this entirely the wrong way. If you don't start behaving properly, I will take control,' Seiryuu warned. "Now then, in order for me to help you, I need to know what you are planning on wishing once you summon Seiryuu."
"Why should I tell you? For all I know, this could be a trick to get me to tell you what I'm planning. How do I know you aren't Miaka's lackey now?" she demanded in a very snooty voice. I took a mental deep breath. 'This girl is going to be the death of me,' I thought, forgetting for once about the gods.
"First of all, I'm not on very good terms with Miaka and her little pals at the moment. You know the whole spying thing? Yea, they didn't like that too much. Secondly, I will never be anyone's 'lackey' as you so aptly put it. And last of all, you should tell me because if you don't, you will wind up being consumed by the very god that is meant to grant you your wishes. Now then, if you have no further objections, might we get started?" I responded in what I could only consider a tight voice. "You don't have to tell me the intricacies of your plans, just what your plans are concerning Nakago. That's all I need to know," I added as a sort of afterthought. When she still didn't speak, I decided to change tactics. "Well, if you still don't feel comfortable trusting me, at least listen to my advice. You cannot grant Nakago the power he desires."
"I have no choice," she mumbled under her breath. I got the impression that I was not supposed to hear that remark but chose to reply anyway.
"Listen to me, Yui. You always have a choice whether or not you see it right now. You just have to be brave enough to risk it. Please do as I say."
"You don't understand. Nakago saved me. I'm in debt to him," she replied sadly.
"That doesn't mean you have to grant him his wish. He's using that debt against you! He's using you! Can't you see? Nakago will destroy our worlds with that kind of power! You mustn't let him have it! I beg you," I pleaded.
"You don't know Nakago at all! He'd never use me! He cares about me!" she screamed at me. "GUARDS!!! Help! There's an intruder in my room!" She smirked maliciously at me. The door swung open and six armored guards entered. "Seize her and take her to the dungeon. Inform Nakago of her presence. I'm sure he would love to have a few words with a traitor like her."
I backed into a corner as the guards advanced towards me. The gods were silent. They grabbed my arms and forced them behind my back. Shiriko began to growl. "Shiriko! Get out of here!" I hissed to my dog. To the men I said, "Relax, I'll go peacefully. I'm not completely incompetent. I know when there is no hope." Shiriko took off out the still open door while they were distracted with me.
"The dog, you idiots!" Yui shrieked. "Get it!" Three of the men took off after Shiriko and I prayed for his safety. He would find the others. He has to.
The other three guards escorted me to the dungeon: one behind me to hold my arms, the other two to either side. They led me through endless corridors, then down a staircase, until we arrived in a dark, damp passage that appeared to be a hallway. On either side were doors, barred and locked. The whole place smelt of something rancid. Opening one of the doors, the guard that had been holding my arms pushed me into the room before shutting and locking the door behind him. I landed with a thud on the hard rock floor. I got up, rubbing my now sore butt, and looked around. If ever there was a hopeless situation, it was the one I was in now. Although it was still daylight outside, the cell was almost pitch black. The only light came from the tiny opening on the door, and that was from a torch lit in the hall outside. There was nothing to sit on except the floor and due to the lack of light, I was hesitant to sit on it. Who knows what could be on the ground? I tried the door in an attempt I knew would be fruitless and was not surprised when it didn't budge. In an act of frustration, I kicked the door. All that accomplished was making my foot hurt. I was not a happy camper.
'Damn my luck! I don't suppose one of you can help, can you?' I asked. 'Err...No, not really,' Byakko replied. 'Wonderful. Absolutely fuckin' perfect. Nakago is on his way and I'm stuck in a cell with four gods in my head that can do nothing to help me! What good are you if you can't help?' I raged. 'We can keep you company,' Suzaku suggested. 'Wahoo.' I was trapped, completely and utterly trapped with Nakago on his way and my only hope rested with a dog and a group of people who currently hate me. Sitting, well, squatting, in a corner, I prayed that Shiriko would reach the others. I felt like putting on a bunny suit and screaming. And I did, well, I didn't have a bunny suit but I screamed as loud as I possibly could until my throat was hoarse anyway. 'Feel better?' Byakko questioned. 'Shut up.'
Author's Note: Wow, that was a long chapter and most of it I just sat down and typed. Like, all of it, actually. The original version of this chapter provided a bit of an outline to follow but for the most part, it was just my Maroon 5 CD and me (and yes, I know that is improper grammar). ::smiles:: Yea...I'm really into this band Maroon 5 for some reason. I love them. They are awesome. And if you don't like them, that's ok. I won't hate you if you don't hate me, ok? Anyway, back to the chapter: what'd going to happen to her? Will Shiriko reach the others? Will they even know what to do? Poor Yume. Does the chapter title make sense now? Hee hee. I actually didn't know what to call this chapter and after the ending, it just seemed right. I hate to tell you guys this but we are really nearing the end. I think we only have five to ten chapters left. : ( Oh well. I'm calling it quits on this chapter. Here's your quote:
"Only because you have no standards, you wanton."
I actually don't know if I'm going to keep that part in the next chapter but I really do like that quote. Because I changed most of this chapter, I'll probably have to make up the next few, too. Oh well. See you all next chapter!
~Smack