Book Two: Two Worlds; One Quest

Chapter One: Return to Kutou

Yui moved forward in front of Miaka as she continued to stare at the figure before them.

"Suboshi?" she replied, "Is it really you?"

"Yui" Miaka interrupted her, "That isn't Suboshi. It's Amiboshi."

"What?"

"Don't you see the flute at his side?"

"Oh yes. Amiboshi."

"Hello Lady Yui. And hello Miaka" he replied with a slight bow.

"What do you mean you finally caught up with us?" Miaka asked.

"I have been following you since you arrived in Konan. About a week ago I was in Sairou with my parents. When I was reborn I became Kaika for real, but I did not forget my brother or anything in the past. Then a few days later, I felt a strange sensation. The light of Seiryuu was growing weaker. So I journeyed to Konan, when I saw the light of Suzaku appear in the sky. Since that day, I have watched and followed."

"Why didn't you just approach us Amiboshi?" Yui asked.

"I had to be sure."

"So you're the one?" Chichiri said.

Taitskuyn had lowered the barrier back over them as they had been talking. Now they were surrounded once again by the Suzaku seven.

"I apologize for making you suspicious Chichiri" Amiboshi replied.

"Now you see. Everything is falling into place," Taitskuyn said.

"Taitskuyn" Miaka replied, "How do we find these stones? Where do we even begin?"

"The Priestesses must gather with their seven warriors first. Then and only then will they be able to find the stones. Once they have been gathered, as you and your warriors already have they must join forces with the other warriors and priestesses in Sairou and Hokkan."

"So we have to go back to Hokkan again?" Tasuki replied.

"Yes. Once the stones have been found the 28 warriors and the four priestesses must take them to the Temple of the Gods."

"The Temple of the Gods?" Nuriko said, "Where is that?"

"It is located somewhere beyond the regions of the other countries. But the stones will not work unless all 28 warriors and the four priestesses are together."

"I guess that means, that I have to go back to Kutou" Yui replied sadly.

"Yui" Miaka looked at her.

"That's why Amiboshi is here isn't it? I have to go back?"

Taitskuyn nodded solemnly and Yui turned to Miaka.

"It is the only way," Yui said.

"Yes" Miaka nodded, "I understand of course. Don't worry Yui. I am sure you will find the stone and then we will be reunited."

"Miaka" Yui replied with slight tears in her eyes, "I guess I had better go now, so I don't waste any more time."

She walked over to Amiboshi who stared at Miaka sadly.

"My horse is waiting nearby" he replied.

Yui nodded and then turned to Miaka again. Taka joined at Miaka's side as they said their goodbyes. Miaka and Yui embraced each other tightly.

"Oh Miaka. I'm sorry I have to go like this."

"It's okay Yui. Like I said before we'll see each other again. And you have a job to do as do I. We have to accomplish this for our world as well as this one."

"Yes" Yui nodded, "We must do this for our families, for the ones we love. I will keep remembering that, and Miaka."

"Yes?"

"Nothing is ever going to make me your enemy again. I swear it! I promise no matter what, we will always stay friends."

"Yui chan" Miaka said crying as she called her by her nickname.

"Taka" Yui turned to him.

"Yui."

"Look after her. Take care of her and see that she doesn't get hurt."

"I will" he nodded, "Take care of yourself."

Yui nodded as she turned back to Amiboshi who was waiting at the barriers exit. As he turned to join her Miaka called to him. He walked over and faced her.

"Amiboshi" Miaka replied, "Please. Do all you can to protect Yui."

"I will Miaka. I promise. I won't fail you."

"Thank you."

"Tamahome" he looked at Taka, "Take care of her."

"Uh I will."

Amiboshi gave one last look at her and one last wave to the Suzaku warriors, walked out of the barrier and then climbed on the horse behind Yui. Yui looked at Miaka and Taka behind the barrier as the horse took off down the mountain. Taka held onto Miaka as she wiped the last couple of tears from her eyes.



Keisuke wiped a few tears from his own eyes as Tetsuya stared into space. He was worried about Yui, and now it was taking its toll on him.

"Taitskuyn, once The Priestess of Seiryuu and her warrior disappeared continued with her speech towards the Suzaku and the Priestess of Suzaku" Keisuke read.



"Now that I have informed you why you are here it is time to tell you how to get Tamahome's memories back," Taitskuyn said.

"Of course" Miaka nodded.

"Tamahome's memories were sealed away in order for him to exist in your world. To get them back may take awhile but you will be here for that time period."

"What do you mean?" Miaka asked.

"Tell me has he remembered anything since he has arrived?"

"Yes" Miaka nodded, "He did remember something when we arrived at Mt. Taikyoku."

"That is good. That means he is well on his way to recovering them."

"Recovering them?" Tasuki replied, "How?"

"Over time he will remember lots of things. Bits and pieces. Unfortunately it will have to happen gradually and some of it will be very painful for him to remember."

"Yes" Miaka nodded sadly, "It will be."

"Miaka" Taka finally spoke up, "Don't worry about me. I want to remember. I want to remember all our friends. All the times we spent together. When you and I first met. I want to remember it all."

"That's the spirit Tamakins" Nuriko said happily.

"Ever since I remembered even that small part of my life, I have desired to learn more. To remember more."

"That is good" Taitskuyn replied, "You have to be willing to remember in order to get your memories back. And now my little Nyan Nyan will send you back to Konan. You must prepare for your journey to the cold climate."

"Thank you Taitskuyn" Miaka said, "For everything."

"Hurry" Taitskuyn replied, "Remember this world as well as your own is counting on you."



As they approached Kutou a sinking feeling entered Yui's heart. A recognition that brought fear to her very soul. The very first time that she had arrived in Kutou she had been attacked, and assumed that she had been raped. Of course she found out later that Nakago had lied to her. Nakago? To see him alive again almost seemed impossible and she began to worry as they neared the Kutou palace. Amiboshi stopped the horse at the gates just as two guards approached them.

"Hey you! Who do you think that you are?" they asked.

"My name is Amiboshi" he replied, "And I have brought the brought the Priestess of Seiryuu to see General Nakago."

"The Priestess of Seiryuu?" they looked at each other bewildered as he helped her down off of the horse, "All right then, we will direct you to him."

The two guards led the two of them up the stairs and into the familiar surroundings. Yui remembered everything, even the smells. They stopped at his quarters and knocked on the door.

"Come in" he replied in his deep baritone voice.



They entered in and the guards moved in front of the two.

"My lord, someone has arrived to see you. She claims that she is the Priestess of Seiryuu."

"The Priestess of Seiryuu?" Nakago's baby blue eyes shot wide open.

He stood up from his chair and moved into the light. He hadn't changed. In all the years that Yui remembered him he still looked the same.

"Lady Yui" he replied when he saw her, "And you as well Amiboshi."

"Yes, Nakago" Yui said finally finding her voice, "I have returned. I have returned to Kutou."



Authors Note: More of the Seiryuu Seven in the next chapter!

Next Chapter: Four Priestesses

Miaka and the Suzaku seven prepare for their trip to Hokkan while Yui in Kutou explains the mission to her own celestial warriors. How will they feel about joining forces with their old enemies the Suzaku seven? Find out next time!