Chapter Four: Takako and the Genbu Seven

He stood on a cliff watching the waves as he often did. Today the sky was clear and the somewhat cold breeze blew his long brown hair, which was up in a ponytail at the moment, around him. As he frowned a little he noticed a boat heading in the direction of the docks. He frowned more as it approached closer.

"Strangers in Hokkan?" he whispered to himself.

He climbed off the cliff and headed in the direction of a horse that was tied at the bottom. He was dressed in what looked like normal street clothes. But do not be deceived, this was no normal man. As he mounted his horse his piercing hazel eyes stared in the direction of the village. He rode the horse in that direction, determined to find out all he could about the strangers.



The ship from Konan docked at the same spot it had the first time. Several fishermen stopped what they were doing to eye the boat.

"Well here we are Taka" Miaka replied, "Hokkan."

"Is it always so cold up here" he asked as wrapped his arms around his body.

"Yes" Miaka nodded.

"That's why we brought these along" Nuriko said as he carried over some warm coats, "It'll keep us warm."

"Oh I see" Taka replied as the others joined them on deck to put on the warm clothing, "So how do we start?"

"What do you think Chichiri?" Miaka asked, "Where do you think we should start looking for them?"

"That's a good question you know" Chichiri answered, "I guess the best way to start is to ask some questions around Hokkan."

"That's our best option Chichiri?" Tasuki replied somewhat surprised, "I thought you would come up with something better than that. Like tracking down their life force."

"I don't know their life force you know" Chichiri said exasperated.

"In any event" Mitsukake spoke up, "I think it is our best option so far."

"I agree" Chiriko added.

"Well then. That's what we'll do" Miaka replied, "Let's gather the supplies off the ship, then go rent some horses. And then we can begin our journey."

"Sounds like a good plan to me" Nuriko said, "What do you think Tama?"

"I'll go wherever Miaka says it's best to go" Taka replied with a smile.



He followed them as they paid to rent horses. He followed them as they began to ask questions. He listened intently as they asked about the Genbu seven. He frowned a bit as they continued on their journey. Finally they decided to ride to Touran where they had stayed once before, the first time they came to Hokkan. In a nearby inn they got some food. There Taka, Nuriko, and Miaka met someone who could direct them. Tasuki and the others had gone in the opposite direction of the bar to talk to some other people.

"Oh yea" the cocky man said, "Everybody knows where the Genbu seven are located. I could tell you for a price."

Nuriko took a glance at Taka then moved behind the man.

"How about you tell us" Nuriko replied taking the man's arm and pulling it behind him, "Or I will break your arm."

"Ow! Ow! Okay! Okay! I'll talk!"

"That's better" Nuriko grinned as he moved in front with a stunned Taka, "Now what do you know little boy."

"The Genbu seven are said to be at the Genbu temple."

"The Genbu temple?" Taka said.

"Where's that located?" Miaka asked.

"It's on the outskirts of town. It's not hard to find either. It's the only building in that direction."

"Well than I guess that's the direction we take. Tell you what buddy, how about I buy you a drink for that little arm bending?"

"No way" he shook his head; "I'm getting away from you people" he dashed out of the inn.

"Oh well. I offered. Let's go tell Tasuki and the others."

"Right" Taka nodded.

He watched from his table as they walked across to where the others were sitting. After awhile one of the men stood up and paid for three rooms. Obviously one for the girl to have one all to herself. He finished his drink and walked outside.

Miaka and the Suzaku seven went to their rooms to get some rest. They decided that in the morning they would head to the Genbu temple to find the Genbu seven.



Miaka opened the door to her room and gazed around. It was a very simple looking room. One bed, the window was wide open however. As she went to shut it a figure appeared from behind her. He clasped his hand over her mouth so she couldn't scream and then dragged her out of the open window.



"Miaka!" Taka sap up in the bed dripping with sweat.

"Tamakins?" Nuriko said as he looked up from the floor where he was lying.

"Tama what's wrong?" Tasuki asked from his spot.

"Miaka" he repeated and jumped out of his bed.

Tama!" Tasuki called as they ran after him down the hall.

"Miaka!" he pounded on the door, "Miaka open the door!"

He began to push at it. Then he pushed really hard and the door flew open. He gazed around the room and noticed the open window.

"Miaka?" Nuriko looked inside the room as Taka rushed to the window.

"Where did she go?" Tasuki replied.

"She was taken" Taka said, "Somebody took her."



Yui was near the stables. Suboshi and Amiboshi were helping her with the horses that they would take from Kutou. Despite Nakago's refusal she was determined to not let Miaka down. Luckily for her Miboshi and Ashitare had agreed to go as well. Soi and Tomo of course had sided with Nakago. He wasn't doing anything to stop her either. He just watched from his room, as they left. He smiled slightly then turned from the window.

"You'll be sorry Lady Yui" he thought, "You'll be sorry that you ever defied me."



The next morning, the Suzaku seven paid for their rooms. Taka was extremely irritable and kept snapping at everyone, but they didn't blame him. Now the decision they had to make was finding Miaka. They had nothing to go on.

"We could split up again," Chichiri suggested.

"But we don't even know where to begin Chichiri" Tasuki protested, "We don't even know who took her in the first place."

"It's better than just standing around Tasuki!" Taka yelled, "We have to find her!"

"Okay Tama. Calm down."

"I will not calm down!"

"Tamahome" Mitsukake spoke up, "We are all worried about Miaka. There's no reason to get angry with us."

"He's right Tama" Nuriko patted his shoulder.

"I'm sorry" Taka lowered his head, "I don't mean to" he began.

"It's okay Tamahome" Chichiri replied, "I can find Miaka's life force. That'll help."

"You think so Chichiri?"

"Sure it will you know. I know for certain she is not in Touran anymore. But she is somewhere towards the Genbu temple."

"Well that's a relief" Nuriko replied, "We were headed in that direction anyway."

"Then let's get started. The sooner we find Miaka, the better" Taka said.



"The Suzaku seven rode to a deserted part of Hokkan where Chichiri stopped them, because he sensed danger."

Keisuke looked up. He had been worried since Miaka was abducted and had said nothing up to that point.

"What kind of danger?"

"I'm getting to that. "From behind several rocks, four figures appeared. Two were young boys, while the others sported quivers on their backs, and a bow in their hands."



"What in the world?" Tasuki said as he raised his fan.

"I can't believe it" Chichiri added.

"What's going on?" Nuriko asked.

"That's what I would like to know?" Taka added.

"Tomite" Hikitsu replied, "Can you believe it?"

"I see it, but I don't believe it" Tomite said.

"Who are these people?" Hatsui asked.

"They are the Suzaku seven."



"The Suzaku seven had found themselves in the company of the two warriors of the Genbu seven that they had encountered years ago. Hikitsu and Tomite led them to the Temple of Genbu" Tetsuya read.

"Imagine seeing those guys after all this time" Keisuke replied as he opened a can of beer.

"Yea. The Irony."



"It's interesting seeing you guys again," Tasuki said.

"Where's Miaka?" Taka demanded.

"What?" Hikitsu replied.

"Miaka where is she?"

"Calm down Tamakins" Nuriko held onto him, "These people don't know where she is."

Hikitsu and Tomite looked at each other.

"Do you mean to say that your Priestess is missing?" Tomite replied.

"Do you mean to say that you didn't take her?" Taka asked back as Nuriko lowered his arms from around him.

"Why would we take the Priestess of Suzaku?" Hikitsu said, "When we have one of our own."

"One of your own?" Nuriko replied.

"Hatsui! Go fetch the Priestess!" Hikitsu ordered.

"Okay!" the boy answered as he jumped up and ran into a room.

"You say your Priestess is missing?" another voice spoke up.

He came from out of the shadows. His hair was long and blond. Upon his forehead was a headband that was green. He also carried a staff, not unlike Chichiri's.

"Who are you?" Taka asked.

"Permit me. My name is Iname. I am one of the Genbu seven."

"The Genbu seven. These people are the Genbu seven?"

"That's right Tama" Tasuki replied.

"Does he not remember us?" Hikitsu said as he crossed his arms.

"Tamahome doesn't remember much of anything" Chichiri replied, "His memories were erased."

"How tragic" a woman said coming over, "How can you be a warrior if you can't remember anything.

"Whoa!" Tasuki's eyes shot up.

She was dressed in a very sexy looking outfit that was green in color. Her long red hair flowed down behind her.

"And you are?" Mitsukake replied.

"Uruki. I am also a member of the Genbu seven."

"Don't tell me those kids were also members" Taka said.

"We're not kids!" Hatsui spoke up.

Behind him was a girl who looked to be about Miaka's age. She had long dark hair and her eyes were green in color. She was dressed in a schoolgirl uniform.

"May we present" Tomite said bowing her in, "The Priestess of Genbu."



Miaka stared into the cold eyes of the man who kidnapped her. For several hours now, he had been coming by asking her questions.

"Who are you?" he repeated for the fourth time that morning, "Why are you in Hokkan?"

But Miaka refused to answer; instead she stared angrily at him.

"Why should I tell you who I am? I don't even know who you are?"

"Who I am is none of your business. But you will answer my questions, or you will suffer."

She looked away from him indicating that she wasn't going to comply. He stalked out of the dungeon angrily and walked back upstairs. He walked to his room and took off the garments he was wearing. He changed into much fancier clothing. As he was putting on the last bit of clothing a knock sounded at his door.

"Come in" he said shortly.

"Oh" an older gentleman stuck his head through and sighed, "Welcome back sir. Your father has been most worried about you."

"He always does. Does he wish to see me?"

"Yes sir."

"Than I will hurry to him at once."

"Very good sir" he turned to leave, "Oh and one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Please try not to anger him again your majesty."

Authors Note: For those of you wondering why Takiko's name is spelled like Takako, the answer will be revealed in the next chapter!

Next Chapter: Namame

The last of the Genbu seven is found! Hey guys! Fixed name of the city in Hokkan! Sorry for the mistake. I don't know where the name came from but after watching it again I discovered that it was wrong, so I fixed it!