Chapter Seven: Joining Forces

Namame grimaced as he heard the screams coming from the other room. He closed his eyes and remembered the time that he had to go through the exact same experience. It had been two hundred years ago, and the Genbu seven had first gathered to fight Tenkou and summon Genbu. Somehow one way another Namame had lost his memories and was told about the Pool of the Past. An ancient magic long forgotten for generations that enabled a person to regain his or her memory. However the process was exceedingly painful especially if one had gone through so many terrible tragedies, which in Namame's case was true. As he listened he realized how close Taka's screams were to his own. Of course back then Takiko was the one who had heard the screams of her beloved as he remembered the murder of his mother and so many other things. After awhile the screaming stopped and now Namame could hear the sobs. Small at first, but gradually getting louder.

Meanwhile back at the Hokkan palace, Miaka was pacing in her and Takako's room. Night had fallen and Taka had not yet returned.

"He's been gone a long time" Miaka replied to her friend as she sat on the bed, "I'm starting to get really worried."

"If he's with Namame I'm sure he's fine" Takako said reassuringly although not so sure herself.

They had been gone a long time. Too long. Takako and Miaka walked to the throne room where they found Iname and Chichiri, who had just returned from the archives.

"Chichiri" Miaka ran to him in fright.

"What is it Miaka?" he asked in concern.

"It's Taka" she replied, "He's missing."

"Namame is gone too," Takako said.

"Namame's gone too," Iname repeated.

"We think that they're together."

"It's a possibility you know" Chichiri said, "I don't sense their life force in this palace at all."

"I don't either" Iname replied.

"Where could they have gone?" Miaka said, "It's nighttime already. Couldn't you track them down Chichiri?"

"It might be kind of difficult Miaka" Chichiri answered, "But I wouldn't worry you know. They'll be back."

"I hope you're right. I've been so worried about him lately. He's preoccupied with finding his memories right now."

"What did you say?" Takako replied raising her head.

"His memories" Miaka repeated, "He needs to find Tamahome's memories."

"I think I know where they've gone," Takako said slowly turning to Iname who nodded.

"I think you're right Priestess" he replied.

"Where's that?" Miaka asked.

"Someplace that I didn't think about until now" she replied.

"Yes" Iname agreed, "Although I don't know why he would go there on his own. It's a dangerous place."

"Where is this place?" Chichiri asked.

"It's not too far from here. Perhaps we should retrieve them," Iname said to Chichiri.

"I'm going too" Miaka replied defiantly, "Wherever Taka is I shall go."

"But Priestess" Iname held up a hand in protest.

"I wouldn't try to argue with her you know" Chichiri smiled, "Once she sets her mind on something she never backs down."

"All right" Iname nodded, "In that case perhaps you should come too Takako."

"Yes" Takako agreed, "We will leave a message for the others that we will return."

"Let's hurry" Miaka replied, "Who knows what dangers Taka is facing right now at this very moment."



Suboshi walked to Yui's tent with a bowl of soup for her. Since their journey began she had eaten very little and he was worried about her.

"Lady Yui" he called, "I'm coming in."

She was sitting on the floor in deep thought when he entered. She looked back and smiled as he walked over.

"I brought you something to eat Lady Yui" he replied.

"Thank you Suboshi" she said, "You can just put it on the table."

He complied and then sat down on a chair. He saw how tired and frail she looked.

"Lady Yui what's wrong? You're not yourself."

"I was just thinking. If I can't convince Nakago and the others to join us, then I have failed in my mission. I would have let Miaka down."

"Why do you care what she thinks?"

"What? What do you mean? Miaka is my best friend."

"Since when Lady Yui? There was a time when she was your enemy."

"That was because of Nakago. He lied to me. Miaka never abandoned me. In fact I was the one who betrayed her because of his lies. Miaka was never anything but a good friend to me. Even when I was so cruel to her, she never gave up on our friendship. I promised myself that I would never ever let anything come between our friendship again. I can't let her down, she's counting on me."

"Oh I see. Then you don't hate her anymore?"

"No. I don't. Suboshi don't you understand? It's not like before. The Suzaku seven are no longer our enemies. They are our allies. There is only one enemy now. And that is Tenkou. My world is in danger because of him, as well as yours. How can I convince Nakago to reconsider? We need him despite how I feel about him."

"How you feel about him?"

"I can never forgive what he did to me and Miaka. His lies. The deception. All of it. But he is a member of the Seiryuu seven, despite how I feel. And we need him in order to defeat Tenkou. In order to find the Stone of Seiryuu."

"I think that you've got it all wrong Lady Yui" Amiboshi spoke up as he entered the tent.

"Brother?" Suboshi said as he squatted down.

"Miaka is never going to think that you failed her" Amiboshi continued, "I know. She has so much faith in you. I also know, that she will try to help you no matter what."

"Miaka is brave unlike me" Yui replied, "I don't have the courage that Miaka has. Or the heart."

"I don't believe that's true either" Amiboshi said with a grin, "You're like her more than you think. Don't think just because now it seems possible that it's not possible. Believe in yourself like she believes in you and you'll make it through."

"That's true she does have a lot of faith in me doesn't she?"

"Mhm" he nodded, "And you're right about her heart. It's unique."

Yui nodded as well as Suboshi watched the conversation with much concern. Amiboshi stood up and headed for the entrance of the tent. He turned to look at Yui.

"It'll be all right Lady Yui" he replied with a smile, "As long as Miaka doesn't give up on you and you don't give up on her everything will be fine."

He exited the tent. Suboshi watched him leave then gave a quick goodbye to Yui. He followed his brother to their tent, where inside Amiboshi was removing his shoes. He looked up as Suboshi entered. He waited for Suboshi to say something but he didn't. Instead he exited as quickly as he had entered. Amiboshi sighed and lay down on his cot.



The trip to the Pool of the Past seemed to take for hours. Iname did his best to remember the directions but it was difficult. Takako rode behind him on his horse, while Miaka was behind Chichiri on his. Finally they arrived at the large cave. Iname helped Takako down from the horse. Miaka hopped down herself as Chichiri grabbed his staff. As they approached the cave an arrow that was aimed at them struck the ground. Chichiri and Iname stood in front of the two Priestesses to protect them. From out of the shadows stepped Namame. He lowered his weapon when he saw them and placed the arrow that he had been holding back in his quiver.

"Iname? What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Where's Taka?" Miaka said coming closer.

"He's inside" Namame answered but he didn't get to finish for she dashed into the cave before he could stop her, "No wait!"



Miaka found Taka on the edge of the pool. He was kneeling on his left knee and his head was placed in his right hand. She stopped abruptly and knelt down before him.

"Taka?" she said very low, "Taka."

He raised his head from his hand and saw her worried expression.

"Miaka" he replied as he looked at her, "I saw it all. Everything. The moment when we met. Our first kiss. The time when I hurt you."

She looked at him sadly and nodded as he continued. He placed his body in a sitting position, his right leg up.

"I saw my family. They were murdered by Suboshi, because of Nakago. I saw him."

"Taka" she held up her hand but he lowered it.

"Nuriko's death. I remember it so well now. And Chiriko's. His too. His large sacrifice to save us. I remember everything."

He once again placed his head into his right hand and sobbed. Miaka wrapped her arms around him and held onto him as cried. She cried herself. Along the trip to the cave, Iname and Takako had told her about the Pool of the Past. She didn't understand why he wanted to do it all alone, but she shrugged it off as she embraced him, him clutching her ever tighter, wishing to never let go.



Once Taka had regained his composure, the six of them rode back to the Hokkan palace. The other warriors had returned, and Taka had greeted them all a little differently this time. First he punched out Tasuki for his earlier remarks. Then he embraced Nuriko tight. Chiriko too. He was so happy to see his friends alive again. Miaka looked on happily. Taka had apologized to her on the ride back for not including her and she of course accepted the apology. Once all was over the groups sat down to a large feast that Namame had prepared and discussed their next plan of action. In the middle of dinner, a servant arrived with a message for Taka and Miaka.

"A message for us?" Miaka said as Taka stood up.

"Yes" the servant nodded, "A young woman has appeared at the gates of Hokkan and is looking for you Priestess."

Miaka looked at Taka and then Namame. Namame told the servant to escort the guest to the throne room where he, Miaka, Taka, and the rest of the group would meet her. When she arrived Miaka stepped forward.

"Yui?" she replied in surprise.

"Oh Miaka" Yui cried out as she ran to embrace, "Thank goodness I have found you. I have had an awful time."



Once Yui had been introduced to the Genbu seven, Amiboshi, Suboshi, Ashitare, and Miboshi were allowed to join them. Yui explained to Miaka all that had happened on their journey to Sairou as the others gathered around to listen.

"It was just awful Miaka" she said, "We were followed. Someone had followed us from Kutou with a group of men intent on stopping our mission."

"Yes" Amiboshi nodded, "They attacked our camp in the middle of the night and we had no choice but to head in this direction."

"Oh my" Miaka exclaimed, "But who would do such a thing?"

"My guess is Nakago" Suboshi spoke up, "He was really against this whole thing to begin with."

"Wait a minute" Namame said, "Who did you just say?"

"Nakago" Yui replied, "He's a member of the Seiryuu seven."

Namame stared angrily at her while the rest of Genbu seven looked at each other.

"Is something wrong?" Nuriko asked.

Namame continued to look angry. Suddenly a small outburst caught their attention. Takako was extremely pale and had her hands to her mouth.

"Nakago" she said slowly as she fainted.



Authors Note: Okay guys. I will see you all again on Wed!

Next Chapter: The Deception

Nakago, Soi, and Tomo finally arrive in Hokkan. Watch the fireworks fly as Taka, Miaka, and the Suzaku seven find out more about Nakago's strange past.