Chapter Four: Journey to Morioka

Keisuke stopped the car in the parking lot of one of the largest hotels in Tokyo. He asked the warriors to remain in the car while he went to go check everyone in. Tetsuya handed his half of the money to him through the van window. It was a few moments till Keisuke appeared and everyone got out. Mitsukake and Chichiri helped Taka out, but he insisted that he'd walk himself saying that people would be alarmed if they saw him that way and might send for the hospital. They didn't know what that meant but they agreed. When all was said and done Keisuke led them to the fourth floor to two rooms. One for the guys. And one for the girls. Granted the guy's room was much larger.

Miaka and Yui with bags that the guys had packed for them walked into their room. They took off their uniforms and put on the long white robes that the hotel offered.

"Man" Yui replied as she sat on her bed, "Someday huh?"

"Yea. Really" Miaka nodded in agreement, "And I thought things were more dangerous in the other world."

"You're not kidding," Yui grinned, "But at least we're safe now."

"Yea. Now."

"Miaka. What's wrong?"

"We're not going to be safe for long Yui."

"I know that."

"And we can't stay at this hotel forever."

"Nope. What do you think that we should do?"

"I don't know. I should ask my brother though and we should talk to the others."

"Good idea" Yui said standing up, "You can talk to Taka while we're at it and find out what happened."

"Mhm" Miaka nodded, "Let's go."



In the other room Taka was now fully awake and was listening to Tasuki tell him about what happened at his apartment.

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect it better man" Tasuki replied.

"That's okay Tasuki" Taka smiled, "I'm just glad that you got out of there safely and that you got to Miaka in time."

"Well" Keisuke said with a sigh as he sat down to Nuriko who was watching the television along with Chiriko, Amiboshi, and Hotohori, "We'll be safe for tonight. But tomorrow we're gonna have to think of a better plan."

"You're right about that Keisuke" Taka agreed as Mitsukake came over with a cup of water for him, "But what?"

"Well I" Keisuke started to say but someone knocked on the door, "Tetsuya can you get that?"

"Sure" Tetsuya nodded walking over to open the door.

Suboshi and Ashitare watched in interest as he opened it.

"Lady Yui" Suboshi exclaimed as they came in.

"Hi you guys" Yui replied as Miaka rushed over to Taka, "Everything okay?"

"Everything's fine" Tetsuya blushed with a hand behind his head, "Although we are worried."

"Worried about what?"

"Worried that someone might catch that we have a lot of people in this room" Taka answered as Miaka embraced him, "Right Keisuke?"

"Well if that's the problem" Miaka suggested, "Maybe some of you can stay with us."

"That's not a bad idea" Keisuke replied, "But there's something else that we're worried about?"

"What's that Keisuke?" Miaka asked.

"We can't stay forever. We need to find a better place. A secure place."

"You're right, but where?"

"I don't know. Oh by the way Miaka. A letter came for you this afternoon" he pulled an envelope out of his jacket pocket.

"A letter?"

"Yea" Keisuke said as Taka leaned in to get a better look, "But the weirdest part, it's not just addressed to you. See?" he handed it to her and she gasped.

"Yui" she called.

"What is it Miaka?" Yui replied coming over.

"Look it's addressed to both of us."

"What? And it was delivered to your house? Where's it from? Who's it from?"

"I'm getting to that."



Suboshi and Nuriko came over interested now. Chiriko and the others listened in but they continued to watch the television quite fascinated.

"It says it's from Morioka" Miaka read the address on the envelope.

"Morioka? But who do we know in Morioka?"

"Let's find out" Miaka said to Yui as she opened the letter and read it out loud, "Dear Miaka and Yui. I know it has been awhile but I had to get in contact with you. I was able to get your address Miaka from a man you know by the name of Toki."

"Toki?" Keisuke raised his voice, but then noticed all the stares, "Sorry."

"He gave me your address so I could inform you that I have also returned from the book. Me and all my warriors. We are in Morioka right now and if you're home, there must be a reason. Tell Yui to come along with you and your warriors with you to meet me in Morioka at Genbu Grotto. Please Miaka. It is urgent. Sincerely yours. Takiko Eto. A.K.A The Priestess of Genbu."

"Takiko Eto?" Yui replied stunned, "They came back too."

"Apparently so. And they're in Morioka right now."

"How are we supposed to get to Morioka?" Taka asked just as stunned by the news.

Everyone was silent as they thought about it. By now the other warriors had joined to listen in.

"You just leave that me" Tetsuya spoke up.

"Tetsuya?" Keisuke looked at his friend quizzically.

"You forget. I have a house down there. A big one."

"Oh that's right. You bought that house when you spotted it the last time with Toki right?"

"Mhm. And it's big enough for all of us. Not only that it's a very secure place."

"Good idea Tetsuya" Keisuke exclaimed, "Now Miaka can meet with the Priestess of Genbu."

"Way to go!" Taka cheered.

"Ah you guys" Tetsuya blushed again, "It's very easy. I'll go buy train tickets for everyone tomorrow. Then I'll drive down first thing in the morning to get everything ready. I'll meet everyone with a van. It's simple."

"It's perfect" Keisuke grinned as everyone but Miaka, chatted happily.

"Keisuke" she said slowly.

"Miaka?" he looked at her.

"What's wrong Miaka?" Taka asked in concern when he saw her sad face.

"I was just thinking. Don't you think? Don't you think it's time? Time to tell mom the truth?"

"What?" Keisuke looked at her stunned.

"I mean. She gets back later in the week. But the apartment isn't safe. She won't understand where I have disappeared to either. I think it's time. Time to tell Yui's mom and mom the truth."

"Miaka are you insane? Mom would completely freak out!"

"I know that Keisuke. But it's something we have to do."

"She's right" Yui replied slowly, "It is time. We can't hide it any longer. It's time that they hear the whole story."

"Yui" Miaka said.

"I think you're both nuts" Keisuke frowned.

"No they got a point" Taka replied interrupting, "What do you want to do Miaka?"

"Well my thought was, the rest of us go down to Morioka, while you Keisuke stay behind and wait for mom to come home. Then as calmly and rationally as you can try to convince her and Mrs. Hongo to go down with you to Morioka."

"It won't be so easy Miaka."

"Maybe it won't be Keisuke" Yui intervened, "But you at least got to try."

"I'll stay with him" Taka replied.

"Taka?" Miaka looked at him surprise.

"Someone should stay with Keisuke and help to escort them down. We can drive down in my car."

"Taka" she hugged him tight then looked at her brother imploringly.

"All right Miaka" Keisuke finally agreed, "I'll do it."

"Thank you Keisuke" she jumped up to embrace him tight.

"Don't mention it" he grinned, "Now I think we should all get some shut eye."

"Where's Tetsuya?" Nuriko spoke up.

"I think he went to get the tickets" Yui explained, "He'll back soon."

"Taka, you'll be all right won't you?" Miaka turned to her boyfriend once more.

"Don't you worry about me Miaka" he smiled as he leaned back on his pillow, "I've got my doctor at hand."

Mitsukake smiled as Tasuki placed a hand on his shoulder.

"And Tama's got me Miaka. So don't worry okay" he grinned.

"Okay."

"He's right Miaka" Nuriko smiled, "You and Yui should go back to your room and try to get some sleep."

"Why don't you come with us?" she suggested.

"Huh?"

"Well we're supposed to take some of you with us remember?"

"Oh right" Nuriko chuckled, "Well in that case count me in."

"I'm going too," Suboshi, said from a corner of the room, where he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

"Suboshi? All right" Yui agreed.

"We still need some more" Miaka replied.

"Chichiri perhaps you should go with them," Hotohori said.

"Me your highness?" Chichiri pointed to himself.

"I would feel much safer if you were one of the ones guarding them."

"Not to mention, so would I" Keisuke added.

"All right your highness" Chichiri nodded, "I'd be happy to you know."

"We still have room for one more" Miaka replied, "How about you Chiriko? You're small enough."

"Okay Miaka" he agreed jumping up and joining them at the door.

"Well that should be enough I think," Yui said, "C'mon Miaka. Let's go to bed."

"I think you're right" Miaka agreed as her friend departed with Suboshi, Chiriko, and Chichiri right behind her, "See you tomorrow Taka!" she called.

"Bye!" he waved.

"Goodnight everyone!"

"Goodnight!" they called as she left and Nuriko took the doorknob.

He paused for a moment and looked straight Taka.

"Don't you worry about a thing Tamakins. I'll take good care of her."

"I know you will Nuriko. Thanks" he grinned as he shut the door.



The next morning Keisuke found the tickets for the train near the bedside table. They were all set to leave at noon, which was an hour before they departed. They took a bus to the train station and Taka and Keisuke saw them off. Ashitare was bundled in a raincoat, which made him look like a large man. Yui and Miaka stayed on the platform while everyone else boarded. They had given strict instructions to Hotohori and Chichiri about train conduct so they would take care of everything. Miaka hugged her brother and Taka tightly as Yui said goodbye.

"Remember Keisuke. Just tell mom only enough so she'll come down."

"Right."

"And if you have any trouble, just call. I'll talk to her."

"Okay. Safe journey Miaka, Yui."

"Thank you Keisuke. Miaka I'm gonna get aboard now. Suboshi is making eyes at me at the window. Good luck Taka."

"Don't you worry about a thing Yui" Taka smiled, "We'll get your mom safely to you."

"Thanks" she smiled back as she climbed aboard the train.

"Well Taka. Like she said. Good luck."

"Don't you worry either Miaka" he hugged her again, "And take care of yourself."

"I will. After all I have the other warriors to protect me right now. And I'll wait for your return."

"I'll be counting the days myself."

"Goodbye" she waved as she got on the train.

"Goodbye!" he waved back.

The train started up. Keisuke stared at it with his hands in his pockets. Taka watched sadly as it departed.

"C'mon Taka. Let's go" Keisuke replied walking towards the parking lot.

Taka followed him but stopped when he sensed something odd. He turned around to look behind him. But saw nothing.

"Taka!" Keisuke called looking back, "What's the matter?"

"I thought I" Taka started to say.

"Huh?"

"Never mind" Taka shook his head and ran up to catch up with his friend.

The mysterious shadow followed the two boys to the parking lot and watched as they departed the train station. Two piercingly yellow eyes gazed happily with a sinister smile as they left and chuckled a most disturbing and annoying laugh.

"I hope Nakago, appreciates my efforts" Tomo said to himself as he once again disappeared into the shadows.



That evening on the train Miaka and Yui sat in another car while the warriors slept in the main one. They were tired and exhausted themselves after having spent at least four hours trying to explain everything about the train, stopping Ashitare from howling in the lunchroom, and all sorts of problems.

"My goodness" Miaka replied, "I didn't think it was going to be this hard."

"I didn't either" Yui agreed, "But you can't really blame them."

"That's true. I mean the first time Tamahome came into this world, he was fascinated by the train too."

Yui giggled.

"He must have been a sight."

"He was, considering we were on the subway," Miaka laughed.

Yui laughed along with her.



In the other car, Nuriko rose from his sleep and stretched. He noticed that everyone was asleep, including Suboshi, who said he wasn't going to sleep, and that the two girls were gone.

"Now I wonder where they ran off too?" he thought as he stood up, "I'd better go look for them" he opened the car door and walked down the hall, almost bumping into an older couple.

He stopped when he heard laughing and gazed inside the room. Miaka and Yui were sitting on opposite sides and having a general good time. He smiled then tapped lightly on the door.

"Someone's at the door" Miaka replied.

"Who is it?" Yui called.

"Just little old me" Nuriko grinned opening the door, "You mind if I join you girls?"

"Nuriko?" Miaka said surprised.

"No please come on in," Yui said.

"Thank you" Nuriko slid inside and sat down next to Miaka, "So what are you girls talking about?"

"Oh we're just talking about our experience with you guys on this train" Miaka answered with a grin.

"Uh huh" Nuriko said a bit embarrassed, "Well it was a sight wasn't it. Especially the part about Tasuki yelling at the conductor."

"Uh that wasn't as good" Yui replied with a wince, "Not that it was his fault or anything."

"Of course not. So what's Morioka like?"

"To tell you the truth Nuriko," Miaka said, "I've never seen much of it."

"Really? Then how will you know where Genbu Grotto is?"

"Keisuke knows where it is."

"So does Tetsuya" Yui added.

"Oh okay. That'll be easy."

"Yea" Miaka agreed with a bit of a frown.

"What's the matter Miaka?" Nuriko asked.

"Well like you said that's the easy part. The hard part is going to be talking to my mother."

"I know what you mean Miaka" Yui nodded, "I'm worried about it too. I don't even know where to start."

"I don't know either."

"Well why don't you just start at the beginning" Nuriko suggested.

"What?"

"Start at the beginning. Tell them what happened from point one. Entering the book. Meeting Tamahome. Just go in sequential order."

"You know that makes a lot of sense" Yui replied, "But there are some things that they're going to be upset about."

"Sure they are. They are going to be upset. It's only natural they're your mothers. But you have to tell them the truth and to tell the truth you can't leave out any important details. Besides we'll be there to back you up."

"That's true" Miaka nodded, "We'll have them there."

"May I have your attention please" a voice said over the loudspeaker, "We will be arriving in Morioka in a matter of twenty minutes. That is all."

"In that case we had better get them up," Yui said rising.

"You let me handle that" Nuriko replied placing a hand on her shoulder, "You girls don't worry about a thing" he exited the car.



He walked down the hall and back to his car. Unknowingly someone was watching him. She watched as he entered his car and then wrapped herself back in her cloak. On her leg was a sign of Seiryuu.



Authors Note: Hi guys! Just two more chapters today! I hope you're enjoying it. I haven't received any new reviews, so I was just wondering. If you are reading it, please be kind and send a review when you're done. Even if it is anoymnous. I don't mind. I just want to hear what you think!

Next Chapter: Revealing the Truth

Miaka and Yui finally tell their mom's the whole story!