Chapter Five: Revealing the Truth

Nuriko tapped on Tasuki's head for the fifth time. He had already awoken, Hotohori, Amiboshi, Suboshi, Mitsukake, Chiriko, and Chichiri. Amiboshi was waking Ashitare and Miboshi up as he tapped.

"Go away" Tasuki growled in his sleep.

"Wake up you lazy jerk!" Nuriko shouted so loud that he made Tasuki jump right off the seat.

"Ah! What did you do that for?" he grumbled angrily.

"I said wake up" Nuriko eyed him.

"Is everyone up?" Miaka asked as she and Yui peered inside.

"All ready and accounted for Miaka" Nuriko grinned and chuckled.

"Good the train has stopped. We're here."

"All right everyone" Hotohori replied, "Everyone out in signal file."



They all exited the train and spotted Tetsuya waiting for them. He smiled as he waved and they all joined him.

"You got a big enough car to carry us all?" Yui asked him as they walked to the parking lot.

"Actually Toki is here. He came along to help."

"Well that's convenient. Hi Toki!" Miaka waved as they neared him.

"Hello Miaka" he grinned as he took her bag, "So these are the warriors huh?"

"We'll explain everything once we get to the house" Tetsuya said.

"I'll go with Toki. He knows where the house is right?" Miaka replied.

"Yea. That'll be good Miaka. You can take the Suzaku seven with you in the Land Rover and I'll take the Seiryuu seven and Yui in my car" Tetsuya grinned taking Yui's bag.

"Good idea" Miaka smiled back, "C'mon guys!" she called to her warriors.



Once inside the Land Rover, Miaka in the front passenger seat, she introduced everyone.

"That's Hotohori, Nuriko, Tasuki, Chichiri, Mitsukake, and Chiriko."

"Nice to meet you all" Toki grinned as he followed Tetsuya up the road, "I've read all about you."

"Pleasure" Chiriko bowed his head.

"So what exactly do you do buddy?" Tasuki asked from behind him.

"Tasuki?" Miaka exclaimed.

"That's okay Miaka" Toki smiled, "I helped Keisuke and Tetsuya when Miaka was in the book, to find information on Takiko Okuda. You see my grandmother was the Priestess of Byakko. Suzuno Oosugi."

"The Priestess of Byakko?" the warriors all said in surprise.

"That's right."

"Toki did you know that the Priestess of Genbu has been reincarnated?" Miaka told him.

"I'm not surprised by that. The Priestess of Byakko has been too."

"What? Who is she?"

"A cousin of mine. She came back a few days ago. Saying that she was in Sairou with the Byakko seven. But she didn't come back alone. They're with her. Her name is Suzuna Awayuki. She's a cousin on my father's side."

"Imagine that," Miaka said out loud as they pulled into the driveway of Tetsuya's house.



Keisuke and Taka slept at the Yuki residence for the remainder of the week. Keisuke had sent Yui's mom a message that Yui was with them and that she could come pick her up the same day that Miaka's mom was returning. He sighed heavily as he sat on the couch the night before.

"I took the liberty of ordering out for dinner," Taka said.

"Thanks Taka" Keisuke replied, "I wasn't looking forward to cooking tonight again. How's Miaka?"

"She's fine. They arrived safely and she apologized for not contacting us sooner. But a lot has been happening."

"Have they gone to Genbu Grotto yet?"

"No, Miaka said she wanted to wait till I got there."

"Hmm?" Keisuke said as the phone rang; "I'll get it" he walked into the hall, "Hello Yuki residence. Mom? What's up? You're coming home tonight? Uh huh. Oh okay. Not a problem mom, I'll see you when you get here" he chuckled nervously as Taka came into the hall, "No. Nothing's wrong. I'll just see you when you get home. Okay. Bye mom" he clicked the phone and began to dial another number.

Taka held up his hands like a "What's going on?" sign.

"Hello Mrs. Hongo. This is Keisuke Yuki, Miaka's brother. How are you this evening? Oh I'm fine. Thank you for asking. Um Mrs. Hongo, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind getting Yui a day early? No nothing's wrong. She just misses you. You know how people get homesick? Right. Probably this evening. In about a half hour. Okay. I will see then. And I'll make sure she is all packed. Goodbye Mrs. Hongo" Keisuke hung up with a sigh.

"What's up Keisuke?" Taka asked as they walked back into the living room.

"Mom's coming home early. I have to go pick her up at the station. Taka do you mind phoning Miaka and letting her know that we should be in Morioka by morning?"

"Sure. No problem."

"Mrs. Hongo will be here in an hour. If I'm not back by then; stall."

"Right" Taka nodded following him to the hall where he was putting on his shoes.

"I'll be back soon," Keisuke said exiting.

Taka nodded and picked up the phone.



"Mhm. All right. I understand. Thank you Taka" Miaka hung up the phone, sighed, and walked into the sitting room where everyone was hanging out.

Chiriko, Hotohori, and Mitsukake were once again immersed in a deep game of Scrabble. Tasuki and Nuriko had stuck with some card games that Tetsuya had taught them. Chichiri was talking with Toki and Amiboshi at the large table nearby, sipping on some tea. Ashitare was snoozing on the ground with Miboshi mediating not far from him. Yui was sitting on the couch with Suboshi, while Tetsuya was sitting in his favorite armchair looking at the Universe of the Four Gods as well as several other books that Toki had brought over. Yui was the first to notice her enter the room.

"What's going on Miaka?" Yui asked, "What did Taka want?"

"He just wanted to inform me. Us I mean" Miaka said as she sat down next to her, "That my mom's coming home early. So your mom and my mom should be here tomorrow morning."

"Wow. That quick?"

"Mhm. Taka said Keisuke went to go pick up mom and that your mom was on her way."

"Okay then" Yui nodded as she leaned back against the couch.

"Are you okay Lady Yui?" Suboshi asked in concern as Tetsuya looked up from his reading.

"Yea. I guess I'm just tired. Miaka when did you tell Takako we would be there?"

"I told her as soon as Taka and my brother arrive, we will meet them at Genbu Grotto."

"Okay then" Yui said, "I think I'm going to bed. Got to be up early to see mom."

"Good night Lady Yui" Suboshi replied standing up.

"Goodnight Suboshi. Goodnight you guys!"

"Goodnight" they all said.

"Yui" Tetsuya replied standing up as well, "Let me escort you to your room."

"Okay" she agreed as he gently took her arm.

Suboshi watched jealously as they exited. Amiboshi noticed and stood up from the table. He walked over to the couch.

"Brother" he said.

"Amiboshi?" he looked at him confused.

"Can I talk to you? Excuse us Miaka" he bowed as Suboshi joined him.

"Of course" she nodded as they too left the room.



"What is Amiboshi?" Suboshi asked with his arms crossed.

They were standing outside on the deck in the back of the house. There was a garden in the spacious back yard and a small fishpond.

"Brother. I've noticed lately that you get very jealous when someone pays Lady Yui attention."

"So?"

"You're in love with her aren't you?"

"I've already told you that."

"Then heed my words brother. She is not of our world and she never will be. She belongs to this one. And that man, the one you keep making eyes at is probably the one she likes."

"I know that" Suboshi sighed, "But I can't help it."

"I know how you feel."

"What do you mean?" Suboshi looked up at his brother.

"I too am in love with someone. Someone who will never love me back. But I am content to just look after her. Even if I'm not meant to."

"You're talking about the Priestess of Suzaku aren't you?"

"Suboshi her name is Miaka."

"I know that. But what I don't understand is how you can be so devoted to her? When you are a Seiryuu warrior."

"That's true I am. But not by choice."

"What?"

"The truth is brother. When I was posing as one of the Suzaku seven that was the first time I ever felt needed somewhere. That it was someplace that I actually belonged and I wished, no I longed to be a member of the Suzaku seven. They were like family to me. But I had a mission and I carried it out. However I hated it afterwards. What I had to do. The Suzaku seven came after me, once they found out who I was. Miaka did too. But she wouldn't let them hurt me even after I tried to strike her. Instead she had compassion for me. She said that I wasn't capable of doing horrible things and that I really was a good person. No one ever said that to me before. As I slipped into the river she caught my hand, trying to help me up, still calling out my fake identity. And the only thought on my mind was I couldn't hurt her. I can't hurt any of them. If I die then Seiryuu will never be summoned and other countries, other people will never have to suffer like we suffered my brother" he looked straight into his twins eyes.

"So that's what happened? You let go?"

"That's right. I let go, hoping to die. But I was saved. And now I know why. I couldn't prevent what happened. I tried. But I couldn't. And now I'm needed once again. Needed to help my friends. Needed to help Miaka. Brother. We need to stop the feud between us and the Suzaku seven. They are no longer our enemies. They're allies. You and I have to make a pact right now, to promise that we will defend The Priestess of Seiryuu as well as the Priestess of Suzaku" he held out his hand, "Can you do that?"

Suboshi looked at his brother's hand in surprise but then gently took it and shook it.

"Yes. I promise. We will defend the priestesses. All of them."

"Good" Amiboshi smiled, "Now let's go back inside" he wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulder, "I'm hungry."



Keisuke walked in with his mom into the apartment. Taka and Mrs. Hongo were sitting in the living room. Mrs. Hongo stood up as they entered.

"Keisuke I'm so glad that you're here. Where's Yui? I have to get going. I have a lot to do."

"Um Yui's not here" he said as she sat down slowly.

"Keisuke what's going on? Where's your sister?" his mother asked.

"Sit down mom."

"Keisuke" she eyed him strangely, "You're scaring me."

"Please,just sit down."

Mrs. Yuki sat down next to Mrs. Hongo as Taka moved to the other couch.

"Um okay. Miaka and Yui are together" Keisuke began.

"Well that's a relief" Mrs. Hongo replied, "Where are they?"

"They're in Morioka."

"Morioka? Keisuke!" Mrs. Yuki exclaimed.

"Mom please. Taka and I are going to take you there to see them."

"I don't understand."

"Yes, what's going on?" Mrs. Hongo said in a worried tone.

"Mom, do you remember that book I told you about?" he replied as he down.



Miaka woke up bright and early the next morning and stretched. She looked over at the bed where Yui was still sound asleep.

"I'll let her sleep for awhile. Mom surely isn't here yet," she thought as she pulled on some clothes and left the room.

She walked into the living room where Hotohori and Chichiri were having a cup of coffee with Tetsuya.

"Good morning" she replied with a smile.

"Good morning Miaka" Hotohori and Chichiri said with a smile of their own.

"My brother isn't here yet is he?"

"No" Tetsuya shook his head, "But he should be here soon. I got a call from him when he was half way here."

"Mmm. Okay. I guess he didn't have no trouble then."

She walked over to the couch and sat on it, unknowing that Suboshi was lying on the end. He woke up a little startled.

"Oh I'm sorry Suboshi" she replied with a hand to her mouth.

"Hmm?" he said looking at her sleepily, "Oh it's you. It's all right. Is Lady Yui up yet?" he rose and stretched.

"No. She's still sleeping. I'll wake her up soon."

Just then the front door creaked open and Miaka looked at it stunned. Into the room with her hair a little sloppy, Miaka's mom came in. Miaka stood up.

"Mom" she replied.

"Miaka" her mom moved slowly at first but then broke into a run, "Miaka!" she cried as she embraced her.

"Mom what's wrong?"

"I have been so worried about you. Ever since last night."

"Oh mom I'm sorry I made you worry."

"Oh Miaka. I'm just glad that you're all right. With everything that you've been through."

"Huh?" Miaka said but then spotted her brother coming in with some bags, "Keisuke what's going on?"

Keisuke laughed and put a hand behind his head.

"It's a long story. Come on in Mrs. Hongo."

"Mrs. Hongo" Miaka exclaimed as she came in.

"Miaka dear? Where's Yui?"

"Mom?" Yui replied as she stepped into the room surprised.

"Yui!" she cried and hugged her tight, "Yui!"

"Wha?" Yui was puzzled.

"Taka" Miaka said as he entered in last, "What is it? What happened?"

"I think we had better explain it after we get them some water and a cup of tea" Taka replied.



After the two mothers had their drinks and were sitting on the couch, Miaka, Taka, Keisuke, Yui, and the celestial warriors all gathered in the living room. Toki had gone out earlier for some fresh supplies.

"Okay" Miaka said taking a deep breath as she sat down next to her mom, "We will tell you the whole story after you guys tell us what happened to make you guys so scared?"

"I can't" Mrs. Yuki muttered.

"I'll do it" Keisuke volunteered, "We were attacked last night."

"Attacked?" Yui exclaimed, "Attacked by what?"

"Some more of those demons" Taka said, "Smaller ones, but deadly just the same."

"Oh" Miaka gasped.

"We managed to get out and run to the car. That's why they are a bit shook up."

"I imagine so. All right then" Miaka replied, "Yui" she looked at her friend.

"Mhm" she nodded, "C'mon mom" she took Mrs. Hongo's hand gently, "Let's go to the other room and talk."

"All right dear" she nodded following her.

"Mom" Miaka turned to her mother, "Will you come with me to the bedroom?"

"Of course" she nodded following her daughter.

Tasuki scratched his head.

"I don't get it. Where are they going?"

"It's obvious dummy" Nuriko replied, "They want to talk to them alone. In private."

"Oh."



For the next two hours Miaka and Yui told their mothers everything that had happened in the book a year ago. All the things they had seen, all the things they had done, and even what was going on at that very moment. Mrs. Hongo and Mrs. Yuki listened on stunned, but listened just the same, not sure whether to believe it or deny it. When everything had been said in their own way Mrs. Yuki and Mrs. Hongo told their daughters how proud they were of them, and how much they wish they had known about the truth before. They embraced them tightly and both daughters cried in their mother's arms.



Authors Note: Hey thanks for the great review! One more chapter tonight! See you later!

Next Chapter: Genbu Grotto

The warriors and their priestesses gather at a secret place long since forgotten. Until now!