Part Four:
Miaka walked out onto the porch of the apartment. She leaned over the railing and gazed at the city before her. The dark clouds will still hovering in the side making it appear as if another storm was upon them. Taka spotted her and opened the glass door to join her.
"Miaka" he replied.
She turned a little to smile slightly at him, and then turned once more to the sky. He walked over and placed his hand on top of hers.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
"A lot of things I suppose. Everything that's going on. Not only here but in the other world. It's all so strange."
"Yea" he agreed, "But look on the bright side, we're not alone. Our friends are all alive again and they're here to help us."
"Mhm. That's true. It is wonderful having them all here with us, well some of the time it's been. I'm also a bit confused."
"About what?"
"What Yui and Takako said. About how Nakago helped us out of that situation. Why would he do that Taka?"
"You got me. I still think of him as the one person who stood in our way to summon Suzaku. He nearly destroyed everyone's lives. And I agree with Namame. How can we trust him? How can we just forget what happened in the past? I hate him as much now as I hated him then."
"I'm not exactly comfortable and neither is Yui that he's back Taka, but we need him. Seiryuu won't be saved without his help."
"I know that Miaka, but I still. I don't know. I just know."
Miaka wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up into his blue eyes. He looked back at her with a smile.
"Taka let's not worry about Nakago right now? Ren is the main person I'm determined to stop at the moment."
"Speaking of which, are you ready for this?"
"No" she shook her head, "But we have to get him back inside the book. Get him out of our world so it's safe. So that when we go back we won't have to worry about our friends and family."
"I agree with you there. So we start tonight?"
"Yes. Yui, you, and me will find Ren while the others take care of whatever he's gonna send to stop us. The Genbu seven will go back to Morioka with Toki. He's coming up with Keisuke."
"Because they'll just disappear back inside the book once we have gone back in right?"
"Yes, I think so. That's how they got here. And if not Takako said there is a copy of the old Genbu scroll that can take them back."
"You mean there is a scroll of the Universe of the Four Gods?"
"Mhm. C'mon Taka. We should go inside and get ready for tonight."
"Okay" he nodded, "Let's go."
The Suzaku seven, Miaka, The Seiryuu seven that were left, and Yui walked down to the nearby clock tower that was the tallest building in the area. Miaka stared up at it as everyone, who was back in their Chinese clothing looked around for any signs of trouble.
"But Miaka how can you be sure that this is the place?" Yui asked turning to her friend with a frown.
"Well" Miaka replied, "I have to admit I was stumped at first on how we were supposed to find him, but then I remembered something from the illusion."
"From the illusion?" Taka repeated.
"Mhm. Inside there was another tower like this one."
"Well that's not surprising Miaka" Yui said, "It was a replica of our city."
"Let me finish Yui" Miaka replied, "I saw it before I passed out. There was a distinct aura around the clock tower in the illusion. Now I know that it was Tomo behind it, right Amiboshi?"
"Yes" he nodded.
"So, he was controlling the shells pattern. The clock tower was where he was when he was doing it. I'm sure that's where Ren is too. Think about his ego. He'd want to be stationed in the tallest building in the city."
"Makes perfect sense" Nuriko said.
They heard loud screeching coming from the top of the tower as a horde of demons came their way.
"Plus we've got company" Tasuki grinned, "About time" he pulled out his fan, "Miaka you and Tama and the other girl better get up to the tower."
"Right" Miaka nodded with Yui and Taka at her side.
"You leave these guys to us you know" Chichiri replied holding up his staff.
"Yes you hurry" Hotohori added pulling out his sword.
"Lady Yui" Suboshi replied as Amiboshi took out his flute.
"I'll be fine Suboshi" Yui said stopping briefly, "We'll see each other again inside the book."
"But" he protested but Amiboshi placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
"Let her go brother" he replied as Yui, Taka, and Miaka ran into the clock tower and started up the steps.
Keisuke, Mrs. Hongo, and Mrs. Yuki arrived back in the city just as the fighting had started. Tetsuya met them and Toki at the Yuki's apartment. Once Toki had left with Takako and the Genbu seven, Tetsuya and they climbed into his van and drove to the clock tower.
"Miaka and Yui are fighting with Taka on the very top" Tetsuya explained as he parked the car, "Keisuke be careful" he handed him the book.
"Thanks Tetsuya" Keisuke replied with a smile as he opened the car door, "I know it's difficult for you knowing that Yui's up there but would you mind staying with mom and Mrs. Hongo?"
"No. I promised Yui I would" Tetsuya said.
"Okay. Mom I have to go."
"Keisuke be careful" Mrs. Yuki replied.
"I'll be fine" Keisuke said with a grin, "It's Miaka you have to worry about. Well then again, she's an expert at this sort of thing. Look just try not to worry. All I'm gonna do is give her the book" he climbed out and sprinted towards the tower.
Mrs. Hongo and Mrs. Yuki looked at each with deep concern.
Meanwhile Tasuki and Nuriko were fighting the demons away from the staircase, when Nuriko spotted the young man running towards them.
"Tasuki!" he shouted, "Keisuke's here."
"Wait a minute" Tasuki snarled, "I just got started."
"You know we have a job you idiot let's go."
"Ah. All right! All right" Tasuki grumbled, "Hurry up man!" he called to Keisuke who arrived with the book.
"Sorry I'm late" Keisuke replied.
"That's okay. Let's just get up to the tower," Nuriko said leading him in while Tasuki and he blocked off the demons that followed them, "Tasuki and I will cover your back as you run up the steps."
"Thanks" Keisuke said.
"Don't mention it" Tasuki replied, "Hurry up."
"Right" Keisuke nodded running in and up the steps, "Miaka hang on. Your big brother is on his way," he thought as he ran.
Miaka, Taka, and Yui reached the final staircase. Miaka turned to her friend and smiled.
"Okay Yui are you ready?"
"Yea" Yui nodded hesitantly.
"Taka, remember the plan."
"I know, I know, I know. But if there is any trouble" he said irritably.
"Taka" she warned.
"Okay. Just please be careful."
"I will be" Miaka smiled at him reassuringly, "Let's go Yui" she ran up the stairs.
"Right behind ya!" Yui replied.
They ran up the stairs and came to the top platform. There was an archway that led out to it. The clock was just above the platform. Yui and Miaka walked out slowly looking around for the person they were trying to confront.
"Do you see anyone?" Miaka asked.
"No" Yui shook her head, "But I'm sure he is here."
"Yea. His vibe is all over the place."
A blast of purple life force shot their way and Miaka and Yui jumped back a step as it struck the ground. When the smoke cleared a person's figure could be seen behind one of the pillars that was on the platform.
"I must say I'm impressed" Ren replied with his arms crossed and not showing his face, "I didn't think it would take you this quickly to find my hideout."
"Let's just say that you left your calling card in the other world" Miaka said.
"No that was that idiot Tomo's fault. He is the one he led you to me. But I have to say you are rather brave to face me alone Priestess of Suzaku."
"She's not alone" Yui retorted.
Ren chuckled then came out into view. He was back in his Chinese outfit and his hair was tied back.
"Oh I see that she's not, but you misunderstood me."
"What do you mean?" Yui asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I mean as far as strength goes Yui Hongo, you're a weakling."
"How dare you say that about Yui!" Miaka exclaimed when she saw her face fall.
"Well she is. Was it you that was completely devoured by the beast god or was it her?"
"That makes no difference. Yui is still strong" Miaka said in defense.
"Please" Ren replied, "She would never be my first choice to take along on a battle. You on the other hand Miaka, you very strong aren't you?"
"I will not let you make fun of her like this" Miaka said with anger.
"Miaka" Yui replied slowly, "He does have a point."
"What?" Miaka looked at her in confusion.
"What did you bring me along for? I can't help you."
"Yui. Don't say that. C'mon we can't give up."
"I have nothing to give you Miaka. I can't help. I can't. I don't have your strength or your courage. I don't have any of those things."
"But you're smart Yui."
"What good is that going to do in a battle" Yui replied, "I'm worthless. I should just quit while I am ahead."
"Yui no" Miaka shook her head.
"Now that's the type of mental attitude I was talking about" Ren grinned, "It will make it much easier to capture you" he closed his eyes and a piece of his life force surrounded Yui pinning her down to the ground.
"Yui!" Miaka shouted.
"Miaka!" Yui yelled back since she couldn't move.
"One down" Ren replied, "One more to go."
Miaka stared at Ren as he took a step forward. Then she glanced at her friend still lying on the ground.
"So what are you going to do now Miaka?" Ren asked with an evil grin, "You know that with one single blast that I could destroy the Priestess of Seiryuu before your very eyes."
Miaka looked at him angrily and stood a good few feet away from her friend, while she remained pinned to the ground.
"Just keep lying there Yui" Miaka thought, "Make him believe that you really can't move. Until Taka arrives."
Yui lay flat on the ground, pretending that she was completely stuck.
"I hope this works" she thought, "Who knows how long the spell will last."
Earlier that evening Iname of the Genbu seven had helped along with Chichiri, and Miboshi to place a barrier around the two girls, making it impossible for them to succumb to any life force. Now as Miaka had suggested, Yui was doing the best job she could to convince Ren that he was winning.
"So do you give up Priestess?" Ren asked his finger pointed directly at Yui, "I know you don't want your best friend to die."
As Miaka continued to stare at him angrily a red blast came from the archway that made Ren jump back a few feet. Taka stood mirrored in the doorway with his hands outstretched in front of him.
"Taka" Miaka exclaimed.
"Get away from her Ren" Taka replied, "Get away from both of them!" he shouted as the ogre symbol glowed brightly on his forehead.
"Well well Tamahome" Ren said with a sneer, "I see that your memories weren't the only thing that returned. Your powers came back as well."
"That's right" Taka said angrily, "So if you knew what was good for you. You would step away."
"I don't think so" Ren replied sarcastically as he pulled out a sword from his belt, "We'll settle this now. You and me."
"That's fine with me" Taka said, "But no weapon. I prefer to fight you man to man."
"Very well" Ren smiled, "If that is your wish" he tossed aside his sword, "Miaka" he turned to the girl as he saw her kneel next to Yui, "You can try all you want to release your friend but it won't do you any good. Let's go Tamahome."
Miaka frowned at him then turned to Yui. She whispered low enough so Ren wouldn't hear her.
"Yui can you move?"
"Yea I can move. Miaka where is your brother?"
"He should be here soon" Miaka reassured her, "I'm sure that Tasuki and Nuriko are helping him as we speak."
"So how are we going to play this out? Taka's fighting him, then what?"
"It's enough of a distraction. Once Keisuke arrives you need to disappear."
"I'll disappear behind one of the pillars I guess. What about you?"
"I have to let myself get caught. As soon as Keisuke arrives you know what to do?"
"Right."
"C'mon!" Keisuke huffed, "We're nearly to the top!"
"We're coming! We're coming" Nuriko answered, "Tasuki hurry up."
"I am hurrying" Tasuki retorted as he looked out one of the windows, "Looks like the fighting has ended down below."
"Well they'll be joining us soon, so come on" Nuriko added.
Taka and Ren continued with their fighting as Yui stood up and sprinted away to the pillar. Ren was so busy hitting Taka that he didn't even see her.
"C'mon Tamahome" Ren replied when Taka was on the ground trying to get back up, "I thought you would put up more of a fight" he kicked him in the stomach.
"No!" Miaka ran over to try to reach Taka but Ren grabbed her arm and wrapped his own arms around her, "Let me go!"
"Release her" Taka said through gritted teeth.
"I don't think so Tamahome" Ren grinned, "Would you want to let something this pretty go?"
"You bastard!" Taka spat as he tried to stand.
"One step Tamahome and your precious Priestess will get it" Ren said placing his hand over her throat, "I will do whatever it takes to keep you two apart."
At that moment Keisuke appeared with Tasuki and Nuriko.
"Tasuki now!" Nuriko shouted.
"Reka Shian!"
Ren looked up and saw the fire coming toward him. Miaka took this as her opportunity. She elbowed Ren in the side and dashed away.
"Keisuke the book!" she shouted to her brother who was ready to toss it.
"Right" he replied tossing it into the air.
It flew right into Miaka's hands. It all happened so fast, Ren could barely see. Yui ran from out behind the pillar aiming for him while Miaka opened the book and threw it down on the ground. Yui charged Ren pushing him with her hands backwards as the red light flooded the area. He stumbled back and straight into the book, out of their world forever. The other warriors arrived at that moment just as the red light became dimmer. Accompanied with them were Tetsuya, Mrs. Hongo, and Mrs. Yuki.
"It worked you guys" Miaka grinned, "He's inside the book now. Oh Taka are you all right?" she asked when he walked over clutching his side.
"Oh it's just a couple of broken bones" he smiled, "Nothing too major" he replied as she wrapped her arms around him.
"We'll help you to heal once we get back to Konan" Hotohori said.
"Thank you, your majesty."
"Well come on" Chichiri replied, "We got to get going you know."
"Right" Miaka nodded, "Taka will you go back with them?"
"Sure. But."
"I'll be right behind you."
"Okay" he kissed the top of her head before he joined the others by the book, "See you guys later!" he waved to his friends.
"Goodbye" Tetsuya waved.
"Good luck Taka!" Keisuke added as the book glowed once more and the eleven of them disappeared.
Miaka and Yui turned to the others as Miaka picked up the book.
"Yui you were wonderful" Miaka replied.
"Thank you Miaka, you weren't too bad either."
"And what about me?" Keisuke asked with his arms crossed.
"Thank you too Keisuke."
"Don't mention it. Be careful Yui."
"Thanks" she turned to her mother, "Mom."
"Yui?"
"I'm sorry I have to go. I'm still needed. But I will be thinking about you. And I promise I'll come back as soon as I can."
Mrs. Hongo looked at her daughter with tears in her eyes. Then she embraced her tightly.
"Be careful darling."
"I will" she nodded getting a few tears herself.
"Don't you worry about a thing Mrs. Hongo" Miaka replied, "We'll look after each other."
"Thank you Miaka" Mrs. Hongo said hugging her, "Be careful too dear."
"I will. Mom" she looked at Mrs. Yuki, "Don't worry about me okay. I'm going to be fine."
"Oh Miaka" Mrs. Yuki embraced her, "I am so proud of you. Do you know that? Please take care of yourself. Your brother and I will wait for your safe return."
"Okay Mom" Miaka cried as she wiped tears from her eyes.
Mrs. Yuki did the same as Keisuke turned to Miaka.
"Well sis, you're leaving again."
"I have to. Keisuke you will look after everything won't you?"
"Oh you can count it. Just be safe" he hugged her, "You are my only little sister after all."
"I love you too brother" she smiled as she pulled away, "Yui are you ready?" she held the book against her chest.
"Yes, just a sec Miaka" Yui nodded, "Tetsuya, I. I don't know what to say."
"How about" he looked at her lovingly, "We don't worry about that till after you come back?"
"Okay" she kissed his cheek, "See ya" she walked over and took Miaka's hand while everyone waved goodbye.
The book began to glow red once more and in an instant the two girls were gone, leaving behind the family and loved ones who would patiently for their return.
Authors Note: Yea this book is finally done. Again sorry it took so long. See you all next week for the next book!
Next Chapter: Journey Before Hokkan
Miaka and Yui have returned to the other world. But things have changed. Dramatically! Find out what sort of things Tenkou has planned for them in the next installment of the Fushigi Yuugi Chronicles!
Miaka walked out onto the porch of the apartment. She leaned over the railing and gazed at the city before her. The dark clouds will still hovering in the side making it appear as if another storm was upon them. Taka spotted her and opened the glass door to join her.
"Miaka" he replied.
She turned a little to smile slightly at him, and then turned once more to the sky. He walked over and placed his hand on top of hers.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh I was just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
"A lot of things I suppose. Everything that's going on. Not only here but in the other world. It's all so strange."
"Yea" he agreed, "But look on the bright side, we're not alone. Our friends are all alive again and they're here to help us."
"Mhm. That's true. It is wonderful having them all here with us, well some of the time it's been. I'm also a bit confused."
"About what?"
"What Yui and Takako said. About how Nakago helped us out of that situation. Why would he do that Taka?"
"You got me. I still think of him as the one person who stood in our way to summon Suzaku. He nearly destroyed everyone's lives. And I agree with Namame. How can we trust him? How can we just forget what happened in the past? I hate him as much now as I hated him then."
"I'm not exactly comfortable and neither is Yui that he's back Taka, but we need him. Seiryuu won't be saved without his help."
"I know that Miaka, but I still. I don't know. I just know."
Miaka wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up into his blue eyes. He looked back at her with a smile.
"Taka let's not worry about Nakago right now? Ren is the main person I'm determined to stop at the moment."
"Speaking of which, are you ready for this?"
"No" she shook her head, "But we have to get him back inside the book. Get him out of our world so it's safe. So that when we go back we won't have to worry about our friends and family."
"I agree with you there. So we start tonight?"
"Yes. Yui, you, and me will find Ren while the others take care of whatever he's gonna send to stop us. The Genbu seven will go back to Morioka with Toki. He's coming up with Keisuke."
"Because they'll just disappear back inside the book once we have gone back in right?"
"Yes, I think so. That's how they got here. And if not Takako said there is a copy of the old Genbu scroll that can take them back."
"You mean there is a scroll of the Universe of the Four Gods?"
"Mhm. C'mon Taka. We should go inside and get ready for tonight."
"Okay" he nodded, "Let's go."
The Suzaku seven, Miaka, The Seiryuu seven that were left, and Yui walked down to the nearby clock tower that was the tallest building in the area. Miaka stared up at it as everyone, who was back in their Chinese clothing looked around for any signs of trouble.
"But Miaka how can you be sure that this is the place?" Yui asked turning to her friend with a frown.
"Well" Miaka replied, "I have to admit I was stumped at first on how we were supposed to find him, but then I remembered something from the illusion."
"From the illusion?" Taka repeated.
"Mhm. Inside there was another tower like this one."
"Well that's not surprising Miaka" Yui said, "It was a replica of our city."
"Let me finish Yui" Miaka replied, "I saw it before I passed out. There was a distinct aura around the clock tower in the illusion. Now I know that it was Tomo behind it, right Amiboshi?"
"Yes" he nodded.
"So, he was controlling the shells pattern. The clock tower was where he was when he was doing it. I'm sure that's where Ren is too. Think about his ego. He'd want to be stationed in the tallest building in the city."
"Makes perfect sense" Nuriko said.
They heard loud screeching coming from the top of the tower as a horde of demons came their way.
"Plus we've got company" Tasuki grinned, "About time" he pulled out his fan, "Miaka you and Tama and the other girl better get up to the tower."
"Right" Miaka nodded with Yui and Taka at her side.
"You leave these guys to us you know" Chichiri replied holding up his staff.
"Yes you hurry" Hotohori added pulling out his sword.
"Lady Yui" Suboshi replied as Amiboshi took out his flute.
"I'll be fine Suboshi" Yui said stopping briefly, "We'll see each other again inside the book."
"But" he protested but Amiboshi placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
"Let her go brother" he replied as Yui, Taka, and Miaka ran into the clock tower and started up the steps.
Keisuke, Mrs. Hongo, and Mrs. Yuki arrived back in the city just as the fighting had started. Tetsuya met them and Toki at the Yuki's apartment. Once Toki had left with Takako and the Genbu seven, Tetsuya and they climbed into his van and drove to the clock tower.
"Miaka and Yui are fighting with Taka on the very top" Tetsuya explained as he parked the car, "Keisuke be careful" he handed him the book.
"Thanks Tetsuya" Keisuke replied with a smile as he opened the car door, "I know it's difficult for you knowing that Yui's up there but would you mind staying with mom and Mrs. Hongo?"
"No. I promised Yui I would" Tetsuya said.
"Okay. Mom I have to go."
"Keisuke be careful" Mrs. Yuki replied.
"I'll be fine" Keisuke said with a grin, "It's Miaka you have to worry about. Well then again, she's an expert at this sort of thing. Look just try not to worry. All I'm gonna do is give her the book" he climbed out and sprinted towards the tower.
Mrs. Hongo and Mrs. Yuki looked at each with deep concern.
Meanwhile Tasuki and Nuriko were fighting the demons away from the staircase, when Nuriko spotted the young man running towards them.
"Tasuki!" he shouted, "Keisuke's here."
"Wait a minute" Tasuki snarled, "I just got started."
"You know we have a job you idiot let's go."
"Ah. All right! All right" Tasuki grumbled, "Hurry up man!" he called to Keisuke who arrived with the book.
"Sorry I'm late" Keisuke replied.
"That's okay. Let's just get up to the tower," Nuriko said leading him in while Tasuki and he blocked off the demons that followed them, "Tasuki and I will cover your back as you run up the steps."
"Thanks" Keisuke said.
"Don't mention it" Tasuki replied, "Hurry up."
"Right" Keisuke nodded running in and up the steps, "Miaka hang on. Your big brother is on his way," he thought as he ran.
Miaka, Taka, and Yui reached the final staircase. Miaka turned to her friend and smiled.
"Okay Yui are you ready?"
"Yea" Yui nodded hesitantly.
"Taka, remember the plan."
"I know, I know, I know. But if there is any trouble" he said irritably.
"Taka" she warned.
"Okay. Just please be careful."
"I will be" Miaka smiled at him reassuringly, "Let's go Yui" she ran up the stairs.
"Right behind ya!" Yui replied.
They ran up the stairs and came to the top platform. There was an archway that led out to it. The clock was just above the platform. Yui and Miaka walked out slowly looking around for the person they were trying to confront.
"Do you see anyone?" Miaka asked.
"No" Yui shook her head, "But I'm sure he is here."
"Yea. His vibe is all over the place."
A blast of purple life force shot their way and Miaka and Yui jumped back a step as it struck the ground. When the smoke cleared a person's figure could be seen behind one of the pillars that was on the platform.
"I must say I'm impressed" Ren replied with his arms crossed and not showing his face, "I didn't think it would take you this quickly to find my hideout."
"Let's just say that you left your calling card in the other world" Miaka said.
"No that was that idiot Tomo's fault. He is the one he led you to me. But I have to say you are rather brave to face me alone Priestess of Suzaku."
"She's not alone" Yui retorted.
Ren chuckled then came out into view. He was back in his Chinese outfit and his hair was tied back.
"Oh I see that she's not, but you misunderstood me."
"What do you mean?" Yui asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I mean as far as strength goes Yui Hongo, you're a weakling."
"How dare you say that about Yui!" Miaka exclaimed when she saw her face fall.
"Well she is. Was it you that was completely devoured by the beast god or was it her?"
"That makes no difference. Yui is still strong" Miaka said in defense.
"Please" Ren replied, "She would never be my first choice to take along on a battle. You on the other hand Miaka, you very strong aren't you?"
"I will not let you make fun of her like this" Miaka said with anger.
"Miaka" Yui replied slowly, "He does have a point."
"What?" Miaka looked at her in confusion.
"What did you bring me along for? I can't help you."
"Yui. Don't say that. C'mon we can't give up."
"I have nothing to give you Miaka. I can't help. I can't. I don't have your strength or your courage. I don't have any of those things."
"But you're smart Yui."
"What good is that going to do in a battle" Yui replied, "I'm worthless. I should just quit while I am ahead."
"Yui no" Miaka shook her head.
"Now that's the type of mental attitude I was talking about" Ren grinned, "It will make it much easier to capture you" he closed his eyes and a piece of his life force surrounded Yui pinning her down to the ground.
"Yui!" Miaka shouted.
"Miaka!" Yui yelled back since she couldn't move.
"One down" Ren replied, "One more to go."
Miaka stared at Ren as he took a step forward. Then she glanced at her friend still lying on the ground.
"So what are you going to do now Miaka?" Ren asked with an evil grin, "You know that with one single blast that I could destroy the Priestess of Seiryuu before your very eyes."
Miaka looked at him angrily and stood a good few feet away from her friend, while she remained pinned to the ground.
"Just keep lying there Yui" Miaka thought, "Make him believe that you really can't move. Until Taka arrives."
Yui lay flat on the ground, pretending that she was completely stuck.
"I hope this works" she thought, "Who knows how long the spell will last."
Earlier that evening Iname of the Genbu seven had helped along with Chichiri, and Miboshi to place a barrier around the two girls, making it impossible for them to succumb to any life force. Now as Miaka had suggested, Yui was doing the best job she could to convince Ren that he was winning.
"So do you give up Priestess?" Ren asked his finger pointed directly at Yui, "I know you don't want your best friend to die."
As Miaka continued to stare at him angrily a red blast came from the archway that made Ren jump back a few feet. Taka stood mirrored in the doorway with his hands outstretched in front of him.
"Taka" Miaka exclaimed.
"Get away from her Ren" Taka replied, "Get away from both of them!" he shouted as the ogre symbol glowed brightly on his forehead.
"Well well Tamahome" Ren said with a sneer, "I see that your memories weren't the only thing that returned. Your powers came back as well."
"That's right" Taka said angrily, "So if you knew what was good for you. You would step away."
"I don't think so" Ren replied sarcastically as he pulled out a sword from his belt, "We'll settle this now. You and me."
"That's fine with me" Taka said, "But no weapon. I prefer to fight you man to man."
"Very well" Ren smiled, "If that is your wish" he tossed aside his sword, "Miaka" he turned to the girl as he saw her kneel next to Yui, "You can try all you want to release your friend but it won't do you any good. Let's go Tamahome."
Miaka frowned at him then turned to Yui. She whispered low enough so Ren wouldn't hear her.
"Yui can you move?"
"Yea I can move. Miaka where is your brother?"
"He should be here soon" Miaka reassured her, "I'm sure that Tasuki and Nuriko are helping him as we speak."
"So how are we going to play this out? Taka's fighting him, then what?"
"It's enough of a distraction. Once Keisuke arrives you need to disappear."
"I'll disappear behind one of the pillars I guess. What about you?"
"I have to let myself get caught. As soon as Keisuke arrives you know what to do?"
"Right."
"C'mon!" Keisuke huffed, "We're nearly to the top!"
"We're coming! We're coming" Nuriko answered, "Tasuki hurry up."
"I am hurrying" Tasuki retorted as he looked out one of the windows, "Looks like the fighting has ended down below."
"Well they'll be joining us soon, so come on" Nuriko added.
Taka and Ren continued with their fighting as Yui stood up and sprinted away to the pillar. Ren was so busy hitting Taka that he didn't even see her.
"C'mon Tamahome" Ren replied when Taka was on the ground trying to get back up, "I thought you would put up more of a fight" he kicked him in the stomach.
"No!" Miaka ran over to try to reach Taka but Ren grabbed her arm and wrapped his own arms around her, "Let me go!"
"Release her" Taka said through gritted teeth.
"I don't think so Tamahome" Ren grinned, "Would you want to let something this pretty go?"
"You bastard!" Taka spat as he tried to stand.
"One step Tamahome and your precious Priestess will get it" Ren said placing his hand over her throat, "I will do whatever it takes to keep you two apart."
At that moment Keisuke appeared with Tasuki and Nuriko.
"Tasuki now!" Nuriko shouted.
"Reka Shian!"
Ren looked up and saw the fire coming toward him. Miaka took this as her opportunity. She elbowed Ren in the side and dashed away.
"Keisuke the book!" she shouted to her brother who was ready to toss it.
"Right" he replied tossing it into the air.
It flew right into Miaka's hands. It all happened so fast, Ren could barely see. Yui ran from out behind the pillar aiming for him while Miaka opened the book and threw it down on the ground. Yui charged Ren pushing him with her hands backwards as the red light flooded the area. He stumbled back and straight into the book, out of their world forever. The other warriors arrived at that moment just as the red light became dimmer. Accompanied with them were Tetsuya, Mrs. Hongo, and Mrs. Yuki.
"It worked you guys" Miaka grinned, "He's inside the book now. Oh Taka are you all right?" she asked when he walked over clutching his side.
"Oh it's just a couple of broken bones" he smiled, "Nothing too major" he replied as she wrapped her arms around him.
"We'll help you to heal once we get back to Konan" Hotohori said.
"Thank you, your majesty."
"Well come on" Chichiri replied, "We got to get going you know."
"Right" Miaka nodded, "Taka will you go back with them?"
"Sure. But."
"I'll be right behind you."
"Okay" he kissed the top of her head before he joined the others by the book, "See you guys later!" he waved to his friends.
"Goodbye" Tetsuya waved.
"Good luck Taka!" Keisuke added as the book glowed once more and the eleven of them disappeared.
Miaka and Yui turned to the others as Miaka picked up the book.
"Yui you were wonderful" Miaka replied.
"Thank you Miaka, you weren't too bad either."
"And what about me?" Keisuke asked with his arms crossed.
"Thank you too Keisuke."
"Don't mention it. Be careful Yui."
"Thanks" she turned to her mother, "Mom."
"Yui?"
"I'm sorry I have to go. I'm still needed. But I will be thinking about you. And I promise I'll come back as soon as I can."
Mrs. Hongo looked at her daughter with tears in her eyes. Then she embraced her tightly.
"Be careful darling."
"I will" she nodded getting a few tears herself.
"Don't you worry about a thing Mrs. Hongo" Miaka replied, "We'll look after each other."
"Thank you Miaka" Mrs. Hongo said hugging her, "Be careful too dear."
"I will. Mom" she looked at Mrs. Yuki, "Don't worry about me okay. I'm going to be fine."
"Oh Miaka" Mrs. Yuki embraced her, "I am so proud of you. Do you know that? Please take care of yourself. Your brother and I will wait for your safe return."
"Okay Mom" Miaka cried as she wiped tears from her eyes.
Mrs. Yuki did the same as Keisuke turned to Miaka.
"Well sis, you're leaving again."
"I have to. Keisuke you will look after everything won't you?"
"Oh you can count it. Just be safe" he hugged her, "You are my only little sister after all."
"I love you too brother" she smiled as she pulled away, "Yui are you ready?" she held the book against her chest.
"Yes, just a sec Miaka" Yui nodded, "Tetsuya, I. I don't know what to say."
"How about" he looked at her lovingly, "We don't worry about that till after you come back?"
"Okay" she kissed his cheek, "See ya" she walked over and took Miaka's hand while everyone waved goodbye.
The book began to glow red once more and in an instant the two girls were gone, leaving behind the family and loved ones who would patiently for their return.
Authors Note: Yea this book is finally done. Again sorry it took so long. See you all next week for the next book!
Next Chapter: Journey Before Hokkan
Miaka and Yui have returned to the other world. But things have changed. Dramatically! Find out what sort of things Tenkou has planned for them in the next installment of the Fushigi Yuugi Chronicles!
