UD Addition – In order to embellish realism into my scrolls, original quotes of the characters involved will be used. If they have said it, or you have heard something along those lines before, it is copyrighted to the original creators. In no way am I claiming those words as my own.
Warning – As promised, this actually has violence in it, being a war and all, so if you are blood shy, you can retreat now…
SN: Believe it or not, I had full intention to publish this sooner, but a powerful conundrum interrupted me. I will only say it was more of an oversight on my part. The battle scenes at this critical juncture seem mere flashes of action, I hope I have fleshed them out enough so that you are able to see something beyond what goes on on the screen.
Truly, I believe that that is the most fervent hope of every writer of fanfiction.
SN: This is far, far from a complete chapter, but I post it now to slake your thirst. The search for champions begins to take on a new meaning, as a search for the champion within myself, and to truly prove myself worthy of the title – Fierce Defender of Miaka Yuuki (Beautiful Red Evening Castle) not just in the realm of fanfiction, but every realm I quest into.
Farewell for now and a good journey to you all. (12-7-2004, 2:10 AM)
Inspiring Song of the Day – "Hero" - Mariah Carey
Scene/POV Transition
Scroll V – On the Edge of Reality
The entire palace rang with the cacophony of war. It was more preparation then battle but every one dwelling there knew that could very well find them here. The palace had had its fair share of violence – spies, assassination attempts, and even a duel to the death in the courtyard – but all knew this day the palace may no longer be around when the moon rose tonight. To prevent this, the levels of activity were at an unprecedented high.
The lowest stable hand to the highest honored attendant and advisory positions to the emperor enmeshed themselves into their tasks with a vigor so palpable, it was little surprise their auras did not become visible. It seemed very much that Suzaku was among them despite the cold truth of his extinguished power and presence to help his chosen ones. In the shrine, the golden statue blazed a new brilliant shade of gold.
It almost seemed that this energy was a source that still charged the atmosphere with the power of Suzaku, despite Suzaku's loss. It was far better to ignore the fact and let it overwhelm you then to dwell on it and let it slowly consume you. In not acknowledging the fact that it had happened, it might not have happened. This was not possible. Suzaku, their guardian deity … gone…? It couldn't be, not after all the Priestess had done for them.
Booted feet thundered across paneled flooring, the ringing of metal weapons and the clank of armored plates as soldiers hurried to their assigned deployments. Miaka had never seen such activity within the place before, but then again, she had never been present when Konan amassed its military might. Of course, with the Celestial Warriors quartered in the palace, a large force of Imperial guards hadn't been necessary, but the emperor had had other reasons for sending the normal palace contingent to the other barracks scattered around the countryside.
"War is terrible and cruel! What if Yui gets caught in the middle of it?"
At the time, he hadn't known who Yui was, or why Miaka was so concerned for her. Later when it was revealed she had become the Priestess of Seiryuu, and her best friend had become her nemesis, he was heartbroken over the pain Miaka must be feeling at the betrayal. Anything that could cause the legendary savior of his world pain was inexcusable, and unbearable for his normally gentle spirit.
So when Tamahome had returned as an assassin for Kutou, he had known what would have to be done. He was of the same frame as mind as Tasuki – Tamahome couldn't be one of them after breaking her heart, soul, and mind to fragments, and reducing her to an empty shell of a girl that tried to leave this world in the worst way possible. He had saved her, once again, despite having his power cut in half he had flown like the phoenix Suzaku himself and delivered her from the raging torrents.
She had apologized, and he had forgiven her. It didn't matter that Suzaku couldn't be summoned, and his country delivered from evil. All that mattered to him was that the girl he loved was safe. He was overcome with his emotion and love for her, and had almost forgotten himself, but was brought back to reality when his priestess pushed him away.
This hurt him, but he knew it would take some time for her heart to mend, and attempt to love again. Still, he was going to prove himself and stayed right by her side, reassuring her that he would not leave her. He would always protect her and keep her secure, no matter what happened.
And then HE had returned.
"Where is the Priestess of Suzaku?"
He ignored Tasuki's fiery curses and threats.
He could not do the same to the emperor, wreathed in the crimson aura of Suzaku, not to mention blood red rage.
"The Priestess of Suzaku is safe! I swear I will not allow you to lay a finger on her ever again!!"
They dueled, and Tamahome was no match for the Star's palpable, burning fury.
It was a fury that awed the warriors present, as they had never seen Hotohori so angry before.
The duel could only have one expected outcome – until Miaka ran right into the middle of it.
The thundering advance of another group of soldiers hurrying down the adjacent hall startled the emperor back into the moment at hand. It had been a miracle of Suzaku that had brought Tamahome back to them. It would take another to overcome Kutou on this day. This was the reason he had decided to spare Miaka from a much bloodier spectacle than any she had seen before, but it could not be helped now. She had seen the Warriors of Suzaku fight and die for her, so natural conflict would not seem so terrible. Besides, it was necessary. Kutou did not listen to anything other than force. Still, he wished he could spare her the brutal reality. They both longed for a peaceful future.
A future that had to be won by the blood of here and now.
He picked up the latest report from the Great Hall's table. It spoke of lightning obliterating one of the border guard towers. On such a beautiful day, that could only be the handiwork of the Seiryuu Celestial Warrior Soi. 'It doesn't matter if they have their powers and we don't', he thought grimly. 'We will fight them because there is no other choice'.
Just then he looked up to see his friends and comrades-in-arms rush in. They assembled, and he looked over each one, looking for signs of fear or indecision. He knew he wouldn't find any, though there was no harm in etching their faces into his memory for perhaps, the last time.
Despite the mask of Chichiri's, he could see the grim resolve in the monk's one eye. He turned to Tasuki, who was striking an easy, carefree pose against the doorframe. It spoke of cocky arrogance, but if you looked closely, you could see the tension in his muscles, the urge to spring out and fight. In contrast, the tall form of Mitsukake resembled a stone wall, the only motion his left hand unconsciously clenching open and closed, and of course, Tama preening on his shoulder, seemingly oblivious to all else as only cats can be when they are grooming themselves.
Tamahome had one arm protectively around Miaka, and was taking in the bustling center of activity that the Great Hall had become. Generals and officials filled the table, with the emperor at its head. Maps were scattered over the table, and runners and soldiers rushed back and forth delivering messages and rushing out with fresh orders.
Despite this sense of constant activity within the heart of the palace, each warrior had locked themselves into full attunement with each other.
"I would like to say that never has the future of Konan depended more on this single event than any other." Emperor Hotohori began.
Despite the lack of 'Wing' Tasuki still seemed to fly down the corridors to the stables.
"Alright! It's finally time to kick some Seiryuu ass!"
Buoyed by his enthusiasm the others followed him into the bright noon sunshine.
Tamahome turned to Miaka. She had gasped at the sheer number of soldiers awaiting them. Sunlight glinted off of spear points and polished helms, and the column stretched back along the road for a good half mile.
"Miaka, you don't have to go with us if you don't want to. It's going to get very rough and I couldn't forgive myself if you got hurt."
Miaka thought about it for a moment. She wasn't a fighter like her protectors. War was awful and pointless to her, people killing each other out of hatred, jealousy, or prejudice. She didn't want to be a part of it, but she kept her promises.
"No, Tamahome. I promised I would help you fight. I don't care what happens; I'm not going to leave you again. I was a fool to believe Nakago's lies and not trust you. Therefore I have decided that no matter where you go, I will go with you."
Tamahome was overjoyed. "Miaka, I feel the same way. Don't blame yourself, I was just as much of a fool to think letting you go would be easier than being forced to let you go later. I told you that if there was anything that could possibly keep us together, I would do it."
Miaka smiled, remembering the kiss they had shared in the temple. It hadn't been sunset, but that no longer mattered to her. That kiss had conveyed all the warmth, earnestness and conviction of Tamahome's love for her. She flushed red just thinking about it.
"Hey, ya coming? Or are ya gonna leave all the Seiryuu for me?" Tasuki called, breaking the couple out of their warm reverie.
"Not on your life, hammer!" Tamahome called back, pleased with Tasuki's barely perceptible, but very dangerous twitch of the eye. It spoke "I'd incinerate you if I could use my tessen," but luckily Tamahome would not have to endure that particular agony any time soon.
Tamahome climbed up and swung Miaka onto his horse behind him. "We'll just have to see who gets more, won't we?"
Tasuki laughed, the bright sunlight sparking off his fangs. "You betcha!" He turned and kneed in his horse causing it to spring after the column.
Tamahome grinned and spurred his horse after them.
The Sixth Contingent had been doing rather well. They couldn't use the traditional method of sealing the enemy forces within the mountains, but as soon as they had emerged, they had charged forward and forced the mountain to their backs. Consequentially, it had become the proverbial death trap as the enemy was funneled against the unforgiving rock as soon as they issued out from the pass.
Then, without warning, a storm of arrows rained from the high peaks. The archers' superior position and height advantage ensured that most arrows found their targets, burrowing themselves in eyes or boring directly through throats. The other soldiers quickly dropped to the ground among their already fallen and brought up their shields. The second salvo of arrows thudded harmlessly into the fixtures, but the momentum was broken. Fresh infantry surged from the pass, while cavalry thundered down the slopes itself.
Staying where they were would be certain death. The mighty contingent, now only half strong, broke up into scattered knots of fighting, forcing the archers to risk firing on their own. The air filled with the chorus of clashing weapons, war cries, and bellows of anguish. Riderless horses panicking at the smell of fresh blood broke free and trampled anything in their path in frantic flight. There was no longer organized resistance or any attempt to reform the funnel. As more troops exploded onto the scene, the fighting became more frantic as each side fought desperately to keep themselves away from the unforgiving dead zone at the foot of the mountains.
In the end, it was a battle of numbers, and the Sixth was completely encircled. They raised their weapons defiantly, prepared to die for their cause and country. But before another bevy of arrows could scythe them down or a cavalry charge finish them off, the piercing cry of a war trumpet rung over the fighters. Kutou and Konan forces turned as one to see the impressive column advance toward them. They had spread out, and it seemed a tide of crimson blood was coming to wash the mountains away.
The reinforcements from the capital had finally arrived.
The lead horseman drew his sword and issued the charge order. Even from a mile away he could see that there was too much of the blue armor of Kutou. Obviously the defense had come apart. It was fortunate that the new units had arrived when they did, or the Sixth would have been completely massacred. As it was, seeing their hope arrive, they burst into a desperate charge that broke the ring of enemies around them and flung themselves back into battle with a new fervor. Joined by reinforcements from the 14th and 3rd Contingents, the battle for Konan began in earnest.
-
At another pass through the mountainous border, a veritable blue river of dragon scale steel was pouring through unchecked past the obliterated guard towers. Other contingents rushing to the aid of their own had not detected the weakness until it was too late. Now, the river of soldiers curved sharply right and slammed into the back of the reinforcements. The savage and sudden attack pierced the formation and drove it apart, a steel arrow breaking inferior wooden ones.
The soldiers rushing to aid their comrades were broken into several ineffective knots of fighting. Whenever a soldier of Seiryuu was dispatched, three more replaced their fallen.
Tasuki rode into the fray, deftly removing one of his new throwing knives and hurling it with precision accuracy. It spun through the air whistling cleanly. That whistle was the last thing the unfortunate Seiryuu sergeant heard as the blade flicked by, then buried itself to the hilt in his neck. The man instinctively reached up, then toppled from his saddle.
The other soldiers with the troop angrily turned. Tasuki ducked under a flashing sword, then wheeled around. Reaching inside his tunic, he withdrew several of the magical wolf talismans, invoked the spell, and flung the illusions at the soldiers charging him murderously. The charge was nullified as large gray wolves with bared silver fangs and bloodlust-red eyes seemed to materialize out of thin air. If the men didn't panic at the sight, the horses went hysterical at the smell of hungry predator. With all thoughts on their survival, they bolted. The soldiers' attempts to control them were met with fury. Several of them were launched over their mount's heads. If they didn't snap their necks on impact, they could look forward to being trampled or dragged to their deaths.
Tasuki laughed. "Ya don't know how to treat yer rides, do ya?" Tasuki had learned that lesson the hard way, being beaten black and blue by his own horse. After that humiliating incident, he never stole food from his mount again, and always made sure the stallion had fresh carrots. Overtime, he had bonded with the horse, and it had become as swift and deadly as Tasuki himself.
This was more than proven as the horse instinctively spun around, smashing it's hind hooves into a soldier that had been sneaking behind them. There was a sickening crack as bones shattered from the impact. The force of the blow sent the burly man spinning off his feet and crashing into his fallen compatriots. He did not rise again.
Tasuki suddenly leapt directly off his horse as several small shuriken lacerated the space he had just vacated. The barely audible hiss of separated air had been the only warning he needed, having been on the receiving end of his chosen weapon. It had been taught that it was humiliating to die by your own methods, and so to prevent such, he had had to learn how to overcome his armament when it was turned against him, by adroitly dodging out of the way. His reactions were well honed because of it, and he had practiced without using his speed blessing. So be it a small blade or a huge javelin, he was effectively immune to anything thrown. Learning how to dodge the flame blasts of the fan had been a much more harrowing experience. He hadn't really needed a hostage to distract that fat fool Eiken. There was no way the bumbling tub of lard could possibly have singed him. This new opponent would have to try a different tactic. He turned, landing nimbly on his feet. His horse had instinctively galloped back toward friendly lines, where it would be safe from stray arrows. He now regarded the cloaked figure before him.
The form was completely enshrouded in ebony robes, and a cowl concealed all features except lifeless black eyes. No doubt about it, this was one of Kutou's deadly assassins and spies that had attacked the Priestess and her warriors numerous times. Tasuki's eyes narrowed. 'Damn it! Kutou's pulling out all the stops if it even sent those black freaks after us!' Before the bandit could taunt the spy, his hands flashed from his robes, launching another cloud of barbed stars.
Tasuki responded with several back flips, than at the end of the sequence sprung from his hands back towards his opponent. He twisted, letting gravity take him into a natural spin as more silver blades zipped past him. It ended with a deafening snap as the sole of his boot caved in the hook like nose of his foe. The foot continued downward, taking the head with it, and the rest of the body was fated to follow.
The spy was slammed flat on his back, dead before he hit the ground as fragments of his nose bone had been driven directly into his brain. Tasuki leaped off the corpse as more projectiles screamed for his blood.
"How can this be," hissed the second assassin. "Your powers are sealed!"
Tasuki sprang over a swinging spear, and spun delivering a roundhouse kick to the head of another soldier who had tried to kill him, thinking it would be easy with him distracted. The fool fell away, leaving his pike in Tasuki's hands. He twirled effortlessly, spinning the pike backwards and shoving it through the heart of the killer directly behind him. A long knife clattered to the ground. Tasuki turned and spit derisively at the adversary still imbedded on his weapon.
"My powers have nothing to do with it! I'm a damn natural!"
He flung the implement and it's dead cargo away, and turned to engage his newest batch of soldiers.
These did not appear to be normal recruits, however. They were not wearing the traditional blue scale armor of Kutou. Most had the dirty, unwashed appearance of mercenaries or even rebels. Then it came to him. They are rebels – not all in Kutou had been in favor of war with Konan. Still, they advanced towards him, with the slow shuffling gait of zombies, weapons held at the ready, but not indicative of any true skill. The most disconcerting thing about these new enemies was the emptiness in their eyes.
They had the same lifeless glaze in their eyes as the assassins. Tasuki had seen that glaze before though. He had seen it when he was fighting Tamahome.
'Damn those bastards! They've brainwashed them with Kodoku to fight us!'
There was nothing he could do however. Even if they hadn't wanted to fight at first, they could no longer control their actions. But wasn't it Nakago who had been controlling Tamahome? Could he be controlling these people too?
It didn't seem possible but who knew what the revival of Seiryuu had done for its Celestial Warriors? It was conceivable that their powers had increased.
'But they aren't immortal,' Tasuki thought. 'If I can take him out, maybe they'll all revert to normal.' Tasuki pulled out some of his older talismans, the ones that Miaka had written on. Illusionary food blossomed around the drone soldiers.
To Tasuki's amazement, it worked. The drones fell upon the illusionary feast like water bubbling from parched desert sands. He had no time to wonder about the strange properties of food from another world, however as a long shock of blond hair glimmered in his peripheral vision.
Nakago.
It had only been the briefest of instants, but Tasuki was sure of what he had seen. After all, no one else in this world had the vivid golden hair of the Hin Tribe. Growling in barely suppressed fury, he started forward.
Then a blue bolt of lightning struck among a battle raging scant yards ahead of him. Horses and men howled in agony, and the odor of burnt flesh reached his nostrils. He sprang forward. He was closer to those fiends then he had thought.
Nakago looked over the battle with approval. With Konan's god sealed, there was no way to overcome his superior numbers. There would not be a repeat of his failure to conquer Hokkan. Even if they had not had to deal with the Genbu Seven, the harsh wintry region with its treacherous mountains and unpredictable snowstorms had effectively immobilized the army. His perpetual smirk deadened into a grim neutral line as he remembered the utter humiliation of his prize troops. But even his emperor had grasped that only failure could come to his ill prepared, frostbitten army. The failure was never made public, and Nakago retained his impregnable image.
Now he would make up for that loss. There was no way the Suzaku Seven could be any trouble now. Their powers were simply extinguished. His cunning, icy smile returned to wreath his features in confidence. With Amiboshi disguised as Chiriko, it had been remarkably easy to sabotage the summoning ceremony.
It had been a stroke of genius to further bolster his forces with brainwashed rebel prisoners. Their information had long grown stale, so what better way to make use of them?
He watched as another blue bolt of lightning crashed onto the heads of one of the companies of crimson armored horsemen. There was a blinding flash, and when it cleared only sparks sizzled through scattered ashes of what had once been a formidable threat. But no amount of skill could match the power he had now. His blue eyes sparkled in joyous mirth at the simple futility of it all. He watched Soi , pull back her sparking hand, quite pleased with her new capabilities.
Yui curled inward, and gripped the reigns of her horse tighter. The fighting, the screams, the blood, and death had all sickened her. Was this the price of being the Priestess of Seiryuu? Did so many people have to end their lives needlessly?
To her, these events are fiction, but that is difficult to rationalize when you are seeing it with your own eyes. To be in this moment and hear the anguish, to see the terror and to experience the power of this world firsthand was overwhelming sometimes. Even being in a completely different world was sometimes not what the imagination idealized - only the pleasant circumstances and fact of escape. Deep in thought she wondered;
"I'm here too, so am I a fictional character in this book too? No, I can't be… I'm real! I am just fulfilling a role – the role of the Priestess of Seiryuu… aren't I?"
She looked up as a presence of unmistakable power made itself known. As Seiryuu's priestess, she could now sense the almost choking strength of Nakago's life energy. Its blaze seemed and unquenchable inferno of flames that roared around him and devoured anyone in his path. But sensing further, the flames were blue. They gave off no heat, only cold. Flames or water, they agitated around Nakago, who had a heart of ice and a mind of steel. A cold drop of sweat ran down the back of her neck.
She considered asking Nakago that, then thought better of it. Had he not said he sought to fulfill his emperor's every desire? Though she couldn't help the nagging suspicion that Nakago's desires were very different from that of his lord.
Still, she didn't want to be in the midst of all this carnage. Miaka had betrayed her, yes but she didn't deserve to die. Then, as if thinking of her friend suddenly caused her to appear, she heard the clear peal of her once best friend's voice.
"No, Tamahome! We promised! We'll be together always!"
Nakago looked on, bemused, as a jealous storm of rage transformed Yui from a weary girl to a vengeful priestess.
'I won't let that happen, Miaka,' Yui thought zealously as she cast off her cloak and dismounted her horse. 'You will endure the same agony I have endured. Your lies, all you have done against me, for your precious Tamahome. How could you forget that he's a character in a book and I'm a real person? How could you fall in love with a shadow? How could you return to be with him and not to save ME?!'
"MIAKA! HOW COULD YOU!" Yui's voice echoed across the gap.
Miaka, startled, looked up to see her best friend standing several feet above her. Her frozen stare washed any hope of a peaceful reconciliation with her friend. 'Yui, even though I can speak now, it seems you don't want to listen,' she thought helplessly.
Yui's next words were not directed at Miaka, but they shocked her all the same.
"Nakago! I'm sorry, but your wish will have to come last!"
Yui turned her head before the general could reply or even acknowledge her decision.
She did not see the icy smile that infuriated Miaka.
She saw nothing for a moment as she called the sleeping beast within her to the surface.
"Gai – JIN!"
The dragon rose from its hibernation, as the power of Seiryuu flared to life and the proof of his bond glowed on his priestess's forehead.
"Return us to our reality! Do not allow Miaka to remain in the realm of this ancient book one moment longer! Return her to her own world! It's time for you to say goodbye to Tamahome, Miaka – for good!"
Her angry words were punctuated as a glowing blue disc of light formed under Miaka's feet.
Miaka was numb with shock. 'No… it's just like that time. I'm going back home. I'm leaving Tamahome forever… NO!!' But her protests were for naught. Slowly, the features of the ancient Chinese battlefield melted away, leaving only a black void lit by the cold sapphire radiance of the dragon Seiryuu.
Inside, Miaka was awash in an ocean of misery, fueled by the tides of grief from the irreversible fact that she could never return. She would never see any of her friends again. After all they had been through together was she just going to be forced to abandon them and break her promise so soon? It wasn't fair. It couldn't be real. They had saved her life innumerable times, even to the point of dying for her, encouraged her to take that next step when she was at the brink of despair. She had felt more safe, secure and understood there than she had with her own family. And Tamahome….
She dissolved into a new paroxysm of fresh tears.
She had lost her beloved Tamahome forever. The brutal edge of reality she was standing on, slashed deep into her, wounding her more than any arrow, sword, or mere fragment of broken plate could ever possibly do.
The truth did not just hurt; it imbued the priestess in web of sheer agony. For Miaka, it was an unbearable torment. All she felt was pain and grief. The unbearable emotions were so strong that they completely overcame her physical senses.
So there was no possible way she could perceive the warm grip of a hand on her arm as she was whisked back to her own time.
SN: I can only trust this sates you as I prepare Scroll VI – The Day The Worlds Stood Still. It's about … well, I'm sure you can guess. Thank you for your interest and time reading this. I hope you enjoyed it.
This particular scroll is dedicated to my mother, whose favorite Celestial Warrior is HOT–ohori.
Thank you all who have supported, reviewed, or read my work. From the bottom of my heart - "You Are Appreciated."
Peace be with you.
Never forget – Life is what YOU make it. Never leave that decision to someone else.
Sincerely,
Seiryuu's Doom