Chapter 4

Seshiri stood leaning over the side for a moment before turning around. I might as well go see what's happening with everyone else… Sighing Seshiri turned around. Gurase walked over to her. "Hotohori's busy reading the maps.." She stated. Seshiri grinned.

"Yeah.. what happened to 'I'm not going to let him out of my sight'?" SD Gurase threw up her hands. "Whaaaat? It's HARD staying around him 24/7! And I get bored listen him talk about stuff I don't understand… maps for example…"

Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Baka. I think I'm going to ask Hotohori what our status is.." Gurase smirked. "You're digging your own grave you know! Once you get in you can't leave! That's why I got out while I still could! Before they KILLED my brain!"

"And it wasn't dead already?" SD Seshiri asked. SD Gurase chased after her. "YOU TAKE THAT BACK!" SD Seshiri ran away, yelping.

SD Seshiri rammed right into Nakago, SD Gurase skidded to a halt, gasping. SD Seshiri looked up at Nakago palely. "G-g-g-g-gomen nasai Nakago-sama!" He glowered down at her, scowling. "Uh…" SD Seshiri took a few steps back.

He just stared at her silently, frowning. "I-I'm going to uh… be.. on my way.. now…" She took another few steps back. "J-ja ne.." SD Seshiri turned on her heel and sped away from Nakago.

She jumped behind a mast, hiding. SD Gurase soon caught up. "Geeeeze!" Gurase said between breaths. "That is one scary guy…" Seshiri nodded. "Haaaiii!" Damn he scaaaaaaaares me! What was he doing just STANDING there?! He didn't even say anything! FREEEAAAKYYYYY!

"Well I'm off to go talk to Hotohori and Chiriko." SD Gurase blinked. "Nani? How did you know Chiriko was there too? I only mentioned Hotohori!" SD Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Gurase, Gurase, Gurase. Give me a little credit!" She pat SD Gurase's back. "Chiriko is ONLY the SMARTEST guy ON this ship! Of COURSE he's down there! He's probably the only one who can read those maps!"

SD Gurase grinned. "OOOOH duh!" "Yeah, duh." Seshiri walked over to a door and called back, "Ja ne.. You might wanna check on Nanuri in a few minutes!" Gurase nodded and walked over to Chichiri.

Seshiri opened the door and walked down the stairs, letting it slam behind her. She stared at the inside of the ship. Waaaaaaauuuuu! It's so… so… Waaaaaaauuuuu! The walls of the ship sparkled. Waaaauuu! This ship IS nice!

Seshiri walked around, taking everything in. Slowly she came to a door. Is this the right one? They should have little signs on the door so I know where I'm going… Seshiri opened it a crack and saw Hotohori and Chiriko sitting at a desk with Miboshi beside them.

"I do not recognize any of this!" Chiriko said, exasperated. Seshiri walked in, unnoticed and stared down at the large paper in front of them. "I have NO idea where we are!" Hotohori grumbled. "I can't believe this! Who would have thought that the land itself changed?"

"This sort of stuff happens all the time!" Seshiri said, leaning over the table. They jumped at the sound of her voice. "Nani? When did you get here?" Miboshi asked. Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Just now, baka… Anyway, like I was saying. We've been gone for a few THOUSAND years! It's obvious that the land has changed!"

"And of course that baka Empress gave us a map with no markings…." Hotohori said, gesturing at the map. "I can only tell where Konan is because it has the Suzaku print on it…"

Seshiri grumbled, glaring down at the map. "Well last time Sairou was… was…" "Was inland. So all we have to do is land on Hokkan." Hotohori paused, thinking, before Miboshi stepped in. "But how long will it take us to do that?"

"A few MONTHS it seems.." Chiriko said quietly. "NANI?!" The Chibis asked, falling over.

Chiriko pointed to the map. "It's true. Look." He traced along the ocean. "If I am correct, Hokkan is exactly there." He put his finger on the land. "But. Note all of these islands in our way. They weren't there before. It will take long for us to dodge them…"

"But-do we have enough food for a few months?" Seshiri asked, trying to stay calm. "Psh." Miboshi snorted. "Yeah! The Empress gave us loads of food and that's about all…" Seshiri sighed. "Well whatever. A few months? I guess we can last a few months…" I hope… She added silently to herself.

"Well ya know I think I'm going to go back up…" She waited for a reply, but the others leaned over the map, giving it their full attention. Seshiri rolled her eyes and walked out of the room.

Closing the door quietly behind her she walked up above deck. "Hey! Gurase!" Gurase looked up from her conversation with Chichiri. "Hey Seshi-chan!" She called, waving. Seshiri grinned and walked over to stand next to them.

"Soo…. What's up?" She asked, staring blankly at the both of them. Chichiri glanced down at the mask in his hand. "Nuthun." Gurase answered. "Just talking about Kaeli and Hikou and Koran and all them." Seshiri nodded. "Oooooh…. So?"

Chichiri sighed. "I'm just trying to sort out my feeling right now." "Nani?" "My feelings for Kaeli." Seshiri nodded. "Ah. She told me about that…. So what's going on between you guys?" Chichiri rubbed his forehead and answered, "Nothing. I've been avoiding her for a few days and that's about it.."

Gurase frowned. "He loved her, she didn't love him in return and now he's coping with it." Seshiri nodded. "Again I say: Ah." Chichiri sighed and put his mask back on. "I think I'm coping pretty well no da!"

Seshiri grinned at his silly speech. Gurase looked over at Seshiri. "So who's cooking dinner?" "WELL!" SD Seshiri said. "SINCE Nanuri is busy barfing I thought that you and I could!" SD Chichiri fell over. "DAAAA!" He got back up quickly, staying SD. "You aren't SERIOUS are you no da? Please say you're joking no da…" SD Seshiri blinked at him. "Nooo… I'm serious." SD Gurase stared at her. "Baka I've never BEEN in a kitchen before! How am I supposed to COOK?" SD Seshiri shrugged. "Well I haven't either, but, live and learn, right?"

SD Chichiri paled. "This is going to be interesting no da…" SD Seshiri smacked his shoulder. "Hey Chiri, don't get started with me! Gurase-chan and I are gonna cook you guys all a fabulous feast! Aren't we Gurase?" Gurase blinked. "If you say so.."

"Come on!" SD Seshiri said, grabbing onto the SD's shoulders she dragged them below deck to the kitchens. "Chichiri, you supervise us!" SD Chichiri gulped. "Daaaa.." He murmured.

SD Gurase picked up a pan. "Eh Seshi-chan?" SD Seshiri turned over to her. "What's this?" SD Seshiri blinked. "Well…. Um…" She walked over and took it. "It's obviously a… a uh…. Thing…. For cooking!" SD Gurase blinked. "Oh. You're as clueless as me aren't you?" Gurase picked up a spatula. "Now what's this?" Chibi-Seshiri took it from her. "Now what's a FLY swatter doing in a kitchen??"

SD Chichiri crept away. "I think I'm going to get out while I still can no da!" He yelled, racing away. SD Seshiri rolled her eyes. Clearing her throat she opened a few cupboards. She triumphantly grabbed a pot and a lid. "I THINK this is what we need for rice…."

Gurase nodded as she looked in the lower cupboards. "Yeah that looks good." She threw open one of the doors and saw a large sack of rice. "TAH DAH!" She yelled, dragging it out. "So… how much do we need?" "Well…" SD Seshiri rolled up her sleeves. "I can probably just cook it using my magic." She stated. "But before we need the rice in the thing." She pointed to the pot.

"Sooo how much do we need?" "Well how much is in there?" Gurase looked down at the sack. "Uhm. It says 20 pounds." "Well…" She frowned. "All 20 pounds should be enough for the lot of us right?" Gurase nodded. "Yeah that sounds right."

Seshiri focused on the pot. Closing her eyes and putting her hands together she mumbled a few words. She opened her eyes to see a larger pot before her. Grinning she moved it onto the floor. "OKAY!" SD Seshiri said. "Pour some of the rice in!" Gurase nodded and tore open the sack. With a grunt she lifted it up, leaning it over the pot.

Gurase emptied the bag. "Okay, what next?" "Now… we.. uh.." Seshiri grabbed the lid to the pot and looked at it. "Damn.. I forgot to make this big too…." "Well change it!" "I'm too lazy… we don't REALLY need the lid, right? I mean it's a big pot, not like it's going to overflow or anything."

SD Gurase nodded. "Yeah, good point…" Seshiri magically began to heat the pot. "Wait!" Gurase said, interrupting. Seshiri looked over at her. "Nani?" "Don't we need water or something?" SD Seshiri nodded. "AH! You're right! Good catch!" Gurase bowed. "Well thank you!"

Seshiri frowned. "No one will really mind if it's salt water will they?" "No, I mean it's like the boiling heat stuff will just take away the salty taste right?" Seshiri nodded. "Hai just what I was thinking! Well I'll go get the water!" She ran above deck as fast as she could.

She came back with two full buckets of water. Gurase grinned. "That was fast!" Seshiri smirked. "It's so lovely having powers." "Oh stop gloating." Gurase said with a roll of her eyes. "Come on…. Put it in." Seshiri dumped both of the buckets in. "Okay! Now to heat it all up!" She closed her eyes and whispered a few enchantments and the pot shook.

Seshiri and Gurase both took a step back. "Okay!" Gurase said, grinning. "How long should we leave it?" She asked. Seshiri looked over to her. "Well………. An hour or so." Gurase nodded. "Yeah that seems good…. Meanwhile we can work on the OTHER stuff!"

Seshiri rubbed her hands together. "What ELSE can we cook?" "Well.. we could make soup!" Seshiri jumped. "GOOD IDEA!" She began throwing open cupboards, looking for more pots. She grabbed one and slammed it down on the counter. "Okay! So what should be in it? Vegetables, noodles… and what?" "That sounds good…" "Okay, you chop the veggies while I go get the water!"

Seshiri grabbed the buckets and ran back above deck.

Coming back she took note that the vegetables had been chopped and Gurase was working on the noodles. "They're kind of.. hard.." Gurase said, snapping one.

Seshiri frowned. "Well maybe they're stale?" "Probably…. Oh!" Gurase turned around. "I found a cook book here in one of the drawers!" Seshiri smirked. "We don't need one of those!" "Yes we dooo! It said here to tie the longer vegetables together with some string…" "String?" "Yeah string." "We don't have string.." "THAT is why I used yarn!" Gurase gestured to some blue yarn. "Where did you get it?" "I snuck it from Nanuri's room! She was sleeping."

"Why did she have it?" "To COOK obviously!" Gurase said, snorting.

"OOOooooh… smart!" SD Seshiri tapped her head. "Well duh!" Seshiri made the pot bigger before pouring in the water. "Okay, add vegetables.. and just put the stale noodles in.." Gurase shrugged and dropped them in. Seshiri grinned mischievously. "Why don't we add a little sake to flavor it up?" Gurase looked over to her. "Ooooooh good idea! I'll go get some from the pantry thingy below!" Seshiri nodded and turned to the rice.

Gurase skipped out of the room, leaving Seshiri alone. "Well the rice is coming along nicely." She commented to herself. She put the enlarged top onto the pot and began to heat it up.

Walking over to the counter Seshiri sat down on it, waiting impatiently for Gurase to return. To her surprise Nakago opened the door. "Nani?" He asked. "Just cooking!" Chibi-Seshiri said, smiling at him. He blinked. "Oh… What are you cooking?" "Soup and rice!" "And have you ever cooked before?" "Of COURSE I have! Can't you tell an expert chef when you see one?" She jumped off the counter and shuffled over to him. "Out! Leave the master to her work!" She pushed him out and closed the door behind him.

How… disturbing… Ch. It's been AGES since Gurase left! 30 minutes at LEAST! Where is she already??!?!??!? The door opened again but this time it was Gurase. Gurase produced a bottle of sake triumphantly. "Bwahaha!" She laughed. "Back away! Let me pour!" She said as Seshiri reached for it. SD Gurase ran over to the pot and dumped the sake in. "Tah dah!"

SD Gurase struck a dramatic pose. "Now what?" Seshiri asked. "Well…. It's been a long time since we started out… how long?" "About an hour." She answered. "So the rice should be about ready." Gurase turned at the sound of the door opening. All of the others stuck their heads through and watched. Soi leaned her head in, pushing Mitsukake and Chiriko out of her way.. "Hey, I heard you guys were cooking for us! We all came to… to.." Soi froze staring behind Gurase and Seshiri.

"Nan-" Seshiri was cut off as a wave of rice hit her. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "QUIIIICK!" Chibi-Soi yelled frantically. "CLOSE THE DOOR!" The door slammed shut just as the rice pounded against it. SD Seshiri and SD Gurase were swept up in the rice. Flailing around SD Gurase screamed bloody murder. "HEEEEEELP!" She sputtered, spitting rice out of her mouth.

SD Seshiri flailed her arms around. "I'M DROWNING IN THE RIIIIIICE!" She screamed before she was pulled under. Swirling around for what seemed ages Seshiri finally fought her way up to the surface, taking a deep breath. SD Gurase watched her, perched on a table. "I TOLD you it was too much rice!" She said. Seshiri gasped. "You SO didn't!"

She swam her way through the rice towards Gurase's table. "Bleeeh!" She groaned. "Rice stuck in my hair! Why's it gotta be so goddamn STICKY?" "More important, HOW DO WE GET OUT!?" Seshiri looked around. The room was totally swamped by rice. "I hope the soup wasn't ruined…" "No, it's probably at the bottom. That one had a lid, remember?"

"Oh yeah!" "Well the door is blocked by rice…. Everything is.." "Maybe we could break down the walls!" Gurase sighed. "No, we're WEAKLINGS… remember?" "Oh.. Right.. um……" SD Seshiri frowned and rubbed her chin as she thought. "I'm going down to open the door!" She yelled as she jumped to her feet. "SSSHHHH" Gurase shushed. "Nani?" "What's that…?"

Muffled sounds could be heard faintly. Seshiri was able to make out, "SESHI…… GURASE…….. OKAY?" Seshiri gasped. "That sounds like Hotohori!" "Come on!" Gurase said, standing up. "Let's go down to open the door!" SD Seshiri nodded and dove into the rice, Gurase following her.

Swimming down through the rice she moved in the direction of the door. Feeling around she grabbed the handle. Grinning to herself she slowly turned the knob and pushed the door open.

Flowing out, the rice emptied out of the kitchen. Hotohori looked over at them with a pale face. "My hair!….. My clothes!…" He looked down at the rice sticking to him in disbelief. SD Soi was above the rice, clinging to Nakago's head. Miboshi floated above it. "Oh it's just a little rice…" Mitsukake held Chiriko above his head, making sure he didn't get coated in rice as well.

Gurase and Seshiri did their best to smile. "I hope you like rice!" Gurase said, wading over.

Nanuri's voice echoed around the corridors. "Guys?…. Guuuys? I'm feeling a little better and I thought I could-……" Nanuri stopped short, staring at them. "NANI?" She gasped, staring at everyone covered in rice. "What.. happened here?!" SD Seshiri grinned uncertainly. "We made dinner!" SD Nanuri shook her head. "And I think we used a little too much rice….." Gurase said, surveying the damage around her.

Nanuri took a step back. "Uhm.. did you try to make anything else?" "Yeah!" Gurase said, looking up. "Soup!" Seshiri finished. Nanuri brought her hand to her forehead. "On second thought I'm not feeling so good…." She stumbled away. "Don't call me for dinner…"

SD Tamahome started to back up. "Uh I'm not feeling good either.." "NOOOO way! The rest of you HAVE to eat it!" SD Seshiri said, towering over them. SD Miaka giggled. "Well I can finish off most of the rice for you! I'm STARVED!" SD Miaka proved her point by grabbing a handful of rice and stuffing her face.

"The soup is probably ready by now… so.. everyone go to the dining room. Gurase, you follow and make sure none of them get away.." SD Gurase nodded and began pushing them away. They all goose stepped away, humming a funeral song.

Seshiri turned back to the kitchen. Using her magic she picked the pot up until it hovered above the air. Dipping bowls in, she scooped up the soup. Hmm… I wonder if it's supposed to be all funky colored. She shrugged. Probably… Soon Seshiri had enough for everyone. Setting the pot down she made the bowls defy gravity.

With a flick of the wrist she opened a cupboard and took out a large salad bowl. Stuffing it with rice Seshiri commanded it to float beside her. "And out we go!" She said, leaving the room with the bowls following.

Entering the dining room she saw everyone sitting around the table with sunken looks. Chopsticks and such had already been placed on the table. Seshiri smiled and made the bowls float over to rest on the table.

SD Chichiri stared at the soup in front of him. "Um…" Gurase looked over. "What is it Chichiri?" "Um… is it supposed to be blue no da?" SD Gurase looked over to Seshiri quickly. "Of COURSE…." OMG! THE YARN! IT MUST HAVE TURNED THE SOUP BLUE!!!!!!!!!!! Oops.. well what they don't know can't hurt them, right? Seshiri answered as she sat down. "Now dig in!" They all looked at the bowls uncertainly.

Chiriko prodded the soup with a finger. "It doesn't LOOK edible….." Miaka picked up the bowl. "Well I'm starved so I'm going to have it!" "That's the spirit!" SD Seshiri said. Soi picked up her bowl, laughing nervously. "Right… Yeah.." She sniffed it and put it back on the table forcefully with a look of disgust on her face. "Bleh.." "WELL????" Gurase said. "TRY it!" Miaka slowly put it to her lips and drank some of it. SD Miaka dropped the bowl, flailing her arms around. Turning blue SD Miaka held her breath. "EEEEEEEEHHH" She screamed. "Nani Miaka?!?" SD Tamahome asked. "IT'S WORSE THAN MY COOKING!" She spat, shutting her eyes tightly.

It was too late for everyone else to stop taking a sip. A moment of silence rang out as the taste settled in. Gurase and Seshiri looked around, waiting for a reaction.

SD Chichiri broke the silence yelling "OH DEAR SUZAKU NO DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! IT'S THE WORST STUFF IN THE WORLD NO DAAAA!!!!"

Everyone commenced in screaming in pain and horror. Gagging was heard from more than one person. Seshiri stared at them all in a huff. "It's not THAT bad is it?" SD Tomo answered, "Oh it IS that bad! Believe me!" SD Nakago rubbed his watering eyes. "I say that Gurase and Seshiri are now BANNED from the kitchen!"

Kaeli coughed. "What did you PUT in this stuff!??!?!?" "It's all SALTY no daaaa!" "DID YOU PUT SAKE IN THIS STUFF!?" Chiriko asked, shoving it away from him. "This stuff is strong enough to grow hair back!" They all looked at Miboshi expectantly. SD Miboshi blinked. Feeling his head he gasped. "DEAR SEIRYUU!!!!" He shouted. "Nani?" Soi asked. "IT'S GOT FUZZ!"

"Omg…" Miaka whispered. "I'm NOT hungry!" They stared at her. Gurase whispered to Hotohori, "Is that possible?" "So it would seem…" The twins stuck their tongues out at their soup. "Why don't we feed our to Tama-neko?" Suboshi asked. Mitsukake grabbed his cat protectively. "No… I don't want Tama-neko to die…" Gurase rolled her eyes. "Psh. Come ON people! It wont KILL you!"

Ashitare stared at the rice. "Anou.. why is the rice all strange tasting?" Soi uncertainly picked up a piece of rice with her chopsticks. Daintily putting it in her mouth she tasted it. Spitting it out she wiped her mouth. "It's… SALTY!" Miaka blinked. "I THOUGHT it tasted a little strange…"

"A LITTLE?!" Soi sputtered. "The ocean doesn't compare!" Chiriko looked up at them with a puzzled face. "Let me guess… You two got the water from the ocean?" SD Seshiri turned red. "…Maybe…" Realization hit Kaeli. "Oh! So THAT'S what you were doing with those buckets of water!"

Chiriko stared at them. "You DID boil the water right? Got all the elements out?" Gurase stuttered. "Um.. yeah.." They sighed with relief. "Duh we cooked it! It cooked with the rice!" Seshiri said, laughing. Suboshi smacked his forehead. "BAKAS!" Tamahome paled. "I'm not hungry.. no, really, I'm SERIOUS this time, I'm really NOT hungry!" He stood up. "That was very… interesting…"

They all followed his example. "I suddenly feel like laying down.." Kaeli said. "I'm going to the women's sleeping quarters…" She stumbled out of the door. The others followed, nodding with agreement. Seshiri looked at Gurase, stunned. "It wasn't THAT bad, was it?" Gurase shook her head. "I don't know.. I don't think I want to try it…" She looked down at the blue soup uncertainly.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri leaned over the railing of the ship, watching the waves below crash against the side of the ship. I can't believe we've been on this ship for a few days… it's all passing so quickly….. than GODS Nanuri is well enough to cook. Poor Nanuri. What's going to happen to her? No father for her son…. Seshiri sighed, looking upwards at the stars. The stars glittered brightly, although some were half hidden by a hazy cloud. The moon showed it's face every so often, the light reflecting off the water and bouncing up.

Seshiri closed her eyes and listened to the crashing of the waves, concentrating on the spray hitting her face every now and then. What is this I'm sensing?…. In her head she heard thousands of voices crying out in pain. "Help me!…. Gods!…. Please!… Someone!…. Anyone!… Please!… It hurts!…" "HELP!… Please!… Make it stop!.. PLEASE!" "Someone please save me! HELP! Someone save me from this pain!…" Seshiri's eyes snapped open and the voices disappeared. A chill ran up her spine and she pulled her kimono closer around herself.

She shook her head, clearing her mind. What the hell was that? She asked herself. Great. Now I'm hearing voices! As if I wasn't crazy enough ALREADY… I wonder who that was….? Maybe it was my own imagination…? No.. it was too real for that… I have to try and find it again…

She closed her eyes, concentrating, listening for the voices. Instead of voices, a wave of pain hit Seshiri. Screaming she fell forward, catching herself just before she would have fallen overboard. Stepping back in shock she fell to her knees, gasping for air.

What… the fucking hell WAS that!?!??! Y-Yokoshima? She straightened up, looking around. A sharp voice rang out in her head. //Yes little one. You know it is me.// What..!?!?? where the fuck are you!? Come out! //All in good time little one…// What the fuck do you want with me!? What are you doing?! What have you done with Tasuki!? Fuck, what have you done with Nuriko!?

A hollow laugh rang through her head. Seshiri clutched her head and doubled over in pain. "No.." She whimpered. "Make it stop!.." //Oh I am capable of much more pain…// Suddenly pain seared through her head. She screamed, gasping. Gods…. My head… it feels as if it could… it could split.. Ah please.. please!… STOP!!

The voice chuckled. //So easy to bend. I would have thought that you, in love with the strong willed one, wouldn't be so easy..// Seshiri let out a growl. Tasuki.. what have you done with him? She hissed inside her head. The pain ripped through her head again, making her scream into the night. //Once again… all in good time..//

Tears ran down Seshiri's cheeks. Wh.. What do you want from me?…. //Nothing…. Yet…. This was just a small display // Seshiri sobbed. Please.. I- //Do not forget this, little one..// His voice died away as footsteps could be heard.

"Seshiri! Gods! What happened?" Gurase asked, falling to her knees beside Seshiri. "Seshi-chan!" Amiboshi shouted. "What's wrong?!?" Seshiri looked up at them with clouded eyes. She shook uncontrollably, whimpering.

Amiboshi hugged Seshiri quickly. "Seshiri!" He called to her. "Seshiri!" Gurase echoed. Seshiri gasped. Soon others came running. Chichiri looked down at her, concerned. "Nani no da?" He asked, discarding his mask. "What happened here?" He leaned down next to her and shook her shoulders. "Seshiri!" He yelled.

Seshiri looked up at him, noticing him for the first time. "Yokoshima…" She whispered. Shuddering again her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she lost consciousness. "Come on!" Chichiri yelled as the wind began to howl and the rain began to pour. "We have to get her inside!" He shouted above the roaring wind. Amiboshi and Gurase nodded, lifting her up. Fighting against the gusts, they pulled her limp form inside.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri shook her head, closing her eyes. NO! Stop it! Let me go! A dark shadow stood above her. She could hear Tasuki's voice calling to her. "Seshiri! Seshiri! Seshiri!" She shook her head again, fighting to move. Frozen in place, she was just wasting her energy. The hollow laugh filled her head again, causing Seshiri to scream soundlessly.

Seshiri awoke with a start in a cold sweat. She looked around the dark room, gasping for air. The sheets were twisted around her, constricting any movement. Seshiri fought them off, weakly. "N-nani?" She asked aloud in a hoarse voice. Brushing her damp hair out of her face she thought. A nightmare… it was only a nightmare.. She sighed with relief, falling back onto the bed. Yokoshima!.. I remember now.. he spoke to me…. Split my head from the inside!…. Gods.. how do we stand a chance against him? He's so damn powerful… Could.. could he be listening on my thoughts right now? Ready to strike at any moment?

Seshiri shivered. Scary.. This is 10 times worse than Nakago ever was or ever could be! Seshiri's thoughts were interrupted as someone burst into her room. "Seshiri!" Gurase gasped. "You're awake?" Seshiri nodded. "Damn girl, you do not know how long you've been asleep!" She rushed to Seshiri's bedside.

"Nanuri gave up her room so you could use it." Seshiri nodded. "How did you know I was awake?" "I heard you screaming in your sleep again…" "Why does my throat hurt so damn much?" Gurase snorted. "It's from screaming of course. Every single night you scream at the top of your lungs and wake us all up! It's a wonder that you can still talk!"

Seshiri nodded, feeling her sore throat. "And how long have I been here exactly?" "About a week." Seshiri sat up with a start. "A WEEK?" "Shhhh.. yeah.. everyone will be real happy to know you're ok. You had us all worried for a while there. Mitsukake did his best, but he said it was more of a mental thing."

Seshiri sighed. "Tell Nanuri she can have her room back." Seshiri threw her legs over the side. "I'm okay now…" Gurase stood up. "I don't know.. let's have Mitsukake come in.." Seshiri stood up on shaky legs. "No. I'm fine." She looked down at the nightclothes on her. "What the hell are these?" "They're Miaka's.." Gurase said, laughing slightly.

"Go figure. She's the only one I know who would have sundaes on her night clothes. But what happened to mine?" "Well before you were wearing them Nanuri was getting them out an she kinda puked on them… we can't get them cleaned until we get to land.."

Seshiri scrunched up her face. Eeewwwww…... "Whatever…" She sighed. "How is Nanuri anyway?" Gurase thought before answering. "Big.." Seshiri snorted. "Big?!" Gurase nodded. Seshiri laughed hoarsely. "Ooh I gotta see this." Gurase walked over to the door. "Okay Seshi-chan you might wanna close your eyes when I open the door. The light will be kinda blinding…" Seshiri nodded and closed her eyes tightly.

Gurase opened the door slowly and Seshiri opened her eyes. Squinting over to her she groaned. "Gah. This is what I get for staying in the dark for a week." Seshiri walked forward unsteadily. "What time is it?" "Early in the morning. We're all just waking up."

Nanuri rushed slowly over to meet them. "Seshiri! Gurase!" She said. Seshiri stared down at Nanuri's stomach. "Dear GOD Nanuri!" Nanuri turned away defensively. "What, I'm a pregnant woman!" "You also look like CRAP!" Seshiri motioned towards the red puffy eyes. "That's only because you keep waking us all up in the middle of the night screaming for Tasuki!"

Gurase nodded. "It's true! The first night we thought someone was being murdered." Seshiri rolled her eyes. "Well I can't help it!" "Everyone's going to be REALLY glad you're not delirious anymore… you kept mumbling and yelling in your sleep."

Seshiri raised an eyebrow. "Really?" Nanuri nodded. "Could we see Mitsukake about my throat?" Seshiri asked, rubbing it. Nanuri smiled. "Hai.. follow me!… Walk this way…" Nanuri waddled down to where Mitsukake and the other guys were. Seshiri and Gurase turned to each other and shrugged before waddling after Nanuri.

Nanuri knocked on the door. "Oi!" She called. "Women coming in!" Nanuri threw open the door, stepping in. "Oi, Mitsukake!" Mitsukake looked over at them from his spot on the floor. "Nani?.." Seshiri walked in after Nanuri, looking around. He jumped up. "Seshi-chan! Are you okay?" He walked over quickly. Amiboshi and Chichiri followed him. "Seshi-chan!" Amiboshi said with concern. "What are you doing? Shouldn't you be in bed?"

Seshiri shrugged. "Probably.." "She should.." Chichiri said. "She looked awful a few hours ago." "Oh gee THANKS." "Actually she just wants her throat healed. It's hoarse." Gurase said.

Mitsukake nodded. Holding his hand inches from Seshiri's throat he called upon his chi. With a dull flash of green light the pain in her throat was gone. Seshiri smiled up at him. "Arigatou!" She said.

"Seshi-chan!" Amiboshi said, frowning. "Are you sure you're okay? It was pretty scary before. When you fainted. You kept shuddering. And your eyes rolled into the back of your head…" Chichiri nodded. "You looked past me like I wasn't even there."

"It's okay now." "Are you sure?" Mitsukake asked. "It would do you some good to rest a while more." Seshiri sighed. "No, I'm fine, really. Besides. We really need to talk about what happened." "Come on." Nanuri said. "To the dining room. No one Is there yet." They all nodded and followed Nanuri.

Seshiri sat down at the table with a groan. "So what happened?" Chichiri asked. Seshiri sighed. "It was Yokoshima. He attacked me through my head. First I heard a lot of voices screaming and then I lost it. I tried to find it again, but instead I almost fell overboard. Then Yokoshima got into my head and talked to me….. He wouldn't tell me what he had done with Tasuki or Nuriko. He wouldn't tell me what he was going to do… he just told me it was a display of his power."

Chichiri rubbed his eyes. "I can't believe it.. being able to get into someone's mind and bring them pain from this far away…." "But it does explain why you were in the state you were when we found you…" Amiboshi said. Seshiri sighed. "Yeah….. but…." She stopped talking for a moment and looked over at Chichiri. "Chichiri. He got me. Out of nowhere. I wasn't prepared. What if it happens again?" Seshiri shook. "I don't know if I could handle it again…"

Gurase hugged Seshiri and looked at Chichiri, waiting for his answer. Chichiri frowned, deep in thought. "Well…" He said. "I don't know. You were looking for him at the time so maybe that left your mind open for attack…. I don't think it will happen again." "And Chichiri?" She asked, looking down. "Why me? Why not, say Miaka, or Tamahome, or even YOU?" Nanuri snapped out of her daze. "Hold on wait a minute back up! You said you asked what he had done with Tasuki and Nuriko…"

Seshiri blinked. "Hai… and?" "Didn't they die? Does this mean that maybe they AREN'T dead?!" Seshiri rubbed her eyes. Dammit I didn't wanna tell her because what if I'm WRONG? Chichiri answered for her. "Hai they MIGHT be alive. We don't know." Nanuri grinned. "Why didn't you guys tell me BEFORE?" "Because Nuri-chan. I might be WRONG." Nanuri frowned. "Good point…. But there's still a chance right?" "..Hai.." Nanuri sighed happily. "Good. Now. When do we reach land? I can't WAIT to kick Yokoshima's ass!!!"

Gurase raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah a pregnant woman is REALLY going to hurt a big bad demon guy…" Seshiri laughed. "When are we going to get to land anyway?" Amiboshi answered. "We're having a lot of trouble dodging the islands so. We've been out here for.. about a month now."

Seshiri shook her head. "Daaaaamn… a MONTH…. And how long til we get there?" "We're lucky if it will only be another month…" Amiboshi said with a sigh. Seshiri stared at him. "And we CAN last another month… right?"

Chiriko walked in on the conversation smiling. "I would like to say something…" Chichiri smiled at him and put his mask back on. "Go ahead no da!" "Well. Some of these islands may be inhabited. It would be wise to stop off for supplies.." They all stared at him wide eyed. "Great idea Chiriko!" Seshiri yelled. He smiled. "I thought so.

Seshiri stood up. "I'm going to go get properly dressed for breakfast…" Pointing out the fact that all of them but Chiriko were still in their night clothes. They all nodded in agreement. "Ja ne!" Gurase said, leading the girls down the hall back to where they were sleeping.

Seshiri walked into the room where she had stayed and took note of her pack in the room. Quickly she changed into her kimono and stepped out. Soi greeted her with a smile. "Ohaiyo gozaimasu." She said. "Genki desu ka?" She added quietly. Seshiri smiled. "'Morning to you too.. and I'm fine, don't worry." Soi nodded. "I thought so."

Miaka jumped to meet them. "OHAIYO GOZAIMASU!" Seshiri took a step back, startled. "O-ohaiyo gozaimasu Miaka-chan" Miaka smiled. "We're all glad you're ok!" She dragged Seshiri to the kitchen's babbling. "Nanuri has been cooking for us all the time! Even if she doesn't feel good she STILL cooks! Mainly because after you, Gurase, and me everyone was terrified of trying any food OTHER than Nanuri's!" Seshiri laughed.

"Poor Nanuri!" "Naw it's okay, she liked cooking! She doesn't cook anything really big, one because it's too hard and two because we haven't got that much food left. Most of it was lost when you guys made the rice." "What happened to that anyways?" "We had to throw it out because it was all nasty n stuff!" Seshiri nodded. "That's understandable.."

"But you must be STARVED!" She added. Quietly Seshiri heard the all too familiar hollow laugh echo throughout the room. "Did you hear that?" She asked, looking around frantically. Miaka raised an eyebrow. "Hear what?" "N-nothing.." "It's PROBABLY just cause you're hungry!!!" Seshiri shook her head. "It's okay Miaka-chan… I'm not all that hungry…" Miaka stared at her. "Why? Something wrong?" "I-I think I'm just going to lay down for a little while.." Miaka nodded solemnly. "Well ja ne.." Seshiri trudged above deck, smelling the fresh air. Smiling up at the sun and blue skies she sighed and sat down with her back up against the mast.

She closed her eyes and yawned. Tired… I wonder. Was that laugh just my imagination? Was it Yokoshima? Am…. Am I hearing things now? Am I going crazy or something? She sighed and rubbed her forehead. Running her hand through her hair she looked up at the sky. Seagulls… She noted to herself. They only stay near land… land? She sat up slightly and watched a small island come into view. Squinting into the distance she focused on the small buildings on the island.

Seshiri grinned as the boat turned towards the island. I guess maybe people are listening to Chiriko now… That's always a good thing… She stood up. I really hope just imagined that laugh… sorta… if I just imagined it then I'm crazy, if I DIDN'T then… Seshiri shuddered.

Gurase walked above deck and saw Seshiri. "Hey! Seshi-chan, whatcha doing out here?" "Thinking.." Gurase walked over to where Seshiri was standing. "What's wrong? Miaka said you weren't hungry." "I thought I heard Yokoshima laugh.. he's like… a stalker wannabe…" Gurase snorted. "Yeah a Joe wannabe." "Hm?" "What?" "What did you say?" "Uh I didn't say ANYthing.." Seshiri shook her head.

"Weird…" She nodded to the island. "I assume we're going?" Gurase nodded. "Chiriko shared his idea with everyone and they liked it." "But it's going to cost money to restock on goods…" Gurase smirked. "Well yeah, the Empress gave us money, food, clothes, and this ship. Other than that nothing. So we're set where money is concerned…"

Seshiri nodded. "Come on." Gurase said. "Let's go below deck and pack.."

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

The huge ship pulled into the harbor. Seshiri stood leaning over the railing with her pack slung across her back. Bystanders stared up at the royal ship in awe, taking all of the splendor in.

Nanuri tugged Seshiri's arm. "Oi I am SOOOO glad to get off this damn boat! You may have slept the whole trip, but the REST of us have had to suffer! And PLUS morning sickness, I do NOT have sea legs.. at all…" SD Seshiri thought. "You DO know we're getting back on, right?" SD Nanuri blinked. "Well.. Yeah.. but STILL!"

Seshiri shook her head, laughing. Kaeli walked over to them. "Seshiri." She whispered. "We have a problem…" Seshiri blinked at her. "Nani?" Kaeli took a deep breath. "I… I… I'm in love with Chichiri!" SD Seshiri's jaw dropped. "NANI!?" "Shhhh!" Kaeli said, looking around nervously. Nanuri backed up. "Woooah. Don't worry Kaeli, it's not a soap opera yet. It's only a soap opera after you fall in love with him and he ends up dating your best friend and cheats on her for you.." Nanuri nodded as she talked.

They both stared at her, completely lost. Nanuri walked away grumbling. "No one understands me.." Seshiri blinked after Nanuri before turning back to Kaeli. "Now wait BACK up.. he asked you out but you said no because he was just a friend.. NOW you love him?" Kaeli nodded with a sunken face.

Seshiri shook her head. "Damn girl.. You're in trouble!" Kaeli nodded. "I know, I KNOW… but.." She stopped as they walked down the plank leading down to the shore. "I loved him before! More than just a friend. I didn't wanna dishonor Koran's memory or anything!" "Yeah we already went through all this Koran's dead, she's not gonna care."

"Yeah I know and I still didn't want to admit that I loved him. I convinced myself I didn't! But.. but now I DO… and I'm admitting it to myself. But now it's too late!" Seshiri sighed. "Gomen, I don't know what to do!" "Well I was wondering since you know him better than anyone, 'sides me, could you maybe.. um.. go over and ask him if he still loves me?"

Seshiri blinked. "I.. Guess.. Maybe…" Kaeli looked at her pleadingly. "Aw PLEASE Seshi-chan? PLEASE!!!" Seshiri smirked. "Okay, okay fine I'll do it." SD Kaeli jumped up. "ARIGATOU SESHI-CHAN!" She ran away cheering. Seshiri shook her head and looked around for Chichiri.

"Hey, everyone!" Hotohori said. "I was just talking to the harbor master and he gave me a good inn where we can all stay for a night while the supplies loaded on to the ship!" Mitsukake nodded. "Where is it?" They all gathered around Hotohori who held up a piece of paper. "I have it written right here." He looked down at the paper and read it quickly. "Okay minna! Follow me!" He led the way to where they would spend the night.

Nanuri waddled over to Seshiri. "What did Kaeli want?" "She wants me to talk to Chichiri for her." Nanuri nodded. "Ooooh… gotcha."

Soon enough they reached the large in. "Damn. It's pretty big for an inn on a small island…" Suboshi said. Chiriko and Nakago were already inside, working out the sleeping arrangements. Seshiri shivered. "Ch' it's COLD here!"

Nanuri nodded. "Stupid fricking cold!… What are we waiting for? Let's go inside!" They nodded and walked in to be greeted by a warm fire in the center of the room and a few couches. "Ooooooh…" Seshiri walked over to the fire and sat on the ground next to it. "Waaaarm…." She watched, entranced, as the flames crackled soothingly.

Amiboshi walked over and sat next to her. "Pyro!" He said in a friendly tone. She nodded, laughing. "Well DUH!" "Seshiri?" Amiboshi asked seriously. Seshiri noted the tone of his voice and looked over at him. "Nani?" "Tell me truthfully…" Seshiri blinked and waited for him to continue. "Are.. are we going to make it out of this alive?" Seshiri sighed. "You're asking the wrong person. Kaeli knows more than I do but no. Taiitsukun told her it was a suicide mission."

Amiboshi paled. "I thought that was the case… it didn't seem that we would make it away alive from a demon…" Suboshi walked over to the two. "Oi, sleeping arrangements are all worked out." Amiboshi stood up. "Ja ne." He walked up one set of stairs with the other men.

Seshiri looked around the room and asked, "And where are our quarters?" Soi pointed to another set of stairs. "It was all worked out quite nicely. This way Tomo wont be making any midnight sneaks to the men's quarters." "NANI?" SD Seshiri asked. SD Tomo sweat dropped. "Whaaat ... it's not my fault Nakago looks so sexy while he's sleeping...."

SD Soi tackled SD Tomo. "TOMO!!! BAKA!! YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THAT!" SD Tomo yelped and Seshiri shook her head. Grabbing her pack she walked upstairs after Gurase. "So Nanuri has her own room again?" Gurase nodded. "Yeah.. lucky.." Seshiri laughed. "Oh but we'll all have more fun! It'll be like a slumber party!" "Yeah sure.. a slumber party…" Gurase rolled her eyes. "I'll probably end up sleep walking and jamming my toe into something." Seshiri laughed. "Like last time?" "Exactly like last time."

"Wait I don't have the key.." "I do." "Oh good." Gurase walked to their room and unlocked it. Stepping in she threw her pack on the bed. "So who else is with us?" "Tomo and Miaka." "Oh gods." "I know. I do NOT wanna hear Miaka talking about food in her sleep!" Seshiri smacked her hand against her forehead. "Well I guess that's the way it's going to be…" She sighed and sat down on the cot that had been pulled in. "At least this is a fancy place. No floor for us!"

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

"Seshi-chan!….. Seshi-chan!…" A familiar voice called to her. Tasuki put his hands on Seshiri's shoulders. "Seshiri!.." She stared at him. "Tasuki????" He nodded. "Hai! Now I haven't much time before he comes-but Seshi-chan! We're in this huge thing! Dammit it's invisible! But you gotta break the invisibility on it an then ya can get in! Seshi-chan! You've been here before! It's-" //Tasuki, Tasuki, Tasuki…// a voice chided. "FUCK!" Tasuki yelled. "Seshi-chan! I don't have anymore time! He's gonna find me again and-"

Seshiri looked around her. "Tasuki? Tasuki?" //Gomen little one. Your lover is temporarily distracted… now… I have an offer… Betray the Suzaku and Seiryuu Seishi. Become my confidant. I can give you immense power, as well as pleasure… Think about it…//

Seshiri sat up in a cold sweat. What the fuck? A dream? No fucking way. That was too real to be a dream. What was that then? Yokoshima?… Tasuki! Wait.. no.. that might not have been Tasuki! Seshiri frowned. Could it be a trick?….. I wouldn't put it past him… Seshiri rubbed the back of her neck. What's going ON here?! Did Tasuki talk to me through my subconscious? Or.. or was that Yokoshima? If he did HOW did he do that!?

Seshiri slammed her fist into her pillow with frustration. I'm so damn confused… Seshiri did her best not to sob from confusion. Damn now my head hurts… go figure… She sighed. Miaka sat up in bed. "Seshi-chan?" She asked quietly. Seshiri looked over. "Gomen Miaka-chan. I didn't mean to wake you.." "What's wrong?" "A… A weird nightmare… that wasn't really a nightmare…" Miaka frowned. "Nani?"

"It was like.. Tasuki was there.. and he was trying to tell me something important.. I.. I don't remember it now…. But then Yokoshima was there.. and Tasuki disappeared… and then Yokoshima something.. like.. he'd offer me power and pleasure if I betrayed all of you guys…" Miaka stared at her. "That doesn't sound like just any nightmare Seshi-chan.." Seshiri nodded. "I know, I know.."

Soi sat up yawning. "Hey…. What's going on?" Miaka answered with, "Seshiri had a weird nightmare that might have actually been a weird vision type thing." Soi blinked. "Oh." Gurase sat up next. "Hey, watcha guys talking about so early?" She asked with a yawn.

"Seshiri had a vision type thing in the middle of the night." Soi answered. Gurase raised an eyebrow. "Explain." "Tasuki talked to me through my subconscious. He tried to tell me something important. He almost got to it when Yokoshima interrupted him. Then he said that if I betrayed you guys he'd give me power and pleasure." "Wait Tasuki or Yokoshima?" Chibi-Miaka whapped Gurase. "Yokoshima obviously!"

"And how did this all happen exactly?" Soi asked skeptically. "I don't KNOW…. Magic? A spell? An enchanted item that makes you go into peoples dreams I DON'T KNOW!" Seshiri threw up her hands. Losing balance she slid backwards off the bed. "AAAHHH!" She yelled, wedged between the crack between the bed and the wall. "HEEEEEEEELP! GURASE! SOI! MIAKA! GET ME OUTTA HEEERE!" The Chibi wailed, frantically trying to get out.

Chibi-Soi collapsed on her bed laughing, unable to do anything. Chibi-Gurase jumped up and ran over to the Chibi-Seshiri and grabbed onto her arms, doing her best to pull her out. "FUDDRUUUCKKKEEERR!" Chibi-Seshiri screamed between laughs. Chibi-Miaka ran over to the cot and tried to pull it away from the wall, but it was too heavy for her. "Okay!" Seshiri said, breathlessly. "Maybe… if i.." She turned to her side. "Climb up the wall.. sideways.." She then moved her hands up the wall, pushing herself back against the bed. Climbing up the wall sideways, Chibi-Seshiri finally got out.

She collapsed on her bed, giggling. "Remind me never to do that EVER again!" Soi burrowed under her blankets saying, "I'm TIRED guys! Can we PLEASE go to sleep now?" Miaka nodded. "Hai, good idea." She jumped back in bed and pulled the covers up. Gurase whispered, "Seshi-chan, I'm worried about you. You keep getting contacted by Yokoshima, and-" "SHHHHH" A muffled noise came from Soi. Gurase smiled and stood up. Silently she walked back over to her bed and fell asleep.

Seshiri lay awake looking up at the ceiling. Damn I'm so confused… COULD that have been Tasuki? It MIGHT be.. probably Yokoshima playing a trick on me… but… what was Tasuki trying to tell me? Gods if only I could remember!!! She sighed, closing her eyes and falling asleep.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Seshiri stood next to the railing of the boat. "And here we are again no da." Chichiri said, coming up behind her. Seshiri nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Gah. I am dead SICK of this stupid fricking boat…" "You're not the only one no da!….." He paused. Taking off his mask he continued. "Seshiri. What's this I hear about a vision?"

Seshiri rolled her eyes, turning to him. "It wasn't a vision.. exactly… I only remember bits and pieces now… but.. I remember Tasuki was there… and he tried to say something really important, that I really needed to know… but then Yokoshima stopped him I guess. And then Yokoshima said that if I betrayed you guys he would give me power as well as pleasure."

Chichiri watched the island disappearing behind them. "This is very odd… I've never heard of anything like it.. I'd ask Taiitsukun.. but.. for some reason I can't reach her through any of my transmisions." "It's Yokoshima, I know it is!" "Hai. That's what I believe too. The closer we get, the more powerful he seems to become."

"Do you think.. do you think that Yui is even still alive now?" Chichiri frowned. Turning to Seshiri he answered quietly. "I would not put it past him to use her as he wished and then kill her. However, he has to keep her all in one piece for the ceremony." "The ceremony that we're trying to stop." Chichiri nodded.

Silence reigned for a few moments before Seshiri spoke again. "Chiri, this may seem WAY off topic right now. But…." He raised an eyebrow and watched her. "How do you feel about Kaeli?" He sighed and looked back at the water. "I already went through this conversation with Gurase. Just ask her." "No, I mean I really want to know."

Sighing again he turned back to her. "Let me give you an example. You and Tasuki, you two are in love. Say it had been different. Say you had confessed your love for him first, and he denied that he felt the same. How would you feel towards him?" Seshiri shifted uncomfortably. "Well.. I'd be pissed off for one.." He chuckled. "Seriously Seshi-chan." "What? I would!… well okay maybe not. He's too perfect to get mad at!… Hm.." "SERIOUSLY Seshi-chan.. how would you feel?" "Well… I'd be pretty depressed for a while…. Try to avoid him….. I'd tell everyone I hated his guts…" He nodded. Seshiri frowned. "But, I'd still love him. Even if he didn't return my feelings."

Chichiri nodded again, lowering his eyes. Seshiri smirked. "HAH! You DO don't you?" "Shh! Baka!" Seshiri laughed. "It's okay Chiri! Kaeli likes you too now!" SD Chichiri stared at her with huge eyes. "Nani?!" "She told me so!" "WHY DIDN'T SHE SAY SO BEFORE?!?" "She didn't wanna like dishonor Koran's memory or something messed up like that." Chibi-Chichiri fell over twitching.

Seshiri, pleased with her work, skipped away happily.

Go me! I played matchmaker!…well not really.. but in a way.. I did! BWAHAHAHAHAAHA-ahem… anyway… Smiling to herself she skipped below deck.