Chapter 5

"Aren't they SO KAWAII together!?" Chibi-Starry-eyed-Seshiri said, cooing over Kaeli and Chichiri. Nanuri and Gurase stood next to her grumbling. "Way to go baka!" Gurase said. "In the end Kaeli and Chichiri will go back to the 'real world' and win the cutest couple award!" SD Gurase whapped SD Seshiri.

"IIIEEEE! THAT HURTS!" Chibi-Seshiri said, hiding behind Nanuri. Gurase watched Nanuri thoughtfully. "Nuri-chan." "Hm?" She asked, looking up. "Well… Hori-kun and I will drop out of the contest…." Nanuri stared at her before turning her back on them. "It doesn't matter anymore…." She said, sobbing slightly. "It's not like I have anyone to win with!" Chibi-Seshiri whapped Gurase "Baka! You got her to miss him again!" Chibi-Gurase rubbed her head. "Ow…. Gomen Nanuri.. I didn't mean to make you think about him again…"

Nanuri sighed and brought herself together. "It's okay…." She turned around to face them and smiled shakily. "There see? It's all okay!" Seshiri said before turning back to the couple.

Clasping her hands the Chibi whispered, "OMG they are SOOOOO adorable!" SD Gurase rolled her eyes. "Baka you say that about EVERY couple you help set up…" "So? They're ALL kawaiiiiii!!!"

Nanuri and Gurase both rolled their eyes and walked to another part of the ship.

Seshiri ran over to the couple, who were now cuddling, and squealed. "OOH I KNEW it would all work out! Didn't I? Yes I did! And you guys are SOOOO KAWAII!" Kaeli blushed and smiled at Chichiri.

Chibi-Chichiri sweat dropped. "Er.. Hai no da…" SD Chichiri then began to wink repeatedly at Seshiri, jerking his head slightly, motioning for her to leave. SD Seshiri stared at him. "Nani? Why are you winking at me? What am I supposed to do?" SD Chichiri sweat dropped. "Nani no da?! Why would I WINK at you no da!? Absurd no da! Why would I wink at my own apprentice no da!?" SD Seshiri shrugged and continued to stand in front of the couple, staring.

SD Chichiri continued on. "But now that I think of it no da why don't you go see Suboshi no da. I think he wanted to talk to you."

((A/N: Looky! Chichiri is having a Pride and Prejudice moment!!!!!!!!!))

SD Seshiri blinked and walked away. Ooookay that was seriously messed up. Well I might as go see Suboshi. She walked above deck. "Ami-san? Do you know where Suboshi is?" Amiboshi looked up and shook his head. "No. I haven't seen him for a while." "Oh." Seshiri walked over to where he was looking over the side of the boat. "Chichiri said he wanted to talk to me." SD Amiboshi raised an eyebrow. "What was Chichiri doing." "He was cuddling with Kaeli." SD Amiboshi blinked. "I think he just said that to get you to leave them alone."

SD Seshiri put her hand on her head. "Oooh YEAH! Good thinking." He laughed at her, shaking his head. Amiboshi sighed and looked back at the water. "What's wrong?" She asked, concerned. "You're lonely without Tasuki aren't you?" He asked, looking up at her.

Seshiri was startled at the look in his eyes. "Well... Yeah…" "Gomen Seshi-chan. I didn't mean to ask such a personal question." She smiled slightly. "Hey think nothin of it."

"You think Tasuki is still alive, ne?" He continued. Seshiri frowned. What's with Amiboshi? Something wrong with him? "I… I think he is… But I don't know. Yokoshima might have really killed him…" Amiboshi looked back at the water frowning. "What will you do if he IS dead..?" Seshiri shifted uncomfortably. "Oh.. I don't know… move on I guess…"

Seshiri watched him uneasily. Okay something is seriously not right here… Seshiri gulped as he shifted a little closer. "Seshi-chan?" "H-hai?" "I…."

Shiiiiiit what's he going to do!? "I… I don't want you to be lonely anymore…" Seshiri took a small step away from him. "It's okay Amiboshi. I'm used to being alone. Besides- Tasuki… might… not… even…. Be… gone….." Her voice drifted off as he looked up at her with determined eyes.

Seshiri gasped as he grabbed her shoulders with his hands. "Seshiri." He whispered. "Please forget about Tasuki.. he's gone for good." Saying that he closed his eyes and latched his lips to hers. A Jolt went through her as his chi was sent through the kiss. What the-

Seshiri's eyes grew wide and she pushed him back forcefully. "What the FUCK do you think you're DOING?!"

Amiboshi stared at her, startled. "I was just… trying to make you forget Tasuki.."

Seshiri shook her head, taking another step baka. "Amiboshi." She spat. "Tasuki might not be dead! Even if he were dead I wouldn't want to forget him!"

Amiboshi shook his head. "G-gomen nasai Seshi-chan! I just-" Seshiri shook her head and left.

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

"Amiboshi did WHAT?" Soi stared at her. "Hai, it's true. He did! And the jolt.. I'd forgotten he send his Chi through kissing.." Tomo frowned up at them from his position on the floor. "Well he did have good intentions… Kakaka… He was only trying to make the death easier." "TASUKI IS NOT DEAD DAMMIT!" Seshiri yelled, throwing up her hands and paced around the women's sleeping quarters. "Seshiri.." Soi said soothingly. "Now you don't know for a fact if he's alive or not… it might NOT have been him in your dream. It could have been a trick from Yokoshima."

Seshiri shook her head and turned her back to the two. "It.. it could be.. but I'm so sure… one OTHER thing.. that proves he's still alive." She turned back to face them. "I didn't feel his life force disappear." "Yes but you aren't a Seishi, so you wouldn't."

"Oh believe me, if Tasuki was really dead I WOULD feel something gone. And I would still be in hysterics. Maybe it wasn't that hard for me because his life force was still there. Maybe not. But I can tell you I can still feel his life burning, and you know where it is? Sairou."

Tomo yawned. "Yes, yes we've heard this speech before. But where in Sairou?" Seshiri frowned. "..I don't know… But I'm GOING to find out…." Tomo sighed. "Okay Seshi… do whatever you can to find out…"

Seshiri nodded and looked up as Gurase walked in. "Hey, anyone know what's wrong with Amiboshi? I was just talking to Suboshi and he says that Amiboshi's been frantic for a while. Going on and on about a kiss he made by mistake or something messed up like that… That boy's got iissuuues" "Which ONE" Soi asked. "They're BOTH messed up…" Seshiri sat down on the floor and buried her face in her hands.

"Ah." Gurase said with a nod. "Explain." She said, sitting down. Seshiri looked up at Gurase. "He said he didn't want me to be lonely or miss Tasuki or any of that stuff. He told me to forget about him. Then he kissed me."

Gurase sighed. "Ah…." Tomo stretched and sat down. "As I said before, he did have good intentions." "Hai, I know. But I can't just dismiss it!" Seshiri paused. "I want every fucking person on this ship to know that Tasuki is NOT dead… and I don't care what they say."

Standing up Gurase rubbed her temples. "Seshi-chan. Don't be so rash… One, we don't KNOW if they're REALLY alive, two, even if they ARE we don't know WHERE they could be besides Sairou, three, Sairou is a pretty big place, so it would take us months to find out where and actually GET there…"

Seshiri sighed. "I wont give in to the doubt. I can't. Tasuki's alive, and he is counting on ME to find him." Soi clenched her teeth. "Seshiri." Seshiri looked up at the tone of her voice. "I'm sorry if I'm a bit hard here but. Our mission is NOT to get Tasuki back. Our mission is NOT to get Nuriko back. Our mission has nothing to do with them at this point. Our mission is to take Yokoshima down, or at least die trying…… Now, your emotions on this subject are going to be mixed up, but you can't let them get in the way of the 'greater cause' okay?"'

Seshiri shook her head, speechless. Soi sat down. "Gomen nasai Seshi-chan…… I didn't mean to sound so.. harsh… but I had to get the point across. We have to give up on finding them. If we find them on the way, hey that's great. But we are not going to let innocent people suffer because we decided to take the long way JUST in case we thought two of our friends were there. And I think that you're being goddamn selfish, risking other peoples lives just to regain one person in your life. Sacrifice the few for the many, right?"

Seshiri sat in a daze, taking in what Soi said. "I…. I…." She's right.. I hate to say it but she's right. I can't go on like this. I'll only endanger myself and my friends. Yokoshima talking to me was a pretty damn good example… I know he's alive… I just know it… but.. like Soi said.. I'm past that point where we can go out of our way to find him…… Gomen Tasuki…. She looked up at them with glassy eyes and nodded. "Hai."

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

That night Seshiri lay twisting and turning on the floor, her sheets entangled around her.

~*~ Dream ~*~

Seshiri stood up, chuckling as the others stared at her, bewildered. Nuriko stood in front of Nanuri, blocking her from Seshiri. "Seshi-chan.. what are you doing?!" He said, trying not to shout. "I.." Seshiri said darkly. "Am Seiryuu Shichi Seishi, Miboshi. And this body is now MINE!"

They all took a step back from Seshiri. "What the hell?" Tamahome said, frowning. "You're Miboshi!?" Chichiri said, wide eyed. "Hai. I didn't mean to get THIS body. I was aiming for the small weakling's." Seshiri/Miboshi gestured towards Chiriko. "This one was just as easy to take." Nanuri shook her head in disbelief. "No! No!!! You can't be! Miboshi just died!! We all saw it!"

Seshiri, who was now Miboshi floated up into the air. Calling his prayer wheel to him he clutched it. "The Lama's body is dead, I no longer have use for it… I mastered many black magic spells, but in exchange I lost my body. Therefore, I continue to live by taking over bodies I like… Children, and naïve people are easiest to posses…."

Nanuri shook her head, trying to advance but Nuriko grabbed her, holding her back. "No! Get the hell out of Seshiri! Get the hell away from my best friend!!" Nuriko closed his eyes, holding onto Nanuri. "All Seshiri's consciousness has disappeared! This isn't looking too good!" He said. "SESHIRI!" Nanuri cried, calling out to her friend. SESHIRIIII!"

Huh? What happened!? Why..? How the hell did.. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!? Well hello Seshiri. Finally come to have you? I have taken over your body for the time being so I can murder your friends. You don't mind do you? Bastard! Miboshi! I thought you died! It's an amazing thing being able to possess people. BASTARD! GET THE HELL OUT OF ME RIGHT NOW! Haha, you ignorant girl! You can't order me away! I am too strong for you. "Why don't you all play with some of my demons for a while?" Nani? What am I saying? I'm not saying that! Ah! There they are! My friends! What the hell why am I flying I didn't know I could fly.. What the hell?? I'm holding the rattle! Prayer wheel…. WHATEVER! Hmph… Get the hell away from me! OUT! NOW!

~*~ End Dream ~*~

Seshiri sat up, out of breath. Suzaku!…Why didn't I think of it BEFORE!? "I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE!" She screamed loudly, in a sort of daze. Everyone awoke with a start. "Nani?" Miaka asked, rubbing her eyes. "Seshi-chan what's wrong now?" "I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE!" She screamed, in hysterics. "Nani?" Gurase asked, groggily.

"You just had a nightmare Seshiri! Go back to sleep." Soi groaned. "NO! I'M SERIOUS! I KNOW WHERE THEY ARE!" She said with a sob. Gurase frowned and made her way over to Seshiri. "Nani? Who is they?" "Tasuki and Nuriko." She said quietly, her voice cracking. "Nani?" Gurase asked, eyes widening. "Where are they?" Kaeli asked, leaning over.

Seshiri cleared her throat. "Nuriko.. and Tasuki… are in the Monastery…" Miaka gasped. "Monastery? What?" Gurase asked, looking back at Miaka. "The Monastery.. in Sairou…" Miaka whispered. Soi rolled her eyes. "Well obviously it's in Sairou…" Seshiri nodded. "Care to fill us in?" Tomo asked.

"The Monastery was the place where Miboshi killed me… and that's where they are…" "How do you know?" Miaka asked. "My dream! It was a flashback of Miboshi taking over my body." Soi sighed. "Seshiri, you can't rely on your dreams to tell you everything." "No! But that's it! When Tasuki talked to me before! I remember it now! He was saying that it was a place I'd been before! It's obviously the Monastery!"

"Are you SURE Seshi-chan?" Gurase asked uncertainly. "Of COURSE I'm sure!" Seshiri stood up shakily. "They're at the Monastery! I just KNOW it!" "And the fact that this is most definitely a trap doesn't bother you at all…" Soi said, raising an eyebrow.

"Seshiri…" Miaka shifted, nervously. "Could it be that Yokoshima wants you to know where to go? I mean. He talked to you before. Maybe he's like.. programming your head to make you dream these memories. To make you realize." Seshiri blinked. "I hadn't thought of that…." "That would lead us straight into the lion's mouth…" Gurase finished.

"Well… we have to face him eventually anyway. Gonna be kamikaze mission either way…. Does it really matter?" Kaeli frowned. "Good point." "That's the way the cookie crumbles…" Soi added. "Mm.. I'm hungry…" SD Miaka said. "All this talk about cookies has gotten me STARVED!"

They all went Chibi and sweat dropped, staring at SD Miaka. "Miaka-chan!" Chibi-Seshiri said. "PLEASE can we stay serious? For ONE minuuute?" Chibi-Miaka's stomach growled. "But I'm HUNGRY…" "Okay fine." Soi said. "Go get your food…"

SD Miaka stared at her in shock. "NANI? BUT I DON'T WANT TO GO ALL BY MYSELF!!!…. this ship is scary at night…" She said, glancing around nervously. Seshiri groaned. "Baka, look at your watch, WHAT time is it?" "….2:30 AM.." "Yes 2:30 AM, exactly, do you KNOW how many PEOPLE You would wake UP?"

"Not if I'm quieter than a mouse!" Chibi-Miaka said, turning mouse-ish. SD Gurase fell over. "Okay. You me and Seshiri will sneak out and get you some food. Okay?" SD Seshiri went diplomatic. "Okay soldiers! This will be known as: Operation Cold Rice"

"Nani? Why?" Miaka asked. Chibi-Soi groaned and put a pillow over her head, drowning out the noise. "Because! We can't chance anything but the leftover rice from dinner, and it's probably cold." Seshiri said. "Oh." SD Miaka said with a nod. "Smart." "Wow! Seshi talking smart? I think a pig just flew by!" SD Gurase whispered with a laugh.

"Okay! Come on! Troops DISPERSE!" SD Seshiri said, going G.I. Joe. "Woohoo!" Miaka cheered quietly. The three crept to the door, opening it with a small creak. SD Seshiri stuck her head out slightly and walked out on her tip toes. Looking around the corner she motioned for the others to follow. SD Gurase and SD Miaka followed quickly and silently.

Darting around on her tip toes SD Seshiri looked around the corner. "Come on!" She whispered in a hushed voice. "Quietly now.." She motioned them past the men's quarters. SD Gurase bit back a giggle as she passed, listening to the loud snores. "Ssshhhhhhh….." SD Seshiri giggles quietly, putting a finger to her lips.

Moving quickly on they snuck into the kitchen. SD Miaka jumped soundlessly over to the cooler and grabbed a bowel of the cold rise. "Drink?" She asked. SD Seshiri nodded and grabbed a few glasses and poured some cold water from the cooler in. She handed one to SD Gurase and held the other two in her hand.

"Okay." She whispered. "Back to the room!" Moving silently out the door they began the short trip back. As they neared the men's quarters SD Gurase began to giggle uncontrollably, trying to stay quiet. The laughter was contagious, and SD Seshiri tried her best not to laugh, so much her sides began to hurt from holding it in.

SD Miaka fought back laughter of her own and continued on. SD Gurase finally gave up trying not to laugh and burst out in a fit of giggles, accidentally dropping her glass of water. "SHIIIIIT!!! Run awaaaay run awaaaay run awaaay!!!!!!!!" SD Seshiri whispered, grabbing SD Gurase's hand and racing her back to the women's room.

SD Seshiri ran through the door, tripping over a pillow and went flying into the wall. SD Gurase closed the door shut, laughing so much tears came from her eyes.

SD Miaka grinned and showed everyone else the fruits of their labor. "AH!" Soi hissed as Miaka stepped on her. "Baka! Watch it! Some people like to SLEEP at night!" SD Miaka giggled. "Gomen nasai Soi-chan!" Gurase, Seshiri, and Miaka sat around the bowel. "Didn't anyone get chop sticks?" Seshiri asked. "Baka, course not!" Gurase replied.

Miaka looked at her hands and looked over at the rice. "Well we can just eat the old fashioned style!" They all turned SD and sweat dropped. "Er… okay Miaka-chan.." Seshiri said, grabbing a handful.

SD Gurase shrugged and followed their example. The others just grumbled and rolled back up in their blankets.

Slowly the door creaked open and SD Hotohori stuck his head through. "Excuse me.. WHAT are you guys DOING?" SD Gurase's jaw dropped at her honey's ducky pajamas. Chibi-Hotohori blushed, embarrassed, mumbling something like "My mom got them for me…."

Chibi-Seshiri bit back a laugh and answered. "Um… having dinner?" SD Hotohori sighed, shaking his head. "Well a message from everyone else: 'shut up and stop dropping glasses of water at our door'…"

Chibi-Gurase fell over laughing. "G-Gomen!" She laughed. "That was me!" Hotohori smiled down at Gurase and said "Well they say don't do it anymore or they'll get revenge…" SD Miaka grinned. "'Ez j'st 'ungry!" SD Miaka said with a mouthful of rice. Hotohori cringed at her open mouth. "Oyasumi Gurase-koi." He said, closing the door.

Chibi-Seshiri frowned, snapping her fingers. "Nani?" Gurase asked. "Dammit…" SD Seshiri answered. "Again- Nani?" SD Seshiri looked up at her. "I shoulda said we were having breakfast…"

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

Seshiri yawned, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. Mm.. Where is everyone? Seshiri looked around at the empty room. They must have let me sleep in!!! Wai!!!!!! Seshiri jumped up and quickly slipped into her clothes.

I can't believe it! We're almost in Hokkan! I wonder what we're going to find there? Seshiri shuddered she walked over to the door. I don't exactly have happy memories from Hokkan… I hope it will be a better experience this time! Of course I don't think there's anything worse than watching your love be killed before your eyes…

Seshiri frowned, grasping the handle and pulling the door open. "Nani?!" She asked, nearly ramming into Amiboshi. "Seshiri!" He said, relieved. Joy.. not this again… Fidgeting he began. "Gomen nasai Seshi-chan. I had no right to behave the way I did-I didn't mean to! I don't know what came over me!" Hmm…. this has obviously been rehearsed… Seshiri watched, amused, while he shifted nervously and fidgeted. "I just hated seeing one of my friends sad, and I knew it was because Tasuki was gone and-" "It's okay Amiboshi. It's all forgotten."

He stared at her. "Really? You mean it?" Seshiri grinned and pat his back. "Course I mean it! You meant well…" He sighed and grinned. "Thanks for being so understanding Seshi-chan." She smiled "Hey no problem…" She sighed as he turned around and walked away.

Hey I guess a trimester of drama WASN'T completely worthless! Even if they DID totally maim a work of ART…

She shook her head and walked above deck.

Seshiri raised an eyebrow at Miboshi and Nanuri, in the middle of a heated conversation. "OKAY it was all in the PAST!" Miboshi hissed. Nanuri glared up at him. "Yo, asshole do NOT mess with me right now, I'm NOT in a good mood! Bottom line: you killed my best friend. I turn around and you're pointing that dammed prayer wheel at me!"

Miboshi threw up his hands. "Geez SORRY I didn't MEAN TO!" "Bald demonic midget children don't do stuff without meaning to!" "What did you call me?" "A bald demonic midget child!" "Gr…" Miboshi glared at Nanuri, and Nanuri returned the fierce glares of hatred.

"Hey!" HE said, softening his tone and getting excited. Nanuri raised an eyebrow. "What…?" "Nuriko!" He shouted. "NURIKO! HE'S RIGHT THERE!!! RIGHT BEHIND YOU!" Nanuri gasped and swerved around, looking around frantically.

Seshiri cringed as she saw Nanuri fall for his cruel trick. Nanuri turned back to Miboshi, fighting back tears. "BASTARD!" She said with a sob. Seshiri rushed over to them. "Oi! Miboshi! What the hell is your problem!?" Miboshi just glared. "She was being a bitch!" "That DOESN'T mean YOU gotta be a bitch TOO!" Seshiri growled. She hugged the sobbing Nanuri and walked her away from Miboshi.

She sat Nanuri down on the deck and kneeled down in front of her. "Hey, you ok?" Nanuri shook her head, tears flying. "No dammit I'm not ok! Do I LOOK ok?" "No you look like crap…" "You're NOT helping!" "Hey! Joking, joking…" She said, holding her hands up. "Seriously though, why did you fall for that cheap trick?" Nanuri shook her head, wiping away her tears.

"I don't know! I just thought that he might be there… Don't look at me like that!!!! I've missed him so much that if you said he was hiding in a bag of RICE I'd look!" Seshiri nodded. "I know the feeling. Just don't fall for any tricks like that…." Nanuri nodded with a sigh. "All better? Good. Now.. go.. do something BESIDES talk to Miboshi…" Nanuri nodded with a slight smile and stood up. "Arigatou Seshi-chan." "Hey, no prob, that's what clones are for!"

Seshiri waved and walked over to where Hotohori and Gurase were cuddling. Seshiri cringed. "Oi would you guys cut it out for a while?" Hotohori kissed Gurase repeatedly. Gurase stopped him and looked over at Seshiri. "Do you MIND? We're in the middle of a very important debate." "That you are loosing I might add." Hotohori said with a grin. "Oh shut up!" Gurase said playfully before kissing him. Seshiri rolled her eyes and walked away, leaving them to "talk".

Seshiri sighed and shook her head, walking over to Kaeli and Chichiri. "PLEASE tell me you guys will talk to me…" "No WAY!" Kaeli said, wiping lipstick off Chichiri's mouth. "This is a suicidal mission, might as well get the best out of it we can!!"

Seshiri walked, grumbling over to Soi and Nakago. Nakago was holding Soi tightly while kissing the side of her neck. "Will SOMEONE talk to me?!?!?!?!?" SD Seshiri yelled. Soi and Nakago ignored her, doing their best to pretend she wasn't there.

SD Seshiri walked away grumbling. What the hell is this? Are the gods working AGAINST me or WHAT!? It seems EVERYONE is in their little couples all happy and everything. Seshiri stopped in her tracks just before running into Miaka and Tamahome, doing their famed: "Miaka" "Tamahome" "Miaka" "Tamahome" "Miaka" conversation.

SD Seshiri glared at them and turned around on her heel. That just proves my point even more. Dammit it's a CONSPIRACY AGAINST ME!!! I SWEAR it's a conspiracy! No one wants me to be happy! I think I deserve a little happiness here, been through a whole lotta crap and I'm WAITING to get my reward for having to suffer…. HELLOOOOOO!? ANYONE THERE? ANYONE LISTENING TO ME? No? fuck. I thought that was the way it went…

Seshiri grumbled and walked to the head of the ship, glaring into the distance. Stupid fricking couples being stupid fricking happy! WHY CAN'T I BE HAPPY!!! Frick it's not faaaaaaaiiiiiiiiir!!!!!!!!! Grrrrrr… SD Seshiri stomped her foot. Whatever…

She turned on her heel and looked around for someone to talk to. She glanced over at Chichiri and Kaeli. "Hmm.. I liked it better when he was single he was waaaay more available to TALK…" She sighed and frowned, rubbing her temples with her fingers. ..Whatever….

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

Seshiri awoke with a start as she heard a scream of rage. Seshiri jumped to her feet, letting the blankets drop. "N-Nani!!?!?" She asked as the others jumped up around her. Tomo turned to the door. "That sounds like Nanuri!" He said, throwing the door open and running out. Seshiri exchanged a startled look with Gurase before following Tomo out the door.

Seshiri ran around a corner, skidding on the wood in her socks and running over to Nanuri's room, almost running into Suboshi. "Suboshi!" She gasped as he looked at her with scared eyes. Suddenly Tomo's voice rose above the questions of the others. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Gurase ran to Nanuri's slightly ajar door and swung it open.

Nanuri's hands were wrapped around Tomo's throat as she shook him without mercy. "STUPID FUCKING YOKOSHIMA! DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" SD Tomo sobbed and turned to them, flailing. "HEEEEELP MEEEEEEEEEE!" The others turned Chibi and fell over. Chibi-Gurase ran over and pried SD Tomo from Chibi-Nanuri's grip. Chibi-Nanuri woke up, blinking. She stared at everyone blankly. "Hello.. what are you all doing here?"

The Chibis sweat dropped. "Baka!" Mitsukake said with a laugh, striding over. "Are you ok Tomo?" Tomo nodded, gasping for air and holding a hand on his chest. Mitsukake shook his head and smiled at Nanuri. "What are you doing?" "You nearly strangled Tomo." Mitsukake answered. "Hai!" Chiriko added adorably, "You screamed in your sleep and we all quickly maneuvered over here to see what your status was. Tomo was the fist to arrive and you gave him quite a throttle with the belief he was Yokoshima."

"Oh…." SD Nanuri said, blinking. "Gomen nasai Tomo…" The distressed Tomo shook his hand at her and closed his eyes. "No.. Problem.." He answered as he slowly regained his breath.

Chibi-Nanuri gave them the peace sign. "Arigatou for checking up on me!" "Oh it's no trouble. It was hard to ignore your piercing screams… It's a wonder we didn't hear you and Nuriko earli-" Seshiri was cut off as Nanuri hurled a pillow at her head. Seshiri ducked, laughing and ushered everyone else out before closing the door behind her.

Back in their room SD Kaeli examined Chibi-Tomo's neck. "Daaaaamn! Look at that, finger marks where she grabbed him! Are you sure you're ok?" "I'm fine, kakakaka. That was rather frightening though." "I'll say." Soi said with a nod. "Soi?" Seshiri asked, sitting down next to her. "Nani?" "What's up?" "What do you mean?" "I mean like.. In the last life you were so…. So.." Chibi-Seshiri frowned, looking for the right word. "Bitchy?" Soi supplied. "Well…. Hai… and in the beginning of this life too! I mean you were way different, hissing at me n stuff…"

SD Soi sweat dropped. "I know. Gomen nasai. But. Now that Nakago is working side by side with you all, I figured it was ok for me to be friendly. It was hard at first, warming my ice cold heart, but I got used to it. And now it kind of just happens naturally." Seshiri smiled, nodding.

"It also helps that in this life I wasn't sold to a fat slave dealer as a sex toy.." Soi's soft expression hardened as her eyes became colder. Seshiri leaned back and Miaka walked forward. "Soi?" "Hm?" "It's ok." Miaka gave Soi a reassuring hug, and Soi let the tears come.

Woooaaah. What is this some youth group? I can't believe it! Soi's REALLY opening up…. REALLY.. the big bad bully is actually crying in front of us… Seshiri was interrupted in her thoughts as Soi continued, wiping her tears.

"Gomen. Old sad memories tend to pierce the heart." Miaka nodded, smiling. SD Gurase frowned. "Guys?" "Nani?" They asked, turning to her. "Can you believe it? We're almost to Hokkan…" "We are?" SD Miaka asked, her jaw dropping.

"Hai! I talked to Chiriko tonight as we left Nanuri's room and he said we were!" Kaeli comforted Soi while the others formed a small circle and talked. "Wait hold up-so we're almost there?" Seshiri asked, looking off into the distance.

"Hai!" SD Gurase squealed. "Couldn't you just SCREAM?!" she added. The others answered with a quiet scream as they clasped each others hands tightly and closed their eyes.

Seshiri spoke in a hushed voice. "Do you know when we'll be there?" "Well he said it was possible that we'd be there like mid day TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" They screamed again quietly clasping each others hands with closed eyes. "The sooner we get to sleep the sooner tomorrow will come!" Miaka squealed. The others nodded, giggling and jumping back to their sleeping areas.

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

Seshiri squinted into the distance, searching for land. "Come on Hokkan where are you?" She muttered to herself, shielding the sun with her eyes. "Seagulls!" She said excitedly as a few flew above her, squawking.

"Chirikoooo!" She said whining as she saw him out of the corner of her eye. "Nani?" He asked, walking over to her. "Why aren't we at Hokkan?" She said, whining again. He scrunched up his face. "I am not sure. By my calculations we should be arriving in a few minutes. We should have sighted it by now."

SD Seshiri sighed angrily, stomping her foot. "Patience Seshiri, patience." SD Chiriko said, smiling. SD Seshiri frowned and turned her back on him, glaring at the ocean, willing it to become land. Stupid fucking Hokkan's gotta be so damn fucking far away it fucking pisses me off! Why can't this stupid fucking water just stupid fucking shit damn appear as land?….waita minute..

"Chiriko?" "Nani?" He asked, turning back to her. "Come here." He obliged, walking over to her. "What's that?" She asked, pointing into the distance. "…. That's called Land Seshiri…" "Land?" "Yes." He giggled. "Land." "LAND!" She shrieked. "HOKKAN!" He smiled. "Hai, Hokkan." "How do you know?" "I told you that we should have sighted it by now. That would hint that we would be sighting it soon." "Oh.." "Ja ne Seshiri, I'm off to tell the others our direct course now." "Ja ne!"

Seshiri grinned and turned back to the ocean, shivering with excitement. "I can't believe it! Back in Hokkan!… not that I had happy memories here or anything.." She frowned at the nearing country, doing her best not to remember.

"Hey!" Nanuri said, waddling up behind her. Seshiri turned and bit back a laugh as she saw her friend come over. SD Nanuri frowned and sweat dropped. "Not a word." She warned. SD Seshiri turned red trying not to laugh. "Not.. a.. word? What are you talking ..about?! I'm not going to say… anything!…."

SD Nanuri clenched her fist and sent her friend flying back. "NANI?" She asked. "I punched you THAT way but you fell the other way!……." She shook her head. "Disturbed.." SD Seshiri held her jaw. "OOOWwwwww! But I didn't say anythiiing!"

"But you were GOING to!" "It's not MY fault you're an elephant wannabe!" "IT'S CUZ I'M PREGNANT BAKA! WHEN WOMEN GET PREGNANT THEY TEND TO GET BIG!" "..Oh YEAH!" SD Nanuri smacked her forehead, groaning. "I gotta lay down now… Ja ne.."

SD Seshiri smiled obliviously and waved her friend goodbye. "Ja ne Nuri-chan!" She turned back to Hokkan, waiting for them to arrive.

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

Seshiri grinned, her pack over her shoulder as she walked down the ramp to the land. She looked around, taking all of the changes in. "This place sure has changed since last time, ne?" Tamahome said as he walked down beside her. "Waaaaaaaaaauuuuuu!" Seshiri said staring up at the falling snow. "It's.. COLD…" SD Seshiri said, teeth chattering as she turned blue.

"Baka!" SD Tamahome said, rolling his eyes. The ice cold wind bit into SD Seshiri as she shivered. "Don't you have anything warm in your pack?" "H-h-h-h-h-hai! I did! Warm c-c-c-clothes! But I shredded them to make an extra blanket for Nanuri!" SD Tamahome fell over. "BAKA why did you do that?!" "B-b-b-b-b-b-because she said she was c-c-c-c-c-c-cold!" "NOW who's cold?" "M-m-m-m-m-me!!!!!!" "Baka…" He added as he walked ahead of her, following Kaeli.

SD Seshiri did her best to stomp menacingly over to Nanuri. "N-n-n-n-nuri-chan! I w-w-w-want my warm clothes back!" "Nani?" Nanuri stared at her blankly. "Oh THOSE!…. er….. why?" "C-c-c-uz I'm COLD!" "But they're all shredded! You can't wear them!" "D-d-d-dammit.." "I'd give you MINE but I'm pregnant you know, don't want any harm to come to the baby!" Nanuri said, grinning as she pulled her fur coat closer. "S-s-s-stupid baby… F-f-f-f-or all this trouble I'm g-g-going through for t-that thing I B-BETTER be the Godm-m-mother!" Seshiri grumbled before shuffling quickly up to Kaeli.

"K-k-k-kaeli-chan!" "Nani Seshi-chan? Where's your warm clothes?" "D-d-don't ask…" SD Seshiri said, sweat dropping. "C-can we PLEASE s-stop off at a w-warm Inn? I have n-no warm clothes!" SD Seshiri said, standing in her kimono, freezing. SD Kaeli nodded uncertainly. "Hai but I don't know where the next Inn IS.."

SD Seshiri looked around before grabbing a stranger by the collar. "WHERE IS THE INN?" She asked desperately. The very frightened victim of the act of randomness stuttered as he pointed down the street. "O-o-o-over there!!!!" SD Seshiri threw him back and sped with lightening speed to the Inn, entering in a flash.

"Damn she's fast!" Gurase observed, laughing. "Well I guess our next stop is the Inn!" Soi added, grinning as she followed Seshiri's trail of dust.

They entered the Inn to see Seshiri next to the fire, holding her hands out to it. Smiling over to them she sighed happily. "Much better. Now. I need to go SHOPPING!!!!" she squealed. "But to do that I need the other parts of my brain, Gurase and Nanuri! Come shopping with me?" "I dunno." Nanuri said as she sat down. "I'm a little winded." "Oh come on Nuri-chan!" Gurase said. "We can buy you some mommy clothes!" SD Seshiri agreed. "Yeah! Those REALLY big ones they gotta measure rhinos for!" SD Nanuri made a fist. "Just for that comment, I'm coming!"

"Come on then!" SD Seshiri said, pulling them outside. "QUICKLY!" She yelled. "Before I freeze again!" She dragged them into a random store. "Does this place sell clothes?" She asked. "I dunno! Probably!" Gurase said, looking around. "My instincts tell me this place sells knick knacks… not what we're looking for." Gurase pulled them out. "Come on! A different store!"

The snow fell a little softer as Seshiri looked down the crowded street. "How about this one?" She asked, dragging them into another shop. "Hmm…" Gurase frowned, looking around. "No.. this is the equivalent of the Men's Warehouse…" "Oh…" Seshiri said, disappointed. "Come on! More stores to go through!" "There's MORE?" Nanuri asked, wide eyed. "Dammit!"

Gurase pulled them into the next store. "This is it! I can FEEL IT!" Gurase said, grinning. Nanuri stared at her. "I'm glad I didn't get the shopping/fashion/popularity part of the brain…" Gurase led them right to the clothes section of the store. "Tah dah!" Gurase said, pointing to a rack of clothes. "Thank Suzaku they don't have 'mommy clothes'…" Nanuri said, relieved. Gurase sighed. "Yeah.. too bad.."

Seshiri ran over and grabbed the warmest coat she saw and a matching hat. "Does this look good?" "Hai! But you also need a scarf, and a skirt to go along, and warmer shoes, and a muffler thing!" "OKAY!!!" Seshiri said, jumping up and down.

In a whirl of expertise, Gurase grabbed all of the desired items that matched the navy blue coat with gold trim. Seshiri, weighed down by all of the clothes, hobbled into the dressing room, ready to put it all on.

A long while later Seshiri finally came out. "Well it took you a while!" Gurase said, exasperated. "I had trouble with the buttons.." Seshiri said in her defense. Nanuri rolled her eyes. "Can we just go?" Gurase nodded, "But first we gotta pay!" Gurase walked over to the counter and gave the lady some money. "That should cover all of the items we are purchasing." The lady smiled and accepted the money, counting it out. "Wow ma'am. You have a knack for giving the exact amount!" "Well!" Gurase said, gloating. "I do have a certain flair for shopping!" She giggled.

Nanuri and Seshiri dragged Gurase out, before she could spend anymore money. "Mm. Good job Gurase! I'm all nice an warm an cozy n stuffies!" Seshiri said, giggling.

Nanuri nodded. "I'll bet." "Arigatou Seshi-chan!" Nanuri turned to face them and stopped walking. "Just as long as we don't go shopping for mommy clothes!!!!!!" Seshiri's jaw dropped.

Is that….? "Nanuri.." Gurase said, her voice shaking. "I have had it up to HERE with you guys dragging me everywhere! No more, I wanna SLEEP!" "Nanuri!" Seshiri gasped. "NANI?"

IT IS! IT IS!!!!!!!!!!! OMG IT IS HIM! "N-n-n-n-n-n-NURIKO!" Nanuri stared at Seshiri with hard eyes. "That's cold Seshiri." She said, icily. "Just because I refuse to go shopping for mommy clothes DOESN'T mean you have to-" "NO! Nanuri! You don't understand! It's Nuriko! He's RIGHT THERE!" Gurase interrupted, screaming.

"I refuse to look! You me yourself told me not to fall for such an obvious trick!" "BAKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON'T LISTEN TO MY CRAPPY ADVICE! NOW LOOK!" "NO!" "YES!" Gurase shouted, waving her hands. "NO!" "YES!" "NO!" "YES!" "NO!"

BAKA! BAKA NANURI JUST LOOK! HE'S RIGHT FRICKING BEHIND YOU! Tears poured from Nanuri's eyes. BAKA JUST LOOK NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE SENTIMENTAL! Well it is but not boo hoo type… "You.. HOW could you act like this? Being so.. ARG! I can't believe I call you guys my friends- my CLONES even!" "NANURI! HE'S. RIGHT. FUCKING. THERE! JUST LOOK YOU STUBBORN.. AAARGH!" Seshiri yelled, exasperated.

Nanuri sobbed. "You are so-…." Nanuri stopped crying suddenly as her hands flew to her face. Familiar arms had wrapped around her waist and hugged her tightly. Nuriko's head rested on her back lightly. Nanuri turned around, still in his arms. "Nuriko…" She whispered breathlessly before he cut her off with a deep kiss.

SD Seshiri and Gurase cheered, clapping loudly. "Baka!" Gurase said to Seshiri, talking about Nanuri. "I can't believe she didn't believe us!" "Yeah! She thought we were playing a trick like Miboshi!!!!" "Baka she should know better!" "Shouldn't they be finished kissing now?" "Yeah.. you'd think they'd come up for air every now and then.."

Finally they broke off the kiss and Nuriko held her tightly, refusing to let go. Tears wound their way down his cheeks as he buried his face in her hair. "Nanuri.." "Nuriko!" Her hands rested on his chest, clenching the torn fabric of his shirt tightly.

"PLEASE don't pull a Miaka/Tamahome on us PLEASE!" Gurase said, laughing. "I don't mean to spoil the moment but Nuriko looks like he's freezing in his torn up shirt.." SD Nanuri pulled back and look down at his bare chest, doing her best not to drool. "Nuriko!" She whispered. "You have no IDEA how much I've missed you!" "Oh I have a pretty good idea.." He said softly before hugging her again.

"Waitaminute.." SD Nuriko said, pushing Nanuri back. "Something's different about you….." He said, frowning and looking her over. Nanuri giggled and stood back, waiting for his answer. "SUZAKU!!!! YOU GOT A NEW HAIR CUT!" Nanuri, Gurase, and Seshiri turned SD and fell over. "BAKA!" Seshiri shouted. "Can't you recognize your own wife? She's-" "No wait don't tell me, I have it now. New outfit?" SD Nanuri laughed. "No, baka! I'm PREGNANT!" "NANI!?" SD Nuriko stared at her. "WHO'S THE FATHER?!?!? HAVE YOU BEEN CHEATING ON ME?!" He gasped, the Chibis eye's tearing up.

SD Nanuri laughed, bopping his head slightly. "Baka, YOU'RE the father!" "I am?" "Yeah!… remeeembeer?" "Oh yeah!" Seshiri scrunched up her face. "EWWWW BAD IMAGES IN HEAD!! BAD IMAGES IN HEAD!" She yelled, clutching her head. Nuriko shivered, hugging Nanuri, being careful not to hug her too tight. "Boy or girl?" "Boy." He grinned down at her and kissed her forehead. "Now let's go inside before I freeze.." Seshiri and Gurase led the couple back to the Inn.

Seshiri opened the door and turned to see their large group in the lounge. "Oi! Nuriko is back!" "NANI?" Miaka asked, jumping to her feet. Nuriko walked in, leaning slightly on Nanuri. "NURIKO!" Miaka ran up and hugged up tightly. "Nuriko-chan! You have no idea how much we all missed you!" He grinned and patted her head. "Missed you too Miaka-chan!"

Mitsukake walked over quickly and helped Nuriko to the couch, sitting him down. "If you'll permit me, I can heal you." Nuriko nodded. Seshiri noticed for the first time the thin gashes that marked his chest and face. Mitsukake held his hand above Nuriko's forehead, closing his eyes. Green light flowed from his hand, enveloping Nuriko.

After a moment Mitsukake slumped back down into a chair, out of energy. "I'm fine." He said. "Just a little tired from using my powers." Nuriko grinned, fully revived. "So Nuriko!" Seshiri said, jumping over to him. "Is Tasuki still alive? How did you guys survive? We thought you were dead! Was it Yokoshima? How did you escape!"

Nuriko laughed, pulling Nanuri closer. "Slow down Seshi-chan!!!!! One thing at a time.. Last time I saw him, Tasuki was alive and breathing. Yes it was Yokoshima. And we know you thought we were dead…. We were there… watching as you cried over 'our' dead bodies."

Seshiri stared at him. "..N-nani?.."

~*~ Nuriko's Story ~*~

Nuriko growled as he stomped down the stairs from his fight with Nanuri. Baka Nanuri!… how could she be so unfeeling? I don't CARE how bad she's feeling…… Well I do care.... But… she has no right to tease me about male PMS and all that….. But... she WAS just joking... I shouldn't have taken it so seriously...He sighed, coming to a stop in front of the group, all seated at a table. "Oi! What's wrong Nuriko?" Tasuki asked, sipping his sake. Sake for breakfast? Hehehe, trust Tasuki to do that.

"Fight with th' missus?" He asked, jokingly. Hm. The baka must have heard our voices. He sighed. "Yeah…" He punched Nuriko's arm lightly. "Meh. No worries, it'll all be fixed in a minute." "I feel horrible now…." Nuriko said with a sigh. "Should I go apologize? Now I see how stupid it was…" "Naw. Let her come to you!" Tasuki took a sip of his bottle of sake. "Nuriko! You should go say sorry!" Miaka intervened. "No, trust me Nuriko, don' go lookin' fer her. She'll come to you!" Nuriko shrugged, sitting down. Okay.. I guess… hm.. should I really trust his advice? He is… a little drunk..

Suddenly Nanuri came from behind a door. "Nuriko." She said quietly. "See what did I tell ya, she'd come to you!" Tasuki said with a fangy grin, nudging Nuriko with his shoulder. Wait… how did she get over there? She was just- "I'm sorry Nuriko… it was stupid of me.. I didn't mean to make you so angry! Honest! It was such a stupid little slip up!… Gomen nasai!" Nuriko smiled and took her face in his hands. "It's ok Nanuri.. It's just as much my fault as it is yours!"

Seshiri came from behind the same door and walked over to Tasuki. "Tasuki! Come on! I wanna show you this AWESOME sake stash I found!" "REALLY!? SHOW ME!" Tasuki said, jumping to his feet. "LEAD THE WAY SESHI-CHAN!" Nanuri giggled. "Come on Nuriko! We'd better follow and make sure they don't get into any trouble.." Nuriko grinned and nodded. "Hai! Ja ne minna!" He said, following Nanuri, Seshiri, and Tasuki.

SD Tasuki ran ahead, whooping. Hehe. Baka. "Oi! Seshi-chan?" "Nani?" SD Tasuki looked around. "Where's the sake?" "What sake?" Seshiri asked as Nanuri closed the door, a shadow crossing her face. Nuriko turned around. "Nanuri? What are you doing?"

"But- you said there was SAKE here!" Nanuri walked forward to Nuriko. "Nothing's wrong!" "But why did you close the door?" Nanuri giggled and tapped his nose with her finger. "Baka, so we can have a little fun!" Tasuki frowned. "Ooooh I get it now!" He put his arms around Seshiri's waist, smirking.

Nuriko grinned as Nanuri's mouth closed in on his. Nuriko's eyes flew open as Nanuri bit his lip forcefully, drawing blood. "Ah! Nanuri! That hurt-what are you doing?!" A small yell from Tasuki signified that the same thing had happened to him.

Nanuri ignored Nuriko and latched her mouth onto his again, sucking the blood. Nuriko pushed her back gently. "Nanuri-what..?" Nanuri drew back, spitting Nuriko's blood into her hand.

Nuriko wiped away the blood on his lip and shot a nervous glance at Tasuki as Seshiri did the same. Nuriko backed away from Nanuri as a scowl crossed her face. Nanuri turned around and walked over to the shadows. A figure slowly appeared, smirking.

Name: Yokoshima

Occupation: Villain

Age: unknown

Hair: Black

Eyes: white without a pupil

Tasuki back up against the wall. "Oh FUCK! I'm guessing you're Yokoshima?!" Yokoshima chuckled softly, answering. "Hai." Nuriko glared, clenching his fists. "What have you done to Nanuri?" Yokoshima laughed again, shaking his head. "I have done nothing to your precious Nanuri."

"What the fuck?" Tasuki growled. "Then why the hell did Seshiri an Nanuri BITE us!?" "These." Yokoshima answered. "Are not Seshiri and Nanuri." The fake Seshiri and Nanuri walked over to Yokoshima, turning around to face Tasuki and Nuriko. "These little devices are just a trick of mine. They were made in the like images of the two girls. All I needed was a drop of blood." Tasuki's eyes narrowed as he put two and two together. "Ashitare." He hissed.

"Hai. I used Ashitare to acquire the blood when he proved useless otherwise." Yokoshima placed his hands over the blood in Nanuri and Seshiri's hands. Smirking as a blue light enveloped his hands. Nuriko stared, eyes wide, as he watched the blood disappear. The blue light around Yokoshima's hands turned red and he placed his hands on top of 'Seshiri' and 'Nanuri's heads.

He took a breath and the blue light disappeared, and instantly 'Seshiri' and 'Nanuri' turned into Tasuki and Nuriko. "N-Nani?" Tasuki asked, his jaw dropping. "What are you going to do with 'me' and 'Tasuki'?" Nuriko asked, keeping a cool head. Yokoshima smirked. "You'll see. It is all apart of my master plan."

Tasuki growled and started for Yokoshima. Nuriko grabbed onto his arm, holding him back. "No, Tasuki don't-" He was cut off as Yokoshima raised his hands towards them, sending a jolt of power through their bodies. "FUCK!" Tasuki yelled. "I.. can't move!.." Nuriko grunted, gritting his teeth. Damn! What is Yokoshima doing? I-I don't understand! Why would he do this? It makes no sense!

Tasuki growled, glaring at Yokoshima as he moved their bodies into the shadows. "Now. If you'll please shut up." A shield came up and around Yokoshima and the Seishi. "Now. No one can here you scream." Yokoshima said, amused. He turned to the fake Tasuki and Nuriko. "I am done with you." He said coldly before raising his hands and blasting them with gold light. The fakes twisted and turned in pain before collapsing on the floor, dead. What.. that.. that was in my mind.. how did he do that!??!?!

Nuriko closed his eyes tightly before sending a glare to Yokoshima. "I don't.. understand.." Yokoshima smirked and unfroze them. "You will in time." "BASTARD!" Tasuki growled. "I'm gonna KILL YOU!" He shouted, lunging for Yokoshima. Yokoshima shook his head, holding up his hand and sending a wave of pain through Tasuki's body. "Baka." He chuckled darkly as Tasuki doubled over, shouting.

Nuriko glared at Yokoshima. "You-" He stopped short as Nanuri's voice was heard. "Nuriko?.. Nuriiikoo? Gomen Nasai! I didn't mean to be so.. evil!.. I just wanted to tell you that-" Nanuri appeared as she opened the door. Nanuri's eyes darted around the room before they fell to the floor. Nanuri backed up, opening and closing her mouth. "N-Nuriko.." She whispered breathlessly. "NANURI!" Nuriko yelled, pressing his hands against the invisible shield. "NANURI! THAT'S NOT ME! PLEASE! NANURI DON'T FALL FOR HIS TRICKS! NANURI!" Yokoshima threw back his head laughing as Nanuri backed up, screaming.

Tasuki jumped up as Seshiri came into view, just in time to catch Nanuri as she fell back. "Oh my god.." Seshiri whispered. Tasuki pounded his fist on the shield. "FUCK! DAMN! SESHIRI! SESHIRI LISTEN TO ME! SESHIRIIII!"

Nuriko shook his head as the others appeared to see the dead bodies. Seshiri stared down at them in disbelief. Gurase collapsed behind her, fainting. Miaka shielded her eyes, sobbing. Seshiri dropped Nanuri on the floor, stumbling forward.

Hotohori kneeled next to Gurase, holding her. Chiriko was pulled away by Mitsukake, trying to keep him from seeing the horror in front of them. Chichiri took off his mask, turning away as tears fell down his cheeks. Nanuri!.. please!… NANURI!… Yokoshima.. bastard he's going to die..

Amiboshi and Suboshi led Soi away from the carnage, Tomo following. Nakago too turned his back on Seshiri, walking away silently. Tamahome pulled the sobbing Miaka back. "Miaka-chan." He whispered. "Come on…" He hugged her, walking away holding her hand. "SESHIRI!" Tasuki yelled, his fists becoming bloody from the pounding.

Seshiri stumbled forward again, tripping and falling to her knees. "Nani…?" She stared at the bodies in disbelief. She turned back around, hearing a sob. "Nanuri." She whispered. Nanuri shook her head, tears flying. Seshiri crawled forward to Tasuki's body. Her clothes were stained from the pool of blood surrounding him. "SESHIRI!" Tasuki sobbed, falling to his knees. "That's not me!.. that's not me!"

"This can't be happening!" She said, her voice croaking. "Not again! Never again!" She said with a sob in her voice. "No!.. NEVER AGAIN!" Tasuki growled shaking his head. "Seshiri! Please!

Nanuri scrambled up, lunging forward in a desperate attempt to reach Nuriko. "NURIKO!" She wailed. "Nuriko! Koi! Nuriko!" She sobbed, clutching his body. "NANURI! I'm right here Nanuri!… can't you hear me? Can't you feel me? Nanuri- PLEASE! NANURI!" Nuriko clenched his fists and closed his eyes.

"This can't be happening!" Nanuri sobbed. "It's not happening!" Nuriko yelled, unheard. "NANURI!… LISTEN TO ME!.. I'M RIGHT HERE!.." "I can't believe it! I wont!" Seshiri sobbed, letting the tears come. "Nuri-chan! It's happening, it's real.. they.. they're dead!" She cried, leaning down to Tasuki. "I knew it!" She sobbed. "I KNEW we wouldn't make it! I told him, we should have gotten married before! I TOLD him! And-and…" "Seshiri!.." Tasuki whispered. "You were right… you were right!.." He rested his hands on the shield, looking down and closing his eyes.

Nanuri sobbed. "I can't believe it! The last thing I ever said to him was…. I hate you!" "Nanuri!.. Koi!.. It's ok! I know you don't hate me! And it's NOT the last thing! Nanuri!… Nanuri…"

Seshiri sat up, sobbing and covering her face in her hands. "And now.. now it's too late!…" "Nanuri!.." Nuriko whispered softly. "It's not too late! Nanuri!…" Nanuri sobbed again. "No!" She said forcefully through her sobs. "This can't be real! It has to be a dream!" "No Nanuri!" Seshiri cried. "Don't convince yourself it isn't real because it IS… it's real…. It's happening…" "NO!" Nanuri yelled. Nuriko's heart quickened as he began pounding on the shield. "Nanuri! Please don't cry!.. please! I'm not dead! I'm right here…. I'm right here!.." "It's no fucking use…" Tasuki said, defeated, gazing at his bloody hands.

We can hear them but they can't hear us! Dammit this is torture.. Tasuki's right.. it's no use… we're finished. Left in the hands of Yokoshima…. Nanuri… Seshiri stood up on shaky legs, trying to hold herself together. She stumbled over to Nanuri. "Nuri-chan.." Tears ran down her cheeks. "This is REAL." "No… No.." Nanuri sobbed, laying down next to Nuriko's body and holding onto him. "No…" She said, over and over again, sobbing. Seshiri tried to pull Nanuri up. "Nanuri!" She tried to dry her tears. "Nanuri…" Nuriko whispered, his voice cracking. "Nanuri.. I'm hear. It's ok. I'm right here. Dammit!" Nuriko pressed his hands against the shield before throwing a punch at them. "AH!" Nuriko yelled, backing up against the wall as he clutched his bruised hand.

"Nanuri, it's ok Nanuri!" Nuriko whispered in a comforting tone. "It's ok. I'm here. I'm fine. I'm not gone. Please.. Nanuri!.." Tasuki shook his head, standing up. "It's no use Nuriko! They can't hear a word we're sayin. Dammit."

Tasuki turned to Yokoshima, his eyes cold. "Yokoshima." He growled. "You. BASTARD. You are going to DIE for this! I am going to send you to hell, back where you belong!" Tasuki reached for his tessen that wasn't there. "Nani?!" He asked, bewildered. Yokoshima grinned evilly holding up the tessen. "Looking for something?" "BASTARD!" Tasuki yelled, growling, but keeping still.

Nuriko tore his eyes away from Nanuri and turned to Yokoshima. "Yokoshima." He said in a threatening tone. "You are going to-" "Die?" Yokoshima interrupted. "I think not." With those words he threw Nuriko against the shield forcefully. Nuriko yelled before sliding to the ground, gasping with pain.

Yokoshima smirked. "I have more business here. However, you do not." Nuriko paled. "What are you going to do…? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO THEM!?" Tasuki demanded, clenching his fists. "Nothing…." Yokoshima answered with a laugh. "Yet."

He raised his hands, grinning as silver light flowed from the tips of his fingers until it enveloped Tasuki and Nuriko, wrenching them away forcefully.

~*~ End Nuriko's Story ~*~

Nanuri was clutching Nuriko, tears running down her face. "Suzaku.." Seshiri whispered. Tamahome frowned. "Is that all?" "Oh no. there's more. Much more….." Nuriko answered with a dark chuckle, hugging Nanuri closely.