Believe me, I am very aware that there's a lot of attention on characters
that a few may not like too much. I do need character development to take
place, and I myself never liked reading stories where too much attention
wasn't on an original character, but try to read through it!
Again, thank you so much for all those who review! I get very excited to see review alerts in my mailbox!
Chapter 10 : Grand Odori
"Kutou just retreated!" Tetsuya shouted, waking the sleeping baby in Yui's arms. Hikari began to whine.
Keisuke jumped. "Kutou's retreating? But how? I though Konan was losing!!!"
Tetsuya looked very happy. "Hokkan! Hokkan drove them off! That ambassador must have sent the message!"
***********************************
"And please forgive me." Akue apologized once again before Hotohori on the throne. "I sent the message shortly after you left. I know I should have more faith in your country's defenses." Akue's head was bowed, she was kneeled down on one knee before the Emperor.
Hotohori smiled. "Goodness, there is absolutely nothing to apologize for! Your instincts could have very well saved Konan and her people."
Akue put her head up. "I still should not make decisions without your consent, Majesty." She stood up. "The Hokkan armies are on their way back home, but they are still on ready call."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the Warriors' return, they were heavily welcomed and greeted by several citizens. Miaka threw herself on Taka, and began bawling. Saori's lightened smile made the whole war worthwhile. Akue personally met up Nuriko. Chiriko made Tasuki feel like a hero.
*************************
"And the emperor, Hotohori..." Tetsuya wrestled the book away from Keisuke. Keisuke was so excited he demanded it was his turn to read. Finally kicking him away, Tetsuya finished off the page. "Announced a Grand Odori, a festive dance held at the palace, as well a continuation of the Star Festival. Perfectly aware the war was not over, Hotohori decided Konan should celebrate for the first victory. All palace visitors, including Boushin's small harem were invited to the Odori, as well as some Hokkan officials."
"Come ON Tetsuya!!!" Keisuke whined. "Lemme read!!!!" **************************
"You're wearing THAT to the celebration?" Nuriko asked as he passed Akue in the balcony hall overlooking the dance floor.
Akue smiled. "I'd rather prefer not to attend tonight."
Nuriko shrugged. "Are you sure you won't go down there anyway?"
Akue shook her head. "I'd rather not, I'd stick out."
Nuriko walked away some, then swung back around. "Well, if you changed your mind, I owe you a dance!"
Akue laughed and turned around to get a better look somewhere else. She saw Tasuki leaning against the wall not too far off.
"And what's your excuse, fang boy?" She asked.
Tasuki looked up at her. He hated that nickname. "I don't dance." He stated flatly.
"Why not?" Akue asked again, grinning. "Too drunk?"
Tasuki stood up. "What is yer problem? Ya don't see me walking up to you, trying to start arguments."
Akue rolled her eyes. "I'm not starting an argument, I'm LOOKING for an explanation." Akue flipped her hair behind her and strode off.
Tasuki watched her. "Dumb Hypocrite." He muttered.
The short Chiriko, who was dressed in a blue robe, got the Emperor's attention after Hotohori finished a dance.
"Highness, I have something important to discuss with you. I don't think it can wait very long."
Hotohori's smile faded some with Chiriko's serious expression. They walked out of the large room.
"Chiriko, what is it? Is it this important as to interrupt the Odori celebration?"
Hotohori asked, peeking into the room. Boushin was dancing with one of the girls from the harem, though he didn't seem to be enjoying himself.
"Sire, while you were away at war, something very strange happened regarding our Ambassador." Chiriko said, looking up.
Hotohori looked quite curious. "What, Akue? What happened?"
Chiriko checked to make sure no one was around. "Miaka lead Akue, Saori, and myself to the shrine of Suzaku to pray for your return safety home. Only the thing was, Akue seemed quite hesitant to go into the shrine."
Hotohori nodded. "Go on."
"Only a few seconds after she entered, she seemed to be overcome with a sense of pain... a strong discomfort. Her entire body shook. A moment later she got up and ran out. I followed her, and she seemed to be just fine." Chiriko told the confused Hotohori.
Hotohori put a hand up to his chin. "What are you suggesting?"
"I doubt it was coincidence, Sire. Something in the Holy Shrine of Suzaku affected her. The fact that she is from Hokkan has nothing to do with it. I just wonder..."
"If she is of Kutou? A spy?" Hotohori finished.
"That is one explanation." Chiriko concurred.
Hotohori shook his head at Chiriko. "For one, she would have to be a very loyal spy to have been effected, and she did call upon Hokkan's army, did she not?" Chiriko was going to say something, but Hotohori continued.
"if it worries you that much, then keep an eye on her." Hotohori seemed slightly unsure now himself, but returned to the dance.
"Isn't this fun, Taka?" Miaka asked as her and her husband turned about the marble floor. Miaka wore a silvery, sleeve-less dress. It fanned out around her midsection. Her hair was in two odangos, both fastened with shiny barrettes. Taka himself wore a dark blue robe that was decorated with purple lining. "It's a good way to celebrate. I wonder how much that food costs...."
Instead of scolding Taka for his constant talk on money, Miaka pulled out her own habit. "Food?" She looked around. "Where?"
Taka sighed and pointed. Miaka jumped and ran for the table.
**********************************
"The information is potent." Nakago explained to Soi. "It will help greatly"
~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~
"Lady Mayo," Nakago asked the night after the battle, the same night Konan's Adori was being held. "Tell me, why did you come here?"
Mayo looked up at Nakago, surprised by his question. She had grown to trust the blonde, so she didn't wonder why he asked it.
"Things in my world weren't working out." She stated. "I... someone I really.... liked was pulling away."
"Tamahome, or should I say, Taka?"
Mayo looked at Nakago in Alarm. "How did you know his name? How did you know it was Tamahome?"
Nakago looked straight into Mayo's eyes from where he sat on her bed. "The information came to me. Lady Mayo, by summoning the beast go Seiryu, you could have him with you now."
Mayo shook her head. "No... I know what you did to Yui-sempai... I won't become the priestess."
Nakago continued speaking, calmly. "Have I not shown you anything other than hospitality since your arrival? Don't you realize it? The reason the Seiryu seven were reborn was just to grant your wishes, Lady Mayo."
"I.... I...." Though she knew what had happened from her 'flash' encounter with the book, Mayo believed in everything Nakago was saying. The Seiryu Seven can't live without a priestess, and she was the only one there. Maybe when she went into the book the first time, she was destined to be the Priestess of Seiryu, not Suzaku..."
A lit candle by Mayo's bed flickered, it's violet scent filling the room.
Mayo breathed in deeply. "Nakago, perhaps you are right." She pulled her covers up. "I will consider your proposal, and see you in the morning."
"Whatever you wish." Nakago bowed and left.
***************************
"Bloody Nakago....." Keisuke raged out loud, taking a rest from the book.
"When he talks, he has a way of making you believe everything he says..." Yui commented. "You just want to trust him..." Yui remembered the time she had believed Nakago when he had told her he loved her. She looked at Tetsuya. "Mayo will have to realize it on her own... I just don't know if she'll make the right choice..."
***************************
Late into the night, Miaka had woken, and ran to one of the Palace's kitchens for a midnight snack. After grabbing three rolls, she sneakily darted up a small flight of stairs to return to her quarters. She hoped she didn't wake Taka up... but then she heard something that would.
"You are a complete idiot!" Akue's voice rang throughout the hallway, yet it sounded like she was trying to keep it down.
"You're one to be talking!" Tasuki's voice intervened.
Miaka's stomach bothered her, so she decided not to eavesdrop and turned into her room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And you NEVER shut up!" said the tired Nuriko. "For heavens sake! People are sleeping! Can't you take your arguments outside?"
"I'd through her outside..." Tasuki mumbled.
"Excuse me?" Akue shot back from down the breakfast table. "I thought GENTLEMEN weren't supposed to hurt girls!"
"I HATE girls." Tasuki raised his voice.
Akue brought her hand up to her mouth. "Oh, so you're THAT kind of guy....."
Tasuki turned red. "What? Shuddap! I am not! You don't know what the hell you're talking about!"
"Watch your mouth!" Akue yelled. "You drink AND swear! No wonder you have to like men!"
Tasuki was infuriated. "I DO NOT like men!!!!"
"SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU!!!!"
Akue and Tasuki both hushed, surprised that Nuriko could yell louder than the both of them combined.
Nuriko sat back down. "Keep your comments and opinions to yourselves! No one else wants to hear them!"
Akue looked around the room. Miaka and Taka were by the doorway, afraid to even walk in. She sighed. "Fine, Nuriko, you're right." She shot a fierce look at Tasuki, and left.
After she passed, Miaka and Taka walked in.
"Weren't Ambassadors supposed to solve problems?" Taka poked.
"She's just a very opinionated woman." Nuriko replied, sipping a cup of tea.
"I think she's nice." Miaka pointed out. "She's always friendly to Taka and I."
"Me too." Nuriko put down his tea. He looked over at Tasuki.
"What?" Tasuki objected. "SHE starts all the fights!"
Nuriko sighed loudly. "Why don't we forget about it and enjoy breakfast? Everything lately seems to be revolving around Akue..." He looked around.
"Miaka, how have you been lately?"
Miaka smiled. "Fine!"
"And hungry..." Taka added.
Again, thank you so much for all those who review! I get very excited to see review alerts in my mailbox!
Chapter 10 : Grand Odori
"Kutou just retreated!" Tetsuya shouted, waking the sleeping baby in Yui's arms. Hikari began to whine.
Keisuke jumped. "Kutou's retreating? But how? I though Konan was losing!!!"
Tetsuya looked very happy. "Hokkan! Hokkan drove them off! That ambassador must have sent the message!"
***********************************
"And please forgive me." Akue apologized once again before Hotohori on the throne. "I sent the message shortly after you left. I know I should have more faith in your country's defenses." Akue's head was bowed, she was kneeled down on one knee before the Emperor.
Hotohori smiled. "Goodness, there is absolutely nothing to apologize for! Your instincts could have very well saved Konan and her people."
Akue put her head up. "I still should not make decisions without your consent, Majesty." She stood up. "The Hokkan armies are on their way back home, but they are still on ready call."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the Warriors' return, they were heavily welcomed and greeted by several citizens. Miaka threw herself on Taka, and began bawling. Saori's lightened smile made the whole war worthwhile. Akue personally met up Nuriko. Chiriko made Tasuki feel like a hero.
*************************
"And the emperor, Hotohori..." Tetsuya wrestled the book away from Keisuke. Keisuke was so excited he demanded it was his turn to read. Finally kicking him away, Tetsuya finished off the page. "Announced a Grand Odori, a festive dance held at the palace, as well a continuation of the Star Festival. Perfectly aware the war was not over, Hotohori decided Konan should celebrate for the first victory. All palace visitors, including Boushin's small harem were invited to the Odori, as well as some Hokkan officials."
"Come ON Tetsuya!!!" Keisuke whined. "Lemme read!!!!" **************************
"You're wearing THAT to the celebration?" Nuriko asked as he passed Akue in the balcony hall overlooking the dance floor.
Akue smiled. "I'd rather prefer not to attend tonight."
Nuriko shrugged. "Are you sure you won't go down there anyway?"
Akue shook her head. "I'd rather not, I'd stick out."
Nuriko walked away some, then swung back around. "Well, if you changed your mind, I owe you a dance!"
Akue laughed and turned around to get a better look somewhere else. She saw Tasuki leaning against the wall not too far off.
"And what's your excuse, fang boy?" She asked.
Tasuki looked up at her. He hated that nickname. "I don't dance." He stated flatly.
"Why not?" Akue asked again, grinning. "Too drunk?"
Tasuki stood up. "What is yer problem? Ya don't see me walking up to you, trying to start arguments."
Akue rolled her eyes. "I'm not starting an argument, I'm LOOKING for an explanation." Akue flipped her hair behind her and strode off.
Tasuki watched her. "Dumb Hypocrite." He muttered.
The short Chiriko, who was dressed in a blue robe, got the Emperor's attention after Hotohori finished a dance.
"Highness, I have something important to discuss with you. I don't think it can wait very long."
Hotohori's smile faded some with Chiriko's serious expression. They walked out of the large room.
"Chiriko, what is it? Is it this important as to interrupt the Odori celebration?"
Hotohori asked, peeking into the room. Boushin was dancing with one of the girls from the harem, though he didn't seem to be enjoying himself.
"Sire, while you were away at war, something very strange happened regarding our Ambassador." Chiriko said, looking up.
Hotohori looked quite curious. "What, Akue? What happened?"
Chiriko checked to make sure no one was around. "Miaka lead Akue, Saori, and myself to the shrine of Suzaku to pray for your return safety home. Only the thing was, Akue seemed quite hesitant to go into the shrine."
Hotohori nodded. "Go on."
"Only a few seconds after she entered, she seemed to be overcome with a sense of pain... a strong discomfort. Her entire body shook. A moment later she got up and ran out. I followed her, and she seemed to be just fine." Chiriko told the confused Hotohori.
Hotohori put a hand up to his chin. "What are you suggesting?"
"I doubt it was coincidence, Sire. Something in the Holy Shrine of Suzaku affected her. The fact that she is from Hokkan has nothing to do with it. I just wonder..."
"If she is of Kutou? A spy?" Hotohori finished.
"That is one explanation." Chiriko concurred.
Hotohori shook his head at Chiriko. "For one, she would have to be a very loyal spy to have been effected, and she did call upon Hokkan's army, did she not?" Chiriko was going to say something, but Hotohori continued.
"if it worries you that much, then keep an eye on her." Hotohori seemed slightly unsure now himself, but returned to the dance.
"Isn't this fun, Taka?" Miaka asked as her and her husband turned about the marble floor. Miaka wore a silvery, sleeve-less dress. It fanned out around her midsection. Her hair was in two odangos, both fastened with shiny barrettes. Taka himself wore a dark blue robe that was decorated with purple lining. "It's a good way to celebrate. I wonder how much that food costs...."
Instead of scolding Taka for his constant talk on money, Miaka pulled out her own habit. "Food?" She looked around. "Where?"
Taka sighed and pointed. Miaka jumped and ran for the table.
**********************************
"The information is potent." Nakago explained to Soi. "It will help greatly"
~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~
"Lady Mayo," Nakago asked the night after the battle, the same night Konan's Adori was being held. "Tell me, why did you come here?"
Mayo looked up at Nakago, surprised by his question. She had grown to trust the blonde, so she didn't wonder why he asked it.
"Things in my world weren't working out." She stated. "I... someone I really.... liked was pulling away."
"Tamahome, or should I say, Taka?"
Mayo looked at Nakago in Alarm. "How did you know his name? How did you know it was Tamahome?"
Nakago looked straight into Mayo's eyes from where he sat on her bed. "The information came to me. Lady Mayo, by summoning the beast go Seiryu, you could have him with you now."
Mayo shook her head. "No... I know what you did to Yui-sempai... I won't become the priestess."
Nakago continued speaking, calmly. "Have I not shown you anything other than hospitality since your arrival? Don't you realize it? The reason the Seiryu seven were reborn was just to grant your wishes, Lady Mayo."
"I.... I...." Though she knew what had happened from her 'flash' encounter with the book, Mayo believed in everything Nakago was saying. The Seiryu Seven can't live without a priestess, and she was the only one there. Maybe when she went into the book the first time, she was destined to be the Priestess of Seiryu, not Suzaku..."
A lit candle by Mayo's bed flickered, it's violet scent filling the room.
Mayo breathed in deeply. "Nakago, perhaps you are right." She pulled her covers up. "I will consider your proposal, and see you in the morning."
"Whatever you wish." Nakago bowed and left.
***************************
"Bloody Nakago....." Keisuke raged out loud, taking a rest from the book.
"When he talks, he has a way of making you believe everything he says..." Yui commented. "You just want to trust him..." Yui remembered the time she had believed Nakago when he had told her he loved her. She looked at Tetsuya. "Mayo will have to realize it on her own... I just don't know if she'll make the right choice..."
***************************
Late into the night, Miaka had woken, and ran to one of the Palace's kitchens for a midnight snack. After grabbing three rolls, she sneakily darted up a small flight of stairs to return to her quarters. She hoped she didn't wake Taka up... but then she heard something that would.
"You are a complete idiot!" Akue's voice rang throughout the hallway, yet it sounded like she was trying to keep it down.
"You're one to be talking!" Tasuki's voice intervened.
Miaka's stomach bothered her, so she decided not to eavesdrop and turned into her room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And you NEVER shut up!" said the tired Nuriko. "For heavens sake! People are sleeping! Can't you take your arguments outside?"
"I'd through her outside..." Tasuki mumbled.
"Excuse me?" Akue shot back from down the breakfast table. "I thought GENTLEMEN weren't supposed to hurt girls!"
"I HATE girls." Tasuki raised his voice.
Akue brought her hand up to her mouth. "Oh, so you're THAT kind of guy....."
Tasuki turned red. "What? Shuddap! I am not! You don't know what the hell you're talking about!"
"Watch your mouth!" Akue yelled. "You drink AND swear! No wonder you have to like men!"
Tasuki was infuriated. "I DO NOT like men!!!!"
"SHUT UP! BOTH OF YOU!!!!"
Akue and Tasuki both hushed, surprised that Nuriko could yell louder than the both of them combined.
Nuriko sat back down. "Keep your comments and opinions to yourselves! No one else wants to hear them!"
Akue looked around the room. Miaka and Taka were by the doorway, afraid to even walk in. She sighed. "Fine, Nuriko, you're right." She shot a fierce look at Tasuki, and left.
After she passed, Miaka and Taka walked in.
"Weren't Ambassadors supposed to solve problems?" Taka poked.
"She's just a very opinionated woman." Nuriko replied, sipping a cup of tea.
"I think she's nice." Miaka pointed out. "She's always friendly to Taka and I."
"Me too." Nuriko put down his tea. He looked over at Tasuki.
"What?" Tasuki objected. "SHE starts all the fights!"
Nuriko sighed loudly. "Why don't we forget about it and enjoy breakfast? Everything lately seems to be revolving around Akue..." He looked around.
"Miaka, how have you been lately?"
Miaka smiled. "Fine!"
"And hungry..." Taka added.