All right! We are now rid of a character, and ready to start out again!
I really liked this chapter when I first wrote it for some reason. but you
be the judge ^_^
Thank you to the reviewers! (And please don't stop!)
Chapter 15 : Unsure Bravery
"The small country of Konan laid quiet for two peaceful weeks. Hotohori regained his strength, and was again fit to fully rule his land." Tetsuya read from the book. Yui had her head on his lap, her arms supporting her. She was laid out over the couch. Tetsuya had one hand on her shoulder, which he lifted occasionally to turn a page. "The bandit, Tasuki, returned after being gone for a portion of the elapsed time, and Nuriko came shortly after. Good and bad news laid close ahead..."
************************************
"Mitsukake is in with her right now." Hotohori assured.
Boushin was uneasy. His mother hadn't been seriously ill, but for the past week she had been coming down with stomach problems. She had remained in bed for most of the days.
"Mitsukake will heal her." Saori smiled, feet together and hands behind her back.
Boushin grinned. Saori's cheerfulness was surely helpful.
Hotohori, Boushin, Saori, Nuriko, and Tasuki all stood in a hallway outside Houki's bedroom. There was some talking coming from inside, and finally Mitsukake emerged.
He came out with a large smile on his face.
Boushin ran up to him. "Is she all right? Did you heal her?"
Mitsukake shook his head 'no.' "She does not need to be healed."
Tasuki looked confused. "But wasn't she hurling 'n stuff?"
Mitsukake turned to the emperor. "I wouldn't think of it, but the empress is pregnant."
Hotohori went wide-eyed.
Boushin was shocked too, but Saori yelped and jumped into the air, excited. She threw her arms around the young emperor's neck, and then Boushin too couldn't help but be glad.
Nuriko smirked and put his hand over his mouth. "Who would have thought..."
Tasuki, of course, was less modest. "Hotohori! You've been busy!"
Tasuki felt a swift blow to his shoulder and found himself meeting with the opposite wall. Nuriko brushed off his hands.
"Are... are you sure?" Hotohori asked.
Mitsukake nodded. "Unless..."
"No... no..." Hotohori commented. Finally, he looked quiet gleeful. "This is wonderful news. I cannot wait to inform Miaka and Taka."
Saori released her grip, blushing slightly. "When ARE they coming back?"
"Well, soon I hope. The two lovebirds can't be gone forever." Nuriko said. He looked around. "Well, I will take the honors of telling Chichiri, unless you would like to do so, highness."
Hotohori waved his hand. "It is all right, Nuriko. You may inform him."
"Let me come too!" Saori squealed. She followed the purple haired man down the corridors to look for the monk.
~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~
Soon the news of Houki's pregnancy spread throughout the entire palace. Cheers were heard being raised, whether among officials or by the clanging of glasses. The celebration lasted into the mid-afternoon, until another important matter was brought afoot. One, perhaps, that had the very opposite effect.
"Sire, I've received a message from a watchman in Hokkan." Reported a messenger who had come from the northern entrances. "I can give it to you or read it aloud."
Hotohori seemed quite interested. "Please, go on."
Saori, Boushin, and Chichiri occupied the throne room too.
The male messenger unstuck the clay seal of Genbu on the flap of the beige envelope. He took out a short letter and began to read:
Emperor of Konan,
I find it my duty to inform you that the villages of Kiseki, Noko, and Eisuki of Hokkan have suffered heavy attacks from Kutou armies. I assume Hokkan troops will be sent to Kutou, and they will be sent to Konan at your request.
The letter wasn't signed. Hotohori sighed. It seemed his cheerfulness refused to last an entire day. The features on his face grew serious, and somewhat angry. He stood up.
"I want the prepared Konan troops to ship to Hokkan immediately." He ordered. "I will not request assistance, but return it. It is the least I can do to repay Konan's debt."
Magistrates and men in the far edges of the room began rapidly moving about to put the Emperor's orders to work.
Hotohori turned to the magician. "Chichiri, can you locate Miaka and Taka?"
Chichiri nodded.
"Then please, bring them back to the palace where they are needed, and where it is safe." Hotohori requested. "Taka's village is too close to the borders from comfort."
"Will do, no da." Chichiri replied. Instantly, without even thinking, He disappeared into his hat, a jingle of his staff following him.
Nuriko, Chiriko, and Tasuki ran into the room. "What's all the fuss about?" Nuriko questioned.
"My father has sent Konan troops to Hokkan to aid in an attack." Boushin replied. "Word was sent that the northern country was attacked by Kutou."
Tasuki punched his other hand. "I hate Kutou..." He murmured. Saori thought she heard cursing, but Tasuki kept his voice too low to tell.
"Well what are we standing around here for?" Nuriko asked. "Shouldn't we go kick something?"
Hotohori turned around. "We are to remain here until the return of Miaka and Taka."
"Are our plans cancelled?" Saori asked to Chiriko.
"You may stay within the capital, that is all I ask of you." Hotohori directed. "However, if Kutou's attacks are once again turned towards Konan, you will have much stricter limitations."
Saori bowed in gratitude. She decided she would wait for Miaka and Taka to return before her and Chiriko went into town. Perhaps the couple would like to join them.
And they did want to. As a matter-of-fact, they returned just an hour later, teleported with Chichiri by use of his hat. Still waiting for things to calm down, and with Chiriko's best judgment, the quartet waited until the following afternoon to go into town.
Taka and Chiriko rode on a horse, and Saori and Miaka walked. They insisted on it, since they were still new to the environment. The markets were much different than the shopping malls in Tokyo. Hotohori graciously gave them spending money, which Miaka and Saori had to literally wrestle away from Taka.
"Wow!" Saori gasped as she marveled at a stand owned by a middle-aged woman. The booth was covered with sparkling hair barrettes and pieces of all types. The selection ranged from simple, thin, and plain to large and extravagant decorations that covered your head like a crown.
Miaka joined Saori at the stand, the sparkling stone and jewels reflecting in their eyes.
"Aren't they gorgeous? You can't get anything like this in Japan!" Saori exclaimed.
"They would look really nice on you." Miaka commented. She poked at Saori's head. "You always wear something in your hair, right?"
Saori's hand lifted up and she traced a finger down her own, simple barrettes. She wore two on each side of her hair, which is how she liked it. She looked back at the merchandise. Hotohori gave them spending money to spend, so she shouldn't feel greedy. Just some nice ones would make her happy.
Miaka picked up a long blue one. Several short strings of golden beads dangled from it. She held it up to Saori's hair. "How about this one? It comes with a pair too."
Saori took the barrette from Miaka. "It's really beautiful..." She said. "But, It's a little over..."
"Change is good." Miaka smiled.
Saori put the barrette next to its match on the table. The woman smiled at her.
Saori stared at a large headband studded with emeralds. It reflected the light perfectly. Then there was a long oval, silver one that fastened the front of your hair in the back. Images of roses were engraved on it. She felt the bumps with her fingers. Next to it was a set of picks, they were red with gold lace designs. They reminded Saori of Inami.
She sighed. She brought her hands back to herself, and stumbled clumsily upon another barrette. It was gold and round, with the center missing, like a flat ring. A red band ran across its center, it was shaped like a long skinny bird.
"How about this one?" Miaka asked, holding up an identical piece. She noticed Saori had the same one, and they both laughed. Miaka held it to her. "It's Suzaku... I'm pretty sure. They would look really nice on you, one for each side."
Saori accepted the barrette. She got the seller's attention. "Excuse me, how much for these two?"
The old woman smiled. "You're in luck. Those ones are sale. Just five pieces for both."
Saori assumed she meant five of the gold coins, though she wasn't sure what they were called. She pulled them out of a bag, which was in A satchel that hung over her neck and one of her shoulders. The woman held open her hand, and Saori paid her. She put the money sack back in the purse, and a letter fell out.
"Oh no..." Saori kneeled down to pick up the letter. Miaka helped.
"What's this?" The red head asked. She looked at it. It had a royal seal on it. She looked at Saori. "Saori?"
Saori blushed slightly. She placed the letter in her purse with the money and the barrettes. "I... um... it's a letter from one of the palace's magistrates. I got it this morning."
Miaka looked curious. Her and Saori started back for the horse, where Taka sat impatiently. "Well? Are you in trouble?"
Saori blushed more. "I... I was invited to join Boushin's Harem. I suppose they saw me with him the other day and got the idea..."
Miaka smiled so wide it seemed her ears were going to pop off. "Really? That's great! Do you like him?!"
"Like who?" Taka asked. Miaka nearly ran into the horse.
Saori's cheeks reddened. "Uh... no... no one."
Chiriko smiled.
"You think it could have taken you any longer? Jeez.... girls and their shopping..." Taka complained.
Miaka looked upset. "Your DAUGHTER is a girl! You better get used to it, Taka Sukunami..."
"I believe there's a building up here that sells books, perhaps we can stop there?" Chiriko asked, trying to avoid an argument from the couple.
Saori grinned. "Why not?"
Taka kicked the horse and they walked slowly through the crowded streets. Sure enough, a small building came in sight.
Taka hopped off, followed by Chiriko. He took the reigns and tied to horse up at a small gate. "Coming?"
Miaka followed after him.
Saori turned around. "I'll be right there."
The three walked inside, the store being nearly three-sided.
Saori walked to a booth nearby. Several hooks hung from the top, and simple, beaded necklaces and bracelets hung from them.
There was a man in a brown robe behind them. "Hello pretty, how can I help you?"
Saori scanned the necklaces. One had medium sized beads strung on it. The beads were made of wood, and they were yellow, red, and brown. A White feather completed the piece at the bottom.
"Yes, I'll take this." She pointed. Not wasting time, she took out a handful of money and let the salesman pick out the right price. He took three of the gold pieces, one silver. He handed Saori the necklace.
"Thank you!" Saori called. She turned and hurried to the bookshop. She put the necklace under the letter in the satchel. 'It will match Mayo's hair... she'll like it.' She thought.
She ran into the shop. The walls and two shelves in the center of the room were covered with books, all shapes and sizes. But there was no sign of the others. She checked twice, and didn't see them. Had they gone looking for her?
Just as Saori began to worry, she heard a scream from behind her, she turned around.
The town's people were fleeing in every direction, scampering away from a familiar scene. Miaka was tied up by part of the rope belonging to Suboshi's meteor bells, and Chiriko and Taka stood outside the weapon's limits. Taka had his fists up, trying to find a way to get through. He looked incredibly angry. The horse on the gate reared back and neighed loudly in fright. The spinning orbs Saori had already been hit with swung around Suboshi in a dangerous way.
Saori got down on her hands and knees and crawled quickly behind a corner of one of the walls. She scrunched together, since the wall wasn't extremely concealing. From where she was she could see Suboshi and the others from a rear view, but she wasn't completely behind the Seiryu Warrior. She could easily be seen if she didn't stay low.
She looked around, frantically. All the merchandisers and customers were gone. Why weren't they helping? A dozen normal people should be able to out through the boy...
Saori was scared. Inami had nearly had her arm taken off by one of those things.
Miaka's hands clasped best they could around the part of the rope twisted around her neck. It wrapped around her body a good four or five times, yet Suboshi still had enough left to hurl the weapons at Taka and Chiriko.
"Damn!!!!" Taka yelled, dodging another attack. "I can't get near him!"
"You can't get around to him without harming Miaka!" Chiriko logically proclaimed.
Suboshi seemed quite happy. With only Taka and Chiriko as his adversaries, the Suzaku no Miko was as good as his.
After a minute or two, Suboshi, still protected by his weapon's barrier, began to step back slowly. Miaka's feet didn't even touch the ground, the ropes were so strong. He was slowly, slowly getting away.
Saori bit her lip. Her shoulders shook with fear and anxiety.
"Miaka's going to be killed!" She whispered to herself. "If only Taka could get near him... oh no!" She cried. Suboshi was now almost horizontal to her, she lay only a few degrees behind him. If he continued advancing to her other side, she'd be spotted. Saori knew she was easy prey.
"In the game of Nisuya, you have to take risks or you'll lose the game..."
Saori perked up as she remembered Chiriko's instructions for the game she had played to pass time over the long weeks. She jerked her head back at the fight. Her zoning out made her miss something... Taka's pants were ripped on the outside of his thigh, and red blood slowly oozed out of the fresh wound. Chiriko stood much farther back, seeing how even in his older years he was not much of a fighter, but he shouted tips to Taka as he fought.
Saori pushed as far back into the wall as she could. Suboshi hadn't seen her... not yet. Maybe she could do something... act as a distraction. Perhaps she could allude Suboshi to allow just enough time for Taka to make a punch. No... that wouldn't work. In a second Suboshi could whip the bells around to hit her, and standing far enough away, assuming she could get out of distance, would not be a big enough distraction.
Suboshi was almost level with her. She had to do something fast. If not help, than hide, and quickly. Miaka was turning red in the face. As soon as Suboshi got far close enough to the next building, he could jump up and escape with Saori's friend. Taka was injured too....
Saori closed her eyes, still shaking with fear. She slowly stood up, staying pressed against the wall. She scooted away from the battle, towards the books. She slid her satchel off her shoulder.
"Wait....." She whispered... her eyes dashing between persons in the battle. "Wait.... one..... two..... three....."
Saori kicked off from the brick wall and ran as fast as she could towards Suboshi. Her face was hot and her heart beat faster than her feet moved. She closed her eyes and protected her head with her arms. This was it...
~*SMASH!!!!*~
Saori came into a head-to-head body-to-body collision with Suboshi. They both came hurtling to the ground, Suboshi breaking Saori's fall. Saori had been running so hard that the two skidded across the sandy road. The sudden shock forced Suboshi to release his grip on Miaka.
Dust flew everywhere. Saori coughed and looked around. Lifting her head, she found herself looking straight into the blue eyes of Suboshi.
Suboshi quickly used a hand and pushed Saori harshly off of him, sending her rolling hard the other way. He stood up, and felt a punch hit him hard in the side of his face.
Taka had gotten to him.
Suboshi stumbled back, gripping the ropes of his meteor bells. "STUPID GIRL!!!" He shouted.
Before he could wind up his weapons, Taka made another hit to his head. Suboshi stumbled back again.
"AAAAAAA!!!!!" Taka yelled, running at Suboshi.
He swung at air. Suboshi jumped up onto the next building and out of sight.
*****************************
"SHE DID IT!!!!! SHE ACTUALLY DID IT!!!!!!" Tetsuya shouted right as Keisuke came into the apartment.
"Did what?" Keisuke asked. Yui's jumping only confused him more.
Tetsuya through his hand into the air. "SHE DID IT KEISUKE!!!!"
"Did WHAT?!" Keisuke shouted back.
Yui ran to him. "Suboshi.... he came and attacked Miaka in the market place! Saori head-rammed him and saved the day!"
Author's Note: Ok, not as good as I remember it being, but oh well. ^_^ I got some wicked cool ideas for later on in this story last night though. *evil grin*
Thank you to the reviewers! (And please don't stop!)
Chapter 15 : Unsure Bravery
"The small country of Konan laid quiet for two peaceful weeks. Hotohori regained his strength, and was again fit to fully rule his land." Tetsuya read from the book. Yui had her head on his lap, her arms supporting her. She was laid out over the couch. Tetsuya had one hand on her shoulder, which he lifted occasionally to turn a page. "The bandit, Tasuki, returned after being gone for a portion of the elapsed time, and Nuriko came shortly after. Good and bad news laid close ahead..."
************************************
"Mitsukake is in with her right now." Hotohori assured.
Boushin was uneasy. His mother hadn't been seriously ill, but for the past week she had been coming down with stomach problems. She had remained in bed for most of the days.
"Mitsukake will heal her." Saori smiled, feet together and hands behind her back.
Boushin grinned. Saori's cheerfulness was surely helpful.
Hotohori, Boushin, Saori, Nuriko, and Tasuki all stood in a hallway outside Houki's bedroom. There was some talking coming from inside, and finally Mitsukake emerged.
He came out with a large smile on his face.
Boushin ran up to him. "Is she all right? Did you heal her?"
Mitsukake shook his head 'no.' "She does not need to be healed."
Tasuki looked confused. "But wasn't she hurling 'n stuff?"
Mitsukake turned to the emperor. "I wouldn't think of it, but the empress is pregnant."
Hotohori went wide-eyed.
Boushin was shocked too, but Saori yelped and jumped into the air, excited. She threw her arms around the young emperor's neck, and then Boushin too couldn't help but be glad.
Nuriko smirked and put his hand over his mouth. "Who would have thought..."
Tasuki, of course, was less modest. "Hotohori! You've been busy!"
Tasuki felt a swift blow to his shoulder and found himself meeting with the opposite wall. Nuriko brushed off his hands.
"Are... are you sure?" Hotohori asked.
Mitsukake nodded. "Unless..."
"No... no..." Hotohori commented. Finally, he looked quiet gleeful. "This is wonderful news. I cannot wait to inform Miaka and Taka."
Saori released her grip, blushing slightly. "When ARE they coming back?"
"Well, soon I hope. The two lovebirds can't be gone forever." Nuriko said. He looked around. "Well, I will take the honors of telling Chichiri, unless you would like to do so, highness."
Hotohori waved his hand. "It is all right, Nuriko. You may inform him."
"Let me come too!" Saori squealed. She followed the purple haired man down the corridors to look for the monk.
~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~
Soon the news of Houki's pregnancy spread throughout the entire palace. Cheers were heard being raised, whether among officials or by the clanging of glasses. The celebration lasted into the mid-afternoon, until another important matter was brought afoot. One, perhaps, that had the very opposite effect.
"Sire, I've received a message from a watchman in Hokkan." Reported a messenger who had come from the northern entrances. "I can give it to you or read it aloud."
Hotohori seemed quite interested. "Please, go on."
Saori, Boushin, and Chichiri occupied the throne room too.
The male messenger unstuck the clay seal of Genbu on the flap of the beige envelope. He took out a short letter and began to read:
Emperor of Konan,
I find it my duty to inform you that the villages of Kiseki, Noko, and Eisuki of Hokkan have suffered heavy attacks from Kutou armies. I assume Hokkan troops will be sent to Kutou, and they will be sent to Konan at your request.
The letter wasn't signed. Hotohori sighed. It seemed his cheerfulness refused to last an entire day. The features on his face grew serious, and somewhat angry. He stood up.
"I want the prepared Konan troops to ship to Hokkan immediately." He ordered. "I will not request assistance, but return it. It is the least I can do to repay Konan's debt."
Magistrates and men in the far edges of the room began rapidly moving about to put the Emperor's orders to work.
Hotohori turned to the magician. "Chichiri, can you locate Miaka and Taka?"
Chichiri nodded.
"Then please, bring them back to the palace where they are needed, and where it is safe." Hotohori requested. "Taka's village is too close to the borders from comfort."
"Will do, no da." Chichiri replied. Instantly, without even thinking, He disappeared into his hat, a jingle of his staff following him.
Nuriko, Chiriko, and Tasuki ran into the room. "What's all the fuss about?" Nuriko questioned.
"My father has sent Konan troops to Hokkan to aid in an attack." Boushin replied. "Word was sent that the northern country was attacked by Kutou."
Tasuki punched his other hand. "I hate Kutou..." He murmured. Saori thought she heard cursing, but Tasuki kept his voice too low to tell.
"Well what are we standing around here for?" Nuriko asked. "Shouldn't we go kick something?"
Hotohori turned around. "We are to remain here until the return of Miaka and Taka."
"Are our plans cancelled?" Saori asked to Chiriko.
"You may stay within the capital, that is all I ask of you." Hotohori directed. "However, if Kutou's attacks are once again turned towards Konan, you will have much stricter limitations."
Saori bowed in gratitude. She decided she would wait for Miaka and Taka to return before her and Chiriko went into town. Perhaps the couple would like to join them.
And they did want to. As a matter-of-fact, they returned just an hour later, teleported with Chichiri by use of his hat. Still waiting for things to calm down, and with Chiriko's best judgment, the quartet waited until the following afternoon to go into town.
Taka and Chiriko rode on a horse, and Saori and Miaka walked. They insisted on it, since they were still new to the environment. The markets were much different than the shopping malls in Tokyo. Hotohori graciously gave them spending money, which Miaka and Saori had to literally wrestle away from Taka.
"Wow!" Saori gasped as she marveled at a stand owned by a middle-aged woman. The booth was covered with sparkling hair barrettes and pieces of all types. The selection ranged from simple, thin, and plain to large and extravagant decorations that covered your head like a crown.
Miaka joined Saori at the stand, the sparkling stone and jewels reflecting in their eyes.
"Aren't they gorgeous? You can't get anything like this in Japan!" Saori exclaimed.
"They would look really nice on you." Miaka commented. She poked at Saori's head. "You always wear something in your hair, right?"
Saori's hand lifted up and she traced a finger down her own, simple barrettes. She wore two on each side of her hair, which is how she liked it. She looked back at the merchandise. Hotohori gave them spending money to spend, so she shouldn't feel greedy. Just some nice ones would make her happy.
Miaka picked up a long blue one. Several short strings of golden beads dangled from it. She held it up to Saori's hair. "How about this one? It comes with a pair too."
Saori took the barrette from Miaka. "It's really beautiful..." She said. "But, It's a little over..."
"Change is good." Miaka smiled.
Saori put the barrette next to its match on the table. The woman smiled at her.
Saori stared at a large headband studded with emeralds. It reflected the light perfectly. Then there was a long oval, silver one that fastened the front of your hair in the back. Images of roses were engraved on it. She felt the bumps with her fingers. Next to it was a set of picks, they were red with gold lace designs. They reminded Saori of Inami.
She sighed. She brought her hands back to herself, and stumbled clumsily upon another barrette. It was gold and round, with the center missing, like a flat ring. A red band ran across its center, it was shaped like a long skinny bird.
"How about this one?" Miaka asked, holding up an identical piece. She noticed Saori had the same one, and they both laughed. Miaka held it to her. "It's Suzaku... I'm pretty sure. They would look really nice on you, one for each side."
Saori accepted the barrette. She got the seller's attention. "Excuse me, how much for these two?"
The old woman smiled. "You're in luck. Those ones are sale. Just five pieces for both."
Saori assumed she meant five of the gold coins, though she wasn't sure what they were called. She pulled them out of a bag, which was in A satchel that hung over her neck and one of her shoulders. The woman held open her hand, and Saori paid her. She put the money sack back in the purse, and a letter fell out.
"Oh no..." Saori kneeled down to pick up the letter. Miaka helped.
"What's this?" The red head asked. She looked at it. It had a royal seal on it. She looked at Saori. "Saori?"
Saori blushed slightly. She placed the letter in her purse with the money and the barrettes. "I... um... it's a letter from one of the palace's magistrates. I got it this morning."
Miaka looked curious. Her and Saori started back for the horse, where Taka sat impatiently. "Well? Are you in trouble?"
Saori blushed more. "I... I was invited to join Boushin's Harem. I suppose they saw me with him the other day and got the idea..."
Miaka smiled so wide it seemed her ears were going to pop off. "Really? That's great! Do you like him?!"
"Like who?" Taka asked. Miaka nearly ran into the horse.
Saori's cheeks reddened. "Uh... no... no one."
Chiriko smiled.
"You think it could have taken you any longer? Jeez.... girls and their shopping..." Taka complained.
Miaka looked upset. "Your DAUGHTER is a girl! You better get used to it, Taka Sukunami..."
"I believe there's a building up here that sells books, perhaps we can stop there?" Chiriko asked, trying to avoid an argument from the couple.
Saori grinned. "Why not?"
Taka kicked the horse and they walked slowly through the crowded streets. Sure enough, a small building came in sight.
Taka hopped off, followed by Chiriko. He took the reigns and tied to horse up at a small gate. "Coming?"
Miaka followed after him.
Saori turned around. "I'll be right there."
The three walked inside, the store being nearly three-sided.
Saori walked to a booth nearby. Several hooks hung from the top, and simple, beaded necklaces and bracelets hung from them.
There was a man in a brown robe behind them. "Hello pretty, how can I help you?"
Saori scanned the necklaces. One had medium sized beads strung on it. The beads were made of wood, and they were yellow, red, and brown. A White feather completed the piece at the bottom.
"Yes, I'll take this." She pointed. Not wasting time, she took out a handful of money and let the salesman pick out the right price. He took three of the gold pieces, one silver. He handed Saori the necklace.
"Thank you!" Saori called. She turned and hurried to the bookshop. She put the necklace under the letter in the satchel. 'It will match Mayo's hair... she'll like it.' She thought.
She ran into the shop. The walls and two shelves in the center of the room were covered with books, all shapes and sizes. But there was no sign of the others. She checked twice, and didn't see them. Had they gone looking for her?
Just as Saori began to worry, she heard a scream from behind her, she turned around.
The town's people were fleeing in every direction, scampering away from a familiar scene. Miaka was tied up by part of the rope belonging to Suboshi's meteor bells, and Chiriko and Taka stood outside the weapon's limits. Taka had his fists up, trying to find a way to get through. He looked incredibly angry. The horse on the gate reared back and neighed loudly in fright. The spinning orbs Saori had already been hit with swung around Suboshi in a dangerous way.
Saori got down on her hands and knees and crawled quickly behind a corner of one of the walls. She scrunched together, since the wall wasn't extremely concealing. From where she was she could see Suboshi and the others from a rear view, but she wasn't completely behind the Seiryu Warrior. She could easily be seen if she didn't stay low.
She looked around, frantically. All the merchandisers and customers were gone. Why weren't they helping? A dozen normal people should be able to out through the boy...
Saori was scared. Inami had nearly had her arm taken off by one of those things.
Miaka's hands clasped best they could around the part of the rope twisted around her neck. It wrapped around her body a good four or five times, yet Suboshi still had enough left to hurl the weapons at Taka and Chiriko.
"Damn!!!!" Taka yelled, dodging another attack. "I can't get near him!"
"You can't get around to him without harming Miaka!" Chiriko logically proclaimed.
Suboshi seemed quite happy. With only Taka and Chiriko as his adversaries, the Suzaku no Miko was as good as his.
After a minute or two, Suboshi, still protected by his weapon's barrier, began to step back slowly. Miaka's feet didn't even touch the ground, the ropes were so strong. He was slowly, slowly getting away.
Saori bit her lip. Her shoulders shook with fear and anxiety.
"Miaka's going to be killed!" She whispered to herself. "If only Taka could get near him... oh no!" She cried. Suboshi was now almost horizontal to her, she lay only a few degrees behind him. If he continued advancing to her other side, she'd be spotted. Saori knew she was easy prey.
"In the game of Nisuya, you have to take risks or you'll lose the game..."
Saori perked up as she remembered Chiriko's instructions for the game she had played to pass time over the long weeks. She jerked her head back at the fight. Her zoning out made her miss something... Taka's pants were ripped on the outside of his thigh, and red blood slowly oozed out of the fresh wound. Chiriko stood much farther back, seeing how even in his older years he was not much of a fighter, but he shouted tips to Taka as he fought.
Saori pushed as far back into the wall as she could. Suboshi hadn't seen her... not yet. Maybe she could do something... act as a distraction. Perhaps she could allude Suboshi to allow just enough time for Taka to make a punch. No... that wouldn't work. In a second Suboshi could whip the bells around to hit her, and standing far enough away, assuming she could get out of distance, would not be a big enough distraction.
Suboshi was almost level with her. She had to do something fast. If not help, than hide, and quickly. Miaka was turning red in the face. As soon as Suboshi got far close enough to the next building, he could jump up and escape with Saori's friend. Taka was injured too....
Saori closed her eyes, still shaking with fear. She slowly stood up, staying pressed against the wall. She scooted away from the battle, towards the books. She slid her satchel off her shoulder.
"Wait....." She whispered... her eyes dashing between persons in the battle. "Wait.... one..... two..... three....."
Saori kicked off from the brick wall and ran as fast as she could towards Suboshi. Her face was hot and her heart beat faster than her feet moved. She closed her eyes and protected her head with her arms. This was it...
~*SMASH!!!!*~
Saori came into a head-to-head body-to-body collision with Suboshi. They both came hurtling to the ground, Suboshi breaking Saori's fall. Saori had been running so hard that the two skidded across the sandy road. The sudden shock forced Suboshi to release his grip on Miaka.
Dust flew everywhere. Saori coughed and looked around. Lifting her head, she found herself looking straight into the blue eyes of Suboshi.
Suboshi quickly used a hand and pushed Saori harshly off of him, sending her rolling hard the other way. He stood up, and felt a punch hit him hard in the side of his face.
Taka had gotten to him.
Suboshi stumbled back, gripping the ropes of his meteor bells. "STUPID GIRL!!!" He shouted.
Before he could wind up his weapons, Taka made another hit to his head. Suboshi stumbled back again.
"AAAAAAA!!!!!" Taka yelled, running at Suboshi.
He swung at air. Suboshi jumped up onto the next building and out of sight.
*****************************
"SHE DID IT!!!!! SHE ACTUALLY DID IT!!!!!!" Tetsuya shouted right as Keisuke came into the apartment.
"Did what?" Keisuke asked. Yui's jumping only confused him more.
Tetsuya through his hand into the air. "SHE DID IT KEISUKE!!!!"
"Did WHAT?!" Keisuke shouted back.
Yui ran to him. "Suboshi.... he came and attacked Miaka in the market place! Saori head-rammed him and saved the day!"
Author's Note: Ok, not as good as I remember it being, but oh well. ^_^ I got some wicked cool ideas for later on in this story last night though. *evil grin*