To readers: I will try to check my spelling more carefully, though the
spell check and even my own eyes don't pick up on everything, but they will
if I make them! And yes, my worse habit is mixing up "threw" and
"through." It drives me nuts. Um, as for this chapter, you be the judge.
Chapter 23 : When Darkness Falls
"Saori! Keep up!"
Saori laughed loudly, trying to run on the wet grass. She pulled her arm up in attempts to block out the cold sprinkler water from her face, though it didn't work. Finally, her bare feet gave way, sending her soaking wet to the green lawn.
Saori giggled, shaking water out of her hair, though the fact that she was directly under the sprinkler didn't help.
The tall red head trotted over in her tank top and short shorts, squatting down. "Clumsy."
Saori wiped her eyes, a goofy grin on her face. "It's so cold! That hurt!"
Mayo and Saori burst out in laughter at the same time. Saori grabbed the sprinkler on the hose and pointed it at Mayo, swarming her friend with the icy water in the hot sun.
Mayo screamed. "Ah! Stop it!" She rolled over and covered her head as if it were an earthquake. Saori finally put the sprinkler down, somewhat farther away. She sat next to Mayo, shivering.
"Well... your idea DID work, we are a lot cooler..."
Mayo looked up, her hair dripping with water. "Cooler? I'm freezing!" Mayo rubbed her arms furiously to rid herself of her goose bumps.
Saori fell back, stretching out under the sky. "I can't wait until I'm out of high school. Maybe I can take a little break and have some more free time. Wouldn't that be great, Mayo? Mayo?" Saori sat up, and instantly got a reply. Mayo had grabbed the sprinkler and was getting sweet revenge.
Saori shielded her face. "AH! Quit it! Mayo!!!"
*******************************************************
Saori now sat in her bedroom on top of her bed, the blankets covering her legs. The sun showed brightly through her windows, spreading light throughout the entire room. The mirror in the corner was turned around so that it faced the wall, which one could easily decipher why. In Saori's hands was a nearly empty blue case of lipstick. She rolled it from her palm, to her fingers, and then to her other hand, back and forth. Saori sighed. It was pretty quiet. Saori didn't know whether to enjoy the peace or not. She did finally get what she wished for; she had more than enough free time on her hands. Of course, it seemed to be either that or suffering through another terrifying ordeal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Suzaku Seven, plus the Hokkan Ambassador, Boushin, and Miaka, once again seated themselves around a large rectangular table. It seemed you could tell something was wrong when they were called there.
"There must be a reason Kutou finds Miaka to be such a threat, no da." Chichiri explained, his staff leaning against the wall. "We need to find out just what the Seiryu Seven are up to, no da."
"We don't know where they are, so they probably have something up their sleeves." Nuriko commented.
Hotohori looked to Tamahome. "I think it is first priority to keep Miaka safe. Someone should be with her at all times, especially if she wants to go outside."
Miaka stared at her hands in her lap, twiddling her thumbs. Inami and Tasuki were both silent throughout nearly the entire discussion, and they both sat at opposite ends of the table.
Chichiri sighed. "I still have that bad feeling, no da. It hasn't gone away, no da. I've felt it for a while, but now it's too strong to ignore, no da."
"I'd have to say I've felt it too." Nuriko added. Chiriko nodded as well.
"Is it possible that Suzaku may need to be summoned?" Hotohori asked.
Chichiri shook his head. "There isn't any solid evidence or reason that Suzaku would need to be brought forth again, no da. However, I'm positive there's a reason Miaka and Tamahome are still here, no da. However, Majesty, I'm not sure if the summoning would work even if we tried, no da."
Hotohori waited for Chichiri to continue.
Chichiri looked out passed the table. "Miaka is no longer a virgin, no da. A priestess must be entirely pure to summon a beast god, no da."
Miaka bowed her head lower, as if the weight of guilt bent hard on her shoulders. Tamahome put his arm around her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A knock came at the door.
Saori snapped out of her phase. "Come in." She said, placing the lipstick down on her nightstand.
The knob slowly turned, and the door opened to reveal the handsome prince entering Saori's neatly cleaned room. He exchanged a smile with the brunette.
"Saori," he began, "I was wondering if perhaps you would care to join me in attending a show from the Banian Choir with me. They're quite good. They've traveled from Sairo, and will only be here for another week until they head north."
Saori blinked. "A choir?"
Boushin nodded. "Yes, I would understand if you would not wish to go..." Boushin added, studying Saori's face.
"Huh? No! Really, I think I'd like that." Saori interrupted, suddenly feeling a faint streak of red on her cheeks.
Boushin smiled.
*****************************************
Keisuke looked up from his reading. He had heard the deadbolt turn, and a jingle of keys.
Miaka's front door gently opened, a blonde's head emerging from two bags of groceries. Keisuke put the book down and ran to help her, taking off some of her load.
"Thanks Keisuke." Yui said, closing the door with her foot behind her. "Anything new happen?"
Keisuke smirked. "You will not BELIEVE what Inami did. What timing! Right after Miaka's..." Keisuke stopped himself, remembering what Tetsuya said about worrying Yui.
Yui rolled her eyes. "Miaka's what?"
Keisuke didn't want Yui to take it too hard. She was in such a good mood. Nevertheless, Keisuke told her.
"But she's all right now?" Yui asked.
Keisuke nodded. "Right as rain!"
Yui's expression did waver. Of all things too, Yui remembered when she was the ones ordering those spies around. A shiver ran up her spine.
Yui removed a slip of paper from her pocket and placed it on the fridge with a magnet. "Miaka better pay me back for all of this, and then some." Yui complained. "I'm talking big bucks here."
Keisuke smiled.
Yui turned around, hands on hips. "I think we all need a break from that book. We'll go insane."
Keisuke nodded. "All right, we can watch a movie or something, just let me finish a few more pages, okay?"
Yui consented and sat down on the couch next to Keisuke, who opened the book and began where he left off.
"Boushin and Saori attended the Banian Choir. Saori was a little embarrassed to receive special seats, and all eyes were on her and the Prince of Konan. A few days later..."
**************************************************
~Inami wore a loose fitting, sleeveless yellow robe, which blew lightly in the warm wind. Her hair was pulled back like always. A small yellow flower flew from her palm, its petals catching on the breeze.
"I'm not used to it." Inami said quietly to herself. "It's been so long, I'm not used to the fighting." She looked up through the leafy trees. "The headaches are back. It's been so long since I've had them, but they've started again..." Inami reached her hand up to her forehead. Almost as soon as she did so, she gasped and pulled her hand quickly away. Her headband had burned her fingers, however when she looked down at them, but there was no mark.
"What...?" Inami asked.
A twig snapped suddenly. Inami stood up straight. She looked around. "Who's there?!"
The bright sunny sky quickly darkened to an evening glow, the wind getting stronger. Inami looked in front of her in shock. A shadow, darker that the night sky, spread quickly from a tree, spreading to the sides as well as up and down the trunk. It continued on from the base, and even the top of the tree, crawling like fingers over the ground. Soon the whole of the scenery turned black.
Inami stepped back. "Who are you?!"
A low chuckle was heard. "I, my dear girl, am your defeat."
Inami immediately reached under her robe and pulled out a long gold object, about a foot in length. Instantly it flung out of her hands, landing somewhere amongst the dark abyss.
"You're defenseless." The man's voice stated calmly.
Inami shrieked at the touch of cold on her legs. The black shadows were closing in on her, and slowly climbed up her body. She pulled away quickly, freeing herself. However, the shadows followed her moves and started climbing again.
"You're a problem that I just can't have." The male voice explained evilly.
Inami's hand caught onto the black. She couldn't move her arm. She struggled desperately to get free. The shadows felt like thick, cold mud, tightening around her as they climbed higher... higher...~
Inami gasped as she sat up quickly in bed. She felt a thin sweat on her face. Her breathing was fairly heavy. Around her were the familiar contents of her room, lightly highlighted by the light from the moon coming in from her window, where the curtains were pulled aside.
Inami's head pounded. She felt under her pillow to ensure that the gold object was still there. She placed her hand over her forehead, feeling a minor sense of relief.. "I think I'm going insane..." She whispered. She looked up at the walls again, shaking her head at her own insecurities.
A moment passed, and Inami began to smooth out her covers. before something caught her attention.
Inami's eyes went wide. The same black shadow, the same darkness emerged from her walls, spreading quickly over them and the ceiling. They crawled like leaking paint, dripping down to the floor and over the furniture. Inami saw them coming over her bed, and quickly jumped off, her breath and heart quickening in their paces. Her shoulder shook as the darkness inhaled her bed, her room.
"No..." She whispered.
And she felt it like needles. The cold, dark thickness covered her bare feet. This time it was much more real, like slowly submerging into ice water. Inami kicked her foot back, but the shadows stuck like glue. Like a snake the blackness climbed up her bare legs, constricting them from movement. Inami cried and tried desperately to move, but to no avail, caught in oblivion as to what was happening.
"No... please..." She whispered as the cold came closer. She could even feel its touch through her clothes. Her hands were bound tightly together at her waist, the shadows now at her bust line.
Suddenly a sheer panic swept through Inami. She pushed and pulled frantically. "Get off of me!!!" She screamed, the shadows around her neck. "Leave me ALONE!!!"
There was nothing but black. No one to turn to. Tears escaped Inami's eyes. Finally, in a swift wave, the blackness swept over Inami's head.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!"
Several palace guests sat up from the loud scream. It was shortly followed by a blunt thump.
"What was that?!" Miaka shrieked.
Nuriko flung his covers off.
In under a minute Hotohori quickly sprinted down a staircase, His hair down and very loosely held together by a single band. He saw the Suzaku seven as well as Miaka all in the hallway.
"Chichiri! What on earth happened?!!" Hotohori exclaimed, relieved to see everyone all right.
Chichiri's brows furrowed. "That was from Inami's room, no da."
Nuriko and Tasuki exchanged panicked glances. At once the group of eight ran down the hallway and up a short flight of stairs to the Ambassador's room.
"Inami!" Nuriko shouted as he busted the door down. Everything in the room was in place, silent.
"Inami!" Miaka cried, running past Nuriko.
The Ambassador of Hokkan lay on the floor, her hair cascading around her. Her chest rose and fell quickly. Her breathing was hard as fast, her body limp. Her eyes were opened, filled with a dark color, lacking the reflection of the moonlight.
Nuriko, Chichiri, and Tamahome quickly ran beside Miaka and knelt down. Tears ran down the priestess's face.
Tamahome shook Inami's shoulders violently. "Snap out of it, Inami!" He shouted.
No change.
Miaka turned around to the man standing over her. "Mitsukake!" She cried. "Help her, Please!!!"
Everyone moved aside to give Mitsukake room. He held his hand over Inami, green light coming forth.
After only a moment he pulled away. "It's no use. My powers will not work. She is suffering from something beyond my control."
Miaka cried, her face hot and cheeks wet. By Now Saori and Boushin were standing at the door.
Chichiri felt the Ambassador's forehead. "She's in shock." He stated. "If she doesn't get help soon, this will kill her."
Mitsukake felt her pulse. "She needs help. At this rate she'll die from a heart attack."
Tasuki and Chiriko looked over everyone's heads in shock.
Now Nuriko took Inami's shoulders. "INAMI! SNAP OUT OF IT!!!" He yelled.
No change.
"Her pupils are dilated." Tamahome said urgently. It seemed Inami's breathing grew heavier and faster.
Chichiri removed his mask and took a closer look. He looked towards Hotohori. "She seems to be suffering from something not physical. There is no sign of a break in, and no injuries."
"Inami never told me of any illnesses she had!" Hotohori said panicked. "What in the world..."
Tasuki stepped back, drawing some attention. He whipped out his fan quickly, looking around. "Something's not right, I'll tell you what." He looked to the magician. "I got a hunch."
Chichiri nodded. "Affecting one's mind, the power of illusion. Something has taken hold of the Ambassador."
Miaka spun around. "Tomo?!!" She sobbed.
"Tamahome!" Tasuki yelled. "That clown can't be too far from here if this is his doing!"
Tamahome stood up. "Let's go."
The duo ran to the large window and opened it. They'd have best chances of seeing anyone from the roof.
"I'm losing her." Mitsukake said, his fingers still on Inami's neck.
"Inami!" Miaka cried.
Tasuki and Tamahome jumped onto the roof. Tasuki's fan glowed with fire, acting as a bright torch in the night. His eyes shot from one direction to the next. "Damnit." He cursed. "Where the hell is he?!!!"
Tamahome suddenly jumped, looking to the left. "Tasuki! I think... Let's go!" He quickly said before leading the way down the long roof of the palace. "It's him! I know it!" He shouted back. He would never forget the eerie feeling he had from his own encounter with Tomo of the Seiryu seven, and he had it once again.
Saori stood at the opposite end of the room, covering her face with her hands to hide her own tears. She had never seen anyone die before. Boushin stood with his father, watching with terror at the young woman. Inami's breathing was quick and loud, out of rhythm with her heart. Mitsukake elevated her head, Nuriko's hand clasped tightly over hers.
Tamahome and Tasuki had made it out on the hills beside the palace, beyond the west gardens. They ran up the first one they met, and miraculously found what they were searching for.
A man in a long red robe and a feathered crown turned around to face them, his face painted with white and blue. In his outstretched hand was a glowing clam.
"Well, well, the Suzaku Seven have come to challenge me." Tomo stated in his sickly smooth voice.
Tamahome stood with fist ready. Tasuki's fan fired up like an engine.
"Stop it Tomo, if you want to live!" Tamahome threatened.
Tomo cackled. "By all means, try to defeat me, Tamahome." Suddenly, the image of Tomo split and spread out before the two men's very eyes. Several identical personages of the Seiryu warrior stood before them in a circular stance, each with a replicated "Shin."
Suddenly, long feathers shot out from the group, heading straight forward to Tasuki and Tamahome. Tamahome quickly jumped, and Tasuki sped in a blur away.
"Let's see if your spells can keep up with me." Tasuki stated, his fangs revealing themselves in a confident smirk. He whizzed back and forth on the hill, nearly invisible.
Tamahome lunged at one of the Tomos, his fist flying forward. He past through as if hitting a ghost, and spun around to face his opponent again. "One down, twenty-nine to go." He estimated.
"REKKA SHINEN!!!"
A gust of fire swept over the eluded army. All vanished but one, who stood off from the center. Tamahome came from one side, and Tasuki from the other.
~
Inami's face changed from flushed to a pale shade. Her time was shortening. Mitsukake looked up at Nuriko and Miaka, shaking his head.
~
"REKKA SHINEN!!!" Tasuki repeated. The flames engulfed Tomo's hand. Tomo pulled away in pain. "Shin!!!" He yelled.
The open shell sizzled for a second, before bursting along with the orange flames.
~
"HUH!" Inami gasped, shooting forward. Everyone jumped back at the sudden movement. Inami coughed hard, Miaka patting her on the back, her tears subsiding lightly.
Inami looked around, still shaking. Everyone was swarming around her.
"You're okay!!!" Miaka screamed, throwing her arms around Inami's neck.
"Inami!" Nuriko shouted.
Saori flung herself into the group.
Inami looked around, puzzled. "What are you.... What happened?!" she asked.
Everyone moved away to give her some room.
"Inami, you do not know?" Hotohori asked.
Inami, pure bewilderness in her eyes, shook her head. "Why are you guys all here?"
~
"Get lost, Tomo." Tamahome ordered.
"We'll let you go..." Tasuki added, "In pieces! REKKA..."
Seeing that he was beaten, Tomo shot a scornful look, and a quick blue light engulfed him.
He was gone.
Tasuki dropped his fan, and cursed.
~
The window to Inami's bedroom slowly opened, a tired Tamahome stepping in. He was followed by Tasuki, whom had his fan folded in his hand.
Inami sat on the bed, along with the others, Miaka's hands still on her shoulders. Through the people, she met Tasuki's gaze, mouthing the words "Thank you."
Author's note: Wow, that chapter sucked. The writing wasn't too great, so I apologize! And after a second computerized spell check, I found that I spelled "spell" wrong. ^_^;;
Chapter 23 : When Darkness Falls
"Saori! Keep up!"
Saori laughed loudly, trying to run on the wet grass. She pulled her arm up in attempts to block out the cold sprinkler water from her face, though it didn't work. Finally, her bare feet gave way, sending her soaking wet to the green lawn.
Saori giggled, shaking water out of her hair, though the fact that she was directly under the sprinkler didn't help.
The tall red head trotted over in her tank top and short shorts, squatting down. "Clumsy."
Saori wiped her eyes, a goofy grin on her face. "It's so cold! That hurt!"
Mayo and Saori burst out in laughter at the same time. Saori grabbed the sprinkler on the hose and pointed it at Mayo, swarming her friend with the icy water in the hot sun.
Mayo screamed. "Ah! Stop it!" She rolled over and covered her head as if it were an earthquake. Saori finally put the sprinkler down, somewhat farther away. She sat next to Mayo, shivering.
"Well... your idea DID work, we are a lot cooler..."
Mayo looked up, her hair dripping with water. "Cooler? I'm freezing!" Mayo rubbed her arms furiously to rid herself of her goose bumps.
Saori fell back, stretching out under the sky. "I can't wait until I'm out of high school. Maybe I can take a little break and have some more free time. Wouldn't that be great, Mayo? Mayo?" Saori sat up, and instantly got a reply. Mayo had grabbed the sprinkler and was getting sweet revenge.
Saori shielded her face. "AH! Quit it! Mayo!!!"
*******************************************************
Saori now sat in her bedroom on top of her bed, the blankets covering her legs. The sun showed brightly through her windows, spreading light throughout the entire room. The mirror in the corner was turned around so that it faced the wall, which one could easily decipher why. In Saori's hands was a nearly empty blue case of lipstick. She rolled it from her palm, to her fingers, and then to her other hand, back and forth. Saori sighed. It was pretty quiet. Saori didn't know whether to enjoy the peace or not. She did finally get what she wished for; she had more than enough free time on her hands. Of course, it seemed to be either that or suffering through another terrifying ordeal.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Suzaku Seven, plus the Hokkan Ambassador, Boushin, and Miaka, once again seated themselves around a large rectangular table. It seemed you could tell something was wrong when they were called there.
"There must be a reason Kutou finds Miaka to be such a threat, no da." Chichiri explained, his staff leaning against the wall. "We need to find out just what the Seiryu Seven are up to, no da."
"We don't know where they are, so they probably have something up their sleeves." Nuriko commented.
Hotohori looked to Tamahome. "I think it is first priority to keep Miaka safe. Someone should be with her at all times, especially if she wants to go outside."
Miaka stared at her hands in her lap, twiddling her thumbs. Inami and Tasuki were both silent throughout nearly the entire discussion, and they both sat at opposite ends of the table.
Chichiri sighed. "I still have that bad feeling, no da. It hasn't gone away, no da. I've felt it for a while, but now it's too strong to ignore, no da."
"I'd have to say I've felt it too." Nuriko added. Chiriko nodded as well.
"Is it possible that Suzaku may need to be summoned?" Hotohori asked.
Chichiri shook his head. "There isn't any solid evidence or reason that Suzaku would need to be brought forth again, no da. However, I'm positive there's a reason Miaka and Tamahome are still here, no da. However, Majesty, I'm not sure if the summoning would work even if we tried, no da."
Hotohori waited for Chichiri to continue.
Chichiri looked out passed the table. "Miaka is no longer a virgin, no da. A priestess must be entirely pure to summon a beast god, no da."
Miaka bowed her head lower, as if the weight of guilt bent hard on her shoulders. Tamahome put his arm around her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A knock came at the door.
Saori snapped out of her phase. "Come in." She said, placing the lipstick down on her nightstand.
The knob slowly turned, and the door opened to reveal the handsome prince entering Saori's neatly cleaned room. He exchanged a smile with the brunette.
"Saori," he began, "I was wondering if perhaps you would care to join me in attending a show from the Banian Choir with me. They're quite good. They've traveled from Sairo, and will only be here for another week until they head north."
Saori blinked. "A choir?"
Boushin nodded. "Yes, I would understand if you would not wish to go..." Boushin added, studying Saori's face.
"Huh? No! Really, I think I'd like that." Saori interrupted, suddenly feeling a faint streak of red on her cheeks.
Boushin smiled.
*****************************************
Keisuke looked up from his reading. He had heard the deadbolt turn, and a jingle of keys.
Miaka's front door gently opened, a blonde's head emerging from two bags of groceries. Keisuke put the book down and ran to help her, taking off some of her load.
"Thanks Keisuke." Yui said, closing the door with her foot behind her. "Anything new happen?"
Keisuke smirked. "You will not BELIEVE what Inami did. What timing! Right after Miaka's..." Keisuke stopped himself, remembering what Tetsuya said about worrying Yui.
Yui rolled her eyes. "Miaka's what?"
Keisuke didn't want Yui to take it too hard. She was in such a good mood. Nevertheless, Keisuke told her.
"But she's all right now?" Yui asked.
Keisuke nodded. "Right as rain!"
Yui's expression did waver. Of all things too, Yui remembered when she was the ones ordering those spies around. A shiver ran up her spine.
Yui removed a slip of paper from her pocket and placed it on the fridge with a magnet. "Miaka better pay me back for all of this, and then some." Yui complained. "I'm talking big bucks here."
Keisuke smiled.
Yui turned around, hands on hips. "I think we all need a break from that book. We'll go insane."
Keisuke nodded. "All right, we can watch a movie or something, just let me finish a few more pages, okay?"
Yui consented and sat down on the couch next to Keisuke, who opened the book and began where he left off.
"Boushin and Saori attended the Banian Choir. Saori was a little embarrassed to receive special seats, and all eyes were on her and the Prince of Konan. A few days later..."
**************************************************
~Inami wore a loose fitting, sleeveless yellow robe, which blew lightly in the warm wind. Her hair was pulled back like always. A small yellow flower flew from her palm, its petals catching on the breeze.
"I'm not used to it." Inami said quietly to herself. "It's been so long, I'm not used to the fighting." She looked up through the leafy trees. "The headaches are back. It's been so long since I've had them, but they've started again..." Inami reached her hand up to her forehead. Almost as soon as she did so, she gasped and pulled her hand quickly away. Her headband had burned her fingers, however when she looked down at them, but there was no mark.
"What...?" Inami asked.
A twig snapped suddenly. Inami stood up straight. She looked around. "Who's there?!"
The bright sunny sky quickly darkened to an evening glow, the wind getting stronger. Inami looked in front of her in shock. A shadow, darker that the night sky, spread quickly from a tree, spreading to the sides as well as up and down the trunk. It continued on from the base, and even the top of the tree, crawling like fingers over the ground. Soon the whole of the scenery turned black.
Inami stepped back. "Who are you?!"
A low chuckle was heard. "I, my dear girl, am your defeat."
Inami immediately reached under her robe and pulled out a long gold object, about a foot in length. Instantly it flung out of her hands, landing somewhere amongst the dark abyss.
"You're defenseless." The man's voice stated calmly.
Inami shrieked at the touch of cold on her legs. The black shadows were closing in on her, and slowly climbed up her body. She pulled away quickly, freeing herself. However, the shadows followed her moves and started climbing again.
"You're a problem that I just can't have." The male voice explained evilly.
Inami's hand caught onto the black. She couldn't move her arm. She struggled desperately to get free. The shadows felt like thick, cold mud, tightening around her as they climbed higher... higher...~
Inami gasped as she sat up quickly in bed. She felt a thin sweat on her face. Her breathing was fairly heavy. Around her were the familiar contents of her room, lightly highlighted by the light from the moon coming in from her window, where the curtains were pulled aside.
Inami's head pounded. She felt under her pillow to ensure that the gold object was still there. She placed her hand over her forehead, feeling a minor sense of relief.. "I think I'm going insane..." She whispered. She looked up at the walls again, shaking her head at her own insecurities.
A moment passed, and Inami began to smooth out her covers. before something caught her attention.
Inami's eyes went wide. The same black shadow, the same darkness emerged from her walls, spreading quickly over them and the ceiling. They crawled like leaking paint, dripping down to the floor and over the furniture. Inami saw them coming over her bed, and quickly jumped off, her breath and heart quickening in their paces. Her shoulder shook as the darkness inhaled her bed, her room.
"No..." She whispered.
And she felt it like needles. The cold, dark thickness covered her bare feet. This time it was much more real, like slowly submerging into ice water. Inami kicked her foot back, but the shadows stuck like glue. Like a snake the blackness climbed up her bare legs, constricting them from movement. Inami cried and tried desperately to move, but to no avail, caught in oblivion as to what was happening.
"No... please..." She whispered as the cold came closer. She could even feel its touch through her clothes. Her hands were bound tightly together at her waist, the shadows now at her bust line.
Suddenly a sheer panic swept through Inami. She pushed and pulled frantically. "Get off of me!!!" She screamed, the shadows around her neck. "Leave me ALONE!!!"
There was nothing but black. No one to turn to. Tears escaped Inami's eyes. Finally, in a swift wave, the blackness swept over Inami's head.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!"
Several palace guests sat up from the loud scream. It was shortly followed by a blunt thump.
"What was that?!" Miaka shrieked.
Nuriko flung his covers off.
In under a minute Hotohori quickly sprinted down a staircase, His hair down and very loosely held together by a single band. He saw the Suzaku seven as well as Miaka all in the hallway.
"Chichiri! What on earth happened?!!" Hotohori exclaimed, relieved to see everyone all right.
Chichiri's brows furrowed. "That was from Inami's room, no da."
Nuriko and Tasuki exchanged panicked glances. At once the group of eight ran down the hallway and up a short flight of stairs to the Ambassador's room.
"Inami!" Nuriko shouted as he busted the door down. Everything in the room was in place, silent.
"Inami!" Miaka cried, running past Nuriko.
The Ambassador of Hokkan lay on the floor, her hair cascading around her. Her chest rose and fell quickly. Her breathing was hard as fast, her body limp. Her eyes were opened, filled with a dark color, lacking the reflection of the moonlight.
Nuriko, Chichiri, and Tamahome quickly ran beside Miaka and knelt down. Tears ran down the priestess's face.
Tamahome shook Inami's shoulders violently. "Snap out of it, Inami!" He shouted.
No change.
Miaka turned around to the man standing over her. "Mitsukake!" She cried. "Help her, Please!!!"
Everyone moved aside to give Mitsukake room. He held his hand over Inami, green light coming forth.
After only a moment he pulled away. "It's no use. My powers will not work. She is suffering from something beyond my control."
Miaka cried, her face hot and cheeks wet. By Now Saori and Boushin were standing at the door.
Chichiri felt the Ambassador's forehead. "She's in shock." He stated. "If she doesn't get help soon, this will kill her."
Mitsukake felt her pulse. "She needs help. At this rate she'll die from a heart attack."
Tasuki and Chiriko looked over everyone's heads in shock.
Now Nuriko took Inami's shoulders. "INAMI! SNAP OUT OF IT!!!" He yelled.
No change.
"Her pupils are dilated." Tamahome said urgently. It seemed Inami's breathing grew heavier and faster.
Chichiri removed his mask and took a closer look. He looked towards Hotohori. "She seems to be suffering from something not physical. There is no sign of a break in, and no injuries."
"Inami never told me of any illnesses she had!" Hotohori said panicked. "What in the world..."
Tasuki stepped back, drawing some attention. He whipped out his fan quickly, looking around. "Something's not right, I'll tell you what." He looked to the magician. "I got a hunch."
Chichiri nodded. "Affecting one's mind, the power of illusion. Something has taken hold of the Ambassador."
Miaka spun around. "Tomo?!!" She sobbed.
"Tamahome!" Tasuki yelled. "That clown can't be too far from here if this is his doing!"
Tamahome stood up. "Let's go."
The duo ran to the large window and opened it. They'd have best chances of seeing anyone from the roof.
"I'm losing her." Mitsukake said, his fingers still on Inami's neck.
"Inami!" Miaka cried.
Tasuki and Tamahome jumped onto the roof. Tasuki's fan glowed with fire, acting as a bright torch in the night. His eyes shot from one direction to the next. "Damnit." He cursed. "Where the hell is he?!!!"
Tamahome suddenly jumped, looking to the left. "Tasuki! I think... Let's go!" He quickly said before leading the way down the long roof of the palace. "It's him! I know it!" He shouted back. He would never forget the eerie feeling he had from his own encounter with Tomo of the Seiryu seven, and he had it once again.
Saori stood at the opposite end of the room, covering her face with her hands to hide her own tears. She had never seen anyone die before. Boushin stood with his father, watching with terror at the young woman. Inami's breathing was quick and loud, out of rhythm with her heart. Mitsukake elevated her head, Nuriko's hand clasped tightly over hers.
Tamahome and Tasuki had made it out on the hills beside the palace, beyond the west gardens. They ran up the first one they met, and miraculously found what they were searching for.
A man in a long red robe and a feathered crown turned around to face them, his face painted with white and blue. In his outstretched hand was a glowing clam.
"Well, well, the Suzaku Seven have come to challenge me." Tomo stated in his sickly smooth voice.
Tamahome stood with fist ready. Tasuki's fan fired up like an engine.
"Stop it Tomo, if you want to live!" Tamahome threatened.
Tomo cackled. "By all means, try to defeat me, Tamahome." Suddenly, the image of Tomo split and spread out before the two men's very eyes. Several identical personages of the Seiryu warrior stood before them in a circular stance, each with a replicated "Shin."
Suddenly, long feathers shot out from the group, heading straight forward to Tasuki and Tamahome. Tamahome quickly jumped, and Tasuki sped in a blur away.
"Let's see if your spells can keep up with me." Tasuki stated, his fangs revealing themselves in a confident smirk. He whizzed back and forth on the hill, nearly invisible.
Tamahome lunged at one of the Tomos, his fist flying forward. He past through as if hitting a ghost, and spun around to face his opponent again. "One down, twenty-nine to go." He estimated.
"REKKA SHINEN!!!"
A gust of fire swept over the eluded army. All vanished but one, who stood off from the center. Tamahome came from one side, and Tasuki from the other.
~
Inami's face changed from flushed to a pale shade. Her time was shortening. Mitsukake looked up at Nuriko and Miaka, shaking his head.
~
"REKKA SHINEN!!!" Tasuki repeated. The flames engulfed Tomo's hand. Tomo pulled away in pain. "Shin!!!" He yelled.
The open shell sizzled for a second, before bursting along with the orange flames.
~
"HUH!" Inami gasped, shooting forward. Everyone jumped back at the sudden movement. Inami coughed hard, Miaka patting her on the back, her tears subsiding lightly.
Inami looked around, still shaking. Everyone was swarming around her.
"You're okay!!!" Miaka screamed, throwing her arms around Inami's neck.
"Inami!" Nuriko shouted.
Saori flung herself into the group.
Inami looked around, puzzled. "What are you.... What happened?!" she asked.
Everyone moved away to give her some room.
"Inami, you do not know?" Hotohori asked.
Inami, pure bewilderness in her eyes, shook her head. "Why are you guys all here?"
~
"Get lost, Tomo." Tamahome ordered.
"We'll let you go..." Tasuki added, "In pieces! REKKA..."
Seeing that he was beaten, Tomo shot a scornful look, and a quick blue light engulfed him.
He was gone.
Tasuki dropped his fan, and cursed.
~
The window to Inami's bedroom slowly opened, a tired Tamahome stepping in. He was followed by Tasuki, whom had his fan folded in his hand.
Inami sat on the bed, along with the others, Miaka's hands still on her shoulders. Through the people, she met Tasuki's gaze, mouthing the words "Thank you."
Author's note: Wow, that chapter sucked. The writing wasn't too great, so I apologize! And after a second computerized spell check, I found that I spelled "spell" wrong. ^_^;;