Metajoker: Ah, I see we have our first anti-Inami fan. Good for you! I
like her and hate her at times, especially lately, she'll be in a lot of
chapters because the Suzaku Seven are in Hokkan, so I apologize. I will
promise though, by like. chapter 40 she dies down, and in one chapter
MITSUKAKE actually has more lines than she does. Let's see. chapter 28,
right? I think Inami is quite aware that Tasuki doesn't return her
feelings, she knew it when she told him, and that's why she barely speaks
to him. However, she does still try to be civil. I have a feeling you
won't like this chapter.
BD the Pixie: Do you want me to call you Ryuu? I have another friend who goes by that name, actually. You like Chiriko-bisho, ne? Holy cow, if you stay tuned and read all the way up to my sequel, I think you'll die at your computer when you see what I have in store for our little future-hottie.
Chapter 29 : Wolves in the Snow
"The party of ten traveled up from the capitol to Nanibi, getting there right before sunset." Yui read, leaning against a plump pillow. "Beginning as they had with the first clue, and with a new income boost from the palace, the Priestess, her warriors, along with the two additions checked rooms in a hotel where the unpacked a few things and began planning."
***********************************
Everyone sat in the basement diner for a light meal, taking up two of the larger tables. Chichiri, Inami, Hotohori, Miaka, and Tamahome sat at one, Tasuki, Mitsukake, Chiriko, Saori, and Nuriko at the other. The two tables were pushed close together so information and plans could be easily shared.
"Oh, sorry Hotohori, I forgot!" Miaka said, reaching into a pouch. She shuffled around in it, all eyes on her. She eventually pulled out a smooth pink stone.
"Inami?"
Inami looked up from staring aimlessly into her drink. "Hm?"
Miaka outstretched her hand. Inami also did, allowing Miaka to plop the stone into her palm.
Miaka sat upright in front of her three empty rice bowls. "Do you have any idea what else it could be?"
Inami looked down at the pink stone, staring at the odd engravement in it.
"Tribe." She said.
"What?" Miaka asked. Everyone else, including the ones on the other table, all tuned in.
Inami held the stone up. "It's in Hokkan's more ancient script, it says 'tribe.'"
"Wow Inami!" Miaka said ecstatically. "You're really smart!"
Inami quirked an eyebrow. "It's not like I solved a huge mystery, Miaka. I just read a rock." Inami handed the stone to Tamahome.
"Tribe?" Hotohori asked. "Peculiar."
"Not like a city, no da." Chichiri joked.
"Any ideas?" Tasuki asked.
Inami supported her head on her hand, thinking. "Well, assuming one interpreted the clues right and you are indeed heading north, I suppose it could be referring to the Okani."
"What's that?" Saori said, trying to talk with a mouth full of food.
Inami folded her arms. "The Okani is a large native tribe that live in some of the very northern regions of Hokkan, where civilians haven't inhabited. I believe there are about 300 of them in the main tribe. I spoke with them a few years back, the leaders are negotiable, but over all they aren't very people-friendly."
Miaka frowned, but then lit up again. "Well, it all fits, doesn't it? The next clue has to be there!"
"Highness, has the disk given any sign yet?" Nuriko asked.
Hotohori shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Well," Inami began, "If this shinzaho IS with the Okani, that thing wouldn't light up for another 50 miles, give or take some."
Tasuki choked on his drink. "50 miles?!"
Chichiri nodded. "It makes sense, no da. Though Hokkan is an immense country, even the most durable people wouldn't survive in the most northern parts, so that sounds about the highest it is safe to go, no da. The top of Hokkan has no food, and all the water is frozen, no da."
"Very well then." Hotohori placed his hands on the table, standing up and pushing his chair back. "Tomorrow morning we will start out for the Okani tribe, we'll plan a route then."
Inami lifted a finger. "Uh... Sire? When I say they're not people- friendly, I mean..."
"It does not matter." Hotohori interrupted. "If that is where we must go, then we must go."
So, it was decided. Mitsukake advised everyone, especially those who had been sick, to get a good amount of rest for travel. Saori decided to with hold any whining. She had been getting a little too comfortable with the group, and was thinking perhaps she was being rude. Despite the warning, some people did stay up late, including Tamahome and Nuriko, who were both having "Nuriko specials," though Tamahome seemed to have a little trouble with it.
~
A knock came at the room where Saori and Inami stayed, though Saori was visiting Miaka.
"Come in."
The door opened, and the man closed it behind him upon entering.
Inami sat on the side of her bed, which was farthest from the door, unpacking a few things from her back. She turned around. "Tasuki?" She asked, a bit confused.
"You've got some nerve, you know that?" Tasuki said.
"Excuse me?" Inami asked.
"You may be the ambassador of Hokkan, but you're taking too many rights. You come waltzing down on war business and make yourself comfortable in Hotohori's palace, gettin' involved in everyone else's affairs but your own."
Inami was wide-eyed. She couldn't believe she was hearing this.
"Then you lie to everyone and bring on this huge surprise that you're some resurrected Genbu warrior, and then you just leave for the cover of Hokkan again!"
That struck a nerve. Inami couldn't believe Tasuki had come into her room out of nowhere for this. She stood up. "What?!"
"Then you come back in the middle of a Seiryu attack and expect full treatment again. You nearly get me and Miaka killed, and you even..."
"Damare!" Inami shouted. "What gives you ANY right to come in here and start talking to me like that?!"
"Then you leave again and nearly kill Miaka in that forest!" Tasuki shouted, walking closer to state his point.
"You have SOME ego, you know that?! You're saying things nothing like they happened, like a total moron!!" Inami blurted.
"You couldn't prove me wrong if you tried!!!" Tasuki shot back.
Inami was infuriated, she walked up to the taller man. "I came down on business from the emperor!! Do you think I wanted to get involved in your pathetic life during a time of alliance and crisis?! Believe me, getting to know some idiotic drunk bandit was the last thing I had planned!!! You're such a..."
Before Inami could finish her sentence, Tasuki grabbed hold of the top of her arms. In a swift motion, Tasuki's lips were firmly planted on top of Inami's, drawing Inami into absolute shock. The arguing stopped abruptly, and it was now almost entirely silent.
After a moment, Tasuki's grip loosened and he pulled away slowly, Inami still quite confused.
"T... Tasuki?" She asked.
"Sorry." Tasuki said quietly, smirking lightly. "I just wanted to see if you would still argue with me."
Inami raised an eyebrow, not knowing exactly what to say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, as planned, the group got together to plan a route towards where the Okani tribe should be. Inami said they don't travel too far, so their planned destination shouldn't be too much off.
Inami took an un-inked quill and drew an invisible circle around the town of Nanibi on the map before her. "We're here." She said. She followed the quill along the lines of the picture and circle an open spot in a large gap in a mountain range. "This is where the Okani tribe is. If we get this far..." Inami pointed to another area of the map, "We'll reach the Imbezi River. It'll probably be frozen, but this part of it could have very thin ice, just as a warning. The Imbezi is one of the Okani's main supply of fish and water, and if we follow it north, it'll take us straight to them."
Chiriko leaned over the map. "Traveling west to reach the river will take a little more time, but I agree with Inami's plan. It's most likely the most efficient way."
Hotohori looked to Chichiri, who nodded. "Very well then, we shall seek the Imbezi River to the west. Tamahome, are the horses ready?"
Tamahome nodded. "Nuriko and I finished packing everything a little while ago."
"All right." Hotohori began rolling the map up. "We should get started. I'm sure everyone is a bit weary, but it is for the sake of Suzaku."
Nuriko patted Saori on the shoulder. "And there aren't going to be many inns, so we get to sleep on the ground!"
Saori frowned and gave Nuriko a disapproving look. "You said that just to spite me, didn't you?"
Nuriko nodded, clearing his throat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tamahome lifted Miaka onto the front of his horse. Tying part of his black robe tightly, he saddled behind her.
"We should get any supplies we need before leaving." Chiriko advised.
Inami nodded. "There won't be too many cities."
"I think we're fine." Hotohori assured. "I made sure everything checked out, however it's always a good idea to be prepared."
As always, Chichiri took the lead. Chichiri was the oldest and he was very smart, plus he did a lot of traveling after the Miko left them the first time. Hotohori took second, Mitsukake rounded the back. Saori shared a horse behind Nuriko.
After riding quietly for about an hour, the group decided to split. Five of them would go on ahead to the Imbezi River through the forests, the other five would take a slightly longer route through a last town to get extra supplies. Since Chichiri and Inami seemed to know the most about where they were, they lead separate groups. Nuriko, Saori, Hotohori, and Mitsukake went with Chichiri, the others with Inami. Both groups had a few flares, which were Chiriko's idea. Chichiri and his group went ahead through the forest.
"Wow... Nanibi isn't as big as the capitol, is it?" Miaka commented.
Inami shook her head. "It may not feel like it, but we're a lot further north than you might think. Higher up you go, harder it is to maintain a good lifestyle." Inami turned her head to Tamahome and Miaka. "That's why most of the population lives further south."
"Being a government official of Hokkan would be new and exciting, wouldn't it?" Chiriko thought aloud.
"Yeah..." Tasuki said sarcastically. Frankly, he didn't think he could live in the snow.
"Well, don't take too long. Think it's cold now, just wait until night falls." Inami half-joked.
The group rode to a large circle in a few markets, where they tied their horses to look around. Unlike Konan, all of the markets were full of small buildings to keep out any cold weather. It especially wouldn't help for anyone wishing to sell hot chocolate or roasted chestnuts.
"Mmm! Chestnuts!" Miaka called as she sniffed the air.
"Miaka..." Tamahome nudged her. He looked around. "We should get a few more blankets, especially if we're camping out."
~~whoooo~~
"Inami?" Tasuki asked.
Inami had stiffened suddenly. Her, Tasuki, and Chiriko weren't far from Miaka and Tamahome, and they were looking at some fish.
Inami turned to Tasuki, then looked suspiciously behind her. "Odd... Tasuki, didn't you..."
Tasuki nodded, knowing what Inami was going to say.
"Perhaps we should be careful." Chiriko advised.
Inami nodded. "Tell Miaka and Tamahome to stay with us, please."
Chiriko nodded and went outside to the two.
Inami shook her head, trying to snap herself out of it. "How much do you think we'll need?"
****************************************
Yui looked over at the alarm clock. Keisuke and Tetsuya wouldn't be back for at least another four hours. She sighed. "Through the spread forest, Chichiri and the others quietly worked towards the Imbezi River, making good tracks in the permafrost and snow. Also under the cover of the trees, the Seiryu warrior Ashitare loomed near." Yui looked up. "Oh no! Miaka!" She looked back down, now reading a bit faster. "Sent by the leader of the seven, Nakago, Ashitare quickly made it to the town of Nanibi with the speed of a wild wolf. Miaka and the others were finishing packing what things they had purchased when he descended."
Yui put the book down. Hikari was peacefully sleeping next to her. "I wonder..." Yui whispered, as if talking to the baby. "If I don't read, does it not happen?" She asked herself. "Or does it still, but I just find out later?" Yui smacked herself. "Stop it, Yui Hongo. Have faith." She scolded herself. She picked the book back up, and read on.
*****************************
"MIAKA!" Tamahome shouted, pulling Miaka by the shoulders and pulling her out of the way. With a single hit of Ashitare's wolf like hand, Inami went flying into a brick shop, hitting hard and falling into the snow.
"REKKA, SHINEN!!!" Tasuki shouted.
It was well known that Ashitare hated fire, so he was all the more quick in avoiding it. Tasuki tried to follow Ashitare's moves, trying to aim his fan for a good hit.
Tamahome pulled Miaka far off the battlefield and practically shoved her into the fish shop. Turning around, he ran as fast as he could to help Tasuki out. Tamahome saw a blur of gray, then a blur of green, followed by a wall of fire.
"RAAAA!!!!!" Ashitare bellowed. He was twice the size of his opponents, both in height and width.
A Red sign flickered and finally came into glow on Tamahome's forehead. Tamahome spun around and kicked at Ashitare. He missed. He made a punch, and missed. Tamahome made one swing after another, landing a punch every now and then.
"Rekka, Shinen!!!!" Tasuki yelled. The fountain of fire skimmed past Ashitare's shoulder, making him cry in pain. In the distraction Tamahome's foot came in hard contact with Ashitare's jaw.
Furiously upset, Ashitare swiftly punch Tamahome in the gut, sending him flying.
"Tamahome!!" Miaka cried getting up to run out. A hand caught hers. Miaka spun around.
"I wouldn't go out there!" A middle-aged shopkeeper warned. "Stay in here miss, please!"
"Uh..." Inami said quietly, lifting her head.
Chiriko helped her sit up. "Inami?"
Inami seemed very dizzy, and blinked hard to come out of it. She looked at the battle in front of her. Tamahome was up again, trying to back up Tasuki, who had a rip in his left sleeve.
Inami pushed herself onto her feet.
"Inami! Careful!" Chiriko cautioned.
Inami shook the snow out of her thigh-long hair. "I'm... fine." She looked at the huge wolf man attacking the two Suzaku warriors. She reached to her left side and untied the string at the top of the narrow pouch, closing her eyes tightly to relieve the pulsating pain in the back of her head.
Ashitare grabbed Tasuki by the legs and lifted the bandit over his head, throwing him down the iced street. Tasuki managed to land somewhat on his feet, and fell onto his knees. After a moment he stood back up and ran at Ashitare.
Back in the fish shop, the storeowner was having difficulty holding Miaka back.
"Please! You'll be killed!" He begged.
Ashitare had been born in the snow, and he had many hardships there. He already had an upper hand with the two warriors, minus the strength and speed. Just as Tamahome made another blow to his back, Ashitare's large fangs came down onto Tasuki's right shoulder.
Tasuki yelled, large drops of blood staining the snow. Tasuki dropped his fan and stumbled back. Ashitare turned his attention to Tamahome, who had been causing him quite a bit of pain. He raised a clawed hand and brought it down.
His hand came in contact with a foot-long gold object in Inami's hands, and she pushed hard against it, though as far as strength went, she was vastly outmatched. She turned her head to Tamahome.
"Tamahome! Take Miaka and get out of here! Go straight north and turn right at the iron pillar, you'll find my cabin! If the doors not open, break a window, I don't care! You have to protect Miaka, get out of here!!!"
Tamahome just stared, unsure of what to do. Inami directed her attention back to Ashitare, who was winning in the strength battle. Tamahome nodded and ran back to the fish shop. He took Miaka from the storekeeper, and dragged her by one hand, running as fast as he could.
Ashitare swung down at Inami, pulling part of her hairstyle out. Inami backed up in the snow, taking quick notice at Tasuki's injury. She held the gold object horizontal in her hands, facing Ashitare.
Ashitare faced her as well, waiting for the right moment the attack.
"You..." Inami breathed, "Have trespassed onto the country I am sworn to protect. As Genbu is my witness, your life is mine!!" Inami shouted. She took the object in her gold hand, swinging it right. From the object's right side, a long silver blade shot out, though it seemed it would never fit in the rod. Swinging it left, a second and equal blade emerged. Inami spun the six-foot weapon in her hand, bringing it behind her. Ashitare charged. As he came, Inami leapt and spun the staff, bringing it down on Ashitare's collarbone.
A line of blood appeared as Inami landed behind the immense beast, Ashitare cried. He came around and charged at her. Each swung at the other, each dodged.
Tasuki gripped his shoulder painfully, trying to sit up. He squinted as the pain rushed through his arm. "A...kue..."
Like at the start of the battle, Ashitare smacked Inami aside. Inami managed to hold onto her weapon, but landed on her side on the cold ice- paved road. As Ashitare charged at her, she heard her name called and a shining object being tossed to her. Inami quickly sat up and caught it, facing the nearing Ashitare head on.
"Rekka." She called, "SHINEN!!!"
The blast of flames hit Ashitare full on. The wolf man bellowed and cried in pain, trying to grab Inami and the fan causing him so much agony. Through the lighted fire, as he almost reached his target, a flash of silver came up to him, and he screamed even loud than before. With the last of his strength, Ashitare leapt away onto the rooftops of the buildings, leaving his bloody finger behind on the streets.
Gradually the flames died down, revealing an empty street. Akue panted heavily, dropped the fan, and sank to her knees, trying to regain her lost strength. As she did the blades on her unique weapon simultaneously retracted, returning to the sizeable object. Inami slowly put the gold rod back into its holster. She looked at the fan near her left hand. "Tasuki!" She remembered. She forced herself up and ran back to the small circle where the battle had begun. She found Chiriko at Tasuki's side. Tasuki leaned up against a brick wall, clutching his bleeding shoulder tightly.
"Tasuki!" Inami cried, running and kneeling next to him. "What happened?!"
"That... damn thing bit me..." Tasuki muttered.
Inami pushed Tasuki's hand away. "Let me see." she ordered.
Tasuki's green robe was stained with two curved lines of blood, on in the front and one in the back from where Ashitare's jaw had pierced the skin.
Inami gasped. "Chiriko, do we have any bandages?"
Chiriko, who was a bit teary eyed, shook his head. "I believe they were on Chichiri's horse." He said, his voice shaky.
"Crap... we won't have time..." Inami muttered as she began undoing the tie on the front of her robe. She looked behind her. "He killed one of our horses too. Chiriko, go see if you can find anything in the shops to help him, and get some water, hurry!" Inami untied the belt around her waist. She straightened a bit, removing her wool robe. Underneath was a regular sleeveless, light red on. Inami reached down around her ankle and pulled out a small pocketknife, which she used to begin shredding her robe. "Hold on Tasuki...." she urged.
"I... hope that damn didn't have rabies..." Tasuki whispered. He was beginning to feel faint.
"Watch your language." Inami scolded. She reached forward and began untying the ties on Tasuki's robe.
Chiriko ran back with the water, and handed it to Inami. He left again to find any thing of use.
Inami tugged down Tasuki's dark green robe, and practically ripped his shirt in the same process. She took the canteen of water and poured it on Tasuki's shoulder. Tasuki winced.
"If you make me carry you I swear I'll never speak to you again." Inami said, trying to make light of the situation. She took one of the strips of beige and brought it under Tasuki's arm, wrapping it around his shoulder. She tied it as tight as she could, then got a second strip and did the same.
Chiriko came running back. "I..." he panted. "I couldn't...."
"Fine, get the horses ready." Inami firmly instructed. She tied another strip on, seeing the blood wasn't seeping through anymore. She sighed in relief. "Are you okay?"
"Sure..." Tasuki smiled slightly in pain, "Now you ask me."
BD the Pixie: Do you want me to call you Ryuu? I have another friend who goes by that name, actually. You like Chiriko-bisho, ne? Holy cow, if you stay tuned and read all the way up to my sequel, I think you'll die at your computer when you see what I have in store for our little future-hottie.
Chapter 29 : Wolves in the Snow
"The party of ten traveled up from the capitol to Nanibi, getting there right before sunset." Yui read, leaning against a plump pillow. "Beginning as they had with the first clue, and with a new income boost from the palace, the Priestess, her warriors, along with the two additions checked rooms in a hotel where the unpacked a few things and began planning."
***********************************
Everyone sat in the basement diner for a light meal, taking up two of the larger tables. Chichiri, Inami, Hotohori, Miaka, and Tamahome sat at one, Tasuki, Mitsukake, Chiriko, Saori, and Nuriko at the other. The two tables were pushed close together so information and plans could be easily shared.
"Oh, sorry Hotohori, I forgot!" Miaka said, reaching into a pouch. She shuffled around in it, all eyes on her. She eventually pulled out a smooth pink stone.
"Inami?"
Inami looked up from staring aimlessly into her drink. "Hm?"
Miaka outstretched her hand. Inami also did, allowing Miaka to plop the stone into her palm.
Miaka sat upright in front of her three empty rice bowls. "Do you have any idea what else it could be?"
Inami looked down at the pink stone, staring at the odd engravement in it.
"Tribe." She said.
"What?" Miaka asked. Everyone else, including the ones on the other table, all tuned in.
Inami held the stone up. "It's in Hokkan's more ancient script, it says 'tribe.'"
"Wow Inami!" Miaka said ecstatically. "You're really smart!"
Inami quirked an eyebrow. "It's not like I solved a huge mystery, Miaka. I just read a rock." Inami handed the stone to Tamahome.
"Tribe?" Hotohori asked. "Peculiar."
"Not like a city, no da." Chichiri joked.
"Any ideas?" Tasuki asked.
Inami supported her head on her hand, thinking. "Well, assuming one interpreted the clues right and you are indeed heading north, I suppose it could be referring to the Okani."
"What's that?" Saori said, trying to talk with a mouth full of food.
Inami folded her arms. "The Okani is a large native tribe that live in some of the very northern regions of Hokkan, where civilians haven't inhabited. I believe there are about 300 of them in the main tribe. I spoke with them a few years back, the leaders are negotiable, but over all they aren't very people-friendly."
Miaka frowned, but then lit up again. "Well, it all fits, doesn't it? The next clue has to be there!"
"Highness, has the disk given any sign yet?" Nuriko asked.
Hotohori shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Well," Inami began, "If this shinzaho IS with the Okani, that thing wouldn't light up for another 50 miles, give or take some."
Tasuki choked on his drink. "50 miles?!"
Chichiri nodded. "It makes sense, no da. Though Hokkan is an immense country, even the most durable people wouldn't survive in the most northern parts, so that sounds about the highest it is safe to go, no da. The top of Hokkan has no food, and all the water is frozen, no da."
"Very well then." Hotohori placed his hands on the table, standing up and pushing his chair back. "Tomorrow morning we will start out for the Okani tribe, we'll plan a route then."
Inami lifted a finger. "Uh... Sire? When I say they're not people- friendly, I mean..."
"It does not matter." Hotohori interrupted. "If that is where we must go, then we must go."
So, it was decided. Mitsukake advised everyone, especially those who had been sick, to get a good amount of rest for travel. Saori decided to with hold any whining. She had been getting a little too comfortable with the group, and was thinking perhaps she was being rude. Despite the warning, some people did stay up late, including Tamahome and Nuriko, who were both having "Nuriko specials," though Tamahome seemed to have a little trouble with it.
~
A knock came at the room where Saori and Inami stayed, though Saori was visiting Miaka.
"Come in."
The door opened, and the man closed it behind him upon entering.
Inami sat on the side of her bed, which was farthest from the door, unpacking a few things from her back. She turned around. "Tasuki?" She asked, a bit confused.
"You've got some nerve, you know that?" Tasuki said.
"Excuse me?" Inami asked.
"You may be the ambassador of Hokkan, but you're taking too many rights. You come waltzing down on war business and make yourself comfortable in Hotohori's palace, gettin' involved in everyone else's affairs but your own."
Inami was wide-eyed. She couldn't believe she was hearing this.
"Then you lie to everyone and bring on this huge surprise that you're some resurrected Genbu warrior, and then you just leave for the cover of Hokkan again!"
That struck a nerve. Inami couldn't believe Tasuki had come into her room out of nowhere for this. She stood up. "What?!"
"Then you come back in the middle of a Seiryu attack and expect full treatment again. You nearly get me and Miaka killed, and you even..."
"Damare!" Inami shouted. "What gives you ANY right to come in here and start talking to me like that?!"
"Then you leave again and nearly kill Miaka in that forest!" Tasuki shouted, walking closer to state his point.
"You have SOME ego, you know that?! You're saying things nothing like they happened, like a total moron!!" Inami blurted.
"You couldn't prove me wrong if you tried!!!" Tasuki shot back.
Inami was infuriated, she walked up to the taller man. "I came down on business from the emperor!! Do you think I wanted to get involved in your pathetic life during a time of alliance and crisis?! Believe me, getting to know some idiotic drunk bandit was the last thing I had planned!!! You're such a..."
Before Inami could finish her sentence, Tasuki grabbed hold of the top of her arms. In a swift motion, Tasuki's lips were firmly planted on top of Inami's, drawing Inami into absolute shock. The arguing stopped abruptly, and it was now almost entirely silent.
After a moment, Tasuki's grip loosened and he pulled away slowly, Inami still quite confused.
"T... Tasuki?" She asked.
"Sorry." Tasuki said quietly, smirking lightly. "I just wanted to see if you would still argue with me."
Inami raised an eyebrow, not knowing exactly what to say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, as planned, the group got together to plan a route towards where the Okani tribe should be. Inami said they don't travel too far, so their planned destination shouldn't be too much off.
Inami took an un-inked quill and drew an invisible circle around the town of Nanibi on the map before her. "We're here." She said. She followed the quill along the lines of the picture and circle an open spot in a large gap in a mountain range. "This is where the Okani tribe is. If we get this far..." Inami pointed to another area of the map, "We'll reach the Imbezi River. It'll probably be frozen, but this part of it could have very thin ice, just as a warning. The Imbezi is one of the Okani's main supply of fish and water, and if we follow it north, it'll take us straight to them."
Chiriko leaned over the map. "Traveling west to reach the river will take a little more time, but I agree with Inami's plan. It's most likely the most efficient way."
Hotohori looked to Chichiri, who nodded. "Very well then, we shall seek the Imbezi River to the west. Tamahome, are the horses ready?"
Tamahome nodded. "Nuriko and I finished packing everything a little while ago."
"All right." Hotohori began rolling the map up. "We should get started. I'm sure everyone is a bit weary, but it is for the sake of Suzaku."
Nuriko patted Saori on the shoulder. "And there aren't going to be many inns, so we get to sleep on the ground!"
Saori frowned and gave Nuriko a disapproving look. "You said that just to spite me, didn't you?"
Nuriko nodded, clearing his throat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tamahome lifted Miaka onto the front of his horse. Tying part of his black robe tightly, he saddled behind her.
"We should get any supplies we need before leaving." Chiriko advised.
Inami nodded. "There won't be too many cities."
"I think we're fine." Hotohori assured. "I made sure everything checked out, however it's always a good idea to be prepared."
As always, Chichiri took the lead. Chichiri was the oldest and he was very smart, plus he did a lot of traveling after the Miko left them the first time. Hotohori took second, Mitsukake rounded the back. Saori shared a horse behind Nuriko.
After riding quietly for about an hour, the group decided to split. Five of them would go on ahead to the Imbezi River through the forests, the other five would take a slightly longer route through a last town to get extra supplies. Since Chichiri and Inami seemed to know the most about where they were, they lead separate groups. Nuriko, Saori, Hotohori, and Mitsukake went with Chichiri, the others with Inami. Both groups had a few flares, which were Chiriko's idea. Chichiri and his group went ahead through the forest.
"Wow... Nanibi isn't as big as the capitol, is it?" Miaka commented.
Inami shook her head. "It may not feel like it, but we're a lot further north than you might think. Higher up you go, harder it is to maintain a good lifestyle." Inami turned her head to Tamahome and Miaka. "That's why most of the population lives further south."
"Being a government official of Hokkan would be new and exciting, wouldn't it?" Chiriko thought aloud.
"Yeah..." Tasuki said sarcastically. Frankly, he didn't think he could live in the snow.
"Well, don't take too long. Think it's cold now, just wait until night falls." Inami half-joked.
The group rode to a large circle in a few markets, where they tied their horses to look around. Unlike Konan, all of the markets were full of small buildings to keep out any cold weather. It especially wouldn't help for anyone wishing to sell hot chocolate or roasted chestnuts.
"Mmm! Chestnuts!" Miaka called as she sniffed the air.
"Miaka..." Tamahome nudged her. He looked around. "We should get a few more blankets, especially if we're camping out."
~~whoooo~~
"Inami?" Tasuki asked.
Inami had stiffened suddenly. Her, Tasuki, and Chiriko weren't far from Miaka and Tamahome, and they were looking at some fish.
Inami turned to Tasuki, then looked suspiciously behind her. "Odd... Tasuki, didn't you..."
Tasuki nodded, knowing what Inami was going to say.
"Perhaps we should be careful." Chiriko advised.
Inami nodded. "Tell Miaka and Tamahome to stay with us, please."
Chiriko nodded and went outside to the two.
Inami shook her head, trying to snap herself out of it. "How much do you think we'll need?"
****************************************
Yui looked over at the alarm clock. Keisuke and Tetsuya wouldn't be back for at least another four hours. She sighed. "Through the spread forest, Chichiri and the others quietly worked towards the Imbezi River, making good tracks in the permafrost and snow. Also under the cover of the trees, the Seiryu warrior Ashitare loomed near." Yui looked up. "Oh no! Miaka!" She looked back down, now reading a bit faster. "Sent by the leader of the seven, Nakago, Ashitare quickly made it to the town of Nanibi with the speed of a wild wolf. Miaka and the others were finishing packing what things they had purchased when he descended."
Yui put the book down. Hikari was peacefully sleeping next to her. "I wonder..." Yui whispered, as if talking to the baby. "If I don't read, does it not happen?" She asked herself. "Or does it still, but I just find out later?" Yui smacked herself. "Stop it, Yui Hongo. Have faith." She scolded herself. She picked the book back up, and read on.
*****************************
"MIAKA!" Tamahome shouted, pulling Miaka by the shoulders and pulling her out of the way. With a single hit of Ashitare's wolf like hand, Inami went flying into a brick shop, hitting hard and falling into the snow.
"REKKA, SHINEN!!!" Tasuki shouted.
It was well known that Ashitare hated fire, so he was all the more quick in avoiding it. Tasuki tried to follow Ashitare's moves, trying to aim his fan for a good hit.
Tamahome pulled Miaka far off the battlefield and practically shoved her into the fish shop. Turning around, he ran as fast as he could to help Tasuki out. Tamahome saw a blur of gray, then a blur of green, followed by a wall of fire.
"RAAAA!!!!!" Ashitare bellowed. He was twice the size of his opponents, both in height and width.
A Red sign flickered and finally came into glow on Tamahome's forehead. Tamahome spun around and kicked at Ashitare. He missed. He made a punch, and missed. Tamahome made one swing after another, landing a punch every now and then.
"Rekka, Shinen!!!!" Tasuki yelled. The fountain of fire skimmed past Ashitare's shoulder, making him cry in pain. In the distraction Tamahome's foot came in hard contact with Ashitare's jaw.
Furiously upset, Ashitare swiftly punch Tamahome in the gut, sending him flying.
"Tamahome!!" Miaka cried getting up to run out. A hand caught hers. Miaka spun around.
"I wouldn't go out there!" A middle-aged shopkeeper warned. "Stay in here miss, please!"
"Uh..." Inami said quietly, lifting her head.
Chiriko helped her sit up. "Inami?"
Inami seemed very dizzy, and blinked hard to come out of it. She looked at the battle in front of her. Tamahome was up again, trying to back up Tasuki, who had a rip in his left sleeve.
Inami pushed herself onto her feet.
"Inami! Careful!" Chiriko cautioned.
Inami shook the snow out of her thigh-long hair. "I'm... fine." She looked at the huge wolf man attacking the two Suzaku warriors. She reached to her left side and untied the string at the top of the narrow pouch, closing her eyes tightly to relieve the pulsating pain in the back of her head.
Ashitare grabbed Tasuki by the legs and lifted the bandit over his head, throwing him down the iced street. Tasuki managed to land somewhat on his feet, and fell onto his knees. After a moment he stood back up and ran at Ashitare.
Back in the fish shop, the storeowner was having difficulty holding Miaka back.
"Please! You'll be killed!" He begged.
Ashitare had been born in the snow, and he had many hardships there. He already had an upper hand with the two warriors, minus the strength and speed. Just as Tamahome made another blow to his back, Ashitare's large fangs came down onto Tasuki's right shoulder.
Tasuki yelled, large drops of blood staining the snow. Tasuki dropped his fan and stumbled back. Ashitare turned his attention to Tamahome, who had been causing him quite a bit of pain. He raised a clawed hand and brought it down.
His hand came in contact with a foot-long gold object in Inami's hands, and she pushed hard against it, though as far as strength went, she was vastly outmatched. She turned her head to Tamahome.
"Tamahome! Take Miaka and get out of here! Go straight north and turn right at the iron pillar, you'll find my cabin! If the doors not open, break a window, I don't care! You have to protect Miaka, get out of here!!!"
Tamahome just stared, unsure of what to do. Inami directed her attention back to Ashitare, who was winning in the strength battle. Tamahome nodded and ran back to the fish shop. He took Miaka from the storekeeper, and dragged her by one hand, running as fast as he could.
Ashitare swung down at Inami, pulling part of her hairstyle out. Inami backed up in the snow, taking quick notice at Tasuki's injury. She held the gold object horizontal in her hands, facing Ashitare.
Ashitare faced her as well, waiting for the right moment the attack.
"You..." Inami breathed, "Have trespassed onto the country I am sworn to protect. As Genbu is my witness, your life is mine!!" Inami shouted. She took the object in her gold hand, swinging it right. From the object's right side, a long silver blade shot out, though it seemed it would never fit in the rod. Swinging it left, a second and equal blade emerged. Inami spun the six-foot weapon in her hand, bringing it behind her. Ashitare charged. As he came, Inami leapt and spun the staff, bringing it down on Ashitare's collarbone.
A line of blood appeared as Inami landed behind the immense beast, Ashitare cried. He came around and charged at her. Each swung at the other, each dodged.
Tasuki gripped his shoulder painfully, trying to sit up. He squinted as the pain rushed through his arm. "A...kue..."
Like at the start of the battle, Ashitare smacked Inami aside. Inami managed to hold onto her weapon, but landed on her side on the cold ice- paved road. As Ashitare charged at her, she heard her name called and a shining object being tossed to her. Inami quickly sat up and caught it, facing the nearing Ashitare head on.
"Rekka." She called, "SHINEN!!!"
The blast of flames hit Ashitare full on. The wolf man bellowed and cried in pain, trying to grab Inami and the fan causing him so much agony. Through the lighted fire, as he almost reached his target, a flash of silver came up to him, and he screamed even loud than before. With the last of his strength, Ashitare leapt away onto the rooftops of the buildings, leaving his bloody finger behind on the streets.
Gradually the flames died down, revealing an empty street. Akue panted heavily, dropped the fan, and sank to her knees, trying to regain her lost strength. As she did the blades on her unique weapon simultaneously retracted, returning to the sizeable object. Inami slowly put the gold rod back into its holster. She looked at the fan near her left hand. "Tasuki!" She remembered. She forced herself up and ran back to the small circle where the battle had begun. She found Chiriko at Tasuki's side. Tasuki leaned up against a brick wall, clutching his bleeding shoulder tightly.
"Tasuki!" Inami cried, running and kneeling next to him. "What happened?!"
"That... damn thing bit me..." Tasuki muttered.
Inami pushed Tasuki's hand away. "Let me see." she ordered.
Tasuki's green robe was stained with two curved lines of blood, on in the front and one in the back from where Ashitare's jaw had pierced the skin.
Inami gasped. "Chiriko, do we have any bandages?"
Chiriko, who was a bit teary eyed, shook his head. "I believe they were on Chichiri's horse." He said, his voice shaky.
"Crap... we won't have time..." Inami muttered as she began undoing the tie on the front of her robe. She looked behind her. "He killed one of our horses too. Chiriko, go see if you can find anything in the shops to help him, and get some water, hurry!" Inami untied the belt around her waist. She straightened a bit, removing her wool robe. Underneath was a regular sleeveless, light red on. Inami reached down around her ankle and pulled out a small pocketknife, which she used to begin shredding her robe. "Hold on Tasuki...." she urged.
"I... hope that damn didn't have rabies..." Tasuki whispered. He was beginning to feel faint.
"Watch your language." Inami scolded. She reached forward and began untying the ties on Tasuki's robe.
Chiriko ran back with the water, and handed it to Inami. He left again to find any thing of use.
Inami tugged down Tasuki's dark green robe, and practically ripped his shirt in the same process. She took the canteen of water and poured it on Tasuki's shoulder. Tasuki winced.
"If you make me carry you I swear I'll never speak to you again." Inami said, trying to make light of the situation. She took one of the strips of beige and brought it under Tasuki's arm, wrapping it around his shoulder. She tied it as tight as she could, then got a second strip and did the same.
Chiriko came running back. "I..." he panted. "I couldn't...."
"Fine, get the horses ready." Inami firmly instructed. She tied another strip on, seeing the blood wasn't seeping through anymore. She sighed in relief. "Are you okay?"
"Sure..." Tasuki smiled slightly in pain, "Now you ask me."