To Metajoker: I'm sorry! *bows* I know, I get mixed reactions with those
two. I've had people love them, and people hate 'em. If it makes you feel
better, I'm terrible with romance, and so I do tend to avoid any. fluff...
Not that I won't say this fic will be fluff-free.
Yes, I too am not much of a Miaka fan, and if you notice, she's not
exactly a main character, though I do force myself to give her more "air"
time. Ah, Suboshi. he'll have his ups and downs. you definitely won't like
what I do with him later on, but that's still at least 10-15 chapters away.
But, something cool DOES happen with him. eventually.
Chapter 32 : Seiryu and Suzaku - The Race for the Shinzahos
A group of young travelers made their way through the thin patches of snow on wide roads to their destination. The group was pretty spread out, the people, at least the ones who were currently there, walking in ones or twos, and with a bit of distance between each other.
"You do know it's your own fault." Amiboshi said, trying not to sound overbearing as he held onto the horse's bridle, leading the way on the wide dirt path.
Suboshi rolled his eyes. His left arm was in a thin sling, his shoulder wrapped in white bandages.
"You're too reckless. You shouldn't go up against the odds like that, no matter how much you've improved." Amiboshi sighed. "You're lucky you only got a dislocated shoulder."
"You're too nice to them, Aniki." Suboshi replied. "You put too much faith into the Suzaku seven and not into the Seiryu."
"You will always be my first priority, brother." Amiboshi said. "Don't forget that."
Though she couldn't make out their words, Mayo tried to look back at the two younger members of the Seiryu seven. She soon fixed her gaze back forward, then down on the black mane of Nakago's horse, her head and part of her face covered by a brown hood.
*****************************
Nuriko sat on a chair with his elbows propped up on a small rectangular table, resting his chin on the back of his hands. "I'm just saying it's been two weeks, and we have no idea where to head next. This is a bit more difficult than the first time."
"Chichiri and Chiriko are working on it, the last update I got was they were closer." Hotohori responded, coughing a bit. He was browsing through the books in the small library.
Tasuki leaned up against one of the large shelves. His hair was a bit shorter than it used to be, and now it was styled differently, much more like how he used to where it during his adventures with the priestess.
"There certainly are a lot of books in here." Nuriko commented. "Her own private library... I wonder if she's read all of these. Hey, where is Inami anyway?"
"She's helping assemble things for the prince's courtin's ball." Tasuki answered. "Same thing she's been doing for the past week."
Nuriko smiled. "I met the prince, he's quite the charming young man." He sat up some. "He reminds me a lot of the young Saihitei." Nuriko looked from Hotohori to Tasuki, raising an eyebrow. "I've noticed you and Inami haven't been arguing as much lately, I guess you're getting along." Nuriko smiled a bit more. "Actually, just a few days ago I couldn't find either of you around the Hokkan palace."
Tasuki smirked and again diverted his attention to the floor. "You over think things, Nuriko."
Hotohori ran his hand along the last set of shelves near a large window in his view. He couldn't help but notice that along with the other literature, about nine thick, simple bound books were tightly set among the shelves. Hotohori pulled one of the books out, examining it. It was obviously very old, parts of it were coloring with age. The front and back covers were very thin, and the pages were bound together by silver rings. He opened it to the first page, and slowly turned them.
It was a sketchbook. Every page had a drawing on it, each more beautiful than the last. Hotohori couldn't help but notice one particular image. It was a rather young girl in a light dress, her darkhair blowing in the wind.
Suddenly, the door to the library opened, a familiar face entering.
Inami looked around. "You're not this bored, are you?" Her attention drew to Tasuki, she went wide-eyed and nearly fell over.
"What?" Tasuki asked.
Inami stared at him. "What... did you do to your hair?"
Tasuki ran a hand through his thick orange mane. "I cut it, what does it look like?"
Inami looked past Tasuki and noticed Hotohori with one of the old books in his hands. A quick look of urgency crossed over her face, and she quickly ran over and took the book from him, closing it. She turned back to the shelf.
"Gomen nasai, Hotohori-sama." Inami apologized, carefully placing the book back in its rightful position. "These are very fragile and extremely sentimental to me, I would rather prefer them untouched."
Hotohori stood for a moment, then nodded. "I'm very sorry, I didn't mean anything."
Inami smiled a bit, slowly pulling her hand away from the row of books. "It's all right."
The odd scene was interrupted by the bellowing of a magistrate in the hallways, yelling something about "his prince will never marry" and "All of Hokkan is doomed." Inami bowed slightly to everyone and headed back to the door. "He's always saying that..." She mumbled. As she left, she couldn't help but feel the presence of an unwanted intruder.
Nuriko blinked. "What was that about?"
Tasuki looked over to Hotohori. "What was that?"
Hotohori sighed, coughing a bit. "It was a sketch book, a very old one." He looked to his friends. "Whoever was the artist was certainly very talented."
Once again the door to the library opened, only a bit less discreet. Miaka and Saori walked in smiling and laughing, their eyes dazzling with excitement. Miaka looked around at the three men in disbelief. "Why aren't you guys getting ready for tonight?!"
Saori's face was as lit up as Miaka's. "You should SEE the dresses we get to choose from! They're gorgeous!"
Miaka started again in her joyous laughter and dragged Saori back out, their gleeful voices echoing down the hall, leaving three very confused men to their shallow entertaining.
***********************************************
~~~~*SHOOM!!*~~~~
A discus of blue energy crashed into yet another house. Terrorized screams were heard all over the village, women quickly carrying their young children to safety, tears streaming down their faces. Roofs burned with bright fire, horses and cattle left tied frantically trying to free themselves. It was truly a frightening site.
"AAh!" Screamed small children who had lost their way. They saw the blue light and the men coming for them, and cried as they ran as fast as their legs would carry them.
A little girl backed up against the outside wall of a home, tears streaming down her cheeks, her small arms gripped tightly around a rag doll. She whimpered, scared to death, looking up with large brown eyes.
Nakago stood over her, his right hand curved, holding a flashing ball of blue light in his palm. He looked at the child with cold blue eyes, focusing on a simple red and brown necklace around her neck. Nakago smirked.
Footsteps became louder and louder behind Nakago, a shorter man running and stopping in front of him, hands outstretched to protect the wailing child.
"Nakago! Innocent people shouldn't be involved in this!" Amiboshi yelled, his flute gripped tightly in his hand, anger flashing in his eyes. He didn't budge. "We take the shinzaho and leave." He said firmly.
Nakago looked at Amiboshi disapprovingly. After a moment, the glowing light in his hand faded and disappeared. Amiboshi slowly turned around, taking his eyes off Nakago. He knelt down slightly and easily removed the necklace from around the child's neck, slipping it over her head. The girl looked at Amiboshi, tears still welling in her eyes.
Amiboshi stood back up and held the necklace out in his hand to show Nakago he had it. With his same cold glare, Nakago turned to leave, walking away from the scene.
Amiboshi placed the necklace between his belt and his shirt. He turned around. The girl was gone.
***************************
Chiriko turned one of the great marble hallways of the Hokkan palace and noticed Chichiri and Mitsukake walking his way. He quickly went up to them, desperate for conversation.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"His highness is coming down with the Kyuunetsu flu." Mitsukake answered, calm and peaceful. "I find it in everyone's best interest if it's treated before it does much harm to his majesty, or before it spreads."
"Are you two attending the ball tonight?" Chiriko asked.
Mitsukake nodded. "Most likely."
Chichiri shook his head. "I don't think so, no da. There is too much I need to do, no da."
"Are you sure, Chichiri?" Chiriko asked.
Chichiri nodded, smiling.
******************************
A woman cried on her knees in front of her burned home, her son standing over her and whimpering a bit as well. Roofs made with hay on top were smoldering slightly in the cool air, men carried supplies and tools on their shoulders, all with glum faces. Women and children cried and walked slowly through the half-destroyed village, trying to find things of salvage, as well as comforting others.
It was heart wrenching.
A look of rage came over Inami's green eyes as she stood before the village. She had come too late. She grudgingly returned her gold rod to its pouch. She slowly walked and stopped at the crying woman, her son backing away slightly and hiding himself next to his mother. Inami knelt down.
"What happened? Who did this?"
The woman looked up, her face red. "Not more than an hour ago... a group of men came in... they destroyed everything!" The woman's lip quivered as she tried to speak. "I don't know what they wanted, one man, he looked like a soldier with blonde hair... he used blue light to ruin this village!" The woman turned and began crying again, covering her head with her hands.
"Nakago..." Inami cursed his name. She placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Don't worry, help will come soon, the emperor will be alerted."
"Not more than an hour ago...? 'That means they shouldn't be too far." Inami thought. If the Seiryu seven, even just one man can do this much damage in so short of time, what would they plan to do next?
Inami stood up, closing her eyes in concentration for a moment. At last she took off running to find the men who put her country in more danger by the second.
*************************************
Yui turned the page of the book, looking at one of the pictures that was supplied every few pages. She suddenly felt something grab her by the ankles, and she yelped.
Tetsuya stood up and laughed, Yui looking as if she had a heart attack. She kept the book open and placed it face down on the bed next to the sleeping Hikari. Luckily she hadn't woken.
"Miss me?" Tetsuya asked, leaning over and gently kissing the blonde.
"I didn't even hear you come in." Yui sighed. "Where's Keisuke?"
Tetsuya sat on the bed. "He said he wanted to look up some stuff at the library... I don't know what it's about."
"Well..." Yui lowered her voice a little when she saw Hikari stir. "You've missed a LOT. They found the second clue, but there was a lot of trouble getting it. Miaka even fell through ice!"
"Is she okay?" Tetsuya asked.
Yui nodded. "Luckily. They went to the northern mountains in Hokkan and some tribe... Okani I think. well, they took them hostage or something. There was a lot of weird Kanji mixed up in the Chinese."
"Could you read it?" Tetsuya asked.
Yui wavered her hand in the air. "Kinda, not really though. It wasn't too hard to put together. The tribe guys got mad or something, but Hotohori found the shinzaho. Then they had this battle with Suboshi and Soi... and once again our lovely Miaka almost kills herself!"
"How?" Tetsuya asked again, very interested.
"She fell off a cliff." Yui said. She thought for a moment. "It was really weird when the book tried to explain what happened. It pretty much said some form of light saved her."
Tetsuya gave Yui an odd look, then he laid down on the bed by her feet, his legs still hanging off the mattress. Tetsuya took off his sunglasses and rubbed his eyes, obviously tired from the day's work. "What are they doing now?"
Yui picked the book back up. "I don't know about everyone, but they're getting ready for some ball thing for the Hokkan prince. Miaka and Saori sure seem happy."
"Good." Tetsuya commented. "The search for Mayo and Saori has gotten bad, no one knows where they are. When they get back, they're going to need a good story..."
Yui sighed and looked back at the story. "If they come back..."
*******************************
Inami slowly walked into the throne room, the blue night sky spreading over Hokkan. Dozens of people were in there all ready, including Tasuki, Nuriko, Hotohori, Tamahome, and Chiriko. Inami quickly pulled one of her black sleeves over a long red mark on her forearm, and she did so just in time.
"Lady Akue! Where in the world have you been?" One of the two ladies in waiting cried, running up to her. "Guests are arriving and you're not even ready yet!"
"I'm sorry." Inami apologized. "But I think I'll pass on this one."
"Oh no, you won't!" The second woman scolded. "This time the emperor says your attendance is required."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tamahome, Nuriko, and Chiriko stood on the edge of an expansive two-floor ballroom, watching several couples dance in front of them. They were talking with one another, every now and then watching the floor. Mitsukake was all ready out dancing with a tall woman with dirty blonde hair.
After a few more minutes Miaka and Saori came walking down a set of stairs with a few other women, rushing up to meet their friends. Miaka's red hair was done up beautifully in a braided bun. She wore a gorgeous light green dress that almost matched her eyes, and she had several small silver necklaces around her exposed neck.
"Wow..." Tamahome drooled. "You look Fantastic, Miaka."
Miaka smiled one of her large, cheery smiles. "Let's dance Tamahome!" She said with excitement.
Tamahome, who himself wore a rather nice dark blue robe, extended his hand. Miaka quickly took it and they walked off to the dance floor. Miaka looked the happiest she had been since her arrival.
Saori herself wore a light blue dress, somewhat similar to Miaka's. Her hair was down, since it wasn't long enough to do much with. However it was held back with a long, solid gold hairpiece. She had a hint of pink blush across her cheeks as well.
Chiriko bowed and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?" He asked.
Saori giggled and extended her own hand. Chiriko walked her to the dance floor.
Nuriko smiled and leaned against the wall, watching the couples enjoying themselves. There had to be at least 400 people in this room alone, and a large musical group played in an opposite corner. He wore a robe a lot like Tamahome's, but in a much lighter blue. His hair was a bit shorter in the back as well from a haircut he had earlier.
"This is so embarrassing."
Nuriko turned to see Inami leaning against the wall with him. She herself had on a light purple dress with solitary sleeves that covered her arms, and her hair was pulled back in it's usual fashion but with several tiny braids. By looking at her you could tell she wanted to disappear. Her dress, however, wasn't quite as large as the other's.
"Inami, I think you look outstanding." Nuriko smiled.
Inami's cheeks turned a slight shade of red. "Thanks." She replied.
Nuriko took up Inami's hand. "It'll get better if you dance."
Inami smiled. "Yeah, then EVERYONE will see how ridiculous I look." However, she grasped Nuriko's hand back, and the two went out onto the dance floor.
Chiriko felt someone tap his shoulder.
The taller prince bowed slightly to him. "I'm sorry, but if you wouldn't mind, may I take this young lady for a dance?"
Chiriko smiled and nodded.
The young Hokkan prince took Saori's hands and began leading her in a dance, Saori trying to hide her shock.
"I couldn't help but notice you." The prince smiled. "What is your name, miss?"
Saori blushed a little. "It's... Saori."
"Saori? I think that has a pleasant ring to it." The prince certainly was charming, like Nuriko had said. "You don't look like you're from around here."
"I... I'm from Konan." Saori smiled. She hoped that didn't sound like a lie.
"Do you think we'll leave for the next one soon?" Miaka asked.
Tamahome turned on the floor. "I hope so, I can't help but feel a little out of place here."
Miaka sighed. "I hope we find out where to go soon." She looked past Tamahome. "I miss them.. Yui, Keisuke, Hikari..."
"It's better not to think about it." Tamahome said, trying to cheer her up. "Let's just enjoy tonight, okay?"
Miaka's smile returned and she nodded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tasuki rocked back and forth, tipping his chair with his feet propped against a rectangular table.
Chichiri looked up from a few papers and a map, the crystalline goblet by his elbow. "Why aren't you downstairs, no da?"
"Eh." Tasuki replied. "I ain't cut out for stuff like that."
Chichiri sighed and looked back down at his work. "I think I'm getting somewhere, no da." He picked up the goblet for the 20th time and examined it, doing the same with the stone.
Tasuki apparently got bored, and he returned the chair to normal and got up. "I'm just checkin' stuff out, that's all." He said as he exited the study.
Chichiri smiled. almost as if he knew something.
**********************************
"The dance went into the night for hours. The guests grew weary and left slowly from the magnificent palace in the capitol of Hokkan." Tetsuya read. Yui and Hikari weren't in the room currently, Yui was feeding Hikari and was going to put her to bed. Tetsuya looked back into the old pages of the book. "The Hokkan prince was truly beginning to feel the pressures of choosing a bride. Early the next morning the emperors of Hokkan and Konan discussed the many things plaguing their minds. 'We are making our preparations to leave.' Hotohori said graciously to the Hokkan Emperor. 'Chichiri has found a town near here to the south that specializes in things such as the crystal goblet...'"
********************************
"So you are heading to Kuchan?" The emperor asked, sitting up in his throne.
Hotohori nodded. "After that I imagine we'll be leaving Hokkan, but I still am not sure."
The Hokkan Emperor smiled. "Emperor Saihitei, you are always welcome here!" He said cheerfully.
Hotohori nodded. "Thank you for your kindness once again."
"I'm sure you would return the favor." The emperor added. "If you like, Akue can chauffer you again. I do hope she's been respectful, Emperor Saihitei."
Hotohori bowed slightly. "Thank you, I appreciate Miss Cheinun's efforts."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Kuchan?" Saori asked as Nuriko packed a few things in some bags. They were in a three-walled room, much like a garage, the horses waiting outside. The cool air blew in quietly through the opening.
"It's very nice there." Inami said, leaning back on her chair. "Huge tourist attraction, it's warm too. They make a lot of money off those crystal things, I'm surprised I didn't think of it before."
"I've been there before, no da." Chichiri said happily, picking up a couple of full bags. "It was nice, no da. The people there are very friendly, no da."
Tasuki and Tamahome sighed simultaneously.
Miaka smiled. "Where's Hotohori?"
"He's finishing speaking with the emperor, no da." Chichiri answered, walking out to the horses.
Nuriko caught Miaka sneaking off with a bread roll. "Miaka!" He scolded.
Miaka hid the roll behind her back. "I'm going to find Hotohori!" She said, running away quickly with her food.
Nuriko smiled and shook his head. "She hasn't changed."
Tamahome and Tasuki stood up. "I'm going to go help out Chichiri." Tamahome said.
"Me too." Tasuki agreed, following Tamahome out of the room to the horses.
Just then, Mitsukake and Chiriko walked in, stopping their conversation. "How is everyone?" Chiriko asked.
"Ohayo, Chiriko!" Saori shouted, nearly toppling over Nuriko.
Chiriko smiled. "You seem very enthusiastic."
"Is everyone feeling well?" Mitsukake asked.
"Hai!" Saori shouted again.
Nuriko sighed. "They're right there, Saori. You don't need to shout."
"But I'm happy!" Saori yelped.
"His highness took a liking to Saori the other night." Inami smirked.
Saori turned a little pink. "He did not..." She frowned. Saori couldn't help but notice that Princes seemed to have a thing for her in this world. If she got another Harem invitation she'd shoot herself.
"GAH!!!!" Two cries yelled.
"What in the world was that?!" Nuriko asked, stopping wrapping bread to listen.
"It sounded like Tasuki and Tamahome." Chiriko said.
"Ow! Down! Get'way from me!" The yelling came again.
A few people exchanged looks and sprinted outside to see what was going on.
"Ah!" Tamahome yelped as another dog nipped at his ankle. Tasuki was on his back, another large dog on top of him. Chichiri was standing out of the way, laughing a little bit.
"Kobi!" Inami shouted, pushing through the others. She ran up to Tasuki and yanked on the dog's collar. Nuriko picked a second dog, Haruka, off Tamahome while a third playfully went up to Chiriko and Saori to be petted. Tama sprang out from Mitsukake's robe and ran to his shoulders, hissing.
"Can't you keep your mutts kept up somewhere?!" Tasuki complained, standing up and brushing himself off.
"They're purebred, for one," Inami laughed, "And they just want some attention." Inami knelt down and petted the top of Kobi's head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little while later a long line of horses were ready to go. Miaka, like always, rode with Tamahome, and Saori rode with Nuriko. Luckily, it wouldn't take nearly as long to get to Kuchan as it was to get to the Northern Mountains; they should reach the city by late afternoon, dusk at most. When they arrived they would get an Inn and look for the Shinzaho clue #3.
The temperature change was definitely noticeable. From the Palace the group rode straight south, and almost immediately felt the cold lift a little. After the first three miles the snow began melting a bit, and by the time they stopped to eat lunch in the early afternoon, the snow was scattered in small and large spots among sprouting grass and trees.
The group stopped to eat just a little ways from a village. A blanket was laid out under a tree and Saori and Miaka watched the distant people move around.
"And Chiriko will make a fine Government official." Hotohori said calmly.
Tamahome sighed and handed Miaka another bread roll sandwich. This was her third one, and they began eating only ten minutes earlier.
Inami had been looking at everyone in confusement for a little while, and finally spoke up, looking at Chiriko. "Wait... I think I'm confused... you died?"
Chiriko nodded.
"And so did... you, right?" Inami asked Nuriko.
Nuriko nodded as well.
Inami folded her arms and leaned against the tree. "That doesn't make sense. Are you guys Zombies or something?"
Tamahome laughed, trying to swallow.
"What?" Inami asked. "It doesn't make sense! You guys are supposed to be dead... and how the heck are you supposed to live in Miaka's world? Huh? It's impossible!"
"I'm afraid we may not have the time to explain it further, Inami." Hotohori apologized.
Inami frowned. "Well I guess that explains the age differences."
"It really isn't that hard, no da." Chichiri spoke up. "Nuriko, Hotohori, Chiriko, and Mitsukake were all reborn like you were, no da."
"But that's different." Inami argued.
After their half-an-hour break, the group set off again through the small village. Another ten miles and they reached Kuchan by late afternoon. They were only on the border, but it was still a little busy. At first Chichiri had trouble finding an Inn, most of them were full. Luckily, however, there were a lot. They ended up getting three rooms in two different inns down the street from each other. The red disk was again on Chichiri's staff, and it had all ready begun glowing upon entering the city. Perhaps the shinzaho clue would be much easier to find than before. The group of 10 split up into three: Tasuki, Nuriko, and Saori in one, Tamahome, Miaka, and Inami in another, and Chichiri, Hotohori, Chiriko, and Mitsukake in the third. Though Chichiri was still the only one with the disk, the others could still look around and ask questions, un-pack in their rooms, or look around a bit.
"It really is glowing steadily now, isn't it Chichiri?" Chiriko asked.
Chichiri nodded.
"It is a good thing that Taiisukun gave it to us. Without it we'd be lost." Hotohori added.
The group, each with their own horse, began slowly riding down a long street, crowded with tourists. A few side roads had civilian homes on it, but most everything was attractions, Inns, and markets.
The quartet got a little further down the road when the disk glowed even brighter.
Chichiri smiled. "Maybe we could find it before nightfall, no da."
"Perhaps Suzaku has decided to give us an easier trip." Mitsukake added.
~
"I'm hungry." Miaka whined.
"You just ate!" Tamahome complained.
"A lot, for that matter." Inami added.
"I digested, I can't help it." Miaka said, holding her stomach.
"It's something you just got to get used to." Tamahome mumbled. He looked to Inami. "Maybe we should stop at the inn and unpack everything, and then Miaka can get something to eat."
"Yay!" Miaka cheered.
"All right." Inami agreed. She yanked on the reins of her horse and turned around. "Let's go."
~
"I'm hungry." Saori sighed.
"You just ate!" Tasuki complained.
"Yeah, but I think Miaka stole some of my food." Saori sighed.
"Are you really hungry?" Nuriko asked.
"Yeah, but I might just be tired too." Saori added.
"Well," Nuriko began, "We can stop by the inn and rest up a little, we should unpack anyways."
"Which inn are we at again?" Saori asked.
"Kochan light, I think..." Nuriko trailed off. "The one further down from Miaka and Chichiri's."
"Okay." Saori said, holding onto Nuriko's waist. "Let's go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was just starting to set a few hours later, and Chichiri was speaking to a merchant in a large store.
"Eighteen." The man over the counter agreed.
Chichiri handed him the money for the pair of red chopsticks, which the man accepted with a smile. He looked past Chichiri's hand to the brightly glowing disk on his staff.
"Hey!" the man exclaimed. "I could give you a good price for that!" He said, pointing to the disk. "How does it do that?"
"Uh... it's just the way it's made, no da." Chichiri said. "Thank you." He said, quickly leaving the store.
"That was easy!" Chiriko said happily.
"We have the third." Hotohori said, relieved.
Chichiri placed the chopsticks in a pouch at his side and mounted his horse after untying it.
"Chichiri," Chiriko began, "Aren't those particular style of chopsticks worn in the hair?"
"You noticed, no da." Chichiri smiled. "Yes, this style is particularly popular in Sairo, no da."
"It that where we are headed next?" Mitsukake asked, mounting his horse last.
Chichiri nudged the side of the horse to get it moving. "It seems so, no da." Chichiri then addressed Hotohori. "Highness, we should rest for the night here, no da. Then we should plan ahead in the morning, no da."
Hotohori nodded. "I think everyone will be happy that we found the third clue."
Chichiri was about to say something when he felt a chill and looked towards the left. A little bit of smoke was rising a little ways away.
"Chichiri." Hotohori directed. He had felt it too.
"The presence of Seiryu." Chichiri whispered.
"Isn't that smoke coming from near the inns we're staying at?" Chiriko asked a little urgently.
Chichiri kicked his horse. "Let's go, no da!" He shouted.
Chapter 32 : Seiryu and Suzaku - The Race for the Shinzahos
A group of young travelers made their way through the thin patches of snow on wide roads to their destination. The group was pretty spread out, the people, at least the ones who were currently there, walking in ones or twos, and with a bit of distance between each other.
"You do know it's your own fault." Amiboshi said, trying not to sound overbearing as he held onto the horse's bridle, leading the way on the wide dirt path.
Suboshi rolled his eyes. His left arm was in a thin sling, his shoulder wrapped in white bandages.
"You're too reckless. You shouldn't go up against the odds like that, no matter how much you've improved." Amiboshi sighed. "You're lucky you only got a dislocated shoulder."
"You're too nice to them, Aniki." Suboshi replied. "You put too much faith into the Suzaku seven and not into the Seiryu."
"You will always be my first priority, brother." Amiboshi said. "Don't forget that."
Though she couldn't make out their words, Mayo tried to look back at the two younger members of the Seiryu seven. She soon fixed her gaze back forward, then down on the black mane of Nakago's horse, her head and part of her face covered by a brown hood.
*****************************
Nuriko sat on a chair with his elbows propped up on a small rectangular table, resting his chin on the back of his hands. "I'm just saying it's been two weeks, and we have no idea where to head next. This is a bit more difficult than the first time."
"Chichiri and Chiriko are working on it, the last update I got was they were closer." Hotohori responded, coughing a bit. He was browsing through the books in the small library.
Tasuki leaned up against one of the large shelves. His hair was a bit shorter than it used to be, and now it was styled differently, much more like how he used to where it during his adventures with the priestess.
"There certainly are a lot of books in here." Nuriko commented. "Her own private library... I wonder if she's read all of these. Hey, where is Inami anyway?"
"She's helping assemble things for the prince's courtin's ball." Tasuki answered. "Same thing she's been doing for the past week."
Nuriko smiled. "I met the prince, he's quite the charming young man." He sat up some. "He reminds me a lot of the young Saihitei." Nuriko looked from Hotohori to Tasuki, raising an eyebrow. "I've noticed you and Inami haven't been arguing as much lately, I guess you're getting along." Nuriko smiled a bit more. "Actually, just a few days ago I couldn't find either of you around the Hokkan palace."
Tasuki smirked and again diverted his attention to the floor. "You over think things, Nuriko."
Hotohori ran his hand along the last set of shelves near a large window in his view. He couldn't help but notice that along with the other literature, about nine thick, simple bound books were tightly set among the shelves. Hotohori pulled one of the books out, examining it. It was obviously very old, parts of it were coloring with age. The front and back covers were very thin, and the pages were bound together by silver rings. He opened it to the first page, and slowly turned them.
It was a sketchbook. Every page had a drawing on it, each more beautiful than the last. Hotohori couldn't help but notice one particular image. It was a rather young girl in a light dress, her darkhair blowing in the wind.
Suddenly, the door to the library opened, a familiar face entering.
Inami looked around. "You're not this bored, are you?" Her attention drew to Tasuki, she went wide-eyed and nearly fell over.
"What?" Tasuki asked.
Inami stared at him. "What... did you do to your hair?"
Tasuki ran a hand through his thick orange mane. "I cut it, what does it look like?"
Inami looked past Tasuki and noticed Hotohori with one of the old books in his hands. A quick look of urgency crossed over her face, and she quickly ran over and took the book from him, closing it. She turned back to the shelf.
"Gomen nasai, Hotohori-sama." Inami apologized, carefully placing the book back in its rightful position. "These are very fragile and extremely sentimental to me, I would rather prefer them untouched."
Hotohori stood for a moment, then nodded. "I'm very sorry, I didn't mean anything."
Inami smiled a bit, slowly pulling her hand away from the row of books. "It's all right."
The odd scene was interrupted by the bellowing of a magistrate in the hallways, yelling something about "his prince will never marry" and "All of Hokkan is doomed." Inami bowed slightly to everyone and headed back to the door. "He's always saying that..." She mumbled. As she left, she couldn't help but feel the presence of an unwanted intruder.
Nuriko blinked. "What was that about?"
Tasuki looked over to Hotohori. "What was that?"
Hotohori sighed, coughing a bit. "It was a sketch book, a very old one." He looked to his friends. "Whoever was the artist was certainly very talented."
Once again the door to the library opened, only a bit less discreet. Miaka and Saori walked in smiling and laughing, their eyes dazzling with excitement. Miaka looked around at the three men in disbelief. "Why aren't you guys getting ready for tonight?!"
Saori's face was as lit up as Miaka's. "You should SEE the dresses we get to choose from! They're gorgeous!"
Miaka started again in her joyous laughter and dragged Saori back out, their gleeful voices echoing down the hall, leaving three very confused men to their shallow entertaining.
***********************************************
~~~~*SHOOM!!*~~~~
A discus of blue energy crashed into yet another house. Terrorized screams were heard all over the village, women quickly carrying their young children to safety, tears streaming down their faces. Roofs burned with bright fire, horses and cattle left tied frantically trying to free themselves. It was truly a frightening site.
"AAh!" Screamed small children who had lost their way. They saw the blue light and the men coming for them, and cried as they ran as fast as their legs would carry them.
A little girl backed up against the outside wall of a home, tears streaming down her cheeks, her small arms gripped tightly around a rag doll. She whimpered, scared to death, looking up with large brown eyes.
Nakago stood over her, his right hand curved, holding a flashing ball of blue light in his palm. He looked at the child with cold blue eyes, focusing on a simple red and brown necklace around her neck. Nakago smirked.
Footsteps became louder and louder behind Nakago, a shorter man running and stopping in front of him, hands outstretched to protect the wailing child.
"Nakago! Innocent people shouldn't be involved in this!" Amiboshi yelled, his flute gripped tightly in his hand, anger flashing in his eyes. He didn't budge. "We take the shinzaho and leave." He said firmly.
Nakago looked at Amiboshi disapprovingly. After a moment, the glowing light in his hand faded and disappeared. Amiboshi slowly turned around, taking his eyes off Nakago. He knelt down slightly and easily removed the necklace from around the child's neck, slipping it over her head. The girl looked at Amiboshi, tears still welling in her eyes.
Amiboshi stood back up and held the necklace out in his hand to show Nakago he had it. With his same cold glare, Nakago turned to leave, walking away from the scene.
Amiboshi placed the necklace between his belt and his shirt. He turned around. The girl was gone.
***************************
Chiriko turned one of the great marble hallways of the Hokkan palace and noticed Chichiri and Mitsukake walking his way. He quickly went up to them, desperate for conversation.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"His highness is coming down with the Kyuunetsu flu." Mitsukake answered, calm and peaceful. "I find it in everyone's best interest if it's treated before it does much harm to his majesty, or before it spreads."
"Are you two attending the ball tonight?" Chiriko asked.
Mitsukake nodded. "Most likely."
Chichiri shook his head. "I don't think so, no da. There is too much I need to do, no da."
"Are you sure, Chichiri?" Chiriko asked.
Chichiri nodded, smiling.
******************************
A woman cried on her knees in front of her burned home, her son standing over her and whimpering a bit as well. Roofs made with hay on top were smoldering slightly in the cool air, men carried supplies and tools on their shoulders, all with glum faces. Women and children cried and walked slowly through the half-destroyed village, trying to find things of salvage, as well as comforting others.
It was heart wrenching.
A look of rage came over Inami's green eyes as she stood before the village. She had come too late. She grudgingly returned her gold rod to its pouch. She slowly walked and stopped at the crying woman, her son backing away slightly and hiding himself next to his mother. Inami knelt down.
"What happened? Who did this?"
The woman looked up, her face red. "Not more than an hour ago... a group of men came in... they destroyed everything!" The woman's lip quivered as she tried to speak. "I don't know what they wanted, one man, he looked like a soldier with blonde hair... he used blue light to ruin this village!" The woman turned and began crying again, covering her head with her hands.
"Nakago..." Inami cursed his name. She placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Don't worry, help will come soon, the emperor will be alerted."
"Not more than an hour ago...? 'That means they shouldn't be too far." Inami thought. If the Seiryu seven, even just one man can do this much damage in so short of time, what would they plan to do next?
Inami stood up, closing her eyes in concentration for a moment. At last she took off running to find the men who put her country in more danger by the second.
*************************************
Yui turned the page of the book, looking at one of the pictures that was supplied every few pages. She suddenly felt something grab her by the ankles, and she yelped.
Tetsuya stood up and laughed, Yui looking as if she had a heart attack. She kept the book open and placed it face down on the bed next to the sleeping Hikari. Luckily she hadn't woken.
"Miss me?" Tetsuya asked, leaning over and gently kissing the blonde.
"I didn't even hear you come in." Yui sighed. "Where's Keisuke?"
Tetsuya sat on the bed. "He said he wanted to look up some stuff at the library... I don't know what it's about."
"Well..." Yui lowered her voice a little when she saw Hikari stir. "You've missed a LOT. They found the second clue, but there was a lot of trouble getting it. Miaka even fell through ice!"
"Is she okay?" Tetsuya asked.
Yui nodded. "Luckily. They went to the northern mountains in Hokkan and some tribe... Okani I think. well, they took them hostage or something. There was a lot of weird Kanji mixed up in the Chinese."
"Could you read it?" Tetsuya asked.
Yui wavered her hand in the air. "Kinda, not really though. It wasn't too hard to put together. The tribe guys got mad or something, but Hotohori found the shinzaho. Then they had this battle with Suboshi and Soi... and once again our lovely Miaka almost kills herself!"
"How?" Tetsuya asked again, very interested.
"She fell off a cliff." Yui said. She thought for a moment. "It was really weird when the book tried to explain what happened. It pretty much said some form of light saved her."
Tetsuya gave Yui an odd look, then he laid down on the bed by her feet, his legs still hanging off the mattress. Tetsuya took off his sunglasses and rubbed his eyes, obviously tired from the day's work. "What are they doing now?"
Yui picked the book back up. "I don't know about everyone, but they're getting ready for some ball thing for the Hokkan prince. Miaka and Saori sure seem happy."
"Good." Tetsuya commented. "The search for Mayo and Saori has gotten bad, no one knows where they are. When they get back, they're going to need a good story..."
Yui sighed and looked back at the story. "If they come back..."
*******************************
Inami slowly walked into the throne room, the blue night sky spreading over Hokkan. Dozens of people were in there all ready, including Tasuki, Nuriko, Hotohori, Tamahome, and Chiriko. Inami quickly pulled one of her black sleeves over a long red mark on her forearm, and she did so just in time.
"Lady Akue! Where in the world have you been?" One of the two ladies in waiting cried, running up to her. "Guests are arriving and you're not even ready yet!"
"I'm sorry." Inami apologized. "But I think I'll pass on this one."
"Oh no, you won't!" The second woman scolded. "This time the emperor says your attendance is required."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tamahome, Nuriko, and Chiriko stood on the edge of an expansive two-floor ballroom, watching several couples dance in front of them. They were talking with one another, every now and then watching the floor. Mitsukake was all ready out dancing with a tall woman with dirty blonde hair.
After a few more minutes Miaka and Saori came walking down a set of stairs with a few other women, rushing up to meet their friends. Miaka's red hair was done up beautifully in a braided bun. She wore a gorgeous light green dress that almost matched her eyes, and she had several small silver necklaces around her exposed neck.
"Wow..." Tamahome drooled. "You look Fantastic, Miaka."
Miaka smiled one of her large, cheery smiles. "Let's dance Tamahome!" She said with excitement.
Tamahome, who himself wore a rather nice dark blue robe, extended his hand. Miaka quickly took it and they walked off to the dance floor. Miaka looked the happiest she had been since her arrival.
Saori herself wore a light blue dress, somewhat similar to Miaka's. Her hair was down, since it wasn't long enough to do much with. However it was held back with a long, solid gold hairpiece. She had a hint of pink blush across her cheeks as well.
Chiriko bowed and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?" He asked.
Saori giggled and extended her own hand. Chiriko walked her to the dance floor.
Nuriko smiled and leaned against the wall, watching the couples enjoying themselves. There had to be at least 400 people in this room alone, and a large musical group played in an opposite corner. He wore a robe a lot like Tamahome's, but in a much lighter blue. His hair was a bit shorter in the back as well from a haircut he had earlier.
"This is so embarrassing."
Nuriko turned to see Inami leaning against the wall with him. She herself had on a light purple dress with solitary sleeves that covered her arms, and her hair was pulled back in it's usual fashion but with several tiny braids. By looking at her you could tell she wanted to disappear. Her dress, however, wasn't quite as large as the other's.
"Inami, I think you look outstanding." Nuriko smiled.
Inami's cheeks turned a slight shade of red. "Thanks." She replied.
Nuriko took up Inami's hand. "It'll get better if you dance."
Inami smiled. "Yeah, then EVERYONE will see how ridiculous I look." However, she grasped Nuriko's hand back, and the two went out onto the dance floor.
Chiriko felt someone tap his shoulder.
The taller prince bowed slightly to him. "I'm sorry, but if you wouldn't mind, may I take this young lady for a dance?"
Chiriko smiled and nodded.
The young Hokkan prince took Saori's hands and began leading her in a dance, Saori trying to hide her shock.
"I couldn't help but notice you." The prince smiled. "What is your name, miss?"
Saori blushed a little. "It's... Saori."
"Saori? I think that has a pleasant ring to it." The prince certainly was charming, like Nuriko had said. "You don't look like you're from around here."
"I... I'm from Konan." Saori smiled. She hoped that didn't sound like a lie.
"Do you think we'll leave for the next one soon?" Miaka asked.
Tamahome turned on the floor. "I hope so, I can't help but feel a little out of place here."
Miaka sighed. "I hope we find out where to go soon." She looked past Tamahome. "I miss them.. Yui, Keisuke, Hikari..."
"It's better not to think about it." Tamahome said, trying to cheer her up. "Let's just enjoy tonight, okay?"
Miaka's smile returned and she nodded.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tasuki rocked back and forth, tipping his chair with his feet propped against a rectangular table.
Chichiri looked up from a few papers and a map, the crystalline goblet by his elbow. "Why aren't you downstairs, no da?"
"Eh." Tasuki replied. "I ain't cut out for stuff like that."
Chichiri sighed and looked back down at his work. "I think I'm getting somewhere, no da." He picked up the goblet for the 20th time and examined it, doing the same with the stone.
Tasuki apparently got bored, and he returned the chair to normal and got up. "I'm just checkin' stuff out, that's all." He said as he exited the study.
Chichiri smiled. almost as if he knew something.
**********************************
"The dance went into the night for hours. The guests grew weary and left slowly from the magnificent palace in the capitol of Hokkan." Tetsuya read. Yui and Hikari weren't in the room currently, Yui was feeding Hikari and was going to put her to bed. Tetsuya looked back into the old pages of the book. "The Hokkan prince was truly beginning to feel the pressures of choosing a bride. Early the next morning the emperors of Hokkan and Konan discussed the many things plaguing their minds. 'We are making our preparations to leave.' Hotohori said graciously to the Hokkan Emperor. 'Chichiri has found a town near here to the south that specializes in things such as the crystal goblet...'"
********************************
"So you are heading to Kuchan?" The emperor asked, sitting up in his throne.
Hotohori nodded. "After that I imagine we'll be leaving Hokkan, but I still am not sure."
The Hokkan Emperor smiled. "Emperor Saihitei, you are always welcome here!" He said cheerfully.
Hotohori nodded. "Thank you for your kindness once again."
"I'm sure you would return the favor." The emperor added. "If you like, Akue can chauffer you again. I do hope she's been respectful, Emperor Saihitei."
Hotohori bowed slightly. "Thank you, I appreciate Miss Cheinun's efforts."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Kuchan?" Saori asked as Nuriko packed a few things in some bags. They were in a three-walled room, much like a garage, the horses waiting outside. The cool air blew in quietly through the opening.
"It's very nice there." Inami said, leaning back on her chair. "Huge tourist attraction, it's warm too. They make a lot of money off those crystal things, I'm surprised I didn't think of it before."
"I've been there before, no da." Chichiri said happily, picking up a couple of full bags. "It was nice, no da. The people there are very friendly, no da."
Tasuki and Tamahome sighed simultaneously.
Miaka smiled. "Where's Hotohori?"
"He's finishing speaking with the emperor, no da." Chichiri answered, walking out to the horses.
Nuriko caught Miaka sneaking off with a bread roll. "Miaka!" He scolded.
Miaka hid the roll behind her back. "I'm going to find Hotohori!" She said, running away quickly with her food.
Nuriko smiled and shook his head. "She hasn't changed."
Tamahome and Tasuki stood up. "I'm going to go help out Chichiri." Tamahome said.
"Me too." Tasuki agreed, following Tamahome out of the room to the horses.
Just then, Mitsukake and Chiriko walked in, stopping their conversation. "How is everyone?" Chiriko asked.
"Ohayo, Chiriko!" Saori shouted, nearly toppling over Nuriko.
Chiriko smiled. "You seem very enthusiastic."
"Is everyone feeling well?" Mitsukake asked.
"Hai!" Saori shouted again.
Nuriko sighed. "They're right there, Saori. You don't need to shout."
"But I'm happy!" Saori yelped.
"His highness took a liking to Saori the other night." Inami smirked.
Saori turned a little pink. "He did not..." She frowned. Saori couldn't help but notice that Princes seemed to have a thing for her in this world. If she got another Harem invitation she'd shoot herself.
"GAH!!!!" Two cries yelled.
"What in the world was that?!" Nuriko asked, stopping wrapping bread to listen.
"It sounded like Tasuki and Tamahome." Chiriko said.
"Ow! Down! Get'way from me!" The yelling came again.
A few people exchanged looks and sprinted outside to see what was going on.
"Ah!" Tamahome yelped as another dog nipped at his ankle. Tasuki was on his back, another large dog on top of him. Chichiri was standing out of the way, laughing a little bit.
"Kobi!" Inami shouted, pushing through the others. She ran up to Tasuki and yanked on the dog's collar. Nuriko picked a second dog, Haruka, off Tamahome while a third playfully went up to Chiriko and Saori to be petted. Tama sprang out from Mitsukake's robe and ran to his shoulders, hissing.
"Can't you keep your mutts kept up somewhere?!" Tasuki complained, standing up and brushing himself off.
"They're purebred, for one," Inami laughed, "And they just want some attention." Inami knelt down and petted the top of Kobi's head.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little while later a long line of horses were ready to go. Miaka, like always, rode with Tamahome, and Saori rode with Nuriko. Luckily, it wouldn't take nearly as long to get to Kuchan as it was to get to the Northern Mountains; they should reach the city by late afternoon, dusk at most. When they arrived they would get an Inn and look for the Shinzaho clue #3.
The temperature change was definitely noticeable. From the Palace the group rode straight south, and almost immediately felt the cold lift a little. After the first three miles the snow began melting a bit, and by the time they stopped to eat lunch in the early afternoon, the snow was scattered in small and large spots among sprouting grass and trees.
The group stopped to eat just a little ways from a village. A blanket was laid out under a tree and Saori and Miaka watched the distant people move around.
"And Chiriko will make a fine Government official." Hotohori said calmly.
Tamahome sighed and handed Miaka another bread roll sandwich. This was her third one, and they began eating only ten minutes earlier.
Inami had been looking at everyone in confusement for a little while, and finally spoke up, looking at Chiriko. "Wait... I think I'm confused... you died?"
Chiriko nodded.
"And so did... you, right?" Inami asked Nuriko.
Nuriko nodded as well.
Inami folded her arms and leaned against the tree. "That doesn't make sense. Are you guys Zombies or something?"
Tamahome laughed, trying to swallow.
"What?" Inami asked. "It doesn't make sense! You guys are supposed to be dead... and how the heck are you supposed to live in Miaka's world? Huh? It's impossible!"
"I'm afraid we may not have the time to explain it further, Inami." Hotohori apologized.
Inami frowned. "Well I guess that explains the age differences."
"It really isn't that hard, no da." Chichiri spoke up. "Nuriko, Hotohori, Chiriko, and Mitsukake were all reborn like you were, no da."
"But that's different." Inami argued.
After their half-an-hour break, the group set off again through the small village. Another ten miles and they reached Kuchan by late afternoon. They were only on the border, but it was still a little busy. At first Chichiri had trouble finding an Inn, most of them were full. Luckily, however, there were a lot. They ended up getting three rooms in two different inns down the street from each other. The red disk was again on Chichiri's staff, and it had all ready begun glowing upon entering the city. Perhaps the shinzaho clue would be much easier to find than before. The group of 10 split up into three: Tasuki, Nuriko, and Saori in one, Tamahome, Miaka, and Inami in another, and Chichiri, Hotohori, Chiriko, and Mitsukake in the third. Though Chichiri was still the only one with the disk, the others could still look around and ask questions, un-pack in their rooms, or look around a bit.
"It really is glowing steadily now, isn't it Chichiri?" Chiriko asked.
Chichiri nodded.
"It is a good thing that Taiisukun gave it to us. Without it we'd be lost." Hotohori added.
The group, each with their own horse, began slowly riding down a long street, crowded with tourists. A few side roads had civilian homes on it, but most everything was attractions, Inns, and markets.
The quartet got a little further down the road when the disk glowed even brighter.
Chichiri smiled. "Maybe we could find it before nightfall, no da."
"Perhaps Suzaku has decided to give us an easier trip." Mitsukake added.
~
"I'm hungry." Miaka whined.
"You just ate!" Tamahome complained.
"A lot, for that matter." Inami added.
"I digested, I can't help it." Miaka said, holding her stomach.
"It's something you just got to get used to." Tamahome mumbled. He looked to Inami. "Maybe we should stop at the inn and unpack everything, and then Miaka can get something to eat."
"Yay!" Miaka cheered.
"All right." Inami agreed. She yanked on the reins of her horse and turned around. "Let's go."
~
"I'm hungry." Saori sighed.
"You just ate!" Tasuki complained.
"Yeah, but I think Miaka stole some of my food." Saori sighed.
"Are you really hungry?" Nuriko asked.
"Yeah, but I might just be tired too." Saori added.
"Well," Nuriko began, "We can stop by the inn and rest up a little, we should unpack anyways."
"Which inn are we at again?" Saori asked.
"Kochan light, I think..." Nuriko trailed off. "The one further down from Miaka and Chichiri's."
"Okay." Saori said, holding onto Nuriko's waist. "Let's go."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was just starting to set a few hours later, and Chichiri was speaking to a merchant in a large store.
"Eighteen." The man over the counter agreed.
Chichiri handed him the money for the pair of red chopsticks, which the man accepted with a smile. He looked past Chichiri's hand to the brightly glowing disk on his staff.
"Hey!" the man exclaimed. "I could give you a good price for that!" He said, pointing to the disk. "How does it do that?"
"Uh... it's just the way it's made, no da." Chichiri said. "Thank you." He said, quickly leaving the store.
"That was easy!" Chiriko said happily.
"We have the third." Hotohori said, relieved.
Chichiri placed the chopsticks in a pouch at his side and mounted his horse after untying it.
"Chichiri," Chiriko began, "Aren't those particular style of chopsticks worn in the hair?"
"You noticed, no da." Chichiri smiled. "Yes, this style is particularly popular in Sairo, no da."
"It that where we are headed next?" Mitsukake asked, mounting his horse last.
Chichiri nudged the side of the horse to get it moving. "It seems so, no da." Chichiri then addressed Hotohori. "Highness, we should rest for the night here, no da. Then we should plan ahead in the morning, no da."
Hotohori nodded. "I think everyone will be happy that we found the third clue."
Chichiri was about to say something when he felt a chill and looked towards the left. A little bit of smoke was rising a little ways away.
"Chichiri." Hotohori directed. He had felt it too.
"The presence of Seiryu." Chichiri whispered.
"Isn't that smoke coming from near the inns we're staying at?" Chiriko asked a little urgently.
Chichiri kicked his horse. "Let's go, no da!" He shouted.