Metajoker: Hia, I'm a softy, but I'm not ending this story scotch-free.
No, they can't use their powers when they're near Kutou. They're still in
Konan, so they're safe-thus Chichiri Can teleport.
Amaya-san: Lol, you're a riot!
Chapter 49 : Red Within the Blues
A soft, gentle tune smoothly passed through the tent, creating gentle waves that soothed the soul. Amiboshi sat down and played on the small wooden instrument, his eyes closed and fingers gliding across the holes.
"This tune is so familiar..." a thought suddenly sprang up. "this song... it makes me feel at peace..."
Slowly the tired lids opened, revealing the smooth sapphire eyes of the young man. He felt soft pillows under his body instead of hot sand, and the air around him was cool, not scorching with the sun.
"Amiboshi..."
The tune suddenly cut short, and Amiboshi opened his eyes. And instant expression of relief crossed his features. "Suboshi, you're all right."
Suboshi lifted his right arm and brushed the hair away from his face, feeling that his headband was missing. His torso had a slight numbing feel to it. Looking down, he was bare-chested but covered trimly with fresh bandages, and a thin blanket was spread over him. His left arm was splint together neatly and securely.
"Here." Amiboshi said, bending over for a moment and picking up a canteen of water. He pulled out the top and held it to Suboshi's lips, pouring it slowly. "Don't sit up, I don't want you to strain yourself."
After a few good swallows, Suboshi coughed, signaling for Amiboshi to stop. Surprisingly after only a day of being here, Suboshi didn't look too bad off.
Suboshi rubbed his eyes. "Aniki..." he said, looking at Amiboshi gratefully. "How... how long has it been since I saw you last?" He coughed a bit more. "What... what happened?"
Amiboshi corked the canteen and brushed his brother's bangs aside. "You made it, Suboshi. You made it back." He thought for a moment, his voice fairly quiet. "She saved you, I know she did."
Suboshi blinked at his twin. "She?" his mind raced for a moment. "That girl..."
"Saori." Amiboshi corrected kindly. "Her name is Saori, I believe. She is apparently a friend of Mayo-sama." He looked over Suboshi. "She's the only reason you got here, brother. When I found you, you had strange, well..." Amiboshi smiled. "Make-shift bandages all over you, and an odd splint on your arm. I imagine she did that."
Suboshi thought for a moment, feeling a light headache coming on. "I... suppose so..."
Amiboshi nodded, placing a hand on Suboshi's shoulder. "She was nearly carrying you when I found you two. Brother," Amiboshi's eyes began to water. "Suboshi, I'm glad you're back. I... I... I thought you were... gone."
Suboshi remembered the fight he had had with the Suzaku seven. He put his right hand over Amiboshi's, glad to see his brother and best friend again. He felt his own tears come forth a bit. After a short, cherished moment of silence, Suboshi finally spoke up.
"Aniki, where... where is she?" He asked, his voice almost fully restored.
Amiboshi looked into his brother's eyes. "Saori?" He asked. "She's still with Mayo-sama, I believe."
Suboshi nodded. He removed his hand from Amiboshi's and tried to sit up, feeling a mild discomfort as he did so, but he made it nonetheless.
"You shouldn't strain yourself!" Amiboshi scolded, standing up and supporting Suboshi.
Suboshi took a big breath and shook his head. "I don't feel too bad..."
Amiboshi backed up a bit, but not entirely. "You're wounds are closed, but they're not completely healed yet. You should rest."
~
Saori pulled the comb through her short hair, pulling it behind her ear and snapping in the last barrette. "Mayo, you will come back with me, won't you?" She repeated for the third time. She had stayed the night with the redhead, and they had caught up with each other and had never been out of each other's sight since Saori's arrival.
Mayo smiled, clasping her hands together. "Saori, I don't want to leave your side. I missed you too much."
Saori stood up and went to the bed where Mayo was sitting, taking a place next to her. "Mayo, I'm so sorry... I'm sorry it took me this long..."
Mayo put her head on Saori's shoulder as Saori embraced her. "No... I'm so sorry Saori-chan. I... It's my fault...."
"Is Mayo still with the girl?" Nakago asked as Soi changed his bandages and re-examined his wounds.
"I believe so." Soi answered, kneeling down to a bowl of water and wringing out a rag. "Nakago, what are you to do with her?"
Nakago smirked. "I've given it thought, but I have not come to a decision. She is a friend of the Suzaku Seven, she could come of great use to us." Nakago thought as Soi applied the damp cloth to his chest, right under his collarbone. "Mayo is seemingly close with her, she's spoken of her before as well. I do have little worry that this girl will sway our priestess's mind."
Soi glanced up quickly at Nakago's expressionless face as she went about her work. "But Nakago..."
"Don't worry Soi." Nakago said blandly, like always. "I will see that things work out as planned."
Soi nodded, pulling the rag away and returning it to the bowl. "If you wish, Nakago, I will help to restore your life force when I am finished with this."
Nakago nodded.
**********************************
"Good morning, Nuriko!" Miaka shouted as she emerged from her tent, fully dressed with her hair pulled into two buns on either side of her head. Her nose wiggled slightly at a familiar smell, and she spotted Nuriko with food. "Wow, I'm hungry!" She realized.
Nuriko simply smiled at her. "Help yourself, Miaka." He glanced up through the trees in the sparse forest the group had camped in at the sun. "It's getting late, we need to head out soon. Tamahome is all ready packing the horses... I'm surprised you all slept this long, even if you were up late."
Miaka flashed Nuriko a peace sign as she loaded a bowl up with rice. "I know Inami is still asleep, should I wake her up?" Miaka shared a tent with Inami instead of Tamahome. Inami was the only other girl, and it would be awkward for her to sleep so close to another man, though she did jokingly offer to share a tent with Nuriko the night before, which caused quite the hilarious commotion in the camp.
Nuriko laughed. "Don't bother, not yet. Tasuki's still out cold too, and so is Chiriko. Mitsukake went off somewhere..." Nuriko looked around. "I think he went to look for a spring, and. HEY!" Nuriko shouted, seeing Miaka snatch food out of his bowl. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Miaka blinked confused at Nuriko. "But you weren't eating it..."
"I was TALKING." Nuriko pointed out, sighing. "You're still so... Miaka." He flipped the front of his hair back. "Chichiri still hasn't shown up, but I'm not going to worry about it."
Miaka nodded. "It'd be sad if he left too..." Miaka's happy expression suddenly faded in remembrance of Saori. Was her friend all right? Was she alive? Did the dogs get her? Miaka quickly turned her head from Nuriko, not wanting to embarrass herself with tears.
Nuriko frowned too, knowing what was on Miaka's mind. He placed a hand on her back. "Hey, we did our best to find her, all right?" He thought for a moment. "I can tell. intuition, if you must, that she's still alive. Not only that, but she's all right. Will you trust me on this?"
Miaka didn't answer, but finally nodded her head. "Okay." She said quietly.
"Good." Nuriko finally went back to his breakfast, finding more of his meal mysteriously gone. "Miaka..."
Miaka ran over to the base of a tree, smiling and guarding her food protectively. Just then Tamahome walked over, picking up some free silverware and arranging it in a carry-case. "I see Miaka's awake... half the food is gone."
"I don't eat THAT much." Miaka objected. Her plate suddenly empty, she leapt up and ran to Tamahome, flinging her arms around him. She pressed her cheek against his chest. "Good morning." She said, a little less loud.
Tamahome stroked the back of her head. "Good morning to you too."
Nuriko smirked.
"They're not STILL asleep, are they?" Inami asked, coming up on the scene. She was finishing pinning the more-so extensive bun in place over her cascading hair. "It's getting kind of late, don't you think?"
Nuriko nodded, reaching down and grabbing a clean bowl. "We'll let them sleep a little longer." He stated, filling the bowl with rice. "Hungry?"
Inami nodded. In a moment Nuriko handed her the bowl of warm food. "Thanks Nuri." She said, taking the seat beside him Miaka had recently occupied. She yawned a bit.
Tamahome had finally released Miaka from his arms and went back to packing away the things no one was using.
"Nuriko, can I have seconds?"
"No." Nuriko said firmly to the girl.
"But Whyyy?" Miaka questioned in a whiny voice.
"The others have to eat too, that's why!" Nuriko argued.
Miaka eyed Inami's bowl.
"No." Inami pulled her breakfast out of reach.
"But they're sleeeeepiiiiing." Miaka pointed out. "They won't know if I just take a little bit!"
Inami smirked, putting her food down. "I'll fix that." She walked over to the two tents on the right of the campfire, inspecting them. She pointed to the first one. "Nuriko, this was yours, right?"
Nuriko nodded, curious.
Inami knelt down and pulled out the first stake in front of the tent, then the other two at the corners. She dropped them and stood up, backing away. Holding out a hand, the top pole of the small structure unhooked itself and came loose, sending the roof collapsing quickly in, bringing the walls with it. A second pole thudded down in the middle.
It only took one moment until...
"What the HELL?!!" A loud voice came booming. Nuriko started laughing to match the big grin on Miaka's face.
A long form in the left section of the tent began shifting around, trapped under the heavy cloth and poles. "LEMME OUT!" The male voice screamed.
"Are you awake?" Inami asked stupidly.
The zipper at the front of the tent began shaking as the man inside tried to get a grip. "What's wrong with you woman?!"
Inami rolled her eyes and knelt down to help with the zipper. "What did I tell you about calling me that?"
Finally the tent was opened and Tasuki popped his head out, his orange hair messed up over his head. Inami took one look at him and laughed.
Chiriko came forward from the adjourning tent. "What's all the noise?" He asked, tying the top of his robe shut and blinking his eyes sleepily.
Nuriko had finally come over to untangle the mess of the tent while Tasuki struggled to get out. He was in his usual open-necked white shirt and pants, but he was bare-foot and didn't have his over-clothes on. He turned over and sat on the grass, rubbing his head. "Can't you people wake a man up gently?"
"We do if they deserve it." Inami smirked.
Tasuki didn't have time to answer before he was charged from the side and knocked over.
"Good morning Tasuki!" Miaka shouted.
"Yeah yeah..." Tasuki said, lifting Miaka off of him.
"Miaka, you sure seem to be in a good mood." Chiriko pointed out, smiling.
Mitsukake finally showed up with two jugs and several canteens full of water. He looked at the scene and smiled.
"All we need is the tents and the rest of the cookware." Tamahome said, walking up as well.
"Then let's get to it, we need to make good time to Kutou!" Nuriko yelled.
********************************
The wet knob against the tile in the shower was turned off, stopping the flow of water. A hand reached out from the curtain, grabbing the towel resting on the toilet.
As Keisuke walked out of his bedroom in his apartment, drying his hair off with the now damp towel, the phone rang. Hikari was sleeping on his bed, lying strategically in the center so she wouldn't roll off. So secure this, pillows were placed as guards around her.
Keisuke picked up the remote and hit the "talk" button. "Moshi- moshi?"
"Keisuke! I'm glad I finally got a hold of you. I called the school and they said I just missed you."
Oh crap. Keisuke swallowed. "Please let this go over well..." he thought. He cleared his throat. "Hey Mom, how's it going?"
"I'm 'going' just fine." She replied. "Are you all right? Work not too stressing or anything?"
"Yeah, everything's just fine."
"Keisuke, where's your sister been? I haven't seen her for quite a while. Taka either. Are they still with you?"
"Uh... no..." Keisuke said. He quickly thought of an excuse. "They went out for dinner... an early dinner! Yeah... uh... Hikari's over here though."
"They've been out a lot lately."
Keisuke bit his lip. "Well, I told you Miaka came by just the other day, but you weren't home."
Ms. Yuuki nodded, though it couldn't be seen. "I was probably grocery shopping. Oh well. They are doing fine though, right?"
"Oh yeah." Keisuke said reassuringly. "Just dandy." Keisuke had to make it sound less suspicious. "Do you want me to bring Hikari by? I'm sure she misses her grandma."
Ms. Yuuki laughed. "Oh dear, that word makes me feel so old. Actually, I'd like to see my granddaughter at least. Could you bring her by later?"
"How's now sound? She's sleeping, but I think I hear her waking up." Keisuke lied.
"Oh, all right. I haven't seen you much either! Come by then."
"All right."
"Oh, and Keisuke dear?"
"Yeah?"
"Have you been really busy with coaching or something? Are you with a part-time job?"
Keisuke blinked. "No mom, it's nothing like that, I've just been busy."
"Is it a woman? Keisuke, are you FINALLY seeing someone?!"
Keisuke sighed. "Uh... I gotta go get Hikari... I'll see you in a second Mom..." After a few more words Keisuke hung up, scratching the back of his head. If Miaka and Tamahome didn't hurry up already, they were in trouble. On his way to get Hikari, Keisuke spotted the red bound book on his kitchen counter. He grabbed it, taking it with him--just in case.
*****************************
A new form appeared near the Seiryu camp, blending in quickly, unnoticed.
~
Saori perked up, feeling her heart stop. Was she hearing things? She was walking back to her and Mayo's tent, Mayo was talking to someone and she had looked around a bit, hoping to find Amiboshi or his brother out. However, on her way back, she could have sworn she heard a deathly familiar voice. She didn't get much time to think about it before her name was called.
"Saori?"
Saori turned around and spotted Mayo behind her. "Mayo!" She exclaimed. "Sorry, I just wanted to walk around a bit."
Mayo smiled, walking past her and into her tent. "That's okay. I don't mind."
"Mayo, where is everyone?" Saori asked, following.
Mayo looked up, curious to why Saori wanted to know. "They're all inside." Mayo answered. "It's cooler in the tents here, most of us just sleep until night falls and it's not as hot out."
Saori nodded. "Mayo, is... is Suboshi okay?"
Mayo picked up a bag and started sifting through it randomly. "Oh him? He's all right."
Saori nodded. She suddenly felt vastly out of place.
There was an awkward silence before swift footsteps came towards the girls' tent, the front opening. Saori felt her heart stop when she saw who is was.
"What is it Nakago?" Mayo asked rudely. "It's not polite to come barging in."
Nakago eyed Saori before replying. "Mayo, I sense the life force of a Suzaku warrior close by."
"Suzaku warrior?" Saori thought as she stood quietly. She looked quickly to Mayo to see what she would do.
Mayo stood up. "Nakago, are you sure?"
Saori noticed something odd about Mayo's tone.
"Yes, Priestess."
Suddenly Amiboshi came in from behind Nakago. "Nakago sir, I sense..."
"I'm aware." Nakago interrupted.
Amiboshi, it was he, not the other. Saori wanted badly to speak to him. She looked around the tent walls. A Suzaku warrior though? Who could it be? A glitter of hope swelled within her, though she tried not to show it. Maybe... maybe they came for her and Mayo!
In Saori's thoughts, she didn't notice that Amiboshi and Nakago had both left, Mayo following after them. Mayo turned back. "Saori, don't move, stay here." She ordered before disappearing out of sight.
Saori stared at the door for a moment before retreating to the back of the tent. She whispered so not to be heard. "Miaka? Nuriko? Chichiri... Chiriko? Are you there?"
A shadow was cast lightly over the camp, light black clouds forming in the sky above, flickers of light sparking from Soi's hands as she scouted for the intruder.
Amiboshi had escaped from Nakago for the time being and went back to Suboshi's side. He wanted to keep his brother from hurting himself, and he wanted to avoid a fight.
Nakago found the whole thing to be amusing, and his trademark smirk was planted on his lips. "I was starting to become disappointed in them too, except the shorter one." Nakago thought out loud to Soi. "He was quite the treat."
"Why can't we see him, Nakago?" Soi asked.
Tomo came into sight, rubbing the closed shell of shin.
Nakago looked around. "The magician, no doubt."
Tomo looked around suspiciously. "Nakago, I can attempt and illusion or get Ashitare..."
Nakago held up a hand. "Tomo, that won't be necessary." Nakago suddenly jerked his head, a blue symbol of "kokoro" flashing on his forehead. He shot his hand out, a thin blue light shooting forward and near a tent. It hit the ground, exploding. Nothing followed but a girl's gasp and a slight jingle.
~
Yui fell hard on the ground after her tent and the ground started shaking. In the shock, she had let a small screech escape her. What was going on?
~
Suboshi opened his eyes, looking around. He looked at Amiboshi, who was focused on the doorway. He thought he had heard something, though it was probably Mayo.
~~
Saori perked up. Who had screamed?
~
Nakago withdrew his hand. "Close." He said, probing the camp with his piercing eyes. He held his hand out again and sent out a small chi blast behind him. It hit the ground, a few drops of red liquid appearing in the small crater. "You're letting yourself down, Magician." Nakago announced. He turned to Mayo. "Priestess, stay in your tent with Saori."
Mayo was hesitant, but did as she was told and returned to Saori.
"Mayo, what's going on?" Saori asked as Mayo entered.
Mayo didn't answer.
Saori ran up to her. "Mayo, they're good people! You know it Mayo!"
The clouds in the sky were darkening. "Nakago, we should just..."
"No." Nakago cut Soi off. "I want to see what he's trying."
Shin opened, a colored smoke waving about the shell, waiting to strike is necessary.
Nakago's symbol glowed again, a light force field forming around the camp. "No more games." He said. He shot off another chi blast, blowing up the ground where it landed, again followed by a jingle.
~
"Mayo!" Saori gasped, looking at the swirling fabric of the tent behind her friend. Mayo turned around and looked at it herself. A swirling portal appeared on the far wall, a few colors mixing in with the tent's beige coloring. A hand came through, then finally a head, and the portal began flashing and glowing.
"Chichiri!" Saori yelled.
"Hurry up no da!" Chichiri yelled, his face not smiling but urgent. "I don't have time no da!"
Saori ran to the tent and grabbed onto Chichiri's sleeve. She turned around. "Mayo, come on!"
Mayo looked at Saori and at the masked man, unsure. She stood, not moving.
Saori gave Mayo a bewildered look. She extended her hand as far as she could reach. "Mayo! Please! What are you waiting for?!"
"Come on no da!" Chichiri urged.
"Mayo!" Saori stretched her arm to her. "Mayo! Hurry up!"
Mayo looked at Saori, and then turned away, looking with slightly saddened eyes towards the door.
Saori's expression fell. "Mayo!" She called out. She felt her arm drawn back and the portal surround her. She disappeared from the tent, and the next thing she saw was a bright blue light coming straight for her.
Chichiri's staff jingled and they vanished, re-appearing visibly in another portion of the camp.
"You won't escape!" Nakago said, shooting forth a direct blast.
"Issho ni ka!" Chichiri shouted, thrusting his staff forward, shooting out a white light that clashed with the chi. As soon as that happened, another blast came. Chichiri put his hands out to intercept it. The force pushed him back behind Saori.
Chichiri fell to one knee, untying his cloak and throwing it onto Saori. "Sou!" He shouted, thrusting his staff down onto the cloak. Another life force blasted his way, knocking him over just as the cloak began disappearing into the ground, bringing him and Saori with it.
Amaya-san: Lol, you're a riot!
Chapter 49 : Red Within the Blues
A soft, gentle tune smoothly passed through the tent, creating gentle waves that soothed the soul. Amiboshi sat down and played on the small wooden instrument, his eyes closed and fingers gliding across the holes.
"This tune is so familiar..." a thought suddenly sprang up. "this song... it makes me feel at peace..."
Slowly the tired lids opened, revealing the smooth sapphire eyes of the young man. He felt soft pillows under his body instead of hot sand, and the air around him was cool, not scorching with the sun.
"Amiboshi..."
The tune suddenly cut short, and Amiboshi opened his eyes. And instant expression of relief crossed his features. "Suboshi, you're all right."
Suboshi lifted his right arm and brushed the hair away from his face, feeling that his headband was missing. His torso had a slight numbing feel to it. Looking down, he was bare-chested but covered trimly with fresh bandages, and a thin blanket was spread over him. His left arm was splint together neatly and securely.
"Here." Amiboshi said, bending over for a moment and picking up a canteen of water. He pulled out the top and held it to Suboshi's lips, pouring it slowly. "Don't sit up, I don't want you to strain yourself."
After a few good swallows, Suboshi coughed, signaling for Amiboshi to stop. Surprisingly after only a day of being here, Suboshi didn't look too bad off.
Suboshi rubbed his eyes. "Aniki..." he said, looking at Amiboshi gratefully. "How... how long has it been since I saw you last?" He coughed a bit more. "What... what happened?"
Amiboshi corked the canteen and brushed his brother's bangs aside. "You made it, Suboshi. You made it back." He thought for a moment, his voice fairly quiet. "She saved you, I know she did."
Suboshi blinked at his twin. "She?" his mind raced for a moment. "That girl..."
"Saori." Amiboshi corrected kindly. "Her name is Saori, I believe. She is apparently a friend of Mayo-sama." He looked over Suboshi. "She's the only reason you got here, brother. When I found you, you had strange, well..." Amiboshi smiled. "Make-shift bandages all over you, and an odd splint on your arm. I imagine she did that."
Suboshi thought for a moment, feeling a light headache coming on. "I... suppose so..."
Amiboshi nodded, placing a hand on Suboshi's shoulder. "She was nearly carrying you when I found you two. Brother," Amiboshi's eyes began to water. "Suboshi, I'm glad you're back. I... I... I thought you were... gone."
Suboshi remembered the fight he had had with the Suzaku seven. He put his right hand over Amiboshi's, glad to see his brother and best friend again. He felt his own tears come forth a bit. After a short, cherished moment of silence, Suboshi finally spoke up.
"Aniki, where... where is she?" He asked, his voice almost fully restored.
Amiboshi looked into his brother's eyes. "Saori?" He asked. "She's still with Mayo-sama, I believe."
Suboshi nodded. He removed his hand from Amiboshi's and tried to sit up, feeling a mild discomfort as he did so, but he made it nonetheless.
"You shouldn't strain yourself!" Amiboshi scolded, standing up and supporting Suboshi.
Suboshi took a big breath and shook his head. "I don't feel too bad..."
Amiboshi backed up a bit, but not entirely. "You're wounds are closed, but they're not completely healed yet. You should rest."
~
Saori pulled the comb through her short hair, pulling it behind her ear and snapping in the last barrette. "Mayo, you will come back with me, won't you?" She repeated for the third time. She had stayed the night with the redhead, and they had caught up with each other and had never been out of each other's sight since Saori's arrival.
Mayo smiled, clasping her hands together. "Saori, I don't want to leave your side. I missed you too much."
Saori stood up and went to the bed where Mayo was sitting, taking a place next to her. "Mayo, I'm so sorry... I'm sorry it took me this long..."
Mayo put her head on Saori's shoulder as Saori embraced her. "No... I'm so sorry Saori-chan. I... It's my fault...."
"Is Mayo still with the girl?" Nakago asked as Soi changed his bandages and re-examined his wounds.
"I believe so." Soi answered, kneeling down to a bowl of water and wringing out a rag. "Nakago, what are you to do with her?"
Nakago smirked. "I've given it thought, but I have not come to a decision. She is a friend of the Suzaku Seven, she could come of great use to us." Nakago thought as Soi applied the damp cloth to his chest, right under his collarbone. "Mayo is seemingly close with her, she's spoken of her before as well. I do have little worry that this girl will sway our priestess's mind."
Soi glanced up quickly at Nakago's expressionless face as she went about her work. "But Nakago..."
"Don't worry Soi." Nakago said blandly, like always. "I will see that things work out as planned."
Soi nodded, pulling the rag away and returning it to the bowl. "If you wish, Nakago, I will help to restore your life force when I am finished with this."
Nakago nodded.
**********************************
"Good morning, Nuriko!" Miaka shouted as she emerged from her tent, fully dressed with her hair pulled into two buns on either side of her head. Her nose wiggled slightly at a familiar smell, and she spotted Nuriko with food. "Wow, I'm hungry!" She realized.
Nuriko simply smiled at her. "Help yourself, Miaka." He glanced up through the trees in the sparse forest the group had camped in at the sun. "It's getting late, we need to head out soon. Tamahome is all ready packing the horses... I'm surprised you all slept this long, even if you were up late."
Miaka flashed Nuriko a peace sign as she loaded a bowl up with rice. "I know Inami is still asleep, should I wake her up?" Miaka shared a tent with Inami instead of Tamahome. Inami was the only other girl, and it would be awkward for her to sleep so close to another man, though she did jokingly offer to share a tent with Nuriko the night before, which caused quite the hilarious commotion in the camp.
Nuriko laughed. "Don't bother, not yet. Tasuki's still out cold too, and so is Chiriko. Mitsukake went off somewhere..." Nuriko looked around. "I think he went to look for a spring, and. HEY!" Nuriko shouted, seeing Miaka snatch food out of his bowl. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Miaka blinked confused at Nuriko. "But you weren't eating it..."
"I was TALKING." Nuriko pointed out, sighing. "You're still so... Miaka." He flipped the front of his hair back. "Chichiri still hasn't shown up, but I'm not going to worry about it."
Miaka nodded. "It'd be sad if he left too..." Miaka's happy expression suddenly faded in remembrance of Saori. Was her friend all right? Was she alive? Did the dogs get her? Miaka quickly turned her head from Nuriko, not wanting to embarrass herself with tears.
Nuriko frowned too, knowing what was on Miaka's mind. He placed a hand on her back. "Hey, we did our best to find her, all right?" He thought for a moment. "I can tell. intuition, if you must, that she's still alive. Not only that, but she's all right. Will you trust me on this?"
Miaka didn't answer, but finally nodded her head. "Okay." She said quietly.
"Good." Nuriko finally went back to his breakfast, finding more of his meal mysteriously gone. "Miaka..."
Miaka ran over to the base of a tree, smiling and guarding her food protectively. Just then Tamahome walked over, picking up some free silverware and arranging it in a carry-case. "I see Miaka's awake... half the food is gone."
"I don't eat THAT much." Miaka objected. Her plate suddenly empty, she leapt up and ran to Tamahome, flinging her arms around him. She pressed her cheek against his chest. "Good morning." She said, a little less loud.
Tamahome stroked the back of her head. "Good morning to you too."
Nuriko smirked.
"They're not STILL asleep, are they?" Inami asked, coming up on the scene. She was finishing pinning the more-so extensive bun in place over her cascading hair. "It's getting kind of late, don't you think?"
Nuriko nodded, reaching down and grabbing a clean bowl. "We'll let them sleep a little longer." He stated, filling the bowl with rice. "Hungry?"
Inami nodded. In a moment Nuriko handed her the bowl of warm food. "Thanks Nuri." She said, taking the seat beside him Miaka had recently occupied. She yawned a bit.
Tamahome had finally released Miaka from his arms and went back to packing away the things no one was using.
"Nuriko, can I have seconds?"
"No." Nuriko said firmly to the girl.
"But Whyyy?" Miaka questioned in a whiny voice.
"The others have to eat too, that's why!" Nuriko argued.
Miaka eyed Inami's bowl.
"No." Inami pulled her breakfast out of reach.
"But they're sleeeeepiiiiing." Miaka pointed out. "They won't know if I just take a little bit!"
Inami smirked, putting her food down. "I'll fix that." She walked over to the two tents on the right of the campfire, inspecting them. She pointed to the first one. "Nuriko, this was yours, right?"
Nuriko nodded, curious.
Inami knelt down and pulled out the first stake in front of the tent, then the other two at the corners. She dropped them and stood up, backing away. Holding out a hand, the top pole of the small structure unhooked itself and came loose, sending the roof collapsing quickly in, bringing the walls with it. A second pole thudded down in the middle.
It only took one moment until...
"What the HELL?!!" A loud voice came booming. Nuriko started laughing to match the big grin on Miaka's face.
A long form in the left section of the tent began shifting around, trapped under the heavy cloth and poles. "LEMME OUT!" The male voice screamed.
"Are you awake?" Inami asked stupidly.
The zipper at the front of the tent began shaking as the man inside tried to get a grip. "What's wrong with you woman?!"
Inami rolled her eyes and knelt down to help with the zipper. "What did I tell you about calling me that?"
Finally the tent was opened and Tasuki popped his head out, his orange hair messed up over his head. Inami took one look at him and laughed.
Chiriko came forward from the adjourning tent. "What's all the noise?" He asked, tying the top of his robe shut and blinking his eyes sleepily.
Nuriko had finally come over to untangle the mess of the tent while Tasuki struggled to get out. He was in his usual open-necked white shirt and pants, but he was bare-foot and didn't have his over-clothes on. He turned over and sat on the grass, rubbing his head. "Can't you people wake a man up gently?"
"We do if they deserve it." Inami smirked.
Tasuki didn't have time to answer before he was charged from the side and knocked over.
"Good morning Tasuki!" Miaka shouted.
"Yeah yeah..." Tasuki said, lifting Miaka off of him.
"Miaka, you sure seem to be in a good mood." Chiriko pointed out, smiling.
Mitsukake finally showed up with two jugs and several canteens full of water. He looked at the scene and smiled.
"All we need is the tents and the rest of the cookware." Tamahome said, walking up as well.
"Then let's get to it, we need to make good time to Kutou!" Nuriko yelled.
********************************
The wet knob against the tile in the shower was turned off, stopping the flow of water. A hand reached out from the curtain, grabbing the towel resting on the toilet.
As Keisuke walked out of his bedroom in his apartment, drying his hair off with the now damp towel, the phone rang. Hikari was sleeping on his bed, lying strategically in the center so she wouldn't roll off. So secure this, pillows were placed as guards around her.
Keisuke picked up the remote and hit the "talk" button. "Moshi- moshi?"
"Keisuke! I'm glad I finally got a hold of you. I called the school and they said I just missed you."
Oh crap. Keisuke swallowed. "Please let this go over well..." he thought. He cleared his throat. "Hey Mom, how's it going?"
"I'm 'going' just fine." She replied. "Are you all right? Work not too stressing or anything?"
"Yeah, everything's just fine."
"Keisuke, where's your sister been? I haven't seen her for quite a while. Taka either. Are they still with you?"
"Uh... no..." Keisuke said. He quickly thought of an excuse. "They went out for dinner... an early dinner! Yeah... uh... Hikari's over here though."
"They've been out a lot lately."
Keisuke bit his lip. "Well, I told you Miaka came by just the other day, but you weren't home."
Ms. Yuuki nodded, though it couldn't be seen. "I was probably grocery shopping. Oh well. They are doing fine though, right?"
"Oh yeah." Keisuke said reassuringly. "Just dandy." Keisuke had to make it sound less suspicious. "Do you want me to bring Hikari by? I'm sure she misses her grandma."
Ms. Yuuki laughed. "Oh dear, that word makes me feel so old. Actually, I'd like to see my granddaughter at least. Could you bring her by later?"
"How's now sound? She's sleeping, but I think I hear her waking up." Keisuke lied.
"Oh, all right. I haven't seen you much either! Come by then."
"All right."
"Oh, and Keisuke dear?"
"Yeah?"
"Have you been really busy with coaching or something? Are you with a part-time job?"
Keisuke blinked. "No mom, it's nothing like that, I've just been busy."
"Is it a woman? Keisuke, are you FINALLY seeing someone?!"
Keisuke sighed. "Uh... I gotta go get Hikari... I'll see you in a second Mom..." After a few more words Keisuke hung up, scratching the back of his head. If Miaka and Tamahome didn't hurry up already, they were in trouble. On his way to get Hikari, Keisuke spotted the red bound book on his kitchen counter. He grabbed it, taking it with him--just in case.
*****************************
A new form appeared near the Seiryu camp, blending in quickly, unnoticed.
~
Saori perked up, feeling her heart stop. Was she hearing things? She was walking back to her and Mayo's tent, Mayo was talking to someone and she had looked around a bit, hoping to find Amiboshi or his brother out. However, on her way back, she could have sworn she heard a deathly familiar voice. She didn't get much time to think about it before her name was called.
"Saori?"
Saori turned around and spotted Mayo behind her. "Mayo!" She exclaimed. "Sorry, I just wanted to walk around a bit."
Mayo smiled, walking past her and into her tent. "That's okay. I don't mind."
"Mayo, where is everyone?" Saori asked, following.
Mayo looked up, curious to why Saori wanted to know. "They're all inside." Mayo answered. "It's cooler in the tents here, most of us just sleep until night falls and it's not as hot out."
Saori nodded. "Mayo, is... is Suboshi okay?"
Mayo picked up a bag and started sifting through it randomly. "Oh him? He's all right."
Saori nodded. She suddenly felt vastly out of place.
There was an awkward silence before swift footsteps came towards the girls' tent, the front opening. Saori felt her heart stop when she saw who is was.
"What is it Nakago?" Mayo asked rudely. "It's not polite to come barging in."
Nakago eyed Saori before replying. "Mayo, I sense the life force of a Suzaku warrior close by."
"Suzaku warrior?" Saori thought as she stood quietly. She looked quickly to Mayo to see what she would do.
Mayo stood up. "Nakago, are you sure?"
Saori noticed something odd about Mayo's tone.
"Yes, Priestess."
Suddenly Amiboshi came in from behind Nakago. "Nakago sir, I sense..."
"I'm aware." Nakago interrupted.
Amiboshi, it was he, not the other. Saori wanted badly to speak to him. She looked around the tent walls. A Suzaku warrior though? Who could it be? A glitter of hope swelled within her, though she tried not to show it. Maybe... maybe they came for her and Mayo!
In Saori's thoughts, she didn't notice that Amiboshi and Nakago had both left, Mayo following after them. Mayo turned back. "Saori, don't move, stay here." She ordered before disappearing out of sight.
Saori stared at the door for a moment before retreating to the back of the tent. She whispered so not to be heard. "Miaka? Nuriko? Chichiri... Chiriko? Are you there?"
A shadow was cast lightly over the camp, light black clouds forming in the sky above, flickers of light sparking from Soi's hands as she scouted for the intruder.
Amiboshi had escaped from Nakago for the time being and went back to Suboshi's side. He wanted to keep his brother from hurting himself, and he wanted to avoid a fight.
Nakago found the whole thing to be amusing, and his trademark smirk was planted on his lips. "I was starting to become disappointed in them too, except the shorter one." Nakago thought out loud to Soi. "He was quite the treat."
"Why can't we see him, Nakago?" Soi asked.
Tomo came into sight, rubbing the closed shell of shin.
Nakago looked around. "The magician, no doubt."
Tomo looked around suspiciously. "Nakago, I can attempt and illusion or get Ashitare..."
Nakago held up a hand. "Tomo, that won't be necessary." Nakago suddenly jerked his head, a blue symbol of "kokoro" flashing on his forehead. He shot his hand out, a thin blue light shooting forward and near a tent. It hit the ground, exploding. Nothing followed but a girl's gasp and a slight jingle.
~
Yui fell hard on the ground after her tent and the ground started shaking. In the shock, she had let a small screech escape her. What was going on?
~
Suboshi opened his eyes, looking around. He looked at Amiboshi, who was focused on the doorway. He thought he had heard something, though it was probably Mayo.
~~
Saori perked up. Who had screamed?
~
Nakago withdrew his hand. "Close." He said, probing the camp with his piercing eyes. He held his hand out again and sent out a small chi blast behind him. It hit the ground, a few drops of red liquid appearing in the small crater. "You're letting yourself down, Magician." Nakago announced. He turned to Mayo. "Priestess, stay in your tent with Saori."
Mayo was hesitant, but did as she was told and returned to Saori.
"Mayo, what's going on?" Saori asked as Mayo entered.
Mayo didn't answer.
Saori ran up to her. "Mayo, they're good people! You know it Mayo!"
The clouds in the sky were darkening. "Nakago, we should just..."
"No." Nakago cut Soi off. "I want to see what he's trying."
Shin opened, a colored smoke waving about the shell, waiting to strike is necessary.
Nakago's symbol glowed again, a light force field forming around the camp. "No more games." He said. He shot off another chi blast, blowing up the ground where it landed, again followed by a jingle.
~
"Mayo!" Saori gasped, looking at the swirling fabric of the tent behind her friend. Mayo turned around and looked at it herself. A swirling portal appeared on the far wall, a few colors mixing in with the tent's beige coloring. A hand came through, then finally a head, and the portal began flashing and glowing.
"Chichiri!" Saori yelled.
"Hurry up no da!" Chichiri yelled, his face not smiling but urgent. "I don't have time no da!"
Saori ran to the tent and grabbed onto Chichiri's sleeve. She turned around. "Mayo, come on!"
Mayo looked at Saori and at the masked man, unsure. She stood, not moving.
Saori gave Mayo a bewildered look. She extended her hand as far as she could reach. "Mayo! Please! What are you waiting for?!"
"Come on no da!" Chichiri urged.
"Mayo!" Saori stretched her arm to her. "Mayo! Hurry up!"
Mayo looked at Saori, and then turned away, looking with slightly saddened eyes towards the door.
Saori's expression fell. "Mayo!" She called out. She felt her arm drawn back and the portal surround her. She disappeared from the tent, and the next thing she saw was a bright blue light coming straight for her.
Chichiri's staff jingled and they vanished, re-appearing visibly in another portion of the camp.
"You won't escape!" Nakago said, shooting forth a direct blast.
"Issho ni ka!" Chichiri shouted, thrusting his staff forward, shooting out a white light that clashed with the chi. As soon as that happened, another blast came. Chichiri put his hands out to intercept it. The force pushed him back behind Saori.
Chichiri fell to one knee, untying his cloak and throwing it onto Saori. "Sou!" He shouted, thrusting his staff down onto the cloak. Another life force blasted his way, knocking him over just as the cloak began disappearing into the ground, bringing him and Saori with it.