Metajoker! Oops! It was Road not rode, sorry! Oh no. I'll be hearing from
BD on that one. Losing my element of surprise? That's never good. oh
well; hopefully it will come back to me!
BOO!
Surprised? No? Oh well.
To BD: Thanks! I'll send them to you when I can, sometimes I feel guilty if a chapter is up and I don't post, but oh well. I'm trying hard to watch on this one.
To HollyDA: Number one, NEVER apologize for long reviews! I love them! I hope you're feeling better, thank you so much for reading!
Chapter 53 : Cat and Mouse; Life or Death
"Chiriko, about how much farther until we reach the shop?"
"I couldn't tell you exactly Tamahome, but I do know we're probably only half way there."
Tamahome pulled Miaka closer to him as another small fleet of guards passed by them, the men eyeing them suspiciously. "Chiriko, I have a bad feeling about this."
Chiriko nodded. "The number of guards has increased instead of decreasing with the nightfall. Perhaps they are planning an attack... or possibly..."
"They're looking for something... or some one."
Miaka looked up at Tamahome. "You... you don't think they know we're..."
"Shh..." Tamahome coaxed as a single guard passed by them. He watched them quietly approach another stranger and instantly demand answers to questions.
"Just keep going." Tamahome pushed. "Chiriko, make sure you don't stray behind me."
Chiriko nodded, his tall ponytail bobbing slightly. "Perhaps we shouldn't take the main road."
"Yeah..." Tamahome momentarily agreed, "But if we're found elsewhere, we may look suspicious."
"That's true."
Miaka squeezed Tamahome's hand, which at the moment was placed lightly on her shoulder. Tamahome re--directed his attention and squeezed back, trying to give Miaka some sense of comfort. They turned in a crossroad of where they were, spotting a merchant packing up his supplies, while another was still eagerly selling.
"How long do they stay out?" Tamahome wondered out loud.
"I hope they found the shinzaho." Miaka said suddenly.
Chiriko smiled at Miaka. "Don't worry Miaka. I have a feeling that our shinzaho is in good hands." Miaka noticed that Chiriko said "shinzaho" a bit more quietly than the rest of his sentence.
Miaka some how felt reassured by Chiriko's words. Plus, she was with Tamahome, and from the very beginning he's always promised to protect her. As long as he was with her, and friends surrounded her, she could overcome anything. Whether it be emotional stress, physical battles, or...
Miaka widened her eyes to see in the dimming light, noticing something that contrasted against her surroundings. It was bright, and...
"Tasuki!" She yelled, instantly quieting herself. She realized she shouldn't be shouting the names of celestial constellations in enemy territory.
The stain of orange in the background turned, scanning the scene. It took a moment, but he soon locked eyes with Tamahome, and then Miaka. Tamahome and Chiriko saw him now too, and ran to catch up.
"Hey you guys!" Tasuki said, smiling to reveal his fangs. "Find anything?"
Miaka shook her head. "But Chiriko said that the..." She whispered, "shinzaho... is in good hands!"
"I hope he's right." Inami spoke up.
"So then I take it you haven't had much luck either?" Chiriko asked.
Inami sighed. "Not exactly... quite the opposite..."
Miaka blinked. "How so?"
"We'll tell ya on the way. We need to get movin'." Tasuki announced, waving them all forward. He turned around. "And stay close, I got a funny feelin' that we're not the only ones knowing we're here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And you've always sold here?!"
The merchant shook and nodded his head. "Yes sir! My booth has always been here, and I know nothing!"
"Very well." The soldier pushed him out of the way before addressing another passer-by. "And YOU. What are YOU doing here?"
Chichiri stopped and looked at the guard. Unlike the short merchant, Chichiri's was about the guard's height, possibly a bit taller. "I'm simply on my way no da." He answered. "Is there a problem no da?"
"Apparently we've got some... he he.. enemies on Kutou lines..." The guard suddenly stiffened. "So?! What's your story?" He eyed the short girl next to the man. "And who's this?!"
Saori was about to say something when Chichiri placed a hand on her shoulder.
"This is my sister, na no da." Chichiri replied calmly. "We're on our way back to the Maki district, just a little ways from here, no da."
"Yeah... I know where that district is." The guard looked the two over. "You two don't look that much alike...."
"Onisan, are we in trouble?" Saori suddenly asked, tugging on Chichiri's cloak.
Chichiri smiled and patted Saori on the head. "Don't worry, we'll only be a minute no da."
The guard folded his arms. "And where are you coming from, exactly?"
Chichiri was only silent for a second. "We have just come from my fiancée's home, we spent the day with her today. If necessary, I can give you an address..."
"No." The soldier said firmly. He waved them aside. "Be on your way." He ordered. He only walked off a little ways before interrogating another civilian.
Chichiri and Saori walked away a ways before speaking again.
"Wow Chichiri! You were really good at that!"
Chichiri smiled. "I must say, your role was quick thinking too, no da."
Saori thought for a moment. "Chichiri, who do you suppose the enemy is that they're looking for?"
Chichiri looked down at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh." Saori said, looking back ahead of her. "That sucks. How much farther?"
"We should be there soon, no da."
"Do you think one of them found the clue?"
Chichiri nodded. "I can sense the shinzaho's presence tied in with the essence of a warrior, it is safe, no da."
"Good." Saori replied, yawning. "Let's hurry back!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"There it is." Nuriko pointed out the meeting place, carrying the helmet under one arm. It had a wide, yellow sash over it, covering most of it from view. The yellow sash was one of the two belts Mitsukake had had around his mustard colored robe.
"Do you see anyone?" Mitsukake asked.
Nuriko shook his head. "We'll wait here for a moment, but then we have to walk around this area. We don't want to look awkward."
Mitsukake nodded. "Perhaps if something holds them up, we should leave for the gates."
"Let's hope that doesn't happen." Nuriko replied.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"General, this is our latest report." A soldier handed the man on a horse a small letter.
The general read it over before carelessly dropping it on the ground. "I want you to continue your search, is that clear?" His low voice asked almost threatingly.
"Yes sir!" The soldier replied.
Nakago nodded. "Lady Mayo's carriage has pulled in and is near here, I want you to take some men to escort her immediately to the palace."
"Yes sir. It will be taken care of immediately. Any other orders, Sir?"
Nakago smirked. "Now that I am here, if indeed the Suzaku seven haven't left yet, make sure they'll be dearly sorry." He looked back to the guard. "Now go."
The guard quickly nodded before leaving Nakago, assembling the few scattered soldier in the area to give new reports or where to go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Just a few more miles... six or seven... to go and we should be there."
"Six or Seven MILES?" Tasuki complained. "My feet hurt! I'm sick of walkin'!"
"Please keep going Tasuki. Everyone else is probably waiting for us." Miaka persuaded.
"I didn't say I was gonna stop..." Tasuki mumbled.
Miaka shivered suddenly. Apparently Tamahome had noticed, because he put a hand on either on of Miaka's arms and began rubbing them to warm her up. Miaka looked back at him appreciatively.
"Monto, look there." A guard pointed to a group of five walking by.
"Yeah, what about it?"
The first soldier held up a piece of paper with random words scribbled across it. "Two of 'em match these descriptions by the gen'ril. There's a woman with red hair, and a tall man with orange."
"Hey...." Monto said slyly, studying the group. "Ya right. I'd say... let's get 'em."
The first soldier smirked and turned around the small fleet of about eight more soldiers behind him. "We're going out!" The guard pointed outwards. "I don't want none dead, but arrest them! Every one!"
"HEH!" The troops shouted in response.
"Chiriko?"
"I hear it too..."
"What?" Miaka asked. However, she heard the yelling of guards and soldier before she could get an answer.
Ten men dressed in official Kutou uniform came running at them like wild dogs, waving their spears and swords at them wildly. Other from the charging war calls, she could here them screaming. "Out of the way!" to civilians and "You're under arrest!".... to them.
Tamahome grabbed Miaka's shoulder. "RUN!" He shouted.
Tasuki cursed loudly before taking off. The group was now running full speed, with only a slight head start in front of their chasers.
They quickly turned a corner, nearly slipping on the dirt roads as they ran.
"We need to lose them!" Tamahome shouted. He and Miaka dodged one way, Inami, Tasuki, and Chiriko ran the other. Once the guards reached their spot, they split to follow each individual group.
"Surround them!!" A soldier yelled.
Thought Tasuki didn't see why since they had been spotted, he still refrained from using his powers. Besides... doing so would force him to leave Inami and Chiriko behind. Inami had a hand gripped firmly on Chiriko's sleeve, making sure he kept up. They were still being chased, and they ducked under a half-set-up tent and around another corner, meeting up with two others.
"We haven't lost them yet!" Tamahome shouted, pulling Miaka along with him as he ran.
"You think I haven't noticed?!!" Tasuki shouted back.
They turned in the road again before seeing another guard, and quickly changed course to go the other way. Before they knew it, they were at the top of a small flight of stone stairs in the road, and they nearly fell down it.
"Hurry!" Chiriko shouted.
They ran a little further before three guards cut them off, screaming at them with their weapons. The group instantly spread again.
"I... I can't..." Miaka gasped.
Inami grabbed hold of Miaka's wrist and pulled her hard. "You have to, come on!"
"Where'd Miaka go?!" Tamahome asked frantically as he ran, panting madly.
Tasuki looked around too. "She's with Akue, just keep going!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"How much farther?" Saori asked again.
"I'd say two more miles, no da." Chichiri answered... again.
After a moment Saori discovered she had been leaning her head against Chichiri's arm, and had no idea how long it had been there. She quickly stood straight. "Oh! S...Sorry!"
Chichiri smiled. "It's all right, no da. I think about everyone will be tired when we leave this place, no da."
Chichiri and Saori were now on a small, narrow road, and there wasn't another person in sight, only the occasional side or back of a small house.
Only half-intentionally, Saori's head slowly tipped, resting lightly again against Chichiri's arm. She rested her eyes for a moment as she walked, but opened them before too long. Her teeth involuntarily chattered together, and she quickly closed her mouth over them. It wasn't until then that she realized she was cold. The robe she had on, the blue one she had gotten from the star festival, was only short-sleeved.
Saori suddenly felt the chill leave her as something warm and soft was placed over her shoulders. She looked over at it; it was a blue cloak with strange circular patterns on it. When she recognized it, she looked up at Chichiri. After a moment Chichiri looked down at her, and she smiled to thank him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Miaka limped while sprinting into the trees, Inami a little ways ahead of her. Miaka held her side tightly. Then, she slowed down completely, leaning her weight against a tree and breathing hard. "I... I can't go. any further Inami..."
Inami turned around and walked back to her, breathing hard herself. "That's all right..." She looked beyond Miaka. "I think we lost them."
Miaka now looked around, seeing that Tasuki, Chiriko, and Tamahome were not with them. "I hope they're all right..." she said quietly.
Inami bit her lip. What if all ten guards were on them?
"Come on." Inami took hold of Miaka's wrist again. Let's keep going... we still have to make it to that shop, and that's where Tasuki and the others will be heading.
~
Tamahome grabbed hold of Tasuki's forearm tightly, pulling the coughing man out of the fast moving water. He let go when Tasuki was firmly on the bank.
"Are you all right?" Chiriko asked.
Tasuki rolled over and took a deep breath. I told ya... I... can't... swim...."
"That was lucky." Tamahome said, looking around. "I hope Miaka got away."
Nearly all the guards had pursued the three men before approaching a slightly flooded canal. Before any warning, Tamahome had pushed both of them in. It had been dangerous, but it was the quickest and most efficient way to get the soldiers off their tails.
"Well, now we definitely know they're after us." Tamahome declared.
"Ya think?" Tasuki sarcastically snapped.
Chiriko attempted to adjust his soaking robes. "We can't stop now, we need to keep going."
Tamahome stood up, shaking some of the water out of his hair. "Chiriko's right..."
Tasuki stood up next. "Uh... where the hell are we?"
****************************
"Not good." Keisuke told Tetsuya as he walked into the living room of his apartment, his hair damp and ruffled, his sunglasses hooked onto the collar of his shirt.
"What now?" Tetsuya asked. "It's not Yui, is it?"
Keisuke shook his head, some relief coming over Tetsuya's face. "They have the shinzaho item, but Nakago and the Seiryu seven just got back to Kutou. Nakago sent previous word about the Suzaku seven being in Kutou, and the soldiers are out looking for them."
"Did they find them yet?"
"Some of them." Keisuke replied. "Including Miaka and Tamahome. Miaka just ran off into a forest somewhere, and Tamahome, Tasuki, and Chiriko were swept into a canal. They're all right, but they're completely lost. They can't use their powers because..." Keisuke grunted in frustration, handing the book to Tetsuya, who sat down and flipped through a few pages. "Nuriko, Nuriko and Mitsukake have the shinzaho clue." Keisuke began again, rubbing his eyes. "Chichiri and Saori are on their way to that pawn shop, but I don't know if they're all going to get out alive."
Tetsuya sighed, his own eyes looking weary. "I guess the only way to find out is to keep reading..." Tetsuya lifted the book a bit higher. He smirked ironically. "Looks like Nuriko just had a run in with a few guards."
Keisuke looked up in disbelief. "You're kidding me."
Tetsuya shook his head. "It just happened, the book doesn't give me a lot of details though. It says 'Nuriko and Mitsukake of the Suzaku seven both fled the shop and ran westward from the guards chasing them...' yadda yadda."
Tetsuya read silently and Keisuke thought silently for a good few minutes. After a moment the two could hear the vents turn on, and a car honking outside the apartment.
"They're out."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I mean they're out. Nuriko and Mitsukake just got out of Kutou, they're outside the gates."
"What?! All ready?!" Keisuke was standing up now.
"Hey, I'm just skimming what the book says."
"Well for heaven's sake, don't leave out the details!!" Keisuke shouted. "What about the guards? The guards at the gate!?"
"There weren't any." Tetsuya replied calmly after re-skimming the entry.
Keisuke sighed and sat down. "You know what? Just give it back, give me the book back." He ordered, holding out a hand.
Tetsuya shook his head. "Fine, I'll read out loud if it will make you quiet down."
Keisuke folded his arms haughtily.
***********************************
"Inami?"
"Hmm?"
"What was the name of the place we were going to meet at?" Miaka asked as she walked behind Inami. She couldn't hear much of the city anymore. They were in the borders of one of the few pieces of forestry in Kutou.
"The Machikawa, I believe. Why?"
Miaka was silent for a moment. "Before we left the city boundaries a while ago... you remember those guards who were talking, passing us by and you told me to be quiet? You were looking around and stuff..."
"Yes Miaka, what about them?"
"They said they 'got 'em at the Machika' or something."
Inami froze, and turned around, looking at Miaka desperately. "Miaka... are you sure?" There was a ring of urgency in her voice.
Miaka nodded.
Inami put a hand to her forehead and turned around, trying to think. "This is bad... very bad..."
Miaka suddenly became worried at Inami's tone. "Are... are the others in trouble?"
"I have a bad feeling about it now..." Inami answered. "We left Tasuki and everyone almost an hour ago, and I was having doubts before you even said that... oh crap."
"But..."Miaka sighed. "We didn't use powers or anything... how...?"
Inami turned around again, staring at Miaka as if she had just died. "You're right... that means..."
"That means what?" Miaka asked urgently.
Inami leaned against a tree. "They came back, that's the only explanation. The Seiryu seven must be here... that's the only way they'd know..."
Miaka's stomach lurched, the same way it always did at the mention of the Seiryu Seven. At the remembrance of Suboshi... Ashitare... Nakago... She suddenly clasped both hands over her mouth and cried "oh no!", tears beginning to stream from her eyes. What if... what if Tamahome...?
Miaka's thoughts were suddenly interrupted as her wrist was again taken, but lightly this time. Inami led her back into the forest, deeper than where they had been. Miaka didn't say anything for a moment, but when Inami stopped, questions arose.
"What are we going to do?" Miaka asked.
"Miaka, think about it. Right now, I fear we're the only ones who are out of danger at the moment. If the others are caught, especially with the shinzaho clue, all of this is ruined, and..."
Miaka's tears began to flood again. "Tamahome..." she whispered his name. "Nuriko... Tasuki... please be okay..."
Inami gently hugged Mika from behind, trying to reassure her, bringing her back behind a large tree, Inami's back against the bark. "Miaka, whatever happens, stay close to me, got it?"
"What are you going to do?" Miaka asked, trying to look up.
A green symbol appeared and glowed brightly on Inami's forehead. "Hopefully... distract them."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"No new reports, General. We still haven't located the five we lost. I..." The soldier looked up at the blonde on the horse. "General, sir?"
Nakago smirked lightly, turning back to the commanding soldier.
"Sir, what is it?"
"Head South... towards the Okana district." Nakago suddenly ordered.
The soldier gave Nakago a strange look. "Sir? How..."
Nakago looked back in the general direction again, a light blue symbol faintly glowing on his own forehead. Let's just say one of our warriors...." He studied hard, sensing the new life force, "She just gave herself away."
Still confused, the soldier nodded, turning to the large fleet. "We're heading to the Okana District! Southwest! March quickly! Apprehend anyone who is suspicious or matches the descriptions given to us by Nakago- sama!"
Nakago turned his horse around and went in a different direction. This night would certainly prove to be amusing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Chichiri!"
The monk turned his head towards the trees near him, noticing Nuriko's face through the leaves. He quickly walked over. He and Saori were outside the walls of Kutou.
"Nuriko! Mitsukake!" Saori exclaimed.
"Sh..." Nuriko motioned. "Where's Tasuki? Miaka?"
Chichiri shook his head. "I don't know, no da. I haven't seen them since this morning, no da."
Nuriko looked back towards the large walls. "I hope they haven't done anything stupid."
Saori noticed something faintly reflecting light in Mitsukake's arms. "Mitsukake, what's that?" she questioned, pointing.
Mitsukake smiled. "This, little lady, is our sixth shinzaho clue."
Saori instantly brightened. "Chichiri, you were right! They do have it!"
Chichiri didn't answer. His eyes were pointing towards the giant brick walls of Kutou in the distance.
"Chichiri, what's wrong now?" Nuriko asked.
"I sense a life force." Chichiri mentioned. "Not just Seiryu."
"Don't tell me one of our guys is using their power." Nuriko sighed. "That could be too dangerous, even if they do know we're in there."
"I don't know, no da." Chichiri replied. He moved his gaze onto the stars and moon in the sky. "But if they don't get here soon, no da, we may not be able to avoid a fight."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The green symbol quickly died down, Inami clutching hard to Miaka's shoulders.
"Inam..."
"Shhh!" Inami interrupted, listening. They were there, soldiers. If it had been just a few, she wouldn't have been able to hear them all ready, but there would have to be a good handful to make that much noise.
Inami crouched down slightly. This was the second time today she'd been in this position. They were definitely looking for them, but they had no clue what the exact area was... which hopefully meant none of the Seiryu seven were with them... especially not Nakago, which made Inami sigh in relief. She had only compared skills with him once, and that wasn't a long enough time to help her any. Nakago was a powerful man, and perhaps only he could have sensed her so quickly like that.
Miaka heard men in the distance, and she went rigid. She clutched onto Inami's hands, her heart beating so loudly she feared it would give them away. But if they were here, maybe... just maybe that meant Tamahome was all right. She'd never forgive herself if he. or any of the others, were harmed on her account. She quieted her mind and listened carefully. She could hear Inami's heart too, but it wasn't nearly as loud as he own. Miaka now clutched at her own chest as if the organ was going to pop out. She held her breath and listened more. They were so close! They'd be found for sure!
"Miaka." The voice was barely audible.
Miaka turned around slightly to face Inami, whose eyes were fixated behind the tree... or at least what she could see of it. Inami reached to her side and drew out the gold rod Miaka had only seen a few times before. The blade shooting out of it startled Miaka, and she jumped.
Inami placed the handle of the sword in Miaka's hand, and fully released her from her grip, now looking straight into her hazel eyes. "Miaka, take this and run as far and as fast as you can in that direction." Inami pointed.
"That direction"? That was away from the soldiers... this sword was for her protection. A quick image of Hotohori flashed through her mind.
There were dozens of them. Miaka could hear them talking, hear them walking, even hear the sound of their spear and swords on the ground.
"Miaka, Go!" Inami pushed. "Now, or they'll hear you! I'll be right behind you, trust me! Run! Do it for Tamahome!"
Miaka hesitated only a moment after that before holding the sword closely to her and running, going as fast as her legs would strain while trying to delicately land her feet on the ground at the same time to be quiet. She didn't look back, she only kept running. She'd keep running until she thought she was far enough to be out of sight, and she'd hide... and wait.
Inami's eyes followed Miaka until she disappeared into the darkness. Inami stood closer to the tree. He hadn't sent an entire army, had he?! Inami sighed, trying to exhale the anxiety in her chest. If this didn't work... if it ~hadn't~ of worked and the others had been found...
Inami pushed her hair behind her and prayed silently. "Tasuki... minna.... please be safe...."
"Over here! Move out! Spread out! I think one ran this way!"
"They heard Miaka?" Inami thought. "Oh holy Genbu.... They were so close, and they weren't giving up." Inami held her hand out, ready to do what this had to come to.
"I'm sure the gen'ril won't mind just killin' us one of 'em." A soldier snickered.
"Just find them!" Another yelled.
"Go South!"
"No... don't go south...." Inami thought. They would find Miaka, and her too.
A soldier kicked some leaves aside, dragging his long sword in the dirt as he walked. He saw a flash of light, and look up ahead. "Hey, check this out..." He said, squinting to get a better view.
"It's a woman! Get her!" Another shouted. Soon half the fleet was running on the slight incline the enemy in the distance.
Inami smirked, a sudden boost of confidence flowing through her veins as she held the pale green orb in her hand. "Sayonara!" She called. Her symbol glowed valiantly on her forehead and she thrust the glowing hand into the ground. The soil around her exploded, sending a mass trail of quaking and erupting ground down the incline, earth and trees combusting on their own, violently falling and flooding into the air as the ground shook, surprised soldier screaming and retreating.
Miaka heard the explosion and looked out from her hiding space, desperately trying to find what was going on, seeing nothing but a cloud of dirt and hearing only panic. Then, right before her eyes, she saw Inami running towards her, instantly grabbing her wrist, and taking off.
"Run run run run run run!!!!" Inami shouted, pulling Miaka hard through the trees. The wall, though not visible yet, was close by, and if Inami and Miaka could get to it, they'd be out of Kutou.
~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~
Cannons exploded like fireworks in the city as Tasuki, Tamahome, and Chiriko ran through the gates, Tasuki's fan in hand. They kept running until spotting Chichiri and the others up ahead. They continued on until they reached them, looking around and trying to catch their breath.
"Where's Miaka?!" Tamahome shouted.
"She's not with you?!" Nuriko asked.
"She's coming, no da!" Chichiri answered.
Another explosion went up behind the walls of Kutou as guards sent the city into havoc. The soldiers must be going mad having lost their prey. It looked like something caught on fire, because a glowing aura rose up in the distance.
After only a moment, footsteps were heard running towards the group. They turned suddenly towards them, but after a moment they saw that the steps weren't guards, but two running females, coming from the right side instead of the main entrance. As they were spotted Inami slowed down, gasping for air, while Miaka somehow found the strength to keep going, flinging herself at Tamahome, who wrapped his arms immediately around her, smelling a very faint smell of gunpowder in her hair.
"We made it, no da!" Chichiri announced in the dark night, illuminated by Kutou's warring lights.
"We have the Shinzaho, Miaka!" Saori announced, though it didn't seem like Miaka heard.
Inami finally approached the group, still panting madly, her skin hot from all the running. Tasuki turned to her almost as to say something, but Inami only wearily closed her eyes and leaned her head against his shoulder, trying to regain her breath. Tasuki sheathed his fan and placed two arms around her, looking back with the others at the last spectacle of Kutou, hopefully the last they'd see of it for a long time.
BOO!
Surprised? No? Oh well.
To BD: Thanks! I'll send them to you when I can, sometimes I feel guilty if a chapter is up and I don't post, but oh well. I'm trying hard to watch on this one.
To HollyDA: Number one, NEVER apologize for long reviews! I love them! I hope you're feeling better, thank you so much for reading!
Chapter 53 : Cat and Mouse; Life or Death
"Chiriko, about how much farther until we reach the shop?"
"I couldn't tell you exactly Tamahome, but I do know we're probably only half way there."
Tamahome pulled Miaka closer to him as another small fleet of guards passed by them, the men eyeing them suspiciously. "Chiriko, I have a bad feeling about this."
Chiriko nodded. "The number of guards has increased instead of decreasing with the nightfall. Perhaps they are planning an attack... or possibly..."
"They're looking for something... or some one."
Miaka looked up at Tamahome. "You... you don't think they know we're..."
"Shh..." Tamahome coaxed as a single guard passed by them. He watched them quietly approach another stranger and instantly demand answers to questions.
"Just keep going." Tamahome pushed. "Chiriko, make sure you don't stray behind me."
Chiriko nodded, his tall ponytail bobbing slightly. "Perhaps we shouldn't take the main road."
"Yeah..." Tamahome momentarily agreed, "But if we're found elsewhere, we may look suspicious."
"That's true."
Miaka squeezed Tamahome's hand, which at the moment was placed lightly on her shoulder. Tamahome re--directed his attention and squeezed back, trying to give Miaka some sense of comfort. They turned in a crossroad of where they were, spotting a merchant packing up his supplies, while another was still eagerly selling.
"How long do they stay out?" Tamahome wondered out loud.
"I hope they found the shinzaho." Miaka said suddenly.
Chiriko smiled at Miaka. "Don't worry Miaka. I have a feeling that our shinzaho is in good hands." Miaka noticed that Chiriko said "shinzaho" a bit more quietly than the rest of his sentence.
Miaka some how felt reassured by Chiriko's words. Plus, she was with Tamahome, and from the very beginning he's always promised to protect her. As long as he was with her, and friends surrounded her, she could overcome anything. Whether it be emotional stress, physical battles, or...
Miaka widened her eyes to see in the dimming light, noticing something that contrasted against her surroundings. It was bright, and...
"Tasuki!" She yelled, instantly quieting herself. She realized she shouldn't be shouting the names of celestial constellations in enemy territory.
The stain of orange in the background turned, scanning the scene. It took a moment, but he soon locked eyes with Tamahome, and then Miaka. Tamahome and Chiriko saw him now too, and ran to catch up.
"Hey you guys!" Tasuki said, smiling to reveal his fangs. "Find anything?"
Miaka shook her head. "But Chiriko said that the..." She whispered, "shinzaho... is in good hands!"
"I hope he's right." Inami spoke up.
"So then I take it you haven't had much luck either?" Chiriko asked.
Inami sighed. "Not exactly... quite the opposite..."
Miaka blinked. "How so?"
"We'll tell ya on the way. We need to get movin'." Tasuki announced, waving them all forward. He turned around. "And stay close, I got a funny feelin' that we're not the only ones knowing we're here."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"And you've always sold here?!"
The merchant shook and nodded his head. "Yes sir! My booth has always been here, and I know nothing!"
"Very well." The soldier pushed him out of the way before addressing another passer-by. "And YOU. What are YOU doing here?"
Chichiri stopped and looked at the guard. Unlike the short merchant, Chichiri's was about the guard's height, possibly a bit taller. "I'm simply on my way no da." He answered. "Is there a problem no da?"
"Apparently we've got some... he he.. enemies on Kutou lines..." The guard suddenly stiffened. "So?! What's your story?" He eyed the short girl next to the man. "And who's this?!"
Saori was about to say something when Chichiri placed a hand on her shoulder.
"This is my sister, na no da." Chichiri replied calmly. "We're on our way back to the Maki district, just a little ways from here, no da."
"Yeah... I know where that district is." The guard looked the two over. "You two don't look that much alike...."
"Onisan, are we in trouble?" Saori suddenly asked, tugging on Chichiri's cloak.
Chichiri smiled and patted Saori on the head. "Don't worry, we'll only be a minute no da."
The guard folded his arms. "And where are you coming from, exactly?"
Chichiri was only silent for a second. "We have just come from my fiancée's home, we spent the day with her today. If necessary, I can give you an address..."
"No." The soldier said firmly. He waved them aside. "Be on your way." He ordered. He only walked off a little ways before interrogating another civilian.
Chichiri and Saori walked away a ways before speaking again.
"Wow Chichiri! You were really good at that!"
Chichiri smiled. "I must say, your role was quick thinking too, no da."
Saori thought for a moment. "Chichiri, who do you suppose the enemy is that they're looking for?"
Chichiri looked down at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh." Saori said, looking back ahead of her. "That sucks. How much farther?"
"We should be there soon, no da."
"Do you think one of them found the clue?"
Chichiri nodded. "I can sense the shinzaho's presence tied in with the essence of a warrior, it is safe, no da."
"Good." Saori replied, yawning. "Let's hurry back!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"There it is." Nuriko pointed out the meeting place, carrying the helmet under one arm. It had a wide, yellow sash over it, covering most of it from view. The yellow sash was one of the two belts Mitsukake had had around his mustard colored robe.
"Do you see anyone?" Mitsukake asked.
Nuriko shook his head. "We'll wait here for a moment, but then we have to walk around this area. We don't want to look awkward."
Mitsukake nodded. "Perhaps if something holds them up, we should leave for the gates."
"Let's hope that doesn't happen." Nuriko replied.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"General, this is our latest report." A soldier handed the man on a horse a small letter.
The general read it over before carelessly dropping it on the ground. "I want you to continue your search, is that clear?" His low voice asked almost threatingly.
"Yes sir!" The soldier replied.
Nakago nodded. "Lady Mayo's carriage has pulled in and is near here, I want you to take some men to escort her immediately to the palace."
"Yes sir. It will be taken care of immediately. Any other orders, Sir?"
Nakago smirked. "Now that I am here, if indeed the Suzaku seven haven't left yet, make sure they'll be dearly sorry." He looked back to the guard. "Now go."
The guard quickly nodded before leaving Nakago, assembling the few scattered soldier in the area to give new reports or where to go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Just a few more miles... six or seven... to go and we should be there."
"Six or Seven MILES?" Tasuki complained. "My feet hurt! I'm sick of walkin'!"
"Please keep going Tasuki. Everyone else is probably waiting for us." Miaka persuaded.
"I didn't say I was gonna stop..." Tasuki mumbled.
Miaka shivered suddenly. Apparently Tamahome had noticed, because he put a hand on either on of Miaka's arms and began rubbing them to warm her up. Miaka looked back at him appreciatively.
"Monto, look there." A guard pointed to a group of five walking by.
"Yeah, what about it?"
The first soldier held up a piece of paper with random words scribbled across it. "Two of 'em match these descriptions by the gen'ril. There's a woman with red hair, and a tall man with orange."
"Hey...." Monto said slyly, studying the group. "Ya right. I'd say... let's get 'em."
The first soldier smirked and turned around the small fleet of about eight more soldiers behind him. "We're going out!" The guard pointed outwards. "I don't want none dead, but arrest them! Every one!"
"HEH!" The troops shouted in response.
"Chiriko?"
"I hear it too..."
"What?" Miaka asked. However, she heard the yelling of guards and soldier before she could get an answer.
Ten men dressed in official Kutou uniform came running at them like wild dogs, waving their spears and swords at them wildly. Other from the charging war calls, she could here them screaming. "Out of the way!" to civilians and "You're under arrest!".... to them.
Tamahome grabbed Miaka's shoulder. "RUN!" He shouted.
Tasuki cursed loudly before taking off. The group was now running full speed, with only a slight head start in front of their chasers.
They quickly turned a corner, nearly slipping on the dirt roads as they ran.
"We need to lose them!" Tamahome shouted. He and Miaka dodged one way, Inami, Tasuki, and Chiriko ran the other. Once the guards reached their spot, they split to follow each individual group.
"Surround them!!" A soldier yelled.
Thought Tasuki didn't see why since they had been spotted, he still refrained from using his powers. Besides... doing so would force him to leave Inami and Chiriko behind. Inami had a hand gripped firmly on Chiriko's sleeve, making sure he kept up. They were still being chased, and they ducked under a half-set-up tent and around another corner, meeting up with two others.
"We haven't lost them yet!" Tamahome shouted, pulling Miaka along with him as he ran.
"You think I haven't noticed?!!" Tasuki shouted back.
They turned in the road again before seeing another guard, and quickly changed course to go the other way. Before they knew it, they were at the top of a small flight of stone stairs in the road, and they nearly fell down it.
"Hurry!" Chiriko shouted.
They ran a little further before three guards cut them off, screaming at them with their weapons. The group instantly spread again.
"I... I can't..." Miaka gasped.
Inami grabbed hold of Miaka's wrist and pulled her hard. "You have to, come on!"
"Where'd Miaka go?!" Tamahome asked frantically as he ran, panting madly.
Tasuki looked around too. "She's with Akue, just keep going!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"How much farther?" Saori asked again.
"I'd say two more miles, no da." Chichiri answered... again.
After a moment Saori discovered she had been leaning her head against Chichiri's arm, and had no idea how long it had been there. She quickly stood straight. "Oh! S...Sorry!"
Chichiri smiled. "It's all right, no da. I think about everyone will be tired when we leave this place, no da."
Chichiri and Saori were now on a small, narrow road, and there wasn't another person in sight, only the occasional side or back of a small house.
Only half-intentionally, Saori's head slowly tipped, resting lightly again against Chichiri's arm. She rested her eyes for a moment as she walked, but opened them before too long. Her teeth involuntarily chattered together, and she quickly closed her mouth over them. It wasn't until then that she realized she was cold. The robe she had on, the blue one she had gotten from the star festival, was only short-sleeved.
Saori suddenly felt the chill leave her as something warm and soft was placed over her shoulders. She looked over at it; it was a blue cloak with strange circular patterns on it. When she recognized it, she looked up at Chichiri. After a moment Chichiri looked down at her, and she smiled to thank him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Miaka limped while sprinting into the trees, Inami a little ways ahead of her. Miaka held her side tightly. Then, she slowed down completely, leaning her weight against a tree and breathing hard. "I... I can't go. any further Inami..."
Inami turned around and walked back to her, breathing hard herself. "That's all right..." She looked beyond Miaka. "I think we lost them."
Miaka now looked around, seeing that Tasuki, Chiriko, and Tamahome were not with them. "I hope they're all right..." she said quietly.
Inami bit her lip. What if all ten guards were on them?
"Come on." Inami took hold of Miaka's wrist again. Let's keep going... we still have to make it to that shop, and that's where Tasuki and the others will be heading.
~
Tamahome grabbed hold of Tasuki's forearm tightly, pulling the coughing man out of the fast moving water. He let go when Tasuki was firmly on the bank.
"Are you all right?" Chiriko asked.
Tasuki rolled over and took a deep breath. I told ya... I... can't... swim...."
"That was lucky." Tamahome said, looking around. "I hope Miaka got away."
Nearly all the guards had pursued the three men before approaching a slightly flooded canal. Before any warning, Tamahome had pushed both of them in. It had been dangerous, but it was the quickest and most efficient way to get the soldiers off their tails.
"Well, now we definitely know they're after us." Tamahome declared.
"Ya think?" Tasuki sarcastically snapped.
Chiriko attempted to adjust his soaking robes. "We can't stop now, we need to keep going."
Tamahome stood up, shaking some of the water out of his hair. "Chiriko's right..."
Tasuki stood up next. "Uh... where the hell are we?"
****************************
"Not good." Keisuke told Tetsuya as he walked into the living room of his apartment, his hair damp and ruffled, his sunglasses hooked onto the collar of his shirt.
"What now?" Tetsuya asked. "It's not Yui, is it?"
Keisuke shook his head, some relief coming over Tetsuya's face. "They have the shinzaho item, but Nakago and the Seiryu seven just got back to Kutou. Nakago sent previous word about the Suzaku seven being in Kutou, and the soldiers are out looking for them."
"Did they find them yet?"
"Some of them." Keisuke replied. "Including Miaka and Tamahome. Miaka just ran off into a forest somewhere, and Tamahome, Tasuki, and Chiriko were swept into a canal. They're all right, but they're completely lost. They can't use their powers because..." Keisuke grunted in frustration, handing the book to Tetsuya, who sat down and flipped through a few pages. "Nuriko, Nuriko and Mitsukake have the shinzaho clue." Keisuke began again, rubbing his eyes. "Chichiri and Saori are on their way to that pawn shop, but I don't know if they're all going to get out alive."
Tetsuya sighed, his own eyes looking weary. "I guess the only way to find out is to keep reading..." Tetsuya lifted the book a bit higher. He smirked ironically. "Looks like Nuriko just had a run in with a few guards."
Keisuke looked up in disbelief. "You're kidding me."
Tetsuya shook his head. "It just happened, the book doesn't give me a lot of details though. It says 'Nuriko and Mitsukake of the Suzaku seven both fled the shop and ran westward from the guards chasing them...' yadda yadda."
Tetsuya read silently and Keisuke thought silently for a good few minutes. After a moment the two could hear the vents turn on, and a car honking outside the apartment.
"They're out."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"I mean they're out. Nuriko and Mitsukake just got out of Kutou, they're outside the gates."
"What?! All ready?!" Keisuke was standing up now.
"Hey, I'm just skimming what the book says."
"Well for heaven's sake, don't leave out the details!!" Keisuke shouted. "What about the guards? The guards at the gate!?"
"There weren't any." Tetsuya replied calmly after re-skimming the entry.
Keisuke sighed and sat down. "You know what? Just give it back, give me the book back." He ordered, holding out a hand.
Tetsuya shook his head. "Fine, I'll read out loud if it will make you quiet down."
Keisuke folded his arms haughtily.
***********************************
"Inami?"
"Hmm?"
"What was the name of the place we were going to meet at?" Miaka asked as she walked behind Inami. She couldn't hear much of the city anymore. They were in the borders of one of the few pieces of forestry in Kutou.
"The Machikawa, I believe. Why?"
Miaka was silent for a moment. "Before we left the city boundaries a while ago... you remember those guards who were talking, passing us by and you told me to be quiet? You were looking around and stuff..."
"Yes Miaka, what about them?"
"They said they 'got 'em at the Machika' or something."
Inami froze, and turned around, looking at Miaka desperately. "Miaka... are you sure?" There was a ring of urgency in her voice.
Miaka nodded.
Inami put a hand to her forehead and turned around, trying to think. "This is bad... very bad..."
Miaka suddenly became worried at Inami's tone. "Are... are the others in trouble?"
"I have a bad feeling about it now..." Inami answered. "We left Tasuki and everyone almost an hour ago, and I was having doubts before you even said that... oh crap."
"But..."Miaka sighed. "We didn't use powers or anything... how...?"
Inami turned around again, staring at Miaka as if she had just died. "You're right... that means..."
"That means what?" Miaka asked urgently.
Inami leaned against a tree. "They came back, that's the only explanation. The Seiryu seven must be here... that's the only way they'd know..."
Miaka's stomach lurched, the same way it always did at the mention of the Seiryu Seven. At the remembrance of Suboshi... Ashitare... Nakago... She suddenly clasped both hands over her mouth and cried "oh no!", tears beginning to stream from her eyes. What if... what if Tamahome...?
Miaka's thoughts were suddenly interrupted as her wrist was again taken, but lightly this time. Inami led her back into the forest, deeper than where they had been. Miaka didn't say anything for a moment, but when Inami stopped, questions arose.
"What are we going to do?" Miaka asked.
"Miaka, think about it. Right now, I fear we're the only ones who are out of danger at the moment. If the others are caught, especially with the shinzaho clue, all of this is ruined, and..."
Miaka's tears began to flood again. "Tamahome..." she whispered his name. "Nuriko... Tasuki... please be okay..."
Inami gently hugged Mika from behind, trying to reassure her, bringing her back behind a large tree, Inami's back against the bark. "Miaka, whatever happens, stay close to me, got it?"
"What are you going to do?" Miaka asked, trying to look up.
A green symbol appeared and glowed brightly on Inami's forehead. "Hopefully... distract them."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"No new reports, General. We still haven't located the five we lost. I..." The soldier looked up at the blonde on the horse. "General, sir?"
Nakago smirked lightly, turning back to the commanding soldier.
"Sir, what is it?"
"Head South... towards the Okana district." Nakago suddenly ordered.
The soldier gave Nakago a strange look. "Sir? How..."
Nakago looked back in the general direction again, a light blue symbol faintly glowing on his own forehead. Let's just say one of our warriors...." He studied hard, sensing the new life force, "She just gave herself away."
Still confused, the soldier nodded, turning to the large fleet. "We're heading to the Okana District! Southwest! March quickly! Apprehend anyone who is suspicious or matches the descriptions given to us by Nakago- sama!"
Nakago turned his horse around and went in a different direction. This night would certainly prove to be amusing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Chichiri!"
The monk turned his head towards the trees near him, noticing Nuriko's face through the leaves. He quickly walked over. He and Saori were outside the walls of Kutou.
"Nuriko! Mitsukake!" Saori exclaimed.
"Sh..." Nuriko motioned. "Where's Tasuki? Miaka?"
Chichiri shook his head. "I don't know, no da. I haven't seen them since this morning, no da."
Nuriko looked back towards the large walls. "I hope they haven't done anything stupid."
Saori noticed something faintly reflecting light in Mitsukake's arms. "Mitsukake, what's that?" she questioned, pointing.
Mitsukake smiled. "This, little lady, is our sixth shinzaho clue."
Saori instantly brightened. "Chichiri, you were right! They do have it!"
Chichiri didn't answer. His eyes were pointing towards the giant brick walls of Kutou in the distance.
"Chichiri, what's wrong now?" Nuriko asked.
"I sense a life force." Chichiri mentioned. "Not just Seiryu."
"Don't tell me one of our guys is using their power." Nuriko sighed. "That could be too dangerous, even if they do know we're in there."
"I don't know, no da." Chichiri replied. He moved his gaze onto the stars and moon in the sky. "But if they don't get here soon, no da, we may not be able to avoid a fight."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The green symbol quickly died down, Inami clutching hard to Miaka's shoulders.
"Inam..."
"Shhh!" Inami interrupted, listening. They were there, soldiers. If it had been just a few, she wouldn't have been able to hear them all ready, but there would have to be a good handful to make that much noise.
Inami crouched down slightly. This was the second time today she'd been in this position. They were definitely looking for them, but they had no clue what the exact area was... which hopefully meant none of the Seiryu seven were with them... especially not Nakago, which made Inami sigh in relief. She had only compared skills with him once, and that wasn't a long enough time to help her any. Nakago was a powerful man, and perhaps only he could have sensed her so quickly like that.
Miaka heard men in the distance, and she went rigid. She clutched onto Inami's hands, her heart beating so loudly she feared it would give them away. But if they were here, maybe... just maybe that meant Tamahome was all right. She'd never forgive herself if he. or any of the others, were harmed on her account. She quieted her mind and listened carefully. She could hear Inami's heart too, but it wasn't nearly as loud as he own. Miaka now clutched at her own chest as if the organ was going to pop out. She held her breath and listened more. They were so close! They'd be found for sure!
"Miaka." The voice was barely audible.
Miaka turned around slightly to face Inami, whose eyes were fixated behind the tree... or at least what she could see of it. Inami reached to her side and drew out the gold rod Miaka had only seen a few times before. The blade shooting out of it startled Miaka, and she jumped.
Inami placed the handle of the sword in Miaka's hand, and fully released her from her grip, now looking straight into her hazel eyes. "Miaka, take this and run as far and as fast as you can in that direction." Inami pointed.
"That direction"? That was away from the soldiers... this sword was for her protection. A quick image of Hotohori flashed through her mind.
There were dozens of them. Miaka could hear them talking, hear them walking, even hear the sound of their spear and swords on the ground.
"Miaka, Go!" Inami pushed. "Now, or they'll hear you! I'll be right behind you, trust me! Run! Do it for Tamahome!"
Miaka hesitated only a moment after that before holding the sword closely to her and running, going as fast as her legs would strain while trying to delicately land her feet on the ground at the same time to be quiet. She didn't look back, she only kept running. She'd keep running until she thought she was far enough to be out of sight, and she'd hide... and wait.
Inami's eyes followed Miaka until she disappeared into the darkness. Inami stood closer to the tree. He hadn't sent an entire army, had he?! Inami sighed, trying to exhale the anxiety in her chest. If this didn't work... if it ~hadn't~ of worked and the others had been found...
Inami pushed her hair behind her and prayed silently. "Tasuki... minna.... please be safe...."
"Over here! Move out! Spread out! I think one ran this way!"
"They heard Miaka?" Inami thought. "Oh holy Genbu.... They were so close, and they weren't giving up." Inami held her hand out, ready to do what this had to come to.
"I'm sure the gen'ril won't mind just killin' us one of 'em." A soldier snickered.
"Just find them!" Another yelled.
"Go South!"
"No... don't go south...." Inami thought. They would find Miaka, and her too.
A soldier kicked some leaves aside, dragging his long sword in the dirt as he walked. He saw a flash of light, and look up ahead. "Hey, check this out..." He said, squinting to get a better view.
"It's a woman! Get her!" Another shouted. Soon half the fleet was running on the slight incline the enemy in the distance.
Inami smirked, a sudden boost of confidence flowing through her veins as she held the pale green orb in her hand. "Sayonara!" She called. Her symbol glowed valiantly on her forehead and she thrust the glowing hand into the ground. The soil around her exploded, sending a mass trail of quaking and erupting ground down the incline, earth and trees combusting on their own, violently falling and flooding into the air as the ground shook, surprised soldier screaming and retreating.
Miaka heard the explosion and looked out from her hiding space, desperately trying to find what was going on, seeing nothing but a cloud of dirt and hearing only panic. Then, right before her eyes, she saw Inami running towards her, instantly grabbing her wrist, and taking off.
"Run run run run run run!!!!" Inami shouted, pulling Miaka hard through the trees. The wall, though not visible yet, was close by, and if Inami and Miaka could get to it, they'd be out of Kutou.
~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~
Cannons exploded like fireworks in the city as Tasuki, Tamahome, and Chiriko ran through the gates, Tasuki's fan in hand. They kept running until spotting Chichiri and the others up ahead. They continued on until they reached them, looking around and trying to catch their breath.
"Where's Miaka?!" Tamahome shouted.
"She's not with you?!" Nuriko asked.
"She's coming, no da!" Chichiri answered.
Another explosion went up behind the walls of Kutou as guards sent the city into havoc. The soldiers must be going mad having lost their prey. It looked like something caught on fire, because a glowing aura rose up in the distance.
After only a moment, footsteps were heard running towards the group. They turned suddenly towards them, but after a moment they saw that the steps weren't guards, but two running females, coming from the right side instead of the main entrance. As they were spotted Inami slowed down, gasping for air, while Miaka somehow found the strength to keep going, flinging herself at Tamahome, who wrapped his arms immediately around her, smelling a very faint smell of gunpowder in her hair.
"We made it, no da!" Chichiri announced in the dark night, illuminated by Kutou's warring lights.
"We have the Shinzaho, Miaka!" Saori announced, though it didn't seem like Miaka heard.
Inami finally approached the group, still panting madly, her skin hot from all the running. Tasuki turned to her almost as to say something, but Inami only wearily closed her eyes and leaned her head against his shoulder, trying to regain her breath. Tasuki sheathed his fan and placed two arms around her, looking back with the others at the last spectacle of Kutou, hopefully the last they'd see of it for a long time.