Again, italics are very important in this, so watch for the "~~" things, k?
They show a time difference, so if you don't catch them you'll be
confused!
To BD: What's wrong with either arm? Sure, it could have been written better, but. oh never mind. I do use word, actually. I spell check and all myself then run it through Word check before and after, guess it's still not perfect. Thanks for the Beta, I laughed my head off when I realized all of those paragraphs started with Suboshi.
To Metajoker: I see your hatred for Inami is as hot as ever! It's quite entertaining to read your reviews! Yes, lots of soldiers. I hate them. but we'll have a soldier-break. for a while, at least. I waswondering, who is your favorite character in this story?
To Amaya: Lol, I'm glad you liked the spider thing. Don't worry, Chichiri is a bit old for Saori despite his devilish good looks. Yeah, I could have -done someone in-, huh? Aftre this long you'd think everyone would be safe, but trust me, I'm just toying with your mind until the big time comes.
Chapter 54 : Inner Thoughts; Outer Feelings
~~"We will be moving out by nightfall, Suboshi." Amiboshi informed, lifting up a packed bag from the corner of the tent.
Suboshi sat on the bed, his legs hanging off the side. He was still injured, but he was healing steadily. He watched his brother leave, and sighed. He didn't know how much longer Nakago would go without using him, but after picking up their shinzaho clue rather quickly, they were trying to leave Konan just as fast.
Suboshi reached his hand over to grab a tall crutch leaning against his bed, putting it under his right arm and standing up. His feet weren't hurt so much that he couldn't walk, but he had to keep pressure off his wounds a little longer.
The warrior walked out of the tent, not seeing his brother or anyone else at the moment, they were probably packing horses. He did get a glimpse of Mayo walking passed him, giving him only a smile to notice him as she continued on.
Suboshi started walking in the opposite direction, looking around. The tents hadn't been taken down yet. They were in a fairly secluded place, in a wide clearing in a sparse forest. Suboshi calmly walked along, not necessarily going anywhere, but just doing something besides lying down all day.
He finally noticed the tent a little ways off. He had been resting most of the time, so he didn't wander about the camp too much. He didn't think it was Mayo's tent, but it was right next to Nakago's, as if put there protectively. Suboshi calmly walked forward more, giving his legs some exercise while leaning a small portion of his weight on his crutch. He suddenly had an odd feeling about that tent. Seeing no one around, he walked around to the front of it, the door securely closed. It took him a moment to open it before stepping in. It was completely empty except for one thing.
Suboshi went rigid as his blue eyes locked onto hers. "Yu... Yui- sama?!"~~
**********************************
Suboshi calmly but as swiftly as possible walked through the large corridors of the Kutou palace, passing by only a few guards, who all knew he was a warrior of Seiryu and left him be. However, Suboshi scanned about him constantly to keep an eye out for those he was trying to avoid. He still had his crutch at his side, but used it lightly. It was always to his right so as not to pressure his left arm. His fracture was healing and it didn't hurt anymore, plus it was kept stiff by an inconspicuous cast, but nonetheless, Suboshi didn't bother with it.
Taking another look around, Suboshi pulled open a thick wooden door that led into a thinner hallway. He entered and shut the door behind him, continuing down the hall. He had a strange metal container in one hand.
After going down a few more short halls and a small flight of stair, Suboshi arrived at a thin door, the long handle locked firmly. Leaning more to his right and placing the container in his right hand, Suboshi used his left to reach under the belt made by his ryuseisui, and pulled out a large, old key. He glanced around again before placing the key in the lock, and hearing a satisfying click as the door opened.
*********************************
Mitsukake gently petted Tama's head, the small white and brown cat purring lightly as he did so. Tama was curled up in the medicine man's lap, his eyes slightly closed. Mitsukake looked up at the others. They were all at an inn in Konan, and it was mid-morning.
"So you see, there's a large blacksmith's shop near the city where I live, not too far from here." Chiriko pointed out, "The style, design, and material function of this helmet are all specialized there. I'm positive that this is where we are meant to go."
Miaka smiled in relief. "I can't believe it... one more to find... then as soon as we locate our shinzaho, we'll be so much closer to summoning Suzaku!"
Chichiri nodded. "I will not be attending with you though, no da." He shook his staff lightly, turning to the window. "I need to go to the palace, no da. His Highness needs to be informed of Kutou's plans, no da."
Chiriko nodded. "That would be the best thing to do."
"I'll be leaving with Chichiri." Inami addressed as well. "Kutou is planning to attack, and my presence would be requested."
"Then I guess it's just the rest of us?" Tamahome asked.
Chichiri nodded. "You should set out soon, no da. Inami and I will leave as soon as you are off, no da. Chiriko, you should try to lead everyone since it is towards your city we're headed, and Tasuki, you know these parts well, no da. Stay in front too, no da."
"Gotcha." Tasuki agreed.
So within the hour the group that consisted of Miaka, Saori, Tamahome, Mitsukake, Chiriko, Tasuki, and Nuriko headed further north into Konan, while Inami and Chichiri disappeared within one swipe of a tunic.
*********************************
Suboshi sat on the stone floor of the small room, his eyes occasionally passing from the bed canopy to the woman who sat near him. Suboshi had managed to sneak away the key in the room he knew Yui was kept in, and he had brought her down a decent meal. Yui had told Suboshi everything of why she was there, and Suboshi had seemed both shocked and angry at the time.
"Gomen nasai, Yui-sama." He spoke softly. "If I had known, I would have..."
Yui smiled lightly, it being one of the first times since she had arrived in the book. "Suboshi, thank you." She said in response, lifting her blue green eyes to meet his. "You really have always been there for me, haven't you?"
Suboshi only smiled a bit as he fixed his gaze back onto the dark floor.
Just looking at him made a huge surge of guilt flood through Yui's veins. Suboshi... Suboshi was always so kind to her, and she had put him through so much. He had all ready died twice for her, and knowing Suboshi, he would do it again in an instant. Suboshi was the only one who had shown her any compassion since her arrival, and she can still remember the wave of relief she had when she saw the boy walk into her tent, though she couldn't believe it was even him. Was he still the boy she remembered though? Yui looked him over. He did look older... taller, tanner...
"Yui-sama..."
"You don't need to call me that anymore, Suboshi." Yui said kindly, lowering her chopsticks down to the tray in front of her. "Does... does anyone know you're here?"
Suboshi shook his head. "I imagine if Nakago found out, knowing him, he wouldn't be too pleased with me." Suboshi brushed some of his long bangs away from his face.
Yui looked at his crutch, which was laid across the floor. "What happened?" Though she did have an idea what it was from.
Suboshi looked over at her, following her gaze to the item. He sighed. "It's a long story, Yui-sama. I know that you are friends again with Suzaku no Miko, so I'm not sure if you'd like to hear it."
Yui looked down at the empty bowl before her. "So much has gone on, Suboshi. Mayo, is she all right?"
Suboshi looked at the blonde a bit surprised. "Do you know Lady Mayo?"
Yui nodded. "She's a friend of mine, and Miaka's."
Suboshi had a scowl on his face. "No friend would treat you like this, Yui-sama."
Yui didn't have an answer for Suboshi. "What happened?" She repeated.
Suboshi hesitated for a moment. "Nakago sent me in to fight the Suzaku Seven a while ago, in Sairo." He explained. "I was outnumbered, things didn't go as planned."
Yui looked at the cast on Suboshi's left arm. She wondered if he had bandages or other injuries that were hidden by his clothes. "I see." She said, though her voice didn't seem upset.
"Nakago didn't tell Amiboshi either... about you, I mean." Suboshi spoke again. "I told him last night."
"What did he say?"
"If he had known, he would have helped you." Suboshi said, looking back at Yui. "He still hasn't met you, Yui-sama. Not in person."
There was a paused before the conversation continued.
"I know a lot about him." Yui answered.
Suboshi looked over. "How's that?"
Yui smiled. "Before I came here, I was reading the book, I read about everything that happened... up to a point." Yui remembered actually being sucked in out of nowhere so long ago. "I was reading it not just for Miaka and Mayo. Another friend of mine, from our world, is in here too. She was the first one to come here, and all she wants is to bring Mayo back."
Suboshi's eyes widened only slightly as he stared off into the room. That girl... it must have been Saori.
"I know her." Suboshi said simply.
Yui lit up. "Saori?" Yui corrected herself. She remembered reading in the beginning about Saori's run ins with Suboshi, first at the Star Festival and again in the streets of Konan. But... had perhaps something else happened while she had been here?
Suboshi stood up, leaning over to pick up the crutch on the ground. He held it and knelt down again, helping Yui put the dishes back into the container. "I shouldn't be down here too long, Yui-sama. Nakago could sense my presence."
However, after the things were gathered and Suboshi opened the door to leave, he turned back. "Yui-sama, I promise on my honor as a warrior, I will get you out of here."
**********************
Tetsuya read the book, lying down on his bed. Keisuke left early for the high school, Hikari was safely taken care of with Keisuke's mother, though Keisuke would be dropping by later to bring her back to Miaka, who was assumed to still be in Japan. A calming look was on Tetsuya's face. Though he never liked him much, Tetsuya was glad that Suboshi had found Yui to bring her some comfort.
"Nakago then called forward another warrior of Seiryu, for the Seiryu shinzaho was now ready to be found..."
*******************
"You want me to find the Shinzaho Sir?"
Nakago nodded. "Suboshi is still not well enough to attend with you. I want you to take a horse." Nakago held up a small porcelain cup in his hands. "This points in the direction of the east coast, head there. Use that flute of yours if necessary."
Amiboshi nodded and bowed slightly. "Hai, Nakago. I take it you want me to leave immediately?"
Nakago nodded.
Amiboshi met his gaze. "If I do not run into him, please tell Suboshi I'm gone."
Mayo sat on her large, flush bed, looking out the half-oval shaped window in her room. There was a balcony out there, but it looked too cold for Mayo's taste. She sighed. She was in dire need of companionship. There was no one whom she could really talk to. The only warriors she ever could hold a conversation with were Amiboshi and Suboshi, and Amiboshi left... plus Mayo wasn't sure if Suboshi even liked her.
~"Mayo! Come on! Hurry!"~
Mayo sighed as she remembered her and Saori's last moments together. Mayo shouldn't have let Chichiri take Saori like that. Saori... she shouldn't have left...
Mayo brushed her loose hairs behind her ear, most of the orange locks pinned back in a large barrette. As she did so the light in her room glimmered off a blue stud earring she had on.
Suboshi twirled a feathered ball around on his finger, throwing it across the room. Before it hit the wall though, the object would spin for a moment and return back harmlessly to Suboshi's hand. Then, he'd repeat the process. He lied down on his bed, his left arm supporting his head on top of a pillow.
A lot was on his mind right now, that is, other than utter boredom. Amiboshi had left just a little while ago to retrieve the shinzaho, seeing how Nakago was too lazy to do it himself. Suboshi wished he could go with him, he felt well enough, but he supposed it was better for him to rest more. Suboshi overheard that someone else was going to be sent out to stall the Suzaku seven, and possibly retrieve any clues they had to benefit the Seiryu, but Suboshi knew he wouldn't be assigned that either.
Suboshi balanced the ryuseisui on his finger again, watching it as it swirled around, not nearly as fast as he usually kept it. He tossed it forward again. "I'd give almost anything to get back at the Suzaku seven..." Suboshi muttered as the ball returned to his palm. "They're the ones who did this to me..."
Amiboshi had told Suboshi that his near-death experience wasn't the Suzaku seven's fault at all, but Suboshi didn't fully believe him. Despite his brother's gentle words, Suboshi's grudge wouldn't quite lift. Suboshi could tell Amiboshi was hiding something that he must have done while he was away, but he felt too guilty to tell.
"Brother..." he again spoke out loud, "You and I... we used to be so similar..." As Suboshi threw the ball again, he moved his arm out from under him, looking at the thin cast on it. The cast kept him from using his wrist too well. He couldn't quite remember who had broken his arm... it could have been Tamahome, but the other one, Nuriko, would have been much stronger to do the task. The last thing Suboshi recalled about the incident was falling, and then...
Suboshi caught the meteor bell and held it, looking up onto the perfectly tiled ceiling above his head. "She didn't even know me... I'm her enemy, yet..." Suboshi's thoughts drifted to the strange girl who had risked her own life to give him a chance. When he had first woken up, she had smiled at him. It wasn't until Suboshi healed more and came to his senses that he realized just what this girl had done for him.
~
"Now that we nearly have our side of the bargain complete, we need the Suzaku Shinzaho to summon Seiryu." Nakago explained to the woman sitting down. "However, the Suzaku Seven haven't yet formed the shinzaho."
"How will we obtain it once they do?"
Nakago smirked. "That is taken care of. However..." Nakago paced a bit more. "If we can get this last clue from them, it would lead us directly to the shinzaho. After that, all we need is the morsels left in the Suzaku no Miko's possession."
"You want me to go out, Nakago-sama?" Soi asked, standing up.
Nakago nodded. "They are close to central Konan."
Soi turned at the sense of a second presence, and stepped back quickly as she saw the solitary face floating in the dark corner behind her.
"He's coming too?"
Tomo smiled through the makeup on his face. "I'm afraid Nakago wouldn't trust even you enough to handle all of the warriors yourself, Soi." He commented in his sickly sweet tone.
Nakago nodded. "Go now, and hurry."
****************************
"So we're lookin' for a horseshoe?!" Tasuki shouted loudly, folding his arms.
"This could prove to be quite a task." Chiriko informed. "The clue we are looking for has all ready been put to use."
"Wait..." Saori said, putting two and two together.
Miaka blinked. "Does that mean..."
"We have to track down EVERY horse in this city and find one with the 'magic shoe'?!" Tamahome exaggerated.
"Is there a possibility that the owner could have left this town?" Mitsukake asked.
Chiriko shook his head, glancing up at the disk on Tasuki's fan. "The helmet pointed us here, if the shinzaho was elsewhere, we would have been directed somewhere else."
Nuriko sighed, looking around. There were about six horses alone in sight currently. "Well, we'd better get started." He put an arm on the outside wall of the blacksmith shop. "Tasuki, start waving that fan of yours close to the ground. Let's hope this horse is cooperative... and close by. I have no idea how we're going to explain to its owner that we need one of its shoes..."
****************************
Nakago stepped into the dark room after being invited from outside, seeing the young emperor on his bed, watching him as he entered. A girl draped in light green fabrics sat behind him, her hands on his shoulders. Though she had a veil on, it was obvious that she smiled seductively at Nakago as the blonde entered.
Nakago's gaze was on the emperor. "Sire, all armies are prepared to march forward. The Beta troops have complete formation, and our last order of weapons has arrived as of this morning."
The emperor smiled, stroking a hand down his thin, dark beard. "That is most excellent." He said brassily.
"We will strike on your order."
The emperor nodded. "We will wait, but only shortly." He smiled. "Let's allow Konan to get comfortable first."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mayo leaned her elbows onto her oak dresser, gazing at her reflection in the large mirror. She really was an attractive girl, but in her eyes she couldn't see it. As she gazed into the reflective glass, she saw a round throw pillow on her bed. She turned in her chair and looked at it. It wasn't necessarily the throw pillow that caught her attention, but the color of it. That mustard-brown color, a hint of orange... It matched the hair color of someone close to her.
"Coach..." Mayo trailed off, pulling her eyes away from the simple object.
~~Mayo held her book bag strap in her left hand, holding the package of heavy textbooks tightly, almost ignoring the pain in her knuckles. Her short hair was cold and wet, her bangs dripping down before her eyes, sticking to her forehead. Her uniform was soaked through; even the shirt under her green jacket was wet. Her shoes squeaked lightly as she walked down the wet sidewalk, the water from her socks making even the insides of her shoes cold and damp. She still had a long ways to go, and the rain came down hard, no sign that it was going to lighten up anytime soon. Only a few people passed by her, most in a hurry with either umbrella or folded newspapers over their heads. Mayo only followed their path slightly with her violet eyes, before fixing her gaze again to the walk in front of her. She lifted a finger and brushed some of her wet hair aside, blinking a bit to get the heavy raindrops off her eyelashes. Cars whizzed passed her on the road to her left. She was far enough in on the sidewalk to avoid being hit by the gutter water that stirred up with each passing vehicle, but she was all ready soaked, so by now it didn't matter. Mayo grasped her right hand onto her book bag now, trying to relieve some of the weight from her left.
The sound of a car behind her slowed down instead of speeding by, and she could she a slight shadow of her legs in front of her as the glow of the headlights shined on the back of her knees. She didn't look until the car pulled a bit ahead of her, the brake lights going on as it came to a stop, the engine still running. The car door opened up, and a familiar face popped out, a hand shielding the water from it.
"Mayo!" Keisuke called, motioning for her to come near. "Do you need a ride home?"
Mayo smiled lightly as she approached the car. "I'm not so sure I want to go home." She explained softly, rubbing one of her arms to warm it up.
"Why's this?"
Mayo shrugged a bit. "Things... aren't going too great right now."
Keisuke immediately understood, and smiled at the girl. "Well get in anyway, you're..." He looked her over, now seeing the true state she was in. "Mayo! You're soaking wet! You must be freezing!"
Mayo laughed a bit. "Thanks, Coach."
"Hey I told ya, call me Keisuke already!" Keisuke shut the door as Mayo walked around the front of the car to the other side. Keisuke unlocked the door on the passenger side so Mayo could get in easily. When she did, her hair and clothes were dripping with water.
"Mayo, this can't be healthy." Keisuke half-joked. "Couldn't you get a ride home from school?" He asked as he pulled away from the curb.
Mayo shook her head. "I usually get one with Saori when the weather's bad, but she had to make up a test..." Mayo folded her arms. "Sorry, I'm getting your car all wet..." she laughed a bit.
Keisuke switched on the heater. "It's fine. Sure you don't want to go home?"
Mayo nodded, her smile fading a bit.
Keisuke tried to smile. "Well, I think I can make you feel better."
~
Keisuke opened the door to his apartment, flipping on the switch in the living room as he entered, letting Mayo in before her shut the door. He looked around. "I don't think my mom's in right now." He glanced over at Mayo, who was gently hugging herself and shivering. Keisuke sighed. "Take that jacket off, it'll only make it worse." He said. He walked down the hallway and disappeared into a room. After a moment, he came back out, holding a rather large gray sweatshirt. He tossed it at Mayo, who caught it. "Here. I'll make some hot chocolate, okay?"
Mayo smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Keisuke."~~
Mayo wiped the back of her hands over her eyes. "Keisuke, if you can read what I'm saying... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You... you and everyone must hate me. Why... why do I keep screwing up?" Mayo turned form the mirror, not wanting to look at herself. "I don't know why..." She began talking to herself. "I get so remorseful like this... but I know in just a little while it will go away. What inside of me makes me be so cold?" Mayo lifted a hand and looked at it. "When did I become such a bad person?"
*******************************
The tall man shook his head, looking at the group as if they were insane. "I'm sorry, but I won't give you my horse's shoe..."
Tasuki sighed. "Nuriko, where is it?"
Nuriko smiled stupidly and held up a large bag, jingling it slightly to hear all of the coins inside of it clank together.
The businessman's eyes widened, nearly drooling at the sight of all that money. "You can take it!" He announced. "Do you need any tools?"
Tasuki shook his head, pointing a thumb back. "Nah, he'll take care of it."
Nuriko walked up to the black mare. "If I may..." He said. He knelt down and lifted the back left foot of the mare, revealing a dirty horseshoes underneath. He grabbed both ends of it between h fingers and gently pulled the nails holding it out of the horse's foot, shaking it off once it was released.
"Nice doing business with you." Nuriko joked.
As the businessman walked away, his horse adjusting to the new leveling, a large family passed by the group with a handcart behind them.
"Where are you going?" Nuriko asked, curious.
The mother stopped to turn to the taller man. "A word has just come in from the governor officials of this city. We need to evacuate, Kutou is suspected to attack." The woman looked past Nuriko at the two girls, and smiled. "I'd suggest you all pack up too. It isn't safe here anymore." She stated as she continued on. As Nuriko turned around, he saw another small group packing up to leave.
"That's not good." Tasuki said.
"So Kutou is really attacking." Mitsukake brought up.
"Let's hope not." Nuriko said, tossing the horseshoes up and catching it again. He handed it to Miaka. "It's really dirty, but here."
Miaka took it with a smile. "Do you guys know what this means?"
Chiriko nodded.
Miaka looked like she could burst. "Now we can find the Shinzaho!" Miaka thrust the horseshoe up into the air, making it a silhouette in the slowly setting sun.
To BD: What's wrong with either arm? Sure, it could have been written better, but. oh never mind. I do use word, actually. I spell check and all myself then run it through Word check before and after, guess it's still not perfect. Thanks for the Beta, I laughed my head off when I realized all of those paragraphs started with Suboshi.
To Metajoker: I see your hatred for Inami is as hot as ever! It's quite entertaining to read your reviews! Yes, lots of soldiers. I hate them. but we'll have a soldier-break. for a while, at least. I waswondering, who is your favorite character in this story?
To Amaya: Lol, I'm glad you liked the spider thing. Don't worry, Chichiri is a bit old for Saori despite his devilish good looks. Yeah, I could have -done someone in-, huh? Aftre this long you'd think everyone would be safe, but trust me, I'm just toying with your mind until the big time comes.
Chapter 54 : Inner Thoughts; Outer Feelings
~~"We will be moving out by nightfall, Suboshi." Amiboshi informed, lifting up a packed bag from the corner of the tent.
Suboshi sat on the bed, his legs hanging off the side. He was still injured, but he was healing steadily. He watched his brother leave, and sighed. He didn't know how much longer Nakago would go without using him, but after picking up their shinzaho clue rather quickly, they were trying to leave Konan just as fast.
Suboshi reached his hand over to grab a tall crutch leaning against his bed, putting it under his right arm and standing up. His feet weren't hurt so much that he couldn't walk, but he had to keep pressure off his wounds a little longer.
The warrior walked out of the tent, not seeing his brother or anyone else at the moment, they were probably packing horses. He did get a glimpse of Mayo walking passed him, giving him only a smile to notice him as she continued on.
Suboshi started walking in the opposite direction, looking around. The tents hadn't been taken down yet. They were in a fairly secluded place, in a wide clearing in a sparse forest. Suboshi calmly walked along, not necessarily going anywhere, but just doing something besides lying down all day.
He finally noticed the tent a little ways off. He had been resting most of the time, so he didn't wander about the camp too much. He didn't think it was Mayo's tent, but it was right next to Nakago's, as if put there protectively. Suboshi calmly walked forward more, giving his legs some exercise while leaning a small portion of his weight on his crutch. He suddenly had an odd feeling about that tent. Seeing no one around, he walked around to the front of it, the door securely closed. It took him a moment to open it before stepping in. It was completely empty except for one thing.
Suboshi went rigid as his blue eyes locked onto hers. "Yu... Yui- sama?!"~~
**********************************
Suboshi calmly but as swiftly as possible walked through the large corridors of the Kutou palace, passing by only a few guards, who all knew he was a warrior of Seiryu and left him be. However, Suboshi scanned about him constantly to keep an eye out for those he was trying to avoid. He still had his crutch at his side, but used it lightly. It was always to his right so as not to pressure his left arm. His fracture was healing and it didn't hurt anymore, plus it was kept stiff by an inconspicuous cast, but nonetheless, Suboshi didn't bother with it.
Taking another look around, Suboshi pulled open a thick wooden door that led into a thinner hallway. He entered and shut the door behind him, continuing down the hall. He had a strange metal container in one hand.
After going down a few more short halls and a small flight of stair, Suboshi arrived at a thin door, the long handle locked firmly. Leaning more to his right and placing the container in his right hand, Suboshi used his left to reach under the belt made by his ryuseisui, and pulled out a large, old key. He glanced around again before placing the key in the lock, and hearing a satisfying click as the door opened.
*********************************
Mitsukake gently petted Tama's head, the small white and brown cat purring lightly as he did so. Tama was curled up in the medicine man's lap, his eyes slightly closed. Mitsukake looked up at the others. They were all at an inn in Konan, and it was mid-morning.
"So you see, there's a large blacksmith's shop near the city where I live, not too far from here." Chiriko pointed out, "The style, design, and material function of this helmet are all specialized there. I'm positive that this is where we are meant to go."
Miaka smiled in relief. "I can't believe it... one more to find... then as soon as we locate our shinzaho, we'll be so much closer to summoning Suzaku!"
Chichiri nodded. "I will not be attending with you though, no da." He shook his staff lightly, turning to the window. "I need to go to the palace, no da. His Highness needs to be informed of Kutou's plans, no da."
Chiriko nodded. "That would be the best thing to do."
"I'll be leaving with Chichiri." Inami addressed as well. "Kutou is planning to attack, and my presence would be requested."
"Then I guess it's just the rest of us?" Tamahome asked.
Chichiri nodded. "You should set out soon, no da. Inami and I will leave as soon as you are off, no da. Chiriko, you should try to lead everyone since it is towards your city we're headed, and Tasuki, you know these parts well, no da. Stay in front too, no da."
"Gotcha." Tasuki agreed.
So within the hour the group that consisted of Miaka, Saori, Tamahome, Mitsukake, Chiriko, Tasuki, and Nuriko headed further north into Konan, while Inami and Chichiri disappeared within one swipe of a tunic.
*********************************
Suboshi sat on the stone floor of the small room, his eyes occasionally passing from the bed canopy to the woman who sat near him. Suboshi had managed to sneak away the key in the room he knew Yui was kept in, and he had brought her down a decent meal. Yui had told Suboshi everything of why she was there, and Suboshi had seemed both shocked and angry at the time.
"Gomen nasai, Yui-sama." He spoke softly. "If I had known, I would have..."
Yui smiled lightly, it being one of the first times since she had arrived in the book. "Suboshi, thank you." She said in response, lifting her blue green eyes to meet his. "You really have always been there for me, haven't you?"
Suboshi only smiled a bit as he fixed his gaze back onto the dark floor.
Just looking at him made a huge surge of guilt flood through Yui's veins. Suboshi... Suboshi was always so kind to her, and she had put him through so much. He had all ready died twice for her, and knowing Suboshi, he would do it again in an instant. Suboshi was the only one who had shown her any compassion since her arrival, and she can still remember the wave of relief she had when she saw the boy walk into her tent, though she couldn't believe it was even him. Was he still the boy she remembered though? Yui looked him over. He did look older... taller, tanner...
"Yui-sama..."
"You don't need to call me that anymore, Suboshi." Yui said kindly, lowering her chopsticks down to the tray in front of her. "Does... does anyone know you're here?"
Suboshi shook his head. "I imagine if Nakago found out, knowing him, he wouldn't be too pleased with me." Suboshi brushed some of his long bangs away from his face.
Yui looked at his crutch, which was laid across the floor. "What happened?" Though she did have an idea what it was from.
Suboshi looked over at her, following her gaze to the item. He sighed. "It's a long story, Yui-sama. I know that you are friends again with Suzaku no Miko, so I'm not sure if you'd like to hear it."
Yui looked down at the empty bowl before her. "So much has gone on, Suboshi. Mayo, is she all right?"
Suboshi looked at the blonde a bit surprised. "Do you know Lady Mayo?"
Yui nodded. "She's a friend of mine, and Miaka's."
Suboshi had a scowl on his face. "No friend would treat you like this, Yui-sama."
Yui didn't have an answer for Suboshi. "What happened?" She repeated.
Suboshi hesitated for a moment. "Nakago sent me in to fight the Suzaku Seven a while ago, in Sairo." He explained. "I was outnumbered, things didn't go as planned."
Yui looked at the cast on Suboshi's left arm. She wondered if he had bandages or other injuries that were hidden by his clothes. "I see." She said, though her voice didn't seem upset.
"Nakago didn't tell Amiboshi either... about you, I mean." Suboshi spoke again. "I told him last night."
"What did he say?"
"If he had known, he would have helped you." Suboshi said, looking back at Yui. "He still hasn't met you, Yui-sama. Not in person."
There was a paused before the conversation continued.
"I know a lot about him." Yui answered.
Suboshi looked over. "How's that?"
Yui smiled. "Before I came here, I was reading the book, I read about everything that happened... up to a point." Yui remembered actually being sucked in out of nowhere so long ago. "I was reading it not just for Miaka and Mayo. Another friend of mine, from our world, is in here too. She was the first one to come here, and all she wants is to bring Mayo back."
Suboshi's eyes widened only slightly as he stared off into the room. That girl... it must have been Saori.
"I know her." Suboshi said simply.
Yui lit up. "Saori?" Yui corrected herself. She remembered reading in the beginning about Saori's run ins with Suboshi, first at the Star Festival and again in the streets of Konan. But... had perhaps something else happened while she had been here?
Suboshi stood up, leaning over to pick up the crutch on the ground. He held it and knelt down again, helping Yui put the dishes back into the container. "I shouldn't be down here too long, Yui-sama. Nakago could sense my presence."
However, after the things were gathered and Suboshi opened the door to leave, he turned back. "Yui-sama, I promise on my honor as a warrior, I will get you out of here."
**********************
Tetsuya read the book, lying down on his bed. Keisuke left early for the high school, Hikari was safely taken care of with Keisuke's mother, though Keisuke would be dropping by later to bring her back to Miaka, who was assumed to still be in Japan. A calming look was on Tetsuya's face. Though he never liked him much, Tetsuya was glad that Suboshi had found Yui to bring her some comfort.
"Nakago then called forward another warrior of Seiryu, for the Seiryu shinzaho was now ready to be found..."
*******************
"You want me to find the Shinzaho Sir?"
Nakago nodded. "Suboshi is still not well enough to attend with you. I want you to take a horse." Nakago held up a small porcelain cup in his hands. "This points in the direction of the east coast, head there. Use that flute of yours if necessary."
Amiboshi nodded and bowed slightly. "Hai, Nakago. I take it you want me to leave immediately?"
Nakago nodded.
Amiboshi met his gaze. "If I do not run into him, please tell Suboshi I'm gone."
Mayo sat on her large, flush bed, looking out the half-oval shaped window in her room. There was a balcony out there, but it looked too cold for Mayo's taste. She sighed. She was in dire need of companionship. There was no one whom she could really talk to. The only warriors she ever could hold a conversation with were Amiboshi and Suboshi, and Amiboshi left... plus Mayo wasn't sure if Suboshi even liked her.
~"Mayo! Come on! Hurry!"~
Mayo sighed as she remembered her and Saori's last moments together. Mayo shouldn't have let Chichiri take Saori like that. Saori... she shouldn't have left...
Mayo brushed her loose hairs behind her ear, most of the orange locks pinned back in a large barrette. As she did so the light in her room glimmered off a blue stud earring she had on.
Suboshi twirled a feathered ball around on his finger, throwing it across the room. Before it hit the wall though, the object would spin for a moment and return back harmlessly to Suboshi's hand. Then, he'd repeat the process. He lied down on his bed, his left arm supporting his head on top of a pillow.
A lot was on his mind right now, that is, other than utter boredom. Amiboshi had left just a little while ago to retrieve the shinzaho, seeing how Nakago was too lazy to do it himself. Suboshi wished he could go with him, he felt well enough, but he supposed it was better for him to rest more. Suboshi overheard that someone else was going to be sent out to stall the Suzaku seven, and possibly retrieve any clues they had to benefit the Seiryu, but Suboshi knew he wouldn't be assigned that either.
Suboshi balanced the ryuseisui on his finger again, watching it as it swirled around, not nearly as fast as he usually kept it. He tossed it forward again. "I'd give almost anything to get back at the Suzaku seven..." Suboshi muttered as the ball returned to his palm. "They're the ones who did this to me..."
Amiboshi had told Suboshi that his near-death experience wasn't the Suzaku seven's fault at all, but Suboshi didn't fully believe him. Despite his brother's gentle words, Suboshi's grudge wouldn't quite lift. Suboshi could tell Amiboshi was hiding something that he must have done while he was away, but he felt too guilty to tell.
"Brother..." he again spoke out loud, "You and I... we used to be so similar..." As Suboshi threw the ball again, he moved his arm out from under him, looking at the thin cast on it. The cast kept him from using his wrist too well. He couldn't quite remember who had broken his arm... it could have been Tamahome, but the other one, Nuriko, would have been much stronger to do the task. The last thing Suboshi recalled about the incident was falling, and then...
Suboshi caught the meteor bell and held it, looking up onto the perfectly tiled ceiling above his head. "She didn't even know me... I'm her enemy, yet..." Suboshi's thoughts drifted to the strange girl who had risked her own life to give him a chance. When he had first woken up, she had smiled at him. It wasn't until Suboshi healed more and came to his senses that he realized just what this girl had done for him.
~
"Now that we nearly have our side of the bargain complete, we need the Suzaku Shinzaho to summon Seiryu." Nakago explained to the woman sitting down. "However, the Suzaku Seven haven't yet formed the shinzaho."
"How will we obtain it once they do?"
Nakago smirked. "That is taken care of. However..." Nakago paced a bit more. "If we can get this last clue from them, it would lead us directly to the shinzaho. After that, all we need is the morsels left in the Suzaku no Miko's possession."
"You want me to go out, Nakago-sama?" Soi asked, standing up.
Nakago nodded. "They are close to central Konan."
Soi turned at the sense of a second presence, and stepped back quickly as she saw the solitary face floating in the dark corner behind her.
"He's coming too?"
Tomo smiled through the makeup on his face. "I'm afraid Nakago wouldn't trust even you enough to handle all of the warriors yourself, Soi." He commented in his sickly sweet tone.
Nakago nodded. "Go now, and hurry."
****************************
"So we're lookin' for a horseshoe?!" Tasuki shouted loudly, folding his arms.
"This could prove to be quite a task." Chiriko informed. "The clue we are looking for has all ready been put to use."
"Wait..." Saori said, putting two and two together.
Miaka blinked. "Does that mean..."
"We have to track down EVERY horse in this city and find one with the 'magic shoe'?!" Tamahome exaggerated.
"Is there a possibility that the owner could have left this town?" Mitsukake asked.
Chiriko shook his head, glancing up at the disk on Tasuki's fan. "The helmet pointed us here, if the shinzaho was elsewhere, we would have been directed somewhere else."
Nuriko sighed, looking around. There were about six horses alone in sight currently. "Well, we'd better get started." He put an arm on the outside wall of the blacksmith shop. "Tasuki, start waving that fan of yours close to the ground. Let's hope this horse is cooperative... and close by. I have no idea how we're going to explain to its owner that we need one of its shoes..."
****************************
Nakago stepped into the dark room after being invited from outside, seeing the young emperor on his bed, watching him as he entered. A girl draped in light green fabrics sat behind him, her hands on his shoulders. Though she had a veil on, it was obvious that she smiled seductively at Nakago as the blonde entered.
Nakago's gaze was on the emperor. "Sire, all armies are prepared to march forward. The Beta troops have complete formation, and our last order of weapons has arrived as of this morning."
The emperor smiled, stroking a hand down his thin, dark beard. "That is most excellent." He said brassily.
"We will strike on your order."
The emperor nodded. "We will wait, but only shortly." He smiled. "Let's allow Konan to get comfortable first."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mayo leaned her elbows onto her oak dresser, gazing at her reflection in the large mirror. She really was an attractive girl, but in her eyes she couldn't see it. As she gazed into the reflective glass, she saw a round throw pillow on her bed. She turned in her chair and looked at it. It wasn't necessarily the throw pillow that caught her attention, but the color of it. That mustard-brown color, a hint of orange... It matched the hair color of someone close to her.
"Coach..." Mayo trailed off, pulling her eyes away from the simple object.
~~Mayo held her book bag strap in her left hand, holding the package of heavy textbooks tightly, almost ignoring the pain in her knuckles. Her short hair was cold and wet, her bangs dripping down before her eyes, sticking to her forehead. Her uniform was soaked through; even the shirt under her green jacket was wet. Her shoes squeaked lightly as she walked down the wet sidewalk, the water from her socks making even the insides of her shoes cold and damp. She still had a long ways to go, and the rain came down hard, no sign that it was going to lighten up anytime soon. Only a few people passed by her, most in a hurry with either umbrella or folded newspapers over their heads. Mayo only followed their path slightly with her violet eyes, before fixing her gaze again to the walk in front of her. She lifted a finger and brushed some of her wet hair aside, blinking a bit to get the heavy raindrops off her eyelashes. Cars whizzed passed her on the road to her left. She was far enough in on the sidewalk to avoid being hit by the gutter water that stirred up with each passing vehicle, but she was all ready soaked, so by now it didn't matter. Mayo grasped her right hand onto her book bag now, trying to relieve some of the weight from her left.
The sound of a car behind her slowed down instead of speeding by, and she could she a slight shadow of her legs in front of her as the glow of the headlights shined on the back of her knees. She didn't look until the car pulled a bit ahead of her, the brake lights going on as it came to a stop, the engine still running. The car door opened up, and a familiar face popped out, a hand shielding the water from it.
"Mayo!" Keisuke called, motioning for her to come near. "Do you need a ride home?"
Mayo smiled lightly as she approached the car. "I'm not so sure I want to go home." She explained softly, rubbing one of her arms to warm it up.
"Why's this?"
Mayo shrugged a bit. "Things... aren't going too great right now."
Keisuke immediately understood, and smiled at the girl. "Well get in anyway, you're..." He looked her over, now seeing the true state she was in. "Mayo! You're soaking wet! You must be freezing!"
Mayo laughed a bit. "Thanks, Coach."
"Hey I told ya, call me Keisuke already!" Keisuke shut the door as Mayo walked around the front of the car to the other side. Keisuke unlocked the door on the passenger side so Mayo could get in easily. When she did, her hair and clothes were dripping with water.
"Mayo, this can't be healthy." Keisuke half-joked. "Couldn't you get a ride home from school?" He asked as he pulled away from the curb.
Mayo shook her head. "I usually get one with Saori when the weather's bad, but she had to make up a test..." Mayo folded her arms. "Sorry, I'm getting your car all wet..." she laughed a bit.
Keisuke switched on the heater. "It's fine. Sure you don't want to go home?"
Mayo nodded, her smile fading a bit.
Keisuke tried to smile. "Well, I think I can make you feel better."
~
Keisuke opened the door to his apartment, flipping on the switch in the living room as he entered, letting Mayo in before her shut the door. He looked around. "I don't think my mom's in right now." He glanced over at Mayo, who was gently hugging herself and shivering. Keisuke sighed. "Take that jacket off, it'll only make it worse." He said. He walked down the hallway and disappeared into a room. After a moment, he came back out, holding a rather large gray sweatshirt. He tossed it at Mayo, who caught it. "Here. I'll make some hot chocolate, okay?"
Mayo smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Keisuke."~~
Mayo wiped the back of her hands over her eyes. "Keisuke, if you can read what I'm saying... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You... you and everyone must hate me. Why... why do I keep screwing up?" Mayo turned form the mirror, not wanting to look at herself. "I don't know why..." She began talking to herself. "I get so remorseful like this... but I know in just a little while it will go away. What inside of me makes me be so cold?" Mayo lifted a hand and looked at it. "When did I become such a bad person?"
*******************************
The tall man shook his head, looking at the group as if they were insane. "I'm sorry, but I won't give you my horse's shoe..."
Tasuki sighed. "Nuriko, where is it?"
Nuriko smiled stupidly and held up a large bag, jingling it slightly to hear all of the coins inside of it clank together.
The businessman's eyes widened, nearly drooling at the sight of all that money. "You can take it!" He announced. "Do you need any tools?"
Tasuki shook his head, pointing a thumb back. "Nah, he'll take care of it."
Nuriko walked up to the black mare. "If I may..." He said. He knelt down and lifted the back left foot of the mare, revealing a dirty horseshoes underneath. He grabbed both ends of it between h fingers and gently pulled the nails holding it out of the horse's foot, shaking it off once it was released.
"Nice doing business with you." Nuriko joked.
As the businessman walked away, his horse adjusting to the new leveling, a large family passed by the group with a handcart behind them.
"Where are you going?" Nuriko asked, curious.
The mother stopped to turn to the taller man. "A word has just come in from the governor officials of this city. We need to evacuate, Kutou is suspected to attack." The woman looked past Nuriko at the two girls, and smiled. "I'd suggest you all pack up too. It isn't safe here anymore." She stated as she continued on. As Nuriko turned around, he saw another small group packing up to leave.
"That's not good." Tasuki said.
"So Kutou is really attacking." Mitsukake brought up.
"Let's hope not." Nuriko said, tossing the horseshoes up and catching it again. He handed it to Miaka. "It's really dirty, but here."
Miaka took it with a smile. "Do you guys know what this means?"
Chiriko nodded.
Miaka looked like she could burst. "Now we can find the Shinzaho!" Miaka thrust the horseshoe up into the air, making it a silhouette in the slowly setting sun.