To Metajoker: I can't remember where, but while I was watching the series
I heard from someone that their symbol was blue. I remember thinking "Uh,
that's dumb." but I kept it that way.
To Amaya: Guess I'm just sly that way, ne?
Chapter 58 : Complete
"Ame..." Miaka's voice spoke solemnly as her chin rested in her hands.
It was the second night after the death of the Byakko warrior, Amefuri. The word of the great man's death was spread through the palace, where currently the Suzaku no Miko and her own warriors lay. The still air had become quiet, not even a cheerful word from Saori or Chichiri. Once again the priestess was faced with another death.
Nuriko sat quietly on a small chair, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands brought together loosely. When he had personally met Amefuri, it was when the man had nearly saved him in a battle with Soi. He looked so youthful, and even in his old age, Nuriko couldn't believe he was gone. From what he understood, there were only two of the Byakko seven left.
Tamahome leaned his head back from beside Miaka, staring blankly at the high ceiling above him. Ame, who he had met in Sairo, had helped them so much; the fight with the Seiryu warriors, the shinzaho item, and his pure kindness and hospitality. When he was around, Tamahome could almost feel the presence of his old master with him.
Hotohori stood near the outside railing, though he was still visible to the members in the room. He finally obtained a quick retirement from the battlefield, only to be struck with this news. Amefuri had not only aided their quest to summon Suzaku, but he willingly helped Konan in its continuing war with Kutou, and lost his life doing so. Hotohori felt the weight of the world was falling upon the land, and now Ame's life was added to it.
"Koki..." Saori said quietly.
Inami looked up, sitting at on the floor by the chair where Tasuki was.
Saori didn't raise her eyes, but continued. "Koki... she must be so sad. Her and Ame were close, weren't they?"
"Yeah..." Tasuki added his input.
"She must... she must be so sad..." Saori stated.
Miaka looked over. "Where is she? Koki, I mean?"
Inami thought. "I believe she's in her room... or at least I'd suppose so."
Miaka gaze dropped back to the floor
~
"Ame..." Koki whispered, looking out an open window to the half-moon overhead. The sounds of war didn't reach the palace, and to her it felt like she was in a time vortex--away from the real world. Everything that could have happened... she never thought of this, of the worse.
"Nakago..." She said the killer's name, "I will never forget your face, that name..." Koki's mind flashed back to when the general had tried to get her as well, only with a lighter force. Why he turned away, she didn't know. Could it have been from pity? She doubted it. Perhaps he was avoiding a battle... or perhaps of the glow of the kanji on her cheek... of course, that man had seen the same glow on Ame, and he didn't stop then, why for her?
~*~*~
"Who the hell is that?" A young girl asked, her feet propped up on the table and her arms folded over a book.
"This is Huan." Subaru smiled lightly, her hands resting on the boy's shoulders. "He is the one we've been looking for."
The girl sat up, her long pink hair cascading over her shoulders. "This guy is a celestial warrior?"
"Amefuri." Subaru replied, focusing on the boy. "You are the fifth."
"Little young, don't you think?" Kokie thought out loud.
Amefuri lowered his eyebrows at the comment.
Subaru smiled none-the-less. "He's 14, I don't think that's too young."
Kokie stood up, revealing herself to be taller than the boy as well. Tatara glanced over at her from his seat at the table. Kokie's scarlet eyes looked over the teen. He was about half a foot shorter than she, and he wore a tan robe, his long, light-blue hair done in a sturdy braid slung over his shoulder. She sighed, putting her hands on her hips. "All right, whatever. Suzuno seen him yet?"
"You treat me as if some prize." Amefuri stated dully.
Kokie cocked her head, giving the boy a fake smile. "Well, aren't you just the cutest thing."
"Kokie." Tatara scolded with her name.
Kokie waved a hand, turning from the table to leave. "Well, I don't give a damn about who's coming with us, as long as we can get this over- sized tiger out of the sky and go home."
Subaru shook her head. "Don't worry Amefuri, you'll get used to Kokie... she's just... a little straight forward."
Tatara nodded. "Would you like me to introduce him to Suzuno?"
Subaru nodded.
~*~*~
"Would you like to try me, you little brat!?" Kokie's voice boomed over the hall of the large home.
"Your behavior is childish!"
"Childish?! This coming from a pre-pubescent snot like you?!"
"Please stop." The feminine voice came quietly from the door of the area. Suzuno frowned a bit. "Please... can't you just... get along?"
Kokie shot her priestess a cold look, but relaxed herself and stood straight. She didn't say a word, but walked quickly past Suzuno, flipping her hair back as she disappeared into the hall.
Suzuno watched after her, a mild look of sadness on her face. She spoke to the young boy without looking back into the room. "I suppose her and I have never gotten along... not as friends." She stated.
Amefuri's eyes glanced to the paper walls around him. "A bond between a miko and warrior can't always be of friendship."
Suzuno looked back at Amefuri, a calm, thin smile on her face. "I suppose you're right." She turned to leave, before a voice stopped her.
"It's because of Tatara, you know."
Suzuno stopped in her footsteps, her left hand gripping the bow of her school uniform. She didn't answer, only walked away.
~*~*~
"Ame-chan!" Kokie called out, trying to make her voice higher. She waved some chopsticks in her fingers. "Whatcha doin?"
Ame, and elderly man in a young body, looked back at the woman in the kitchen. He continued putting his shoes on. "I suppose I need some fresh air, perhaps I'll stop at the market and pick up our postal."
"Eh." Koki shrugged. "Who wants to write to a bunch of people like us? You write me a farewell letter and I'll pour out my little-girl-crush to you, we'll call it even, and cancel whatever's on hold for us."
"Would you like to accompany me, Koki?" Ame asked politely with a smile.
"Nah." Koki replied. "I think I'll read, right there, on that chair," she pointed, "And when you come back, I'll welcome you, we'll discuss our future, and reminisce..."
"Very well." Ame laughed. "I won't be long." Ame opened the front door to their house, walking out into the sunny day. Little did he know that only moments later he would run into three men in front of his old friends' home, only to discover that they were celestial warriors of Suzaku.
~*~*~
Koki lowered her eyes to her hands, sniffing a bit as another tear fell from her eye. "Ame... why did you have to go?" She whispered into the air.
**************************
"This is it?" Mayo asked, her eyebrow rising in slight disgust. "Amiboshi, are you sure you got it right?"
"Hai, Mayo-sama." Amiboshi bowed slightly.
Nakago smirked. "Be patient, Lady Mayo. You will soon see the glory of our Shinzaho."
Before Mayo, on a small, round table was a large, spiral conch shell, one that Amiboshi had retrieved near the east coast. It's rough, pointed exterior was a cool gray color, the inside of it a smooth, pearly white. The size of the shinzaho itself was about eleven inches across and roughly five inches high.
"Here they are, Nakago." Suboshi entered the room, handing Nakago a tied bag. Nakago took it solemnly and walked over to Mayo. Suboshi couldn't understand how Nakago remained so calm... even after Yui went missing.
Nakago walked up to the small table beside Mayo, laying out seven objects on the edges of the table. The last to be laid down was a feather quill.
"Mayo." He directed, "Only the Priestess of Seiryu can unite the shinzaho." What was about to happen would determine if Mayo received all the powers of Seiryu before Yui left.
Mayo turned and stared at the items with her violet eyes. She suddenly felt her nerves kick in. What if it didn't work? What if it did?
She lifted her hands up, her yellow and red sleeves slipping down to her elbows. She placed her hands gently on the shell.
The war... it was still going on. Would summoning Seiryu bring and end to it? Did she want an end to it? Nakago... her most loyal warrior by far, wanted war. Amiboshi hated the battles. the fighting... This was only the shinzaho though, right? It wasn't the ceremony, only half of it...
"Mayo." Nakago's voice broke her thoughts. "Priestess, to bring together the shinzaho, you must concentrate."
Mayo shook her head to clear her thoughts. Could she really posses the powers of Seiryu, or did Yui still have them? Now... she would find out if she really was destined to be the Miko.
Mayo shut her eyes hard, her fingers quivering against the cold touch of the shell. "Shinzaho..." Her mind whispered to her. Her whole body felt hot... was she really that nervous?
The heat from her shoulders seem to flow down her arms, spreading through her cold hands...
"Nakago." Soi said, watching with wide eyes.
Mayo's fingernails were turning blue, like sparking forth from her hands.
It exploded like a cannon.
"Aniki!" Suboshi called out as he was blinded by the light.
Mayo opened her eyes. "What's happening?!"
The objects on the table shook and shot towards the shell.
Then, it all died down... lasting only a number of seconds.
Mayo ripped her hands away from the shell, her lungs gasping for air. Had it worked?
"Excellent, Mayo."
Mayo looked back at Nakago, then again to the table. She gasped.
There, on that simple tabletop, was the shell. It's outside was marbled beautifully with blue and silver speckles, the spiked crown gleaming brightly. The center of the shell was studded with seven different gems, as if the stones were born with it.
"It's... gorgeous..." Mayo breathed.
"That's it then, that's the shinzaho?" Amiboshi asked.
Nakago smirked. "The next stage is complete." He turned his cape and walked from the room, back to war. All the needed to summon the God of War was the shinzaho of the south.
*****************************
Miaka woke herself, staring off into the dark night of her room. She had been in and out of sleep all night long. Too much was on her mind. Hotohori had left again all ready, and something about seeing him in his armor ripped at Miaka's heart. The death of Amefuri still weighted heavily on her mind as well.
She shivered, suddenly feeling very cold. She hugged herself, though it didn't help much. Rolling over, she rested her cheek against Tamahome's chest, hearing his heart beat under her ear. Maybe if she could just get to sleep... everything would be better in the morning.
~
The dark figure slipped the thin breastplate over its head, tying the side strings tightly at the ribs. Grabbing two gloves off the desk, the silhouette slipped them on its hands. Before leaving the dark room, a long, silver sword was taken off the shelf, and slipped smoothly into a sheath mounted on the shadow's back.
Closing the door silently behind it, the figure stepped quickly and silently down the halls of the palace. Moving down a smaller corridor, it neared the servant's exit...
"You're leaving?" A female voice turned in.
The shadow turned around abruptly, startled. However, it regained its confidence and stature shortly.
"You're going out there, to the war, aren't you?" The voice asked quietly.
"I have no reason to stay behind these walls." The low tone replied.
"How could you go, knowing more than I of what will happen if you follow through?"
Silence.
"That doesn't matter." The reply finally came.
"Doesn't it?"
A light laugh came from the shadow. "Don't involve yourself."
No response.
The figure turned again and walked down the narrow corridor, sliding open a wood door to reveal the bright moon shining down on weeds and dried up gardens. Its outline was more defined in the contrasting light, and it stepped off the level, heading out away from the palace.
"You couldn't understand." Koki quietly spoke as she walked over the brush towards the distant walls.
Inami watched after her, leaning quietly against the doorway. "I do..." she sighed, "more than you know."
*********************
Have you seen Kokie anywhere?" Miaka asked, passing Nuriko in the hall.
"Not since last night." Nuriko answered. "Did you check her room?"
Miaka nodded. "All her things are still there, so she has to be around here somewhere."
"Check the kitchen..." Nuriko suddenly changed his mind. "Actually, maybe you should stop looking for a while. Kokie... she's probably not in the best mood right now." His voice seemed to drift off at the end. Whenever he talked lightly like that his more masculine tone would rise up.
Miaka nodded. "You're right."
Nuriko bent his waist a bit to look under Miaka's bangs at her eyes. "Are you okay Miaka?"
Miaka nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Yeah... I'm fine. I just think I'll take a walk."
"All right then." Nuriko smiled at her and continued on his way.
"Nuriko?"
"Yeah?"
"When is everyone going out again? I mean..."
Nuriko's eyes showed a deep sympathy. "I don't know Miaka.... probably soon."
~
Miaka walked outside the Konan palace, through the south garden that seemed to be the only place undisturbed by war. Miaka gazed at the colorful, blooming flowers along the brink walk, the trees separating them from the man-made river ahead. Miaka remembered one of the last times she had taken the time to clear her thoughts here... it had been before they ever had to summon Suzaku, when the Kutou spies had attacked in the dark of the night... However, in the light of the day, Miaka wasn't afraid at all to be here again.
She took her time to admire the spectacles... ones she would have taken for granted in her own world, trying to clear her mind from the trouble upon it. Moving further more under the shade of the large trees, the bridge passing over the calm river stood in front of her, warmed by the sun, almost as if it were beckoning to her. She walked forward, waiting for the solid sound of her shoe on the white wood. She went up the slight arch and turned to the rail, leaning her elbows upon it and stared into the light blue water. It was so clear, so perfect.
"Can I make it end?" Miaka thought to herself. "But... how can I?"
Miaka sighed and rested her chin on her arms. What was she going to do?
Miaka lifted her head a bit. She stared at something in the water, something that whenever she moved her gaze, it glinted in the sunlight.
Miaka watched it as she walked to the end of the bridge. It couldn't have been a grain of sand catching the sun, because she could still see it, and from this view it looked bigger... slightly arched. Miaka continued down the back of the river until she was at the closest point to it. She knelt down and strained her eyes.
What was it? It looked gold, its image distorting lightly from faint ripples in the water. Something about this... rock... or whatever it was in the water.... something about it called to her. Was she going nuts? It was about five feet from the bank... not more than six feet down.
Miaka pulled her red shirt back on her shoulders a bit. Yep, she was crazy.
~*SPLASH*~
Miaka hit the cold water, coming up for air after being submerged. She swam a bit to get her hand on the bank. Blinking her eyes to rid the drops on her lashes, she saw the waving object in the sand. She took a deep breath and went under, keeping her eyes open to remain fixated on it. With a few kicks she reached the river base, grasping the fingers of her left hand over the object. It was hard... smooth... and stuck.
Miaka kicked her feet more to stay under as her air slowly ran out. She brought her other hand forward to get a grip. As the object wiggled loose the sand of the bottom rose up, forcing Miaka to close her eyes. With the item securely in hand, she pushed back up to the surface.
She gasped for air. Her red hair floating around her, Miaka swam to the bank, pulling herself out of the water, her clothes now wet, cold, and heavy. She rolled over and brought the item up for inspection, her eyes widening when she figured out what it was.
It was a harp. A small, handheld harp. The strings were missing, but she could tell what it was by the shape. Despite being in the river, it didn't look damaged at all. It shined like pure gold, flower blossoms carved into its base and an etched feather running up its handle, the gold ending in swirling patterns at the finish. The harp grew warm in Miaka's hands, finally glowing red under her touch.
Miaka's hazel eyes went wide under her soaking bangs. "This..." she stuttered... "I found it... the shinzaho...." She finally smiled and stood up. "The shinzaho! Suzaku's Shinzaho! I FOUND IT!" Not bothering for a second breath, Miaka ran back over the bridge and towards the palace.
**********************
Nakago walked his horse through the remainder of the battle... what was left after his soldiers had trampled through the Konan territory. Dead bodies of both sides lay scattered across the dying grass in random order and spacing, Nakago's white horse stepping over any that got in his path.
"NAKAGO!"
Nakago looked back and pulled the reigns of his horse to see who called him.
"You are Nakago of the Seiryu seven, is that not correct?!" The low voice shouted angrily at him.
Nakago raised his eyebrow, a slight smile crossing his features. He knew this woman, she had proved herself one of the Byakko seven only a few days earlier; the barer of the constellation of Aries the Ram, and the symbol of "Hara"; Kokie.
Nakago dismounted from his steed, his height obvious despite the distance between him and the Byakko warrior.
"NAKAGO!" Kokie shouted his name again, ripping off the cloak resting on her shoulder. Scarlet and gold armor plated her, a long, broad sword in her hand. "Today you will pay for killing him!!!"
"Will I?" Nakago asked coldly, pushing his cape back some. "Today, my dear woman, is the day you regret challenging Nakago of the Seiryu seven."
Rage crossed over Kokie's deep red eyes. Her body began to radiate a faint blue light, a bright symbol glowing on her left cheekbone. The deep color of her eyes swirled into the color of the sun, and she raised her sword up in an offensive position. She screamed and charged at Nakago with all her might.
Nakago watched her near him, moving his own hand to draw the sword at his right. The two blades hit loudly. Kokie didn't stall time for a stalemate, she pulled back and swung again, her strength impressing even Nakago. Nakago pulled back his arm and struck, missing Kokie. However, "kokoro" appeared on his forehead and a blue chi blast was sent out at her. With Kokie's powers it was weakened, but she couldn't avoid being hit full on.
Her left shoulder shot back as the burning sensation hit her, knocking her off her feet and onto the soiled ground. She looked up, her short hair moving slightly with her. She used her sword as a cane and charged again at him, swinging from above. "YOU KILLED HIM!" She screamed, tears flying from her eyes. She struck down on Nakago, managing to force him back a bit. She struck again, harder. "YOU KILLED HIM! ON MY LIFE, I SWEAR AMEFURI WILL NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN!"
Her sword turned itself, moving almost faster than the eye could follow at Nakago's torso. Before it hit, however, Kokie was blinded by a bright, blue light, one that engulfed her so fully she couldn't see her surroundings.
Her sword melted away from her hand as she suddenly felt her body gently floating. The yellow in her eyes faded out and her lids lowered a bit in her sorrowful expression. "Amefuri..." she whispered, looking into the heart of the power, "Amefuri, I'm coming...
...I promise...
I'll protect you."
~~"So what now? What now that it's over... now that Suzuno's gone?"
Kokie leaned her forearm on Amefuri's small shoulder. "Don't worry kid, I'll take care of ya. I'm sure the worst of it all ain't over."
Amefuri's young, blue eyes looked up at the taller woman in wonder.
Kokie laughed at his puzzled look. "I'll protect you."~~
***************************
"I have it! I have it!" Miaka shouted, running into the palace.
Nuriko turned away from Chiriko and looked at her oddly. "What are you talking about?"
Miaka held up the harp frame high in her hands. "This is it, this is the shinzaho!"
"WHAT?" Nuriko asked, grabbing it from the girl's hands and looking it over. As soon as he touched it, he knew. "Miaka... where did you..."
"Shinzaho?" Tasuki asked, coming into the room, Tamahome at his side.
Miaka's face lit up with pure joy and she nodded. "Don't you see? We did it..." A tear ran down her cheek. "We did it, you guys..."
Saori and Yui had just entered the room as well, hearing all the commotion. Saori lit up and jumped into the air, punching it on her way down. "YES! We rock!"
"Miaka..." Yui spoke softly.
Miaka looked from face to face. "Where's Chichiri, and Tasuki? Where's Inami?"
Tamahome laughed at his wife's excitement. "Chichiri and Tasuki are around here somewhere, I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up anytime soon."
Chiriko gently took the frame from Nuriko. "So finally... our side of the mission is fulfilled."
"What about Inami?" Miaka asked.
"Oh," Saori replied, "She just left."
Miaka looked dumbfounded. "Left?"
"Yeah, back up for Hokkan. Apparently there was a big enough break in the war over here that she could go. Sorry, we couldn't find ya."
"Oh." But Miaka's success wouldn't let her down. "Tamahome, where are the clues? Hurry!" She laughed, running past the two into the hallway. They were so much closer now... to summoning Suzaku.
To Amaya: Guess I'm just sly that way, ne?
Chapter 58 : Complete
"Ame..." Miaka's voice spoke solemnly as her chin rested in her hands.
It was the second night after the death of the Byakko warrior, Amefuri. The word of the great man's death was spread through the palace, where currently the Suzaku no Miko and her own warriors lay. The still air had become quiet, not even a cheerful word from Saori or Chichiri. Once again the priestess was faced with another death.
Nuriko sat quietly on a small chair, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands brought together loosely. When he had personally met Amefuri, it was when the man had nearly saved him in a battle with Soi. He looked so youthful, and even in his old age, Nuriko couldn't believe he was gone. From what he understood, there were only two of the Byakko seven left.
Tamahome leaned his head back from beside Miaka, staring blankly at the high ceiling above him. Ame, who he had met in Sairo, had helped them so much; the fight with the Seiryu warriors, the shinzaho item, and his pure kindness and hospitality. When he was around, Tamahome could almost feel the presence of his old master with him.
Hotohori stood near the outside railing, though he was still visible to the members in the room. He finally obtained a quick retirement from the battlefield, only to be struck with this news. Amefuri had not only aided their quest to summon Suzaku, but he willingly helped Konan in its continuing war with Kutou, and lost his life doing so. Hotohori felt the weight of the world was falling upon the land, and now Ame's life was added to it.
"Koki..." Saori said quietly.
Inami looked up, sitting at on the floor by the chair where Tasuki was.
Saori didn't raise her eyes, but continued. "Koki... she must be so sad. Her and Ame were close, weren't they?"
"Yeah..." Tasuki added his input.
"She must... she must be so sad..." Saori stated.
Miaka looked over. "Where is she? Koki, I mean?"
Inami thought. "I believe she's in her room... or at least I'd suppose so."
Miaka gaze dropped back to the floor
~
"Ame..." Koki whispered, looking out an open window to the half-moon overhead. The sounds of war didn't reach the palace, and to her it felt like she was in a time vortex--away from the real world. Everything that could have happened... she never thought of this, of the worse.
"Nakago..." She said the killer's name, "I will never forget your face, that name..." Koki's mind flashed back to when the general had tried to get her as well, only with a lighter force. Why he turned away, she didn't know. Could it have been from pity? She doubted it. Perhaps he was avoiding a battle... or perhaps of the glow of the kanji on her cheek... of course, that man had seen the same glow on Ame, and he didn't stop then, why for her?
~*~*~
"Who the hell is that?" A young girl asked, her feet propped up on the table and her arms folded over a book.
"This is Huan." Subaru smiled lightly, her hands resting on the boy's shoulders. "He is the one we've been looking for."
The girl sat up, her long pink hair cascading over her shoulders. "This guy is a celestial warrior?"
"Amefuri." Subaru replied, focusing on the boy. "You are the fifth."
"Little young, don't you think?" Kokie thought out loud.
Amefuri lowered his eyebrows at the comment.
Subaru smiled none-the-less. "He's 14, I don't think that's too young."
Kokie stood up, revealing herself to be taller than the boy as well. Tatara glanced over at her from his seat at the table. Kokie's scarlet eyes looked over the teen. He was about half a foot shorter than she, and he wore a tan robe, his long, light-blue hair done in a sturdy braid slung over his shoulder. She sighed, putting her hands on her hips. "All right, whatever. Suzuno seen him yet?"
"You treat me as if some prize." Amefuri stated dully.
Kokie cocked her head, giving the boy a fake smile. "Well, aren't you just the cutest thing."
"Kokie." Tatara scolded with her name.
Kokie waved a hand, turning from the table to leave. "Well, I don't give a damn about who's coming with us, as long as we can get this over- sized tiger out of the sky and go home."
Subaru shook her head. "Don't worry Amefuri, you'll get used to Kokie... she's just... a little straight forward."
Tatara nodded. "Would you like me to introduce him to Suzuno?"
Subaru nodded.
~*~*~
"Would you like to try me, you little brat!?" Kokie's voice boomed over the hall of the large home.
"Your behavior is childish!"
"Childish?! This coming from a pre-pubescent snot like you?!"
"Please stop." The feminine voice came quietly from the door of the area. Suzuno frowned a bit. "Please... can't you just... get along?"
Kokie shot her priestess a cold look, but relaxed herself and stood straight. She didn't say a word, but walked quickly past Suzuno, flipping her hair back as she disappeared into the hall.
Suzuno watched after her, a mild look of sadness on her face. She spoke to the young boy without looking back into the room. "I suppose her and I have never gotten along... not as friends." She stated.
Amefuri's eyes glanced to the paper walls around him. "A bond between a miko and warrior can't always be of friendship."
Suzuno looked back at Amefuri, a calm, thin smile on her face. "I suppose you're right." She turned to leave, before a voice stopped her.
"It's because of Tatara, you know."
Suzuno stopped in her footsteps, her left hand gripping the bow of her school uniform. She didn't answer, only walked away.
~*~*~
"Ame-chan!" Kokie called out, trying to make her voice higher. She waved some chopsticks in her fingers. "Whatcha doin?"
Ame, and elderly man in a young body, looked back at the woman in the kitchen. He continued putting his shoes on. "I suppose I need some fresh air, perhaps I'll stop at the market and pick up our postal."
"Eh." Koki shrugged. "Who wants to write to a bunch of people like us? You write me a farewell letter and I'll pour out my little-girl-crush to you, we'll call it even, and cancel whatever's on hold for us."
"Would you like to accompany me, Koki?" Ame asked politely with a smile.
"Nah." Koki replied. "I think I'll read, right there, on that chair," she pointed, "And when you come back, I'll welcome you, we'll discuss our future, and reminisce..."
"Very well." Ame laughed. "I won't be long." Ame opened the front door to their house, walking out into the sunny day. Little did he know that only moments later he would run into three men in front of his old friends' home, only to discover that they were celestial warriors of Suzaku.
~*~*~
Koki lowered her eyes to her hands, sniffing a bit as another tear fell from her eye. "Ame... why did you have to go?" She whispered into the air.
**************************
"This is it?" Mayo asked, her eyebrow rising in slight disgust. "Amiboshi, are you sure you got it right?"
"Hai, Mayo-sama." Amiboshi bowed slightly.
Nakago smirked. "Be patient, Lady Mayo. You will soon see the glory of our Shinzaho."
Before Mayo, on a small, round table was a large, spiral conch shell, one that Amiboshi had retrieved near the east coast. It's rough, pointed exterior was a cool gray color, the inside of it a smooth, pearly white. The size of the shinzaho itself was about eleven inches across and roughly five inches high.
"Here they are, Nakago." Suboshi entered the room, handing Nakago a tied bag. Nakago took it solemnly and walked over to Mayo. Suboshi couldn't understand how Nakago remained so calm... even after Yui went missing.
Nakago walked up to the small table beside Mayo, laying out seven objects on the edges of the table. The last to be laid down was a feather quill.
"Mayo." He directed, "Only the Priestess of Seiryu can unite the shinzaho." What was about to happen would determine if Mayo received all the powers of Seiryu before Yui left.
Mayo turned and stared at the items with her violet eyes. She suddenly felt her nerves kick in. What if it didn't work? What if it did?
She lifted her hands up, her yellow and red sleeves slipping down to her elbows. She placed her hands gently on the shell.
The war... it was still going on. Would summoning Seiryu bring and end to it? Did she want an end to it? Nakago... her most loyal warrior by far, wanted war. Amiboshi hated the battles. the fighting... This was only the shinzaho though, right? It wasn't the ceremony, only half of it...
"Mayo." Nakago's voice broke her thoughts. "Priestess, to bring together the shinzaho, you must concentrate."
Mayo shook her head to clear her thoughts. Could she really posses the powers of Seiryu, or did Yui still have them? Now... she would find out if she really was destined to be the Miko.
Mayo shut her eyes hard, her fingers quivering against the cold touch of the shell. "Shinzaho..." Her mind whispered to her. Her whole body felt hot... was she really that nervous?
The heat from her shoulders seem to flow down her arms, spreading through her cold hands...
"Nakago." Soi said, watching with wide eyes.
Mayo's fingernails were turning blue, like sparking forth from her hands.
It exploded like a cannon.
"Aniki!" Suboshi called out as he was blinded by the light.
Mayo opened her eyes. "What's happening?!"
The objects on the table shook and shot towards the shell.
Then, it all died down... lasting only a number of seconds.
Mayo ripped her hands away from the shell, her lungs gasping for air. Had it worked?
"Excellent, Mayo."
Mayo looked back at Nakago, then again to the table. She gasped.
There, on that simple tabletop, was the shell. It's outside was marbled beautifully with blue and silver speckles, the spiked crown gleaming brightly. The center of the shell was studded with seven different gems, as if the stones were born with it.
"It's... gorgeous..." Mayo breathed.
"That's it then, that's the shinzaho?" Amiboshi asked.
Nakago smirked. "The next stage is complete." He turned his cape and walked from the room, back to war. All the needed to summon the God of War was the shinzaho of the south.
*****************************
Miaka woke herself, staring off into the dark night of her room. She had been in and out of sleep all night long. Too much was on her mind. Hotohori had left again all ready, and something about seeing him in his armor ripped at Miaka's heart. The death of Amefuri still weighted heavily on her mind as well.
She shivered, suddenly feeling very cold. She hugged herself, though it didn't help much. Rolling over, she rested her cheek against Tamahome's chest, hearing his heart beat under her ear. Maybe if she could just get to sleep... everything would be better in the morning.
~
The dark figure slipped the thin breastplate over its head, tying the side strings tightly at the ribs. Grabbing two gloves off the desk, the silhouette slipped them on its hands. Before leaving the dark room, a long, silver sword was taken off the shelf, and slipped smoothly into a sheath mounted on the shadow's back.
Closing the door silently behind it, the figure stepped quickly and silently down the halls of the palace. Moving down a smaller corridor, it neared the servant's exit...
"You're leaving?" A female voice turned in.
The shadow turned around abruptly, startled. However, it regained its confidence and stature shortly.
"You're going out there, to the war, aren't you?" The voice asked quietly.
"I have no reason to stay behind these walls." The low tone replied.
"How could you go, knowing more than I of what will happen if you follow through?"
Silence.
"That doesn't matter." The reply finally came.
"Doesn't it?"
A light laugh came from the shadow. "Don't involve yourself."
No response.
The figure turned again and walked down the narrow corridor, sliding open a wood door to reveal the bright moon shining down on weeds and dried up gardens. Its outline was more defined in the contrasting light, and it stepped off the level, heading out away from the palace.
"You couldn't understand." Koki quietly spoke as she walked over the brush towards the distant walls.
Inami watched after her, leaning quietly against the doorway. "I do..." she sighed, "more than you know."
*********************
Have you seen Kokie anywhere?" Miaka asked, passing Nuriko in the hall.
"Not since last night." Nuriko answered. "Did you check her room?"
Miaka nodded. "All her things are still there, so she has to be around here somewhere."
"Check the kitchen..." Nuriko suddenly changed his mind. "Actually, maybe you should stop looking for a while. Kokie... she's probably not in the best mood right now." His voice seemed to drift off at the end. Whenever he talked lightly like that his more masculine tone would rise up.
Miaka nodded. "You're right."
Nuriko bent his waist a bit to look under Miaka's bangs at her eyes. "Are you okay Miaka?"
Miaka nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Yeah... I'm fine. I just think I'll take a walk."
"All right then." Nuriko smiled at her and continued on his way.
"Nuriko?"
"Yeah?"
"When is everyone going out again? I mean..."
Nuriko's eyes showed a deep sympathy. "I don't know Miaka.... probably soon."
~
Miaka walked outside the Konan palace, through the south garden that seemed to be the only place undisturbed by war. Miaka gazed at the colorful, blooming flowers along the brink walk, the trees separating them from the man-made river ahead. Miaka remembered one of the last times she had taken the time to clear her thoughts here... it had been before they ever had to summon Suzaku, when the Kutou spies had attacked in the dark of the night... However, in the light of the day, Miaka wasn't afraid at all to be here again.
She took her time to admire the spectacles... ones she would have taken for granted in her own world, trying to clear her mind from the trouble upon it. Moving further more under the shade of the large trees, the bridge passing over the calm river stood in front of her, warmed by the sun, almost as if it were beckoning to her. She walked forward, waiting for the solid sound of her shoe on the white wood. She went up the slight arch and turned to the rail, leaning her elbows upon it and stared into the light blue water. It was so clear, so perfect.
"Can I make it end?" Miaka thought to herself. "But... how can I?"
Miaka sighed and rested her chin on her arms. What was she going to do?
Miaka lifted her head a bit. She stared at something in the water, something that whenever she moved her gaze, it glinted in the sunlight.
Miaka watched it as she walked to the end of the bridge. It couldn't have been a grain of sand catching the sun, because she could still see it, and from this view it looked bigger... slightly arched. Miaka continued down the back of the river until she was at the closest point to it. She knelt down and strained her eyes.
What was it? It looked gold, its image distorting lightly from faint ripples in the water. Something about this... rock... or whatever it was in the water.... something about it called to her. Was she going nuts? It was about five feet from the bank... not more than six feet down.
Miaka pulled her red shirt back on her shoulders a bit. Yep, she was crazy.
~*SPLASH*~
Miaka hit the cold water, coming up for air after being submerged. She swam a bit to get her hand on the bank. Blinking her eyes to rid the drops on her lashes, she saw the waving object in the sand. She took a deep breath and went under, keeping her eyes open to remain fixated on it. With a few kicks she reached the river base, grasping the fingers of her left hand over the object. It was hard... smooth... and stuck.
Miaka kicked her feet more to stay under as her air slowly ran out. She brought her other hand forward to get a grip. As the object wiggled loose the sand of the bottom rose up, forcing Miaka to close her eyes. With the item securely in hand, she pushed back up to the surface.
She gasped for air. Her red hair floating around her, Miaka swam to the bank, pulling herself out of the water, her clothes now wet, cold, and heavy. She rolled over and brought the item up for inspection, her eyes widening when she figured out what it was.
It was a harp. A small, handheld harp. The strings were missing, but she could tell what it was by the shape. Despite being in the river, it didn't look damaged at all. It shined like pure gold, flower blossoms carved into its base and an etched feather running up its handle, the gold ending in swirling patterns at the finish. The harp grew warm in Miaka's hands, finally glowing red under her touch.
Miaka's hazel eyes went wide under her soaking bangs. "This..." she stuttered... "I found it... the shinzaho...." She finally smiled and stood up. "The shinzaho! Suzaku's Shinzaho! I FOUND IT!" Not bothering for a second breath, Miaka ran back over the bridge and towards the palace.
**********************
Nakago walked his horse through the remainder of the battle... what was left after his soldiers had trampled through the Konan territory. Dead bodies of both sides lay scattered across the dying grass in random order and spacing, Nakago's white horse stepping over any that got in his path.
"NAKAGO!"
Nakago looked back and pulled the reigns of his horse to see who called him.
"You are Nakago of the Seiryu seven, is that not correct?!" The low voice shouted angrily at him.
Nakago raised his eyebrow, a slight smile crossing his features. He knew this woman, she had proved herself one of the Byakko seven only a few days earlier; the barer of the constellation of Aries the Ram, and the symbol of "Hara"; Kokie.
Nakago dismounted from his steed, his height obvious despite the distance between him and the Byakko warrior.
"NAKAGO!" Kokie shouted his name again, ripping off the cloak resting on her shoulder. Scarlet and gold armor plated her, a long, broad sword in her hand. "Today you will pay for killing him!!!"
"Will I?" Nakago asked coldly, pushing his cape back some. "Today, my dear woman, is the day you regret challenging Nakago of the Seiryu seven."
Rage crossed over Kokie's deep red eyes. Her body began to radiate a faint blue light, a bright symbol glowing on her left cheekbone. The deep color of her eyes swirled into the color of the sun, and she raised her sword up in an offensive position. She screamed and charged at Nakago with all her might.
Nakago watched her near him, moving his own hand to draw the sword at his right. The two blades hit loudly. Kokie didn't stall time for a stalemate, she pulled back and swung again, her strength impressing even Nakago. Nakago pulled back his arm and struck, missing Kokie. However, "kokoro" appeared on his forehead and a blue chi blast was sent out at her. With Kokie's powers it was weakened, but she couldn't avoid being hit full on.
Her left shoulder shot back as the burning sensation hit her, knocking her off her feet and onto the soiled ground. She looked up, her short hair moving slightly with her. She used her sword as a cane and charged again at him, swinging from above. "YOU KILLED HIM!" She screamed, tears flying from her eyes. She struck down on Nakago, managing to force him back a bit. She struck again, harder. "YOU KILLED HIM! ON MY LIFE, I SWEAR AMEFURI WILL NOT HAVE DIED IN VAIN!"
Her sword turned itself, moving almost faster than the eye could follow at Nakago's torso. Before it hit, however, Kokie was blinded by a bright, blue light, one that engulfed her so fully she couldn't see her surroundings.
Her sword melted away from her hand as she suddenly felt her body gently floating. The yellow in her eyes faded out and her lids lowered a bit in her sorrowful expression. "Amefuri..." she whispered, looking into the heart of the power, "Amefuri, I'm coming...
...I promise...
I'll protect you."
~~"So what now? What now that it's over... now that Suzuno's gone?"
Kokie leaned her forearm on Amefuri's small shoulder. "Don't worry kid, I'll take care of ya. I'm sure the worst of it all ain't over."
Amefuri's young, blue eyes looked up at the taller woman in wonder.
Kokie laughed at his puzzled look. "I'll protect you."~~
***************************
"I have it! I have it!" Miaka shouted, running into the palace.
Nuriko turned away from Chiriko and looked at her oddly. "What are you talking about?"
Miaka held up the harp frame high in her hands. "This is it, this is the shinzaho!"
"WHAT?" Nuriko asked, grabbing it from the girl's hands and looking it over. As soon as he touched it, he knew. "Miaka... where did you..."
"Shinzaho?" Tasuki asked, coming into the room, Tamahome at his side.
Miaka's face lit up with pure joy and she nodded. "Don't you see? We did it..." A tear ran down her cheek. "We did it, you guys..."
Saori and Yui had just entered the room as well, hearing all the commotion. Saori lit up and jumped into the air, punching it on her way down. "YES! We rock!"
"Miaka..." Yui spoke softly.
Miaka looked from face to face. "Where's Chichiri, and Tasuki? Where's Inami?"
Tamahome laughed at his wife's excitement. "Chichiri and Tasuki are around here somewhere, I wouldn't be surprised if they showed up anytime soon."
Chiriko gently took the frame from Nuriko. "So finally... our side of the mission is fulfilled."
"What about Inami?" Miaka asked.
"Oh," Saori replied, "She just left."
Miaka looked dumbfounded. "Left?"
"Yeah, back up for Hokkan. Apparently there was a big enough break in the war over here that she could go. Sorry, we couldn't find ya."
"Oh." But Miaka's success wouldn't let her down. "Tamahome, where are the clues? Hurry!" She laughed, running past the two into the hallway. They were so much closer now... to summoning Suzaku.