To Amaya: I see the relationship in me fic is on topic! You make it sound
corny! And thanks again for the pictures you mailed me. I will hopefully
update soon, I got a cool thing involving. well, that will spoil it.
To Metajoker: How could I let Inami do what, go in and see Tasuki?
To MaryDfair: Hey, new reviewer! You read 12 chapters in a row? Wow, that's dedication.
To Metajoker again: Just as a warning to you, there is some fluff in this chapter, so if you don't have ibprofen on hand I suggest you skim to lessen the pain! ^_^
Author's note: I haven't gotten as many reviews for the last two chapters as I'm used to! Is that selfish? *sees random nods* Okay okay! Sorry! But thank you to those who still comment!
Chapter 63 : Gone Without Goodbye
"Here Hotohori!" Miaka came into the throne room with her arms full of rolled papers.
Hotohori blinked, bewildered. "Miaka, what is all this?"
Miaka let the rolls drop to the floor, taking a breath of air and brushing up her clothes. "These are from Chiriko, I offered to bring them down for him."
Hotohori looked from Miaka to the several paper rolls, astonished. "I must say..."
"I watched him draw up the last two, he's good at it." Miaka added.
Hotohori was about to say something, but the sound of footsteps on the hard floor caught his attention, and he looked up. "Yes Buru, what is it?"
"Sire," the attendant addressed as he approached. "I'm glad to have found you. You see, another letter arrived today from the Majino aisle near the border..." He hesitated, "It lists the casualties, but sire, I must inform you that a man name Miyojuan was among them... Mitsukake, Sire."
Miaka's eyes widened and her shoulders went limp.
Hotohori stepped down from the platform the throne rested on. "Buru... are... are you sure on this?!" He asked strictly.
Buru closed his eyes and nodded. "I... I am sorry Sire. It seems that the temporary aid center he was in was rushed by Kutou soldiers... I..."
"Please, leave." Hotohori turned and waved him aside, covering his mouth.
"Mi... Mitsukake?"
Hotohori turned to see Yui in the doorway, a scroll in her hand.
Miaka shook her head, tears flying from her eyes. "NO! It's not right, it's not right! How can he know Mitsukake's dead?!!! HOW CAN HE KNOW?!"
Hotohori restrained Miaka's violent movements in a tight embrace, pulling her in close. It seemed his own eyes were tearing up. He tried to speak, but couldn't.
"It's... it's not fair..." Miaka's muffled cries spoke into the layers of Hotohori's robes. "No... Mitsukake..." He lungs suddenly jumped in a sharp intake of air. "I... I didn't say goodbye!" A wail escaped her, and she clinged onto Hotohori's arms, feeling the strength in her legs vanish from her.
Yui leaned against the doorway, sliding against it gently to the floor. She just stared ahead of her in shock. "No... Not Mitsukake too..." She whispered. She heard a louder cry from Miaka serge through the room. Shaking her head, she pushed herself up again and ran off back the way she had come. "Taka!" She shouted. "Taka, hurry!!"
********************
An orange basketball bounced across the gym floor towards Keisuke, and he met it with his left hand and shot it back at the girl chasing after it.
"Watch your feet Mizuno!" Keisuke called after her, shaking Hikari slightly as he lifted her on his hip. Oddly enough, four of his students today had all ready asked a question or made a comment about him being married. Hikari didn't even look much like him, at least he didn't think so. Only one of the girls had realized it was Taka's.
"Sorry Coach!" The young dark-haired girl called back. She caught the ball and dribbled it back to her court where five other players were waiting for her.
Keisuke smiled and looked down to see Hikari playing with his whistle, cooing slightly at the clinking noise the small metal ball inside made. He turned his focus back to the gym floor, his brown eyes almost automatically locking on the court in the opposite corner, where four girls passed a basketball to each other.
~"Over here Saori!"~
~"Shoot it Mayo!"~
A slight frowned formed over Keisuke's lips. It felt like just yesterday those two were still here, smiling, being the way high school girls should be.
~
"All right kiddo." Keisuke said, shutting a small locker level with his head. He bent over and picked the young child off the floor and nestled her with his right arm. He then picked up a duffle bag at his feet and walked down the small aisle, opening the door at the end of the room and stepping out into a large hallway of the school. He walked by a window and saw the sun shining down on the grass of a small lawn.
"I heard she ran away after getting in a fight with her boyfriend."
Keisuke's ears perked up at the sound of some of the teammates around the corner, dressed back in uniform and waiting in the hallway outside the gym to be excused. He stepped closer to the corner, still concealed, using his other hand to support his niece better.
"Maybe her boyfriend was an older guy and he kidnapped her out of jealousy."
"Yeah, but I've never seen her with anyone. I bet her and Saori are together somewhere, they only disappeared a few days apart."
One of the girls laughed. "Maybe they both teamed up and ran off into the red light district..."
"Hey!"
The three conversing girls jumped at the sudden stern call of their coach, their talk immediately stopping.
"I don't want to here any more rumors going around about Sakaki and Kawai, understand?" He used with a more serious tone than the girls were used to.
"...Yes Sir." The nearest girl said.
Keisuke adjusted his load and started back down the hall as the bell for next period rang.
**********************
Inami approached the door at the end of the hall, seeing it cracked open a few inches, the room fairly dark from the mountains hiding the setting sun. Placing her palm gently upon the wood, she pushed it open a bit more, looking in with sad eyes at the occupant.
Tasuki sat on the edge of his bed, his elbows on his knees and his hand over his eyes, a good portion of his face hidden by his drooping orange hair. His mouth was parted slightly, a stiff breath escaping it ever minute or so. It was true that Inami couldn't fully understand the meaning of Mitsukake's death, though she knew the man well. She could only quietly watch Tasuki from the doorway.
Mitsukake had been the warrior found right after him. Tasuki remembered discovering him, the story with Shoka, how Mitsukake had been courageous enough to defeat the shinkaku monster and lose his love again, how he had healed the members of the Suzaku seven countless times to save their lives... he had saved Tasuki's life over and over, he's probably be dead now if it weren't for the sacrifices of Mitsukake, and even after a second chance, Mitsukake was again cast out... killed trying to help others.
A tear escaped his wet hand and fell onto his knee, hitting like a dropped pebble against the black fabric.
Suddenly, Tasuki felt two arms surround his hunched shoulders, and he pulled his hand away his face, startled, revealing tear filled eyes.
"I'm sorry..." Inami whispered, kissing Tasuki's hair lightly. "I'm so sorry..."
Tasuki stared down at the floor of his room, letting his tears trail down the smooth line of his cheek.
*************************
A broad man sat in a chair, lightly spinning a deep red whine around in a tall glass, taking only a small sip every now and then. Tomo and Ashitare had fallen, but they were only good for distraction on the Suzaku seven. Nakago had recently gotten word that the all-famous healer of the south had been killed. Mitsukake was their best defense, and with him gone the remaining six warriors became easier prey.
Nakago set the glass down and rose from his seat, walking with long strides out of the room, his blue cape following his movements like a shadow. It was nearly time for his well-thought out plan to come into action. People and armies were placed so cleverly that nothing could go wrong. Emperor Saihitei will have never have seen it coming....
***************************
The next morning, Saori was up early. She had gotten up with the sunrise, and found that she couldn't get back to sleep. So many traumatic events had been happening lately... but she felt that her cheerfulness might help the others get through it.
She felt terrible for Miaka, especially. She had been with Tamahome when Yui had come frantically running into the room, telling Tamahome to hurry quickly to Miaka. Saori had come too, obviously, only to find the Suzaku no Miko in tears on the palace floor because Mitsukake had died. He had been killed by the hands of Kutou soldiers. Tamahome had gone directly to Miaka and Hotohori, but Saori stayed with Yui, who seemed more confused than anything. It wasn't fair for any of them... they hadn't seen Mitsukake in what, a month? He had never returned to the palace like the others... perhaps it was possible for someone's heart to be too kind.
Saori couldn't forget the reaction of Tasuki and Chiriko when they found out. She had gone with Hotohori to inform them, and both had been in Tasuki's room, Tasuki with an icepack on his head from an apparent headache. The elder had sat there in total shock, as if his face had been freeze-framed at the exact moment the words hit his ears. Chiriko actually turned away and began crying... it was the first time Saori had ever heard his sobs. Just a moment later Tasuki left the room, as if hearing Chiriko would make him break down as well. After that she had left Hotohori; she didn't want to see the pain appear on any more of her friends.
It must be so hard to be an Emperor.
Speaking of which, Saori had remained somewhat calm until bumping into Boushin in the hall. The prince seemed to immediately notice her change of mood from the usual, the moment he stopped her and asked what was wrong she broke down, nearly falling into him as her own tears pushed through.
Saori cut her thoughts for a moment, staring up at the tiles of the ceiling. She wasn't counting them, but took the time to look at each one as if she were. Her fingers shifted over a folded paper in her right hand, an opened envelope on the bed near it.
~"You truly are a beautiful person, Saori..."~
She closed her eyes very slowly, thinking back into the thoughts that floated the realm of her mind. She felt guilty. Boushin was such an honorable person... so gentle, so loving like his father. Saori would have to be blind not to notice his fondness of her, especially with Miaka pointing it out every now and then. She remembered promising herself not to think of anyone in that way, she was here for Mayo, not for love. It killed her inside, really. Boushin seemed to have become one of her greatest confides in Konan, and she still found time to speak with him despite the war.
Sitting up, Saori didn't bother brushing back the short hair that fell forward against her face without anything to hold it back. She held the folded paper in both hands now, staring at it with still-sad eyes. She had read it earlier, and it was what got her lost in her thoughts. It was the letter Saori had written months ago, the one she had asked Hotohori to give to Mayo, though the delivery couldn't be made. She had opened it and read her own words. If she could have gotten this to Mayo sooner, maybe things wouldn't be so bad. What Mayo needed was to realize she was worth something, that more than just a few people cared about her as a person, and that she didn't need something great to fulfill her, something like summoning Seiryu. Saori knew a good handful of Mayo's secrets, ones that she wouldn't tell anyone. Some were secrets that made Saori wants to cry. Mayo was misguiding herself, and no one was there to pull her back onto the right path. Mayo didn't hate Miaka, she didn't hate any of them. Saori couldn't understand it though... Mayo had read the book, she knew everything about what had happened to Yui, so why was she letting them happen again?
Saori pulled the warm covered of her bed off her, stepping her bare feet onto the wooden floor. She pulled open a curtain slightly to let more light in but still leaving her some privacy, and she got a light, blue robe out of her closet to dress in.
**********************
A few days later, a tall coffin lay on the altar of Suzaku in the palace shrine. Mitsukake's body had been recovered, dressed, and lain to rest in there. He was the third warrior to die in this repetitive war, the first warrior of Suzaku to pass again into the other world. The coffin would remain there for the day before being buried that night. Upon the polished lid of the brown coffin laid a long, wooden staff, the top formed into a gold design, two rings hanging off each side.
~
Chichiri walked a ways outside the shrine, along the banks of the large lake that rested on the palace grounds. Finding a smooth, dry area of sand, he sat down in a monk-like style, both heels facing towards him.
A marble of water lifted from the lake and floated into his hand, waving slightly into simple formations. Even with all the magic he knew now, he never seemed to have it at the right time, even to save a life. This fact had been proven to him over and over again through the many years he had been alive. At least his destined goal had never failed him; as a warrior of Suzaku, he had still managed to keep Miaka out of harm's way.
The water in his hand formed into a tall pillar, turning a tan color and dropping to the ground in the form of sand. Chichiri placed that hand with the other resting in his lap, and he looked over the expanse of scenery before him. Despite the quiet atmosphere at the palace, the battles were far from over, and the silence from Kutou was only an omen for further troubles to arise.
"You are feeling well again, no da?" He asked, not moving the direction of his eyes in the slightest.
Tasuki stood behind the magician, folding his arms lightly over his chest. "Yeah." Was his simple reply. After a moment of silence, he added "It doesn't really feel like he's gone, ya know?"
Chichiri nodded. "Mitsukake's kind spirit will always be with the Suzaku seven and their priestess, no da. His essence never truly leaves, no da."
"It's not right, not with him." Tasuki said. "Why should guys like us keep on going when someone with a heart as big as his keeps bein' burned out?"
Chichiri sighed very lightly. "Some things are meant to be, I suppose."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Where's Miaka?"
Yui looked up from the small table in the room. "Oh, she left somewhere with Taka. It's been a few days, I know, but she still needed to be cheered up."
Nuriko nodded, walking in and setting the tray in his arms down on the table Yui sat at. "She never was good at handling things like this." He lifted one of the bowls off the tray that looked like it was full of steamy oatmeal. "Here." He offered.
Yui smiled and took the bowl. "Thank you Nuriko."
Nuriko pulled out a chair and sat down. "And how have you been doing?"
Yui looked up. "Oh me? I'm fine, really."
"You've haven't been out a lot lately. Some fresh air is good for you."
Yui smiled again. "I know, but I still feel a little out of place here, and I don't want to be in the way."
Nuriko waved her words aside. "Don't worry about it, it's nice to bother people. Trust me, I'm a professional at it."
Yui laughed, almost spitting out the bit of oatmeal she just took. "Thanks. Miaka really is right about you, you're a nice guy."
Nuriko raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what else does she say about me?"
Yui shook her finger. "Sorry, that's classified information."
Nuriko leaned in, resting his chin on the backs of his hands. "She's madly in love with me, ne?"
Yui laughed again. "How did you ever guess?"
"It's obvious, really." Nuriko leaned back again. "I mean, how could you ignore someone like me?"
"You're really full of it, you know that?"
"Of course, but I did get that smile on your face, didn't I?"
Yui blinked.
Nuriko pushed his chair back and stood up. "That's two down, about..." He counted. "Well, a lot more to go." He waved. "See ya later Yui."
*********************************
The room was lit dimly, the light coming in from the large window by the door from the third of orange sun resting on the dry mountains of Sairo. The area was plain, the floors uncarpeted and lain with brown wood, connecting with four walls of the same texture. A single, small dresser lay by the long bed in the far corner, only an empty glass and an unlit oil lamp resting upon it.
Under the thin blankets of the bed laid an old man, his eyes closed and breathing heavy, gray hair brushed back neatly and held with a small band.
Toroki opened the lids of his eyes so only half of his brown irises showed. "It is... my time..." He said to the warm air, his voice quiet and raspy. "I shall unite with the heavens which sent me and become one with the world..."
"Oh shut up and die all ready."
Toroki fully opened his eyes, turning his head slowly to look out among the empty room. Finally, a faded outline became more defined, and he began to recognize the low voice which had spoken.
"I mean, come on! I've been sitting here for 20 minutes and you haven't keeled over yet!"
"Kokie, darling, be kind to dear Toroki..." Another female voice added in.
Toroki's features showed a mild surprise as each individual, translucent form of the other six Byakko warriors appeared in his room, some faces appearing to him that he hadn't seen in such a long time.
"You're too nice to him, Subaru." Kokie complained, folding her arms.
A spirit walked forward and knelt beside the bed.
"Tatara..." Toroki's voice called to him.
A cool gaze fell upon Tatara's face. "We've been waiting for you, old friend. Suzuno is expecting you in the other world."
"So am I."
Toroki's gaze moved beyond Tatara to the short, thin girl standing near him, her light blue hair pulled back into two, even buns, her deep violet eyes shining fully.
"Karasuki...." Toroki said, a bit more life in his voice.
Karasuki knelt beside Tatara, placing a kiss that could barely be felt on Toroki's forehead. "I've missed you." She spoke softly.
"Oh puke."
A laugh came from behind Kokie. "Please Koki, this is a fairly serious matter."
"Serious?" Kokie turned around. "Ame-chan, this old guy is just being melodramatic. Who here saw MY death?" She looked around as if looking for a show of hands. "Quick and simple, not like this guy. Oh!" She trotted over closer to the bed. "Toroki-kun, check it out!" She walked through the bed, its frame passing easily through her spirit body. "Pretty wiggy, huh? Oh man, I should have entered like that! It would have rocked!"
"Kokie!" Subaru laughed.
"Do not fear death, my friend." Tokaki finally spoke up from beside his wife. "Many great things lie for you beyond the grave."
"I have never feared death." Toroki replied. He glanced back up towards Karasuki. "I have been looking forward to it for some time now."
"And I was SO close to beating you too..." Kokie grumbled.
Amefuri smiled, approaching the bed from behind Kokie, who still stood through it.
"I'm sorry I could not have seen you two before you left for Konan." Toroki said, his voice choking out a bit.
"That is quite all right." Amefuri assured. "You were away."
Toroki's breath caught short.
Tatara clasped the man's hand, his own no longer passing through it. "It is time, my friend."
A moment later, Toroki's eyes closed, and his breathing subsided.
A moment after that, a young spirit joined the others, a tall, lean man with golden-olive hair and rich brown eyes like gems on his tan face.
Karasuki wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his chest. "Welcome back, Toroki."
Subaru smiled. "The Byakko seven are again reunited."
"And all this sap is making me sick." Kokie added. "Let's get going now, any more of this muggy air will suffocate me."
"Koki, the air does not affect you." Amefuri reminded.
"Oh yes, it does." Kokie turned to Amefuri and leaned her arm against Tokaki, who smiled at the girl's comments. "So, Toroki, now that you've joined the "We are dead" club, me and Tokaki here are gonna play some golf, wanna join?"
"Golf?" Toroki asked.
"Oh yeah!" Tokaki added. "When you've passed on, you get to see all the other worlds, Suzuno's has this wicked game there, we'll teach you how to play."
"And she is waiting all the more." Tatara added. He waved his hand and a beam of light appeared on the wall, and it opened up to reveal a calming, white portal.
"Come on Ame!" Kokie said with a new, light-hearted excitement, grabbing the hand of the younger man and dragging him into the portal.
"I love those two." Subaru smiled warmly. She entered next.
"You know Karasuki..." Tokaki eyed her before entering in himself. "I forgot just how attractive you used to be and..."
"Get in old man." Tatara pushed him in.
Toroki, the last of the Byakko warriors, entered in last, guided by the hand of Karasuki, the first.
**********************
Inami stood at the balcony of her room, staring out into the warm Konan sky, which was lit brightly with stars and the constellations of Suzaku. Her hair was undone from its usual royal fashion, and it tied in a loose ponytail falling over her right shoulder. As she stared out onto the Konan land, she forgot the stresses of war on her country and the people who suffered from it. Her gaze didn't even falter when the warmth of another embraced her from behind.
"Hey." Tasuki whispered, resting his head on her shoulder.
Inami didn't say anything, but leaned back in Tasuki's body, still entranced by the stars.
Without hearing any words, Tasuki eventually lifted his head up to look at the sky himself. It was nice, but the stars were even brighter at Mt. Reikaku.
"I'm supposed to tell ya that his Highness wants some signed negotiations from you tomorrow or somethin'." He said quietly.
Inami nodded slightly. "I'll give them to him in the morning then."
They were both still and silent for a small while longer. Tasuki finally loosened his grip a bit and kissed the woman in his arms lightly on the neck. "Oyasumi." He spoke, letting go of her.
Inami lightly grasped his hand before he could leave.
Tasuki looked back at her curiously.
"Stay with me a little while longer." Inami said, her voice almost inaudible. "Please."
To Metajoker: How could I let Inami do what, go in and see Tasuki?
To MaryDfair: Hey, new reviewer! You read 12 chapters in a row? Wow, that's dedication.
To Metajoker again: Just as a warning to you, there is some fluff in this chapter, so if you don't have ibprofen on hand I suggest you skim to lessen the pain! ^_^
Author's note: I haven't gotten as many reviews for the last two chapters as I'm used to! Is that selfish? *sees random nods* Okay okay! Sorry! But thank you to those who still comment!
Chapter 63 : Gone Without Goodbye
"Here Hotohori!" Miaka came into the throne room with her arms full of rolled papers.
Hotohori blinked, bewildered. "Miaka, what is all this?"
Miaka let the rolls drop to the floor, taking a breath of air and brushing up her clothes. "These are from Chiriko, I offered to bring them down for him."
Hotohori looked from Miaka to the several paper rolls, astonished. "I must say..."
"I watched him draw up the last two, he's good at it." Miaka added.
Hotohori was about to say something, but the sound of footsteps on the hard floor caught his attention, and he looked up. "Yes Buru, what is it?"
"Sire," the attendant addressed as he approached. "I'm glad to have found you. You see, another letter arrived today from the Majino aisle near the border..." He hesitated, "It lists the casualties, but sire, I must inform you that a man name Miyojuan was among them... Mitsukake, Sire."
Miaka's eyes widened and her shoulders went limp.
Hotohori stepped down from the platform the throne rested on. "Buru... are... are you sure on this?!" He asked strictly.
Buru closed his eyes and nodded. "I... I am sorry Sire. It seems that the temporary aid center he was in was rushed by Kutou soldiers... I..."
"Please, leave." Hotohori turned and waved him aside, covering his mouth.
"Mi... Mitsukake?"
Hotohori turned to see Yui in the doorway, a scroll in her hand.
Miaka shook her head, tears flying from her eyes. "NO! It's not right, it's not right! How can he know Mitsukake's dead?!!! HOW CAN HE KNOW?!"
Hotohori restrained Miaka's violent movements in a tight embrace, pulling her in close. It seemed his own eyes were tearing up. He tried to speak, but couldn't.
"It's... it's not fair..." Miaka's muffled cries spoke into the layers of Hotohori's robes. "No... Mitsukake..." He lungs suddenly jumped in a sharp intake of air. "I... I didn't say goodbye!" A wail escaped her, and she clinged onto Hotohori's arms, feeling the strength in her legs vanish from her.
Yui leaned against the doorway, sliding against it gently to the floor. She just stared ahead of her in shock. "No... Not Mitsukake too..." She whispered. She heard a louder cry from Miaka serge through the room. Shaking her head, she pushed herself up again and ran off back the way she had come. "Taka!" She shouted. "Taka, hurry!!"
********************
An orange basketball bounced across the gym floor towards Keisuke, and he met it with his left hand and shot it back at the girl chasing after it.
"Watch your feet Mizuno!" Keisuke called after her, shaking Hikari slightly as he lifted her on his hip. Oddly enough, four of his students today had all ready asked a question or made a comment about him being married. Hikari didn't even look much like him, at least he didn't think so. Only one of the girls had realized it was Taka's.
"Sorry Coach!" The young dark-haired girl called back. She caught the ball and dribbled it back to her court where five other players were waiting for her.
Keisuke smiled and looked down to see Hikari playing with his whistle, cooing slightly at the clinking noise the small metal ball inside made. He turned his focus back to the gym floor, his brown eyes almost automatically locking on the court in the opposite corner, where four girls passed a basketball to each other.
~"Over here Saori!"~
~"Shoot it Mayo!"~
A slight frowned formed over Keisuke's lips. It felt like just yesterday those two were still here, smiling, being the way high school girls should be.
~
"All right kiddo." Keisuke said, shutting a small locker level with his head. He bent over and picked the young child off the floor and nestled her with his right arm. He then picked up a duffle bag at his feet and walked down the small aisle, opening the door at the end of the room and stepping out into a large hallway of the school. He walked by a window and saw the sun shining down on the grass of a small lawn.
"I heard she ran away after getting in a fight with her boyfriend."
Keisuke's ears perked up at the sound of some of the teammates around the corner, dressed back in uniform and waiting in the hallway outside the gym to be excused. He stepped closer to the corner, still concealed, using his other hand to support his niece better.
"Maybe her boyfriend was an older guy and he kidnapped her out of jealousy."
"Yeah, but I've never seen her with anyone. I bet her and Saori are together somewhere, they only disappeared a few days apart."
One of the girls laughed. "Maybe they both teamed up and ran off into the red light district..."
"Hey!"
The three conversing girls jumped at the sudden stern call of their coach, their talk immediately stopping.
"I don't want to here any more rumors going around about Sakaki and Kawai, understand?" He used with a more serious tone than the girls were used to.
"...Yes Sir." The nearest girl said.
Keisuke adjusted his load and started back down the hall as the bell for next period rang.
**********************
Inami approached the door at the end of the hall, seeing it cracked open a few inches, the room fairly dark from the mountains hiding the setting sun. Placing her palm gently upon the wood, she pushed it open a bit more, looking in with sad eyes at the occupant.
Tasuki sat on the edge of his bed, his elbows on his knees and his hand over his eyes, a good portion of his face hidden by his drooping orange hair. His mouth was parted slightly, a stiff breath escaping it ever minute or so. It was true that Inami couldn't fully understand the meaning of Mitsukake's death, though she knew the man well. She could only quietly watch Tasuki from the doorway.
Mitsukake had been the warrior found right after him. Tasuki remembered discovering him, the story with Shoka, how Mitsukake had been courageous enough to defeat the shinkaku monster and lose his love again, how he had healed the members of the Suzaku seven countless times to save their lives... he had saved Tasuki's life over and over, he's probably be dead now if it weren't for the sacrifices of Mitsukake, and even after a second chance, Mitsukake was again cast out... killed trying to help others.
A tear escaped his wet hand and fell onto his knee, hitting like a dropped pebble against the black fabric.
Suddenly, Tasuki felt two arms surround his hunched shoulders, and he pulled his hand away his face, startled, revealing tear filled eyes.
"I'm sorry..." Inami whispered, kissing Tasuki's hair lightly. "I'm so sorry..."
Tasuki stared down at the floor of his room, letting his tears trail down the smooth line of his cheek.
*************************
A broad man sat in a chair, lightly spinning a deep red whine around in a tall glass, taking only a small sip every now and then. Tomo and Ashitare had fallen, but they were only good for distraction on the Suzaku seven. Nakago had recently gotten word that the all-famous healer of the south had been killed. Mitsukake was their best defense, and with him gone the remaining six warriors became easier prey.
Nakago set the glass down and rose from his seat, walking with long strides out of the room, his blue cape following his movements like a shadow. It was nearly time for his well-thought out plan to come into action. People and armies were placed so cleverly that nothing could go wrong. Emperor Saihitei will have never have seen it coming....
***************************
The next morning, Saori was up early. She had gotten up with the sunrise, and found that she couldn't get back to sleep. So many traumatic events had been happening lately... but she felt that her cheerfulness might help the others get through it.
She felt terrible for Miaka, especially. She had been with Tamahome when Yui had come frantically running into the room, telling Tamahome to hurry quickly to Miaka. Saori had come too, obviously, only to find the Suzaku no Miko in tears on the palace floor because Mitsukake had died. He had been killed by the hands of Kutou soldiers. Tamahome had gone directly to Miaka and Hotohori, but Saori stayed with Yui, who seemed more confused than anything. It wasn't fair for any of them... they hadn't seen Mitsukake in what, a month? He had never returned to the palace like the others... perhaps it was possible for someone's heart to be too kind.
Saori couldn't forget the reaction of Tasuki and Chiriko when they found out. She had gone with Hotohori to inform them, and both had been in Tasuki's room, Tasuki with an icepack on his head from an apparent headache. The elder had sat there in total shock, as if his face had been freeze-framed at the exact moment the words hit his ears. Chiriko actually turned away and began crying... it was the first time Saori had ever heard his sobs. Just a moment later Tasuki left the room, as if hearing Chiriko would make him break down as well. After that she had left Hotohori; she didn't want to see the pain appear on any more of her friends.
It must be so hard to be an Emperor.
Speaking of which, Saori had remained somewhat calm until bumping into Boushin in the hall. The prince seemed to immediately notice her change of mood from the usual, the moment he stopped her and asked what was wrong she broke down, nearly falling into him as her own tears pushed through.
Saori cut her thoughts for a moment, staring up at the tiles of the ceiling. She wasn't counting them, but took the time to look at each one as if she were. Her fingers shifted over a folded paper in her right hand, an opened envelope on the bed near it.
~"You truly are a beautiful person, Saori..."~
She closed her eyes very slowly, thinking back into the thoughts that floated the realm of her mind. She felt guilty. Boushin was such an honorable person... so gentle, so loving like his father. Saori would have to be blind not to notice his fondness of her, especially with Miaka pointing it out every now and then. She remembered promising herself not to think of anyone in that way, she was here for Mayo, not for love. It killed her inside, really. Boushin seemed to have become one of her greatest confides in Konan, and she still found time to speak with him despite the war.
Sitting up, Saori didn't bother brushing back the short hair that fell forward against her face without anything to hold it back. She held the folded paper in both hands now, staring at it with still-sad eyes. She had read it earlier, and it was what got her lost in her thoughts. It was the letter Saori had written months ago, the one she had asked Hotohori to give to Mayo, though the delivery couldn't be made. She had opened it and read her own words. If she could have gotten this to Mayo sooner, maybe things wouldn't be so bad. What Mayo needed was to realize she was worth something, that more than just a few people cared about her as a person, and that she didn't need something great to fulfill her, something like summoning Seiryu. Saori knew a good handful of Mayo's secrets, ones that she wouldn't tell anyone. Some were secrets that made Saori wants to cry. Mayo was misguiding herself, and no one was there to pull her back onto the right path. Mayo didn't hate Miaka, she didn't hate any of them. Saori couldn't understand it though... Mayo had read the book, she knew everything about what had happened to Yui, so why was she letting them happen again?
Saori pulled the warm covered of her bed off her, stepping her bare feet onto the wooden floor. She pulled open a curtain slightly to let more light in but still leaving her some privacy, and she got a light, blue robe out of her closet to dress in.
**********************
A few days later, a tall coffin lay on the altar of Suzaku in the palace shrine. Mitsukake's body had been recovered, dressed, and lain to rest in there. He was the third warrior to die in this repetitive war, the first warrior of Suzaku to pass again into the other world. The coffin would remain there for the day before being buried that night. Upon the polished lid of the brown coffin laid a long, wooden staff, the top formed into a gold design, two rings hanging off each side.
~
Chichiri walked a ways outside the shrine, along the banks of the large lake that rested on the palace grounds. Finding a smooth, dry area of sand, he sat down in a monk-like style, both heels facing towards him.
A marble of water lifted from the lake and floated into his hand, waving slightly into simple formations. Even with all the magic he knew now, he never seemed to have it at the right time, even to save a life. This fact had been proven to him over and over again through the many years he had been alive. At least his destined goal had never failed him; as a warrior of Suzaku, he had still managed to keep Miaka out of harm's way.
The water in his hand formed into a tall pillar, turning a tan color and dropping to the ground in the form of sand. Chichiri placed that hand with the other resting in his lap, and he looked over the expanse of scenery before him. Despite the quiet atmosphere at the palace, the battles were far from over, and the silence from Kutou was only an omen for further troubles to arise.
"You are feeling well again, no da?" He asked, not moving the direction of his eyes in the slightest.
Tasuki stood behind the magician, folding his arms lightly over his chest. "Yeah." Was his simple reply. After a moment of silence, he added "It doesn't really feel like he's gone, ya know?"
Chichiri nodded. "Mitsukake's kind spirit will always be with the Suzaku seven and their priestess, no da. His essence never truly leaves, no da."
"It's not right, not with him." Tasuki said. "Why should guys like us keep on going when someone with a heart as big as his keeps bein' burned out?"
Chichiri sighed very lightly. "Some things are meant to be, I suppose."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Where's Miaka?"
Yui looked up from the small table in the room. "Oh, she left somewhere with Taka. It's been a few days, I know, but she still needed to be cheered up."
Nuriko nodded, walking in and setting the tray in his arms down on the table Yui sat at. "She never was good at handling things like this." He lifted one of the bowls off the tray that looked like it was full of steamy oatmeal. "Here." He offered.
Yui smiled and took the bowl. "Thank you Nuriko."
Nuriko pulled out a chair and sat down. "And how have you been doing?"
Yui looked up. "Oh me? I'm fine, really."
"You've haven't been out a lot lately. Some fresh air is good for you."
Yui smiled again. "I know, but I still feel a little out of place here, and I don't want to be in the way."
Nuriko waved her words aside. "Don't worry about it, it's nice to bother people. Trust me, I'm a professional at it."
Yui laughed, almost spitting out the bit of oatmeal she just took. "Thanks. Miaka really is right about you, you're a nice guy."
Nuriko raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what else does she say about me?"
Yui shook her finger. "Sorry, that's classified information."
Nuriko leaned in, resting his chin on the backs of his hands. "She's madly in love with me, ne?"
Yui laughed again. "How did you ever guess?"
"It's obvious, really." Nuriko leaned back again. "I mean, how could you ignore someone like me?"
"You're really full of it, you know that?"
"Of course, but I did get that smile on your face, didn't I?"
Yui blinked.
Nuriko pushed his chair back and stood up. "That's two down, about..." He counted. "Well, a lot more to go." He waved. "See ya later Yui."
*********************************
The room was lit dimly, the light coming in from the large window by the door from the third of orange sun resting on the dry mountains of Sairo. The area was plain, the floors uncarpeted and lain with brown wood, connecting with four walls of the same texture. A single, small dresser lay by the long bed in the far corner, only an empty glass and an unlit oil lamp resting upon it.
Under the thin blankets of the bed laid an old man, his eyes closed and breathing heavy, gray hair brushed back neatly and held with a small band.
Toroki opened the lids of his eyes so only half of his brown irises showed. "It is... my time..." He said to the warm air, his voice quiet and raspy. "I shall unite with the heavens which sent me and become one with the world..."
"Oh shut up and die all ready."
Toroki fully opened his eyes, turning his head slowly to look out among the empty room. Finally, a faded outline became more defined, and he began to recognize the low voice which had spoken.
"I mean, come on! I've been sitting here for 20 minutes and you haven't keeled over yet!"
"Kokie, darling, be kind to dear Toroki..." Another female voice added in.
Toroki's features showed a mild surprise as each individual, translucent form of the other six Byakko warriors appeared in his room, some faces appearing to him that he hadn't seen in such a long time.
"You're too nice to him, Subaru." Kokie complained, folding her arms.
A spirit walked forward and knelt beside the bed.
"Tatara..." Toroki's voice called to him.
A cool gaze fell upon Tatara's face. "We've been waiting for you, old friend. Suzuno is expecting you in the other world."
"So am I."
Toroki's gaze moved beyond Tatara to the short, thin girl standing near him, her light blue hair pulled back into two, even buns, her deep violet eyes shining fully.
"Karasuki...." Toroki said, a bit more life in his voice.
Karasuki knelt beside Tatara, placing a kiss that could barely be felt on Toroki's forehead. "I've missed you." She spoke softly.
"Oh puke."
A laugh came from behind Kokie. "Please Koki, this is a fairly serious matter."
"Serious?" Kokie turned around. "Ame-chan, this old guy is just being melodramatic. Who here saw MY death?" She looked around as if looking for a show of hands. "Quick and simple, not like this guy. Oh!" She trotted over closer to the bed. "Toroki-kun, check it out!" She walked through the bed, its frame passing easily through her spirit body. "Pretty wiggy, huh? Oh man, I should have entered like that! It would have rocked!"
"Kokie!" Subaru laughed.
"Do not fear death, my friend." Tokaki finally spoke up from beside his wife. "Many great things lie for you beyond the grave."
"I have never feared death." Toroki replied. He glanced back up towards Karasuki. "I have been looking forward to it for some time now."
"And I was SO close to beating you too..." Kokie grumbled.
Amefuri smiled, approaching the bed from behind Kokie, who still stood through it.
"I'm sorry I could not have seen you two before you left for Konan." Toroki said, his voice choking out a bit.
"That is quite all right." Amefuri assured. "You were away."
Toroki's breath caught short.
Tatara clasped the man's hand, his own no longer passing through it. "It is time, my friend."
A moment later, Toroki's eyes closed, and his breathing subsided.
A moment after that, a young spirit joined the others, a tall, lean man with golden-olive hair and rich brown eyes like gems on his tan face.
Karasuki wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his chest. "Welcome back, Toroki."
Subaru smiled. "The Byakko seven are again reunited."
"And all this sap is making me sick." Kokie added. "Let's get going now, any more of this muggy air will suffocate me."
"Koki, the air does not affect you." Amefuri reminded.
"Oh yes, it does." Kokie turned to Amefuri and leaned her arm against Tokaki, who smiled at the girl's comments. "So, Toroki, now that you've joined the "We are dead" club, me and Tokaki here are gonna play some golf, wanna join?"
"Golf?" Toroki asked.
"Oh yeah!" Tokaki added. "When you've passed on, you get to see all the other worlds, Suzuno's has this wicked game there, we'll teach you how to play."
"And she is waiting all the more." Tatara added. He waved his hand and a beam of light appeared on the wall, and it opened up to reveal a calming, white portal.
"Come on Ame!" Kokie said with a new, light-hearted excitement, grabbing the hand of the younger man and dragging him into the portal.
"I love those two." Subaru smiled warmly. She entered next.
"You know Karasuki..." Tokaki eyed her before entering in himself. "I forgot just how attractive you used to be and..."
"Get in old man." Tatara pushed him in.
Toroki, the last of the Byakko warriors, entered in last, guided by the hand of Karasuki, the first.
**********************
Inami stood at the balcony of her room, staring out into the warm Konan sky, which was lit brightly with stars and the constellations of Suzaku. Her hair was undone from its usual royal fashion, and it tied in a loose ponytail falling over her right shoulder. As she stared out onto the Konan land, she forgot the stresses of war on her country and the people who suffered from it. Her gaze didn't even falter when the warmth of another embraced her from behind.
"Hey." Tasuki whispered, resting his head on her shoulder.
Inami didn't say anything, but leaned back in Tasuki's body, still entranced by the stars.
Without hearing any words, Tasuki eventually lifted his head up to look at the sky himself. It was nice, but the stars were even brighter at Mt. Reikaku.
"I'm supposed to tell ya that his Highness wants some signed negotiations from you tomorrow or somethin'." He said quietly.
Inami nodded slightly. "I'll give them to him in the morning then."
They were both still and silent for a small while longer. Tasuki finally loosened his grip a bit and kissed the woman in his arms lightly on the neck. "Oyasumi." He spoke, letting go of her.
Inami lightly grasped his hand before he could leave.
Tasuki looked back at her curiously.
"Stay with me a little while longer." Inami said, her voice almost inaudible. "Please."