Author's note: I really, REALLY could have written this chapter better,
but I didn't. I guess I just wanted to get it over with! So if you have
any questions about what happens (I'm sure some of you will) just ask. Ok,
onto the reviews!
To Metajoker: My first reviewer for this chapter! I know you hate Inami (though I didn't know you hated Mayo!) but she died two days ago, so give Tasuki a break. He'll get over it soon enough, trust me. I still can't tell who your favorite character is though! If you tell me I'll be sure to play him or her up, just for you. Your suggested ending for my story was... interesting. But if Tasuki fought Nakago, he'd be sure to become cat chow.
To Kittynyah: Whimsical? Really? Wow, that's an adjective I don't very often. I'm glad you like the fic still, thanks for your review!
To Amaya: Spawn of Satan? Ouch, that's harsh. She's a nice girl down inside. The tragic events have you depressed? Good, that means I'm doing my job. ^_~
To MaryDFair: I couldn't wait to give everyone a power boost, especially Suboshi. *giggles* And yes, Miboshi is back and much better looking. Saori does fit all the qualification as priestess, but basically since Miaka's alive, no-can-do, unless they find a way to do the energy drain crap they did with Mayo. But it doesn't matter, Suzaku's going to be taking a long.... LONG nap. ah, you're a Saori/Boushin fan? That's too bad.
Chapter 69 : Run - For the Sake of the Miko
Two days since Konan's surprise attack on the Wara District of Kutou have passed, leaving the palace and the Emperor in a state of uneasiness. Kutou armies struck back, but not before several of their numbers and supplies were wiped out. Yesterday Boushin sent a second army to head off Kutou docks to prevent any supplies from getting in while the battle continued. The fighting soldiers from both sides had not rested the fight for 48 hours. The army that had been battling the Hokkani Calvary troops in the north suddenly appeared near central Konan. One town was vacated, the other; destroyed. The defense troops were out, but it was Kutou's obvious goal to attack the Palace--for real.
~
"Have they advanced further?" Boushin asked the general.
The man in a private meeting with the Emperor had broad shoulders and was several inches taller than his king, all his armor still intact. "Not yet, your Highness, but their chance may come."
Boushin turned around and rubbed his forehead. "The first attack on our palace, even if it was a decoy, was unseen and dangerous. A real strike could bring our walls down at this point..."
"Sire?"
Boushin didn't turn around, but his frustration was evident. "Call back your troops from Wara and send them to this front."
"Yes Sire."
"Leave." Boushin ordered.
~
"I suppose you all wonder why I have called you here so urgently this morning." Boushin began his speech.
Again the remaining warriors were called around the long, rectangular table, the one where Hotohori had decreed many decisions for their journeys. Boushin was at the head seat, the two chairs adjacent to him empty. Further down the table Chichiri and Saori sat, then Miaka and Tamahome next to each other. On the other side, still further down, Nuriko sat attentively with Chiriko, and Tasuki sat across from them, tilting his seat back with his arms folded across his chest.
"The war is pursuing too far, no da." Chichiri stated almost as a suggestion.
Boushin nodded. "It has become clear that if Kutou's troops destroy our line of defense, they will come to the palace. Not only will the inhabitants here be in peril, but as will the villages and cities in their way, and the capitol will be lost."
"What do you want us to do?" Nuriko asked.
Boushin paused for a moment. "I want you," He looked from Nuriko to Tasuki, then to Tamahome. "I need you to take the priestess and run."
That comment got everyone's attention.
"What?" Miaka asked.
"The Priestess, Lady Saori, and Lady Yui cannot stay within the confines of the palace, they are no longer safe. If the life of our Miko is lost, then so is what hopes we have left to win this war. Though your powers and strengths are gone, you still are warriors of Suzaku, and it is still your task to lay your own life before hers." Boushin looked to Miaka.
"But, what about you, Sire?" Nuriko asked.
"I am the ruler of this country, and am to act as so." Boushin's voice became more serious. "And as that ruler, and as the son of Hotohori, this is not so much a request but a command."
Silence.
"I do not know where you can go, however." Boushin relaxed ever so slightly. "I fear to send you to our allies in Hokkan, for you could easily be intercepted, as we have learned."
They listened still.
"Sairo's closest borders are dangerous too, no da." Chichiri added. "And taking a more northern entrance there presents the same dangers as Hokkan, no da."
Boushin nodded. "So we are lost." He sat down, getting a worried look from Saori. "Wherever you go, you must leave by tonight, and all of you must go to protect the Miko."
Thick silence again fell upon the room, everyone in deep thought.
"Reikaku."
Everyone's heads turned from Boushin to Tasuki, who's voice was quieter than usual.
"What?" Boushin questioned.
Tasuki put all four chair legs back on the floor and his hands on the table. "We can go to Mt. Reikaku." He repeated softly. "It's out of the way of Kutou's armies, it's not too far... the terrain is a defense in itself, and with my men gone in war, it's deserted, so a strike on it would be unnecessary."
Boushin lit up a bit. "Of course... hiding in the deserted confines of a mountain..." He stood up. "It is decided. Tasuki, you will take the safest and the quickest possible route to Reikaku. You all must prepare to leave, but do not take too much with you, you are to remain inconspicuous. You are to travel in the shadow of dusk. Tasuki, how long will it take you to arrive by horse?"
Tasuki looked up. "About a full day of travel."
"Would you be able to reach safe traveling ground by the time sun light hits tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"I will prepare you horses and some food." Boushin stated. "You are dismissed."
~
"Hurry." Tamahome kept his voice low as he helped Miaka get onto the horse. Everyone else was all ready mounted, Saori rode with Tasuki and Yui with Nuriko. They had brought the horses outside the palace gates and to the edge of Eiyo by foot, and they would ride through the evening and most of the night until they reached a safe traveling district. Chiriko had a map with him showing where Kutou armies had been fighting so they could avoid them.
"Good luck." Boushin whispered, himself in a slight disguise to hide his royalty from the villagers of Eiyo. He insisted on seeing the warriors off. "I want you to return the moment it is safe."
"We will, no da." Chichiri responded.
"G'yap!" Tasuki kicked his horse, which took off across the poor soil of Konan. One by one Chiriko, Tamahome, Nuriko, and Chichiri followed.
"Sire, we should return." A guard armed with a spear suggested.
Boushin watched them ride a little further before turning back. "Let us pray that the gods will be with them." Boushin glanced back one more time. "If the Miko cannot survive this war, then I will surrender our country to Kutou."
~
Saori clung tightly to Tasuki as his horse galloped and shook. It had been so long since they all had to travel together. It wasn't until Boushin told them to leave that she realized how serious this war had become.
It was nearly ten minutes later when the horses finally slowed down to a trot.
"Tasuki," Chiriko rode up beside the bandit's mare to address him. "If we continue north from here, we'll reach a trail going west. If we take that trail we'll end up in Suzaku Village.
"We'll only follow it for a while, then." Tasuki replied, watching the invisible rode ahead of him. "We need to stay clear of too many villages."
Chiriko nodded. "From there we'll be clear of any Kutou armies."
"It ain't the armies we gotta worry about." Tasuki replied, his voice still uncomfortably serious.
"What do you mean?" Saori asked from behind.
"We need to make sure the Seiryu seven don't find us here."
Chiriko and Saori looked at each other. "Seiryu?" Saori whispered.
Chiriko shook his head, telling Saori not to talk about it.
Saori leaned her head against the black coat covering Tasuki's back. She was tired, but if she remembered correctly, they would have to travel through most of the night until they reached the "safe grounds." She listened intently now on the galloping hooves under her, beside her, and behind her. She was surrounded by the friends she had made when she first came here, and even though they were no longer celestial warriors, she felt safe with them.
"Mayo...." She whispered, closing her eyes.
*************************
Tetsuya sat with Keisuke in the kitchen of Keisuke's house. His mother was gone for the time being, and Hikari was asleep.
"The warriors and the women from the other world settled into a camp with no fire for the night, the stars providing the only light they would have until morning." Tetsuya read.
"Anything about Mayo yet?" Keisuke asked. When Tetsuya had called him earlier about her image missing in the picture, Keisuke had started to panic.
Tetsuya shook his head after waiting for a few more lines to appear. "There's absolutely nothing, man. It's all on Miaka and the others."
"At least they're safe." Keisuke sighed, resting his forehead onto his arms, which were folded on the table top. "I want them all out of that book. It's dangerous."
"You're telling me, look at this." Tetsuya handed the book over to Keisuke.
The basketball coach lifted his head up and took the book. There was a picture on the next page, though the words weren't done writing themselves yet. It was the picture of three girls in anguish, being thrown away from several motion lines on the center of the page.
"That helps." Keisuke frowned. "I'll read."
******************************
"It will take longer than a day with this route, Saori." Nuriko explained, Saori now sitting with him as the horses walked in the dry heat. "I can't even see the range where Reikaku is yet."
Saori sighed.
It was still quiet, the group traveling like cautious deer. It could be better to be quiet, to stay out of sight, but nothing was around to see them except for the occasional lizard or mouse that scurried close to the way of travel.
Tamahome tightened the leather reigns in his hands. Miaka noticed and looked up at him.
"Tamahome?" She asked.
Tamahome shifted his gaze around the scenery. "I just don't have a good feeling about this."
Miaka froze. "What? What do you mean?"
Tamahome lifted a hand and stroked an eyebrow with his index finger. "I don't know, really. It's not the same feeling I've gotten before in times like this, but... maybe I'm just paranoid."
"It's unlikely that anyone knows we're out here, no da." Chichiri said, overhearing Tamahome's words. "But our enemies are disguised and hidden from us, no da."
"No doubt that if the Seiryu guys knew we were here they'd do somethin' about it." Tasuki add in from the front, still watching the road.
"Great, just great." Saori mumbled. "Just the thing to send me into a panic."
"You don't think they'd come out here again, do you?" Yui asked.
"Who said they ever left?" Tasuki answered.
Saori clung tighter to Nuriko.
Tasuki suddenly stopped his horse, the rest of the party following his actions. He turned right and overlooked the area.
"Tasuki?" Tamahome asked.
Tasuki tugged on the left side of the reigns. "C'mon." He spoke, riding his horse down the gradually elevated edge of a small dune. "Let's take this way, there's a mountain pass a ways up here."
Chiriko looked back at the others and nodded, and all four other horses followed after the bandit.
And sure enough, after two more hours of traveling, they came upon it.
"Is that the pass?" Tamahome asked.
"Yeah." Tasuki answered.
Before the group was the end of one of Konan's many mountain ranges, a fairly short, jagged path cut in between two of the rocky giants.
"How much farther?" Miaka asked.
Tasuki looked back at the red head. "We're gettin' there, Miaka." He sounded almost guilty.
The sound of rock cracking stopped the horses from moving forward. A hunk of sandstone from the edge of the pass broke loose and tumbled loudly to the ground, its collision echoing with the near mountains.
Nuriko sighed. "Well, that can't be good. How stable is this thing?"
Tasuki moved his mare forward a bit.
"That rock looked like it was clean cut, no da." Chichiri added.
"Clean cut?" Yui asked. "Are there miners up here?"
"Stay." Nuriko told Saori as he dismounted from his horse. He landed both feet on the ground and went to Tamahome. "Give me Miaka." He ordered.
"What for?" Tamahome inquired.
"I don't trust this place." Nuriko explained. "Let's put Miaka on the horse with Saori."
Tamahome nodded, and he helped lift the confused Miko to Nuriko.
"You got heavy..." Nuriko added, bringing Miaka to the ground.
"Heh... sorry..." Miaka apologized. "But why do I need to go on Saori's horse?"
"Just trust us on this." He walked back towards Saori, who took the front position on the saddle to let Miaka ride in the back. Nuriko helped Miaka get on before going to the head of the party with Tasuki. Tamahome had dismounted and done the same.
"I don't think we can ever get on without trouble." Tasuki complained. "I'll go and make sure it's all right."
Tasuki kicked his horse forward and he slowly trotted closer to the narrow mountains before them to the opening of the pass. It was heavily shaded from the sun and the mountain sides were cold and dark, but the end of the pass was clearly visible from the entrance.
Tasuki began to pull his horse around. "Looks okay ta me..." He said quietly.
~*WHOOSH!*~
Tasuki's mare bayed loudly and galloped from the entrance, Tasuki hopping off quickly before being thrown.
"What the hell?!" Tasuki shouted, looking around. He heard it, but didn't see anything.
~*WHOOSH!*~
Tasuki jumped back as the collar of his jacket was sliced as if done by a newly sharpened sword.
"I knew it." Nuriko said quickly. He smacked the back end of his horse. "Get going!" He shouted at it.
The horse lurched forward with Saori and Miaka on it.
"Nuriko!" Miaka called back.
"Get out of here!" Nuriko shouted after them.
Chichiri quickly got off his horse as well. "Follow them, no da." He whispered to Yui.
Yui nodded and scooted forward, taking the reigns and turning the brown horse around, taking after Saori and Miaka.
A light laughter came from the pass. "Even without your powers, I'm surprised you could see me coming."
Tamahome raised his fists. "Suboshi." He cursed.
Suboshi finally came into view on a ledge near the top of the pass. He wore a very light gray short robe with matching pants, but the same blue headband as always. However, he didn't have his weapon with him.
"I'm just doing a bit of scouting for Nakago, he had a feeling you'd be by, though none of us are quite sure where you're going." Suboshi glanced up at the two horses fleeing the scene, but paid no heed to them.
"Get the hell out of here, Suboshi, we don't have time for you." Tasuki spat.
Suboshi only smirked, an odd air of confidence about him. "You better make time for me," He lifted his hand up, "There's no way I'm letting Nakago get the glory of killing ~all~ the Suzaku seven." He leapt from the ledge so quickly that the southern warriors couldn't keep their eyes on him. Suddenly an orb of white light shot out at them, and the four could barely miss being hit by it. When they got back to their feet, the teenager was standing in the entrance of the pass, pale blue light flickering in his fingers.
"What was that?" Nuriko asked.
Suboshi held his other hand out, and the same light appeared and began spinning around, forming one of his meteor bells. The other formed in his raised hand, the rope appearing behind his back to connect them.
Tamahome stepped back. "I don't know what's happened to him... but he's gotten stronger."
Suboshi stood ready to attack. "You have no idea." He answered, shooting out the right end of his Ryuseisui. It spun towards the four, spinning into an orb of light before hitting.
~
"We can't just leave!" Miaka said again.
Saori didn't listen, she was paying too much attention on trying to keep the horse going. Yui rode along side them.
Miaka glanced back, though she couldn't see what was happening. Who had been there? Nakago? Suboshi?
"They can't fight!" Miaka pleaded.
"Neither can we, Miaka!" Yui called over.
"GYA!" Saori screeched.
Yui and Miaka looked forward just in time to see a mound of sand instantly rise up in front of them. Saori's horse bucked back and turned away, throwing Miaka and Saori off. Yui had enough time to turn hers around. Neither of the horses got very far though.
Yui jumped off her horse and rushed to the other girls. "What was that?" She asked.
The sand dune relaxed itself and fell back to the earth, a gold object spinning in the air. It had two long points that came from both the top and the bottom. A tall man suddenly appeared, his left hand wrapped around the item.
Miaka, enraged, stood up. "Who are you?! What do you want?!" She brushed off her arms and raised her fists in almost the same way Tamahome did.
The man smiled, his dark eyes looking at Yui. "So sad that my loyalties change so easily, hm, priestess?"
Yui lowered her eyebrows. "Answer us, who are you?!"
The man pulled back the sleeve on the arm holding the spinning top, a bright, blue symbol glowing on the underside of his forearm.
Miaka gasped. "Seiryu?! But... how...?"
"Miboshi?" Yui breathed.
Miboshi smiled, dropping his sleeve. "Just for a little fun, hm?" He held the top out and it spun faster, the sir behind him seeming to rip and open into some kind of portal. From it stepped out a lanky, brown monster, its body looking like that of an insect's, fresh drool dripping from beaked lips.
"Oh... no..." Saori took several steps back, running into Yui.
Miboshi folded his legs in front of him, floating in mid-air without any noticeable help. "Ike." He spoke.
At the light-hearted command, the monster leapt forward, six long, pointed legs lunging for the three girls.
~
It felt like hot medal when one of Suboshi's meteor bells sliced over Tamahome's arm. It burned immediately to the touch, only relieved when the cool blood ran over it. Suboshi was unbelievable. He didn't even seem to be trying very hard, not like he always used to. It became apparent that he didn't plan on killing them, though if he did, he was going to do it slowly.
Tasuki batted the spinning blades away from him with his fan, probably the one thing on him that the bells couldn't rip right through. Chichiri blocked one with his staff, but the ryuseisui took off of the rings.
Again, for the fourth time, the glowing meteor bells return to Suboshi, their white light fading out. His arms were folded, and he had a very cocky expression on his face. It was a pity that Nakago had ordered him not to kill them. For once, Suboshi had the upper hand.
~
"GYA!" Yui screamed as one of the monster's large fangs ripped at her calf. She fell back onto the sand, pulling herself away.
Miboshi laughed loudly. "This is too much!" He laughed more, the fight to him humorous. "Come on now, three on one and you still can't win? This beast is weak compared to what I still have in store for you!"
"He's going to kill us!" Miaka said, pulling Yui towards her. She and Saori looked on in terror while Yui winced at the pain pulsing through her left leg.
Saori shook her head. "This is wrong, Miaka, we can't do this! We'll be killed!"
"But..." Miaka didn't know what to do.
The bug didn't hesitate any longer. Rearing back on its hind legs, it leapt forward.
Saori, Miaka, and Yui barely leapt out of the way as sand flew up where the bug struck. Yui had been slowed down greatly.
"Yui!" Miaka screamed, the bug narrowing in on her.
Yui tried to stand up, but had a difficult time doing it. Her beige pants were stained red, as was her face from the energy and heat this fight required.
The beast shot one of its spiny legs down, and Yui rolled out of the way. Another came down, Yui rolled. It was one of the only things she could do. Another came down and scraped her shoulder. Yui clutched her hands onto it and bit, but it didn't work. The bug's flesh was too hard for her teeth to pierce through.
"YUI!" Miaka ran at the bug. The monster didn't even turn its head, just sent its central leg into Miaka's stomach, throwing her hard over the dirt and sand. Full attention back on the blonde, the attacker pushed another leg into the sand by Yui, making it impossible for her to roll away.
Miboshi smiled. "I have no restrictions from Nakago regarding this one."
Miaka coughed hard. "No.... PLEASE!"
The insect opened its fangs and soared down to Yui's jugular.
"HAH!"
The sharp blade of a sword collided into the bugs face, slicing into the tender flesh of its mouth. The blade pulled through the movement and cut open one of the creature's large, green eyes. It fell onto its back, screeching loudly, flailing its legs in the air.
"Saori?" Yui asked, holding a hand over her shoulder.
Saori stood over Yui, a long, broad sword in her hand, the one that had been fastened into the saddle on Nuriko's horse. The weight of the sword was conspicuous by the way Saori held it.
"Get back!" She screamed. Yui didn't need to do all the fighting. After all, SHE was the athlete.
The monster hopped back upright on all six legs, making it lower to the ground. It ran after Saori.
Saori darted away from Yui, the creature following her. She turned around and swung the weapon with all her strength, the very tip barely skimming across a leg. The monster charged again, and Saori held the sword straight at it to keep from being impaled.
The monster leapt from being impaled as well. However, it had succeeded in putting Saori on the defensive. It glared at her evilly through its good eye.
Miboshi clapped. "Good show, really. I'm actually impressed." His face got more serious. "Kill her." He said.
The monster flung at Saori, its fangs wrapping around the sword. It easily yanked it from Saori's hands and spit it out onto the ground. In one more swift action, it went in for the kill.
However, it didn't make it.
A high song began playing through the air, and before Saori could be skewered, a wild horse ran into the beast, the spear of the rider piercing through its shell. The horse was an outline of blue light, and so was the man on top of it. The insect struggled to get up, but the horseman turned around and shot it again. The monster instantly fell. The horseman looked at Miboshi. then vanished when the song stopped.
~
Nuriko's last comment had made Suboshi angry. Very angry. Holding forward his right hand, the meteor bell began to glow and spin again. His eyebrows lowered. "Now you'll be sorry." He spoke coldly. The meteor bell in his hand expanded and split into three.
"What the hell!?" Tasuki shouted.
The three spilt into nine, then 27. Suboshi had an entire line of meteor bells in front of him, his own, unstoppable army.
Nuriko cursed loudly.
The central meteor bell shot out, heading on a direct course for the magician. In less than a second it would have his head.
Blue light swept down from the sky in the shape of a bird, its talons catching the ryuseisui right before it struck Chichiri. A song radiated from the bird as if it were singing. It flew forward a bit and dropped the bell. The bell and the bird both disappeared.
"Brother, stop."
Suboshi and the four Suzaku warriors turned to see Amiboshi running to Suboshi, his flute in hand. He was out of breath.
"Aniki." It wasn't a question.
Amiboshi glanced at the warriors for only a moment before focusing back on Suboshi. "That's enough, Suboshi. Even following through Nakago's orders, we're done."
The glowing ryuseisui disappeared into two on the ends of the rope on Suboshi's hands, and eventually that disappeared too. Suboshi didn't seem pleased, but he did as Amiboshi said.
Amiboshi looked back onto the tired Suzaku seven. "Get Miaka, Yui, and Saori, please. They're injured from their battle with Miboshi, but he's gone now."
"Mi...Miboshi?" Tasuki asked, bewildered.
Amiboshi stepped in closer to his brother and lifted his flute to his lips. He played a quick scale, and a blue light encased the twins. A moment later, they were gone.
To Metajoker: My first reviewer for this chapter! I know you hate Inami (though I didn't know you hated Mayo!) but she died two days ago, so give Tasuki a break. He'll get over it soon enough, trust me. I still can't tell who your favorite character is though! If you tell me I'll be sure to play him or her up, just for you. Your suggested ending for my story was... interesting. But if Tasuki fought Nakago, he'd be sure to become cat chow.
To Kittynyah: Whimsical? Really? Wow, that's an adjective I don't very often. I'm glad you like the fic still, thanks for your review!
To Amaya: Spawn of Satan? Ouch, that's harsh. She's a nice girl down inside. The tragic events have you depressed? Good, that means I'm doing my job. ^_~
To MaryDFair: I couldn't wait to give everyone a power boost, especially Suboshi. *giggles* And yes, Miboshi is back and much better looking. Saori does fit all the qualification as priestess, but basically since Miaka's alive, no-can-do, unless they find a way to do the energy drain crap they did with Mayo. But it doesn't matter, Suzaku's going to be taking a long.... LONG nap. ah, you're a Saori/Boushin fan? That's too bad.
Chapter 69 : Run - For the Sake of the Miko
Two days since Konan's surprise attack on the Wara District of Kutou have passed, leaving the palace and the Emperor in a state of uneasiness. Kutou armies struck back, but not before several of their numbers and supplies were wiped out. Yesterday Boushin sent a second army to head off Kutou docks to prevent any supplies from getting in while the battle continued. The fighting soldiers from both sides had not rested the fight for 48 hours. The army that had been battling the Hokkani Calvary troops in the north suddenly appeared near central Konan. One town was vacated, the other; destroyed. The defense troops were out, but it was Kutou's obvious goal to attack the Palace--for real.
~
"Have they advanced further?" Boushin asked the general.
The man in a private meeting with the Emperor had broad shoulders and was several inches taller than his king, all his armor still intact. "Not yet, your Highness, but their chance may come."
Boushin turned around and rubbed his forehead. "The first attack on our palace, even if it was a decoy, was unseen and dangerous. A real strike could bring our walls down at this point..."
"Sire?"
Boushin didn't turn around, but his frustration was evident. "Call back your troops from Wara and send them to this front."
"Yes Sire."
"Leave." Boushin ordered.
~
"I suppose you all wonder why I have called you here so urgently this morning." Boushin began his speech.
Again the remaining warriors were called around the long, rectangular table, the one where Hotohori had decreed many decisions for their journeys. Boushin was at the head seat, the two chairs adjacent to him empty. Further down the table Chichiri and Saori sat, then Miaka and Tamahome next to each other. On the other side, still further down, Nuriko sat attentively with Chiriko, and Tasuki sat across from them, tilting his seat back with his arms folded across his chest.
"The war is pursuing too far, no da." Chichiri stated almost as a suggestion.
Boushin nodded. "It has become clear that if Kutou's troops destroy our line of defense, they will come to the palace. Not only will the inhabitants here be in peril, but as will the villages and cities in their way, and the capitol will be lost."
"What do you want us to do?" Nuriko asked.
Boushin paused for a moment. "I want you," He looked from Nuriko to Tasuki, then to Tamahome. "I need you to take the priestess and run."
That comment got everyone's attention.
"What?" Miaka asked.
"The Priestess, Lady Saori, and Lady Yui cannot stay within the confines of the palace, they are no longer safe. If the life of our Miko is lost, then so is what hopes we have left to win this war. Though your powers and strengths are gone, you still are warriors of Suzaku, and it is still your task to lay your own life before hers." Boushin looked to Miaka.
"But, what about you, Sire?" Nuriko asked.
"I am the ruler of this country, and am to act as so." Boushin's voice became more serious. "And as that ruler, and as the son of Hotohori, this is not so much a request but a command."
Silence.
"I do not know where you can go, however." Boushin relaxed ever so slightly. "I fear to send you to our allies in Hokkan, for you could easily be intercepted, as we have learned."
They listened still.
"Sairo's closest borders are dangerous too, no da." Chichiri added. "And taking a more northern entrance there presents the same dangers as Hokkan, no da."
Boushin nodded. "So we are lost." He sat down, getting a worried look from Saori. "Wherever you go, you must leave by tonight, and all of you must go to protect the Miko."
Thick silence again fell upon the room, everyone in deep thought.
"Reikaku."
Everyone's heads turned from Boushin to Tasuki, who's voice was quieter than usual.
"What?" Boushin questioned.
Tasuki put all four chair legs back on the floor and his hands on the table. "We can go to Mt. Reikaku." He repeated softly. "It's out of the way of Kutou's armies, it's not too far... the terrain is a defense in itself, and with my men gone in war, it's deserted, so a strike on it would be unnecessary."
Boushin lit up a bit. "Of course... hiding in the deserted confines of a mountain..." He stood up. "It is decided. Tasuki, you will take the safest and the quickest possible route to Reikaku. You all must prepare to leave, but do not take too much with you, you are to remain inconspicuous. You are to travel in the shadow of dusk. Tasuki, how long will it take you to arrive by horse?"
Tasuki looked up. "About a full day of travel."
"Would you be able to reach safe traveling ground by the time sun light hits tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
"I will prepare you horses and some food." Boushin stated. "You are dismissed."
~
"Hurry." Tamahome kept his voice low as he helped Miaka get onto the horse. Everyone else was all ready mounted, Saori rode with Tasuki and Yui with Nuriko. They had brought the horses outside the palace gates and to the edge of Eiyo by foot, and they would ride through the evening and most of the night until they reached a safe traveling district. Chiriko had a map with him showing where Kutou armies had been fighting so they could avoid them.
"Good luck." Boushin whispered, himself in a slight disguise to hide his royalty from the villagers of Eiyo. He insisted on seeing the warriors off. "I want you to return the moment it is safe."
"We will, no da." Chichiri responded.
"G'yap!" Tasuki kicked his horse, which took off across the poor soil of Konan. One by one Chiriko, Tamahome, Nuriko, and Chichiri followed.
"Sire, we should return." A guard armed with a spear suggested.
Boushin watched them ride a little further before turning back. "Let us pray that the gods will be with them." Boushin glanced back one more time. "If the Miko cannot survive this war, then I will surrender our country to Kutou."
~
Saori clung tightly to Tasuki as his horse galloped and shook. It had been so long since they all had to travel together. It wasn't until Boushin told them to leave that she realized how serious this war had become.
It was nearly ten minutes later when the horses finally slowed down to a trot.
"Tasuki," Chiriko rode up beside the bandit's mare to address him. "If we continue north from here, we'll reach a trail going west. If we take that trail we'll end up in Suzaku Village.
"We'll only follow it for a while, then." Tasuki replied, watching the invisible rode ahead of him. "We need to stay clear of too many villages."
Chiriko nodded. "From there we'll be clear of any Kutou armies."
"It ain't the armies we gotta worry about." Tasuki replied, his voice still uncomfortably serious.
"What do you mean?" Saori asked from behind.
"We need to make sure the Seiryu seven don't find us here."
Chiriko and Saori looked at each other. "Seiryu?" Saori whispered.
Chiriko shook his head, telling Saori not to talk about it.
Saori leaned her head against the black coat covering Tasuki's back. She was tired, but if she remembered correctly, they would have to travel through most of the night until they reached the "safe grounds." She listened intently now on the galloping hooves under her, beside her, and behind her. She was surrounded by the friends she had made when she first came here, and even though they were no longer celestial warriors, she felt safe with them.
"Mayo...." She whispered, closing her eyes.
*************************
Tetsuya sat with Keisuke in the kitchen of Keisuke's house. His mother was gone for the time being, and Hikari was asleep.
"The warriors and the women from the other world settled into a camp with no fire for the night, the stars providing the only light they would have until morning." Tetsuya read.
"Anything about Mayo yet?" Keisuke asked. When Tetsuya had called him earlier about her image missing in the picture, Keisuke had started to panic.
Tetsuya shook his head after waiting for a few more lines to appear. "There's absolutely nothing, man. It's all on Miaka and the others."
"At least they're safe." Keisuke sighed, resting his forehead onto his arms, which were folded on the table top. "I want them all out of that book. It's dangerous."
"You're telling me, look at this." Tetsuya handed the book over to Keisuke.
The basketball coach lifted his head up and took the book. There was a picture on the next page, though the words weren't done writing themselves yet. It was the picture of three girls in anguish, being thrown away from several motion lines on the center of the page.
"That helps." Keisuke frowned. "I'll read."
******************************
"It will take longer than a day with this route, Saori." Nuriko explained, Saori now sitting with him as the horses walked in the dry heat. "I can't even see the range where Reikaku is yet."
Saori sighed.
It was still quiet, the group traveling like cautious deer. It could be better to be quiet, to stay out of sight, but nothing was around to see them except for the occasional lizard or mouse that scurried close to the way of travel.
Tamahome tightened the leather reigns in his hands. Miaka noticed and looked up at him.
"Tamahome?" She asked.
Tamahome shifted his gaze around the scenery. "I just don't have a good feeling about this."
Miaka froze. "What? What do you mean?"
Tamahome lifted a hand and stroked an eyebrow with his index finger. "I don't know, really. It's not the same feeling I've gotten before in times like this, but... maybe I'm just paranoid."
"It's unlikely that anyone knows we're out here, no da." Chichiri said, overhearing Tamahome's words. "But our enemies are disguised and hidden from us, no da."
"No doubt that if the Seiryu guys knew we were here they'd do somethin' about it." Tasuki add in from the front, still watching the road.
"Great, just great." Saori mumbled. "Just the thing to send me into a panic."
"You don't think they'd come out here again, do you?" Yui asked.
"Who said they ever left?" Tasuki answered.
Saori clung tighter to Nuriko.
Tasuki suddenly stopped his horse, the rest of the party following his actions. He turned right and overlooked the area.
"Tasuki?" Tamahome asked.
Tasuki tugged on the left side of the reigns. "C'mon." He spoke, riding his horse down the gradually elevated edge of a small dune. "Let's take this way, there's a mountain pass a ways up here."
Chiriko looked back at the others and nodded, and all four other horses followed after the bandit.
And sure enough, after two more hours of traveling, they came upon it.
"Is that the pass?" Tamahome asked.
"Yeah." Tasuki answered.
Before the group was the end of one of Konan's many mountain ranges, a fairly short, jagged path cut in between two of the rocky giants.
"How much farther?" Miaka asked.
Tasuki looked back at the red head. "We're gettin' there, Miaka." He sounded almost guilty.
The sound of rock cracking stopped the horses from moving forward. A hunk of sandstone from the edge of the pass broke loose and tumbled loudly to the ground, its collision echoing with the near mountains.
Nuriko sighed. "Well, that can't be good. How stable is this thing?"
Tasuki moved his mare forward a bit.
"That rock looked like it was clean cut, no da." Chichiri added.
"Clean cut?" Yui asked. "Are there miners up here?"
"Stay." Nuriko told Saori as he dismounted from his horse. He landed both feet on the ground and went to Tamahome. "Give me Miaka." He ordered.
"What for?" Tamahome inquired.
"I don't trust this place." Nuriko explained. "Let's put Miaka on the horse with Saori."
Tamahome nodded, and he helped lift the confused Miko to Nuriko.
"You got heavy..." Nuriko added, bringing Miaka to the ground.
"Heh... sorry..." Miaka apologized. "But why do I need to go on Saori's horse?"
"Just trust us on this." He walked back towards Saori, who took the front position on the saddle to let Miaka ride in the back. Nuriko helped Miaka get on before going to the head of the party with Tasuki. Tamahome had dismounted and done the same.
"I don't think we can ever get on without trouble." Tasuki complained. "I'll go and make sure it's all right."
Tasuki kicked his horse forward and he slowly trotted closer to the narrow mountains before them to the opening of the pass. It was heavily shaded from the sun and the mountain sides were cold and dark, but the end of the pass was clearly visible from the entrance.
Tasuki began to pull his horse around. "Looks okay ta me..." He said quietly.
~*WHOOSH!*~
Tasuki's mare bayed loudly and galloped from the entrance, Tasuki hopping off quickly before being thrown.
"What the hell?!" Tasuki shouted, looking around. He heard it, but didn't see anything.
~*WHOOSH!*~
Tasuki jumped back as the collar of his jacket was sliced as if done by a newly sharpened sword.
"I knew it." Nuriko said quickly. He smacked the back end of his horse. "Get going!" He shouted at it.
The horse lurched forward with Saori and Miaka on it.
"Nuriko!" Miaka called back.
"Get out of here!" Nuriko shouted after them.
Chichiri quickly got off his horse as well. "Follow them, no da." He whispered to Yui.
Yui nodded and scooted forward, taking the reigns and turning the brown horse around, taking after Saori and Miaka.
A light laughter came from the pass. "Even without your powers, I'm surprised you could see me coming."
Tamahome raised his fists. "Suboshi." He cursed.
Suboshi finally came into view on a ledge near the top of the pass. He wore a very light gray short robe with matching pants, but the same blue headband as always. However, he didn't have his weapon with him.
"I'm just doing a bit of scouting for Nakago, he had a feeling you'd be by, though none of us are quite sure where you're going." Suboshi glanced up at the two horses fleeing the scene, but paid no heed to them.
"Get the hell out of here, Suboshi, we don't have time for you." Tasuki spat.
Suboshi only smirked, an odd air of confidence about him. "You better make time for me," He lifted his hand up, "There's no way I'm letting Nakago get the glory of killing ~all~ the Suzaku seven." He leapt from the ledge so quickly that the southern warriors couldn't keep their eyes on him. Suddenly an orb of white light shot out at them, and the four could barely miss being hit by it. When they got back to their feet, the teenager was standing in the entrance of the pass, pale blue light flickering in his fingers.
"What was that?" Nuriko asked.
Suboshi held his other hand out, and the same light appeared and began spinning around, forming one of his meteor bells. The other formed in his raised hand, the rope appearing behind his back to connect them.
Tamahome stepped back. "I don't know what's happened to him... but he's gotten stronger."
Suboshi stood ready to attack. "You have no idea." He answered, shooting out the right end of his Ryuseisui. It spun towards the four, spinning into an orb of light before hitting.
~
"We can't just leave!" Miaka said again.
Saori didn't listen, she was paying too much attention on trying to keep the horse going. Yui rode along side them.
Miaka glanced back, though she couldn't see what was happening. Who had been there? Nakago? Suboshi?
"They can't fight!" Miaka pleaded.
"Neither can we, Miaka!" Yui called over.
"GYA!" Saori screeched.
Yui and Miaka looked forward just in time to see a mound of sand instantly rise up in front of them. Saori's horse bucked back and turned away, throwing Miaka and Saori off. Yui had enough time to turn hers around. Neither of the horses got very far though.
Yui jumped off her horse and rushed to the other girls. "What was that?" She asked.
The sand dune relaxed itself and fell back to the earth, a gold object spinning in the air. It had two long points that came from both the top and the bottom. A tall man suddenly appeared, his left hand wrapped around the item.
Miaka, enraged, stood up. "Who are you?! What do you want?!" She brushed off her arms and raised her fists in almost the same way Tamahome did.
The man smiled, his dark eyes looking at Yui. "So sad that my loyalties change so easily, hm, priestess?"
Yui lowered her eyebrows. "Answer us, who are you?!"
The man pulled back the sleeve on the arm holding the spinning top, a bright, blue symbol glowing on the underside of his forearm.
Miaka gasped. "Seiryu?! But... how...?"
"Miboshi?" Yui breathed.
Miboshi smiled, dropping his sleeve. "Just for a little fun, hm?" He held the top out and it spun faster, the sir behind him seeming to rip and open into some kind of portal. From it stepped out a lanky, brown monster, its body looking like that of an insect's, fresh drool dripping from beaked lips.
"Oh... no..." Saori took several steps back, running into Yui.
Miboshi folded his legs in front of him, floating in mid-air without any noticeable help. "Ike." He spoke.
At the light-hearted command, the monster leapt forward, six long, pointed legs lunging for the three girls.
~
It felt like hot medal when one of Suboshi's meteor bells sliced over Tamahome's arm. It burned immediately to the touch, only relieved when the cool blood ran over it. Suboshi was unbelievable. He didn't even seem to be trying very hard, not like he always used to. It became apparent that he didn't plan on killing them, though if he did, he was going to do it slowly.
Tasuki batted the spinning blades away from him with his fan, probably the one thing on him that the bells couldn't rip right through. Chichiri blocked one with his staff, but the ryuseisui took off of the rings.
Again, for the fourth time, the glowing meteor bells return to Suboshi, their white light fading out. His arms were folded, and he had a very cocky expression on his face. It was a pity that Nakago had ordered him not to kill them. For once, Suboshi had the upper hand.
~
"GYA!" Yui screamed as one of the monster's large fangs ripped at her calf. She fell back onto the sand, pulling herself away.
Miboshi laughed loudly. "This is too much!" He laughed more, the fight to him humorous. "Come on now, three on one and you still can't win? This beast is weak compared to what I still have in store for you!"
"He's going to kill us!" Miaka said, pulling Yui towards her. She and Saori looked on in terror while Yui winced at the pain pulsing through her left leg.
Saori shook her head. "This is wrong, Miaka, we can't do this! We'll be killed!"
"But..." Miaka didn't know what to do.
The bug didn't hesitate any longer. Rearing back on its hind legs, it leapt forward.
Saori, Miaka, and Yui barely leapt out of the way as sand flew up where the bug struck. Yui had been slowed down greatly.
"Yui!" Miaka screamed, the bug narrowing in on her.
Yui tried to stand up, but had a difficult time doing it. Her beige pants were stained red, as was her face from the energy and heat this fight required.
The beast shot one of its spiny legs down, and Yui rolled out of the way. Another came down, Yui rolled. It was one of the only things she could do. Another came down and scraped her shoulder. Yui clutched her hands onto it and bit, but it didn't work. The bug's flesh was too hard for her teeth to pierce through.
"YUI!" Miaka ran at the bug. The monster didn't even turn its head, just sent its central leg into Miaka's stomach, throwing her hard over the dirt and sand. Full attention back on the blonde, the attacker pushed another leg into the sand by Yui, making it impossible for her to roll away.
Miboshi smiled. "I have no restrictions from Nakago regarding this one."
Miaka coughed hard. "No.... PLEASE!"
The insect opened its fangs and soared down to Yui's jugular.
"HAH!"
The sharp blade of a sword collided into the bugs face, slicing into the tender flesh of its mouth. The blade pulled through the movement and cut open one of the creature's large, green eyes. It fell onto its back, screeching loudly, flailing its legs in the air.
"Saori?" Yui asked, holding a hand over her shoulder.
Saori stood over Yui, a long, broad sword in her hand, the one that had been fastened into the saddle on Nuriko's horse. The weight of the sword was conspicuous by the way Saori held it.
"Get back!" She screamed. Yui didn't need to do all the fighting. After all, SHE was the athlete.
The monster hopped back upright on all six legs, making it lower to the ground. It ran after Saori.
Saori darted away from Yui, the creature following her. She turned around and swung the weapon with all her strength, the very tip barely skimming across a leg. The monster charged again, and Saori held the sword straight at it to keep from being impaled.
The monster leapt from being impaled as well. However, it had succeeded in putting Saori on the defensive. It glared at her evilly through its good eye.
Miboshi clapped. "Good show, really. I'm actually impressed." His face got more serious. "Kill her." He said.
The monster flung at Saori, its fangs wrapping around the sword. It easily yanked it from Saori's hands and spit it out onto the ground. In one more swift action, it went in for the kill.
However, it didn't make it.
A high song began playing through the air, and before Saori could be skewered, a wild horse ran into the beast, the spear of the rider piercing through its shell. The horse was an outline of blue light, and so was the man on top of it. The insect struggled to get up, but the horseman turned around and shot it again. The monster instantly fell. The horseman looked at Miboshi. then vanished when the song stopped.
~
Nuriko's last comment had made Suboshi angry. Very angry. Holding forward his right hand, the meteor bell began to glow and spin again. His eyebrows lowered. "Now you'll be sorry." He spoke coldly. The meteor bell in his hand expanded and split into three.
"What the hell!?" Tasuki shouted.
The three spilt into nine, then 27. Suboshi had an entire line of meteor bells in front of him, his own, unstoppable army.
Nuriko cursed loudly.
The central meteor bell shot out, heading on a direct course for the magician. In less than a second it would have his head.
Blue light swept down from the sky in the shape of a bird, its talons catching the ryuseisui right before it struck Chichiri. A song radiated from the bird as if it were singing. It flew forward a bit and dropped the bell. The bell and the bird both disappeared.
"Brother, stop."
Suboshi and the four Suzaku warriors turned to see Amiboshi running to Suboshi, his flute in hand. He was out of breath.
"Aniki." It wasn't a question.
Amiboshi glanced at the warriors for only a moment before focusing back on Suboshi. "That's enough, Suboshi. Even following through Nakago's orders, we're done."
The glowing ryuseisui disappeared into two on the ends of the rope on Suboshi's hands, and eventually that disappeared too. Suboshi didn't seem pleased, but he did as Amiboshi said.
Amiboshi looked back onto the tired Suzaku seven. "Get Miaka, Yui, and Saori, please. They're injured from their battle with Miboshi, but he's gone now."
"Mi...Miboshi?" Tasuki asked, bewildered.
Amiboshi stepped in closer to his brother and lifted his flute to his lips. He played a quick scale, and a blue light encased the twins. A moment later, they were gone.