Gomen nasai minna!!! I've had the next like, 3 chapters done for a
month, but I'm too dang lazy to actually post them! My apologies! It took
me nearly an hour just to edit this one, and more will be coming,
hopefully.
To MaryDFair: Yes, I got a little twin-happy with my last few chapters. I finally know what I'll do with Amiboshi, but you'll have to wait until I write it! As for Saori, she's so delightful, how could the bishis NOT fall for her? There technically only one who really has, though, and one who may keep the readers wondering.
To Kaeru Soyokaze: Only three words in that review, but they were very nice ones! I'm glad you love my fic!
To Metajoker: Ah, you actually came to mind the other day when I was watching FY with my friend. I noticed some of the traits in Soi that I overlooked, and if I can, I want to use her again in a more sentimental way. Thank you for the "balance" comment, and I'm glad you're enjoying my story more. Poor Inami though, you'll never like her, ne? Well, she's dead, so... And I read the first chapter of your fic, and I hope to read more as soon as I have the time!
To Polynesia: I'm officially extending you an invitation to the "Suboshi Cheer Squad." Thanks for reviewing!
To Delphine: I'm neglecting the real-world characters, aren't I? I believe Keisuke is in this chapter, so enjoy his presence. I appreciate you taking the time to email me reviews since ffnet won't work with you!
Author's Note: I'm really excited for the next two chapters, but I may have someone pre-read them before I post them because I'm not sure on how well they're written, so it MAY take a bit longer. Enjoy, this chapter is a bit longer than usual!
Chapter 74 : The Final Battle?
"Tasuki?" Yui asked from a dining table. Everyone had adjourned together for supper this particular night.
Tasuki stood at a window, his arms folded loosely in front of him. He had finally changed out of his black jacket and into blue clothes with a beige robe-like garment over it. He stood with his back towards everyone, thinking.
After not being answered, Yui looked to the others for help. Nuriko waved his hand to tell the rest to leave him alone.
They ate mostly in silence, Tasuki never changing his position from the window.
"What could he be thinking about?" Miaka asked Tamahome very quietly.
Tamahome watched Tasuki for a moment, and then got up from the table without answering Miaka's question. He walked over to the window and whispered something in Tasuki's ear. The bandit wasn't completely incoherent, since he turned slightly to respond back to Tamahome. The others couldn't hear them at all. At one point Tamahome looked back at them, but went on continuing his secret conversation.
"I'm settling it, then." Tasuki said in his normal voice.
He got confused looks.
Tasuki turned fully towards Tamahome, and exchanged glances with the table. "We're going back."
"To the palace?" Nuriko inquired.
Tasuki nodded. "Miaka and Saori and Yui may be safer here, but we sure as hell ain't gettin' anywhere sittin' around and doin' nothin'." He announced the decision fairly strictly. "My men, Konan's men, they're all out there fightin' this damn war and we're basically just sittin' back and lettin' it happen. And with... those DAMN Seiryu warriors runnin' around too..." The hint of anger in Tasuki's voice was rather apparent.
Chichiri stood from the table. "I agree, no da."
"Against his Highness's orders..." Nuriko trailed off.
Saori looked from Nuriko to Tasuki. "So are we...?"
"I won't stand by while we lose our country anymore." Tamahome made his opinion clear as well. "Besides, with no sign of us for three weeks, the Seiryu seven may have gone back to Kutou."
Saori, Yui, and Miaka gave each other unsure looks.
"We'd have to make another two days travel." Chiriko pointed out, standing as well.
"Who cares. It ain't like we planned on stayin' here forever anyways." Tasuki said coolly. He was really serious concerning what he was talking about. He was taking good use of his leadership skills. "And I want out of here tonight."
"Tonight?!" Miaka bolted up.
Tasuki nodded. "Night travel is safer. And this place's been givin' me the creeps with nobody fillin' it up."
"We'll prepare then, no da."
Nuriko stood finally and brushed his robe off. "We have no choice then. However..." He looked at Miaka, "If anything happens to Miaka.... Saori, or Yui, Boushin won't be the only one having our heads."
Tamahome nodded.
"What if the Seiryu warriors are merely waiting for our appearance?" Chiriko questioned.
Tasuki clenched his hands into fists. "Then they'll be sorry."
Yui watched the situation unraveling in front of her. Under the cover of the table, she subtly crossed her fingers.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Tasuki and the others were quick to saddle their horses and prepare to leave Reikaku to return to the palace." Keisuke read quietly to himself. He was in a field behind the school, a functioning stopwatch around his neck. His gym class was running laps on the field to prepare for a mile run next time. His next class would be the male gym class, and they'd do the same thing.
"Coach, what are you reading?" A girl with short blue hair asked, stopping in front of Keisuke and taking a few deep breaths. "You read that book in our class all the time now. Is it good?"
"It's just.... research, Keiko." Keisuke bluffed.
"Chinese?" She guessed, looking at the cover.
Keisuke nodded. "You noticed, good." He smiled. He held up the stopwatch around his neck. "Keep going."
"Hai!" She smiled and took off down the edge of the field.
Keisuke watched a few more students go, giving a few "good work!"s and "nice job!"s before returning to the page. He was in the last 1/4 of the book now, which meant, or so he hoped, that Miaka and the others would be back soon.
"Leaving under the shadow of the new moon, the Priestess of Suzaku made her way across the dry lands of Konan. At dawn they slept in a small inn, paying for the rooms with what little money they had with them. There was no sign of the Seiryu shichi seishi. By late noon the warriors and the girls from the other worlds continued their trail, always retracing the steps they had taken three weeks before..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Highness! Highness!" Buru ran into the throne room where Boushin sat with an advisor.
Boushin stood at the urgent tone of Buru's call. "Yes? What's wrong?"
Buru stopped and shook his head. "Nothing, Sire, but the Priestess and her warriors have returned!"
Boushin looked shocked. "They're back?" He gaped at his advisor, but then ran ahead with Buru to find the group.
- - -
Saori walked along side Nuriko, a pack strapped to her shoulders. Nuriko held the reins of the horses and pulled the animals through the palace gates.
"Saori! Nuriko!"
The two looked ahead to see the Emperor running towards them, layers of his heavy robe flashing about him.
Saori waved her arm. "Boushin!!" She exclaimed.
Boushin finally reached them, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "Why... are you here?"
Saori smiled brightly at him. "We just... came back! It was getting pointless staying at Mt. Reikaku for so long."
Boushin glared passed Saori at the other warriors coming in through the gates, pulling their horses along as well.
- - -
"The palace is still as dangerous now as it was then!" Boushin paced back and forth as the Suzaku warriors, Miaka, Yui, and Saori sat at the large rectangular table in the room adjacent to the throne room. "Why would you return?!"
"Nothing was being achieved remaining there." Tamahome answered calmly. "On our way we were attacked by Seiryu warriors, and we didn't know whether or not they were watching us."
"From out history with the Seiryu, don't you think they would have attacked by now if they knew your location?" Boushin asked sternly.
"If you're worried about Miaka, she's safer here where there are guards and stuff to protect her." Tasuki added.
"I suppose you're right." Boushin turned towards the fiery haired man. "Of course I couldn't simply rely on her warriors to keep her safe."
"Boushin!" Saori stood up, her chair nearly tipping over behind her.
Boushin's eyes met Saori's, though his expression didn't change. "It shouldn't be that hard of a thing to keep one woman safe, to obey ONE order! All I've ever required of you is to keep the Suzaku no Miko from harm, and you cannot even preserve her at a point of refuge!!"
"All they did was protect us!" Saori suddenly raised her voice, drawing all the attention to her.
"I don't doubt that fact, I can see it with my own eyes." Boushin stated firmly. "It doesn't change my point. Now sit down, Saori."
Saori shook her head with frustration. "Do you want to know what really happened?!"
Tamahome waved his hands subtly to tell Saori to be quiet.
Saori saw the signal, but ignored it. "I left while we at Reikaku. By myself. In fact, I was LOOKING for the Seiryu seven!"
"Nani?!" Boushin's eyes went wide.
Saori pursed her lips. "And I found them."
"WHAT?!" Tasuki exclaimed.
"You allowed this to happen?!" Boushin accused the warriors again.
"NO!" Saori answered again. "You don't understand! They're the reason that I'm even here!" Despite her outbursts, Saori still managed to keep her promise to the one who had truly saved her. "All they did was look out for Miaka and me, Yui too! The reason we're back here is because they're looking out for us!"
"Saori, that doesn't mean that...." Boushin started.
"How would you know!? You're not a warrior, are you?!" Saori interrupted sharply. She realized her words and clasped her hands over her mouth, her cheeks growing hot.
Boushin looked at her with a new surprise, as did everyone else.
Saori lowered her hands and stared at the table. "Go-gomen.... I've said too much..." She slowly sat down.
The room was silent for the few seconds following that. No one was quite sure what to say.
"No, Saori..."
She glanced up.
"You're right." Boushin spoke to her, but didn't look at her. "I am not a warrior, only the progeny of one. I could never understand on the level in which they do. They are the ones who were born for the sake of this woman, not me. I'm sorry for thinking any differently."
"Highness..." Nuriko whispered.
Boushin stood straight. "Welcome back, Suzaku seishi" His focus went to Miaka. "And Priestess. You are dismissed."
Everyone was slow to get out, and they didn't say much as they went on their way. Boushin of course left before anyone else did. Soon the room was again empty, except for the one chair that Saori still sat in.
"I didn't... I didn't mean to..." But she couldn't finish her sentence. She hung her head shamefully. How could she lose her temper like that... say those things to Boushin? What if they had hurt him? She knew they did. Boushin... Boushin had never looked at her like that before...
Two tears fell from her eyes and onto the hands that clasped the fabric of her skirt tightly in them. She was horrible. She didn't deserve the feelings Boushin had placed so tenderly on her.
"Gomen nasai!" She whispered, shutting her eyes.
- - -
"Chiriko, where are you going?" Yui asked as the young warrior left the throne room.
"I'm going to the dark study." He paused for a moment. "You've never been there, have you Yui?"
She shook her head. "What is it?"
Chiriko held out his hand towards the door. "Come, I'll show you, it's fascinating, really."
Yui nodded and followed after Chiriko.
- - -
Chiriko shut the door to the black room, ridding it of any and all light. Yui held still, not wanting to bump into anything. She couldn't see her own hand waving in front of her face. She heard Chiriko's light footsteps cross by her, and then she heard a click.
Suddenly the walls and ceiling lit up with hundreds of white lights.
Yui gasped. "They look like stars!" She exclaimed.
"They are." Chiriko's face was dimly illuminating by his closeness to the semi-covered lantern. "This is the current mapping of the southern night sky."
"It's amazing..." Yui looked towards the lantern Chiriko had turned on. It was covered with black paper. There must have been holes in it precisely placed to show the alignment of the stars.
Yui walked slowly around the room. A group of stars above her caught her eye. "Is that a constellation?" She asked.
"Yes." Chiriko answered. "The crow. Actually, that is the constellation that represents Mitsukake."
"Really?"
Chiriko walked closer to her. "Over there, see that? It looks like a kite."
Yui turned. "Yes."
"That is Hydra, the sea serpent. It's the constellation of Hotohori, but it also represents Nuriko and myself."
"Do you know all of the constellations?" Yui questioned.
"I do. I used to study them back home, before I ever met Miaka."
"Will you show me?" Yui asked again.
Chiriko carefully grasped Yui's wrist and lead her over a little ways. He pointed, his hand barely visible now that Yui's eyes were adjusting. "Gemini, the twins."
"Who is that?"
"Chichiri."
"Funny, it reminds me of some one else."
Chiriko continued. "Here's the cup, and there is Cancer, the crab. Tasuki and Tamahome have those constellations."
Chiriko also showed Yui the constellations of the other cardinal points, though they were dimmer than the others on this particular map. In Seiryu there was Scorpio, the scorpion; Virgo, the virgin; Libra, the scales; and Sagittarius, the archer. In the north, Sagittarius also laid. There was Aquarius, the water bearer; Capricorn, the ram; and Pegasus, the winged horse. Finally, in the west, there was Andromeda, the queen; Aries, another ram; Taurus, the bull; and Orion, the hunter.
"Tell me, Chiriko," Yui finally spoke, "Why did you want to come here?"
Chiriko strolled back to the lantern. "I wanted to looked at the star charts and models along with this. I can study them before night."
Night?" Yui asked.
Chiriko nodded. "I can read the stars, sometimes. I wanted to get a good look at them tonight. The atmosphere can be a prelude to upcoming events."
Yui listened intently, but didn't comment. It seemed that people in any world sought the stars for advice. Her eyes gazed over the young complexions of the warrior. Chiriko, he wanted to look out for the others. The look in Chiriko's green tinted eyes was almost sad, however.
"I can't fight."
Yui blinked.
Chiriko looked over at the southern constellations. "I've never been physically strong, and my abilities as a warrior aren't martial in any way. So instead, I try my best to help them in whatever way I can, even if it is just war strategy."
"Chiriko..."
There was a pause in the talk. "I didn't really realize it until someone, a good while ago, bluntly pointed it out to me when Kutou first struck. Since then... it's been on my mind."
Yui didn't know what to say. She could only watch Chiriko, watch his dim outline among the wall of stars.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Miaka wore a light summer robe, one that Hotohori had graciously supplied her earlier in her stay. Her elbows leaned on the railing of the ground-level balcony outside her room, low mountains in the distance made dark from the setting sun. The colors of the set were just starting to emerge, a light pink highlighting the horizon of the sky.
Miaka felt fingers brush her hair off her neck and a light kiss being placed near her shoulder. A chin rested near the same spot and two arms wrapped around her small waist.
She and Tamahome stayed like that for a little while, Tamahome watching the sunset as well. Eventually Miaka stood and turned around, causing Tamahome to release her.
She smiled. "It's good to be back."
Tamahome nodded as he tucked some of Miaka's red locks behind her ear. "I don't care where I am," he said, his voice hushed, "as long as I'm with you."
Miaka watched the light reflect off Tamahome's gorgeous violet eyes. She remembered staying with him here, nearly five years ago. He had offered to be her protector, then an older brother, and finally a lover. Tamahome was the only man Miaka had ever loved, ever held, ever kissed, but she had no regrets.
Tamahome's arms wrapped around her again as he leaned down to meet her, their lips connecting gently. Miaka's hands went to Tamahome's neck, pulling him closer to her. The act was simple, but blissful. Tamahome hesitantly pulled back to break the kiss after a moment, and he gazed at Miaka again.
"Tamahome, do you think...." Miaka began. However, she stopped herself when Tamahome's attention suddenly released her. Miaka followed his line of sight, turned, and glanced behind her.
She gasped.
"What... what's that?!" Miaka was alarmed.
In the distance, the far distance, at the very corner of the line of mountains holding up the sunset, there were dark clouds forming, flashes of blue and white lightening appearing. It was only in that location, as though someone had taken an entire thunderstorm and condensed it to one, small area. A blue aura radiated like a ring around it.
Miaka looked back to her husband. "Tamahome?" She asked.
Tamahome scowled and grabbed Miaka's wrist. "Come on, we have to get the others."
- - -
"It's them, all right." Chichiri spoke, his staff grasped tightly in his right hand. He and the rest of the group stood outside the palace, examining the disturbance.
"Seiryu?" Boushin asked.
Chichiri nodded.
"What are they doing?" Miaka inquired.
"I think..." Chiriko started, not taking his eyes off the horizon, "it's... the final battle..."
Nuriko frowned. "So they've actually made a calendar date?" He said lowly. "They're making this racket to call us out, and while Suzaku is sealed too. Cowards."
Boushin turned to look at the warriors. "Nuriko, Chichiri, Chiriko, Tasuki, Tamahome..." He called by name, "Will you fight them?"
They nodded, each more serious then the next.
"I'll damn them back to the hell they came from..." Tasuki muttered.
"Tonight." Tamahome stepped forward. "We'll travel tonight."
"We'd arrive by tomorrow, no da."
"They'll still be waiting for us." Nuriko added.
Miaka looked worried. She ran from Tamahome's side to the front of the small crowd. "I'm coming. I'm coming with you." She raised her arms.
"Miaka!" Yui exclaimed.
Miaka didn't wait for anyone to deny her. "I am the priestess of Suzaku. Even if the battle turned out for the worst, and the Seiryu seven won, I'd be next anyway. I'm coming with you. That's an order."
There were some stunned looks, but not anything too extravagant. The Suzaku seven were fairly used to this.
"You'll come, Miaka." Nuriko finally said.
Tasuki nodded, as did Tamahome.
Miaka lowered her arms. "Yoshi." She stated.
"Prepare yourselves, warriors! Your battle is at hand!" Boushin announced.
"It will be one we'll fight alone." Tasuki informed. "I don't want any damn soldiers comin' ta help us. It's a fight between warriors."
"Very well." Boushin concurred. "You may use whatever weapons or needs necessary."
A few more words were said, and the warriors returned to the palace to prepare.
- - -
Within the first hour Tamahome was suiting up, armor placed over his chest and shoulders. He and Miaka gathered what they would need quietly in their room. A light wind blew by the window, tapping ever so slightly on the glass as it passed.
Tamahome tied the top of a small parcel, lifting it to test the weight before resting it upon a dresser. He turned to see Miaka on the other side of the bed, moving slowly towards the nightstand.
"Miaka," He paused until she looked at him, "Are you ready?"
Miaka looked away, and nodded. "Hai, I think so." She placed her hands on the two knobs of the dresser and opened the drawer.
"What are you looking for? "Tamahome asked quietly.
Miaka pushed some of the clutter aside and pulled out a small bundle of light yellow cloth, laying it out on the bed. She slowly began unraveling the fabric. "It's just... something I want to take... for protection." She said sincerely.
Tamahome watched Miaka's delicate fingers shed off the layers of cloth. Finally, the last cover was taken off.
Tamahome's expression didn't change, but he watched.
Miaka picked up the intricate work, clasping it in both of her hands. "Just in case... I need it." Was all she said. She opened her fingers and looked at the golden rod. Putting on a small smile, she looked back to Tamahome. "Ready?"
- - -
"What the hell are ya up to?" Tasuki asked, stepping into Saori's bedroom through the open door. Saori had a large satchel on her bed and a few things laid out.
"I'm coming too, you know." She stated bluntly. "I've been with you guys so far, I'm not cutting out now. Besides, Mayo..."
"You're stayin' here with Yui." Tasuki interrupted. "Miaka is one case, you're another. I ain't gonna let you get killed out there. You're not involved in this."
Saori turned around, shocked. "Not involved? Are you kidding me? I was here way before Miaka was!"
"Not in the long run, kid." Tasuki picked up the pack and handed it to Saori. "You're stayin', no argument. Don't try runnin' to someone else, they'll be less lenient than I am."
Saori shook her head. "You can't MAKE me stay."
Tasuki sighed and put his hands on Saori's shoulders. "Saori, this is serious. I know it may not feel like it, but it is. We don't know that we'll make it through, and you gotta be here for Mayo."
Saori considered it for a moment. "No. I need to be –there- for Mayo, Tasuki. I'll stay out of the way like I always do. Please."
Tasuki released her. "You don't... understand, kid." He turned around and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
Saori watched the door for a minute or two. She frowned. "I don't understand?" She sat down with the satchel on her lap. "Take a deep breath, Saori. You've been a downer today, lighten up." She looked at the ceiling. "I understand. And I'm going. I have to tell Miaka before she leaves..." She stood up and let the pack fall to the floor and she quickly sprinted to the door.
She turned the knob and pushed.
She gasped. The door was stuck.
She pushed again and again, then turned the knob the other way and did the same. It wouldn't budge.
"What's going on?!" Saori yanked back and forth on the knob. "Someone help me! Let me out!!" She screamed.
Tasuki turned around from the hall, looking at the shaking entrance, and at the chair shoved securely under the knob.
His face showed a simple sadness. "I'm sorry, kid. I like ya too much to let ya be killed." He put his hands in his pockets and went down the hall, not stopping until he couldn't hear Saori's screams anymore.
- - -
Tasuki exited the palace to where Chichiri, Miaka, and Tamahome were, saddling the horses. Each one of them had a sword, either on a saddle or around their waist, like Tamahome and Tasuki himself.
"You ready?" Tamahome asked, the serious tone still on his voice.
Tasuki nodded. "Just about, I got the supplies I needed."
"Supplies?" Miaka asked.
Tasuki stuck his thumb out. "I learned a few things bein' a bandit that can help in the long run."
Nuriko came out carrying another small load, and he fastened it onto a free horse.
Miaka snapped. "Yui, I need to say bye to her. And Saori! Is she coming? She never told me."
Tasuki looked at the ground. "She's staying. I don't want her taggin' along on this one."
Miaka looked at the dark sky. "Well, I'll say bye then."
"I think she's asleep." Tasuki lied.
"Just Yui then, I won't wake her." Miaka hopped off the horse and ran back into the palace.
"Tasuki, what's wrong?" Nuriko asked.
Tasuki shook his head. "I'm... makin' Saori stay. But I don't feel good about it."
Chichiri looked over at those words. "Saori still has a full life ahead of her, I wouldn't risk it in a meaningless battle, no da."
- - -
WHAM!!!
Saori's shoulder came into hard contact with the door. She was thrown back by her own force and landed on the floor. She winced and rubbed the area that hit. Standing again, she pounded her fists on the door.
"TASUKI NO BAKA!!!" She screamed. "LET ME OUT!"
No one could hear her. Or at least, no one wanted to.
Saori whizzed around and ran to the balcony. She grabbed the handles of the glass doors and swung them open, pushing between the violet curtains. She went out to the rail and clasped it tightly, looking over.
She swallowed.
"No way... it's too high..." She said to herself. She looked around. There was nothing to climb down, no tree branches, not even any good eves to step on.
Frustrated, she returned to her room. She ran to the window and opened it, lifting herself onto the sill to look out.
Same as the balcony. There was nothing she could use to get down safely.
She jumped back into the room. "I can't let them leave without me..." She looked around. She lit up when she saw her pack.
Or, what her pack was on.
"Bingo!" She smiled, running to her bed. She threw everything on it off and pulled off the top cover, then the next, and the sheets. She yanked the ends out from under the mattress and began tying the ends together tightly.
"I don't care what happens, I'm coming. I'm going for Mayo!"
- - -
"Come on!" Tamahome shouted as Nuriko and Chiriko finally boarded their horses. They were all ready... as ready as they could be.
They rode out a little ways, away from the palace lights. Once they passed a long, stone wall, the glowing blue light could be seen again. In the night sky it had an eerie look to it. Most of the civilians were probably scattering from the spot.
That was good. If this was indeed Nakago's final battle, they didn't want innocents involved.
"It's finally time to end it, huh?" Tasuki asked as the horses moved to the outside gates.
"I'm not going down without at least one of them at my side." Nuriko stated.
Soon the group met up with the soldiers who guarded the front entrance to the palace grounds, and the red-clad men ran ahead to unlatch the walls and pull them open.
Miaka took a long breath. "Okay you guys." She looked back at Tamahome. "This... this is it, isn't it?"
Tamahome nodded.
"Let's go, no da." Chichiri pulled ahead of the group to lead the way.
"MATTE!"
The Suzaku seishi turned around to look back. Saori was running madly towards them, a small purse around her neck. "MATTE!" She called again.
"Sa-Saori?" Tamahome asked.
She passed by the guards and stepped in front of the horses. She wasn't able to speak, she was breathing so hard.
"Saori? What are you doing? Aren't you staying here?" Miaka questioned.
Saori shook her head. "I'm... going..... with you.... guys...." She swallowed.
Chichiri shook his head. "It can't be done, Saori. You need to stay here, it's too dangerous, no da."
Saori shook her head and coughed. "No... I came here... because I knew... it would be dangerous..." Her chest heaved up and down as she gasped for oxygen. "I'm here... just for Mayo.... I won't... abandon everyone... when I'm... so close..."
Everyone was silent as they heard her argument, even the guards.
She coughed again. "Please... even if... we lose... I want to get... Mayo...." She paused. "Besides that, you guys... are my friends.... and a good friend... would never leave.... just because it gets hard...."
"Saori..." Tamahome whispered.
A horse in the back walked forward, a bit ahead of Chichiri, stopping right beside Saori. The rider offered his hand.
Saori looked at him, still panting.
"C'mon, Kid." Tasuki sighed. "Get on."
Saori lit up and grasped his arm with both of hers, getting a foot in the stirrup as she was lifted up and sat behind the bandit. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "Arigatou!"
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "You better stay out of the way, or I'LL kill ya, got it?"
"Hai!"
Without anymore words, Chichiri kicked his horse and marched it forward. He was followed by Tasuki and Saori, then Miaka and Tamahome, Chiriko, and finally Nuriko. From the windows of the Konan palace, Yui, Boushin, and Houki watched solemnly.
This.... This wasn't war. Not a war that any normal human could ever comprehend. It would be a battle among the heavens, the East and the South, the Dragon and the Phoenix. As the last warrior of Suzaku disappeared from sight, no one, not even the creator herself, would know if they'd ever be back.
To MaryDFair: Yes, I got a little twin-happy with my last few chapters. I finally know what I'll do with Amiboshi, but you'll have to wait until I write it! As for Saori, she's so delightful, how could the bishis NOT fall for her? There technically only one who really has, though, and one who may keep the readers wondering.
To Kaeru Soyokaze: Only three words in that review, but they were very nice ones! I'm glad you love my fic!
To Metajoker: Ah, you actually came to mind the other day when I was watching FY with my friend. I noticed some of the traits in Soi that I overlooked, and if I can, I want to use her again in a more sentimental way. Thank you for the "balance" comment, and I'm glad you're enjoying my story more. Poor Inami though, you'll never like her, ne? Well, she's dead, so... And I read the first chapter of your fic, and I hope to read more as soon as I have the time!
To Polynesia: I'm officially extending you an invitation to the "Suboshi Cheer Squad." Thanks for reviewing!
To Delphine: I'm neglecting the real-world characters, aren't I? I believe Keisuke is in this chapter, so enjoy his presence. I appreciate you taking the time to email me reviews since ffnet won't work with you!
Author's Note: I'm really excited for the next two chapters, but I may have someone pre-read them before I post them because I'm not sure on how well they're written, so it MAY take a bit longer. Enjoy, this chapter is a bit longer than usual!
Chapter 74 : The Final Battle?
"Tasuki?" Yui asked from a dining table. Everyone had adjourned together for supper this particular night.
Tasuki stood at a window, his arms folded loosely in front of him. He had finally changed out of his black jacket and into blue clothes with a beige robe-like garment over it. He stood with his back towards everyone, thinking.
After not being answered, Yui looked to the others for help. Nuriko waved his hand to tell the rest to leave him alone.
They ate mostly in silence, Tasuki never changing his position from the window.
"What could he be thinking about?" Miaka asked Tamahome very quietly.
Tamahome watched Tasuki for a moment, and then got up from the table without answering Miaka's question. He walked over to the window and whispered something in Tasuki's ear. The bandit wasn't completely incoherent, since he turned slightly to respond back to Tamahome. The others couldn't hear them at all. At one point Tamahome looked back at them, but went on continuing his secret conversation.
"I'm settling it, then." Tasuki said in his normal voice.
He got confused looks.
Tasuki turned fully towards Tamahome, and exchanged glances with the table. "We're going back."
"To the palace?" Nuriko inquired.
Tasuki nodded. "Miaka and Saori and Yui may be safer here, but we sure as hell ain't gettin' anywhere sittin' around and doin' nothin'." He announced the decision fairly strictly. "My men, Konan's men, they're all out there fightin' this damn war and we're basically just sittin' back and lettin' it happen. And with... those DAMN Seiryu warriors runnin' around too..." The hint of anger in Tasuki's voice was rather apparent.
Chichiri stood from the table. "I agree, no da."
"Against his Highness's orders..." Nuriko trailed off.
Saori looked from Nuriko to Tasuki. "So are we...?"
"I won't stand by while we lose our country anymore." Tamahome made his opinion clear as well. "Besides, with no sign of us for three weeks, the Seiryu seven may have gone back to Kutou."
Saori, Yui, and Miaka gave each other unsure looks.
"We'd have to make another two days travel." Chiriko pointed out, standing as well.
"Who cares. It ain't like we planned on stayin' here forever anyways." Tasuki said coolly. He was really serious concerning what he was talking about. He was taking good use of his leadership skills. "And I want out of here tonight."
"Tonight?!" Miaka bolted up.
Tasuki nodded. "Night travel is safer. And this place's been givin' me the creeps with nobody fillin' it up."
"We'll prepare then, no da."
Nuriko stood finally and brushed his robe off. "We have no choice then. However..." He looked at Miaka, "If anything happens to Miaka.... Saori, or Yui, Boushin won't be the only one having our heads."
Tamahome nodded.
"What if the Seiryu warriors are merely waiting for our appearance?" Chiriko questioned.
Tasuki clenched his hands into fists. "Then they'll be sorry."
Yui watched the situation unraveling in front of her. Under the cover of the table, she subtly crossed her fingers.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Tasuki and the others were quick to saddle their horses and prepare to leave Reikaku to return to the palace." Keisuke read quietly to himself. He was in a field behind the school, a functioning stopwatch around his neck. His gym class was running laps on the field to prepare for a mile run next time. His next class would be the male gym class, and they'd do the same thing.
"Coach, what are you reading?" A girl with short blue hair asked, stopping in front of Keisuke and taking a few deep breaths. "You read that book in our class all the time now. Is it good?"
"It's just.... research, Keiko." Keisuke bluffed.
"Chinese?" She guessed, looking at the cover.
Keisuke nodded. "You noticed, good." He smiled. He held up the stopwatch around his neck. "Keep going."
"Hai!" She smiled and took off down the edge of the field.
Keisuke watched a few more students go, giving a few "good work!"s and "nice job!"s before returning to the page. He was in the last 1/4 of the book now, which meant, or so he hoped, that Miaka and the others would be back soon.
"Leaving under the shadow of the new moon, the Priestess of Suzaku made her way across the dry lands of Konan. At dawn they slept in a small inn, paying for the rooms with what little money they had with them. There was no sign of the Seiryu shichi seishi. By late noon the warriors and the girls from the other worlds continued their trail, always retracing the steps they had taken three weeks before..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Highness! Highness!" Buru ran into the throne room where Boushin sat with an advisor.
Boushin stood at the urgent tone of Buru's call. "Yes? What's wrong?"
Buru stopped and shook his head. "Nothing, Sire, but the Priestess and her warriors have returned!"
Boushin looked shocked. "They're back?" He gaped at his advisor, but then ran ahead with Buru to find the group.
- - -
Saori walked along side Nuriko, a pack strapped to her shoulders. Nuriko held the reins of the horses and pulled the animals through the palace gates.
"Saori! Nuriko!"
The two looked ahead to see the Emperor running towards them, layers of his heavy robe flashing about him.
Saori waved her arm. "Boushin!!" She exclaimed.
Boushin finally reached them, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "Why... are you here?"
Saori smiled brightly at him. "We just... came back! It was getting pointless staying at Mt. Reikaku for so long."
Boushin glared passed Saori at the other warriors coming in through the gates, pulling their horses along as well.
- - -
"The palace is still as dangerous now as it was then!" Boushin paced back and forth as the Suzaku warriors, Miaka, Yui, and Saori sat at the large rectangular table in the room adjacent to the throne room. "Why would you return?!"
"Nothing was being achieved remaining there." Tamahome answered calmly. "On our way we were attacked by Seiryu warriors, and we didn't know whether or not they were watching us."
"From out history with the Seiryu, don't you think they would have attacked by now if they knew your location?" Boushin asked sternly.
"If you're worried about Miaka, she's safer here where there are guards and stuff to protect her." Tasuki added.
"I suppose you're right." Boushin turned towards the fiery haired man. "Of course I couldn't simply rely on her warriors to keep her safe."
"Boushin!" Saori stood up, her chair nearly tipping over behind her.
Boushin's eyes met Saori's, though his expression didn't change. "It shouldn't be that hard of a thing to keep one woman safe, to obey ONE order! All I've ever required of you is to keep the Suzaku no Miko from harm, and you cannot even preserve her at a point of refuge!!"
"All they did was protect us!" Saori suddenly raised her voice, drawing all the attention to her.
"I don't doubt that fact, I can see it with my own eyes." Boushin stated firmly. "It doesn't change my point. Now sit down, Saori."
Saori shook her head with frustration. "Do you want to know what really happened?!"
Tamahome waved his hands subtly to tell Saori to be quiet.
Saori saw the signal, but ignored it. "I left while we at Reikaku. By myself. In fact, I was LOOKING for the Seiryu seven!"
"Nani?!" Boushin's eyes went wide.
Saori pursed her lips. "And I found them."
"WHAT?!" Tasuki exclaimed.
"You allowed this to happen?!" Boushin accused the warriors again.
"NO!" Saori answered again. "You don't understand! They're the reason that I'm even here!" Despite her outbursts, Saori still managed to keep her promise to the one who had truly saved her. "All they did was look out for Miaka and me, Yui too! The reason we're back here is because they're looking out for us!"
"Saori, that doesn't mean that...." Boushin started.
"How would you know!? You're not a warrior, are you?!" Saori interrupted sharply. She realized her words and clasped her hands over her mouth, her cheeks growing hot.
Boushin looked at her with a new surprise, as did everyone else.
Saori lowered her hands and stared at the table. "Go-gomen.... I've said too much..." She slowly sat down.
The room was silent for the few seconds following that. No one was quite sure what to say.
"No, Saori..."
She glanced up.
"You're right." Boushin spoke to her, but didn't look at her. "I am not a warrior, only the progeny of one. I could never understand on the level in which they do. They are the ones who were born for the sake of this woman, not me. I'm sorry for thinking any differently."
"Highness..." Nuriko whispered.
Boushin stood straight. "Welcome back, Suzaku seishi" His focus went to Miaka. "And Priestess. You are dismissed."
Everyone was slow to get out, and they didn't say much as they went on their way. Boushin of course left before anyone else did. Soon the room was again empty, except for the one chair that Saori still sat in.
"I didn't... I didn't mean to..." But she couldn't finish her sentence. She hung her head shamefully. How could she lose her temper like that... say those things to Boushin? What if they had hurt him? She knew they did. Boushin... Boushin had never looked at her like that before...
Two tears fell from her eyes and onto the hands that clasped the fabric of her skirt tightly in them. She was horrible. She didn't deserve the feelings Boushin had placed so tenderly on her.
"Gomen nasai!" She whispered, shutting her eyes.
- - -
"Chiriko, where are you going?" Yui asked as the young warrior left the throne room.
"I'm going to the dark study." He paused for a moment. "You've never been there, have you Yui?"
She shook her head. "What is it?"
Chiriko held out his hand towards the door. "Come, I'll show you, it's fascinating, really."
Yui nodded and followed after Chiriko.
- - -
Chiriko shut the door to the black room, ridding it of any and all light. Yui held still, not wanting to bump into anything. She couldn't see her own hand waving in front of her face. She heard Chiriko's light footsteps cross by her, and then she heard a click.
Suddenly the walls and ceiling lit up with hundreds of white lights.
Yui gasped. "They look like stars!" She exclaimed.
"They are." Chiriko's face was dimly illuminating by his closeness to the semi-covered lantern. "This is the current mapping of the southern night sky."
"It's amazing..." Yui looked towards the lantern Chiriko had turned on. It was covered with black paper. There must have been holes in it precisely placed to show the alignment of the stars.
Yui walked slowly around the room. A group of stars above her caught her eye. "Is that a constellation?" She asked.
"Yes." Chiriko answered. "The crow. Actually, that is the constellation that represents Mitsukake."
"Really?"
Chiriko walked closer to her. "Over there, see that? It looks like a kite."
Yui turned. "Yes."
"That is Hydra, the sea serpent. It's the constellation of Hotohori, but it also represents Nuriko and myself."
"Do you know all of the constellations?" Yui questioned.
"I do. I used to study them back home, before I ever met Miaka."
"Will you show me?" Yui asked again.
Chiriko carefully grasped Yui's wrist and lead her over a little ways. He pointed, his hand barely visible now that Yui's eyes were adjusting. "Gemini, the twins."
"Who is that?"
"Chichiri."
"Funny, it reminds me of some one else."
Chiriko continued. "Here's the cup, and there is Cancer, the crab. Tasuki and Tamahome have those constellations."
Chiriko also showed Yui the constellations of the other cardinal points, though they were dimmer than the others on this particular map. In Seiryu there was Scorpio, the scorpion; Virgo, the virgin; Libra, the scales; and Sagittarius, the archer. In the north, Sagittarius also laid. There was Aquarius, the water bearer; Capricorn, the ram; and Pegasus, the winged horse. Finally, in the west, there was Andromeda, the queen; Aries, another ram; Taurus, the bull; and Orion, the hunter.
"Tell me, Chiriko," Yui finally spoke, "Why did you want to come here?"
Chiriko strolled back to the lantern. "I wanted to looked at the star charts and models along with this. I can study them before night."
Night?" Yui asked.
Chiriko nodded. "I can read the stars, sometimes. I wanted to get a good look at them tonight. The atmosphere can be a prelude to upcoming events."
Yui listened intently, but didn't comment. It seemed that people in any world sought the stars for advice. Her eyes gazed over the young complexions of the warrior. Chiriko, he wanted to look out for the others. The look in Chiriko's green tinted eyes was almost sad, however.
"I can't fight."
Yui blinked.
Chiriko looked over at the southern constellations. "I've never been physically strong, and my abilities as a warrior aren't martial in any way. So instead, I try my best to help them in whatever way I can, even if it is just war strategy."
"Chiriko..."
There was a pause in the talk. "I didn't really realize it until someone, a good while ago, bluntly pointed it out to me when Kutou first struck. Since then... it's been on my mind."
Yui didn't know what to say. She could only watch Chiriko, watch his dim outline among the wall of stars.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Miaka wore a light summer robe, one that Hotohori had graciously supplied her earlier in her stay. Her elbows leaned on the railing of the ground-level balcony outside her room, low mountains in the distance made dark from the setting sun. The colors of the set were just starting to emerge, a light pink highlighting the horizon of the sky.
Miaka felt fingers brush her hair off her neck and a light kiss being placed near her shoulder. A chin rested near the same spot and two arms wrapped around her small waist.
She and Tamahome stayed like that for a little while, Tamahome watching the sunset as well. Eventually Miaka stood and turned around, causing Tamahome to release her.
She smiled. "It's good to be back."
Tamahome nodded as he tucked some of Miaka's red locks behind her ear. "I don't care where I am," he said, his voice hushed, "as long as I'm with you."
Miaka watched the light reflect off Tamahome's gorgeous violet eyes. She remembered staying with him here, nearly five years ago. He had offered to be her protector, then an older brother, and finally a lover. Tamahome was the only man Miaka had ever loved, ever held, ever kissed, but she had no regrets.
Tamahome's arms wrapped around her again as he leaned down to meet her, their lips connecting gently. Miaka's hands went to Tamahome's neck, pulling him closer to her. The act was simple, but blissful. Tamahome hesitantly pulled back to break the kiss after a moment, and he gazed at Miaka again.
"Tamahome, do you think...." Miaka began. However, she stopped herself when Tamahome's attention suddenly released her. Miaka followed his line of sight, turned, and glanced behind her.
She gasped.
"What... what's that?!" Miaka was alarmed.
In the distance, the far distance, at the very corner of the line of mountains holding up the sunset, there were dark clouds forming, flashes of blue and white lightening appearing. It was only in that location, as though someone had taken an entire thunderstorm and condensed it to one, small area. A blue aura radiated like a ring around it.
Miaka looked back to her husband. "Tamahome?" She asked.
Tamahome scowled and grabbed Miaka's wrist. "Come on, we have to get the others."
- - -
"It's them, all right." Chichiri spoke, his staff grasped tightly in his right hand. He and the rest of the group stood outside the palace, examining the disturbance.
"Seiryu?" Boushin asked.
Chichiri nodded.
"What are they doing?" Miaka inquired.
"I think..." Chiriko started, not taking his eyes off the horizon, "it's... the final battle..."
Nuriko frowned. "So they've actually made a calendar date?" He said lowly. "They're making this racket to call us out, and while Suzaku is sealed too. Cowards."
Boushin turned to look at the warriors. "Nuriko, Chichiri, Chiriko, Tasuki, Tamahome..." He called by name, "Will you fight them?"
They nodded, each more serious then the next.
"I'll damn them back to the hell they came from..." Tasuki muttered.
"Tonight." Tamahome stepped forward. "We'll travel tonight."
"We'd arrive by tomorrow, no da."
"They'll still be waiting for us." Nuriko added.
Miaka looked worried. She ran from Tamahome's side to the front of the small crowd. "I'm coming. I'm coming with you." She raised her arms.
"Miaka!" Yui exclaimed.
Miaka didn't wait for anyone to deny her. "I am the priestess of Suzaku. Even if the battle turned out for the worst, and the Seiryu seven won, I'd be next anyway. I'm coming with you. That's an order."
There were some stunned looks, but not anything too extravagant. The Suzaku seven were fairly used to this.
"You'll come, Miaka." Nuriko finally said.
Tasuki nodded, as did Tamahome.
Miaka lowered her arms. "Yoshi." She stated.
"Prepare yourselves, warriors! Your battle is at hand!" Boushin announced.
"It will be one we'll fight alone." Tasuki informed. "I don't want any damn soldiers comin' ta help us. It's a fight between warriors."
"Very well." Boushin concurred. "You may use whatever weapons or needs necessary."
A few more words were said, and the warriors returned to the palace to prepare.
- - -
Within the first hour Tamahome was suiting up, armor placed over his chest and shoulders. He and Miaka gathered what they would need quietly in their room. A light wind blew by the window, tapping ever so slightly on the glass as it passed.
Tamahome tied the top of a small parcel, lifting it to test the weight before resting it upon a dresser. He turned to see Miaka on the other side of the bed, moving slowly towards the nightstand.
"Miaka," He paused until she looked at him, "Are you ready?"
Miaka looked away, and nodded. "Hai, I think so." She placed her hands on the two knobs of the dresser and opened the drawer.
"What are you looking for? "Tamahome asked quietly.
Miaka pushed some of the clutter aside and pulled out a small bundle of light yellow cloth, laying it out on the bed. She slowly began unraveling the fabric. "It's just... something I want to take... for protection." She said sincerely.
Tamahome watched Miaka's delicate fingers shed off the layers of cloth. Finally, the last cover was taken off.
Tamahome's expression didn't change, but he watched.
Miaka picked up the intricate work, clasping it in both of her hands. "Just in case... I need it." Was all she said. She opened her fingers and looked at the golden rod. Putting on a small smile, she looked back to Tamahome. "Ready?"
- - -
"What the hell are ya up to?" Tasuki asked, stepping into Saori's bedroom through the open door. Saori had a large satchel on her bed and a few things laid out.
"I'm coming too, you know." She stated bluntly. "I've been with you guys so far, I'm not cutting out now. Besides, Mayo..."
"You're stayin' here with Yui." Tasuki interrupted. "Miaka is one case, you're another. I ain't gonna let you get killed out there. You're not involved in this."
Saori turned around, shocked. "Not involved? Are you kidding me? I was here way before Miaka was!"
"Not in the long run, kid." Tasuki picked up the pack and handed it to Saori. "You're stayin', no argument. Don't try runnin' to someone else, they'll be less lenient than I am."
Saori shook her head. "You can't MAKE me stay."
Tasuki sighed and put his hands on Saori's shoulders. "Saori, this is serious. I know it may not feel like it, but it is. We don't know that we'll make it through, and you gotta be here for Mayo."
Saori considered it for a moment. "No. I need to be –there- for Mayo, Tasuki. I'll stay out of the way like I always do. Please."
Tasuki released her. "You don't... understand, kid." He turned around and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
Saori watched the door for a minute or two. She frowned. "I don't understand?" She sat down with the satchel on her lap. "Take a deep breath, Saori. You've been a downer today, lighten up." She looked at the ceiling. "I understand. And I'm going. I have to tell Miaka before she leaves..." She stood up and let the pack fall to the floor and she quickly sprinted to the door.
She turned the knob and pushed.
She gasped. The door was stuck.
She pushed again and again, then turned the knob the other way and did the same. It wouldn't budge.
"What's going on?!" Saori yanked back and forth on the knob. "Someone help me! Let me out!!" She screamed.
Tasuki turned around from the hall, looking at the shaking entrance, and at the chair shoved securely under the knob.
His face showed a simple sadness. "I'm sorry, kid. I like ya too much to let ya be killed." He put his hands in his pockets and went down the hall, not stopping until he couldn't hear Saori's screams anymore.
- - -
Tasuki exited the palace to where Chichiri, Miaka, and Tamahome were, saddling the horses. Each one of them had a sword, either on a saddle or around their waist, like Tamahome and Tasuki himself.
"You ready?" Tamahome asked, the serious tone still on his voice.
Tasuki nodded. "Just about, I got the supplies I needed."
"Supplies?" Miaka asked.
Tasuki stuck his thumb out. "I learned a few things bein' a bandit that can help in the long run."
Nuriko came out carrying another small load, and he fastened it onto a free horse.
Miaka snapped. "Yui, I need to say bye to her. And Saori! Is she coming? She never told me."
Tasuki looked at the ground. "She's staying. I don't want her taggin' along on this one."
Miaka looked at the dark sky. "Well, I'll say bye then."
"I think she's asleep." Tasuki lied.
"Just Yui then, I won't wake her." Miaka hopped off the horse and ran back into the palace.
"Tasuki, what's wrong?" Nuriko asked.
Tasuki shook his head. "I'm... makin' Saori stay. But I don't feel good about it."
Chichiri looked over at those words. "Saori still has a full life ahead of her, I wouldn't risk it in a meaningless battle, no da."
- - -
WHAM!!!
Saori's shoulder came into hard contact with the door. She was thrown back by her own force and landed on the floor. She winced and rubbed the area that hit. Standing again, she pounded her fists on the door.
"TASUKI NO BAKA!!!" She screamed. "LET ME OUT!"
No one could hear her. Or at least, no one wanted to.
Saori whizzed around and ran to the balcony. She grabbed the handles of the glass doors and swung them open, pushing between the violet curtains. She went out to the rail and clasped it tightly, looking over.
She swallowed.
"No way... it's too high..." She said to herself. She looked around. There was nothing to climb down, no tree branches, not even any good eves to step on.
Frustrated, she returned to her room. She ran to the window and opened it, lifting herself onto the sill to look out.
Same as the balcony. There was nothing she could use to get down safely.
She jumped back into the room. "I can't let them leave without me..." She looked around. She lit up when she saw her pack.
Or, what her pack was on.
"Bingo!" She smiled, running to her bed. She threw everything on it off and pulled off the top cover, then the next, and the sheets. She yanked the ends out from under the mattress and began tying the ends together tightly.
"I don't care what happens, I'm coming. I'm going for Mayo!"
- - -
"Come on!" Tamahome shouted as Nuriko and Chiriko finally boarded their horses. They were all ready... as ready as they could be.
They rode out a little ways, away from the palace lights. Once they passed a long, stone wall, the glowing blue light could be seen again. In the night sky it had an eerie look to it. Most of the civilians were probably scattering from the spot.
That was good. If this was indeed Nakago's final battle, they didn't want innocents involved.
"It's finally time to end it, huh?" Tasuki asked as the horses moved to the outside gates.
"I'm not going down without at least one of them at my side." Nuriko stated.
Soon the group met up with the soldiers who guarded the front entrance to the palace grounds, and the red-clad men ran ahead to unlatch the walls and pull them open.
Miaka took a long breath. "Okay you guys." She looked back at Tamahome. "This... this is it, isn't it?"
Tamahome nodded.
"Let's go, no da." Chichiri pulled ahead of the group to lead the way.
"MATTE!"
The Suzaku seishi turned around to look back. Saori was running madly towards them, a small purse around her neck. "MATTE!" She called again.
"Sa-Saori?" Tamahome asked.
She passed by the guards and stepped in front of the horses. She wasn't able to speak, she was breathing so hard.
"Saori? What are you doing? Aren't you staying here?" Miaka questioned.
Saori shook her head. "I'm... going..... with you.... guys...." She swallowed.
Chichiri shook his head. "It can't be done, Saori. You need to stay here, it's too dangerous, no da."
Saori shook her head and coughed. "No... I came here... because I knew... it would be dangerous..." Her chest heaved up and down as she gasped for oxygen. "I'm here... just for Mayo.... I won't... abandon everyone... when I'm... so close..."
Everyone was silent as they heard her argument, even the guards.
She coughed again. "Please... even if... we lose... I want to get... Mayo...." She paused. "Besides that, you guys... are my friends.... and a good friend... would never leave.... just because it gets hard...."
"Saori..." Tamahome whispered.
A horse in the back walked forward, a bit ahead of Chichiri, stopping right beside Saori. The rider offered his hand.
Saori looked at him, still panting.
"C'mon, Kid." Tasuki sighed. "Get on."
Saori lit up and grasped his arm with both of hers, getting a foot in the stirrup as she was lifted up and sat behind the bandit. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "Arigatou!"
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "You better stay out of the way, or I'LL kill ya, got it?"
"Hai!"
Without anymore words, Chichiri kicked his horse and marched it forward. He was followed by Tasuki and Saori, then Miaka and Tamahome, Chiriko, and finally Nuriko. From the windows of the Konan palace, Yui, Boushin, and Houki watched solemnly.
This.... This wasn't war. Not a war that any normal human could ever comprehend. It would be a battle among the heavens, the East and the South, the Dragon and the Phoenix. As the last warrior of Suzaku disappeared from sight, no one, not even the creator herself, would know if they'd ever be back.