Author's note: Well, I got all excited for summer vacation so I could work
on this thing, and how much have I gotten out? 2 chapters? Oi, sorry! I
actually had ONE scene left to write, but I'm so freakin' lazy... chapter 78
has been started though! Thank you so much for the reviews, I got a lot of
them! I mean A LOT.
To Rockie-chan: Thank you SO MUCH. Greatest story? You flatter me. It takes a lot of dedication to read a fic when it's all ready so long. Thank you SO much, and for you, I will say that at least one of the two people you asked me not to kill doesn't die.
To It'sTheDee: Your story is great, BTW. Thank you so much for starting to read mine, even if right now you're only on chapter 10. You reply to each chapter, and long reviews too! Thank you!
To BD: Thank you, I thought the battle scenes wouldn't bee too great. I appreciate it. I'm going heavy on the drama, ne?
To MaryDFair: Amiboshi will reappear... next chapter... maybe 79. Probably 79. Thank you too! Reviews like yours make me want to keep writing.
To Poruporu: Yep, just like in WW2, my fic had a phony battle. No one was killed, yet, but I still got to beat the crap out of them. The fic will end soon though!
To Kaeru Soyokaze: Tomite fan, I see? I love that boy. Keep reading!
To Chibi-face: The sword? Don't you remember the golden rod Inami always carried with her? She fought Ashitare with it once, and she used it before Nakago killed her. Nakago "returned" it, and it ended up with Miaka. Hope that clears something up. Thank you, especially for the "amazing piece of work" comment!
To Metajoker: Aw, my loyal reader. Actually, Uruki worked at the palace, and though it's not on the border, in the summer it gets pretty warm. She was also a lady in waiting, which explain the dress a bit more. Good point, though. I hope I don't ruin Uruki and Urumiya for you! Uruki has a bit of a split personality, so I hope you still approve of her. Oo;; (I will get to dark past!)
To Polynesia: I'm glad you're a fan of the other Genbu seishi, especially Uruki and Tomite, I'll probably do more with them. I'm sorry you hate Inami! Though I think you may like her when I finally write my genbu fic, someday...
To Amaya-san: I love Chichiri and Tasuki to pieces, and Chichiri is SO hard for me to write for, oddly. Kinda blows. I'll do more with both, hopefully...
Author's note again: Holy crap, 19 reviews... 10 of which actually came from the same person. ;; All right, onto the fic!
Chapter 77 : Awakened, Returned, and Reconciled
Tasuki woke up fully rested. It took him a moment to take in his surroundings.
He had no clue where he was.
"What the hell?" He asked. He was in a room that seemed to have... sky for walls? The only thing with him was the pink and yellow bed he laid on.
And he was completely naked.
Tasuki secured the single sheet that covered him around his waist and stood up. The floor was solid, but... where was he?
Then the memories of the battle came back.
He looked down at his torso, running a hand along his side. He was completely healed; there wasn't a scratch on him.
He remembered the other warriors showing up. He remembered...
"Akue..." He whispered.
Suddenly the round, gold door at the front of the room swung open, and two Nyan-Nyans walked in, each holding pieces of folded clothing.
"Nyan-Nyan?" Tasuki asked,
"Hai!" the two said simultaneously.
"We brought you some clothes!" The one at right squealed happily.
"You're other ones were SO dirty." The other added.
"I like these ones much better!"
"We fixed you too!"
"You were broken all over!"
"But you're all better now!"
The two girls started giggling as they handed the clothes to Tasuki.
Tasuki knelt down to accept them. "Where is everyone else?"
"They were broken too."
"But they're fixed now!"
That was all the Nyan-Nyan said before leaving, closing the door after them to allow Tasuki some privacy.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Tetsuya, you won't believe what happened."
"What? Something bad?"
"Yes and no."
"What do you mean yes and no?"
"Just listen, I'll tell you everything...."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tasuki walked down the hall of the large building he was in, completely lost. He had been to Mt. Taikyoku before, but he never took a tour... or anything, really. A few Nyan-Nyan passed by him, singing or humming, but that was it. He couldn't even find old-Taiisukun.
He opened a door at the end of the hall, bright sunlight pouring about him as he did. He stepped out onto the mountain, seeing random, floating bubbles everywhere, suspended in the air as if on strings. He wore the clothes the Nyan-Nyan had provided him, obviously. They consisted of black pants and a dark blue shirt with a lighter blue tie. The shirt fastened with small tie along his right shoulder, and another shirt underneath made the long black sleeves he had on. He looked around, but didn't see anyone. So, he took the path leading away from the building, keeping his eyes open.
"You're up, no da."
Tasuki spun around to see Chichiri coming up another path.
"Chichiri, how'd we get up here?" He asked.
Chichiri smiled, his mask back intact. "You and Tamahome were out cold, na no da. We were teleported here right after the battle, no da."
"So..." Tasuki looked around again. "Where is everyone?"
Chichiri smiled. "That's what I came down here for, no da. Everyone is waiting for you, no da."
Tasuki rubbed his head, still confused. "Chichiri, what the hell are ya gettin' at?"
"It's a surprise, na no da!" He voice was light. "Follow me, I'll show you no da. I think you'll like it too, no da."
"You're one strange fella, you know that?" Tasuki questioned. Regardless, he followed the older monk over to a path of cobblestones, moving off the "main road". Chichiri obviously had been healed as well. Tasuki had a million questions still plaguing his mind, as the way the monk acted, it was as if the battle with the Seiryu seven had never occurred.
He grumbled. He hated being confused.
After about five minutes of silent walking, Chichiri stepped around a rocky pillar and pointed forward with his staff, which had also been repaired. Tasuki glanced around. Everyone was there, all right. Miaka, Saori, Tamahome, the usual, but...
Tasuki gasped, shocked. "No way..." He whispered. His lip curved upward into a faint grin, a single white fang revealing itself.
"Hey, you're finally up!" Nuriko yelled back at him.
Tasuki ran ahead of Chichiri towards the rest of the gang. "Mitsukake! Hotohori! What the hell?!"
The two faded images laughed a bit. The spirit of Tama circled around one of Mitsukake's legs before prancing towards Tasuki.
"They killed the cat?!" He asked, kneeling down to the animal. Tamahome brushed by him, though his fur passed right through Tasuki's skin. "I completely forgot about this guy..."
"Tasuki, it is good to see you." Hotohori spoke gently.
Tasuki stood back up, and bowed rather quickly out of respect. "You too, Highness. And Mitsukake... I'm still... I'm glad to see you guys!"
"We've been talking for about two hours all ready." Nuriko complained, smacking the bandit on the back of his head. "You sleep too much, Baka."
"Tasuki may escape unscathed most of the time, but when he gets hurt, he does it better than any of us." Chiriko joked.
Miaka hugged Tasuki from the side. "I'm glad you're all better!"
Tasuki rubbed the top of Miaka's head. "So... we all came out alive?"
"Seems like it." Tamahome replied. He got a bit more serious. "But, the battle isn't over yet. We have to go back some time."
"We got lucky, no da." Chichiri appeared at the back of the group. "It seems that Taiisukun had us in favor, no da."
"It wasn't just me."
Tamahome turned to see Taiisukun floating in the air right beside his face, and he reacted with a loud scream, dodging behind Miaka.
Taiisukun sniffed at him. "Grow up, Tamahome. My face isn't that bad."
"You'd think she'd know with all the mirrors she's got around here." Tasuki mumbled to Nuriko.
"Wasn't just you?" Miaka asked. "What do you mean?"
Taiisukun rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Miaka, you haven't changed one bit from the fifteen year old I first knew you as."
Miaka sweat dropped. "Heh... sorry..."
"Those, those other warriors?" Saori spoke up. "Do you mean something about them?"
Taiisukun nodded. "I can see at least one of you isn't so naive. It is against my rule to simply aid the warriors of the god I favor. I control every aspect of this world, including the Seiryu seven."
"That does make sense." Chiriko mentioned.
"It is like the time when Nuriko, Hotohori, Mitsukake, and Chiriko appeared in Miaka's world in order to save her." Taiisukun went on. "Other spirits called out towards you, and that perhaps is the only reason you're here."
"Other spirits?" Miaka repeated.
Tasiisukun clasped her hands together. "Perhaps this will better explain things."
An even square of ground under the Suzaku warriors began glowing bright yellow, and the light soared upward around them like a box. Within seconds it died down again, and the warriors found themselves in a different area of Mt. Taikyoku. A little ways off there was a large, tiled floor, each corner marked off by giant magenta poles. Within its confines were seven more spirits.
-"I SAID don't call me CHAN, BAKA!" A familiar voice rang out.-
"I-Inami?" Miaka stepped forward to get a better look as the group began to disperse a bit.
-"Jeez, cool off, will you?!" Tomite laughed a bit.-
"You moron, you haven't changed!"
"Neither have you, ahou!"
"You guys..." A man with choppy white hair held his hands up. "I know you're not serious, but can we stop the fighting?"
"It's no use, Urumiya-chan." A girl sitting in a pink dress piped in. "Once Inami-chan and Tomite-chan get going, you can't stop them."
Miaka neared the group. The woman who had just spoken was the same one that had appeared before her when Nakago struck. She also knew the boy she was talking to... the angel who had saved her twice from falling to her death, the one she had seen in Hokkan after getting the goblet from the Okani tribe. Near him was the man she had met in the caves of Mt. Black years before, the one who had given her the shinzaho of Genbu. As she neared closer, she deciphered the two personages arguing, though it took a moment. One was the boy she had also seen in the caves of Hokkan years before, and the other was Inami, the ambassador that had remained so loyal to their cause. However... she looked so much different... She sounded different too. A tall, broad-shouldered man and a slim man sulking on a chair were complete strangers to her.
Uruki, the woman in pink, looked over at the boy in the chair. "Ne, Hatsui-chan, cheer up! Be happy!"
Hatsui, as the boy was called, shook his head. "I... I..."
"It was not your fault, Hatsui." The taller man assured him. Miaka could hear his low voice fairly well now. "The Nyan-Nyan sacrifice themselves constantly for us."
"I killed her..." Hatsui sobbed. "I let myself be injured, and it killed her. I... I couldn't heal in time, and..."
"Suck it up man." Tomite overheard their conversation.
Inami sighed, walking over and leaning on a pole next to Hikitsu. "How long do we have to stay here?"
"Long enough, Akue." Hikitsu informed her. He said something else, but it was far too quiet for Miaka to hear.
Tomite suddenly whistled quite loudly. "Hey hey! We've got company!"
The seven warriors looked over to see Miaka, who in turn posed like a deer in the headlights. The other members of the Suzaku seven were slowly filing in as well.
"Miaka!" Inami floated up from her space and back down in front of the priestess. "Long time no see, eh?"
Miaka's eyes started to water a bit. "You're... You're alive!" She said, rushing to hug Inami. However, she passed right through her and hit the ground hard.
"She did the same thing with Hotohori and Mitsukake..." Nuriko sighed, stepping up.
Inami laughed, turning around to face Miaka again. "Not quite, I'm still fairly... dead. Thus the translucency effect."
"Hey, I remember you." Tamahome pointed a finger at Tomite, holding it inches from the 16-year-old's nose. "You're that pervert from Hokkan."
"Pervert?" Tomite exclaimed. "Hey buddy, there's nothing perverse about it! If you've got a..."
"Ohayo!" Uruki's spirit stepped in front of Tomite's, making Tamahome jump back. "You're Tamahome-kun, ne?"
"Uh..." Tamahome wasn't sure what to say. "Y-yes?"
Uruki presented a large smile, clasping her hands behind her back. "You're handsome." She stated.
Tamahome blinked. "Uh..." A memory triggered in his mind, and he recognized the spirit as the girl who had stepped in front of Nakago's chi attack. "Hey, you..."
"Where's Tasuki-kun?" She interrupted, suddenly very excited. "Ne, I want to see him too!"
"Uruki, get outta my face..." Tomite tried to push her aside.
Uruki smiled once more. "Hai!" She ran forward, moving right through Tamahome.
Tamahome shook a bit. "That... was a weird feeling..." He grumbled. He looked forward. Tomite had floated off somewhere too.
Miaka pushed herself off the ground and stood, suddenly noticing another spirit walking up towards her.
"You made it safely." He spoke kindly.
"Angel..." Miaka whispered. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "What's your name? Please tell me."
He chuckled a bit. "Well, the name you should know me by is Urumiya." He bowed a bit. "I am very grateful to meet the Suzaku no Miko face to face."
Miaka's blushed a little bit. He was so nice.
Hotohori and Mitsukake's own spirits stood nearby as well, as did the small soul of Tama.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Hotohori asked the taller man. "Seeing fellow warriors like us, who existed over 200 years ago? To think of the tales they could have..."
A large pink bubble suddenly scattered the mingling warriors on the tile floor, and with a quick flash of yellow light, Taiisukun appeared, floating in the air as always.
"GAH!" Tomite and Tamahome both simultaneously screamed.
"It never ceases with you, does it?" Taiisukun snapped harshly at the two men.
Taiisukun slowly scanned over the group with her beady eyes. "It seems that you're all accounted for, good."
"Taiisukun-sama!" Uruki jumped into view. "How have you been?"
"Not now, Uruki." Taiisukun scolded.
"Ara?" Uruki pointed to herself.
"Now, I have to speak to all of you." Taiisukun alerted.
"I'm a horrible person..." Hatsui muttered from his curled up position.
Chiriko looked around the floor. "We really are all here... there are so many... of 'us'..."
Saori stepped a bit closer to Chiriko. "I'm kinda nervous..."
"AHEM!" Taiisukun coughed loudly.
"Hey, we're having a reunion, think you could cut us some slack?" Tomite asked.
Inami looked from Tasuki to Taiisukun, but remained quiet.
"I have brought you here after what you assumed was your 'final battle'." Taiisukun finally began explaining to the Suzaku warriors and priestess. "The call of your deceased warriors was strong, but sending them to help you like before would have resulted in further problems, since Suzaku is still sealed."
"It was you two?" Tamahome pointed.
Hotohori nodded. "We've watched over all of you even after death. Mitsukake and I certainly could not have allowed the Seiryu seven to defeat us."
"I agree." Taiisukun continued. "So, in their place, I sent down these warriors. One of them was rather obnoxious in her persistence."
Tomite nudged Inami.
"Suzaku Warriors," Taiisukun again caught their attention, "your final battle with the Seiryu Seven cannot be avoided, and I can only offer so much help."
"What can we do, Taiisukun?" Miaka asked.
"I'm getting to that part." Taiisukun snapped again. Her eyes moved over each warrior. "I have decided, after much contemplation, that I will lend out the Nyan-Nyan bodies that you need, which means that, if they so agree to it, the Genbu celestial spirits will attend with you until a better solution can be found."
"REALLY?" Miaka lit up. "Hotohori and Mitsukake too?"
"You're putting us on sittin' duty?" Tomite asked.
"Yes." Taiisukun answered only to Miaka. "But only if necessary. I imagine Konan suddenly having its emperor back would create quite a stir."
Hotohori rubbed his chin. "That is correct..."
"And don't wear them out!" Taiisukun emphasized. "These aren't permanent things, don't use up all of my Nyan-Nyans' strength!" She rubbed her forehead. "I will prepare them, please wait here. Inami, Chichiri, come with me. And Hatsui?"
The boy lifted his head.
"Suck it up. I don't want you moping."
"Hai..." Hatsui spoke solemnly.
Taiisukun radiated a yellow light for a moment, and disappeared.
Miaka ran up to Hotohori and Mitsukake. "Hear that? You guys can get bodies again!"
"Do not misjudge what she said, Miaka." Mitsukake smiled lightly. "For the most part, his Highness and I will remain in spirit."
Tasuki passed by Tamahome and Saori towards the Genbu seven. He looked around for Inami, but only saw six people. Inami had all ready vanished.
"Wait, I have a question." Saori spoke up. "When we get back to the palace, does that mean I won't be able to see you guys anymore? Since I'm not a warrior?"
"I'm... not sure, Saori." Hotohori answered. "You are not a warrior or the priestess, so I imagine the only thing creating our visibility may be the atmosphere here..."
"Don't worry, Saori-chan." Uruki floated down from above them, her hands behind her back. "You won't be left out. You'll be able to see them in their Nyan-Nyan bodies."
"So you're one of the Genbu seven?" Saori asked.
Uruki nodded. "Hai, I am. Number two!" She flashed a peace sign to Saori. "My name is Bai-ling, but my celestial title is Uruki. I like that name better. It's more fun to say, ne?"
"Uruki?" Saori repeated. It sounded so familiar... She lit up. "Uruki! You're the artist!!"
"Ara?" Uruki asked.
"I saw your sketch books in Hokkan!" Saori stated. "There were so many of them!"
"Ne, really?" Uruki asked. "Inami-chan kept them?"
"Those were your portraits?" Hotohori asked.
Uruki nodded. "Ne, come over here and meet the rest of us! We don't bite, I swear!" She reached for Saori's wrist, but her hand passed right through it.
"Oops, forgot." She shrugged. Uruki over-viewed Saori, noting her clothes. "You're from the other world? Sa... Saori, isn't it?"
She blinked in surprise. "Yeah, how did you..."
"I'm smart, no da!" Uruki interrupted. She looked past Saori. "So, the one who left was Chichiri-kun, so..." She saw Chiriko, who was the next closest. "Who are you?"
Chiriko smiled faintly at the girl's sudden bluntness. "My name is Chiriko."
Uruki floated up above Saori and landed behind her. "Which means... "She spotted Nuriko. "Wow! You're better looking than Tamahome-kun!"
"Uruki, such comments aren't..." Hikitsu stepped forward a bit.
"Better looking?" Tamahome folded his arms.
Nuriko laughed. "It's obvious, isn't it?"
"Hai hai!"
"I apologize, Uruki gets... a bit excited with strangers." Namame appeared next to the raven-haired girl. He spoke as if she were a young puppy.
"Which means...." She floated up again, landing by Tasuki and the two Suzaku spirits. "You're Tasuki! I'm right, ne?"
Tasuki nodded slowly. This chick was really.... really strange. She seemed more... noble when she appeared during the battle.
- - -
It didn't take too long before Taiitsukun reappeared with Inami and Chichiri, along with a swarm of giggling Nyan-Nyan.
"Attention!" She called out to all the visitors. "I will send all of you to the Konan palace now. Don't get out of hand, understood? Hikitsu, I expect you to keep the rest of the Genbu seishi in line."
"I will." Hikitsu replied.
"What a drag..." Tomite muttered. He got a dirty look from Inami.
"Nyan-Nyan!" Taiisukun called. "Go forward!"
"Nyan-Nyan!" The nine little girls called out. They all jumped up into the air and somersaulted, forming into pink bubbles. Each of them floated over a deceased warrior, lowering down onto them and expanding to fit the entire spirit inside of them.
"Matte, Taiisukun!" Saori suddenly ran up to the old woman.
Taiisukun lifted an eyebrow. "Yes, Saori. What is it?"
Saori took a deep breath. "I have a favor to ask. Please, instead of Konan, will you send me to the Kutou Palace? Where Mayo is?"
"NANI?!" Miaka overheard, spinning around. "Saori, you can't!"
Taiisukun nodded. "If that is what you wish, Saori, than I can grant it."
"Arigatou gozaimasu."
"Saori, no!" Miaka ran up. "You can't go there, you'll be killed!"
"But Mayo..."
"You're not serious, are you?" Nuriko asked.
"Hush!" Taiisukun shouted. "Saori is involved in things that not even you are aware of, it is not your decision to make."
"What?" Miaka asked, almost devastated.
"No more hesitating." Taiisukun clapped her hands together.
Each warrior, along with Miaka and Saori, saw themselves surrounded by a yellow light, and Mt. Taikyoku disappeared.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Keisuke had to put the book down in order to teach his class. He loved being a gym teacher, and so he did participate in a few sports or games that his students played. Before he knew it, the bell for the end of the school day rang, and students were filling the hallways of Yotsubadai High school, eager to get home.
Keisuke stepped into his office and locked the door behind him. Her grabbed the front of his T-shirt and shook it a bit, getting some air on his chest. He had left off on the warriors at Taikyoku, which he figured was a decent spot to rest since no one was in immediate danger. He pulled out his roll-y chair and sat down, pulling the book out of a desk drawer. He flipped to the page he had left off on. Tetsuya was coming by his apartment around six to get the book, and Keisuke was on "Hikari Duty" that night.
He leaned back and started reading. The Genbu warriors were all there, all spirits. He remembered learning about them, about Takiko Okuda when Miaka first entered the book. He had read about Hikitsu and Tomite when Miaka was searching for Genbu's shinzaho, but the others had been a mystery to him. Now he could see each one, learn more about the history of the book.
He read over the appearing Kanji casually. Hotohori and Mitsukake were there, which relieved him for some reason. Miaka would be happy.
He turned the page, and read.
And read.
And read.
And...
"WHAT?!" He shouted, leaping out of his chair. He read the line again to make sure, and to his dismay, he was right. Saori asked Taiisukun to send her to the Kutou palace! He dared to read the next line.
He nearly dropped the book. Taiisukun... Taiisukun did it? How could that hag send Saori into the heart of the enemy's fortress, right after an intense battle like the one they had? Saori would be killed, even Mayo couldn't protect her.
"Damnit...." Keisuke muttered. "Damnit Saori, you're not being brave, you're being stupid!" He shouted at the book. "Piece of... damnit!"
Keeping his finger in the book, he grabbed his duffle bag and left his office. He didn't know why he had to leave, but he was frustrated.
If Saori... if anything happened to her, he wouldn't forgive himself.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A yellow light suddenly appeared in the center of the throne room at the Konan palace, whistling as it grew into a large sphere.
"Highness!" Buru stepped in front of Boushin, shielding him.
Boushin stood from his chair and placed a hand on Buru's arm. "Chotto Matte..." He studied the light. It wasn't the power of Suzaku or Seiryu, though.
Yui, who was also in the throne room, s from her eyes. "I think..." she saw an outline form. "It's Miaka!"
The light dimmed, and four personages appeared.
Boushin stepped around Buru with excitement at the sight of the Priestess. "You've returned!" He exclaimed. I began to fear the worst, you've been go for so long."
"So long?" Miaka asked. It wasn't THAT long, was it?
Yui ran up too. "You've been gone for two days!"
"Two days?" Chiriko repeated. "I see... I didn't calculate the time o we spent at Taikyoku."
"You... have defeated them?" Buru asked hopefully.
Tamahome shook his head. "No... there is a lot of explaining to do, you see..." But Tamahome stopped talking at Boushin's gasp.
The emperor stared in disbelief at the tall man with them. "Mi... Mitsukake?" He breathed. "But..." He took a frail step forward. "How... how can you be alive?"
Miaka smiled and walked to Boushin. "That's part of what we have to explain."
Yui's eyes quivered as well. "Explain? What... happened?"
Tamahome figured now was as good a time as any. "We fought with the Seiryu seven, but without our powers... we were losing, painfully. Before Nakago could strike though," He paused, "This will sound made-up, but the Genbu Seishi appeared in Nyan-Nyan bodies and well, pretty much saved our butts. We ended up at Mt. Taikyoku, where Taiisukun..."
"Taiisukun?" Boushin asked, still watching Mitsukake. He remembered seeing the old woman months and months before, when she had informed them of the shinzahos that were needed to summon Suzaku. "I see, this is Taiisukun's magic? A Nyan-Nyan?"
"Hai." Miaka answered.
Boushin stiffened and turned around. "Then... my father...?"
Miaka blinked a few times. "Only four of us are here..."
"Taiisukun probably had a few different landing coordinates." Chiriko answered. He smiled calmly at the emperor. "His Highness Hotohori should be around here somewhere, or at least his spirit should be."
Buru clasped the armrest of the throne, as if he were abut to pass out. "His Highness... Saihitei..."
Boushin's expression suddenly became one of determination. "Then I want to see him, please."
"Miaka," Yui questioned, "Saori, did she go with you?"
Boushin suddenly remembered the disappearance of Saori. "Yes, did she?"
Miaka hesitated, then frowned. "She... was with us, but..."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Another orb of light faded out, and four more warriors found themselves at the Konan palace...
Suspended about 20 feet over the large, calm river that passed through the palace gardens.
"AAAAIIIIEEEE!" A scream came as the bodies fell, three splashing into the water below.
Urumiya flapped his wings, hovering only about two feet above the surface of the water. "Taiisukun certainly didn't choose a good landing spot..." He commented. He glanced onto the water surface.
The first head that emerge was Nuriko's, and he spat water out, glancing about. "I didn't need that...."
"Help! I CAN'T SWIM!!" Tasuki's loud voice boomed as he went under the surface of the water.
Two arms secured around his waist and he was brought back to the surface, pulled to the riverbank.
"Baka..." Uruki sighed, releasing him. She grabbed onto the bank and hoisted herself out of the water, her dress heavy from the water weight. She glanced up at Urumiya, who smiled.
"And you couldn't at least catch me?!" She complained, grabbing the end of her skirt and wringing out. "Baka no Taiisukun-sama, she did that on purpose..."
Tasuki pulled himself out next, then Nuriko did the same as Urumiya landed beside them. He bent his shoulders back and the wings began glowing green, and they slowly shrank back into his back. He sighed. "I hate it when I do this... " He pulled a piece of fabric off his waist. He ruined a lot of decent clothes that way.
"So this is Konan, ne?" Uruki asked.
Nuriko wiped his soaking bangs away from his face. "Yeah. Despite the wake-up call we just got, I'm glad to be back."
Uruki shrugged. "Hokkan's is bigger." She started walking towards the building.
Urumiya smiled lightly. "She's just joking, really..." He persuaded.
Tasuki watched after Uruki, not noticing how cold and wet he was. "This... is still a shock to me."
"Tell me about it." Nuriko added.
Urumiya suddenly stepped in front of the two. He was only about as tall as Nuriko. "I would more appropriately introduce myself, but I think it best to find the others, and Uruki's going to get sidetracked..." He looked over at the girl still distancing herself.
"I want to get changed..." Nuriko commented, making his way towards the palace as well.
Urumiya watched him go, and Tasuki started to follow. He stayed put, though.
Tasuki glanced around. "You coming?"
Urumiya nodded slowly. "I'm just not... accustomed to such surrounding, that's all." "I wish I were more like Uruki, nothing seems to bother her."
Tasuki turned back to the palace. Things were still too confusing... but hopefully answered would come soon enough.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"This is the palace?"
"Hai."
Hikitsu looked around. "I suppose the others elsewhere, we should find them."
"...Hai"
The tall man turned around. "Something's troubling you."
Inami sighed and sat on a large rock in the western garden. "I just... I don't know."
Hikitsu sighed and walked towards the younger girl. "May I make a suggestion?"
Inami nodded, putting her chin in her hands.
Hikitsu leaned against the rock beside her. "You don't want to face them, or at least not some of them, for what I assume to be a various number of reasons. But you can't hide from your problems forever."
"I know, I'm not trying to..." Inami glanced up at the trees in front of her. "It doesn't end with death, does it?"
"Not for us." He tapped his hand on Inami's shoulder. "Let's go." He stood up and started towards the palace.
"Just, a little longer."
"Hm?" Hikitsu turned around.
Inami looked over at him. "I want to stay out here just a little longer, then we can find them. Besides, it's been a while, don't I deserve a chat with my best friend? Besides, you owe me."
Hikitsu smiled. "You're just masking your stubborn side."
"I don't have a stubborn side."
"That's either a joke or a lie, Akue."
"Shut up."
"Ah yes, the good times."
Inami laughed. "You bet."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hotohori moved his fingers about. "It feels good to be in a body again, you don't realize how much something is worth until you've lost it."
"Oh yeah, the physical limitations, pain, illness... it's a blast, let me tell you."
"You've got a bad attitude sometimes, no da." Chichiri commented. He, Hotohori, and three of the Genbu warriors were in the north wing of the palace, inside a large library.
"Hey, at least I don't 'talk like this, no da.'" Tomite made his voice annoyingly higher at the end of his statement.
"Tomite, you make enemies faster that way." Namame informed.
"I don't DESERVE a body." Hatsui moaned, arms folded. He leaned against a case of books. "Nyan-Nyan, you should go too, before I end up slaughtering you as well."
"C'mon, Hatsui." Tomite stood up, brushing his robes off. "With that healing of yours, that Nyan-Nyan will be fine."
"Hatsui, you know that you're not at fault." Namame explained.
"You three are members of the Genbu seven, is that correct?" Hotohori asked.
The three looked over.
"We are." Namame answered in his low voice. "I am Namame, and these two are Tomite and Hatsui."
"Are we IN the palace?" Tomite asked.
"We are." Hotohori spoke.
"Well, let's go." Tomite headed towards the door. "Man... it's hot here."
"You'd be warm in that style of clothing, na no da." Chichiri pointed out. "We can supply you with something else, no da."
"That would be appreciated." Namame replied.
Hatsui finally stood up. "I hate being fifteen again..." He muttered. "Oh well, let's find the others."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Thank you, Priestess." Soi bowed gently one more time before closing the paper door to the sun-lit room and stepping out into the outdoor hallway. She had her dark cloak draped on her shoulders, concealing most of the simple kimono she wore under it. Her long, maroon tinted hair was down, its ends sweeping near her knees.
The 20-year-old woman placed her hand on the rail of the walkway, glancing at the deep green leaves of a sapling only a few feet from her. The Kutou gardens were gorgeous, even more so than the ones back home. She looked into the sky. Only a few clouds smeared against the blue background. The color was so beautiful... the same beauty that Nakago's eyes held.
With a sigh and a step away from nature, Soi walked smoothly down the hallway, watching as the floor passed under her feet. Her index finger trailed over the brass rail. Her hand trailed behind her for a moment, pulling a light strain again the skin above her chest. With a quick pull, she withdrew her hand, the other touching the fine bandaging on her collarbone. She clenched her fist. She may have sustained only one major injury, but...
The image of the raven-haired woman flashed quickly in her mind. Even with the death of one warrior, the ambassador, she never would have guessed the ending of that battle.
Suddenly, she heard a loud clammer, and the sound of porcelain busting behind her. She spun around, surprised.
It had come from the room she had just been in... with...
Soi turned and ran back down the hallway, the short distance she had taken since leaving Mayo alone. Her fingertips wrapped the doorframe and she shoved it open.
"Mayo-sama!" She called out.
She gasped.
Mayo was thrown on the floor, still in her chair. The fragile pitcher from the round table she had been sitting at was now shattered into pieces on the floor, a teacup rolling nearby it. However, what shocked Soi is what caused the ruckus.
"You..." she said, speechless.
Saori winced and pushed herself up, her head hovering over Mayo's shocked expression. Mayo shook slightly.
"Sa...." She breathed, "Saori..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Boushin quietly shut the door to his mother's quarters, stepping out into the hallway where Chichiri silently waited for him.
"You two spoke, no da?" Chichiri asked, accompanying his emperor down the hallway.
Boushin nodded, content but serious. "I am... very grateful to Taiisukun for granting my father a temporary body. He is with my mother now."
Chichiri nodded. "How is her Highness's health, no da?"
Boushin glanced up to the taller man. "Her spirits will be lifted by my father, I'm sure. Her child will be due any time now, I believe."
"It will be unusual for you to have a sibling, na no da." Chichiri spoke, "normally there are several heirs in a royal family, but his Highness has devoted himself only to one woman, making that more difficult, no da. But I'm sure you know that, no da."
Boushin nodded as they turned the corner, nearing the throne room. "I do, and I'm satisfied with it." He thought for a moment. "I plan to be as my father; only devote myself to one woman." He pushed aside the thick curtains over the doorway to the throne room. Inside several people had all ready gathered.
Boushin looked around, a bit astonished. "I... do not recognize all of these faces, Chichiri." He spoke. "They are the celestial warriors of the north?"
Chichiri nodded.
Boushin scanned the room one more time. "Where is Mitsukake?"
"He's here, no da." Chichiri said. "But he's just a spirit now, no da."
"Emperor Boushin-sama?" A feminine voice suddenly addressed.
Boushin turned his head to one of the strangers in his palace, a rather lovely woman in a simple yellow palace gown.
"Hai..." He looked her over.
Uruki politely curtsied before the ruler of Konan. "I am Uruki of the Genbu Seven. I am glad to meet you, Highness."
Boushin smiled calmly and bowed slightly. "Uruki, I should be bowing to you. You save the men who protect my homeland."
Uruki grinned. "Arigatou gozaimasu!"
Boushin glanced around yet again. "Not all of your company is here."
Uruki blinked a few times, and looked for herself. "Ne... you're right. I don't know where Inami-chan, Tomite-chan, or Namame-chan are."
"Tasuki and Nuriko aren't here either, no da." Chichiri pointed out.
His comment got Uruki's attention. "Ne, I haven't met you yet!" She said cheerfully. "You're Chichiri!"
- - -
"You, you're name is Yui, isn't it?"
The blonde surfaced back to reality from her daze. She sat by herself on the floor by the right wall of the palace room. She trailed her head towards the man standing over her. "Yes... you know me?" She asked.
Hikitsu knelt down to her level. "Yes, I do, though we've never actually met."
Yui wasn't sure what to say, but she was intrigued.
"We all know you," He went on, "several years ago you summoned our god to defeat the demon Tenkou."
Yui's eyes widened. That's right, she did, but she thought it had been a mistake to do. She nervously watched Hikitsu, but the warm glow in his single, violet eyes comforted her somehow.
Hikitsu stood up again, but offered a hand to Yui, who accepted it and was aided off the floor.
"Those of you here are unable to summon Suzaku, and that is why your battle with the Seiryu warriors seems so hopeless?" He asked quietly.
Yui looked to the floor and nodded. "Mayo... she sealed Suzaku away a while ago. Without the shinzahos, I don't think there's a way we can."
Hikitsu nodded, pondering. He placed a hand on Yui's shoulder.
Yui returned her eyes to him.
"A strong heart is even more powerful than the reign of a god." He whispered into her ear. With just that said, he withdrew his hand and returned back into the area of the throne room.
"Tamahome," Miaka spoke to the man beside her, "Where's Nuriko? And Tasuki?"
Tamahome shrugged. "I don't know. I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of them was out cold though." He yawned I could sure use a nap myself."
Mitsukake smiled from beside the couple. Tama began scratching at his ankles, so Mitsukake let down his arm for the small cat the climb up. Tama sd up the sleeve and perched himself on the nape of Mitsukake's neck, purring.
"I don't get it." Tamahome sighed. "It's just an ordinary cat, but it appears everywhere with you." He ran a hand back through his bangs. "Even when you were first reincarnated that thing was with you."
Mitsukake pet Tama's head lightly. "Animals are extraordinary things."
Miaka smiled lightly, suddenly getting a distant look in her eyes.
Tamahome noticed. "Miaka? What's wrong."
Miaka sighed a bit. "I just... I'm worried about Saori..."
- - -
"Highness."
Boushin's attention was directed away from Chichiri and Uruki to the new voice that called him. He was a tall man with long, gray-tinted hair colored far beyond his years. The most noticeable trait about him was the black eyepatch over his right eye.
Boushin turned towards the man after seeing the serious expression on his face. "Yes?"
Hikitsu bowed, but only briefly. "Sire, my name is Entato Chen," He said formally, "and I have something I wish to speak to you and the Suzaku seven about. It's very important, so I wish for you to assemble them now."
Boushin raised an eyebrow slightly. "What is it?"
Hikitsu closed his eye for just a moment before re-focusing on Boushin. "I may have a way for you to summon Suzaku."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
One last Author's note: To clear up earlier confusion: Who remembers the chapter where Tomo almost killed our little Inami? Well, if do, a voice called out to her right before she got use of the others' powers. And... if you look at the way Uruki's talks, you can tell it's her. Go back and check it out, it's cooler that way.
To Rockie-chan: Thank you SO MUCH. Greatest story? You flatter me. It takes a lot of dedication to read a fic when it's all ready so long. Thank you SO much, and for you, I will say that at least one of the two people you asked me not to kill doesn't die.
To It'sTheDee: Your story is great, BTW. Thank you so much for starting to read mine, even if right now you're only on chapter 10. You reply to each chapter, and long reviews too! Thank you!
To BD: Thank you, I thought the battle scenes wouldn't bee too great. I appreciate it. I'm going heavy on the drama, ne?
To MaryDFair: Amiboshi will reappear... next chapter... maybe 79. Probably 79. Thank you too! Reviews like yours make me want to keep writing.
To Poruporu: Yep, just like in WW2, my fic had a phony battle. No one was killed, yet, but I still got to beat the crap out of them. The fic will end soon though!
To Kaeru Soyokaze: Tomite fan, I see? I love that boy. Keep reading!
To Chibi-face: The sword? Don't you remember the golden rod Inami always carried with her? She fought Ashitare with it once, and she used it before Nakago killed her. Nakago "returned" it, and it ended up with Miaka. Hope that clears something up. Thank you, especially for the "amazing piece of work" comment!
To Metajoker: Aw, my loyal reader. Actually, Uruki worked at the palace, and though it's not on the border, in the summer it gets pretty warm. She was also a lady in waiting, which explain the dress a bit more. Good point, though. I hope I don't ruin Uruki and Urumiya for you! Uruki has a bit of a split personality, so I hope you still approve of her. Oo;; (I will get to dark past!)
To Polynesia: I'm glad you're a fan of the other Genbu seishi, especially Uruki and Tomite, I'll probably do more with them. I'm sorry you hate Inami! Though I think you may like her when I finally write my genbu fic, someday...
To Amaya-san: I love Chichiri and Tasuki to pieces, and Chichiri is SO hard for me to write for, oddly. Kinda blows. I'll do more with both, hopefully...
Author's note again: Holy crap, 19 reviews... 10 of which actually came from the same person. ;; All right, onto the fic!
Chapter 77 : Awakened, Returned, and Reconciled
Tasuki woke up fully rested. It took him a moment to take in his surroundings.
He had no clue where he was.
"What the hell?" He asked. He was in a room that seemed to have... sky for walls? The only thing with him was the pink and yellow bed he laid on.
And he was completely naked.
Tasuki secured the single sheet that covered him around his waist and stood up. The floor was solid, but... where was he?
Then the memories of the battle came back.
He looked down at his torso, running a hand along his side. He was completely healed; there wasn't a scratch on him.
He remembered the other warriors showing up. He remembered...
"Akue..." He whispered.
Suddenly the round, gold door at the front of the room swung open, and two Nyan-Nyans walked in, each holding pieces of folded clothing.
"Nyan-Nyan?" Tasuki asked,
"Hai!" the two said simultaneously.
"We brought you some clothes!" The one at right squealed happily.
"You're other ones were SO dirty." The other added.
"I like these ones much better!"
"We fixed you too!"
"You were broken all over!"
"But you're all better now!"
The two girls started giggling as they handed the clothes to Tasuki.
Tasuki knelt down to accept them. "Where is everyone else?"
"They were broken too."
"But they're fixed now!"
That was all the Nyan-Nyan said before leaving, closing the door after them to allow Tasuki some privacy.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Tetsuya, you won't believe what happened."
"What? Something bad?"
"Yes and no."
"What do you mean yes and no?"
"Just listen, I'll tell you everything...."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tasuki walked down the hall of the large building he was in, completely lost. He had been to Mt. Taikyoku before, but he never took a tour... or anything, really. A few Nyan-Nyan passed by him, singing or humming, but that was it. He couldn't even find old-Taiisukun.
He opened a door at the end of the hall, bright sunlight pouring about him as he did. He stepped out onto the mountain, seeing random, floating bubbles everywhere, suspended in the air as if on strings. He wore the clothes the Nyan-Nyan had provided him, obviously. They consisted of black pants and a dark blue shirt with a lighter blue tie. The shirt fastened with small tie along his right shoulder, and another shirt underneath made the long black sleeves he had on. He looked around, but didn't see anyone. So, he took the path leading away from the building, keeping his eyes open.
"You're up, no da."
Tasuki spun around to see Chichiri coming up another path.
"Chichiri, how'd we get up here?" He asked.
Chichiri smiled, his mask back intact. "You and Tamahome were out cold, na no da. We were teleported here right after the battle, no da."
"So..." Tasuki looked around again. "Where is everyone?"
Chichiri smiled. "That's what I came down here for, no da. Everyone is waiting for you, no da."
Tasuki rubbed his head, still confused. "Chichiri, what the hell are ya gettin' at?"
"It's a surprise, na no da!" He voice was light. "Follow me, I'll show you no da. I think you'll like it too, no da."
"You're one strange fella, you know that?" Tasuki questioned. Regardless, he followed the older monk over to a path of cobblestones, moving off the "main road". Chichiri obviously had been healed as well. Tasuki had a million questions still plaguing his mind, as the way the monk acted, it was as if the battle with the Seiryu seven had never occurred.
He grumbled. He hated being confused.
After about five minutes of silent walking, Chichiri stepped around a rocky pillar and pointed forward with his staff, which had also been repaired. Tasuki glanced around. Everyone was there, all right. Miaka, Saori, Tamahome, the usual, but...
Tasuki gasped, shocked. "No way..." He whispered. His lip curved upward into a faint grin, a single white fang revealing itself.
"Hey, you're finally up!" Nuriko yelled back at him.
Tasuki ran ahead of Chichiri towards the rest of the gang. "Mitsukake! Hotohori! What the hell?!"
The two faded images laughed a bit. The spirit of Tama circled around one of Mitsukake's legs before prancing towards Tasuki.
"They killed the cat?!" He asked, kneeling down to the animal. Tamahome brushed by him, though his fur passed right through Tasuki's skin. "I completely forgot about this guy..."
"Tasuki, it is good to see you." Hotohori spoke gently.
Tasuki stood back up, and bowed rather quickly out of respect. "You too, Highness. And Mitsukake... I'm still... I'm glad to see you guys!"
"We've been talking for about two hours all ready." Nuriko complained, smacking the bandit on the back of his head. "You sleep too much, Baka."
"Tasuki may escape unscathed most of the time, but when he gets hurt, he does it better than any of us." Chiriko joked.
Miaka hugged Tasuki from the side. "I'm glad you're all better!"
Tasuki rubbed the top of Miaka's head. "So... we all came out alive?"
"Seems like it." Tamahome replied. He got a bit more serious. "But, the battle isn't over yet. We have to go back some time."
"We got lucky, no da." Chichiri appeared at the back of the group. "It seems that Taiisukun had us in favor, no da."
"It wasn't just me."
Tamahome turned to see Taiisukun floating in the air right beside his face, and he reacted with a loud scream, dodging behind Miaka.
Taiisukun sniffed at him. "Grow up, Tamahome. My face isn't that bad."
"You'd think she'd know with all the mirrors she's got around here." Tasuki mumbled to Nuriko.
"Wasn't just you?" Miaka asked. "What do you mean?"
Taiisukun rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Miaka, you haven't changed one bit from the fifteen year old I first knew you as."
Miaka sweat dropped. "Heh... sorry..."
"Those, those other warriors?" Saori spoke up. "Do you mean something about them?"
Taiisukun nodded. "I can see at least one of you isn't so naive. It is against my rule to simply aid the warriors of the god I favor. I control every aspect of this world, including the Seiryu seven."
"That does make sense." Chiriko mentioned.
"It is like the time when Nuriko, Hotohori, Mitsukake, and Chiriko appeared in Miaka's world in order to save her." Taiisukun went on. "Other spirits called out towards you, and that perhaps is the only reason you're here."
"Other spirits?" Miaka repeated.
Tasiisukun clasped her hands together. "Perhaps this will better explain things."
An even square of ground under the Suzaku warriors began glowing bright yellow, and the light soared upward around them like a box. Within seconds it died down again, and the warriors found themselves in a different area of Mt. Taikyoku. A little ways off there was a large, tiled floor, each corner marked off by giant magenta poles. Within its confines were seven more spirits.
-"I SAID don't call me CHAN, BAKA!" A familiar voice rang out.-
"I-Inami?" Miaka stepped forward to get a better look as the group began to disperse a bit.
-"Jeez, cool off, will you?!" Tomite laughed a bit.-
"You moron, you haven't changed!"
"Neither have you, ahou!"
"You guys..." A man with choppy white hair held his hands up. "I know you're not serious, but can we stop the fighting?"
"It's no use, Urumiya-chan." A girl sitting in a pink dress piped in. "Once Inami-chan and Tomite-chan get going, you can't stop them."
Miaka neared the group. The woman who had just spoken was the same one that had appeared before her when Nakago struck. She also knew the boy she was talking to... the angel who had saved her twice from falling to her death, the one she had seen in Hokkan after getting the goblet from the Okani tribe. Near him was the man she had met in the caves of Mt. Black years before, the one who had given her the shinzaho of Genbu. As she neared closer, she deciphered the two personages arguing, though it took a moment. One was the boy she had also seen in the caves of Hokkan years before, and the other was Inami, the ambassador that had remained so loyal to their cause. However... she looked so much different... She sounded different too. A tall, broad-shouldered man and a slim man sulking on a chair were complete strangers to her.
Uruki, the woman in pink, looked over at the boy in the chair. "Ne, Hatsui-chan, cheer up! Be happy!"
Hatsui, as the boy was called, shook his head. "I... I..."
"It was not your fault, Hatsui." The taller man assured him. Miaka could hear his low voice fairly well now. "The Nyan-Nyan sacrifice themselves constantly for us."
"I killed her..." Hatsui sobbed. "I let myself be injured, and it killed her. I... I couldn't heal in time, and..."
"Suck it up man." Tomite overheard their conversation.
Inami sighed, walking over and leaning on a pole next to Hikitsu. "How long do we have to stay here?"
"Long enough, Akue." Hikitsu informed her. He said something else, but it was far too quiet for Miaka to hear.
Tomite suddenly whistled quite loudly. "Hey hey! We've got company!"
The seven warriors looked over to see Miaka, who in turn posed like a deer in the headlights. The other members of the Suzaku seven were slowly filing in as well.
"Miaka!" Inami floated up from her space and back down in front of the priestess. "Long time no see, eh?"
Miaka's eyes started to water a bit. "You're... You're alive!" She said, rushing to hug Inami. However, she passed right through her and hit the ground hard.
"She did the same thing with Hotohori and Mitsukake..." Nuriko sighed, stepping up.
Inami laughed, turning around to face Miaka again. "Not quite, I'm still fairly... dead. Thus the translucency effect."
"Hey, I remember you." Tamahome pointed a finger at Tomite, holding it inches from the 16-year-old's nose. "You're that pervert from Hokkan."
"Pervert?" Tomite exclaimed. "Hey buddy, there's nothing perverse about it! If you've got a..."
"Ohayo!" Uruki's spirit stepped in front of Tomite's, making Tamahome jump back. "You're Tamahome-kun, ne?"
"Uh..." Tamahome wasn't sure what to say. "Y-yes?"
Uruki presented a large smile, clasping her hands behind her back. "You're handsome." She stated.
Tamahome blinked. "Uh..." A memory triggered in his mind, and he recognized the spirit as the girl who had stepped in front of Nakago's chi attack. "Hey, you..."
"Where's Tasuki-kun?" She interrupted, suddenly very excited. "Ne, I want to see him too!"
"Uruki, get outta my face..." Tomite tried to push her aside.
Uruki smiled once more. "Hai!" She ran forward, moving right through Tamahome.
Tamahome shook a bit. "That... was a weird feeling..." He grumbled. He looked forward. Tomite had floated off somewhere too.
Miaka pushed herself off the ground and stood, suddenly noticing another spirit walking up towards her.
"You made it safely." He spoke kindly.
"Angel..." Miaka whispered. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "What's your name? Please tell me."
He chuckled a bit. "Well, the name you should know me by is Urumiya." He bowed a bit. "I am very grateful to meet the Suzaku no Miko face to face."
Miaka's blushed a little bit. He was so nice.
Hotohori and Mitsukake's own spirits stood nearby as well, as did the small soul of Tama.
"It's strange, isn't it?" Hotohori asked the taller man. "Seeing fellow warriors like us, who existed over 200 years ago? To think of the tales they could have..."
A large pink bubble suddenly scattered the mingling warriors on the tile floor, and with a quick flash of yellow light, Taiisukun appeared, floating in the air as always.
"GAH!" Tomite and Tamahome both simultaneously screamed.
"It never ceases with you, does it?" Taiisukun snapped harshly at the two men.
Taiisukun slowly scanned over the group with her beady eyes. "It seems that you're all accounted for, good."
"Taiisukun-sama!" Uruki jumped into view. "How have you been?"
"Not now, Uruki." Taiisukun scolded.
"Ara?" Uruki pointed to herself.
"Now, I have to speak to all of you." Taiisukun alerted.
"I'm a horrible person..." Hatsui muttered from his curled up position.
Chiriko looked around the floor. "We really are all here... there are so many... of 'us'..."
Saori stepped a bit closer to Chiriko. "I'm kinda nervous..."
"AHEM!" Taiisukun coughed loudly.
"Hey, we're having a reunion, think you could cut us some slack?" Tomite asked.
Inami looked from Tasuki to Taiisukun, but remained quiet.
"I have brought you here after what you assumed was your 'final battle'." Taiisukun finally began explaining to the Suzaku warriors and priestess. "The call of your deceased warriors was strong, but sending them to help you like before would have resulted in further problems, since Suzaku is still sealed."
"It was you two?" Tamahome pointed.
Hotohori nodded. "We've watched over all of you even after death. Mitsukake and I certainly could not have allowed the Seiryu seven to defeat us."
"I agree." Taiisukun continued. "So, in their place, I sent down these warriors. One of them was rather obnoxious in her persistence."
Tomite nudged Inami.
"Suzaku Warriors," Taiisukun again caught their attention, "your final battle with the Seiryu Seven cannot be avoided, and I can only offer so much help."
"What can we do, Taiisukun?" Miaka asked.
"I'm getting to that part." Taiisukun snapped again. Her eyes moved over each warrior. "I have decided, after much contemplation, that I will lend out the Nyan-Nyan bodies that you need, which means that, if they so agree to it, the Genbu celestial spirits will attend with you until a better solution can be found."
"REALLY?" Miaka lit up. "Hotohori and Mitsukake too?"
"You're putting us on sittin' duty?" Tomite asked.
"Yes." Taiisukun answered only to Miaka. "But only if necessary. I imagine Konan suddenly having its emperor back would create quite a stir."
Hotohori rubbed his chin. "That is correct..."
"And don't wear them out!" Taiisukun emphasized. "These aren't permanent things, don't use up all of my Nyan-Nyans' strength!" She rubbed her forehead. "I will prepare them, please wait here. Inami, Chichiri, come with me. And Hatsui?"
The boy lifted his head.
"Suck it up. I don't want you moping."
"Hai..." Hatsui spoke solemnly.
Taiisukun radiated a yellow light for a moment, and disappeared.
Miaka ran up to Hotohori and Mitsukake. "Hear that? You guys can get bodies again!"
"Do not misjudge what she said, Miaka." Mitsukake smiled lightly. "For the most part, his Highness and I will remain in spirit."
Tasuki passed by Tamahome and Saori towards the Genbu seven. He looked around for Inami, but only saw six people. Inami had all ready vanished.
"Wait, I have a question." Saori spoke up. "When we get back to the palace, does that mean I won't be able to see you guys anymore? Since I'm not a warrior?"
"I'm... not sure, Saori." Hotohori answered. "You are not a warrior or the priestess, so I imagine the only thing creating our visibility may be the atmosphere here..."
"Don't worry, Saori-chan." Uruki floated down from above them, her hands behind her back. "You won't be left out. You'll be able to see them in their Nyan-Nyan bodies."
"So you're one of the Genbu seven?" Saori asked.
Uruki nodded. "Hai, I am. Number two!" She flashed a peace sign to Saori. "My name is Bai-ling, but my celestial title is Uruki. I like that name better. It's more fun to say, ne?"
"Uruki?" Saori repeated. It sounded so familiar... She lit up. "Uruki! You're the artist!!"
"Ara?" Uruki asked.
"I saw your sketch books in Hokkan!" Saori stated. "There were so many of them!"
"Ne, really?" Uruki asked. "Inami-chan kept them?"
"Those were your portraits?" Hotohori asked.
Uruki nodded. "Ne, come over here and meet the rest of us! We don't bite, I swear!" She reached for Saori's wrist, but her hand passed right through it.
"Oops, forgot." She shrugged. Uruki over-viewed Saori, noting her clothes. "You're from the other world? Sa... Saori, isn't it?"
She blinked in surprise. "Yeah, how did you..."
"I'm smart, no da!" Uruki interrupted. She looked past Saori. "So, the one who left was Chichiri-kun, so..." She saw Chiriko, who was the next closest. "Who are you?"
Chiriko smiled faintly at the girl's sudden bluntness. "My name is Chiriko."
Uruki floated up above Saori and landed behind her. "Which means... "She spotted Nuriko. "Wow! You're better looking than Tamahome-kun!"
"Uruki, such comments aren't..." Hikitsu stepped forward a bit.
"Better looking?" Tamahome folded his arms.
Nuriko laughed. "It's obvious, isn't it?"
"Hai hai!"
"I apologize, Uruki gets... a bit excited with strangers." Namame appeared next to the raven-haired girl. He spoke as if she were a young puppy.
"Which means...." She floated up again, landing by Tasuki and the two Suzaku spirits. "You're Tasuki! I'm right, ne?"
Tasuki nodded slowly. This chick was really.... really strange. She seemed more... noble when she appeared during the battle.
- - -
It didn't take too long before Taiitsukun reappeared with Inami and Chichiri, along with a swarm of giggling Nyan-Nyan.
"Attention!" She called out to all the visitors. "I will send all of you to the Konan palace now. Don't get out of hand, understood? Hikitsu, I expect you to keep the rest of the Genbu seishi in line."
"I will." Hikitsu replied.
"What a drag..." Tomite muttered. He got a dirty look from Inami.
"Nyan-Nyan!" Taiisukun called. "Go forward!"
"Nyan-Nyan!" The nine little girls called out. They all jumped up into the air and somersaulted, forming into pink bubbles. Each of them floated over a deceased warrior, lowering down onto them and expanding to fit the entire spirit inside of them.
"Matte, Taiisukun!" Saori suddenly ran up to the old woman.
Taiisukun lifted an eyebrow. "Yes, Saori. What is it?"
Saori took a deep breath. "I have a favor to ask. Please, instead of Konan, will you send me to the Kutou Palace? Where Mayo is?"
"NANI?!" Miaka overheard, spinning around. "Saori, you can't!"
Taiisukun nodded. "If that is what you wish, Saori, than I can grant it."
"Arigatou gozaimasu."
"Saori, no!" Miaka ran up. "You can't go there, you'll be killed!"
"But Mayo..."
"You're not serious, are you?" Nuriko asked.
"Hush!" Taiisukun shouted. "Saori is involved in things that not even you are aware of, it is not your decision to make."
"What?" Miaka asked, almost devastated.
"No more hesitating." Taiisukun clapped her hands together.
Each warrior, along with Miaka and Saori, saw themselves surrounded by a yellow light, and Mt. Taikyoku disappeared.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Keisuke had to put the book down in order to teach his class. He loved being a gym teacher, and so he did participate in a few sports or games that his students played. Before he knew it, the bell for the end of the school day rang, and students were filling the hallways of Yotsubadai High school, eager to get home.
Keisuke stepped into his office and locked the door behind him. Her grabbed the front of his T-shirt and shook it a bit, getting some air on his chest. He had left off on the warriors at Taikyoku, which he figured was a decent spot to rest since no one was in immediate danger. He pulled out his roll-y chair and sat down, pulling the book out of a desk drawer. He flipped to the page he had left off on. Tetsuya was coming by his apartment around six to get the book, and Keisuke was on "Hikari Duty" that night.
He leaned back and started reading. The Genbu warriors were all there, all spirits. He remembered learning about them, about Takiko Okuda when Miaka first entered the book. He had read about Hikitsu and Tomite when Miaka was searching for Genbu's shinzaho, but the others had been a mystery to him. Now he could see each one, learn more about the history of the book.
He read over the appearing Kanji casually. Hotohori and Mitsukake were there, which relieved him for some reason. Miaka would be happy.
He turned the page, and read.
And read.
And read.
And...
"WHAT?!" He shouted, leaping out of his chair. He read the line again to make sure, and to his dismay, he was right. Saori asked Taiisukun to send her to the Kutou palace! He dared to read the next line.
He nearly dropped the book. Taiisukun... Taiisukun did it? How could that hag send Saori into the heart of the enemy's fortress, right after an intense battle like the one they had? Saori would be killed, even Mayo couldn't protect her.
"Damnit...." Keisuke muttered. "Damnit Saori, you're not being brave, you're being stupid!" He shouted at the book. "Piece of... damnit!"
Keeping his finger in the book, he grabbed his duffle bag and left his office. He didn't know why he had to leave, but he was frustrated.
If Saori... if anything happened to her, he wouldn't forgive himself.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A yellow light suddenly appeared in the center of the throne room at the Konan palace, whistling as it grew into a large sphere.
"Highness!" Buru stepped in front of Boushin, shielding him.
Boushin stood from his chair and placed a hand on Buru's arm. "Chotto Matte..." He studied the light. It wasn't the power of Suzaku or Seiryu, though.
Yui, who was also in the throne room, s from her eyes. "I think..." she saw an outline form. "It's Miaka!"
The light dimmed, and four personages appeared.
Boushin stepped around Buru with excitement at the sight of the Priestess. "You've returned!" He exclaimed. I began to fear the worst, you've been go for so long."
"So long?" Miaka asked. It wasn't THAT long, was it?
Yui ran up too. "You've been gone for two days!"
"Two days?" Chiriko repeated. "I see... I didn't calculate the time o we spent at Taikyoku."
"You... have defeated them?" Buru asked hopefully.
Tamahome shook his head. "No... there is a lot of explaining to do, you see..." But Tamahome stopped talking at Boushin's gasp.
The emperor stared in disbelief at the tall man with them. "Mi... Mitsukake?" He breathed. "But..." He took a frail step forward. "How... how can you be alive?"
Miaka smiled and walked to Boushin. "That's part of what we have to explain."
Yui's eyes quivered as well. "Explain? What... happened?"
Tamahome figured now was as good a time as any. "We fought with the Seiryu seven, but without our powers... we were losing, painfully. Before Nakago could strike though," He paused, "This will sound made-up, but the Genbu Seishi appeared in Nyan-Nyan bodies and well, pretty much saved our butts. We ended up at Mt. Taikyoku, where Taiisukun..."
"Taiisukun?" Boushin asked, still watching Mitsukake. He remembered seeing the old woman months and months before, when she had informed them of the shinzahos that were needed to summon Suzaku. "I see, this is Taiisukun's magic? A Nyan-Nyan?"
"Hai." Miaka answered.
Boushin stiffened and turned around. "Then... my father...?"
Miaka blinked a few times. "Only four of us are here..."
"Taiisukun probably had a few different landing coordinates." Chiriko answered. He smiled calmly at the emperor. "His Highness Hotohori should be around here somewhere, or at least his spirit should be."
Buru clasped the armrest of the throne, as if he were abut to pass out. "His Highness... Saihitei..."
Boushin's expression suddenly became one of determination. "Then I want to see him, please."
"Miaka," Yui questioned, "Saori, did she go with you?"
Boushin suddenly remembered the disappearance of Saori. "Yes, did she?"
Miaka hesitated, then frowned. "She... was with us, but..."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Another orb of light faded out, and four more warriors found themselves at the Konan palace...
Suspended about 20 feet over the large, calm river that passed through the palace gardens.
"AAAAIIIIEEEE!" A scream came as the bodies fell, three splashing into the water below.
Urumiya flapped his wings, hovering only about two feet above the surface of the water. "Taiisukun certainly didn't choose a good landing spot..." He commented. He glanced onto the water surface.
The first head that emerge was Nuriko's, and he spat water out, glancing about. "I didn't need that...."
"Help! I CAN'T SWIM!!" Tasuki's loud voice boomed as he went under the surface of the water.
Two arms secured around his waist and he was brought back to the surface, pulled to the riverbank.
"Baka..." Uruki sighed, releasing him. She grabbed onto the bank and hoisted herself out of the water, her dress heavy from the water weight. She glanced up at Urumiya, who smiled.
"And you couldn't at least catch me?!" She complained, grabbing the end of her skirt and wringing out. "Baka no Taiisukun-sama, she did that on purpose..."
Tasuki pulled himself out next, then Nuriko did the same as Urumiya landed beside them. He bent his shoulders back and the wings began glowing green, and they slowly shrank back into his back. He sighed. "I hate it when I do this... " He pulled a piece of fabric off his waist. He ruined a lot of decent clothes that way.
"So this is Konan, ne?" Uruki asked.
Nuriko wiped his soaking bangs away from his face. "Yeah. Despite the wake-up call we just got, I'm glad to be back."
Uruki shrugged. "Hokkan's is bigger." She started walking towards the building.
Urumiya smiled lightly. "She's just joking, really..." He persuaded.
Tasuki watched after Uruki, not noticing how cold and wet he was. "This... is still a shock to me."
"Tell me about it." Nuriko added.
Urumiya suddenly stepped in front of the two. He was only about as tall as Nuriko. "I would more appropriately introduce myself, but I think it best to find the others, and Uruki's going to get sidetracked..." He looked over at the girl still distancing herself.
"I want to get changed..." Nuriko commented, making his way towards the palace as well.
Urumiya watched him go, and Tasuki started to follow. He stayed put, though.
Tasuki glanced around. "You coming?"
Urumiya nodded slowly. "I'm just not... accustomed to such surrounding, that's all." "I wish I were more like Uruki, nothing seems to bother her."
Tasuki turned back to the palace. Things were still too confusing... but hopefully answered would come soon enough.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"This is the palace?"
"Hai."
Hikitsu looked around. "I suppose the others elsewhere, we should find them."
"...Hai"
The tall man turned around. "Something's troubling you."
Inami sighed and sat on a large rock in the western garden. "I just... I don't know."
Hikitsu sighed and walked towards the younger girl. "May I make a suggestion?"
Inami nodded, putting her chin in her hands.
Hikitsu leaned against the rock beside her. "You don't want to face them, or at least not some of them, for what I assume to be a various number of reasons. But you can't hide from your problems forever."
"I know, I'm not trying to..." Inami glanced up at the trees in front of her. "It doesn't end with death, does it?"
"Not for us." He tapped his hand on Inami's shoulder. "Let's go." He stood up and started towards the palace.
"Just, a little longer."
"Hm?" Hikitsu turned around.
Inami looked over at him. "I want to stay out here just a little longer, then we can find them. Besides, it's been a while, don't I deserve a chat with my best friend? Besides, you owe me."
Hikitsu smiled. "You're just masking your stubborn side."
"I don't have a stubborn side."
"That's either a joke or a lie, Akue."
"Shut up."
"Ah yes, the good times."
Inami laughed. "You bet."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hotohori moved his fingers about. "It feels good to be in a body again, you don't realize how much something is worth until you've lost it."
"Oh yeah, the physical limitations, pain, illness... it's a blast, let me tell you."
"You've got a bad attitude sometimes, no da." Chichiri commented. He, Hotohori, and three of the Genbu warriors were in the north wing of the palace, inside a large library.
"Hey, at least I don't 'talk like this, no da.'" Tomite made his voice annoyingly higher at the end of his statement.
"Tomite, you make enemies faster that way." Namame informed.
"I don't DESERVE a body." Hatsui moaned, arms folded. He leaned against a case of books. "Nyan-Nyan, you should go too, before I end up slaughtering you as well."
"C'mon, Hatsui." Tomite stood up, brushing his robes off. "With that healing of yours, that Nyan-Nyan will be fine."
"Hatsui, you know that you're not at fault." Namame explained.
"You three are members of the Genbu seven, is that correct?" Hotohori asked.
The three looked over.
"We are." Namame answered in his low voice. "I am Namame, and these two are Tomite and Hatsui."
"Are we IN the palace?" Tomite asked.
"We are." Hotohori spoke.
"Well, let's go." Tomite headed towards the door. "Man... it's hot here."
"You'd be warm in that style of clothing, na no da." Chichiri pointed out. "We can supply you with something else, no da."
"That would be appreciated." Namame replied.
Hatsui finally stood up. "I hate being fifteen again..." He muttered. "Oh well, let's find the others."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Thank you, Priestess." Soi bowed gently one more time before closing the paper door to the sun-lit room and stepping out into the outdoor hallway. She had her dark cloak draped on her shoulders, concealing most of the simple kimono she wore under it. Her long, maroon tinted hair was down, its ends sweeping near her knees.
The 20-year-old woman placed her hand on the rail of the walkway, glancing at the deep green leaves of a sapling only a few feet from her. The Kutou gardens were gorgeous, even more so than the ones back home. She looked into the sky. Only a few clouds smeared against the blue background. The color was so beautiful... the same beauty that Nakago's eyes held.
With a sigh and a step away from nature, Soi walked smoothly down the hallway, watching as the floor passed under her feet. Her index finger trailed over the brass rail. Her hand trailed behind her for a moment, pulling a light strain again the skin above her chest. With a quick pull, she withdrew her hand, the other touching the fine bandaging on her collarbone. She clenched her fist. She may have sustained only one major injury, but...
The image of the raven-haired woman flashed quickly in her mind. Even with the death of one warrior, the ambassador, she never would have guessed the ending of that battle.
Suddenly, she heard a loud clammer, and the sound of porcelain busting behind her. She spun around, surprised.
It had come from the room she had just been in... with...
Soi turned and ran back down the hallway, the short distance she had taken since leaving Mayo alone. Her fingertips wrapped the doorframe and she shoved it open.
"Mayo-sama!" She called out.
She gasped.
Mayo was thrown on the floor, still in her chair. The fragile pitcher from the round table she had been sitting at was now shattered into pieces on the floor, a teacup rolling nearby it. However, what shocked Soi is what caused the ruckus.
"You..." she said, speechless.
Saori winced and pushed herself up, her head hovering over Mayo's shocked expression. Mayo shook slightly.
"Sa...." She breathed, "Saori..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Boushin quietly shut the door to his mother's quarters, stepping out into the hallway where Chichiri silently waited for him.
"You two spoke, no da?" Chichiri asked, accompanying his emperor down the hallway.
Boushin nodded, content but serious. "I am... very grateful to Taiisukun for granting my father a temporary body. He is with my mother now."
Chichiri nodded. "How is her Highness's health, no da?"
Boushin glanced up to the taller man. "Her spirits will be lifted by my father, I'm sure. Her child will be due any time now, I believe."
"It will be unusual for you to have a sibling, na no da." Chichiri spoke, "normally there are several heirs in a royal family, but his Highness has devoted himself only to one woman, making that more difficult, no da. But I'm sure you know that, no da."
Boushin nodded as they turned the corner, nearing the throne room. "I do, and I'm satisfied with it." He thought for a moment. "I plan to be as my father; only devote myself to one woman." He pushed aside the thick curtains over the doorway to the throne room. Inside several people had all ready gathered.
Boushin looked around, a bit astonished. "I... do not recognize all of these faces, Chichiri." He spoke. "They are the celestial warriors of the north?"
Chichiri nodded.
Boushin scanned the room one more time. "Where is Mitsukake?"
"He's here, no da." Chichiri said. "But he's just a spirit now, no da."
"Emperor Boushin-sama?" A feminine voice suddenly addressed.
Boushin turned his head to one of the strangers in his palace, a rather lovely woman in a simple yellow palace gown.
"Hai..." He looked her over.
Uruki politely curtsied before the ruler of Konan. "I am Uruki of the Genbu Seven. I am glad to meet you, Highness."
Boushin smiled calmly and bowed slightly. "Uruki, I should be bowing to you. You save the men who protect my homeland."
Uruki grinned. "Arigatou gozaimasu!"
Boushin glanced around yet again. "Not all of your company is here."
Uruki blinked a few times, and looked for herself. "Ne... you're right. I don't know where Inami-chan, Tomite-chan, or Namame-chan are."
"Tasuki and Nuriko aren't here either, no da." Chichiri pointed out.
His comment got Uruki's attention. "Ne, I haven't met you yet!" She said cheerfully. "You're Chichiri!"
- - -
"You, you're name is Yui, isn't it?"
The blonde surfaced back to reality from her daze. She sat by herself on the floor by the right wall of the palace room. She trailed her head towards the man standing over her. "Yes... you know me?" She asked.
Hikitsu knelt down to her level. "Yes, I do, though we've never actually met."
Yui wasn't sure what to say, but she was intrigued.
"We all know you," He went on, "several years ago you summoned our god to defeat the demon Tenkou."
Yui's eyes widened. That's right, she did, but she thought it had been a mistake to do. She nervously watched Hikitsu, but the warm glow in his single, violet eyes comforted her somehow.
Hikitsu stood up again, but offered a hand to Yui, who accepted it and was aided off the floor.
"Those of you here are unable to summon Suzaku, and that is why your battle with the Seiryu warriors seems so hopeless?" He asked quietly.
Yui looked to the floor and nodded. "Mayo... she sealed Suzaku away a while ago. Without the shinzahos, I don't think there's a way we can."
Hikitsu nodded, pondering. He placed a hand on Yui's shoulder.
Yui returned her eyes to him.
"A strong heart is even more powerful than the reign of a god." He whispered into her ear. With just that said, he withdrew his hand and returned back into the area of the throne room.
"Tamahome," Miaka spoke to the man beside her, "Where's Nuriko? And Tasuki?"
Tamahome shrugged. "I don't know. I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of them was out cold though." He yawned I could sure use a nap myself."
Mitsukake smiled from beside the couple. Tama began scratching at his ankles, so Mitsukake let down his arm for the small cat the climb up. Tama sd up the sleeve and perched himself on the nape of Mitsukake's neck, purring.
"I don't get it." Tamahome sighed. "It's just an ordinary cat, but it appears everywhere with you." He ran a hand back through his bangs. "Even when you were first reincarnated that thing was with you."
Mitsukake pet Tama's head lightly. "Animals are extraordinary things."
Miaka smiled lightly, suddenly getting a distant look in her eyes.
Tamahome noticed. "Miaka? What's wrong."
Miaka sighed a bit. "I just... I'm worried about Saori..."
- - -
"Highness."
Boushin's attention was directed away from Chichiri and Uruki to the new voice that called him. He was a tall man with long, gray-tinted hair colored far beyond his years. The most noticeable trait about him was the black eyepatch over his right eye.
Boushin turned towards the man after seeing the serious expression on his face. "Yes?"
Hikitsu bowed, but only briefly. "Sire, my name is Entato Chen," He said formally, "and I have something I wish to speak to you and the Suzaku seven about. It's very important, so I wish for you to assemble them now."
Boushin raised an eyebrow slightly. "What is it?"
Hikitsu closed his eye for just a moment before re-focusing on Boushin. "I may have a way for you to summon Suzaku."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
One last Author's note: To clear up earlier confusion: Who remembers the chapter where Tomo almost killed our little Inami? Well, if do, a voice called out to her right before she got use of the others' powers. And... if you look at the way Uruki's talks, you can tell it's her. Go back and check it out, it's cooler that way.