Title: Historic Travels

Author: Cheza-chan

Rating: PG-13

Summary: As most Priestesses who travel into the Shi Jin Tenchi Sho, Amai Ritsuko has a similar set of troubling issues and a few new ones of her own. Will her upbeat attitude give her the strength she needs to succeed in her perilous journey? And can she tame the hearts of the Seiryuu Shichiseishi?

Disclaimer: I would never lay claim to any of Yuu Watase-san's work, but if I could… I'd let Miaka and Tamahome die a thousand times over and don't bring them back alive in the end. (laughs evilly)

A/N: (screams) Ahhhhhh! I got a cramp in my left… I haven't moved from where I first sat down since almost five hours ago; I wanted to get this done so it wouldn't haunt me when I sleep. A new chapter, yay!

Chapter Five – Deep Within

Nomura squinted into the night, easily recognizing Nakago's shogun armor, but the second rider's identity eluded him. He reached out with his spiritual energy and his eyes widened. The cloaked and hooded figure looked in his direction after feeling a mental nudge but the boy had already vanished.

Ritsuko sent off her handmaidens as she reached the hall where her room was located and smiled wearily at the boy standing beside her door. "Do you think it would be wise to invite you into my room?"

Even in the darkness of the night, Nomura's blush was visible. "It would," he replied, avoiding her gaze. "But if you wish it, I could stand guard outside your door."

"Thank you." Ritsuko covered her mouth to hide her yawn and reached out to tuck the boy's hair behind his ear. The sandy-colored locks had fallen loose of the ponytail in some parts and it was now, more than ever, that Nomura looked like Shinji Yamada. With another smile, she turned into her room and closed the door. But Ritsuko didn't sleep; she couldn't.

The wolf came back to mind and she raised her hand to her face, cringing as she touched the tender flesh where Nakago's blast had grazed her cheek. She lowered her hand and slowly sat up, eyes wide. "If it's dead… why would it be in the dungeon? Unless that's where they keep their dead… and I doubt it." The woman tossed aside the covers and stood from the bed. Barefoot, she rushed out of her room.

She ran by a startled Nomura and the boy had enough sense to grab her arm. "Ritsuko-chan?"

"Something's going on that I don't know about," she breathed. His dark eyes narrowed with a seriousness she had never seen before.

"You don't know anything," he said softly, not trying to sound disrespectful. "You only know what Nakago thinks you should know."

"Nakago. Nakago!" Nomura's eyes widened at the woman's yells. "Nakago doesn't control me," Ritsuko seethed. "I am my own keeper. Now, let go."

"Go left on the second hall then go right," the boy deadpanned, his eyes closed. "The last door on that hall. You'll learn something new… but it might not be what you wanted. He let go and vanished.

Ritsuko drew her hand close and turned away. She took her time following his directions and found herself on the dark hallway. She reached for the handle and slowly swung the door open. Amethyst eyes glowing from the moonlight streaming through the window, Seiryuu seishi Soi stared at the woman through her bangs. Nakago's bare back was to both women. "Kaen-san…?" Ritsuko choked out.

"Seiryuu no miko-sama, it's best we become fully acquainted tomorrow morning."

Ritsuko was frozen in place, her hazel eyes wide. She started as the man's body shifted and began softly hyperventilating as the blonde head turned. Nakago's blue eyes pierced through her and she found her body moving without her consent. Ritsuko squeezed her eyes shut and fell into the hallway as the door was slammed in her face. She turned her head stiffly to see Nomura staring darkly down at her.

"Happy?" he asked in a trembling voice. He vanished once again, leaving the woman sitting in the dark.

An empty shell of her former self, Ritsuko allowed herself to be prodded, poked, and pulled in the direction everyone else wanted. As her youngest handmaiden fixed her soft, tawny hair, Soi's reflection before visible in the mirror.

"It's best we become fully acquainted tomorrow morning."

"I'll take over," the woman told the young girl, taking Ritsuko's hair away. The maiden bowed and excused herself from the room, closing the door behind her. Soi picked up the jade comb and ran it through the Priestess's hair. "My name is Soi. I'm a Seiryuu seishi." Life returned to the Priestess's hazel eyes as they widened. "I never expected you to run away from the brothel. As the first of all warriors to come in contact with you, I was going to keep you safe."

"He wanted me to—"

"You wouldn't have had to," the younger woman said, interrupting the soft voice. "The Priestess of Seiryuu must be pure."

Ritsuko closed her eyes, tilting her head where it was meant to go.

"Nakago needed me."

The whisper-soft statement and that man's name drove Ritsuko to knock the woman away. She winced as her hair was yanked but turned and glared at Soi. "He needed you? He needed you?" she shouted.

"I did."

Ritsuko sank back into the chair situated before her dresser, all life once again leaving her body. Nakago stood in the doorway of her bedroom, his eyes cold and disregarding.

Soi slowly rose from where she had fallen. "I specialize in bouchu magic," she began, but was immediately cut off by the shogun.

"It doesn't concern her," Nakago said softly.

"You only know what Nakago thinks you should know."

Ritsuko opened her mouth to speak but snapped it shut at the familiar voice speaking to her.

Sensei, I finally got in touch with you. Sensei?

She bit down hard on her lip until she tasted her own blood.

Amai-sensei… Ritsuko.

"Keisuke-kun," the woman exhaled, covering her face as she smiled. Nakago's eyes narrowed dangerously. "I'm so happy to hear you both," Ritsuko continued.

Sensei, you can't let them get to you. There's no other way to come home than summoning Seiryuu. Ritsuko gasped as her chin was grasped between the blonde's fingers and she was forced to raise her head. Coach. Coach, is he supposed to be doing that? Sensei, stay calm.

Ritsuko nodded absently and whimpered as her jaw was squeezed. "Nakago," Soi sighed, crossing her arms. "Let's leave. Send the boy in to talk with her if she wants to be so stubborn." The Priestess's face was released and the shogun turned away swiftly, never once looking back as he left the room. Soi followed the door swung shut.

Ritsuko, smile. I want to see the words appear here before me that you smiled.

'Keisuke-kun…' Sniffling sadly, Ritsuko wiped at her eyes and did as she was told. She laughed softly at how ridiculously crazy she probably looked.

That's better. Now listen. Nakago cares only about himself. He wants absolute power and will stop at nothing to get it. His mind games won't work on you as they should because, one: you're five years older than Yui was when she was taken; two: because you won't let them work.

And don't worry about Shin—I mean, Nomura, Mayo rushed out.

"Thank you… both of you. Oh. Do you know anything about the wolf?"

"His name is Ashitare," Nomura spoke, the boy now sitting in the frame of her window. "Take off what you're wearing underneath that connects you to your own world, Ritsuko-chan." He smiled, swinging his legs. "It's going to distract you on our trip."

"Guys," Ritsuko started.

It's okay, Mayo said.

"Tell Keisuke-kun thanks for the words of wisdom," the woman laughed, reaching down to pick up the jade comb. Mayo continued talking with her as she did her hair up into a bun and right up until she changed clothes once again. Nomura swung back onto the outer hall and came around to knock on the door. Ritsuko smoothed down the front of the gown and answered it.

"Ritsuko-chan, good mor—ning!" The boy held out his arm and smiled as she slid hers on top of his. "I'm going to show you everything they won't. I can't guarantee you're going to like it but… hopefully, you'll be grateful to me." With a small smile, the woman nodded. "We're going to the dungeon," Nomura informed her. He inspected the woman's face closely, watching how her pupils adjusted to the sudden and drastic change in lighting.

Ritsuko took a step forward, peering into the cell, then gasped, covering her mouth with her free hand. Ashitare opened his eyes at the soft sound and began snarling, trying to rip his iron bonds from the wall. "That's…"

"Ashitare," Nomura replied with a boyish smile. "The wolf Nakago killed. He has two forms and this is the second one."

The Priestess drew her hand from Nomura's and stepped closer. Her actions caused the werewolf's growling and snarling grew louder. 'What's wrong?' She pleaded with her eyes. 'Why do you hate me so much?'

"Nomura-kun."

"Hai?" The Seiryuu warrior stepped up, smile fading, and bowed his head.

"Nakago said something about rebirth…"

"From what I know and understand, a Priestess's seishi are born at least fifteen years or more ahead of her arrival, after the Beast God selects her. This is to ensure we have control over our powers by the time you arrive so we can protect you."

"You didn't want to come back, did you?" Ritsuko smiled wryly as she asked the question of the chained man. "That makes two of us." Ashitare quieted for several moments. "But I have a plan." Something deep inside Nomura reacted to the woman's playful grin and he smiled.

Ritsuko glanced down the dark hall then reached for the handle. Nomura grasped her wrist and she laughed as she found herself inside the cell. He was a little reluctant to let go and stood on edge as the young woman approached the chained figure.

Ashitare sniffed softly at the woman beside him and stared deep into her hazel eyes. There was no fear or disgust. He listened to her plan and found a toothy grin spreading across his face. Ritsuko giggled. Nomura shook his head in disbelief; she had tamed one beast but there was still more to go.

§§§

Soi found herself scowling as the Priestess appeared at the other end of the wall, walking in her direction. She sensed the air around the older woman was quite different. Nakago had left several minutes ago, with a small band of soldiers, to address a problem in one of the neighboring villages. Soi's eyes widened and she froze, unable to look away from the dark figure matching Ritsuko's leisurely pace.

Ritsuko's face brightened and she raised her hand in a wave. "Good afternoon, Kaen-san. I'm sorry we go off to such a bad start. Eh?" She paused momentarily to listen to the werewolf and pouted. "But I want to call her 'Kaen'," was her childish reply to whatever Ashitare had said. He snorted, shaking his head.

"What are you doing?" Soi yelled, finally finding her voice. Terror was etched into her features for she clearly remembered how Nakago had subdued the beast before. "You set him free?"

"Ashitare-san and I are going for a stroll through Kuto." Ritsuko wrapped her arms around the thick neck. "If Nakago wants us…" She shrugged and was lifted from the ground. With a murderous glare in the other woman's direction, Ashitare leapt onto the hall railing then disappeared onto the palace roof.

Mayo glanced at the clock on the wall and sighed. "Maybe I really should be at Saori's. At least I have clothes over there."

"I can take you," Keisuke said, walking back into the sitting room. "Granted, it's Tetsuya's car and I haven't driven for a while." He smiled sheepishly.

"Don't worry about it, Coach," the girl said, pushing the book forward. She lowered her head to her arms and watched the man until he was out of sight. A blanket was placed over her shoulders.

"Sorry for dragging you into this again," Keisuke apologized.

Mayo shook her head, closing her eyes. "Tell me, Coach… What do you think of Ritsuko-sensei?"

Keisuke turned the book towards him as he sat and stared blankly at the words filling the pages. 'What do I…think?' He glanced up at the child across from him to see she had already fallen asleep. He smiled and focused his attention on the book.