Scroll Four

Leaving the Palace

Rage had been waiting at the palace for Miaka's arrival for sometime now. She had bonded with all of the Seishi but strongest probably with Nuriko. With Hotohori, she could plan and strategize, with Tamahome she had spared and helped his decide his feelings about Miaka, but with Nuriko she had begun to come in touch with her feminine side and found a drinking buddy as well. In Nuriko, she found a friendship that was even stronger than the one she had shared with Jade.

She loved being able walk around the palace and town but she was beginning to become bored with the palace life. That was when she decided to travel.

" Nuriko, I leave the palace in just a few minutes but before I go I have something I want to give you."

" Where are you going to go when ya leave"?

" I don't know. I'll probably just travel aimlessly around the country 'til Miaka finally returns."

" How will you know when that happens?"

" You're going to tell me."

" What? How will I do that?"

" With this." said Rage and handed her a small blue orb that hung on a thin silver chain.

" Oh Rage I'm flattered! But I usually don't accept jewelry 'til the second date and we haven't even been on our first one yet!" said Nuriko in a sarcastic voice.

" Sorry but our dates and the exchange of jewelry are going to have to wait. This necklace is one of a pair. I have the other. When you want to talk to me, you just send me a message by the telekinetic process. Got it, my dear drinkin' bud?"

" Yep, now you be safe my little cherub."

" Okay, Mommy."

" Good, and remember when the other kids make fun of you it's because they're jealous that you're so smart and pretty", Replied Nuriko with a motherly pat on the head.

" Thanks, Mom! Now I'm sure Toji will ask me to the dance instead of the pretty popular Momo Fushagami", She said and gave a cheesy Brady Bunch worthysmile, " Okay now seriously, I'll probably be gone for a while but I want you to alert me immediately so I can haul assover herefrom where ever I am at the moment. Got it?"

" Of course, but seriously. Be careful, there are a lot of humongous demons and guys that are willing to rape you for a lay out there. Promise you won't do anything rash?"

" Don't worry Nuriko. I can protect myself. And I promise if anything happens to me I'll contact you." She said and gave her newfound friend a hug, " I've got to get going, but I promise I'll call you the minute I stop for the night". She said and mounted her horse.

" Bye everyone! Hope to see you soon!" she shouted as she rode off.

A/N: Okay I know this chapter was somewhat sappy but I was in a sappy kind of mood. I hope you all review. I am still excepting ideas for names for three sibling for Rage, a rival for Nuriko when it comes to Hotohori's feelings, A enemy for Rage to meet during her journey, and a good pet/nonhuman companion for Rage. BTW I ain't gonna post another chapter 'til I get some reveiws (at least 1) with ideas in it. That's all for now!