Authors note: Dear god I did it. I'm an overworked freshman with too much to handle and I still managed to get a chapter up. I'm so sorry guys. Really I am. It wasn't intentional. I didn't wake up one day and decide 'Hey, I'm going to drive my readers mad by not updating for two and a half months!' It was entirely cruel, I'm sorry. TT PLEASE FORGIVE ME!

This chapter took a long time to write. It's nearly twice as long as my usual chapters are. I pity you for having to read this. Try it in one sitting, and tell me how long it takes you! Winks

I'll get the next one out as soon as possible.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fushigi Yugi or it's characters. I don't own Rei Hikagi (she belongs to Lupine-Eyes) And I don't own Mischa Yuki (She belongs to Paris Rose) I do own Kumiko Inoai, along with some other random characters……..

Without further ado…enjoy.

Shi Jin no Miko

Chapter 13- Guardian Gathering

"YOU WHAT!"

Tasuki's voice could be heard throughout the entire palace.

Kumiko looked bashfully at him as she answered, "okay, so it was a trap, but we're fine now, aren't we?" Tasuki didn't answer her, but instead put his hands to his head.

"I can't believe you were attacked by a Seiryuu senshi. Suboshi no less. I'd think that damn idiot would back off once in awhile," he said after a moment.

"Hey," Kumiko said, catching his hand, "it's ok. Since when are things supposed to be more dangerous? Before coming here I've been kidnapped, shot at, attacked by more Seiryuu Senshi, ingested dangerous liquids-"

-That one was your own fault," Tasuki pointed out.

Kumiko ignored his remark and finished, "I'm fine. I know that you're my Suzaku guardian and stuff, and I appreciate all that you do for me… but you don't have to protect me all the time. I can protect my self too, you know?" She gave him a small awkward smile. He sighed.

"I know. It's just…it scares me when something like that happens. It scares me to know that you might leave me." His grip on her hand tightened slightly.

Kumiko looked up for a moment, surprised at his uncharacteristic statement. She put his arms around his neck and said, "I won't leave you. Nobody can just take me away from you." She grinned and added, "Idiot."

"Well you don't have to rub it in. I know I sound like a complete sap. If we're not careful were going to start acting like Miaka and Tamahome! With the 'I love you' 'No, I love you more!' stuff. Man that creeps me out." He shuddered somewhat, making Kumiko giggle.

"Alright, alright. I promise. None of that wishy-washy 'I can't love you' crap either." That made her stop for a moment. That's right, she couldn't love him.

"Kumiko? You okay?" he asked.

She snapped out of her sudden trance and smiled. "Yea. I'm fine. Just thinking, that's all."

He gave a small nod. "Ok. We're not going to do any more Seiryuu ass kicking today, alright? Just lay low for awhile. I'm sure Rei, Miaka…or even that bitch Mischa would enjoy your company. And of course, I would as well."

Kumiko frowned a bit when he mentioned Mischa, but she said, "I feel like we haven't just gotten to hang by ourselves for while. Which sounds stupid, since we both got wasted only a few days ago."

He laughed. "That was funny. You're cute when you're drunk. Did you know that?"

She rolled her eyes. "Not cool. And I bet throwing up all over trees is a major turn on of yours, too."

"Well-

"Don't even answer that," She said flatly. Sighing, she hugged him. "Let's go do something."

"Like what?"

"Anything something."

"Trouble making something?"

"…Okay, anything but trouble making something."

Tasuki gave her puppy dog eyes. "Please? Can't we just steal some money from Tama or something?"

"Come on Fang Boy, let's go visit the gardens," She sighed, grabbing him by the collar.

"Fang boy? Where'd you get that from?" He asked, while being dragged down the hallway.

"Would you rather have me call you a bat child, cuz' I could do that too," Kumiko said idly.

He gave her a small glare. "You're not funny, Kumiko."

"I see. So you were attacked?"

Miaka shook her head. "Not me in specific. But Kumiko, Mischa and Rei, the priestess of Biyakko, were. They're all fine now, so don't worry." Miaka talked to Hotohori via the mirror Chichiri held in his hand.

Hotohori gave a small smile of relief. "That's good. I wish everyone well. Be careful and good luck." With that he was gone.

"Well, that's it no da." Chichiri said as he set down the mirror.

Miaka leaned back in a chair. "Is everyone really okay, Chichiri?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure no da. Kumiko seems fine and so does Rei no da. Mischa seems okay as well, but she hides things well, no da."

Miaka nodded. "Yea, she does. Say, do you know where she is at all, Chichiri?" He shook his head.

"Nope. The last I saw her, she was with her to senshi, Tomite and Hikitsu, no da."

"Nah, I'm right behind you," Mischa said lazily, "so watcha doing? Nothing much interesting I bet. I know how it is. No offense to Sairou or anything, but there palace is BORING. Hoto-sama has a better place than this."

"I wonder what they'd think if they heard you say that, no da," Chichiri wondered.

"I wonder what Hotohori would say if he heard you call him that," Miaka mused.

Mischa shrugged. "You know me, not much respect of authority."

"So what did Hikitsu and Tomite have to say, no da?" Chichi asked.

Mischa shrugged. "Not much. Only that I don't have to go on a wild goose chase. The senshi that are actually still ALIVE will come to me."

"I wish someone would have told me that," Miaka scoffed, folding her arms. Suddenly the doors opened and Rei entered with the emperor.

"Has anyone seen Kumiko?" They shook their heads.

"Check her room," Mischa suggested.

Rei replied, "I already checked. She's probably off somewhere with Tasuki. I just wanted to inform her that I felt chi."

"Who's Chi?" Miaka asked.

Rei blinked. "Not who. What. One of my senshi is using their powers. They're in a town someplace nearby. Kumiko should know…. because it could be one of her guardians."

"I LOVE this garden!" Kumiko gushed as she walked down one of the many paths, Tasuki in tow. He nodded slightly, obviously not really paying attention. Something was bothering him.

"Kumiko?"

"Hmm?"

"I was wondering…what are going to do after you and the others summon the four gods? Are you going home with Miaka and everyone else?" He asked. Kumiko closed her eyes, unwilling to answer the question. She did not want to tell Tasuki that she was going to die. And how would he react? She supposed that he, like everyone else, would treat her with pity and sympathy. And that, she didn't want.

"I suppose. The priestesses are supposed to return home, right?" He gave a small silent nod of his head. Kumiko felt horrible standing there with him, knowing that she was lying. It was bad enough not to ever see him again…but leading him on was almost unbearable.

"Hey, can we go back inside now?" She asked. "I think people could get worried."

He kissed her cheek lightly, his lips barely brushing her skin. "Yea, lets go." He said softly. Kumiko closed her eyes and let the sound of his voice ring through her ears. It was the same voice, months ago, she would have dreaded to hear, but now brightened to. The one person she had once hated spending time with was the only person she most wanted to be near. She wrapped her arm around his and hugged him closer, knowing it was too good to last.

"No, I changed my mind. Stay here with me for a while." Her voice was muffled against his chest as she said this.

Her eyes stung with tears as he replied with a mild, "alright. If you want to." He put one arm around her small waist, the other slid across her back. He put his head against her shoulder and felt her smooth, soft hair. He laughed to himself as he thought back, to when he had set it on fire. He would never forget the look on her face as she screamed. A soft sniffle made him snap out of his trance, as he looked down at Kumiko.

"Kumiko, what's wrong?"

The strong will to cry had overtaken her at last. She had tried to keep quiet, but there was no hiding from Tasuki.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, tears streaming down her face. "I feel so stupid, crying like this." He slowly reached one hand to her face and wiped away a tear with his thumb.

"No, don't feel stupid. It's okay to cry. We all do." She blinked away all remaining tears. "And besides," he added, with a look of amusement, "I would never like a girl that didn't cry once in awhile."

To this, Kumiko giggled. "And what about a girl who cries all the time, like me?"

He gave a shrug. "You can't really escape a relationship if you're gonna cry all the time…"

"So is this the town?" Tasuki asked lightly.

Kumiko nodded. "Yea, I guess so. Rei said this is where'd be. Too bad she's too damn lazy to get her ass out here herself. I mean, it's her senshi."

"Yea, but it's your guardian too," Tasuki reminded.

Kumiko rolled her eyes. "We don't know that for sure yet."

Suddenly, Tasuki grabbed a nearby man by the shirt and forced him to the ground. He collided with a thump. Kumiko yelled, "Tasuki? What the hell are you doing!"

Tasuki ignored her and went back to the stranger.

"No. Hell no. You do NOT steal from a bandit. I could kick your ass just for that, punk."

Kumiko stood silently watching as Tasuki pulled out his tessin. Kumiko put a hand to her mouth to stop her from screaming.

"THIS is not an object to be stolen. I happen to be a Suzaku Senshi, and this is not to be used lightly." He said seriously, letting the man go.

Defiantly, he got up and gave Tasuki a smirk.

"I should've figured that you'd have noticed that was gone. But it's funny that you didn't notice I took your Sake Jug and Money before that." At this, Tasuki immediately checked his pockets and looked around. Seeing that the man was right, he gave a glare and opened his hand out. Laughing, the man just handed them back.

"You should be more careful," he said, turning his nose up slightly, mouse brown hair covering his roguish eyes.

"Quite strong words for a little brat like you," Tasuki spat, his temper beginning to flare.

The boy rolled his eyes. "I'm probably just as old as you, so don't jump your stupid conclusions."

"Oh yes?"

"Yea. I'll be 17 in September, thank you."

Tasuki smirked. "Sorry, but you don't quite make the cut. I beat you there. April."

Kumiko stared at him alarmingly. "April What, Tasuki?"

"18th"

Kumiko looked at him, slightly hurt. "I missed your birthday and you didn't find it important enough to tell me?"

Tasuki shrugged. "I dunno. It was just before you got back and all. I just didn't bother."

Kumiko looked at him with sad eyes, "Well after all you guys did for my birthday I wanted to-" She stopped mid-sentence when a ever so familiar burning sensation spread across her back. She fell to her knees and clenched her firsts, waiting for the pain to stop.

Their new acquaintance looked at her alarmingly. "What's going on? What's wrong with her?"

"One of the guardians," Kumiko choked through the throbbing, "he's near. It's either Kokie or Amiboshi, Tasuki, I know it!" Tasuki knelt beside her and clutched her hand in his.

He turned to the man and asked, "please, tell me, do you know anything about the myth of the four gods? Are you familiar with it?"

He looked reluctant, but he sighed and nodded his head. He lifted his shirt to show a small symbol near his navel. "I'm who you're searching for," he said, "I'm Kokie."

Kumiko gasped for air as the pain suddenly stopped, as it had before. Taking a few deep breaths, she stood to face him. "The Byakko senshi?" He nodded in reply. Kumiko looked joyously at Tasuki.

"Yes! We rock! We've in this town for less than an hour and I've already found one of my guardians! I'm good!" She hugged Tasuki around the neck, at his dismay. A faint blush flashed across his cheeks as he saw Kokie snicker at him.

"You can't forget me. That jackass stole my stuff! You wouldn't have found him if not for me." Kumiko released him and looked at him with a serious face. Her tone was deathly somber.

"You know, you're right." She kissed his cheek softly, causing him to blush more. Now Kokie was downright laughing.

"Would you mind telling me what's going on?" He asked, his hazy gray eyes traveling back and forth between Kumiko and Tasuki.

Immediately realizing how she had stupidly disregarded his presence, Kumiko bowed deeply. "I'm Kumiko Inoai, the priestess of four gods-"

Kokie waved his hand away. "I know that, stupid. And you needn't talk so loud. At this rate the whole village could hear you. Come with me, back to my house. Well, if you could call it that."

He led them through the streets of the small village until they reached a small house. Well, hut was more like it. Tasuki blinked.

"I can see what you mean. It's not quite a house," He commented.

Kokie glanced at him briefly, then shrugged. "Well, you can't expect much more from a thief."

"Damn straight. A bandit's life is much more fulfilling and-" Tasuki was cut off when Kumiko cleared her throat.

"Can we go back to talking about our predicament?" She asked, scratching the back of her neck self-consciously. The two nodded.

"Well, as you know, I am the Priestess of Four Gods. My mission as of now was to find the four guardians provided by the gods. So far, there are three of you. Other than you, Tasuki here is my Suzaku guardian, and Tomite, my guardian of Genbu, is back at the emperor's palace. Amiboshi is the one I've yet to find."

Kokie gave a silent nod. Eventually he spoke again. "So you want me to join you?"

Kumiko nodded. "Once I find Amiboshi, we will proceed to summon the four gods. Hopefully I can get to it before that bastard of a general Nakago can force Yui, my friend and priestess of Seiryuu into summoning him."

The three were silent as they thought about the task ahead of them. Suddenly, a thought first occurred to Kumiko. "Um…Kokie? How long ago did the Priestess of Byakko come?"

"It was about 90 years ago. Suzuno summoned Byakko alright, but she was unfulfilled. She and Tatara were separated. Even though she has probably died at this point…she has obviously come back. I have heard news sweep this village of a new priestess, that she herself has come back to save Sairou in this time of war. With Kuto and Konan in hostile positions, we could easily be forced to take sides. We are lucky she came."

"But how are you still alive and so young? I thought you said you're turning Seventeen. That was 90 years ago," Kumiko pressed.

Kokie nodded. "Yes, it was 90 years ago. You see, back then, I was about the age I am now. I was more careful than some of my companions, and survived the many obstacles we faced as senshi. But I did not remain in contact with any of them. As they were under Subaru's spell of time, I grew old. Eventually, I died. Strange enough, I was reborn as a baby, with memories intact. They came slowly at first, but by the time I was 13, I remembered everything about my passed life, and being a Byakko senshi. I assumed I had been born again was that my mission as a senshi was not quite over. It seems I was right."

"So will you help us?" Kumiko asked.

Kokie nodded. "I'm very devoted to my priestess and my country. I will do anything to save them from war."

Kumiko bowed her head. "Thank you!" she said happily, hugging him.

He was taken aback and raised his eyebrows. "Um...you're welcome."

Kumiko released her grasped on his shoulders and stood up. "Well, we've got no time to waste! We still have another guardian to find!" She happily marched out the door.

Kokie was speechless. "Is she…always like this?"

Tasuki nodded. "Yea. Pretty much. Either that or she's upset or really really pissed off."

Kokie sighed. "I don't know what I just got myself into." Both he and Tasuki stood up and followed the ever so excited Kumiko outside.

Kumiko froze as soon as she saw him.

"Kumiko, what is it?" Tasuki asked, looking at her concernedly."

She was speechless. She simply pointed at the figure who stood only a few feet away from them.

Suboshi.

"That bastard," Tasuki growled lowly, taking out his tessin. Kokie looked back and forth between the two.

"What's up? Who's that?"

"Suboshi," Kumiko said. "He tried to kill me, and two other priestesses, including your own." Kokie's face darkened as well.

"Has he seen us?" Kokie asked her simply.

Kumiko shrugged. "Not sure. I would assume that he hasn't, since he's not attacking."

Tasuki gripped her shoulder. "Then lets make the first move. I have a score to settle with him."

She touched his hand softly, which slightly soothed his nerves. "It's ok. As long as he doesn't notice us."

It was then Irony took it's toll. Suboshi turned his head to see them and stopped dead in his tracks. Kumiko almost forgot to breathe and grabbed Tasuki's sleeve. Kokie was motionless. Everyone stood immobile. Slowly, Suboshi took a step towards them, looking curious. He had a wrapped package in his hands that he pressed against his chest.

Kumiko's grip on Tasuki's sleeve tightened. "What do we do?" She asked slowly.

"Stay here. He won't attack in with villagers around," Kokie said calmly.

When Suboshi reached them, Tasuki knew instantly they had mistaken him. "Kumiko…. this isn't Suboshi," He said plainly as he walked up to them.

Kumiko looked at him curiously. Suddenly she realized what he meant. It wasn't Suboshi at all. Unlike Suboshi, this look alike had a kind disposition and native Sairou clothing. Although it seemed impossible to her, Kumiko figured it must be Suboshi's brother. Amiboshi.

"I'm sorry to ask, but…do I know you?" He asked curiously.

Tasuki blinked. "You're Amiboshi. You posed as the Suzaku warrior Chiriko," he said, dumbfounded at Amiboshi's memory lapse. Was it possible that it wasn't Amiboshi either?

"Amiboshi?" Kumiko asked, looking at him. A raging fire across her back nearly caused her to break Tasuki's arm. She bit her lip and reminded herself that this was the last time she would ever have to endure this. (Well, at least she hoped)

Amiboshi looked at her concernedly. "Are you alright? Here, let me take you to my parents house! My mother is very good with herbs, she can help you!" As soon as his arm reached out to help her, the pain stopped.

She let go of Tasuki's sleeve and took a deep breath. She straightened and smiled. "No, but thank you…Amiboshi."

He cocked his head in confusion. "Why do you keep calling me Amiboshi? I'm sorry, but you must have me confused with someone else. Although…it's strange, I feel like I know you somehow. I'm Kaika. I live with my parents not to far down this road. But as I said before, you're welcome to come with me, for a meal and rest. You seem to be in poor health."

Although he did not mean it as any type of insult, Kumiko gave a self-conscious thought to his words. Did she really look that tired? She looked at Tasuki uneasily, then at Kokie.

"What do you think?" She asked Tasuki.

He shrugged. "It's alright with me. I think you need some rest."

"Kaika, we would be glad to come with you, if you would allow it." He smiled happily.

"My parents would love the company, I'm sure. Here in such a small village, we don't get much for newcomers. Pardon me for saying it, but you do wear odd clothing."

Kumiko laughed. "Yea, that's true. I suppose girls don't wear pants here, and jeans nevertheless."

"Is that what you call those?" Tasuki asked, looking at her.

She closed her eyes and smiled in amusement. "Yea. I sorta forget none of you know about that. Trust me to figure it out. I think I've been hanging with Miaka a tad too much. Either that or this world's depleting my brain cells."

Kokie, who had stood there silently, cleared his throat. "If we are to follow him priestess, we should go now. It's nearly time for lunch, and I can say myself that I'm starving."

Kumiko laughed. "Alright fine. I suppose you deserve it. You're going to have to put up with me, so why not?"

As they walked Kaika stared at Kumiko uneasily. One of the men she was with had called her Priestess…

"So what brings you folks to Bakan village?" Kaika's Mother asked Kumiko. She looked at her, uneasy to tell the truth. If they knew she was the Priestess of Four Gods, and was about to take their son away, it wouldn't go well.

"Trade. We're traders from Konan," She lied through her teeth.

"Except this guy," She said, motioning to Kokie. "He lives here. We just met up with him. He decided he was going to join us on our journey. We hope to visit Hokkan as well."

The parents smiled. "Well isn't that wonderful. How long have you been on your journey?"

Kumiko thought. It had been nearly a year, hadn't it? It was a strange thought. Especially since barely a day had passed in her world.

"Not too long," Tasuki said, before Kumiko could open her mouth. "We left Konan only a few months ago. We're still new to this life."

Kaika's parents nodded. They were oblivious to the fact that Kumiko was definitely not Konan material. She couldn't pass for someone from their world, even if she tried.

"Kaika, why don't you show the two around our village? I'm sure they'd love to see everything there is to offer," his father said.

Kaika nodded. "Alright. I'd be glad to. Kokie, would you like to come as well."

Kokie shrugged. "Might as well."

When the four left the house, Kaika's mother lowered her head. "I knew it would come. Our happiness wouldn't last for long. He truly was our son again…but for such a short time. I don't want him to leave again, just after he came back to us. But he must."

Her husband nodded. "They weren't traders. Not in any way. As a trader myself, I've been to Konan, and that girl has a strange dialect. Besides Konan is near war. They'd never be able to leave the country. I knew that they must have come for our son. But who do you think they are?"

She shook her head. "I don't know. Allies I hope."

Her husband said slowly, " With Kuto and Konan near war…I'm afraid for his sake. That other girl he brought home not too long ago…Miaka…she was the priestess of Suzaku. And our son bears the symbol of Seiryuu."

"Should we let him go?" She asked. He sat in silent thought as she clenched her hands.

"If he wants to…let him go."

"Such a cute little village," Kumiko murmured as Kokie and Amiboshi showed them around. Tasuki nodded. "Nothing like in my world, we don't have any cute little villages."

"Why not?" He asked.

She shrugged. "I guess…technology took care of that. There were too many people in the world to live like this. We had to condense and live in smaller spaces. Such a shame too."

"Do you miss it?" He asked suddenly.

"Miss what?"

"Your world?"

Kumiko thought about it. Did she. "I suppose I do. I miss the sounds and the smells. Some of the people. Although, most of the people I care about are here with me. My mom…I miss her too. But the old her. The one that didn't…. well, you know what I mean."

"Yea. I know what you mean," He said grabbing her hand. Strange as it sounds, with all the anxieties that had piled up onto her, just that simple gesture made them disappear, if only for a moment. Her hand felt so small in his, as did her emotions. She gazed at him thankfully, knowing she would miss his presence when she was gone. "What? What is it?" He asked her. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

"Nothing. Just thank you, Tasuki."

He drew back for a second. "Why?"

She smiled resplendently. "For being here." She interlaced her fingers with his and whispered, "Don't ever leave."

"I won't. I promise. I will always be here to protect you."

She shook her head. "No, not that." She took his hand to her heart. "Promise to always stay here," She said softly.

His eyes softened at this gesture. "I promise."

Thanks so much for reading! Don't forget to review and tell me what you think of it! I'm hoping to have the next one up in a week or two. That's guess. We've got some time off of school the next couple of days…so I'm hoping. I have everything planned out…if that helps. I luv you guys!

Lola