Lola: New Chapter, New Chapter! does the 'Lola came out with a new chapter' dance

Paris: Oy vie.

Lola: Oh shut up, I put Mischa in the chapter, so shhh!

TMM: Lola-gurl doesn't own Fushigi Yugi or any of its characters. They belong to Yuu Watase, the wonder manga artist. Lola-gurl DOES own Kumiko Inoai and her family though. Rei Hikagi belongs to Lupine-eyes and Mischa Yuki belongs to Paris-rose. Ok, all said and done.

Lola: Good job, TMM! You get a cookie!

TMM: YAY! eats a cookie

Lola: and YOU readers can get a cookie too, if you review! Thanks for all the support in my absence. I love you guys!

So, without further ado………

Shi Jin no Miko

Chapter 14 - Repressed Memories

"Kaika, could you come here for a moment?" His mother called. She set a bowl of rice on the table. "Feel free to help yourselves," she told Kumiko and Tasuki, smiling.

"Thank you!" Kumiko said gratefully. It was noontime, and she was starving. She scooped some rice into a small bowl and added a few vegetables and seasoned meat.

"Well, let's eat!" She said happily, picking up a pair of chopsticks.

"Maybe this guardian thing is not so bad. I mean, come on, I've known you for less than two hours and my life is improving already!" Kokie said enthusiastically.

"She has that sort of effect on people," Tasuki said with a casual grin.

Kumiko scrunched up her face in a cute expression. "Why thank you. That' s very nice of you to say."

Quietly, Kokie said, "Priestess?"

Kumiko looked up at him with a mouthful of rice. She shook her head. "Nougvh. Youbf dond habf to cawl mbf prwestibf."

"Kumiko, that's disgusting. Swallow, and then talk. I'd think that you'd have better manners for being a formal priestess," Tasuki teased her. Glaring at him, she swallowed.

"You don't have to call me priestess. It sounds too…. Weird," She said, putting another few bites of rice in her mouth.

Kokie obliged. "Alright, Kumiko then. Where will we go once we leave Bakan?"

"We go to the capital, where the palace is. That's where Rei and the other Byakko senshi are waiting. After that…. I'm not exactly sure. We must do a summoning ceremony at some point in time. I suppose we're getting closer to it." Kokie nodded.

"Kumiko?"

"Hmm?"

"Does she look the same?"

Kumiko gave him a quizzical look. "Who?"

"Rei. Does she look like Suzuno?"

Kumiko shrugged. "I suppose. From what I've heard, I guess she does. Tatara thinks she's the spitting image."

Kokie gave a nod of approval. "Good. I had hoped so."

"Kaika, I want to ask you something. Do you know those people?" His mother and father sat him down.

He shook his head. "No, I don't. The girl nearly collapsed in the street, she was in some sort of pain. I wanted to help them."

His mother smiled. "That's my son, so kind to everyone. You never stop thinking about others. I'm going to miss you." He blinked quizzically.

"What do you mean? What's going on?" He asked them.

"I know you want to go with them. It's in your eyes. And you must: It's your destiny," his father said solemnly.

"We tried to avoid it last time, when the girl Miaka came. But this time, things are different. We can no longer shield you from your fate." His mother lifted his right sleeve to his shoulder. "This mark will forever tell your fate."

"Mother I don't know what either of you is talking about! What girl? I don't remember anything!" He cried in despair, confused at what his parents were saying about his destiny. These people that had come intrigued him, with the secrets they were keeping. It almost made him envious, knowing that they must have all sorts of adventures.

"Go to them. They will know what to do," His father instructed. Fearful, but obedient, Kaika nodded.

"Yes father." He answered, stepping out of the room. His parents followed, grave looks upon their faces.

Kumiko turned her head when Kaika and his parents re-entered the room. She smiled at them, but stopped when she saw their grave faces.

"No more secrets," the father said to her, "tell us who you really are." Kumiko sighed and set down her chopsticks.

"My name is Kumiko Inoai. I'm sure you're very clever people, and figured it out immediately. Although, I probably didn't make it that hard, with what I'm wearing. It's true, I'm not a trader from Konan. Hell, I'm not even from this world. I live in a place called Tokyo, far far away. I'm the Shi Jin no Miko…the priestess of four gods." She spoke softly, her head hung low in embarrassment.

Kaika's mother lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "She speaks the truth," she said nodding. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Miss Inoai. But why lie to us? Why not tell us that in the first place?"

"Your son is a celestial warrior of Seiryuu. I…didn't want to be the one who brought you the news…or took him away from you. I was even beginning to doubt that he even was the Senshi Amiboshi, because he didn't remember anything. Now I see he has lost his memory. I wasn't sure you knew, so I decided to lie and make myself seem innocent of any foul play," she said honestly repenting.

"I understand. I know you had no intention of hurting our feelings. But destinies cannot be denied. Who are the young men with you?"

"This is Tasuki, a celestial warrior of Suzaku, and Kokie, a Byakko senshi. I only met him today, here in Bakan. As the Shi Jin no Miko-

"You have four guardians that protect you from each god," Kaika's father said knowingly.

Kumiko nodded. "Yes. And your son…is one of them, I'm sure of it."

Kaika/Amiboshi bowed his head low. What they were saying…it was just so unrealistic!

"How did he lose his memory?" Kumiko murmured softly.

"I do not know," his father said, "he came home to us unconscious and bloody. Someone found him in the village square."

"There was another priestess," his mother said suddenly, "Kaika found her one day not too long ago and brought her back. Why are you not as open as she?"

"Well, that's Miaka for you," Tasuki said putting his head in his hand. Kumiko grimaced slightly, but nodded.

"It's true," She said in sad agreement, "Miaka is a little less…cautious around those she trusts. I know that you are trustworthy people, I assure you of that, but I am afraid of giving away my location…as well as those I care about."

For the first time in quite a while, Kokie spoke. "Priestess…I mean…Kumiko, we need to get going. I'm sure that the others will be waiting for us."

Sadly, Kumiko nodded. "I see that your son…is unable to come with us. But, as important as this is…family comes first. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Kumiko…are you sure?" Tasuki asked her, grabbing her hand.

She looked at him with pained eyes. "We can't force him," she said simply.

"There'll be no forcing," Amiboshi said, "I will come. I don't know what it is you need of me…in fact I have no real idea of what you are talking about. But if it will keep my family safe…then so be it." Smiling, Kumiko walked over to him.

"We must retrieve your memories. Show me your shoulder," She instructed, pointing to his sleeve. He pulled down his right sleeve to show a shining blue mark. Kumiko closed her eyes and calmly placed two fingers on the marking. It grew white hot, and Amiboshi let out a gasp of pain. His head began to hurt as sudden pulsing began in his brain. Then it started.

In inhaled sharply as a dull pain throbbed through his entire body. The memories, which started with his earlier life, seemed to trickle in slowly yet pour through all at once. His vision blurred as colors, shapes, voices, thoughts and feelings rushed by at light speed. With each memory restored, his sense of self grew stronger and stronger. When at last the feeling stopped he fell to his knees and let himself fall apart.

He had seen so much pain and agony, it was almost better left forgotten. But he knew deep down that repression of those memories helped no one. What would help, was a fight for those who could not fight themselves. When he began to breath more regularly, he put his hands to his face to find wet tears streaked down them. He quickly wiped them away and stood up. He bowed to Kumiko.

"Priestess, I will do what I can. It is you that can bring peace. Nakago…can do nothing for Kuto, with or without my help. It is you whom I serve now."

Kumiko could feel tears of joy welling up in her eyes. "Amiboshi, thank you. Your courage and loyalty…will bring your name to legend."

After fond farewells and tearful rejoicing, the group of (now) four set off into the Sairou desert. It was mid-afternoon, and if they wanted to make it back by twilight, they would have to hurry.

Amiboshi had refused to take the family's horse, since he knew that his parents would need it, now matter how many times they offered. Both Kumiko, Tasuki and Kokie all offered to give up their horses. Kokie had finally one the argument.

"You need to rest, Priestess," He told her. She pointed her finger warningly.

"Kumiko," he corrected himself indifferently, to avoid conflict. "And you, Tasuki…well, god knows, your horse is psycho." Tasuki couldn't argue with that. His horse had been trying to kill him since they had left for Sairou, when he had so foolishly eaten the horse's carrot and insulted it.

"Besides," Kokie said with a mischievous grin, "I've got a trick up my sleeve." He pulled up his shirt slightly to show his symbol, which began to glow. "I've got the power of levitation."

He pointed to his feet, which slowly lifted from the ground. He began to rise slowly, a grin still planted on his face.

"It's wonderful to have my powers. You see, they had disappeared until not too long ago. Now I can use them whenever I want." He lay on his back, flat in the air. Kumiko smiled broadly.

"That's really cool! Can you fly too?" She asked.

He shrugged. "I dunno what you consider flying. Flap my wings like a bird and circle around in the sky? Nope. I wouldn't do it, even if I could. But I can go pretty high, and fast, just by mind power. I can float around while you guys ride. I'll be able to hold up energy long enough, I suppose. As long as we aren't attacked or anything."

Kumiko shook her head. "I doubt it. Once we get about, oh, a few more miles, you can already see the city. And it's mostly barren, you know. People don't just wander around in the hot desert sun."

Kokie nodded. "We'll be fine."

When at last they arrived, the sun was just beginning to lower in the sky. When they got to the city gates, Kokie decided it was best if he walked. "You can't create to much suspicion," he had said.

Expecting a warm welcome when they arrived, Kumiko was surprised to find the palace in a bit of a terror. Alarmed, Kumiko ran to a palace guard.

"What's going on?" She demanded.

"The priestess just left, the palace is in a terror."

"Both of them."

"Specifics! There's three the last time I checked!" Kumiko said in annoyance. The guard bowed to her in apologies.

"The priestess of Biyakko and Suzaku. The emperor is in his chambers, he will no more of what you speak."

"Come on," Kumiko said, motioning for the three. They followed in confusion.

"Where's the priestess of Biyakko?" Kokie asked. Kumiko shook her head.

"I'm not quite sure on that. We're going to see the emperor." Before they could reach the end of his chambers, Mischa came bounding down the hallway in a pout.

"Mischa!" Kumiko called, running to meet her. Mischa's face brightened when she saw her.

"Where the hell have you been?" She asked bluntly.

"You didn't know? Tasuki and I went to find a potential guardian. I came back with two. Lucky, aren't I?" Kumiko explained. Mischa laughed and nodded.

"Clearly."

"So where is everybody?" Kumiko asked. "A guard informed me that everyone left."

Mischa nodded. "Yup. It's true. After you left, another senshi came to the city in search of Rei, who knew the whereabouts of the Shinzaho. And that idiot cousin of mine decided to cause a scene by running off without anyone protecting her. So practically everyone went. They had a feeling the Seiryuu senshi might be there. But I had to stay here, along with the three senshi I have. If I were to go, it could cause reason to believe that Hokkan was taking sides with Konan, and Kuto could possibly attack."

"Three senshi? I thought it was just Tomite and Hikitsu," Kumiko said quizzically.

Mischa shook her head. "Nope. A lady came this afternoon, trying to find me. Came all the way from Hokkan. Then I found out she was a he. Or…an it."

"I'm not going to ask," Kumiko said putting a hand up. "If he's anything like Nuriko, I understand." The words escaped her lips before she could stop them. A sudden knot tied itself into her stomach as she thought about what she had said. Nuriko. She wished she never would have mentioned him.

"So the rest of the Suzaku senshi left?" Tasuki asked Mischa. She nodded. He looked regretfully at Kumiko.

"Kumiko…I have to. You know that protecting Miaka is also my duty." Kumiko nodded solemnly and hugged his arm to her. "Where did they go to?" Tasuki asked.

"There's a large temple, not far from outskirts of town, where Buddhist monks practice. You may have seen it on your way back. They believe that's where Tatara hid the Shinzaho." He nodded and turned back to Kumiko. Seeing the upset look on her face nearly made him cry out. He hugged her close and closed his eyes.

"Hey, what did I say about this PDA stuff! No no no!" Mischa said covering her eyes. Kumiko giggled slightly and kissed his cheek.

"Don't die on me," She said menacingly, threatening him with her finger, "or I'll kill you."

"But if I'm already dead, how can you kill me?" He asked her playfully.

She blinked in slight confusion at her own mishap then said, "I'll kill your corpse. How's that?"

"Sounds fun," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

As he left, Kumiko waved goodbye with feelings of doubt and anxiety. "Hey," Mischa said, coming up behind her, "he won't die. That bastards like a cockroach. Even if you cut his head off, he'd still life for another ten days or so."

"I don't appreciate that very much," Kumiko said darkly, shooting a glare at Mischa.

Suddenly Mischa let out a gasp, followed by a loud scream. "Kumiko! What the hell is going on! Why is that asshole Suboshi in the palace!"

It wasn't until the middle of the night when the group had finally arrived back. They dragged themselves in with heavy hearts and worried minds. Although they had been victorious, they had faced a great downfall that made the victory seem almost worthless.

Tasuki said not a word to anyone, but slipped through the corridors to Kumiko's room. He doubted she would be up, but he wanted to be sure. He cracked the door open enough to slip through. The lights of the corridor light Kumiko's sleeping face luminously. Somehow, seeing her face in such peace and serenity seemed to lighten his spirits. He wanted so badly to hold her, the only thing that stopped him was the thought of how angry she would be if he woke her up.

He walked towards her quietly, peering over her sleeping form. Gods she's beautiful…he thought musingly to himself. A wisp of hair hung over her face. He brushed it back slightly, behind her ear. Her hand suddenly reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him in. Afraid to wake her, he held perfectly still. After she had not moved in a while, he tried to pull his arm from her hand. No use. She had a vice grip on his arm. Knowing there was no other choice, and that it was extremely late, he gave into his own quirky fate and fell asleep beside her.

Lola: Oh, he is sooooooo dead when she wakes up. Sorry the chapter took awhile. I've been trying to update more frequently. I've been meaning to get that specific bit of fluff (and humor, as you'll soon see) in for awhile, but unfortunately, other events had to come first. :'( I'm sorry to say but the next chapter (or at least the beginning) will be sorta angsty/sad…if you like Chiriko (oh how I love that kid!) Thank you for all the reviews.

Although, I must admit, I'm trying to get to 30……. WINK WINK NUDGE NUDGE!

But thank you

Chapter Preview:

-Kumiko finally spills the beans

-Mischa and Amiboshi get in a cat fight (or at least a one sided one)

-More Senshi!

I'll see you next time!

Lola