Hallo, fancy readers! I've just been super onto this lately and I hope it continues. Tia is in a bar and Doukun just challenged her to a game!
Please enjoy!
-The Fourth Warrior, Chiriko-
Chichiri hits another dead end street and sighs. No sign of the boy. At the very least, no trouble seems to be breaking out with either Tia or Nuriko, as neither of them are showing the agreed upon signs.
"Ah, but maybe it would be smart to at least check in on Tia no da. I'm not much of a protector if I didn't," he chirps to himself, and halts under an awning. He has to purge any other presence from his mind and truly focus on her chi this time, with so many people around. It isn't difficult, she's in his thoughts a lot lately…
Where he finds her disrupts him completely as his hand drops from his prayer beads in shock.
"Tia! I can't believe you'd go down there!"
His first instinct is to transport directly to her via the hat. A part of him is a little miffed that she'd do something so reckless, and he is planning a talk already about why she shouldn't have!
But he stops. She didn't call for him. He never even got a feeling that she needed him, that she was in danger, not like even the very first time they met. Could it be… that she's not in danger…?
"No da!" he exclaims, frustrated with his own wishy-washy actions and finally deciding to run there. If danger happens he'll know. For now, he'll go there and check in.
"She must be up to something, but why not call me? Tia!"
… … …
She agreed. She did so, but she set terms with what she hoped was a fearless smile.
"You're pretty great at this game, and I don't even know what it is and you know it. These fine people will all assist me then, but I will make all final decisions on moves."
He agreed to them, although Tia's sure that it's only because he felt pressured to do so. It makes her feel incredibly guilty, as if she's stooped into garbage-tier bullying.
"I wish you'd just call this off and come home. You look so scared," she thinks.
Those around her heartily stepped up to act as her teachers for the game, called Xiangqi. She's realized that it's like chess, but similarities don't help because she doesn't know how to play that either. But she accepted. This is her lot.
"Tia! What are you doing in here, no da?!"
"Oop." She freezes, shoulders hunching around her ears. She attempts to shrink but what's done is done, she's been found out.
"You can't hide from me, no da…"
"Ahaaahahaha, heeeey! You must'a decided to check in and found me here. Well, I uh… found him! In a bit of a precarious situation, trying to keep everything calm," she explains, turning a sheepish grin up to her friend. He's unimpressed, but he does acknowledge with a glance that things are tense and focused around a game board, with Doukun settled opposite the priestess.
"You should have called for me the moment you found him, but we can discuss that later no da. I take it you're playing him at Xiangqi," he says, leaning down so he can talk quietly next to her. She nods.
"Yeah."
"You don't know how to play though, no da."
"Astute observation, thank you. These fine fellows around us have agreed to help me along, and I'll pick it up reasonably well. We cannot let this break out into violence, look at him," she whispers back harshly, jerking her head toward the child across from her. He does, and hums in understanding.
"What do you need me to do, no da?"
Tia racks her brain… Until a lightbulb pings on from remembering Nuriko's words from earlier.
"His brother. You have to bring his brother here as quickly as possible. I don't know if I can convince him to come home, but maybe his brother can!"
There's a bit of hesitation as he thinks it over, but he stands again.
"Don't lose until I get back!"
She waves absently and apologizes for the interruption to the people teaching her to play. The men look between her and the door that Chichiri just bounded out of.
"Don't need to apologize, but uh, is he your boyfriend?"
Tia deadpans.
"Focus, gentlemen. The darling child is waiting for my opening move."
She can feel Doukun watching her, this time without a glare and without the upset. He's curious, observant. She's hoping that might be a good sign, if he's seeing that she's not a complete monster lady out to make his life miserable.
The mood becomes more light-hearted.
"Heheh, no need to be shy, hard to imagine a pretty thing like you not havin' a mister. He must be giving up the pious life. I don't blame him," one guy spouts, others agreeing heartily. More teasing laughter starts up when her face starts to redden, much to her chagrin. Doukun only stares around, albeit he appears a bit fascinated.
"Why? Why me? Ugh, just end my life already," she wails inwardly, covering her face with a bashful hand. She'd love a paper fan to hide behind.
She clears her throat and turns to Doukun.
"I think maybe you should have the opening move. Otherwise we'll never get started, and it'll just turn into a party celebrating my apparent love life," she suggests, smiling despite the situation. In some ways, it's not so terrible. He nods slowly and looks down at the board before easily moving one piece.
"So it begins… please hurry back, Chichiri!" she prays, leaning into the merry bunch of advice being thrown her way.
… … …
Nuriko sits in a teahouse, resting her feet and enjoying a light snack after a truly rigorous search. It was already a stretch expecting her to run around a city like a hooligan, especially after her shock this morning!
She sighs over her teacup. Her fingertips slide over the rim. Her thoughts pore over what happened that morning, and how exactly she's going to address it in the future with Tia. And while she's at it, Tia's reaction…
"She stepped on the creaky board and woke me up, I didn't think she'd run back in on me. I get being a little dazed, but to get back on track and ignore it? Is it really not that big a deal to her?" she ponders. And Tia didn't want to not address it either, she wants to talk…
"Kourin, what exactly have I done for myself this time?"
"Hey!"
Nuriko winces at the indignant yell. She's been found out. As she turns around, she sees that Chichiri is alone and looking harried.
"Oh, don't mind all this, I just sat down. What's happening, is Tia okay?" she asks disinterestedly, keeping casual.
"Tia found Doukun, but she's in a tense situation at a tavern downriver and I'm off to get his brother to convince him to go home no da! Go find her, she needs backup!"
He doesn't stick around to even reinforce his information or take any questions. At least he didn't say anything directly about her taking a break, although he definitely didn't look pleased about it.
"Ugh, always me who's doing all the work," she grumbles under her breath, before hoisting all her skirts up and leaving money for her food. She begins her walk down to the sketchy side of town to look for the correct tavern.
"Lovely how the name of the place was never mentioned," she mutters, glaring at any man that turns her way. She's confident that her strength is enough to get her through any pickle that might come along because of her bold strut. No one has the apparent gall to approach, however.
Then she hears a roar, a raucous chorus of cheers and laughter. While it's not exactly what she's looking for, it is out of the ordinary… Nuriko and several others on the street outside stare in wonder at the tavern the laughter came from. She heads for it to check on gut instinct.
What she sees inside makes her jaw drop.
Instead of a tense standoff, or a bar fight waiting to happen, or any numerous amounts of dangerous situations that Chichiri hinted were supposed to be happening…
Tia is surrounded by a completely cheerful atmosphere. Her face is completely lit up as she says something pointedly to the dirty fellow next to her, and the entire room peals in laughter when she finishes. Her proud grin at the result is different from the Tia that she's come to know. It's transfixing to see. Her complete ease, how bright she is in the middle of this room…
Nuriko gets over herself, walking in and beelining for Tia. She takes notice and waves, instead of looking sheepish.
"Nuriko, you found me! We're having fun, join us," she invites, her sunny disposition both genuine and infectious.
"Did I stumble into a dream or hallucination? Is this real life? What's happening?!" Nuriko ponders, staring hard into Tia's face for any sign of hijinks. She's already seen the kid they've been searching for. He's all peppy too, sitting across from her at a Xiangqi board.
Tentatively, she takes the seat that's offered to her. A few men sigh dreamily as she settles her skirts, and despite saying she'd save it for later, Nuriko halfway expected some sort of heckle from Tia about it.
None came.
"We're playing Xiiiiang, uh, qi, right?" A chorus of confirmation. "Yes, Xiangqi. We're playing Doukun, but it's just for fun, y'know? No money involved, now we wanna see if we can just manage to do it!" Tia explains, dancing in her seat.
"So you've lost already?"
Tia, with no hint of shame, hands on hips and bold, cheeky grin:
"Yes!"
"... Right. In that case, I'll do my best to add to the collective," her warrior replies, placing her arm on the table so she can lean her head against it. Tia giggles and gets back to the game, using a terribly cheesy hand flourish and corny line to tell Doukun she's ready now more than ever.
Nuriko half-smiles.
"You're something else," she mumbles, feeling quite fond of her priestess. Only a true lady could properly change a dingy room into one so lively and vibrant.
Joining in, the games continue.
… … …
The Ou Household, with the exception of the matriarch, almost collectively faints when they hear that their precious younger master is in a skeevy bar screwing over its patrons. Even worse, he challenged the honorable Priestess of Suzaku and refuses to come home until she's defeated him!
Chichiri sits cross-legged, cross-armed, completely focused on Tia's chi. The moment things feel off, he's transporting to her side. He understands her intent and reasoning for attempting a peaceful route. In fact it's rather admirable that she thought of doing so in the first place, but he can't risk her getting hurt! Should something happen, they can all round back up, regroup, and have a calming chat about why sneaking away to bars filled with potential cutthroats and murderers is a no-no.
"He didn't go far, he should be home any moment."
The matriarch keeps repeating those words, her mantra after hearing that Tia requires her older son's help specifically. A tense shroud only threatens to drive the servants to insanity. Chichiri keeps his composure because he has to, but he would prefer waiting somewhere calmer. It would help to keep the minutes from becoming perceived as entire hours.
But like most things in so many aspects of his life, tension or peace is changed completely at a whim. A flurry of activity erupts as shouts emerge from the courtyard, only to permeate into the house. Like the spreading of a flame in dry tinder, excitement at last! The young master is home!
Chichiri stands with the matriarch and they both make their way to the entrance of the home to greet him. When they open the door, he's already jogging up the pathway, face creased in worry.
"Mother, I got your message. What needs to be done, what hasn't been done, where-"
"Go with the celestial warrior to the Priestess! He has been found but he is in danger, only you might convince him to come home!"
The young master nods, unfazed at being interrupted. He turns to Chichiri, back straightening.
"Lead me to my little brother. I will face anything."
Chichiri smiles at his determination and swipes off his kesa to flatten it on the ground. With one jab of his staff in its middle, his spell begins as eyes widen around him. Tia's initial reaction to his magic is one of his favorite memories, as while it was on par with what he was used to, she made it hilarious.
"Step on, and make sure to brace yourself and keep your feet under you no da!"
With minor hesitation, the young master of the Ou Household steps on and sinks down. Both men disappear, leaving the matriarch in a state of giddiness and hope.
"Amazing," she murmurs, folding her hands in her sleeves. "The Priestess has powerful allies already. Truly, Konan is blessed."
...
"That was truly amazing! I can't believe you're able to transport instantly, it's simply fantastic!"
The praise comes spilling out immediately upon landing. While grateful, Chichiri is just glad that they landed upright, and he's so close to getting Tia out of danger.
"Oh, it's all part of the fun that comes with being what I am no da! Now let's hurry in!"
The young master clears his throat, remembering their serious business and apologizes. Both rush to the door, ready to see trouble and the terror that reigns.
What they see instead has them at a pause, just as Nuriko did, just as any other regular did who expected the usual.
Everything is fine. Nuriko is next to Tia, the place is full of people cheerfully joking around with them about something, and the barkeep seems especially jovial about the condition of his tavern.
"Hey Miss, your boyfriend's back!" A man chirps from the crowd, earning a rousing bit of laughter as Tia turns bright red. Nuriko pokes the side of her head with a teasing grin and, well… Chichiri's mind has gone a bit blank.
"Boyfriend? Is that the cover she gave no da?" he wonders, only roused from his thoughts when the older Ou brother walks forward to meet up with his sibling. If anyone has a problem with their approach, they don't show it, as attention once again leaves the game on the table.
"Big brother, you're here!"
Tia throws a victorious expression to her friends.
"Of course I'm here, you snuck off and we were worried, and I heard you refused to come home. Doukun, how many times have I told you that coming out here to these places when I'm not around is beyond stupid?!"
Smugness turns into complete surprise as Tia, Chichiri and Nuriko process what they just heard.
"Wait, what?!" They cry, gaping between the two. Doukun ducks his head.
"I know, I know, mom's not supposed to know. But you're gone a lot more, and with everything that happened, I just… I got scared and I needed something normal. I also uh… Was, I guess, trying to get enough money to run away?" he admits, voice shrinking away toward the end of his phrase. Silence follows, in which his brother only shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips. Others are dumbfounded by what they just heard.
"Seriously? This is a thing between you two?" Nuriko asks.
"Yes, although I never expected him to wander off without me and we never gamble really. But going to places like these offers a different experience for both of us," the older brother explains, shrugging his shoulders. Tia nods, with no bit of wisdom to offer. She isn't rich or smart and doesn't have a sibling.
"Looks like we can go back home without too much of a problem, then no da," Chichiri says, cheerful as always and ready to get out before things turn sour.
"You're right, I'm sorry. Everyone has their money back now, and there are two who left but…" Doukun trails, but one of the patrons next to him slaps him lightly on the shoulder.
"Aw, no worries lil buddy, we'll make sure they get their money. On our honor."
His declaration is followed by several similar promises from surrounding men. Tia stares around at them, eyebrow raised and arms crossed. The promises become much more sincere afterward.
A set of friendly goodbyes between the tavern patrons, the Ou brothers, and Tia ensues. There's no hard feelings, no animosity, and even invitations to come back to play again. The group leaves into a pleasantly warm day, with Tia stretching her arms above her head.
"Glad we got that all figured out!"
"I have to say, I'm impressed with what you did in there, Tia. Nice job, no da."
"Yeah, when I walked in I was expecting a warzone after the way Chichiri was all worried about you."
"You were slacking off in a tea house no da!"
Tia laughs, and turns to Doukun, lowering her voice so no one they're passing will hear.
"This is what we're actually like, outside all of the formality fronts. There's actually one more of us waiting at the palace, and you'll see why he was left behind if you decide to join us," she says, ignoring the rumble of her stomach. She didn't even get breakfast yet and it's definitely lunchtime.
"You're still not going to coerce me, or make any attempts at force?" Doukun asks, and Tia feels his chi at last. Like a lamp that's stopped flickering, it's now staying strong, he is Chiriko right now.
"Of course not. I know your character doesn't always stick around, in fact I can feel when it comes and goes. I could tell it was stressing you out back there, so my priority was to keep you safe. Words like 'destined warrior' are terrifying when you have no control over when power comes or goes, right? You'd be stupid to come with us," she explains, staying calm even when her committed warrior friends start to protest. She swats her right hand behind her, keeping it low by her side, to covertly signal them that they should shush.
"Freedom is a big thing where I'm from, and I stand by getting to choose what each of us does for ourselves. That said, I–"
"HOLD IT, YOU BRAT!"
The interruption is quickly followed by their group being surrounded by a city gang. Anyone else on the street disappears, and Tia pouts as her view is blocked by Chichiri as he steps protectively in front of her. She was so close to having the day run peacefully, with no need for a dumb fight.
"...And now these chucklefucks are ruining it," she grumbles under her breath, glancing over at Doukun, who is being protected by his brother. He's the target this time. She has a feeling this is about those two dudes who didn't get their money back yet.
The gangsters have pulled out knives, short swords, and other easily-hidden weaponry in their confrontation already. Tia didn't even get this treatment when she was attacked those two other times, and she almost feels insulted ("Then again, it was just Chichiri and me and we looked easy to beat.") Now they have a few more complications. Right as she's about to suggest that someone attempt to negotiate, one of their ringleaders steps forward. She rolls her eyes, muttering about timing and stupidheads.
"Don't try an' haggle your way outta this. The two ladies will fetch a fine price and the lil kid must have some rich relative who'll pay a giant ransom to get him back," he yells, appearing triumphant with his numbers. The chi of the warriors spikes, although Nuriko chuckles drily. Tia has an inkling as to why.
"Yeah, they have a surprise coming, but this is still a bad situation because I'm useless and I dunno what all the other two can do…" she thinks, but Doukun isn't cowering at all.
"I'll stay with you, priestess. Tell me what Nuriko and Chichiri's powers are, and maybe I can find a way to end this easier," he whispers. Tia complies quickly, although she admits that she doesn't know the full extent of Chichiri's powers.
"Not to worry, I think I have an idea and it's the perfect time of day! Please tell Nuriko to strike the ground to send up as much dust as possible for a cover, and then everyone must follow me!"
"Yeah, no worries kiddo I heard you, we all did. Here goes!" Nuriko grits, shoving her right sleeve up her arm before slamming her fist down. As expected, a large billowing cloud of dirt puffs up to enshroud them. Tia coughs, forgetting to move fast enough to follow as the cloud stings her eyes. Panic wells up inside her until a small hand takes her and tugs her in a direction, which she immediately follows.
Through squinted eyes, she can see that a gap in the gang has been made by Nuriko and Chichiri as a few men are laid out on the ground groaning in pain. Doukun keeps a firm grip on her hand, leading them all confidently in one direction toward an alleyway. It doesn't take long for the dust to start settling and for the gaggle of goons to catch on to which way they're running. Yells to give chase ring in their ears.
"Hope you're sure about all this," Tia yelps, focusing hard to not trip over her own feet. Down along the alley they go, passing a crossroad with another wide fairway, continuing until they hit a wall.
"A wall?!" Nuriko exclaims, turning to face their aggressors alongside Chichiri.
"Trust my brother. There is great wisdom and logic in whatever he does," Doukun's older brother affirms. He smiles down at his younger brother, trusting him fully.
The gang has caught up, but it's immediately apparent what some of Doukun's tricks are. The alley they're backed into, though they seem vulnerable, means they can't be taken from either side or from the back, only from the front. It's also so narrow that there can only be two abreast at a time, and if they want to use their precious swords, they'd need even more room and only one could attack at a time. Even more, the sun is perfectly positioned to be blasting in their eyes. Altogether, Tia, Chichiri, and Nuriko are finding themselves impressed.
"Ah, right into a corner! No way out now!"
"Hand 'em over and we might let you off with just a warning!"
Even with the fight in a more manageable position, they still had a ways to go until freedom. Despite this… Tia closes her eyes and focuses, and feels the chi of the three warriors wash over her. She's perfectly safe, right? Chichiri and Nuriko haven't let her down. She's sure that Doukun, her Chiriko, won't either.
The first two come forward, and they're easily knocked back. Knocked back so far, in fact, that the bunch lined up after them are bowled over due to being so close together. Tia almost laughs, but she's also too occupied watching Chichiri.
"He's so cool. I wonder…" her thoughts trail as a lull occurs and he turns around to check up on them. And her. All of them, but you know she's there too and he asks her if everything is okay.
Her face heats up as he waits for her answer, that same smiling face.
"Yep, yeah, I am so good. I mean, we all know if we switched places I could totally flatten them in no time uh, flat," she garbles.
"Ah, having another good speaking day no da."
"Shut up, I used all my charisma back at that bar."
The thugs are starting to get up again. Chichiri laughs as he turns around.
"That's fair, no da."
Nuriko, having watched them, makes mocking goo-goo eyes at Tia, who throws a pebble at her in disdain. The fight continues afterward, their defensive position holding.
"Hey, not that this isn't much easier than the alternative, but this is still going long. Any more ideas?" Tia asks, shifting from foot to foot. She assumes that her best wizard friend must be a bit too tapped to use something more awesome.
"They should be around at any moment…" Doukun mumbles, and her face scrunches in confusion.
"'They…?'"
"Halt! Cease this fighting immediately and submit to your arrest!"
While her husband watches over Tia on the computer, she's out. She's getting confirmation on the dread that's set like iron in her stomach.
"Lana, how are you? Tia all ready for her big move this fall?"
The person she's calling has no idea, but why would she? Mrs. Redfield takes a deep breath.
"Robin, it's the book. The book came back, just like with Auntie Skylark."
There's some shuffling on the other end, no words.
"You're sure?"
"It's taken Tia. But it was through the computer, I have no idea how! I have to keep this quiet, you know there's people who will try and-"
"Calm down, I know. Auntie Skylark was pulled into a book and disappeared… you're serious, it's the Universe of the Four Gods?"
Lana confirms, eyes flicking around nervously as people walk by. She's in a local park. It's the only place she could think of that wouldn't be crowded.
"Okay. I'll head over to Grandma's house, and try to ask about Skylark. You know she hates talking about it, but if Tia's stuck, then we have no choice."
"Thanks Robin. Text when you're over there. Sorry to drop this on you."
"Hey, we'll get through this. Love you."
"Young priestess, you and your warriors have my sincere gratitude for finding and bringing my son back to me safely."
The matriarch bows deeply, to which Tia wrings her hands. The amount of gratitude she's being shown is too much, especially when she did less than Chichiri, Nuriko, and Doukun.
"Now, I think it is time. Doukun, the servants have your things packed for you. You must go with the priestess now and fulfill your role as a celestial warrior," the matriarch says, putting a firm hand on his shoulder. Tia suspects it's to ground him, her way of comforting without being overly emotional.
"Wait, it's still his choice. He helped us out back there, leading those idiots into a narrow passage and waiting for the patrolmen of the city to make their rounds in that area, but he never committed to the cause and I'm not going to make him. He's still very young, and I wouldn't force anyone along with me, let alone a child," Tia interrupts, but Doukun's grateful smile has her raising her eyebrows. He pats his mother's hand before gently removing it and stepping forward. He bows.
"I would be honored to join you as the celestial warrior Chiriko. I'm not going to be afraid any longer, even if my character fades," he pledges. Tia grins, excited that their eventful days weren't a waste. Nuriko slaps her shoulder in celebration, cueing a round of reprimands and insincere apologies. Tia rolls her eyes after sticking her tongue out at her warrior, then feels a hand on her other shoulder. She looks up.
"Congratulations, no da!"
Her expression grows warm, but she thanks him and relishes the feeling of success.
"I've found Chiriko, number four! Can't wait to see the looks on their faces when we ride back into the palace!" she cheers inwardly. They're going to set out once they've finished the celebratory feast organized by the matriarch. Tia had asked how the old gentlewoman knew she'd be successful, and she'd winked.
"The servants were all mopey and needed something to do, and besides: You are the Priestess of Suzaku! No one can do what you're capable of."
Chiriko is here, and part of the group at last! Next we'll get to see some important conversations play out. Sounds like there's a history in Tia's family over the Universe of the Four Gods, too.
My thanks to everyone reading, favoriting, and please review if you like!
Til Next Time,
-A
