Hello my wonderful reviewers! I know, I know, I have done a pathetic job at updating, and I hope you all will accept my sincerest apologies. I have spent as much free time as possible writing up this chapter though, so hopefully I did a good job on it! Well, enjoy!
Asahi and Shinmei: Celestial Legends
Chapter 9: Seigyoku City
Asahi collapsed as she finished her 50 push ups. Tasuki's voice could be heard above her panting.
"C'mon, Asahi-chan! Ya still gotta do 50 sit ups and then practice drawing back that bow string!"
Asahi growled, shoving back some auburn tendrils of hair falling from her high ponytail. This was how it had been every day once they began heading toward Kuto. Every night before they broke camp, Tasuki forced a very harsh training regimen on her. First he had her do some stretches, then series of exercises, such as holding her arms above her head for 10 minutes. After that, she had to practice drawing back her bowstring, which proved to be much more difficult than she originally thought. Tasuki had then recently taken it upon himself to spar with her so Asahi would be experienced in sword fighting and not just long range combat.
Asahi groaned and her muscles seemed to protest as well as she forced herself up. Tasuki's training had helped her incredibly, she had to admit, but…
She got up, her limbs throbbing as she began to string her bow. This skill she had attained fairly easily, much to Tasuki's pleasant surprise (Then again I could learn to pick up a tiger with all these exercises I have been doing, she thought). Unfortunately that was no consolation to Asahi's now black and blue arm. She winced as she let go, the string striking her arm with a thwack. She refused to use the plates that could protect her arm, as she found they only made it harder to use the bow. Just as she began to pull back again Tasuki stopped her.
"How 'bout we try shootin' some arrows now?" He asked, bringing forth several arrows from behind his back. He brought out a small slip of paper and placed it on a tree a few meters away. "You can pull the string back pretty far now, so this shouldn't be too hard. Just try to aim, don't worry if you miss!" He called.
Asahi nodded, her eyes narrowing as she strung the bow. She gripped the familiar feeling wood with white knuckles as she pulled back on the string. In one fluid motion the arrow shot from the bow. Immediately Asahi squeezed her eyes shut, hearing a scream. After what seemed like hours she spread her fingers, her wide violet eyes peeking through the appendages. What she saw nearly madder her burst out laughing.
Tasuki's usually tan skin was ghostly white and his amber eyes were wide with a mixture of fear and mortification. A millimeter away from the top of his head was Asahi's arrow.
Finally Asahi had finished her evening lesson (which was greatly disrupted due to Tasuki's fit of rage, resulting in a long exhilarating chase with Tasuki as the hunter and Asahi as the prey running pell-mell for her life). She returned back to the campsite with more bruises and bashes than normal, Tasuki's strings of unintelligible curses still ringing through her ears.
As she approached, she noticed Chichiri calmly poking the fire with a stick, his thoughts obviously wandering. She thought of joining him by the warmth of the fire for a brief moment before it suddenly faded away. She bowed her head sadly before slinking to her cot to a little away from the fire. She heard Chichiri stir and she quickly turned away, letting her fatigue consume and lull her to sleep.
()>
"Sakuradai-san…Sakuradai-san, time to get up." Asahi bit back a grumble as Chichiri's soft voice woke her. She suddenly noticed the monk's warm hand gently shaking her. The unusual gesture disrupting all thoughts of sleep, she sat up, stretching. She walked alongside Chichiri, the peaceful singing of birds now noticeable when Asahi wasn't absorbed in her physical lessons. She breathed deeply, letting the fresh crisp air fill and rejuvenate her.
They came across a simple river, its gentle rushing the only sound filling the air. Satisfied with this spot, Chichiri sat upon the riverbank, patting the spot across from him. Asahi nodded, this action being a ritual of her chi-lessons with Chichiri. Chichiri went into a lotus position, and Asahi mirrored his actions.
"Try not to let your mind wander too much." He said in almost a whisper. "Let yourself become aware of all around you and be able to feel it." With that silence reigned.
Asahi exhaled, letting the barriers of her mind drop, and allowing her conscious to spread. She could feel the spirit of the birds, of Tasuki…even a little baby fox and his mother. She smiled slightly, relaxing as her mind became free of all its thoughts. She remained in this peaceful state of mind for another few minutes. She opened her eyes, feeling herself reach the flow of power housed inside of her. Chichiri nodded, apparently satisfied with her meditation.
With that the lesson began. Asahi took in all instruction like a dying plant would take in water. She watched as, with Chichiri's guidance and help, she did things she never dreamed of doing. Spheres of light formed in her hand, right before her eyes. Rocks, leaves, even water came to her at her command. By the end of the lesson she could even do simple chi attacks and was already getting the hand of deadlier chi onslaughts. Asahi got up, slightly panting as she walked beside Chichiri.
"You're doing very well," He said suddenly. "I'm proud of you." Asahi blushed at the sudden compliment. She paused, looking around as she realized they were not heading back to the camp.
"Thank you…Chichiri-san. Where are we?" The monk turned to her.
"I brought you here…because I wanted to apologize." Asahi's eyes widened.
"Apologize? You don't need-,"
"Yes, I do." He almost whispered, adding no 'no da', at the end. "Please, let me explain.
"From the first time I met you, I already knew somewhat of your celestial powers. Whether it was some fluke or it was meant to be I was not sure at the time. After the second demon attack, when your village was destroyed, I knew for certain you were gifted with your skills for a special purpose." He took a small breath before continuing.
"The will of the gods is…strange. I knew it was possible that, whatever the gods had planned for you, you would have to do on your own. So when you had asked how I felt about you, I thought if only right to say I didn't look at you as a friend but a simple traveling companion, so as to prevent you from getting hurt if we would have to part ways." He looked down, his ever-smiling mask holding a tinge of guilt.
"I knew that…you had been upset by what I said and I had wanted to speak with you sooner but I…I couldn't exactly find the right way to explain things…" He looked up sheepishly. "I suppose that is not much of an excuse for my behavior, but I wanted to tell you that even before you asked me about how I felt about you, I already considered, or wanted to consider you, as a friend." Asahi was stunned. After a few minutes of silence she spoke.
"Chichiri?"
"Yes?"
"I'm glad I found out the truth, and I truly appreciate you wanting to protect my feelings…Thank you." Chichiri smiled, reaching his arms out toward her. She ran to him, relishing the warmth of his arms. He rested his cheek on the top of her head, his voice laced with guilt as he spoke.
"I'm sorry Asahi-san…I'm so sorry…"
"I know. And I forgive you." She replied a matter-of-factly. Well at least he's using my first name now… She thought with a smile. "Chichiri?"
"Hai?"
"Could you please start saying 'no da' again? You don't need to feel guilty anymore."
"DA! I'm not feeling guilty, no da! I'm completely over it, no da! Am I saying 'no da' enough, no da? I sure hope I am no da!" This continued until Asahi's sides felt they were going to split from laughing. Chichiri gently took her hand, and together they walked back to camp, talking all the while.
()>
Tasuki's eyes shifted to Chichiri and Asahi, a smile forming on his lips as he watched Suzaku's 4th warrior and Ten'nyo chatting with each other. Although Chichiri hadn't quite gotten out of the habit of adding the respective "san", it was obvious now the two were much more casual with each other.
"So, when do you think we'll get to Kuto, 'Chiri?"
"You just asked me that not too long ago, no da! We'll get there when we get there!" Asahi giggled, imagining the verbal exchange being used in a conversation with a parent and child.
"I'm sure we'll get there soon, Tasuki-kun!" She turned to Chichiri. "I've never been to Kuto before, Chichiri-kun. Do you know what it's like?"
"I was once there with the Priestess. It was an interesting place, very pretty. Unfortunately security there was much too tight for comfort, no da. Now that Kuto has changed a bit, things should be a bit better though, no da."
They continued to travel, and both Tasuki and Chichiri told her the story of the summoning of Suzaku, to which Asahi listened rather intently too.
"The Priestess had the strangest contraptions with her, no da!"
"Yeah…those 'exams' sounded hard enough to me!" Tasuki grumbled, his head beginning to spin thinking of the equations and words he had heard Miaka reciting. Asahi's eyes were filled with awe.
"I'm still fascinated by those moving things with wheels! And that instant picture-taking device…the Kah-mer-ah…sounds amazing! What-,"
"Hey, look!" Tasuki said, pointing to an old man traveling down the path. "Hey, old man! Does this path here lead to Kuto?" The man nodded, pointing behind him.
"Yes, just continue down this path and it'll lead you straight to the gates of Kuto."
"Thank you, no da." With that they continued on their way.
Up in the trees Miyuki smiled. They had made it to Kuto…the fun was just beginning.
(O.O)
"Look! There are the gates of Kuto!" Asahi said, pointing. She noticed Tasuki looking slightly uneasy. "Tasuki-kun? Something wrong?"
"Nothin'…" He mumbled. "Just don't have the best association with- GAAAAH!" He yelled, a spear whizzing by his ear. Soon after a young Kuto soldier came into view, panting.
"I'm so sorry, are any of you hurt? I was practicing with my spear and got a little carried away."
"Damn straight you did! You freaked the crap outta me! What the hell kinda soldier are you?" The soldier flushed, stammering.
"I-I'm sorry…here, please go on through the city. Is there anywhere you would like directions to? An inn? A market…?" Asahi was amazed at their luck.
"Actually, we would like directions to the capital, Seigyoku City."
"Of course, go straight through the gats, continue past the markets and homes, and when you see the palace you've reached it.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, no da." After passing out of earshot, Asahi and Chichiri burst out laughing. Tasuki grumbled all the way, obviously not understanding what was so amusing. Asahi gazed about her, the many sights and smells bombarding her senses. Merchants outside shops could be seen selling fresh fruits, baked goods, jewelry, clothes, and other material (or necessary) objects. Children played and frolicked through the streets, giggling as they hurried out of the path of the Suzaku parties' horses. Every once in a while they passed a guard or two, closely but calmly watching all around them.
"This place is amazing…so many things here to see and try!"
"It's like this in Konan's capital too. You've never been to a city, Asahi-san?"
"No, my village had basically all I needed. I've never had to leave it." She smiled. "It's a little too overwhelming for me, though. How about you, Tasuki?" He nodded in agreement.
"I like Mt. Reikaku, ya get more elbow room there. It's never boring…it's my home." Asahi nodded, smiling.
"I liked it too…It was wonderful just spending time with the two of you. I felt at peace there, I didn't need to worry about other things…" She sighed, her mind returning to the bustling city streets. "If only we could stay there…I liked being with you and Chichiri so much…" She abruptly dropped the subject, talking of other matters with Chichiri. Tasuki watched her, a small smile forming on his lips.
"I did too." He whispered.
(>. )>
"Well, this is the capital, no da." Chichiri said, obviously expecting something more.
The capital did not seem too out of the ordinary. They could see the Kuto palace, it's long frame casting one huge shadow upon them. There was another market, even more bursting with life than the first one they saw. There was nothing very unusual though.
Tasuki sighed. "Doesn't look like there's anything here…"
"We should go to the palace." Chichiri's head snapped to the side.
"Um, Asahi-san, although Kuto has changed quite a bit I don't think they'll let just anyone come to the palace, no da!"
"Can't we at least try?" After a few seconds Chichiri relented.
"Very well, no da."
"What? If we get run through with spears you two had better stay the hell away from my funeral!" Tasuki complained as they walked up the building's steps.
(O.O)
Two guards dressed in Seiryu armor blocked the entrance to the amazing Kuto palace. The Suzaku warriors and Ten'nyo couldn't help but stare. Beyond the guards long alabaster and sapphire colored halls could be seen, decorated with portraits of the country's patron god, walls of other murals and paintings and fantastic architecture all of which displayed great craftsmanship.
"What is your business here?" The guard on the left asked gruffly.
"Please, sir, we wish to speak to the emperor. It's very important."
"Was he expecting a meeting with you at all?" Inquired the other guard.
"Well, no…"
"What is it you need to discuss with His Majesty?"
"It's somewhat confidential, no da." The guards looked skeptically at each other. Obviously their decision was going to be against them.
"I'm sorry, but if you cannot tell us what you need to speak to the emperor about we cannot allow you admission." Tasuki rolled his eyes.
"Chiri can we just tell them?" The monk thought for a moment, ignoring the guards' puzzled stares.
"Alright, no da." So much for keeping it confidential…
"We wanna find out where the Seiryu Temple is." The guards blinked a couple of times before speaking again.
"Actually…the emperor doesn't know the temple's location."
"Neither do we for that matter." Tasuki threw his hands into the air with an exasperated groan.
"Do you know someone who does?" Asahi asked hopefully. "It's important we find it. Do you have any idea of someone who knows where it is?"
"I do." The three Suzaku servants and two Kuto guards whirled around. Immediately the guards bowed humbly.
"General Hikage." They muttered simultaneously. Tasuki's jaw dropped. The general of the entire Kuto army…was a woman.
(O.O)
Oooh newcomer! I am soo sorry again for not updating…I really am trying and when summer comes hopefully lazy-bum syndrome will not kick in and I will be able to update more! Speaking of which, I realize that I am not doing a good job at updating so I alert my readers as soon as I update so they can know. For all you anonymous reviewers who wish to remain anonymous and do not show your emails in your review, that's absolutely fine. If it's not too much of a problem though please just email me so I can email you whenever I update so you can be as informed as well as my other readers!
As for the Chichiri auction this time he goes to a reviewer who made me double over laughing with her review! Here you go Fire Dragon!
Chichiri: TRAITOR NO DA!
Me: YOU'RE GONNA GO WITH THE REVIEWER WHO GAVE ME MY DAILY DOSE OF HUMOR AND YOU'RE GONNA LIKE IT! UNDERSTAND ME!
Chichiri: Yes ma'am no da…
Thank you all so much for your reviews (even though there weren't many this chappie…oh well) and for sticking with me to the end! If I knew your addresses, had the money and could drive I would find you all and give you big hugs and a plate of brownies. (YAY BROWNIES).
Well, I wonder who this General Hikage person is...I could always tell you now…
Reviewers: look up expectantly
Nah, I'll just let you all find out later!
Reviewers: Grr…
Well, Until next time! Sayonara!