Author Notes: Wow. Not bad. Only about aweek after I wrote my chapter for 'It's Time to Change'. Now if I just continued writing chapters all day, I'd finish this story soon. But don't expect me to update this quickly again in a long time. Anyway, I missed a bit of stuff in the first episode of the OVA that they only showed... er... said in the second episode, so I added a small bit more to the last chapter. Kaiya doesn't have a very big role in this chapter, but she will in the next few, I hope. Anyway, on with the chapter!
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It was a beautiful day in the empire of Konan. Not too far from the capital was a large forest where
Lake
Taichi resided. Patches of sunlight shone through the trees, decorating the ground. Insect sounds and birdsong resonated throughout the forest, creating a peaceful ambiance. Unfortunately, that ambiance was ruined when a bright, red light burst forth above the trees, followed by a scream, causing the animals to flee.
Kaiya materialized inside the center of the light. She opened her eyes to see where she was. She found herself staring at a vast space of mountains, the tops of trees, and big blue sky. She moved her legs to try to stand on something, but could not find anything to stand on. She looked down. Her eyes became wide and fear filled.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Am I flying?" she said aloud. Her answer came after a few seconds when she found herself falling. She shut her eyes tightly and screamed.
As she fell, branch after branch snapped, breaking her fall. All of a sudden, she felt herself stop.
Kaiya opened her eyes. For some strange reason, the ground was on top, while the middle of the trees (trunk and a bit of foliage) were on the top. Kaiya suddenly felt her skirt go "up." She looked... down, thinking someone was lifting her skirt, but saw that she had been caught in some of the tree's branches. It wasn't that everything was standing the wrong way; it was just that she was hanging upside down. Kaiya immediately blushed and pushed her skirt down with both hands in a desperate attempt to cover her panties and legs.
"Somebody, help me down!" she shouted. Suddenly, she heard a small chuckle.
"You sure are loud, no da."
'No da? It must be...' she thought, then looked in the direction she heard the voice from.
Chichiri came out of the bushes by Kaiya's right, perfectly unharmed and unaffected in anyway by the strange materialization in a completely different place.
"Looks like I need to work on my teleporting skills, no da." he said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Chichiri!" she said happily, relieved to see somebody she knew to help her down, "Could you please help me down?"
"Sure, no da." he answered. He walked over to the tree on Kaiya's left and leaned his staff against it. He then walked over to Kaiya and held out his arms.
"Gimme an arm, no da." he said.
Kaiya nodded. With one hand holding her skirt, she used the other to reach for Chichiri. He clasped his hands on her arm and began to pull. Kaiya fell a bit, but quickly became stuck again.
"Oh no... I'm stuck again." she said.
"I'll pull harder, no da!" Chichiri replied and began to tug on her arm harder.
"Wait! Wait! If you pull harder, it'll- Aaahhh!" she cried as Chichiri gave a hard pull, causing her to fall down from the trees and crashing into him, sending the two falling over.
Kaiya opened her eyes and looked up at Chichiri. Chichiri had his head hung back and swirls on his eyes.
"Daaa..." he said.
Realizing the current position they were in, and that anybody could jump to conclusions if they saw it, Kaiya pushed herself off of him and kneeled beside him. She leaned over him, a very worried expression on her face.
"Chichiri! Chichiri! I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" she asked.
Chichiri sat up and rubbed his head.
"I'm alright." he reassured her, "No harm done, no da."
Kaiya breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled.
"I'm glad." she said.
Suddenly, they heard a loud splashing sound near by.
"Come on! That might be the others!" Kaiya said worriedly. She stood up and offered a hand to Chichiri.
Chichiri accepted her hand and stood up. He walked over to his staff, picked it up, and briskly walked in the direction the sound came from, with Kaiya close behind.
As they neared the area, they spotted a lake and two people in it.
Chichiri stopped and knelt behind some bushes. Kaiya stopped as well, wondering why.
"Chichiri, why are we-" she started, but was cut off by a shush from him.
She watched a mischievous smile appear on his face. She turned her head to look at what he was looking at to see Tasuki with his mouth over Miaka's, who was unconscious.
"He's just giving her mouth to mouth resuscitation, Chichiri." she said and turned her head back to him, but found that he was no longer beside her. She turned her body around, thinking he might have went back for something. She looked from side to side. "Chichiri?"
A scream in the air brought her attention back to the lake.
"Dammit, Chichiri! Don't scare me like that!" Tasuki shouted.
Tasuki was still in the water, but Chichiri had gone over and pulled Miaka out. She now lay resting in his arms.
Kaiya noticed that his mischievous smile was gone, replaced by the regular smile. She came out of the bushes and ran over to them.
"Is she alright?" she asked Chichiri, and received a nod in reply.
Miaka's eyes fluttered open.
"Oh... Chichiri..." she said weakly.
"We're safe now, no da." he said.
Kaiya knelt down beside Miaka.
"Thank goodness you're alright, Miaka." she said.
Miaka looked at her and smile.
"You too." she said.
"Miaka!"
Everyone turned to the direction of the voice to find Taka running towards them.
Miaka stood up and so did Kaiya.
"Taka!" she said happily.
"Miaka! Kaiya! Guys! Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.
Taka ran up to Miaka and hugged her, then pulled back to see if she was hurt.
"I'm okay." Miaka replied.
"Us too, no da." said Chichiri.
"Me too." said Kaiya.
"Where are the others?" Taka asked Chichiri.
"Scattered around a bit, but okay, no da." Chichiri answered, "Taiitsukun used her holy power to fly us outta there, no da."
"From inside that explosion..." Taka whispered.
Chichiri creased his brow.
" Mt. Taikyoku's covered by dark clouds and looks terribly different now, no da." he said.
"So, where are we now?" Taka asked.
" Lake Taichi, in Konan." Chichiri answered.
Miaka stared off in to the lake, Taiitsukun's words echoing in her mind.
Miaka... Kaiya... To you and the Suzaku seven, I leave this task...
Miaka thought of where they should go first and turned back to them, her mind filled with determination.
"Let's get to the palace." she said, "First of all, we have to find those jewels. We can't let some demon beat us!"
Kaiya looked at Miaka, admiring her courage and determination.
"Miaka..." Taka whispered.
Chichiri's face brightened.
"Well said! You're right, no da." he said, then turned to Tasuki, who was still in the water, "Tasuki!"
Tasuki raised a fist of determination from under the water.
"Right! Leave this to me!" he said, "We won't solve anything just standing around here."
Chichiri raised an eyebrow.
"Uh, Tasuki?" he asked, "Since when have you been able to swim, no da?"
Tasuki's fist of determination fell apart and an expression of sudden realization dawned on him. He instantly sank into the water.
Kaiya smiled happily at Chichiri's joke.
In the corner of her eye, Miaka saw Kaiya's happy smile.
'Looks like she's getting over Kenji's death.' she thought and smiled.
In the real world...
It was sunset and the results of the student council election had been posted. Shigyou was made president and Yui was made vice-president.
Shigyou stared blankly out of the window, his hands in his pockets. Yui was leaning against a chalkboard to his right, eyeing him suspiciously, her arms crossed. They were the only two students left in the school.
"Was this your doing?" she asked him, having just seen the results of the election.
"Whatever do you mean?" Shigyou asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Yui narrowed her eyes.
"Don't play dumb. Why'd you make me vice-president?" she asked.
"But you were running for it, weren't you?" he replied. It was not at all the answer she wanted.
Yui uncrossed her arms and pushed herself off the board.
"I see. Asking you is pointless, isn't it?" she said and started walking to the door of the classroom.
"Miss Hongo..." said Shigyou.
Yui stopped and looked back at him.
"It's getting dark. Why don't I walk you home?" he said.
Yui ignored his offer and turned back.
"Goodbye." she said and began walking again.
Shigyou turned to watch her leave, an evil gleam in his eyes and mischievous smile on his face.
Yui walked down the first set of stairs and turned to go down the next. Suddenly, the window behind her burst apart, sending glass shards everywhere. She leaned against the rail, shards of glass sticking out of her, injured badly. A cold, sarcastic voice began speaking from the first set of stairs.
"That was a close one!"
Yui didn't need to look up to know it was Shigyou.
Shigyou walked down the stairs, a calm expression on his face.
"Not hurt are you?" he said, still walking, "Please, be careful."
Shigyou rounded the corner and began going down the second stairs.
"Wouldn't want you to be devoured by a blue dragon again, would we?" he said.
Yui's head jerked up and stared at him. Her eyes were wide with shock.
"How did you...? You...!" she shouted, "Who are you?"
Shigyou turned his head to look back at her, a smug smile on his face.
"I'll tell you. My name is Renhou." he said. A bright light began glowing around Shigyou. His clothes changed to ones like in ancient China, and the hair at the nape of his neck grew to a ponytail. His clothes were an aqua blue tunic with yellow trimming, and beige pants. "And your friend is my enemy."
Yui's vision began to blur and blacken.
"M-Miaka..." she whispered before fainting.
Back in the book world...
Kaiya and the others appeared within the palace, thanks to Chichiri's magic. They were under the roof of one of the palace's outstretched walked ways, beside a pond.
"We're here, no da!" said Chichiri.
Miaka's face lit up with happiness at the scene of the large palace in front of her. The palace brought back so many good memories to her.
Kaiya looked around in awe at the palace. The walls appeared to be made of clay, and they were topped off with bright, orange colored roofs. The roofs tiles looked to be made of cut bamboo shoots. Along the sides of the palace were walkways. Red columns stood on the outer edges of the walkways to help support the roofs. Like the outstretched walkway she stood on, there were a couple others within an eye's view that also stretched out into the palace's fields.
"Damn, it's been too long!" Tasuki said, happy to see the palace as well.
"It hasn't changed a bit!" said Miaka.
"The war two years ago is becoming ancient history to the people here, no da." said Chichiri.
"Holy...! It looks just like ancient China!" Taka exclaimed, awing at the sight.
"Jeez. Same old amateurish shock reactions..." Tasuki muttered.
Kaiya and Taka glared daggers at him. Sweat drops appeared on Tasuki, and he began to slowly back away.
Chichiri watched with amusement.
'Kaiya sure is strange.' he thought and remembered her strange behavior back on Mt. Taikyoku. Looking at her now, it seemed like nothing had happened at all.
"Miaka!"
Everyone turned to see a girl flying towards them, across the pond. Her hair was a pale turquoise, braided in pigtails with golden globes at the ends. Her yellow and white robes, bound at the waist with a pink sash, swayed as she flew.
"Nyan Nyan!" Miaka cried happily.
Taka's eyes practically popped out of their sockets.
"She... She's flying!" he said.
"You're alright!" said Nyan Nyan.
Nyan Nyan flew into Miaka's arms, and they embraced each other.
"You're alright, too, Nyan Nyan!" Miaka said, relieved, "I didn't see you at Mt. Taikyoku, so I was worried!"
Taka pointed a shaky finger at Nyan Nyan.
"Wha... What is that?" he asked.
Tasuki smiled at his reaction.
"This is really annoyin'." he said, half joking, half serious, "Can't ya get some of your memory back? I can't explain everything to ya."
"Oh, Lord Chichiri!"
Everyone turned to their left to see a small group of men. One wearing robes, and the other two wearing armor.
"Lord Tamahome! Oh, even the Priestess of Suzaku!" the man at the front said. His eyes gleamed with happiness.
"Prime minister!" Chichiri acknowledged happily. "It's been so long, no da!"
The prime minister and the soldiers ran to Miaka and the others, resulting in a long sequence of talking. From the priestess to the warriors, joyous greetings and small conversations were exchanged.
Kaiya stood beside Tasuki, the only two who didn't seem to be noticed. They watched as the others talked.
Finally noticing them, the prime minister turned to them.
"Oh, Lord Tasuki's here!" he said.
Tasuki glared at him.
"'Course I am." he muttered, annoyed.
The prime minister turned to Kaiya.
"Oh? And who is this?" he asked.
Miaka turned and walked to Kaiya's side.
"This is Kaiya. She's a friend of mine from my world." she said.
Kaiya clasped her hands together and bowed.
"Nice to meet you." she said politely.
The prime minister smiled at the girl.
"Please, please, come inside. You all must be famished." he said and gestured everyone to go into the palace. "You must tell what has been happening in your lives."
The prime minister led them to an eating room. There were chairs and plates of food for everyone. Decorative lanterns (unlit) hung on the ceiling and orange curtains (drawn back) decorated the walls. The walls were a paler shade of orange and had outlines of large green rectangles on them. Everyone sat down and Miaka told their story to him.
Finally finished explaining, Miaka sat back in her chair.
"Stones, you say?" the prime minister asked, "Jewels that restore memory?"
"That's right, sir. And we have no idea how to find them." Miaka said.
"I will inform my staff and begin an organized search immediately." the minister said and turned to one of his attendants, "Attendant!"
"Right away, sir." the attendant answered and rushed off.
The prime minister turned back and faced Chichiri.
"In any case, Lord Chichiri, if it wouldn't be too inconvenient, can I convince you to stay for a while?" he asked.
"Here? You mean you want me to stay here, in the palace?" Chichiri asked, sounding a little surprised.
"Yes." the prime minister answered, "We have been working our hardest to rebuild the nation ever since the war ended. But one injury still saps the strength of our people and discourages them."
"The death of his majesty..." Chichiri said sadly.
Kaiya looked over at Chichiri, noticing the tone of his speech.
'What happened to the 'no da's?' she wondered.
"Konan still lacks a leader who could be a preach to the future." said the prime minister.
"What about Lady Houki, the woman he married who looked like Nuriko?" Chichiri asked.
The prime minister lowered his head.
"Yes.. Well, after giving birth to the crown prince, the empress fell ill and hasn't spoken a word for a year and a half." he explained gravely, "I believe her spirit is broken."
"A year and a half?" Miaka repeated, shocked. She stood up, palms braced on the table, "Minister, where is Lady Houki? Please, won't you let us visit her? Won't you?"
The prime minister looked up at Miaka, the slightest bit of hope shone within his trembling eyes.
"Yes, priestess." he said and closed his eyes, "That might be just what she needs."
"But before that," Miaka said and looked down at the food, "can we... eat this food?"
Large sweat drops appeared on everyone's head, Kaiya covered her laughter at the seriousness in which she had used to speak.
"She's like this everywhere, isn't she?" she said, a large smile on her face.
"You wouldn't believe how much I spend going to a restaurant with her." Taka replied jokingly.
Miaka stopped licking her plate for a second to look at them, a question mark above her head.
Chichiri watched Kaiya in the corner of his eye; the reason unknown even to himself. He watched her hold in another laugh, her shoulders shaking, and a small smile appeared on his face.
"You should laugh more, no da." he said to Kaiya, "You being sad doesn't seem to suit you, no da."
Kaiya faced Chichiri and smiled.
"Well, when does a sad face ever suit anybody?" she replied.
As soon as Miaka had finished her plates, as well as some of the others', the prime minister led them to where Lady Houki was.
"She's in here." the prime minister said, stopping in front of a room.
"Houki?" Miaka whispered, then opened the door to peek in. She widened her eyes and made a small gasp when she saw Hotohori at Houki's bedside, trying to comfort his ill stricken wife. "Hotohori..."
Miaka widened the door so everyone could see what was happening.
Everyone was at a loss of words. Kaiya wanted to think of a way to lighten the mood, at least a bit, but couldn't think of anything. She wanted to help Hotohori, whom she knew now was the emperor. She balled her hands into fists and furrowed her brow.
"I can't comfort her..." Hotohori said sadly, withdrawing his hand from Lady Houki, "She doesn't feel it..."
"Heart broken..." Nyan Nyan said, knowing very well why the empress was ill, "She couldn't stand the grief of losing his highness. She loved him so very, very deeply."
At Nyan Nyan's words, Kaiya's eyes grew blank. She unballed her fists and unfurrowed her brows, just watching now.
Hotohori gazed down at Houki, feelings of regret raking at his heart.
"Houki..." he whispered and closed his eyes, "Forgive me."
The door closed and everyone walked away from the doors.
"I think we should leave them alone for now, no da." said Chichiri.
"So this is where his highness ended up." said Tasuki.
"It was Taiitsukun's powers." Nyan Nyan explained, "The other warriors were sent to different places."
"Good, that's a relief." said Miaka.
"Oh well, we better find those rocks for this loser." Tasuki said, turning his head to Taka.
"Sorry, guys." Taka apologized.
Miaka turned her head to Chichiri.
"Chichiri, can't you sense where they are?" she asked.
Everyone started walking down the hall. Chichiri sighed.
"I'm afraid I can't use any of my powers for this particular venture, no da." he answered.
"Ah, then we're gonna have to search one room at a time." Tasuki said.
"No! You mustn't go that way!"
Suddenly hearing the pitter patter of running feet, Tasuki turned his head to the front of him, the direction of which he heard the sound coming from.
Suddenly, something solid crashed into his leg. Tasuki shouted into the air, tears streaming down his face. His leg felt like it had broken a bone.
Kaiya's eyes returned to normal. Her face brightened greatly at the adorable little child that had just come.
Tasuki glared angrily at the child that had crashed into him, his fangs bared.
"Why you...!" he snarled, then knelt down and grabbed the kid by the collar of his robes, "You little rock headed brat!"
The child's caretaker had finally caught up with the child.
"Oh, Prince Boushin!" he said.
Tasuki blinked. He immediately released the child and patted his head, a forced, happy expression on his face.
"You cute little devil!" he said aloud, then muttered to the prince, "And don't tell your father I said that, okay?"
"He's a prince, then that means..." Miaka said and trailed off.
"This is his majesty's son, no da!" Chichiri finished for her.
Kaiya and Miaka took in the prince's appearance. He looked very young. He had a bald head with a small patch of light brown hair just above his forehead. He had beautiful goldish-brown eyes, just like his father's. He wore a lemon colored robe with a coral colored outer lining and a canary yellow inner lining. In his hands he held a brown teddy bear with aqua blue eyes, and a red and brown checkered bowtie.
Miaka's face broke into a very large smile.
"Really?" she said excitedly.
"Sure is cute." said Taka.
Kaiya bent down on her knees to get a closer look at the prince. She clasped her hands together and tilted her head to the side.
"He's absolutely adorable!" she squealed.
"So he's Hotohori and Houki's son!" Miaka exclaimed.
"Come, your highness." Boushin's caretaker said, motioning the boy to follow, "Why don't we go back to your room? I promise no one will try to take away your doll again."
Miaka bent down on her knees and smiled at Boushin.
"I was the one who gave that doll to your daddy a long time ago, before you were born." she said, pointing at the bear.
Boushin turned away, clutching the bear tighter.
"Don't worry, I won't take it away." Miaka said.
"What's your name, little guy?" Kaiya asked.
Boushin didn't answer. Tasuki walked up to her side and whispered to them both, eyes glaring and a hand cupped to his mouth.
"See? Ya wanna smack 'im, right?" he said.
Kaiya and Miaka smiled nervously, sweat drops prominent.
"Lady Kaiya, and Lady Priestess, " the prime minister said, his face as sad as his voice was grave, "I'm afraid it's of no use. Prince Boushin has never spoken one word in his life."
Miaka, Kaiya, and Tasuki turned their heads to face the minister. Boushin began to stroke his bear's head, ignoring the people around him.
The prime minister continued.
"It's just like it is with his mother, and so his mouth and heart have been sealed." he said, "He seems to understand what you say, but he won't speak to us."
"What're you saying?"
Miaka and Kaiya backed away quickly, nearly having a heart attack from the sudden shout from Hotohori.
"Hotohori, don't pop out so sharp like that!" Miaka shouted at him.
Hotohori leaned in closer to his son, his face's features softening.
Boushin looked from side to side, as if seeking something that had just spoken to him.
"It's me. Can't you see me?" Hotohori said softly, "He looks like me as an infant; the warm intelligence, the obvious wit, regal grace, and strength of character."
Everyone groaned, except for Kaiya and Taka who were staring in disbelief.
"Give me a break." - Tasuki
"Come on!" - Chichiri
"What a narcissist..." - Nyan Nyan
"Oh, you gotta be kidding me!" - Miaka.
Suddenly, Nyan Nyan sensed a dark presence coming from the prince's doll. She jumped into the air and flew back.
"Everyone, get away from that doll!" she shouted.
Everyone whirled around to look at Nyan Nyan. But before they could comprehend what she had said, the head of the bear ripped open ad a bright purple light sprouted forth. Purple octopus-like tentacles bust out of the bear, wrapped themselves around everyone, and hoisted them into the air.
"What... is this thing?" Kaiya shouted, struggling to break free.
"It's some kind of tentacle monster, no da!" It's coming from the prince's doll!" Chichiri answered, struggling as much as she was.
Boushin's eyes were wide, staring at the base of the tentacles. His grip around the bear was still tight.
Taka looked over at Miaka, desperate to save her.
"Miaka!" he shouted.
Miaka squeezed her eyes shut, gritting her teeth. She opened her eyes to look at Boushin.
"Oh, please... Stop this, Prince Boushin!" she gasped. The tentacles around her tightened and she screamed. She felt like every bone in her body was being crushed.
"Your highness... Please let go of the bear doll now." the prime minister begged the prince.
"Can't... use my power...!" Nyan Nyan gasped.
"Me either!.. Ugh!" Chichiri replied and looked at Boushin, "I can't use my powers without hitting the prince, no da!"
"I can't... I can't use my fire either!" said Tasuki.
The monster's two heads growled and lunged at Boushin, ready to devour him.
"Boushin!" Hotohori cried and raced towards his son. He entered Boushin's body just as the monster reached him. Hotohori had lept into the air and the monster followed him.
Using his powers, Hotohori (Boushin) materialized his sword into his hands. The sword's blade began to glow red.
"Your highness!" Tasuki shouted.
"He's... possessed... him!" Chichiri shouted.
Hotohori lunged at the monster's body with his sword and pierced it.
The tentacles turned black, then dispersed, dropping everyone to the ground.
Seeing Miaka falling, Tasuki dived under her, lightening her fall by letting her fall on him.
Miaka blinked, then looked down at him.
"Oh, Tasuki! Thank you!" she said gratefully.
Tasuki stared at the ground.
"Yeah, sure." he said, "What else was I gonna do? Now get off, yer' heavy."
"Sorry." Miaka said nervously, and got off of him.
Kaiya dusted herself off and looked around at everyone.
"Is everyone alright?" she asked. Everyone nodded in reply. She breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."
Chichiri walked over to Miaka, a mischievous expression on his face.
"Tasuki has been going out of his way to save you on this trip, no da." he said and raised a finger to emphasize what he was saying, "And I saw him kiss you on the mouth back at the lake, no da."
Miaka perked her head up at Chichiri.
"Hm?" she said.
Tasuki quickly stood up and loomed angrily over the conniving warrior.
"It's called mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, ya dummy!" he snapped.
Kaiya grinned at Tasuki.
"Well, we're safe, your highness, thanks to you." said Taka.
"Yes..." Hotohori said slowly, staring in awe at the fact that he could possess a body, "The monster has been destroyed with the holy sword. I am a bit... bewildered and shocked that I am able to do this."
Miaka smiled at the little emperor.
"I'm not surprised, Hotohori! Any great father would do the same!" she said.
Realizing something, Hotohori's eyes widened. He quickly turned and ran down the hall.
Miaka reached a hand out to him.
"Hotohori, where're you going?" she called after him.
The sound of running feet echoed through the hall, awakening Lady Houki. The doors swung open and Hotohori came running in.
"Houki!" he shouted, distress written on his face.
Houki sat up, her eyes wide. Her mind tried to grasp the fact that her son was now speaking, and in a voice very much like her husband's.
"Boushin..." she said.
"Houki..." Hotohori said softly, his eyes trembling, "Can't you see? It is me!"
Realizing just exactly who was speaking to her, Houki's eyes softened and began to fill with tears. She felt a happiness that could never be explained in words.
"Highness?" she whispered. She leaped out of her bed and ran to Hotohori, embraced in his warm arms once more.
"Houki..." Hotohori said, happiest he had felt in a long time.
"Highness, it really is you." Houki said.
Hotohori stared forward, brows creased, and guilt-ridden.
"Yes, Houki... and it is my fault for leaving you and our son behind, and burdening you with grief." he said, "I am so sorry. Please forgive me."
Kaiya and the others watched the joyous moment between the two from the doorway.
Tears ran down Houki's cheeks. She held Boushin (Hotohori) close to her, never wanting to be apart from him again.
After Hotohori was warmly welcomed back, everyone entered the room, and explained their situation.
"Jewel of memory?" Houki repeated.
"Yes, that's right." Miaka replied, "Without them, Taka- I mean, Tamahome, will cease to exist!"
Houki thought for a moment. She remembered something and relayed it to everyone.
"Come to think of it, I always thought it was only an illusion." she said.
"You thought what was only an illusion?" Miaka asked.
"It was just before I gave birth to my son. I saw a light blue stone appear before me. Somehow, it gently entered my womb." Houki explained, "I remember how warm it was. Just after that, when our son was born, the warmth passed out of me. But I thought it was an illusion, brought on by my labor."
Chichiri's brow was furrowed in deep thought.
"So, it's with the prince then..." he said.
Miaka realized what he meant.
"Do you mean the jewel is inside him?" she asked.
Tasuki burst into the room and grabbed Boushin (Hotohori) by the legs and began to shake him up and down.
"Alright, leave this operation ta' me! Come on, spit it out, now!" he shouted, then turned to Chichiri, "Chichiri, hit 'im on the head! As long as his highness possesses the child, he should be alright!"
Chichiri stood beside Tasuki in ready position, his staff ready at hand. He nodded in reply.
"Yeah, right!" he agreed.
Breaking free of Tasuki's grips, Hotohori landed on the floor. He leaped into the air and kicked Tasuki in the face. Tasuki was sent flying with a bloody nose.
"What do you think you are doing to my son?" Hotohori shouted angrily, "Chichiri, how can you agree with such an asinine plan?"
Kaiya blinked, shocked at the three's behavior. Miaka watched them with a nervous grin and large sweat drop. Tamahome crawled up into his chair with bugged out eyes as he was confronted by the emperor.
"And what did I ever to do you, Tamahome, to make you put a stone in my son?" the emperor shouted, exasperated.
"But I didn't put it in 'im! I don't even know how!" Taka protested.
Hotohori moved from fighting Tamahome, back to Tasuki. Tamahome ran over to Miaka and hugged her legs, terrified of Hotohori.
"Excuse me, everyone!"
Everyone turned to the door to see a maid enter with a platter of food.
"Excuse me!" she shouted, getting the emperor's attention. "I've come to give the prince his food."
Hotohori decided to stop the disfiguring of Tasuki's face for the time being.
"Alright, we will have to discuss this later. It is far more important that Prince Boushin be nourished now." he said, then left Boushin's body. "Eat well, my son, and grow up to be a healthy and contented ruler of men."
The maid walked over to the table and put the platter down.
"Come here, your highness, so that I may feed you." she said.
Boushin began walking towards the maid.
From underneath the platter, the maid pulled out a hidden dagger.
Seeing this, Chichiri rushed the prince's side, shielding him, but injuring himself in the process.
"It's another monster, no da! She's not a real human being!" he shouted and backed away from the fake maid with Boushin. He handed the prince over to Houki.
The maid's eyes darted from person to person, scanning over them, and brandishing the weapon in front of her.
Kaiya watched Tasuki ran up and pull out a fan. His eyes were narrowed in anger.
"One after another, they come up ta' bother us. Outta the way, Tamahome." he said, then waved the fan at the fake maid, "Rekka Shien!"
To Kaiya's surprise, fire spewed from the fan, and at the imposter. A loud, monster-like scream was heard.
"Is it gone?" Taka asked eagerly.
Nyan Nyan flew past them, towards the monster.
"Not quite!" she said.
As the flames dispersed, a one-eyed purple monster came out. Its body looked very much like a slug with claws.
Placing a palm over her fist, Nyan Nyan concentrated her power into her hands.
"San... Zen... Ha!" she shouted. Her palms opened and white balls of energy were shot at the monster.
The monster screamed in pain, green blood spurting from its wounds.
Nyan Nyan flew back and landed by Chichiri.
"This thing's tough!" she said.
Hotohori stepped forward.
"I'll handle this!" he said. His holy sword cast a red glow. Grasping it once more, he ran at the monster, cutting through it.
"This stops here." he hissed angrily, his back towards the monster, "I will not let you hurt my son! Now, be gone!"
The monster screamed once more, and dispersed.
Chichiri relaxed, but the pain in his arm reminded him of his injury. He winced and kneeled on the floor, clutching his arm. Kaiya noticed from the corner of her eye and quickly rushed over and kneeled beside him.
"Chichiri, you're hurt!" she said worriedly.
"It's just a mortal wound. It'll heal, no da." he replied, trying to ease her worry.
"Hold on." she said. Gripping her skirt, she ripped the edge off and wrapped it around his arm. She finished wrapping and tied it with a little bow. She leaned back and smiled. "I hope it stops the bleeding. Sorry I can't do much more than that."
Chichiri shook his head.
"It's fine, no da. It'll definitely help." he said, "Thank you for your help, no da."
Houki gazed at the spot where the monster had been, relieved that it had been defeated. Her eyes widened and she let out a gasp when Hotohori's form began to materialize in front of her. Tears fell from her eyes.
"Your majesty." she whispered.
Hotohori's eyes widened at his title and he turned to face Houki.
"Houki..." said softly, "Can you... Can you see me?"
"Yes, I can see you!" she answered.
Boushin stared at Hotohori, a smile on his face.
"Pa... pa!" he said quietly, but not loud enough for anybody to hear. He reached his arms out to Hotohori.
"You see him, too, don't you, Boushin?" Houki said, "You know who he is?"
Houki placed her child on the ground.
"My son," she said, "that brave man is your father."
Boushin smiled happily and began walking towards Hotohori, arms outstretched.
Hotohori stared joyously at his son.
"Boushin, my beautiful son," he whispered, then knelt down onto one knee and held his arms out to Boushin, "come here..."
Boushin ran the last few steps to his father, eagerly awaiting those arms to wrap lovingly around him. But just as he reached Hotohori, instead of feeling the soft flesh of his hands, he ran through Hotohori.
Hotohori's eyes widened, remembering he was a ghost and that he could not touch anything of the living.
Boushin tripped on the floor and fell to his knees. He blinked, and slowly began to cry, wailing in the air.
Everyone watched, shocked, and sad, realizing the same thing Hotohori did. Kaiya hugged her knees and her eyes grew blank once more.
Hotohori's eyes trembled with sadness. Tears threatened to fill his eyes and fall. He raised a handle and covered his mouth.
Houki closed her eyes and turned her head away, a hand also covering her mouth.
Boushin's wails continued to fill the room.
Hotohori squeezed his eyes shut to stop the tears from coming.
"Come into me."
Hotohori opened his eyes, recognizing the voice as Tamahome's.
"Use my body, please." Taka said.
Hotohori turned to face Taka.
"You can because, unlike everyone else here, I'm only using about half of my memories." Taka said, and smiled, "So there's plenty of room to spare, you see? Heh heh..."
Hotohori's face brightened at the kind gesture.
"Tamahome..." he said, "I am forever in your debt."
Boushin continued to cry, tears going down his face in what seemed like rivers. He suddenly felt soft hands lift him up and stopped crying.
"Boushin..." Taka (Hotohori) whispered. He turned Boushin about so that he was spooning him. He gently pressed him against his chest in a loving embrace. "My son, forgive me. I've been a terrible father. I cannot be here with you or your mother. But you are both forever with me in my heart."
Hotohori pulled his son back and raised him so that they were face to face.
"Grow up quickly and well, my son. Become a strong and noble man, and then as much as I did- no, more than I was able to, love your subjects. Become a great leader who will build a world of peace, and protect your mother, as a responsible, beloved son should. I know you will." he said, then brought him down again in another embrace, "You are... my most precious treasure."
"Papa..."
Hotohori's eyes widened and a small gasp escaped his mouth. Houki did the same.
"Boushin...!" she whispered.
Kaiya's eyes returned to normal. Her eyes softened at the happiness she felt for the emperor. Miaka, Nyan Nyan, and Chichiri watched as fell, feeling just as happy as she did for the emperor. Tasuki on the other hand, had his back turned and was bawling his eyes out.
"Boushin..." said Hotohori, "What did you just... What did you say?"
Boushin looked up happily at Taka, knowing that it was his father who he was speaking through him.
"Pa... pa!" he repeated.
Hotohori's eyes narrowed, fighting back the tears in his eyes, and brows trembling.
"Boushin...!" he muttered.
Boushin reached a hand up and touched his father's cheek.
"Papa?" Boushin said.
Hotohori gently held Boushin's hand, and closed his eyes, allowing the tears to stream down his face.
"My son..." he whispered.
"Papa! Papa!" Boushin said happily.
Suddenly, a light blue stone appeared before Taka.
"What's that?" he asked aloud, but realized the answer himself, "The jewel of memory... from inside this boy."
The jewel entered Taka, presenting him with the memories of Hotohori.
"What's this?" he whispered.
"You must know, Tamahome..." said Hotohori, "Even the power of kodoku was no match for the love you and Miaka share. The strength with which you protect Miaka comes from your abiding love for her, and your gentleness."
Taka gave Boushin back to Houki and Hotohori left his body to sit on her bedside.
"Thank you, for lending me your body." said Hotohori.
"Yes, your highness." Taka replied. He turned his head to smile at Miaka, and she smiled back.
"Isn't it great, Taka? We got the third jewel." Miaka said.
"Yeah." Taka replied, "And I remember the time you almost died, Miaka."
From the corners of his eyes, Tasuki watched them with a bit of jealousy. He closed his eyes and looked away. Kaiya noticed this from the corner of her eyes and raised her eyebrows. Suddenly, a bright red light surrounded her.
"Hey! What's this?" she exclaimed and stood up.
Chichiri and Tasuki looked at her, just as surprised. Then, the same red light shone again, but in front of them. They turned back to see that Miaka and Taka had also been surrounded by the red light.
"What now?" Tasuki asked.
"Suzaku!" Chichiri answered, "They've been surrounded by the power of Suzaku, no da!"
"They're going back... to the other world!" Tasuki concluded.
Miaka turned to face everyone.
"Listen!" she said, "I promise we'll be back! We'll find the fourth jewel! I promise!"
"I'll be back too!" said Kaiya, "I want to help as much as possible! So you can expect me to come back!"
With that, Miaka, Kaiya, and Taka disappeared with the light.
Chichiri glanced at the bandage on his arm, mysterious emotions playing at his heart.
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Author notes: Considering that the original OVA was only six episodes, I decided to speed up Chichiri and Kaiya's relationship. There was barely any in this chapter, but hey, better than nothing. Do you guys think I'm moving too fast? I'm not sure if I am or if I'm not. I used the episode for this chapter, as I will for the other chapters. I CRIED. It was such a touching episode. I used up a box of tissues. One of the best episodes of the series. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
