Hello everyone! I realized I made a terrible mistake on the first chapter and didn't put a disclaimer. So I'm putting it in here now.
Disclaimer: Fushigi Yugi belongs to Yuu Watase and I make no claims to profit or take credit for her characters or world. This was written purely for the entertainment of myself and others. The only things that belong to me are the the original characters (you'll recognize them) and deviations from the plot that I came up with on my own. Any and all references to other works belong to their respected owners and I am not taking credit for them. (example: Wizard of Oz alusion.) Any other similarities between plot and characters is sheer coincidence and unintentional.
Chapter Two: It's only for a Little While
The ground beneath them was gone, that was a fact they could feel, yet a hard one to prove. First, because they weren't falling, that would be the appropriate response after having something yanked out from under them. Two, because neither of them could open their eyes to actually look and see if the ground was beneath them, this was due to an intense light. The light was balanced by a comforting darkness as if neither could truly claim ownership of the area, leaving both girls suspended in what could only be described as a half lit purgatory. About them was a soft wind that couldn't be described as warm or cold just a presence. Quiet whispers were about them but in a tone so even and delicate that gender of the voice and the words it spoke could not be deciphered.
This sensation—that was actually quite nauseating for one of the two—came to an end so quickly that it was hard to recall if it had ever happened in the first place. As everything became, as what could only be described as, real again they released the breath they didn't know they were previously holding. Their next intake of breath was an overwhelming scent of flowers. It was as if they had suddenly walked in to an overly full greenhouse. Confused by this new information, that their sense of smell was telling them, both girl started blinking their eyes, adjusting to the surroundings.
They could feel the wind was playing lightly with their hair—which was impossible because they hadn't even set up the fan in their room yet. What they actually saw was earth shattering. About them was a mirage of brilliant, vibrant flowers of nearly every color imaginable. The flowers grew in the ground, on lush bushes, entwined on the vines, and some even draped down off the strands of leaves on the trees. The area was so dense with the foliage that the sky had been blocked out and only starbursts of light rained down through the gaps casting an odd balance of light and shadow about them.
While Nyoko remained speechless Naoko spoke up, shattering the silence, "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Japan anymore." She grinned at her sister and the cheesy movie reference that was probably best saved for later.
Nyoko's astonished eyes were now riveted at her sister and away from the drastic change in scenery, "Is that all you have to say?!" Her tone was quiet, as if speaking too loud might disturb the odd tranquility that resided there. She then hissed, "Nai, you're quoting ridiculous movies when the world just went up and disappeared!"
Laughing, and apparently not feeling the same apprehension as her sister Naoko replied, "Nei whatever happened to being able to handle change?" Her chestnut eyes then went away from her sister and back to her surroundings, "It's rather pretty don't you think?"
"Nai this is completely different! We moved to Japan. We took a plane remember? You can find it on a map. I have no idea where we are and I have no idea how we got here!" Nyoko gushed her eyes frantically looking around at the scenery. Seeing that her sister was enjoying the sights and clearly no longer capable of being called sane she grabbed her arm and pulled on it slightly, "Naoko pay attention!"
"I am-" Naoko began to say but either she didn't finish out of her own free will or Nyoko just didn't hear her because she began speaking again.
"There has got to be a rational explanation for this. I mean…It's just…How?" Nyoko rambled breathlessly.
"Nie…?" Naoko began cautiously.
"What?!"
"Do you hear yourself?"
"If you're going to tell me to calm down-"
"No, that's not what I meant."
"Then what?!"
"You're not speaking English…but I…I understand you."
Both girls fell into silence at this and reflected back on the hectic conversation they had just had. Certainly they weren't speaking English, that much was obvious but how they knew the language or how they understood it was a complete mystery.
"Is it Japanese?" Naoko asked.
Nyoko shook her head, "No, this sounds a lot like it though…" She trailed off then gave her sister an odd look, "I think it's Chinese. Why on earth would we be speaking Chinese?"
"Oh Nie, come on. How many times do I have to tell you? Don't say why on earth say why the hell." Naoko sighed shaking her head at the repeated lesson.
"Naoko! This is no time for that." Nyoko said quickly looking around them again as if expecting to be whisked away again. "Okay, okay…maybe we're asleep."
"Don't be ridiculous. It's not late and I know we didn't fall asleep sitting up…"
"Well then what's your explanation?"
The bickering twins were interrupted as someone said in a cooing voice, "Hello?" Looking with curiosity towards the voice the girls saw a toddler—which explained the childish voice. It was a boy and he was wearing the oddest clothes, but he was cute nonetheless with those huge, warm, and inviting brown eyes.
"H-Hello…" Nyoko managed out standing up now. "Are you supposed to be here all by yourself?" she asked concerned looking for the parent of the child.
The best way to describe it was to say that one minute there was three of them in the foliage and the next there were four—though how he got there could not be explained. This new addition was a man, a much taller man than the girls. His skin was darkly sun kissed, his hair was a startling resemblance to their Mother's, and his eyes were hazel. He too of course was dressed in odd garb though his looked less formal than the boys. Despite how easily it was to look at the man, it was not his dashing good looks that caught their attention but the angry look he gave them.
"Don'cha dare lay one a those lil fingers on him, ya hear?!" The man practically growled out.
"Talk about needing grammar school." Naoko chuckled standing up beside her sister. She then looked to the man and replied with annoyance, "Relax, we thought he was lost." She then paused. "But you sure don't look like you're family resemblance. Nie? I don't know if we should just let him walk off with a little kid."
Nyoko nodded her head, the only indication that she was listening, before replying, "What was he doing here by himself anyways? If you were a good parent you wouldn't just let a child as young as him wander off." She chided the other man
Nyoko's attention was distracted by the boy tugging on the black long sleeve of her shirt. "Miaka come too?" He asked in broken childish words. Nyoko could only look at him in confusion to the words.
The man seemed to notice this action too, and for the first time seemed to actually scan them over. After this a hand smacked to his face in what was plain to see as aggravation, "Suzaku ya gotta be kiddin' me."
"Excuse me?!" Nyoko said in confusion and slight alarm at the man's words, that to her sounded crazy. Her hand now instinctively rested on the back of the boy's head pulling him closer to her side despite the fact that he had his arms raised to be picked up.
"Maybe our new implant Chinese translation thing has some bugs in it. What the hell does Suzaku mean?" Naoko asked in a whisper to her sister. If anyone had heard her comment they pretended not to.
"Yer clothes. No one wears t'at shit here. Only time I ever seen anythin' like it was wit' Miaka. Can't b'lieve he noticed t'at 'fore I did." The man said running a hand through his orange-red hair.
Naoko shared a look with her sister that seemed to show they were truly starting to debate the sanity of the man before them, "Our clothes?" Naoko asked with laughter. "You're the one wearing…" She scrunched her face at his outfit and made a wave at him with her hand, "Whatever that is."
"Hey!" The man yelled clearly insulted but Nyoko interrupted him.
"Hey Nai wasn't that the name of that girl at the library today?" Nyoko asked curiously.
"Huh?" Naoko asked in confusion.
"Those people, they gave us directions to the English department."
"Oh you mean those girls with the cute guy?!"
"Ha-ha, ya them."
The man looked impatiently at the girls who were talking back and forth and apparently were getting lost in their own conversation, "Yet not talkin' 'bout Tamahome are ya?" He sighed aggravated apparently recognizing the people they were discussing.
"Oh!" Nyoko said delighted. "If you know them then this should be simple." She smiled happily, and obviously relieved, "We live close to that library so if you could just give us directions to where that is…" Her words trailed off by the man's apologetic expression.
"What?" Naoko asked aloud what her sister would not.
"Er…" The man looked like he was at a loss for words and nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "How do I explain t'is…"
They were interrupted by a man, clothed in what appeared to be similar foreign clothing, approaching them. Damn, where did all these people come from? "Tasuki-sama her Highness is awaiting you and her son for dinner."
Both girl's eyebrows shot up in question but before it could be answered Tasuki answered him, "Ya, we'll be on our way…set up two more plates will ya?" With a nod the man looked from the two girls then back to Tasuki before walking off with questioning eyes before disappearing.
"Highness?" Naoko chuckled. What a strange, deluded, renaissance little town they must have stumbled into.
Tasuki sighed with what looked like loss as his mind racked for an idea, "Chichiri's better wit' stuff like t'is…" Again he sighed before looking at the identical twins, "I'll explain at dinner 'kay? We're already late."
Neither of the two girls seemed like they wanted to wait for answers but really didn't have a better alternative. "Alright." Nyoko answered holding the young boy's hand as she followed Tasuki, with Naoko right by her side.
It was clear to see that after they had walked a ways that what they had previously been in was some type of elaborate garden. The architecture could now be seen, it was elaborate and beautiful. "Nai…doesn't this sort of remind you-"
Naoko picked up in the middle of the sentence, "Of the architecture in those pictures about ancient China from history class last year?"
Nyoko nodded her head, "So…this is Ancient China? I guess that confirms that we're speaking Chinese…" Nyoko whispered, "But this still doesn't make sense." Naoko nodded her head in agreement.
"You two have a bad habit wit' t'at ya know?" Tasuki said glancing back at them.
"What?" Naoko asked perplexed.
Tasuki chuckled, "When ya talk ta each other. Ya get wrapped up in yer own world and forget ta rest of us is listenin." Both girls seemed to flush pink at this but neither made a comment to contradict or confirm it. Luckily their minds were shifted to something new. The soft scent of food was wafting in the wind it was enough to make one's mouth water.
"That smells amazing." Nyoko smiled now clearly being able to identify which of the many buildings they were heading to.
"Best cooks in all a Konan." Tasuki grinned. When he did this his eye tooth poked out and it seemed to be especially elongated. It was surprisingly rather cute.
"Konan…?" Nyoko questioned just as they reached the door.
"Jus' let Chichiri explain it 'kay?" Tasuki said shaking his head as he opened the door. The room had a high ceiling and everything was adorned in red and gold. It was deep, rich toned colors. This surprised the girls, when they had pictured 'Ancient China' they figured it would appear…ancient. Their thoughts were then turned to a low table and about it were large, black cased, pillows, obviously meant for seating. The long table was adorned in elaborate china that looked far too fancy to actually be eating off of. Yet the larger dishes were all filled with food, lots of food.
At the head of the table was a beautiful woman, she looked as if she was painted there like one of the Geisha's they had once read about. The only startling thing about her was the fact that her hair was a shade of purple. The young woman's eyes glanced the two over in shocked curiosity, "Tasuki-sama? Where in Suzaku's name-?!" She began before being distracted as the young boy, who had previously been clinging to Nyoko, dashed to the woman calling her mother. This should have been expected, the man—who now obviously could be identified as a servant—had said that was who was waiting, yet she was so young!
It took a moment to break their eyes away from her and notice the only other occupant in the room. He was extremely peculiar to see. He too was tall, though shorter than Tasuki and he wore more common clothes with beads around his neck. Compared to Tasuki his skin was paler and his body seemed to be thinner. His face was impossible to decipher for a type of paper smiling mask had been put in its place. His hair was in a style that looked like it would have been impossible to recreate at home—not to mention it was blue.
Tasuki seemed to ignore the woman's words and immediately directed his attention to the male occupant, "I found 'em in the garden while I was playin' wit' Boushin." He then glanced at the twins behind them, "They're uh…dressed like Miaka…sort of." He trailed off.
The man with the mask was looking directly at them, which was a little unnerving considering they didn't understand how he could possibly see through the mask. It was a mask, right? It was difficult to tell the way it formed with all the contours of his face.
Naoko seemed unconcerned with the silence and chose to direct her attention to the elaborate, and what she could only guess were expensive, decorations. They obviously were things she would probably only find in a museum at home. Nyoko on the other hand began to fidget slightly, growing uncomfortable under the heavy scrutiny. Finally, growing tired of fiddling with her fingers she rested her hands by her side and looked the other occupants in the room at eye level. "We're truly sorry if we've done something wrong. Coming here was a shock and completely accidental. We're not trying to cause trouble or upset anyone—we don't even know where we are. All we want is to go home, so please. Please just tell us how we can do so, so that we don't have to waste anymore of your time." Her tone had been soft, sincere, and the way it had been said so quietly showed her lack of self confidence to speak up in their presence.
Even after Nyoko's explanation all they received in return were anxious and worried glances. It caused Nyoko to bite her bottom lip—another terrible habit she had never been able to break. Finally, someone spoke, but it was not to them. It was the woman at the head of the table, she turned to the masked man and said, "Chichiri-sama I thought this was impossible." Every word that she said was in a regal and confident tone, opposite of what Nyoko's had been, yet even with the confidence concern seemed to lace its way onto her words.
"It should be." The blue haired man answered in such a lulling voice it could only be described as the feeling of velvet.
Naoko seemed to be growing impatient, her mental inventory list having drawn to a conclusion, "Well are you going to answer my sister? Or perhaps we should just continue to stand here while you talk amongst yourselves."
"Look whose talkin." Tasuki said barking a laugh causing both girls to flush a light pink.
Finally the masked man spoke to them, "Forgive our rude behavior." He did sound rather genuine about it but the seriousness in his tone did not lessen up, "We are just as surprised to see you as you are to even be here." He then paused, it was the action as if something had just occurred to him and he chuckled softly to himself, "Again, our apologies…we haven't even been properly introduced."
From here the woman seemed to take over, "Yes, I deeply apologize—where has our etiquette gone?" She smiled sweetly at them and while Naoko was unconvinced Nyoko managed a small smile in return. "You may call me Houki-sama, I am the current Empress of Konan. This here is my son—Boushin."
The man with the mask spoke again, "I am Suzaku Seishi Chichiri and my friend is another Suzaku Seishi-"
"You'll call me Genrou." The red head added on so quickly that it flowed with Chichiri's sentence almost as one.
Blinking confused Naoko looked at 'Genrou' and asked, "I thought your name was Tasuki? That's what everyone's been calling you."
"An' I said you will call me Genrou." He replied, anger clear in his tone. Naoko scowled at him wondering why he was so angry in the first place. After all it was just a name! Seeing her face he elaborated, "Ya don't get ta call me that name. Yer not her!" Seeing his slip he repeated, "Yer not them."
Jumping into her stunned sister's rescue, like always, Nyoko said, "It's a pleasure." She said this calmly and with a smile pretending as if the man hadn't been shouting just moments before. "My name is Nyoko Okayame and this is my twin sister Naoko."
Now Genrou glanced between the two of them and scoffed, "I take it Nai an' Nei are jus' nicknames then?"
"Not for you to use." Naoko snapped back glowering at him. 'Take that!' Naoko thought smugly. Two people could play his childish game.
"Nai!" Nyoko whispered scolding her sister's harsh words. She should have expected as much. Naoko had always been especially touchy when she thought people were putting her down. It was much harder for her it seemed to turn a blind eye to useless comments. 'Really.' Nyoko thought with a sigh, 'Why does she care what his name is anyways?'
Chichiri spoke after the odd banter, "Don't worry…" He reassured Nyoko who seemed mortified by her sister's behavior. His voice had turned soft, warm, and mostly pleasant. "Naoko-sama, Nyoko-sama, please take a seat. There's no need for you two to stand there so uncomfortably."
"Please help yourself to the food as well." Houki-sama added with a smile gesturing towards the table and the food that had still been untouched. Nyoko turned to her sister as if wondering if she was going to listen or not. Naoko took that as a sign to lead the way, she placed herself directly across the table from Chichiri, an empty pillow separating her from Houki and on her other side Nyoko joined her. Naoko seemed much more confident now, paying attention to those around her and meeting their gazes at eye level. Unfortunately Nyoko did quite the opposite, taking this opportunity to find the china in front of her absolutely fascinating.
Genrou finally shook his head at both the girls and looked at everyone around the table, "Well let's eat 'fore t'is food is cold." He grumbled now helping himself to a plate of what was on the table. Slowly the others began to follow his lead—except the twins.
Their lack of eating seemed to trouble them and Nyoko could practically feel them eyeing her and her sister in confusion. This of course made Nyoko feel like she had to explain, "We actually just had dinner…thank you though."
"Yer not hungry?" Genrou asked skeptically. Both girls looked at him in confusion so Houki saved her partner from having to answer.
"We're sorry for staring…it's just…the priestess…" Houki began hesitantly glancing at the men in the room for signs to stop.
Instead it was Naoko who spoke, confusion clear on her face, "The what?"
"The Suzaku no Miko Miaka is the only person we've met from your world. You're-" Houki said only to be interrupted again.
"Nothin' like her." Genrou finished bitterly. Despite his rude comment he didn't meet the gazes now directed at him. Instead he focused pointedly on the food before him. Nyoko could practically see daggers in Naoko's eyes and thankfully Houki continued before Naoko could put any action to her anger.
Houki sighed helplessly, "Unlike you she was always hungry." When she spoke of the Miko her voice was happier—as if she were reflecting on someone of importance. "So for us your presence is strange. Not to mention we have no idea why you're here."
Nyoko seemed to ignore most of the conversation and instead repeated incredulously, "Our world." Her voice was calm and even but it was easy to see that she was shocked, "You're telling me that we're in a completely different world."
Seeing her sister's distress and trying to hide her own Naoko tried to find the optimism and speak it aloud, "If she is from our world and came here, and was at the library today, it means that she got back home. So there's a way, how do we do it?"
Again silence met their question. Chichiri now answered it, his voice hesitant, "It's true that Miaka-sama went home…but it was after she completed her duties as the Suzaku no Miko."
Nyoko looked slightly agitated, a trait Naoko recognized from her sister to be from not understanding. Nyoko was always the type of girl who grew frustrated if she missed something, or couldn't understand while she usually just brushed it off easily. Nyoko confirmed this with her question, "You keep saying that. The Suzaku no Miko. But what is that anyway?"
"She is the Miko of Konan. Every country has one at some point. The Miko comes at the country's greatest hour of need—gathers her celestial warriors and then summons the country's sacred god, in our case, Suzaku. She is then granted three wishes." Houki explained.
Naoko visibly paled and whispered to her sister, "Nie…that sounds an awfully lot like the beginning of that book."
Nyoko shook her head in denial at this idea, "That's absurd Nai. That's a fairy tale…there's no way we're in a book. That's simply impossible." She whispered back. Despite Nyoko's strong view of the idea Naoko didn't look convinced.
"So, this Miaka person-" Naoko began only to be cut off by an angry Genrou again.
"Suzaku no Miko to you. Or Miaka-sama." Genrou growled again. It seemed it was impossible for the man to say anything pleasant or respectful yet when Naoko looked at Chichiri he too looked uncomfortable with the lack of title.
Sighing heavily Naoko began again trying to remind herself not to offend them again, "So, she came here to be your priestess. If you have one already why are we here?"
"You did mention other countries." Nyoko chimed in looking at Houki, "Does that mean we're one of their priestesses?" Nyoko clearly didn't look comfortable with the idea.
"That's why we don't understand." Chichiri whispered. "All four countries have already had their priestess."
"Wow…small world." Nyoko whispered to Naoko now trying to count just how many countries there were at home.
Naoko seemed to miss her comment and then said quite angrily, "Why then?!" She glanced at the people at the table with glaring eyes, "Why are we here?!"
"Nai…they just said that they didn't know." Nyoko sighed.
Naoko slammed a fist onto the table startling all the occupants in the room, "That's not good enough! What are we supposed to do?! Can we even get home? Are we stuck here?!"
Chichiri was eyeing the girl cautiously—how they knew this with his mask on was hard to explain. Yet he did answer her, "There's someone we can ask." It was a reassurance.
"Thank god!" Naoko sighed in relief. When Chichiri didn't move to do anything, she looked at him angrily again, "Well why are you just sitting there?! Let's go ask."
Chichiri answered simply, "It's far away."
Clearly this wasn't a good answer, "Okay so it's a long drive. Whatever. We can take turns driving if that makes you feel better."
"Nai…I don't think they have cars here…" Nyoko sighed shaking her head.
"Okay. Then call her."
"Nai…"
Finally Naoko seemed to give up. Damn past—who ever knew a phone could be so useful? Nyoko frowned sadly for her sister it was clear now that she hadn't been worried before because she hadn't been able to grasp the fact that they might be stuck here.
Seeing the expressions on the twin's faces Chichiri tried to comfort them, "I will take you there though…we can leave the day after tomorrow." His voice was much more cheerful now.
If Naoko had heard him she pretended not to. He did however get a thankful smile from the other, "Thank you, it means a lot." Nyoko smiled.
"Aw hell, I aint sendin' ya alone." Genrou said smirking at Chichiri, "I'll go with ya." He sighed now looking at his empty plate.
Houki smiled, "It's settled then. I'll have someone show you to your rooms, and begin the preparations for your travels."
"Oh Houki-sama that's incredibly kind but-" Nyoko began.
"None sense." Houki laughed lightly. "Where else do you have to go?" She asked an eyebrow raised quizzically.
Nyoko flushed pink again, "Thank you again for your hospitality." Her chestnut eyes were once again cast down at the table. It was then that Naoko yawned.
"Mmm, Nie I think that plane ride is finally starting to get to me." Naoko muttered rubbing at her eyes childishly.
It was incredible to remember. Yesterday they had left on a plane and hadn't landed till morning. They then drove for so many hours just to unload—it must have been their excitement that kept them up long enough to actually go to the library and translate that book. Yet then again, Naoko was always the first one to sleep and she was rather bitter when she didn't get it—which was a hard thing not to do. The girl slept like a rock and it was next to impossible to find a place she wouldn't sleep.
Houki giggled behind her hand but then called to a man standing against the wall. When he moved towards them Nyoko's eyes widened incredibly. How had she missed the servants in the room? "Please escort these girls to a pair of bedrooms. They'll be staying the night with us." Houki smiled.
"Hai, my lady." The male servant responded—he too was dressed like the one that had fetched Genrou for dinner. The only way to notice that it wasn't the same man was that his hair was a dark ashen brown instead of black.
Naoko and Nyoko stood to follow him, saying goodbye and thank you one more time before heading out the door. Everyone else had remained silent. The man leading them seemed to bring the silence with him. He said not one word as he navigated himself around the maze of outdoor corridors and scenic views while the twins seemed to be fascinated with everything they saw.
Naoko took the time to whisper to her sister, "This is weird, don't you think?"
"Nai, what has happened today that isn't weird?" Nyoko sighed distracted by the flowers that were growing in one of the courtyards they were passing.
"True. But I mean…servants? An Empress? Then there are all those gods and only four countries?" Naoko whispered even quieter now, afraid the man might be listening.
Nyoko bit her bottom lip and shrugged helplessly saying, "Pretend he's a bellhop?" Naoko glared at her sister and was apparently not satisfied with this answer. Sighing, for what seemed like the millionth time that day Nyoko added, "I agree. It's weird, and I really don't understand any of it at all. But who cares?" She said with a shrug. It was unlike her to use that phrase, but she knew it would make Naoko feel better. Besides it was hard trying to contemplate what was happening by herself, trying to add Naoko's questions would be too much to handle. So instead she continued reassuringly, "We're leaving the day after tomorrow and hopefully then whoever we're going to see will tell us how we can get home."
"How can you be so sure they'll help us? What if we're stuck here?" Naoko asked the genuine concern melting into her eyes.
Nyoko answered confidently, for her sister's sake, "We just have to have faith. It's all we can count on right now."
The servant stopped in front of a door that seemed like just all the others they had walked by. "These are your rooms." He answered gesturing with his hand to the two doors.
"Thank you." Both girls said in unison which caused Naoko to giggle and Nyoko to roll her eyes. Naoko always seemed to have an odd pleasure when they said things at the same time—probably because for her it was entertainment while Nyoko found it unnerving.
The servant glanced at them nervously, "Is there anything else you need?" Even though he had asked it didn't look as if he wanted to come back.
"No." Nyoko assured him shaking her head. After her answer he was quick to walk away. In only a matter of minutes he was gone from sight.
"I guess we get our own rooms still, even in a new world." Naoko said trying to be light hearted. She yawned again, it was clear to see she was exhausted.
"I suppose so." Nyoko said trying to be encouraging. "Goodnight Nai." She said opening the door to her room.
"Good night Nie." Naoko replied. Both girls then went into their separate rooms, neither able to truly express that they didn't really want to be alone.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning Nyoko rubbed at her eyes—she was still exhausted. Sleep had eluded her almost all of the night and even after she had been able to finally drift off she had been restless. Now it was morning, and she could feel the effects it was having on her. "God, Nai I had the weirdest dream…" She muttered and opened her eyes. Yet, Naoko was not in their room; in fact she wasn't in her room. The Chinese tapestries and decorations, not to mention all of the deep shades of red, were enough of a confirmation for her. So it was real—they had been brought to another world. Nyoko sat up and contemplated this idea, how had they gotten here? Naoko believed it was through the book…but that was impossible, right? Well, so was being transported to other worlds and yet here she was.
"So…how real can anything actually be?" Nyoko mused to herself running her fingers through her hair in an attempt to fix the disarray it had obtained through the night. 'We're in a book…so are they all just characters?' Nyoko couldn't explain why but the thought deeply depressed her. 'No…this is real…maybe the book is just a medium?' Yes, she liked that idea much better.
Pulling herself out of the overly elaborate bed, she looked to the door in the back of the room. Thankfully, as she had thought, there was a bathroom there. Yet her high hopes for a shower were vanquished when she saw the tub sitting in the center—no faucet connected to it. "Oh dear…they really are primitive." Nyoko sighed. 'We can't really be stuck here…can we?'
To interrupt her thoughts there was a knock on the door. Cautiously Nyoko moved and opened it slightly so that only her face peeked out. Outside stood a small girl. She could only be around ten. Her dark brown hair was done in cute braids pulled back into a high bun. A few of the shorter strands fell in her face and into eyes that were so dark brown that they rivaled the twins. "Good morning Lady Okayame!" She said cheerfully. How had the girl obtained her name? "I was told to check and see if you would like a bath and when to serve breakfast."
Nyoko had to blink a few times before she remembered that it was a palace they were in and that ten year old servants were probably common. "Ummm…I was hoping to take a bath, but…" She trailed off nervously looking at the lithe frame of the girl—was she actually supposed to carry water to a tub for her? The idea made Nyoko uncomfortable.
"Of course!" The girl beamed in a cheerful manner. How could a servant be so happy? "I believe water is being warmed for you as we speak. I thought you might want a bath after your…trip." She finished with a lopsided smile. She then seemed to have remembered something and held up her hands where folded clothes rested. "Also these are for you. I'm sorry they're more like men's clothes," The girl paused, obviously just now noticing Nyoko's pants. Quickly shaking off the weird expression she continued, "But Houki-sama thought it would be best for traveling."
"Oh, thank you." Nyoko said taking the clothes from the girl. She could see another outfit at the girl's feet. "Those…are for Naoko right?" She asked nervously.
"Yes, yes they are." The girl smiled again.
Nervously Nyoko glanced to the door next to hers. She couldn't let the poor thing actually take on her monster of a sister in the morning. "I should probably take those, she's not going to be up for awhile, and trust me…you don't want to wake her up." The girl didn't look like she believed her but still picked up the clothes and handed them to Nyoko anyway.
"Alright." She smiled again, damn could she stop? She turned as if to leave but then stopped and turned back around, "Oh! I almost forgot. When would you like breakfast?"
Thinking rapidly for a moment Nyoko finally answered, "Could I just have some fruit? You can leave it in my room if I'm in the bath…"
"Okay." She replied cheerfully, "Someone will be coming with your water shortly." With that the girl practically skipped off not even leaving Nyoko time to say thank you.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
True to her word someone had come with the water and while she was in the bath someone had even left the requested fruit. Yet now Nyoko stood in front of the elongated mirror staring questioningly at the outfit. Sure everyone had worn the odd attire, so it shouldn't be shocking that jeans weren't part of the outfit. Yet that didn't change how weird she felt in the clothes. At least it was form fitting so it didn't feel huge and baggy. Nyoko tugged at its sleeves. The outfit was a long black shirt, and matching black pants. Across the shirt was an elaborate red design of a bird. "I wonder what it means…" Nyoko wondered aloud her fingers trailing the embroidery. Her eyes then shifted to the floor where a simple pair of flats rested, they too were black, "Well, the shoes are cute." Nyoko chuckled. She then began to expertly run her fingers through her hair braiding it as she went. In the end, her dark red hair fell across one shoulder in a side braid. Unfortunately for the life of her, her bangs just wouldn't go into the braid and therefore stubbornly fell in her face. With a huff, she gave up and looked about her room. What was she supposed to do all day?
Her gaze fell on the door. She knew she should wait until Naoko was up—who knew how she would handle waking up still in this crazy ancient world? What on earth would she say when she saw the bathtub? The thought made her giggle. She should definitely wait, and yet despite what she told herself she had already stood and was heading out the door.
Outside she moved to lean against the balcony staring out into one of the many numerous gardens that littered the palace. It made her smile, sure this world sure was strange and completely out dated, but it was beautiful. Nyoko sighed in contentment—the air was so fresh here! It was just like the time when her family had gone camping up in the mountains…well camping meant renting a cabin. Her Mother couldn't stand the outdoors and had complained through the whole trip. Despite that she had rather enjoyed the trip. A slight smile of amusement rested on her lips at the thought.
Movement to her right caught her attention. The orange hair was a rather large indicator to who it was that was approaching. She was rather surprised to see him walking down the path of their rooms. Surely he knew where they had been taken and from his behavior the day before…they were not welcome by him. The surprise must have been evident on her face because his facial expression changed once he saw it—it was softer, the scowl she had become accustomed to seeing there was no longer present.
Instead of continuing on his way he stopped and leaned forward on the railing beside her. He glanced at her once then looked back out at the flowers like she was. From what Nyoko could tell he was struggling to say something. She decided to speak first, buying him some time and trying to be friendly. "Good morning Genrou."
The man didn't turn to look at her this time but did reply, "Mornin'…" He made no move to continue.
Nyoko blinked in confusion but shrugged and glanced back out at the scenery. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence but Nyoko had far too many questions to allow it to remain that way, "You know…Konan is beautiful." She smiled softly and then added hurriedly, "It is Konan right?" She asked nervously biting her bottom lip. That would be highly embarrassing—messing up the name of the country she was in.
Genrou chuckled at her. He shook his head, a smile on his face, "Ya, it's Konan." Finally he turned to look at her and Nyoko realized just how hazel his eyes really were. She hadn't realized how close they were standing to one another. Was this how it always was? Maybe 'personal space' hadn't been thought of yet. "I'm sorry I yelled at ya."
Nyoko's eyebrows rose in surprise. "I'm sure you had good reason."
Now Genrou was the one looking at her in confusion. "Why would ya say t'at?"
"Well, Miaka…I mean Miaka-sama." Nyoko quickly fixed her error—these titles were going to be the death of her! "She was obviously important. I mean…I don't think I understand…what exactly a priestess is…or…" Nyoko paused chuckling a little bit, "I don't even know what a Suzaku is." She shook her head, "But I understand that they're important to you—you had a right to defend them."
A grin spread across his face. It was rather cute and with their close proximity it made Nyoko flush slightly. No one usually stood so close to one another unless it was a really close relationship…apparently that rule didn't apply here. Yet she wished he would take a step back before she made a fool of herself. "Suzaku is the God of Konan." Genrou said interrupting Nyoko's thoughts.
"Oh." Nyoko said trying to recover from getting lost in her own thoughts. "So…he uh…protects Konan?"
"Ya." Genrou said with a nod of his head. He then looked at her shirt, "His animal form is the phoenix yer wearing."
Now Nyoko was shocked, she glanced down at the giant red bird with new meaning. "A phoenix? Do you have those things here?" Nyoko asked cautiously. She knew that they were a legendary creature but hey if this world had different gods who knew what else it had.
Now Genrou laughed, "Nah…" He finally managed out. "Just Suzaku." He nodded his head.
They were interrupted by a groggy image of Nyoko standing in the doorway behind them, "Nie, it can't possibly be morning yet—and why in God's name are you two so loud?"
Giggling Nyoko looked at her sister, "Naoko go back inside I'll be there in a minute to explain."
"Explain what?" Naoko asked confused and slight irritation. "Why you're so loud?" She hinted teasingly.
Nyoko just shook her head, the mirth still in her eyes, "Just go get ready for a bath."
"A bath?" Naoko laughed, "Nie, you've gone crazy." She said closing the door behind her as she disappeared back into her room.
Genrou looked at her confused and Nyoko, like always, explained, "At home water comes out of a spout up on the wall. We take showers instead of baths…"
"How the hell does water come out of a wall?" Genrou asked looking at her like she was crazy.
Suddenly the door was thrown wide open, "NYOKO!" The shriek came from a horrified Naoko, "There is a tub in the middle of the bathroom…where the hell is the faucet?!"
"I told you I would explain." Nyoko chuckled, "Sorry Genrou but I'll have to explain the concept to you some other time."
"Damn straight!" Naoko said to the fiery red head. What they were talking about was irrelevant to Naoko, the only thing she cared about was Nyoko's attention, "Nie what the hell is going on?!" Naoko said her hands on her hips, "Where is the faucet?!" By the expression Nyoko gave her she was starting to figure things out. "No." Naoko said with a slight chuckle. "They have running water…this is a joke right?"
"I'm afraid not. Someone will bring it to you in a couple of buckets…It's not that bad I promise." Nyoko said comfortingly. "Bye Genrou!" Nyoko said smiling and waving before looking back at Naoko, "First come in my room and get the clothes they got for you."
"Am I going to have to wear what you're wearing?" Naoko asked making a face; today just kept getting better by the second.
"Bye." Genrou said, obviously forgotten by now, as he walked away.
"Thank god they're not matching outfits but…" Nyoko said trying to be optimistic but then conceded, "That doesn't make it that much better does it?"
"We look like we could go to a Halloween party in that get-up." Naoko said scrunching her nose.
Nyoko shook her head, already inside the room and handing her sister the bundle of clothes, "Well here it's normal and I don't think we really want to draw any attention to ourselves."
Naoko sighed, "I suppose you're right…like usual. Whatever…we don't have to wear this stuff long…right?" Naoko was standing with the door open again glancing back at her sister before she left for her own room.
Nyoko didn't even take a time to pause, she just glanced over her shoulder, smiled and said, "Right."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When Naoko returned to her sister's room there was a hint of a smile on her face. "You know…I said I wasn't fond of the clothes but hey, can't beat 'em join 'em." She grinned doing a dramatic twirl for her sister who sat on the edge of the bed. The outfit was the same cut and style though hers was purple and pink cherry blossoms were painted onto it.
"So I get the outfit with the bird and you get flowers?" Nyoko chuckled.
Naoko smirked, "Oh is that jealousy?"
Rolling her eyes Nyoko waved her over, "Do you want me to do your hair or not?"
"Yes, please!" And just like that Naoko sat in front of Nyoko obediently. It didn't take Nyoko long to finish. Naoko's hair was half pulled back, creating a sloppy bun and tied with a white ribbon, the bottom half of her hair lay wavy. "Thanks Nie."
"Anytime." Nyoko said out of repetition. It was nice to know that even in a completely different world, some things never changed.
Naoko let her fingers fuss with the front of her hair till the bangs all stayed to one side at an angle—like they were supposed to. Afterwards she turned her head to look up at Nyoko, "So, what are we going to do today?"
"Actually…I don't know what you're going to do today." Nyoko replied.
Naoko narrowed her eyes with mischievous curiosity, "And pray tell…what are you doing today then that you don't think I'll be joining you?"
"I'm going to be helping with the preparations to leave tomorrow. I figured there was something I could do. Perhaps help cook the meals we're taking. Or even just stuff things into bags." Nyoko shrugged.
Naoko scrunched her nose, "You're going to work basically."
"I told you, you wouldn't want to help so I don't know what you're going to do today." Nyoko smirked reiterating her previous statement.
Naoko pouted, "You realize that just makes me look awful don't you?"
"No, I understand."
"I'm not lazy."
"I know that."
"I'm just clumsy and make everything ten times worse."
"Ha-ha, I know."
"Damn."
"What?"
"You know I'm going to have to help now."
"I figured as much."
Nyoko grinned at her sister who only glared back. "Well come on. I was hoping we could find Chichiri or someone we can offer to help."
Rolling her eyes Naoko stood and the two walked out of the room and about the maze of corridors. "Nie, this place is huge. We're never going to find him."
"This is a lot harder than I thought it would be…" Nyoko admitted biting her bottom lip. "I can't even tell if we've walked past here before. It's like a maze…"
"It's supposed to be." A male voice chuckled from behind them causing both girls to jump with surprise. The man was only a year or two older than them and he seemed to be around Chichiri's height and build. His hair was dark chocolate brown and his eyes were a warm, rich brown to match. He too was wearing the servants clothing but Nyoko distinctly remembered the other two's faces and therefore this one was new. "How did you manage to get yourself lost?" He asked clearly amused but confident in the idea that he could help.
"We were looking for Chichiri-sama…" Nyoko flushed, clearly embarrassed at having to admit being lost.
"Not that it's any of your business." Naoko said back flashing her sister an odd look. How could she just be so open with everyone? If she wasn't careful she was going to end up talking to the wrong people and get them into all sorts of trouble. That was Nyoko though—always too friendly.
The man seemed to find the twins amusing and chuckled quietly at both answers. "It's only my business if you want help getting to wherever you want to go." He smirked at Naoko then smiled at Nyoko, "Actually I'm on my way to Chichiri-sama now. We were going to go into the market for supplies…" He paused as recognition seemed to dawn on him. Another smirk spread across his face, "I take it you're the ones going with him? I wondered why I hadn't seen you around the palace before."
Naoko looked rather flustered after the man's answers causing Nyoko to laugh, "We are actually." She smiled softly before grinning at Naoko, "My name is Nyoko."
Now defensive Naoko spoke up for herself, not allowing Nyoko to introduce her again, "And I'm Naoko."
After their introductions the man gave an elegant bow to his waist; fancy wrist and arm movements included. It was this act that reminded the twins that the past might not be so bad after all—chivalry hadn't died yet. "It's an honor to meet your acquaintance." With a pleasant smile he added, "My name is Kano Hisakawa." His attention then turned to look down the hall. With a smirk he looked back at them, "I'm sure you'd like to go see Chichiri-sama now."
"That would be nice." Naoko said rolling her eyes, still flustered after having him point out how silly she was. Nyoko sighed at her sister's attitude towards the man but pleasantly agreed with him to try and make up for it. Despite her worry Kano seemed completely unfazed and began to lead them down the other hall.
Even though the halls all nearly looked the same, Kano seemed to be a complete expert of navigating him. It was also hard for the girl's to keep up with him. His legs were longer than theirs and his quick strides covered twice the distance in half the time. So, it shouldn't have been so odd that when they finally seemed to spot Chichiri both girls were slightly out of breath.
"Good morning no da!" Chichiri greeted the group that approached him. Nyoko and Naoko looked at each other as if the other could explain Chichiri's ending comment.
"Good morning Chichiri-sama." Both girls said respectively now glancing about them in awe. In front of them were the large gates to the wall, the wall that they expected surrounded the entire palace. It was huge and had been carefully constructed for not only as a strong holding but as a piece of artwork.
Chichiri glanced at both girls waiting to see if they would say anything but they both refrained. So he took it upon himself to ask, "Can I help you no da?" Again, what was with this 'no da' thing?
Naoko folded her arms across her chest and looked at her identical twin in what appeared to be expectation and slight annoyance. Nyoko sighed shaking her head. Chichiri noticed that this exchange between the twins seemed to be quite a common one. Finally the softer voice of the two spoke, "We were hoping that we could help you prepare. We want to thank you in some way for helping us." Nyoko smiled at the end hopefully.
Chichiri rose his eyebrows in slight surprise, he hadn't really expected to even see the girls until tomorrow morning. "Of course you can help no da!" He said this enthusiastically, he truly was happy to have their help. It would make things go by much quicker. "Now that there's more of us we can divide up. It'll make shopping much faster no da." He then glanced to Kano, "Is that alright with you?"
"Yes, of course Chichiri-sama." Kano smiled.
"Da! I thought I told you to just call me Chichiri." Chichiri sighed. Kano only laughed and Chichiri shook his head, "It would be easiest if one of you went with each of us no da." He had said this directed towards the girls, "Just because you're unfamiliar with Konan and it can be dangerous for you to be alone." Naoko and Nyoko were starting to realize that the new 'no da' endings must be typical considering Kano was behaving as if everything was fine. There theory was that he spoke like this when relaxed, obviously when he was more serious—like yesterday—the ending would fade away.
Naoko sighed heavily and gave her sister a look that showed she wasn't pleased. This was obviously not what she had had in mind. Not that Naoko had a clue to what she had actually planned on doing before. "Alright!" She gave in throwing up her hands. "I'll go with you if that's okay."
"Of course it is no da!" Chichiri said glancing to the remaining two. "Do you still have the list I gave you yesterday?" Kano nodded affirmative, "Why don't you just get the first half of the items and I'll get the second no da?" He then glanced up at the sun, "We'll probably be back late afternoon, no da." Nyoko raised her eyebrows in surprise. They must have a lot to shop for if it was going to take that long.
"Alright, we'll see you then Chichiri-sama." Kano smiled as one of the side doors was opened to go out—it obviously seemed silly to open the huge gates. Yet it still had taken Nyoko by surprise, she hadn't even seen the door concealed there.
"Have fun!" Nyoko waved towards her sister as they parted ways. Naoko's reply was only a scoff and an eye roll.
And this concludes the end of chapter two! I know in the previous chapter I promised I would shed some light on the ideas I have for this chapter and when I said that it was true. Yet, at the chapters completion...it was far too long and needed to be divided into two chapters. So my apologies. Although, if you're thinking that some of the scenes in this chapter were 'fluff' you're extremely mistaken. This chapter is packed with foreshadowing--but really only a detailed reader is going to pick up these things and even then you probably wont realize what it's foreshadowing until much later. But every single scene in here was extremely important! Even if it doesn't seem like it was yet.
I wanted to say thank you to the reviews I recieved last time. It's so nice to hear from old readers. I look forward to your review of this chapter and to hear how I'm doing--especially compared to my old stories. Now, please tell me if you have any questions, if I made anything unclear or confusing, and overall if you enjoyed the chapter. There was lot's of character building and story set up in this chapter and I hope you're starting to see more of how the characters act and behave. Please review and send me feed back. I can't fix anything or improve on the story if no one tells me it's strengths and faults.
Thank you for reading!
-Miracle