Chapter Three: Connecting Flowers
Naoko walked in silence with her companion that seemed overly chipper. Her arms were still crossed. She knew she probably looked uptight but she couldn't help it. Knowing that she was in a book—whether Nyoko believe it or not—made her extremely uncomfortable. None of this was real and all she wanted to do was go home. Not that she was keen on the idea of returning to Japan either. What she really wanted to do was move back to America. While her thoughts wandered her eyes glanced around towards the scenery. It sure was different—it felt like she had been sucked into the Discovery Chanel.
"Miaka-sama said her world was different from ours." Chichiri said glancing at the girl beside him as if noticing exactly what she was thinking about. It was almost uncomfortable to Naoko. She could also swear that his voice was different now—it wasn't that sweet velvet that it had been the day before. Now it was higher pitched, cheerful and the one word that kept screaming at her was fake. "It was hard to imagine no da. Is it really that much different?"
Surprised he was speaking to her she let her chestnut eyes turn to his. Naoko had always been a girl to have eye contact during a conversation. This of course was difficult to do with the mask he was wearing. She still didn't understand how it worked. It didn't appear to be worn down for years. It could easily have been put on yesterday. The mask itself was actually a little unnerving—who covered their face in such a manner? Yet, she had chose to go with him because he was clearly older than the man that escorted them to the gate and if she had to be alone she wanted it to be with someone who had a respected title, a false sense of security—whatever a Seishi was anyways.
"Ya." Naoko finally answered. At first that was all she planned on saying but she realized it probably seemed a little harsh. He was after all trying to make small talk. "I mean…my world is a lot different than this one. Though I'm sure it looked like this once…and in some places it still does. Really in my world there are a lot of places that look different from one another."
"Are you from…Japan too no da?" Chichiri asked. It was rather cute the way he stumbled over the word.
"No." Naoko laughed. This seemed to take Chichiri quite by surprise and Naoko then realized that her statement wasn't true. "Well," she sighed trying to think of a way to explain it without being too complicated. "I mean, yes I am from Japan. Except…I didn't use to live there. We had actually just moved there—the same day that we came here."
Naoko said this so forlornly that Chichiri felt his heart tug for the girl. No wonder she was so bitter. She had just left one home for a new one before getting dropped off in a different world. He of course could relate to the fact of having to lose your home. Trying to encourage the conversation he asked, "So where are you from no da?"
At this Naoko smiled brightly, "America." She said this with a nod and as if she were extremely proud of the fact. It made Chichiri smile, the two girls that had suddenly fallen into their country were identical in appearance but when they smiled it was extremely unique. Hers was cheerful, optimistic, and genuine. "Arizona to be exact." Naoko winked continuing on in her conversation. It seemed at the mention of her original home she had much more to say and instead of being so upset she was smiling more.
"Air-eh-zone-ah?" Chichiri repeated the foreign word. What did it mean? "I don't understand no da."
"Hmmm…" Naoko mused in thought before snapping her fingers. Her body language revealed how she was loosening up. Chichiri realized that Naoko could be quite entertaining company if she was in a good mood. She was certainly more energetic than her sister. Finally she asked him, "This is Konan right?"
"Yes no da."
"Well America is like Konan. It's a country. America is really big so it's divided up into smaller areas. Fifty of them; I'm from the one called Arizona. It's in the South, and it's a desert. Extremely hot…but there are tons of mountains."
"Like Sairou no da."
"Huh?"
"Sairou is another country no da. It has a desert too."
"Oh." Naoko said with a bright smile. It seemed there was finally something in this world that she could relate to. "Do you have cacti here?"
"Da?" Chichiri asked confused, "What's a cacti?"
Naoko giggled, "Cacti is the plural word for cactus. There are lots of types—they're plants with needles on them."
"I don't think I've ever seen a cactus no da." Chichiri said shaking his head. What a strange plant. Why would it be covered in needles?
"Arizona actually had one type of cactus that can't be found anywhere else in the world. And apparently not even in this one." Naoko smiled then decided to continue, "It's called a Saguaro cactus. It's tall like a tree but its bark is rubbery and green. It has arms…well they're the equivalent of branches but they're not thin like those ones." Naoko said pointing to a nearby tree. "The arms are really thick too and then all over are two inch needles. What's amazing is that they live for at least a hundred years and usually longer."
"A hundred years no da?!" Chichiri exclaimed in shock. How could a plant live so long? How could anything live that long?
"Mhm!" Naoko chuckled, "They sometimes have flowers too but not often. They're white blossoms on top. They smell really pretty, and they're called the night flower because that's the only time they open up."
"At night no da?" Chichiri asked. "Da, cactus is a strange plant." He said in confusion.
Laughing Naoko said, "Of course it is. It's only the unique things that truly get remembered." Chichiri looked at her with a smile but she was glancing out at all the other things around them. He idly wondered if she knew how philosophical she sounded. Probably not.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nyoko seemed to have a childish fascination with everything about her and Kano was not only patient about it but seemed to find it cute. "Wow!" Nyoko repeated. Kano had lost track of how many times the expression had fallen from her lips. Her chestnut eyes were lit up with enthrallment at the artwork like architecture about her. "Everything here is like this? I can't imagine how much time went into designing this…" Nyoko asked but trailed off already on another line of thought.
Kano chuckled, "Yes, may I ask a question Okayame-san?"
Nyoko's expression was confused and she looked up, "Okayame-san? What kind of name is that?" She laughed shaking her head, "Just call me Nyoko." Kano seemed hesitant about the idea, "Really, it's alright." She smiled reassuringly. "And you can ask, you don't need my permission for something like that."
This time it was Kano who looked at her skeptically but nodded his head. Nyoko realized that he was actually quite handsome—in a way that people at home just weren't. His hair was longer, even longer than hers, and tied with a thin silk rope, and some of the strands fell into his face much like hers did. His features were more defined but with a soft edge giving him more of a gentle appearance. "There are rumors…" He began glancing at her to see if she wanted him to stop, she seemed unconcerned, "…that you're from another world. Just like the Suzaku no Miko. Is it true?"
Nyoko nodded the answer before she actually spoke it aloud, "I am." She then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously now suddenly conscious of the fact that he was staring at her. "Although, I don't know why my sister and I are here." She gave him a half hearted smile.
"That's why you're going to see Tai Yi Jun." Kano said with a reassuring smile trying to make her less self conscious.
"Who?"
"Tai Yi Jun. She is the creator of the world—Mother of all four Gods."
"Wow really?" Nyoko said in shock. So they were going to meet a God?! This world was throwing new surprises every minute. She didn't know it was possible to really meet a God…but then again they had said that they summoned theirs. How peculiar. Nyoko now felt confident that she would get answers from them.
"Ah, we're coming to the Market now." Kano said glancing ahead. He then turned and smiled at her, "Don't wander off okay?"
Nyoko's eyes were wide. This certainly wasn't what she had imagined it would be. Though it made sense, of course there wasn't going to be a grocery store here, or a department store. This sort of reminded her of the flea market she had attended once with Naoko one weekend when they were bored. There were millions of little stalls and tents and it was hard to imagine how so many people could fit into such a small space. She could see how easily it would be for them to get separated if she didn't pay attention. "I think I can manage that." She grinned looking up at him—all the men here were so tall!
He nodded and suddenly she found herself immersed within the throng of people. Kano was already at one stall bargaining with an elder man about blankets. Or that was what Nyoko thought he was buying seeing all the oriental blankets hanging and even more numerous ones folded on the floor in piles. There were so many colors! And the designs were all unique…she couldn't find one that was repeating.
As she glanced at the blankets excitedly she looked over at Kano. Apparently shopping was a serious business and not just a simple exchange of money for product. He was haggling for a price. His voice was determined but gentle—never once did he raise it angrily and he seemed to always use words that he knew wouldn't offend the person he was speaking too. It seemed to make sense now why they would need to so much time to shop.
"Thank you." Kano finally said after they had finished settling on a price. He gave the man the money then came beside her, "Want to help pick them out?"
Nyoko's eyes lit up excitedly, "Sure." He led her back to the end wall where the heavier blankets resided.
"You can pick two of those and then two of those lighter ones near the front." Kano explained. Nodding her head Nyoko then went through all the blankets. After having to narrow down her choices she finally settled for a plain black one and a dark red one with a black bird—who she guessed was Suzaku—for the heavy ones. The lighter blankets she got were beige and black with some symmetrical Chinese artwork design spread across them each. She had all four blankets folded up in her arms. It was much like a child who tried to carry a suitcase that was too big for them. "Here." Kano chuckled removing the blankets from her grasp to hold them easily with one arm.
"I could've handled it." Nyoko said confidently only to have Kano chuckle at her as they moved back into the market place. More shops went by and between the two of them they were holding an odd assortment of items most of which Nyoko didn't know what they would do with.
While Kano haggled with another sales person Nyoko leaned against a pillar yawning behind one of her delicate hands. She was exhausted already, not to mention from the day before and not getting any sleep hadn't helped. She blinked tiredly looking around the market place smiling softly at a group of children that ran by with sticks pretending they were swords. It was all so fairy tale like, no one actually did things like this anymore.
Kano returned to her with another object, this one she couldn't even identify, "So, what do you say to some lunch?" He grinned at her.
Nyoko perked up at this idea, the fruit she had this morning wasn't enough to really tide her over for much longer. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."
Smiling Kano waited for her to pick up her things and then he began to navigate his way through the crowd, always cautious of not out walking her like he had done back at the palace. This time he went to a food stand, Nyoko couldn't see what he was buying but it smelled delicious. The food was given to him without a hassle for price and he then winked at her before leading them out of the market place.
Once out Nyoko realized just how much hotter it had been in there with all the extra people. "I take it you do this sort of thing often." Nyoko asked a light pink shaded across her cheeks from the heat, a few strands of hair sticking to her face. She had an amused smile on her face when she looked up at her companion.
"I used to." Kano said finding them a seat beneath a giant tree in the shade. Her eyes lifted upwards to look at the frail branches they sported pink flowers that seemed to captivate her. "Cherry blossoms." Kano explained.
Nyoko nodded her head, "Ya, they're in my world too but this is actually the first time I've seen them…"
"Really?" Kano asked now looking up at the delicate flowers too. "Something we have in common then." He smiled charmingly at her before he set down the things he was carrying and began to set up the food. The entire scene was so surreal, and his smile was so charming that Nyoko felt herself blush as she too set her things down and sat across from him in the cool grass.
"Thank you." Nyoko said shyly in the middle of her meal. She had no idea what Chinese food it was but she was surprised to find that she really liked it. Though she had been too afraid to ask what it was in fear that she wouldn't like the answer.
Kano looked up from his food and blinked a few times in confusion, "What for?"
"For letting me come with you. I know I must seem so silly getting distracted by all these things." Nyoko answered. "I'm not used to…letting people do things for me. So also thank you for letting me help. It means a lot."
"You realize you're thanking me for you helping me. It's a little backwards Nyoko." Kano said leaning forward so that their faces were suddenly rather close. Nyoko took a silent intake of breath in shock. Her eyes were wide as she stared into his chocolate brown ones. "Hm." He said with a bemused smile as he closed his eyes and looked away. He then leaned back to his spot as if nothing had happened leaving Nyoko with her heart pounding. What was with these people?! Had no one heard of personal space before? Did he do that to everyone?! Finally he spoke, "We finished rather early." He commented. "Do you want to see more of the city? Or would you like to go back to the palace?"
Trying to shake the event from her mind as well she took a breath before actually answering him. "Do you mind humoring me and showing me more of the city?" Nyoko asked shyly glancing around at more of the buildings.
"I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to." Kano chuckled. "Let's just drop these things off at the palace first so we don't have to carry it around all day." Nyoko nodded her head eagerly. On the way back to the palace they had walked in a comfortable silence each reflecting on their own thoughts.
Idly Nyoko wondered what he must have been thinking about. It didn't last long because her own thoughts kept coming back to the same scene under the tree. It was so unexpected and over so quickly she had to debate with herself whether or not it had actually happened. The trip back to the palace had been shorter than she expected, that or she had lost track of time with so much on her mind. She would have thought they had to carry everything inside but more servants had come quickly to relieve them of all the things they had purchased and some had smiled and told them to enjoy themselves after Kano told them their plans.
On the way back Nyoko decided that they couldn't remain in silence for the rest of the day. So she started, "Did you ever meet the girl that came from my world before?"
Kano seemed to be taken by surprise at her question. His eyes glanced over in her direction, "No, I wasn't that fortunate."
"She didn't stay at the palace?"
"Heh, I didn't really work in the palace yet. My Mother did—she was a cook. She said the girl ate so much food that they had to go shopping twice in one day because she could clear out the kitchen on her own." Both of them laughed at this.
Finally Nyoko looked up at him curiously, "So where were you?"
Kano didn't answer immediately, "Well at the time I worked with my Father. We were fisherman." It didn't escape Nyoko's attention that he had used the past tense. She glanced away suddenly feeling guilty for asking. She was shocked when he kept talking, "But Kutou had waged war against Konan…most of us were recruited into the army."
"You fought in a war?!" Nyoko asked in shock. Her eyes were wide and disbelieving, how long ago had it actually been that the priestess was here?! Were they at war because of her? Nyoko knew now for sure that if they were there to be some sort of priestess…she would never take the position.
Kano blinked surprised at her outburst, "Many of us did, yes." He then shrugged it off, "After the war my Mother wanted me with her so I had to give the shop up."
"I'm sorry." Nyoko said her eyes downcast at the dirt road they were walking on.
Kano chuckled, "You have nothing to apologize for Nyoko." He then glanced about them changing the subject abruptly, "I know just where to take you."
"Really?" Nyoko asked glancing around for clues to what he must have been talking about.
"Come on." Kano chuckled leading them down a few streets. It wasn't far before they came upon a square courtyard. There was music and a few miscellaneous performers. Then there were couples scattered about in the area dancing to the music.
Nyoko looked at the scene curiously, "Is it a party?"
"Something like that." Kano said offering her his hand.
Her eyes went from his hand, to the people about them, then back to his face in surprise. "Oh no, no I don't really…" She said flushing pink. Did he really want her to dance with him?
"Well, never a better time to start." Kano smiled. He noticed her hesitation, "Don't worry, it's a lot easier than it looks." Kano laughed, seeing how nervous she was, "Come on Nyoko, when will you ever get to dance in this world again?"
Damn, he had a point there. Biting her bottom lip nervously she then took his hand. Hers was so much tinier than his! She tried not to blush as he pulled her out into the dance area. Her hopes of not blushing completely failed as his other arm wrapped around her waist. He smiled at her reassuringly before starting out slowly the few basic steps to the dance. At first she was stumbling and completely embarrassed at having been talked into this but it seemed that not long into it Kano's confidence helped her own. And just like that Nyoko found herself amongst the many other couples, young and old, dancing in the circle, twirling and getting lost in the music.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Naoko sat in the grass with her elbow propped up on a knee and her face rested against her hand. What had Nyoko been thinking going back into the city? Had she thought of what Naoko was going to do with her gone? Chichiri had reassured her that they were fine and that they would see each other at dinner but Naoko was unconvinced and therefore was still sitting close to the door.
"Ya look like yer havin' a blast." Genrou chuckled coming up to the sulking girl.
Her eyes flashed up to the red head in annoyance. Great, he was just who she needed to see. What did he want anyway? Scowling she didn't even bother asking let her eyes flash back to the door. When was Nyoko coming back?
"Are ya really gonna wait here all day? Seems like a waste." Genrou said his hands folded behind his head.
"What do you care?" Naoko asked bitterly. Then her foul mood getting the best of her she spoke again. "Let me guess. Miaka. I mean Miaka-sama wouldn't waste her time like this?"
Genrou seemed rather taken aback by her outburst. Yet instead of yelling at her he did quite the opposite. He plopped himself down next to her and said, "Actually, Miaka probably would be sittin' here sulkin' if it was t'at Tamahome she was waitin' on." When Naoko looked at him in confusion he added, "But since yer so dead set on not bein' her I thought I'd give ya an alternative."
Naoko had to give him credit. He was trying to be nice, but she wasn't in the mood to spend time with a man that just yesterday had made it his duty to make her and her sister the most unwelcome people in Konan. "Pass." She said directing her eyes back to the door.
Genrou chuckled, "Ya know yer sister is out enjoyin' the city since yer not gonna be stayin' here much longer. How often do ya get to go see an entirely new world?"
At this Naoko glanced back at him with slight interest. He did have a point and it didn't look like Nyoko was coming back anytime soon. "Alright. What did you have in mind?"
"I thought I'd show ya something ya don't normally see in yer world." Genrou said with a mischievous grin that made her heart beat faster. She had to hand it to this world it was full of good looking people.
"Oh really?" Naoko said trying to play disbelieving but a smirk was now tugging at her lips too. "Try me."
"Well I can't show ya here—it's a lil dangerous." Genrou laughed picking himself up and waiting for her to follow.
"Fang boy, you better make this worth my while." Naoko said picking herself up and dusting off the outfit she was wearing.
"Fang boy?!" Genrou yelled back glaring.
"Well you won't let me call you Tasuki so…" Naoko grinned and just shrugged.
Genrou scowled at her, "Women." He grumbled quietly to himself as he led her away from the main gate. They walked in silence and it was a surprisingly quite a distance from where they had started.
"Are we getting any closer?" Naoko complained.
"Ya, ya. I just wanna make sure I'm not gonna catch anythin' on fire." Genrou said as they passed what appeared to be a training ring. Men were inside practicing with wooden swords.
"Fire?" Naoko repeated suspiciously. She had always been a slight pyro but did he really think they didn't have fire in her world? "Hate to break it to you fang boy but I have fire in my world too."
Genrou barked a laugh as they finally made it to an empty dirt clearing. "Ya, uh huh." He said absentmindedly. "Now Nao-chan you just go stand over there." He said pointing against the wall.
"Nao-chan?" Naoko repeated.
"If I get a nickname you do to." Genrou said, "Now go stand over t'ere." He said shoeing her in the direction.
Naoko shook her head but complied. She crossed her arms and rose an eyebrow, "I'm waiting fang boy."
Genrou smirked at her. He then pulled out what appeared to be a metal version of a paper fan. Then with a few quick movements he shouted, "REKKA SHINEN!" Much to Naoko's surprise the fan erupted with a tunnel of fire. Her mouth hung open as she glanced from where the fire had been to the man with the fan. "Pretty cool huh?" Genrou laughed.
At a loss for words Naoko managed out the only thing she could say, "Again?"
"Now yer talkin." Genrou laughed repeating the process for her entertainment. Afterwards when Genrou turned to look at the girl, instead of being by the wall like she had been previously, she was right next to him. Her big chestnut eyes wide with wonder as she studied the fan. "How does it do that? Can I try?" She asked.
"Hey!" Genrou yelled holding the fan out of reach. "Don't go sneakin' up on people like t'at!" He said but Naoko apparently wasn't listening.
"Why can't I try?!" Naoko said jumping trying to reach the fan. "Damn, shortness." She growled. Genrou began to laugh until Naoko finally fed up—jumped him sending them both into the ground with a cloud of dirt.
The two of them were wrestling for the fan when a surprised Chichiri stumbled upon them, "What are you two doing no da?" He asked nervously.
"He won't share!"
"Help me Chichiri!"
Chichiri held his hands up in helplessness. "Da!" He then shook his head, "Did you have to show off Tasuki no da?"
At this Genrou scowled and Naoko giggled. Finally Naoko glanced over at him, from her position on top of Tasuki—that she seemed oblivious too, "Can we help you Chichiri?"
Chichiri rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Well no da, I was hoping you could tell us about Miaka…" Naoko looked at him in confusion so Chichiri continued, "Since we no longer get to see her…I just would like to hear how she's doing no da."
Naoko smiled softly. They must have been great friends for him to still be wondering about the girl. Despite her bitterness, do to always being compared to the girl, she suddenly wished that she actually knew her so that she could tell them more. "Well…" Naoko began nervously.
"Can ya tell us once yer off of me?!" Genrou yelled from underneath her. As if suddenly realizing just now that she was straddling the man she jumped off with a bright blush, "Sorry." She said then brushed her dark red bangs back into place—surprisingly the only evidence of their tussle.
Tasuki sat up now sitting cross legged and looked at Naoko expectantly. When Naoko glanced at both men she realized they were waiting for her to talk. "Um…I don't really have a lot to tell you."
"That's alright no da. Even the littlest bit of information is nice to hear." Chichiri said encouragingly. For some reason, the way he said that tugged at her heart. Something had happened between all of them, she wish that she knew what.
"Well yesterday Nyoko and I moved to Japan. We were bored so we went to the library. When we were there we ran into a couple. They seemed nice enough but really we only talked to the third girl—Yui I think?"
"The Sieryuu no Miko." Tasuki and Chichiri answered simultaneously and with unease.
A little nervous at both of their recognition she continued, "Well they were friends and they were getting along fine. Or so it looked. Miaka looked really happy."
"What were they doing no da?" Chichiri asked wondering what they were doing in the library.
Naoko shrugged, "Like I said…I didn't really have much to tell you. It was the first time I had ever seen her."
"That's okay no da." Chichiri smiled. "Thank you for sharing. It's nice to know she's happy."
Tasuki was looking at the ground, "Ya." He tacked on quietely.
Now Naoko glanced at Chichiri, "Is my sister back yet?" It was a sudden topic change but it was too awkward to stand between both men reflecting on another girl.
"No." Chichiri answered shaking his head. When Naoko looked nervous he replied, "Don't worry no da. She's safe. Kano-san is a good person and would never let something happen to her no da." Naoko nodded her head but didn't verbally respond. Chichiri then looked up at the setting sun, "They should be back soon no da. Dinner will be soon." It was as soon as he said this that a chime rang loudly through the palace. "See?" He chuckled.
Tasuki picked himself up and began to wipe the dirt off of his outfit. Naoko was standing to the side. She expected to be discarded. After all Tasuki had only meant to distract her for awhile. Now that he had he was probably going to resort back to his old ways especially after she had reminded them of Miaka. Instead he said to her, "You comin' Nao-chan?"
It was an odd nickname but it seemed to fit their odd beginning of a friendship. "Of course I am." Naoko said confidently walking by his side now. She playfully pushed at his shoulder and asked innocently, "Can I see that fan now?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When everyone gathered in the dining hall the second night things had undoubtedly changed. Perhaps it was because it was no longer an assembly of strangers smashed together in a room. No, instead it was now a gathering of mutual acquaintences that had the small possibility of bordering friendship. It made all the difference. Both girls were more relaxed, enjoying the food Konan had to offer, and smiles seemed easy to spot amongst the group as they ate.
"Nie, of course we would land in a world where rice is a main dish." Naoko sighed teasingly letting the rice be moved across her plate in a bored manner.
"Naoko." Nyoko whispered in a chastising manner. "Stop picking at your food."
Naoko ignored this comment and then said, "So what did you do in the market today?" Nyoko only blushed and to stall for time took a rather large bite of chicken. "Nie?!" Naoko said in shock. "Ho, ho, ho! Enjoy yourself?" Her sister said grinning mischievously.
Swallowing Nyoko tried to defend herself, "It wasn't like that!"
"Sure it wasn't." Naoko said back casually.
"It wasn't!"
"It wasn't what?" Tasuki asked in confusion now joining into the conversation.
"My sister here had a fun time." Naoko smirked.
"We went dancing!" Nyoko finally said in defense for herself.
Blinking Naoko stared at her sister for a moment before laughing, "You went dancing?" Shaking her head she said, "If you're going to make up something you did you should make it something that's believable."
"But…" Nyoko said at a loss of what to do. Again Nyoko sighed in defeat; well of course her sister wouldn't believe her. She had always made it a point to never attend a dance in her life.
Naoko had apparently moved on to a new topic. It was hard, even in the more relaxed atmosphere, to just ignore the fact that things just weren't the way they should be, "Chichiri?" She asked.
"Yes Naoko-san?" Chichiri replied.
"What time are we leaving tomorrow?" Naoko asked glancing back down at her food as she ate. She hoped it didn't appear as ungrateful. Yet, she didn't know how much more of this world she could handle before losing her mind.
"Rather early in the morning no da." Chichiri replied.
"I figured." Naoko grumbled. Nyoko chuckled quietly, it sure would be interesting. Her sister was never the morning person. Yet as she thought about leaving the next day she realized that she wished it wasn't so soon. She of course knew that she couldn't stay here—that was absurd. Yet…she had had such a nice day. More time in this world wouldn't really be as bad as she had originally thought it would be.
Yet something else was tugging at the back of her mind. Surely there had been a reason they were pulled into this world. This book, if that truly was what they were in, did not just do things without a purpose. But how would she know? She didn't even know what the priestess was for this country. These things had troubled her, had nagged at her mind all night and transcended into the day. Her eyes glanced over at Chichiri—she knew not why but she knew he would be the one to answer her, "Chichiri-sama I have something to ask you."
The way she had asked, so quiet, but so desperate had caused not only Chichiri's attention to be directed at her but everyone's. "Yes Nyoko-san?" He sounded wary—and he probably had the right to be so.
"I want to know what happened." Nyoko said her eyes looking at him for the answers to so many of her questions.
Naoko looked shocked but she too now looked at the others. They had wanted to know…perhaps they were finally going to find out. Chichiri seemed to know what she was talking about while everyone else looked at her in anxious confusion.
Nyoko continued, "Today Kano-san told me there was a war when the Miko was here. That's not something that can be so easily over looked. I don't know what the Suzaku no Miko was or what happened. If she too came from my world than I think I should know this story. After all no one knows why my sister and I are here…maybe the answers are there."
Silence fell upon the group and Tasuki was staring down at his plate. Houki seemed like she too was sad at the mentioning of the old priestess. Naoko was beginning to wonder if it was such a good idea to mention it at all. Perhaps it was a story she didn't really want to hear. Yet, Naoko realized that this reaction wasn't going to be enough to make Nyoko push the thought aside. She had worked up the courage and asked the question, she was going to want the answer now.
True to her sister's belief's Nyoko tried not to be affected by it and said, "Please Chichiri-sama, I know—I don't know how—but I know it's not a story you really want to tell but it's important. I need to know what happened."
His reply was soft, the velvet smooth tone returning to his voice, and the common ending they had heard all day was absent. "I wondered when you would ask."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Naoko leaned against the railing just as her sister did. The other had fallen into an eerie silence after the tale of the Suzaku no Miko. Naoko shuddered at the remembrance of it. They had seen that girl in the library and never even known what she had been through—that girl was lucky to even be alive. Yet it wasn't the tale that was so unnerving, though that alone could have been enough, but it was who told it to them. Two people who had experienced it themselves…tears had glittered in their eyes. Naoko had never seen men cry before and realized that she didn't want to.
Her eyes glanced to Nyoko. Her sister had remained silent throughout the whole story. She never expressed any emotion—it was as if she knew before they said it, everything that was going to happen. None of it took her by surprise or if it had she hadn't shown any evidence of it. The way she stared up at the stars now almost sent a second shiver down Naoko's spine. Naoko had never been able to handle overly taxing situations well. Seriousness was just not in her genetic make-up—God knew Nyoko had enough of that for the both of them.
"Nie…" Naoko said quietly. The same chestnut eyes as her own glanced at her but for the first time Naoko truly saw just how different they really were—and it had been there all along. Naoko frowned concerned, and clearly uncomfortable. Already she was showing her emotion openly while Nyoko buried it deep down inside—making it impossible to guess at. "Nie, we should go to bed. We're leaving early in the morning…" She trailed off.
"You're right." Nyoko whispered giving her sister a lopsided smile. "I'll go to bed soon."
Now Naoko's eyes widened, "I've heard that before."
"I promise." Nyoko quickly lied trying to convince her sister go to bed.
"You haven't been sleeping at all have you?" Naoko asked accusingly. There was concern in her voice, slight anger too, "Nie why didn't you say something!?" She hissed.
"Because there is nothing to say." Nyoko reassured her with a soft smile. "I'm sleeping."
Naoko glared, "And we're still in America." Her tone was mocking but it turned to more serious matters, "Nyoko I'm sure they have something…"
Nyoko laughed quietly, though it really held no mirth. "Chronic insomnia doesn't really have a cure Nai."She shook her head, "I promise I'm fine though. Besides I'm tired after dancing today. I'm sure once my head hits the pillow I'll be out." She smirked confidently.
Naoko gripped the railing tightly. Nyoko's condition had always been around. It had begun when they were younger. While Naoko had always been dramatic and acting out at everything that happened in their life Nyoko had just grown quiet, mature, and incredibly stressed. Stress had apparently turned into insomnia which could then affect other aspects of her sister's health. Naoko should have known. The announcement to move to Japan had affected her sister just as much as it had her. While she would complain during the day, Nyoko would stay awake at night. The same had applied when they were unceremoniously dropped into this world.
Naoko wrapped an arm around her sister's shoulders, "Come on Nie. Let's just go to bed. You can sleep in my room—like we used to. The beds are plenty big enough." She smiled encouragingly.
"Thanks Nai…" Nyoko smiled. "But really…I would like to just enjoy the moonlight for a while…the fresh air here really helps me clear my head."
Naoko's confidence wavered. Nyoko had to hand it to her, this was the longest her sister had confronted the problem. It wasn't that Naoko didn't care—that was definitely not the case—Naoko just didn't know how to handle serious situations. That was probably her fault. Nyoko had always stepped in to handle the situation, sparing her sister any part in it. In return Naoko would act out and convey her feelings enough for the both of them—something that made Nyoko uncomfortable. It was rather a good trade off for both of them: their silent agreement.
Nyoko knew that Naoko wasn't truly convinced but it was enough. Naoko wouldn't probe the questioning further for fear of disrupting the social, sisterly, contract they had wordlessly created. "Alright." Naoko finally said giving Nyoko a slight one armed hug. "But the offer is always open." She tacked on—Nyoko knew she only said it to ease her own mind. Her sister surely knew that Nyoko would never actually take her up on the offer.
"Goodnight Nai." Nyoko smiled.
"Night Nie." Naoko said going into her room for the night.
Sighing in relief Nyoko let her eyes glance back up at the stars. They held an entirely new meaning now. Before they had been pinpoints that she rarely ever saw due to the city lights and even then they had been long distant stars and barren planets that seemed more like speculation than actually existing artifacts. Now, they were constellations of people who had fought valiantly for something they believed in with all their heart—for the peace and prosperity of their country. Most of them had died for it. The revelation made Nyoko tremble. That was what the Suzaku no Miko had been brought here for; a journey that nearly cost her life.
Was that what the book had brought them here for? To go on some adventure where nearly all the people they cared for died? Where so many innocents would be swept up into things bigger than them and have to pay the price? Nyoko wanted nothing to do with it. She wouldn't allow Naoko to have anything to do with it—there was no way she was going to allow her sister to become entangled in something like that. Yet…what evidence was there that something like that would happen? All four priestesses had come. Peace was reigning the countries…there wasn't anything to fight for. So that brought her back to her original question—why?
Nyoko sighed it was going to drive her insane. Surely it was going to be another restless night, but she hadn't expected anything less. This was just how it was. This was life—insomnia had become a part of it. Sure she had moments where she was tired, but that was usually the more common symptom for acute insomnia. Due to hers being chronic she realized that she was hardly tired at all; she even seemed to be more aware of her surroundings than most of the people about her. It's only downfalls were that it made her weak. She grew tired far too quickly—as exampled by today's events in the market place, and one of the numerous reasons she usually hadn't danced; and mentally she was usually exhausted too.
"Nyoko?" A familiar voice asked in a questioning manner. Her eyes snapped from the stars to the man she had spent the day in the market with. His chocolate eyes looked darker without the sunlight. They almost rivaled hers for a deeper shade. Slight concern was clearly evident in his gaze but it was mostly over powered by confusion. "What are you still doing awake?" Kano asked incredulously.
Nyoko laughed, trying to play it off easily. "Oh, I was just stargazing. It's a good atmosphere for thinking." It wasn't a lie—it just omitted some of the more important parts of the truth. How easily he was relieved! His smile heightened his features causing a light blush to race across her face. Thankfully it was too dark for him to notice the slight change in complexion. "I could ask you the same thing though." She asked, dare she say it, flirtatiously.
Kano's laugh was like honey, sweet and thickly smooth. "This is my favorite time of day." He smiled at her wryly.
"You do know that the day is over and that when the sun sets it's considered night?" Nyoko teased pointing at the moon for evidence.
"Oh yes, I once heard something about that." Kano mused for her entertainment. "Most people sleep during this time, do they not?" He asked with a soft chuckle.
Smiling at their banter Nyoko shook her head in disbelief at the ridiculously childish conversation, "Usually." She agreed then she tilted her head to the side studying him, "So, what is it you do instead?"
Kano continued to walk again, closing the small distance between them. With her on the platform he noticed that they were a tad bit closer to eye level than when she stood on the ground. "Mm, actually I go on a walk. You'd be surprised how different everything looks once the sun has set."
"And you go on this walk every night?" Nyoko asked dubiously.
Kano let an amused smirk grace his lips, "Actually yes." He then glanced at the empty hallways and the comfortable silence of night that had descended upon Konan, "Do you want to come with?"
Nyoko looked hesitant. This didn't surprise him. It was extremely out of the ordinary, and completely improper of him to ask her to join him on a midnight walk. And yet, despite all of this she replied quite the opposite of what he thought she would, "Yes."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
There was an insufferable noise interrupting what was an extremely pleasant dream. Groaning the lithe sleeping form rolled onto her stomach forcing a pillow to be thrust over her head. Sadly, pillows just weren't cut out for drowning out noises. The knocking only became louder. "Go. Away." Naoko growled; the point of this was unclear. Obviously no one was within hearing distance.
Instead of heeding the spiteful words the door opened and in slipped her look alike. Of course Nyoko was already bathed, dressed, and smiling cheerfully; all things that Naoko had no intention of doing yet. "Nai time to get up." Nyoko said tugging at the blanket around her sister's form. "The boy's are already ready to go."
"Does it look like I care?!" Came the muffled reply of anger.
Nyoko rolled her eyes. Obviously more drastic measures were going to need to be taken. "Okay." Nyoko said with a shrug, despite the fact that her sister wasn't looking at her. "Perhaps we should leave without you…" Her threat trailed off, not needing to be finished.
Naoko, was certainly awake now as evident by her colorful stream of vocabulary as she propped herself up in bed, the pillow laying discarded farther away from her now. Nyoko thankfully resisted the urge to smirk at the reaction and at her sister's display of ruffled hair, and night gown. Instead she gathered the disheveled and carelessly tossed clothes her sister had worn yesterday. She held them out to her in an amused gesture. Naoko glanced at her in confusion and caution. Suddenly her eyes shot up in shock as she realized its implications upon what her own sister was wearing, "Are you serious? They didn't give us another pair of clothes? I have to wear that again."
"Unfortunately." Nyoko said with dramatized annoyance for her sister's benefit.
Glowering Naoko snatched the clothes from her sister's grasp and stalked back to the bathroom muttering as she did so. When she returned she was clothed in the same outfit as the day before, and she clearly looked uncomfortable. "Ugh…I can't believe we only have this to wear…" She then glanced at her sister's hair—it was pulled away from her face and into a high ponytail. Snickering Naoko said, "Well I don't think you've done your hair like that since freshman year."
Nyoko glared and muttered sarcastically, "So glad you remember."
Naoko cracked a grin, "How could I not? I mean it was how you had worn your hair every day."
"I think you're forgetting who now does your hair every day." Nyoko said this determinedly walking towards the door to leave.
"Nie! I was just giving you a hard time!" Naoko pleaded at her now departing sister. "Oh come on!" She shouted as the door clicked shut. Grumbling Naoko brushed her hair and pulled it up into a high ponytail. Glancing in the mirror she saw the uncanny resemblance to her sister and, not so gently, undid the ponytail. This time when she redid it, it was at the base of her neck. With a nod of satisfaction she rushed outside looking for Nyoko expectantly.
Nyoko was poised, leaning back against the railing with a raised eyebrow. "I thought you detested ponytails?"
Her sister shot her a dirty look, "Alright." Naoko said this determinedly rubbing her hands together. She then glanced down the hall. No one else was there. "Um…where is everyone?"
"At the front gate waiting for us." Nyoko chuckled, though there was another amusement in her eyes that Naoko had yet to identify.
Naoko glanced around her warily. It the occurred to her that they obviously would not be driving to wherever it was they were going. "Nie…how are we getting there?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nyoko let her hand graze the horse's head gently. Almost immediately the huge beast had been drawn to her—it was just Nyoko's way when it came to animals. Naoko on the other hand was growling quite a few obscenities she knew their Mother would kill her for if she could but hear them.
"We are not riding horse-back." Naoko said incredulously. She had this incredibly tangible fear of the huge animal and had quite a discerning amount of visions in which she could break a few bones just by advancing towards it.
"Would ya prefer t' walk?" The fiery red head warrior asked in amusement. "Don't tell me yer afraid of the horses Nao-chan?"
Nyoko looked at her sister in quiet amusement. "Nao-chan?" She repeated this with a glint of sisterly interest. Her sister had certainly been keeping secrets!
Coming to her rescue was an unexpected man. Chichiri, with his staff whacked the red head in slight amusement, "Don't tease her no da! You're no better."
"Ow!" Tasuki yelled rubbing at his head sorely, though it was mostly for show. The monk hadn't really hit him that hard. "T'at reminds me…" Tasuki drawled flashing amber eyes over at his dear friend, "Why ain't we just poofin' ourselves there? Seems like an awful lot of trouble…" He trailed off in a grumble looking at the other horse mistrustfully.
Naoko perked up at this comment, "Wait. There's a faster way to get there? There is a way that doesn't involve riding that thing?" She said this in a happy drawl flashing Nyoko a victory smirk.
It was short lived by the monk's reply, "You've never been on the mountain before and Tai Yi Jun tests every heart on their journey up the mountain—no one can reach the top without her approval."
"Why? Does she do Voodoo or something? I mean how is she going to be able to tell anyway?" Naoko asked incredulously.
Before she could say anything else inappropriate Nyoko's hand fell on her sister's shoulder pulling her back. She whispered in explanation, "Tai Yi Jun…is a god for them."
"Are you kidding me?" Naoko laughed thinking that her sister was obviously joking with her. Yet there was only a silence and a disapproving glare from her sister. Nyoko had always been spiritual…and she? Well she had just found folly in religion.
Nyoko said in an admonishingly way, "Nai…please just be nice about it. Remember that they have fed us and let us stay here over night and are even now helping us when they don't have to."
Naoko's reply was a scoff—that would have to do. "Alright." Obviously pushing the information aside Naoko rubbed the palm of her hands in an expectant manner. A habit much like Nyoko's of biting her bottom lip. Yet instead of indicating nervousness the gesture was usually seen right before Naoko took on something big. "So, how are we doing this?" Her eyes looked to the monk expectantly while her anger and resent was directed towards the horses she would have to ride.
Yet before the cerulean haired man could answer her an annoying red head did. "Yer ridin' wit' Chichiri." He gave a patented fang grin along with the comment.
"Let me guess." Naoko drawled out annoyingly. Her chestnut eyes narrowed at the man, "You get your own horse?"
"Trust me; you don't want to ride with him no da." Chichiri quipped in.
Something else was nagging at Nyoko's attention besides the amusing scene unfolding. It finally occurred to her that there were only two horses present. Finally she voiced her concern, "What about me?"
"Kano-san is finishing the packing no da. He'll be here soon." Chichiri supplied for an answer causing the girl to turn red.
Snickering at her sister's face Naoko added, "He's coming?"
"We needed three horses no da…" Chichiri said wearily.
"Let me guess." Naoko said for the second time in the short conversation, "Women don't ride alone?" Despite Chichiri's apparent appeal to actually answer her rhetorical question she grinned at Nyoko. "So much for the horse riding lessons sis! I told you that you should have done basketball with me all those years ago."
Sighing in defeat Nyoko looked up just in time to see the third horse trot up bearing the rider of her midnight walk partner. "Good morning Nyoko!" Kano said brightly. Nyoko turned to see a grin on Naoko's face that would have made the Cheshire cat proud. Rolling her eyes she gave a similar greeting as the horse came to a standstill.
Like a gentleman Kano got down from the horse, obviously about to assist her yet before he got the chance to in one graceful motion Nyoko did it all alone. She seemed perfectly content receiving the shocked stares from her fellow occupants and pretended as if nothing extraordinary in the least had happened. Bitterly Naoko now had to squirm under her sister's amused gaze as she struggled to attempt the same thing. Needless to say it wasn't nearly as graceful and even worse it had taken Tasuki, Chichiri, and Kano's assistance before she sat on top of the horse a scowl clearly visible.
"I think we're finally ready to go no da." Chichiri said sighing in the finality of it.
Nyoko spoke up again as Kano moved towards her horse, "What about Houki-sama. Surely we can say thank you before we leave."
"Actually no da. She is extremely busy and wanted to wish us well." Chichiri sighed. Thankfully this was true; the Empress had country affairs to attend to. He would have died if she wasn't because otherwise they had spent a ridiculous amount of time getting Naoko up onto the horse.
"Oh…well okay." Nyoko answered obviously trying not to look disappointed and failing. And with that the little caravan set off for the distant mountain, Chichiri leading the way. Their journey was peaceful and despite the twin's interest in the new scenes before them it was rather uneventful to the men who accompanied them. The only disturbing thing lay miles away waiting for them with golden eyes.
Please don't kill me! Unfortunately we just didn't get to the exciting part that I thought we would...although it is hinted at there in the last sentence. (Grin) Despite that rather disappointing part (my long chapters are going to be the death of me) there was lots of important information in this chapter.
For example we learned about Nyoko's insomnia. Now, before anyone flames me so conveniently informing me that insomnia is not infact a disease, I did happen to do my homework. There is a large difference between acute insomnia and chronic insomnia. Nyoko has the latter. Specifically, from what I've learned, chornic insomnia can be it's own primary symtom and does not need any other sleeping disorder to arise. The way I described her symptoms are based off of my own findings from the research I have gathered. Plus, as Naoko hinted at the insomnia originated from stress. I purposefully have not told you how she came under all this stress--that will be revealed in later chapters. (Though I'm sure right now she's going through enough haha). I'm sure it seems rather random at the moment but it'll have a rather large part to play through out the story.
Also, we learn a little more about the twin's relationship with one another. Did anyone else notice the one small and subtle word that just sounded odd? 'The sisterly contract' This should have jumped out at you. What siblings have an unwritten social contract with one another? This is a small first glimpse into how their family is run. Don't worry, there'll be more evidence later to explain. I'm just trying to point out the little hints.
There were also lot's of other major hints in this chapter but I just can't pin point them out for you right now (hopefully you're noticing them on your own). The reason for this is because they won't be answered for quite some time and I don't want to let the cat out of the bag too early.
Also, if you're wondering the chapter title originated from the fact that both girl's seemed to relate to a particular kind of flower (HUGE symbolism...you'll probably see it later...). It was also called connecting for two reasons. One, because both girls are connected by the fact that they're both flowers, just different kinds and two, because the flowers made a connection between this world and their own. Even though there aren't Saguaro cacti flowers in the book it's the fact that Naoko talks about them with Chichiri--the first scene of her actually enjoying herself.
So have I driven anyone mad yet? I mean I've gone through three (debatably long) chapters and have still yet to tell you why the twins are even in the book in the first place! (Wicked laugh) No worries my dear readers! It'll all happen in good time. Just wait till next chapter where the plot thickens. You'll finally have some questions answered. I can promise that for sure this time because I've already written the beginnings of it. Now, I'm going to spare you anymore wandering thoughts I have at the moment since this author's note seems rather long now...
Please review! I really want to hear your opinions and have some feed back. Don't be afraid to use constructive criticism either. I can take it. =D
Thank you for reading!
-Miracle