ATTENTION READERS: This is the Beta version of LH5W, if you want to read the official, updated version of the story, you'll have to go over to DeviantArt. com and head on over to my page. My username is Aloubell. You can also get there by going to my fanfiction. net profile which provides a link over there.
In any case, this Beta version is basically the rough draft of LH5W, my first attempt at it. Much of the plot points from this version will be the same in the official version, but there are significant and consistent characterization changes, a few (but very important) plot differences, expansion of past ideas, and overall better quality in storytelling.
All of this will be done over on DeviantArt. I no longer will write the story in traditional prose nor submit/update it here to fanfiction. net. The Beta version will remain here, just know that it isn't the 100% official story.
The official version will be written in a lazy prose mixed with play-writing elements (you'll get what I mean when you see it).
This is the new format for the story from now on.
So please head on over there if you're interested in updates to the story! Thank you for stopping by =D
-Aloe
PLEASE NOTE: The official version is being written somewhat out of order. The official version will start on chapter 46, the place where the Beta version left off. The official version will go on to complete the last chapters of Season 2. Once those are done, I will redo the story over again from Chapter 1 which will be the official version.
Having said that, if you choose to continue on reading, I hope you enjoy the Beta version and look forward to the official!
"Need a hand there?" He asked.
Recovering from the surprise, I turned my head to hide my flushed face. "Cutting it a bit close there don't ya think?" He cocked an eyebrow. "If you're gonna come in saving the day 'n stuff, don't cut it so damn close!"
Eyeing me top to bottom, he gave a laugh that made my stomach do a few flips. "I usually take thank you's but I guess that will suffice for now." Returning his attention back onto the outlaws holding down Miaka, he charged at them before they could react. Jumping in the air, he performed a spinning kick that knocked two of the guys out at the same time. The remaining two that were left to Miaka scrambled to get up and run away—but they never got the chance. Extending out his hand as he dashed, the guy with the glowing character on his head grabbed onto one of their shoulders, using his forced to slam him into the ground with one hand. Having the crook at his mercy, the guy brought his arm back and struck him harshly in the face instantly knocking him out.
Just one guy left.
He was a good few yards away and there was always the option of letting him escape. But the truth of it was that I just wouldn't be me if I had allowed him to do that. Miaka and the guy seemed as if they were both distracted, so I used my power over Earth to create a tall, rock-solid wall in which the bandit ran straight into when he wasn't paying attention. Hearing him fall straight back onto the ground, the guy who saved us and Miaka both looked in his direction with puzzled looks.
"How long has that wall been there?" He asked.
"Maybe it was…always there?"
Attempting to change the subject, I clapped my hands and said, "So, Miaka. Didn't you want to ask this guy something? I mean, we've been searching all over the place for him…"
"Yeah, I did hear that you were looking for me." A smile played on his lips as the character on his forehead seemed to dim and fade away completely. "Did you manage to find some money to pay me back with?" Money? Wait, so he didn't save her and Yui earlier for free? So much for being a decent guy. Miaka shook her head as he frowned in disappointment. With a sudden jolt of hope, he asked, "So, I see that you have a different friend with you," Looking over at me, his eyes gleamed. "Maybe she has something of value to give me?"
Scoffing, I gave him a dirty look. "Not even in your dreams."
Hearing me say that made his eyes go wide and face go red. "That is not what I was implying! Jeez, get over yourself!"
Lashing out at him, I countered, "Get over myself? At least we don't think so highly of ourselves enough to go asking people money in exchanged for their lives. No one charges someone to save them! That's just a bunch of bull!"
Refusing to immediately comment on my statement, he just turned around in the opposite direction towards the city in frustration. "Whatever! You apparently don't have anything to pay me with so I'll be on my way—"
"Wait!" Miaka grabbed onto his leg, using her whole body as a weight.
"Hey, get off of me!" He called down to her. Attempting to kick her off, she wouldn't move. "I don't want to waste any more valuable time with you odd women!" Still she wouldn't let go. "What the hell do you want with me?"
"Where is Yui?"
"What the heck is a 'Yui'?" He dragged his leg along at another attempt at getting rid of her.
"She's the girl who was with me when you saved us earlier. Please tell me that you know where she's at!"
He stopped struggling to ponder on her words. Looking around as he thought, he finally replied, "If you're talking about that chick with the short blonde hair, then I have no idea where she is—sorry."
"Really?" I could hear Miaka's voice crack as tears formed in her eyes.
Wanting to prevent her from becoming even more upset, I tried to see if I could get more info from this guy. "How do we know that you're any better than these guys? For all we know, you could be lying and have Yui locked up somewhere."
He gave me a serious look—one that showed absolutely no sign of joking whatsoever. "I don't know where she is. That time I saw her earlier—that was the first and only time I've seen her. It's not really my thing taking teenage girls." Without breaking our exchange of glares, he added. "Do I seem like the kind of person who would take advantage of someone like that?"
Seeing that look in his eye, I could tell that he was telling the truth. There was absolutely no falter or any doubt. Relaxing, I looked down at Miaka. "Let go of him Miaka. He doesn't know anything."
Reluctantly, she unwrapped herself and stood up. He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks."
I gave an exasperated sigh. "No, we should be thanking you. And sorry, we don't have anything to pay you with."
"Yeah, yeah, I guess it's on the house this time." He turned his body once more towards the streets. "Well, I'll be seeing you guys around."
"Hold on!" Miaka yelled. "You have to help us find Yui!"
"What? I already told you, I have better things to do."
"Please! You know your way around better. You just have to help us!" She whined.
Feeling that he didnt have the energy to debate anymore, he decided to ignore her determination and walk away. Before he could get even three feet away, Miaka reached out and grabbed the back of his shirt. No matter how many steps he took afterward, she just followed and held on. I couldn't help but laugh a little at the sight. Sure, when I was younger, it was irritating as hell to have Miaka cling onto me in a similar fashion. But seeing it happen to someone else made it so much funnier!
Dropping his head in a deep sigh, he looked over at me—who was trying to contain myself from laughing like a hyena. "Can't you contain her?"
I shrugged, keeping my cool. "She's her own person. She should be able to do what she wants."
"Tell me, is she always so—"
"Persistent? Clingy? Yup." Resting my hands in the back of my head in a nonchalant fashion, I gave him a teasing look. "You know, she'll let go if you just agree to help us out here."
"Why should I help you?"
A playful grin formed on my lips. "Because as a gentleman, you should be more than happy to escort two unfamiliar ladies who happen to be looking for their friend in an unfamiliar place. Now is that so much to ask?"
Trying to stay strong, he kept on walking with Miaka attached to him. "I don't care what you guys do, but I'm leaving."
After that was said, we walked through the busy, gawking-at-two-peculiar-girls-with-odd-clothes town along with the very annoyed man. I could tell that he was trying to tune us out completely as he acted as if we weren't even there. That's how it looked from my end anyway for I was trailing behind the two. My imagination and better judgment was telling me how the guy probably had a real pissed off look on his face. I sort of felt a bit guilty for intruding on him, but like I had said earlier: we needed an ally in this new world and this guy had already helped out Miaka twice—and he was a good fighter. It was also true what Miaka had said earlier: he knew his way around and we didn't. So I suppose we'd have to break him before we could permanently get him on our side.
"How long will it take to get rid of you two?" He asked back in an irritated tone.
"As long as it takes," I answered smugly.
Miaka continued to hold on. "We just need your help looking for Yui. And I plan on hanging on for days if I have to."
He stopped. "So you're not going to let go?"
"Nope. In fact…" She inhaled deeply and started to yell at the top of her lungs, "SLAVE TRADER! THIS GUY IS A SLAVE TRADER!" People stopped what they were doing to look our way. It was kind of a brilliant plan on Miaka's part, but this did bring on even more people to look into my direction. And the last thing I needed was even more people watching me. Looking down, I avoided their gazes.
The guy started to panic and speak quietly. "Hey, what do you think you're doing?"
"THIS GUY IS LEADING MY BIG SISTER AND ME ON! WHO KNOWS WHAT HE'S GONNA DO TO US? PLEASE STOP THIS SLAVE TRADER BEFORE HE—"
Turning to face her quickly, he slapped a hand over her mouth. Addressing the crowd, he laughed nervously. "She's just joking. I'm not a slave trader of any kind—I assure you. Yup, it's all a joke." As everyone else went along with their day, he released his hand and sighed.
I snickered. "She can be pretty clever, huh?"
Shooting me a look, he said, "Shut up." Returning his attention back to Miaka he told her, "Fine, I'll help you guys. But this time, I expect payment." Instantly putting a smile on her face, she nodded eagerly.
"Are you kidding me?" After all that, was he really gonna make us pay for his help? What a schmuck!
"Okay, we have nothing on us right now…So, what do you want?"
He thought about what would satisfy him the best. All of a sudden, a bunch of people crowded around on the sidewalk on both sides, ready for something go down the street in between. With our curiosities peaked, the three of us made our way over to see what was going on. A bunch of heavily armed soldiers on both horses and foot marched down the road in front of everyone holding giant red flags and banners. What's with all this?
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that the man had a devious, "I-just-had-an-idea" look.
He turned to Miaka and me. "Okay ladies, I have an offer. You see that thing holding up the emperor over there?" Pointing down the street, we saw six of the soldiers holding up a veiled litter vehicle—basically, a wheel-less, human powered vehicle used to transport people—that probably had someone important on the inside—Wait, the emperor? Miaka nodded. "Well, if you were to get me just one of the jewels off of his crown, I would be set for life! I would definitely help you guys out then."
"You're asking us to steal from the emper—" This time, he slapped his hand over my mouth.
"Will you keep it quiet? We'd be sent straight to prison if someone heard you say that!"
Grabbing his hand off of my mouth, I retorted, "Well, no freakin' duh! I can't believe that you'd expect us to do that!" Just thinking about what I had said caused me to immediately look around for Miaka. As expected, she wasn't around. Please Miaka, just once, can you think about what you do? Making my way through the crowd, I made it close enough to the street to see Miaka run in front of the emperor's wheel-less carriage.
She flailed around her arms. "Hey! Mr. Emperor! Would it be too much trouble to ask you for just one of your jewels on your crown? It doesn't have to be a big one!"
I slapped my forehead while the man and I simultaneously said, "That idiot." Losing her balance on an imaginary rock, she instinctively reached out for something to stop her fall—which in this case was the veil that the emperor was using to cover himself.
"Such insolence!" One of the guards shouted.
"Who is this woman?"
"Arrest her!"
A good number of the guards charged for Miaka as she started to scream. Before I had time to get her, the man raced by. In an instant, some sort of smoke-bomb was thrown, causing a huge cloud of smoke to block everyone's vision. Getting the feeling that the guy was the one who threw the smoke bomb, I used the cover to launch myself from the ground, levitating higher than the cloud of smoke. Searching around, I tried to find the two. Where are you Miaka? Come on…where? Suddenly, something emerged from the dark cloud—it was the man carrying Miaka in his arms as he jumped above them all. Seeing their lips moving, I knew they were talking to each other, but couldn't hear a thing. I just knew that I was far enough above for them to not notice my location. Then something completely surprised me, he kissed her on the forehead. What the hell? I was even able to see Miaka's face turn red from the notion. That guy said that he wasn't in it for that kind of prize.
As they land back onto the ground, they are lost once again in the cloud of smoke. When I thought that it would be difficult finding them again, a bright red light shone through—beams shouting out as far as the sky. Wondering what was going on, I flew down and used Wind to blow away the remaining smoke. Just as it all cleared, I caught sight of Miaka's body in the guy's arms literally fading in and out—covered in some kind of red energy. Light dimming, she became solid again.
Running up to them, I asked her as they stood up, "Miaka, are you alright?"
"Onee-chan! Yui is alright!" She beamed with tears in her eyes.
"Where is she?"
"She's back at the library, she—"
"Arrest those three!" A voice yelled out.
"They have dishonored the emperor!"
And that was how we ended up in a prison cell for who knows how many hours. Sure, I could bust out at any time—hell, I could have gotten our asses out of there before they could even get near us—but if I was going to play helpless, then I had to milk this thing out as long as I could and use my powers only when things got real bad. Or if I got annoyed—whichever came first.
Leaning against one of the steel bars of the small, depressing cell, I talked to Miaka and the man who were sitting against the wall behind me.
"Nice going you two."
"What did I do?" He asked.
"You gave her the suggestion."
"I honestly didn't think she'd do it."
"Well next time, you'll come to fully comprehend Miaka's determination." I sighed. "Well, I guess we'll be in here for a while." I turned to him and gave him a taunting look. "If you thought that us bothering you earlier was wasting your time, then you must really be enjoying this."
He growled. Miaka chimed in before he had the chance at a snappy comeback. "I hope we get out of here. I hate depressing places like this." She looked to the man. "Tamahome , do you think the emperor will be nice to us?"
"What?" I asked. "So your name is Tamahome huh?"
He nodded. "I already caught Miaka's name. What's yours?"
"I'm Akimoto Tsubaki, though I prefer to be called Aki."
As he nodded in acknowledgement, Miaka wrapped her arms around her lower torso and moaned. "When will we get out of here? It's creepy and I'm starting to get hungry." She got louder, catching the guard who was on duty's attention. "Hey! When do we get to eat?"
"Silence! You will wait patiently for your judgment." He responded. Yeah, we'll just see whose judgment comes first dude.
"Aww…" Miaka cried. Then a look of an epiphany formed on her face. Reaching inside her pocket, she reached for a nearly empty pack of gum. "Maybe I could just chew this to temporarily stop my stomach from growling. Want some Onee-chan?" Shaking my head, I noticed how Tamahome was eyeing the gum in a peculiar way.
Unfortunately, the guard noticed the substance as well. "Hey, what are you putting in your mouth?"
She got up and went up to the bars to show him. As she chewed, she said, "It's just gum." By the way he was looking at her, I could tell that he had absolutely no idea what that was. "See?" Blowing out, she blew a huge bubble almost equivalent to the size of the guards eyes. When the bubble popped and splatted all over Miaka's face, the guard completely freaked out.
"She's a witch! Keep her away!" Once that was said, he immediately ran away out of sight. Can you say: Three cheers for underdeveloped civilization?
Sucking back in the gum, Miaka held a look of bewilderment. "What's wrong with him? If he didn't like gum, all he had to do was say so."
Tamahome walked up to her, keeping his glittering eyes on the pack of gum in her hand. "Wha-what is that glorious stuff?"
Her confusion switched to our new gawking ally. "Umm…it's gum."
"What do you do with it?"
"You…chew it. Here," Giving a sweet smile, she handed him the last piece, "you can have this. I don't mind." His grin immediately widened at the present while his eyes got even wider with excitement.
"Thank you Miaka! This is the best thing, ever!"
Chuckling a little, I brought my attention to the keys that were left from the guard that had fled. They were about seven feet away from us, but I was sure that I could use a spell to retrieve them.
Making sure that Tamahome and Miaka were distracted by the gum, I casted, "Jikerdor." A small sphere of light formed in my palm causing the keys to move. The spell was a magnetism spell that attracted any kind of metal to it—or if used on a person, makes the person magnetized. Knowing this, the keys quietly made their way to my hand.
Calling away the spell, I turned around with a pleasant smile on my face. As I held up the keys, I jingled them to get their attention. Miaka and Tamahome immediately ended their conversation as they saw the source of our freedom in my hands.
"How did you get those?"
Shrugging, I said, "They conveniently fell close to the bars." Avoiding any questions, I faced the cell doors and used the key to free us. Swinging the door open, we needed no extra time in getting the hell out of there.
Walking around, we gazed in awe at the huge palace that we were now a part of. Mixtures of reds and gold seemed to be the main colors—complemented by impressive banners, statues, columns, you name it. This was all a part an extremely huge Chinese décor that was nothing short of amazing. The place was so big, though, that we were failing miserably in finding our way out.
Which reminded me… "Hey, Tamahome. I forgot to ask earlier, but where are we?"
"What do you mean? We're in the palace."
Raising my voice, I said, "Not that you nimrod—I know we're in a palace. I'm talking about geographically. Where are we?"
"How do you not know?" He asked in a smug tone.
I stopped and turned around to face him with an irritated face. Holding up a piece of my jacket, I asked, "Do these clothes look like we're from around here? I know that even you have noticed that Miaka and I are a bit out place."
Catching the insult, he refrained from fighting back. "We're in the empire of Konan—at its capital city of Eiyou."
"Konan, huh?" Okay, I may know the name of where we're at, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I actually know where we're at. Well, it does sound Chinese, which means that we are in some sort of ancient Chinese-like place—in a book (which is still a bit odd). So, I can't really snap at him 'cause he did answer the question…
During our conversation, Miaka seemed to get distracted by something. Getting curious, I looked in her direction—to face a huge golden statue of a majestic bird. A bird…didn't Miaka say that she saw a giant bird in the library?
"Hey Tamahome," She asked in a droned state, "why is there a statue of a bird? Why is it so important?"
Upon hearing the question, he had a surprised look on his face, but then replaced it with a look of understanding. He finally getting that she and I weren't from there and both required a lot of information.
"That's the statue of our—the Empire Konan's—god, Suzaku—which you can see takes the form of a scarlet phoenix. Everyone in the country relies on Suzaku for protection, health, and good fortune." Hearing what he said, I thought of something.
"You said that Suzaku is the god of Konan. Does that mean that there are other god's as well?"
He nodded at me. "There are. In the north, the god Genbu—in the form of a turtle/snake hybrid—protects the country of Hokkan, in the west, the god Byakko—in the form of a white tiger—protects the country of Saito, and in the east, the god Seiryuu—in the form of a dragon—protects our enemies in the country of Kutou. Suzaku, as you may have guessed, is our god here in the south." Four gods…just like with the book Miaka and Yui were reading…That bird Miaka saw must have been Suzaku.He must have brought her here for some reason, but why?
Speaking of Miaka…
"Hey, where did Miaka go?"
Tamahome looked scanned the area around us. "Wasn't she just here?"
"Well yeah, she was the one who asked you the question about Suzaku." I groaned. "This happened with us earlier. She probably smelled food somewhere and went chasing after it when we weren't paying attention." Honestly, with all the food that girl eats, how the hell does she stay so damn thin?
He had a troubled look on his face. "That idiot. We have to find her before the guards get to her."
I nodded. "Agreed. We should probably split up considering the size of this place."
Cocking an eyebrow, he gave a sly grin. "Are you sure you can handle being on your own?"
Giving him an "I know something you don't know" smile, I told him, "You'd be surprised about what a gal like me could do in a difficult situation."
Taking me up on that, he nodded again and headed in one direction while I went in the opposite. After about fifteen minutes, there were still no results. It's only after searching around a huge royal palace when you truly understand how outrageously gigantic it is. What made things worse was that the guards were starting to get wise to our escape and have scrambled around trying to search for us. For a Master Sorceress out in the open, ditching them would have been a piece of cake. For a Master Sorceress who's, once again, trying to play helpless, ditching them meant acting like a ninja and hiding in whatever shadows I could find. You know, this whole playing powerless thing is becoming a drag. Maybe I should just blow this place up to find her. I shook my head. Nah…let's leave that as a last resort. The benefit to all of this? Seeing the faces of all the people who thought I couldn't do anything when they realize that I can do something…and then some.
Eventually, I got fed up. "Oh my gosh, I am so sick of this!"
"Having a bit of trouble there?" Mentioned an unknown voice from behind. Jumping from surprise, I quickly turned to see a woman standing there. She had long, wavy, styled violet hair that went down to her waist and a small portion of it in a bun. Her clothes seemed to be some kind of fance, traditional Chinese robes with colors of white, pink, and yellows. With bright red lipstick, a tiny, almost unnoticeable black mole under her left eye, and a devious look in her pink eyes, she grinned. How did I not know that she was there? "I don't think that I've ever seen you here before. What's your name?"
Laughing nervously, I instantly began to think of ways to get out of there. "Umm…it doesn't really matter. I mean, what's in a name anyway?"
She inched closer. "Oh I believe that a name is quite important. It can tell your lineage, your wealth…especially whether or not you should be in this palace or not."
Crap. "Well, it's so obvious that I do belong here." No it's not.
Chuckling, she eyed me top to bottom. Closing her eyes, she talked in a snobbish tone. "Not in those odd rags you don't." With my teeth gritting, I thought, she did not just go there! Who the hell does this bitch think she is? Opening one eye to me, she smiled mischievously . "In fact, I do believe that you belong in that not-so-fancy prison cell, don't cha think?"
Body stiffening, I knew that I had to think faster. "I'm not quite sure what you mean."
"Sure you do! Let me see…two girls with peculiar, exotic clothing and a commoner man—all ordered to be imprisoned on my dear highnesses orders." "My dear highnesses?" Does that mean…
"Are you his wife?"
Her face immediately turned red as she slapped her face with both hands and held them there. With a huge goofy smile she began to babble. "His wife? Oh, I wish. But we are destined to be together and someday we shall. Once he sees how right we are for each other, how can he say no? I can just see that faithful day when he walks up to me and confesses his burning love and desire for me. It will be magical! The wedding will be spectacular and all the women of Konan will be jealous that I am the wife of the gorgeous, giving, incredible, and powerful man that is the emperor." As she talked more and more, my guard started to drop. Well ain't she just a hyped up fan-girl. Who woulda thought? I almost mistook her for an actual threat.
Seizing an opening, I gradually stepped further and further from the swooned woman. Before I hit home-free, her eyes instantly snapped back onto my attention. "And where do you think you're going?" Umm…away from here?
"Mmm…Nowhere."
"You're damned right 'nowhere'. You could be my ticket for finally getting the emperor to notice me!" Crap! She's gonna expose me in the name of love! Wow…that sounded both corny and lame…
Thinking quickly, I looked behind her with a surprised look on my face. Bowing respectfully, I stuttered, "Oh, Y-Your H-Highness! I-I'm so sorry that I've dishonored you!" Hearing what I said, she blushed again and quickly turned.
"Oh Your Highness! I didn't know that you were there. I—" She blinked a few times before anger set in. "Hey! The emperor is not—" When she turned to face me, her face went completely blank. "What the…Where did she go?"
Little did she know, I levitated onto the roof nearby and was watching from a safe distance. I laughed to myself quietly as I watched her scrambling around. "Sorry, but I am not playing matchmaker at my expense." This emperor must really be something though…
Hearing some commotion coming from the back of me, I turned to see that Miaka and Tamahome were being surrounded by the palace guards. Well it's nice to know that we're keeping the routine of "find each other, find trouble". Jumping off the roof, I got ready for battle just as Tamahome threw the first punch.
"Leave Miaka out of this!" He yelled. I couldn't help but appreciate the fact that he was looking out for her without any form of payment. Maybe he wasn't as bad a guy as I thought him out to be. Calling Wind to my fist, I surprised a guard and tapped him "lightly" on the back, allowing the wind to blow him spiraling into one of the palace walls. Nodding in approval, Tamahome flashed me a thankful smile. That was when I noticed that the glowing red character was once again shining brightly on his forehead. Ignoring my urge to blush and gawk in fascination, he and I simultaneously jumped in front of Miaka to keep her safe as the guards closed in on us with sharp, point spears.
Just as the situation almost called for a bit of destructive magic, a male voice rang out, "Enough of this! You shall not harm them!" Upon hearing the command, the guards immediately lowered their weapons and parted, holding their upper bodies lowered in a bow. Down in the middle of the lined-up guards, a man—a very attractive man— who looked around my age (maybe a little older) walked towards us. He had a golden hazel eye color and long dark-brown, almost black hair—same hair color as me—that went to his waist and was in an extremely loose ponytail that was tied about three inches from his shoulder. His bangs—which were parted on the right—were incredibly long and flowed a bit past his chin. On top of a long-sleeved white shirt, wore a long red Chinese garment with golden designs and collar, tied at the waist with a long blue piece of cloth, that went down to his ankles, but were cut on the sides to show his dark burgundy pants.
Considering how they were all acting, I assumed that this was either the emperor or someone who was paying them a lot of money just for a bow.
"Your Highness!" One of the guards said. Guess I was right.
"Your Highness? This woman is the emperor?" Miaka asked. During a few seconds of awkward silence, everyone—including the guards—all looked at her with embarrassed looks. She thinks that that guy is a woman? You've hit a completely different level with this one Miaka. "What?"
"Miaka…" I couldn't even finish my sentence 'cause of the ridiculousness of what she said.
Tamahome seemed to share my feelings about the situation. "You idiot—the emperor is a man!"
"No way! She's way too beautiful to be a man!"
The emperor had on a delighted smile. "Well, yes, my beauty has been known to put people in awe, so I don't really blame you for the mix-up."
With a surprised look on Miaka's face, she walked up to the emperor and felt around on his chest—the rest of us stood there with our jaws dropped, but the emperor seemed pretty calm. "It's true, the chest is completely flat! Then that means," She looked below his waist, "he must have one of those down there!" It's a miracle that we haven't been executed by now.
Grabbing at her collar, Tamahome pulled her away from the emperor. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Scratching her cheek sheepishly, she told us, "I couldn't help it, I was curious!"
I breathed a sigh of relief. "So you're not going to kill us?"
After that whole…fun scene outside of the palace, we were eventually lead to the throne room with the emperor sitting and us presented before him—Tamahome bowing as Miaka and I looked around in fascination. He sat there with more prominent Chinese-like royal gowns consisting of mostly reds whites and yellows. On his head was a small closed crown in which he had tucked his long, luscious hair into. I still couldn't believe that Miaka thought that he was a girl. Good grief.
"I wouldn't think of killing you. Believe me when I say that that was never my intention." Then what was? He chuckled a bit. "I was actually intrigued by you three and wanted to figure your curious bunch out." So that's the reason you made us go through all that. Memories of earlier when Miaka ran in front of his parade flashed through my head. I sighed again. Well, we sort of deserved it…
Miaka giggled. "Hotohori seems too nice to do anything bad to us any way."
I looked at the young emperor. "Hotohori? Umm…Your Majesty?"
He smiled at me. "Like Miaka here, you are free to call me Hotohori. I really don't mind at all." So they've already been introduced. "You are also quite fascinating—what is your name Miss? Miaka tells me how you are her older sister."
Oh she did, did she? "Umm…not biologically. She kind of decided that on her own a while ago—anyway! I'm Akimoto Tsubaki."
Before I told him my nickname, he said out loud, "Akimoto…what an exotic name." My body had a pleasant shudder. There is just something about a hot guy saying your name that just makes you giddy. "Miaka tells me how you two are from a different world."
Immediately facing her, I gave her a look. She did what? She looked at me in a puzzled way. "Was I not supposed to say something?"
Not realizing that she was speaking to me, the emperor shook his head. "No it's quite alright! In fact, I'm really glad that you did. Because of my newfound knowledge I now know that we have been blessed with two Priestesses of Suzaku." My body stiffened. He said what now?
Miaka looked all around. "Who are they?"
"Why you two of course." He began to explain. "We have a legend in our land. In the time where the country is in disorder and may fall into ruins, a girl will be brought to us from another world who seeks the power of Suzaku. And when she gets that power, she will lead our land to times of peace and glory—"
"Hold up there princey!" I held up my hand to him in a "stop in the name of love" sort of way. "I am not any priestess of anything."
"Yeah!" Miaka agreed. "I'm just a normal teenage girl who is trying to pass her entrance exams into a school where her best friend is most likely going to go. Not only that, I have a bunch of other teenage issue's to go through. I can't do something as big and important is this. I just don't have the time! It seems like way too much pressure."
Thinking over what we both said, he asked, "Well…isn't there a wish that you two have? Something you wanted upon entering this world?" A wish? Is he saying that if I go along with this? I'll be able to get my wish? Hotohori sat there looking at us expectedly. No…it seems too easy. It doesn't seem like I've been going through all of this just to be handed my wish. Something tells me that, a.) Taiitsukun wouldn't let me have it just like that and b.) I'm meant for something completely different.
Giving an apologetic smile, I told him, "Sorry. But I'll have to decline your offer—"
"I'll do it! I'll be happy to do it! My whole life has been leading up to this moment!" Miaka proclaimed. Putting my arm around her shoulders, I turned us away from Hotohori.
"What are you doing Miaka? You can't seriously be considering this."
"Come on! Think about it Onee-chan—Hotohori said that as this priestess, I could have any wish that I want! I could have all of the best foods in the world, automatically pass the entrance exams, have the sexiest body in the world and have all of the boys drool over me, I could have the best singing voice, have the most perfect hair, I could—"
"Okay! I get it." Those wishes of hers are so…materialistic. But I guess I can expect those things from a regular fifteen-year-old girl who only has to worry about things like that. Oh, if only those were my worries as well. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely!" As I released my arm, we turned back towards the throne. "I will become your priestess."
"Excellent!' Hotohori looked over at me once more. "Have you reconsidered Akimoto?"
Thinking for a few short seconds, I gave my answer. "No. Sorry to disappoint you, but I don't think that it's for me. After all, according to your legend, it said 'a girl' implying just one. I don't think that your Suzaku wants to have two priestesses. That's overwhelming don't you think?"
The emperor nodded. "While it does sadden me that you have declined, I shall respect your decision." Replacing his frown with a mature smile, he stood up causing everyone in the room –guards included—to lo expect something to happen. "Even though one of the mysterious girls wishes to not be our priestess, this day has not been in vain—our prayers have been answered. The whole kingdom shall bow to Miaka, the Priestess of Suzaku."
Almost immediately, everyone—including Hotohori—lowered themselves to the ground to kneel to her. It was quite interesting actually, they were treating her as if she were all mighty.
Anger suddenly raged inside of me. That should be me! I've worked so hard just to get my wish, and she drops in and her wish is at her very fingertips.
Suddenly, the mysterious male voice rang in my head. You are meant for something much greater Akimoto. Your time will come.
Shaking my head from the negative thoughts, I tried to reason with myself. No, don't think like that! Yeah, I really want that wish more than anything, but I shouldn't take this away from Miaka. I think that Suzaku brought her here so that she could become the Priestess. Using all of my willpower, I will not selfishly take this away from her.
As they bowed, Tamahome eyed me in a "you better bow if you know what's good for you" kind of way. Like hell I'm going to bow. I've known the girl for nine years before she even got to this place. Besides, she's not my priestess.
When that was all said and done, everyone stood up and Hotohori sat back on his throne. "So, Akimoto, what is it that you're going to do?"
"I'm—I'm not sure." I do kind of have my own agenda. But…I looked at Miaka. I can't just leave her here fending for herself. She should be back on our world anyway…Argh! Things are so messed up now!
"You're welcome to stay here in the palace as long as you would like—enjoying all of the luxuries of being a guest to the emperor of Konan."
"Well, I—"
"Sorry, we can't stay! We really should be getting back to our world. Or at least I need to. I have to get some of my textbooks, tell my mom and brother that I'll be away for a while, you know, stuff like that." Miaka seemed to be looking around for a way out.
I sighed. "Miaka, traditionally, when things like this happen, you can't leave. You don't even know how to get back to our world. We don't even know why or how Yui got back. You took the responsibility so you'll have to tough it out for a while."
"But…but…" She started to whine.
"It's okay. I'll be here with you the whole time, so you have nothing to worry about." Well, I hoped that there would be nothing to worry about. We were in a completely foreign world—a world that's dangers are a complete mystery at the moment. Considering the Shadow Maidens were lurking and regrouping around somewhere and the fact that Taiitsukun said that my powers could be used whenever, I had a feeling that there had to be some mysterious forces that we couldn't even comprehend yet. All of this brought back the question of why Miaka was even there. As far as I could tell, she didn't have any powers. Sure this Suzaku character was supposed to be blessing her with his almighty power, but I'm sure that there were some conditions to those—and whether or not these powers were anything more than just making a wish. She can't defend herself in this place—both because of her lack of any kind of defense mechanism and extreme naivety. It was our childhood all over again.
She smiled warmly at me. "Thanks Onee-chan."
A few days had gone by since Tamahome, Miaka, and I had been invited to live in the imperial palace. The mystery as to why Tamahome was there baffled me, but I didn't complain. He had proven himself somewhat reliable, a good fighter, and an ally—more or less. He hadn't really said anything that day in the throne room, and ever since, all he had been doing was either training his martial arts or walking around. It made me wonder what he was thinking about and why he continued to stick around. Maybe he had an obligation? The more I thought about it, I also noticed how he's been spending a good amount of time with Miaka. Usually, I would have thought nothing of it, but after seeing him kiss her on the forehead, I couldn't help but think that something was going on. There was also the chance that he was just a good guy trying to comfort her since she was feeling so down about being away from home. She even told me how he hugged her and said he'd be her older brother until she could return to her own older brother, Keisuke.
And speaking of obligations, I was beginning to wonder what exactly Miaka had to do in order to fulfill her duties as priestess. Hotohori hasn't told her anything about the subject which was making me believe that a lot of what he was saying was over-dramatized. What if this whole Priestess of Suzaku thing was just a title? Did you actually get a legitimate wish from some god?
So many thoughts were going through my head about everything that had been happening to me in this new world. It also occurred to me that going off on such a tangent as this was not bringing me closer to my wish. Sure, it's good that Miaka would be happy (still making me ask why she was even there), but I couldn't go off from my initial mission—the thing that I had been working so hard for. Miaka was my friend and with my powers, I knew I could protect her, but I had to face facts: she was a huge distraction! I could not express how much it was bothering me that she was there. No matter how hard I tried at putting it off until Taiitsukun made her predictable rounds, it continued to just eat at me. If all of this was happening, what was going on in our world? Could it have been possible that Miaka was on the same journey as me? No...Taiitsukun said that the quest was made with just one girl at a time.
Laying down on a patch of grass near a pond in the palace, I watched the clouds go by and groaned. "Of course the universe is adding stuff to my already difficult life just to make me go insane. What a bitch."
Covering my hand over my eyes to shield the sun from my face, a figure blocked the sun and provided me shade. As his face came into focus, I realized that it was his-hotness himself, Hotohori. Wow…Ouran High School déjà vu. Oh, and both of the people who blocked the sun both have names starting with H! How ironic…Yup, the universe is definitely a bitch.
"Are you alright Akimoto?" He asked.
"Oh, yeah I'm fine Hotohori. Why do you ask?"
He sat down next to me and placed some parchments he was carrying on the ground next to him. "Well, I've been so busy attending to royal duties and I haven't even been paying any attention to my honored guests. I was actually on my way to see Miaka to apologize. I noticed that she had been looking rather down and wished that I may assist her…"
"You don't need to apologize. We both know that you're busy—it's expected of an emperor." Turning my head, I gave a small smile. "And she's doing much better. She's been talking to me, and Tamahome has been making her feel even more at home. No worries."
"For someone who has come to a completely different world, you are rather relaxed."
Resting my wrist over my forehead, I thought, well, I have been doing this for a while. I shrugged. "I guess it's just never been in me to make a big deal outta such a thing." He cocked an eyebrow. "Let's just say that at this point, it'll take a lot to surprise me."
He chuckled. "You are truly fascinating." Looking at my wrist, he said, "What a magnificent piece of jewelry! It's an absolute work of art. It's so extravagant that I even I would consider wearing it. Tell me, where did you obtain it?"
Looking at the bracelet, I couldn't help but smile sadly. "Someone special gave it to me as a present."
"Your husband?"
Shooting my upper body up, my face immediately flushed. "H-husband?" My mind instantly began to picture me being proposed to by Hikaru…in an elegant white dress marrying him…on our honeymoon…sleeping with—I shook my head to clear my over-active imagination. What the heck am I thinking? I can't believe I even had those thoughts! I know I've said it before, but damn teenage hormones! Waving my arms around in a panicky way, I tried to explain myself, "No, no, no, no Hotohori, you've got it all wrong. Completely wrong."
"You're not married?"
"Of course not! I'm only seventeen (or eighteen) but that's a different story! Me, married?" I laughed nervously. "Yeah, right." Hikaru and I never had a chance anyway. The universe simply wouldn't allow it…
"Huh, it puzzles me. Such an exotic and rather attractive woman such as you is not married yet. Well, it's a loss to those men out there—especially the fool who gave you that bracelet and had the indecency to let you go." My face remained red and warm. Exotic? Attractive? Is the emperor flirting with me? My brain came up with a rationalization. Okay, he's an emperor, so he probably flatters everyone he meets. It's all a part of being diplomatic. It's in his blood—he's been learning to do that for years. He continued to look at me and I tried my best to not look away. "You know, I don't think that I've ever met someone with eyes like yours. You truly are from a different world."
"Well, I get that a lot—about my eyes, not the whole… world thing." Trying to quickly change the subject, I said, "So, what are those scrolls and stuff you have with you there?"
Looking as if he had forgotten, his eyes went wide as he picked up the parchments and scrolled over them. "They are documents are important in the prophecy of the priestess. I was going to show it to Miaka."
Noticing movement behind him, I pointed. "Here's your chance!" Miaka and Tamahome saw us sitting down and allowed their curiosity to decide to come over to us.
"Ah, Miaka! I was just about to come to you."
"Hotoho—I mean, Your Highness! What is it?" She asked cheerily.
He brought up the documents. But before he talked about him, he showed her an apologetic smile. "I am quite sorry that I haven't had any time to spend time with you my dear priestess."
"Oh, I understand! It's okay, really!"
Feeling a wave of relief, he went on with what he was going to say. "I need to discuss with you how you can obtain the powers of Suzaku. You see, everything we need to know is here in The Universe of the Four Gods." Both I and Miaka's eyes went wide at the name of his scrolls. The Universe of the Four Gods was the name of the book that Miaka and Yui were reading when they suddenly got sucked in and ended up in this place. How could Hotohori be in possession of similar papers? Looking over at her, I knew that she had to have been thinking something similar. "This book has been in the royal family for generations and holds the prophecy for the destiny of the Priestess of Suzaku. Let me explain: these documents tell of the twenty eight celestial constellations of the heavens. Each of the cardinal points: North, South, East, and West contain seven of these constellations."
The cardinal points? "Don't the four countries of those cardinal points have their own respective gods? I don't exactly remember the name of them all—of course I remember Suzaku for us in the south—but there are three other gods, right?"
He nodded in approval. "Why yes, you are correct Akimoto. So just as the scrolls say, Suzaku contains the seven constellations: Nuriko, Chichiri, Tamahome, Mitsukake, Hotohori, Tasuki, and Chiriko."
In surprise, Miaka and I both said simultaneously, "Hotohori and Tamahome?" Even Tamahome looked shocked by what he heard.
Hotohori nodded again. "Yes. Like Tamahome and I, there are five others who have the name of the constellations written as Kanji characters somewhere on their bodies. Mine appears on the left side of my neck—just as yours appears on your forehead."
Tamahome touched his forehead with a peculiar look. "Oh, so that's why that happens."
"You seriously didn't think that your head glowing was…irregular?" I asked.
"When I was young, yeah, but I got over it. After a while—and after years of teasing—I sort of just forgot it was even there. I mean, I knew my name had to do with a constellation, but I didn't think it had anything to do with something this important."
"It's part of an ancient legend of your land and you didn't know anything about it?"
"Hey!" He yelled. "Quit giving me the third-degree here! You didn't know anything either!"
"I have an excuse: I'm not from this world."
Hotohori cleared his throat to get our attention. "Yes, well, we, as celestial warriors of Suzaku must protect our priestess at all times. But it is up to the priestess to go out and find her warriors if she ever wants to obtain the powers of Suzaku." Huh, so there is some work required in all of this.
Miaka started to panic. "What? I have to go out to who knows where to find five more people that I don't even know? How am I going to do that?"
I stroked my chin. "Yes, that does seem like it would be rather difficult. I mean, there are a lot of people in the world. Even if we're just talking Konan, I'm still certain that it's pretty big and that a lot of people live here." My words seemed to have been sinking into their brains. "Seriously what are the chances that we could actually find five more people?" I don't even know a spell that could help us with this. Some kind of location spell? No, this is way too specific. All my spells are either defensive or offensive. Nope…nothing can help.
"Well," Hotohori began, "there is a bit of a clue to find the third constellation. This person is incredibly strong and perhaps lives in a huge, extravagant place such as a palace." We all looked at him. "Yes, that's right, we're in a palace. Perhaps finding this person will not prove all that difficult. Maybe the key to finding them all is just taking it slow and using our brains to figure out their locations."
"Ahh!" Miaka's panic escalated. "I have entrance exams coming up! I don't have the time to whack at my brain and figure out this stuff. What are we going to do?"
Tamahome put his hand on her shoulder to calm her down. "Everything will be fine. I know you're eager to get back home, but things will take a lot longer if you panic."
"Well, better her panicking than the rest of us as well, I suppose," I said under my breath. Tamahome shot me a look. Trying to defend myself, I told them, "Well, she might as well get all of her panicking, whining, and complaining out of her system before we keep going with all of this."
"Onee-chan…" Miaka started to cry, "Do you really think that I do all of those things?"
Patting her head, I closed my eyes and smiled uneasily. "I was just being honest. You're a cute girl Miaka, so you don't have to worry about anything."
"What does that have to do with—"
"So, Hotohori," I switched my attention in the conversation, "how you do propose we find this strong person?"
Before he could say something, Tamahome chimed in with his idea, "Well, if this person is supposed to be in this palace and is strong, then why don't we just get the strongest fighters and soldiers in the palace all together and see out of them all, which ones the strongest?"
"That's not a bad idea," Hotohori contemplated.
After the plan was set, the next day, all of the bravest and valiant warriors in the palace were gathered in the courtyard—presenting themselves to Tamahome, Hotohori, Miaka, and I.
I sighed as I sat down next to Hotohori's outside throne. "These bunch of chumps all look alike to me. How the heck to we find who we're looking for?"
Miaka, who was standing next to the emperor replied, "I don't know." Thinking of an idea, she raised her voice to them, "If any of you have a glowing character anywhere on your body, please step forward now!" Slapping my hand to my forehead, I thought, that never usually works. The men all looked around at each other with puzzled faces and chatter. Although, I gotta give her points for trying that method. I seriously would have applauded her if that worked.
The next idea came from Tamahome. He suggested beating the snot out of all of them to see which one of the men could fight back the best or even perhaps defeat him. That idea went down the drain when, after five minutes, half of the men were on the ground either unconscious, or moaning from the incredible pain that Tamahome had dished out. It was quite epic actually. At that point, I was certain that I wanted Tamahome fighting on my side.
He cracked his knuckles and creeped forward the rest of the fighters. I shouted out to him, "Hey, Tama! That's obviously not working. Give them a break before you break them. We still need them, remember?"
"Come on! The guy we're looking for should be able to take it. Besides, I was just getting started—" Before he was able to finish his sentence, I walked over to him and grabbed him by the ear, dragging him back to the spectators' spot.
"Hey, ouch! That hurts you know!"
"No kidding." Dropping him off, I returned to my spot on the ground.
Hotohori sighed. "We didn't come up with this whole thing just for you to show off Tamahome."
"Okay, I have another idea!" Miaka proclaimed. You used up your turn, Miaka. "If this person we're looking for is such an honorable warrior, he would never attack a sweet, innocent girl like me—especially since I'm the Priestess of Suzaku."
"So what, you're gonna use yourself as bait?" I asked. "I don't think that's a good idea."
She gave a confident smile. "Don't worry Aki-nee-chan! You know how fast I am. Should one of those men actually try to attack me, I'll just get the hell outta there!" Either that or Tamahome and I have to swoop in to save her.
The better part of me told myself to not let her go through with this plan, but we had to get some progress somehow. Actually…now that I think about it, it would probably be a lot safer if I went through with this plan instead—
"Hey you morons!" Miaka shouted out in the middle of the courtyard. The soldiers' attention immediately went to her. "Why don't you come over here and try to fight me!" That idiot. "Bet you can't! I bet you're all just a bunch of whiny little girls who just dress up like men every day. You all probably fight like wimps. My pinky is tougher than all of you combined. Come at me you sorry excuses of the male species! You all bring dishonor to your lives, your family, and your gender. Why don't you all grow a pair?"
"How dare she…"
"We will never take that kind of talk from anyone…"
"Not even a woman…"
"Not even if she is the priestess!"
"Get her!" The extremely pissed off bunch of warriors lashed out with bunches and kicks and any other violent thing you could possibly think of.
Running away from the attacks, Miaka yelled, "They're attacking sweet little me? I don't think that any of these guys are a celestial warrior!"
"Of course not, you idiot!" Tamahome and I shouted back. Springing into action, we both ran out for her. Calling forth Wind to my hands and feet, I used the Tornado Fist to send a good number of them flying. Tamahome helped out by taking some of the guys on his side. Just as I thought we were winning, something weird started to happen to me. With each punch I threw and as my body grew tired from all of the physical force, Wind died down more and more. The only reason I used the Tornado Fist was for times like this when I felt that I had to do hand-to-hand combat. Wind only gave me a way of actually being able to fight back since my actual strength was really kind of pathetic. Since my body wasn't used to all of this physical action, it was causing my energy to deplete rather quickly—and I had never used the Tornado Fist for this long a duration before.
Panting fiercely, I managed to miraculously knock a guy out even with my depleted strength. Searching for Miaka, I could see that there were still some men chasing her and throwing heavy objects. I can't just focus on guys over here, I have to go over there and help her! Running as fast as I could, I managed to past a few of the warriors who were tiring from their rage. Unfortunately, Miaka managed to run under a huge, stone-material, gazebo-like structure. And from all of the objects being thrown, the columns started to crack and give way.
Oh, crap! Miaka! "Miaka, watch out!" She looked above her, but there was no way she could escape in time. As I got closer, I tried using a spell. "Seosh—" Tamahome came in out of nowhere and threw me out of the way—disrupting my spell casting—for my safety from the falling rubble. Before the whole structure fell completely to the ground, all I could see was Tamahome shielding her.
Sitting on the ground, stunned, I gawked at the pile of ruins. In disbelief, I quietly said, "No…" Then louder, "No!" I ran over just as Hotohori was doing so as well. "Miaka! Tamahome!"
"Miaka!" Hotohori cried. "Please Suzaku, don't take her away from us!"
I couldn't use a spell. Not only was my energy almost trained from earlier, but if I did use a spell, I couldn't guarantee that any kind of explosion wouldn't end up killing them if they weren't already dead. Even if I used Earth, I wouldn't be certain that one false move of a piece of wreckage wouldn't cave in and crush them to death.
This is all my fault…If I hadn't been playing around and hiding my powers, I could have protected her. She and Tamahome wouldn't be seriously hurt—or worse. All my fault.
With tears starting to flow, I tried grabbing at the huge pieces of debris in an attempt to free the two with my bare hands. My body shook as it struggled to pick up the heavy pieces.
"Akimoto…" I heard Hotohori say.
"They can't be dead. They can't! We have to get them out of here!"
"Akimoto!" Hotohori grabbed my hand from behind to hold me in a tight embrace. He had a solemn tone in his voice. "I'm sorry, but if you continue, you'll harm yourself further."
"Let me go! Let me go! I have to save them! It's all my fault…" I struggled to escape his arms—my mind was clouded and stomach queasy from the extreme guilt. All because I was so used to not revealing my powers. The transition was just so awkward for me. This whole time Taiitsukun had been telling me to hide my powers—I had been conditioned to do just that. And then she suddenly springs on me that I could use them? It wasn't as easy as I thought it'd be. Part of me was still afraid that something bad would happen if I exposed myself. How stupid I was! I should have just used my powers! Even if I was given the order not to, I should have used them to help Miaka out. And now...
"There's nothing you can do right now." He faced the bunch of guilt-stricken warriors. "Well, what are you all standing around for? Get over here and help removing this rubble! Be as careful as you can while getting them out!"
It seems like they were also weak from the days' events and proved useless in trying to save our friends. All of the others were knocked unconscious. No…
"Somebody…HELP!" I cried out.
Then, out of nowhere, the pretty, purple-haired crazed fan-girl-woman from earlier walked up calmly to the ruins.
"What're you—" Before I could ask what she was doing, she shot me a sharp look that could kill—making me instantly shut my mouth. Crouching down she took a piece of the rubble, and effortlessly threw it about fifty feet away. Breaking away from Hotohori, we all stared in astonishment. One piece after the other she threw away from the pile, watching it get smaller. She eventually got deep enough to locate the still very-much living—but understandably beaten up—Miaka and Tamahome.
Without hesitating, I ran up to hug them. "I'm so glad that you two are okay!"
Tamahome winced when I came into contact with him. "Hey, we are hurt, you know. Go a little easier with the hugs!"
I backed off. "Sorry!" Noticing blood coming from Miaka's leg, I fussed over her. "Miaka you're bleeding!"
"It's fine Onee-chan. I'm fine!" She looked at Tamahome. "I'm just both extremely happy and furious at Tamahome for risking his life like that to save me."
Smiling warmly, he spoke to her with an assured tone. "I will always protect you Miaka—even if it means risking my own life. I am your warrior after all!" I noticed that she blushed when she heard his words.
The purple-haired woman hunched over to get a better look at them. "Huh, you know, I wasn't completely sure that you two would still be alive. Lucky break, huh?"
I turned to face her with a heart full of relief. "Thank you so much for saving my friends."
Miaka agreed. "Yeah! We wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for you, Miss."
For a second, it seemed like the woman briefly glared at the two of us before scoffing. "I didn't do it for you two." She faced Tamahome. "I did it for him." Walking up to him, she leaned down and put her hands on the sides of his face. Bringing her face down to his, she brought their lips together without any hesitation. Tamahome's eyes went wide as Miaka and I stood there in shock.
"Tamahome…WHAT THE HELL?"
ATTENTION READERS: This is the Beta version of LH5W, if you want to read the official, updated version of the story, you'll have to go over to DeviantArt. com and head on over to my page. My username is Aloubell. You can also get there by going to my fanfiction. net profile which provides a link over there.
In any case, this Beta version is basically the rough draft of LH5W, my first attempt at it. Much of the plot points from this version will be the same in the official version, but there are significant and consistent characterization changes, a few (but very important) plot differences, expansion of past ideas, and overall better quality in storytelling.
All of this will be done over on DeviantArt. I no longer will write the story in traditional prose nor submit/update it here to fanfiction. net. The Beta version will remain here, just know that it isn't the 100% official story.
The official version will be written in a lazy prose mixed with play-writing elements (you'll get what I mean when you see it).
This is the new format for the story from now on.
So please head on over there if you're interested in updates to the story! Thank you for stopping by =D
-Aloe
PLEASE NOTE: The official version is being written somewhat out of order. The official version will start on chapter 46, the place where the Beta version left off. The official version will go on to complete the last chapters of Season 2. Once those are done, I will redo the story over again from Chapter 1 which will be the official version.
Having said that, if you choose to continue on reading, I hope you enjoy the Beta version and look forward to the official!