Vol 1 - Chpater 3 : The Encounter of the Stars
"Houki!" Nuriko hugged her violet haired friend, who looks much like her.
"Korin, I mean Reisshun, it's good to see you" Empress Houki of the Konan Empire returned the gesture to her friend.
"Are the two of them twin sisters?" Hikari asked her Mom.
"Oh no Hikari, Nuriko and Empress Houki aren't related at all. Although you can really see the resemblance"Miaka explained.
"Miaka, Tamahome" Hotohori hugged the former priestess.
"I missed you both so much, Its been such a long time" Hotohori said
"Me too, I never thought I'd be coming back."Miaka said.
"Hikari"Miaka gestured to her daughter and introduced her to the Emperor.
"This is our daughter, Hikari. Darling, this is the former Emperor of Konan, Hotohori, our friend." Miaka said, Hotohori smiled to the little girl.
"You're so beautiful, your Highness" the girl shyly said. The former Emperor hugged the girl. "Oh, I never thought we'd have a chance to meet." Hotohori said.
"Tasuki, Nuriko.. how did you found them?" he asked
"They were caught up with my guardians on the East Forest your highness."Nuriko explained.
"I see, I apologize for any inconveniences, but as you can see, we're having an unforseen event once again."His majesty explained.
"The drift"Tamahome said.
Hotohori nodded. "We don't really know, what's going on. But, four lands are starting to either collide or drift away from each other. A few days back, Kutou and Konan's border was noticeably drifting from each other, more like now, how Hokkan and Konan are staring to collide. Few of the islands from Kutou are completely submerged into the waters of Konan. While some of the desserts from Sairou are spreading towards the icy land of Hokkan" He explained.
"I wonder what's going on. Miaka fell ill before coming here, Yui, the former priestess of Seriyuu disappeared as well."Tamahome explained.
"I think we should all go to Taitskun, more likely she has the answer to our questions."Nuriko suggested.
"That's right. We will all go tomorrow, but as for now, please keep yourselves comfortable. You three must be tired."Hotohori offered.
"Your rooms are kept as is, we're always hoping for your comeback. Please allow us to accommodate you tonight."Houki said.
"Oh Lady Houki, Hotohori, Emperor Boushin, Thank you so much"The three bowed in gratitude to their friends.
"Nuriko, Tasuki, please come with me. We need to plan ahead for our journey tomorrow."The former Emperor ordered, which the two agreed.
"Yes, your Majesty"Both wariors replied.
The next morning the party consist of the Four Warriors with Miaka and Hikari are preparing to depart to go to to meet Taitskun.
"Please take care on your way your Highness, Reisshun, everyone" Houki said as she hugged her husband.
Bidding farewell to their imperial friends, Suzaku warriors left for .
"I wonder, where Chichiri is"Nuriko said.. and almost instantly, Chichiri appeared upside down in front of her surprising the purple haired Seishi.
"Da!"
"Kyaaah!" In shock, Nuriko's hand shot up to slap Chichiri causing the magician to fly to the nearby palace wall.
Everyone sweatdropped at the scene.
Tasuki shivered. "I could never get used to that. Still alive Chichiri?" he said.
"That hurts you know!" Chichiri complained.
"Dont do that again! Oh, my heart leapt out for a moment there"Nuriko complained, holding her chest.
"And my brains leapt out of my head as well you know?" Chichiri said while shaking his head.
Tasuki and the others laughed at the two.
Hikari gaped in shock again as she witnessed Nuriko's collosal strength. Now she knew why she's fit for a role of an Imperial General.
Not too long after, Chiriko and Mitsukake arrived as well. Miaka then introduced her daughter to them.
The warriors left, leaving nothing but a Chichiri shaped dent on a wall.
"How are we going to ?" Tamahome asked, noticing the lack of stables which they usually use.
"There's no need for that you know. We wont be able to locate anyway. With the drift happening, all the geographical location of the land has changed."Chichiri explained.
"That's terrible. How are we going to get to Taitskun?" Miaka wondered.
"Leave that to me"Nuriko said.
She raised her right hand and opened her palm, there, appeared a thousand butterflies.
"Woah"Hikari exclaimed, entranced again at the display of magic of the beautiful maiden.
They were then enclosed on a transparent globe. Before they knew it, the globe is already floating, with the thousand butterflies surrounding it.
"How did you manage to do that Nuriko?" Tamahome exclaimed while looking down on the lands below.
"As I've told you before, I've been studying sorcery under Taitskun. I've been training alot lately as well, so better behave yourself Tamakins"Nuriko joked.
"You overstrength woman, I mean man. What are you now anyway?"Tamahome curiously asked.
"What do you think Tamakins?" Nuriko looked at him with mischievous smirk, making Tamahome blush.
"Hmp!" Tamahome looked away. "It doesnt matter, as a girl or as a boy, you're still annoying you gracious queen of mischief."Tamahome bit back.
Nuriko smirked at him. And then turned serious as she looked down.
"This from the Hokkan empire." she said, staring that the familiar top of the mountain.
Everyone suddenly fell quiet, flash of an uneventful and deeply remorseful day played on their memory.
Nuriko felt a pain on her chest upon seeing the lone tree of cherry blossoms, standing gracefully on the mound that was created for him when he died, as Ryuuen that is.
She was surprised as a hand covered her eyes. She knew whos is it.
"Tasuki.." she said his name.
"Its okay, dont look down" he said.
The purple haired woman, smiled and removes the bandit's hand.
"Dont worry I'm fine" she said.
"Anyway, as you can all see, Mount Koku, which is suppossed to be in the city of Touran in Hokkan, has been transfered here, and that happened only over night."She said to the disturbed companions, pertaining to the mysterious movements and shifting of the lands.
"We have to find Taitskun quick. If not, the entire world as we knew it will collide." Chichiri said, gaining a nod of approval from the other Seishis.
''I'm worried about Yui." Miaka said.
''Did she come here along wih you?'' Hotohori asked, Miaka shook her head with an anxious look on her eyes.
"She disappeared, just before we entered the book''Miaka explained.
Tamahome and the others looked at their troubled priestess.
Miaka was surprised as Hikari held her hands.
''Dont worry Mom, I'm sure aunt Yui will be fine. She's strong, just like you''Hikari smiled, encouraging her mother.
''Hikari''Miaka kissed her forehead in gratitude.
''We're here you know''Chichiri proclaimed.
''It's..Mount Taikyoku!'' Miaka said, amazed to be see the magical mountain once again.
As soon as they landed, they we're welcomed by seven unfamiliar faces reflecting their confused looks as well.
The batch looked at each other.
''Uhhhmm.. who are these guys?" Tamahome asked.
'We're supposed to be asking are you people and what are doing here in ?" one of the men with a dark hair spoke.
''Hey! Hey!I recognize both of you!'Tasuki interrupted suddenly.
Recognizing the dark haired young man, beside a tall man with an eye patch and an ash colored hair.
'You- you're the two warriors from the Genbu Seven!" Miaka concluded. Earning a shock from both parties.
The two warriors mentioned, was surprised as well in the realization and memory of meeting the suzaku warriors.
''Oh right! If it isnt the Suzaku seven!' Tomite said.
''I guess both of you have been reborn as well. And you have your memories intact right?" Tamahome said.
Hikitsu nodded.
"It's been a long time Suzaku Seven'' he said.
"Suzaku Seven? these young people are the Suzaku Seven?" Uruki interrupted. "This man would pass as my grand grand son!" he said refering to Tamahome.
"What grandson, you jerk. You talk as if you're a hundred year old Man, Mister. You look like you're on the same age as us'' Tamahome said.
"Hey! I'm a hundred years older than you people. Oh wrong, a couple of hundred years older. I never thought, we'd have a chance to meet, considering our time gap'' Uruki brag.
"There's nothing good about our age to brag about Uruki, just goes to show, how old we truly are''Inami corrected.
"The truth is, all of us Genbu Seven are reincarnated, so we're not really that older than most of you. At least within this lifetime" Urumiya explained.
''The Genbu Seven.. the first Seishis to be summoned" Nuriko said.
A couple of eyes twinkled as she spoke and in an instant Uruki and Tomite is in front of her.
"What on Genbu's name is a maiden like you doing in a party of amateur looking kids?" Uruki said, holding Nuriko's hand.
''Amateur?" Tamahome said, as a vein popped on his forehead.
"Kids?" Tasuki played with his Tessen, preparing to fry the perverted warrior.
''Would you like me to help you with that beautiful hair miss? My name is Uruki, can I have yours?" the guy said.
"Perverted jerks!" Tasuki shook in anger at the sight of how the two warriors from other land continue to hit on his fellow warrior.
"Uhmm, Reisshun.. but I'm N-''
"Oh Reisshun huh? A beautiful name for a beautiful maiden-!" he was cut off as Tomite kicked him away.
''You're a married man!'' he said before turning back to Nuriko and holding his hands as well.
"I believe I haven't seen you with the Suzaku Seven before. Are you their new priestess?'' he inquired.
Miaka pouted. "I'm here you dolt" she said.
"Yeah right, sorry!' Tomite exclaimed foolishly.
Nuriko laughed inwardly.
She lowered down a portion of her clothing just so the Willow's mark will be visible.
''I'am one of the Suzaku Seven, Nuriko" she said.
''A warrior?" a surprised Urumiya said.
"Suzaku has a beautiful maiden for a warrior? The Southern God, really have a good taste in choosing his warriors "Uruki said. Then he went out on a corner and appeared to be praying on the northern diety.
"I'am humbly asking for your guidance, oh Genbu, I will whole heartedly sacrifice Tomite, but please give us a beautiful warrior in replacement'' Uruki prayed jokingly.
Tomite threw his shoe at Uruki's head in annoyance.
"I should be the one praying that!' He bit back.
Nuriko smiled at the two but she was surprised to see Tomite's face close to her chest looking closely at her symbol, or is it really the symbol?
"You got a beautiful symbol in there my lady, do you want me to help you lower it down so we can see it better?" There's a glitter on his eyes, but before he could continue what he was trying to say, he was sent flying as Nuriko smacked him.
All Genbu Seven jawdropped and followed as Tomite flew to the nearby mountain.
"Sorry buddy, but this is as far as you can get'' Nuriko flipped her long hair.
''S-she's strong"Hikitsu said.
"S-scary" Hitsui exclaimed, hiding inside his protective basket.
''T-that's one hot chick, you don't want to mess with" Uruki said.
"What are you fools doing?"familiar voice of an old woman was heard.
Everyone turned their head to the Heaven's Guardian.
"Taitskun!' Miaka happily exclaimed, followed by ther other Suzaku warriors.
The Genbu Seven blinked twice-trice, Uruki and Urumiya even closed their eyes for a moment before opening it once again, just to confirm what they're seeing.
"Hahaha! you Suzaku kids are blind! This old grandma can't be Taitskun!"Uruki shook his head. "You really are still amateurs, this old granny can't be Taitskun-can't be, say grandma, you're her servant aren't you and you're supposed to take us to her right? right?-BLAG!" he fell to the ground as a wooden table crash down on him.
"Brash and stupid as ever Uruki, I see dying and reincarnation did nothing to you, you ungrateful brat" Taitskun said.
Tomite joined up as soon as he recovered.
"I get it! Taitskun died and was reincarnated as this old hag!'' he concluded and Tasuki and Tamahome was convinced by the genius idea.
"You're right!" Tamahome said, laughing along with the two.
*Booogsssh*
Four warriors we're later on left unconcious in the ground of , as all have big lumps on the head, a good indication that someone hit them pretty good.
"I see you guys have already met.." Taitskun said.
"These are the Suzaku Seven" she introduced first.
"The priestess and her daughter, Miaka and Hikari" she said.
"Hello" Miaka said followed by Hikari..
"Awwww, Hikitsu, look! Doesn't this young lady here look like Anya, I mean Aira,your sister?" Tomite said, in which Hikitsu agreed.
"This is Taka, or Tamahome of the Suzaku Seven, Miaka's husband"
"My grandson" Uruki laugh
"Quit calling me that!" Tamahome frowned.
"I'am Chiriko"
"I'am Mitsukake, a doctor"
"I'm Chichiri, I'm a monk you know" he introduced, Namame jumped on his lap and shook hands with the monk.
"This flame haired hot head here is Tasuki" Tamahome introduced.
"Hands off the clothes mister big Guy" he said.
"The guy with the flaming fan" Hikitsu said.
"This one here is Emp-" before Miaka could introduce the former Emperor, Uruki and Tomite at it once again.
"Oh my lady, Pleased to meet your acquaintance. I'am Uruki of the Genbu Seven"
''Please dont mind him, I'm Tomite" Both held the Emperor's hand.
"Nice to meet you, I'am Hotohori" the emperor said smiling.
The two smiled awkwardly as they step back.
"Uuuhmm, that's quite a masculine voice you got in there my lady" Uruki sweatdropped. 'Don't tell meee'
"I'am Hotohori, the former 4th Emperor of Konan, a member of the Suzaku Seven" he said smiling
'E-em-Emperor!" and automatically and as expected, the two beautiful lady-loving warriors fainted.
Taitskun proceeded with the introductions of the Genbu Seven.
"Let me get this straight, so you're a man that can tranform into a woman whenever you like?" Tamahome said to Uruki.
"Oh yeah, you can never guess how fun it is joining the girls on a hotspring bath, while I'm on a woman's body" Uruki bragged.
"I therefore conclude, Genbu Seven are indeed a group of see-through perverts."Tasuki said.
Nuriko seethed in frustration with Uruki's power, he pats the young man on the shoulder.
"Exchange powers with me Uruki" she said defeatedly.
"Huh? Why?" Uruki confusedly asked.
"Hey! Hey! This isnt time for jokes! We came here to find out what the hell is going on with this land?!" Tasuki interrupted.
Taitskun cleared her throat. 'Yes that's right. It is indeed a phenonmenon even I have no control over." she explained.
"SO what's really going on Taitskun?" Miaka said.
"Leave it to the Suzaku fools not to realize what's going On" a familiar voice said.
The Suzaku Seven along with the Genbu warriors turned to look at the arriving group.
"The reincarnated.. Seiryuu Seven" Tamahome said.
"Nakago" he said in anger. Nothing pretty much changed to Nakago, maybe like the other Seishis they just returned to thir previous form.
Tasuki automatically went in front of Nuriko as he realized that the wolfman Ashitare is one of them, although he doesnt look like he's regained his previous form, he is now on a form of a real wolf.
"What in the world are you bastards doing here?'' he glared.
Nakago smirked, "you're not the only ones affected by this events that befall on our land.'' he said.
Tamahome and Hotohori also went in front of their group.
"Hey, hey chill out guys, we're not here to kill each other you know" Uruki said.
"Tell that to them!' Tasuki retorted.
''How are you even allowed to enter this realm, you bastards" Tamahome seethed in anger.
"As stupid as ever, aren't we little ghost boy?" a voice said.
Tamahome exploded in anger.. " AAAhhhh! WHo said that?" he turned back and see "Huh?" a suprised look later on plastered on his face.
"Master... Tokaki.." he said.
"It's been awhile young man, how have you been doing?" A young Tokaki said.
"Tokaki.. Tokaki of the Byakko Seven?" Nuriko asked, and just like a while ago the white haired man ran out to him, much like Uruki and TOmite.
"Please allow me to be your servant"he said, and before he could kiss the top of Nuriko's hands he was hit on the head by the white haired lady.
"You lecherous old Man" the woman said.
"Subaru-san!" Miaka said.
The womanizer duo of the Genbu seven appeared at her almost instantly.
"AT your service, milady" they said, and almost in an instant they we're flying away once again.
"I..guess there's at least one pervert of every team right?" Tamahome said jokingly.
"Would you all please seat down" Taitskun said.
Later on, the four groups were seated while facing each other. Suzaku and Seiryuu seven we're giving out murderous aura. Genbu and Byakko seven we're prepared just in case all hell broke loose with these childrens.
Taitskun cleared her throat once again.
"As I was explaining earlier before you kids interrupted me, this strange phenomenon, is somehow beyond the reach of my powers."She said.
''Even you Taitskun?" Nuriko asked, gaining a nod from the old God.
"As we've been studying by Nyan Nyan, the strange arrangement of the land is somehow familiar to us.'' she said.
"The formation of the land somehow resembles..'' she paused and then motioned her hands to show an unfamiliar map.
''The old land of the Universe of the Four Gods, before it was divided into four quadrants.. after the destruction of the middle kingdom..'' she said.
Everyone was dumbstruck by the realization.
"The middle kingdom? I thought it's only a myth?! A legend made up by people to create history?!" Uruki said.
"Not even the Hokkan seishis from 200 years ago are not aware of this?" Hotohori said.
"Yes, this happened even before the priestess of Genbu appeared on this land'Taitskun explained.
"The strange drifting of the land into it's previous geography..'' she said as she looked at the warriors in the eye.
"I'm afraid, this is brought about by the appearance of the fifth priestess.''
"T-the fifth priestess? H-how can that be? There's should only be one priestess for each beast Gods and there should only be one legend told at a time. How can there be another priestess?"Miaka said "Could it be another false one?" Miaka said.
"No.." Taitskun said. The warriors look intently at her.
"She isn't a false one, like Mayo Sakaki.."
"then how come another one appeared?"Tamahome said.
"it's fair to say, that she came long before
.
.
the priestess of Genbu." she said.
"Huh?" Hikitsu and Tomite looked at the guardian suddenly.
"Long..Long before Takiko did?" Uruki said.
"T-the first.."Miaka said in disbelief..
"The first girl that came long before the other four. The first Priestess of the Universe of the Four Gods."
To be continue..