Vol 2 - Chapter 6 : The Hanabi Garden
Summary: The Suzaku and Genbu Seven went out to the city of blooms to find more about the magical blue rose, which they believed would bring them to a clue about the whereabouts of the Priestess of Genbu, Takiko Okuda and the Shinzaho. On there way, they will face an entire village with deep loathing to the Celestial Warriors. Will they be able to find the Garden of Hanabi while concealing their powers and identities? And who is the looming shadow following their journey.
As soon as they stepped into the premises of the village in the City of Blooms, they were welcomed by unwelcoming gaze of the people living there.
They walk into the market place. It looks like the village suffered alot from the drift, as some of the houses are damaged if not destroyed.
"Che, the Suzaku no Miko appears again? Heh, as if that will change anything." They overheard the conversation of the people.
"The appearance of Miko and the Suzaku seven, never does anything good to our country and people."
The warriors were surprised on what they heard. This is the first time they heard people with different perspective in regards to them.
"Who are you people?" A woman harshly said.
"Uhhhmm, we mean you no harm, we're just travellers. Uhhmm, we just, want to ask about the blue rose-" Miaka was surprised to see the steel the in the woman's eyes.
"Tss, a bunch of kids like you will never come back alive. So dont even think about it." the woman spared them one disgusted look as she left them.
"Wait!" Miaka said but was stopped by Tamahome.
The warriors were left with no choice but to rest for the night. They were lucky to find an inn that can accommodate their group.
While on the dining area, the Celestial Warriors conversed about earlier.
"The village seems to have suffered a lot no da" Chichiri said.
"I dont understand, why did they say that our arrival will do nothing to help them?" Miaka said, obviously distraught.
"It happened to us before." Uruki said, making the warriors look at him. The other Genbu warriors looked down.
"During our time, people from Hokkan believed that the appearance of the Priestess and the Seven Celestial warriors will only bring forth destruction to the kingdom." He said.
"The people believed that the Priestess and the Seishis are sign of impending doom, and will appear only before a great tragedy." Urumiya said.
"But, that isnt true right? Takiko, Suzuno, Yui and Me, are called to summon the beast Gods, to help and save the country from being destroyed. Al least, that's what we've always thought" she said sadly.
"Mom" Hikari held her mother's hands.
"Dont let this bother you priestess. You served your purpose very well and brought peace to your land. Just like Takiko did" Uruki said.
"Takiko Okuda, the Priestess of Genbu. I.. Among the four of us, I knew she's the strongest and her will to save the people of her land is strong. I know... I know we can find her." Miaka said.
Uruki smiled to the Priestess.
'We're here!" Tasuki announced, followed by Nuriko, Tomite, Hikitsu and Hatsui.
"Did you found anything about the flower" Hotohori asked.
The returning group kept quiet.
"It looks like the people here are indeed devastated by the plague of the drift. We heard from the townspeople that this place moved three times already. They we're hit by some powerful earthquake which divided their land from the kingdom. We tried to mingle with some of the villagers, but we we're just given cold shoulders. They seemed not very fond of visitors from other land" Nuriko explained.
"It's a good thing, we we're accommodated by an old shop keeper on the outskirts of the town, the woman on the end of the marketplace. She said that countless of travellers have tried to get to the blue rose, believing that if they can get their hands into it, they will be cured of any illnesses. That old shop keeper said that none of those who tried to get the blue rose succeeded. They were kind of wary of us, saying that the villagers are angry and frightened of outsiders as some of the travellers before tried to loot them or tried to do bad things to the village people." Tasuki explained.
"How aweful. That explains their anger at us earlier" Inami said.
"According to that old lady, their village is protected by a diety dwelling on that blue rose. Which is why they wont let people to lay their hands on it" Tomite explained.
"Then that means, they know a way to get to the blue rose" Hotohori concluded.
"THat's right! If we explain things to them, then they might understand" Miaka said. "We should talk to their village chief" she followed.
"I dont think that'll work, but it's worth a try." Uruki said. The group kept quiet. Assessing the small information they got.
Whatever it is that the village people seem to be hiding, they would have to find out.
Urumiya looked at the wary and uneasy face of the companions.
"In the mean time, let us rest for the night and regain as much energy as needed. Afterall we dont know for sure when will the Koryu Seven will attack" he said.
The warriors looked at him and agreed.
"That's right, the Koryu Seven. Im wondering how many of them have assembled so far. And to what purpose they would want to destroy the beast Gods" Tamahome said.
"We're they also trying to summon Koryu?" Miaka wearily asked.
"Given the fact that they are on the move in accordance to their priestess' orders, meaning that is entirely possible" Nuriko said.
"I'm confused as who their priestess is. Did she come from another world as well? And who appointed her to be the priestess this time" MIaka said.
Then suddenly a thought came..
"Could it be, that she is reincarnated as well?" she said.
"We cannot ignore that possibility, however, that's not our concern at the moment, for now let us focus on searching for the Shinzaho and Takiko as well. I believe we will be facing this dark priestess in the near future, our questions will be answers by then" Uruki answered.
"Uhhhmm,excuse me" a woman hiding behind the door, interrupted.
"I just came to inform that the hotspring bath is ready, you may now use it guests." she said then she ran off.
"Why do I have the feeling that we're some kind of thugs that are avoided by people for bullying them" Tasuki said.
"Yeah, I got that feeling too" Tomite said.
"Hehehe, maybe it's becuase you two have such scary face'Hatsui said smiling but was pinched to the both sides of his cheeks by the two.
"So you're saying we look scary you little brat" Tasuki said.
"Yeah, yeah, you have some nerve buddy" Tomite said.
Earning a laugh from the small group.
"Aaahhh, after two days, finally we're going to have some nice hot bath" Nuriko said stretching.
Four pairs of ears suddenly perked up.
'An open hot spring bath'Tamahome, Uruki, Tamahome and Tomite simultaneously thought.
"Let's go Miaka, Inami-san, Hikari" she said before rolling her eyes at the four men talking in the corner, obviously plotting something. The women of the group followed her.
"Somehow, I think this journey isnt really half bad" Tasuki said with a creepy grin on his face.
"M-maybe we should go ahead and take a bath as well.. R-right?' Tomite said blushing furiously as his inner naughty mind was put to work.
"R-right, to the men's bath A-ah-ha-ha-ha" Tamahome laughed, from the door, Miaka threw a chopsticks on his head.
"Che" Uruki said making the trio look at him.
"Huh?" they chorused.
"Mens bath? I dont know what you're talking about" Uruki smugly said. A glowing black mark on her visbly ample breast.
"You.." the trio glared at him and carried him out to the mens bath.
"Hey! Let go!" he scremed. Leaving the usually level headed men of the group following them.
"Hatsui,Chiriko, don't grow up like those peeping perverts okay?" Hotohori said. Urumiya and Hikitsu agreed.
"Where's Hikari?" Nuriko asked as she saw Miaka entering the bath.
"She said she's not really into an open air bath" she explained.
"Nuriko! Darling, you got a pretty creamy skin" Inami said, scrubing the back of the purple haired warrior.
"You know, you remind me of when I was still a court lady in Hokkan" the older woman said.
"You're are court lady before too Inami?" Nuriko said surprised.
"too? you mean you're an imperial courtesan as well?" Inami asked. Nuriko nodded.
"Yeah! Even though Nuriko was gay, she was just so beautiful that no one even suspected he's no woman!" Miaka happily explained.
"Hey!" Nuriko whacked her head.
"So.. you're a male on your past life?" Inami asked.
"Yeah, it's a long story. But all I can say is that, I nearly became the Empress hahaha! and even though I was a man before,I'm still prettier than some plain, geeky girl from another world." she teased making Miaka fume and Inami to laugh.
"Hey.. move it I cant see" whispering voice from the mens bath we're heard.
"Damnit, Uruki, stop moving! you're heavy!" Tamahome said carrying the wind warrior on his back.
"Stop complaining young brat, you guys dragged me here! If only you allowed me to go join the ladies..you old spoilsports" Uruki said, trying to properly see through the hole.
"Wait, wait! Ho-ho-ho, I think Im seeing something" Tomite proclaimed.
"Me too, me too" Tasuki carrying Tomite, just beside Uruki and Tamahome.
"Ugh, these shameful people" Hikitsu said, earning a nod from the Emperor,Chichiri,Mitsukake and Urumiya.
"Wow, it's white.. and round?" Tomite said.
"White and round?"Steam came from Tamahome and Uruki's head. Blood gushes out from Tasuki's nose. White and round can only mean one thing.
"I.. I think it's Lady Nuriko's.." Tomite said blushing furiously. (•/•)
*Whack!* A punch from below, sent him flying.
"What the hell Flamehead?!" Tomite ran back at Tasuki.
"Quit looking!" Tasuki said covering the eyes of Tomite.
"What is your problem Fangboy?!" Tomite said trying to remove Tasuki's hand.
"Oh yeah?! You wanna fight perverted droopy eyes?" the bandit replied holding into his harrissen.
"Who are you calling droopy eyes?!" Tomite replied attacking Tasuki with ice which he avoided causing it to hit Hatsui and Chiriko freezing them.
" Σ(っ°Д °; )っWah!" the two said, frozen.
"Grrrr, you really gone & done it this time! Grandpa! Rekka Shinen!" Tasuki shoot flames towards Tomite, which he dodged causing it to hit Tamahome and Uruki who's still peeping.
"It's awefully noisy there" Miaka said.
"Dont mind them" Nuriko shrugged, refusing to listen to the screaming and shouting from the other side.
"Hahaha! You're all talk and no bark!" Tomite teased.
"I'm going to fry you!" Tasuki seethed.
"You fools!" burnt Uruki glared causing the two to stop.
"You're gonna pay bigtime!" he said and unleashes his power, making his naked female body exposed.
"Gaaaahhhh!" Uruki fumed.
The three steamed up and blushed furiously.
"Ahhh! Cover it Uruki! You damn fake woman you!" Tomite said.
"Oh really? Come take a look peeping toms!" Uruki shouted.
"Ahhhh~ Such beautiful skin"
The four boys snapped at the wall. It's the voice of Inami.
Each words entering their ears, stirring their naughty imaginations.
"You're thigh is just a slender as your body Nuriko" It's Miaka's voice followed by girly giggles.
Steam came out from the four's head. And with the last amount of their will power defeated, the four looked into the hole.
"White.." Tomite said.
"Round.." Tasuki said.
"And..smiling?" Tamahome said.
"Wait a minute..." Uruki said.
¯\(°_o)/¯ . . . . . . . . . Σ( ° △ °|||)
Glancing once again, to see a stone head Namame peeking right back at them.
"Waaaahhhh!"
"Namame!" All four screamed then fainted, beaten.
"A bunch of idiots" Nuriko smirked making the other two woman laugh.
Hikari turned to the way of the hot spring.
"That's one noisy bath" she said to herself.
Hikari went out of the inn. She noticed that the place is kinda on the end of the village and some of the houses are far away. Maybe its a precaution by the towns people to avoid contact with visitors.
She looked up at the sky and saw the stars shining brightly at them. She closed her eyes and prayed.
"Please Takiko, priestess of Genbu, guide our way to you. Please allow us to find you." she said silently.
As she opened her eyes, she saw a girls with a lantern at hand climbing up the hill at the outskirts of the village. A hill with only little plants grow and a dried cherry blossoms tree. Somehow unfitting and don't belong to a city with full blooms.
Out of curiousity and an uneasy feeling, she followed the girl only to see her watering the tree and then praying to it. She was somewhat confused, as judging from the looks of it the tree is already dead, she's wondering why the girl is still watering ti, its not like it will comeback to life.
"Uhhhhmm" the girl was startled to see her and immediately ran behind the tree.
"Are you going to hurt me? Please, I dont know where the blue rose is! Please dont hurt me!" she begged.
''No! No I'm not going to hurt you!' Hikari said.
"I- I only followed you here. I'm sorry, I didnt mean to scare you" Hikari said. The girl peeked at her hearing her explanation.
"Uuuhhm. May I ask, why are you still watering this tree? I mean no offense but it's dead isnt it?" Hikari asked holding the trunk of the tree.
''No!" the little girl answered, only to realize she went out and revert back behind the tree.
"T-that tree is alive..I cant be dead.." she said, almost in tears.
"T..this is the only memory left of my mom.. That's why.. I believe it's still alive..I know it's still alive." the girl cried.
Hikari looked apologetic at the ypung girl. She felt sorry for her. Losing her mom at such a you age much be hard for her.
"I believe you" she said smiling.
"Huh?" the little girl looked at her.
"I believe this tree is still alive" Hikari said making the girl smile.
"You do..?" the little girl said happily, Hikari nodded.
"My name is Hikari.. what's yours?" she said offering a hand to the girl which the latter reluctantly accepted.
"Dont be scared, I just want to know why are you sneaking here at night to water this tree?" Hikari asked.
"W-we we're told not to come here. The Village head said that the divine protection of the Goddess Hanabi, only extends up to the border of the village. They said that the reason this place is not growing any beautiful flowers and plants but only grass and dried tree, is because Hanabi did not like this place, because it's not as beautiful as the other fields inside the city. Maybe because of that, that mother's tree died down." The girl sadly said.
Hikari looked at the girl and into the sky and saw that she can see the star brightly and clearer on this place, she smiled at the little girl upon her realization.
"It's not true!" she said.
"Huh?" the girl looked confusedly at her.
"I believe every place and corner of the universe is here for a purpose. Everything that grows and live here as well. I dont know if what you said about Hanabi not liking this place because it has nothing special about it is true but for me, this place is just as beautiful and that tree is definitely there, because it's meant to do something no one else, or rather not other tree can do, and it's to remind you of your mother you love so much" Hikari smiled at the girl.
"Oh Hikari" the little girl said. Somehow, even through the night, she can see Hikari radiating, a feint glow around her.
"Believe me... this place is just as beautiful. It doesnt have to fit in or be the same as other fields or hill inside the city to be special, it just have to be itself." she explained.
The little girl smiled at Hikari's good words.
"Hikari?! Hikari! where are you?" Miaka's voice was heard from the inn.
"Oh My mom is calling me!I have to go!" she said.
The girl nodded and bid her farewell to her new found friend.
"Take care.. and Thank you Hikari" the girl said.
"By the way...what's your name?" Hikari said before leaving.
"It's Hana.. my name is Hana" the little girl smiled.
For osme reasons, Hikari, we're drawn to her. She doesnt understand what she felt though and left.
"See you around Hana!" she said before returning back to her mom, leaving a smiling little girl behind.
The next day the warriors set out to go to the village head. Miaka and Tamahome volunteered to talk to him, saying too many people will only make the village head uncomfortable.
"So you're saying that our blue rose will help save this land and the entire world from this devastating drift?" the village chief said.
"That's right. Please village chief, we need to see the blue rose." Miaka pleaded.
The village chief smirked at them.
"You think you can fool me? We've heard all kinds of reasons from people that wants to get the rose. What proof do you have that the rose will save the world from this destruction. You're ordinary humans!" The village chief said.
Miaka looked at him, she cant blame them. People tried to do bad things to them. But..
"We need it" she said seriously.
The Village Chief looked at her and saw the determination on her eyes.
"We need it to summon the beast Gods." she said.
The village chief stood up with wide eye.
"Summon..the beast Gods?" he said stuttering.
Miaka and Tamahome look at him pleading.
"Please...allow us to see the rose." she said
"You're the Priestess of Suzaku..." the Village Chief said.
Before Tamahome and Miaka knew it, the Village Chief screamed for help and guards came inside capturing them.
"Take them out of this Village! The Priestess and the Celestial Warriors have appeared! A tragedy will befall this land! Take them out of this Village!"he frantically said.
"Look! I dont know if what you're saying about us is true! But disasters are happening all over the world now and not just this village! If you wont help us people are going to die!"Tamahome said.
"Is it okay with you? People around the world are suffering too!" Miaka said.
As if on cue a villager came running inside.
"Village chief! Fire started raining down on the field! And the Cave...the Cave is burning!" he frantically said.
Miaka and Tamahome ran ahead of them meeting the other warriors.
"Miaka, Tamahome. The field!" Nuriko pointed to the now burning flower field and the rain of fire from the sky.
"We have to go! The flower, the blue rose could be in danger!" Miaka said.
"We can still stop the fire! Lets go!" Uruki said unleashing his power.
Before they can even even sgart running, a huge wave of fire suddenly smashed the houses on opposite directions. The entire village is now burning. People are frantically running around, trying to put out the fire.
"This isnt an ordinary fire, its alive!" Chiriko said.
"Could it be? Another one of the Koryu Seven?" Hikitsu said.
Another wave of fire attacked them this time. Tasuki turned above and saw a hooded person watching them.
"Rekka Shinen!" he attacked the hooded figure and it was engulfed in fire.
"What's that?!" Tamahome ran and looked up to the burning figure, and was surprised when it laughed.
"Celestial Warriors of Genbu and Suzaku" it spoke.
"A woman? Who are you?!" Hotohori asked.
"I will never allow you to get the Shinzaho." She said.
"She's burning.." Tasuki said.
"I'm going to end your quest here! Celestial Warriors!" she said before she disappeared and summoned a fire tornado.
"With this state, the village will be turned to ashes!" Tomite said trying to freeze the fire tornado but failed. Its now moving rapidly, ravishing the houses.
"We need to save the villagers!" Miaka said.
"You guys go on ahead! I have to destroy this tornado first." Nuriko said. Unleashing the butterflies and confining the fire tornado inside a barrier.
"I'll help you Nuriko!" Tomite said.
"My waters should be able to stop it!" Hikitsu said.
"It wont do anymore damage from here. Go on and save the people." Nuriko said.
Uruki nodded and the rest of the warriors ran and save the villagers.
Tomite and Hikitsu remained to help her.
"My frost only melted, I guess its the power of that woman."Tomite said.
"Nevertheless, we should combine out powers to stop this tornado."Nuriko said.
She enchated and suddenly a whirlpool of dark clouds loomed over the tornado followed by a heavy rain.
Hikitsu and Tomite concentrated their powers to the ground below the tornado, creating a whirling combination of water and ice.
Nuriko concentrated her power and as she gestured her hand, the ice and water went up and became a larger tornado enough to engulf the fire one. As the fire tornado was confined inside, it slowly dissipated until it completely disappeared.
"We did it" Nuriko turned to the two with a beautiful smile, causing Tomite to blush and Hikitsu to smile.
"Yeah, piece of cake" Tomite said patting her on the head, with a still blushing face.
"We still need to stop the remaining fire." Hikitsu said.
"I can still spread out the rain, to the city. Tomite can help creating frost to the wet land." Nuriko suggested.
"Right" The archer answered.
"I can help enhancing the downpour"Hikitsu said. The two nodded and they ran off.
The other warriors dispersed and helped the villagers out of their burning dwellings.
Kept inside Chichiri's protective barriers, Miaka and Hikari felt helpless, by just watching.
"Mom..the village.." Hikari said while clinging to her mother.
As she turned her head she saw the hill where she met the girl Hana, and saw fire rapidly crawling towards the tree. She doesnt know why, but she have an aweful gut feeling that Hana is there. So without thinking, she ran out of Chichiri's protective barrier.
"Hikari!" Miaka screamed. She was to ran after her if not for the fire blocking her way.
Hikari arrived at the hill soonafter and she guessed right, Hana is there, hiding behind the tree.
"Hana!" she called.
"Hikari-san!" the girl was crying.
"Wait for me, I'll get you!" Hikari said.
She found a path and ran towards the girl. She enveloped her with the wet blanket she got before coming to the hill.
"Let's go Hana!" she said, but the little girl refused to move.
" No! I will not leave this Tree! Mom is here!" she said crying.
"If you dont live for the sake of your mom and yourself, think she'll be happy?!"
"Huh?" the girl was surprised.
"You have to live Hana! As long as you have your mom in your heart, with or without this tree, her memories will forever be alive in you!" Hikari cried as well.
"Please Hana" she said, into a coughing fit. The smoke is starting to get them. The little gurl stood up and held Hikari's hand and they smile to each other.
The two was shocked yo see the flame rapidly close the path and encircled the tree. With the helpless situation, Hikari can only close her eyes and pray for help.
"Please help us.." a silent prayer was offered.
She didnt know but a sudden gust of cool wind brought a voice, that seemed to whisper on her ear.
"Uruki" it was a voice of a woman, making Hikari open her eyes, who was that?
On a blink of an eye, the wind warrior came and diminish the flames.
"Hikari!" Uruki on his woman form approached the two girls.
"Are you okay?" he asked. Hikari nodded and looked around, looking for the woman who spoke, but she found none.
"I heard Takiko's voice" At that Hikari looked at Uruki, surprised.
"That was Takiko's voice?" she askrd.
"Did you hear it too Hikari?"
The girl nodded.
"Its no mistake, that was Takiko's voice" Uruki looked at the the burning village and field. He called out to Tamahome below.
"Tama! Lets bring the village people here!" He looked above and saw the brewing storm. This is is Nuriko's doing.
The warriors started to bring people at the hilltop. They saw Nuriko with Hikitsu and Tomite summoning a heavy downpour of rain to the village.
"The..C..Celestial Warriors"One of the villagers said, frightened.
The three went to them and the warriors assembled at the hilltop as well.
"The rain should spread throughout the village and the field. It will be enough to put out the fire." Tomite informed..
"Thank God." Miaka said. Watching as Mitsukake healing the people, Urumiya even sang to calm their wary hearts and mind.
"A...are you going to take the Blue Rose as well?" The village Chief questioned.
"We're sorry, we dont mean to do you any harm" Hotohori faced them.
"I...know you.." the village chief knelt down. "The former Emperor.. Sire" he said, the villagers followed through.
"Please stand up." Hotohori said.
"Im sorry this happened, but please.. allow us to see the blue rose.. we just need to confirm if the Shinzaho we need or the Priestess we're looking for, have something to do with the rose." he explained.
"Your majesty..."
"Please help us, save .. and our people..." Hikari pleaded.
"But..." Hana stepped in.
"But..why did you just us first?! You could've just prioritized the field! The cave of the Blue Rose is there!" Hana said crying.
The warriors looked sadly as well.
Uruki stepped in and kneel at the girl patting her head.
"Yes, we need the rose.. but the lives of the people is just as important.." The wind warrior smiled.
The villagers were moved by thw warriors' passion and value to life. As the rain dried down, the damaged caused by the fire was shown. The beautiful blooms of the cuty is now turned to ashes.
"I..I'm sorry" Miaka sadly said.
But the villagers smiled at them.
"Please dont apologize Priestess. It is us, who needs to ask for your forgiveness. We didnt mean to hinder you of your journey, we just need to see if you deserve the rose." the Vilalage Chief explained.
"But the village.." Miaka said.
The village people smiled.
"Hana.." the village Chief smiled and. turned to the tree, Hana following him behind.
"Hana?" Hikari called.
The little girl smile at her.
"You have such a good heart you for saving us." she said and touched the tree trunk.
The village people prayed at the tree. The tree suddenly glow in blue aura and the magic radiated from the tree, a wave of aura crept to the field and in a flash, the flowers were revived and the dead cherry blossoms tree, was revived as well.
A magic warp appeared on the tree.
"W..what is that?" it was Tasuki.
"This is the way to the blue until now, the travellers were only decieved by the cave we made as faux location of the rose. This is a magical tree, blessed by the Goddess that once dwell in this city.. Hanabi..Her garden is inside, you will find the eternal flower on the center. This is a holy place we've been guarding till now. Hanabi is dwelling inside. Please, take care of the rose for us. Use it and save our land and our people." The Villagers nodded at them.
"We will" Uruki said, and the warriors set forth to enter the Garden of Hanabi.
"Thank you for this Hana" Hikari said wearing the amulet that Hana gave.
"Take care!" Hana and the villagers waved their goodbye.
"Lets go... to the Blue Rose"
To be Continue...