Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/10541433.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Major_Character_Death, Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      Fushigi_Yuugi
  Relationship:
      Chichiri/Original_Character(s), Hotohori/Original_Character, Tamahome/
      Yuuki_Miaka
  Character:
      Chichiri, Chiriko, Nuriko, Tamahome, Tama_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Yuuki_Miaka,
      Mitsukake, Amiboshi, Miboshi, Sukunami_Taka, Tomite, Hongou_Yui,
      Hotohori, Tomo_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Tasuki, Suboshi, Kouji_(Fushigi_Yuugi),
      Soi_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Nakago, Ashitare, Kajiwara_Tetsuya, Houki_(Fushigi
      Yuugi), Hikitsu, Subaru_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Yuuki_Keisuke, Seiryuu_(Fushigi
      Yuugi), Suzaku_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Taiitsukun, Genbu_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Hikou,
      Okuda_Takiko, Nyan-Nyan_(Fushigi_Yuugi), Tenkou, Yousui_(Fushigi_Yuugi)
  Additional Tags:
      Sappy, Dark, Angst_with_a_Happy_Ending, Canon-Typical_Violence, Mild
      Language, Attempted_Rape/Non-Con
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-04-04 Updated: 2017-04-09 Chapters: 5/? Words: 22081
****** Star Dreamers ******
by Deathangelgw
Summary
     After Nuriko's heroic sacrifice, the Suzaku crew finally receive the
     Shinzaho of Genbu. But when a young woman is brought into the book,
     they wonder what her purpose is. And how is she connected to
     Hotohori?
***** Chapter 1 *****
Title: Star Dreamers. Pt. 1/?
Author: Deathangelgw
Disclaimer: None of the charas are mine except for the OC. Any claims other
wise are…hehehehe erroneous!
Warnings: AU, OC, language, sap, angst, dark, violence, humor, lemon/lime
(later), het.
Pairings: in accordance with the show, TamaxMiaka. The rest…hehehe are up to
me.
Rating: Ranging from PG-13 to NC-17. Warning will be given if such.
Timeline: Taking place in the middle of the second season during the series and
continuing from there. Starts with a flashback and then goes to the episode
where they get the first Shinzaho post Nuriko’s death.
Note: this is an AU. So, it’s a rewrite…cuz I LIKED some of those charas and
want them ALIVE! *snickers* also, if my chara seems a bit….omnipotent, it’s not
on purpose. And if it bothers you then please stop READING!
Feedback: much loved and appreciated.
 
‘thoughts’
dream sequence
 
Hotohori looked around the land that he walked in. Pale shadows disguised his
surroundings. He looked up and smiled softly as the sun rose, illuminating the
land around him. A figure approached him slowly from the point of the rising
sun…a figure he longed to see now. He walked towards the figure, reaching his
hand out to the person who visited his dreams nightly. A soft trilling floated
through the air as their hands met, intertwined, and he pulled her close to
him.
 
A soft sigh left her lips as she looked up at him, her green eyes searching his
as she smiled. He smiled back, and then bent his head, taking her lips in a
sweet kiss. He ran his fingers through her ebony hair, feeling her slender
hands trace into his own long brown mane. Pulling back, he looked at her as a
soft voice floated around them, binding them together. "Soon the stars shall
reunite your souls. At the time of the rising of Suzaku and Seiryuu, you shall
be together and shall help to save both worlds." They held each other tightly,
willing for the time to be now, but they parted slowly as the surrounding world
disappeared.
 
Hotohori woke up slowly, and then sighed softly. ‘That woman. Who is she? Will
I ever find her?’ he thought to himself sadly as he turned onto his side. He
had thought for a long time that the girl within his dreams was to be the
Suzaku no Miko, but he was wrong. Miaka was indeed a sweet person. And he did
care deeply for her. But when he had realized that the Suzaku no Miko was not
the one from his dream, Hotohori had hidden his initial disappointment,
focusing instead on their search for the other Seven. Sighing again, he sat up
and stretched, his lean muscular body protesting slightly. He smirked as he
slid his legs out from under the covers. ‘Time for another day. Hopefully we
shall be successful in our search,’ he thought to himself grimly as he stood up
and prepared for the day.
 
*~~*several weeks later*~~*
 
‘At last. We have the Shinzaho. Nuriko, I didn’t fail you,’ Miaka thought
proudly as she held the bejeweled necklace gently in her hands. She brought
them to her chest and smiled in relieved satisfaction. ‘Now we can summon
Suzaku,’ she thought in relief and she sighed.
 
"Ano, I’m sorry to break into your happy thoughts, but you can’t summon Suzaku
yet," one of the guardians of the Shinzaho said softly and smirked.
 
"Nani?!" Miaka and the remaining Schichseishi cried in surprise as they looked
at the two eternal guardians.
 
"That’s right. You need the other Shinzaho from those who serve Byakko in
Sairou," he confirmed and they all groaned.
 
"Well, I remember Taiitsukun saying we needed to start with getting the
Shinzaho from Hokkan first, no da?" Chichiri commented as he rubbed his head in
bemusement and received a glare from Tasuki.
 
Miaka sighed sadly, and then gasped as the Shinzaho pulled from her hands and
floated into the middle of the ice hall. "Nani? What’s going on?" she asked in
shock as they watched it. It began to glow brightly, white light filling the
room as they shielded their eyes. A column of light shot up as they watched.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Keisuke and Tetsuya read the Book of the Universe of the Four Gods, bewildered.
"What…what’s going on? Who’s there!?" Keisuke called in shock as they both
looked up, hearing a noise from the door.
 
A girl stood in the doorway, slight fear and curiosity on her face as she
watched them. Tetsuya stood up and she stepped back, fear crossing her face as
her hand came up to her chest. "Someone…died," she murmured softly and they
stared at her in shock. But, before they could ask her what she meant, the book
began to glow brightly. They gasped in shock and watched as a beam of light
shot out and surrounded the girl. She gasped in fear, and then tried to step
back. With a cry, she was taken into the book before their eyes.
 
They stared at the book in mute shock. "She…vanished! Right into the book! Like
your sister did!" Tetsuya cried, and then looked at Keisuke.
 
Keisuke swallowed hard, then said softly, "Let’s just hope we can help them
all, Tetsuya." Tetsuya nodded once and they returned to the book.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Miaka and her friends watched in shock as the bright column of light shrank.
They saw in surprise as a figure floated down in the light and lay in a bundle
on the ground as the light disappeared. They all blinked a bit, adjusting as
the light returned to normal, then looked at the huddled form.
 
"What the hell just happened?!" Tasuki’s obnoxious voice echoed in the hall as
they looked at the form. Tamahome tossed him a glare, and then they all turned
when a soft moan floated from the figure.
 
Miaka moved towards the figure, which she could now see was a girl, as the girl
leaned up and brushed her ebony hair out of her face. "Are you ok?" Miaka asked
softly to the girl and smiled reassuringly as fearful green eyes met her own
brown. The girl nodded slightly, still fearful looking then sat up slightly.
Miaka helped her sit up and questioned, "What is your name?"
 
The girl looked at her in confusion then saw the uniform that matched her own.
She looked into Miaka’s eyes and answered softly, "My…name is Naria. Tasaki
Naria."
 
Miaka smiled brightly and said, "Nice to meet you, Naria-san! My name is Miaka.
Yuki Miaka. And these are my friends." She pointed to each of the Suzaku
Shichseishi as she introduced them. They each nodded to the girl Naria in
greeting and she nodded shyly back.
 
Softly then, she murmured, "Someone…died." They all stared at her in utter
shock and she flinched, curling up slightly in sudden fear.
 
"How did you know that?" Tamahome asked softly, a slight hint of danger
entering into his voice as he walked slightly closer to her. She whimpered
softly in fear as she curled up tighter, watching them with wide eyes.
 
"I’ll tell you what she is! She’s a Seiryuu spy, that’s what she is!" Tasuki
snarled in anger as he brought out his fan. "Time to fry the spy!" he added in
glee as he stepped forward. "REKKA SH-"
 
"Stop Tasuki! Don’t hurt her!" Chichiri cried as he jumped in front of the
huddled girl.
 
Tasuki blinked, and then growled. "What are you talking about, Chichiri?? She’s
a SPY! We gotta kill her! How else did she know about Nuriko’s death?" he asked
angrily as he gestured at the frightened girl.
 
Chichiri stayed between the angered redhead, but a soft voice stopped the
ranting cold. "Nuriko? That was his name? He…died…saving you." They all looked
at Naria and saw her green eyes filled with sadness as she clutched at her
chest and shivered. "He loved all of you. Willingly died," she whispered
softly, choking on the final words as she looked down and started to cry
softly.
 
Mitsukake moved forward and knelt down next to the shivering girl. The others
watched silently as he placed a gentle hand on her arm. "How do you know this,
young one?" he asked gently and she looked at him, tears rolling down her face.
 
"I…he…." She bit her lip and looked down. "I felt him die," she answered softly
and a silence fell over the hall. She shivered again and curled up tighter as
she added, "I felt his love for you….his hope….and his call to me."
 
They all watched her, reliving the grief they had felt at their friend’s death.
Miaka finally moved forward and wrapped her arms gently around the other girl.
Naria stiffened, then relaxed, shivering. Miaka smiled softly. "You’re cold,
aren’t you? And lost as to how you got here?" she asked as she held the other
girl. Nodding once, Naria shivered more, her trembling becoming uncontrolled.
 
"We should give her one of our cloaks before she catches cold," Tamahome said
softly as he came up by the smaller group.
 
"Yea right, Tama. And who’s going to give up their…what the hell’s going on
now?!" Tasuki cried in shock as a soft glow filled the room. They all watched
as a navy blue and gold coat floated down in front of Naria and the glow then
faded.
 
Mitsukake picked up the coat and smiled sadly. Turning to Naria, he wrapped it
around her shivering body. "It looks like Nuriko approves of you, Naria-san,"
he murmured softly with a gentle smile and she smiled slightly back at him,
snuggling into the coat.
 
"Well, we best get going for Sairou," Tamahome commented with a grin as they
all got over the shock.
 
The two warriors of Genbu smiled softly and nodded. "Go safely, Suzaku
Shichseishi. Retrieve the other Shinzaho and summon Suzaku," the white-haired
warrior said with a gentle smile. They then turned to Naria and bowed deeply at
the waist to her. She as well as the other living seishi blinked in surprise.
Naria smiled slightly and nodded politely then edged closer to Miaka. Miaka
smiled soothingly at her and turned, leading the way out after waving in
farewell to the two Genbu guardians.
 
Once they got outside of the cave, they stopped in surprise as a wolf stood
before them. It growled menacingly at them, its one eye cold and feral looking.
Miaka stared at the wolf, then gasped as it leaped forward and snagged the
Shinzaho from her hold, jumping back to stare at them in challenge. "Give that
back!" Miaka cried out as it took off for the woods then began to pursue the
wolf. ‘One of the Seiryuu Shichseishi…I just know it is!’ she thought to
herself, not hearing Tamahome’s cries for her as she ran after the wolf.
 
Naria watched Miaka, and then Tamahome and Tasuki go off after the wolf in
confusion and fear. ‘Now I’m all alone with these guys. And I don’t think they
like me very much,’ she thought to herself in worry as she glanced at Mitsukake
and Chiriko. She shrank a bit more into her coat, and then looked over her
shoulder as a hand placed itself gently on her shoulder. She looked into the
smiling face of Chichiri and found herself smiling back slightly.
 
"You don’t have to fear us, no da," Chichiri said kindly, smiling. Her smile
warmed somewhat and he nodded. Looking up, Chichiri smirked as Tasuki returned
and the redhead began to rail at Tamahome as the other seishi returned.
 
"What do you mean, she’s going to meet us at Sairou? You let her go alone??
You’re a fucking moron!" Tasuki shouted at Tamahome, earning a growl from the
other man.
 
"Well, since Miaka-san said we should go ahead, we probably should," Mitsukake
commented soothingly. Tasuki growled, but didn’t argue anymore. Tamahome stayed
silent as well, his worry for Miaka showing slightly.
 
"Well, let’s get our horses and head out," Chiriko said cheerfully then looked
at Naria.
 
Naria looked down at the young boy, her hand clenched in the cloth at her neck.
Chichiri’s hand squeezed her shoulder again in reassurance and said, "You can
ride with me, Naria-san." She smiled at him and nodded her thanks, then
followed them to their horses.
 
They took the two spare horses as well, selling them in town before heading for
the west. They rode for a while, noticing the change in their surroundings as
the mountains disappeared slowly and were replaced by plateaus and desert.
"Well now. This is a nice change of scenery," Tasuki muttered as he looked
around.
 
Chichiri looked over at his friend and said, "We’ll be coming up on the desert
soon, no da."
 
Naria smiled as they bantered a bit. ‘They are so nice. Now I know why Miaka-
san felt safe with them,’ she thought to herself and relaxed a bit against
Chichiri. His arm tightened reassuringly around her waist and she smiled again.
But then she frowned. ‘Miaka….there is something wrong. Why do I have this
feeling that you are in danger,’ she wondered, her hand coming up to clench
into the cloth of her uniform.
 
Chichiri looked at Tamahome, who was staring pensively into the distance. "Ne,
Tamahome-san. Are you sure Miaka is going to join us at Sairou?" he asked and
Tamahome frowned.
 
"That’s what Taiitsukun said, Chichiri," Tamahome replied and frowned even
more. ‘Then why do I get the feeling that Miaka is in danger,’ he thought to
himself.
 
"Tamahome-kun?" Naria’s soft voice brought him back to reality and he looked
over at her. She bit her lip, and then said, "I…think Miaka is in trouble. You
better…" she trailed off as they all stared at her. She hid her face behind her
bangs by ducking her head and sighed. ‘Now they think I’m even more of a freak
than they already did,’ she thought to herself miserably. But then she heard a
horse’s whinny and looked up to see Tamahome rearing up and galloping away.
 
"Tamahome! Wait where are you going!?" Chichiri called out as he galloped off.
 
"You guys go ahead. I’m getting Miaka," Tamahome called back.
 
Naria looked down again and fiddled with her uniform, but then blinked when
Chichiri’s arm tightened around her waist reassuringly again. She looked up and
into his smiling face. "Don’t worry, Naria-san. Tamahome will get to Miaka in
time I’m sure, no da," he said and she smiled slightly back at him.
 
"Well, then we better get going," Mitsukake suggested with a small grin and
Chiriko smiled.
 
Tasuki sighed loudly and grumbled. "That stupid asshole…the hell does he
think…why does she always get into so much trouble?" he cursed and Naria hid a
small giggle behind her hand. She felt Chichiri snicker as well, and then
sighed softly as they started out again.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 2 *****
Title: Star Dreamers. Pt. 2/?
Author: Deathangelgw
Disclaimer: not mine all theirs yea yea
Warnings: AU, OC, language, sap, angst, dark, violence, humor, lemon/lime
(later), het.
Pairings: in accordance with the show, TamaxMiaka. The rest…hehehe are up to
me.
Rating: PG-13
Timeline: Taking place in the middle of the second season during the series and
continuing from there. Starts with a flashback and then goes to the episode
where they get the first Shinzaho post Nuriko’s death.
Note: Thanks to all who’ve encouraged me on this and sorry it’s taken me so
long!
Feedback: much loved and appreciated.
 
‘thoughts’
 
Chichiri looked around the desert as they rode on in the night, wondering as
much as the others if they would ever find their goal. Sighing, he sweat-
dropped as Tasuki began another rant about Tamahome leaving them, then
continued on from there on a list of rants, ending with a rant about how stupid
his horse was. Sighing again, Chichiri looked down at the young girl asleep in
his arms as they rode along. Naria had fallen asleep not long after the sun had
set and had been snuggled up to the blue haired Seishi since. He smiled
slightly at this act of trust from the unknown girl, and then looked over as
Tasuki shouted as the now furious horse punched him. Sweat-dropping in
embarrassment, Chichiri sighed again.
 
Naria moaned softly and shifted within his hold and he looked down. “Naria-
san?” he asked quietly, not sure if she was waking up or just dreaming.
 
She stiffened slightly, then looked up at him, green eyes dark in the night.
“Chi-chichiri-san? Where…?” she queried, and then whimpered in pain as she
grabbed her head.
 
“Shh, shh…we’re near Sairou. Just go back to sleep, Naria-san,” Chichiri
replied soothingly as he rubbed her back. They started moving again as she
nestled closer to him and fell asleep once more.
 
They came up over a ridge after Tasuki finally got his horse to cooperate and
saw twinkling lights in the distance. “Is that Sairou?” Chiriko asked in
curiosity as they stopped at the top.
 
“I sure hope so!” Tasuki replied in glee. “Nice bed and food here we come! And
we beat those two here! Who’da thunk!” he added as he started his horse
forward.
 
Mitsukake and Chiriko followed him down on their horse as Chichiri looked at
the distant city. He frowned. ‘Something doesn’t feel right with this, but it
is near the place we were heading for,’ he thought to himself as he started his
horse forward and caught up with his fellow Seishi as they headed into the
city.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Naria looked around the strange surroundings as she and the four Suzaku Seishi
stood in an alleyway, watching the people pass in front of them. Chichiri had
draped his cloak over her head to protect her from the sun and prying eyes as
they walked into the city and looked around. She frowned slightly. ‘Something
just doesn’t feel right,’ she pondered silently as she saw Chichiri stop a
passing villager. “Ano, is this the land of Sairou?” he asked politely and the
woman smiled slightly.
 
Naria frowned as she heard the woman say, “Yes, this city is right on the
border.” Having said this, she walked away before Chichiri could thank her.
 
“Hmm, how strange…” Chichiri murmured in thought, his brow furrowing in slight
confusion as he stared after the woman.
 
Tasuki laughed loudly as he slapped his fellow Seishi on the back. “What’s so
weird?! We made it to Sairou so now all we have to do is wait for Miaka and
Tamahome to get their asses here and we can get the damn Shinzaho thingy and
get back to Konan!” he said in glee as he walked off. Mitsukake and Chiriko
followed the red head warily, but Chichiri and Naria hung back.
 
“Ano, Chichiri-san. I have a bad feeling,” Naria mumbled softly as she peeked
out from under the cloak.
 
Chichiri sighed softly. “You and I both, Naria-san,” he agreed quietly, and
then smiled down at her. She blushed slightly and looked down quickly then
walked with him after the other Seishi.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Naria walked quietly along the hallways, looking around slowly as she searched
for Chichiri. Her bad feeling grew increasingly worse as the days went by. She
and the remaining Suzaku Shichseishi had been staying in the city with no signs
of Miaka or Tamahome. What was also bugging the girl was the fact that as each
day went by, she and the others grew visibly weaker, yet they didn’t seem to
sense it. She sighed softly, and then smiled as she found Chichiri in his room.
She knocked softly on the door and smiled slightly when he looked up.
“Chichiri-san…may I come in?” she asked politely, bowing slightly.
 
He smiled softly. “You are always welcome, Naria-san, no da,” he replied gently
and she smiled again as she came into the room and sat on the chair near him.
“What seems to be the problem?” he asked politely as he looked at her.
 
She looked down at her hands and said, “Something is just not right about this
place. Can’t…can’t you feel it?” She looked back up at him, frustration and
anxiety on her face.
 
Chichiri sighed softly. “I have been feeling strange vibrations, no da. I can
feel something of a spell working around here, but I’m not sure as to where it
is coming from, no da,” he answered as he looked around, and then looked at
her. “What does your sense tell you?” he asked quietly.
 
She quickly looked back down, her hands clenching into fists. Chichiri and the
others didn’t mock her strange abilities, yet she was still very shy about her
powers with them. She sighed softly, and then looked back up. “There….there is
a way that we can see the truth,” she mumbled softly, and then looked away as
she bit her lip nervously.
 
He cocked his head in curiosity. “You know of a way? Will you help me then?” he
asked softly and she sighed again and nodded.
 
Getting up, she held her hand out to him. He looked up at her and took her hand
gently, then smiled reassuringly. She took a deep breath and nodded, smiling
back. She led him outside to the courtyard where a bubbling waterfall stood
proudly in the center. She let go of his hand then walked over to the waterfall
slowly. Sitting on the lip of the basin, she dipped her hand into the water.
Staring into the reflection, she chanted softly. “Water of truth, water of
light, show us the now and show us the right. Break through the sands of deceit
and clean the lie. Give new life to that which is nigh.”
 
Chichiri watched in amazement as a soft glow surrounded the girl before him
briefly then the waterfall disappeared under a spout of water. As he watched,
the water changed into sand and the whole city disappeared around them. A cloud
of sand blew at them and Chichiri realized to his alarm how truly weak he was
and thirsty. Exclamations of surprise around him caused him to look around and
he saw his fellow Seishi looking just as confused as he was. He turned back to
Naria and saw that she was lying on a dune, unmoving. “Naria-san! Daijoubu
ka!?” he cried out as he ran to her side, joined by the other Seishi swiftly.
 
She moaned softly as she stirred slightly, but didn’t wake up. Looking up,
Chichiri saw that it was nearing dawn and that he could sense Miaka and
Tamahome.
 
Tasuki grabbed Chichiri’s shoulder. “Chichiri! What the hell just happened?! I
was drinking when suddenly the entire city just disappeared! And what’s wrong
with Naria-san?!” he asked as Chichiri carefully wrapped the unconscious girl
in his cloak and picked her up.
 
Mitsukake came over and took her from Chichiri’s arms, then checked her ki.
“Her life-force is dangerously low. I will bring it up enough so that she
doesn’t die,” he murmured and Chiriko leaned up, looking at her face in worry.
 
While Mitsukake did this, Chichiri was looking around, concentrating. Tasuki
growled and glared at the blue haired seishi. “Will you answer me!?” he growled
out angrily.
 
Chiriko looked over. “Can’t you see, Tasuki-san? It was an illusion! Naria-san
must have somehow broken its hold on us,” he said in wonder as he looked back
at the still unconscious girl.
 
“She knew something was wrong, no da. So, she used her strange powers to break
the spell. But, she must have help, no da,” Chichiri commented, and then
frowned. “And now, we need to go and help Tamahome-kun and Miaka-san! They are
in trouble!” he added in concern.
 
Mitsukake stood with Naria in his arms. “Chichiri, are you strong enough to get
us there?” he asked as he and Chiriko walked over to the other two.
 
Chichiri nodded, then placed his staff down and concentrated. A flare of red
light surrounded them and they disappeared in the dawning light.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Miaka gasped as she tried to get free of Suboshi’s hold. Suboshi smirked
cruelly at her. “Tomo was going to rape you, but it would seem he couldn’t make
it. I guess I shall do it to pay you back for what you did to Yui-sama!” he
growled out cruelly.
 
She cried out in fear as she backed up. “Tamahome!” she shouted desperately,
wishing for him to be there right now.
 
Suboshi laughed cruelly at her struggles. “He won’t help you now, Suzaku no
Miko! The dead can’t help the living!” he mocked as he laughed again.
 
“Let her go, Suboshi,” a voice said dangerously and they both gasped, looking
over at the source. Tamahome glared back at him, standing proudly as he glared.
“Let Miaka go now!” he shouted.
 
Suboshi growled and pulled Miaka in front of him. “Come one step closer and
she’s dead, Tamahome!” he cried angrily, and then gasped.
 
Miaka struggled and finally hit Suboshi, then ran. “Tamahome!!” Miaka cried out
in fearful relief as she reached out for the man she loved.
 
“Miaka!!” Tamahome shouted as he rushed to her, scooping her into his arms and
holding her close to his chest.
 
She sobbed softly as she cuddled close to him, wrapping her arms around his
neck. “Tamahome…oh Tamahome. You’re alive!” she cried as she held onto him.
 
He smiled gently, then looked up as Suboshi growled angrily, stumbling to his
feet. “You won’t win. How the hell did you survive!?” he cried out in anger and
Tamahome smirked. Suboshi growled, and then smirked as well. “It doesn’t
matter. You both will die when I…”
 
“REKKA SHIEN!!” A flare of fire shot at the Seiryuu Seishi and he cried out,
dodging the shot.
 
“Tasuki!” Miaka cried out in relief as she saw the four Seishi on the ridge
above them.
 
Tasuki grinned at them and commented, “Well…bout time we found you two!”
 
They all looked over at Suboshi as he stood up. He growled softly, and then
looked down at the unconscious form of his twin brother. He snarled as he knelt
down. “You haven’t won yet, Suzaku no Miko! We will defeat you!” he cried out,
then scooped his brother up swiftly into his arms and flipped away, running to
safety.
 
Tasuki and Chichiri made to follow him, but Miaka cried out, “No don’t! Let him
go. He needs to protect Amiboshi.” She smiled slightly as she stared after the
disappearing figures and smiled sadly. ‘Amiboshi….be safe,’ she thought
hopefully, and then looked over as her friends walked over slowly. She gasped
as she saw Mitsukake holding a bundle and realized it was Naria. “Oh no! What
happened to Naria-san!?” she cried out in fear as she reached a hand out to the
other girl.
 
Chichiri smiled a bit more than his usual perpetual smile. “Naria-san was able
to break the spell Tomo had over us, no da. She’ll be ok with sleep, no da,” he
replied and Miaka sighed in relief.
 
Tamahome smiled down at her and murmured softly, “I’m so glad you’re alright,
Miaka. I...don’t know what I would have done if you would have…” He trailed
off, choking slightly.
 
She smiled up at him and hugged him tightly. “I’m just so glad you are all
right Tamahome. Ano…could you tell me why this old man is staring at me?” she
asked softly, sweat-dropping as she looked at the old man who was drooling
nearby as he stared at her near naked body.
 
Tamahome growled. “KEEP YOUR EYES OFF OF HER, YOU OLD PERVERT!” he shouted as
he kicked the old man.
 
The old man snarled as he returned the punch. “DON’T CALL YOUR SHISHOU A
PERVERT!”
 
Miaka blinked as she watched the two. ‘Shishou?’
 
*~~**~~*
 
Miaka smiled slightly as she stared out at the surrounding courtyard, taking in
the beautiful scenery. After they had gotten to Sairou, they had gone to the
home of Tamahome’s mentor, who, to their surprise, was one of three of the
surviving Byakko Schichseishi. His wife was also one. They had seen to the
others, making sure they were put to bed and that Naria was checked over.
 
Later, Miaka had gone looking for Tamahome, finding him in a deep discussion
with his mentor. The old man had left and that’s when Miaka’s world had
crumbled around her.
 
“We can no longer see each other,” Tamahome had said after kissing her
passionately.
 
Clenching her hand into a fist, she sobbed softly. ‘But why can’t we be
together, Tamahome?! Why?!’ she wondered in anguish then jumped as a hand
placed itself gently on her shoulder.
 
“Miaka-san? Daijoubu ka?” Naria asked quietly as she looked down at Miaka
worriedly.
 
Miaka blinked in surprise. “Naria-san! You’re awake!” she cried happily and
Naria smiled shyly, looking down.
 
“H-hai. I’m…gomen ne if I worried everyone…” she started but Miaka pulled her
down onto the ground by the hand. She squawked as she fell, and then grinned up
at the red head. “Jeez, Miaka-san. I’m not that much better, no da!” she said
and they both giggled.
 
Sitting up, they both looked out at the scenery for a few minutes, when finally
Miaka broke the silence. “Tamahome broke up with me. Said he doesn’t want to be
with me anymore,” she explained softly, sadness and anguish in her voice as her
eyes teared up.
 
Naria looked over at her in surprise. “You’re kidding, right? I mean, he was so
gung-ho in being with you and all! And I felt that you and he love each other,
even though I barely know you two,” she commented, then blushed and looked away
quickly as Miaka looked at her, brows furrowed in surprise.
 
“You felt it? Just like you felt when Nuriko died?” Miaka asked and Naria
nodded hesitantly, turning away a bit in shame. Miaka smiled lightly then put
her arm around the other girl’s shoulders. “That’s cool that you felt that.
But, I wonder why you felt Nuriko? Were you and him…oooo maybe you two were
meant to be together! Oh no! He’s dead and now you can’t be together!” Miaka
sobbed melodramatically and Naria laughed softly, then smiled.
 
“No, there is someone out there. For me that is. He is in my dreams
and…well…Miaka? Can I tell you something that I’ve never told anyone else?”
Naria asked nervously, picking at her uniform timidly as she looked down.
 
Miaka blinked. “Of course you can! I won’t tell anyone, promise!” she declared
solemnly and Naria smiled slightly.
 
Taking a deep breath, Naria looked over at Miaka and said, “Well, ever since I
was little, I’ve had this dream. I was walking in a misted place and a boy
would always appear. We almost grew up together and now we long to be together.
Recently though, our dreams would always end with a voice saying that in the
time of Seiryuu and Suzaku’s calling, we would be brought together.” She looked
away as she talked, scared to see Miaka’s reaction.
 
Miaka breathed out a long, “Wow,” then grinned. “Oh cool! You have a dream boy
here in the book!” she cried, her eyes wide with delight. Naria smiled up at
her, and then blinked as Miaka leaned in conspiratorially. “So, what does this
mystery man look like? Is it Chichiri?! I saw how you and he look at each
other! I knew it! It’s him isn’t it!?” she cried out, and then stood up in
triumph and knocked Chichiri on his butt with a fist to the jaw.
 
Both girls looked over in shock. “Chichiri!” they exclaimed together as the
monk Seishi groaned and rubbed his jaw. Naria looked away, blushing brightly
with embarrassment as he stood up, rubbing his jaw in slight annoyance.
 
“Ne, Miaka-san, you have quite the punch, no da,” he commented as he walked
over to them, peering at Naria as she kept her gaze down.
 
Miaka giggled in embarrassment as she put her hand behind her head. “Gomen ne,
Chichiri-san! I didn’t see you there! Are you ok?” she asked as she sat down
and watched him. She glanced over and smirked as she saw the furtive glances
that were being cast by the other girl at the monk.
 
Naria blushed an even deeper red as Chichiri looked at her in curiosity. ‘Oh
man, how long was he standing there listening?! He isn’t the one in my dreams,
but I’ve grown to like him a lot! Oh dear. I…oh what should I do…’ she wondered
as she listened to the other two talk.
 
Chichiri pulled out a mirror and handed it to Miaka. “Miaka-san, I want you to
look at something, no da,” he said and she frowned in confusion.
 
“What’s up with the mirror, Chichiri?” Miaka asked as she looked into it.
Suddenly, she gasped in surprise. “Hotohori-san!?” she cried out and Chichiri
smirked.
 
Hotohori smiled at Miaka through the image. “Miaka. How are you? I’m so glad
you are all right,” he said in relief and Miaka smiled.
 
Naria froze as she heard the voice. ‘No…it can’t be,’ she thought numbly, and
then looked up and into the mirror with Miaka. Miaka smiled at her then tipped
it a little so she could see the image. Naria gasped softly in shock, her eyes
wide. 'Oh my god…it’s him!’ she thought, joy flooding through her as she saw
the man from her dreams reflected in the magical mirror.
 
Miaka looked over in concern at Naria as she saw the other girl’s face pale
rapidly, her eyes filling with tears. But what really got her was the utter joy
on the girl’s face. Eyes widening in understanding, Miaka looked back at the
mirror and finished her report to her friend. But, by the time she had
finished, Naria had left, quickly walking to the gardens, muttering something
about wanting to be alone. Miaka blinked in surprise, then looked over at
Chichiri and gasped softly. Chichiri’s face was turned, following the other
girl’s form as she walked away, a look of sadness and longing on his normally
cheerful face. ‘Oh no, Chichiri really does care for Naria! And, if I read
correctly, Hotohori is the man from her dreams! Oh no what a mess! It’s as bad
as Tamahome and me!’ she thought to herself, then felt sorrow flood through
her, causing tears to come to her eyes. ‘Oh, if only we could all be happy!’
she thought to herself sadly.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Naria stared numbly at the stream in front of her. “Hotohori….so that’s your
name,” she whispered softly, and then smiled brightly, tears rolling down her
cheeks. “After all these years, we can be together and finally be able to
touch!” she whispered, her voice choking slightly. She stiffened as she heard a
branch crack, and then looked over, brushing her face clear of tears. “Who’s
there?” she called out softly, and then blinked as Chichiri stepped from the
shadows. “Chichiri-san? What’s wrong?” she asked as she saw his sad look. Then
she looked again. His mask of perpetual cheer was gone.
 
He smiled sadly at her as he walked slowly towards her. “May I join you?” he
asked her softly and she smiled up at him.
 
“Of course, Chichiri-san. You’re always welcome,” she said warmly as she patted
the grass next to her.
 
He smiled again and sat down, then asked softly, “You were crying? Why?” She
looked away and bit her lip and he sighed and looked out at the stream. “I
heard your dream, Naria-san. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on you and Miaka. But I
guess, maybe it was a good thing,” he murmured softly and she looked up at him,
eyes shining with tears. He looked at her and she gasped softly as she saw the
slight mist of tears in his own unscarred eye. “Hotohori-sama…he’s the man from
your dreams, isn’t he? The one you’ve longed to be with,” he queried softly and
she bit her lip again, sniffing and nodding. He sighed again and looked back
out at the stream. “I was hoping it was me you saw,” Chichiri murmured very
softly as a single tear rolled down his cheek.
 
Naria looked at him, eyes wavering with tears, and then she moved forward,
wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she hugged him tightly. “Chichiri. I
care for you as well. But I can’t lie to you. I’ve…we’ve…been searching for
each other for so long, and now…oh Chichiri! I never meant to hurt you!” she
sobbed softly as she held onto him.
 
He smiled tearfully as he turned in her embrace and held her close to him. “I
know. Can I at least be your friend?” he asked softly and she sobbed, holding
him tighter.
 
“If you weren’t, I don’t know what I’d do,” she murmured softly, and then
looked up at him, both their faces streaked with tears.
 
He smiled bravely for her as he brought up a hand and brushed her tears away.
“You’d find him and love him, and I’d willingly serve you,” he whispered
softly.
 
She blinked in surprise. “Serve me? But, I’m not a miko! How…” she trailed off
as he sighed softly and leaned his forehead against hers.
 
“Hotohori-sama is not only one of the Suzaku Schichseishi, he’s also the
Emperor of Konan,” he explained softly and she gasped softly in shock. He
smiled sadly again as she stared at him. “I just hope he loves you as much as
you love him,” he added softly and she smiled at him. He leaned his head in and
gently pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss briefly before pulling back.
 
“Please don’t leave me, Chichiri,” Naria whispered softly and they sat together
in the sunset, sadness surrounding them as the shadows did.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 3 *****
Title: Star Dreamers pt. 3/?
Author: Deathangelgw
Disclaimer: oh the wishes if I could own them!!! But…that is another sad tale…
Warnings: same as the other two only an added ANGST and DEATH and SAP level!!
Pairings: well, TamaxMiaka, but also some Chichiri+oc, and now we know it’ll
end up Hotohori+/xOC!
Rating: R for this one for death, violence, and swearing.
Note: ah…sheesh, I had to seriously look up names for this one! ANYHOO, thanks
to all who’ve read up with me on this! Hope you still will!
Feedback: muchos appreciated!
 
‘thoughts’
 
Miaka frowned slightly as she waited for her friends to sit down. She looked at
them all nervously as they stared uncomprehendingly at the food arrayed before
them. She sweat-dropped then looked over as she felt a gentle hand on her
shoulder and looked into Naria’s gentle green eyes. Naria smiled reassuringly,
and then looked at the assembled group. She urged them with a look to eat and
they each took up a bite warily.
 
Naria and Miaka both flinched slightly as they all got slightly blue in the
face and seemed unable to swallow. “Ano…is everything alright?” Xi Fang asked
quietly as she looked on as well, concerned.
 
They all tried to swallow and began muttering.
 
“Wow...this is…”
 
“I don’t think I can even categorize the contents inside.”
 
“I need some water…”
 
“I don’t think I have any medicines for this.”
 
“It’s awful.”
 
Miaka flinched and gasped softly at this last statement, which had been said by
Tamahome. Her eyes filled with tears as he continued flatly. “I can’t eat this
garbage. I don’t even know what to make of it!”
 
Miaka’s fists tightened as she looked at the floor, struggling not to cry.
Tasuki glared at Tamahome. “How can you be so cruel!? Even though it is awful
it’s…ack…” He froze, realizing what he had just said.
 
Miaka sobbed softly and ran from the room. They all looked at where she had
gone, getting up to stop her, but were stopped by the furious look in Naria’s
eyes. “How…dare you,” she gritted out as her own hands clenched into fists.
They all swallowed hard in fear as she stared at them in rage. “She put a lot
of her heart into that meal and you couldn’t even be polite enough to spare
your comments,” she spat out angrily. She turned to glare at Tamahome, who
visibly flinched at her gaze. “And you…how dare you call yourself a man and a
Suzaku Seishi. You are lower than a Seiryuu Seishi,” she said lowly and his
eyes narrowed in anger. She held his gaze, daring him to refute her and he said
nothing, looking down. She glared at them again. “So much for friends…you can’t
even encourage her when she was doing this for love,” she added in
disappointment, and then walked out to search for Miaka.
 
Tamahome swallowed hard at her words, staring at the bowl of food before him.
The other Seishi shifted uncomfortably as they sat quietly then looked up as
Tamahome said softly, “Give me the food Miaka made.”
 
They all stared at him like he was mad. “Tamahome? Are you mad?” Tasuki asked
incredulously.
 
Tamahome glared at them all. “I said…give me all of her food. I will eat it,”
he ordered. They all solemnly handed over the food they had been choking on and
watched as he ate every bit of it.
 
*~~*~~*
 
Miaka sobbed softly into her knees as she sat on the steps outside the
courtyard again. She felt a gentle arm around her shoulders and leaned into the
embrace as Naria rocked her soothingly. “He hates me!” she sobbed as she
sniffled, turning her face into Naria’s shoulder and crying.
 
“No, he doesn’t hate you. I think, that he was trying to push you away,” Naria
replied softly, soothingly as she rubbed the other girl’s back.
 
“Well he succeeded!” Miaka spat out then sobbed again, trembling. “What am I
going to do, Naria?! I love him so much! And now, he doesn’t want me at all!
Did I do something wrong??” she sobbed out as she clung to her friend.
 
Naria smiled sadly. “When did he start acting differently?” she asked quietly
as she held the red haired girl.
 
Miaka was silent for a minute as she calmed down, then said thoughtfully,
“Right after I saw him talking to Tokaki-san. He kissed me passionately, then
said we could no longer love each other…” She trailed off as more tears came to
her eyes.
 
Naria frowned thoughtfully, and then smirked. “Miaka, I’m going to let you in
on a secret. I don’t think Tamahome wants to do this at all. I think he DOES
want to be with you more than anything,” she whispered confidently and Miaka
leaned up, staring at her in disbelief.
 
“What do you mean? He said so himself!” Miaka said in shock and hope.
 
Naria smirked. “Because if he wanted to stop being with you then he would stop
looking at you,” she replied softly and watched as realization dawned in
Miaka’s shining eyes.
 
“You mean…” Miaka said hopefully and Naria nodded giggling. “Oh Naria!
Arigato!” Miaka cried in joy as she hugged the other girl hard, tackling her to
the ground, giggling. She sat up suddenly, a determined look on her face. “But
how do I get him to confess it?! I know! There was a legend that Xi Fang told
me about this tower that lovers could meet up at around sunset. It’s said that
if they meet there before sunset, then their love is eternal! SO! If Tamahome
and I go up there…oh this is so perfect!!” Miaka squealed and tackle-hugged
Naria again, who laughed. “Arigato, Naria-chan!! I have to go talk to Tamahome
right away!” she proclaimed, then ran off to go talk to Tamahome.
 
“Good luck!” Naria called after her, and then smiled. “You’ll need it, I
think,” she murmured softly, and then looked out over the city. She smiled, and
then frowned slightly as her gaze fell across a strange caravan entering the
outskirts of the city. “Who is that?” she wondered aloud, and then got up,
walking carefully so she could get a better look.
 
When she got close enough to see them as they walked past, she gasped softly as
she saw the dragon emblem on the curtains of the carriage. ‘Seiryuu? Oh no! I
have to warn the others!’ she thought in worry.
 
But she didn’t get anywhere as a hand reached through the bushes she was
watching from and dragged her out. She screamed slightly in shock, and then
gasped as she looked up at the tall woman who had her arm. “Well well, what
have we here?” the woman asked as she smirked cruelly down at the frightened
girl.
 
“Soi, what have you found?” a man’s deep voice asked and Naria blinked as a
blond haired man stepped from the stopped carriage.
 
The woman named Soi looked over and pulled Naria along. “Nakago-sama. I seem to
have found us a spy,” she replied as she pushed Naria forward, causing her to
stumble to a halt.
 
Nakago smirked down at the frightened girl. “A spy, huh?” he murmured softly as
he stepped closer, locking eyes with her as he brought a hand up, touching her
face. She flinched slightly, but didn’t pull away. He smirked and licked his
lips slightly as he looked at her. “What is your name, little spy?” he purred
out as he grasped her chin.
 
Naria swallowed hard, but whispered, “Tasaki Naria.” She brought her arms up
protectively in front of her chest as they stood in a staring match.
 
“Nakago? What is it?” a young voice called out from the carriage as another
girl with short blonde hair and dressed the same as Naria stepped into view.
 
Nakago looked over his shoulder at her. “It would seem that you and the Suzaku
no Miko aren’t the only visitors from your world, Yui-sama,” he replied softly
in amusement, and then looked back at Naria, an almost predatory look in his
eyes. Naria flinched and jerked away fearfully as he watched her, then looked
over as the girl who he had addressed came into view.
 
Yui stared at Naria in shock for a minute. “You are from my school, aren’t
you?” Yui asked softly as she stepped forward, placing herself between the
scared girl and the shogun. Naria nodded slightly, her eyes going between the
two blondes. Yui smiled reassuringly and held her hand out to the raven-haired
girl. “Don’t be afraid. These are my friends. They won’t hurt you,” she said
soothingly.
 
Naria stared at the hand, then reached up and took it. For some reason, she
knew that Yui wasn’t really going to hurt her, just like Miaka wouldn’t. She
smiled slightly up at Yui, and then looked away from Nakago in fear. She bit
her lip slightly and followed Yui back into the carriage, knowing she should
warn the Suzakus, but then had a feeling that she should stay where she was to
find out why this battle was happening in the first place. She and Miaka had
talked about Yui, so she knew the whole sad story. She wanted to help those two
become friends again. She firmed her resolve and talked with Yui, learning both
sides of the story and tried to figure out how she could stop all of the pain
from increasing.
 
Nakago rode alongside Soi, his eyes trained on the carriage as they rode along.
He smirked again as he caught glimpses of the two and licked his lips again,
finding for the first time in his life that he desired something and plotted on
how he could get what he wanted.
 
Soi silently watched Nakago, and then glared at the carriage. Now she had two
competitors to deal with.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Miaka looked out over the city at the sunset. After she had found Tamahome in
Xi Fang’s arms, then had told him her plan, she had run over to the tower,
filled with even more doubts than before. ‘He was kissing her, or at least I
think he was. Maybe…Maybe I’m wrong,’ she thought to herself in doubt, and then
looked down. She frowned then as she focused on a nearby caravan that was
heading for the other tower nearby. She gasped softly as she looked closer and
saw Nakago and Yui. Just then, she saw Nakago look her way and ducked down
quickly. ‘I hope he didn’t see me…’ she thought to herself frantically.
 
She waited a couple of minutes, and then peeked up over the edge of the
banister. She sighed in relief as she saw that they were gone, then frowned.
‘They were heading for the temple of Byakko. That means they are going after
the Shinzaho! I have to stop them!’ she thought to herself in determination,
and then stopped as she looked up at the sunset. ‘But Tamahome is coming here
soon and if we don’t meet here, then…’ She looked down sadly, and then clenched
her fist in determination. Reaching up, she untied her hairtie and tied it
around the girder near her. She then turned and walked swiftly out, heading for
the tower…and Yui.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Tamahome clenched his teeth together as he stared out over the yard towards the
tower. He looked over as he heard Tasuki come in. “Here we have some peaches!
Miaka would you…like…some, hey where is she?” the red head asked as he looked
around. He frowned as he saw Tamahome. “I knew it. You hurt her again, didn’t
you? You are such a jackass!” he growled out angrily as he glared at the other
Seishi.
 
Tamahome sighed softly and said, “I need to go to that tower.”
 
Tokaki glared at the young Seishi. “Don’t you dare go over there, Tamahome! If
you do that then only heartbreak and sorrow will come of it!” he shouted
angrily at Tamahome. “Do you think that you will be able to stay with her?!
Wish for a life together?! It won’t happen! It’s the one wish the beast gods
won’t do!” he declared grimly as he locked eyes with Tamahome. “It would be
best to just forget her now and move on….before you fall in love.”
 
Tamahome smiled softly as he looked at his mentor. “It’s already too late for
that. I love her so much already,” he murmured almost sadly as he smiled. “You
see, I can’t live without her and it hurts me so much to see her cry,” he added
as he looked over at the tower.
 
“Then be ready for heartbreak,” Tokaki replied in regret, then looked up as
running footsteps came down the hall.
 
“Naria-san is missing!!” Chiriko cried out as he and Chichiri ran up, panting
for air. Tamahome and Tasuki looked at them in concern as Mitsukake came up
behind Tokaki, listening intently.
 
Tamahome frowned in concern and looked at Chichiri. “You can’t find her
anywhere here?” he asked and Chichiri sighed softly.
 
“We searched all of the grounds, no da. We can’t find a trace of her, no da,”
Chichiri answered, obviously agitated. Tamahome frowned slightly at the unusual
actions of the monk, but said nothing.
 
Tasuki sighed softly. “Women…they are so untrustworthy. Miaka goes off to some
tower and Naria disappears! Why can’t they just learn and stay home?” he
ranted, but the worry was underneath the bravado clear as day.
 
Tamahome looked over at the tower where he was supposed to meet Miaka. “I know
where Miaka is,” he said softly, and then jogged away, ignoring the calls of
his friends as he ran for his love.

*~~**~~*
 
“You will talk now, Tatara. Tell us where the Shinzaho is!” Soi growled out as
she slapped the chained Byakko Seishi.
 
“No! Please stop hurting him!” Naria pleaded softly as she ran to his side,
blocking the Seishi from further harm.
 
Soi growled softly as she glared at the interfering girl, but Yui stepped in.
She frowned softly, and then said harshly, “Tell us then where the Shinzaho is
then!”
 
Naria looked at the Byakko Seishi, seeing his wise eyes look into hers with a
certainty that she had seen from the two ancient Genbu Seishi. He smiled gently
at her and said softly, “Leave. I can handle this.” She opened her mouth to
protest, but the slight shake of his head silenced her. She bowed her head and
nodded slightly, then stood up. Looking at Yui, she sighed and left the room.
 
Yui’s eyes watched her go, confused, but then they focused again on the Byakko
Seishi as Soi said, “Now, answer Yui-sama’s question.”
 
*~~**~~*
 
Naria sighed softly as she walked down the hallway. ‘Why would Yui do that? She
shouldn’t be hurting them or letting others hurt them,’ she thought to herself,
and then stopped, blinking. “Miaka. I can feel you nearby, but something’s
wrong…” she murmured softly in concern as she grasped above her heart. She
picked up her pace and went around the corner, then gasped as she came face to
face with an armored chest. She looked up in fear into Nakago’s softly leering
face. “Nakago…” she said fearfully, then stepped back.

But he stopped her, pushing her into the wall as he purred, “Well now…I don’t
have to go looking for you now, do I?” He smirked at her as she struggled
slightly, fear in her eyes. “I wonder what would it be like to have one from
your world? Shall I be the first to taste you?” he asked softly as he leaned
in, then pressed his lips roughly to her own. She whimpered in shock,
struggling to fight him as his hand traveled slowly up her leg under her skirt.
He chuckled softly as she tried to push him away, tearing her mouth from his.
She screamed softly as his hand went between her legs as his leg forced hers
open. “Mmmm…yes…I shall have you,” he whispered softly, and then grabbed her
breast in a tight grip, causing her to cry out in pain.
 
But before he could do anything else, he grunted as he was flung away from her,
slamming into a wall. Naria slid to the floor, trembling in shocked surprise,
then turned her head. “Chichiri!” she cried out in relief as he relaxed from
his attack, anger clear on his face.
 
He ran to her side, kneeling next to her and holding her close as he glared at
the blond shogun as he stood up, chuckling. “Nakago! I will not allow you to
harm Naria!” Chichiri snarled out as he held her trembling form closer to him.
 
Nakago smirked as he tossed his head. “We shall see, Chichiri of the Suzaku
Shichseishi. Now, I must leave so that I can help Yui-sama call upon Seiryuu,”
he commented and chuckled softly as he walked away.
 
Chichiri snarled softly then looked down at the trembling form that he held.
“Naria? Naria, it’s ok. You’re safe, no da. I have you,” he said softly as he
held her close.
 
She sobbed softly as she clung to him. “Chichiri…he almost…almost…and he
wouldn’t stop…and…” She sobbed and he rocked her gently, soothing her softly.
 
“Chichiri!” Tamahome’s voice called out as he ran down the hallway, then
stopped and knelt next to them, concern on his face as he saw Naria’s trembling
form. “Nani? What happened?” he asked as the other Seishi came up as well.
 
Chichiri growled softly, surprising his friends as he held the sobbing girl
gently. “Nakago almost raped her,” he replied lowly. Chiriko gasped in horror
and Tasuki and Tamahome frowned, clenching their teeth in anger.
 
“That bastard is going to get it now!” Tasuki swore as he started off.
 
“No…wait…” Naria whispered softly, sniffling as she sat up. Taking a deep
breath to calm herself, she forced a tight smile as she wiped her face.
“I’m…ok. Chichiri got to me in time. We need to find Miaka-san though. I sensed
earlier that she was in terrible trouble, but ran into Nakago before I could
find her,” she explained softly as they watched her in concern. She stood up,
wobbling slightly until Tamahome steadied her with a hand and smiled in
gratitude to him. “We have to hurry! They were trying to get the Shinzaho from
Tatara when he made me leave! We have to help them!” she said urgently,
pleading with her eyes.
 
Tamahome smiled softly. “You got that right, Naria-san. And we also then need
to stop Yui and Nakago from succeeding,” he replied with a grin to Tasuki.
 
Naria frowned slightly as she looked away. “We…please…we have to help Yui and
Miaka get back together,” she murmured softly and they looked at her in
surprise.
 
“Naria, you never did tell us how you got here in the first place, no da,”
Chichiri commented suspiciously and she sighed softly.
 
“I’ll explain on the way. But we need to find Miaka,” she responded, then
turned and started running down the hall, followed quickly by the Suzaku
Seishi.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Miaka gasped as she stood with Tatara, facing against the demons that had
suddenly appeared before them, conjured by the Seiryuu Seishi Miboshi. Miboshi
chuckled cruelly as he floated behind the beasts, his dream wheel whirling
quickly in its spellbinding. Tatara turned to Miaka, “Go quickly. Find Yui and
get the Shinzaho back,” he ordered softly, and then turned back as the monsters
approached. He raised up an arm and a white glow surrounded him. Suddenly,
vines appeared out of nowhere, slashing at and through the monsters as they
attacked.
 
Miaka gasped softly, and then frowned in determination. She ran out to find
Yui, only to run into Nakago. Nakago chuckled softly as he held her struggling
form. “Well well…it would seem to be that kind of day, ne Suzaku no Miko?” he
asked with a cruel smirk as she fought him. She tried to scream, but with
Miboshi’s spell, she couldn’t say anything. “Well…looks like Yui-sama will win
now that she has the other Shinzaho, Seiryuu will be summoned and then we shall
triumph,” he said with a chuckle as he shoved her.
 
She fell to the ground, and then looked up at him in angered fear. ‘No, I have
to stop Yui-chan from summoning Seiryuu! Nakago is only using her and he’ll
kill everyone!’ she thought desperately as she scooted away from him.
 
“NAKAGO!!” Tamahome shouted as he attacked, rage filling him as he saw the
Seiryuu blond attacking Miaka. "Get away from her NOW!” he cried out as he
swung at the shogun.
 
Nakago smirked as he dodged the hit, and then stepped back. He looked over and
saw the other Seishi with Naria. “Well...seems I won’t have to look far for
you, little one,” he purred out softly and Naria shrunk away in fear.
 
Tasuki stepped up, waving his tessen. “You BASTARD!! You keep your hands off of
Miaka and Naria!” he commanded angrily.
 
“Tatara!!” Naria cried out as she saw the lone Byakko Seishi fighting the
monsters.
 
Miboshi chuckled cruelly, and then looked over his shoulder. “Yui-sama, please
leave here and leave these weaklings to me,” he suggested respectfully, albeit
with an evil gleam in his narrowed eyes.
 
Yui locked gazes with Miaka and Naria, hesitant. Nakago went over to her,
opening his cloak for her. “Yui-sama, we must go. We need to prepare you for
the summoning,” he suggested softly and she looked at him.
 
“No Yui! Please don’t do this!! Nakago is only using you! You’re too good for
this!” Naria cried out as she rushed towards her, and then screamed as a blue
power sent her flying, crashing to the ground in pain.
 
“Naria!!” the Suzaku Shichseishi and Yui cried out as the other girl struggled
to her feet.
 
She glared at Nakago and snarled out very softly, “You will not win this
battle, Nakago. Yui is her own person! She has no need for you!” Naria’s eyes
narrowed in rage and her hand came up. An invisible wall shot out, slamming
into both Seiryuu Seishi and sending them flying into the wall.
 
Yui and the others gaped at the show of power by the normally shy girl and
watched as the two men stood up, glaring at her. “That was pretty good, Tasaki
Naria. But Yui-sama has a greater destiny and she must fulfill it,” Nakago
retorted quietly, anger showing in his blue gaze. He turned to Yui and said
softly, “You must come with me, Yui-sama. Trust me and our love.” She stared
into his eyes, and then nodded.
 
Before any of them could say anything, she stepped close to him and allowed him
to place his cloak protectively around her. He smirked in triumph as he stepped
through the wall, disappearing from their sight.
 
“Yui!!” Naria cried out then collapsed to her knees. Chichiri was next to her
in a second, holding her closely as she leaned against him weakly. She was
confused as to where her powers had come from, but now they had bigger things
to worry about. They watched as Tatara used Miboshi’s own monsters against him,
shielding himself from the final blow with Miboshi’s body.
 
“Tatara!” Subaru cried out as she and Tokaki ran to him as he fell to the
ground with the dead Seiryuu Seishi, the monsters disappearing with the loss of
their master’s will.
 
They gathered around the dying Byakko warrior, hearing of his wish to be with
his love, Byakko no Miko. Chichiri looked at Naria as he held her close.
“Naria, what was that you did earlier? I’ve never felt such a power,” he
whispered.
 
She sighed softly. “I wish I could tell you, but I don’t even know,” she
replied softly.
 
“You don’t even know what the heck you did to slam Miboshi and Nakago into a
wall!? Sheesh, you are one crazy girl!” Tasuki said, but relief and humor were
in his scathing tones.
 
She smiled slightly up at him, and then gasped softly in fear. Her head whipped
around as she stared at the fallen Seiryuu Seishi, then they all looked over as
Chiriko cried out in shock and pain, grabbing his head. “Oh no!! It can’t be!”
she cried out as she struggled to her feet.
 
Chiriko laughed softly, floating up off the ground into a lotus position. He
called the dream wheel to him and it whirled to life as he said, “But it is,
Naria-san. I, Miboshi of the Seiryuu Shichseishi, take this body for my own!”
 
“Miboshi?! You’re dead!” Tasuki shouted lamely, horrified as they saw their
friend float above them.
 
Miboshi chuckled cruelly. “I was almost dead, but I saw this young child
waiting for me and took what I wanted! Now, you shall die!” he said and his
dream wheel whirled even faster.
 
Chichiri gasped and brought his prayer beads up, raising a shield up as a
powerful wave shot out towards them. Huge sinuous snakes appeared roaring and
hissing before the possessed Chiriko. “He’s sending out a powerful wave of
power, no da! I don’t know how long I can keep this up, no da!” he shouted as
he fought the magic that was coming at them.
 
Miaka frowned, and then jumped into the middle of the field, reaching out for
Chiriko. ‘Chiriko! I don’t know if you can hear me, but you have to fight
this!’ she thought desperately.
 
“Miaka!! Get out of there now!!” Tamahome shouted as they watched in horror as
she was grabbed by the demons.
 
Miaka screamed in pain as she was squeezed and bitten, while Miboshi laughed
cruelly. “Watch as your Miko dies, Suzaku Shichseishi!” he cackled out.
 
Miaka screamed more as she was lashed, desperately trying to reach Chiriko.
‘CHIRIKO!’
 
Miboshi gasped in shock and pain as he felt a force inside of him fight free.
Chiriko gazed in alarm as he saw Miaka getting attacked. “No! Miaka-san!” he
cried out, but then was silenced by Miboshi as the Seiryuu monk regained
control of his body.
 
The other Seishi looked up in shock as Naria said, “That was Chiriko! This
means he’s still in there!”
 
Before they could really do anything, a blur came through, slashing at Miboshi
and destroying the monsters. They gaped as they saw a much younger looking
Tokaki holding Miaka as he glared up at the Seiryuu Seishi.
 
“You?! How dare you!” Miboshi cried out in rage and Tokaki chuckled softly as
he teleported back to the group.
 
“S-shishou? Is that you?” Tamahome asked in disbelief.
 
Tokaki grinned at his stunned pupil and said, “Hai. How else do you think I
could get to Miaka?” He winked.
 
“But how did you do that, old man?” Tasuki asked in confusion as he scratched
his head.
 
“I used my powers on him,” a soft woman’s voice answered.
 
They all looked over at the young woman and stared in shock. “Subaru?!”
Tamahome asked in disbelief. She nodded and smiled, then came over and knelt
next to Tokaki, placing a hand over Miaka’s face. A soft glow flowed out and
Miaka moaned as she woke up slowly, then jumped forward and latched onto
Subaru’s breast.
 
They all sweat-dropped as she pulled back, grinning sheepishly. Subaru smiled
indulgently and said, “I returned your body back to the way it was yesterday.
So, even the spell that was on you is now gone.”
 
Miaka blinked in surprise, and then looked over in shock as Miboshi chuckled
again. “That is all very well and good, but you can not stop Seiryuu no Miko
now! And I will destroy you with my most powerful demon!” he cried out, and
then they watched as a bright blue glow surrounded him. The ground beneath them
began to quake, breaking and cracking beneath their feet as a body began to
form.
 
“We have to get out of here now!” Chichiri shouted and grabbed Naria’s hand,
pulling her out as they ran. The monster that held Chiriko’s body as its eye
came after them, destroying the walls and ground as they ran.
 
“Chiriko!! Fight him!!” Miaka cried out as she ran with them, and then shouted
as she tripped and fell.
 
“Miaka!!” Tamahome shouted in alarm, frozen as they watched one of the demon’s
fists plunge straight for Miaka, Miboshi cackling evilly.
 
Miaka opened her eyes, surprised to see herself in one piece, and then gasped
as she looked up. Naria stood directly in front of her, hands up, as a shield
stalled the path of the dangerous fist. Naria groaned under the strain, and
then looked straight up at Miboshi. Suddenly, Miboshi howled in pain as he
grabbed his head and the fist backed off. But Naria stayed where she was, rigid
with concentration. “Chiriko! Use my strength to defeat Miboshi!! Hurry!!” she
cried out, pain lancing through her as she fought mentally with the powerful
mind of the Seiryuu Seishi.
 
“How is she doing that?!” Tasuki asked, stunned as much as the others at the
intense battle going on in front of them.
 
“She’s using some sort of magic to bridge herself to Chiriko and is holding a
control over Miboshi, no da!” Chichiri explained in worried shock. ‘Naria can’t
keep this up for much longer.’
 
Miboshi snarled in rage as he fought both minds, and then lashed out with the
demon. The fist connected with Naria, sending her flying into a wall with a
scream of agony, silencing her suddenly as she hit the wall and slid down. The
Seishi and Miaka gasped in horror, but Miboshi only laughed as he brought the
fist up again, intending to smash the Suzaku no Miko. Miaka screamed in fear,
but then another howl of pain came from the monk. They looked up in shock as
they saw that Chiriko had broken through the hold that Miboshi had on him and
had stabbed his own arm with the dream wheel. “I may not have my symbol, BUT I
WON’T LET YOU HURT MY FRIENDS!!” he screamed in rage as Miboshi struggled
within him.
 
“I won’t be defeated by a mere child!!” Miboshi hissed in anger and the demon
reared up again. Chiriko screamed in rage as he took the dream wheel and
stabbed his own leg, causing the demon to land heavily, leg crackling to dust.
“NO! I will not be defeated!!” Miboshi screamed out in terror as he felt his
power slipping.
 
“I…am…still…a Suzaku Seishi!! AND I WON’T LET YOU WIN!!” Chiriko screamed, then
brought up the dream wheel…and plunged it into his own heart.
 
“CHIRIKO!” Miaka’s scream was heard as the demon crumbled away, leaving the
once Suzaku Seishi lying in a pile of rubble.
 
Chichiri grabbed Naria, and then ran with the others over to their fallen
comrade. Mitsukake was looking Chiriko over, and then grunted in satisfaction.
“Yes…I can definitely still heal him,” he said softly, but then was stopped by
Chiriko.
 
“Don’t…Mitsukake. If you do, then the monster inside of me will survive as
well…and then he will try to hurt you again,” Chiriko whispered in pain as he
tried to smile. He looked over at the girl being held by Chichiri, who was
slightly conscious as she looked at him. “Heal Naria-san, for without her
strength, I wouldn’t have been able to break through completely,” he requested
softly.
 
“No, Chiriko. Use…use the link and destroy Miboshi…” Naria whispered softly,
pain filling her.
 
Chiriko’s eyes widened as realization hit him, and he smiled softly. “You still
have it up. Gomen nasai, Naria-san. I can’t allow that. Miboshi may figure out
a way to get to you through it and then…I can’t let it happen. You see, I now
know what your purpose in our world is. You are the link outside of the Mikos.
You are needed,” he whispered softly, and then coughed in pain. Naria curled
into herself in pain as well and they all realized that she was feeling his
pain as well as her own. Chiriko smiled gently at her and then blinked.
 
Naria gasped in shock and she clutched above her heart. “No…Chiriko, why??” she
whispered softly, tears streaming down her face.
 
Chiriko smiled again then looked at his friend. “Onegai, Mitsukake. Heal
her…she’s been badly injured because of me,” he said softly. The healing Seishi
nodded once in reluctance, and then moved over to Chichiri and Naria. She
looked pleadingly up at him, silently begging him not to, but he could only
smile sadly at her. He brought his hand up and a soft green glow flowed out,
healing her gently. Her eyes closed as tears ran down her face as the glow
faded.
 
Chiriko looked over at Miaka and smiled sadly. “Gomen nasai, Miaka-san. I
failed in helping you. But, you must go and stop Yui-san before Seiryuu is
summoned,” he ordered, gasping softly in pain.
 
Miaka growled, tears rolling down her cheeks. “No! I won’t leave you! You have
to get better, Chiriko! You are my friend and comrade! You can’t die!” she
cried out, sobs choking her as she leaned over him.
 
He smiled sadly at her. “I can’t live, for then Miboshi will live. Let me do
this last act for you, Suzaku no Miko,” he explained softly and she sobbed. “Go
quickly. You must stop Yui-san before it is too late,” he whispered and she
nodded.
 
Naria looked over at Miaka. “I’m coming too. I saw what a good person she is,
Miaka. I can help,” she said softly and Miaka smiled gratefully at her. They
got up and went off, followed by Tamahome and Chichiri. Mitsukake and Tasuki
had insisted on staying by their dying friend’s side till the end.

*~~**~~*
 
The four youth ran down the hallways, searching for the way to Yui and the
summoning. All of a sudden, Naria cried out a warning and lightening lanced out
at them, barely missing them. They looked up in shock as Soi faced them,
smirking in contempt as she gazed at them. “You will go no farther to Nakago-
sama and the Seiryuu no Miko!” she called out as she crossed her arms across
her chest. She raised up a hand, calling on her lightening once more, only to
have it blocked by Subaru and Tokaki.
 
They looked over their shoulders at the stunned group. “Go! We’ll take care of
Soi!” Tokaki ordered and they nodded before running off as the two Byakko
Seishi faced off with Soi.
 
The four ran down a hall, towards a stairway, when all of a sudden Chichiri
cried out and was slammed back into them. “He used his ki, no da…” he murmured
in surprise as he fell to the ground.
 
“Chichiri!!” Naria and Miaka cried out as they held him, then looked up as a
soft laugh floated down to them.
 
“He took most of that blast and dissipated it with his own ki. Impressive,”
Nakago commented snidely as he looked down at them. Naria snarled in rage as
she glared up at him, holding tightly to the weak Chichiri. Nakago smirked.
“Well, Tasaki Naria, it would seem that you have more powers than is normal.
You could be a great ally. Join us and you shall have even greater power,” he
purred out, licking his lips as he gazed at her.
 
“I would rather die than join you, Nakago! You won’t win!” Naria shouted
angrily and the blond Seishi laughed.
 
“Is that so? At this moment, Yui-sama is preparing to summon Seiryuu and there
is nothing that you can do to stop us,” Nakago retorted in amusement as he
crossed his arms.
 
“Think again, Nakago!” Tamahome snarled out as he charged up the stairs and
swung a fist at the shogun.
 
Nakago smirked as he caught the fist in his own hand, holding it. “Tamahome…You
I haven’t forgotten. I shall pay you back for your little antics later,” he
promised softly, and then pulled the Seishi forward, punching him in the
stomach. He leaned in a little as Tamahome gasped in pain and said softly,
“Your Miko tasted so sweet and delicious. Shall I show you what I did to her?”
Tamahome growled, and then gasped as Nakago kissed him hard. Staring in
disbelief, Tamahome wasn’t prepared for the shove that quickly followed.
 
Tumbling backwards and landing hard on the ground, Tamahome snarled as he
glared up at the chuckling blond as he stepped back and disappeared behind the
doors behind him. Miaka cried out as she ran up there. “NO! Give Yui-chan back
to me!!” she shouted as she pounded on the door. Forcing them open, she ran
out…onto an empty balcony. “Nani!? Where’s Yui-chan?!” she cried out in shock,
and then gasped as she saw the platform…across the city.
 
The other three youth followed her out, gasping in shock as they watched Yui
call upon Seiryuu. Miaka and Naria cried out in horror as the dragon light that
flowed out engulfed their friend, and then gasped as the ground beneath them
shook. “She called upon Seiryuu, no da! This place is going to crumble, no da!”
Chichiri cried out as he held Naria close to him.
 
“You must go! Return to Konan!” Tokaki ordered as he and Subaru appeared,
carrying Tatara’s body between them. Mitsukake and Tasuki also appeared
carrying Chiriko’s body, solemnly gazing at the growing blue light that
emanated from the platform nearby.
 
“Demo, what about you!?” Miaka asked in fear and the two Seishi smiled gently
at her.
 
“We will survive, Suzaku no Miko. Go quickly back to your country and prepare,”
Subaru replied gently. Chichiri took off his cloak and laid it out. Plunging
his staff in, a red glow emerged, engulfing them as they said their farewells.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 4 *****
Title: Star Dreamers pt. 4/?
Author: Deathangelgw
Disclaimer: not mine, no sue, yea yea
Warnings: Sap, angst, dark, language (there’s always language where Tasuki’s
concerned…), het lemon.
Pairings: Tama+/xMiaka, Hoto+/xOC, Chichiri+OC
Rating: NC-17 here for LEMON
Note: Gomen for the last one being so long! I wanted to finish that sad part so
I could get back to Konan…and the big reunion!! *slaps up a ‘HET LEMON’ sign*
Watch out here, folks! HET LEMON APPROACHETH!!! If you don’t like, then DON’T
READ!!! Thanks for reading! ^_^;;
Feedback: PLEASE! I like it!
 
‘thoughts’
 
Naria sighed softly as she sat in her room. They had returned to Konan and
Chichiri had taken her to a room, telling her to stay until the palace
physician could look her over. She shook her head. She felt fine. Mitsukake had
healed her just fine. So why did the monk think she needed a check-up?
 
‘Prolly because he gets really worried about me and is self conscious of the
fact that I almost got killed this time,’ she thought to herself ruefully. She
sighed as she thought about her dear friend whom she had met just days ago. She
hoped that things would be ok.
 
She looked up as she heard the door open and a woman stepped in, smiling gently
at her. She had soft purple hair and gentle violet eyes that gazed at Naria
kindly. Naria sat up and smiled back. “Are you the palace physician?” she asked
politely.
 
“Hai, my name is Houki. The Emperor made me the royal physician not long after
the announcement of Suzaku Seishi Nuriko’s death,” the woman replied sadly and
Naria smiled sadly. Coming over to her, Houki sat down next to her. “I hear
that you were healed by Mitsukake. So, I think I will save myself time in not
checking you over. He is very thorough,” she commented with a grin. Naria
giggled and nodded. “But, I am to help you change also and then to take you to
His Majesty. Special orders of both Suzaku no Miko and Chichiri-sama,” Houki
added softly and Naria blinked in surprise. Tilting her head as she gazed at
the young girl, Houki frowned in thought. “I know the perfect thing…” she
murmured softly, then got up and went over to the closets.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Hotohori smiled sadly as he gazed at the remaining Seishi and Miaka.
“Nuriko…Chiriko…we have lost strong friends and allies. I find my heart
grieving even more,” he murmured softly as he looked down at the seemingly
asleep Chiriko. He brushed a gentle hand over the young boy’s still cheek and
sighed softly in sorrow. Looking back up, he said, “Now that Seiryuu has been
summoned, we must prepare for war and invasion. Everyone must be willing to
fight. We stand together. You taught me that my friends.” He frowned and sighed
again.
 
Miaka sighed in worry as she watched Hotohori. Suddenly, loud screams were
heard as Tasuki and Tamahome ran in.
 
“AAAAAAAAAAH!! NURIKO’S HAUNTING US!!” Tasuki shouted in fear as he ran in.
 
Tamahome pointed outside and shouted, “CHICHIRI!! START CHANTING!! PUT HIM TO
PEACE!!” He and Tasuki screamed again and ran in.
 
Miaka watched them in confusion then looked over at the doorway. She gasped in
shock, then ran to the figure standing there. “Nuriko!! You’re alive!!” she
cried in glee as she hugged the person. Her eyes widened suddenly and she
stepped back, pointing at the female’s chest. “Boobies…” she mumbled in
mortification.
 
Hotohori laughed softly as he came over by Miaka. “I would like you to meet
Houki. She is now the royal physician and one of my closest advisors. I met her
shortly after Nuriko died and we became close friends. She looks a lot like our
dear Nuriko, doesn’t she?” he asked in amusement and Miaka nodded.
 
Houki smiled softly at them and bowed, then said, “Sire, I brought in the guest
that Suzaku no Miko was asking for.”
 
Hotohori looked confused and glanced over at Miaka. Miaka grinned widely, then
looked over as Houki stepped aside and Naria stepped forward, dressed in soft
blue and green robes. Hotohori looked over and gasped in shock.
 
He stepped forward slowly, shock and delight slowing him as he walked over to
the girl that seemed to step from his dreams into reality. He reached out a
hand and slowly touched the soft cheek, almost sobbing at the reality.
“It’s…it’s you. At last. You are here…” he whispered in disbelief, eyes shining
with tears to match her own tear-filled green ones.
 
Naria swallowed down her tears as she leaned into the gentle touch, whispering,
“Hai, I am here…”
 
He swallowed his own tears as he asked softly, “Please…your name…” His eyes
pleaded for that final link that would hold them together.
 
“My name is Tasaki Naria…” she whispered just as softly, her eyes alight with
joy as she gazed into Hotohori’s. “And you are Hotohori,” she added and he
smiled at that.
 
“You know my name before I know yours, lovely one…” Hotohori murmured lowly and
she laughed softly. He moved closer to her, seeming to have forgotten that they
weren’t the only ones in the room as he kissed her softly and tenderly,
swallowing the soft whimper that left her lips as they came together, sealing
their love finally in the flesh.
 
Miaka sniffed as she looked at her two friends as they kissed tenderly then
looked around. She frowned slightly as she searched for Chichiri, but saw no
sign of the Seishi.
 
Tasuki pointed at the two and said, “Hey…how come they seem so close?” He
squawked as he was hit in the head by Tamahome and glared at the other Seishi.
 
“Dumbass! Obviously they know each other somehow!” Tamahome growled out.
 
Miaka giggled softly, then smirked as Hotohori stepped back from Naria, his arm
around her waist firmly. “Yes, we do know each other. We have known each other
for a very long time,” he explained with quiet joy.
 
“Your Majesty! What are you saying?! You know this complete stranger!?” one of
the court advisors asked indignantly as he glared suspiciously at Naria.
 
Naria shrunk back, whimpering softly in fear, but Hotohori glared angrily at
the man. “Yes! How dare you challenge my word! This woman is my wife to be! And
I will not allow you or anyone to stop us from being together!” he growled out
and they all blinked in shock.
 
“W-wife?? You intend to marry her?! But…but…she is just a peasant! Not even of
the royal harem!” the man spluttered indignantly.
 
Growling softly in offense, Hotohori pulled his sword out swiftly and aimed it
at the man’s throat. “Her name is Naria and she is your future Empress. You
will show her respect or learn the consequences,” he retorted dangerously.
 
“Yea, from us too, asshole!” Tasuki said confidently as the other Seishi stood
behind Hotohori. Miaka was next to Naria, holding her hand as she glared
defiantly at the assembled court.
 
Naria smiled in surprise as she looked at the remaining Seishi and Miaka,
thanking them silently for their support. Even though Hotohori didn’t even ask
her yet, she knew she’d never want to leave. She had nothing else in the other
world. Here, she had her soulmate and friends. She knew without a doubt that
she would have said yes, as did Hotohori.
 
“Naria, why don’t you go for a walk with Miaka? I need to speak with the Seishi
and my advisors on some things before I can be with you,” Hotohori suggested
softly as he looked at her again. Sadness showed in his eyes, but she smiled
gently up at him.
 
“All right. I wouldn’t mind at all. I’d like to see your kingdom,” she murmured
with a grin.
 
Hotohori smiled back as he caressed her cheek gently. “OUR kingdom, my love.
This will soon be yours as well,” he said softly and she blushed slightly,
nodding and looking down. He chuckled softly and brought her face up and kissed
her gently. “You will get used to it, I hope,” he added softly, worry in his
eyes as he looked at her.
 
She smiled and nodded, reassuring him. “Hai, I will. Just be patient,” she
replied softly, blushing a deeper red.
 
He chuckled softly again before pressing a kiss to her lips. “Go on then.
Miaka, take care of her,” he requested and Miaka glomped onto Naria’s arm,
grinning.
 
“No worries, Hotohori-san! We’ll be juuuust fine!” she called and dragged Naria
off, both casting one more look over their shoulders at their respective loves.
 
Smiling softly as he watched them leave, Hotohori turned back and sat on his
throne once more. He looked at his friends. “Arigato, minna, for supporting
me,” he said in gratitude.
 
They grinned back as Tasuki retorted, “Hell, you guys look cute together! So
tell us, how did you two meet anyways?! We only first met Naria at the cave and
here you two act like you know each other better than Tamahome knows Miaka!” He
yelped as a hand came up and smacked him upside the head and he glared at the
annoyed Tamahome.
 
Hotohori laughed softly as he relaxed. “We met in a dream,” he replied softly
and silence greeted his statement.
 
“You met in a dream, sire?” Tamahome asked in disbelief as they all blinked at
him, sweat-dropping slightly.
 
Hotohori smiled again, tilting his head in a boyish manner. “Hai. It sounds
strange, but when we were both young, we met in a dream. Every night we would
meet and eventually fell in love. We could never touch, which frustrated us so
much. And recently, we both would hear at the end that when Seiryuu and Suzaku
would rise, we would be together,” he explained softly.
 
“And now you are,” Mitsukake murmured with a soft smile and Hotohori nodded
once.
 
Looking over at his advisors, Hotohori said in a softly commanding voice,
“Prepare the marriage ceremony. I will marry Naria tonight.”
 
The advisors gasped in shock and immediately tried to talk the Emperor out of
it as the Suzaku Seishi watched, sweat-drops evident. “Man, I don’t envy those
advisors…” Tasuki commented softly and the other two Seishi nodded in
agreement.

*~~**~~*
 
Chichiri silently looked out over the river, staring at nothing as his thoughts
collided with one another. He had seen his friends reunited, but couldn’t watch
as they finally were able to touch and kiss. He felt another tear slide down
his cheek, but didn’t bother wiping it away, knowing another one would come to
replace it. He looked up as he heard footsteps, then blinked as Naria came down
the trail. He looked back out at the river as he said softly, “I’m surprised
you aren’t with His Majesty. You should be getting ready for your marriage.”
 
She sighed softly as she sat down next to him and looked out at the river as
well. “Hotohori had some things to do, so he asked me if I would like to see
the city with Miaka. I actually wanted to. Guess I should get to know it, ne?”
she asked nervously as her hand picked at the soft green silk that clothed her.
 
Chichiri gazed at her from the side. “Then, where is Miaka-san?” he asked
softly.
 
She smiled slightly. “Oh, we ran into Tamahome a bit ago and rather than be a
bother, I left them alone so they could talk. Seemed Tamahome had something
important to talk to Miaka about,” she replied as she looked down at her
outfit.
 
“Sou ka,” Chichiri replied softly and they remained silent for a while. Naria
stared at the embroidery on her outfit, tears falling down her cheeks, but she
didn’t wipe them away. Chichiri turned to her and felt his heart stop as he saw
her tears. “Naria-san, what’s wrong?” he asked softly.
 
She looked up and said, “I seem to be missing something…” She tried to smile,
but her smile wavered as it quivered with tears.
 
Chichiri moved to reach out to her, but stopped. “Missing something?” he
queried softly, worry on his face.
 
She nodded. “Hai. You see, I came to this place and there was someone there
that helped me to get used to it. We became close and now…” She sobbed softly
as she looked away.
 
Chichiri felt a tear roll down his cheek and he moved closer to her. He
gathered her into his arms as he murmured softly, “You haven’t lost me, Naria.
I’m still here, just out of the way.”
 
She sobbed harder into his cloak as she clung to him. “I don’t WANT you to stay
out of the way! I want you there! I can’t…I can’t do this knowing I’m hurting
you!” She sobbed and he held her tighter. “I…I…” She tried to speak, but froze,
scared.
 
Softly, he leaned his head down and whispered, “I love you as well.”
 
Silence came from this statement, and then Naria leaned up and looked into
Chichiri’s eye. They gazed at each other for a minute before Chichiri smiled
sadly at her. “Oh Chichiri, what can I do? Is it right to love two men, yet
hurt one for the other unintentionally?” she whispered softly, sorrowfully. She
had barely known Chichiri for less than a month and yet it felt like she knew
him indefinitely, just like Hotohori.
 
Sighing softly as he tucked her under his chin and started rocking her,
Chichiri took a minute before answering her finally. “I don’t know, Naria. If
it helps any, I will be there for you no matter what you choose,” he replied
softly and swallowed hard.
 
“And if I marry Hotohori?” she whispered softly, hand clenching in his cloak.
 
“Then expect me to be by your side, protecting you as my empress and friend,”
he responded just as softly, but firmly. ‘Yes…no matter what. I will never
leave her side.’
 
She leaned up and smiled at him. “Chichiri…you’re my best friend,” she stated
softly, then leaned in and kissed him gently. He felt a soft moan leave his
lips as he held her closer, deepening the kiss before they both slowly pulled
away. She flushed slightly and looked down. “Chichiri…I…” She trailed off.
 
“Marry him. Be happy for once in your life, Naria. I will be there to stand by
your side,” Chichiri ordered softly as he brought her face up and gazed into
her eyes unwaveringly.
 
She smiled at him and nodded, then leaned in and laid her head down on his
shoulder. Both sat that way for a while, holding each other in companionable
silence.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Servants and handmaidens rushed around Naria’s room as they prepared her for
the wedding. She stood nervously as they dressed her in royal robes, white for
marriage with touches of gold and red. She shifted on her feet and sighed, then
meeped as she received a glare from the seamstress. She blushed and murmured an
apology as she stood still, then looked up as she heard a soft giggle.
 
Miaka waved cheerfully from the doorway, then meeped as she dodged a couple of
servants as they flew out of the room on some errand. She giggled as she turned
back to her harried looking friend. “Naria-san! You excited yet?” she asked as
she walked over and plopped down onto the bed.
 
Naria smiled a bit. “N-not really. More like scared as hell!” she replied, and
then blushed. “Gomen…didn’t mean to swear…” she mumbled as she fidgeted.
 
Miaka giggled and shook her head. “Don’t be! Would you believe Hotohori-san is
just as nervous!?” she asked and Naria stared at her.
 
“Really?! He’s…he’s nervous?? Is he…doubting it?” Naria asked, suddenly looking
very scared.
 
Miaka gaped at her. “Hell no! He’s just wants it perfect is all!” Miaka
retorted and they giggled.
 
Naria sighed softly in happiness and said, “Oh Miaka. I didn’t know that coming
here would bring me such joy. It’s been hard and now there is finally some joy
to heal the sadness.” She smiled at her friend, who smiled back.
 
“Yea…oooo…I better get ready! The ceremony starts at sunset!” Miaka cried as
she hopped up. She smiled again at Naria and winked. “See ya at the wedding!”
she called cheerfully as she ran out.
 
Naria sighed softly, then looked up as she heard Houki’s soft voice. “Don’t
worry, Empress. You’ll do fine,” the advisor said kindly. Naria smiled and bit
her lip, looking hopeful and Houki smiled even more. “I’m here to help you with
the ceremony, Empress,” she explained as she walked over to the bedecked girl
and helped her down.
 
Naria heaved a huge sigh of relief as she said, “Oh good. I was so afraid they
were going to expect me to know everything!”
 
Houki laughed lightly as did most of the servant girls and grinned at her. “No
no! He’d never do that. WE’D never do that! This is a special day for his
majesty. He wants everything perfect for the woman he loves,” she commented
fondly and Naria blushed. Laughing softly again, Houki directed her to the bed
and said, “Now…the ceremony.”
 
*~~**~~*
 
Hotohori sighed as he sat in his private office, preparing himself for the
ceremony. He looked up as the doors slid open and smiled in greeting.
“Chichiri! What can I do for you?” he asked softly in greeting as he stood.

Chichiri walked in and shut the door behind him. Hotohori blinked as he saw the
frown on the normally smiling face. “Your Majesty…can we talk?” Chichiri
requested solemnly as he stepped in farther.
 
Hotohori nodded and gestured for his friend to sit in the chair across from
him. As Chichiri sat down, Hotohori commented, “You are so serious, Chichiri.
What is wrong?”
 
Chichiri looked away and nibbled on his lip, a most uncharacteristic action for
the monk. Finally, taking a deep breath, Chichiri looked back up at Hotohori.
“Do you love Naria?” he asked quietly and Hotohori blinked in surprise.
 
“Yes, of course I do! With all my heart and soul!” Hotohori replied
automatically, not hesitating as he stared at his friend and comrade.
“Chichiri, why are you asking me this?” he questioned in suspicion.
 
Chichiri sighed softly and looked down. “I care deeply for her. She’s my best
friend. I want her safe and happy,” he murmured softly, then looked up, face
firm. “I want what’s best for her and you. But I won’t sit back if her heart is
going to be played with,” he added in quiet warning.
 
Hotohori smiled. “Sou ka. You love her and her, you,” he said softly and
chuckled at the surprised look on the masked face. “Yes, I noticed it. And it
doesn’t bother me in the least. You both are special to me and it warms my
heart to know that my beloved was protected by one who cares for her so. She
came to this world with no one. I’m glad you had each other.” The Emperor of
Konan smiled and stood up, facing his bewildered friend. He held his hand out
to the monk, who took it cautiously, standing. “Come. Will you join us for our
marriage? Be by our sides with our other friends? I don’t think either of us
could go without you there,” Hotohori requested softly and Chichiri smiled for
the first time since the conversation had started.
 
Bowing his head, Chichiri replied softly, “It would be my honor and pleasure,
Majesty.”
 
Smiling, Hotohori embraced his friend, then stepped back with a nervous grin.
“It’s time, I suppose,” he said and Chichiri chuckled as they headed for the
throne room…and Naria.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Naria sighed softly as she followed Hotohori to his rooms. ‘No…no longer just
Hotohori. He’s my husband and Emperor.’ The ceremony had been lovely. All of
the remaining Seishi and Miaka had been there as well as the royal court. She
sighed softly in bliss as she remembered coming down the aisle and seeing
Hotohori at the end. They had been married and then Hotohori had officially
made her Empress.

She looked up as she heard a soft chuckle and saw her beloved smiling at her
gently. “Deep thoughts, beloved?” he asked quietly and she blushed prettily and
nodded. They finally came to his rooms and she bit her lip nervously as she
gazed into them. Suddenly, strong arms scooped her up and held her to a strong
chest. She giggled nervously and looked up into his joyful eyes, smiling her
own joy. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she let him carry her over the
threshold. He carried her gently over to the bed, then laid her out tenderly,
smiling down at her as she lay out under him.
 
Smiling back nervously, Naria looked up at him, her crown sparkling in the dim
glows of the lanterns. He breathed softly in awe as he stared her, then lightly
brought a hand up, tracing it across her face as if memorizing it. She closed
her eyes and leaned into the gentle touch, then opened her eyes once more to
look up at him. He sighed softly in bliss as he leaned in and pressed his lips
to hers in a slowly deepening kiss. She moaned softly as he laid out over her,
covering her body with his own as he deepened the kiss with passion, licking
fleetingly at her lips. Gasping quietly, Naria moaned again as Hotohori took
advantage of her open mouth and pressed his tongue in, gently teasing her mouth
with his tongue.
 
Moving her arms up, she wrapped them around his neck, pulling him closer as he
slowly made love to her mouth. He leaned up, breaking the kiss gently and they
panted softly, looking into each other’s eyes. Hotohori smiled in joy as he
said softly in wonder, “I can’t believe that you are really here, beloved.
After all those years…”
 
Naria smiled as well, joy in her eyes as she gazed at her husband. “They
promised us…about time they fulfilled that promise, ne?” she asked, tilting her
head to the side and smiling cutely at him.
 
Laughing softly, Hotohori bent his head down and brushed his lips across hers.
She moaned softly against his mouth, encouraging him to further deepen the kiss
as their hands began to remove each other’s clothing. Hotohori shifted himself
up and slid his robes off, standing before her in just a long shirt. Her eyes
locked with his own and he saw a glimmer of fear in her green depths. Coming to
her swiftly, Hotohori held her close. “Don’t fear, my love. I will never hurt
you,” he whispered soothingly as he held her close, her loosened robes falling
slightly around them.
 
She snuggled close to him. “I know that, my love. I’m just…it’s my first time
and I don’t want to disappoint you,” she murmured softly, blushing in
embarrassment as she looked down.
 
Smiling softly as he ran his fingers down her back, Hotohori pushed her robes
off slowly. “Then I shall make it as memorable as possible, beloved,” he
replied assuredly as he brought her face up and her robes fell to the floor. He
kissed her gently, deepening it slowly as his hands rubbed up and down her back
before slowly removing the last piece of clothing on her body. She shivered,
both in desire and in nervousness. He laid her down on the bed and caressed a
gentle hand down her body, slowly tracing each inch of pale skin that he saw.
“Beautiful. You are such a vision, as I always knew,” he whispered softly,
noticing her skin flushing as he touched it.
 
She blushed brightly and looked away, thus didn’t see when he removed his own
shift. She felt the bed dip, then looked up and moaned softly as her lips were
taken in a passionate kiss once more. She gasped softly as his body laid out
over hers, naked and hot. Her hands came up, threading into his silky hair
before traveling down his back slowly, tracing everything under them as they
kissed deeply.

Moaning softly in pleasure, Hotohori arched closer to her, his hips moving in
slight circles against her own. She shifted, her legs parting and they both
gasped in pleasure as their sexes rubbed together. Naria’s head fell back in
pleasure as he ground his hips into hers, moaning softly. His lips trailed down
her neck, nipping and sucking here and there as he went down. Her moans
increased as he trailed down and licked lightly around her breast, encasing her
nipple in his mouth. Her body arched beneath him as she gasped his name,
pleasure flowing through her, starting from his mouth and ending in between her
legs.
 
He moved his mouth to Naria’s other breast, laving it with the same
ministrations as his hands trailed down her sides and thighs. She whimpered
softly in pleasure, arching closer to him as her fingers threaded into his
hair, pulling him closer. He licked a light trail down her body, laving her
navel as he passed it before trailing down to her nest of curls. Nuzzling the
moisture he found there and breathing deeply of her excitement, Hotohori moaned
softly in approval. He looked up at her and locked eyes with her then flicked
his tongue out, tasting her delicately. Her breath hitched as she watched him,
then she moaned very softly as he placed his lips over her, sucking on her
slowly as he plunged his tongue into her.
 
She cried out softly as he pushed a finger into her, thrusting it in along with
his tongue. Her body arched and thrust down instinctively, drawing moans from
them both. All too soon, she arched up, crying out his name as she climaxed for
the first time. Panting as he lapped at her, Hotohori then leaned up and licked
his lips before kissing her passionately. She moaned again as she felt his hot
member against her stomach.
 
“Anata…want you…” she whispered softly with desire.
 
Hotohori moaned softly as he kissed her again. He shifted slightly, then placed
his erection at her entrance. Bracing himself, he whispered, “This will hurt.”
She nodded and smiled reassuringly at him as she brought her legs up, bracing.
He nodded, then pushed in, feeling her tense and bite back a cry of pain as he
penetrated her. They both panted harshly as they either adjusted or tried to
remain in control, both of which were difficult. Slowly, Hotohori thrust in
shallowly, feeling her gasp softly as he moved inside of her.
 
“Anata…oh gods…” Naria moaned out, her legs coming up and wrapping around his
waist as his thrusts increased. She gasped softly and moaned as he moved harder
into her, groaning in pleasure as her tight moist heat surrounded him.
 
“Aisai…ai shiteru…” Hotohori groaned out as he moved harder, capturing her lips
in a desperate kiss as he thrust frantically into her. They both cried out in
pleasure as they went over the edge, falling together into bliss, then
collapsed together, sated. Hotohori pulled out of her and pulled her to him,
holding her close. “My aisai…ai shiteru,” he whispered softly, smiling as she
whispered it back to him before they both fell asleep.
 
TBC
 
***** Chapter 5 *****
Title: Star Dreamers pt.5/?
Author: Deathangelgw
Disclaimer: saaaaaaame as always!
Warnings: same as before with added lime, angst, sap, death, language (yea
that’s something new...)
Pairings: again, same as before
Rating: R for violence, language, and sexual situations.
Notes: oi, long time no write…anyhoo, enjoy! Please review!
 
‘thoughts’
 
The soft rays of morning played across the two newlyweds as they slept
peacefully in their bed. The man slowly stirred, waking to find himself holding
his beloved in his arms. A gentle smile crossed the Emperor’s face as he gazed
down at his wife in the morning light. ‘Aisai. She is my…aisai. We are finally
wed and together,’ he thought joyfully, his face warm as he caressed a loving
hand across her cheek. She murmured softly and nuzzled the tender hand before
snuggling into his chest and deeper asleep.
 
He smiled again and kissed her head before nuzzling it and closing his eyes.
But sleep was not to come back to him as footsteps could be heard running down
the hall outside his rooms. “Your Majesty, are you awake?” a soft voice asked
from outside of the screen doors.
 
Sighing softly, Hotohori turned his head and called out softly, “Hai, I am
awake. What is it?”

“Your majesty, Kutou troops are moving into the land as we speak. They are
destroying villages as they head for the capital,” the voice reported stiffly
as he gave the news.
 
“I see,” Hotohori replied softly, and then sighed. He closed his eyes as he
held his wife closer to him, soothed by her mere presence. “Very well. Tell the
other Seishi and the Miko and have them meet me in two hours in the throne
room,” he ordered quietly, still not wishing to disturb his loving wife.
 
Hesitation met that statement before the voice said, “Yes, sire.” Soft
footsteps receded from the Emperor’s hearing and he sighed again as he settled
back in. He felt tears come to his eyes as he held his love, wishing there was
more time.
 
“So, no more honeymoon, hmm?” Naria’s soft voice startled her husband and he
looked down in surprise. She didn’t look at him, her eyes closed, but the
glimmer of tears showed at the corner of her eye. She sighed softly as she
hugged him tighter, snuggling his warm chest. “It figures. I find happiness and
it ends almost before it really begins,” she murmured softly, sadly.
 
“Don’t say that, my sweet. Any time together is enough happiness for me,”
Hotohori whispered softly as he held her tightly. She looked up at him slowly,
her eyes glimmering with tears and he leaned down to kiss them away. He brushed
his lips over her cheek, then caressed her lips with his own slowly. Before it
became too passionate, he leaned back and smiled at her. “Why don’t we go and
bathe? We have some time yet,” he suggested softly as he brushed his hand
slowly over her body.
 
She smiled at him as she nodded, then arched closer, wrapping a leg around his
leg. “Hai, time. Time for more pleasure…” she whispered softly before kissing
him again. He moaned softly into her mouth as he arched closer, rubbing her
clit with his returning arousal and causing them both to moan with longing.
Swiftly, he sat up and scooped her up into his arms, then went out one of the
doors to the connecting baths.
 
Carefully, he walked over to the bath, then went in and sat down. They both
moaned as the hot water soothed aches and served to turn them on even more as
Naria shifted on his lap. He pressed his chest to her back as he shifted her
forward and straddled her legs across his thighs, then began kissing down her
neck slowly. He pleasured her slowly; relishing in her cries of desire and
passion as he touched her, kissed her…loved her.
 
They came together a couple of times in the water, relishing in each other as
pleasure rolled over them in waves. But their time was not to last and they
knew it. They got out of the baths and servants cloaked them both in long white
robes after drying them both.
 
Hotohori chuckled softly as he watched her. “I’m almost tempted to send them
away so no one else can see you as such,” he commented teasingly and she
giggled along with a couple of the servants.
 
“Ah well, my Saihitei. They can look, but only you can touch,” Naria purred out
and grinned as the servants snickered in amusement at their bantering.
Suddenly, Hotohori gasped softly, his eyes wide as he stumbled to his knees.
“Saihitei!” Naria cried in shock as she ran to his side with the worried
servants.
 
Panting softly as he stared at the ground, Hotohori clutched his chest
slightly. “My…power. My power as a Suzaku Shichseishi…it’s gone!” he whispered
in shock as he brought his eyes up to Naria’s.
 
“Oh no! That means…” Naria gasped out softly, her eyes wide as she held onto
him. She hugged him tightly as he hugged her back. “Don’t worry. We’ll fix this
and do something,” she whispered softly as she held him.
 
“Hai, demo, I must get ready now, my love. The others will have realized it as
well,” Hotohori murmured as he held her closer. The servants left discreetly,
awaiting their Emperor and his Empress when they were done. Turning his head,
he kissed her gently. “I will protect my land and you, my sweet beloved.”
 
Her eyes were fearful as she gazed at him, but she nodded firmly. “Hai,” she
said softly, and then stood up so they could go in and get ready. Much planning
needed to be done…
 
After her love had left to meet with the other Seishi and Miaka, Naria turned
to Houki with a worried look. “Houki, is there a way for you to know if someone
is with child the day after?” she asked softly, urgently as she took the other
woman’s hands in her own.
 
Houki’s eyes widened slightly as she said, “Hai, Heika. There is a special herb
that will tell. Do you think…” Her eyes widened even more and she smiled in
delight.
 
A ghost of a smile answered Houki from Naria before she replied, “I don’t know
yet, demo…demo I must know if I have given my beloved a child with this our
first night. I…” She bit her lip as she looked away and walked slightly away.
“Onegai, Houki…bring me the herb. Hayaku.”
 
“Hai, Heika,” Houki answered softly as she bowed and swiftly left the room.
Naria bit her lip as she sat down and prayed to Suzaku that her prayer would be
answered. She had the direst feeling that something awful would happen that
day…
 
*~~**~~*
 
The remaining Seishi and Miaka were gathered in the throne room, making plans
to fight that day with Hotohori. They were determined to win, even though it
looked very grim at the moment. “Let’s get moving. The Seiryuu Seishi are most
likely in the battle line and we need to take them out,” Tamahome said firmly
as he stood with the others.
 
“Hai! We can do this!” Miaka declared in determination, and then blinked as she
saw someone come out from the side door. Naria smiled slightly at them as she
came in, bedecked in her royal robes and crown with two attendants behind her.
“Naria-san! I mean…Heika,” Miaka said in embarrassment as she bowed along with
the others.
 
“Oh please. If you start doing that, then I’ll lose my head!” Naria replied
nervously as she tried to laugh. She went over to Miaka and smiled as she took
her friend’s hands as the others laughed with her in amusement while Hotohori
smiled lovingly. “Miaka-san, I want you to take this. It will help you focus in
this battle and be able to keep in contact if anything should happen,” she
whispered with a smile as she placed a pendant that held an engraved phoenix on
it. “Would you believe me if I said that it’s something I’ve had since I was a
child?” she asked with a smile at the questioning look she got from her friend.
 
Miaka gasped softly and shook her head. “I can’t take this! It’s your
family’s!” she protested.
 
Naria shook her head with a smile. “My family is right here, in this room. I
have no one in our world, Miaka. Right now, the ones here, the ones who have
become a part of my heart, they are my family. So, this should stay in the
family, ne?” she responded with a tilt of her head.
 
Smiling brightly through the slight misting of tears in her eyes, Miaka nodded
and hugged her friend tightly. She pulled back as she put the pendant on, then
said, “Hai, we need to go.”
 
“Hai. I shall stay here and await your victory,” Hotohori confirmed as he came
over and placed his arm around Naria’s waist lovingly.
 
Naria smiled. “Hai. Good luck, minna,” she whispered softly and watched as they
left for the battlefield.
 
But the battle didn’t go well and they found out soon enough as Tasuki and
Kouji reported on what had happened to Hotohori and Naria.
 
“Sou ka. Miaka and Tamahome are now in the other world and Mitsukake…” Hotohori
sighed softly as he looked down. Naria put her hand on his arm in support as
they listened.
 
“Hai, Hotohori-sama. Chichiri is with him now and we came through a secret
passageway,” Tasuki replied as he bowed his head.
 
“Chichiri…” Naria murmured softly, her eyes filled with worry.
 
Smiling softly as he looked down at her, Hotohori whispered, “Aisai do you
think you could help him? You have a healing touch.” She looked up at him, eyes
filled with love and gratitude as she nodded and he returned the nod. “Very
well. Take Houki and go to help them. I will be going onto the battlefield
myself. I will no longer sit back and do nothing,” he said firmly.
 
“Hotohori-sama…” Tasuki replied softly in slight protest, but then stopped.
 
Naria looked up at her husband, eyes filled with worry and tears. But, she
shook her head and smiled brightly up at him. “Anata, I want you to make it
through this battle. I have something I need to tell you, but only when this
battle is done,” she said firmly as she smiled lovingly up at him. He smiled
softly and nodded as he cupped her cheek. They kissed gently, and then Naria
left to get ready for her journey.
 
Turning back to his friends and fellow Seishi, Hotohori said, “Let’s go.”
 
*~~**~~*
 
Running swiftly down the path that Tasuki had told her about, Naria rushed with
Houki to get to Chichiri and Mitsukake in time. She had changed into her school
uniform, since it would be the easiest to run in, but still wore her royal
tiara.
 
“Heika, are we going to be in time?” Houki asked softly as they ran nimbly.
 
“We have to be,” Naria replied grimly, and then stopped with a gasp as she
stared ahead. They’d come to the old ruins and saw a greenish light that held
within it Mitsukake’s soul. “Sou na…” Naria whispered as she and Houki stared
with wide eyes at the light. Suddenly, she started running once more, feeling
tears of horror streaking her face. “Onegai…onegai…” she whispered as she came
around the bend. She stopped as she saw Chichiri and a group of villagers
sobbing around Mitsukake’s still form and felt more tears drip down.
 
Silently, she went over to Chichiri and held him tightly, soothing him as he
sobbed into her shoulder and held her tightly. “He wouldn’t stop. He kept on
healing people even though he was dying…” Chichiri whispered through his tears.
 
“Sou ka…daijoubu, Chichiri. He’s at peace now,” Naria whispered softly as she
held him tightly.
 
Leaning back slightly as Houki came up, Chichiri looked at Naria before wiping
his face. “What are you doing here, Naria?” he asked softly.
 
“I came to help…gomen ne. I wasn’t in time,” Naria whispered apologetically,
leaning into his hand as he wiped her tears away. “Anata is on the battlefield
with Tasuki-san and Kouji-kun,” she explained, then bit her lip. “Chichiri, I’m
so worried. Something doesn’t feel right,” she whimpered softly.
 
“Hai, I know. Let’s go. I’ll watch over you and we’ll go see if we can help
Hotohori-sama,” Chichiri murmured soothingly, though it was clear he was as
worried. He glanced over at the worried Houki and said, “All of these people
were healed. Get them back to the palace.”
 
“Hai, Chichiri-sama,” Houki replied with a bow of her head.
 
“Arigato, Houki,” Naria said with a smile and Houki smiled back before going to
help some lead the way to the palace. Looking up at Chichiri, Naria nodded and
received a nod back, then went over to Chichiri’s horse. They needed to find
Hotohori.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Hotohori glared at the blond shogun across from him. “What do you think you are
doing?! I will not allow you to invade my land!” he cried angrily as the wind
blew around them.
 
Nakago smirked in amusement as he watched the other Seishi. “Do you think to
stop me, Saihitei? Or rather, Hotohori. Don’t make me laugh,” he retorted with
a slight chuckle of contempt. Hotohori’s eyes narrowed angrily as he glared at
Nakago and the blond chuckled again. “Ah yes, I can feel the aura of that
lovely little Empress of yours. Naria, ne? Such a lovely child. I shall claim
her once I get finished with the other realm.”
 
Face paling as he listened, Hotohori’s eyes narrowed even more. “You will not
touch any of them. I will kill you before you do,” he hissed out in rage as he
brought out his holy sword.
 
Nakago smirked in amusement as he watched the enraged Emperor. “You may as well
end this, Hotohori. My troops are leaving your land. We have accomplished our
objective,” he said with a smug smirk.
 
“Nani?!” Hotohori cried in shock, his eyes widening. “You mean…”

“Hai, Hotohori. My objective was the destruction of MY emperor. And since we
have your lands surrounded on all sides, there is no need for this battle.
Besides…I have my sights set on another world,” Nakago replied as he turned his
horse slightly.
 
“Never!! I will never allow you to go into that world and harm Tamahome and
Miaka!! I won’t allow you to harm them ever again!” Hotohori growled in rage as
he charged forward.
 
Eyes narrowing, Nakago watched the Emperor approach him. “Baka.”

*~~**~~*
 
“Chichiri…hayaku…onegai…” Naria whispered softly as she trembled, holding onto
the horse’s mane that they rode. Chichiri tightened his hold on Naria’s waist
as he nodded wordlessly, urging the horse faster as they both felt the danger
that Hotohori was in. They gasped as they saw a bright flash before them and
watched as Hotohori attacked Nakago, piercing the shogun’s armor. Horrified,
they watched as Nakago blasted Hotohori away. Trembling, Naria tried to close
her eyes as she stared at her beloved as he fell to the ground. “Yadda…YADDA!!
SAIHITEI!!” she screamed in agony, tears streaking her face as they raced
towards him.
 
Hotohori stared up at the sky as he fell, his eyes filled with tears as he
reached up. “Mi…aka…Naria…my Naria…” he whispered softly as he fell to the
ground, his eyes dimming. He heard his name being said and he tried to open his
eyes slightly as he heard some scuffling and someone take him into their arms.
He smiled softly as he took in Naria’s scent and looked up weakly at her.
“Aisai…”

Naria caressed his cheek tenderly, Chichiri just next to her as he gazed at
them in distress. Tasuki and Kouji ran up and fell to their knees as they
watched in horror. Naria smiled at her husband, caressing his cheek gently. “My
dearest loving anata…hold on. We’ll get you better, I promise. Just don’t
leave…” she whispered softly as her tears rolled down her face.
 
“Naria, ai shiteru. I wanted to protect you and our country…protect both our
worlds. I failed. Gomen nasai…” Hotohori whispered softly as he reached up
weakly and cupped her face, wiping her tears away with his thumb as she leaned
into his touch.
 
“Daijoubu, everything will be fine. We’ll all be safe and then we can live
peacefully. You, me, and our baby,” Naria whispered as she held him close.
 
“Our…baby?” Hotohori asked softly, tears of joy and love in his eyes.
“Naria…you…”

“Hai, I’m with child, my love. I’m carrying our baby so you have to get better
and hold on!” Naria cried softly, her voice cracking with her tears as she held
onto him. They looked up as they heard Miaka’s voice.
 
“Miaka-san?” Chichiri whispered softly in shock as they heard her voice.
 
“Hotohori, you have to hold on. Onegai. You heard Naria. You’re going to be a
father. You have to hold on!” Miaka’s pleading voice floated around them.
 
“Miaka, I wanted to tell you something. Arigato. Arigato gozaimasu,” Hotohori
whispered softly, his eyes shining. “You brought me such wonderful friends as
well as my beloved. Arigato.” Turning his head slightly, he reached a hand up
to Chichiri, who took it with his own trembling one. “Chichiri, my dearest
friend. Onegai, take care of her. Protect her and love her,” he murmured softly
and Chichiri nodded, tears rolling down his face. Hotohori smiled softly then
relaxed slowly, his soul leaving him as he breathed his last.
 
“Saihitei? Saihitei?!” Naria shook Hotohori slightly, then held him close as
she screamed. “SAIHITEEEEII!!!” Her sobs of overwhelming sorrow echoed around
the battlefield as the Seishi and soldiers grieved for their lost emperor.
Chichiri, pushing aside his own grief, held Naria close to him and rubbed her
shaking back as she sobbed in agony. Carefully, the soldiers took up Hotohori’s
fallen body and took him back to the palace, while Chichiri and Tasuki took
Naria and tried to comfort her.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Naria stared at her love’s peaceful face through her tears, her hands clinging
to his own as she wept silently. She could feel the others around her, but her
heart was dead…as dead as the one she had loved and married.
 
She looked up blankly as a strong, warm hand was placed on her shoulder into
Chichiri’s worried face. “Chichiri…” she whispered softly, her eyes filled with
grief.
 
Chichiri swallowed hard as he gazed at her, his heart breaking. She’d had such
hopes in being with her beloved and that had been destroyed. Now, she was with
child and alone. ‘No, not alone. I will always be with her,’ Chichiri reminded
himself firmly. “Naria, we have to go. Miaka and Tamahome are in danger from
Nakago,” he said gently, Tasuki nodding just behind him. Not saying anything,
Naria looked away blankly and Chichiri sighed softly in distress. He looked
over his shoulder as Tasuki put a hand on Chichiri’s shoulder and nodded. They
turned and left, leaving the Empress to grieve.
 
The advisors watched Naria in worry. They were suddenly startled as Naria
whispered softly, “Leave me. I wish to be alone with my love.” They opened
their mouths to protest, but then stopped at Houki’s glance at them. Bowing,
they left the room and Naria crumpled forward, weeping softly as she clung to
her beloved.
 
“Naria…Naria!” a rough grandmotherly voice said behind her and she looked up,
tears streaking her face.
 
She blinked as she saw an old woman floating before her. “Who are you? How do
you know my name?” she whispered softly in disbelief as she watched the old
woman.
 
“My name is Taiitsukun and I am the Creator of this world. Naria, the time is
now and the Suzaku Shichseishi need your help,” Taiitsukun replied in her
gravelly voice.
 
“Need my help? How? I’m just an ordinary girl,” Naria said in disbelief as she
stood up slowly.
 
“No, Naria, you aren’t.” Mitsukake’s voice floated from behind Taiitsukun, as
he appeared, smiling gently at Naria.
 
“Mitsukake?” Naria whispered in shock as she saw her friend. Her eyes widened
as she saw three other ghosts appear. “Chiriko…” Her voice caught as she saw,
“Saihitei…”

Hotohori’s face was gentle as he gazed at his love. “Naria, there is someone
else you need to meet,” he murmured with a smile as he gestured to his right. A
slightly shorter man with long purple hair pulled back into a braid smiled at
her and bowed his head in greeting.
 
Naria gazed at the young man with a slight smile. “You’re Nuriko, aren’t you?”
she asked timidly.
 
Smiling back gently, Nuriko nodded. “Hai. Gomen, we never got to meet. I’m glad
you were able to find Hotohori-sama,” he said with a wink and Naria smiled
slightly in response.
 
“Naria-san, we need your help to help the others,” Chiriko pleaded urgently as
they gazed at the young Empress.
 
“Me? Demo, what can I do?” Naria protested as she wiped her face and gazed at
them helplessly.
 
“You have the power within you, young Naria. You already know that you are
special. Now, awaken to them and aid Suzaku,” Taiitsukun commanded as she
touched a light finger to Naria’s forehead.
 
Naria’s eyes closed as the four Seishi watched her and a multi-hued glow
surrounded her. Her eyes opened suddenly, her face becoming firm with both
purpose and knowledge. “Hai, I know what to do,” she said softly, and then held
her hands out to the four. They took her hands in gratitude and a brilliant red
light surrounded them all in a flash.
 
*~~**~~*
 
Miaka struggled to contain her trembling as she fought down the pain. ‘Will
Suzaku devour me?’ she wondered in pain as she leaned into Chichiri and Tasuki.
They looked up in horror as Nakago shot a chi ball at a building and it started
to fall towards them. They couldn’t move as it fell towards them, dust and
debris surrounding them as a bright red light flashed to life suddenly.
 
“Saaa, what is this I’m always saving you, Miaka!” An amused voice floated
around the three and they looked up in surprise. The building floated above
them, held up by the strength of Nuriko. He winked at them before tossing it
away. “Can’t you stay out of trouble when I’m not around?!” he asked with an
exasperated sigh.
 
“Nuriko?! You’re here?!” Miaka whispered softly in joy.
 
“Hai, we’re all here, Miaka-san!” Chiriko called cheerfully as he waved.
 
“Suzaku Shichseishi always gather when the Miko is near,” Hotohori explained
with a smile.
 
“Demo how?!” Tasuki cried in shock, and then cried out with the others as
Nakago, laughing, shot another chi blast at them. A bright flash of light
blocked it as a wind blew around them and the three looked over in shock.
 
“Naria-chan!” Miaka called out happily, then blinked at the hard expression on
the other young woman’s face. The air shimmered around the Empress as she stood
before them, blocking the attack.
 
Nakago smirked as he walked towards them; his eyes alight with evil amusement.
“So, you think to stop me as well,” he purred out, licking his lips. “You and
the weak Suzaku Shichseishi.”

“Can it, Nakago. You’ve met your match,” Naria replied coldly, surprising her
friends and loved ones. Her hand came up gracefully and glowed brightly. “You
will find the gods are not as forgiving to one such as you, traitor of the
stars.” With that, a power blast shot from her hand, striking Nakago and
sending him flying with a cry of surprise.
 
“Whoa…where the hell did she get her power?!” Tasuki stared in shock along with
the others.
 
“Naria-chan…” Miaka whispered as she watched her friend with wide eyes. She
shrieked as the building that Nakago had been flung into exploded out, sending
debris flying at them as he came out of the building, eyes glinting with rage
and amusement.
 
He brought his hand up slowly as he said, “Nice try, Heika, demo, you should
have killed me!” Blazing with power, he blasted at Naria with a wave of chi.
 
Naria gasped softly in strain as she blocked the effects and sent back one of
her own. “Naria!!” Chichiri cried out in fear as they watched the power
struggle. A blinding light flared to life suddenly and they hid their eyes,
crying out in fear for their friend.
 
As the dust cleared, they saw a red shield shimmering around Naria as a figure
held her safely to him. “Tamahome!!” Miaka cried out in joy as she saw her love
holding Naria safely.
 
Smiling up at Tamahome as he smiled down at her, Naria murmured softly, “Bout
time you woke up.”
 
Chuckling softly, Tamahome held her gently, “Gomen. I was having a great
dream,” he replied with a wink.
 
Smirking slightly, Naria looked over at Nakago as he glared at them. “Tamahome,
I can’t fight him with my full power,” she explained softly before looking up
at him. “It is up to you and the Suzaku Shichseishi to defeat him.”

“Why can’t you defeat him, Naria?” Tamahome asked softly as he carried her back
to the group.
 
“Because of the life within me. If I use my full power, I risk the child that
is growing now inside of me,” Naria replied softly and Tamahome blinked in
surprise. She smiled at them as he set her down next to Miaka. “Together you
have the strength…use it,” she declared as Miaka wrapped an arm around her
shoulders. Tamahome smirked, then nodded as he turned to face the amused
Nakago.
 
“You think you can defeat me?! You are more amusing than I thought,” Nakago
commented derisively. But his words were proven wrong as Tamahome attacked,
using the power through Miaka from all of the other Seishi. With a powerful
blast and attack by Tamahome, Nakago found the other Seishi’s arm through his
chest. With a dying chuckle as he watched his life pass before his eyes, Nakago
sneered at Tamahome’s caring and disappeared.
 
After wiping his face of his tears, Tamahome returned to his friends with a
soft smile on his lips. Miaka ran to him and hugged him tightly, while Hotohori
held Naria to him while he could. They all looked over as Taiitsukun appeared
before them. “Very well done, Miaka-san. Now, it is time for your last wish.”
 
“Yea! Wish for you two and Naria and Hotohori to be together!” Tasuki said
cheerfully.
 
“Demo, they can’t, no da. Remember?” Chichiri reminded as he glanced at
Hotohori and Naria.
 
“I think that’s a load of wash,” Nuriko snorted as he waved his hand and they
began arguing over what should be done.
 
“Kaijin!” Miaka startled them all as she called on Suzaku’s power for the last
time. “I wish that this world be healed and everything made as it was,” she
called, to the shock of the others.
 
“Doushite?! You guys could have been together!” Nuriko cried in shock.
 
Miaka smiled serenely as Tamahome put his arm around her shoulders. “Because it
was the right thing to do. Besides, Tamahome will come back…I know it,” she
replied gently.
 
“Hai, as will Hotohori,” Tamahome added with a grin at his friend and fellow
Seishi as he hugged Naria tightly to him.
 
“You guys are too much,” Nuriko murmured softly as he shook his head. He
sighed, then grinned. “Ah well! Until later, Miaka! Take care,” he said as he,
Mitsukake, Tasuki, and Chiriko waved goodbye.
 
Chichiri smiled sadly at Naria and Hotohori before blinking in surprise as
Naria hugged him tightly. “Don’t forget me, Chichiri. I want to see you again
someday,” she whispered softly as tears streaked her face.

“Hai, Naria. I’d love that,” Chichiri replied softly as he hugged her back just
as tightly before disappearing.
 
Naria turned to her beloved, tears rolling down her face as she ran slightly to
him and hugged him tightly. They kissed deeply, lovingly as they held each
other tightly, even as he began to fade. Unknown to them, the same was
happening to Miaka and Tamahome. Naria gazed into Hotohori’s eyes. “I will wait
for you with our child, my love. I will wait,” she whispered softly, choking on
her tears slightly.
 
His own eyes filled with tears, Hotohori tried to brush her tears away as he
faded away. “I await that day with much longing, my beloved. Ai shiteru,” he
whispered back, fading away as she whispered her own love to him. Sobbing
softly, Naria fell to her knees and clutched around her waist. She’d lost her
husband and now held his child. She also was alone since Chichiri was in the
other world. She didn’t know what to do…
 
Looking up, startled, as a hand placed itself on her shoulder, Naria gazed into
the warm brown eyes of Miaka’s older brother. Miaka came over and they hugged
each other tightly, sobbing softly together over their losses, but vowing to be
together no matter what.
 
TBC
 
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