Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Charlotte's Arc ❯ Mirror, Mirror ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

This takes place after `Phantomness'. Shadow wanted to see what would happen if Charlotte became Seiryu no Miko instead of Yui. This deviates from the actual storyline quite a lot…

Background information: Charlotte is the `Phantomness', the younger sister of the `Phantom of the Opera', Erik. She was distraught when the girl Luciana, the daughter of Erik's master architect, broke her brother's heart so he committed suicide. That happened in the nineteenth century. A century later, Charlotte (who happens to be immortal) discovers that Miaka Yuki is the reincarnation of Luciana. Her brother, who had also been reincarnated, fell in love with Miaka, who broke his heart (again.), so he suicided (again). Charlotte decided to get revenge, because she couldn't stand history repeating itself without Luciana getting what she deserved. She became friends with Miaka, in order to get close to Miaka. Miaka has no clue whatsoever that Charlotte was Erik's younger sister because they have different last names. And thus, the story begins….

Charlotte's vital statistics (Come on, you might need to know this stuff!)

Name: Charlotte Angel

Height: 5"6

Blood Type: AB

Hair Color and Style: Long wavy black hair with gold highlights that hangs to her waist.

Eye Color: Dark Blue, they turn gold when she's emotionally upset.

Age: 15 (actually, she's about 100 but she looks fifteen)

Powers: Charlotte wields the power of a set of magical cards called `Sun Cards'. They are interchangeable with the `Night Cards' that her brother Erik possessed. Her raw power is fire/lightning. Nobody knows about any of this though, not even Erik.

Favorite classes: Orchestra, Public Speaking, and P.E.

Least favorite classes: Math and Literature.

Favorite Food: None

Least Favorite Food: Salad

Favorite Colors: Black, Gold, and White.

Least Favorite Colors: Pink and Orange.

What she wants: Erik to be happy

Birthday: Who knows?

WE CAN BEGIN THE STORY NOW!

“Miaka!” Charlotte called. Miaka looked up from her exam cheat sheets.

“What is it?” She asked.

“You have cram school in half an hour! You'd better hurry!” Charlotte called.

“Just a second!” Miaka said as she walked into a room.

“MIAKA! That's the restricted section!” Charlotte said, running after her. * Stupid girl *

Miaka opened up the book (The Universe of the Four Gods) and read through the prologue.

Charlotte walked up behind her, intending to drag her outside. But as soon as she put one hand on her shoulder, there was a flash of red light and they were both sucked into the book.

“An earthquake?!” Charlotte asked as they fell through.

“I don't know!” Miaka said.

They both opened their eyes and found themselves in a rather desolate wasteland.

“Where are we?” Miaka asked.

Charlotte was about to reply when she was grabbed from behind. Her eyes flashed gold as she drew a sign in the air. “Static Illusion!”

Several men froze in their tracks, paralyzed. Miaka stared. Meanwhile, Charlotte was jubilant.

“Yes! My magic works here! I'm so happy! I haven't used it since I don't know when!” she said happily.

“Watch out!” Miaka screamed as the leader of the slavers appeared.

“Lightning Flight!” Charlotte shouted, the wing frames rising out of her back. She hurriedly scooped Miaka up just in time.

“AAAHHH! She's a demon!” The man screamed as he ran off.

Tamahome, who had been watching from the trees, stared.

He decided to go out and try to help. He quickly beat up the rest of the people.

Charlotte set Miaka down. “Are you okay?”

“Sure!” Miaka said cheerfully. “But I still don't know where I am!”

“You're in Konan.” Tamahome said.

“Konan…” Charlotte said thoughtfully. * I heard about that a long time ago… or am I thinking about Cephiro? *

“Who are you?” Miaka asked. “Thanks.”

“Save your thanks.” Tamahome said, holding out his hands for money.

“Do you have any cash?” Miaka asked Charlotte hopefully.

Charlotte shook her head. “Nope. But if you want this…”

She held out a piece of candy.

“I want that!” Miaka said, grabbing it.

Charlotte sweatdropped.

Tamahome did too.

“Never mind. You can have this, then.” She said. Charlotte reached up and unclasped a necklace that she was wearing.

Tamahome took it, staring at the blue stone pendant. “Is this…real gold?”

“Do you think I'm cheap?” Charlotte said, temper flaring.

“No! Thank you! I'll be off now!” Tamahome said, running off.

Miaka had just turned around to face Charlotte when a wind blew up and they reappeared in the library.

“Miaka! Look at the time!” Charlotte said, pointing to the clock.

“Yikes!” Miaka said. She ran to cram school at light speed, entering just as the bell rang.

The next day…

Miaka went into the book. Skip to when Miaka is trapped under the gazebo.

Charlotte gasped as her legs suddenly buckled from under her. “What's happening?!”

A few of her classmates gathered around her. “What's wrong?”

Charlotte closed her eyes as they turned gold * Recover * Her body began to glow slightly, not enough to cause attention.

Miaka stared as her wounds began healing themselves. “What?”

Nuriko, Hotohori, and Tamahome (who had just been pulled out of the rubble) stared at Miaka, who was glowing with faint gold light.

Charlotte stood up. She sighed. “At least that worked.” The people gaped at her, and Charlotte sweatdropped. “Erase.”

A minute later, Charlotte had hightailed it out of there. She quickly teleported home and started trying to scrub the irritating bloodstain off.

Half an hour later, Charlotte was considering just canning the idea of trying to wash her school uniform, when the blood suddenly disappeared. Charlotte blinked and sweatdropped.

“How did you do it? That was the power of Suzaku!” Hotohori said, looking at Miaka, who was now in perfect health.

“I don't know.” Miaka confessed.

“Miaka! I didn't know Miko's could have power too!” Tamahome said.

Miaka just blinked.

Nuriko kissed Tamahome.

Miaka freaked.

Skip to when Miaka is in the pond.

Charlotte stared at herself. “Why am I dripping wet? And what is this stuff? Seaweed?”

A minute later, she started to choke.

“Damn it! Sword!” Charlotte shouted, hacking through the invisible bindings around her. A minute later, she was released.

“What the heck is going on today? First it's blood, now it's water!” Charlotte fumed.

Just than, the phone rang.

“Hello? Angel residence.” Charlotte said.

“Hi, have you seen Miaka? Is she at your house?”

Miaka's mom? Charlotte considered telling her just to drop dead but decided against it. “No, I'm sorry. Miaka is not here.”

Miaka's mom hung up.

Charlotte narrowed her eyes. Hmmm…

She took off towards the library.

“Here it is. The Universe of the Four Gods.” Charlotte said to herself. She opened the book.

Miaka landed on top of her.

Charlotte blinked for a second, before she disappeared in a poof of blue light.

“Yay! I'm free!” Miaka said. She ran home.

“Damn it!” Charlotte shouted again. She was sitting in an alleyway. When the strange blue light had appeared, she had been too unprepared to activate her key and save herself. She sighed as she looked around.

“Well, if it isn't a pretty one.” A voice said. Charlotte whirled around and found several ragged men staring at her.

“Her clothes alone will fetch lots of money!” one said.

Charlotte frowned. How dare they discuss her like she was a piece of… property?

“She's a cute one!” another said.

The men slowly surrounded her. Charlotte reached for her key. The leader stepped up to her, leering. “There isn't anybody who's going to save you, pretty.” He said.

Charlotte frowned. She didn't know if she could use her cards, but it was worth a try. “RELEASE!”

The men jumped back, and then started laughing.

Charlotte stared at the key in her hand. It hadn't changed….

“HAHAHAHA!” was the last thing Charlotte heard before she woke up.

Charlotte woke up on a soft bed covered with blue silk. “How did I get here?” she asked. She looked up and saw a pair of twins standing over her.

“Nakago-sama rescued you.” One of them said. He was twirling yo-yo like objects around on a finger.

“Yes. You were raped by those horrible men.” The other said. He had a reed flute in his belt.

Charlotte paled. “God…no! How could Miaka do that to me?” she screamed.

Nakago walked in. Charlotte blinked, because he looked foreign.

“Who are you?” she asked.

“Seiryu seishi Nakago. And those two are Amiboshi and Suboshi.” Nakago stated.

Charlotte blinked. Nakago pointed at her. “And you are Seiryu no Miko.”

“Seiryu no… Miko?” Charlotte asked.

“Hai. You are the one who will bring peace to our land.” Amiboshi said. Nakago shot him a look.

“If you accept, you can be granted any wishes you want.” Nakago said.

“Anything… I want?” Charlotte asked. * I can make Miaka disappear, I can have all the power I want, I can have all the boys at school in love with me, I can have my brother back… *

“I'll do it.” She said. Her blue eyes dilated and turned gold. “I'll become Seiryu no Miko. My friend has already betrayed me.”

“Very well, your eminence.” Nakago said. “Please get changed. I will take you to the emperor.”

Soi appeared and led Charlotte to a room. Charlotte emerged a few minutes later in a dark blue kimono trimmed with silver. She knelt before the emperor as he talked for a long time about how powerful Kutou was. Finally, he paid attention to her.

“So you will become Seiryu no Miko?” he asked.

“Yes, your highness.” Charlotte said. She bowed her head.

“Very well. Here is the scroll.” And with that, the emperor handed Charlotte the copy of the `Universe of the Four Gods'.

A few nights later…

Charlotte sighed as she listened to Amiboshi's flute. “It sounds just like Erik playing…”

Amiboshi looked up. “Did you say something, Charlotte-sama?”

“I was just thinking about how my older brother was a great musician.” Charlotte said. “But he's dead now.”

“I'm sorry, Charlotte-sama! I can stop playing if it upsets you.” Amiboshi said hastily.

“Please let my brother play, Charlotte-sama.” Suboshi said from a corner.

Charlotte smiled. “It's fine. It's just that you and Amiboshi remind me of myself and Erik.”

“Eh?” Both twins look up.

“Really?” Suboshi asked.

Charlotte smiled again. “Yes. Erik was possibly the best musician ever, at least in our world. He sang and played beautifully, and he could make just about anyone succumb to his music. He … hypnotized all his enemies, you see, but he was also very protective of me. …”

“And me?” Suboshi prompted, wanting to be identified.

Charlotte smirked, an expression Suboshi hadn't seen on her before. “You remind me of myself. Hot-tempered, rushing into situations your not sure of, even the Ryuuseisui.” To prove her point, Charlotte pulled a golden star out of her kimono.

“Watch.” She said, as she held the star out and began chanting. `Across the power of time, surpassing the power of distance, I summon thee, Raikou! Lend me the spirit of thunder, my mashin!”

There were several bright flashes of light, before the twins could see anything. They saw Charlotte, now dressed in golden armor over a black and white outfit. Around her waist was a rope of fire, and dangling from that rope was a thin rapier. Set into bracelets on her arms were six throwing stars and 2 boomerangs, all guaranteed to damage the target.

“Go!” Charlotte commanded, and suddenly Suboshi found himself running from a pair of eight-pointed throwing stars. Charlotte smiled.

“Get the point now?”

“Wow.” Suboshi said, shocked. They were a lot like his Ryuuseisui.

“Wow.” Amiboshi echoed.

“I didn't know Miko's had power too.” Suboshi said.

“That is cool.” Amiboshi finished.

Charlotte smiled as Amiboshi picked up his flute again and started playing. She fell asleep soon afterwards.

“So, what am I supposed to do?” Charlotte asked the next day.

“First, you need to locate the other three Seiryu seishi.” Nakago said.

“Okay!” Charlotte said.

Three months later… (Or when Miaka opens the book again.)

“Oh Miaka! You're back.” Hotohori said. Miaka smiled and saluted.

Skip to Episode 11. Miaka goes off to find Charlotte.

“Let me in! I'm Seiryu no Miko!” Miaka shouted at the guards. The guards blocked her way. Just than, Nakago came and took her.

“So she is the Seiryu no Miko?” the totally oblivious Emperor asked.

“Of course I am!” Miaka chirped.

“Well, you aren't the only girl from another world, so we'll have to see.” Nakago said, drawing back a curtain and revealing Charlotte.

“Charlotte!” Miaka cried as she ran towards Charlotte and the two girls embraced. Nobody except Amiboshi noticed when Charlotte pressed a pressure point on Miaka's back, causing her to drop the scroll.

Nakago picked up the scroll. He opened it. “This is Konan's copy of The Universe of the Four Gods.” He said. “Therefore, you must be Suzaku no Miko!”

Charlotte leads Miaka down a secret passage. They ended up in a room.

“Why are we here?” Miaka asked, totally oblivious.

Charlotte closed her eyes as the air around her started to glow blue. She was sending messages to the twins, who were the only seishi she had formed a bond with, but Miaka hadn't noticed. She was too busy looking at the tapestries.

Tamahome came in just then. Miaka ran to him.

“I'll go and get the scroll back.” Charlotte said. She leaves Tamahome and Miaka alone in the room.

Tamahome and Miaka kiss repeatedly. Tamahome confesses that he loves Miaka.

“Let me have the scroll.” Charlotte said to Nakago. Nakago raised his eyebrows.

“Why are you doing this? Have you forgiven her already?” He asks.

“Of course not, but I still have an act to keep up.” Charlotte says. She smiled disarmingly. “I'm a pretty good actor.”

“Very well. I will be waiting in the shrine of Seiryu.” Nakago said as he pulled a scroll out of his pocket.

“Thank you.” Charlotte says.

Charlotte enters and sees Miaka and Tamahome locked in a passionate embrace. She clears her throat.

“I've come to take you back.” Charlotte said. She crossed her fingers behind her back, smiling slightly.

Tamahome and Miaka followed her, still completely oblivious. (Note: I don't like Miaka and I don't like Tamahome. Just thought you might want to know…)

Charlotte told Tamahome to wait outside the Seiryu shrine. She and Miaka went inside. As they entered, lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Tamahome ran towards the entrance, sensing that something was amiss, but he hit a barrier.

“Eh?” Miaka looked. She saw a statue of Seiryu. “How do we get back?”

“Miaka.” Charlotte said in a soft voice. Miaka turned around. Charlotte smirked. Miaka was too naÃ¯ve for her own good. This time she would pay.

“Yes?”

“Luciana's reign of heartbreak has come to an end. It is time for each to receive their own.” Charlotte said.

Miaka blinks.

“Do you have any clue what happened to me when I entered the book? I'll tell you.” Charlotte said. “I was accosted by slavers and they raped me. Why didn't you come help me? I needed you to save me, but did that happen? NO! YOU ONLY CAME BACK BECAUSE YOU LOVE TAMAHOME!” She screamed as Miaka reached out a hand to try and help.

“I-I didn't do that!” Miaka protested. Charlotte slapped her hand away forcefully. Miaka yelped in pain.

“Because of what you did to me and my family, Luciana, I'm going to pay it back in full!” Charlotte shouted. “I'll take Tamahome away from you, because you love him!”

Miaka was still stunned. Tamahome is still banging on the barrier.

Just than, Tamahome manages to break through the barrier. He glares at Charlotte and attacks her, even though she is a girl. Charlotte blocks his attacks as best as she can, but it is obvious that she is losing very badly. However, he is suddenly hit by the flying Ryuuseisui on the head and knocked out.

Amiboshi and Suboshi step into the light, followed by Nakago. Charlotte smiles and kicks Miaka (who got knocked to the floor during the fight) in the ribs.

“Why?” Miaka asked, as tears flowed down her face. “Why?”

“You still don't remember? It doesn't matter.” Charlotte said. “But remember this. From today on, we are enemies. The priestess of Suzaku vs. the priestess of Seiryu… By the way, you seem to be out of usable seishi.”

Nakago is tossing Miaka around using his magic when Chichiri appears! He tosses Tamahome into his kesa and tells Miaka to get in also.

“Miaka, get in the kesa no da!” Chichiri said.

Miaka reaches out a hand to Charlotte, but Amiboshi blocks her way. He blows a shrill note on his flute, causing Miaka to shriek in pain and fall into the kesa. Chichiri jumps into the kasa and they disappear.

“Pity.” Nakago said as he watched the three of them disappear.

Charlotte didn't say anything. She simply smiled disturbingly as she touched the slashes on her wrists.

“We should have killed her!” Suboshi argued.

“Killing is wrong.” Amiboshi said, admonishing his twin.

“Don't worry. The game has just begun.” Charlotte said. She smiled at her three seishi before vanishing via another secret passageway.

“Honestly!” Amiboshi said. Suboshi turned around and glared at the wall.

“I guess Miaka will be trying to find the other Suzaku seishi now.” Charlotte said, sounding muffled. Her eyes glittered. “I have a plan that just might work…”

“Really?” Nakago asked dully.

“Of course. But first, we need someone to pose…” Charlotte said, reappearing. She looked at Suboshi, Amiboshi, and Nakago. “None of you can do it, though.”

“What are you going to do?” Amiboshi asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

“I was thinking of sending someone to pose as an unknown Suzaku seishi. Not too hard, considering she's only found four.” Charlotte said. Her proclamation was greeted with stunned silence.

“What?!” Suboshi asked. “Why can't we just kill them now?”

“Killing is bad!” Amiboshi repeated. “How did you get so bloodthirsty, Suboshi?” Suboshi glared.

“That may be a good idea.” Nakago said. He actually seemed to have a bit of emotion now. “However, we may have to wait on that one.”

“How is she going to find her warriors now that she doesn't have The Universe of the Four Gods anymore?” Soi asked, having just popped in to check on Nakago.

“I have no idea.” Nakago said. “But I'll have my spies check on her.”

Soon, Nakago's spies discovered that Miaka was using a mirror from Taiitsu-kun to find the seishi. Miaka, Tamahome, and Chichiri had just left the palace when Suboshi appeared in the imperial palace. Hotohori pulled out his sword and Nuriko ran into the room.

“I'm not here to fight, Suzaku scum.” Suboshi snarled. “I'm simply delivering a message from my Miko. Deliver Suzaku shichiseishi Tamahome or else!” Nuriko was about to jump on Suboshi when Suboshi vanished.

Suboshi returned to Kutou. “It's done.” He told Charlotte, who smiled grimly.

“Just you wait, Miaka.” Charlotte said. A smirk crossed her features.

Meanwhile, Hotohori sent Nuriko to go look for the Suzaku seishi and deliver the message. Nuriko arrived just in time to save Miaka from an axe. He told the other seishi about Suboshi's message.

“That's barbaric!” Tamahome said.

“You won't go, will you?” Miaka asked.

“Che, of course not!” Tamahome said brightly. However, Miaka was not reassured.

“Besides, they'll never find us here.” Tamahome said. He gestured to the forest that they were in. Miaka smiled, reassured.

“Be careful, no da.” Chichiri said.

Pretty stars across the screen and it changes to the Seiryu side.

“He's not coming?” Charlotte asked.

“Hai, Charlotte-sama.” Amiboshi said. Suboshi nodded also.

Charlotte sighed. “I was hoping this would work… I should have threatened her.”

“I guess we will have to try another method.” Nakago says.

Nakago closed his eyes and said. “Well, maybe we could kidnap one of the other seishi. As long as they do not have all 7, they cannot summon Suzaku.”

“That may be a good idea.” Charlotte said. “But who?”

“Hotohori.” Soi spoke up. Everyone stared at her.

“Hey, I have a brain too, you know.” She said, annoyed. “A good warrior uses their mind as well as their body.”

“The emperor?!”

“Why not?”

“We should try it.” Charlotte said. “Soi, since it was your idea, I'm sending you to do the job.”

“Hai, Charlotte-sama!” Soi said, bowing. She took off.

Red fire across the screen, changes to Suzaku side.

Nuriko had just left the party of seishi along with Chichiri. Miaka and Tamahome continued on their way.

Soi watched Nuriko and Chichiri returning to the palace. She assumed that Nuriko was Hotohori, so she waited until Chichiri had gone off to get water.

“Lightning!” Soi said cheerfully as Nuriko was electrocuted. Chichiri heard his scream and came running.

Chichiri fired a chi blast at Soi, who dodged (barely) and ended up losing a few strands of her red hair.

Soi threw some lightning at Chichiri to keep him busy. Then, she scooped up the unconscious Nuriko and vanished.

Chichiri put up his barrier. Then, he noticed that Nuriko and the Seiryu seishi were gone.

“I've got you now, Hotohori!” Soi said. She entered the Kutou palace a moment later, still carrying the unconscious Nuriko.(Who was dressed as a girl.)

“I've got Hotohori, guys! Aren't you proud of me?” Soi asked.

Nakago walked in. He took one look at Nuriko and face vaulted.

“Soi, that is a girl!” Nakago shouted. “THE EMPEROR IS A MAN!”

“Oops.” Soi said, blue eyes widening in embarrassment.

Amiboshi and Suboshi walked in. They took one look at Nuriko and shook their heads simultaneously.

“That isn't the emperor! He has BROWN hair!” Suboshi said.

“Besides, the emperor would still be at the palace!” Amiboshi continued.

Soi frowned. “Well, at least we have a seishi, right? That way they can't summon Suzaku!”

“You're right.” Nakago said.

Soi breathed in relief. Then, she saw her hair and frowned. “My hair!” She immediately ran off to her room to fix it.

Nuriko had woken up in this space of time. He immediately tried to escape.

“Oh no you don't!” Charlotte called. She dropped down from a balcony. “Static Illusion!”

Nuriko screamed for a second, but than he quieted down as the illusion claimed him.

“We'll keep him here.” Nakago decided.

Switch scene to Miaka and Tamahome.

They were completely oblivious to the fact that Nuriko had been kidnapped. They were too busy kissing. Chichiri returned and told them what had happened. Miaka decided to go find the rest of the Suzaku seishi first.

Nakago's spies told him that Miaka is looking for the rest of the Suzaku Seishi and they are near Mt. Leikaku, where the mirror is leading them. Charlotte decides to try and kidnap another Suzaku seishi just for security.

Meanwhile, Nuriko was still in `illusion dream'. He was too busy to notice that his symbol was slowly turning purple.

Charlotte and Soi had gone off to find the next Suzaku seishi together. They hadn't walked very far before they fell into a pit.

“Lightning Flight!” Charlotte said exasperatedly as her wing frames appeared. She extended a hand to Soi and pulled them both out of the pit. Soi sweatdropped.

“Do you think one of the bandits might be a Suzaku seishi?” Soi asked.

“Sure. Why else would Miaka-baka be searching here?” Charlotte asked.

“Well, then let's find the bandits!” Soi said. Sparks crackled from her fingertips.

“Yeah!” Charlotte agreed. Soon, they fell into another pit. They climbed out, but pretty soon they fell into a third pit.

“You know, I think we should just wait for the bandits to come and find us.” Charlotte said, annoyed. She crossed her arms and pulled out a book. Soi closed her eyes and started daydreaming about Nakago.

A while later…

“Hey, we caught some!” A coarse voice shouted. “Eiken is gonna be pleased!”

“Pretty ones too.” Another said appreciatively.

“This is really annoying.” Charlotte muttered. She and Soi allowed the bandits to lead them to their hideout. They waited impatiently while the bandits conferred among themselves.

“Knock knock! Who's there? Why, it's Kouji of course. Now what should we do with these prisoners? Well, first we need to pick one out for that fat slob Eiken. Which one?”

Charlotte and Soi stared at the blue-haired bandit who had quite obviously lost his mind. However, Charlotte got annoyed when he tried to drag her off. “Just what do you think you're doing?” She asked.

“Miko-sama, if you let him take you, maybe we can find the Suzaku seishi.” Soi whispered. Charlotte considered. “Oh, all right.”

Charlotte was led to Eiken's room. She blanched when she saw him.

“Is any one of the men here a Suzaku seishi?” Charlotte asked, going straight to the point. Eiken blinked.

“Not that I know of.” He said. “But if I remember, I'll tell you. Now why don't ya just cooperate…”

“Get off me!” Charlotte snapped. She had had just about enough of this. “Flaming Thunder!”

Eiken shrieked like a girl as the flames surrounded him.

“Now.” Charlotte said, keeping her voice light. “Either you tell me which one of your men is a seishi and I'll let you go. Otherwise…” Her voice trailed off, as she glared at the perverted leader.

“Okay, okay! Tasuki! He's the one!” Eiken shrieked.

“Who's Tasuki?” Charlotte asked.

Meanwhile, Soi had zapped the bandits into oblivion and let herself in. Kouji and a few were still writhing in pain on the ground.

“Tasuki?” She asked. “Now listen here, you pervert. This girl here is Suzaku no Miko, so you'd better help her.”

“All right! But I can't tell ya where Tasuki is. He'll kill me!”

“We'll kill you if you don't tell us.” Soi said. A lightning bolt crashed an inch in front of Eiken. “Now. Are you ready to talk yet?”

Eiken was about to reply when Charlotte was scooped up by a wind. Soi spun around and saw a bandit holding her over his shoulder.

“So, Eiken, I take a little trip and suddenly yer the chief? Even an ugly-ass bastard like you managed to find yourself an old lady.”

Charlotte fumed. He thought she was that disgusting worm's wife?

“G-Genrou! I didn't know you'd be back.” Eiken stammered.

“She's mine now! You wanna get her back, it's you n' me. You win, y' even get t' be boss. But tonight, her cute lil' ass is mine!”

“Give her back!” Soi said. She threw a bolt of lightning at the figure, who dodged.

“Get `em, wolves!” He shouted, as he pulled some strips of paper out of his pocket and they attacked Soi and Eiken. Soi got a couple with her Lightning, but more kept coming.

“Lekka Shinen!” Eiken said, setting them on fire. Soi quickly got out of there.

“Where am I?” Charlotte asked, rubbing her head. She looked around and saw that she was in a rather empty room, with a few cushions scattered here and there and some broken furniture.

“Nobody knows about this place but me `n my friends. Ain't nobody gonna save you.” Tasuki informed her.

Charlotte blinked.

“I got nothin' against you. Just gotta teach Eiken a lesson.” He said, moving closer to her. Charlotte closed her eyes and tried not to flinch.

“So just relax, an y' won't get hurt.” Tasuki said. Charlotte freaked. This was almost as bad as Eiken! She waited until their lips were almost touching before she jumped.

Unfortunately, Tasuki caught her leg and dragged her back to her original position. He was fast! Not many people could catch her.

“I don't need none o' yer crap!” Tasuki said, getting annoyed. He turned around and faced that wall. “What's the point in terrorizing a scared chick? I don't like girls anyway.”

Charlotte frowned.

“It don't matter. Yer my hostage for now, got it? You try anything funny, you're DEAD.”

Charlotte closed her eyes. < Suboshi? Are you there? >

< Hai, Charlotte-sama. Did the plan fail? > Suboshi asked.

< I need you and Amiboshi to come to Mt. Leikaku immediately. We might need your help with our plan. My current situation is not helping us any. > Charlotte answered.

During this, Tasuki had managed to kiss Charlotte, due to her distracted air.

< `Kay. I'll get aniki. We're coming, Charlotte-sama. > Suboshi replied.

Charlotte immediately slapped Tasuki.

Tasuki shouted at Charlotte for a bit. Then, a voice issued from the door.

“Knock knock! Who's there? Why it's Kouji, Genrou's best friend, of course. Why Kouji, how nice to see you. Please come in! Thank you!”

Charlotte stared as the blue-haired bandit from earlier came into the room. Her eyes bugged out a second later when she saw them dancing around the room crazily.

“Miaka no da! I can't feel Nuriko's chi no da!” Chichiri said, breaking up Miaka and Tamahome's litany of names.

“That can't be!” Miaka said. Her lips quivered. “Is he dead?”

“I don't think so, no da.” Chichiri said.

“We have to go to Kutou to find out if he's okay!” Miaka argued.

Just then, they were attacked. Bandits surrounded them and they were dragged off to the hideout, all of them unconscious.

“So you were supposed to be the bandit chief?” Charlotte asked, slightly interested. “Do you know who Tasuki is?”

“Yep.” Tasuki said. “I'll tell ya if ya help me get my position as leader back.”

“Okay!” Charlotte said. The three of them headed down the mountain and towards the hideout.

Tasuki, Kouji, and Charlotte were staring at the multitude of bandits.

“They're the enemy? You can't possibly beat them, no matter how good you are.” Charlotte said.

“We don't need to. We just need to get the Tessen back.” Tasuki admitted.

“What's that?” Charlotte asked.

“It's an iron fan that spits fire an' turns everything to ash!” Tasuki said. “We gotta get it back.”

He pulled his spell cards out of his pocket.

“Hey! That's your magic, right? You can turn paper into wolves!” Charlotte said.

“It's not a trick! It's the art of illusion!” Tasuki snapped. “This priest I met called `em `Spell Cards'. Write what ya want on it, and an illusion pops up!”

“Cool!” Charlotte said.

< Charlotte-sama? > A voice asked in her head.

< Amiboshi? Is that you? >

< No, it's me, Suboshi. Where are you? >

< We're close to the entrance. > Charlotte sent. < Be careful. >

< All right. > Suboshi said, shutting down the connection.

Kouji was just about to sneak in the other side when he fell to the ground clutching his ears in pain. At the same time, the Ryuuseisui surrounded Tasuki.

“Amiboshi! And Suboshi!” Charlotte said, happily.

“Charlotte-sama! You're all right!” Suboshi said happily.

A few minutes later…

“So you're cooperating with them so you can find Tasuki?” Soi asked.

“Yeah.” Charlotte said.

At that moment, a bandit looked over at the bushes and spotted them.

“Hey guys! Genrou's over here!” he said.

“That changes our plans.” Charlotte muttered.

“Heh, don't worry. Sic `em, wolves!” Tasuki shouted. Several wolves burst out of the spell cards and attacked the bandits.

“Static Illusion!” Charlotte shouted, paralyzing several others. Soi attacked with her own thunder, paralyzing a good portion. Amiboshi was playing a tune of hypnosis to try and put the bandits to sleep, but he was putting Suboshi to sleep instead.

“Aniki! Please stop!” Suboshi said as he fell asleep. Amiboshi finally quit playing his flute, flushing in embarrassment.

“REKKA SHINEN!” A voice shouted, as flame burst towards them.

“Lightning Flight!” Charlotte said, scooping up the sleeping Suboshi and taking to the air, as Soi and Amiboshi dodged to the side. The bandits weren't so lucky.

“So nice t' see ya, Genrou! So where're your famous wolves?”

Tasuki winced. The fire had already burned up all of his spell cards and he didn't know what to do.

“Raging Thunder!” Charlotte answered in response, electrocuting Eiken and forcing him to drop the Tessen. “The Tessen belongs to Genrou, so give it BACK!”

Tasuki looked shocked.

However, Eiken used the Tessen to ground the electricity, before shooting a poof of flame at Charlotte, destroying her wings and causing both her and Suboshi to fall to the ground. He immediately wrapped his arms around her throat.

“All right, make one move and I'll strangle her!” he shouted.

“Why are you following his orders?!” Charlotte asked. “Can't you think for yourselves? You're going to kill your friends just for a fan?”

“SHUDDUP!” Eiken shouted, tightening his grip.

Charlotte blacked out. There was a distinctive snapping sound.

Amiboshi looked horrified. Eiken looked rather pleased.

Suboshi groaned as his head hit the floor and he woke up. His eyes widened when he saw Charlotte hanging limply in Eiken's arms.

“Let her go! Ryuuseisui!” Suboshi cried, his Ryuuseisui whirring through Eiken's body, leaving him dead in a pool of blood. Suboshi ran over and caught Charlotte. “Charlotte-sama, are you all right?”

Meanwhile, Tasuki had picked up the Tessen.

“She's okay, Suboshi.” Amiboshi said. “See, she's still breathing, but barely. I think one of her vertebrae is broken.” He leant down over Charlotte and gave her some of his chi through his mouth. (No, he did not kiss her.)

Charlotte stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled and made polite comments as Tasuki apologized to her and admitted to being Suzaku no shichiseishi Tasuki.

“Well, can you come with us?” She asked.

“Che, I guess. Kouji, look after `em.” Tasuki said as he mounted a horse.

< Soi? Are you ready? > Charlotte asked. She had discovered that she could talk to Soi too.

<Hai, Charlotte-sama. > Soi said. As soon as they were out of sight, Soi dropped her `Illusion Ray' attack on Tasuki, putting him in the same state as Nuriko once was.

“Okay, let's go back to Kutou.” Charlotte said.

“What about your neck, Charlotte-sama?” Soi asked.

“I'll take care of it when we get back to the palace.”

She and her seishi turned their horses eastward and headed back towards Kutou.

Back to the Suzaku side…

Miaka rubbed her head as she awoke. “Where are we?”

“You're in the hands of the Mt. Leikaku bandits.” Kouji informed them cheerfully.

“Oh! Do you have a Suzaku shichiseishi here?” Miaka asked, remember the clue from the mirror.

“Nope. He left yesterday, while you were still knocked out.” Kouji replied.

“Where did he go?” Miaka asked.

“With Suzaku no Miko and her three seishi. Why?” Kouji asked.

“That's impossible! Miaka is Suzaku no Miko!” Tamahome said, waking up almost as soon as Miaka did. Chichiri was still out.

“How can you be Suzaku no Miko?” Kouji pondered. “Gen-chan left with her already. Besides, there can't be two Suzaku no Miko.” Kouji said firmly.

“What did she look like?” Tamahome asked.

“I dunno. She had funny clothes, a black skirt and a white shirt.” Kouji said. He scratched his head again. “She had black hair, too. That's all I remember. But you have weird clothes too…”

Miaka's eyes widened. “Suzaku… Charlotte.” She breathed.

“Oh no.” Tamahome said. “She beat us here. What was his name? The bandit who left with her.”

“Genrou, or Tasuki, I guess they called him.” Kouji said. “Why are you so interested?”

“That wasn't Suzaku no Miko.” Tamahome said, turning pale. “That was Seiryu no Miko.”

Kouji blinked.

“Seiryu no Miko? There's a Seiryu no Miko?”

“Yes. And she has Tasuki with her right now!” Tamahome screamed.

Miaka started to cry.

Kouji tried to comfort them, but to no avail. He finally let them go, along with Chichiri. “Gen-chan…”

“She has two now.” Miaka said. “Tasuki… and Nuriko.”

“We can't let her find Chiriko or Mitsukake!” Tamahome fumed.

“I guess we'd better go.” Miaka said sadly.

“I present to you, Seiryu no shichiseishi, Nuriko.” Nakago said. “With some ki manipulation and memory adjustment, he is now completely loyal to you, Seiryu no Miko.”

Nuriko bowed and kissed Charlotte's hand.

Charlotte smiled. “Yes. And Tasuki is being changed as we speak.”

“That makes five Seiryu seishi, right?” Suboshi asked.

“Yes. Nuriko and Tasuki will be Seiryu no shichiseishi also. They will aid us and protect us during the ceremony,” Nakago said. “Just in case those Suzaku bastards attack us.”

“That leaves Mitsukake and Chiriko for Miaka. She will only have five seishi, if she manages to get them.” Soi said thoughtfully.

“Soi?” Amiboshi asked.

“I HAVE A BRAIN TOO!” Soi yelled. “Why do you think I don't?”

Amiboshi wisely backed away.

One week later…

“My spies report that Suzaku no Miko has found Mitsukake.” Nakago said.

“It is time. Who is willing to pose as Chiriko?” Charlotte asked.

“I will do it.” Tasuki said, suddenly appearing.

Charlotte narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “No, you don't seem like the scholarly type.”

Tasuki frowned.

“Nakago, do you know where the remaining three Seiryu seishi are?” Charlotte asked.

“Let's see, Miboshi is at a monastery, Tomo just arrived, and Ashitare has been here for quite a while.” Nakago said.

“So why not use Tomo?” Charlotte asked. “What does he look like, by the way?”

“Er, no.” Nakago said. “You'll see why in a moment. TOMO!”

“Yes, Nakago-sama.” A voice answered. Charlotte looked up and flew towards Tomo, embracing him.

“Get off me, woman!” Tomo cried. Charlotte took a second look at him and let go.

“Tomo, that is no way to speak to your miko!” Nakago scolded.

“Oops. But why did you hug me?” Tomo asked, completely baffled and wondering if his miko was crazy.

“Because you looked a lot like my brother.” Charlotte said. “He never went anywhere without his cloak and mask.”

“Oh, I see. I apologize, Charlotte-sama.” Tomo said.

“Yes, I can see now why we can't send him.” Charlotte muttered. “Too freaky. Not that the makeup isn't artistic in its own way, but still…”

Tomo frowned when Nakago looked at Soi.

“Soi? Nah, she doesn't look like a scholar.” Charlotte said. “Miboshi?”

“No. Miboshi looks worse than Tomo.” Nakago said. “And Ashitare… isn't compatible with the job.”

“Who's Ashitare?” Charlotte asked.

“A giant wolf/man.” Amiboshi replied, making a face.

“I know, Charlotte-sama!” Cried Suboshi. “Send Aniki! He's very scholarly, and…Uh, Hehehe…” Suboshi drifted off into silence as he noticed that Amiboshi was giving him the DEATH GLARE.

“Suboshi, I explained already why I could not send either of you. Maybe I should go myself.” Charlotte said. This elicited a lot of outbursts.

“NO! you're the miko!”

“Sure, go ahead. And take Soi with you, kekekekekekekeke.”

“Painted freak! She's not going!” sounds of lightning.

“Please don't go Charlotte-sama, you'll die! They'll kill you!”

“Grr. I do it.”

“Ashitare, who's asking for your opinion?”

“Argh! Why does this happen to me?”

etc.

“I'll be fine.” Charlotte reassured them. “Now, Tomo, I'm going to need your help here.”

“Eh?” Tomo asked, clueless and secretly pleased.

“Where's your room?” Charlotte asked.

“Uh, I'll take you.” Tomo said. He was getting worried. What did his miko want him to do?

Charlotte looked at all the cosmetics and costumes. “This should do nicely.”

Tomo was still confused.

“I need you to give me a makeover.” Charlotte said.

“Uh… okay.” Tomo said. “What do you propose to do?”

“Make me look like someone from this world. And I need to be different enough so Miaka doesn't' recognize me.”

“Okay.” Tomo said. He picked up his brushes and started working.

A few hours later…

Charlotte looked at her reflection in the mirror. Tomo had straightened her hair with a hot iron and cut it so it only reached her shoulders now. He had also used pale paint to lighten her skin color, covered the scars on her wrists and face, darkened her eyes with some illusory magic, and painted her cheeks with pale pink blush. Her school uniform had been replaced with a red tunic and pants. Tomo had also given her a small jar of `illusion paint' just in case anything wore off.

“Yes, that'll do nicely.” Tomo said, looking at his handiwork and beaming with pride. “I wish you good luck, Miko-sama.”

Charlotte smiled and kissed Tomo on the cheek, making him nearly faint.

“Miko-sama?!” Tomo asked, confused.

“If you think I'm in love with you, Tomo, that's not it.” Charlotte said, laughing.

Tomo sighed in relief.

“Besides, don't you like Nakago?”

Tomo paled, which was very visible, since he wasn't wearing his makeup at the moment.

Charlotte was about to go, but then Tomo remembered something. “Wait! We still need the seishi symbol, miko-sama.”

He looked around frantically for his tattoo paint. “Um, I don't seem to have it in red…”

Charlotte sighed. “Okay, I'll go ask Soi if I can borrow her makeup.”

“Wait!” Tomo said, jumping into his closet and coming out a second later with a small box. “We can use this.”

Charlotte smiled to herself. Tomo would do almost anything to be preferred over Soi… she didn't like rivalry between her seishi, but it didn't seem to be avoidable.

She sat patiently while Tomo stenciled the symbol å¼µ on her left arm in red.

“Okay, we're all done.” Tomo said as he led her out into the hall. “You'll have to speak in a different voice, though. Do you know how?”

“No, why don't you teach me?” Charlotte asked. Tomo sighed and spent the next few days teaching her how to speak in a lower range.

The next week…

Even Nakago had a hard time telling it was Charlotte.

“Okay, so here's the plan. I'll go to Konan, and save them from these bats that are going crazy because of the lightning sparks coming from the pendant underneath my clothes. Thanks, Soi. I'll appear with my mandolin and play it, sending the bats to sleep. Then, I'll report to either Suboshi or Amiboshi every night with their whereabouts, right?”

“Precisely.” Nakago said. “My spies report that she is in Tamahome's home village.”

“Very well.” Charlotte said. “I should get there by noon at the latest.”

“Good luck, Charlotte-sama!” Suboshi said.

“Yeah, go for it!”

“Kekekekekekekeke, my makeup skills are good, aren't they?”

“Tomo!” sounds of lightning.

“Well, it's true!”

“I wish you luck in your endeavor. This is a truly brave thing you are doing for Kutou.”

“Bye!”

Switch to the Suzaku Side

Mitsukake, Chichiri, Miaka, and Tamahome were visiting with Tamahome's family.

“Ah, I can't sleep.” Miaka muttered. She decided to go outside. Tamahome followed.

“I don't like the look of those bats…” Tamahome said, shuddering. Then, he screamed as one of them bit Miaka.

“Miaka!”

Mitsukake and Chichiri came running out.

“These are not normal bats, no da! They are being controlled by something!” Chichiri said.

“Well, we have to do something!” Tamahome said, punching one out of the air.

Suddenly, they heard the sound of music.

Charlotte walked out, strumming her mandolin. The bats began to bash themselves into trees. Charlotte sent a silent thank you to Amiboshi.

“Look at her arm!” Tamahome said. Miaka gasped when she saw the `stretching' symbol.

“That's Chiriko.” Miaka cried.

“They call me Chiriko… my village was attacked by Kutou soldiers… I'm the only one who survived…” Charlotte said, before collapsing into Tamahome's arms.

Miaka frowned.

Tamahome shrugged and carried her inside.

Tamahome's family took care Charlotte for a day, before she headed back to Konan with the rest of the Suzaku seishi and Suzaku no Miko.

< Suboshi, are you there? >

Suboshi opened his eyes and sat up. < Charlotte-sama? >

< Hai. It worked. Please thank Amiboshi, Soi, and Tomo for me. >

< All right. So they fell for it? >

< I don't think they know I'm me yet. >

< That's good. I'll tell Nakago-sama. >

< Thanks, Suboshi. >

Two weeks later, in Charlotte's room…

< Amiboshi? >

< Hai, it's me. Yes Charlotte-sama? >

< The Suzaku seishi are planning to attack Kutou palace tomorrow to rescue Nuriko and Tasuki. You are to let them go, albeit reluctantly. We will disrupt the summoning ceremony. >

< Okay. I'll tell Nakago-sama. > Amiboshi said.

< Oh yes, and tell Tomo that I'm running out of `illusion paint' and that I need some more. >

< All right. Bye! >

Charlotte smiled. She was staying behind with Mitsukake, while Hotohori, Tamahome, Chichiri, and Miaka went off to rescue Tamahome.

The next day…

“Where are they?” Tamahome asked a terrified guard.

“Who?”

“Nuriko and Tasuki!”

“Oh, they're … in the garden right now…”

“Thanks for your cooperation.” Tamahome said as he punched the guard unconscious.

He and the other Suzaku seishi snuck out into the garden, due to the idiocy of the guards, etc.

“There's Nuriko!” Miaka whispered excitedly. She saw the two `Suzaku' seishi lounging around on the grass.

“And the guy with the fan must be Tasuki, no da.” Chichiri said.

“Yeah! Let's get them!” Tamahome yelled.

Hotohori clamped a hand over his mouth.

“I'm afraid not.” Nakago said, stepping out into the clearing with Soi and the twins.

“Bastard!” Tamahome hissed, attacking Nakago. Nakago blasted him.

Soi shot lightning at Chichiri, distracting him.

“NURIKO, HELP!” Tamahome shouted. Hotohori was valiantly using his sword to block Suboshi's Ryuuseisui.

Nuriko turned around and jumped on Amiboshi, choking him so that he blacked out.

Suboshi blacked out too, because of their twin-bond.

However, Nakago had used his chi blasts to put Tamahome out of commission.

“LEKKA SHINEN!” Tasuki shouted, flaming Soi. In the confusion, Chichiri threw his kesa around everyone and they reappeared in Konan.

Tomo and Ashitare ran out.

“It worked, of course.” Nakago said. “I didn't know Tasuki and Nuriko were such good actors…”

“Hey! I gave them nonstop training for two weeks!” Tomo said, quite angry that his efforts were being overlooked.

Soi zapped him.

Tomo and Soi fought.

Back in Konan…

Mitsukake healed Tamahome back to full health. They decided to do the summoning ceremony.

< Amiboshi? >

< Hai, Charlotte-sama? >

< I've already told you to drop the -Sama. The Suzaku seishi are doing the summoning ceremony tomorrow. >

< Nakago will be pleased. >

< I know. >

Charlotte sat back on her bed. She really didn't want to kill the Suzaku seishi, but she needed to summon Seiryu to bring peace to Kutou. And the only way to do that would be to prevent the Suzaku seishi from summoning Suzaku. Nuriko and Tasuki had played their parts beautifully, and nobody was none the wiser.

Ahem. So after all the necessary preparations are in order, and the seven seishi are around the fire…

The Four Directions of the Earth
By using the way, mind, and goodness
With deep rules
With truth and justice
Please tell the protector of the South, Suzaku

Now I will complete the words: Seven Constellations
From the sky to the Earth
Through the Four Ultimates
Fulfill for all living things

Please make extinct every kind of evil
By your godly powers
Protect us.
Only I wish
Please listen to this
From the sky
Please come down to us!

Nothing happened.

“What's wrong?! I don't get it!” Tamahome yelled.

Charlotte stood up and smiled. “Your ceremony has failed. You will never be able to call Suzaku.”

“Nani?!” Miaka asked, as she heard Charlotte speak in her normal voice. “Charlotte?”

“Seiryu no Miko!” Tamahome shouted angrily as he charged her. However, he was prevented when Tasuki and Nuriko blocked his way.

“What are you two doing?” Mitsukake asked, wondering if they were ill.

“Why are you protecting her?” Miaka asked, totally confused.

In response, Tasuki and Nuriko both glowed with a faint blue light before they disappeared.

“Blue?” Miaka asked.

“They're Seiryu no shichiseishi now, no da!” Chichiri said. “That's why I couldn't feel their chi, even when they were right next to me!”

“Well, it looks like your seishi are gone now.” Tamahome said, advancing on Charlotte. However, he was shocked when the Ryuuseisui slashed his arms and legs.

“That's impossible! The Ryuuseisui belonged to that psycho kid!” Miaka whined.

Charlotte smiled strangely. “Did I ever tell you that Suboshi and I are very alike?”

Miaka blinked.

Hotohori advanced on Charlotte with his sword. He managed to stab her in the stomach because Tamahome was keeping the Ryuuseisui (and Charlotte) occupied. However, her blood melted his sword. (Remember, Charlotte has fire in her veins, not blood! If you don't know why, read `Phantomness'!)

“Looks like you're out of usable seishi, now.” Tamahome mocked as the Ryuuseisui stopped.

However, when Charlotte fell to the ground, blue light suddenly shone from her body and she disappeared as well.

“Impossible!” Chichiri said.

“What'll we do now?” Miaka asked.

“Don't worry, we'll get Tasuki and Nuriko back.” Tamahome reassured her as Mitsukake healed his wounds.

Back in Kutou…

“I knew I should have gone!” Suboshi fumed as he watched the doctor take care of Charlotte.

“She's very lucky.” The doctor said. “The blade did not go in that deep. It was partially deflected by her belt.”

“That's a relief.” Nakago said.

“She's a fast healer, but I'd advise a week of rest at least.” The doctor said before he left. “Sheesh, why did she keep burning my bandages? It would have been a lot quicker…”

“That means we can do the ceremony in a week. Until then, we must guard her very carefully. Tasuki, take care of her.”

“Hai.” Tasuki said. He sighed. “Women…” Even if he was a Seiryu seishi now, his personality was still very similar.

That night, Tasuki caught Chichiri sneaking in. He flamed Chichiri, but the damned monk had cast some sort of paralysis spell on him and now he was immobile.

< Damn it, where are y' other seishi when I need help? > Tasuki fumed.

As if in response, Miboshi appeared and challenged Chichiri. The two fought, until finally Miboshi possessed Chichiri.

“AHHHH! It's a Suzaku shichiseishi!” Tomo said when Miboshi entered his room, which happened to be the closest.

“Keep it down. It's me, Miboshi.” Miboshi hissed. “I'm temporarily possessing this Suzaku seishi, so tell everyone.” As proof,

“Okay.” Tomo said, running off to find his Nakago-sama.

(Authoress' note: Poor Chichiri! Don't worry, he won't stay like this forever…)

“He says that the Suzaku seishi are going off to find the Shinzaho.” Miboshi reported.

“Should we go?” Soi asked, worried.

“No. I will have my spies watch them. However, if the situation gets too bad, I will send Ashitare or someone else to attack them.” Nakago said.

“Hai, Nakago-sama.” Soi said.

Meanwhile, Miboshi was having the time of his life reading Chichiri's mind.

Back to the Suzaku side…

“Chichiri isn't back yet.” Hotohori said, looking at his clock. “I'm getting worried…”

“No way!” Miaka said. “Oh no! What if he got captured?”

“Don't worry, Miaka-sama.' Chiriko said. The real Chiriko… He had appeared after Charlotte had vanished, and had joined them.

“After all, Chichiri-kun is so smart, he'll be back in no time!”

“I hope so…” Miaka said worriedly.

<HELP! >

“Where did that come from?” Miaka asked, holding her head.

“Maybe it's from Chichiri!” Hotohori stated.

< You have to come to Kutou! One of the Seiryu seishi is inside my body! He hasn't noticed my telepathy yet, but I need you to come! >

“We're coming!” Miaka shouted. She, Tamahome, Hotohori, and Mitsukake mounted horses and headed off for Kutou, ignoring the protests of the advisors.

“Ow…” Charlotte said. She blearily opened her eyes and saw Tasuki leaning over her.

“Are ya okay?” Tasuki asked.

“I think so…” Charlotte said, but when she tried to sit up, pain rippled through her body.

“Ya got stabbed pretty badly… the doctor says ye're gonna have ta stay in bed fer a week.”

“Okay.” Charlotte said.

“ `sides, what's with yer blood? The first couple times the doctor tried ta bandage you, they all burned up!” Tasuki queried.

“Long story.” Charlotte said, closing her eyes.

“ 'Kay, if yer tired, I'll let ya rest.” Tasuki said.

Charlotte smiled and fell asleep.

“LEKKA SHINEN!” Tasuki yelled a while later when he saw Tamahome. “What the hell do ya think ye're doing here?” He briefly wondered why he was the one who had gotten stuck with this job. It wasn't the piece of cake it was supposed to be. He also wondered where the other shichiseishi were. He had just broken the paralysis spell when this happened. Women! They were so much trouble!

“Rescuing Chichiri!” Tamahome shouted, before he punched Tasuki in the stomach, sending him crashing into the dresser.

“Ouch.” Tasuki muttered as he slowly stood up.

“Tasuki, please remember!” Miaka said, tears running down her face.

“Who the heck are ya?” Tasuki asked.

“Suzaku no Miko, Miaka Yuki!” Miaka said cheerfully.

“Suzaku no Miko, eh?” Tasuki said. He turned and bolted out of the door. “Hey guys, there's Suzaku no shichiseishi here!”

Nakago rolled over and groaned. “What is it?”

“Suzaku something.” Soi muttered.

“What if it was Suzaku seishi, Soi, get up!” Nakago yelled as he pulled on his clothes.

“Coming.” Soi said.

“Got her.” Tamahome said, as he hoisted up Charlotte's sleeping form. “Now we just need a way to send her back to your world, Miaka.”

“Not if I can help it!” A voice shouted.

“Well, well. It's the little psycho, eh? Too bad your tricks weren't good enough to help your miko.” Tamahome taunted.

Suboshi glared in rage and closed his eyes.

“Fool! Giving up that easily?” Tamahome continued to boast.

“Key that hides the power of the sun, reveal your true form before me! Your master Suboshi under the seal of contract commands you, Release!” Suboshi cried. “Firey!”

Tamahome and Miaka both stared as the huge fire angel streaked towards them.

“Hurry!” Chichiri shouted, throwing his kesa over both of them. Apparently he had escaped from Miboshi's control. The three of them vanished in a poof of nothing.

Hotohori and Mitsukake looked around and gulped.

Suboshi got cross-eyed and fell over.

Charlotte stared in shock. “So it's true… I only half believed it until now.”

“What's true?” Nakago asked, coming in with Soi.

“Suboshi is `me' in this world. My twin.” Charlotte said.

Suboshi woke up.

Everyone stared at him.

“Er, did I miss something?” Suboshi asked nervously.

“No. THANK YOU!” Charlotte said, hugging him tightly. Suboshi blushed.

“How did you know that chant?” Charlotte asked.

Suboshi shrugged. “I don't know.”

“Wait… so this means Amiboshi must be Erik's twin.” Charlotte said. Her eyes twinkled playfully.

“Eh? Aniki is your brother?” Suboshi asked.

“Never mind.” Charlotte said.

“You need to rest.” Nakago said. “You are still weak from your wound.”

“All right.” Charlotte consented.

“Tasuki, you need a break. Tomo, you guard her room!”

“Do you honestly believe they will try to attack again, Nakago-sama?” Tomo asked.

“Who can tell the minds of Suzaku shichiseishi?” Nakago asked philosophically as he and Soi left. As if in answer, Hotohori charged him with his sword. Nakago, not in the mood to deal with this interruption, chi blasted the emperor all the way back to Konan.

Nuriko groaned, rolled over, and proceeded to go back to sleep, having taken no notice of anything that had happened.

Tomo busied himself by redoing his makeup.

Charlotte fell asleep again.

Mitsukake looked around worriedly. Nobody seemed to have noticed him yet. He opened the door to Charlotte's room.

“Whaddya want?” Tomo asked. “This is the miko's room! No commoners or servants allowed!”

“Is she hurt?” Mitsukake inquired. “I am a physician.”

“She's already been examined. But if you want the reward Nakago-sama's offering, you can try and heal her.” Tomo shrugged.

“Reward?”

“Hai. Nakago-sama is offering 100 gold ryo to the physician who can have her healed in three days.”

“Really?” Mitsukake looked at the Seiryu no miko. Even if she had disrupted the summoning ceremony, she was just a traumatized girl doing what she thought was right. And nobody could survive very long with that horrid stomach wound. With that thought, he summoned forth his powers and healed her.

Tomo stared. “You're a Suzaku shichiseishi!” He opened his palm and Shin started to glow.

“Yes, but I mean no harm.” Mitsukake said quickly.

“Well, since you just healed the miko, I'll let you leave.” Tomo said. He also gave Mitsukake the bag with the ryo in it, since he had healed Charlotte. Suzaku seishi were so odd…

Two days passed, and nothing happened. Tomo and Charlotte spent their time comparing and contrasting opera.

Back to the Suzaku Side…

“We shouldn't be worrying about the Seiryu seishi. We should just get the Shinzaho.” Hotohori said.

“Yes, but still…” Miaka murmured. “I still feel like I've betrayed Nuriko…and Tasuki, even if I didn't know him…”

“Only very powerful magic could change them so suddenly. It is evil magic.” Chichiri spoke up.

“Perhaps I could heal him of it?” Mitsukake questioned.

“Perhaps. But we would have to capture Nuriko first.” Chiriko spoke up.

“Yes. We have to find him before any of the others do.”

“So here's what we do…”

“Remind me again, Mitsukake, why did you heal Charlotte?”

“I'm a healer… my job is to help people.”

Back to the Seiryu side…

Nuriko groaned as he woke up. “AAHHHH! WHERE AM I?!” He found Mitsukake staring back at him.

“So you're finally awake.” Mitsukake commented.

“Where am I?” Nuriko repeated.

“Konan Imperial Palace.” Mitsukake stated. “And I have some questions to ask you.”

“Fire away.” Nuriko muttered.

“Firstly. Did you join the Seiryu because Hotohori rejected you?”

Nuriko shook his head repeatedly. “No, no, no! I don't even like Hotohori.” Mitsukake looked shocked at this outburst.

“Then why?” Mitsukake asked, interested.

“Because Charlotte-sama was nice and she is becoming Seiryu no Miko to bring peace to Kutou!” Nuriko said firmly. “Besides, you Suzaku shichiseishi killed my sister! It's all Tamahome's fault!”

“She promised?” Mitsukake asked, amazed. Even if she was Miaka's enemy, it seemed she did have a heart. He didn't seem to have made a mistake healing her.

“Yes. That's her first wish. Her second wish is to make all the Seiryu seishi happy, which includes me. And her third wish is to bring her brother back to life.” Nuriko said. “It's also because of her brother that she hates Miaka.”

“Miaka killed her brother?”

“Yep. Not directly, of course, but she broke his heart and he committed suicide.” Nuriko remembered hearing Charlotte talking to the twins about it. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but he knew how she felt. Like she had lost her other half. He had felt that way when Tamahome had killed Kourin.

“Oh my.” Mitsukake said. Nuriko didn't seem like he was lying, and he could well imagine the pain both Nuriko and the Seiryu no Miko had gone through when their siblings died.

“So why are the other Seiryu seishi so uncaring?”

“Do you really want to know?” Nuriko asked. “Their pasts are as bad as mine or worse.”

“Maybe I can help.” Mitsukake said.

“Fine.” Nuriko sighed. “Whom should I start with?”

“Nakago. He's the one who makes the decisions, right?”

“Okay. Nakago was a member of the Hin tribe. When he was eleven, the Emperor wiped out his race. He saw his mother being raped, and when he did, his powers awakened and he burned all the people around him to death, including his mother. Then, he was taken in by the Emperor and sexually abused for years. Do you want me to continue?”

Mitsukake shook his head. That explained the Shogun's actions… he must hate being a seishi.

“Okay, Soi… well, her parents sold her to a brothel because they couldn't afford to keep her. They were extremely poor. She was raped at age nine and kept there for years, before she escaped.”

Mitsukake paled.

“Tomo… his parents sold him to opera performers at age three… he was first raped at age ten, repeatedly beaten, need I say more?”

Mitsukake looked sick.

“Ashitare… he was captured and kept in a cage for years, since he was half-wolf. He was beaten, starved, exhibited as a freak…”

“How horrible…” Mitsukake managed to choke out.

“Amiboshi and Suboshi watched their parents killed before their eyes in a civil war. They weren't even nine yet! Amiboshi took care of Suboshi for years before Nakago found them and took them to Kutou palace. That's why we need peace for Kutou.”

“Those children?”

“Yes. I think that's everybody. I don't know what Miboshi's past was like, or Tasuki's.”

“Well…” Mitsukake thought for a long time. All those poor seishi, and even their miko… they had gone through so much! Rape, Manipulation, Death of family… it was probably all of them were so uncaring. They should be pitied. He knew they weren't entirely innocent of their crimes, but it helped explain why they were that way. If only Kutou had been a peaceful country like Konan, perhaps this would not have happened…

“That's all I'm going to say.” Nuriko said. He proceeded to stare at the wall. Mitsukake couldn't get anything else out of him, so he went to find Miaka.

“Charlotte is an only child.” Miaka said when Mitsukake asked her.

“Are you sure?”

“Why, are you trying to blame Miaka for Seiryu attacking us, no da?” Chichiri asked.

“No. I just want to get to the bottom of this.” Mitsukake said. “I believe we ought to pity the Seiryu seishi.”

“Pity?!” Tamahome burst out. “They're cruel, uncaring, twisted creatures! Especially Nakago! He should burn in hell! And Charlotte's a monster! And-.”

Mitsukake slapped Tamahome. Everyone stared at him.

“Now listen, Tamahome. I can't excuse their actions, but Nuriko told me what happened to all of them. It's not pretty - rape, torture, betrayal…”

Tamahome's eyes widened. “But-.”

“My job as a healer is to help people. I know the Seiryu seishi are our enemies, but it isn't completely their fault. The world hasn't been very fair to any of them.”

Tamahome scowled. “Even Nakago?”

“Especially Nakago. If you want the complete story you'll have to ask Nuriko, but I think its sufficient to say that life was rather cruel to him.”

Chichiri looked shocked, as did Miaka. They felt bad, since they had judged the Seiryu seishi on appearances only.

Nuriko was sleeping when someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned and saw Tomo floating there.

“Tomo?!”

“No. This is just an illusion. Charlotte-sama says to be ready in an hour.”

“Okay.” Nuriko sat down, relieved that he was getting out of the clutches of the Suzaku shichiseishi. They might be semi-nice but they were all nutcases. Mitsukake seemed all right, though.

“Let me talk to him.” Hotohori said.

“I don't think that's a good idea, no da.” Chichiri said seriously. “Nuriko isn't himself, no da.”

“But I MUST talk to him, and apologize.” Hotohori said.

“Well…” Chichiri paused to consider. It couldn't be too bad, right? But Mitsukake had said… still…

“All right, no da. But be careful, na no da.”

“Thank you.” Hotohori said as he ran toward Nuriko's room.

Hotohori peeked in and saw Nuriko staring at the wall.

“Nuriko?”

“Yes? What do you want?” Nuriko muttered, looking down.

“I wanted to apologize.” Hotohori said. “For ignoring you and all that. I feel like this is my fault…”

Nuriko shrugged. “It's not really your fault.”

“But-.”

Nuriko shook his head. “No buts. Besides, I don't blame you. I only blame Tamahome.”

“Tamahome? What did he do?”

“He killed Kourin. She was my younger sister. It felt like I was dying when she died.” Nuriko said.

“Tamahome would never do this!”

“What would you know, especially with that idiotic miko of yours?” Nuriko asked coldly.

“I-.” Hotohori's sentence was cut off. Nuriko's seishi symbol suddenly flashed blue and he disappeared.

“NURIKO!”

Chichiri ran in, being the closest. “What is it Hotohori no da?”

“Nuriko just disappeared!” Hotohori cried.

Chichiri nodded solemnly. “I felt the disturbance in his chi.”

“Do you think he went back to the Seiryu seishi?” Hotohori asked.

“I'm afraid so, no da. I guess we'll have to be enemies, no da.”

“No! That's impossible! I didn't get to say sorry yet!” Hotohori cried.

Chichiri patted him on the shoulder, trying to offer comfort. He went to fetch Mitsukake to try and heal the distraught emperor.

Back to the Seiryu side.

The summoning ceremony was a success. After Charlotte had made her wishes, she reappeared in the real world. Miaka was still stuck in the book though… *_*()

Erik blinked. “Why am I not dead?”

“It's a long story.” Charlotte said.

THE END!

Okay, there's a sequel to this. Now let me explain my thinking. I think Yui could have done a better job of being Seiryu no miko, and that Miaka seemed to be getting all the good luck with everyone falling in love with her, plus she has the more popular seishi. Therefore, I replaced Yui with Charlotte, who dislikes Miaka already.

This is an extremely Mary-Sue fic. That's why it's in my `bad fanfic' archive. Might explain a bit about Charlotte in CCA and stuff though.

Started 12/26/01, completed 3/10/02