Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Charlotte's Arc ❯ Shattered Mirror ( Chapter 2 )

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

Konnichiwa! This is the sequel to my story `Mirror, mirror.'

Disclaimer: If I owned FY, Miaka wouldn't be there and Seiryu would have won. Also, Tamahome would have been long dead. `Nuff said.

Two months after `Mirror, mirror', in the real world, Miaka and Tamahome have both returned to Miaka's world. There was a war between Konan and Kutou, and all of the Seiryu seishi died. So did Tasuki, Chiriko and Nuriko. Miaka's last wish sent her and Tamahome into her world. Miaka is `prepared' to confront Charlotte. Note: Charlotte still looks almost exactly like she did when she was `Chiriko', except that her eye color is back to normal.

< > Indicates telepathic communication between the miko and the spirits, okay? ** Will indicate thoughts.

Note: No me gusta Miaka.

Miaka was so happy to be home, she didn't mind going to school early to talk to her math teacher. She had changed all her grades, except for math, with a wish, because she felt it would be cheating if she could suddenly become good at all her subjects.

“Tamahome! We're leaving!” Miaka called. She and Keisuke got on the train and left.

Tamahome frowned. “Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something?”

That day in school, Miaka noticed that Charlotte was sitting in a corner and not paying any attention. She looked sad. Miaka decided to try and help. So at recess, she went to find Charlotte.

“Hi!” Miaka said cheerfully.

“Go away.” Charlotte growled.

“Sheesh, you don't need to be so mad! I was just trying to help!”

“Help?” Charlotte looked at Miaka skeptically. “I don't need your help! You murderer!”

Miaka blinked. Then, she looked at Charlotte carefully. There were silver streaks in her hair. Funny how she hadn't noticed them before…

However, the small clamshell Charlotte was holding in one hand caught Miaka's attention. She paled as she remembered where she had seen it before. Seiryu shichiseishi Tomo had trapped her in an illusion, and she had only broken out of it with Tamahome's help. Was that the same shell? No, she was just being paranoid, right?

“Charlotte! That's not the shin, is it?” Miaka asked worriedly.

Charlotte cackled. “Of course it's the shin. What else could it be?”

Miaka's eyes widened. “How did you get it? You're not allowed back into the book after you summon your god! And the shin, wasn't it destroyed?”

Charlotte didn't answer as a faint blue light covered her body. When it cleared, Miaka saw Seiryu shichiseishi Tomo standing there, complete with the opera makeup and feathers.

“So, Suzaku no miko, we meet again.” Tomo said.

Miaka backed away. “But you're dead! Hotohori killed you!” she was frightened.

“Well, of course I'm dead! So are all of the other Seiryu shichiseishi. But Seiryu-seikun was very… creative. To keep the spirits of his warriors safe, he sealed them inside his miko. She lets us possess her when we want to.”

“That's horrible!” Miaka said. She couldn't imagine it.

“Anyways, I'm here to kill you.” Tomo said cheerfully as he opened the shin.

Miaka screamed as she was sucked inside the clam.

Tamahome woke up. “Miaka!” He quickly ran towards he school.

Tomo snapped the shell shut with a satisfied smirk. Then, the blue light appeared again and Charlotte reappeared. She looked tired. “Next time, warn me first!”

< That's not what I mean! That took a lot of energy and I just ran out of illusion magic for the next week! >

< Sorry. >

< It's okay. > Charlotte pocketed shin and looked around. There weren't any other kids, so she decided she didn't have to wipe anyone's memory at the minute.

Unfortunately, Charlotte didn't see Tamahome jump over the fence and come flying over to her. “What did you do to Miaka?!”

Charlotte looked up just in time for Tamahome's fist to connect with her jaw. She got cross-eyed and fell over.

Tamahome walked over and started searching her pockets. He found the shin and glared.

“You must have put her inside this clam!” Tamahome concluded as he began pounding on the clam.

< Do something! >

< Well, I can't! You heard her! No illusions for a week! >

< I'll do it. >

< NO! Ashitare, you can't! >

< But… >

< You incompetents! I'll do it! >

Nakago's spirit sighed and slipped into possession mode.

Tamahome didn't look up until a handy chi blast knocked him into the wall of a school. He was too busy pounding on the clam.

“Nice to see you again.” Nakago said as he crossed his arms. “What were you trying to do to my miko?”

Tamahome clenched his fists and proceeded to try and attack Nakago. His anger created a huge chi blast that blew shin to pieces.

Nakago frowned as he felt Tomo trying to take over and kill the Suzaku seishi who had just destroyed his shin. < Tomo, I'm busy! >

< He killed shin! My poor, precious shin! I'll kill him! Let me kill him! >

< I'll do it. > Soi sighed. < Tomo, shut up. >

Nakago shifted into Soi and Tamahome was instantly electrocuted.

< You did it! > Suboshi shouted.

Miboshi yawned.

By now, Tamahome was staring at what had been Charlotte. “You're a monster!”

More blue light flowed over the body as Charlotte reappeared. “Excuse me?” Then, she noticed the shin lying broken on the ground.

There was a flash of light and Tomo reappeared. “You know, that was a very bad idea, kekekeke…”

“What do you mean?” Tamahome inquired.

Tomo shrugged his shoulders. “Miaka's soul was tied to shin. When you broke it, she died.”

Tamahome looked horrified.

He was even more horrified when more blue light appeared and Tomo changed into Nuriko.

“Nuriko!”

Nuriko raised her (yes, her, Charlotte's wish turned Nuriko into a girl) eyebrows.

“Please tell me this is all some elaborate joke.” Tamahome begged.

“Sorry.” Nuriko said as she punched Tamahome through a wall.

Charlotte reappeared (again) as Nuriko vanished. “Could you guys quit doing that? I'm tired.”

< Sorry. > Amiboshi apologized.

Miboshi whined.

< Go away! > Several voices yelled.

Charlotte sighed. This arrangement was rather…interesting, but it was sort of nice in a way, having all of her seishi with her at all times. She could chat with their spirits if she wanted, and if she needed protection they would be there for her.

< Okay, can you be quiet? I need a break. > Charlotte muttered.

< Okay, Charlotte-sama! >

< Suboshi, you don't' have to call me that! >

< Suboshi is just trying to impress you `cause he likes you. > Soi put in.

If Suboshi could have strangled Soi, he would have, but unfortunately, that was not a possibility.

Tamahome couldn't believe he'd killed Miaka. He charged Charlotte (again) as soon as he reappeared through the hole in the wall. He didn't look too bruised, so Nuriko couldn't have thrown him that hard.

Charlotte turned into Tasuki.

“LEKKA SHINEN!” Tasuki cried. “This is payback for what ya did to me in Kutou!”

Tamahome was turned black and crispy. He growled and shook the ash off. “You'll pay for that, you bastard! Why are you siding with Seiryu anyways?”

Tasuki rolled his eyes. “ `Cause I'm a Seiryu guardian, ya dumbass.”

“A Seiryu… guardian?” Tamahome asked.

“Yep! I've got powers similar to those of the seishi, but I'm not a standard Seiryu seishi.” Tasuki finished.

Tamahome charged. Tasuki dodged, with his superior speed.

< Are you done yet? > Charlotte asked. < I'd like my body back, if possible. >

< Just a sec. > Tasuki replied.

< Class is going to start soon! > Amiboshi said.

< Shut up and let me finish him off. > Tasuki said. He Lekka Shinen `d Tamahome three more times before he was satisfied and faded back into Charlotte.

Charlotte sighed as she dusted her clothes off. “Well, I'm off to class now. Great, Tasuki, you made me late!”

< Blame Tamahome! > Tasuki shouted.

< Ouch. > Charlotte rubbed her forehead and ran off to class.

Tamahome groaned and got up. He ached all over, but he wasn't dead yet. However, he still didn't believe that Miaka was dead. He would have felt it! Right?

During math class…

< My shin… my shin… > Tomo sobbed, going into clam withdrawal.

< Shut up, you painted freak! >

< Yeah. > Miboshi seconded.

< Be quiet, you're giving me a migraine. > Nuriko added.

< SHUT UP! > Nakago screamed, losing his temper.

< Hey, aniki, Nakago got ticked. >

< Shun, that's not a smart thing to say, considering that we're all in the same person. >

< But it was funny. > Suboshi whined. Amiboshi just crossed his arms.

< My poor shin… >

< Will you quit it? > Tasuki asked, also annoyed.

< My poor shin… >

< Tomo, if you had been paying attention, you would have noticed that that was a different clam. > Charlotte said, annoyed at the ruckus inside her head.

Tomo brightened up. Soi tried to smack him, but since she was a spirit, it wasn't that possible, and Charlotte did not want to end up fighting herself.

< You two quit it! > Charlotte said. < I'm trying to pay attention. >

< Is that Korsunsky-sensei? > Amiboshi asked.

< Yes! She's a horrible math teacher, but if she catches me daydreaming, she'll kill me! >

Suboshi didn't understand that it had just been a figure of speech. He was shocked. How could a mere human do this to his miko? His protective instincts surfaced and `Kaku' shone on Charlotte's shoulder as the Ryuuseisui whirred into existence and headed straight for the dreaded math teacher.

< Suboshi! You can't kill her! > Charlotte shouted. She knew that Suboshi was only partly melded with her, but she couldn't just go around killing people! Especially not with so many witnesses.

< Eh? > Suboshi stopped the Ryuuseisui just before it reached the math teacher. Korsunsky turned and stared straight at Charlotte.

“I don't know what you're doing, Angel, but get into that hallway now!” Charlotte groaned as she walked out.

If Suboshi had still possessed a body, he would have been blushing furiously. As it was, all he received for his pains was a scolding from Amiboshi's spirit.

That's when Tamahome caught up with her.

He couldn't believe his luck. The girl who had killed his beloved Miaka was going to get it!

< No more possession! My body can't take it anymore! > Charlotte shouted as Tamahome appeared.

< But we're supposed to protect you! > Amiboshi protested as Charlotte ducked one of Tamahome's punches.

< Meld if you must, but no possession! > Charlotte snapped. She immediately felt Ashitare's character flare up. Tamahome only had time to blink before Charlotte stabbed him with her claws.

“AAAHHHH!” Tamahome shouted as he fell out a nearby window.

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Stupid seishi.”

STOP! A voice shouted.

Charlotte looked around, but could not see anyone.

Just then, Taiitsukun appeared.

Charlotte blinked. “Taiitsukun?”

“Seiryu no miko, free Suzaku no miko now!”

Charlotte reached into her pocket and withdrew shin. Tomo's character flared up on her abdomen as she opened the clam and released Miaka.

“Taiitsukun!” Miaka shouted.

“You two, this is a matter of the utmost importance.” Taiitsukun said. “There is an evil entity known as Tenkou who is preventing the rebirth of seishi. You must return to the book and defeat him.”

“Why?” Charlotte asked.

“Don't ask questions! Anyways, to seal Tenkou, you will need all four shinzahos.”

“I only have the Seiryu shinzaho.” Charlotte said.

Miaka blushed. “I'm not sure where the Suzaku one is.”

Charlotte blinked. * Nani? *

“Well, Miaka, do you know where the Byakko and Genbu shinzahos are? You must have used them, right?”

“We used them to summon Suzaku, and then they disappeared.” Miaka said.

“Nice to see you two getting along.” Taiitsukun commented. “Now, take my hands.” The two of them did and vanished back into the book world, including Tamahome, who had somehow reappeared.

Needless to say, Tamahome wasn't too pleased.

“WHAT?!”

Charlotte went off to look for food while Miaka and Tamahome talked.

“Oh look! Wild mushrooms. I wonder if these are edible? Well, Miaka will eat anything…”

Charlotte picked some mushrooms and returned to camp. On the way back, she saw some berry bushes, but since her jacket was already full of mushrooms, she couldn't' carry any more and made a mental note to come back later.

When Charlotte returned to camp, she saw Miaka and Tamahome snuggling.

< Yuck. >

< Shut up Miboshi, you don't appreciate love. Now if it was Nakago-sama and I… >

< Quiet, woman! That'll never happen! Nakago-sama belongs with me! > Tomo countered.

< What would you know, painted freak? >

Charlotte rolled her eyes. < This is getting annoying. >

< Sorry, Charlotte-sama. >

< Drop the -Sama, Suboshi! And the rest of you, I'm trying to work here! >

< Oops. >

Miaka and Tamahome looked up. Miaka's eyes brightened. “Ooh, mushrooms!”

“Now if we could light a fire…” Tamahome said.

“Well, someone go get firewood.” Charlotte said. When she saw that neither Tamahome nor Miaka looked like they were going to move anytime soon, she dropped the mushrooms in exasperation and went to fetch the wood herself.

Charlotte came back to camp with an armful of wood twenty minutes later to find Miaka and Tamahome snogging.

“Would you two quit it?” Charlotte asked, getting annoyed. “We have a job to do! The world is not centered around you, Miaka!”

Miaka teared up and stared to whine.

Tamahome glared at Charlotte, who set the wood down and pulled out the Tessen as `Yoku' lit on her arm.

“Lekka Shinen!” A poof of fire shot out of the fan and set the wood on fire. Charlotte set to work roasting the mushrooms on sticks.

“Mmm!” As soon as the mushrooms had finished, Miaka ate them before Charlotte could get any.

Charlotte growled.

Miaka blinked and clung to Tamahome, who glared at Charlotte again.

“Fine, fine!” Charlotte said. She climbed into a tree and put on her jacket again. The moon was shining brightly in the sky. Charlotte pulled a bottle of moonglow potion (made by Nakago) out of her skirt pocket and drank some. Immediately, she felt a lot better.

< That stupid miko. > Charlotte muttered. < Why do I have to work with her? >

< Amiboshi, that's not what I meant. >

< That Suzaku no miko is such a pain… >

< Hey, Tomo and Soi finally agree on something! > Nakago said.

Everyone looked at him.

“Oh Tamahome, I love you.”

“I love you too, Miaka.”

“Tamahome.”

“Miaka.”

“Tamahome.”

“Miaka.”

“Tamahome.”

“Miaka”

“Tamahome.”

“Miaka”

“Tamahome”

Charlotte put her hands over her ears and tried unsuccessfully to sleep in the tree. Finally, she let Miboshi possess her and drifted off into dreamland.

Needless to say, Miaka and Tama were freaked when a floating monk awakened them.

“AAAHHHHH!”

Miboshi blasted them into a tree. “It's time to get up!”

“Okay, okay!” Miaka said.

“Where's Charlotte?”

Miboshi blinked and wondered just how intelligent Suzaku no miko was.

Charlotte reappeared, looking happier. “Thanks for getting them up, Miboshi.”

“AAAAAHHHHHH!” Miaka shrieked.

“Get up! We have to make breakfast and then we need to go look for the Shinzahos!”

Miaka whimpered.

Charlotte shrugged, and headed towards the berry bushes.

< Tomo, I'm still hungry. Can I cook one of your clams? >

< No. >

< But I'm hungry! >

< Not the clam! Not the clam! >

< Tomo, SHUT UP! >

< You're one to talk, Soi. > Tomo said.

< Do any of you have any food? >

< Charlotte, we're spirits, remember? > Ashitare asked.

Charlotte face-vaulted. She picked some more berries.

Miaka soon discovered the berry bushes, and between her and Tamahome, stripped them in minutes.

Charlotte sweatdropped and decided to see if she could catch any fish. She headed for the stream and using Soi's powers, soon had several ready-cooked fish.

“Well, these aren't that good, but I'm starving…” Charlotte said as she ate a fish.

Miaka wandered over and attacked the fish.

Charlotte noticed that she saved half of one for Tamahome.

< Well, at least that proves she cares about him. >

< Don't you care? She's stealing all your food! > Nuriko asked.

< Why should she? She doesn't like Tamahome. > Suboshi said.

< Even if he is rather cute. >

< Soi? > Tomo asked in shock. < You like Tamahome? Thanks for that piece of information. I'll just take Nakago-sama away from you now-. >

< That's not what I meant! > Soi said.

Nakago rolled his eyes.

Charlotte waited until Miaka and Tamahome were done with their food.

“So, where do you go first?”

“Um, I think we go to Hokkan first, to get the Genbu Shinzaho.” Miaka said.

< Wow. Suzaku no miko actually used her brain for once! >

< Shut up, Miboshi. > Tasuki said, not in the mood to listen to the body-snatching monk.

< QUIT IT! >

< Sorry, Charlotte-sama. >

< Amiboshi, I thought I told all of you to drop the -Sama. How many times do I have to repeat myself? >

< Sorry. > Miboshi said. Tasuki looked ashamed.

<Sigh. It's okay. > Charlotte said. < Well, I guess we'll have to find a way to get to Hokkan. >

< Where is Hokkan, anyways? >

< It's pretty far away, Suboshi. The problem is, they're our enemies. > Nakago said.

< That's not good. > Soi said.

< Well, I hope Miaka knows how to get it. > Charlotte said.

Charlotte noticed that both Miaka and Tamahome were staring at her.

“Er, are you ready to go?” Tamahome asked.

“Sure!” Charlotte said brightly.

They headed for the nearest village. When they saw the small shrine to Suzaku outside, it confirmed their suspicions that they were in Konan.

“Great! Now all we have to do is find Hotohori, and have a ship prepared, and then we can sail to Hokkan!” Miaka chirped.

Well, she certainly was cheerful. Charlotte didn't seem to be too enthusiastic.

< Right. Hotohori? >

< Emperor of Konan, remember? > Soi prompted.

< W-A-I-T. WHAT?! >

< The emperor. >

Miaka turned around just in time to see Charlotte with a panicked expression on her face.

“Charlotte?”

“You're taking me to see Hotohori?” Charlotte asked, trying not to hyperventilate.

“Yeah. What's wrong?”

“Wrong?” * Aside from the fact that I disrupted the summoning ceremony, my seishi killed Chiriko, and I'm the Seiryu no Miko, what else is there? * Charlotte thought sarcastically.

Miaka blinked, “Do you not like Hotohori?”

Charlotte sweatdropped. “Miaka, I am Seiryu no Miko! He's a Suzaku shichiseishi! We're enemies! Need I elaborate more?”

“Oh.” Miaka said.

“It's okay, Miaka. We're supposed to work together now.” Tamahome said. “Now let's ask for directions.”

When the directions had been given, the three travelers headed for the capital.

Charlotte mentally calculated what she had. < Let's see, my school uniform, my key and the Shinzaho, but that doesn't work, two handkerchiefs, a broken pencil, the earrings I'm wearing, and my headband. >

Tomo offered.

< Um, just my armor, my short sword, and my hair ribbon. > Soi said.

< Clothes, flute, and headband. >

< Clothes, ryuuseisui, and headband. >

< Clothes, armor, sword and two daggers, plus an earring. > Nakago offered.

< My prayer wheel. Some money. >

< Nothing. > Ashitare commented.

< Tessen, clothes and jewelry, and sixty gold ryo. > Tasuki commented.

< Just my clothes. > Nuriko said. < Oh, an a picture of Hotohori… and thirty-seven gold ryo. >

< Well, what does Miaka have? > Amiboshi asked.

< Just her school uniform. >

< Darn. And Tamahome? >

< Probably the same thing. Maybe some money. > Nuriko commented.

< Oh well, I hope Hotohori gives us supplies. > Charlotte said. “Hey, Miaka, how much longer do we have to walk?”

“About ten days!” Miaka said cheerfully.

< Ten days?! > Miboshi shouted.

< Miboshi! You're not the one walking! > Charlotte scolded.

< But I can teleport us there! >

< Well, in that case… >

“Charlotte? Do you have something to say?” Tamahome asked, turning to the Seiryu no miko… who had a strange look on her face.

“What would you say to some teleportation?” Charlotte asked.

“Teleportation? Cool!” Miaka said. Tamahome wasn't so sure.

“It might be one of your illusions.” Tamahome said suspiciously.

“You mean one of Tomo's illusions.” Charlotte corrected. “Well?”

“Sounds good!” Miaka chirped.

“Okay.” Charlotte said, as `Mi' shone on her neck and they landed in the council chambers.

“MIAKA!” Hotohori shouted, running off his throne to embrace her.

“Suzaku no miko has returned!” Several councilors shouted.

Charlotte tried to blend in with the carpet, but it didn't work. Hotohori noticed her as soon as he let go of Miaka.

“What are you doing here?”

Charlotte paled. However, Miaka interceded. “Don't do anything, Hotohori! She's going to help us get the Shinzahos so we can summon Suzaku!”

Hotohori raised his eyebrows, but didn't say anything else. Court was dismissed and Charlotte was escorted to a room.

“Do you trust her?” Hotohori asked Tamahome.

“Heck, no!” Tamahome said. “But Mitsukake said that she couldn't help being that way.”

Mitsukake nodded. “She has been through a lot. And she can't do anything, anyways. All of the Seiryu seishi are dead.”

“True.” Hotohori mused. “Very well. But I will accompany you to Hokkan.”

“Who's going to stay here?” Tamahome asked.

“Me, no da.” A voice said glumly. All heads snapped around to look at a disappointed Chichiri.

“Sorry, Chichiri.” Hotohori said apologetically.

“It's all right, no da. I'll be fine, no da.” Chichiri said.

“Very well then.” Hotohori summoned some servants to prepare the journey to Hokkan.

“We're leaving in two weeks, then?” Charlotte asked at dinner.

“Yes.” Hotohori said. Charlotte nodded and applied herself to her food. Possession and melding were both very taxing, and she was tired and hungry.

< Enjoying yourself, Charlotte-sama? > Amiboshi asked.

< Drop the -Sama. Are any of you vegetarian? >

< Nope. > All of the seishi responded.

< Well, in that case, I can eat everything, right? >

< Oh, that roast duck looks good! > Suboshi said.

< It is good! > Charlotte said, taking a wing.

< Sake! You have to drink some! > Tasuki said, eying the bowl.

< NO. Tasuki, there are certain benefits to being fire-blooded, but there are also certain restrictions. One of them is avoiding water at all costs, and another is no alcohol! It makes me lose control. >

< But you can't do anything. >

< No, but you can. And I don't fancy Lekka Shinen'ing the palace to the ground. >

Tasuki pouted.

Charlotte suddenly noticed everyone looking at her. “What?”

“Are you well?” Mitsukake inquired. “You looked like you had left the plane of reality. Your eyes were glazed over.”

“Yeah.” Miaka seconded. It had not been a comforting sight, to see Charlotte's eyes rolled up in her head and gazing at absolutely nothing.

Charlotte blushed. “It's nothing, really.” She looked down at her plate and finished the rest of her meal quickly, before leaving the dining hall.

Charlotte spent the next few days exploring the palace and the city. She went shopping and bought more clothes, as well as some cloth, needles, and thread so she could take care of the problem of underwear.

Of course, Charlotte wasn't the one sewing. She left that to Soi, after the lightning seishi saw her heavily bandaged fingers.

Miaka and Tamahome spent their days snuggling or enjoying the company of the other Suzaku seishi. Charlotte decided that they were actually quite nice people. She hadn't known them that well when she was `Chiriko', because back then she had been too worried that their plan might fall through. Mitsukake was probably the nicest, although he had the odd habit of calling her `Chiriko' sometimes.

Maybe it was because she had masqueraded as Chiriko the first time she had met the healer.

Finally, the day of the voyage arrived.

Miaka put on her improvised backpack that one of the maids had made. It was stuffed full of dried fruit, sweet candies, fresh apples and oranges, some extra undergarments, a brush and comb, soap, shampoo, a pair of slippers, a couple of extra dresses, and more food. Miaka was wearing her school uniform. Charlotte idly wondered why it hadn't worn out yet.

Charlotte herself had several bags, because each of her seishi had insisted on bringing different items. There were extra suits of clothes for all nine seishi, an extra flute for Amiboshi, along with some snacks, more makeup and clams for Tomo, coils of rope for the Ryuuseisui, spell cards that Tasuki had insisted she buy from a priest, a spare prayer wheel, jewelry and cosmetics for Soi, quite a few weapons for Nakago, two barrels of sake for Tasuki, and some scrolls, clothes, and jewelry for Nuriko.

Miaka looked Charlotte's luggage and sweatdropped.

“Only one bag's mine.” Charlotte offered. “The rest is for them.”

Miaka shuddered.

“Your majesty, we are ready to board.” Charlotte was the last to go on the boat. She had hung on to the pier with Nuriko's super strength until Chichiri had used a spell to knock her out and she had been carried onto the boat.

Suboshi commented.

< Well, now you know. > Amiboshi said.

< I'm bored. > Nakago whined. Several of the seishi sweatdropped at the thought of Nakago whining.

< She's trying to sleep. Let the girl have some rest! > Soi said.

< I'm hungry! Can I have some raw meat? > Ashitare asked.

Several seishi blanched.

< No, Ashitare. > Nakago said firmly.

< Aw… >

< Well, when she awakes, I'm getting some sake. > Tasuki said.

< Do what you will, just don't cause any accidents. > Nuriko teased.

< Me? > Tasuki looked offended, then took over and headed straight for the barrels.

Needless to say, the sailors weren't prepared to see a flame-haired bandit who they knew had not been on the ship earlier drinking Suzaku no Miko's friend's sake.

“Your majesty!”

“Yes?” Hotohori asked.

“There's a stowaway, and he's drinking sake!”

“What?” Hotohori grabbed his sword, and headed towards the cellar.

He wasn't expecting to see Tasuki.

“T-t-tasuki?!” Hotohori asked, shocked.

Tasuki yawned. “Who else would it be?”

“But you're dead! I saw you die! Three arrows through the back!”

“Yep, I'm dead now. No thanks to you.” Tasuki said.

“B-but!”

Tasuki decided that nobody had bothered to enlighten the emperor of Konan, so he took the liberty of explaining.

“It's like this. I'm possessing Charlotte.”

“Oh. Wait, what did you say?”

“I'm possessing Charlotte.” Tasuki repeated.

Hotohori fainted.

Tasuki tsked, splashed some sake on him, and patiently explained the situation when the emperor re-awoke.

Needless to say, Hotohori was rather shocked. He nearly fainted again when Charlotte reappeared.

“TASUKI!” Charlotte shouted.

< I'm sorry! But I was thirsty! >

“You did not need to drink that much sake!”

< Oops? >

< You are so dead. > Nuriko predicted.

< Start saying your prayers. > Tomo advised.

< You've never seen the miko mad before, have you. > Nakago said. < You are doomed. >

Tasuki received a lecture and a no-possession restriction for a week.

< WAAAHHHH! >

< Served you right. > Suboshi said, looking at the drunken spirit of the bandit.

< But-but! > Tasuki whined.

< Shut up! > Nuriko snapped.

Miboshi shouted.

Charlotte scowled, but closed her eyes and let Miboshi take over. < Don't kill anyone, okay? >

< Would I do that? >

< Miboshi, the `innocent little me' look does not work for you. > Soi commented.

< Aw… >

The sight of a floating, tiny monk did not help the sailors either. Since Hotohori had locked himself in his cabin, they went to find Tamahome.

“Tamahome-sama! There's a tiny floating monk!”

“WHAT?!”

Miboshi floated by, spinning his prayer wheel.

Miaka freaked.

Tamahome decided that Miboshi was a threat and decided to kill him.

Miboshi blinked as Tamahome punched him. He decided that he didn't appreciate it and summoned up several demons, who tossed Tamahome overboard.

< That should do it. > Miboshi said with satisfaction.

Charlotte giggled.

Miaka screamed again.

Mitsukake came running. He paled when he saw Miboshi.

Miboshi made a face.

< Miboshi, you're scaring them! > Charlotte scolded.

< But it's fun! >

< But the doctor was nice… > Nuriko said. < Don't hurt Mitsukake, okay? >

Miboshi frowned, and faded away, revealing Charlotte.

Mitsukake blinked.

Charlotte sighed as she got up. “Don't worry, Mitsukake, I can explain.”

“I should hope so!” Mitsukake said. “So, Chiriko, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“It's complicated.” Charlotte said, sitting down. “Okay, the basic gist is this. Seiryu sealed the spirits of his seishi inside of me, and they possess me, basically at will. That was Miboshi.”

“Oh.” Mitsukake said, surprised.

“Yes, I think its because now that all the Seiryu seishi are dead, I can't protect myself.”

“Well, I hope you will be okay.” Mitsukake said, before he turned and left.

In a few days, they reached Hokkan.

“Do you know where the Shinzaho is?” Charlotte asked.

“Sure!” Miaka said. “It's in a cave on mount black.”

“And we have to climb up there?”

“Yep!” Miaka said cheerfully.

Charlotte looked pained.

Hotohori and Mitsukake came with the horses. All of them mounted and began riding up towards the mountain.

“See, the Shinzaho is in a cave. There's a boulder at the entrance. Last time, Chichiri had to blast it out of the way with a spell.”

“So how did you get the Shinzaho?”

“Miaka passed the test.” Tamahome said shortly.

Charlotte scowled at him. “Are you implying that I'm not good enough, Suzaku sei?”

Hotohori cut in. “No, no. You two, please stop.”

Charlotte wrapped her cloak tighter around her body. She rubbed her necklace anxiously.

The golden star flared once, as a voice spoke up. “What is it, Magic Knight?”

“Nothing! Sorry, Raikou.” Charlotte said apologetically.

There was a humph from the magic item and then it winked out.

When they finally arrived at the boulder, Charlotte sweatdropped.

“No way!”

“Yes. And Chichiri isn't with us.” Tamahome said glumly. “There's no way we can move that boulder.”

“Hmm…” Charlotte thought for a minute.

< I've got it! Nakago! >

< Yes? >

< Possession mode. >

< Okay. But I'm afraid it will freak them out. >

Blue light covered Charlotte's body, and Nakago stepped out. Kokoro shone on his forehead as he blasted the boulder.

Several small pieces of rock fell off, but aside from that, nothing happened.

Charlotte's eyes went wide.

< Nakago! Put more energy into your chi blast! >

< I'm trying! > Nakago shouted back. He focused some more chi and a few cracks appeared.

The Suzaku seishi were cowering.

< Here, let me try. > Tomo offered. Nakago vanished. Tomo took over as he flicked shin open and sent a barrage of vines at the rock.

The rock splintered into a bunch of tiny pieces. Charlotte barely had time to get out of the way.

There were several shrieks from the Suzaku seishi.

Miaka was fine, Tamahome had a cut on one arm, but was otherwise okay, and Hotohori was staring in horror at the scratch on his face. Mitsukake and Tama-neko were fine also.

“My face! My face!” Hotohori cried. “My beautiful face!”

Charlotte sweatdropped.

Mitsukake opened his jar of holy water and dripped a bit on Hotohori's face.

Hotohori smiled.

“Right! We should probably go into the cave now.” Miaka said.

“Okay.” Charlotte said. They walked in. A few seconds later, all of the seishi and miko were shivering.

“Brrr…” Charlotte said, wrapping Nakago's cloak more tightly around her body.

“Halt!” Hikitsu cried.

Charlotte blinked.

Hikitsu and Tomite stepped out. They blinked when they saw Miaka.

“What are you doing here again?”

“We need the Shinzahos.”

The two Genbu seishi shrugged. “Well, you know the drill.”

“Charlotte doesn't.” Miaka said.

Tomite looked at her skeptically. “Are you a miko?”

“Seiryu no miko.” Charlotte admitted.

“Well, we might as well begin.” Hikitsu said. “Strip down to your underwear.”

< WHAT?! > Suboshi cried.

Charlotte mentally whacked the seishi. She stepped out of her clothes, revealing a black slip.

The two seishi began freezing her.

Miaka and the others watched worriedly.

“What if she doesn't pass?” Mitsukake asked.

“If that happens, Miaka can do it.” Tamahome said confidently.

Charlotte shivered as the ice covered her body.

< Should we do something? > Miboshi asked.

< Come on, we can't just let them freeze her to death! > Tasuki said. < All of us would die too! >

< Soi? Do you have any ideas? > Nakago asked.

< Sorry, my power is lightning… >

< Lightning? Didn't Charlotte-sama have some sort of lightning powers? >

< Yes, but we haven't seen her use them since she summoned Seiryu. >

< What are we going to do? >

Tomite and Hikitsu watched impassively. “Well, nothing's happening.”

“She'll suffocate if she doesn't get out soon.” Hotohori said. He was starting to feel a bit sorry for the enemy.

Charlotte tried to move her arms up to the star around her neck, but she couldn't move. Her fingernails dug into her palms as blood started dripping out. Suddenly, she felt heat moving through her body.

< Of course. I forgot. > Charlotte said. Her inner fire melted enough of the ice off, so she could reach the Shinzaho at her neck.

< Across the power of time, surpassing the power of distance, I summon thee Raikou, my mashin! Star of light, created by Raikou, Star of darkness, blessed by Seiryu, Star of hate, star of love, grant the power of the stars above! >

Instantly, nine seishi symbols flared up on various parts of her body, not blue or red, but a brilliant, glowing gold. Golden beams of light shot out of the ice, splintering it. Charlotte dropped to the ground, unconscious.

“Amazing…” Hikitsu said.

“Wow…” Miaka said, stunned.

Even Tamahome was surprised. Mitsukake quickly hurried over with his jar of holy water and dripped a bit into her mouth to wake her up.

Charlotte opened her eyes. However, she couldn't see anything.

“Are you okay?” Mitsukake asked kindly.

“I think I'm okay… I can't see anything!” Charlotte said.

“What?” Miaka rushed over. So did the rest of the seishi, even the Genbu.

Tomite peered at her eyes. They were glassy and dull.

“She's not lying.” He announced.

“Has she gone blind?”

< What?! >

< This isn't a joke, Nuriko! > Charlotte snapped.

< But how are you going to summon Seiryu? > Amiboshi asked worriedly.

Ashitare growled.

< Oh no! > Suboshi said.

`Bo' shone on Charlotte's thigh as Soi appeared. She blinked. “Well, I can see.”

< Yes, but I can't! > Charlotte said.

< What can we do? >

Mitsukake went over to Charlotte. “Let me try to heal her.” His seishi symbol glowed, but when the light cleared, Charlotte still couldn't see anything.

Mitsukake was shocked.

Miaka felt sort of bad, but also elated that she wouldn't have any competition.

Hikitsu and Tomite used this chance to go get the Shinzaho. They placed it around Charlotte's neck, since she couldn't see anything.

“Well, I guess you have to go get the Byakko Shinzaho now.” Hikitsu said.

The travelers bid the two Genbu seishi farewell, and headed off towards Sailo.

It snowed as they rode.

Charlotte sat in silence while they rode. Her brown eyes stared in front of her, showing no emotion at all.

However, inside her head, there was a commotion.

< What do you mean she's fucking blind?! > Tasuki shouted.

< I'm not lying! > Charlotte snapped.

< It's true. > Soi said. < When I possessed her, I could see, but… >

< Why would she lie about something like this? > Nuriko asked.

< Is this going to affect our chances at summoning Seiryu? > Nakago asked.

Suboshi whapped him. < Try thinking about how she feels! >

Nakago flinched.

Amiboshi put an arm on Suboshi's shoulder. < He can't help being the way he is, Shun-chan. >

< So it's true? > Miboshi asked.

< Of course it's true! > Charlotte said, getting annoyed.

< Well, Miboshi can't help being an emotionless jerk. > Tomo said, putting a hand on her arm.

Charlotte sighed. < What am I going to do? >

Nobody replied.

A few days passed. Mitsukake stayed close to Charlotte at all times, trying to help. Unfortunately, all his efforts were in vain, but Charlotte did appreciate his company.

Miaka wasn't too pleased.

“I know she's on our side this time, but I still can't trust her too much.” She told Tamahome.

Tamahome shrugged. “Frankly, she could die for all I care, as long as we get the Shinzaho first.”

Hotohori shook his head.

“So how do we get the Byakko Shinzaho?” Charlotte wondered.

“It's easy! Just ask.” Miaka said cheerfully.

Charlotte sweatdropped. Could it really be that easy?

“First, we have to get to Sailo.” Hotohori said.

Charlotte shrugged. Her eyes stared blankly in front of her. She touched the horse's head, to make it go faster. She didn't want to hear Miaka and Tamahome's litany.

A week passed before they reached Sailo.

“Wow… it's prettier than the last time I saw it!” Miaka said as she looked at the landscape.

Charlotte smiled a bit, as it was cool, but not blisteringly cold like Hokkan. She wished she could see how it looked.

Mitsukake hurried to her side. “Are you all right?”

“Sure. I'm not going to break.” Charlotte said.

“Well, let's try and find Tokaki and Subaru's house.” Miaka suggested. The travelers spread out to search.

Charlotte hadn't left the group for very long before she ran into trouble.

“Well, what do we have here?” A voice asked. Charlotte stiffened. They were bandits, and judging from the voices, quite a few of them.

“She's pretty!” One said. Charlotte's horse reared as one bandit reached for its reins, throwing her off.

“Check it out! She's blind!” One said, as he peered into her face. Charlotte wrinkled her nose at the smell of alcohol on his breath.

“Leave me alone!” Charlotte said.

The bandits laughed.

Charlotte growled as `Kaku' lit on her shoulder. The Ryuuseisui whirred into existence, plowing into one bandit.

“Freak!” One cried, as he lunged at her with a knife. In an instant, shin was out and the bandit was struggling in a mass of vines.

The remaining four bandits surrounded her. As one, they all jumped her.

Charlotte screamed as they started tearing at her clothes.

Ashitare came to the rescue. In an instant, she had transformed and the bandits were running away from the wolf.

Hotohori came running. He saw her state and assumed the worst.

“Are you all right?” he asked anxiously.

Charlotte wiped her tears off with a sleeve. “Just peachy.” She muttered.

Mitsukake and came running up next. He worriedly checked over her.

“I'm okay.” Charlotte said. “They didn't' get to do anything.”

Miaka and the others came running.

“I'm fine.” Charlotte said emphatically.

“If you say so.” Miaka said.

Charlotte clammed up about the incident, no matter how much the others tried to pry it out of her.

< Are you okay? > Suboshi asked anxiously.

Charlotte said.

< She's okay. > Soi reported.

< Thank goodness. > Nakago said.

< So how much longer do we have to travel? I hate horseback riding! > Tasuki complained.

< Only a few more days. > Nuriko said.

< Besides, we're in a desert. There's no water here. What are you afraid of? > Amiboshi asked.

< Sand. Horses. Stuff. > Miboshi commented.

Tasuki hit Miboshi.

< You two are almost as bad as Tomo and Soi. > Charlotte said, sighing.

< Hey! >

Two days later, they arrived at the house of the two Byakko seishi.

“Master Tokaki!” Tamahome said.

“Tamahome! What brings you and the other seishi here?”

“Tenkou.” Charlotte said.

“Yes. Well, I suppose you need the Shinzaho?”

“Yes, please.” Miaka said.

Mitsukake didn't say anything.

Subaru turned to Charlotte. “Which seishi is she?”

“She's actually Seiryu no miko.” Hotohori said. “But she's working with us.”

“I see.”

“And she's blind, so she can't do anything.” Tamahome chipped in.

“Well, I'll see what I can do. Mitsukake didn't heal her?”

“It didn't work.”

“Oh.”

“Well, Chi fan will take you to the temple.” Subaru said.

Tokaki and Subaru's adopted daughter led the way to the temple. The seishi and mikos followed.

They found Tatara busy making little flowers grow out of severe boredom.

“You again?”

“Yep!” Miaka said. “Can I have the Shinzaho?”

“Sure.” Tatara said, handing it to her.

“Now we have to decide whether to summon Seiryu or Suzaku…”

Tenkou finally got off his butt and decided to attack them.

“Well, let's head back to Konan.” Hotohori said. “Now that we have the Shinzahos, we can summon Suzaku.”

“Now just wait a minute.” Charlotte said. “If you summon Suzaku, how do I know you won't seal Seiryu?”

“Er…” Miaka scratched her head as she tried to think of a solution.

“I mean, okay. So if you use one wish to seal Tenkou, what would you use the others for? For all I know, you could destroy me, or Kutou, or my seishi, or-.”

“Just give us the shinzaho!” Tamahome said, losing his temper.

“Why?”

“Neither of us can summon a god with only one.” Miaka said. (Wow! Miaka actually said something intelligent!)

Charlotte shook her head.

“Give it to me!” Tamahome yelled. Suddenly, black light covered his body and he turned into a black, armor-clad, monster.

“Tamahome!” Miaka shrieked.

Charlotte couldn't see anything, so she was taken by surprise when she felt the necklace suddenly ripped off her neck, the links breaking.

`Tamahome' began to run off.

Hotohori and Miaka chased after him.

“Ow….” Charlotte muttered. “What was that?”

< Tamahome just got away with the shinzaho! > Nakago said.

< What?! >

< Come on, we might still be able to get it back! > Tasuki said.

< Right. Your seishi power is speed. But I won't be able to see where I'm going. >

< Let me possess you. > Tasuki said.

< Sigh. >

Charlotte glowed blue before Tasuki appeared and took off after Tamahome.

Tamahome laughed insanely as he ran. “Tenkou-sama will be so pleased!”

“Not so fast!” Tasuki said. “LEKKA SHINEN!”

“Ai! Ai! Ai!” Tamahome shrieked as he turned black and crispy. His eyes cleared and he ran back to Miaka, still carrying the Shinzaho.

Tasuki ran after him.

< He's taking the Shinzaho back to Miaka! Hurry! > Suboshi shouted.

< Aw, shut up! Yer not the one running! > Tasuki said.

“Miaka! I got the shinzaho! Summon Suzaku now!” Tamahome shouted. Miaka looked at him like he was insane, but did as was told. Charlotte arrived just in time for Suzaku to appear in the sky.

< Crap. > Tasuki muttered.

< Why didn't you run faster?! > Nakago yelled.

< How are we going to summon Seiryu now? > Soi yelled.

< Great! > Tomo shouted.

< Why, oh why, did you have to pick now to mess up? > Nuriko asked.

Ashitare just growled.

Miboshi looked angry.

Amiboshi was restraining Suboshi from pulling Tasuki's head off.

Charlotte crossed her arms.

“Kai-jin!” Miaka shouted. “Suzaku, seal Tenkou!”

There was a roar of flame, and an affirmative from Suzaku.

Miaka collapsed. Mitsukake and the other seishi rushed to her side.

Charlotte collapsed too, but for a different reason. The tears ran down her cheeks, as she felt the energy that had sustained her this long leave.

The Seiryu seishi were in as much shock as their miko was.

“Well, we can return to Konan now.” Hotohori said.

Charlotte was silent on the whole trip back.

< Why? Why? Was Taiitsukun playing some kind of elaborate joke on us? > Soi cried.

< They didn't even need us! > Suboshi said. < If they only needed Suzaku no miko, why did they bother drawing Charlotte-sama into the book as well? >

< That old bag! > Nakago ranted.

< We'll make her pay! > Tomo shouted.

< How could she? She's the creator! It's her own damned fault that Tenkou escaped! If she knew Miaka could do it, why should she make Charlotte go through all that for nothing? > Tasuki ranted.

< There's nothing we can do. > Charlotte said.

Amiboshi tried to comfort her.

Miaka and Tamahome were so wrapped up in their little bubble of happiness that they forgot all about Charlotte.

Three days later, Miaka made her next wish. This one must have just been a cruel whim.

“Kai-jin! Suzaku, seal Seiryu!”

Charlotte gasped in shock as she felt the spirits of all her seishi leave, even Tasuki and Nuriko.

Mitsukake ran over. “Are you okay?”

“Sure.” Charlotte said, shivering. There had been a ripping feeling, like someone was tearing her heart out, and then nothingness. However, she toppled over the railing of the boat a second later.

Mitsukake dived overboard to save her. She was unconscious.

When Charlotte woke up, she wasn't' too happy.

“You should have let me die.”

“I'm a healer. I heal people.” Mitsukake said. “I don't kill people.”

“Who would care?” Charlotte asked. “Has Miaka used her last wish yet?”

“No.”

“I bet I know what it is.” Charlotte said. “Let me and Tamahome live happily ever after.”

“What's so bad about that?”

“Bad? I just think it's unfair. I mean, I work to summon Seiryu. Miaka doesn't' have to do anything. Tamahome is always there for her. He even crossed dimensions to be with her in our world. Me? All my seishi are gone now. My brother hates me, since he's still in love with Miaka, even though Miaka loves Tamahome. Need I elaborate?”

“Well…” Mitsukake wasn't' too sure what to say.

“As I said, you should have let me die.”

In the heavens, Seiryu and his nine seishi/guardians were trying to get out.

“Is she going to die?” Nuriko asked.

“I'm not sure.” Seiryu said.

“But you're our god!”

“But I've been sealed!”

“She's going to die sooner or later.” Nakago said.

“But she can't summon me now. Miaka has the Shinzahos.”

“B-but!”

Seiryu shifted in annoyance. “Suzaku has all the luck.”

Charlotte was sitting on the ship's railing. Miaka and Tamahome were discussing what to do.

“We could seal her in the book.”

“That seems like a good idea.” Tamahome said. He didn't particularly like the girl.

“Why not? Kai-jin! Suzaku, seal Charlotte inside the book!”

With her last wish, Miaka vanished. So did Tamahome.

Charlotte blinked as the sunlight flooded into her vision. She could see again! What was going on?

However, when Charlotte looked down, she realized that something was very wrong. For one thing, she now resembled Taiitsukun in looks, and she was dressed in the most peculiar clothes she had ever seen.

“Oh great.” Seiryu muttered.

“AAHHHHH! What happened?” Amiboshi asked in shock.

“When Miaka sealed her inside, she removed the spells on charlotte. Charlotte was one of the `gifted', a minor goddess. One of the perks is not aging. Another is magical power… Unfortunately, Miaka seems to have removed the aging factor.”

Charlotte looked again, before growling. “What did that bitch do?”

“Well…” Mitsukake looked at Charlotte and gasped.

“Key that hides the power of the stars, reveal your true form to me, your mistress charlotte commands you, release!” Charlotte shouted. The key around her neck changed into a staff. Charlotte twirled it once or twice, before she picked up the Seiryu Shinzaho.

“Across the power of time, surpassing the power of distance, I summon thee Raikou, my mashin! Star of light, created by Raikou, Star of darkness, blessed by Seiryu, Star of hate, star of love, grant the power of the stars above!” Charlotte immediately changed back to the way she was before Miaka wished her.

“I think we might actually have a chance.” Seiryu said.

Charlotte grinned. “All right!” She held her staff up and a beam of blue light shot out into the sky.

“Fly!” Wings sprouted out of her back and she flew up, following the light.

Back in the real world, Miaka and Tamahome had just picked up the book.

“It's still writing.”

“That's normal. But the story should end soon.”

“Miaka… look at this.”

The Maiden of Seiryu spread her wings and headed for the sky, prepared to unseal her god.

“Uh oh.”

Charlotte sent another bolt of electricity at the twentieth or so guardian that seemed to be blocking her way.

“Great.” Charlotte muttered. “Static Illusion!”

“Yay!” Suboshi cheered as he watched another demon blasted into pieces.

“Thunder Stars!” Charlotte shouted. Six stars shot out of her hands, destroying more of the demons as she flew towards the blue bubble where Seiryu was.

“This girl is very determined.” Byakko said.

Taiitsukun shrugged. “I'm surprised she got this far.”

“Why Seiryu?” Genbu asked. “I wish I had had a miko like that…”

Suzaku whapped Genbu

“But it's going to be very hard for her to unseal Seiryu.”

“Finally.” Charlotte gasped as she saw the blue bubble. Seiryu and his seishi/guardians were pounding on the walls.

“Through!” Charlotte's body turned transparent as she slowly pulled herself through the bubble.

Taiitsukun narrowed her eyes. “It seems that I have underestimated her.”

“Maybe. But won't she die in there.”

“Maybe…”

“Okay. Now how do I get you out of here?” Charlotte asked.

“Break the bubble. We've only succeeded in weakening it.”

“Right.” Charlotte raised her staff. * After this is all over, I can live peacefully. I'm going to die, anyways. *

“Destruction Inferno!!” Her staff exploded as the bubble shattered. So did the mashin star/Seiryu shinzaho.

Charlotte smiled as her eyes closed and she fell forward. * I did it…*

Taiitsukun grabbed her as she fell back to earth.

“Hey! Give our miko back!” Nuriko shouted.

“Just a second!” Taiitsukun shouted back, as a mallet came down on Nuriko's head.

“OW!”

“Is she dead?” Seiryu asked anxiously, when they had returned to Mt. Taikyoku.

“No, she's not dead yet. But she is fading, because she broke the seal on the book when she freed you.”

“How can we save her?” Amiboshi asked.

“You can't. She wants to go home, but Miaka's wish to Suzaku sealed her here. The only way she can go home is if she completes the four quests.”

“The four quests?”

“She has to serve all four gods and pass the test.”

“Well, she's passed mine.” Seiryu said.

“Actually, no. She has to serve you as a seishi.”

“That's not too hard.” Charlotte said, weakly opening her eyes.

“So you agree to the terms?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.” Taiitsukun said. “The first test will begin…”

The end! The next part is a different story! It's called “Seiryu, how could you?” so, go read it!

Started 3/24/02, completed 4/18/02

Again, I don't own Fushigi Yuugi. And yes, this is a very Mary-Sue style story. I may rewrite it sometime in the future…