Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Charlotte's Arc ❯ Seiryu, how could you? ( Chapter 3 )

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

Title: Seiryu, how could you?!

Disclaimer: I do not own FY.

Summary: Seiryu decides that Ashitare isn't good enough as a seishi, so he drags in a person from another dimension as a replacement. Unfortunately, that person happens to be a rather pissed off Seiryu no miko… actually, the real reason is, this is Charlotte's first test!

References: You might want to read `mirror, mirror' and `shattered mirror'. Also, all the Seiryu seishi in Charlotte's dimension are dead and sealed inside her, plus Tasuki and Nuriko.

<> Will indicate telepathic communication between Charlotte and her dead seishi, ** will indicate thoughts, and () are authoress' notes.

Timeline: Before Tamahome goes to Kutou. Like a few weeks earlier.

Notes: This will probably deviate from the storyline in a lot of places. Be warned.

“Ashitare?” Soi asked. She had been passing by his tent when she heard whimpers.

Soi peeked in and saw Ashitare glowing with blue light. When the light cleared, she saw a girl lying there, unconscious. Perplexed, Soi went in and shook the girl awake.

Charlotte rubbed her eyes. “Soi?”

Soi blinked at her. “Ashitare? Is that you?”

Charlotte pinched herself to see if she was dreaming. “I'm not Ashitare!”

“But you've got the symbol.” Soi said pointedly.

Charlotte looked down and saw `Bi', tail, glowing on her right hip.

“Eh?” Charlotte was totally confused now.

“I'll take you to Nakago.” Soi said. She proceeded to drag Charlotte over to the Shogun's room.

Charlotte blinked, still confused.

Nakago was surprised.

“Ashitare?”

“I'm not Ashitare!” Charlotte repeated, getting annoyed. “What's going on here?”

“But you have the symbol.” Nakago said pointedly.

“So what?” Charlotte's eyes flickered for a moment and then shin was in her hand.

Soi and Nakago blinked.

Charlotte pointed it at them.

“Tomo, stop it!” Nakago snapped. “If this was just a joke…”

Charlotte re-summoned shin, and put it back into subspace.

“Tomo?”

“No, my name is Charlotte, and I'm not Tomo or Ashitare.” Charlotte said.

“Are you from Yui's world?”

“Probably.” Charlotte said. “What's going on?”

Nakago and Soi explained the situation. Charlotte was surprised.

“But if you can summon Seiryu now, why wait?”

Nakago shrugged.

“How about telling us about you?” Soi suggested.

“Okay. It's complicated.” Charlotte said. She took a deep breath and began her story.

An hour later... (If you want the story go read `mirror mirror' and `shattered mirror'.)

“Let me get this straight. You come from another dimension, where you were Seiryu no Miko. You successfully summoned Seiryu, and then you returned to your world. However, the others summoned Suzaku and all of your seishi were killed. Then, Seiryu sealed the spirits of all his warriors inside of you to protect them from Tenkou. You were going to die, but Taiitsukun said that if you could successfully serve all four gods, you could stay and in the end, go back to your own world.”

“That's mostly it.” Charlotte said. “Except I'm not blind now. That's great! I think. ”

“So you have powers?”

Charlotte nodded. Her eyes closed as the Seiryu Shinzaho around her neck glowed. Instantly, nine gold symbols lit on her body.

“Interesting.” Nakago mused.

“Well, Soi, find her a room and some suitable clothes, maybe some weapons, whatever she needs. I'll tell Lady Yui about this new development.”

Charlotte combed her hair as she waited for Nakago to finish his talk with Yui.

< This is weird. > Nakago commented.

< Ha! You admit it! > Soi said.

Tomo whapped Soi, or at least he tried to.

Tasuki yawned. < Can I have some sake? >

<NO! > Charlotte said.

< Who's Yui? > Suboshi asked.

< The miko in this dimension. You're supposed to be madly in love with her. > Amiboshi said.

< What?! > Suboshi sounded horrified.

< I'm bored. > Miboshi whined.

Charlotte mentally slapped him.

Ashitare growled.

< Okay, okay! I'll get some dinner as soon as I can leave this room! > Charlotte said.

< It's interesting how much our counterparts look like us. > Tomo mused.

< Yours wears too much makeup. > Soi commented.

< Yeah? Well, yours has so much hair, its scary! >

< That's rich, coming from you. >

< SHUT UP! > Nakago shouted.

< Why am I Ashitare? > Charlotte mused.

< Because he's too useless? > Amiboshi asked.

< Because you look better? > Nuriko suggested.

< Because they needed another girl on the Seiryu side? > Soi asked.

< Grr. > Ashitare said.

< It's not like you're a bad seishi, Ashitare. You were just not a main character. > Charlotte reassured him.

< Can I do your hair? > Nuriko asked.

< That was random. > Suboshi mused.

< Okay. > Charlotte said. Nuriko's spirit appeared and started braiding Charlotte's short hair.

< Can I do your makeup? > Tomo asked enthusiastically.

< Well…. >

< Please? Pretty please with shin on top? >

< He'll make you look like a freak! > Soi said.

< It's art! > Tomo snapped.

Charlotte sweatdropped.

Nuriko continued to braid.

Charlotte finally gave consent. Tomo pulled a ton of cosmetics out of goodness-knows where and proceeded to do Charlotte's makeup.

Charlotte looked at herself. “I look like `Chiriko'.”

< So? It looks nice.> Tomo said.

Tasuki whined.

< No. > Nakago said.

Ashitare moaned.

< Quiet. > Amiboshi said, pulling out his flute threateningly.

When Soi returned with the necessary items, she found Charlotte looking like someone else.

“Uh… Charlotte?”

Charlotte turned around. “Soi? Oh, the makeup. Well, Tomo got a little carried away…”

“Well, I brought your stuff.” Soi said.

“Thanks.” Charlotte. She sighed. “If I have to be Ashitare, I'll do it.”

“You will? Oh good.” Soi said, relieved.

“No problem. When's dinner?”

“Soon.” Soi said. Charlotte nodded. Soi left. Charlotte changed into more appropriate clothes in varying shades of blue and gold.

< Pretty! > Suboshi said.

< The color scheme is good. > Tomo said approvingly.

< Nice… > Soi said. < Better than what you'd be wearing if the painted freak picked out your outfit. >

< Soi, quit it. > Charlotte said.

< Kawaii! > Nuriko said. < Now I just need to put the ribbons in your hair! >

< Fine. > Charlotte said.

At dinner, everyone gaped when they saw the amount of food Charlotte ingested, even if she was using proper manners.

Amiboshi's eyes were bugging out.

Charlotte shrugged. “Try keeping ten people alive on the food one person eats.”

“But they're dead.” Miboshi said.

“Well, yes, but they still need to obtain chi.” Charlotte said. “I thought you would know that.”

Miboshi frowned.

Charlotte's eyes cleared. “Sorry. Didn't mean to say that. Blame Miboshi.”

Everyone blinked.

Charlotte sighed as `Mi' glowed on her neck. “Don't ask. It's a long story.”

“Oh.”

“Are you from Tokyo?” Yui asked, breaking the silence.

“Yep.” Charlotte said. “Do you know Miaka Yuuki?”

“She was my best friend. She betrayed me.” Yui said coldly. “Besides, she eats like there's no tomorrow.”

“Weird. Same thing happened to me, that's why I became Seiryu no miko.” Charlotte said. “Incidentally, the Miaka from my dimension is the same way.”

Yui looked surprised. “The same thing happened to you?”

“I think. You helped her get back to your world, but then you got sucked in, and then you got raped? And I can hazard a guess that Nakago was the one that found you?”

Yui nodded.

Charlotte smiled sympathetically. “Well, I've been through the same thing. Don't worry. If Seiryu is watching over us, you will succeed.”

Yui smiled.

Suboshi picked at his food. Amiboshi noticed this and wrote him a note on his arm.

Suboshi sighed. “Why do I feel like I know her?”

“Maybe your `other' self does?” Amiboshi suggested.

“That's probably it.” Suboshi decided.

Charlotte was pleased when she heard Nakago's plan. She spent four days briefing Amiboshi on what to do.

Amiboshi was surprised. “But didn't your seishi protest?”

“Lots.” Charlotte admitted. “But I convinced them.”

“Oh.”

“This is a more personal note, but you must kill them. Otherwise…” Charlotte sighed. “I didn't, and I ended up with a sword through my stomach.”

“Ouch.”

“Ouch is right.” Charlotte said. “Fortunately, Mitsukake healed me.”

“Mitsukake?”

“He's the only decent Suzaku seishi, I think.” Charlotte said.

Yui and Charlotte became good friends in a matter of days. Then, Tamahome came.

Charlotte sighed. “I tried to get Tamahome too. Only it didn't work for me. You must be really lucky.”

“Maybe.” Yui said.

“Who's she?” Tamahome asked.

“Ashitare.”

“Oh. I didn't know seishi could be girls.” Tamahome said.

“Discrimination!” Charlotte proclaimed as she blasted him with a handy bolt of lightning.

“Charlotte!” Yui said, as she hurried over to Tamahome's side. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem.” Tamahome said, rubbing his head. * Damn, that hurt! *

“Charlotte, could you get me the you-know-what?” Yui asked.

“Sure.” Charlotte said and went off to get the clothes Yui had bought.

Charlotte returned later with her arms full of embroidered black silk garments for Tamahome.

“Wow…” Tamahome said, as his eyes turned into okane signs.

“Can I sell it?”

Yui fell over.

Charlotte giggled.

< Having fun? > Nuriko asked.

< Hehehe. > Charlotte replied.

< No. You're supposed to go Kakakakakaka! > Tomo instructed.

< Aw, shut up. > Suboshi said.

< Care to repeat that, Yo-yo boy? > Tomo asked, pulling out a clam.

< Suboshi. > Amiboshi warned.

Suboshi pouted.

Charlotte shook her head.

Tamahome looked at her curiously.

“Don't mind her.” Yui said. “She talks to herself.”

“Oh.” Tamahome said.

“Hey Yui, you want to go shopping with me?” Charlotte asked. “They have lots of pretty things in the marketplace.”

“Cool!” Yui said. “Come on.” The two of them stopped by the treasury to get some money, before heading off to the marketplace.

Tamahome wandered around the palace. Soon, he ran into Nakago. They had a little `chat.'

“Look at that necklace. It's so pretty!” Yui said as she looked at the silvery-blue charm shaped like a dragon.

“How much is it?” Charlotte asked the shopkeeper.

“Normally, I'd charge eight gold ryo, but since you two are such lovely ladies, how about six…”

Both Charlotte and Yui involuntarily shuddered when they heard the shopkeeper's tone of voice.

“That's no way to speak to the miko!” Charlotte snapped.

“Seiryu no miko?” The man asked, awestruck. He immediately began apologizing. It ended up with Charlotte and Yui walking out with armfuls of free jewelry.

“That was fun.” Charlotte said, grinning.

Yui smiled. “Do you think we could try that trick somewhere else? Those are pretty scarves.”

“Why not?”

A few hours later, Charlotte and Yui returned to the palace, followed by two men carrying heavily laden baskets of jewelry, cosmetics, and clothing.

“How much money did you spend?” Tamahome asked, shocked.

“Almost none, except for the snacks.” Yui said.

Tamahome's eyes bugged out. “I could sell that and make so much profit!”

“You'll do no such thing!” Charlotte said. “We worked hard to get them for free.”

Yui giggled.

“Well, I guess its time for dinner!” Charlotte said. She and Yui dropped their stuff off in their rooms and hurried off to get changed.

Charlotte had long since swapped her rather worn-out clothes for a short red coat embroidered with gold dragons, coupled with white breeches and black boots. Tomo liked it. Soi did not.

Tomo's spirit was busy doing Charlotte's hair up into a high ponytail and two pieces, pulling them through the ribbons and beads.

 Soi complained. < Tomo, Nuriko, even Nakago, got to do your hair already! >

< Next time, Soi. > Charlotte promised.

Soi frowned, but relented.

To be continued…

Charlotte went to Yui's room to get her. She heard Nakago speaking.

“Suzaku has gone blind…”

“The priestess?” That was Yui's voice.

“Yes. It is an incurable disease that leaves its victims to die a slow, painful, death.”

Nakago walked out.

“Nakago-sama.” Charlotte said, making a short curtsey.

“Ashitare, I need you to keep an eye on Tamahome. He may try to leave.”

“As you wish.” Charlotte said.

< Why are you letting him boss you around like that? > Nakago asked, shocked.

< Because I'm not the miko here, I'm Ashitare. >

< But still! > Suboshi said.

< Suboshi, its all right. > Charlotte said.

< Don't worry. > Amiboshi reassured him.

Charlotte stepped into Yui's room. “Yui? Are you ready for dinner yet?”

“Just a minute.” Yui said. “How do I look?”

“Great!” Charlotte said. The light blue dress definitely matched Yui's eyes, and the embroidery made her hair seem to glow.

Tamahome was sulking.

“Tamahome, its time for dinner.” Charlotte said.

Tamahome spat a curse at her.

“Tamahome!” Yui was shocked.

“Come on.” Charlotte said, taking Tamahome's arm. Tamahome hit her.

Yui rang a bell. Nakago came. He saw Tamahome and Charlotte rolling around on the floor. Charlotte was losing.

Nakago blasted Tamahome with a handy bolt of chi, so he released Charlotte's hair.

“What was that about?”

“Tamahome didn't want to go to dinner with me and Yui-sama, Nakago-sama.” Charlotte said.

“Tamahome, the food isn't poisoned. You can at least try to be civil.” Nakago said. Tamahome scowled, but he followed the two girls and Nakago to the dining room.

Charlotte stuck her tongue out at Tamahome.

Tamahome sulked some more. During dinner, he threw a bowl of rice at Charlotte. Charlotte ducked and it hit Nakago.

Nakago's symbol started to glow threateningly.

Tamahome stuck his tongue out.

Yui sweatdropped.

Nakago restrained himself from throttling Tamahome to death.

“Can I keep the clamshells?” Charlotte asked.

“Why do you want them?” Yui asked.

“I collect shells.” Charlotte said. She crossed her fingers underneath the table.

“Okay.” Everybody put his or her empty clamshells into a linen napkin.

Charlotte smiled. “Thanks!”

Tamahome excused himself. These Seiryu seishi are weird! When he got back to Yui's room, he began to pack.

He was about to leave when Yui came in. “Tamahome, you're not leaving, are you?”

“I must help Miaka!”

“What if the emperor finds out? He'll send his troops to attack Konan! You promised to be my hostage!” Yui cried.

“You don't need me, with that clingy, useless friend of yours!” Tamahome snapped.

“Don't talk about Charlotte like that! She's a much better friend than Miaka!”

“Yeah right.” Tamahome said. “I don't have time to waste talking to you.” He turned around and walked through the door.

Yui ran after him.

Tamahome turned the corner and crashed straight into Charlotte.

“Where are you going?” Charlotte asked coldly, seeing Yui's expression.

“To help Miaka! Now get out of my way!” Tamahome said, shoving her into a wall.

Charlotte slumped to the ground.

Tamahome blinked.

“Tamahome! What did you do?” Yui asked, running to Charlotte's side.

Tamahome looked a bit worried. He hadn't meant to hit her that hard.

“I didn't mean to hit her that hard…” Tamahome said, bending down. “Is she okay?”

“I hope so.” Yui said.

Tamahome got over his guilt trip and focused on his goal. Miaka.

The idiot didn't even see Charlotte's hand open, revealing a small clamshell.

All of a sudden, vines shot out of the palace floor, rooting Tamahome to the ground.

Yui looked around.

Charlotte sat up, rubbing her head. “That hurt.”

Tamahome struggled against the vines. Where had they come from?

Just then, Nakago walked by.

“What is going on here?”

“Nakago-sama, Tamahome was trying to escape.” Charlotte said.

Yui nodded. “But please don't hurt him.”

Nakago sighed. “Yui-sama, sometimes punishment is needed to make the point perfectly clear.”

“Seal his powers or something! Please!” Yui begged, with tears in her eyes.

“All right.” Nakago concentrated and sent a ring of chi at Tamahome, which sealed his powers. “But next time, the punishment will be worse.”

Tamahome didn't notice, since he was still stuck in the vines.

Charlotte closed the clam and the vines disappeared.

“That's what they're for, Yui-chan.” Charlotte said.

“Oh.”

Charlotte returned to her room. She locked the door and closed the windows. Then, she took out the clamshells.

“Fire, water, wind, earth, and wood.” Charlotte said.

First, Charlotte dumped all the clamshells into the brazier, where a fire was burning. Some of them blackened and changed to ash; others took on a faint reddish glow as they absorbed the heat from the flames.

After twenty minutes, Charlotte removed the clamshells and dropped them into a bowl of water. Some of them splintered into pieces, the rest took on a faint blue glow.

< What are you doing? > Suboshi asked.

< This is the test Tomo uses for his shells. If they break, then he won't use them. >

<Oh. > Suboshi said.

< It's a very complicated process. > Tomo explained.

< Right. > Soi said.

< Not right now. > Charlotte said, sensing another argument coming on.

When the water had gotten cold, charlotte removed the remaining clamshells and put them into a bag, which she tied at her waist. Then, she left the room. She dug a hole in the ground with Soi's lightning powers and dumped the shells in. Then, she sealed the hole. A minute later, she sent in ten thousand volts of electricity.

Followed by a barrage of vines from shin.

Two hours later, Charlotte returned and dug up the remaining clams. There were six, out of the forty or fifty she had had after dinner.

< And this is how Tomo gets his clams. > Charlotte said.

< Wow. That's so complicated! > Miboshi said.

< Yes, but the results are worth it. > The six clams shimmered briefly with rainbow colors before turning silvery-grey. < This way, they hold a certain amount of element magic and chi absorbed from their surroundings. >

< And that's it! > Charlotte said as she pocketed the clams.

Tamahome was still scheming of ways to get out. * Damn that girl! She's powerful! How am I supposed to escape? *

Tamahome waited until Yui had followed asleep.

Then, he silently snuck out again. He saw Charlotte walking back to the palace, so he hid in the bushes until she had passed. Then, he headed for the fence and began climbing over.

A minute later, he was knocked off by a chi blast.

Nakago stood there. “You're a hostage. Don't forget that.”

“Damn you!” Tamahome shouted.

“Guards. Take him to the dungeon!” Nakago shouted.

Tamahome was dragged down to the dungeon.

“How did you know?” Tamahome asked.

“I sensed it.” Nakago said matter-of-factly. “You're the only one who has Suzaku chi.”

“Let me go!” Tamahome shouted.

“I warned you.” Nakago said. “The first time, I only sealed your powers, but this time, you'll get what you deserve.”

Tamahome stuck out his tongue.

Nakago proceeded to beat him senseless.

The next day…

“Charlotte! Wake up!” Yui said, shaking her friend.

Charlotte yawned and rubbed her eyes. “What is it, Yui-chan?”

“Tamahome disappeared!”

“What? Just give me a moment.” Charlotte said. She flew into the closet and reappeared two minutes later in a blue tunic and pants.

“Do you know where he might be?”

“No. I'm sorry. What if he went back to Miaka?”

Yui paled. “I hope not… but you have to help me look!”

“Just give me a few more minutes.” Charlotte said. Yui went outside for a few minutes while Charlotte quickly washed her face and went to the bathroom. Satisfied, she pulled her short hair back with a headband, put on her shoes, and went out.

“Let's go to the kitchens first and get some food.” Yui decided.

“Good idea.” Charlotte said. As they ate breakfast, they asked the servants if they had seen Tamahome.

“What, he got tired of you?” One of the kitchen boys taunted.

Yui's eyes glimmered with tears. Charlotte promptly picked up the boy by his collar. “Don't you dare speak to the miko that way!”

The boy kicked, trying to free himself.

Charlotte sent a bolt of lightning through his body so he fell to the ground, paralyzed.

The rest of the servants quit gossiping.

“Now tell me. Where is Tamahome?”

Finally, one of the guards ventured to speak. “He-he's in the dungeon. He nearly got away last night.”

Yui's eyes widened. “How could he? He promised!”

“Some people are just like that, Yui-chan.” Charlotte said. “Where are the dungeons?”

“That way.”

Charlotte and Yui finished eating. Then, Yui carried a tray of food down while Charlotte lit the path. They found Tamahome chained to the wall, but not dead. He was conscious.

“What do you want?” Tamahome yelled.

“I-I just brought you some food.” Yui said.

“Go away, you useless strumpet.” Tamahome said.

Yui burst into tears.

Charlotte's eyes glowed dangerously. In the darkness they looked like two points of golden light.

“How dare you speak to the miko that way.”

“I do whatever I want. You can't do anything to me.” Tamahome said, sticking out his tongue.

Yui ran upstairs, crying.

Charlotte glared at Tamahome. Then, she transformed into Nuriko.

“Nuriko?!”

Charlotte opened the door, and began to choke him. Tamahome turned blue.

“Apologize!” Charlotte hissed.

“No!”

“Then I'll kill you.”

“You can't. Nyah nyah!”

“What Yui doesn't know won't hurt her.” Charlotte said as she tightened her hold. “Apologize!”

Tamahome blacked out.

Charlotte sweatdropped. She left him there.

Nakago was walking down the hall when he saw Yui run by, in tears.

“Yui-sama? What's wrong?”

“Tamahome doesn't love me! He still loves Miaka!”

“Don't worry, Yui-sama. You still have me. Just give him this and he'll be yours forever.”

Nakago dropped a packet containing kodoku into Yui's hand.

Yui allowed him to carry her to her room until she calmed down.

Charlotte went back to her room and played the flute to calm Yui down. `Ko' glowed on her shoulder as she played. It was a calming song, and it did help Yui.

Nakago came in.

“Nakago-sama?” Charlotte asked, making a small bow.

“What did Tamahome say to Yui to make her so upset?”

“He called her a prostitute.”

“That little-.”

“And he refuses to apologize.” Charlotte continued.

“Well, if Yui gives him the kodoku, we won't have to worry. I just hope the Suzaku seishi won't try a rescue attempt yet, but with our luck, they probably will.”

“It's almost time for Amiboshi to leave.”

“I see.” Charlotte said.

“Well, please keep an eye on the priestess.”

“Why wouldn't I? Besides, I want Seiryu to win.” Charlotte said.

Nakago left.

< What's kodoku? > Charlotte asked.

< It's a potion that alters people's memories. > Nakago said.

< Oh! I see… > Tomo said, cackling gleefully.

< Can I do your hair? > Soi asked.

< Sure, why not? >

Soi appeared and started doing Charlotte's hair into a series of complicated loops.

Yui smiled as she listened to the flute music. It was so pretty, and it made her feel a lot better too. She looked at the little package. She really wanted Tamahome! Why did Miaka get him? It wasn't fair! But first, she had to get Tamahome out of the dungeon.

Tamahome stayed asleep for four days.

When he awoke, he saw Yui leaning over him in only a semi-transparent nightgown.

“You're awake! I'm so happy! You've been out for four days!” Yui said, hugging him.

Tamahome blinked. “Four days?”

Six days later…

Tamahome finished his conversation with Miaka, just as Yui turned the corner.

“Miaka?” Yui asked.

“I'm going back with her tonight.” Tamahome said.

“You can't!”

“All of the seishi have been gathered. We're going to summon Suzaku. Come back with me.” Tamahome told her.

“Why do you love Miaka? Why don't you love me? We met at the same time!” Yui cried.

“Yui let go of me.” Tamahome said.

Yui's eyes filled with tears and she ran off.

Tamahome shrugged.

Nakago and Charlotte were playing chess when they saw Yui run by in tears (again).

“I think I can guess what just happened.” Charlotte muttered.

“Indeed.” Nakago said. “I'll go comfort her.”

Charlotte pulled out her flute and began to play another soothing melody. Nakago left the room and went after Yui.

Yui buried her face in Nakago's chest. “What can I do?”

“Do you still have the potion I gave you?”

“Yes. I didn't use it yet.”

“Put it in his food. Then, he will be yours forever.”

“O-okay.” Yui said.

On the way back, Yui saw Charlotte sitting on the railing playing the flute. She waved and went back to her room, where she took out the powder.

Tamahome wondered why he couldn't have controlled his temper. He saw a tray of food waiting for him, so he ate it.

Nakago had already laced the food with kodoku, knowing that Yui might not do it.

Yui smiled when Tamahome came out in the clothes she had given him.

“I'm so sorry, Yui. I don't' know why I lied to you before, but I love you.”

Yui kissed Tamahome and let him carry her to her room.

To be continued…

“I hope nothing happens.” Nakago said as he watched.

“What do you mean?”

“Only a virgin can summon a beast god.”

“So Yui wasn't raped?” Charlotte asked.

“No. She only thinks so.”

Charlotte shrugged, before she thought of something.

< Wait a minute… >

< Uh oh. > Nakago said, trying to be inconspicuous.

< NAKAGO! >

< You're going to get it. > Tasuki said.

< Um, sorry? >

< You lied to me! I trusted you! > Charlotte shouted angrily.

< Hmm… I guess you do have a point there. >

Charlotte shook her head.

Nakago watched her. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

Charlotte headed for the library.

Sometime that night…

“Where's Tamahome? It's past twelve.” Miaka said worriedly. The two other seishi sat in the garden.

“What if he got delayed, no da?” Chichiri asked.

“That bastard! That's no way to treat a girl!” Tasuki swore.

“Tamahome is not like that!” Miaka said.

Just then, they heard a rustling in the bushes.

“Tamahome!” Miaka shouted.

She ran out, but instead of Tamahome, it was Yui, and Nakago, plus a squadron of Kutou soldiers.

“Hi Miaka… haven't seen you for a while.” Yui said.

Miaka paled.

“Yui… how did you know we were here?”

“Fools! Why bother masking your chi when the noise you make gives you away?”

“Miaka! Move! Lekka Shinen!” Tasuki called. However, nothing happened.

“You must be Tasuki. However, I took the liberty of putting a barrier on your powers. Nothing will work.”

Tasuki growled.

“Now which one of you should I kill first?” Nakago mused.

“Wait. Don't kill them yet.” Yui said.

“As you wish. Take them to the dungeons!” The soldiers grabbed Miaka, but Tasuki and Chichiri teleported out.

Miaka was dragged to the dungeon. She was surprised to find a girl sitting there.

“Who are you?”

The girl didn't say anything. She watched impassively as the guards locked Miaka in.

“Are you deaf?”

Charlotte rolled her eyes and considered throttling Miaka, but decided against it.

“Hey! You! You must know where Tamahome is! Tamahome! Tamahome! Tamahome!”

Charlotte put her hands over her ears.

“Tamahome! Where's Tamahome? I want to see Tamahome!”

Charlotte started spinning the prayer wheel.

“Tamahome! Tamahome! Tamahome!”

“Shut up!” Charlotte said, getting annoyed.

“Tamahome! Tamahome! Tamahome!”

Charlotte left. “I'm going to see Nakago. Guards, try and keep her quiet!”

“Yes, Charlotte-sama.”

* Charlotte? That's not a Chinese name. That's an American name! Is she from our world? How did she get here? And she knows Nakago? Is she Seiryu no miko? * Miaka pondered, before she noticed that Tama-neko was there with her.

“Maybe you can help…”

A few minutes later, Miaka had escaped.

“Nakago-sama!” Charlotte said. “Please! She's driving me insane!”

“That bad?”

“That bad.”

“Fine. I'll send someone else to watch.” Just then, the guards came running up.

“Shogun! Suzaku no miko has escaped!”

“You incompetents!” Nakago shouted.

“Wait. I know what to do. Leave it to me.” Yui said.

“As you wish. Charlotte, go with her.”

“Hai!” Charlotte said. She followed Yui to the kitchen. Yui sent for several dishes of food.

“What's the food for?”

“Miaka loves food so much, she'll do anything to get it.” Yui said. The servants put many delicacies on the table.

Yui shut the lights. She and Charlotte stood in the shadows and waited.

“Mmm… what's that smell?” Miaka asked. She was carrying tama-neko and drooling.

“Must… resist.” But no matter how she tried, she ended up walking in the direction of the smell.

“Wow! Look at all that food!” Miaka said as she stepped into a room.

The door closed.

“Welcome, Miaka.” Yui said.

“Yui?”

“You haven't changed at all, Miaka! You still can't resist a well-cooked meal.”

Miaka blushed.

“Don't just look! Take a seat! I sent for this food just for you.”

Miaka and Yui both sat down.

Charlotte watched. She was still invisible, using an illusion to mask her presence.

“Don't worry! The food isn't poisoned.” Yui said.

“Yummy!” Miaka said. The plates were clean in an instant.

Yui laughed.

Miaka began to feel hopeful. * She's laughing. Does that mean she's forgiven me? *

“Yui…”

“I know what you're going to ask. I have to say no. I'm not giving Tamahome back to you.”

“Yui…”

“Why should I help someone who turned their back on me? I could have killed you at any time, but that would be too boring.”

“Yui. I didn't! I didn't turn my back on you!”

“I heard your conversation! You only came back for Tamahome! You didn't come back for me!”

Miaka looked at Yui. “It's true. I did come back for Tamahome. But I also came back for you! You're my best friend!”

“How funny.” Yui said. “You seem to wind up betraying all of your friends.”

“Please! Just give Tamahome back to me!”

“No!”

“Where is he? Please tell me!” Miaka said, grabbing Yui's arm.

“Let go!” Yui shouted.

Charlotte decided it would be time to appear. She caught Yui just as Miaka threw her into a wall.

“Ow…” Yui said.

Charlotte glared at Miaka.

“You're that weird girl!” Miaka said.

“What did you do to the miko?” Charlotte asked, as she checked Yui over. She noticed that Yui was rubbing her head.

“I-nothing!”

“Well, it didn't' sound like nothing.”

“Please! You must know where Tamahome is!” Miaka pleaded.

“Well, I don't. Why don't you ask Nakago?” Charlotte asked.

“You! Aren't you from our world?”

“Not really.” Charlotte said. She leaned over Yui and gave her chi transfer.

“You're a lesbian!” Miaka cried, misunderstanding the situation.

“What?!” Charlotte whipped shin out. The vines appeared and started choking Miaka to death.

Yui stood up. “Guards!”

“Yes?” The door opened and several guards walked in.

“Take her away!”

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!” Miaka shouted.

On the way, Chichiri rescued Miaka.

“Now I need to get Tamahome, no da. Stay here, no da.”

Miaka hid behind the pillar. But then she followed him.

Charlotte closed shin. “I think Tamahome is still in his room.”

“Well, let's go see if he's all right.”

“Okay.” Charlotte and Yui headed for Tamahome's room. On the way, they saw `Nakago' dragging Miaka away.

“Nakago-sama! Is Tamahome all right?” Charlotte asked. “Yui-sama is very worried about him.”

“Er.” Chichiri said.

“And where are you taking Suzaku no Miko? I thought you weren't going to kill her.”

“Where's Tamahome?” Miaka asked.

Yui shrugged. “Probably in here.” She led the way down the hall. Chichiri and Miaka followed.

“Tamahome!” Miaka cried, flinging herself at him.

Tamahome yawned.

“Right.” `Nakago' said. He suddenly grabbed Tamahome's hand and they vanished.

“What?!”

“That was-!” Charlotte's eyes widened. “Damn! That wasn't Nakago!”

Chichiri teleported them to the room; and quickly untied Tasuki. The four of them vanished.

“What was that?” Yui asked.

Charlotte looked out the window. “She's gone!”

“What?!”

“Damn!” Charlotte ran to get Nakago. “Nakago-sama! They've escaped with Tamahome!”

“Oh no.” Yui said.

Nakago didn't' look worried.

“Nakago?” Yui asked.

“Don't worry, Yui-sama. He'll come back.”

Yui looked puzzled, but then she smiled. “Arigatou.”

True enough. The spies brought back the news. Suzaku no miko was badly wounded, while Chiriko- not Amiboshi - had been killed on his way to the capital.

And Tamahome came back.

Yui was ecstatic.

Charlotte knew that this meant the Suzaku seishi would be unable to summon Suzaku.

“Does this mean that we can summon Seiryu now?”

“Yes. Charlotte, bring Amiboshi back.”

“Hai!” Charlotte replied before teleporting off.

She landed in the Konan palace.

“Excuse me, sir. Chiriko wanted me to bring him a cup of tea. Where is his room?”

“That way.” The servant said.

Charlotte went into Amiboshi's room and saw him playing his flute. Amiboshi looked up “A-Ashitare?”

“Shh!” Charlotte took Amiboshi's arm. “We have to get out of here!”

“Why?”

“Nakago decided to summon Seiryu.”

“Okay.” The two of them vanished.

Chichiri rushed in, but it was too late.

“What was that?” Nuriko asked.

“Seiryu chi! And Chiriko is gone, no da!”

“Oh no!”

Their fears were well founded. Within days, they saw the blue dragon against the sky.

“What did she wish for?” Was Miaka's first question when Kutou attacked Konan, as she stood behind Hotohori on the balcony.

The Seiryu seven were standing on a bluff, overlooking the battlefield.

Yui stood by Nakago's side. The other seishi were grouped around her.

“Peace for Kutou.” Charlotte said, ticking off her fingers. “Nakago's wish, and happiness for the rest of us.”

“Why are you attacking Konan?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Yui asked. “I need you out of the way. Nakago needs you out of the way. We can bring peace to this land only if Kutou conquers all of it.”

“Liar!” Tasuki shouted as he charged the Seiryu seishi. “LEKKA SHINEN!”

“Static Illusion!” Charlotte shouted. The golden star on her chest blazed. Tasuki tumbled off his horse and fell.

“One down, four to go.” Tomo said as he polished his clam.

“TASUKI!” Nuriko and Chichiri galloped over. Mitsukake was busy tending to the wounded.

Nakago blasted them. Soi was busy taking out some of the more ambitious Konan soldiers.

“How long do you think they will last?” Tomo asked as he sent a barrage of vines at a group of soldiers.

“Who knows?” Miboshi asked, as he summoned more demons via the prayer wheel.

Suboshi flung his Ryuuseisui at the two approaching Suzaku seishi, knocking Nuriko off his horse, but Chichiri hit him with a blast of magic. Suboshi went down, clutching his side.

“Suboshi!” Amiboshi ran to his twin's side, before taking out his flute and grimly setting it to his lips.

Pain ripped through the Suzaku seishi's heads.

“NO!” Miaka shouted. She flung herself into the thick of battle.

Yui smirked. “Kill her.”

Nakago nodded and flung a chi blast directly at Miaka, who shrieked and (*GASP! *) died.

(Authoress' notes: YAY! YAY! MIAKA IS DEAD! I support the cave of Miaka hate. )

Miaka vanished.

Keisuke looked up from the book in time to see a dead Miaka.

And the rest of them all lived happily ever after.

The end!

Started 4/2/02, completed 4/10/02