Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Shi Jin no Miko ❯ The Kyoto Temple ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Fushigi Yugi. I only own Kumiko (and her family, but yea) oh Yes, I don't own Mischa Yuki either. Too bad. She belongs to Paris-Rose (check out her fics when she gets them up, they tie in with mine) Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

Shi Jin no Miko

Chapter 7: The Kyoto Temple

The group seemed to be making extremely good progress, seeing that they were extremely close to reaching the end of Konan borders. "If I'm right, we'll be very close to the Kyoto temple in days," Chiriko said, his hands sprawled over a map. "And when we get there, we split off. I need to request the gods' presence," Kumiko said. Mischa nodded, "I've gotta find my senshi. And after all, Hokkan IS the best place to look." Tasuki rolled his eyes. "And where ever did you get that idea oh genius one?" He said half sarcastically, half monotonously. Mischa smacked him upside the head with her hand. "Shut up, baka." "I still have to find the Shinzaho in Hokkan, so I guess me and everyone else will be going with Mischa." Miaka smiled brightly at her cousin, who didn't smile back. She was a little preoccupied dodging Tasuki's attempts to burn her to a crisp.

"REKKA SHIN'EN!" He yelled for the tenth time. He had Mischa on the run. "Tasuki, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Kumiko yelled grabbing the tessin from his hand before he could release the spell. He smiled weakly in response to Kumiko's angry expressions. "Um…target practice." "I'm holding this hostage," She said, running off with it. "No, you can't take it! You wouldn't believe what I had to go through to get that! Give it!" He chased after her, and Kumiko ran laughing. Mischa blinked and cocked her head to the side. "Is she flirting with him?" Miaka shook her head and replied, "No. She's just being herself. She used to be like that all the time, but after what happened…" She trailed off more quietly with each word. "After what?" Mischa asked. "After her father's death, she sorta…stopped having so much fun. I don't know exactly, but she left the funeral a completely different person. It makes me happy to see her act like herself." Mischa nodded, then suddenly turned her head towards Tasuki and Kumiko and yelled. "COME ON KUMIKO, KICK HIS ASS!" Tasuki had successfully wrestled her to the ground and was grabbing at his tessin, which she had out of his reach. "Mischa, it's not a very good thing to provoke her, no da." Chichiri said. Mischa shrugged. "'bout time somebody does," she grinned.

"Got it!" He exclaimed. Kumiko was panting. "If I wasn't in a skirt you wouldn't have gotten it so easily." He stuck out his tongue. "I win. Ha ha." She rolled her eyes. "You're such a child." She grinned and continued, "No more target practice okay, Tasuki-kun? Or else I'll have to put you in a time out." Mischa and Miaka doubled over with laughter. Needless to say, Tasuki didn't appreciate being talked to as if he was five. "Aw, shut up," He replied. Kumiko sat down next to him. "I was joking, ya know." She winked. He grinned, his pointy canine teeth bared slightly. "Duh."

"Guys, I think we should leave. We've wasted a little bit too much time here already, after all the beheading and amnesia and such," Nuriko said, shuddering at the thought. Kumiko nodded and stood up. "good idea. I think we're pretty much set." Everyone had already packed up, so they mounted their horses and headed out. "How far do ya reckon' we'll get by sundown?" Tasuki asked. Chiriko shrugged. "Probably not that far. I'm hoping they'll be a town nearby. Sleeping on the ground isn't very comfortable, after all." "Well, it isn't the worst thing it the world. It's good to get back into nature," Kumiko said optimistically. Everyone stared at her. "What?" She asked. "Are you okay? You're acting a little strange, no da." Chichiri said, stating the obvious.

Kumiko didn't truly know why she was so happy. Part of it, she guessed, had to do with getting her memory back. But another part, was almost a mystery to her. A small glittery feeling had welled up inside of her and had somehow completely changed her mood. Maybe I'm high on endorphins, she thought, straining for an explanation. "I dunno," she said finally. "I guess I'm just glad to remember all you guys." Miaka smiled. "I'm glad to. No offense or anything, but you were sorta boring when you didn't remember anything." Kumiko laughed. "I wonder."

It surprised Kumiko how far they had gone within the few hours they had left before sunset. "Looks like we're not gonna find that town tonight, Chiriko," Mischa said, patting him on the back. He shrugged. "Oh well." He suddenly shivered. "You cold?" She asked. He nodded. She took off her long black leather trench coat and put it on Chiriko's shoulders. "Now you can be the Goth." He blinked. "What is a Goth?" He asked. "Never mind. It's just somebody who wears lotsa black." "And isn't all that happy," Kumiko added. "And doesn't know the meaning of fun," Tasuki muttered. "I do too know the meaning of fun, and it doesn't involve drinking," She said, turning her nose up at him.

Kumiko yawned. "I'm shot." She stretched. "I'm hitting the hay." She got up from around the campfire they had built and lay down where she had placed her blankets. "What hay?" Tamahome said, dumbfounded. Later that night, Kumiko awoke to the sound of footsteps. She squinted in the dim light and saw a very familiar figure tiptoeing with an object in hand. She grabbed their ankle. "Don't you dare," She said. Mischa looked scared, but slightly disappointed. "Oh come on. A bucket of water on that stupid head of his isn't gonna harm him," She whined. "Just don't," Kumiko warned. "or you'll most definitely be in for it. Trust me. Getting your hair set on fire is no fun." Mischa sighed and set down the bucket. "Ok fine. I'm going back to bed." She said. Then she added, "Party pooper."

After that Kumiko didn't go to sleep. She had too many thoughts running through her head. She turned over and looked at Tasuki, who was lying near by. She smiled slightly, at the sight of him sprawled out all over. He looks like such a little kid, she thought, as her smile turned into a grin. His face was serene and calm, his breath steady. She watched his chest move up and down as he inhaled and exhaled. Suddenly his eyebrows furrowed and he started to fidget. He tossed and turned a bit, and mumbled something about not wanting to drown.

He's having nightmares, thought Kumiko, her smile fading slightly. Poor guy. At least I don't dream about my fear. She sighed and closed her eyes, refusing to open them until light came again. Sleep once again overtook her, but she did not dream of happy things as before. This time, they were of past events and repressed memories. Her father's lifeless body lying in its coffin, her mother's tear streaked face, the blood chilling feeling those four words gave her. "Your father, he's…dead." She bolt upright, sweat and tears mingling on her face. It was dawn. She wiped her wet face and stood up. I don't want to go back to sleep after that, she thought. So, instead, she decided to take a walk.

The morning air was cold in her lungs, but she was warm enough. I won't go far, she determined. Birds had started to chirp, and small animals, such as squirrels, lingered in the trees and on the ground. She smiled. "Gotta love nature," She whispered. Her father had always loved nature.

"See this, Kumiko? It's an owl pellet. It's made from the excess bones and materials the own couldn't digest. So he spits it out through his mouth." Her father had said. He pointed to it, and Kumiko made a face. "Gross," She said, prodding it was a stick. "You don't see them around very much anymore. Especially in our area. Not many owls around to leave them." "Why didn't you become a scientist like mom then? You love nature so much. Being a lawyer doesn't let you come very close," She pointed out.

He sighed. "Yes, I know. But I love my job all the same. I feel better being close to nature outside of work. It would only spoil its joys if that's what I did for a living." Kumiko nodded in reply. "C'mon," he suddenly said, grabbing her hand. "You're mother's probably done with dinner."

"Kumiko!" She snapped her eyes open at the call of her name. "I've been looking for you?" Tasuki said, panting slightly, as if he had been running. "Looking for me?" She stammered, slightly embarrassed. He nodded. "You had me worried. I thought you ran off," He relied. She blushed. She had never thought she could worry him in such a way. "I just wanted to take a walk. I figured nobody else would be up at this time. I never meant to make you worry about me, I'm terribly sorry," She apologized sincerely. He shook his head. "Don't be sorry. You can take a walk if you want to. Just, don't leave with out tellin' someone." "Alright. I'll remember that next time," She smiled.

"C'mon, let's go. We don't want to worry anybody else," He grabbed her hand, and she blushed deeper. His hands were warm and slightly rough. "Okay," She stammered again. Why am I acting like such an idiot? This is Tasuki for gods sakes. Why the hell does it matter? The two ran quickly back to the camp. Everyone was up, except for Miaka, who lay under many blankets, snoring loudly. "There you are," Mischa said surprised. "We thought something bad had happened," Chiriko said. He was still wearing Mischa's coat. "Sorry. Didn't mean to worry you. I went for a walk," She said lamely. "Oh, well that's not that big of a deal," Miaka said, shrugging.

"We should go soon," Tamahome said. "It's best to leave early. That way we can avoid meeting other travelers." Kumiko looked at him quizzically. "Why does that matter?" She asked him. "Well, people are still looking for you, Kumiko. Even if we don't meet dangerous strangers, the people might tip off the assassins after you," Tasuki said logically. "Oh, yea I suppose you're right." "Wait, did Tasuki just say something smart?" Mischa asked, astonished. He flipped her off. "Shut up." Mischa was about to say something back, but Kumiko cut her off, "Ok then, let's get moving."

Within ten minutes, they were on their way. Kumiko rode closer to the middle than usual, almost instinctively, as if she knew it were wiser. They soon came upon a town. "Isn't that typical. We slept on the ground thinking we wouldn't find it. Damn," Mischa said, glaring at it. "What do you suppose we do? Don't think there's a way around it," Kumiko said. "Well, it wouldn't hurt to go through it," Miaka said. "Except for the fact that both you, me and Mischa are all dressed in OUR clothes," Kumiko pointed to her uniform. "Oh yea. Darn." "I have a kimono that I could wear. And you've got a ton, Miaka," Kumiko said. She turned to Mischa, "And Mischa-" She didn't get to finish. "No. I'm NOT wearing that stupid kimono. No way in hell." Her threat sounded serious, so nobody picked it up. "What if-" Miaka started. "No. No no no!" Mischa let go of the reins and covered her ears, almost resulting in her falling. Tasuki snickered.

"Oh Shut up, Fang Boy," She hissed, riding slightly ahead. He scowled. "Women. Can't stand `em. Can't hurt `em." Kumiko sighed. "Must you have such a negative view against women? After all, I'm not that bad, am I?" He shrugged. "You're an exception." She smiled slightly, pleased that she wasn't as much as an annoyance to him as before. "Alright, we'll go through the town and all but we've gotta go quickly," Kumiko said. She disliked the idea of explaining to the people why they were wearing funny looking clothing.

Surprisingly enough, nobody was outside in the village. It was obviously inhabited, because smoke was coming out of their chimneys. "Guess they're not very social," Miaka said. "Guess not." Kumiko's eyes darted; something was suspicious. "You guys, what if their quarantined? You remember that village of sick people when we found Mitsukake?" Nuriko said, looking slightly nervous. Miaka bit her lip. "You could be right." "Let's just go, fast." Kumiko didn't like it anymore than the rest of them, so she clicked her heels and sped off out of the village.

She stopped when she got to the edge of the village, where a grove of deciduous trees were growing. The leaves were starting to change colors and looked beautiful against the pale blue sky. Mischa came riding up, panting. "That's creepy," She said between gasps for air. Kumiko nodded. "Its as if…they're afraid of us." Mischa shrugged. "Could be. We're awfully close to borders. Attacking armies might be a problem." "or Bandits," Kumiko added, remember the group of men that had tried taking her hostage. Mischa scowled. "What? You steal too. I've seen you grabbing at Tamahome's pockets," Kumiko grinned. "Yea. But the word reminds me of that jerk," She motioned towards Tasuki. "I can't stand him."

Kumiko laughed. "Neither could I. But, I learned to like him, I guess." "He just…reminds me of something, that's all," Mischa said, barely audible. Kumiko didn't hear her. Suddenly Miaka, Tamahome, Nuriko, Tasuki and Hotohori rode up. "Jeez, they're slow," Kumiko said. "Painstakingly, yea. But I'm sure they'll make it sometime. Although I'll probably have gray hair," Mischa commented it. Miaka shuddered. "That'd look really bad if you died it that color." Mischa ran her fingers through her black and red streaked hair. "Yea, I like it this way, definitely. The colors rock."

When the rest of the group FINALLY caught up (which wasn't as long as they complained it to be) the travelers entered the forest. It was cool, and the leaves crunched under the horses' hooves. "I love fall. Especially the smell of it." Kumiko smiled happily as she inhaled the scent. "Since we're so close to Hokkan borders, it's colder here. There's never snow in Konan," Chiriko said. "Especially at the palace," Nuriko added. "Yea, but it isn't cold enough for snow yet. It might be if we go any further north," Hotohori said. "I wonder…when I came to this world, and landed in the Kyoto Temple, it didn't seem cold at all. That's really strange."

"Weird," Mischa said. "I sorta landed somewhere between the Hokkan borders and the Konan borders. Then that old hag lady found me," Mischa shivered. "Boy was she ugly." Kumiko laughed. "That's not very nice," She commented. "Yea, well neither is Mischa." Tasuki said. Mischa ignored him and went on, "She brought me to the palace when I asked to meet the priestess. Cuz' she told me she was from the real world. I needed someone I could relate to. Turns out it was Miaka. That's what ya call Ironic. Then Emperor Hotohori saw the tattoo I have on my wrist and started to flip out on me and all." "Why?" Kumiko asked. "Because, that tells us that she's the priestess of Genbu. All priestesses supposedly carry some sort of sign to signify that they are the priestess," Hotohori explained.

"Right. Mine was my tattoo. So was Mischa's. What was Miaka's?" She asked. "Well, I started glowing a red light, apparently the light of Suzaku. I'm not sure about Yui. And there is no Priestess of Biyakko. Or at least not yet, I think." Miaka said.

Nightfall came, and once again, the group had to stop and camp. There was a nice clear out in the middle of the forest, shaded by large oak trees. "I think we're getting good at this `making camp' thing," Kumiko grinned. Usually it'd take them about half an hour, but that night it had only taken around 10 to 15 minutes. "Yea, I'll say. Too bad we don't have portable beds," Miaka frowned. "Rekka Shin'en," Tasuki muttered as he lit the fire. "What's wrong? You're usually so happy when you light that thing." Kumiko came up behind him. He shrugged. She gave him a puzzled look. Something was bothering him.

I wonder if it has anything to do with those dreams of his…She thought. She decided not to bring it up. That could be the start of an argument. Kumiko happily talked with everyone around the campfire. When at last she decided to sleep, it did not come easily. She continually woke in the night, fitfully trying to stay peacefully until the morning. Once again, she awoke at dawn. "Too much Oleamide," She muttered. She heard someone shift. Once again, Tasuki seemed to be having a bad dream. She pitied him, and touched his hand slightly. He stopped stirring, and seemed to sleep at ease.

A small smile grew upon her face. Much better to dream happy things, She thought looking at him fondly. A sudden thought occurred to her and she found she couldn't breathe. Her heart began to beat faster as realization struck her hard, as if a blow in the face: She was in love with Tasuki. She mentally shook her head. No. I can't. He's a bandit who hates women. He's detestable. I could never like anyone like that. She looked at him sleeping again, so innocently. Then why do you long to lie there next to him? Whenever he smiles at you, your heart beats a little faster? Why then do you wish to hear him call your name? Her voice of reason spoke, and she sighed.

She knew the truth. There was no arguing when she could feel the fire of emotions burn inside her. She knew why she loved him; he was kind, determin and…almost charming, in his own peculiar way. And She knew that he'd protect her from all harm; anything that was thrown at her so far, she had overcame…because of him. She sighed again. Now the problem was hiding them. She had realized her feelings, but would he?

By mid morning, the group was on their way. Kumiko tried to casually avoid Tasuki, usually by striking a conversation with Mischa. She knew that she would miss her when she left for the temple. By the afternoon, they had finally gotten there. Kumiko smiled in relief; all of the days travel had just paid off. The temple stood shaded behind trees, kept hidden from those who did not look for it. I wonder if that was done on purpose, she thought. She turned to Miaka. "I must go now. Continue, and be safe. Both of you." She looked at Mischa, who nodded. "Don't worry. We'll be fine." She got off of her horse, and Miaka did the same. "Goodbye, Kumiko." The two friends hugged. Tasuki said, "I'll be seeing you guys later. I think I should go with Kumiko."

She looked at him, her cheeks slightly pink. "Are you sure? I'll be okay by myself," She insisted. "Don't worry. We'll be fine without Tasuki," Mischa said, grinning. He shot her a look of dislike. "I'll catch up with you. Don't bother with it," He said. Kumiko nodded. "Bye guys!" She called as they shrunk in the distance. Now, once again, the two were alone. Kumiko headed inside the temple. The Kotatsu was no longer smouldering, in fact, it was no longer there. A small pit was sitting in its place were a fire could be lit. "Oh yea, I have to light a sacred fire. How?" She said, pondering. She turned to Tasuki. "Lemme borrow this for a second," She said pointed to his tessin. He shrugged and handed it to her. For a second, when their hands touched, she felt her cheeks grow hot, but she turned her head towards the alter.

If you can't even stop blushing with mere contact, you're going to have problems, She thought, grasping hold of her mind. He's still your friend, that doesn't change. So treat him like it. "Rekka Shin'en," She commanded. The tessin omitted a strong surge of flames and lit the fire. It shimmered slightly, as if it carried celestial powers. "Alright," She said. She sank to her knees and closed her eyes. Words suddenly started to flow from her mouth, as if it was a natural thing;

"Gods of Fire, Water, Wind and Earth,

Help me to complete my search

Tell me who I need to find

To bring the peace we need in time

Who'll help me save this world from foes,

I summon thee, as the Shi Jin no Miko"

The fire crackled and suddenly a face appeared. The figure had red hair, which framed his face elegantly. He had fierce red eyes and a crimson symbol blazed on his forehead. Kumiko bowed her head and whispered, "Suzaku."

"Kumiko Inoai, you have no place bowing to me. You are the Shi Jin no Miko, Priestess of Four Gods, and have much power already that will only continue to grow." Kumiko blushed modestly. "I see you already have found my celestial warrior," His eyes fell on Tasuki, who bowed respectfully. "He wasn't that hard to find," She said dotingly.

"You, Kumiko Inoai, have my blessing." He reached from the fire and touched her forehead. The same symbol of Suzaku appeared where he had touched her and started to glow. She could feel his blessing surge through her. "Arigatou, Suzaku," She said appreciatively. "No, Arigatou to you, for saving our world. I shall hope to see you, as well as my priestess, soon." He disappeared, and the fire was as it was before. Kumiko blinked. Amazing, she thought. The fire gave another crackle, and its flame changed to a deep blue. A new face appeared in the fire.

This one, Seiryuu, had sapphire blue hair, which hung down over his face in small whisps. He stared at her sternly, his azure eyes peering into her soul.

"So, you have consulted with my enemy, Suzaku. Not the smartest of choices," He said in a cold voice. Inside Kumiko panicked, but she managed to stay cool. "I am on no one's side. I only want to bring peace." A smile appeared on his face. "You have passed my test. The bluebell flame flashed, and a symbol appeared in the fire. "the senshi of mine you must find is named Amiboshi. I know not of his location, his chi has lately been extremely hard to sense." "Amiboshi, Amiboshi, Amiboshi," Kumiko repeated in her head, hoping rote rehearsal would save her from forgetting. Seiryuu's hand reached from the fire and touched her forehead. "You having my blessing as well." He disappeared, just as quickly as Suzaku had.

"Only two left," She said to Tasuki, who only nodded in reply. He seemed uncomfortable, as if he knew not if this was the smartest idea. Once more the fire crackled, and this time, it gave emissions of yellow light.

"Shi Jin no Miko, I have come in answer to your request." The face of Biyakko, a long silver haired man, appeared before her. His yellow cat-like eyes were upon her. "I am here to ask for the name of the Biyakko senshi who will protect me," Kumiko said. Biyakko smiled. "That I know. You shall learn that now." A symbol appeared. "Kokie, a senshi who lives in the south western part of Sairou will be the one to protect you. He lives in a small village inhabited by few. His fellow senshi most likely think him dead." Kumiko received the blessing of Biyakko and he too vanished. Only Genbu remained.

Once again, the fire crackled, one final time. A deep green tint took the fire, and another face appeared. Unlike the others, Genbu had a small moustache. His green hair was slicked back, his symbol could easily be seen.

"Am I late?" He asked Kumiko. "Fashionably," She replied. Genbu sighed. "I'm always last. Must have something to do with being the oldest. Ah well, I do not mind. Oh yes! You're senshi." A glowing symbol emerged. "Tomite lies protecting the Shinzaho in Hokkan," He said, suddenly reappearing. "Your fellow priestess and her other senshi are on their way there to search for it, ne?" Kumiko nodded. "That is true. I suppose I must catch up with them." He touched her forehead. "My blessing is with you." He disappeared, along with the fire, which snuffed quickly.

"I feel them. The gods. Their strength. It's all right here, inside of me," She said. Tasuki touched her shoulder. "What now?" Kumiko hadn't thought about it. She had been so preoccupied in actually summoning the god's presence, that she had not thought beyond this moment. "I don't know. I've never that about it. I just assumed I'd get to go…" She stopped, her throat tight. "You miss your world," Tasuki concluded. She nodded. "Yea, I guess. My mom needs me, you know?"

"Would you like to go home?" A familiar voice said. Kumiko turned around. "Tai Itsukun!" She exclaimed as she got to her feet. "I'm glad to see you as well. I told you I'd be waiting for you." Kumiko bowed. "Well, do you wish to go home?" Kumiko looked back at Tasuki and read his expression. His face was calm, but a glint of emotion could be seen in his eyes. Kumiko turned back to Tai Itsukun. "Yes, I suppose I do." "I can send you home, but only for four hours," She said. "Four hours!" Kumiko exclaimed.

"Well, time passes much quicker here, and any more time passed that-" He was interrupted by Kumiko, who cut her off. "Tai Itsukun, thank you! I can't believe you're giving more four whole hours!" Kumiko hugged her, much to Tai Itsukun's surprise. She smiled slightly and pounded her staff against the granite floor. A pink light surrounded Kumiko as her eyes met with Tasuki's. Her heart pounded faster, as emotion welled inside of her. "Goodbye, I won't be gone forever. I promise, I'll come back soon." Her smile was bittersweet. "Goodbye," Tasuki said softly as she disappeared. "I'll miss you…Kumiko."

~*~*~*~*

Lola-Gurl: So what did you think? Let me know! Please review (but don't flame, those aren't nice) I'm sorry it took so long for this chapter. Hope to have 8 up soon! Oh, and by the way, yes, I did a bad job on the little poem thingy near the middle (when she calls the gods) But hey, I wasn't trying very hard. -_-` Anyway, review!