Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ The Phoenix Generation ❯ Return To Your Senses ( Chapter 4 )

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

Title:The Phoenix Generation
Series: Fushigi Yuugi
Rating: NC-17 for lemon!
Pairing: Tas/Nuri

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Hello again! Here's the lemon I keep promising. This is my first one I've ever posted for other to read, so I'm hoping it doesn't suck. Enjoy!
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The Phoenix Generation

Chapter 4

Return To Your Senses



Tasuki nearly leaped out of bed, a smile plastered onto his face. This was perfect,
he thought. If he remembered everything, maybe, just maybe so did everybody else. He
could wait to see Koji and do their "best friend dance" or find Chichiri and tease him
about his mask. The person he wanted to see first, however, was a certain purple locked
young man. Just thinking about what he would do to Nuriko sent a shiver through his
body and a certain part of his anatomy hardened in response. He closed his eyes for a
moment and thought about what Nuriko might just do to him. That was the motivation
he needed to spring out the door towards Nuriko's bedroom. The door was slightly ajar
and he peeked in quietly.

Nuriko sat at his desk, staring at his reflection in the mirror, clad only in a pair of flannel pajama pants. His hair was twisted into a braid that snaked down his bare back.
He was touching his slim chest, and Tasuki assumed that he was searching for the
wounds that killed him long ago. The only mar on him was the love bite from yesterday.
He could not help but smile at the look of wonder on Nuriko's face.

"Good morning," he said softly, "Hell of a dream last night, huh?"

Nuriko's eyes widened as he turned his head towards Tasuki's voice. "So you
dreamed last night, too? I'm not dreaming right now, am I, Tasuki?"

The sound of his real name on his lover's lips made Tasuki's heart race. He
closed the door behind him and reached for Nuriko. Wasting no time, the smaller boy
leaped into his arms, desperately seeking his lips. The kiss they shared spoke of pent up
passion and sweet relief. Gods, Tasuki thought, he still tastes the same.

"I've always wondered," he murmured between kisses, "why I didn't feel so
weird when you called me 'Gen-chan'. Only you have ever called me that."

Nuriko laughed against his lips. "You would have flamed anyone else who did."
He put a hand on Tasuki's tanned cheek, caressing it slowly. "You're really here. I can't
believe it. I thought I'd never see you again. I never had the chance to say goodbye to
you." Unshed tears shimmered in his eyes. "Never had the chance to tell you have much
I love you. That was my only regret when I fought Ashtaire. I missed you so much."

Tasuki leaned in the caress, marveling at how soft that hand was after all this
time. Damn if he doesn't feel so good close to me, he thought as he tightened his
embrace. His arousal made its presence known, but this time he did not mind. Nuriko
moaned softly and pushed his own hips into Tasuki's, showing him that he was not the
only one affected. The way he pulled the redhead back into a kiss also conveyed the
same thing.

Unlike their earlier kiss, this one was slow and seductive. Their tongues danced,
neither one fighting for dominance directly. But Nuriko was trying his best to take the
lead in other ways; the slight grinding of his hips, the soft urging gasps he made to just to further torment his lover, and the way his hands slightly ghosted over the flat nipples on Tasuki's chest, just like old times. He had always taken the lead in their foreplay, making up for the bandit's lack of experience.

"Mmm, you're still just as cunning as a woman, Nuri-chan," Tasuki captured
Nuriko's bottom lip and began to suck and worry it with his fangs. The responding
shudder nearly stole his resolve. "Just let me show you how much I missed you this
time." He released Nuriko's lip once it was swollen just the way he wanted and lifted
him into his arms. The bed was a short trip, and soon Nuriko was lying on it, with Tasuki
kneeling at his side. "I promise that I'm all yours next time."

The look on Nuriko's face promised a lot of "next times", but he nodded in
agreement. A blush reddened his face and chest, and the bulge in his pants grew in
response. It was now time to show Nuriko what a quick study he was. Tasuki then
moved his attentions to Nuriko's ear, tracing the contours with his tongue. One hand
glided on sweat slick skin to find a tiny nipple. Nuriko shuddered as Tasuki rolled it
between his fingers. His whimpers were music to the bandit's ears.

Tasuki removed his mouth from the earlobe he was currently torturing and drew a
line of kisses down Nuriko's jaw line, and a line of licks down his neck, stopping to trace
circles around the bruise. Nuriko began to writhe beneath him, gasping for breath as
Tasuki continued licking a path down to the nipple he was playing with. Delicate fingers
intertwined themselves in his hair, pressing his face closer to the slim chest.

"Gen-chan, that feels so good," Nuriko moaned.

Smiling around the pebble hard nipple, Tasuki replied, "I learned from the best."
He let go of one nipple and switched to the other. Nuriko arched his back, and Tasuki
looped his arm under him, pulling him up. His other hand reached inside the waistband
of Nuriko's pants, grasping his erection. The sudden contact made Nuriko toss his head
back, crying out in pleasure and clutching the blanket under him. Tasuki looked at the
beautiful sight before him. It took his breath away.

"You're so fucking gorgeous, koi. I can do this all day, and never get enough of
watching you." He gently removed his arm from under Nuriko. With one smooth yank,
Nuriko's pants slid down his legs, baring him to Tasuki's hungry gaze. He writhed on
the bed, his skin flushed and his chest quickly rising and falling with every frantic breath
and an insistent erection standing proudly with a sheen of precum. Tasuki's own cock
throbbed in response, demanding release that only the willing body below him could
provide. He closed his eyes and willed himself to stay calm for just a few more moments.
There was more he wished to do.

Climbing on the bed, he positioned himself between Nuriko's legs. He leaned
forward and reveled in the scream Nuriko gave when he took his erection into his mouth.
The salty and bitter of sweat and cum filled his mouth as his started to move his throat.
Nuriko's writhing increased as Tasuki's lips and tongue slid up and down his shaft,
stopping briefly at the head to flick over the tip with his tongue. Nuriko called out his
name, apparently not caring if anyone heard them. Tasuki didn't care either. His only
priority was to make his lover orgasm.

Tasuki gripped the shaft and began pumping as he continued tonguing the head.
Nuriko's breaths increased and Tasuki was sure that he was getting closer to orgasm.
While keeping one hand in motion, he wet a finger and started to tease the puckered
opening that led the way to his own satisfaction. Nuriko began to arch his back once
again toward his mouth and hands.

Slowly, carefully, the spit slick finger pushed inside Nuriko's depths. Tasuki took
as much of Nuriko's cock as he could into his mouth and began to suck as hard and fast
as he could until his searching finger hit Nuriko's tender prostate. Nuriko really did
scream this time, shuddering and climaxing into his lover's mouth. Tasuki swallowed
every drop of his essence. Finally spent, he lay boneless and gasping with a pleased
expression on his face. Tasuki could not help but smile at the results of his handiwork.

"You know, I do have something you could use to, umm…finish what you've
started." Nuriko smirked, and Tasuki felt the muscles around his still pumping finger
clench slightly. "Check my nightstand, and hurry."

Tasuki leaned forward and brushed a kiss on Nuriko's lips before reaching for the
nightstand. It did not take long for him to find a small bottle of lubricant. "I wonder
what a nice 'girl' like you would be doing with something like this," he smirked.

"Getting in touch with my masculine side," Kourin replied ruefully. He cupped
Tasuki's boxer covered bulge. "Now get over here. Don't you think we've waited long
enough?"

Tasuki shivered a bit at the contact. "I couldn't refuse you if I fucking tried." He yanked his boxers off, freeing his long waiting erection, and threw them across the room. Pouring some lube into his hands, he liberally covered his cock, nearly climaxing a few times in his haste. He knew that he wouldn't last long. He was a little more careful in reading Nuriko, stretching his entrance to accommodate one, then two fingers. Nuriko's
hips thrust in time to each stroke, and gasps turned into groans that increased in volume
until his become fully aroused once again.

Nuriko grabbed the inside of his knees and pulled them forward, whimpering.
Tasuki could not resist the temptation and drew Nuriko's shapely legs around his waist,
aiming his cock directly at Nuriko's opening. Leaning forward onto his hands and knees,
he felt himself sink into his little lover. His ears were filled with Nuriko's kneeing wail. Once fully inside, he leaned forward just a bit more until his mouth hovered over
Nuriko's ear.

"I love you, I missed you, and I missed this."

Before Nuriko could give an understandable response, Tasuki started thrusting
into his tight warmth. Each motion brought his cock in contact with Nuriko's sensitive
prostate and made him scream louder and louder still. Nuriko's legs tightened around his
waist, keeping Tasuki's thrusts deep and fast. Nothing else in the world existed except
the two of them, moving together as one as they did long ago. With the frantic pants in
his ear, the smell of Nuriko and sweat surrounding him and the wet heat that held him
snugly, Tasuki was reaching orgasm even sooner than he first anticipated.

He felt Nuriko's cock rubbing against his abs and reached between them to grab
it. If he was going to come soon, he wanted them to do so together. His fingers pumped
in time to his pistoning thrusts. It didn't take long for the frantic boy to reach
completion.

"Gen-chan!" Nuriko groaned, grabbing Tasuki's shoulders. Tasuki felt his finely
manicured nails bite into his skin, followed by the warm splash of Nuriko's seed on his
chest. That, plus the sudden clinching of Nuriko's inner muscles did him in. With a
strangled shout, he emptied his essence into his lover.

Trembling, Tasuki gently rested his head on Nuriko's shoulder. The smaller boy
wrapped his arms around him as they both sank back to reality.

"I don't know about you," Tasuki began once he found his voice. "But I really
needed that. I know that we need to concentrate on saving Miaka and pounding Ryoji
into the ground and all that heroic stuff…"

Nuriko smiled and removed the hand he placed over Tasuki's mouth to silence
him. "You still talk too much. I'm sure we're forgiven if we take some time
to…ahh…celebrate getting our memories back. Once Miaka is safe, we can take all the
time in the world to celebrate even more."

"Promise?" Tasuki lifted his head for a kiss.

"I promise. We have a lot of time to make up for." Nuriko slipped his tongue
into Tasuki's mouth. The smoldering afterglow was quickly heating up until a rap at the
door killed the mood. Two pairs of eyes glared at the closed door until a voice on the
other side spoke.

"Kourin? I need to talk to you and Genrou, if he's with you."

Nuriko squeaked in surprise and shoved Tasuki off of him in surprise, apparently
forgetting about his strength as Tasuki went flying off the bed. He landed on the floor on
the other side of the bed, glad he missed the wall.

"Is everything okay in there, Kourin?"

"Just a minute, Houjun!" Nuriko called. Tasuki pulled his head up and saw
Nuriko scrambling to pull on his long neglected pants and a bathrobe. He spun around
long enough to notice Tasuki's ungraceful landing.

"Jeez, will you cover yourself up?" he demanded.

"With what?" Tasuki frantically whispered, "All I was wearing when I got here
were my boxers. Just toss them over here."

"Kourin?" Houjun's voice sounded more insistent.

"Oh hell, just stay there then," Nuriko tied the sash of the robe, smoothed his hair back, and opened the door. "Good morning, Houjun. Come on in."

Tasuki quickly leaned forward on his elbow, using the bed to cover his lower half.
He struggled mightily with an innocent look, but it just would not stay on. "Morning,
Houjun. How did you sleep?"

Houjun walked in, shutting the door behind him. He looked so serious that
Tasuki prayed that being caught with his pants down—literally—was the only thing he
was in trouble for. From the equally guilty on Nuriko's face, he saw that the feeling was
mutual.

Maybe he didn't get his memories back, he thought.

Houjun let the pause drag for a few nanoseconds, and Tasuki was nearly about to
confess every sin he had ever committed while at Tombiki until a familiar smile broke
Houjun's demeanor. "I've slept better last night than I have in years, no da."

The tension in the room quickly disappeared, and Tasuki breathed huge sigh of
relief.

"Chichiri!" Nuriko leaped into the former monk's arms, who happily accepted
the hug. "You remembered, too!" He looked intently at the top of Chichiri's head. "You
really did dye your hair brown. I can see little blue roots."

Tasuki grinned from ear to ear and wished he could hug his old friend without
flashing him in the process. "No need for that at all now that we all know who you are."

"Wait. That's why I'm here, no da." Chichiri sat down on the desk chair. His
expression was serious. "I'm supposed to be here under the pretense of talking to you
two about breaking the bathroom wall and Chuin's nose, no da."

Nuriko cocked an eyebrow in confusion. "Who broke Chuin's nose?"

"I did, and if I knew who he really was yesterday afternoon, I would have done a
whole hell of a lot worse to the son of a bitch." Tasuki cracked his knuckles.

"Hold it right there." Chichiri replied. "He doesn't know who he is, nan no da.
No one else does. I've asked around, and no one's had a dream last night, no da."

"Well, that makes things easier, we just haul everyone else to talk to Miaka
tonight, then wait until morning. No problem."

Chichiri shook his head. "We're in a limited time frame. Dr. Ryoji isn't happy
about the sudden bout of violence in the ward, no da. Everyone on this floor is to be
sedated tonight, no da."

Nuriko rolled his eyes. "Great, is putting everyone to sleep his solution to
everything? We can't get everyone up there during the day. He'll certainly know what's
going on that way."

"If there was only some way to get everyone to remember. Then, we could just
worry about saving Miaka," Tasuki replied.

"When the going gets tough, the tough whine for help." The same gravely voice
from his dream came from behind him. Turning, he came face to face with the ugliest
woman he'd ever laid eyes on. He immediately knew who it was and responded
appropriately.

"Ah! Sunekake Baba!"

Chichiri had a calmer way of greeting this new visitor.

"Taiitsukun, I'm surprised to see you, no da," he replied with a bow.

"Don't be. I'm supposed to be here. You'll need help if you want to defeat
Ryoji. By the way, here, idiot," she dropped Tasuki's boxers on his head. "Make
yourself decent."

"Thanks," he grumbled, pulling them on. "What's so tough about some old guy?"

"Think with your brain for once, not your fists. He's expecting you to get your
memories back, all seven of you. You have to strike quickly." She waved her hand and
four fiery red spheres appeared on Nuriko's desk. "These are the memories of the others.
All they have to do is touch and break them, just like you did in your dreams. Any of
these spheres will awaken their memories."

"Wait," Tasuki interrupted, "there's only four…"

"Did you skip school in this life, too? There's only seven Suzaku Senshi, in case
you forgot, and three of them are in this room. Tomo isn't needed because his miko isn't
in danger, and Koji isn't a senshi at all. Any other stupid questions?"

Tasuki decided that shutting up would be a good idea.

"Good. Besides, as soon as Ryoji is gone, they'll get their memories back on their
own. Your job now is to get these spheres broken. You have to move fast. I assume you
might need your weapons." Taiitsukun clapped her hands twice, and four Nyan-Nyan
appeared from under Nuriko's bed. Each of the tiny girls carried a specific weapon.

"My tessen!" Tasuki held up the metal fan, its grip familiar in his hands. "You're
not so bad, after all, old lady."

Nuriko took no time in putting on his bracelets, and Chichiri gave his staff a test
twirl while putting his kasa on his head. A fifth Nyan-Nyan scuttled out, holding
Hotohori's sword.

"I trust you'll know when to give this to him, right?"

Chichiri bowed once again. "We do, no da. Thank you so much for your help, no
da."

"There's nothing more I can do for you. Good luck." She and the Nyan-Nyan
winked out.

Chichiri took two of the spheres. "I think it would be faster if we split the task up, no da. I'll take Mitsukake and Tamahome, and you two can get Hotohori and Chiriko, no
da. We'll met at 'Exam Room 1' before lunch to plan no da."

Nuriko took the kasa from Chichiri's head. "I think it would be best if we kept
our new 'toys' in here for now. Now we should hurry." He reached for the door, but
Chichiri stopped him.

"I wouldn't be so quick to leave if I were you two. You both should probably get
more clothes on, no da." Tasuki and Nuriko blushed furiously as Chichiri laughed at
them both.

*

Nuriko and Tasuki decided to find Chiriko first, convinced that getting him to
break his sphere would be easier than dealing with Hotohori in his current state. It was
easy to find Chiriko, since he rarely if ever left the rec room computers. He was
furiously typing away when they entered the room.

"This'll be a cinch," Tasuki whispered to Nuriko. Raising his voice, he called
out, "Hey, Doukun!"

"Yes?" the boy replied, not looking up from the computer screen.

"Catch." Tasuki tossed the sphere to Chiriko, who reached up for it without
breaking eye contact. The ball shattered once his fingers touched it, dissolving into a
wisp of red smoke that circled his head. Chiriko turned and looked at the two.

"What is this, Genrou?" Once he opened his mouth, the smoke entered his
mouth. Suddenly, his eyes glowed that same shade of red. He grabbed his head and
leaned forward at the waist, grimacing. Nuriko rushed to his side, frantically sitting him
back up.

"Chiriko! Chiriko, say something!"

"Nuriko, is that you?" Chiriko moaned, removing his hands from his head. "And
why are you still dressed like a girl?" Nuriko gave Tasuki a thumbs up, grinning. One
down, one to go.

*

"Hey, Nuriko, why are you still dressed like a girl, anyway?" Tasuki asked as
they reached Hotohori's door "And why so dressed up?" Tasuki eyed Nuriko's white
ankle length dress.

Nuriko shrugged. "It would way too suspicious if I suddenly stopped dressing
like this, and besides, the dress works with my plan to get Hotohori to take this sphere.
I've got to look elegant for this to work." He held up the remaining sphere before hiding
it behind his back.

"Is there anything I need to do?"

"Yes, there are two things you need to do. Stay put and shut up," He smoothed
out his dress and knocked twice on the door. "Saiheti? It's me, Kourin. I need to talk to
you if you're not currently occupied."

The door opened. "Come in, my dear. I am never too busy to speak to you. To
what do I owe this visit?"

Nuriko walked in, leaving the door ajar for Tasuki to peek in. The former
emperor took Nuriko's hand and kissed it.

"I hear you and Genrou want to fight for my hand. Is that true?"

"I have expressed my desire to do so, but I was not aware that he already agreed.
That is fine by me. I want you to see who is the better man for yourself firsthand."

Nuriko sighed. "I don't need a fight to see who's obviously the better man,
Saiheti-sama." He winked, and Tasuki had to remind himself that the boy was only
acting. He could not help but be a little jealous, though.

"What are you saying, fair Kourin? Have you already decided?" He pulled
Nuriko to his chest.

"Oh, nothing. But I would like to offer you this, a token of my high esteem."
Nuriko presented the red sphere in both hands. "It's my most treasured bauble."

"I will take this token and hold it close to my heart. You have made the correct
choice." He leaned forward and kissed the top of Nuriko's head as he touched the ball. It
did its shattering, smoking thing, and soon a sheepish Hotohori slowly backed away from
his old friend.

Nuriko laughed at him. "Don't worry Your Highness, you're safe. Right,
Tasuki?"

Tasuki pushed the door open, amused by Hotohori's discomfort. "Unless he's
sure he wants to fight me for your hand."

"I claim defeat. He's all yours."

Nuriko wrapped his arms around Tasuki's waist. "Damn right I'm all his."

Tasuki's heart leap into his throat at the declaration. It sill amazed him at how
fiercely Nuriko loved him.

Hotohori shook his head. "I feel as if I should apologize for my previous
behavior. I was acting like a…"

"Stuck up asshole?" Tasuki volunteered. Nuriko snickered into his chest.

"Yes, exactly. And Chuin…wait, that's Tomo…Oh Gods," his beautiful face
turned an interesting shade of green. "What did I do?"

Tasuki put a hand and the emperor's shoulder. "Don't sweat it. You can scrub
yourself with bleach later, but now we've got to go save Miaka."

"Miaka's in danger?"

"We'll explain on the way. First stop is Nuriko's room. We've got a gift for you,
and Nuriko might want to get out of that dress…"

*

Chichiri, Mitsukake, Chiriko, and Tamahome were already in the room when they
arrived. Tamahome was pacing the floor while the others were trying to calm him down.

"I should have known," he said, "I should have talked to her all this time."

"But you didn't know, Tamahome. It's not your fault," Chiriko replied. "None
of us knew who Miaka was until now."

"But, but…" He flopped into a chair, head in hands. "All this time, she was
trying to tell me about us and what we meant to each other. At first, I was friendly to her, but then my Dreams got so violent, I woke up with bloody knuckles from punching the
walls. That's when Dr. Ryoji told me not to speak to her anymore. That son of a bitch."
He raised his head, the symbol on his forehead glowing bright red. "I'll tell him apart!"
Springing up, he stalked towards the door.

Tasuki quickly stood in front of the door to stop him. "Wait a second,
Tamahome. We all want a piece of the bastard, too."

"Then why are you in my way?" He growled. Tasuki remained silent, not
moving an inch.

"Guys…" Chichiri began, looking at both warily as the two hotheads stared each
other down.

"Move it, Tasuki!" Tamahome lunged at the redhead. Tasuki braced himself for
the attack. It never landed as Tamahome was lifted several feet in the air.

"Struggle and I'll drop you on your thick skull." Nuriko threatened, holding the
surprised youth above his head. "Now calm down. We can't get anything done by just
barging into his office."

Hotohori nodded in agreement. "Nuriko is right, but what do we do? We do not
have an idea what he knows about us."

"Not so fast, Hotohori-sama," Mitsukake interrupted. "We have a better idea than
you think. If he knows about the Suzaku Senshi, then he's well aware that we'll protect
Miaka from any danger. So, our plan could be to get her out off the third floor fast.
Problem being, if he knows that, he could already have a trap set for us there."

"So we take him out first, then rescue Miaka," Tasuki replied. "Seven against
one, I like those odds."

"He might be prepared for that, too."

"We're screwed no matter what we do, aren't we?" Tamahome protested, feebly
waving his arms and legs like a half dead cockroach. "Could you put me down, Nuriko?
I'm as calm as I'm going to get." Shrugging, Nuriko set him none too gently on his feet.
"As I was saying, since we're screwed, what's stopping us from splitting up and going
for it anyway? We can handle anything he throws at us."

"I must agree," Hotohori said. "The odds are against us, but we have never faced
odds we could not defeat. Agreed?" At everyone's answering nod, he continued,
"Chichiri can teleport inside Miaka's room. Do I assume correctly that you wish to
accompany him, Tamahome?" Tamahome glared back. "I will take that as a yes. Take
Chiriko with you as well. The rest of us will confront the good doctor. He had much to
explain." He placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.

Chichiri laid his kasa on the ground. "No time like the present, no da."
Tamahome took Chiriko's hand and led him into the black space. "We'll meet you
outside. Good luck, no da." He followed the other two, disappearing into the hat.

Tasuki clenched his fists, grinning. "Man, it's gonna feel good making that doc
pay." He pulled the door open, and they quietly tiptoed out.

"Going somewhere, gentlemen?" Nurse Ami stood several feet in front of them,
flanked by a dozen guards. All were dressed in black BUDs, and the usual kind look on
Nurse Ami's face was replaced by a more sinister glare. "I don't remember there being a
session scheduled right now. Dr. Juan, what is the meaning of this?"

Mitsukake replied, "Ami-san, we have to see the doctor right away. Please move
aside."

"I'm afraid I can't. You see, Ryoji-sama is very aware of what you're up to, and I
have orders to subdue you. You will not interfere with his plans. Attack!"

The guards ran towards the Senshi, their intent to harm clear. Tasuki brandished
his tessen.

"Move outta the way! Lekka Shien!" A gout of flames flew down the hall,
sending his opponents scrambling for cover. As soon as the flames dissipated, they ran
down the newly opened pathway. The guards recovered and started to attack. Mitsukake
kept as many as he could at bay with his fists, while Nuriko tossed people back and forth.
Hotohori fought as best he could without unsheathing his sword, not wanting to kill
anyone unless necessary. Tasuki aimed straight for Ami. She proved to be a skilled
fighter, her punches coming fast and hard. Tasuki could barely duck from the flurry of
blows.

"Tasuki, look out behind you!" Nuriko cried out. Tasuki glanced over his
shoulder to see another guard poised to strike. Before he could react, the guard suddenly
crumpled to the ground. A battered looking Koji stood behind the guard, both hands
balled into fists.

"Thanks, Koji," Tasuki said. Koji shoved him out of the way and lunged for Ami.

"Move it, Fang-Boy. It's this bitch I want." He swung at her, missing. "Ganging
up on a guy, then punching him in the stomach until I made it really fucking clear I didn't
know where the rest of these guys went."

"You mean, like this?" Ami grabbed Koji's shoulder and buried her fist right into
his gut. "Or maybe like this?" She punched with the other fist. Koji fell to his knees,
coughing up blood.

"Cut it out!" Tasuki screamed, "Or I'll flame you into next week!"

Ami knelt behind Koji, pulling a knife out of a sheath behind her and pressing
into his neck. "Go right ahead, you'll burn us both. Now that we have all seven of you
here, he's outlived his usefulness."

"Excuse me?" Nuriko asked. "His 'usefulness'?"

"Why yes. Koji just found out about his role while I was…extracting
information…out of him. Why don't you tell them about it, Koji?"

"Fuck you and the doctor, too. You're not a fucking nurse to begin with," Koji
coughed out. Ami snarled and pressed the knife in harder, cutting slightly enough to
draw blood.

"Do it…now or I'll slit your throat, right in front of your buddies."

"Fine, fine. I came in right after Houjun, Juan and Kishuku were declared
'cured.' Ryoji heard about my empathy from the last head shrinker at the orphanage I
lived at. My Dreams were a little different than everyone else's, they only matched up at
certain points with everyone else's. No one really believed I was a real Phoenix Child,
but that rat-bastard Ryoji discovered that I could use my empathy and my Dreams to
recognize who was and wasn't real. So, my therapy plan involved me rooming with
every new person, then telling him what I thought. He used me as a spy, and he told me
that it would help me control my powers. I'm sorry, guys."

"It's okay, Koji," Tasuki replied, "There's nothing to be sorry for."

"He's right, Koji. If anything, you brought us all together," Nuriko glared at Ami.
"You'll pay for hurting him, you bitch."

Ami shook her head. "Is that any way for a lady to act? Now drop your weapons,
those that have them, and surrender. I really don't wish to carve at your friend."

The Senshi eyed one another, and one by one, they did as she asked. Guards ran
to secure them, holding their hands behind their backs. Tasuki gasped slightly as he felt a
pick of a needle on his neck. He looked over to Nuriko, who was already succumbing to
whatever he was just injected with. Before Tasuki could call out to his lover, his vision
blacked out.

*

Tasuki came to standing up. Straps held him up on a cold slab. His shirt had
been removed and goose bumps erupted everywhere bare skin was exposed.

Frantically, he looked around for Nuriko, and found him on his left side in the
same strapped down position. He was slowly stirring.

"Nuriko? Wake up," he whispered. Rose eyes popped open, then widened as he
took in his surroundings. His eyes nearly popped open as he thrashed his head back and
forth.

"What's wrong, koi?" Tasuki asked.

"I can't move my arms," he replied, struggling pitifully. "Or my legs."

"That's weird." Tasuki curled his fingers and toes. "I can move mine just fine."

"Smart bastard probably knew that I could free us all, if I could use my limbs.
Where are we, anyway?"

All seven senshi were in the same condition Tasuki was, all set in a semi-circle
around a gurney. Miaka was on that gurney, dressed in her miko robes. She was
strapped down and her mouth was gagged shut.

"Miaka!" Tamahome cried joyously.

Miaka grunted back a response that sounded like "Tamahome".

"Miaka…"

Grunt.

"Miaka…"

"Now cut that out, you two," Nuriko snapped. "Jeez, you'd think we'd have
enough of that for one lifetime." But a smile damped his tone. Tasuki was also glad that
the couple was reunited.

"How did you guys get caught?" Tasuki asked.

"The only thing in Miaka's room was a cloud of knockout gas, no da." Chichiri
replied. "And you?"

"They took Koji hostage. We had to give up. I wonder were they're holding
him." Tasuki looked around. At the opening of the semicircle was an ornate throne,
adorned with red silks. The scent of incense permeated the air, and candles gave the
entire room a certain ambiance.

This place looks like a temple, he thought. Or a throne room. Or both.

"Is everyone awake now?" Dr. Ryoji walked in between Chichiri and
Mitsukake's slabs. Gone was the strange white outfit, in its place was an even stranger
red one. The bandana and gloves were still on, however. Ami came in behind him,
dressed in a matching red kimono. Seven guards marched in afterwards, armed with
shotguns. At Ami's command, they stood in front of each Senshi. "Good, good. We
need everyone awake for this glorious moment."

"We won't help you, Ryoji," Tamahome snarled. "Miaka would never call
Suzaku for you, not after what you've done to her."

Ryoji laughed. "What I've done to her? How about what you all did you her?
All of this time, she was the only one who really knew what was going on. And did any
of you help her? Of course not. You all had your own lives and families to deal with.
Especially you. You saw her day after day, looked into her eyes, and didn't lift a finger
to assist her in her time of need. At least I intend on using her special powers in the
manner they were intended to be used. Besides, it's not like she has any choice." He
snapped his fingers and each guard aimed their guns at each Senshi's chest. "If she
doesn't call Suzaku, and grant me my wish. Now, my pretty miko, will you be a good
girl and cooperate?"

"Miaka, no! It nearly killed you the last time!" Tamahome cried out.

"We're your protectors. We will die for you. That's our job," Nuriko added.
Tasuki looked at the shorter Senshi, and nodded in agreement.

If we die this time, he thought, we die together.

Tears poured down Miaka's eyes, but she nodded to Ryoji in agreement.

Ryoji patted her head. "Wonderful. I knew you would see reason. Now we can
remove that silly gag. I couldn't have you calling for Him prematurely."

As Ryoji slid the gag away from her mouth, Miaka spoke, her voice trembling.
"How did you know about this?"

"You're not the only one who has ever read the Universe of the Four Gods. And
you're not the only ones to witness the day known as Red Haze, when the gods Suzaku
and Seiryuu battled. It was so similar to the tale I read as a small boy, so what if the book
wasn't a complete work of fiction? What if the Suzaku no Miko really existed? So I
searched for you, my dear, and it wasn't very hard to find you. Unfortunately, the
hospital that held you wouldn't release you into my care, even under my premise of
wanting to 'help' you."

"What did you want from her?" Tasuki asked. The guard in front of him pressed
the gun into his chest.

"I'm getting to that. Don't be so rude, Genrou-oh, it is Tasuki now, isn't it? As I
was saying, I withdrew from the public eye to bide my time. I opened this clinic and
started collecting Senshi one at a time. I was my plan to show the world that I could
'cure' all your afflictions, then I could easily acquire Miaka. It was difficult at first,
separating you from the other truly disturbed cases, so I looked for similarities in your
dreams. Once I got two of you in the same place, your more harmful disorders ceased,
you became calmer, and I could show you off to world as a success. Isn't that right,
Chichiri and Mitsukake?" One and a half pairs of eyes glared at him in response. "Now
Koji, he was a lucky find. He helped me out until I got you, Miaka. You two served me
well.

Before anyone asks, he's perfectly safe right now. He and Chuin have been
sequestered on the third floor until the summoning is over. Finding Seiryuu Senshi Tomo
was an extra special treat. I nearly had to send him away, though, when Miaka became
rather upset in his presence. Koji nearly punched him several time, for no apparent
reason. In the end, I kept him, just in case this fails, I could use him to search for his
fellow Senshi. Besides, he had gotten quite close to the young Emperor here, who am I
to stand in the way of parasitic obsession?" Hotohori added his eyes to the growing list
of glares aimed at the doctor. "Don't feel too bad, if you hadn't kept him at bay all this
time, his powers would have evolved to creating visions."

Ryoji motioned Ami to his side.

"Ami, will you explain to our guests what I'm asking for while I take care of
some last minute details? I'm a bit winded after that exchange."

"Hai, Ryoji-sama." Ryoji walked behind the throne. "We were at first seeking
immorality, but now, he wants something a bit more powerful. What would be the point
of just living forever? Ryoji-sama wants the same power as the deities in the Universe of
the Four Gods. He wants to be worshipped and feared, like a god!" Her eyes had a touch
of fanaticism as she spoke. "All will respect his genius!"

Everyone stared at the enraptured woman. She didn't seem to notice.

"You are here to wish him into godhood, so that he can take his rightful place.
And I will be his miko, serving his will the same way I've done for years. It is what he
has promised me."

Chichiri was the first to find his voice. "That's insane! He couldn't handle that
much power, no da!"

"Indeed I can," Ryoji walked back into view. He had removed the robe, gloves
and the bandana, and was only clad in a pair of loose pants. The extra clothing covered
several marks on his body. As he moved closer, Tasuki saw that the marks were the
more visible Suzaku Senshi marks carved into his skin.

"Don't worry, they're all accounted for," He added, pulling up the right leg of the
pants to show Chichiri's mark, then raising his foot to show Chiriko's. "Each carved out
using a knife stained with each appropriate Senshi's blood. This way I'm connected to
all of you. Well, almost." He pulled the knife out from behind him and slashed his wrist.
Then he grabbed Miaka's now struggling wrist and slashed. She gasped in surprise and
pain.

"Bastard!" Tamahome's slab shook as he fought his bonds. The other Senshi
were in similar states of anger. Even Nuriko growled, willing his useless limbs to work.
All moving ceased at the sound of seven guns cocking at once.

Laughing, Dr. Ryoji pressed his bleeding wrist to Miaka's. "Now I'm linked to
all of you. Suzaku will have no other choice but to grant my wish, and if things go
wrong, I take you all with me. Do it, summon him now!"

"Just do it, everyone." Miaka ordered softly. One by one, heads were bowed and
eyes were closed. "Kaijun…"

Tasuki felt the familiar all-powerful presence of Suzaku fill his mind. He could
no longer feel the tightness of the bindings or the coldness of the slab. Despair filled his
heart with the knowledge that Ryoji's evil plan would come true until an anguished
scream made him open his eyes. Everyone was free from their bonds, floating in a circle
in red fiery space, clad in their original clothing from the book. The symbol on his
forearm shone through his sleeves, and one quick look showed him that everyone else's'
symbol had the same glow. Miaka stood naked in the middle of the circle with Suzaku's
humanoid form superimposed behind her and red threads of energy coursing around her
body. Ryoji lay at her feet, writhing in pain as flames shot out of every carved symbol on
his body. Ami and the guards were nowhere to be found.

"Foolish mortal," Miaka and Suzaku spoke in unison, their voices filling the
space. "You torture my miko, harm her dearest friends, and then you demand to be given
the power of a god for your own pathetic selfishness?"

"But-but," Ryoji whimpered between screams, "she made the wish. She has to
grant it. I deserve godhood, and once I achieve that, you will pay—AUGGHH!" The
symbols flared up, silencing his ranting.

"That is where you are wrong. I have simply been summoned."

Ryoji pushed himself up on shaking arms. "Then what are you waiting for? I
hold the life of your friends in my hands! Ami, guards, fire at will! Ami?" He looked
around frantically. "Where are we?"

Miaka/Suzaku laughed. "Do not concern yourself with where you are now. You
will not be here for long. I should crush you where you stand for your insolence, but I
believe it is more fitting for those you have harmed to take their proper vengeance."
Both heads turned to Tasuki. "I believe a tessen will do just fine."

Tasuki reached behind him and felt the weight of his weapon. A smile crossed his
lips as he remembered the last time he used fire to punish an evildoer, that crooked
politician who would have raped an innocent girl. That was what started him on this path
of discovery, to find his true identity. Looking around, he met the smiles of the others as
they offered their energies to strengthen the attack to come. He felt Nuriko's hand on his
shoulder.

"Do it, my love," the smaller boy whispered. "Flame the bastard so we can get to
enjoying the rest of our lives. All of us."

As soon as Nuriko stepped back, Tasuki drew the tessen behind him, looking
Ryoji directly into his weeping, begging eyes.

"This is from all of us, you son of a bitch! Lekka Shien!" He whipped the tessen
around his body, sending a flame more powerful than any he had ever created towards the
cowering doctor. Without so much as a squeak, Ryoji was disintegrated into ash.
Tasuki's heart nearly leaped into his throat as he remembered that Miaka was near
enough to Ryoji for the attack her as well. He breathed a sigh of relief as the flames
dissipated and Miaka remained standing untouched, the red threads turning into her miko
robes. Suzaku moved in front of her to direct the attack away from her. The Phoenix
God laughed at Tasuki's relieved expression.

"Give me a little credit, Tasuki. I would not have allowed her to be hurt," He
turned to his priestess. "You have summoned me and suffered much in the attempt, my
miko. What is your desire?"

Miaka looked thoughtful for a moment. "I made this wish before, but things went
horribly wrong. I want my family back, I want Yui to know who I am, but I want my
friends, my Senshi, to be happy in this time, too. So, I don't really know what to wish
for."

Suzaku nodded. "You and your Senshi have served me well once again. I believe
I have some idea of what each of you wish."

He began to glow, getting brighter and brighter until Tasuki had to close his eyes
and even that did not shield it completely. A phoenix's cry rang through his ears, and for
a moment, he was sure this was just another Phoenix Dream.

The light slowly dimmed, and Tasuki saw that they had all returned to the
chamber. Ami and her guards lay unconscious on the floor, and the bindings were
loosened. Tamahome tore his off and already had an unconscious Miaka in his arms.

"Miaka, speak to me…come on…"

Mitsukake looked her over. "Don't worry, she's just asleep. The summoning
took a lot out of her. She'll be fine." Relieved, Tamahome held her tightly.

Tasuki was in the mood to do some holding of his own, but the straps were giving
him a harder time than he expected. An amused Nuriko watched him, completely able to
move.

"You know, you could help me out here," Tasuki grumbled.

"What, and miss the view? Watching you all tied up like that is very
entertaining."

"I could be much more entertaining if I could get loose," he responded
suggestively, "I promise it will be worth your time."

With an exaggerated sigh, Nuriko ripped the straps away, and was rewarded with
a tight embrace. Tasuki looked into those rose eyes that shone with a promise of forever.
He knew in his own heart that forever was not long enough.

"Have I told you how much I love you yet?" he asked.

Nuriko stood on tiptoes to brush noses. "Once or twice this morning, I believe."

"Oh, so not nearly enough today, right? Let me fix that right away." He captured
Nuriko's lips with his own, kissing him fully. Nuriko responded with equal fervor, and
for a moment, no one else existed but them, not even their applauding friends who
surrounded them.

------------------------
There's an epilouge following up, just for you!
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