Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Wheel Of Destiny ❯ Priestessess of Suzaku ( Chapter 6 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: I Hate Registering 
Gakathei plotted to destroy Kyouka's plan to get the power of the four Gods by killing Miaka and her warriors.
Anime/Manga: Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Fantasy / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.10.2006 | Pages: 18 | Words: 14.2K | Visits: 244 | Status: Completed
Gakathei plotted to destroy Kyouka's plan to get the power of the four Gods by killing Miaka and her warriors.
Anime/Manga: Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Fantasy / Romance / Angst | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.10.2006 | Pages: 18 | Words: 14.2K | Visits: 244 | Status: Completed
Wheel Of Destiny
Disclaimer: Suzaku Seven and Seiryuu Seven are not mine. Though the new mikos are mine. The entire lyric applied in this story is not mine either.
Chapter 14
Kyouka sat on the gazebo at night, watching the sky with a faraway look. Her eyes look blank. There is no longer a sign of tears in her face.
Ever since she had gotten back to the palace after the incident the day before, she had keep her to herself; meaning always off alone as if avoiding everyone.
&&&
Miaka and her warriors watch Kyouka by from the balcony in Hotohori's room.
“Kikyou…no, Kyouka seem so down ever since she had regain her memories.” Miaka says. “She even hardly talks to me anymore…”
“Give her time, she will come around…” Tamahome says.
“Will she?” Miaka asks. “Haven't you seen her? It's like she has lost all joyful in life…”
“That's true.” Nuriko says. “It kinda worries me…”
“Why don't you go to her and pump for what she knew?” Tasuki suggested.
Everyone looks at the bandit as if he is crazy.
“What? I know you're all dying to know more about her, right? This is what we have been waiting for! Finally an answer of why and how she got here.” Tasuki says.
“He has a point…” Tamahome says.
“I don't think it is a wise thing to do…” Mitsukake says. “She looks so fragile right now… Sort of beating the truth out of her would be harsh…”
“I agree with Mitsukake na no da…” Chichiri says finally. “I'm more concern about the monster which appear on the river the days before…”
“That's right!!” Tamahome jumps in. “What happen actually? Did the kutou men bring the creature forth?”
“There will be no way to determine that now na no da…” Chichiri says.
“What about the Kutou assassin? How were those Kutou men known that Miaka and the others would be in the bazaar?” Tamahome asks.
“Are you suggesting someone in the palace alert Kutou?” Nuriko asks.
“But if it's true, we must be on guard all the time. Maybe it's time I ask re-investigation of the people in the palace…” Hotohori adds.
“There is no need to stir chaos around people na no da. If we wants to know about the spy, it is likely we investigate secretly…” Chichiri says. “Beside if Kutou send someone to spies on us, it would be someone that we are not likely to suspect. Especially if the spies were sent by Nakago.”
Chiriko secretly gulped.
&&&
Kyouka realize that Miaka and the others are watching her. She sighs.
`They are worried, y'know?'
Kyouka almost jumps when she hears the familiar voice of Nuriko. She whirled around and surprise to see a ghost-like Nuriko.
`What? No hug?' Ghost-like Nuriko grins. `Wait! Scratch that! I'm only a ghost of memory. You can't hug me.'
Kyouka put both her hands over her mouth as tears streaming down her cheek.
The ghost Nuriko's grin vanish when he saw his miko crying. He rushes to her. `Kyouka-chan, daijobu?'
“Nu-nuriko…but how? Why?” Kyouka asks.
A/N: To avoid confusion, from now on I will refer to the ghost warrior using ( / ) like /Nuriko/.
/Nuriko/ sighs as he reaches Kyouka's cheek, pretending to touch her. `Because I'm worried about you, y'know?'
Kyouka wipes her tears as she smile. “I tend to worry people a lot huh?”
/Nuriko/ smiles gently.
“So, ghost of memory huh? Does that mean that you're not real Nuriko?”
`I'm real Nuriko and yet I'm not…'
“Does being a ghost make you speaks in riddle?” Kyouka shakes her head. “So basically you're existing because of my memory of Nuriko?”
`Sort of…'
“You're…not lying, are you? You're not some illusion sent by Gakathei, right?”
`More like illusion created by you. I don't know if you realize it or not but your heart turned cold…because of the unbearable pain and sorrow you have in your heart…'
“Well, can you blame me for being cold? I lost you, Nuriko…and not only you, the others as well… Our friends, Nuriko, people we hold dear… Even Chichiri…” Kyouka said bitterly.
`I know. That's why I'm here. To give you comfort. To relieve some of your pain and loneliness.' Replied /Nuriko/.
Kyouka snorts. “Wait. You mean to tell me that I, unconsciously, create you based on my memory of Nuriko so that you can comfort me?” She shook her head as she looks away. “I don't need this! I don't need a lie! I want my friends! I want them back!” She looks at the ghost. “Not some kind of illusion!”
`Then why don't you join that other Suzaku no miko, Miaka-san, is it her name? And there are also Chichiri and the others, the still live ones…?'
“Because they are not my warriors…not my friends that I known in that other world… Their appearance might be the same but it still is different…”
/Nuriko/ sighs sadly when he saw that his miko is in tears again. `Don't cry. I hate it when you cry… I'm sure everyone feel the same as me…'
Kyouka nods and wipes her tears. “You're right. I must not cry. I must fix this! I have to defeat Gakathei!” she said with determination.
`That's the spirit!' grinned /Nuriko/.
Kyouka couldn't help but laughs. “Thanks, I guess you really did serve your purpose of being here…”
/Nuriko/ smiles as he slowly vanished. `I'm not done with you just yet…'
Kyouka's smile vanished as well. `Well then there are things that I have to do now…' she thought as she hears the sound of Chiriko's flute. `Starting with that…'
&&&
Hotohori is worried because of the incident the day before in which Miaka almost got killed by Kutou men. He decided it's better if they summons Suzaku as soon as possible before Seiryuu No Miko did. He then orders his people to prepare for the summoning of Suzaku, which will be held 2 days later.
The handsome emperors then summons the priestess as well as the warriors to talk about the summoning once again. The people most excited about the summoning would be Miaka, Tamahome and Nuriko. Miaka and Tamahome are excited because they could finally together after the summoning. Nuriko is excited having asks Miaka the favors of making a wish to turn him into female so that he could finally be with Hotohori.
Regarding the summoning, Hotohori wants the ceremony done in discreet for fear it would attract enemies to attack them during the important moment. Though he did orders for the guards to be extra careful, stay alert and adds more security guards all over the palace.
So much for being discreet…
Kyouka soon figured out from the extra security. She smiles as she remember the Hotohori she had known…her warrior as well as her friend… Her smile soon vanish when she realize that she has a deadline. She must convince Amiboshi to back off doing his plan and as well as to find the real Chiriko.
Early morning, Kyouka goes to Hotohori's chamber.
“What is it, hmmm, Kyouka-san, is that right?”
“Yes. Your highness, I need your help.”
“How can I be of help?”
“I'm wondering if you could help me find someone…”
“Of course. Who is it that you wish to seek?”
“A scholar named Doh-kun Oh. I think he applied for a government test or something…”
“I see. I will get my men on it.”
“I just want to know his current address.”
“You want to go see him?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. My advisor will contact you should we find the address of the person you're looking for.”
“Thank you very much, Your Highness.”
“And Kyouka-san?”
“Yes?”
“Please talk to Miaka. She's very concern about you. You've been distant lately.”
Kyouka sighs. “Yes, I will do so…”
Hotohori quickly says, “Ah, it is not an order though. It is on your own free will…”
“I understand.” Kyouka bows and turns to leave the room when the emperors called her out again.
“Kyouka-san?”
Kyouka turns around and meet Hotohori's gentle eyes.
Hotohori smile and says, “You may call me Hotohori just like Miaka and the others.”
Kyouka can't help but smile. “Why, it is an honor, Hotohori-sama.” She then excused herself but the stops. “Hotohori-sama?”
“Yes?”
“Don't worry. I'm not your enemy. I promise you that.”
Hotohori smile.
Shortly after Kyouka left the chamber, enter Chichiri. He looks at Hotohori. “What is she doing here?”
“She just asking for help to search someone named…Doh-kun Oh, yeah, that's it!” Hotohori explained.
“Doh-kun Oh? Is it someone she know of?”
“Apparently. She doesn't tell much though. What do you think of that girl, Chichiri?”
“I have been sensing something about her na no da.” Chichiri said thoughtfully. “Somehow I felt drawn to her na no da. It's weird.”
Hotohori looks thoughtful at Chichiri's confession. “Maybe you like her?”
“I'm a monk na no da!”
Chapter 15
That evening, Kyouka arrived at Doh-Kun Oh's house in Jouzen-shi district with a small, simple carriage. She stood before the small house. `This is the first time I actually come to Chiriko's house… Back then, we're all too busy trying to fend off Seiryuu Warriors' attack and getting shinzaho…' she thought.
A young boy of thirteen suddenly approaches her from behind. “Anoo, were you looking for someone, Miss?”
Kyouka spun around to see Chiriko, the real Chiriko. She took a moment to control the urge to hug the boy. `This is not the same Chiriko. He is not your Chiriko.' She chanted to herself.
Chiriko cocked his head to the side and looked at Kyouka oddly.
Kyouka took a deep breath and put on her best smile. “Actually I'm looking for you, Chiriko.” She emphasized on his seishi name.
A flicker of fear flashes on the young boy's eyes. He grabs Kyouka and led her to a hill near there. “How did you know about me?”
“I…just know. It's complicated story anyway.” Kyouka said.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Kyouka. I came from the palace.”
“The palace? Are you one of Suzaku Warriors too?”
“Me? No, I'm just an ordinary girl…”
“Then are you Suzaku No Miko?” Chiriko asked with sudden interest.
“Not anymore.” Kyouka muttered. “No, I'm not.”
“Then…”
“Look, I'm here on the behalf of your miko, Miaka-san. You need to go to the palace with me and join the other warriors…”
“I…I can't…”
“Why?”
“I have to study for the exam…”
“Hotohori can arrange that for you later. For God's sake, he's the emperor!”
“The emperor is one of the warriors?”
“Yeah.”
Silent.
“I can't go after all…” Chiriko said sadly.
“Why?” Kyouka asked.
“Because…because I'm scared!”
Kyouka looks surprise.
“I know that I'm not suppose to but I'm just a kid. There's still so much I want to do. If I go and join the miko, we would encounter dangers. I don't want to die young! We, Suzaku warriors, would be sworn to protect the miko with our life!”
Kyouka doesn't know what to say. In her mind, she has the flashback when Chiriko, her Chiriko died…and the others too, all her warriors, one by one died…because they have sworn to protect her with their life…
“You must think I'm a coward but I…”
“You're not a coward.”
“Eh?”
“It's alright to be scare. If you join the miko, you are most certainly encounter danger but it doesn't mean you will die young. You're strong…and knowledgeable…”
Chiriko laughs bitterly. “That's what I'm good at. I don't have any power should the enemy attack us.”
“But you have the knowledge which will aids the miko and the others. You're smart, Chiriko. I can't count how many times you had saved us with your knowledge…” Kyouka said.
“Wha-? What are you talking about?”
Realizing her mistake, Kyouka quickly said, “Anyway Suzaku choose you because he see you fit to be warriors. Everyone has their own weakness too but that's why there's seven of you, you guys will be filling each other weakness up…”
Chiriko looks at Kyouka. Her words make him a bit more confident but he is still a bit hesitant to leave his family.
“It's true that you will be sworn to protect the miko but you can protect her as well as yourself. Do you understand what I'm saying? Protect the miko but protect yourself as well. If you can't, the other warriors will. If they can't, I will.”
“You? Who are you really?”
“Let just say I am a friend…”
Kyouka and Chiriko exchange a small smile.
“Give…me time. Give me time to think about it.”
Kyouka sighs. “I thought you should know…that there is an imposter seishi in the palace…”
“Eh?”
“He admitted himself as you… The emperor had made decision of the day for the summoning. That's why I search for you; you need to show yourself…”
“How did you know that he is an imposter? How do you know so much? If you know all along, why didn't you alert the others?”
“Because they don't trust me…”
“Why?”
“Maybe because I keep a secret about myself…but soon I will tell them everything, that includes to you too…”
Silent.
“I will be waiting for you in the palace, Chiriko…”
&&&
A/N: At this point, I'm no longer addressing Amiboshi as Chiriko to avoid confusion.
Kyouka had returned to the palace. `Now I have to take care of Amiboshi. How am I suppose to convince him to back off anyway?' She stops suddenly when she saw Chichiri.
As usual, Chichiri is sitting by the pond with his mask off. He is staring at the sky, he seem to be deep in thought.
Kyouka hid herself behind a pillar in the corridor. She is gazing at Chichiri with intense longing. `Stop it, damn it! He is not the same person! Well, he is but he is not... Ugh, this alternate universe thing is going to drive me nut! Anyway he is not the Chichiri I had known and love. The person I love is already died long time ago…'
Thinking about her dead lover, she felt sorrow flashing her heart again. Kyouka shook her head firmly. `I have to be strong! I must not cry! I have to take my revenge upon Gakathei…for my fallen warriors and friends…'
Kyouka was thinking so hard that she doesn't realize that an SD Chichiri sat in front of her. He had put on his mask and looks so cute! Kyouka's eyes are almost bulging out as a result of surprise.
“Are you alright, Kyouka-san?” Chichiri asked with such a cute and childish voice.
Kyouka's scream could be heard in the entire palace.
Chichiri sat on the floor with eyes swirled around and ears hurt as the aftermath of Kyouka's scream.
After a while, Chichiri and Kyouka sat together by the pond.
“Mou, Chichiri-san, you really scare me back there…” Kyouka complained.
Chichiri grins and apologizes. “I'm sorry. It's just that you look so down. I just want to cheer you up, y'know?”
Kyouka shook her head in distress. When she heard Chichiri's confession, she couldn't help but smile. “I'm sorry to worry you, Chichiri-san…”
“Everyone is worried too, y'know?”
“Yeah, Hotohori-sama also told me that…”
Silent.
“Nee, Chichiri-san?”
“Hmm?”
“Why don't you ask the questions that I'm sure everyone has been dying to know?”
Chichiri grins sheepishly. “Is it really that obvious?”
Kyouka smile.
“We are your friends now, aren't we, Kyouka-san?”
“I…I guess…”
“So naturally friends want to know more about each other, right? That's what happens with us but we're not going to force you to tell us about your past. Sometime people have a past that they don't want others to know… I of all people should understand that…”
Kyouka observed the monk carefully. `The way he talks, the way he smells, and the way he thinks; everything is the same with my Chichiri…'
“Kyouka-san?”
Kyouka snapped out of her trance. She sighs. “Someday soon I will tell you everything…”
“You don't have to…”
“It's the least I can do for you and everyone after you guys took such a good care of me…”
“If you put it that way…”
Suddenly Kyouka looks alarmed when she heard Amiboshi's flute.
“What?” Chichiri asked.
“Chichiri-san, do you know where Ami…I mean Chiriko is?”
“Well, you should just follow the sound of the flute na no da…”
“You're right. I'm sorry, Chichiri-san but I have to go to see him right away…” Kyouka stand up. Without waiting for his answer, Kyouka dashed forward to find Amiboshi.
&&&
Amiboshi is playing his flute on the garden. `It is almost to the day of the summoning… After this, I could finally go back to Kutou and reunite with my brother…'
“Chiriko-san…” Kyouka called out.
Amiboshi stops playing his flute when he saw Kyouka. He felt cautious toward her now ever since she calls him by his real name. “Ah,… Anoo…”
“It's Kyouka. My name is Kyouka.”
“Yeah, right…Kyouka-san? What is it?”
“Can I talk to you in private?” Kyouka asked.
Amiboshi gulped. “S-sure…”
The two stand face to face.
“Your suspicious is correct…” Kyouka finally said.
“What?”
“I know who you are, Amiboshi.”
Amiboshi jumps backward and took a fighting stance.
Kyouka sighs. “Don't worry. I'm not here to fight you. Like I said, we need to talk.”
Amiboshi eyeing Kyouka in disbelieve.
“I know you are a Seiryuu warrior sent by Nakago to disrupt the summoning of Suzaku…”
“How did you know…?”
“It's a complicated story… One that I must tell you, Miaka-san and the others… Sooner than I thought…if we are to co-operate…”
“Co-operate?”
“You see, I…”
Suddenly unknown force goes straight to the two of them. It caught both of them by surprise.
“What the…?”
Before the two, a little girl who is holding a mirror and a young woman dressed in black, shimmer in.
“Who are you people?” Amiboshi yelled.
Kagehoshi, the woman smirks at Kyouka. “I think you know…”
Kyouka's eyes widened. “You… Gakathei's minions!”
“Gakathei?” Amiboshi looked at Kyouka.
“My sworn enemy…” Kyouka said with eyes filled with hatred. “Would be your enemy too soon…”
Amiboshi looks confuse.
“My name is Kagehoshi. It's a pleasure to meet you.” Kagehoshi smile eerily as she summons an electric ball and throw it with full blast toward Kyouka and Amiboshi.
Amiboshi quickly grab Kyouka and dodge each attacks. Nevertheless during the last attack, Amiboshi is wounded. He fell to the ground.
“Amiboshi, are you alright?” Kyouka kneel near him.
“I'm alright.” Amiboshi grimaced.
Kyouka glares at Kagehoshi. “Insolent woman!” She yelled angrily as red light appeared from her body.
Amiboshi is surprise when he saw the mark of Suzaku appeared on Kyouka's forehead.
Kyouka looks surprise as well. `I thought I don't have my power anymore…'
Kagehoshi is thrown against a wall by the force of the red light.
Kanna, the little girl, quickly reaches up holding her mirror, which reflect Kyouka's and Amiboshi's reflection. She chants a spell that paralyzes the two.
“Wha-?” Kyouka tries to move but she can't.
Kagehoshi walked toward Kyouka and slap her across the face. “You little bitch! How dare you give me wound in my pretty face?”
“Kagehoshi, you must not kill her. Gakathei-sama said so…” Kanna said.
Kagehoshi rolled her eyes. She then starts to chant a spell.
Kyouka and Amiboshi screams as they felt themselves are being pulled in into unknown vortex created by Kagehoshi. They were wrapped into some kind of maboroshi.
“It's your turn, Kanna…” Kagehoshi replied.
Kanna nods. She chants another spell and two smokes come out of her mirror. It was Kyouka and Amiboshi, a copy of them, actually.
&&&
Chichiri and the others sense evil chi and rushed toward the source. They were in for a shock when the sight that greeted them is of Amiboshi lays on the ground with blood all over him and Kyouka stand over him with an evil smirk. She has some sort of weapon, which is covered in blood.
“You! Did you do this?” Tasuki yelled angrily at the fake Kyouka.
“What if I did?” The fake Kyouka asked.
Miaka gasp. “Kyouka-san…”
“Is this really she?” Nuriko asked.
“Yes, I'm very much me…” Fake Kyouka replied. “I guess Tasuki's right after all huh? I'm the villain…”
“Geez, I don't want to be right…” Tasuki grumble.
“She…is with Seiryuu…” The fake Amiboshi weakly replied.
Miaka and Suzaku Warriors gasp in disbelieve.
Meanwhile Kanna and Kagehoshi who are watching from hidden place smirked.
“Nicely done, Kanna…” Kageshoshi said. “No one could ever tell apart the copy made by you…”
Back to the others…
“Suzaku No Miko…I've come to take your life…” Fake Kyouka said and jump in terrifyingly fast speed toward Miaka with her sword drawn.
“REKKA SHINEN!” Tasuki summoned his fire toward the fake Kyouka.
Chichiri quickly put up the barrier around Miaka to protect her from harm. He dashed forward to aids Tasuki.
Even as he's fighting with `Kyouka', he felt so numb because of the betrayal. He just can't believe that the girl fooled him. `Was everything she said to me a lie? But what was it that I sense about her? The pain and sorrow she possessed in her soul? Was it all a lie too? How can it be she faking everything so perfect?'
After sometime, the fake Kyouka withdrew as ordered by Kanna. The fake Amiboshi were taken in to a room where Mitsukake heal him.
Chapter 16
In the maboroshi, the real Kyouka and Amiboshi witnessed everything.
“We've to warns them!” Kyouka yelled, trying to get the others to notice them.
“It's no use. Look like your enemies had them under spell too. They can't see us…” Amiboshi said after he looks around for a way out. “And we can't seem to get out…”
“No way! There has to be a way out! I don't want to be stuck here forever! I have to get out of here! I have to protect everyone! I still have to defeat Gakathei!” Kyouka said in nearly a fit of hysterical.
“Calm down! If you're not calm down, nothing can be solved!” Amiboshi said as he grabs Kyouka and shook her.
“I can't calm down! Everyone is in danger! That fake you are most likely to get them killed during the summoning!” Kyouka yelled nearly in tears.
“Kyouka-san…” Amiboshi feel it was so ironic that the fake him actually continuing what he was originally to do.
After some more futile attempt to break the maboroshi, the two finally give up and rest for a bit. They still have time before the summoning 2 days later. They need to figure out how to get out.
&&&
Gakathei watched in pleasant from his mirror the sight of the desperate Kyouka. He laughs evilly. “I will not kill you just yet, love. I will make you re-living the hell I created…just as I promise you…”
&&&
“I can't believe that Kyouka-san is with the enemy. Such a good girl like her…” Nuriko said.
“What good girl? She nearly kills Chiriko here!” Tasuki yelled angrily.
Hotohori sighs as he remembers what Kyouka had said that morning. `Am I too naïve?'
Miaka looks at the sleeping figure of the fake Amiboshi. “I can't believe this! That must not be her! It just can't be! Chichiri, can't you tell from her chi?”
Chichiri looks a bit taken. “I…I sense different chi. Her chi is very cold, not like the usual…but it can be because she cloaked her real chi na no da…”
Miaka looks frustrated. Tamahome tries to comfort her.
Mitsukake didn't say a thing.
“It was a great loss…” Hotohori mumble incoherently. “She really looks like a good-natured girl. Who would have thought…?”
&&&
In the maboroshi…
“What should I do? Everyone really believe that I am evil…” Kyouka said sadly.
Amiboshi groaned in pain.
Kyouka remember how he was wounded and rushes to him. “Are you…?”
“I'm fine. I think I just dislocated my left arms…” Amiboshi forced a smile to ease Kyouka's worries. “What about you?”
Kyouka clutches her chest. “I'm fine… Thanks for…”
“Kyouka-san, watch out!!” Amiboshi warned when a group of wolf-like creature appeared inside the maboroshi. One of them aiming to bite Kyouka, Amiboshi quickly push the girl so he is the one who got bite in the shoulder.
“Amiboshi-san!!”
“Kyouka-san, cover your ears!!”
Kyouka nods and quickly cover her ears.
Amiboshi played his flute and destroyed the creature. After making sure they are safe, he collapsed on the ground.
“You save me again… Thank you.” Kyouka said.
Amiboshi smile but winced suddenly. “Ugh, the bite, I think it was poisonous…”
“What?”
&&&
Today is the summoning of the Suzaku. Everyone in the palace is very busy for the preparation of the summoning.
Miaka and her warriors are excited. They can temporarily forgetting about Kyouka's betrayal.
It is almost the summoning. Everyone had gather in front of Suzaku Temple. Right now they are waiting for Miaka to come.
&&&
In the maboroshi, Kyouka had just finished sucking the poison in Amiboshi's shoulder. She quickly tore her dress and uses it to bandage him.
Amiboshi lies on the ground in feverish state.
Kyouka looks panic. `If we don't get out of here soon and get him to Mitsukake…'
&&&
In front of the palace, a carriage stops and a young boy gets out of it. He looks at the palace nervously.
Miaka walks slowly to the temple accompanied by servants.
“NOOOO!!” Kyouka screams.
Miaka stops dead in her tracks when she felt like she heard something. She shook her head and keeps walking.
Chiriko entered the palace and quickly rushing to the temple. Even though it was his first time there, somehow he felt like Suzaku is guiding him to the temple.
Miaka and her warriors are almost inside the temple.
Chiriko arrived at the temple. “Wait!!” He yelled.
A few guards steps in his way. “Who the hell are you? This is a private area!!”
“Hotohori-sama!!” Chiriko yelled.
Hotohori and the others stop walking and turns to see what is the commotion.
Hotohori, being the nice emperor that he is, greeted Chiriko. “What are you doing here, boy?”
“I come here to tell you something on behalf of Miss Kyouka…” Chiriko said.
We can hear collective of gasps.
“Kyouka? You know her?” Hotohori asked.
Chiriko nods. “Two days ago, she came to my house to remind me of my duty as Suzaku Warriors…”
“Eh?” Miaka and her warriors look surprise at the sudden turn of event.
Chiriko revealed his mark. When everyone sees this, they look at the fake Amiboshi as well. They look in between Chiriko and the fake Amiboshi. “She told me of the existence of an imposter who used my name…and infiltrate the palace…”
Miaka and the others slowly back off from the real Chiriko as well as the fake Amiboshi in disbelieve and confusion.
The fake Amiboshi realize his cover is blown. He grins sheepishly. “Oops…” He suddenly gurgled and changed into the same creature Miaka and others had encountered the few days before. It tentacle-like sprung in every way, taking hostage of the miko and the warriors.
“What the fuck…?!” Tasuki yelled.
Miaka screams in pain and disgust.
The palace guards quickly tries to help their emperor and the others but somehow they all are paralyze.
Kagehoshi appeared in the middle and laughed at the sight before her. “What fun…”
&&&
“At this rate, everyone is going to die!” Kyouka said. In her mind, she could see the various flashing of her own warriors died one by one… “No! I can't let this happen again! I can't!” Tears streaming down her cheek.
The mark of Suzaku appeared in her forehead. “Break!” Kyouka said. And the maboroshi breaks into pieces.
Kyouka and Amiboshi suddenly found themselves inside the temple. Kyouka rushes outside the temple, leaving Amiboshi unattended.
&&&
“Ugh, I can't use my power na no da…” Chichiri said.
“Our power are drained as well as our blood…” Nuriko confirmed.
Suddenly red light flashes from the temple and its light purifies the tentacle-like away, releasing Miaka and the others.
Kyouka stands outside the temple. “Kagehoshi!!”
“You!” Kagehoshi looks surprise. “How did you get out of the maboroshi?”
“You underestimate me…just like your boss…” Kyouka tilted her head.
Miaka and Suzaku Warriors looks confuse at the exchange between Kyouka and Kagehoshi.
Kanna appeared beside Kagehoshi, still holding the mirror. Suddenly the mirror start floating on the sky and on the mirror, we see the reflection of Gakathei.
Gakathei laughs. “Finally we meet again, Suzaku No Miko…”
Kyouka's body trembles in anger and fear. “Gakathei…”
“Suzaku No Miko?!” repeated Chichiri in shock. He looks at Kyouka. `That red aura is unmistakable belong to Suzaku. But how…why…there's two Suzaku No Miko?'
“What the hell are you talking about? Suzaku No Miko is Miaka!” Tasuki yelled. “Not that girl!!”
Miaka and the rest are too shock to react at the news.
Gakathei snorts. “Tasuki, I presume? Ah, yeah, you as well as the one called Tamahome and Hotohori did good fighting me to death before… It should be fun to deal with you guys again…”
Kyouka gasps. “They…are dead…?”
Gakathei laughs. “You should be proud, Suzaku No Miko, your warriors never lose hope even after you abandon them...and crossing to this world… They were persistent and fight me well…”
Tears are falling down on Kyouka's cheeks. “You kill them! I will not forgive you!!” The mark of Suzaku appeared in her forehead followed by unseen force that made it way toward Kanna and Kagehoshi as well as the mirror.
A barrier appeared preventing Kyouka's attack.
Gakathei mocked Kyouka, “Honestly, you still think you can win against me huh? All that left standing between me and Suzaku is only you but you're nothing, nothing without your warriors, miko…”
Kyouka fell down on her knees. “I'm nothing without…”
Chichiri realize that Gakathei is trying to hypnotize Kyouka. “Don't listen!” He suddenly yells. “He's trying to mess your mind up!!”
Kyouka snapped out of whatever trance she having.
Gakathei is furious because Chichiri was meddling his business. He's so close in getting the last shred of Suzaku's power within Kyouka but the monk mess it up.
Kanna suddenly sing. It hypnotized everyone as her spell slowly took place. Miaka and Suzaku warriors find themselves unable to move and realize in horror how they slowly turn into stone, starting from their bottom.
Kyouka gasp. She moves to try to stop Kanna but Kagehoshi electrocute her till she falls down on her knees again.
Gakathei laughs. “How does it feel, Suzaku No Miko, to see your warriors die in front of your eyes?”
Kyouka simply glares at Gakatei.
Suddenly we hear the sound of Amiboshi's flute which break Kanna's concentration and thus broken the spell that hold everyone.
Suzaku warriors don't waste time anymore. They quickly gather their power and attack Kagehoshi and Kanna.
Seeing that they are outnumbered, the enemies retreat themselves after threatening how it is still far from over…
Amiboshi fell down on his knees. He sighs in relief. “Thanks Heaven…”
Kyouka slowly stand up and rushes toward Amiboshi. “Mitsukake, please heal him!”
Mitsukake nods and rushes toward them.
Miaka and the others slowly stand up as well. They all look dazed.
“W-what the hell is going on here?!” Tasuki yelled angrily.
“Took the question right of our mouth…” Nuriko commented.