Author: Deathangelgw

Disclaimer: saaaaaaame as always!

Warnings: same as before with added lime, angst, sap, death, language (yea that’s something new..)

Pairings: again, same as before

Rating: R for violence, language, and sexual situations.

Notes: oi, long time no write…anyhoo, enjoy! Please review!

‘thoughts’

The soft rays of morning played across the two newlyweds as they slept peacefully in their bed. The man slowly stirred, waking to find himself holding his beloved in his arms. A gentle smile crossed the Emperor’s face as he gazed down at his wife in the morning light. ‘Aisai…she is my…aisai…we are finally wed and together,’ he thought joyfully, his face warm as he caressed a loving hand across her cheek. She murmured softly and nuzzled the tender hand before snuggling into his chest and deeper asleep.

He smiled again and kissed her head before nuzzling it and closing his eyes. But sleep was not to come back to him as footsteps could be heard running down the hall outside his rooms. “Your Majesty…are you awake?” a soft voice asked from outside of the screen doors.

Sighing softly, Hotohori turned his head and called out softly, “Hai, I am awake. What is it?”

“Your majesty, Kutou troops are moving into the land as we speak. They are destroying villages as they head for the capital,” the voice reported stiffly as he gave the news.

“I see,” Hotohori replied softly, and then sighed. He closed his eyes as he held his wife closer to him, soothed by her mere presence. “Very well. Tell the other Seishi and the Miko and have them meet me in two hours in the throne room,” he ordered quietly, still not wishing to disturb his loving wife.

Hesitation met that statement before the voice said, “Yes sire.” Soft footsteps receded from the Emperor’s hearing and he sighed again as he settled back in. He felt tears come to his eyes as he held his love, wishing there was more time.

“So…no more honeymoon, hmm?” Naria’s soft voice startled her husband and he looked down in surprise. She didn’t look at him, her eyes closed, but the glimmer of tears showed at the corner of her eye. She sighed softly as she hugged him tighter, snuggling his warm chest. “It figures…I find happiness and it ends almost before it really begins,” she murmured softly, sadly.

“Don’t say that, my sweet. Any time together is enough happiness for me,” Hotohori whispered softly as he held her tightly. She looked up at him slowly, her eyes glimmering with tears and he leaned down to kiss them away. He brushed his lips over her cheek, then caressed her lips with his own slowly. Before it became too passionate, he leaned back and smiled at her. “Why don’t we go and bathe? We have some time yet,” he suggested softly as he brushed his hand slowly over her body.

She smiled at him as she nodded, then arched closer, wrapping a leg around his leg. “Hai, time…time for more pleasure…” she whispered softly before kissing him again. He moaned softly into her mouth as he arched closer, rubbing her clit with his returning arousal and causing them both to moan with longing. Swiftly, he sat up and scooped her up into his arms, then went out one of the doors to the connecting baths.

Carefully, he walked over to the bath, then went in and sat down. They both moaned as the hot water soothed aches and served to turn them on even more as Naria shifted on his lap. He pressed his chest to her back as he shifted her forward and straddled her legs across his thighs, then began kissing down her neck slowly. He pleasured her slowly; relishing in her cries of desire and passion as he touched her, kissed her…loved her.

They came together a couple of times in the water, relishing in each other as pleasure rolled over them in waves. But their time was not to last and they knew it. They got out of the baths and servants cloaked them both in long white robes after drying them both.

Hotohori chuckled softly as he watched her. “I’m almost tempted to send them away so no one else can see you as such,” he commented teasingly and she giggled along with a couple of the servants.

“Ah well, my Saihitei…they can look….but only you can touch,” Naria purred out and grinned as the servants snickered in amusement at their bantering. Suddenly, Hotohori gasped softly, his eyes wide as he stumbled to his knees. “Saihitei!” Naria cried in shock as she ran to his side with the worried servants.

Panting softly as he stared at the ground, Hotohori clutched his chest slightly. “My…power. My power as a Suzaku Shichseishi…it’s gone!” he whispered in shock as he brought his eyes up to Naria’s.

“Oh no! That means…” Naria gasped out softly, her eyes wide as she held onto him. She hugged him tightly as he hugged her back. “Don’t worry…we’ll fix this and do something,” she whispered softly as she held him.

“Hai…demo, I must get ready now, my love. The others will have realized it as well,” Hotohori murmured as he held her closer. The servants left discreetly, awaiting their Emperor and his Empress when they were done. Turning his head, he kissed her gently. “I will protect my land and you, my sweet beloved.”

Her eyes were fearful as she gazed at him, but she nodded firmly. “Hai,” she said softly, and then stood up so they could go in and get ready.  Much planning needed to be done…

After her love had left to meet with the other Seishi and Miaka, Naria turned to Houki with a worried look. “Houki…is there a way for you to know if someone is with child the day after?” she asked softly, urgently as she took the other woman’s hands in her own.

Houki’s eyes widened slightly as she said, “Hai, Heika…there is a special herb that will tell. Do you think…” Her eyes widened even more and she smiled in delight.

A ghost of a smile answered Houki from Naria before she replied, “I don’t know yet, demo…demo I must know if I have given my beloved a child with this our first night. I…” She bit her lip as she looked away and walked slightly away. “Onegai, Houki…bring me the herb. Hayaku.”

“Hai, Heika,” Houki answered softly as she bowed and swiftly left the room. Naria bit her lip as she sat down and prayed to Suzaku that her prayer would be answered. She had the direst feeling that something awful would happen that day…

*~~**~~*

The remaining Seishi and Miaka were gathered in the throne room, making plans to fight that day with Hotohori. They were determined to win, even though it looked very grim at the moment. “Let’s get moving…the Seiryuus are most likely in the battle line and we need to take them out,” Tamahome said firmly as he stood with the others.

“Hai! We can do this!” Miaka declared in determination, and then blinked as she saw someone come out from the side door. Naria smiled slightly at them as she came in, bedecked in her royal robes and crown with two attendants behind her. “Naria-san! I mean…Heika,” Miaka said in embarrassment as she bowed along with the others.

“Oh please…if you start doing that, then I’ll lose my head!” Naria replied nervously as she tried to laugh. She came over to Miaka and smiled as she took her friend’s hands as the others laughed with her in amusement while Hotohori smiled lovingly. “Miaka-san….I want you to take this. It will help you focus in this battle and be able to keep in contact if anything should happen,” she whispered with a smile as she placed a pendant that held an engraved phoenix on it. “Would you believe me if I said that it’s something I’ve had since I was a child?” she asked with a smile at the questioning look she got from her friend.

Miaka gasped softly and shook her head. “I can’t take this! It’s your family’s!” she protested.

Naria shook her head with a smile. “My family is right here, in this room. I have no one in our world, Miaka. Right now, the ones here…the ones who have become a part of my heart…they are my family. So, this should stay in the family, ne?” she responded with a tilt of her head.

Smiling brightly through the slight misting of tears in her eyes, Miaka nodded and hugged her friend tightly. She pulled back as she put the pendant on, then said, “Hai…we need to go.”

“Hai. I shall stay here and await your victory,” Hotohori confirmed as he came over and placed his arm around Naria’s waist lovingly.

Naria smiled. “Hai. Good luck, minna,” she whispered softly and watched as they left for the battlefield.

But the battle didn’t go well and they found out soon enough as Tasuki and Kouji reported on what had happened to Hotohori and Naria.

“Hai, Hotohori-sama. Chichiri is with him now and we came through a secret passageway,” Tasuki replied as he bowed his head.

Smiling softly as he looked down at her, Hotohori whispered, “Aisai…do you think you could help him? You have a healing touch.” She looked up at him, eyes filled with love and gratitude as she nodded and he returned the nod. “Very well. Take Houki and go to help them. I will be going onto the battlefield myself. I will no longer sit back and do nothing,” he said firmly.

Naria looked up at her husband; eyes filled with worry and tears. But, she shook her head and smiled brightly up at him. “Anata…I want you to make it through this battle. I have something I need to tell you, but only when this battle is done,” she said firmly as she smiled lovingly up at him. He smiled softly and nodded as he cupped her cheek. They kissed gently, and then Naria left to get ready for her journey.

Turning back to his friends and fellow Seishi, Hotohori said, “Let’s go.”

*~~**~~*

Running swiftly down the path that Tasuki had told her about, Naria rushed with Houki to get to Chichiri and Mitsukake in time. She had changed into her school uniform, since it would be the easiest to run in, but still wore her royal tiara.

“We have to be,” Naria replied grimly, and then stopped with a gasp as she stared ahead. They’d come to the old ruins and saw a greenish light that held within it Mitsukake’s soul. “Souna….” Naria whispered as she and Houki stared with wide eyes at the light. Suddenly, she started running once more, feeling tears of horror streaking her face. “Onegai…onegai…” she whispered as she came around the bend. She stopped as she saw Chichiri and a group of villagers sobbing around Mitsukake’s still form and felt more tears drip down.

Silently, she went over to Chichiri and held him tightly, soothing him as he sobbed into her shoulder and held her tightly. “He wouldn’t stop…he kept on healing people even though he was dying…” Chichiri whispered through his tears.

“Sou ka…daijoubu, Chichiri. He’s at peace now,” Naria whispered softly as she held him tightly.

Leaning back slightly as Houki came up, Chichiri looked at Naria before wiping his face. “What are you doing here, Naria?” he asked softly.

“I came to help…gomen ne. I wasn’t in time,” Naria whispered apologetically, leaning into his hand as he wiped her tears away. “Anata is on the battlefield with Tasuki-san and Kouji-kun,” she explained, then bit her lip. “Chichiri…I’m so worried. Something doesn’t feel right,” she whimpered softly.

“Hai, I know. Let’s go. I’ll watch over you and we’ll go see if we can help Hotohori-sama,” Chichiri murmured soothingly, though it was clear he was as worried. He glanced over at the worried Houki and said, “All of these people were healed. Get them back to the palace.”

“Hai, Chichiri-sama,” Houki replied with a bow of her head.

“Arigato, Houki,” Naria said with a smile and Houki smiled back before going to help some lead the way to the palace. Looking up at Chichiri, Naria nodded and received a nod back, then went over to Chichiri’s horse. They needed to find Hotohori.

*~~**~~*

Hotohori glared at the blond shogun across from him. “What do you think you are doing?! I will not allow you to invade my land!” he cried angrily as the wind blew around them.

Nakago smirked in amusement as he watched the other Seishi. “Do you think to stop me, Saihitei? Or rather, Hotohori. Don’t make me laugh,” he retorted with a slight chuckle of contempt. Hotohori’s eyes narrowed angrily as he glared at Nakago and the blond chuckled again. “Ah yes…I can feel the aura of that lovely little Empress of yours. Naria, ne? Such a lovely child. I shall claim her once I get finished with the other realm.”

Face paling as he listened, Hotohori’s eyes narrowed even more. “You will not touch any of them. I will kill you before you do,” he hissed out in rage as he brought out his holy sword.

Nakago smirked in amusement as he watched the enraged Emperor. “You may as well end this, Hotohori. My troops are leaving your land. We have accomplished our objective,” he said with a smug smirk.

“Nani?!” Hotohori cried in shock, his eyes widening. “You mean…”

“Hai, Hotohori. My objective was the destruction of MY emperor. And since we have your lands surrounded on all sides, there is no need for this battle. Besides…I have my sights set on another world,” Nakago replied as he turned his horse slightly.

“Never!! I will never allow you to go into that world and harm Tamahome and Miaka!! I won’t allow you to harm them ever again!” Hotohori growled in rage as he charged forward.

Eyes narrowing, Nakago watched the Emperor approach him. “Baka.”

*~~**~~*

“Chichiri…hayaku…onegai…” Naria whispered softly as she trembled, holding onto the horse’s mane that they rode. Chichiri tightened his hold on Naria’s waist as he nodded wordlessly, urging the horse faster as they both felt the danger that Hotohori was in. They gasped as they saw a bright flash before them and watched as Hotohori attacked Nakago, piercing the shogun’s armor. Horrified, they watched as Nakago blasted Hotohori away. Trembling, Naria tried to close her eyes as she stared at her beloved as he fell to the ground. “Yadda….YADDA!! SAIHITEI!!” she screamed in agony, tears streaking her face as they raced towards him.

Hotohori stared up at the sky as he fell, his eyes filled with tears as he reached up. “Mi…aka….Naria…my Naria…” he whispered softly as he fell to the ground, his eyes dimming. He heard his name being said and he tried to open his eyes slightly as he heard some scuffling and someone take him into their arms. He smiled softly as he took in Naria’s scent and looked up weakly at her. “Ai…sai…”

Naria caressed his cheek tenderly, Chichiri just next to her as he gazed at them in distress. Tasuki and Kouji ran up and fell to their knees as they watched in horror. Naria smiled at her husband, caressing his cheek gently. “My dearest loving anata…hold on. We’ll get you better, I promise. Just don’t leave…” she whispered softly as her tears rolled down her face.

“Naria…ai shiteru. I wanted to protect you and our country…protect both our worlds. I failed. Gomen nasai…” Hotohori whispered softly as he reached up weakly and cupped her face, wiping her tears away with his thumb as she leaned into his touch.

“Daijoubu…everything will be fine. We’ll all be safe and then we can live peacefully. You, me…and our baby,” Naria whispered as she held him close.

“Our…baby?” Hotohori asked softly, tears of joy and love in his eyes. “Naria…you…”

“Hai, I’m with child, my love. I’m carrying our baby so you have to get better and hold on!” Naria cried softly, her voice cracking with her tears as she held onto him. They looked up as they heard Miaka’s voice.

“Miaka-san?” Chichiri whispered softly in shock as they heard her voice.

“Hotohori…you have to hold on. Onegai. You heard Naria…you’re going to be a father. You have to hold on!” Miaka’s pleading voice floated around them.

“Miaka….I wanted to tell you something. Arigato. Arigatogozaimasu,” Hotohori whispered softly, his eyes shining. “You brought me such wonderful friends as well as my beloved. Arigato.” Turning his head slightly, he reached a hand up to Chichiri, who took it with his own trembling one. “Chichiri…my dearest friend. Onegai…take care of her. Protect her….and love her,” he murmured softly and Chichiri nodded, tears rolling down his face. Hotohori smiled softly then relaxed slowly, his soul leaving him as he breathed his last.

“Saihitei? Saihitei?!” Naria shook Hotohori slightly, then held him close as she screamed. “SAIHITEEEEII!!!” Her sobs of overwhelming sorrow echoed around the battlefield as the Seishi and soldiers grieved for their lost emperor. Chichiri, pushing aside his own grief, held Naria close to him and rubbed her shaking back as she sobbed in agony. Carefully, the soldiers took up Hotohori’s fallen body and took him back to the palace, while Chichiri and Tasuki took Naria and tried to comfort her.

*~~**~~*

Naria stared at her love’s peaceful face through her tears, her hands clinging to his own as she wept silently. She could feel the others around her, but her heart was dead…as dead as the one she had loved and married.

She looked up blankly as a strong, warm hand was placed on her shoulder into Chichiri’s worried face. “Chichiri…” she whispered softly, her eyes filled with grief.

Chichiri swallowed hard as he gazed at her, his heart breaking. She’d had such hopes in being with her beloved and that had been destroyed. Now, she was with child and alone. ‘No…not alone. I will always be with her,’ Chichiri reminded himself firmly. “Naria…we have to go. Miaka and Tamahome are in danger from Nakago,” he said gently, Tasuki nodding just behind him. Not saying anything, Naria looked away blankly and Chichiri sighed softly in distress. He looked over his shoulder as Tasuki put a hand on Chichiri’s shoulder and nodded. They turned and left, leaving the Empress to grieve.

The advisors watched Naria in worry. They were suddenly startled as Naria whispered softly, “Leave me. I wish to be alone with my love.” They opened their mouths to protest, but then stopped at Houki’s glance at them. Bowing, they left the room and Naria crumpled forward, weeping softly as she clung to her beloved.

“Naria….Naria!” A rough grandmotherly voice said behind her and she looked up, tears streaking her face.

She blinked as she saw an old woman floating before her. “Who…are you? How do you know my name?” she whispered softly in disbelief as she watched the old woman.

“My name is Taiitsukun and I am the Creator of this world. Naria, the time is now and the Suzaku Shichseishi need your help,” Taiitsukun replied in her gravelly voice.

“Need my help? How? I’m just…an ordinary girl,” Naria said in disbelief as she stood up slowly.

“No, Naria…you aren’t.” Mitsukake’s voice floated from behind Taiitsukun, as he appeared, smiling gently at Naria.

“Mitsukake?” Naria whispered in shock as she saw her friend. Her eyes widened as she saw three other ghosts appear. “Chiriko…” Her voice caught as she saw, “Saihitei…”

Hotohori’s face was gentle as he gazed at his love. “Naria…there is someone else you need to meet,” he murmured with a smile as he gestured to his right. A slightly shorter man with long purple hair pulled back into a braid smiled at her and bowed his head in greeting.

Naria gazed at the young man with a slight smile. “You’re…Nuriko aren’t you?” she asked timidly.

Smiling back gently, Nuriko nodded. “Hai. Gomen…we never got to meet. I’m glad you were able to find Hotohori-sama,” he said with a wink and Naria smiled slightly in response.

“Naria-san…we need your help to help the others,” Chiriko pleaded urgently as they gazed at the young Empress.

“Me? Demo…what can I do?” Naria protested as she wiped her face and gazed at them helplessly.

“You have the power within you, young Naria. You already know that you are special. Now, awaken to them and aid Suzaku,” Taiitsukun commanded as she touched a light finger to Naria’s forehead.

Naria’s eyes closed as the four Seishi watched her and a multihued glow surrounded her. Her eyes opened suddenly, her face becoming firm with both purpose and knowledge. “Hai…I know what to do,” she said softly, and then held her hands out to the four. They took her hands in gratitude and a brilliant red light surrounded them all in a flash.

*~~**~~*

Miaka struggled to contain her trembling as she fought down the pain. ‘Will Suzaku devour me?’ she wondered in pain as she leaned into Chichiri and Tasuki. They looked up in horror as Nakago shot a chi ball at a building and it started to fall towards them. They couldn’t move as it fell towards them, dust and debris surrounding them as a bright red light flashed to life suddenly.

“Saaa…what is this I’m always saving you, Miaka!” An amused voice floated around the three and they looked up in surprise. The building floated above them, held up by the strength of Nuriko. He winked at them before tossing it away. “Can’t you stay out of trouble when I’m not around?!” he asked with an exasperated sigh.

“Nuriko?! You’re here?!” Miaka whispered softly in joy.

“Hai, we’re all here, Miaka-san!” Chiriko called cheerfully as he waved.

“Suzaku Shichseishi always gather when the Miko is near,” Hotohori explained with a smile.

“Demo how?!” Tasuki cried in shock, and then cried out with the others as Nakago, laughing, shot another chi blast at them. A bright flash of light blocked it as a wind blew around them and the three looked over in shock.

“Naria-chan!” Miaka called out happily, then blinked at the hard expression on the other young woman’s face. The air shimmered around the Empress as she stood before them, blocking the attack.

Nakago smirked as he walked towards them; his eyes alight with evil amusement. “So, you think to stop me as well,” he purred out, licking his lips. “You and the weak Suzaku Shichseishi.”

“Can it, Nakago. You’ve met your match,” Naria replied coldly, surprising her friends and loved ones. Her hand came up gracefully and glowed brightly. “You will find the gods are not as forgiving to one such as you, traitor of the stars.” With that, a power blast shot from her hand, striking Nakago and sending him flying with a cry of surprise.

“Whoa…where the hell did she get her power?!” Tasuki stared in shock along with the others.

“Naria-chan…” Miaka whispered as she watched her friend with wide eyes. She shrieked as the building that Nakago had been flung into exploded out, sending debris flying at them as he came out of the building, eyes glinting with rage and amusement.

He brought his hand up slowly as he said, “Nice try, Heika, demo…you should have killed me!” Blazing with power, he blasted at Naria with a wave of chi.

Naria gasped softly in strain as she blocked the effects and sent back one of her own. “Naria!!” Chichiri cried out in fear as they watched the power struggle. A blinding light flared to life suddenly and they hid their eyes, crying out in fear for their friend.

As the dust cleared, they saw a red shield shimmering around Naria as a figure held her safely to him. “Tamahome!!” Miaka cried out in joy as she saw her love holding Naria safely.

Smiling up at Tamahome as he smiled down at her, Naria murmured softly, “Bout time you woke up.”

Chuckling softly, Tamahome held her gently, “Gomen. I was having a great dream,” he replied with a wink.

Smirking slightly, Naria looked over at Nakago as he glared at them. “Tamahome…I can’t fight him with my full power,” she explained softly before looking up at him. “It is up to you and the Suzaku Shichseishi to defeat him.”

“Why can’t you defeat him, Naria?” Tamahome asked softly as he carried her back to the group.

“Because of the life within me. If I use my full power, I risk the child that is growing now inside of me,” Naria replied softly and Tamahome blinked in surprise. She smiled at them as he set her down next to Miaka. “Together you have the strength….use it,” she declared as Miaka wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Tamahome smirked, then nodded as he turned to face the amused Nakago.

“You think you can defeat me?! You are more amusing than I thought,” Nakago commented derisively. But his words were proven wrong as Tamahome attacked, using the power through Miaka from all of the other Seishi. With a powerful blast and attack by Tamahome, Nakago found the other Seishi’s arm through his chest. With a dying chuckle as he watched his life pass before his eyes, Nakago sneered at Tamahome’s caring and disappeared.

After wiping his face of his tears, Tamahome returned to his friends with a soft smile on his lips. Miaka ran to him and hugged him tightly, while Hotohori held Naria to him while he could. They all looked over as Taiitsukun appeared before them. “Very well done, Miaka-san. Now…it is time for your last wish.”

“Yea! Wish for you two and Naria and Hotohori to be together!” Tasuki said cheerfully.

“Demo they can’t, no da. Remember?” Chichiri reminded as he glanced at Hotohori and Naria.

“I think that’s a load of wash,” Nuriko snorted as he waved his hand and they began arguing over what should be done.

“Kaijin!” Miaka startled them all as she called on Suzaku’s power for the last time. “I wish that this world be healed and everything made as it was,” she called, to the shock of the others.

“Doushite?! You guys could have been together!” Nuriko cried in shock.

Miaka smiled serenely as Tamahome put his arm around her shoulders. “Because it was the right thing to do. Besides, Tamahome will come back…I know it,” she replied gently.

“Hai, as will Hotohori,” Tamahome added with a grin at his friend and fellow seishi as he hugged Naria tightly to him.

“You guys are too much,” Nuriko murmured softly as he shook his head. He sighed, then grinned. “Ah well! Until later, Miaka! Take care,” he said as he, Mitsukake, Tasuki, and Chiriko waved goodbye.

Chichiri smiled sadly at Naria and Hotohori before blinking in surprise as Naria hugged him tightly. “Don’t forget me, Chichiri….I want to see you again someday,” she whispered softly as tears streaked her face.

 

“Hai, Naria…I’d love that,” Chichiri replied softly as he hugged her back just as tightly before disappearing.

Naria turned to her beloved, tears rolling down her face as she ran slightly to him and hugged him tightly. They kissed deeply, lovingly as they held each other tightly, even as he began to fade. Unknown to them, the same was happening to Miaka and Tamahome. Naria gazed into Hotohori’s eyes. “I will wait for you with our child, my love…I will wait,” she whispered softly, choking on her tears slightly.

His own eyes filled with tears, Hotohori tried to brush her tears away as he faded away. “I await that day with much longing, my beloved. Ai shiteru,” he whispered back, fading away as she whispered her own love to him. Sobbing softly, Naria fell to her knees and clutched around her waist. She’d lost her husband and now held his child. She also was alone since Chichiri was in the other world. She didn’t know what to do…

Looking up, startled, as a hand placed itself on her shoulder, Naria gazed into the warm brown eyes of Miaka’s older brother. Miaka came over and they hugged each other tightly, sobbing softly together over their losses, but vowing to be together no matter what.

TBC