Ichi... Ni... San... Shi... Go wa Doko da?
Chapter 8
Where, oh Where Has the Fifth Yoroi Gone... R-chan, that was your fault...

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Yamanouchi Naotoki blinked as the sun hit his reptilian eyes. He continued blinking rapidly. It seemed to him that the sun had brightened considerably the four hundred years he'd been gone. The buildings almost seemed to draw in the heat. He had noticed, already, a decided lack of the servants of the gods, elves, dwarves and the like. Humans. Humans. Humans. Even more Humans. Disgusting. Of course, he chided himself, you are half human. Naotoki snorted to himself. Then again, it wasn't his better half. His other half had allowed him to bond with Doku, and the shinma Naga. Any other would have died.

Speaking of Naga. Naaza's large eyes narrowed as something wriggled in an alley. A woman stepped out of the shadows. Her hair wreathed, hissing, and her slitted golden eyes gazed hatefully at him.

"Hello, halfling bretheren," she hissed, smirking just to expose her twin pairs of fangs. She also raised one delicate hand, palm up. "I have a message for you." An orb of fire formed above her palm.

Darkness settled around Sasaki. An old friend, welcoming him home. Long had he been away from the peace it offered. The other darkness had been anything but peaceful. No matter where he went, screams of tortured souls followed. He and his associates, as they were not friends and barely comrades, were of the opinions that these were the souls that filled their Master's shells. It had already been proven these were real, and evil. The scar on his face proved it.

Sasaki clamped a shutter on those memories. Long ago, he had promised himself never to contemplate that while on duty.

He parted from the comforting embrace of the shadows. People no longer stared at his clothing, those stares would instead be transferred to the one he was 'borrowing' the clothes from, when they found him. The strange material of these new types of clothing made him itch. The footwear was also very confining. He knew the moment he took the things off his feet would be sweaty and itchy. He hated being itchy. He hated being itchy almost as much as he hated the sun. It was so damned bright here! Hot, too. What he wouldn't give for some clouds. Or snow. Definitely snow.

Sasaki decided that when he had reported to his Master, he would take a refreshing run with his pack, after being thoroughly scrubbed down by Kayura. If he felt this bad, though, then the others would too! That meant he'd have to either grab her first or be forced to wait.

An animalistic howl drew his eyes to an alley. A large form lurked in the shadows. The howl's meaning was obvious.

The man and jackal glared an one another.

"You know, I get along with most of your brothers," Sasaki growled.

The large, black jackal turned an ear toward him, but deigned not to answer. Sasaki quieted, waiting for the beast to reply. The noise of the city dwindled as they distanced themselves from the main street.

The jackal's form distorted, rising up to stand on two feet.

"Omae," Sasaki hissed, stepping back.

Gold plated the pointed ears as a golden head-dress formed from the black sand he was made of. The features sharpened into crystal clarity, revealing the creature's skeletal appearance, covered only in layered sinew, and coarse black fur. The stench of death, different from that of the Master's, filled the alley. The mummified creature grinned at his blanch.

"I've heard about you. A warrior of Anubis."

The jackal warrior laughed, exposing jagged teeth.

"So, did your king send you here to kill me?"

"No, he is dead. I am here only to give a message for your master," the creature growled in his own tongue, the language of the gods.

"Since when did the warriors of Anubis become messengers?" Sasaki smirked.

"The Great Lord Anubis has made an exception for you," the jackal snapped.

"At whose request?" Damn did it feel good to hear a familiar language, the modern japanese did not suit him at all.

"The guardian of the Ningenkai has asked it."

"Isn't it great to actually feel the sun on you face, Kayura?" The man glanced over at his companion.

"N."

"Don't be so disconsolate Kayura, dear. You won't fit in as well if you don't at least smile." The girl narrowed her brown eyes.

"We are not trying to fit in," she spat, "we are here to do our duty." Koma stepped away from her fierce gaze.

"Hai, hai."

"Afterwards, we should have some free time." Kayura briefly smiled up at him. Then her face went back to its previous fierce appearance.

Koma paused, stunned at that acquiescence A smile brightened his long face, and in two strides he was beside the girl.

"You should still lighten up," he commanded, squeezing her shoulders to make her jump.

"Teiohsama would not appreciate it," she told him.

"What makes you think he'll find out?" he murmured into her ear.

With a strength belied by her frail appearance, she threw Koma into an alley. Across the street.

Not at all scared, even as he flew past the roaring horseless carriages that thundered by, Koma landed on his feet, after performing a few flips. Kayura appeared beside him, grabbing him by the throat and holding him against the stone wall. He ceased fighting the moment one of her jitte pressed against his neck.

"He is our Lord and Master. He comes before all else, even our own desires." She narrowed her eyes. "Though our desires should be his. He knows everything about us, we can hide nothing. So we don't try. Right?" Her glare held him to the stone as surely as her hand (and the jitte).

"My loyalty is for Him, and Him alone. You don't need to remind me. I only meant he wouldn't ask."

She did not withdraw her scowl. "No, we would just have a blank area in our report."

Koma nodded. "All right, all right. You win, I'll just have to nab you first after we report."

"If you can," the girl offered him a small smile, releasing him. "I'm going to go see what that gathering is over there." The girl dashed back across the street.

Koma straightened his robes, prepared to follow her.

"Koma Toshitada."

The man stopped, whirling. The street was suddenly devoid of people. The single person there stood out despite his humble robes.

"You are Koma Toshitada?"

"Hai, and you?" Koma sneered.

"A friend, if you desire otherwise, I will be your enemy," the monk stated.

"What do you mean? If I desire?" Koma snarled back.

"Are you sure you are doing what you most want? You have a loyalty, not only to your Master, but to yourself."

"The Master's wishes should be everyone's. That is the way of things." Koma scowled at the monk before turning to leave.

"Why is what another wants more important than you? You have rights, too." The monk paused, allowing that to sink in. "If that is your choice, however then, know that I will oppose you and your master at every turn. I will not rest until the evil that your Master represents is destroyed." The shakujo rang out, emitting a bright light that burned Toshitada's eyes, made his forehead ache in time to the clangs. He yowled, throwing an arm over his burning eyes, clutching at his head.

When Koma moved his arms, the world imploded in sound. His slender eyes gazed about as people brushed by, not even sparing him a glance. The monk was gone, making it seem like he'd been a dream.

Koma wandered off in the direction Kayura had, apparently dazed from his encounter with the monk. A single eye glared out from beneath long white bangs. Three, three beings appeared before the Masho. he had lost track of Kayura when the monk had appeared. He didn't know how, but she had vanished. He wondered if it had anything to do with the yoroi, he thought he had felt it react to the monk's presence. Now he could not find Arago's priestess.

Ah well, that did not matter now, no need to cry over spilled rice. Besides he was next, and he wanted to be able to greet them properly. His visitor would find it difficult to get out alive, though, if Rajura had anything to say about it. Arago had never said not to use their yoroi.

The man-formerly-known-as Jirougorou Kuroda turned and began skillfully leaping from building to building. He tossed off his cloak of illusion, wanting them to find him.

Jirou found himself on the ground, flat on his back. He picked himself up, dusting off his hakama. He didn't remember disarming his yoroi. His single eye peered out at the people surrounding him, frozen mid-stride most of them were. Jirou narrowed that single eye. The world had turned gray and cold. The summer weather had deterioated to winter conditions, the only thing that was needed now was snow. Personally Jirou was adverse to the cold. Apparently he was being given no choice, especially if his adversary was what he thought it was.

"Jirougorou Kuroda."

The man turned to the voice. Nothing greeted his eyes.

"Eyes are deceptive. As the wearer of the Gen yoroi, surely you understand that."

Jirou ceased turning, knowing it futile.

"Then why not satisfy my eyes and show yourself?"

A lilting laugh answered him.

"But how would you know it's really me?"

The man affected a shrug. Damn, he hated being right. A chime. He reached deep within himself, searching for Gen. It was there, but out of his reach. He couldn't call it forth.

A pale, white-haired woman appeared before him, and ten feet above him.

"Happy?" she chirped, stretching in an oddly cat like manner.

"It's an improvement," he assented. The woman smirked. A long silence stretched between them.

"What did you want?" he asked lazily.

"Well, I was sent here to warn you," she replied, just as lazily.

"Warn me?" Jirou laughed. If he had his armor he would show her.

"Yes, warn you, and I will. I also want to talk, it's been a while since I last spoke with anyone. Don't worry about your magic either," she added with a wink, "that power is held back within the circle that binds me to this world."

Jirou forced himself to relax. Panicking would do no good. He had a feeling, that she still had some power. Angering a chime would serve Arago not at all.

The Masho appeared in their proper places, bowing low to the ground in front of their Master. The black-flamed candles lit them, giving them an aura. Their Lord however seemed translucent all but invisible. Death filled the room, intangible, yet its presence could be felt. It seemed to follow their Master wherever he went. It was his own distinctive scent. It announced his arrival, and it lingered to remind them that he watched them always.

Kayura had already returned with her report half an hour ago. He wondered what had kept his loyal Masho. What worried him most, however, was the feeling he had gotten from his dark priestess. There was something odd, something he didn't like about her. It was almost like she had been touched by a god. That was impossible. They would hate her, just like they hated him. They would never touch her, his taint was too strong. When he had decided that they had waited long enough, he spoke. He had enough to worry about, especially since his Ankoku priests, the ChiJuuShuu, had suddenly gotten into the habit of disappearing for days at a time.

To let his Masho know that he was ready for their reports, he inhaled, taking in the talismans each of them held. They stood giving their reports. Each was precise and to the point. It was also needless. Arago had already pulled it all from their memory. It was a trick they didn't know he could do. He planned on keeping it that way too, considering it an advantage he held over them.

He enjoyed their games with Kayura. It kept her in line. When she had first come, it had also broken her spirit. He never allowed them to bring any other women, preferring their race for Kayura. Arago laughed to himself. Idly, he wondered if they even remembered that she was still a twelve-year-old physically. No, he would never tell them about his ability to enter their minds. He enjoyed it too much, and they might figure out a way to block him.

"Have either of you seen Touma?" Shin asked as he placed his tray on the table. Seiji shook his head, no. Shu wasn't really paying attention.

"Everytime I try to approach him, he runs away," Seiji said. He narrowed his lavender eyes. "Shu, do you still have Touma's tama?"

Shu blinked at Seiji. "Touma's tama?" He thought for a moment, then pulled his backpack to him. He opened the smaller pocket and fumbled for a moment. He blinked in surprise and searched the other pockets, he even searched his own pockets.

"It's gone!" he exclaimed too loudly. Students whipped their heads around at the loud sound, it usually heralded a fight, or at least a loud argument. Shin shushed him, red speckling his fair cheeks.

"Gone?" Seiji hissed when everyone's eyes had turned away.

"Yeah, you know as in not here." Seiji rolled his eyes.

"I know what you meant, Shu. You said you'd keep it safe."

"And you actually trusted me! If you thought it was so important, why didn't you keep it? I kept it in my bookbag the whole time, I swear. It was there yesterday." He narrowed his eyes in thought. "You know I had the wierdest dream. I dreamt a flaming eagle broke into my room." He closed his eyes in concentration as he tried to recall it. "It turned into a woman and began searching my room. The last thing I remember was her checking my bookbag, I guess I woke up after that." He opened his eyes, rubbing the back of his head in embarassment. "I don't even know why I told you that. It was just a dream after all," he said. Seiji narrowed his eyes in thought.

"Perhaps. It might have been that you were half-awake though." A shudder ran through his body as he remembered his one experience. It had convinced him to always have wards and ofuda available.

Shin nodded. "Hai. Sometimes people wake up, but they think they're still dreaming."

Shu hit his fist in his palm. "So ka! Once I dreamt that I was eating, and when I woke up I was holding an empty plate."

Shin snickered and ruffled Shu's hair. "You always dream about eating, and you always are. Why is that such a surprise?"

Shu yanked Shin closer by his collar. "What was that?" he growled menacingly.

"You heard me," Shin shot back.

Seiji watched the spitfire fly between them for a few minutes. He sighed irritably at the waste of precious time.

"Sumimasen, but we have to find Touma. Do you know where he eats usually?" Shuu turned to Seiji, still gripping Shu's jacket.

"Touma?" he asked blankly, not noticing as Shin broke free of him.

"Yes Touma! He's a part of this, whether he wants to be or not. Do you think I like the idea of having some unknown mystical yoroi?" Seiji tossed his head derisively, scowling at no one in particular.

"Give him time to think about it. He'll come around, I'm sure of it. Don't you think so, Shu?" Shin glanced over at his friend and nearly fell over.

Having finished his lunch, Shu had noticed that neither Shin nor Seiji were eating theirs.

"Shu! That's mine! Give it back!" Shin snatched what was left of his lunch from his chronically hungry friend. "That's my lunch! You already had your lunch, there's no need to eat mine!"

Seiji watched the two struggle as he quietly took his own tray back and resumed eating. After a moment, he sighed quietly, and excused himself, although the two bickering boys didn't hear him, to take his tray to the trash. They didn't understand the importance of the situation. The orb was gone, he waved Shu's dream off as a delusion caused by overeating. It could be in the hands of one of those demon youja. If they were that important, then that would be bad. He set his tray on top of the others and headed back to the table.

Shin and Shu watched Seiji, as he sat down.

"Are you two done?" They nodded. "Now then, Shu, you know him the best..." Shu broke him off, waving his hands in denial, but this only earned him a glare from Seiji.

"I don't really know him," Shu, being Shu, ignored Seiji's reproachful look. "I met the guy last year, he was being bullied by what he called 'brain-cell-denied bastards.' He was in one of my classes last year, but only one this year, and he wasn't there. How about you guys?"

"I haven't seen him in any of my classes," Shin said. Seiji concurred.

"Of course not! He's in advanced courses!" Shu exclaimed, knocking himself in the head.

"But what else do you know about him?" Shin asked.

"His parents are divorced. Eto... his father is a scientist who's away most of the time, and his mother's an international journalist.

"Yes, his father. There was something I wanted to ask you about that. Why did you ask Touma if he would be okay. I don't mean to pry, but why wouldn't he be okay?"

Shu's cheerfulness faded. "I really shouldn't say. Ask him." Seiji eyed him skeptically for a moment, before nodding and dropping the subject. Shin, who was facing he crowd, as they were by a window, gazed about the room.

"He isn't here, either. I wonder where he is?" Shin and Seiji glanced at Shin, then turned around and looked around the room. There was no sight of the blue-haired genius.

"Maybe he wasn't feeling well," Shin said after a moment.

"No, I don't think so. He's only rarely missed a day," Shu's voice trailed off, for a moment as he considered his words. "I've known him to come in sick as a dog, so he's usually here."

"Maybe this is one of those rare times?" Seiji suggested. Shu blinked at him thoughtfully, then shook his head.

"Iya. There is no way he'd want to be home right now." Shu leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head. "Ne, how do you think you did? Report Cards go out in a few days."

Shin shrugged. "I'm sure I did fine. I can't think of anything that would give me a failing grade."

Seiji kept his eyes downcast, aware of their eyes on him as they waited for his answer. He really did not like talking about it, and Shu just had to mention it.

The bell sounded and they stood. Seiji immediately retreating from the cafeteria before they could say anything.

"I will see you in History, Shu," Shin said. They exited the cafeteria and went their separate ways.

Seiji walked through the school corridor as Himeko and Makoto chattered away. He gave them absent replies, as usual, not that they had anything of interest to discuss. He left them as they stopped to talk to two others about a recent string of thieving. He quietly avoided the crowd surrounding another Yusuke-Kuwabara brawl. So stupid. He entered the classroom, and took his seat. His eyes widened as he spied a familiar blue head go by. 'Well there's the answer to that question.' Seiji concentrated and gazed at the swirling dark blue aura Touma had left behind. The edges were torn and slowly dissipated, having stretched themselves in search of something. That solidified his resolve. Tonight, when his family was asleep, he would do it. While he was at it he could see what he could find on the fifth Samurai Trooper as well.

Seiji tiredly rubbed his eyes. He wasn't used to staying up this late, it was 11:50, but he'd had to wait for his father to come home. He hauled out a plain-colored box, the only markings were two wards, written on the sids. Before he did anything else, he donned his ceremonial white robes. His grandfather had given it to him, a long time ago, to be worn to family functions. He'd said it was his duty as the heir to the Date dojo. Seiji had balked at that, and fought every time they said he had to wear the kimono. Then he'd read a book on mysticism.

Seiji pulled out nine candle holders, one for each of the bushido and confucious virtues and set them in a ragged hexagonal, with the ninth in the center. Seiji then took two handfuls of seafoam salt and walked along his hexagon, sprinkling the salt on the ground. He placed white candles in the holders.. Having done that, he pulled out his index cards and began blessing the four corners. He walked around and lit the candles, leaving the one in the middle alone. He took a sheet of paper and ripped it in half. he wrote on one half, leaving the other blank, for later. He set the paper down in the center. Seiji held the lighter over the candle.

"Mother Phoenix, Eternal Bird of Flame, Lord of Air, I beseech you your protection." The window snapped open, allowing a howling force of wind into the room. He needn't worry of it waking his family, it never had. His thumb flicked over the lighter and the candle whooshed into life. Seiji picked up the paper and held it over the flame. The paper slowly turned black and crumpled in his fingers as the question was considered. Seiji patiently waited, one never rushed these things. To do so would bring an undesired result.

Seiji raised his eyes. Sapphire blue eyes gazed back at him. He could make out a mop of shaggy midnight hair, but that was all. Next to him stood a creature of white flames, with brown, human eyes embedded in the face. The two forms faded as another presence made itself known. Cool hands turned his head. Colder lips brushed his cheeks. He gazed into the violet eyes of a girl, her blond hair blowing in the ever-changing wind. Her pale skin matched his own as he reached out to touch her cheek.

"Anata..." her voice whispered, even as her mouth remained still, only a smile moving her delicate lips. "Date Seiji." Her hands slid from his face, and she squeezed his before fading into the air.

Seiji opened his eyes with a desperate gasp for air. Those experiences always left him unsettled, but it was good to know the Phoenix watched over him. He probably wouldn't do this if it weren't for her. He looked around, the wind had quieted to a soft moan, and everything had been left in place. His eyes fell on the clock. Two, Seiji hung his head with a moan. He hadn't thought it would take so long, and he still wasn't done.

Seiji took the snuffer and put the candles out. He scooped the salt up and poured it out the window. He took a deep breath and proceeded to do everything once again. He relit the candles after pouring the salt. He took the other half of paper and wrote his question on it, and held his lighter over the candle.

"Mother Phoenix, Eternal Bird of Flame, Lord of Air, I beseech you your protection." He flicked the lighter on, and put its flame to the candle. The flame danced away from the candle. A hissing drew his eyes to the south. His exposed eye went wide. Shifting from foot to foot was an emerald, scaled lizard with blazing red eyes. It opened wings on either side and all the candles went out, one by one along the circle, ending with the southernmost in front of the dragon.

The window slammed shut, and the curtains covered the windows, the only light emanating, red, from the fierce dragon before him. It raised its head and screamed in rage. The house shook, sending Seiji crashing to the floor. His head knocked, hard, against the carpeted floor, but even still, the world spun around him. Red eyes glared down at him. Teeth tore into his arm, and talons raked his chest. Caught in the burning torment and the empathic onslaught, Seiji did the only thing he could, he fainted.

Shin sat up, gasping for breath, his chest and arm burning.

"What the hell?" he muttered. He clutched his chest, gasping for air. The ground shook violently and his mother ran into the room.

"Shin, Earthquake! Quick, get out of bed! Get to the door!" Shin clambered out of bed, bracing himself against the door frame. He offered up a prayer to his father's spirit, promising more offerings if he saw Shin through this one. His mother was across the hall, holding the door up. Just a little down the hall, he could make out Sayoko's arms and legs.

"Do you hear that, Kaa-san?" he yelped as the small house jumped. The pain flared for an instant. "It..." sounds like something roaring.

The ground quieted down. The pain left Shin's body. Arisa pulled Shin and her daughter to her.

"Are you two all right?"

"Hai," they sighed in relief.

"Sayoko turn on the news. Shin be a dear and fix us something to help us relax." Sayoko pulled away, treading into the den.

Shin held his mother for a moment longer. She seemed uncomfortably pale. "Kaa-san, are you all right?"

"Daijoubu!" she laughed pulling away. "I'm fine Shin." She tenderly kissed his cheek. "Just fix us some tea." Shin gazed after her, his blue eyes full of worry, then he turned to the kitchen and the task of making tea.

Seiji opened his eyes. The sun peered in at him. Once again he cursed Yayoi for taking the room with the northern window.

"Sei-nichan should learn to clean up his mess before he goes to bed," a young voice scolded.

Oh great, the candles! Seiji sat up, rubbing his chest as he tried to recall more of what had happened. He reached over and gathered the nine candles his sister had bundled. He had obviously been conferring over the spirits. He idly scratched his head, taking the broof from Satsuki's small hands. Remember had never been a problem before, at least for him. So why this time?

"Sei-nichan, why did you use coal? You usually use salt." Seiji grabbed his younger sister's hand before she touched the coal.

"I did use salt," he told her. He remembered that much. "Don't touch it Satsuki." She pulled her hand away.

"What are you going to do about it? Are you going to throw it away?"

"I can't do that, Satsuki. It was salt, I don't know what'll happen if I just toss it out." He glared down at the dark powdery stuff. "Until I figure out what to do with it, I guess I'll just tie it in a sacred cloth."

Satsuki giggled. "Aren't they usually white? Then won't it get dirty?"

Seiji smile down at his sister. She could always see the light side of things. "That's what I get for having such a smart imouto, ne?" He plopped one of his baseball caps on her head. "You better run and get your bath and get ready for school."

Satsuki giggled, running off with her brother's favorite cap. Seiji sighed, returning to the pile of coal dust.

Yayoi came in, her bokkan swinging from her fingers, dressed in her practice gi, tied shut with a red belt.

"O toutou..." she faltered when she caught sight of his clothing, especially the bottom of his pants legs, soiled in coal dust. He had fortunately already put the dust into the white cloth and was then in the process of putting wards on it. "Goodness, Seiji! Did you take a late night walk! You are such an idiot! This is going to make you even later! Jiji-san is going to be furious." Seiji grit his teeth. He refused to start a fight this morning. He had stayed up almost all night, and was very irritable now. "You are going to be in so much trouble.

"What do you want, Yayoi?" he snapped.

"Jiji-san wants you to come out now, ready for practice." She flashed him a nasty grin. "You're late you know."

Seiji grunted and shoved his sister out, closing the door in her face. He swiftly changed into his practice gi, closing the top with a black belt. When he opened the door again, Yayoi still stood there, leaning against the wall and tapping her bokkan on one hand.

"Jiji-san is impatient. You take too long, toutou. What are you doing standing there? Get a move on!" Seiji ignored her sneering tone, striding past her. She swung her bokkan up to rest on her shoulder, and strode after him.

The sun filled Tokyo with its bright presence. Seiji raised his face into the light, breathing deeply. At times, Seiji felt he could breathe in the warmth of the light and absorb it into his very soul. He narrowed his eyes, keeping them unfocused. He caught sight of the fiery wings of the Phoenix.

"What happened last night?" he muttered.

You went beyond my protection. I'm sorry. I did try, but she promised to leave no scars.>

A strong hand clasped his shoulder, breaking the trance. "Mou, Seiji. I was trying to get your attention. Didn't you hear me calling your name?"

Seiji turned to the other boy. Thick, curly hair framed his cherubic smile.

"I'm sorry Shu. I guess I was spacing. I didn't know you came this way." Seiji offered the boisterous boy a smile.

Shu grinned back. "I don't usually. I just had to pick up my sister and drop her off at school. And her friend, too." He pat two girls standing next to him on their heads. "This is my turn off. I'll see you Seiji."

"Mata ne," Seiji replied, continuing on.

Shu dropped his sister and her friend off at the grade school. He glanced at his watch and decided that perhaps running would be best.

Shu picked his pace up, breaking into a dead run. Due to his large size, a lot of people made the incorrect assumption that he was slow. They simply did not realized the speed needed to master the arts, or especially the tetsubo. Of course that worked in his favor. It usually meant that his opponents underestimated him.

When the school was finally in sight, Shu pushed himself harder. He felt invigourated. Last night the ground had spoken to him. It had moaned in agony. It had told him that fire and air were arguing again (apparently a constant occurence, for this was not the first time it had happened). It always moaned when the two refused to get along. He understood, it felt caught in the middle. Then it was angry, fire had pushed too hard. Shu had collapsed, still clutching the tama that linked him to the earth. The earth had refused to answer him as to why his chest burned so.

A head of black hair turned his eyes to the court yard. A boy turned, blinking blue eyes in the bright sunlight.

"Hey," Shu greeted, tossing his bangs from his eyes. "New here?"

The other shook his head, laughing. "No, I'm just looking."

"Maybe you should be heading off to your own school then, ne?" Shu asked.

"I don't... go to school."

Shu blinked, frowning. "Wow, you're so lucky." He looked at the large clock, located on the school's bell tower. "But I do, I gotta get goin. Mata."

"Mata," the other said, leaving the courtyard.

Shu paused at the door. "Oi!" the other turned, pushing his shaggy bangs from his eyes. "What were you looking at, anyways?"

The other gazed at the building, a smile touching his thin lips. "Just looking." He turned, continuing on down the street. Shu allowed him to go, he still needed to get to class.

A flock of birds burst into the humid air. A white rabbit wriggled its nose at the child holding it. Another child held a bouquet of exotic flowers, while another laughed at the bleeding hand he held.

Esmeralda brushed her hair from her eyes. Its violet color turned lavender in the sunlight, creating almost a halo around her. She handed the peso to the girl she had pulled it from the ear of. The girl squealed when she was told it was hers to keep, clutching the coin in her hands to her chest.

"¡Gracias, señorita! ¡Muchas gracias!"

"De nada."

The children clamored for more magic, tugging her clothes, her hair, her hands. Esmeralda was hard-pressed to keep up with their demands.

"Chiquitos, let's leave the señorita alone. She done enought tricks."

Esmeralda straightened, running a hand over her rumpled coat.

"As always, Esmeralda, thank you for this. The children love when you come. You're a change from the dreary life they normally lead."

"It's nothing, really," Esmeralda commented, brushing her bangs from her eyes. "I enjoy it." She placed her performer's top hat back on her head. The girl disappeared into her carnival wagon, opening the back.

"Did your village need anything special, this time?" The question was the official beginning of her business day, starting with Chief Migalés' ailing mother.

Esmeralda turned her sign to 'Closed,' translated to spanish underneath for the natives. She finished with her final customer, a man whose daughter needed a vaccine not available in this distant place.

Migalés reappeared inside her wagon as she washed her hands.

"Ah! Migalés! You startled me!"

A mysterious glint lit his eyes, as a smile, not usually found on the stoic man, tugged his lips. "Yes, so I see."

"Did you need something?"

"Did you have a busy day?" he asked, seating himself at her table without invitation. "This looks like a wonderful meal."

"Donated by the kind peopleo f your village. Yes, it was busier than usual. I was surprised." She sat across from him, offering him a plate. He declined.

"The children appreciate what you've done. You must have listened the last time you came, you gave each what they've wanted." His cold hands closed over hers as she reached for a piece of chicken. Her dark eyes shot up, sparking. "Have I ever told you how much I appreciate everything you do?" He leaned across the table, grinning.

"No, but you're welcome. I'm just doing my job." Her voice held a note of warning. Her other hand slid into her pocket, fingering the small leather pouch there.

"But you do it so well." His voice lowered to a husky growl, his eyes bright. "Especially your magic tricks."

She frowned at him. Suddenly he stood.

"Have you eer seen the ruins?"

"That overrun temple? Yeah, I pass by it every time I come to this village."

A grin lit his face, showing his white teeth. "Come," he commanded cheerfully.

"Why?" she asked, still fingering the pouch.

"I want to show you the inside of the temple."

She shot to her feet. "What? That's sacred ground, i'm not allowed there!"

He took firm hold of her arm. "If I take you..."

"Let me go!" She whipped her hand at his face, the pouch opening from the force of the movement.

The man cried out, staggering back, covering his eyes. Two more men, red symbols painted on their bodies, appeared at the entrance of her wagon, blocking her escape route. The lifted pipes to their mouths, their cheeks puffing as they blew into those pipes. Esmeralda managed to dodge one dart, but the other struck her arm. She yanked it ot, letting it clatter against the wooden floor. In a fury she grabbed up one of her clay pots, and hurled it at the one who had shot her. He cumpled to the floor, the clay shatering against his face. The powder inside left his face white. Had he been conscious, he whould have been wailing up a storm.

The world suddenly tilted, and Esmeralda found herself lying on her side.

"Buenos noches, señorita," the chief said in a gravid voice.

The sun hit her eyes, waking her. Her tongue scraped against her throat, and the roof of her mouth. She felt as if she had downed barrels of some sort of cheap beer. She rolled to her side. Her hand rested on an inscription carved into the stone. She blinked sitting up painfully. She gazed down at the strange runes, partially covered in moss. Water dripping forced her eyes toward the sound. Her lips parted, seemng even dryer than before. She crawled on her hands and knees, over the cold, damp, grey stones. Then she climbed over a pile of rubble, panting harder at the sight of the pool.

Moss did not touch the white stone around the pool. Esmerald would never had guessed that this place existed in the center of the shod gray ruins. There was no sign of Migalés or his two strange warriors. Esmeralda did not ponder long on the subject, the sparkling water soon had her full attention once again.,

The sun glared off the top of the water, hitting her eyes. Within the center of the pool stood a statue of the stylized dogs popular amongs the old tribes. It seemed to hover protectively over the pool, its ruby eyes glinting from its white face.

Esmeralda lowered her hands to the water, whimpering in desperation. A shield sparkled under her fingers, between her and the water.

"Thirsty?"

Esmerald looked up. If she ddin't know better, she would have sworn the stone dog stared at her. She lowered her eyes back to the water, putting pressure on the barrier.

"Why should I give My water to you?"

Esmeralda looked up once again, thinking she must be hearing things.

"This is water reserved for My people." The voice seemed to come from the statue's mouth. "You are not hearing things. I am speaking." Esmeralda could not help but to stare. "You are not one of My people, Why should I give it to you? I warm this water for them, I allow myself to be covered that it may rain. I guard it for them. They are My sworn people. You are no better than the shadows hiding from My light, stealing their water. Lick it from the stone if it's that important."

Esmeralda drew away from the pool. Tears of frustration slid down her cheeks. Her dry throat rasped out soundless words. Please, forgive me. Please.

"Forgive you?" The temple shook with the statue's laughter. "For what? For being born in a foreign tribe? For not belonging to any tribe, for that matter? I applaud what you do for the people of the tribes. They are all My children." The statue paused. The water shimmmered with a white light "Drink."

Experimentally, Esmeralda reached out a hand. The cool water lapped at her fingers. Pulling herself forward, she drew out a handful, drinking greedily. Her parched lips asked for more. She buried her face in the pool, eagerly taking the water in mouthfuls.

Only as her thirst was quenched did she contemplate her need.

"It is the nature of the poison," the beast statue said, "to draw out all the moisture in your body."

When Esmeralda's thirst was slaked, she sat up, seriously taking in her surroundings now.

As she had noticed before, the pool was situated in the center of the old temple. the roof opened to allow the sun in. The statue was set high enough above the pool to catch the slightest bit of sunlight. In this midday light, the white marble gleamed almost blindingly.

"Who... or what, are you?"

"Irya Tesse, the goddess of light, or one of them."

Esmeralda almost laughed. "You? A goddess?"

"Well, yes. This statue just holds my spirit. I lack a true body, unlike some of the others." Esmeralda could not help but giggle. "I can choose whatever form I please, even human," the dog beast's marble eyes seemed to shine in amusement, "or more than one."

"That was you? The chief?"

"And his warriors, yes." Esmeralda blinked, stunned. "I like you. I watch you interact with my people, and you never have looked down on them like some of those missionaries. What's more, you practice magic."

Esmeralda wrinkled her nose. "That's just slight of hand, most of it."

"It doesn't matter to me how you do it. It's the results that count."

"This must mean you need something from me?" Esmeralda guessed, rising to her feet and brushing her skirts off.

Once again, the statue's laughter filled the temple. "Of course. You. I want you. It has been a long time since I had a saint to represent me."

"A saint?" Dubiously, Esmeralda took a step back.

"Well, yes. Do you think Athena, and Ares are the sole gods to have Saints. Those two are the only ones to have different levels, or even multiple Saints."

Esmeralda was quite familiar with the legends of Ares and Athena, but...

"Saints?"

"Yes, they are also known as Avatars. They represent and protect us in the Mortal Realm," the statue explained patiently. There was a crack and the dog statue stretched its neck out, twisting its head about. "You know the rule: Gods are not allowed to directly meddle in mortal affairs." More cracks ensued, and the legs lifted free from their pedestal. "So we have Avatars, or Saints, if you will, who do interfere." The statue gathered itself, causing cracks to run down its torso, and sprang across the water, landing beside Esmeralda. "I have chosen you as my Saint."

Esmeralda slid away from the statue, a natural reaction considering the statue towered over her quite a bit. "Me?" she squeaked. "Don't I get a choice?" Although she had a feeling, she knew the answer. Irya Tesse, it was hard to think of the statue as an entity, actually seemed to consider it, for just a moment anyways.

"Nope. It was my choice, and mine alone to make. You get no choice." The statue stretched to its fullest. "Sentrosi"

A fiery-haired woman appeared, her hair swirling past her feet. Feet that hovered quite a few feet off the floor, allowing the woman to be level with the statue's eyes.

"What is it?" she asked in a bored tone.

"Sentrosi, this is my chosen avatar, Esmeralda."

Esmeralda, for her part, took yet another step back, this time a the strange woman's measuring glance.

"Does she work with me?" Esmeralda squeaked. Her empathy wasn't all that strong, but she had to be blin to not see the power this woman radiated, even more so than the statue.

Sentrosi blinked, and a sly smile creased her beautiful face. She floated towad Esmeralda, reaching for her wrists.

"Yes," she cooed, "let us work together. I would love to be partnered with you." Esmeralda leaned as far away from the woman, pulling her hands behind her back. She did not like the sinuous nature of the woman's current movements, or the way her words seemed to hiss between her teeth.

A light flashed between them.

"DO NOT MARK HER, CHIME!"

The woman pulled back, her snakelike features reverting back to human. Disappointment crossed her face. She cast angry eyes at the statue.

"How would you stop me, Irya Tesse. My sister is also about on this plane."

"And bound by the same circle as you. You know why I have called you."

Sentrosi hissed, baring fangs, her fingers curling about as her hair writhed of its own accord.

"Gorgon will be very displeased if you disobey." That seemed to give the woman pause.

"Gorgon is an idiot who should never have received the power of Mab. We three are more suited."

Irya Tesse roared, causing the ground to quake. Sentrosi, and Esmeralda for that matter, shrank back

"Do you duty and return to your world." The dog sat down expectantly.

Sentrosi gave the statue one more glare before turning to Esmeralda, a chain appearing in her hands. Esmeralda suddenly found herself unable to move.

"With these chains, that held down the mighty Quetzalcoatl, I bind you with True magic."

Of its own accord the links lifted, seemingly growing longer. They weaved themselves between her legs, locking them together.

"You whose soul resides in the illusion of darkness become enlightened.

The chains threw out tendrils, snaring her arms to her sides.

"I, Sentrosi, Chime of Fire, do grant Esmeralda, Avatar of Irya Tesse, Goddess of Light, the power of True magic."

Two chains crossed over her face. Sentrosi held out her hands, chanting in a musical tongue, a language Esmeralda did not recognize.

The sunlight flashed in Esmeralda's eyes, bathing her in its light. A voice sounded in her mind, deeper and more majestic than the statue's. Irya Tesse's true voice.

To you I give the mark of the sun. Appollo, Amaterasu, Ra, Hyperion, shine upon her when you see her

The chains hissed, tightening. Esmeralda screamed in fear and pain as the chains melted into her skin. It seemed to coil itself around her heart, crushing it. Esmeralda gasped a few times, the world going grey. Sentrosi screamed one last word, fire flashing from her hands, engulfing the mortal girl.

-
Author's Jibber-jabber

Well, this was unexpected. When I first started this chapter, I had different things planned. And look how they turned out. . Of course, you, as the reader, have no idea what I'm talking about, ne?
The Chimes are not mine, they come from the Soul of the Fire by Terry Goodkind. I just really like the idea, and am using them in the story now. (don't worry, they get bigger parts too ^-^)
Anyhoo, I would like to thank the anonymous person for reviewing. If you review it again, I would love to know who you are. I am known as the Baka-sama for a reason, so I may know you, or may not, my memory fogs.
Well, onto the next (last?) chapter of this story arc! Maybe I'll get it done in a month (not likely).