Chapter Four

“Rekka Shinnen!” Flames erupted out of Tasuki’s tessen and moved in a spiral. He grinned. His training was going perfectly. When the next Miko comes to this world, I’ll be the best seishi of ‘em all! But the problem is, she’ll be a woman. An’ I hate women! He frowned at that thought. Ah well. It can’ be helped. I’ll just have t’ deal with it. I dealed wit’ it last time, and I’ll deal wit’ it again. He stared at the ground. Then, he yelled.

A figure rose from the ground. It had blue bangs that hung over its forehead. Covering his face was a fox mask. Suddenly, Tasuki recognized him. It was a figure from his past life! “Ch-ch-Chichiri! Gyah! What’re ya doin’ here? Haven’t seen ya for ages! And that’s puttin’ it literally!”

His mask floated off. “Tasuki, I’m searching for Chiriko. Do you have any idea where he is?"

Tasuki gasped. “Chichiri! Yer scar! It’s gone! Wha’ happened?”

He closed his eyes and bent his head. “I used the spirit water Mitsukake gave me many years ago.”

“Um, I have a question. Why’re ya still so young? I mean, you can’ be older than twenty-four. Are ya even the real Chichiri? I mean, aren’t cha supposed t’ be over a hundred years old by now?”

Chichiri whacked him on the head using his staff. “Of course it is me! And I’ve been reincarnated, just like you, no da! And the other Suzaku seishi have been reincarnated, too! In fact, I just met Hotohori. Now where’s Chiriko? This is really important!”

Tasuki rubbed his head. “S’rry, but I dun know. Maybe you can try looking at his old house? And ya didn’ have t’ whack me that hard! Sheesh, it was jus’ a question!”

“All right, all right. I apologize. But Nuriko was right. You really are thick. Now do you want to go with me to look for Chiriko? I mean, the two of you were pretty close, no da.”

Tasuki shook his head. “Sorry, but I can’t. I’m only seventeen, but I have to watch over m’ boys. ‘Member? Our leader’s died. That happened last time, too. And that scoundrel Eiken stole the tessen again. But with Meji’s help and the other bandits, I managed to retrieve it. An’ this time, I didn’t need Miaka t’ help with the rest of th’ gang. Aren’t cha proud ‘f me?”

Chichiri nodded. “Yes, but I really must leave now. Nice talking with you, no da. See you again sometime?” He placed his hat on the ground.

“Sure! Drop in an’ time! An’ say hi to Chiriko for me, ok? We haven’ talked for the last century.”

“Got it. Thanks for everything, no da. Bye!” Chichiri stepped into the hat and vanished.

Tasuki turned back to the tree. “Rekka Shinnen!” It started flaming. “Meji! Can you put the fire out?”

He rushed up from behind. “Sheesh, Tasuki, when are you goin’ ta stop flamin’ the freakin’ trees? I’m gettin’ tired of puttin’ out your fires.”

Tasuki cringed. “S’rry, but I need all the practice I can get so when the new Miko comes, I’ll be ready.”

***************

He reappeared in front of a mansion. This was where the past Chiriko had lived. His story’s so sad. He died before he could really experience life. I just hope it won’t happen again, no da. He walked up to the guards. “Excuse me, but does a Kageyo live here, no da?”

The guard pointed his spear at him. “And what do you want Kageyo for?”

“He’s an old friend. I’m Richan. Remember me?”

The guard rubbed his eyes. “Richan? Is it really you? It’s me, Tsuriko!”

“Tsuchan? What are you doing, guarding your own house, no da?”

He grinned. “Ah, Kageyo’s studying right now and our normal guard’s off somewhere, so Father asked me to take his place for a little while. Come on in! You’re definitely welcome, Richan!”

Chichiri thanked him. Then, he stepped into the house and started walking.

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