The view seemed like a miracle. Eliza could only gape as she and the five soldiers rode towards the city. She sat before Lord Tamahome, his arm lightly encircling her waist to keep her steady in her sideways seat. Frivolously, Eliza wished that if she had to have been swept into a magical world, at least she could have been wearing her old trousers instead of the green lawn dress.
The city of Eiyo spread out before them, sitting in a valley. Eliza immediately recognized the style of buildings as those of the few pictures she'd seen of China. It almost looked like the Forbidden City. Dominating the city was a large complex, beautifully built with columns and sweeping roofs of red tile.
As they entered the city, two of the soldiers rode ahead of them, clearing the road. "Make way! Make way for Lord Tamahome, Celestial Suzaku Warrior!" Vaguely, Eliza's mentally noted Celestial Warrior. Celestial warrior of Suzaku...... became the Priestess of Suzaku......
She'd guessed correctly -- the large complex was the palace. Helping her to dismount, Tamahome led her wordlessly through the enormous doors and into the halls of the palace. Hopelessly lost in minutes, Eliza could only follow, her lawn dress swishing about her legs. Around her, people in gorgeous ornate silks, fabulous headdresses, and flowing robes moved out of their way. Eliza was certain she looked ridiculous. Her green lawn, the height of fashion in San Francisco, seemed plain in comparison. What a sight she must be -- disheveled, dusty, her long skirt muddied.
Glancing back at her, Tamahome only thought how beautiful she looked. The strange green dress fit tightly on her, emphasizing a tiny waist. She held her head high, blue-violet eyes downcast, as stray wisps of pale blonde hair escaped her bun and floated about her pale pointed face. She said little, but her voice was low and husky. The high collar of the dress was buttoned tight, framing her chin with a froth of white lace, and the skirt seemed to blossom from her waist to the floor, where a ruffle occasional revealed glimpses of shiny black pointed shoes with heels higher than any shoe he'd ever seen. Over all, her whole appearance was, to him, lovely and alien, and he felt certain he'd found their Priestess.
Finally, they came to a high vaulted chamber, marble floored and decorated in shades of red. Before them, a series of steps led to a dais. On the dais, a magnificent throne stood, flanked by columns and torches.
"Please, wait here. I'll fetch His Highness the Emperor." And Tamahome left her standing alone.
Eliza stared around the room. Slowly, she began to recognize elements of Chinese design. Yet why can I understand them? They speak English! Or... perhaps I only HEAR English.
A voice echoed in her memory. So long, Sunshine! The flames of the torches reminded her of her bandit. Genrou was his name, she reminded herself.
Suddenly, Eliza wanted nothing more than to get out of there. Like a cornered deer, she started looking for a way out. The giant doors behind them had closed, but she spotted a smaller door on the wall. Darting to it, she yanked on the handle, and it swung silently open. She tiptoed down the hall, ducking into side passages whenever she heard a voice. Finally, down one passage, she spotted sunlight, and she ran for it.
She found herself in a garden, almost entirely surrounded by other buildings. She whirled, looking for a way out, and saw an arched passageway into another open area. But just as she made for it, a voice hailed her.
"Hello? Are you lost?"
Looking up to a nearby balcony, Eliza saw a beautiful woman. She was as tall as Eliza, maybe taller, Eliza couldn't tell from the way the woman lounged against the rail. She wore simple robes of white and pale purple, and her long dark brown hair partially obscured her soft brown eyes.
"Er, yes. I am rather lost," Eliza finally replied. "Can you tell me, how do I get out of the palace complex?"
"It's that way." A perfectly manicured hand gestured lazily. "But why do you wish to leave? Most people would love to visit the palace."
"I'm not most people," Eliza answered distractedly. She'd just spotted a group of guards entering the open area ahead of her. She began to look around for another way out.
The woman on the balcony merely watched as Eliza backed into the garden. One of the guards spotted her, calling out, and they all started to run at her.
"Oh, dear!" Eliza muttered weakly, becoming frantic again.
Just as the soldiers entered the garden, a commanding voice called out "HALT!"
Startled, they all looked up at the woman on the balcony, now standing tall and looking severe.
"Highness!" All the guards knelt immediately.
"Highness?" Eliza sputtered. Just then, Lord Tamahome came skidding out of the hall behind her.
"Lady!" He cried, spotting her first.
"It's under control," said the woman..... or is it man? Eliza suddenly realized ... on the balcony. The commanding person walked down the stairs to the garden. Yes, a man, Eliza decided, as Tamahome bowed, saying "I'm sorry, Your Highness."
"Nothing to apologize for, Tamahome," the Emperor replied, waving off Tamahome. He strode towards Eliza, examining her carefully. Finally, he addressed Tamahome. "Where?"
"Outside of Shuntau. A bandit gang nearly carried her off:"
"Hmm. And is she...?"
"She said herself she was from another world."
Eliza watched the two men discuss her like she wasn't there. "Excuse me!"
The Emperor turned back to her. "My apologies, Lady....?"
"Miss Eliza Morgan."
"Lady Eliza, then. Please, would you join me?" The Emperor extended his arm.
Well, at least they have good manners, Eliza though ruefully as she took his arm. Wordlessly, he led her back into the palace. Tamahome followed after dismissing the guards.
They paused by a fancy door. "Please excuse me a moment," the Emperor said, and disappeared into the room. Tamahome approached Eliza.
"Let's go back to the hall. And this time, PLEASE don't run away." His exasperated tone made Eliza smile a little. He sounded just like Geoffrey.
They returned to the throne room, but this time, a fanfare greeted them. Eliza's jaw dropped a little when the Emperor appeared, dressed in rich red silk. He seated himself on the throne as dozens of other people entered, bowing and gathering around.
"Lady Eliza, please step forward."
Tamahome gave her a wink and a nudge.
The Emperor's face was completely serious, nothing like the beautiful relaxed figure Eliza had met before. His hair was pulled up in a severe fashion, revealing a strong jaw line and piercing eyes. Goodness, is every man here gorgeous? Eliza wondered as she curtsied.
"Now, where are you from?"
"Beacon Street, Mission Hill, San Francisco, California." She answered promptly.
Muttering rose up all around. Some man, another Chancellor perhaps, stepped forward. "Highness, there is no such place."
"Not in THIS world, perhaps," The Emperor replied mildly. "Lady Eliza, how did you come to Konan?"
Gulping nervously, Eliza answered, "I do not know, your Highness. One moment I was at home. The next I was, er, fending off bandits."
More muttering and whispers. The Emperor stared at her for a long moment, then glanced past her at Lord Tamahome. He must have seen something there, for he rose and announced, "I believe this young woman has come from another world. As Konan is now facing terrible peril, I believe, no, I know, that she is the answer to our prayers. She is the Priestess of Suzaku!"
The voices of the court rose up in surprise. Eliza became frightened again. "Oh, no, your Highness! I'm nobody special! I'm just the daughter of a businessman! I'm not even out yet! You must be mistaken, sir."
The emperor gave her a quizzical look. "Do you not want to obtain the power of Suzaku and make your wishes come true?"
Blinking, Eliza remembered the book. The story itself is a spell......made all her wishes come true.....as soon as the first page is turned........I'm in the book. I'm the heroine. Therefore, I must be the priestess!
"I'm... I'm sorry. You're right." She curtsied again, remembering her lessons at school. "I humbly accept your commission to become the Priestess."
The Emperor smiled, a true smile. He raised his hands, "All hail Lady Eliza, Priestess of Suzaku, Savior of Konan!"
The court cheered back. Though they surged forward to greet her, Tamahome shielded Eliza and led her past the crowd to the small plain door. They ducked through, and not a moment later, the Emperor joined them.
"Was that wise, Hotohori?" Tamahome asked the Emperor.
"Could we keep it a secret? Word would get out anyway. Better to make it official." He smiled at Eliza. "We really are very glad you're here, Lady."
"Please, just Eliza." She murmured. "I'm no lady. Where I come from, um, there are no nobles, or kings, or emperors. At least, not in my country."
"Fascinating! How do you govern?" The Emperor seemed eager to hear about her world.
"Elections. It's really rather complicated. But just call me Eliza, Highness."
He laughed. "Then you must call me Hotohori." He led the two into a small chamber containing a table, several chairs, and numerous shelves of scrolls.
Tamahome seemed perfectly relaxed in his emperor's presence, collapsing into a chair.
"Now, Eliza,� Hotohori said seriously, "I must explain a few things. First of all, my country, Konan, has come under attack from a neighboring country, called Kutou. Years ago they were splintered and fighting each other, but suddenly united under one leader. Rather mysteriously."
Tamahome muttered, "Priestess of Seiryuu."
"Yes, yes," Hotohori waved off Tamahome's comment. "But the new emperor of Kutou is greedy. He sees our lands as something he can take. Our legends tell of the Priestess of Suzaku, who can save Konan. That is you," and he smiled winningly at Eliza. "As the Priestess, you must gather the Seven Stars of Suzaku to summon the god, and using his power, you can wish for Konan to be protected."
"I see," Eliza said slowly. "I assume, you don't mean stars literally. Are they jewels?"
"People," Tamahome piped up. He grinned at her and stood. "I am Tamahome of the Suzaku Seven!" His face took on an expression of concentration, and from his forehead suddenly, a bright light shone. As it receded, Eliza saw a red symbol on his forehead, like a Chinese character.
"Yes," Hotohori continued. "He is Ogre, Tamahome. And I," and as Eliza turned back, he pulled down the collar of his robes to expose his neck. A red symbol shone there too. "I am Hotohori, the sea snake, Suzaku warrior."
Inanely, all Eliza could say was, "Five more to go."
Hotohori laughed. "Only! But we have this to guide us." From an ornate box, he produced a red bound scroll. "The Universe of the Four Gods."
"What?!?" Eliza cried startled.
"You know it?"
"Um,.. sort of. Go on, please."
"The scroll was given to Konan by Taiitsukun, the Wise Woman, creator of the world, centuries ago. It gives clues to finding the Celestial Warriors, but only vague ones."
"So we must puzzle out the clues and find the others with this." Eliza nodded in understanding, then asked, "How did you know you were a Celestial Warrior?"
"I have known all my life, and was trained for it." Hotohori explained, glancing at Tamahome. "I only recently met Tamahome, maybe a month ago?"
Tamahome laughed. "He snuck out of his own palace for a gallop in the country! Found me protecting a merchant from robbers. I've always been called Tamahome. And I've always known and used my powers from Suzaku."
"I sent Tamahome out with the conscription notices in hopes he would find the other warriors. But even better, he found you." Hotohori took her hand, and looked earnestly into her eyes. Eliza was flattered, and nervous at the same time. Earnest men were nice. They were also boring, in her opinion. Give me a bandit leader, she sighed inwardly, remembering a gruff voice and red hair.
"Er, well, um, what are the next clues?" She asked, pulling away gently.
Back to his businesslike manner, Hotohori said, "The next clues are 'palace' and 'great strength'."
"Oh? That isn't you?"
"No, I do not have great strength, beyond the ordinary. Tamahome is a formidable fighter, though." He nodded towards Tamahome, who seemed content to let them talk and just watch Eliza.
The three looked over the clues and debated what they might mean for a while. Soon, Eliza felt faint. Realizing they hadn't fed her, Hotohori called a servant to prepare a room and a meal. Tamahome escorted her to her room.
Seated at a table before a meal of wonderful smelling food, Eliza stopped him from leaving. "Please, stay? I'd rather not be alone."
He agreed. He also taught Eliza to use the two sticks that were the only utensils she could find. The chopsticks, as she learned they were called, were finicky things that cramped her hands and made her think dark thoughts about backwards, ancient cultures. Finally, Tamahome asked, "Your world. Is it very different?"
"Oh, yes. Well, I mean, we ride and everything, just like you. But our buildings are very different. And we have no royalty, as I said before."
He grinned a little. "I like that. No rich people?"
"Oh, yes, we have rich people. But no serfs or lords or kings. Well, not in my country. There are places where they do have those kind of people, but not in America."
"America." He repeated slowly.
"What about you, Tamahome? You said you always knew about being a Suzaku warrior?"
"Yes. I'm from a poor family, about a day's ride from here. All my life, I had the symbol. It helps me fight, especially if I'm protecting someone. Now, I protect you." The look he gave her was so piercing, her breath caught in her throat.
Konan, Mount Reikaku, bandit hideout
"Hey, Genrou."
"Genrou!"
"HEY!"
The black-haired bandit punched his unresponsive friend.
"Damnit, Koji, what the hell is it?!?"
"Man, you've been totally out of it for days. What's yer problem?"
Genrou shrugged. "I dunno. I was jus' thinkin'..."
"You? Thinkin? I though I was the brains in this outfit?" Koji winced as Genrou punched him in the ribs.
"Shaddup, would ya?" Genrou returned to staring out the window. "OK, keep a secret?"
"Sure."
"I'm thinkin' about that girl."
"The blonde? Outsid'a Shuntau?" Koji was aghast. "Man, you hate women! What's the line?"
Genrou grimaced. "Clinging, weepy, nagging, dammed frickin� prick-teases who either won't give ya the time a' day an' play frickin� head-games, or give ya a tumble and take ya for all ya frickin� got!" He shook his head. "But this one was different."
"How the hell would you know?"
For a minute, Genrou said nothing. Then, his eyes intense, he turned to stare at his buddy. "She kissed back."
Konan, Eiyo, the palace practice grounds
The finest soldiers of Konan were gathered before Hotohori, Eliza, and Tamahome. They'd been brought here because the three thought it would be the fastest way to find the third Celestial Warrior.
Tamahome wanted to challenge them all to a fight. "Anyone who can stand up to me must be another Celestial Warrior!" They went along with the idea at first, but it quickly became clear that it wasn't working.
"Wait, you said the sign glows when you protect someone, yes?"
Tamahome gave her another loaded look. It was really starting to bother her. "When I protect you, now."
"Er, yes, rather. Well, perhaps we could put me in some sort of danger?"
Hotohori and Tamahome shot that idea right down. After a while, they dismissed the soldiers, who promptly went back to training new recruits for the coming war with Kotou.
Eliza walked along the grounds with Tamahome, as Hotohori conversed with his generals and a few advisors. "I don't understand. Palace and great strength. I suppose it doesn't necessarily mean physical strength. Perhaps, wisdom?"
"What was that?"
"Oh, I'm sorry, Tamahome. I was talking to myself. Bad habit." She smiled and stepped up some stairs to a lovely pagoda. Sighing, she looked out over the gardens. Neat and confined. She rather looked forward to getting out of the palace. They'd agreed last night that she'd have to seek the Suzaku warriors out herself, so as soon as they found the third, they'd head out to find the others. It had taken her nearly an hour to convince them to give her her own horse.
A sudden explosion caused her to whirl. Tamahome chuckled. "Cannon practice."
"Oh."
Another explosion was heard, but this time, it was followed by screams and shouts.
"What is it, Tamahome?"
A whistling sound was getting louder and louder.
"DUCK!" yelled Tamahome.
Eliza fell to her knees as a cannon ball blasted a nearby garden patch to dust. The concussion was so great, the pagoda she knelt in groaned. Eliza glanced up, but only had time for a squeak before the roof began to collapse on her. She felt a sudden shove, forcing her to the ground, and heard the roar of disintegrating architecture.
"ELIZA! TAMAHOME!"
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