Having the Chance of A Lifetime Chapter 1: The Prologue, a fushigi yuugi fanfic

AN-Hiya everyone! I hope that'll you like this SI story (I did the intro stuff in the next chaptie). And at least give this a little chance. PLEASE?

AUTHOR NOTE NOTICE: To Christina Spears, please respect my wishes and ideas. I would love to do a prequel to this story, but I'm busy with Yugioh now. It's gonna be a while for me to finish my Yugioh fics (I'm doing two stories and possibly sequels for those) then get back into Fushigi Yuugi. It's not gonna be easy, but perfection comes after a while, and I wanna make this prequel and Wanting to Turn Time Back perfect, so I'm waiting until I get into the groove of things with FY. It'll take time, so please bare with me.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Fushigi Yuugi. Never will, unfortunately... And sorry about this LONG prologue!

PART 1~Falling In & Out Of Love

" 'Hotohori received Chichiri's report about all that occurred & brought every warrior together, with the exception of Tamahome & Miaka, to discuss what to do now. He couldn't believe what happened to Tamahome and his priestess, who was badly injured by Nuriko...' " Keisuke read to himself as he shook his head in disbelief.

"Holy cow... That's sad!" His friend mentioned as Keisuke nodded. "Why would he do that to Brittany?"

"Who knows? I hope that it'll all work out in the end." Keisuke added to the questions that remained unanswered.

"Well, continue please!" His friend poured out as Keisuke looked down at the book and read what came up.

" 'All the warriors, for the exception of Tamahome and Miaka, came into the throne room to discuss the issue with their ally.' "

"Chichiri, is everything you say the truth?" Hotohori asked as Chichiri nodded slowly. "Nuriko isn't coming back, is that what you're telling me?" Chichiri put his head down as the other warriors looked at each other. "And what happened to Tamahome & Brittany, that was-" Hotohori shook his head, knowing that his closest friend would never do that to them. "I'm in disbelief."

"Highness, if I have something to suggest here." Mitsukake got up and looked at Hotohori. "I think that Nuriko is being controlled to do this. He might of taken kodoku and be under a spell that can't be destroyed. If so, then there's no possible way for me to heal him." Hotohori's eyes grew as Mitsukake looked down.

"Kodoku- So that's why Brittany said that-" Hotohori closed his eyes as he remember what I said when I returned from Kutou. "I said good-bye to him...I left him there forever and said...good-bye, forever..."

"How could this happen?" Hotohori sighed as the warriors couldn't say anything, since they wished it was all a dream, a nightmare to the most.

I was sitting up in my bed, with the rain still pouring hard on the roof, as Mitsukake and Chiriko came in.

"Oh, hi guys." I said, smiling as they looked at each other. Chiriko sat on a chair, a couple of feet from me, and Mitsukake dragged a chair and brought it over to me.

"Brittany, can I see your arm?" He asked as I did as I was told.

"Oh, that's right! You can heal people! I feel so dumb." I mentioned as I smiled again. "Hmm, it's pouring hard outside. What I would do to go out and play..."

"You would go out in the rain and play?" Chiriko asked as I nodded. "Why?"

"Well, it usually makes me feel calm, and relaxed. Like everything is in peace. I did it where I lived. I would stay outside for a few minutes, just to feel at ease- Oh! You finished! Thank you, Mitsukake." I said as he nodded and got up with Tama on his shoulder. "Don't forget to heal Tamahome when you can!" I mentioned as he nodded and walked out the door.

"Just get some rest." Mits uttered before he shut the door.

"Ahh, well, how about I play my flute? Do you have any melodies that you'd like to hear?" Chiriko asked as I closed my eyes and think.

"Hmm, nah. Just play something nice, anything would be great." I said as he smiled and nodded and proceeded to play.

Tamahome was crying in a pain, just a little, as Miaka held his hand.

"Oh Tamahome! Please settle down!" Miaka cried out as Mitsukake fixed his broken right leg. After he finished Tamahome sighed and Miaka sighed.

"Why can't you heal me? It's that simple!" Tamahome mentioned as Mitsukake rolled his eyes.

"You have four broken ribs, a right arm and leg broken, and you also had a concussion. If you can live through that then anything I do can't hurt you anymore. I'll heal you once my power regenerates." Mitsukake told him as Tama laid his head on his pillow.

"What about Brittany? Your powers heal her, didn't they?" Tamahome asked as Miaka got up, making that cat go over to Mitsukake.

"He could heal her external wounds, but not the wounds that lie within." Miaka said as she had her head down. "I wished that Nuriko would of come back, so that we could summon Suzaku...Poor Britt..."

I laid back in my bed, still listening to Chiriko's relaxing music. I was about to drift off as there was a knock on my door as Hotohori, Tasuki, & Chichiri came through. 'Hotohori...' Chiriko stopped playing and got up from his seat as Hotohori walked to me.

"You don't need to stop playing Chiriko." Hotohori said as Chiriko bowed, and walked to the others. Hotohori stopped at me as I sat up in my bed, unsure of what to say.

"Hotohori, I'm sorry. Now we can't summon Suzaku." I spoke of as Hotohori shook his head.

"Forget that. All I'm worried about is your health, if you have recovered." Hotohori asked as I nodded.

"Yeah! Mitsukake healed my arm! It's all better." I say as Hotohori put his head down.

"That isn't what I meant." Hotohori murmured as I looked up at everyone else, who had followed Hotohori's movement: looking everywhere else but at me.

"Ahh- Hey! Why do you all look so serious, huh? Oh, I'm fine now, so there's nothing else that you all can do about Nuriko, so I gave up on him. I'm perfectly fine now!" I smiled and started to chuckled.

"You shouldn't force yourself to smile." Hotohori said as I looked up at him.

"I'm not forcing myself-" I whispered as Hotohori continued.

"You can't be perfectly fine because you and Nuriko-"

"I'm fine! And I've always been! Can you just drop the subject? There are times where I like to be by my ownself!" I yelled as Hotohori stared at me. I closed my mouth with my hand and as I gasped. "Hotohori, I-" Hotohori walked out the door, quickly as I watched him go.

"Sorry Britt! Guess we'll be going now..." Tasuki mentioned softly as everyone left my room, leaving me like I asked to be. I put my head down and sighed softly. Hotohori and Chiriko stayed at my door, Hotohori just staring at my door.

"Umm, Your Majesty?" Chiriko asked as Hotohori slammed his fist onto the door.

"I'm just ashamed that I can't do nothing for her! She's been badly hurt and in so much pain and I had no idea what to say to her, nonetheless. It pains me to see her suffer, and force herself to smile. And when I try to comfort her, I did nothing good and everything went from worse to terrible..." Hotohori murmured as Chiriko sighed softly as he walked away from Hotohori.

After I changed into my yellow summer dress and put my white slippers on, I sat on my bed, which was made, somehow.

'Hotohori, you must be so mad now. After what I said to you...' I walked out of my room and closed the door but didn't shut it all the way. I started to walk down the hallways in the palace. 'What should I do now? I feel like everyone is not on my side, except for Tamahome and Miaka. I'm so alone-' I stopped as a door creaked opened. I peered inside and started to stare inside. 'Nuriko's room...' I walked in and observed everything. I moved to his bed and saw that it was still made up, and his clothes were there, washed and everything. 'Nuriko's clothes... Even though we're friends...We've come closer but-'

"It's a lie..." I said as I grabbed his clothes and held them close to me. "I'm not fine at all!" 'From the moment we met, I could look up to him because he made me feel like I was back home! But now... When I look back on it-'

"I wish I would've been closer to him! I'm sorry!" I yell loud as I started to cry, knowing that I could of said more to him.

"Hmm, it's been pouring for awhile. I don't think the rain will stop!" Miaka muttered as she walked with Tasuki.

"Great. Hope it ends soon." Tasuki added as they came to my door to my room.

"Brittany!" Miaka called out. "I got you some food! I didn't even eat it this-" Tasuki opened the door to noticed that I wasn't in there. "-time... Brittany!" Miaka dropped the tray as Tasuki saw a note on my neatly made bed.

"Miaka! What does it say?" Tasuki asked as Miaka came up and grabbed it out of his hand and ran. "Where are ya goin'?" Miaka ran to the one person who could help.

"Hotohori!" She yelled as she ran into his office. "Brittany's...gone-"

"What do you mean? Miaka, are you telling me she ran away?" Hotohori questioned her as she nodded.

"Yes Hotohori! She left this note." Miaka gave the note to Hotohori as he read it fast, "I'm sorry, but I have to get away from everyone. Forever...".

"She can't mean-" Hotohori got up from his throne and ran outside as Miaka followed him with her eyes as Tasuki was pushed back. "Brittany, you better not hurt yourself!"

I was walking out in the rain, pouring on me and still cold with the wind blowing on me.

"Brittany, don't follow Miaka! Don't go into that book!" 'Ah, Keisuke said that. I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you. And I had to leave everyone behind, even Jacob, a close friend I've grown dear to. Maybe, if I leave everyone behind, that pain will go away.'

"Brittany..." I hear a voice echoed in my ears as I turned to see that the pond, where we all swam before the rain came, had water going everywhere. I stared and saw Nuriko there, standing there, waiting for me.

"Nuriko..." I walk into the pond as I was searching for Nuriko. "Nuriko... Where are you? Nuriko!" I wanted to yell but only muttered above a whisper. I lost my focus as a wave crashed down on me and took me underwater. 'Nuriko, where are you? Why won't you answer?' I couldn't breathe and I couldn't see well anymore.

"Brittany!" I hear a faint voice as I fall deeper into the water, becoming unconscious.

"Brittany! Where are you? Brittany!" Hotohori called out as he looked everywhere. He turned his body to see the pond, and to see that my slippers floated to the top. "Ah-Brittany!" He murmured as he jumped into the fridged waters.

"Hotohori!" Miaka yelled as she was with Tasuki and Chichiri. "Guys look!" Miaka got to her knees as she saw the little thing that Hotohori wears on his head.

"His Highness wears that!" Chichiri pointed out as they went to look for us.

Hotohori's POV

I decided to looked deeper, where it's even colder. I started to freak out, but looking in another direction, I saw her body. I saw that she was tied up in seaweed, her body maneuver into the seaweed, I figured. I swam down to her and noticed that we wouldn't make it back to the surface on time.

'Brittany! Please survive! Don't die on me! Survive-'

"Brittany!" I yelled in the water as I closed my eyes and focused on saving her, the only one who really understood me. Before I knew it, I opened my eyes and noticed that Miaka, Chichiri and Tasuki was right in front of me.

"Oh Britt! Is she alright?" Miaka asked as Chichiri checked for a pulse, as she was still in my arms.

"She's breathing. She might need some rest, you know." Chichiri assured as I smiled and nodded.

"Thank goodness." I whispered as I got up with her in my arms.

"Do you need any help, Hotohori?" Miaka asked me as I shook my head.

"No, I'm- Well, maybe you could help me." I say as she smiled and walked back with me as I see Chichiri and Tasuki walk the other way, away from us.

"Chiri," Tasuki asked as he got out of my view, "how the hell did he do that?"

"I think it's because that since he loved her, he let another part of himself take over, to not let them die, you know. He's a determined man, and he'd let nothing get in the way of what he wants. Tasuki, don't forget that. If Hotohori wants something, he'd get it. And, if something, or someone, is in the way that hurts his love one, you know what he'll do." Chichiri mentions as Tasuki nodded and crossed his arms. "That is the only thing you have to fear about Hotohori."

"Get 'im mad, and he will come after you. And after this, I have a sick feeling and Nuriko better not show his damn face here..." Tasuki trailed off as they entered Tamahome's room.

Brittany's POV

My eyes jerked opened as I stared up at the ceiling.

"Brittany..." I turned my head to see Hotohori there, right at my side. "Glad you awoke."

"Umm..." I blinked my eyes several times, "What happened? Where am I?" I closed my eyes as I remember what happened to me as I jerked up. "Ah! That's right! Why am I here-" I looked at Hotohori as he looked at me with wide-eyes. I looked down, slowly and covered myself with my bed sheet. I yelped as he smiled and closed his eyes.

"Well, it's good that you're back to your normal self." He mentioned as I stared at him.

'I was in the water, in the pond, outside of my room. I remember that I heard a voice calling out to me, before I lost consciousness- Was that him?' I looked down as I had tears, growing in my eyes. 'He looks pale...Did he try to save me after all I said to him earlier?' I fall into his lap as he looked down at me.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry for being such an idiot!" I cried out as he held me in his arms.

"Brittany, it's alright now. Please don't cry now... You're safe now. I'll protect you, no matter what." He said as he used his hands to lift my face, so that our eyes met. "I want you to be with me, everyday."

"Hotohori..." I whispered as he continued.

"I've been neglected to tell you that I have held my feelings within for too long, and I can't hold them back no longer. Now, there's nothing in the way of them. I know Nuriko meant much to you, making you feel at home, but I love you dearly, Brittany." He said as my eyes started to dry up. I looked up at him.

"Hotohori, I-" I blinked as he went to my lips and kissed me. My eyes grew, but went back to normal. 'Hotohori...' He grasped my hand that was on his chest and he gripped it tightly, not wanting to let me go. I closed my eyes as I felt like I was melting into him. 'Oh Hotohori... I... I have to...'

As it was still pouring hard outside, it was pouring on a figure, clad in black from head to toe.

"So, this is Konan... I'm excited to meet this 'emperor' that Nakago keeps talking about. And I'll kill them both THIS time. The emperor and priestess of Suzaku." The figure looked up and stared at the palace.

As we made ourselves onto my bed, Hotohori on top of me, he released his lips from mine. I could only stare, amazed at his beauty.

"Hotohori..." I whispered as he smiled upon me.

"Brittany... Did you know that I've always loved you? And I would want you to love me." Hotohori murmured as he went down to my neck.

"Hotohori...Hotohori..." I whispered as I only stared at the ceiling as I closed my eyes and remember when Nuriko and I was talking about what life was back at home. I started to tear up as I took my hands and pushed Hotohori off of me, and he stared at me.

"I'm sorry, Hotohori. I'm not ready yet..." I murmured as he nodded and smiled small at me.

"It's alright. I understand that. You should think of it more carefully." He said as he moved off me and into the chair next to my bed. "I'll stay here with you, so get some rest." He put his hand onto my head as he gripped my hand. I turned as he took his head off of my head. I smiled as I stared at him and back with me.

'His warm hands, his gentle voice... Hotohori really cares for me. I've always known it, but never acknowledged it, or responded to him. I was busy and couldn't say what I wanted to him, and I had feelings for him, it's true! But, I don't want to lose my bond with him & Nuriko...' I turned my head as I pretended to sleep, but tears came down my eyes. 'Whoever I choose, and if I do, would it hurt them both?'

"So, that's what Hotohori did? That's amazing!" Tamahome mentioned as Miaka nodded.

"It was a sight to behold! It was so romantic." Miaka uttered as Tasuki rolled his eyes.

"Nah. I knew that he'd do it. He's a hero, and that's what all heroes freakin' do." Tasuki mentioned as Miaka rolled her eyes.

"Bet you couldn't do it." Tamahome asked as Tasuki stared at him.

"Well, duh! I could never do what Hotohori did! It's 'cause he loves Brittany! Miaka, you know Tamahome could do it too, IF he wasn't in a bed." Tasuki lunged as Miaka crossed her arms.

"Hotohori," Everyone looked to see Chiriko was talking, "is someone you don't see everyday. He'd give up his life for another, or his country. That's just someone who's in love for those things." Miaka nodded and smiled.

"He did it for love... I bet that we've all lost someone close and dear to us." Miaka wondered outloud as everyone nodded, even the last person she expected: Tasuki.

I opened my eyes and peeked out to see that Hotohori was right in front of me.

'Hotohori... You're still here.' I glanced down as I saw his hand still grasped onto my own. 'He has still held onto my hand. How sweet...' I smiled as he started to wake up. 'Maybe I should tell him what I feel.'

"Hotohori." I stared at him as he glanced at me. "I have something to tell you. I have-" There was a knock on my door as I closed my eyes and opened them. "Well, who could that be?" I wondered as the door opened up.

"Highness!" It was Hotohori's adviser, Haku I think, as we sat up.

"What could it be that you had to barge in?" Hotohori asked as Haku apologized.

"I'm sorry, but there is a major issue. Someone, or something, has came into the palace and hurt our guards. One said it was a traitor that slipped in, but the other one said it was a man, with violet hair and fuchsia eyes: Suzaku Warrior Nuriko." I gasped as my eyes grew. 'Nuriko!' I blinked, and looked down.

"Has he came here, to kill me?" I asked myself as Hotohori grabbed my arm. "Hotohori?" He looked down at me, and I grabbed my purple robe and he dragged me out of my room. "Hotohori! What are-" He threw me into a room as he locked it on the outside. 'Hotohori! What are you doing? Let me out of here!" I yelled as Hotohori shook his head.

"Brittany, I'm not letting you getting in the way of this. I want you to be safe and I'll do what I need to do." Hotohori yells back to me as I put my hand over my mouth. "Make sure she doesn't get out." I heard Hotohori speak to a guard as I banged on the door.

"Hotohori! Get back here!" I yelled as Hotohori walked away.

'Brittany, I can't not forgive anyone who hurts you. No matter who it is, even one who heaven has fated to be my friend.' Hotohori said as he grabbed his sword and made his way to the courtyard.

Everyone was on their way to the courtyard, even the injured Tamahome.

"Miaka, are you sure about that? Is it him?" Tasuki wondered as Miaka nodded.

"I heard the guards talk and-" Miaka stopped as everyone saw Nuriko in front of them, with an evil glare. "Nuriko!"

"Where is the priestess of Suzaku and the emperor?" Nuriko asked coldly as Tasuki got in front of Miaka.

"Nuriko!" Mitsukake murmured as Tamahome shook his head.

"You got some nerve! If you want them, you have to go through all of us!" Tasuki called out as Nuriko could only stare.

" 'Nuriko arrived in Konan, to kill the emperor and the priestess of Suzaku. He now confronted the Suzaku Warriors, who now stood before him as their protectors. Miaka could only stare at the friend she once knew.' " Keisuke read outloud to himself as he could only shake his head in disbelief.

"This doesn't sound good at all." The friend revealed as he crossed his arms. "Poor Brittany... Going through all this is... Too much..."

"This doesn't concern you at all! Where the hell are they?" Nuriko yelled as his voice echoed the palace.

"Nuriko!" A voiced called out as Nuriko turned to see Hotohori walked down to him.

"Hotohori? What are you doing?" Miaka calls out as Hotohori was in front of Nuriko, only 50 ft. away.

"The priestess of Suzaku is safe. I'll never let you lay one finger on Brittany ever again!" Hotohori yelled out as Nuriko stared at Hotohori. There was a major height difference. "The time for words are now over! Defend yourself, Nuriko!" Hotohori seemed to glow red as they stared at each other, wanting to kill the other.

Take a break! THIS IS LONG!

Now, get back into the story!

PART 2 ~ Sorry For Everything

Hotohori's lifeforce was growing every minute that passed. He stared at Nuriko as the rain poured harder as Nuriko stared at Hotohori. Even though Hotohori is, of course, taller than Nuriko, it seemed that they were the same height. Hotohori flunged a sword towards Nuriko's feet.

"Take up that weapon Nuriko!" Hotohori yelled as they moved a few feet closer. Nuriko just grinned, evilly. "I'll not fight an un-armed man!" Hotohori flunged his sword out in front of himself as Nuriko grabbed the sword. Nuriko closed his eyes as he remember what Nakago said to him hours ago. "Your only concern is to kill the Priestess of Suzaku named Brittany. If anyone gets in your way, destroy them. If it's the emperor, kill him, too."

"Huh. Then this'll take no time at all." Nuriko murmured as he took off his cloak to reveal the outfit he wore only a night ago: navy pants, a navy shirt that buttons all the way to the top of his neck (a few at the top are undone), and the nunchucks, along with the matching headband.

"Did you hear? Nuriko and Emperor Hotohori are in a fight!" A guard yells as he passed my room and others join, hopefully the guard that was outside my door. I gasped as I banged on the door.

"Open the door! Open it NOW!" I yelled as I fell to the ground. 'Hotohori's planning to kill Nuriko! I have to stop them or he'll do it!' "Please, anyone, let me out!" I yelled as I banged the door. I saw Tama fall to the ground as I caught him. "Ah Tama? Where did you come from?" I wondered as I looked up. I grinned as I saw a window. "Oh yeah! Let's see if I can do this..." I started to climb to the window.

Swords were clinging as Hotohori turned to see Nuriko on the ground in front of him. Nuriko was holding onto his arm, where Hotohori left a nasty wound on him.

"Shit! Hotohori's kickin' some ass!" Tasuki mentioned as Miaka stand beside Tamahome.

"Tasuki! Could you be thinking of something else? This is terrifying!" Miaka yelled as Tamahome nodded.

"What had made Hotohori this powerful?" Chiriko wondered as Chichiri sighed, looking at the two of them fight.

"It's what I said to Tasuki: Since Hotohori loves her, he let another part of himself take over. He's a determined man, and he'd let nothing get in the way of what he wants." Chichiri said as he crossed his arms.

"That's Hotohori for you in a nutshell." Mitsukake added as everyone nodded. Miaka turned away to see Hotohori deliver a blow to Nuriko's leg.

"Nuriko, if you want to see Brittany, you have to go through me first! But, I'll kill you before you get the chance to!" Hotohori yelled as the fighting still continued.

I jumped from the window and fell on my bottom.

"Well, I almost made it." I got up and rubbed my butt. The cat was going to my right as I nodded and started to follow him. "R-right!"

'Hotohori... Nuriko... Oh god... If I don't hurry, one of them will be killed, just for me!' I thought as I ran my heart out to the courtyard.

Hotohori delivered another blow to Nuriko's other leg as he fell to the ground, to take a breather.

"Nuriko's gonna die! Can we stop them?" Miaka cried out as Chichiri shook his head.

"I wished we could, but Hotohori's too powerful to take down now. His only mission is to kill Nuriko, not even considering that we can't summon Suzaku if he does that, you know." Chichiri accounts as Miaka put her head down as Tamahome gave her a hug.

I stopped at a pillar, to catch my breath, and I looked up to see my nightmare: Hotohori and Nuriko running at each other. I felt like I was walking slow as I stopped. Hotohori slipped on a puddle and he turned his head to see me. My eyes grew as I saw Nuriko deliver a blow to Hotohori's body. The sword came through his left side of his body as he started to fall to the ground, I cried.

"HOTOHORI!" I yelled as the others gasped and their eyes grew. I ran up to Hotohori as Nuriko stared at both of us. "Oh Hotohori! You can't die now! Please come back to me!" I cried out as I held one of my hands onto his wound. "I'll stop the bleeding, I know that I can do it... I know it..." Hotohori opened his eyes as I smiled. "You awoke."

"Brittany, don't worry about me... I'll be...fine..." Hotohori whispered as I turned to see Nuriko, right in front of us.

"Well, now that the emperor is taken care of, guess that leaves you Priestess of Suzaku, Brittany." Nuriko said coldly as I got up and took Hotohori sword from Hotohori.

"Listen, Nuriko," I had my head down as I gripped the sword, "I don't care what you do to me, but you cannot hurt Hotohori! You've just now made me mad." I yelled as I looked at him with determined eyes. "I want to hurt you so much. I want you to feel what I'm feeling RIGHT NOW!" I ran after Nuriko as I flunged the sword at him, with my robe clinging onto my damped body.

"Brittany!" Everyone yelled as Mitsukake went up to Hotohori, to check on him as I was filled with rage, and anger.

"Brittany! Stop this please!" Miaka exclaimed as I shook my head.

"NO! I have to get rid of him!" I yelled as Tamahome and Chiriko helped Hotohori and Mitsukake. I was flinging the sword everywhere I could. I even landed a blow on Nuriko's cheek, which made me determined to hurt him even more!

"Oh goodness... What can we do? Brittany's on a rampage and we can't stop her!" Hotohori whispered as Chiriko helped him set up.

"Please stop her."

"Chichiri! Is there anything you can do?" Tasuki asked as Chichiri could only shake his head.

"Brittany's like Hotohori: we can't stop them if someone hurt the one they love, you know." Chichiri said as Nuriko flunged his sword at me. He got me on my arm and leg, but I still was moving, but only slower now. I turned around and I slipped on a rain puddle myself. I sprained my ankle as I saw Nuriko in front of me as I started to cry in pain.

"Now, it's time to say goodbye, Brittany." Nuriko said as I shook my head and got up.

"Not on my life!" I yelled as we took our swords and stabbed each other with them. My sword was in Nuriko's lower left side as Nuriko's sword was in my upper right side, near my shoulder. I cried out in pain as I saw Nuriko fall to the ground as I was on my knees. Everyone was running over to me, calling Nuriko and my own name out. I was fading into being unconscious. I was in and out three times.

One: When Hotohori was at my side, holding my hand.

Two: When I saw Hotohori and Chichiri was carrying me to somewhere.

Three: When I saw Mitsukake dress my wound and saw Nuriko in another bed, in the same room that I was in.

"Is Brittany gonna be alright?" Tasuki asked as Miaka nodded.

"Yeah. Mitsukake said that she'd be fine, and Nuriko too. But, it's going to take a week for everyone to get back to their normal self's and when we can summon Suzaku. It's a bummer..." Miaka told him as they entered the hospital wing. Hotohori was still at my side, I later find out, as Tasuki goes see Nuriko and Miaka see me first.

"She'll wake up soon. I know she will because she's determined." Hotohori whispered as Miaka nodded.

"It wasn't your fault. It must of triggered something in her that led her to do this." Miaka said as Hotohori nodded, slowly.

"Must be... It's just, it's been two days now, and she hasn't woke up at all... I'm really worry about her..." Hotohori murmured as Miaka gave him a little hug and went over to see Nuriko.

"How's Hotohori?" Tasuki whispered into Miaka's ear as she shook her head.

"Not well... He's saying all of this is his fault." Miaka whispered back as Tasuki rolled his eyes.

"He was only protecting her, he did what he knew felt right." Tasuki whispered as Nuriko's eyes fluttered open.

"N-nuriko!" Miaka cried out as Hotohori turned around. "Nuriko's awake!"

"W-where am I? Miaka, T-tasuki?" Nuriko asked as they nodded.

"Oh thank god you've awoke! But don't move!" Miaka said as Nuriko nodded slowly.

"You've gotten injured and we need ya to stay strong." Tasuki mentioned as Nuriko looked over to Hotohori and saw my face over there.

"What happened? Why's Brittany over there?" Nuriko asked as he sat up, slowly.

"Mitsukake said that this would've happen..." Tasuki said as Nuriko blinked at them.

"That what would happen?" Miaka and Tasuki looked at each other and nodded.

"There's something we need to tell you-"

"Nuriko." Hotohori said as he put my hand down and turned to face Nuriko.

"Hotohori! Don't start anything! You heard what Mitsukake and Chichiri said to you!" Tasuki yelled as he got up and started to push Hotohori back.

"I know, but I want to tell him what happened." Hotohori muttered as Tasuki nodded and walked away. Miaka moved over as Hotohori got on his knees and looked Nuriko in the eye.

"Nuriko, you might not know this, but you were in a fight with me." Hotohori said as he held a finger. "Let me tell you what happen, and don't interrupt me. First, you came to kill Brittany and me. Second, as we were fighting, Brittany saw what happened. Third, you took the advantage and took a sword and put it through my body." Nuriko's eyes grew as Hotohori continued. "Fourth, Brittany was in such a rage that she went after you, trying to kill you. Fifth, you put a sword through her and she did the same with you. Sixth, you have awoken and she hasn't, and it's been two days since this happened." Nuriko looked over at me and back at Hotohori.

"Nuriko, you have to go back to Kutou and pretend to be under the influence. Pretend that Nakago is still controlling you." Miaka added as Nuriko nodded and grabbed his clothes, but did it carefully.

"Nuriko," He turned to see Hotohori staring at him, "Brittany was given the same thing that you were given. She won't remember what happened in the battle because her memory has been replaced." Nuriko gasped as Hotohori nodded. "Don't tell her what happened. No one can because she'll distance her from you, and we don't need that." Nuriko nodded as he turned around.

"Hotohori, thanks." Hotohori smiled as he saw Nuriko disappear with his clothes back on and on his way to Kutou. Hotohori walked back to the room as he saw me again, still asleep.

"Brittany... Please wake soon... I... I love you..." Hotohori whispered as he sat down on a chair and held my hand again until the day I wake up again.

AN-Take another break!

Now, back to the story! :p

Part 3 ~ Lost Memories

"It's been four days since the incident," Miaka whispered to Tamahome as they sat down by the pond, "and Brittany hasn't woke up yet. I'm worried..."

"Miaka, it's okay. She'll wake up soon, I know it." Tamahome assured as Miaka put her hands on her cheeks.

"You said that yesterday, and nothing..." Miaka said as Tamahome hugged her.

"She will... But, what she saw and what she did... Maybe she's forcing herself to NOT wake up." Tamahome wondered as Miaka looked at him.

"Tamahome, Mitsukake gave her a potion to forget everything that happen after Hotohori locked her up, remember?" Miaka told him as he got up and helped her up. "But, what if you're right?" Tamahome shrugged as they walked back to the hospital wing.

"Miaka, I'm never right. You know that, right?" Miaka nodded as they walked. "She'll be fine, maybe it's that her body was so weak and tired, it needed to rest." They entered the room as they saw Hotohori there, still holding onto my hand. He turned to see Miaka and Tamahome at the edge of the bed.

"Morning, Highness." Tamahome said as Hotohori nodded.

"I'm glad to see that you're up. Thank goodness that Mitsukake was able to heal you..." Hotohori mentioned as Tamahome smiled and Miaka nodded.

"So, has anything happened yet, Hotohori?" Miaka asked as Hotohori looked down and shook his head.

"I'm starting to worry... It's been four days, and nothing. It's like she's in a coma, but she's breathing..." Hotohori told as Tamahome and Miaka looked at each other.

"Hotohori, Tamahome had told me that Brittany might need the rest. She was through a lot within a day, and it could have took a toll on her body. AND it could of been a strong potion to do both, heal her and help her." Miaka told Hotohori as he shrugged. "I wish that I could do something to help you..."

"Miaka, Tamahome... Thank you for being here with me."

"It's no problem. But, Hotohori... You have gotta take a bath, soon." Miaka said as she pointed at his clothes. "They kinda smell." Hotohori chuckled as he nodded and got up.

"Yes, I guess so... I could go take a bath. She hasn't done anything, so I guess it won't kill me." Hotohori murmured as Tamahome and Miaka walked out of the door as Hotohori came back. "Will you check up on her, until I come back?" Miaka nodded as Tamahome went the other way.

"No problem." Miaka said as Hotohori smiled and walked the opposite way Miaka and Tamahome did. "Tamahome, wait for me!" Miaka called out as she caught up with Tamahome.

Nuriko was walking by with a bouquet of flowers with him.

"I hope Brittany likes these. They smell good though." Nuriko said to himself as he passed Chiriko's room. He got up from his bed and went to the door.

"Nuriko!" Chiriko yelled as Nuriko turned around.

"Chiriko, what are you doing?"

"I see that you have flowers..." Chiriko pointed out as Nuriko rolled his eyes.

"Well, they are for Brittany. I wanted to apologize for what I did to her and Hotohori, even though she won't remember what happen..." Nuriko said as Chiriko smiled and nodded.

"Want me to come with you?" Chiriko asked as Nuriko raised and eyebrow. "I mean, I just wanted to see her and wanted to do it with someone, and not by myself." Nuriko smiled and nodded and walked down to the hospital wing.

"You still didn't answer my question from before, Chiriko." Nuriko added as Chiriko shrugged.

"I was trying to write some new music. It's very hard, and it's not easy."

"Isn't very hard, and not easy the same thing?" Nuriko asked as Chiriko laughed.

"Guess so." They came to the doors of my room as they opened the doors.

"What th- Where's Brittany?" Nuriko cried out as he threw the flowers on the bed.

"Oh god... Let's look for her!" Chiriko said as Nuriko nodded as Miaka opened the door. "Miaka, Brittany isn't there!" Miaka gasped and covered her mouth.

"Let me help you guys find her." Miaka said as they nodded and they split up to find me in this big palace. Miaka went to her right, Nuriko went to his left, and Chiriko went straight from my bedroom towards the pond. All had one mission: finding me.

I started to walk like I was being controlled, like I had no control of my own body. I was able to think straight and see straight, but I didn't feel like I was whole. I noticed that I was going towards Hotohori's room, and there weren't even any guards here! I wondered why... I continued to pass his room as I noticed that my own body was taking me to where we would bathe, one at a time. I wish I didn't do two things: One, turning around to see Hotohori right behind me, and two: fainting at the sight of him, well... you know... I hope...

"Brittany! Wake up!" Hotohori ran up to me as he noticed he forgot to get his robe on. He grabbed it from atop of rock and put it on. "Damn... I can't believe that the first time I see her awake, I'm naked! This is just great..." Hotohori whispered as he picked me up and walked back to my room. Miaka and Nuriko saw Hotohori with me as they sighed a sign of relieve.

"Thank goodness you found her! Where was she?" Miaka asked as Hotohori gave me to Nuriko. Hotohori put his head down as Nuriko's mouth grew.

"Oh good god... She didn't..." Nuriko started to say as Hotohori nodded.

"What? What?" Miaka wondered as Nuriko started to sighed.

"She saw you naked?"

"OH MY GOD!" Miaka cried out as her eyes grew and Hotohori turned around.

"Hey! I was getting out and she was right there! Now, I just shocked her to sleep!" Hotohori assured as Miaka covered her mouth.

"Highness... Why were you bathing anyway?" Nuriko asked as Miaka walked away, slowly.

" 'Cause Miaka said I need one. She said that I smelled, which I think is impossible!" Hotohori said as he walked back with Nuriko and me.

"Well, I bet this is something we could all laugh about later on..." Nuriko told him as he chuckled and Hotohori glared him down and he stopped. "Sorry..."

"Don't be. I am to Brittany, though..." Hotohori shook his head as they came back into my room. "Will you stay with her until I get fully dressed?" Nuriko nodded as he picked the flowers up, and put me down on my bed. He put the flowers on the side as Hotohori smiled.

"Sure. It's no issue." Nuriko assured as Hotohori left to get dressed, and apologize to me, with clothes on this time.

As Hotohori came back into the room, with his emperor clothes on, I was awake and talking to Miaka and Nuriko.

"Guess I'll be going now... See you." Miaka said as I nodded and she left the room and shut the door. Everyone was looking in different places, making me nervous.

"Gosh... so quiet... Let's talk!" I exclaimed as the guys looked at me. "What?"

"Nothing, nothing at all..." Hotohori said as he walked over to Nuriko and I. "Well, I'm kinda sorry that you had to see me, you know..."

"Naked?" I finished as he nodded. I smiled and rolled my eyes. "It's no problem, though I'm kinda scared to get married and have children now..." Hotohori smiled as he sat on my bed.

"Next time, I'll try to be careful." Hotohori assured as I nodded and drew my knees up.

"Can I tell you guys something?" I asked as Nuriko and Hotohori nodded. "When I was getting up, and walking around, I didn't feel like myself. I felt like I wasn't awake, that someone was controlling me into what I did or saw..." Nuriko crossed his arms as Hotohori stared at me. "I don't know anything, and I thought that you guys would know, at least..."

"I don't think that it's nothing bad... Maybe you was sleepwalking, or something like that." Nuriko said as I shrugged it off. "I have to go. Chiriko's gotta help me on some stuff." Nuriko got up and walked to the door. "Bye guys." We acknowledged him and he closed the door.

"Hotohori, I want to tell you something." I said as I looked at him in the eyes, and he looked back at me. "After all that we have been through, I've been thinking on what you said several days ago." Hotohori moved closer to me as he gripped my cold hands, making them warm. "When you said that you love me and want to be with me..." I was thinking of what to say, nicely and smoothly, but was hard to say to him: an emperor with amazing looks that men would die for, and smart, and an emperor... Did I mention 'emperor'?

"I want you to be with me, to share my days." I smiled as he looked down at me, and choosing my words carefully, I let my heart pour out. "I love you, and I'm so happy to have met you." Hotohori hugged me and smiled like there was no tomorrow.

"I'm so glad that we love each other. Now, I know what it feels likes to not be alone, no more." Hotohori said as he held his happiness in. He leaned in for a kiss and allowed him to, and the greatest part: it felt good, and I felt relieve to be needed for once in my life, our lives.

"So, now that we're boyfriend and girlfriend, who should we tell?" I looked at Hotohori and frowned.

"I only want to tell a person or two. I just don't want to hurt Nuriko's feelings, after what I did to him, it's just that-"

"-you don't want to hurt him, again. Right?" Hotohori finished as I nodded. "That's okay. Chichiri, Mitsukake, and Chiriko seem quiet and can keep secrets. Fine with you?"

"Yeah. They'll understand. If we told the others, they'd blab to Nuriko in a heartbeat." Hotohori nodded as I kissed him on his cheek. "Thank you for doing this for me. I'm glad that this has happen." Hotohori kissed me on the cheek as I smiled.

"It's nothing, and now that we're together, nothing can get in our way." Hotohori promised as I smiled and got up from the bed. "So, what do you feel like doing now?" He asked as we held hands.

"Hmm... How about we go tell the three people about this, and take a walk to the secret pond? I like to talk about the summoning we're to do tomorrow." I told him as we walked out the room.

"Sure. It's sounds wonderful to me. But, let me say this:" I turned to face him as he stopped, "No matter what happens tomorrow, I would want one of your wishes to be for me." I tilted my head as he lowered his head.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused, as he grabbed my shoulders with his hands, softly though.

"I want you to stay in this world with me." I gasped as he looked at my eyes. "Are you willing to do that?" I sighed as I grabbed his hand, from my shoulder, and gripped it.

"What ever it takes for me to not go home, then I'll do it, for us." I said as he smiled and he braced me in his arms, not wanting to stop. "I'm alone at home, and I'd stay here, for me, for us."

"Thank goodness... We're not going to be alone ever, again. It's a dream come true." Hotohori whispered as he gripped my hand and we walked to Chichiri's room, ready to tell him the good news that we had.

But, little did we know that Nuriko had listened to everything we had said.

That one was kinda short! :)

Almost done! Just two more parts!

Part 4 ~ Praying

As the sun peeked into my windows, I yawned and got up. I opened my doors and walked outside. 'It's been such a wonderful week! Hotohori loves me, and I just can't keep my feelings within!' I smiled for a moment, until I frowned. 'We summon Suzaku today... That's right, and I have to bring Danielle and Daffney back.' I walked down to Hotohori's room as a guard stopped me.

"Halt! Who are you?" He asked as I rolled my eyes.

"Hello! I'm Brittany, priestess of Suzaku! I request an audience with His Highness." I said as the guard nodded and let me passed. I thanked him as I passed him and walked to Hotohori's office. As I got closer, I heard voices in his office. I put my ear to the room to hear Hotohori and Chichiri talk.

"So, Your Highness, are you sure about this?" I hear Chichiri ask him.

"I feel like it's right, but I hate to pressure her into this." Hotohori said as Chichiri sighed.

"Do what you feel is right. I hate to cut this short, but you have a visitor." Chichiri said as he put on his mask and I moved away from the door as Chichiri, magically, opened it.

"Ah... Hi?" I say as Hotohori smiled at me.

"Morning, Brittany." Hotohori uttered as Chichiri bowed to me, and walked down the hall, away from us. "Please, come in." I nodded and walked in, closing the door behind me.

"I wish I wore something different than my nightgown." I began to say as he shook his head. I was wearing my purple pajamas that are short-sleeved and long comfortable pants.

"I have to speak to you, and it's important." He said, sternly, as I saw him get up from his chair. "There are matters that I have to talk to you about..." He walked over to me as I stand in front of him.

"Okay, what are they?" I asked as he turned from me.

"I've been thinking about the 'matters' for a while now. But, the only problem is that I don't think I can't hold them any longer." Hotohori explained, as I got confused.

"Huh? I'm confused!" I exclaimed as he turned and smiled at me.

"Let me say this:" Hotohori stopped and hugged me. "I love you so much, for such a long time, and I..." I closed my eyes, as he continued, "I... I'd want you to marry me." He un-hugged me as I stared at him.

"Are you- You can't- I don't-" I stuttered as he put a finger to my lips.

"I would want you to think about it, give time on it." He said softly as I nodded. "I'm not going to force you to do anything unless YOU want to marry."

"Thank you. I'd have to think on it. But, I'm a priestess..."

"After we summon Suzaku, if you could, I would want us to marry and become husband and wife." He added as I gasped.

"You serious?" He nodded and I put my head down. "Can I tell you later, what I think?" He nodded again as I smiled.

"I'm not rushing you." He whispered into my ear as we kissed each other on the lips, for but a second.

"Okay, I'll think on it." I say as I continued. "I'm gonna go get my clothes on and we'll get some breakfast."

"Alright, I'll wait by your door." He said as I smiled and walked out the door, closing it, and running to my bedroom as fast as I could. As I opened and shut my door, I fell to my butt and grasp my shirt.

"He wants us to MARRY?" I said to myself as I sighed. "I don't know what to do... But I can't turn down the offer, and I can't hurt him, or I'll hurt myself too..." I get up and walked to my closet and picked and outfit out: My pink dress, with black leggings, and went barefoot. I brushed my hair as Hotohori knocked on my door. "It's open." He comes in and I walk to him.

"It's beautiful." He said as I grinned.

"The dress or me?"

He thought for a moment and grasped my hand.

"Both." I smiled as he shut my door and we walked to the dining room to have breakfast with the warriors and Miaka.

I was sitting by the big oak tree, that's by the pond, rubbing my stomach.

"That was the biggest breakfast I ever had!" I say to myself as I closed my eyes and lay on the grass. "Should I say yes to him?" I wondered as I heard a soft, peaceful sound come from the palace. "Chiriko's playing his flute... It's so relaxing..." I smiled and sat up and drew my knees in.

'I love Hotohori with all my heart, but what should I do? I'm worried if I do one thing than the other, it's gonna be drastic...' I sighed as I just closed my eyes, again.

I started to pictured what the summoning would be like: Miaka and I are wearing the same colored robes, red, pink, white, and yellow. Then, we walked down the path to the Suzaku statue, with our warriors at our sides. Lastly, we walked up to the statue and the warriors surround us, focusing on seeing Suzaku come out and grant our wishes. And all that happens today...

"-any... Brittany?" I opened my eyes and saw Tamahome at my side. "You okay?" I nodded and smiled.

"Yeah, just resting my mind. What are you doing here?" I asked him as he stared down at me.

"I just saw you over here and decided to talk to you, that's all." He said as I nodded and he sat down next to me. "Hmm, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, go ahead." I told him as he sighed and breathed.

"I wanted to know... What are you gonna do when we summon Suzaku? I mean, what are you wishing for, I guess?" He asked as he blushed.

"It's okay. I know what you're getting at." I said as he nodded and un-blushed before my eyes. "I'm wishing for Hotohori's empire to be safe, then, I'm wishing that all the Suzaku Warriors will be happy after this."

"Then, what about your last wish?" He asked as I frowned and put my hands on my cheeks.

"I-I don't know... I would love to live here, but I'd have to think on it." I finished for him as he turned his head from me.

"Miaka wants to get her friends back from Kutou, and she wants to live here too, and that's all she said to me as of now..." Tamahome muttered as I nodded.

"Sounds like Miaka." I assured as I got up and he did too. "Where's everyone?"

"Chichiri, Hotohori, Miaka, and Mits is in the Suzaku Shrine, Tasuki, Chiriko, and Nuriko are somewhere, I guess." Tamahome said as I nodded and walked away from him. "Where are you going?"

"The Suzaku Shrine. Wanna join me?" I asked as he rolled his eyes and walked with me to the shrine.

As we walked into the shrine, I was amazed on how completed it looked for the ceremony!

"Hotohori, everyone!" I exclaimed as they all turned and faced me and Tamahome. "It's very beautiful in here! They made amazing time on finishing this!" I said, being wowed everywhere I looked.

"Yes, and it's very beautiful." Hotohori murmured as I walked over to him.

"So, how do we do this ceremony?" Miaka asked as Chichiri handed me a scroll as we looked at it together.

"Well, it's simple. A spell is read from Suzaku's scroll and is then thrown into the fire, you know. Both of you will be reading from this scroll-"

"WHAT?" Miaka yelled as she interrupted Chichiri. "I can't even read this! I never got THIS FAR in my beginning class! My teacher always said, 'Miaka Yuuki, you'll never get far if you don't study-!' "

"Miaka, calm down!" I exclaimed and grabbed her shoulders. "I'm American, and I can't even read this stuff myself!" Hotohori grinned as I let go of Miaka and turned to Hotohori and Chichiri. "So, will we get any help to translate this?"

"Yes, no worries. Chichiri will help you both." Hotohori assured as I sighed and smiled.

"It'll be no problem, you know." Chichiri added and I thanked him.

"Lady priestesses?" A maid asked as we turned around. "We're ready to serve you."

"To serve? We just ate!" Miaka exclaimed as I rolled my eyes.

"To serve you both to purify your bodies in preparation for the ceremony, and to dress you both in the regiments of priestesses." Hotohori explained as I sighed.

"Oh, of course." Miaka muttered.

"In the meantime, think upon your wishes. You both will only have three."

"Together?" I exclaimed as he shook his head.

"No, no. You have three wishes each." Hotohori told as we sighed happily.

"Right this way, priestesses." The maid called out as we nodded and walked together to the maids. Nuriko smiled and was looking for something.

"Oh shoot! I had something to give to Brittany... Guess I'll give it to her later." Nuriko said as Tamahome walked out of the shrine with Chichiri, leaving him alone with Hotohori.

"So, Nuriko..."

"So, Hotohori..." Nuriko mimicked as Hotohori chuckled.

"What are you going to do after we summon Suzaku?" They started to walk out of the shrine and out into the sunlight.

"Hmm... I'm probably going to go home, help my big brother around I guess... What about-" Nuriko stopped short as Hotohori turned to face him.

"What was you going to say?"

"...Nothing! I was just-" Hotohori turned to face Nuriko, spooking him, as Nuriko froze.

"Tell me what you was about to say." Hotohori uttered, barely above a whisper, as Nuriko gasped softly. "I won't hurt you again, I promise."

"I... I overheard you and Brittany talking about how you want her to stay here, after we summon Suzaku..." Nuriko murmured as Hotohori was taken aback.

"That's it?" He asked as Nuriko nodded.

"Yeah, that's...all." Nuriko hesitantly said as Hotohori smiled.

"Well, don't tell anyone else. It's our little secret after all. Only us three know about that." Nuriko nodded and walked away. "Hey, you okay?"

"I'm fine!" Nuriko called out. "I'm just gonna get something done before I come back, but," Nuriko turned and gave Hotohori something, "will you give this to Brittany? I think she'd love to have it back." Hotohori nodded and Nuriko smiled and walked away feeling upset, but relaxed. 'Brittany would love to have it back, even though I never gave it to her in the first place...'

"Sure, I guess..." Hotohori uttered as he opened his hand to see it was a necklace, but it was the necklace that Hotohori gave to me after we left Tamahome's family.

After twenty minutes passed, Miaka came back from her purification for the ceremony thing. I was next and wanted to get it over before it started. I walked into the water, a little warm, as I started to walk around in the water.

'What am I gonna wish for? Well, Hotohori's empire to be safe, was one of mine... Then, I'd wish for the warriors to be happy long after this is over... But, my last wish...' I dunk my head into the water as I closed my eyes and resurfaced.

'I would wish to stay here with Hotohori, but I'd want to go home too... Oh dear...' I walked over to my maid as she wrapped me in a blanket and moved me to another place. 'Should I listen to my heart, or my mind? I'll have to choose soon, and not later...' I was taken to a small pond, with water flowing down some rocks. It was beautiful, and I was at peace now, I guess.

"Hmm... I think I should have waited for her. Curse me with my curious matters..." Hotohori said to himself as he stopped short at a little bridge. I was letting the water flow down, and around my body, as it was warm and comforting. Hotohori stared at me, and I turned to see him look at me.

"Hotohori? AH-!" I turned around and covered my body as Hotohori blushed and turned around, too.

"I-I'm sorry! I was, just, you know-"

"Just walking? You sure about that?" I yelled as I started to blush myself.

"I guess... I'll have to come over to you." Hotohori called back as I heard him wade in the water towards me.

"Hotohori! This is a place of purity!" I exclaimed as Hotohori threw me his robe thing that he wears when he's traveling, and I put it on.

"I know, but there is something I have to give to you." I got up as Hotohori's back was to me and showed me my necklace he gave me.

"My necklace!" I mumbled as Hotohori gave it to me. "Where did you find it?"

"Actually-" Hotohori began as I grabbed the necklace tightly.

"Actually, what?" I asked as Hotohori sighed, making me wonder what's going on in his head.

"Nuriko found it, and told me to give it to you. He said that you'd love to have it back." Hotohori finished as I nodded and smiled.

"I'd have to thank him later. And, I've been thinking about your marriage proposal for a while." Hotohori's head went up and I continued. "And... After we summon Suzaku..."

'I love my family and friends, but I think I would be more happy here, than anywhere else.'

"I would love to marry you." I said as Hotohori turned and faced me as we hugged each other.

"Are you serious? Positive, Brittany?" I nodded as Hotohori grasped me harder, not wanting to let go.

"Yes, I am." I say with happiness as we looked up at each other. "I want to marry you."

"I do too, with you." Hotohori uttered as he leaned down to kiss me. I closed my eyes and it felt like anything could happen, anything GOOD. I never wanted to let go and didn't want time to stop. I was sure I made the right decision, and I didn't have to wait any longer because after this ceremony, I'd be wed to Hotohori, the day after.

As Hotohori walked passed the shrine, he saw Nuriko and Chichiri looking at something in a mirror.

"Highness, did you see this?" Nuriko asked as Hotohori came over to them. "Chichiri told me that Taiitsukun gave it to us after we lost the scroll. Just, look at this!" A character was shown on the mirror.

"Knowledge. That's what it says, right?" Hotohori asked as Chichiri nodded.

"Yes." Chichiri added as Hotohori crossed his arms.

"Well, I guess it's broken, right?" Hotohori asked as the other shrugged as Hotohori walked off, to change into his garments for the ceremony. He passed Tamahome, Mitsukake, and Chiriko on his way, saying hi, and saw that they was getting ready as well. As Hotohori entered his room and shut the door, he sighed at what happened.

"I can't believe she said yes! I'm in disbelief and excited! I hope that no one will find out, but I have to tell someone!" Hotohori exclaimed, as there was a knock on his door. "Oh! Who is it?"

"It's Haku."

"Oh, hold on. Just give me a minute." Hotohori called out as he slipped into his garments, put his hair into his little 'hairbox' thingy, breathed in and out, and opened his door. "What is it?"

"Oh, Highness, I have to say that everything is ready for the ceremony to begin, and the priestesses are ready as well." Haku told as Hotohori nodded and thanked him.

"Haku, before you go, can I tell you something?" Hotohori asked as Haku nodded. "First, you can't tell NO ONE until after the ceremony is finished and Suzaku is here." Haku nodded and Hotohori continued. "I asked Brittany to propose to me, and she said yes!"

"Oh, Highness! That's wonderful news!" Haku exclaimed as Hotohori nodded and excitement. "But, I won't tell a soul until Suzaku is here."

"Thank you, Haku. I could always tell you anything." Hotohori added as Haku moved out of the way as Hotohori ran to the shrine. Hotohori made it to the shrine as the doors were shut. The fire was started as the warriors took their places: Chichiri, Tamahome, and Mitsukake was on the left, and Hotohori, Nuriko, Chiriko, and Tasuki was on the right.

The doors opened, slowly as Miaka came from the left side, and I came from the right side. We was right next to each other, wearing the same ceremonial garments. The doors shut behind us as we walked towards the statue of Suzaku. Each warrior was smiling on each of our sides, making us even more ready to summon Suzaku. I walked to the other side of the statue as Miaka climbed the stairs on the opposite of me and the warriors started. Hotohori, Nuriko, Chiriko, and Tasuki were close to Tamahome, and Mitsukake, me and Chichiri were close to Miaka. I closed my eyes, and let everything sank into my body.

" 'The priestesses and the Suzaku warriors were ready to begin the ceremony. They were determined to bring Suzaku here. Hotohori wanted the ceremony to be here and gone so that he could get married even sooner.' I can't believe this is happening! Brittany and Hotohori getting married, and the ceremony! But, does Brittany not know about what happen the night Nuriko came back?" Keisuke murmured as he sighed.

"If she finds out... This isn't gonna be good at all, right?" The mysterious boy asked as Keisuke sat down on the ground as he nodded and turned the page, as it was a picture of Miaka and I, staring into the fire and statue.

THIS IS THE LAST PART! Be thankful… Sort of…

Part 5 - Losing Everything

We were staring into the fire as Hotohori spoke.

"Do all of you understand?" Hotohori must of repeated again. "Once the Priestesses of Suzaku begins to recite the spell, we Suzaku Seven must lower our lifeforce to nothing."

"Wouldn't that leave us defenseless?" Tasuki wondered as Nuriko gripped his shirt.

"Then, if we were attacked, there'd be nothing we could do about it." Nuriko added as Hotohori agreed. Miaka closed her eyes as I opened my eyes, sighing softly.

"It's okay, Miaka and Brittany, you know? Just repeat everything I said to you both earlier." Chichiri assured as I nodded and Miaka opened her eyes.

"Now pray." Hotohori told everyone as they did as they was told.

'Suzaku will appear out of the flames soon. I can't wait any longer!' I thought as I closed my eyes and thought more.

'Daffney... Tamahome... I love them both! It's the honest truth. I'll make the first wish: Konan to be saved.' Miaka thought as she interlocked her fingers together.

'My first wish would be that when the ceremony is over, the Suzaku Warriors and the citizens in Konan will be happy and live happy ever after.' I thought as I opened my eyes and stared in the flames, keeping me warm.

'My second wish: Bring Danielle & Daffney back here, so that we could even everything out.' Miaka smiled at the thought.

'My second wish was that Miaka and I could pass the ACT and SAT for college.'

'My final wish would to be here with Tamahome, no matter how it's done!'

'My last wish: To stay here with Hotohori and become his wife after this.'

Miaka and I opened our eyes and stared at each other.

"Girls, are you ready?" Chichiri asked as we nodded at the same time. Miaka and I closed our eyes, putting three fingers ontop of three left fingers, let our thumbs touch, and let our left index finger touch the right on the tip. We breathed in and out, and we began.

" 'The four places of the heavens, the four corners of the earth. In the name of scared law, faith, and virtue, we summon thee, Suzaku, guardian of the south. We beseech you to appear on earth, for the sake of those here who adore you and await your presence. Come to us! And with your mighty power, destroy all evil with threatens us! Save us, and grant us our wishes!' " Miaka threw the scroll within the fire as it started to burn. " 'Descend to us now, from the heavens above!' " We finished as we opened our eyes, hoping to see Suzaku! After a moment passed, we stared into the fire, seeing nothing.

'Nothing's happening...' I thought as I blinked my eyes several times as Miaka shook her head.

"What's wrong? Why isn't Suzaku appearing?" Tamahome asked as we heard a flute noise. Everyone turned to see that Chiriko was playing his flute, playing a horrific tune. Chiriko had his eyes closed as we still continued.

"Chiriko?" I said as I grabbed my head and fell to my knees. "My head- It hurts!" I cried out as everyone around me started to do what I was doing too! Everyone was crying out in pain, and Miaka fell to her knees as well.

"My head's splitting apart!" Hotohori yelled over the noise as everyone was squeezing their eyes shut.

"Mine too!" Nuriko exclaimed as everyone was yelling in pain. Chiriko stopped playing as our heads were still in pain.

"You have all failed. Now, you cannot summon Suzaku!" Chiriko spoke as we stared at him, misunderstood.

"Chiriko! You did this?" Miaka asked as everyone started to open their eyes, slowly, and observing their surroundings.

"Do you understand now why I played my flute so much, Miaka and Brittany?" Chiriko questioned as Miaka and I stared at each other in confusion. "Your bodies now react to the flute's sound. I had each and every one of you listened to it constantly to prepare for this very moment. Bit by bit-"

"You introduced your lifeforce into us! Could you get any cruel?" I finished as everyone stared at me as I stared at them, making them stare back at Chiriko, or whoever he was.

"Yes, at least someone understood. All that time..." Chiriko mentioned as Miaka and I looked at each other.

"You controlled those bats?" Miaka yelled as Chiriko smirked.

"Yes. It was all me." Chiriko grinned evilly. "The man I killed there had come with me from Kutou for the one purpose. I hated to kill him, but I had to win your trust too. And all those other times..." My mouth grew as I shook my head in disbelief. "Everything I did up to this point was so that I could cast this spell upon you. All of you have been deceived by my 'Chiriko tattoo'. Your weakness, Miaka, Brittany, and Suzaku Warriors, is that you're too trusting of people. But now, that will be over soon."

The alleged Chiriko put his flute to his mouth, again, and played another horrific tune, making all of us cling to our heads. We started to scream in pain, again, as Tamahome and Tasuki decided to make a move.

"Why you... You're one of the Seiryuu Seven!" Tamahome cried out as Tasuki grabbed his fan.

"R-rekka Shinen!" He yelled out as the flame landed passed "Chiriko's" right shoulder, as a character appeared, bright blue.

"I am Amiboshi, one of the Seiryuu Seven!" Amiboshi said as Tasuki gasped. "This song will split your souls apart!" He put his lips on his flute and played the drastic tune that was played before as Tasuki and Tamahome gripped their heads, covering their ears. Everyone did it, again, and cried out in pain again.

"We can't defend ourselves! He's gonna kill us!" Miaka yelled out as the noise was still continuing. Half us gathered by other people and decided that I had to do something. Miaka saw me move towards Amiboshi as she closed her eyes.

"Brittany!" Hotohori called out as he turned to see my back. "Brittany, stop! Damn it! Isn't there anyway we can defend against this horrific sound?" Hotohori cried out as he turned his head around as I walked towards Amiboshi, trying to stop him.

"Chiriko...Ami...boshi! Stop... it... now!" I yelled as I realized my mistake at first. My crown on my head shattered into pieces as I fell to my knees, yelling in pain. As if all hope was lost, there was a very, very, faint sound, coming from somewhere. Amiboshi was slowing down on his playing as he listened to the sound himself.

'What's this? I can faintly here another sound that sounds so peaceful...' I opened my eyes.

'What is that sound? It's disrupting the sound waves I'm playing.' Amiboshi thought as the peaceful sound was played louder and everyone was putting their hands down, away from their ears.

"How? Those sounds have broken my spell!" Amiboshi stopped playing as he turned his head around and saw Tasuki and Tamahome come after him. Tamahome landed a punch on Amiboshi's face as Amiboshi started to run away.

"Hey! Get back here!" Tamahome called out as Tasuki followed him.

"Stop!" Tasuki yelled as guards opened the door.

"Is everything alright, Highness?" A guard yelled, though there were three of them, as Amiboshi jumped ontop of one as he escaped into the town.

"He's gone into the city!" Tasuki told Tamahome as he nodded.

"Let's go get him!" Tamahome said as he turned to Tasuki, and ran after Amiboshi. Miaka was running down after them, with Chichiri, as she stopped.

"Chichiri, take me and follow them!" Miaka exclaimed as Chichiri nodded.

"No problem, you know!" Chichiri said as I ran down the stairs from the shrine.

"Wait!" I yelled as they disappeared in sight. "They could of taken me too..." I murmured as the guards passed me and walked back into the shrine. Hotohori, Nuriko, and Mitsukake were the only warriors that were with me now.

"Are you okay, Brittany?" Hotohori asked as I nodded, putting my hand on my head.

"Yeah. They went after Amiboshi, the four of them." I mentioned as I sat down on the stairs, to the fire, as Hotohori and Mitsukake came up to me.

"Do you want me to get you anything?" Mitsukake asked as I shook my head.

"It'll go away soon. If it doesn't, I'll take something." I promised as he nodded, and walked away and stared outside, waiting for everyone to come back.

"Brittany, are you sure you're okay? We can get you something-"

"NO! I'm fine so drop it-" I closed my mouth as Hotohori stared at me and I put my head in my lap. Hotohori hugged me as I started to cry. "Not again..." I whispered as Hotohori just comforted me.

"It's okay. I won't ask you again." Hotohori murmured as I thanked him, and closed my eyes. "Can I ask you something?" Hotohori nodded as I sighed and looked up at him as he let go of his grip on me. "Since Suzaku didn't appear, did we lose the chance to do summon him, again?" Hotohori stared into my eyes.

"I don't know, I don't know at all. I hope so, I honestly do." He whispered as I got up and he got up with me.

"Alright. Thanks for telling me what you think." I said as Mitsukake came back over and a moment not too soon, the four of them came back, but without Amiboshi. Nuriko was the first to say anything.

"Miaka? Where is he? Where's the boy?" Nuriko asked as Miaka held a flute, put her head down, and shook her head.

"He fell into the rapids in the city. There was no chance to save him." Tamahome uttered as I put my head down, upset.

"Oh, I see." Nuriko finished as he crossed his arms.

"It's sad that someone who seemed that nice, could turn out to be an enemy, nonetheless a Seiryuu Warrior." I mentioned as Mitsukake nodded.

"I can't say that I'm happy he's dead. We were naive not to realize he was an imposter..." Hotohori added as I nodded, knowing the truth hurts.

"What are you all talkin' 'bout? I'm fuckin' glad he's dead! You weave what you sow, right? He deserved to die!" Tasuki rumbled on as Miaka faced him.

"Don't say that about him! He might of been our enemy, but deep down he wasn't evil at all! Someone evil would never have played such amazing music." Miaka cried as she gripped the flute.

"I have to agree." A voice said, a child's voice, as we all turned to see a guard holding back a young boy.

"State your name!" A guard cried out as Hotohori told them to stand down. The boy held a grass leaf, of some sort, to his lips and played something. I gasped as I noticed the noise.

"It was you! You played the sound that saved us!" I cried out as the boy walked forward and nodded.

"Yes. I disrupted the sounds of his song with this leaf whistle." The boy added as I blinked at his appearance.

"May I ask what your name is?" I asked as he pushed his right foot forward and gasped loudly.

"A mark!" Tasuki cried out as Miaka looked down.

"So, you must be-" Miaka stared as the boy nodded.

"Yes! I'm Ou Doukun, but I'm also known as Suzaku Warrior Chiriko." Chiriko said as everyone stared at each other, shocked at what we are seeing right before our eyes!

"The real Chiriko? What are you doing here now?" Tamahome wondered as Chiriko smiled.

"I was busy studying for the kakyo exam." Chiriko answered as Miaka's eyebrow rose.

"An exam? As in, for the kakyo exam, which is... what?" Miaka spoke as she waited for someone to finish her line.

"It's a test that chooses high government officials." Nuriko finished as Miaka 'ahhhh'ed.

"You," Chichiri bent down to Chiriko's height, "were trying to become a government official at such a young age?" Chiriko nodded as Hotohori remembered something.

"Oh I remember! It was the shoushi part, right?" Hotohori wondered as Miaka looked at Nuriko.

"Umm, what's a 'shoushi'?" Miaka asked as Nuriko whispered it into her ear.

"It's the second part of the kakyo." Miaka's mouth grew as I looked at her.

"Oh god! It has a second part, too?" Miaka cried out.

"Isn't this kakyo thing really that tough to pass?" Tamahome asked Tasuki as he shrugged.

"How the hell am I suppose to know?" Tasuki scolded as I remember something as well.

"Hotohori, I remember that you told me something about this! You said that there was a thirteen year old boy genius who was taking the exam!" I exclaimed as I looked down at Chiriko. "Did Hotohori mean you?" Chiriko nodded and explained his story, on why he wasn't here before all this happen.

"Yes. Your stars appeared disturbingly to me in a vision. I noticed that the seven star of Suzaku were moving so chaotically!" Chiriko added onto his conversation as I gasped.

"Guys! The ceremony!" I yelled as Miaka and I moved up the same stairs, I were on the opposite side. "The fire's still burning! We may still have a chance!" I cried out as everyone started to pray.

'Oh, Suzaku! Please hear our prayers!' I prayed as we saw that the fire was getting bigger, and hotter.

"Suzaku?" Miaka wondered as out of nowhere, Taiitsukun appeared!

"WHAT ARE YOU IDIOTS DOING?" Everyone yelled as I fell back, off the stairs, in astonishment, as Hotohori caught me, closing his eyes.

"Nice catch!" I told him as he nodded and I sighed. He didn't like to see Taiitsukun, Miaka told me long ago. Hotohori let me down as we walked around to see her face in the flames. "Taiitsukun! Why did you appear instead of Suzaku?" I exclaimed as she started to yell at me!

"Why do you think I'm here? It's 'cause you both didn't summon Suzaku!" I was taken aback as I apologized. "You, both, didn't get all the warriors in time! You both have failed." Miaka and I stared as each other with sadness.

"Failed?" Miaka murmured as she continued.

"And now, Suzaku can't be summoned."

"Suzaku... won't... be summoned..." I uttered, softly, as she still continued.

"Even after I gave you both the mirror to help you search for the Suzaku Seven, it comes to this!" Miaka could only stare, unsure of what to say. "Now that the Universe of the Four Gods has been burned in the fire, that method is impossible for you to use! Fools!" She finished as I started to cry, and Miaka must of been, too, because Tamahome turned to face her.

"Hey, grandma! You don't have to be rough on them! They gave it all they're all, you know!" Tamahome yelled as Taiitsukun gave Tamahome the dead stare.

"Who the hell are you calling grandma?" Taiitsukun yelled as Tamahome started to stuttered.

"Uh... Well, what I meant was..." Miaka put her head down as I fell to my knees.

"Tamahome." Miaka said as Hotohori walked beside me, and Tamahome turned around to face me, Miaka did too. "Please don't do this..."

"Miaka, Brittany, he's right. It's not any of your faults-"

"Hotohori! It is! I hate myself now! It's not just because I can't have our wishes granted, but it's just... How many people had to get hurt just for this one moment?" I wiped my tears from my eyes. "Just for the sake of summoning Suzaku? Danielle and Daffney... Miss Shoka... Amiboshi... You, Hotohori... And Nuriko! And Chichiri, Tasuki, Tamahome, and even Mitsukake! It's so many that suffered for just this event, and even though Miaka and I are the priestesses, we wasn't able to summon Suzaku! I... WE didn't carry out our final responsibilities!" I just let the tears flow as Hotohori could only stare at me.

"That's why I hate myself!" I put my head down, and closed my eyes as Tamahome went over to Miaka as she started to cry as well.

"Oh, Brittany..." Hotohori was moving close to me, but Taiitsukun interrupted him.

"Brittany, Miaka. It seems that you've both matured a bit." I looked up, glad she saw the light. "I didn't say that there weren't OTHER ways to summon Suzaku."

"R-really?" Miaka shuddered as Tamahome looked up at Taiitsukun.

"Well, why didn't you say so earlier, ya old hag?" Tamahome exclaimed as Taiitsukun glared at him.

"WHAT WAS THAT?" She yelled as Tamahome fell back on his butt, scared of Taiitsukun even more. Hotohori knew not to get involved with her. She coughed, and continued in her normal voice. "Priestesses of Suzaku! Things will no longer be as easy for you as they have been. This'll be a difficult test for you both. Do you accept?" We got up and stared at Taiitsukun with determination.

"Yes." Miaka uttered as I nodded.

"Yes! We do!" I said, projecting for us both.

"The bond between you and Suzaku Seven must grow even stronger, beyond what it is now if you're to both be successful! You must be even more resolute in your search! Do you accept this? Can you both handle this?" She questioned us as we nodded.

"We'll do it. We have become stronger, and will be forever more!" Miaka called out as I gave a stern nod.

"For all the people who have been hurt. For all those who have encouraged us... It is my swore right, because I'm a Priestess of Suzaku!" I cried out as every warrior smiled at us.

" 'The Priestesses of Suzaku made a mighty pledge to Taiitsukun, with no doubt in their minds. The Suzaku Seven looked on, transfixed by the beauty of their strength.' " Keisuke read to his friend as he shook his head.

"What should we do?" His friend wondered as Keisuke looked up at him.

"Read. That's all we really can do, for now..." Keisuke trailed off as he looked back the book as his friend joined him. "Shouldn't your brother know about this?"

"I'll tell him later. I don't want to stress him out anymore." He answered as Keisuke nodded in agreement.

"Good! Then I'll tell you." Taiitsukun began to speak. "First, you must travel to the Hokkan Empire, to the north, the land of Genbu. There, you must gain a possession known as the Shinzaho, which is a holy relic."

"To the land of Genbu..." Miaka murmured as I blinked.

'I bet it'll be freezing my ass of cold...So, we go to Hokkan, get a shinzaho, and come back here? Sounds simple!' I thought as I sighed and ignored my thoughts.

"Will we able to summon Suzaku if we do that?" I asked her as she nodded.

"Yes." That was short.

"So, Taiitsukun," Hotohori stepped forward, standing next to me, as Taiitsukun looked over at my way, "what is this 'shinzaho' thing, anyway?"

"I can tell you no more." She said as he rolled his eyes, and he took a deep breath.

"Okay, then! We'll go to Hokkan! And then we'll get the Ostrich-scroll, no matter what!" Miaka cried out as I sighed and put my hand to my forehead.

"Miaka, Miaka..." I whispered to myself.

"Shinzaho! You sure you both can handle this?" Taiitsukun asked, again, as we both nodded, determined to do this even more. "Well, then... If you've both decided..." She chanted some foreign spell, put her hand up, and a light came from her palm as everyone had a bright light, of some sort, in front of them. Miaka and I turned around and saw everyone getting items!

"What... What's this?" Hotohori asked himself as he got a holy sword in his hands, gripping it tightly. Mitsukake got some magic water, and held it in his hand. Tasuki's fan was illuminating a bright color as he gasped and held the fan up.

"My fan! It turned into diamond!" Tasuki cried out as Chiriko got a scroll, Chichiri got something for his prayer beads, and Nuriko got bracelets.

"What in the-?" Nuriko wondered as he looked at his wrists.

"It's a little reward for how hard you've all worked to this point." Taiitsukun explained as I gasped and Miaka smiled. "I've increased your special powers far beyond what they were before."

"Hey! Now that you've mentioned it, I do feel like there's more power in my body now!" Tasuki announced as Tamahome turned to face Taiitsukun.

"That's awesome! Taiitsukun! What about me? What about me?" Tamahome smiled, brightly, as he asked her.

"Nothing. I don't feel like giving you anything at all. You don't need some GRANDMA giving you gifts, when all you really want is money, right?" Taiitsukun asked as Tamahome's mouth dropped open as she started to laugh.

'No... After all the stuff I went through...' Tamahome thought as he started to stare at Hotohori as he ran over and jumped on him.

"Gimme that! Gimme that! I want it!" Tamahome cried out as Hotohori tried to push Tamahome off of him and keep his sword away from him, at the same time. Miaka and I started to laugh so hard that our outsides started to hurt.

"Oh, yes. I forgot something very important." Miaka and I turned back to Taiitsukun as she looked at us, and we stopped laughing. "Girls, close you eyes." We did as we were told as she held her hand out and dropped some stuff on us. I called it 'magic powder' as we opened our eyes and grasped the dust. "Those are special ashes from the remains of the Universe of the Four Gods. If you have any special power of your own, they'll most certainly help draw them out." Miaka gripped her hands as I released mine.

'Our own... powers?' I thought as we smiled at each other.

"Taiitsukun! I want something! Me, too! Me, too! Me, too!" Tamahome cried out as he was trying to jump up towards her.

"Knock it off! Knock it off! Knock it off!" Taiitsukun mimicked, with different words, but was still funny as I had to chuckle. She was even shooing him! Miaka and I ran down to the Suzaku Warriors as we both turned to face Taiitsukun.

"Thanks Taiitsukun! We'll do our best!" I told her as everyone behind us was smiling.

"This trip-" Tasuki began to speak as Chiriko finished for him.

"We'll all come on this trip, together this time." Tasuki nodded and messed up Chiriko's hair.

"We have to make sure that these girls don't get into too much trouble, right?" Nuriko acknowledged as I rolled my eyes.

"Guys..." Miaka said as Tamahome came up to her.

"Hey, don't forget about me." Tamahome added as Miaka smiled.

"Tamahome..." Miaka whispered as I stared, gazing at their happiness.

"Hold on. Before you get carried away," We all turned to see that Taiitsukun was still here, "I need to talk to the priestesses, alone." Miaka and I looked at each other as everyone started to leave, except for us, making me wonder what we'll talk about.

"So, what did you need to talk to us about?" Miaka asked as we sat down.

"Your friends, Daffney, and Danielle, the Priestesses of Seiryuu." Taiitsukun began with as we looked at each other, thinking something had happen.

"Did something happen to them?" Miaka asked as I gasped.

"Oh, god..." Miaka looked at me as I looked up at Taiitsukun. "Since Amiboshi is gone, they have to get the shinzaho too because they can't summon Seiryuu, right?" She nodded as Miaka wide-eyed me. "And, that equals up..." I trailed off as Taiitsukun looked at me.

"You both will have to fight them. It's basically a race to see who'll get the shinzaho first." Taiitsukun finished for me as I nodded and put my head as Miaka looked at her, and me back and forth.

"We have to go to Hokkan and fight them towards the finish..." Miaka murmured as she looked down at the ground. "We're gonna be enemies now..."

"I fear that you'll have to fight the Seiryuu Seven as well!" Taiitsukun added on as I sighed sadly.

'I have to fight Danielle...'

'I have to fight Daffney...' We both thought of, independently as we held hands together.

"One more thing, and you must listen to what I say carefully. The trial you face now will be far harder and more difficult than even before." Taiitsukun said to interrupt the silence as we looked at each other, fearing the worse.

"God, what is taking Miaka so long?" Tamahome moaned out as everyone was standing outside of the shrine.

"So, you lived in Jozen City, huh? That's just a stone's throw from here, right?" Nuriko asked Chiriko as he nodded.

"Yes. And, well, I was always shut up inside studying for my exam." Chiriko added as Hotohori snickered.

"Hey, Tasuki! Why don't you stop being a greedy bandit and take lessons from Chiriko?" Hotohori commented on as he huffed it off.

"Man, can you leave me alone? And Hotohori has to be in the middle of it, which would of known? Listen, once this is all over, I'm going back to Mt. Reikaku and I'll even be a better boss than our last one!" Tasuki gloated as he grinned. "After all, that's why I've got this fan!" Tasuki went to grab for his fan as he noticed it was gone. He turned around and saw Tamahome carrying it away, sneakily. "HEY! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Tasuki ran after Tamahome and they started to brawl.

"What's the BIG problem? I didn't get anything out of this!" Tamahome argued as Tasuki started to bite for Tamahome's arm.

"That's 'cuz you have a lousy attitude!" Tasuki exclaimed outloud.

"Oh yeah? Well, you ARE stupider than me!"

"Well, your legs are shorter than mine!"

"So what if they are?" Tamahome was biting Tasuki's legs as Nuriko rolled his eyes at them.

"You're even worse than the bandits, you know?" Nuriko called out as they continued to fight.

"Well, so much for the idea of teamwork..." Hotohori added in as the shrine doors opened up, making the guys stop and look at us. We had our heads down, making everyone wonder what went on inside. "Brittany, Miaka! Are you both finished?" We looked up and smiled.

"Yeah. I'm gonna go get some rest. Is that okay?" Miaka asked as Hotohori nodded.

"Umm, okay. See you, Miaka." Tamahome murmured. Miaka walked to her left as everyone started to look at me.

"What?" I cried out as I sighed and followed, in lieu, Miaka to my room, which were two rooms away from her own. Everyone looked at each other, and they left on their own.

"Ah, Chiriko! I need to show you to your room. Would you?" Hotohori said as Chiriko nodded.

"Yes. Please show me my room." Chiriko said, as he followed Hotohori.

"If you need any help finding your way around, just ask. Everyone will help you out." Hotohori added as Chiriko nodded and remembered the halls to his room.

I was sitting on my bed, unsure if I believed what just happened.

'I didn't summon Suzaku... But the good thing, we can summon Suzaku, again. I can't believe that we have to go north and our butts will be frozen!' I sighed, as I was about to drift off to sleep as I heard a knock on my door.

"Awww..." I moaned as I sighed. "It's open!" I called out as I closed my eyes and my door opened.

"Brittany?" I sat up and looked at the entrance and saw Hotohori there.

"Oh, Hotohori! I didn't know it was you!" I got up and walked over to him as I hugged him, not wanting to tell what happened before he came. "So, what did you need?"

"You just seemed...disturbed when you came out. You okay?" Hotohori asked as I looked up at him and nodded, smiling.

"Yeah, I'm fine, just really tired, that's all." I murmured as he come over and sat on my bed, with me. "What should I do about these garments?"

"Put them on your chair and your maid should come and get them later." Hotohori answered as I nodded and closed my eyes.

"Okay. Then, since it's almost nighttime, I'll go to bed." I yawned as he got from my bed.

"Alright, but..." Hotohori leaned down and kissed me on my lips. "A goodnight kiss. Get some rest, and I'll see you in the morning." I smiled as I sighed, heavenly, and he walked to my door, opened and closed it as I frowned and put my head down. I took my garments off, put my nightgown on, and slid into the bed. I had to cry when it was dark in my room. I couldn't tell him what happened yesterday, and Miaka couldn't either. I wished that time would stop, and never go on. I cried myself to sleep; knowing what happened today would never be erased from my mind…

I was dreaming. How I knew was that I saw my best guy friend, Jacob, was here mentally, but not physically. I saw him standing there, right next to Nuriko and Hotohori. I was surprised to see Nuriko there. I figured that something was up, that there was suppose to be a message in this dream.

"Hotohori? Nuriko? Jacob?" I uttered as they turned to face me. They had stiffened looks, like someone, or something had scared them to death. I wish I knew what it was, but the words wouldn't come. Behind them were paths, three of them. One, where Jacob was, was my home, where I used to belong. Two, where Nuriko was, was this book world, where I am now. And three, where Hotohori was, was the palace in decoration, where I could be. I saw that this was my past, present, and future of my life.

My family and friends was part of my past, I'm living my life here, now, and... Getting married to Hotohori when we come back from Hokkan was my future, I assumed. I shook my head as they each held a hand out, wanting me to pick one of them over the other.

"Why?" I wondered, as I couldn't choose. I've grown fond with Nuriko, I've been friends with Jacob since elementary school, and I've love Hotohori since I've been here! Friendship or love? What do I choose? "I can't choose..." I whispered as they still held their hands out, still, as I saw a bright, warm light. I turned and saw Miaka there.

Behind her was a path, of course, that shown what seemed to be right, only, it happened in the past in this world. Now, I can only choose one out of FOUR now! I sighed as I turned around and saw something. I saw five images that flashed behind me, Miaka, Jacob, Hotohori, and Nuriko.

Behind Nuriko was a mountain, where a huge boulder was there.

Behind Jacob was the same mountain that was behind Nuriko but, I saw blood, everywhere, making me worry even more.

Behind Hotohori, I saw a woman that looked exactly like Nuriko, but wasn't him.

Behind Miaka was our home, and where we went to school...But...

Behind me was a man, the features were too rough, and I couldn't interupped it. I put the pictures together, and figured this was a timeline of what has yet to come.

"I would be on a mountain," I started off, "with Nuriko & Jacob, and there would be blood here and there, meaning that there was a fight." I continued. "Then, we came back to Konan and Hotohori shows me a young lady, around his age, and he marries her..." I choked as I continued onward.

"Later on, we come back home, and we get back into the routine of things. And finally," I thought hard as I closed and opened my eyes, "I fall in love with the same guy, or another guy, I guess. And I live happily ever after with him, right?" I asked them as they nodded and they disappeared, except for Hotohori and Nuriko.

"What are you both doing here still?" They look at each other and disappeared as I called their names out, again, as they didn't appear again. "I...I'm alone..." I whispered, as I seemed to fall into nothingness.

AN-Well, there's the VERY LONG prologue (five parts = 16,129 words) so if you have survived this, you'll live through the rest!

Here's your mission, if you accept: Review this story/chapter, then continue onward. Do you accept? :)