When Seiryu and Suzaku Allie
Terrified was an understatement. Though I knew I couldn't show my fear to everyone else, inside I was shaking like a leaf. I still couldn't believe I was married to Nakago, my worst enemy. Tamahome was still in a rage that this was the only way our two empires could come to peace. The emperor of Kuto had been very adamant in his condition that I marry his greatest warrior.
Everyone could see the merit behind the idea; the Priestess of Suzaku married to the General of Kuto, who was also a warrior of Seiryu. The alliance between the empires would be fortified with our union. Unfortunately, empires allied more swiftly than people. I had been watching Nakago since he had arrived with Yui and the rest of the Seiryu Seven, Amiboshi and all his memories included, nearly three months ago. They had come bearing a white flag so as to negotiate a peace between the empires. It was agreed that too much blood had been spilt and it was beyond time to end the war.
The ground work was laid and a month later the Emperor of Kuto had sent word that he would not sign the treaty unless I became Nakagos' wife. Tamahome had spoken for me, objecting with such ferocity that I thought he might actually strike Nakago. I could do no more than just stand there, utterly numb.
Tasuki and Nuriko both backed Tamahome as he yelled and raged over the "utter absurdity" of the idea and the "completely idiotic" emperor of Kuto. It wasn't until after their emperor was insulted that the Kuto messengers began to argue back. Before true violence could ensue however, Chichiri stepped forward to block them.
"This decision is not for us to make. Only the Priestess of Suzaku and General Nakago can decide their fates," the masked monk stated solemnly. I had always loved Chichiri as a brother. He was my most understanding rock. With a smile of gratitude, I stepped forward and took a deep, slightly shaky breath.
"If it means ending the war… saving our people, then I don't really have a choice." I said simply. That was when Tamahome turned on me.
"You can't be serious Miaka! You're my fiancé!" he yelled.
I walked up to him slowly and took off my engagement necklace. "Not anymore Tamahome. We can't be selfish. If my marrying Nakago can put a stop to all this senseless violence then that's what I'm going to do. I'm sorry but I can't just stand by and let people die when I can save them." I began to hand the necklace back to him but Tamahome wouldn't accept it.
"No Miaka. I'm not letting you go so easily." He declared.
"It's not our choice." Hotohori stated calmly, his voice betraying his sadness. "She is doing what is right for the people, as a true priestess must."
This only seemed to anger Tamahome more. I held the necklace out to him and in his anger he knocked my hand away so fiercely that it caused me to lose my balance. I fell with a harsh thud on the stairs. The beads pressed into my hand so hard, blood started to pour freely from it. My other warriors looked at him in shock. In a matter of moments, Chichiri was by my side as Mitsukake was examining my hand and Nuriko was literally throwing Tamahome out the door.
"I'm fine guys," I said shakily. I was trying my hardest not to cry.
"Does this mean," the Kuto messenger said, "that you are going to accept the emperor's condition? Will you marry General Nakago?"
With Chichiri's help, I got back on my feet. "Yes it does." I replied simply.
I didn't eat that night. The entire empire was in an uproar. No one liked the idea of me marrying the enemy. Tamahome had come by my room later that night to apologize and beg me to reconsider.
"We could elope. We can go tonight!" he suggested earnestly.
"I've already told them I'd marry Nakago. I'm not going to put the empire at risk by running away with you." I told him for what seemed like the hundredth time. He wasn't listening. Instead he was packing my backpack I had brought when I'd returned from my world.
"You should listen to my fiancé," said a voice from the door. "She's not going anywhere with you anymore." We both turned to find Nakago filling the entire frame of the doorway.
