Only One Wish…

By Tenshi xx Tsubasa

Chapter One

Miaka sleepily opened her eyes. "Eh?" Why was Hotohori beside her! She glanced around and realized that she was sleeping in his room, after he had prevented her from nearly drowning in the stormy waters in the palace lakes. She had attempted suicide after the confusion and frustration had built up after having her heart ripped to shreds by an evil Tamahome until the control of Sieryu. Hotohori had desperately searched for her in the pounding rain and raging storm waters. Realizing that she was in the lake, he had dived in frantically, praying to Suzaku.

"Suzaku…give me strength! Do with me as you wish, but you can not allow Miaka to die!" His pleas had reached the god, and Suzaku had indeed granted him the power to save Miaka. Hotohori's will had made the waters recede.

That night, he had professed his love to Miaka. Her mind was still in a mess of confusion and her love for Tamahome was still lingering. She had accepted his love with hesitation, but Tamahome had managed to invade her thoughts, so she gently pushed Hotohori away. Despite that, Hotohori was content with the kiss he had managed to steal from Miaka, and spent the night by her side, holding her hand as she drifted off to sleep.

Warm, kind hands…Hotohori is so devoted to me. I've known all along, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. He's been so dedicated, she thought, as she recalled the time he had fervently defended her against the Ligē-San Mountain bandits, and the time that he couldn't bring himself to kill her, even to save her. I should really try. That would be best. Then I can forget about him…

Miaka glanced over at the sleeping figure of Hotohori. She realized with a start that he was still lovingly clasping her hand. She gazed at him, a peaceful expression on his face, his breathing slow and steady. He looks so innocent when he's asleep…I might actually…be able to fall in love with him… She grinned at the thought. Suddenly, Hotohori awoke, and Miaka found herself staring into incredible, piercing golden eyes. She smiled. This wiped away many of her doubts, as she gazed into eyes full of emotion and love -for her- and a slight bit of confusion at her mysterious smile. There was a possibility that she could…truly love him… She placed her other hand over his, the one that clutched hers.

"Hotohori…we were talking before I fell asleep. Well…I was thinking that maybe—" She was interrupted by the sound of feet pounding to His Majesty's chambers.

"Your Majesty! We have a report! A bandit appears to have entered the palace!

"A bandit?" Hotohori replied, worry present in his tone.

"The guards report that…it is the Celestial Warrior of Suzaku, Tamahome!"

"Tamahome?" Miaka gasped. "Did he come to kill me…? In a flurry of robes, Hotohori grabbed Miaka's arm and led her to a room, shutting the door and locking her inside. "H-Hotohori? What are you doing!"

"Miaka, I need you to stay here until this is finished." Hotohori's voice rang out from the other side of the door. Under no circumstances are you to open this door! Do you understand? I'll protect you! Be at ease, I will return soon." With a swish of his robes, Hotohori turned and walked away. Miaka…I cannot forgive anyone who tries to hurt you. Even if Suzaku fated him to be my comrade.

A/N: Yea, yea, I know this is just a recap of some of the events in FY, but the story twists in the next chapter and takes off from there!