Fushigi Yuugi isn't mine, and belongs to Yuu Watase
Has slight language and a bit emotional
Pairing: Taka+Miaka
Characters: Kaory, Rimudo, Miaka, Taka, Hikary, Keisuke, Maio
Thirty years later- part 9
It was a beautiful Monday afternoon and "Yotsuya Bakery & Tea Shop" was full of people standing in line for lunch. Tea shop or not, this day was especially busy since their senior co-worker did not show up for work this morning. Two bakers and a young girl were barely managing taking all the orders and the stress was getting to them.
-Could you hurry up! My lunch break is almost over, how long do you expect me to wait here? - An upset customer in the front yelled out and one of the bakers could not handle it any longer- We only got two hands mam, you will get your turn or you may leave! -He yelled back.
-No shit! - The woman stomped her foot and left the place. Running out she saw three people walking towards her-Don't ever go there she said bitterly, pointing at the building's direction and running away cross the road.
-They must be too busy-Taka glanced at his companions, I wander if Kaory's there.
-We don't have time to waste!-Keisuke exclaimed opening the door into the shop- if she's not we can at least get her address, or a phone number, or something.
Walking in Miaka could not believe the outrageous line – looks like they need help- she said eyeing the sweets at the counter.
-Yeah- Taka agreed. After being a waiter for a few years, he knew exactly how the staff felt right at the moment-looks like we'll have to wait.
Keisuke turned around and opened the door-we can't all wait here, you guys stay and I'll go get Maio, she must be done with work by now, and we need some extra help.
-Sure Keisuke-Miaka said not looking at her brother-and we can order something in the meantime. Keisuke smiled and left, while Miaka and Taka decided to stand in line.
The time seemed to stand still and it felt like they've been there for hours before their turn came, until finally a voice asked-what would you like?
-Ohh! - Taka blinked-Are you Kaory?- He looked at the young, sixteen year old girl with long black hair in a pink ponytail and bright green eyes.
-Yeass? - The girl said staring at strangers, who seemed to know her with surprise.
Miaka got excited -Can we get two chocolate tarts, and two milk shakes, and those cookies over there…-she started, but was stopped by her husband
-And your help!-Taka interrupted
-I'm a little busy right now, but what can I do for you?-Kaory asked with a smile, giving Miaka's order to one of the bakers.
- You gave a book to our daughter…-Taka said in a halftone
Kaory stopped what she was doing and looked at him intently-Are you Tamahome?-she asked slowly, which made Taka and Miaka both jump back in surprise. The girl smiled and went around the counter - Key-san- she said to one of her co-workers- would you take over?
A man turned to her – you better be fast we are shorthanded!-he said annoyed
Sure-Kaory said and lead Taka with Miaka outside the shop.
-How do you know who I am?-Taka asked putting his arm in front of his wife protectively.
-Kaory smiled and put her head down- I read the book, so I know of you and Miaka and your daughter Hikary being the shinzahou.
-How could you do that!-Taka screamed at the girl-Because of you our daughter got inside this book, she could've been killed.
-No! Kaory interrupted- she had protection of the gods on her, so she would've been fine no matter what, I just wanted to come back there, don't you see. Just wanted to protect them, to stay with him… when I made the wish it was not granted, as if there was something blocking my power. Just once I wanted to be a little selfish… Just once…Why…Hokkan is going to…-she trailed off and broke into tears, falling on her knees in front of Miaka.
Taka was looking at her dumbfounded, not understanding what was going on, but he got the jest of it-and asked-You wanted to get inside the book, so you gave it to Hikary to be your medium? Is that it?
-I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry for doing this to Hikary, but I had no other choice-the girl was sobbing in front of Miaka, who put her arms around Kaory and rocked her slowly
-Kaory can you please explain what is going on- Miaka said while culming the girl by pressing her against her chest-you said "you wanted to be with him", with whom? and how could you think that you could make such a wish, not being the priestess?
-But she is the priestess-Taka said realizing something and sitting down on the chair by the bakery, looking very grim.
-Taka?-Miaka turned to her husband with amusement.
Kaory finally stood up-It was wrong of me to do anything without protectors by my side-she said tearfully- I've only got my memories back two years ago. My name is Takiko Okuda, and I'm the priestess of Genbu.
Taka looked at her in disbelieve -You cannot be her-he said slowly, looking up at Kaory with anger in his eyes- she was the picture of perfection, she brought Hokkan peace and was completely selfless, she let herself be ripped apart by the god and got killed by her own father…
Stop it!-Kaory screamed- you don't know what you are talking about, I was saved by my father from being taken over by Genbu, don't make him a murderer, and I knew I could get inside the book with the help of your daughter, because she was the shinzaho of the last priestess.- Taka stopped speechless.
Kaory-Miaka asked again shaking like a leaf-why did you want to come back there.
In the book world Hokkan and Kutou were in danger Miaka- Kaory said slowly sitting down by Taka, who flinched away- when I was there the last time, I couldn't make my final wish before I died, but I did think of it. I wanted to be reborn in the "Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho" or in this world with Remudo, one of the Genbu seven, and to be happy with him. This wish was almost granted, but we were in different worlds again and could not be together.
Once I read the book I realized that it was wrong of me to think like that.-Taka culmed down and came up to Miaka who were near tears- I had to save my beloved Hokkan again and Kutou as well. But when I made this wish it did not get granted, so I thought of Hikary, who, by some miracle, turned out to be my sempai.
-Hey! Are you coming back or what! - The man poked his head out of the shop's door -We need hands here.
-Be right there Key-san-Kaory said and turned back to Miaka and Taka.
-I'm sorry-Taka said looking up at Kaory-It seems you done the right thing, and about the wish…
-Taka!- Miaka stopped him-if she'll do it she will lose her love-but Taka did not listen to his wife.
-You have to unseal Seiryu so that his priestess could come into the book and fix everything. The Genbu seven are all together now, Hikary made sure of it so your wish, no matter what it is, will be granted-he finished and looked at his feet knowing what he was asking of Takiko. Miaka was sobbing in his arms nonstop and Kaory was looking at her pitifully- It's all my fault Taka- Miaka mumbled- now everyone have to fix what I messed up.
Kaory turned to Taka –I have to get back to work but you can wait for two hours and I'll make the wish.-A loud moan from Miaka made her heart ache and she went inside the shop leaving Taka alone to comfort his wife.
