CHAPTER 11
Miaka lay deep in thought that night as she fingered through the ring. It's been a while since Ryuka gave her the present from Nakago. Knowing that seiyuu, this ring could be laden with dark powers. The sapphire shone under the pale moonlight. She slowly slipped the ring on her pale middle finger. Immediately, she closed her eyes and went to a sudden dream-like state.
As Miaka's vision cleared, she saw she was in Seiryuu's chamber, back in the Kutou castle. As she looked around, she observed Nakago standing in a corner and slowly observing her. He was dressed in his armour, with blond uncombed hair falling from his shoulders. Miaka gaped at the sight, and realized it had been a long while since she had last laid his eyes on the warrior. He smiled, and Miaka felt her face heat up.
"So, how is my maiden doing?" he asked, staring at her with those intense blue orbs. Miaka blushed once again as she heard the obvious choice of words.
"Um- I'm fine," she replied, looking at everywhere but the blond, "I presume you've been well too?"
Nakago just smiled in reply. Miaka continued, "So, what is this? What am I doing in Kutou?"
"As you must have quite guessed by now," said Nakago, sitting at a nearby couch which magically appeared, "What you're experiencing is nothing but an illusion."
"Similar to Tomo's clam?" asked Miaka, recalling that incident years back.
"Somewhat," replied Nakago, getting comfortable in his seat, "But your memories aren't delusioned like last time. So… maiden, aren't you curious, as to why I brought you here?"
Miaka shrugged as she sat down beside him. Since this was a dreamscape, it meant her body was safe back in her chambers at Konan castle. She had nothing much to fear from him.
"I suppose you want to know what's going back there in the castle, and the princes," replied back Miaka, indifference dripping from her voice.
"Not really," replied back Nakago, "As you might have been aware, I get up to date results from Ryuka. So that option is ruled out. Think, maiden…" He slowly shifted himself towards her; so that their eyes were at level now.
"I guess it only leaves the one option," said Miaka, "I guess you want something in return; the reward I owe you for saving your life."
Nakago slowly raised his hands and cupped Miaka's face. "Maybe…"
Miaka stopped breathing as her eyes gazed over the bright blue ones. She felt as if she was directly gazing into his soul; something so intimate she hardly remembered sharing with Tamahome. The fingers slowly blushed against her cheeks, which had lost all her baby fat over the years and had a strong but delicate bearing. As hot breath fawned over her face; Miaka's mind went complete blank. Nothing mattered any more in this world, except Nakago's warm hands, his eyes, his lips….
Almost on an impulse Nakago, removed his hands. As he stood up, Miaka was shaken out of her reverie. "What- " she spluttered in disbelief and looked at Nakago. This time his face remained impassive.
"Its going to be dawn soon, maiden," said Nakago, "If you don't wake up, your seishis will think something is wrong with you. And don't worry; we'll continue this another time."
He smiled at her, and softly touched her forehead. Immediately her vision blurred, not before she heard Nakago's voice, "If you ever need to talk to me, maiden, all you have to do is to put the ring on and think of me… I'll always be there for you…"
"Miaka… Miaka…"
Miaka heard her name being called from far away.
"Not now, Nakago…" she whispered, "lemme sleep."
The voice smirked. "You should be lucky that it's me who is waking you up, not any of the seishis."
Miaka's eyes snapped open. "Oh! Its you Ryuka!" she cried, "I thought- it was-"
"The emperor," smirked Ryuka, "I know. Anyway, wake up. Hotohori-sama is waiting to see you."
"Hotohori," Miaka wondered, "What would he want now, at this early morning. Surely he could have waited till the breakfast." Her stomach growled.
Hotohori paced about the room in anxiety. He didn't know what to say or do. He was about to accuse someone, whom he had regarded as his love and priestess from times immemorial, to treachery and treason, on the word of someone about whom he barely knew. Was it fair to her? Was it fair to the kingdom?
As Miaka came out, he saw the same smile that had captivated him so many years back. Something had changed about her last night. She looked refreshed.
"Good morning, Hotohori," said Miaka, "What bring you here?" She was dressed formally in red robes, making her look more like the Maiden she was. "You were quiet last night during dinner," she continued, "What's up?"
Hotohori smiled. This was the time, to ask her of the things that had been plaguing his mind for so long. He had to get it out of his system.
"Everything's fine, Miaka," said Hotohori, and smiled, as he thought, to hell with the Seiryuu priestess, there's no way in hell he'd ever suspect Miaka. That was akin to crime against Suzaku himself. And even if Miaka was guilty of harboring the spy, Konan's well being must be the only reason behind it. He smiled once again.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the castle, Nuriko went out, feeling the warm rays of the sun falling on her bare arms. Being an attorney at law, she hardly found himself in this state of relaxation. She'd better enjoy it while she still can, she thought. As her eyes moved towards the lake and beyond, they fell upon a lovely young couple kissing under the golden rays. As they parted, Nuriko's eyes widened as she saw what appeared to be a blond girl and …
"Taka and Yui," she breathed, "What's going on? How can they do this to Miaka?"
"Not everything's as it seems, no da," said Chichiri, appearing out of nowhere. He stood beside Nuriko.
"We are in deep waters," he said, "But I suppose this is the time we actually followed out hearts and looked at the obvious, instead of what we see in front of our eyes."
Nuriko was quiet. Whatever's going on, it's definitely wrong, and it's her job to put it all back together before someone really got hurt.
Chichiri laid his hands on her shoulder. Being a spiritualist in the modern world, believed in the theory of karma. What goes around always comes back.
"Sometimes," he whispered, "Its best not to interfere." With that he was gone, leaving Nuriko to her own devices.
A/N: First of all, I apologize for such a long delay. I had very important assignments and exams in the last few months, not to mention my personal life went down the drain. I'm glad that I've begun writing again. For the readers who have stuck for so long with this fic, my heartfelt regards to all.
I could really use a beta right now, so anyone willing to beta all my chapters, please drop it in a review or PM me. Thank you.
Please drop in a review on your way out. ^_____^
