New Life, New Adventure
Disclaimer: I own nothing (except the part where Kagome is involved)!
Author's Note: Hi! Still alive~! Anyway, I'm sorry for not being able to update when I said I would, but college was such a pain. I must warn you that I have probably lost my touch since it's been a while. Please go easy on me.
MUST READ: Okay, so I reposted the chapter with some changes. I would like to thank GlaringEyes for pointing out some details. It seems that I made Kagome too much of a martyr in the last version. I also decided to give Tasuki more parts here. I hope this will be better than the previous installment. Once again, I must apologize in advance in case this won't meet everyone's expectations, but this was the best I could do for now.
Chapter 21
Kagome slumped against the tree. They had finally reached it and she was exhausted. Her shoulder didn't hurt as much as the others thought, but it was bothersome. When she came here, she didn't really expect half of what happened to happen. Well, at least, Shippo and Kirara were safe. With that in mind, Kagome allowed herself to fall to her knees. Miaka came out of the bushes just in time to steady the older miko.
"Kagome! I knew I shouldn't have let you come with me." The raven-haired miko snickered softly, "You didn't 'let' me, you know. But if you really didn't want me to tire myself out, you should've just obeyed." Miaka frowned but didn't argue. She felt her heart ache. First, Tamahome had to give himself up to Kutou for her sake, and now, Kagome was injured (again!) and it was all because of her. If anything else happened to Kagome or the others, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself.
She helped Kagome lean on the trunk of the tree and made sure she wouldn't fall again. Kagome rolled her eyes, "Stop fussing. It's just a scratch."
"It is not! Stop acting like you're not hurt! I'm not that stupid, Kagome."
The other miko's eyes softened. Pushing herself from the tree, Kagome used her good arm to pull her friend into a hug. Like an older sister, Kagome patted her head softly while Miaka cried.
"Obnoxious brat!"
Remembering Tamahome's words only made the brunette cry harder. Kagome slowly knelt down seeing as she didn't have the strength to support the both of them. After a while, Miaka stopped and pulled away to wipe her face. She tried to smile reassuringly, "I'm ok—" A dark figure grabbed her from behind and pulled her away from Kagome. The other miko was somehow knocked back from the force.
"I'm so sorry about before, Miaka."
The brunette slowly turned to look at him, "Tamahome!"
Facing him fully, Miaka felt the tears come back, "It's you! You came!"
Kagome winced and looked up at the pair, "Miaka…"
"Please don't hate me," continued Tamahome, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, "I didn't want to hurt you, honestly. I had to pretend to make them think I was one of them—on their side."
"Really? Is that really true, Tamahome? I thought you had forgotten all about me…" Miaka attempted to look him in the eye, but the boy's head was being pulled back. Kagome had gotten behind him and yanked at his hair forcefully, making him release the Priestess of Suzaku.
"Don't believe a word he says! It's obvious he's lying! He's under a spell!" Tamahome staggered backwards. Hands in his hair, he bowed his head. Kagome was immediately in front of Miaka and the other girl was horrified, "Kagome, what are you doing?"
The Shikon Miko shot her a half-hearted glare, "Miaka, do you actually think the real Tamahome would attempt to hurt you just to deceive Nakago and Yui? Is his love for you that weak? I saw Yui-" Kagome stopped before she said anything else. Miaka and Yui's relationship didn't need any more complications. Instead, Kagome focused all her attention on the man in front of her.
Tamahome chuckled, "Same old Kagome. You were always out to get me. I understand," he addressed Miaka, "but… I wouldn't forget you, Miaka…Why else would I have come here to meet you like this?"
"Oh ,Tamaho—!" The brunette was about to run to him when Kagome blocked her, "Miaka!" The harshness in Kagome's voice almost compelled Miaka to stop in her tracks. Almost.
Kagome gritted her teeth in frustration when her friend bolted for her lover. The older miko dashed after her and held her back. It was a hard task seeing as her injury only worsened. Ignoring it, Kagome used her strength to keep the girl from going anywhere near Tamahome.
"Kagome, please! Let me go to Tamahome!"
The man was already standing upright and Miaka was determined to reach him. "I know that's not the real Tamahome, but please! I have the letter he gave me! Surely, if he reads it again, he'll snap out of it! Kagome, please!" Miaka waved the letter and struggled desperately. The other miko however, was not one to take the risk. She firmly held on to Miaka.
In her struggles, the letter slipped from the brunette's fingers and landed softly on the grass right in front of Tamahome.
Miaka stopped her fit as Tamahome bent to pick up the piece of paper. Seeing that Miaka wouldn't go anywhere, Kagome loosened her grip to lessen the stress on her wound, but she refused to let the girl go.
Miaka held her breath as the young man began to read it to himself.
"You left me that letter when you gave yourself up to Kutou. It says 'wo ai ni'—'I love you'—you wrote it yourself, see?"
"I wrote this?"
Miaka smiled slightly, hoping the contents of the letter would reach the real Tamahome, "Yes you did! Look at it closely!"
"…'wo ai ni'…" Tamahome repeated. Miaka felt her heart skip a beat, "Do you remember?"
Tamahome smirked and without further warning, tore the parchment to pieces…
Miaka felt like the paper in his hands. She could only watch helplessly as he destroyed the proof of their love right in front of her…
"Do you know what the character on my forehead means? It's proof that I live to protect you. I live only for you, to care for you. You're the reason for my being…"
Miaka felt numb. Even the tears rolling down her cheeks went unnoticed. 'What…what happened? You promised me, Tamahome…What about our plans? I…I finally gathered the Suzaku Seven…We went through a lot…but it worked out and we found them all…Tamahome…'
Miaka held a fist to her heart, 'The old Tamahome I knew is gone!' She let out a silent scream as she fell to her knees, 'HE'S GONE!'
"Time to die." Tamahome raised his nunchucks in the air and prepared to crack open the miko's skull. He felt his weapon collide with something, but to his dismay it wasn't Miaka.
Kagome had both her arms crossed, blocking the hit. She had let out a cry when Tamahome's attack struck her. Blood dripped from her shaking shoulders, but Kagome held her ground. The Suzaku Warrior scowled at her, "What is it with you and getting in the way?"
Kagome whatever was left of her strength to push him back. The boy jumped a few ways from her and smirked, "Well, then I guess I have no choice. I'll take you down first!"
The Priestess of the Shikon no Tama tried to focus on her opponent but her vision was starting to fail her. She lost too much blood. Miaka was still kneeling in shock behind her. If she hadn't felt so dizzy, she would've shouted at the other priestess to snap out of it and find the others. Unfortunately, she didn't have that luxury. Tamahome was instantly in front of her and Kagome's swung his weapon in the air. Kagome couldn't contain a cry when it collided with her injured shoulder. The force of the attack sent her backwards.
She grimaced, her body finally refused to listen to her and it felt so heavy. Looking at Miaka again, she shouted, "Miaka! Go find Chichiri and the others!"
"But Kagome!"
"Now!" The least she could do was keep him fixed on her so that Miaka could escape.
However, the brunette had other plans. Instead of running like she was told to, Miaka went between the two of them. She faced Tamahome with her arms stretched out in a protective manner. Kagome's eyes widened, "What are you doing!? Get out of the way!"
Miaka kept her eyes on the boy in front of them and said decidedly, "You've always done the same for me! Now, it's my turn!"
Tamahome sneered, "Two birds with one stone, all right then." Not waiting anymore, the Suzaku Warrior charged at them, ready to strike. Miaka closed her eyes but held her ground.
Kagome willed herself to move. It was as if everything was in slow motion. Kagome was finally able to stand. She reached out a hand, trying to make it in time, "MIAKA!"
Within a matter of seconds, Miaka's body fell to the ground in a bloody heap.
Tamahome sneered at the raven-haired priestess, "It seems that your stay here made you soft. Could the reason be a certain emperor?" He watched as Kagome stood up. The boy suddenly grinned cruelly, "Or perhaps, those two demons you like to call family? Don't worry; we made sure to erase them from this world. Maybe that'll make you stronger."
Slowly, the Shikon Miko raised her head. Her usual blue orbs turned into something darker and the moonlight reflected dangerously on them. Tamahome stepped back slightly. For some reason, he began to feel uneasy.
Before he could dwell on the matter, Kagome disappeared. Surprised, the boy looked around. There was no sign of the priestess. Not even her aura. Tamahome let out a surprised groan as a powerful kick hit him in the stomach. Not a second later, he felt someone elbow him on the head. Tamahome coughed out blood and tried to support himself with a hand on the ground. Trying to regain his senses, Tamahome got up in time to deflect one of her blows. They clashed again and again, and Tamahome was regretting ever angering the miko.
Miaka groaned. Her chest and arm felt like they were on fire. Shaking her head, Miaka tried blinking a few times. By the time she was able to see things clearly, Tamahome was down on all fours and Kagome was towering over him. Miaka tried to stand but her body was numb. Tears filled her eyes and she shouted, "Kagome! STOP!"
The raven-haired priestess stopped her hand in midair. She looked at Miaka. 'She's all right… Thank goodness…' Kagome was flung backwards by the boy at her feet. She could've cared less. If Miaka was well enough to shout at her, then she was fine. There wasn't anything left in her body to make it move. She chuckled bitterly, 'I think I have gone soft...'
Tamahome clutched his nunchucks and glared daggers at Kagome. Miaka's eyes darted to the other priestess, pleadingly, "Please…"
Kagome nodded at Miaka in understanding. There wasn't much she could do at this point anyway. The least she could do was look him in the eye with no traces of fear. She saw something flicker, but disappeared just as quickly.
"Let's end this, shall we?"
Miaka watched in horror, "NO!"
There was a sound of metal against metal ringing throughout the clearing. Tamahome scowled and jumped back, assessing his newest opponent.
Kagome blinked a few times. One moment she was looking up at Tamahome, and the next, she was watching the stars. She tilted her head and recognized the familiar red hair, "Tasuki?" The bandit didn't look back, "Well, it looks like you outdid yourself this time, princess." Tasuki wasn't smiling. Far from it. Kagome understood though. She smiled, "Yeah, I guess I did. What took you guys so long anyway?"
Chichiri held Miaka, trying to see what damage has been done, "We were gonna come right back, you know. Unfortunately, someone insisted that he came along, too. It takes longer to transport more people, you know." Kagome's tired smile grew as Tasuki fussed over her, "Geez, what did ya dowhile we were gone anyway?"
"Oh, fight here and there, I suppose."
The bandit shot her a glare, "This ain't no joke, princess. Ya need a healer and fast." Kagome winced when he tried moving her again. She breathed in deeply to calm herself, but this only seemed to rile Tasuki even more. Deciding that it was best to not strain her body further, the red-head settled her against the trunk of a tree.
Kagome felt her eyelids grow heavy. The last thing she saw was Hotohori facing Tamahome.
Sword drawn and eyes narrowed, the Emperor of Konan glared at the other warrior, "Tamahome, I do not understand why you have sided with Kutou, but I will not let you lay a finger on Miaka and Kagome again!"
"The Suzaku Warriors. Hmph, you saved me the trouble of looking for you. Now, I'll destroy you once and for all." Tamahome had a cocky expression on his face as he pulled at both ends of his weapon.
The monk raised his head to meet the eyes of his former comrade, "Tamahome! What happened to you, you know?"
The young man ignored him, "It doesn't really matter how many of you are out there. I'll just deal with you the same way I dealt with the Shikon Miko!"
Hotohori's grip on his sword tightened and his eyes grew dark. He had a good glimpse of Kagome before Tasuki took her away and he had no doubt that Tamahome was behind all of it. The mark of Suzaku glowed violently on the side of his neck.
"TAMAHOME!"
Somewhere…
"The battle between allies has now begun."
Nakago chuckled at how easy it was to manipulate their enemies, "Fools."
The general was standing beside the Lady Yui in pavilion overlooking the scene. He had just joined her there after his business with the priestess. It didn't surprise the blonde general why the young Emperor of Konan was here. Apparently, during their little confrontation, the priestess managed to disrupt the barrier of Seiryuu allowing the Suzaku Warriors to escape and come back with reinforcements. Nakago smirked. It didn't really matter to him. They were all going to suffer the same fate anyway.
Yui was clutching a pillar of the pavilion. She had been watching ever since Kagome and Miaka entered the clearing. If it weren't for the presence of Nakago, she would've run down there and put a stop to this. Instead, she had to endure watching the boy she 'loved' brutally beat her friend. She hadn't told Nakago about the healing of her scar. She didn't dare. Too lost in her own thoughts, the Priestess of Seiryuu nearly jumped at the voice of her general.
"The potion Tamahome swallowed was not merely a drug. It was made from kodoku."
Yui looked at him curiously, "'Kodoku'?" the general closed his eyes, his smirk never leaving his face, "Would calling it a curse, make any sense to you at all, Lady Yui? The power of the curse controls his memories making him, now, hate the Priestess of Suzaku."
The young girl felt a pang of guilt. What had she done?
"His personality has been completely remade," continued the general, "nothing can reverse it now. Even the healing powers of Mitsukake are of no use. Perhaps, the power of the Priestess of the Shikon will be able to relieve him for some time and even then, the curse will continue to eat away at Tamahome's heart. You need not worry, Lady Yui. With her condition right now, the priestess will not be able to hinder our plans for quite some time."
Nakago opened his eyes and continued to watch the confrontation below them, "The mark of the ogre will never appear on Tamahome's forehead again."
Miaka and the others…
Miaka had fainted from the trauma and was now safe in Chihciri's arms. Tasuki was tending to Kagome beside them. He had been seething in anger ever since he saw the state Kagome was in. Tasuki clenched his teeth tightly. From what he could tell, Kagome had a dislocated shoulder and a few, serious cuts. She was bleeding to death!
Tamahome began assessing the pattern in Hotohori's attacks. Surely there was a sequence. He could hear Nakago's voice in his head, ordering him to kill them all and he was more than happy to oblige. However, to his dismay, Hotohori had no pattern. It seems that he didn't bother to construct a tactful way of defeating Tamahome.
The Emperor's eyes were narrowed dangerously. Anyone who was watching him at this moment would never think that he was the kind, narcissist emperor everyone thought he was. He showed no signs of hesitation and Tamahome was barely able to block every strike.
Tamahome never thought that the Emperor of Konan was such a formidable opponent. The Emperor was swift and precise and Tamahome started to sweat. They had only been fighting for ten minutes and he already felt tired. He may never admit it to anyone, but he felt something akin to fear as their fight continued. The feeling only seemed to grow even more as the intensity of their clashes increased. To any spectator's point of view, it would seem like Hotohori was dancing Tamahome to his death. Several cuts were already visible on his face and his clothes were sliced open in some areas. Jumping back, Tamahome wiped the sweat of his chin with the back of his hand. He wasn't smirking now.
"Tamahome, I will ask you one question. Your fate will depend on your answer." Hotohori took up a stance and turned his sword over. Tamahome's eyes widened, 'He was using the blunt side of his blade the whole time?' Tamahome grit his teeth. He may not like to admit it, but as Hotohori was right now, he had no chance of winning against him.
"Why did you betray us?"
Yui and Nakago…
The Priestess of Seiryuu bit her lip. Tamahome was being sliced to bits and it was all her fault. If she had just listened to Kagome, if she had forgiven Miaka… none of this would have happened! It took everything in her power not to beg Nakago to remove the kodoku. She couldn't risk it. She would try to make Nakago think that she was still angry at Miaka and maybe… just maybe, she would be able to find a way to get back to Miaka and Kagome…
Nakago watched in amusement. Even he did not expect the young Emperor of Konan to be able to hold his own against Tamahome. Perhaps, the Emperor was even strong enough to have an even match with him, 'At this rate, anyone could win. It doesn't really matter. The moment they lose even one warrior, they will be powerless. If the Suzaku Seven cannot gather, then Suzaku will never be summoned. So, what will you do now, Priestess of Suzaku?'
Yui, deciding to play along for now, asked, "Why is that man here all of a sudden? Has the seal been broken?"
"Hmph, yes it has been. It will be more interesting."
Miaka and the others…
"Answer me, Tamahome!" yelled Hotohori. He was starting to lose his patience.
Tasuki appeared beside him, fan in his hands, "This guy doesn't deserve any mercy! After what he did to the girls, I promise ya, I will finish him off myself!" Without another word, the red-haired bandit shot forward and attacked.
Chichiri watched closely as the three of them fought on, 'What is wrong with Tamahome?' The monk gasped when the bandana on Tamahome's forehead fell to the ground, 'The ogre symbol isn't appearing like it always does when he's in battle!' Hotohori seemed to have noticed this, as well. However, mark or no mark, Tamahome would suffer at his hands for what he did to Kagome.
"Your Highness, Tasuki! Stop fighting! It might be Tamahome, but it isn't Tamahome, you know?" Tasuki avoided the punches sent his way, "What are you saying? And stop distracting us! Oof—!"
Tama peeked out from Chichiri's robes and licked Miaka's cheek. The brunette opened her eyes just in time to see Hotohori pierce Tamahome's shoulder, 'Tamahome!' The Suzaku Warriors jumped apart and glared at each other, ready for another bout. Tamahome was looking worse for the wear. Apparently, an angered Emperor and a pissed off bandit were too much for him. At this rate, he was going to die.
"NO MORE!"
Hotohori, Chichiri, and Tasuki all looked at the priestess. She was desperately trying to escape Chichiri's hold, "Hotohori! Tasuki! Oh please, stop! Please don't kill Tamahome!" She tried to stand only to fall back again. Chichiri clutched her shoulders to keep her in place, "Miaka."
The brunette sobbed, "Please don't kill him… If he dies… If he dies, I don't know what I'll do… DON'T DO IT!"
Nakago and Yui…
"Even after all the pain and torment he inflicted on her and her friend…" Nakago scoffed, "How very heroic of her."
Yui remembered their encounter earlier. Miaka's words… "It's true that Tamahome was part of the reason that I came back through the book. I love him. But even without him, I still would've come for you, Yui!" and Kagome's… "But you have to understand that there are still those others who will stay with you, Yui… We still love you…and we are willing to wait for you to see that…"
Miaka and the others…
Hotohori clenched his teeth at Miaka's words. Tamahome deserved every bit of pain they were going to give him. A warrior who intentionally harms his priestess is not worthy of forgiveness, but still... While deep in thought, Hotohori did not realize that a punch was sent his way, knocking him back.
"Huh, what's the matter? Where's all that energy you had earlier?"
Hotohori's eyes flashed menacingly at him. Standing upright once more, the Emperor threw his sword to the ground and pulled out his sheath. Tamahome raised an eyebrow, "Oh, what's this? You think a fragile scabbard can stand against me?"
The Emperor did not bother answering him with words and simply dived in for another round.
At first, they seemed to have been evenly matched. However, Hotohori was having trouble due to the change in weight and feel of his new weapon. He was not accustomed to fighting like this and he was making an effort not to use his full strength. Miaka would be devastated if he injured Tamahome the way he deemed necessary.
Tamahome took advantage of this and was easily able to disarm the emperor. The scabbard, having fallen to the ground left the emperor vulnerable. Still, Hotohori was not one to back down that quickly. He took up another stance meant for hand-to-hand combat and waited for Tamahome to make his move. He was even more unfamiliar with this style, but he had to keep fighting—Kagome would've done the same.
"You still want to fight? I'm impressed, Your Highness." Tamahome smirked. Everything was working to his advantage. 'If that stupid girl hadn't woken up in time, I might've been killed by now.Hm, she might be of SOME use, after all.'
Tasuki landed a kick on Tamahome's back, "Don't forget about me, pretty boy!"
Tamahome sneered. With both of his opponents limiting themselves, it would be a piece of cake.
Miaka felt torn. She didn't know what to do. She didn't want Hotohori and Tasuki to be beaten up by Tamahome, but she didn't want Tamahome to get killed either! Miaka let out a cry when the bandit was suffered a blow from the nunchucks. Then, Hotohori was struck down with Tamahome's boot pushing his face into the dirt.
"Unfortunately for you, I have no reservations with using my weapon." Tamahome raised his nunchucks and hit the emperor relentlessly. Hotohori clenched his teeth. Blood trickled from his head and he could feel his bones break with every strike.
"He'll be killed! Chichiri, Tasuki do something! We can't let him get beaten up like that!"
Chichiri's brows furrowed, "I can't! And even if I could somehow intervene at this point, it won't make any difference, you know!" Miaka turned back to the scene and watched painfully. Tasuki looked like he was forcing himself back. Hotohori was apparently suffering the brunt of Tamahome's actions. It was clear that the Emperor was trying to distract Tamahome. He was aware that Tasuki was having a hard time in deciding what to do. Tamahome just took advantage of it all.
"Tamahome! What are you doing!? Stop hurting them!"
Nakago and Yui…
The blonde priestess closed her eyes and turned away. She couldn't bear to watch any more of this. This wasn't the Tamahome she fell in love with. She didn't want this…
Nakago continued observe with a grin, 'Hmph, so this is how it ends…'
Miakaand the others…
Tasuki coughed and groaned. Miaka's words bothered him and it took a little more time before he let go of his fan. He was visibly trembling in frustration. Part of him wanted to ignore Miaka's words. This Tamahome character deserved to die! He had hurt Miaka, and Kagome was close to dying! Shutting his eyes, Tasuki ground his teeth together before rushing into battle again, fan still in his hand. He wasn't going to use the flames, but he was going to damn well make that bastard taste his iron!
Tasuki reached Tamahome and swung the iron fan across his cheek causing him to stumble and fall backwards. Taking this chance, Tasuki hauled Hotohori to his feet, "Your Highness!"
The Emperor coughed out blood and strained to open his eyes. Tasuki hoisted up the injured ruler so that he was draped over his shoulder while he held the fan in the other hand.
"So, you're still alive." Tamahome spat, blood trickled down the side of his cheek. Tasuki smirked, "Sorry to disappoint ya."
"I'll soon fix that."
Tasuki shot a meaningful look at Chichiri. He nodded hesitantly but Miaka protested, "We can't just leave you here!"
The bandit turned his back to them, "I'll take care of His Highness. You guys find an escape."
The monk took his place between Kagome and Miaka, and assumed a chanting position. Before he could complete the quick spell, red, jagged bolts of electricity shocked the three of them.
From the pavilion, Seiryuu's symbol glowed on Nakago's forehead. His hands were positioned as if to hold the blue energy he was emitting, "You're not going anywhere, get it?"
Yui stepped back in surprise, "Nakago?"
Chichiri's brows creased, "It's him! He's around here somewhere! The guy's a pain, you know?" The monk settled for a vanishing spell for the three of them.
Nakago sneered, "You think you can hide yourselves from me?" before he, too, disappeared from Yui's side. The priestess looked around in confusion, "Nakago?"'What was he talking about?'
The general reappeared in front of Tasuki and Hotohori. The bandit cursed. He knew he didn't have the strength to fight Tamahome and Nakago at the same time. And neither did Hotohori, he was barely conscious as it is. He steadied the Emperor near a tree before going after Nakago, "So you finally showed yourself! Well, I'm ready for you!" The bandit reached for the fan behind his back, "I'VE BEEN WAITING!"
Nakago, on the other hand, was prepared for him. A simple release of energy and Tasuki was sent crashing into a tree.
"Moron. I turned your fire power off." He gave Tamahome a side glance, "He was an annoying distraction, wasn't he?" The boy smirked.
In the bushes, Chichiri's hand covered Miaka's mouth, letting only a muffled cry escape. The monk whispered to her, "Just hold it in. We can't let their sacrifice go to waste." Tama meowed. "You keep quiet too, you know." Just then, a thought hit Chichiri.'The cat! It's not a servant of Suzaku and it can perceive certain wavelengths that human beings can't, you know. Which might mean…'
Nakago scanned the area and called out, "You're name's Chichiri, right? You might as well give up. There's no way you can break out of this barrier."
"Hey! Aren't ya forgettin' somethin'?"
"Hm?" The general turned around to see the battered bandit and chuckled, "Oh, I haven't forgotten, but in your condition, it would be wise to stand down. We wouldn't want you and the emperor to rush to your deaths." Tasuki snorted, "Could've fooled me, blondie. Thanks for the thought though."
Konan…
It had been hours since Chichiri and Tasuki came back from Kutou. They were carrying the fading demons and asked Mitsukake to take care of them for now. Then, when they explained the situation briefly, Hotohori insisted he'd come along. Nuriko also volunteered but they needed someone to stay behind with the others.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHH!"
Hurried footsteps sounded in the hallways. Within moments, Chiriko and Mitsukake came bursting through the door, "What's going on here? That was the ugliest sound I ever heard!" Nuriko snapped back at the flute-player, "That's the way I feel about your flute!"
In the center of the throne room was Tama floating inside a bubble.
"Mitsukake, your cat is floating in the air! And it's creeping me out!" cried Nuriko.
"Nuriko! Chiriko! Mitsukake!"
"It's talking to us!" Nuriko backed away, obviously still weirded out. Mitsukake stared at the cat, "I didn't know he talked."
Chiriko thought for a minute before he recognized the voice, "No, it's Chichiri!"
"Huh?"
"I'm using the cat's form to penetrate the seal, you know." Came the monk's voice, "I want you to try to break the barrier on your end."
Kutou…
Nakago turned his head swiftly to the left, "There!" and released an energy blast in the bushes.
Konan…
"AAAAHHH!"
"That was Miaka's voice!" Nuriko clenched his fists, "What's going on over there?"
Mitsukake looked down at Chiriko's flute thoughtfully…
Kutou…
Nakago continued firing in that general direction causing miniature explosions everywhere.
Tasuki tried to stop him but was blocked by Tamahome, "You're not going anywhere."
The bandit scowled at him, "Oh, it's you again!"
"Surprised?"
Tasuki smirked, "Not really!" Without another word, the bandit grabbed Hotohori's clothes and hurled him in Tamahome's direction. Stunned, Tamahome failed to notice a conscious Hotohori ready to strike him with the scabbard. He was able to land the blow and staggered back, waiting to see what Tamahome would do next.
The Suzaku Warrior clutched the side of his head as blood trickled down his cheek, "So, you're still alive, too?" Hotohori narrowed his eyes, "It seems that you're not as skilled as you thought."
Having been mocked enough, Tamahome charged at Hotohori again, "This time I'll finish you off!"
Tasuki headed for Nakago, trying to get his attention, "Stop it, you bully! You were fighting with me!" He jumped in the air and prepared to land a kick to his head only to have the general deflect his assault with a simple flick of the wrist. Still in the air, Tasuki executed multiple attacks trying to land at least one.
Tamahome made a move to approach the bandit, but Hotohori got in his way, "And you were fighting me."
Nakago frowned, "I grow tired of this game. Perhaps you should lie down!" He grabbed one of his legs and flung him towards a tree. Tasuki gasped at the impact, but tried once more to get on his feet. Struggling to keep an open, Tasuki staggered towards the general. Nakago watched him disapprovingly and raised a hand in his direction.
Konan…
"Y-You want me to break the seal…?" Chiriko looked at Mitsukake incredulously.
"I see." Nuriko nodded in understanding and turned to Chiriko, "Use your flute like you did before to break the Seiryuu seal. You can do it, Chiriko."
The young Suzaku Warrior looked at his flute. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Mitsukake. He nodded, "I'll do it. I'll try. Everyone, please concentrate forcefully on the sounds of the flute."
Kutou…
Hotohori was breathing heavily. The wounds he had received from Tamahome were taking their toll on his body. He knew he couldn't last much longer. Tasuki was already hurt badly. They were tired and terribly wounded. It was only a matter of time before they collapsed.
Nakago and Tamahome were aware of this, as well. The general fired another blast towards the bushes, revealing his prey. Tasuki attempted to stop him, "Don't you dare!" Ignoring him, the blonde official walked calmly towards Miaka, Kagome and Chichiri.
The monk held on to the priestesses tightly, "I t-think this is it…"
Just when everybody thought that this was the end, a strong, red light appeared behind the three. It was accompanied by a familiar sound. The brunette recognized it to be Chiriko's flute. Chichiri wasted no time in casting a spell. With a single gesture, he constructed a protective red sphere to send them all home. In a flash, Tasuki and Hotohori were safely inside with them. Miaka cried as she saw just how hurt they all were.
"It'll be all right, you know. They're just unconscious. We're going home."
Miaka spared one last glance at Tamahome, 'They did this…for me… Oh, Tamahome… I ran to him… reached out my hand to him…and he hurtKagome,Tasuki, and Hotohori… He hurt his allies… Face reality, Miaka, he's a different person now… No matter how you scream that you love him, he doesn't want to hear it and it won't reach him… I will never reach Tamahome again! And so… and so… and so…goodbye…'
Miaka and the others began to fade with the red light, leaving Tamahome and Nakago in the clearing. Yui came up to them and stood behind Tamahome, 'Miaka…'
The general closed his eyes before turning to Tamahome, "A narrow escape. We nearly destroyed all of them. Hm?!" Nakago's eyes widened as he noticed tears streaming endlessly down Tamahome's face. Yui looked at him worriedly, "Tamahome?"
"Hm?" the Suzaku Warrior put a hand to his face, "What's this? Strange. I just suddenly started to cry." Nakago frowned and eyed him carefully, 'Is it possible? Could his feelings be stronger than the kodoku?'
Keisuke…
"Her heart torn apart, the Priestess of Suzaku collapsed against Nuriko's chest…"
Konan…
"What happened, Miaka!? Why are you all injured?" The cross-dresser looked anxiously over at Hotohori as he was taken away in a stretcher, followed by Kagome and Tasuki. Mitsukake went after them to tend to their wounds. Chiriko looked around, "And where is this Tamahome?"
Miaka clutched Nuriko tightly, "I said goodbye to him…" Her tears flowed nonstop.
Nuriko could not believe his ears, "What?"
"I told Tamahome… 'goodbye'… forever"
TBC…
A/N: Hope I was able to fix this chapter properly. Forgive the errors and I apologize if some of you still aren't satisfied. This was the best I could do. Anyways, thank you once again!
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