Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from FY.
Tenshi's Notes: Minna-chan, I'll keep this as short as possible. This fic will be EXTREMELY confusing for quite a few chapters due to this new style I'm experimenting with. Essentially, all the time lines have been jumbled, as well as quite a few of the identities of the characters. ALL the clues are within each paragraph, and if you read carefully, you will know who each person is. The crossover isn't entirely FY/SM, and the style is very similar to that of Pulp Fiction (the movie). There's a great love story in the midst of it all, and many twists and turns that my imouto-chan assures me I'm extremely evil for doing. But hang in there, stay with me. I promise this fic will go somewhere, though you essentially won't know what's going on till the very end. I plan on having a sequence of events notes when this is done so you can check and see if you were right about what happened and who the character is. And here's another mystery for you to solve. Who is the woman in this chapter? Once again, I'm fairly confident no one will guess it. As I said, all will be revealed in the end. It's been extremely challenging trying to write this fic, and unfortunately, I won't be releasing chapter 2 until Goddess is done (You could possibly read it to entertain yourself if you'd like *giggles*).
One last thing, double lines indicate a time change, and single lines will be a change in perspective (to help simplify things a little). Other than that, this is more or less a teaser of the insanity that will come. Special thanks to Usa-chan (muse and imouto-chan all in one) for proof-reading my insanity, and coming up with the idea of someone getting trampled over. Thanks to all my chan's, my other imouto-chan, my chibi-self and all my reviewers for encouraging me to go on!
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Chapter 1: Fragments of Time
Wrapping a protective arm around her body, he snuggled closer, placing his head in the space between her face and her shoulder. She made a small noise, and he tightened his hold around her reassuringly, pressing a soft kiss on her cheek. A tiny smile appeared on her lips and she returned back to deep slumber. How was it possible that he had gotten so lucky? Had the stars always shone so brightly upon him? Or was Suzaku looking upon him, and finally granting his heart's desire? He had never dreamed it was possible to be in love with someone so passionately, so deeply. He would never have dared to hope that he would be able to find someone who was beautiful both inside and out, and she was all that and more. The sweetness of her personality, her caring nature, her blinding smiles, her beautiful face, and much more added up to the essence that was her. He inhaled the sweet scent of her hair, the long silky waves feeling incredible against his skin, and he wondered what would happen if he ever lost her. And he knew he would never, for he would defend her with his own life. She was all that ever mattered to him. He thought about how she popped into his life so unexpectedly, a spot of sunshine in his otherwise dreary life. She could make him smile because she was, and when she cried, her heartache felt like his own. He paused momentarily, amused at the thought that this exquisite woman had such power over an emperor. He chuckled to himself, and she stirred sleepily.
"Hoto-chan…" She mumbled, causing him to smile.
"Gomen, itooshi."
She turned over tucking herself closer to his body, and he adjusted the sheets around them so her body wouldn't get cold. Her form fit perfectly against his own, and he gave a sigh of contentment. He didn't want any other woman by his side, and he winced inwardly at the secret he had kept from her. But he wanted to know what it would be like to be loved for who he was, and not the title that came along with his name. Though she had mentioned at one point in time how important the truth was to her, he thought it was a forgivable lie since it in no way shape or form changed the way he was, or how he felt about her. And when you were in love, anything was possible. He remembered a conversation that they once had.
"I want to know what it's like to stare into the eyes of a man, and know what it's like to feel completely loved." As his own golden gaze met hers, he had known that his eyes reflected that exact sentiment. Each stolen moment spent with her was precious and worth infinitely more than the wealth that he possessed. He thought of his advisors and how they would react once they found out. But they would accept it, simply because it was his wishes, and because he was the emperor. He could not picture another woman as his empress, his beloved. At this moment in time, life was truly perfect. He thanked Suzaku for giving him the only thing he had wanted in life, and as he thought about how blissful he was in life, he remembered that one moment in time and the promise he couldn't manage to keep. Mood slightly dampened, he stared at the sleeping woman in his arms, and felt the joy seep through his heart once again. Mentally apologizing to the little girl for not keeping his promise, he kissed the soft lips that never failed to make his blood stir. She responded even in sleep, and he smiled tenderly, pulling away. Burying his face in the silky strands of her hair, he whispered, "Wo ai ni, qin ai de." (I love you, beloved – or my dear)
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Stretching happily, she wondered how it was possible that she could be so feel so alive. Hotohori was so… tender and wonderful. She had managed to peer past the somewhat arrogant and demanding man to see the different sides of him. She wondered how she could've felt like life was worth living before she met him. Getting dressed quickly, she moved towards the small kitchen in the run-down house that was her home. Singing softly, she prepared a simple meal. As she put the food on the table, she thought about her day ahead, and how the money was running out. She sighed to herself. Demo, Hotohori's staying at their place had really strained the family's finances. And with three growing siblings… she clenched her jaw in determination. She would work harder, and get more money. For her family, she would do anything.
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Her muscles ached, throbbing with each painful rake of the un-cooperating soil. The weather hadn't been kind this year, and as such, the soil of the land was woefully infertile, and required far too much labour in order to get one meager set of crops. Dropping the hoe, she sank to her knees, frustration and hopelessness overwhelming her completely. She almost gave in to the tears. She almost did. However, she didn't make it to this age by being weak. Hauling herself back up again, and ignoring the blisters and calluses that had formed on her once smooth skin, she resumed her task. The hot sun beat down on her, causing her to burn. Re-adjusting the hat she had tied haphazardly on her head, she was so focused on making something of this cursed plot of land when suddenly, she noted a stranger staring at her from the edge of the road. Peering, she tried to get a glimpse of the tall man but she found herself getting dizzy. Too late, she remembered she hadn't eaten, and that she had given all the food to her growing siblings. They were more important than she, and it was critical that she support them. Nobody else could. Not since 'tousan passed on anyway. She swayed, leaning against the farm tool for support. With a look of dismay, she was about to do something she absolutely detested. She fainted.
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He felt odd. He couldn't remember the last time he was in a home that poor and that run-down. Oh wait, he did have memories of squealing adorable children, including one who told him he was beautiful. They may have been poor but at least they were honest and smart. Shaking his thoughts, he concentrated on the woman who had fainted in front of him. Granted she wasn't the most beautiful of creatures (actually it fairly pained him to stare at her chapped lips, dirt-covered skin, and ugly hat), she was still a person in need, and as emperor, he should help out where he could.
"All you have to do is be your best, and love everyone as much as you can. Then you can become a good king."
Blinking, he wondered where those words had come from, or why they had resurfaced from his memories out of the blue. I am being the best I can, little girl. Is that good enough? He frowned at the woman at hand, and tried to figure what to do next. As emperor, there was very little that he had to do on his own. Where were the servants to make her better? Not to mention the doctor? He attempted to use his head, figure things out.
"Let's see. Her lips are really dry, and her skin's odd looking. Maybe she could use some water." His eyes brightened at that reasoning. Of course! She needed water. She looked desperately dehydrated. Making his way over to a wooden bucket he spied not too far away, he grabbed a bowl and dipped it into the cool water. He was proud of the way his quick mind figured all this out as he carefully made his way back, trying not to spill any of the content. She appeared so still, and he felt his heart begin its panicked run, worried that she may die on him. He paused in front of her, at a loss for what to do next. He placed the bowl down, and lifted her head up, trickling the water down her throat.
A sputter and a choking noise sounded and the woman almost sprang from his arms, dropping to her knees and heaving in gasping breaths. She coughed heartily and he jumped back in alarm. She glared at him from her position, and what he saw there made his heart stop, if only for a second. Those eyes. So eerie, yet so familiar. He was so unused to the look she gave him. As emperor, you really didn't have that many people giving you dirty looks.
"What do you think you're doing??" She yelled out, once she had regained her breath.
Odd, she sounded a lot younger than she looked. And then, he halted once again. The water that he had inadvertently spilled on her had washed away some of the traces of dirt that had coated her face. The skin, though tinged heavily with red from the sun and possibly from anger, was remarkably clear. She got up hastily and narrowed her magnificent eyes at him. She wasn't that tall though she wasn't quite as short as Miaka was either. She flung her hat off, sending masses of beautiful hair tumbling past her shoulders.
"Why were you trying to kill me?" She demanded.
Demanded? He was king and here was some lowly peasant girl showing such disrespect, though really he was intrigued by the idea. Someone who stood up to him, and treated him like a common man. The word "freedom" echoed through his head and he wondered if he was capable of earning a person's respect and love without the title that always commanded it. And suddenly, he wondered why it was so important to him that this woman standing in front of him would give that to him. Though to hear her accusatory words, he was slightly taken aback, and just a bit offended.
"Kill you? I was trying to give you some water because you looked so dehydrated."
She laughed suddenly, the bright cheery sound ringing through the emptiness of the room. "You know, stranger. The person really should be conscious before you try giving them water. I appreciate the thought though." Her smile, soft and pretty, caught his attention. He didn't understand why that was. He was constantly surrounded by beauties at the palace and he loved Miaka, whole-heartedly and painfully. Each time he saw her with Tamahome, it hurt him so much. But in his eyes, it was about Miaka's happiness. As long as Tamahome made her happy, that was all that mattered. "Doomo arigatoo gozaimasu," she added softly. Moving towards the water bucket, she splashed some water on her face and took a quick sip to revive herself. He found himself dumbstruck as he watched the layers of dirt come off her face and reveal a startlingly, magnificently beautiful woman. He never believed it could happen but the day had finally come. There did exist a person whose beauty rivaled his, and possibly even exceeded it.
He watched in awe as the crystalline drops of water clung to her skin, and he was suddenly overcome by a yearning so deep that he nearly bent over from the force of it. She smiled, and he was struck by a blinding smile. Taken aback by the sensations that overwhelmed his temporarily, he could only stare at her.
"Gomen nasai. Where are my manners?" Her voice was musical, and strangely cultured, with an accent he could not place. Grabbing a towel, she gently rubbed her face, making her skin gleam with a pink glow. "Would you like something to drink?"
He seemed to have misplaced his tongue. He, the emperor of Konan, was struck dumb by a mere female. Even Miaka didn't have this powerful an effect on his senses. And certainly not this quickly. He settled for a simple nod and she fetched another bowl.
"What are you doing here, stranger?"
Looking for our seventh seishi, he longed to say. But that would give away his identity immediately. She gave him a quizzical look as if gauging something in her mind.
"Don't worry, I'm an honourable man."
She laughed, the sound like the tinkle of chimes ringing in his ears. "I would've bashed you on the head by now if I didn't think you were one."
Demo, she made him feel like a kid again. Her keen sense of observation and intuition simply struck him, though what she was doing fainting in the first place still puzzled him.
"Why did you faint outside?"
She stared at him, just stared at him with those wide, magnificent eyes and some unknown emotion crossed her face before a look of embarrassment appeared.
"I was working and I forgot to bring some water out with me. I didn't think the sun would be that hot."
Working? His face scrunched in concentration, as if trying to fathom the strange idea she had mentioned. Her expression saddened suddenly and she moved to the front door of her house. He frowned slightly, not entirely keen on the fact that she was trying to hide something from him. And he wasn't sure why exactly either, considering he had just met her. As he made his way over, he noted something with a look of shock, one that caught her attention simultaneously. A poor child, a young boy to be exact, was about to get trampled by a horse that had eluded the grasp of its owner. It was like a moment frozen in time, and he could see it all happening in slow motion. The jerking of her body next to his and the fear and terror on her face would be forever imprinted vividly in his mind. His heart thudded painfully against his ears, and his body moved before his brain even made the conscious decision to do so. Moving faster than he ever had, he didn't want to question why he was bothering to save the life of a child he did not even know. As he pushed the young boy out of the way, the only thing he remembered was the pounding from the horse's hooves, and the image of a little girl smiling at him, saying, "… love everyone as much as you can. Then you can become a good king."
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She was torn between the need to see the young boy and the stranger who had just risked his life to save someone he didn't know. Someone of no consequence. Her heart resumed beating and her feet made the decision for her to run. The screams had frozen in her throat, unable to sound out her emotions. Kami-sama, please let him be okay. Onegai. With a quick glance at the squalling boy, she immediately assessed that he was okay. The stranger, however, was not.
She fell to her knees, and the gasp that came from her seemed to emerged from the depths of her soul. He was bleeding in countless places, nasty gashes that oozed its evidences of having tangled with the horse and lost. A huge bruise covered his forehead, causing her to wince slightly. Brushing back his long brown hair that had become a tangled matted mess, she felt immensely guilty and she felt a pain that she could not account for. Laying her hands gently on him, she was relieved to feel the slow but thready beat of his heart. Onegai, save him. Onegai.
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And if you're confused at this point, re-read my notes at the top. Again, to sum things up, nothing will be obvious until much later. It took my imouto-chan (Genius!) a good three or four chapters to get part of the timelines straight.