Too Many Mikos
By: Arysa
Chapter 2: Friendly Feelings
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Arysa/Miaka wasn't having a good time either. She found herself at the breakfast table trying her best to eat a second helping of something that looked like rice and mystery meat. Arysa wasn't too fond of eating mystery meat. She was Jewish and as such most Oriental cuisine was out of bounds. She reached for the bowl, closed her eyes and gulped it down. Everyone around the table let out a sigh of relief.
"Hotohori," Arysa/Miaka said, "do you have any advisors at the palace that can help decipher the scroll?"
"Yes", said Hotohori, "I have many advisors, all are at your service Suzaku no Miko." Hotohori smiled and without meaning too Arysa found her heart beating rapidly. Damn, Hotohori was so gorgeous!
"Uhm ... thanks Hot-ohori." Arysa giggled. Nuriko kicked her ankle and brought her back to attention.
"Hotohori?"
"Yes, Miaka?"
"I'm looking for a very special kind of advisor, one who is young, without preconceptions of problem resolutions. This kind of person may not have much experience, but will be able to see past the current situation and help forecast possibilities that may not occur to us." As Arysa/Miaka finished this thought, she noticed Hotohori was looking at her kind of funny and Tamahome was downright scared.
Great, thought Arysa, I forgot, Miaka doesn't talk like that. I better think fast. "Can I have some more food?" she asked.
The look of concern on her friends faces vanished and another plateful of food was brought to the table.
"Miaka, when you finish eating we will return to the palace." said Hotohori. "I have an idea of the kind of person you're looking for. There is a young man who at thirteen recently passed two of the three public service exams. I will ask him to the palace."
"Miaka," said Tamahome.
"Tamahome?" said Arysa/Miaka.
"I'd like to stop at my village on our way back to the castle. Would you accompany me?"
"We'd love to Tama-chan, thank you so much for inviting us!" exclaimed Nuriko.
"Yes, that's a generous offer Tamahome, I haven't been to the outskirts of Konan in quite some time. Visiting your village will give me the perfect opportunity to find out how our peasants are prospering." chimed in Hotohori.
Arysa giggled at Tamahome's rather disappointed look. She correctly assumed that he had meant for the two to go together and continue where they had last night been so rudely interrupted. She gave him a big wink and said, "I'd love to see the place where you grew up. Let's go!"
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Ayn woke up beside Chichiri and a warm fire. A spot check of her private person revealed that she was still fully clothed. She watched the firelight dance over Chichiri's cheekbones, she found her hand reaching of it's own accord to stroke his cheek. She let her fingers trace the scar that ran from one eye down to his chin. Chichiri grabbed her hand hard and woke up with a start. When he noticed it was just Ayn he let go of her hand and in a whisk of motion put on one of his masks.
Chichiri sat up and said, "Who are you Mamoru?"
Well, now Ayn was in a bit of a bind. It seemed that this wonderful creature believed she was a he, and now wanted some kind of explanation. She wasn't much good at lying, so she thought she'd go with the truth as close as possible.
"Chichiri," she began, "I was in our ... uhmmm ... book storage place looking for information for my studies and came across this book called The Universe of the Four Gods, next thing I knew, I was here."
"That's quite odd," said Chichiri, "I had thought only a Miko could enter this world. This may mean that the barrier between our worlds is breaking, and that the balance of the universe may be disrupted. We should consult my former teacher, Taitsukun, for advice"
"All right." Agreed Ayn, she didn't say it but in heart she knew she'd follow Chichiri anywhere.
"Are you hungry Mamoru?" asked Chichiri.
Ayn's stomach answered for her and Chichiri laughed. The two headed into town for dinner. Along the way they talked about inconsequential things and gradually, Ayn learned the extent of Chichiri's loneliness, and felt herself falling deeply in love with the young sorcerer. Chichiri felt unusually relaxed beside the newcomer and they enjoyed a long evening meal. It had been a quite some time since Chichiri was able to converse with anyone who challenged his thinking and listened so attentively.
Chichiri rented them a room and they went upstairs. The room had one bed with a night table on either side holding a candle. The window let in the light of the moon but most of the room was in darkness. Ayn sought the side of the bed farthest from the window, stowed her backpack and took of her shoes. She turned around to see a nude Chichiri climbing into bed beside her. Oh man, did he really expect her to be able to sleep with such a hot man so close?
She was too afraid to take of her shirt, as that would reveal her bandaged breasts. Instead she took of her pants, glad that she hadn't decided to wear pretty underwear for once! She closed her eyes and tried very hard to sleep, but, really, whom was she kidding?
Finally, she gave up and turned to face Chichiri. Chichiri's blanket only came to mid chest. With a little maneuvering she was able to get the blanket down further to reveal more of his body. He had a slight build with strong definition. She admired his chest as her eyes traveled further down his body. She could see soft hair on his lower stomach and she very much wanted to pull the blanket down further. Each time he exhaled, a jet of warm air fluttered near her chest and she was becoming very turned on. Even with the thick bandage she knew her nipples were rock hard and she had never wanted anymore more in her entire life.
"It's cold in here No Dah!" exclaimed Chichiri. He smiled foolishly at Ayn, pulled up the blanket, rolled away from her and went to sleep.
Ayn let out a loud sigh of relief as temptation was removed from sight, rolled over and within minutes was out cold.
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Miaka/Arysa opened her eyes and to her horror discovered she was still not home! Where was Yui-chan? She was lying on a bed staring at a Manga whose characters looked oddly familiar. Dropping the book, she stood up quickly and turned around to come face to face with a pretty young woman about her height with long blond hair. She smiled at the person and said "Excuse me miss, could you please tell me where I am?" To her horror she saw the person mimic her actions. Miaka realized she was looking at a reflection.
"Tamahome!" she cried as she fainted.
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"Miaka!" yelled Tamahome as he ran towards Arysa/Miaka. "Are you OK?" he asked.
"I'm fine." said Arysa, looking rather confused. Arysa and Nuriko were walking towards Tamahome's town while he and Hotohori had scouted ahead looking for assassins. It was beautiful sunny day and the world seemed so alive. Arysa was a city girl who rarely got out to the country, she was almost happy to be in the Universe of the Four Gods.
"Oh," said Tamahome. "I just felt that you called me. I guess I was mistaken!" Tamahome gave Miaka a large grin reached down and kissed her on the forehead. "I'm glad you're all right." He abruptly turned around and went forward to scour the trail ahead.
A look of shock passed across Nuriko's features. Both Nuriko and Arysa came to the conclusion that the real Miaka must have called to Tamahome. The fact that Miaka's love could penetrate universes sent shivers down Arysa's spine. Nuriko noticed Arysa's consternation and put his arm around her.
"It's all right Arysa." said Nuriko softly. "Their love is meant to be, just do your job without causing too much pain and go home."
Arysa looked up into Nuriko's warm eyes and smiled. She had never met a man so sensitive before; it was nice.
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It was mid afternoon and Ayn/Mamoru was in hell. She couldn't tell Chichiri that she was a woman, and she was completely in love.
That morning she had made the mistake of almost kissing Chichiri, for a split second her heart stopped when it seemed like he was going to kiss her back before he made a few of those "No Dah" comments and called for breakfast. They had spent the rest of the day discussing his past girlfriend. His story about how he lost his love and his best friend made Ayn's heart go out to the handsome monk. However, she had a sneaking suspicion that Chichiri had told her the story just to prove that he wasn't gay as he thought Ayn was a man.
They were reaching the mountains when Chichiri stopped and called for a rest. Ayn was most grateful to sit down for a minute, as her ankle was killing her. It was hard to walk without the tensor bandage, but she couldn't tell Chichiri yet ... or could she? She pulled off her backpack and massaged her ankle.
Chichiri approached looking concerned. "Are you all right, Mamoru?" he asked.
"My ankle is killing me." said Ayn/Mamoru.
"No Dah!" said Chichiri. "I can help with that."
Chichiri leaned over and pulled Ayn's ankle into his lap. He gently massaged from the foot towards the ankle and from the leg down. He was moving the blood away from the swelling area while humming softly. The pain was leaving Ayn and her ankle felt almost like new.
"I didn't know you were healer!" exclaimed Ayn.
"No Dah, I'm not a healer but I have studied the body. I'm glad you're feeling better." replied Chichiri as he smiled at his charge. Chichiri couldn't help it but there was something different about Mamoru, he felt strangely ... no, he was just so lonely for so long that he didn't understand friendship anymore.
"Are you hungry Mamoru?" Chichiri asked.
Ayn could just nod. Chichiri still had her leg in his lap and she didn't want to move.
"I'll find us food, No-Dah!" and with that Chichiri shook his walking stick and disappeared.
Ayn sat and thought about what to tell Chichiri on his return. She could no longer lie to the man she loved.
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Before they knew it Nuriko and Arysa/Miaka had arrived in Tamahome's village. It was rather poor and a myriad of smells reached them quite before they were prepared. The walls were falling in on themselves, and children ran in packs across the open courtyard. Hotohori was speaking to someone who looked like the town's mayor, and Tamahome was surrounded by a gaggle of young ones. He picked up a young girl in his arms and approached. He looked at Arysa/Miaka and he seemed to glow with love for both Miaka and the child in his arms.
"This is Yurien." said Tamahome. "I raised her myself after our Mother died. Yurien this is Miaka and Nuriko. They are my friends."
Yurien pulled away from Tamahome and ran to Arysa/Miaka and hugged her. "Are you my brother's fiancé?" she said sweetly.
"Yurien!" Tamahome was shocked at her question. He looked up and saw a sad smile on his beloved's face. Tamahome made a mental note to discuss the matter further soon. He loved Miaka and her relationship with Nuriko was starting to worry him. Miaka didn't seem to need him anymore and aside from his family, she was the only thing that held any meaning.
A worried Hotohori approached the group. "Assassins from Kutou have been spotted in the area." He reported. "We should leave at first light for the palace."
"Hotohori, " said Arysa/Miaka, "can we borrow a carriage and have Tamahome's family stay with us at the palace. With Kutou stepping up the action, we will need all of the Seishi able to fully concentrate on our task."
"Of course!" Hotohori replied. "Why didn't I think of that? Please Tamahome. Go to your family and prepare them to be moved to the palace."
Tamahome dropped to his knees. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" he blurted out uncontrollably. He grinned foolishly from ear to ear, picked up Yurien, and the giggling twosome ran back to their house to prepare."
While Tamahome had dinner with his family; Arysa, Nuriko and Hotohori were put up at the Mayor's house. The Mayor and Hotohori worked out a plan to ease poverty in the region as well as a defensive strategy to protect the townsfolk against invaders. After dinner, Arysa/Miaka wandered outside for some air, and ran into Tamahome.
"Tamahome!" whispered Arysa/Miaka excitedly. He was so handsome in the moonlight with the stars reflecting the highlights in his hair.
He reached for her and held her in his arms. "Miaka, let's go." He led her to the forest; they walked hand in hand till they reached a little clearing with a pond. By the pond were two flat stones. They sat together on one stone that was still warm from the afternoon heat.
Tamahome put his arms around what he thought was Miaka and pulled her close. Arysa/Miaka sank into his embrace. She looked up and noticed his eyes were dancing.
"Miaka, " Tamahome began, "this was my favorite place as a child. I brought you here because I am no longer a child and neither are you." He placed a kiss on Miaka's forehead. "I love you Miaka, I'm glad you didn't go back to your world. I could not stand for us to be parted."
Arysa/Miaka turned to face him. "Tamahome." she said as she kissed him hard on the lips.
"Oh ... Miaka ... is this what girls do in your world?" Tamahome asked with saucer shaped eyes.
"Only when they're in love." Arysa/Miaka replied. She felt that it was a good response as she didn't really love Tamahome and felt a bit bad for interceding in these private moments, but what was she going to do? She had to keep him from finding out that his love was gone, and to be honest, she wanted to prolong her time with this gorgeous creature as much as possible!
"Actually Tamahome, what do you have planned for tonight?" Arysa asked nervously. She knew that though she didn't love Tamahome, that she was way too attracted to him to think clearly in his arms.
"Don't worry, Miaka" said Tamahome as he stroked her face. "I would never hurt you."
"Tamahome."
"Miaka."
"Tamahome, I must remain a virgin so I can call Suzaku." Arysa/Miaka admitted as she attempted to pull away from Tamahome.
"Virgin?" Tamahome asked confusedly. "Miaka, I intend on making you my wife. I would not shame either of us by taking you now. I love you."
"Oh ..." said Arysa/Miaka. She turned around and kissed him. "In my world there are many things aside from intercourse that are done when people are in love."
Tamahome laughed deeply in his throat. Arysa couldn't believe how sexy he sounded even when he was laughing!
"Miaka?"
"Tamahome?"
"Miaka, do these many things include those we experienced at Taitsukun's?" Tamahome teasingly asked with a smile as he pulled her close and kissed her hand, than each finger in turn. Rather than continuing up her arms, he picked her up and put her in his lap and kissed her deeply while running his hands down her back.
"Oh ... Tamahome." Arysa/Miaka murmured. She had no idea Tamahome would be such a quick study!
Tamahome took of his shirt and laid it down on the rock and slowly lowered Miaka until she was lying down. He kissed her lips, her ears and her neck while his hands stroked her shoulders, when he reached her breasts, Arysa/Miaka moaned softly and moved her body under his so they rubbed together.
Arysa was feeling dizzy with desire for a cartoon character! She had to stop this before it was too late, but even while she was having these thoughts her hands had dropped down from Tamahome's chest to his belt, and than lower still.
Tamahome moaned and pressed himself into Arysa/Miaka's hands. He reached down and undid the buttons on Miaka's blouse. His hands stroked her breasts, circling the nipples and than finally he bent down and took one in his mouth.
Arysa/Miaka threw her head back and pushed her breast harder against Tamahome's mouth. Encouraged by his lover's reaction he trailed kisses lower until he the waist of her skirts.
"Don't stop!" she yelped. "It feels so good, Tamahome."
Tamahome smiled and raised Miaka's skirt. He touched her gently on top of her panties and noticed the dampness. He used his other hand to caress her nipples. Meanwhile, Arysa/Miaka was pressing and releasing her hand against Tamahome's nether region. The moment Tamahome reached under her panties and touched her clit Arysa/Miaka came violently. At his lover's reaction, Tamahome shuddered in his own release.
Tamahome looked down at Miaka and the love in his eyes made Arysa want to die, as she well knew his feelings had nothing to do with her. "Miaka, I love you." he said, "You're so beautiful, I will make you the happiest bride in the entire world." He looked down at Miaka and kissed her. However, he couldn't help but notice that, even here and now, she was sad. He held her tight and soon after they walked back to the village arm in arm.
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The food Chichiri brought was so succulent and fresh, Ayn was afraid to ask where it had come from, but as it was amazing, she decided to keep quiet.
Their meal together was awkward. Ayn was trying her best to find a way to tell Chichiri that she wasn't a guy, and Chichiri was doing his best to tell her that he wasn't gay. Finally, Ayn gave up and the remainder of the meal was spent in silence.
Suddenly, Chichiri launched himself at Ayn and rolled them into the bush. He had Ayn pinned to the ground by her arms on either side of her body. Ayn didn't know what to do, her heart was beating very quickly, and the feel of his weight on her body was exciting. She looked into his eyes and he looked away. She blushed.
Harsh voices could be heard all around their hiding place. Ayn lost count of the number of men who passed them in the night. Gradually, as Chichiri realized Ayn wasn't going to give them away he rolled off Ayn and lay beside her.
As darkness descended, Ayn began to shiver from fright and cold. Ayn curled up into the fetal position and did her best to keep quiet. Chichiri spooned Ayn from behind and his warmth helped Ayn relax ... but she couldn't stop shaking. It was so nice being held by this wonderful blue haired being. Eventually, she fell asleep in his arms.
Chichiri on the other hand, couldn't sleep at all. When he put his arms around Ayn/Mamoru he had noticed that she was a woman. He could feel the outline of her bound breasts underneath her jacket and he now understood what she was trying to tell him at dinner. He mentally cursed himself for being an ass. But, was it possible to have a relationship with a Miko?
As if in answer, in her sleep Ayn snuggled closer to Chichiri. He smiled. Perhaps a better question would be is it possible to stop loving a Miko? His Miko.
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To be continued ...