Disclaimer: I talked to Watase Yuu yesterday. She said I couldn't have Fushigi Yuugi, its plot, or its characters. T_T As you might know, that is certainly a very devastating blow to ones…high hopes, so I ended up bawling my eyes out on the spot. Watase-sama felt so sorry for me, she said she could lend some of the characters to me, if I really wanted them. ^_____^ ~glomps a grumbling Tasuki~ You're mine for the weekend! Wai wai!
Note: Pretend Tamahome never found Miaka after she ran away from their campout by that lake (that one where she tries to "clean" herself, remember?). If you keep that in mind, then you should be ok! ^_^ Now, READ!
CHAPTER ONE: SEARCH
Silver moonlight filtered in through the tiny slits in the curtain overhangs, marking a red and white alternating pattern on the carpeted floor. One could see the constellations shining fiercely against the vast blackness of the night sky, slightly illuminating various inanimate objects below. In the southern-most kingdom, tension amongst the people was high. From the mouth of one peasant, to the ears of another, word travelled fast. The Suzaku no Miko…was gone.
In the Imperial Palace, a meeting was taking place. At the head of the long, intricately carved, mahogany table stood a rather regal-looking young man, adorned with the appropriate bucket hat and duckie shoes. He furrowed his eyebrows together, quickly scanning the words on the scroll of parchment in his hands. Then he sighed heavily, rolled the scroll up with a snap and tossed it aside.
"They haven't found anything at the eastern borders of Konan. According to the message, their pace is now set towards the northern border." Hotohori gently lowered himself into his armchair, resting his elbows on the edge of the table. "I doubt they'll find her, though."
"Why don't we jus go fuckin' get her ourselves?!" Tasuki shot up from his chair, his hands balled into fists.
Hotohori narrowed his eyes in disapproval at the vocal bandit. "We can't 'just go', because you're exhausted. Everyone is, since your trip back from Sailo. It was decided that we rest a bit, before we set out on another multi-day hiking trip, remember? So I sent out a couple scavengers…"
"On the off-chance that they might find Miaka." Chichiri finished, "But don't worry, Tasuki. We could set out tomorrow; I think I've gained most of my energy back. And the rest of you?" Around the table, heads nodded in agreement. "It's settled then, we'll start tomorrow. Will you be coming with us?" He flicked his gaze over to Hotohori.
"Yes. Of course, Mia--"
"Your Majesty! It is advisable for you to stay here in the capitol. The people need you; we are in upcoming danger of war!"
Sighing, Hotohori closed his eyes for a brief second, before reopening them and facing his Brothers. "He is," Hotohori nodded towards Ichiro, his elderly advisor, "unfortunately, correct. I'm afraid my duty for the people of Konan comes first. I would like to come, but the circumstances…"
"Everyone understands, there is no need for explanations." Chichiri smiled a genuine, unmasked smile, then turned to face the rest of the party. "We'll set off right in the morning. That way, we can cover more area while we're still at full power and awake." He looked around to see worried faces; "We'll find her no da!"
~
A deafening 'crack' vibrated through the thin walls of the guests' quarters, making its way to Chichiri, in the next room. He snapped his head up, looking intently at the eastern wall of his spacious room. Tamahome…your chi! What are you doing? Jumping to his feet, Chichiri ran out the door, already knowing the answer to his internal question. Reaching for the door, Chichiri thought of reprimanding him. "Tamaho…" The younger boy of previous mention looked livid, his eyes blazing, the mark of the Ogre shining fiercely. To the left side of Tamahome, part of the wall had taken on the form of a spider web. Tiny cracks spreading in all directions from the point of contact. Chichiri turned back to Tamahome, taking in the sight of tense, shaking shoulders, and a mildly bruised right hand.
"Tamahome! Tamahome, stop!" Chichiri placed a steady hand on Tamahome's shoulder, squeezing slightly. "Calm down. I know you're frustrated about Miaka, but you need to calm down. Doing this," he gestured at the younger boy's bloodied hand, "won't get you anywhere."
"You don't understand…you don't understand!" Tamahome murmured brokenly. "You don't…it's not like that, it's different. It's different." He raised his head abruptly, grey eyes intense. "It's different."
"I know it's different. You are, after all, involved with her. But I think it would be helpful for you to know that you're not the only one suffering. We all love Miaka, she is like a little sister to me, and it kills me to have her missing. But, don't—don't blame yourself!"
Tamahome bowed his head again, shoulders heaving a sigh. He shook his head in response; he couldn't trust his voice at this point.
"What, no? You're not blaming yourself?" Chichiri's voice held the tiniest bit of sarcasm; he didn't want to emotionally bruise the boy further.
Tamahome shook his head again, this time with more vigour. "You misunderstand Chichiri! I blame myself. The blame is all upon me! It isn't your fault; it isn't Tasuki's fault. It's my fault!"
'Tamahome…it's not your fault. We'll find her all right? She'll be fine, Miaka's tough."
Brows knitted together, Tamahome frowned. Then, suddenly, the frown turned into a bitter smile. "Blame me. I left her there. I left Miaka there. I know where she is."
Authors Note: Wow…now that was a pretty horrible cliff-hanger. ~.~ Gomen ne, I'm not a very talented writer. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it! ^_^ If you did; go review! ~nodnod~ And if you didn't…go review anyway! Leave some constructive criticism behind—I love that stuff! Gah…that was a super short chapter! Shortest one I ever wrote by far…gomen! Gots to go, hope ya liked it! Ja!