Mima's Side of the Story
By: Satil
---
None of the Fushigi Yuugi characters belong to me, but is rightfully owned by Watase Yuu. Only does the character Mima belong to me. And Mima would resemble me... I rather keep the same storyline. So don't sue me or anything if there's anything in here that you do NOT like. O.o;;;;; And I'd like to recieve reviews! ^_^ But no flames... @.x;;;
---
~*Chapter 20*~
Friday, August 2, 2002
"Miaka!" Nuriko and I shouted, and in an instant, Nuriko ran towards our Miko, his full intention was to save her. He jumped towards her, grabbing her, and having the two of them roll out of the way of that beast.
The thing that tried killing Miaka looked half man, half wolf. No doubt about it, he was a Seiryuu Seishi. Two symbols that glowed blue was showing on his body.
Nuriko had let go of Miaka, and rolled to the side. A deep gash was revealed on his left arm, spilling out blood.
"Nuriko!" Miaka exclaimed.
I stared at the beast, as took an innocent man as his prey. He slashed him down and ripped off his arm, delightfully chewing on it, carrying it around in his vicious and toothy mouth. In an instant, he noticed me.
'Another animal guardian?' I thought, staring at him.
He dropped the arm and got ready to attack me. "Die, servant of Suzaku no Miko," he roared, then charged at me. I would've charged right back at him, but I wasn't in a suitable form, so I dodged him as he was inches before me. But while I did, I was thinking of my favorite, and most powerful form: the tiger. I must have used that form a whole bunch because it took less than a minute to be in its body.
I let out a vicious roar, and charged right back at the beast. With such rage, strength, and power, I managed to get on top of the thing and bite down on its neck. I bit real hard so that blood would be oozing out and it would be screaming in pain. And to please my enjoyment, the beast did what I wanted it to do: bleed, and scream.
"Mima, watch out!" I heard Nuriko warn.
The thing pushed me off of him and made me land on my back, and then he climbed on top, ready to do the same to me as I did to him. I struggled to get him off, pawing and slashing at his face, but he kept pulling his head back before I could leave a mark.
As he was barely any inches away to striking his teeth into me, a burst of flames went into his face, causing him to get off of me and back away, putting his hand up to his face. He was screaming because of the fire hitting his face, and the extreme burns he was going to have.
I got back up on my feet and saw that Nuriko had the flare in his hand, and had it aimed at the Seiryuu Seishi. 'So that's where the fire came from,' I thought. Then the thing turned his back to us and ran away. I took my human body back and brushed myself off, walking towards Nuriko and Miaka.
"You put up quite a fight, Mima," Nuriko complimented.
"Thank you, Mima," Miaka thanked. "And thank you, Nuriko."
"We were only doing our purpose in life, Miaka," I said, licking my lips and running my tongue across my teeth, tasting blood. "To protect you."
Nuriko looked down at the flare in his hand. "Chiriko's flare worked in an unexpected way," he said, but then he grabbed his arm and put his hand over the slash the beast made.
"Nuriko, will you be okay?" Miaka asked. "Is it that bad?"
"It's pretty deep, Nuriko," I said, taking a look at it after Nuriko took his hand off. "You need to bandage it up."
Miaka tore off part of her coat and wrapped it around Nuriko's arm to keep it from bleeding. "Daijobou?" She asked.
"Not too serious," Nuriko said. "Thanks. Besides, I wonder if Tamahome is safe or not."
"Tamahome..." Miaka mumbled.
"I hope he comes back with useful information. It's getting so cold out here," I rubbed my legs, but I felt a warm liquid. I looked down and saw I received a minor cut.
"What is it, Mima?" Nuriko asked.
"Just a minor cut, that's all," I looked at it closely, and decided it wasn't worth worrying over.
"Um, thanks for shielding us," Miaka thanked again.
"Why thank me?" Nuriko asked. "That's what Suzaku Seishi and your animal guardian do, isn't it? You're the one person I'll always protect."
"Nuriko, what's the matter?" Miaka asked in surprise. "You're acting like a boy. Are you all right?"
"I'm pretty sure he is all right, Miaka," I said. "He said he quit cross-dressing and he does want to stop being so prissy."
"Mima's right," Nuriko agreed. "This may seem odd for me, but I think this is the real me."
"You've put aside your sorrow about your sister?" Miaka asked.
"One reason, yeah," Nuriko replied. "Maybe because of you, too."
I decided I should be quiet. Miaka is closer to Nuriko than I am, so I guess I should but out of just this one conversation.
"What have I done?" Miaka questioned.
"Want to know?"
"Yeah."
"That is..." Nuriko let her wonder for awhile, and then said, "I won't tell you. It's fine, and better if you don't know."
"Nuriko."
"It's okay this way."
"You mean you're quitting dressing like a female for Hotohori?"
"Now there's a point!" Nuriko exclaimed. "I want Hotohori to be very happy! But I wonder is there any woman like me, who's elegant and full of mercy."
Miaka sweat dropped. "You haven't changed that much."
"Nuriko, you dressed as a female for Hotohori?" I asked.
"Yeah," he replied. "When I was being a woman so Kourin could live through me, I thought I should develope feelings for His Highness. But, since I'm over the cross-dressing business... you get the picture."
I nodded, as snow began to fall again.
"Well, Miaka," Nuriko said, "let's go find Tamahome."
"Okay!" Miaka agreed, taking my hand and pulling me up with her. "Come on, Mima."
"Sure," I stood up, and followed them.
We walked through the alleys, and finally spotted Tamahome.
"Tamahome!" Miaka called, while Nuriko formed a big, huge snowball.
Tamahome turned around, and right on cue, Nuriko threw the snowball at him, causing him to fall forward, covered with snow.
"Oh my, this snowball was a bit big, wasn't it?" Nuriko noted.
"Nuriko," I started, "you're going to kill one of us one of these days."
Tamahome jerked up and got right up in Nuriko's face, hands in fists. "Nuriko, damn you! I was thinking about something!"
"Sorry, sorry," Nuriko laughed.
"But it's a relief that you got back safely," Miaka said.
"Yeah, that, too," I grinned. "So, any news on the Shinzaho?"
"Oh, yeah!" Tamahome smiled. "Two hundred li from here, at Mt. Black, near the peak." (AN: That's what the subtitles said; two hundred li. I don't know what it means, but I'm guessing miles.)
"Sugoi!" I exclaimed. "Miaka can finally summon Suzaku!"
"It's within reach from here," Tamahome continued, pleased with my excitement. "Let's tell Tasuki and the others."
"Hai," Nuriko and Miaka said in unison.
"Where's the flare?" Tamahome asked.
"Well, its uh..." Nuriko stuttered, and began explaining about the Seiryuu Seishi and the big fight.
"Hm, oh, I see," Tamahome said, after he listened on what Nuriko had to say. "I guess it's up to Mima?"
"I'm getting hungry," I said. "Can we get a bite to eat?"
"Yeah," Miaka agreed, her stomach growling loud and clear, having us sweat drop. "Can we?"
Tamahome and Nuriko laughed, and then Nuriko said, "Okay."
It was just our luck, because a small inn was right next to us. We went inside and Tamahome went up to the counter, suggesting a small room with two beds. He paid up, and the person gave us the key and room number. We went onto the stairs on the left and walked up onto the second floor, and found our room. We went in, and I collapsed onto the beds.
"Mm!" I moaned. "It's so warm and cozy!" I snuggled up under the covers and hugged the pillows.
"Don't get too comfy," Nuriko said. "It's lucky we found a room to stay in."
"How'd you stay safe after being attacked by a deadly guy?" Tamahome asked.
I sat up, hugging the pillow and leaning against the wall, taking off my coat. "All thanks to me!" I boasted.
Nuriko laughed, "Of course, we're Suzaku Seishis after all."
My eyes widened, but hten I smiled, a soft expression appearing on my face. 'Nuriko considered me a Suzaku Seishi?' I thought. 'I'm an Animal Seishi... a protector of Miaka, my Miko.' It was weird thinking of Miaka as the Miko I was destined to protect and serve all my life. Weirder that I was born to protect her.
"That's right," Miaka agreed. "Nuriko and Mima protected me." I watched Miaka lift up a cup of tea and blow on it, too cool it down.
I got up and went over to take a seat at the table. I poured myself some tea, and took a sip.
"I see," Tamahome looked back at me, and then back at Miaka. Miaka looked at him. And after a while of staring each other down, they both said in unison, "What's with you?"
Nuriko finished his tea and set the cup on the table. "Mm, that's real good."
"How did you um... how did the both of you get into this world?" Tamahome asked.
Miaka and I were surprised at such a question. I mean, I think I remember Koji and Genrou asking me the same thing, but I could be wrong. I could have just spilled it to them. But Tamahome was in love with Miaka, so we were shocked.
We watched as Tamahome got up and walk towards the door. "Aw, it's nothing," he insisted. "I'm going downstairs for a drink." He left the room.
"I'm going to join him," Nuriko said, and got up and followed him.
"I'm going to go to sleep, Miaka," I said and went back to the bed I was on earlier. But when I sat down, Miaka leaped towards me and hugged me, crying. "Nani? Miaka, what's the matter?"
Tears ran down her cheeks and into my white shirt. "Mima! Mima! I don't know what to do... Yui thinks that I only came back here for Tamahome, and she thinks that I don't care about her! And she thinks that she was raped! And... and...!" More sobs came out of her, having her choke on her words.
"Sshh..." I rubbed the top of her head, making soothing sounds to calm her down. "Explain it to me slowly."
I let Miaka cry for a bit, and then she said, "The book... in the library. The National Library back home. Remember?"
I nodded.
"We were reading it, and we went inside the book. And you said that you were listening in and came with us. But anyway, Yui and I were saved by Tamahome because we were going to be sold as slaves by these men. And then I was in Konan, and Yui was nowhere to be found. I decided to be Suzaku no Miko because I could be granted three wishes, and I thought I could use those just for my own deeds. But I never expected to fall in love with Tamahome, or to have such great friends like you and Nuriko." She took a deep breath, and then began talking again. "Then when I found out Yui, my best friend, was Seiryuu no Miko, I was devastated. She hated me, Mima! She hated me! She wanted to... she wanted to...!
"But then... she tried taking Tamahome away from me. I tried killing myself when I found out Tamahome wasn't coming back. Remember that? Remember? Well... Tamahome came to Konan Empire to destroy me, and then Hotohori and him...
"I kissed Tamahome and then all of his memories came back. Mitsukake healed his wound, and then since we got all the Suzaku Seishi together, we started the summoning of Suzaku. You were gone when this happened. I told everybody you probably went back. We kind of never expected you to come back to us, but very relieved that you did. We missed you, truly. But I failed at summoning our God. Chiriko... remember him? Well, he wasn't Chiriko. He was a traitor. He was actually a Seiryuu Seishi. So since I failed, we're here, trying to get the Shinzaho."
I listened to Miaka's story, understanding why Yui was so cruel when I saw her that day I went with Miaka, Tasuki, and Chichiri. I could understand where she was coming from, believing that Miaka didn't come back for her and only for Tamahome.
I decided it was time to say something. "It's all right, Miaka. Everything is all right. But I think we should get some sleep, you think?"
"Yeah," Miaka laid down beside me, under the covers. I did the same, and then she held onto my hand. "Mima, you're a little sister to me. How old are you?"
"Fourteen," I replied.
"Only a year younger..." Miaka yawned. "You're just like a little sister... I can tell you anything..." And then she dozed off.
'Miaka is like an older sister to me,' I thought, and then I dozed off, too.
"Mimaaaa!" Nuriko said, shaking me.
"Mmm... what...?" I asked, irritated that he woke me up.
"Time to get up! We're getting the Shinzaho!" Nuriko said cheerfully.
"Poor kid," Tamahome said. "At least she didn't have a drink last night like we did. She sleeps later than us!"
"I get twelve hours of sleep, the least," I grinned, yawning and stretching. I got up and put on my coat, and tried smoothing out my hair.
We stepped outside, and a gust of cold air blew into my face.
"Brr...!" Tamahome said. "It's really cold out here."
Miaka stretched, and said, "Nice, clear weather."
"Ugh... the hangover's getting to me," Tamahome complained, holding his head.
"What'd you expect?" Nuriko laughed. "You overdid strong booze." I had to laugh, too.
"Now, the problem is Chichiri and the others," Tamahome said. "We have to find them."
"But, we need to hurry to the place where the Shinzaho is," Miaka reminded.
"Fine, you go with Nuriko to find the rest," Tamahome instructed. "Mima, you can come with me."
Nuriko pulled Tamahome by the ear, making him wince in pain, and whispered something, but I didn't hear it.
"You and Miaka go find Chichiri and the rest," Nuriko corrected. "Mima, you can come with me to find the Shinzaho."
"Okay," I said. So we split into our two different groups. Nuriko mounted his horse, while I got on it behind him.
"You say the Shinzaho is on Mt. Black's peak?" Nuriko asked Tamahome, just to be sure.
"Yeah," Tamahome said.
"Be careful!" Miaka said.
"Bye, we're off," Nuriko got the horse to go. "I'll be fine, I'll be fine!"
"Mima, you be careful too, okay?" Miaka called to me.
"Hai!" I waved my hand good-bye, and made a promise that we will see each other soon. All of us.
Nuriko kicked the side of the horse lightly to get it going, and then the horse began running up to the mountains. It wasn't such a long ride, and it wasn't bad either. I enjoyed it very much, that I did. We went through a short forest, and then up onto the mountain that I suspected was Mt. Black.
But on the way there, I sensed something. Something familiar, and unpleasant. I looked to where I sensed it, and had a bad vibe.
"You okay back there?" Nuriko asked.
"I'm getting bad vibes, Nuriko," I told him. "Let's be careful on the way up there, okay?"
"Nonsense, Mima," Nuriko said. "I'm always careful." He laughed. He rushed even more to reach the Shinzaho, determined to get the prized possession.
We reached midpoint, and Nuriko stopped his horse and got off. "Mima, get off, too. We're going to have to walk the rest of the way up," he instructed. I did what he told me, and we both headed up the mountain. It was hard trekking through the snow, but in no time, we reached the peak of the mountain. There was a boulder in the way of a door, and it was obvious that was where the Shinzaho was hidden.
"We made it, Mima, we did," Nuriko congratulated. "Can't believe it. We're so close to summoning Suzaku."
"I'm glad," I said. Nuriko walked up to the boulder.
"I guess it's up to me to remove this thing, huh?" he said, placing his hands on it. I watched him as I stood behind him, but I felt arms go around me, hairy arms. And then the beast sniffed me, smelling my neck and hair.
"You..." the beast whispered. "I'll get you back."
"Nuriko!" I cried.
He turned around, and saw me in the deadly hands of the Seiryuu Seishi.
By: Satil
---
None of the Fushigi Yuugi characters belong to me, but is rightfully owned by Watase Yuu. Only does the character Mima belong to me. And Mima would resemble me... I rather keep the same storyline. So don't sue me or anything if there's anything in here that you do NOT like. O.o;;;;; And I'd like to recieve reviews! ^_^ But no flames... @.x;;;
---
~*Chapter 20*~
Friday, August 2, 2002
"Miaka!" Nuriko and I shouted, and in an instant, Nuriko ran towards our Miko, his full intention was to save her. He jumped towards her, grabbing her, and having the two of them roll out of the way of that beast.
The thing that tried killing Miaka looked half man, half wolf. No doubt about it, he was a Seiryuu Seishi. Two symbols that glowed blue was showing on his body.
Nuriko had let go of Miaka, and rolled to the side. A deep gash was revealed on his left arm, spilling out blood.
"Nuriko!" Miaka exclaimed.
I stared at the beast, as took an innocent man as his prey. He slashed him down and ripped off his arm, delightfully chewing on it, carrying it around in his vicious and toothy mouth. In an instant, he noticed me.
'Another animal guardian?' I thought, staring at him.
He dropped the arm and got ready to attack me. "Die, servant of Suzaku no Miko," he roared, then charged at me. I would've charged right back at him, but I wasn't in a suitable form, so I dodged him as he was inches before me. But while I did, I was thinking of my favorite, and most powerful form: the tiger. I must have used that form a whole bunch because it took less than a minute to be in its body.
I let out a vicious roar, and charged right back at the beast. With such rage, strength, and power, I managed to get on top of the thing and bite down on its neck. I bit real hard so that blood would be oozing out and it would be screaming in pain. And to please my enjoyment, the beast did what I wanted it to do: bleed, and scream.
"Mima, watch out!" I heard Nuriko warn.
The thing pushed me off of him and made me land on my back, and then he climbed on top, ready to do the same to me as I did to him. I struggled to get him off, pawing and slashing at his face, but he kept pulling his head back before I could leave a mark.
As he was barely any inches away to striking his teeth into me, a burst of flames went into his face, causing him to get off of me and back away, putting his hand up to his face. He was screaming because of the fire hitting his face, and the extreme burns he was going to have.
I got back up on my feet and saw that Nuriko had the flare in his hand, and had it aimed at the Seiryuu Seishi. 'So that's where the fire came from,' I thought. Then the thing turned his back to us and ran away. I took my human body back and brushed myself off, walking towards Nuriko and Miaka.
"You put up quite a fight, Mima," Nuriko complimented.
"Thank you, Mima," Miaka thanked. "And thank you, Nuriko."
"We were only doing our purpose in life, Miaka," I said, licking my lips and running my tongue across my teeth, tasting blood. "To protect you."
Nuriko looked down at the flare in his hand. "Chiriko's flare worked in an unexpected way," he said, but then he grabbed his arm and put his hand over the slash the beast made.
"Nuriko, will you be okay?" Miaka asked. "Is it that bad?"
"It's pretty deep, Nuriko," I said, taking a look at it after Nuriko took his hand off. "You need to bandage it up."
Miaka tore off part of her coat and wrapped it around Nuriko's arm to keep it from bleeding. "Daijobou?" She asked.
"Not too serious," Nuriko said. "Thanks. Besides, I wonder if Tamahome is safe or not."
"Tamahome..." Miaka mumbled.
"I hope he comes back with useful information. It's getting so cold out here," I rubbed my legs, but I felt a warm liquid. I looked down and saw I received a minor cut.
"What is it, Mima?" Nuriko asked.
"Just a minor cut, that's all," I looked at it closely, and decided it wasn't worth worrying over.
"Um, thanks for shielding us," Miaka thanked again.
"Why thank me?" Nuriko asked. "That's what Suzaku Seishi and your animal guardian do, isn't it? You're the one person I'll always protect."
"Nuriko, what's the matter?" Miaka asked in surprise. "You're acting like a boy. Are you all right?"
"I'm pretty sure he is all right, Miaka," I said. "He said he quit cross-dressing and he does want to stop being so prissy."
"Mima's right," Nuriko agreed. "This may seem odd for me, but I think this is the real me."
"You've put aside your sorrow about your sister?" Miaka asked.
"One reason, yeah," Nuriko replied. "Maybe because of you, too."
I decided I should be quiet. Miaka is closer to Nuriko than I am, so I guess I should but out of just this one conversation.
"What have I done?" Miaka questioned.
"Want to know?"
"Yeah."
"That is..." Nuriko let her wonder for awhile, and then said, "I won't tell you. It's fine, and better if you don't know."
"Nuriko."
"It's okay this way."
"You mean you're quitting dressing like a female for Hotohori?"
"Now there's a point!" Nuriko exclaimed. "I want Hotohori to be very happy! But I wonder is there any woman like me, who's elegant and full of mercy."
Miaka sweat dropped. "You haven't changed that much."
"Nuriko, you dressed as a female for Hotohori?" I asked.
"Yeah," he replied. "When I was being a woman so Kourin could live through me, I thought I should develope feelings for His Highness. But, since I'm over the cross-dressing business... you get the picture."
I nodded, as snow began to fall again.
"Well, Miaka," Nuriko said, "let's go find Tamahome."
"Okay!" Miaka agreed, taking my hand and pulling me up with her. "Come on, Mima."
"Sure," I stood up, and followed them.
We walked through the alleys, and finally spotted Tamahome.
"Tamahome!" Miaka called, while Nuriko formed a big, huge snowball.
Tamahome turned around, and right on cue, Nuriko threw the snowball at him, causing him to fall forward, covered with snow.
"Oh my, this snowball was a bit big, wasn't it?" Nuriko noted.
"Nuriko," I started, "you're going to kill one of us one of these days."
Tamahome jerked up and got right up in Nuriko's face, hands in fists. "Nuriko, damn you! I was thinking about something!"
"Sorry, sorry," Nuriko laughed.
"But it's a relief that you got back safely," Miaka said.
"Yeah, that, too," I grinned. "So, any news on the Shinzaho?"
"Oh, yeah!" Tamahome smiled. "Two hundred li from here, at Mt. Black, near the peak." (AN: That's what the subtitles said; two hundred li. I don't know what it means, but I'm guessing miles.)
"Sugoi!" I exclaimed. "Miaka can finally summon Suzaku!"
"It's within reach from here," Tamahome continued, pleased with my excitement. "Let's tell Tasuki and the others."
"Hai," Nuriko and Miaka said in unison.
"Where's the flare?" Tamahome asked.
"Well, its uh..." Nuriko stuttered, and began explaining about the Seiryuu Seishi and the big fight.
"Hm, oh, I see," Tamahome said, after he listened on what Nuriko had to say. "I guess it's up to Mima?"
"I'm getting hungry," I said. "Can we get a bite to eat?"
"Yeah," Miaka agreed, her stomach growling loud and clear, having us sweat drop. "Can we?"
Tamahome and Nuriko laughed, and then Nuriko said, "Okay."
It was just our luck, because a small inn was right next to us. We went inside and Tamahome went up to the counter, suggesting a small room with two beds. He paid up, and the person gave us the key and room number. We went onto the stairs on the left and walked up onto the second floor, and found our room. We went in, and I collapsed onto the beds.
"Mm!" I moaned. "It's so warm and cozy!" I snuggled up under the covers and hugged the pillows.
"Don't get too comfy," Nuriko said. "It's lucky we found a room to stay in."
"How'd you stay safe after being attacked by a deadly guy?" Tamahome asked.
I sat up, hugging the pillow and leaning against the wall, taking off my coat. "All thanks to me!" I boasted.
Nuriko laughed, "Of course, we're Suzaku Seishis after all."
My eyes widened, but hten I smiled, a soft expression appearing on my face. 'Nuriko considered me a Suzaku Seishi?' I thought. 'I'm an Animal Seishi... a protector of Miaka, my Miko.' It was weird thinking of Miaka as the Miko I was destined to protect and serve all my life. Weirder that I was born to protect her.
"That's right," Miaka agreed. "Nuriko and Mima protected me." I watched Miaka lift up a cup of tea and blow on it, too cool it down.
I got up and went over to take a seat at the table. I poured myself some tea, and took a sip.
"I see," Tamahome looked back at me, and then back at Miaka. Miaka looked at him. And after a while of staring each other down, they both said in unison, "What's with you?"
Nuriko finished his tea and set the cup on the table. "Mm, that's real good."
"How did you um... how did the both of you get into this world?" Tamahome asked.
Miaka and I were surprised at such a question. I mean, I think I remember Koji and Genrou asking me the same thing, but I could be wrong. I could have just spilled it to them. But Tamahome was in love with Miaka, so we were shocked.
We watched as Tamahome got up and walk towards the door. "Aw, it's nothing," he insisted. "I'm going downstairs for a drink." He left the room.
"I'm going to join him," Nuriko said, and got up and followed him.
"I'm going to go to sleep, Miaka," I said and went back to the bed I was on earlier. But when I sat down, Miaka leaped towards me and hugged me, crying. "Nani? Miaka, what's the matter?"
Tears ran down her cheeks and into my white shirt. "Mima! Mima! I don't know what to do... Yui thinks that I only came back here for Tamahome, and she thinks that I don't care about her! And she thinks that she was raped! And... and...!" More sobs came out of her, having her choke on her words.
"Sshh..." I rubbed the top of her head, making soothing sounds to calm her down. "Explain it to me slowly."
I let Miaka cry for a bit, and then she said, "The book... in the library. The National Library back home. Remember?"
I nodded.
"We were reading it, and we went inside the book. And you said that you were listening in and came with us. But anyway, Yui and I were saved by Tamahome because we were going to be sold as slaves by these men. And then I was in Konan, and Yui was nowhere to be found. I decided to be Suzaku no Miko because I could be granted three wishes, and I thought I could use those just for my own deeds. But I never expected to fall in love with Tamahome, or to have such great friends like you and Nuriko." She took a deep breath, and then began talking again. "Then when I found out Yui, my best friend, was Seiryuu no Miko, I was devastated. She hated me, Mima! She hated me! She wanted to... she wanted to...!
"But then... she tried taking Tamahome away from me. I tried killing myself when I found out Tamahome wasn't coming back. Remember that? Remember? Well... Tamahome came to Konan Empire to destroy me, and then Hotohori and him...
"I kissed Tamahome and then all of his memories came back. Mitsukake healed his wound, and then since we got all the Suzaku Seishi together, we started the summoning of Suzaku. You were gone when this happened. I told everybody you probably went back. We kind of never expected you to come back to us, but very relieved that you did. We missed you, truly. But I failed at summoning our God. Chiriko... remember him? Well, he wasn't Chiriko. He was a traitor. He was actually a Seiryuu Seishi. So since I failed, we're here, trying to get the Shinzaho."
I listened to Miaka's story, understanding why Yui was so cruel when I saw her that day I went with Miaka, Tasuki, and Chichiri. I could understand where she was coming from, believing that Miaka didn't come back for her and only for Tamahome.
I decided it was time to say something. "It's all right, Miaka. Everything is all right. But I think we should get some sleep, you think?"
"Yeah," Miaka laid down beside me, under the covers. I did the same, and then she held onto my hand. "Mima, you're a little sister to me. How old are you?"
"Fourteen," I replied.
"Only a year younger..." Miaka yawned. "You're just like a little sister... I can tell you anything..." And then she dozed off.
'Miaka is like an older sister to me,' I thought, and then I dozed off, too.
"Mimaaaa!" Nuriko said, shaking me.
"Mmm... what...?" I asked, irritated that he woke me up.
"Time to get up! We're getting the Shinzaho!" Nuriko said cheerfully.
"Poor kid," Tamahome said. "At least she didn't have a drink last night like we did. She sleeps later than us!"
"I get twelve hours of sleep, the least," I grinned, yawning and stretching. I got up and put on my coat, and tried smoothing out my hair.
We stepped outside, and a gust of cold air blew into my face.
"Brr...!" Tamahome said. "It's really cold out here."
Miaka stretched, and said, "Nice, clear weather."
"Ugh... the hangover's getting to me," Tamahome complained, holding his head.
"What'd you expect?" Nuriko laughed. "You overdid strong booze." I had to laugh, too.
"Now, the problem is Chichiri and the others," Tamahome said. "We have to find them."
"But, we need to hurry to the place where the Shinzaho is," Miaka reminded.
"Fine, you go with Nuriko to find the rest," Tamahome instructed. "Mima, you can come with me."
Nuriko pulled Tamahome by the ear, making him wince in pain, and whispered something, but I didn't hear it.
"You and Miaka go find Chichiri and the rest," Nuriko corrected. "Mima, you can come with me to find the Shinzaho."
"Okay," I said. So we split into our two different groups. Nuriko mounted his horse, while I got on it behind him.
"You say the Shinzaho is on Mt. Black's peak?" Nuriko asked Tamahome, just to be sure.
"Yeah," Tamahome said.
"Be careful!" Miaka said.
"Bye, we're off," Nuriko got the horse to go. "I'll be fine, I'll be fine!"
"Mima, you be careful too, okay?" Miaka called to me.
"Hai!" I waved my hand good-bye, and made a promise that we will see each other soon. All of us.
Nuriko kicked the side of the horse lightly to get it going, and then the horse began running up to the mountains. It wasn't such a long ride, and it wasn't bad either. I enjoyed it very much, that I did. We went through a short forest, and then up onto the mountain that I suspected was Mt. Black.
But on the way there, I sensed something. Something familiar, and unpleasant. I looked to where I sensed it, and had a bad vibe.
"You okay back there?" Nuriko asked.
"I'm getting bad vibes, Nuriko," I told him. "Let's be careful on the way up there, okay?"
"Nonsense, Mima," Nuriko said. "I'm always careful." He laughed. He rushed even more to reach the Shinzaho, determined to get the prized possession.
We reached midpoint, and Nuriko stopped his horse and got off. "Mima, get off, too. We're going to have to walk the rest of the way up," he instructed. I did what he told me, and we both headed up the mountain. It was hard trekking through the snow, but in no time, we reached the peak of the mountain. There was a boulder in the way of a door, and it was obvious that was where the Shinzaho was hidden.
"We made it, Mima, we did," Nuriko congratulated. "Can't believe it. We're so close to summoning Suzaku."
"I'm glad," I said. Nuriko walked up to the boulder.
"I guess it's up to me to remove this thing, huh?" he said, placing his hands on it. I watched him as I stood behind him, but I felt arms go around me, hairy arms. And then the beast sniffed me, smelling my neck and hair.
"You..." the beast whispered. "I'll get you back."
"Nuriko!" I cried.
He turned around, and saw me in the deadly hands of the Seiryuu Seishi.
