Desert Rose

by Rebecca

Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yuugi, the song Desert Rose by Sting or anything that's not mine that might show up. I wish I did, but I sorta doubt that's gonna become reality. But hey it's worth trying, ne? I do own Cerca.

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//Summer break, what could be better. No school, relaxation, sun. Not to mention I can't believe I won those passes to that resort. A week without my brother, my parents, and responsibilities. I still cannot believe they let me go. I can't remember having so much good luck, I hope it lasts...//

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The man at the desk handed the girl a map and a towel. "The map will take you the hot spring you'll be using, each out customers gets their own." She nodded, and looked down at the map. Map following definitely wasn't one of her strong points, but she didn't want to disturb the evidently overworked man to help her find someone to take her. The girl instead politely thanked him and exited the building, to find herself looking a long stone path.

She followed the trail checking the map every time it divided. No way was she going to get lost and end up at the wrong spring, especially since almost all the springs were in use. By some luck she had managed to get one of the remaining open ones. //More odd luck// she thought to herself.

Finally after about fifteen minutes of walking, twisting turns, and trekking through a small dark tunnel/cave she reached her destination. She double-checked the map with a confused expression. She was sure that she had made all the right turns, but couldn't figure out how come the cave hadn't been on the map. She shrugged and, slowly she folded her clothes and laid them on the ground along with the map, her sneakers, and her backpack.

She dipped her toe into the water, testing the temperature. Slowly she sunk into the warm water, a happy sigh passed through her lips. She closed her eyes, and relaxed.

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The Suzaku gang couldn't believe their luck. By some chance they had found an area full of hot springs. There didn't seem to be anyone around, which made sense since they were in the middle of the woods. The group split of into pairs for safety and other reasons.

Miaka cheerfully waved as she and a very happy Tamahome headed off in one direction "Meet you guys back here in a few!!" she yelled. Nuriko meanwhile dragged off struggling Hotohori for slightly obvious reason. Leaving the remaining four sweatdropping. Chiriko and Mitsukake bid goodbye to Chichiri and Tasuki and went off in a different direction than the other two pairs with Tama on Mits's shoulder. Tasuki and Chichiri went off into the mist to find an empty hot spring.

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Tasuki heard a soft splash from the other side of the spring, assuming it was just Chichiri he paid it no attention…//Other side of the spring!?// He's eyes immediately opened, and looked to his side to Chichiri.

Chichiri was staring intently at the concealed side of the hot spring. "Someone else is here?" Tasuki whisperd. Chichiri slowly looked at him.

"It appears so. No da."

"Lets go check it out!!" yelled Tasuki as he stood up, Harisen in hand. Chichiri sweatdropped (a. because Tasuki had yelled, which would most likely reveal their presence to whoever was in a 10 mile radiance. b. Why in the world did Tasuki have the Harisen in the water with him?).

"Hai, but be quieter. No da." Chichiri stated as he stood up. Tasuki nodded and leaded the way. The duo creeped towards the mysterious person.

"A…a girl?!" Both boys stared stupefied at the sleeping girl. She appeared to be in her adolescence, younger than themselves though. Her long soft brown hair flowed from her head in weighed down ringlets. Several strands were on her face, most of it floated around her on the water. Her pale skin made a contrast with her dark hair. She breathed slowly through her slightly parted light rose colored lips.

The girl groggily rubbed her eyes, no surprise that she had awoken after Tasuki's loud cry (even though she hadn't even stirred when Tasuki had yelled the first time). She look from Chichiri to Tasuki to Chichiri to Tasuki clearly not registering what she was seeing with her deep brown eyes. //…//

"AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!! HENTAIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! PERVERTS!!!!!" …screams broke the peaceful silence.

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Well that's all for the first chapter. Please consider reviewing when you get the chance. I'll add the next chapter soon.