Chapter 19: Along Came a Firefly
"Hotohori.............." A tear fell. "Hotohori.................." A fist clenched. "Hotohori.........................." Gems glew. "Hotohori!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Mirakuru sat up in her bed startled by the dream she'd just had. But no, it wasn't a dream. It was real, the memory from the other day. She'd been left by herself and a knife was in her hand. *It's got to be this way.* Long hair fell to the floor, she watched the strands of her brunette hair drop. *Believe me when I say--I'm not just doing this for Nuriko.* The shorter part now seemed long, against the longer part that slide down her back a little past her shoulders. But then it came up to just below her eyes, as more tresses of hair fell. Silently she crept out of the room and to Nuriko's room. She grabbed a hand full of outfits she prayed would fit her. She changed, padding down her breasts with bandages to make them seem flat. Taking more of the bandages she covered the gems on her wrists. But as she covered the last one, she took a good look at it. The symbol of star in Chinese was reflected. "Hotohori..." She continued to wrap it, but more vigourously this time. Mirakuru knew if she looked at that character for any longer she wouldn't be able to go against Hotohori's wishes and leave with the Suzaku seishi for the journey to Northern country for the Shinzaho.
She stood up and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Umm--" Walking closer to the desk she noticed that their was left over make-up from Nuriko took his sister's name. *Kourin. I know you'd be proud of him.* Taking the darkest blue she could find she applied it to the corner of her eyes. *Wow, I really do look like a guy. I wonder what Mum and Dad would say." She shook her head. *No, I can't think about home now. This is my home. And they were never there anyway. I was always busy with concerts and meetings and photoshots. Unmei? No way, this is my destiny not to be some big shot singer.* She clenched her fists. *They never had time for me.*
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"It's really ashame about you not being about to go with them, Majesty." A guard said trying to cheer the man up. "But atleast Lady Mirakuru is here for your confort."
"Highness," another said. "You should really try to smile. The Priestess and the others will be fine."
"I guess you are right." The Emperor said with a soft smile, carring the teddy bear Miaka had left for him and a picture of the whole group. He glanced down at the smiling faces. Green eyes found the bright eyes of his fiancee, and he couldn't help but smile with endearment. *I'm going to make you mine very, very soon. Maybe in the next few nights.*
A nudge came against his chest from a reckless boy carrying a large amount of clothing. "Oh, excuse me!" The voice said. His eyes looked up innocently, slightly hidden beneath brown hair. "Umm--uh... Highness, please," he fell immediately to his knees, "Please forgive my behavior. I did not realize it was you." His eye faced the ground. "I am extremely sorry."
The guards flustered not quite knowing how to react. "Majesty?" The taller one asked.
"It's alright." He reassured them with a grin, and turned to face the boy. "Stand up lad." A hand went to his shoulder. "What is your name?"
"Um--" He flushed.
"Oh never mind." He smiled but couldn't find the boy's eyes. "Please forgive me for being in the way."
"You've always been so kind," a now girlish voice said.
"Huh," Hotohori blinked. *Wait a minute.*
He threw his arms around Hotohori and his heart cried out for him. "Mm..." His knees bent and he struggled to lift him but still soared into the air. Landing on a roof he could still the guards cursing him.
"What's the meaning of this?!" But the Emperor couldn't get a response even if he tried. The boy's soft lips claimed his, one hand pulled the head piece from his hair letting the long forest green tresses fall, and the other clasped his hand.
*Soft lips. Soft, luchious lips. Like ripe peaches in the spring.* He wanted to hold the boy's face, to keep him close to him. *This is--*
"Hotohori," the boy said, and he found why he wanted to do those things. Blue eyes looked up at him.
"Mira--" It was not a boy, not at all, it was his lover, his fiancee. Mirakuru hushed him with her fingertips. "Your hair," he said touching it.
She could not refuse that touch, not the gentleness and the warmth. She could not deny that need to hold him, but she wouldn't do it. "Pretend you don't know me."
"Hmm." He blinked with surprise.
"I pray to the heavens to try to save this soul." She touched her chest, just above her heart. "'Cause this sweet little angel is not the girl I know." And then to her surprise his hand touched over hers. "Huh!?!?"
He touched his lips to hers, so gently, so precious, so perfect. He drew away and it seemed to end to quickly. But she was breathless. He gripped her hand tighter. "This sweet little angel needs to rest her wings."
"Hotohori," she whispered, fighting back painful tears. She knew he wanted her to stay, knew how desperately he needed her, but she just-- She could hear the guards coming closer and began to get nevous. Turning her head she could see them out of the corner of her eye. Turning back she looked up at him for a silent, intense moment. Mirakuru pulled him to her, and whispered to him. "I love you," but she was running away before he could say anything. "I'm sorry..."
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"I really wish it didn't have to be this way," she said to herself aloud. Not everybody had seen her sneak on the boat, actually only Chichiri and Mitsukake, but neither one had said anything, so she was safe stay in her room a few hours by herself. Every now and then she'd hear a laugh or footsteps near her room, but no one had come in. She felt more at ease that way, being alone. She missed talking to them though, so she went to get dressed and prepared for the commotion she knew she'd get. She knew how disappointed Tamahome would be in her for leaving Hotohori by himself, and how much Tasuki would mock her for not staying with him. 'What's the matter?! Were you afraid to be alone with him by yourself?' She hated arguing with him, especially with all the other chaos already going on.
Kouran had insisted to go with the seishi, and it upseted Saikyo and Chichiri. Although Kouran and Chichiri had started to talk more, he never felt comfortable for that long of a time. A long look of sadness would cross her teary, forest green eyes. *Houjun...*
She never talked to Kouran but she understood that she did love Chichiri, but those eyes. Those eyes--they didn't seem human.
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The door slide open with the force of her hand. Immediately she heard a whinning at her feet. "Tama." She picked up the cat and cuddled him to her chest. "You knew I was here didn't you?" She smiled and pat his head. "Silly cat," she grinned as her purred contently.
"Mirakuru?" A familiar voice said. Miaka's eyes found hers.
"Miaka!" She blinked with surprise.
"What are you do--" She through her arms around Mirakuru. "I didn't know you were here."
Mirakuru seemed surprise with the hug. "Yeah... I am!" She faked a smile. Miaka and her stood at equal height but her friends was a month or so older. There was an awkward moment of silence until Miaka dared to blurt out:
"Hungry?" Miaka's smile seemed to be always on her face.
*Miaka...* "Um, ah, yeah," she blushed and followed Miaka down the halls. Tama was still in her arms so when she spotted the rest of them he jumped from her and ran to Mitsukake. His eyes looked down to Mirakuru.
"Good to see you Mirakuru," the rest of the seishi looked up, Nuriko's eyes the most startled.
"Hi," she just wanted to go back and run to Hotohori, but she couldn't. She felt weak, so small and helpless. The eyes of all of the warriors focused on her. Dressed as a man, hair short, breast padded down, wrists covered in bandages to hid the gems, she felt the alienation beginning to accure.
"You look like a man," Tasuki bluntly pointed out. "What the--?"
"Why did you--" Saikyo stepped bravely ahead to touch the girl's hair. Those dark crimson eyes followed those of sea blue. The question was answered. *I understand.*
*Do you think it's all right?* She asked slightly.
"That's up to you to decide. Another grey area."
"Something like that."
She went to sit down, but before she could Daikonsen's hand whipped across her face. "What the hell are you thinking?" Chiriko jumped at her sudden temper. "You left Hotohori!!!"
"Daikonsen," Shinjitsu stated plainly.
"No," she snapped, "You did the same to Tasuki!!!!" Shinjitsu turned her head away after absorbing what she had said. She turned back to Mirakuru who was holding her cheek. "You know he's already been hurt one too many times. You're being so pathetic. Listen to your common sense Mirakuru!!"
"Leave me the hell alone!!!" She jumped back from Daikonsen's reach. "You have no right!" They girls argued but it had never gotten this bad. Before she could slap her back, Tamahome caught her hand.
With a stern look, he glared at Mirakuru. "Don't fight, we're all on the same side."
"Umm," she frowned back and then backed away and sat on the other side of the room near Chichiri. Her energy rose, as it usually did when she was angry. the curtains in the room began to singe. A flame started on one and immediately Mitsukake smothered it.
"You should come in the other room with me," Nuriko said and pulled her from the group. The curtains went back to normal, but not without ash on the floor. The water outside seemed to be the opposite of the fire inside. The boat rocked against the current and Daikonsen stormed away from them.
"They're gonna destroy the ship like that," Miaka pointed out.
"I thought those two were really close," Kouran said as she stood.
"They are," Chiriko said intently. "I don't understand what's going on, but obviously it's got to do with his Majesty. It's come to my understanding that Mirakuru has become very depressed lately. I heard the sound of her fist against the hard walls of the palace. Later I passed by that way and to my surprise there were cracks in the stone."
The seishi jumped at his statement. "She--" Mitsukake shook his head and held his forehead in the palm of his hand. "That's not her humanly ability."
"What are you saying Mitsukake?" Chichiri said immediately, standing up fiercely.
"He means she's not using her powers properly. Out the four women warriors of Suzaku, Daikonsen, with her sword, Densetsu with her strength and bow, and Shinjitsu with rising abilities and potential for greatness, Mirakuru is the chi soldier. Meaning," Tamahome continued, "She's kind of a combination between Hotohori and myself. She can channel her energy in prayer and thoughts and she can create energy and use it as a weapon."
"She's channelling her energy wrong, and it's no wonder, she's been so upset. That kind of stress on her body, is bond to do some serious damage," Shinjitsu pointed out.
"Does anyone have any idea what's up?!" Tasuki blurted out.
There was along moment of silence. But a figure stepped forward. "I do." Daikonsen peered at them from the door way. Apparently she'd burned off her temper and came back to appaulagize. "She's in love with two men--"
Miaka's eyes widened.
"Hotohori and Nuriko..."
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"That's what it comes down to?" Nuriko asked as he closed the door behind him. "You fighting with you're best friend?" He glared at her. "What are you turning into?"
"She's a bitch," the soft and helpless sound in her voice said otherwise. His eyes followed hers even though she tried to look away. They hadn't been alone in along time, and it seemed alien to him, but so familiar to her. Everynight she'd see him, even as she lay in Hotohori's arms, even as his breathing hit her neck, even as he reached so lightly to touch her in sensitive places, she could still see Nuriko, still see his face, his eyes, his lips on hers. She loved Hotohori, of course but still she cared so deeply for Nuriko. *What's wrong with me?!?!... You can only love one man,* she told herself. *I love Hotohori!! I love him, I do!!!...... I do...* she repeated.
"Stop this! You just keep putting up more and more walls around yourself, don't you see how worried we all are about you," he kneeled down in front of her knees, because of her place on the bed. "Chichiri, Tamahome, Chiriko, Daikonsen, Mitsukake, Miaka, Kakusei, Densetsu, Tasuki, myself we're all so worried. Why don't you tell me what's wrong? I'm you're friend, remember? It's me, just me. Nuriko--Ryuuen--it's me. Ryuuen, or Nuriko of the Suzaku Seishi."
"Ryuuen..." She tried not to but she did--her arms pulled the man to her. "I'm so confused."
"Because of me? Yes--that's it, my feelings for you." He was not afraid to be honest as he held her.
"Uh-huh," she pulled him closer. "I love you both, you and Hotohori, more then anything. Everybody's been so good to me. Their all like my big brothers, Mitsukake, Chichiri, Tasuki, Tamahome. Chiriko like a little brother and Densetsu, Kakusei, and Daikonsen, and Miaka, my sisters. I'm finally not the only child in my family. You eleven are my family." She smiled feeling the love from them all. We are the children of Suzaku, we all must stay together.
"You're right about that," his voice was calm. "We are a family, and we'll always be together, all of us, everyone."
"That's right," Densetsu said walking in from the enterance. "We will always be the Suzaku Seishi, protecting the Priestess, fighting side by side." She sat down on the left side of Mirakuru.
"There's no other way we could be, we are all share the same destiny," Chichiri climbed on the bed behind her and touched his hand on Densetsu's shoulder. "We all share the same fate."
"We live, for the soul purpose, of protecting Miaka," Tasuki sat on the right side of bed. The others followed. "Look, it's a party!" It was the first time Tasuki had smiled since Kakusei broke it off with him. Life filled his eyes, and a wonder filled hers she stood right behind him. Chiriko stood next the Tasuki and the kneeling Nuriko. With each life force that entered the promise of Suzaku, the power of hope, grew.
"Tasuki..." Mirakuru smiled at him and turned her eyes to Chiriko.
"We have to be ready for the battles ahead," he smiled and he watched Tamahome and Miaka.
Tamahome's hand settled across Miaka's back as she kneeled beside her love, who sat next to Densetsu. "There will be no fighting on this team, here me?"
Miaka nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, and as soon as we get that straight we can all go eat. I'll cook!" She through a hand in the air. Sweat drops appeared on everyones' forehead.
Nuriko gave her a soft tap, but for him that was like a punch. "I'll cook," he laughed.
Mitsuakake knelt close to Chichiri, with Tama on his shoulder. "I can get some herbal tea ready. But that's besides the point, Mirakuru, you must pull through this cloudy area. No matter who you decide between, nothing will ever change."
"Yes, Hotohori and Nuriko both will still are for you, no matter what happens," Daikonsen said softly standing next to Kakusei. "And I'm sorry about before."
"It's alright." Mirakuru smiled sweetly. Daikonsen smiled back.
A silence fell over the room and Kakusei's heart filled with joy, and suddenly she couldn't help herself, "Now it's a party!!!!!" Tasuki's eyes fell upon her, and so did the eyes of the others.
A sharp breath exhaled from her lungs and she choked. "Umm," Tasuki stood up, Nuriko slide out of his way and Shinjitsu backed up, her bare legs hitting to wall suddenly. *I know that look.*
She gasped at the touch of his hands against her shoulders. He dropped to fan at his feet and kicked it out of the way.
Mirakuru looked to Miaka who seemed as curious as she. "Ten bucks--bet you they kiss."
"You're on!" Mirakuru grinned not taking the bet seriously. Tamahome's eyes lit up.
"Money?" Miaka saw his attention spane had worn off and decided to get him focused on something else.
"Tamahome," she said softly.
"Hmm?" He turned to her and their eyes met. Suddenly it didn't seem to be important to get his mind of money. *Miaka...* He smiled and gently he stood up taking her hand as he helped her to her feet. "Let's go somehere."
"Ok." She shyly followed and they exited the room.
Chiriko watched them leave. "We better do the same." He motioned for the others to follow. Mitsukake grinned as he left and everybody else watched the two as they exited.
"We're all alone now." Tasuki's serious side showed. Slowly his hands cupped to her cheeks. "Is there anything you want to say to me?" He was hoping she'd cling to him, beg for his warmth and love, and surrender herself to him. But as things would go, it was never that easy.
"No," she feared his power over her. On her face was written only subtly 'I'm so, so sorry.' One hand slide into her hair the other stayed in place. His fingertips touched her lips and her mouth wet dry. She couldn't fight how her body was reacting but she tried to fight the pending emotions flooding back to her. "Stop."
He did and his hands fell against his sides. The girl stood only at 5'4", so he was a good 6 inches taller than she. "Alright, if that's the way you want to play it," he looked away. "I won't touch you."
She didn't answer, but stared with an emptiness in her eyes. She felt his saddness drowning him, his sorrow killing him, his grief eating away at his spirit. Her dark brown eyes looked at his clothing: A gray shirt, cut at the elbow, with a red boarder, tied at his waist with a darker red sash, and another shirt beneath that the color of her school uniform top, a navy blue. His pants were black, and his boots, black as well.
"I won't touch you anymore," he backed slowly away and his eyes were shadowed. "I won't touch you if you don't want me to..." Disappointed filled his words. "I feel so awful, for all those times I tried--uh--" He seemed to be hesitant. "And what those men did. I have to live with the fact that I wasn't the first, but tell me atleast this--"
"Hmm."
"Was I--Was I the first man to love you?!?!" He cried finally and looked up at her with tears forming in his eyes. He then whipped them away and looked down at his hands. "Funny..." He said with a saddened smile. "I thought that I could make you understand." His hands went to fists. "But I guess not. I underestimated you: you're need to be strong on your own. I understand, I'm the same way. I get you. Yeah. I get the reason." But his body shook beneath her gaze. "But there's one thing different between you and me--" He looked back up at her, his cheeks flushed with tears and his eyes reddened. "I'll tell you openly... You have my heart... So don't hurt me..." He continued, coming to the revelation. "You mean everything to me..." His head tipped downward and he stood helplessly, almost like a doll.
"Uhhhhhh........................" She gasped at his remark. *No one--no one has ever said anything like that to me. No one...* She was fighting the tears that wouldn't come. Somehow she didn't cry even though her heart was screaming. The diamond fan at her feet caught her attention. *Tasuki's fan.* She bet to pick it up, and looked at her reflection in it as she did. *His weapon.* Tasuki seemed dead, an inanimite object. Without hesitation she embaced the tession into her arms. *His heart and soul go into this everytime he uses it, he's the most couragous and passionate person I know... And I was the one who broke his spirit...* "I killed your spirit," she whispered in a longing way.
He looked up at her with tears, but didn't say anything.
"And I'm so sorry for that..." She said with her eyes welling. "I'm just not the one for you."
He stood straight up suddenly and cried, "What the hell are you talking about?! Of course you are!!" He clenched his hands into fists. "You and you alone!!!" He took the girl into his arms. "Damn it! You didn't break my spirit and I have never blamed you. You're just being yourself and that's what I want you to do." The fan slipped from her grasp. "Just let me know you, let me see your heart!!!.................. That's all I ask..."
"Tasuki?...."
"That's all I want... Let me love you..." He whimpered and forcered her closer.
".....You were.... the first man.... to love me....... ever......" She whispered softly, "And you are the first man I have ever loved... and last..."
"Uhh!!!!!" he gasped and stared into space for a moment. His strong arms pulled her closer to him. "Aistiteru Kakusei."
And without hestiation, "Watashimo aishiteru Tauski... (I love you too)"
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*I can't believe he--he left me alone like he did.* Daikonsen looked up at the ceiling, the waves slowly rocking her to sleep. Suzaku had not joined her the previous night as he had promised. She wondered if something had happened or if he had abandon her. *Tenshi...* she silently called to him. *I want to know every part of you... Aishiteru... Tenshi... Tenshi..................................... Ten--shi...................* She whipped away a solitary tear and the sense of hope was fleeting.
Dark eyes watched from a hidden place. The flashed at the tears and cried silently out for them to stop. *I get a feeling I can't explain, whenever your eyes met mine. My heart spins in circles and I lose all sense and reality...* He felt ashamed of himself for not coming the other night and damned himself for disappointing her. If he was only a regular man, and not a god, it would be so much easier for them to be together. *If only I could be, just that...*
She sat up suddenly. Her movement caught her attention. She looked around the room, her eyes skimming over everything, taking everything in.
*She senses my presense...* Daikonsen moved her legs slowly to the side of the bed and stood up. The light, sky-colored hair was tied up into a ponytail and she brushed her bangs out of her eyes. She stood frozen in time for a few moments and cunningly turned around. By the time she had completed the full 360 degress a sword was in her hands.
Her eyes looked like stars underneath lowered brows and her teeth were clenched together. "Who's there?" Defensively she prepared to strick anyone who may appear before her.
*Hotaru...*
Suddenly there was an intense dizziness in her head and she held her forehead in her hands, dropping the sword. The spell shot through her like a needle, sharp but hardly painful. "Uhh..." She shook her head back and forth. *What's going on?!?!* she asked herself and then clapsed.
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"Gomen nasai... I'm sorry..." Daikonsen heard and a face was above her. Everything was blurry, but it became more in more clear. "I'm... so... so sorry." Clearer still... Tenshi... Houou... Suzaku...
"Suzaku!!!" She sat up but fell backwards. "Umm..."
"That spell was kind of hard on you... Sorry about that. He looked away and continued with, "You waited for me last night, didn't you..."
"Suzaku..." Arms pulled him closer in one swift move. "Don't worry about anything!" she cried. "Just stay with me... Stay with me!!! Don't leave me again. I want to be with you. I love you... I want you... I want to be one with you... I want to be one with the passion and love and desire and fire and one with your soul!!!!!.........................................."
"Hotaru?!?!" He breathed hard. *Daikonsen........................* His eyes were wide, surprised, confused... His heart warming.
"Love....................... Devotion.................. Feeling.................... Emotion..........................................." She pulled him closer. "Don't be afraid to be strong.............. Don't be to proud to be weak................." She then closed her eyes and and placed her lips over his. They were on another plain of exsistence. Somewhere not known by humans and untouched by the gods. They were both in the purest state--no clothes to sheild them. They couldn't hide. Even a he, as a god, had feelings. No one knew that, no one had any idea, but then a firefly came along and lit up the night. Just like a star....... And she whispered... "Just believe in destiny................................"
"Uh...." They both said in merely a breath as they joined in a dance of mind, body, heart, and spirit. It was more than just heat, it was much more than passion, than desire, than urge, than understanding, than compassion, than anything. It was emotion--of the purest kind--love......
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Tasuki breathed a bit and Kakusei looked up at him. She smiled at him, in the sweetest way she'd ever had. Her head and hand rested on his chest. She reviewed her kisses upon his neck and he held her hand. They had made love over and over and over again that night and she felt sore, satisfied, and very weak with love.
"I'm only happy when I'm with you. I only feel good when I'm talking to you. And I'm the best when your near me." Kakusei muffled her voice against his hair as her lips nibbled into his skin, her tongue teasing him in sensous ways. Tasuki's arms went around her.
"It's hard to breath... My heart is sinking..."
"No... Not really," she kissed his cheek, "Just touching mine."
"Something like that." He smiled up at the ceiling. "My life force feels unbreakable right now..."
"Mine too... Like I could actually help out when we're in battle."
"Are you kidding?!" He sat up suddenly. "You're the sole reason I am doing this... Not just for Miaka and for my destiny... For you... So that way you can make a wish to Suzaku for what ever you want!"
"Tasuki..." She leaned into his chest and they lay back down. "For me?"
"Yeah..." He paused. "I've been meaning to ask you--what will you wish for?"
"Hmm..." She thought. "I haven't really thought about it. I guess whatever... A good life... I don't know."
"You're holding back," he caught her lie.
"...I guess... To be happy." She then shook her head. "No, that seems selfish."
"No it doesn't..." *What about us? Will we still be able to be together?... Can't she stay with me? Or will we be pulled--* He quickly banished the thought not wanting to think about it any longer.
"It doesn't matter right now," she closed her eyes. "What matters is that we're together again. I'm so sorry I pushed you away."
He was silent.
"Tasuki?" she said after a moment.
Still silence.
"Tasuki?" She looked up at him, but his lips were on hers before she could get a good look. He forced himself on top of her, not very gently, and she was on her back with estranged eyes. "Tas--" she cried between his mouth. His tongue took away all the sound left in her throat. It was painful when he drove himself inside and his body moved with fierce motions.
*I don't want you to leave me! I don't! I DON'T!!!!! Kakusei, I need you! You are the only one for me, the only woman I want in my life... So please, don't!*
She watched him with puzzlement and followed his eyes as he moved up and down over her. "Tasuki..."
"That's right," he smiled and sweat poured down his face and body. "My name is Tasuki--of the Suzaku Seven--and I will always protect you. I was born to protect you; it's my destiny." He chuckled, "Heh... And to think I said I hated girls. The thing is... You're a woman and I am a man. We fit perfectly together."
Wrapping her legs around his body she pulled him against her breasts and he froze. With a soft voice she spoke, holding him down, "You don't have to pretend, I'm afraid too. You're not the only one; you're not alone Tasuki."
He was the one in confusion now and he stopped his rough movements. Tasuki's body settled and he began to cry like a child would. He sobbed and allowed his face to be between her breasts. "I...................... I just don't want to lose you.... ever.... I love you.........."
"I love you too, Tasuki." She held him in her arms even as they were still joined. "I do too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Suzaku... This is what they call Heaven?........."
"Yes..."
"It's so peaceful... Like... Bliss.... Sweet bliss...."
"Yes..."
"Let's stay like this... Just like this..."
"If only we could... Real life will be calling you back soon and this dream will be over..."
"No... I don't want to go back. I want to stay with you...
"I want to stay here too, but we'll be together again, I can promise you that... So meet me when you dreaming..." He planted a kiss on her eyelids, her mouth, her neck, her cheeks, her nose, and then her forehead and they had identical markings.
"Tenshi..."
"Hotaru..."
"Aishiteru..."
"Watashimo aishi--"
"Daikonsen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Tamahome burst into the room to see a softly glowing figure floating over Daikonsen's sleeping body. The light was warm and the scene peaceful, but Tamahome had felt the enormous energy and felt there might be danger. The figure was almost like a man, a very tall, large man. His hair was like fire and his eyes the same. The eyes of the flame met Tamahome's, and with a soft sigh, the figure vanished. "What the Hell?!"
"What's going on?!" Nuriko burst in with Tasuki and Kakusei. Kakusei was covered with just a white sheet that was dragging around her feet. Tasuki was bare from the waist up and his pants were barely staying up. "I heard you yell and--" Nuriko, with his hair undone and looking very much like a woman, watched Daikonsen sit up with tired eyes.
"Humm?????" She rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked at the group standing in her door way, holding the sheets up to cover her body. "Why did you do that Tamahome?!?!" She glared intensely at him. "He knew you were coming and he left. How could you do that?! How could you do that to me?!" She grew angry but the others were just stared with an enigmic look.
"He?" Kakusei asked subtly.
"Yes... Suzaku... He was here... He... He--" She rubbed her head. Nuriko sat next to her and touched her shoulder gently.
"You were just having a dream..." He pulled her into his arms for a light hug. "Now, close your eyes and go to sleep." His voice was soft--so gentle and caring. "There's no point in staying up all night, you will just be exhausted in the morning."
"Is she okay?" Tasuki asked Nuriko as he closed the door behind him. Tamahome was in a dazz, seemingly out of place. His eyes watched nothing, but the few moments he'd seen the fire burning over Daikonsen replayed in his head.
"Yeah--I think so--" Nuriko smiled a little. "Just a dream..."
"But of Suzaku?" Tasuki turned toward them.
"Apparently," Kakusei said with a yawn. "I'm going back to bed." She waved goodbye and Tasuki followed her with hesitation. Nuriko grinned at them and turned back to Tamahome.
"What's up, Tamakins?" Nuriko's grin widened.
"I saw something." His voice was empty--but still frightened.
"You saw something?"
"Yeah... Just before you, Tasuki and Kakusei got there. I saw a spirit, a fire, above Daikonsen's bed. It looked at me. It's eyes were so full of emotion and intensity. But I felt no danger from the presense, but I did feel some kind of enormous energy."
"Hmm. Well--whatever it was it's gone now. I can't feel a thing." He laughed. "But let's get some sleep. I'm really tired."
"Good idea, atleast she's okay." Tamahome brushed the feeling off and finally grinned back at Nuriko.
In a calm voice Nuriko paused,"You really care about her, don't you?"
"Yeah... Like my little sister... She's a lot like Miaka, except more mature and more of a woman. Her eyes are incredible, a deep shade of purple, with a mix of red sparks."
"Hmm... She's something, all right." They separated and went back to their rooms. Nuriko's gaze followed Tamahome and watched intently. He let out a sigh,*You care for her more than you think...* The door to his bedroom slide open with a light pull and he entered, gently closing it behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mitsukake lay awake. His thoughts on the noise he had heard that had disrupted his sleep. Tama was snuggled up on his chest and slept contently, unaware of the previous sounds. *I felt it too. That strange, yet powerful presense. I don't know why we didn't all react... Only Tamahome felt, at first, a threat.* His blue eyes pierced the dark room. *His majesty must be lonely by himself. Honestly I see why Mirakuru decided to come, but I wish there was no need for her, that way that poor man wouldn't have to suffer alone.*
"I didn't ever want to leave him alone," a husky voice said from the shadows. He glanced over at the darker area of his room. Tama awoke to the noise and meowed at the presense of the still unknown person without alarm. The cat moved of off the warrior and settled down on the edge of the pillow. Quickly Mitsukake recognized the voice and calmly responed.
"You should be asleep by now." He didn't bother to sit up.
"I couldn't," Mirakuru finally stepped forward and looked down at him with dark eyes.
"I could give you something to help you sleep."
"No, that's all right."
He was silent. His eyes followed her steps and her long, bare, and pale legs shown against the dark walls. The shirt she was wearing beloned to Hotohori; he could tell by the fine weaving and lacey threads. He noticed her breasts were no longer patted down, but didn't think much of it. But he did realise that she couldn't hid her curves and dips.
She sat down next to him and looked into his eyes. "I'm so tired but I can't sleep." She whispered and shivered against the touch of his hand on her arm.
"You don't have to pretend that you're not suffering. I can see from the look in your eyes that you are." Mitsukake smiled slightly in sympathy, as a docter would look on a dying child's last moments. But he was a docter, and she wasn't quite dying, but she was hurting, and he couldn't heal her.
"It's funny how I feel so much but can't say a word..." She gently looked down at Tama and pat his head. She whispered gently,"I'm screaming inside, but can't be heard..." The cat whinned at her words and seemed to understand.
"You're standing on the edge of something much too deep to handle." He allowed her to curl up next to him and settle her face on her chest. "I know you're pain... I've been there too... But you have to choose between the two you love most. My beloved died sometime ago."
"Shouka would be proud of you, Mitsukake..." She gripped his shirt between her fingertips. "If only she could see you now, she'd be so proud." He settled his left hand on her shoulder. Tama layed back down on the other side of the large man. "You've come so far since then and you've helped so many people."
"Hmm..."
"I want to marry Hotohori, but I know it would hurt Nuriko, but if I am with Nuriko, Hotohori will be alone. I will not let him be lonely ever again, I promised him that. But Nuriko--"
"Nuriko would want you to be happy and if his majesty is what makes you happy then that's what he wants. You know that."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Then stay with him, stay with the Emperor. Marry him, become the Empress, stay with him always!"
"Mitsukake, you're so sure of yourself--How come?"
He paused for a moment, and finally spoke gently looking down at her as he did. "I see the way you look at him and the way he does you. Your auras are both strong, that of a warrior, but together they are absolutely amazing. It's love. Anyone could see that. You love him. He loves you. There's nothing wrong with being together. Live together and spend the rest of your lifes as one."
"That's--" She yawned and her words were muffled out. She had fallen asleep even though she'd just told him she wasn't able to sleep. Perhaps his words had given her strength. No... His friendship had given her strength. *Thank you Mitsukake... You're such a good friend to me.*
"Sleep well, Kibou, the Suzaku Guardian, Mirakuru, the future Empress of Konan."
"Hotohori.............." A tear fell. "Hotohori.................." A fist clenched. "Hotohori.........................." Gems glew. "Hotohori!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Mirakuru sat up in her bed startled by the dream she'd just had. But no, it wasn't a dream. It was real, the memory from the other day. She'd been left by herself and a knife was in her hand. *It's got to be this way.* Long hair fell to the floor, she watched the strands of her brunette hair drop. *Believe me when I say--I'm not just doing this for Nuriko.* The shorter part now seemed long, against the longer part that slide down her back a little past her shoulders. But then it came up to just below her eyes, as more tresses of hair fell. Silently she crept out of the room and to Nuriko's room. She grabbed a hand full of outfits she prayed would fit her. She changed, padding down her breasts with bandages to make them seem flat. Taking more of the bandages she covered the gems on her wrists. But as she covered the last one, she took a good look at it. The symbol of star in Chinese was reflected. "Hotohori..." She continued to wrap it, but more vigourously this time. Mirakuru knew if she looked at that character for any longer she wouldn't be able to go against Hotohori's wishes and leave with the Suzaku seishi for the journey to Northern country for the Shinzaho.
She stood up and looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Umm--" Walking closer to the desk she noticed that their was left over make-up from Nuriko took his sister's name. *Kourin. I know you'd be proud of him.* Taking the darkest blue she could find she applied it to the corner of her eyes. *Wow, I really do look like a guy. I wonder what Mum and Dad would say." She shook her head. *No, I can't think about home now. This is my home. And they were never there anyway. I was always busy with concerts and meetings and photoshots. Unmei? No way, this is my destiny not to be some big shot singer.* She clenched her fists. *They never had time for me.*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It's really ashame about you not being about to go with them, Majesty." A guard said trying to cheer the man up. "But atleast Lady Mirakuru is here for your confort."
"Highness," another said. "You should really try to smile. The Priestess and the others will be fine."
"I guess you are right." The Emperor said with a soft smile, carring the teddy bear Miaka had left for him and a picture of the whole group. He glanced down at the smiling faces. Green eyes found the bright eyes of his fiancee, and he couldn't help but smile with endearment. *I'm going to make you mine very, very soon. Maybe in the next few nights.*
A nudge came against his chest from a reckless boy carrying a large amount of clothing. "Oh, excuse me!" The voice said. His eyes looked up innocently, slightly hidden beneath brown hair. "Umm--uh... Highness, please," he fell immediately to his knees, "Please forgive my behavior. I did not realize it was you." His eye faced the ground. "I am extremely sorry."
The guards flustered not quite knowing how to react. "Majesty?" The taller one asked.
"It's alright." He reassured them with a grin, and turned to face the boy. "Stand up lad." A hand went to his shoulder. "What is your name?"
"Um--" He flushed.
"Oh never mind." He smiled but couldn't find the boy's eyes. "Please forgive me for being in the way."
"You've always been so kind," a now girlish voice said.
"Huh," Hotohori blinked. *Wait a minute.*
He threw his arms around Hotohori and his heart cried out for him. "Mm..." His knees bent and he struggled to lift him but still soared into the air. Landing on a roof he could still the guards cursing him.
"What's the meaning of this?!" But the Emperor couldn't get a response even if he tried. The boy's soft lips claimed his, one hand pulled the head piece from his hair letting the long forest green tresses fall, and the other clasped his hand.
*Soft lips. Soft, luchious lips. Like ripe peaches in the spring.* He wanted to hold the boy's face, to keep him close to him. *This is--*
"Hotohori," the boy said, and he found why he wanted to do those things. Blue eyes looked up at him.
"Mira--" It was not a boy, not at all, it was his lover, his fiancee. Mirakuru hushed him with her fingertips. "Your hair," he said touching it.
She could not refuse that touch, not the gentleness and the warmth. She could not deny that need to hold him, but she wouldn't do it. "Pretend you don't know me."
"Hmm." He blinked with surprise.
"I pray to the heavens to try to save this soul." She touched her chest, just above her heart. "'Cause this sweet little angel is not the girl I know." And then to her surprise his hand touched over hers. "Huh!?!?"
He touched his lips to hers, so gently, so precious, so perfect. He drew away and it seemed to end to quickly. But she was breathless. He gripped her hand tighter. "This sweet little angel needs to rest her wings."
"Hotohori," she whispered, fighting back painful tears. She knew he wanted her to stay, knew how desperately he needed her, but she just-- She could hear the guards coming closer and began to get nevous. Turning her head she could see them out of the corner of her eye. Turning back she looked up at him for a silent, intense moment. Mirakuru pulled him to her, and whispered to him. "I love you," but she was running away before he could say anything. "I'm sorry..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I really wish it didn't have to be this way," she said to herself aloud. Not everybody had seen her sneak on the boat, actually only Chichiri and Mitsukake, but neither one had said anything, so she was safe stay in her room a few hours by herself. Every now and then she'd hear a laugh or footsteps near her room, but no one had come in. She felt more at ease that way, being alone. She missed talking to them though, so she went to get dressed and prepared for the commotion she knew she'd get. She knew how disappointed Tamahome would be in her for leaving Hotohori by himself, and how much Tasuki would mock her for not staying with him. 'What's the matter?! Were you afraid to be alone with him by yourself?' She hated arguing with him, especially with all the other chaos already going on.
Kouran had insisted to go with the seishi, and it upseted Saikyo and Chichiri. Although Kouran and Chichiri had started to talk more, he never felt comfortable for that long of a time. A long look of sadness would cross her teary, forest green eyes. *Houjun...*
She never talked to Kouran but she understood that she did love Chichiri, but those eyes. Those eyes--they didn't seem human.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The door slide open with the force of her hand. Immediately she heard a whinning at her feet. "Tama." She picked up the cat and cuddled him to her chest. "You knew I was here didn't you?" She smiled and pat his head. "Silly cat," she grinned as her purred contently.
"Mirakuru?" A familiar voice said. Miaka's eyes found hers.
"Miaka!" She blinked with surprise.
"What are you do--" She through her arms around Mirakuru. "I didn't know you were here."
Mirakuru seemed surprise with the hug. "Yeah... I am!" She faked a smile. Miaka and her stood at equal height but her friends was a month or so older. There was an awkward moment of silence until Miaka dared to blurt out:
"Hungry?" Miaka's smile seemed to be always on her face.
*Miaka...* "Um, ah, yeah," she blushed and followed Miaka down the halls. Tama was still in her arms so when she spotted the rest of them he jumped from her and ran to Mitsukake. His eyes looked down to Mirakuru.
"Good to see you Mirakuru," the rest of the seishi looked up, Nuriko's eyes the most startled.
"Hi," she just wanted to go back and run to Hotohori, but she couldn't. She felt weak, so small and helpless. The eyes of all of the warriors focused on her. Dressed as a man, hair short, breast padded down, wrists covered in bandages to hid the gems, she felt the alienation beginning to accure.
"You look like a man," Tasuki bluntly pointed out. "What the--?"
"Why did you--" Saikyo stepped bravely ahead to touch the girl's hair. Those dark crimson eyes followed those of sea blue. The question was answered. *I understand.*
*Do you think it's all right?* She asked slightly.
"That's up to you to decide. Another grey area."
"Something like that."
She went to sit down, but before she could Daikonsen's hand whipped across her face. "What the hell are you thinking?" Chiriko jumped at her sudden temper. "You left Hotohori!!!"
"Daikonsen," Shinjitsu stated plainly.
"No," she snapped, "You did the same to Tasuki!!!!" Shinjitsu turned her head away after absorbing what she had said. She turned back to Mirakuru who was holding her cheek. "You know he's already been hurt one too many times. You're being so pathetic. Listen to your common sense Mirakuru!!"
"Leave me the hell alone!!!" She jumped back from Daikonsen's reach. "You have no right!" They girls argued but it had never gotten this bad. Before she could slap her back, Tamahome caught her hand.
With a stern look, he glared at Mirakuru. "Don't fight, we're all on the same side."
"Umm," she frowned back and then backed away and sat on the other side of the room near Chichiri. Her energy rose, as it usually did when she was angry. the curtains in the room began to singe. A flame started on one and immediately Mitsukake smothered it.
"You should come in the other room with me," Nuriko said and pulled her from the group. The curtains went back to normal, but not without ash on the floor. The water outside seemed to be the opposite of the fire inside. The boat rocked against the current and Daikonsen stormed away from them.
"They're gonna destroy the ship like that," Miaka pointed out.
"I thought those two were really close," Kouran said as she stood.
"They are," Chiriko said intently. "I don't understand what's going on, but obviously it's got to do with his Majesty. It's come to my understanding that Mirakuru has become very depressed lately. I heard the sound of her fist against the hard walls of the palace. Later I passed by that way and to my surprise there were cracks in the stone."
The seishi jumped at his statement. "She--" Mitsukake shook his head and held his forehead in the palm of his hand. "That's not her humanly ability."
"What are you saying Mitsukake?" Chichiri said immediately, standing up fiercely.
"He means she's not using her powers properly. Out the four women warriors of Suzaku, Daikonsen, with her sword, Densetsu with her strength and bow, and Shinjitsu with rising abilities and potential for greatness, Mirakuru is the chi soldier. Meaning," Tamahome continued, "She's kind of a combination between Hotohori and myself. She can channel her energy in prayer and thoughts and she can create energy and use it as a weapon."
"She's channelling her energy wrong, and it's no wonder, she's been so upset. That kind of stress on her body, is bond to do some serious damage," Shinjitsu pointed out.
"Does anyone have any idea what's up?!" Tasuki blurted out.
There was along moment of silence. But a figure stepped forward. "I do." Daikonsen peered at them from the door way. Apparently she'd burned off her temper and came back to appaulagize. "She's in love with two men--"
Miaka's eyes widened.
"Hotohori and Nuriko..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"That's what it comes down to?" Nuriko asked as he closed the door behind him. "You fighting with you're best friend?" He glared at her. "What are you turning into?"
"She's a bitch," the soft and helpless sound in her voice said otherwise. His eyes followed hers even though she tried to look away. They hadn't been alone in along time, and it seemed alien to him, but so familiar to her. Everynight she'd see him, even as she lay in Hotohori's arms, even as his breathing hit her neck, even as he reached so lightly to touch her in sensitive places, she could still see Nuriko, still see his face, his eyes, his lips on hers. She loved Hotohori, of course but still she cared so deeply for Nuriko. *What's wrong with me?!?!... You can only love one man,* she told herself. *I love Hotohori!! I love him, I do!!!...... I do...* she repeated.
"Stop this! You just keep putting up more and more walls around yourself, don't you see how worried we all are about you," he kneeled down in front of her knees, because of her place on the bed. "Chichiri, Tamahome, Chiriko, Daikonsen, Mitsukake, Miaka, Kakusei, Densetsu, Tasuki, myself we're all so worried. Why don't you tell me what's wrong? I'm you're friend, remember? It's me, just me. Nuriko--Ryuuen--it's me. Ryuuen, or Nuriko of the Suzaku Seishi."
"Ryuuen..." She tried not to but she did--her arms pulled the man to her. "I'm so confused."
"Because of me? Yes--that's it, my feelings for you." He was not afraid to be honest as he held her.
"Uh-huh," she pulled him closer. "I love you both, you and Hotohori, more then anything. Everybody's been so good to me. Their all like my big brothers, Mitsukake, Chichiri, Tasuki, Tamahome. Chiriko like a little brother and Densetsu, Kakusei, and Daikonsen, and Miaka, my sisters. I'm finally not the only child in my family. You eleven are my family." She smiled feeling the love from them all. We are the children of Suzaku, we all must stay together.
"You're right about that," his voice was calm. "We are a family, and we'll always be together, all of us, everyone."
"That's right," Densetsu said walking in from the enterance. "We will always be the Suzaku Seishi, protecting the Priestess, fighting side by side." She sat down on the left side of Mirakuru.
"There's no other way we could be, we are all share the same destiny," Chichiri climbed on the bed behind her and touched his hand on Densetsu's shoulder. "We all share the same fate."
"We live, for the soul purpose, of protecting Miaka," Tasuki sat on the right side of bed. The others followed. "Look, it's a party!" It was the first time Tasuki had smiled since Kakusei broke it off with him. Life filled his eyes, and a wonder filled hers she stood right behind him. Chiriko stood next the Tasuki and the kneeling Nuriko. With each life force that entered the promise of Suzaku, the power of hope, grew.
"Tasuki..." Mirakuru smiled at him and turned her eyes to Chiriko.
"We have to be ready for the battles ahead," he smiled and he watched Tamahome and Miaka.
Tamahome's hand settled across Miaka's back as she kneeled beside her love, who sat next to Densetsu. "There will be no fighting on this team, here me?"
Miaka nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, and as soon as we get that straight we can all go eat. I'll cook!" She through a hand in the air. Sweat drops appeared on everyones' forehead.
Nuriko gave her a soft tap, but for him that was like a punch. "I'll cook," he laughed.
Mitsuakake knelt close to Chichiri, with Tama on his shoulder. "I can get some herbal tea ready. But that's besides the point, Mirakuru, you must pull through this cloudy area. No matter who you decide between, nothing will ever change."
"Yes, Hotohori and Nuriko both will still are for you, no matter what happens," Daikonsen said softly standing next to Kakusei. "And I'm sorry about before."
"It's alright." Mirakuru smiled sweetly. Daikonsen smiled back.
A silence fell over the room and Kakusei's heart filled with joy, and suddenly she couldn't help herself, "Now it's a party!!!!!" Tasuki's eyes fell upon her, and so did the eyes of the others.
A sharp breath exhaled from her lungs and she choked. "Umm," Tasuki stood up, Nuriko slide out of his way and Shinjitsu backed up, her bare legs hitting to wall suddenly. *I know that look.*
She gasped at the touch of his hands against her shoulders. He dropped to fan at his feet and kicked it out of the way.
Mirakuru looked to Miaka who seemed as curious as she. "Ten bucks--bet you they kiss."
"You're on!" Mirakuru grinned not taking the bet seriously. Tamahome's eyes lit up.
"Money?" Miaka saw his attention spane had worn off and decided to get him focused on something else.
"Tamahome," she said softly.
"Hmm?" He turned to her and their eyes met. Suddenly it didn't seem to be important to get his mind of money. *Miaka...* He smiled and gently he stood up taking her hand as he helped her to her feet. "Let's go somehere."
"Ok." She shyly followed and they exited the room.
Chiriko watched them leave. "We better do the same." He motioned for the others to follow. Mitsukake grinned as he left and everybody else watched the two as they exited.
"We're all alone now." Tasuki's serious side showed. Slowly his hands cupped to her cheeks. "Is there anything you want to say to me?" He was hoping she'd cling to him, beg for his warmth and love, and surrender herself to him. But as things would go, it was never that easy.
"No," she feared his power over her. On her face was written only subtly 'I'm so, so sorry.' One hand slide into her hair the other stayed in place. His fingertips touched her lips and her mouth wet dry. She couldn't fight how her body was reacting but she tried to fight the pending emotions flooding back to her. "Stop."
He did and his hands fell against his sides. The girl stood only at 5'4", so he was a good 6 inches taller than she. "Alright, if that's the way you want to play it," he looked away. "I won't touch you."
She didn't answer, but stared with an emptiness in her eyes. She felt his saddness drowning him, his sorrow killing him, his grief eating away at his spirit. Her dark brown eyes looked at his clothing: A gray shirt, cut at the elbow, with a red boarder, tied at his waist with a darker red sash, and another shirt beneath that the color of her school uniform top, a navy blue. His pants were black, and his boots, black as well.
"I won't touch you anymore," he backed slowly away and his eyes were shadowed. "I won't touch you if you don't want me to..." Disappointed filled his words. "I feel so awful, for all those times I tried--uh--" He seemed to be hesitant. "And what those men did. I have to live with the fact that I wasn't the first, but tell me atleast this--"
"Hmm."
"Was I--Was I the first man to love you?!?!" He cried finally and looked up at her with tears forming in his eyes. He then whipped them away and looked down at his hands. "Funny..." He said with a saddened smile. "I thought that I could make you understand." His hands went to fists. "But I guess not. I underestimated you: you're need to be strong on your own. I understand, I'm the same way. I get you. Yeah. I get the reason." But his body shook beneath her gaze. "But there's one thing different between you and me--" He looked back up at her, his cheeks flushed with tears and his eyes reddened. "I'll tell you openly... You have my heart... So don't hurt me..." He continued, coming to the revelation. "You mean everything to me..." His head tipped downward and he stood helplessly, almost like a doll.
"Uhhhhhh........................" She gasped at his remark. *No one--no one has ever said anything like that to me. No one...* She was fighting the tears that wouldn't come. Somehow she didn't cry even though her heart was screaming. The diamond fan at her feet caught her attention. *Tasuki's fan.* She bet to pick it up, and looked at her reflection in it as she did. *His weapon.* Tasuki seemed dead, an inanimite object. Without hesitation she embaced the tession into her arms. *His heart and soul go into this everytime he uses it, he's the most couragous and passionate person I know... And I was the one who broke his spirit...* "I killed your spirit," she whispered in a longing way.
He looked up at her with tears, but didn't say anything.
"And I'm so sorry for that..." She said with her eyes welling. "I'm just not the one for you."
He stood straight up suddenly and cried, "What the hell are you talking about?! Of course you are!!" He clenched his hands into fists. "You and you alone!!!" He took the girl into his arms. "Damn it! You didn't break my spirit and I have never blamed you. You're just being yourself and that's what I want you to do." The fan slipped from her grasp. "Just let me know you, let me see your heart!!!.................. That's all I ask..."
"Tasuki?...."
"That's all I want... Let me love you..." He whimpered and forcered her closer.
".....You were.... the first man.... to love me....... ever......" She whispered softly, "And you are the first man I have ever loved... and last..."
"Uhh!!!!!" he gasped and stared into space for a moment. His strong arms pulled her closer to him. "Aistiteru Kakusei."
And without hestiation, "Watashimo aishiteru Tauski... (I love you too)"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*I can't believe he--he left me alone like he did.* Daikonsen looked up at the ceiling, the waves slowly rocking her to sleep. Suzaku had not joined her the previous night as he had promised. She wondered if something had happened or if he had abandon her. *Tenshi...* she silently called to him. *I want to know every part of you... Aishiteru... Tenshi... Tenshi..................................... Ten--shi...................* She whipped away a solitary tear and the sense of hope was fleeting.
Dark eyes watched from a hidden place. The flashed at the tears and cried silently out for them to stop. *I get a feeling I can't explain, whenever your eyes met mine. My heart spins in circles and I lose all sense and reality...* He felt ashamed of himself for not coming the other night and damned himself for disappointing her. If he was only a regular man, and not a god, it would be so much easier for them to be together. *If only I could be, just that...*
She sat up suddenly. Her movement caught her attention. She looked around the room, her eyes skimming over everything, taking everything in.
*She senses my presense...* Daikonsen moved her legs slowly to the side of the bed and stood up. The light, sky-colored hair was tied up into a ponytail and she brushed her bangs out of her eyes. She stood frozen in time for a few moments and cunningly turned around. By the time she had completed the full 360 degress a sword was in her hands.
Her eyes looked like stars underneath lowered brows and her teeth were clenched together. "Who's there?" Defensively she prepared to strick anyone who may appear before her.
*Hotaru...*
Suddenly there was an intense dizziness in her head and she held her forehead in her hands, dropping the sword. The spell shot through her like a needle, sharp but hardly painful. "Uhh..." She shook her head back and forth. *What's going on?!?!* she asked herself and then clapsed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Gomen nasai... I'm sorry..." Daikonsen heard and a face was above her. Everything was blurry, but it became more in more clear. "I'm... so... so sorry." Clearer still... Tenshi... Houou... Suzaku...
"Suzaku!!!" She sat up but fell backwards. "Umm..."
"That spell was kind of hard on you... Sorry about that. He looked away and continued with, "You waited for me last night, didn't you..."
"Suzaku..." Arms pulled him closer in one swift move. "Don't worry about anything!" she cried. "Just stay with me... Stay with me!!! Don't leave me again. I want to be with you. I love you... I want you... I want to be one with you... I want to be one with the passion and love and desire and fire and one with your soul!!!!!.........................................."
"Hotaru?!?!" He breathed hard. *Daikonsen........................* His eyes were wide, surprised, confused... His heart warming.
"Love....................... Devotion.................. Feeling.................... Emotion..........................................." She pulled him closer. "Don't be afraid to be strong.............. Don't be to proud to be weak................." She then closed her eyes and and placed her lips over his. They were on another plain of exsistence. Somewhere not known by humans and untouched by the gods. They were both in the purest state--no clothes to sheild them. They couldn't hide. Even a he, as a god, had feelings. No one knew that, no one had any idea, but then a firefly came along and lit up the night. Just like a star....... And she whispered... "Just believe in destiny................................"
"Uh...." They both said in merely a breath as they joined in a dance of mind, body, heart, and spirit. It was more than just heat, it was much more than passion, than desire, than urge, than understanding, than compassion, than anything. It was emotion--of the purest kind--love......
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tasuki breathed a bit and Kakusei looked up at him. She smiled at him, in the sweetest way she'd ever had. Her head and hand rested on his chest. She reviewed her kisses upon his neck and he held her hand. They had made love over and over and over again that night and she felt sore, satisfied, and very weak with love.
"I'm only happy when I'm with you. I only feel good when I'm talking to you. And I'm the best when your near me." Kakusei muffled her voice against his hair as her lips nibbled into his skin, her tongue teasing him in sensous ways. Tasuki's arms went around her.
"It's hard to breath... My heart is sinking..."
"No... Not really," she kissed his cheek, "Just touching mine."
"Something like that." He smiled up at the ceiling. "My life force feels unbreakable right now..."
"Mine too... Like I could actually help out when we're in battle."
"Are you kidding?!" He sat up suddenly. "You're the sole reason I am doing this... Not just for Miaka and for my destiny... For you... So that way you can make a wish to Suzaku for what ever you want!"
"Tasuki..." She leaned into his chest and they lay back down. "For me?"
"Yeah..." He paused. "I've been meaning to ask you--what will you wish for?"
"Hmm..." She thought. "I haven't really thought about it. I guess whatever... A good life... I don't know."
"You're holding back," he caught her lie.
"...I guess... To be happy." She then shook her head. "No, that seems selfish."
"No it doesn't..." *What about us? Will we still be able to be together?... Can't she stay with me? Or will we be pulled--* He quickly banished the thought not wanting to think about it any longer.
"It doesn't matter right now," she closed her eyes. "What matters is that we're together again. I'm so sorry I pushed you away."
He was silent.
"Tasuki?" she said after a moment.
Still silence.
"Tasuki?" She looked up at him, but his lips were on hers before she could get a good look. He forced himself on top of her, not very gently, and she was on her back with estranged eyes. "Tas--" she cried between his mouth. His tongue took away all the sound left in her throat. It was painful when he drove himself inside and his body moved with fierce motions.
*I don't want you to leave me! I don't! I DON'T!!!!! Kakusei, I need you! You are the only one for me, the only woman I want in my life... So please, don't!*
She watched him with puzzlement and followed his eyes as he moved up and down over her. "Tasuki..."
"That's right," he smiled and sweat poured down his face and body. "My name is Tasuki--of the Suzaku Seven--and I will always protect you. I was born to protect you; it's my destiny." He chuckled, "Heh... And to think I said I hated girls. The thing is... You're a woman and I am a man. We fit perfectly together."
Wrapping her legs around his body she pulled him against her breasts and he froze. With a soft voice she spoke, holding him down, "You don't have to pretend, I'm afraid too. You're not the only one; you're not alone Tasuki."
He was the one in confusion now and he stopped his rough movements. Tasuki's body settled and he began to cry like a child would. He sobbed and allowed his face to be between her breasts. "I...................... I just don't want to lose you.... ever.... I love you.........."
"I love you too, Tasuki." She held him in her arms even as they were still joined. "I do too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Suzaku... This is what they call Heaven?........."
"Yes..."
"It's so peaceful... Like... Bliss.... Sweet bliss...."
"Yes..."
"Let's stay like this... Just like this..."
"If only we could... Real life will be calling you back soon and this dream will be over..."
"No... I don't want to go back. I want to stay with you...
"I want to stay here too, but we'll be together again, I can promise you that... So meet me when you dreaming..." He planted a kiss on her eyelids, her mouth, her neck, her cheeks, her nose, and then her forehead and they had identical markings.
"Tenshi..."
"Hotaru..."
"Aishiteru..."
"Watashimo aishi--"
"Daikonsen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Tamahome burst into the room to see a softly glowing figure floating over Daikonsen's sleeping body. The light was warm and the scene peaceful, but Tamahome had felt the enormous energy and felt there might be danger. The figure was almost like a man, a very tall, large man. His hair was like fire and his eyes the same. The eyes of the flame met Tamahome's, and with a soft sigh, the figure vanished. "What the Hell?!"
"What's going on?!" Nuriko burst in with Tasuki and Kakusei. Kakusei was covered with just a white sheet that was dragging around her feet. Tasuki was bare from the waist up and his pants were barely staying up. "I heard you yell and--" Nuriko, with his hair undone and looking very much like a woman, watched Daikonsen sit up with tired eyes.
"Humm?????" She rubbed her sleepy eyes and looked at the group standing in her door way, holding the sheets up to cover her body. "Why did you do that Tamahome?!?!" She glared intensely at him. "He knew you were coming and he left. How could you do that?! How could you do that to me?!" She grew angry but the others were just stared with an enigmic look.
"He?" Kakusei asked subtly.
"Yes... Suzaku... He was here... He... He--" She rubbed her head. Nuriko sat next to her and touched her shoulder gently.
"You were just having a dream..." He pulled her into his arms for a light hug. "Now, close your eyes and go to sleep." His voice was soft--so gentle and caring. "There's no point in staying up all night, you will just be exhausted in the morning."
"Is she okay?" Tasuki asked Nuriko as he closed the door behind him. Tamahome was in a dazz, seemingly out of place. His eyes watched nothing, but the few moments he'd seen the fire burning over Daikonsen replayed in his head.
"Yeah--I think so--" Nuriko smiled a little. "Just a dream..."
"But of Suzaku?" Tasuki turned toward them.
"Apparently," Kakusei said with a yawn. "I'm going back to bed." She waved goodbye and Tasuki followed her with hesitation. Nuriko grinned at them and turned back to Tamahome.
"What's up, Tamakins?" Nuriko's grin widened.
"I saw something." His voice was empty--but still frightened.
"You saw something?"
"Yeah... Just before you, Tasuki and Kakusei got there. I saw a spirit, a fire, above Daikonsen's bed. It looked at me. It's eyes were so full of emotion and intensity. But I felt no danger from the presense, but I did feel some kind of enormous energy."
"Hmm. Well--whatever it was it's gone now. I can't feel a thing." He laughed. "But let's get some sleep. I'm really tired."
"Good idea, atleast she's okay." Tamahome brushed the feeling off and finally grinned back at Nuriko.
In a calm voice Nuriko paused,"You really care about her, don't you?"
"Yeah... Like my little sister... She's a lot like Miaka, except more mature and more of a woman. Her eyes are incredible, a deep shade of purple, with a mix of red sparks."
"Hmm... She's something, all right." They separated and went back to their rooms. Nuriko's gaze followed Tamahome and watched intently. He let out a sigh,*You care for her more than you think...* The door to his bedroom slide open with a light pull and he entered, gently closing it behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mitsukake lay awake. His thoughts on the noise he had heard that had disrupted his sleep. Tama was snuggled up on his chest and slept contently, unaware of the previous sounds. *I felt it too. That strange, yet powerful presense. I don't know why we didn't all react... Only Tamahome felt, at first, a threat.* His blue eyes pierced the dark room. *His majesty must be lonely by himself. Honestly I see why Mirakuru decided to come, but I wish there was no need for her, that way that poor man wouldn't have to suffer alone.*
"I didn't ever want to leave him alone," a husky voice said from the shadows. He glanced over at the darker area of his room. Tama awoke to the noise and meowed at the presense of the still unknown person without alarm. The cat moved of off the warrior and settled down on the edge of the pillow. Quickly Mitsukake recognized the voice and calmly responed.
"You should be asleep by now." He didn't bother to sit up.
"I couldn't," Mirakuru finally stepped forward and looked down at him with dark eyes.
"I could give you something to help you sleep."
"No, that's all right."
He was silent. His eyes followed her steps and her long, bare, and pale legs shown against the dark walls. The shirt she was wearing beloned to Hotohori; he could tell by the fine weaving and lacey threads. He noticed her breasts were no longer patted down, but didn't think much of it. But he did realise that she couldn't hid her curves and dips.
She sat down next to him and looked into his eyes. "I'm so tired but I can't sleep." She whispered and shivered against the touch of his hand on her arm.
"You don't have to pretend that you're not suffering. I can see from the look in your eyes that you are." Mitsukake smiled slightly in sympathy, as a docter would look on a dying child's last moments. But he was a docter, and she wasn't quite dying, but she was hurting, and he couldn't heal her.
"It's funny how I feel so much but can't say a word..." She gently looked down at Tama and pat his head. She whispered gently,"I'm screaming inside, but can't be heard..." The cat whinned at her words and seemed to understand.
"You're standing on the edge of something much too deep to handle." He allowed her to curl up next to him and settle her face on her chest. "I know you're pain... I've been there too... But you have to choose between the two you love most. My beloved died sometime ago."
"Shouka would be proud of you, Mitsukake..." She gripped his shirt between her fingertips. "If only she could see you now, she'd be so proud." He settled his left hand on her shoulder. Tama layed back down on the other side of the large man. "You've come so far since then and you've helped so many people."
"Hmm..."
"I want to marry Hotohori, but I know it would hurt Nuriko, but if I am with Nuriko, Hotohori will be alone. I will not let him be lonely ever again, I promised him that. But Nuriko--"
"Nuriko would want you to be happy and if his majesty is what makes you happy then that's what he wants. You know that."
"Yeah, I guess."
"Then stay with him, stay with the Emperor. Marry him, become the Empress, stay with him always!"
"Mitsukake, you're so sure of yourself--How come?"
He paused for a moment, and finally spoke gently looking down at her as he did. "I see the way you look at him and the way he does you. Your auras are both strong, that of a warrior, but together they are absolutely amazing. It's love. Anyone could see that. You love him. He loves you. There's nothing wrong with being together. Live together and spend the rest of your lifes as one."
"That's--" She yawned and her words were muffled out. She had fallen asleep even though she'd just told him she wasn't able to sleep. Perhaps his words had given her strength. No... His friendship had given her strength. *Thank you Mitsukake... You're such a good friend to me.*
"Sleep well, Kibou, the Suzaku Guardian, Mirakuru, the future Empress of Konan."