Hear is yet another chapter in the ongoing story of Miaka's life. Enjoy!!

            Miaka and Hotohori both turned and saw Tamahome standing behind them, a look that was a cross between hurt and anger on his face. He had been looking for Miaka so he could apologize to her and instead he found her in the emperor's arms.

            "Tamahome…"

            Miaka took a hesitant step forward when Tamahome spoke, stopping her dead in her tracks.

            "Don't…I completely understand…"

            With no other words, Tamahome ran from the outer buildings, from the sight of Miaka in the emperor's arms. "Why did she have to fall for Hotohori? Doesn't she understand how I feel? That the only reason I protect her is because I love her?" Tamahome's mind screamed. Even admitting to himself that he loved the girl made the heart ache worse.

            Miaka stood motionless in Hotohori's arms, staring after Tamahome and felt a piece of herself screaming in pain.

            "Is something wrong Miaka?"

            "I'm sorry…I shouldn't be here like this…."

            "What are you talking about?"

            "I…I don't…I'm so confused…but I…I have to apologize to Tamahome."

            "We will talk later then. Come to my chambers later. There is much to discuss."

            Miaka had barely been listening as she ran after Tamahome. She had to find him, apologize to him, and tell him what she was feeling. He probably wouldn't believe her, but she had to at least try to make him understand why she behaved the way she did, why she had been so cruel to him. Who knows, maybe he even felt the same way? Miaka shook her head. It was impossible, there's no way he could feel that way for her. Especially now after he had seen her with Hotohori.

            It was that thought that had stopped her in her tacks. Hotohori. She could still feel the warmth of his arms around her, the sound of his voice, and the look in his eyes when he gazed at her. But still…she did care for Tamahome.

            She started running once more, determined to find Tamahome and find the truth for herself. If what she was feeling was love…or something else. She just had to know. Unfortunately, she was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice the blue haired monk until she had run into him.

            "OW!"

            "Are you alright no da?"

            "Huh?"

            "Let me help you up no da."

            Miaka allowed the monk to help her up, somewhat confused. Was here wearing a mask? Maybe she was imagining it…no, he was most definitely wearing a mask.

            "W-Who are you?"

            "Oh I'm just a wandering traveler and monk no da. The emperor asked me to be here."

            A monk? Hmmm. "I guess he's pretty safe to be around. After all monks have to take vows of chastity don't they?"

            Miaka looked the monk over and automatically liked her. A rarity on her part.

            "I'm sorry for running into you but I'm in a bit of a hurry."

            "Oh, you were chasing that young guy who ran by here?"

            "Yeah, did you see which way he went?"

            "He headed back toward the palace no da."

            "Thank you!"

            Miaka waved good bye to the monk and headed to the palace. Before she knew it she was standing outside of Tamahome's chambers. Taking a deep breath she knocked sharply on the door.

            "Tamahome? It's Miaka…umm…c-can I come in?"

            The door slid open and Tamahome stood in the doorway looking down at her.

            "What do you want?"

            "I needed to talk to you…that is…if you aren't too angry with me."

            Tamahome watched as a wave of emotions washed over the girl's face and knew that he could never refuse her. If she had told him to jump from the highest bridge he would have done it. Instead, he stood back from the door way allowing her to enter his chambers and shutting the door behind her.

Mwa ha ha ha ha!!!! To be continued,…um...please review!!