Okay, once again, for the umpteenth time, thank you for all the wonderful reviews!!! Here is yet another chapter! Enjoy!
Miaka held the sobbing bandit in her arms while he quietly sobbed. Miaka ran her fingers through the silky strands of his flame red hair.
"It's alright…everything will be alright…"
Tasuki looked up at the Priestess with tear filled eyes. He had kidnapped her, beaten the man it appeared she loved, and yet she did not hate him for it. She had been so kind to him.
"Ain't this the part where ya tell me he's gone to a better place?"
"No…I don't like to tell people that. Call me selfish but when someone I love is gone I always ask how they can be in a better place when they aren't here." Miaka said plainly.
Tasuki contemplated what she had just said. He knew all too well what she meant. He was supposed to be a tough as nails bandit and yet he couldn't stand the thought of losing any of the bandits he had come to call family.
"Ya gotta point, but at least he ain't hurtin' any more…he's happier there…wherever he is."
Tasuki rested his head against Miaka's chest. It was nice to be held, to be comforted and know that this wonderful creature holding him would only let go when he told her to. He took a deep breath, and the scent of her perfume, her body filled him up. At that moment Tasuki knew he would do as his boss had said. He would protect this girl. Not just because he was destined to, but because he wanted to. He would do anything in his power to keep this girl safe.
"Miaka…"
But he didn't know what to say. All he could do was stare into those knowing eyes and feel his heart beat pick up. He leaned his face toward hers and kissed her lightly on the lips.
"Come on cutie. Let's go get yer friends."
A very shocked Miaka could only nod and stand as Tasuki led her toward the large, wooden double doors they had entered.
"Oh, and Miaka…thanks."
"You're welcome…"
The two walked out of the double doors where Miaka's rescue party as well as the remaining bandits of Mt.Riekkaku were waiting.
"Here's the deal boys. I got some business ta take care of. So until I come back…Koujii here is in charge. Listen ta him like ya would me. Got that?"
"Got it boss!"
"Anything you say."
Tasuki couldn't keep the smile off his face. He remembered a time not long ago when he had been just another bandit in the crowd, cheering on the boss. But those days were gone. Once his mission was complete, he would come back and make his boss proud. No doubt about it.
Tasuki approached the awaiting warriors, his entire body sang with tension. Would they really let him come with them? It didn't really matter what they said, he would follow Miaka into hell and back if he had to.
"Listen…I ah…I owe you an apology….I…we needed the Priestess' help…to save the boss but…I was too late…I'm sorry 'bout what happened but if ya let me…I'd like to join ya …"
"We wouldn't have it any other way," Tamahome said.
"You are most welcome to join us."
"R-Really?"
"Absolutely."
That night the Suzaku warriors and the Priestess were to stay at the hideout of the Mt. Riekkaku bandits. They had been made unofficial members of the bandits. Miaka stood staring out the window, gazing upward at the sky. Suddenly she felt warm arms around her and the gentle brush of lips on her neck.
"Tamahome."
Miaka turned around in Tamahome's arms in order to gaze up into his beautiful eyes that at the moment were shining with something she never thought to see in anyone's eyes. At least, not for her.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing really. Just you."
That made him smile. Tamahome had the most beautiful smile Miaka had ever seen.
"I just thought I'd come check on you."
"I'm glad you're here," Miaka replied wrapping her arms around him.
"Really?"
"Mmm-hmm…I was so worried that something had happened to you…to everyone…"
"It's alright now Miaka…everyone is alright…we're safe, all of us are safe…"
"Tamahome…"
"What is it?"
Miaka knew there was still something she had to tell Tamahome and now was the perfect time. Now when he was holding her in his arms.
"I Love you Tamahome"
"Miaka."
Tamahome felt his heart beat speed up. She couldn't have said anything else to make him as happy as he was at that moment. He gently tilted her chin upward and lowered his lips to hers. He kissed her deeply, holding her body tightly against his.
"Miaka."
He whispered her name like a caress.
"Tamahome."
Their lips met again and this time is was less chaste, and deeper than ever before.
"Tamahome I-"
But Miaka did not get to finish her sentence. He body suddenly sagged in his arms and she clutched his arms tightly as pain like she had never known rushed through her body.
"Tama...home…"
"Miaka? MIAKA!!!"
To be continued...Mwa hahahahahaha!!!!
