Okay, here is yet another chapter for everyone who is eagerly awaiting it. Once again, thanks for all the lovely reviews. You guys are absolutely the best!! Anyways, enjoy!!!
Tamahome's grip on her was the only thing that kept Miaka from collapsing to the ground. Tamahome looked toward the open window just in time to see a lone figure jump down and into the shadows.
"Tama…home…"
The back a front shoulder of Miaka's shirt was soaked a deep crimson, and an arrow head protruded from the wound. A light green, almost slimy substance covered the arrow head.
"Poison…"
Tamahome cradled Miaka in his arms, the way you would a sick child and rushed down the corridors calling for help.
"Tasuki! Hotohori! Nuriko!! "
"What is?"
"What's happened?"
But no explanation was needed when they saw Miaka lying unconscious in his arms. Everyone did the only thing they could do. Clean the wound and put her in bed.
Tamahome sat beside Miaka's motionless form, clasping her hand in his.
"Tamahome what happened?"
"I'm not sure…one minute we were talking the next…"
"Did you see anyone?"
"There was someone but I couldn't who it was. They were too far away."
"Tasuki, you know this place like the back of your hand, do you recognize the poison?"
"Yeah. I know it."
"And?"
"I hate ta tell ya this guys but…the cure ta that poison is pretty rare…unless any of ya just happen ta have a stash of the makaiju leaves just lyin' around…she's gonna die."
"What?"
"That's not possible! We can't let her die. We've got to do something!"
"Tasuki…where do the makaiju leaves grow?"
Tasuki shifted his attention from Miaka to Tamahome. The way he held himself said it all. If Miaka died, Tamahome would die too. Maybe not in the physical sense, but it would be just as bad. This girl, the Priestess of Suzaku, in so short a time had become Tamahome's heart, his soul, the very key to his universe. Tension, worry, and a sense of utter helplessness sang through Tamahome's body. Tasuki genuinely felt bad for the guy. He knew what it was like to watch someone you love die. That's what made what he had to say next all the harder.
"They don't."
"What?"
"They don't grow anymore…you can only get 'em from people who specialize in growing makaiju trees."
"Great. All those who know a plants expert who breeds Makaiju trees raise your hand," Nuriko said sarcastically.
Koujii looked about the room and all the gloomy, disheartened faces. Tasuki, his best friend who had always sworn he hated women now found himself rather attached to the priestess and willing to do anything for her. Tamahome…the priestess's lover? Well…probably boyfriend to say the least. He looked as though someone had torn his heart out. Nuriko…what was he? Er..she? Sometimes he didn't know, but one thing was for certain, he or she was definitely worried about the priestess. Hotohori, the emperor…he and Tamahome shared the same look. It was obvious they both loved the girl, but who did her heart belong to?
"Actually, I might be able ta help ya out there boss."
"What da ya mean?"
"There's this guy, he's s'possed ta be a doctor er something. He uses Makaiju leaves in some of his medicines."
"Where does he live?" Tamahome asked, rising from the bed.
"Not far from here. He lives in the village near the base of the mountain."
"I'm going."
..To Be Continued...mwahahahahaha!!
