Okay, here is yet another lovely chapter for everyone. Thank you for the reviews!!! *looks back and sees Deity still has the cattle prod and an evil grin on her face* Eep!! I'm updating honest!!! *goes chibi* don't hurt me *places anti-cattle prod shield* here's hopin' it works!!!

            "What da ya mean too late? It's only been a few hours!"

            "The poison in this girl's body is fast acting, which explains why she has grown so weak in such a short amount of time. With the added blood loss it is very likely that she will not make it."

            Everyone in the room was absolutely shocked into silence. No one knew what to say. They only knew that they could not lose Miaka. Tamahome looked down at the small cot on which Miaka lay and felt his heart being torn apart.

            "I should tell you, it is a very bad sign that she has gone unconscious."

            Still no one spoke. The idea that they might lose Miaka when she had only just come into their lives tore them all apart. Maybe it was the connection of new found companionship, or maybe it was the strong connection between Priestess and Warriors. Whatever it was, all of the Suzaku Warriors at that moment offered up a prayer to Suzaku.

            "Don't let her leave us."

            "Please hang on Miaka."

            "Do not die."

            "Come on, ya gotta hang in there."

            Mitsukake was astounded by the amount of energy that suddenly filled the room, and the very fact that he himself was drawn to the energy emanating from the Suzaku warriors.

            "What's happening?"

            Chiriko was suddenly there beside Mitsukake, a bewildered look on his face. Why did he feel drawn to these people? He had only just met them and yet…the feeling, the connection he felt toward these people was unbelievably strong.

            Slowly the energy in the room began to dissipate. The warriors all looked about the room, at one another and new that their prayer had been heard. But would it be answered?

            No one said a word until Tasuki noticed the small bundle in Chiriko's hands.

            "Hey! Those are Makaiju leaves!!!"

            "Yes, I keep several Makaiju trees planted nearby. I use them in many of my medicines. I sent Chiriko to get them while I bandaged the Priestess' wounds."

            "So you'll be able to save her right?"

            "I don't know yet."

            Mitsukake quickly went to work, grinding the leaves and mixing herbs into the mixture. His nimble hands worked quickly and carefully. Each drop of medicine was precious. Finally, he was done.

            "Here, she needs to drink this. Help me sit her up."

            Hotohori and Tamahome gently lifted Miaka, holding her steady while Mitsukake carefully poured the liquid down her throat. She coughed and sputtered a little, but still remained unconscious. For some reason they had been hoping that she would suddenly open her eyes and speak to them once more.

            "The next twenty four hours will be the most vital," Mitsukake explained," the longer she remains unconscious, the less likely it is that she will ever wake up again."

            "Come, I have rooms prepared for all of you. Please feel free to stay until the Priestess is better," Chiriko said.

            That night, not a creature was stirring, save for Tamahome. He sat on the edge of the bed beside Miaka, clasping her hand tightly in his. He was so afraid that if he took his eyes off her for even a moment, or let go of her hand that he would lose her.

            "Mitsukake told us that the longer you sleep, the less likely it is that you'll wake up…but you're stronger than that…I know you are…Miaka…these past few years I've lived my entire life alone…My parents…my brothers and sisters…I lost them all…the Kutou army attacked our village while I was away…they were just gone…Hotohori was kind enough to allow me to remain at the palace. Sure, we may be friends to an extent but…but I've always felt so alone…."

            Tamahome took a deep breath then to steady his breathing as tears now began to spill down his eyes in rivers.

            "I don't want to be alone anymore…Miaka…I've been alone for so long…and then suddenly you drop into my life…and into my heart…and now I'm being told I'm going to lose the only person who has ever mattered to me? Damn it Miaka you have to wake up! We need you…I need you…please…Miaka…"

            Tamahome held Miaka against him, sobbing into the auburn strands of her hair, completely unaware that he was being watched.

            "Tamahome?"

            Tamahome turned to find Chiriko standing in the doorway. The boy's tear streaked face surprised Tamahome.

            "Something wrong?"

            "You love her…I know how you feel…to lose everyone you love…"

            "What do you mean? You still have your father right?"

            "Mitsukake? He isn't my father. My parents were killed in a horrible accident three years ago and Mitsukake took me in. I guess he blamed himself for not being able to save them. Either way, I'm grateful."

            "I just feel so helpless sitting here doing nothing but waiting for Miaka to wake up."

            "Don't worry. I'm sure she'll be fine. But you need to rest too Tamahome. You won't be of any use if you're too tired to move."

            "You're right."

            Tamahome allowed the child to lead him back to one of the guest rooms where he slept the night away, unaware that the next morning would bring unbearable pain.

            The warriors awoke and went to check on Miaka, only to find that she was gone.

To be continued…Please Review!!!