AN: Well, hopefully this chapter will be up soon. Oh yeah I've forgotten to mention that this is my first attempt, so please be nice.
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone cept Kegani and Zakago. (I think that's all) But man Tasuki would be nice to own.***Daydreaming***




The Next Page Has Been Turned

Neptune Princess


Chapter eight: Departure

Miaka felt a soft tapping on her shoulder and woke up. Right above her she saw Tasuki's face smiling down at her. She noticed immediately that she was in his room and saw that he was already dressed.

"Wake up Miaka! We leave for Sairou today." Miaka sat up and noticed a sweet smell in the room as she rubbed her eyes. "Tasuki, what's that smell?"

"It's essence. I burned some for a prayer to Suzaku for a safe journey."

"Hmm...Smells good." Tasuki, wanting to impress his future empress, pulled out a box. "Oh, Tasuki, What's this?"

"It's a gift. Once we set out for Sairou, you and I won't be able to spend much time together. In fact, I need to go to Mt. Reikaku for a week to take care of some business, so I leave you in Hotohori's care while I'm gone. I have to get going now, but I want to see the look on your face when you see what it is."

As he finished speaking, Miaka opened the box. Inside was the old iron fan that Tasuki was allowed to keep when he go this diamond one. Miaka flung her arms around Tasuki's neck and hugged him tightly. "Oh Tasuki, thank you!" she squealed with delight.

"Ok Miaka, you're choking me."

"Oh, sorry."

"But I'm glad you like it so much." Tasuki stood up, "Well sayonara Miaka. See you in one week." He kissed her on the cheek and left. Miaka looked at the fan in her hands. Tasuki had saved her life time and time again with that fan. Now it was hers and it was her job to make sure no one else got it. Miaka set the fan down on her bed and got changed into her usual school uniform.

'Tasuki's gone to Mt. Reikaku, so I can finally spend time with Hotohori. Ever since I've come back, I've always been with Tasuki or Tamahome. I haven't really been fair to him.' She walked out the door and into the empty corridor. 'Hm, He's already gone.' She sighed and turned to go to the dining hall.

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"I'll sit here today," Miaka said sitting in the seat Tasuki usually sat in. Tasuki had talked to Hotohori last night and made sure that Hotohori knew what to do for Miaka, so he sat in the seat next to her. Nuriko sat opposite Hotohori and Tamahome sat opposite Miaka. Because he was so used to being the leader, Hotohori stood up and addressed everyone. "As you all see TAsuki isn't here. He's going back to Mt. Reikaku to take care of some business that just came up. He will join us later in Sairou. Now, after we have finished here the horses should be ready for us, so we will leave immediately."

Hotohori sat back down and picked up his chopsticks. When he glanced over at Miaka to make sure she was fine he sweatdropped. Miaka was already done and had her head down on her arms. ' She must've been eating while I was talking' he thought as he ate.

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Miaka looked around trying to find the fourth horse. "Uh Hotohori?" "Nani?" "Where's the fourth horse?"

"Tasuki took it when he went to Mt. Reikaku," he could already sense the next question and added, "you'll be riding with me."

"Oh. Okay." The group finished packing and preparing everything, and left the safety of the gates of the Konan palace behind. The first day of traveling went smoothly, but the second day was the complete opposite. "Let's stop up at that pool please," Miaka pleaded. "I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry, Miaka," Nuriko said in an exasperated voice. "Well, it is lunch time so, let's stop." Hotohori helped Miaka down while Nuriko unpacked the food and Tamahome put the blanket down. As soon as Miaka was down, she ran and sat down on the blanket. "Come on let's eat!"

Everyone settled down and started to eat. The sun shone brightly and reflected off the lake making it appear as if everything was a tint brighter. Halfway through their lunch a fluorescent blue light appeared making everyone shield their eyes. Hotohori, suspecting that a Seiryu warrior or Seiryu himself would appear, ran over to Miaka and covered her. The light subsided and in it's place was the figure of a tall, green eyed, blonde haired man.

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AN: Hey! So sorry for any inconsistencies and stuff. It's been awhile since I've picked this up and I've forgotten certain things. Don't worry Chichiri fans, he's coming up in the next chapter. Well Ja ne!