Love

Written by: HoshiHikari4ever

Disclaimer: I do not own Fy. I wish I did.

Parings: H/M

Author Notes: Thanks for the Reviews! Oh yeah, sorry Nuriko and Tamahome fans!

Please read and Review!

Chapter 4

Three days had passed since Nuriko attacked the emperor. Chichiri and four other guards were standing in front of the cell of the Willow. One of the guards unlocked the cell. "His highness wishes you in the throne room no da." The Seishi grunted. "We'll escort you there." The monk continued. He mumbled a counter spell, releasing the spell he used to seal the warriors cell. The guards placed chains on the prisoner's wrist and ankles. As Nuriko passed the monk, Chichiri whispered in his ear. "Be careful no da. Hotohori-Sama isn't very happy about what happened. Don't blow him off no da." Nuriko ignored the warning, and headed off to see the emperor.

* * * The Throne Room * * *

The emperor sat high above the rest. He was inpatient, and wanted to get this over with. On both sides, below the steps stood the Seishi. Tasuki stood alone on the right, while Mitsukake and Chiriko stood on the left. Miaka had decided not to attend and watch one of her Protectors suffer at feet of the emperor. She had persuaded Hotohori to go lightly on him, which he had agreed in the end, after bickering with the emperor side of him. A further off was his advisors. Two rows of soldiers, ten on each side lined up to the door. Hotohori shook slightly in his seat. He had sent for Nuriko, to deliver the punishment.

"Your highness, the prisoner has arrived no da." The monk said kneeling in front of the group. Nuriko was behind him with two guards on each side, also knelling. Hotohori nodded. "Thanks, Chichiri…" he said while lifting his left hand slightly. Chichiri stood up and went to stand next to Tasuki. The four guards stood guarding the door. Nuriko was left alone still on his knees.

"I have decided on your punishment." The emperor began once everyone had taken their positions. "Do you have anything to say in your defense…" Hotohori massaged his neck.

My Defense? Hmm…Do I need one? Well I don't have one. There is nothing to say. I already tried to strangle you. So what can I say that would change his decision. Nothing, so I won't say anything.

"Do you have to say anything in your defense." The emperor asked again, a little hasher then before. "No, I don't regret what I did, what I said. There's nothing to say in defense. What was done is done, there is nothing that can change it." Then there was silence.

Flames seem to be in the emperor's eyes now. He glowed faintly. Pulling himself and trying to keep his temper inside. Chichiri, being a sorcerer, sensed this, and glanced slightly at the emperor mouthing the words. "Stay cool no da, stay cool." Hotohori nodded, before continuing more forcefully. "Because of the Suzaku no Miko's plead, your life shall be spared…at least for now. If you ever do anything of that sort again, or if you ever…ever…if you dare touch her again. I swear I will execute you…." He gave her a Miaka-belongs-to-me look. "I don't care how high a rank you hold. Seishi or not, the laws in my empire will prevail. I will reinforce, I shall reinforce the laws inside Konan." Most of the advisors nodded in agreement.

"Now your punishment, quite light, if I say so myself, but it is as far as the Suzaku no Miko would permit me to go."

Yeah whatever. Just doing everything Miaka says. Kneeling before Miaka, giving her everything. I know, this is your weakness. One day, you will fall because of her.

He waved his hand. An enormous man stepped out from nowhere. In his hand was a long whip. "Nuriko shall be whipped 500 times." "Hai, Your Majesty." The man replied, standing next to the prisoner. So the punishment started with Tasuki counting.

At first, Nuriko could bear the pain, it was really nothing. However as time progressed, the scars on his back began to become unbearable. "298, 299, 300 shit, go easy on the fucking man!" Tasuki growled in-between counting. Hotohori glared at him, causing shivers to run down his spine. He saw the rage in the emperor eyes. Chirichi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Stay cool no da…"

I have no choice but to stay away from you and Miaka. Once I heal though, I shall have my revenge. I swear Hotohori, you shall not be with Miaka for now, not well I am alive. "411, 412, 413…" Tasuki cursed softly under his breath. You made a mistake for allowing me to live. You shall regret it! You can't protect Miaka 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One day, Miaka shall pay this. One day, you'll regret looking down on me. "497,498,499 and 500…" Tasuki paused relived. "Nuriko's punishment is finished, your highness…." "Very well, Release him…" The man did, bowing before the emperor, before retreating to wherever he came from.

"Now, since you are a Seishi, I believe that you have a duty to protect Miaka. I expect it to be full-filled. Do I make myself clear?" "Yes…" "May I remind you, if you do anything, or if you threaten Miaka any way, then I swear you'll pay most dearly…" "Yes, your majesty, I'll keep that in my mind." "Good…" he paused. "Take those chains off…" One of the guards came and unchained Nuriko. "You may leave…." Nuriko nodded inclining his head, before standing up, leaving without saying another word.

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Alright Chapter 4 finished at last! I know it took awhile. I'll try to update sooner. Oh yeah, sorry Nuriko fans! I don't have anything against him. I'm just taking his personality from the beginning of the series. So yeah, Nuriko is also a bad guy… Now about Tamahome, I don't like him at all. Anyway please R/R! ^_^