Love
Written by: HoshiHikari4ever
ADVANCE \d 5Disclaimer: I do not own FY
Parings: H/M
Please read and Review!
Chapter 14
The Seishi sat and feasted their last meal at the palace before they were to leave for the Shinzahos.
"Mmmm….Yum…." was all Miaka said as she stuff her belly full. The others looked at her with aw, wondering how she could do that.
"Well Miaka eat up…I doubt you'll be eating such a splendid feast…on your journey…" Miaka nodded. The emperor continued. "Do stay safe Miaka…" "Awe Hotohori-sama….Don't worry! Miaka's going come back in one piece…" Tasuki try to be reassuring. "Of course she is baka!" Nuriko punched the bandit. "However unfortunately for you Tasuki, I'm afraid you'll come back in three or four…" "Probably I'll end up like that before I even set foot in Hokkan." Nuriko stuck out his tongue, before turning towards the emperor. "Hotohori-sama…just leave that to us alright…I'll guarantee we take good care of Miaka for you…however I do not guarantee the well fare of any other Seishi…" Miaka choked at hearing this. Hotohori patted her back. When she could speak again, the first thing she said was, "you aren't coming Hotohori?" The emperor sighed. "Not this time Miaka…I'm sorry I can't come. I can't leave my country in this condition…" "but…but…" "Miaka please understand…Besides you still have five other Seishi to protect you…." His eyes swept across the table giving them a if-anything-happens-to-Miaka-you-are-all-dead look. "and she will be well protected no da…Don't worry, if anything is to happen, I'll transport us back here at once…" Hotohori nodded, though he was still worried about the well being of Miaka.
~Three months later in Hokkan (time gap, follows time line until episode 33, in anime and no parts of Tamahome being the hero, saving Miaka and stuff, remember he is evil) ~
He was bleeding from head to toe. His vision was a blur. His blood soaked the snow. Each step he took towards the boulder, became harder and harder.
I must do this for Miaka's sake. Suzaku give me strength. Please!!!
He gritted his teeth as he approach the boulder. He lifted his hands slowly and held on to the huge boulder.
Miaka, I'll do this for you. I'll do this for your sake.
An image of Miaka's smiling face flashed through his mind. He gave a sigh, and glanced down at his own body. The teeth bites from the beast sunk deep into his flesh. The blood poured out of him. At once he knew his life was slipping away from him.
Miaka…forgive me. Please understand why I did this. I did this for your sake.
His body shook a bit, and he knew that he didn't have much time. Taking a deep breath, he concentrated on what he knew would be his last and final task.
Dam this boulder! If I could just get it out of my way!
He mentally slapped himself for thinking but not acting. "Please Suzaku, give me strength…!" he yelled as he lifted up the enormous mass. He threw it to the side, crushing the beast that he had just fought against. He panted, staring at his success.
"Well done….you saved me a lot of trouble…I don't think I would have had the strength to do that…." Nuriko turned to see a smiling Tamahome, holding onto a bow which was pointed at him. A bucket of arrows was strapped against his back.
"Fuck you bitch!" "Tut…tut…cussing isn't going to save you now…You know, we are the only two up here, up on this mountain…" He pulled out an arrow, and aimed it at Nuriko. "Say your prayers!" He released the arrow. Nuriko jumped toward his right, dodging his arrow. There was no time to stop as arrows rained over him.
* * *
"Come on please, we must leave now…" The Suzaku no Miko, begged her companions. "Please. You all felt it, didn't you, I think one of us is trouble. I think it's Nuriko…" "Why would he be in trouble, he's probably pondering over a beauty shop or something." "No, he's not!" Miaka retorted, pointing a finger towards a mountain in the distance. "He's alone, up there…." The monk stared up at the mountain. "Why no da…?" "Well, Nuriko and I we found out that the Genbu Shizaho is suppose to be up there, that is according to a old carving." "it is, good job Miaka…." "Well I suppose to come back and tell you guys while Nuriko went on ahead…." "did he?" She nodded. "and I think after that sudden pain, something happened, something terrible…" she paused. "Do you think Hotohori might have felt it to?" "I suppose so, after all we are closely connected." Chriko said hopping onto a horse, sitting in front of Mitsukake. "Come on, we should go up there…" the boy genius pointed at the mountain. "Miaka's right. Something deffinatly happened. The only way to find out is to go up there…" Tasuki hopped on his own horse, while Miaka rode with Chichiri, who had promised the emperor of Miaka's safe return, who had convinced him that Miaka would be safe in their hands.
* * *
Nuriko ran towards the boulder, taking refuge behind it.
Dam Tamahome! Dam Seiryuu and it's warriors. If I wasn't injured in the first place, that Tama-baka would pay so dearly for ever betraying us.
"I don't got time! We're not going play hide and seek! Come out and fight like a man!! You coward! What happened to the I'm-going-to-protect-Miaka-to-the-end?" Nuriko stepped out, raising the shaking boulder above his head. "You are the one that isn't a man! You the one who betrayed Miaka, betrayed Hotohori! I'm not the one who nearly killed Tasuki. Not the one who turned his back on his friends!" Nuriko yelled this. An echo of his words swept through the mountain.
* * *
"You are the one that isn't a man! You the one who betrayed Miaka, betrayed Hotohori! I'm not the one who nearly killed Tasuki. Not the one who turned his back on his friends!" The Seishi paused hearing this. "Oh god! Chichiri hurry. Nuriko's in danger! There's someone else with him! Probably Nagako and Tamahome! We have to hurry." Tasuki whipped his horse. "I'll go ahead…!"
* * *
"How touching….Not! I don't know what you mean, and don't care!" My task is to kill you along with your Emperor and Miko!" Nuriko spat at him. He threw the boulder, but Tamahome jumped back, dodging it. He placed back his bow and ran straight at the injured man. "I don't need any weapons to kill! I'll fight like a man! I'll fight and win like one!" He punched Nuriko in his stomach, causing the blood to pour quicker. Nuriko could only run away. He was in no condition to fight. "You not a man! Men don't run! He stands his ground!" Nuriko gritted his teeth, clenched his hands into fists. "I stand my ground. Mark my words Tamahome, even if you win today's battle, we won't lose. Suzaku will be summoned, Seiryuu will fall. My friends will have avenage me….!" "Oh yeah! They're not here are they! Just you and me. No one's going even know…." Tamahome punched him hard on his face, causing him to fall. He loomed over Nuriko, his bow and arrow pointing once again at him. "You will die!!!"
"REIKA SHIEN!!!!!!" Fire consumed Tamahome from behind. "Die you bitch!!!" Tasuki threw another round of fire, before waiting for it to die down. When it did, Tamahome was crouched on the floor, in the form of a ball. When he stood up, Tasuki blinked a couple of times. Tamahome's outfit was burned to smithereens. His bare chest had patches of burnt skin. His pants became shorts. (yes shorts only! He isn't totally naked…) "Wow! Didn't know I had that much power…" "Dam you bitch! You'll pay!" Tamahome ran up, but Tasuki only kept flaming him. He wasn't going to let the ogre any closer, wasn't going to let him leave him in his pervious state. Tamahome did not pressure forward, finding that it was impossible to get close to the bandit. "I'll remember this! You'll be next!" Tamahome headed in the opposite direction. "No! I'm not waiting! I'm having my revenge now!" He chased after Tamahome. "Tasuki!! Leave him!" Nuriko's weak voice came from behind. "but Nu…" "Let him go, I need your help…"
Tasuki grunted before walking over to Nuriko. "My god, what the hell happened to you!!" Tasuki yelled, as panic swept over him once again.
Jesus! Why do I always show up at times like these…not to mention alone…
Nuriko slowly pointed to the dead beast. "He attacked…got injured by him…killed him…Tama shows up and yeah…." He said barely louder then a whisper. Tasuki gently lifted him up, letting him rest on his body. "Don't worry, just hang on, alright…nothing's going to happen. You'll be alright. The others are coming…Mitsukake's coming…I'll go chase him up here…." Tasuki said, before standing up. "It's alright Tasuki. Just stay with me. It's too late already. You know I can't even see you…probably gone blind. The only reason I know you're here is because of your voice. Please stay with me. I don't want to be alone…" Tears streaked down the bandit's eyes. "No! No!! No!! Nuriko you'll survive. I know you will…. please just hang on….just hang on….!"
"Anno Tasuki, what are you doing on the floor…where the hell are the others. Who's that beast. There's so much blood. Where is Nuriko?" Miaka asked as she and Chichiri sped towards them. Miaka fell off her horse, seeing Nuriko injured so badly. She scrambled to her feet and sat down beside his injured companion.
" Oh my god! Oh my god! Nuriko!!" Miaka yelled, taking his hands into her own. "Miaka??" he questioned softly. Miaka nodded. "Miaka?" "Yeah I'm here…" Nuriko sighed. He touched her face, feeling the tears on her cheeks, whipping them away. "Sh… don't cry…it's not the end. I know we'll meet again soon." "No….No….You're not going to die! Nuriko! Don't die!!" He chuckled softly, as if he did not hear her. "I'm going to miss you Miaka…going miss you a lot. You know take care of yourself. I've cause you some much pain in the past, breaking you apart form Hotohori-sama…can you forgive me….?" "Of course Nuriko!!" "Can you tell him that too, ask for my forgiveness?" "No, you are going to do that! You'll tell Hotohori yourself. You'll come back with us, after we find the Shizaho's and you'll tell him that yourself!!" Nuriko shook his head. "I can't. I can't even see now….." his voice trailed off. "My life is slipping from me…" She tighten her grip on him. "Don't die, you won't die!" "Miaka take care of yourself….Tasuki…take care of her for me…make sure she and Hotohori are together…" "He isn't here no da…He left to get Mitsukake…." "Chichiri then you do that for me…" He did not reply. Miaka looked at the monk, hopping for reassuring words from him. She stared at him, stared at his scar and the tears from his eyes. "Nuriko, cheer up. Mitsukake's coming…once he's here…then…." "It's too late….just stay with me." Miaka knew some of these words were true. She felt his life disappear. "Miaka…take…ca….take….care. Say…Sayonara….Sayo…"
At that moment a horse galloped up to them. "Miaka get out of the way. He'll be alright…" A strong voice somberly said. She looked up to see Mitsukake looming above them. Miaka nodded, moving away. "Hold him up…" Tasuki and Chichiri did so. Chiriko and Miaka held onto Nuriko's arms. "Please hurry…he's still alive…I can feel his paulse…" The healer did not reply. He sat down in front of Nuriko. "Shouka…." He mumbled as he unwrapped the bandages on his left hand. "Suzaku, heal…." Green bumbles formed, before disappearing into the injured man. Nuriko's appearance immediately recovered. His eyes remained close. All held their breath, waiting for a conformation. Mitsukake coughed. Miaka's eyes questioned him. "I'll be alright Miaka…" he looked at Nuriko who did not move. "Nuriko??" "Arigato Mitsukake…I owe you…" he said as violet eyes flashed open. "Thank you all of you…"
Miaka hugged him tightly. "Nuriko!!" He stroke her hair and patted her back. "You know Miaka…I wouldn't have regretted if I died…It is my duty to protect you…after all…." She slapped him lightly on his cheek. "Baka!! What happened if you died!!! What would happen…" "then so be it…" She pulled away from him. "Thank you…." He smiled down on her.
Miaka spotted a mirror that Chichiri held. "What's that…" "A link. I can use my powers up here. It won't be intercepted so easily…." "That won't matter anyway…." Tasuki pointed at the beast. "The Seiryuu Seishi already know. Nagako sent him and Tamahome…" "Tamahome??" Miaka's eyes brightened then dulled instantly. "Yeah nearly killed Nuriko….those two…." Miaka stomped the snow, causing her to sink slightly. "He'll pay. He'll pay for this. I'm not going to forgive Tamahome….he nearly killed Tasuki and Nuriko…I'm glad Mitsukake's here, he save so many life's…." The healer beamed. "You know…Hotohori-sama would be glad to have heard that…." Chriko said. "The part about you hating Tamahome…." Miaka blushed, before remembering the mirror.
"So Chichiri…sorry got distracted. What kind of mirror is this…" "It shows the person you want to see in the mirror no da…" Miaka brightened up. "How do I use it?" "Just say the name of the person you want to see…and another mirror would appear in front of that person…no da…" Miaka took the mirror, and glanced at her Seishi, blushing slightly. Nuriko took the hint, and stood up. "We'll wait over there Miaka…" he said before winking at her. "Thanks…" The others followed his lead and left.
Miaka watched her reflection in the mirror. She stared at herself for a while. "Hotohori…." She murmured his name in a small voice. She watched in fascination as her reflection spin and dissolve, in a swirl of colors. Then all of a sudden Hotohori's face stared at her.
"Hotohori!!!!!" She squealed his name so loud that the Seishi stared at her, as if expecting him to appear out of thin air. "How…how…" "Miaka….what happened. Is something wrong? You've been crying again. Are you safe? Where is everyone else…" "No everything is fine now. Yes, I've been crying." He frowned. "I'm safe…and everyone else is over there…." She titled the mirror so that he could see them. The emperor sighed. "I thought something terrible happened. That sudden jerk of pain, I thought it meant you were hurt." "I'm not hurt. However, Nuriko…he…" "did he hurt you?" Miaka shook her head. "He nearly died protecting me…" she said as another tear slid down her eye. "You should have seen how terrible he looked like…" Hotohori nodded, understanding. "Is he alright now…?" "Yes…Mitsukake got there on time, but barely…he was chased up here by Tasuki…." Miaka smiled slightly. Hotohori nodded. "How about you Miaka…" "I'm fine." She paused. "You know, you saved my life….you protected me as you said you would when you aren't here like now…." "You mean you used my sword?" "Yes…I used it to fight my first battle alone too…. well not alone, I felt your presence…" "I'm glad….I'm so proud of you…." "and not only that…" she indicated to the huge door behind him, and the stone boulder. "Nuriko help us move it, it was blocking the door." "Where does that lead to?" "Well we are in Hokkan right now. According to a stone tablet, the Genbu Shinzaho lies here…" "Congratulations! You found the first Shinzaho…." "Well basically yes…all I need to do is retrieve it…." "I'll pray right now. Start praying that you'll be successful." "Thanks Hotohori…." He nodded. "Well then Miaka, you mind if I talk to Nuriko? I think I should…." Miaka nodded. "Well alright. Just take care of yourself…and that teddy bear…." "Yes, I will, I'll keep that photo of us all and that teddy bear close at hand…." "Well then don't stay lonely…I have no idea how long this is going to take….I promise to make it up to you…." Hotohori formed a evil grin. "What…..??" "Oh, you'll make it up. I'm make you sure you do…." The look kind of scared Miaka. "Don't look me that way." He smiled at her. "Alright, but you promised…." Miaka nodded. "Just be careful alright." "Of course I will….."
* * *
Nuriko stared across at his Miko, a broad smile on his face. "Wonder what they are up to…she totally forgot about me…thanks a lot Chichiri…you ruined the only moment I got to hold her like that….." The monk frowned. "What no da…" The cross-dresser stuck out his tongue. The monk approach him, and whispered "you love her too no da?" The willow seemed taken aback. "What! Why would I!" He shouted, blushing slightly. "well just say, I'm very observant no da…you risk everything for her today…." He jerked his head at their Miko. "that's just because I'm her Seishi! I'm obligated to do that!" The monk did not hear him. "Miaka misses him so much. I hope you understand that." He said while patting his companions back. "I know it hurts, but those to make such a better couple…" "yeah, they sure do…I'm glad Hotohori's not alone anymore, so is Miaka. This is best…." The willow turned away, silently admitting the truth to himself.
"Hey Nuriko!! Would you mind coming over here!" Miaka waived at him from the other side." "What is it Miaka!!" he shouted back, not bothering to move. "I thought you forgot about us all!!" "Get over here, Hotohori wants to talk to you!!" "See you later…" he mumbled to the monk before heading towards Miaka.
"So what's up Miaka?" Nuriko said as he approach her. "Thought you would have forgotten us all, you were so keen to talk to your fiancé…." He teased as he watched her face turn a shade of red. "Did he give you a kiss yet?" This made Miaka blush redder. Not knowing what to say, she shoved the mirror into his open hands, before speeding off away.
Nuriko chuckled at his Miko, watching her sneak up on Tasuki and jabbed him playfully. He stood up and started to chase her. Though he was fast, he kept his distance, pleasing Miaka. Nuriko watched as Miaka and Tasuki chased each other around in circles. Nuriko smiled at how the way Miaka bugged him, and having him chase her. At that moment there was a cough, and Nuriko returned his attention to the mirror.
Hotohori studded him, from head to toe. He was looking for injuries, but couldn't find one. "Nuriko are you alright? I heard you were badly injured." "Ah! Hotohori-sama…I'm fine now thanks…Mitsukake saved me." Hotohori nodded. "Thank you Nuriko…" The willow seemed surprised. "Wha…" "for taking care of Miaka for me, for defending her, for standing your ground, for fighting alone battle, for willing to risk your life for her…." Nuriko scratched his head. "Oh come on, Miaka's our best friend. She's special to us all. We've got a strong bond as friends, as Seishi as Miko, it's just you and Miaka are closer that's all…" he tilted the mirror to let the emperor see Miaka and Tasuki still chasing each other. "You see…" The emperor nodded. "and because we are more then friends, real and true friends, we'll risk it for her sake." He paused, before continuing in a lower voice. "You know I was so close to death. I went blind everything was dark. When a light appeared I went over to it, but a hand pulls me back. I turned and don't see anyone. When I do, it was Tasuki, he showed up and held on to me. I gathered hope when Miaka and Chichiri arrive, held on to life. Still in the end, I almost gave up…I said goodbye to Miaka….." he bit his lower lip, glancing at the emperor for a reaction. "and I'm glad you didn't die. It would have hurt Miaka so much….you know she can't take it. Can't take another heavy loss…" Nuriko smiled. "We'll all be careful. Still just to let you know, if anyone of us dies, we'll be happy to do it for Miaka's sake…" "Thank you…"
"Nuriko!!!!!" Nuriko looked up at Miaka's shout. "Come on! Tell Hotohori I love him!" "Wait…" "No time!!" She pointed at the gigantic doors which had just opened when Miaka accidentally ran in front of it, telling Tasuki to bug off. Tasuki didn't and so Miaka bang the doors which open with her touch. "Well then Nuriko go on…can't have them wait for you…" He nodded, and watched the mirror disappear.
"Miaka wait up!" Nuriko ran up to her. "Wait for me…" The Miko stuck out her tounge. "Come on then, hurry up. I need to get the Shinzaho now. Then we can go back to Konan and…" "you can be with your fiancé…" "quite it Nuriko…." She hit him lightly. "Oh…oh…but its true.. we all know Hotohori-sama proposed to you. We all know you'll be empress…so what's the harm in calling him your fiancé…." "cause.. cause…I say so…." She paused but thought otherwise. "well you say anything like that again…I'm going to complain to Hotohori…for messing around with me…He won't be happy…" "Alright…alright…" he raise his hands in a defensive position. "don't need to get Hotohori-sama involved, don't need to get your sweetheart involved….I don't want to be on his bad side…" Miaka's face darken. "There isn't a bad side to him…Hotohori's perfect…he's beautiful…..he's powerful…he's that prince that everyone wants…" The Seishi smiled at her. "Hey how about us! You keep forgetting about us…you only talk about Hotohori…" "Oh you guys are the best too!" He hugged Tasuki, surprising him. "My best Seishi, companions and friends in the world…" "Well then, anyways…not to spoil this special moment, but I really think we should continue onward, we can always celebrate later, we have plenty of time then…we should focus with the task at hand…" Chriiko spoke. Miaka reluctantly nodded. "Yeah, you are right…" With that she took the lead, leading them inside those gigantic doors.
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Alright what do you think? Kind of like episode 33 with a happy ending!! Please Read/Review!! ^_^