The Secrets that Last
By Luna Tiarra
Ch. 14
Miaka smiled brightly as her beloved stepped back into her waiting arms.
"Arigatou Ren-san," Tamahome smiled at the taller blonde man. His eyes reflected a gentle affection and deep within their depths, Chichiri and Hotohori saw what they themselves felt for the delicate creature beside him. They narrowed their eyes at the blue haired seishi.
Tamahome was tackled the moment the Zone's entrance had completely dissipated. He glanced at Ren's smiling face and hesitated. He closed his eyes and returned the embrace, a small smile on his face.
Ren was suddenly surrounded as Chichiri, Nuriko, Hotohori, Tasuki, and Touji swarmed around him, firing questions. Chiriko and Mitsukake weren't far behind. How did it go? Was it harder to train a thickheaded blue boy? Did Tamahome adapt well? How long did it take for his stone to be absorbed? Ex.
Ren sweat-dropped at the buzzing in his ears.
"Miaka-chan!" He called. Silence followed the beckoning.
Tamahome and Miaka looked to the blonde and Miaka bounced quickly to him. She leached onto his arm, grinning hugely.
"Hai Ren-chan?" she smiled affectionately up at him.
Ren smiled gently down at her. She looked up to him with such admiration and awe sparkling in those big innocent eyes. Eyes that reminded him of another pair of eyes also filled with eager innocence and awed admiration. Eyes belonging to a young woman by the name of Soi…
"Such innocence within this miko. She shouldn't be spoiled by the horrible sights she will see once Chaos arrives." He thought with slight sadness.
"You are next." Ren spoke after a moment. "Prepare yourself and say your last goodbyes."
Miaka flashed a peace sign. "Hai sensei!"
Ren smiled at her enthusiasm and watched her tornado around the camp eating as much as she could stuff into her face. She had apparently heard from the others that food was a rare treat in the Zone. Ren smirked.
"When Miaka and I return," he said loudly, silencing the once more chattering group around him.
"Nuriko shall be next followed by both Touji and Tasuki. Be practicing your skills in the little time remaining. Tamahome, you and Hotohori should practice together and Mitsukake, you and Chiriko should study together and share your wisdom. As for you," she looked at Tasuki, Touji, and Chichiri. "Tasuki and Touji will practice together as usual and Chichiri," he smiled at the blue haired monk.
"You should practice your spells perhaps with each of the others. You should know that your skills and barriers will be vital to our success."
Everyone nodded and dispersed to discuss training with their "teams". Ren sighed as he was at last left alone. He stared up at the sky, watching, waiting perhaps for something to happen. A light breeze caressed his face and he smiled at the sensation.
"Miaka shall be given the choice once this is all over," he mused. "To return to her own dimension with her three wishes or to forget everything that's happened here." He closed his eyes as whispers of spirits drifted on the wind.
"I can hear this Earth crying." He whispered. "So much pain and dark energy has developed among the people. If we don't finish this soon, there will be no hope to support us." He sighed.
*&(*&)*&(*&)*&(*&)*&(*&)*&
"Minna-chan," Ren announced once everyone had gathered to see their priestess off.
"Miaka shall return in one day."
"Nani?!" Cries of confusion from all around.
Ren calmly explained. "Miaka doesn't need to be trained as the rest of you have. And time is running thin. I will train her as I see fit. Then Nuriko and I will enter for the usual time. Tasuki and Touji will also return in a day. I'm sorry about this, but we don't have much time."
Everyone agreed with little fuss and Miaka was escorted into the Zone with one last goodbye kiss from Tamahome.
As soon as the Zone door had vanished, he sighed and touched his temples. "How do I tell her?" he asked himself.
&*&*&*&*&*&*&**&*&*&*&*& In the Zone
"Who, who are you?" Miaka whispered, staring at the shadowy figure.
"Do not worry Lady Miaka, I am a friend." Came the figure's soft voice.
Miaka's eyes widened. "Are you a servant here?" she asked, looking around the small pond. The Konan palace was not far off.
The girl laughed softly. "Iie. I am a friend. As I said before."
Miaka frowned in confusion. "But if you're not a servant than what the heck are you doing out here at night?" she asked, perplexed.
The girl smirked faintly through the shadows that clung to her form and stepped into the available light.
Miaka gasped. "She's so beautiful!" she thought in awe.
The girl, or rather woman, stood roughly 5' 11 with skin of palest ivory and long, thick waves of silvery golden hair falling past her waist in a tight French braid. Her lips were colored deepest crimson and it was obviously her natural shading. Bewitching large sapphire eyes stared at her amusedly, sparkling as if the very stars had been captured within them.
She smiled. "I am Usagi. And I could ask the same of you Priestess."
Miaka blinked. "Huh?"
"Why are you out here? Surely your warriors would not leave you out here unaccompanied."
Miaka smiled and flashed a peace sign. "That's OK! I was just looking for Nuriko's earring!"
Usagi narrowed her eyes slightly and frowned. "Earring? What ever purpose would that serve?"
"Because, I want to be her friend, and well," Miaka trailed off, saddening slightly.
Usagi smiled and approached her.
"It's alright. I'm sure that you can find it. If not, then friendship is not material and it would take nothing less than your kindness and good intentions to gain. Nuriko may not act like it, but I'm sure that she cares what happens to you. After all, she is one of your seishi, ne?" Miaka looked up at the girl surprised. For some reason she felt like she could trust her with anything and everything. Suddenly something hit her.
This wasn't right…this was a memory…
*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Miaka awoke with a pounding head ache. She grunted and pushed herself to open her eyes. "Now I know what a hangover must feel like." She grunted. Her vision cleared to the sight of Usagi. But wait…
"Usagi-chan?" Miaka whispered. The young woman's smile was enough to confirm her suspicions.
"Usagi?" she tried again, puzzlement filling her eyes. "Demo, where is Ren-chan?"
She was officially confused.
Usagi smiled gently, silencing Miaka with a soft gesture to her lips.
"Miaka-sama, I am both of whom you speak." She proceeded to explain how this could be and what curse had befallen her.
Miaka looked sympathetic. "Gomen nasai Usagi-chan," she looked sad. "Will you train me then?"
Usagi smiled kindly at her. "Ne, you will learn several basic and simple spells. The first is this." She held out her hand, which glowed a soft golden.
"As the priestess of Suzako you have a higher energy output than normal people which allows you to cast minor protective spells. This is a pure ability of defense. You are charged with protecting yourself. And I will teach you some basic self defense as well." She smiled at Miaka's stare.
"To cast this barrier you simply pool your energy to your hand and make a circle around yourself." As she spoke, Usagi did a motion that resembled the Moon Healing Activation sequence. The circle she had drawn left a trail of glowing gold and silver sparkles in its wake. It glowed and Usagi was confined within a gold sphere. Moments later the sphere and Usagi disappeared and Miaka cried out in shock.
"Usagi-chan?!" she called.
Usagi's giggling made Miaka look at the very spot she had disappeared in.
Usagi reappeared. The orb was gone.
"After it forms, the spell also conceals you from mortal eyes. You see, the main goal of your training is to make sure you stay safe during the battle and well hidden from those who would capture you and use you against us."
Miaka's eyes watered pitifully. "You mean, sniff, I can't fight with you?" she began to bawl.
Usagi sighed. "Miaka-chan, stop being a cry baby. If you want to fight, you can't cry at everything that doesn't go your way."
Miaka's eyes were instantly dry at the look Usagi was giving her.
"I am going to teach you now, if you cooperate and don't cry, I'll teach you how to protect your seishi."
Miaka eagerly nodded and grinned. "Hai sensei!"
As usual, time passed quickly within the Zone. Miaka was determined to learn and Usagi watched proudly as she overcame her clumsiness and began to move with a learned grace. She developed her limited powers slower than the others, but Usagi had predicted this and allowed her trainee a patient smile at every moment she was near tears. Miaka developed a close bond with Usagi that was built on an obvious trust and understanding. The two girls talked about life and their journeys and adventures. Miaka explained about her other dimension and all that had changed since she entered the book. Usagi told her about growing up with Tasuki, or Genro as she referred to him, and the rest of the bandits. She told Miaka of her past life times as the super heroine Sailor Moon and Princess Serenity. Miaka loved hearing the tales of the Moon Kingdom and the adventures of Sailor Moon. She was especially interested in all the loves Usagi had found in each of her past lives. She told Miaka of her secret love for a powerful senshi named Haruka and their secret meetings during her time as Sailor Moon. She told Miaka things that no one other than the guardian of time had ever known before. The Four Gods, she explained once, had chosen her to live with them as the Goddess. She was to be their Bride for all eternity and watch over the people of this dimension. She confessed that she deeply loved each in a different way. They were all wonderful men and she was happy with them. Miaka often asked of the relation between Ren and Tasuki. This was an interest that Usagi did not encourage. She would calmly avoid the subject but Miaka was stubborn. After half a year, Usagi announced that it was time to return. Miaka felt odd with the idea of returning to the fairy tale world she'd fallen into. Tamahome and the others seemed so far away now…like figments of a childhood fantasy.
Usagi transformed into Ren and escorted the Miko through the Zone's mouth. Miaka was prepared for the worst.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Nuriko had to have the biggest, stupidest, hugest grin in history on his face. His eyes were huge and puppy-like as he gave Ren an adoring pet look. Ren took a step back in fear. Any moment now the braided man would pounce on him, he just knew it.
Tasuki and Touji gave the poor man a sympathetic look.
Chichiri, Tamahome, and Hotohori gave Nuriko looks that seemed to say "If only you knew,"
Miaka smiled at everyone. "Konichiwa minna-chan!" she greeted. Everyone eyed her carefully. She had gained a shapelier figure since last they saw her and her bosom reflected the mature change. She seemed to be less compulsive and more resigned. She smiled and kept her bright disposition, but her movements were more graceful and careful. She seemed a bit more timid then they remembered her.
"Did you miss me?" she smiled.
Tamahome looked at her with slight hesitation. Miaka grinned at him and went to embrace him. She found his arms to be just as comforting and safe as always, but something was different… She looked up at him and suddenly realized what had changed. She felt like she was held in the arms of a person she loved and cherished, but it wasn't the same love she'd felt before. It was a quieter love, like that between siblings or close family members. She pulled away and smiled. They would have to talk later.
Ren nodded to Chiriko and Mitsukake who were watching the situation unfold. Nuriko seemed just about ready to spring.
"Nuriko," Ren swallowed hard. "You're…next…" he clamped his eyes closed waiting for the attack. He braced himself. And was tackled by a happily squealing Nuriko. Everyone sweat-dropped as Ren attempted to crawl away. They had all watched with amusement as Nuriko happily prepared for his turn in the Zone. He had chatted avidly about his intentions to attain the heart of their teacher. They had all watched him knowingly; fully aware of the circumstances he was so oblivious to. They were each making private bets over the reaction of their fellow seishi when he first found himself in the Zone. Or more specifically, whose presence he was in. They laughed to themselves as Ren dragged the weight of Nuriko and himself toward a hysterically laughing Tasuki and Touji.
"Help!" he wheezed, struggling against Nuriko's anaconda grip. It was no use and Ren was turning blue as Nuriko continued to babble endlessly about the year that they would spend together. Ren was finally released when Miaka decided it was time to let him breathe. She enlisted the help of the others and they all worked to pry him off of Ren.
Ren and Nuriko entered the Zone side by side, saying short goodbyes and such without hesitation.
The group watched them go.
Miaka smiled up at Tamahome. "We need to talk." She said quietly, so as not to be heard.
He nodded.
They walked into the woods, finding a gap between some trees. Tamahome leaned casually against a tree while Miaka leaned against a separate one several feet away.
She glanced at him. "I think…" she began.
"I know." Tamahome interrupted her, his eyes closed.
"I know you've felt it too." He said. She looked at him in surprise.
"We're not like we were." She admitted. "And I think I prefer it this way."
He opened his eyes to look at her. He was expecting her to cry at least.
She was smiling pleasantly at the rising moon.
"When this is all over," she said softly.
"What will you do?" Tamahome asked.
"I will return to my own dimension where I belong. Usagi says that I can go home once Chaos has been defeated and if I choose to, I can forget all that's happened here." She glanced at Tamahome and took in the handsome features.
Tamahome studied her, searching. "Will you choose to forget?" he asked after a moment's silence.
Miaka shook her head, odangos bobbing. "Of course not Silly!" She play slapped his arm. "This experience has been so unbelievable! I wouldn't trade it for the world." She smiled, getting more serious. "So this is it?"
"After this we'll go our separate ways?" Tamahome looked at her.
She nodded. "Hai. I think we both feel it's better this way."
He nodded, then collected her in a hug.
"Arigotou." He whispered in her ear.
"Ne, it is no favor of mine." She thought with a small smile, returning the brotherly embrace.
-So how do you like? Nuriko is next! What will his reaction be to the lovely Usagi? R&R!!
By Luna Tiarra
Ch. 14
Miaka smiled brightly as her beloved stepped back into her waiting arms.
"Arigatou Ren-san," Tamahome smiled at the taller blonde man. His eyes reflected a gentle affection and deep within their depths, Chichiri and Hotohori saw what they themselves felt for the delicate creature beside him. They narrowed their eyes at the blue haired seishi.
Tamahome was tackled the moment the Zone's entrance had completely dissipated. He glanced at Ren's smiling face and hesitated. He closed his eyes and returned the embrace, a small smile on his face.
Ren was suddenly surrounded as Chichiri, Nuriko, Hotohori, Tasuki, and Touji swarmed around him, firing questions. Chiriko and Mitsukake weren't far behind. How did it go? Was it harder to train a thickheaded blue boy? Did Tamahome adapt well? How long did it take for his stone to be absorbed? Ex.
Ren sweat-dropped at the buzzing in his ears.
"Miaka-chan!" He called. Silence followed the beckoning.
Tamahome and Miaka looked to the blonde and Miaka bounced quickly to him. She leached onto his arm, grinning hugely.
"Hai Ren-chan?" she smiled affectionately up at him.
Ren smiled gently down at her. She looked up to him with such admiration and awe sparkling in those big innocent eyes. Eyes that reminded him of another pair of eyes also filled with eager innocence and awed admiration. Eyes belonging to a young woman by the name of Soi…
"Such innocence within this miko. She shouldn't be spoiled by the horrible sights she will see once Chaos arrives." He thought with slight sadness.
"You are next." Ren spoke after a moment. "Prepare yourself and say your last goodbyes."
Miaka flashed a peace sign. "Hai sensei!"
Ren smiled at her enthusiasm and watched her tornado around the camp eating as much as she could stuff into her face. She had apparently heard from the others that food was a rare treat in the Zone. Ren smirked.
"When Miaka and I return," he said loudly, silencing the once more chattering group around him.
"Nuriko shall be next followed by both Touji and Tasuki. Be practicing your skills in the little time remaining. Tamahome, you and Hotohori should practice together and Mitsukake, you and Chiriko should study together and share your wisdom. As for you," she looked at Tasuki, Touji, and Chichiri. "Tasuki and Touji will practice together as usual and Chichiri," he smiled at the blue haired monk.
"You should practice your spells perhaps with each of the others. You should know that your skills and barriers will be vital to our success."
Everyone nodded and dispersed to discuss training with their "teams". Ren sighed as he was at last left alone. He stared up at the sky, watching, waiting perhaps for something to happen. A light breeze caressed his face and he smiled at the sensation.
"Miaka shall be given the choice once this is all over," he mused. "To return to her own dimension with her three wishes or to forget everything that's happened here." He closed his eyes as whispers of spirits drifted on the wind.
"I can hear this Earth crying." He whispered. "So much pain and dark energy has developed among the people. If we don't finish this soon, there will be no hope to support us." He sighed.
*&(*&)*&(*&)*&(*&)*&(*&)*&
"Minna-chan," Ren announced once everyone had gathered to see their priestess off.
"Miaka shall return in one day."
"Nani?!" Cries of confusion from all around.
Ren calmly explained. "Miaka doesn't need to be trained as the rest of you have. And time is running thin. I will train her as I see fit. Then Nuriko and I will enter for the usual time. Tasuki and Touji will also return in a day. I'm sorry about this, but we don't have much time."
Everyone agreed with little fuss and Miaka was escorted into the Zone with one last goodbye kiss from Tamahome.
As soon as the Zone door had vanished, he sighed and touched his temples. "How do I tell her?" he asked himself.
&*&*&*&*&*&*&**&*&*&*&*& In the Zone
"Who, who are you?" Miaka whispered, staring at the shadowy figure.
"Do not worry Lady Miaka, I am a friend." Came the figure's soft voice.
Miaka's eyes widened. "Are you a servant here?" she asked, looking around the small pond. The Konan palace was not far off.
The girl laughed softly. "Iie. I am a friend. As I said before."
Miaka frowned in confusion. "But if you're not a servant than what the heck are you doing out here at night?" she asked, perplexed.
The girl smirked faintly through the shadows that clung to her form and stepped into the available light.
Miaka gasped. "She's so beautiful!" she thought in awe.
The girl, or rather woman, stood roughly 5' 11 with skin of palest ivory and long, thick waves of silvery golden hair falling past her waist in a tight French braid. Her lips were colored deepest crimson and it was obviously her natural shading. Bewitching large sapphire eyes stared at her amusedly, sparkling as if the very stars had been captured within them.
She smiled. "I am Usagi. And I could ask the same of you Priestess."
Miaka blinked. "Huh?"
"Why are you out here? Surely your warriors would not leave you out here unaccompanied."
Miaka smiled and flashed a peace sign. "That's OK! I was just looking for Nuriko's earring!"
Usagi narrowed her eyes slightly and frowned. "Earring? What ever purpose would that serve?"
"Because, I want to be her friend, and well," Miaka trailed off, saddening slightly.
Usagi smiled and approached her.
"It's alright. I'm sure that you can find it. If not, then friendship is not material and it would take nothing less than your kindness and good intentions to gain. Nuriko may not act like it, but I'm sure that she cares what happens to you. After all, she is one of your seishi, ne?" Miaka looked up at the girl surprised. For some reason she felt like she could trust her with anything and everything. Suddenly something hit her.
This wasn't right…this was a memory…
*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Miaka awoke with a pounding head ache. She grunted and pushed herself to open her eyes. "Now I know what a hangover must feel like." She grunted. Her vision cleared to the sight of Usagi. But wait…
"Usagi-chan?" Miaka whispered. The young woman's smile was enough to confirm her suspicions.
"Usagi?" she tried again, puzzlement filling her eyes. "Demo, where is Ren-chan?"
She was officially confused.
Usagi smiled gently, silencing Miaka with a soft gesture to her lips.
"Miaka-sama, I am both of whom you speak." She proceeded to explain how this could be and what curse had befallen her.
Miaka looked sympathetic. "Gomen nasai Usagi-chan," she looked sad. "Will you train me then?"
Usagi smiled kindly at her. "Ne, you will learn several basic and simple spells. The first is this." She held out her hand, which glowed a soft golden.
"As the priestess of Suzako you have a higher energy output than normal people which allows you to cast minor protective spells. This is a pure ability of defense. You are charged with protecting yourself. And I will teach you some basic self defense as well." She smiled at Miaka's stare.
"To cast this barrier you simply pool your energy to your hand and make a circle around yourself." As she spoke, Usagi did a motion that resembled the Moon Healing Activation sequence. The circle she had drawn left a trail of glowing gold and silver sparkles in its wake. It glowed and Usagi was confined within a gold sphere. Moments later the sphere and Usagi disappeared and Miaka cried out in shock.
"Usagi-chan?!" she called.
Usagi's giggling made Miaka look at the very spot she had disappeared in.
Usagi reappeared. The orb was gone.
"After it forms, the spell also conceals you from mortal eyes. You see, the main goal of your training is to make sure you stay safe during the battle and well hidden from those who would capture you and use you against us."
Miaka's eyes watered pitifully. "You mean, sniff, I can't fight with you?" she began to bawl.
Usagi sighed. "Miaka-chan, stop being a cry baby. If you want to fight, you can't cry at everything that doesn't go your way."
Miaka's eyes were instantly dry at the look Usagi was giving her.
"I am going to teach you now, if you cooperate and don't cry, I'll teach you how to protect your seishi."
Miaka eagerly nodded and grinned. "Hai sensei!"
As usual, time passed quickly within the Zone. Miaka was determined to learn and Usagi watched proudly as she overcame her clumsiness and began to move with a learned grace. She developed her limited powers slower than the others, but Usagi had predicted this and allowed her trainee a patient smile at every moment she was near tears. Miaka developed a close bond with Usagi that was built on an obvious trust and understanding. The two girls talked about life and their journeys and adventures. Miaka explained about her other dimension and all that had changed since she entered the book. Usagi told her about growing up with Tasuki, or Genro as she referred to him, and the rest of the bandits. She told Miaka of her past life times as the super heroine Sailor Moon and Princess Serenity. Miaka loved hearing the tales of the Moon Kingdom and the adventures of Sailor Moon. She was especially interested in all the loves Usagi had found in each of her past lives. She told Miaka of her secret love for a powerful senshi named Haruka and their secret meetings during her time as Sailor Moon. She told Miaka things that no one other than the guardian of time had ever known before. The Four Gods, she explained once, had chosen her to live with them as the Goddess. She was to be their Bride for all eternity and watch over the people of this dimension. She confessed that she deeply loved each in a different way. They were all wonderful men and she was happy with them. Miaka often asked of the relation between Ren and Tasuki. This was an interest that Usagi did not encourage. She would calmly avoid the subject but Miaka was stubborn. After half a year, Usagi announced that it was time to return. Miaka felt odd with the idea of returning to the fairy tale world she'd fallen into. Tamahome and the others seemed so far away now…like figments of a childhood fantasy.
Usagi transformed into Ren and escorted the Miko through the Zone's mouth. Miaka was prepared for the worst.
*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*
Nuriko had to have the biggest, stupidest, hugest grin in history on his face. His eyes were huge and puppy-like as he gave Ren an adoring pet look. Ren took a step back in fear. Any moment now the braided man would pounce on him, he just knew it.
Tasuki and Touji gave the poor man a sympathetic look.
Chichiri, Tamahome, and Hotohori gave Nuriko looks that seemed to say "If only you knew,"
Miaka smiled at everyone. "Konichiwa minna-chan!" she greeted. Everyone eyed her carefully. She had gained a shapelier figure since last they saw her and her bosom reflected the mature change. She seemed to be less compulsive and more resigned. She smiled and kept her bright disposition, but her movements were more graceful and careful. She seemed a bit more timid then they remembered her.
"Did you miss me?" she smiled.
Tamahome looked at her with slight hesitation. Miaka grinned at him and went to embrace him. She found his arms to be just as comforting and safe as always, but something was different… She looked up at him and suddenly realized what had changed. She felt like she was held in the arms of a person she loved and cherished, but it wasn't the same love she'd felt before. It was a quieter love, like that between siblings or close family members. She pulled away and smiled. They would have to talk later.
Ren nodded to Chiriko and Mitsukake who were watching the situation unfold. Nuriko seemed just about ready to spring.
"Nuriko," Ren swallowed hard. "You're…next…" he clamped his eyes closed waiting for the attack. He braced himself. And was tackled by a happily squealing Nuriko. Everyone sweat-dropped as Ren attempted to crawl away. They had all watched with amusement as Nuriko happily prepared for his turn in the Zone. He had chatted avidly about his intentions to attain the heart of their teacher. They had all watched him knowingly; fully aware of the circumstances he was so oblivious to. They were each making private bets over the reaction of their fellow seishi when he first found himself in the Zone. Or more specifically, whose presence he was in. They laughed to themselves as Ren dragged the weight of Nuriko and himself toward a hysterically laughing Tasuki and Touji.
"Help!" he wheezed, struggling against Nuriko's anaconda grip. It was no use and Ren was turning blue as Nuriko continued to babble endlessly about the year that they would spend together. Ren was finally released when Miaka decided it was time to let him breathe. She enlisted the help of the others and they all worked to pry him off of Ren.
Ren and Nuriko entered the Zone side by side, saying short goodbyes and such without hesitation.
The group watched them go.
Miaka smiled up at Tamahome. "We need to talk." She said quietly, so as not to be heard.
He nodded.
They walked into the woods, finding a gap between some trees. Tamahome leaned casually against a tree while Miaka leaned against a separate one several feet away.
She glanced at him. "I think…" she began.
"I know." Tamahome interrupted her, his eyes closed.
"I know you've felt it too." He said. She looked at him in surprise.
"We're not like we were." She admitted. "And I think I prefer it this way."
He opened his eyes to look at her. He was expecting her to cry at least.
She was smiling pleasantly at the rising moon.
"When this is all over," she said softly.
"What will you do?" Tamahome asked.
"I will return to my own dimension where I belong. Usagi says that I can go home once Chaos has been defeated and if I choose to, I can forget all that's happened here." She glanced at Tamahome and took in the handsome features.
Tamahome studied her, searching. "Will you choose to forget?" he asked after a moment's silence.
Miaka shook her head, odangos bobbing. "Of course not Silly!" She play slapped his arm. "This experience has been so unbelievable! I wouldn't trade it for the world." She smiled, getting more serious. "So this is it?"
"After this we'll go our separate ways?" Tamahome looked at her.
She nodded. "Hai. I think we both feel it's better this way."
He nodded, then collected her in a hug.
"Arigotou." He whispered in her ear.
"Ne, it is no favor of mine." She thought with a small smile, returning the brotherly embrace.
-So how do you like? Nuriko is next! What will his reaction be to the lovely Usagi? R&R!!