GOMEN!!!! I'm such a slow writer! *punches head* Here's the continuation! I'm hoping for a good review!!! *wink! wink!*
ANNOUNCEMENT: (May 23, 2002)
Due to the fact that I have to decide now where this fic will go, there's no need to vote. So an infinite thanks ^_^ to all those who took their time to vote but it has to be stopped now that I need a direction on my fic. Okay, I know that even if how much I pray, there will really be some people who will what --- get mad at me, maybe? Gomen for that! ^_^; But I really have to make this a Hotohori+Miaka fic! *dodges bullet* Please, if you all kill me now, I wouldn't be able to write a Tamahome+Miaka fic.
(Underlined names are FanFiction authors; go check out their works!) May 15, 2002
Catherine: Wow! That was really something! Hope it pays off!!! ^_^ Though I really wasn't expecting anyone to vote anymore… Oh and tell your friend she's one great reader and fan of T+M!!!! You too! ^_^
D'zrt: Whoa! You sure did write a lot… or I'll just say you reviewed a lot. No, no! I'm not complaining. I like it! Hope others can be more like you! *hinting at readers out there* A little criticism/suggestion would be nice. =^.^=
Justine: Waahh!!! Just don't kill me if it turns out to be a H+M… please… @.@ If that happens, as I have mentioned before, I'll make another fic; this one no votes necessary. Simply Tamahome & Miaka. How does that sound, eh?
Meg: Ooh! Does Meg mean Megumi? Hmm… a T+M vote. Are there really that few Tamahome & Miaka fics out there?
mYbeLLe: Never fear! g3ozLizh is here. Go tell your tutor that what you did was out of pure dedication. She/He should admire you for it! Like I do!!! *_*
~V-TrAiN~: Whew! Your name is one tough to write ^_^ that I quickly clicked on save. I assume this is your suggestion. Pretty good! I have to see if I can place it somewhere, though. If I don't use it here, I will probably make use of it on another fic, k? Thanks for suggesting! ^_^
Taima: Hah! ^_^ Really, you'll do that? Then I'll make a 25-chaptered fic just for you. Let's see if you can survive it! *.* Heehee.. just kidding!
Fairest of them All: *blushes* Really? *blushes again* I don't know what to say… *and literally goes speechless* :p
Amisu: Great! A FanFiction author just reviewed my fic! Thanks for the compliment… Why not suggest one of your great fic for me to read and review?
scarlet.tennyo: 0_o OooOoHh! I'm getting kinda confused here! I thought T+M coupling are the ones with lesser stories here? *waves dismissively* So you got fics written about H+M too! Can't wait to read those. And no thank you. I should be the one expressing my gratitude for you guys loving my fic so much. *sniffs* @_@ Excuse me for the watery eyes… I'm just so touched! Waaahhh!!
Michiru_of_neptune: Thanks! Hope I can end it good too! And pleeeeaasseeee review again! ^_^
Mistress of All Worlds: And you're a great reader! Hehehe… Well, according to the reviews, this fic will probably be a H+M… Uhh should I type ^_^ or L . Hope the former!
bcaprz: So sorry for that. (-.-) That was still the first half anyway. I got the whole chapter 12 out. Hope it's better! Oh, and belated happy b-day!!! TooT!
Violette: *laughs* No, not 50 chapters. Just 20. I'll most probably write longer chapters.
Raven: Two Miakas? ('_')? Probably not. :p I don't know if I can pull that one off. But I'll definitely write a T+M!
Tooya: Yes, Your Highness! I shall fulfill my promise to Tsukino! And you'll definitely be seeing more (that I'll occupy half of FanFiction, hehehe…) of my fics soon ^_~
Makoto: ^_^ ^_^; *squeaks* But this turned to be H+M…
Fatal Blade: *laughs* Mental asylum, eh? Tell me when you do end up there… maybe you can inspire me to write another story --- and hopefully accomplish another reader ending up in the same situation as you're in! Hihi… just kidding!
*Hey! I'll just combine all my thanks in one chapter, k? In the next or last chapter, probably… I've getting confused as to who's next in line!
Akai Kuu is my beta-reader but this chapter isn't beta-read yet (nor the other chapters!) I planned on waiting for Akai Kuu to finish beta-reading everything but I feel that I have to post this now what with the long wait I put you all through! So bear with the past-present-future-tense errors!!! n_n
Written on June 1-4, 2002. Writer's block!!! 0.o
Still Loving You…
By: g3ozLizh
Chapter Thirteen
After what seemed like hours lying out there in the cold rain, Miaka only managed to push herself up in a crawling position for her head throbbed like crazy. She delicately shaded her swollen eyes from the needle-like shower of raindrops. She staggered getting up and when she finally accomplished to stand on two feet without feeling like fainting or retching, she hugged her arms to her chest, bracing herself as still more rain soaked her to the bone, making her shake uncontrollably.
The first thing that entered her weary mind was to find a nice, warm place. Without even thinking where she was heading, her feet started going forward into the deeper part of the grove. Right now, she wanted to get as far away as possible from the core of her pain. The image of Tamahome turning his back on her was enough to send another batch of tears from falling.
You said you loved me yet you couldn't find it in your heart to forgive me… Loved? She stopped on her tracks, thinking. Yes, he did love me. Did… She suddenly felt colder so she resumed trudging along the mudded path with her head hung low and tightened her arms around her but the effort was in vain for the cold feeling only seemed to grow. Here I am, comforting myself… I'll just have to accept the fact that his arms will never be around me again… she could not stop that thought from crossing her mind even if it hurt 'coz it's the truth… right?
For the next passing minutes of walking against the merciless rain, she did nothing but brace herself tighter still --- it seemed possible for she had shrunk not only in self-esteem and love. She felt so small now, now that she's all alone in a world, in another time where she wasn't even born, where she didn't grew up with.
She raised her eyes to the sky in hopes of finding comfort from it but she only found herself cursing it for not making things any easier for her. As if in response and with an unvoiced answer that it is not to blame, the rain calmed down and then eventually ceased.
She came upon a clearing and when her mind thought she could still go on, her body had taken its toll and she collapsed to the ground.
~*@@@*~
"Are you all sure?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." The head of the troop kneeled down with head bowed. "We've asked, looked and even searched their homes but there's really no sign of the Maiden."
"Really? Then maybe you aren't looking hard enough. Search again." He was tired and very much worried about Miaka so he's snappier and commanding than usual.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Right away." He stood up then bowed his head again before walking back to his group.
"Wait."
The head guard stopped then quickly turned to address the Emperor.
"Make sure that nobody who is innocent gets hurt during your search." The demanding tone was gone, only weariness left yet it still was firm.
"Yes, Your Highness." He then turned to address his members.
Miaka, where are you? Please be safe.
~*@@@*~
Tamahome trudged wearily back to his camp.
Yui met him by the doorway. "How --- "
"I don't really wanna talk about it." He pulled the flap open and went inside.
Yui turned to follow him. She stood by the entrance, watching his movements and from what she observed, "You still can't get over her," she spat out bitterly.
Tamahome removed his shirt then sat down on the edge of the bed, back to Yui. "I won't lie to you, Yui. I still love her… and I thought we could be together," he paused as if hit by what he said. "But certain things and circumstances taught me otherwise."
"Oh, I see. So you expect me to feel better with what you just said?"
"Yui, I knew from the start that whatever happens, nothing will change my feelings for her and that no matter how hard you try, you'll always be affected by that fact."
"But I won't give up on you like what she did."
Tamahome was silent, then pulled his shoes off.
"See how she gave up easily on you. Look at me, after all these time, I'm still here." She walked forward until her knees touched the edge of his bed on the other side so that she can only face his side. "Doesn't that tell you something?"
"…"
She walked closer around the corner of the bed until she was in front of him. He didn't look up so she kneeled down and caressed his face with her hands. She glanced up at his face with the eyes that still won't meet hers.
"I never stopped loving you and hoping that… you'll love me too."
The situation seemed so familiar somehow: I love you, hope you will love me too… For the briefest of time, he saw her in the place of Hotohori and knew how lonely and sad it could be to be… just like what he's feeling now. And then she saw himself in Miaka's place.
Looking into the sincere and hoping eyes of Yui, he was somewhat surprised… and moved by the feelings they portrayed. Was this how you felt toward him, Miaka? Was this why you kissed him?
The anger rose up within him so when Yui brushed her lips against his, he didn't pull away but he didn't exactly respond.
You, the Maiden of Suzaku. I, your Protector. Isn't it that what we hoped to accomplish in the end is peace and happiness? Isn't it that being the Maiden and Protector, we have to accept the sacrifices it entails?
Yui pressed herself up closer, still kissing him. And still he did not respond.
Maybe this is for the better, Miaka. There will never come a time again that you'll have to choose between me and Hotohori. At least this way, I know that you'll somehow be happy with him. You won't fall prey to Seiryuu's bait just because I'm your weakness, thus, you can perform your duties as a Maiden better and be safer in the process.
Me, I'll eventually learn to love Yui, I guess. It doesn't really matter. All that matters is that…
He slid his hand to the back of her neck.
… however crazy this might sound…
He brushed back his lips in return. Once, twice.
I'm doing all these for you.
In his mind's eye, he saw what Miaka might have done. Kiss in return. And with that, he welcomed Yui's kisses.
~*@@@*~
Who ever said one can fully fathom love?
Here he is, worrying himself out about a girl he knew would never return his feelings, about a girl who's probably with Tamahome right now…
Problem is, none of us don't know where Tamahome is… I just have to make sure she's safe!
Hotohori sat forlornly on his bed, feeling helpless because their search for Miaka had been futile. He kept thinking why he ever said those things to her. Then maybe she would not have left… and she'll be here safe.
With me?
He furiously shook her head, erasing the tempting thought of her on his mind.
Just as he was about to change into his robes (he's wearing what he wears when he is journeying with Miaka and the group in the series), a knock made him stop.
"Yes, come in," he firmly called out in his authoritative voice. Maybe they found something about Miaka! He quickly walked to open the door himself. He was about to when the door opened, hitting him on the forehead.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Your Majesty! I didn't know…"
A young woman stood there with a tray laden with food. He thought something then stopped.
"Nuriko?"
The woman blushed, probably because she was mistaken to be the Nuriko of the Suzaku Seven who happens to be a man. She timidly shook her head. "No, Your Majesty. I am Houki."
~*@@@*~
Situated somewhere on the mountains, a cozy little house made of strong wood and cement is inhabited by a middle-aged couple.
Out of the blue, there came a loud knock on their front door.
Inside one of the rooms, a middle-aged woman by the name of Sayumi got up from her seat beside a bed. "Wait just a minute here, dear," she spoke softly to the weak figure lying on the bed. Annoyed, the middle-aged lady came out to check who was knocking. Now who could it be this time?
When she opened the front door, she was greeted by two palace guards. "Yes?" She felt somewhat suspicious. Could it be that they have something to do with the young lady they had agreed to cure? Maybe I should have let Hiko take care of her, she thought, referring to the young man who had discovered the unconsious lady in the middle of the forest and brought her here to recuperate.
"Good evening. We would just like to ask if you've seen the Maiden of Suzaku around here?"
The lady gave them a confused look. "The who?" Being situated in the middle of the Konan and Kutou country didn't help matters. "Here? No, I don't think so."
One of the guards whispered something to his companion who nodded in agreement. Turning back his attention to her, he asked, "Then will it be okay if we search around the house?"
The lady was about to open her mouth to refuse when her husband cut her off.
"That would be okay." He just emerged form the room she exited from.
"Thank you." The two guards bowed and began searching the house.
"I don't think that you should go in." the lady interrupted their search, joining her husband by the door.
The husband looked at her and squeezed her hand in assurance. "It's okay. She's fast asleep."
"But she's sick and we haven't given her any clothes yet --- "
"I handed her a blanket."
One of the guards grunted, showing his impatience. "Please, we need to search other places still. This would just take a second."
Finally, the lady consented though somewhat hesitant.
Both the guards entered the room and they only saw a girl, her back to them, huddled beneath a thick blanket that they only guessed her gender through her small and fragile figure.
"She's your daughter or anything?"
Before her husband could reply, the lady answered, "Yes and it would really be good for her if you two leave now. She needs her rest."
Remembering what their Emperor told them earlier, they left.
As soon as they were gone, the husband asked, "Honey, why did you tell them that?"
"I don't know… It's just that… what right do they have to come barging in? Besides, if the person they're looking for is the lady inside, I wouldn't let them take her. She's in a bad condition."
"You're taking this seriously, huh?"
"I am. I must. I have failed one life once in my time as a doctor… so now, even if I'm not anymore, I can't let anything like that happen again, Metsuke."
~*@@@*~
Miaka rolled over to her back, her muscles protesting to the movement. She also noticed that she was burning high with fever. She also realized she was naked.
She whizzed her head on her surroundings, expecting to see the familiar walls of Taitskun's lair but only whirling walls greeted her. She immediately closed her eyes to stop the dizzy feeling and the urge to throw up. Her breath were in shallow short gasp and she clutched her stomach while all the while curling up into a ball to feel more warmth.
Where am I?
She heard the door open and would have turned to see who it was if not for her current state. She didn't need to anyway for whomever it was who entered rushed immediately to her line of vision upon seeing her in pain.
"Dear, what happened?"
As Miaka fluttered her eyes open, she saw through moist eyes the image of a middle-age woman looming before her. Did Taotskun finally got that facelift or is this woman not her at all?
"Here, take this medicine. It will make you fell better." She handed her a pink viscous liquid in a tiny cup.
Miaka willingly took it and was grateful when she fount that it tasted sweet not bitter or she would have really puked.
The woman smiled knowingly. "It tastes delicious, doesn't it?"
"Yes. Thank you," Miaka managed to croak out.
Hastily, upon seeing her discomfort, she handed her a mug of cool water. "Here, take this water too to clear and freshen up your throat."
As Miaka smiled thanks and drank the water, the woman started talking.
"You know, if it weren't for that young man Tenchi, you could have been in a much worse condition."
Seeing her patients tired expression, she sighed good-naturedly and stood up, taking the empty mug and empty small cup with her. "Well, I should rest now. We could talk about this once you get better." She turned then halted and whirled to face her again. "And oh, I'll be bringing in your new clothes… well, not new but they're something that could cover you up quite nicely…" she sniffed, a faraway expression on her face then quickly shook her head resignedly and the look disappeared. She grinned down at the girl. "Be right back!"
~*@@@*~
"Come in."
Suboshi quietly entered the room.
Yui glanced at his direction. "Oh, it's only you." She then turned back to combing her blonde hair.
Suboshi's hands involuntarily clenched into fists. "Why? Were you expecting me to be Tamahome?"
Yui huffed. "Nonsense! I just came from his room and he's sleeping now." She smiled, regarding him through his reflection on the desk mirror. "Besides, I guess he's probably pooped out form all the action we did."
Suboshi's brow furrowed. "Action?"
Yui rolled her eyes. "I mean to say making out."
"Making out?"
"You know," she gestured with her hands impatiently."Kissing and stuff." She rolled her eyes again. "Figures. You haven't tried it yet, have you?" She glanced at him from the mirror. "No, don't answer it, I know."
"Well, you shouldn't be all smiling. You know that he really doesn't love you."
"Really? And you do?"
Before Suboshi had the chance to open his mouth and finally admit to the Maiden of Seiryuu that he does, Yui cut in.
"Who are you to say that anyway? You're definitely not in the place to know how it feels."
"Oh, but I do know. Your falling in love with Tamahome is the same thing as me falling in love with you."
Yui whirled around on her chair to glare at him. "How dare you???"
"The same thing you do with telling Tamahome that you deserve him better that Miaka."
"But I am much deserving! And you know what? You don't! So just please, leave!"
He was exasperated with himself. He shook his head. It wasn't the kind of conversation he had in mind. Opening his mouth, Suboshi tried to explain himself. "Yui, it's not ---- "
"Leave!"
Suboshi knew that in one way or the other, he had hurt Yui even if his only intention was to make her realize how wrong she is and the hole she is digging for herself will only hurt her in the end. But try as he might, he knew that he can only do so much and the rest is up to Yui herself.
He bowed down. "I'm sorry." Silently, without another word or even a look, Suboshi exited the room.
Yui was still in her standing position, her whole body shaking from rage. She slammed her comb down and threw herself on her bed, hugging her blankets.
Only then when she was alone did she let her tears fall.
Author's Notes:
I am so bad, aren't I? Yep, I didn't leave the ending in a cliffhanger but I did do it in the middle Hotohori scene. Hehehehe… Anybody willing to be my beta-reader for the meantime? *sweet smile*
Ack!!! Is Houki going to get in the way and prolong Miaka's agony and shatter whatever is left of Miaka's broken heart? And what about Tamahome? Is Yui going to have her way? Poor Suboshi… anyone up for a Suboshi-Yui pairing? And please, don't think that I love torturing Miaka! I just think that it is a good factor to the plot.
Comments, suggestions, does my choice of vocabulary redundant or bland? Tell me or better yet, suggest! They are all welcome!!! Domo arigatou!
