"Hearts Aflame" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 8
"Take care of yourself." Hotohori told Miaka and Chichiri.
Chiriko/Amiboshi frowned worriedly. "Can't we go with her?"
Samantha narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Absolutely not."
Miaka frowned. "Why not?"
Chichiri shook his head. "The fewer people, the better. They have a barrier. Even if I keep my chi down, they can pick it up."
Vivien shrugged. "Hey, with me, you'll have no problem. I'll have all of you out of there in no time. My speed could come in handy."
Chichiri sighed. "But you can't come." He persisted.
Vivien narrowed her eyes. "Oh, yes I can. And I will, too. I have business in Kotou, too."
"Business?" Nuriko murmured.
Samantha nodded in agreement with her sister. "Hai. She needs to check up on Lily for us. Vivi's the one with advanced powers. Kate and I still have to discover our second powers. It's best that she go in our stead."
Vivien nodded. "Very true."
Kathryn narrowed her eyes at anyone who dared to look as if they were about to protest. "I'll whisk anyone who disagrees out the window. See if I don't." She threatened.
Everyone sweatdropped. Vivien grinned. Thank goodness for Kathryn's telekinetic ability. No one dared to offer disagreement after that threat.
Tasuki sighed. "Then I'm going, too."
Miaka blinked. "Tasuki?"
Tasuki smirked. "I wanna meet this Tamahome guy anyway."
Nuriko covered his eyes with a hand. "Oh, lord.." He had no doubt whatsoever that Tasuki knew of Vivien's tendre for his fellow seishi.
Miaka shook her head. "No way.. weren't you listening?"
Tasuki suddenly had a bun in his hand. "What should I do with this delicious niku manju? And I wanted to give it to you.."
Miaka's opinion did an immediate about-turn. "That poor thing! Chichiri, we're taking him!"
Chichiri sweatdropped. "O-Okay.."
"Hehe. That was easy." Tasuki blinked down at his arm. "Hey, hey! Don't scarf down my arm!" He struggled to remove both Miaka and Vivien from his arm.
Everyone started chuckling. For a moment, there, they had forgotten Vivien's appetite was just as impressive as their Miko's.
"Wow! Your magic's awesome, Chichiri!" Miaka gushed. "But next time, could you pick a better landing?"
"Ah! Ah! Don't move!" Tasuki shouted. "Oy!" They yelled as the branch beneath them suddenly break.
"Meow?"
"Ahhhh!" Vivien looked around and blinked at the sound. Who was that? She sat on Tasuki, frowning. "Nani?" "I-Itai!" Someone groaned. "Eh? I think there's someone under us, no da."
"I think so too." Vivien said, nodding.
"Will you guys get off me!" Someone exclaimed underneath Tasuki. Everyone shot up at that. That voice sounded strangely familiar..
"Itai." Grimacing, Lilian sat up and tried to right her kimono.
Vivien stared. "Lily!"
Vivien's sister looked up and squealed with delight. "Vivi!" The two sisters jumped up and hugged. Vivien stared at Lilian. She looked amazing. She was wearing a beautiful kimono of white, blue, and green silk, and looked extraordinarily graceful and beautiful. Vivien was suddenly envious. Lilian always looked awesome.
"Lily? What are you doing here?" Vivien wanted to know.
Her sister frowned and dusted off her dress. "I'm a Seiryuu seishi, Vivi. I'll allowed to walk in the garden. I didn't imagine my back would be broken if I did."
Vivien giggled, her eyes shining. "Teehee. Sorry about that."
Lilian smiled. "It's fine. Ne, I've really missed you, Vivi!"
Vivien grinned unabashedly. "I know."
"Vivi!" Lilian giggled.
Tasuki sighed impatiently. "Ne, would you mind telling us who she is?" He asked them, annoyed.
Vivien's sister blinked. "Who's the carrot-top?" She asked Vivien curiously.
Vivien's grin broadened.
Tasuki glared. "Who are ya callin' a carrot-top?"
Vivien chuckled, her eyes shining. Tasuki stared. She looked unbelievably happy. "Lily.. I'd like you to meet the Suzaku seishi, Tasuki." She grinned impishly. "Doesn't he look funny?"
"Oy!" Tasuki protested.
Vivien turned to Miaka and Chichiri. "And you already know Miaka, right?"
Miaka smiled at Vivien's sister. "Hai! I remember you!"
Lilian was staring at Chichiri. "Ah! Mask-man!"
Chichiri sweatdropped. "My name's Chichiri, no da."
Lilian nodded. "Ah, the fox-man! I remember you now!"
Chichiri frowned. "Do I know you?"
Vivien made a face. Lilian realized her mistake instantly. "Ahhh.. no! But Tamahome's told me so much about you!"
At the mention of Tamahome's name, Miaka brightened. "Tamahome? Do you know where he is?"
Vivien looked stricken. "Ah.. Miaka? Didn't you say he said he would meet you at that tree?"
Miaka nodded. "That's right! Do you know where it is, Lily-chan? Tamahome said he would meet me at a tree with fragrant blossoms."
Lilian looked trapped. Vivien decided to cover for her. "Ne, Miaka. Remember I said my sister is a Seiryuu seishi?"
Miaka remembered Vivien mentioning that once, and nodded. "But you also said Lilian didn't want to be one, right?"
Vivien nodded. "But as a seishi of Taittsukun, she has to obey Nakago. She would be in big trouble if she showed us the way to the tree."
Miaka's face fell. "That's right.."
"What? What would be the problem if she helped us?" Tasuki asked curiously.
Vivien's face shadowed. She voiced a sneaking suspicion, "If any one of my sisters help her, the rest of us would be punished. Lilian's forced to serve Seiryuu and Nakago." She wanted to look away when the pain suddenly seemed overwhelming. Lily..
Lilian's eyes were sad. "Vivi.." Her eyes confirmed the truth.
Vivien turned away.
Chichiri looked sad for the sisters, who obviously loved each other. ".. and you two would never see each other again. That's not right, no da." He said, remembering the lessons Taittsukun had taught the sisters.
Lilian nodded her head sadly. "That's right. I wish I could help, but I can't." She suddenly smiled cheerfully. "But you two could use Tama to sniff out the tree, can't you?"
"That's right, no da!" Everyone except Vivien exclaimed.
Vivien suddenly looked around nervously. "I think you should go back to the palace, Lily. You don't want to make Nakago suspicious."
Lilian looked worried. "That's right." She smiled apologetically at Vivien's friends. "I'll see you later, then, okay? It was nice seeing you again, Miaka. It was nice meeting you, Tasuki, Chichiri. Good luck!" Lilian turned and hurried out of the garden.
"She's a good person, no da." Chichiri remarked to Vivien.
She is, Vivien thought sadly. And she didn't deserve any of this. She didn't say anything, though.
"You must love her very much, Kyoku." Miaka said, smiling softly at Vivien's sad face.
I do. Vivien's heart ached.
"She's a lot prettier than you, Kyoku, you know." Tasuki said, grinning, hoping to lighten her mood. She looked devastated.
His ploy worked. Vivien scowled at him. "Shut up, no da!"
Miaka was beginning to get worried. Tamahome, where are you? It's past time for you to come. ..Why?
Tasuki sighed. "Making a girl wait. Only an upper class guy would risk that.. or one who's afraid of being caught."
Miaka and Vivien heard that. "Tamahome's no coward!" Miaka insisted angrily. "He's coming!"
Vivien nodded emphatically. "That's right! He'd do anything for Miaka! The last thing he is is a coward!"
Tasuki's eyes narrowed. Geez, the girl was delusional. Couldn't she accept the fact that nobody could be perfect? Even this Tamahome person? .. Her trust towards the faceless guy annoyed him greatly. He then frowned. Why would it annoy him? She was making a fool of herself.. both of them were. How was it his problem? Could he have a thing for his fellow seishi? He quickly pushed the notion aside. He wasn't that stupid.
Suddenly, everyone heard the bushes rustle.
"Tamahome?"
"It's been a while, Miaka."
Miaka's eyes widened with dawning horror. "Yui.."
"Nakago!" Vivien stared at the Seiryuu seishi, and at the Seiryuu no Miko by his side. Despite the fact she knew they would have found them, she felt as if something was wrong. She felt dread creep into her heart. Something was wrong! Lily! "Lily! What have you done to Lily?!" She demanded.
Yui's glare disappeared as she stared at Vivien. Eventually, recognition dawned in her eyes. "Vi.. Vivien?"
Vivien stared at Yui. She recognized her. "Yui! Where's Lily!" She thought of Miaka. "And Tamahome? Where's Tamahome?"
At the mention of the Suzaku seishi, Yui's eyes hardened. Nakago stared at Vivien. "You are Lilian's sister?"
Vivien glared. What was it to him? "Yes, I'm her sister! What have you done to Lily?!" She demanded angrily.
The hateful man smirked. Tasuki held back Vivien as she tried to strike him. "Shall I kill them, Yui-sama?"
Yui shook her head. She saw the brief glow of hope in Miaka and crushed it by saying, "It won't be much fun, wouldn't it?"
Nakago stared hard at the intruders. "Of course, Yui-sama. Throw them in the dungeon."
Vivien trembled. Lily.. where was Lily? She unconsciously turned to Tasuki and held on to him as they were surrounded. "Lily.."
Vivien sat on the cold floor, huddled close to the wall. Lily.. what had Nakago done to her? She closed her eyes, worried for her sister.
Miaka stayed close to Vivien. She patted her back. "Ne, Kyoku.. everything's going to be fine. Lily-chan's fine." Her eyes reflected her own pain and fear. Please, Tamahome.. be okay, too.
Vivien knew she wasn't. Somehow, she had known Lilian was in trouble.. in her heart. Miaka had allowed Vivien, Tasuki, and Chichiri to escape, but Vivien had remained with Miaka. She wanted answers. Was Lily okay? Oh, Lily.. what happened?
"Why'd you scare me like that? I thought it was for real!" Miaka was pretty upset at Chichiri.
Chichiri sweatdropped. "Sorry about that. By disguising myself like that, I was able to move freely." He turned back into Nakago and looked at Miaka. "Gomenasai." He said in a deep voice.
Miaka's eyes widened. "I'm scared! Knock it off!"
"Vi.. is anything wrong?" Tasuki looked to Vivien, who had been oddly silent all the while. "Lily.. Chichiri.. did you see Lily?"
Chichiri frowned. "No.. doushite? Did you feel something, Kyoku?"
Vivien slowly nodded her head. "I got separated from Miaka when she got distracted by the food Yui used to trap her. I went looking for her.. but I couldn't find her.."
Instead of looking sheepish, Miaka's eyes became pained.
Tasuki noticed the way she was holding her arm. "What's with your arm, Miaka?" He tried to touch it, but she cried out in pain. His eyes widened. "You.. it's broken!"
"Who did that to you?" Chichiri demanded.
Vivien had paled. She had forgotten about that, too. Miaka..
Miaka didn't know what to say. I can't tell them.. "When I escaped from the cell, I fell.." She didn't look at everyone's skeptical looks. "Anyway, Tamahome.."
"We'd better get her back soon, so Mitsukake can look at it." He turned into Nakago again. "I'll look for Tamahome myself."
Vivien sighed. "I should have seen this coming.. I knew this was about to happen, but I forgot.. again."
Tasuki swore softly. "I can't believe she did this to us! That's why I hate women! They're so cunning!"
Vivien grinned. "Thank you."
Tasuki arched a brow, slightly amused. "You're welcome." He looked up. Vivien and Tasuki had been tied to the same pillar by Miaka, but they were on opposite sides of the pillar, so they couldn't see each other. "You really like this Tamahome guy, don't you?"
Vivien thought of Tamahome's kind face and chivalric nature. Her heart skipped a beat. "I must. When I'm not thinking of Lily, I'm thinking of him. I must love him."
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "Give me a break."
Vivien arched a brow. "Excuse me?"
"How long have you known this guy, exactly?" Tasuki asked.
Vivien sighed. "Well, that's kind of a hard question to answer. Let's just say I've known him as long as Miaka has. Well, technically speaking, Miaka met him before I did.. or is it the other way around?" She frowned. Since the Shicho was being rewritten, was the future that she knew of Miaka and Tamahome still existing somewhere? "I came to this world at the same time she did.. or did she come before me? Argh! It's confusing!"
Tasuki grinned. "Sounds like it. I don't know what the hell you're talking about, anyway. So who does this Tamahome guy like? You or Miaka? I can't decide who's the couple here."
Vivien's eyes grew shadowed and her cheeks pinkened with shame. "He loves Miaka.. he always has."
Tasuki let out a low whistle. "And you still love him..? Geez.."
"Can I help who I love?!" Vivien retorted angrily.
Tasuki suddenly turned serious. "You're one crazy female, Vi."
Vivien's eyes softened. "Aren't I?" She let her shoulders slump. "Well, can I help it? He's one heck of a dream guy. And he's Miaka's. He loves Miaka.. and Miaka loves him. I could live with that.. just loving him from a distance.. but do you remember the look in their eyes? Shoka and Mitsukake's?" She closed her eyes. "When I felt the love she felt for Mitsukake in my heart, it was.. incredible. If that is what Miaka feels for Tamahome.. If that's how much she loves him.. then I have to admit what I feel for Tamahome's pretty mild."
"Then you don't really love him." It wasn't a question.
Vivien shrugged her shoulders sadly. "I don't know. But I know their future.. and I know that he would never leave her side again.. because he loves her that much. I just want.. someone to love me like that, too. Someone who'll never.. leave me."
"Who was he?" Tasuki asked her softly. Even though he couldn't see her face, he knew the deep sorrow that was in her eyes.
"My father."
"Your.. father?" Somehow, Tasuki hadn't expected that.
Vivien smiled sadly. "I loved my father so much. He was everything to me. I never had a mother, but he was the greatest father any girl could have. Then.. one day, he just.. disappeared. Without a trace. I remember.. he had been ill.. He assured me it was only a little cold.. but something about him had been.. fading. I loved my father and he left me. Lily comforted me and became a true, loving sister. Now this.. In a way, we're separated, too." She smiled wryly. "When I met Miaka.."
"Tasuki! Kyoku! The jig's up!" Chichiri raced out to them. When he got to them, he looked around. "Hey, where's Miaka?"
Tasuki sighed, his annoyance at the Suzaku no Miko's deceit having been mellowed by his conversation with Vivien. "She did this to us." He explained mildly to his fellow Suzaku seishi.
Chichiri raised a brow. "Miaka did? That was pretty careless of you guys. Tasuki, I could understand, but how did she fool you, Kyoku? You're supposed to be sharper than Tasuki, na no da."
"Oy!"
Vivien dimpled, her mood considerably lightened. "I know. Gomenasai."
"She's probably under that tree again. We've got to get her outta here. It's too dangerous for her to be alone."
"Miaka." Vivien had finally found her. She had been incredibly annoyed when Miaka had treacherously tied Tasuki and herself to the post earlier, mostly because she should have seen that coming, but all her annoyance had disappeared when she saw Miaka and Tamahome together. Chichiri and Tasuki were a little way behind, but she knew they would be here soon. A night breeze brushed past the confronting couple, and Vivien wanted to close her eyes, knowing what would happen next, but she couldn't help but watch. Her heart thumped painfully in her chest.
Miaka stared at Tamahome. Fear and love knotted in her chest, making it difficult to breath. "Tamahome." She rushed into his arms. "Tamahome!"
Tamahome soothed her, holding her close. "It hurt. having to treat you that way. At that time. I had to pretend to be on their side."
Miaka felt the first flicker of hope but something prevented it from bursting in her heart. "Hontou? Is that true, Tamahome?" She held Tamahome close to her, wanting to believe him. "You didn't forget me, did you?" Tears sprung to her eyes.
"I remembered. that's why I cam here."
"Tamahome!" Miaka held Tamahome close, and started to cry happily into his shoulder.
Tamahome smiled over her head. He let a few seconds pass. "By the way, Miaka. Chichiri and Tasuki are with you, aren't they? Where are they?"
Vivien closed her eyes. Lily.. where are you?
Tasuki grabbed Miaka out of harm's way and glared at Vivien. "Kyoku! Why were you just standing there?!"
Tamahome cursed. "Shit."
"Tasuki! Daijobu?!" Chichiri asked, appearing beside the bandit.
Tasuki stared at Vivien a long moment before shaking his head. "I'm fine.. but Miaka's not."
"Miaka! Hang in there!"
"She's fainted." Tasuki softly swore. Blood trickled on his forehead. Vivien stared, pale-faced. "She pushed herself too hard, with that broken arm."
Tamahome sneered. "Suzaku seishi, huh? Now I won't have to hunt you down. I'll take care of all three of you."
"Tamahome, what're you doing?!" Chichiri demanded.
Tasuki's eyes narrowed. "The guy who hurt her.. It was you, wasn't it, Tamahome?! Am I right?"
Chichiri couldn't believe it. "Tasuki, calm down."
Tasuki's temper was flaring dangerously out of control. "Not only her arm.. What you've done.." He thought of the pain Vivien had felt and knew Miaka's pain was no different. His temper unfurled. "She wanted to see you so badly, but you've broken her heart!" He took out his tessen. "Whatever your reasons.. I'll never forgive you!"
"Tasuki!" Vivien cried out.
Lilian gripped the railing tightly. Vivien.. Vivien stood beside Chichiri, motionless, stricken. She knew exactly how she felt.. helpless.. Like her, Vivien was not allowed to interfere with what she knew was meant to happen. Tasuki and Tamahome exchanged angry words below and she closed her eyes as the battle began. Nakago smirked. "They've finally getting around to fighting. What idiots. The pill we forced on Tamahome was no ordinary drug. It was made from the deadly kodoku." Yui paled. "Kodoku?" "Curse magic." Lilian knew Nakago and Yui were staring at her. "Using kodoku, Nakago can control the memories of the Suzaku seishi. to make him despise Miaka. His personality is changed. The Suzaku seishi, Mitsukake, cannot cure it." Her eyes flashed. "The mark 'ogre' will never appear on Tamahome's forehead again." She remembered almost exactly what Yui had told her of Nakago telling her of the drug. She was deathly pale. Oh, Vivi.. I'm so sorry.. She closed her eyes to hold in her pain.
Tasuki cursed. "Chikusho." Tamahome smirked. "Now what?" Tasuki glared at the former Suzaku seishi. "I don't need a weapon to beat you!"
Viven paled. "Tasuki! No!" Tasuki turned to stare at Vivien, at her stricken expression, and for a moment, his eyes softened. He smiled at his fellow seishi. "Daijobu. don't worry, Kyoku. I really don't need a weapon to beat his ass." Tears stung Vivien's eyes. "Tasuki.. no.." Tamahome's smirk deepened. "She knows I'm going to kill you, Suzaku seishi. You may choose not to use your weapon. But I will." Vivien struggled to free herself from Chichiri holding herself back. "No! Tasuki!" Tasuki turned to look at her but Tamahome slammed his nunchaku across his face. "Tasuki!!" Chichiri held her back. "Kyoku! You know you can't interfere! Think of your sisters!" He said severely. Miaka started to cry. "But Chichiri. Tasuki's going to die. Tamahome's going to kill him. Chichiri. can't you stop them?" Chichiri sadly shook his head no.
Nakago smirked and looked to Tamahome. "Was my help unnecessary, Tamahome?" Tamahome smirked. Chichiri and Miaka looked up sharply as Lilian suddenly emerged from a bush in front of their hiding place. "Lily-chan?!" Miaka stared at Vivien's sister, wide-eyed. Lilian was on crutches! Lilian cursed. Her blue eyes were on fire with temper. Chichiri stared. He guessed this was the infamous Lilian temper Vivien had told them about. Her eyes were like blue flame. Lilian glared at him. "Hayaku! Did you call them yet?!" Chichiri nodded. "Hai!" Lilian then did something even more unexpected. She threw down her crutches and fell to the ground. "Lily-sama!" "Vivi.." Vivien came over to them, holding Tasuki close to her. Lilian stared at the tears shining on Vivien's cheeks. A red light began to gather around the Suzaku seishi and their miko. Vivien stared at Lilian, her eyes shining. Lilian smiled. "Vivi.. go." She smiled reassuringly. "I'll see you later.. ne?" Vivien smiled shakingly. "Yeah.. I'll see you later.." Her eyes widened. "Lily!" She suddenly cried out in warning. Her sister turned just in time and held up her hand. A shield of water was immediately erected before her. Nakago's chi blasted against her shield and Lilian shook. Vivien could already feel Chichiri's magic begin to transport their bodies. "Lily.. take care.." She held Tasuki close to her as her tears flowed. She looked down at Tasuki. She was leaving Lilian.. again.. but she wouldn't.. couldn't.. let Tasuki go. Something in her heart wrenched painfully at the sight of all the blood. She hugged Tasuki close to her and prayed. She heard Miaka's voice and her heart ached with even more pain. "Tamahome.. Sayonara.. Sayonara.."
Tamahome.. Strangely enough, she only saw Tasuki in her heart's eye. Her eyes widened in wonder. Tasuki..
Vivien stared down at Tasuki lying injured on her bed, her heart in her eyes. Unconscious, he could still stir the disturbing brewing of emotions in her heart. Vivien stared down at him wonderingly. What was that he had made her feel? When he had fought Tamahome, her heart had been crying out in pain whenever Tamahome had landed every devastating blow. And she had been crying.. not only because of Miaka's grief.. but also for.. Tasuki. What was she feeling? She could scarcely believe it. Could it be she wasn't in love with Tamahome, after all? Could she be falling in love with Tasuki, instead? She touched his cheek softly, wanting him to be awake to answer her.
Vivien's eyes saddened. All this while, she had been deluding herself. She had fancied herself in love with Tamahome, because she had known better than anyone else the great love he could harbor for a woman. She had remembered Miaka telling her the story of the love between her and Tamahome and had felt.. envy.. and wonder as she had listened. She had found it hard to believe any guy could care for a girl that much.. to share a love even separate worlds could not diminish. A love that could transcend boundaries.. and miraculously burn even brighter day by day.
Her father had.. left her. The last thing she had said to him was 'I love you'. The next day he had disappeared. Ever since then, Vivien had found it extremely hard to express her sentiments that way again. Love.. was a fickle creature, and possessed a mischievous heart. She had loved her father.. and he had left her. She had loved her sister, Lilian, and fate had taken her away from her. When she had met Tamahome, she had fallen in love with him a little because of his kindness and gentle heart, but she had never expressed her sentiments for fear of losing him altogether. But he loved Miaka.. and Miaka loved him. And Vivien knew, that eventually, that love would allow them to be together once more.. never to be truly separated again. Could she ever be so lucky? She would never know by just waiting.. but did she truly love Tasuki?'
She didn't know. She would not be as careless again as to profess her love for someone unless she knew it to be true. She envied the great love between Tamahome and Miaka.. Mitsukake and Shoka.. and she wanted to feel a love all her own for her own special someone. Could it be Tasuki?
The red-haired bandit provoked her temper, her sympathy.. and her heart. There was no denying the truth. He moved her. But she wasn't in love with him.. not yet. But something told her someday she would indeed trust him with something that had been wounded countless times and afraid of trusting again.. her heart. She didn't know if she loved Tasuki but she wasn't going to miss the opportunity to learn if she could.
Vivien leaned down and brushed the a soft kiss on the bandit's lips. Tasuki.. But if she did grow to love him.. would fate take him away from her.. or would he leave her on his own? Vivien did not know the answer but she knew when the day came when she would fall in love with Tasuki, her heart would burst into flames if he denied her.. As she straightened, she prayed fate would deal with her kindly this time, and grant her the happiness she truly yearned for.
Vivien silently stood up and looked at Tasuki one last time before exiting the room. As she walked down the hall, she could only hope she was not making a mistake in allowing her heart to be open to love.. his love.
"That hurts! Damn that hurts!" Tasuki swore again as Mitsukake tightened his bandages. "Be gentler, man! You're gonna kill me!"
"Three ribs, a left arm and leg broken.. bruises and sprains everywhere, and your nails are cut. Anyone that tough isn't going to die." Mitsukake said sternly, tightening the bandage even more before tying it down. Tasuki winced. "When my power renews itself, I'll heal you."
Tasuki made a face. "You make me sound like I'm not human." He said discouragingly. He sighed. "How's Miaka? You healed her, didn't you?"
Mitsukake looked away sadly. "I can heal the wounds on her body, but not on her heart."
Tasuki looked up as Vivien entered the room with a tray in her hands. She smiled cheerfully at him. "Good morning, Tasuki. You're looking well."
Tasuki scowled. He was bandaged everywhere. The hell he looked well! Then he smiled. "Thanks, you do too."
He grinned when Vivien glared at him. She wasn't looking all too swell herself. There were bags under her eyes and her eyes were red from weeping. "Been crying for me, sweetheart?"
Vivien responded by setting the heavy tray on his stomach, where he hurt the most. Tasuki winced. "Geez, careful with that, Vi!"
Vivien blinked innocently. "Oh, I'm sorry."
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure ya are." He arched a brow. "Bringing me breakfast? How considerate of you."
Vivien shrugged. "No one else wanted to bring breakfast to a temperamental, fanged beast like yourself. I took pity on you and volunteered. Besides, it gave me access to the kitchen. I could hardly resist the temptation of food. Be careful, you know. I might have poisoned that." She said as he took a bite.
Tasuki scowled at her. "I am not going to give you my food, Vi. Nuriko already warned me about your monstrous appetite."
"Monstrous? I'd call it healthy."
"For a glutton, I'm surprised you don't look half-bad. Or does it all go to your thighs? I can't see how big they are under that dress."
Vivien simply stared at him. "I am not going to show you my thighs, Tasuki, so you can stop trying. I know you still have the hots for me, you poor dear."
Tasuki nearly choked on his food. "Say what?!"
Vivien sighed dramatically. "I know you think I'm gorgeous, dear boy, and you're crushing after me badly. But I'm simply not that kind of girl, you know."
"You could've fooled me." Tasuki leered.
"Oh? Oh dear, I suppose you're right."
"Nani?!" His mouth fell open on what he thought she was implying.
Vivien grinned and promptly stuffed a bowl full of rice in his mouth. Tasuki choked. She grinned impishly. "You can think anything you want, fang-boy, but once you've grown up a bit, I hope you'll stop being so delusional." She stood up and curtsied sweetly. "Have a nice breakfast, Tasuki-san."
Tasuki spat out the bowl. "I'll get you back for that, Vi!"
"Yeah, whatever." But she was grinning as she left the room.
Tasuki was smiling when his door closed. Vivien never ceased to amaze him. Or was that how she treated all the guys she kissed when she thought them asleep? The amusement left his eyes as he remembered her chaste kiss. She had moved him like no courtesan had ever moved him before. What was he feeling? Whatever it was, it was scaring him to death.
Chapter 8
"Take care of yourself." Hotohori told Miaka and Chichiri.
Chiriko/Amiboshi frowned worriedly. "Can't we go with her?"
Samantha narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Absolutely not."
Miaka frowned. "Why not?"
Chichiri shook his head. "The fewer people, the better. They have a barrier. Even if I keep my chi down, they can pick it up."
Vivien shrugged. "Hey, with me, you'll have no problem. I'll have all of you out of there in no time. My speed could come in handy."
Chichiri sighed. "But you can't come." He persisted.
Vivien narrowed her eyes. "Oh, yes I can. And I will, too. I have business in Kotou, too."
"Business?" Nuriko murmured.
Samantha nodded in agreement with her sister. "Hai. She needs to check up on Lily for us. Vivi's the one with advanced powers. Kate and I still have to discover our second powers. It's best that she go in our stead."
Vivien nodded. "Very true."
Kathryn narrowed her eyes at anyone who dared to look as if they were about to protest. "I'll whisk anyone who disagrees out the window. See if I don't." She threatened.
Everyone sweatdropped. Vivien grinned. Thank goodness for Kathryn's telekinetic ability. No one dared to offer disagreement after that threat.
Tasuki sighed. "Then I'm going, too."
Miaka blinked. "Tasuki?"
Tasuki smirked. "I wanna meet this Tamahome guy anyway."
Nuriko covered his eyes with a hand. "Oh, lord.." He had no doubt whatsoever that Tasuki knew of Vivien's tendre for his fellow seishi.
Miaka shook her head. "No way.. weren't you listening?"
Tasuki suddenly had a bun in his hand. "What should I do with this delicious niku manju? And I wanted to give it to you.."
Miaka's opinion did an immediate about-turn. "That poor thing! Chichiri, we're taking him!"
Chichiri sweatdropped. "O-Okay.."
"Hehe. That was easy." Tasuki blinked down at his arm. "Hey, hey! Don't scarf down my arm!" He struggled to remove both Miaka and Vivien from his arm.
Everyone started chuckling. For a moment, there, they had forgotten Vivien's appetite was just as impressive as their Miko's.
"Wow! Your magic's awesome, Chichiri!" Miaka gushed. "But next time, could you pick a better landing?"
"Ah! Ah! Don't move!" Tasuki shouted. "Oy!" They yelled as the branch beneath them suddenly break.
"Meow?"
"Ahhhh!" Vivien looked around and blinked at the sound. Who was that? She sat on Tasuki, frowning. "Nani?" "I-Itai!" Someone groaned. "Eh? I think there's someone under us, no da."
"I think so too." Vivien said, nodding.
"Will you guys get off me!" Someone exclaimed underneath Tasuki. Everyone shot up at that. That voice sounded strangely familiar..
"Itai." Grimacing, Lilian sat up and tried to right her kimono.
Vivien stared. "Lily!"
Vivien's sister looked up and squealed with delight. "Vivi!" The two sisters jumped up and hugged. Vivien stared at Lilian. She looked amazing. She was wearing a beautiful kimono of white, blue, and green silk, and looked extraordinarily graceful and beautiful. Vivien was suddenly envious. Lilian always looked awesome.
"Lily? What are you doing here?" Vivien wanted to know.
Her sister frowned and dusted off her dress. "I'm a Seiryuu seishi, Vivi. I'll allowed to walk in the garden. I didn't imagine my back would be broken if I did."
Vivien giggled, her eyes shining. "Teehee. Sorry about that."
Lilian smiled. "It's fine. Ne, I've really missed you, Vivi!"
Vivien grinned unabashedly. "I know."
"Vivi!" Lilian giggled.
Tasuki sighed impatiently. "Ne, would you mind telling us who she is?" He asked them, annoyed.
Vivien's sister blinked. "Who's the carrot-top?" She asked Vivien curiously.
Vivien's grin broadened.
Tasuki glared. "Who are ya callin' a carrot-top?"
Vivien chuckled, her eyes shining. Tasuki stared. She looked unbelievably happy. "Lily.. I'd like you to meet the Suzaku seishi, Tasuki." She grinned impishly. "Doesn't he look funny?"
"Oy!" Tasuki protested.
Vivien turned to Miaka and Chichiri. "And you already know Miaka, right?"
Miaka smiled at Vivien's sister. "Hai! I remember you!"
Lilian was staring at Chichiri. "Ah! Mask-man!"
Chichiri sweatdropped. "My name's Chichiri, no da."
Lilian nodded. "Ah, the fox-man! I remember you now!"
Chichiri frowned. "Do I know you?"
Vivien made a face. Lilian realized her mistake instantly. "Ahhh.. no! But Tamahome's told me so much about you!"
At the mention of Tamahome's name, Miaka brightened. "Tamahome? Do you know where he is?"
Vivien looked stricken. "Ah.. Miaka? Didn't you say he said he would meet you at that tree?"
Miaka nodded. "That's right! Do you know where it is, Lily-chan? Tamahome said he would meet me at a tree with fragrant blossoms."
Lilian looked trapped. Vivien decided to cover for her. "Ne, Miaka. Remember I said my sister is a Seiryuu seishi?"
Miaka remembered Vivien mentioning that once, and nodded. "But you also said Lilian didn't want to be one, right?"
Vivien nodded. "But as a seishi of Taittsukun, she has to obey Nakago. She would be in big trouble if she showed us the way to the tree."
Miaka's face fell. "That's right.."
"What? What would be the problem if she helped us?" Tasuki asked curiously.
Vivien's face shadowed. She voiced a sneaking suspicion, "If any one of my sisters help her, the rest of us would be punished. Lilian's forced to serve Seiryuu and Nakago." She wanted to look away when the pain suddenly seemed overwhelming. Lily..
Lilian's eyes were sad. "Vivi.." Her eyes confirmed the truth.
Vivien turned away.
Chichiri looked sad for the sisters, who obviously loved each other. ".. and you two would never see each other again. That's not right, no da." He said, remembering the lessons Taittsukun had taught the sisters.
Lilian nodded her head sadly. "That's right. I wish I could help, but I can't." She suddenly smiled cheerfully. "But you two could use Tama to sniff out the tree, can't you?"
"That's right, no da!" Everyone except Vivien exclaimed.
Vivien suddenly looked around nervously. "I think you should go back to the palace, Lily. You don't want to make Nakago suspicious."
Lilian looked worried. "That's right." She smiled apologetically at Vivien's friends. "I'll see you later, then, okay? It was nice seeing you again, Miaka. It was nice meeting you, Tasuki, Chichiri. Good luck!" Lilian turned and hurried out of the garden.
"She's a good person, no da." Chichiri remarked to Vivien.
She is, Vivien thought sadly. And she didn't deserve any of this. She didn't say anything, though.
"You must love her very much, Kyoku." Miaka said, smiling softly at Vivien's sad face.
I do. Vivien's heart ached.
"She's a lot prettier than you, Kyoku, you know." Tasuki said, grinning, hoping to lighten her mood. She looked devastated.
His ploy worked. Vivien scowled at him. "Shut up, no da!"
Miaka was beginning to get worried. Tamahome, where are you? It's past time for you to come. ..Why?
Tasuki sighed. "Making a girl wait. Only an upper class guy would risk that.. or one who's afraid of being caught."
Miaka and Vivien heard that. "Tamahome's no coward!" Miaka insisted angrily. "He's coming!"
Vivien nodded emphatically. "That's right! He'd do anything for Miaka! The last thing he is is a coward!"
Tasuki's eyes narrowed. Geez, the girl was delusional. Couldn't she accept the fact that nobody could be perfect? Even this Tamahome person? .. Her trust towards the faceless guy annoyed him greatly. He then frowned. Why would it annoy him? She was making a fool of herself.. both of them were. How was it his problem? Could he have a thing for his fellow seishi? He quickly pushed the notion aside. He wasn't that stupid.
Suddenly, everyone heard the bushes rustle.
"Tamahome?"
"It's been a while, Miaka."
Miaka's eyes widened with dawning horror. "Yui.."
"Nakago!" Vivien stared at the Seiryuu seishi, and at the Seiryuu no Miko by his side. Despite the fact she knew they would have found them, she felt as if something was wrong. She felt dread creep into her heart. Something was wrong! Lily! "Lily! What have you done to Lily?!" She demanded.
Yui's glare disappeared as she stared at Vivien. Eventually, recognition dawned in her eyes. "Vi.. Vivien?"
Vivien stared at Yui. She recognized her. "Yui! Where's Lily!" She thought of Miaka. "And Tamahome? Where's Tamahome?"
At the mention of the Suzaku seishi, Yui's eyes hardened. Nakago stared at Vivien. "You are Lilian's sister?"
Vivien glared. What was it to him? "Yes, I'm her sister! What have you done to Lily?!" She demanded angrily.
The hateful man smirked. Tasuki held back Vivien as she tried to strike him. "Shall I kill them, Yui-sama?"
Yui shook her head. She saw the brief glow of hope in Miaka and crushed it by saying, "It won't be much fun, wouldn't it?"
Nakago stared hard at the intruders. "Of course, Yui-sama. Throw them in the dungeon."
Vivien trembled. Lily.. where was Lily? She unconsciously turned to Tasuki and held on to him as they were surrounded. "Lily.."
Vivien sat on the cold floor, huddled close to the wall. Lily.. what had Nakago done to her? She closed her eyes, worried for her sister.
Miaka stayed close to Vivien. She patted her back. "Ne, Kyoku.. everything's going to be fine. Lily-chan's fine." Her eyes reflected her own pain and fear. Please, Tamahome.. be okay, too.
Vivien knew she wasn't. Somehow, she had known Lilian was in trouble.. in her heart. Miaka had allowed Vivien, Tasuki, and Chichiri to escape, but Vivien had remained with Miaka. She wanted answers. Was Lily okay? Oh, Lily.. what happened?
"Why'd you scare me like that? I thought it was for real!" Miaka was pretty upset at Chichiri.
Chichiri sweatdropped. "Sorry about that. By disguising myself like that, I was able to move freely." He turned back into Nakago and looked at Miaka. "Gomenasai." He said in a deep voice.
Miaka's eyes widened. "I'm scared! Knock it off!"
"Vi.. is anything wrong?" Tasuki looked to Vivien, who had been oddly silent all the while. "Lily.. Chichiri.. did you see Lily?"
Chichiri frowned. "No.. doushite? Did you feel something, Kyoku?"
Vivien slowly nodded her head. "I got separated from Miaka when she got distracted by the food Yui used to trap her. I went looking for her.. but I couldn't find her.."
Instead of looking sheepish, Miaka's eyes became pained.
Tasuki noticed the way she was holding her arm. "What's with your arm, Miaka?" He tried to touch it, but she cried out in pain. His eyes widened. "You.. it's broken!"
"Who did that to you?" Chichiri demanded.
Vivien had paled. She had forgotten about that, too. Miaka..
Miaka didn't know what to say. I can't tell them.. "When I escaped from the cell, I fell.." She didn't look at everyone's skeptical looks. "Anyway, Tamahome.."
"We'd better get her back soon, so Mitsukake can look at it." He turned into Nakago again. "I'll look for Tamahome myself."
Vivien sighed. "I should have seen this coming.. I knew this was about to happen, but I forgot.. again."
Tasuki swore softly. "I can't believe she did this to us! That's why I hate women! They're so cunning!"
Vivien grinned. "Thank you."
Tasuki arched a brow, slightly amused. "You're welcome." He looked up. Vivien and Tasuki had been tied to the same pillar by Miaka, but they were on opposite sides of the pillar, so they couldn't see each other. "You really like this Tamahome guy, don't you?"
Vivien thought of Tamahome's kind face and chivalric nature. Her heart skipped a beat. "I must. When I'm not thinking of Lily, I'm thinking of him. I must love him."
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "Give me a break."
Vivien arched a brow. "Excuse me?"
"How long have you known this guy, exactly?" Tasuki asked.
Vivien sighed. "Well, that's kind of a hard question to answer. Let's just say I've known him as long as Miaka has. Well, technically speaking, Miaka met him before I did.. or is it the other way around?" She frowned. Since the Shicho was being rewritten, was the future that she knew of Miaka and Tamahome still existing somewhere? "I came to this world at the same time she did.. or did she come before me? Argh! It's confusing!"
Tasuki grinned. "Sounds like it. I don't know what the hell you're talking about, anyway. So who does this Tamahome guy like? You or Miaka? I can't decide who's the couple here."
Vivien's eyes grew shadowed and her cheeks pinkened with shame. "He loves Miaka.. he always has."
Tasuki let out a low whistle. "And you still love him..? Geez.."
"Can I help who I love?!" Vivien retorted angrily.
Tasuki suddenly turned serious. "You're one crazy female, Vi."
Vivien's eyes softened. "Aren't I?" She let her shoulders slump. "Well, can I help it? He's one heck of a dream guy. And he's Miaka's. He loves Miaka.. and Miaka loves him. I could live with that.. just loving him from a distance.. but do you remember the look in their eyes? Shoka and Mitsukake's?" She closed her eyes. "When I felt the love she felt for Mitsukake in my heart, it was.. incredible. If that is what Miaka feels for Tamahome.. If that's how much she loves him.. then I have to admit what I feel for Tamahome's pretty mild."
"Then you don't really love him." It wasn't a question.
Vivien shrugged her shoulders sadly. "I don't know. But I know their future.. and I know that he would never leave her side again.. because he loves her that much. I just want.. someone to love me like that, too. Someone who'll never.. leave me."
"Who was he?" Tasuki asked her softly. Even though he couldn't see her face, he knew the deep sorrow that was in her eyes.
"My father."
"Your.. father?" Somehow, Tasuki hadn't expected that.
Vivien smiled sadly. "I loved my father so much. He was everything to me. I never had a mother, but he was the greatest father any girl could have. Then.. one day, he just.. disappeared. Without a trace. I remember.. he had been ill.. He assured me it was only a little cold.. but something about him had been.. fading. I loved my father and he left me. Lily comforted me and became a true, loving sister. Now this.. In a way, we're separated, too." She smiled wryly. "When I met Miaka.."
"Tasuki! Kyoku! The jig's up!" Chichiri raced out to them. When he got to them, he looked around. "Hey, where's Miaka?"
Tasuki sighed, his annoyance at the Suzaku no Miko's deceit having been mellowed by his conversation with Vivien. "She did this to us." He explained mildly to his fellow Suzaku seishi.
Chichiri raised a brow. "Miaka did? That was pretty careless of you guys. Tasuki, I could understand, but how did she fool you, Kyoku? You're supposed to be sharper than Tasuki, na no da."
"Oy!"
Vivien dimpled, her mood considerably lightened. "I know. Gomenasai."
"She's probably under that tree again. We've got to get her outta here. It's too dangerous for her to be alone."
"Miaka." Vivien had finally found her. She had been incredibly annoyed when Miaka had treacherously tied Tasuki and herself to the post earlier, mostly because she should have seen that coming, but all her annoyance had disappeared when she saw Miaka and Tamahome together. Chichiri and Tasuki were a little way behind, but she knew they would be here soon. A night breeze brushed past the confronting couple, and Vivien wanted to close her eyes, knowing what would happen next, but she couldn't help but watch. Her heart thumped painfully in her chest.
Miaka stared at Tamahome. Fear and love knotted in her chest, making it difficult to breath. "Tamahome." She rushed into his arms. "Tamahome!"
Tamahome soothed her, holding her close. "It hurt. having to treat you that way. At that time. I had to pretend to be on their side."
Miaka felt the first flicker of hope but something prevented it from bursting in her heart. "Hontou? Is that true, Tamahome?" She held Tamahome close to her, wanting to believe him. "You didn't forget me, did you?" Tears sprung to her eyes.
"I remembered. that's why I cam here."
"Tamahome!" Miaka held Tamahome close, and started to cry happily into his shoulder.
Tamahome smiled over her head. He let a few seconds pass. "By the way, Miaka. Chichiri and Tasuki are with you, aren't they? Where are they?"
Vivien closed her eyes. Lily.. where are you?
Tasuki grabbed Miaka out of harm's way and glared at Vivien. "Kyoku! Why were you just standing there?!"
Tamahome cursed. "Shit."
"Tasuki! Daijobu?!" Chichiri asked, appearing beside the bandit.
Tasuki stared at Vivien a long moment before shaking his head. "I'm fine.. but Miaka's not."
"Miaka! Hang in there!"
"She's fainted." Tasuki softly swore. Blood trickled on his forehead. Vivien stared, pale-faced. "She pushed herself too hard, with that broken arm."
Tamahome sneered. "Suzaku seishi, huh? Now I won't have to hunt you down. I'll take care of all three of you."
"Tamahome, what're you doing?!" Chichiri demanded.
Tasuki's eyes narrowed. "The guy who hurt her.. It was you, wasn't it, Tamahome?! Am I right?"
Chichiri couldn't believe it. "Tasuki, calm down."
Tasuki's temper was flaring dangerously out of control. "Not only her arm.. What you've done.." He thought of the pain Vivien had felt and knew Miaka's pain was no different. His temper unfurled. "She wanted to see you so badly, but you've broken her heart!" He took out his tessen. "Whatever your reasons.. I'll never forgive you!"
"Tasuki!" Vivien cried out.
Lilian gripped the railing tightly. Vivien.. Vivien stood beside Chichiri, motionless, stricken. She knew exactly how she felt.. helpless.. Like her, Vivien was not allowed to interfere with what she knew was meant to happen. Tasuki and Tamahome exchanged angry words below and she closed her eyes as the battle began. Nakago smirked. "They've finally getting around to fighting. What idiots. The pill we forced on Tamahome was no ordinary drug. It was made from the deadly kodoku." Yui paled. "Kodoku?" "Curse magic." Lilian knew Nakago and Yui were staring at her. "Using kodoku, Nakago can control the memories of the Suzaku seishi. to make him despise Miaka. His personality is changed. The Suzaku seishi, Mitsukake, cannot cure it." Her eyes flashed. "The mark 'ogre' will never appear on Tamahome's forehead again." She remembered almost exactly what Yui had told her of Nakago telling her of the drug. She was deathly pale. Oh, Vivi.. I'm so sorry.. She closed her eyes to hold in her pain.
Tasuki cursed. "Chikusho." Tamahome smirked. "Now what?" Tasuki glared at the former Suzaku seishi. "I don't need a weapon to beat you!"
Viven paled. "Tasuki! No!" Tasuki turned to stare at Vivien, at her stricken expression, and for a moment, his eyes softened. He smiled at his fellow seishi. "Daijobu. don't worry, Kyoku. I really don't need a weapon to beat his ass." Tears stung Vivien's eyes. "Tasuki.. no.." Tamahome's smirk deepened. "She knows I'm going to kill you, Suzaku seishi. You may choose not to use your weapon. But I will." Vivien struggled to free herself from Chichiri holding herself back. "No! Tasuki!" Tasuki turned to look at her but Tamahome slammed his nunchaku across his face. "Tasuki!!" Chichiri held her back. "Kyoku! You know you can't interfere! Think of your sisters!" He said severely. Miaka started to cry. "But Chichiri. Tasuki's going to die. Tamahome's going to kill him. Chichiri. can't you stop them?" Chichiri sadly shook his head no.
Nakago smirked and looked to Tamahome. "Was my help unnecessary, Tamahome?" Tamahome smirked. Chichiri and Miaka looked up sharply as Lilian suddenly emerged from a bush in front of their hiding place. "Lily-chan?!" Miaka stared at Vivien's sister, wide-eyed. Lilian was on crutches! Lilian cursed. Her blue eyes were on fire with temper. Chichiri stared. He guessed this was the infamous Lilian temper Vivien had told them about. Her eyes were like blue flame. Lilian glared at him. "Hayaku! Did you call them yet?!" Chichiri nodded. "Hai!" Lilian then did something even more unexpected. She threw down her crutches and fell to the ground. "Lily-sama!" "Vivi.." Vivien came over to them, holding Tasuki close to her. Lilian stared at the tears shining on Vivien's cheeks. A red light began to gather around the Suzaku seishi and their miko. Vivien stared at Lilian, her eyes shining. Lilian smiled. "Vivi.. go." She smiled reassuringly. "I'll see you later.. ne?" Vivien smiled shakingly. "Yeah.. I'll see you later.." Her eyes widened. "Lily!" She suddenly cried out in warning. Her sister turned just in time and held up her hand. A shield of water was immediately erected before her. Nakago's chi blasted against her shield and Lilian shook. Vivien could already feel Chichiri's magic begin to transport their bodies. "Lily.. take care.." She held Tasuki close to her as her tears flowed. She looked down at Tasuki. She was leaving Lilian.. again.. but she wouldn't.. couldn't.. let Tasuki go. Something in her heart wrenched painfully at the sight of all the blood. She hugged Tasuki close to her and prayed. She heard Miaka's voice and her heart ached with even more pain. "Tamahome.. Sayonara.. Sayonara.."
Tamahome.. Strangely enough, she only saw Tasuki in her heart's eye. Her eyes widened in wonder. Tasuki..
Vivien stared down at Tasuki lying injured on her bed, her heart in her eyes. Unconscious, he could still stir the disturbing brewing of emotions in her heart. Vivien stared down at him wonderingly. What was that he had made her feel? When he had fought Tamahome, her heart had been crying out in pain whenever Tamahome had landed every devastating blow. And she had been crying.. not only because of Miaka's grief.. but also for.. Tasuki. What was she feeling? She could scarcely believe it. Could it be she wasn't in love with Tamahome, after all? Could she be falling in love with Tasuki, instead? She touched his cheek softly, wanting him to be awake to answer her.
Vivien's eyes saddened. All this while, she had been deluding herself. She had fancied herself in love with Tamahome, because she had known better than anyone else the great love he could harbor for a woman. She had remembered Miaka telling her the story of the love between her and Tamahome and had felt.. envy.. and wonder as she had listened. She had found it hard to believe any guy could care for a girl that much.. to share a love even separate worlds could not diminish. A love that could transcend boundaries.. and miraculously burn even brighter day by day.
Her father had.. left her. The last thing she had said to him was 'I love you'. The next day he had disappeared. Ever since then, Vivien had found it extremely hard to express her sentiments that way again. Love.. was a fickle creature, and possessed a mischievous heart. She had loved her father.. and he had left her. She had loved her sister, Lilian, and fate had taken her away from her. When she had met Tamahome, she had fallen in love with him a little because of his kindness and gentle heart, but she had never expressed her sentiments for fear of losing him altogether. But he loved Miaka.. and Miaka loved him. And Vivien knew, that eventually, that love would allow them to be together once more.. never to be truly separated again. Could she ever be so lucky? She would never know by just waiting.. but did she truly love Tasuki?'
She didn't know. She would not be as careless again as to profess her love for someone unless she knew it to be true. She envied the great love between Tamahome and Miaka.. Mitsukake and Shoka.. and she wanted to feel a love all her own for her own special someone. Could it be Tasuki?
The red-haired bandit provoked her temper, her sympathy.. and her heart. There was no denying the truth. He moved her. But she wasn't in love with him.. not yet. But something told her someday she would indeed trust him with something that had been wounded countless times and afraid of trusting again.. her heart. She didn't know if she loved Tasuki but she wasn't going to miss the opportunity to learn if she could.
Vivien leaned down and brushed the a soft kiss on the bandit's lips. Tasuki.. But if she did grow to love him.. would fate take him away from her.. or would he leave her on his own? Vivien did not know the answer but she knew when the day came when she would fall in love with Tasuki, her heart would burst into flames if he denied her.. As she straightened, she prayed fate would deal with her kindly this time, and grant her the happiness she truly yearned for.
Vivien silently stood up and looked at Tasuki one last time before exiting the room. As she walked down the hall, she could only hope she was not making a mistake in allowing her heart to be open to love.. his love.
"That hurts! Damn that hurts!" Tasuki swore again as Mitsukake tightened his bandages. "Be gentler, man! You're gonna kill me!"
"Three ribs, a left arm and leg broken.. bruises and sprains everywhere, and your nails are cut. Anyone that tough isn't going to die." Mitsukake said sternly, tightening the bandage even more before tying it down. Tasuki winced. "When my power renews itself, I'll heal you."
Tasuki made a face. "You make me sound like I'm not human." He said discouragingly. He sighed. "How's Miaka? You healed her, didn't you?"
Mitsukake looked away sadly. "I can heal the wounds on her body, but not on her heart."
Tasuki looked up as Vivien entered the room with a tray in her hands. She smiled cheerfully at him. "Good morning, Tasuki. You're looking well."
Tasuki scowled. He was bandaged everywhere. The hell he looked well! Then he smiled. "Thanks, you do too."
He grinned when Vivien glared at him. She wasn't looking all too swell herself. There were bags under her eyes and her eyes were red from weeping. "Been crying for me, sweetheart?"
Vivien responded by setting the heavy tray on his stomach, where he hurt the most. Tasuki winced. "Geez, careful with that, Vi!"
Vivien blinked innocently. "Oh, I'm sorry."
Tasuki rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure ya are." He arched a brow. "Bringing me breakfast? How considerate of you."
Vivien shrugged. "No one else wanted to bring breakfast to a temperamental, fanged beast like yourself. I took pity on you and volunteered. Besides, it gave me access to the kitchen. I could hardly resist the temptation of food. Be careful, you know. I might have poisoned that." She said as he took a bite.
Tasuki scowled at her. "I am not going to give you my food, Vi. Nuriko already warned me about your monstrous appetite."
"Monstrous? I'd call it healthy."
"For a glutton, I'm surprised you don't look half-bad. Or does it all go to your thighs? I can't see how big they are under that dress."
Vivien simply stared at him. "I am not going to show you my thighs, Tasuki, so you can stop trying. I know you still have the hots for me, you poor dear."
Tasuki nearly choked on his food. "Say what?!"
Vivien sighed dramatically. "I know you think I'm gorgeous, dear boy, and you're crushing after me badly. But I'm simply not that kind of girl, you know."
"You could've fooled me." Tasuki leered.
"Oh? Oh dear, I suppose you're right."
"Nani?!" His mouth fell open on what he thought she was implying.
Vivien grinned and promptly stuffed a bowl full of rice in his mouth. Tasuki choked. She grinned impishly. "You can think anything you want, fang-boy, but once you've grown up a bit, I hope you'll stop being so delusional." She stood up and curtsied sweetly. "Have a nice breakfast, Tasuki-san."
Tasuki spat out the bowl. "I'll get you back for that, Vi!"
"Yeah, whatever." But she was grinning as she left the room.
Tasuki was smiling when his door closed. Vivien never ceased to amaze him. Or was that how she treated all the guys she kissed when she thought them asleep? The amusement left his eyes as he remembered her chaste kiss. She had moved him like no courtesan had ever moved him before. What was he feeling? Whatever it was, it was scaring him to death.
