"Hearts Aflame"

Chapter 15 "You want some of my rice?" Tasuki asked Vivien.

"I'm not hungry." Vivien declared, still miffed about Tamahome's cruelty towards Miaka.

"Funny, she says that only after she's eaten all of the good food there is." Tasuki murmured to Chiriko.

Chiriko smiled then wondered aloud, "Where's Tamahome?"

"Nursing his belly, probably. I hope he's bedridden for days!" Vivien said angrily.

"But he ate all of Miaka's food." Chichiri tried to reason with Vivien.

"Hmph. He only did that to probably get rid of some of the guilt he's been holding on his shoulders." Vivien's anger was about to explode. "HOW DARE HE INSULT MIAKA LIKE THAT IN HER FACE!! MAY I BE EXCUSED? SOMEONE NEEDS TO DIE!!"

Chiriko sweatdropped. "Shouldn't you stop her, Tasuki?"

Tasuki sipped his tea. "Don't feel like it. Besides, I'm not exactly on Tamahome's side. He needs a good clobbering every so often. I don't mind if Vi gets my turn this time. She's earned it." He said casually. Then, he added wryly, "Besides, I hope Tamahome's hide is enough for Vi to vent her anger on."

"Ah." Chichiri smiled in realization. "You're afraid she's going to find out about that message that arrived for you last night?"

"What message?" Everyone asked at the same time.

Tasuki flushed. "Nothing." He muttered.

"If he's that embarrassed, maybe it's better if we don't find out. With her temper, we'd be toast if she finds out we knew his secret and we didn't tell her." Chiriko said thoughtfully. "And personally, I wouldn't like to smell like burned meat."

Chichiri smiled. "You've got a point, na no da. Maybe I don't know anything then."

"I still can't believe you were eavesdropping on me and the messenger." Tasuki toyed with his food. "Man, this is really not the time to be dropping stuff like this on me.." He muttered, not caring if everyone's ears were tuned in to his conversation with himself. "Seiryuu no Miko's about to call Seiryuu, Vi's furious with her former crush. and now a baby to top it all off."

"A BABY?!?" Everyone exclaimed except Chichiri.

"Hai." Chichiri nodded. "Some time before Miaka went searching for her seishi, Tasuki got saddled with an abandoned baby, na no da."

"That's not good." Mitsukake sympathized. "What happened?"

"Well, he left the baby with the most decent women he knew." Chichiri said.

"That was very responsible of you, Tasuki." Chiriko approved.

"Ha!" Chichiri shook his head. "He left her with a woman who owns a brothel!"

"NANI?!?!?!"

"Tasuki! How could you do such a horrible thing?!"

Tasuki sweatdropped.

"Bastard!"

"Lecher!"

"It's a good thing Kyo-chan came when she did." Chiriko sniffed, still mortified. "You were obviously well on your way becoming the lowest kind of miserable cur there was!"

Tasuki's face was beet red. "Hey, she's not that bad! She's been a mother a couple of guys.. and she just runs the place.. she's not an actual.. herself, so.."

".. What? She's not a prostitute herself? Hm. What a difference that makes." Mitsukake said wryly.

"Shut up!"

"What else, Chichiri?" Chiriko asked the cheery-faced informant.

"Well, apparently, when Tasuki's buddy, Koji, met this brothel-owner on one of his trips into town and mentioned Tasuki's new girlfriend - really, I don't know what she sees in you -- , she jumped at the chance to dump the baby right back in your lap. Apparently, the little innocent child's a handful, so Koji's taking care of him back at Mt. Reikaku."

"Just how long were you eavesdropping, mask-boy?"

"Long enough, apparently." Chiriko said wryly. "Now why would she do that?'

"Apparently, Koji - the traitor --, hinted that I might be thinking of permanently shackling myself to Vi.. and she decided that Vi would make a better mother than her poor little traitorous self."

Mitsukake stared. "You're going to ask Kyoku to be your wife?"

Tasuki sighed. "Of course. What did ya expect? I can't just ask her to take care of the kid without offering marriage, can I?"

"You'll need to do better than that." Chichiri remarked. "You don't have much to offer her in the first place. You don't have a real job.."

"Being a bandit's a full-time operation!" Tasuki protested.

"It's embarrassing." Chichiri said truthfully. "And degrading. A bandit's wife isn't likely to be respected like she deserves to be, na no da. You have your friends living with you.. I don't think Kyoku would appreciate living in a home filled with crude, drunk bandits all the time, na no da. And you're going to raise a child there, too, no da! I hope you're going to give her a very big ring."

Tasuki sighed. "But all that doesn't really matter, does it? The only thing that matters is that Vi and I love each other and that's more than I could ask for."

"That's true." Chiriko agreed. "But you're forgetting something."

"What?" Tasuki asked with exasperation.

"If she agrees to become your wife, then that means she's going to have to say goodbye to her sisters. And they are very close for sisters, you know."

Tasuki's face fell. "I hadn't thought about that."

"The question is: does she love you enough to spend her entire life with you?" Mitsukake told the fiery-haired seishi seriously.

At that, Tasuki looked away. "That's one loaded question." He said quietly. "I know we love each other.. but it's all based on destiny, more or less. I love her with all my heart.. but I'm afraid it won't be enough. I want to marry her, I want to be the father of our kids, and I want to grow old with her, and love her until I breathe my last. But how can I replace her sisters? How can I ever make her love her as much as I love her? It's impossible."

Chiriko smiled sympathetically at the saddened seishi. "Tell her."

"Nani?"

"Tell her what you've just told us. And I think you're underestimating Kyo- chan. What makes you think she doesn't already love you like that?"

"She's right, no da." Chichiri agreed. "I don't understand why you think you're the only one who loves her like that. Of course she loves her sisters, but that's only natural. And besides, she has to love you to pieces to put up with you."

Tasuki scowled. "Shut up, no da!"

Vivien caught up with Miaka looking at the tower in the distance. Vivien smiled softly at the memory of Miaka telling her of the legend of that tower of love. In that tower, when a couple kisses just as the sun sinks below the horizon, they are bound for all eternity. Vivien closed her eyes. Miaka had been willing to do that. Be bound to Tamahome for all time. But she knew if she were to face that same decision, she would definitely hesitate. How could she let go of her sisters, of her past, and trust Tasuki entirely with her heart? She was.. afraid.

"Kyo-chan!" Miaka had finally noticed her seishi looking thoughtful and confused in the corner of the hall.

Vivien looked up and smiled. "Miaka.. are you going, now?"

Miaka didn't look surprised at Vivien's question. Instead, she sighed, as if resigned. "Yes.." She looked away. "When I get there, It'll only be some time before sunset." She remarked sullenly. She looked at Vivien. "Kyo-chan.. please tell the others I'll be okay."

Vivien only hesitated for a few seconds before nodding. "H-Hai."

Miaka smiled gratefully at her friend. "Arigatou, Kyo-chan."

Vivien watched Miaka as she started to trot away. After a few more seconds, she called out, "Wait!" and ran over to join her.

"Doushite, Kyo-chan?"

Vivien smiled softly at her friend. "I'd.. like to come with you.. If that's okay with you."

Vivien and Miaka looked out over the balcony, waiting for the ones they loved. Vivien looked at Miaka and felt sadness gather in her heart. She knew Tamahome wouldn't come now.. on this tower.. but he would come later, wouldn't he?

Vivien closed her eyes. And Tasuki.. she hoped he got her message.. She wanted him to come.. but she also wanted to protect Miaka. It was her job.. She thought of Tasuki and smiled. She couldn't believe she was mixing business with pleasure.. but she couldn't help herself. But she also had to do her job and protect Miaka until the end.

Miaka looked over the horizon. This is it. Tamahome.. you'll come, right? Please.. please come.. Miaka clutched the edge of the balcony and refused to let her tears fall. Please.. I just can't.. let you go..

"Miaka! Vi!" Tasuki called out, holding a basket of peaches. He had figured, between Miaka and Vivien, he would need more than a few peaches to satisfy them. "Get a load of these! Lots of cute little peaches! Eh?" They weren't there.. but didn't Chichiri say they had been sitting here? He saw only Tamahome.

"Tama-chan, where're the girls? Have you seen them?"

Tamahome didn't turn around. "If you're looking for Miaka.. she went to that tower you can see from here. Kyoku.. went with her."

Tasuki froze. "Vi.. went.. where..? Did she leave a message?"

"She said she wanted to meet you there as well.. before the sun sets."

Tasuki stared at Tamahome. "What's going on? Why aren't you with them?" Tasuki frowned. "What the hell're you doin'? What the hell're you just sittin' there for?!"

Tokaki cursed. "She went to that tower? Those stupid bitches! That towers' infested with monsters! The tower's off-limits as well! Why did she go there?!"

Shih Fuan looked away, flustered. "I.. told her about the tower's legend.. But.. I told her that she shouldn't even go near there!"

Tamahome stiffened. Miaka's words echoed in his head. I'll be waiting.. He swiftly cursed. "Why, she..!" He turned.

Tokaki grabbed him. "Hold it, Tamahome! Don't go. I'll go to the tower. Fang boy's already halfway there."

Tamahome hesitated. "Master.. I.."

Tokaki growled, "Don't make me repeat myself! You and that girl will eventually separate! Listen. There is no choice. After summoning Suzaku, you'll wish for her to become a citizen of this world. That's absolutely impossible! This is the only wish the divine beast can't grant! Once he appears, the miko's purpose is fulfilled. After that, the miko goes back to the world from which she came. That's how it is. No matter how much you try, this is one thing you cannot change. Things will only end tragically. Look.. both of you will just end up getting hurt. It's best to end it before you fall even more in love, and it becomes too late.."

"That's exactly what I told Kyoku.." Tamahome slowly turned and smiled sadly at his master. "Master.. It's.. already too late."

"Tamahome!"

"Miaka! Now hold on!" Vivien cursed as another monster leapt out of the shadows towards her. She immediately caused it to burst into flames. But monster after monster jumped out of her out of the shadows. Finally, after roasting what had to be more than a dozen monsters, they stopped coming. But it was too late. Miaka was long gone. "Dang it.." Vivien slumped and returned to the tower. She might as well wait for the others to come.

Vivien watched the sun slowly sink behind the mountains. Sunset was nearly over.. and he.. hadn't come. He was coming.. wasn't he?

"Vi!"

Vivien whirled around. "Tasuki!"

"Geez, Vi, are you crazy?! Where's Miaka?"

Vivien slumped. "She's gone. I had to hold off the monsters. By the time I finished the last of them, she was gone."

Tasuki sighed. "Should we wait here for the others?"

Vivien didn't say anything.

"Vi? What's up?" Tasuki went up to her and lifted her chin. "Nani? You're all red."

Vivien blushed furiously. "Baka! You know why I called you here.." Her gaze turned serious. "I.. want to make this permanent."

Tasuki froze. "Permanent?"

Vivien nodded slowly. "Didn't you hear the legend? When a couple kisses here, at sunset, their souls become one for all eternity.. Tasuki.. I.." Vivien looked into Tasuki's eyes. "I've decided.. I.. want to be with you.. forever."

Tasuki stared at Vivien. Shaken, he asked her, "Vi.. do you know what you're saying?"

Vivien closed her eyes. "I do.. I want to be with you.. forever."

Tasuki closed his eyes. "But that would.. mean leaving your sisters.."

Vivien smiled up at Tasuki. "I know.. but I know they would agree with me when I say that they would always be a part of me.. they were my past.. and even my present.. but my future.. is with you.."

Tasuki stared down at Vivien. "Vi.. are you serious?"

Vivien smiled up at him. Tears gathered in her eyes. "I've never been more serious. I love you, Tasuki.. and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.. I want to be with you.. forever." She suddenly looked down. "Of course, that doesn't mean you have to marry me or anything, but..!"

Tasuki silenced her with a kiss. Closing her eyes, Vivien wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. Tasuki..

As the sun finally sank behind the mountains, Suzaku gave his daughter's soul and heart into Tasuki's care. He knew.. she was finally home.. With some sadness, he knew.. her home was no longer with him.. but with the one she had given her heart to.. his own seishi.. Tasuki. She was home.. with him..

"How's Miaka?" Vivien asked Tasuki as he entered his room.

Tasuki looked away. "She's holding up.. but I can't understand how. That girl's been through a lot.."

Vivien looked down at her hands. "Kotou's attacking tomorrow, aren't they?"

Tasuki looked at Vivien. "Those are the rumors.."

Vivien turned away. "I.. know what's going to happen tomorrow.. and I'm.. scared."

Tasuki sat down on his bed and held Vivien in his arms. Vivien stared at her hand against his tunic. "Tasuki..?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

Tasuki smiled softly and hugged her tighter. "Same here, kid."

Vivien leaned away and arched a brow. "Since when am I a 'kid'?"

Tasuki chuckled. "Since you look so adorable in your 'pajamas'."

Vivien's face turned beet red with embarrassment. "Urusai, Tasuki!" She looked down at herself in dismay. She didn't look that much like a kid, did she? Well.. maybe Power Ranger pajamas weren't that grown-up.. but they were her favorite!

Tasuki chuckled at the look on Vivien's face and drew her into arms. "Hey.. could I ask you a favor?"

Vivien snuggled into Tasuki's warmth. "Depends."

"Will you marry me?"

Vivien froze. Marry.. him? She smiled cheerfully and pushed Tasuki away. "Stop joking around, Tasuki!"

Tasuki sweatdropped. "I'm not joking."

"Huh?" Vivien sweatdropped. "Then you're really.. serious?"

Tasuki made a face. "Now why would I joke about something as serious as marriage?"

Vivien made her own face. "Well, you're not exactly the marrying kind.. so.."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Well.." Vivien smiled softly at Tasuki. "You really want to marry me?"

Tasuki smiled softly down at her. "If you'll have me."

"Now that's a toughie."

"Hey!"

Vivien smiled and hugged him tight. "But are you sure?"

"I want to be with you.. forever.. And with me, that means marriage."

Vivien's eyes shone softly with happiness. "Well.. I'm not sure.."

He tickled her. Vivien shrieked with laughter as she fell off the bed. "Okay, okay!" Tasuki laughed down at her before reaching into his tunic and removing a small ring. Vivien stared at it. "Oh, Tasuki.."

It was a simple slim golden band with the most beautiful diamond she had ever seen. The diamond was like clean, crushed snow.. Vivien couldn't help covering her mouth with a hand. It was so beautiful.. She could feel her tears start to gather in her eyes. "Tasuki.."

Tasuki took her hand and slipped the ring unto her finger. Vivien stared at the ring and started to cry. "Tasuki.. I.. love you.." Kneeling on the floor, she looked up at him and touched his face with her hand. Seeing her ring sparkle on her finger against his face just made her cry even more. "Tasuki.."

Tasuki cupped Vivien's cheek in his hand and leaned down to kiss her. "I love you, Vi.. Marry me..?"

"Yes.. I want to be with you.. forever.." Vivien met his lips with her own and kissed him.. softly.. It was a kiss that she would cherish forever..