Where do I belong?

Disclaimer:

Me: I do not own FY but I own Hirashi Kimiko!

FY Charac: Yes! For once she does not lie! * throws confetti *

Me: Moi? Lie? I never lied!

FY Charac: Yea YOU DID!

Me: Lol * blush * But I didn't this time because a certain bandit promised me something if I just get on with the disclaimer like I don't own them! * pointed grin in the fiery bandit's direction *

Said bandit: Feh You'll get it later!

Me: * big innocent smile *

* kissing sounds heard in the distance *

WARNINGS: OOC characters cos I want it that way. NO FLAMES are welcomed. Don't like my fic DON'T REVIEW!! I am only doing this for my fun and the readers who actually want to read it. One more thing  MAJOR SPOILERS!

Notes:

I am baaaaaack! I am not dead! I am aliiiiiiiiiiiive! Nyahahahhaha! I told you all I would be back with another chapter! There I did it! Really gomen ne AGAIN! Because of the long delay! Hoi dun blame me! Its schooling time again! Ugh! Anyways I managed to snag the pc! So I am back and writing! ^_^

Hope ya all enjoy this chapter!

~ Fiery-Ice ~

Readers delight:

Shadow Hawk:  Thank you Rosie dear! It is much appreciated that you are still reading this fic! I hope I still see you here! Whoa one month of my disapperance! Hahaha I have quite a few loyal readers and I LOVE EVERYONE OF THEM! Soo cool! I love your fic and I can't wait for your next chapters! ^_^

Draco: My god Draco dear you really can boost my ego. Really sorry about the delay but I've been busy! Sorry sorry! * smiles hugely * really cool that you like it! And welcome to WDIB! This is the next chapter and I hope it satisfies you for the moment!

Zerianyu:  Haaha. Next chapter coming right up! Thanks ever so much for reading! ^_^ I am a sap too so dun your worry! Plus yea me hopes ya stop apologising so much! ^_^

Kiriko-seikun: Thank you Thank you and more Thank you Kiriko-san! Your advice is much appreciated! I'll try to see whether I can write something like that. I have no idea except to go with the flow! I understand now! THANK YOU!! * hugz *

 

Shadow-clow: Anna-chan! Dun worry girl! Anyways I hope you like this chapter!

uots: uots-san!!! I love that you continued your DID fic! So cool! Sorry for not reviewing lately! But dun worry I am always reading your fic! I'll review the latest if I can! But my pc has gone haywire! Have fun with this chapter!

Moon glow: Moon-san! My god you reviewed EVERY chapter! All the advice is MUCH appreciated! And no you don't review suckily! You review greatly! Thank you for all the compliments! Here is the next chapter!

Chapter 10

Part 2: Is it love? The answer!

@ The next day @

Tasuki felt comfortable and was holding onto something warm and soft. Then he woke up. Tasuki woke up to a mouth full of hair. He jumped up yelling.

"Dare da?!"

Kimiko got knocked off him when he jumped up and she fell to the ground of grass. Not a morning person and hard to wake up she slowly came back to the world of consciousness feeling pain to where she hit her head on the ground.

"Itee…"

Her hair was all messed up and covered her face giving her a very scary bakemono look.

So of course he started yelling, "BAKEMONO!"

~Kimiko~

Watashi wa doko?

I looked up through my messy hair and I see a fiery red head pointing a shaky finger at me. I raised an eyebrow thinking he was nuts. I was parting my hair and was going to push my hair back when I heard him yell bakemono.

What the…? Where?

I jumped up and down, " Who ya calling bakemono?!"

"Kimiko?" I heard him ask.

Realising he was calling me monster I ran to the lake and stared at my reflection in horror.

"K'so! Bad hair day!"

Quickly I bunched my hair up in an impromptu ponytail and ran past him.

Crap…. He doesn't remember anything, does he? I knew it. He was just drunk. I ran along the corridor to find a brush or something to make my hair normal! Finally I found Nuriko's room. I know he has everything a girl needs. He is like one of the people I hang out with nowadays.

I burst into the room, waking Nuriko up by banging around and grabbed a brush off his dressing table.

"Kimi-chan?" He groggily asked.

I didn't answer but brushed my hair in rough strokes pulling at the tangles. I winced inwardly but rushed on because I needed to let out some frustration. To think I was thinking the night before about my feelings for the bandit.

I could feel hair tearing from my scalp. Nuriko rushed over and tugged the brush out of my death grip. I was gripping the brush so strongly that my knuckles turned white.

 He shook me lightly and asked me, "Daijoubu ka?"

"Daijoubu…Nuri-chan."

Then he started brushing my hair gently. It felt soothing somehow. I relaxed my shoulders. I closed my eyes letting what happened the night before play behind my eyelids in slow motion. I felt myself tensing up again.

Slapping myself mentally, I screamed at myself. Baka Kimiko! It was just a kiss and he was drunk! So forget about it! Fan girls around the world would kill for that even though he didn't love them! So what am I getting worked up for?

I inhaled and exhaled thinking clam waters to calm my nerves. I heard Nuriko say, "What's bothering you Kimi-chan?"

"Nan de mo nai." I said flatly.

"Or should I say who?" He said knowingly.

I stopped dead. I hadn't realised I was rocking in my seat. Regaining my composure I shot back at him, " I have no idea what you are talking about."

I could see him smirking in the mirror. Only then did I notice my reflection. All I see is a plain blah looking girl with red-brown hair and boring green eyes. Who am I kidding? Tasuki like me? My puny ass. Okay…Kimiko STOP OBSESSING!

"I know why you are grumpy this moooorning." He sang.

Geez Nuriko stop being so annoying! I can't take this so early in the morning.

I didn't really feel like responding so I just zombie-like asked, "What?"

"I bet you Tasuki did something stupid this morning when he found you lying next to him!" He sang again.

What in Suzaku's name? Nuriko knew? Oh gods he is going to make my life hell!

"Nuri-chaan, I would like you never to mention that to any living soul or I swear I will hurt you!" I sounded dangerously sweet. Weird. Could I even sound like that before? Whatever….

"Tooouchy.." He grumbled.

I felt like crap. Why should I be so upset? Do I really want to be weakened and give someone power to break me? Although that someone may give me happiness he will also have the power to break me. I don't think I am ready for that. Love is an illusion that could make a strong willed heart grow stronger or make one fall.

I feel like one of those air-headed girls who obsess about guys now. I cleverly pinched my thigh to get my head cleared up. Yelping I jumped out of my chair, forgetting Nuriko was brushing my hair meaning ultimate pain! My hair got yanked and it felt like it was being wrenched off my skull.

"ITAI!"  I shrieked. Rubbing my sore skull I slapped myself mentally for being such an idiot. I need caffeine. It's too early in the morning.

I heard Nuriko chuckle to which I glared icily in his direction.

"This is not funny Nuriko." I stated flatly.

His reaction? Laugh harder. I scowled fiercely for a few minutes but all he did was double over laughing.

Grr… blood temperature is rising severely. If I were watching myself as an anime character I think there would be a vein, popping out from my forehead.

Finally, I launched myself at him screaming a battle cry, " KYA! SHIN NE!" 

We grappled for a few moments making a racket as we each tried to get into a threatening dominant position. Nuriko had the advantage. SO NOT FAIR! Stupid seishi strength! Always getting the better of me. With his strength he managed to get my arm behind my back twisted.

"Argh! Nuriko! HANASEI!" I commanded trying to kick him.

"Say Nuriko is the most beautiful and wonderful person in the world!" He said sweetly.

"Yada." I stubbornly refused.

He started to tickle me, "Say it."

Crap! I thought as I started laughing uncontrollably. "Yamete Nuriko!"

Can't breathe. Have to surrender. No…

"Nuriko is the most beautiful and wonderful person in the world!" I gasped out. "There! I said it now hanasei! Nuriko!"

He smirked evilly again then struck a pose. "Nyahaha! I am the great Nuriko!"

"Uh huh. Whatever…"

*******************

Kimiko stopped laughing after remembering her encounter with Tasuki the night before again. His eyes had held a deep and strong emotion.

 'Lust! Hmph!' was what Kimiko conceived now from it and felt a little hurt but intended to forget about it. After all Tasuki couldn't possibly reciprocate her feelings so there was no reason to dwell on it though the hurt of rejection would not ebb away.

Without a word but with a hardened resolve Kimiko marched out of the room to look for something to do, as they would not be setting out for Hokkan until the day after.

@ Tasuki's room @

~Tasuki~

That. Was. Kimiko? What happened last night? How did we end up sleeping together? (A/N: Eh laa no hentai thoughts this is PG-13 they just slept okay! * pouting chibi *)

I remember everything hazy. I remember having a desired dream about kissing Kimiko. I can still feel sparks zipping in my veins when I kissed the dream Kimiko. Her lips were so warm, soft and got my heart beating double time at her touch.

Lightning shot through me as I came to a realisation. Yarou! I yelled at myself. You DID kiss her! Somehow! That was why she was there this morning in your arms! Baka Genrou!

I bet that she is really pissed now. Must have thought I was just copping a feel. Feh I really don't want to deal with a hysterical or really pissed Kimiko right now. I have a really big f**king headache. * yawn * I'll sleep it off.

***************************

Tasuki dropped like a rock onto his bed and promptly fell asleep dreaming of the kiss that he had stolen from Kimiko.

Meanwhile Kimiko had bumped into Chichiri, led to her requesting Chichiri to help and teach her to control her powers because she doesn't know how to use them yet.

@At an open practice space@

Chichiri was trying to teach Kimiko how to do the simplest task of manipulating ki through levitation.

Kimiko felt extremely frustrated because she couldn't succeed at it.

~Kimiko~

All right. Concentrate! Chichiri said try to pull your power from the depth of your being and gather it together like into a ball. Twist the energy into whatever you want like its an extra strong arm.

I squeezed my eyes so hard trying to concentrate until I felt like I was trying to push my eyeballs into my skull. I just couldn't concentrate with my mind going back to a fiery haired seishi. FORGET ABOUT HIM KIMIKO! Just concentrate. Breathe. Bring out the energy.

I felt a smidgen of something feeling like it was about to burst out of me. Yes this was it!

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!"

No. Nothing happened.

I screamed my frustration. I can't do it! I slumped defeated on the ground. 

"Chichiriiiiiiiiiiiiii! I can't do it! I've done it what…about 50 times?"

"Patience and practice Kimiko no da. I can sense you have a very strong ki its just you don't know how to manipulate it na no daaa."

Stop whining like a baby Kimiko. You can do this! Chichiri says its simple so believe that it is and it will be! I hope…

I stood up brushing dirt from my sweatpants. I'm still more accustomed to my own clothes even though it means I only can wear it in the palace and I have to wash it like everyday.

"Another thing Kimiko, I noticed a pattern no da. Your power usually surfaces when it's in desperate times or due to strong emotions. Try and concentrate on those times. After that the feeling will come to you easily of course after a bit of practice no da."

Okay concentrate on vital moments. Easy for him to say! Exhaling noisily and inhaling deeply I made another attempt hoping it wouldn't fail.

Flashes passed in front of my eyes. More like a blur of colours. I can see and feel the emotional and physical pain when my father tore my beloved stories of a fantasy world better described as a Fushigi Yuugi fic I wrote in my free time.

He tore them and in a disgusted manner sneered in my face saying that they weren't good and were a waste of time then shoving me roughly away. My back had smacked against the bedpost giving me bruises and soreness for the next 2 weeks.

I felt immense anger. A force bubbled up inside me it felt like a volcano. It wanted release that I granted. I watched with shock vibrating through me when I watched with my very own eyes as a bright blaze of blue and red shot out from my palms which I held up, wound around a stone bench then the light hurled it at a tree.

I witnessed this with horror of my ki lifting and destroying a stone bench and tree.  As if my legs were jelly, they wobbled then shot out from under me making me collapse. My eyes round with amazement, my breathing harsh and sweat dripping off my chin as I lay on the ground panting as if I had run a 10K race.

Chichiri was at my side immediately helping me to sit up.

"Wow! That was very strong na no daaa! Daijoubu ka Kimiko?"

I swallowed as much air as I could take in before answering, "H-h-ai…Chichiri. I think it took a lot out of me that's all."

Finally, I sat up feeling a little better.

"Kimiko, now you know how to do levitation and you can practise it on smaller things so as to not exhaust yourself no da." He paused looking thoughtful. "The basic thing about manipulation of ki is to first gather the ki and will it to do what you want like shaping it basically no daa. One of the most dangerous and difficult ki manipulation methods is the ki transfer technic."

"Naze?"

"Because you need to be able to control your ki flow. You have to be able to see the other person's ki flow and merge yours with the other person's taking care that you are not sapped of your own ki. It's dangerous because there is a very high risk of death and people who cannot control their ki it is fatal for them. Don't try it unless you are sure you can control your ki properly because you may either save the other person's life and kill yourself or kill yourself and the other person."

"How do you do it anyways?"

"You need contact with the other person and then you need to sort of push your ki into the other person's system making sure to know what decisions to make and not just get sucked in and sap your ki na no daaa."

**********************

Kimiko left it at that. Chichiri taught her more ki manipulation and a little magic. Kimiko felt extremely frustrated by her attempts especially when she failed which was a lot of times.

She didn't go in for lunch, choosing to stay and practice what she had learnt alone. By the time she was worn out it was late afternoon probably around 4.

She sat down in under one of the big shady trees trembling with exhaustion. She did some breathing exercises to relax and get back her strength.

Nuriko and Tasuki wondered where she had disappeared to and went to look for her.

They found her under a tree and approached her stealthily.

"Kimi-chan?"

Kimiko's peaceful reverie was broken and she snapped her head up and palms facing Nuriko and Tasuki in attack stance. In her palm a very small ball of ki was already waiting to be released. (A/N: Whaaat she's tired! Of course her ki level is low)

"Oi oi! Matte! Its us Kimi-chan!" Nuriko froze in panic.

Kimiko's eyes cleared and the ball of ki disappeared as her arm lowered.

Nuriko and Tasuki sweat dropped and gave a sigh of relief.

~Tasuki~

All right Tasuki! Act like a man! Tell her you are sorry!

Um…on second thought…PRETEND YOU DON'T REMEMBER TASUKI! PRETEND YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!

~Kimiko~

Oh its just Nuriko…and…Tasuki…TASUKI?! Crap! Okay Kimiko keep your cool. Nothing happened.

I could still feel fatigue in my unstable legs as I stood up shakily.

"Hey…what are you guys doing here?" I asked coolly.

"Just looking for you to come to the Star Gazing Festival. There is gonna be a lot of stuff and fun! Come come come!" Nuriko bounced perkily.

Tasuki stayed mute.

I looked at both of them. When I glanced at Tasuki his eyes seem to be communicating. I got locked into a staring contest with him. His gorgeous amber eyes giving confusing signals. I broke eye contact first by looking away. I never was good at staring contests anyways.

'He doesn't remember. He was drunk.' Kept repeating in my mind.

"Okay Nuriko. Let me bathe first."

"Wai! Sankkyu!"

Then I felt a shooting pain in my stomach. Shit! Need food. Gastric. I clutched my stomach dropping to my knees.

"Daijoubu ka Kimiko?" Nuriko asked.

"H-hai. I just need some food. I haven't eaten the whole day."

"BAKA Kimiko!" Nuriko whapped me lightly upside my head. Ugh didn't feel very light to me. Itai…

I felt so weak. I hate feeling weak. But I didn't feel like arguing or anything.

"Tasuki! Carry her!"

"Nani? Why me?"

"Because I don't want to over develop my muscles you baka!" Through my half lidded eyes I could see Nuriko waving his fist at Tasuki.

Tasuki carried me piggy-back style. My head dropped onto his shoulder.

"I just need some food and I'll be fine Nuriko."

My friend just tittered like a mother hen.

~Tasuki~

I hoisted Kimiko onto my back. Her arms draped around my neck and her head on my shoulder. I could feel her breathing on the hair on the back of my neck.

Emotions stirred. I didn't know what to do. Remembering the kiss only made me feel like grabbing her and kissing her again to taste the lips that gave me a warm happy surrender. What would she do this time if I did that? She might punch me out. Would she love me back?

My questions go unanswered. No…it's safer not to do anything yet.

~Kimiko~

I was set down on the bed in Nuriko's room and given some food to eat. Finishing the meal, I felt a bit sticky but satiated. I felt much better and not tired.

I needed a bath. So I took a quick one and came out in a robe with under garments when Nuriko ambushed me. He forced me to wear one of those elegant kimonos.

After much resistance from me, Nuriko got me into a lavender kimono with some exquisite design on the lower part and my obi was a deep red. Feeling silly I sarcastically said, "Happy now Nuriko?"

He smiled widely nodding happily. However, when he started towards me to do my hair up I protested wildly and managed to get away with just a simple twist and loop to my ponytail with some tendrils curving around my face. God its hard to walk in these shoes. Clog things is what I call them.

We met up with rest of them. Nuriko convinced them somehow that it was their last night to relax and they had to come out for the festival. Even Hotohori came but dressed as a commoner despite the opposition from his officials and advisers.

We started out as a group but soon split up in smaller groups or individuals to see what we each liked. I ended up with Nuriko and Tasuki. Miaka was with Tamahome. Chiriko with Mitsukake, Chichiri, Amiboshi and Hotohori. Amiboshi declined my offer to follow us. I think he is still scared of Tasuki. I laughed quietly at that.

I had already requested from Hotohori to get Tamahome's family to live at the palace. I just hope it helps Tamahome and also that Suboshi doesn't have to go mad again. I wonder what Nakago might be telling Suboshi now. I want to go see Tamahome's family early tomorrow just to make sure. I don't feel very sure about all my decisions now.

Nuriko made sure that we followed discreetly behind Hotohori's group. I shook my head at his antics. The guy could be a great guy or a great girl. Nuriko was just Nuriko I guess. Nuriko…chills froze me in fear for my friend's fate. Will I be able to change his fate? How can I?

I wasn't in the mood for this sort of night of fun. I needed to think. Nuriko caught up with Hotohori's group pretending to have just bumped into them. Smart Nuriko smart. Tasuki and I were left watching in a crowd at a cool sideshow. I could see Tasuki was laughing hysterically at the performer who had been burnt by the fire-eater. Looking at the burnt performer I snickered but saw my chance just to go and think somewhere.

Sneaking away, I sought out a quiet place and found a bench next to the river. Recognising this place in the show as the place where Miaka paid respects to the Amiboshi they thought was dead. I shivered at the close call. The scene at the shrine replayed back in my mind. What would happen if I weren't there to stop Amiboshi? What would have happened if it Amiboshi had fallen in the river? That would have set of the chain reaction. I hugged myself tight trying to push out the thought of consequence if I had failed.

I never had anyone to really protect or care for so how am I supposed to know what to do. I am an amateur in friendship. I had many friends on the surface yes in my world but near to none later after I had left my parents house and tried to work for my life. I never had a real true friend.

I felt a burning sensation behind my eyes. Nuriko…don't die on me onegai…you're the closest I have to a best friend.

@ Somewhere Nuriko was Nuriko sneezed @

I closed my eyes tightly but I felt a tear squeeze out from the corner of my eye as I fought not to cry. Can I do this or not? Can I deal with death? I turned cold at the thought.

Then I felt arms around me hugging me as if giving me support and warmth.

~Tasuki~

Stupid guy! Got burnt!

"Gnahahahahahhaha!"

Eh? Where was Kimiko? I had been watching her out from t he corner of my eye but where was she now?

I saw her on the edge of the crowd walking away. Should I follow her? Nahh…Should I? Yup. My feet were taking me to follow her anyway.

I hid behind a tree when I saw her stare at the river after sitting down. She seemed to be lost in another world thinking. In the bright moonlight, I saw her hug herself as if she was really cold. The weather was warm so why would she be cold?

A sparkling lone crystal tear squeezed out of the corner of her eyes. The bright moonlight its glow upon her making the tear track silver. Kimiko crying? I wanted to go over to her and hold her to protect her or chase away whatever was making her cry. More than ever I wanted to make her feel better enough to smile. But how would she react if I went over to her.

To hell to what would happen! I went over quietly and slid my arms around her comfortingly, hugging her tight wanting her to not cry.

Aw man! What happened to you saying its better and SAFER not to do anything!

Shut up! I firmly said to the stupid little voice in the back of my mind.

~Kimiko~

The arms gave me comfort. My first instinct was to fatally injure the person who dared to touch me. But I didn't feel like the person wanted to do something to me apart from comforting me. The touch felt familiar. I didn't dare open my eyes, wanting to be held. Throwing my principles out the window I leaned into the embrace with my eyes closed. For a while I stayed like that. Then, curious and wanting to thank the person I opened my eyes slowly.

Warm amber eyes met startled emerald.

Incredulously, "T-tasuki?"

He didn't reply. Is this a vision, dream? Can't be real right?

He leant down whispering so softly I thought it was my imagination, "Aishiteru Kimiko."

Then his lips met mine and all rational thoughts flew out from my mind. Closing my eyes, I responded hesitantly with his hands on the back of my neck and on the small of my back. Firmly but gently he applied a little more pressure on my lips deepening the kiss.

The need for air broke our kiss making us pant lightly for air.

"Why did you do that Gen-chan?" I recovered with confusion.

He looked confused himself making me doubt I heard correctly what he had said earlier. I realised I should be angry with him but weirdly I wasn't.

Hesitating, he confirmed warmly but quietly what I heard earlier, "Ai-aishiteru Kimiko."

My jaw dropped open as I looked at him gaping. So he probably did remember and he…he…loves me? Hontou? He's not just saying that is he? I don't think saying love is to be taken lightly. Is he lying? It was weird watching the passionate and usually loud and confident bandit be like this.

A whole range of emotions must have passed over my face. Then to my horror I blushed. I can't believe it. I am blushing. I can feel my face turning hot. I hope he can't see it.

Dear Suzaku give me strength. I looked straight into his eyes to try and see whether he was lying. He didn't seem like he was unless he is a great actor, which I don't think he is. His eyes were clear, open and held a hint of fear of rejection. Dear Suzaku, please please let this be true and give me strength.

"Aishiteru Gen-chan…" I mumbled blushing hotly. God I don't feel like me. He smirked sexily then put his arm around my waist leading me back into the festivities but not before giving me a sweet kiss on the lips.

*************************

The night was enjoyed by all the seishi. Kimiko smiled in her sleep that night with no worries about the next day of the horrors that Hokkan might hold. The answer to is it love? I bet you guys can guess for yourselves.

************************

Notes:  How was it? Okay? I think it isn't very good. Dun kill me! I have no idea whats going to happen…. Someone has to die right? Wonder who should it be…. =P I am evil!

~Fiery- Ice~ 

P.S: R/R onegai shimasu! Arigatou!!