*Just a note: For Miao Sifu's name, I was going by the Cantonese name. XD
But in Mandarin, I'm not sure whether it should be 'Shifu' or 'Sifu'. ^^; I
should stop watching Cantonese martial art films. XD But thanks Fire
Pendant for bringing that up. ^_^ I think it's 'Sifu' though. However. that
doesn't really matter, does it?
Another thing: Sorry if the characters don't act the way they do. -_- I'm not very good at making the characters act the way they're supposed to. -_-
*Disclaimer: Fushigi Yuugi and all its characters belong to Yuu Watase. I have just taken the liberty of rewriting the story. XD
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter Two
After a delicious dinner, Miaka stood outside on the bridge staring at the moon. Tamahome. I wish that I'll hurry up and find the last two Constellations so you can return home. She sighed. She pulled out the orb Tai Yi-Jun had given her and stared at it. A character floated up. Doctor. Why does this keep showing up? Shao-Huan said there were no Constellations in this village. So why is it doing this? She placed the orb on the beam and shut her eyes.
"Miaka? What is it?" Shao-Huan walked up from behind her.
A few tears fell on the wooden beam. "I'm thinking of Tamahome. He's the man I love, but the Qu-Dong soldiers have taken him hostage. And I don't know what to do!" She broke down and cried even harder.
"Miaka, it's all right. Everything will come out fine. Things always do." Shao-Huan rubbed Miaka's back until she stopped crying.
"Miaka, I found out about that when my family drowned three years ago. I thought I would die that day, but luckily I still had Nioh-An and his family to help me through my sorrow."
"Is that how your family died?" Miaka asked.
"Yes." Shao-Huan turned away.
Miaka silently looked at her. "Shao-Huan, do you want to go in now?"
"Oh! I'm sorry. Sure. I'll show you and your friends to your rooms if you'd like."
Miaka followed Shao-Huan into the house. Shao-Huan led her up the stairs and down a long corridor and stopped in front of a room. She opened the door and waved Miaka in. "Miaka, this shall be your room while you stay with us. Feel free to ask us for anything you desire."
"Um, are you sure you want to say that?" Nuriko asked from behind.
Shao-Huan jumped, startled. "Oh, I didn't hear you there! I'm sorry, would you like me to escort you to your room? And what about Hotohori?"
Nuriko shrugged. "Oh, Nioh-An already showed us our rooms. He's with Hotohori right now. I came to thank you for allowing us to stay until the wedding."
Shao-Huan gently kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks, Nuriko. Nioh-An and I truly appreciate it. Miaka, I'm going to go to my room now. It's two doors down from yours. Good night, Nuriko, Miaka." She left the two and entered her room.
"Nuriko, you're red as a tomato!" Miaka exclaimed.
Nuriko touched the spot where Shao-Huan had kissed him. Then he realized what he was doing and yanked his hand away. "Hm? What'd you say, Miaka?"
Miaka started wagging her eyebrows up and down. "Oh, I get it. You like her!"
"WHAT?! NO! That's not true! And besides, she's engaged!!" Nuriko fiercely whispered as loudly as he could without anyone overhearing him, mainly Shao-Huan.
Miaka smiled mischievously. "Ri-ight. I believe you so much. Shao- Huan!"
The door opened and Shao-Huan peeked out, her long hair flowing down her back, loose and undone. "Miaka? What is it?" She planted her hands on her hips and said in mock anger, "Shouldn't you be getting ready for bed by now?"
"Nuriko here-" Miaka started to say, but Nuriko clamped a hand over her mouth so all that came out was incomprehensible mumbling.
He smiled sheepishly. "All Miaka was going to say was that I can't find my way back to my room. Could you take me back please?" He removed his hand from Miaka's mouth.
Shao-Huan blinked. "Hm? Sure. Just wait a minute please." She ducked back inside and came out after a few minutes, wearing a light blue robe. "This way." She led Nuriko through a corridor and down the stairs. "Nuriko, Miaka's searching for the next Constellation of Suzaku?"
"Yeah, we're going to leave Chang-Hong after your wedding. It would be nice if we could stay here, but Miaka must summon Suzaku," Nuriko replied.
"What are you going to do after Suzaku is summoned?" Shao-Huan inquired.
Nuriko thought for a moment. "Interesting. I never thought of that. I guess go home or something. Hotohori loves Miaka, not me, so there's no hope between the two of us. But the problem at home is that Kang-Lin's dead. And I never really was that close to my older brother. Kang-Lin and I always had to protect him from bullies even though the two of us were both younger than him."
"Kang-Lin? How did she die?"
Nuriko's face clouded over. "She was chasing after me one day and was run over by a horse cart. And it was all my fault. If she hadn't ran after me, she wouldn't have died." He turned away so she wouldn't see his sorrow.
Shao-Huan didn't say anything for a while. The two of them walked silently until they reached the corridor where Nuriko's room was. "Nuriko, you must remember this. Put your past behind you and don't let it burden you. It'll only prevent you from enjoying life. I learned that the day my family drowned. I was the sole survivor out of my four brothers and sisters and my parents. Our Wu-Shu school was covered with water up to the very top of its roof. I was only safe because my siblings and I had been playing hide-and-seek and I had hidden on the roof next to the chimney. My family was the only family hit by the flood. To this day, I still don't understand why. Sometimes, I lay in bed, not sleeping, wondering why I've had to suffer living after those closest to me died."
"Shao-Huan.I'm sorry about that."
"It's all right. Perhaps the flood was just a trial to test me." She laughed a little. "Just as long as Suzaku doesn't send me anymore trials. One like that in a lifetime is more than enough! I'm blessed that I've known Nioh-An and his family since I was very young. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't known them. They've treated me like a daughter for the past three years. Nuriko, here's your room. Good night."
Nuriko opened the door and looked at Shao-Huan one last time. "Shao- Huan, thank you for everything. Good night to you, too." He shut the door behind him and stared at the room. Kang-Lin, I miss you so much. Why did you die so early? Suzaku, you were only nine! He visualized her sweet face and let out a big breath. He walked over to his bed and fell on top of it. He stared at the ceiling for a few minutes then let himself fall asleep.
The next morning, Miaka woke up. She quickly dressed and left her room. She quietly knocked on Shao-Huan's door. "Shao-Huan, are you up yet?"
The door opened and Shao-Huan appeared yawning. "Miaka, what are you doing up so early?"
"I'm hungry! What is there to eat?"
"Well, first I'll have to collect some eggs. And there may still be some porridge left over from yesterday. Head downstairs while I get ready. I'm sure Miao Tai-Tai's already up. She can make you something."
Miaka happily nodded and bounded down the stairs. She didn't watch where she was going and ran into a painting on a scroll. The painting toppled down to reveal a hidden door. "Hm? What's this doing here?"
She opened the door and peeked inside. Wow. In front of her was a wide array of weapons. There were daggers, knives, spears, and even gaives! She stepped inside the hidden room and spotted a lone sword standing by itself. There was a intricate design on the blade, with swirls and waves covering it. On the hilt was a beautiful ruby phoenix. It seemed as if it would fly right off; it was that realistic. She walked up to the sword and noticed a ruby raindrop amulet lying next to the sword. She was about to pick it up when-
"What are you doing here?" a voice demanded from behind her.
Miaka gulped and turned around. "I'm sorry, it's just-"
"Get out of here. This room is not for you to come in." Nioh-An motioned toward the door.
"But what are all these weapons doing here?"
Nioh-An's face softened. "They belonged to Shao-Huan's parents and therefore belong to her. I rescued them after the flood and had them hidden here so she could receive them as her wedding dowry. Now get out!"
Miaka scampered out as quickly as she could and ran to the dining room. Everyone else was already there so Miaka settled down between Hotohori and Nuriko. "What's for breakfast?"
Miao Tai-Tai ambled in with a big pot full of something. "Rice porridge. Eat it while it's hot!" She quickly placed it on the table and set out bowls for everyone.
Nioh-An walked in and sat down next to Shao-Huan. He got a bowl and ladled porridge into it. He then began eating quietly.
Miaka stared down at her food. Finally, she wolfed it down. "More please."
Almost everyone gave her a weird look. Shao-Huan picked up the spoon and took Miaka's bowl. She poured some porridge in and handed it back to Miaka. "Is this enough?"
"It should be. Thanks!" Miaka quickly finished eating and left the table. She left the house and walked into the backyard, watching the birds flit from tree to tree for several minutes.
Miaka had just begun to settle down when she heard the sounds of a flute. Hm? What is that? She jumped up and followed the noise.
She peeked behind some bushes and saw Shao-Huan and Nioh-An sitting together. The two were relaxing and talking to each other. A bird flew from a tree and landed on Nioh-An's head. Shao-Huan laughed and beckoned the bird onto her hand. It chirped and fluttered over to her. Nioh-An picked his flute up and began playing it.
Miaka quietly snuck away and went back into the house. She explored the house until noon, and then ate a delicious lunch made by Shao-Huan. During the afternoon, she browsed the marketplace with Nuriko and Shao- Huan, helping her choose a wedding dress to wear for the next day. When night came, she was about to go to sleep when Shao-Huan came into her room.
"Miaka, how is everything? I know summoning Suzaku is really important, so I appreciate you and your friends staying until my wedding. I'm sorry if this delays you from returning to Tamahome."
Miaka smiled. "No problem. I love seeing two people be united. It's just so sweet!"
Shao-Huan smiled back. "I'm sorry I'm bothering you. You can go to sleep now." She left the room and went into her own.
*******
Hotohori strolled down the walk. He sighed to himself. Miaka, why won't you wed me? I've been dreaming of you even before I was graced with your cheerful presence. He paused on the bridge and stared down at his reflection. Why? He lowered his head and noticed the orb Tai Yi-Jun had given Miaka? Hm? What is it doing here? I suppose I must give it back to her. We'll need it to find the next Constellation. Huh? What's this? A character rose from the depths of the crystal ball. Lily.
***********
The next morning, Miaka woke up and immediately grinned. Shao-Huan and Nioh-An's wedding's today! I've never seen a Chinese wedding before. Can't wait! She jumped out of bed and dressed as quickly as she could. Then she sprinted out her room and skidded to a stop in front of Shao-Huan's. "Shao-Huan, Shao-Huan! Today's your wedding!"
The door opened and Shao-Huan appeared. "Hi Miaka, you just wake up earlier and earlier, don't you?" she asked good-naturedly.
"When's the wedding going to be today?"
"I'm guessing mid-afternoon. Would you like to help me get ready?"
Miaka's eyes brightened. "Sure! I'd love to! But first, let's eat breakfast!"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Kang-Lin - Kourin Qu-Dong - Kutou
^_^ Hope you liked it. Do you sense a pairing? ^.^
Another thing: Sorry if the characters don't act the way they do. -_- I'm not very good at making the characters act the way they're supposed to. -_-
*Disclaimer: Fushigi Yuugi and all its characters belong to Yuu Watase. I have just taken the liberty of rewriting the story. XD
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Chapter Two
After a delicious dinner, Miaka stood outside on the bridge staring at the moon. Tamahome. I wish that I'll hurry up and find the last two Constellations so you can return home. She sighed. She pulled out the orb Tai Yi-Jun had given her and stared at it. A character floated up. Doctor. Why does this keep showing up? Shao-Huan said there were no Constellations in this village. So why is it doing this? She placed the orb on the beam and shut her eyes.
"Miaka? What is it?" Shao-Huan walked up from behind her.
A few tears fell on the wooden beam. "I'm thinking of Tamahome. He's the man I love, but the Qu-Dong soldiers have taken him hostage. And I don't know what to do!" She broke down and cried even harder.
"Miaka, it's all right. Everything will come out fine. Things always do." Shao-Huan rubbed Miaka's back until she stopped crying.
"Miaka, I found out about that when my family drowned three years ago. I thought I would die that day, but luckily I still had Nioh-An and his family to help me through my sorrow."
"Is that how your family died?" Miaka asked.
"Yes." Shao-Huan turned away.
Miaka silently looked at her. "Shao-Huan, do you want to go in now?"
"Oh! I'm sorry. Sure. I'll show you and your friends to your rooms if you'd like."
Miaka followed Shao-Huan into the house. Shao-Huan led her up the stairs and down a long corridor and stopped in front of a room. She opened the door and waved Miaka in. "Miaka, this shall be your room while you stay with us. Feel free to ask us for anything you desire."
"Um, are you sure you want to say that?" Nuriko asked from behind.
Shao-Huan jumped, startled. "Oh, I didn't hear you there! I'm sorry, would you like me to escort you to your room? And what about Hotohori?"
Nuriko shrugged. "Oh, Nioh-An already showed us our rooms. He's with Hotohori right now. I came to thank you for allowing us to stay until the wedding."
Shao-Huan gently kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks, Nuriko. Nioh-An and I truly appreciate it. Miaka, I'm going to go to my room now. It's two doors down from yours. Good night, Nuriko, Miaka." She left the two and entered her room.
"Nuriko, you're red as a tomato!" Miaka exclaimed.
Nuriko touched the spot where Shao-Huan had kissed him. Then he realized what he was doing and yanked his hand away. "Hm? What'd you say, Miaka?"
Miaka started wagging her eyebrows up and down. "Oh, I get it. You like her!"
"WHAT?! NO! That's not true! And besides, she's engaged!!" Nuriko fiercely whispered as loudly as he could without anyone overhearing him, mainly Shao-Huan.
Miaka smiled mischievously. "Ri-ight. I believe you so much. Shao- Huan!"
The door opened and Shao-Huan peeked out, her long hair flowing down her back, loose and undone. "Miaka? What is it?" She planted her hands on her hips and said in mock anger, "Shouldn't you be getting ready for bed by now?"
"Nuriko here-" Miaka started to say, but Nuriko clamped a hand over her mouth so all that came out was incomprehensible mumbling.
He smiled sheepishly. "All Miaka was going to say was that I can't find my way back to my room. Could you take me back please?" He removed his hand from Miaka's mouth.
Shao-Huan blinked. "Hm? Sure. Just wait a minute please." She ducked back inside and came out after a few minutes, wearing a light blue robe. "This way." She led Nuriko through a corridor and down the stairs. "Nuriko, Miaka's searching for the next Constellation of Suzaku?"
"Yeah, we're going to leave Chang-Hong after your wedding. It would be nice if we could stay here, but Miaka must summon Suzaku," Nuriko replied.
"What are you going to do after Suzaku is summoned?" Shao-Huan inquired.
Nuriko thought for a moment. "Interesting. I never thought of that. I guess go home or something. Hotohori loves Miaka, not me, so there's no hope between the two of us. But the problem at home is that Kang-Lin's dead. And I never really was that close to my older brother. Kang-Lin and I always had to protect him from bullies even though the two of us were both younger than him."
"Kang-Lin? How did she die?"
Nuriko's face clouded over. "She was chasing after me one day and was run over by a horse cart. And it was all my fault. If she hadn't ran after me, she wouldn't have died." He turned away so she wouldn't see his sorrow.
Shao-Huan didn't say anything for a while. The two of them walked silently until they reached the corridor where Nuriko's room was. "Nuriko, you must remember this. Put your past behind you and don't let it burden you. It'll only prevent you from enjoying life. I learned that the day my family drowned. I was the sole survivor out of my four brothers and sisters and my parents. Our Wu-Shu school was covered with water up to the very top of its roof. I was only safe because my siblings and I had been playing hide-and-seek and I had hidden on the roof next to the chimney. My family was the only family hit by the flood. To this day, I still don't understand why. Sometimes, I lay in bed, not sleeping, wondering why I've had to suffer living after those closest to me died."
"Shao-Huan.I'm sorry about that."
"It's all right. Perhaps the flood was just a trial to test me." She laughed a little. "Just as long as Suzaku doesn't send me anymore trials. One like that in a lifetime is more than enough! I'm blessed that I've known Nioh-An and his family since I was very young. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't known them. They've treated me like a daughter for the past three years. Nuriko, here's your room. Good night."
Nuriko opened the door and looked at Shao-Huan one last time. "Shao- Huan, thank you for everything. Good night to you, too." He shut the door behind him and stared at the room. Kang-Lin, I miss you so much. Why did you die so early? Suzaku, you were only nine! He visualized her sweet face and let out a big breath. He walked over to his bed and fell on top of it. He stared at the ceiling for a few minutes then let himself fall asleep.
The next morning, Miaka woke up. She quickly dressed and left her room. She quietly knocked on Shao-Huan's door. "Shao-Huan, are you up yet?"
The door opened and Shao-Huan appeared yawning. "Miaka, what are you doing up so early?"
"I'm hungry! What is there to eat?"
"Well, first I'll have to collect some eggs. And there may still be some porridge left over from yesterday. Head downstairs while I get ready. I'm sure Miao Tai-Tai's already up. She can make you something."
Miaka happily nodded and bounded down the stairs. She didn't watch where she was going and ran into a painting on a scroll. The painting toppled down to reveal a hidden door. "Hm? What's this doing here?"
She opened the door and peeked inside. Wow. In front of her was a wide array of weapons. There were daggers, knives, spears, and even gaives! She stepped inside the hidden room and spotted a lone sword standing by itself. There was a intricate design on the blade, with swirls and waves covering it. On the hilt was a beautiful ruby phoenix. It seemed as if it would fly right off; it was that realistic. She walked up to the sword and noticed a ruby raindrop amulet lying next to the sword. She was about to pick it up when-
"What are you doing here?" a voice demanded from behind her.
Miaka gulped and turned around. "I'm sorry, it's just-"
"Get out of here. This room is not for you to come in." Nioh-An motioned toward the door.
"But what are all these weapons doing here?"
Nioh-An's face softened. "They belonged to Shao-Huan's parents and therefore belong to her. I rescued them after the flood and had them hidden here so she could receive them as her wedding dowry. Now get out!"
Miaka scampered out as quickly as she could and ran to the dining room. Everyone else was already there so Miaka settled down between Hotohori and Nuriko. "What's for breakfast?"
Miao Tai-Tai ambled in with a big pot full of something. "Rice porridge. Eat it while it's hot!" She quickly placed it on the table and set out bowls for everyone.
Nioh-An walked in and sat down next to Shao-Huan. He got a bowl and ladled porridge into it. He then began eating quietly.
Miaka stared down at her food. Finally, she wolfed it down. "More please."
Almost everyone gave her a weird look. Shao-Huan picked up the spoon and took Miaka's bowl. She poured some porridge in and handed it back to Miaka. "Is this enough?"
"It should be. Thanks!" Miaka quickly finished eating and left the table. She left the house and walked into the backyard, watching the birds flit from tree to tree for several minutes.
Miaka had just begun to settle down when she heard the sounds of a flute. Hm? What is that? She jumped up and followed the noise.
She peeked behind some bushes and saw Shao-Huan and Nioh-An sitting together. The two were relaxing and talking to each other. A bird flew from a tree and landed on Nioh-An's head. Shao-Huan laughed and beckoned the bird onto her hand. It chirped and fluttered over to her. Nioh-An picked his flute up and began playing it.
Miaka quietly snuck away and went back into the house. She explored the house until noon, and then ate a delicious lunch made by Shao-Huan. During the afternoon, she browsed the marketplace with Nuriko and Shao- Huan, helping her choose a wedding dress to wear for the next day. When night came, she was about to go to sleep when Shao-Huan came into her room.
"Miaka, how is everything? I know summoning Suzaku is really important, so I appreciate you and your friends staying until my wedding. I'm sorry if this delays you from returning to Tamahome."
Miaka smiled. "No problem. I love seeing two people be united. It's just so sweet!"
Shao-Huan smiled back. "I'm sorry I'm bothering you. You can go to sleep now." She left the room and went into her own.
*******
Hotohori strolled down the walk. He sighed to himself. Miaka, why won't you wed me? I've been dreaming of you even before I was graced with your cheerful presence. He paused on the bridge and stared down at his reflection. Why? He lowered his head and noticed the orb Tai Yi-Jun had given Miaka? Hm? What is it doing here? I suppose I must give it back to her. We'll need it to find the next Constellation. Huh? What's this? A character rose from the depths of the crystal ball. Lily.
***********
The next morning, Miaka woke up and immediately grinned. Shao-Huan and Nioh-An's wedding's today! I've never seen a Chinese wedding before. Can't wait! She jumped out of bed and dressed as quickly as she could. Then she sprinted out her room and skidded to a stop in front of Shao-Huan's. "Shao-Huan, Shao-Huan! Today's your wedding!"
The door opened and Shao-Huan appeared. "Hi Miaka, you just wake up earlier and earlier, don't you?" she asked good-naturedly.
"When's the wedding going to be today?"
"I'm guessing mid-afternoon. Would you like to help me get ready?"
Miaka's eyes brightened. "Sure! I'd love to! But first, let's eat breakfast!"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Kang-Lin - Kourin Qu-Dong - Kutou
^_^ Hope you liked it. Do you sense a pairing? ^.^