Written by: Hoshihikari4ever
Disclaimer: I finally noticed I forgot to put one. Whops! Just to let you guys know, none of this belongs to me. I don't own anything!
Summary:
Sequel to The Untold Legend (please read that)
Only two of her Seishi remain. Seiryuu is forever sealed. Miaka takes on the heavy burden of being both empress and Miko. Everything seems to be going smoothly. Hopes of summoning Suzaku rise again. However when a mysterious person shows up at the palace, disasters begin to strike. Dark secrets of the past are revealed…ones, which were meant to remain hidden forever. Now with his secret revealed… the whole Universe of Four Gods is thrown of course… the whole story is forever altered.
Spoilers Warning: Just to be safe…everything…including side stories…
Please Read and Review!
Parings: Miaka /Hotohori Miaka/?
Chapter 6 The Prophecy
Footsteps approached him. It stopped a few feet behind him. "Milord…" "Hai…Aki" Shou Tendo replied. "I have news that the empress has gathered her Seishi…." Shou Tendo spun around. "What??" he asked softly. "Impossible…besides Chichiri and Tasuki, they are all dead…." "I swear…I saw them with my own eyes….heard her call them by their Seishi names…" "That is impossible! She can't gather dead Seishi! There's no use for dead people" "but….it's true….I swear their alive…all of them…" "You mean they found them all, you sure you didn't mistaken any on them…." The man nodded. "yes….I heard them talking, something about summoning Suzaku again…" "Ridicules!" "Is it possible there's some truth behind this…" "Nope…." "Then how do you explain me seeing Tamahome, Nuriko, Chiriko, and Mitsukake… dead people…." Shou Tendo snorted. Silence fell.
What the heck? Is it possible…? Aki's never lied to me before…perhaps there is some truth to this…However if this is true then would she have found Saihitei. If she did, then…then that means he'll become emperor again. No! I can't let this happen! I am the emperor…I will be the emperor!
"You only mentioned six of the Seishi…what happened to the Suzaku King, Hotohori?" "Apparently, she has not found him yet. They're searching for him now, or at least his reincarnation…." Shou Tendo scratched his neck. A brilliant idea hit him when his hand landed on his left neck. An evil smile crossed his face. "You won't let that happen will you milord…?" "Of course not!" "Then what do you propose…." "Change of plans….New plans…we're leaving the palace right away…" "but…." Shou Tendo silenced him. "I cannot let her be reunited with her lover…No that is defiantly not going to happen…If I am to be emperor, I must take this into my own hands…." He clutched his fist.
NO! There will not be any sweet reunion. I swear, you too will never be reunited again. Watch me…I swear Hotohori, you're better off dead…
Aki nodded in agreement after Shou Tendo went over his new plans with him. An evil smile spread across both faces. "You understand…there can be no mistakes…no mistakes at all…" The man nodded. "Good, now we must leave…" The two exited the room. "Go get Maya…I can't have her spoiling Saihitei's secret just yet…" "Yes I have to agree…this must work perfectly….I'll bring Maya along…you take care of yourself…" "I will…." Shou Tendo watched Aki left, watched his most faithful servant went to carry out his task.
* * *
Miaka shook her purple haired Seishi. "Wake up Nuriko, wake up…It's morning…" He shifted to his side. Miaka shook him again. "Come on, get up…" There was no response. Miaka went to her other Seishi, shaking them to get up. No one moved. "ALRIGHT!!! GET UP! ALL OF YOU UP NOW!!!" She screamed on top of her lungs. They all jolted up. "What Miaka? What…what's the matter…" Tamahome tried to pull her into his embrace, but she brushed him off. "We need to get going….We need to find Hotohori now…." "Ah shucks Miaka…we need to get some sleep…we've been searching for him, for more then 3 weeks…been through most of the provinces…you sure Suzaku reincarnated him….?" She slapped Tasuki hard. "Of course he did! There's no way he'll reincarnate all of you and not him…We just aren't searching hard enough…." "Well Miaka…you know…. there's not much provinces left…in fact only three more within the whole Konan empire…" "Three more Chiriko, did you say three more…" "Hai, he's right no da…but these are really small…villages…in fact only two of them are villages…the other used to be…but when Kuto attacked it, it basically fell apart…the people who live there now are from all over…" "I see….so is near the border…?" "Yup no da…" "very interesting…" "that's not all no da…it's called, well called Suzaku village…" "Suzaku village?" "Hai…rumors have it that something dramatic happened there 18 years ago…" "What…." Miaka asked, interested. Chiriko spoke again." We don't know, but a prophecy was made….nearly 20 years ago, to be precise, only 18…"
On the 2nd of the fourth month
A sea serpent will be born
Marked by God
Chosen by Heaven
Switched at birth
Mistaken as a Dragon
He will rise
He will soarDestined to lead
Destined to rule
Forever a dragon
Forever a Sea Serpent
On the 2nd of the fourth month
A dragon will be born
Marked by God
Chosen by Heaven
No one spoke for a while. "Who made this prophecy…?" "They said a very ugly looking old women who died, shortly afterwards." Miaka didn't speak. Tamahome smiled, as he thought of Taiitsukun. "Then the rumor that goes along is that 18 years ago, the former emperor, his wives and a selected group of people were traveling through Suzaku village. No one knows the reason behind this no da. All that is known is that one of the emperor's wives was pregnant with his third child. It was said that on April 2nd, the day of child birth, Suzaku appeared…." The monk's voiced trailed off. "That is all… no da…of course this is all rumors…." He stared intently at Miaka. "How many siblings does Hotohori have? Is he the third child?" They seemed unsure of how to answer her. "Well Hotohori-sama has 2 older brothers, 1 younger brother and 2 younger sisters…and yes…he is the third child…" Nuriko replied. Miaka smiled. "You sure know a lot…." He blushed rather red. "What does that have to do with anything…." Tamahome slapped her back. Miaka didn't seem to notice, she stared at the monk, who seemed to be concealing more then a smile.
"Hmm….Miaka lighten up no da…you shouldn't pay much attention to it….Besides we have more important tasks at hand like finding Hotohori-sama…" Miaka jumped up at that. "Yup! Let's go right now…" she said absent mindedly. "Anno…even if we don't find Hotohori, I'm going to stay at Suzaku village for a while…" "Why…we need to get back to the palace soon…" Miaka couldn't answer that. Somehow she felt that that was the place where something important was waiting to occur. She did not know what it was, she could not explain the feeling, the feeling she felt when the prophecy was mentioned. All she knew was that there was an invisible force that told her, that led her to believe that she would not regret visiting that village.
"So let's head off…" Tasuki said, heading towards the door. "Wait…." The willow called after him. "Yeah what….?" "Well maybe we should split up, this way we'll cover more ground in the fewest amount of time…" "hmm….good idea…I'm going with Miaka though…." Tasuki said immediately. "No way, fang boy…I'm going with her…" "Nah, little ghost, ya can't….ya can't even use your powers…" Tamahome flushed. "So? Who cares about that? I can protect Miaka…." "No shut up, both of you…Tama-kins and Tasuki you guys aren't going with Miaka…" "What??" "Cause I'm going…" "Nah, Nuriko, you stay out of this…you're not even qualified…she isn't going out with a cross dresser!" Nuriko pouched both of them to the wall, causing it to crumble. "Baka!" Tasuki swished out his tessen. "Alright, have it your way, my baby here is going to defeat you all…." He tapped his tessen on his palm, causing small sparks of fire. "No problem…." Tamahome placed both hand in front of him, holding a chi blast, waiting to release it. Nuriko lifted up both tables with two fingers, holding them out in front of him.
A staff blocked all three of them. "Enough, we aren't going to fight over this no da! We need to stick together…" The three grumbled. "Miaka, you seem popular, perhaps you should decide who to go with." Miaka nodded at Mitsukake's voice. She looked from the fiery bandit, to her ex lover and finally to her best friend.
Baka! What the hell. Why would all of them be so eager to fight over this…such a small thing as to who will go with me.
Miaka looked each one in the eye, and what she saw scared her. Each pair of eyes gazed at her so passionately, all wanting to claim her, to devour her. She shivered and took a step back
Oh my gosh! I know that look. Could it possibly mean that they love me? Tamahome…Nuriko…Tasuki…is it possible that they have feelings for me. Oh, Hotohori…please I need to find you soon. I need you now more then ever. Those three…they've placed everything in front of themselves for my sake. They're fighting over me. Please Hotohori…where are you. I love you and I don't want to end up unfaithful. Please Hotohori…
"Hotohori…" his name escaped her lips. The hurt look on her Seishi's faces confirmed her thoughts. Nuriko was the first to recover. Tasuki and Tamahome took a little longer. Tauski bit his lips. "Yup, Miaka so who do ya want to have around…I'll gladly accompany ya" The bandit asked, pretending he didn't hear her soft murmur. Miaka shook her head.
It's best for me to stay away from all three of them. There's no way I'll fall for another man. I love you Hotohori…I'll never be unfaithful. I
swear, there's no other man. I must stop it here, they need to know I only love you.
An idea flashed through her. She knew instantly what she must do. She needed to build a strong cold wall, one which no one, no one could penetrate except for her lover.
"So you aren't going go with me…that hurts Miaka…it sure does…" "I said no Tasuki….you aren't my man. Give it up…there's no point fighting over me…over something like this." The bandit turned away, but did not give any other reactions. "and you Nuriko, I thought you were my best friend… there's no way you can come any closer…." Nuriko bang his fist slightly on the table, which crushed. He ran out of the room, tears clearly seen on his eyes. Miaka turned to Tamahome. Their eyes locked. "Tamahome…Give it up, give it all up. I really appreciate you doing everything for me…but there's no way…no matter what you do, I won't fall for you again…" Tamahome only smirked, surprising Miaka. "Who said I'm doing this to win your heart…you know I already got myself a girl…" The news surprised them all. Miaka only smiled. "Well glad to hear that…" she paused. "Just want this to be clear alright….no one can replace my Hotohori…" There was a long pause.
"Well, I'm glad you brought that up. Yes, some people need to be reminded of their places in society…no da…" Chiriko nodded in agreement. "Yup…so Miaka, anyways, if you aren't going with those three, who do you want to go with…" Miaka thought a bit. "Well Tasuki, Tamahome and Nuriko can go together….Chichiri, you mind if you went alone?" The monk shook his head. "Good, Chiriko, and Mitsukake and I can go…." "Well that's a change…" "Yeah, you sure it's a good idea….no da…" "Yeah, if I get injured I'll have a healer…you know how clumsy I can be…." "That is not my concern no da…those two well, they don't have useful special powers." "It doesn't matter…" "You can come with me Miaka…no da…" Miaka thought for a moment. It did make sense. "Very well, I'll go with Chichiri…" The group nodded in agreement. "Come on Chichiri…" The two headed out. "Ya sure ya safe with only one Seishi…Miaka…." Miaka paused at the door.
Tasuki…he sure cares. Don't see Tama ever asking me. That Baka, he's even going out with some other chick. Bet he forgot about me. Perhaps that is the best. Nuriko, I know he understands…he won't force it. Now, Tasuki, he's different. I have to watch out for him.
Miaka pretended she didn't hear the bandit. The monk patted her back. "Come Suzaku no Miko, Come Hekia-sama…let's go no da…" The monk said it in a soft voice, however everyone heard him state it clearly, reminding them once more that Miaka is not only the Suzaku no Miko, but also the empress of Konan. Miaka smiled as he mentioned it.
* * *
"Is it all prepared…do you have the wild animals…" "Yes, Aki…got them here…tigers….all of them…" Aki went over and inspected them. "Hmm…I must say, they are in perfect condition….I'll take them all…" Aki paid for the 10 fierce tigers. "Thank you very much Aki, I hope we can do business again. "Yes…I would say that's quite possible…" "Very well, I must be leaving…it's late…" Aki nodded. The man bided farewell, leaving Aki with the tigers.
* * *
"Hmm…Chichiri how long to the closest village…how long to Suzaku village..?" "Very close no da…if we continue at this pace we'll reach Suzaku village in a day…" "Hai…nice to know…." Miaka's stomach growled loudly. "We should wait and camp for the night…it's getting late, the moon's out…bedside's we're in the middle of a forest…" "Nah, I want to get there now…my stomach…." "Well you have to wait no da…that stomach of yours always got you into nothing but trouble…" "Maybe….but I need to eat NOW….Let's pick up the pace…if we hurry we might make it tonight…" The monk shook his head. "No, Miaka…it's dangerous to travel at night…no da…I thought you'll know better…" "but I need dinner now! I order you…we continue now….!" "No, Miaka, I'm afraid I can't…." "You aren't going to disobey a direct order are you Chichiri…" "No…but….It's best. Miaka you have to listen to me…it's dangerous to travel at night…" Miaka's stomach growled again. "That's enough. I'm getting something to eat…" She slapped her horse dashing off. "Miaka!!!"
Miaka ignored Chichiri's calls. She dashed faster as her noise picked up the sense of cooking food. She stopped, to distinguish the direction from where the food came from. She squinted as she saw hazy smoke rise from the west of her.
Hmm…it must be a campfire. Those people have to have food…and I need the food.
Without thinking, she dashed towards the smoke.
* * *
Chichiri stopped his horse.
Oh great not this again. Miaka's stomach is going to get her into trouble again.
Trying to concentrate, he used his Seishi powers to locate her whereabouts. Finally the monk depicted her whereabouts. Placing on his bowl shaped hat, he disappeared, into the night.
* * *
Miaka hesitated. Something was wrong. She had an uncomfortable feeling, the feeling of being watched. She came to a halt as her horse drew to a clearing. She got off, and walked her horse to the center, which had a distinguished campfire. Next to it was cooked food.
Odd. There isn't anyone. There's food left. I'm in the middle of the forest. This is weird. Hmm…could this be a trap?
Her answer came quickly as footsteps approached her. Miaka pulled out Hotohori's sword and held it before her. The footsteps came closer. Finally Miaka saw them, saw that she was surrounded, surrounded by 10 tigers whose eyes stared at her glowing in the dark. Miaka shook slightly.
Alright, Miaka think…think Miaka think. I'm not scared of them, they're just animals.
She waved the sword before her, slashing the air. The tigers growled. All at once, they leaped up. Miaka stood stiff. The tigers clawed at her in mid air. She swung the sword madly in the air, striking three of them. The three fell on the floor, with its head bleeding. The other tigers landed next to her, not daring to come close. "Leave me alone, I swear I'll kill you all." The threat did not seem to work, what it did do was anger the tigers even more. They charged at her, three in front, four from behind. Miaka knocked down the ones in front of her, injuring them slightly. They retreated a few steps. Miaka turned around to face the tigers from behind. Her body became numb as all four were in the air, teeth, claw and all, ready to pouch on her. She wanted to move but couldn't. Not knowing what to do, she closed her eyes waiting for them to devour her. However this never happened.
"Miaka no da…get out of here now!" Miaka opened her eyes to see the monk before her. He stood between her and the tigers. His right arm and left let were bleeding. He was scratched and bitten. " You…Chichiri…you took that attack for me…my god, you're injured…." "I'll be alright…Miaka…get out of here now…" His staff was stuck between the mouth of two of the tigers. "I'll use my powers on them…no da…I feel that's the only way, since I don't think these are normal tigers. I think probably someone sent them…Perhaps a trap. Get out of here…" he paused. "Don't worry, I'll be alright no da…Miaka get to safety now…please…I'll find you after….I promise…" Miaka nodded, before running away. "I'm sorry Chichiri…I've cause you so much trouble…"
She ran as fast as she could. Her heart pounded fast.
Dam it! Who's after me this time? Why? It can't be Seiryuu…so who else, who in Konan…Shou Tendo? Could it be Hotohor's half brother, who wants to be emperor…
She was distracted as soft chuckles echoed through the forest. "Well…well…who do we have here…" "hmm…looks like she's alone…" "ya think we could sell her on the black market…." Another voice chuckled. "Perhaps…" Miaka's hands began to sweat.
Great! So much for a day. First tigers and now slave traders…Great…just Great…
The group of people moved closer. Miaka saw under the moonlight that 5 people stood before her, all hooded in black. One of the men stood in front of the others. "take her…I'm sure my lord will have plenty of fun with her…." Miaka backed up until her back hit a tree. "Don't you dare come closer…" The man in front smiled. "Hmm…this'll be interesting… Get her!!" His companions rushed forward. Miaka tried to swing her sword at them, but was quite unsuccessful. The men were too fast for her. Finally one of them grabbed a hold one of her hands, twisting it behind her back. Miaka cried out in pain. Another took a hold of her other hand, also twisting it. Miaka struggled. The leader stepped foreword, being inches away from Miaka. He tilted her head up, so that they stared into each other's eyes. Fear descended in Miaka as she saw the evilness within him. "What…what…are you going to do to me…?" She spat. "I'm going to have some fun…have some fun before I sell you in the black market…" He held her chin as he kissed her lips. Miaka bit him, making him tear away. "Bitch!" The man whipped his lips with his sleeve. "Tough girl eh?" He punched her in her stomach, making her curl up. He pulled her up by her hair. "We'll see how strong you really are!" with that he beat her from head to toe, causing Miaka to spit blood and see swirls of twinkling stars.
Hotohori…help me…please…Hotohori…
"That's enough, bring her in…" The men turned to leave, however stopped when they saw a shadowy figure standing before them. Without warning the man charged up bare handily. In an instant he had seized a sword and killed two men. "Who…who.. the hell are you!!" "Release Miaka now!!" The man gritted his teeth. "No way…she's mines now…!" Before the man could finish, two more men died. "Dam it! You're a fast one…!" "Now release Miaka…otherwise…I'll kill you…" "Catch her, if you can!" The man threw Miaka into the air before running off in the other direction. The mysterious man did not chase after him, instead he caught Miaka in his arms. "Miaka…are you alright…." Miaka slowly looked up into her savior's face which was half lighted by the moon. "Hotohori…." She cried out, before her remaining strength drained out of her. The man glanced down at Miaka, he pulled her close, placing a kiss on her forehead. "Miaka…."
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Done! So what do you think? Good? Bad? Please give me some feedback! Read/Review!!! ^_^!!