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.major spoiler from the following: Suzaku Hi Den ( Hotohori's Gaiden novel.I've only read the summary), Seiran Den (Nagako's Gaiden Novel), end of episode 52, Eikoden
Please Read and Review!
Parings: Miaka /Hotohori Miaka / Shou Tendo
Chapter 9
"Well then, first things, first." Nagako said in a matter of fact tone. "First off, I shall help you." 'Help me?" "Yes.much has been going on since we died.the world has changed dramatically." The emperor raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to tell me something, something which I do not know.Something that Taiitsukun was trying to get at.." The shogun frowned. "I do not know what that old hag wants.All I know is that we need to return to the palace as soon as possible.you need to be reunited with your Suzaku no Miko.." "Hai.of course.but I don't need help in that do I?" "I assure you.you will need as much help as you can get.Konan, Konan has changed since we were last alive.." The younger man remained silent.
"Besides, I think you have forgotten that reincarnation equals no Senshi powers.." "Yes.I am very well aware of that." "but that only applies to you..the Suzaku Senshi." "What do you mean Nagako.are you telling me that you have your powers." The emperor glanced up at the man's forehead, which glowed slightly. Nagako had a smug smile. "Partial power.I think my chi was cut in half.however. I might still be stronger then your monk and bandit.The useful powers that I kept was teleportation, my chi blast, though I have to admit it is weaker then before and of course spell casting." The emperor rolled his eyes. "So basically everything in a weaker state." "Hai.that is correct."
"Anyways..with or without Senshi powers isn't important. I think our priority is to return to the palace and then secure your seat as emperor." "You make it sound like I lost everything Nagako." The shogun shrugged. "but then again, I have to agree.there is no point in staying here.there can be no accomplishments done here. We have work to do.Miaka's probably worried sick about me.The sooner I get reunited with her, the better." "Ah.your only thought is about Miaka.not the empire and its people.your soul thought is.." The emperor cut him off. "I do care about Konan and its survival, why else do you think I would have tried so hard to avoid going into war.." "but you did.war is unavoidable." "Yes.War is indeed unavoidable. and when war does come, then it's a fight to the end..there is no such thing as giving up.no such thing as surrender.You fight for what's right.and you stick by what's right. You must rise for the truth.to defend against injustice to fight the darkness." The shogun took those words to heart, forming a new sense of admiration towards this man.
* * *
Miaka wandered down the corridors to dinner. Her stomach was growing loudly, but she did not have her usual appetite. Her head was full of thoughts from last night, and the sudden unexpected discovery of the truth.
Oh gosh.what should I do? What can I do? Hotohori.Hotohori.that past.your past.Could it possibly be true? What Shou Tendo said last night.Did you, could you have known about it. The horrible past.the past that Maya tried so desperately to hide.
"Good Evening Miaka no da." Miaka paused, looking up to find herself standing before a scrumptious meal. She looked around the room, noting that each Senshi was already seated around the table. Shou Tendo was also there. The two pair of eyes locked for a brief moment. "Miaka.come and have some breakfast." He patted a seat next to his. She walked over and sat next to him. He hugged her briefly, placing a kiss on her forehead. Miaka threw a dagger glare at the man, who did not acknowledge it. "Did you sleep well?" He asked, but she did not reply. Instead she took her chopsticks and started to poke at her food eating a bit here and there.
"What's the matter Miaka.?" Nuriko asked, sensing that she was not alright. "Yeah Miaka, what's wrong.its unusual that you'll eat so little.its like you lost your appetite..even though your stomach is growing loudly, demanding for food. Miaka smiled weakly. A hand came and wrapped around her waist. She looked up at Shou Tendo's who's eyes changed once again to those he had last night, and then back to the smiling twinkling ones. He squeezed slightly, giving her a warning. Miaka tore away from his gaze.
"Nothing's wrong." She said, trying to cover up the lack of appetite.See I'm eating.eating.a lot." She pick up a whole fork food of food, and then shoveled it inside her mouth. Chichiri watch from underneath his mask, gazing at Miaka and then at Tendo.noting every little thing that was going on in between them. He frowned.
Da?? What is wrong with Miaka? She's hiding something.something.I wonder what it is no da.If this has anything to do with Shou Tendo.well he'll pay for hurting her.Hmm.wonder what that gaze meant.especially since that gaze he gave her. a warning of some sort? I must talk to Miaka later.no da
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. No one spoke, for they did not know what to say. Finally the meal was over. Tasuki, able to sit still any longer stood up to leave. At that moment Shou Tendo gave a distinctive cough, a stern and in a way commanding tone.one that Hotohori had sometimes used towards his advisors, but never toward the Senshi. Tasuki turned back frustrated. "Nani??" Shou Tendo gazed at Miaka, there eyes meeting once more. In a soft voice he whispered the words, which made her choke. "Last night.your decision.its time for your reply." The monk's eyes narrowed into slits, for he had caught the words and the tone in which it was said it.
Nani? What is going on no da.? Did Tendo ask Miaka something? Did he threaten her? What in the world is going on? What happened last night no da.?
Miaka did not reply. "remember.what was said last night is the truth. If you do not want it spread then I suggest you do this the easy way." Chichiri did not catch the last few words, but from the look on Miaka's face he knew that Miaka was being force to do something she did not want.
Should I just agree to Shou Tendo? Is that the best way to solve this? That guy.that guy is even worst then Nagako! At least Nagako declares what he wants to the world.he doesn't need to work secretly or make threats. making him 10 times better then this man. Man, Shou Tendo.he is really is getting onto my nerves. Is there any way out of this? If I don't agree to Tendo, then is going to spread what and who Hotohori is to the world. No, I ca not have that. Even if I suffer, I cannot and will not let him suffer any more then he has. I guess I have no choice then. Hotohori.Gomen nasai.this is for the best.
"Miaka." Shou Tendo raised his voice. "Well.?" Miaka bit her lower lip, and nodded in agreement, making Tendo's eyes lit up with delight. "Go on.be my guest.take the privilege to announce such wonderful news. She bit her lip again, causing a bit of blood to flow. Taking a deep breath, she slowly announced the 'happy' news. "Last night.last night.Shou Tendo.Shou Tendo and I had a talk.a brief talk." The Senshi nodded, showing that they were listening. "and we...and we.decided.decided that it was time.it is time to move on, and about time to give up on the past.a past that was not meant to be." She started to choke on the words. It was becoming harder and harder to bring herself to continue. "and move on to the present." There was some nods. "and well.moving on.moving on also means that, that well to forget about certain people." she paused. There were many frowns, for all knew who 'certain people' meant. "and well, what I'm trying to say.trying to get at is.is. ShouTendoproposedtomeandwellIacceptedandsoI'mgoingtoremarryandforgetaboutHotohori.." There she had finally said it, had said the words that had brought her so much pain.
"NANI???!!!!" Was the reply of all the Senshi. "Ya really gonna marry that man!!?? I thought.well. if ya ever did think about remarrying it would have been a Senshi, or at least Tamahome.."
Tamahome, that was the person who she had kept her eyes on when she had said it, had said those words. It surprised her. Besides the brief shock, he did not say anything, he remained as quiet and emotionless as ever. This made Miaka really angry. She had expected him to yell at her, had expected them all to disagree and come to her rescue, to object, it would have made her feel much better. However the only one who did that was Tasuki, and she was grateful towards the bandit.
Nuriko was glancing at Miaka and then at Shou Tendo. He did not understand, he could not understand why Miaka had picked him. He was nothing like Hotohori-sama.He could not see what Miaka had seen in that man. He agreed with Tasuki, but made less of a fuss over it.
Tamahome stood up suddenly, his fist was white, and it was slightly shaking. He walked by Shou Tendo. Everyone thought that he was going to deliver a blow, but he did not. Instead he was looking directly at Miaka. At first Miaka thought she saw the hurt on his face, but it had disappeared as quickly as it had come. Without saying a word, he walked passed her. Miaka too stood up to get a better look at Tamahome's back.
"TAMAHOME!!! How could you..How could you act like nothing happened??? How could you just ignore what I said. I thought you had feelings for me!!" She wanted to run up to him, to slap some sense into him, but a hand reached up her back, holding her to place, the same hand that belonged to her beloved's brother. Miaka looked up at Tendo, threw a deadly look at the man who held her, jerked away from him, and then ran after her first Senshi.
When Miaka caught up to him, he was already outside his own room. She threw her arms around his waist. "Gomen nasai Tamahome..Gomen nasai.I'm sorry.I really am.Please don't..Please don't be angry at me." Tamahome did not reply. He jerked her body away from him, but she held on tighter. "I want you to say something.yell, scream at me.for all I care.just don't lock that anger inside.Don't you feel jealous.doesn't it hurt??"
"Now.why would he feel jealous.." A voice spoke up, one which she thought would never hear again. She let go of Tamahome, moved aside to get a better look. There standing at the doorway was Yui. "Yui-chan." She said. Her face darkened a bit, once she figured out that Tamahome was actually going out with her all along. "Tamahome.you and Yui.Yui and you.." "I don't see why you would object Suzaku no Miko.after all you already have so many guys swooping over you." he said coldly. Miaka gritted her teeth, but let the matter go. She knew that she had no right to object.after all Tamahome was correct.
"Miaka, there you are no da.." The monk, bandit, healer, genius, and cross dresser were heading towards them.
"Miaka we need to talk." "Yes talk no da." "We need you to sort some things out." The bandit added, and then yelled. "What the f---k do ya mean!! Ya marrying Tendo and s-t!!" "It's decided..He proposed to me and I accepted." "This doesn't have anything to do with threats no da.does it." "Why do you think that." "It's obvious Miaka how could you just give up on Hotohori.It's not like you, the way you acted this morning is all fishy like." "Yup.and now we wanna get to the bottom of this.." "Miaka really.if there is something wrong no da.don't be afraid to speak up.we're here to help.no da."
Miaka shook her head.
This is the last thing that I want to do.to get my Senshi involved. After all, who knows what other schemes Shou Tendo is able to pull off.with his power and status.its better that I keep this to myself. He already hurt Hotohori and me in ways that are not healable. I just can't let it happen to any other people.
The group did not believe her. "In that case Miaka.I think that Yui and I will be leaving the palace." "Nani? Doshite Tamahome.how could you just leave.?" The ogre raised an eyebrow. "It's obvious that you will be well protected now. You'll have a guy to lean on.there is no need for guys like me.." "Baka.!" "Besides, I'm not use to palace life.I have business to do, money to earn.there's no time to hang around." With that he turned to leave. "Sayonara Miaka.Sayonara." The two did not turn back, nor stop as they left the palace.
"Same here Miaka.I'm going to leave too.." Tasuki said after a bit of silence. "I don't belong her either. I'm a bandit leader.This life does not suit me.So, yeah.Sayonara Miaka.I'm going back to my old life." He turned to leave. "Tasuki-chan.you mind if I come with you.I don't want to get stuck in the palace either." Nuriko chirped up. "Sure gay guy.come along if ya like." "Nuriko.Tasuki." Miaka said. "Doshite? Why??" "There was no reply. "Sayonara Miaka." "Yup.Sayonara." She watched helplessly as those two also parted from the palace.
Miaka shrunk to her knees. "Tamahome.Yui.Tasuki..Nuriko.How could you guys do this to me..How could you guys leave me like this.? I need all of you now.Why?? Why?? Why does the most important people in my life have to leave me.why now??" She had enough. Miaka broke down before her remaining Senshi. A hand touched her shoulder. She looked up at Mitsukake.
"They don't belong here Miaka." He helped her up to her feet. "Don't worry no da.we won't leave." "Arigatou.but why.why did they have to leave.." "It's better this way." Mitsukake continued. "They do not belong here..and they know it. You should be grateful that they choose to left instead of making everyone's life turn miserable." Miaka did not understand. "They.those who loved you so dearly cannot and will not be able to accept what you said.about marrying Tendo.They're upset Miaka.Like Tasuki said, why marry some guy you just met, when you've got your Senshi to choose from..They can't take it." Miaka nodded. "and so.in being so, they decided to leave instead of causing more dispute and trouble.." Miaka gulped hard. "It's all my fault.its all my fault.." Chichiri too placed a hand on her shoulder. "No.its not your fault.You do not want this.we could all tell.Yet you decided this path.There must be a decent reason behind this, one that could justify your action.perhaps it was done for a loved one no da." Miaka tilted her head back, wondering how much more the monk could figure out. She wondered briefly if he could read thoughts.
"Well, do you think we will meet again.?" She asked absentmindly after a while. This time it was Chriko who replied. He had remained quiet for all this time because he had been observing the stars above. "Hai Miaka.We will meet again, all of us.The stars they foretold of a reunion day.However, this day will be brief, for disaster will fall.." Miaka gave him a confused look. He then reached his hand and pointed out each star and their meaning.
"See those stars?" "Hai." "It's the stars of the Suzaku and Seiryuu Senshi..and their Miko's." "They are so close.." "Hai..See that one there..?" "Yes." "That is Tamahome and Yui's star.look closely.see how they seem almost joined?" "What does that mean." "Well, it means that they are meant to be.that the star's had foretold of their marriage.a prosperous life." he paused. "That is one of the three joining of the two groups.." "eh?" "The second joining.is between the two unlikeliest couple. How it formed, I do not know. How it is possible, I do not know either.." "Whose stars." "The two sworn enemies of the Senshi.Hotohori and Nagako." "Nani??!!" "Hotohori and Nagako joined?" "Yes, the stars have already formed and have bonded. From the looks of it, the bond is very strong and deep.that is why it's the brightest among all stars." Miaka tilted her head higher, wondering its meaning. "Who's the third joining?" "I do not know.but I can feel it.this final joining, this final bond is what will link the Suzaku and Seiryuu Senshi together.it is that, that will end this feud among the two sides." The boy's voice trailed off.
"Anything else no da.." "Yes much.Mitsukake, do you remember what I told you last time about the star's" The healer shook his head. "Well.it was about an unbalance in the cycle..the one about Miaka and Hotohori and that third star.." "Ah..yes.I remember.You're saying that those two are drifting apart eh, and that Hotohori-sama's star only glows dimly and that there is a new star that's going to take his place.." Miaka listened intently. "Well, this new star is shining right between Hotohori and Miaka's star, separating the two.It's.its Shou Tendo's star." There was a long pause. "It is he, the important person who is causing this unbalance." The boy looked into his Miko's eyes. "and I really don't think you should marry him.I really think it's a bad idea.It will only cause more disaster."
Miaka shook her head. "You don't understand..You guys don't understand.let's just say I'm marrying him for the better.There's too much behind this, I do not want to talk about it.but you have to trust me.It's the only way to protect him." "You mean Hotohori-sama?" Miaka's heart thump. "The stars.there is something mysterious lingering in his star. It is hard to depict. It is like something dark, is hidden within.It is his star that confuses me the most, his and Nagako's. So many question, without an answer." He paused before adding words that made Miaka's spine shiver. "It is like.it is like Hotohori's hiding something.that something important happened in his past.something that must be hidden." Miaka fidgeted. She wondered how much the stars told this boy. Chiriko had come very close to finding out what she just found out last night. She silently prayed that he won't be able to depict its meaning, that what happened to Hotohori would not be figured out by him.
"Chiriko, did you say we are going to meet again no da?" The monk asked, asked to fill up the silence. "Hai, we will.We will all meet again. The stars, they foretell so much.Much can be learned. The past, the present and the future.all.all of it is written in the sky. All I need is time. Give me some time, and I'll be able to reveal the mysteries of the past.the path in the present, and the destiny in the future."