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 10
The news of the marriage spread quickly through the inner villages of Konan. However, to those who lived in the outskirts, it was still considered a rumor, a rumor like many that came from within the capital. The news that traveled was that the empress had finally married a new and loving man, one that was rumored to be related to the former emperor.
* * *
He gently closed the door behind him, then went over to the windows and shut those. "Nagako….what are you doing…." The older man did not reply. When he was done with his task, no light was able to enter the room. He then lit a candle and placed it onto the table.
"I have some news from the capital…" Hotohori's eyes narrowed, sensing the stiffness in the other's voice. "and….." "It's not good news…no….its not good news at all…." "What….?" "It's been rumored….and its only an rumor….but there is some fact to it…for I've just confirmed most of it during the last hour or so while I was away…." "and…."
The man was inpatient, especially since Nagako had advised him to stay hidden since he was presumed dead…Hotohori had objected saying that the older man was also a reincarnation, but Nagako had retorted saying that he's a foreigner and that not much people would recognize him. At this, Hotohori let in, and so now Nagako had become his only connection to the outside world.
"and….It is said that three of the Suzaku Senshi had left the palace….to seek a life of their own…." "What?? Why?? Who??" "Tamahome, Tasuki and Nuriko….and that part is not a rumor, for I checked up on them….Tasuki and Nuriko are at Mt. Reikaku while Tamahome and Lady Yui…" "Yui…? The Seiryuu no Miko?" "Yes….is at Tamahome's home village….the one where is family use to live in…" "and why…" "it is said that they were discontent with their Miko's new decision and so decided to leave, instead of promoting more trouble…." "Miaka….?? What could she have done to make them leave like this….??" "I don't want to tell you this, I don't know how to tell you this….but I think its best that we forget about traveling to the palace….and that you should forget about Miaka, the way she did you….??" "Nani???? How could I just forget about her….?" The emperor pounded his fist onto the table, causing the candlelight to flicker. "It's obvious that she forgot about you…."
Anger suddenly flared within the emperor. He was upset and angry at Nagako. Ever since their reunion in the hut, in Suzaku village, Nagako had taken the privilege of putting restrictions on him. Hotohori had not augured, for he had been given a decent reason for it. Reasons for everything, including why he should do this, why he can't do that….why he should be locked up all day, why the other man would have power over him, and such. The emperor had not objected, as he had grown to know the man, grown to understand him and respect him and his decisions, had grown to rely on the man as if he was the pillar, which held up what was left of his life. The bond between the former rivals had grown strong, each regarding the other as equals, yet at the same time both treated the other as the superior one. However, at this point, Hotohori was fed up with all of it, fed up with having put up with such a man, who didn't respect him the way he had respected the other, hadn't treated him the way the way that everyone else did.
Hotohori pounded the table again as if to remake his point. "I've had it with you! Just who do you think you are!! Ever since we began to travel on the road, ever since that day at the hut, I've been heading to you, trying to give the respect that you deserve…." Nagako narrowed his eyes. "but all you do is put restrictions on me….I never been this tied down, not even during the days of palace life!" Nagako remained silent, causing the emperor to become more frustrated.
The older man let him rant on. He knew he had been pushing it, but since the other hadn't rejected, had keep quiet, he simply ignored that fact. Besides, he had grown up as a cold, manipulative person and so in his mind, there was no reason to not be the dominant one.
"First, keeping me locked up, next making me where this stupid cloak, and now you're budging into my personal life. It's my decision who I love, who I should marry! I'm not a boy anymore…." "It's for the best…"
Hotohori stood up, strode over to the man, and lifted him up by his collar, so that their eyes met. Though Nagako was older and taller, he had keep his tendency of having a slightly hunched back while he was around the man, making him seem shorter then he really was.
Nagako stared at the man, who seemed to be radiating an aurora apart from that of being a Senshi. It was an aurora that of an emperor. One who took pride in himself, who stood firmly with both feet on the ground. It was one, which kept Nakago from trying to excess too much power, quite unlike his previous victims, the Seiryuu no Miko and the Seiryuu Senshi, whom he showed no mercy at all.
"It's for the best…" Nagako repeated. "Trust me…" there was a pause which Nagako took in a breath before whispering. "Your Majesty…." This seemed to do the trick, for Hotohori relaxed under those words. His hands still held the man's collar in a loose grip. "Yes…and you remember that….You maybe older Nagako….and I may let you have some control over me and my decisions for after all you are…you are…." His voiced trailed off, as he thought back to what was written on the stone tablets. Neither had ever actually said it out loud, or called each other by it, but had always acknowledged its presence in one way or another, creating a mute understanding between the two, one which had strengthen their bond. "and in being so…" the emperor picked up again, "I shall respect you, your words and your actions…however…you have made it quite difficult….." Nagako only remained silent, it was his way of apology, for to actually apologize out loud was something that he could never bring himself to do, for it would mean he was defeated and crushed, having to eat up his own words. "Just remember, being who I am, I can create and destroy life with a single word…and I do not wish to do the latter to you….."
Like God. You live a life like God. To have everything at your fingertips. To grant and dispose of anything and anyone.
Hotohori released the man, after seeing no response from him. He slowly regained his composure, seating himself. Finally after a long time, he began to speak again. "Why…Why….why did you tell me to give up on my beloved….." Nagako thought a bit, not knowing if he should say anything. "because…." He spoke slowly, deciding the words to use. "because….It is rumored that the Suzaku no Miko has….has…." he looked directly at the emperor's eyes. "has remarried…" the older man was cut off, seeing the darken face on the other.
Suddenly, the emperor rose. "No….no….no….Miaka!!!" Before Nagako knew it, the man had jerked opened the door, hoped onto an empty horse and galloped off towards the capital of Konan.
Nagako shook his head in unapproved. By now he was use to the emperor's mood swings. After spending the past few weeks with him, he grown to realize that the emperor put his emotions in front of everything that he did.
I swear, if he doesn't change his attitude, if he keeps on putting his emotions in front of him, letting his emotions take control of him, then he's bound to run blindly into a brick wall, he'll end up dead.
Shaking his head once more, he too left the hut, jumped onto a horse and chased after the younger man.
* * *
Miaka waited fearfully as night approached. She dreaded the night, which she could not escape from Shou Tendo. In the day, before the sunset, her life was pretty much the same as she had always known it, spending time with her Senshi, with brief moments where Shou Tendo accompanied them. During these times, he was loving and caring, an act which she had to put up with. The act, which had made the rumors, spread that he was a loving man. However, at night, it was a different case. Shou Tendo's true form showed then. It was like he was two totally different people, loving, caring and gentle by day, while abusive and sometimes drunk by night.
The door slowly creaked open. Miaka held her breath as she waited for night to quickly pass by, inpatient for daybreak. However, she let out a sigh, when she saw that a few people accompanied Shou Tendo. She knew perfectly well that as long as the two of them were not alone, he wouldn't dare hurt her.
"Miaka…." Shou Tendo said as he made his way towards her with open arms. She waited, and let him embrace her, though her body stiffened at his touch. The people watched, smiling and feeling happy for the 'loving' couple. Miaka sighed as she saw there innocent faces, clueless of what was really happening.
Humph! If you guys only knew the other half of the story…I can't believe that all of Konan could be so stupid to believe that I'll really fall for another man, let alone one who abuses me.
"Miaka…..I'm leaving the palace tonight." The man spoke as he released Miaka. "Nani?" Miaka asked, surprised, "Why can't it wait until tomorrow…Besides….can't you just send a group out to do the task for you Tendo?" A smile swept across his face. He had always enjoyed the way Miaka played along with his games, had enjoyed how he didn't have to say a thing, and she'll be acting her part out, especially when there were around others. "No…it cannot wait, I must leave now….I'm not sure how long it takes, but I promise I'll return as soon as possible." He paused and gestured behind him at the people. "They'll accompany me….nothing too serious would happen…You don't have to worry…." Miaka nodded, as happiness took over her body. Just thinking about not having to face this man for even a few days made her extremely please. However, she made sure that her happiness did not show. "but Tendo….Do you really have to go….what happened? What could make you just leave without warning…"
Shou Tendo bent closer so that his mouth was next to her ear. "Maya….she escaped from the palace…..I can't afford that to happen, I must personally insure that she is brought back to the palace….make sure she suffers for what she has done. After all, I cannot have someone who knows so much run around the empire…Besides….she's gone a little insane…I can't have someone with a mental problem running around the country….for she might spread some unwanted news…." The words came out softly and slowly. Suddenly the happiness in Miaka vanished. Fear overtook her body as she worried both for Maya's own sake, and Hotohori's sake, for she knew perfectly well that an insane person could accidentally let things slip, something which she too could not afford to happen.
The man drew back. "It's nothing really…." He said in his normal voice. "I can't tell you what it is….but I promise you that I'll take care of myself. You don't have to worry about me ne?" Miaka nodded. "Alright then….I understand…." Shou Tendo kissed her gently on her forehead. He then turned and led the group out into the night.
* * *
He jerked the reign of his horse. The horse neighed loudly, before standing on its hind legs. The rider held on tightly, stabilizing himself so that he would not fall off.
"Move…." Hotohori whispered softly, as his horse regained it balance, once again standing on all fours. "Control yourself Sai…." Nagako muttered, as he was seated on top of the horse, which now blocked the younger man. "Don't let your emotions take control of you….." Hotohori rolled his eyes. "Get out of my sight Ayruu….I don't ever want to see you again. You understand me…??" "Easy there Sai…control yourself….It's only a rumor…." Hotohori pulled back his horse and headed in the other direction. However, once again Nagako caught up, this time with both horses facing each other.
"Leave me alone Ayruu….I've had enough of you! I was wrong in thinking that perhaps we could live peacefully with each other….! Perhaps that stupid tablet is wrong!! I don't want to ever see you again…leave before I hurt you….." Hotohori said through gritted teeth. "You already made my life miserable! Why can't you just leave me alone! I hate been restricted. I won't tolerate you or your dominant behavior any longer. Good day Nagako…" and with that Hotohori turn his horse to the side, speeding off towards the palace. Nagako remained on his horse, not bothering to chase after the man. "Fine Sai!! Fine!! Be that way!! I don't need you or your company…. We're better off alone!! Just remember don't expect me to be there to save your sorry behind from whatever….Remember its me who was the first to lend my hand of friendship towards an enemy not you! I've always been a loner and it suits me. It's you who needs me right now, needs my help to regain back your empire…" There was no response, as the younger man's horse disappeared. From some reason, Nagako regretted his behavior towards the man, regretted having lost the one thing that meant the most to him, even if he wasn't going to openly admit it.
No matter. Sooner or later some sense would be knocked into the man. I'm sure I'll have another chance. Someday he'll realize that I'm the only one who was there for him, who stood by him to the end. Yes, that's what I'll do. Saihitei, because of who you are to me, and our connection, I shall be there for you in the time of need. Watch me. I swear, I won't let this bond between us shatter.
* * *
A lone horse gallop away from the palace. It's rider, a middle age women was hitting its behind with a stick, causing it to move faster.
Hurry…Go…Go…I must get as far away as possible. I must get away from Shou Tendo as soon as possible.
Hours passed, and sky was not pitched black. The moon and star light was the only guide to the women.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a horse jumped out from the side. Under shadows formed by the dim light, the women could barley make out the rider. All she could tell was that he was heavily cloaked. The hood which he had on, fell off as he landed a few feet away. The face, which she swore she saw, startled her. By the features, and the profile that she could make out, she could tell it was a male with long hair, which was tied up at the waist. However it was not this, which startled her; the face, which she took a quick glimpse at, caused sweat to pour down her back.
It's him. Oh my God!! Oh Suzaku!! Are my eyes deceiving me, or is it really him??
The women jerked her reign and the horse instantly stood still. Turning her head backwards, she saw that the rider and the horse had stopped. From a distance, she saw the man replace his hood, which now totally covered his features. The two seemed to stare at each other for a long time, until finally the rider lifted his gaze, turned, and rode off with the horse toward the direction in which she had just come from.
The women stared in awe for a long time, before she too galloped away and into the night.
* * *
He could hear the man's shouts from behind him, yet he pretended to ignore it. Slowly the shouts died down. He slowed down as he heard no noise in which indicated that he was being followed.
Humph!! What the hell does he know!! The foolish dominant act that he tries to put up when he knows that I am the dominant one. Baka! He's just trying to control me…There's nothing more to it. First trying to control what I can or cannot do, and now trying to butt into who I should or should not love??? I have had enough of him. No more, nope I'm not going to tolerate any more of this. What was I thinking? That maybe there was a possibility that he'll change for the better. No, he's just as cold and as manipulative as ever.
However, even though his mind was against the older man, he still heeded to the words, even if it was only subconsciously. He kept hooded and cloaked, and traveled only at night, as if to avoid being seen.
His horse suddenly gave a huge cry, which startled the emperor. Pulling the reigns tightly, his horse once again ended on its hind legs. The horse backtracked a few steps. Hotohori pulled the reigns back a bit, so that now it looked as though he was going to fall over. Through the dimly lit light of the moon and the stars, he thought he saw an huge obstacle. Without thinking, he let his horse backtrack a few steps, before charging forward, leaping over whatever that had been blocking his path. He felt his hood fall off, and then all of a sudden he realize that he had leapt over another horse with a rider on top. He gripped on tightly before feeling that his horse had landed a few feet away.
Hotohori held his horse still, his heart still pounding fast. From a distance he could feel the lone rider stare at him. He replaced his hood, pulling it tightly as if afraid that it would fall off. He wanted to say something about what had happened, at least to apologize, but found that his mouth was dry and that no words were formed, though his mouth was moving. He hesitated a bit, as if waiting for the other to speak, but nothing happened. There was only a long silence. He shook his head briefly, as he remembered the reason behind why he almost trampled onto another creature. Hotohori's eye's glowed a bit, at the thought of Miaka. He griped the reign of his horse, turned it around and rode off, picking up speed as he went, with the soul thought of his priestess occupying his mind, he seemed to have forgotten about the incident that had just occurred.
Not wanting to meet any more people while on the road, which would delay his arrival at the palace, he left the main road, found a small alternative shortcut, and galloped away. Though Hotohori did not know, nor would he ever find out, the choice of path, which he took to the palace, had not only saved him time, but had also, let him avoid a head on collision with the men who were chasing after the women which he encountered, which would have ended in a nasty sight, considering who the leader of the pact was.
* * *
Nagako continued down the path, which would eventually lead him to the palace. He kept his pace, not going too fast, but following the younger man at a steady distance. He had a faint idea that if he went too fast, then there was a probability that he would overrun the other, something that he did not wish to do, especially since he do not feel the need to arrive at the palace sooner then he needed to.
It was nearly evening. The sun was setting behind him, casting long shadows ahead of him. He had not bumped into much people on the road, the main road was a bit deserted. He let his gaze shift to the horizon now and then to see if he was going to bump into anyone. It was almost deserted, for a single horse was speeding quickly towards him. Perhaps a mile or two behind, he could see a group of horses, about five of them chasing the loner.
Nagako ignored the group as he continued on his way, moving to the side of the road to ensure that he wouldn't interfere with them. However, as he got closer to the first lone horse, his eyes widened briefly. Before he knew it, the horse was at his side. Without thinking, he stretched out his left hand, gripped the rider, place her roughly onto his horse, turned his horse to the side and galloped off into a side road.
He road for a long time, still heading toward the direction of the palace. Coming to a clearing, and not hearing any sounds that indicated that he was being followed, he jerked the horse and halted. He got off, and threw the women before him, so that he could see her clearly, but she was partly blinded by the sun behind him.
The women tried to stare up at her rescuer, but the sun her eyes and so she lowered her gaze so that she was watching the floor. "Thank you….." she muttered. "for saving me from those men…" she continued, unsure that the other had heard her. The man before her only nodded.
"It's been a long time….hasn't it….never thought I'll get another chance in meeting you again…." Nagako muttered. The women looked up, a bit confused. "Ah….I see you don't remember me…..no matter, I've repaid your kindness….for those brief years…." He paused. "You made my life a living hell….and now you will pay for it….I've repaid you back….and now I shall kill you for it…." Nagako went up to the women, and gripped her up, so that now their eyes met.
"A….Ay….Ayruu….?" she whispered. "Is it really you…." The man's face tightens, as he noted the fact that the women remembered him. "You have no right to call me by my name…You ditched me when I was merely five….you made my life a living hell." "I…I…." "I don't need any pity from you women….I don't need pity nor do I need sympathy….I've shut myself from these feelings a long time ago…." The women sighed.
"Then why did you rescue me?? Why do you still care….?" "I just want to hear it from you…..just say yes or no….and don't you dare think about lying to me…." The women nodded. "Is Sai….Saihitei…." She raised her eyebrows at the name. "Is he really who I think he is….are we really what the stone tablets says that we are……" The women, Maya, looked wide eyed at the man before her. Slowly she nodded before adding. "So….family does mean something to you…." Nagako's face contorted. "No….no….I grew up as a loner, I don't need any 'family'….I have none…." Tears swelled in Maya's eyes at those words. Though it was true that they had only spent five years together, it still hurt her to know that Nagako would have grown so cold hearted.
"Does he know….?" Came the question after a long time. Nagako only nodded. "and…?" "We parted….a few days ago…." "why?? Where did he go??" "The palace….back to where his Suzaku no Miko is…."
Maya's heart raced as she thought back to the rider that she had encounter only two days before.
So, It really was him. My eyes weren't deceiving me…It really was Saihitei who I bumped into.
"It really was him then….it really was him, who I bumped into then." Nagako's gripped tighten as he pulled her closer. "What did you say…..? Did you just say that you saw him?" "Yes….he's about two days ahead of you…we met in the middle of the night….he seemed like he was in a hurry." Nagako released the women and then cursed. "Dam him. He'll get himself killed. He's got to learn how to control his emotions…." He muttered, more to himself then to his listener.
"Ayruu…." Nagako frowned and being called by her once more. He looked down at her to see that she was on his knees. "Please….please look after Sai…..I know you guys probably had a fight or something, that perhaps the reunion wasn't so good….after all you were both brought up to view the other as a mortal enemy…." She paused. "However….I beg you….If it's the last thing you do….if it's the only thing you do for me…" "We're both old enough to look after ourselves…." "Just promise me….promise me….that no matter what happens you won't desert Sai….after all, he's your only….only…." "I know what he is…" Nagako snapped back. "and I don't need you lecturing me…I have my only priorities….I know what's best for me….." Maya sighed.
"and if that's all…then prepare to die…." Maya nodded. "Just promise me…." Nagako didn't show any sign that he would obey the women's last words. He held her with his left hand, and then using his right, he raised his right hand and then delivered a fatal blow onto her head. The last words which came out was, "Forgive me….forgive me, my so---"
* * *
Hotohori slipped inside the palace, leaving the horse outside its walls. Knowing the palace, by heart, he navigated through it's passageways. Finally he stood right outside his own chamber. He noted that the window was slightly ajar and that a light was coming from within. Squinting, he could make out a lone shape of a women sitting close to the window. Slowly he creapt up, and within a few inches of the window, he jumped in.
The woman was startled, as she saw a shape enter her room. Without thinking, she opened her mouth as if ready to scream. Hotohori immediately rushed forwad, placed a gently hand on her lips, and silenced her.
"Sh….Miaka….It's me…." He saw her eyes widen. The next thing he knew, she had pulled him close to her. Then in a small and questioning tone, she asked. "Hotohori….?"
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Finally done! Sorry that it took so long. Please Read/Review!!!