Miaka listened to the sounds of the celebrations outside the palace's courtyard walls and let her head drop. "I bet they're eating all sorts of delicious food out there. I wish I could sneak out for a bite before we leave. I bet the food is great. But I don't have time. I'm starving. But if I leave now I'll delay us all. I want to get back to Konan more than I want to eat, right? Right!" Suddenly she perked up. "And I can eat there too! Yea-aa!"
Decided in her actions, Miaka looked across the courtyard at Hotohori. He was conversing with this country's emperor, while servants prepared the horses. The Emperor of Konan was wearing the robes of his office, his grace shining around him so much that even the fine clothes of this kingdom's ruler seemed drab in comparison. She watched as a servant set steps by the horse so that Hotohori could settle himself on the strangely off-centered saddle. A side-saddle? The Emperor hooked his leg over the saddle horn and looked around as the servants straightened his robes.
Miaka felt a tug on her jacket. Behind her, the crabby mare that was saddled for Nuriko tried to take a bite from her school uniform. Miaka whipped around and slapped the horse's muzzle. "Stop it!" she ordered. "I am not food!" The horse shook its mane and whinneyed at her; Miaka quickly stepped further away from the animal. "Nuriko will be here soon enough. Maybe he'll have something for you to eat, besides me. In fact, I hope he brings something for me to eat!" she thought as her stomach growled. "And Tamahome will come too. Hmm. Tamahome. This time I think I want to ride with him, instead of with Hotohori. I hope Tamahome won't mind; I haven't ridden with him before." Miaka glanced at the Emperor.
He saw her looking at him and smiled. Suddenly he seemed as young as he really was, and she couldn't help but smile back. Hotohori was so good-looking, and he was so very much in love with her. But Miaka knew she didn't feel the same. "I remember when Hotohori asked me to marry him. Amazing! The Emperor proposed to me . . . But, I just couldn't. Even then I loved Tamahome too much. But Hotohori has been so good to me. He's so kind . . . I wish Tamahome would hurry up."
. . . Hotohori waved. He looked completely comfortable on that horse. His back was straight, his heels pressed down. Spectacular! Miaka grinned wider and thought to herself. "But in the meantime, there's no harm in admiring!"
Tamahome crept up behind Miaka. She threw a super-deformed fit when he scared her, but he casually waved a big crab Rangoon in her face. "I thought you'd miss the party out there, so I brought some of it in for you."
Miaka's attention was instantly diverted to the food. "Yummy! Oooo, Tamahome, you're the best! I was starving!" Her eyes bugged and her mouth watered.
"Yeah, I figured you would be," Tamahome dead panned, his arms relaxed at his sides. "If you'd spent less time in the palace kitchens, and more time with me, you could have had real food out at the celebrations."
Miaka glared at him over a mouthful of Rangoon and raised her voice, spitting crumbs. "You were the one who got me locked up in the palace, remember? You told Hotohori, and I quote, 'It is too dangerous for the Priestess to leave the palace. The guards might let her out of their sight. Besides, you know she'll get lost in the streets.' . . . And since you got me penned up in here, I think you owe me a whole lot more than one crab Rangoon from the fair! You'd better go back out there, wherever it was you got it, and get some more right now!"
"You eavesdrop on the Emperor's private conversations?!?!" Tamahome was aghast.
Miaka turned her back and waved a hand at him. "Well, you two were talking about me behind my back, and I knew it. It was only fair that I listen. And I think the real reason you did it was that you just didn't want to let me out of your sight!"
Tamahome feigned resignation. "O.K. You figured me out. And it worked, didn't it?"
Miaka tripped.
"Listen, I have to finish packing my horse." Tamahome turned away from Miaka. "You'd better have somebody get one for you, because you know I'm not saddling a horse for you."
"Figures. Fine. I'll just ride with Hotohori!"
"No, you won't," Tamahome intoned in a bored voice. "We are riding out of this city in style. And I don't think the Emperor will let you ride on his lap this time!" He turned and stalked off.
Before Tamahome faded into the crowd of the courtyard Miaka heard him mutter, "With all your grubbing and eating, you really made Konan look bad this past week. You were such an embarrassment, I suppose the Emperor will make you ride with me."
"Tough punishment!" Miaka shouted after him.
Suddenly, Nuriko sidled up to Miaka and leaned on her shoulder.
"Oh! Isn't he just the most noble, handsome man in the world?" Nuriko drooled while stars sparkled in his eyes.
"Don't even think about him!" Miaka, fully engrossed in Tamahome, retorted. "He's mine."
"Yours? What do you mean, yours?!?" Nuriko shrieked. "You're just friends, Miaka. Friends! That's it! You chase Tamahome and leave my emperor alone!"
"Oh. Hotohori. Hah-hah. Fine. I thought you were talking about Tamahome."
Nuriko sweat-dropped. "Tamahome? Never! Just look at His Majesty." Nuriko fluttered his eyes at the Emperor. "The Emperor so outclasses Tamakins that it's not even funny!"
"Watch it, drag-queen." Miaka paused to consider the emperor. "Speaking of which, um, isn't that a woman's saddle Hotohori is riding on, Nuriko?"
"A woman's saddle?" Nuriko echoed hotly. "What are you implying, Miaka?"
Miaka super-deformed. "Take it easy, Nuriko. I wasn't implying anything! It's just that, well, on my world only girls ride horses side-saddle."
"Side-saddle?" Nuriko asked, innocently curious. "What a sweet, descriptive name for it. Uncomfortable-butt-saddle would be more like it." Miaka tipped her head; Nuriko sighed and rolled his eyes. "The long robes of office make it difficult to ride with a regular saddle. So horse people invented that thing--a state saddle." He waved his hand. "It's designed to show off the riches of the person riding the horse. And to put your feet to sleep. Anyway, if you were from here, you'd know that in Konan women rarely ride horses. Even the women in the harem only ride on special occasions, during which we're expected to use state saddles. That's how I know about that foot thing." He took out a mirror and powdered his nose. "We all have to look our best you know." Nuriko paused, then bubbled over with suggestive innocence. "This feminine connection is interesting. You should tell me more about horse riding in your world, Miaka. I want all the details!"
Miaka giggled, and they went off together, talking and laughing.
Keisuke continued to read from the old book. "The entourage rode out of the city with all the pomp, splendor and cheering the delegation could hope for. The people in this country were truly happy that they were bonded to Konan and the Priestess of Suzaku by the treaty. They looked forward to a prosperous year, despite the war brewing on Konan's eastern border. As the city fell away into the distance, the followers and well-wishers faded away too, until only Hotohori, Nuriko, Tamahome, the Priestess, a servant, and the small band of Konan's Imperial Guards remained.
"The sky was clear and bright, and the morning was very warm. Five armored guards lead the retinue, five followed, watchful, but at ease in the peaceful country. Riding in the center, amidst the guards, the Emperor was speaking to Tamahome and the Priestess of Suzaku."
"There was no need for the extra guards. It was not a slight on the Emperor's part. He offered his own guard and safe passage, but I declined. This country has not had a bandit attack in years. Besides, the people here are glad of us, and an escort would only slow us down. Of course, we will be more comfortable when we are in our own land again. So, I think we will rest, inside Konan's border, after sun-high. The capital is still quite far after that. It's not likely we will be there before early evening."
Tamahome shook his head. "Your Majesty, respectfully, the horses should be watered before then."
Hotohori reined in and looked around. It was really very warm. The guards' armor was surely hot, and one of the horses was foaming already. If it was this warm early in the morning, it would be stifling by noon. Yes, Hotohori thought, the border was too far to travel without a pause, and being outside, away from the palaces and cities, was a nice change. It would be all right if they traveled slowly. He spurred his horse and nodded for Tamahome to continue.
"The palace guard told me of an excellent refuge in the forest that will take us barely a half hour from the designated route. It offers shade and water for the horses, and they claim the best fruit trees in the north grow there as well."
"Fruit trees? Really?" Miaka looked over her shoulder at Tamahome, then looked at Hotohori. "We should stop there. I think the horses will need the rest by then, and I know they'd love to have some of that delicious fruit!"
Hotohori laughed lightly and nodded again. "All right. Then we will stop there. I don't suppose there is really any reason to hurry. We'll spend some time enjoying the country."
The heat had settled into the still air, making travel uncomfortable. The group stopped in the shade of the first fruit trees they came to, but decided to dismount a bit further on, where Tamahome found the stream. While the servant assisted the Emperor off his horse, Miaka jumped down from in front of Tamahome and began exploring.
Hotohori was pleased with the little clearing that Tamahome had found. The stream was cool and clear, as promised. The grass was soft and the trees were well fruited. Miaka was a bundle of activity. At the rate she was going there wouldn't be any fruit left for the horses. Hotohori smiled. The guards had already set about their duties, and the horses tossed their heads when their bridles were removed.
"I think we will stay for a while. It's too hot to push the horses this hard, and this area will be easily guarded. Miaka, have something to eat and don't wander too far from the guard. There may be bandits here." Miaka waved, and gave him a cheesy, broad smile. Her cheeks were stuffed with fruits. Hotohori took his fan from the servant and began to walk away. Nuriko stepped up beside him.
"Where are you going, Your Majesty? 'There may be bandits here' you know."
"I don't really think so. I just don't want Miaka lost. Also, I want to rest a bit, so I'm going over there." Hotohori indicated a tree a way off. "Alone," he added as Nuriko made as if to follow. "And don't spy on me."
Nuriko sweat-dropped and turned away guiltily.
It really was hot. Hotohori settled himself by the tree, listening to Miaka's laughter, Nuriko and Tamahome's bickering, and the ordered business of the guards. How lovely it was here.
Miaka saw the trout in the stream. It flashed bright colors and streaked away, then paused a little way upstream. Miaka followed the fish. They played a game of follow-my-lead for a while, the trout darting ahead, then pausing until she caught up to it. A curve in the stream framed a deep pool, and the fish finally came to rest. Miaka kneeled down and watched the trout a moment, as it hovered in the depths.
Her reflection blinked back at her in the darkening water. They had stayed much longer than she had thought they would, and Miaka was beginning to wonder if they would even reach the border before evening. The Emperor had told them to leave him alone until he was ready to go, but that was hours ago, and he did little to respond when called other than to say he didn't want to be bothered. The caravan was packed; the guard had been ready to mount up a long time ago. If they were going to reach the palace in Eiyo, the capital of Konan, they'd better leave soon.
The fish swam toward Miaka and her thoughts tracked back to it. She didn't have anything to catch a fish with, and she was stuffed on fruit anyway. Well, maybe not too stuffed. "I could try to catch it with my hands," she thought. "No. I don't want to be wet when we leave. I'll just have another fruit! Yummy! But fish for supper sounds good, too!" She leaned forward eagerly, but the fish darted away. Miaka sat back on her heels, disappointed, and looked up. And there, not twenty feet from her, Hotohori sat, leaning against a huge tree. Miaka pinched her lips together to keep from making a noise.
He was breathtaking, stunning as he reclined in the sun. Hotohori obviously thought he would not be seen so far from the group with the tree shielding him. He'd taken off the cloak and sat on it, opened the robe, and pulled the shirt collars back to expose his shoulders and chest to the baking sun. He had laid the hat aside, and in every line he was a completely relaxed man. He leaned back against the tree, eyes closed, a small smile on his lips. The weather was very warm, the imperial robes stifling, but, there, in the sun which streaked through the trees, he looked utterly contented, and he fanned himself gently.
As he reached up to wipe a sheen of sweat from his collar, the fish leapt out of the water with a splash. Hotohori opened his eyes and turned his head. He was looking directly at Miaka. She crouched in the grass, looking utterly guilty, but was staring at him none-the-less. "Mi- Miaka!" A blush crept across his cheeks as they locked eyes, but she jumped up clumsily and turned away.
Miaka super-deformed and laughed nervously. "Hotohori! Hi! I swear I wasn't spying on you! Really! I was just chasing a fish, and it came over here. Ha. Ha, ha. I didn't even know you were here. I really wasn't spying. I'm sorry! Um . . . " She put her hand behind her head.
But Hotohori waved away her apology and stood up. "It's all right. I don't mind, Miaka." He carefully began buttoning the shirt. "Miaka, you don't need to be embarrassed. I'll never mind if you're near me, and I don't think you were spying." She just stood there, with her back turned, so he sighed and pulled on the robe. "It's just as well you came. The light's fading. We've been here far too long. I believe it's time to go back to Konan."
She didn't look at him, but she did relax a little. "OK. I'll tell Tamahome." Miaka began to run back toward the group, but Hotohori called to her, "Miaka. Miaka, wait."
She stopped, turned and looked back. Hotohori's bright red robes appeared to fade as the tree's shadow crept over him. The temperature seemed to drop sharply. He looked isolated and alone. She waited a moment before he sighed. "No, never mind." Miaka turned without a word and dashed back to the clearing.
The assassin materialized with his bow, in a tree not far from the Imperial Guard and spoke to the glowing, floating globe. "General Nakago, I have found two of the Suzaku warriors and the Priestess, but I do not see the Emperor Saihitei here. What are your orders?"
"Kill the Priestess. If you aim at the Warriors first, or miss, they will sense your presence and move to protect her."
"Ha!" the assassin grated, his voice gravely. "I won't miss. What shall I do if the Emperor is here?"
"He is. Find him and kill him as well. But dispose of the Priestess first."
"Yes, General."
The globe vanished and the assassin sneered, silently leaping to another tree.
The whole group was mounted, the guard and Nuriko a length behind Tamahome and Miaka, when Hotohori approached on his own horse. He had regained his grace. The sun shone on the red robes, bright and silky once more, as they swirled about him and over the horse's flanks. Although it was not as hot as it had been, the temperature was still high, and Hotohori had left the hat off, so that his hair flowed down his back. His horse cantered to a halt by Tamahome's, and Hotohori spoke to Miaka.
"Did you enjoy the stop here?"
"Oh, yes. The fruit was delicious, and the stream is beautiful."
"Good." Hotohori smiled. "I'm glad you liked it. I hope you are taking some of the fruit back with you. While I was walking back, I found these flowers by the tree." He opened his hand to show her the tiny plants.
Tamahome glared at the Emperor over Miaka's head, while she looked at the blooms offered to her. They were sweet, tiny lilac flowers. Hotohori put them in her hand and backed up his horse a few steps, when he noticed Tamahome's glare. "They are friendship flowers, very fragrant, and rare in Konan, but these will last if you dry them. And maybe they will remind you of a pleasant time."
Miaka bent over her hand to sniff them. He was right; they smelled heavenly. "They're lovely! Thank you very much!" Suddenly, she looked slightly embarrassed. "But I wish I had some place to put them. They'll get crushed by all the fruit I've got in my bag."
Behind her, Tamahome snorted. "I'll bet."
But Hotohori was unfazed. He put his hand out. "Then give them back to me. I'll take them to Nuriko to put in his traveling case. They won't get crushed there." They smiled or sweat-dropped as they thought of their cross-dressing friend and his immaculately packed bags. Nuriko heard his name and glared. What were they saying?
Miaka took one last sniff of the flowers, then reached to hand them back. Hotohori leaned forward to take the flowers, when he felt a presence.
The assassin balanced in the tree, training his arrow point on Miaka's heart, preparing to shoot, when Hotohori rode up to her. The assassin waited, frustrated at the blocked shot. He had a personal grudge and wanted to kill Hotohori now. However, he would wait and kill the Priestess first, as commanded. Then the Emperor backed his horse up. The assassin hissed with pleasure. A crystal-clear shot, and the Emperor and two senshi within killing distance, too. It was so perfect, the assassin filled with eagerness. The Emperor had his hand extended to the Priestess, when the assassin loosed his arrow. Time focused on the arrow's point . . .
Tamahome jealously put his arm around Miaka as she reached to return the flowers to the Emperor. Well, she had chosen to ride with him, not Hotohori, but Tamahome didn't feel like being too tolerant of the Emperor's advances. It was too hot to put up with anybody's flirting with Miaka, even if it was his country's ruler and a close personal friend. He took a breath to give Hotohori a piece of his mind, when the Emperor turned his head sharply to look up over his own shoulder.
Without warning, Hotohori jerked his reins. The Emperor's horse squealed as it leapt sideways, ramming into Tamahome's mount. A bright light flashed through the air and the whine of an arrow buzzed in Tamahome's hearing. Suddenly, he sensed the dangerous assassin Hotohori had felt. It was too late to get Miaka to safety. Tamahome heard a crash and a wet ripping; Miaka screamed and flinched back. In the instant that he thought Miaka had been hit, a red brilliance burst across Tamahome's vision, and the Emperor, his face contorted, slammed forward into Miaka's arms. She reached to catch him, but Hotohori was jerked away as his horse reared in fear, trying to throw its rider. The horse shrieked and fled into the forest.
The guard was already moving to intercept the assassin in the trees, but he vanished as quickly as he had appeared. Tamahome shouted to the guard, "Find him! Nuriko, and you, and you, come with me! We must search for the Emperor!" The servant, a guard, Nuriko, and Miaka, riding with Tamahome, plunged into the woods after Hotohori.
The flowers fell to the ground and were trampled under the hooves of the horses.