Chapter Six: The Sacrifice Part One

That Saturday morning Mrs. Hongo joined the others at the Yuki's apartment for breakfast and an update on how her daughter was doing. As they all ate at the table, Tetsuya once again picked up the book and handed it to Keisuke to read it. He had read all night, the night before so now Miaka's older brother took a deep breath and began to read.

"That evening the Priestess of Suzaku went in search of Tamahome. She hadn't seen much of him at dinner and was quite concerned."

(Next Scene)

"Taka?" Miaka called as she walked around in the courtyard, "Where are you?"

She found him in the center staring up at the night sky. She frowned a bit as she noticed his face, paler then usual.

"It's been getting paler and paler since we came back" she thought, "No even before then. Taka!" she called and he turned around still frowning.

"Miaka? What are you doing here?"

"I came looking for you" she replied walking over, "What are you doing?"

"I was just looking at the sky" he turned back around.

"Oh" she placed her hand in his, "You feeling all right?"

He grimaced a little as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. He suddenly pulled away from her grasp.

"Yes I'm fine," he said shortly.

"No you're not Taka. You haven't been all right since we got back here."

"I said I'm fine Miaka. I'm just. I'm just tired that's all."

"Are you sure that's all it is?"

"I'm serious" he replied more firmly, "You should go to bed, we have a lot to think about ahead of us tomorrow."

"All right" she walked over to embrace him.

"Don't" he moved back, "It's too hot out here for a hug" he sighed leaning a little to give her a peck on the cheek, "Good night Miaka" he walked away leaving the girl he loved speechless and confused.

"Oh Taka" she thought tears forming in her eyes, "What is going on with you?"

From where he watched Tasuki could see the whole thing. He frowned a bit as he returned to his room, wondering himself what was up with Tamahome and a bit angry that Miaka was suffering because of it.

(Next Scene)

"Taka's acting weird?" Yui replied in their room that night, "How do you mean Miaka?"

"It's just. Haven't you noticed Yui? He's very pale and sickly looking. He hasn't been eating right, and the weirdest thing he seems afraid to touch me now. It's like he's afraid I'm going to catch it or something."

"Afraid to touch you? Well did you ask him what was wrong?"

"I did a couple times. But he keeps denying that something's wrong."

"Well I think you should wait until he's ready to tell you what is wrong. On the other hand Miaka you are right. He does look really pale. When was it that you first noticed it?"

"To be honest it was back in our world. It was right during the time he got attacked."

"Did he ever tell you what exactly happened to him during that time Miaka?"

"Not really. He said he couldn't remember anything. That's what he told me anyway."

"Do you think that he could have been lying?"

"I don't know. But Mitsukake looked him over up and down and couldn't find anything."

"But doctors aren't always right Miaka."

"You're right. Perhaps I should have Mitsukake look at him again. I'll ask him tomorrow."

"That's a good idea. Let's get some sleep for now" Yui said climbing under the covers.

"All right" Miaka replied climbing in next to her, "Good night Yui."

"Good night Miaka" Yui rolled over and left her friend to ponder some more about Taka's condition.

(Next Scene)

The next morning Miaka and Yui met all their warriors once again in the dining hall. Chichiri had some interesting news for them. So they sat down and prepared to listen.

"While I was researching the library I came across a text that told of an ancient place where treasure could be found" Chichiri replied with one finger held up.

"So what Chichiri" Tasuki grumbled still a bit angry at Taka from the night before, "What's that got to do with the stone?"

"I'm getting to that you know?" Chichiri said, "The passage also said that it is a possibility that this place was special ground for the gods of Seiryuu and Suzaku."

"So you think that is a good place to start looking for the stones then?" Miaka finished.

"Mhm" Chichiri nodded with a grin.

"Chichiri that's a wonderful idea" Miaka exclaimed, "Where is it located?"

"Well that's the best part" Chichiri replied, "It's near Mt. Reikaku."

"Mt. Reikaku? Hey that's perfect" Tasuki exclaimed, "I can see Koji and the guys! It's been so long!"

"Not only that" Nuriko smiled, "You can be the one to lead the way."

"You bet" Tasuki grinned.

"It sounds like you all have a good plan ahead of you" Hotohori smiled, "Unfortunately I want to remain back here with Houki and my son. It's been so long since I have actually seen them."

"That's okay Hotohori we understand" Miaka said, "We'll go look for the stones and come back for you. After all the next step after that is find the Temple of the Gods."

"What do you think Lady Yui?" Suboshi asked.

"I think we should go with them" Yui replied, "It'll be a good chance for us to find our stone as well."

"Then it's all settled then" Miaka clapped her hands together in glee as she stood up, "Hotohori can we have horses ready by this afternoon?"

"Mhm" Hotohori nodded with a smile because of her enthusiasm.

"Yes" she sat back down, "Isn't it wonderful Taka?" she turned to her right to look at the boy.

"Oh uh huh" he nodded with a brief smile.

(Next Scene)

Miaka and the others said goodbye to Hotohori once more at the gates of the palace.

"You all be careful" he replied.

"We will" Miaka nodded, "Taka I'm coming up" she called to him since he was sitting on the horse.

"No Miaka don't!" he shouted.

"Huh?"

"I'm a little tired and don't feel like carrying anybody else" he replied gently, "Okay?"

"That's okay Miaka" Amiboshi said when he saw Taka's scared face, "You can ride with me."

"Oh" she nodded staring at Taka in concern but walking over to the other horse, "All right" she climbed on.

The others watched in surprise but decided to say nothing. Yui who was behind Suboshi frowned as well as Tasuki who was in the lead.

"Well let's get going" Tasuki replied shortly, "We'll lose the light" he kicked his horse in the side and they all galloped out of the gates.

"Miaka is right" Yui thought as they rode, "Something is wrong with Taka. Something serious."

(Till Next Time)

Authors Note: Hey Guys! Another update for you. This chapter has two parts, oh and as for the chapters that will follow after this one, are definitely going to be more familiar. I will be adding a lot more you remember from the manga and the anime. So just a brief note to clear up any questions you may have later!

Next Chapter: Part Two

Miaka and Yui arrive at Mt. Reikaku and get separated from the others. Find out what happens in part two!