Miaka and the Suzaku Seven ran toward the Tatsu Forest. It was a dark, dense forest, with odious trees and a blue fog that never seemed to go away. In the distance, the sound of a breaking twig was heard.
"Who's there?" Tasuki demanded.
"Way to give up our locaton, fool," Nuriko mumbled.
Miaka gasped. "Yui!"
"Miaka, you have to turn back," Yui said. "There's no way you can get Rurii back now."
"What are you talking about, Yui?" Miaka asked.
"I spoke to Rurii." Yui frowned at Miaka. "How could you deceive that poor girl?" she demanded. "She's cying her heart out. What's more, she's not making a sound. She's heartbroken and is suffering alone."
"You told her about Chiriko?"
"No, Nakago did. But that's not the point, Miaka, and you know it. The point is that you deceived her. How could you do something so heartless?"
Something snapped inside Miaka. "Heartless? You're calling me heartless?" she demanded. "Look who's talking.You're the one who killed her brother and locked her up, Seiryu no Miko."
"Well, Suzaku no Miko," Yui said haughtily, "at least I'm not so defensless that I need an innocent thirteen-year-old to give up his life for me."
"Listen up, Yui, and listen good. I made a promise to Chiriko. He cared about his sister with all his heart. " Miaka clenched her hand over her heart so hard that it bled. "I promised him that I will protect his sister and I will. It's the least I can do for him for saving me. It'll break my heart if Rurii died, so I'll save her or die trying."
Yui stared at Miaka with amazement. "Fine, go in. But only you. No one, not even Tamahome can follow."
"Why not?" Tamahome demanded.
Miaka agreed to Yui's terms. She marched into the forest without even looking back.
Don't worry, Rurii. I'll save you.