The Golden Phoenix

Written by: Hoshihikari4ever

Summary: Miaka exchanges letters with someone "back home" during her and the Seishi's journey to obtain the Shinzaho. The story is mostly told through Miaka and her correspondent's point of view.

Spoilers Warning: the whole series….major spoilers from season 2 and up and Fushigi Yuugi Gaiden novels….Suzaku Hi Den (Hotohori's novel….I only read the summary so please forgive me if it is inaccurate, it would help if anyone can be so kind to give me a translation of it in English!)

Author Note: Remember to check out my bio! Sorry this took so long! I'll try to update sooner!!

Please Read and Review!

Parings: Miaka and Hotohori

Chapter 3

            Miaka,

                        It's OK. Your Chinese is perfectly fine. Don't worry about it. I'm sure by the time you return it will have improved greatly.  It's good that you learned my country's language….it is good, yes very good.  May I suggest learning more about this world, its culture….everything…everything about it….just the way I wish to learn all about you and your world….For….for…one day…for…for one day…..I would want to….want to….want you to….Never mind….its for the best that you learn.

            I'm glad you like the phoenix. It's beautiful isn't it? A wonderful magnificent bird. She's quite adorable whereas her male counterpart is strong and quite protective.  It's too bad you never seen them both together….a perfect match, a beautiful destined couple….something that I hope one day we can become….Anyways…. yes… both phoenixes have names, names which I came up with at the age of fourteen, they were presents given to me as I ascended onto the throne. The female is Mika . The male is Sei. Mika, coming from the word Miko, by changing the 'o' to and 'a'.  It must have been a coincidence that if I add an 'a' to Mika right in the center of the word, Miaka is formed, the 'a' stands in the center of the word just the way you are the center of my universe. Sei, comes from me, meaning 'star', my Senshi kanji. So yeah….these phoenixes have given me hope, hope to believe persuade my dreams that one day….one sweet day the symbolic meaning of the birds will surface….and it'll come true…

            Finally, at last at Hokkan. I'm glad to hear that there were not many complications. I'm so proud of you Miaka for your first lone battle. You just don't know how proud I am.  My only regret is not being there, to watch over you….and protect you…the way I should be….If I was not tied down to emperor duties….then I swear I would not let you out of my sight.

            First off, I don't mind you coming to me with your problems about anything. You know that I'll always be here to listen, comfort and give advice to you….Just to make that clear.

            Miaka, I don't know what to say. I don't know how to act. When it comes to you and Tamahome, all I could think of doing is killing him for hurting you….making him pay dearly for what he has done. I know it won't make the situation better, but I can't help it, but think of ways ridding of him, and now…you've given me the perfect excuses for doing so. I know you might hate me, just for mentioning it, and I won't mind if you do….It's just that I need you to know that I won't let anyone hurt you….no matter who it is.  You understand that?

            Perhaps you came to the wrong person to ask for help and advice. Maybe someone like Chichiri would be better, at least he won't have a temper, which I know that I do, and so I will not deny it. I always seem so helpless whenever you ask me, I always try to help, but I find that its impossible….I try to comfort you, but just end up hurting you more….something that I can never forgive myself for doing….However….I will try to sooth you….I will be here for you…waiting….

            If you want to talk about him, I will try to do so….I will listen as I have always done so. If it makes you feel better, I will confront him for you when you guys come back.

            Here's my piece of advice for you, on this subject matter. I want you to give the relationship a break.  Do you understand me?  It's obviously not working, so don't force it. In other words, just break up. It's better this way.  This should stop before it gets worst. If he continues to hurt you, then tell me, and I'll confront him ok?  Remember….you are the Suzaku no Miko, he is a Suzaku Senshi, therefore, his purpose in life is to protect and serve you….the same as the rest of them….and of course me. You are the supreme one, the superior and the almighty, chosen by Suzaku himself. Tamahome should understand that, and so should the rest of them, and we as your warriors, yes, that includes me, the emperor, for I too am a Senshi, shall obey your every wish.  If your wish is to separate from Tamahome, then there is nothing that he can do about it.

            Alas….here we are. Finally, the topic of Suzaku. Yes, Miaka, I have done a bit research. Your brother Keisuke, partly found out the answer.  It is possible that maybe he might know the legend better then I do. Yes, I too have an answer for you. I myself am not fond of it.  I am highly disturbed by it. I will not lie to you, for I cannot bring myself to do so. Yet, it is bad news, I do not know if I can bring myself to tell you.  Right now, I am in denial. It's a lie, it must be a lie, for I cannot accept the fact, I will not bring myself to accept it.  * Sighs* However, accepting or not, is not up to me.  What will happen in the end, rest in your hands.

            What I am saying is….is…that two things can happen. Ok….Miaka, before I tell you this, I want you to know some things ok?  It's very important, for I will not risk the chance of losing you to Suzaku.

1) You are strong.  You are a strong will person.  Don't ever think that you're weak, because you are not.  You're the one who pulled us all together, who held us together. Don't think that you're worthless, and that you always need protection.  That isn't true.  You….you are stronger then any of us. The senshi has physical/magical strength, you have a strong heart, a strong mind.

2) You are not alone.  Never….never….never believe that you are alone in this. Trust me, I know, no one should be forced to live a lonely life, especially you. Never believe that, do you understand me.  There are always good times, and bad times, ups and downs. There are always going to be twists and turns. Remember….you're not alone in this.  You aren't fighting a lone battle.  We will always be here for you, Suzaku, Senshi, your mother, your brother…. We will always be here for you.  We'll pull through this together.

3) Never give up. As I said before, there will be rough times ahead. It is impossible to live a life where everything is perfect.  There will be times when hope seems lost, when the path ahead is completely dark. Don't give up. Just because Yui's on the other side doesn't mean that the world would end.  In time, she will see who her real friends are. When Tamahome turned evil, you didn't give up on him, and so, he is back. Though Konan, is currently at war, and fighting a losing battle, I will not give up, or lose hope.  Dying, giving up is not the answer. Nothing will be gained, though much will be lost. Fight, fight for what is right, fight, for life, fight for love.  For as long as there is light, there can be no darkness.

4) Follow your heart. Follow your instincts.  It will lead you down the right path. Hard and difficult times lay ahead. Choices must be made. Choose wisely.  Listen to your heart, and it will guide you out of the dark times. Sometimes, the right path is not the easiest one.

Miaka…. remember that.  I want you to know that. Now…you might be wondering why I'll write all this down, when you should know it. Its just a reminder, just to tell you something that you should know.  These are very important characteristics and traits.  Its what makes you who you are.

Miaka….listen carefully….I mean read this next part carefully. It is what I found about what happens after you summon Suzaku.  There are two possibilities.

1) You will return to your own world and this world will forever be sealed from the other.

2) You will be consumed by the beast God, in other words, Suzaku himself, will take you as tribute.

Now Miaka, Don't panic.  I don't want you telling any of the other Senshi's about this.  This is strictly between you and me.  I must do some more research on this.

I am highly disturbed by this, but mostly by the latter. I cannot live with either.  I can't, won't let myself accept either. The former seems better, but then we, the Senshi and you will be forever separated. I cannot afford that to happen, not when I've waited my whole life for you, only for you to disappear again.  It just won't happen. The latter, I don't even want to think about.  To offer you up as tribute?  Then I'll rather surrender all of Konan, just to have you NOT summon the beast God. The latter will defiantly not happen.  I will not let either happen.  However, it is not up to me to decide.  For it is you.  You must have a strong will, you must stay strong, and you must keep the qualities that I have just mentioned above.  Why? You ask me. The answer is simple. 

I have done some research.  All this is based on the past two summoning of the Beast God. Since Suzaku isn't summon, it is impossible to be sure of what might happen.  So, instead, I went for another source.  I searched up the past two, to compare and I have come to some startling information. Some is fact, some I have concluded myself.

The fact to the Miko remaining pure has to do with the summoning. During the summoning, at least this is true for the two past ones,  the Beast God had combined itself with the Miko and therefore becoming one with it, the Miko became the link between the heavenly and earthly world. The beast God, will not accept a touched body.

So…back to summoning the beast.  It is said that after the last wish is made, the Beast will appear, Suzaku himself will appear. In being so, he takes the Miko's body, like a tribute, and then leaves behind a relic of the summoning, in this case….it is the Shinzaho. So….it is possible that Keisuke could have know this, and therefore, like any brother would be worried about his sisters safety, especially since there is a chance of losing you forever….

Those were the facts, it happened in both the previous summoning, so there is no reason to think otherwise.  However, as you read before, I have come with two situations when in contact with the God.  The second, is something that I have formulated myself, so the latter possibility that it may be true is like zero.

Over 200 years ago, in Hokkan, Genbu was summoned. A girl from your world, Takiko Okuda, was her name. Legends say, legends that were passed down say that she had returned to the other world. However, I have a suspicion that something bad must have happened to her.  I think that Genbu consumed her, after the last wish. Of course, there is no evidence, but it was said that she disappeared after the summoning, directly afterwards.  Some say she returned to her world, but I don't believe that it was true.  For as you read on, that was not the case with the Byakko summoning. 

Byakko was summoned in Sairo about 90 years ago, by a girl name Suzuno. She two had combined with Byakko after the summoning.  However, unlike Takiko, she did remain in Sairo for a brief period of time after the last wish was made. How long, I am not sure, but she did not directly disappeared.  It's rumored, that she had time to say good-bye to her Senshi.  There was time for a brief union, and an assurance form Byakko that she will return to her own world.

It is because of this that I have formulated the two possibilities. I believe that Suzuno was probably stronger then Takiko. She probably was loved, she probably had loved. There was a reason for living, for fighting.  I believe that, that was why the God did not consume her.

            Miaka, you are strong.  You won't be consumed by Suzaku.  I swear, I won't let that happen.  However…Yui…your friend….that's s different case.  I know its not it my place to say this, but I think you must fight your friend.  No matter how hard it is, you must not lose to her, or let Seiryuu win.  The only way you can save her now is to summon Suzaku and wish for it. There is no talking, best friend thing anymore.  You must understand this. If Seriyuu is summoned, if you let that happen, then Yui will be lost forever, for she is not as strong as you. 

I bet it doesn't make any sense to you eh?  No matter, this is an answer, the decent one that I could find. I will look into the subject more clearly, and in the meantime, don't worry about it alright. Nothing…nothing bad will happen, I won't let it happen.  Just focus on finding the Shinzahos and coming back unharmed.

Take care of yourself Miaka. Don't let this bad news get to you.

Sincerely,

Hotohori

P.S.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Be careful around the Genbu and Byakko warriors. It is said that the Shizahos are being protected by them.  How? I am not sure. They should be dead, for no one is older then 100 let alone 200. There is no such thing as immortality. Sprits? Maybe.  Reincarnation? Possible. Anyways, Miaka, whatever they are, be careful if you meet them. I don't really know anything about Genbu and Byakko, aside from the fact that they were summoned successfully. Their Miko, I only know by name, their Senshi, I know nothing. I am sure though, I am positive that the Shinzaho will be protected one way or another. How, I do not know. By the warriors, I would say impossible, but that is the rumor.  The rumor in Hokkan is that long after the Miko has disappeared, two of the Genbu warriors will remain to watch over their Miko's procession, the Genbu Shinzaho.  In Sairo, it is said that the Miko's beloved will be the one to remain, the one to watch over the Shizaho.

Miaka stared wide-eyed at what she had just read. Her heart was pounding uncontrollably.

No…No…no…it can't be true.  My worst fears can't be true. First, Keisuke, then the old townsmen, and now Hotohori…That's three different people, totally different, who live a life in completely different words, telling me the same thing.

She couldn't help but reread the part about summoning Suzaku, and its possible consequences.

~ Flashback~

            "Thank you….I don't know how we could ever thank you enough for saving my child…."  The townsmen began. "Yes…yes…we are very grateful indeed." The mother of the child replied.

            "Nah….it was nothing…." Tasuki said, his hand running through his hair. "Just doing what any guy would….That kid, he would have fallen off the horse…."

            Miaka watched the fierily bandit, who seemed to be blushing at being flattered.

            Hm…if Tamahome was here…If he didn't leave…then I bet it would have been he who would have saved the child

            Chichiri placed a hand on the younger, enthusiastic man's shoulder.

            "Yes….How can we ever repay you…."  "Well…we're travelers no da….it would be nice for a place to stay for the night…."  "Certainly….I'll have a tent prepared for you all….it will be an honor to have the Suzaku no Miko and her Senshi to stay with us…."

            Miaka's eyes widen, and so did her other Senshi.  "How….how…did you know…."  "Well…rumors…spread quickly around here….We receive news from all over….including other empires. It's said that both Konan and Kuto have sent their warriors and Miko out to find some sort of Holy relic of the other two summoning…."  "Yes….its called a 'chin-ze-hole'." "Shinzaho…Miaka….Shizaho no da….."  "Oh yeah…."

              "Ah….yes…the Shinzahos….." The towns head nodded.   "It is said to be a turtle…."  "A tortoise….with snakes…."  "A turtle….How much do you know…." "A tortoise….I know the legend better then you do…!!"  "Oh yeah…I am the towns head….I'm the wise one…."

            "They sure seem to know this well….."  Miaka nodded at Nuriko's comments.

            "Anyways….it's a necklace…." "Hairpin!!"  "Necklace…" "Hairpin!!" "You….know what…just get out!"

            "Sounds much like you and Tamahome….huh Tasuki no da…." Tasuki choose to ignore those words.

            "So anyways…whatever it is…I'm not sure anymore.  However…You will find more information in the city….."  "I see….."  "Um….can I ask you something…."  Nuriko spoke up.  "Yes…."  "What…what happened to the Miko after Genbu had been summoned…"  Miaka opened her mouth and then turned to look at Nuriko.   "I….I think she returned to the other world….I am not sure…."

~Flash back end~

            I wonder…I wonder what it was that made Nuriko asked the question. Oh well…I should ask him tomorrow…The answer, isn't what I had hoped for, but it is one.  I wonder what Hotohori had meant…

            "Miaka!!  Oh Miaka!!!"  Miaka hastily stuffed the letter away.  She squinted in the dark, trying to see where the voice was coming from.  "Miaka!  There you are…Don't just run off like that….."  "I'm sorry Nuriko…." She replied, as she took a step before Mika, shielding her from the man's sight.

            "What you got there…?"  "Huh?"  "Behind you….."  "It's nothing…" Nuriko looked unconvinced. With a swift movement, he was behind her.  Miaka spun around, hoping to block the bird, but then was shocked to see that Nuriko was also in a shock mode.

            "Mika…?  Mika…"  he murmured.  This time, it was Miaka who seemed shocked.  Not knowing what to do, she scoped the bird in her arms, cradling it protectively.

            "So…I see….I see how it is…."  And then she noticed it.  A gigantic smile spread across the man's face. "Nani…?  What is it Nuriko….?" She asked curiously.  "Just…as I predicted to…."  "Predicted what…"   "I don't know….I guess I'm really happy for you….you one lucky girl…..!"  He stepped forward and scoped her in his arms. "Nani…Nuriko…your not making any sense….!"

            Nuriko stepped back a bit. Finally in a soft voice she mutter.  "Why didn't you tell me Hotohori was keeping contact with you…."  Miaka's eyes widened.  "How….how did you know…."  "That bird…." He paused. "was….given to Hotohori by my best friend…Houki…and the male counterpart….Sei…was given by me….on Heika's 14th birthday…the day which he had ascended onto the throne…."  Miaka was in awe….Even Hotohori hadn't mentioned that part to her. "and….he had said…that day…was that…. when the time is right….when the women in his dream comes to life….he will give this to her as a wedding gift…."  Now Miaka really couldn't say anything.  "and…he…has chosen you…."

            Nuriko closed his eyes.  Miaka didn't know what to say.  All of this was too much for her to handle. First, the fight with Tamahome, and the matter of Suzaku…and now…now Hotohori and marriage…

            "You…you aren't angry…."  Miaka finally said, after a long time.  "I didn't think…I didn't think that it was you who would tell me this….after, after all you said you loved Hotohori. I thought you would be jealous. You'll hate me…"  "Now…now why would I do that…Yes…I won't deny falling for the emperor….However…however" "However what?"  "After knowing you and stuff…I realize…realize how its impossible to not fall for someone like you…."  Before the words could be registered, in her mind, Nuriko pulled her close and gave her a kiss. Miaka, grunted, and then pulled away. She was looking at Nuriko with a shocking expression.

            "Miaka…I…I…I'm sorry…." He said, a bit worried. Then he added. "Don't worry….I won't come between either of you…..You and Hotohori….you're the two I love the most, and I won't hurt either of you….."  Miaka was silent, but he could tell that she looked relived.

            "Now…Miaka…you don't seemed surprised…..How long has it been?"  "This is only his second letter…..and ….I guess…I am not surprised. I guess….I've always known it…."  Nuriko nodded, understandingly. "Its just with Tamahome….." her voiced trailed off.  "Forget about him ne? Who knows where he ran off to…."  Miaka only nodded. "Besides….you won't need him.  You've got Hotohori to lean on….You've got the Senshi as friends…and you got me as your brother ne?"  "Anno….nani….?"  "You said…you've got an older brother right…well…he's not here now…I hope…I can be that older brother."  "but what about Korin?"  "Don't worry…you won't replace her…just as I won't replace Keisuke. Its just that….since the time I've known you….I've learned to regard you as more of that younger sister type eh….a more brotherly sisterly type of love eh?" Miaka nodded again.  "I hope…I hope you'll let me be that….."  Miaka. smiled.  "Of course Nuriko…." She flung her arms around his neck. Nuriko smiled.

            "Now Miaka….shall we return to the others… We have to leave early tomorrow morning. Yes….sure….after I write a reply…I'll make it quick…"  "Ok…take your time…."  Miaka rolled her eyes playfully.  "I need to take time…. you know how long it takes me to read and write Chinese….I'm still learning…."  Nuriko smiled. "Very well Mi-Chan…. Just make sure you get Chiriko to teach you…." "he is…"  "Good…good…."  Nuriko peered over her shoulder. With that….the two sat down under the night sky, with Nuriko helping, and teaching, and correcting Miaka.

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Done at last!  Long chapter!! Read/Review!!