So... it's been an incredibly long time since I updated. But never fear, as I have many more chapters already lined up to post. If you plan to keep reading, it'd be nice if you could give me a quick review. I really want to know what you guys thing about the fanfic. So. Here goes!

"I didn't hear her calling back in our world. I should've though, right, Tai Yi Jun?"

"If the two of you have a connection, you should've been able to communicate with her," the woman answered.

Miyoko looked at her wrist. "But…"

"You do not wear the same uniform," Tai Yi Jun said.

"No, I gave her my old ones, from my old school. It was the only uniform I had to give."

"The scar on your arm," Tai Yi Jun said, Tamahome peered over Miyoko's shoulder to see where she had tried to slit her wrist. Hamatsu gaped, unable to fully comprehend this. "Did something happen that made you lose the reasons you did that?"

"What do you mean?" Miyoko asked.

"Why did you cut yourself?"

"I… It was a long time ago. I just didn't want to live anymore," she replied, looking at the ground.

"Did you still feel that way when you entered the library and found the book?" the old woman asked.

"No," Miyoko replied, looking up at her. "It was because I had the premonition again. I've had it for a long time, that something was going to happen soon, and I had to be around for it."

"Then the scars could no longer connect you, because of the differences in emotions," Tai YI Jun answered. "Have you had any more premonitions since then?"

"Well, now that you mention it," Miyo said, her face blushing. "It seems as if I've been able to… read people's minds… but I'm probably just imagining it."

"No. Your abilities prove that you are a Priestess, and that you were always meant to be. The Priestesses are not entirely powerless, you see. At least, those who seek out their own power rather than relying on others can find their powers."

"But… it's still my fault, isn't it? I guess… Saissa must've gotten there early, and the book must've locked the door behind her, so no one else could enter. If only I had heard her," she said. She looked disgusted with herself. "She was having more problems with another gang. I usually walked her home, but I didn't walk with her to the library… I might've been able to help her. It's all my fault. No wonder she hates me so much!" Miyo cried. "I told her she could depend on me…"

Later, Tamahome met Chichiri in the hallway.

"Tamahome, how's Miyoko? No da?"

"No good," he replied heavily. "She won't come out of her room. Hamatsu's been sitting outside her door begging her to come out for ages, but nothing. At this rate, she'll–" He was interrupted by Tai Yi Jun appeared, upside down, in front of him. He screamed loudly and jumped into Chichiri's arms.

"After three years, I'm used to it. No da," Chichiri commented.

"Looks like I'll have to take over," Tai Yi Jun decided, disappearing again.

Inside her room, Miyoko was oblivious to everything else. "It's all my fault," she sobbed. "If only…"

"It was not your fault," Tai Yi Jun said, appearing in front of her.

"Tai Yi Jun!" she said, surprised.

"It wasn't your fault. It was just her bad luck."

"How can you say that? You know I'm the reason this all happened."

"Look at this, Miyoko," the woman said, showing her another, much smaller mirror.

At first, Miyoko saw only her reflection. Then suddenly she was falling to the ground from a very high altitude.

"Whoa! Scary!" she yelled, squeezing her eyes shut.

"Idiot, look down there!" Tai Yi Jun's voice said. Miyoko landed softly on the ground. She was right by Hotohori, from his perch on this throne. He stared at the ground, looking extremely thoughtful and solemn.

"Your Majesty, you should rest!" Nuriko said to him. "Your Majesty has not slept nor eaten in days!"

"You guys, it's me. Hello? Why can't you see me?" Miyoko wondered aloud.

"We are too preoccupied with matters of the state to eat," Hotohori sighed. "As well as with them. Miyoko is the one who is going to save my kingdom. Not only that, but she is my friend. As a warrior of Suzaku, it is my duty to protect her, but I cannot. If I could… then I'd be with Hamatsu as well." He sighed.

Nuriko smiled. 'I wish he's speak of me with the same tone that he uses when he speaks of Hamatsu,' he thought. Miyoko giggled. Maybe her psychic powers could come in handy. "Sire, don't worry. Remember, Tamahome and Chichiri are with them. Besides, they are both ninjas."

"I suppose you're right. They will grace our presence soon enough." Miyoko felt herself rising in the air. "What exactly is a ninja, anyway?" she heard Hotohori ask.

"Hotohori… Nuriko…"

She was flying above the capital city, and heard the people's whisperings.

"Is it true that Kutou is going to attack?"

"They say a village on the Western border was already invaded!"

"How could they, when we have the Priestess of Suzaku on our side!"

She heard Tai Yi Jun's voice again. "In your world, you were important to your friends and family. In this world, the entire country is counting on you. You are the Priestess of Suzaku."

Suddenly, Miyo was back in her room. "Uh… how did…"

"It was an illusion. Do you know what you need to do?" she asked.

'She's right,' Miyo thought. 'Wallowing in misery won't help at all. The fact that I'm in this book, that I'm the Priestess of Suzaku, and that Saissa is the Priestess of Seiryuu, is now my reality. I can't hide from it. So what's most important now is what I can do.'

Tamahome, Hamatsu, and Chichiri all looked towards the door as they heard it opening. Hamatsu didn't move quickly enough, and was hit by the door. She didn't complain, however. Miyoko kept her eyes on the ground.

"Miyo!" Tamahome cried, relieved to see her.

"I'm sorry to worry you all. Things will be okay now, I promise." All of the sudden she looked up and smiled brightly. "Let's go back to Konan! Then we'll find the other three warriors of Suzaku!"

Hamatsu smiled nervously. She recognized her best friend's fake smile, all right, and it was beginning to scare her. The other two apparently didn't realize it though. "No da!' Chichiri said happily, his chibi mask still on.

"Miyoko!" Tamahome said, holding his arms out to her, expecting her to come to him. She walked right past him. "What was that?" he asked, puzzled.

'It's the only way to get things back to normal again,' Miyo thought. 'I have to summon Suzaku. I need to keep focused on finding the other warriors. Plus, since Saissa loves you as well… I think it'd be best to just put my feelings aside for a while. Then I'll summon Suzaku, and I'll get my wishes! I'll wish for peace for Konan, of course. And for Saissa and I to be friends again! And… Tamahome…'

Back in Kutou, Saissa sat alone, thinking about everything, trying to sort out her thoughts. All of the sudden, a drink was offered her by Nakago.

"What is wrong, Your Eminence?" he asked.

"Nakago…" she began. Then she changed her mind and took a sip of the drink. "Nothing."

"Were you thinking about that Suzaku boy?" he asked.

Saissa was taken aback. Had it been that obvious? "Eh… What?"

"Were you? That may be for the best. You desire that 'Tamahome' boy, no? Then," he said, his eyes glittering. "Your wish is my command." Saissa looked at him questioningly, but he turned and walked away with the arrogant walk he had.

"You Majesty! The Priestess of Suzaku has arrived!' the messenger said loudly. Hotohori quickly appeared before the travelers.

"We're back!" Miyoko sang. She pushed Hamatsu forward.

Hotohori immediately threw his arms around Hamatsu. Nuriko smiled sadly seeing the two hug, and Tamahome glanced at Miyo, who pretended not to notice.

"I'm so relieved you made it back safely!" Hotohori said, when he finally let go of Hamatsu, who was very red.

"Yep! Chichiri took us to Tai Yi Jun's mountain. I'm really, really sorry for all the trouble I caused," Miyoko said, with some sweatdrops.

"Me too," Hamatsu agreed.

"Anyway. I'm pretty tired, so I guess I'll get going to my room. Oh, I never introduced Chichiri!" Miyo said, smiling at the monk.

"Oh–Your Majesty!" Chichiri said, bowing.

"You may call me Hotohori," the Emperor said. "Thank you so much for saving the Priestess and Hamatsu-sama. We're glad to have you on our team."

"No da!" Chichiri said nervously.

"MIYOKO! HAMATSU!" Nuriko cried, running into the room. He grabbed the two girls in a hug.

"Hey Nuriko! Lookin' good in drag as usual!" Miyo said, smiling.

"Hey you two! Lookin' stupid as usual, Hamatsu!"

"Hey!" Hamatsu objected. The three walked off together.

"So… did you find your friend?" Nuriko asked.

"Yeah… kinda…"

Tamahome sighed and watched them walk off. "Sheesh. Lord Hotohori, you're lucky. You get the girl that doesn't ignore you," he said as he walked off.