CHAPTER 6:

"AAAHHHH!"

Miaka screamed and sat up so suddenly. Amiboshi looked startled. Bai looked somewhat concern while Chen looked as expressionless as usual. Miaka gasped and panted breathlessly. Her eyes darted from one person to another. She pressed a hand against her chest but there was no pain. Instead her heart pounded mercilessly against her rib cage.

"Are you alright?" Bai asked and rubbed her back gently.

Tired and exhausted, she reluctantly welcomed his seemingly gentle touch but didn't reply back. She could still remember the dream but she doesn't feel like talking about it. It felt so real.

"You are having a nightmare again." Amiboshi said and gave her a cup of warm water. He knew its the second time since they've met. Miaka slowly drank the water and tried to calm her heart. She gripped her chest and thought of the flower lotus that entered her. Was that real too? They also told her to go to the shrine but why would she go back there?

'Maybe...I'll find the answer there. ..'

"You should get some more rest, my little bride. It won't be good if something happens to you tomorrow." Bai said, waiting for her reaction.

She slowly turned to look at him and gave him an annoyed look. Bai smiled at her innocently. She is reminded of their earlier conversation. Not only she is forced to marry Nakago but also this annoyingly, handsome guy as well. By order of the pervert emperor. Suddenly, the image of Tamahome flashed in her mind.

'Tamahome...' Miaka looked down and felt completely torn apart. She frowned sadly. What would others think of her if she married their enemy? 'Is there no way I could escape this marraige?'

"I'm afraid that you cannot escape this marriage, my dear." Bai suddenly said, as if reading her mind. Miaka scowled. "I do not love any of you! I love someone else!"

"The emperor's orders are final. Even I can't do anything about it." He replied impassively.

A knock sounded on the door and several servants went in with several boxes filled with jewelries, dresses, soaps, etc. Horrified, Miaka watched them place it near the other betrothal gifts.

Bai smiled calmly. "These are all yours, my dear. If there is anything else you desire do not hesitate to tell me." She gaped at him and glared.

"Do I look happy?"

He leaned back on his chair calmly. He waited for the servants to leave before speaking. "Interesting. The rumours about you refusing Nakago's betrothal gifts are actually true. You really are different from other women."

'He said about getting anything I want...maybe I could try my luck getting my stuffs back.' She thought. It may not work.

"I...I want my things back..." She mumbled.

"Oh? Is that what you desire, my dear?" Bai grinned. "Then so be it." Without speaking, he signaled Chen with his eyes.

Chen simply stood up and left the room to get her stuff. Miaka blinked her eyes several times at this. She couldn't believe it and was sure he would refuse her request.

Miaka turned to face him, finding him suspicious. "Who are you?"

He chuckled, amused. "That hurt my dear." He said, pretending to look hurt. "Fine, I'll say it again but don't forget your husband's name in the future."

'He is enjoying this a bit too much.' Amiboshi thought to himself.

"My name is Bai Donghai. I am one of the four lieutenant general of the imperial army and I'm your future second husband."

Miaka blushed a little and continued to glare at him. "Lieutenant general?"

"Yes, in other words, Nakago, is my superior." He added.

"Is this some kind of joke? Two husbands? Is that even possible?!" She exclaimed, disgusted.

Bai smiled only and this pissed Miaka off. "It's a rare type of marriage but it's possible. But don't worry, even if we are married I will not touch you. In the future, as your second husband, I would accompany you. Especially at times when Nakago would be busy with his duties."

"So its true that this is the emperor's doing..." She murmured to herself, thinking. When she looked up Bai simply watched her with his alluring eyes. 'His eyes...its so red. Do normal people have red eyes?'

Chen came back to her room, as promised, with her bag. Miaka suddenly felt happy and relieved. "Finally!" She scrambled out of her bed and took the bag from Chen. Excited, she opened it and checked it's contents. "I'm afraid that the Suzaku's scroll is with Nakago. I do not know exactly where he hid it, i'm afraid." He said, noticing a slight change on her facial expression.

"I assume that none of those things are weapons?" He questioned. Miaka pouted at him, annoyed. "For the last time, I do not own any weapons. There is no way. Back in my world, only the licensed professionals and authorities are allowed to carry a weapon. Ordinary people like me are prohibited to carry or use a weapon." She said and continued to inspect her things.

"Do you know how to use any weapons?" Chen asked all of a sudden, but his tone wasn't oppressive.

"No. I don't know." Miaka replied, feeling a bit sad and silly.

Bai looked at her small figure and the strange items on the table. He could tell from the look in her eyes and tone that she was telling the truth. He have many experiences with liars and thus, no matter how strange and mysterious the things she owned, and the little escapade she did the other day in attempt to escape, she is definitely not a liar.

"Your world must be a peaceful one, my dear. How envious." Bai commented.

Miaka sighed. "Well, yes and no. There are still evil people in my world and they will do anything to acquire what they desire by any means. Even if it meant...killing people." Bai continued to watch her with interest.

Amiboshi looked at the strange things she placed on the table. He couldn't help but ask, out of curiosity. "What is this?" He pointed.

"Oh? That?" She said and picked the small, mp3 device. "This is my mp3 device. With this you can record and listen to music."

Amiboshi's eyes widen in surprise, he couldn't comprehend everything she said except the word music. "I don't understand but you said something about music?" Miaka grinned at this, feeling excited all of a sudden. Forgetting for a moment her impending wedding. Bai and Chen quietly listen in.

"Yes. Its not an instrument though. Here, I'll turn it on so that you can listen to it." Miaka explained and set aside the earphones, she could feel all eyes are on her. Amiboshi move closer to her and watched her every move. Miaka turned on the device and quickly selected a modern music. She is sure that they will be surprised but their reaction was more than that.

Surprise and shock written across their faces and maybe even a bit of fear. The unfamiliar sounds of instruments combined with voices of different person caused the three to move back from her. Both Bai and Chen accidentally knocked their chairs over and took a defensive stance. Amiboshi let out a small scream and fell on the floor. He even felt his heart jump out of his rib cage.

Miaka looked at them and laughed. "Calm down. It's alright. It's only the sound of the music you are hearing."

"That's music?" Chen questioned weirdly looking confused, alarmed, and disgusted. It almost looked like he is trying hard not to loose his composure. Bai stared, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Miaka nodded calmly. "Fine, let me choose something similar to what you guys have." With that she played a calming, Chinese traditional music.

Completely bewildered, the three blinked at the familiar sound of flute and guzheng. Miaka giggled and let it play to calm them down. Amiboshi stood up slowly and cautiously. "Come on! It won't hurt any of you. Seriously."

"But...how?"

Chen and Bai slowly straightened up from their defense stance and eyed the device. "I have not heard that song before." Bai said and walked close to her. Miaka blushed a bit and tried to avoid looking at his eyes. At least they all looked interested.

"Well, of course, its from my world."

"But, it sounds like what we play here..." Amiboshi said and tried to listen closely. "How is that possible?"

"Well..." Miaka scratched her head sheepishly, that was a hard question. How could she explain that her world is a thousand times advance than theirs? In every way?

Suddenly, several maids went in bringing dinner. Everyone looked over and Miaka quickly turned the device off. She grabbed all of her things and returned them in her bag.

"Lord Donghai, Lord Guangli, and Master Amiboshi, dinner is ready." the lady head servant greeted and bowed low, the others bowed as well behind her. They all pretended not to see Miaka but she was too busy drooling over the food to notice.

The atmosphere tensed around Bai and his red eyes narrowed at them. "You disrespect me. I should have known you were all blind not to see my bride?" Miaka blinked and looked at Bai. His voice was so chilling it sent shivers done her spine. Just what you expect from Nakago's subordinate. Chen and Amiboshi suddenly looked serious. He looked displeased and kept his eyes on them. His disappointment over the servants ignoring her astonished her greatly.

Everyone paled and the head servant quickly corrected herself. "Please forgive me, my lady! We didn't mean to be so rude!"

"Please spare us, my lady!" They all begged and Miaka could hear the plates clattering as they bowed anxiously in fear for their life. Miaka thought that if she doesn't say anything Bai might punish them.

"I forgive you. Please...be careful next time."

"My Lady is too kind." They all bowed low. "Thank you for your kindness, my lady."

After all of the servants left Miaka immediately dive for the food. Bai and Chen stared almost animatedly at the girl, their plates barely full. She devoured the food at abnormal speed and Amiboshi found himself smiling.

...

Nakago walked down quietly along the palace corridor and immediately sensed Bai and Chen walking towards him. It didn't escape his notice that they were coming from the direction of Miaka's room.

"General." Both Bai and Chen greeted him. Nakago decided to go to the point. "I was informed that you returned the priestess's belongings."

Bai smiled at this. "Yes. Those things are only useful in her hands." Nakago frowned slightly and Bai continued. "None of which can be considered as deadly weapon."

"I see." Then he looked at Chen. "Leave us." He ordered and Chen quietly left the two after a bow. Once they are both alone, they continued.

"The priestess is an interesting person." Bai said quietly. "She really is from a different world."

"Make no mistake. You are not to touch her." Nakago warned coldly but Bai didn't flinch an inch.

He shrugged. "I understand. I will not steal her from under you. But I will appreciate it if you would not harm her." Nakago glared dangerously and a vase suddenly exploded to pieces behind Bai.

"You are too cold, general." Bai remarked dispassionately. "She will be my wife as well, you know." The tension in the air increased as they both stared ,challenging, at each other. Bai remained impassive. After what seemed like an eternity Nakago walked pass him.

"The priestess belongs to me, alone. Remember that."

Bai smirked at this and bowed like a true gentleman. "As you wish."

...

The wedding day has finally come. The servant woke Miaka very early to prepare. She decided that if she can't escape at least she would make it hard for all of them. She ate her breakfast with her unusual, unladylike speed and didn't miss the rude remarks coming from the servants. When Bai saw her gulped down most of the food he only laughed and didn't ridicule her. It reminded her of Hotohori, the young emperor of Konan.

The bath was even more taxing for the servants. The baths were beautiful and large. Almost like a natural swimming pool.

"My lady! Please, do not play around!" One of the servants yelled over. Miaka swam around without a care and even took a dive and swam like a dolphin. In the process, some were drenched from the water. And because of this the head servant had to change servants constantly. It was fun watching them scrambling to get to her.

After drying, they brought her to another room where the wedding dress waited for her. Miaka's eyes widen in awe. It was undeniably beautiful. Layers of different shades of blue and white, laces with complex, embroidery designs. Everything about it screams 'royalty' and 'nobility'. All of which Miaka isn't.

"It's extraordinary, isn't it?" One of the servants said excitedly. "Lord Nakago chose it personally for you, my lady." Miaka walked closely to it and touched the long sleeves. 'I bet he chose it specifically to make me feel bad.' Miaka thought angrily.

"The jewelries are chosen by Lord Donghai." Miaka looked over and saw several jewelries made out gold with complex blue designs of flowers and...dragon. Miaka felt her blood draining from her face as she stared at the dragon design on one of the hair pins. Dazed, Miaka let the servants do her hair. They were speaking but she couldn't seem to comprehend nor hear them. Everything was starting to blur around her. Tamahome's face and smile flashed in her mind.

'Somebody...help me...'

The rest of the preparation went uneventful and eventually they help and guided Miaka out of the room.

In the court, everyone is ready and waited for the bride. Nakago stood near the alter while Bai stood on the other side. The emperor watched from a huge balcony surrounded by soldiers.

"Gosh, this is really happening. I was hoping this madness would stop." One of the servants whispered to his friend.

"Hush, will you? You'll get us in trouble."

Suddenly, the drums sounded, signalling the entry of the bride. Guided by the servants Miaka stood in front of everyone. Everyone's eyes are on her.

"Wow, she is actually...beautiful." One of the male servants murmured.

Miaka felt her eyes tearing again, the pain was tempting and immediately closed them. 'I can't...cry. I can't...' Miaka forced her tears back, her lips trembled from all the emotions.

"My lady, you must go now." One of the female servants urge her. Miaka swallowed hard and walked one step over the other, towards the two men standing near the alter. One in particular, will surely cage her and make her suffer.

The synchronized booming sounds of the drums continued as she walked. She ignored the stares and kept looking forward. She is the priestess of Suzaku and everyone knows that. She is an enemy. Some admired how she looked while others looked at her with disgust.

The emperor watched and smiled wickedly. "I didn't expect that Konan's priestess would looked exquisitely beautiful. Such a shame." All of his advisers laughed evilly.

As she neared the alter and looked up at the two men. Both looked amazingly, handsome in their wedding robe. For a moment she was captivated as they both gazed at her with their piercing eyes. As she walked up the stairs Nakago walked towards her and helped her up. The servants stopped and remained behind.

Miaka's hand twitched when he touched her. She glared at him and turned away slightly. Nakago saw this and smirked. In the end, she remained indignant. Most women would willingly give themselves up when presented with luxurious gifts.

When she looked to her right, Bai simply gave her a soft smile. But she couldn't return it.

As the ceremony continued, Nakago and Bai stood beside her. It felt like an eternity for Miaka until the monk priest asked her to present a gift to each of the two men.

She gripped the small box in her hand which she kept hidden. Bai mentioned last night that as the bride she must give her husband one wedding gift. In this case, she must give one for each of them. Slowly and hesitantly took out the small box and presented it in front of the monk priest to bless. After that he gave her the signal to give it to them. Miaka opened the small box and showed two long, silver earrings with a small diamond at the tip. She couldn't believe that she actually brought it with her when she was in a hurry to return back. But it's the only jewelry she brought with her.

Her hands trembled and took the first one. Holding the earring she turned to Nakago and was a little relieved when he lowered his head to her. As she carefully put the earring on him Nakago whispered his thanks to her. The earring hung on his right ear. Miaka scowled at his arrogance and quickly move away.

She gave the other earring to Bai and the earring hung on his left ear. Each earring dangled beautifully and shined brightly against the sun rays.

The monk priest also asked Nakago and Bai to present their gift to her. Nakago presented a beautiful, rare, blue jade pendant with gold linings on the edge and Bai presented a white jade pendant with a light bluish hue in the middle.

Miaka frowned at this. One of the servants told her that if a man gives his jade to a lady, he must really love her. Miaka's body shook with anger and tried very hard to fight the urge of stepping on the jade pendants. Nakago watched her at the corner of his eyes and smirked. His little bride is trying to be brave, amused and thought to himself. Miaka tensed as Nakago and Bai tied their jade on her belt. Both jades matched her wedding dress perfectly. Quite the perfect set up.

After that, the monk priest smiled and raised both of his hands, the other holding the staff. Miaka closed her eyes and tears finally streamed down from her cheeks as the monk priest pronounced them husband and wife.

End of Chapter 6