CHAPTER 7: UNFORGIVABLE ACT
Miaka sat and ate quietly with her husbands on either side of her. Everyone was celebrating and enjoying the feast. No matter how you look at it, it was as if they have won a war from somewhere. The laughing emperor of Kutou and his advisors were all drunk and some where already sleeping on the ground. The wedding ceremony is real but even if she is now the wife of Nakago and Bai, everyone remained distant. No one really congratulated her but they did talk to her husbands. Not that she really cared for their attention. They ignored her for the most part. However, no matter how indifferent everyone is , Nakago and Bai were never far from her. Along the way she found out that Nakago's real name is Gi Ayuru.
She saw Amiboshi after awhile but didn't stay long and left early. It was then she realized that Amiboshi's guarding duty is done. He may be a Seiryuu warrior but he wasn't such a bad person. Out of everyone in the palace, so far, Amiboshi didn't treat her badly. Even if it was under Naakgo's order, Amiboshi never hurt her. She did somewhat enjoyed his company.
Miaka continued to eat slowly but everything was tasteless. Nakago quietly ate his food and remained unsociable and doesn't speak to her, his wife. Bai on the other hand tried to cheer her up by giving her more food. They were all tempting and delicious but her stomach seemed to have decided to sleep early.
She looked up and watched everyone enjoy themselves. As the priestess of Suzaku, she failed everyone. Tamahome, Hotohori, Nuriko, Chichiri...everyone would be very disappointed at her. For allowing to be captured and be wedded to two men. Miaka looked down, her face turning white as sheet. She could already imagine the face they would make and the words...the hurtful words she wouldn't dare describe. Suddenly, her teacher's disapproving words echoed in her mind, doubling even more her guilt and grief.
Nakago sensed her weakening beside him and looked at her. Bai noticed as well. "Are you alright?" Bai asked gently. Miaka didn't reply, her breathing becoming very low. Then suddenly, she collapsed.
"Miaka!" Bai immediately checked her. The commotion drew the attention of the people near them.
Nakago move smoothly to her side. "Its alright. She just fainted." Bai quietly said. 'Again' He thought.
"What is going on over there, Nakago?" The emperor called out, drunk. Hiccuping all the while. Nakago quickly carried Miaka in his arms in a calm and unflappable manner, and prepared to leave. Bai stood up as well.
"My wife is not feeling well. We will retire early, your majesty." Nakago replied smoothly. The emperor laughed along with everyone, shaking his wine bottle in front of him. "Do whatever you want!"
Both Nakago and Bai bowed slightly and returned to the palace, taking the unconscious miko with them.
"The emperor will surely trouble you on the details after tonight." Bai stated flatly. He could still remember the lecherous stares the emperor was sending towards Miaka.
"What I do with my wife is none of his business." Nakago said non-chalantly. And without another word he entered his and Miaka's new chamber. Bai went to his new room and left Miaka with Nakago. It was decided that Miaka will stay with Nakago in one room. At least his room wasn't far away.
'Miaka, there is more to the man's identity than mortal minds can fathom.' He thought and went to sleep.
...
Nakago laid the priestess on their bed and sat down beside her. He gently brushed her bangs from her face and cupped her cheek. For someone who is in enemy territory, she is rather foolish, vulnerable and defenseless. Or maybe she is just stupid. He thought the latter is more plausible. For the past two days, other than the fact they were betrothed, she is his hostage but no matter what the situation was she remained...her gullible and ditzy self. All of his hostages, he has encountered over the years, psychologically all broke down to nothing in less than a day. Maybe even minutes. But this girl...amazingly, never buckled. True,she cried and looked about to give up but at the end of the day he would always find her back on her feet. During the ceremony, she looked stunning. She didn't looked anything like a priestess of Suzaku. But the fiery spirit within the dept of her eyes showed her bravery and strength not to cry in front of him. If her courage was any indication, anyone with eyes would see that she is a true , she isn't the priestess of Seiryuu.
'Just how long will you continue to resist me until all of your feathers are plucked from your wings...' He thought dryly.
Coming to a decision, Nakago carefully removed her headdress and hair ornaments. Her long, russet hair fell smoothly from their confines, on her shoulders. He looked down at his little wife, studied her for a moment, and smirked to himself. He thought with amusement if she would wake up with a kiss or remain unresponsive but then thought of something else.
Miaka shivered and moaned. She turned to her side, eye brows knitted ,and felt something warm and unconsciously snuggled towards it. However, it didn't helped and she felt even more colder. With eyes closed she let her hands move on their own and grab whatever it could find to keep warm. When her hand immediately felt something soft and warm she quickly grabbed whatever it is and pulled it towards her, hugging it against her.
She signed contently and felt comfortably warm, ignoring the fact that whatever it is felt a little heavy. Sleep was about to take over her senses when suddenly she felt the warm article trembling uncontrollably.
"I didn't think that you were so eager to consummate our marriage, my little wife." Nakago chuckled.
Miaka jerked awake, her eyes shot open in alarm and looked at Nakago. Nakago was sprawled on top of her and found herself embracing the icy jerk. Panic and disgust consumed her and her faced turned completely scarlet. He smirked inwardly and he could feel the mixture of emotions within her.
"GET OFF OF ME!" As expected, she screamed, pounded his chest and tried to push him aside with all her might. Instead of moving away, Nakago grabbed her hands and smoothly rolled them on the bed. Miaka gasped in shock and found herself on top of Nakago. "YOU!" She blushed even more, struggling from his grip.
"It is rather rude to stop, you know." He gave her a knowing look. Miaka saw this, looked down and saw her wedding dress undone. Her skin and cleavage showing. It is no wonder she felt cold. The sick, jerky-bastard was undressing her while she was unconscious! She paled slightly when she thought of what would happened if she didn't wake up. "This will be our room from now on, you will stay beside me at all times."
Miaka shook her head and continued to struggle on top of him. "Enough! Stop it! How could you do this! We are not even in-love! We can't-"
Without warning, he abruptly pushed her back on the bed cutting her off and his body towered over her. His cold, piercing cerulean eyes stared down at her and a chill ran down her spine.
"You are so full of yourself, my wife." His voice was low and images of danger filled her head. Miaka forced herself not to whimper and stared back. "You are now my wife, you belong to me. You're life belongs to me." He whispered coldly, emphasizing each and every word. Indirectly, telling her that she will never return to Konan or...Tamahome. Her lips quivered and her eyes became teary and watery but continued to glare at him. Nakago smirked inwardly. "So stubborn."
When he released her hands Miaka grunted and pushed him off her with disdain and anger. Her effort was useless since Nakago simply move away. Nakago watched her pull her wedding robe close and ran towards the bath. "Leave me alone!"
Miaka stumbled her way to the baths and dropped to her knees. Almost scraping it in the process. She wiped her tears from her eyes with an annoyed gesture and gaze at the pool bath. If it weren't for the human icicle, now her husband, the view would have moved her. It was beautiful and calming. The full moon reflecting so clearly on the water and the fragrant flowers floated along. She felt like screaming her head off from everything that's happening to her.
She reached out to touch the water with her hands and let the water drip from her fingers. It felt cold but she doesn't care. The cold water perfectly matched her mood. She stood up and remove her wedding robe. With disinterest, she let it slid down from her body. Without any hesitation she quickly dived into the cold water.
Miaka sighed deeply and let her body float. The dark blue sky looked amazing with various patches of different shades of blue, violet and blue-green and the bright stars scattered like tiny grain of sands. The sight was breathtaking and she couldn't help but reach out her hand towards the sky.
"Back home...the skies are so dark you could barely see any stars..." She whispered to herself but was suddenly startled when she heard Nakago's voice.
"Is your world really that boring?"
Miaka looked over and saw him already in the water and...naked. She blushed ten shades at the sight of her handsome husband. Her body sunk slightly in the process and accidentally drank water. 'Oh my god! He really look so-WAIT! WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING?! I'M NAKED AND...HE IS-ARGH! Think other thoughts! Other thoughts, damn it!'
She coughed and quickly covered herself with her hands, glaring daggers at him. Nakago smiled at her unnervingly and leaned back. She really didn't noticed anyone getting in and how dare he entered the baths after she told him to leave her alone.
"YOU SICK JERK! PERVERT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" She shrieked and screamed at him and Nakago merely lifted an eye brow at her. "Taking a bath of course." He said as a matter of fact, which infuriated his little wife even more.
"But I'm naked!"
Nakago snorted. "It's nothing I haven't seen before, my dear wife."
"WHAT?!" She yelled. Nakago just knew how to ruin her peaceful life. "Stay away! Don't come any closer! Got that?!" Snarling, she turned her back on him after sending him a scatting glare. 'Stupid jerk! how could he do this to me...'
"Now, now,...is that any way to speak to your husband?" He drawled calmly. Miaka embraced herself tightly and shivered. She wasn't sure if it was the cold water already getting to her or her husband's voice. But she would highly bet the latter since he is an uninvited specie in the whole universe.
"Husband? Husband?! A husband is supposed to take care of his wife and make her happy! Not make her miserable!" She retorted without looking at him. " I don't even know what is your definition of husb-"
She stopped mid sentence as she felt herself being pulled suddenly from behind. Her body tensed and Nakago stealthily wrapped her in his arms against his warm body, causing her blood to reach her ears.
"Don't judge so quickly,...Miaka." He whispered sensuously near her ear, invading her personal space and before she could even give him a piece of her mind she gasped as she felt him lick the spot behind her ear. It was the first time he ever said her name. His voice was dangerously low and sensual and Miaka's heart started to race.
His frame was bigger than hers and temptingly warm. Her body unconsciously rubbed against his. 'No! This is not right!' Her mind screamed and tried to wiggle her way out of his embrace. "S-Stop it!"
Nakago held her firmly as one of his hand slowly reached for her breast, caressed her gently . Miaka's eyes widen at this and flail her arms about in the water and even tried to kick him but he will not have any of that. He loosen his hold on her.
Miaka turned around to face him , embarrassed and angry at the same time. "YOU!" She hissed and raised a hand to slap him. Nakago chuckled at her antics.
Before she could slap him Nakago effortlessly blocked her attack and grabbed her wrist. He could feel the rapid flutter of her pulse under his fingertips. His free arm enclosed around her waist, pulling her against him once more.
"Nakago! You perv-" He cut her off once again as he swiftly, but firmly brought his lips down to claim hers in a searing kiss.
Miaka moaned and whimpered at the same time as she watched in horror. Her body froze and felt everything stopped around them. Her eyes fluttered close as the surrounding fade away. She suddenly felt dizzy and her mind screamed for her to move and run away but her body refused to listen. Her body felt weak as the kiss grew even more deeper by the minute. He leaned against her and let go of her wrist, her arms sagged to her side.
Gradually, her body felt warm. Nakago moved his knee between her legs and gently spread them to him. Miaka shuddered uncontrollably. He was doing all of these to her without breaking their kiss.
'No...please don't'
Miaka blushed hard and helplessly felt her body respond to his touch until...she felt his hand there.
'NO!'
The unwelcome sensation shattered the trance she had been pulled into and by some miracle her body was able to muster some strength. Her body jerked away from his touch, pushed and clawed at him roughly. She glared at him and did the only thing she could think of.
Nakago frowned, narrowed his eyes and remove his lips from her. His little wife dared to bite his tongue which finally, forcefully loosen his grip on her. Seeing her chance, Miaka pushed him away from her with all of her might and swam as far away from him as possible. She paddled frantically back to the shallow area.
Just when she thought she could get away, she yelped as blue energy surrounded her and she floated a few feet of the ground. Fear, terror, and panic consumed her as Nakago walked cunningly towards her. Useless for her to try. Without his inhuman speed his celestial powers was enough to render her immobilized.
"L-LET ME GO!" She shouted, her voice shook slightly and covered her chest. She fought hard not to blush at his lean and muscular body. Her husband stalked over towards her.
Miaka shuddered as his eyes narrowed into mere slits, the blue bleached almost to the colour of liquid mercury. Miaka let out a small whimper as Nakago casually closed the gap between them. Looking at her like a pray, his hand closed around her neck.
"Brave yet foolish, wife. You actually have the nerve to claw and bite your husband?" He said coldly. His tone almost rendered her speechless.
"You deserved it!" She snarled back and gasped when he tightened his choke on her slightly. "How dare you touch me!"
"As your husband, I have every right to do as I pleased with my wife. By law even the emperor cannot do anything about it,...even Tamahome." He replied coldly and unfeeling. Hurt, Miaka breath in deeply as she gazed back at him as evenly as possible. Nakago continued heartlessly.
"Did you really think that love between the two of us is needed to consummate this marriage? Fool." He smirked at her.
"What?" Miaka said barely in a whisper and struggled uncomfortably from his hold, gasping.
Ominously, his other hand encircled her waist once again but this time it felt extremely cold. It pierced through her skin mercilessly. "By the time I claim you-you will no longer be the priestess of Suzaku."
Miaka's eyes widen at this, confused. "A priestess must be pure, untouched to be able to summon the beast god, my wife." He finished for her. Miaka paled at the thought of loosing the power to summon Suzaku finally realizing the reason behind the marriage. That is so that she would loose her virginity...to him. Just like that everything will crumble beneath her feet.
'Everyone...no...no...'
"N-No! Stop this, Nakago!" She hit his hand but he didn't budge. Nakago tightened his hand around her neck and she choked. "S-Stop..."
"The lady Yui truly believed she was raped when she came to this world." Nakago said dispassionately and loosen his vice-like grip on her neck, allowing her to breath. Miaka looked at him at the mention of her best friend's name. "Yu-Yui?"
"Of course that's not entirely the truth. I saved her just in time and the wound on her wrist was due to her attempted suicide. She believed that you forgot her and I simply supported that fact. Did you actually ever wondered why she was so angry with you last time?" His pale blue eyes stared steadily into her own.
Miaka glared at him as everything made sense now. He is the reason why Yui didn't believed her. Bound by marriage she will never return back to Konan and loose the power to summon Suzaku. Everything was a set up, she realized gravely. How could she be so foolish to fall for his trap.
She wanted to yell at herself for being stupid. She wanted to yell at him...her husband, for manipulating her...for deceiving Yui. Gasping, she felt her strength disappearing but for some reason her heart felt hot and numb. As if it was the last thing keeping her sane and awake.
Miaka stopped struggling against his hold and involuntarily sagged against him, as if yielding to his control and command. Nakago smiled at this, released his choke on her neck and supported her exposed body against him. She knew they were both naked and that Nakago could see all of her but she didn't have the strength.
Slowly she looked up and regarded him mockingly and gave a small derisive laugh. "At least...Yui is now safe in Konan...darling."
"What?"
Suddenly, Miaka's body glow red and Nakago tensed, his senses quickly alerting him. As he stared down at his wife he felt her chi wavered dangerously as if...changing-no, transforming? No, he wasn't sure. Then his eyes widen as the red glow quickly changed from red, to indigo, then to...blue. 'What the-how is this possible...'
Almost as suddenly, Nakago felt a flick of chi within him. A signatory chi that would only come from...a priestess.
'...priestess of Seiryuu...?!' He felt his blood run cold at the thought, his jaw tightened. He couldn't believe it.
Miaka blinked weakly but saw the change in Nakago's expression. It was a mixture of anger and confusion. However, soon everything blurred to darkness and she blacked out.
Nakago watched as his wife's hazel eyes darkened, almost empty. The air around them started to pick up and with the form of a blue, raging fire-the blue energy swirled around her dangerously, protecting her. The blue fire didn't hurt him but forcefully pull them apart. He stared at her a few feet away and gradually, the blue energy surrounding her dissipated. Gently, as if carried by the wind, her body dropped on the cold floor. Unconscious.
...
The next day, Miaka woke up in bed and groggily rub the sleep from her eyes. Then suddenly froze when she felt like she was being cuddled by a giant, smothering...
She looked behind her cautiously and her eyeballs nearly popped out of their sockets. Nakago was behind, completely entwined with her, his arms holding her tightly.
'How did we end up like this?!' Her screamed in panic. The icicle jerk is really going to give her a heart attack someday. He looked peaceful when asleep, as if the persona he showed last night never really existed and that everything that happened last night was a nightmare. But she knew that wasn't the case.
Miaka squirmed and fidgeted from his embrace, trying to loosen herself from the smothering chest of the general. Miaka's face turned blue when she felt Nakago sighed near her neck and pulled her closer in his sleep, squeezing her tightly.
'Stupid Nakago! Gosh! He is not waking up and he's holding me REALLY tight! I need to escape!'
Miaka tried harder this time but instead, found herself face to face with his broad, sculpted,muscular chest. She blushed when she felt his skin through his loose shirt. Her senses were starting to drift in his heavenly scent.
'..If I'm going to suffocate, at least it's going to feel nice-WAIT! NO! I DON'T WANT THIS!'
Annoyed and embarrassed that he could affect her this much, she squirmed and pounded on his chest. "NAKAGO! WAKE UP! You are suffocating me!"
Nakago opened his eyes and calmly gazed at her. He removed his arm around her and rolled over onto his side. Miaka looked down and found herself dressed with a night robe.
She blushed again. "You...did you..." She could form the question and Nakago unnerving eyed her and gave her a knowing smile. "Yes, I dressed you."
"Eh?!
"We were both naked last night when I carried you from the bath-" Nakago move towards her. Miaka closed her eyes and raised her hands to keep his distance. "Stop! I don't want to hear this!"
'No..then that means...he must have...'
Suddenly her train of thought was cut short and felt herself fall back on the bed. Miaka looked up and once again, came face to face with those piercing, cerulean eyes. His long, rare golden blonde hair slid smoothly down from his shoulders. He really looked beautiful and handsome. But this man in front of her...is cruel and ruthless.
"Who are you?" He questioned suddenly and looked dead serious.
"What?" She looked at him confused. His grip on her wrist tightened slightly, eyes narrowing. "Do not make me repeat myself. Who are you?"
"I...I'm..." Still confused, she stammered under his intense gaze. Nakago frowned at this.
"Are you really...the Suzaku no miko?"
The question surprised her and her eyes widen with shock. Why is he asking this all of a sudden. Did something happened last night? Or not...? Now, of all times, first thing in the morning, he is asking her if she is the priestess of Suzaku?!
"Do you even remember what happened last night?"
"Last night...I..." She searched her memories and the last thing she could remember was fainting in his arms. "...I fainted...didn't I?"
Nakago narrowed his eyes. 'She doesn't remember?'
Miaka glare, vein popping on her head and thought weirdly if he grew another head. "Wha-" She was about to ask him about last when suddenly a knock sounded at the door and heard several footsteps behind the door.
"Lord Nakago! Please forgive us but your presence is requested in court immediately! There was an attack at the border!"
Miaka gasped and Nakago slowly got up. "I understand. Leave us."
"Yes sir!"
Nakago stood up and casually, got dress. Miaka watched him, confused.
"Stop staring and get dress." He said curtly without looking at her. It was not a request but an order. Miaka blinked in surprised and quickly got up as well. She looked around and felt relieved that her things are in the room as well. Including her uniform.
Just when she was about to grab her uniform, Nakago stopped her hand from behind, making her yelp in surprise. Seriously, she didn't even hear him. "I suggest that you wear something...appropriate, my dear little wife." He looked at her meaningfully. She turned her head away, avoiding his alluring gaze. 'Stop looking over here!'
As annoying as he is, he was right. The looks she received yesterday from the men during their wedding were all disturbingly lewd and lustful. She wasn't even wearing her uniform at that time.
"Wear the clothes I gave you, you may choose any. Unless..." He smirked and looked at her suggestively. "...unless you want me to help you change?"
Miaka blushed several shades a this and pushed him aside. "Fine! I'll do it! Just keep your hands to yourself!"
He chuckled as he watched her stump her way towards her closet, grumbling all the way and choose a kimono robe. She gasped in awe at the quantity and quality of each. "Oh my gosh...which one...?" She didn't dare look through the betrothal gifts they sent to her. She feared that if she did, she would be tempted. Well, she didn't get tempted but still...fell in his traps!
'Brilliant Miaka, just brilliant!' she chided herself mentally.
"Why does this surprise you so much?" He taunted, tilting his head to the side.
"Shut up will you! I can't concentrate!"
...
After a record of thirty minutes tops they both emerged from their room and walked along the palace corridors, heading towards the court. All thanks to her husband. In the end she couldn't choose anything and let Nakago choose for her. He reasoned that one with high responsibility to the country, one shouldn't be late no matter the situation. And as usual he wore his armor and blue cloak.
She walked behind him quietly and examine the kimono he chose specifically for her. He chose a simple light blue-green kimono with dark blue flower embroidery and on her belt hung both the blue and white jade pendant. The design and style look simple but she could tell from the feeling of each layer of the material that it is very expensive. No doubt that all of the gifts he gave her suit the status that of a general's wife. When she hung the white jade pendant on her belt she noticed him eyeing it from the corner of his eyes. He didn't say anything and thus, she didn't ponder on it so much.
Miaka looked up when Nakago suddenly stopped. From the other side Miaka saw the emperor followed by his advisors and guards.
"Nakago." The emperor greeted eagerly and gave Miaka a knowing look.
Nakago bowed slightly. "Your majesty."
Miaka frowned suspiciously at the emperor and move closer to Nakago, unconsciously grabbing his arm. Nakago looked at her when he felt her touch, he could feel the uneasiness radiating from her. As clumsy and stupid his little wife could be at times at least she knew that the emperor isn't someone she could trust, Nakago thought dryly. This way, she would keep her distance from now on.
"Now, isn't this fascinating." The emperor eyed her suggestively. Miaka shrunk back involuntarily. She doesn't like where the conversation was heading. "How was she, Nakago?"
"We are closer than before, your majesty." Nakago suddenly replied. What he said didn't exactly disturbed her but rather the slight icy tone in his voice and his eyes unnervingly calm.
'I've...never seen him...like this before.' Miaka thought and felt a chill run down her spine.
"Oh?" The emperor smiled at this and laughed while his advisors snickered behind him. Most of them looked oblivious but some seemed to sense Nakago's warning.
"My little wife is so fiercely in love with me. I never have to worry about anyone stealing her away."
Miaka's eyes widen at this and she stared at him in disbelief. 'What do you mean in love?! In love my ass! I am definitely NOT fiercely in love you, jerk!'
Nakago smirked inwardly as Miaka hissed like a cat beside him. He simply lifted an eyebrow at her and this infuriated her even more. 'Jerk!'
"Isn't this nice. Now, I'm really jealous."
Miaka blinked, forgetting her thoughts, immediately she recognized the man's voice. "Bai?"
He walked towards them quickly gave a bow towards the emperor. "Your majesty."
"Hmm...Bai, I don't remember summoning you." The emperor said.
Bai smiled at this. "Yes your majesty." And walked towards Miaka. "I'm simply here to invite my my cute little wife for breakfast." As he said this he took her hand and pulled her towards him, smiling.
"Aren't you hungry, my dear?" He asked kindly. Almost ignoring Nakago. Miaka looked down and blushed awkwardly. She could feel Nakago's eyes on her from the back. When she was about to reply back her stomach decided to do the honors by growling, loud enough to wake the dead. Miaka blushed even darker at this and wished that the ground would swallow her up.
...
Meanwhile somewhere in mount Taikyouku. Taitsukun watched helplessly as Miaka's signatory chi change from that of Suzaku's to Seiryuu's. She knew it is not entirely Miaka's fault and what's worst, she can't do anything about it.
"Seiryuu...what have you done!" She muttered angrily under her breath.
End of Chapter 7
Author's note: FINALLY! I'M DONE WITH CHAPTER 7! BWAHAHAHA! ...Hai...(dropped dead). Anyways, to all of my readers hope you enjoyed reading this chapter and thank you so much for giving this fanfiction a chance. And please, don't forget to comment. hehehe The comments are awesome! Thank you so much for the support! Chapter 8 will be up soon! ^0^