Over the next few days Miaka had Hotohori and Tamahome organized the worthiest men in Konan to the palace. Even though she knew none of them had it, she knew she had to do this in order for Nuriko to make his appearance. "By your orders sire we have assembled the best men," said an advisor of the court. "You did well." "Raise your head if you have a character on your body!" said Miaka. She knew she sounded stupid but had to start it so Tamahome would start. "By just wanting it to the character won't appear. One might not even know it's there. So… I'll test them for you," he said. He ran at the group of men and started to beat them up. All the warriors were on the ground in just moments. "Tamahome why do you use brute force?" asked Hotohori.
Tamahome looked at him confused. "I guess Suzaku's seven guardians is my job. No matter what a real man would never hurt a girl," she said. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Nuriko and smiled. "Feel free to attack me." "Maiden of Suzaku, we couldn't. It would be disrespectful," said a guard. "That's what you say, but you're just afraid of me because I come from another world. You're just proud of your strength not you actually are actually Stupid! Morons! Fools!" They became angry and gripped their weapons. "Are any of you going to attack or are you too chicken?" They began screaming and running after her. "None of them are guardians." "Anyone would be angry after being insulted that much." Just then one of the men threw his weapon that hit gazebo and it started to collapse. "Miaka! Get out of there!"
Hotohori ran forward but Tamahome beat him to it and covered her as it collapsed on top of them. "Miaka!" shouted Hotohori. Yui ran into the courtyard because of all the commotion and saw to her own horror the collapsed gazebo. "Remove the debris quickly!" shouted Hotohori. "Hotohori!" he turned to see Yui running towards him. "Lady Yui please stay back." "Where is Miaka?" she asked. He looked towards the gazebo causing Yui to gasp and she ran forward to the start moving the rubble. "Miaka! Hang in there!" She started to cry as Hotohori started to help move the rubble in an attempt to rescue the two. "Hurry Hotohori we have to hurry," said Yui worriedly. Just then a woman walked up to them. "Leave this to me."
Hotohori grabbed Yui and held her in his arms as Nuriko started throwing piece after piece off of the two and when he removed the last of them everyone saw they were alright of the most part. "We look at that. They're still alive. You have the devil's own luck." Miaka smiled at Nuriko and nodded. "Are you two okay?" Tamahome stood up stretching. "No offense your majesty, but next time she starts insulting to try and get a warrior to reveal themselves, please let me stop her." Hotohori nodded as Yui was kneeling next to her friend. As Yui attempted to help her friend up Miaka cringed, but Hotohori rushed to her side and helped her stand up straight. Once she was standing straight Miaka leaned on Yui. "How is it you came by your strength?" "Oh, that I've always had it."
Just then Hotohori saw a red symbol and started reaching for it when he backed up. "What are you doing your Highness?" he asked. "Forgive me that symbol…" he began. "Oh, you me this. My name is Kourin, but my given name is Nuriko," he smiled. After introductions were made Miaka was carried to her room by Tamahome with Hotohori and Yui in tow. Yui kicked them both out as she tended to her leg. "Nnnh" "Honestly Miaka I wish I never saw that. I used to read it, but seeing it was scary. Please don't do that ever again. She nodded as Yui helped her from the chair into bed and covered her up. Stepping out she saw Hotohori and Tamahome waiting outside the door. "You can stop worrying she is going to be fine."
They nodded as she headed off to her own room. Packing up she made plans to head to Kutou tonight. She knew she would have to take a horse or she would never reach the empire before Miaka discovered her disappearance. Yui also knew that Miaka worried that Seiryu might devour her again. Once she was sure she had everything and that Miaka was asleep she left a note for Miaka and went to the stables to get a horse. Upon arriving she saw Hotohori. "Your Majesty…" "Yui… Miaka worried you would try and leave. She also told me who you were. I'm not mad, but are you really going to leave Miaka? She would be devastated," he said. "I'm sorry but as the Priestess of Seiryu I have to complete my own duty." He nodded before pulling out a sword. "What are you doing?" she asked. "I promised Miaka I wouldn't let you leave unless you prove you can take care of yourself." He handed her a sword and she began to spar with him. Twenty minutes later he called a truce. "I see that we are evenly matched. I will allow you to leave, but please allow one of my most trusted guards to escort you to the edge of the Kutou Empire."
Nodding he called one of his attendants to escort Lady Yui to the edge of the Kutou empire. Allowing them to leave she smiled at Hotohori as waved at them. Just as she left Miaka showed up panicking to see Yui leave the gates. Running forward as best as she could she tried to catch up to Yui, but Hotohori stopped her. "No let me go Hotohori! She's leaving. I can't let her! YUI!" she cried. Falling to the ground Hotohori knelt before her. "Miaka, I promise she would be fine. I didn't let her leave until I was sure. Not only is she an excellent swordswoman, but I also sent one of my most trusted guards to escort her. she will be fine," he said. "You don't understand. I can't let it happen again. She'll get devoured by Seiryu!" she cried.
Hotohori picked her up and carried her back to his room. Laying her on the bed he let her cry as he combed through her hair with his fingers. "Miaka, what did you mean by you can't let it happen again. That Yui will be devoured by Seiryu?" he asked. "I know you probably won't believe me, but we went through this before. I was separated from all of you when our story ended before, but Yui saw how miserable I really was even though I tried to hide it. She prayed to the beast gods to let us return to this world forever even if it was just me. She wanted to make me happy even if it meant she lost a friend. Upon being granted it we were erased from our world so even after the gods are summoned and everything is done, we will remain here. I don't mind if you don't believe me, but I do know where to find the last four warriors."
"Miaka are you saying you will stay here and live in Konan?" She nodded as Hotohori stood up. "Miaka when this is over, I want you to stay and live with me as my wife." Hotohori left as she cried. Yui was gone and now she would have to face the feelings she had for both Tamahome and Hotohori all on her own again. Sleep soon claimed her, and she knew she would have to start trying to be nice to Nuriko all over again in the morning.