The next day it was far more difficult to get along with Nuriko because he thought she had spent the night with the Emperor. By lunch time Miaka had, had it with him. "Oh, cut it out Nuriko. You are a man so why can't you act like one instead of acting like the woman you pretend to be." "How…?" Miaka laughed at how Nuriko looked. "I would tell you, but even if you did you wouldn't believe me. I hope you will believe me though when I tell you we become really good friends. Nuriko ran off to the Pavilion and leaned over the edge when Tamahome showed up. "Tamahome," he smiled. Looking up he saw Nuriko. "Oh, hey Nuriko. What are you doing out here?"
"Nothing I was just thinking…" "About what?" he asked. "Tamahome, tell me honestly. Do you feel as if you know Miaka from before?" "So, you have the same feeling too. I thought I was going crazy." He shook his head and smiled. Just then they heard a splash not far off from the pond. Looking over they saw a pink ribbon float up. "Miaka!" they shouted. Running over they met up with Hotohori who looked just as worried. "What Happened?" asked Tamahome. Hotohori looked at them and shook his head. "I don't know I just saw her leaning over the pond and she fell in." Just then Miaka popped back up. Blinking at the three guardians she smiled. "Hello everyone."
They backed up as they she pulled herself out and stood up. "Nuriko can I talk to you for a moment." He nodded and followed her until they were out of earshot of the other two. "Listen Nuriko I know what you think happened last night with Hotohori, but it didn't. I promise you it didn't. He brought me back there because I was upset that Yui left. She has been my best friend for ages and her leaving was hard on me." Nuriko looked the other way, but Miaka grabbed his hand and placed a pretty stone in the center. "Look I know what I said was wrong, but the secret is yours to tell not mine. I won't tell the others until you are ready to."
Nuriko smiled and it made Miaka feel warm inside. "Thank you Miaka." The two walked back to the men and decided to have dinner before she would start to work on a plan. Back in her room she was getting ready for dinner when she saw her diary laying on the bed. Opening it she fell backwards as it was the one she had here before. Smiling she thanked Suzaku. This would give her a slight advantage that she would need in finding everyone.
Grabbing her diary, she headed to the dining room for dinner. After everyone finished eating Hotohori gave her permission to use his study. She settled in his chair and opened the diary. Grabbing a scroll, she made notes for anything she deemed important. It was nearing dawn when she felt herself dozing off, but not before a pair of arms picked her up and carried her back to her room.
The next morning, she woke to a commotion. She sat up and realized she wasn't in the study nor was this her room. Looking around Miaka realized she was in Hotohoris' room. Puzzled as to how she got the she decided to find out later. Getting up she stretched and noticed that there was a beautiful Kimono laying over the chair with a note on it.
My dearest Miaka,
As you have told me that you won't be returning to your world once Suzaku is summoned, I have taken it upon myself to order you some proper attire that you may wear. The first one arrived last night and I hope you like it.
All my love,
Hotohori
Setting the letter down she lifted it up and smiled. It was simple yet beautiful at the same time. The light pink skirts matched the pink trim on the top while the rest was white except for the hot pink obi. Along the trim of the top were embroidered flowers. Just then she heard a knock and Hotohori smiled as he entered. Setting the kimono aside she looked up at him to see concern in his eyes.
"Hotohori, what's wrong?" she asked. "My guard that escorted Lady Yui has returned, but he was attacked by General Nakago." The Horror that showed on her face saddened Hotohori. "Do not fear Miaka. Lady Yui made it to Kotou before Nakago discovered my guard. He assured me of that," he said. He heard her let out a sigh of relief. "Miaka, why don't you get dressed and go enjoy yourself with Nuriko and Tamahome." She nodded and grabbed the kimono. Heading behind the changing screen she got dressed and went to find two of her guardians, but not before thanking the Emperor for the Kimono. Looking within the palace walls she couldn't find them anywhere. After twenty minutes of no luck Miaka started asking some of the guards and discovered they had gone out. Deciding to trail after them she dawned a cape and escaped the palace.
About fifteen minutes later she saw Tamahome and Nuriko selling something. Upon a closer look she noticed it was the gum she had in her pocket when she had arrived. Shaking her head, she silently asked Suzaku why. It didn't take long before she revealed herself to the crowd. Eventually they had to run and were being confronted by the Mafia. Worry filled her heart as Nuriko and Tamahome defended her. Something felt off, but she couldn't put her finger on it. The rain started to pour and one of the men grabbed her causing Tamahome to get angry. "Let go of her you Bastard!" Tamahome punched the guy as Miaka fell forward, but Nuriko caught her. "Miaka are you alright?" "I'm fine Nuriko really," she smiled. Miaka started to feel light headed and collapsed on the ground. "Miaka! Miaka can you hear me!?" they shouted.
Nuriko felt her forehead. "Tamahome she's burning up! We need to get her back to the palace now!" Tamahome picked her up and they raced back to the palace. Once there they got her back to her room. Nuriko yelled at some maids to help her. "Tamahome go send for a doctor now! You there get the Emperor!" They ran off with their orders and Nuriko helped the maids undress and get her in warm clothes before putting her to bed. The Emperor rushed in as Nuriko stood up. "Your High…" "What Happened!" Nuriko looked terrified and said he didn't really know. Sighing he sat and waited for the Doctor to arrive.
An hour later Tamahome returned with the Doctor. He gave a quick bow to Hotohori and went to work with checking Miaka over. The doctor looked at the Emperor sadly. "Your Majesty, she's very weak. Being the Priestess of Suzaku is a heavy responsibility. She's stressed and exhausted, both mentally and physically. The Priestess is strong, but her spirit…" "Will she recover?" asked Hotohori. "I can't see for sure." "Mom... Keisuke… Yui…" Hotohori looked at Miaka. "Tamahome, Nuriko." "Yes sire," they both said. "We need to talk."
They followed him to his private study and he sat down. "Take a seat both of you. We must discuss what to do for Miaka. If we don't do something, she may get even worse and possibly die." "Then send her back to her world," said Nuriko. "Oh, come off it Nuriko, you wanted to get rid of her since day one," said Tamahome. The two started to bicker but stopped when Hotohori slammed his fists on his desk. "Stop it both of you! If I could I would send her back, but I can't not even Taiitsukun can!" shouted Hotohori. Suddenly he looked up and smiled. "Taiitsukun!" "Taiitsukun?" they questioned. "The one who gave us Suzaku's Universe of the four gods. Taiitsukun lives on Mt. Taikyoku. She may not be able to send her back, but she could help Miaka get better."
"Sire why can't Miaka be sent back?" asked Nuriko. "That Nuriko is not for me to tell you. If you want to know you will have to ask Miaka herself. Make the preparations to leave. We leave at first light tomorrow." They nodded and went to get ready. Hotohori went to go check on her and saw she was awake. "How are you feeling?" "A little better, but I'll be fine." She smiled at him, but he could tell it was forced. He sat on the bed and stroked her hair. "I have sent word to Lady Yui about your condition. As we speak a messenger is waiting in Kotou to deliver the letter to her. We will be leaving at first light to Mt. Taikyoku," he said. Her eyes widened in shock and shook her head. "But what good will it do to go see Taiitsukun? I can't go back you know that," said Miaka.
"Miaka I know that, but she may be able to help you get better." She started to cry and held onto him. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." "Miaka? Why are you sorry?" She went on to explain what would happen leaving out the part about Nuriko, but Hotohori pulled her into a hug and put his chin on top of her head. "Listen to me Miaka, I don't care what happened before. We will come out before any of that happens. Now get some sleep." He stood up and left as she closed her eyes. Miaka tried to believe what Hotohori said, but it was hard when she knew the truth.