Miaka found Yui with Tamahome near the pavilion. "Yui, I just got a letter from Hotohori." Handing it over Yui read it.
My Dearest Miaka,
I hope this letter reaches you in good health. Sadly, Nuriko and I have reached a snag in our journey. We will be delayed a little while later. As it turns out the warrior Tasuki has since passed. We will be returning as soon as it is safe to travel.
Sincerely yours,
Hotohori
Yui looked up to see Miaka was gone. Panic struck her and she began looking for her. Meanwhile Miaka had changed into her travel clothes with tears in her eyes. She realized it was foolish to send those two alone to collect Tasuki and it was a bad idea from the beginning. Once changed she dawned her cloak, wiped her tears, and slipped out of the palace. She was about an hour away when she heard someone following her. Keeping calm, she walked on only to have the person keep following her. Eventually she whipped herself around to see who it was only to come face to face with Tamahome. "You gave me a scare Tamahome," she said placing a hand over her heart.
"Forgive me Miaka, but Yui is worried. You left in such a rush that we weren't able to talk." "Regardless of what that letter says Tasuki is alive and I should have gone with those two. Please return to Yui and let her know I'm alright. She will worry if you don't return soon." Tamahome looked at her for a moment more before he nodded and got of his horse. "Miaka, it is my duty to protect you, but if I allow you to go by yourself Hotohori will have my head." She looked at him and nodded. Getting back on the horse he pulled Miaka up in front of him. Taking the reigns, he held her close and they started their journey.
Several hours later she reached the top of Mount Reikaku. Slipping off the horse after it stopped, they started to walk by foot. She knew her capture was inevitable but hoped to find Nuriko and Hotohori first. It didn't take long before the bandits found and surrounded them. They knocked them out and took them to their hideout. Miaka groaned and woke up sometime later. Realizing where she was she bolted up right to see the bandits looking at her.
"Hey you're awake," said one. "Now play nice or we'll hurt ya," said another. Just then a man who she recognized as Koji came in. "Hey, the new boss wants the girl we just captured." "What? But he already has two in there with him. Genro is so greedy." "Don't argue just hand her over," said Koji. She followed him down the hall. Once they were a good distance the room, she had been in he grabbed her wrists and cut the bindings with his knife. Next, he untied the bandana that was keeping he from speaking. "Sorry about that. Genro said I had to get you away from them. I'm not sure why, but he said you wouldn't run so I thought I would make you more comfortable." He started to walk again so she followed him farther down the hall and he opened a door to reveal Tasuki with Nuriko and Hotohori in the corner. "Genro, I brought the new girl have fun." He left and Miaka was face to face with Tasuki himself. "Miaka!" "Hotohori!" She started to cry and ran up to him. She didn't know what happened next, but she he grabbed both sides of her face and kissed her.
She was surprised but gladly returned the kiss and smiled. When they broke apart, he held her close. "You idiot why did you come?" he asked. "Because Tasuki is before you and you didn't even know it." "WHAT!" They said in unison. "Miaka, that's not possible after the defeat of Eiken, Genro took over and told us that Tasuki was dead," said Nuriko. She folded her arms and looked at the orange haired man. "Then he won't mind showing us his wrist." She smiled as he grumbled.
"Smart girl. Yes, I am the celestial warrior, but tell me how did you know?" he asked. "That is a secret, but please come with us we could use your help." He looked at the three and Koji came through with Tamahome. "Koji…" He nodded at Tasuki as he let out a sigh while nodding. "It is my destiny after all I guess I can't run away from it." Miaka walked up to him and put a hand on his arm. "Tasuki, I want you to come only if you want to. We all do. You should never be forced to do something you don't want to do. The choice is completely up to you. We leave in the morning." With that Miaka left as Koji showed the four of them to a room where they could stay for the night.