Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yuugi or its characters. I do own the storyline and any original characters (if there are any). I do not profit from any of my fanfics.

Note:

Thank you to KittyLynne for her inspiration and her kind words. She is partially responsible for my eagerness to continue to write this story. I would have updated earlier if the document manager worked properly. It has been down for two days for me.

Chapter 2

Miaka awoke with her eyes covered in dried up tears. She rubbed them gently as she got up. Looking at the clock she remembered it was Monday and that meant she had to get ready for school. She took off her clothes and threw them in a pile on the bathroom floor. Stepping into the shower she grabbed the soap and scrubbed her skin quickly hoping to wash the thoughts from the night away. When finished she stepped into her school uniform and walked downstairs.

The house was very quiet this morning. Her mother had already left for a day of work. She put a note on the fridge to remind Miaka of the early meeting she had to attend. Miaka shoveled food into her mouth in mere seconds. She left the house quickly with books in hand.

Walking down the sidewalk she felt a small drop of rain hit her cheek. Looking up into the sky she saw rain clouds overhead beginning to move. She stood there shocked at how very black they were. It made her feel uncomfortable as she pictured the sky like a giant mouth chasing after her.

"Great," Miaka sighed. "All I need is for it to rain."

She quickened her pace to try to avoid any raindrops that may squeeze out. She continued along when at that moment a familiar car pulled up beside her.

"Get in Miaka, it's going to pour," her brother opened the passenger door.

She got in and situated herself comfortably.

"Geez Miaka don't you ever watch the weather forecasts?" he said teasingly.

She turned to him sticking her tongue out at him. He chuckled and they drove off. He was surprised that she didn't say anything about him teasing her. Normally she would tell him that she had a life and didn't have time to watch the news. He became a bit concerned about his little sister.

"What's wrong?" he said worryingly at the small girl.

"Nothing," she said turning away from his concerned glance.

Keisuke pulled the vehicle over pressing the brake quickly. He turned off the car and faced the depressed Miaka.

"I know what is wrong with you Miaka," he said slowly trying to identify her expression.

Miaka's eyes grew wide and then closed. She tried so hard to prevent the tears from coming down.

"I understand that you miss him, but you still need to live your life. That's what Tamahome would want you to do."

Miaka stared at the car mats. She didn't have the strength to look into her brother's eyes. Thunder and lightning crashed above them.

Keisuke was always so protective, but now he felt useless. There was nothing he could do to help his baby sister. Sure he could defend her when they were much younger against bullies and help her up when she fell and scraped her knee, but this was something that no words or band-aids could heal. Keisuke's mood changed as he heard Miaka sobbing. Anger spread through his body.

Tamahome did this to my little sister. He made her promises he didn't keep. I will never forgive him.

"Forget him," Keisuke said in a low voice.

Miaka looked up at him while tears still flowed. Her mouth was open wide in shock.

"Wh..what?"

"FORGET ALL ABOUT TAMAHOME!" he yelled. "Can't you see that he isn't coming back?"

"He's coming BACK!" she exclaimed.

Keisuke grabbed her small, cold hands in his. He held them tightly as if Miaka were about to fall of the earth. His face was cold and pale with worry in his expression. Rain hit the windshield hard.

"He broke a promise to you Miaka. Don't stop living your life, this beautiful life that has really only begun," he shook her hands as he spoke. "You are capable of so many amazing things and you can't throw them all away for a man who is not by your side."

Keisuke kissed his sister's hand and wrapped his arms around her lovingly.

"I don't want anything to happen to you." He closed his eyes and listened to her cry.

Miaka didn't know what to do. Could she possibly forget the man that she loved so much and move on? Could she find another out there that she could be with forever?

"No."

"What?" Keisuke grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"I WILL NEVER GIVE UP! TAMAHOME SAID THAT HE WOULD COME BACK!"

Miaka unlocked the car door and ran out into the storm-covered city. Keisuke called to her, but it was too late. She disappeared into the darkness.