Mira: Chapter 5, yes!
Myra: Not owning anything.
Pairings: Tasuki/Kagome, Tamahome/Miaka
Chapter 5: Bewildered Heartbeat
The morning was bright and airy, in sharp contrast to the dim shadows inside the Emperor of Konan's palace. Tamahome, Kagome and Nuriko stood stiffly next to Miaka's bed, Hotohori kneeling on the floor beside them. He gently poured soup into the ill girl's mouth. Her cheeks were flush with fever, and her body drenched with sweat. She swallowed the soup and breathed heavily before collapsing limply back onto the sheets.
The Priestess of The Shikon Jewel was profusely worried for her friend's health. Kagome knelt by Miaka's beside and put a hand to the other girl's forehead, shining with pink miko energy. She focused on bringing out the healing part of her power and was able to abolish some of her fever. "There. I did what I could, Hotohori. But her fever is still at a dangerous level! What should we do?"
"Miaka," Hotohori whispered, fear in his voice. He regained his composure after a moment. "Thank you, Kagome. I am gracious you could do at least that."
Fists clenched, Tamahome's own voice was subdued. "I'm sorry. I was with her when this happened."
"Tamahome." The Emperor stood, his voice stern with suppressed anger. "What happened in the city? The reasons this happened will determine whether or not I punish you." His tone was iced with the cold steel of a born ruler.
The events vividly replayed themselves in Tamahome's mind, forcing him to relive the truth in glaring detail.
"Why did you go that far for me? ANSWER ME!" Miaka cried, her face tormented with emotion
"It's not important."
Her voice echoed through his mind, "It is to me! Because I...I...I love you Tamahome!"
After everything he had seen and overheard in Hotohori's room the other evening, he could never tell the full story. Tamahome's eyes were cast in shadow when he answered his Emperor "I saved her from some street thugs. That's all."
Hotohori silently watched him, eyes narrowed. Kagome's eyes narrowed as well. She saw what happened in the alley and was extremely displeased how cold Tamahome had been to Miaka. He could of just let her down gently but he had to go and say it like THAT! Jerk!
"Emperor-" a voice called from the side. "The Priestess is very weak. Being The Priestess of Suzaku is a heavy responsibility," the Imperial doctor solemnly stated. "She is stressed and exhausted, both physically and mentally. Completely worn out. She is a strong girl, but her spirit..." he trailed off.
"Will she recover?" Hotohori asked.
The doctor closed his eyes. "I can't be certain."
"Mother—" The weak, trembling whisper barely managed to escape Miaka's dry lips. "Keisuke..."
The three Suzaku Celestial Warriors and Kagome stared down at the girl, stiff with worry. Standing over her, the truth hit Tamahome like one of his own enraged punches. "You...want to go back, " he whispered, eyes wide.
"To your world?" Hotohori queried in a low voice. Then sadly bent his head, then he straightened.
"Kagome. Tamahome. Nuriko."
"Yes," they answered together.
"I want to speak with you." The Emperor left the room without another word.
Inside the Emperor's state room, Hotohori leaned his arms on his wooden desk. Tamahome and Nuriko stood on either side of the room, facing him. Kagome stood next to Nuriko, wondering about their next course of action. Miaka obviously needed to recover but how?
"Is there anything we can do for her?" Hotohori asked, leaning his forehead onto clasped hands. He silently studied the wood grain of his desk, mind blank. "She will worsen if we don't do something."
Nuriko delicately held a plump cherry in her hand. "In her case, I say let her return to her own world." She tossed the bit of fruit in her mouth.
"Nuriko, behave yourself!" Tamahome admonished.
"But who knows the way to the other world?" Hotohori asked himself, mind hopelessly running over the possibilities. A name leaped into focus, and he started. "Taiitsukun!"
"The Taiitsukun?" the other two echoed. The Priestess in the room was confused though. Who?
"Taiitsukun? Who's that?" Hotohori looked at her and started explaining,
"Taiitsukun is a great sage. It was Taiitsukun who gave us the scroll of The Universe of the Four Gods. It is said that Taiitsukun is a very powerful being and can do extraordinary things. Taiitsukun lives in Mount Taikyoku and is some sort of hermit, or so they say. Perhaps this one can transport Miaka back to your world and she can heal there."
The Emperor voice rang out sharply through the still air, "Attendant! Bring me The Universe of The Four Gods at once!"
"I'll go with you too. I need to go back to my world too. I need to get supplies, extra clothes and Kirara, my two-tailed cat demon. If I'm going to be caught up in another adventure, she'll want to help too!" Kagome said with a smile, thinking of faithful Kirara. "Plus I could help Miaka recover in our world and then we could both come back to this world and gather the other Warriors of Suzaku."
The Emperor looked puzzled for a moment before asking, "A cat demon you say? If you think that this Kirara will be able to help on the quest then that is fine."
Kagome's face lit up. "Oh thank you Hotohori! I can't wait to introduce you guys to Kirara! She's this cute little cat and I know you'll love her!"
Tamahome smiled at the thought. "Well I can't wait to meet Kirara then."
Nuriko was excited to see the cute cat demon as well. "Oh Kagome! I can't wait to see this cute cat of yours!"
Kagome smiled at their enthusiasm. "My friend Sango, a demon slayer from the Feudal Era gave her to me when our quest was over to help protect the Shikon Jewel in her place." She was caught up in the memory of her parting with Sango for a minute then was drawn out of her thoughts.
The three other people in the room were silent as submerged in memories from the past. The attendant had returned with the scroll and the Emperor had begun to make arrangements.
"Becaus I...I...I love you Tamahome!" Miaka yelled at the distant Tamahome. She felt her heart pounding, out of control, within her breast. She clamped her hands over her mouth in shock. Dismay raced through her when she realized what she had let escape her lips.
The man stood silently for a moment, then slowly looked over his shoulder. "Sorry. I don't Feel anything like that." He disappeared into the darkness.
"Tamahome," Miaka whispered after his apparition. The flush slowly faded from her cheeks, her eyes opened, and the ceiling came into fuzzy focus. "Where am I?" She struggled to organize her mind, then suddenly gasped at the fading memory of her dream. Miaka rolled over onto her side, eyes quivering. That's right! I...Tamahome...how stupid of me! I just realized that i'm in love, and I've already scared him away. Tears spilled from her eyes; Miaka hid her head in her arms. How can I ever face Tamahome now? Her shoulders silently shook.
The door hinges squealed. She pushed herself up from the sheets.
"Who's there?"
"Miaka." A shadowed figure walked towards her, the light from her bedside lantern slowly revealing Hotohori's regal form.
"Hotohori," Miaka welcomed with a fatigued smile.
"Are you well?"
"Yes. A bit weak, though."
He sat beside her on the large bed, his voice gentle. "Miaka, don't worry. I've found a way to return you to your world."
She leaned forward and placed a hand on his arm. "Really?"
A stately nod was her answer. "We will go see Taiitsukun."
"Taiitsukun?"
"To send you back, we have to travel to Mount Taikyoku, where Taiitsukun lives. Only the Priestess's Celestial Warriors can take you with their powers." Hotohori lifted his graceful hands to his red and gold imperial cap. He raised the cap from his head. His long hair, freed from its constraint, cascaded in gray waves to settle around his shoulders in a luxurious sea. Strong and confident, Hotohori's eyes held Miaka's own. "It is far away, but I, Tamahome, and Nuriko will take you there. Kagome will come as well, she needs to go back as well to gather supplies for our journey."
Miaka ripped her gaze away from Hotohori's compelling eyes and stared down at the bed sheets. "But Konan country will be in trouble if I leave. It needs me. And it needs Kagome's help as well."
Hotohori leaned close to the girl; his hand caressed her face. "It's okay. I have expected too much of you." He stroked her cheek. "It is more important for you to take care of your heath right now."
Miaka's voice trembled at his gentle touch. "Hotohori..." She could not find the words.
As if sensing her distress, the Emperor spoke before she could continue. "But I want you to make a promise."
His face, so very close to her own, filled her vision. She could feel the heat of his body on her already flushed skin. Hotohori's eyes spoke more than any words could ever convey. "After you go back to your world and are well again, please return. Return to this country, and return to me. Bring Kagome with you when you are well and you two can save Konan." He closed the windows to his soul and hugged Miaka tightly against his chest.
Embraced in his strong arms, surrounded by his presence, the Emperor overwhelmed Miaka's mind. Confused, she tried to make sense of the emotions pulling at her heart. Hotohori worries so much about me. But—of course. If I can go back to my world, I'll be able to forget about Tamahome. Finally able to settle on a plan, the girl's mind eased. In the meantime, I'll apologize to him for saying those things and placing him in that situation. I'll say "I'm sorry."
Tamahome silently leaned against the wall outside Miaka's door. He stayed there a moment longer before pushing away to silently walk down the causeway, hands in pockets, mind turning over the import of what he had again witnessed between Miaka and the Emperor.
Behind him, Kagome and Nuriko skidded around the corner of the building, fuming. With a snarl, the Purple-haired maiden heaved a table at him. The heavy wooden piece of furniture slammed full-length into his back, sending Tamahome face-first onto the floor.
"What's with the grief-stricken face?" Nuriko snarled above him, rolling up her sleeves. "It's your own fault for rejecting Miaka!"
Tamahome shoved the table off and leaped upwards, arms waving. "Shut up!" He yelled in her face. "This has nothing to do with you!"
"Yes it does!" Nuriko yelled back, hands on hips. She suddenly clutched his shirt, eyes huge and sparked with desperation. "If I don't do something, the Emperor won't notice me!" She took a deep breath and shifted her grip to Tamahome's throat, throttling him with her vice-like grip. His face turned red, eyes popping out of their sockets.
"So would you kindly apologize to Miaka?" she demanded. Caught up in the moment, the woman dropped Tamahome and clutched her hands together, eyes closed in bliss, imaging a star-lit heaven. "Then the Emperor will be mine!" she breathed.
Tamahome gasped for air, hands massaging his abused neck. "You're so damned selfish!"
She snapped one arm straight out, index finger waving in his face. "What? Aren't you a man? You hurt her." Her face grew cocky. "You love Miaka, don't you?"
Kagome had anger in her eyes. "You should apologize to Miaka. It wasn't very nice of you to reject her so cruelly. Though I have to agree with Nuriko; you have some sort of feelings for her."
Tamahome just stood there, sweat drop prominent.
Nuriko smiled evilly at his silence, a much better answer than any words. "What a pity. You're jealous of the Emperor."
His expression turned nasty, and he leaned forward, hands on his own hips. "Jealous? Humph! Me?" He snorted. "Let's stop kidding ourselves. I just met Miaka a short time ago." He turned away and smiled. "Me, I have a soft spot for only one thing: cold, hard, CASH." He accented each blessed syllable with a shake of his finger, then spun about and walked away. "That's why I'm not jealous," he insisted.
Nuriko let him leave, disbelief written all over her face. Idiot.
"Tamahome, you do know that Hotohori has know Miaka for a shorter amount of time and has already confessed his love to her, right?" Asked a fuming Kagome. 'What a jerk! I should make him a set of prayer beads! That would show him!'
Tamahome walked around the corner of the building, paused, and resumed leaning against the wall. He tiled his head back and studied the sky, mind roiling.
"Jealous, eh?" It bothered him that Kagome and Nuriko might very well be right.
Miaka, Kagome and their three Celestial Warriors stood in the center of the Palace courtyard, surrounded by servants and soldiers. Everyone was bustling about, packing saddlebags and preparing for the upcoming journey to Mount Taikyoku.
"Emperor, you needn't accompany them," one of Hotohori's advisors stated.
Hotohori's voice had a trace of a smile. "Now, now, if an Emperor can't travel his own country, then how can he rule?"
"But even dressed casually, you still look too dignified to pass for a commoner."
Laughing, Hotohori turned and playfully pushed the other man's forehead with one finger. "No matter how you word it, it's still a compliment." He laughed again.
Miaka watched him with tired frustration. "It would be better for everyone if he wasn't so narcissistic." A sudden sound from behind made her turn. With trembling eyes, she watched Tamahome lifted a bundle up from the ground.
He had changed his blue tunic with yellow trim for a dark shirt that had a sleeveless gray overtunic, tired around his waist with a red sash. As if sensing her gaze upon him, Tamahome looked up to meet the girl's eyes. He started. The pair quickly snapped about to face in opposite directions.
Kagome sighed in disappointment. I was hoping that Miaka and Tamahome would have made up by now….I hope their able to by the time Miaka and I go back home. It wouldn't be good if they had unfinished business. She then looked to Nuriko, who was standing to the right of her. Kagome suddenly had a quick thought and a mischievous smile graced her pink lips. Maybe Nuriko can help me push those two in the right direction.
Nuriko stood between them, her maids making last-minute adjustments to her own traveling robes. The third Warrior looked from the blushing girl to the nervous man, then back again, and realized the sour truth. They haven't made up yet! She inwardly screamed and waved her arms in the air, fuming with impatience and anger. How frustrating!
Completely unaware of the conflict with his fellow Warriors and Priestesses, Hotohori gave his final orders to his retainers. Mounted on his horse, Miaka perched in the saddle in front, he addressed his counselors one last time. "Look after things during my absence."
The heavy palace doors swung open. The Emperor nudged his horse forward, and they trotted forth into the city. Tamahome, Kagome and Nuriko followed on their own mounts, the four horses' hooves clopping out a sharp staccato tune on the cobblestones.
Behind them, the Palace retainers solemnly watched their beloved Emperor leave them without a backward glance.
The group steadily traveled over the crest of a barren hill, the city of Konan reduced to a glittering emerald in the distance. The sun burned through the hot morning air, bathing the land around them with harsh light. The landscape was disturbingly barren and devoid of life, a wasteland decorated only with dust, rocks, and bleached bones.
"Now that we are on our way, we will be fine," Hotohori commented. He pulled back the cowl of Miaka's protective cloak. Riding beside the pair, Tamahome glanced at her from the corner of his eye, then quickly averted his gaze. Kagome was given the signal to abandon her cloak too.
Miaka bit her lip and stared down at the horse's wiry mane. This is awkward.
Feeling the tension himself, Tamahome gritted his teeth. We need to make conversation, or something. His hands tightened on the reins.
This heavy atmosphere needs to be lightened, Miaka's thoughts unknowingly echoed. In a sudden spurt of energy, the girl brandished an imaginary twig in the air. "I bought this stick today!" she called out. "Awesome!"
The dry wind blew past with a soft whoosh. Miaka wisely decided to let the atmosphere remain as heavy as it wanted.
Kagome pulled her own horse alongside Nuriko's and the two began chatting amicably. The Priestess spoke of her plan to bring Tamahome and Miaka together and Nuriko was quick to agree with the young Priestess.
Wasteland left behind, the five travelers camped for the night in a misty wood, a sharp contrast to the journey's bleary beginning. The cool, moist air was a relief on their parched skin.
Hotohori and Tamahome sat on the ground, resting weary muscles. Kagome was asleep, resting against a tree close to the two warriors. A concealing distance away, Miaka leaned her forehead heavily against a sturdy tree. "The fever's back," she softly gasped out, eyes squeezed closed against the relapse. "I overdid it today."
A shadow fell over the girl, "Miaka," Nuriko playfully called.
The girl snapped straight with a gasp, then turned and tiredly smiled when she saw who it was. "Oh, it's just you, Nuriko."
"Miaka, you're feeling pain, yes?" The woman's hands were clasped together; she leaned invitingly forward. "I'll tell ya something good!" She pointed away into the trees with one long, graceful hand. "Deeper in the forest, there's a waterfall. It has the power to cure disease. Why don't you try it?" Nuriko smiled most benignly. "Might make you feel better."
"Nuriko." Miaka blinked, then stood. "Okay...thank you. You're a real friend." The girl trotted away in the direction the other had indicated. "Don't tell Tamahome," she said over her shoulder, not wanting him or the Emperor to worry about her relapse.
"Okay!" Nuriko agreed with an unseen, manipulative smile. This might not of been what Kagome imagined but it's a great idea!
His head pillowed on his saddlebags, Tamahome rolled over onto his right side, softly snoring. Nuriko walked up to him and clamped a strong hand around his ankle. She hauled him away from their camp, his head knocking against the rocks that conveniently appeared in the path.
"What is it with you?" Tamahome demanded, his eyes filled with tears of pain.
Nuriko leaned close to him. "I have a message from Miaka." She smiled. "'I'll wait for you by the waterfall.'"
"Why me?" he snarled.
Her eyes suddenly blazing, Nuriko clamped both hands around his neck and shook Tamahome like an enraged terrier with a scrawny rat. "Be a man! Don't hurt the girl's feelings!" she yelled at him, then suddenly dropped him to the ground. She turned away with a happy smile, confident with her plan. "Kay, Bye!"
Miaka carefully made her way through the dense foliage of the darkening woods. Insects and birds sang around the girl, accompanying her journey. A cool scent carried on the breeze made her run the last few steps.
"Here it is!" She smiled.
The waterfall was a tiny cascade that chuckled soothingly into the expanse of a moonlight pool. I don't want everyone to worry about me. The girl shrugged out of her jacket and dropped it with relief onto the damp grass.
"The Priestess of Suzaku found the waterfall in the deep forest and removed her clothes."
Yui silently studied the line drawing of the undressing woman on the page of The Universe of The Four Gods book. Eyes trembling, she held the back of her hand to her forehead. Her cheeks were flushed, and sweat collected in hot droplets on her skin.
I have the same fever as the Priestess of Suzaku. The realization hit her with a sudden chill. Everything that happens to the Priestess of Suzaku, also happens to me!
The girl leaned over the book, bracing her hands on either side of its fading pages. She had to keep reading.
Miaka stood, the water lapping about her bare shoulders. "It's warm, like a hot spring," she said to herself. Behind her, a shadow passed over the water next to the grassy bank. "I should tell Kagome about this, I know she would love to bathe in a hot spring again!"
Tamahome walked, pouting, his arms crossed behind his head. "I'm going, but not because Miaka asked me to. I'm bored, that's why."
A heavy black form slipped from the bank into the water with a loud splash. Miaka turned at the noise and screamed.
Fear lanced through Tamahome's body. "Miaka!" he shouted.
The girl dove beneath the waves, arms and legs flailing, trying to escape the looming shape in the pool's shadowy depths.
Miaka's scream cut through the night again, urging Tamahome forward. He flew towards the sound. "Miaka!" He leaped from the pool's bank, one foot extended in a kick at the black shape's center. "Escape, Miaka!" he cried as his kick connected. Tamahome and the girl's attacker disappeared with a great splash into the depths of the water.
Arms hugging herself, Miaka tensely waited for him to emerge. She worriedly looked about the water's disturbed surface. "Tamahome! Tamahome!" Miaka took a deep breath. "Tamahome!" She shivered once and stared down at the water in front of her.
Tamahome couldn't have...died...trying to save me! The girl waited a second more, then raised her hands to her face. "Tamahome was eaten by a snake!" she sobbed out in despair.
Behind her, the dead man slowly surfaced. "I'm not dead," he grumbled, sweat drop prominent.
Miaka turned, tears in her eyes. "Tamahome..."
With one hand on a large log, the man eyed the girl with annoyed disappointment. "You thought this was a snake? It's a soggy log that was drifting."
She laughed with relief, one hand on her forehead. "Oh, sorry."
Suddenly realizing what he was seeing, Tamahome's eyes turned into saucers, focused on Miaka's floating, dewed bosom. He quickly yanked his gaze up to Miaka's face. Her own eyes widened, and both girl and man simultaneously whipped about, Miaka hastily covering herself with both arms.
"I didn't see anything!" Tamahome insisted, a traitorous blush revealing otherwise.
They both stood in the water, hearts pounding.
Miaka's grip on her upper arms softened. This is my chance. Apologize, Miaka! Tell him you're sorry for saying you love him! Tell him it was just a joke! She squeezed her eyes shut. "Sor—
"Sorry!" they cried together.
Miaka gasped and stared into nothing.
They were both silent a moment more, until Tamahome turned and spoke, his voice soft and uncertain. "When you said that...what I replied was not kind." He looked down at the gentle waves of the dark pool. "It's the first time a woman has ever said she loved me. I thought...it couldn't be true." He turned away again. "I didn't know what to say.
"For seventeen years, the only thing that's been on my mind is money. I still think that way."
Tamahome slowly moved through the water and stepped out onto the shore. He knelt there, then looked over his shoulder. "But, I'll take you to Taiitsukun's place." Tamahome stood and faced into the woods. "Recover as quickly as you can."
Miaka could see only his back, but his voice was warm and earnest.
Tamahome... She watched as he quickly ran back to their camp, listening until his footsteps faded into the night creatures' song.
The sharp snaps of breaking wood cracked out into the air. Nuriko and Kagome plummeted down from a tree on the pool's bank, landing with a painful thunk on the grass, still damp from Tamahome's emergence.
"Nur-i-ko! Ka—go—me!" Miaka squeezed out in dismay with a very large sweat drop.
"Shit!" Nuriko snapped her fingers in disappointment and turned towards her accomplice. "I was sure he'd make a play for her, Kagome."
"That means—you guys deceived me!" The girl leaped at the other woman, fangs bared. She clamped both her arms around Nuriko in a warm, wet hug. "Arigatou!"
Nuriko made an annoyed face and pushed the girl back. "Unhand me!"
With a wide smile, Miaka grasped Nuriko's collar and shook her back and forth. "It's great! Tamahome doesn't hate me after all!" Her eyes opened to see Nuriko's loose collar slide off one pale shoulder. Miaka stared at the bared flesh with a strangled noise. She pushed back for a better view and gaped at the very flat chest before her.
Kagome gasped out in shock at what Miaka's horseplay had revealed. A big shock, indeed! Nuriko is a he? "OH MY GOD!"
'Well, that would explain the aura.' Thought Kagome
"N-nothing? You're-a-MAN?" Visions of over-muscled men clad in jockey shorts flashed before the girl's eyes. A bombshell of shock exploded in Miaka's brain.
Nuriko gaily laughed. "You'll note I can't do anything as a man. So I am one. What of it?" the Warrior hugged himself.
"Even though you're a man, you love Hotohori!" Miaka leaned into Nuriko. "And you kissed Tamahome on the lips!"
With a smile, Nuriko leaned back, pinky proudly held aloft. "Oh your so naïve! Sex doesn't matter when it comes to true love!."
Miaka grimaced. I've suddenly developed a headache. I wonder if I'll be able to reach Taiitsukun's mountain safely.
Tamahome stood in the prow of the long, thin boat that moved down the river. Even the horses enjoyed the break in traveling. Miaka leaned on the side of the boat and listened to the sound of the water. Ahhhh, I'm already wiped out. When will we arrive at Mount Taikyoku? I want to return to my world as quickly as I can.
"How about we eat at the next village?" Hotohori brightly offered.
Miaka instantly brightened. "Okay!" Kagome sweatdropped at her friend's quick mood change at the talk of food.
Head pillowed on her arms, Miaka groaned. "I can't take anymore! I'm too tired for an appetite."
"What a lie!" Tamahome bellowed over a mountain of empty bowls and places. "You've wolfed down this much!"
"Calm down, she's sick," Nuriko urged him with a tolerant grin. Kagome, finishing her meal, was grinning along with Nuriko.
Miaka sat back. "By the way, where's Hotohori?"
"Yeah, where is he?" Nuriko seconded.
Kagome pondered for a moment. "You know, I think I saw him head out to that hill in the forest?"
"I'll go find him!" Miaka offered. She left the simple restaurant and walked through the green trees, birds chirping overhead. The air was scented with grass, leaves, and the warm smell of sunlight. Just beyond a tree, she looked out and spotted him. "Hotohori?"
The Emperor was sitting close to the edge of the grassy cliff, gazing out over the valley and the purple mountains in the distant horizon. Miaka stepped near him and bent over with a bright smile. "Hotohori, whatcha thinking 'bout?"
"Just watching the mountains. Absent-mindedly admiring the view...is not something I can normally do."
"You always have to be Emperor." She sat down next to him, stretched luxuriously, and breathed in the fresh air. "I know what it's like. Before I came here, I concentrated on nothing but my high school entrance exam. I had to attend school during the day and night classes every night. I tried my very best for my mom." She then quickly grinned, "I actually met Kagome during my night class. Then I introduced her to Yui and we've been thick as thieves ever since!"
Hotohori smiled at that bit of information. "That's nice. I am glad that you have Kagome here with you."
"You're welcome…So I know what you mean," she concluded.
Hotohori's gaze left the mountains to stare at the grass before him. "Your mother?" His voice was soft and serious. "I was fourteen when I took my father's place at the time of his death. It was my mother's wish that I be Emperor. I was just a puppet for her...but then my mother also died. Since then, life around me has become unearthly quiet. There were only royal vassals, and other such people. In the midst of that quiet, I noticed my loneliness.
"I've been like a bird in a cage."
With a great flutter of wings, three white doves soared past the pair and cliff, out over the valley. They vanished into the distance.
Miaka turned to Hotohori with a smile. "If that's the case, fly from now on. Anywhere you wish!"
Hotohori could only stare at the girl in amazement.
"You're still young," Miaka chuckled and looked back out over the view. She braced her chin in her hands.
Hotohori reached out his right arm and pulled Miaka against him, his eyes closed. "You're such a sweet girl...always cheerful, free, and warm-hearted." He held her there, his grip and chest warm and firm.
No-I- Miaka's mind raced in shock. Why is my heart fluttering over Hotohori?
Hotohori leaned his cheek against Miaka's soft hair, treasuring the moment for as long as he could. I want to be with you forever, Miaka.
Behind them, the cracks of another breaking tree branch echoed out. Nuriko slammed head-first into the ground, lavender tresses flying.
Miaka blushed bright red and turned to see a furious and struggling Nuriko, barely restrained by Tamahome. Kagome was standing beside Tamahome, trying to calm down Nuriko.
"Damn you, Miaka!" Nuriko screamed.
"Why are you angered, Nuriko?" Hotohori asked with surprise.
Tamahome's eyes blazed accusingly into Miaka's own. She sadly looked back at him.
Tamahome...
"Oh, looks like I'm going to have to test them," the dark, stout figure half-way laughed at Miaka's dispirited face, which was once again framed in the gilt-edged mirror. The mirror flashed to Kagome's picture in the mirror, the Shikon Jewel prominent and shimmering pink at her neck. "The Priestess of the Shikon Jewel….She need testing as well…"
The form raised one arm and pointed with a gnarled finger at a distant mirror. The heavy, immense object rose from the ground and hovered in mid-air.
"Ashita tenki ni nare!"
The mirror began to spin on its middle axis as the words rang out, twirling faster and faster in the air until it was a white blur.
"Bosan go he o koidaaaa!"
The whirling mirror collapsed in upon itself and disappeared into nothing.
Then the dark figure focused on her next task; To test the black-haired girl. The dark figure began to repeat the spell she cast just seconds ago, though this time she reached out to the soul of the Priestess of the Shikon Jewel. I know all about your past little Priestess, this should test you on your quest to see if you can overcome anything….
A flash of dark pink light fizzled around the room before dying down again. A figure of a woman appeared through a portal. The woman had long black hair tied back by a white strip of cloth, cold brown eyes and a wicked smile. She wore the traditional priestess garb: a white haori and red hakama. On her back was a quiver full of arrows and a bow was clenched in her hand.
Once her barren brown eyes settled on the dark figure, Kikyo quickly drew an arrow and aimed at the figure. "Who are you? Where have you brought me?" She demanded, voice cold and detached.
"I am Taiitsukun, ruler of this world, The Universe of the Four Gods," the dark figure began, telling the newcomer all about the new world she was in, the Four Gods, and her plan, "Your reincarnation, Kagome is here. She is with three warriors of Suzaku who protect her and the Priestess of Suzaku. I have brought you here to test her."
Kikyo processed all the information she was given, a plan beginning to formulate in her mind.' I can use it to my advantage and steal back my soul from that wretch Kagome. This is the perfect opportunity to start get my revenge on her and Inuyasha.'
With a dark smile and an underlying malice that was not lost by Taiitsukun, "I like the sound of getting revenge on my reincarnation however, I refuse to be your pawn. Goodbye"
"I am the one who brought you into this world, I can take you out of it just as easily." Said an outraged Taiitsukun.
"Oh really?" laughed Kikiyo. She then released a portion of her holy power and hit an unsuspecting Taiitsukun. "That will prevent your powers from working on me. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go kill my reincarnation, not now of course, after I've gathered some souls for energy." said Kikiyo as she left.
The dark figure in the room watched through the giant mirror in front of her. The image showed Kikyo walking along with her Soul Collecters in the forest surrounding the mountain. "I have just made a mistake…. I shall have to warn Kagome when she arrives to look out for her darker half."
"Oi, Miaka!" Tamahome called to the girl, who was energetically swinging her arms a ways in front of the group. "Don't be in such a rush!"
"Okay, Okay!" The girls' shoe toe caught on a tree's upraised root, sending her sprawling forward onto the ground with a cry. Miaka's skirt flared up, revealing bright, white panties for all the world to see.
Tamahome's saucer-eyes returned. He blinked twice, then stepped to the girl, knelt, and held out a hand. "Why didn't you listen?"
Miaka quickly scrambled up off her stomach and sat on the ground, hands tugging down on the back hem of her skirt. "Did you see anything?" she demanded with a blush.
"I haven't seen a thing!" Tamahome insisted, looking off to the side.
"You saw me in the nude before!" She yelled out, still feeling the sting of humiliation.
"Shit!" He turned about, arms crossed behind his head. "I don't feel a thing when I see you naked," he sourly informed her. "If you had bigger breasts and were sexier, I'd admit you're a woman!"
Miaka rose behind him, trembling with anger. She slammed a fist into his cheek, sending him flying. The girl whirled and ran, crying freely. "I hate you Tamahome!" She vanished into the mist.
"Nuriko, something's not right," Hotohori commented, disturbed.
Nuriko appeared behind him, starry-eyed, hands clasped together most becomingly. "It's fine, we look great together!"
"No, I mean...a fog is odd for the middle of the day."
"I agree, Hotohori. I'm getting a bad feeling and I'm sensing some disturbing energy in the area. And also..no…it couldn't be!" Kagome was sure she felt that familiar tugging at her soul, which only happens when Kikyo is near. She paled at the thought of Kikyo in this world. No it's impossible she can't be here…
Nuriko straightened. "Now that you mention it..." The Celestial Warriors looked around at the mist that had permeated the forest, creeping up on them unawares and unannounced. "It feels like we've been going in circles."
Nuriko looked to Kagome, and noticed her paler than usual complexion. "Kagome are you alright? What's wrong?"
Kagome snapped out of her stupor. "Oh, I thought I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time but don't worry about me… I-I'm fine!"
Nuriko frowned, not convinced but dropped the subject anyway. "Well, okay then."
Tamahome appeared out of the fog, leading his mount, worry creasing his face. "Hotohori!"
The Emperor stepped forward. "Tamahome, where's Miaka?"
"The fog suddenly thickened, and I lost her."
"What?"
Miaka angrily walked through the trees, unheeding of the strange mist, thinking dark and evil thoughts. Why is Tamahome like that? Hotohori treats me much nicer. Miaka paused, arms crossed behind her back. A bird shrieked behind her, snapping her out of her musings. The strange surroundings finally sank into the girl's awareness.
"Where is everyone? Am I lost?"
A scent caressed Miaka's nostrils, carried on the mist in a succulent red wave of air. The girl's eyes widened. "This incredible smell is great! Beef steak with cream sauce! Soup with tons of vegetables! Tuna salad! Spaghetti with meat sauce! The sweet and sour flavor of blueberry sherbert for dessert!" She struck a defiant pose, finger pointing towards the succulent odors' source.
Miaka's eyes saw the beautiful, celebrated vision in the distance. A table laid with a white and pink tablecloth, covered with dishes and more food than anyone could eat. Miaka grinned. "There it is!" She ran towards the dinner with delight.
The girl tripped through an unseen barrier and landed on her knees inside a dark void. The forest was behind her, visible only through a large, round portal. She stared at the food, the quickly stood and pounded angrily on the portal with her fists. "What's going on?" It sounded like she was hitting thick, unbreakable glass.
"Welcome inside the mirror, Miaka," a cool voice greeted her.
Miaka slowly looked over her shoulder to see herself staring back. The other Miaka's arms were crossed, her eyes narrowed, and a low laugh sounded deep in her throat.
"Who's there?" Miaka softly asked with shock.
"Within the mirror was another Priestess of Suzaku. She sneered at the Priestess of Suzaku."
"What a gluttonous girl you are," the other Miaka commented with disgust. "I'm so ashamed of myself."
Miaka gasped. She took a step back, hand at her mouth. What?