Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ A Love Betrayed ❯ A Love Confessed and Returned ( Chapter 4 )

A/N: Hey everybody! The fourth chapter is in the building! If you've read my profile can you please answer my questions? If you haven't then can you please read it and answer? Thanks! I hope the new addition wasn't too confusing! Now, on with the story!! And special thanks to all my reviewers! Love ya guys! Mwahz!

 

By the way, I have a little surprise for you readers… dun dun dun!! So, keep reading. And there will be character death here… yup… so, advanced apologies if you love the dying character… This is also a very long chapter… Also, I think I'll rate this chapter M… I think… you be the judge… and, I am stressing this… PLEASE REVIEW!!!! Many advanced thanks…

………………………&# 8230;………………………… …………………………̷ 0;………………………… 230;…………………………& #8230;…..

Miaka… the priestess's name was whispered lightly, as if being carried lightly by the wind. Miaka… there it was again, it had a dreamy dulcet tone to it; it was lulling the priestess deeper into a dreamy sleep. She was in the Suzaku temple, she had Tasuki by her side and her seishis were surrounding her, tears glinted in their eyes but smiles were seen on everybody's face, even Chichiri who took his mask off.

 

Is this the right thing to do? The priestess asked herself,

 

“You ready?” asked Tasuki, she hesitated for a moment then nodded,

 

“I'm ready to go home,” Tasuki smiled and lifted her off the ground in his arms.

 

“Fine, let's do it,” Miaka followed Suzaku's instructions precisely, all the while clutching onto Tasuki, they weren't risking being separated. They closed their eyes as a red light emerged from the statue and engulfed both seishi and priestess. When Miaka finally opened her eyes, she found herself on her bed, in her room, in her house, in her world. A lone tear escaped her eye and fell down her cheek,

 

I'll always remember you guys, Nuriko, Hotohori, Chichiri, Mitsukake, Chiriko… her thoughts were disrupted when she heard a voice beside her and she realized an arm was tightly wrapped around her waist,

 

“Where am I?” perked the voice, Miaka turned to see Tasuki rubbing his forehead, he turned and saw Miaka's wide eyes fill with happiness,

 

“You're here Tasuki!” she exclaimed, cupping his face in her hands and pressing her lips against his. It didn't feel like anything when she and Taka kissed, it felt like an explosion was occurring on her lips as a warm heat flowed through her body. She loved the sensation cascade down her spine, she felt Tasuki grip her waist possessively as he nudged her lips with his, Miaka following this rhythm, quickly brushed her tongue against his lower lip and snaked her tongue inside his parted mouth; Tasuki let out a surprised growl as he let his tongue dance in tune to hers. They stayed that way for what seemed like an eternity when Miaka pulled away a little and found Tasuki beneath her, when did that happen? She asked herself surprised; seeing Tasuki's expression made her happy, it was the right choice bringing him with her. She rested her head on his chest as he said her name, she closed her eyes, loving the way the sound reverberated through his body, she let out a content sigh,

 

“Miaka, if you don't wake up now I'm going to eat your breakfast and we're going to leave without you having any breakfast too,” Miaka was yanked from her dream feet first at this remark. Her eyelids slowly fluttered open and found Tasuki's face hovering inches from her face, she blushed shyly and pulled up the covers.

 

“There, I knew that threat would wake you up!” he exclaimed happily, pulling away from her face, “Now, get dressed, we're leaving for Reikaku soon.” He said as he walked towards the door closing it slowly behind him.

 

“It was only a dream!” exclaimed Miaka frustrated, burying her face in her hands.

………………………&# 8230;………………………… …………………………̷ 0;………………………… 230;…………………………& #8230;…..

Miaka… come back… Taka said in his mind, he was walking in the old part of town that was facing the sunset. He and Miaka had a lot of sweet memories here; after all it was here where he had proposed to Miaka,

-o- FLASHBACK -o-

Taka kneeled in front of Miaka and produced a red velvet box and opened it, in it was a platinum ring, and it had a lone diamond on it that glowed magnificent amber as the sun set over the horizon. Miaka clasped her hand to her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes,

 

“Miaka Yuki, would you marry me?” he looked up at her; she was in shock and could only manage a nod. Miaka held out her hand and Taka slipped the ring on her finger and pressed a lingering kiss on her hand. He stood up and held Miaka. Planting a kiss on her lips, he could feel the tears flow down her cheeks, “Aren't you happy?” he asked half-teasingly,

 

“Of course I'm happy! Oh God, this must've taken up months of your salary to buy! I love you so much!” she exclaimed clutching onto his neck.

 

“Only the best for you my love…” he said resting his forehead against hers. Two months later, they tied the knot; it was a small wedding, only family and close friends. Miaka looked splendid in a white, flowing wedding dress that hugged her waist and the contours of her body. They had their honeymoon in Hawaii for a month, courtesy of Yui, Keisuke and Tetsuya; and returned to have a party greet them. It truly was the happiest day of their lives.

-o- END FLASHBACK -o-

 

He walked past antique shops and an old book shop. Something caught his eye, it was an old red bound book, sitting behind the display window; but it wasn't the state of the book that made his heart leap a mile, but the title,

 

The Universe of the Four Gods

 

Taka practically ran into the store, grabbed the book and threw a bunch of notes at the cashier. Clutching the book close to his chest, he ran as fast as he could to Yui's apartment,

 

Miaka…

………………………&# 8230;………………………… …………………………̷ 0;………………………… 230;…………………………& #8230;…..

“Watch yourselves you two!” exclaimed Nuriko while waving from the palace balcony as Miaka and Tasuki were ready to leave, Miaka waved back and abruptly stopped as Tasuki wrapped his mannish arm around her waist, she looked up at him and blushed, he gave her a fanged grin and clicked his tongue, the horse started trotting slowly and soon the palace was out of sight. Their scenery soon changed too, they were now passing through a forest and Miaka could hear the faint flow of water from the river, the swaying of the branches in the light breeze and the chirruping of birds. She felt at peace here, she sighed and stretched her arms, accidentally brushing her right hand against Tasuki's lips. She quickly retracted her arm and apologized,

 

“Sorry Tasuki-chan…” he didn't reply but the grip around her waist did tighten possessively a bit. They remained quiet as they rode on before Tasuki spoke quite a while later,

 

“I know a pond around here, it has a really nice view; how `bout we stop there for a while?” the new softness in his voice startled her,

 

“Sure…” the priestess replied simply. Tasuki clicked his tongue and patted the horse. Understanding the command, the horse steered itself into a small path shadowed by trees and soon enough they arrived at the so called `pond' which turned out to be a lake, surrounded with berry bushes and cherry blossoms which were in full bloom; the beautiful sight made Miaka's eyes widen with astonishment and she let out a gasp, “Tasuki! It's gorgeous!” she exclaimed,

 

“Ain't it?” Miaka could feel his chest rise and fall as he let out a sigh, “I used to always come out here to think, this is a really special place to me, and I've never brought anyone here before,”

 

“Not even Kouji?” she asked,

 

“Nope, not even Kouji,” he chuckled. He pulled on the reins of the horse and helped Miaka down. “Hey, I've got a surprise for you,” he said as he held her hand and led Miaka down to the side of the lake and sat her down,

 

“Oooh! I love surprises!” she said clapping her hands,

 

“Good, cause you'll be in for a real one,” he smiled as he let her hand go and went towards the edge of the lake where he started to undress, Miaka watching this, cautiously asked him,

 

“Um… Tasuki… what are you doing?”

 

“You'll see,” he replied, taking off his boots and rolling up the legs of his pants, revealing perfectly toned calves. Flexing his even toned arms, he started to make his way towards the middle of the lake,

 

“Tasuki!” exclaimed Miaka worriedly,

 

“I'll be fine!” he exclaimed back almost reaching the middle, he dived down and popped his head back up and started swimming,

 

“Tasuki you can swim!” exclaimed Miaka happily, hopping up and down on dry land,

 

Tasuki dived once more and swam towards the shore. Upon reaching dry land, Miaka couldn't help but be transfixed at the way the sun caressed his whole body in a pale golden wash, making his hair look like it was actually on fire. He gave her a grin and a wink as he picked up his clothes and walked towards Miaka and sat down beside her,

 

“Surprise,” he chuckled, “If you're wondering, Nuriko taught me, he said that if I didn't learn how to swim I might never be able to save a drowning girl and make her my wife,” he added while running his fingers through his hair,

 

“What?! That Nuriko! You know, I bet you can find a wife just like that!” she exclaimed, snapping her fingers, “You're everything a woman would ever hope to find in a man, you're caring, sweet, sincere, nice… not to mention quite easy on the eyes…” Miaka continued quietly, turning to look at the half-clad Tasuki; she was absent-mindedly tracing the letters of his tattoo with her finger when he whipped around and caught Miaka's hand at lightning speed; thinking he was angry with her, she was about to apologize when he pulled her hand towards his lips and pressed a soft kiss to it,

 

“Curious?” he asked simply, when he pulled his lips away from her hand,

 

“'Bout what?” she asked shyly,

 

“What the tattoo says, I don't think you know what it says, do you?” Miaka shook her head, “Well, it's the name of the girl that I was planning to marry, but I think she only sees me as a friend and nothing more,” he added, “so, I don't want to admit how I really feel about her,”

 

“Nonsense! It's not good to keep your feelings bottled up inside you know! Besides, I'm sure whoever the girl is, she'll be happy to know your feelings towards her! So, who's the lucky lady?” she asked, trying to hide the pang of jealousy growing inside her and turned away from him,

 

“You really want to know?” he asked, inching closer towards the priestess, she nodded, “You sure?” again she nodded and Tasuki's face was now hovering above hers, he tucked his finger under her chin and pulled her face towards his, looking into the deep hazel of the priestess' eyes, with his free hand, he cupped the side of Miaka's neck and guided her to a warm, sweet kiss. When he pulled away, he looked straight into Miaka's eyes, “you're the lucky lady odango… ashiteru, Miaka…”

 

“T-Tasuki…”

 

“I've fallen for you ever since the day I kidnapped you, you were so full of life, not like the other girls here.” He started, “But then I knew that you only had eyes for Tama, so, I told myself that I should just love you from afar and I promised myself that I would always be there to protect you,” continued the bandit, “I love you so much Miaka, so much that it makes my heart ache whenever I see you run towards Tama, the way you hold him in your embrace, the way you kiss him… but I hide all my feelings, and now, there's too much bottled up inside me. I love you Miaka, you are the only one for me,” pulling her into his lap, he kissed her full on the mouth, hoping that she could feel his intense love for her through that one kiss. Pulling away, his heart felt like it was being torn to pieces again as the look he received was not the one he expected,

 

“Tasuki, I don't know what to say,” she looked bemused, upset, not a trace of joy could be seen,

 

“Say you love me too…” he replied softly, pulling her into his embrace, “I'll never hurt you, I love you so much, say it Miaka, make the pain stop, I've waited so long for you to return and now you're here, without Tama. I love you.” Miaka was too dumbstruck to form any coherent thought,

 

He… he loves me… after all this time, he loves me and I didn't even realize anything… but Taka… then images of Taka and Karin on the other night immediately flew into her mind, making her blood boil with rage and resentment, Taka… he didn't really care for me… did he? And now, here's Tasuki, admitting his love for me… Should I? Should I return to the arms of another man so soon? True, it was early, but the fact that it was her beloved seishi melted away all doubts, I guess it's alright… huh, for all I know Taka could be arranging plans to marry Karin as we speak… she gently pushed herself away from Tasuki's embrace,

 

“M-Miaka…” her gaze was transfixed to the ground, her soft bangs covering her eyes.

 

“You wanna know how I feel?” she asked, lips curled to form a smile, a seductive tone in her voice, “Come here and I'll show you what I feel.” She stood up and walked over to a shady cherry tree, arms crossed, her back facing Tasuki; he was only a body's length away from Miaka,

 

“Miaka, I'm sorry if…” the sentence hung in mid air as she turned to face her seishi and flung her arms around his neck, pressing her lips against his, it wasn't like anything in the dream she had, it was better, heck it was ten times better! An explosion was occurring everywhere right there and then, his spicy cinnamon scent hung around them. Tasuki pulled away a little bit, to the disappointment of his beloved priestess,

 

“So soon?” she asked languidly, twirling a lock of his fiery hair in her fingers. He was resting his forehead against hers; he laced his arm around her waist pulling her possessively close,

 

“Hey, I'm not that innocent you know…” he said huskily, adding a fanged grin.

 

“Bring it,” replied the priestess as he pushed her towards the tree behind them. Nudging her lips with his, he slipped his tongue into her luxuriant, warm, welcoming mouth and caressed her tongue with slow, tantalizing silken swipes. She was shy at first, content with following his lead but she quickly began to assert herself. Her tongue swipes became bolder and Tasuki let out a surprised growl. Her hands traveled down to his slim waist and back up again, resting on his rigid chest, feeling the quickened beat of his heart. Miaka finally pulled away, panting for breath,

 

“So soon?” Tasuki said half-teasingly. Moving his lips down to the base of her jaw where he kissed the fluttering pulse, Miaka let out a surprised giggle; he drew circles with his tongue and nipped lightly at the skin on her neck. She smells like lavender, he thought as he buried his face in her auburn tresses, breathing in deeply her womanly scent. “You smell nice odango…” he commented, they stayed that way for what seemed like perpetuity when Miaka broke the silence,

 

“It's getting dark; it'll be dangerous to ride alone at night,”

 

“Hey, don't worry alright? I'll always be there to protect you…” he said huskily, removing his grip from her waist, “Go freshen yourself up, I'll get dressed and saddle up the horse.” They left Tasuki's secret lake and rode off towards the sun set, “you know, you haven't told me how you really felt yet,” he teased her,

 

“Need I say more?” she retorted, tracing the contours that lay beneath his shirt with her finger, she looked up at him,

 

“It'll be nice to hear you say it,” he whispered softly,

 

“If it makes you happy,” she said seductively, “ashiteru, Tasuki-chan… I love you,” sighing, she rested her head on his chest and was lulled to sleep by the sound of his beating heart.

***************************************************************** *************************************************************************** ***********************

They both arrived at the stronghold on Reikaku hours later. Carrying a sleeping priestess in his arms, he could see that the lights in Kouji's room were still on. No one seemed to be guarding the stronghold.

 

Hmm, strange… must be on an ambush… thought the bandit leader, I know, I'll surprise Kouji in his room… he thought mischievously, its been at least a month since he didn't visit the stronghold, Hotohori insisted that he lived in the palace. It was like a ghost town, the corridors were empty, and no one was outside. The only sounds were Miaka's deep breathing and the sound of his footsteps. Upon reaching Kouji's room, the leader took a deep breath and plastered a smile across his face, closing his eyes, he barged into the room, “Genrou's back!” he exclaimed. It was a little too loud and Miaka woke up,

 

“We're here?” she asked placing herself on the ground, “that was fast,” she yawned and rested her head on Tasuki's chest. His breathing was shallow, she looked up at him, “What's wrong Tasuki-chan?” she asked concerned,

 

“K-Kou-Kouji?” he stammered, she followed his gaze towards the bed, she clasped her mouth with her hand as tears pooled her eyes, there lay a very still Kouji, his breathing was quick and shallow and he had a pained look on his face, bloodstains were visible from the bandage wrapped around his chest and shoulder. The stronghold healer sat by his side and turned to find the old leader standing in the doorway, “Wha-what happened?” stammered Tasuki, approaching the bed with Miaka clinging on his arm.

 

“Apparently, they ambushed the wrong village; the villagers knew how to fight back, Kouji got hit twice with arrows, once through his chest and one went through his shoulder,” he pointed out the bandages, “they were poison-tipped arrows, its working its way around Kouji's body as we speak. Only a miracle would save him now,” said the healer,

 

“Hey Kouji, wake up buddy, I know I haven't been here for a long time but that's no reason to play this practical joke on me, right?” he asked, tears welling up in his eyes, he gently shook Kouji's shoulder and his face screwed up and he moaned in pain, his eyelids slowly opened and he found the leader and priestess by his side, Kouji tried his best to smile and sit up but it pained him too much, the healer gently helped him back down,

 

“Hey Gen, Miaka,” he acknowledged them both, his voice coming out in a small whisper, seeing the pained look on his best friend's face, he continued talking, “Sorry but this ain't a practical joke Gen… my time's almost up, I can feel it Gen, I'm sorry…” his voice trailed off, Tasuki was too shocked to speak, then he remembered something,

 

-o- FLASHBACK -o-

“Here bring this medicine with you, you might need it. I've enhanced it with my chi so it should heal almost any wound,” Mitsukake placed the small jar in his friend's palm,

 

“Thanks Mitsukake, so how do I use it? Drink it? Sprinkle it?”

 

“Just a few sprinkles over the wound should do it,” The fiery haired seishi nodded and placed the small jar in a pouch on the horse's saddle.

-o- END FLASHBACK -o-

Kouji's face screwed up again, “It's almost time for me to go Gen,”

 

“No, no, no, Mitsukake gave me medicine before we left. I'll be right back.” Tasuki stood up to leave when Kouji grabbed his wrist,

 

“No Gen, it's too late,”

 

“It's not too late, I'll be back in a flash, just hang on Kouji,” Tasuki bolted out the door, leaving Miaka and Kouji, he turned to look at Miaka and stroked the side of her face,

 

“Can I ask you to do me a favor?” he asked, the priestess nodded, “I'll be gone soon and Genrou once confessed to me his love for you. All I ask is something simple, can you take care of him for me? And can you promise to me that you would love that fang boy forever?“ Miaka was surprised at this,

 

Does everyone know he loves me? She asked herself,

 

“Well, promise me?” he asked and coughed,

 

“Yes... I promise, just stay still and don't talk, you need to save your energy, you have to get better!” she exclaimed, he smiled and closed his eyes, then she couldn't see the rise and fall of his chest anymore,

 

“He's gone,” the healer said solemnly, just then Tasuki arrived carrying the medicine filled jar,

 

“Told you I'll be back in a flash, it's my ability remember? Speed!” he kneeled at Kouji's side, he seems to be at peace, then he noticed that Kouji's chest wasn't rising and falling anymore, he couldn't believe his eyes, “Kouji, stop playing this sick joke on me… please…” frustration in his voice, “Kouji!” he shouted and started sobbing. Reflexively, Miaka put her arms around Tasuki,

 

“He's in a better place now, Tasuki-chan, remember that,” she said soothingly, “Come on, lets use the water to heal his wounds, it might not bring him back but at least he'll look better, right?” Miaka said gently, calming him down, he stopped and nodded, unscrewing the cap of the jar he sprinkled the water over Kouji's lifeless body, the wounds healed almost immediately, “There, he looks much better now, doesn't he?” The liquid healed the wounds and fixed his clothes, “Come on, let's go take a walk and leave the healer to fix up Kouji's body for his funeral alright?” Miaka asked soothingly, and left the room with a pained Tasuki by her side,

 

“He was a great friend…” said Tasuki “A great fighter too,” he sighed and entered a room, his old room, Miaka followed him inside. Once in, she closed the door and sat down on the bed next to Tasuki,

 

“Why don't you go to sleep? I'm sure you're tired after the trip here.” She suggested stroking the side of his face. Tasuki nodded and lied down on the soft bed. Flashing him a radiant smile, she tucked him up and was about to leave when Tasuki grabbed her wrist and flashed her a `where do you think you're going?' smile,

 

“You know, my best friend just died and you're leaving me alone in this room? I thought you loved me!” he said, teasing her while caressing her hand all this time,

 

“Fine, I'll stay… scoot,” she said, gesturing Tasuki to make space for her. She climbed into bed next to him and faced him; in the pale glow of the moonlight, she could see a tear roll down his cheek and she reached to wipe it away. Smiling, she pressed her lips against his softly and faced away, soon falling asleep in her new lover's embrace.

………………………&# 8230;………………………… …………………………̷ 0;………………………… 230;…………………………& #8230;….

A/N: I didn't know whether to use wo ai ni or ashiteru… as you can see, I chose ashiteru, if I'm wrong please tell me. Thank You!!

 

P.S: don't forget to review, thanks,

P.P.S: don't forget to review, thanks,

P.P.P.S: don't forget to review, thanks.

P.P.P.P.S: need I say more?