InuYasha Fan Fiction / Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ Pleas for Unity ❯ Chapter 3 - One Path of Many ( Chapter 3 )

Pleas for Unity

 

Disclaimer— I own nothing…Though I do wish I owned Fushigi Yuugi and Inu-Yasha…But alas, they belong to Ms. Yuu Watase, and Ms. Rumiko Takahashi. I own nothing… I'm not even sure I own the plot either.

On to the next chapter!

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Chapter 3 - One Path of Many

 

Kagome took her time drying herself off, just to aggravate Nuriko. Slowly she walked behind a rice paper screen to change into a robe. She took her time coming out, walking as slowly as she could.

 

“Would you just hurry up?!” Nuriko yelled, grabbing Kagome's arm and practically running to his majesty's private apartments before throwing Kagome to the door. Hitting the door, Kagome fell to the ground. She clung to the floor as if gravity kept her there.

 

“Why… why, cruel world must you betray me?” Kagome said to herself as she got up from the ground.

 

“Kagome, what are you doing here?” Hotohori asked looking questioningly at Kagome.

 

“Damn.” She swore quietly, “I need to talk to you privately. Can we go inside?” Kagome ushered them both inside, making herself comfortable on Hotohori's bed next to him; she began to talk. “You know how your public officials chose all those beautiful women, those women that are living in the inner seraglio; you should be more considerate towards them. It'd be nice.” She licked her lips; talking for a long time sure made a person thirsty. Note to self, get some water after conversation. Kagome thought making a mental note to herself. “You're probably surrounded by women in love with you.”

 

“What about you? Is there a man your in love with?” Hotohori asked her.

 

“Me?” Kagome sighed and looked down, in her past, she had loved someone. But he had broken her heart, he had cheated on her. “Don't worry about me; I just wanted recommend someone in particular to you.” She said flashing him a smile.

 

“I already have someone.” He moved closer to her. “Since before I can remember…” He stroked her cheek; she lay flat on her back as his body was above hers. “Someone I've cherished since time began.” Kagome's breathing became harsher. “Ever since I was a child I've heard stories about you. I always wondered what you would be like. You're exactly what I imagined you'd be like. No other woman holds my attention.” He said leaning closer to her face. “I want to know every thing about you. Everything.” His face hovered above hers; Kagome's lips were slightly parted. Closing her eyes she felt Hotohori's hands on both sides of her cheeks. Suddenly she felt him move off her, and take his sword with him.

 

“Hotohori, before you do anything... Please forgive me, but my heart will never belong to you. As long as Nuriko loves you, I won't. Just talk to her,will you?” She whispered. However her words never reached him. He took out his sword and with swift movements brought his sword opon the wall. To Kagome it looked like he was just cutting the air into squares. Square pieces of the wall began to fall apart revealing Tamahome and Nuriko, who were cocking their ears to listen to the conversation. Realizing that they had been caught the duo began to dance.

 

“What brings you two here?” Hotohori asked, You can stop dancing now... He thought as they continued to dance. The question was never answered as Kagome tapped him on the shoulder.

 

“I'm going to leave now.” Kagome said before leaving. However someone stopped her from leaving momentarily, Hotohori grabbed her arm. Before he could say anything Kagome pulled away from him and ran into the hall way through the hole in the wall.

 

She sighed in frustration when she reached her sleeping quarters, what would she say to Tamahome and Nuriko tomorrow? Flopping onto her bed she buried her head in the pillows, why was she always mixed into the middle of things? It seemed she would have to see what the morning would bring.

 

The sun openly into Kagome's room through a window, groaning she turned, and she fell out bed with a Plunk. There Kagome lay in a tumble of sheets and her body; she struggled to get out of the mess she had created. “Hello, cruel, world and good morning.” She mumbled getting up and dusting her bottom off. Hurrying to ready herself, she grabbed an outfit from the pile of clothes she had found yesterday and slipped one of them on and out of her rooms she went.

 

Gasping for her lost breath, she entered the breakfast room, ready to talk to her angry companions.

 

“What happened to you?” came out of Tamahome's mouth. Indeed Kagome was a sight, with her attire askew and her hear a little put of place. Noticing a few glances from other people, she straightened her clothing and tried to do the same with her hair, her fingers combed through her hair.

“If you count me falling out of bed anything special, then nothing.” She stated briefly taking a seat at the table, far away from anyone. Taking a pair of chopsticks in her hand she asked, “So when do we eat?” Someone then came before her and gave her a bowl of rice, just like everybody else had. Miaka had already eaten her bowl of rice, so she too was handed another bowl filled with rice.

 

“We are waiting for the platters to be brought out, from the kitchen; the food should be here shortly.” Hotohori answered Kagome's question before placing a bit of rice in his mouth. A moment of silence followed and then servants began to fill room, carrying platters here and there. A platter was set in front of Kagome and the others; more platters were set down on the table after the first was on the table.

 

Kagome watched as Tamahome and Hotohori hurried to fill their bowls with food, not understanding their actions, she took her time filling up her bowl. By the time she was done, there was nothing left in the platters, Miaka had eaten everything set before them, literally everything, and she had even licked the sauce off a platter.

 

Kagome stared in surprise; Wow…It's all gone. She eats a lot. She thought, lifting some food into her mouth with chopsticks. Only clacking noises were heard as Kagome, Hotohori, and Tamahome shoved food into their mouths, we'll only Kagome and Tamahome. Hotohori was delicately putting food in his mouth making hardly any noise.

 

“Your majesty,” Kagome began, “I believe we should head into the mountains to look for Tai Yi-Jun. She may be able to help me find a way back to my world.”

 

“We can leave today if Hotohori decides to do so.” Miaka commented.

 

Yea, if he can somehow find a way to get his counselors to leave him alone, Kagome thought while eating her food. She allowed herself to lose consciousness of all the things happening around her to focus on what was reeling through her mind. From what she had been informed by fleeting messages in her head from those in higher places, she knew that Qu-Dong had found its own priestess for Seiryuu. She knew that Hong-Nan was not on good terms with Qu-Dong as well, and that whoever assembled their seven warriors and called on the guardian of that kingdom first would have the advantage when they went to war. That day would be bleak and full of bloodshed; she didn't need to predict it. Wars always had that affect. Things weren't looking good at this point… Miaka had only gathered three of Suzaku's seven; they needed to go looking for the Tai Yi-Jun soon, maybe on the way they would find another of Suzaku's warriors. A hand flashed past her eyes. A little wind picked up her bangs, playing with them.

 

“Helloooo?” Miaka said drawing the last syllable out, “Is anyone in there?” She gave Kagome a little nudge.

 

“Cut it out,” Kagome grumbled. “I was thinking about some things.” She slapped Miaka's hand away from her gently. Abruptly, she stood up catching the attention of the people in the room. “If you don't mind, I've got to get packing. I suggest you three do the same.” She pointed to Nuriko, Miaka, and Tamahome. “We've got a long journey ahead of us; it would be nice if we were prepared for it.” She directed her next words to Hotohori. “I'd like us to travel by horse, not by carriage or anything of the sort. It would slow us down considerably, your majesty.” She said, adding the title at the end. Feeling that she had said enough, Kagome walked briskly out of the dining hall and towards her sleeping quarters.

 

In what seemed to be a whole day, Kagome was done and waiting for the rest of the group to show. “What took you so long?” she yelled, once seeing Tamahome enter her sight with a bag of luggage. She closed the distance between the two of them by running at him; he'd never expect what was going to happen next. And suddenly she was attached to Tamahome, her legs wrapped around his waist and her hands smacking him repeatedly on the head.

 

“Ow, stop it!” Tamahome yelled, grabbing Kagome's hands to keep them still.

 

“Ehem. Please refrain from doing that in public.” Coughed a voice behind the pair. The two turned their heads towards where Hotohori stood next to Miaka. Kagome's face resembled a tomato as she untangled herself from Tamahome, who had a little splash of red across his cheeks.

 

“This wouldn't have happened if you would have come earlier.” Kagome mumbled, pulling at a tuft of Tamahome's hair while acting like a child. It was an amazing picture, too bad there was no camera available at the moment. Kagome was sticking her tongue out at Tamahome and pulling his hair when Hotohori wasn't looking, and Tamahome did nothing but glare.

 

“Will you two just stop it, stop acting so childish.” Hotohori glared at them both.

 

“Sorry your majesty.” They both muttered, apologizing to Hotohori. Kagome rolled her eyes, the day was just beginning and it was already frustrating her to the point of pulling out her hair.

 

“I think we should go now if we plan to get to the next village before nightfall.” Kagome said, swiping at an irritating piece of her own hair.

 

“Yea, I think we should.” Miaka said slowly, the first thing she had said after seeing Kagome and Tamahome in the position that they were in a moment ago.

 

“Of course, we'll head out now.” Hotohori motioned to someone waiting behind a tree. Immediately a horse was brought forth, saddled and packed with supplies and provisions. Who's that for? Kagome wondered, We have three horses though… So why do we need another one? Everything suddenly clicked for Kagome; He's going on this little journey with us. Duh, you idiot. Didn't you notice the signs? He's wearing a simple, yet expensive clothing and his hair is down as well… I thought he was just here to say good bye to us. Hm… If he's going then where are his counselors who I know will try to stop him.

 

On cue his advisers popped up at of nowhere to try to convince Hotohori to not go with them but instead stay within the palace.

 

“Your majesty! Maybe we should get some guards to come with you?” asked one of his advisers, since he could not get the Emperor to change his mind.

 

“No. We don't need guards; I'm going to do a check up on the country.” Hotohori brushed at some invisible dust on his clothes.

 

“Did you not do one just over six months ago, your majesty?”

 

“Yes, but I think its time for another one.” he was getting tired of these questions.

“Anyone would recognize you if they saw you, your majesty. Even if you do wear simple clothing and not your usual attire, your beauty and elegance can't be hidden by these clothes.”

 

“I'd consider that flattery if it wasn't the truth.” He smiled and laughed. Oooh, do I hear some narcissism from our dear Emperor? Kagome laughed quietly at her thought.

***

Clop, clop, clop… The horses went as their riders steered them to the edge of the city. Kagome huffed; she was in an uncomfortable position right now. The palace stables had only had three horses available at the time and it had been decided that Kagome would on the same horse as Tamahome; Nuriko would get her own horse, and that Miaka and Hotohori would ride together on the same horse.

 

Oh, yeah she was definitely uncomfortable in this position. She was sitting right in between Tamahome's legs. And every time they hit a bump she'd go up and down in the middle of his legs, she'd gyrate against the lower half of his body. Right now she could feel something hard poking into her soft bottom, and she knew what it was.

 

“Quit bouncing up and down.” A husky voice breathed into her left ear. Kagome bounced up and down again in surprise. He groaned into her ear, her soft body sitting right in-between his legs wasn't helping the situation.

 

“S-sorry.” Kagome was no prude when it came to looking at guys naked; she knew that she could turn a guy on if she wanted to. Her hands entangled themselves in the horse's mane, pulling herself closer to the horse. She needed to put some space between her and Tamahome's lower half. Other than that problem, she was fine. Tamahome on the other hand wasn't fine. He wanted to stop the horse right then and there, then proceed to drag her into the forest and show her what she did to him. However, he wasn't that kind of man. He had been raised to be polite, not a sex fiend. He dropped his eyes down, letting them linger on Kagome's bottom. I wonder if it's as soft as it seems… He let one of his hands drop from the reins of the horse. As if moving on its own accord, it caressed her bottom for a few blissfully wonderful seconds. A dark red stain spread across Kagome's fair cheeks. “Pervert!” she screamed. Kagome turned around in the saddle she shared with him so she could slap him.

 

“Ow, Kagome.” Tamahome cradled his stinging cheek. “That hurt.”

 

“You deserved it, you pervert. You don't go around groping the bottoms of girls.” She hissed the last sentence in his ear.

 

“Good girls don't give guys like me an erection.” He hissed back at her, making sure no one else could hear his words by lowering his voice to an almost inaudible pitch.

 

“Well, yeah…” Kagome huffed; she didn't have a smart-ass comeback right at the moment. Tamahome chuckled at the expression she wore. He looked up; Hotohori, Miaka, and Nuriko were looking at them. A curious expression was plastered on all their faces. “What?” Kagome asked, tipping her face up to look at him. He jerked his head in Miaka's direction, his black hair flowing around him. “Oh… Them…” She turned away from him to face the rest of the group. “What's everyone looking at?” she put on a confused expression. Her face was innocent.

 

“Obviously you two.” Nuriko muttered under her breath. She was on her horse, which happened to be conveniently located right next to Tamahome's horse.

 

“What was that Nuriko?” Kagome was peering around Tamahome to look at her.

 

“Oh. Nothing. But I'm sure everyone would like to know what you guys were doing?” Miaka and Hotohori nodded their heads, agreeing with Nuriko. Kagome waved the question away, doing what she thought was right by ignoring it.

 

“Kagome answer the question.” Hotohori eyes bore into her back, his command out in the open. For a moment Kagome was seething inside. Does he think he can just control me? Command me to do what he says? I'm the freakin' goddess of this story! I could blast him to pieces. Kagome sighed turning herself around to face him. But then again that would ruin the story, and from what my visions keep showing me of the future… I think he'll need to be alive.

 

“Tamahome and I were just talking. He said something rude and I slapped him, end of story.” She had straight out lied to the emperor. Only one person beside herself knew the truth and that was Tamahome. From the expression on his face it didn't look like he was going to argue about her not-so-true explanation.

 

“Well Tamahome, what do you have to say to Kagome?” Hotohori turned his gaze to Tamahome, grumbling Tamahome averted his eyes away from Hotohori's face.

 

“Sorry Kagome.” He mumbled his apology.

 

“Apology accepted.” The group began to move down the road again, the horses moving at a decent pace.

 

“If I only have to say sorry and get a slap for groping you, maybe I should do it more often.” Tamahome looked at her, his eyebrows going up and down suggestively. “Maybe next time I'll go for your breast.” His expression turned thoughtful at the idea.

 

“Oh shut up, you pervert.” She turned her back to him. “Keep your hands to yourself.”

 

“What if I don't want to?” His husky voice spoke softly into her ear.

 

“I guess I'll have to kick you where the sun doesn't shine.” She smiled at the idea. Tamahome backed away from her a little.

 

“What's with you and violence Kagome? I swear I'll never understand you.” Kagome rolled her eyes. Of course he wouldn't understand her, she was Kagome and he was the idiot called Tamahome. That was how the universe rolled for her.

***

The group fell onto the grassy area in the forest, a day of hard traveling and adequate food was had tired the group out easily. Night had fallen and they had not reached a decent village that had an inn and enough food to feed all of them and Miaka. Nearby the horses had been tied to a low tree, low enough for them to eat at the grass and drink the bowl of water on the left. After eating some food that had been prepared before hand, Tamahome and Hotohori had fallen asleep.

 

“Miaka. You've been traveling so hard today, you must feel dirty caked in your sweat. I found a hot spring, just a little deeper in the forest.” Nuriko smiled at Miaka.

 

“But… What about the guys?” Miaka looked at the faces of the sleeping Tamahome and Hotohori.

 

“I'll keep an eye on them, just go relax.” Nuriko pushed Miaka towards the forest.

 

“Okay, Nuriko. I'll see you in a while.” She headed deeper into the forest, taking a towel with her and a change of clothes.

 

Now I just need to get Tama-baby to go find her at the hot spring and then I'll be able to get the two back together. After he apologizes to her, nothing will be in my way to getting Hotohori to be mine. Kagome moved a little in her sleep, pulling her blankets closer to her body. I forgot about Kagome… Hm, maybe I'll just have to set her up with someone else. Nuriko walked quietly to where Tamahome was sleeping, checking around that no one was looking, and she dragged him to a rock about five feet away.

 

“Nuriko! What are you doing? Ow. My head hurts, why'd ya have to wake me up?” He hissed at her and rubbed his aching head. He assumed he'd managed to hit a few rocks when Nuriko had been dragging him.

“Oh. Stop complaining. Miaka told me to tell you to go meet her at the hot springs in the forest.” Tamahome sent her a questioning look, that clearly said Why me? “You don't want to embarrass her again do you? I mean you two haven't really talked to each other since she confessed her feelings to you. Go. Bye.” Nuriko pushed him forward.

 

What is she doing? Kagome wondered, tightly shutting her eyes and feigning sleep when Nuriko turned her way. She let one of her eyes open when she heard leaves crunching; Nuriko was leaving the clearing to follow Tamahome. I wonder what's going on between Miaka and Tamahome… Quietly, she got up. Her feet tip-toed across the clearing, she was trying very hard not to wake the only person in the clearing… Hotohori.

 

Okay Kagome, just a few more steps and then you'll A-okay. It was quiet; if she tried she could hear Hotohori's soft breathing. However she was more interested in getting out of the clearing and deeper in the forest, so she could crunch leaves and snap twigs. The silence was killing her, and Nuriko was getting farther away. Following the leader, the leader, the leader. Following the leader, where ever she may go…

***

“Tamahome!” Miaka shrieked, using her arms to cover her nude body. “What are you doing here?” Her voice was angry.

 

“What am I doing here? You asked me to come.” He had just saved her from what had seemed to be a rabid squirrel. Yelling at your savior wasn't a nice thing to do.

 

“Y-you pervert! Turn around!” She huffed, embarrassed. Her hands covered her breasts. Mousy brown strands of hair clung to her face as she shook her head. Suddenly, her anger evaporated only to be replaced by guilt. I can apologize to Tamahome right now… Tell him I'm sorry for ruining our friendship by telling him I loved him. Tell him that I was just joking.

 

“I'm sorry.” Tamahome turned around to face her. Miaka sunk lower into the water in response to his movement. “I shouldn't have been so rude when you told me… You know. It's just that, when I was younger the kids in the village would always make fun of me. The only thing I've ever cared about until recently was making money. So when you told me, I didn't know how to handle it. You're the first to tell me that you loved me. But, we have to focus on finding the other celestial warriors so you can go home.” He smiled at her before calmly getting out of the hot spring, his clothes dripping with water, walking away. Miaka gazed at his back sadly, her head jerked suddenly as she heard a crash.

 

“Nuriko!” she hissed, “What are you doing here?”

 

“I was hoping he would take advantage of you.” Nuriko muttered.

 

“What?” Miaka leaned closer to Nuriko. She lurched forward on accident, gravity pulled her down… Onto Nuriko. Her head landed on Nuriko's chest. Instead of feeling something squishy, she didn't feel anything of the sort. “Hey, Nuriko… Where are your boobs?” Miaka asked. She began to pull off the top part of Nuriko's outfit off her shoulders.

 

“Get off me.” Nuriko struggled to stand up as Miaka clung to her, her layers slipping of her shoulder to pool around her abdomen. “Eheh, oops.” She or was it he? He blushed as Miaka began stare at him, mouth open and eyes wide. Dainty hands moved across his chest, searching for something.

 

“Nuriko! You're a man!”

 

“Yeah. So what?”

 

“But, you're in love with Hotohori…” Miaka trailed off.

 

“Love can cross the boundaries of anything, even the sexual orientation of a person.” He stated firmly; pulling the layers that had dropped down, back onto his shoulders. “He may not realize he's in love with me yet, but eventually he will.

 

Kagome hid behind a tree nearby, thinking about what had just occurred. So Nuriko is actually a guy… No wonder I was getting mixed vibes from her, I mean him. Oh, this is hilarious. Hotohori likes Miaka who likes Tamahome, whose been kissed Nuriko who loves Hotohori. Where am I in this square, or should I say hexagon?

***

At dawn the group rose, picking up their things, making sure to leave the clearing like it had been before they had slept there. After a few hours of traveling a village lay ahead of them. The smell of cooked food wafted into their noses as they rode into the village.

 

“Food.” Miaka's were wide; her nose was sniffing for the source. “Good food. Hungry.” She got off her horse and began to wander around, sniffing every once in awhile. She came to a stop at a little hut. “Found you.” Drool was slowly leaking out of her mouth. The rest of the group had followed her there, watching her every move.

 

She disappeared into the little hut. Minutes later she reappeared, dragging an aging couple with her. “Hotohori, can we eat here?”

 

“Y-your majesty, I'd be happy to feed your entourage.” The old man bowed.

 

“Thank you; I'll accept your invitation.” Hotohori smiled politely, getting off his horse. Once off, he shot the rest of his group a look… Meaning: Get your butt off those horses and tie them up to that tree over there.

 

“Yes. Of course, my wife and I will start preparing a meal.” He bowed again and moved back inside the hut, his wife following after him.

 

“Food…. Foooooood.” Miaka whined; sitting at the wooden table the couple had provided for them. Food arrived moments later, everyone hurried to get some food before Miaka had the chance to. The meal was eaten in silence; minutes pass by before anyone said anything. Finally Miaka put down her chopsticks. “Anyone up for more?”

 

“Your not full yet Miaka?” Kagome got up to peer into Miaka's face.

 

“Nope.” Her voice cheery.

 

“Heh… Well, you can have my bowl, I hardly touched my food. Anyway, I'm not really hungry.” Kagome pushed her bowl in front of Miaka. She was lying, but Kagome didn't want the couple to go to anymore trouble for them. She'd survive for a while without food. I can sneak food when we're riding…

 

“Thanks.” Miaka grabbed the bowl and began to her eat with her own pair of chopsticks.

 

“Hey, do you guys know where Hotohori went?” Kagome let the question hang in the air a moment longer before asking for an answer. “So?”

 

“Hotohori's gone?” Nuriko said her eyes wide. How come I didn't notice my love was gone?

 

“Nevermind. I'll go find him myself. Here Tamahome, I'm going to go. Take this bag of money and give it to the kind couple who fed us.” Kagome rolled her eyes at Nuriko. “Oh, don't be cheap enough to keep even a little bit of the money.” She added as an afterthought, tossing the bag of coins to him.

 

“Yeah, yeah. Just make sure to come back soon or I'll have to go looking for you.” He crossed his arms across his chest. Kagome walked away, not turning around as she waved good-bye to him.

She found Hotohori minutes later, staring at the meager excuse of a pond the couple had. Little fish swam around the algae; weeds grew around the edge of the water. He looked so peaceful staring into the clear sky, she felt bad for wanting to disturb him. I'll talk to him later, I mean I found him so… Yeah… She nodded her head, turning away from the scene.

 

“Kagome.” His voice stopped her.

 

“Yes…” It felt like she'd just gotten caught spying on him. She turned around to look at him.

 

“What are you doing here?” His eyes looked at her, emotions flashing through them. She could see sadness, confusion, and a little happiness.

 

“Well I was worried and I didn't know where you were.” He nodded, not asking more questions.

 

“I had a bad feeling.” His eyes betrayed nothing now.

 

“I don't understand.” Kagome was confused now, what did he mean by that?

 

“I had a bad feeling, so I came out here to clear my head. I've been trying to think of why I would have a bad feeling. After thinking, I've come to a conclusion. I think Qu-Dong may kidnap Miaka, since she is the priestess of Suzaku and a valuable asset to my empire. What a coincidence really, I was just about to find you. I have a favor to ask of you.” He clasped his hands around hers.

 

“Of course your majesty.” She hesitantly answered.

 

“Good. I want you to protect Miaka.” Hotohori patted her hand and smiled briefly at her.

 

“Sure. Sure. No problem.” She smiled at him. Should that be a compliment? This is crazy… He thinks Miaka needs protection because she's the Priestess. Then what am I, a servant? Am I not important now because I'm the goddess? Sheesh, I sound like a jealous girlfriend.

***

They'd left the village soon after, the warm heat of the sun beating down on them. The sky seemed to dim a bit, but the group paid no heed to the warning that the sky gave. The horses traveled down the path provided, worn down by years of travel. A sudden burst of wind sent shivers down Kagome's back.

 

“Something doesn't feel right you guys.” She told them as they moved. No looked as if they had heard her, well except for Tamahome.

 

“Don't worry.” He said bringing her just a little closer to him. Usually she would just accuse him of being a pervert, but today his being near her made her feel a little bit safe. I'll protect you Kagome. A cloud moved across the sky, blocking the sun's light for a moment. But they only needed a moment.

 

“Give us the Priestess of Suzaku.” In a flash, a group of men had surrounded us. Obviously they were working for Qu-Dong, since they wanted Suzaka's Priestess. The only color present on them was black. Their swords were drawn. “Or that one will die first.” He pointed at Miaka. Miaka began to shake.

 

“Oh. Haha…” Kagome giggled nervously, they certainly had never seen Miaka before so they didn't know she was the Priestess. “Read this after I'm gone.” She whispered softly enough for Tamahome to hear, pushing a piece of paper into his hand. “Alright. I'll come with you.” She climbed off the horse, and walked towards the men. As fast as they came they disappeared with her in tow.

 

“Kagome.” Tamahome whispered.

 

“Hey… Aren't I the Priestess though?” Miaka asked; confused at what had just transpired.

 

“Yes, you are Miaka.” Hotohori patted her hand comfortingly.

“So then why did Kagome go?”

 

“I don't know… I don't know.” Hotohori was deeply confused as to why she would choose this path for herself.

 

“Kagome gave me this. I'm supposed to read it.” Tamahome said, unfolding the scrap of paper. Everyone crowded around Kagome's note, hoping to gain some answers to their questions.

 

If I gave Tamahome this note, then my premonition has come true. Hotohori was right. The only way I felt I could protect Miaka is by impersonating her, I have the skills to do this. Keep looking for the other celestial warriors, I'll be fine. I am capable of taking care of myself. I will eventually find you guys again, don't come looking for me. Everything will be fine, I wish you luck.

 

Kagome.

By the way, Nuriko's a guy.

 

“I caused her to go in the end…” Hotohori's voice was low, and the words came out slow. He hadn't meant for her to make such an extreme choice.

 

“Hey, Nuriko. I didn't know you were a guy.” Tamahome looked him over. “I can see it now, but you're really feminine looking.”

 

“That's impossible.” Hotohori's eyes narrowed. I thought I was the only man allowed to be that pretty.

 

“Yeah. Well.” Nuriko's face was flushed with embarrassment. “I'm going to kill you when you come back Kagome!” He screamed at the sky, shaking his fist in the air. He turned back to look at the group. “So what, got a problem with it?”

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Tea Room -

 

So I hope the chapter was to your liking, it was really hard for me to get this chapter out up until the end of course.

 

Thanks for the reviews everyone.

 

Remember! Read, review, and/or critique.

 

Next Chapter: The Priestess of Suzaku, Kagome

Summary: Kagome's been taken to the Qu-Dong's palace, and is being held a prisoner. A comfortable prisoner at that, but Kagome can't handle the sudden interest Nakago has for her. It's so creepy. Is she going to be found out when Yui, the Priestess of Seiryu, see's her?