Hello everyone!
Here is ch. 5 of Starlit Reflections. Please enjoy.
Raye
=====
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http://members.xoom.com/Raye01
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Some people just get paid.
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Starlit Reflections
by Raye Johnsen
raye_j@yahoo.com
**********
Fushigi Yuugi is copyright Watase Yuu, Flower Comics, Studio
Perriot, Viz Communications and Pioneer Entertainment. This
fanfiction is written to entertain, not make money. If it did,
Tamahome would undoubtedly snaffle all the profits.
**********
Chapter Five: Movements and Revelations
*********
Tamahome knocked on the door of the rooms that had been
assigned to Miaka.
"Come in," he heard her say. Pushing open the door, he
obeyed her. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing an
over-large bedrobe. There was also a comfortable chair drawn up
to the bedside.
"Hello," he said calmly. "How have you been?"
Her whole face brightened into a beaming smile. "I'm fine.
Please sit down," she offered, gesturing to the chair. "Hotohori
tells me that we're going to see Taiitsu-kun! Do you know how
long we'll be travelling?" Then she sneezed. "I hope this works,
I hate being sick," she added.
Tamahome couldn't help smiling back. Absolutely nothing had
been resolved in his life yet but he couldn't help feeling better
around this girl.
"I don't know how long we'll be gone, but we are leaving
tomorrow morning. I just stopped by to see if there was anything
you needed."
"I'll be fine."
Tamahome stood. "Then I'll see you in the morning," he said
calmly, moving to the door. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Miaka echoed as the door clicked shut behind
him. He'd been brusque, uninformative and far less polite than
Hotohori, but...
/... but somehow, his visit made me feel so much better,/
she reflected as she fell asleep.
********
The spy bowed and quietly withdrew from the room, not
without a sense of relief. Some of those Lords in there were
frightening.
"So," said one of the occupants left behind.
"So," said another, in an equally opaque tone. "What should
be done?"
"Our Priestess is not yet with us. I don't believe any
action is necessary until she is," a third spoke, her voice
betraying nothing save her gender.
"Action is necessary to ensure she *will* be with us." The
first speaker replied flatly.
A snatch of soft flute music floated from the window. All
four of the other people in the room turned to the figure seated
on the wide sill. "I agree that nothing decisive should be
undertaken now."
One figure relaxed. Three did not. One nodded calmly. One
remained still, frowning.
The third quietly left, and began to stride purposefully
down the hall, to the soldier's barracks.
********
Houki eyed Kourin. "So it's all right for those girls to
come?"
"Of course." Kourin replied. "Is that everything?"
"No, I haven't put in any of my hair stuff or shoes yet,"
Houki replied, stamping down the clothes into the bag. "So far
I have clean underwear, soap, towel, one clean tunic, I need at
least one other, clean trews and clean socks. Oh, and clean
underwear. Again."
"Are you sure you don't need any more changes of underwear?"
Kourin asked.
"I'm sure."
"But you have to have clean underwear. You could get hit by
a cart and-"
"-and taken to a healer and if he sees me in dirty
undergarments Mother will die of the shame," Houki completed the
sentence in a sing-song tones.
"Don't you mean *you* will die of the shame?"
"Not of the shame, no." Houki finished folding a second
tunic into the fat saddlebag, turning to face her sister's
thinned lips. "Kourin, I'm not *going* where I'm going to be run
over."
"No. You're going off into the wilderness with two young
men. Two young *unmarried* men."
Houki laughed. "Who both think I'm another boy! Kourin, I'm
not an Imperial Concubine! Don't worry about my reputation." She
shook her head. "There are already rumours that I'm sleeping with
Lord Hotohori. So it's not like this will actually start
anything."
Kourin gasped. "How did you - I never said - who told -"
"I do have ears, Elder Sister. And Lord Yukino pulled me
aside to 'discuss' the matter."
"Lord Yukino? Isn't he the one you described as 'an old'-"
Kourin stopped suddenly as she thought about what she was about
to say.
"-'an old gossip who is more wizened than a piece of dried
meat and just as tough'? That's him. He doesn't mince words
either. The man can insult you into a pile of shamed dust without
a single impolite word. Talk about an education." Houki began to
go through her hair ties. "And he likes me. I hate to think what
would happen if I ever got on his *bad* side."
Kourin sighed. "Everybody likes you, Little Sister." It was
hard to describe her nebulous concern, especially as she knew
Houki would just brush aside her worry. It wasn't fear for her
safety, or the trouble Houki's impetuous nature would undoubtedly
cause, or the concern about her reputation, as much as a
combination of these.
Shaking her head, Kourin took the chance Houki's distraction
offered to stuff a lavender dress and matching slippers into the
bag. After all, her sister was going to be in the wilderness, all
alone, with just the Priestess and two young, unmarried men. One
never knew what might happen.
*******
"One never knows what might happen," Lord Yukino told
Hotohori the next morning, offering a sword to the Emperor.
"Please accept this for Your Grace's own protection."
Hotohori nodded, accepting the sword and the speech. The
rest of the farewell delegation took that as their cue to begin
their own speeches.
The young Emperor most definitely did not sigh in
exasperation as the third courtier began expressing wishes for
his liege's continued health and safety. They were all alike.
Yukino's had been different, but his was the only one.
He looked over at his companions. Miaka was patting the nose
of the small mare he'd arranged for her - "the sweetest-natured
horse you have" the message he'd sent to the royal mews had read
- and Tamahome was watching her from his own horse. Hotohori
sighed. It looked as if Nuriko were right after all.
Nuriko himself sat easily astride his own favoured mount, a
spirited mare Nuriko had named 'Chika'. His sister was standing
beside him, looking up and talking to him - probably giving him
instructions to behave. The two stood to one side, as relaxed as
when it was just Nuriko, Hotohori and a couple of guardsmen,
going riding for the exercise and pleasure. Hotohori felt a flare
of irritation at the sight. He was bothered and bored; why should
Nuriko not be?
Then Nuriko glanced over at him and pulled his 'I'm booored'
face, complete with the rolling eyes. Lady Kourin promptly stood
on tiptoe and redoubled her gestures, experienced in dealing with
her brother. Hotohori almost grinned as he turned his attention
back to the delegation.
"...Your Majesty need not accompany the other two
Shishiseishi -"
"How can I be a good Emperor if I never go out and see my
people?" Hotohori interrupted flippantly.
"Still, even in casual garments, Your Grace still carries an
air of distinction."
"However you say it, it's still a compliment," Hotohori
smiled.
Tamahome turned away, pushing his saddlebag into place
before he began to mount up. /I suppose, if I were that handsome,
I'd be vain too./ He was still a little nervous about the horse,
although Nuriko had promised him a gentle one. His family had
been forced to sell their horse when he was twelve, and he had
not ridden one since.
Finally Hotohori finished speaking with the group. He called
over the oldest of the lot, the one who'd spoken the shortest
length of time and actually done something useful. "I'll make my
final decision after I get back. Make sure those two girls are
brought into the Palace as well. Assign them to Lord Nuriko's
sister, Lady Kourin, temporarily - she's expecting them. Apart
from that, use your best judgement."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"Thank you, Lord Yukino," the Emperor replied. He swung
himself up onto Takehito's back, looked around to make sure the
others of the party were all mounted, and then announced, "Let us
go, everyone!"
They rode out of the gate.
********
The party of soldiers had ridden out of the city at dawn.
Riding up to beside his lieutenant, the sergeant asked,
"What are our orders, sir?"
The lieutenant consulted his orders. "We are to cross the
border, locate a certain party of travellers, and attack. We are
not to cause a casualty in the party at this time."
"By your command," the sergeant bowed and fell back into the
column.
"Rather, by Lord Tomo's," the lieutenant muttered.
********
Miaka had never ridden for any length of time before. The
horses at the petting zoo could be hired for riding, but only for
a half-hour at a time. Riding them was like riding a hobbyhorse -
they never went faster than a walk and they had no personality.
The mare underneath her, who had been introduced to her as
'Kae', had *plenty* of personality.
She was forever prancing, which wasn't nearly as jarring as
it looked but still wasn't very comfortable, she kept breaking
into a canter at the sight of a clump of clover (and then she
*would* stop and eat it, despite the fact that it would give her
colic) and she kept whickering. It was not an unpleasant sound
but it wasn't what you'd call very reassuring. She felt as if Kae
were continually snickering at something - most likely *her*, the
complete tyro on her back.
Still, she was getting used to it. After leaving the Palace
and negotiating through the streets of the city, she had begun to
relax. Unfortunately, with her newfound confidence on horseback,
her fever had also returned. What was worse was that, as the day
wore on, her legs and rear end began to ache.
A glance to either side confirmed that Nuriko and Hotohori
weren't feeling this pain, as Hotohori sat easily in his saddle
and Nuriko was twisted halfway round in his. His horse seemed
used to his antics, though, which confirmed her notion that they
did this a lot. Tamahome, though, was sitting as gingerly as
herself and his face was twisted in a small grimace. Miaka felt a
little better when she saw that. At least she wasn't the only one
who wasn't good at riding.
*********
"Suzaku No Miko felt happier knowing another would
understand her discomfort, as she returned her thoughts to the
road ahead," Yui read. She wiped her brow and leaned back against
the bookcase she was sitting against. It was very hard to read
the handwriting of whatever spirit was penning the lines before
her. It didn't help that for some reason she felt all achy and
feverish all of a sudden, either.
/I really, *really* don't like this Book,/ she thought. /If
this really is Miaka, I hope she gets home *quick*!/
Turning the page, the Book began to write, "That evening,
Suzaku No Miko and the Suzaku No Shishiseishi stopped for the
night, unaware danger stood close by..."
*********
Tamahome finished helping Nuriko with the dishes.
"Go to sleep, go to sleep," Nuriko shooed him. "I'll take
first watch."
Miaka watched through half-opened eyelids from her own
sleeping pallet as Nuriko sat down by the fire, poking it. She
should not have journeyed as she did, she realized. The exertion
had tired her out and made her feel worse.
"Miaka?"
She jumped, suddenly realizing how close Nuriko was.
"Miaka, I know you're awake. Riding always makes you hurt
like the blazes if you're not used to it. The best thing to do is
to soak out the aches in a hot bath. Or a hot spring, if a bath's
not available." Nuriko turned towards Miaka, wearing a devious
smirk. "Like the one that's in the wood *just* over there."
Miaka's eyes snapped wide open. "Where?"
Nodding, Nuriko indicated a direction. Miaka stood up and
began to walk there, stopping at the edge of the clearing. "Oh,
and, don't let the others know, all right?"
"Sure," Nuriko chimed. She gave Miaka a count of one
hundred, and then sneaked over to where Tamahome and Hotohori lay
side by side.
"Tamahome."
"Urgle," The object of Nuriko's attentions commented and
rolled over.
"Tamahome!"
"Gerrayshnkei," he muttered.
/Oh well. Why not?/
Tamahome woke to find himself being dragged roughly through
the grass, over rocks, tree roots, and bumps.
"HEY! WHAT'D'Y'THINK YOU'RE *DOING*!!"
Nuriko blinked at him innocently. "Oh. You're awake."
"YES I'M AWAKE!"
"Not so *loud*. I was just thinking that you might like to
soak out any aches and pains you got today, because there's a hot
spring right over there."
"Oh. Thanks."
"You're welcome," Nuriko smiled, stepping back and watching
as Tamahome began heading towards the spring. Then she looked for
another route and a tree to hide in.
After all this effort to set it up, she had no intentions of
missing the fun.
********
Miaka sank up to her chin in hot water.
/What am I going to do?/ she thought as the water lapped
softly about her. /I do like Hotohori, and I think he likes me,
but I think that I like Tamahome better./
The girl knelt up and stretched. Nuriko had been right; the
hot water was exactly what she needed.
/I'll have to tell Tamahome,/ Miaka realized, turning
towards the bank of the pool.
She didn't see the shadow in the water, or how it was
drifting towards her...
********
/That crazy Nuriko was right,/ Tamahome decided. /This is
what I needed./
He stretched luxuriantly in the soft water, wrinkling his
nose at the scent of the natural mineral salts in the spring.
He was just about to get out when an earsplitting shriek
echoed through the wood.
"HELP! HELP! SNAKE!!"
*******
Miaka watched, horrified, as Tamahome sprang from behind the
bend in the pond and tackled the 'snake'.
He didn't come up.
"Tamahome? TAMAHOME?? Oh no, you're dead and I didn't get to
say I love you and it's all my fault!" Miaka cried out.
"Can you wait until I'm dead before you bury me?" a voice
asked, dryly, behind her.
Miaka froze. /Oh no. I just said -/
Tamahome stood there, his chest bare and hair sodden,
looking at something in his hand. He held it up amd Miaka could
see she'd been scared by - a stick. Tamahome threw it away.
The silence stretched between them.
/I can't let this go on,/ Miaka thought.
/Did she really say what I thought she just said?/ wondered
Tamahome.
"I'm sorry, I -" Miaka started.
"Nobody's ever -" Tamahome said, at the same time.
They both fell silent.
"Nobody's ever said that to me before." Tamahome continued
after a moment. "I don't know what to say."
"I never meant to tell you like that. I don't want to impose
my feelings on you," Miaka ventured.
"It's all right." Tamahome waded to the edge. Miaka flushed
and looked away. "Anyway, you just try to think about getting
better, and we'll get you to Taiitsukun." A few rustles that
Miaka didn't dare to look up at, and he was gone.
Miaka stood in the water, looking down, when she heard a
branch crack. There was an almighty SPLOOSH! and Nuriko surfaced
next to her.
"Darn! And I was so sure he'd *admit* it, too!" the wet
Shishiseishi seethed.
"Nuriko?!" Miaka demanded incredulously.
"Uh - ah - um," the other stammered. "Er - this doesn't look
very good, does it."
"You set us up?!" Miaka demanded.
"Well-" Nuriko prevaricated. Miaka's next action, though,
took her by surprise.
"THANK YOU!" she yelled, flinging her arms around Nuriko's
neck. Hugging the other seishi tightly, she found... somewhat
more than she expected. Pulling back, she patted Nuriko's chest
again.
"Er - could you stop doing that, please?" the other girl
asked nervously.
"Nuriko?" Miaka replied. "You're a *girl*?"
"Um. Yes. Please don't tell anyone, I really don't want it
known."
"But *why*?"
"It's a long story and I'd really not rather discuss it
now."
Miaka shrugged. "All right. But you will tell me?"
Nuriko nodded. "Of course. Tomorrow?"
"Okay." Miaka began to climb out of the spring, and dress.
She stopped, though, when she saw Nuriko was taking her clothes
off and wringing them out. "What are you doing?"
"Well, you've had a bath and Tamahome's had a bath," Nuriko
replied. "I may as well have one while I wait for my clothes to
dry."
Miaka nodded. That made sense. "Then I'll see you back at
the camp."
Nuriko nodded. "All right."
She sank back into the water as she watched the younger girl
walk away. /*Now* what am I going to do? Miaka can't keep a
secret to save herself. I've got to 'fess up - but how?/
********
Hotohori looked up as Miaka came back. He had been woken by
Tamahome's return, and Miaka's presence made him very aware of
one particular person's absence.
"Where's Nuriko?" he asked.
"Taking a bath in the hot spring," Miaka replied absently.
"A hot spring? Near here? Why wasn't I informed?" Hotohori's
demand met shrugs.
"Nuriko told me about it, after you two went to sleep,"
Miaka told him.
"Nuriko woke me up to tell me about it - if he told you -
why that little - I'm going to go *talk* to him!" Tamahome
finally put two and two together.
"*Indeed*," purred Hotohori. "A hot springs and he didn't
tell *me*?" He decided to set Nuriko's matchmaking aside for the
minute, as it obviously hadn't worked.
"Um - no - you shouldn't go, not yet, wait for Nuriko to
come back," Miaka interjected, suddenly realizing their
intention.
"Certainly *not*," Hotohori declaimed. "I want *answers*!"
"So do I," agreed Tamahome, as they both began to stride
toward the spring.
"Answers you'll get, all right," Miaka said, glumly, to the
empty camp.
*******
Nuriko floated on her back across the spring. /This is so
*nice*,/ she thought lazily as she flipped and swam back.
Sitting back into the water, she stretched, aware that the
exertion was bringing up her ki a bit and making her symbol glow.
A sudden /snap!/ made her turn towards the side of the
spring - to face a suddenly very pale Hotohori and Tamahome.
Suddenly *very* aware she was only waist-deep in the water,
Nuriko immediately sank to her chin, blushing furiously.
Tamahome went scarlet immediately and stumbled back, while
Hotohori's face flushed, then paled further. While Tamahome was
speechless, he said, "Sorry to disturb you. We'll see you back at
the camp." Taking Tamahome's elbow, he steered the other boy
away.
Nuriko waited until they were both gone before she scrambled
out of the spring and into her half-dry clothes.
*******
Hotohori couldn't believe it. A girl! Nuriko was a *girl*!
It felt as if the whole foundation of the world had been suddenly
jerked sideways, and he didn't know what to trust anymore.
Nuriko was a *girl*?
Miaka was sitting beside the fire, waiting for them. "You
shouldn't've gone," she said flatly.
"You knew?" Tamahome asked. She nodded and poked the fire
further.
A soft cough behind them made them turn. Nuriko stood there,
his - no, *her* hair unbound and, somehow, looking much more
feminine.
Hotohori had been doing some mental arithmetic of his own.
"Chou Houki, I presume?" he asked flatly.
Nuriko's shoulders dipped. "Yes." Her lips quirked as she
glanced around the group. "I'm very pleased to meet you."
Hotohori didn't know what she found so funny in this
situation. A *girl*! He hadn't known he could be so angry.
All in all, it was probably not the best time for the squad
of soldiers from Koutou to finally find them.