The Emperor Hotohori gentley tilts the Lady Miaka's head back as he poors some water in her mouth. The room is quiet as all stand around Miaka in her sick state. Hotohori questions Tamahome of the events that took place in the city. Hotohori tells Thamahome that if he is to blame that he will pay. Tamahome dismisses the threat as the visions of the event flash in his mind.

"Why would you go this far to protect me," asked Miaka?

"It isn't important," replied Tamahome.

"I won't except that, screams Miaka. I won't except that because I LOVE YOU!"

They soon realize that Miaka wants to go home, after hearing her speak "Mother, big brother," in her sleep. Nuriko rudely suggests that the Emperors only option is to send her home. Hotohori ponders on who could help Miaka to cross back to her world when he finally comes up with the solution of Taiitsukun. Taiitsukun is the great hermit of the Mt. Taikyoku, who first gave them the Universe of The Four Gods. Hotohori quickly orders for the Universe of The Four Gods to be quickly brought to him.

While this is going on Miaka begins to awake from her heavy dreaming and also realizes what she told Tamahome and blushes in embarrassment. Miaka is sad becaus she told Tamahome of her feelings and he easily rejected her. (*rawr*) She is scared to face him beause of the awkward events that have taken place between them. While she is thinking the door opens and Hotohori walks in. Hotohori checks her and tells her of his plan to take her to Taiitsukun. Miaka is scared that if she leaves Konan will be in danger. Hotohori asures her that everything will be alright. Hotohori makes Lady Miaka promise that as soon as she gets better that she will return to him in Konan. Hotohori gently hugs Miaka and she realizes that he truly cares for her. Outside Nuriko is scolding Tamahome for rejecting Miaka. She tells him that he better opologize because she doesn't want to lose Hotohori.(as if she ever had him)

On there way out Nuriko notices the distance and awkwardness of Tamahome and Miaka. After leaving the gates of the Konan empire Miaka tries to lighten the mood between the group by telling a lame joke.(I brought a great walking stick today cane you believe it.)

Later that night Miaka's fever has gotten worse because of pushing herself to hard. Nuriko tells her of a hot spring that has heeling powers. Miaka decides to give it a try and goes. Soon after Nuriko violently, drags Tamahome out of sleep, and tells Tamahome to meet Miaka by the spring. Tamahome also decides to go. At the spring Miaka has stripped off her clothes and gotten in the spring. While reading the book Yui realizes that she is getting the fever that the Miko has too! While Tamahome is walking towards the spring he tells himself that he's not going because Miaka asked, but because he's "Bored". Just then he hears a piercing scream coming from the spring. Miaka is being attacked! Tamahome galantly dives into the water to restle the "evil snake".

"Tamahome! Tamahome!! Tamahome!!!" screamed Miaka.

Miaka begins to cry and blame herself for the death of Tamahome.

"Tamahome's been eaten by a snake!" she cries.

Tamahome appears above the water, and tells her not to go digging his grave yet. Tamahome pulls out a big log and says, "You call this a snake?".

Miaka is relieved to see him alive and opens her arms and accidently reveals her breasts. They both are ashamed of the way they've been acting and they say sorry in unison.

"I'm sorry about being such a jerk before. It's the first time a girl's ever said she loved me. I... it's just... I didn't know what to say. For 17 years all I've ever thought about was making money."

Tamahome jumps out of the water and leaves. Miaka is shocked to hear that Tamahome could actually be compashionent. Just then Nuriko falls out of tree. Nuriko was spying on the whole scene. Miaka realizes that Nuriko tricked her.(duh) Miaka gives Nuriko a huge hug becuase she is happy that things are finally set straight between her and Tamahome. While Miaka is hugging Nuriko she pulls down her clothes and sees that Nuriko has no breasts. Nuriko is a Man.

"Oh well the cats out of the bag, says Nuriko. Yeah, I'm a guy. What are you gonna say about that?"

"You're a guy and you're in love with Hotohori?! And you even kissed Tamahome!"

"I've abandoned the path of manhood for the sake of love!

Miaka wonders if she'll get to Taiitsukun safely. Just as she is thinking to herself an errie unknown person peers at Miaka through a magical mirror.

They finally arrive at the next city and get food. After they're done they continue their journey through a thick fog. While they are walking Miaka gets lost in the fog. The trio of Hotohori, Tamahome, and Nuriko search for the Lady Miaka. Miaka was transported into a mirror and saw a huge buffet of yummy food. Inside the mirror Miaka sees another living, breathing, Miaka another Priestess of Suzaku. Miaka is scared, and the double faintly smiles at her.