Reflecting

Reflected in the Mirror Called Love- Part 1

by: Asurahime

It has been three years since the fall of the demon named Tenkou. Three long years since Miaka saw the others of her seishi; since she was last called 'Suzaku no Miko', the Priestess of Suzaku.

The red-haired girl was sitting in her room and looking out the window, trying to lose herself in the stars which reminded her even more of her friends inside the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. Twin rivers were coursing down from her emerald eyes, down her pale face. But she paid them no heed as they flowed steadily on. It was as if she was oblivious of tears, for they cannot wash away the grief residing within her heart.

Miaka thought that she couldn't be happier with Tamahome, one of her Suzaku Seishi, now called Taka; and it never entered her mind that their 'destined love' would ever end. The love that they shared was genuine, nothing could have torn them apart if they had control over it. It never occurred to them that their separation was inevitable.

The scene was still very clear in her mind. So vivid and realistic that if she didn't know that it already happen two weeks ago, Miaka would have thought it was happening right now.

"Taka, I miss Tasuki, Chichiri, and the others. I wonder how they are now, because we haven't seen them in such a long time." said Miaka as she fondled the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. "I miss my seishi more than anyone else in the world."

Taka gazed at his girlfriend, then he smiled the smile which he only showed her. He loved her so much, and he didn't like to see her unhappy; he had to try to lift her spirit which diminishes every time she speaks of her desire to return to the land inside the book. "I know that you miss them Miaka, but don't you like being here with me?"

Miaka wasn't looking at him, for she was already flipping through the volume, recalling the memories from the past. "Of course I love being here with you Taka, but I still miss the others... you know what?"

The former Suzaku Shichiseishi smiled at his priestess. "Yes?"

"I wish that we, or even of us can go there and see how the others are." Miaka flipped to the back of the book and read the end. Unfortunately, she had to read further than she thought because more pages were being added at that very moment. As soon as she saw what was happening, she turned towards Taka. Her green eyes were wide with confusion and fear.

"Taka, what is going on?! More pages have been added into the book, but they are blank. Taka? Taka?!"

"Miaka!!! Get back!!"

The girl looked towards her beloved, but the last thing she saw was a crimson light which the boy disappeared into. The light of Suzaku. "TAKA!!!"

The night was fair, not a cloud in the sky. Miaka absolutely hated it; because it belied the feelings which raged like a storm in her heart. Yui and Tetsuya tried to comfort her, but their support could not lift her heart or rekindle her fire. If anything, their presence made Miaka's sorrow all the more painful; for their happiness drawn from each other reminded Miaka agonizingly of the love she lost.

It has been too long since Miaka last smiled. She often recalled her memories from the past, when she thought she did lose her love. Tamahome loved her, she knew it; and he would love her less if he saw what she was putting herself through. It had been easier to bear before, because people like Tasuki and Nuriko were always there to back her up and make her smile again.

What Miaka wouldn't give to see Tasuki's cheerful demeanor to allow her at least a moment of joy; he always protected her in Tamahome's place, and even almost died for her a few times. Sure, Nuriko and Hotohori also defended her, but Tasuki sacrificed virtually everything when he gave up fighting for her sake during the incident when Tamahome was under the influence of the kodoku. Most of all, he knew the simplest ways to make her glad despite the hopelessness of a situation.

'What would Taka say if he saw me now. Would he say that.... no, he would say that he wants me to be happy. Even if it's not with him.... as long as I am glad of the way I am living my life, then he will be behind me the whole way.' She knew that she was right, but she could not help but burst into tears one last time. To forget. 'Taka, where ever you are... someday come back to me. I have to move on, for you. Just remember that... I love you.'

**********

"Miaka!! Over here!"

The green-eyed girl looked towards the source of the voice and suppressed a yelp of surprise when she saw Yui sprinting to her. Unfortunately, Yui also was going too fast, and thus, her momentum made her collide into Miaka. The impact was powerful enough that they both got knocked down on the ground, causing others near them to stare in confusion at Yui's unusual hyper behavior.

I guess the roles got reversed today." Yui giggled as she stood up and waved to a couple of their friends.

Miaka just laughed and got to her feet. "Yeah! I didn't think that a day will come when you will crash into me!"

"Well, that day came." Inwardly, the Priestess of Seiryuu was relieved. Miaka was not quite back, but at least she wasn't shutting herself away from everyone like before. Yui also knew that she had to take the risk and ask Miaka the question which will possibly decide the other girl's outlook in life. "So Miaka, are you all right now? You're not still unhappy about Taka, are you?"

To Yui's surprise, Miaka gave her a hug and didn't cry at all. "Don't worry Yui-chan. I can't say that I don't miss Taka, but I know that we'll meet again one day. I don't want to cry anymore, I'm all cried out. Tamahome would be disappointed if he sees me living my life, depriving myself of what I need to live just because I keep on dwelling in the past. He would tell me to go on with my life, and to not compare anyone I grow feelings for with him."

The blonde girl sighed her relief. She looked at the green-eyed girl and smiled inwardly; it was obvious that Miaka's ordeal made her grow up. No, it was probably Taka's influence that made her what she is today. 'Miaka is back, I know she is. Now, she just needs to get on with her life.... maybe if....'

"Ne, Miaka. Would you be intereste----" Yui looked around for the girl, but noticed that Miaka wasn't there anymore. "Where did you go?"

"Itadakimasu!!!", a cheerful cry dissolved Yui's distress. The girl was back to normal all right, and that hyper call confirmed it. "At least life is as it used to be."

Just as she was about to join Miaka, Yui fleetingly detected a flash of red coming from the way of the National Library, where the copy of the 'Universe of the Four Gods' was first found. It was only there for a second, almost as if Yui just thought she was seeing things, but she has learned to anticipate the unexpected. She will have to check it out later, when she has the time. Right now, she still has to bring back the Miaka who was cheerful and excessively genki... maybe she could try the play.

Yui didn't think twice as she rushed over to Miaka. "Hey, Miaka! Why don't we audition for the play that they are holding??"

Miaka looked up at Yui, a startled look on her face. "Yui-chan!! You know I can't act!! I'll just make a fool of myself!! The only times I ever acted was in the book with Nuriko and Tasuki---" She didn't want to go any further. Losing Taka was painful, but add remembering her friends in the book made her current condition almost unbearable. She still remembered all memories which involved Tamahome, Hotohori, Nuriko, Tasuki, Chichiri, Mitsukake, and Chiriko. Tamahome was gone; Nuriko, Hotohori, Chiriko, and Mitsukake are dead, and supposedly have been reincarnated in this world; and she can't contact Tasuki and Chichiri at all.

Yui waved her hand in front of Miaka's face. The auburn-haired girl has been quiet for the last few minutes, and has still not answered her question. When she didn't get a reaction, Yui gently shook the girl by the shoulder. Finally getting a conscious response, she sighed and started to believe that the girl was losing it. "Come on Miaka! You have to get out more, and this can actually be fun. Let's go!"

"Yui-chan, I--" Miaka didn't even get the chance to reply before she found herself being dragged off towards the auditorium. Yui gave her a number and resumed dragging the poor girl to the platform.

There were many people who were present to try their luck and skills into getting a part in the play. The girls have been separated from the guys so that they won't know who will play a certain part. All the while, Yui was getting more and more excited, while Miaka was getting more and more agitated. She wasn't the only one, many of the girls who were trying for a part were nervous out of their minds.

Miaka turned back to face Yui. "Yui-chan, what is the title of this play?"

"Sleeping Beauty." replied Yui, just as the director of the play stepped on the stage. Sneaking a glance at the man, Yui's eyes widened in amazement and recognition. She grabbed Miaka's arm and whispered anxiously. "Ne, Miaka.... Is it just me, or does the director look disturbingly a lot like one of your seishi?"

"Eh?", asked Miaka as she focused her attention on the stage. The man looked like he was still in his early twenties, but he already had a regal aura around him. He had long, brown hair which gave off golden highlights and beautiful amber eyes. He held an ornamental sword and showed it off to the audience, telling them that it was to be the sword of the prince in the play. It was an exceedingly low chance of coincidence that he looked too much like... just like... that he was... "It's Hotohori......"

That very second, the director's gaze rested on Miaka. A flash of something like reminiscence was in his eyes for a second, then his gaze moved on to the other side of the stage. Nothing betrayed what the spark in his eyes could have meant, almost as if he himself did not pay attention to it; as if it was nothing but deja vu concerning something of the past.

Yui listened to what the man was saying while Miaka recalled her thoughts. Could he actually be the emperor of Konan? It never entered their mind that the director would look so much like the emperor. Yui refocused her attention to the man and cocked an eyebrow when she heard his announcement.

Now that's a strange way of picking the cast.... he won't even look at talent, it'll just be by chance. The director who looked like Hotohori stated that the cast of the play will not be decided by normal auditions. It will be by luck, for everyone will put their name on a piece of paper and he will pick who will be in the play.

"Here's mine and Miaka's." Yui gave two slips of paper to the collector. She wrote both hers and Miaka's because the girl's mind was still in shock of Hotohori's presence. "Miaka, wake up now. We'll talk about this later."

The Priestess of Suzaku registered to Yui's voice. "Sorry Yui-chan, but he looks a little too much like Hotohori." She then saw the music composer come out from behind the curtains to address the play director, which just added on to her shock. "Nu-Nuriko..."

Indeed, it was the violet-haired seishi; or at least someone who looks like Nuriko's twin. The hair was cut short but if it had been long, he would have looked like a woman. The composer looked around and smiled at the audience. Yui and Miaka could just hear girls talking about how handsome both men were, but the boys were talking about how they both look a little too pretty, in a feminine manner.

All of a sudden, a small boy with light brown hair came out from behind the curtains and gave a copy of the script to the director. Then, a very tall man with dark hair followed the boy to the stage. A white and brown colored cat was hanging on to his left shoulder and regarded everything with profound interest.

Miaka was extremely close to crying; she won't cry because of Tamahome, but when her mind played tricks like this at her, it was too much. "Chiriko, Mitsukake, even Tama-neko.... what is going on??"

"Miaka... remember when Taiitsukun mentioned that the other seishi were going to appear in this world? I think these are them. Your mind can't be playing tricks on you if I also see them, unless my mind is also showing me images of your seishi." Yui looked at the girl next to her and saw that Miaka was barely controlling herself from jumping up and running towards the others. She couldn't blame the girl, it was too much for her to handle when all four of Miaka's seishi appears at the same time. It saves all the time to be wasted for searching, but it can be dangerous for your sanity. Just then, Yui's attention was focused on the cat on the guy who looks like Mitsukake's shoulder. The cat never died, so what was it doing in this world? "Miaka, what is that cat doing in this world?"

Miaka looked at her friend and wiped her eyes. "What do you mean Yui-chan? What's so strange about Tama-neko being in this world? He's Mitsukake's."

"That cat isn't a seishi, and in fact, he didn't die during both of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho events. He was still alive, so what is he doing in this world?" asked Yui as 'Hotohori' began to pick who will make the cast and who won't. "But right now, let's see who makes it in the play and think about the rest later. Okay?"

"All right, but I told you Yui-chan. I can't act." Miaka sighed unhappily at her current situation. She was torn between running up and hugging her seishi, and the knowledge that they don't remember anything of the past.

'Chiriko' took the folded pieces of paper which 'Hotohori' chose and without looking at them, gave the names to 'Nuriko'. He mixed them all together and placed them all in a straight line on a table.

'Hotohori' picked a random boy and a random girl from the audience and told them to put the character positions above the names without looking at name of the person. After they finished, 'Mitsukake' walked up to the table and began reading who the parts will belong to. When the minor parts were given out, the others who were still not chosen were listening intently if they got a lead. Among the people still available were Yui, who was listening, and Miaka, who wasn't paying any attention and was lost in her thoughts.

'Mitsukake' picked up the last pieces of paper and read them aloud. "The part of Joo-sama (queen) goes to Yui Hongo."

Both girls registered when they heard Yui's name. Miaka hugged Yui and nearly shouted her congratulations; she was very happy for her friend. Now, if only she didn't get a part; it sounded horrible after Yui went through all the trouble, but she couldn't help but hope. She was expecting to get one of the minor parts, but she will be in total shock if she gets a major part.

'Mitsukake' continued on. "The character of O-sama (king) is Shinosuke Kurihara."

Cheering was apparent from the boy's side. Shinosuke, a blue-haired boy was well-liked because of his philanthropic and optimistic personality. It was a good choice.

"Finally, the part that you have all been waiting for......." 'Mitsukake' made way for 'Nuriko' who was going to read the two remaining names. 'Nuriko' opened up the first piece of paper and his jaw almost dropped to the floor when he saw the name.... it was not was he was expecting, and he looked with sympathy at the male half of the audience.

'Nuriko' sighed. "The part of Ohime-sama (princess) goes to.... Kou Shunu...?!"

Miaka's eyes widened at the name. It can't be..... Kou Shunu?? That's Tasuki's name!!! It's impossible... he can't be here!!!

Scattered voices floated through the room. Some were disappointment, and some were of shock. A boy playing as a princess??

The violent haired man shook his head and unfolded the other name. Cocking an eyebrow, the others couldn't guess whether from relief or surprise. "Here's something you don't see everyday.... Our Oji-sama (prince) is.... Miaka Yuuki?"

"Ehhhh???" Everyone stared at the music composer with surprise, but even he was dumb-founded at the results. Talk about a miscast; but there was nothing else that can be done. It was fair, and if this wasn't at 'random' then nothing else is.

The play director walked to the front of the stage, handing out the scripts and speaking directly to chosen cast. "Now, here are the scripts. Our first rehearsal is in two days and our dress rehearsal is in two and a half weeks. It would be best if you memorize your lines within two weeks. I will be counting on you all to make this a great performance; but don't force the work upon yourself, take it easy and have fun, that's what this play is meant to be performed with."

"It's best if Yuuki-san and Shunu-kun; Hongo-san and Kurihara-kun practiced together. The play depends on them. " 'Chiriko' smiled at each of the four.

Yui remembered something that they forgot. "Wait!! You haven't chosen who will be the wicked witch will be."

The four men exchanged glances and smiled. "Don't worry, that part has already been taken. "'Mitsukake' scratched his cat's head and went back behind the curtain.

Why do I have this strange feeling that there is something wrong going on.... wait.... I'm the prince!!?? This cannot be good... Miaka covered her face with her hands, this was embarrassing beyond belief, but there was no other choice. I have to go through with this.... now, Kou Shunu??

Indeed, 'Kou Shunu' looked like an exact copy of an ex-bandit who used to be one of her protectors. Red hair, amber eyes, and was even smiling enough to show two pointed canine teeth. Although, one thing was different about this seishi-look-alike than that of the other four. In one sentence, Miaka grew even more confused than she thought she could.

Yui already left to speak with Shinosuke, they had to discuss when they will rehearse together.

Before Miaka could follow her best friend, a gentle hand closed over her wrist, keeping her back. Miaka was about to ask what they wanted, but instead found herself staring into the same familiar amber eyes which she last saw three years ago. Probably in a dream..... but dreams don't speak, nor do they last. But the only Kou Shunu she ever knew was still in before her, alive and well.

Before Miaka could speak, Kou Shunu spoke for her. "Yoroshiku, I'm Kou Shunu. You must be Miaka Yuuki, my prince, aren't you?", he said this with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He was smiling wide enough that Miaka could see both his pointed fangs just like in her memories.

The girl's mouth was dry and it was a task to speak, so she just nodded. There was nothing she could say which won't betray her distress, for she knew that her voice will desert her within the first few words.

Shunu looked her over and smiled at her obvious discomfort. He shouldn't be playing with her like this, but it has been such a long time since he last saw her that he couldn't help but keep her unsteady to prevent from being off- balance himself. Despite the years that they have been apart, and that she loved another, he still felt the same about her. What little self-control he had was being used to keep himself from kneeling down before her and pouring out everything that he felt from inside his heart. But he will wait. He didn't know why he came to this world, but the only thing he cared about was her.... and that he has been given another chance.

Miaka finally got her voice working properly. She was trying to keep from jumping up and running away as far as she can, that would be less strain for her heart than standing here. "Shunu-kun, you don't have to call me your prince. I'm just Miaka."

Kou Shunu cocked an eyebrow at the girl; she has changed quite a bit. No more waiting and making Miaka suspicious; he had to tell that he was who she thought. "Your right, instead of calling you my 'prince'... I should be calling you my 'priestess', ne Miaka-chan?"

The girl pulled out of his grasp in shock, her eyes were becoming bright with tears. Kou Shunu is one of her seishi, but she just can't accept it. She missed her friends so much that it seems almost impossible that he would be in front of her, unchanged from the three years with which they went without any contact at all. Not only that, but he remembers everything that has happened; and most of all, who she was. "No.... it can't be you.... it just can't!!!"

Shunu leaned close and whispered something in her ear. "Rekka Shinen..."

Miaka completely burst into tears and hugged the red-haired boy. That was something Tasuki wasn't expecting, but he wasn't about to complain. He put his arms around her, thankful that there were no other people in the room other than themselves. Why would Miaka be hugging a boy she supposedly has never met? It would make his face flush as red as his hair and they would get the wrong idea about what hasn't taken place.

The Priestess of Suzaku finally let go of the boy and wiped the tears away from her eyes. She couldn't believe it, but it is true... only one person mattered right now, and it filled her with the happiness which she has forgotten from the ties of love that she lost.

"Suzaku Shichiseishi no hitori, Tasuki..."

to be continued....

Mystic Princess Ta-chan:
Here's the first part of the fic I promised you. How'd you like it so far? Minna?? Please comment.

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