"Fate's Unraveling: A Tale Beyond the Stars"

Chapter 16: The Trials of Taiitsukun

Miaka’s fever had grown worse as the journey pressed on, her body weak and her spirit flickering. Hotohori, Tamahome, and Nuriko were by her side, watching over her with worried faces, but there was little they could do but hope she would recover.

As Miaka drifted in a hazy sleep, her mind filled with visions of home. She could see her brother’s face, hear the laughter of Yui and Isuna, feel the familiar comfort of her world. In her fevered state, it was as if she was truly there, surrounded by the warmth of her loved ones. A faint smile touched her lips as she whispered, “I want to go back… I want to go back to them…”

Hotohori leaned down, catching her words, and his gaze softened. He stroked her forehead with a damp cloth, his touch gentle. “Miaka,” he murmured, “if that is your heart’s desire, then perhaps there is a way. The great sage Taiitsukun may have the power to return you to your world… but only if she deems us worthy of her help.”

“Taiitsukun?” Tamahome raised a brow, glancing skeptically at Hotohori. “You really think an ancient sage would help just because we ask?”

Hotohori’s eyes narrowed, his resolve fierce. “If it means keeping Miaka safe, then yes, I believe she will.”

Nuriko, watching Miaka’s restless form, nodded. “Hotohori’s right. Besides, we can’t give up on her. Miaka’s brought us together, made us stronger as a group. If we need to find Taiitsukun, then let’s go.”

That night, the warriors decided to rest and allow Miaka’s fever to pass, each taking turns keeping watch over her. But as dawn broke, Tamahome rose to check on her—and froze, panic flashing in his eyes.

“Miaka!” he called, searching the camp frantically. “She’s gone!”

Hotohori and Nuriko jolted awake, sharing a look of fear. Together, they began searching the area, calling out her name, their voices echoing through the empty fields.

Unbeknownst to them, Miaka had been lured away by Taiitsukun, transported to a strange, reflective realm. She wandered through a misty expanse surrounded by mirrors, her reflection multiplied endlessly in every direction. In the center of this strange realm, a grand feast appeared—a spread of food so delicious that her mouth watered, and her hunger overwhelmed her confusion.

“Am I dreaming…?” she murmured, reaching out to touch the dishes. They looked real enough, the aroma wafting up to her, tantalizing and irresistible.

As she reached for a rice cake, a voice echoed through the mirrors, ancient and knowing. “Even when trapped in peril, your mind clings to simple pleasures.” Taiitsukun’s voice was filled with both amusement and reproach.

Miaka froze, looking around for the source of the voice. “Who… who’s there?” she called, her heart pounding.

The mist shifted, and Taiitsukun’s form appeared, cloaked and ethereal, her eyes sharp with wisdom. “Do you understand where you are, Priestess of Suzaku?”

Miaka’s eyes widened. “Taiitsukun? You… you’re the great sage! Hotohori said you could help me go home.”

Taiitsukun raised an eyebrow. “And yet, here you are, distracted by mere food. Tell me, girl, is your heart truly set on your duty as the Priestess? Or is it so easily swayed?”

Miaka gulped, realizing she’d fallen into a trap. Steeling herself, she took a step back from the food, raising her chin. “I won’t be tempted! I know what I have to do!”

“Then prove it,” Taiitsukun challenged, her voice cold and powerful. “If you truly desire to continue on this path, break free of these illusions.”

Determined, Miaka closed her eyes, focusing every ounce of her will. She pushed against the invisible walls, ignoring the reflections that taunted her and the phantom food that called to her hunger. At last, with a final push, the mirrors shattered, and she stumbled out of the realm, her body weak but her spirit unbroken.

Back in the real world, Miaka collapsed at the warriors’ feet, gasping and injured from her ordeal. Tamahome quickly caught her, steadying her trembling form.

“Miaka! Are you okay?” Tamahome’s voice was filled with worry as he looked down at her.

She managed a shaky smile, nodding. “I… I’m fine. Taiitsukun just… wanted to test me.”

Before anyone could respond, Taiitsukun’s voice echoed again. A shimmering carpet materialized beneath them, lifting them into the air and carrying them high above the land, speeding toward the sacred mountain, Mt. Taikyoku.

The mountain loomed in the distance, shrouded in mist and mystery. Taiitsukun’s voice resonated around them, warning, “Those who hold evil in their hearts will see only rocky cliffs. Only the pure may witness the sacred grounds.”

Hotohori looked away, sneering slightly. “If it’s just ugly cliffs, I’d rather not look,” he muttered under his breath.

Without warning, a massive hammer appeared out of thin air, slamming down on Hotohori’s head with a resounding thunk. He yelped in surprise, rubbing his head as Taiitsukun’s voice echoed with disapproval.

“Vain as always, Hotohori,” Taiitsukun scolded. “You should know better than to focus on mere appearances.”

Nuriko and Tamahome stifled their laughter as Hotohori glared at the sky, muttering under his breath about ancient sages and their strange sense of humor.

When they finally reached the mountain’s peak, Taiitsukun awaited them, her gaze piercing as she examined Miaka. Without a word, she produced a vial of medicine, instructing Hotohori and Tamahome to give their blood to strengthen it.

Without hesitation, Hotohori and Tamahome made small cuts on their hands, their blood mixing in the vial. Taiitsukun added the final ingredient, giving Miaka the medicine to drink. As she did, a warmth filled her, revitalizing her from the inside out.

Taiitsukun’s gaze softened, but her tone remained stern. “Now, if you wish to fulfill your role as the Priestess of Suzaku, you must focus your mind. Clear your thoughts, and find your center. If you cannot, you will be trapped between worlds, lost forever.”

Miaka nodded, determination shining in her eyes. She closed her eyes, trying to block out everything else, but her mind drifted to thoughts of Yui, of Isuna, and her family. Her focus wavered, and the energy around her began to flicker, the air growing thick with magic that threatened to consume her.

Seeing her struggle, Taiitsukun’s voice grew sharp. “Focus! Or be lost!”

In the midst of her turmoil, Miaka heard a voice—familiar, gentle, and filled with concern. It was Yui’s voice, steady and comforting. “Miaka, concentrate! Focus on me, on the people who care about you. I’m here, waiting for you.”

Taking a deep breath, Miaka felt Yui’s voice anchor her, clearing away her fear. With her mind focused, she drew upon the strength of her friends, centering herself in the moment. The energy around her stabilized, her heart now steady and strong.

Taiitsukun nodded approvingly. “Good. With that strength, you may yet succeed in your journey. Remember, Priestess of Suzaku, only through mastering your own heart can you fulfill your destiny.”

Miaka looked up, a newfound resolve in her gaze. “Thank you, Taiitsukun. I won’t forget this. I’ll keep going, no matter what.”

The warriors, inspired by Miaka’s strength, exchanged determined glances. Together, they prepared to continue their journey, knowing that their bond had only grown stronger through Taiitsukun’s trials. The path ahead was uncertain, but with each other’s support, they would face whatever lay in store, united as one.