The Story of Miaka

Chapter 6: Heartbreak

Although we found the 3rd warrior I’m not at all happy.

Nuriko is the most annoying human being I ever had the misfortune to meet. She follows Tamahome everywhere and because of her super strength even Tamahome is having a hard time driving him off. Maybe he's just not trying hard enough. Maybe he even likes her company.

Fine, I admit. I'm jealous. But what am I supposed to do? It’s all Tamahome's fault for being so nice.

Since I am the Priestess I have to unite all the seven warriors. Therefore no matter how annoying Nuriko could be I decided I have to make her my friend. She’s the first woman I came to meet and I desperately wanted to have someone I can call a big sister.

“Nuriko,” I found her in her room with the maids tending to her hair. She seems upset.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I lost a pair of my earrings. This earring means a lot to me. I think I dropped it at the pond just outside the palace. Will you help me find it Miaka?”

I know she’s lying because her story doesn’t add up. As far as I know she’s not allowed to take a step outside the palace. However I wanted to do something for her so I decided to do as she asked. If by any chance she was telling the truth, I have to find that earrings and then maybe we could start being friends. If she was lying then maybe I could find something prettier somehow. Nevertheless, I was determined not to come back empty handed.

The feat proved to be difficult. The water was cold, it was completely dark and I couldn’t see a thing.  You can say I’m really stupid for doing something impossible. But I wanted to do something other than stay in the palace wallowing in distress for being stuck in an ancient world and being heartbroken because the guy I like doesn’t seem to feel the same way.

After an hour of searching deep in the pond I managed to find a really pretty gem. The light from the moon made the pearl shine which made it possible for me to spot it. I eagerly ran towards the palace hoping Nuriko would be pleased with my discovery.

When I came back I was dripping wet. I overheard Tamahome and Nuriko arguing. “How can you do this to Miaka? What have she done to you anyway?" Tamahome said in an angry voice.

“Do you really wanna know?” Nuriko retorted back. “The mere fact that she exist… I hate it! His majesty never looked at me the way he looks at her. Do you think it makes sense? Everyone likes her and it’s so annoying! That's why I wanted to steal you away from her."

So that was what it was all about. She was jealous of me and Hotohori. She doesn't feel anything for Tamahome. That cheered me up a little.

"You went too far Nuriko. What if something bad happens to her? What will you do then?" I’ve never seen Tamahome that furious. He turned to leave and probably to start looking for me. I showed myself and I saw how his face turned from fury to relief. I smiled at him to assure him I’m ok then I faced Nuriko.

I stretched out my hand to show her the pearl I found in the pond. "Sorry I couldn't find your earrings. But I found this instead." It was the prettiest pearl I’ve ever seen and I thought she might like it so I took it with me. "Pretty isn't it?" I asked her with a smile.

I saw her eyes tear up and angrily she said, "Are you stupid?"

I saw the pair of earrings lying on the table and I was relieved to know that nothing is missing.

"I lied." she admitted. "You're really stupid for believing me."

“I knew" I said. She became more furious and even slapped me in the face. I slapped her back. "I hope we can be friends from now on." in a teasing voice I added, "If you want I'll help you win his majesty's heart"

She couldn’t speak a word after that. if it was from surprise I’m not really sure.

The next day Hotohori came to visit me in my room. I wanted to tell him about Nuriko so he will pay more attention to her. I really think they suit each other. But before I realize it Hotohori was opening his heart to me.

“Miaka…” he said. “When I was a kid I was told that a girl from another world will come to Konan and bring prosperity to our land and our people. For years I’ve waited for this moment. This symbol on my neck meant I was born to protect you. Miaka, I think I fell in love with you even before we met. Once this is over I’m going to make you my empress. Of course it will not be an order. I'm going to win your heart."

"Hotohori I-…" An emperor confessing his love to me is too much to bear. I couldn’t say a single thing. To my surprise he suddenly stood up and pull out his sword. He sliced the wall of my room and on the other side stood Tamahome and Nuriko who were probably eavesdropping.

"Good evening your majesty. We were sorry to intrude." With that said, they both left.

Hotohori decided to leave as well. "Think about what I just told you," he said before he left. I didn’t sleep a wink the entire night

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The next day I came across Tamahome. I tried to greet him but he just said hi and without even a glance he walked right through me. I'm not used to the cold treatment and I was about to confront him about that but an angry Nuriko came and I already knew why she's mad at me.

Just like Tamahome she immediately left after giving me a cold stare. If stares can kill I would have been dead by now. "Tamahome wait! Where are you going?" Nuriko asked Tamahome.

"I'm going to make some money," he said.

“I’m coming with you!" Nuriko called after him.

“Suit yourself.” She put her arm over Tamahome’s and I was suddenly filled with jealousy. The next moment I found myself following both of them. I tried to disguise myself so they wouldn’t notice though I’m pretty sure they did.

The next thing that happened was a total chaos. It all happened when Tamahome started selling the gums I gave him before at the dungeons. It was probably to make money. Apparently nothing is more important to him than money. The people wouldn’t believe it came from another world though and therefore no one is willing to buy. I had to do something. I revealed myself and told the people that the gums really came from another world and that I was the one who gave it to Tamahome. Unexpectedly, rather than helping, I caused even more trouble for Tamahome because the people started making a fuss because everyone wanted to have a gum. Before it got worse Tamahome and I fled the scene leaving Nuriko behind.

For the first time in days I was able to have a time alone with Tamahome. I suddenly realized how much I missed him. He was right beside me the whole time but I didn’t feel it was the case.

And then I thought it’s now or never. "Tamahome... I..." I paused trying to gain more courage. "I think… I like you." Tamahome didn’t look surprised but he avoided my eyes when he said, "I'm sorry Miaka. I don't feel the same way."

That was the most heartbreaking thing I’ve heard in my life. "Why?" I asked. All those things he did for me, what are those for anyway? If it isn’t because he likes me then what was it then? "Why then did you do all those things and make me like you?"

"You are the Priestess of Suzaku and I must protect you. That's just it."

I was already crying and I didn’t even realize. The rain started pouring and I didn’t notice either. All I noticed was the pain in my heart… and then everything went totally dark.

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After giving it a lot of thought, I've decided to continue the story. Besides Fushigi Yuugi is still my most favorite anime. But please don't expect faster updates.  Comments are loved :)