Miaka ate, enjoying her meal, not seeing the people that had noted them. But Nakago did. And he didn't like it.

But he just smiled coldly at the men, giving them a silent warning. How they reacted would be the deciding factor on if he decided to see if they had anything of value. It wouldn't hurt to have some extra money.

And Miaka was his wife, and under his personal protection. He would do what was needed to protect her...

"Is she on top? Looks like you'd smash her!" one man crudely called out as Miaka stopped eating, as she began to blush.

He just smiled. As much as he wanted to use his powers, that would cause a scene, and have witnesses. Besides, he had much better idea. And it looked liked the bandits were the only threat. Miaka should be fine for a few minuets.

"Stay here" he said as he got up.

Three minuets later-

The two women from Nyosei looked at him with suspicion. He smiled, as the men would soon be properly dealt with.

"What do you want?" one asked, clearly suspicious.

"I'm selling these men, and want to know if you have any interest in buying them from me."

That elder woman smirked. The younger one gave him a suspicious glare.

"I can't recall ever seeing a man selling other men. How...amusing" the elder one said.

He smiled, as the woman looked at the men with interest.

The palace in Qu-Dong-

The Emperor glared, as he surveyed Nakago's old room.

Nakago not only had his powers, he had managed to escape...with Miaka! Those ingrates would join forces and come after him!

"Heh, the Suzaku fools...Hong-Nan was always a nuisance! Damn them!"

The army of Qu-Dong far outnumbered Hong-Nan's own military forces...but the others had their powers, all of them. He didn't have a chance.

Unless Miaka lost her virginity. But with Nakago guarding her...it would only be a wasted effort. And he didn't have the resources to do anything from a distance...but someone else might.

Running, he made his way...he really should lose some weight. But there wasn't time for that. He needed help.

"Need to get some exercise..."

There was only one chance...Seriyu. He just hoped the deity hadn't abandoned him. But he had to be mad that Miaka had chosen Nakago over her duties.

Closing the doors behind him he knelt in front of the gold statue of Seriyu and began to pray...as he had gas.

And the room didn't have windows.

"Um, sorry about that...damn, that smells like something died..."

"What do you want?" a man's voice demanded.

"I...need help..." he gulped.

"That much is apparent" a voice said, sounding like it came from within the walks of the room.

"I...can you help me?"

"I will give you one last chance. I will give Miaka Kodoku in Hong-Nan and transport her to the Valley of the Hin."

He frowned. That was it? No typhoon, or offers of assistance or protection? Or even an offer to destroy Hong-Nan?

"What good will that do?"

"Even I have to watch my back...just be grateful I will help a disgrace like you! And change your diet!"

"Yes sir. But just taking such actions after..."

"Miaka is Nakago's weakness...and even if he does find her, she will not remember him. I suggest you inform him that something might've happened to Miaka, when he manages to invade."

Hong-Nan-

Yui nodded.

"Yes Chichiri, find her, and bring her back. I have a feeling that she's in danger. Seriyu..."

"Qu-Dong needs to be dealt with...but how is the question" Hotohori mused.

"I don't want to sound rude, but as much as I appreciate all that you have done for me, I would like to make my own life...with Suboshi" she said as she gave her husband a warm smile.

"Then...would you mind taking over the throne?" the man asked.

"An Empress? I don't feel worthy."

"You've shown yourself to be compassionate person" Hoki said. "I think you can change things, and make Qu-Dong a place with honor."

"Suboshi, can you...help me?" Yui asked.

Her husband nodded.

"You both have something that connects you? It'll make it easier to find her, no da!" the monk smiled.

"My old uniform" Yui nodded.

The inn-

Miaka smiled as she felt Nakago wrap his arms around her.

After dinner, they had gotten settled into there room. While it was much simpler than the luxury of the palace, she didn't mind.

In there sleeping robes, it felt nice to be in her husband's arms. She hoped it would always be like this.

"After things are settled...any idea where you want to live?" she asked.

"If you would like to be close to Yui, we can settle in Hong-Nan."

Miaka turned and kissed him, grateful. But when he gently took control she felt...weird. She moaned and let her hands slide over Nakago.

"Nakago..." she said, not knowing why her body was reacting. She smiled as Nakago gently rolled her onto her back.

For a few moments, they stared at one another, before he gently began to kiss her, as his hands caressed her.

That was when a poof of smoke interrupted them. Miaka gasped and blushed as she saw Chichiri.

"Sorry!" the monk said, turning his back to them, looking embarrassed.

"What is it?" Nakago said, smiling, as she blushed. She hadn't realized things had gotten so intense between them.

"Lady Yui wants you to come to Hong-Nan... immediately."

Hong-Nan-

As the sun came up, she smiled as she leaned on her husband. The balcony had a lovely view.

After being reunited with Yui late last night, the other Seriyu senshi had been teleported back shortly afterwards. They didn't seem too happy to learn that she and Nakago had married, but they seemed to accept it.

Plans were made, to have Qu-Dong dealt with, within a week.

Chichiri would transport all Seriyuu senshi to Qu-Dong when the time came. Nakago would be the one to deal with the Emperor, because he was the most powerful. The others would make sure that he wasn't...interrupted.

Yui had promised each one thousand gold coins for there services. She and Suboshi would rule Qu-Dong.

And since the Suzuku sensei didn't have any powers, they said they would just go with them for back up, to show their support of peace between both empires.

Nakago had said that he would be content to live in Qu-Dong...but not in the palace. Yui had said that she would let them think on where they might want to live.

Right now, her life was just about perfect. She and Yui were happily married, and Nakago would soon avenge his tribe.

"Miaka, would you mind...if we live in the Valley of the Hin? It's somewhat isolated, but it's within a day's ride to Qu-Dong."

"No, it that's where you want to live, that's great!" she said, giving her husband a smile. He gave her faint smile of his own.

"I don't think any traces it the Hin will be left, so we might have to build things from scratch...I wonder if Tamahome would like to earn some money."

Miaka frowned. For some reason, she had the feeling that Nakago wanted to whip Tamahome...badly.

"You really don't like Tamahome, why?"

"He's a money obsessed lummox."

Breakfast was nice, but it was clear to confrontation was on everyone's mind.

"We should just do it today" Soi said. "We'll catch him off guard, and there no point in waiting."

"She does have a point" Tomo said. "The sooner things are settled, the sooner we can all move on."

"It will take time, to clean up Qu-Dong" Yui nodded. "From what you've told me, it's rather corrupt."

"Corrupt is being charitable" Soi said. "It will probabay take you at least a year to deal with all the political crap...and you'll face opposition. With all due respect Lady Yui, you are young, and not from this world. Not everyone will accept you as the new Empress."

"She's right" Miaka nodded.

"Yes I feel that Soi does have valid point. Soi, will you...assist me? You used to live on Qu-Dong, and I would appreciate your insight" Yui asked.

Soi looked surprised, but nodded.

"Sure."

They had been ready to leave, when Miaka had asked to talk to Yui privately. Nodding, the two of them had gone off to a corner of the gardens to chat privately.

"Is everything okay?" Yui asked.

"Yeah, Nakago and I know where we want to live. He calls it the Valley of the Hin, but I'm not sure were it is."

"I'll ask Soi about that. Is it in Qu-Dong?"

"I think so. Nakago mentioned that it's within a day's ride from the palace."

"Then I will have things arranged so that that land in the area will belong to Nakago."

Miaka smiled, and hugged Yui. She smiled when her friend hugged her back.

"Thank you!"

"You're welcome. And please visit often and don't be afraid to ask for help. You're my best friend."

The two girls looked at one another, each recalling that one day when they had gone to the library.

"Hard to believe that we lived in Tokyo last year" Miaka smiled. "I don't miss my mom, but I miss my brother."

"I don't miss my parents, I was alone so many times. But if your mother knew that you were not only married, but the guy was ten years older..."

Both girls laughed, causing more than once person to look over.

"Yeah...but Nakago's good to me. And I see how happy you are with Suboshi."

"I am happy. We both did marry young, but it worked out for the best."

"And...what's it like...sex ?"

Yui began to blush.

"I...it's amazing! I know you and Nakago have to wait, but...when you guys do make love, it will be beautiful."

Miaka blushed as she recalled seeing Nakago in all his masculine glory.

Qu-Dong-

Something was wrong...the bastard wasn't even scared. But why ?

Around them, the sounds of battle could be heard. But the ambush had caught Qu-Dong completely off guard. It would be an easy victory.

"What Nakago? I know you want me dead..."

He did want the man dead, but something was going on. But what? Miaka was safe, and the others could handle themselves...

Irked, he kicked the man between the legs. As his molester screamed in pain, he smiled.

"Consider that payment for your hospitality."

"You...I'm glad I killed off the Hin!"

Nakago smiled as he prepared to kill the man.

"Heh, good luck finding Miaka..."

That got him to stop.

Hong-Nan-

Miaka smiled as she saw the peach. How weird, there weren't any peach trees around. But a snack couldn't hurt.

Sitting down, she smiled as she took a bite.

But the moment she tasted the peach, she felt herself fainting.

Scared, her last thought was of Nakago. She only hoped that she would see him again.

But before she could hit the ground, she vanished.

Qu-Dong-

Nakago glared. He had horrible feeling that something bad had just happened to Miaka.

"Heh, you both betrayed Seriyu...you failed to protect her. Just as you failed your mother, and your tribe."

He glared at the man, and wanted nothing more than to have him die a slow death. But it wouldn't do any good.

Glaring, he used his chi to reduced the man to a pile of ash.

The Valley of the Hin-

Miaka woke up, and frowned. She didn't know where she was. But at least she didn't appear to be injured.

Looking down, she noted that she wore wedding ring. But she didn't even remember who she was married to. Or even her own name.

Looking around, she decided to try and find someplace where she could spend the night.

But just where was she? It looked like she was in a valley of some kind. With a large lake nearby. But at least that meant water.