*In-depth on Nuriko*
Nuriko, as I've probably mentioned before, is like a way cool person. He made his appearance when Maika and Tamahome were trapped under a collapsed building and Nuriko just goes up and starts tossing the heavy pieces behind him with a really cute expression on his face. (U know, I sometimes wonder why he saved Miaka and Tamahome. I mean, he knew that the emporer liked Miaka and all, so why save her? Maybe cuz he knew he'd get the emporer's attention or something, or maybe he was just too nice?) N*e*wayz, back to the subject. I don't really think Nuriko was gay. Okay, maybe he was in the beginning, or maybe he's been acting as Kourin so long he really did begin to think he was a girl, thus the infatuation w/Hotohori. (I bet Kourin would've loved the emporer if she wuz still alive...)
But then, towards the middle and end of the series, Nuriko begins to act like a guy again, and discovers he's in love w/Miaka, (just like so many other fine guyz...). Well anywayz, they become really good friends after really hating each other in the beginning because Nuriko wuz being really mean to Miaka cuz of Hotohori, but as I said, that wuz in the beginning. Nuriko starts dressing more like a guy's suppose to dress, and then when some guys at the bar starts flirting with him, Nuriko whips out a knife and cuts off his braid, saying he'll probably bury with with Kourin.
Nuriko gets along really well with most of the seishi. He always likes to pound Tasuki into the wall, which is pretty funny, cuz Tasuki's always making fun of him. Nuriko's also accompanies Miaka to most places, (with the exception of going with her to find Tamahome in Kotou after all the seishi had been gather..) He's also really good friends w/Tamahome...
K. Now skip to near the end of the series when the seishi are looking for the Genbu Shinzaho. (Well, maybe it wasn't really near the end, but it certainly wasn't near the beginning.) Nuriko was with Miaka when Ashitare attacked by orders of Nakago. They're surrounded by a crowd of people, (which is very VERY stupid, if u ask me, cuz I wouldn't wanna be around Ashitare ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. I mean, he ripped one bystander's arm off...) Nuriko manages to burn Ashitare's face, and he runs off.
Later, Ashitare gets severely whipped by Nakago for failing (u know, I actually feel sorry for him. Nakago's sooooooooo MEAN!! But hey, he's a villian and villians are suppose to be mean,) and gets sent out again to get Suzaku no Miko. This time, he promises he'll kill Nuriko and Suzaku no Miko. So, Nuriko's wandering around in the snow or something, and he sees a giant bolder thingy which is suppose to be a cave w/the Shinzaho inside. He goes up and starts pushing it open and Ashitare goes up to him and says this time, he's gonna die for sure and so is Suzaku no Miko. Nuriko, of course, is extremely pissed at this comment and says "I'll kill you" And so he fights. (Uh oh... I think I'm babbling. I'm like, practically explaining episodes 32 and 33. Oh well. On with the story...
Ashitare races towards Nuriko, and Nuriko thinks Ashitare is really strong, and also quick and agile. Ashitare remembers Nakago's words and what he would do if he ever failed... He charges and Nakago throws something over his face while jumping over him...
All of the seishi feel something, even Hotohori back in Konan. Miaka and Tamahome are really worried and rush off to find him.
Nuriko, meanwhile, is being lifted up in the air. Ashitare has literally stabbed his claws THROUGH Nuriko's chest. He gasps and blood comes out of his mouth. *sniff* But, Nuriko manages to get off and takes Ashitare's head and crushes it with his bare hands. (Talk about strong!) Nuriko says to himself that he's made a mistake and can't ever protect Miaka again, or something like that. (How sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) ;_;
But Nuriko knows he's gotta move the big boulder blocking the entrance to the cave of Genbu. Using the last of his energy, he tries to move it but can't. He prays to Suzaku to give him strength one last time, and he's able to move it. (It was soooooooooooooooooooooo sad!!!!!!!!)
Miaka and Tamahome get there as Nuriko collapse. (You can probably imagine how they're feeling, so I won't go into great detail...) Tasuki and Mitsukake and everyone else arrive as Nuriko dies...... And he was smiling when he died, too!!!! IT WAS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;_; (Okay. I've gotten myself too worked up over this event....)
Nuriko is definately one of the best characters. He's sooooooooooooooooooooo loyal and sooooooooooooo sweet! (I think u get the point now...)
Back (to the Nuriko Mini-Shrine.)!