Simply Nuriko
by Emerald
Disclaimers and Warnings: Fushigi Yuugi and its characters belong to Watase Yuu. I just want to make clear that it is not mine. This fic contains spoilers for almost anything and everything about and what happened to Nuriko in the entire series.
***
The kiss was chaste, but shocking nonetheless. Lady Kourin. The long and flowing purple hair, those pink lips, the mole just below her eye... keeping it short, she was absolutely beautiful --- if she were a girl, that is. I could remember that as if it were yesterday...ha! Nuriko had been mortified when the evil Miaka spilt out "her" little secret. He ran off, uprooting the trees in his path.
We had always been together. Nuriko, Miaka and I. I always teased him back then, and hell, he also teased me a lot. But he's a good guy, whatsoever, that Nuriko. Though he claims to love Hotohori, which I found -- well -- weird... I find his presence comforting.
Nuriko.
Why do people suddenly remember the smallest details about a person --- when that person is already gone?
It wasn't fair, Nuriko. You didn't deserve to die.
My sight became blurry -- and I felt drops of salty liquid streaming down my cheeks.
You were too kind for your own good. You gave your whole identity... your life in devotion to your sister, Kourin. And you lived life for Kourin.
When you thought you were becoming more and more of Ryuuen, you had told me that you love Miaka. B-but you said that you won't pursue it...so that we'll be happy together. Why do you have to be so unselfish? If I am not so grateful, I'd hate you for not fighting for the one you love... and the chance to be happy.
We talked a lot that night. That night...I felt that you were my brother.
It was the wrong time to die, Nuriko. You picked the wrong time. Just when you were getting to know yourself... the Ryuuen part of you --- more... you had to die.
Damn you.
By now, I am almost choking in sobs as I see the constellations up in the night sky. There you are...Nuriko.
You were too noble...so dutiful. Even after death, you continued your duties as Suzaku Seishi. How many times have you come to our aid? To save Miaka from that constricting ice that wrapped around her? When are you going to start thinking of yourself and not of others?
Suddenly, a flash of regret ---
Now I suddenly wished that I talked to you more often. I wish that I had been nicer to you, and didn't tease you as a freak or a "gay-boy". I was the one who was supposed to be the one who would go up Mount Black...it was ME who should...
I was the one who was supposed to die. ME! Not Nuriko! Can't you see?
I raise my eyes to the heavens, calling to the gods, to Suzaku. It was a mistake, fate was twisted!
I gritted my teeth and my fists clenched, tears still streaming. I was kneeling and soon...my crying subsided.
No. I know you would not want me to think like this, ne, Nuriko? I can almost see you...up there in the night sky, shaking your finger and a frown on your face. Saying my name like you would address that cat of Mitsukake's.
I know. You would want me to take care of Miaka, ne, Nuriko? Y-you told me that while you were dying in my hands.
I stand up, making a resolve.
Yes, Nuriko. I'd do it.
Looking at the stars, I made a promise.
Kourin...Ryuuen...whatever name you might want to be called...you lived both lives. But to me --- to all of us, you are our Nuriko. The Nuriko who had strength, kindness and beauty. My ally. My friend. My brother.
Nuriko, I am honored to have known you.
-Owari-