Ep 11. Priestess of Seiryuu

Miaka and her group finally reach the capitol of Kutou, but after splitting up to gather information, Miaka and Tamahome find themselves lost in the maze-like streets. While trying to find their way, they come across a young girl named Yui, who is being attacked by some guards. Miaka and Tamahome quickly jump in to help her, but during the commotion, Yui is separated from them.

As they continue to wander, they hear the sound of a young girl singing in a nearby courtyard. They approach and see a group of girls surrounding a girl named Suboshi, who is singing beautifully. However, Miaka senses something strange about her and tries to leave, but Suboshi stops them, revealing that she knows who they are and that she has been waiting for them.

Suboshi tells them that she is a priestess of Seiryuu, just like Miaka is a priestess of Suzaku. She explains that their ultimate goal is to summon their respective gods and bring about a great battle, with the winner being granted a wish. However, Suboshi claims that she does not want to fight and instead offers a truce, suggesting that they work together to find and defeat the remaining remaining warriors.

As they ponder her offer, they are suddenly attacked by a group of Kutou soldiers. Miaka and Tamahome are quickly overwhelmed, but Suboshi easily dispatches them with her powerful wind magic. She then offers to take them to her home for some tea and to further discuss their situation.

As they walk, Suboshi tells them about her older brother Amiboshi, who is also a priest of Seiryuu. She explains that they both grew up as orphans and were taken in by the emperor of Kutou, who trained them to become powerful warriors. However, Amiboshi eventually became disillusioned with the emperor's ambitions and left to follow his own path.

They arrive at Suboshi's home and are greeted by her mother, who is overjoyed to see her daughter again. They sit down for tea, and Suboshi further explains that although she does not want to fight, she cannot betray her duty as a priestess of Seiryuu. She mentions that the emperor has ordered her to retrieve Miaka's Ryuuseisui, which is a powerful artifact that can greatly enhance a warrior's abilities.

Miaka is conflicted, as she feels that she cannot betray her duty to Suzaku and hand over the artifact. However, Suboshi tells her that if she does not comply, the emperor will use force to take it anyway. Tamahome suggests that they attempt to sneak into the palace to retrieve the artifact before the emperor catches wind of their presence.

As they prepare to leave, Suboshi gives them a warning, telling them that the palace is heavily guarded and that they must be careful. She also tells them that they will have to face her brother Amiboshi, who is guarding the entrance to the palace.

Miaka and Tamahome arrive at the palace and are quickly confronted by Amiboshi, who seems to recognize Tamahome as someone from his past. The two engage in a fierce battle, with Amiboshi using his powerful flute to control the wind and attack Tamahome. However, Tamahome is eventually able to gain the upper hand and defeat Amiboshi.

As they continue to make their way through the palace, they are suddenly confronted by the emperor himself. He reveals that he has been manipulating both Miaka and Yui from the very beginning, hoping to use their power to his advantage. Miaka and Tamahome vow to stop his plans and protect the people of Kutou and their world.

The episode ends with a cliffhanger, as the emperor reveals a powerful new ally that he has enlisted to help him in his quest for power.