Ep 13. For the Sake of Love

For the Sake of Love is the thirteenth episode of the first season of the anime series Fushigi Yuugi. The episode opens with Miaka and Tamahome sitting by a fire in a forest, where Tamahome tries to comfort Miaka after she experiences a nightmare. As both of them are about to go to sleep, a group of bandits attack them, but they are easily defeated by Tamahome.

The next day, they arrive at the capital city of Konan, where they encounter a man named Hotohori, who happens to be the emperor of Konan. He invites them to his palace, where he reveals that he has fallen in love with Miaka, mistaking her for the priestess of Suzaku who he has been waiting for. Hotohori also reveals that he is a reincarnation of Genbu, one of the four gods of the Universe of the Four Gods.

Hotohori shows Miaka around the palace, and she is amazed by all the luxuries and comforts that she has never experienced before. Impressed by her kindness and sincerity, Hotohori decides to give her an important task – to design the royal robes for the upcoming coronation ceremony. Tamahome is suspicious of Hotohori's intentions towards Miaka and advises her to keep her distance.

Meanwhile, in the real world, Yui is growing increasingly worried about Miaka and decides to visit the library to research the book that Miaka disappeared into. She meets a boy named Keisuke, who informs her about the legend of the priestesses of Suzaku and warns her about the dangers that Miaka might face inside the book.

Back in Konan, Miaka is struggling to come up with a design for the royal robes, as she has no experience in designing clothes. Hotohori offers to help her, and the two spend hours together working on the design. Hotohori opens up to Miaka about his feelings and how he has always felt lonely, being a reincarnation of a god.

As the days go by, Hotohori becomes increasingly besotted with Miaka and even puts his life on the line to save her from a deadly assassin who was sent by Nakago, a military strategist who is plotting to take over Konan. Tamahome manages to rescue Miaka, but she is heartbroken when she realizes the danger that Hotohori put himself in.

The episode ends with a cliffhanger as Nakago reveals his true intentions to Hotohori and offers him a deal that could potentially change the course of the entire series.

For the Sake of Love is a pivotal episode in the first season of Fushigi Yuugi, as it sets the stage for the love triangle between Miaka, Tamahome, and Hotohori. The episode also explores the theme of loneliness and how it can drive people to make irrational decisions. The development of Hotohori's character is particularly noteworthy, as he transitions from being a one-dimensional antagonist to a complex and empathetic character who the viewers can sympathize with. Overall, For the Sake of Love is a must-watch episode for fans of Fushigi Yuugi.