Ep 35. Hell's Mirage

In Fushigi Yuugi season 1 episode 35 "Hell's Mirage," Miaka and Yui are transported to a new location through a gateway. They find themselves in a desert and decide to split up to find water and shelter. However, as they search, they become separated from each other and encounter different challenges.

Miaka comes across a group of bandits who attempt to attack her and steal her possessions. She is able to escape but becomes lost in a sandstorm and collapses. She is then rescued by a young man named Tamahome who takes her to a nearby village to recover. While there, Miaka learns of an ancient legend about a demon who resides in a nearby mountain and terrorizes the villagers. Tamahome agrees to help Miaka find her friends and defeat the demon.

Meanwhile, Yui is taken in by a wealthy family who mistake her for a princess. They pamper her and give her luxurious treatment, but Yui soon realizes that she is being used as a pawn in a political power struggle. She learns that the family is planning to marry her off to a prince from a neighboring kingdom to strengthen their own hold on power. Yui manages to escape and continues her search for Miaka and the gateway.

As the episode progresses, Miaka and Tamahome confront the demon and engage in a fierce battle. They are able to defeat the demon, but at a great cost. Tamahome is deeply injured and becomes unconscious. Miaka tends to his wounds and realizes that she has developed feelings for him. However, Tamahome regains consciousness and tells Miaka that he is a bandit and cannot be with her.

In the end, Miaka and Yui are reunited and continue on their journey to summon the god Suzaku. But as they leave the desert, Miaka is left with a heavy heart, unsure of her relationship with Tamahome and the future of their adventures.

Overall, "Hell's Mirage" is a thrilling and emotionally charged episode that further develops the characters and their relationships. It features intense action sequences, surprising plot twists, and touching moments of vulnerability and honesty. Fans of Fushigi Yuugi will not want to miss this chapter in the epic tale.