Author's Notes: I've always been a Seiryuu fan since I started watching Fushigi Yuugi, and I was a bit disappointed that the majority of the Seiryu Shichi Seishi were all killed (except for Amiboshi :yay!: - though he did die in the 1st OVA, but fortunately, Yuu Watase stated that the 1st OVA had nothing to do with the original storyline, so let's be happy about that, okay?). So since I'm a Seiryuu fan, and I'm a lil' bit too obsessed with the Seiryuu twins, I'm making this fic all about the Seiryuu Seven and Yui - though I've gotta warn you that if you're one of those "I think Yui is a bitch, Seiryuu sucks & Suzaku's way better" people, then don't bother reading this fic :winks:. Oh, and just to let you know, I'm a newbie with this whole writing thing, so the grammar and the typing isn't very accurate, but I hope I improve at some point..! And before I forget, I don't own Fushigi Yuugi - I wish I did, especially Amiboshi & Suboshi, but I don't.. so I guess that makes it clear for you! X) Well, I think I've been updating this too much so I'll make it clear from here & beyond : (FINAL UPDATE for this chapter: 05/11/08.)
CHAPTER 1:"New Horizons"
'A dream.. I'm dreaming a dream..'
Yui Hongo stretched her arms out in front of her, waving them, searching the darkness. Her eyes strained hard, desperate to pick any form at all out of the jet-black darkness that encased her. But she couldn't see anything. With fear and eagerness, she moved forward, shuffling her feet to keep in touch with the ground, the only solid thing she could be sure of. There were no traces of light. Only complete darkness in a room of emptiness.
"Where am I? H-How did I get here?"
There was nothing to hold on to. The experience itself was just terrifying. She tried her best to move forward, cautiously and slowly. She took one deep breath. But then shortly, a very faint pop was heard afar from the front, and Yui turned slowly to face the emptiness.
"W-Who's there?"
For a brief moment, she allowed herself the impossible hope that nobody would answer her. However, a voice responded at once, a thin faint-like voice that seemed to be getting closer and closer, and clearer and clearer.
"Priestess…"
She heard it calling out to her. Suddenly, a blinding blue light flashed before her and the darkness that seemed so terrifying drastically lit up – brilliant blue flames surrounding her now, flames that wouldn't burn you if you touched. A slim figure of a man appeared out of thin air and stride towards her. He was covered in scales and looked almost half-dragon.
"C-Could you be, S-Seiryuu?" Yui asked, rubbing her eyes. She wasn't remotely pleased to see the Beast God. Apart from his appearance being downright alarming, it probably meant bad news too.
"Priestess.. Help me." Said the Beast God rather weakly. "My powers are slowly getting weaker as we speak. Help me before it's too late. Before the book world and your very own will crumble into his hands and everything heplanned for will fall into place."
"He? W-What do you mean?" Yui asked, trying to sound braver than she felt. "The evil entity that's been lurking inside the book world after you and the Priestess of Suzaku fulfilled your roles. You must go back to the beginning and save the lives of those who are innocent. Before I vanish completely, you must fulfill this task, Yui Hongo." He concluded.
"B-But I can't!" Yui snapped. "I can't and I won't go back there! Going inside the 'Universe of the Four Gods' has been the biggest mistake of my life!!" It had been her last desperate hope. "Besides, majority of the Seiryuu Seven are dead. I'd have no one to protect me!!" She looked down, avoiding eye contact with the Beast God.
"I had revived them, not too long ago. Perhaps, they don't remember ever being dead." He said at once.
Yui clenched her fists.
"You'll find the courage to choose very soon, my Priestess. However, the faith of both worlds is in your hands. If you don't stop him now, nothing will." And before Yui could shout, "Hey wait just a minute!!" the Beast God had already vanished in a shower of blue sparks, along with the flames and everything surrounding her-
"Mmm.." she tossed and turned in bed and was finally wrestled from the dream by the insistent clamor of her alarm clock. She shot forward to a sitting positing, grabbed the clock from its shelf to turn it off. The red digital numbers on the clock showed one minute to 5. It was still very dark but Yui was somehow fully awake. She turned on her bedside lamp.
"Seiryuu…" she murmured, recalling her dream about her meeting with the Beast God. "I wonder if what he was saying is true… because if it is, then that means Nakago's been revived too." She glanced at the blue earrings Nakago had given her inside the book and sighed. "You really had me fooled, didn't you, Nakago? Not only me, but Suboshi and the others as well." She paused for a moment. "S-Suboshi…"
She could feel her heart pounding just a bit. Just by saying his name, why was her heart pounding? "It's been a long time… but I haven't forgotten you, Suboshi. And if I go back into the book again, I'll probably make you suffer."
Ever since Yui had came back from the book world to her very own, she'd been thinking about Suboshi and all of the events that had happened then: she, being the Priestess of Seiryuu, she and her childhood bestfriend, Miaka Yuuki, being mortal enemies and all of the decisions she regretted making there. However, leaving the book world didn't stop the never-ending nightmares. Life for Yui became harsher when her mother died a few months back. But she promised herself that she'd move on and stop crying over the past. Renting a small apartment to herself, she's made it her goal to get into a good University, and achieve everything her mother wanted her to be. She was dating a certain Tetsuya Kajiwara as well, but she realized that she just couldn't love him - she wanted too, but she couldn't.. and that matter just piled up to the list of problems. She also can't help the fact that even though she was smiling on the outside, deep inside, her heart kept bleeding. And she wished that maybe someday, someone or something could help fill the emptiness and loneliness she's been feeling.
She even considered the idea of the whole dream – though she might not freely admit it for fear of something foolish and overly imaginative – that Seiryuu appearing in her dream was some sort of sign. She clutched onto her comforter, and then stood up with a smile.
"Nah! It's probably just some fictional "the world's in danger so please help me" dream from studying too much. It must be stress, so I shouldn't worry about it. " She assured herself. "But it seemed very real. And it wasn't like any other dreams I've ever had."
Time flew by rather quickly, and Yui does the same usual morning-routine: wake up, have breakfast and get ready for school. Before she knew it, she was already seated at her desk, in the rear end of the classroom at Yotsubadai High School. Her thoughts were still lingering on her mysterious dream, and no matter how hard she tried forgetting about it, she just couldn't bring herself to do so. She gazed out the window, silent and immobile. It was a beautiful, clear spring day. The pale blue sky greeted the world that day and the Cherry Blossom trees were fully bloomed. The teacher continued on with his lecture about ancient China, though Yui already knew the lesson by heart – she was the top-ranking student in class after all. Sure enough, her attention was pulled away however, by a cheerful brown-haired who kept tugging onto Yui's sleeve.
"What is it, Miaka?" Yui asked, looking a bit peeved. Miaka Yuuki, she's been Yui's bestfriend since they were kids, and obviously became her enemy when they were in junior high, upon being transported to the 'Universe of the Four Gods'. Well, past is past, and the two have already patched things up and became the best of friends. Yui did feel guilty about everything bad she'd done to her, but good thing Miaka is a forgiving person and forgave her right away.
"Anou.. Yui-chan.." Miaka whispered. "I've got 5 tickets to Odaiba's Neo Geo World Theme Park!! Perfect for the gang, ne?"
"Eh? Really?"
"Yep! A grand 2-week stay at the Neo Geo World Hotel, plus a free one night dinning."
Yui, looking a bit baffled, asked, "How did you get such an amazing offer? And weren't those tickets sold out already?"
Miaka gave a small devious grin. "Taka won this "Gamble and Win a Trip Game" yesterday when we had our date in downtown Shibuya. Who would've guessed the guy had a secret talent for gambling?" Without thinking, Miaka stood up much to everyone's surprise (especially the teachers', whose lesson had been cut short) and clasped her hands together. "Taka's the bestest-bestest-bestest boyfriend in the world!! He's handsome, cute, macho and just perfect!! He's got me in a lovey-dovey mood!!" Miaka shouts out heartily, both hands clapped to her face, her eyes gleaming with the joy of love.
The teacher pounds his fists on his desk, irritably. "YUUKI!! I WILL NOT TOLERATE SUCH DISRESPECT IN MY CLASS!!" He roared. "If you want to continue daydreaming about that boyfriend of yours, stay out!!"
Miaka immediately sat down on her seat and grumbled. "Fine."
The teacher wiped his teary-eyed and expression and took a deep breath before settling back to his textbook. "God, they don't pay me enough to do this... I knew I should've been a doctor. Damn, why'd I have to take up education?! I hate kids, I hate teenagers."
"Drama queen." Miaka mutters under her breath and succesfully manages not to let anyone hear. The teacher goes on with his lecture as he paces around in the front. Yui couldn't bring herself to pay attention to them. There were other important matters she should be thinking about. Like Seiryuu appearing to her in the dream... or how incredibly lonely she's been feeling.
Later in the afternoon, the school bell rings and students are relieved that school's finally releasing them at last, at least for three weeks - three brilliant weeks of freedom.
"… Be sure to pass your papers after Spring Break's over." Said the teacher, with his hand outstretched. "Those who'll fail to pass, you'll be receiving great punishment." He warned.
"HAI!" The students replied. With that, one by one, they strolled out the door.
"Yuuki-san, I'll be expecting your paper for the most." He said, stiffly. At this, Miaka laughed. "Of course, Sensei! I'll definitely have that boring history essay done in less than 2 days!!" She said with a wink, then she turns back and realizes that Yui had already left.
"Eh? YUI-CHAN!! MATTE!" Miaka yells aloud, trying to catch up.
"Yui-chan!! Matte yo!" Miaka runs up to her friend, who is already out the gate and catches up in time.
"Mou, Yui-chan!!" Miaka says sheepishly, still catching her breath.
"Anyways, aren't you going to stay at my place for the night? We planned this lunch time we would, so we can pack everything up for our Odaiba trip tomorrow!!"
Yui shakes her head. "Gomen, Miaka. I'm not feeling very well, so I'm going home."
Before Miaka could reply, however, she was interrupted by a familiar voice from behind.
"MIAKA!!" A man shouts aloud, entering the school gate. He was slender, tall and rather good-looking. Probably around his 19s or early 20s. Miaka's eyes widened.
"Taka!!" She rushed to him with a satisfied expression. "Taka, you're here!! I'm so happy to see you!!" She leaped into his arms and gave him a warm embrace.
"You're pretty cheerful today, ne Miaka?"
"Hai! Taka, lets go eat something after this, okay?" Miaka inquired with a smile. Taka shrugged his shoulders, but nodded anyways. 'Food again? Is that all you ever think about?'
Yui shook her head.
"Anou, Miaka.. before I sue you and Taka for P.D.A (public display of affection), weren't you about to tell me something?"
"Un." Miaka nodded. "Gomen.. demo, are you sure you don't want to come to my place?
Onii-chan promised to make us a big dinner feast. Tetsuya-kun's coming too!!" Miaka says.
"Gomen ne, but I'm really tired and I just want to go home." Yui replied at once.
Miaka frowns. "But you're coming with us to Odaiba tomorrow, right?"
Yui nodded her head.
"You bet on it. Not gonna miss it for the world." Yui said at once, just to assure her bestfriend.
"Hai!"
"Well, I'm off, Miaka, Taka."
Miaka nods her head.
"Okay then. We'll meet at the Shibuya subway at 7, ne?"
"Hai." Says Yui, as she turns her back on the two. "Sore ga, ja matta ne!"
Miaka takes one last glimpse of Yui and can't help wonder what was bothering her at this moment. She seemed so distant, so far away lately.
"Yui-chan.. is she okay?" Miaka wondered.
"Miaka, well, shall we go on with our date?" Taka asked, tapping Miaka on the back. "We can go to that Kishiwada Diner restaurant if you want."
Miaka gave a little smile. "Un. Sounds good."
Yui lets out a small sigh as she turned on the corner of her apartment, unlocking the door to her bedroom. Seeing Miaka and Taka together still gets on her nerves. 'Geez, could those two be anymore lovey-dovey? Talk about major display of Public affection.' Yui gazes upon the scar on her left wrist, groping in her memory the horrible moment she set foot into the book world, four months ago, then suddenly remembers her dream. 'But I can't help but envy Miaka… especially now that I can't keep on pretending anymore."
Miaka pushed her plate of spaghetti away and gazed miserably at the restaurant table. "I'm not hungry anymore. Taka, you can have it if you want." Taka looked up, hardly daring to believe it.
"A-Are you really my Miaka?" Taka asked, suspiciously. "Miaka would never leave her plate of food unfinished. She loves the "Kishiwada Dinner's Spaghetti Special" so much, she could go on eating fifteen plates in one sitting!" He places his hands on her forehead. "Nope, you don't seem to be sick. Are you okay?"
Miaka forced a smile on her face and nodded. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm just not hungry."
Taka narrowed his eyes. "You can't fool me, Miaka. Now tell me what's really bothering you."
"I'm just worried about Yui. That's all. She seems kind of distant lately. Especially now, since she didn't accept my sleepover offer." Taka grabbed his fork and began eating Miaka's leftovers. "She's fine. She promised you she's coming tomorrow, right?"
Miaka shook her head. "No.. I know my bestfriend more than anyone. Something's bothering her, Taka. I just know it."
Taka sighed. "She's probably just tired. After all, she's been recently pushing herself a lot now that her mother's gone. It'll all work out, you'll see." The Yotsubadai student turned to him with a smile. "Hai! I guess you're right. We'll see how she is first thing tomorrow morning – and by the way Taka," Miaka snatches her plate of spaghetti away from him defensively. "This is my spaghetti."
"Wha-? I thought you weren't hungry anymore!!" He said with a glare.
Miaka perked up and tugged onto the waiter's sleeve, who just happened to pass by. "Excuse me, Mr. Waiter!! Gimme five more plates of this spaghetti here, please!"
"H-Hai!" The waiter snapped as he marched out of the scene.
Taka frowned, and then switched the look with a grin. "And about the bill Miaka, pay for it yourself."
"EH?!" Miaka looked at him with disbelief. "D-Demo, I didn't bring my wallet-"
Taka muffled a laugh. "Just kidding."
Miaka scrunched her nose and frowned. "Mou, Taka! You're so cold-hearted!" she said, giving Taka a "fake" punch. 'Thanks for making me feel better, Taka. I'm happy you're just here by my side. It means a lot to me. Thank you... Demo, I wonder what Yui-chan's doing right now.. I hope she feels better enough to come with us tomorrow.'
Yui was lying on her bed for the past hour, staring up at the ceiling, stranded on her bewildering thoughts of moments.Why is "Miaka always the one getting her wish granted?" "Why did Miaka get her happily ever after with a boy she loved and not her?"
These questions lingered through her mind. She wasn't furious with Miaka or anything. What she felt for Miaka wasn't anger, but envy. Miaka's seven seishi were all loyal and faithful to their Priestess. However, Yui's seven seishi were the possible exact opposite. In fact, the only seishi who stood by her was Nakago, but he only intended to do so, so he could get his wish granted. Suboshi was different from Nakago. He may be rash and impatient, but he stood by Yui because he loved her. He was honest and faithful towards her, even though she'd lose her patience with him and yell at him at times.
Yui turned to the left side of the bed and grabbed a blue-colored ribbon, with a golden pendant embedded on the middle, which was placed atop the bedside table. This ribbon was a part of her junior high school uniform and though it was just a useless bow now, it was still a very important object to her.
"I gave this ribbon to Suboshi back when I was in the book." She thought, clutching it to her hands. "Suboshi.. you were the only faithful seishi I had. And you loved me, didn't you? If only I can rewind time. I would've accepted your love.. and maybe, just like Miaka, I could've been more happy and smile some more…" Yui placed the bow back on the shelf and rested her head on the softness of the pillow.
"I can't keep doing this anymore… Okaa-san, Otou-san, can you see me from up there? 'Cause I don't think I can keep this up anymore. I can't smile anymore.. My tears are starting to show…"
After several minutes of endless thoughts, her eyes clowly closed, and Yui found herself drifting off to sleep, away from reality at last..
Extra Notes: Okay, so this is the first chapter, more or less. Do you like it? Or do you dislike it? Should I continue on with the next chapter? That all depends on you. If you want me to include anything, or have any ideas on what I should do with the next chapter, just say so :-)