Author's Note: Hey there peoples… er… the one person who read mah ficcy and sorta liked it (a.k.a. Natasha Radinov THANK YOU). Thank you for reviewing! My confidence is boosted! To you I'd just like to say that I couldn't find it in my heart to kill Kouji! I considered it but failed miserably! I mean who would take care of Genrou if I killed him?! NOBODY! That's who! Um… do I have to say I don't own anything? Well, I don't. Blah, blah, blah, Yuu Watase, blah, blah. Soooo… that's it! The note is finished! Go read mah ficcy!

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Chapter Two - First Encounters in the Night

"There is never a moonlit night but wicked ideas in evil souls writhe like serpents in nests, and charitable ones sprout lilies of renunciation and dedication."

-The Cloven Viscount, Italo Calvino

Hyourin gazed at the sky searching for some comfort in the feathery clouds dyed with a soft purple tinge. The pencil in her hand stroked the pad in her lap shaping a gray copy of the surrounding scenery. As she sketched her thoughts drifted to the day's events. It had started well enough, she had arrived early to her first class but for some reason she couldn't concentrate on the lecture. Instead of notes she began sketching a place she had never seen before but felt very familiar. The teacher caught her, of course, and asked her for a word after class. 'Miss Kemui, if you don't start paying attention during class you will not pass the final.'

He's probably right, I have had a lot on my mind …

*Meow*

A sleek silver cat rubbed against her begging for attention. Hyourin scratched the silver head as a purr greeted her.

"What's wrong with me Kasumi?" asked Hyourin gazing into a pair of blue-green eyes.

*Mrowr*

"Yeah you're probably right," smiled Hyourin, "you're always right. How about we go inside and get us some dinner?"

*Meow!*

She picked up her pad and silvery companion and slipped off the roof. The calm breeze swirled around her slowing her fall until she landed lightly upon the ground. She sighed once again, Grandma's gifts still come in handy. As Hyourin stepped into the kitchen she was greeted by her mother.

"Just where have you been? You're going to be late for the party," Hyourin inwardly groaned, she had forgotten all about the party. "Mrs. Chang told me all about it she said Mai was looking forward to seeing you there. Now you best go get ready!"

Mai Chang hated Hyourin's guts, and the feeling was mutual. Their mothers, however, were best friends. There must have been some sort of unwritten rule Mai and Hyourin were breaking because their mothers continued pressuring them to become "better acquainted". Last time Mai had thrown a party she had not sent Hyourin an invitation, not that she had wanted to attend, but as soon as Mrs. Kemui found out about the party she called her best friend. A few minutes later Mai phoned muttering something about a lost invitation. Hyourin didn't want to have to go to through another one of Mai's parties.

The mindless moron is the most popular girl in High School. She smiled at the fact that since she was now in college she was above such labels. Why should the fact that we dislike each other matter, doesn't she have enough idiots fawning over her? I didn't want to go before and I don't want to go now!

She refused to tell her mom that she had, once again, not received an invitation. It would only make things worse. Oh what's the use, she'll make me go anyway. My mom can be so stubborn.

Hyourin went towards her room silently fuming when her path was blocked by her younger brother who, despite the fact that he was fifteen, needed to do some serious maturing.

"What do you want Kasen?"

"She's gonna make you go, huh?" he asked mockingly.

"Get out of my way loser."

"If psycho-chick kills you, can I have your Game Boy?"

"Go away moron," she mumbled as she pushed past him.

She slammed the door of her room and collapsed on her bed face down.

"I don't want to go!" She whined into her pillow. A knock came to her door.

"Are you getting ready?" called her mother's voice, "You don't want to be late."

Reluctantly she got up from her bed and trudged to her closet. As she rummaged through it blindly, searching for something presentable, her hand bumped against a box. Her heart skipped a beat. She drew it out from the shadows and into her lap. It was a beautiful mahogany box with intricately carved sides displaying Chinese style scenery of mist-covered mountains and sloping valleys. It had been a gift from her grandmother. She felt a pang of sadness as she remembered the smiling ancient face and the kind voice murmuring: 'It's just a little something to keep your mangas in.' Hyourin gently lifted the lid and glanced at the Fushigi Yuugi manga which her grandmother had gotten her hooked on. A knot formed in her throat as she felt the smooth front page bring back painful memories of winter evenings reading with her grandmother and the adventures in Konan. I always loved Chichiri and she always loved Taiitsu-kun. They were always so real when she read about them with me, but since her death the printed words are now dulled and seem lifeless. Tears formed in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks and onto the delicate wooden lid. It's been four years, she harshly scolded her emotions, I shouldn't feel this way! I have to move on! With a heavy heart she replaced the lid on the box and buried it once more. She wiped her hair from her face and went to the bathroom to wash away her tears. As she dried her eyes with a towel she felt a subtle tug, not physically but mentally as if some one had called her name. She looked up but there was no one around.

*Meow*

The dainty cat looked up at her with intelligent blue-green eyes.

"Was it you Kasumi?"

*Purr*

She felt it again but now it was stronger, she also sensed its source. It's coming from the attic.

"Let's go investigate," she said as she scooped up Kasumi in her arms.

The attic was dark and dusty. Hyourin reached for a nearby light switch and looked around. In the darkness she could see a faint glimmer underneath several boxes. She forgot about the light switch and began removing boxes. The pull, it's coming from grandma's box. After her grandmother's death her less than valuable belongings had been boxed and stored away in the attic. As she removed the final box Kasumi jumped on the glowing box and began tugging at its flaps. Hyourin gently pushed her aside and opened the box. Red light filled the attic and then dimmed into a soft glow, the sudden burst of light had caused Hyourin to close her eyes, but as the light dimmed she saw what was its source. A rectangular slab pulsated with a crimson glow. She carefully picked it up and saw that it was a parcel wrapped in soft leather and it was tied together with strings of the same soft material. As she plucked the strings loose she noticed her hands were like ice, the leather fell and revealed a silk scarf wrapping an ancient looking book. She gasped as she realized what she was holding in her hands. No, it's impossible! This is not real, it can't be! But she knew that no matter how much she denied it she was holding in her hands The Universe of the Four Gods. How did she get this? Should I open it? If this book was what she thought it was then she knew where the book would take her. Kasumi swished her tail impatiently and ran across Hyourin's lap knocking the book open. Two pairs of eyes looked into the book, it read:

This is the story of a girl who traveled to a distant world and unlocked the secrets she held within.

In doing so she saved that world and all others from the awakened darkness that threatened them.

The story itself is an incantation, whosoever turns the first page shall become the girl in the story and save the worlds.

Hmm, I guess this isn't a miko story then. Oh well if it's meant to happen then it will. Hyourin turned the first page. Nothing happened. Okay… now I feel retarded. *sigh* I guess I really am stupid. What was I expecting?! I really should grow up, all this fantasy stuff is going to my head. Although, this would explain my powers. She shook her head violently and reached for the fallen leather cover, suddenly Kasumi jumped into her lap. The book came to life by exploding into light, the red light surrounded Hyourin and Kasumi and pulled them into the book. At first Hyourin felt like she was falling from a cliff, red light was all around her and she wasn't sure of its origin. The frost had not left her hands, it was a telltale sign of her nervousness. I don't know why but I'm not afraid, I'm nervous. The red light never lost consistency as she traveled deeper into the book. Then something sinister intercepted her but it came with such subtlety that she didn't notice it until it was too late.

-^_^-

Chichiri glanced at Taiitsu-kun who was in deep meditation guiding the girl to their world, she refused to explain anything until the girl arrived. She had muttered a few summoning calls and he was sure the girl had felt them but for some reason the book had not accepted her, that is until she came in contact with the cat. He had seen all of this through the mirror until it blacked out and refused to show more. It was painfully obvious something or someone had blocked their view, but why?

Everything is strange no da, but Taiitsu-kun refuses to tell me what is going on no da. She seems to believe this girl can save us no da, but if this darkness is stronger than Taiitsu-kun how can this girl be of any help?

His thoughts were cut short by sharp presence. He couldn't see it but he sensed it, and it was reaching out for the girl while she was still between worlds. He saw Taiitsu-kun fall back as if she had been hit, all the while her eyes remained closed. Chichiri looked on and in an attempt to help he concentrated his essence towards Taiitsu-kun to give her part of his strength. Taiitsu-kun mentally pushed him back refusing his help.

Not yet Chichiri.

The command resonated in his mind. His curiosity and concern overwhelmed him. I must know what is happening no da. Slowly he slipped into deep concentration while Tasuki and Kouji looked on ignorant of what was going on. After what seemed like an eternity his mind's eye caught a blurred glimpse of the girl trapped between the worlds. She was in extreme agony and was crying out in pain. The red beam had gripped the right half of her body while a swirling mist-like force had fastened on her left side. He recognized the red beam as Taiitsu-kun but the black mist was unknown to him. Both forces pulled on her trying to get her to different destinations, it seemed like an endless game of tug war. He watched the girl with worry, she can't endure this for much longer no da. I doubt I could despite all my training no da. He could see her life force growing weaker and weaker with every pull.

Taiitsu-kun no da! She won't last another pull no da!

Don't you think I know that?!

Taiitsu-kun clenched her teeth and furrowing her brow in intense effort.

"Let her go," she muttered, "she's no good to you dead. Let her go."

Her voice echoed within the void where the girl was trapped. Chichiri did not wait to see what would happen, the girl was dying, quickly he focused on his energy and sent it towards her. Hyourin felt weak and was about to fall unconscious when a surge of energy overtook her, and immediately she felt her strength returning. The mist did not pull on her but it looked like it was thinking of what to do next. Slowly it released its hold in the girl. The red beam then gently pulled her towards her original destination, but suddenly she felt a jarring push send her further that the beam intended. Hyourin fell in a clearing and hit the ground so hard it knocked her unconscious.

Taiitsu-kun and Chichiri opened their eyes abruptly.

"Ne, Taiitsu-kun, where is she?" asked Tasuki.

"Hakugin pushed her beyond Mt. Taikyoku, you must go to her and bring her here."

She gave Chichiri a mental picture of the clearing. He nodded.

"Hai, I know where it is Taiitsu-kun we'll get her no da."

"We?" asked Tasuki, "what do ya mean we?"

Taiitsu-kun lost all self-control.

"IF HAKUGIN GETS HOLD TO HER NOTHING WILL SAVE YOU FROM HIS WRATH OR MINE!!" two little SD bandits hid behind Chichiri, "Not you!" she said pointing to Kouji, "You will only get in the way now GO!"

The two Suzaku warriors disappeared into Chichiri's kasa.

-^_^-

Hyourin was awakened by Kasumi's pitiful mewing and rough tongue on her cheek. As her eyes fluttered open she saw a small lake sparkling in the moonlight surrounded by lofty trees and a few thin saplings.

"Where am I?"

"You are in the northwestern most corner of Konan." Hyourin turned to face a tall man in a black cloak.

"Who are you?"

"A friend, actually your grandfather sent me he is dying to meet you."

Hyourin glanced at the man suspiciously.

"What do you mean grandfather, I don't have a grandfather."

"Ah but you do, and as I said before he sent me to get you," with that he grabbed her right wrist with his right hand and began to awkwardly pull her into the surrounding forest.

"Hey! Your hurting me! Let go!" she began to claw at the viselike grip on her wrist, but the man didn't seem to notice. Instead he tightened is grasp and quickened his pace.

Suddenly, Kasumi pounced upon his face and began slashing with her razor-sharp claws. The man let go and she ran back into the clearing. A ground shaking roar thundered and a silver streak dashed from the undergrowth followed by a hideous manlike shape twisting and molding into some sort of monster. It had thick massive legs which bulged with hardened muscles, his powerful torso was peppered with scars, but what caught her attention was his tail. It was clearly armored and tipped like a scorpion's. It's arms had long jagged scythes sticking out along with sharp reptilian claws. Its head remained humanlike except it was stretched repulsively out of shape and had dead milk-white eyes with no discernable pupils.

Hyourin tried to remain calm as she focused her powers on the lake behind her. Ten jets of water burst out of the lake crystallizing into ice. The razor-sharp icicles barraged monster drawing olive green phosphorescent blood. It roared in pain as the points pierced through the tough hide. She tried the attack once again only this time the monster swung forward its armored tail and blocked the attack. Hyourin looked around to see what else she could attack with. Her gaze stopped at the clouds. But as she focused her powers the massive beast charged at her. It barely missed her. Her concentration broken, she was left to dodge the attacking monster and its deadly tail. Once more the lake was behind her, and the monster was preparing for another charge. Hyourin could see its eyes reflecting the surrounding trees. The trees! Just as the monster rushed forward a great tree literally jumped in his path. It creaked and moaned as the monster crashed into it, but the tree held it's ground. The beast looked round and saw more trees circling him. Soon he was encased in a living cage. He bashed against the trees which in return shuddered.

That won't keep it for long. She once again focused on the clouds above, and they became dense completely concealing the night sky. The trees then cracked and burst under the strain. Shards of wood flew everywhere. Hyourin felt a shard spear her left leg.

"Ahhh!" she cried as she fell to the ground.

The creature sensed his advantage and slowly began advancing towards his fallen foe. Hyourin clenched her teeth as she firmly gripped the shard and jerked it. It came out with a nauseating sound. She stifled a cry and looked down to see her jeans soaked in crimson. She painfully dragged herself away from the approaching monster, but she knew soon it would be over. As the beast prepared for the final lunge, a blast of ki and a flash of flame knocked it on its side. The creature turned to face two shapes in the shadows and roared in defiance.

"Ugh, gods you're ugly aren't ya," she heard one say.

The monster pounced at them, its reinforced tail flailing through the air. The two warriors split up and the creature crashed into the trees between them. With a mighty swing from its tail the trees toppled over like toothpicks.

"Rekka Shinen!"

An explosion of flame engulfed the hideous beast. When the flames stopped the monster stood unscathed and angry. Several ki blasts hit it with the same result. In a sudden rush the monster slashed Tasuki's dark coat.

"Hey! I liked this coat!"

"Tasuki, this isn't working no da!"

"I noticed," he grumbled as they dodged another attack, "Rekka Shinen!"

"Lets just get the girl and go no da!"

As if the monster was reading their thoughts he blocked their path. Each time they tried to go to the girl the scorpion-like tail lashed out at them. Hyourin propped herself up to a sitting position, and saw her two rescuers were in trouble. Weariness was trying to take over but she fought against it. This is no time to sleep, they need my help! Little by little she focused her powers on the cloudy skies. A low rumble filled the night and a flickering light danced between the clouds. Its ready… now I have to get the monster away from them I have to do it fast, my strength is all but gone. She struggled to get up as pain rippled up her leg. A geyser sped towards the monster and crashed against its back. Rage filled the beast as he forgot about the warriors. He turned to see his once fallen prey standing defiantly.

"What's the matter don't like taking baths bug brain?" yelled Hyourin.

"Oi, what's she doin'? She's outta her mind!"

The drenched creature roared as it charged with full fury towards the insolent attacker. That's is closer… closer… NOW! Three bolts of lightning ripped through blue-black sky and united into one; striking the charging beast. Its angry roar turned into a howl of agony, and it fell dead in a smoking heap. Chichiri and Tasuki looked on speechless. The smoking heap then dissipated before their eyes into nothing. Hyourin's legs buckled and she fell face down half conscious on the damp grass. Chichiri was the first to reach her. He gently took her in his arms and lifted her off the ground. She winced as his touch reached her gash.

"Chichiri, she alive?"

"Hai, we should go she lost a lot of blood no da."

Those voices… She forced her eyes open and saw Chichiri's face looking down at her along with Tasuki. As fatigue over whelmed her she tried to piece together what was happening.

"Chichiri… Tasuki…" she murmured as she closed her eyes in sleep. Both warriors looked at her puzzled.

"Ne Chichiri, do you know her?"

"I have never seen her before no da."

"Me neither, how did she know our names? How did she zap that thing?"

"I guess Taiitsu-kun will tell us as soon as we…"

*Meow*

Kasumi stepped out of nowhere and looked up at them.

"It's the little neko no da!"

"Ya think its hers?"

*Meow-mrowr*

"I believe that's a "yes" no da."

"This thing just keeps gettin weirder," he muttered as he picked up the silver cat and disappeared into the kasa followed by Chichiri. As Chichiri disappeared a sinister figure looked down at the scene below from the nearby mountainside. As he walked away he whispered towards Hyourin:

"Very good my dear. Your powers are almost fully developed, I will continue your training and soon you will join me as my partner and heir. I am very proud of you my beloved granddaughter."

.

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~_~.

Ooh! The plot thickens! Dum! Dum! Dum! What will I do next?! Review and find out! Questions, comments, and yes, even whining accepted. Oh, and revolutiongirl, I know I asked your opinion so BE NICE!!!

Next time:

Chapter Three- A Family's Chronicle