Disclaimer: I do not own Fushigi Yûgi in anyway, or plan to gain profit from writing this. Yû Watase-sama was kind enough to let a fanfic author like me borrow her characters for my stuff, so all thanks and glory must go to the wonderful manga-ka herself! Okay, now, on with the story!

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There was just no way… How could something like this even be possible? Tasuki blinked. "H-Hotohori-sama? 'At you?"

"It is none other." The stallion replied with a kind, regal voice. Chihiro was still sitting where she had fallen, staring in awe. This was definitely some strange dream, if it still was a dream, that is. She timidly stood up and took a step towards the horse. He turned in her direction. "You needn't be afraid, child, I will not harm you." She reached out and touched his wide neck, gently stroking the fur.

"Hotohori-sama, isn't it?" she asked timidly.

He chuckled, "Everyone addresses me as such, yes…" A pause. "Well…not so much anymore, I'm afraid. But you may just refer to me as 'Hotohori.'"

"All right, Hotohori," Her cheeks flushed in the awkwardness of it all.

His golden eyes shimmered, overflowing with kindness. And his voice was so gentle and soft. It easily removed any uneasiness that had built up in the last few moments. "And I believe your name was Chihiro, am I not right?"

"No, that's right, Hotohori." If she thought talking to her dog was worse, she had guessed wrong, even if the stallion did have a pleasant-sounding voice. 'I'll probably need to talk to a psychiatrist when I get home,' she thought, 'No one in school will ever talk to me now, at this rate…'

"Chihiro, what's th' matter with ya?" She felt something nuzzling her leg with a wet nose and looked down to see Genrou staring back up at her. She shook her head.

"No, I'm fine; really. But, wasn't there another animal?"

"Oh yeah, I fergot 'bout that." Tasuki sniffed the wind before turning to a certain tree and barking once. "Alright, I know yer up there. C'mon down."

There was a rustling of the branches before a black and slightly white thing plopped down on Tasuki's fiery orange back. It waved sheepishly as both the horse and girl turned their heads to examine it curiously.

It was a small monkey, mostly black all over but it had a few white splotches of fur on either sides of its face and had peach-colored skin, with big violet eyes. Chihiro was the first to speak as it came wandering over to her slowly, climbing up her leg and onto her shoulder. "So…what's your name?" she forced herself to ask. Chihiro still couldn't believe she was talking to animals.

The monkey cast a glance at Tasuki before putting its index fingers together and tapping them against one another nervously. "T-Tamahome." It whispered, hoping the dog wouldn't hear.

It didn't work.

Tasuki threw himself back onto the grass, howling with laughter. "Ah, man! So, we finally meet up again, an' yer a friggin' primate?" Those words only gave birth to more fits of merriment.

"I don't think it's so funny…" The monkey glared down at the dog, cracking his knuckles, making Chihiro jump slightly. Hotohori turned his head; the only way for him to conceal a laugh since he had no royal sleeve to hide behind. Even with them all transformed into animals, Tasuki and Tamahome's constant bickering still had that uncanny ability to make him laugh.

Tamahome narrowed his eyes, lifting up his small fists. "I still have my abilities from before, and just in case you forgot, let me refresh your memory some!" He jumped off Chihiro's shoulder aiming a kick, only to be grabbed by the tail, resulting in him being dangled upside-down. Looking up, he saw the girl shake her head.

"You aren't going to hurt each other now; this is important!" Her green eyes shifted over to the wolfish-looking dog, who was still trying to contain his laughter. "Gen-chan said that we have to find the others, and—"

"Whoa, whoa, wait; 'Gen-chan'?" All four were quiet for a moment following his statement. "Oh. Dear. Suzaku…that's rich!" Tama dangled from his flexible tail, laughing his heart out and gripping his stomach.

Hotohori shook his head despairingly. 'No. They have not changed at all…'

Tasuki growled, exposing his teeth. "So, y'think that's funny, do ya? Let's see how funny ya think it is after I sink m'fangs inta yer head an'—"

"Gen-chan! Stop it!" Chihiro scolded. "If these are your friends, I'm shocked that you're acting like this! I'm starting to think I'm losing it, being around a bunch of talking animals, only after being sucked into this crazy book world, and ending up in this forest and all this weird stuff, and now I realize I'm rambling, and I apologize for it, but—"

"Oh, no need to apologize."

Hotohori's ears twitched. "Who said that?"

"I dunno…" Tasuki backed up to Chihiro, glancing around nervously. Tamahome had long since sobered up and hopped on top of her head, looking around. Hotohori looked to her out the corner of his eye. "Chihiro, perhaps you should climb on my back, in case we shall need to make a quick escape."

"Uh, but I…" She had never really liked riding horses that much, but when she did, she'd always had a saddle and reins. But…riding bareback and with nothing to hold onto? She couldn't do it. She just couldn't find the courage to go through with it. She wasn't even sure if she could pull herself up without the use of a saddle stirrup. "Hotohori, I—"

"Weeell ain't that a fine piece over there."

Chihiro turned to the source of the voice and found two men riding on horses, their's having reins and saddles, along with many bundles neatly secured on the backs of their two mares by ropes. The one that had spoken turned to his companion, thumbing at Chihiro and grinning. The other smirked back and got off his horse, undoing a long strand of cords that dangled from the saddle. Tasuki let out a small growl as they approached. Hotohori nuzzled her with his nose. "Chihiro, climb on now."

She turned to him and whispered. "Hotohori, I can't; I've never—"

"She may be a bit loony," said the taller of the two, "And she's got on some odd clothing, but she'll make a good slave, eh? Now, come with us, sweety, an' we'll get'cha some help…"

"Fat chance!" Tasuki barked, his shoulders tensing.

The men glanced down at him a moment, their faces blank. "Sweety, if you're going out alone, y'should take a full-grown dog an' not some little mutt." They continued to advance.

Tasuki's eyes rounded slightly. "They don'…understand me?"

"Come along with us, dear." One reached out to take her hand, though she pressed herself against the horse to avoid it. The stallion stomped his hoof angrily in the man's direction, his ears bending backwards slightly. The man stepped back, startled, but a bemused smile soon appeared over it. "'Ey, y'see this, mate? An over-protective horse!"

"I sure did!" Laughed the other, "But we don' have time for this. Jus'tie her upand we'll go. They're all jus' dumb animals, they dunno nothin'."

"I already knew that!" He reached out and snatched her by the wrist. "Now let's go, before I lose my patience." He gave a sharp tug, almost making her lose her balance. Chihiro gave a small startled squeak.

"N-no, I don't want to! Please; let go! Please don't hurt me—"

"Shut up an' come on!" He raised his hand to smack her and she closed her eyes, bracing herself for the blow, only to feel her hand be released as the man cried out in pain. Opening her eyes, she saw Tasuki clamped onto the guy's leg by his teeth and snarling. Tamahome had leapt off her shoulder, biting the man's lower arm.

The girl stumbled backwards, frightened out of her mind; the first stranger was coming to the other's aid. She felt something lightly tug her shirttail, and turning, she saw the stallion. "Chihiro, please climb on so that no other harm may come to you!"

"B-but what about Gen-chan and Tamahome? We can't just leave them—"

"Do not fret, they can handle themselves." At his words, she heard the second slave-trader yell out as Tasuki bit into his leg harder. He bent to strike him off, but Tasuki let go and began using his ability, running to a different place each time the man raised his hand to strike. Tamahome wasn't doing to bad either, nailing the other guy with his small fists and hand-like feet, being a monkey; but the results still were the same, breaking open the man's nose with blood.

Chihiro took a deep breath before trying to climb on. She jumped up once, but fell on her backside on the ground. "You must try again, Chihiro; quickly!" The stallion urged anxiously. She picked herself up and leapt up again, this time managing to stay on longer, but couldn't swing her leg over. Hotohori gave her a small push with his head and she used the shove to loop her leg around his middle.

She turned her head to call to her dog and the monkey. "Gen-chan! Tamahome!" Both stopped what they were doing and ran towards her as Hotohori started in a trot, slowly moving into a canter; Tama grasping Tasuki's collar as he hopped on the dog's back and Tasuki sped to catch up. His 'wing' symbol blazed on his front right leg.

The two men looked to each other in astonishment before running to their horses and riding after them. They were bent on capturing that girl in the strange clothes.

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Chihiro glanced over her shoulder to see that they weren't being followed. Not yet, anyway. Casting a quick glance down at the ground, she saw Tasuki was really trucking to keep up with Hotohori, Tamahome clinging to his collar for dear life. That's what she was doing the horse; hands looped around the animal's neck like there was no tomorrow.

"Over here in the bushes; hurry!" A voice called out off the side of the road.

None of them had time to wonder or even care who it was. They dashed off the path and into the woods; Hotohori leaping over the shrubs to avoid leaving a trail while Tasuki and Tamahome crawled under. Chihiro fought not to scream as she experienced a brief moment of weightless ness before he landed again. She hurriedly climbed off and got down on her stomach, the other animals doing the same. All sat there quietly and waited as the sound of approaching hooves neared and passed just as quickly as they'd come.

"Thank goodness!" Chihiro whispered, leaning against a tree and putting a hand to her heart and closing her eyes. She had never been so scared in her life! All she wanted to do was go home where it was safe. But then, she guessed that would be next to impossible now. Why was she even here to begin with?

Something crawled onto her lap, rubbing against her arm and distracted her. Out of habit, the girl from another world stroked the soft fur. "I'm fine, Gen-chan. You don't have to worry about me…"

"Eh, Chihiro, I'm over here…" Her dog's voice spoke across from her. She opened her eyes, staring into the face of another animal. "Wh-who are…?"

"My name's Chichiri na no da! You must be the Suzaku no miko, am I right?"

xXxXx

A/N: Konnichiwa minna! Well, whadda ya think? Sorry for making it so long, but we all know how I like to ramble, so I'm going to do that now! lol I hope you all like my ficcie so far (huggles fic) It's me pride n' joy, being my first one, n' me luves it! Almost as much as I love Tasuki! (Cuddles him and purrs; he sweatdrops uneasily)

(Amaya-san snaps her fingers) Second matter of business, I was swamped with homework and I couldn't post the weekend before! (Ducks as shoe is thrown at her) I said I was sorry! What do ya want me to do, grovel n' kiss your feet? (Gets smacked in the face by another object; she grabs it and chucks it back) I am not gonna take any flames for this…

(Calms down and raises hands happily) Yes yes, I brought 'Chiri in, happy now? (sweatdrops as a bunch of 'Chiri fangirls nod vigorously and start 'no da'ing intermittently, making peace signs) Oki then, yeah…

(Tasuki walks in)

Tas: Sure, y'brought 'em in, but what th' hellis 'e?

'Chiri: (smiles of-so-cutely) That's gonna have to wait until Amaya-san posts chapter five, na no da!

A: (giggles) Well, at least someone liked it! (huggles 'Chiri appreciatively) ((Hey, he practically wears an invisible sign that reads 'Hug me', so I figure, why not? Hehe!))

(Hotohori strolls in)

Hoto: Amaya-san, I'm thrilled that you have portrayed me as a majestic stallion. (Smiles and sparkles)

A: Mmmmm…he sparkled for me; I feel honored! (huggles him)

Tas: (glares) Oi, 'xactly whose fangirl are ya?

A: Awww…Tasuki-wasuki jealous?

Tas: (folds arms and pouts…then glares) Wha'd you just call me…!

A: Naw, I still luvs you too! (glomps, ignoring him; he tries to get away and fights to breath at the same time)

'Chiri: (sweatdrops) Daaa…

Hoto: (ahem) Yes, well, it suits me quite well, only…how am I going to admire my gorgeous face without being able to hold a mirror?

A: (sweatdrops) Uhm…looking at your reflection?

Hoto: But it just isn't the same… (Tragic sigh; is suddenly glomped by Nuriko)

Nuri: (swoons) Oh, Hotohori-sama, you're always beautiful to me! (Cuddles his arm)

A: Heheh… (Blink) Oh shoot! Nuriko! I told you before not to come out here yet; you aren't even in the story as of now! No one listens to me!

Nuri: I'm sorry, Amaya-san, but, well… (Giggles) My fangirls and boys were cheering for me to make an appearance, so I did! (Snuggles Hotohori some more)

(Authoress and seishi sweatdrop, heika looks ill)

A: Well, I gotta go, so until chappie 5, jaa ne! (Does peace sign and vanishes)

Tas: Y'can't leave us here wit' Nuriko on th' loose!

Nuri: Hmmm, Tasuki-chan, I just noticed now how kawaii you are when you're afraid! (Bats eyelashes at him flirtatiously)

'Chiri: (pales along with the bandit) Daa…I'll just be going now, no da! (Pop!)

Tas: Y'damn monk! So much fer friendship! (Screams and runs away flailing his arms as Nuriko chases after him giggling)