Title: The Prophecy of Genbu

Series: Fushigi Yuugi

Rating: MA

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THIS SERIES. The Fushigi Yuugi universe belongs to Watase Yuu-san and I do not claim this universe whatsoever. I am only writing a story for fun, not profit. For other notes, please refer to chapter one.


Chapter Seven

Discoveries and Surprises

Uruki and Urumiya stood and faced off with each other, waiting to see who would be the one to blink first. Even though Uruki was wearing a sardonic smile, his eyes were angry and his posture was tense. The elder man remained silent, his silver gaze and expressionless features revealing nothing. It was Urumiya who finally broke though, looking away from Uruki. In truth, the man felt terrible about the way he'd treated Cassandra. She'd done nothing but offer him her friendship and he'd been treating her like a tool rather than a person. And if I had been there for her, this wouldn't have happened.

"Why was Cassandra injured? As one of her warriors, you were supposed to protect her, Uruki."

"You're a fine one to talk old man. You and Iname were the ones who chased her away in the first place. After all, she's nothing but a pawn to you, isn't she? So why should you care?"

Urumiya's jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed threateningly. "I don't know what you think you know, Uruki, but I was wrong to treat Cassandra in such a way. Cassandra…she reminds me so much of my own daughter…and all I wanted was to keep her safe. She's still a child, she doesn't know anything about this world, and I did not want her hurt further. I…I care for her as if she were my own daughter."

"You're a little young to be her father."

"Perhaps, but after Nakago killed my family, I feel as though I've aged ten years. I will guard her with my life not only because she is the Genbu no Miko, but because she is Cassandra. And Cassandra is someone who held out her hand to me and offered me the first glimpse of hope I had in years. I would gladly give my life for her because a girl like Cassandra is-"

"Is always worth dying for," Uruki smiled slightly, this one more sincere. "I see that you were a wise choice for the Genbu warrior of memories. So, care to tell me what makes you think that Iname is in love with Cassandra? You do realize that they're way too young for that."

"How old are you?"

"Seventeen, but that's beside the point."

"Now boys, there's no need to fight," Taiitsukun popped in the middle of them, making Uruki yelp and leap back in shock. "You two will have your chance to talk later. Now you must be informed of the prophecy."

"Prophecy?" they asked in unison.

"Yes. Two hundred years ago, when Lady Takiko and her warriors were alive, they gathered together and summoned the beast god Genbu. As you both know, something went wrong and before Lady Takiko was able to use her last wish in her world…she was killed. So in truth the summoning was incomplete and Genbu became furious as his powers were left in limbo. He bent celestial and written law in order to set down a new prophecy and select a new priestess. There isn't supposed to be more than one priestess for each god. However, Genbu was able to do it since he is the oldest and wiliest of the four gods."

"What was this prophecy, Taiitsukun?" Uruki asked.

"That a girl with a heart of strength hidden by fear and youth would arrive. She would possess a loving, tender innocence that would bind her warriors to her in a group that would be stronger than the previous Genbu warriors. They would overcome adversity, put aside their differences, and make alliances with other nations…the girl of the prophecy is Cassandra. After all, she has already managed to bind the three of you together despite your obvious differences. And despite her youth and her fears, she is very brave."

After a moment of silence, Uruki spoke. "Well, Genbu made a fine choice. Cassandra is the one. I have faith in her."

"How do you know?" Taiitsukun challenged.

"Because she does have that loving, tender innocence that makes me want to protect her. She has offered so much of herself to us and asked so little in return except for our friendship. She was as willing to die for me as I was for her…I want to protect and care for her with all of my being."

"I do as well," Urumiya cut in, voice gruff. "I want to make certain she grows into a strong, fine young woman…as my daughter would have. It also makes me want to smack Iname for looking at her."

Laughing merrily, Uruki adjusted his headband, tightened it securely, and brushed his bangs aside. Nodding in an unspoken agreement, the two men turned back to Taiitsukun. She looked at them long and hard, trying to determine if they were the ones who could fulfill the prophecy. She hadn't believed Genbu when he said he would find a new priestess who would form alliances with the other nations. Something like that was unheard of, especially considering how rocky relations were in the past between the four countries.

"So Taiitsukun," Uruki's voice jolted her out of her reverie and she turned to him. "How exactly are we going to find the rest of the Genbu Shichi Seishi before the Suzaku and Seiryu priestesses show up? I know they haven't appeared yet and it would be trouble if they did."

"I agree. Also, does Cassandra possess any powers as the Genbu no Miko? I've sensed something about her…but it's always gone within a moment. Can you teach them to her?" Urumiya added.

"I can awaken her powers, but it will be up to you to teach her to harness them. As to finding the other warriors, you can use Genbu's copy of the Four Gods of Heaven and Earth. It gives clues as to where to find the remaining warriors. However, it will be rather vague."

"All right," Uruki grinned, excited at the challenge. "Go grab that, Urumiya, and let's get started."

"Answer me this question first, Uruki. How are you going to deal with Nakago?" Taiitsukun smiled slyly as her question stopped them both in their tracks. "He's defeated you both at one point…"

"That's…" Uruki paused, looking uncomfortable. "That is a good question. I couldn't even make a scratch on him. He attacked Cassandra and I after I killed his assassin. The bastard almost killed her."

"WHAT?"

"Urumiya, calm down! The minute he thought she was dead he left. Taiitsukun appeared and took us here and Nyan-nyan healed her in time, so there's nothing to worry about."

The sound of furious footsteps and the door slamming open made the two men pause and they turned to the source of the noise. Iname was standing in the doorway, his face flushed and completely livid as he stalked across the room to Uruki and grabbed the other by the collar and tugged him close.

"Who blew that hole in Cassandra's shoulder, Uruki? WHO?"

"Iname calm down," Urumiya tugged the youth back easily. "It wasn't Uruki's fault. Nakago attacked them."

"Yes," Uruki stepped back, watching Iname warily. "Nakago knocked me out with a few blasts and the next thing I knew, I woke up with Cassandra lying on top of me with a hole in her shoulder and bleeding all over the grass."

"That…that…devil…was the one who blew the hole in her shoulder?"

"Yes Iname. It wasn't Uruki's fault," easing his grip, Urumiya tried to explain it to the enraged teenager.

Muttering under his breath about what he was going to do to Nakago once he got a hold of him, Iname rubbed the back of his head and awkwardly turned to Uruki. His green eyes were apologetic and he coughed.

"I'm sorry about that. When it comes to Cassandra being in danger, I can get a little crazy. Let's start over," and he extended his hand. "Hi. My name is Iname and my powers are over plants."

"Uruki, my powers lay in wind, and apology accepted. Also, I think you both should know that I am able to turn into a woman at will. That is my other power. The transformation can also happen under intense periods of emotional stress, which is what happened when I was with Cassandra," Uruki smirked a little as he shook Iname's hand. "Also, I prefer males when it comes to lovers…"

He said it with such cheerful, yet serious tones that Iname and Urumiya were struck speechless for several moments. Taiitsukun sweatdropped and cleared her throat. Coughing, Urumiya approached.

"And I am Urumiya. My powers lay in the manipulation of memories. It's good to have you, Uruki," he extended his hand and they shook briefly. "So, let's consult the scroll and see who's left to find."

Urumiya reached into his coat and withdrew the black scroll carefully. The white paint that formed the characters seemed to glow silver as they walked over to a nearby table and unrolled the scroll. Urumiya leaned over and began to comb through the text, his silver eyes scanning the characters. Iname glanced at Uruki and began to read other parts of the legend. Taiitsukun departed the room to see to other things, leaving the men to their work. She had a feeling that they would be in for a shock…and Urumiya then growled.

"What's wrong, old man?"

"I think we have a problem."

"What do you mean?" Uruki leaned over; Iname on Urumiya's other side.

"According to this, two of the Genbu warriors haven't been reborn yet. Which means that we could be stuck waiting for years before their new forms are chosen. The only problem is, it doesn't say which two are the ones. It also mentions the Shinzahou, but it doesn't say why."

"Well, it can't be one of us, so we can rule that out," Iname frowned as he scanned the characters. "Since there's nothing we can do about them, shouldn't we focus on finding the other two?"

"I agree," Uruki straightened and went back to his seat. "We should strengthen our own forces before we go and try to find these two phantoms. Besides, with Nakago antagonizing us, we're going to need all the help we can get. We won't be able to defeat him without help."

"Agreed. All right," Urumiya went back to the scroll as Iname sat down. "Let's see who's left."

After a moment's silence, Uruki reached out and grabbed the section he was reading, his black eyes boring into the paper as they scanned the characters. No…it can't be, this is impossible!

"Damn, what's your problem, Uruki?" Iname jerked as the scroll came close to hitting him in the face.

"The text had better be lying! This says that one of our comrades is in Konan and the other…" he looked up, his expression grave. "Is in Kutou."

"You're kidding right? Please tell me you're kidding!"

"Uruki, this isn't funny."

"Iname, Urumiya, I'm not kidding. One of our warriors is in Kutou."

The three of them sat in silence for a while, wondering how to proceed. If one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi was in Kutou, then it was more than possible that Nakago had discovered them and killed that person. With the other two missing and the third in Konan, it was a delicate situation. As much as they wanted to believe that Nakago hadn't killed their comrade, all three knew that it was a slim chance. He would never let one of us live; Urumiya rubbed his temples and sighed as he stared at the scroll. Where do we go from here?

"We go after him."

The trio turned and saw Cassandra in the doorway, leaning against the post. She was shirtless, but bandages wound around her torso and over her shoulder, her pale skin illuminated by the torchlight. Her feet were bare and she was wearing long black pants and she seemed completely unashamed of her state. Uruki was proud. It looks as though she took what I said to heart.

"Cassandra, you shouldn't be up!" Iname went to her and scooped her into his arms. "You can barely stand."

"I'm fine Iname," she smiled reassuringly, voice quiet, as she was placed in one of the chairs. "If one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi is in Kutou, then we must go after him. No matter what."

"Nakago knows who we are though. We can't risk going into enemy territory. Unless…" Urumiya glanced at Cassandra. "You have a plan?"

"I do," she said with a grin. "We send Uruki in as a female."

"That's crazy!"

"That's insane."

"That's amazing," Uruki grinned with pride. "You're brilliant, Cassandra."

Iname and Urumiya exchanged glances, looking at Cassandra and Uruki with shock and disbelief. It was Urumiya who finally broke the silence and raised his eyebrow at Uruki, who was still grinning.

"How is that brilliant?"

"Nakago hasn't seen Uruki's female form," Cassandra cut in. "As long as Uruki can maintain his female form, he'll be fine. What do you say, Uruki?"

"Well Cassandra, this works out rather nicely because my symbol and my powers don't appear when I'm female. That'll make the charade that much easier. There's only one problem…"

"Getting into Kutou and into the castle," Urumiya snarled. "We have to search the castle, the countryside, and Konan. The only way you'll be able to get into the castle is if you are a soldier, a noble, or…"

"Or what, Urumiya?" Iname asked.

"A gift for the Emperor."

Uruki paled and Iname looked shocked…and quite a bit green around the edges. Cassandra merely looked confused as she processed what Urumiya had said. A gift for the Emperor? What does he mean?

"What are you talking about, Urumiya?"

"Cassandra…he means…being the Emperor's whore," Uruki blurted out and winced.

Instead of going pale or turning green, Cassandra's face turned red as she blushed. THAT'S what he meant? Oh dear Lord…she looked at her hands and tried hard not to picture Uruki put in that situation.

"Still so keen on it now, Uruki?" Urumiya leaned back in his chair. "I've heard the Emperor's getting older and uglier as the years go by."

"Shockingly, Urumiya, I don't feel any better. In fact, I feel worse. If I suddenly become sick, someone please hold my hair back," Uruki muttered as he buried his face in his hands.

"Shit, Uruki, I didn't know you could turn that shade of green," Iname leaned over and patted his back.

"One, you have a filthy mouth, Iname. And two, gee, why do you think I'm turning green?"

"Uruki," Cassandra sounded sorry she'd ever brought it up as she reached for his hand and squeezed it. "You don't have to do this."

"Yeah Uruki, you don't have to. We have four brains, I'm sure we can think of something else."

"However, it is our only plan so far," Urumiya pointed out. "So if he doesn't…"

"Great way to put pressure on him old geezer."

"Juvenile delinquent."

"Guys, shut up," Cassandra glared at Iname and Urumiya and sighed. "I think we should let Uruki decide if he wants to go through with this."

"Thank you Cassandra, but I already know what I'm going to do. I'm going to go through with it," Uruki reassured her. "Even if the idea thoroughly disgusts me, it's the only one we have. And it's our best chance."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Cassandra. Now, how do we proceed?"

The four of them spent a while talking and making plans before Cassandra's exhaustion finally caught up to her. She started to nod off, her head resting on Iname's shoulder as she did so. Iname glanced down and saw Cassandra sleeping and smiled. Carefully, he lifted her into his arms and rose slowly. She yawned a little and clung to his shirt in response. With a tender smile, Iname held her closer. The sound of chairs scraping against the floor made him look up as Urumiya and Uruki came over. Reaching out, Urumiya brushed the backs of his fingers against her cheek. The touch was light but tender.

"It's still hard to believe that she would be willing to die for us. For men that she just met. We aren't even from her world and yet she has grown to care for us. It's…strange to be cared for by someone like her," Urumiya whispered.

"Well she's an exceptional girl," Uruki added as he brushed his fingers through the ends of her hair, letting it curl against his fingers. "And I'll never forget what she did for me. She saved my life."

"Nor will I," Urumiya's tone was defensive, his expression gruff. "I was a mere shell of a man when she found me. I didn't think that in such a terrified, almost cowardly looking girl there could be such a strong woman just beneath the surface. She brought me back from the darkness and she saw the sadness in my eyes. A sadness that she managed to chase away with her smile and laughter."

"A loneliness she erased with a touch of her hand," Uruki smiled.

"That's when you know," Iname's voice was quiet, his eyes burning. "When she manages to ease the pain you never thought could leave, that's when you know that you love her."

"As a father," Urumiya stepped back, his expression closed, but his eyes were unreadable.

"As a protector," Uruki said cheerfully and released her hair.

"And as a man."

Not wanting the moment to be lost, Iname turned and headed back to her room. It was true…he'd wanted to escape the farm and his family for ages. Ever since the death of his older brother in a farming accident, Iname had felt his father and mother could have done more to save him. That was why he devoted himself to learning about healing herbs and techniques. He didn't want to lose anyone else that was important to him. Although the accident happened when he was only nine, even after six years, it still brought a deep ache to his heart. But when Cassandra appeared, she took that ache away. Here was someone I could protect. Someone that I could save. And…as I got to know her…she was someone I could love. Closing the door to her room, Iname laid her down and covered her with the thick blankets. Sitting at the edge of her bed, he reached out and began to trail his fingers over her face. He touched her forehead, her eyelids, her cheeks, and finally touched her lips with his thumb.

"Cassandra…I love you," he whispered. "I don't know how or when it happened, but I do. You were the first person who managed to drag me from my funk after my brother died and brought me back into the light. I know we're both young, so I'll wait for you and I don't care how long it takes."

Leaning down, Iname hoped for just a taste of her lips when he felt a hand pressing his shoulder. He froze and looked down into her pale green eyes, heart thundering in his chest. Oh no!

"Iname…"

"Cassandra! Uh," he blushed and began to pull back. "Cassandra, I didn't, I mean, I'm sor-"

"Shut up."

Iname had been expecting her to scream and that shocked him. "What?"

Cassandra's eyes were practically glowing in the pale light and she used her grip on his shoulder to pull him closer. Iname could feel her heart beating against his; only his was going at a rapid pace while hers was slow and steady. She's serious. Cassandra's lips quirked up in a small smile and she wrapped both arms around Iname's shoulders, pulling him close.

"If you're going to kiss me, then do so while I'm awake."

"Cassandra…you mean…"

"I heard you, Iname. Every word."

That made Iname turn deep red and he stammered a little. Cassandra chuckled and leaned up to brush her lips against his cheek. Although she'd never had a boyfriend before, Cassandra knew that she cared deeply for Iname. But I don't know if it's love. Could it really be love? Her heartbeat started to speed up as she pulled back, gazing into Iname's shocked green eyes. But there was something deeper there…relief, tenderness, and happiness that she'd been the one to kiss him. As she pulled back, Cassandra giggled at the look on his face.

"So…you're not mad?"

Laughing, she rolled her eyes a little. "Idiot, if I was mad at you, you'd be on the floor writhing in pain by now. Urumiya's right, you really are a kid."

"Hey now…if you keep talking like that I'll have to silence you."

"Oh really? You wouldn't be mean to an injured girl, would you? An injured girl who cares for you no less."

"Perhaps I would…"

And he smiled as he leaned down and claimed her lips in a kiss. Iname didn't have much experience with girls, but he knew how to kiss. Cassandra was warm and sweet, everything he had dreamt about when it came to kissing someone. He swore he could see stars as he pulled back for a moment before brushing his lips over hers teasingly. Their cheeks were flushed with the discovery of something new and Iname shifted so that he was stretched out beside Cassandra and got comfortable. He intended to stay for quite a while.

"Open your lips…"

Cassandra's head had been spinning the moment he kissed her. It was like she was drunk on wine, but infinitely more pleasant. Iname was gentle and held her close to his heart as he stole another kiss, this one deeper but just as slow. As if we had all the time in the world…she thought hazily as she parted her lips for him. Once he had the chance, Iname slipped his tongue into her mouth, which surprised Cassandra until he began to lick and explore in a slow and decidedly suggestive way. It made her blush darkly and she kissed Iname back with all she had. She was dizzy, lost in the sensation as his hand started to trail over her stomach, touching tender flesh…

"AHEM!"

The loud voice made Iname pull back with a jerk and he was immediately at the other end of the bed. Oh great Genbu…I can't believe I did that…he blushed and looked at the floor.

"Urumiya!" a chiding voice said from behind. "They were being so cute, now why'd you have to go and spoil that?"

"Uruki! Urumiya!" Cassandra squeaked, the covers now pulled up to her chin. "What are you doing?"

"You two were awfully quiet so I came to check on you. Good thing I did," Urumiya glared at Iname. "Juvenile delinquent."

"Nosy old fart."

"You guys, you really didn't have to come and check up on us, we were just fine," Cassandra protested.

"I'm sure you were," Urumiya walked over and grabbed Iname by the scruff of his shirt. "Come on, brat, let's get you out of here before you cause anymore trouble. Can't believe it…hormonal kid…"

"Ouch! Hey! Urumiya, let go you bastard, I can't lose that ear!"

"You have another one."

Uruki and Cassandra chuckled as they watched Urumiya drag Iname off. Finally, the young man sighed and sat down on the bed. Cassandra was still blushing as she touched her lips. They're tingling…

"So, what would have happened if we hadn't walked in, hm?" Cassandra jerked as Uruki spoke. "It looked really steamy in here."

"Uruki, I don't know what you're talking about. I'm only fourteen; I can't get involved with anyone. Plus, I have a mission to complete as the Genbu no Miko. We have to focus on that first."

"Yeah…"

Softening, Cassandra immediately regretted her words and reached out to hug Uruki. The young man was under so much stress that he transformed into a girl right in her arms. Cassandra stroked Uruki's hair as she trembled in her priestess' embrace. Uruki acts tough, but I know he's scared. It was strange. No matter which form Uruki took, Cassandra would always refer to Uruki as a male. It was how he was born after all, and he was a man in all ways.

"You really don't have to go through this, Uruki. We can think of something else," she could see the fear in Uruki's eyes and she hugged the girl tighter. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"You've already been hurt because of me, Cassandra," and she touched the bandages that covered her priestess' torso. "You nearly died because of me. You faced Nakago even though you were petrified of him and had no way of defending yourself. Now it's my turn to do this for you. Even though I'm scared, I'll do it. After all, if you could face down Nakago…then I should be able to do this."

Cassandra's eyes filled with tears as she pressed a kiss to Uruki's hair. Words couldn't express the depth of her gratitude and happiness at having a friend like Uruki. Back home, I had to leave all of my friends behind when we moved to Morioka. So it felt wonderful to have someone she could count on. Even though she had thought of her old home, it floated away as easily as it had come and that's when she knew. Hokkan was her home now. And her warriors were her new family. This is where I belong. I'm sorry Matthew and I hope you forgive me. You have your own life as I have mine and they need me more. She felt Uruki shift and released her as she turned back into a male. Smiling warmly, he leaned over and kissed her brow in a comforting way. She knew that he didn't feel the love for her that Iname did. No…this was something else. Something that comforted her great and she watched as he rose and left the room.

"No words are needed," Cassandra whispered as she watched Uruki leave. "This is my home. I'm not going back…not if I can stay."

And even if she couldn't, Cassandra would find a way. She would find a way to stay with the family and the man that loved her. No matter what, she wouldn't give that up. With a sigh, she lay down and drifted back into dreams.


Well, I've made it safely to Missouri and am writing like mad while looking for an apartment and a job. Keep reading and please review!!! (Please? XD)

Ree