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.

Author's Note: The song used in this chapter is "Return to the Sea" from the anime Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch owned by Pink Hanamori. I do not claim anything from the anime or manga, nor do I own it, I'm just borrowing the music because I suck at writing it. Any future songs will also be from the anime. I seriously recommend checking it out! Thanks!



Chapter Eleven

The Melody Awakens

One thing that Cassandra hadn't known about Konan: it was hot. It was extremely hot. The group had been at the palace for about a week after their decision to take a break, and they were approaching the second week during an intense heat wave. Finally, Cassandra hadn't been able to take it anymore and said,

"Let's go swimming!"

So, her group packed up and went off to go swimming. They had all embraced the idea readily. After all, they were used to the colder temperatures of Hokkan and Konan was a bit too warm for their tastes. Even Saihitei had been convinced to come along with them and he brought his personal bodyguard and constant shadow, Chang, with him. They had ridden, Saihitei and Cassandra in disguise for the day, to a wide, calm river that flowed into a lake nearby. The lake was clear and calm with the sun reflecting down, sparkling on the surface. Once the horses were settled in the shade with water and food, many of the group barreled into the water.

Cassandra shrieked as the cold water hit her skin in welcome relief and dove underneath the surface. Underneath was just as clear as the surface and she smiled as she looked around at all of the different fish. There aren't lakes like this in my world. None are as clear and beautiful as this one. She surfaced after a while, breathing in the warm air and slicking back her hair. All of a sudden a wave of cold water hit her skin and she shrieked, whirling around. Iname was laughing behind her, grinning from ear to ear and splashed her again.

"I'm gonna get you now, brat!" Cassandra laughed and dunked Iname in retaliation. "Take that!"

"Why you-!" and he thrashed as she held him down before he surfaced and blew a stream of water from his mouth, coughing. "Only the old fart can call me that, Cassandra! Right old fart?"

"Call me that again brat and I'll do more than dunk you."

Unlike the others, Urumiya was sitting on the bank in only a pair of shorts. Cassandra had convinced the men that shorts were far more practical for swimming than pants, since she refused to see them swimming in the nude. Uruki had taken to it quickly and was stretched out on a blanket in short shorts…working on his tan. And admiring the view, he thought and glanced over at Hatsui. Since the man was the warrior of water, Hatsui was incredibly at home in the lake. He was teaching Saihitei how to swim in the shallows and coached him on.

"That's it, Your Highness, use your arms and legs just how I showed you," Hatsui walked beside the boy as he encouraged him.

"I think I'm getting better! Chang, look, I'm swimming!"

His ever-present protector smiled from where he was standing: under a tree, in the shadows, as always. Chang had been watching and speaking with the priestess as often as he could without appearing suspicious. Getting to know the young girl wasn't that difficult. She practically wears her heart and soul on her sleeve. In some ways, Cassandra reminded Chang of the young Emperor. In others, he was left doubting her desire and ability to save Hokkan. Still, Hokkan wasn't his home. It was just a vague memory from long ago.

Chang had moved to Konan with his family when he'd been only five years old. There was work there and better means of living. As soon as he was old enough, Chang had joined the army and worked as hard as he could to help support his family. With that, and what his father made, Chang's family was able to live comfortably until his siblings could find work as well. It had taken his own will and sheer determination to get where he was and so he knew…he knew that Cassandra had to have a strong will as well to save Hokkan. Otherwise the events of the past will repeat themselves. And Hokkan will suffer for it.

"You're awfully quiet, Chang."

Urumiya's comment made Chang shift in the shadows. "Merely thinking."

"What are you thinking?"

"It does not concern you."

"Quite the opposite. You were staring at Cassandra the entire time you were thinking. Obviously it concerns her, so therefore it concerns us. So…what were you thinking of, Chang?"

Chang was silent for a moment. "Merely wondering if she has enough will to survive being devoured by the beast god. If she will survive at all really, and what will happen to Hokkan. That's all."

Urumiya's eyes narrowed as he spoke slowly, choosing his words with care. "If you doubt her, do not tell her. First she must believe in herself. Then she must know that others believe in her abilities. If you doubt her, then Cassandra will start to doubt herself. And I will not allow that."

"Then her will isn't strong enough. What a pity she won't survive."

Now it was Uruki's turn to be offended and he sat up on his blanket. "Listen you…you don't have to believe in Cassandra's ability to save Hokkan. Hell, you don't even have to like her. But if that's how you feel then I suggest you keep your mouth shut around us. We believe in her and always will."

"I will say what I think, no mater how it makes your priestess feel," Chang's voice was cold, emotionless as he glanced back out at the water. "If I think she is weak, I will say so. If I think she doesn't have a strong will, I will say so. She is not my priestess. Understood?"

"Then you're a goddamn bastard, Chang, and that's what I think."

Closing his eyes and laying back down in a huff, Uruki went back to his tanning. He was rather miffed at Chang's feelings towards Cassandra…but you can't change how someone thinks by beating their face in. Unfortunately. Urumiya chuckled at Uruki and shook his head, his eyes going back to the water. Everything was going well. Iname and Cassandra were a little too cozy as they played around in the water and Urumiya was about to remedy that when he felt a familiar, icy presence. Uruki jerked up beside him and Chang grabbed his sword.

"Iname! Hatsui! Get Cassandra and the Emperor out of the water! Now!" Urumiya rose to his feet and went for their weapons.

"Why? What's going on?" Cassandra glanced around and felt a prickling sensation on her skin. "Iname, what's happening? What-?"

Iname scooped Cassandra into his arms and leapt for shore. "Kutou soldiers! Nakago's at the head and they're heading this way! We've got to get out of here before they find us!"

"Everyone listen," Urumiya snapped as he strung his bow. "Chang and Iname, take Cassandra and the Emperor to safety back in Konan. Hatsui, Uruki, you're with me. We'll hold them back."

"Urumiya!" Cassandra fought Iname as he lifted her onto a horse. "Iname, put me down, I want to stay and help!"

"Sorry Cassandra but as you are, you would only get in the way," Iname glanced at Urumiya before mounting up.

"Then stay with them Iname. I trust Chang; he can look after the Emperor and me. Please…" she tugged on Iname's sleeve and gave him a pleading look. "Please Iname, do this for me?"

Iname paused. I don't want to leave her alone…he knew that if Nakago had the chance, he would kill Cassandra. I can't let that happen. But she did have a point. Urumiya and the others were outnumbered. He sighed and dismounted, reaching for his glaive before turning to Chang.

"Protect her."

Chang paused, his brown eyes tense. "I will do so with my life."

With a nod, Iname slapped the horse's flank and the horse started off down the river with Chang and Saihitei right behind her. Iname watched them go and sent a quick prayer to Genbu to watch over them. He didn't want to lose her and Chang wasn't a Genbu Shichi Seishi…that bothers me the most. But he turned back to his friends and smiled. They would protect Cassandra. No matter what.

"You sure it was wise to let Lady Cassandra go with him? He isn't a Celestial Warrior like we are," Hatsui was concerned and rightly so. "I mean…she can't exactly be replaced."

"That doesn't mean he can't protect her," Iname argued and ran his fingers through his hair. "We have to trust him. After all, he's protected the Emperor all this time, so he must know what he's doing…"

"Cassandra and Emperor Saihitei are two different people to Mu Chang, Iname," Urumiya slid his quiver of arrows on his back. "But for now we have to trust him. Because there's no more time…"

Drawing an arrow against the string, Urumiya took aim and fired. The scream of the dying assured him that his arrow hit true and he charged forward. With that, the rest of the Genbu Shichi Seishi leapt into the fray as Kutou soldiers and assassins leapt out from the underbrush. There were more warriors than they had accounted for, but they also had an advantage. Hatsui was near a body of water and with that, his powers would be magnified by tenfold. It would drain him, but Hatsui was willing to take the chance. He immediately ran for the water when a group of soldiers split from the group to attack him, already gathering his powers.

"Hatsui what are you doing?" Iname shouted as he slashed his glaive at his enemies. "Get back here and fight!"

"That's just what I'm doing!" and he splashed into the lake. "Iname, all of you, get down!"

"What? No way!"

"Just do it!"

Hatsui stood shin deep in the water and closed his eyes. He gathered his life force from the calm pool in his mind's eye and took several deep breaths. Focus…just focus on the power within…Hatsui had learned this trick years ago when he'd been practicing with his abilities outside of Kutou's borders. Black light started to shine from his eyes as the water churned and frothed at his feet. The soldiers paused, wary of the Genbu warrior who was making the water violent. When he gathered up his life force in just the right way…the water exploded.

Iname managed to duck just in time, grabbing Uruki by the shirt and taking him down as well. Amazing. If his power's that strong when he's in contact with water…think of the possibilities. The Kutou soldiers were hit by a veritable tidal wave from the lake and it crushed them underneath the force of its blow. Hatsui was at its vortex, trying to keep it away from his friends. I can't hurt them. I won't hurt them. And looming above the tidal wave, formed through Hatsui's own powers of concentration, was an enormous water dragon. Just the sight of it alone would have been enough to send them all running for the hills, but when the dragon attacked along with the tidal wave, it was all over for them.

Trees were crushed and brought down; the lands were flooded for miles as the attack ran its course. Hatsui was trying to keep it from destroying everything, but water was naturally wild and carved its own path. There was only so much he could do. It was only when everything had been destroyed that the water ceased to flow. It receded back into the lake slowly as Hatsui struggled to remain conscious. Too much. It was too much. My chest…hurts…and he fell forward into the water. It filled his senses until he felt someone lift him onto his back. Hatsui managed to open his eyes and looked up into Uruki's worried black eyes.

"Damn it, Hatsui, what were you thinking? You could have killed yourself, you fool!" Uruki scolded as he carried the other man out of the water. "I can't believe you. You were so reckless and so stupid…"

"But I didn't and now you three can go after Nakago. Right?"

"Wait a minute…" Iname looked around and paled. "Where is that bastard? I still feel his presence, so why hasn't he shown himself?"

Urumiya scanned the area and suddenly the realization hit. "He went after Cassandra and the Emperor! He's following their trail!"

"Then what are we waiting for? We have to go after him!" Iname vaulted onto his horse and started down the road.

"Let's go! Hatsui, can you ride?"

"Yes, I think so."

"All right, up you go."

Uruki lifted Hatsui up onto a horse as Urumiya swung himself into his saddle and they started down the road to catch up with the others. Time is running out and we're so far behind them. Cassandra…Iname's heart was pounding in fear as he spurred his horse on faster. If we don't get there in time he'll kill her. I can't let that happen! Iname didn't care that he could break his neck at the pace he was riding, all that mattered was getting to Cassandra. I never should have left her with Chang. I should have stayed with her! His horse leapt over a log and Iname hit his head on a low branch, but even that didn't stop him.

Chang, Cassandra, and the Emperor were far ahead of the others and had slowed to a trot when they felt they were out of danger. Chang paused his horse and waited for Cassandra to catch up, all of his senses on high alert. That's when he felt it. So, he comes this way. Now we'll get to see what you are truly made of, Genbu no Miko. And he glanced at Cassandra.

"What is it Chang?"

"We're being followed. I will take His Highness back to Konan and return for you."

"But that'll take hours! If it's who I think it is that's following us…" Cassandra wheeled her horse around nervously and sighed. "Very well. The Emperor is more important than I am. It's me he's after anyway. Go Chang and take the Emperor back. Saihitei will be safe with you."

"What about you Cassandra?" Saihitei peered around from behind Chang. "You won't be safe!"

"Go Chang. Quickly."

Throwing the girl an admiring glance, Chang clicked his tongue and rode off. He would use his powers to get Saihitei back safely…and then return for his priestess. Perhaps I have misjudged her. And the Emperor won't stay so young forever.As much as it pained Chang to think of leaving Saihitei, he knew that destiny wouldn't be denied. He would return for Cassandra as soon as he could. She watched them go with a pounding heart. Be safe…and she thought of Iname and the others and it made her chest ache. All of you. Don't worry about me. Even if Nakago does come, I'll face him. I won't be afraid anymore. Cassandra dismounted and led her horse to the river where she waited patiently on the bank, listening to the sound of the water rushing over the rocks. Every second that passed made her heart race. Little noises started her and she sighed. I'm being ridiculous, aren't I?

"The Genbu no Miko all alone. How careless of the Genbu Shichi Seishi."

The cold, smooth voice made her freeze but she kept her gaze resolutely on the water. "Nakago."

The man in question smirked as he slowly approached Cassandra. He didn't see the Emperor or his bodyguard, nor did he feel their presence, and assumed they must have fled. And they left the priestess here alone. How…convenient. Nakago had been considering his options in how to destroy the Genbu no Miko. He had to ensure that whatever he did would cripple the group as well as deal a humiliating blow. He had weighed all of his options and decided on what would not only be beneficial, but the most entertaining choice. If he could not kill the Genbu no Miko, then Nakago would merely start to bend her will to his. Psychological warfare was one of his strengths and Nakago used it whenever possible. Then there was the added benefit of having her under his control.

Once she belongs to me, I will not have to wait for the Seiryu no Miko to appear. He could become Emperor of Kutou and then over all four countries as long as she gave him one of her wishes. The minute that the wish was fulfilled and she had served her purpose, Nakago would dispose of her. Although her warriors were cause for some concern, he knew that they would obey her will no matter what. Theyare the Genbu Shichi Seishi after all. The mention of the group of men made Nakago sneer as he stepped up behind Cassandra. He would deal with her first and then get rid of her protectors. Now to set his plan in motion…

"Your warriors did not even send a protector with you? How irresponsible," he mocked and smirked as her shoulders tensed. "Anyone could happen along who means you harm, priestess."

"Stay away from me, Nakago."

She turned around and began to back up towards the river. Cassandra didn't know what she was going to do and she looked around helplessly. I can't fight him. I can't run. I'm trapped. The current rushed around her ankles and caused the young woman to trip and stumble backwards. A gasp escaped her and she braced herself for the fall, but Cassandra wasn't prepared for the hand that shot out and gripped her wrist. A painful jolt shot through her arm and she cried out, as she was pulled flush against a hard body. She only had a minute to recognize that it was Nakago before she shoved him away and headed for the large rock near the center of the river. He was warm. How could a man so cold have such warm flesh? Why did he save me from falling?

"Are you afraid of me, priestess? After I just saved you from the river?" Nakago's tone was amused and he smiled faintly.

"The last time we met you blew a hole through my shoulder and nearly killed me," she scrambled onto the rock and faced him boldly. "Forgive me if I don't trust you as far as I can throw you."

"It wasn't my intent to kill you…" he replied smoothly and stepped into the water. "I was merely testing you."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"Whether you do or not is your choice," and he moved closer, removing his cape completely and letting it flutter onshore.

"Stay away from me!"

Cassandra's heart was racing in her throat. She had to do something…stay back! Stay back, Nakago! And she did the first thing that came to mind. Cassandra took a deep breath and began to sing.

"The final page of the fairy tale has changed to tragedy. Even though I once believed, it has now been lost. Love and dreams are sandcastles washed away by the unforgiving tide, even if you deny it. Yet even now I can't forget the way your song shone, echoing in my ears even to this day…"

When her strong, enchanting voice filled the air, Nakago paused and chuckled softly. Foolish girl. As if a mere song could stop me. As he moved further in, something flashed across his mind and he stopped cold. This energy…she was starting to glow with black light and suddenly the melody was like an axe to his head. Nakago grit his teeth and pushed back with his own power. The song wavered for a moment and he saw Cassandra slip on the rock. He kept pushing, but so did she, her green eyes glowing fiercely. Nakago took a step back.

"So…you do have powers…"

"Like a jewel, the sea shines bright as it engulfs everything in its path with love. It gives birth to the seven lives and dreams to see. So now I have returned, I cannot hide the truth anymore. I have my people, my world to protect as I return to the sea."

Cassandra had kept her eyes on Nakago the entire time, felt his power pressuring her to give in, to stop, but she realized: he's afraid of my song. And so she kept singing, putting all of her heart behind it, hoping that it would be enough to keep him back. The light around her grew brighter and Nakago winced slightly and took another step back. That small triumph made Cassandra's heart race. Just a little more…I have to keep singing until they find me. Iname would come for her and that knowledge kept her going strong as Nakago took another small step back. Suddenly, the sound of hoof beats filled the air and Cassandra smiled.

Nakago heard them as well and frowned slightly. He would have to change tactics now that the priestess had discovered her powers. With one final glance at the Priestess of Genbu, Nakago pulled back completely. As he reached down and gathered his cloak, the young man mounted his horse and sent an icy cold glare in Cassandra's direction. We shall meet again, priestess. This is far from over. He put his spurs to his horse and rode off quickly. Already his mind was whirling with plots and schemes he could use against her, now that he had discovered her weakness. Next time we meet, there will be no one to interrupt us.

As Nakago vanished into the trees, Cassandra collapsed in relief. Strange…I feel so tired…before she could hit the rock or the water, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her and scooped her up safely.

"Who…?"

"Honestly, you're lucky you tapped into your powers when you did. What would you have done if you hadn't, foolish girl?"

"Chang?"

"Yes. The Emperor is safe, which is more than I can say for you."

"You came back," her voice was light and breathless as she clutched his shirt. "How did you get to Konan and back here so fast? It's impossible by horse, you would have had to fly or something…"

"I did not reveal myself because the Emperor needed me. And I did not know what sort of girl you were," he tipped her chin up so she could see as his symbol appeared. "I am Namame."

"You…you're Namame…?"

The shock of that was enough to tip Cassandra over the edge and she slumped in his arms. Her eyes rolled as they closed and she moaned softly before falling silent. Namame gave her a small smile and walked to a tree. In the blink of an eye, he had disappeared into its shadow, and Cassandra along with him. Following the energy of his fellow Genbu warriors, Namame emerged from the shadow of another tree and stepped into view.

"Cassandra!"

Iname leaped from his horse and ran over as soon as Chang emerged. His heart thundered in his ears as he reached for his priestess. The older man didn't protest as he handed Cassandra over to him. Thank Genbu she's all right. She's not bleeding; there aren't even any bruises on her. That's amazing. Iname glanced up at Chang with a raised eyebrow.

"She's not hurt…"

"No."

"Andyou're not hurt…"

"No."

"The Emperor?"

"Safe in the palace."

There was a long pause as Iname digested that information. Usually Chang's short answers would have annoyed him, but not now. He just held tight to Cassandra as Urumiya walked forward. The man's silver eyes glared daggers at Chang's black orbs. I knew it. A man with hair and eyes as dark as a moonless night and the Emperor's constant shadow…he's the one.

"You are Namame."

"What?" Hatsui gasped.

"How's that possible? How did you know?" Uruki asked.

"This is the guy we were searching for all this time?" Iname demanded. "Why didn't you tell us, Chang? For that matter, what happened to Cassandra? She's unconscious but she doesn't have a scratch on her."

"I didn't tell you because I did not wish to serve her. The Priestess of Genbu had not earned my loyalty or respect. The Emperor had. I had to be certain. As for what happened, I returned the Emperor to the palace and arrived in time to see her fight of Nakago. She managed to stop him and even drive him back using the power of her voice."

"You're trying to tell us that all she had to do was sing in order to drive Nakago off?" Uruki scoffed. "If that was the case, Namame, then we would have asked her to do it earlier."

"It was no ordinary song. As she sang, Cassandra was bathed in the light of the god Genbu. She tapped her power as a priestess and the song became increasingly painful to Nakago as her voice grew stronger."

There was complete silence as the four other men turned their attention to Cassandra. The unconscious girl, with only her voice, had driven off the feared General of the Kutou army.

"Holy shit," Iname swore.


And now for your holiday pleasure: TWO UPDATES IN ONE DAY WOW! Thanks for reading!

-Ree