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Legal Stuff: well, a very talented Japanese woman created Fushigi Yuugi. As I am neither Japanese, nor a woman (currently withholding judgment on the 'very talented' part), I can say with some certainty that Fushigi Yuugi is not my property.

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Author's Note: My information on the names of the Byakko Seven and the locations of their symbols comes from "Byakko no Shijin Tenchisho" at http://garuby.com/byakko/

I suggest you take a look there; it's quite nice.

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In The Beginning...

A Fushigi Yuugi Prequel

By: 18th Angel

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Chapter One

A Snake in the Grass

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      Takao was struggling to stay awake. He had promised himself that he would not sleep as long as Suzuno remained inside the book, but now he found himself nodding off every few minutes and had to force himself not to rest his head on the table and surrender to unconsciousness.

      Sleep was tugging at him once again when he heard the front door open. He sat up, urgently hiding the book underneath the table. The last thing he could afford right now was a visitor.

Someone was making their way down the hallway toward the kitchen, humming quietly. Suddenly, he recognized the voice. It was Miss Izaki. Izaki Megumi had been their housekeeper and a friend of the family for years. She always came in on Saturdays, but Takao had been so involved in reading, he hadn't even thought about what day it was.

"Oh, Mr. Oosugi." She said as she entered the kitchen. "I didn't expect to see you." Takao nodded. He usually worked on Saturdays, so rarely saw Miss Izaki. "Feeling sick?"

A thought struck Takao. Should he tell Miss Izaki about what had happened? She loved Suzuno almost as much as he did. Assuming that she believed him, she would certainly want to help. She could read while he looked through Einosuke's notes. But would she believe him? He finally decided that it was worth the risk.

"Uh...actually, I need to tell you something, Miss Izaki?"

"Oh? What's that?"

Takao sighed. "You'd better sit down first."

*   *   *   *   *

      Megumi sat, stunned, as Mr. Oosugi spoke. At first she was skeptical, until she saw the book; saw the words writing themselves, and the pictures that looked just like Suzuno.

      "If I hadn't seen this with my own eyes..." She whispered.

      "You wouldn't have believed it. I know." He said. "I didn't really believe it myself. If I had...I wouldn't have let Suzuno anywhere near that book. I wouldn't have even brought it into this house."

      "It's not your fault." Megumi said gently. "You couldn't have known that she would find it."

      "I know. But that doesn't make me feel any better."

      "Do you really think that if she finds all seven of these warriors, she can just wish her way back here?" Megumi asked.

      "I think so." He said. "But I want to look through Einosuke's notes. That's why I need you to read."

      "Of course." She said without hesitation. "I'll do anything I can to help you."

      "Thank you, Miss Izaki."

      She smiled gently. "Given the circumstances, I think it's alright if you call me Megumi." She said.

      He returned her smile. "In that case, call me Takao."

      "It's a deal." She replied. "Now go find those notes."

      After Takao disappeared into his study, Megumi sat down and opened the ancient leather book. She found the newest passage and began reading.

      The man named Tatara stood before the Priestess of Byakko and pledged his undying service to her.

*   *   *   *   *

      "Will you accept my service, Priestess?" Tatara asked.

      "I...of course." Suzuno said, still stunned by the sudden turn of events.

      Tatara bowed slightly and turned to Toroki, who was still eyeing him suspiciously. "Truce?" He held out his hand, the hand that glowed with the symbol of a Byakko Warrior. It was the symbol that did it. Toroki crossed the space between them and took the offered hand firmly.

      "I'm sorry I doubted you." He said.

      Tatara smiled. "I would have done the same, had out positions been reversed."

*   *   *   *   *

      They had decided to turn around and head back to Sairo. Tatara hung back from the group, riding in silence. Suzuno pulled on her reins, dropping back to ride beside him.

      "Um...are you okay, Tatara?" She asked tentatively.

      "Hmmm?" He turned to her, smiling. "Oh. I'm fine, thank you Priestess."

      Somehow, just that smile was enough to make Suzuno blush. She felt her cheeks heating up and looked away. "You can...call me Suzuno." She finally said.

      "Suzuno..." He began. "I'm...sorry."

      "Huh? What for?"

      "I should have told you who I really was right from the start."

      "You said you had reasons." Suzuno reminded him. "It's okay."

      Tatara shook his head. "No. It's not okay. If I had gone with you right from the start, that thing would never have attacked you. And if I had waited, even a minute longer, before I came after you... No reason can make that okay."

      "Tatara..." Suzuno began.

      But Tatara seemed intent on punishing himself. "I was born to protect you. And instead...I almost let you get killed!"

      "Stop it!" She said forcefully. "What's important is that you followed us, and you saved my life. You made the right choice."

      "Yes." He reluctantly agreed. "I suppose I did."

      Suzuno smiled. "Good, we're agreed then. So stop beating yourself up."

*   *   *   *   *

      Because of their delay at the river, the travelers only made it halfway to Sairo before nightfall. They found a small village along the main road and made their way to the inn. As the night outside grew chilly, Suzuno felt glad to be in the inn's warm tavern.

      Suddenly, the front door burst open, letting in a rush of cold air. All eyes in the tavern turned to the door, including those of Suzuno and her Warriors. Three large, burly men stepped in, slamming the door behind them.

      "Where is the one called Lan-uan?" The largest of the men bellowed. "We saw you come in here! Show yourself, you little weasel!" He yelled across the room.

      "Hey!" A voice spoke from the far corner. "You can't just go around callin' people names. It ain't polite."

      "I knew you were in here, you son of a bitch!"

      The three men pushed their way through the crowded tavern and sat down at the table in the far corner. Their huge backs blocked Suzuno's view of whomever they were speaking to.

      "I challenge you Lan-uan!"

      "Right now?" The other voice asked. "I'm in the middle of dinner here." A plate and cup went flying across the bar. "Well." The mysterious man said. "Problem solved, I guess."

      "I challenge you to avenge the honor of my family!"

      "Uh...what? Could you run that by me again?"

      "Don't play games you bastard! You robbed my sister of her virtue!"

      "Oh, that!" The other man chuckled. "Her idea all the way, friend. But you can take comfort in knowin' that it's not entirely her fault. Women of much greater integrity than hers have been known to lose control around me."

      "I'LL KILL YOU!"

      The big man brought his fist down on the other man's head, but his target was no longer seated. A tall, handsome young man with long, white hair shot up out of the chair, flipped over his attacker's head, and landed on the table. The chair he had been seated in collapsed under the force of the big man's punch.

      "Tsk, tsk, tsk." The young man scolded. "Breakin' the furniture won't get your family's honor back."

      The big guy spun around "How did you...? Argh! Grab him!"

      The small man ducked as the big guy's sidekicks rushed for him. Their heads collided with a dull 'THUD'. Both men fell over, out cold.

      "Fine!" The big man yelled. "I do it myself!"

      The younger man rolled his golden eyes stepped deftly out of the path of another punch. The next minute or so passed the same way. Every time his attacker would throw a punch, the young man simply stepped out of the way or ducked under it.

      "Listen." He said between punches. "I only...borrowed...your sister's...virtue. I'll...give it back...I promise."

      "Quit jumping around and fight me like a man, you coward!"

      Something flashed across the young man's face at the word 'coward', something dangerous. As Suzuno watched, a dull, white glow appeared on his left cheek. He was moving too much for Suzuno to get a clear view of where the light was coming from. But what else could it be, except the mark of a Warrior?

      The glow intensified. Suddenly, the young man's form blurred. When Suzuno blinked he was gone. A startled cry drew Suzuno's attention to the big man. The young man was behind him now! A swift kick sent the big guy flying across the room. The mysterious Warrior faded out of sight again, only to reappear in front of his opponent, stopping the man's flight with a punch in the stomach.

      The Warrior stood over his fallen attacker. The big man tried to scoot backwards to get away.

      "You're...you're a sorcerer!" He cried. "Forgive me, Milord! I didn't know!"

      "How about this; pay for my dinner and the chair and we'll call it even." The Warrior suggested.

      "Anything! Anything you wish! Just please don't hurt me!"

      The younger man sighed. "Just get out of here, and take your friends with you." He said. The big man nodded and helped his companions scramble out of the bar. The Warrior shook his head and sat down at the bar.

      Suzuno turned to her companions. "Did you see that?"

      Tatara and Toroki shook their heads. Evidently, they had seen barroom brawls before and hadn't bothered to pay attention. Karasuki didn't seem to notice her question. He was looking frantically through the Universe of the Four Gods.

      Suzuno decided it was worth taking a chance. She stood up and crossed the bar. The man was yelling at the bartender as she approached. "...I don't care if it is glowin'! I need a drink!"

      "Um...excuse me." She said quietly. The young man didn't seem to hear her. "E...Excuse me." Still no response. She tapped the man on the shoulder, yelling over the din of the bar. "EXCUSE ME!"

      The young man spun around. He was even more handsome up close. Not rugged like Toroki or gorgeous like Tatara. He had a wild, dangerous look about him. But it was the good kind of dangerous. Also up close she could she could clearly see the symbol on his left cheek. It was the "stride" Kanji. So he was a Warrior.

      "Uh...I was...wondering if I could talk to you."

      The Warrior looked her up and down. Suzuno got the distinct impression that the man was undressing her with his eyes. She fought to keep from blushing. She was the Priestess of Byakko, after all. It wouldn't do to turn beet red every time she met one of her Warriors. The young man smiled gently.

      "Listen sweetheart; much as I'd love to, one brawl a night is enough." He gestured to Tatara, Toroki, and Karasuki. "Besides, your brothers look like they might actually put up a decent fight."

      "What?"

      "No." He said. "I'm serious. Look, you're a very beautiful girl. Go give your love to a man who deserves it more than me."

      "WHAT?" Suzuno's hand lashed out, catching the man off guard and leaving a dull red mark over his glowing white symbol. "I wasn't...propositioning you! You...you...PERVERT!"

      "So...you just came over here to hit me?" The man asked, rubbing his cheek lightly.

      "I came over here because I saw your symbol." She said. "I wanted you to come talk to me and my friends."

      "Hmmm. You know, a little voice in the back of my head is tellin' me that no good can come from this." He shrugged. "But I can't help myself. You're too damn cute. Lead the way."

*   *   *   *   *

      "Warrior of Byakko?" Lan-uan asked. "I think you've got the wrong man."

      "Not this again." The youngest of the group, who looked like some kind of farm boy, groaned.

      "Look." The girl, Suzuno, reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, round object. She unfolded the object, which opened like a seashell. Inside was some kind of skin-colored powder and a small mirror.

      Lan-uan looked in the mirror and saw that the mark on his cheek was indeed glowing softly. "So...you think I'm one of you...because of this?" He asked.

      "That's the mark of Tokaki." The blue haired man said, pushing his glasses up and reading from a small scroll. "'A fighter without equal, his body is his greatest weapon'. Sounds pretty accurate to me."

      "What do you people want?"

      "We want you to come with us." The third man said. "You are a Warrior of Byakko. It's your duty to protect Suzuno, the Priestess of Byakko."

      "Look, I go to the temple once a week, I say my prayers, and I donate my fair share of money. I think ol' Byakko's gettin' everything He has a right to expect from me." He moved to stand, but a hand on his arm stopped him.

      "Please." The girl seemed on the verge of tears. "If you don't help us, we can't summon Byakko. And then...I won't..."

      "The only way Suzuno can return to her world is through Byakko's power." The man with the long hair said. "If you are a man of honor, you will not refuse a lady in need."

      The man had him there. "Tokaki, huh?" He asked. The scholar nodded. "Well better than Lan-uan I guess. Honestly, I don't know what my parents were thinkin'."

      "You mean you will?" Suzuno's face lit up. That sight alone was worth it.

      "Well I haven't got anything tyin' me down here." He flashed her his best smile. "And you are just too hot for words. Count me in."

*   *   *   *   *

      By late afternoon the next day, they had made it back to Sairo. Tatara and Tokaki were both in awe as they got their first look at the imperial palace.

      Jianna waited for them in the courtyard, dressed once again in her ceremonial robes. Her advisors stood behind her. It looked like the entire imperial court had been brought out to welcome the new Warrior of Byakko.

      "Priestess." Jianna bowed. "Welcome back."

      "Thank you, Your Highness." Suzuno replied. She indicated the two men on her left side. "These are Tatara and Tokaki."

      "Warriors." Suzuno nodded to them. "Welcome."

      Tatara fell to one knee. Tokaki seemed content to simply stare at the Empress. Tatara's hand shot out catching Tokaki in the shin. Tokaki got the hint and knelt as well.

      "Please come into the palace." Jianna said. "I want to hear all about your journey."

*   *   *   *   *

      "A Kutou assassin?" Jianna asked. "Are you sure?"

      Karasuki nodded. "Apparently he was only there to spy on us. He threatened Toroki, but he didn't attack."

      "He threatened you?" There was fear in Jianna's voice.

      "He was just trying to scare us." Toroki said. "Don't worry about it. We only need three more warriors, and then we'll never have to worry about Kutou again."

      "You're right." Jianna said. "Well, it's late. We should all get some sleep." Their conversation had lasted long into the night.

      "I can escort you to your chamber, Highness." Tokaki said. "Just to make sure you get there safe."

      Jianna smiled. "Thank you, kind sir. But I have bodyguards who do that."

     

      Toroki suddenly stood up and stormed out of the room. Only Tokaki seemed oblivious to his departure.

     

      "I could be a bodyguard." Tokaki insisted. "Sign me up."

      "The Empress' royal guard is traditionally made up of eunuchs." Karasuki said.

      "You know, on second thought, I'd better stick to guardin' Suzuno if it's all the same to you."

*   *   *   *   *

      Jianna followed Toroki out into the hallway.

      "Toroki!"

      Toroki turned when she spoke.

      "Your Highness." He said.

      "We've been over this before, Toroki." She said. "It's Jianna."

      "You're the Empress." Toroki said. "I'm just a farmer's son. It wouldn't be right for me to call you by your name."

      "What?" His tone surprised Jianna. Why was he being so cold all of a sudden? "Since when has that mattered?"

      Toroki sighed. He seemed frustrated.

      "What do you want from me?" He asked.

      "What do I want?"

      "Yes. What do you want? Friendship? Protection? ...Love?"

      "I..." Jianna began.

      "Because I know what I want from you." He said. "Love. I want to love you. And I know it can never happen. So please; you just keep being an Empress and I'll keep being a peasant. It hurts too much to pretend that we'll ever be anything else."

      "Toroki..." But he was already gone, leaving Jianna surrounded by her guards, yet feeling utterly alone.

*   *   *   *   *

      Suzuno was on her way to her bedroom when she saw Tatara sitting in the palace gardens. She changed course, walking out into the garden and sitting down next to him.

      Tatara jumped slightly when she sat down. "Suzuno!"

      "Sorry." She said. "I didn't mean to startle you."

      "It's all right." Tatara replied.

      "Tatara...what made you change your mind?" She asked. "Why did you decide to come with us?"

      Tatara hesitated. "I was...a child when I learned that I would be a Warrior of Byakko." He said. "I grew up in a monastery near Konan. One day, the Temple Master took me aside and told me what this symbol meant. He said; 'That symbol is a Divine Gift. It means that you are special, that one day you will defend the Priestess of Byakko. When she appears to you, you must do everything in your power to keep her from harm. You exist to protect her'. But he also told me that...my involvement with the Priestess would bring me great sadness."

      Tatara sighed heavily. "It scared me. I was just a kid; all I wanted was to be a normal child. I didn't want a destiny if it meant giving up my own life and happiness to protect some girl from another world. As soon as I was old enough, I left the monastery and went to live in the wilderness, where no Priestess could ever find me." He smiled. "But you did."

      "So...why did you decide to come with us?"

      "I...suppose I grew up." He said. "I realized that...it was selfish to refuse to help you simply because I was afraid of being hurt." He took her hand and once again, Suzuno felt a blush creep into her cheeks. What was it about Tatara, that just the touch of his hand could make her feel faint?

      "I am your Warrior from now on, Suzuno." Tatara said. "No matter what happens to me, I will always be there for you."

*   *   *   *   *

      Tokaki let out a huge yawn. "Do we always get up this early?" He asked.

      "We have a long ride ahead of us today." Toroki replied; his gaze fixed on the empty courtyard in front of them.

      "Where's everybody else?"

      "Tatara's getting the horses. Karasuki's in the archives. And I think Suzuno's still asleep." Toroki replied. "In fact." He said with a grin. "If you want to, why don't you go wake her up?"

      Tatara pondered that for a moment. Wake up Suzuno? That would mean going into her room, seeing her in...whatever she slept in.

      "Yeah." He said without hesitation. "I could definitely handle that." This was shaping up to be a great day.

*   *   *   *   *

      "I can't believe you hit me again!"

      "I'm sorry." Suzuno said for the hundredth time.

      "You sent him to wake up Suzuno and you didn't warn him?" Karasuki asked.

      Toroki shrugged, feigning innocence. "It must have slipped my mind."

      "We're ready to go." Tatara said.

      Toroki nodded absently. Something had been bothering him all morning. Something about the courtyard felt wrong somehow. In addition to speaking with animals, Toroki's gift also gave him the heightened senses of some of those creatures. And right now he smelled something wrong in the courtyard.

      After a few minutes he realized what he smelled, snake venom. But there were no snakes in the courtyard. The realization hit him just as Suzuno stepped out into the open courtyard.

      "SUZUNO!" He cried, leaping for her. "LOOK OUT!"

*   *   *   *   *

      Suzuno had just stepped out into the sunlight when Toroki called her name. Before she knew what was happening, Toroki slammed into her, throwing her to the ground and covering her body with his. An instant later, his shoulder twitched, as if he had been stung by an insect. He rolled off of her and stood up, facing a tree at the far side of the courtyard. He made a move toward the tree but before he could take a single step he fell to hid knees, gasping for air. Suzuno could see a tiny dart imbedded in his shirt, piercing the fabric and the skin beneath.

      "In...the tree..." Toroki struggled to yell. "Get...him!"

      The other Warriors were too stunned to move, but when they spotted movement in the tree, Tokaki took action. He faded out of sight and reappeared in the tree, just in time to clock someone in the head. A large, black shape fell out of the tree. In the blink of an eye, Tokaki was on the ground, twisting the other man's arm behind his back until it nearly broke. Suzuno gasped in shock. It was the assassin who had threatened them!

      A group of palace guards relieved Tokaki of his prisoner. As the dragged him away, they passed Toroki, who was lying on the ground, drenched in sweat and shivering uncontrollably.

      "Like I said, boy." The assassin leaned over to whisper in Toroki's ear. "Heroes die young."

*   *   *   *   *

      As the guards dragged the assassin away, Toroki cried out in agony. The assassin's dart had done its work well, sending its deadly venom coursing through his veins.

      Megumi lay the book down. How could she tell Takao? If Toroki died, then Suzuno could never come home. She threw a glance down the hall, where Takao was turning his study upside-down, looking for his friend's notebook.

      For now, she decided, it was better not to tell him at all. There was nothing he could do to alter what happened in the book, and making him worry about it wouldn't help them. Sighing deeply, Megumi continued to read.

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To Be Continued

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