Welcome to my second fanfiction, about my other favourite anime Fushigi Yuugi, and favourite character Tasuki! This story is AU, with my own character at the centre. The bulk of the story is set after the first OAV, with the Suzaku seven still alive and well in Konan, and Miaka in love with Hotohori, but back in her own world (for the moment). I hope that you enjoy it, and I will try to update as soon as I can. Don't forget to R&R!! Check out my profile also, and my other story called The Road Less Travelled. ( Thanks! ~ Virgo15

Chapter 1: Out of the Darkness a Light is Born

Storm clouds gathered in the eastern sky, as a low rumble foretold the turbulent night ahead. In a little village nestled in a pastoral valley, the streets were silent as the inhabitants braced for the coming storm. In a small cottage on the outskirts of the town, a flurry of activity was concealed behind drawn curtains and closed doors. Suddenly a cry pierced the stillness, coinciding with an angry clash from the skies above. This cry gave sign of the struggle within, as a young woman continued her long and exhausting labour.

Propped on pillows, the perspiration from her slight body drenching her thin cotton garment to her skin, the young woman gripped the corners of her bed as another contraction washed over her. Even the pain that etched her face could not disguise the beauty of her features. A soothing hand brushed the hair from her face as kind brown eyes gazed at the young woman compassionately.

" It's all right Saori," she murmured softly, leaning in close to her ear. " It won't be too long now. It's almost over."

The young woman gave a short nod, and gritted her teeth as she rode through another painful contraction. " Yana.." Saori's words came out as a gasp as she struggled to catch her breath before the next one came.

Yana glanced at the woman at the end of the bed who smiled back reassuringly if somewhat wearily. Saori's delivery was early, but not too early that the baby should be in danger. With only two women in the village who could be called qualified enough to deliver available, Yana was grateful that the birth thus far had been relatively easy.

" It's time to push now Saori." Yana smiled as the young woman's eyes rose to meet hers. " You'll be holding your baby in your arms very soon."

Saori breathed raggedly, her whole body the picture of exhaustion. " I don't know if I can do it Yana." Saori said hoarsely, gripping the sheets in frustration.

" Yes you can." Yana replied firmly, raising Saori into a sitting position. " Now when the next pain comes push your baby out."

Saori grimaced as she began to push, the pressure almost unbearable. The woman around her voiced their support as time wore on and Saori began to tire rapidly. Suddenly with a last burst of energy, Saori gritted her teeth and delivered the glistening baby into the world. A terrible moment passed before the baby howled loudly, announcing its presence to the world. A wan smile graced Saori's face as she watched her baby crying lustily as the midwife cleaned her.

Once properly cleaned, Yana carried the baby to Saori a warm smile on her face. " Say hello to your daughter Saori. " Yana said as she placed the child on her chest. Suddenly Yana's face paled as the gazed at the small infant's neck. Saori, noticing Yana's pallor over her squirming infant, knitted her brows in concern.

" Yana? What is the matter?"

Yana tore her eyes away from the child with difficulty, her eyes wide with surprise and concern. Dismissing the midwife quickly, Yana turned back to Saori, a strange look on her face. " Saori.you never told me about the baby's father."

Saori started, glancing down at the child who had started to sleep placidly, comforted by the warmth of her mother. Saori had come to live in the village just over a year ago, and was warmly welcomed by the inhabitants due to her skill with healing. It was unusual that a woman would be travelling alone, especially one so young, and the mystique was intensified by Saori's refusal to talk about her past. Understandably, there was quite a scandal when Saori's pregnancy became too advanced to hide. The villagers' disapproval was mostly quiet because they could not afford to lose such a talented healer, but there was a sense of general condemnation. Most of the women would not socialise with Saori unless absolutely necessary, but Yana did not concern herself with such foolishness. The two women had become close during her pregnancy, and Saori was concerned by Yana's demeanour.

" No I guess I never did. I have never told anyone this before..but there was no father." Saori paused there, gauging Yana's reaction before continuing. " One night I had a beautiful dream, it was like nothing I had ever experienced before or since. All I can remember is a beautiful red-haired man and this throbbing energy in every fibre of my being. The next day I woke up and there was a red feather next to me on my pillow. I knew something was different with me, and when I found out I was pregnant, I never questioned. I knew that this baby was a gift from the gods, and how can you question their will?"

Yana was silent, musing over what Saori had just told her. Saori watched her, becoming increasingly worried as Yana remained impassive, watching her and the baby. " Why do you ask Yana? What is the matter?"

Yana looked from the baby to her mother, thinking how she would phrase the next sentence. Words failing her, she gently turned the baby over in Saori's arms, exposing the back of the baby's neck. There on the delicate skin that was already pink and healthy was a bright red stylised X with a line through the centre, the mark of Suzaku, the god of the South. Saori drew a sharp breath and clutched the infant closer involuntarily. " If the child had the mark of Suzaku, then she is not just my daughter, she is." Saori's eyes widened as she fit the pieces together in her mind.

" She is truly a gift from the gods." Yana said quietly, gazing at her with sympathy, " We should take the child to a Priest of Suzaku before we make any decisions."

" No!" Saori snapped out of her reverie, clutching the baby tightly, causing her to cry out in distress. " No one must know of this Yana!"

" Do you really think that you can keep it a secret for long Saori?"

Saori looked from the baby back to Yana in desperation. " I have to try Yana. If the temple clergy thought this was the daughter of Suzaku, they would take her away from me and I would never see her again! I couldn't bear to lose her, to knowingly give her away. If the time came where she would be taken away from me..then I'll deal with that later. Promise me you will keep my secret Yana, please!"

Yana was torn, knowing that a baby with the mark of Suzaku had a great destiny. A future far away from their village. She also knew that the baby was all Saori had, and it would break her heart of she lost her. Sighing, Yana made her choice, hoping that it would not turn out to be the wrong one.

" I will not tell anyone Saori, " She said sternly as Saori closed her eyes in relief; " but I will not lie for you either. If anyone comes looking one day for the daughter of Suzaku, I will not keep silent."

Saori nodded, the relief showing plainly on her face. The baby gurgled in Saori's arms, causing Yana to smile despite the heavy feeling in her heart. " What will you name her Saori?"

" I will name her Ayumi, because I will want her to walk her own way."

Yana smiled, thinking the name suited the baby. " Welcome Ayumi." The baby opened her eyes at her name and smiled as dawn broke over the mountains of Konan.