I suppose I should make the setting for this story clear, it takes place after the OVA's. Sorry I didn't mention that in the first chapter. Thanks to all those that left reviews, I would love to hear some more of your thoughts about my little story so please continue to post your comments.

Aki

Disclaimer:

I do not own Fushig Yuugi, Watase Yuu does.

I own Aki and all the other characters I make up.

"Uh." And that was the only sound she was able to produce. Aki sat dumfounded as her large eyes took in the two men She knew them instantly, there was no doubt in her mind that they were from two of the main characters from the anime series she had so dearly loved. But wait, anime, she wasn't from an anime and yet she was interacting with those that were? What had she gotten herself into?

Chichiri simply gawked, she didn't look anything like a village girl, what with her hip hugging blue jeans, low cut tank top and her sneakers. Though she was a very odd sight to see, she did have some of the aspects of their miko, an otherworldly aura about her. "Um, are you alright?" Yes, that would be the wise thing to ask. Though his lips moved, his eyes did not, still staying on her. His masked face displayed a frown as he tried to comprehend the situation at hand.

But Aki didn't produce any other sounds for them, she simply sat there, bag clutched in one hand as if she was ready to flee. She had to be hallucinating, these weren't Seishi, they were really drunk frat boys that were trying to take advantage of her now that she had gone over the edge.

Don't move closer, I'll scream! She mentally warned them, backing closer to the tree trunk behind her. Her eyes still displaying her confusion.

It seemed that her body language made it through to the men, seeing as how they both took steps back, slowly, not wanting to frightening the girl any more then they already had.

"What are ya doin' by yerself? Little girls shouldn't stray far from the village," And Tasuki gave a quick look around, as if something were about to pop out and prove why she should stay close to large populations. His nose was wrinkled, as if he was sniffing the air. "Yer lucky we found ya, could've been slave traders… or worse."

Aki was about to say something, what it was shall never be known since the rustling of brush caught the attention of three present. Soon enough a group of five men emerged, two on horse back, while the others were walking in front. It didn't take long for them to spot Seishi and girl. A moment passed where silence sank between the two groups, each watching the other without really knowing what to make of the situation. But soon enough the men decided it was an opportunity to rob the travelers of whatever they had, and to make off with the girl for the nights entertainment. A large man, standing around six feet, dropped a sack he had been carrying over his shoulder, giving a sinister grin as he made his way towards Aki and the Seishi, his comrades soon followed. It seemed that they had already gotten an early start on their robbing travelers.

It didn't take long for Aki to make it to her feet. She quickly slung her bag over her shoulders, ready to flee when her instincts warned her the man had gotten close enough. Good thing I'm wearing my running shoes… And also a good thing that she had been part of the track team in high school.

"It will be safer if you stay behind us, no da." The monk informed the girl, he had read her intentions of fleeing and feared that she would get lost if she did so. It was obvious she wasn't from the area and well, with thieves lurking in the forest it was best for her to stay with them.

But as soon as one of the men lunged towards Tasuki, Aki was off. She leaped from the scene, feet barely touching the ground as she made her way from the escalating fight. Her eyes had failed to see that on the plains there was a small village, little cot's dotting the landscape. She made towards it, not looking back for a moment as the wind whipped past her terrified face.

XXX

The Seishi were left to fight off the men on their own, not that the girl would have helped much if she had stayed. Tasuki walked amongst the items the man had been carrying, taking his pick. "Why are ya still worrin' about her? She ain't a baby, she can manage on her own." He stated as he rummaged through a bag filled with jewels, eyes busily examining them and deciding whether they were worth taking or not.

"She's not from here, Tasuki." The other Seishi said yet again, his eyes were focused on where the girl had fled towards. "We can't just leave her by herself, na no da." And he turned back to his friend, frowning as he watched him continue to plow through the plunder.

Sensing the intense gaze the bandit stiffened, back still towards the monk. His shoulders slumped as he gave in, "Alright, we'll go find her… happy?" And he pocketed a few of the items before hastily standing to full height. "But she's yer responsibility." And he pointed a finger at Chichiri, giving off his best frown as well. He hated babysitting, especially when he had gold to acquire.

Chichiri gave a nod as he turned towards the village, setting out to find the mysterious girl. He had no idea why she was here, seeing as how she couldn't possibly be a miko. He pondered this throughout the walk, his mind finally focusing on searching for the girl rather then wondering why she was here. We'll find out soon enough, she might have an idea as to why she was brought her…

The Seishi walked through the crowded alley ways, searching for the girl, knowing she'd stick out like a sore thumb. No one that they questioned seemed to know of her, causing the men, Tasuki mostly, to grow irritated. "If we don't find her in the next round," And he gave off a huff, not having to finish his sentence for his friend to realize what he meant.

"Maybe she didn't go into the village, no da." Chichiri stated after giving off a frustrated sigh, his masked face turning to each and every direction. Perhaps she had wandered off to another area?

But soon his eyes caught sight of something. An elderly woman stood in a door way, leaning to one side as she eyed the pair. She was dressed rather shabbily, and held a rather amused grin on her wrinkled face. "You boys lookin' for a foreign girl?" She questioned when they were in speaking distance. They both eyed the old woman warily, wondering how she had figured that out. "Oh come now, I've been watching you boys walking about for the past half hour, asking questions to some of the vendors." And her smirk grew to a sort of repulsive look of annoyance. "Any fool could tell what you were up to."

"Alright then, tell us where she is!" Tasuki yelled out, aggravated at her attitude. Who did this old bag think she was talking to him like that? He crossed his arms as he waited for a reply, amber eyes set on her dull brown.

The old woman simply nodded her head, moving to a side so that the entrance was no longer blocked. After waiting a minute she swept a hand, indicating that they should enter. "Well come on then, I ain't gettin' any younger!" And she entered herself, assuming they'd follow in time.

XXX

Aki had run all the way to the village, not stopping for a moment. Once she had reached the gate she halted to catch her breath. It had been a while since she had run that long, and never under those conditions. She swept a few strands of hair back with a hand, still breathing rapidly from the run. After a few minutes she gave the area a quick look around and then headed towards the interior of the village.

She tried not to be seen by many, knowing that she was an odd sight to see. She quietly stuck to the shadows and back alleys, ready to run at the slightest hint of danger. Her attention was soon caught by the sounds of the market, people shouting and bartering while they shopped. It was certainly unlike anything this girl had ever seen and she examined the scene intently, watching as the native people, clad in garments so very different from hers, went about their daily life.

She didn't realize that someone had been watching her just as intently, standing just a few feet behind her. Soon a hand joined with her shoulder, causing Aki to spin around, letting out a startled cry. But when she caught sight of who it was that had grabbed her she ceased the shout and simply stared.

"Well are ya just gonna gawk at me all day?" The old woman scolded, taking her hand off the girl and waving it in the air as if swatting away a fly. "If ya want to hide ya shouldn't stand in alley ways, not good for pretty girls like you." And she flashed her a toothy grin, making her seem even more deranged.

"Um, thank you?" Aki stated as she continued to stare, unsure of what to do. She nervously shifted her feet, lowering her gaze a bit towards the ground.

"You certainly are an odd one…" The woman stated as she eyed her over, taking in her foreign clothes and appearance. She seemed to be debating something, but soon enough she came to a conclusion. "Well come on then, I've something for you to do while we figure you out." And she set off down the alley, Aki quickly following her. She didn't know why, but she trusted her, besides she was a elderly person, what could she possibly do to her?

XXX

The Seishi walked into a rather small inn. There were various round tables with wooden chairs set around them and a large open space near a long desk which probably served as the reception area. Further to the left was a makeshift bar with a few patrons already being served. Chichiri scanned the room for any sign of the girl they had been pursuing, forehead furrowed as he did so. Finally he came across sight of her bag, it had been placed on an empty stool near the reception desk. Soon enough the girl herself was spotted, standing in a corner with a rather insecure look on her face. She scanned the room, eyes watching the men, wary of their every action.

"See, I told ya I knew where she was!" And the elderly woman gave Tasuki a swat on the arm as she walked towards Aki, laughing all the while. "I found her out in an alley, figured she'd get in trouble and that it'd be best for me to take her in." She soon stopped next to the topic of discussion, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving her a firm shake. "If ya ever need help, and are in town, just give me a holler!" And with a wink, their interaction ceased and the woman hobbled off to do some work.

As soon as she was out of sight the men turned their attention back to Aki, giving her yet another confused look. Tasuki simply scratched his head, wondering what new trails awaited them because of her presence. Girls from other worlds always meant trouble.

"Why did you flee, no da?" The monk was the first to speak up. He had been debating what he should ask her first, not wanting to scare her away again. This seemed like a relatively safe thing to ask, besides, it would help prevent causing her to run away in the future, hopefully.

Aki simply stood still and silent, as if this would help her become invisible. But soon the seconds turned to minutes and she had left the question unanswered, the men were still there so she might as well let them know. "I was scared." Such a simple answer, and it was stated with such a soft voice while she kept her gaze on her shoes.

Chichiri was about to say something, thinking that she was through, but before he could Aki had raised her gaze and her voice as well. "I'm not from here, I don't know how I got here. One moment I was on my campus and the next I was in the woods." Her exasperated explanation was sent rapidly out, eyes pleading with the pair. "Is there anything you can do for me? I mean, do you know how I can get back?" And she watched the two, eyes mostly on Chichiri since he seemed the most amiable of the two.

The monk frowned as he thought of a solution to the problem, not one that directly would resolve it, but a place to start at least. He finally came out of his meditation, looking back at the girl that waited with bated breath. "I do not know what to do, no da."

Aki's hopeful eyes lost their sparkle, they became dull as the words hit her. She would never find her way home. Sure she was among two men that she had been adoring for the past few weeks, one more then the other, but still she knew where her place was. She had lost her friends and family, she was not ready to trade over those things for a man that would never love her in the same fashion she loved him.

"Oi, what about that old hag?" Tasuki's gruff voice broke the silence that had fallen between them. He had stated that the girl was the monk's responsibility but he felt bad for her. That look she had on her face could break ones heart, and he was very kindhearted in reality.

"Ah yes, did I not say that Taiitsukun might be of some help?" Chichiri appeared a bit puzzled, the other two present giving him an odd look. He sheepishly realized he had not and sent a hand to scratch his neck. "Sorry about that, seems I got a bit lost in thought, na no da."