Disclaimer: I do not own Yuu Watase's characters from Fushigi Yuugi. I do however, technically own Reiko, Nakuto, Ayame and all those unfamiliar names that have nothing to do with the original series.

Author's note: Just like the first chapter, I've read through this again, corrected my mistakes to my best ability, Why do I do this, you may ask? To make your life easier and more enjoyable. hahaha. AND, Several of these "..::..::.." indicates a Vision of Reiko's.

Chapter Two: Another vision

Reiko opened her eyes. Where am I? She asked herself, though not expecting an answer.

Oh yeah, I escaped from Nakuto with Ayame's help. Ayame. I hope she's alrigh-

..::..::..::..::..::..

The same piercing scream filled the air after the familiar twang of an arrow. Reiko saw herself clutching Ayame's hand as her servant screamed for her to run. The arrow had hit Ayame's shoulder. Reiko ran as more arrows came pelting through the darkness, towards Ayame, towards her.

..::..::..::..::..::..

Reiko jerked up as her vision ended. Grief overcame her and she started to cry. I hate these visions. I hate them. Why did I have to see Ayame in that state. And all I did was run? I didn't even try to help her.

Reiko buried her face in her palms. And where am I now? What if I was caught again. I have to escape form this place. I have to go to Konan and find the Emperess. She could hardly breathe amidst all her sobbing.

"Stop bawling your eyes out kid." Reiko lifted her face up to see a red headed boy sitting across the room.

"Who are you?!" She started to panic. What if he was taking me hostage? What if he wanted to use me to—

"Relax, kiddo. I'm not gonna do anything to ya. How're ya doing anyways? Hungry? You've been out cold for 3 days now."

3 days? She thought to herself as the pain in her stomach returned. Then it must have been ages since I last ate! Reiko nodded at the stranger.

"We'll have lunch together then," he tilted his head towards a table, all set out with dishes of all kinds. Reiko realized how much she missed proper food.

She ate, still behaving very much like a princess. Her manner surprised the boy.

"You're not from around here are you?"

"No." she replied in a small voice.

"Then where are you from? We don't get young girls like you running around in the forest much."

Reiko turned away, not wanting to say anything. Afterall, how can she trust someone whose name she doesn't even know?

The boy, realizing her uneasiness, said "Damn, sorry for being rude. I'm Genrou, leader of the Mount Leikaku bandits. So obviously, you're here at Mount Leikaku. Me and my friend found you 3 days ago unconscious in the forest. So we brought you here."

"Oh," she looked back at him. "I'm erh, Reiko." Bandit? I'm here, alone with a bandit?

"Reiko? Hmm. Reiko," Genrou pondered. "Sounds familiar.." then he shook his head. "Nevermind."

I shouldn't have told him my name, Reiko thought. I still can't trust him.

Reiko ate to her heart's content while Genrou just sat watching her.

"So, what are you doing in these parts?" Genrou asked.

Reiko hesitated to answer. I can't tell him the truth.

"I, erh, ran away from home, and got lost here."

Genrou raised his eyebrow suspiciously. "Oh alright then."

Reiko gasped as another vision came to her.

..::..::..::..::..::..

"Ayame. Do you know how much you'd suffer for helping Reiko escape?" it was Nakuto.

"I would rather die than see you ruin her life!" Ayame spat at him.

"Very well said, Ayame," Nakuto laughed. "And very right you are. You would rather die wouldn't you?"

Nakuto lunged forward and grabbed Ayame by the neck. Strangled cries emerged from her lips. Ayame didn't struggle. The next moment, Nakuto let go as Ayame's limp body fell to the ground.

..::..::..::..::..::..

"NO!" Reiko cried. She fell to the ground on her knees and started to cry again.

"Aww kid. Don't start bawling your eyes out again." Genrou scratched his head. What am I supposed to do with a crying girl? He sat in front of her, crossed-legged. I don't even wanna touch her. Yech. Why do girls always have to get so emotional.

"C'mon kid. Stop crying already."

Genrou looked at her. She refused to stop crying. I don't even know why she started crying. What am I supposed to say to her if she won't even tell me where's she from. I know that story about running away was all crap. Guess she ain't ready to tell me anything.

"Genrou, what did you do to her now?"

Genrou turned to see Kouji standing at the doorway. "I didn't do anything! I swear I didn't!"

"Hopeless. That's what you are Genrou. Hopeless." Kouji sighed.

"You sure you're my best friend?" Genrou crossed his arms.

Kouji squatted beside Reiko. "Hey, c'mon. You've been cooped up here for so long. You need a little bit of fresh air." He helped her stand up and led her out the door.

Reiko tried to stop crying. "I'm sorry for breaking down like that. It's just that, I don't know. I'm sorry. I didn't scared Genrou too much did I?"

Kouji laughed. "Scared him? You freaked the hell outta him!"

Reiko bit her lip, trying hard not to start crying again.

"No, don't start crying again. I mean, uhh, it's no big deal scaring Genrou. He's a wuss. OWW!" a small pebble hit Kouji's head.

"Kouji, I heard that." Genrou said from behind.

Reiko looked at him. His bright flame colored hair was unusual, but Reiko liked it. He smiled at her and she noticed he had fangs.

"Are your teeth real?" Reiko asked, curiously, suddenly leaning towards his face. She was about to start knocking his teeth when Genrou flung his arms to cover his face. "Don't touch me!"

"I told you he was a wuss." Kouji said.

Reiko laughed, almost forgetting what she had seen in her vision.

"I AM NOT A WUSS!"

"YEAH YOU ARE"

"NO I'M NOT!"

Reiko watched their childish squabble. She remembered her vision and tried to think of what she should do next. I can't always start crying after every vision, now can I?

"Genrou, Kouji, Kouji right? I need a favour. It's really important. I need to go to see the Konan emperess as soon as possible. If you promise you would, then I could tell you where I really came from."

WHOOOT! Chapter Two UP! yay! haha. hope u like it. although it is a lil draggy. and lacking in action and bah. but heck. i promise a lil bit of action in the next chapter. =) reviews please!