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. Also as a note: I have not read more than 3 volumes of Genbu Kaiden because I cannot afford to buy the manga. So if things in the history concerning Takiko and her Seishi are wrong...then they're wrong. Don't sue me please!

Chapter Four

The Emperor of Hokkan

Genbu sat back in his seat, a pleased look on his features as he observed the events happening among the mortals. He stroked his sleek moustache as he thought. The first miko he'd summoned had been a failure and he'd taken ridicule from Suzaku and Seiryu for years afterward. It had only become worse when Byakko's miko, Suzuno, had successfully coupled with him and returned to her own world after saving his country of Sairou from disaster. Being the eldest and wisest of the four gods, this was simply unacceptable. The only good thing about his predicament was that Seiryu and Suzaku had not yet summoned their miko yet. This would give him more time to correct his mistake.

"Are you still sulking in front of that orb, Genbu?"

"Seiryu. Simply because I am thoughtful does not imply that I am sulking. What do you want? I have duties to attend to."

"I am simply concerned, my dear old friend. After that fiasco with your miko, one would think-"

"That was 200 years ago, Seiryu. Now, I have selected a new miko and she has already arrived in this world and found two of the Genbu Shichi Seishi. In fact, they've also encountered your Nakago. Iname and Urumiya seemed to prove enough to cause him to retreat."

Smirking at the outrage look on his rival's face, Genbu turned back to his orb and gazed in at the trio of mortals asleep in the inn. Iname was asleep against the wall, staying close to Cassandra. Urumiya was asleep nearby, making sure that the two of them were within easy reach. Genbu smiled as he took in the closeness and the protective nature that was already there in his warriors for their miko. They will all be just fine. The sun rose to illuminate the sleeping trio. They had shifted in the night and now Cassandra's head rested against Iname's leg and her feet were resting on Urumiya's legs so she would have the physical comfort of their presence throughout the night. Genbu's smile became a smirk as he turned to Seiryu.

"Look down at them, Seiryu. Even in sleep, my warriors show the close bonds that are forming between them and their miko. They will not be parted from her so easily and that devotion is to be admired. In this frightened, yet determined girl, Urumiya sees the daughter he lost. Iname sees someone he can love and protect as a younger sister. These three shall form the base of a strong team of Genbu warriors. They will be far stronger than their predecessors and you shall soon be eating your words, Seiryu. Just wait and see."

The guardian god of the east snorted. "We shall see."

Spinning on his heel, Seiryu stalked from the room. That left his triumphant rival smirking and plotting as he observed his warriors. The first rays of light illuminated the room and caused Urumiya's eye to twitch. Groaning, he tried to turn his face from the sun so he could go back to sleep. It had been a long day yesterday and he wanted to enjoy a good night's sleep while he could. His groan and the sunlight caused Cassandra to stir. Green eyes opened and she looked up. Iname? Did he stay like this with me all night? Quietly and carefully, she sat up so she wouldn't wake him. Smiling at Urumiya as he curled in on himself, trying to get some more sleep, Cassandra lifted her feet from his legs and went to wash up. She splashed cold water onto her face and sighed as she walked towards the window.

"I wonder if I really can be the Genbu no Miko. I wonder if I'm strong enough," she mused and reached under her blouse to draw out her necklace. The charm was in the shape of a musical note. "I know what you'd say, Matthew. You'd tell me to keep my chin up and never give up. We've been through tough stuff before…and we've always come through. Still, now I'm on my own. I just hope I can make you proud of me. And I hope I can protect them when the time comes."

She looked back at the sleeping pair and a warm smile made her face glow. A warm morning breeze wafted through the window and brushed Cassandra's hair over her shoulders and breasts as she drank in the peaceful sight. Iname's eyes cracked open and he yawned widely. Damn I slept like a rock. Too bad I got a crick in my neck. He rubbed his neck absently and glanced at the window. At first, all he could see was a silhouette glowing in the morning light. That made his eyes open wider and for a moment, he swore he saw the Genbu no Miko. That the woman that Hokkan had prayed for had finally appeared. Her green eyes were so gentle and the smile she wore filled him with hope for their country. He reached out to touch this heavenly vision, just to make sure she was real…

"Iname? Iname, what are you doing?"

"What?" the vision faded and the sight of Cassandra standing in front of him greeted Iname. She's gone.

"I asked if you were all right."

His vision swam and for a moment he suffered a deep pang of disappointment that the vision had faded. "Yes Cassandra, I'm all right. Sorry, I thought I was dreaming for a moment. What time is it?"

"Morning. We need to get going if we're going to make it to the capital today. Why don't you pack up and I'll wake Urumiya?"

"All right."

Yawning widely, Iname rubbed his eye with the heel of his hand and went to take care of the packs. Cassandra went over to Urumiya and shook him. Her whispers were soft and urgent as she firmly jostled his shoulder, trying to get him to wake up. Iname rolled his eyes and shook his head as he tucked everything into their packs. Let's see, I hope we don't forget anything. Despite the fact that Cassandra raised her voice and shook him harder, Urumiya slept on.

"Damn! He's a heavy sleeper that's for sure," Cassandra grumbled and looked around. "Iname, where's your glaive?"

"Why?"

"Because I have an idea on how to wake up Urumiya. Now, where is it?"

Iname picked it up and handed it to her with a questioning look. What are you up to, Cassandra? He watched in growing horror as she swung the flat of his glaive blade back and brought it forward. It connected solidly with the side of Urumiya's head and knocked him over. What in the hell? Is she trying to knock him out? Iname was struck speechless as he watched Cassandra prod Urumiya with the butt of the glaive. A lump was rising on his head, but he didn't even twitch.

"That man…is something else. Anyone else would have at least woken up from that…" he muttered as Urumiya snored on.

"Oh this is ridiculous!"

"What are you-?"

Before he could finish, Cassandra had slammed the butt of the staff into Urumiya's crotch. There was a pause where Iname sweat-dropped and a long silence followed. Then…

"AAARRRRGGGHHH!!"

The painful scream filled the air and shook the foundation of the inn. Many people stopped what they were doing on the street and glanced back at the building. The other people staying inside all inched away from the room, not wanting to be near that little disaster.

"Good morning Urumiya!" Cassandra's voice was cheerful and she placed the glaive into Iname's hands. "I'm glad you slept well, but it's time to go!"

"Who…wants to…die?" Urumiya growled and looked around. "YOU!"

"Wait! Wait, Urumiya, I can explain!" Iname pleaded, waving his hands in surrender, forgetting that he still clutched the glaive. "Really, I swear I didn't do it! It was all Cassandra's idea!"

"Now you die!"

As the two broke out into a scuffle in front of her, Cassandra just stared blankly at them for a few moments. Iname was pleading for Urumiya to be merciful as the man tried to wring the younger boy's neck. Well…at least he's awake…she began to giggle. Her giggles then became peals of laughter. That made the men stop. Urumiya had Iname in a headlock and Iname was trying to tear Urumiya's hair out. For a while they just stared as Cassandra continued to laugh. Exchanging looks, the two men slowly began to chuckle until Iname was also laughing loudly and collapsed onto the floor as Urumiya released him. Urumiya was much more subdued, but it was obvious he was amused. After a few moments, they all managed to settle down. Iname sat up, shaking his head and rubbing his sides.

"And what, may I ask, is so funny Cassandra?"

"You two. You were fighting like you were brothers or something."

Iname merely rolled his as they collected themselves. The trio rose and gathered up their things, getting ready to leave the inn. Urumiya was walking a little slower than normal and Cassandra couldn't help but giggle every once in a while. Once their horses were saddled and their belongings loaded, Urumiya winced as he pulled himself into the saddle. Cassandra clamored onto her horse and waited for Iname as he swung himself up and settled. Clicking her tongue, Cassandra lead the way out of the city. For another day the three of them rode onward, trying to pass the time on the way the capital with talk and the occasional song from Cassandra. Her nerves were fried as they approached the gates that led to the capital city. Her throat closed and she reached out to grab something and wound up with a fistful of Urumiya's shirt. Glancing down, he met her eyes and smiled slightly.

"Don't worry," he reassured her as they rode through the snowy streets. "You're going to be fine."

"People are staring at me."

"It's because of your hair. That color isn't common around here."

Cassandra reached up and absently fingered the strands of hair that fell around her face. She'd always been proud of her hair, but because of the looks she was getting, she pulled the hood of her coat up and over her head. Just to be on the safe side. When they reached the palace gates, Cassandra was immediately struck by how immense it was. While she was gawking at the graceful architecture and sloped buildings in shades of green and black, Urumiya approached the guards.

"Let us pass, we have business with the Emperor."

"What sort of business?"

"We are members of the Genbu Shichi Seishi," Urumiya lowered the side of his pants to reveal the glowing symbol on his hip. "Our new miko has finally arrived and we are escorting her to the palace."

"Oh! Yes, at once sir! Open the gates, let them pass!" the guard bowed deeply to the trio. "Please, this way."

The guards showed the three of them inside immediately. As their mounts and belongings were seen to, they were given rooms to stay in to rest and refresh themselves until they could meet with the Emperor. Iname stretched as he headed for his room, saying he was going to take a nap. Rolling his eyes, Urumiya turned and asked Cassandra if she needed anything. She said no and urged him to go rest. Nodding, he turned and headed down the hall, saying that she should go to him if she needed anything. Left on her own for a while, Cassandra began to wander through the corridors of the palace. It certainly is lovely. Her eyes were drawn to the various works of art that lined the walls as well as the beautiful carvings in the pillars. Everything was in shades of black and green, but there were other colors such as blue, gold, and grey mixed in as well. The craftsmanship of everything from the tiles to the roof accents was exquisite and Cassandra marveled at all of it. This is all so breath taking. I can't imagine the time it must have taken to build this palace. Glancing to her right, she paused.

"What's this?"

The mural painting that caught her attention was the most beautiful work of art she'd ever seen. Stretched across the wall, it seemed to be made up of two separate pictures, and yet they bled into one. On one side was the legend of the first Genbu no Miko and her Seishi. Her form was painted in a black silhouette and surrounded by the silhouettes of her guardian warriors. On the other side was an image of the god Genbu spread across the kingdom of Hokkan. It's as if he's watching over and guiding them. What impressed Cassandra the most was how well the two pictures seemed to blend together to tell one story.

"Do you like it?"

The sudden question made Cassandra jump and she backed away from the painting, looking for the speaker. Standing in the hallway was an elegant-looking man bedecked in black and green robes. Touches of gold along the sleeves and sash around his waist made his pale skin appear to be even paler. He looked young, around his mid 20's or so, with a narrow nose and thin lips. He won't win any beauty contests, Cassandra thought as she studied him. Still, his brown eyes are so warm and his hair is the color of a raven's wing. The impish smile that curved on his lips made him appear younger and made Cassandra smile. Moving with quiet grace, his slippers making no sound on the floor, he stood beside her.

"Do you like the painting?"

"Huh? Oh…yes! Yes, I like it very much. Even if it seems to be two different pictures, it's the same story."

"Really?" he seemed interested. "What makes you say that?"

"Well, if you look at it, those are the seven stars of Genbu and that's the Genbu no Miko," she pointed out the images as she spoke. "While over there you have Hokkan with its guardian god, Genbu. So, it's really the same story. It tells the tale of the beast god and his miko 200 years ago."

"That's very good. Most people look at it and see two different pictures."

"Well, then they're obviously missing something. These pictures are connected. They're like two sides of the same coin. Both sides tell a tale that's part of the whole of Hokkan. Don't you agree?"

The man smiled and his eyes shone with appreciation and joy. "Thank you. You're the first person who has seen what I meant to express in my painting."

"You…painted this?"

"Indeed I did. May I ask how you managed to figure out the message?"

"Well…my brother likes to paint. It's what he went away to school for. He taught me how to look beneath the paint and see the message. I was never any good at drawing, so he taught me other things."

"Really? If you are not good at drawing…then what are your talents, my dear?"

She brightened. "I sing. I like to bring comfort, happiness, and laughter, anything through my music. Still, my father never approved. He stopped my singing lessons a few years ago. I haven't had much inspiration…" she trailed off. "My singing helped me to forget…"

"Forget what, my dear?"

She shook her head. "No, it's…it's all right. Just family troubles is all. I have to move on if I'm going to become the Genbu no Miko and save Hokkan. I have to focus on the here and the now. I'll be strong for myself and for those that need me. I may cry a lot and I'll admit I'm not the bravest person in the world, but I'm going to do my best no matter what."

The man paused for a moment, then turned. "Come with me, my dear, there's something I want to show you."

"What-?"

The man took her hand and guided her through the halls. Cassandra was barely able to keep up and was out of breath when they reached their destination. Damn this guy moves fast. Must be because he's wearing a dress, she chuckled at the thought and bent over to ease the stitch in her side. The door before them was simple and plain, except it had a rather complicated locking system that Tokoyami carefully undid before opening the door.

"Please go inside. I will join you momentarily."

"Oh. All right."

Cassandra straightened and headed inside. Lamps flickered to life around the room and illuminated the wide, airy room. Her eyes widened and she gasped at the beautiful studio. The walls had been white, but they were now splashed with colors and different Chinese characters that blessed the room and were said to encourage creative energy. Some of the paint had even reached the ceiling, as though it had splattered there from what had been thrown at the wall. Canvases littered the area, some on easels, and others with outlines, and there was one large, half-finished painting that Cassandra wanted to take a look at in a moment. She wandered over to the shelves against the wall and smiled. Paints, charcoal, brushes, water, paper, and other supplies were stacked high in the shelves and on numerous surfaces over the room. As she was drinking in the beautiful room, the man she met before came walking in.

"Oh! You're back!" Cassandra smiled warmly.

"Indeed."

He was smiling gently as he approached her. The clothes he wore now were old and simple, all splattered with paint. Just pants, boots, and a loose shirt. His hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and he went and opened the windows, which looked out over the gardens.

"What do you think of my studio, my dear?"

"This is yours?" her tone was surprised and pleased as she spun in place, looking around. "It's beautiful! Too beautiful for words, sir."

"Thank you, but please don't call me that. My name is Toko."

"It's nice to meet you Toko. I'm Cassandra," and she offered him a bow.

Toko smiled and took her hand, brushing a kiss to the backs of her knuckles, making Cassandra blush. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Cassandra. Would you do me the honor of sitting with me? I would enjoy company while I was painting. And perhaps I could hear you sing. It's rare that I have the chance to share my art with someone. Even my wife, who is my dearest friend, doesn't appreciate my love of painting."

"You have a wife, Toko?" she took her hand back and settled on a stool nearby the half-finished painting.

"Yes I do. Her name is Meilaka and I have known her since we were children," he settled down in front of the painting and replaced it with a fresh canvas. "Would you sing for me, Cassandra?"

She beamed brightly. "Of course I would."

Turning so she was facing the gardens, she breathed in the fresh, clean scent of the snow and began to sing. Her voice was soft and sweet, but grew with confidence and passion when she sang of love lost and love found again. Cassandra sang of betrayals and hope, of the distant seas and the furthest stars. She sang in English, Japanese, and even a little Italian. For the first few moments, Toko simply watched her, a warm look in his eyes. Even though some of the languages she spoke were unfamiliar to him, the beauty and the love was evident in every clear note. His charcoal brush began to glide over the blank canvas as he encouraged her to keep singing. Toko's eyes darted back and forth between Cassandra and the painting he was working on and he basked in the sound of her voice. It's so strange. For some reason, I feel filled with contentment and peace…as if my soul was healed…he was drawn out of his reverie by the sound of footsteps in the corridor. Frowning, he quickly covered the painting.

"What is it?" Cassandra had been jolted out of her song by the heavy thudding of boots. "Are we in trouble?"

"No, don't worry," he said just as a group of men burst into the room.

"Sire! Forgive us, but the men that arrived with the Genbu no Miko are demanding to see her and make certain she is unharmed. We tried to assure them that she was with you, but they wouldn't listen!" the captain saluted Toko as he spoke, the rest of his men following suit.

"Sire? Then that means…"

"Ah, and here I was hoping I'd stay a secret a while longer," Toko sighed and shook his head. "Very well, inform Iname and Urumiya that Lady Cassandra is changing for dinner and will arrive when we are served tonight."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

The guards saluted and departed from the studio. Toko sighed and glanced over at Cassandra, who wouldn't look at him. Reaching out, he touched her head gently and began to stroke her hair between his fingers. I am deeply sorry, Cassandra. But this was for your own good. She still refused to look at him, even as he sat down beside her and tried to call to her.

"Lady Cassandra?"

"…Why? Why didn't you tell me? You made me look like a fool. Isn't that right, Emperor Tokoyami?"

"Cassandra," he ran his fingers through his hair and at least had the grace to look ashamed. "Cassandra, I didn't tell you because I wanted to get to know you. As a man, not as the Emperor. Besides, if you had known it was me, you wouldn't have been nearly as open with me, would you?"

"Well, I guess…I mean…okay, you're right. I wouldn't have told you so much about myself. I probably wouldn't have sung for you either. I still don't like that you lied to me though."

Toko chuckled and knelt before her, placing his hands over hers, resting them in her lap. "I am glad that I got to know you as a man though, Lady Cassandra. The young woman I saw before me spoke of her hopes for the future, of her love of music, and in your beautiful voice I felt as though my soul had found peace. You hold such faith and trust in your two Genbu Shichi Seishi and you have taken on a mantle which most would never attempt. That's how I knew…"

"Knew what Toko?"

Chuckling at the use of his nickname, he brushed his fingers over her cheek. "That you were the Genbu no Miko. You will be the one to save Hokkan, when the time is right. For now, you are a young girl who is trying to find her footing in a strange new world. Just know that you won't have to do that alone, Lady Cassandra. We will be by your side to help and protect you. In return, we ask nothing of you…except that you believe in us. Now come, my Lady. I would like for you to meet my wife and you must be dressed for dinner. I think you will like Meilaka and I know she will be charmed by your beautiful voice and good heart."

"All right," she got to her feet and headed for the door. As she reached for the door, she paused. "Toko?"

He paused behind her. "Yes, my lady?"

"You can just call me Cassandra if you like. I don't want you to be so formal. After all, we're friends now aren't we?"

Toko looked startled for a moment and then he smiled. "Yes. Yes, of course."

The two of them left the studio and headed towards their respective rooms. Tokoyami introduced Cassandra to his wife, Meilaka, who bowed to the priestess and immediately took her aside to dress her for dinner. After all, the young woman was going to be presented to the heads of the nation and she had to look her best. As Cassandra soaked in the bath that had been prepared for her, she thought back to the time she'd spent with Toko and smiled. He's not what I expected of the Emperor. I think I could grow to like him. She hoped they would be able to spend time together again soon. A maid called to her to inform her that it was time for her to dress and she rose from the bath and went to prepare herself. While Cassandra was getting ready, Tokoyami was in conference with Iname and Urumiya.

"I apologize for hiding Cassandra from you. However, please understand that I only wished to get to know her, to see if she was truly the one. As the Emperor, it is my duty to ensure the safety of my people. Also…" he glared at the two. "I'm very disappointed in you both. You've alerted Kutou to our priestess being here and you've placed Cassandra in unnecessary danger."

"Emperor, it wasn't our fault. Nakago was trying to kill her. We had to protect her," Iname was insistent as he leaned over, bracing his hands on the desk. "It was our duty as the Genbu Shichi Seishi."

"Nakago is just a punk with a lot of power," Urumiya cut in. "However, he doesn't have his priestess. Nor do any of the other nations."

"Yes and that allows us an advantage over them. However, there's still the history behind the Genbu no Miko and Cassandra remains ignorant to the truth. If Cassandra isn't stronger than Takiko-sama was, then she will be killed and devoured by the beast god," Tokoyami's voice was flat and his eyes narrowed. "Hokkan cannot afford to go through that again."

"I agree," Urumiya said as he stood to Tokoyami's other side. "Cassandra must not know about the dangers, otherwise she will certainly try to run away in fear. The girl is somewhat of a coward and I'm hopeful that with a bit of training she will be cured of that."

As the men talked, outside the door Cassandra stood frozen. She'd heard everything and her hand clenched in a fist. They're lying to me. They're all lying to me. And Urumiya…he thinks I'm a coward? They don't care about me at all, they just care that I'm going to save their country! Furious and hurt beyond means, she spun on her heel and dashed towards her room. Ripping off the elegant clothing she'd been given for that evening's meal, she threw on simpler traveling clothes and packed a bag full of supplies before heading for the stables.

"I guess if they can't trust me to know the truth, then they just don't need me," she had a stable hand saddle her horse and she swung herself up.

Although she wasn't used to riding, Cassandra vowed that she would endure it. Clicking her tongue, the Genbu no Miko rode from the stables and headed away from the palace. She left the capital city…and her warriors behind.

Bet you're surprised to see me again so soon. No, I haven't abandoned this story. In fact, I've been writing more and more of it! So please read and review, reviews really make my day. Thanks again!

Ree