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 Five

The Mysterious Flower

The countryside had melted into mountains and open fields of snow and ice. Cassandra was cold and she was starting to regret her rash decision to leave. Still…she was also second-guessing her decision to become the Genbu no Miko after what she'd heard. Snuggling deeper into the warm coat Mae had given her Cassandra was relieved when she saw a town just on the horizon. From what she knew from other travelers, she was near the border with no idea where she could go. Now that Kutou knew about her they would surely attempt to kill her and Cassandra wasn't sure she could trust Konan or Sairou. Checking into an inn for the night, she handed her horse over to the stable hand and headed upstairs, remaining blissfully unaware of the chaos she had started back at the palace.

"YOU DAMN IDIOTS!"

Iname screamed at the top of his lungs at Urumiya and Tokoyami. Emperor or not, he's going to get a piece of my mind, damn it! The two men were looking at anything but Iname as the young man continued to rage at them.

"How could you? How COULD you? How could you keep something like that from her? Better yet, Urumiya, how could you say something like that about her? I thought you two were above Nakago. Using her for the betterment of the country, with no regard to her feelings, is something that bastard would do!" Iname glared at the Emperor and Urumiya in turns, his hands balled into fists. "I hate you both! I hope she does stay away and refuses to be the priestess, just to spite you!"

"Now Iname-"

"Stuff it, Urumiya. You're not worthy of being one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi! Because of you she's gone and could very well at this moment be at Nakago's mercy! And we all know how much mercy he has!"

With that, Iname turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. I'll find her! I'll find her myself and bring her back! She won't survive out there. I have to find her. The young man's outburst had quieted both older men and Tokoyami merely looked at his hands as Urumiya shifted from his spot against the wall.

"Are you as ashamed as I am, Urumiya?"

"Yes."

"Are you going to go after them?"

"I must. The two of them won't be able to fight off any Kutou spies if they come across them. However…this will also be a prime opportunity to go after the rest of the warriors. Have you any means of finding them?"

"Yes. I will give you Genbu's copy of The Four Gods of Heaven and Earth."

"I thought that Takiko-sama burned that in the summoning of Genbu."

"About three years ago, we were miraculously gifted a second copy of the text. It just appeared in the temple one day. That was when we knew another Genbu no Miko would present herself to us. If Cassandra wishes to continue her journey…then she will need it to find the others."

"Forgive me, Tokoyami-sama, but I seriously doubt that she'll be willing to listen to either of us."

"That's why I must make certain Iname is the one in possession of it. Make sure it's in his bags."

The Emperor summoned one of his servants to ensure the manuscript was placed in Iname's bags. Urumiya watched with narrowed eyes before also slipping from the room. He made his way towards the stables, only to find Iname swinging his packs onto his horse. It seems he's dead set on going to get her back. Iname grumbled and cursed under his breath as he straightened and tightened the ropes, making sure everything was in place. Sighing, he patted his hand along his mount's flank, wondering if they had made a mistake in allowing Urumiya into their group. The guy's a cold-hearted bastard. I can't believe I thought…hearing someone approach he looked up and scowled as soon as he saw whom it was.

"Iname."

"What the hell do you want?" and he turned his attention back to the horse. "As far as I'm concerned you're a bastard and I do not wish to know your company anymore. So go away."

"Stop being such a brat and take this," he extended the black scroll of the Four Gods of Heaven and Earth to Iname. "I want you to take this with you when we leave. We might need it."

"Why should I? Get that thing out of my face. Cassandra has to make her own decision about whether or not she wishes to be a priestess and as far as I'm concerned she's already made it. And what's with this 'we' crap?"

"Fool, she HAS made her choice. You just don't know the truth behind it," and he pressed a glowing finger against Iname's forehead.

Iname looked in on Cassandra and Urumiya sitting in front of a roaring fire. The image was blurry though and he realized it was a memory. Why is he showing me this? Frowning, he listened to the conversation.

"You're searching for the Genbu Shichi Seishi, aren't you? You are the Genbu no Miko after all," Urumiya's voice was hazy, but Iname could hear him clearly.

"I…I don't know if I can be."

"What are you talking about?" her words made Jia whirl around to face her, eyes flashing. "Of course you are, you have to be!"

"If I can't save myself from a pack of wolves and hypothermia, how am I going to save this country? I want to, believe me when I say that I want to. If there were a way for me to save this place, the people in it…to somehow become that strong then I'd do it. I'd do it in a heartbeat. Iname's counting on me and I don't want to let him down. But most of all, I don't want to let myself down."

"Now do you understand?"

The memory faded as Urumiya removed his hand from Iname's forehead. It felt like he was emerging from being underwater and he had to shake his head a little to clear it. Still, her words rang in his heart. She did decide. He glanced up at Urumiya, whose expression was unreadable.

"That night, in the face of her cold and her fears, she told me how much she wanted to protect this world. Even if it wasn't her own. It was for the sake of others and for you. She cares about Hokkan and its people. Cassandra wants to save us. Just as we wish to protect her."

"I don't understand. What you said before…?"

"Was merely because I was concerned about her. I do not wish her to meet the same fate as my beloved family."

"You mean…?"

"Yes. I care for her. Although I do not know whether or not it is because she is Cassandra or the Genbu no Miko, I do care for her. Cassandra reminds me of my little girl whom I lost five years ago. She has my Michi's eyes…" and his voice trailed off, his eyes darkening as he remembered that horrible night. "When I lost my family, I was a broken man. Then this frightened, curious young girl appears out of nowhere and forces me to confront what I've been trying to hide. What I was too cowardly to face. She forced me to face my own loneliness and despair and realize that life does indeed go on. That my wife and children wouldn't want me to live my life as a shadow of my former self. Do you understand now, Iname? I want to ensure that Cassandra survives coupling with the beast god and making her wishes. I don't want her to die like Takiko-sama. I do not wish to lose the girl who forced me to wake up and live my life again. Not to Genbu, Nakago, or anyone."

"Urumiya, I understand! Don't you think I'm as concerned as you are as to if she's going to survive summoning Genbu? I am! I'm scared shitless that we might lose her like the Genbu warriors of the past lost Takiko! And what does Nakago have to do with anything?"

"Nakago was the one who killed my family. I supposedly kidnapped a noblewoman and raped her before fleeing Kutou with her. But that was a lie! My wife left willingly and while I was out working, he and his men finally found her and killed not only her, but our two children!"

Iname was shocked into silence as Urumiya recounted the tragic tale. Great Genbu…I don't think I could survive a loss such as that. How does this man go on living from day to day? Urumiya was frozen, as if he was a statue, glaring at Iname and daring him to say anything. Reaching out, the youth laid a hand on the elder man's shoulder. Stiffening, steely eyes suspicious, he waited to see what would come next. When nothing happened, Urumiya allowed himself to relax. When Iname looked into his eyes again, they reflected grief and loss so deep that it almost killed his soul. Even after all this time, he's still mourning his family.

"There's still time. Come with me, Urumiya, and we'll search for Cassandra together."

At first he said nothing. Then, he offered Iname a brief nod. "Very well. We should leave immediately."

"Good. So go get your stuff and we'll set out as soon as you're ready."

"No need," Tokoyami appeared, leading a horse already loaded with Urumiya's things in packs. "I had a feeling that you were going to be needing this, Urumiya. Good luck on your journey, both of you."

"Thank you, Tokoyami-sama. Come on, Iname, before Cassandra manages to get herself into trouble."

Meanwhile, Cassandra had left the inn to try and get a better look around the town she was staying in. It was still too near the capital for her liking, but it was a nice place. Still, I don't know what I'm going to do or where I'm going. She sighed heavily. I don't have a lot of money; I'll need to find work soon. Otherwise I'll be in more trouble than I am now.

"Excuse me, miss?"

Cassandra turned around. The speaker was a young man with brilliant blonde hair curling over his shoulders and bright black eyes. They were glittering with intelligence and a bit of humor as he gazed at her and the stranger stepped forward. Unlike the other people milling around them, who were dressed in drab colors and plain fabrics, this guy was wearing brilliantly colored clothes made out of richly embroidered fabrics. The patterns were outstanding without being loud and carefully stitched. He was only about an inch taller than her, with a willowy build and a delicate, fine-boned face. He didn't seem dangerous, especially when he smiled.

"My name is Teki and who are you?"

"Cassandra…"

"Odd name. Anyway, you look pretty scared and you don't look like anyone from these parts. I take it you're not from around here?" his speech was fast, but precise, and Cassandra could barely keep up with it.

"No, I'm from the far side of Konan. My guardians left me behind and now I'm on my own."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. How old are you Cassandra?"

"Fourteen."

"Perfect! Can you dance?"

"A little, but I've never had official les-wait, why are you asking me all these questions?" she was starting to get a little suspicious.

"I own an academy for dance and am in need of beautiful flowers to grace my stage. With your unusual, yet appealing looks, you're absolutely perfect! And since you obviously have nowhere else to go, what could it hurt? It might help after all. So what do you say?"

Cassandra's mind was whirling with the speed of his words and the offer that he was giving. I can't believe…I never thought someone could talk so fast. "I don't have any money for school."

"Don't worry, I'll give you odd jobs to pay for it. Soooo?"

The conversation happened so fast, and considering she didn't have anywhere else to go, Cassandra agreed. Collecting her horse and the rest of her things, she followed Teki through the streets on her horse, with him guiding the reigns. He chattered all the while, hardly looking where he was going. He must have lived here all of his life to be able to walk without crashing into anything, she was amazed at that. From what Cassandra gathered from his rapid chatter, Teki was the eldest child in his family and had taken over the academy because it was the family business and his younger brother wasn't old enough to inherit it.

"Oh, and don't worry about your virginity, all of the girls are safe at the academy because I don't like girls. I prefer men when it comes to partners."

"TEKI!" she almost fell of her horse, she was so shocked. "What the hell?"

"What? That's one of the things the girls worry about the most, so I always assure them they don't have to worry about their honor. Besides, can't I be proud of who I am? Miss Cassandra," his gaze suddenly became serious and his speech slowed. "I am one man that is not ashamed of being who I am. Gender has nothing to do with love as long as it's deep and true. I live by my motto. Don't you agree that it's best to not be ashamed of yourself?"

"What is your motto? Or don't I want to know?"

"My motto is live and let live."

She smiled and nodded. "I like that motto, Teki. I like that very much."

Beaming, the blonde youth began to chatter once more, pointing out areas of interest in the city. People waved and called greetings to Teki, but most of them stared at Cassandra and whispered behind their hands, making her nervous as she shifted on her horse. Finally, they arrived at the academy and he handed her bags to servants, her mount to the stables, and brought her inside.

"Now, we're going to have to find you a sponsor before anything else."

"A sponsor?"

"Yep, a sponsor is someone to show you the ropes and make sure you don't get into trouble. Now, here's how it works," and he stopped in the courtyard, making sure to speak slower for Cassandra. "Over there we have the novices who have been here for only a year. That's their building. Next we have those who've been here for two to four years. Those are the intermediates. After that, we have the girls who've been here five years or more. Those are the masters. The sponsors are always the ones who have been here for more than five years. For the year you live with your sponsor, eat with your sponsor, and basically study under your sponsor and then you'll move into the novice dorm. I think…yes, I'll put you with my younger sister. Her name's Hanako and she's been studying for over ten years."

"Hanako?"

"Yes, she'll be the one to show you around. Tell her that it's an older brother request. Now, I have to head inside and check on things. Good luck on your first day, Miss Cassandra!"

"Wait, Teki!"

He merely waved cheerfully and disappeared inside. As Cassandra stood in the courtyard, completely at a loss as to what to do, a bell began to ring and dozens of girls and women came streaming out of the different buildings. Once they spotted Cassandra, they began to giggle and whisper behind their hands. She turned beet red at first, but raised her chin stubbornly.

"Excuse me, but I'm looking for Teki's sister, Miss Hanako. Does anyone know where I can find her?" her voice was loud and carried over the courtyard.

"I answer to that name."

Cassandra turned around and the most breath-taking woman she'd ever seen stepped out of the crowd. Her hair was sunshine gold, drawn up in an elegant knot at the top of her head. Tortoise shell combs and hair ornaments decorated with sakura blossoms secured the thick locks and gleamed in the sun. Her black eyes glittered like jewels and her lips were painted a deep red. At first, Cassandra was staring as though she'd never seen such a finer beauty, but when she looked closer, she thought it had a lot to do with the smart use of makeup. Hanako was bedecked in a Chinese style gown fit for a bride and the necklace she wore was made of jade beads.

"You're Miss Hanako?"

"I am. My brother has explained to me everything. Please," she turned gracefully. "Come with me."

The beautiful woman led Cassandra into the school. Trailing behind her, Cassandra felt decidedly plain in comparison. Then again, I think anyone would look plain in comparison to her, she reasoned as she tried to get a look at everything at once. The walls were adorned with paintings and various works of art. Doors opened to other rooms filled with instruments, some with stages, and others with just cushions on the floor. Hanako moved gracefully, with hardly any sign of awkwardness. Finally, they reached the end of the hall and Cassandra gasped as they walked into the beautiful room. It was covered with furniture made of gleaming dark wood, a dresser, table, and china cabinet. Obviously it was a tearoom as Hanako knelt at the low table, on one of the crimson cushions.

"So, you're one of my brothers new dancers. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Lin Hanako and this is one of my rooms. I receive guests in this room. Please, sit down," she gestured to the other cushion.

"Oh. My name's Cassandra, miss. Very nice to meet you," and she bowed deeply to the girl.

The young woman's gentle laughter rang through the room. "Oh! My big brother didn't tell me that you were so polite. Please sit down and join me for tea, there's no need to be formal."

Cassandra did as she was beckoned and Hanako poured tea for both of them. Once the tea was poured, she asked about Cassandra. At first the questions were easy but pretty soon she found herself in a rather sticky situation. After all, she didn't know a lot about Hokkan and was backed into a corner. Hanako didn't press her too much for information and after a little while, rose up and excused herself to the next room. As soon as she left, Cassandra sighed and began to massage her numb feet. She wasn't used to kneeling for so long.

"Damn, my feet fell asleep. I wonder how long she can actually stand kneeling like this," she paused for a moment as a low curse came from the other room. "What in the? That sounded like a guy's voice."

Crawling over to the door Hanako had passed through, Cassandra knelt down in front of it and slid it open just a crack. Hanako was pulling the pins out of her hair, letting the thick locks fall to her chest and muttering to herself in front of the mirror. Even with her hair like that, she still looks lovely.

"Oh damn it, I can't get this fucking pin to come out."

"Whoa…"

When Cassandra looked closer at the mirror, she saw that Hanako's gown had fallen off her shoulders. The young woman had rounded and broad shoulders and…is that an Adam's apple? There was something tattooed on her chest as well. What in the world is that? I didn't think a lady like her would have a tattoo. The fabric fell a little more as Hanako shifted and Cassandra found herself wondering what sort of tattoo Hanako had. It's got to be something interesting, if someone like her was to get one. Finally, the woman lowered her arms as the rest of her hair fell from the bun and the tattoo came into view.

"Finally. That's much better," Hanako said approvingly and noticed something in the mirror. "Miss Cassandra?"

"That symbol…"

Glowing black in Hanako's skin, the sigil for the word "woman" was emblazoned on the blonde's chest. Hanako covered it up quickly and sighed, hiding her rounded breasts as best she could. The look in her black eyes was wary and fearful. She saw the mark. I didn't want her to find out so soon…

"Who are you really, Miss Cassandra?"

Managing to find her feet, Cassandra rose from her kneeling position and walked over to Hanako. Kneeling down again, she took the other woman's hands in hers. Hanako refused to meet Cassandra's eyes until the young girl gently touched her chin. Not forced…just touched by a very gentle hand. Looking up she immediately became lost in those fearful, but hopeful pale green eyes. I think I know who you are…Miss Cassandra. Could you be the one? The one we've all been waiting for? Cassandra took a deep breath, squeezing Hanako's hand gently.

"Miss Hanako…my name is Cassandra…and, and I've been chosen to be the next Genbu no Miko. However," she paused, looking away and biting her lip. "I ran away from two of my warriors and the Emperor himself because I was chosen as the Genbu no Miko. I overheard them talking and I discovered that there's a good chance I will die when I summon Genbu. I was scared and hurt…so I ran away. And then…then your older brother found me and brought me here."

"So you're saying," Hanako's voice was slow and even. "That you are the girl of legend? The one who was prophesized?"

"I am. Whether I want to be or not, I already made my choice and I have to stick with it. I chose to be the Genbu no Miko when I saw how much I could help people, how much I was needed," tears began to form in her eyes. "But still…don't I have a right to be scared? I could die. I'm only fourteen…I don't want to die. I wanted to say no, but I couldn't, knowing how much I would hurt Iname and Urumiya if I did say no. Miss Hanako, are you a Genbu Shichi Seishi?"

Tears filled the young woman's black eyes as she listened to Cassandra speak. You have every right to be afraid of dying. No one wants to think his or her death is at hand, especially not such a young girl. She smiled a little and patted the younger girl's hand gently.

"My name is Uruki, Miss Cassandra. I am one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi. However, there's something you should know."

"What's that?"

Hanako simply smiled and sat back, releasing Cassandra's hands. What is she doing? Tilting her head to the side, Cassandra waited. A flash of black light came from the symbol and she yelped, shielding her eyes. When the light cleared, she looked over and saw that Hanako's dress had fallen completely to the floor. Wait a minute…her eyes began to trail up.

"I have the ability to become a man or a woman, Miss Cassandra. Actually, Teki and I are one in the same person," Uruki explained. "What you saw was my female form and I-"

"AHHHHH!! URUKI YOU PERVERT PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!" Cassandra shrieked as she hid her eyes.

For Cassandra was trying very hard not to look at the very naked male in front of her.

Now isn't THAT a wonderful surprise for Cassandra? XD Please read and review! I likey the reviews and they help keep me going! Thanks much!

Ree