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.

Chapter Six

Sacrifice of a Priestess

Completely shocked at the reaction he'd gotten, Teki (a.k.a. Uruki) walked over and knelt in front of Cassandra. He did have the decency to wrap a robe around himself though; making sure it was tied securely so that he didn't scare the young woman further. Placing his hands on hers, he chuckled before tugging them from her eyes. Cassandra squeaked and looked away quickly, desperately fighting the blush that rose to her cheeks. She'd never seen a naked man before, not even her older brother, because her family were all fanatics about privacy and this was certainly an eye-opening experience for her. Don't look! Don't look!

"Cassandra, you have nothing to be shy about. Didn't I tell you that I prefer men for partners rather than women?" at her mortified nod, he grinned and continued. "Then you shouldn't be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise. And after all, it's just the human form. We're born naked, we bathe naked…I don't see what the big fuss is all about."

"Uruki, you really don't get it do you? I didn't want to see…that…before I was married. It's just not right."

"You really are a prude, aren't you?" he laughed cheerfully and kissed her brow. "Don't worry, being around me will cure you of that. Besides, I'm not saying that you have to look, just that you shouldn't be afraid to look. I know that I wouldn't be afraid to look at a nice slice of beefcake…"

"URUKI!"

"My point is," his voice was firm, even though he was smiling. "Don't be afraid. How do you expect to find your ideal man if you're so shy? How do you expect to live your life if you're always afraid? Lady Cassandra, I think…"

"What?"

"I think that you have much to offer. Ever since I saw you on that horse, you were so frightened and yet determined to put on a brave face, I knew that you were someone special. I could see you trembling and it was obvious you'd never ridden a horse before in your life. Let me put something decent on and you can answer some of my questions. All right?"

She nodded, looking up into his eyes. "All right."

"That's better. Now, chin up," and he lightly tapped the underside of her chin with his knuckles. "And I'll be right back."

Cassandra smiled as she watched Uruki leave, the brilliant red robe fluttering behind him. Despite her protestations, what he said made her wonder…was it really all right to look? And without her consent, her eyes began to trail over his backside and she flushed immediately. She looked down and covered her face with her hands. I was just looking at his butt! I'm such a pervert! That thought made her go as red as a tomato and she groaned. Still, if I'm honest with myself…he does have a nice view from behind. She slapped her forehead and groaned again in frustration. Now I know why men are such perverts. Start one thought and then the others follow like ants!

"Lady Cassandra? Is everything all right in there?" Uruki's voice made her freeze as he stepped into the room. "What are you doing?"

"Feeling like an idiot. So," she smiled as he knelt down across from her. "You had questions for me?"

"Yes. Tell me," Uruki suddenly became serious and his black eyes studied her intensely. "Am I the only member of the Genbu Shichi Seishi that you have found, Lady Cassandra?"

"No, and please call me Cassandra. I don't want you to be so formal. When I first came to this world I encountered Iname entirely by chance. He was just on his way home and brought me back with him and nursed my injury. Together, he and I traveled to the capital in order to find out more about the legend of the former Genbu Shichi Seishi and Lady Takiko from Emperor Tokoyami. I also wanted to go in order to find out my duties as the Genbu no Miko. On the way, we encountered Dong Jia, who turned out to be Urumiya. He protected me from wolves and from General Nakago from the land of Kutou and so I owe him much. However, because of Nakago, and my own carelessness, Kutou now knows I'm here."

"And they're going to start sending assassins after you. But where are Urumiya and Iname now, Cassandra? Why aren't they with you?" then he paused. "Are they the guardians you ran away from?"

"Uh…" she glanced at her hands, twiddling her thumbs together. "Well…yes. I found out some things that I shouldn't have. They were keeping something from me about my duties as the Genbu no Miko. And…they were planning to use me for their own purposes. Even though I had agreed, I had hoped that we could be friends. Tokoyami was such a nice man and he was so kind to me and Urumiya…he protected me. What else was I supposed to think?"

"I see. Go on."

"They didn't tell me that the last priestess, Lady Takiko, perished as a result of summoning Genbu. Also…"

"What?"

"There have to be other Shichi Seishi out there. Nakago was one of them. And that if I don't summon Genbu before their priestesses arrive, then it would be a race, yes? We would also be enemies, wouldn't we?" when Uruki nodded, Cassandra bit her lip. "Why?"

"Well…" Uruki shifted, trying to think how to proceed. "Cassandra, that's what the legend says because each country is independent of one another and at the same time they're trying to get one up on the other countries. No one country has ever conquered another because of the priestess and her warriors. At least, not in any of the history books I've ever read. It's the priestess' own choice whether or not she wishes to befriend those of another land. However…the decision would be met with resistance on the part of her warriors. They would feel their priestess' life was in danger and fighting would break out. For you see, to the Shichi Seishi, their priestess is their life. She is their reason for being born and must be protected at all costs. To a Shichi Seishi, a Celestial Warrior, she is everything."

Cassandra paused. "Is that because she is their priestess…or is it because she is herself?"

"Well I suppose it depends on the warrior. I know that I liked you from the moment we met. And that was before I knew you were the Genbu no Miko. You were so shy and sweet, it was very cute," he chuckled as she blushed. "What about Iname and Urumiya? Did they get to know you beforehand?"

Cassandra thought back to when she had stayed on Iname's farm. It had been a time of laughter and peace, surrounded by him and his family. My heart's starting to race…she placed a hand over her chest and smiled. Even though she had known him as Iname, she hadn't realized the magnitude of his title until later. But that was when they had been on the road for a while. We traveled together for so long…he started to feel like my older brother. When they had met Urumiya, Cassandra had been frightened, yes, but he had been willing to give his life for her. He's been watching out for me…I guess I should have realized that sooner. She sighed and smiled. The only reason he was keeping secrets from me was that he wanted to protect me. I understand now. She blushed as she realized her mistake.

"Yes…yes they did. They got to know me before they knew I was the priestess."

"And?"

"And…I was wrong. I was wrong to leave. They do care about me because of who I am and not just because I'm the Genbu no Miko. I should never have run away," and she chuckled. "But I'm glad I met you, Uruki. Do you think they'll forgive me for leaving like that?"

"Sweetheart, if they don't, then they are the bigger idiots," Cassandra turned red at the casually tossed endearment. "However, it's on to the formalities. Lady Cassandra, I am honored to serve you as Uruki, one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi. You have my allegiance and my friendship."

"Uruki…"

"Now, we have to figure out how we're going to find Urumiya and Iname. Most likely they've left the Hokkan palace by now to look for you. I think our best bet though, would be to remain here."

"Why's that?"

"Well it's-" he cut off suddenly and his black eyes narrowed, becoming deadly as he scooted closer to Cassandra.

"Wha-?"

"Quiet."

He placed a hand over her mouth and listened for a while. Slowly, Uruki's hand slid into the sash around his waist and withdrew a beautiful red fan with steel for the handles and ribbing, making it far heavier than a normal weapon, as well as a weapon. Cassandra's hear began to pound as Uruki opened the fan, revealing the steel spikes at the end, and looked around. She didn't see anything to warrant any danger, but she didn't know what he was looking for. What's wrong with him? I don't see anything…she kept looking around, but there was nothing. Cassandra was starting to become exasperated when Uruki snapped open his fan and swung it in a wide arc. A powerful gust of wind flew to the corner of the room and Cassandra yelped, hiding behind Uruki. He's crazy! What the hell's he aiming at? She got her answer when a cloaked figure appeared floating in the corner.

"Hmph?" she squeaked, her voice muffled.

"Thought so. You're a Kutou assassin. Nakago must have had you following Cassandra," Uruki smirked and stepped forward. "And now my wind has you pinned. Start talking."

"You don't stand a chance against me, you damn homo-"

The man stopped in mid-sentence because the fan that Uruki held soared through the air and became embedded in the wall. Five cuts appeared on the side of his face and the man growled in discomfort. A few scratches didn't matter; he was trained to endure far worse pain. Needless to say, Cassandra was speechless at the speed and accuracy required for such a stunt. Uruki, however, looked completely unfazed as he went over and jerked the fan from the wall. The normally cheerful man was enraged, his black eyes burning like the pits of hell.

"Nakago was the one who sent you, wasn't he? Don't try to deny it, I know it to be true," Uruki's voice was hard and cold as he pressed the spikes against the man's throat, his wind still holding him in place. "How many more cowards does he have following my priestess?"

"Even if I knew, you wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Nor would I tell you. The General is a brilliant man and compared to him, you are all ants that will be crushed under his boot. Just wait, you'll-"

"Look away, Cassandra."

Doing as Uruki said, Cassandra closed her eyes and looked down, covering her ears for added measure. Even though she had covered her ears, Cassandra still heard the sickening sound of flesh and bone giving way and the wind died down as the assassin's head fell to the floor. Turning away from the corpse, Uruki's expression was pained as he went over to his priestess. She's still so young. She should not have had to witness that. His black eyes reflected his sadness when Cassandra jumped at his touch to her cheek. If she feared him now, Uruki wouldn't blame her one bit. As the young girl raised her head, Uruki scooped her trembling and pale form into his arms. The smell of blood reached her nose and Cassandra struggled not to gag. Not noticing that Uruki had moved and was starting to carry her outside, away from the stench of smell and blood, she just clung to him.

Uruki made nonsense shushing and comforting noises as he walked them both into the gardens. Although he felt terrible for what he did, he knew that he had to protect Cassandra at all costs. The young man set his priestess down on a stone bench carefully, as though he was handling a most rare and precious flower. Stroking his fingers comfortingly through her tawny hair, Uruki's heart panged as she continued to weep at her first glimpse of death.

"I'm sorry, Cassandra, but I had to do it. If I hadn't, that man would have killed you in a heartbeat."

"I-it's all right, Uruki. I-I-I'm just not u-used to th-that s-sort of thing, y-you know?" the hiccups that came with crying obscured Cassandra's voice, even as she tried to calm herself down.

"I should hope not," he muttered as he continued to try and soothe her, slowly examining her. "No curses or anything that I can detect. Of course I'm no expert on these things though. You're lucky I felt his presence."

Cassandra nodded and looked up, giving Uruki a wavering smile. She was about to speak when she noticed something over his shoulder and gripped him tightly, features paling drastically.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"Nakago!"

Immediately, Uruki rose to his feet and whirled around, drawing his fan as he did so. Only once he was assured Cassandra was safely behind him did he stand ready to face his opponent. Even though Nakago was older than him (Uruki was 17 and Nakago was 20), Uruki would protect Cassandra with his last breath. He was nervous though. The General had a good grasp on how to use his life force for devastating attacks and Uruki was already weakened from finding and pinning that assassin. The coldness in his black eyes shocked Cassandra. This isn't the Uruki I met. It's as though he has two sides and can switch them, the same way he can switch genders. Hesitantly, she reached out and touched his arm.

"Uruki?"

"Get out of here, Cassandra."

"What about you?"

Uruki looked back at her and smiled reassuringly. "I'll be fine as long as you're safe. Now go on, get going."

"I won't leave you!"

Cassandra's voice suddenly had an odd echo to it…as though someone was watching her and Uruki. They were reflected in a small mirror that floated before a shadowed figure. The voice of a wizened woman chuckled as she watched the events fold out, pointing at the mirror.

"Now we shall see if this little girl can live up to being the new Genbu no Miko. A brush with death at the hands of Nakago should be enough to see if this one is worthy or not. And I shall test her warrior as well."

Cassandra's image appeared in the mirror before her and she watched. Swallowing thickly, the young woman cling to Uruki's arm, refusing to leave him in this. Nakago frightened her, that was for certain, but she wasn't going to leave Uruki. Not after everything he'd done for her. The sight of the General sent a chill down to her bones and she scowled at him.

Nakago was more amused than anything else. When he'd felt the flare of energy that came from Uruki using his powers and then felt the life of his assassin being snuffed out, Nakago knew immediately where the Genbu no Miko was and set out to kill her. That girl cannot be allowed to remain. She should not even be here in the first place. Although he considered trying to use her for his own means, she was already firmly entrenched in her loyalties, so he was certain all of the work of swaying her would be for nothing. Still, I am a patient man. I will find her greatest weakness. Raising his hand, he focused his energy and fired a life force blast towards the pair, intending to hit Uruki. He would eliminate her protector and then go for the girl.

Uruki raised his hand as the blast came rushing towards him, the air crackling with electricity in its wake. I will protect her no matter what. A priestess cannot be replaced…but sadly, I can. Uruki moved his fan in a diagonal slash and a barrier of wind appeared in its wake. The blast made impact only a second later and Uruki felt his heart race. A second later and we would have been dead. He couldn't afford to make that mistake. But his energy was running low. It took much effort from him, but the youth managed to use the wind to throw the blast aside and harmlessly into the sky, where it exploded.

"I told you to go, Cassandra! Nakago will kill us both and I will not let you die! Go now!"

Now. During Uruki's moment of distraction, Nakago fired three successive blasts. He had felt the warrior's weak life force and knew that he had nearly spent himself. Watching emotionlessly as Uruki snapped his fan closed and whirled around, tackling Cassandra back into the flowerbed, he allowed a smirk when the blasts connected and Uruki screamed in pain.

"What a fool you are, laying your life down for a girl who will never be the Genbu no Miko. She is so frightened of everything, even her own shadow, that it's pathetic. Perhaps I should do you a favor and kill you both now. I am not completely without mercy after all."

Of course that was a lie and Nakago descended from his horse and began to walk over to the pair.

"Uruki? Uruki, are you all right? Uruki, answer me!"

The blonde man was unconscious, a head wound bleeding down his temple and dripping from his chin. She rolled them over so Uruki was lying on his back and felt for a pulse frantically. No. No, Uruki, you can't die! When the toe of Nakago's boot came into the side of her vision, Cassandra looked up into the cold blue eyes she'd seen at Urumiya's home. A faint pulse beat beneath her fingertips and she swallowed. Reaching down, the man took her chin rough in his hand and studied her. His eyes and his expressionless gaze froze Cassandra where she knelt.

Nakago could sense power within her. A sleeping power that even she was unaware of. I will fix that. He slowly raised his other hand and a life force blast began to form in the palm.

"Now I have you, Genbu no Miko. Are you going to die quietly, or am I going to have to take him with you?" and he leveled the blast at Uruki, never looking away from her pale green eyes.

"Don't you dare!" she hissed, spitting in his face.

Disgusted, but amused, Nakago smirked. "You're spirited, I will give you that. But that also just cost you his life."

The blast left his hand and with barely a second to think, Cassandra wrenched herself away from his freezing gaze and threw her body in the wake of the blast, covering Uruki protectively. I'm not going to let him die! I won't! The blast tore through her shoulder and left her with a smoking wound where part of her back and shoulder had once been. Cassandra didn't have time to even feel the pain…the shock of it was enough to send her falling unconscious to the ground, blood staining her shirt and the grass beneath her.

Uruki had been swimming in darkness, trying to find his way out when he suddenly felt something collapse over his legs and the scent of blood stung his nose. What in Genbu's name? He opened his eyes and sat up. It's Cassandra. But where's the blood…his eyes widened and his heart began to race in his chest. No…he placed a hand gently on her back. NO! Her tawny hair was caked with blood and bits of flesh from where the blast had torn her open, her clothes were ruined, and worst of all…there was a gaping hole in her body. Uruki's hands trembled as he fumbled for his sash, untying it clumsily and wrapping it around her shoulder, all the while muttering to himself, pleading with her not to die, to stay with him…

Confident that the girl would not survive, Nakago returned to his horse and mounted. He now had no reason to fear the Genbu Shichi Seishi. Without their priestess, they are weak. They are nothing. And he clicked his tongue, sending his horse at a trot out of the city. Uruki's scream followed him as he went.

"YOU DAMN BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU FOR THIS NAKAGO!"

But the General had already gone, his mission complete. Uruki was left with Cassandra, whose blood was soaking his sash clean through. Of course, he had no idea if she was alive or not and in his distress, he transformed into a female. What am I going to do? I'm no healer…stars in the heavens, if I lose her…

"Don't you worry," Uruki's voice was shaky as she started to bind up Cassandra's wound once more with strips of her sleeve. "He won't hurt you anymore. He's gone. I'm going to take care of you, I promise. Genbu, please don't go Cassandra. You saved my life…I told you to run you stupid girl…"

Uruki frantically, but carefully stripped Cassandra of her upper clothing and wrapped her entire torso in strips of fabric, praying that she would survive. The demon! He blew a hole right through her! It nearly hit her heart! Removing her outer tunic, Uruki laid it down and moved Cassandra to it, looking around for someone she could call for help. She was so tired and was also injured. The snow and ground below her was stained with new blood and Uruki wept.

"Please Cassandra, come back to me, to us. You have to see Iname and Urumiya again…what would they do without you?" she choked, trying to stop the bleeding. "What would we do without you?"

"All right, Uruki, I think that's quite enough."

The voice startled her and the young woman watched as an old woman appeared before her. She was floating in midair, surrounded by a large pink sash that wrapped around her sleeves and the woman's eyes held an infinite wisdom that seemed to transcend space and time. Uruki had no idea who this person was, but she hoped that the old woman would be able to help.

"Madam, I don't know who you are, but I'm begging you…please, if there's any way you can, could you save Cassandra? I can't do anything for her, she's bleeding so much, and she injured herself to save my life. Please, I'll do what I can to repay you, but I can't lose her, I-"

"Slow down there, missy. I can see you are injured as well, so I am going to help you both. Now take Cassandra into your arms."

Uruki held Cassandra tenderly and they winked out of sight. The next thing she knew, they were in a wide, spacious room that seemed to be part of a palace. The woman was still floating before them as she looked down at the pair.

"I never dreamed that girl would go so far, considering how easily frightened she is. She may just be the one…" and she glanced to the side. "Nyan-nyan!"

Uruki's jaw dropped as a dozen or so of what appeared to be little girls with green hair appeared out of nowhere. They were bouncing around and chattering a mile a minute. Amazing. I think even I would have problems keeping up with them. Six of them gathered around the injured pair.

"We're Nyan-nyan!"

"We're here to fix your wounds!"

"Too bad we can't fix Taiitsukun's face!"

The speaker was then knocked through the air and burst through the ceiling out into the sky while Uruki blinked in shock, turning back into a male. The old woman dusted her hands as though this was a usual occurrence.

"That's enough of that. Now, Nyan-nyan, take Cassandra to be healed. I wish to have a word with Uruki. And no more cracks about my face!"

Doing as they were told, Nyan-nyan whisked Cassandra away and left Uruki with Taiitsukun. Taiitsukun…THE Taiitsukun? Uruki knelt immediately, his head bowed low, even though every bone in his body protested at the movement. This was met by amused and pleased laughter.

"Stand up, Uruki. Although I'm flattered, you do not have to kneel to me. So," she studied the young man intently. "It appears as though Genbu's prophecy has finally come to pass. I told him that he would not find a replacement, but it appears as though I was mistaken. Only I do not understand why he was not satisfied with his first choice. Takiko did what she was summoned to do-"

"And died as a result before she could make her final wish. I beg your pardon, Taiitsukun, but I can see why the great Genbu was not satisfied. The priestess he chose wasn't able to resist being devoured by him and did not make her final wish, therefore leaving his powers suspended in limbo."

"You're a good kid. Now, there are two others we need to find before they make themselves sick with guilt and worry. Come with me, Uruki, there is much we must discuss."

"Are you talking about Iname and Urumiya?"

Now that Uruki had calmed, he was feeling much better as he followed Taiitsukun. And now that he knew Cassandra would survive, an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He'd been able to keep her alive in time for Taiitsukun to appear. The two stopped in front of a large mirror that was about the size of a table, connected with cables and all sorts of other wires.

"Here we are. Now, show me where Urumiya and Iname are at this moment," Taiitsukun commanded.

The surface of the mirror flickered for a moment before showing the two men in a deep forest. It was clear that they were lost…and that they were arguing.

"Damn it old man, we've been wandering around this forest for three hours! Admit it already, we're lost!' Iname snarled.

"Didn't I already tell you, brat, that this path will lead us into town?"

"Don't call me that! And that was three HOURS ago!"

"Look," Urumiya halted his horse and turned to Iname, his visage hard, eyes strained. "You can't point the finger of blame at me. You were the one who followed me like a lost little puppy. Learn to have a mind of your own."

"That's it!"

Uruki winced and turned to Taiitsukun as the two started to physically fight. "They're both rather cute, but do they fight like this all the time? If so, I'm not pulling the proverbial stick out."

Laughing, Taiitsukun faced Uruki. "It looks as though the two of us will have to go down and stop them from killing each other."

"Sure looks like it," he paused and groaned. "No chance I could stay here, is there?"

"None."

"That's what I thought."

With that, the pair winked out of sight and appeared in front of the quarreling Iname and Urumiya. He sighed and shook his head as Iname threw a punch at Urumiya. The elder man skillfully dodged it and retaliated with a powerful kick. Before it could land though, Uruki placed his fingers in his mouth and whistled sharply. The sudden sound brought the two to a screeching halt.

"You two ought to be ashamed of yourselves! Can't you be on your own for a few days without Cassandra to mediate fights?" Uruki's tone was scolding and he shook his head in disgust.

Iname had the grace to look ashamed while Urumiya merely looked furious at being told off by a young pup. That's when Iname paused and looked up at the bloodied young man intently.

"Did you just say Cassandra?"

"Maybe, why do you ask?"

"Because we're searching for someone who goes by that name. Someone very important to us."

Taiitsukun glanced at Uruki and then back at the pair. "I think we should have pity on them, don't you?"

"Sure. After all, they've been looking for her for so long. Boys, we're going to take you to Cassandra. But no more fighting, understand?" Uruki looked satisfied when the two of them agreed.

Taiitsukun took them back to Mt. Taikyoku where Iname asked to see Cassandra the moment they arrived. With a small wave from Taiitsukun, Nyan-nyan appeared to lead him to her room. More appeared to usher Uruki off for healing, but he wanted to remain and speak with Urumiya. Feeling that silver gaze on him, he glanced up and Uruki smirked slightly. The man may have been older than him, but that didn't mean he was going to respect him. He has to earn my respect first.

"So, aren't you going to see your priestess as well?"

"No, I believe you warrant more investigation. I will not have her safety jeopardized in such a way again. My mistake may have cost Cassandra her life. Who exactly are you, boy?"

"I'm called Teki, but my real name is Uruki. I am one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi and you are damn lucky that I found Cassandra when she ran away from you. Using her as a pawn…how could you?"

"Now boys," Taiitsukun interrupted, appearing between them and causing Uruki to squawk. "We have much to discuss. Now stop squabbling and come with me. And no more squawking, Uruki."

"What about Iname?" Uruki asked.

The corner of Urumiya's mouth lifted. "I don't think you have to worry about him too much, Uruki. After all…he is with the woman he loves."

At Uruki's stunned look, Urumiya turned to the door and followed Taiitsukun out. He'd been watching Iname and Cassandra for a long time and knew that love was blossoming between them. He'd been that age once…he remembered what it was like to be struck by love. I only hope they know what they're doing. Nyan-nyan had left Iname with Cassandra, who was lying on a large bed and recovering from her wounds. She looks so small and vulnerable. Iname gripped her hand in both of his gently and kissed the back of it. He knew now…he knew what the feelings he had for Cassandra were. And it just took her leaving for him to realize it. I promise I won't leave your side ever again, Cassandra. Nakago will pay for what he has done. He will pay for hurting the woman I love…

Well, another chapter done. :D Now we have to wait and see what will happen to Cassandra and Iname. And I know, I had the whole Cassandra/Uruki thing brewing but I figured that since Takiko had fallen in love with Uruki…someone else should get the priestess this time. XD Please read and review!

Ree