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 Nine

Rough Waters

Nakago patrolled the halls of the Kutou palace, his expression its usual blank mask. No one could tell what the young General was thinking at any given time, which made many of his soldiers afraid of him. Others, who would follow him to hell and back, were quite used to it by now. He'd felt the life force of the Genbu no Miko flicker and return full force after his attack, which irritated him beyond means. It meant that she had managed to survive somehow and that he had, for the first time in his life, actually underestimated someone. That had been his second mistake. The first was being unprepared for the arrival of the Genbu priestess. Everyone in Kutou knew of the prophecy, had seized several scrolls and documents pertaining to it, and Nakago had been foolish enough to think she wasn't a threat. It won't happen again. He vowed on that. There was no way he could fail again.

Of course Nakago knew of the first Genbu no Miko, Okuda Takiko, appearing in Hokkan nearly 200 years ago, but it further incensed him that Cassandra had arrived when his own priestess had yet to appear. It was an outrage! Not only that, but he had been a fool to leave Dong Jia alive. Of course, he'd only been fifteen at the time, clawing his way to the top, and had made many mistakes. But with age came wisdom and experience and he knew not to make such mistakes now. The warrior Urumiya would have proved troublesome in any form but the fact that it was Dong Jia made it worse. Jia had a reason to loathe him, to hate him, to want to destroy him. Even though Nakago was older than Iname and Uruki…it was Urumiya that had him thinking. And then there were the last four members of the Genbu Shichi Seishi he had to contend with. For years he'd felt flickers of energy inside the palace that signaled a Celestial Warrior, but he hadn't been able to pinpoint the location. Now, however, he would find this warrior and kill him. But where were the others?

"My spies can take care of many things, but the priestess…" he thought back to Cassandra. "She intrigues me."

"Talking to yourself again, Nakago?"

The blonde-haired youth turned and came face-to-face with a young courtier dressed in sapphire blue and silver silk. His eyes instantly narrowed in dislike. For this man reminded him of everything he used to be before…before I became the man I am now. Nakago turned back around, giving his back to the other.

"Lin Haichi. What are you doing outside of your…entertainment rooms?"

The man behind him flushed indignantly, his midnight eyes flashing in anger. "Don't insinuate things about me, Nakago. You were no better than I am when you first came to the castle. I remember how the Emperor took to you…how beautiful he thought you were…"

"Silence!"

Nakago's symbol glowed and he knocked Haichi back a few feet with just his powers and pinned him to the wall. The breath was knocked out of Haichi and for a moment, their eyes met. Pale blue clashed with midnight, both angry at the verbal wounds they'd inflicted on each other.

"What's the matter, blondie? Did I hit a nerve?"

"Be careful around whom you speak, Haichi. Especially me."

"Don't worry, Nakago," he snarled, his voice deadly soft. "I know exactly whom I'm speaking to."

Haichi was dropped and he watched Nakago saunter off. He knew he'd touched a nerve with the blonde general and smirked to himself. Haichi hated Nakago with every fiber of his being and it was no secret. In fact, the Emperor had been eager to pit them against each other when they were younger. You think you're all high and mighty, Nakago. But I promise you; someday you're going to be knocked down a few notches. Holding up his right arm, he studied the play of veins on the pale flesh on his inner arm and the symbol for "encampment" appeared in glowing black. I've heard the rumors. The whispers. My priestess is here and she will be searching for me. Then…you and the Emperor will both be dead. For Lin Haichi was only a nickname to him. His true name was Hatsui and he was the Genbu Shichi Seishi of water. It was just his luck that he was enslaved in the country whose patron deity controlled water.

"Just you wait, Nakago…we'll see who has the last laugh," and Haichi disappeared into his rooms.

The rooms were lovely, considering. Draped in tapestries, paintings, and other works of art, the area reflected elegance and good taste. It was a shame that its occupant was always so cold that he never noticed any of the beauty that surrounded him. Haichi fell back onto a pile of plush cushions, his brown hair falling over midnight blue eyes. Priestess…you will come for me, won't you? You must, I don't know how much longer I will survive here. For although he had locked part of himself away to spare himself more agony in life, a large part of him remained devoted to the thought of his priestess coming and taking him from this life. The Emperor had started asking for him less and less, which made Haichi worried. After all, once the Emperor was through with his whores, only the brothels awaited them. I don't want a life like that. Haichi had always wanted someone to love. It was the dream that kept him from going insane or killing himself. It was the dream of love and of finally being united with people who would care about him and for him.

Hearing hoof beats outside the window, Haichi glanced up and rose before looking outside. Coming into the courtyard was a young woman on horseback and a masked man. The girl is very pretty. Poor thing…she has no idea what pain is in store for her. Haichi turned and decided to intercept this girl. She was very lovely and he could regain some favor with the Emperor if he trained her personally. And, in a way, he did feel sorry for her. After all, she looked so young and so innocent. That'll soon be taken from her. It was taken from all of us who caught the Emperor's eye…he closed the door to his room and made his way outside, his slippers whispering against the stone floor as he walked. When the guards spotted him, they saluted him respectfully, even though a few snickered knowingly. After all, Lord Haichi was one of the most popular whores the Emperor had.

"Who are these people and why have they been allowed to enter the castle?" Haichi demanded imperiously.

"Forgive us, Lord Haichi, but this man has brought a tribute to the Emperor. We have searched them both and they are carrying no weapons that we have found," one of the guards said.

"Then why is she out here, you fools? Bring her to my chambers and I will prepare her for the Emperor. Send the man on his way at once. The more time you waste is more time she could be trained."

"Of course, Lord Haichi."

Urumiya glanced at Uruki, who was trying her very best not to look terrified and inwardly sighed. Although he felt sorry for the kid, he had to remain completely in control of his emotions. Anything else would give them away. This is for the good of the mission. He will search the palace and I will circulate around the main city. And if we haven't found Hatsui, then we'll abort the mission and start searching the countryside. Bowing, Urumiya lifted Uruki from the horse and turned her over to the guards before mounting his own horse. Just as he was about to leave, he felt a tug on the hem of his coat. Uruki was looking up at him, pleading for Urumiya not to leave her all alone out there. True to his role though, and his personality, Urumiya merely brushed Uruki off and rode away. Good luck kid. You're going to need it, and with that, he disappeared through the gates.

Struck speechless, Uruki's mouth open and closed soundlessly. I can't believe it. I can't believe it, that bastard just left me here without so much as a goodbye! Uruki was petrified. After all, she was in the Kutou palace, with Nakago in the same building, and she was on her own. Before she could recover her wits, Uruki was then pushed inside and down the halls towards Haichi's rooms. Her heart pounded in her chest as she tried not to panic. If she did, then Uruki would transform back into her male form and that would be cause for alarm. What is he going to do to me? The thought was worrying as the guards shoved him into the room and closed the door. Gathering her courage, Uruki looked around, fighting not to panic. Her black gaze finally settled on Haichi and she swallowed.

"Who are you?"

"First rule," he snapped. "No questions. Second rule, you address me as Lord Haichi. Third, you answer all of my questions, are we clear?"

"Now wait just a-"

"I said are we clear?"

Uruki's mouth opened and closed disbelievingly before she finally scowled at him. "Yes, Lord Haichi."

"Very good. What's your name, girl?"

"Fa Kourin, Lord Haichi."

"Well, Fa Kourin, allow me to be the first to welcome you to the Kutou palace. Here, you will become one of the Emperor's many pleasure toys. If he does not enjoy you or finds you undesirable, you will be given to the General or perhaps the garrison. If they do not enjoy you, then you will be sold to a brothel. Whores without talent or desirability are not kept around here. I will teach you to ensure being sold does not happen. For it's a cruel fate for anyone."

"Yes, Lord Haichi."

Uruki was starting to become very nervous. Especially considering his female form was a virgin. I guess that'll be getting fixed sometime soon…she shuddered at the thought. Gazing into Haichi's blue eyes, Uruki tried to see some glimmer of emotion there, but she couldn't see anything. They're worse than Urumiya's eyes. At least when he looks at Cassandra, you can see a bit of him that's human. This man…it's as though his very soul has been killed. She could only wonder how long Haichi had been a whore in the palace in order to obtain such a deadened look in his eyes. While Uruki was sizing Haichi up, he was also doing the same to her. Maybe I should have just pretended to be a servant instead…

"Well, have you nothing to say for yourself?" Haichi suddenly demanded.

"No sir."

"Good. Now tell me…" he moved around and closed the windows and doors, checking to make sure they were alone. "What news of the Genbu no Miko? I hear she has already gathered three of her warriors. Is she still searching for the other four or is she content to rest on her laurels for now?"

To hear someone talk about Cassandra with such blatant disrespect made Uruki forget momentarily about her charade and immediately struck back, black eyes flashing dangerously.

"How DARE you talk about the Genbu no Miko in such a fashion? You don't even know her! You don't know how far she's willing to go for her warriors and for the people of Hokkan! She almost died for me after Nakago-"

Uruki quickly covered her mouth. She had no intention of revealing the truth, but it had just come flying out. When she looked closer at Haichi though, she noticed there was a glint in his eye. All of a sudden she was overcome with a chill. It was the look of someone tinged with madness.

"You…you're one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi?"

"I…" she couldn't deny it and sighed as she shifted back to a male and pulled aside his robes to reveal his mark. "My name is Xiang Ling. But my true name is Uruki. I know no other."

"It's…you…you're a man?"

"Yes I am but that's beside the point at the moment. Please," Uruki's voice was pleading. "Do you know of anyone here who bears the mark of Genbu on his or her body? We're searching for-"

"Hatsui?"

"Yes! How did you…?" he paused, looking shocked. "No. No, this is too much of a coincidence."

"Believe it," and he concentrated on the inside of his arm once more until the glowing symbol appeared. "I am known as Lin Haichi, but my given name is Hatsui. I am the Genbu Shichi Seishi of water."

Uruki was so shocked that his jaw almost hit the floor. This stroke of luck was something he hadn't been counted on. I can't believe it! I didn't even have to go near the stupid old Emperor! Grinning a mile wide, Uruki ran over and practically knocked Hatsui over as he hugged him.

"I don't have to face that pervert of an Emperor! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

Hatsui stiffened as soon as he felt Uruki hug him. No one had ever hugged him in such a way before…it felt odd, but in a good way. Awkwardly, he tried to get the other man off of him. This must be his power. The ability to transform between male and female. Interesting…before Hatsui could ask anymore questions though, he heard footsteps in the hall. Stiffening and pushing Uruki off of him, although he did so gently, Hatsui wondered who would approach his chambers.

"Lord Haichi, open this door."

"Nakago," he hissed and straightened Uruki's robes hastily. "Quick, change back into a female."

Without waiting to see if Uruki had done what he was told, Hatsui went and opened the door. Nakago and several armed guards stood in the doorway. There was a look in the man's eyes that Hatsui didn't trust. Scowling, the young man stood strong against the intimidating General.

"General, what is the meaning of this?"

"I have reason to suspect that the girl who was brought in is one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi. I want her to be brought to the interrogation room immediately. Where is she, Haichi?"

The interrogation room…the thought made Hatsui pale around the edges. The interrogation room was Nakago's domain and he wasn't known for his mercy. Glancing back at the frightened, though thankfully female Uruki, Hatsui straightened and put on his best scowl and strongest voice.

"On what grounds do you have to suspect this girl? She has no mark on her body, I have seen to that. Kourin, you're to remain where you are until General Nakago's had his head examined, is that clear?"

"Yes Lord Haichi."

Nakago's lip curled as he stood behind the door. "She is well-behaved. As to the grounds of my suspicion, the man who brought her here bore a striking resemblance to Dong Jia and now he has vanished. It seems far too convenient. Now hand over the girl, Lord Haichi."

"Nakago, you're growing senile in your old age. This girl has nothing to do with the Genbu Shichi Seishi and I'll bet you're just fishing for a reason to interrogate her yourself," and he opened the door, sneering. "Am I right?"

His eyebrow twitching, Nakago glared down at Hatsui, who merely returned his harsh look with a serene smile. Leaning in close, the blonde youth's eyes flashed menacingly as he spoke.

"I will have you sold to the worst brothel in the city, Haichi, but not before I've had the pleasure of making you scream myself."

"You can go ahead and try Nakago, but I sincerely doubt you will succeed."

There was a strained silence that stretched between the two. Nakago had never liked Haichi. The man was older than him by three years, but he acted as though he was so superior to him. It made him want to take his whip and introduce its sting to the upstart young Lord…

"This isn't over, Haichi."

With that, Nakago turned on his heel and left. Although he was a General, Haichi had been given a title for splendid "service" to the Emperor and technically outranked him. Watching him go, Hatsui closed the door and sighed, his blue eyes dark with anger and dislike.

"We must leave at once, before it's too late. If Nakago discovers who you are, then we're both dead."

"I agree, Hatsui. I don't want to face Nakago now, especially while he's on his home turf. Is there a good time we can flee? Are there servants' entrances we can use? And what about disguises?"

"I'll find you a disguise and you should change back into a male so we can make our escape. I'll return as soon as possible, Uruki."

With that, Hatsui slipped from the room in search of disguises for the two of them. As he made his way through the halls towards the servant's quarters, he placed his hand against his chest. My heart's been racing ever since I met Uruki. But it hasn't been because of fear. Strange…and he continued on. Uruki was left alone and sighed, male once more. Who knew that I would find Hatsui so soon? Or that he'd be so cute? He grinned, settling down to wait for the other man's return. Thinking that no one would dare to come to the room, Uruki didn't notice the cloaked figure that appeared and then vanished through the wall.

"It's just as you suspected, General. The girl was Uruki of the Genbu Shichi Seishi and he's planning to leave with Lord Haichi who is Hatsui."

"Excellent. Now the question remains is if we wish to capture them…or if we should kill them on sight."

Nakago had hated Haichi the moment he'd set foot in the castle and for many reasons. The least of which was the fact that the man managed to worm out of every trap he'd set to get rid of him. At least he distracted the Emperor enough for me to begin my training. Everything Lord Haichi had done at the palace remained spotless and impeccable…until that moment. Now Nakago finally had the chance to put the little upstart behind bars and then under his personal interrogation whip. One touch and he'll be screaming for mercy. Heading back to Haichi's room accompanied by several of his personal troops, Nakago pounded on the man's door.

"Haichi, you are under arrest for treason against Kutou. Open this door."

Uruki leapt to his feet, his eyes wide as he debated what to do. Hatsui isn't back yet…and he didn't think he should reveal himself just yet. If they broke down the door though, he'd be prepared and drew his fan.

"Nakago, what is the meaning of this? I told you-"

"Seize him."

Hatsui had retuned with a bundle of clothing hidden in his robes, and a few other things as well, when he was seized. Struggling against the firm grip of Nakago's guards, Hatsui cursed lowly.

"Damn you, Nakago, release me!"

"I think not, Lord Haichi. Or should I say Hatsui of the Genbu Shichi Seishi? Did you think you could hide from me forever? Take him to the dungeon and break down this door. I want Uruki in chains."

"Yes General!"

Before they could storm the door, a powerful gale blew the door and many of the guards away. Rushing out in the confusion, Uruki's fan slashed the throats of the guard who held Hatsui, took his hand, and ran for it. Not caring one whit for Hatsui's own running abilities, Uruki booked it.

"Uruki?"

"Less talking, more running. We've gotta get outta here."

The two men raced across the courtyard of the Kutou palace with the guards hot on their heels. Hatsui was starting to feel light headed as he struggled to keep up with Uruki. He moves so fast! He's like the wind itself! I can't keep up! Struggling to breathe, Hatsui had to slow down and fell to his knees, panting harshly.

"Hatsui!" Uruki skidded to a halt and went to his fallen comrade. "Hatsui, come on, you must get up!"

"I…can't…" he gripped Uruki's sleeve as he heard the sound of boots and armor clanking around them. "I'm sorry…go, leave me here…"

"Not a chance."

Uruki growled as he drew his fan, the steel spikes gleaming in the light of the sun. Spears were leveled at them on all sides and Uruki felt his heart start to pound harshly in his ears. Trapped. He still had both arms around Hatsui as Nakago stepped forward, his eyes triumphant.

"Take them both. I want them in chains…then they shall be publicly executed."

"Not if I have anything to say about it, Nakago."

I just hope this works. Uruki hadn't tried anything this big before, but he had to. He wasn't going to let Hatsui be taken by Nakago. I'm not going to let anything else happen to him. And with that, his symbol began to glow as he made a large, sweeping arc with his fan. The wind picked up, blowing around them in gusts powerful enough to drive the other soldiers back. Even Nakago had to raise his arm to shield his face. In the center of the wind was Uruki, his brows furrowed as he moved his fan in another arc. The winds closed around the two of them and lifted them into the air. It was slow going, but the force soon got them up and into the sky. Please…let me reach the old man…and Uruki kept a tight grip on Hatsui as the wind started to take them towards their designated meeting point.

Now, there were few things that Hatsui was afraid of. One of them was height. So when he opened his eyes and saw that they were hovering hundreds of feet in the air supported by nothing but the wind…he promptly passed out. Uruki chuckled as the two of them slowly made their way across the sky. He didn't want to push himself too hard, otherwise they wouldn't make it to Urumiya and that was essential. They had just made it to the border of Kutou and they would be in the clear. After all, the plan was for Urumiya to wait a few days at the border and then we would search the countryside. He didn't know how far they'd gone when a sharp whistle from below caught his attention. Uruki glanced down and spotted Urumiya.

"Never thought I'd be so happy to see that old fart again," he chuckled and glanced at Hatsui. "Still out cold. I suppose that's a good thing, considering we'll have to make a rather steep descent."

Uruki could feel his powers fading faster the closer they got to the ground. When they finally touched down and the wind settled, Uruki realized just how exhausted he was. But that could wait. Leaning down, he shook Hatsui, calling to him, and hoping that he'd wake up. After a few moments, the youth's deep blue eyes fluttered open and he stared up at a shadow above him.

"What in the-?"

"That would be Urumiya, one of the Genbu Shichi Seishi. Don't mind him. Urumiya, this is Hatsui, but unfortunately he wasn't built for flying. Poor guy. Didn't think I'd find him so fast, did you?"

"Hello," Hatsui waved weakly.

"He certainly doesn't look like a Celestial Warrior," Urumiya studied Hatsui with mirth. "Then again, neither did you, Uruki."

"Hey!"

"Uruki how did you manage to fly the entire way here without being spotted? And how did you find Hatsui so soon? Tell me everything that happened, some things could be crucial."

"I used a technique I'd heard the former Uruki did. He was able to travel long distances in the very wind. I never attempted it before, so I'm glad it worked. As for finding Hatsui, it turns out that he was the one who was supposed to be 'training' me for the Emperor. He insulted Cassandra, I lost it and let slip that I was one of the Genbu warriors, and thankfully we managed to make a break for it before Nakago could capture us."

"You always were too much of a show-off for your own good. Now your powers are drained, I can feel it, which means you'll be useless in a fight. We have to get out of here now and get to Konan."

"I agree, we need-"

Uruki was suddenly interrupted when Hatsui excused himself, struggled to his feet, went over to a bush, and was violently ill. Uruki winced as he realized that this was probably his fault. I didn't mean to make him sick…and he went over to Hatsui and began to rub the man's back gently.

"Che, pathetic."

"Shut up, Urumiya, you have no right to criticize. You have night terrors after all."

Urumiya bristled and snarled. "They are not night terrors. They are memories."

"Either way, you have no right to insult someone just because they're afraid of something. Cassandra is afraid of many things and yet you're willing to fight for and with her," Uruki's voice was heated as he continued to massage Hatsui's back. "I think he's a bit better. Urumiya, wet my handkerchief with one of the water skins and bring it here."

Ready to snap at Uruki not to order him around, Urumiya paused when he saw the look in the youth's black eyes. Sighing and growling, he snatched the offered handkerchief and went to dampen it with one of the water skins on the horse. Once that was done, he brought it back.

"Here."

"Thanks," Uruki accepted it stiffly and turned back to Hatsui. "You keep watch while I tend to him."

Grunting, Urumiya went to stand watch as Uruki eased Hatsui to lie down on a cool, clean patch of grass. He gave Hatsui some water, coaxing it down his throat, and dabbed at his forehead with the damp handkerchief. Speaking in a low, soothing tone, Uruki tended to his newfound comrade, his heart fluttering in his chest. It felt…well it felt nice to be able to help someone like this.

Hatsui was puzzled by Uruki's tender care. He didn't know what to make of the other man. Still, it was nice to be fussed over by someone for once. I've never had anyone take care of me like this…and he saved my life to boot…and he pressed a hand to his chest. Why is my heart pounding like this? It's almost painful. He found himself looking into Uruki's black eyes with a question that he didn't know how to voice, seeking an answer he wasn't sure he wanted to hear.

"There. You seem to be doing much better. I do apologize for doing that to you, but it was the only way we could escape. We'll rest for a while, until you're able to ride a horse. All right?" Uruki smiled at Hatsui warmly.

"…All right…" and Hatsui tried very hard not to blush at the warm smile.

Okay, Ree is VERY SORRY for not updating sooner, but NaNo is coming up, I'm working longer hours, and I haven't had time for the fic. There are seventeen chapters hand-written though, so expect more updates! …Just not as frequently as before. Grins Thanks all! And please review!

Ree