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, Mermaid Melody belongs to Pink Hanamori and all other associated parties. I claim NOTHING.

Chapter Twelve

A Calm Reprieve

"Iname, while not as eloquent as I'd hoped, summed it up nicely. Holy shit…this must have happened when we went to see Taiitsukun," Uruki snapped his fingers as it hit him. "She said that she awoke Cassandra's powers, but it would be up to her to learn how to use them. Amazing."

"I was surprised," Namame whistled for his horse. "When I saw her standing there bathed in Genbu's light, I knew the time had come to reveal myself. She amazed me in many ways."

"How?" Uruki went back to Hatsui, to make sure he was still recovering. "How did she do that?"

"When she told me to go on without her, to make sure the Emperor was safe before she was. Then again when she was able to tap into her powers and save herself. Then…in the way that she is so different from Lady Takiko. It startled and amazed me and I was concerned she would meet the same fate."

"So that's why you were so concerned with her strength of will…" Uruki seemed shocked. "You know what happened to Lady Takiko then?"

"Yes."

"Will you tell us?"

"Perhaps."

"A man of few words," Uruki muttered and shook his head. "It's rather like pulling teeth."

"Either way," Urumiya supervised Iname as he mounted his horse with Cassandra still draped in his arms. "We must return to the Konan palace and ensure that Saihitei has not rallied his troops to assist us."

"Yes, and as thoughtful as that would be, I'd really hate to waste His Highness' time and effort," Uruki swung himself up into the saddle behind Hatsui, who turned scarlet. "Are you doing all right, Hatsui? You used a lot of power back there…"

"I'll be all right. Once we get back to the palace and I get a bit of rest, I should be fine," he sighed, eyes fluttering. "So tired…"

Smiling, Uruki took the reigns and wrapped one arm around Hatsui as the man finally succumbed to exhaustion. Cassandra wasn't the only one who did something amazing today. Hatsui had collapsed against him, head resting on his shoulder, and Uruki's smile was gentle. He clicked his tongue and started off with Iname and the others following behind him. The party rode back to Konan to begin the next step of their journey. Everything in the woods and along the trail was peaceful and Iname noticed how warm and calm Konan was.

"This country feels so different from the others," he noted, one arm wrapped securely around Cassandra. "It seems warmer, and I'm not talking about the weather. I feel a kind of peace I haven't felt before."

"It's the warmth of Suzaku's flame," Namame rode up next to him. "Legend says that in the beginning, Suzaku's flame burned so bright that he couldn't control it. So he gave a part of his flame to the people and it became the kingdom of Konan. It continues to burn in the hearts of the people and it warms the land itself."

"How do you know that?"

"I read."

"Read what though?"

"Scrolls."

"ARGH!" Iname was ready to tear his hair out. "How can you be so talkative one minute and then go back to one-word answers the next? It's not normal, I tell ya, not normal at all."

"It's quite simple, Iname. I am a shadow."

"So?"

"So shadows are made from darkness and light."

"I don't-"

"Iname, are you really that dense?" Uruki glanced over his shoulder and smirked. "He's saying that shadows are the space between dark and light. So sometimes he'll illuminate you and other times he'll leave you guessing in the dark. Isn't that right, Namame?"

"Precisely."

"Well cut it out. I don't need any more riddles in my life," Iname glowered as they road into the city. "Ah, we're back."

"Yes. We'll rest for a day, two at the most, before we make our way back to Hokkan," Urumiya informed them as they steadily made their way towards the palace.

"What if Hatsui and Cassandra still aren't well by then?" Uruki demanded.

"Then we'll carry them, as we're doing now. We must return to Hokkan and inform Emperor Tokoyami of all that has happened and introduce him to the other warriors. Also we have to search for the last of the Genbu Shichi Seishi and we can't do that from here."

"What if they don't recover for days? Or even weeks?"

"Nonsense Iname, they'll be fine in less than a day. Now hurry up, brat, we're almost there."

Urumiya was eager to return to Hokkan. He had a feeling Cassandra would be safer there. They could protect her better than they could while traveling. The group rode up to the gates and was met by a frantic Saihitei.

"There you are! Chang, you're all right!" he stopped when he saw Cassandra and Hatsui. "What happened? Are they hurt?"

"No, Your Highness, they are merely exhausted from the battle and require rest," Namame replied and dismounted smoothly. "Iname and Uruki were just going to take them to their rooms."

"Yes, yes of course. You all must be tired; I'll have food brought to your rooms. Chang, what happened after you left?"

"Well Your Highness, it happened like this…"

While Namame spoke with the Emperor about what had occurred by the river, Urumiya went with Iname to bring Cassandra back to her room. Out of instinct, Cassandra had curled into the young man's arms as he carried her bridal-style through the halls. One of her hands was fisted in his shirt and Iname felt a surge of pride and protectiveness. I'm sorry I couldn't save you earlier, Cassandra. But I guess…you wound up saving yourself. Urumiya pushed open the door as Iname walked in and lay her down gently. Iname knelt at the end of the bed and gently removed her shoes, unable to stop himself from tracing his fingers along her slender foot. She seems so fragile and delicate, and yet she stood up to Nakago and managed to drive him back. He smiled as he watched her squirm. She's ticklish. Urumiya cleared his throat and Iname backed up enough so that the other man could pull the blankets over her and they stepped back in silent contemplation.

"It will never work, Iname. When her task is complete, you must say goodbye."

"Are you so sure of that, old man? What about you? You'll be losing a daughter all over again. Because once she summons the beast god and makes her wishes…she'll be gone from all of us."

Urumiya glared at Iname. "Do not presume to know me, brat."

"You said it yourself Urumiya. You consider her a daughter."

"I know, but…" he looked back at Cassandra with an unusual look in his eyes. "I don't want to become close to her only to lose her."

"How do you think I feel?" he snapped and turned back to her as his heart tightened. "I love her."

"You're too young to be in love. I would wager you don't even know what love is."

"What is it then, Urumiya? Tell me."

"Love is work. It takes time to grow and mature into a bond that lasts for decades. To achieve that bond, you must work to understand your partner and yourself. When I took Mae with me to Hokkan, I knew it was love because we both toiled in the soil to make a living for our children and ourselves. We didn't have much time or strength for intimacy, but we had each other. Love is finding the little things, stealing the covers at night, arguing over nothing, sharing in the joy of one another while dealing with life's trials…and still managing to live happily together for all your days. That, Iname, is love. Strong and true."

Iname had been silent while Urumiya spoke. Although the man was only twenty-five…he had seen and known more than Iname could only dream of. At that moment, Iname knew that he truly respected Urumiya, despite everything. And he would follow where he lead.

"How did one man come to bear so many burdens?" Iname whispered.

"By seeing things and knowing things no man should ever experience," Urumiya went to the door. "Come. We should check the scroll for clues as to where our companions are and let her rest."

"Yes…"

Iname's hand shook a little as he closed the door. No matter what, Urumiya seemed to constantly surprise him. Beyond that, it made him think. How well did he know Cassandra? Would he be willing to work and fight to keep her? Well that's a stupid question. Of course I would fight to keep her with me. Iname did wonder, though, if Cassandra felt the same way. She hadn't said that she loved him. Just that she cared for him, which made Iname concerned. After all, he'd taken the chance and confessed to her…it was only right. Right?

As Urumiya and Iname tended to Cassandra, Uruki was with Hatsui. Now, Uruki had never had a partner in his life. He hadn't found anyone that made his heart pound, or his protective instincts rise. Hatsui did. The only trouble was, Uruki had no idea if Hatsui liked men in that fashion, but there was something about the young man that drew him in. Then there's the fact of my being able to change into a woman. That took things to another level entirely. Uruki hated to think that Hatsui would reject him or freak out just because of that. Man or woman, it doesn't and shouldn't matter when it comes to love. If only…eh, I'm being foolish.

"I should just leave well enough alone. He's a fellow Genbu warrior and a friend. That is how it should stay. No sense in allowing feelings to dictate how I think. What kind of man would I be if I allowed that to happen?"

Nodding to himself as though to try and believe it was true, Uruki placed Hatsui in the bed. It was plush and comfortable, with sheer drapes for privacy and protection from the sun. Everything was calm and quiet, yet Uruki was reluctant to leave. This is ridiculous. Just go out the door to your room, Uruki. But he couldn't. Since he possessed two genders, sometimes Uruki thought that meant he had two ways of thinking. Male and female. What a headache. That was the truth. He reached out and gently brushed his fingers through Hatsui's hair. Even that simple touch was enough to make his heart race and his hands tremble.

"This is…insane…"

But Uruki sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. It felt as though his entire body was trembling as he leaned over Hatsui. He came so close, hovering just inches from Hatsui as the minutes stretched by like an eternity. Am I really going to do this? Dear Genbu, I can hear him breathing…his breath is warm…Uruki's arms trembled as he held himself aloft as tongues of fire licked at his body. He parted his lips slowly…and stopped. I can't. I can't do it. Uruki smiled and rested his forehead lightly against Hatsui's. The youth's heart slowed as the fire in his veins slowly died and he chuckled softly.

"I'm glad I didn't do it. After all, if I'm going to kiss you, it will be when you're awake. That way I can see your blue eyes…"

As blue as the sea. The sea that is your strength. Uruki rose to his feet and quietly left the room. Once the door was closed, he heaved a sigh and went to find Iname and the others. I hope His Highness is all right. It could mean war with Konan otherwise. He walked away without knowing that Hatsui had been awake and had felt Uruki's closeness. The heat of his body, the warmth of his breath, and the gentleness of his words. It had made his heart quake and had taken all Hatsui's willpower to remain calm and feign sleep. Hatsui pressed his fingers to his lips and looked thoughtful. In all of his years as a pleasure concubine for the Emperor, he had never once been kissed. He thought that he'd preferred it that way…

"I wasn't sleeping Uruki. I wouldn't have shouted if you'd kissed me."

Feeling decidedly put out, Hatsui sighed as he lay in bed. He was exhausted, but he was still bothered by the fact that Uruki hadn't kissed him. That he was bothered annoyed him and he growled. What the hell's the matter with me? I bet I would have enjoyed it too. Hatsui had learned many things in his time at the Kutou court. One could sleep with anyone…but it took something special to make it more. To make it more than sex, more than pain and blood. And Hatsui wasn't sure if he wanted something more from Uruki than a fling. I could get behind the idea though.

"I wonder what it would be like to fall in love."

There was a reason Hatsui had lasted as long as he had in the Kutou palace. It was because of the part of his heart he'd kept hidden and locked away. It had given him a certain coldness and made him unattainable to everyone he was with. This had so intrigued the Emperor that he'd never grown tired of trying to possess Hatsui completely. All attempts had failed. When trying to break him didn't work, the Emperor had tried other tactics. All had the same result. Hatsui remained every cold and aloof. No one could break his barrier…until Uruki came along. The other man had saved his life, had taken him from Kutou, and allowed him to meet the Genbu no Miko. Ever since he had known he was Hatsui, he'd read and researched tirelessly in order to find out about the woman who had summoned Genbu 200 years ago. What he had found had been intriguing.

While Okuda Takiko had indeed returned to her world, because she hadn't been able to use her third wish, Genbu's powers had been in limbo for years. The beast god had been weakened severely with the death of his chosen maiden. The entire thing had ended in tragedy, with the Genbu warriors scattered to the four winds. Some had committed suicide; others merely went on living as shells of their former selves. One known as Limdo, the former Uruki, had been in love with the Lady Takiko and when she had died…their fate was so tragic. Will that fate happen to us? Are we destined to meet the same ends as those who came before us? Is that the curse of the Genbu no Miko and the Genbu Shichi Seishi? Hatsui's hands clenched his blankets and he vowed he'd never let that happen.

"We will succeed this time. No one, not even Nakago will stop us."

Hatsui closed his eyes and rolled onto his side. For now he would rest and recover his strength. Later he would find some way to tell or show Uruki how he felt. That he would like his kisses. Maybe it's time I let someone in. Perhaps I can finally unlock my heart. It was a frightening thought, but Hatsui felt he was ready. It didn't really bother him that Uruki could change between a man and a woman. It was a nice combination in fact. With that, Hatsui smiled and drifted into sleep.

For the rest of the day, the Genbu Shichi Seishi rested and planned for their next move. It was around midnight when Cassandra woke up and stretched. She felt a lot better, but confined in the small room, and so decided to make her way outside to look at the moon and stars. She walked down to the rock-lined fishpond and smiled at the fish. Their scales glittered in the moonlight, making them look like jewels. The moon on the surface of the water rippled and Cassandra knelt down, trailing her fingers in the cool water. She thought about her powers and wanted to test them, to see if they were strong, and to possibly make them stronger. So she concentrated on a single fish, willing it to have more energy, and began to sing. At first, nothing happened, so Cassandra sharpened her focus and tried harder.

"There's a rainbow wind blowing so gently. Extending on a coast to the far horizon. When the sun came up, I heard a soft melody. It's a song full of the memories of our days gone by. Birds in the sky…"

Finally, she felt something rise in her and it burned in the tips of her fingers and the back of her throat. It was cold…but warm in turns. Black light glowed around her fingers and the fish as she concentrated. After a moment, the fish leaped about five feet into the air and performed several flips before splashing back into the water. Elated by her success, Cassandra giggled and sat back on a rock.

"I really do have powers…"

"Yes."

Cassandra yelped, flailed her arms wildly, and nearly fell into the pond. A callused hand reached out and caught her wrist just in time. As she straightened, she saw Namame give her a wry smile as he set her back on the rock.

"You really should stay away from water."

"Namame! You need to stop sneaking up on me like that. It's why I almost fell in the water," she laughed and settled comfortably again.

He said nothing, merely stood next to her as the two of them watched the fish splash about in the pond. The silence stretched between them, but neither was eager to break it. After the events of the past few weeks, such silence seemed like a welcome reprieve from their troubles.

"Could you do that again?"

"Do what?" when he said nothing, Cassandra thought for a while. "You mean the fish? You want me to do that to you?"

"Yes."

"I can try."

She rose and turned to face Namame. His black eyes didn't reflect the moonlight and she shivered a little. Calm down. Focus, Cassandra. She closed her eyes and focused her mind like she had before. Finally, she began to sing, the same song she had used to face down Nakago. She hadn't gotten too far when Namame pressed a hand to her lips and frowned.

"What's wrong?" she removed his hand gently.

"That is not the song. The other."

Cassandra had to think for a moment. "You want me to attack you?"

"No. Defend."

With that, he backed up and raised his hand. Razor arrows formed out of the shadows from Namame's hand.

"Wait, Namame, you're not serious are you?" Cassandra backed up as he let the arrows fly. "KYAH! You are serious, aren't you?"

"Defend yourself."

She didn't want to hurt Namame, but he was relentless with his attacks. One of the arrows grazed her arm and Cassandra yelped. Her throat closed and she felt her fear try to rise up. No! I've got to protect myself! With steel in her spine, Cassandra straightened and faced Namame.

"Like a jewel, the sea shines bright as it engulfs everything in its path with love. It gives birth to seven lives and dreams to see!"

Cassandra had closed her eyes to help herself concentrate more and when she couldn't feel the arrows, she opened her eyes. Namame was still firing them, but around her was a glowing sphere of black light that absorbed the arrows on impact. Her eyes widened and she looked around. She was completely protected by the black light.

"Did I do that…?"

"Yes. Now lower it, Cassandra, before you pass out again."

He didn't have to tell her twice. The shield was dropped and Cassandra slumped over, pale as a ghost, as Namame caught her in his arms. A small smile came to her features as her heart swelled. I can protect myself. I can!

"Tired…"

"Yes, I'd imagine so. Considering the amount of energy you used, you should sleep until we've decided," and he scooped her bridal-style into his arms carefully.

"Decided what?"

"Out next move."

"Don't we have to find Tomite and Hikitsu? They're the last ones, right?"

"Yes. However," he began to walk back inside. "There is something in Gebu's scroll that is troubling…"

"What do you mean they're DEAD?"

Iname winced at the fury in Urumiya's voice. He hadn't wanted to tell the old man the news, but they'd drawn straws and he'd lost. Now Iname was facing down the furious guy and wishing he was somewhere else. Preferably far, far away from Urumiya.

"That's what the scroll said, Urumiya. Apparently the last two had a duty, something they had to do that prevented them from finding their final peace. So, they have yet to be reincarnated and their new forms can't be chosen until the souls pass on to the other side," he explained.

Cursing avidly, Urumiya slammed his fist into the wall. The dull thud and the pain was nothing as his mind whirled. This could set them back for months, perhaps years. It would be impossible to reason with those spirits if they were so determined to stay. Urumiya knew that much at least.

"This is…this will set us back for years if we're not careful and we have to return Cassandra to her own world before it's too late."

"What do you mean, 'too late'? What are you talking about old man?"

"Don't you see what's happening, Iname? We've all developed feelings for her. She's becoming more to us than the Genbu no Miko and to her we are more than just her warriors. You, idiot that you are, have already proclaimed your love to her. This is bad, brat."

"I know we have to get her home, but she is more than the Genbu no Miko to us. She's special; she's more than any other woman could be to me. I know that it's true for you too. So what's with this all of a sudden?"

"It won't stop there, Iname. Don't you understand, boy? She can't stay! As much as I want her to, as much as we want her to, she can't. If she does…"

"The mistakes and tragedies of the past will happen once more."

Iname and Urumiya turned and saw Hatsui move into the doorway. His expression was pale and from the look in his eyes, it was clear that he had heard everything they'd discussed.

"What do you mean Hatsui?"

"If we try to keep Cassandra here, tragedy will befall all of us."

Well, Ree here again and here's another chapter of my story! Now, I did mention that this would be AU and since Genbu Kaiden hasn't finished yet, I'm assuming a lot of things about the time with Takiko and her Shichi Seishi. So if I seem to get a few things wrong…I'm sorry! For pictures of some of my Genbu characters, drop by my Deviant Art account under the name reeness. and let me know what you think! Thanks all and see you again soon with another chapter!

-Ree