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 Thirteen

Revealed Love

"Hatsui, what are you saying?"

"What do you know?"

"Hatsui, you shouldn't be out of bed! Get back there right now!"

Uruki appeared in the doorway behind Hatsui, his black eyes scolding as he wrapped an arm around his waist. The young man continued to reprimand him for being out of bed as he led him to a nearby chair. Everyone began talking at once and it took a very sharp whistle to quiet them.

"Honestly…"

"Namame's right, what are the four of you arguing about at this late hour? Hatsui, you should be in bed. It had better be important if you're willing to risk waking the entire castle."

Appearing as silent as a shadow, Namame emerged from the wall with Cassandra in his arms as she raised en eyebrow at her warriors. As he stepped inside, he went to the door and closed it before he placed Cassandra on a padded chair. She thanked him, folded her arms across her chest, and waited.

"Well?"

There was a pause as the four men exchanged glances. Namame moved to stand behind Cassandra's chair, at attention as any soldier should have been. Finally, Hatsui took a deep breath and went to speak, but Namame held up his hand for silence. Hatsui looked confused as he watched Namame flick his wrist lazily. Black fire circled the walls and sank into the shadows before vanishing completely.

"Even walls have ears."

"Thank you Namame," Cassandra said, pleased.

"Continue Hatsui," and with that, the black-haired man resumed his position.

Hatsui cleared his throat, feeling uncomfortable at being the center of attention. The tension in the room was thick and Urumiya was glaring at him as though he were a criminal. Iname looked cross as he leaned against the wall and it seemed Uruki was the only support he had. The blonde teen was standing behind his chair, much like Namame was for Cassandra, and Uruki's hand rested on his shoulder. Finally, Hatsui took a deep breath and began.

"You all know that there was a Genbu no Miko and Genbu Shichi Seishi around 200 years ago and she gathered her warriors and together they summoned Genbu. This saved Hokkan and allowed Lady Takiko to be sent back to her own world after she made her first wish. You also know that Lady Takiko was killed before her third wish was made. What you do not know is what happened to her warriors after her death."

The group fell silent. It was true; none of them knew what had happened to their former namesakes. Cassandra looked worried and Iname moved closer, reached down, and gave her hand a squeeze.

"What do you know, Hatsui?" she asked.

He licked his lips, coughed, and tried again. Uruki sighed and got him a glass of water, which he sipped from before continuing. "Although the warriors were all strong, good men and women, they felt it. They felt the moment their priestess died and it destroyed them."

"How do you know this?" Urumiya demanded.

"I discovered this in the records of Kutou," and he pulled out an ancient looking scroll from his robe. "This is a journal kept by the former Hatsui. My namesake. Kutou had seized it and all other records of the Genbu warriors of the past when the prophecy was first laid down that a new Genbu no Miko would appear. I discovered it only recently, and that was when Cassandra first appeared. I knew the time had come for us to awaken and the prophecy would come to pass. I stole this scroll from their records and have kept it ever since."

"What does it say?" Uruki asked.

"It tells of their travels, of Hatsui's own origins, the summoning of Genbu…and the love between Lady Takiko and her Uruki."

Cassandra frowned thoughtfully. "Lady Takiko was in love with Uruki?"

"Yes. It was a forbidden, harsh love, but love nonetheless. However, this Uruki was very different from ours. When the priestess died, Uruki went mad and left five thousand corpses in his wake before his own winds finally destroyed him. Hatsui once more became an outcast and hid from the world inside his shell. Inami, the only female, went back to being a brothel madam and perished due to an overdose of drugs. Urumiya and Namame went into hiding and disappeared…no one ever knew what became of them. As for Tomite and Hikitsu…"

"We know they're dead," Iname smirked. "The only problem is finding out where their spirits are and why they're staying dead."

"Not only that, but why do you say this tragedy will befall us, Hatsui?" Urumiya demanded.

"Because the Genbu Shichi Seishi wanted to keep their priestess with them in this world. And she wanted to be with Uruki more than anything. If we try to do the same, these events could happen again. That's why we can't get to close to Cassandra…even though we may want to. If we did…" he glanced at his priestess with sad eyes. "We don't know what would happen."

"I don't think that's true."

At Cassandra's words, her warriors fell silent. She sat up straighter, her eyes determined, and braced her hands on the arms of her chair. Although what Hatsui said made her uneasy, Cassandra had to be strong. I have to be strong for the others. Green eyes burned as she clenched her hands.

"Cassandra?"

She smiled at Iname before turning serious once more. "I don't believe that it was just the loss of their priestess that caused such sorrow for the former Genbu Shichi Seishi. I think there's more to it than that. And while we shouldn't ignore the events of the past, we shouldn't let them rule over us either. We should make our own journey, take our own steps, and be strong for one another no matter what. That's really all we can do. We can write our own future without fearing the events of the past. I know we can do this…together."

There was a long pause as the men exchanged glances and considered Cassandra's words. Finally…

"I agree."

Namame's voice startled Uruki and he glanced at the shadow warrior. "How can you be so sure of this? Do you think we can really overcome the events of the past? Can we make our own future?"

"Yes."

"You're awfully confident then?"

"Yes."

"Then it's settled," Iname said brightly. "We make our own journey. One step at a time. And the first of those steps is back to Hokkan."

"I agree. The Emperor must be informed of our status. Plus, the only logical place to look for the souls of Tomite and Hikitsu is in Hokkan. The scroll didn't give any clues as to where they'd be though," Uruki added.

"Then tomorrow we set off for Hokkan," Urumiya decided and they all agreed.

The next morning dawned bright and warm as the group of Genbu warriors prepared to make the trip back to Hokkan. Saihitei was with them as they saddled their horses and put on their packs, ready to say their farewells. Cassandra was feeling better than ever and she shielded her eyes from the sun and sighed. It's so beautiful here. She was really going to miss Konan and hoped that she'd be able to come back someday. Speaking of missing things…she glanced to the side and saw Saihitei there, surrounded by retainers as always. The young man was trying hard not to look upset, but Cassandra could see the tightness in his eyes and mouth. She slid down from her horse and went to Saihitei, enveloping him in her arms tightly. Although the retainers gasped and many of them sputtered protests, Saihitei just returned the hug after a frozen moment of shock.

If she goes, then I'll be alone again. And Chang's going too…he knew would miss his ever-faithful companion more than anything. But he was the future Emperor. He had to stand strong. So Saihitei released Cassandra after a moment and faced her with his head held high. His eyes widened as he watched her take off her necklace and he frowned as she took his hand. What is she doing? But that's when the priestess dropped her necklace into his palm and closed his fingers around it.

"Cassandra…?"

"Keep this with you, Saihitei, and know that no matter what happens…we'll always be friends. Don't forget that I still owe you for helping me find Chang. If you're ever in need, please don't hesitate to ask. If it's within my power, then I'll do whatever I can to repay you. Stay strong Saihitei, and don't forget-"

"Cassandra, it's time to go!"

"I'm coming Iname, chill out," she turned back to Saihitei and smiled. "Don't forget the music in your heart, Saihitei. Take care, and I'll come back for a visit someday, I promise."

With one final hug, Cassandra mounted up in front of Iname and blushed as he wrapped an arm around her waist. She glanced back at Saihitei and waved as their party rode off. It was with hope in their hearts that they departed. Hope that they could rewrite the tragic fate of the Genbu Shichi Seishi. We can change it. I just know we can, Cassandra thought as she waved until she couldn't see Saihitei anymore. The men put their spurs to their horses as they rode through the main city and off into the country. The Genbu warriors were returning to Hokkan with good news and a new mission: to discover the whereabouts of Tomite and Hikitsu.

They rode for over a week, talking and arguing along the way as they got to know each other a bit more. Even though Hatsui's revelations had unnerved them, they were determined to forge their own path. Urumiya said himself that he refused to be ruled by the past. He lived for the present and the future. It brought up much discussion and debate as to how to handle the prophecy and the search for their comrade. No one brought up the thought of Cassandra having to return to her own world. Cassandra was thinking about it though. She was thinking of her family, school, and…actually was dreading going back to that world. As much as she wanted to say she wasn't running away from her troubles back home, she couldn't help but think that she was. It bothered her immensely.

Finally, after ten days on the road, delayed by luck, the elements, and Kutou assassins, the exhausted warriors reached Touran and rode towards the castle. Emperor Tokoyami and Empress Meilaka were awaiting their return inside. Once the group had left their mounts in the stables, they entered the throne room where Tokoyami rose from his throne, a broad smile on his face and his arms open for them. Urumiya bowed deeply before he clasped the man's hand. Iname also bowed and clasped hands with His Majesty.

"Emperor, Lady Empress, it's good to see you both," Iname said with a smile as Cassandra barreled past.

"Toko!" and she completely ignored the retainers and noblemen who uttered gasps and protests as she threw her arms around her friend. "Meilaka! Oh you're looking beautiful as always!"

"Cassandra," he chuckled and gave her a squeeze before she stepped back. "You've done wonderfully, more than I could have ever hoped for. I am very proud of all of you. Thank you."

"Toko," Cassandra took his arm and led him to where Uruki, Hatsui, and Namame were waiting. "May I introduce three of the Genbu Shichi Seishi? They've become good friends, so be nice."

"When am I ever not nice?" he chortled and then turned to the newcomers. "Greetings, gentlemen, and welcome to Hokkan."

"Your Majesty, Lady Empress," Uruki stepped forward and knelt, black eyes bright. "I am Xiang Teki, but my true name is Uruki. I'm seventeen, hail from Hokkan, and my powers are over wind. It is an honor to meet you."

"As it is to meet you, Uruki. Rise."

Uruki did so and beckoned Hatsui over. The young man's eyes shone as he knelt and lowered his head quickly. "Emperor, I was born in Hokkan but was stolen and sold to Kutou when I was young. I am twenty-three, and this is a true homecoming for me. My name is Lin Haichi and my powers are over water. It is truly an honor to be in your presence, Majesty."

His voice trembled and Tokoyami's eyes took on a gentler look. "Welcome home Hatsui. We are pleased and honored to have you among us."

With a nod, Hatsui rose and discreetly brushed a hand over his eyes. He went and stood next to Uruki, a small, trembling smile on his lips. The room was silent as the group waited to see what Namame would do. Cassandra shifted in place and gnawed on her lower lip. He's served Saihitei for practically his entire life. Well…he's served Konan his entire life at least, she amended. So he might not accept Toko as his Emperor. That could cause a problem.

"I am Mu Chang, Your Majesty. I have spent ten of my twenty-three years serving the Emperor of Konan. I do not accept you as my Emperor, but I shall serve faithfully to Cassandra as Namame, warrior of shadows."

There were several gasps when Namame declared that he wouldn't accept Tokoyami as his Emperor. Most from outraged nobles. Even Cassandra had flinched a little. Still, it's his decision…I guess. Tokoyami, however, stood calm amongst the whispers, his expression unreadable.

"I understand, Namame. All I ask is that you allow me the opportunity to earn your trust and respect. To show you that I am someone that you can pledge your allegiance to," he replied calmly.

"Thank you, Emperor."

With a nod, Tokoyami turned back to the others and smiled. "Come. You must tell me of your travels and what you have learned."

The group moved to one of the audience rooms and each told Toko about their journey. He was exceptionally pleased that they had built trust with the future Emperor of Konan; especially considering their ties with other kingdoms weren't the strongest. When they brought up the concerns about Tomite and Hikitsu, the Emperor paled and sighed, his eyes tired.

"I had hoped their spirits would have rested once you arrived, Cassandra. But I realize now that their duty to their priestess, Lady Takiko, is too strong. The spirits of Tomite and Hikitsu reside in a cave on Mt. Koku-zan. They have watched over Hokkan for the past 200 years and they are the reason that we have enjoyed these centuries of peace, even as Kutou expands around us. They stand watch over Lady Takiko's Shinzahou. I must warn you…these are phantoms. Ghosts from long ago and they cannot be killed. They also have all of their powers they did when they were alive. If you go to them, it could mean your death."

"I know that, Toko," Cassandra stood at the window, gazing in the direction of Koku-zan. "But I'm still going. Tomorrow."

"Very well. For now though, you all should return to your rooms and get some rest. You have had a long journey."

With that, the group disbanded, each going their separate ways for the moment. Cassandra smiled as Iname yawned, staggering into his room across from hers. Even Urumiya looked exhausted as he nodded and went to get some sleep. Hatsui had fallen asleep and Uruki grinned wickedly at Cassandra as he carried the young man into his room. She giggled and closed her door quietly. Even as things keep piling up, at least those two will be happy. She had to admit, she was nervous about meeting the phantoms of Tomite and Hikitsu. No…I'll be meeting them. That they don't have bodies shouldn't matter. Still, they were loyal to Lady Takiko, not me. And if Namame's words told me anything, it's that men with honor serve only those who have earned their respect. I haven't earned theirs yet.

"They've been standing watch for 200 years…such loyalty would be a gem beyond price. More than anything a royal could hold."

"You're quite right, Cassandra."

"KYAH!" she yelped and tumbled back into a chair. "Taiitsukun! What are you doing here?'

"I came to congratulate you on locating Hatsui, Uruki, and Namame and to commend you on finding your powers. Nakago will surely think twice before challenging you again. However, there are many obstacles in your path. You will need something to magnify your voice and make it stronger."

"Make my voice stronger…oh! I know!"

Cassandra scrambled for a piece of paper and a stick of charcoal. Once they were in her hands, she started to sketch. She wasn't much of an artist, but the likeness was close enough. Taiitsukun looked over her shoulder as she drew and her expression became one of understanding. Cassandra pointed out how she wanted it to work and the mechanics of the drawing and the god nodded. The old woman closed her eyes and began to concentrate. Black and silver light formed between her hands as something took shape. Finally, it was created. A sleek microphone trimmed in black and silver with the emblem of Genbu emblazoned in the face solidified and floated into Cassandra's hands. It's so warm…

"There. This microphone shall be yours, Genbu no Miko. No one else may touch it and if they tried, it would instantly appear in your pocket again. It is tied to you and you to it. You will find many other details as well."

"Thank you Taiitsukun. It's perfect."

She ran her fingers over the cool metal, noting how it was the perfect length and weight for her. The grip was molded to her hand and when she touched the emblem, it changed into a small round coin that she could tuck into her pocket and keep with her. Taiitsukun cleared her throat suddenly.

"Cassandra, you know that as the Genbu no Miko you must not love any man. You must not see your warriors as more than guardians. The line between the priestess and her guardians must not be crossed. Understand?"

"What?" Cassandra looked up in disbelief. "Taiitsukun, you can't be serious!"

"I am. The gods seek out a virgin's unspoiled flesh. In joining with a man, you will lose all right to summon the beast god. Every priestess thus far has made the foolish mistake of falling in love with one of her warriors. It has always ended in tragedy. So you must set aside your growing feelings for Iname. Nothing will ever come of it except for the fate you are trying so desperately to change."

Cassandra's eyes widened and her hands trembled in her lap. I feel weak…they've all ended in tragedy…but just as quickly, bubbling anger rose in her. How dare she try to tell me what to feel? Taiitsukun was silent, her gaze knowing as Cassandra rose from her chair and faced the deity.

"With all due respect, Taiitsukun, I will not set aside my feelings for Iname. Nor will I do so for any of my other warriors. We are going to change the tragic fate of the Genbu Shichi Seishi by forging our own path. I will make my own choices and my own fate. Just because I love Iname doesn't mean that the relationship will be consummated. Iname and I shall wait. No matter how long it takes, I'd wait forever for him, longer if I had to. Taiitsukun…love isn't something the gods can control. No one can tame it. Not even you."

That's when she realized what she just said and Cassandra gasped, pressing her lips to her mouth. Did…did I just say I loved Iname? But even as she tried to find rationalization to it, the young woman knew in her heart that it was true. I do love him. He's always been there at my side; so gentle, so kind…he was the one who first saved me in this world. She'd never spoken to anyone about her feelings for Iname and now she'd just blurted it out to Taiitsukun. Needless to say, she turned red from embarrassment and averted her eyes. Taiitsukun on the other hand just started to laugh.

"Taiitsukun…?"

"You've certainly grown Cassandra. You would never have had the courage to speak to me like that before. I'm quite proud."

"Y-you are?"

"Yes. If you are determined to go through with this, to overcome Lady Takiko's legacy, then you will need the strength to do so. Still, you must heed my warning: you must never join with any man or you will lose the right to summon the beast god. You must remain pure."

Cassandra flushed a bit darker, but nodded. She understood that she had to remain a virgin in order to summon the beast god Genbu and fulfill her duty. Still, she had a hard time believing that she had come so far and had become so strong. But who knows? I may be wrong. Cassandra smiled and thanked the old woman before Taiitsukun made her exit. Once she was alone, she sat back down in her chair, her body shaking. I really love Iname. But Taiitsukun's words were still ringing in her ears and she bit her lower lip. I can't tell him though. I can't. If I do, then he'll want to pursue me and we can't take the chance of the past repeating itself. Her throat closed and her eyes burned as she realized she could never tell Iname, or anyone, her true feelings. I can't take that chance. I have to think of the future. The room was starting to feel stifling, so Cassandra got up and went out her side door to the small garden beyond.

It was cold out that night, but Cassandra was getting used to it and rubbed her arms absently through her thick coat. She breathed in the clean, cool air and sighed. Even the air smelled different to her. It's so unlike Tokyo. It's even different from America. Cassandra didn't feel the pang of loneliness she usually had when the thought of her old home came up. For the first time in a long time, Cassandra felt like she was home. It was as though her soul was putting down roots and her fate was becoming intertwined with that of her warriors. Of Hokkan itself. She reached out a hand and brushed at the snow on the bushes. Even though there was peace in the air, there seemed to be a dark sense of foreboding. As though someone was watching and waiting for the right time to strike. Cassandra shivered.

"How long will this uneasy peace last? What's more…how long will it be before the priestesses of Seiryu and Suzaku arrive?" she sighed and rubbed her chilled hand. "Because I have a feeling the three of us are fated to meet."

"Really?"

"KYAH!" Cassandra whirled around and caught sight of solemn deep blue eyes and she sighed. "Hatsui…what are you doing out here? You scared me out of my mind, sneaking up on me like that."

"My apologies, priestess, it wasn't my intent."

He moved slowly, but with fluid grace until he was standing next to Cassandra. She took a moment to drink him in, noting how silent he was and how he seemed so mysterious. Just like the sea. You can hardly tell what mood its in until it's too late. The silence was calm, but not deafening, as though she was at the bottom of a lake. Content to let it last, Cassandra gazed back out at the snow-covered garden and waited to see what Hatsui wanted.

"I'm sorry Cassandra."

"For what?"

"For not taking more time to get to know you. For thinking you were like Lady Takiko. You will not let anything happen to us. I know that now," and his expression gentled. "Uruki told me you saved his life. How you saved Urumiya's soul. Then there's Iname…"

Cassandra flushed. "Hatsui, I really didn't do that much. All I did was follow my heart. It told me I couldn't let Uruki die. It told me not to let Urumiya lock himself away. And it will always lead me back to Iname. My heart has lead me to all of you. I don't regret anything, Hatsui, and I'm not going to abandon any of you. I've made my choice and I'm going to stick with it. Namame showed me that loyalty is something to be treasured and I will treasure mine to you."

He fell silent after that, his mind storming with emotions. The foremost was surprise. How can one young girl become so strong? For people she barely knows, she would be willing to give her life. Without saying a word, Hatsui turned and pulled Cassandra into a hug. She's everything I could have hoped for in a priestess. Despite the things I have done, I know she'll accept me for who I am. How many others can say that? She won't leave us. I know she won't. He trembled as he held her tightly, the memories of his time in Kutou becoming further away every moment. Hatsui had a new start and he wasn't going to let it slide by.

As Hatsui wrapped his arms around her, Cassandra hugged him back tightly. From what little she knew of him, she understood that this was a rare occurrence. Hatsui had been brought up to never reveal his innermost thoughts and Cassandra felt her heart ache. I can't leave them. I just can't…she sniffled slightly as they both drank in the comfort and security they needed. They need me. But probably not as much as I need them. With a final squeeze, Hatsui pulled back. The young man's eyes were overly bright, but his expression was calm.

"Cassandra, thank you. Thank you for everything," and he took a moment to collect himself before he spoke again. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course Hatsui."

"It's…well, it's about Uruki."

"What about him?"

Hatsui absently rubbed the back of his hand. "I think…I think I might be developing feelings for him. As more than a friend. I've been wondering if perhaps I was just grateful to him for saving me. But after a time…I realized that it was more. When he tried to kiss me-"

"He tried to kiss you?"

"Yes. And…" he turned to her, liquid silver pooling in his eyes. "I wanted him, Cassandra. I wanted him so badly and it frightened me. Wanting someone like that has never happened to me before."

"Hatsui…" she walked him over to a bench outside her room and sat down. "How did it scare you?"

"Well," he sat down and cleared his throat. "For the longest time I've had to keep my heart locked away, my feelings sequestered in order to survive in my world. I wanted my heart at least to be pure. After all, I was nothing but a whore to the Emperor of Kutou and if I was ever released and was blessed enough to fall in love…I wanted to at least give my pure heart to that person. Especially since my body is so soiled from everything I've done."

"Oh Hatsui…" she reached out and wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he leaned down to her, resting his head on her shoulder. "You're so much more than that. You're a strong and intelligent young man. Didn't you prove how strong you were when you fought the Kutou soldiers at the lake? Uruki would be lucky to have someone like you to love."

Cassandra stroked his hair as she felt her robe become damp. The young man trembled as he struggled with emotions and feelings that he'd never had before. That he hadn't allowed himself to have.

"Do you really think so Cassandra?" he whispered, voice thick. "I don't know if I could handle…"

"I know so," she said firmly.

"I certainly think so."

The new voice startled them and Hatsui sat up quickly, trying to swipe at his eyes and the tears there. Uruki stood framed in Cassandra's doorway, black eyes serious as he regarded the two of them. But there was a sly smirk on his face that bespoke of mischief he was about to wreak.

"U-Uruki!" Hatsui got to his feet and smoothed his clothes. "Did you…? How long were you…?"

"Cassandra, if you don't mind, I'd like to speak to Hatsui alone please."

"Of course."

She rose to her feet before Hatsui could utter any protests and touched his arm lightly as she disappeared into her room. Silence descended on the two as Uruki took Hatsui's arm and lead him deep into the garden and across the way. Hatsui stammered and protested, but followed along as his legs felt like rubber.

"Uruki, how much of that did you hear?"

"Enough to know how you feel about me."

No! I didn't want him to know! Not like this! Hatsui gasped as he was pushed up against the wall outside of Uruki's bedroom. The cold air bit at him, but suddenly he was feeling rather warm. He hadn't wanted Uruki to find out and now that he had…what is he going to do to me?

"Go ahead, hit me if you want."

"Why would I hit you?"

"Because you're disgusted by my admission and-"

Before Hatsui could say more, Uruki leaned in and claimed his lips in a deep kiss. The young man pressed close, the warmth from his body sent shockwaves down Hatsui's spine, and he found himself clinging to Uruki desperately. It was all he could do to stay afloat as Uruki sucked and nipped, teased and took. Uruki's arms wound around his waist and his palms rested on his back, clutching his shirt tightly. When Uruki flicked his tongue out to stroke his bottom lip, he gasped and was treated to a much deeper kiss. So hot…his head spun as a flush rose to his cheeks. Is this what kissing is like? Or is it just because it's Uruki that I'm feeling like this? He keened softly as Uruki broke the kiss, his lips hovering teasingly above and out of reach. His breath was hot and Hatsui shivered.

"More?"

"Uruki…"

Hatsui knew he should protest, he really should, but all was lost as Uruki opened the door and pushed them both inside. I've waited too long for this. I can't let it all fall away now. Although sex wasn't anything new to him, Hatsui knew that it would be something different, something special, with Uruki…

As she watched the door close, Cassandra smiled and let the drape fall back over her window. Be happy. Be happy for all of us. Even if she couldn't tell Iname she loved him, it was good to see them together.

"Good night you two."

WOW, it has been a long time since I've updated, yes? Sorry bout that, but a rather bad storm knocked out the power and the internet on my computer, so while it's given me time to write…it also prevented me from getting online. WOE IS ME! Anyway, Part 1 of The Prophecy of Genbu is finished. Hand-written anyway. There are still a few more chapters to be uploaded :D Please read and review!