Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ The Phoenix Generation ❯ Secrets Revealed ( Chapter 3 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: jailaheyn 
As Genrou gets settled in, temples flare and secrets are exposed.
Anime/Manga: Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.18.2003 | Updated On: 11.20.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 8.2K | Visits: 273 | Status: Completed
As Genrou gets settled in, temples flare and secrets are exposed.
Anime/Manga: Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.18.2003 | Updated On: 11.20.2003 | Pages: 6 | Words: 8.2K | Visits: 273 | Status: Completed
Title:The Phoenix Generation
Series: Fushigi Yuugi
Rating: R for language and veeeery slight lime
Pairing: Tas/Nuri
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Hello! Thanks so much for the reviews and emails and such. I really appreciate it. This story is completed on paper, so now I have to just type it up. There's one more chapter (with sweet lemony goodness!) and an epilouge to go! Thank you and please keep reading!
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The Phoenix Generation
Chapter 3
Secrets Revealed
Weeks passed without incident. No patient revealed any changes in their Dreams or any new memories.
For Genrou, on the other hand, life couldn't be better. He was being treated at Tombiki Clinic better than he had been treated anywhere else. Dr. Ryoji actually listened to him instead of drugging him up or acting condensing to him. Koji became his fastest friend, and Kourin his most maddening crush. It took a while for Genrou to get used to the cross dresser's teasing and flirting without turning shades of red. Koji's colorful side comments, on the other hand, still managed to make his ears burn.
The dynamic of the whole group changed as well. Genrou got his own room two weeks after he arrived. Yuuki and Daisho were released to their parents two days after Genrou's first session with Dr. Ryoji. No new patients were admitted. Saiheti and Chuin remained the same secluded stuck up duo, though Saiheti grew more and more disapproving of Kourin's increasing affections towards Genrou. Chuin grew more upset at Kourin for "stealing" more and more of Saiheti's attention. He took any opportunity to corner Kourin alone to intimidate him with his powers. In response, Koji and Genrou rarely gave Kourin the chance to be alone.
Sometimes, the attempts were not enough. One morning, Genrou overheard a heated argument in the girl's shower room. He peeked inside to see Chuin and Kourin standing toe to toe, glaring at each other. Kourin wore his towel against his damp skin as if he just got out of the shower, while Chuin was fully dressed.
Before Genrou could take a step inside to break up the apparent ambush, Kourin spat out, "What in the hell are you talking about this time? Don't you think I make it clear enough to Saiheti that I don't want him, ever?"
"And yet he still pursues you. He never looks in my direction anymore, and its all your fault," Chuin hissed back. "Then you have the nerve to taunt him..."
"Taunt him?"
"Yes, you taunt him by pretending that you actually enjoy the company of low class trash to Saiheti-sama's company. It's disgusting."
A blush crossed Kourin's cheeks. "Fuck you, Chuin. Genrou is not 'low class trash'. As a matter of fact, he's got more class in his little finger than in all of your precious 'Saiheti-sama'."
"You dare!" Kourin suddenly grabbed his temples, grimacing in pain and sliding to the floor. Genrou knew what that meant. Chuin was projecting emotions directly to Kourin. "Don't you ever insult Saiheti-sama again! You are not worthy of even mentioning his name! Why he even wastes his time mooning over you is beyond me!"
Genrou started to feel the onslaught as well. His head throbbed and it was all he could do to keep from screaming. Chuin was increasing the pressure, a sick smile crossing his face.
Kourin slowly picked himself up, straining as he went. "Cut it out, Chuin!" He swung at the gray-haired boy, but the punch missed. Chuin laughed at his attempt. "I said stop it!" Kourin stood shakily, and his body began to glow red as he swung once again. "Damn it, stop!" Chuin barely had enough time to duck before Kourin's fist flew in his direction. The punch slammed into the wall, leaving a hole the size of a basketball in its wake. All three boys stared unmoving at it for a few moments as the glow slowly disappeared from around Kourin's body.
Chuin turned ghostly pale. "That-that could have been my head," he squeaked, looking over at an equally pale Kourin. Not waiting for a response, he scrambled for the exit. Genrou blocked his path, arms crossed over his chest, glaring as hard as he could without revealing how shocked he was.
"You'd better leave him alone." he threatened. After a quick failed attempt at a sneer, Chuin simply nodded and Genrou let him leave. Genrou then directed his attention to Kourin. He continued to stare at the hole he made, not even blinking until Genrou gently removed his fist from the hole. Frantic rose eyes turned to meet Genrou's.
"Genrou? Did you see everything?" he barely whispered.
"Yeah, I saw everything. Are you okay? Is anything broken?" Genrou looked at Kourin's hand, and saw not one cut or bruise.
"Am I okay? I don't know. I could have hurt him...I could have killed him, couldn't I?" He began to tremble. "I just saw red, like in my dreams, and then, it was over. Nothing's even happen like that before. My hand doesn't even hurt."
Genrou pulled the babbling boy into his arms, waiting for him to calm down. "I'm glad you didn't get hurt. I'm kinda glad you didn't hurt Chuin either, though he kinda deserved it."
Kourin accepted the embrace almost in a daze. "I didn't want to hurt him, really. I just wanted him to stop. It hurt so much. Now I know how Koji feels when he does that. Do you know that he glows blue instead of red?" Not waiting for an answer, he continued. "I only noticed it for a second. His eyes were like blue lights, and just I wanted him to stop, so I...I didn't know I was that strong." Gasping, he quickly withdrew his arms from around Genrou. "Did I hurt you just now? I didn't hold you too tightly, did I?"
"No, not at all," Genrou reassured, slightly disappointed that Kourin let go. "It's kinda funny, but in some of my Dreams, I see you throwing boulders and lifting pillars and knocking me into walls all the time."
The smaller boy blinked and then cracked a smile. "Heh, I see the same thing sometimes." He looked at Genrou quizzically as he moved to hold Genrou once again. "Why am I throwing you into walls anyway?"
"Hell, I don't know." Genrou shrugged. "Maybe it was something I said."
Both boys laughed, breaking the tension. Genrou noticed that Kourin had stopped trembling and looked less spooked. He also didn't make a move to break Genrou's embrace again, and Genrou was not in any hurry to let go himself. Kourin fit against him perfectly, warm and smelling of soap and herbal shampoo. His eyes sparkled with laughter, and when his delicate hands grabbed Genrou's upper arms suddenly for support, the redhead smiled brightly inside.
The laughter slowly died down, leaving the two to gaze at each other in comfortable silence.
"Thanks" Kourin finally said.
"For what? Looks like you handled Chuin pretty well by yourself. He'll be a fucking moron to mess with you again."
Rose eyes rolled as Kourin dramatically sighed. "That's not what I mean, stupid. Thanks for calming me down. I was freaking out and was scared out of my wits, and you were here to help bring me out of it. Thank you."
Genrou was at a loss for words to respond, so he simply nodded.
"Hey guys!" Koji's voice was heard before his figure walked into the shower room. "What happened to Chuin? He's running like a bat out of-hello!" he blinked at the surprised couple. "Am I interrupting something here?"
Genrou and Kourin backed away from each other, both blushing and glaring at the intruder.
"Of course not, Koji," Kourin growled. "What brings you here this fine morning?"
"I was just wondering about what just happened. First, I found something on your door, Fang Boy, so I grabbed it and went to tell you about it, and then I felt Chuin's hate. It was just a little bit, so I knew it wasn't directed at me for once. But I was worried, so I followed the feeling. By the time I get around the corner, Chuin comes running like he saw his own ghost. Before I could even ask what was wrong, he shoves me out the way. I heard you guys talking, and now here I am interrupting your little lover's tryst."
"We weren't having a lover's tryst," Genrou argued.
"Sure, right. I didn't see you too holding each other so close, looking into each other's eyes. I was fully expecting you to start chanting each other's names over and over again."
"Ugh." Genrou groaned. "Hey, Kourin, you think you could smack him around a few times to shut him up?"
Koji laughed incredulously. "Oh please. No offense, Kourin, but you hit like a girl." His eyes drifted to the hole in the wall. "Whoa! Genrou, you beast, was that crater supposed to be Chuin? No wonder he was doing that bat out of hell impression. I'd be scared too."
"Uhh," Genrou looked over to Kourin, who looked extremely uncomfortable. He did not make a move to claim the hole. "Yeah, Koji. Chuin had Kourin cornered again. I don't think he'll bug him anymore now." Kourin blinked wide-eyed at first, then relaxed and nodded in agreement.
Koji patted his buddy on the back, grinning. "Good job. Way to watch your honey's back." Genrou glared at him, ears turning a familiar red. "Easy, easy, I'll leave it alone for now. I don't want to cause another hole in the wall. Besides, we have more important things to discuss." He pulled a white envelope out of his pocket. "Like this little package."
"Could we discuss this once I'm dressed?" Kourin asked, picking up his neglected bucket of bath supplies. "How about during breakfast?"
*****
Chuin pointedly did not attempt eye contact with the group in the dining hall, as they all predicted, when they came in for breakfast. Saiheti did not notice his Number One's reaction and continued with his self-absorbed rambling, stopping briefly to glance at Kourin. Doukun was busily filling his plate before he retired to the rec room computers where he could be usually found now that he lacked new playmates.
"Anybody else noticed the sudden lack of security around here lately?" Genrou asked, sitting down with the normal huge plate of food.
"I've noticed that too." Kourin replied. "I guess with Yuuki and Daisho gone, they don't need as many people to watch us." He blinked at Koji's two plates of various items. "Honestly Koji, I don't know where you put all that food."
"What's the matter? I'm a growing boy."
"Yeah, growing out," Genrou quipped. Koji mock-glared at them both.
"I'll have you know that I'm going to need this energy to use my massive brain power to figure out the mystery of the package." He dumped the envelope on the table. "It's addressed to you, Genrou, so open it."
Genrou picked up the envelope and tore it open. It contained a letter that read:
"Genrou,
I don't know why I'm addressing this to you. Maybe because you're new, and you still don't know the ins and outs. But someone needs to know what's going on up there. I guess the doc noticed that it's starting to get to me. My dreams are getting worse the more I see her. He's just relived me of my 3rd floor duties, and I'm afriad of what will happen to her. Take the fire exit, use this key, and please talk to her. Remember these numbers: 12, 3, 45.
Hurry, I need this key back before he finds out what I've done.
Kishuku"
A key was in the bottom of the envelope.
"So he just gave Genrou this key out of the blue?" Kourin asked. "Nope, that's not suspicious at all."
"I have to agree." Genrou nodded. "It sounds real funny." He put the letter back inside the envelope.
"Maybe you're right, but I think Kishuku needs help. You've seen him lately. He looks like hell. He could be relapsing back into what he was before he got to Tombiki. If we can find out what's wrong by talking to Miaka..."
Kourin took the envelope. "What if we end up relapsing too? We could find ourselves locked up there as well." He looked at both boys' eager faces, then the envelope. He sighed. "But then again, there's no stopping you two, isn't there?"
Genrou shook his head. "Nope. We've been talking about Miaka and the 3rd floor way too long. Here's the golden opportunity, and we get to help Kishuku at the same time."
"Fine," Kourin sighed. "I'm in."
Genrou and Koji grinned at each other, and the trio began to formulate a plan.
*****
Genrou walked out of "Dr." Juan's office later that afternoon, the plan still turning around in his head. It wasn't the most complex of operations, but it was the best they could do given the short time frame they had. He did not notice another person in the hall until a very annoyed Chuin stepped directly in front of him.
"Jeez, Chuin, watch where you're going." Genrou started to walk around him, but Chuin stepped in the way, deliberately blocking him. "What do you want? I'm kinda busy."
The gray-haired youth's chin jutted upward a few inches. "You will stop dallying with Kourin. Now." he commanded.
Genrou could not believe that after what happened this morning, Chuin was bringing up his relationship with Kourin again. Some people just never learn. He crossed his arms and cockily leaned back. "Oh yeah? And who's gonna stop me?"
A familiar sick smile crossed Chuin face again, and Genrou's breath was taken away by the wave of hateful emotion rushing into his brain. He brought his hands to his temples, hoping that would stave off the oncoming headache. Unlike this morning, this onslaught was directed at him completely.
"As you can see, I am quite capable of stopping you. I'm not even trying right now. Let us see what I can do when I actually try." Genrou slammed to his knees as the pain behind his eyes intensified. His vision was blinking in and out of focus, though for a moment, he swore that Chuin's eyes had the same blue aura Kourin was talking about before. "That worm Koji would be unconscious by now. Why Saiheti-sama won't let me finish him is beyond me. Never mind that, though, you are much more fun to play with. You should have never threatened me, peasant."
Holding his head even tighter, Genrou ground out through gritted teeth. "Why are you doing this?"
Chuin knelt down in front of Genrou, still smirking sadistically. "First of all, you do not know your place, and it is the job of your betters to remind you. Second, getting you out of the way will make Saiheti-sama quite happy, since Kourin will have no choice but to choose him. And finally, I haven't pushed my abilities this far in ages. Not since before I was admitted here, as a matter of fact. I've had people pass out, bleeding from their ears before, just for the simplest slight. And now you dared cross me. Aren't you lucky?"
Genrou certainly did not feel lucky. He did not know what Chuin meant by "getting him out of the way" but he did not like it at all. Unfortunately, his concentration was utterly shot, and thinking of a way out of his situation was difficult. If only he had one moment of clarity.
"If you were capable of focusing right now, you could see the beauty of my ambition. As much as it pains me to think of Kourin gaining most of Saiheti-sama's favors, I can at least be satisfied that it would greatly please him. Besides, I will always be his Number One; he has said so. Frankly, I have no idea why he even prefers the company of that freak of nature anyway."
The moment of clarity Genrou waited for came the moment those words hit his ears. Rage gave him the strength to shrug off Chuin's powers. He lunged at the other boy, determined to wipe that pretty smirk of his face for insulting Kourin. He landed with one hand at Chuin's throat, and the other pulled back into a fist. Fangs bared, he wordlessly dared Chuin to say another word.
He did not have to wait long. "Get off of me, you mutt, or you'll regret it." Chuin growled, his eyes flashing as he tried unsuccessfully to penetrate Genrou's thoughts. Genrou's right forearm began to tingle and glow red in response. "Maybe the two of you belong together, the mutt and the fre..."
Chuin never got the last word in as Genrou smashed his fist into Chuin's face, breaking his nose. Enraged, he shoved Genrou off and threw a retaliating punch, which was easily blocked by the more experienced fighter. Genrou quickly grabbed the outstretched arm and pulled Chuin towards him, wrapping his arms around him in a strong hold. Chuin struggled in the grip, not able to move his arms.
"Give it up, Chuin. I don't want to kick your sorry ass, but I will bounce you off every wall in this clinic if you ever dare dream of going anywhere near Kourin again. And by the way, if you ever try that mental shit on Koji, a broken nose will be the least of your problems. Got that?" He shoved Chuin out of the hold.
Chuin turned to face him, holding his bleeding nose. "This isn't over."
Genrou stared him down. "It'd better be, for your sake. You should go to Juan's office and get that cleaned up." Chuin matched his glare for a few moments, then brought his chin back up in as much of a dignified manner as one with a bloody nose could, slowly turned and walked down the hall to "Dr." Juan's office. Genrou then turned and went to the elevator. When he got to the doors, he heard the sound of clapping. To his left, in Houjun's empty office, was Saiheti. He was applauding him. Genrou readied himself just in case Saiheti was in a combative mood.
"Well done. He will not dare approach you again," the cultured voice sounded amused.
Relaxing his stance a bit, Genrou replied, "Wait a minute. You saw everything."
"Oh yes. I was here to bring Houjun this evaluation form," he held up a sheet of paper, "And Chuin accompanied me."
"And you're not pissed at me for slugging your 'Number One'?"
Saiheti shook his head. "Of course not. He deserved it for such a cowardly action. Ambushing one's opponent is not the way to properly win a fight."
"So you didn't sic him on me to take out the competition, did you?"
"If I wanted to take out the competition, I would have challenged you directly to a man to man duel for fair Kourin's hand. Since you have caught his eye, you at least deserve that much respect."
Genrou couldn't help but respect the guy a little for his sense of honor.
"I intend on settling that score sometime in the near future. But for now, I must deal with Chuin. His temper has gone too far, and insulting Kourin is an unforgivable slight. Excuse me." Saiheti nodded slightly and went down the hall. Deciding to figure out what just happened later, Genrou shrugged and hit the elevator button for the second floor.
*****
Genrou arrived on the second floor and automatically felt something was amiss. It was like a little tug in his heart and he had to follow. He checked both his and Koji's rooms and found nothing wrong in either, but the tug grew more insistent. His next stop was Kourin's room.
Inside, Kourin was looking out the window, a large white stuffed bear in his arms. Genrou remembered that teddy bear from one of the pictures on Kourin's door. Tears slowly glided down the boy's cheeks, and it was obvious that he did not hear Genrou's entrance.
"Kourin?"
Kourin turned sorrowful eyes to him, and the pain in them was quite clear. Genrou quickly thought of anything that could upset Kourin this much. Maybe Chuin got to him before heading downstairs to get his nose broken, or Saiheti's statements of honor were all bullshit and he had done something to the violet-haired boy.
Before any more theories popped into Genrou's head, Kourin spoke. "I just talked to my parents on the phone. They told me that Kourin-chan hasn't made any progress since the last time I've asked about her. They afraid that she'll never wake up, and they said that they don't want to prolong her suffering, or mine. If she don't come out of the coma soon, they'll going to have to," The tears intensified and he clutched the bear tighter. "They're going to have to take her off life support." His face crumpled and he buried it into the bear's soft fur, sobbing wretchedly.
The tug in Genrou's heart increased, and he did not have a clue what to do to comfort Kourin. He had no personal experience with comforting anyone. Affection did not come easy in his home life.
"Kourin, I'm so sorry," he said. Kourin looked up at him again, then dropped the bear and threw his arms around Genrou, still crying.
"It's all my fault. Five years ago, Kourin-chan followed me across a street in our neighborhood, and got hit by a car. She always followed me wherever I went. We were inseparable, and that's why I became her, so that we would never be apart. I've been her for so long, I never thought what I would do if she never woke up. I should have told her to stay home that day." Any other words were lost as Kourin's sobbing increased. Genrou pulled the grief-stricken boy into a tight embrace, rubbing his back in circles like he remembered seeing in the movies. He was not sure that he was doing it right, but he wanted to help his friend though his grief, and eventually the sobs began to subside.
I wish there was more I could do, he thought.
"Don't worry," Kourin replied with a steadier voice, and Genrou realized that he said his thoughts out loud. "It's okay. I'm glad you're here. Thank you."
That confession made Genrou's day a lot better. All other thought ceased as for the second time today, he dared look into Kourin's red-rimmed eyes. This was also the second today he held the smaller boy, and he could certainly get used to it. His self-satisfied mood was quickly killed as he realized that his body was reacting to the closeness in the basest way possible. The slight reddening of Kourin's cheeks told him that he had noticed, too.
Stepping back quickly and blushing furiously, Genrou found that once again, thinking of math equations and naked grandmothers was not going to help him. "I'm sorry Kourin. This isn't the kind of comforting I was going for."
Kourin answered with a small laugh. "Maybe you're right. Then again, maybe getting my mind off of what's bugging me for a bit would do some good. I can't blame you for thinking that I'm attractive."
Genrou was positive that Kourin was teasing him again. This time he decided to tease back. It worked pretty well on the basketball court, and it would indeed take his mind off his sister for a minute. "Nope, it's not. You don't look too mad about it, though."
"Should I be?" Kourin's smirk widened, and he stepped forward to brush his lips against Genrou's. "See how not mad I am?"
That was enough to break Genrou's control. He pulled Kourin back in arms and returned the kiss in earnest, desiring a lot more than the little taste Kourin teased him with. Kourin's startled gasp allowed him further entrance into the sweet well of his mouth. Genrou felt arms wrapping around his neck, and he groaned his approval.
Pulling away a bit to take a breath, Genrou traced kisses down Kourin's neck and latched onto the point where the neck and the shoulder connected. Fang met skin and suddenly Genrou was in another time, another place sinking his teeth into another pale, smooth neck. Another pair of arms tightened around him and a voice gasped the name "Tasuki."
It's that damn name again, Genrou grumbled, his awareness quickly returning back to the current moment. Kourin was holding the spot where Genrou bit, a dazed looked in his eyes.
"Did you feel something strange a second ago?" He asked.
"Like I was somewhere else?" Genrou asked. Kourin nodded. "Yeah, I did. That was really fucking weird."
Kourin looked momentarily hurt for a moment. "It was weird? It felt right to me."
"It felt great, until you called me that funny name..."
"Funny name?" Kourin's eyes widened and he covered his mouth. "Oh, I called you...Tasuki, didn't I?" He quirked an eyebrow, "You're not jealous, are you?"
Genrou crossed his arms and turned away slighting, frowning. "No, not at all," he lied.
No matter how far he turned away, Kourin followed, trying to catch his eye again. He gave up once it was clear that he would be turning in circles before Kourin would stop.
"You are jealous, Genrou, but don't worry. I don't know anyone by that name. I just occasionally dream of someone I think is called Tasuki. He kinda looks like you, actually. It's not surprising that Koji told you that."
Genrou decided not to let Kourin know how relieved he was. "No, no he didn't tell me I looked like the guy... There's nothing to be jealous about anyway."
Kourin sighed and laughed. "Now, you're just being silly. I need to tell Houjun about that phone call. Thank you for once again getting me out of my funk. See you later tonight, green-eyed Gen-chan." Brushing another kiss on Genrou's cheek, he breezed out of the door, leaving a rather confused redhead behind with only a large teddy bear to glare at.
*****
The rest of the evening was uneventful, aside from Koji's good-natured jeering once he discovered Kourin's new markings on his neck. After that, Kourin wisely changed into a turtleneck in order to avoid further notice. The last thing any of them needed was Saiheti finding out and demanding Genrou's head on a platter.
After lights out, the three met in front of the second floor fire exit door. Genrou eyed the lock on the door, his mind going through the different ways one could open a lock.
"Fang-Boy, what are you looking at?" Koji asked.
"I'm looking for a way to get into the look without tripping the fire alarm. I've done a little breaking and entering before, and that's always a big thing to worry about."
Koji laughed and pushed the doorknob. "These door isn't connected to the alarm. We use these stairs whenever the elevator's busted." The door opened just as easily as any normal one. "Now let's go see what's behind door number two."
They started up one flight of stairs as quickly and quietly as possible, Kourin taking the lead and Koji bringing up the rear. The door leading to the third floor was locked with a silver five button keypad. Genrou reached into his jeans pocket and found Kishuku's letter.
"Okay, I'm guessing that these numbers here are the combination. That's weird, none of these buttons have numbers on them, and there are only five. How do we know which ones to press?"
Kourin took the letter from Genrou. "I don't think we need to have the numbers printed. We had the same type of combination lock on the back door at my house. The two digits mean that you press two buttons at once. So the combo is 45-3-12, and that means" he started pushing buttons, "Four and five, then three, and then one and two." He pulled the handle, granting them entrance.
Soft lights on both sides of the hall illuminated the silent third floor. The doors on each side were metal, with a little window at eye level and a keyhole right below each knob.
"You did remember the key, right Genrou?" Koji asked. Genrou pulled the key in question out of his other pocket. "Time for Part B of our plan. Happy hunting. I'll cover the escape route, and you guys get to searching."
"You know, you never told me why you had to be the lookout." Genrou asked.
"Koji is less likely to get in trouble if he gets caught out of his room after lights out," Kourin explained. "If he gets busted, all he has to do is pretend he's asleep. Somehow he's convinced everyone that he actually sleepwalks. I, of course, know that he's full of it, but his little ruse might just save our asses tonight. I'll take the left side."
Genrou nodded and headed to the right side of the hall, and started peeking into windows. Each room had the same furnishings, one gurney and a metal chair. Each also turned up unoccupied, and he was becoming more and more sure that Miaka wasn't really up here at all. After the sixth door, he was about to suggest to Kourin that they give up when he heard the smaller boy gasp.
"Genrou, look!" he frantically whispered. Genrou peered into the window Kourin was pointing at and gasped in surprise.
Firmly strapped to a gurney was a young brunette woman. Besides the metal chair, the room also contained a hanging IV unit connected to her pale arm. From his distance, he could see the dark shadows under her sleeping eyes. He felt himself grow angry from watching her and jammed the key into the keyhole.
"Gods, is that really her?" Kourin asked. "She looks..."
"...like shit." Genrou finished. "We've got to find out what's going on." He pushed the door open and almost walked in until he felt a sudden presence behind he and Kourin.
"Koji, I thought you were watching the exit." He growled, turning to who thought was his friend. He was mistaken.
"Um, hi Houjun," Kourin whispered sheepishly. "Fancy meeting you here."
The older counselor glared at them both. "I could ask the same thing about you two. How did you get up here?"
The boys glanced at each other, exchanging guilty looks.
"Well?" Houjun's glare nearly burned through his eye patch.
"Kishuku gave me key, and the combination," Genrou quickly confessed. "He wanted me to meet Miaka. Kourin and Koji just came along for the trip, that's all."
The glare receded. "Kishuku? That's strange. He told me to keep an eye on her room tonight, since he couldn't due to the doctor's orders."
Genrou was rather shocked, to say the least. "Why in the hell would he give us the key just to bust us? It makes no sense."
"What doesn't make any more sense is that he would risk getting fired by giving patients access to this floor. Relax, you're not in trouble." Genrou and Kourin breathed mutual sighs of relief. "I trust that his reason is important. He wouldn't have given that key to myself or Juan; we would have reported him to Dr. Ryoji in a heartbeat, especially since it looks like he's relapsing." He paused for a moment, thinking. "I think I want to find out what's with her as well. The doctor has always been vague about her condition. But we've got to hurry, because the doctor has taken over her sedation schedule for Kishuku, and he could be up here any minute. Supposedly, she gets upset very easily."
"I'd be upset to if I was strapped to a bed and kept drugged all damn day, too," Kourin muttered as the three entered Miaka's room. Genrou had to smile at his Kourin's fire.
His Kourin? He hoped so, especially after what happened earlier that day.
"It was the doctor's orders," Houjun replied. "She's disturbed."
The figure on the bed stirred as they approached. Blurry eyes slid open and a weak smile crossed her face.
"Nuriko, Tasuki. I've been waiting for you. Chichiri," she blinked and then looked harder, "You've dyed your hair. That's too bad, I liked it blue."
Houjun reached up and touched his brown bangs. "How did you know that?"
Genrou frowned as once again, he heard that strange name, this time from Miaka's lips. Why would she know about this Tasuki person? Does she think he's me?
"Miaka, who are you talking to?" Kourin asked gently, kneeling at the side of the gurney.
"I'm talking to you, Nur- wait. You really don't remember anything at all, do you?" She softly laughed. "No wonder everyone thinks I'm crazy. I have to be quick, if I'm awake, that means Dr. Ryoji will be here soon to drug me again, so just listen. I know where you all come from, and the reason why you're here. Years ago, I started reading a book called The Universe of the Four Gods. I was sucked into the story, literally, and had to become the book's heroine, the Suzaku no Miko. My best friend Yui, also got pulled in and in order to get us both out, I had to follow the storyline and find the seven Suzaku Senshi in order to summon the Phoenix God. He has the ability to grant wishes. You're three of the Senshi, Nuriko, Tasuki, and Chichiri. We, all of us, became close friends. Some of us became even more than that." She glanced at Kourin, then Genrou. "I fell in love with Tamahome, another Senshi, and he with me. We suffered through painful losses, and I wanted so much for things to be set right once we finally summoned Suzaku. But something went so wrong.
The story ended, and I was back in my world, but no one recognized me. Not my own family, not even Yui," Tears welled up in her eyes, and Kourin took her hand. "I've been locked away like this for years now, with no one ever wanting to hear me out. Then I got sent here, and I could feel everyone near me. I waited for so long for you guys to come and get me out of here. None of you know me, though. My own Tamahome doesn't recognize me," She paused for a moment to collect herself, then continued. "Ryoji knows this, and that bastard kept sending him here to sedate me, just to taunt me."
"You mean that Kishuku is your Tamahome?" Houjun asked.
Miaka sniffed, the tears now pouring down her cheeks. "Yes. Now that we're all together, Ryoji is waiting for you guys to remember who you were."
"Why?"
"He wants me to summon Suzaku, to make him immortal. I can't do that without all seven of you here and aware. He's been using me to point out which of the patients are the Suzaku Senshi."
"But wait," Genrou did a quick count on his fingers. "You said that there are seven Senshi, but I'm counting nine patients."
"I know. Chuin is actually a Senshi of Seiryuu, Suzaku's enemy. When Yui was sucked into The Universe of The Four Gods, she became Seiryuu's priestess, and my enemy. She had her own Senshi to find, and Chuin was known as Tomo. Koji was your best friend, Genrou. You're still known as Genrou, aren't you?" Genrou nodded and she smiled. "I met you first as Genrou in the book. You were a bandit." She turned to Kourin. "And I met you as Lady Kourin. We didn't get along well, at first. I'm so glad to see you again. And Chichiri? You're wearing a patch instead of that strange fox-eyed mask. I've always thought you looked better without it. No one was ever afraid of your scar."
Houjun looked even more confused as he moved his hand from his bangs to the eye patch. "How did you...?"
"There is no more time left. If I'm talking this much, it must mean that I'm too awake. Ryoji will be here soon to knock me out again. You have to get out of here quickly. Believe me or not, but thank you for hearing me out."
"No problem. Just seeing you like this is really pissing me off," Genrou pounded a fist into his hand. "We're leaving for now, but once I see that fucker Ryoji..."
"But I want to know more," Kourin asked as he ignored the hand Genrou offered to him to stand up, "Is my sister in the story? Was she alive?"
Miaka shook her head. "Please don't ask me any more questions. You need to remember on your own. Now please, go." Her eyes looked frantic. Kourin took held her hand with both of his, eyes pleading.
Genrou pulled a protesting Kourin up on his feet and walked him to Houjun, who led him into the hallway. Before he closed the door, Genrou turned to the girl.
"I don't care if you're full of shit or not. You don't deserve this, and we're gonna do something about it. Just hang on a little while longer, Miaka."
Miaka smiled brightly. "That sounds just like the Tasuki I know."
Genrou locked the door and turned to Houjun. "You'd better come with us."
Houjun nodded. "I think that would be a good idea. Dr. Ryoji wouldn't expect me in the elevator this late at night. Here, give me Kishuku's key. I can give it back to him first thing in the morning."
"Alright, take it." Genrou looked over at Kourin. The purple-haired boy was walking towards the fire exit, shoulders hunched, lost in thought. Genrou put a hand on his shoulder. "Kourin?"
He jumped in surprise, spinning to meet Genrou's eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Don't worry about Kourin-chan. I'm damn sure everything will work out."
Kourin's eyes brightened slightly. "You promise, Mr. Bandit?"
"Yeah, I promise." Genrou pulled Kourin in for a hug, which was eagerly returned. Houjun smiled and shook his head.
"Well, this is one development that I never expected," he said sarcastically, opening the fire exit door, raising an eyebrow as Koji fell onto the carpet floor. Koji rolled onto his back, grinning up at the counselor.
"Hi, Cyclops, just thought I'd sleep better tonight leaning against this door tonight..."
"Cut the crap, Koji, I know what's going on. Everyone, downstairs now."
"So, what did you guys find out," Koji asked as all four of them crept down the stairs, "Is she a crazy, drooling psycho? Tell me!" He was quickly shushed by the others.
"Koji, maybe we should all discuss this in the morning," Houjun said, "It's late, and we don't want Dr. Ryoji to discover any of us awake right now."
"Aww, Cyke..." Koji nearly pouted, but Houjun looked serious. Genrou had to agree with him; he was getting tired. From the way Kourin was leaning against his chest, he could guess that he felt the same.
"He's got a point, Koji. It's been one hell of a night," Kourin said, wiping his eyes. "I, for one, am hitting the sack right now. Goodnight everyone." He started for his bedroom, not looking back.
"Well, fine, Kourin. How about you, Fang-Boy old buddy? Toss me a bone here." Koji looked so pathetic that Genrou nearly gave in, but Houjun was already taking Koji by the arm and dragging him to his room.
"Now, don't bother those two until the morning, or I'll tell Dr. Ryoji about your little 'sleepwalking' ruse." Houjun threatened.
"You wouldn't!"
Genrou waited until Koji was appropriately shoved into his room before he slipped into his own. The last thing he thought before he slipped into slumber was Kourin. He hoped beyond hope that he could keep his promise.
*****
A phoenix's cry woke Genrou, and the first thing he noticed was that he was no longer in his bedroom. As a matter of fact, he had no idea were he was. Darkness surrounded him, and it felt as if he was floating in midair.
This has got to be a dream, he thought. But I've never had a dream like this before.
His right forearm began to glow in the same way it did earlier before he punched Chuin. He looked at the source of the glow and saw the character for "wing" etched into his skin. The glow focused into a thread of red and began to snake its way around his entire body before shooting out in front of him. The beam hit something and spread out and surrounded the entire space in warm red swirling light. The threads around his body hummed and transformed his nightclothes into a strange outfit.
What the hell? Dark blue coat, necklaces, and earrings? My ears aren't even pierced. I look like I had a fight with Kourin's closet-and lost, Genrou thought as he pulled at the clothing. It felt so real. He felt something strapped to his back. Reaching behind, he pulled out a large metal fan. Now he was truly confused.
"Kou Shun'u?" an ancient, gravelly voice called to him from nowhere. "You have heard the words of the Suzaku no Miko. Do you wish to see the truth behind them?"
Genrou spun around, seeking the source of the voice. All he could see was swirling red. "Who the hell are you? How do you know my real name? What's with the funny clothes, and what in the fuck is going on?"
A blow to the side of the head made him see stars. "Is that the way you speak to your elders in this life as well, boy?" the voice snarled. "I am offering you the opportunity to know, but you must choose of your own free will. Now, is that your wish?"
Genrou rubbed the rapidly forming bruise. "Damn, did you really have to hit me? Hell yeah I want everything to make sense."
The voice sighed, and then the surroundings began to swirl around him and rapidly shrink into a fiery sphere the size of a grapefruit. The light was illuminated the entire dark space. It floated directly in front of his nose.
"Then touch this sphere. Whether or not it will make sense or not is up to you."
Genrou reached for the ball, and it shattered with a single touch. A lifetime of memories flooded his brain. It almost felt like Chuin's attack, except it was painless. On the contrary, it was a warm and comforting rush. The faces of his fellow patients became more familiar. He remembered growing up with Koji as a bandit, and becoming the leader. The metal fan in his hands became a familiar weapon, wielding a blazing holy flame to destroy his enemies. He saw the purity of Miaka and Tamahome's love, Hotohori's grace and leadership, Chichiri's wise guidance, Mitsukake's silent strength, Chiriko's wide-eyed intelligence, and Nuriko...
His chest warmed at the thought of his strong little love. It amazed him that someone with so much class and grace and pretty manners could actually love someone as rough as he. He thought of the first time they met and the first teasing glances between them whenever no one was looking. Behind all the sarcastic remarks and the random bouts of violence between them was true loving emotion that everyone could see. He would do anything for Nuriko, he would die for him.
The memories became sadder as the thought of the losses and sacrifices in his past life, from Hotohori's death at Nakago's hands to Nuriko's final fight with Ashitare. Genrou shut his eyes and behind his lids he saw the awful sight of his love lying in a pool of his own blood. He had fought so bravely so that the others could go on, and no one ever forgot that. Tears began to fall as he remembered that he got to the scene too late to save him or even say goodbye. It was a regret that he carried with him, and not even seeing him again when his spirit inhabited a Nyan-Nyan alleviated the pain.
All of these memories, all of these feelings, poured into him, aligning themselves with his current thoughts, and he woke up the next morning as Suzaku Senshi Tasuki, whole once again.
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Comments are a writers best friend! jailaheyn@yahoo.com
Series: Fushigi Yuugi
Rating: R for language and veeeery slight lime
Pairing: Tas/Nuri
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Hello! Thanks so much for the reviews and emails and such. I really appreciate it. This story is completed on paper, so now I have to just type it up. There's one more chapter (with sweet lemony goodness!) and an epilouge to go! Thank you and please keep reading!
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The Phoenix Generation
Chapter 3
Secrets Revealed
Weeks passed without incident. No patient revealed any changes in their Dreams or any new memories.
For Genrou, on the other hand, life couldn't be better. He was being treated at Tombiki Clinic better than he had been treated anywhere else. Dr. Ryoji actually listened to him instead of drugging him up or acting condensing to him. Koji became his fastest friend, and Kourin his most maddening crush. It took a while for Genrou to get used to the cross dresser's teasing and flirting without turning shades of red. Koji's colorful side comments, on the other hand, still managed to make his ears burn.
The dynamic of the whole group changed as well. Genrou got his own room two weeks after he arrived. Yuuki and Daisho were released to their parents two days after Genrou's first session with Dr. Ryoji. No new patients were admitted. Saiheti and Chuin remained the same secluded stuck up duo, though Saiheti grew more and more disapproving of Kourin's increasing affections towards Genrou. Chuin grew more upset at Kourin for "stealing" more and more of Saiheti's attention. He took any opportunity to corner Kourin alone to intimidate him with his powers. In response, Koji and Genrou rarely gave Kourin the chance to be alone.
Sometimes, the attempts were not enough. One morning, Genrou overheard a heated argument in the girl's shower room. He peeked inside to see Chuin and Kourin standing toe to toe, glaring at each other. Kourin wore his towel against his damp skin as if he just got out of the shower, while Chuin was fully dressed.
Before Genrou could take a step inside to break up the apparent ambush, Kourin spat out, "What in the hell are you talking about this time? Don't you think I make it clear enough to Saiheti that I don't want him, ever?"
"And yet he still pursues you. He never looks in my direction anymore, and its all your fault," Chuin hissed back. "Then you have the nerve to taunt him..."
"Taunt him?"
"Yes, you taunt him by pretending that you actually enjoy the company of low class trash to Saiheti-sama's company. It's disgusting."
A blush crossed Kourin's cheeks. "Fuck you, Chuin. Genrou is not 'low class trash'. As a matter of fact, he's got more class in his little finger than in all of your precious 'Saiheti-sama'."
"You dare!" Kourin suddenly grabbed his temples, grimacing in pain and sliding to the floor. Genrou knew what that meant. Chuin was projecting emotions directly to Kourin. "Don't you ever insult Saiheti-sama again! You are not worthy of even mentioning his name! Why he even wastes his time mooning over you is beyond me!"
Genrou started to feel the onslaught as well. His head throbbed and it was all he could do to keep from screaming. Chuin was increasing the pressure, a sick smile crossing his face.
Kourin slowly picked himself up, straining as he went. "Cut it out, Chuin!" He swung at the gray-haired boy, but the punch missed. Chuin laughed at his attempt. "I said stop it!" Kourin stood shakily, and his body began to glow red as he swung once again. "Damn it, stop!" Chuin barely had enough time to duck before Kourin's fist flew in his direction. The punch slammed into the wall, leaving a hole the size of a basketball in its wake. All three boys stared unmoving at it for a few moments as the glow slowly disappeared from around Kourin's body.
Chuin turned ghostly pale. "That-that could have been my head," he squeaked, looking over at an equally pale Kourin. Not waiting for a response, he scrambled for the exit. Genrou blocked his path, arms crossed over his chest, glaring as hard as he could without revealing how shocked he was.
"You'd better leave him alone." he threatened. After a quick failed attempt at a sneer, Chuin simply nodded and Genrou let him leave. Genrou then directed his attention to Kourin. He continued to stare at the hole he made, not even blinking until Genrou gently removed his fist from the hole. Frantic rose eyes turned to meet Genrou's.
"Genrou? Did you see everything?" he barely whispered.
"Yeah, I saw everything. Are you okay? Is anything broken?" Genrou looked at Kourin's hand, and saw not one cut or bruise.
"Am I okay? I don't know. I could have hurt him...I could have killed him, couldn't I?" He began to tremble. "I just saw red, like in my dreams, and then, it was over. Nothing's even happen like that before. My hand doesn't even hurt."
Genrou pulled the babbling boy into his arms, waiting for him to calm down. "I'm glad you didn't get hurt. I'm kinda glad you didn't hurt Chuin either, though he kinda deserved it."
Kourin accepted the embrace almost in a daze. "I didn't want to hurt him, really. I just wanted him to stop. It hurt so much. Now I know how Koji feels when he does that. Do you know that he glows blue instead of red?" Not waiting for an answer, he continued. "I only noticed it for a second. His eyes were like blue lights, and just I wanted him to stop, so I...I didn't know I was that strong." Gasping, he quickly withdrew his arms from around Genrou. "Did I hurt you just now? I didn't hold you too tightly, did I?"
"No, not at all," Genrou reassured, slightly disappointed that Kourin let go. "It's kinda funny, but in some of my Dreams, I see you throwing boulders and lifting pillars and knocking me into walls all the time."
The smaller boy blinked and then cracked a smile. "Heh, I see the same thing sometimes." He looked at Genrou quizzically as he moved to hold Genrou once again. "Why am I throwing you into walls anyway?"
"Hell, I don't know." Genrou shrugged. "Maybe it was something I said."
Both boys laughed, breaking the tension. Genrou noticed that Kourin had stopped trembling and looked less spooked. He also didn't make a move to break Genrou's embrace again, and Genrou was not in any hurry to let go himself. Kourin fit against him perfectly, warm and smelling of soap and herbal shampoo. His eyes sparkled with laughter, and when his delicate hands grabbed Genrou's upper arms suddenly for support, the redhead smiled brightly inside.
The laughter slowly died down, leaving the two to gaze at each other in comfortable silence.
"Thanks" Kourin finally said.
"For what? Looks like you handled Chuin pretty well by yourself. He'll be a fucking moron to mess with you again."
Rose eyes rolled as Kourin dramatically sighed. "That's not what I mean, stupid. Thanks for calming me down. I was freaking out and was scared out of my wits, and you were here to help bring me out of it. Thank you."
Genrou was at a loss for words to respond, so he simply nodded.
"Hey guys!" Koji's voice was heard before his figure walked into the shower room. "What happened to Chuin? He's running like a bat out of-hello!" he blinked at the surprised couple. "Am I interrupting something here?"
Genrou and Kourin backed away from each other, both blushing and glaring at the intruder.
"Of course not, Koji," Kourin growled. "What brings you here this fine morning?"
"I was just wondering about what just happened. First, I found something on your door, Fang Boy, so I grabbed it and went to tell you about it, and then I felt Chuin's hate. It was just a little bit, so I knew it wasn't directed at me for once. But I was worried, so I followed the feeling. By the time I get around the corner, Chuin comes running like he saw his own ghost. Before I could even ask what was wrong, he shoves me out the way. I heard you guys talking, and now here I am interrupting your little lover's tryst."
"We weren't having a lover's tryst," Genrou argued.
"Sure, right. I didn't see you too holding each other so close, looking into each other's eyes. I was fully expecting you to start chanting each other's names over and over again."
"Ugh." Genrou groaned. "Hey, Kourin, you think you could smack him around a few times to shut him up?"
Koji laughed incredulously. "Oh please. No offense, Kourin, but you hit like a girl." His eyes drifted to the hole in the wall. "Whoa! Genrou, you beast, was that crater supposed to be Chuin? No wonder he was doing that bat out of hell impression. I'd be scared too."
"Uhh," Genrou looked over to Kourin, who looked extremely uncomfortable. He did not make a move to claim the hole. "Yeah, Koji. Chuin had Kourin cornered again. I don't think he'll bug him anymore now." Kourin blinked wide-eyed at first, then relaxed and nodded in agreement.
Koji patted his buddy on the back, grinning. "Good job. Way to watch your honey's back." Genrou glared at him, ears turning a familiar red. "Easy, easy, I'll leave it alone for now. I don't want to cause another hole in the wall. Besides, we have more important things to discuss." He pulled a white envelope out of his pocket. "Like this little package."
"Could we discuss this once I'm dressed?" Kourin asked, picking up his neglected bucket of bath supplies. "How about during breakfast?"
*****
Chuin pointedly did not attempt eye contact with the group in the dining hall, as they all predicted, when they came in for breakfast. Saiheti did not notice his Number One's reaction and continued with his self-absorbed rambling, stopping briefly to glance at Kourin. Doukun was busily filling his plate before he retired to the rec room computers where he could be usually found now that he lacked new playmates.
"Anybody else noticed the sudden lack of security around here lately?" Genrou asked, sitting down with the normal huge plate of food.
"I've noticed that too." Kourin replied. "I guess with Yuuki and Daisho gone, they don't need as many people to watch us." He blinked at Koji's two plates of various items. "Honestly Koji, I don't know where you put all that food."
"What's the matter? I'm a growing boy."
"Yeah, growing out," Genrou quipped. Koji mock-glared at them both.
"I'll have you know that I'm going to need this energy to use my massive brain power to figure out the mystery of the package." He dumped the envelope on the table. "It's addressed to you, Genrou, so open it."
Genrou picked up the envelope and tore it open. It contained a letter that read:
"Genrou,
I don't know why I'm addressing this to you. Maybe because you're new, and you still don't know the ins and outs. But someone needs to know what's going on up there. I guess the doc noticed that it's starting to get to me. My dreams are getting worse the more I see her. He's just relived me of my 3rd floor duties, and I'm afriad of what will happen to her. Take the fire exit, use this key, and please talk to her. Remember these numbers: 12, 3, 45.
Hurry, I need this key back before he finds out what I've done.
Kishuku"
A key was in the bottom of the envelope.
"So he just gave Genrou this key out of the blue?" Kourin asked. "Nope, that's not suspicious at all."
"I have to agree." Genrou nodded. "It sounds real funny." He put the letter back inside the envelope.
"Maybe you're right, but I think Kishuku needs help. You've seen him lately. He looks like hell. He could be relapsing back into what he was before he got to Tombiki. If we can find out what's wrong by talking to Miaka..."
Kourin took the envelope. "What if we end up relapsing too? We could find ourselves locked up there as well." He looked at both boys' eager faces, then the envelope. He sighed. "But then again, there's no stopping you two, isn't there?"
Genrou shook his head. "Nope. We've been talking about Miaka and the 3rd floor way too long. Here's the golden opportunity, and we get to help Kishuku at the same time."
"Fine," Kourin sighed. "I'm in."
Genrou and Koji grinned at each other, and the trio began to formulate a plan.
*****
Genrou walked out of "Dr." Juan's office later that afternoon, the plan still turning around in his head. It wasn't the most complex of operations, but it was the best they could do given the short time frame they had. He did not notice another person in the hall until a very annoyed Chuin stepped directly in front of him.
"Jeez, Chuin, watch where you're going." Genrou started to walk around him, but Chuin stepped in the way, deliberately blocking him. "What do you want? I'm kinda busy."
The gray-haired youth's chin jutted upward a few inches. "You will stop dallying with Kourin. Now." he commanded.
Genrou could not believe that after what happened this morning, Chuin was bringing up his relationship with Kourin again. Some people just never learn. He crossed his arms and cockily leaned back. "Oh yeah? And who's gonna stop me?"
A familiar sick smile crossed Chuin face again, and Genrou's breath was taken away by the wave of hateful emotion rushing into his brain. He brought his hands to his temples, hoping that would stave off the oncoming headache. Unlike this morning, this onslaught was directed at him completely.
"As you can see, I am quite capable of stopping you. I'm not even trying right now. Let us see what I can do when I actually try." Genrou slammed to his knees as the pain behind his eyes intensified. His vision was blinking in and out of focus, though for a moment, he swore that Chuin's eyes had the same blue aura Kourin was talking about before. "That worm Koji would be unconscious by now. Why Saiheti-sama won't let me finish him is beyond me. Never mind that, though, you are much more fun to play with. You should have never threatened me, peasant."
Holding his head even tighter, Genrou ground out through gritted teeth. "Why are you doing this?"
Chuin knelt down in front of Genrou, still smirking sadistically. "First of all, you do not know your place, and it is the job of your betters to remind you. Second, getting you out of the way will make Saiheti-sama quite happy, since Kourin will have no choice but to choose him. And finally, I haven't pushed my abilities this far in ages. Not since before I was admitted here, as a matter of fact. I've had people pass out, bleeding from their ears before, just for the simplest slight. And now you dared cross me. Aren't you lucky?"
Genrou certainly did not feel lucky. He did not know what Chuin meant by "getting him out of the way" but he did not like it at all. Unfortunately, his concentration was utterly shot, and thinking of a way out of his situation was difficult. If only he had one moment of clarity.
"If you were capable of focusing right now, you could see the beauty of my ambition. As much as it pains me to think of Kourin gaining most of Saiheti-sama's favors, I can at least be satisfied that it would greatly please him. Besides, I will always be his Number One; he has said so. Frankly, I have no idea why he even prefers the company of that freak of nature anyway."
The moment of clarity Genrou waited for came the moment those words hit his ears. Rage gave him the strength to shrug off Chuin's powers. He lunged at the other boy, determined to wipe that pretty smirk of his face for insulting Kourin. He landed with one hand at Chuin's throat, and the other pulled back into a fist. Fangs bared, he wordlessly dared Chuin to say another word.
He did not have to wait long. "Get off of me, you mutt, or you'll regret it." Chuin growled, his eyes flashing as he tried unsuccessfully to penetrate Genrou's thoughts. Genrou's right forearm began to tingle and glow red in response. "Maybe the two of you belong together, the mutt and the fre..."
Chuin never got the last word in as Genrou smashed his fist into Chuin's face, breaking his nose. Enraged, he shoved Genrou off and threw a retaliating punch, which was easily blocked by the more experienced fighter. Genrou quickly grabbed the outstretched arm and pulled Chuin towards him, wrapping his arms around him in a strong hold. Chuin struggled in the grip, not able to move his arms.
"Give it up, Chuin. I don't want to kick your sorry ass, but I will bounce you off every wall in this clinic if you ever dare dream of going anywhere near Kourin again. And by the way, if you ever try that mental shit on Koji, a broken nose will be the least of your problems. Got that?" He shoved Chuin out of the hold.
Chuin turned to face him, holding his bleeding nose. "This isn't over."
Genrou stared him down. "It'd better be, for your sake. You should go to Juan's office and get that cleaned up." Chuin matched his glare for a few moments, then brought his chin back up in as much of a dignified manner as one with a bloody nose could, slowly turned and walked down the hall to "Dr." Juan's office. Genrou then turned and went to the elevator. When he got to the doors, he heard the sound of clapping. To his left, in Houjun's empty office, was Saiheti. He was applauding him. Genrou readied himself just in case Saiheti was in a combative mood.
"Well done. He will not dare approach you again," the cultured voice sounded amused.
Relaxing his stance a bit, Genrou replied, "Wait a minute. You saw everything."
"Oh yes. I was here to bring Houjun this evaluation form," he held up a sheet of paper, "And Chuin accompanied me."
"And you're not pissed at me for slugging your 'Number One'?"
Saiheti shook his head. "Of course not. He deserved it for such a cowardly action. Ambushing one's opponent is not the way to properly win a fight."
"So you didn't sic him on me to take out the competition, did you?"
"If I wanted to take out the competition, I would have challenged you directly to a man to man duel for fair Kourin's hand. Since you have caught his eye, you at least deserve that much respect."
Genrou couldn't help but respect the guy a little for his sense of honor.
"I intend on settling that score sometime in the near future. But for now, I must deal with Chuin. His temper has gone too far, and insulting Kourin is an unforgivable slight. Excuse me." Saiheti nodded slightly and went down the hall. Deciding to figure out what just happened later, Genrou shrugged and hit the elevator button for the second floor.
*****
Genrou arrived on the second floor and automatically felt something was amiss. It was like a little tug in his heart and he had to follow. He checked both his and Koji's rooms and found nothing wrong in either, but the tug grew more insistent. His next stop was Kourin's room.
Inside, Kourin was looking out the window, a large white stuffed bear in his arms. Genrou remembered that teddy bear from one of the pictures on Kourin's door. Tears slowly glided down the boy's cheeks, and it was obvious that he did not hear Genrou's entrance.
"Kourin?"
Kourin turned sorrowful eyes to him, and the pain in them was quite clear. Genrou quickly thought of anything that could upset Kourin this much. Maybe Chuin got to him before heading downstairs to get his nose broken, or Saiheti's statements of honor were all bullshit and he had done something to the violet-haired boy.
Before any more theories popped into Genrou's head, Kourin spoke. "I just talked to my parents on the phone. They told me that Kourin-chan hasn't made any progress since the last time I've asked about her. They afraid that she'll never wake up, and they said that they don't want to prolong her suffering, or mine. If she don't come out of the coma soon, they'll going to have to," The tears intensified and he clutched the bear tighter. "They're going to have to take her off life support." His face crumpled and he buried it into the bear's soft fur, sobbing wretchedly.
The tug in Genrou's heart increased, and he did not have a clue what to do to comfort Kourin. He had no personal experience with comforting anyone. Affection did not come easy in his home life.
"Kourin, I'm so sorry," he said. Kourin looked up at him again, then dropped the bear and threw his arms around Genrou, still crying.
"It's all my fault. Five years ago, Kourin-chan followed me across a street in our neighborhood, and got hit by a car. She always followed me wherever I went. We were inseparable, and that's why I became her, so that we would never be apart. I've been her for so long, I never thought what I would do if she never woke up. I should have told her to stay home that day." Any other words were lost as Kourin's sobbing increased. Genrou pulled the grief-stricken boy into a tight embrace, rubbing his back in circles like he remembered seeing in the movies. He was not sure that he was doing it right, but he wanted to help his friend though his grief, and eventually the sobs began to subside.
I wish there was more I could do, he thought.
"Don't worry," Kourin replied with a steadier voice, and Genrou realized that he said his thoughts out loud. "It's okay. I'm glad you're here. Thank you."
That confession made Genrou's day a lot better. All other thought ceased as for the second time today, he dared look into Kourin's red-rimmed eyes. This was also the second today he held the smaller boy, and he could certainly get used to it. His self-satisfied mood was quickly killed as he realized that his body was reacting to the closeness in the basest way possible. The slight reddening of Kourin's cheeks told him that he had noticed, too.
Stepping back quickly and blushing furiously, Genrou found that once again, thinking of math equations and naked grandmothers was not going to help him. "I'm sorry Kourin. This isn't the kind of comforting I was going for."
Kourin answered with a small laugh. "Maybe you're right. Then again, maybe getting my mind off of what's bugging me for a bit would do some good. I can't blame you for thinking that I'm attractive."
Genrou was positive that Kourin was teasing him again. This time he decided to tease back. It worked pretty well on the basketball court, and it would indeed take his mind off his sister for a minute. "Nope, it's not. You don't look too mad about it, though."
"Should I be?" Kourin's smirk widened, and he stepped forward to brush his lips against Genrou's. "See how not mad I am?"
That was enough to break Genrou's control. He pulled Kourin back in arms and returned the kiss in earnest, desiring a lot more than the little taste Kourin teased him with. Kourin's startled gasp allowed him further entrance into the sweet well of his mouth. Genrou felt arms wrapping around his neck, and he groaned his approval.
Pulling away a bit to take a breath, Genrou traced kisses down Kourin's neck and latched onto the point where the neck and the shoulder connected. Fang met skin and suddenly Genrou was in another time, another place sinking his teeth into another pale, smooth neck. Another pair of arms tightened around him and a voice gasped the name "Tasuki."
It's that damn name again, Genrou grumbled, his awareness quickly returning back to the current moment. Kourin was holding the spot where Genrou bit, a dazed looked in his eyes.
"Did you feel something strange a second ago?" He asked.
"Like I was somewhere else?" Genrou asked. Kourin nodded. "Yeah, I did. That was really fucking weird."
Kourin looked momentarily hurt for a moment. "It was weird? It felt right to me."
"It felt great, until you called me that funny name..."
"Funny name?" Kourin's eyes widened and he covered his mouth. "Oh, I called you...Tasuki, didn't I?" He quirked an eyebrow, "You're not jealous, are you?"
Genrou crossed his arms and turned away slighting, frowning. "No, not at all," he lied.
No matter how far he turned away, Kourin followed, trying to catch his eye again. He gave up once it was clear that he would be turning in circles before Kourin would stop.
"You are jealous, Genrou, but don't worry. I don't know anyone by that name. I just occasionally dream of someone I think is called Tasuki. He kinda looks like you, actually. It's not surprising that Koji told you that."
Genrou decided not to let Kourin know how relieved he was. "No, no he didn't tell me I looked like the guy... There's nothing to be jealous about anyway."
Kourin sighed and laughed. "Now, you're just being silly. I need to tell Houjun about that phone call. Thank you for once again getting me out of my funk. See you later tonight, green-eyed Gen-chan." Brushing another kiss on Genrou's cheek, he breezed out of the door, leaving a rather confused redhead behind with only a large teddy bear to glare at.
*****
The rest of the evening was uneventful, aside from Koji's good-natured jeering once he discovered Kourin's new markings on his neck. After that, Kourin wisely changed into a turtleneck in order to avoid further notice. The last thing any of them needed was Saiheti finding out and demanding Genrou's head on a platter.
After lights out, the three met in front of the second floor fire exit door. Genrou eyed the lock on the door, his mind going through the different ways one could open a lock.
"Fang-Boy, what are you looking at?" Koji asked.
"I'm looking for a way to get into the look without tripping the fire alarm. I've done a little breaking and entering before, and that's always a big thing to worry about."
Koji laughed and pushed the doorknob. "These door isn't connected to the alarm. We use these stairs whenever the elevator's busted." The door opened just as easily as any normal one. "Now let's go see what's behind door number two."
They started up one flight of stairs as quickly and quietly as possible, Kourin taking the lead and Koji bringing up the rear. The door leading to the third floor was locked with a silver five button keypad. Genrou reached into his jeans pocket and found Kishuku's letter.
"Okay, I'm guessing that these numbers here are the combination. That's weird, none of these buttons have numbers on them, and there are only five. How do we know which ones to press?"
Kourin took the letter from Genrou. "I don't think we need to have the numbers printed. We had the same type of combination lock on the back door at my house. The two digits mean that you press two buttons at once. So the combo is 45-3-12, and that means" he started pushing buttons, "Four and five, then three, and then one and two." He pulled the handle, granting them entrance.
Soft lights on both sides of the hall illuminated the silent third floor. The doors on each side were metal, with a little window at eye level and a keyhole right below each knob.
"You did remember the key, right Genrou?" Koji asked. Genrou pulled the key in question out of his other pocket. "Time for Part B of our plan. Happy hunting. I'll cover the escape route, and you guys get to searching."
"You know, you never told me why you had to be the lookout." Genrou asked.
"Koji is less likely to get in trouble if he gets caught out of his room after lights out," Kourin explained. "If he gets busted, all he has to do is pretend he's asleep. Somehow he's convinced everyone that he actually sleepwalks. I, of course, know that he's full of it, but his little ruse might just save our asses tonight. I'll take the left side."
Genrou nodded and headed to the right side of the hall, and started peeking into windows. Each room had the same furnishings, one gurney and a metal chair. Each also turned up unoccupied, and he was becoming more and more sure that Miaka wasn't really up here at all. After the sixth door, he was about to suggest to Kourin that they give up when he heard the smaller boy gasp.
"Genrou, look!" he frantically whispered. Genrou peered into the window Kourin was pointing at and gasped in surprise.
Firmly strapped to a gurney was a young brunette woman. Besides the metal chair, the room also contained a hanging IV unit connected to her pale arm. From his distance, he could see the dark shadows under her sleeping eyes. He felt himself grow angry from watching her and jammed the key into the keyhole.
"Gods, is that really her?" Kourin asked. "She looks..."
"...like shit." Genrou finished. "We've got to find out what's going on." He pushed the door open and almost walked in until he felt a sudden presence behind he and Kourin.
"Koji, I thought you were watching the exit." He growled, turning to who thought was his friend. He was mistaken.
"Um, hi Houjun," Kourin whispered sheepishly. "Fancy meeting you here."
The older counselor glared at them both. "I could ask the same thing about you two. How did you get up here?"
The boys glanced at each other, exchanging guilty looks.
"Well?" Houjun's glare nearly burned through his eye patch.
"Kishuku gave me key, and the combination," Genrou quickly confessed. "He wanted me to meet Miaka. Kourin and Koji just came along for the trip, that's all."
The glare receded. "Kishuku? That's strange. He told me to keep an eye on her room tonight, since he couldn't due to the doctor's orders."
Genrou was rather shocked, to say the least. "Why in the hell would he give us the key just to bust us? It makes no sense."
"What doesn't make any more sense is that he would risk getting fired by giving patients access to this floor. Relax, you're not in trouble." Genrou and Kourin breathed mutual sighs of relief. "I trust that his reason is important. He wouldn't have given that key to myself or Juan; we would have reported him to Dr. Ryoji in a heartbeat, especially since it looks like he's relapsing." He paused for a moment, thinking. "I think I want to find out what's with her as well. The doctor has always been vague about her condition. But we've got to hurry, because the doctor has taken over her sedation schedule for Kishuku, and he could be up here any minute. Supposedly, she gets upset very easily."
"I'd be upset to if I was strapped to a bed and kept drugged all damn day, too," Kourin muttered as the three entered Miaka's room. Genrou had to smile at his Kourin's fire.
His Kourin? He hoped so, especially after what happened earlier that day.
"It was the doctor's orders," Houjun replied. "She's disturbed."
The figure on the bed stirred as they approached. Blurry eyes slid open and a weak smile crossed her face.
"Nuriko, Tasuki. I've been waiting for you. Chichiri," she blinked and then looked harder, "You've dyed your hair. That's too bad, I liked it blue."
Houjun reached up and touched his brown bangs. "How did you know that?"
Genrou frowned as once again, he heard that strange name, this time from Miaka's lips. Why would she know about this Tasuki person? Does she think he's me?
"Miaka, who are you talking to?" Kourin asked gently, kneeling at the side of the gurney.
"I'm talking to you, Nur- wait. You really don't remember anything at all, do you?" She softly laughed. "No wonder everyone thinks I'm crazy. I have to be quick, if I'm awake, that means Dr. Ryoji will be here soon to drug me again, so just listen. I know where you all come from, and the reason why you're here. Years ago, I started reading a book called The Universe of the Four Gods. I was sucked into the story, literally, and had to become the book's heroine, the Suzaku no Miko. My best friend Yui, also got pulled in and in order to get us both out, I had to follow the storyline and find the seven Suzaku Senshi in order to summon the Phoenix God. He has the ability to grant wishes. You're three of the Senshi, Nuriko, Tasuki, and Chichiri. We, all of us, became close friends. Some of us became even more than that." She glanced at Kourin, then Genrou. "I fell in love with Tamahome, another Senshi, and he with me. We suffered through painful losses, and I wanted so much for things to be set right once we finally summoned Suzaku. But something went so wrong.
The story ended, and I was back in my world, but no one recognized me. Not my own family, not even Yui," Tears welled up in her eyes, and Kourin took her hand. "I've been locked away like this for years now, with no one ever wanting to hear me out. Then I got sent here, and I could feel everyone near me. I waited for so long for you guys to come and get me out of here. None of you know me, though. My own Tamahome doesn't recognize me," She paused for a moment to collect herself, then continued. "Ryoji knows this, and that bastard kept sending him here to sedate me, just to taunt me."
"You mean that Kishuku is your Tamahome?" Houjun asked.
Miaka sniffed, the tears now pouring down her cheeks. "Yes. Now that we're all together, Ryoji is waiting for you guys to remember who you were."
"Why?"
"He wants me to summon Suzaku, to make him immortal. I can't do that without all seven of you here and aware. He's been using me to point out which of the patients are the Suzaku Senshi."
"But wait," Genrou did a quick count on his fingers. "You said that there are seven Senshi, but I'm counting nine patients."
"I know. Chuin is actually a Senshi of Seiryuu, Suzaku's enemy. When Yui was sucked into The Universe of The Four Gods, she became Seiryuu's priestess, and my enemy. She had her own Senshi to find, and Chuin was known as Tomo. Koji was your best friend, Genrou. You're still known as Genrou, aren't you?" Genrou nodded and she smiled. "I met you first as Genrou in the book. You were a bandit." She turned to Kourin. "And I met you as Lady Kourin. We didn't get along well, at first. I'm so glad to see you again. And Chichiri? You're wearing a patch instead of that strange fox-eyed mask. I've always thought you looked better without it. No one was ever afraid of your scar."
Houjun looked even more confused as he moved his hand from his bangs to the eye patch. "How did you...?"
"There is no more time left. If I'm talking this much, it must mean that I'm too awake. Ryoji will be here soon to knock me out again. You have to get out of here quickly. Believe me or not, but thank you for hearing me out."
"No problem. Just seeing you like this is really pissing me off," Genrou pounded a fist into his hand. "We're leaving for now, but once I see that fucker Ryoji..."
"But I want to know more," Kourin asked as he ignored the hand Genrou offered to him to stand up, "Is my sister in the story? Was she alive?"
Miaka shook her head. "Please don't ask me any more questions. You need to remember on your own. Now please, go." Her eyes looked frantic. Kourin took held her hand with both of his, eyes pleading.
Genrou pulled a protesting Kourin up on his feet and walked him to Houjun, who led him into the hallway. Before he closed the door, Genrou turned to the girl.
"I don't care if you're full of shit or not. You don't deserve this, and we're gonna do something about it. Just hang on a little while longer, Miaka."
Miaka smiled brightly. "That sounds just like the Tasuki I know."
Genrou locked the door and turned to Houjun. "You'd better come with us."
Houjun nodded. "I think that would be a good idea. Dr. Ryoji wouldn't expect me in the elevator this late at night. Here, give me Kishuku's key. I can give it back to him first thing in the morning."
"Alright, take it." Genrou looked over at Kourin. The purple-haired boy was walking towards the fire exit, shoulders hunched, lost in thought. Genrou put a hand on his shoulder. "Kourin?"
He jumped in surprise, spinning to meet Genrou's eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Don't worry about Kourin-chan. I'm damn sure everything will work out."
Kourin's eyes brightened slightly. "You promise, Mr. Bandit?"
"Yeah, I promise." Genrou pulled Kourin in for a hug, which was eagerly returned. Houjun smiled and shook his head.
"Well, this is one development that I never expected," he said sarcastically, opening the fire exit door, raising an eyebrow as Koji fell onto the carpet floor. Koji rolled onto his back, grinning up at the counselor.
"Hi, Cyclops, just thought I'd sleep better tonight leaning against this door tonight..."
"Cut the crap, Koji, I know what's going on. Everyone, downstairs now."
"So, what did you guys find out," Koji asked as all four of them crept down the stairs, "Is she a crazy, drooling psycho? Tell me!" He was quickly shushed by the others.
"Koji, maybe we should all discuss this in the morning," Houjun said, "It's late, and we don't want Dr. Ryoji to discover any of us awake right now."
"Aww, Cyke..." Koji nearly pouted, but Houjun looked serious. Genrou had to agree with him; he was getting tired. From the way Kourin was leaning against his chest, he could guess that he felt the same.
"He's got a point, Koji. It's been one hell of a night," Kourin said, wiping his eyes. "I, for one, am hitting the sack right now. Goodnight everyone." He started for his bedroom, not looking back.
"Well, fine, Kourin. How about you, Fang-Boy old buddy? Toss me a bone here." Koji looked so pathetic that Genrou nearly gave in, but Houjun was already taking Koji by the arm and dragging him to his room.
"Now, don't bother those two until the morning, or I'll tell Dr. Ryoji about your little 'sleepwalking' ruse." Houjun threatened.
"You wouldn't!"
Genrou waited until Koji was appropriately shoved into his room before he slipped into his own. The last thing he thought before he slipped into slumber was Kourin. He hoped beyond hope that he could keep his promise.
*****
A phoenix's cry woke Genrou, and the first thing he noticed was that he was no longer in his bedroom. As a matter of fact, he had no idea were he was. Darkness surrounded him, and it felt as if he was floating in midair.
This has got to be a dream, he thought. But I've never had a dream like this before.
His right forearm began to glow in the same way it did earlier before he punched Chuin. He looked at the source of the glow and saw the character for "wing" etched into his skin. The glow focused into a thread of red and began to snake its way around his entire body before shooting out in front of him. The beam hit something and spread out and surrounded the entire space in warm red swirling light. The threads around his body hummed and transformed his nightclothes into a strange outfit.
What the hell? Dark blue coat, necklaces, and earrings? My ears aren't even pierced. I look like I had a fight with Kourin's closet-and lost, Genrou thought as he pulled at the clothing. It felt so real. He felt something strapped to his back. Reaching behind, he pulled out a large metal fan. Now he was truly confused.
"Kou Shun'u?" an ancient, gravelly voice called to him from nowhere. "You have heard the words of the Suzaku no Miko. Do you wish to see the truth behind them?"
Genrou spun around, seeking the source of the voice. All he could see was swirling red. "Who the hell are you? How do you know my real name? What's with the funny clothes, and what in the fuck is going on?"
A blow to the side of the head made him see stars. "Is that the way you speak to your elders in this life as well, boy?" the voice snarled. "I am offering you the opportunity to know, but you must choose of your own free will. Now, is that your wish?"
Genrou rubbed the rapidly forming bruise. "Damn, did you really have to hit me? Hell yeah I want everything to make sense."
The voice sighed, and then the surroundings began to swirl around him and rapidly shrink into a fiery sphere the size of a grapefruit. The light was illuminated the entire dark space. It floated directly in front of his nose.
"Then touch this sphere. Whether or not it will make sense or not is up to you."
Genrou reached for the ball, and it shattered with a single touch. A lifetime of memories flooded his brain. It almost felt like Chuin's attack, except it was painless. On the contrary, it was a warm and comforting rush. The faces of his fellow patients became more familiar. He remembered growing up with Koji as a bandit, and becoming the leader. The metal fan in his hands became a familiar weapon, wielding a blazing holy flame to destroy his enemies. He saw the purity of Miaka and Tamahome's love, Hotohori's grace and leadership, Chichiri's wise guidance, Mitsukake's silent strength, Chiriko's wide-eyed intelligence, and Nuriko...
His chest warmed at the thought of his strong little love. It amazed him that someone with so much class and grace and pretty manners could actually love someone as rough as he. He thought of the first time they met and the first teasing glances between them whenever no one was looking. Behind all the sarcastic remarks and the random bouts of violence between them was true loving emotion that everyone could see. He would do anything for Nuriko, he would die for him.
The memories became sadder as the thought of the losses and sacrifices in his past life, from Hotohori's death at Nakago's hands to Nuriko's final fight with Ashitare. Genrou shut his eyes and behind his lids he saw the awful sight of his love lying in a pool of his own blood. He had fought so bravely so that the others could go on, and no one ever forgot that. Tears began to fall as he remembered that he got to the scene too late to save him or even say goodbye. It was a regret that he carried with him, and not even seeing him again when his spirit inhabited a Nyan-Nyan alleviated the pain.
All of these memories, all of these feelings, poured into him, aligning themselves with his current thoughts, and he woke up the next morning as Suzaku Senshi Tasuki, whole once again.
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