Fushigi Yuugi Fan Fiction ❯ The Prophecy of Genbu ❯ A New Priestess is Chosen ( Chapter 1 )

AUTHOR'S NOTES

PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING!!!!

 

Title: The Prophecy of Genbu

Series: Fushigi Yuugi

Rating: MA due to the following:

-Coarse language

-Allusions to rape and sexual scenes in future chapters

-Homosexual relations

-Violence

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.

Summary: After Okuda Takiko failed to complete the summoning and use her third wish because of her father's actions, Genbu became furious. Deciding that his past warriors and miko weren't enough, he set out to find a new priestess and a new team. Bestowing upon the warriors new abilities and allowing some to keep their old, he finally found the one her was looking for after nearly 200 years of searching. Now, Cassandra Terry, a young girl from America that has been uprooted to Morioka in Japan near…Genbu's grotto. Just as that place was where the first Genbu no Miko was summoned; now the second has arrived as well. Now in the book world with a new team of Seishi warriors, Cassandra must find the courage within herself to finish what Takiko began. But…can she do it when there are things such as dead warriors, Nakago, and future miko to contend with? And so the story unfolds.

 

Now, as a note…

THIS STORY IS COMPLETELY AU!!!

*Coughs* Now that I have that out of my system, let me explain. This story is set in modern world time 2 years before Miaka and Yui are summoned, which is about five years in the book world. It's about a new team of Genbu warriors that I created myself. Now, I wrote this before Genbu Kaiden was released, so this will be different from that story. This is why I pointed out that this story is AU. It is written by a person who has seen the anime, OAV's, and read the manga of Fushigi Yuugi and the first volume of Genbu Kaiden. So, I shall be messing with the plotline a little bit, but nothing too drastic, this story mainly focuses on my team. If this is not to your liking though, I suggest you leave. Criticism is welcome, as long as it's constructive and doesn't degrade the way I write. Thank you.

 

 

Chapter One

A New Priestess is Chosen

 

“Everything has a beginning and everything has an end. This is true for all things. Such is the fate of mortals. And as she once said…we are the ones who orchestrate our lives, be we mortal or god.”

The black-haired deity took the time to study his observation orb for a moment and then shifted his gaze to the chart near him. It depicted his seven stars, along with those of his rivals and competitors. They were not only his seven stars in the northern part of the chart, they were his celestial warriors. Pale, glowing fingers trailed over the chart with a thoughtful expression. Long, narrow, and calculating black eyes studied the patterns and he sighed.

“As it all began with Okuda Takiko, it did not end with her. She failed in her summoning and forced me to select a new miko. One that could complete the summons and resist being devoured by me. That she died before she could make her final wish was…unforgivable,” he growled and then turned back to his observation orb. His expression softened just a moment. “Five years ago she appeared in this world and yet her mission is not complete. She has gathered the Seven Stars of Genbu and still she has not attempted to summon me. Perhaps she knows the dice that have been thrown against her and knows that if she does indeed summon me…she shall have to leave them behind for good.”

The god of the North, Genbu, waved his hand over the orb and it presented him with an image. It was of a young woman around nineteen years of age laughing with a raven-haired man next to her. Behind them, scowling in disapproval, but eyes showing deep love and care, stood a man just beginning to show the signs of aging. Silver eyes appeared tired, but there was still the spark of youth in them. The image moved over five other forms, two which were entwined in each other's embrace and the other three deep in conversation.

“Still, I have never seen those men so happy. Perhaps it is best that she remains here for now. At least until Seiryu and Suzaku summon their miko to our world. She may be needed to clean up the mess afterwards,” he said and chuckled. “I can still remember the first day she arrived. Cassandra…”

It had all started five years ago in the book known as the Universe of the Four Gods. Well, it had been five years in the book's time, but it had only been little more than two years in the reality where the miko were chosen. It was before the summons of Yuki Miaka and Hondo Yui but after the departures of Suzuno and Takiko. Dissatisfied with the performance of his miko, Genbu set out to choose new Seishi and bestow new powers to some and keep the old power of others. He also needed a new miko and chose to look for someone…special. Someone who stood out. Genbu's search bore him results after almost 200 years in the book world. What he found even he did not realize until he summoned her. It was a young woman by the name of Cassandra Terry. Only fourteen years of age, she and her family had been uprooted from their home in America and placed in Morioka in Japan. She had stumbled upon the book one day in her father's library after studying her Japanese lessons. Little did she know that her life was about to change forever.

“Cassandra! What are you doing?”

An older man with shoulder-length, graying tawny hair stood in the doorway of the library. The teenage girl in question snatched her hand back from the shelves sheepishly and looked at the ground. Cassandra knew better than to be in her father's library, but she just couldn't help herself. There were so many interesting books in the room and she loved them all. Light green eyes flecked with brown looked sheepishly up at her father and she gave him a charming smile that didn't fool her father a bit. He knew her too well.

“Papa, I was only looking for a book to read,” she answered in English and he shook his head.

“Cass, has it not yet occurred to you that we're not in America any longer? You must continue to practice your Japanese,” he said as he approached the shelf to see that nothing was disturbed. “I can't have my daughter so stubbornly cling to those filthy American ways.”

The girl's heart dropped in her chest. Cassandra bowed her head to hide the tears that were welling up in her eyes. She clenched her hands into fists behind her back, hiding the book that she had taken from the shelf. It served him right. The girl's anger was great and she didn't even want to look into her father's eyes. Just his words made her angry.

“And have you forgotten, father, that you're American?” she screamed before running from the room.

Indeed, it often appeared that her father had forgotten everything of their American heritage. Neither of her parents nor her brother was Japanese, but the company her father worked for had uprooted their entire family and brought them overseas. Although Cassandra wasn't all that close to her father, she resented him greatly for letting their family move from one country to the other. Besides, her mother was always away and her brother…her beloved brother Matthew had already moved out and had a life of his own. He was the only one that Cass felt she could count on and she sniffled. Japan was all right, but it wasn't America. It wasn't her home. Closing and locking the door to her bedroom, Cass flopped onto her bed now clutching the book she'd taken from her father's library. It had drawn her to it somehow. A haze of silver light with black at the edges had emerged from the book and for some reason she could have sworn she saw a tortoise with serpents on its back. The book was old and worn with a battered red cover and she opened it carefully.

“Now, let's see what you are…”

Cassandra looked at the title and frowned. The Four Gods of Heaven and Earth? I've never heard of it…she thought and opened the book. The pages were old and she handled them carefully.

“This is the story of a girl who gathered the seven Seishi of Genbu and acquired the power to make every wish come true…”

The familiar words rolled off her tongue as though they'd been spoken before. When she finished the introduction, Cassandra gasped as that same silver and black light emerged from the book and wrapped around her. A swooping sensation was felt in her stomach and she cried out as the light engulfed her completely. Squeezing her eyes closed, the teen felt as though she was suddenly falling and wasn't going to stop. All of a sudden, Cass connected with solid ground and yelped in pain. She'd landed on her ankle wrong and now it was throbbing in agony. Gripping the bruised area, she struggled to sit up and began to look around. She knew at once she was no longer in her room nor did she have her father's book.

“But where am I now…?” she asked and looked around.

It appeared to her that she'd landed in an area that was lush with farmland. Cassandra gazed at the meager crops. Most of the farms didn't have that much for land but her eyes were drawn to one about a mile down the road. It was lush and the crops stretched for what seemed miles. Although the house was small, there was movement there and her heart started to pound.

“Something's telling me to go there…” she muttered and then her stomach rumbled and she laughed in embarrassment, blushing slightly. “Guess that solves that mystery!”

Despite her laughter, Cass was terrified. How had she ended up here? Where was her family, her home? Grasping a boulder for support, Cass pulled herself into a sitting position, her arms and legs trembling. A wince came to her features and she mewled as she looked around for any sign of people. It was so hard to stand, but Cass forced herself to do so.

Meanwhile, in the heavens, the black-haired deity known as Genbu looked down on the young woman through his observation orb. She has heeded my summons. Perhaps now I shall find a miko worthy of my name. Genbu had been enraged that the first miko he'd chosen, Okuda Takiko, had not possessed a will strong enough to prevent her from being devoured by him. And then her father had to interfere and kill her before her final wish was made! His hope was that this one would be strong of heart and mind. All in all, a worthier priestess than Takiko. Cassandra…let's hope that you don't disappoint.

Cass began to struggle to get down the road, limping on her bad ankle. The pain was intense and it stabbed at her entire leg and lower body. With each step, she fought the urge to scream in pain. No matter how hard she tried though, small cries escaped her as she walked. She wouldn't be deterred from her destination though and continued on. After what seemed like ages, Cass felt as though she couldn't take another step and swayed on the spot. Reaching out for the nearest tree or something, Cass stumbled and leaned against it, taking her weight off her leg.

“Wow, that's a bad injury.”

Immediately she turned to where the voice had come from. Standing before her was a broad-shouldered youth with jet-black hair and a pair of eyes that matched the hunter green shirt he was wearing. Cassandra opened her mouth to answer, swayed, and finally passed out from the excruciating pain. The youth caught her in his arms and looked at her leg.

“She must have hurt herself back there. Why was she…?” he turned his gaze to the farm nearby. “Oh, I see. Well, since she was headed that way I may as well take her home to the family.”

He scooped Cassandra up into his arms and carried her bridal-style down the road. What bothered him though was her strange clothing. The 15-year-old male had never seen anything like it in his entire life. It was too strange to be even that of a foreigner and that had him worried.

“She's no ordinary foreigner that's for sure,” he muttered as he walked up the long dirt road and into the small house. “Hey, Ma, break out the bandages, we got us a guest!”

A woman with the same colored eyes as her son and graying black hair appeared in the entryway. “Oh Chun, what happened to her?”

“She damaged her ankle about a mile down the road and was headed this way when I found her. Passed out cold from the looks of it,” he explained as he brought the girl deeper into the house. “Little fool was trying to walk on this thing. It was a good thing I happened along.”

Laying Cass down on the bed, the young man proceeded to roll up the pant leg of her jeans.

“What odd clothing…”

“I noticed that, Ma. Could you bring me my medicine basket, please? I need to treat this right away before it gets infected,” he said and hissed when he saw the bruised and bloody area.

Nodding, she departed and Chun began to feel Cassandra's ankle. That's good, no bones out of place. Just swollen, a bit sprained, and cut up. Nothing that a good cleaning can't help. Glancing up at her features, he had to admit that she was pretty. Before she fainted, he'd noticed that her eyes had been a light green that reminded him of corn stalks, framed by lush lashes. Tawny golden-brown hair fanned around her shoulders and back, framing her head like a halo. She wasn't overly tall either, around 5'6” or so. He swallowed audibly.

“Chun!”

“AGH!” he yelped and jumped a mile. “Mika! What in the world are you doing, trying to give me a heart attack?”

“Why are you staring at that pretty girl, Chun? You're not doing anything…” the 7-year-old looked around and moved closer to her brother before whispering. “Naughty are you?”

“Uh…” Chun trailed off and sweat dropped. “Mika, I don't know where you heard that from and frankly, I don't want to know. Where's Ma?”

“Right here. Now Mika, be a good girl and run along. Your brother's going to be busy for a while,” Heng Mae walked back into the room carrying bandages, water, and a large, covered basket.

“Thanks, Ma.”

Without waiting a moment longer, Chun began to patch up the young woman's ankle. In his hands the plants almost seemed to glow and when applied, the wound slowly began to heal before their very eyes. It was still healing when Chun wrapped the final bandages around her ankle and they left Cassandra to rest. She slept for two days before several things woke her. The first was the nagging in her bladder, the second was that her stomach felt as though it was caving in, and the third was that she felt a strong hand on her forehead. Groaning softly as the room swam into focus, Cassandra attempted to sit up, but a second hand held her still and gently pressed her back down onto the bed.

“Don't move you're still not completely out of the woods yet.”

“Who are you? And…where am I?”

“My name is Heng Chun and this is my home.”

“Thank you,” she said and managed to finally get a good look at the other. “I really don't know what I would have done otherwise. You saved me, I'm very grateful for that.”

“Think nothing of it,” he answered and settled into the chair next to the bed. “What's your name?”

“Cassandra. Cassandra Terry.”

“Odd name…odd clothes too.”

“I can't help it, I'm not from here. Where is `here' anyway?”

“This is Hokkan. It's a country that's at the northernmost part of our world. We're bordered by the countries known as Kutou, Konan, and Sairou. This is a farming village near the eastern border.”

“Hokkan?”

“Yep.”

“Oh no…I'm in another country!” she groaned. “This isn't where I come from at all. I've never even heard of any of those countries! Oh now I wish I'd never opened that stupid Four Gods book!”

Chun raised his eyebrow but smiled. “Calm down, don't worry. We'll take good care of you while you're healing.”

“I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a burden to your family,” she apologized and looked away.

“It's not a burden at all. You've overexerted yourself so now you need to rest Cassandra. Don't worry about a thing,” he reassured her as his mother walked in with a tray of food.

“I brought something for the young lady to eat. Are you hungry dear?” she asked and set down the tray.

“All right! Food!” he cheered and then whined as he was smacked over the head. “Itai! Pop, what was that for?”

“That food is for our guest, young man. If you're so hungry, put those talents of yours to use and help your mother with dinner,” the elder male said sternly, raising an eyebrow at Chun.

“Aw, Pop,” he muttered and slouched off.

Cassandra's eyes were wide with confusion and then she covered her mouth with her hand. Suppressing her laughter proved futile and she burst into bright, happy giggles. It surprised Mae and her husband, Kengo. Laughter softened her features and made Cass' eyes brighten. Her shoulders shook and the teen wiped her eyes. It was just so funny to see Chun chastised like that. Smiling, Mae headed for the door with her husband at her side.

“Eat up dear; you'll need your strength.”

“Thank you so very much,” she gasped as she finally managed to stifle her giggles.

Mae and Kengo departed, leaving Cassandra alone with her thoughts. Picking carefully at the bread and stew, she began to wonder if her mother or father were missing her. Or even if her older brother had stopped by and noticed that she wasn't there. They probably don't even care. And Matthew's so busy with his new life here that he hasn't had time to visit. He's moved on…she thought bitterly. Cass sighed as she ate carefully and then tried to get to her feet to return the tray to the kitchen. Just as she managed to stand, the tray and the dishes clattered to the floor and she yelped wildly. White spots flashed before her eyes as she clung to a table and tried to get up again. The crash had startled Chun and he immediately raced into her room. When he saw what she was trying to do, he scooped up the tray and set it and the dishes aside with a frown. Then, he went over and tried to pick Cass up.

“No!” she pushed his hand away and tried to get to her feet. “I can do it myself. …I don't want to burden your family…”

“Cassandra…”

He reached out once more but stopped himself from helping her. For a few moments, all he could do was watch Cass try and pick herself up. He could see the obvious pain it caused in her features and the way she struggled even to stand. Why do I care so much? I just met her. But perhaps…if she's the one…then maybe my caring just kind of feels right. Finally, he couldn't stand it anymore and knelt down beside her where she'd once more fallen.

“Now listen, I'm carrying you so you can keep weight off of that ankle. Don't be an idiot, Cassandra; you know you can't stand on that leg!” Chun barked and scooped her up.

“Don't call me an idiot! Put me down right now, I mean it!”

“No! Stop squirming and shut up!”

“Don't tell me to shut up! Chun, I don't need you to carry me! Put me down, you big palooka!”

She began to swear colorfully in English and Chun almost dropped her from the shock. That's no language I've ever heard before in my life. She really is the one, I know it. He yelped and then fell backwards as Cass hit him over the head. Thankfully they managed to land rather awkwardly on the bed. Cass jarred her ankle and howled painfully.

“You little…why'd you hafta go and hit me for?” Chun whined as he rubbed the back of his head.

“I told you not to help me! I don't want you to go out of your way for me, I'm not worth it!”

“And I told you that I was going to help you no matter what you said. You're hurt,” he said in a softer tone and gazed at Cassandra steadily. “Please, let me help you. I…I'm worried about you.”

She just stared at him at first as his words sank in. It was so hard for her to believe that someone actually wanted to help her. It was apparent that he wasn't going to take no for an answer and she sighed. Something about his earnestness and his jade green eyes made her soften. Blowing bangs out of her eyes with resignation, she reached up and cuffed him lightly on the head.

“All right. Now please get off, you're hurting my leg,” she said with a small smile and chuckle.

“Oh! Gomen,” he apologized and slid down and off the bed. “Arigato…for letting me help you. I mean…well…ack, I'm leaving now! Don't get out of that bed for nothing!”

He hurried off and grabbed the tray before he disappeared from the room. That left Cass feeling more than a little confused at his actions. Shrugging, she tried to remember what it was that she'd read in the book before she came here. But for the life of her, she just couldn't remember what it was. As much as she hated to admit it, she missed her parents. Chun's parents are so nice. I wish mine were like that; she thought and clenched her hands into fists to try and stop them from trembling. Loneliness, confusion, and fear finally won over her and Cassandra covered her mouth with her hands and began to cry. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes and flowed down her cheeks as she sobbed. Terror gripped icily at her heart. She began to wonder if she'd ever see her parents or her home again. Even though she tried to hide her tears, they could still be heard by Chun, who was standing outside Cass' door. With a sigh, he walked into the kitchen to face his parents. Mae and Kengo were sitting at the table, both looking worried as their son approached. His expression belied his fifteen years and he sighed.

“I'm taking her to the capital. She deserves the right to know why she's here,” he said and sat. “She's the one, I'm sure of it. Those clothes, her appearance, her language…”

“No! Chun, you can't go! And look what happened to the former Genbu no Miko! How could you put that poor girl through that?” Mae wailed, careful to keep her voice down. “Takiko-sama was killed as a result, and you could both die in this venture as well!”

“Ma…” Chun said gently. “I am one of the Genbu Seishi. We knew this day would come. It's my sacred duty to protect my miko, as the warrior Iname. Besides…she needs me. She's alone and scared and she's going to need a friendly face by her side. Ma, I want to go. Cassandra's even younger than I am, younger than Takiko-sama was, and she'll need all of the protection she can get. I will start out in the morning.”

Kengo looked at his son with pride. He knew from the day his son was born that Chun would eventually leave them and take his place as the Genbu warrior, Iname. It had been foretold that a new miko would be chosen and it was his son's duty to protect and if need be, die, for her. Even though Chun's touch with plants made the soil on their farm lush and able to bear crops for years on end, he knew it was time to let him go. Finally, he gave his nod of approval, graying brown hair falling over tired brown eyes and rose to his feet. Mae sniffed and dabbed her eyes as Kengo left the room. He returned moments later with a long box in his hands. Placing it on the table, he looked at his son.

“Chun…Iname…this was mine a long ways back and was given to me by my father. My father in turn received it from his and it has been in our family for generations. You're a man now and I want you to have this for your journey,” he said quietly.

Lifting the lid, a long pole arm was revealed. It was about six feet in length capped by 12 inches of blade. The pole was made of teak, polished and sturdy. The blade itself was gleaming silver steel with blue flame in the metal. It marked it as high quality. Speechless, Chun lifted the weapon from the box and balanced it on one finger. Despite its age, it balanced perfectly and was in prime condition for wielding, that much was certain.

“Pop…it's perfect. But, I don't know how to use something like this,” he whispered.

“Oh yes you do. I've seen you `attacking' a sack of grain with a staff for ages. Now, if you're going to the capital, and with a young woman besides, you've got to be able to defend her honor. Mae will make sure you have everything you need, but you're the one who's got to tell her why you're leaving. Go on,” he urged. “But don't tell her who she is just yet.”

“Yes sir,” he replied and laid the glaive back into the box before heading towards the door. “And Pop?”

“What?”

“Thanks.”

Waving his son off, Kengo went to the stable to groom a pair of mounts for their journey. He was sad to see Chun go, but he knew that it was a part of fate's plans. And the great god, Genbu's. Once he was finished with the grooming, the man walked out and gazed up at the stars as they winked and shone in the pitch-black sky. A wave of nostalgia washed over him and he sighed.

“Great Genbu, please keep my son and your miko safe. Watch over them when I cannot, I beseech you. And may their journey bring them the happiness they both so richly deserve.”

Chun walked down the hall and knocked light on Cassandra's door. She looked up and quickly wiped away her tear stains on her cheeks before answering. When he walked in, she felt her heart tighten. Seeing him only reminded her that she was in a strange new place, relying on people she barely even knew. Once Chun settled on the edge of her bed, Cassandra threw herself forward and hugged him tightly. This startled the raven-haired youth, but he quickly embraced her, sensing her need for comfort and reassurance.

“What's with this all of a sudden?” he asked with light-heartedness and a gentle smile.

“I've been doing some thinking and I want to say thank you. Thank you for being so kind to me. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't come along,” she whispered, her words muffled in his chest. “It means so much…you helping me like you have.”

“Well, I'm going to be helping you even more from now on,” he promised, remembering who she was. “I'm going to start by taking you to the capital and I'd like it if you'd call me Iname.”

“Iname?”

“It's a nickname of mine. Please?”

A little confused, but eager to keep his friendship, she nodded. “Why are we going to the capital, Iname?”

“I think you'll be able to find your answers there. The ones as to why you're here and what exactly happened. We leave first thing in the morning. Don't worry, Cassandra, I'll be there to protect you.”

The sincerity in Iname's eyes and words was enough to convince Cassandra. No matter what happens, I know he'll keep his word, she thought and released him. She wiped her eyes again and gave Iname a small smile. Patting her knee, he rose to his feet and departed. Most of the household managed little sleep that night, knowing what awaited them all in the morning. The next morning, Mae cried as she made sure their packs were stocked well and made sure Iname re-bandaged Cassandra's ankle. Both teens were wrapped in warm clothes; two horses were carrying a few sacks and one had Iname's glaive attached to the saddle so it would be in easy reach. Cass was even wearing something of Mae's: a long black coat with silver fastenings and silver rabbit fur along the collar and sleeve cuffs. She thanked the older woman numerous times from her perch on her horse, her ankle still in bandages. Cass had protested at being lifted and carried so much, insisting that she was fine, but Iname wasn't taking any chances. He was bound and determined to make sure that the ride to the capital was comfortable for them both.

“Thanks Ma, Pop,” Iname said and hugged them both, also wearing a thick black coat and other warm clothing. He knelt down and hugged his sister tenderly. “See you, Mika.”

“Bye big brother. Take care of your horse, don't forget,” the child said solemnly, not fully understanding why her brother was leaving.

“I won't forget.”

Mika nodded and Iname rose to clasp hands with his father one more time. After a brief moment, he climbed onto the horse. Settling himself behind Cassandra, he made sure their second mount's lead was secure, clicked his tongue, and they started off. Turning, they both waved until the farm was out of sight. Neither knew where their journey would take them, but both were eager for it to begin.