The Prophecy of Genbu

Title: The Prophecy of Genbu

Series: Fushigi Yuugi

Rating: MA

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THIS SERIES. The Fushigi
Yuugi universe belongs to Watase Yuu-san and I do not claim this universe
whatsoever. I am only writing a story for fun, not profit. For other notes,
please refer to chapter one.

style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Chapter Four

style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>The Emperor of Hokkan

Genbu
sat back in his seat, a pleased look on his features as he observed the events
happening among the mortals.  He stroked
his sleek moustache as he thought.  The
first miko he’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d summoned had been a failure and hestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
taken ridicule from Suzaku and Seiryu for years afterward.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  It had only become worse when Byakkostyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
miko, Suzuno, had successfully coupled with him and returned to her own world
after saving his country of Sairou from disaster.  Being the eldest and wisest of the four gods, this was simply
unacceptable.  The only good thing about
his predicament was that Seiryu and Suzaku had not yet summoned their miko
yet.  This would give him more time to
correct his mistake.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Are you still sulking in front of that
orb, Genbu?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Seiryu. 
Simply because I am thoughtful does not imply that I am sulking.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  What do you want?  I have duties to attend to.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I am simply concerned, my dear old
friend.  After that fiasco with your
miko, one would think-”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>That was 200 years ago, Seiryu.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Now, I have selected a new miko and she has
already arrived in this world and found two of the Genbu Shichi Seishi.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  In fact, they’ve also
encountered your Nakago.  Iname and
Urumiya seemed to prove enough to cause him to retreat.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

Smirking
at the outrage look on his rival’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s face, Genbu turned back to his orb and
gazed in at the trio of mortals asleep in the inn.  Iname was asleep against the wall, staying close to
Cassandra.  Urumiya was asleep nearby,
making sure that the two of them were within easy reach.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Genbu smiled as he took in the closeness and
the protective nature that was already there in his warriors for their
miko.  They will all be just
fine.  The sun rose to illuminate
the sleeping trio.  They had shifted in
the night and now Cassandra’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s head rested against Inamestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
leg and her feet were resting on Urumiya’s legs
so she would have the physical comfort of their presence throughout the
night.  Genbustyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
smile became a smirk as he turned to Seiryu.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Look down at them, Seiryu.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Even in sleep, my warriors show the close
bonds that are forming between them and their miko.  They will not be parted from her so easily and that devotion is
to be admired.  In this frightened, yet
determined girl, Urumiya sees the daughter he lost.  Iname sees someone he can love and protect as a younger
sister.  These three shall form the base
of a strong team of Genbu warriors. 
They will be far stronger than their predecessors and you shall soon be
eating your words, Seiryu.  Just wait
and see.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

The
guardian god of the east snorted.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“We
shall see.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Spinning
on his heel, Seiryu stalked from the room. 
That left his triumphant rival smirking and plotting as he observed his
warriors.  The first rays of light
illuminated the room and caused Urumiya’s eye to
twitch.  Groaning, he tried to turn his
face from the sun so he could go back to sleep.  It had been a long day yesterday and he wanted to enjoy a good
night’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s sleep while he could.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  His groan and the sunlight caused Cassandra
to stir.  Green eyes opened and she
looked up.  Iname?style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Did he stay like this with me all
night?  Quietly and carefully, she
sat up so she wouldn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t wake him.  Smiling at Urumiya as he curled in on himself, trying to get some
more sleep, Cassandra lifted her feet from his legs and went to wash up.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  She splashed cold water onto her face and
sighed as she walked towards the window.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I wonder if I really can be the Genbu no
Miko.  I wonder if Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m
strong enough,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> she mused and reached under her blouse
to draw out her necklace.  The charm was
in the shape of a musical note.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“I
know what you’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d say, Matthew.  You’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d tell me to keep my chin up and never
give up.  Westyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ve
been through tough stuff before…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>and we’ve
always come through.  Still, now Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m
on my own.  I just hope I can make you
proud of me.  And I hope I can protect
them when the time comes.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

She
looked back at the sleeping pair and a warm smile made her face glow.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  A warm morning breeze wafted through the
window and brushed Cassandra’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s hair over her shoulders and breasts as
she drank in the peaceful sight.  Inamestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
eyes cracked open and he yawned widely. 
Damn I slept like a rock.  Too
bad I got a crick in my neck.  He
rubbed his neck absently and glanced at the window.  At first, all he could see was a silhouette glowing in the
morning light.  That made his eyes open
wider and for a moment, he swore he saw the Genbu no Miko.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  That the woman that Hokkan had prayed for
had finally appeared.  Her green eyes
were so gentle and the smile she wore filled him with hope for their
country.  He reached out to touch this
heavenly vision, just to make sure she was real…

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Iname? 
Iname, what are you doing?”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What?” the
vision faded and the sight of Cassandra standing in front of him greeted
Iname.  Shestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s gone.  style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I asked if you were all right.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

His
vision swam and for a moment he suffered a deep pang of disappointment that the
vision had faded.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Yes
Cassandra, I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>m all right.  Sorry, I thought I was dreaming for a moment.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  What time is it?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Morning. 
We need to get going if we’re going
to make it to the capital today.  Why
don’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t you pack up and Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ll
wake Urumiya?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>All right.”

Yawning
widely, Iname rubbed his eye with the heel of his hand and went to take care of
the packs.  Cassandra went over to
Urumiya and shook him.  Her whispers
were soft and urgent as she firmly jostled his shoulder, trying to get him to
wake up.  Iname rolled his eyes and
shook his head as he tucked everything into their packs.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Let’s
see, I hope we don’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t forget anything.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Despite
the fact that Cassandra raised her voice and shook him harder, Urumiya slept
on.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Damn! 
He’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s a heavy sleeper thatstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
for sure,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Cassandra grumbled and looked
around.  “Iname,
where’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s your glaive?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Why?”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Because I have an idea on how to wake up
Urumiya.  Now, where is it?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

Iname
picked it up and handed it to her with a questioning look.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  What are you up to, Cassandra?style="mso-spacerun: yes">  He watched in growing horror as she swung
the flat of his glaive blade back and brought it forward.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  It connected solidly with the side of
Urumiya’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s head and knocked him over.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  What in the hell?style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Is she trying to knock him out?style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Iname was struck speechless as he watched
Cassandra prod Urumiya with the butt of the glaive.  A lump was rising on his head, but he didnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
even twitch.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>That man…is
something else.  Anyone else would have
at least woken up from that…”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> he muttered as Urumiya snored on.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Oh this is ridiculous!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What are you-?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

Before
he could finish, Cassandra had slammed the butt of the staff into Urumiyastyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
crotch.  There was a pause where Iname
sweat-dropped and a long silence followed. 
Then…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>AAARRRRGGGHHH!!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

The
painful scream filled the air and shook the foundation of the inn.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Many people stopped what they were doing on
the street and glanced back at the building. 
The other people staying inside all inched away from the room, not
wanting to be near that little disaster.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Good morning Urumiya!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Cassandra’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s voice was cheerful and she placed the
glaive into Iname’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s hands. 
“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I’m glad
you slept well, but it’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s time to go!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Who…wants tostyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…die?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Urumiya growled and looked around.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“YOU!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Wait! 
Wait, Urumiya, I can explain!” Iname
pleaded, waving his hands in surrender, forgetting that he still clutched the
glaive.  “Really,
I swear I didn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t do it! 
It was all Cassandra’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s idea!”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Now you die!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

As the
two broke out into a scuffle in front of her, Cassandra just stared blankly at
them for a few moments.  Iname was
pleading for Urumiya to be merciful as the man tried to wring the younger boystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
neck.  Wellstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…at least he’s
awake…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>she began to giggle.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Her giggles then became peals of
laughter.  That made the men stop.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Urumiya had Iname in a headlock and Iname
was trying to tear Urumiya’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s hair out.  For a while they just stared as Cassandra continued to
laugh.  Exchanging looks, the two men
slowly began to chuckle until Iname was also laughing loudly and collapsed onto
the floor as Urumiya released him. 
Urumiya was much more subdued, but it was obvious he was amused.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  After a few moments, they all managed to
settle down.  Iname sat up, shaking his
head and rubbing his sides.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>And what, may I ask, is so funny Cassandra?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>You two. 
You were fighting like you were brothers or something.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

Iname
merely rolled his as they collected themselves.  The trio rose and gathered up their things, getting ready to
leave the inn.  Urumiya was walking a
little slower than normal and Cassandra couldn’t help
but giggle every once in a while.  Once
their horses were saddled and their belongings loaded, Urumiya winced as he
pulled himself into the saddle. 
Cassandra clamored onto her horse and waited for Iname as he swung
himself up and settled.  Clicking her
tongue, Cassandra lead the way out of the city.  For another day the three of them rode onward, trying to pass the
time on the way the capital with talk and the occasional song from
Cassandra.  Her nerves were fried as
they approached the gates that led to the capital city.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Her throat closed and she reached out to
grab something and wound up with a fistful of Urumiyastyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
shirt.  Glancing down, he met her eyes
and smiled slightly.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Don’t worry,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
he reassured her as they rode through the snowy streets.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Youstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re
going to be fine.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>People are staring at me.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>It’s
because of your hair.  That color isnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
common around here.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Cassandra
reached up and absently fingered the strands of hair that fell around her
face.  She’d always
been proud of her hair, but because of the looks she was getting, she pulled
the hood of her coat up and over her head. 
Just to be on the safe side. 
When they reached the palace gates, Cassandra was immediately struck by
how immense it was.  While she was
gawking at the graceful architecture and sloped buildings in shades of green
and black, Urumiya approached the guards.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Let us pass, we have business with the
Emperor.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What sort of business?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>We are members of the Genbu Shichi
Seishi,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Urumiya lowered the side of his pants to
reveal the glowing symbol on his hip.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Our
new miko has finally arrived and we are escorting her to the palace.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Oh! 
Yes, at once sir!  Open the
gates, let them pass!”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> the guard bowed deeply to the trio.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Please,
this way.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

The
guards showed the three of them inside immediately.  As their mounts and belongings were seen to, they were given
rooms to stay in to rest and refresh themselves until they could meet with the
Emperor.  Iname stretched as he headed
for his room, saying he was going to take a nap.  Rolling his eyes, Urumiya turned and asked Cassandra if she
needed anything.  She said no and urged
him to go rest.  Nodding, he turned and
headed down the hall, saying that she should go to him if she needed
anything.  Left on her own for a while,
Cassandra began to wander through the corridors of the palace.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  It certainly is lovely.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Her eyes were drawn to the various works
of art that lined the walls as well as the beautiful carvings in the
pillars.  Everything was in shades of
black and green, but there were other colors such as blue, gold, and grey mixed
in as well.  The craftsmanship of
everything from the tiles to the roof accents was exquisite and Cassandra
marveled at all of it.  This is all
so breath taking.  I canstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t imagine the time it must have taken to build this
palace.  style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Glancing to her right, she paused.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What’s this?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

The
mural painting that caught her attention was the most beautiful work of art shestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
ever seen.  Stretched across the wall,
it seemed to be made up of two separate pictures, and yet they bled into
one.  On one side was the legend of the
first Genbu no Miko and her Seishi.  Her
form was painted in a black silhouette and surrounded by the silhouettes of her
guardian warriors.  On the other side
was an image of the god Genbu spread across the kingdom of Hokkan.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  It’s
as if he’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s watching over and guiding them.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  What
impressed Cassandra the most was how well the two pictures seemed to blend
together to tell one story.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Do you like it?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

The
sudden question made Cassandra jump and she backed away from the painting,
looking for the speaker.  Standing in
the hallway was an elegant-looking man bedecked in black and green robes.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Touches of gold along the sleeves and sash
around his waist made his pale skin appear to be even paler.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  He looked young, around his mid 20style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
or so, with a narrow nose and thin lips. 
He won’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t win any beauty contestsstyle='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>, Cassandra thought as she studied
him.  Still, his brown eyes are so
warm and his hair is the color of a raven’s
wing.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  The impish smile that curved on his lips
made him appear younger and made Cassandra smile.  Moving with quiet grace, his slippers making no sound on the
floor, he stood beside her.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Do you like the painting?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Huh? 
Oh…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>yes! 
Yes, I like it very much.  Even
if it seems to be two different pictures, it’s the
same story.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Really?” he
seemed interested.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“What
makes you say that?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Well, if you look at it, those are the
seven stars of Genbu and that’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s the Genbu no Miko,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
she pointed out the images as she spoke. 
“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>While over there you have Hokkan with its
guardian god, Genbu.  So, itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
really the same story.  It tells the
tale of the beast god and his miko 200 years ago.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>That’s very
good.  Most people look at it and see
two different pictures.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Well, then theystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re
obviously missing something.  These
pictures are connected.  Theystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re
like two sides of the same coin.  Both
sides tell a tale that’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s part of the whole of Hokkan.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Don’t you
agree?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

The man
smiled and his eyes shone with appreciation and joy.  “style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Thank you.  You’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>re the first person who has seen what I
meant to express in my painting.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>You…painted
this?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Indeed I did.  May I ask how you managed to figure out the message?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Well…my
brother likes to paint.  Itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
what he went away to school for.  He
taught me how to look beneath the paint and see the message.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I was never any good at drawing, so he
taught me other things.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Really? 
If you are not good at drawing…then
what are your talents, my dear?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

She
brightened.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“I
sing.  I like to bring comfort,
happiness, and laughter, anything through my music.  Still, my father never approved. 
He stopped my singing lessons a few years ago.  I haven’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t had much inspirationstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…”
she trailed off.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“My
singing helped me to forget…”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Forget what, my dear?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

She
shook her head.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“No,
it’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s…itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
all right.  Just family troubles is
all.  I have to move on if Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m
going to become the Genbu no Miko and save Hokkan.  I have to focus on the here and the now.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I’ll be
strong for myself and for those that need me. 
I may cry a lot and I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ll admit I’m not
the bravest person in the world, but I’m going
to do my best no matter what.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

The man
paused for a moment, then turned.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Come
with me, my dear, there’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s something I want to show you.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What-?”

The man
took her hand and guided her through the halls.  Cassandra was barely able to keep up and was out of breath when
they reached their destination.  Damn
this guy moves fast.  Must be because hestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s wearing a dress,
she chuckled at the thought and bent over to ease the stitch in her side.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  The door before them was simple and plain,
except it had a rather complicated locking system that Tokoyami carefully undid
before opening the door.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Please go inside.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I will join you momentarily.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Oh. 
All right.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Cassandra
straightened and headed inside.  Lamps
flickered to life around the room and illuminated the wide, airy room.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Her eyes widened and she gasped at the
beautiful studio.  The walls had been
white, but they were now splashed with colors and different Chinese characters
that blessed the room and were said to encourage creative energy.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Some of the paint had even reached the
ceiling, as though it had splattered there from what had been thrown at the
wall.  Canvases littered the area, some
on easels, and others with outlines, and there was one large, half-finished painting
that Cassandra wanted to take a look at in a moment.  She wandered over to the shelves against the wall and
smiled.  Paints, charcoal, brushes,
water, paper, and other supplies were stacked high in the shelves and on
numerous surfaces over the room.  As she
was drinking in the beautiful room, the man she met before came walking in.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Oh! 
You’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>re back!”
Cassandra smiled warmly.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Indeed.”

He was
smiling gently as he approached her. 
The clothes he wore now were old and simple, all splattered with paint.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Just pants, boots, and a loose shirt.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  His hair was pulled back in a low ponytail
and he went and opened the windows, which looked out over the gardens.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What do you think of my studio, my dear?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>This is yours?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
her tone was surprised and pleased as she spun in place, looking around.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
beautiful!  Too beautiful for words,
sir.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Thank you, but please donstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
call me that.  My name is Toko.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>It’s nice
to meet you Toko.  Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m
Cassandra,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> and she offered him a bow.

Toko
smiled and took her hand, brushing a kiss to the backs of her knuckles, making
Cassandra blush.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
a pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Cassandra.  Would you do me the honor of sitting with me?style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I would enjoy company while I was
painting.  And perhaps I could hear you
sing.  It’s rare
that I have the chance to share my art with someone.  Even my wife, who is my dearest friend, doesnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
appreciate my love of painting.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>You have a wife, Toko?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
she took her hand back and settled on a stool nearby the half-finished
painting.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Yes I do.  Her name is Meilaka and I have known her since we were children,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
he settled down in front of the painting and replaced it with a fresh
canvas.  “Would
you sing for me, Cassandra?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

She
beamed brightly.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Of
course I would.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Turning
so she was facing the gardens, she breathed in the fresh, clean scent of the
snow and began to sing.  Her voice was
soft and sweet, but grew with confidence and passion when she sang of love lost
and love found again.  Cassandra sang of
betrayals and hope, of the distant seas and the furthest stars.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  She sang in English, Japanese, and even a
little Italian.  For the first few
moments, Toko simply watched her, a warm look in his eyes.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Even though some of the languages she spoke
were unfamiliar to him, the beauty and the love was evident in every clear
note.  His charcoal brush began to glide
over the blank canvas as he encouraged her to keep singing.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Toko’s eyes
darted back and forth between Cassandra and the painting he was working on and
he basked in the sound of her voice.  Itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s so strange.  For
some reason, I feel filled with contentment and peacestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…as if my soul was healedstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…he was drawn out of his reverie by the sound of footsteps in
the corridor.  Frowning, he quickly
covered the painting.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What is it?”
Cassandra had been jolted out of her song by the heavy thudding of boots.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Are we
in trouble?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>No, don’t worry,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
he said just as a group of men burst into the room.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Sire! 
Forgive us, but the men that arrived with the Genbu no Miko are
demanding to see her and make certain she is unharmed.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  We tried to assure them that she was with
you, but they wouldn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t listen!” the
captain saluted Toko as he spoke, the rest of his men following suit.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Sire? 
Then that means…”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Ah, and here I was hoping Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
stay a secret a while longer,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Toko sighed and shook his head.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Very
well, inform Iname and Urumiya that Lady Cassandra is changing for dinner and
will arrive when we are served tonight.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Of course, Your Majesty.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

The
guards saluted and departed from the studio. 
Toko sighed and glanced over at Cassandra, who wouldnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
look at him.  Reaching out, he touched
her head gently and began to stroke her hair between his fingers.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I am deeply sorry, Cassandra.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  But this was for your own good.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  She still refused to look at him, even
as he sat down beside her and tried to call to her.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Lady Cassandra?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Why? 
Why didn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t you tell me?  You made me look like a fool. 
Isn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t that right, Emperor Tokoyami?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Cassandra,” he ran
his fingers through his hair and at least had the grace to look ashamed.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Cassandra,
I didn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t tell you because I wanted to get to
know you.  As a man, not as the
Emperor.  Besides, if you had known it
was me, you wouldn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t have been nearly as open with me, would
you?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Well, I guessstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…I
mean…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>okay, you’re
right.  I wouldnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
have told you so much about myself.  I
probably wouldn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t have sung for you either.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I still don’t like
that you lied to me though.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Toko
chuckled and knelt before her, placing his hands over hers, resting them in her
lap.  “I am
glad that I got to know you as a man though, Lady Cassandra.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  The young woman I saw before me spoke of her
hopes for the future, of her love of music, and in your beautiful voice I felt
as though my soul had found peace.  You
hold such faith and trust in your two Genbu Shichi Seishi and you have taken on
a mantle which most would never attempt. 
That’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s how I knewstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Knew what Toko?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

Chuckling
at the use of his nickname, he brushed his fingers over her cheek.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “That you
were the Genbu no Miko.  You will be the
one to save Hokkan, when the time is right. 
For now, you are a young girl who is trying to find her footing in a
strange new world.  Just know that you
won’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t have to do that alone, Lady
Cassandra.  We will be by your side to
help and protect you.  In return, we ask
nothing of you…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>except that you believe in us.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Now come, my Lady.  I would like for you to meet my wife and you must be dressed for
dinner.  I think you will like Meilaka
and I know she will be charmed by your beautiful voice and good heart.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>All right,” she got
to her feet and headed for the door.  As
she reached for the door, she paused.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Toko?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

He
paused behind her.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Yes,
my lady?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>You can just call me Cassandra if you
like.  I donstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
want you to be so formal.  After all, westyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re
friends now aren’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t we?”

Toko
looked startled for a moment and then he smiled.  “style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Yes. 
Yes, of course.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

The two
of them left the studio and headed towards their respective rooms.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Tokoyami introduced Cassandra to his wife,
Meilaka, who bowed to the priestess and immediately took her aside to dress her
for dinner.  After all, the young woman
was going to be presented to the heads of the nation and she had to look her
best.  As Cassandra soaked in the bath
that had been prepared for her, she thought back to the time shestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
spent with Toko and smiled.  Hestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s not what I expected of the Emperor.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I think I could grow to like him.style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> 
She hoped they would be able to spend time together again soon.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  A maid called to her to inform her that it
was time for her to dress and she rose from the bath and went to prepare
herself.  While Cassandra was getting
ready, Tokoyami was in conference with Iname and Urumiya.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I apologize for hiding Cassandra from
you.  However, please understand that I
only wished to get to know her, to see if she was truly the one.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  As the Emperor, it is my duty to ensure the
safety of my people.  Alsostyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…”
he glared at the two.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m
very disappointed in you both.  Youstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ve
alerted Kutou to our priestess being here and you’ve
placed Cassandra in unnecessary danger.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Emperor, it wasnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
our fault.  Nakago was trying to kill
her.  We had to protect her,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Iname was insistent as he leaned over, bracing his hands on the desk.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “It was
our duty as the Genbu Shichi Seishi.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Nakago is just a punk with a lot of
power,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Urumiya cut in.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “However,
he doesn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t have his priestess.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Nor do any of the other nations.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Yes and that allows us an advantage over
them.  However, therestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
still the history behind the Genbu no Miko and Cassandra remains ignorant to
the truth.  If Cassandra isnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
stronger than Takiko-sama was, then she will be killed and devoured by the
beast god,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Tokoyami’s voice
was flat and his eyes narrowed.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Hokkan
cannot afford to go through that again.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I agree,” Urumiya
said as he stood to Tokoyami’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s other side.  “style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Cassandra must not know about the
dangers, otherwise she will certainly try to run away in fear.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  The girl is somewhat of a coward and Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m
hopeful that with a bit of training she will be cured of that.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

As the
men talked, outside the door Cassandra stood frozen.  She’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d heard everything and her hand clenched
in a fist.  Theystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re lying to me.  Theystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re all lying to me. 
And Urumiya…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>he thinks Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m a coward?  They donstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t care about me at all, they just care that Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m going to save their country!  Furious
and hurt beyond means, she spun on her heel and dashed towards her room.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Ripping off the elegant clothing shestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
been given for that evening’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s meal, she threw on simpler traveling
clothes and packed a bag full of supplies before heading for the stables.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I guess if they canstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
trust me to know the truth, then they just don’t need
me,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> she had a stable hand saddle her horse
and she swung herself up.

Although
she wasn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t used to riding, Cassandra vowed that
she would endure it.  Clicking her
tongue, the Genbu no Miko rode from the stables and headed away from the palace.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  She left the capital citystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…and
her warriors behind.

*          *style='mso-tab-count:1'>          *          *style='mso-tab-count:1'>          *

Well, here’s another chapter
:D  I’ll try to keep updating as often
as possible, but I hand write all of the chapters first before I transfer them
and that takes a while.  Hope you
enjoy!  Read and review!