The Prophecy of Genbu

Title: The Prophecy of Genbu

Series: Fushigi Yuugi

Rating: MA

style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>For the Love of a Father

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Before you leave,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Taiitsukun said, floating before the group as they prepared to leave.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Cassandra,
step forward.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

It was
the next day and the four were getting ready to leave and continue their search
and the new mission that awaited them in Kutou.  Setting her pack down, Cassandra stepped up to the old woman.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What is it, Taiitsukun?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"'>I am going to awaken your powers as a
priestess.  It will be up to you however
to train yourself and harness your powers. 
Now, kneel.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Cassandra
knelt down immediately, her heart pounding with excitement.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Maybestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…maybe now I’ll
finally have a way to defend myself.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  She didn’t know
she had powers as a priestess.  She hadnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
even considered it.  It would take a lot
of work, that she knew, but Cassandra was determined to learn her powers and
how to control them.  And she hoped her
warriors would help her as well. 
Taiitsukun placed a finger on Cassandra’s brow
and black light shone under the tip. 
For a moment, all was still and as the light faded, the spell was
broken.  Straightening, Taiitsukun
folded her hands into the sleeves of her robe and smiled.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>There, your powers have been
awakened.  However, only you can
determine the time to tap into those powers. 
Now go, and good luck on your journey Genbu no Miko, Genbu Shichi
Seishi.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Thank you Taiitsukun.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Well guys,” she
turned to her warriors and grabbed her pack. 
“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>It looks like westyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re
heading for Kutou.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Yeah, let’s go
before it gets too late,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Iname agreed.

Uruki
still didn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t look completely at ease with their
mission, but he knew what had to be done. 
I agreed to this mission.  Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’m the only one who can pull it off.style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> 
Gathering up his pack, he paused when he felt a hand on his
shoulder.  Glancing back, he was
surprised to see Iname smiling back at him.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>You’re a
strong guy, Uruki.  I know you can do
this and come out smelling like a rose. 
And this from a guy who hasn’t known
you very long.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Relaxing,
Uruki smiled.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Thanks
Iname.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

He
winked.  “I just
calls em as I sees em.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>All right, westyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
better go.  Itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
a long journey to Kutou and we still have yet to finalize our plan,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Urumiya slipped his pack over his shoulders. 
“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>But don’t worry,
Uruki, we’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ll make certain Nakago doesnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
recognize you.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Urumiya…” he
grinned and cleared his throat, looking embarrassed.  “style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I mean, uh, thanks.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

Nodding
gruffly, Urumiya glanced back towards the door, waiting impatiently for the
others to follow him.  Cassandra giggled
behind her hand and Iname snickered slightly at the way Urumiya was acting like
he cared.  Uruki simply chuckled and
decided not to embarrass the other man anymore.  He simply went over to Cassandra and hugged her a little, trying
to show how thankful he was for their understanding and friendship.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Taiitsukun smiled and sent them back to
their horses with her blessings before she vanished.  At first and argument broke out as to who was riding with whom,
since they only had two horses, but finally it was settled.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Cassandra was riding with Urumiya while Uruki
was with Iname.  The four of them rode
until sunset when they decided to set up camp near a stream.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>So…”
Cassandra was warming her hands in front of the fire, shivering as the chill of
the night descended.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Whostyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
going to escort Uruki into Kutou?  Nakago
knows what we all look like.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I’ll go,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Urumiya draped a blanket over Cassandra’s
shoulders, his voice gruff.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“I
will be able to keep calm under the circumstances and with the proper disguise,
I can get inside.  And stay away from
Cassandra, Iname while I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>m with Uruki.  Can’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t trust hormonal teenagers.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"'>Yeah, yeah, sure, sure,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Iname waved him aside carelessly.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“How
are you going to get into Kutou, Urumiya? 
You need papers to get in.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Oh no,”
Cassandra sighed.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I didn’t even
think of that,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Uruki muttered, putting more wood on the
fire.  “How are
we going to deal with that?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>That isn’t a
problem,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Urumiya reached into his bags and pulled
out some rather worn papers.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Travel
papers from when I lived in Kutou.  Theystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re
old, but the seal is still good, it doesn’t expire
until next year.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Urumiya, thatstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
brilliant!  We can get into Kutou now!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Cassandra beamed.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Correction, Uruki and I will be getting
into Kutou,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Urumiya replied.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “You and
Iname will be going to Konan in order to find the other Genbu warrior.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Now we’ll need
disguises and codenames for our arrival. 
This means we’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ll have to go to the nearest market.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’ve we
got for money?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Iname began to rummage in his money
pouch.  “Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ve
got twenty coppers.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Three silver pieces and ten coppers,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Uruki added as he held out his money pouch.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Four silver pieces,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Urumiya grunted.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I only have money from my world,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Cassandra admitted.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Will
seven silver pieces and thirty coppers get us very far?style="mso-spacerun: yes">  And what are we going to do for food and
such afterwards?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>We can figure that out later.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Perhaps Uruki could make off with a few gems
of the Emperor’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s?” Iname
snickered under his breath.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“That
old geezer’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s probably got loads in that palace of
his.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Not a bad idea,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Uruki grinned.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“And
that could help get old blonde-and-bastardly off my back.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  He’ll be so
busy trying to find the thief, he’ll be
too busy to notice the new ‘style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>gift’ to the
Emperor.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>No.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What’s the
matter, Urumiya?  Donstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
think Uruki can do it?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Iname challenged.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>If a thief appears at the same time a new
‘style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>gift’ arrives
then they’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ll immediately suspect her.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Nakago isn’t a
fool, Uruki, unlike Iname.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Hey!”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Nevertheless,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Urumiya continued.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“We
shall think of something.  Now, the rest
of you get some rest.  Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ll
take the first watch and we still have far to travel before we reach Kutou.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

He
banked the fire as the others settled into their sleeping blankets.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Cassandra waited until Uruki and Iname were
laying down before she went over to Urumiya. 
Her green eyes were gentle as she kissed his cheek.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Thank you, Urumiya.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  For everything.  Just make sure to get some sleep yourself, okay?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

He
cleared his throat, tried not to look flustered, and nodded gruffly.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Cassandra was about to turn back and go to
her sleeping bag when Urumiya reached out and pulled her into a warm, tight
hug.  Startled at the sudden change in
the man, she glanced up at him, wondering what had brought about this
change.  Urumiyastyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
eyes were intense as he held her protectively to him.  I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ve always wanted my father to hold me
like this.  style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>It was comforting, protective, and yet so
gentle.  He stroked Cassandrastyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
hair tenderly as he stared into the fire. 
Even Urumiya didn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t know what had come over him.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  The urge to embrace her, to console her, had
just flared up and he’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d followed through with it.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  What am I doingstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…?

Although
his arms loosened to release her, Cassandra clutched his arm tight and trembled
against him.  Glancing down, his silver
eyes hid his shock when he saw tears in Cassandra’s
eyes.  Reaching down, he brushed at the
tears with his thumb gently, his heart aching when he saw her crying.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  It’s
the same I felt for my little girl.  I
want to hold her close and never let anyone hurt her.style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> 
He could feel her need to be comforted by someone who could be a father
to her.  After all, shestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s a child who needs a father to love herstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…and I am a father who needs a child to love.style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> 
Cassandra wept softly into his shoulder and while he could feel her
fear, he could also feel her courage. 
She was becoming stronger, that much he was certain of.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Now, now,” he
whispered and stroked her hair.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Youstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ll
be just fine.  Westyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ll
all be here…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I’ll be
here…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>to always protect 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"'>Urumiya…”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Hush young one,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
and he released her, tilting her chin up. 
“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Get some sleep.  We leave in the morning.”

Nodding,
Cassandra hugged him one last time before slipping back into her bedroll.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Wrapping herself in the thick blankets,
Cassandra closed her eyes and drifted off to the evening symphony of crickets
and the rustling of grass around her. 
Staring into the dancing flames of the fire, Urumiya sighed and held his
head.  He was letting her get too closestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…he
knew that.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>But it doesnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
seem to matter now,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> he muttered and glanced at the
moon.  “I can
count the hours by the moon and sun and yet no matter how I mark the hours in
light and dark, I can see my time running out. 
Yet Cassandra’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s time has just begun.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  It’s
morning and day is breaking in her life. 
It isn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t fair that westyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’re
asking so much of her, but we must ask it. 
You’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ve barely made a start, just one beat in
my heart, and I hope you will live on and don’t leave
us here alone.  If I could, I would move
heaven and Earth to stay at your side. 
Your father doesn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t deserve you in his life, and I need you
in mine.  Promise me, Cassandrastyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…that
you won’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t leave us.”

Although
he spoke softly, Cassandra stirred and he rose to tuck the blanket back in
around her.  If only I could go with
you to your world.  If onlystyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…if only we could all go with you.  But that would mean taking on heaven itself.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  And
he chuckled a little as he stroked her hair. 
And I don’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t think the bratstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s up for that.  style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>He was finally beginning to understand
what it meant to be a Celestial Warrior. 
It was so much more than just protecting the priestess and gathering the
other warriors to summon Genbu.  Even
though he could be replaced, it didn’t really
bother him that much.  He would live and
die for Cassandra.  Now I understand
why the priestess can incite such loyalty to the Celestial Warriors.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  She touches a part of their hearts and
brings back happiness and light where there was once sorrow and darkness.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  His silver gaze went to the fire and he
looked at the sky as he thought of the cause of his darkness.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I can still remember every detailstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…and
it’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s as painful as it was all those years
ago.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Becoming
lost in his memories, Urumiya brought up the images that still haunted him in
the form of night terrors.  He had gone
fishing that day and had left his beloved wife and children behind.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  In his mind he could hear his daughterstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
laughter, the pounding footsteps of his son, and Urumiya felt as though he
could reach out and touch his wife’s
beautiful brown hair.  The scent of
cinnamon tickled his nose and he felt his throat tighten.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  That was always her favorite scent.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  It had been after the noon meal when hestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
taken up his bow and his pole and headed off to go fishing.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Urumiya could still hear his eight-year-old
son pleading to go with, his pole in hand, and how he said no.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  I wish I could have taken you with me
Bachi.  If only I had knownstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…but he hadn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t known and so had gone off, leaving Mae,
Bachi, and his five-year-old daughter Su at the house.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  And had sealed their fates.

The
quiet hours he had spent fishing had been broken by the sound of screams and hestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
realized, with a lead weight in his stomach, that those were the screams of his
family.  Throwing down his pole and
carrying only his bow and arrows, Urumiya had raced back to his home as fast as
his feet could carry him.  Hestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
smelled the smoke before he’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d seen the fire that engulfed his
house.  The house hestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’d
spent almost a year building for him and Mae. 
It was too late.  When he
arrived, all Urumiya could see was his family and the blood that covered the
ground.  Wife and son already dead, Su
was the only one left as she struggled against the Kutou soldiers.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  He had shouted his daughterstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
name and she managed to break free, running to him.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>DADDY!”

Dear
Genbu, let me reach her in time!  style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>His own screams echoed in his ears as he
saw the arrows fly, his little girl crying for him before she was silenced, and
in his mind’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s eye, he caught her as she fell.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Arrows pierced her back.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  One was sunk deep into her heart.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Urumiya twitched in his sleep as he felt tears
start to run down his cheeks.  Sustyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…my little girl…the
soldiers parted and the man responsible for the massacre appeared.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Long blonde hair didnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
quite hide piercing blue eyes and the air of arrogance and coldness that
surrounded him was the same.  It was the
man who haunted his every dream, consumed him in his rage.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Dong Jia, it appears as though youstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ve
finally learned your lesson for abducting a Kutou noblewoman,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
the young man sneered, his voice was cold as his eyes.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Nakago…” tears
flowed freely now as he hugged his daughter tight.  “style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I’ll kill
you for this.  I swear on her grave!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

The
young general had just snorted in contempt and signaled to his men.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  They mounted their horses and left, with
Nakago in the lead.  Just as he left,
the silver-eyed man roared his anger, loss, and soul-aching sorrow to the
heavens.  It felt as though the skies
trembled that night…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Urumiya! 
Urumiya!”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

He was
suddenly jerked from his memories and realized that he had fallen asleep when
they’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d consumed him.  Uruki and Iname were kneeling beside him, but Cassandra was the
one who’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>d been calling his name and was shaking
him awake.  Warm, soft hands cupped his
cheeks and brushed the tears flowing from his eyes and he choked.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Urumiya tried to speak, to tell them that he
was fine, it was just a nightmare…but the
look in Cassandra’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s eyes made him falter.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  She could see into him too well and took him
into her arms.  Everything finally
seemed to come crashing down.  Urumiya
had never been given a chance to mourn for his family and he wept for them and
the memories of them even he could not erase. 
It was nearing dawn and Cassandra glared at Iname and Uruki, who quietly
slipped away.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Cassandra…I didnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
kidnap her.  I didnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
he finally managed to speak, his voice hoarse from his screams.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Mae
loved me and came with me.  She didnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
deserve to die!  None of them did!style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Oh God, I can still hear their screams, I
can still see my daughter laugh, as though they were right there in front of
me!”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Holding
Urumiya tighter, Cassandra tried to fight back the tears that welled up in her
eyes.  Damn you Nakago.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  You’re
a monster and I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ll never forgive you for all the pain youstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ve caused.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  As she quietly comforted Urumiya, Iname and
Uruki were riding into town.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What do you suppose he was dreaming
about?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Uruki’s voice
was uncertain and quiet as they rode.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>He wasn’t
dreaming,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Iname said grimly.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “He was remembering.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Apparently the memories havenstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
faded since the day it happened.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Since what happened?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…I donstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
know if I should tell you this…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>but,” Iname
paused and sighed.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Urumiyastyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
family was murdered a few years back by Nakago.  I don’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t know the details of it, but apparently
he had a wife, a son, and a daughter and his wife had been a Kutou noblewoman
before she chose to leave with Urumiya. 
He was accused of raping and kidnapping her, thatstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
why Nakago was assigned to track them down. 
That bastard killed them…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>and now Urumiya has to suffer with the
memories.  They appear as night terrors
as you saw back there.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>That’s
awful!  I canstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
believe it…”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Uruki whispered then frowned.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “Yes I
can.  Nakagostyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
nothing but a demon.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I agree and thatstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
one of the many reasons I hate his guts. 
Anyway, we have to get disguises otherwise the old fart will wring our
necks.  Come on, we wonstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
get anywhere riding around here.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Clicking
to his horse, Iname rode faster with Uruki at his side.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  They rode into town, dismounted and wrapped
the reigns of their mounts in their hands, and proceeded through the throng of
people in the marketplace.  Uruki was in
his element and the blonde began to drag Iname to every clothing stand and shop
there was.  He knew what looked good on
his female form and he knew what would look sharp on Urumiya.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Iname was amazed at the speed of Urukistyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
speech and the way he haggled was completely brilliant.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  He could argue the price until he was blue
in the face and the vendor eventually gave in. 
After a few hours of shopping, Uruki and Iname headed back to camp,
their arms loaded with boxes.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>I am never going shopping with you
again,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Iname grumbled as he loaded up the
horses.  “I still
don’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t believe you have four silvers
left!  How in the hell did you manage to
talk that one guy down?”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Skill my dear Iname.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Sheer skill and the art of haggling.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Now, Urumiya and I will look stylish and it
came at an affordable price.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Only because you argued until you were
blue in the face.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Someday you’ll appreciate
my talents, Iname, just you wait.”

Rolling
his eyes, Iname mounted up and checked the ropes once more to make sure their
purchases didn’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t fall off.  After all the trouble we went through to get them, I would be
pissed if they fell off now.  Once
he was certain they were secure, Iname clicked his tongue and the two of them
rode out.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Besides,” Uruki
commented as they rode out.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“As
a ‘style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>gift’ to the
Emperor, I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>m supposed to be outfitted in the very
best money can buy.  I do reflect beauty
and wealth after all so it’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s all part of the plan.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"'>And the fact that all these clothes look
good on you is just a bonus, right?”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Precisely!”

Rolling
his eyes, Iname shook his head and shut his mouth.  It was better to just not argue with Uruki.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  The two rode back into camp and after
conferring with Urumiya, set down their packages and settled in near the
fire.  All traces of Urumiyastyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
emotional outburst were gone and he was back to being the cool, serious man
they knew.  He was sitting near the fire
just staring into space, his silver eyes unreadable.  Cassandra was sitting nearby and writing something on a piece of
paper.  Uruki crawled over and glanced
at the paper over her shoulder.  Those
look like words to a song or a poem…he
became curious and finally said,

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What are you writing 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"'>Uruki! 
Don’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t sneak up on me like that!style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
and she tried to hide the paper.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Let me see!” and he
tugged the pages from her hands and began to read the words.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “This is
good.  I didnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
know you could write poetry, Cassandra.”

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>They’re song
lyrics, Uruki,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> and she took the pages back from
him.  “I like
to sing and I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ve always wanted to write my own
music.  I’ve been
writing this song because I don’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>t want to forget all of you and the bonds
we share.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>You’re so
sweet Cassandra,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> he hugged her tightly.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Oh!” she
blushed darkly.  style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>“Uhstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>…thanks
Uruki.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

A small
smile played on Iname’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>s features but he couldnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
help but think of the time she would eventually have to leave.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  No matter what happens though, I swear Istyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ll be with her. 
Always.  style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Even if that meant him leaving his world
and following her.  Even if it meant
waiting thousands of years to be with her. 
Iname would wait for her and he wouldn’t care
how long it took, that much was certain. 
In his heart of hearts, he was glad that two of their warriors hadnstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
been reborn.  It meant that Cassandra
could stay with them longer.  Not caring
who saw, Iname went over to Uruki and Cassandra, intent on giving his love a
kiss…style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>but was stopped when someone gripped his
shirt.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Don’t even
think about it kid,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Urumiya growled and yanked Iname back
down.  “Not
while I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>m conscious.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"'>Geeze you really are like her old man,
old man.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>That’s
right.  I have cunning, power, and acres
of land in which to bury the body.  Be
afraid.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Making
a sound of disdain and annoyance, Iname leaned against a tree and folded his
arms over his chest.  Cassandra and
Uruki had fallen silent when Urumiya had grabbed Inamestyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’s
arm and then began to laugh.  Looking
remarkably like an offended cat, Iname hissed at Uruki.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Come on you two, donstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’t
fight,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> Cassandra scolded.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “We still
have planning to do if we’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>re going to get into Kutou tomorrow.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, so stop bickering and start helping,style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”
Uruki thumbed his nose at Iname and chuckled when the teen hissed again.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  “We have
disguises now, Urumiya, so you don’t have
to worry about that.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

Nodding,
Urumiya went over to inspect the clothing as Cassandra continued to write the
words to her song.  The rest of the
night was spent planning, discussing, and arguing about the best way to get
into Kutou.  Eventually, Uruki brought
up the subject that had him worried the most.

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What if the Emperor attempts to bed me?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

There
was a long pause before Cassandra finally spoke.  “style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Well…you
could just do what this princess did in a story I read once.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  A man who was infamous for killing his wives
captured her.  To prevent him from
killing her, she would wile the hours away with magnificent tales that lasted
for a thousand and one nights.  At the
end of the last night, the man decided to keep her as his wife for he had
fallen in love.  So, in the end, her
life was spared.”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>And this helps me how?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"'>Sorry, I was getting to that.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  If the Emperor attempts to bed you, try
using a method that will distract him for the night.  Like storytelling, singing, or dancing.  It’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ll give you time to stall as long as
possible as you search for the Genbu warrior. 
And you are a master of manipulation Uruki.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"'>I don’t know,
Cassandra, but I’style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>ll give it a try I suppose.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Come; let’s get
some rest.  We should make our way to
Kutou once night falls.  Itstyle='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>’ll
allow Iname and Cassandra to make their way to Konan as we continue ahead to
Kutou,”style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'> with that, Uruki turned and went to lay
down on his pallet.

The
others agreed and slept until nightfall. 
After breaking down their camp and relating their rallying points and
such, Iname and Cassandra mounted up and bid farewell to their friends before
heading to Konan.  Urumiya removed a
small box and pulled out a mask that would hide his eyes but would still allow
him to see.  Slipping it on, he turned to
Uruki, who had changed into a female and was dressed accordingly, and the two
of them headed for Kutou.  There was no
conversation, for neither of them felt like talking.  After all, they had just bid their companions farewell and were
heading off into unknown territory where Nakago resided.

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

“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>What is it, Uruki?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

There
was a pause as the young woman considered something.  “style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Is it all right for me to be scared?style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Just this once?style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

Silence
followed before Urumiya finally replied. 
“style='font-family:"Times New Roman"'>Just this once.style='mso-ascii-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"'>”

There was nothing after that as the
two of them reached the capital of Kutou at dawn’s first light.style="mso-spacerun: yes">  Urumiya was tense.  After all, this was the land where he had met his wife and had
fallen in love.  This was also the land
in which his greatest enemy resided.  Genbu
guide us…and with that, the pair rode into the city.

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

Thank you so much everyone for
reading this story!  …Please review if
you are?  Pretty please with a cherry on
top?  And I have many more chapters to
go…so don’t think that the story is going to end so soon :D

Ree