The Genbu Gambit
By David Myers
A Fushigi Yuugi Fanfic. Watase Yuu owns most characters contained
within and I do not intended to infringe upon anyone's rights and
all dat stuff.
Authors Note: This is actually version 2 of this fic. I screwed up
Slightly with Seishi names after reviewing the OAV for a second time
Only one person actually noticed this, but it's important to maintain
Some level of consistency I think. After all its not my series is it?
Sorry about that.
Oki doke, this story takes place after the first OAV
and I'm assuming the second as well, although I haven't seen it.
The prologue takes place in episode 12 for those of you keeping
score.
Prologue:
"What's wrong Yui-sama?" Nakago asked. His voice soft, but
devoid of concern. Only her School Shirt covered Yui, seated on the
edge of windowsill.
"Nothing." She replied moodily and turned to look out at the garden
of the Kutou Countries palace.
"Are you thinking about Suzaku no Miko's young man? That's it, isn't
it?" She turned again looking at him uncertainly. "That may be good
in the long run."
"What?" She asked confused.
"That young man Tamahome, is your desire, isn't he?" Seeing the
confirmation on her face he continued "We can fulfill your wish."
Yui stared up at him in sheer disbelief.
Nakago smiled as he strode from Seiryuu no Miko's bedchambers.
Preparing to initiate his plans for the Suzaku Seishi Tamahome.
"So that's Seiryuu no Miko." A chillingly familiar voice asked.
Nakago stopped in his tracks but did not turn around. The smile
disappeared from his face. A tall thin man of Chinese decent, a
native of Kutou stood regarding the Seiryuu Seishi smugly. He was
robed in a long black cloak of elegant design, which served to hide
his arms beneath its folds. His hair was black and cut short in the
fashion of a nobleman.
"An outlander, not a lot unlike yourself." He continued.
"She is not of the Hin race, Furinan-sama." Nakago answered evenly.
"Nethertheless she is a foreigner. To be expected I suppose, being
from another world." Furinan continued. "So the Emperors play thing,
finally has the opportunity to put his plans into action. What is it
you seek Hin? Revenge?" the nobleman almost spat.
"I am a Seiryuu Seishi. I wish nothing more than to see Seiryuu no
Miko summon Seiryuu." He replied evenly.
"How uncharacteristically altruistic of you. A warning Shogun, you
have not disposed of all of us yet. Tread carefully and do not forget
who your masters are. The Emperor may permit Gaijin like yourself
within these walls, but only so long as you continue to serve us."
Nakago half smiled at the thinly veiled threat. "Remember this
because after all, you cannot watch miko every minute of every day."
Furinan cut short as Nakago's Chi enveloped him raising him high
above the ground in a blue death grip. Furinan flinched but glared
at the Seishi unafraid although in obvious pain. "Kill me and you
will lose the support of the Nobles and indeed the Emperor himself."
Nakago momentarily tightened his grip from across the room.
"Something I'm... **gasp** willing to bet you can't afford right
now.... Not with the Suzaku..... Seishi on the move." Nakago held
the nobleman for a moment before releasing him. Furinan fell to the
ground gasping for breath. After a moment he recovered and stared up
at the Seishi "Interesting, was that a display of emotion Shogun?" He
mocked "That's not like you." Nakago turned and strode away. He would
deal with him all in good time, soon, soon he would deal with them
all "No, that's not like you at all...." Furinan continued laughing
at the Shogun's back.
Chapter 1.
Three years later
Furinan swept his cloak aside as the doors to the inner sanctum open
before him. The last of the former lords of Kutou stared in
amazement as he glided through the door. "Furinan-sama!" A half
dozen of the men gasped. "We thought you dead!" Another exclaimed.
He spoke softly, his voice betraying no emotion.
"Rumors of my demise were... conveniently exaggerated. I could not
risk making my presence known during that Hin's civil war! But, now
at last it is safe for me again." He stared at the lords of Kutou for
a moment "The last of the Seiryuu Seishi are dead. The missing
Seishi, Amiboshi died yesterday morning." The men all murmured to
each other, not expecting this news. "It is time for us to regain
the power that we have lost." Many of the noblemen nodded in agreement.
Furinan smiled "The new Emperor has been chosen?" he asked. One of the
noblemen grunted in acknowledgement
"Yes my Lord, and he has already begun rebuilding the armies based on
our advice."
"Excellent."
"However.."
"Yes?"
"However, there is something missing in the new men my Lord. A sense
of purpose that the old army felt is gone. Civil wars still sweep
the country, but they are fiercer than previously. It's possible that
at least three factions may rise to power and overthrow the current
governor, even the Emperor himself does not seem to be above
reproach." Furinan smiled slightly.
"It is as I suspected. The Suzaku bitch is to account for this.
However, she made a mistake." He savored the other lords puzzled
looks before continuing. "My investigation have shown that the
barrier in place in Sailo and Hokkan country against our soldiers,
created by those countries respective Miko's, does not exist in
Konan."
"My lord?"
"Konan is not protected by the power of Suzaku, it remains vulnerable
to us. When our armies are rebuilt, Konan will again be ripe to
plunder."
"An interesting theory Furinan-sama, but not a realistic one." Lord
Minisa argued "Kutou is no longer the united nation it once was. We
need to protect our own interests and ourselves first. Secure power
here before we can look to other lands for conquest."
"No, if we waste effort quelling the rebellions, Konan will grow too
strong for us. But fear not Minisa-sama, there is a way of reuniting
Kutou once more. But the solution lies in Konan, and it is protected
by the last of the Suzaku Seishi." Lord Minisa laughed.
"You plan to go against the Suzaku Seishi? You said yourself the
last of the Seiryuu Seishi are dead. There is no one alive who could
challenge those two." This time it was Furinan's turn to laugh.
"No you are wrong Minisa-sama. Certain events have provided me with
all the warriors I need. Thanks to a certain Wizard, opportunities
are now available that could become very profitable. Some of us
could have power beyond our wildest dreams" Furinan began to laugh as
the last of the nobles of Kutou stared at him in confusion.
All was quiet as the fat merchant sat upon his horse, his guards on
either side of him. He rested fitfully as they made their way
through the darkness along the mountain road. The only illumination,
a torch held by each of the guards. His head nodded as he fell in
tune with the rhythm of his horse. Watching the dark road appear
into the torches light. He sat upright however when the light from
the fire fell upon a tall scruffy looking fellow standing casually in
the center of the road. Blocking their path.
His hair was long and dark, and sprang wildly from his head,
controlled only by a flimsy headband. His clothes were of a cheap
design, little more than rags and a sword rested by his side. The
two guards looked nervously at the sword and inched closer. Holding
their torches high to study him better. The young man smiled and
looked up at them both cockily, a scar evident down one side of his
face.
"Konbanwa!
Hello who are you?
My names Koji.
Pleased to meet you Koji what can I do for you?
I'm here to take all your money.
Oh no my guards are no match for your bandits, please take as much as
you like.
A-ri-ga-tou!" As Koji finished two dozen bandits suddenly sprang into
the light. Sneering and laughing as they held their swords up
threateningly. The guards backed up fearfully, realizing they were
completely surrounded. The bandits stopped though as from the
darkness a male voice sighed loudly.
"Bandits are such a boorish lot, don't you think Uruki-chan?"
Everyone looked in surprise as the light from the torches flared
suddenly revealing two men and a woman standing upon a rock face
looking down at the robbery.
The woman a cute girl probably sixteen with fire red hair, braided
from her ears shook her head. "Inami I told you to call me Uruki-kun,
URUKI-KUN!" She demanded angrily, glaring at him furiously.
"Who the hell are you?" Koji demanded.
"Oh he's Kakawaii!" squealed the owner of the original voice, Inami,
a slightly effeminate fellow dressed up in a pristine manner.
"We are looking for the Suzaku Seishi Tasuki. Give him to us and no
one gets hurt!" Demanded the second man. A giant standing just
over 7 feet tall and built like a brick.
"Genrou?" Koji said confused.
"FUCK IT! This is taking too long Hatsui!" Uruki held her hand up,
her forefinger and long finger extended into the air. "KAJI HEBI!!"
The merchant's guard's torches exploded suddenly into balls of fire,
which then twisted into a shape. As the bandits and guards alike
scrambled, Koji watched as the fire became a giant snake, which
swept through the bandits ranks, its teeth bared wide.
"Oh dear, well if we must, we must." Inami muttered and brought a
set of panpipes to his lips. He blew softly and a melodic tune
sang into the night. From the trees a flock of birds erupted
flying in formation around the man before launching themselves
into the chaos below. Carefully co-ordinated to avoid Uruki's fire
snake. Koji gasped and swung his sword at the birds as they
fluttered over him. The flock flew past and he stared as his men
were routed. Looking back at the three figures upon the rock face
he watched as the giant, now twice his previous size beat his fist
against the mountain sending a mini avalanche on top of the bandits.
"Who are these guys?" He muttered and turned retreating hesitantly.
Suddenly the fire snake appeared barring his way. It bared it
flaming fangs at the bandit. Koji turned and ran, but the snake
shot forward transforming into a wall of flame, trapping the man
against the side of the cliff.
"Nice job Uruki-chan." Inami said softly lowering his panpipes.
"I TOLD YOU ITS URUKI-KUN!" She literally screamed her face as red
as her hair. Hatsui leapt to the ground and shrank until he was
again seven feet tall. Koji held his sword up threateningly glaring
at the trio.
"Its no good, there is no where to go." The big man said.
"Who are you!" Koji demanded. Uruki laughed turning to Inami.
"Should we tell him?" Koji's eyes widened as he noticed a glow
coming from the back of the girl's neck. The character "Woman"
illuminated her hair with its light. Snarling he looked from one
to another before turning and leaping off the cliff.
"NO!!" Inami cried and ran forward looking down into the darkness.
"Fuuuuck!" Uruki cried in frustration. "Why'd he have to do that?"
"Such a waste." Hatsui agreed.
"He was so cute too." Inami sighed regretfully.
Koji clung to the side of the cliff, the rocks cutting into his
hand. His sword had been lost, but if what he saw was any indication
it was a necessary sacrifice. Genrou had to be warned that there
were Seishi hunting for him.
"Do you take this man to be your husband no da? To love and hold, so
long as you both do will na no da?" Chichiri asked, clothed in a
ceremonial robe. The bride nodded happily staring up at her groom.
Chichiri's grin widened, as he stared at the two. Tasuki meanwhile
stood off to the side looking bored as he picked his nose. "Then if
there is no one who opposes their union, by the power invested in me
by Suzaku. By the heaven and the earth I declare you man and wife na
no daa."
"Just snog and get it over with" Tasuki muttered irritably to
himself, wiping snot onto his trench coat.
"You may kiss the bride na no da." To the delight of the guests the
happy couple did just that. "Daaaaa!" Chichiri cried cheerfully.
The newly weds turned and bowed to the monk and then bowed to the
crowd, raising cheers as they did.
Chichiri descended down the stairs and took his place next to
Tasuki. "I hate weddings! Let's get a fucking drink and then we'll
get outta here." Suddenly Tasuki was pushed out of the way as the
brides happy parents leapt up to speak to Chichiri. A super deformed
Tasuki slid off the wall leaving an imprint in the plaster.
"Thankyou Seishi-sama, that was a wonderful service."
"Yadda yadda yadda no da. It was the bride and groom who made the
day special na no da." Chichiri said humbly.
"But, thanks to you, Suzaku will surely bless this marriage." The
bride's father said emotionally. "Arigato... Arigato Gozaimashita"
"I certainly hope so no da." Chichiri said happily. Ignoring
Tasuki who stared at him angrily. He turned and made his way towards
the reception party and Tasuki had no choice but to follow him.
Tama sat faithfully by the door as they made their way through and
Tasuki picked him up and placed him on his shoulder.
"Chichiriiii..." Tasuki whined. "When are we gooingggg?"
"Not yet na no daa. It'd be rude to just leave no da."
"Fine then if you need me I'll be at the bar." The bored bandit
leader muttered and wandered off towards the alcohol. Chichiri
shook his head patiently watching his friend stumble off towards
the bar. The two had been travelling for some time. Gathering
rumors about different events throughout the world.
Unfortunately missions of this kind required patience which was
not something Tasuki possessed in abundance.
Nethertheless the information gathered was proving useful. Near
as he could tell Kutou country was again embroiled in a civil
war. Now, however, the Emperors armies were in the minority,
and Nakago's army was no longer quelling the dissention felt
among the civilians. A number of different factions were all
vying for the throne. A situation that meant Konan could at
last enjoy a certain measure of peace as it had a chance to
rebuild from the last war. The people in Konan remained united
and a level of optimism existed where before none had.
Chichiri greeted another couple who again thanked him for the
service. He nodded humbly accepting their compliments and
smiling in a friendly fashion when it hit him.
It was a presence, an unknown one, but powerful. His smile dropped
from his face as he stared into thin air. "Sumimasen no da." He
muttered and made his way towards the door. There was a puff of
smoke and his robes vanished, replaced by his travelling clothes.
Chichiri wandered out of the temple, staff in hand and looked up
and down the street. He turned and made his way to a small empty
alley. He walked a few paces before stopping. It was a simple
alley no different from any other, but the mage stood staring
into thin air. His head cocked off to one side as if listening
to some unknown sound. Then he tapped his staff on the ground
heavily. The rings tingled as the metal rang against each other.
"I wondered where you people had gone na no da." He said to the
air. "..and when you would be making your appearance." The alley,
however, failed to reply "It's not nice to hide like that no da"
He brought his fingers up in a sutra style position and
concentrated briefly. There was a shock and a man clothed
completely in black with a piece of black cloth wrapped around
his head and over his mouth leaving only his eyes visible appeared
out of no where and stumbled against the wall.
Chichiri looked up at him patiently studying the new comer. He
wore light fitting clothes to allow easy movement and a black belt
was wrapped around his waist. A sword was attached to his back
and the Suzaku Seishi suspected he had more weapons concealed
about his person. The newcomer stared back fearfully in disbelief
that he had been detected. Chichiri in response turned his head
in the opposite direction as two more figures landed on the ground
before him. Both were men and the first was armed with a bow and
had a quiver of arrows attached to his back.
"Long time no see Suzaku Seishi." The Bowman said threateningly.
Chichiri studied him for a moment.
"What do you want no da?"
"We want her back, and we know you have her." The man in black
said threateningly drawing his sword.
"Who no da?"
"Don't play dumb with us." The third man said, "It pisses me off!"
A green symbol "Measure" flared to life on his forehead parting his
hair briefly with its power. A moment later a number of ice snakes
appeared from nowhere. They flowed quickly cracking as they moved
and wrapped Chichiri up in their grasps. Biting into his flesh.
The mage flinched but stared evenly at his aggressors.
"I wish...." He flinched slightly and using his magic shattered
his Icy binds and sent his opponent sprawling to the ground.
"You would speak plainly na no da. Who is it I'm supposed to
have... Genbu no Sichiseishi, Hikitsu?"
"We know you have Genbu no Miko imprisoned, free her or else." The
Bowman, Tomite demanded. Chichiri looked at him in confusion
"Genbu no Miko.... I don't understand.. We don't...."
"LEKKA SHIENNNN!!!!!!" Tasuki screamed as he sent an intense amount
of fire at the Genbu Seishi. Tomite and Hikitsu leapt into the air
narrowly avoiding Tasuki's attack. "Big mistake attacking my friends."
Tasuki muttered holding his Tessen over his shoulder. He glared at
the man in black who held his sword threateningly.
"Tasuki.... Wait na no da!"
"Bigger mistake crossing swords with Suzaku Seishi! LEKKA SHIEN!"
Another blast of fire flew towards the swordsman who flipped up and
out of the way. Tasuki snapped his Tessen shut and swung it at his
opponent who parried the attack. The Genbu Seishi responded by
striking at Tasuki again and again, his Genbu Symbol "Danger"
glowing brightly on his wrist. Tasuki deftly blocked each attack as
metal rang against metal. "Heh heh heh, you still got a lot to
learn kid!" Tasuki muttered cockily.
"Lets see if I can't turn this in my favor then." His masked
opponent replied and he vanished. Tasuki's eyes widened for a
moment, before he instinctively brought his Tessen up to his side.
There was a spark as the metal fan blocked the invisible Seishi
sword. Again Tasuki brought his Tessen up and again he parried
the unseen sword. Tasuki leapt backwards, doing a flip in the
air before landing nimbly to the ground. His fan again opened.
"Umiyame we're leaving!" Tomite called out and unleashed a volley
of Ice arrows at the Bandit. Chichiri leapt into the way and
erected a barrier protectively and the Ice shafts shattered
harmlessly against it. Chichiri watched as the two visible
champions of Genbu turned and fled from the scene. Tasuki ran
forward but Chichiri lowered his staff, blocking the bandit's
way.
"No let them go no da."
"Who the Fuck are they!" His companion demanded angrily.
"Genbu Seishi."
"Oh Genbu Seishi.... GENBU SEISHI! THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!"
Tasuki screamed. Chichiri stood silently watching off in the
direction the three Genbu Shichiseishi had fled.
Umiyame reappeared beside Hikitsu and Tomite. "They are strong." He
murmured softly.
"Well we found them, now what?" Tomite asked. Hikitsu turned as a
young girl in a Chinese robe approached quietly.
"Namame-chan what did you feel?"
"My powers are limited Hikitsu-sama, but the tall one seemed
confused when you asked about Genbu no miko. He is also carrying
a great sadness deep within. A guilt that poisons his soul. It
is... painful." She flinched slightly her face sad and her eyes
full of pity.
"What of Tasuki, the one with the fan?"
"The other one with the fan..... He is intoxicating; his character
is so emotional. Slipping from one intensity to another. He is
easy to read, because his emotions are so pure." The little girl
shuddered. "I do not believe he could deceive me."
"Perhaps we could capture him and interrogate him, to the
whereabouts of Genbu no Miko." Tomite suggested.
"Perhaps...." Umiyame murmured "Let us report in."
Tasuki stormed angrily behind his companion muttering moodily as
Chichiri walked silently lost in thought. "BAKAYAROU! CUT THE
MYSTERIOUS ACT AND TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!" Tasuki
screamed. Chichiri looked sternly up at his fellow Seishi and
studied him. "How can the Genbu Seishi be back, they all died 200
years ago." The mage shook his head.
"You never pay attention do you na no da? Remember the Wizard
Tenkou turned Miaka-chan's friend Yui into a new Genbu no miko no
da. Somehow he also managed to bring back the Genbu Seishi as
well. Although Tomo only managed to find two of them before Yui
returned to this world, it's reasonable to assume the other five
were also revived na no da. Even though Yui summoned Genbu the
Genbu Sichiseishi didn't just disappear no da. Their new
incarnations are still very much alive no da."
"They're not very strong for Seishi."
"They're new at this no da. They don't have as much experience as
we do. But they still have the advantage na no da. There are seven
of them and only two of us."
"So what do we do?"
"The real question is why do they want to attack us? What is it
they're after na no da?"
"My Lord the Suzaku Seishi defeated us." Hikitsu said humbly as he
prostrated himself. To either side of him were Tomite and Umiyame,
directly behind him Namame stood shyly. Furinan sighed heavily.
"You were foolish to attack them with so few of your fellow Seishi.
Have you found the scroll?"
"No Furinan-sama, I don't know if the Seishi have it."
"Namame-chan felt nothing?" Furinan asked.
"Only the two Suzaku Seishi my lord. She thinks one is incapable of
deceit and doesn't think the other is hiding anything." Furinan
laughed softly
"The Suzaku Seishi Chichiri's control of his own emotions is
impressive, whereas her powers are limited. It is possible she was
deceived. But I do not think the Seishi have the scroll. She would
have felt its presence if they carried it. Then there is only one
place it could be...."
"Hikitsu sama why do we obey him?" Namame asked.
"He is loyal to Genbu no miko. He saw the Suzaku Seishi imprison
her when she summoned Genbu. He saved Hatsui and myself after that
Suzaku Seishi, Chichiri knocked us out."
"I do not like him Hikitsu-sama, I cannot read him."
"Don't worry Namame-chan. Furinan-sama is our friend. We need his
help to save Genbu no Miko." Tomite nodded in agreement.
"What's more the seven of us never would have gathered together if
not for him. We owe him much, including my weapons. Fear not
Namame-chan, he can be trusted."
Namame nodded unhappily as the four Seishi made their way through
the hall.
Furinan scowled as the four left his chambers. They're naivete
grated him. It was useful in that it made them easy to manipulate,
but it was growing irritating. What's more the child was posing a
problem, but she would be dealt with all in good time. They all
would. Once they delivered the scroll to him, they would have
outlived their usefulness and he would at last have power beyond his
wildest dreams. Including the power to destroy them and the Suzaku
Seishi. Once again the people of Kutou would be united. But they
would not make the mistakes of the past. The foreigners would all be
dealt with and he would rule over them all from the shadows.
End of Chapter 1.
Authors Note: Sorry if this is overly confusing. But I don't want to
reveal everything that's going on just yet, and what Furinan's plans
are. Stay tuned for Chapter 2, which will be out whenever I can get
around to writing it.
How's my writing? Call Davenader@hotmail.com..
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