Fushigi Yuugi OC AU/Rewrite

Chapter 10. Looking For Ferra

"Hotohori, the young and powerful Emperor of Konan, devoted himself everyday to praying for the safety of the Priestess of Suzaku."

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Hotohori knelt in front of the large, golden, statue of Suzaku, his hands pressed tightly in prayer. "My heart is filled with foreboding. I must pray that Ice remains safe. Suzaku, great God of our proud land, protect us all and watch over the Priestess of Suzaku, who is destined to gain your power and save all of Konan. If I were free of my burdens, a commoner like Tamahome or Nuriko, I would never leave your side, Ice. I would do anything to protect you, even risk my own life. Please, Ice... Be safe."

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"So, you're looking for the land of Kutou?" I had come across a man who was standing next to a bridge and decided to ask him for directions. "Yes, I am." He pointed in a direction. "Head that way. There's a shortcut through the woods that will get you there in no time." I looked in the direction he pointed and nodded. 'I have to cover as much ground as I can, because I know Tamahome will come after me once he realizes I'm gone and try to get me to come back.' "Thank you, sir." I jogged off in that direction as fast as I could.

As I stepped into the dark forest I heard the sounds of many animals surrounding me and I took a deep breath to keep my cool. "This place is kind of creepy..." As I was walking I heard the rustling of bushes next to me, and when I looked over I saw a large tiger staring back at me. I quickly tried to think of what to do and my first thought was to lay on the ground and play dead. I heard the tiger growl at me, clearly that idea wasn't working. "Wait, playing dead only works with bears and persistent boys." I stood up and stared down the tiger as I tried to think again. It roared at me and I was frozen stiff for a second. 'Ta... Tamaho- Stop it, Ice. You can handle this on your own.'

I clenched my fists as the tiger moved in on me. "Alright, come and get me." It charged at me and I quickly jumped out of the way. "I won't let you touch me that easily, so you might as well stay away!" It continued to lunge at me and I knew I couldn't keep this up forever. I stood my ground and glared at the tiger. "I won't die here... I still need to find Ferra!" As I stared with determination at the tiger, suddenly a red light surrounded my clenched fists. "What?" I looked down at the light that was glowing dully around my hands before looking back at the tiger, who was now cowering and backing away from me. "Is this... Suzaku?" I wondered aloud as I took a step towards the tiger, who this time got up and ran from me.

After the tiger threat was dealt with I ran out of the dark forest, noticing a farmer on a horse who was pulling a large wagon of hay behind him. Just like when I first game here, I hitched a ride on the back and leaned against the hay. 'I scared off that tiger all by myself. See? I'm not... useless.' I bit my lip as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I blinked quickly to get rid of them. 'Now isn't the time, Ice. You have to find Ferra. You got her into this mess now it's your job to get her out of it.' As I looked up I thought I spotted a familiar head of light blue hair and staff. Was Chichiri following me...?

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"She's been gone way too long! Breath of fresh air my ass, why would she just run off alone like that?! And where's Chichiri?!" Tamahome smacked his fist against the table in irritation. Nuriko shook her head. "It might be something personal. Like, you know, a girl thing." Tamahome raised an eyebrow. "A girl thing?" Nuriko's eyes widened as she remembered something. "Wait, I remember! Before she took off I heard her saying the name 'Ferra." "Ferra was her friend." Tamahome recognized the name from when he and Ice first met and she begged him to help find Ferra.

"We were talking about Kutou's search for the Priestess of Seiryuu when she said it. I wonder, did she see a connection?" Nuriko wondered aloud. "Ferra... She was with Ice the first time I ever met her." Tamahome tried to recall what she had looked like. Brown hair, blue and red eyes, and she was dressed in the same other worldly clothes as Ice. "Wait... If Ferra came back to our world... Ah! I know where she went!" Tamahome stood up from the table and headed for the door, but Nuriko grabbed his arm and called out to him. "Tamahome! What am I supposed to tell your family?!" She asked as some of his siblings had gathered behind her to look at him with concern.