Disclaimer: I don't own these characters so don't sue me, I don't have that kind of money.

            Silently the lone figure passed through the halls of the National Library. There was something about her, something cold and uncaring. No one dared approach her. Her auburn hair was pulled partially back into a braid and her once vibrant eyes were like leather, aged and tough. She had the look of lost innocence, of someone who had seen one too many bad experiences in too short a time.

            Miaka Yuki headed up the stairs to the Important Documents and Reference Room. That's where that strange bird had gone.

            "Anyone here?" she called, stepping into the darkened room.

            No answer. Gently she shut the door behind her. Didn't want to get caught. She scanned the shelves of books along the wall and felt herself being drawn to one book in particular.

            "The Universe of the Four Gods."

            It was as if an intangible force had taken hold of her then, making her open the book and read from its pages.

            "Herein contains the tale of a girl who made her wishes come true after she came to possess the Seven Stars of Suzaku. And if you, the esteemed reader, should read to the book's end, then you will be granted a wish just like the girl in the story. For the story begins and becomes real the moment the first page is turned. Yeah right. Don't make me laugh."

            Just as she was about to close the old book, a red light surrounded her body.

            "What-what's happening to me?"

            There was a bright flash of light and the book clattered to the floor.

            "Hey! Who's in here?"

            The librarian looked around the empty room in confusion. He could have sworn he heard a girl scream. He did, however, see the ld book lying on the floor and proceeded to close it and put it back on the shelf.

            "Where am I?"

            Miaka blinked in the bright sunlight, her eyes adjusting to the change. The land before her was just as you would envision ancient China. That was impossible! She couldn't be in ancient China, could she?

            Wiping the dust from her clothes, Miaka headed into the city. The streets were filled with people bustling about. They all looked so happy and care free.

            "Wish I had that energy," Miaka thought to herself.

            Stepping into the shade of an alley to escape the heat of the sun, she felt someone tap her on the shoulder.

            "What do you want?" she asked, turning to the man behind her.

            He was young, barely even twenty.

            "I'm sorry to have startled you, but I noticed that you were alone, and I was hoping to show you around the Konan empire."

            "No thanks. I can find my own way around." she replied.

            "Maybe I didn't make myself clear, I'm going to take you sight seeing," the young man said, gripping her arm so tight it hurt.

            "Let go of me!"

            "Shut up bitch!"

            The young man dragged Miaka through the dank back alleys where three of his companions were waiting.

            "Lookie what I brought boys. Were gonna have a little fun with her."

            "No! Let me go!" Miaka yelled, struggling against her captor.

            "I bet I can find a real good way to keep her quiet," the second man said.

            "Hold her down boys. It's play time."

            Miaka's captor threw her to the other men who dragged her to the ground. Her mind was screaming Not again! Oh God, not again!!! But her captors would not and did not care.

            The first man loomed over her, tearing her clothing.

            "Gonna have some fun with you."

            "No…NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

So, whadja think? More chapters to come!