Don't own Samurai Champloo or characters
It was the sound of his voice that first caught her attention, silky, smooth, hypnotique. She didn't even need to see his face to know that she was attracted to him, she had already been seduced by his voice. With her back still to him, she sat a few feet away from his group with which he was conversing continuing to fall under a spell that he had unknowingly cast. The soft, low intonations flowed through the air and danced in her ears. Her eyes became jealous and forced her body to turn and face the source of her current obsession. Her heart skipped a beat when her eyes focused on his face. The package had just become more appealing. Her sharp chocolate eyes took in his every feature; his lean oval face, high cheek bones, beautiful almond eyes, smooth, luminous skin. Quickly she looked down, afraid to get caught starring, not wanting to attract attention to herself, a lone female traveler.
Life had dealt Shino a raw deal and now she traveled the land working some very odd jobs so she could scrounge up enough money to survive. Seeing new places, not getting attached, helped her past from flooding her mind and taking over what little neutral ground was left in her heart. She had met a wide array of people on her journey, mostly with intentions that were selfish or dark, but every once and while she would run into a truly kind person who would offer her steady work. She would begin to become complacent, maybe a little content, but then her past would catch up with her somehow and she was forced to move on.
In her youth, her beauty was notable, but time had taken its toll on her body and soul. She was no longer bitter about her lot in life; she simply lived day to day content that she still had her independence. Her experiences and travels had taught her to always live on the defensive. That is why she did not linger in the tea house to listen to his sultry tone. She paid for her meal with the little money she had saved and quietly exited the front door, turning back briefly to catch one last glimpse of his face.
The sound of empty bowls clanking on the wooden table of the teahouse was a sign of the satiated stomachs of the ronin, the rogue, and the naive teenage girl. They finally had a small run of luck and had enough money to fill their bellies and pay for a room at a decent inn. Fu, the teenage girl, was especially looking forward to a relaxing, hot bath. Mugen, the rogue, was eager to find the local brothel while Jin, the ronin, was content to simply have a good nights sleep for once. Once their dinner had been paid for, Mugen left the others for a late night 'walk' while Jin and Fu anxiously made their way to the inn in search of some much needed rest.
Although the village was small, it was known for some of the best hot springs in that part of the country. Although it had become quiet late in the evening, Fu headed straight to the hot springs, anxious to feel the hot water surround her body and relieve her over exerted muscles. As she sank into a deeper part of one of the pools, Fu's mind played out daydreams of finding the samurai who smelled of sunflowers. Because she was so preoccupied, she didn't notice a woman trying to climb over the fence that surrounded the women's hot spring area. Shino's face brushed against the flowers and vines that grew along the wall and before she could stop herself, she let out a sneeze. It happened so quickly, she was not able to keep Fu from letting out a scream. Seconds later, Jin came running, sword in hand; ready to defend Fu only to see Shino for the second time that evening. His confusion at the situation was about to be resolved.
"Lady, what do you think you're doing climbing that tall of a fence?" demanded Fu.
"I'm sorry to have startled you. I only wanted to take a bath and I didn't think anyone would be bathing this late in the night." answered Shino.
"Wait a second, how do I know you weren't trying to steal my money pouch?" questioned Fu, continuing her interrogation.
"Yes, how do we know you aren't a common thief?" asked Jin.
"Yes, my clothing might make me appear lowly, but I am no thief. I have been traveling for some time and do not have enough money to pay to use the hot springs here." responded Shino. "Please, forget you ever saw me, I mean no harm to anyone. I'll just be on my way." Shino said as she turned to begin her ascent up the fence.
Fu recognizing the desperate, pleading look in Shino's eyes said," Wait, I believe you. If you still want your bath, I don't have a reason to turn you over to the inn keeper, isn't that right Jin?"
"Hhmn", was Jin's answer as he turned, satisfied that this woman was no threat. He too recognized the look in Shino's eyes.
Shino hesitated, her experienced mind told her to leave, but she had desperately needed a hot bath and would not have another opportunity until the next town. Fighting with herself internally, Shino stood there next to the steaming hot spring lost in her mind's debate. Fu interrupted her thoughts by innocently inviting her to the bath, stating that it would be nice to finally converse with a female. Shino finally gave into her need to cleanse herself and enjoy the hot spring. As the two women relaxed in the pool, the talkative Fu couldn't help but incessantly chat and question Shino.
Shino learned all about Fu and her travels thus far. Apparently, Jin was some sort of body guard to her and even though she didn't pay him, he was indebted to her for saving him from some past trouble. The other man she traveled with, Mugen, also acted as a body guard for similar reasons. The trio was in search for a samurai that smelled of sunflowers. What an odd mission thought Shino to herself, but she quickly reminded herself that she didn't even have a goal for her travels. Fu, on the other hand, became frustrated with Shino's brief answers; it reminded her of a certain unemployed samurai. What Fu did find out about Shino was that she had been traveling alone which was a bit shocking and she wondered how Shino was able to protect herself. The only other bit of interesting information that Fu was able to get out of Shino was that she was once married but her husband had died at an early age.
Weary of being asked anymore questions, Shino got out of the pool to leave.
"Thank you for not turning me in to the innkeeper. If there is ever a way I can return the favor, I would be more than happy to oblige. Good night." said Shino as she grabbed her bag and quickly climbed over the stone fence, disappearing into the night.