Can't Take It With You

Chapter 1: Goodbye My Lover

By: DeathIsOnlyTheBeginin

Disclaimer: I, DeathIsOnlyTheBeginin, do here by state that I do not claim to, in any way, shape, or form, own Samurai Champloo or any of the characters pertaining to that Anime/Manga series. It/they are the rightful property of it's/their creater. This story was written for no reason other than enjoyment. It has not been posted or created in attempt to receive any type of profit. Thank you.

(Enjoy! Read and Review Please!)

Fire rained from the sky, scattering ashes across a blood red ground, broken steel shattered across the withered grass. The wind howled through the lit trees, orange blazing against the dead, night sky, every trace of star banished to the brunt of Death's scythe. Somewhere in short distance a river ran red, swallowed by the venom of flesh and bone and hatred, slithering to the edge of ruin and plummeting into the abyss of devastation.

Fuu's hair whipped round her face, free and wild; her once purple kimono ripped and fouled crimson, stained Death's favorite shade - a keepsake for the war which raged before her. Her eyes were glazed and vague with loss of hope, the pale cream of her cheeks splattered with the blood of various enemies - young men. Her lower lip trembled, the center split and oozing scarlet, the droplets rolling down her chin and soaking into the collar of her dress. Her feet ached, the souls shredded and bare atop the dirt and rock path that led to the large house before her. The tanto in her fingers was unnaturally heavy in her palm, weighted down with the lives of innocent men forced to do their master's bidding.

Fuu chanced a step forward and winced, a rock sticking into the open flesh of her foot. She shook it loose and continued limping toward the entrance. Fire raged before her, the flames dancing in her doe eyes, the house an inferno of Hell locked within the sin of Edo. Her left foot dragged slightly as she approached the porch, trailing new blood behind her, and she heard the Bad Men yell orders.

Fuu reached for the door as it burst open, flames jumping for her soul, and Mugen rushed past her, shoving her out of the way, sword unsheathed and glinting with a hateful red passion. A horde of masked men raced out after him.

Fuu sought refuge against the wall, her breathing sharp and frenzied. Wisps of her hair lay caught in the corners of her lips and she swallowed, watching the battle scene scatter across the yard.

Mugen's grin was one the devil would envy as he danced across the grounds, a vicious whirl of glinting blades and kicking feet, dark skin heightened in the falling embers. The length of his sword slammed through the chest of his nearest opponent and he twisted the hilt, yanking the blade free. A revolting burst of blood sprayed over him and the grass as the body hit the ground. The remaining men cried out, brandishing their weapons.

Mugen fell to his back as they lunged, and with a brazen switch of his hips, was spinning like a crazed top, feet flailing, metal plated geta smashing against faces and stomachs. Fuu held her breath as he flipped into a one-handed handstand and delivered one fatal, two-footed kick to a man's rib cage. The bones buckled, cracking, and the man's breath caught in his throat as he collapsed, unmoving. Mugen barked a laugh of triumph and vaulted back onto his feet, just as another came screaming up behind him.

"Mugen!"

The man halted, eyes bulging, and Mugen smirked, both hands on the hilt of his sword, the blade spun and plunged back through the man's chest. Mugen turned the katana, blood slinking down it's length to the hilt and seeping over his tan fingers. A gurgling noise rumbled in the slain's throat and Mugen smirked, jerking the blade free and spewing off the blood.

"Fuu?"

Startled, Fuu yelped, swinging round to address her foe. Jin stared down at her and a whine of heart wrenching anguish fled Fuu's lips as she fell against him. Jin wrapped one sturdy arm around her, his dark hair free and brushing against her bared arms, a thick trail of blood slithering down the side of his face.

"Fuu, you shouldn't be here."

"I didn't have a choice," she whimpered, the heat of the fire whispering against her skin.

Jin nodded, pulling her back to look at him. Fuu sobbed dryly, blood crusted on her face. Jin's features never changed despite the ache that swelled in his heart and he brushed her hair out of her face. So young.

"Ronin Jin! Mugen of Ryu-Kuu!"

Fuu spun around and Jin's gaze was hard above her. Mitsuo Kusanagi, or Dice as they had commonly come to call him, approached them slowly, a wide smile on his face. His wavy golden was hair was slung back by a black ribbon, his hakama pants and kimono akin in color. He would have been terribly handsome, Fuu decided, had it not been for the long, pink scar that extended from his left eye down to the right of his chin. His dark eyes flashed with menace and she clutched Jin's robes, Mugen flipping over and taking up roots beside her. Jin brushed Fuu gently to the side and stepped forward, katana brandished with elegant poise, his face stern.

Fuu glanced up at Mugen and felt her heart race as their eyes locked. Blood was smeared across the right side of his face, heightening the wild rage that burned in his gaze; he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, pressing her tight against his chest, her head nestled beneath his chin.

"Stupid bitch," he muttered, voice taunt, his fingers digging into her side, "You were suppose to stay put."

Fuu attempted to suppress the sob in her voice but failed, "I'm sorry... I couldn't..."

Mugen shook his head, scowling, "Yeah, I know, damn it." He felt her cringe and sighed, purposely softening his voice, "Sorry."

Jin and Dice glared at each other for a long moment, oblivious to the scene taking place behind them. The blonde was a good inch or two shorter than the stoic samurai, yet his posture remained arrogant as ever and his smirk never wavered.

"You are under arrest," He crooned, eyes flashing, "And are here by sentenced to death at dawn tomorrow. I demand that you yield your resistance and come quietly."

Jin closed his eyes, "Under what charges are we accused?"

Dice's smirk widened, "Trespassing on my land."

Jin frowned deeply, "It was you who lured us here."

"You're point?"

"What if we don't comply?"

Dice glanced around, eyes humorous, "Lets just say there's worse to come."

"Yeah, well that suits me just fine," Mugen cracked, sword shouldered as he moved up beside Jin, leaving Fuu behind him.

Jin nodded, "I agree."

"Hmm," Dice's eyes flickered from Fuu to them, "I implore you to reconsider."

"Listen buddy, If you think we're gonna puss out and -"

A cry cut him off and Mugen tensed, spinning around. Fuu was stone stiff and panting as Dice's personal bodyguard held his tanto blade against her neck. Mugen went ridged and Fuu met his gaze, doe eyes rimmed with fear, and he whirled back around on Dice, teeth clenched,

"Let. Her. Go."

Dice chuckled, "Come along, and I might consider it."

"Why you son-of-a-!"

"Very well." Jin interrupted softly, closing his eyes.

Dice grinned, "Excellent."

The room was dark, despite the moonlight that poured through the large window above her. Fuu struggled against her bonds, the chair squeaking with her efforts. The chains were tight, slack-less in their suppression, and the shackles around her ankles rawed her skin. She was powerless against her situation, and when she looked up, she felt her heart crumble at the desperate look in Mugen's eyes.

Her comrades stood on the far side of the room, bound, feet shackled to the wall, wrists to the ceiling. Dice had instructed they be as uncomfortable as possible, and his guards had followed orders perfectly.

Fuu eyes shifted to Jin, and he muttered, "I'm sorry."

He'd been whispering apologies since the guards' departure, and Fuu shook her head.

Dice was another of Jin's old dojo mates. Another who sought revenge on Jin for his betrayal - the murder of their master. In his years since leaving the dojo, Dice had created a rather exalted name for himself, and as result, gained a great deal of followers. 'He trained them well,' Fuu thought bitterly, gathering a wad of bloody saliva in her mouth and spitting.

Mugen's gaze fell and he scowled, baring his teeth. Fuu'd only seen him this spurred once before, and that was the day he'd almost died. Her eyes lifted to the three scars on his right cheek, her depths pained with tender compassion. Each tanned, faded scar extended from his ear to the edge of his perfect nose, long and permanent, and in some sick demented way, a gift for her. A sign of his loyalty.

Those scars were as much hers as his. And they'd given her everything; his heart, his body... his blood. The blood he'd shed for her. Shed to save her, even after she left him behind. Fuu's breathing hitched, chest wrenching, and her heart ached; gods help her, but she loved him. She'd known it since that final battle with Sarah.

She loved him. Loved Mugen. With everything she had. With everything she was.

The corners of her lips lifted in a soft smile, and Fuu inwardly laughed at the irony of it all - because he loved her back. Not that he'd ever said so. He didn't have to. She could tell.

Something tugged at her chest at the thought of them dieing here, in this forsaken chamber. Never to stand in the ocean tide again, never arguing again, never having a chance for anything again... or, for anything to become. Not that she thought much could become of a relationship with a man like Mugen. Nevertheless, her eyes burned at the idea of losing the opportunity to find out.

Mugen rustled and Fuu hung her head as he glanced up, attempting to hid her tears. But he saw them. He always did. And the air between them tensed.

"He hit you." It wasn't a question.

Fuu tilted her head to the side, hiding behind her hair, "It's nothing."

"Bullshit. You're cryin'."

She forced a breath, "...Mugen.-"

"-Fuu," His voice was tight with rage. If he ever got free, she was sure he'd kill them all, "Look at me."

She swallowed and shook her head, not trusting her voice, silent tears slipping down her cheeks. Mugen sniffed and she heard him curse. He struggled against his restraints, feet kicking, teeth gritted, and the chains rattled.

"Mugen," Jin's voice was cold, stern, "That wont work."

Mugen spat at Jin's feet and Fuu raised her head, watching the madness blaze behind Mugen's eyes,

"If you wanna fuckin' hang here for the rest of your goddamned life, you go ahead. We're getting out of here." He nodded in Fuu's direction and continued to fight against his irons, breathing harsh. And at the far end of the hall, the door opened.

Fuu didn't have to watch him walk in, the malice that radiated off him alerted her to his presence. A cold hand brushed her bare shoulder and she flinched away from his touch.

"Feisty little thing," His voice was humorless and he took hold of her chin, wrenching her face up.

"Don't you fuckin' touch her!"

Mugen's threat fell on deaf ears, and Dice pinched her face tighter, her teeth biting into the flesh of her cheeks. Fuu's doe eyes met his ebony gaze, and she scowled at the desire that swirled behind them. He simply grinned at her defiance, bending low to whisper in her ear,

"Shame," He crooned, his lips brushing her skin, "That such a pretty thing should go wasted," His free hand brushed down along her bodice, clutched her hip, and he traced a finger from the outside of her thigh inward.

Mugen was hurling curses, but Dice ignored him. He licked the curvature of her ear and blew, "Come on, what'da ya say? There's still time to accept my offer." ...

Dice lifted some of her hair and sniffed it, smiling down at her as the rocky road sent them bouncing. He held her hostage in his carriage to ensure Jin and Mugen's compliance and behavior in the buggy behind them, and he was obviously enjoying himself. Fuu tugged away from him, but he wound the hair around his hand, and pulled her back. He pressed his cheek to hers, and Fuu choked back a gasp,

"Hmm," he mumbled, turning his head, "Fuu, wasn't it?"

When she didn't reply, he chuckled, "How old are you?"

Ever silent, she screamed inside. He roughly yanked on her hair and she cried out, struggling against the rope that bound her hands behind her back.

"Answer me."

She looked away, head pounding, "Seventeen."

"Hmm," his lips trailed down to the hollow of her neck, and Fuu tasted bile,

"Such a pretty girl. Are you a virgin?"

Fuu's eyes widened and she scowled, turning her head away. He gave a firm tug on her hair once more, and she felt the scalp bruise, "No," she winced.

"Hmm," his free hand was roaming her body, "Which was it? The pirate?"

"Yes."

He chuckled, "I figured as much." When she didn't reply, he smiled, "You know, Fuu. I really couldn't care less about what Jin has done."

She turned to look at him, "Then…why?"

"Honor," He nuzzled her cheek, "I owe it to my master."

She scowled, spitting out, "There's no honor in murder."

Her face exploded with pain as his knuckles met her jaw, her head jerking to the side. Stunned, she stared blankly at the carriage wall. Snarling, he fisted his hand in her hair and yanked her head back,

"I am a samurai, child. You'll do well to remember that."

Fuu's lower lip trembled, busted open for the second time that night, and she could only nod. Dice's face slowly softened and he smiled, releasing her and running his thumb over her lip, wiping away the blood.

"Now, as I was saying," He brushed her hair back behind an ear, "Jin isn't of much importance to me. You however, interest me a great deal."

Fuu shook her head, confused, "I don't understand-"

He held up a hand, the other falling to stroke her thigh, "You know what I want."

Realization struck her hard and Fuu lurched away, "Forget it, pal."

Dice frowned, and the carriage began to slow, "I'll be willing to make a wager. You...for lives or your companions."

They came to a stop, and Fuu shook her head. Dice smiled regretfully and stood as the door opened,

"Very well," he stepped down and one of his henchmen climbed up to fetch her, "But the offer still stands,... should you choose to reconsider."

...Fuu's gaze flitted over Mugen, watching as fresh blood slithered from beneath his wrist cuffs and pitter-pattered against the floor, his chest rising and falling as he fumed. She locked eyes with him and felt his ache, "I'd rather die."

Dice chuckled in her ear, pressing a kiss just beneath the lobe, "Very well, my dear," He released her and Fuu swallowed, "Very well."

He spared her a unsympathetic glance before turning his gaze to Jin. The samurai stared back, impassive.

"Well," Dice began, unsheathing the katana that hung on his belt, "Let's finish this then, shall we?"

Fuu's breathing caught in her throat, "But it isn't dawn!"

Dice smirked, pointing his blade at Mugen, "I think I'll start with the pirate..."

Mugen's lip curled, "Just you fuckin' try it."

Fuu's heart raced as Dice stepped up to him, pressing the tip of the blade to his stomach. Mugen was relaxed, a lopsided grin plastered to his face, eyes blank.

"Your mouth," Dice drawled, "Is starting to piss me off."

Mugen snorted, "Well aint that a bitch."

Dice scowled, "Anything else you'd like to say before you die?"

"Yeah," Mugen chuckled, "Go fuck yourself, buddy."

Dice frowned and pulled the sword back, readying for the blow; and Fuu panicked, jerking in her seat, "Stop!" Mugen's gaze locked with hers and she swallowed, Dice glancing over his shoulder at her,

"What," he snapped.

"I accept - your offer. I accept it."

Mugen's brow furrowed in confusion and Dice smirked, sheathing his katana and turning to face her, "You do, do you?"

"Yes," Fuu replied, her eyes snapping from Mugen's and locking with his, "Yes, I do."

"Splendid."

Dice walked over, tugging a key from his pocket. He unlocked Fuu's chains and the shackles on her feet, but left her hands bound. Grinning, he wound his arm around her waist and lead her towards the door, "Good girl."

Fuu nodded and glanced back, holding Mugen's gaze as Dice opened the door,

"Fuu?"

Her eyes ached with new tears and she smiled wearily, mouthing 'I love you'. And she heard Mugen scream her name as Dice shut the door behind them.

Wow...I haven't written anything in a long time. So...i'm extremely excited to have done this. I'm trying to get my writing nitch back...so please, give me some feedback. This was originally going to be a one-shot, but...i don't think i'm going to do that. Maybe one more chapter. But anyways...Review.