As the last of the bandage comes off Yori looks at his hand. The cut wasn't that deep; it wouldn't leave a scar across his fingers. It was deep enough for him to see the red under his white flesh.
He looks up, the giant of a boy Gamagoori and the petite Jakuzure both asleep on the other side of the fire he made out of some of the wood from the cart tracks and his undershirt. Both seem uncomfortable but for different reasons. Jakuzure seems simply displeased at the stone of the abandoned mines floor while Gamagoori seems displeased with his own clothing. The pair were chilled and exhausted when they arrived here to rest from their vain attempt to block the snow and wind from their lady.
He finds it curious Hayato didn't give these people more supplies. The short criminal knew he wouldn't have anything; all he liked to take with him was the cloths on his back and test his wit against the mountain's natural peril. No, all Hayato deems necessary to provide is some snow boots and a slightly heavier jacket. The most likely scenario was that he was trying to get the Kiryuin girl exhausted so that he could squeeze more out of her when they conclude their dealings
"How is your hand?"
He looks to his right, finding the girl in question wide awake, the same determined look in her eye she had during their fight.
"You aren't going to break this one, Hayato." He thinks before answering.
"It's fine. If you would have put any more pressure behind it I'd have a nasty scar, but as it is there won't be any problems."
She hums, and then returns her attention to the fire. They sit there for a moment before he decides to break the silence.
"You had an interesting choice of words back there."
"What are you referring to?"
"When you said "I will not need assistance to tame you" just before we got started fighting."
"How so?"
"I'm not exactly the kind of person you'll be able to tame, as I expect you are the same."
"I will admit, you do seem different, you seem to have learned the power of fear."
"What makes you say that?"
"The way you chased down the boys who tried to flee when they attacked you. I assume you were making your impression so that they wouldn't fight you again."
He can't help but laugh. When he stops he sees the inquisitive look she is giving him, one of her eyebrows raised with her stern features softened slightly.
"You're cute."
She blushes slightly and frowns, her serious features returning quickly but he continues.
"You seem to believe we live in some kind of anime world where all of those guys were faceless goons who haven't fought me before. The truth is I've fought some of them on other occasions. The ones who ran where new, but after they see that they aren't dead tomorrow they'll do one of two things. They'll either get stronger for it, or they'll give up."
"That is a useless description of what I just said. Unless you would tell me you would welcome that they come make an attempt on your life once more, in which if that is the case you are a fool."
He shrugs, "Everyone has different ideals, and we all make different choices based on them. Those very choices have the potential to change many things."
The howling wind begins to die down from the cave mouth behind the girl. He stands, brushing some of the dust from his hide lined school pants.
"I am curious at the ones you will make."
A few hours later…
Satsuki looks down the mountainside from her place next to Yori on the small black stone plateau. Below them is a small mining town with a bus clearly visible at its center.
"This is the place." Yori begins, "I'm going to wait here. I'm sure you can make it down there and handle this on your own."
"Why thanks for the vote of confidence boy scout." Jakuzure states sarcastically.
"What you do down there is between you and them. I don't wish to interfere."
She can't help but be slightly perturbed with how cryptic Yori was being. What was it both he and Hayato weren't telling them about this place?
She didn't have time to dwell on it, the afternoon sun bearing down on the mountainside likely made them visible to the occupants of the town and she had to assume hostility.
"Jakuzure, Gamagoori." she called back as they move down the mountainside.
"Yes, Lady Satsuki?" they both respond.
"Try and spare these people if you can, I wish to question them."
"As you wish."
As they close in on the town she instantly notices how quiet it is. They walk around one of the buildings into the town proper and begin moving towards the bus in the center of the town. Once there she looks around. Some buildings appear new while others seem to be refurbished, in the distance she sees the entrance of a mine but there is no activity coming from it.
Suddenly there is a shrill yell. She shoots around to find a teenage girl diving towards Jakuzure, a pickaxe in her hand. Jakuzure gracefully parries the blow and strikes the woman in the head with her baton. The woman collapses unconscious from the rapt tap to her skull.
Apparently taking this as their signal more people charge, all of varying ages. The fight is uneventful for her as Gamagoori and Jakuzure make short work of the unorganized group of twenty or so people. Suddenly there is a boom as a rugged old man makes his way out of the mine, a hunting rifle in his hand.
"Enough of this! I'm gona give ya one chance to run back to your masters with yer tails between yer legs!" He yells as he levels his gun at them, "Otherwise I'm gona start shootin."
"You are mistaken old man," she bellowed as she draws Bakuzan, "Satsuki Kiryuin is her own master!"
"Don't give me that shit! You're under orders from the Suzambos, otherwise what would you want with some mining town in the middle of nowhere."
"I admit I am here because of a Suzambo, but I have apparently been misled. I ask you now to lower your weapon," she goes into a defensive stance, prepared to deflect his bullets if necessary, "otherwise I will be forced to make you lower it myself."
They stare at each other for a moment, but the old man soon releases his grip on the trigger and lowers his rifle to his side.
"Damn it, I can't believe I'm backin down to a twelve year old girl with a sword." He grumbles, "What'chu want then?"
"I want answers." She says as she sheaths her sword.
The man waves the forward as he turns to walk back into the mine entrance. She follows, hearing the crunch of the ice fade as they move forward. Once inside they find the man sitting next to a lantern in what seems like a makeshift office space.
"So ya say you've been misled. What exactly did the little bastard say bout us?"
She takes the seat he motions to as Gamagoori answers, "He informed us that that you were a group of Takarada miners and smugglers invading his territory under the guise of a grade school field trip."
"Hmph, figures he'd tell ya a half-truth rather than a full out lie. We are workin with them Takarada fellas, but only because we have no other choice."
"I see," Satsuki nods thoughtfully, "I assume you are providing resources and a way station for smugglers in exchange for living space away from Chiyo."
"Ya have it ma'am, we got sick of livin under those Suzambo bastards, but minin is all some of us know. We'd be usesless anywhere else, but you can't live on metal alone. I'm gonna assume that the little freak wanted you to stop us from workin with the Takaradas, that's why I'm gonna have to ask that you kids head back to Hayato and tell'im whatever deal ya have is off."
"I'm afraid I can't do that." she replies, raising her hand as his mouth shoots open she continues, "For my own reasons I must end your dealings with the Takaradas. I hereby annex your town in the name of the Kiryuins. You will provide resources for the great academy I am building. We will provide food and equipment, but I expect results."
The man is dumbstruck as she stands and turns away, walking out of the mine entrance.
"Where are you goin?"
"Back to Suzambo, if he thinks he can use Satsuki Kiryuin as his whip he is sadly mistaken."
"Ya won't find 'im. Hayato prolly already knows that you ain't killed us and won't be meetin with ya personally."
"You don't think that Boy Scout is the spy, do you?" Jakuzure asks.
She frowns as she increases her pace; she had to get back to that black stone perch.
Back on the Mountainside
Yori yawns from his seat atop the spy Hayato sent to report on what happened at the mining town. The burly boy whimpers incessantly in fear of what he may have planned. In truth the boy had less to fear of his choice than he did with the girl now making her way back up the mountainside with her servants. The look in her focused eyes holds anger but quickly fades into questioning as she notices his human bench. He quickly pieces together that the initial look was likely because she thought he was Hayato's spy and chuckles.
"Nice to see you've finished, you continue to impress Satsuki Kiryuin."
"What do you have there, Boy Scout? Caught yourself a little birdy, have you?"
He grins, "Looks like it, but I think he belongs to Hayato. I figured you'd want to choose what song he sings back to his owner," he looks over to Satsuki, "as a favor to you."
"If that is why you have done this than release him, I do not wish to be in your debt." She replies coolly.
"You won't owe me anything." He begins as he stands, "I'm doing this because I haven't had a test of strength since you came along. It's rare to find someone I wouldn't mind calling my equal."
"How dare you!" Gamagoori booms as the giant suddenly moves between him and Satsuki, "I have tolerated your forward manner with my Lady, but to put yourself on equal standing is unforgivable!"
"I wouldn't mind a chance to put you through your paces big guy, but I don't think now is the time." He motions back to the guy on the ground. His whimpering has stopped meaning he is likely planning to run for it, especially if they begin to fight. He notices Satsuki begin making her way around Gamagoori and to the spy. She moves to the opposite side of him and places the bottom of her sheathed sword squarely on the small of his back. Holding the sword down with both hands she looks down at the boy.
"You will not move from this spot, understood?" she orders, a firm glare set on the spy.
"Y-yes ma'am." He shudders.
"Now face me!" Gamagoori demands.
Satsuki watches as Yori gets into a fighting stance, a spark seems to light in his eye as he looks at Gamagoori. This fight that Gamagoori was pushing for was the perfect chance to sway Yori to join her. The way Gamagoori loved to take punishment meant he would be able to fight an opponent like the red haired hunter much longer than anyone but her. If Gamagoori won she would be able to appeal to his need for strength to get him to join her. If Yori won, she would be able to convince him that his strength was wasted in Chiyo and that traveling with her would lead to his own glory.
Suddenly Yori rushes forth. Gamagoori slams his fist down to the man but the red head dodges right. Before Gamagoori even impacts the snow Yori launches himself up and strikes him in the face. The blow sends the giant of a man back more than a couple of steps, but Yori doesn't stop there. As soon his feet hit the ground he charges forward, his elbow forward. He aims for Gamagoori's solar plexus but the man regains composure and swings his fist into Yori's side. He quickly follows up with three more devastating punches that send the smaller man flying.
His impact buries him in snow temporarily but he is back in sight almost immediately. She can see the spark has grown into a full fire as he charges back at Gamagoori who is moving up the slope to meet him. Yori seems to be moving faster than before as he closes in on the larger man. Gamagoori throws a punch but before he can even finish the full swing Yori charges into him, lifting the giant from his feet and to the ground. They begin to roll back down the mountain until Yori slams a boot down to slow their decent. Using the sudden stop as a slingshot his fist barrels into Gamagoori once more. The red head then grabs the collar of Gamagoori's shirt and pulls him into a head-butt. Unceasing in his assault Yori forces himself up onto the giant's chest and jumps. She can almost feel the impact from where she is standing but Yori doesn't get in a second jump as Gamagoori grabs his leg and proceeds to slam the boy against the ground as he stands.
Once he is on his feet he throws the red head towards a rough stone ledge to her left. Yori hits the stone hard, and she hears fabric tear as he slides across the stony surface. He stops just before the edge and stands, shallow scratches mar his exposed chiseled chest. The look in his eyes is different now. The fiery look he normally holds is replaced with an icy cold glare that threatens to send a shiver down her spine. She suddenly hears a groan of pleasure to her right and her eyes cut away from the fight to see Jakuzure practically drooling over Yori's figure.
"Hmph," she thinks, "she is so focused on his chest she probably can't tell how dangerous he is in his current state."
Looking back she sees Yori walking back to Gamagoori rather charging him as he normally does. In his hand he holds the tattered remains of his school uniform. Just as he reaches Gamagoori the giant attempts to slam his fists down on him in a sledgehammer grip. In one fluid motion quicker than likely anyone but her can see Yori is flying over Gamagoori. In mid-flight Yori pulls his school shirt over the giants face and lands just behind him. Gamagoori is forced into an awkward position leaning slightly back. Then Yori begins striking Gamagoori in the back in various different places.
"Yes, more! Punish me more!" Gamagoori yells suddenly.
"Way to ruin the moment Toad." Jakuzure grumbles.
Normally when someone hears Gamagoori say such things they stop and he retaliates, but Yori doesn't desist until Gamagoori lets out an involuntary groan. At this Yori kicks at the back of Gamagoori's leg in an attempt to make him kneel but the giant refuses to fall.
"I refuse to kneel to anyone other than Lady Satsuki!" he declares, "Now feel my climax!"
Gamagoori pulls forward, pulling Yori from the ground. Rather than shoot over Gamagoori and into the ground the red head uses the momentum to be thrown straight into the air. As the shirt falls from his face Gamagoori looks around for his target before looking up. Like a bird of prey Yori dives back down as his fist impacts the dead center of Gamagoori's face. The impact of the blow sends snow flying everywhere that is only made worse from the following impact of Gamagoori's body to the ground. As the veritable smokescreen of snow settles she sees Yori standing over an unconscious looking Gamagoori.
"I don't need you to kneel." He says as he turns to walk to her.
Just as he stops in front of her Gamagoori is suddenly up and between them.
His voice is ragged and tired as he speaks "I am Lady Satsuki's living shield, I will guard her honor even if I must pay with my life."
"That is enough Gamagoori." She says. "Try as you will you will not be able to defeat him, and I refuse to have my shield broken before I even head to battle."
He slowly moves aside and kneels, "Yes, my Lady."
"Now that we've finished this what do you plan to do with him?" Yori asks.
She looks down at the spy, the large boy now sweating nervously at the sudden attention.
"What do you suggest be done?" she asks Yori.
"There are three things to choose from. You can release him to Hayato and allow him to tell Hayato what you've done. You can convince him to risk everything he has and lie to Hayato. Or you can end his involvement here."
The spy makes an audible gulp, but it doesn't take her long to decide. She taps the boy on his back with Bakuzan.
"You, spy."
He shakily turns his head and looks at her. A fearful look spreads across his face as he looks upon her as she glares at him.
"You will return to Hayato and tell him we have done as he wished and whatever else he wishes to hear. Do not tell him what has truly transpired or I will make you regret it."
"Y-Y-Yes m-m-ma'am" he whimpers. She lifts Bakuzan from his back and the boy immediately jumps to his feet and runs across the path they plan to take home.
"We'll give him two hours; let's head down to the village and let Gamagoori rest."
An hour later…
Yori looks out the window of the bus. Outside was a collection of children of all ages. In their hands they hold instruments, most of which are improvised.
"Ok everyone, from the top!" he hears Jakuzure order from the top of the bus. The children begin to play some classical song he barely cares to listen to. He leans back, props his feet on the seat in front of his, and closes his eyes. After a moment he hears the door open as the click of heels echoes through the small space.
"So I didn't hit the big guy too hard did I?" he said without opening his eyes.
"He will be fine, but that is not what I am here to discuss."
He lazily opens one eye and looks at her, her stern expression ever present on her face.
"You have amazing power, but it is wasted in Chiyo. You will never find glory here on this mountain. Come and be my sparring partner and I promise you will grow to be one of the greatest warriors in history."
He lets out a low rumbling chuckle as he closes his eye once more. "Life isn't just about glory no more than it is about sacrifice or the reach of your influence, or whatever it is that you got those two to follow you for. I will not be a pawn designed to serve your goal, you must reach it through your own will and find your own way to become stronger." He cracks his eye to see a surprised and disappointed look in her eyes that he didn't expect, even if her face has not changed. He sighs before continuing, "If you would face me, seek me out here and I will allow it. But I will not follow you blindly because I respect you."
Her look changes back to one of determination, "Then I will be back once I have dealt with Hayato."
Back at Hayato's Den...
Hayato is facing away from her as she enters the room below the freezer, without slowing from her casual walk she moves to the man.
"Well I see you made it back," he laughs, "Why don't we finish this deal but I do have a few things added to the contract you may need to read unless you're too tired. If you want you could just—UGH! What are you doing?!"
Satsuki lifts him up, holding the shorter man at eye level with one hand while she holds Bakuzan to his neck with the other. "To think you could manipulate me into being your scare tactic was foolish Hayato Suzambo. Now you will pay for that foolishness."
The weak fool breaks almost immediately to her surprise as he begins jabbering about doing whatever she wants. Hayato is lucky his business skills are more important to her than his physical capability or this conversation would end very differently.
