The mouse, the tiger and the youkai jesus
Chapter 2: Bad mornings and breakfast plans
I suddenly felt something hitting my face harshly.
My eyes opened slowly and I found out that it only was a ray of sunlight, waking me up from my precious sleep. I had been dreaming so nicely about Master. How she liked me more than Hijiri and we were happy. Even though it sounds stupid, I loved it. And hey, no one can control dreams or subconscious... except for that one freaky satori who sealed her eye. A sweet smell entered my nose, giving my brain the breakfast alarm. Maybe master was the one making breakfast. If no one else was up I could take the opportunity of being alone with her to find out if she hated me. But that idea was just plain weird, because I knew master. That tiger wasn't a morning person, not at all. If anyone bothered her in the morning, she'd take one of her spellcards. Everyone was happy when their turn of waking her passed without incidents. If I was correct today was my turn.
"Hooray!" I whispered sarcastically while getting up and started to get dressed. Getting roasted by a tiger's spellcards in the morning. That was just what I needed now. I looked down on me and checked my attire. I looked as usual. I was about to leave the room before I stopped abruptly. I looked back and found that I had almost forgotten my best comrade in the basket. Poor mouse was on the edge of crying. I gasped and knelt down in front of him. "Forgive me! It'll never happen agaaaain! I could never forget you!" My fellow squeaked. "Of course it matters!" And one more squeak followed. "You forgive me? Thank you, my comrade." I felt like there was a strong stare upon me from behind, from the doorway. And even though whoever was there tried their best to fight the chuckling, I could still hear it. I needed to control my break outs more. I sighed and lifted a spellcard into the air. Mine weren't as strong, but effective, though.
I turned around and saw that I roasted Ichirin and missed the captain. Great. Both of them. I hung the basket over my tail and left my room, leaving the well cooked Ichirin and our beloved ship ghost behind. I made my way to the kitchen and found Hijiri preparing the food. "Good morning, Nazrin-chan." She said smiling at me. Damn. How could she be this nice to me? Was it some kind of torture? Not to forget about the chan at the end of my name. I didn't want to be called that. Not by her. "Thank you Hijiri-sama. It didn't start out so well, though." I said. I had to stay polite. After all I was living under her roof, eating from her food and serving her follower. From the people at the Myouren temple I was at the lower end of the food chain.
"Oh, how come? You didn't sleep well?" Though, I seemed to be liked by her in some way. At least she didn't hate me, which was good. Otherwise it might've become a bloody fight over Master. "The sleep was fine, so was the morning until I roasted nun-looking youkai." I didn't feel like being polite to someone who made fun of me and Ichirin wasn't THAT high on the Myouren temple- or the Gensokyou food chain. "Roasted?" The youkai jesus seemed a little shocked, but managed to keep her cool perfectly. Amazing how she could, I would have freaked out if my follower's servant used a spellcard on another follower. So either I had a really hard time controlling my anger or Hijiri could just do it way too perfectly. I considered the last explanation to be more possible and just went with that one. "Yes, roasted. She and Murasa were apparently making fun of me and I really didn't need that." "I-Is she alright?", Byakuren seemed worried, taking her eyes off me and gazing towards the kitchen door in hope someone would enter.
I yawned, but covered my mouth. "She should be. I used a spellcard of mine. My spellcards are weak and I still used one of my weakest ones." At that moment a tastily roasted Ichirin entered, followed by our captain, who seemed to also make fun of Ichirin, proving me that I shouldn't take it personally as long as it was from the captain. "Morning, Hijiri and Nazrin, even though I saw you before." She shortly glanced my way before looking at Hijiri, who was surprised by the roasted look of her follower. "Good morning to you too, captain... Ichirin, are you alright?" I saw a small nod from her, she was over the shock, but captain Murasa's chuckles and slight laughter didn't seem to be helping. "So where's our morning tiger?" Murasa asked, looking around.
"She should still be asleep." Hijiri answered. "Unless one of you already woke her up. If not, I think I recall Nazrin having to wake her up today, so please go and fetch her." that honest and pure smile. She truly was the youkai jesus. I yawned a little. "Alright, alright. But if I don't make it alive out of her room anymore someone's gotta take care of my comrade." I slightly pointed at my friend in the basket. Hijiri gave me a smile filled with sympathy. No one liked to be the one to wake up master in the morning, not even Hijiri. I left the room and went to master's. I gave it a slight knock with my knuckles. "Master? Breakfast is ready!", I said in a normal tone of voice. As I was met by silence I opened the door a little. "Master?" She was in a deep sleep. I sighed and went quietly to the side of her bed. I thought about shaking her a little, but I knew that I would lose it as soon as I touched her. Seeing her sleep was already troubling my heart. I've surely been blushing already.
Those perfectly shaped lips, her eyelids covering her eyes, showing her beautiful eye lashes, it was indeed very hard for me not to fall all over her. "Master?" I whispered. I finally received an answer, but it was just a mumble. Master seemed to be half-awake, but mostly asleep. "Master, breakfast is ready." She mumbled some more before reaching out into the air and suddenly grabbing my shoulders. I now felt how my heart started beating faster than it should and how the blood rose to my cheeks. "M-Master?", I asked, my voice a little louder, as I hoped for her to let go. But instead of letting go she pulled me down half on top and half beside her.
Her sweet scent was all around me ans she was so warm. Even though there was no doubt that this had been an uncontrolled sleeping movement I enjoyed the result of it very much. I would surely get a heart attack soon, judging by the speed of my heart. I needed to get away from her, I shouldn't be held like that, it would only give me more hopes, hopes which would be torn apart later on. But maybe I could enjoy this just for another moment. I closed my eyes and let my mind free. Her scent and warmth offered me to dream about my master. But this wasn't the right moment. I opened my eyes again and started to try to struggle free from her arms, just before I noticed that two golden yellow eyes were staring at me. I met her gaze with shock.
"M-Master!" I yelled in surprise. I would have to explain this, but what should I say? 'You pulled me next to you?' No one would believe that. "Good morning Nazu-chan!" She greeted me friendly smiling at me like this was the most normal way to wake up. No questions? No morning annoyance? Was I probably dreaming once again? Before I could continue my thoughts, master gave me a tight hug and stood up. I saw in a mirror that my face was ruby red now. I've never blushed as hard as this, but I had a good reason, didn't I? Master then looked at me, still no sign of annoyance. She smiled. "I would like to get dressed now." She said, her smile not fading.
I understood and left the room, thinking about the weirdness that had just happened. I decided to just go and wait for her with the others and returned. "Did she wake- What happened to you?", Hijiri started friendly before seeing my face. Her gaze turned worried. I saw Ichirin looking confused at me from the corner of my eye, while Murasa had trouble fighting laughter. I looked at her. "How come you are in such a laughter mood today?", I asked, an unwanted tone of rudeness in my voice. "Dunno. Just happened to be in a good mood." she shrugged. "I see. Anyway, I'm fine and yes, master's coming." I took my place next to Ichirin and Unzan. "And for once, she doesn't seem to be that annoyed.", I added.
"Really? Well, that's good." Hijiri smiled while finishing the breakfast preparations. "Let's just wait." She sat down and looked at us. I nodded approving, unsure about what else to do. It didn't take long for master to arrive. "Good morning." She said friendly, taking her place.
The breakfast went as peaceful as always. Everyone exchanged a few words about plans for the day and Nue appeared, complaining about being forgotten. We actually didn't forget her, but it's rare that she joins us for breakfast. Thank god Hijiri made enough food.
"Oh, by the way." Murasa started when most of us were done with eating. "There will be a festival at the Hakurei Shrine because of New Year's Eve. It is said that the Hakurei miko got a lot of help and prepared a lot of stuff. I think we should go.", the captain suggested, pulling a wrinkled piece of paper out of the pocket of her pants, smoothing it out and placing it on the middle of the table. I glanced at it, but didn't really care. I've never been the kind of person to party all night long and I didn't intend to go to that festival. It would most likely just be an opportunity for master and Hijiri to spend some romantic time together anyway. I wasn't that close with Murasa or Ichirin, so I would be left alone.
Master read the flyer. "But that's tomorrow already. Do we all have the proper clothing?" It wasn't like master to be worried about her appearance. Her often falling because of her clumsiness caused her clothing to be a complete mess sometimes and she didn't care. But at such an event she wanted to be dressed properly. Hijiri seemed to think. "Well, it would be necessary that everyone here has a kimono. I think I still have one." She pointed out. "Me as well." Ichirin said. "It isn't anything fancy but it will do for a Hakurei festival. What about you, captain?" Murasa scratched the back of her head. "I spent a lot of my lifetime at the sea. No one wore those things on the ship. And even if I would have had one, I wouldn't have kept it during my time being cursed. So simply no." I didn't even want to be asked. I hated kimonos. They were difficult to wear, impractical and certainly not my style. But telling by master's concern about the proper clothing, I had to wear one if we found a fitting one.
"I must have one too. I remember buying one once and never wearing it.", master thought. Master in a kimono. That might just look too perfect on her. "what about you, Nazu-chan?" The way she spoke my name. It sounded like an angel. "I never was a fan of fancy clothing." That answer was simple and correct. "So only you and Murasa need new clothing.", Hijiri said. "Hello?", Nue said, pointing out that she was still there. Hijiri looked at her. "Yes, Nue, you don't have one either. But since you wouldn't want to wear one anyway and none of us can tell you what to do, it's not much of a matter for our planning." She smiled. Nue tried to argue with that, but failed. She didn't know what to say anymore and left with a slight "tss." "As I was saying. You two are the only ones who need kimonos."
"Well, you know, I can go without one, let's not get unnecessary things." I tried to talk myself out of it. "I don't know if those things would even suit me and besides, I'm not planning on going anyway." I continued. "Nonsense!" Master threw in. "You have to wear one too and I'm sure we find one that does suit you. Also, you have to come. It's New Year's Eve and we're all going." She saw my unhappy face. "Please?" Murasa raised her voice. "I don't need one. After all I'm a captain and I should look like one." Somehow, Murasa's excuse sounded more convincing than mine. "But it would be a nice change, Murasa!", Hijiri tried to convince our captain. "We could pick out a really pretty one for you." Murasa sighed. She didn't like arguing, most likely because it bored her. "Fine, if you insist." she said a little annoyed, making Byakuren cheer.
"Alright, I will be busy today, maybe you could go and drag those two clothes shopping?" Master asked Hijiri. "What? But I-" I tried to interrupt, but was interrupted myself. "Sure. Let's first go to that shop Korindou and if they don't have anything I heard there's a puppeteer that's very handy and also makes clothing if someone asks her to." With that the conversation was ended and Hijiri started to take the breakfast things away from the table. I couldn't even say anything anymore. Great. I was damned to wear a kimono. If at least master would go pick one out for me. At that thought something else came to my mind. Why did Hijiri have to accompany Murasa and me? It's not like we were children after all. Whatever. She'll have her reasons.
With the others leaving I left too, just to take a walk outside. As soon as I took in the fresh air I started to daydream about Master again. I really needed to find a solution for the problem of my crush. Actually I shouldn't even be around anymore. I was sent by Bishamonten to watch over Master, but it turned out that she is just fine by herself. So why was I still there? Still at master's side? I was useless now. But unless Master wanted me to leave I would stay. Feeling the feelings I felt, I couldn't stand the thought of leaving. But I needed a solution or at least help. As soon as possible.
Lost in my thoughts and concerns I didn't notice that I was leaving the area of the temple. I didn't have any goal or any particular direction to walk into, but just away in silence would be fine. Silence so I could think of something.
Bero bero ba! An umbrella youkai stretched her tongue out, apparently trying to scare me. Bad luck for her it didn't work. "Can I help you somehow?" I asked annoyed. I didn't like being pulled out of my thoughts, especially not important ones. The other youkai looked at me disappointed. "You're not scared?" "Not really." I answered. Her eyes suddenly started to water up. It surprised me. Normally I would just ignore it, but if I was the reason for her crying I had to help. "Don't cry! Sorry for not being scared! I'm sure everyone else is frightened as soon as they see you!" As that statement left my lips her crying became even worse. "No one's afraid of me! I'm a Karakasa! I should be able to scare everyone!" I didn't know what to do so I placed my hands on her shoulders. Hey it doesn't matter! I actually don't have a purpose anymore and I'm still there! As long as you have someone to be with!" I tried my best to cheer the poor girl up. But her crying became even worse. " I don't have anyone!" So many tears... "Y-yes you do! You do now! Me!" She looked confused at me.
"I'm Nazrin, I live at the Myouren temple! I will now be your friend!", I stated very loudly. "Her crying disappeared and she smiled at me, a few last sobs taking over her body. "I-I'm Kogasa... Tatara Kogasa..." I sighed in relief. The girl named Kogasa stopped crying. I wanted to turn and leave but "Where are you going?" The karakasa stopped me. "Nowhere in particular. Just taking a walk... you wanna come along, I suppose?" I said questioning. She nodded. "Well, let's go." I had to be nice, I promised her to be he friend after all. On our way to nowhere she asked some things about me and I answered her everything. I didn't even try to ask more about her, because in the end she would just start crying again and I didn't want that.
After some walking I stopped hearing her as my mind covered her voice up with my own. I was thinking about my problem once again, hoping to find a solution or a way to make things less painful for me. "Nazrin?" Her voice then ripped me out of my new thoughts. "huh?" "Geez, are you even listening? I called you name about five times already!" I looked away from her. 2Sorry I was just... thinking." I didn't see her face, but I was sure she was confused by my sudden depressed voice. "What's wrong?" She asked kindly. "Nothing, I just... have a lot of troubles right now." I explained. "Nothing you'd understand." "You don't know that." She said childish. "I could try to understand if you just told me... Please, I'm sure I can help. Sometimes it even helps just to get some trouble talked out." She placed a hand on my shoulder, causing me to turn around. Her smile was convincing and honest.
She was really interested in helping me, not like the other people I usually hung out with. I was on the edge of crying, but fought the tears back inside. "Alright..." We sat on some rocks which were just standing randomly on the meadow we walked to. I felt how the urge to tell her all my troubles grew bigger and then it just started to flow out of me. "Well, there's this master of mine. I really, really like her as in really much. But she likes that person, Hijiri. She's a great person alright and she made master what she is today, but I really wish that master wouldn't like her." I looked sadly at my feet. "Also, I shouldn't even be at her side anymore, I was sent by Bishamonten to watch her, but she proved herself as good disciple which is why I have no use for her anymore. She's my master. There's no way she could ever feel the way I feel for her towards me." I explained sadly. I glanced at Kogasa.
The karakasa seemed touched by my story. "Awww, poor you..." Having someone feel sympathy for me felt really good and Kogasa had been right. Just talking about this made me already feel better. "Well, I'm not an expert, but would you like to hear my advice?" I looked at her and gave her a nod. She might not seem like an expert in love situations but I would gladly listen to her advice. "Well, maybe you should tell that Hijiri about it. You said she's a nice person, right? So she will understand and you can find a solution together and maybe that solution includes you confessing to your master. You seem really desperate to get her so I'm sure Hijiri will understand it." I was surprised. That was actually a rather good idea. "Why didn't I think of that? It's so obvious!" I cursed. "You are in love, Nazrin. And you would never go for advice to the person you're jealous of, it's in the nature of creatures to avoid people we have negative feelings towards. But as you said this might be an exception, if you give yourself a little push, I'm sure she and you can work together."
I was taken by surprise once again. "How come you know stuff like that?" I asked, pointing out that Kogasa sounded really smart as she explained the past thing to me. "When you have no home, you get around a lot and hear lots of things, I guess I just found a piece of knowledge here and another there." She explained smiling, proudly of me calling her smart. "Well, thank you..." I said. "I probably should get back to the temple. Hijiri wants to drag me and the captain along to go shopping for kimonos." I made a fake gagging noise. "Kimonos? Are you going to that Hakurei festival?", the youkai next to me asked. "'coz I will go there too." She got excited. I smiled a little bit. At least I won't be alone as I thought I'd be then. "Really? That's great." My voice didn't sound as excited as it could have. "Well, I really should go now. See you at the festival." I got off the rock and started to walk away. Looking back I saw Kogasa waving me excitedly, happy about me being her new friend. I waved back a little.
This karakasa... she had made me so happy just now.
I guess once in a while you need someone to listen and feel sympathy.
Once in a while you need a true friend.
So this is Chapter 2! Is anyone even reading this? Meh, whatever.
I'd appreciate reviews^^
