Ronin Warriors: Blood Reign
Episode 1 – Ryo
Chapter 4 – Red Sky at Night
Two days later, Seika smiled to herself as she walked out of the barn and into the summer sunlight. Her smile only grew as she thought about where she was headed, and her pace even quickened slightly as she was getting closer to the paddock. There she saw her favorite white horse grazing along with two other horses. She hurried over to the front gate, but she didn't stop there. As soon as she reached the fence, she stepped up onto one of the lower wooden rungs, laid down the bridle and lead she'd brought with her, and rested her elbows on the top as she leaned over. As soon as she was sure she was steady, she called out to her horse with a whistle. The mare's head instantly came up the moment she recognized it, and Seika couldn't help but chuckle as she whinnied and trotted over to her.
Seika reached a hand out and smiled as Snowbell pressed her head against it. For the next few minutes, ones she never kept track of, Seika scratched her under the chin, behind the ears, and under her mane, which she could see needed to be combed through. But no matter how she looked, Snowbell always looked beautiful to her, simply because she was hers. Suddenly, the white mare lowered her head and nudged against Seika's pants pocket.
"Sorry girl," Seika shook her head apologetically, "I don't have anything for you." Deciding to compensate, she scratched the horse under her mane again. But before long, Seika's smile became somewhat mischievous as she immediately forgot why she was here, and thought of something Snowbell might like a little bit more.
She lifted one leg over the fence, and then the other before jumping down into the grass beside Snowbell. She then looked around quickly to make sure no one was watching, before she grabbed a handful of the white mane, and heaved herself up onto the horse's back. As soon as both legs were on either side of the mare's back, and she'd made sure her posture was steady and straight, Seika settled both hands on Snowbell's mane, and gently urged her forward into a walk. After a while, Seika let her go into a trot, then into a canter, and soon the two were moving around the paddock, leaving the other two horses to their grazing.
For a moment, Seika let her head back and allowed her hair and braids to flow behind her. Such rides were anything but unusual to her, and nothing but pure pleasure. Only when she was on the back of a fast horse did she feel so free. For the last few years that she lived here, she would sometimes get up just before dawn and take Snowbell or one of the other horses out for an early morning ride. Other times she would simply ride one of them in the paddock. Her family knew about her equestrian escapades, but for some reason, she almost always felt embarrassed when seen in action. Unfortunately, during this particular ride, such a scene occurred once again as she snapped her head back up when she caught sight of both her cousins headed toward the paddock.
Disappointed that the bliss had been cut short, Seika pulled Snowbell's mane gently back, slowing her to a trot and then back to a walk as she directed her toward the fence where her cousins were now waiting. Both their faces were inquisitive, but Seika could only smile politely, as she wasn't quite sure what they were thinking of.
"I thought I'd catch you out here riding in circles," Akemi said as she dismounted and headed back over to where she'd left the bridle and lead.
Seika raised an eyebrow at her. "I was just about to lead her back to the barn," she assured her. She then smoothed the bridle over Snowbell's face, and gave a nod of thanks to her cousin for opening the gate she began leading the mare through. But the conversation didn't end there.
"Well you'd better hurry," Akemi said, "Dad wants you back in 'cause dinner's almost ready."
Seika raised her head in remembrance. Her uncle had gone back in to see how the cooking was going, while she told him she wanted to go bring Snowbell in. But, come to think of it, now that dinner was being mentioned, she thought herself pretty hungry as well, especially since the sun was now setting.
But that was when Hitomi butted herself in. "I for one think you should get out of that t-shirt and those jeans and into something nicer," she said. Then, with a mischievous grin, she added, "Especially since we're probably gonna have some attractive company."
Seika gave her a confused look. "What are you talking about, Hitomi?" she asked.
Hitomi returned her confused face. "You mean it's not obvious to you by now?" she asked back, incredulous.
"What's not obvious to me?" Seika asked, curious yet also incredulous at once, "I'm no psychic, tell me."
Hitomi let out an "ugh" sound and rolled her eyes before saying, "You like that guy – uh, what do you call him? – Ryo."
Seika made her confused face again. "What do you mean?" she asked, still curious, "Of course I like him."
Looking somewhat frustrated, Hitomi shook her head and replied, "No, I mean like him."
Once she realized what she was implying, Seika let her mouth open in disbelief. She knew her cousin deemed herself an expert in relationships, but she didn't think she'd make such wild speculations such as this. "Are you crazy?" she asked, "I can't like him that way, I barely know him."
Hitomi shrugged her shoulders dismissively. "So?" she asked, "I barely knew half the guys I've dated."
"Yeah, but you dated almost all of them only once," Akemi suddenly spoke up.
Hitomi shot her a false smile. "Not helping, sis," she said through clenched teeth.
But Seika wasn't buying it. While she didn't date nearly as often as Hitomi, she made sure she knew the two guys she had dated before even considering the idea. The first never went anywhere, but the other became somewhat serious, until he broke up with her. But both were pretty long ago. And here Hitomi was thinking she'd succumbed to the Florence Nightingale effect, where nurses fell in love with their patients. Now that Hitomi was proposing an idea so outside her train of thought, Seika didn't believe it one bit. "It doesn't matter," she said, "I don't know how you could've thought this up."
"I didn't just think it up!" her cousin defended herself, "Besides, he's cute, he seems sensitive, and you blush every time you talk about him."
Now Seika frowned at her and decided it was her turn to defend herself. "I do not!"
"Do too!" Hitomi exclaimed, "When we get back you can look in the mirror to prove it."
Seika by now had had enough of this. Rolling her eyes and letting out a huff of frustration, she then said, "Forget it. This conversation is over." And once she remembered something important, she also added with an even sterner voice, "And not a word about this to Aunt Rin and Uncle Hideo. Got it?"
Hitomi shrugged her shoulders again, but without the dismissiveness this time. "Duh," she nodded, "Whatever you say, Seika."
Seika let out a small sigh of relief. She knew her cousin wouldn't blab about something she practically dedicated her life to. But as she finally reached the barn and led Snowbell to her stall, she inexplicably found herself contemplating Hitomi's suggestion. Her and Ryo? An item to her cousin? At first it sounded absurd. But the longer she thought about it, the more Seika found she almost liked the idea. Ryo was sort of handsome, with his long, jet black hair and probably the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. Yet they also had a lot in common. They both liked animals, were more introverted than extroverted, and every time they talked, they ended up laughing about something. And their dreams – they had seemed so similar. Seika still hadn't let out the thought that it might be a coincidence, yet a part of her told her also that it couldn't be so. What she knew for sure, though, was that neither could be both. Just as their dreams could be a coincidence or not, neither could she like Ryo in that serious way and yet not at the same time.
These thoughts remained in her mind as she walked back to the house and then into the kitchen, where she was greeted by the smell of dinner waiting to be eaten. Seika allowed a smile on her face, believing she'd now found something else to focus on. Fortunately, her aunt and uncle were there to help her do it.
"Something smells good," she said as she walked to the table, which had now been set for all five of them.
"Hope you like it," her uncle called out from his place at the stove, "We're having yosenabe."
"Mmm," Seika said as she went over to the sink to wash her hands. Her aunt was there, and immediately Seika remembered what she wanted to ask her.
"Aunt Rin?" she said as she dried her hands, "You said you were helping Ryo get back on his feet. How's he doing?"
"Oh yes, he's doing great," she replied as she went over to help her husband, "Better than I expected, in fact."
"Oh that's good," Seika nodded, "because, there's something I've been meaning to ask you. Um, would it be okay if he came down to eat with us?"
"I don't see why not," her aunt replied, "In fact, I was just about to set a plate for him at the table."
Seika could feel her face light up, and for one reason alone, she insisted. "Cool! He needs some interaction other than what he's getting right now."
"He needs a haircut, that's what he needs," her uncle spoke up suddenly, "Have you seen how long his hair is?"
Seika rolled her eyes. She had a feeling he was going to bring that up sooner or later. Just then, so did Hitomi as she and Akemi walked in.
"So?" her cousin asked, "I like guys with long hair. Makes them look, tougher, I guess."
"Well, I'm about to put the food on the table," her uncle said, "Tell the young man if he wants to eat with us, he needs to get down here fast."
"I'll do it," Seika volunteered. And as she headed toward the stairs, she stopped for a moment to nudge Hitomi with her elbow, reminding her of their agreement. Hitomi gave her a quick nod and Akemi shrugged her shoulders, but Seika was satisfied. Even so, as she made it up the stairs to the second floor, Seika had the feeling that her thoughts on their earlier conversation would stay longer than she first believed.
Ryo thought about what had happened that day as he pulled on his jeans. He didn't think he could have been more thankful to Seika and her Aunt Rin for all they had done to help him. He still hadn't regained his memory, but considering that his wounds were healing fast and he was now up and walking, that seemed like a minor loss. All he knew was that what had happened just a few days ago could've been much worse. Still, the more he thought about it, he didn't know exactly what kind of person he was before that, but he had the strong feeling that if saving those girls' lives meant losing his own, it would have been worth it. But suddenly, he started thinking that if he'd died, he would never have met Seika, never would have gotten to be with her all those times he had.
Immediately, Ryo shook his head. He may have liked Seika, but he also knew her for less than a week. Could he really even let himself start thinking about her in that way? Well, he had to admit he did have reasons. For starters, she was very pretty, with her long, sugar pink hair and her large pale, purple eyes. And she was pretty easy to talk to. They seemed to have a lot in common, and they agreed that the dreams they had were really similar. But as far as he currently knew, Ryo wasn't a ladies man. Besides, she might even have a boyfriend. Then again, if she did, why didn't she mention it? All Ryo could do was groan. He was far from an expert when it came to things like this. Yet he also knew that when an appropriate time came, he'd have to figure it out.
Just then, his train of thought was brought to a halt when he heard a knock on his door. Ryo widened his eyes. He may have been appreciative to Seika and her aunt, but he wasn't about to let them catch him like this. He cleared his throat and called, "Hello?"
"Hey Ryo?" He recognized that voice immediately. "It's me, Seika. Um, how've you been doing?"
"Oh, great!" Ryo called back as he began looking for a shirt in the closet, "I'm finally able to walk around. Thanks for asking."
"I'm glad," Seika said, "Actually, I was wondering, would you like to come down and have dinner with us? We're about to start so, you'd better hurry."
Ryo's head turned toward the still closed door as soon as he heard her suggestion, and instantly wondered if this was her idea or her family's. "Uh, yeah," he replied, "That'd be great, thanks! Just, let me get dressed. It won't take me too long."
Luckily, right then he'd found a shirt, and quickly pulled it on. After pulled on socks and shoes as well, he made it over to the door. But as soon as he opened it, he was greeted by the strange sight of Seika's blushed cheeks. He didn't know what she was thinking about, but he soon ended the awkwardness by closing the door.
"Uh, thank you for inviting me," he smiled at her, hoping to make her feel less embarrassed, "What are we having?"
"Oh, um, we're having yosenabe," Seika replied after a moment and a slight shake of the head, "Hope you like it."
Ryo let his smile grow. "Sounds good to me," he said, "Besides, I could use some time out of my room."
Seika finally smiled herself, even chuckled. "That's good," she nodded in agreement, "I'd be the same way if I was in there for three days."
Ryo couldn't help but chuckle back. But just as he was about to go downstairs, Seika put her hand to his chest to stop him.
"Wait," she said, "Let me help you. No offense, but, you might end up falling."
Ryo raised his eyebrows at her concern. Part of him wanted to reject her offer, to say that he was feeling and walking fine. But he also knew she was trying to help, and it was just a trip down the stairs. And, for some reason, he liked the feel of her touch. For a moment, he bit his lip at the thought. Resisting the urge to shake his head in order to clear it, he instead nodded and said, "Alright. If it makes you feel better."
Seika nodded back. And as Ryo grabbed onto the rail, she grabbed hold of his arm and began helping him down to the kitchen. At one point, Ryo would have missed a step and maybe have fallen down if he hadn't felt something was wrong with his foot. What was wrong with him this evening? At first he thought he might just be a little dizzy from being hungry. Yet another part of him insisted he hadn't started feeling this way until Seika was touching him. And for some reason, just trying to weigh the two possible reasons in his mind made this the longest trip down a flight of stairs in his life.
Suddenly, he regained his senses when he smelled the food that was now being put on the table. Immediately, he felt more in control of himself, and glad when he realized he and Seika had finally reached the bottom of the stairs and had made it into the kitchen. But what instantly made it all awkward was the fact that Seika's entire family was now staring at them. Fortunately, Seika's Aunt Rin quickly broke the silence.
"Thank you for joining us, Ryo," she said in a kind tone, "It was a great idea for Seika to invite you down, don't you think?"
Grateful for her intervention, Ryo smiled and nodded. "Yeah. And, considering everything else you've all done for me, I thank you."
"Pleasure's ours," Seika's uncle said, "Now, I hope you like yosenabe, 'cause that's what we're having. And I also hope you like our cooking."
Everyone laughed, even Seika, who until now had been silent. "I'm sure he'll love it, Uncle," she assured him. Just then though, she looked at Ryo and, realizing she was still holding onto his arm, guided him over to the nearest available chair on the left. "Here," she said, "You can sit here, Ryo."
"Oh, thanks," Ryo said as he sat down. Right after he found his seat, Seika took her own in the chair next to him. But just as he did, the sound of someone emitting a chuckle reached his ears. He looked to where he believed it came from across the table, where Seika's cousins were sitting, and watched as Akemi nudged her sister Hitomi in the elbow. Immediately he felt confused. But he didn't believe it was his place to ask, so he kept silent.
But not long after they began eating, and agreeing with Seika that her family's cooking was excellent, Ryo suddenly remembered something important, and could stay silent no longer. Why he recalled it just now, he couldn't guess. Still, he was unsure of whether he should bring it up aloud, so he leaned over to Seika and asked in a voice only the two could hear, "Hey, Seika, have you talked with your aunt and uncle about taking me horseback riding?"
Seika immediately turned her head toward him, her eyes wide with what seemed to be recollection. She quickly swallowed the food in her mouth, and after a moment of hesitation, she shook her head in apology. "No, I'm sorry," she replied with a matching tone of voice, "I forgot."
Not wishing to cause her further alarm, Ryo gave her a soft smile and said, "It's alright. You don't have to bring it up now if you don't want to."
Seika shook her head again. "No," she insisted, "I promised you." She then sat up straight, and cleared her throat before addressing her aunt.
"Um, Aunt Rin," she said, slightly nervous, "Ryo and I were talking a couple days ago, and, would it be alright if I took him for a short ride on Snowbell after dinner?"
Her aunt raised her eyebrows at her niece. But before she could reply, her uncle spoke up his own opinion.
"You mean like, let him ride behind you?" he asked, causing all heads to turn toward him, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
But Seika wasn't finished. "He's been healing really well," she said, "Better than even Aunt Rin thought. And it wouldn't be for too long. Besides, I promised him."
She turned back toward her aunt, a hopeful look on her face. But to both hers and Ryo's displeasure, she was frowning.
"Seika," she then said, "You shouldn't make promises you can't keep. And I keep telling you that, don't I?"
Ryo frowned as well as he saw Seika's hope begin to fade. Her shoulders slumping, and her own mouth falling, she asked, "So, you're not going to let us?"
Her aunt let out a sigh. But then, as she donned a thinking expression, Ryo saw Seika's smile slightly return. "Well," her aunt said after a while, "if you agree you'll be back before eight, and that you'll keep the ride short and safe, well then, I suppose it's alright with me."
At that moment, Seika's face immediately lit up, causing Ryo's own to do the same. But just then, as if she knew the deal wasn't sealed until both her aunt and uncle said yes, Seika quickly turned back toward the man of the house, a questioning look on her face.
For a second, her uncle bit his lip. But after looking as though he too was thinking about it for a while, he finally shrugged his shoulders and said, "I guess it can't hurt too much if your aunt says so. I just don't want to think about anything going wrong with the two of you."
Seika raised her eyebrows at him. Was she thinking the same as Ryo now was? And if so, what did her uncle mean by what he just said? Immediately, it seemed both their trains of thought were broken when they heard a slurping noise across the table, where Ryo saw that Hitomi was trying to get the noodles off her plate and into her mouth. Heads immediately turned her way, and before long, everyone broke into chuckles and even a laugh or two. Just as quickly Ryo felt almost thankful that he no longer had to think about what Seika's uncle had said. All that seemed to matter what that both he and her aunt said yes. And he found himself eagerly awaiting the ride with her.
Fortunately, dinner didn't last too long. But by the time Ryo and Seika finally headed out the house and toward the barn, Ryo wondered if they'd have time to ride at all, since the sun seemed to be rapidly setting. Still, as soon as he felt the fresh air and natural scents hit his face, he felt instantly the most alive since he first woke up in that room in Seika's house. He had the feeling he would be even more so once he was riding with Seika. When he saw she was more than half a dozen steps ahead of him, he quickly came up to her side.
"You said we were going to ride Snowbell?" he asked her, "I don't think you've told me much about that horse."
Seika chuckled. "No worries," she said, "You'll like her. But you're going to have to let me do most of the riding, okay?"
"I got ya," Ryo nodded. And before long, they'd made it to the barn doors. Using every ounce of her strength, Seika pulled one of the massive sliding doors open, and the two were then greeted by the smells of leather and hay, and the whinnies and huffs from the horses in their stalls. One of them which stood in the middle of the barn immediately caught Ryo's eye, and that was because this one was different from the rest. This one was probably the whitest horse he'd ever seen, while the rest of them were dark colors. Knowing that fact alone, he guessed that this was Snowbell. And he knew he was right as he watched Seika walk over to her, and the white horse whinny in delight upon seeing her.
As he did before, Ryo soon rejoined her side again. And once he did, he found himself staring into the blue eyes of this most beautiful creature. Only when he heard Seika chuckle again, did he break himself out of his semi-trance.
"I was the same way when I first met her," she explained, "There aren't many truly white horses. Most of the ones you think are white are actually grey."
Ryo immediately felt confused at wondering what the difference was. But he decided to ask her something else. "Well then, how did you get her?"
"My uncle gave her to me as a birthday present when I turned thirteen," Seika explained as she began stroking the mare's face, "She was about six months old then. And ever since I pretty much doted on her. I'm probably the only one who's allowed to ride her."
Ryo raised his eyebrows in concern. "Then, how do you know she'll let me ride her?" he asked.
"Simple," Seika smiled, "I just ask her." Suddenly though, her smile sank slightly, and she said, "You know, we don't have to do this if you don't want to."
Ryo frowned, and immediately gave voice to the question that then emerged in his mind. "What are you talking about? Why would I not want to go now?"
Seika let out a sad sigh. "Well, I don't know," she replied in a soft voice only the two of them could hear, "I mean, if you somehow got hurt again during this ride, I don't know what I'd do…" As her voice trailed off, she hung her head, moving only to tuck both her braids behind her ears. Ryo didn't really know why she was suddenly thinking of this, but he did know that he wanted to see her smile again. He rested one hand on her shoulder, and as he hoped, she lifted her face back up at him, allowing him to see a faint sparkle in her pale eyes.
"Well then," he said, trying not to stammer, "I guess there's only one way to find out."
After a moment of almost dead silence spent with the two practically staring at each other, neither moving, Seika finally smiled, and she nodded. "You're right. I don't know what's got me so worried. Let me go get the bridle."
Relieved that she now seemed to be feeling better, Ryo raised her eyebrows at her as she walked toward a room across from Snowbell's stall. "No saddle?"
"I don't usually ride with a saddle," Seika replied, shrugging her shoulders, "Plus, if you think about it, it might be a little bit easier for two people without it."
Just a few minutes later, she reappeared with a bridle over her shoulder. She then entered the stall and put it over the now eager mare's head. Ryo followed Seika as she led the horse out, all the way to the dusk of the twilight where they stopped just in front of the barn. And when Seika once again pulled on the heavy door and closed it, it seemed as though she, Ryo, and Snowbell were finally ready to go.
"I'll get on first," Seika said. Ryo nodded, and watched as she effortlessly jumped and lifted her leg over Snowbell's back. She then reached out her hand, allowing Ryo to take it. After a few grunts and an awkward jump, Ryo finally managed to find a seat behind Seika. But just as he was wrapping his arms around her waist to steady himself, Ryo frowned as he felt her almost spontaneously twitch against him.
"What?" he asked, wondering what just happened, "Is something wrong? Should I scoot back a little?"
Immediately, Seika shook her head. "No," she replied, "No. I'm just not use to riding with someone behind me, that's all."
After a moment, she then gathered the reins in her hands, and turned around just slightly enough to say, "Just keep your knees locked in to her sides. It usually means the difference between staying on and falling off."
And before either of them could say anything else, Seika clicked her tongue twice, and Snowbell began to move forward in a gentle walk. Away she carried them from the direction of the house to that toward the woods, just the two of them and no one else. All that seemed to await them now was the darkness of the forest ahead, and for some reason Ryo didn't know if that was a good or bad thing. Still, as long as Seika was with him, he couldn't help but believe things might go smoothly.
As she and Ryo rode on ahead through the woods, Seika didn't know what was going on with her. Why did she jump like that when Ryo wrapped his arms around her waist? She insisted it was because she wasn't used to riding with another person, like she told him. But she couldn't remember that happening at any other time in her life. As they continued on forward though, all Seika could feel on her face was the warmth that usually accompanied a blush. She was thankful that Ryo couldn't see her, and she forced herself to remain calm and enjoy the ride while it lasted.
Just then, she felt Ryo lean forward and heard him ask, "Um, listen, do you mind if we go a little faster?"
Seika raised her eyebrows, until she realized that had been walking for a while now. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah," Ryo replied, "I want to know what it's like." Seika could hear the eagerness, even if it was faint, in his voice. She knew he was still recovering from his wounds and didn't want him to have to start over, yet she still couldn't find it in herself to refuse him. She tightened her grip on the reins.
"Okay," she said, "Hold on." And with a few more clicks of the tongue and a gentle nudge in the mare's sides, Snowbell immediately got the message. Before they knew it, she quickened her pace, until they were finally traveling at a smooth yet fast canter.
Seika instantly felt the wild wind press against her face and hair, and just as quickly remembered the joy riding at such a speed could bring her. It wasn't long before she let out a chuckle and then a laugh. Her laughter only increased when Ryo joined in with her, as did her sheer happiness and pleasure. For some reason, as they began riding through the now familiar path with trees on either side, which eventually led to a more open environment, Seika couldn't recall a time when she felt such bliss, even when she was out riding like she was now. For reasons which escaped her, having Ryo by her side, even though he'd probably never ridden before, made her feel content beyond measuring. All feelings of anxiety and nervousness melted away with the setting sun. It was as though she'd reached heaven simply by doing this with him, and now that she'd had it, Seika found she didn't want it to end. At least, not any time soon.
The path eventually led them out of the forest and onto a road beside a series of fields, with countless trees and even mountains greeting them from the distance. And at the heart of it all lay the golden, simmering sun that seemed to be in the final setting stages. Seika had traveled this road before, but never had it looked so beautiful. Still, not long after they made it down what she remembered to be the middle of the road, she had the feeling that Ryo was probably now wanting to stop.
Raising her voice so he could hear her over the wind, she asked, "I think it's time we rested for a while, what do you think?"
"I don't mind," Ryo replied with the same effort, "If you want to stop, that's alright with me."
Seika nodded, and before long, she guided Snowbell over to a large field she recognized. She then pulled her to a trot, a walk, and then finally to a complete stop. Once she was sure it was safe, Seika turned around and nodded to Ryo, allowing him to ease off the white mare, while she jumped off as easily as she jumped on. Now that she was no longer carrying riders, Snowbell dipped her head toward the grass and started to graze. Meanwhile, Seika and Ryo walked forward to look for a spot where they could sit for a while. They eventually found a large slab of rock, and decided it would be good enough. Soon, they were sitting side by side, Ryo on his back staring up at the sky, while Seika sat up hugging her knees to her chest.
"I'll tell you," Ryo then said, "That was incredible." He then turned toward her and asked, "How often do you do that?"
Seika couldn't help but smile and shrug her shoulders, "Almost every chance I get. I've been riding for years."
Ryo smiled back and turned his head to look back up at the darkening sky. "Well, thanks a lot. That was…that was great."
Sensing this might also connect them in some way, Seika laid down as well, on her side, and asked, "Makes you feel like all your troubles have gone away, doesn't it?"
Ryo turned on his side toward her, making her smile again. "Yeah. Yeah, I guess that's it," he nodded, "I mean, I know I still don't remember a lot of things, but, I can't remember a time I felt so, so peaceful. And, to be honest, I don't know if it's because of the ride or…because I was riding with you."
Now Seika felt the reddest in the face she ever felt, but she feared it was too late to turn back around, because Ryo might have already seen it. All she could do now was ask him, "Uh, what…what exactly do you mean, Ryo?"
For a moment, Ryo looked as though he was searching for the right words. But before too long, he finally replied, "Well, you've been so nice to me, ever since you found me. I mean, I know we've only known each other for a few days but, it seems like I've gotten to know you so well."
As soon as she heard him say so, Seika felt her smile sink as she found something they finally seemed to disagree on. "I don't know if I'd say that."
"Hmm?" Ryo raised his eyebrows in concern at her. Just like that, as if he could already see through her, she felt a sting on her right arm.
"The thing is," she explained uneasily, "There are still some things you don't know about me. Things you would probably find, less, glamorous."
"What are you talking about?" Ryo asked as he propped himself up on his elbows, "What are you afraid to tell me?"
Seika shook her head and looked away. "It's nothing that affects you," she replied. At that moment, she closed her eyes. And right when she did, she could see the brightness of flames, the piercing screams from both her and elsewhere, and the feeling that her arm was burning again. Immediately, she clutched it to her chest. But when she opened her eyes again, the pain didn't immediately disappear. "I've been through a lot in the past," she then said, "Let's just keep it at that."
"Are you sure?" Ryo asked, making Seika realize he was now only inches away from her, "You've told me so much else."
Seika nodded in reply. She couldn't tell him something that would cause him such grief as to pity her. She'd outgrown pity. All she wanted was to forget that horrible night, but no matter what she did, it seemed she would not be allowed to. Even when she looked toward the sky in the west, she didn't think it was worth it to point out what was happening right in front of them. But a faint spark of hope within her told her it had to be at least worth a try. After a moment, Seika decided to heed to the latter, and pointed forward.
"Look," she said, hoping to sound eager, "The sun's about to go completely over the horizon. Can you see?"
Ryo raised himself up just as she did, and Seika smiled as he looked toward the sky, away from her. "Yeah," he nodded, "Look at all those colors."
Seika's smile grew. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked, "People don't seem to take the time to just go outside and look."
"I know," Ryo nodded again, "And see, the clouds are mostly red too. So it looks like we'll get good weather tomorrow."
Seika leaned forward, and grinned when she saw he was right. "Yeah, and not just red," she said, "See? There's also purple and yellow and pink." As she pointed them out to him one by one, Seika found herself truly marveling at the sight. Against the dark blue of dusk, with the barely visible moon and stars, she didn't think she'd seen such an amazing spectrum of different colors, all splashed together as if they were being painted on the canvas of the sky by a master artist. And it all resulted in a simple word called twilight.
"Just like your hair," Ryo then said, breaking her out of her wondrous gaze. She turned to him and asked him what he meant simply by a questioning look.
"Pink," he replied, "Just like your hair." At his words, before she completely knew it, it seemed to Seika as if the world stood still, as though time had stopped completely. It seemed all the two of them could do now was just gaze into each others eyes, Seika into Ryo's blue, and Ryo into Seika's purple. And almost as if their bodies knew before their minds, their heads slowly began to come closer, little by little, to the other. Seika closed her eyes, knowing, yet not knowing at the same time, what was about to happen. But suddenly, just as it seemed their lips were about to touch, Seika could feel Ryo pull away. She opened her eyes again, and any trace of a smile she might have had fled when she saw his eyes wide with alarm.
"Something's wrong," Ryo replied before she could ask, "I smell something. Almost, almost like smoke." Immediately, Seika felt the same alarm as Ryo quickly got back up on his feet and helped pull her back up as well. She watched as he then leaned forward and squinted his eyes, almost as if he were trying to spot something in the far distance. She soon found herself searching too. And before long, they both caught sight of something that instantly sent a shiver up Seika's spine.
A trail of black, bellowing smoke, swirling up to the sky as if from a train, could be seen all along a single patch of forest which seemed to be only a few miles away. Seika didn't want to believe it at first, but as worst case scenarios filled her mind, it wasn't until Ryo said the words himself that she finally felt her heart be seized by a hand of pure fear. "A fire," she heard him say, almost as though it was an echo, "It's a mountain fire."
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