The Emcee: I know it's been a while since I've written. But not to worry! Here is chapter 6 of Life Anew. Enjoy!
Life Anew: Chapter VI
Suikotsu looked up from his resting place on the ground to see only Bankotsu to return. The commotion that Jakotsu had caused woke the sleeping doctor. So, what Jakotsu had said, it's true. He did leave... Saddened by the departure of his friend, Suikotsu stood up and walked over to the tree the leader was currently leaning against. He stood there a few moments more before finally speaking, choosing his words carefully.
"Bankotsu, are you alright?" he asked gently. Bankotsu turned his head a little bit as though to look at him, but turned it back.
"You heard then. Our conversation..."
"Conversation hardly," a harsh voice interrupted. Emerging from the dark shadows, Renkotsu stood, arms folded across his chest. "You two were yelling so loudly that I'm surprised Kyokotsu hasn't awoke yet."
"Oh, sorry Renkotsu. I didn't know we were being so loud," Bankotsu scratched the back of his head, not really caring if he upset Renkotsu or not.
"I see. So, we are left without one of our own..." Good riddance, Renkotsu thought.
"It appears so." Suikotsu sighed. "We could go after him. But who knows how far he's gotten by now. Jakotsu could be miles away." Suikotsu turned to watch the sun slowly raising.
Bankotsu sighed, and stared up at the lightening sky. I upset him, worse than I ever have. I've never seen Jakotsu that angry. Ah, dammit! I know what I should do, but I can't very well leave the others alone. What with Renkotsu and our plans... Knowing what he had to do, Bankotsu walked away from the tree and stared at the open plain before the vast forest. Suikotsu and Renkotsu watched him in silence, not knowing what their leader was thinking and not knowing what to anticipate. Finally, Bankotsu turned back to face them, a determined look on his face.
"Alright. I have a plan..."
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"Jakotsu, when can we stop? I'm getting tired," Midori asked a few feet back from Jakotsu, who was still walking in a rage. He stopped and turned to her.
"Lets find some water, then we'll stop." He kept walking. Midori had to run to catch up to him. I hope master Jakotsu is alright. He seemed so angry when we left. And it looks like his anger hasn't dissipated yet... Midori looked up at him, still walking.
Jakotsu looked straight ahead, though not really looking. He was still pissed off at Bankotsu and kept replaying the events in his head, which didn't help much either. Stupid Bankotsu. It's all his fault! If he hadn't been so persistent, I wouldn't have left. But, no! He just had to keep asking questions and bringing up past events and worrying about me and wondering and and AND! And I don't know what!! Fuck!
"Um... Jakotsu..." Midori's voice trailed off.
"What?!" He turned around and glared at her. "What is it?!" Midori gulped and pointed to her right.
"There's a s-stream over there," she spoke softly, a tremble in her voice.
"Oh..." Jakotsu's anger turned into a depressed feeling as he walked over to it, Midori's hand guiding his own. They sat down on the cool, green grass beside the small stream. Midori cupped her hands and scooped some water to drink. Jakotsu merely sat there, staring at his reflection in the clear, cool water below.
I wonder... he trailed off, taking his hands and cupping them too and drank some cool water. I wonder if they will come after me. Or worse, if Bankotsu will come after me. What they do? Or worse, what if HE does? How can I face them, or him, again? Will they kill me; will he kill me? All these questions and no answers, just possibilities. They don't help. After drying off his hands, Jakotsu held his face with them, the coolness of the water had rubbed off and he shivered. What will I do now? I've realized that I can't go back again; not after what I just did. But, I know no other way of life. How will I survive? How will Midori survive. Wow, that's the first time I've ever thought of someone else's well-being besides my own...
Midori looked over at Jakotsu. Her eyes widened at what she saw: Jakotsu crying in his hands. Crying! Although she has only known him for a mere few days, she's found out that Jakotsu is not one to cry. Something must really be troubling him. Quietly, she scooted closer to him, and hugged him.
"Master Jakotsu? Are you alright? Why are you crying?" she asked softly, staring at him. He looked up, out of his hands and stared once again at nothing, but into mere space.
"I'm crying," he spoke softly. "I'm crying and I didn't even realize it..." Silently, the two sat there, holding each other.
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Suikotsu and the others walked silently towards home. Renkotsu glared at him from atop Ginkotsu's wheel. It didn't matter, not really anyway, to him. Bankotsu had left a while ago. Before hand he had pulled Suikotsu aside:
"Suikotsu, I'm putting you in charge while I am gone, ok?" Bankotsu told him.
"But why me, aniki? Isn't Renkotsu second in command? If so, shouldn't he be in charge while you search for Jakotsu?" Suikotsu questioned the younger man confusedly. Bankotsu chuckled.
"Renkotsu is to be watched closely. I'm weary of him right now." Bankotsu looked over at the others to see Renkotsu staring at him. "So, I trust it to you to make sure nothing happens. If he or anyone else questions you, tell them that I put you in charge, got it?"
"Got it."
"Good. Now, I'm off to find our lost friend. Wish me luck!" And with that, he walked off in the direction Jakotsu took earlier.
"Good luck aniki!" Suikotsu yelled at Bankotsu's back. "Be safe..."
And so, here they are. Slowly making there way home. It was still a few days journey and Suikotsu knew a few days is all Bankotsu needed. At least, that is what he hoped...
The Emcee: I'm sorry it's not very good and kinda short. But I hope you likes it anyway. Please review!
