Hello! Sorry long time no update. I've been kind of busy, and also, I relax on the weekends and regain my writing power. I pushed myself just to finish this this morning, though, so be glad! I also wanted to take my time with my Kasumi chapters, since I like writing them the most. Oh, here's a little question for you. How do you imagine Kasumi? I know it;s weird that she has long hair, I'm gonna do something about that in the future. Oops! Spoiler! Hehe. Aren't you glad I'm not a dead author, the kind that takes months to update? Some dead authors get tons of reviews but never update!! :( It makes me angry. Don't they care about their readers?? Oh well. Sorry, I'm talking too much! Now you can go on with the story!!
Oh yeah, one last thing. Sorry for the misspellings in the past chapter!! I really hate those, but am too lazy to change it. Sorry!
Chapter 11. Blurry Mists and Seiryuu Star Warrior Soi (Kasumi)**(Nuriko)**(Suboshi)
Where the heck am I? Ugh...I can hardly move!! Ouch...oooh, something smarts.
Those were the first three thoughts that came into my mind as soon as I woke up. I knew something was definately wrong, but at that time I didn't realize it was me. I blinked, and all of a sudden a sharp pain shot through my brain, coursing down my body. "Agh!! Sh*t!!" Tiny little pricks stung my arm as I reached up to rub my head, cursing. "Why the heck do I feel so weak? This is impossible!! And where the heck am I?!?" I only realized it then, but I was sitting somewhere in a muddy forest, with rain pouring down ever so heavily. "Was I abandoned or something? Ooh, I'm gonna get whoever did this!!"
I wobbled, trying to stand up, but sat down again. It just hurt too much. "What is WRONG with me?" I screeched, then I started coughing. "Oh great. Now I've got a cough, and because of this crazy rain I'll be sneezing in no time." I huddled up into a little ball, stabs of pain clawing at my body.
I had a headache, a stomachache, a muscle-ache (if there is such a thing), and a whole-body-ache at the same time. Ba-dump, ba-dump...my heart seemed to be going slower than usual (which is quite fast, might I say). My stomach rumbled. Lord, was I starving. "Well, if I have been abandoned, might as well try to survive in the wild." Getting on my hands and feet, I crawled like a baby, still aching, searching around for something to chomp on. "Come on girl, get tough. Warui would laugh at you in this state!!"
(The man with a shin looks horrified. "Oh Seiryuu, don't tell me this witch is strong enough to combat my extra-ordinary powers!! How is it possible that she can stand?! But it was working so well awhile ago!! Perhaps some of that foolish poison was able to flow out of her when that silly doctor slit her, but how - ?!! Something is definately wrong! Oh well - I suppose we should just take advantage of her weakness as of now." Turning, he faces the blonde haired general. "Nakago-sama." He bows. "So I see. The poison is not working as we expected. Tomo, you know what this means." His face looked sullen. "Yes, my Lord. I will report to the torture room later." Nakago faced the younger, quiet boy on his left. "Amiboshi. Tell Soi and Suboshi that they have to finish the Miko's friend, and to get it done as soon as possible." "Very well, my Lord.")
"What's this?" I sniffed an odd looking plant next to me, my stomach hurting worse than ever. I had been crawling through the forest for about 15 minutes, and was just on the verge of passing out. The only thing that stopped me from doing so was the thought of my brothers cackling at me. "Must be a mushroom - could be poisonous. Well, I don't care." I picked it up with some of my last bits of strength, stuffing it into my mouth catiously. "Yuck!" I spat it out almost immediately. I hadn't noticed the ants crawling all over it. Oh well. I read somewhere that ants make your voice nicer, when eaten.
My strength was close to zero. "I'm gonna die out here," I said to no one in particular. Huffing and puffing rythimically, I fell against a tree trunk and shook it a bit, hoping some fruit would fall. None. "Phew! Kamisama, I know I've been a bad girl, but what kind of death is this?? Dying lying by a tree trunk aching all over is just insane." More rain went thundering down, making my hair stick to my face. Somewhere off the distance, I heard the sharp CRACK of lightning and thunder colliding with something. Burying myself deeper into the roots to offer me a little shelter and to make me invisible to the outside world in case something bad came out, I felt my skirt soak up some wet mud. I pressed my head to the tree and closed my eyes. "I guess some sleep will do me good - if I don't get eaten by wild animals."
(Nuriko Surprise Mini-Chapter)
"Oh Suzaku, why does there have to be rain?? Come on Beauty, let's go find some shelter." 15 minutes into the woods and still we hadn't found Kasumi. I was starting to think she had run away or was taken hostage by Seiryuu. That was okay with me, but if Hotohori found out -- I shook it off quickly. I hopped off Beauty and grabbed her rains, walking until we found a big tree with matching big leaves. "Perfect!!" I clapped my hands, overjoyed. "Stay here, and I'll get something for me to eat." Untying the pouch on Beauty's side, I got out some 'crackers' (a quite tasty food that Miaka gave us) and a little flask of water.
I ate and drank a little, not worrying too much until I heard lightning sound. "Aiya! What if she gets fried to a crisp? Oh darn, I guess I'll have to search in this horrid weather. Beauty," I cooed. "Be a good girl and wait for Kourin here, ne?" I made a mark around the tree so as to remember it.
I walked a little bit North, making heel marks so I could retrace my path. I searched every bush and tree within about two kilometres, and my feet were getting tired out. Heading back, I reached the tree again. "Jeez, she must really be under hostage now. You okay, Beauty?" I patted her soft mane. "Kourin still hasn't found the witch. Be patient." I started another search, this time heading south.
Nothing again!! I was really getting worried. Another trip to and from the tree and I would burst. I urged my feet to go on, and when I was only some distance from the tree I heard voices...fammillar voices. "YOU - IT'S YOU AGAIN!! I THOUGHT WE TOOK CARE OF YOU??" Could that be - yes, it was! Kasumi's voice! I picked up my pace, which was difficult since the rain had made my dress heavy with water. "K-K-Kasumi - - run, quick!!" That sounded like Yui, but I couldn't be sure. Something about it was croaky. "Miko-sama, don't try to help her now. It's best we finish her quick, ne, Soi-sama?" That was fammillar too - somewhere in the corners of my mind I groped for the right name - - SUBOSHI!! That b*stard was there too??!! And who was this Soi he was talking to? The racket was added to by Beauty's ragged neighs. Oh no - - had they?!!
My seishi symbol glowed as I hurried on. I sensed trouble.
***
(Suboshi Surprise Mini-Chapter *my first one!!*)
Ka-runch, ka-runch. Dry leaves and twigs crackled under our feet. I stopped and wiped my forehead. "Soi, how much more have we to go? I'm getting tired - Miko-sama isn't exactly the lightest thing in the world, you know." "Stop whining. I have no time to listen to your childish complaints. I'm just glad to be out of this forest and near Nakago-sama again." I mimicked her under my breath angrily.
What a witch!! Oh well, at least I get to hold Miko-sama. She's a doll! A bit of annoying doll, but still...she's hot!! Is she asleep or something? I guess so, she's not trying to hit me anymore. That's a good thing. "Good, we're almost out of here. Does that cheer you up?" Soi muttered somewhat irritatedly. I nodded, deciding it was best not to anger her. Jeez! Suddenly my arm started hurting. A message from aniki?
"Soi. I have a message." We stopped to rest for awhile as I unwrapped my bandages. I read aloud. "Finish the Miko's friend, and head back as soon as you can. Location: A large tree in the middle of the forest, by the roots. There's a horse on that tree too." I waited for more information to come. The message dissapeared and was replaced by a new one. "Be careful. The Miko and two star warriors are quite near you, and yet another star warrior is lurking near the tree. There is no need to bring the friend to me. Oh - and she is weakened. Take advantage of that." I turned to Soi. "Guess we'd better get going, huh?"
She jerked her head slightly, annoyed. "Yeah. You've combated the friend before, right? Is she trouble?" I thought about how she had battled me and winced. "Not all that hard if she's alone. Anyway, she's weak this time. Be glad!!" The center of the forest wasn't too difficult to reach. We turned and headed back, and I hoped my other arm wouldn't get broken too. That would be disastrous!!
***
Pitter Pitter Patter Patter...So, the rain was still coming on. I opened my heavy eyelids, still feeling the pain all over. I sighed and coughed. I must've really been abandoned, since nobody was looking for me. The soil from the tree was smeared all over my legs and arms, and made me feel sticky all over. Yuck.
Just then, I thought I heard a horse whinnie somewhere quite close. I got up shakily, hardly daring to believe it. "This must be the tree that Nakago-sama is talking about..." A woman's voice went. I immediately sat down again, scared. That voice was not very friendly. Suppose she was from that Seiryuu-thing? I squelched deeper into the roots. Of course I'm not scared. I'm just not in the condition to fight. I assured myself.
Another voice said, "Well, let's go look for her. For all we know the Miko's friend might be dangling at the very top." That voice - it sounded so fammillar!! Just like - like - SUBOSHI!! "If she truly is at the top, then this'll make her go down." The woman responded. CRACK!! A lightning bolt crashed against the top of the tree, tumbling down and electrifying me. I felt energized and weakened by it at the same time.
"A-a-ah..." Someone croaked. Strangely enough, it sounded like Yui. Uh-oh. If Yui was in trouble (maybe they abandoned her too!!) I was bound to help. Feeling powered up though still weak, I dashed out from under the tree and headed toward the voices. "Ya looking for me?? Well, here I am!!" I cried.
Three heads snapped around to look at me. Yui - Suboshi - And a hooded figure. Yui's mouth grew soooo wide I thought it would go THUNK and hit the floor, Suboshi's eyes were trembling (hee-hee, he must've been scared), and well, from what I saw of the hooded figure, her curved purple lips became a smile.
My first thought was to scream at Suboshi, but I instead I said to Yui, "Yui!! Are you alright??" She shook her head, eyes darting furiously. Was something wrong with her? Then I yelled at Suboshi. "YOU-IT'S YOU AGAIN!! I THOUGHT WE TOOK CARE OF YOU?!" Yui finally spoke, as she screeched. "R-r-run, K-K-Kasumi, get m-moving!!" It seemed like talking was a strain for her. Suboshi gave a bit of a smirk. "Ah, so Kasumi is your name. Well Friend of Miko-sama, I'm afraid you're going down. Oh, and Miko-sama, don't try to help her now. It's best we finish her quick, ne, Soi-sama?" "I certainly agree, Suboshi. Allow me to make a grand entrance."
Flipping back her hood and tossing away her cloak, that Soi lady introduced herself.
"Greetings, Kasumi-san. I am Soi, Seiryuu Star Warrior at your service. It's a pleasure to be making your acquiantance." I could hardly keep from laughing. "You - a warrior?? Seiryuu Star Whore, Seiryuu Star Skimpy Lady, anything but warrior!! And what's with the thigh-showing skirt, it's freezing cold here, don't you know?" I spat at her. She had purple hair tied in a very strange way, make-up all over her face and clothes fit for the babes at the bars that my brothers go to.
"Dare you MOCK me?!" She shrieked. "Your attire is no better!!"
I gave a grin. "We'll see." I got into my fighting stance, feeling pretty confident, though my muscles were aching horribly and felt like rubber. "Watch it, soi sauce. I have a black belt in karate, and I'm not unfammilar to the other fighting styles either. Eat this!!" I ran forward and executed a fancy kick I learned from somewhere, thwacking her on her smooth, exposed (fat!) thigh. "Agh!" She cried, falling on the ground and getting smothered in mud. "Eww, gross! What would Nakago say if he saw me this way?!" She put a hand on her cheek, smearing more mud on her face.
My muscles ached and my face was scruched up in pain, but I payed it no mind. Suddenly I heard the terrible voice of Nuriko go, "Kasumi!! Yui!!" In spite of myself I turned around, and saw Nuriko walking toward us. Oh no, she wasn't walking, she was trying to run, but at the pace she was going she seemed to be walking. "Oh no!" Suboshi yelped. "Soi, Soi, get up!! The Star Warrior is here!" Now Suboshi was positively shaking.
Soi regained herself, though less beauty-queen-ly this time. Nuriko finally reached us. "Are you alright?" She asked. I nodded my head a solemn yes, although I felt like collapsing into a heap of Kasumi-rubble. "Let go of Yui." Once again, her eyes shrunk and she looked less like a woman, as her calm voice shook. "What makes you think we're gonna do that?" Suboshi taunted, sticking out his tounge.
"Ahh, a Suzaku Star Warrior. How nice of you to join us." Soi smiled at me acidly. "If this is your idea of a decent star warrior, I'm a goose about to be butchered." She was probably talking about Nuriko's fancy wardrobe. "At least she isn't as public as you!!" I retorted. "Say that again!!" Soi dared me. I did. "ARRR!!" She yelled, enraged. "I DON'T HAVE TIME TO PLAY WITH A FLAKE LIKE YOU!! DIE!" Raising her hand to the sky, she snapped her fingers. My eyes widened.
"Nuriko-move it!!!" I shoved her and we both fell on the ground, barely missing the lightning bolt that zapped our place awhile ago. "My dress! Oooh you twit, I'm gonna get you later!!" Nuriko screeched. "Shut up and just be thankful I saved your sorry *ss!!" I barked back. "Hahahaha! Keep scrambling, mice, I'll get you soon." Click, went her fingers. Fbbzzz, went the lightning as it roared down from the heavens.
"Nuriko!!" I jumped and shoved the idiot away (again). "You really do want to get fried, don't you?! Why don't you go help and quit whining about your dress?!?" I fumed. Crack! Fbzzz! It was raining lightning! We dashed here and there, Nuriko barely missing them because she could hardly move. I could feel my energy slowly running out. "Nuriko - the tree!!" I suddenly had an idea. "What - ?" She yelled. "The tree, the tree! Grab it!" I responded. "Quick!!" Soi must've been getting tired too, because the lightnings bolts were lessening every minute. "Suboshi you dimwit! Go help me!" She screamed.
"Uhh, right. Go, Ryuuseisui!" Oh please. Not the watermelons again.
Nuriko ran and got ahold of the tree (it was giant), unrooting it. "What now?" She asked. I was wrestling with the darned Ryuu-whatever and avoiding lightning at the same time, so it was difficult for me to respond. "Cr-ush them!" I finally managed to yell, feeling the Ryuu-whatever scratch my shoulder as I gripped its string and tried to rip it apart. The tree went up, and Soi and Suboshi yelped, eyes popping out of their heads like Looney Toons characters. While they were distracted I dashed behind Suboshi and snatched Yui, clutching her wrist. "Here I gooo!" Nuriko yelled, bringing the tree down. I slid on the mud and got my underwear disgustingly muddy, but at least managed to get out with Yui and I not being flat as pancakes.
"Yatta! We did it!" I cried, pumping my fists into the air. Suddenly, the sharp pain coursed down my body again. "Aghh!" Falling to my knees, I felt myself loosing consciousness. "Damn..." I muttered. And that was the last thing I said before passing out.
***
The rain coming down
However soft it seems to
Always makes me cry
