So it's a snow day. Yay!
Chapter…er… I forget. Anyway… it's not mine, Yu Watase's
"Soi-san!" AJ looked out the small porthole of the ship. "Are we there yet?"
Soi felt like bopping her upside the head. "No priestess."
AJ sighed and drew her knees to her chest. It seemed that the trip had taken forever. In the manga it had never seen this long. Not that that really indicated anything anyway…
"Soi-san?"
Soi looked up from her mirror, where she was applying make up. "What now priestess?"
"When did you find out you were a warrior?"
Soi jerked. She would never cease to be surprised by this girl. No one in the palace had professed any interest in Soi at all, despite the fact that she had been living there for years, waiting for Seriyuu's priestess to arrive. No one had professed any interest in her at all. Without the priestess she was about as useful as a shelter with no roof.
"I found out… when I was a child." Soi admitted finally. "When I lived at the brothel."
AJ looked sad. "I'm sorry. Does it bother you?"
"Does it bother you?" Soi asked sharply. Most women looked down on her for being a prostitute all those years. As if she had a choice.
AJ nodded. "Yeah."
Indignation stole Soi's breath. She stood up, making the stool tumble over. However AJ's voice, cut her short.
"I just think it's sad… that you had no one there for you… no family or anyone."
Soi stared at her, her cheeks still hot. "I didn't need anyone." She snapped.
AJ looked up at her, a look of disbelief on her face. "Everyone needs someone."
Soi glared at her. She turned and kicked open the door. Tomo let out a yell, clutching his nose. She let out a scream of frustration, and looked for a moment she would ki blast him into oblivion.
"No! Soi!" AJ appeared, grabbing her arm. "Don't… you already broke his nose."
Soi jerked her appendange back and stalked off.
AJ watched her go, frowning. She turned to Tomo, who was standing, his hand to his face, blood between each finger.
"Tomo, here… let me help you."
Tomo waved her away. "I'm fine priestess." He managed, sounding angry.
AJ felt her resolve growing thin. "Look, you have nothing to be mad about. If you were caught in the act, so be it. You shouldn't have listened. If you want to be part of the conversation, knock on the door and come in."
"That's not-"
"I know that's not what your intent was, I'm not stupid." AJ stood, hands on hips. Finally, after a moment of 'who can bore a hole through each other's forehead the fastest' she raised a hand and pointed to the room, the door ajar.
"Go. In. Now."
Tomo looked frustrated. He obeyed however.
AJ almost laughed. He marched into the room like a stubborn three year old. Picking up the overturned stool with one hand (the other still was on his face) he sat on it, looking at her haughtily.
AJ closed the door. Walking over to the mirrors, she rummaged until she found a strip of cloth. There was still some water left from this morning that Soi had brought to wash up with.
AJ dipped the cloth into the bucket. "Here…" She looked at him. He looked back stubbornly, his hand still firmly over his face.
"Come on." AJ said patiently, reaching to take his hand away. "Let me help you."
Tomo glared at her. AJ sighed and took a deep breath. She looked at him silently.
"Please." She said finally.
The silence lasted another moment before he allowed her to take away the hand. AJ gently wiped the blood away.
"I'm sorry, you might have to redo your makeup." She apologized. He said nothing.
The water that ran off his face was colored with black and white… and red for blood. Catching it with her cloth, AJ looked at his guarded expression, trying to catch his eyes.
"You know…" She said softly, "You're pretty good looking."
Nothing.
Now what could she possibly say to get his attention.
"In fact, you're so good looking it really is a shame you're gay."
That did it. He jumped so much he nearly upset the bowl of water on the counter. His eyes were very wide as he gaped at her, open mouthed.
"What?!"
AJ laughed aloud. She couldn't help it. Tomo stared at her for a moment or two before his face became guarded again.
"Oh stop Tomo," She stopped giggling. "I wasn't saying it to make fun of you." She lifted the cloth to his face again. "Just to stop you from being so edgy." She smiled again, sneakily. "Worked too."
Tomo harrumphed.
She laughed again. "So Tomo… tell me… why do you hate Soi so much."
Another pause.
"You have a way of asking questions that most normal people avoid."
"I guess it's true…" She said with forced cheerfulness. "Oh by the way, your nose isn't broken. Only bruised and bloody."
"…"
"What? If someone informed me that my nose wasn't broken, I'd at least try to act a little happy."
"…….."
Shaking her head, she finished up, realizing that the cuts had finally begun to clot. "There you go…"
Tomo nodded his thanks. Turning he looked in the mirror. Taking the cloth from her hands he wiped off the remaining make up. As she watched, his nose, which was beginning to swell suddenly appeared normal.
"An illustion?!" She said, alarmed.
He smiled very slyly. Standing he tossed the cloth back in the basin and opened the door.
"Hey Tomo, you know what I think?" She plowed on, not waiting for his reply. "I think that the reason you and Soi don't get a long is because you're too much alike."
Tomo stared at her, his hand still on the door. After a pause, he said, "Priestess…" Then he stopped again. Looking away, he said, "And do you know what I think?"
"What?" Asked AJ.
"I think we need to go ashore very soon. All this time with nothing to do is causing you to create crazy theories."
Thus, the door closed.
"Chichiri has to work on his landings."
MJ stood up and brushed her clothing off.
"Hey!"
MJ jumped. Turning she was face to face with-
"T-T-Tasuki!"
He frowned at her. "What are you do'n here! This's mountain land!"
Mj stared at him, open mouthed.
"I take it back," She said dazedly, "Chichiri's landings… are perfect."
Tasuki sweatdropped. "Listen ya crazy baca-woman-"
"Hey, you can't call me that yet!" MJ said indignantly, "You don't even know me yet!"
"I don't want ta know you! Just get off this mountain if ye know what's good fer ya!" He turned, making to run away.
Remembering how quick Tasuki was, MJ reacted. "WAIT!" She jumped on him.
With a CLUNK they both toppled to the ground. MJ realized she was sitting on him.
"Whoops."
"GET OFF!"
"Uh… okay…"
MJ gingerly got up, reaching out to take his arm. He stumbled upward, away from her grasp.
"WHAT THE HECK IS YOUR PROBLEM BAKA WOMAN?!" He said, his fangs more pronounced then ever. If MJ were to draw him, all she'd do was a draw a mouth with hair.
"er… um… that is…" She sputtered as he leaned down to pick up a bundle he'd dropped. "Where's your tessen?!"
Tasuki looked at her in surprise. "Tessen… how do you know about that?!"
MJ shook her head. 'Wait… that must be it… he doesn't have the tessen yet… he's going to Mt. L and he'll find the pig dude has taken over… and… and…"
"Tasuk-Er… Genru… whatever… you have to be careful. Eiken has taken over your mountain and he's using the tessen to control all the bandits!"
Tasuki blinked.
"That can't be true… the boss-"
"Tasuki, the boss was very ill!" MJ realized he didn't know about that yet. She hesitated.
He looked at her guardedly. "He's dead then."
MJ nodded biting her lip.
Tasuki expression was unreadable.
'Er… now what?'
MJ grasped his arm. "I'll take you to his grave."
Miboshi freaked her out.
Seriously. He wasn't even living in a body that was his own. Some temple master… whatever. He looked like an infant… with a spindle?
As she sat beside him, watching the waves, AJ swallowed.
'If you prick yourself on it, you will sleep for a thousand years…'
Maybe that was why he was so old.
Well at least Amiboshi was there too. He was playing his flute of course. The melody was calming and comforting. Suboshi was behind them, making grunting sounds as he worked out.
Soi was sleeping.
Tomo was MIA.
Nakago was probably in his quarters…
Wait, scratch that. He appeared on deck.
Immediately everyone turned, except AJ. She had to admit, she absolutely hated the way that everyone was so hooked on Nakago. For heavens sake… sure he was powerful or whatever… but he was a JERK an absolute-
"Lady AJ."
She reluctantly turned. "Nakago-san." She said.
He smiled. "Will you join me in my quarters?"
Picking herself up from the deck, she followed him into the captains quarters.
Nakago closed the door. To her discomfort, he also placed his hand overtop, a blue light immediately latching the bolt.
Seeing her look, he smiled, humorlessly.
"I know about Tomo's door listening tendencies. He will hear nothing here." Nakago walked to his desk.
AJ stood, still staring at him. "What do you want?"
Nakago stared at her. "Priestess… is what Soi says true? Are you willing to give me one of your wishes?"
He said it lightly, as if it didn't matter… but she knew better.
"You should think of this carefully Priestess… you will only get three wishes."
"Well…" AJ said pleasantly. "I didn't actually say I was going to give it to you."
His face dropped for a moment. "I see."
"I am grateful for what you've done… and so I am using a wish to insure your happiness. If you have suggestions, I will of course listen…" AJ placed her palm on the desk, waiting.
Nakago paused. "I am flattered priestess."
'I'm sure you are,' AJ thought dryly. "You may think about it, of course." She walked to the door, hoping he would get the message.
He wasn't getting the message.
"You are afraid of me."
AJ turned to him. "Beg pardon?"
Nakago walked beside her. "I hoped to calm your fears. You are safe now… I will protect you."
'Protect me… you mean use me.'
She couldn't deny it. He was right… she was terrified of him. And of all the members of this ship. She wanted to help them…but they also scared her. Not so surprising… they were powerful enough to crush her with a single thought.
But these thoughts were quickly paused, as Nakago was grasping her shoulder, looking at her closely, grossly invading her personal space bubble.
"Lady AJ… if I could use my wish for any thing…" He paused. "I would wish to protect you forever."
AJ was moving away as he drew closer. Finally she met the door with no where left to go… and her face was a mere inches from his.
"If love were something to be wished for… if it could be dictated…"
AJ swallowed. 'Quick… DO something!"
'Uh…" She sputtered.
Nakago smiled. His smiles never reached his eyes.
AJ stared up at him. "You don't love me…" She managed.
He looked expressionless. "Lady AJ… I do."
AJ paniced. He was closing in.
"If you loved me… you wouldn't lie to me!" She shouted suddenly.
Nakago stopped. Again, she'd manged to surprise him.
"What?" He asked.
AJ spoke quickly. He still had his hands on either side of her, resting on the door. He still enclosed her.
"You… the priestess much be a virgin. I know it's true. You lied. You wanted me to believe that man had… hurt me when he really hadn't done anything. You… wanted to cause me unhappiness…" She trembled, looking up at him. "You don't love me. The only thing you're interested in… is power and revenge. But you'll never get anything with them! You have dozens of people who care about you and you're too blind to see it. Soi and Tomo would give their lives for you. Suboshi looks up to you… Amiboshi is depending on you for peace. Ashtare and Miboshi-"
Nakago released her, standing back, stumbling. She took it as her release. Grasping the door handle, she undid the lock, and flung herself onto the deck. Raising herself, the stares of everyone aboard were directed to her. She ran, running to her room, below.
She flung open the door. To her surprise, Tomo and Soi were standing, across from each other, talking. They jerked out of their argument as soon as she entered.
Soi's eyes widened. "AJ-san… what happened to you!" She exclaimed.
Tomo looked her over. "Isn't it obvious Soi? Mussled hair, tears… She was in Nakago's chamber and he locked us all out."
Soi however had already came over and was trying to talk to AJ. Tomo frowned, trying again,
"Soi, don't you realize? He's rejected you. Nakago was-"
"Shut UP Tomo!" Soi snarled, whirling to face him. "Your words may be meant for me… but they hurt you as well."
Tomo stopped.
At his look, Soi realized how odd her gesture to the girl must seem. "Can't you see she doesn't look overjoyed at the idea either?!"
Tomo, who had (for some reason Soi didn't understand) had been avoiding the facepaint, now showed an expression she hadn't seen before. He went pale… a look of pain flickering across his face.
He left.
Soi pulled AJ to the bed, forcing her to sit. She was still crying, making small pathetic noises.
"Stop crying!" She commanded. AJ looked up and nodded, seemingly trying, but failing.
Depite herself, Soi sighed. She reached out and hugged the girl.
"Just ignore him." She said. "It's okay."
AJ stiffened in surprise. But after a few minutes, she relaxed.
It wasn't okay though.
Nothing was okay.
The situation sucked.
'This situation sucks.' MJ thought as she sat outside the tomb.
Tasuki had been inside for the better part of over an hour.
Kicking a pebble with the toe of her shoe, she frowned. Time was of essence. She didn't know whether to demand he help her and explain a life was on the line, or to go slowly and try to gain his respect.
'It has to be the first because if Mitsukake dies, then everything's over.' MJ thought. The thought was not a happy one, but just as she gathered her resolve, Tasuki suddenly came out of the tomb.
He tugged at the collar of his trench coat. MJ saw he'd been crying, but he was standing upright, his head high, and he was composed.
Which, considering it was him… was pretty darn weird.
He dropped onto the ground beside her. MJ looked at him, but he avoided her gaze.
After a beat, he spoke, very lowly and in a slightly hoarse voice, "You say… that Eiken has taken over Mt. Lekaiku?"
MJ hesitated. She nodded.
Tasuki seemed to consider this.
"And you're the priestess right?"
MJ looked at him. She nodded. "How did you know?"
Tasuki shrugged. "How else would you know my name? Tasuki…" He said as he undid the button of his coat. Pulling up the sleeve, he showed her the mark wing, printed on his flesh.
MJ stared until he hastily pulled down his sleeve again. They sat side by side for a while, until he again spoke.
"Funny ya came. I just met another warrior."
MJ blinked. "Who?"
Tasuki shrugged. "Hell, how should I know?! Some guy with a symbol on his forehead. Real jerk… tried to hit me up for money-"
"TAMAHOME!" MJ jumped on him again. "YOU MET TAMAHOME?!"
"ACKKK GET OFF GET OFF!"
"YOU MET TAMA-"
"YES YES… SURE I DID… JUST GET OFF!"
Mj sat back, returning to normal from her SD mode. "Why the heck didn't you bring him along!? Where is he? Can we go get him?"
"What? I dunno… why would I bring him along?!"
MJ rolled her eyes. "His senshi power! How else will you get your Mountain back!" She pointed a finger at him. "You senshi people have to learn to stick together!"
Tasuki blinked. "Hey! I didn't know about the mountain!"
"That…" MJ backtracked. "Oh… well…. YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT AHEAD!"
"HOW THE HELL-"
"Oh forget it." MJ said dejectedly. "We'll meet up soon enough (AN: Not soon enough for MJ's taste though. Hahahaha)
Tasuki blinked. "Well… actually… I just saw him today… we can probably go get him."
MJ turned to him, hearts in her eyes. "Reeeeally?!"
Tasuki looked at her guardedly. "Look Priestess… or whatever your name is-"
"It's-"
"Whatever!" Tasuki cut in rudely. MJ opened her mouth to cut in, but he held up his hand.
"Look, I didn't choose to be a warrior or whatever. But if you help me get Lekiku back… I'll help you summon Suzaku."
MJ swallowed. "I… I…." She gathered her wits. "Yes… yes I'll help you… but… how?"
Tasuki looked up the trail. "The tomb is well taken care of. Kouji must come here often… so we'll wait for him."
"Kouji?" MJ said in surprise. She'd quite forgotten about him.
"Yea, my bes' friend. Anyway… he'll help us too." Tasuki folded his arms. "We'll wait for him, then plan our attack… Kouji'll know what's going on inside the hideout."
His idea was the only one they had. MJ drew her knees to her chest. "What about getting Tamahome?"
Tasuki looked at her. "Stop crushing for a minute and stick to the facts!"
"I'm NOT crushing!"
"Ya are so! I 'ave five sisters I know what it looks like!"
Review?
Age
