Disclaimer: I still don't own it...
Thanks to...
FYfangirl26: It's ok that you missed one chapter. The important thing is that you came back and reviewed. I'm glad you liked both chapters and I'd say more, but, well, I'm just not awake.
Metajoker: I'm sorry the paragraphs were long but the entire chapter can't be dialogue. And I don't think I'm leaving you in the dark. Nothing important happened so I didn't write the scene. End of story. And, not to be bitchy, but stories ARE blocks of words... Heh heh. I guess some of my wittiness returned...
Songwind: I didn't die. (yet) I have suspicions that a few of my friends want to kill me but as of yet, they haven't succeeded. And Yume thanks you for your understanding. .
chibichibi386: Wahoo! Ten more years to my life! That's enough time that I might actually finish this story!
Otaku Pitcher: Yay! Somebody liked it! I missed you last chapter. I was like, "No...Otaku Pitcher didn't review! Could she finally have gotten fed up with my bad update habits?" But you came back so I'm happy. And, someday, Tasuki and Yume might actually resolve their "problems."
neppy: I'm just glad you reviewed. Sexy wolf boys are so great. She should have slapped him. I'll keep that in mind and have her slap someone at some point. Heh heh, maybe Lucien. I'm sorry you were confused. I thought it was clear. Oh well.
Author's Note: Hey! Look! I'm updating and it hasn't even been four months! Go me! Just kidding. Anyway, here's chapter 35. I hope you guys all like it, and, well, my brain is kind of fried at the moment because I've wrote this chapter as I was typing it and I've been sitting here for several hours so do forgive me if I don't say anything witty in my author's notes this chapter. I do have a little contest for you, though. It's explained in the end author's note. I'm tired... Here's your chapter...
Chapter 35: Hotohori, Psychiatrist Extraordinaire
After the better part of an hour, I had managed to stop crying but getting up was just too much for me to do. Everything was so screwed up. If I had known that all of this would happen to me back then, I wouldn't have taken Shiriko for a walk that day. I probably would still have ended up here somehow, though, since it was "pre-destined" and all. What does it mean to be "destined" anyway? Who is it that decides what should and should not happen in the lives of others? 'Whoever it is,' I thought grimly, 'I'd like to have a word with them.' But that would never happen. It's not fair, but then nothing else is, either. I was starting to realize this, slowly but surely, during my stay in this world.
There was a knock at my door, drawing my attention from my thoughts and returning it to the present.
"Whoever it is," I called half-heartedly, "I don't want to talk to you. Leave me alone."
"Yume..." Hotohori's voice replied from behind my closed door, "can I please come in?"
Out of everyone I expected to harass me at this moment, the emperor was definitely not on the list. Shocked into action but this strange twist, I got up, dusted myself off, and opened the door.
"I'm sorry, your highness, I did not know it was you," I said to him.
"Please, Yume, suspend the formalities. We are both servants of Suzaku now. Consider me your equal," he requested. 'Well, if you wanted to look at it that way, emperor, Yume would be your superior, since she's the Oracle and you are just a lowly warrior. Your allegiance would be to her, as she serves us directly,' Byakko commented in my mind. "May I come in?"
"Of...of course. Please," I said, gesturing to the interior of my chamber, unsure of how to act. "My room is your room...literally."
He smiled and entered, taking a seat in one of the chairs. "Relax, Yume. I just came to talk to you," he said.
"About what?" I asked, dreading the response.
"You." That one syllable word was said in such a significant way that I feared what might come of it.
"What about me? Do you want to know my favorite color or what I want to be when I grow up or...?" I questioned, knowing that he was referring to something entirely different.
"A lot has changed since I last spoke with you, with both of us. I have a few things to discuss with you."
"Ok...shoot," I replied, growing more worried by the second.
"Chichiri informed me of the events of the journey, as he saw them. The others added their own stories. I wish to hear yours," he stated plainly.
"Uh...I'm sure whatever the others told you gave you a pretty accurate account of the whole affair. I'm sorry," I answered truthfully. "That's all I can say to you. I don't know what you want from me or what you expect to hear, but frankly, I'm sick of justifying my actions. I didn't have much of a choice. If I could turn back time, I can assure you that I would do things differently. Trust me on that one."
"I do. For some reason, I do believe you would do things differently, if you could. You have done things which rectify the small wrongs that you are guilty of and for that, I thank you," he replied. "However, it appears you have been crying. What troubles you?"
I tried to smile reassuringly at him. "Nothing, really. I guess I just miss my home," I lied.
He took my smile as sincere and patted my shoulder awkwardly, obviously unused to providing comfort or unsure if physical contact with me was a good thing. "It must be hard for you. I...never took into consideration the stress and pressure put on you. I knew it was tough on Miaka but somehow I never extended that feeling to you. I suppose it is because you two are so different." He smiled again. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, not really. I'm fine now. I've shed my tears and I'm ready to move on. Supper must be soon, right?" I answered, effectively changing the subject.
He laughed. "Now you really do sound like Miaka. I'm sure dinner is about to be served. Come on, I'll walk with you."
"Thanks, I'd be glad to have the company, but don't you want to spend time with your wife?" I asked, hoping he'd take the suggestion and leave. I wasn't hungry and had no desire to go to dinner escorted by the emperor and with everyone there. Plus, all this "niceness" was unnerving me. It's just not normal.
"I will see her there. She understands that I have a duty to my people and it seems to me that you need company far more that she does. She, after all, has all her maids to talk to," he responded, taking my arm into the crook of his and leading me from my room and my peace.
I looked helplessly over my shoulder at Shiriko, who sat on my bed watching me. I swear he was laughing at me. "Are you implying that you feel sorry for me because you think I don't have any friends?" I questioned, testily, hoping he'd get fed up with me and leave me alone.
"No...I meant that she has people who are forced to listen to her while all you have is your dog. Besides," he added noticing that the hole he was in was getting deeper by the second, "you've been through some things that someone so young should never have to go through and are going to have to make some hard decisions in the near future, as you are now in a position of power. With power comes responsibility and this is something you and I both have in common. I thought you might want to talk to someone who understands your situation."
'You don't know the half of my situation, Hotohori, but I appreciate the gesture,' is what I felt like saying. What I said, however, was, "I thank you for your concern, but like I said, I'm fine. If I have any questions, I won't hesitate to ask them."
We walked the rest of the way in a companionable silence; me wondering how I'm going to get out of staying at dinner and Hotohori no doubt pondering some royal concern, like how to keep his hair up in the little hat he wears without getting hat hair. As we neared the hall, the smells of food began to take their toll on my digestive tract and the hunger returned, edging away at my resolve. 'I guess I can stay for a bit. Just to grab some food. Then I'll go. He might not even be there yet. No harm in staying for a few minutes...' I decided as we reached the doorway. I stopped before the door and took my arm out of the emperor's.
"Thanks for the company, your highness. I really don't deserve it," I said, doing my best to smile at him.
"Nonsense. You know," he replied, "that hair color really brings out the intensity of your eyes. Were they always that green or did you dye them, too?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Hotohori! Was that a joke I heard you speak? I don't know what's come over you!" I exclaimed, mock shock in my voice. "But, since you asked, I didn't dye them. They came with the job title, hair, and scars."
"So it was divine intervention?" he inquired, smiling.
"I guess so."
"Ok then. My questions are answered. Shall we go in or make them wait a bit more?"
"Let's go in. I'm kind of hungry."
"Me too."
"And Hotohori?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
And with that, we entered the room, the smiles still on our faces. The room went silent as they saw us; not a word was spoken. I would have expected this upon my entrance but for some reason, I had thought things would be different with Hotohori with me, almost like things would go back to the way they were before. I should have known better. Hotohori took his seat and the warriors and priestess went back to talking. My assistants, who were never chatty, kept their gazes on me. I passed my eyes over the table, looking for a place to sit, and found a seat next to Chichiri.
I was ignored for the most part during dinner, which suited me fine all things considered. Towards the end, I realized that someone was missing. "Where's Chiriko?" I asked Chichiri. I must have said it louder than I thought because a hush settled over the table.
"Perhaps we should go for a walk, Yume. Are you finished?" he suggested.
"I don't want to go for a walk, Chichiri. I want you to tell me Chiriko is here but just not hungry," I replied, an edge in my voice.
"I can't do that."
"Then I want to know what happened."
"I really don't think that this is the place to talk about it, Yume. Let's go out into the garden... I'll tell you there."
"Why does it matter where you tell me?" I asked.
"I guess it doesn't," he conceded finally. "He was killed, Yume. In Kutou."
Although my mind had reached that conclusion earlier, it hadn't quite sunken in. I guess hearing it aloud made me realize that it had happened. "Tell me, Chichiri, when were you planning on telling me this?"
"We hadn't thought to tell you, Yume. I guess I thought you already knew."
"Well, I didn't." 'How could I have known?' I wanted to ask. 'How could this have happened? I sent Katana, Renee, Seppuka, and Fae to keep that kind of thing from happening! What was he doing there, anyway? He was too young to brought on that kind of mission! What were you thinking!?' But I didn't ask those questions. "Was it Soi?" I questioned, sounding surreally calm.
"No and if it's revenge you're thinking of, you're too late. Chiriko already did it."
"Revenge is not what I was thinking of. Soi was angry because she was not allowed to kill me. I thought she might have taken it out on him," I replied before getting up and leaving the room, ignoring the looks of confusion on their faces. No doubt they were wondering what I meant by saying she wasn't allowed to kill me, but that didn't matter to me. I just needed to get out of there. Where I went or what they thought were of no importance to me.
'And what about you two? Was preparing me for that out of the question or something?' 'Err...to tell you the truth, Yume, what with Suzaku being sealed and everything, we kind of forgot about the kid. I would have told you had I thought of it,' Byakko responded. 'He was Suzaku's warrior, not ours. He did what he had to do,' was Genbu's response. 'That's just great. He doesn't matter, is that what you're trying to say?' I mentally exclaimed. Byakko said no just as Genbu said yes. 'You know, I just can't deal with this right now. I've had enough drama for one day. God, can't something good ever happen in this place?!' They didn't respond and I didn't care.
It was some time late in the night before I returned to my room. I couldn't be there; I couldn't be anywhere where I might be found. I just didn't want to talk to anyone. I had nothing to say. Having nothing to change into, I slept in the clothes I was wearing. It was a dreamless sleep, or if I did dream I didn't remember them. Despite the late hour I went to bed, I woke early and grabbed some food straight from the kitchen, not wanting to go to another meal with everyone. I ate as I walked, and found myself outside the area where I had once gotten a dress and a bath. I took advantage of the early hour and helped myself to some new clothing before washing myself. Adorned in a dress of this world and a hooded cloak, I could almost pass for a resident of the city. I returned to my room and grabbed Shiriko before heading into the city.
I had no desire to mingle with the commoners, so to speak, so I followed a road that led through the city and into the open fields where I had been chased by Chichiri and Tasuki the first time I "met" them. It never struck me as careless to go out into an unfamiliar city by myself, but then again, I never really thought about what I was doing. I just did it. I was still separated from reality and so did not see the consequences of my actions. The others were no doubt wondering where I was, or would be shortly, and no one saw me leave to tell them. The only person I spoke to were the people working in the kitchen and as far as they knew, I was just grabbing a bite to eat. 'I should probably go back. The last thing I need is them to start worrying about me.' I looked over at the fields again and sighed. It was peaceful here. That was when I noticed it. There was a glint in the corner of my eye, a little flash of light. I turned around again but saw nothing.
"Very careless of you, Yume, to travel alone in unfamiliar territory," a voice I dreaded said to the left of me.
Hoping to see nothing but knowing I would not, I whirled around and came face to face with Tomo. How he could have gotten so close without me knowing was beyond my comprehension. "What do you want?" I snarled, preparing for the worst. Shiriko was at my side, growling.
"To deliver something to you. You left it in Mistress Yui's room and Nakago thought you might want it back." He tossed my bag to my feet. I eyed it suspiciously for a moment before returning my glare to the wannabe clown. "He would have delivered it himself but he was much too busy preparing for the upcoming war. He just doesn't have the time anymore. I'm sure you understand. However, don't be too discouraged. He told me to tell you that he will be returning in person shortly to retrieve you."
"What if I don't want to be 'retrieved?' I rather like being lost, thank you," I snapped.
"Well, you have two choices, Yume. Whichever you choose is totally up to you. You can come peacefully back to him when he comes for you and no blood will be shed or you can refuse and the war will continue and innocents will be killed all because of you."
"How stupid do you think I am? Nakago will continue this war; all my going to him will do is delay him a bit, if that. No, I think you can just tell Nakago to shove it."
"You can tell him yourself when he comes for you. And he will come," Tomo answered before disappearing.
"Bastard! I won't go back, you hear me?! I won't go!" I yelled to the air. "I won't go..."
I bent over and picked up my bag after unleashing a string of curses and mutterings that do not need to be repeated and found everything to be in place, including the ornate box. Only then did I sigh in relief. The clothes and textbooks would have meant little to me if it hadn't been there. Although I was surprised to have it returned to me without a problem, it unnerved me more that Tomo knew I would be here. 'Unless, he didn't know I would be here, but happened to see me when he was on his way to the palace. Maybe it was just an unlucky coincidence.' I didn't dwell on these thought for too long, though, because other matters were slightly more urgent at the moment. The others had to be told that Nakago was coming for me. 'Perhaps they'll be able to do something to trap him.' I couldn't help but wonder why he would send Tomo to tell me he was coming for me. 'He had to know I would tell someone. Even he can't think I'm stupid enough not to mention it. Even if it's a bluff, the added surveillance would make it harder for him, wouldn't it?' I asked myself. But I didn't know. I don't know much about these sort of things. I'm not a tactician. I'm just a stupid girl who's out by herself when she should be safe inside the palace.
And with that thought, I headed back to said palace as fast as I could without running.
Author's Note: I know that chapter wasn't that long. Truth is, I ran out of things to say. It was decent in length, I think. The next chapter is when the plot will really start returning. A battle will happen in the next chapter or so and Yume's power will be revealed. Oh! I know! You guys can try and guess her power! If you get it right, you'll get...something really good. I don't know what the prize will be yet but that's ok since I don't think you'll get it. ::grins:: Anyway, back to commenting on the chapter. I don't think this chapter was that bad, still not one of my favorites but that's all right. I hope you guys liked it. There was a lot of dialogue so it's word count is low, which makes me sad. : ( But content wise I think it was a pretty successful chapter. She had to find out about Chiriko eventually, right? Right?! Yeah...I think I'm going to stop this note now. I'll try and have a chapter up every other week or so but I can't promise anything. I have driver's ed five days a week during the heart of the day when I would normally update (with the exception of now when I'm updating at a random hour) and that will not give me much time. But I'll do my best. I want to finish this story probably as much as you want me to finish it so I'll try. Anyway, let me think of a quote...I don't have one yet (again).
"What the fuck?"
Ok, so that isn't a great quote but I'm pretty sure it will be used at least once in the next chapter. Truth is, I'm not sure what I want to include in the next chapter. I haven't written it yet. There's a lot that should be put it but the details have yet to be planned. Sorry...
Smack
Thanks to...
FYfangirl26: It's ok that you missed one chapter. The important thing is that you came back and reviewed. I'm glad you liked both chapters and I'd say more, but, well, I'm just not awake.
Metajoker: I'm sorry the paragraphs were long but the entire chapter can't be dialogue. And I don't think I'm leaving you in the dark. Nothing important happened so I didn't write the scene. End of story. And, not to be bitchy, but stories ARE blocks of words... Heh heh. I guess some of my wittiness returned...
Songwind: I didn't die. (yet) I have suspicions that a few of my friends want to kill me but as of yet, they haven't succeeded. And Yume thanks you for your understanding. .
chibichibi386: Wahoo! Ten more years to my life! That's enough time that I might actually finish this story!
Otaku Pitcher: Yay! Somebody liked it! I missed you last chapter. I was like, "No...Otaku Pitcher didn't review! Could she finally have gotten fed up with my bad update habits?" But you came back so I'm happy. And, someday, Tasuki and Yume might actually resolve their "problems."
neppy: I'm just glad you reviewed. Sexy wolf boys are so great. She should have slapped him. I'll keep that in mind and have her slap someone at some point. Heh heh, maybe Lucien. I'm sorry you were confused. I thought it was clear. Oh well.
Author's Note: Hey! Look! I'm updating and it hasn't even been four months! Go me! Just kidding. Anyway, here's chapter 35. I hope you guys all like it, and, well, my brain is kind of fried at the moment because I've wrote this chapter as I was typing it and I've been sitting here for several hours so do forgive me if I don't say anything witty in my author's notes this chapter. I do have a little contest for you, though. It's explained in the end author's note. I'm tired... Here's your chapter...
Chapter 35: Hotohori, Psychiatrist Extraordinaire
After the better part of an hour, I had managed to stop crying but getting up was just too much for me to do. Everything was so screwed up. If I had known that all of this would happen to me back then, I wouldn't have taken Shiriko for a walk that day. I probably would still have ended up here somehow, though, since it was "pre-destined" and all. What does it mean to be "destined" anyway? Who is it that decides what should and should not happen in the lives of others? 'Whoever it is,' I thought grimly, 'I'd like to have a word with them.' But that would never happen. It's not fair, but then nothing else is, either. I was starting to realize this, slowly but surely, during my stay in this world.
There was a knock at my door, drawing my attention from my thoughts and returning it to the present.
"Whoever it is," I called half-heartedly, "I don't want to talk to you. Leave me alone."
"Yume..." Hotohori's voice replied from behind my closed door, "can I please come in?"
Out of everyone I expected to harass me at this moment, the emperor was definitely not on the list. Shocked into action but this strange twist, I got up, dusted myself off, and opened the door.
"I'm sorry, your highness, I did not know it was you," I said to him.
"Please, Yume, suspend the formalities. We are both servants of Suzaku now. Consider me your equal," he requested. 'Well, if you wanted to look at it that way, emperor, Yume would be your superior, since she's the Oracle and you are just a lowly warrior. Your allegiance would be to her, as she serves us directly,' Byakko commented in my mind. "May I come in?"
"Of...of course. Please," I said, gesturing to the interior of my chamber, unsure of how to act. "My room is your room...literally."
He smiled and entered, taking a seat in one of the chairs. "Relax, Yume. I just came to talk to you," he said.
"About what?" I asked, dreading the response.
"You." That one syllable word was said in such a significant way that I feared what might come of it.
"What about me? Do you want to know my favorite color or what I want to be when I grow up or...?" I questioned, knowing that he was referring to something entirely different.
"A lot has changed since I last spoke with you, with both of us. I have a few things to discuss with you."
"Ok...shoot," I replied, growing more worried by the second.
"Chichiri informed me of the events of the journey, as he saw them. The others added their own stories. I wish to hear yours," he stated plainly.
"Uh...I'm sure whatever the others told you gave you a pretty accurate account of the whole affair. I'm sorry," I answered truthfully. "That's all I can say to you. I don't know what you want from me or what you expect to hear, but frankly, I'm sick of justifying my actions. I didn't have much of a choice. If I could turn back time, I can assure you that I would do things differently. Trust me on that one."
"I do. For some reason, I do believe you would do things differently, if you could. You have done things which rectify the small wrongs that you are guilty of and for that, I thank you," he replied. "However, it appears you have been crying. What troubles you?"
I tried to smile reassuringly at him. "Nothing, really. I guess I just miss my home," I lied.
He took my smile as sincere and patted my shoulder awkwardly, obviously unused to providing comfort or unsure if physical contact with me was a good thing. "It must be hard for you. I...never took into consideration the stress and pressure put on you. I knew it was tough on Miaka but somehow I never extended that feeling to you. I suppose it is because you two are so different." He smiled again. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, not really. I'm fine now. I've shed my tears and I'm ready to move on. Supper must be soon, right?" I answered, effectively changing the subject.
He laughed. "Now you really do sound like Miaka. I'm sure dinner is about to be served. Come on, I'll walk with you."
"Thanks, I'd be glad to have the company, but don't you want to spend time with your wife?" I asked, hoping he'd take the suggestion and leave. I wasn't hungry and had no desire to go to dinner escorted by the emperor and with everyone there. Plus, all this "niceness" was unnerving me. It's just not normal.
"I will see her there. She understands that I have a duty to my people and it seems to me that you need company far more that she does. She, after all, has all her maids to talk to," he responded, taking my arm into the crook of his and leading me from my room and my peace.
I looked helplessly over my shoulder at Shiriko, who sat on my bed watching me. I swear he was laughing at me. "Are you implying that you feel sorry for me because you think I don't have any friends?" I questioned, testily, hoping he'd get fed up with me and leave me alone.
"No...I meant that she has people who are forced to listen to her while all you have is your dog. Besides," he added noticing that the hole he was in was getting deeper by the second, "you've been through some things that someone so young should never have to go through and are going to have to make some hard decisions in the near future, as you are now in a position of power. With power comes responsibility and this is something you and I both have in common. I thought you might want to talk to someone who understands your situation."
'You don't know the half of my situation, Hotohori, but I appreciate the gesture,' is what I felt like saying. What I said, however, was, "I thank you for your concern, but like I said, I'm fine. If I have any questions, I won't hesitate to ask them."
We walked the rest of the way in a companionable silence; me wondering how I'm going to get out of staying at dinner and Hotohori no doubt pondering some royal concern, like how to keep his hair up in the little hat he wears without getting hat hair. As we neared the hall, the smells of food began to take their toll on my digestive tract and the hunger returned, edging away at my resolve. 'I guess I can stay for a bit. Just to grab some food. Then I'll go. He might not even be there yet. No harm in staying for a few minutes...' I decided as we reached the doorway. I stopped before the door and took my arm out of the emperor's.
"Thanks for the company, your highness. I really don't deserve it," I said, doing my best to smile at him.
"Nonsense. You know," he replied, "that hair color really brings out the intensity of your eyes. Were they always that green or did you dye them, too?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "Hotohori! Was that a joke I heard you speak? I don't know what's come over you!" I exclaimed, mock shock in my voice. "But, since you asked, I didn't dye them. They came with the job title, hair, and scars."
"So it was divine intervention?" he inquired, smiling.
"I guess so."
"Ok then. My questions are answered. Shall we go in or make them wait a bit more?"
"Let's go in. I'm kind of hungry."
"Me too."
"And Hotohori?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
And with that, we entered the room, the smiles still on our faces. The room went silent as they saw us; not a word was spoken. I would have expected this upon my entrance but for some reason, I had thought things would be different with Hotohori with me, almost like things would go back to the way they were before. I should have known better. Hotohori took his seat and the warriors and priestess went back to talking. My assistants, who were never chatty, kept their gazes on me. I passed my eyes over the table, looking for a place to sit, and found a seat next to Chichiri.
I was ignored for the most part during dinner, which suited me fine all things considered. Towards the end, I realized that someone was missing. "Where's Chiriko?" I asked Chichiri. I must have said it louder than I thought because a hush settled over the table.
"Perhaps we should go for a walk, Yume. Are you finished?" he suggested.
"I don't want to go for a walk, Chichiri. I want you to tell me Chiriko is here but just not hungry," I replied, an edge in my voice.
"I can't do that."
"Then I want to know what happened."
"I really don't think that this is the place to talk about it, Yume. Let's go out into the garden... I'll tell you there."
"Why does it matter where you tell me?" I asked.
"I guess it doesn't," he conceded finally. "He was killed, Yume. In Kutou."
Although my mind had reached that conclusion earlier, it hadn't quite sunken in. I guess hearing it aloud made me realize that it had happened. "Tell me, Chichiri, when were you planning on telling me this?"
"We hadn't thought to tell you, Yume. I guess I thought you already knew."
"Well, I didn't." 'How could I have known?' I wanted to ask. 'How could this have happened? I sent Katana, Renee, Seppuka, and Fae to keep that kind of thing from happening! What was he doing there, anyway? He was too young to brought on that kind of mission! What were you thinking!?' But I didn't ask those questions. "Was it Soi?" I questioned, sounding surreally calm.
"No and if it's revenge you're thinking of, you're too late. Chiriko already did it."
"Revenge is not what I was thinking of. Soi was angry because she was not allowed to kill me. I thought she might have taken it out on him," I replied before getting up and leaving the room, ignoring the looks of confusion on their faces. No doubt they were wondering what I meant by saying she wasn't allowed to kill me, but that didn't matter to me. I just needed to get out of there. Where I went or what they thought were of no importance to me.
'And what about you two? Was preparing me for that out of the question or something?' 'Err...to tell you the truth, Yume, what with Suzaku being sealed and everything, we kind of forgot about the kid. I would have told you had I thought of it,' Byakko responded. 'He was Suzaku's warrior, not ours. He did what he had to do,' was Genbu's response. 'That's just great. He doesn't matter, is that what you're trying to say?' I mentally exclaimed. Byakko said no just as Genbu said yes. 'You know, I just can't deal with this right now. I've had enough drama for one day. God, can't something good ever happen in this place?!' They didn't respond and I didn't care.
It was some time late in the night before I returned to my room. I couldn't be there; I couldn't be anywhere where I might be found. I just didn't want to talk to anyone. I had nothing to say. Having nothing to change into, I slept in the clothes I was wearing. It was a dreamless sleep, or if I did dream I didn't remember them. Despite the late hour I went to bed, I woke early and grabbed some food straight from the kitchen, not wanting to go to another meal with everyone. I ate as I walked, and found myself outside the area where I had once gotten a dress and a bath. I took advantage of the early hour and helped myself to some new clothing before washing myself. Adorned in a dress of this world and a hooded cloak, I could almost pass for a resident of the city. I returned to my room and grabbed Shiriko before heading into the city.
I had no desire to mingle with the commoners, so to speak, so I followed a road that led through the city and into the open fields where I had been chased by Chichiri and Tasuki the first time I "met" them. It never struck me as careless to go out into an unfamiliar city by myself, but then again, I never really thought about what I was doing. I just did it. I was still separated from reality and so did not see the consequences of my actions. The others were no doubt wondering where I was, or would be shortly, and no one saw me leave to tell them. The only person I spoke to were the people working in the kitchen and as far as they knew, I was just grabbing a bite to eat. 'I should probably go back. The last thing I need is them to start worrying about me.' I looked over at the fields again and sighed. It was peaceful here. That was when I noticed it. There was a glint in the corner of my eye, a little flash of light. I turned around again but saw nothing.
"Very careless of you, Yume, to travel alone in unfamiliar territory," a voice I dreaded said to the left of me.
Hoping to see nothing but knowing I would not, I whirled around and came face to face with Tomo. How he could have gotten so close without me knowing was beyond my comprehension. "What do you want?" I snarled, preparing for the worst. Shiriko was at my side, growling.
"To deliver something to you. You left it in Mistress Yui's room and Nakago thought you might want it back." He tossed my bag to my feet. I eyed it suspiciously for a moment before returning my glare to the wannabe clown. "He would have delivered it himself but he was much too busy preparing for the upcoming war. He just doesn't have the time anymore. I'm sure you understand. However, don't be too discouraged. He told me to tell you that he will be returning in person shortly to retrieve you."
"What if I don't want to be 'retrieved?' I rather like being lost, thank you," I snapped.
"Well, you have two choices, Yume. Whichever you choose is totally up to you. You can come peacefully back to him when he comes for you and no blood will be shed or you can refuse and the war will continue and innocents will be killed all because of you."
"How stupid do you think I am? Nakago will continue this war; all my going to him will do is delay him a bit, if that. No, I think you can just tell Nakago to shove it."
"You can tell him yourself when he comes for you. And he will come," Tomo answered before disappearing.
"Bastard! I won't go back, you hear me?! I won't go!" I yelled to the air. "I won't go..."
I bent over and picked up my bag after unleashing a string of curses and mutterings that do not need to be repeated and found everything to be in place, including the ornate box. Only then did I sigh in relief. The clothes and textbooks would have meant little to me if it hadn't been there. Although I was surprised to have it returned to me without a problem, it unnerved me more that Tomo knew I would be here. 'Unless, he didn't know I would be here, but happened to see me when he was on his way to the palace. Maybe it was just an unlucky coincidence.' I didn't dwell on these thought for too long, though, because other matters were slightly more urgent at the moment. The others had to be told that Nakago was coming for me. 'Perhaps they'll be able to do something to trap him.' I couldn't help but wonder why he would send Tomo to tell me he was coming for me. 'He had to know I would tell someone. Even he can't think I'm stupid enough not to mention it. Even if it's a bluff, the added surveillance would make it harder for him, wouldn't it?' I asked myself. But I didn't know. I don't know much about these sort of things. I'm not a tactician. I'm just a stupid girl who's out by herself when she should be safe inside the palace.
And with that thought, I headed back to said palace as fast as I could without running.
Author's Note: I know that chapter wasn't that long. Truth is, I ran out of things to say. It was decent in length, I think. The next chapter is when the plot will really start returning. A battle will happen in the next chapter or so and Yume's power will be revealed. Oh! I know! You guys can try and guess her power! If you get it right, you'll get...something really good. I don't know what the prize will be yet but that's ok since I don't think you'll get it. ::grins:: Anyway, back to commenting on the chapter. I don't think this chapter was that bad, still not one of my favorites but that's all right. I hope you guys liked it. There was a lot of dialogue so it's word count is low, which makes me sad. : ( But content wise I think it was a pretty successful chapter. She had to find out about Chiriko eventually, right? Right?! Yeah...I think I'm going to stop this note now. I'll try and have a chapter up every other week or so but I can't promise anything. I have driver's ed five days a week during the heart of the day when I would normally update (with the exception of now when I'm updating at a random hour) and that will not give me much time. But I'll do my best. I want to finish this story probably as much as you want me to finish it so I'll try. Anyway, let me think of a quote...I don't have one yet (again).
"What the fuck?"
Ok, so that isn't a great quote but I'm pretty sure it will be used at least once in the next chapter. Truth is, I'm not sure what I want to include in the next chapter. I haven't written it yet. There's a lot that should be put it but the details have yet to be planned. Sorry...
Smack