Notes: This story is a sequel to Lost Memories and does not follow the FY
Storyline. These characters are not my original creation.
Promises
Part 2
By: A.J. Matthews
1 Tasuki's Apartment
The intercom buzzed.
"My lord, your limousine has arrived," the superintendent informed Hotohori.
Hotohori sighed and shook his head.
"Thank you," he automatically responded. He looked at the others and took out his car keys. "Nuriko, you can borrow my car. My parents must've forgotten I was driving it." He tossed the keys to the other boy. "Just don't break anything this time." He looked at Chichiri, eyeing the youth's long hair. "Better get a haircut, too, Chichiri." Hotohori grinned. "Your hair is longer than mine." He looked at his watch. "I'd better go now so I'm not late for the concert."
"Ok, no da." Chichiri touched his hair, which was still dripping. "Hai, it's very long. I have never cut it before. Bye, Hotohori." He went back into the bathroom to dry his hair some more.
Tasuki grinned. "See ya later, Hotohori."
"Nuriko, take care of him," Hotohori told the violet-haired boy, concern in his eyes. "He's finally getting better. Farewell." He swept out of the room, with his own long, brown hair flowing out behind him.
"I will," Nuriko called after Hotohori. "Bye."
"Bye, Hotohori," said Chiriko with a smile. He went over to the phone, to call his parents and tell them he was going to hang out with Nuriko for a while.
Tasuki and Nuriko heard a cry of "Da!!" from the bathroom.
They ran in and saw that Chichiri had tripped over the hairdryer cord and had fallen in the tub.
Tasuki helped Chichiri out, and started to crack up. Nuriko was grinning and laughing. Chichiri let out a tiny giggle, which turned into full-blown laughter.
"Clumsy, no da!" Chichiri said. He was grinning and looked sheepish.
"Tasuki, I'll bring Hotohori's car around to the front while Chichiri puts his shoes on," Nuriko said, wanting to give them some privacy. He walked out of the apartment.
"I'll come with you." Chiriko ran after Nuriko. "I've never been in Hotohori's car before."
"Aw, Chichiri." Tasuki hugged him hard. "You always know how to make me happy."
Chichiri's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Tasuki, no da."
"Sit down and I'll brush your hair."
Chichiri sat down on the chair, and Tasuki picked up the brush. He gently ran it through Chichiri's fine, silky hair.
"Tasuki?" Chichiri asked quietly.
"Yes, Chichiri?" Tasuki responded, distracted by the feel of Chichiri's hair brushing his hands. It seemed so familiar, somehow.
Chichiri turned and faced Tasuki. "Will you kiss me, no da?" A blush settled over his face, and Chichiri felt very self-conscious, especially because he wasn't used yet to not having his mask to hide his scar. He looked down at the floor.
Tasuki responded by putting the brush down. He cupped Chichiri's face in his hands, tilted it up, and knelt down. Leaning forward, his lips touched Chichiri's. Warmth filled both of them as Chichiri responded, his hands reaching up and touching Tasuki's red hair. Tasuki ran his fingers through Chichiri's blue hair, as the kiss deepened. They broke apart after a few moments, gasping for air.
"Shin'ai, Tasuki. Eiei," Chichiri's warm lips whispered against Tasuki's.
"Wo ai ni, Chichiri." Tasuki's lips claimed Chichiri's again.
They kissed long and hard, passion burning in their veins. Electricity seemed to spark between then and the warmth grew to a fire. As Tasuki began to lean Chichiri back.
"I.uh." Chiriko stammered, as he stood in the doorway. "We'll.we'll be waiting in the car, Chichiri." Chiriko turned and ran out of the apartment.
Chichiri and Tasuki broke apart, smiling at each other.
Chichiri walked into the living room. He began to put his shoes on. His face was still flushed from that last kiss. Chichiri bit his lower lip nervously. He was afraid of going out in public. He wasn't scared of Nuriko and Chiriko, but of Nakago. What if Nakago showed up again and Tasuki wasn't there with him? Chichiri didn't want to face Nakago without Tasuki.
As if on cue, Tasuki walked out of the bathroom. He saw Chichiri pause in the middle of tying his shoes. Tasuki had a feeling of what Chichiri was thinking. He sat down next to Chichiri, holding a rubber band. He gently tied Chichiri's hair back from his face.
"Chichiri, it'll be ok." Tasuki hugged him gently.
"I'm just scared, Tasuki, scared that he'll show up again." Chichiri looked down at the ground.
Tasuki raised his eyebrows in surprise. Chichiri usually avoided talking about Nakago and pretended that it had never happened occasionally. Chichiri was good at hiding his feelings, but Tasuki had been there for three months now, and he knew when Chichiri was frightened.
"Nuriko won't let anything happen to you. And Chiriko will be there, too," Tasuki reminded Chichiri. "I don't think even Nakago could stand up to Nuriko."
Chichiri felt a lot better now. "Thanks, Tasuki," he whispered. He kissed Tasuki softly on the lips before standing up and leaving.
Tasuki watched him go, with a fond smile on his face. Then he got up to get ready for the concert tonight.
2 Hotohori's Car
Nuriko looked up in surprise as Chiriko ran back out of the apartment building, his face bright red. He jumped into the backseat of the car.
"What's wrong, Chiriko?" Nuriko looked at the young boy curiously.
"I went to fetch Chichiri, and they were." Chiriko's face was beet red.
"They were what?" Nuriko had a pretty good idea of what they were doing, but he wanted it confirmed.
"They were kissing. I think they would have done more if I hadn't walked in on them." Chiriko looked very embarrassed. "Next time, you go fetch Chichiri."
As if summoned by his name being spoken, Chichiri walked out of the apartment building, looking apprehensive.
He looked around as Nuriko shouted, "Chichiri! Over here!"
Chichiri walked over to the car and got in. He sat down in the passenger seat and looked around. "Neat car, no da." He fastened the seat-belt after a few tries, and Nuriko looked at Chiriko.
"Ready?" he asked. Chiriko nodded. He'd buckled in when he had come back.
The car keys were turned and Nuriko took off like a light.
Chiriko groaned and gulped softly. This was going to be a bad car ride.
3 The Mall
Three hours had gone by since Chiriko, Chichiri, and Nuriko had left the apartment building. Since then, Nuriko had bought Chichiri dozens of clothes, shoes, boots, gloves, and a coat. Also a computer, printer, CD- ROMs, a VCR, video tapes, and a giant sized television. All of the items were being loaded into Hotohori's humongous car by store personnel. Now, only one thing remained. A haircut.
Chichiri didn't think he needed all this stuff, but Nuriko and Chiriko both said that Hotohori had insisted on it all. Including the haircut.
"No, no da." Chichiri dug his heels in. He covered his hair with his hands.
"Chichiri, I will carry you in there if I have to." Nuriko looked dead serious.
Chichiri tried to bolt, but Chiriko caught his hand.
"Chichiri, I think Tasuki would like to see you with a haircut. You shouldn't hide behind your hair all the time," Chiriko said gently.
"He's right, Chichiri." Nuriko placed her hand on Chichiri's shoulder. The youth looked up quietly. "If nothing else, get a trim," he suggested.
"Ok, no da." Chichiri looked doubtful, but dutifully followed Nuriko and Chiriko. He froze for a moment when he thought he felt someone watching him. His eyes looked back and forth, not seeing anyone. Then he continued to follow Nuriko and Chiriko, who walked back to him.
"Come on, slowpokes," Nuriko said impatiently. He saw a strange look on Chichiri's face, as if he sensed something. "You ok?"
Chiriko saw Chichiri clench his hands, fighting off bad memories.
"Yes, no da. For a moment, I thought I felt something. I guess it was nothing." Chichiri smiled brightly at Nuriko and Chiriko. "Let's keep moving, so I can see my kare sing!"
They laughed and walked with him.
Soi watched them from the shadows. She didn't understand why Nakago was so damn obsessed with this boy-man. She loved Nakago, but he loved Chichiri. It just wasn't fair. She followed them, trying to find a moment when Chichiri would be vulnerable. And trying to find out why he was chosen instead of her.
Chichiri sat in the chair, as the hairdresser put the finishing touches on his hair. It was a lot shorter now, and he had long bangs now. He looked over at Chiriko and Nuriko nervously.
They gave him thumbs-up. "You look hot, Chichiri!" called Nuriko.
Chichiri flushed. "I hope Tasuki will like it, no da."
"I know he will," Chiriko said cheerfully. "I love it!"
After the hairdresser was paid, Nuriko had a good idea.
"Chichiri, why don't you wear some of your new clothes home to surprise Tasuki?" he suggested.
"Good idea, no da."
So they took a box of clothes from the car. Chichiri went into the bathroom. He took off Tasuki's shirts, pants, and shoes. Then, he put on the white shirt, green pants, and blue jacket. He liked those colors the best, and they suited him. At least, that's what Nuriko had said. He then pulled on the black shoes. Chichiri had to admit that these clothes fit him a lot better than Tasuki's. He walked out of the bathroom carrying Tasuki's clothes in the box.
Nuriko whistled. Chiriko gaped in awe.
Chichiri looked at them curiously. "What is it, no da?"
"God, Chichiri, you look great," Nuriko exclaimed loudly enough for the people walking past them to stop and stare at him.
"Yeah, Chichiri." Chiriko's voice held a note of awe.
Chichiri turned bright red again. "Do you think Tasuki will approve, no da?" he asked hopefully.
"If it doesn't, I'm going to pound his skull in," Nuriko vowed.
Soi had an idea, and faded from sight. She appeared in the parking lot, and set her traps.
Nuriko and Chiriko were walking slightly ahead of Chichiri, when they walked into something strange. It grabbed a hold of them, and they couldn't break free. Chichiri had dropped the box, and bent down to catch it.
When he looked up, he gasped. A wrenching fear went through his entire body. Not again, he prayed.
"Run, Chichiri!" Nuriko shouted at him. "You have to live!"
Those words jarred something in Chichiri's memory.
He stood there on the battlefield, watching the horror of his friends being massacred.
4 "Stop this! It's me you want, Nakago! Take me and leave them alone!" Chichiri shouted with tears running down his face. The others had sealed him in the magic circle, so he couldn't surrender.
"Chichiri, no! Run! You have to live!" Nuriko shouted as Ashiteru stabbed him directly through the heart. He fell down and didn't move.
"Damn it, Chichiri," Tasuki shouted. He shook Chichiri hard. "You're the one who holds us together!"
Chichiri shook his head and looked at Nuriko and Chiriko.
"No more," he shouted. A staff appeared before him, glowing red. He twirled it and pointed it at the invisible webbing. A Ki blast tore from Chichiri and broke the web apart. His mark glowed brighter than ever before. This was a fully awakened Chichiri.
Nuriko and Chiriko looked at Chichiri. He looked at them and tensed.
Then he flipped directly over them as a whip lashed out. His staff deflected it and he counter-struck with another Ki blast.
Soi was forced to reveal herself. "I didn't expect you to remember those spells, Chichiri." Her voice was laced with hatred.
Nuriko and Chiriko looked at Chichiri, who seemed different, somehow. Images snapped through their memories; images of an older Chichiri, wearing a blue kasa, green pants, and a white shirt. He held the staff in his hands then just like he did now. But he spoke in a different language. And Nuriko and Chiriko understood it.
"Leave this place, Soi." Even Chichiri's voice sounded different. Older and sadder. "Must we continue this fight, after years of peace?"
"Yes!" she hissed at him. "If it weren't for you, I'd be the one with Nakago." Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "Wait a minute. You're the old Chichiri, not the frail and weak reborn Chichiri." Soi suddenly looked afraid. "How can you be in control?" She distracted him as she drew a dagger.
Chichiri just looked at her. "Return to Nakago, Soi. Did he honestly think that I would change my heart? Tell him that what I said then still holds true. 'While hearts can reach and hands can touch, I'll never be his. And neither will they.' This boy possesses my soul but not my memories. Suzaku is with him, and he has my abilities. "
Soi flung her dagger at him, and Chichiri caught it in his right palm. The knife penetrated the veins in his right palm. She then vanished in anger.
Chichiri turned to Nuriko and Chiriko. "I thought you were dead." He looked relieved and happy.
Nuriko and Chiriko stared at him, blinking.
Chichiri felt weird. He moaned as he fell backwards. The staff clinked on the floor. Nuriko ran forward and
caught him. Chichiri's features shifted. The sadness and older look erased from his face entirely, and he looked like himself again.
Blood poured out of Chichiri's right hand. Nuriko tore his sleeve and wrapped it around the deep cut.
Chiriko looked frightened. He licked his lips and looked at Nuriko. Then his gaze lowered to Chichiri.
"I'm starting to believe that reincarnation stuff, Nuriko. How else can you explain all of that?" Chiriko referred to Chichiri's dramatic change. He picked up the staff. "We'd better get Chichiri some stitches, too, and get back to the others before something else happens."
Nuriko nodded. "I just hope Tasuki will forgive us," he whispered.
To be continued.
Promises
Part 2
By: A.J. Matthews
1 Tasuki's Apartment
The intercom buzzed.
"My lord, your limousine has arrived," the superintendent informed Hotohori.
Hotohori sighed and shook his head.
"Thank you," he automatically responded. He looked at the others and took out his car keys. "Nuriko, you can borrow my car. My parents must've forgotten I was driving it." He tossed the keys to the other boy. "Just don't break anything this time." He looked at Chichiri, eyeing the youth's long hair. "Better get a haircut, too, Chichiri." Hotohori grinned. "Your hair is longer than mine." He looked at his watch. "I'd better go now so I'm not late for the concert."
"Ok, no da." Chichiri touched his hair, which was still dripping. "Hai, it's very long. I have never cut it before. Bye, Hotohori." He went back into the bathroom to dry his hair some more.
Tasuki grinned. "See ya later, Hotohori."
"Nuriko, take care of him," Hotohori told the violet-haired boy, concern in his eyes. "He's finally getting better. Farewell." He swept out of the room, with his own long, brown hair flowing out behind him.
"I will," Nuriko called after Hotohori. "Bye."
"Bye, Hotohori," said Chiriko with a smile. He went over to the phone, to call his parents and tell them he was going to hang out with Nuriko for a while.
Tasuki and Nuriko heard a cry of "Da!!" from the bathroom.
They ran in and saw that Chichiri had tripped over the hairdryer cord and had fallen in the tub.
Tasuki helped Chichiri out, and started to crack up. Nuriko was grinning and laughing. Chichiri let out a tiny giggle, which turned into full-blown laughter.
"Clumsy, no da!" Chichiri said. He was grinning and looked sheepish.
"Tasuki, I'll bring Hotohori's car around to the front while Chichiri puts his shoes on," Nuriko said, wanting to give them some privacy. He walked out of the apartment.
"I'll come with you." Chiriko ran after Nuriko. "I've never been in Hotohori's car before."
"Aw, Chichiri." Tasuki hugged him hard. "You always know how to make me happy."
Chichiri's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Tasuki, no da."
"Sit down and I'll brush your hair."
Chichiri sat down on the chair, and Tasuki picked up the brush. He gently ran it through Chichiri's fine, silky hair.
"Tasuki?" Chichiri asked quietly.
"Yes, Chichiri?" Tasuki responded, distracted by the feel of Chichiri's hair brushing his hands. It seemed so familiar, somehow.
Chichiri turned and faced Tasuki. "Will you kiss me, no da?" A blush settled over his face, and Chichiri felt very self-conscious, especially because he wasn't used yet to not having his mask to hide his scar. He looked down at the floor.
Tasuki responded by putting the brush down. He cupped Chichiri's face in his hands, tilted it up, and knelt down. Leaning forward, his lips touched Chichiri's. Warmth filled both of them as Chichiri responded, his hands reaching up and touching Tasuki's red hair. Tasuki ran his fingers through Chichiri's blue hair, as the kiss deepened. They broke apart after a few moments, gasping for air.
"Shin'ai, Tasuki. Eiei," Chichiri's warm lips whispered against Tasuki's.
"Wo ai ni, Chichiri." Tasuki's lips claimed Chichiri's again.
They kissed long and hard, passion burning in their veins. Electricity seemed to spark between then and the warmth grew to a fire. As Tasuki began to lean Chichiri back.
"I.uh." Chiriko stammered, as he stood in the doorway. "We'll.we'll be waiting in the car, Chichiri." Chiriko turned and ran out of the apartment.
Chichiri and Tasuki broke apart, smiling at each other.
Chichiri walked into the living room. He began to put his shoes on. His face was still flushed from that last kiss. Chichiri bit his lower lip nervously. He was afraid of going out in public. He wasn't scared of Nuriko and Chiriko, but of Nakago. What if Nakago showed up again and Tasuki wasn't there with him? Chichiri didn't want to face Nakago without Tasuki.
As if on cue, Tasuki walked out of the bathroom. He saw Chichiri pause in the middle of tying his shoes. Tasuki had a feeling of what Chichiri was thinking. He sat down next to Chichiri, holding a rubber band. He gently tied Chichiri's hair back from his face.
"Chichiri, it'll be ok." Tasuki hugged him gently.
"I'm just scared, Tasuki, scared that he'll show up again." Chichiri looked down at the ground.
Tasuki raised his eyebrows in surprise. Chichiri usually avoided talking about Nakago and pretended that it had never happened occasionally. Chichiri was good at hiding his feelings, but Tasuki had been there for three months now, and he knew when Chichiri was frightened.
"Nuriko won't let anything happen to you. And Chiriko will be there, too," Tasuki reminded Chichiri. "I don't think even Nakago could stand up to Nuriko."
Chichiri felt a lot better now. "Thanks, Tasuki," he whispered. He kissed Tasuki softly on the lips before standing up and leaving.
Tasuki watched him go, with a fond smile on his face. Then he got up to get ready for the concert tonight.
2 Hotohori's Car
Nuriko looked up in surprise as Chiriko ran back out of the apartment building, his face bright red. He jumped into the backseat of the car.
"What's wrong, Chiriko?" Nuriko looked at the young boy curiously.
"I went to fetch Chichiri, and they were." Chiriko's face was beet red.
"They were what?" Nuriko had a pretty good idea of what they were doing, but he wanted it confirmed.
"They were kissing. I think they would have done more if I hadn't walked in on them." Chiriko looked very embarrassed. "Next time, you go fetch Chichiri."
As if summoned by his name being spoken, Chichiri walked out of the apartment building, looking apprehensive.
He looked around as Nuriko shouted, "Chichiri! Over here!"
Chichiri walked over to the car and got in. He sat down in the passenger seat and looked around. "Neat car, no da." He fastened the seat-belt after a few tries, and Nuriko looked at Chiriko.
"Ready?" he asked. Chiriko nodded. He'd buckled in when he had come back.
The car keys were turned and Nuriko took off like a light.
Chiriko groaned and gulped softly. This was going to be a bad car ride.
3 The Mall
Three hours had gone by since Chiriko, Chichiri, and Nuriko had left the apartment building. Since then, Nuriko had bought Chichiri dozens of clothes, shoes, boots, gloves, and a coat. Also a computer, printer, CD- ROMs, a VCR, video tapes, and a giant sized television. All of the items were being loaded into Hotohori's humongous car by store personnel. Now, only one thing remained. A haircut.
Chichiri didn't think he needed all this stuff, but Nuriko and Chiriko both said that Hotohori had insisted on it all. Including the haircut.
"No, no da." Chichiri dug his heels in. He covered his hair with his hands.
"Chichiri, I will carry you in there if I have to." Nuriko looked dead serious.
Chichiri tried to bolt, but Chiriko caught his hand.
"Chichiri, I think Tasuki would like to see you with a haircut. You shouldn't hide behind your hair all the time," Chiriko said gently.
"He's right, Chichiri." Nuriko placed her hand on Chichiri's shoulder. The youth looked up quietly. "If nothing else, get a trim," he suggested.
"Ok, no da." Chichiri looked doubtful, but dutifully followed Nuriko and Chiriko. He froze for a moment when he thought he felt someone watching him. His eyes looked back and forth, not seeing anyone. Then he continued to follow Nuriko and Chiriko, who walked back to him.
"Come on, slowpokes," Nuriko said impatiently. He saw a strange look on Chichiri's face, as if he sensed something. "You ok?"
Chiriko saw Chichiri clench his hands, fighting off bad memories.
"Yes, no da. For a moment, I thought I felt something. I guess it was nothing." Chichiri smiled brightly at Nuriko and Chiriko. "Let's keep moving, so I can see my kare sing!"
They laughed and walked with him.
Soi watched them from the shadows. She didn't understand why Nakago was so damn obsessed with this boy-man. She loved Nakago, but he loved Chichiri. It just wasn't fair. She followed them, trying to find a moment when Chichiri would be vulnerable. And trying to find out why he was chosen instead of her.
Chichiri sat in the chair, as the hairdresser put the finishing touches on his hair. It was a lot shorter now, and he had long bangs now. He looked over at Chiriko and Nuriko nervously.
They gave him thumbs-up. "You look hot, Chichiri!" called Nuriko.
Chichiri flushed. "I hope Tasuki will like it, no da."
"I know he will," Chiriko said cheerfully. "I love it!"
After the hairdresser was paid, Nuriko had a good idea.
"Chichiri, why don't you wear some of your new clothes home to surprise Tasuki?" he suggested.
"Good idea, no da."
So they took a box of clothes from the car. Chichiri went into the bathroom. He took off Tasuki's shirts, pants, and shoes. Then, he put on the white shirt, green pants, and blue jacket. He liked those colors the best, and they suited him. At least, that's what Nuriko had said. He then pulled on the black shoes. Chichiri had to admit that these clothes fit him a lot better than Tasuki's. He walked out of the bathroom carrying Tasuki's clothes in the box.
Nuriko whistled. Chiriko gaped in awe.
Chichiri looked at them curiously. "What is it, no da?"
"God, Chichiri, you look great," Nuriko exclaimed loudly enough for the people walking past them to stop and stare at him.
"Yeah, Chichiri." Chiriko's voice held a note of awe.
Chichiri turned bright red again. "Do you think Tasuki will approve, no da?" he asked hopefully.
"If it doesn't, I'm going to pound his skull in," Nuriko vowed.
Soi had an idea, and faded from sight. She appeared in the parking lot, and set her traps.
Nuriko and Chiriko were walking slightly ahead of Chichiri, when they walked into something strange. It grabbed a hold of them, and they couldn't break free. Chichiri had dropped the box, and bent down to catch it.
When he looked up, he gasped. A wrenching fear went through his entire body. Not again, he prayed.
"Run, Chichiri!" Nuriko shouted at him. "You have to live!"
Those words jarred something in Chichiri's memory.
He stood there on the battlefield, watching the horror of his friends being massacred.
4 "Stop this! It's me you want, Nakago! Take me and leave them alone!" Chichiri shouted with tears running down his face. The others had sealed him in the magic circle, so he couldn't surrender.
"Chichiri, no! Run! You have to live!" Nuriko shouted as Ashiteru stabbed him directly through the heart. He fell down and didn't move.
"Damn it, Chichiri," Tasuki shouted. He shook Chichiri hard. "You're the one who holds us together!"
Chichiri shook his head and looked at Nuriko and Chiriko.
"No more," he shouted. A staff appeared before him, glowing red. He twirled it and pointed it at the invisible webbing. A Ki blast tore from Chichiri and broke the web apart. His mark glowed brighter than ever before. This was a fully awakened Chichiri.
Nuriko and Chiriko looked at Chichiri. He looked at them and tensed.
Then he flipped directly over them as a whip lashed out. His staff deflected it and he counter-struck with another Ki blast.
Soi was forced to reveal herself. "I didn't expect you to remember those spells, Chichiri." Her voice was laced with hatred.
Nuriko and Chiriko looked at Chichiri, who seemed different, somehow. Images snapped through their memories; images of an older Chichiri, wearing a blue kasa, green pants, and a white shirt. He held the staff in his hands then just like he did now. But he spoke in a different language. And Nuriko and Chiriko understood it.
"Leave this place, Soi." Even Chichiri's voice sounded different. Older and sadder. "Must we continue this fight, after years of peace?"
"Yes!" she hissed at him. "If it weren't for you, I'd be the one with Nakago." Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "Wait a minute. You're the old Chichiri, not the frail and weak reborn Chichiri." Soi suddenly looked afraid. "How can you be in control?" She distracted him as she drew a dagger.
Chichiri just looked at her. "Return to Nakago, Soi. Did he honestly think that I would change my heart? Tell him that what I said then still holds true. 'While hearts can reach and hands can touch, I'll never be his. And neither will they.' This boy possesses my soul but not my memories. Suzaku is with him, and he has my abilities. "
Soi flung her dagger at him, and Chichiri caught it in his right palm. The knife penetrated the veins in his right palm. She then vanished in anger.
Chichiri turned to Nuriko and Chiriko. "I thought you were dead." He looked relieved and happy.
Nuriko and Chiriko stared at him, blinking.
Chichiri felt weird. He moaned as he fell backwards. The staff clinked on the floor. Nuriko ran forward and
caught him. Chichiri's features shifted. The sadness and older look erased from his face entirely, and he looked like himself again.
Blood poured out of Chichiri's right hand. Nuriko tore his sleeve and wrapped it around the deep cut.
Chiriko looked frightened. He licked his lips and looked at Nuriko. Then his gaze lowered to Chichiri.
"I'm starting to believe that reincarnation stuff, Nuriko. How else can you explain all of that?" Chiriko referred to Chichiri's dramatic change. He picked up the staff. "We'd better get Chichiri some stitches, too, and get back to the others before something else happens."
Nuriko nodded. "I just hope Tasuki will forgive us," he whispered.
To be continued.
