Disclamer: Yea I know I forgot this but you all know I don't own any of the guys. But given the chance I also know I would be one of many people tha would give my soul for the chance. *shrug* Ah well.
Oh and I have benn asked about couples. I am a yaoi fan, but I don't write it much. I let the characters do their own things.
~story~
Tsuzuki looked up, if he wasn't mistaken that voice came from right above him. He looked and then he screamed. It was a huge furry monster, broad hunched shoulders, and a huge mouth of awful looking teeth. "It's big foot." He screamed struggling backwards, but some one laughing gave him pause.
"I told you, you would scare people like that." It was a young woman's voice, and out of the forest stepped a young girl clutching her sides still laughing.
"Shut up." Muttered the 'creature' then Tsuzuki notice that the huge mouth was a hood, and the teeth were beads on the hood's edge. The hood was pushed back to reveal another woman a bit older than the first. Then she fixed her blue-green eyes on him. "Do you need a hand?" She asked extending a fur rapped arm.
"Uh sure." He said accepting the help.
"Excuse me," Tatsumi said coming over to them. "But why are two ladies like yourselves alone out in the middle of nowhere?" Then Tsuzuki got a good look at the younger one. Her small thin body was only covered by jean pants and jacket, with rubber boots and a heavy looking backpack. Her short brown-black hair framed a heart shaped face that contained laughing hazel eyes. For a moment all he could do was stare at her, but her expression changed she looked past Tatsumi.
"We're hiking," the older girl said, she had a large oval face and continued looking friendly. She removed a mitten reveling a strong hand that was thicker in frame than the younger girl. "I'm Adriane, this is my sister Erin. We saw you help another car. Normally we hide but. .." Erin looked at Adriane then both sisters looked over to the car. Something crossed both their faces then Adriane continued. "Looks like you could use a hand."
"Thanks that would be great," Watari said coming up as well and talking her hand. He then made introductions, " I am Watari, the overly serious one is Tatsumi," Tsuzuki then noticed how tense the older man was. "The boy in the car is Hisoka," Tsuzuki turned to see Hisoka looking at the little group tensely. "And the screamer is Tsuzuki." Tsuzuki blushed and brought a hand up to the back of his head.
"Sorry about that." He said laughing a little nervously.
"Don't worry about it." Adriane shrugged. "It actually happens all the time."
"She's been shot at twice," Erin pointed out casually, and looked at Tsuzuki. He could only stair at her in shock. Slowly a blush crept onto her face and he thought she whispered. "Purple eyes."
Watari finally found his voice, "Shot at?" He exclaimed. That seamed to break whatever spell that kept Erin's and Tsuzuki's eyes locked.
"Uh yea," Adriane said as if it was an obvious everyday occurrence. "You might be surprised at how many people are gunning for Yeti in these parts."
"I though Yeti were in the Himalayas." Tatsumi pointed out.
"Yeah well Big foot, Yeti same difference." Adriane shrugged then looked at Erin. The younger girl was standing ramrod straight looking down at her feet. "What's with you?"
Erin's head snapped up, "Uh, nothing. Let's just get this over with."
She took one step and slipped, Tsuzuki caught her. They both blushed and she stood quickly. "Uh thanks." She managed. Erin started to walk again. She got a few feet away when she slipped again. This time she slid under the car and there was a sickening crunch. "Ouch." Erin moaned.
The Shinigamis looked in horror as Erin pulled herself out and limped over to her sister. "Adri~ane." She nearly whined.
"Yes?" The older sister raised an eyebrow.
"I'm in pain."
"You like him."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Well if you didn't like him. You'd still have coordination."
"Carry me."
Adriane sighed, "Maybe later." The older sister looked past her to the car. "Here." She put her bag on the ground. "Sit, we can splint it after I get them out."
"But shouldn't you take care of it now?" Tsuzuki asked as Erin sat and started to pack snow around her injured leg.
Erin smirked not looking directly at him, "It's only a sprain, as soon as the swelling goes down we can splint it properly."
"But," Tsuzuki began to object, but Erin looked up. Their eyes met, concerned amethyst meeting nervous hazel. Erin toppled backwards of the backpack with an indignant squeak.
"I'm fine." Came a small voice.
"See?" Adriane said just loud enough.
"Shut up." Came a tired sigh.
"Come on, she can't hurt herself much more like that." The woman stretched her arms. "Let's go."
Slightly confused and concerned the Shinigami followed her.
Tatsumi schooled his features. The young women where different to say the least, and they had not answered his question. Not really. (Why would anyone be hiking in Hokkaido in the dead of winter? And what was Adriane going to say about hiding? And why did those two keep looking at the car?) He slowed his revolving questions as the group came up to the back of the car. Adriane scrutinized the slide marks.
"Okay," she said to herself, "Yea," she nodded "That will work." She pulled a handful of sand out of her pocket and sighed as she tossed it on the ice.
"You carry sand in you pocket?" Watari asked voicing Tatsumi's question.
"Actually it was going to be a souvenir." She smiled slightly. "I'm kind of a pack rat." She shrugged "You never know what's going to come in useful."
"So true." Watari nodded.
"Kurosaki-kun." Tatsumi said, nodding to the boy that watched them though the rearview mirror. The car was obediently started.
"On three." Adriane shouted. "One," Push, "Two," Push, "Thre~e" PUSH.
The tires skidded then grabbed bringing the car sharply on to a better part of the road. This time Hisoka was ready, and brought it to a smooth stop.
Adriane brushed her hands off. "That's that."
"Come with us." Tsuzuki offered. "You can't continue hiking with the shape your sister's in." The violet-eyed man said trying to convince the older sister.
"Hey, I'm still here." Erin said no more then a few feet away finishing the ace bandage on her ankle. "And we can take care of ourselves."
"I could argue the point." Tatsumi stated, he wanted to keep an eye on these two. "You have been shot at after all." He pointed out.
Adriane smiled in a humoring way, "That is very sweet, but it's safer this way. Have a nice holiday." She then knelt and Erin swung onto her back, Adriane then strapped her bag on her front.
Erin looked over as they were about to object, "Trust us, this is for the best. Later cuties."
Confused the group of Shinigami watched them vanish into the forest, and slowly got back into the car.
Watari broke the silence. "This is going to be weird." Everyone agreed with him.
Ken looked excitedly at the front of the resort. The building was completely old fashioned complete with shoji screens, and beautiful wide veranda. He always loved places like this. As Youji got out a man came around the edge of the main gate. He had long chestnut hair and dark blue eyes.
"Hello." He greeted them bowing with a smile. His kimono was formal sky blue with a cloud motif. "Did you have any trouble? Our roads can be quite dangerous."
"Only a little bit." Ken said hopping out.
"And your party is?" the man asked.
"Fujimiya," Youji said easily. The man nodded.
"How many more are you expecting?" Omi asked
"Only one more group of four like yourselves. I'm sure you are well aware of that we can only accommodate 8 at a time." The man smiled, "Oh yes, and I am Hiayaman I run this resort for a friend. Hono." He called.
A young man came out, his hair was shot black and curly. His chocolate eyes sparkled as he bowed to greet them. "This is Hono, my son. And I am afraid he is mute." Hiayaman said. "Hono be a good boy and take their bags to the Fujimiya party rooms."
"Oh no," Omi said, picking up his largest suitcase as Hono approached to take it. "We can manage really, could you just show us to our rooms?"
Hono paused for a moment then nodded as he deftly took Youji's larger bag from next to the youngest assassin. "It is getting late." Hiayaman said. "Hono would you begin dinner once you're through? It should be done promptly at 7 o'clock." He stated, with that he turned. "Please follow me."
Aya got a weird feeling from the place. Not bad, just uncomfortably relaxing, if that made sense. They needed to be on their guard, being an assassin meant you always had to be on your guard. Right now that was getting hard to do. The lightly polished wooden floors seamed to glow in the setting sun, the ink paintings on the walls softly blended with the white washed walls almost looking like odd windows. He had noticed that Hono had vanished early on. Hiayaman would occasionally indicate a door or a window with a sweep of his arm like a proper host. He showed them one of the hot spring doors, the dinning hall, and a recreation room with a TV VCR and Ping-Pong and pool table. Youji whistled, "Lot's of stuff to do." He nodded, "Hay Hiayaman-san."
Their guide turned to look at him and raised an eyebrow. "Do you know if any girls are going to show up with that other group?" Youji asked.
His chestnut hair waved as Hiayaman shook his head, with an apologetic smile he said. "I am afraid not sir. They are an all male group like your selves." Aya severely doubted it.
Youji shrugged, "Worth a try." He said.
Omi laughed lightly. Poor Youji was really did not like leaving his favorite bed. Once when he had woke up from a nightmare Omi had seen Youji come in at 5 in the morning. Omi had asked him why he didn't just sleep at Nadine's . She was Youji's steady for about two weeks, but every morning Youji still came slinking out of his room as late as he possibly could. The only response he could get from his half asleep friend was, "Just wasn't home."
Hiayaman finally lead them to a set of lavender trimmed doors at the end of what looked to be the west wing. "These are your rooms. The doors up the hall are storage. We find that guest like quiet. The doors lined in blue are restrooms. Do you have any questions?"
"You're son cooks?" Ken asked.
"Yes," Hiayaman said nodding proudly, "He is quite the chef."
"Uh, where's my stuff?" Youji asked apparently noticing Hono was missing.
"In your room sir." Hiayaman said opening one of the doors. There sat Youji's suitcase under the window.
"Where will the others be?" Aya asked.
"They will be in the East wing. Hono and myself are in the main wing." Hiayaman said smiling, "I will give you time to settle in." And with a bow he left.
Watari and Tsuzuki looked at the inn with sparkling eyes. It didn't matter that they had spent a vacation in a much more expensive looking place, the two men were bound and determined to enjoy their good luck while it lasted. Almost as soon as they got out of the car a man not much older than Tsuzuki stepped into view from behind the gate.
The man smiled as his formal kimono was ruffled by the wind. "Hello," He greeted, "You must be the Tatsumi party."
"Yes," Tsuzuki said with a huge smile.
"I hope you didn't have to much trouble getting here, our roads can be quite dangerous." The man said concerned.
"Only a little." Watari said as 003 hooted on his shoulder.
"I am Hiayaman caretaker of this fine establishment. I am sorry but my son is preparing dinner and can not help you with your bags just now."
"Oh don't worry dinner is far more important then bags." Tsuzuki assured him. "What are we having?"
Hiayaman laughed lightly, "My son Hono wanted it to be a surprise even to me." He shrugged, "It will be served at seven. I hope you do not mind eating with the other party our dinning hall is quite large."
"Not at all." Tatsumi said. "But could we have introductions before the meal?"
"But of course." Hiayaman said, and he bowed. "Please let me show you to your rooms. I'm sure you could all use a rest before dinner."
"Oh yes." Tsuzuki nodded vigorously.
Hisoka listened to all of this with only part of his mind, the rest of mind was on the girls. They had been so strong, no normal person was usually like that. They had also felt him despite how he had walled himself up. And on top if it all, something seemed to loom over them, something they didn't seem aware of.
He picked up his bags and followed the group. His thoughts though were brought to a sudden halt by Tsuzuki putting a hand on his forehead. Hisoka blushed at the concern that blazed from his dark-haired partner and pushed the hand away.
"Are you okay?" Tsuzuki asked, "You look a little distracted."
"I'm fine," Hisoka said. "I was just thinking."
"Well don't think to hard. You don't want to get a stomach ache before dinner." Tsuzuki advised with his smile returning.
"That can only happen to a idiot like you." Hisoka huffed.
Tsuzuki's eyes turned watery, "Hi…hidoi." The older man sniffled.
Omi decided he wanted a bath before dinner, they still had an hour. At least he could get the road grime off, if not relax a little. Youji, Omi decided, needed to relax too so he was dragging the taller boy along.
"It's just so boring." Youji nearly wined. "No girls, no missions what's the point."
Omi sighed, "Youji-kun, I honestly think this won't be as boring as you say."
Youji looked him in the eye, Omi was certain something was going to happen and that it was good. Slowly Youji closed his green eyes and sighed, "And I was working up a good depression too." He said, folding his arms across his chest in a huff. But the pouting look was ruined by the smile that tugged at his lips.
Omi smiled at him.
"Fine." Youji said ruffling Omi's hair. "Lets go."
Youji was impressed despite himself. The building was on three sides of the hot springs and the base of a cliff on the fourth. Huge boulders lined about three good-sized pools that you could see from their angle, but from the steam there where quite a few you couldn't see. In the out door lights the steam seemed to mix with the snow topped rocks giving the place a dream like appearance.
"Wow." Omi said slowly placing his bath things on the floor as he looked out. "It's beautiful."
"Yea," Youji agreed, the trip was actually starting to look better.
Tsuzuki managed to put all of his things away in record time and was now waiting for Watari to finish. "Come on." Tsuzuki said getting impatient.
"Just a minute Tsuzuki," the blond man said neatly folding up a small futon on the dresser top. "We have almost a hour before dinner. What's the rush." The scientist now folded up his empty suitcases.
"But I want to look around." Tsuzuki whined "And Tatsumi said he would take my bonus if I went alone. And Hisoka's just mean."
Watari than turned to his friend. "I don't think Tatsumi can take your bonus just for walking around by yourself." He said reasonably.
"Really?" Tsuzuki asked hopefully.
Watari looked thoughtful and shook his head, "No, not really." He then patted Tsuzuki on the shoulder. "Come on lets explore."
The pair opened every storage room door, played in the rec room, and finally looked into the baths.
Omi and Youji had been soaking in companionable silence for about five minuets when they heard a door slid open in another part of the baths. Youji's curiosity was peaked. "Come on Omi lets go see who it is."
"But Youji-kun, that's peeping isn't it?" Omi said blushing.
Youji laughed, "Remember Omi there's only guys here. I just what to see who it is."
They crept up to the top of the boulder that separated their side from the side where the noise came from. Just as Youji peeked over, a gunshot echoed from above.
"I told you to stop wearing that thing!" came a half-panicked shout. To Youji's expert hearing it was a young girl.
"You're the reason I need it." Answered a second voice. This was a young woman.
Another shot closer. This brought the rest of the assassins and the shinigami. Everyone looked up to see two figures burst form the trees on the cliff's edge 20 feet above.
"Watch out!" Screamed two nearly identical voices. But it was to late, the larger figure fell faster and smacked onto one of the larger boulder in a dark furry mound. The smaller figure bounced off the mound and toppled into the water causing the furry mass to slip off to the other side.
Youji and Watari were the first to the furry mass and paused to look at each other briefly before grabbing fistfuls of fur to turn it over. Youji pulled a dripping hood up to find his senses as keen as ever. It was the young woman. Watari felt for her pulse, it was there, but he couldn't tell if she was breathing. "Quick help me get this coat off." The scientist instructed. The two worked careful to keep her head out of the water. At first her chest didn't move and Youji was about to start CPR when she gasped choking on the water left in her mouth. With Aya and Tatsumi's help the men then slowly began to lift her up on to the wooden floor of the bathing room.
Omi and a dark haired man reached the other girl first. "Erin-san are you okay?" the man asked. Omi paused and looked over his shoulder to see the top of Youji's head.
"I'm going to kill you." Wheezed the girl. "You and your stupid coat." She seamed to be talking to somebody else.
"Erin-san." The man nearly pleaded taking her face into his hands. She focused on him after a moment.
She blushed, "Tsuzuki." She breathed then fainted.
"Erin." The man's voice became a harsh whisper.
Omi put a hand on his shoulder after he checked her vitals. "Hey, she's going to be fine she just fainted."
"Tsuzuki," Omi turned to see the boy from the other car that had helped them. (Hisoka wasn't it?)
"Hisoka." Tsuzuki said as if to confirm Omi's thoughts. The two looked at each other for a moment. Omi looked past Hisoka and saw Ken staring at Tsuzuki with probably the same expression Omi had a moment before.
"Get her out of the water before she bleeds to death." Hisoka said turning away.
Tsuzuki and Omi looked down horrified to see the pool beginning to fill with blood.
To be continued...
Oh and I have benn asked about couples. I am a yaoi fan, but I don't write it much. I let the characters do their own things.
~story~
Tsuzuki looked up, if he wasn't mistaken that voice came from right above him. He looked and then he screamed. It was a huge furry monster, broad hunched shoulders, and a huge mouth of awful looking teeth. "It's big foot." He screamed struggling backwards, but some one laughing gave him pause.
"I told you, you would scare people like that." It was a young woman's voice, and out of the forest stepped a young girl clutching her sides still laughing.
"Shut up." Muttered the 'creature' then Tsuzuki notice that the huge mouth was a hood, and the teeth were beads on the hood's edge. The hood was pushed back to reveal another woman a bit older than the first. Then she fixed her blue-green eyes on him. "Do you need a hand?" She asked extending a fur rapped arm.
"Uh sure." He said accepting the help.
"Excuse me," Tatsumi said coming over to them. "But why are two ladies like yourselves alone out in the middle of nowhere?" Then Tsuzuki got a good look at the younger one. Her small thin body was only covered by jean pants and jacket, with rubber boots and a heavy looking backpack. Her short brown-black hair framed a heart shaped face that contained laughing hazel eyes. For a moment all he could do was stare at her, but her expression changed she looked past Tatsumi.
"We're hiking," the older girl said, she had a large oval face and continued looking friendly. She removed a mitten reveling a strong hand that was thicker in frame than the younger girl. "I'm Adriane, this is my sister Erin. We saw you help another car. Normally we hide but. .." Erin looked at Adriane then both sisters looked over to the car. Something crossed both their faces then Adriane continued. "Looks like you could use a hand."
"Thanks that would be great," Watari said coming up as well and talking her hand. He then made introductions, " I am Watari, the overly serious one is Tatsumi," Tsuzuki then noticed how tense the older man was. "The boy in the car is Hisoka," Tsuzuki turned to see Hisoka looking at the little group tensely. "And the screamer is Tsuzuki." Tsuzuki blushed and brought a hand up to the back of his head.
"Sorry about that." He said laughing a little nervously.
"Don't worry about it." Adriane shrugged. "It actually happens all the time."
"She's been shot at twice," Erin pointed out casually, and looked at Tsuzuki. He could only stair at her in shock. Slowly a blush crept onto her face and he thought she whispered. "Purple eyes."
Watari finally found his voice, "Shot at?" He exclaimed. That seamed to break whatever spell that kept Erin's and Tsuzuki's eyes locked.
"Uh yea," Adriane said as if it was an obvious everyday occurrence. "You might be surprised at how many people are gunning for Yeti in these parts."
"I though Yeti were in the Himalayas." Tatsumi pointed out.
"Yeah well Big foot, Yeti same difference." Adriane shrugged then looked at Erin. The younger girl was standing ramrod straight looking down at her feet. "What's with you?"
Erin's head snapped up, "Uh, nothing. Let's just get this over with."
She took one step and slipped, Tsuzuki caught her. They both blushed and she stood quickly. "Uh thanks." She managed. Erin started to walk again. She got a few feet away when she slipped again. This time she slid under the car and there was a sickening crunch. "Ouch." Erin moaned.
The Shinigamis looked in horror as Erin pulled herself out and limped over to her sister. "Adri~ane." She nearly whined.
"Yes?" The older sister raised an eyebrow.
"I'm in pain."
"You like him."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Well if you didn't like him. You'd still have coordination."
"Carry me."
Adriane sighed, "Maybe later." The older sister looked past her to the car. "Here." She put her bag on the ground. "Sit, we can splint it after I get them out."
"But shouldn't you take care of it now?" Tsuzuki asked as Erin sat and started to pack snow around her injured leg.
Erin smirked not looking directly at him, "It's only a sprain, as soon as the swelling goes down we can splint it properly."
"But," Tsuzuki began to object, but Erin looked up. Their eyes met, concerned amethyst meeting nervous hazel. Erin toppled backwards of the backpack with an indignant squeak.
"I'm fine." Came a small voice.
"See?" Adriane said just loud enough.
"Shut up." Came a tired sigh.
"Come on, she can't hurt herself much more like that." The woman stretched her arms. "Let's go."
Slightly confused and concerned the Shinigami followed her.
Tatsumi schooled his features. The young women where different to say the least, and they had not answered his question. Not really. (Why would anyone be hiking in Hokkaido in the dead of winter? And what was Adriane going to say about hiding? And why did those two keep looking at the car?) He slowed his revolving questions as the group came up to the back of the car. Adriane scrutinized the slide marks.
"Okay," she said to herself, "Yea," she nodded "That will work." She pulled a handful of sand out of her pocket and sighed as she tossed it on the ice.
"You carry sand in you pocket?" Watari asked voicing Tatsumi's question.
"Actually it was going to be a souvenir." She smiled slightly. "I'm kind of a pack rat." She shrugged "You never know what's going to come in useful."
"So true." Watari nodded.
"Kurosaki-kun." Tatsumi said, nodding to the boy that watched them though the rearview mirror. The car was obediently started.
"On three." Adriane shouted. "One," Push, "Two," Push, "Thre~e" PUSH.
The tires skidded then grabbed bringing the car sharply on to a better part of the road. This time Hisoka was ready, and brought it to a smooth stop.
Adriane brushed her hands off. "That's that."
"Come with us." Tsuzuki offered. "You can't continue hiking with the shape your sister's in." The violet-eyed man said trying to convince the older sister.
"Hey, I'm still here." Erin said no more then a few feet away finishing the ace bandage on her ankle. "And we can take care of ourselves."
"I could argue the point." Tatsumi stated, he wanted to keep an eye on these two. "You have been shot at after all." He pointed out.
Adriane smiled in a humoring way, "That is very sweet, but it's safer this way. Have a nice holiday." She then knelt and Erin swung onto her back, Adriane then strapped her bag on her front.
Erin looked over as they were about to object, "Trust us, this is for the best. Later cuties."
Confused the group of Shinigami watched them vanish into the forest, and slowly got back into the car.
Watari broke the silence. "This is going to be weird." Everyone agreed with him.
Ken looked excitedly at the front of the resort. The building was completely old fashioned complete with shoji screens, and beautiful wide veranda. He always loved places like this. As Youji got out a man came around the edge of the main gate. He had long chestnut hair and dark blue eyes.
"Hello." He greeted them bowing with a smile. His kimono was formal sky blue with a cloud motif. "Did you have any trouble? Our roads can be quite dangerous."
"Only a little bit." Ken said hopping out.
"And your party is?" the man asked.
"Fujimiya," Youji said easily. The man nodded.
"How many more are you expecting?" Omi asked
"Only one more group of four like yourselves. I'm sure you are well aware of that we can only accommodate 8 at a time." The man smiled, "Oh yes, and I am Hiayaman I run this resort for a friend. Hono." He called.
A young man came out, his hair was shot black and curly. His chocolate eyes sparkled as he bowed to greet them. "This is Hono, my son. And I am afraid he is mute." Hiayaman said. "Hono be a good boy and take their bags to the Fujimiya party rooms."
"Oh no," Omi said, picking up his largest suitcase as Hono approached to take it. "We can manage really, could you just show us to our rooms?"
Hono paused for a moment then nodded as he deftly took Youji's larger bag from next to the youngest assassin. "It is getting late." Hiayaman said. "Hono would you begin dinner once you're through? It should be done promptly at 7 o'clock." He stated, with that he turned. "Please follow me."
Aya got a weird feeling from the place. Not bad, just uncomfortably relaxing, if that made sense. They needed to be on their guard, being an assassin meant you always had to be on your guard. Right now that was getting hard to do. The lightly polished wooden floors seamed to glow in the setting sun, the ink paintings on the walls softly blended with the white washed walls almost looking like odd windows. He had noticed that Hono had vanished early on. Hiayaman would occasionally indicate a door or a window with a sweep of his arm like a proper host. He showed them one of the hot spring doors, the dinning hall, and a recreation room with a TV VCR and Ping-Pong and pool table. Youji whistled, "Lot's of stuff to do." He nodded, "Hay Hiayaman-san."
Their guide turned to look at him and raised an eyebrow. "Do you know if any girls are going to show up with that other group?" Youji asked.
His chestnut hair waved as Hiayaman shook his head, with an apologetic smile he said. "I am afraid not sir. They are an all male group like your selves." Aya severely doubted it.
Youji shrugged, "Worth a try." He said.
Omi laughed lightly. Poor Youji was really did not like leaving his favorite bed. Once when he had woke up from a nightmare Omi had seen Youji come in at 5 in the morning. Omi had asked him why he didn't just sleep at Nadine's . She was Youji's steady for about two weeks, but every morning Youji still came slinking out of his room as late as he possibly could. The only response he could get from his half asleep friend was, "Just wasn't home."
Hiayaman finally lead them to a set of lavender trimmed doors at the end of what looked to be the west wing. "These are your rooms. The doors up the hall are storage. We find that guest like quiet. The doors lined in blue are restrooms. Do you have any questions?"
"You're son cooks?" Ken asked.
"Yes," Hiayaman said nodding proudly, "He is quite the chef."
"Uh, where's my stuff?" Youji asked apparently noticing Hono was missing.
"In your room sir." Hiayaman said opening one of the doors. There sat Youji's suitcase under the window.
"Where will the others be?" Aya asked.
"They will be in the East wing. Hono and myself are in the main wing." Hiayaman said smiling, "I will give you time to settle in." And with a bow he left.
Watari and Tsuzuki looked at the inn with sparkling eyes. It didn't matter that they had spent a vacation in a much more expensive looking place, the two men were bound and determined to enjoy their good luck while it lasted. Almost as soon as they got out of the car a man not much older than Tsuzuki stepped into view from behind the gate.
The man smiled as his formal kimono was ruffled by the wind. "Hello," He greeted, "You must be the Tatsumi party."
"Yes," Tsuzuki said with a huge smile.
"I hope you didn't have to much trouble getting here, our roads can be quite dangerous." The man said concerned.
"Only a little." Watari said as 003 hooted on his shoulder.
"I am Hiayaman caretaker of this fine establishment. I am sorry but my son is preparing dinner and can not help you with your bags just now."
"Oh don't worry dinner is far more important then bags." Tsuzuki assured him. "What are we having?"
Hiayaman laughed lightly, "My son Hono wanted it to be a surprise even to me." He shrugged, "It will be served at seven. I hope you do not mind eating with the other party our dinning hall is quite large."
"Not at all." Tatsumi said. "But could we have introductions before the meal?"
"But of course." Hiayaman said, and he bowed. "Please let me show you to your rooms. I'm sure you could all use a rest before dinner."
"Oh yes." Tsuzuki nodded vigorously.
Hisoka listened to all of this with only part of his mind, the rest of mind was on the girls. They had been so strong, no normal person was usually like that. They had also felt him despite how he had walled himself up. And on top if it all, something seemed to loom over them, something they didn't seem aware of.
He picked up his bags and followed the group. His thoughts though were brought to a sudden halt by Tsuzuki putting a hand on his forehead. Hisoka blushed at the concern that blazed from his dark-haired partner and pushed the hand away.
"Are you okay?" Tsuzuki asked, "You look a little distracted."
"I'm fine," Hisoka said. "I was just thinking."
"Well don't think to hard. You don't want to get a stomach ache before dinner." Tsuzuki advised with his smile returning.
"That can only happen to a idiot like you." Hisoka huffed.
Tsuzuki's eyes turned watery, "Hi…hidoi." The older man sniffled.
Omi decided he wanted a bath before dinner, they still had an hour. At least he could get the road grime off, if not relax a little. Youji, Omi decided, needed to relax too so he was dragging the taller boy along.
"It's just so boring." Youji nearly wined. "No girls, no missions what's the point."
Omi sighed, "Youji-kun, I honestly think this won't be as boring as you say."
Youji looked him in the eye, Omi was certain something was going to happen and that it was good. Slowly Youji closed his green eyes and sighed, "And I was working up a good depression too." He said, folding his arms across his chest in a huff. But the pouting look was ruined by the smile that tugged at his lips.
Omi smiled at him.
"Fine." Youji said ruffling Omi's hair. "Lets go."
Youji was impressed despite himself. The building was on three sides of the hot springs and the base of a cliff on the fourth. Huge boulders lined about three good-sized pools that you could see from their angle, but from the steam there where quite a few you couldn't see. In the out door lights the steam seemed to mix with the snow topped rocks giving the place a dream like appearance.
"Wow." Omi said slowly placing his bath things on the floor as he looked out. "It's beautiful."
"Yea," Youji agreed, the trip was actually starting to look better.
Tsuzuki managed to put all of his things away in record time and was now waiting for Watari to finish. "Come on." Tsuzuki said getting impatient.
"Just a minute Tsuzuki," the blond man said neatly folding up a small futon on the dresser top. "We have almost a hour before dinner. What's the rush." The scientist now folded up his empty suitcases.
"But I want to look around." Tsuzuki whined "And Tatsumi said he would take my bonus if I went alone. And Hisoka's just mean."
Watari than turned to his friend. "I don't think Tatsumi can take your bonus just for walking around by yourself." He said reasonably.
"Really?" Tsuzuki asked hopefully.
Watari looked thoughtful and shook his head, "No, not really." He then patted Tsuzuki on the shoulder. "Come on lets explore."
The pair opened every storage room door, played in the rec room, and finally looked into the baths.
Omi and Youji had been soaking in companionable silence for about five minuets when they heard a door slid open in another part of the baths. Youji's curiosity was peaked. "Come on Omi lets go see who it is."
"But Youji-kun, that's peeping isn't it?" Omi said blushing.
Youji laughed, "Remember Omi there's only guys here. I just what to see who it is."
They crept up to the top of the boulder that separated their side from the side where the noise came from. Just as Youji peeked over, a gunshot echoed from above.
"I told you to stop wearing that thing!" came a half-panicked shout. To Youji's expert hearing it was a young girl.
"You're the reason I need it." Answered a second voice. This was a young woman.
Another shot closer. This brought the rest of the assassins and the shinigami. Everyone looked up to see two figures burst form the trees on the cliff's edge 20 feet above.
"Watch out!" Screamed two nearly identical voices. But it was to late, the larger figure fell faster and smacked onto one of the larger boulder in a dark furry mound. The smaller figure bounced off the mound and toppled into the water causing the furry mass to slip off to the other side.
Youji and Watari were the first to the furry mass and paused to look at each other briefly before grabbing fistfuls of fur to turn it over. Youji pulled a dripping hood up to find his senses as keen as ever. It was the young woman. Watari felt for her pulse, it was there, but he couldn't tell if she was breathing. "Quick help me get this coat off." The scientist instructed. The two worked careful to keep her head out of the water. At first her chest didn't move and Youji was about to start CPR when she gasped choking on the water left in her mouth. With Aya and Tatsumi's help the men then slowly began to lift her up on to the wooden floor of the bathing room.
Omi and a dark haired man reached the other girl first. "Erin-san are you okay?" the man asked. Omi paused and looked over his shoulder to see the top of Youji's head.
"I'm going to kill you." Wheezed the girl. "You and your stupid coat." She seamed to be talking to somebody else.
"Erin-san." The man nearly pleaded taking her face into his hands. She focused on him after a moment.
She blushed, "Tsuzuki." She breathed then fainted.
"Erin." The man's voice became a harsh whisper.
Omi put a hand on his shoulder after he checked her vitals. "Hey, she's going to be fine she just fainted."
"Tsuzuki," Omi turned to see the boy from the other car that had helped them. (Hisoka wasn't it?)
"Hisoka." Tsuzuki said as if to confirm Omi's thoughts. The two looked at each other for a moment. Omi looked past Hisoka and saw Ken staring at Tsuzuki with probably the same expression Omi had a moment before.
"Get her out of the water before she bleeds to death." Hisoka said turning away.
Tsuzuki and Omi looked down horrified to see the pool beginning to fill with blood.
To be continued...
