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Note: for those of you who read my first chapter when I first posted… a few days later I added a second part to that chapter cuz I realized that it was a very stupid place to end a chapter. So, I just want to make sure no one misses anything since I believe that Kasumi's past is somewhat important to the plot. Also I changed the rating from G to PG cuz for some reason when my 8-year-old neighbour came over, I couldn't help thinking she shouldn't be reading stuff like this.
Eeto… standard disclaimers apply…
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Chapter TwoThe night was restless and Hiko awoke much earlier than usual only to find, again, an empty futon, blankets neatly folded, sitting in its usual place across the room. He dressed, and went to look for Kasumi in the kitchen. The moon was still out and only a small hint of light can be seen over the horizon. The dim glow through the kitchen window confirmed his presumption of her whereabouts.
Hiko moved silently over the snow covered ground and stood by the door to watch. She was hard at work washing the dishes that had been neglected due to the events of last night. Her expression was weary and her eyes held no light in their depth, but even so, she was still as beautiful as the first time he'd seen her. He pondered a few moments for the hundredth time, the events she told him of, but could not come to any conclusions. If she stayed to give birth, it will bring him endless amounts of trouble and frustration and he certainly wasn't ready to take responsibility for the caring of an infant. Then again, every time he thought about her leaving, it opened a door to a black void that sent shudders in to his soul. ::So this wall of discipline I've built with my life, will fall at the feet of this woman… :: mentally giving himself a whack in the head.
The ribbon in her hair had come loose and the braid she usually wore unwound to fan her back. Kasumi tried to coax her hair back in place with the movement of her shoulder and head but with little success as the stubborn strands remained draping across her face. Hiko didn't even realize his own movements until he was right behind her, mesmerized, as his hands came up to stroke the delicate mass of black silk.
Her gasp pulled him out of the momentary trance, and he was just as surprised as she was of his actions. Feeling awkward, he quickly reached forward to pull the tresses away from her eyes and retied the ribbon securely in place as she turned to face him. She had obviously been unaware of his presence the entire time he stood there watching. Her gaze met his with a slightly puzzled expression and for one second, he was lost in the depth of her green eyes.
"Gomen… I didn't know you were up already. I… your tea isn't ready." Her voice sounded uncertain as she immediately moved to put water on the stove, then returning once more to the pile of unwashed dishes.
Hiko came up beside her and took the bowl from her slightly trembling hands. "You shouldn't push yourself too far," he stated simply and finished up the rest of the washing as Kasumi stood to the side watching nervously. By the time the dishes were washed, the tea was ready as well. He sat down as Kasumi placed a steaming cup before him.
They sipped their tea in an oppressive silence while Hiko raked his mind for something appropriate to say. "How are you feeling today?" he finally managed though it was hardly ideal.
"Much better thank you."
More silence followed until Kasumi finally spoke. "I'm sorry… for bringing my troubles to you."
"Iie, it was my choice to get involved, you have nothing to apologize for."
"Shikashi… If Satoshiro finds out I'm here…"
"I'm sorry for what I said to you before. You don't have to leave. As long as I am alive, you have nothing to fear from him." Hiko couldn't believe his own words. It was definitely what he was thinking but he had no intention of actually saying it out loud. Silently he cursed her for the power she had gained over him in such a short amount of time. Nonetheless, he meant every word. He would protect her with his life.
Kasumi listened, her mouth open in amazement. Tears swelled in her eyes and a small sob escaped her before she lowered her face in to her hands and cried silently with Hiko feeling quite bewildered.
"Daijoubu desuka?" He came over to sit beside her and gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
She continued weeping and answered in a soft whisper, "you've been more than kind to me… I don't deserve this."
"You deserve more than you think," Hiko smiled, "I can't stand to see your tears, will you smile for me?"
She lifted her head and met his eyes, managing a weak smile as he wiped away the tears from her cheeks.
==
The days grew longer as winter gave way to spring. Outside, the sea of white had been replaced by the lush green of leaves while the sent of flowers filled the air. The sakura trees bloomed then faded letting the onset of summer rushed in to claim the sun filled days.
Hiko walked unhurried down the mountain trail, water bucket in one hand. Ever since she knew where the river was, Kasumi had always taken the task of getting water as soon as it was light enough outside. However, as her condition has increasingly restricted her movement and ability to perform her daily self imposed responsibilities, Hiko had willingly taken over as many of the chores as she would allow him to.
The steady sound of the waterfall in the distance and the light chirping of birds in the trees was soothing as memories from the past few months came lingering back to him.
*~*~*~*~*
Kasumi walked in, a basket swinging on her arm. The light outside had faded to black. Hiko raised an eyebrow as the contents came into view. The spring had brought many blossoms of flowers in the wild reaches of the mountain and Kasumi had managed to find quite a selection. She put down her load and looked searchingly around the room, letting out a small pout when she did not find what she was looking for. Hiko watched with a smile on his lips at how adorable she looked from where he sat in the corner enjoying his sake. She stood for a few seconds longer before heading out again, flowers in hand, returning shortly with an empty basket, and replacing it in it's proper place.
She walked over to him slowly, one hand protectively over her slightly large front. She kneeled then picking up the sake jug, refilled his cup for him while he watched her with quiet contemplation on her actions just minutes ago. Suddenly realizing, that Kasumi had probably intended to pass some time with the steady rhythm of ikebana but gave up the notion upon not finding anything suitable to serve as a vase. He must have been staring. She looked up at him but quickly turned away, a pale blush rising in her cheeks. They stayed there a long time, in a comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.
The next day, instead of his usual meditations, Hiko laboured over a small mound of clay, shaping it this way and that. His own master had been a skilled sculptor and Hiko was well acquainted with the procedures of making pottery. When he began his training of kenjutsu, he was quite interested in the art. Hiko Seijuro the 12th had been patient enough to also pass on some of his sculpting expertise, though the present Hiko had not touched on it since his childhood days.
The skills came back to him easily, the clay, obeying the insistent commands of his hands, formed slowly into a simple yet elegant vase. It took three days for the clay to harden in the long abandoned kiln his master had left behind. The iron and ash glaze produced a pleasant olive green shade, matching nicely the colour of her beautiful eyes.
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I just wanted to say, thank the gods for
electronic encyclopaedias!!!~ ^_^
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After dinner, the two were sitting silently as usual, when Hiko decided that it would be a good time to present her with his simple gift.
"I made something for you," he said as he brought to her the small vase.
Kasumi gasped in surprise. One hand came up to cover her parted lips, then slowly dropped to rest just under her collarbone. Her emerald eyes sparked with delight.
"You made this… for me." She delicately took the urn in her hands, examining it as if it were the most precious thing she had ever held.
Hiko nodded and was rewarded when a most radiant smile illuminated her face. He had never seen her smile that way before, it simply took his breath away.
*~*~*~*~*
As he neared the house, Hiko was pulled out of his thoughts by a sudden scream.
::Kasumi:: He dropped the bucket he was carrying and broke into a run.
The house came into view, another scream, cut short as by a harsh slap. Kasumi fell backwards as she was struck across the face by a figure cloaked in black, holding out an unsheathed sword towards the helpless woman. Another came forwards and his foot mercilessly landed on her swelling abdomen. Hiko's form turned to a blur as he raced towards her drawing his katana, anger rising. The two assailants didn't even have time to turn around before their corpses tumbled to the ground in pieces. He didn't pause to look at their surprised expressions, making straight for Kasumi where she lay drenched in blood.
"Kasumi… KASUMI!" His call fell on deaf ears as she was already unconscious.
He had been walking for two hours and yet the closest town was still another hour's walk away. His arms were aching, but he ignored them holding tightly onto his precious burden. He thought through the events over and over in his mind. They must have waited for his departure before going after Kasumi. How had he missed it! If anyone was around surely he would have known. The two assailants were certainly no match for him, so why hadn't he sensed them? Kasumi stirred in his arms and opened her eyes now dull and lifeless. A pang of guilt hit him as he saw her furrow her brow in pain. She reached up and tightly and wrapped her arms around his neck, both of them were already soaked in her blood. The rest of the journey was silent but Hiko knew the woman must have been in a great deal of agony. He held her closer to him and wrapped his cape more securely around her when he felt her slight shivering. Kasumi whispered a "thank you" in his ear and laid her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes once more.
The doctor opened the door and an expression of utter astonishment crossed his face at the sight before him. He quickly ushered Hiko into the back room where he laid Kasumi on the empty bed. A young woman came in, brining in the doctor's instruments and insistently lead a reluctant Hiko out of the room.
Minutes turned to hours and it was almost an eternity before the doctor finally came out from behind the shoji. Hiko kept his face impassive but could not keep the concern from touching his eyes.
The physician was wiping his hands with a damp towel, then heaved a deep sigh before speaking, "I managed to stop the bleeding. She'll be fine after a few days rest. However, I had to force the birth, the child was born dead."
Hiko felt his heart wrench at the thought of what Kasumi must be feeling.
"Moreover, she'll never be able to bear children again."
Silence.
"You can go in and see her. I think the day after tomorrow, you can…"
"Does she know?" His words were interrupted by Hiko's hoarse question.
A pause. "She knew before I told her." He sighed again and a look of compassion crossed his face. "It's late. You're welcome to stay here for a few days while she recovers. With all this fighting going on, I'm not surprised something like this happened, but I'm sorry it had to happen to you. Yuriko will show you where you can stay when she comes back."
Hiko quietly thanked the doctor for his kindness and his help, then walked into the room..
Kasumi sat on the bed, covered only with a bloodstained sheet, gazing out the window with a lifeless bundle swathed in grey fabric in her arms. She didn't look his way when Hiko walked in, but spoke to him all the same.
"I'm almost thankful… that he never has to know the pain of living in this world." Her voice sounded defeated, and broken.
He moved to kneel beside her bedside, head slightly bowed. "I'm sorry. I promised I'd protect you, but I failed."
Even without looking up, he could feel her eyes on him. Slowly, he felt her fingers' delicate caress on his cheek, then moving under his chin, gently lifting his head to meet her gaze. "If it wasn't for you, I'd be dead. Or worse, I'd be back with Satoshiro. I am forever grateful, for everything you've given me. If anyone is to apologize, it should be me, for all the trouble I've brought to your door."
He took her hand in his, and gently kissed the skin on her wrist. Just at this time, the same girl who had been there to assist the doctor came back into the room.
"Eeto… sorry to interrupt, I'm Yuriko, I prepared a bath, if you" nodding to Hiko "could help carry her there, I can help her bathe. I'm sure you'd like to take a bath to wash up as well."
Hiko stood up, eyes wondering to the infant in her arms.
"He deserves a proper burial."
Nodding, he took the child into his arms and walked out of the room. It looked so innocent and peaceful, that he was almost reluctant to put it down when he had finally reached the morgue. Then remembering that Kasumi was waiting for him, quickly made his way back to her.
They walked down the corridors, already the sun was nearly setting and the early summer breeze was quite soothing. Yuriko helpfully pointed out the open shoji to be their room, "I placed a change of clothes for you in there, and also, if you want to wash the blood out of your clothes, there's a well in the back and the washing bin should be right beside it."
Leaving Kasumi in the capable hands of the doctor's young assistant, Hiko went back to retrieve the bloodied pile of silk that was the white kimono, and made for the well.
There was so much blood to try and wash out, it ran like rivers as the water was poured over it. He tried his best to get it all out, not wanting any of it to taint the pureness of the white silk. He bridfly cleaned himself up with the well water before changing, and then started washing out eh blood from his own clothing. After all the clothes were washed and hung, he headed back towards the bathhouse.
From a little ways away, he could hear the conversation of the two women, and hurried his pace.
"Kasumi-san please, let me call your husband. You shouldn't be straining yourself like this."
There was a pause, "It's not far, I don't want to trouble him if I can walk there myself."
She hadn't denied it when Yuriko referred to them as husband and wife, this set a small smile to Hiko's lips although he reminded himself mentally that it would be most convenient and required the least explanations if they appeared to be a married couple. Hiko had long given up lying to himself. He was sure Kasumi knew his feelings towards her, and her gestures often allude to a reciprocation of those emotions. Still, much was left to silence between them, and this subject was never broached.
"It's no trouble at all." He reached them and swept Kasumi into his arms. Yuriko had provided her with a clean yukata. She again snaked her arms around him and nestled her face against his neck.
There was only one futon in the room, he gently set her down on it and brought the blankets up around her. She looked up at him with a slight smile before closing her eyes and falling into a peaceful slumber almost immediately. Hiko went to take his own bath. Upon returning, he sat down against the wall and fell into a light sleep in case he was needed during the night.
The sun was just coming over the horizon when he felt her attempt to rise, and was immediately by her side, looking intently into a startled pair of green eyes.
"Just for today, will you rest, and not get up so early?"
She looked around, "I didn't notice last night. There's only one futon in here, where did u sleep?" She gave a small gasp, "did you sleep at all?"
"I slept, don't worry. How are you feeling today?"
"Much better than yesterday." She sighed, "Do you think we can leave here today?"
"I'll ask. Are you sure you're up to it?"
She answered with a nod while he helped her stand. "I can't sleep anymore. It feels so strange not having to carry the weight of the child anymore." A deep sigh, then she turned away.
Footsteps were heard, followed by a soft knocking on the door. "Ohaio gosaimsu"
Hiko slid open the shoji to find a smiling Yuriko kneeling with a tray of tea.
"I heard your voices so I assumed you were awake. Hope I'm not interrupting again. Ah! Kasumi-san! Are you sure you should be out of bed?"
"Thank you for the tea. I feel a lot better today, a little walking around wont kill me," Kasumi smiled.
"Alright, if you're sure, but don't push it. Seijuro-san, the clothes are dry," she bowed slightly and left.
They set out right after a short talk with the doctor, who was reluctant to let them leave, but respected their wishes in the end. The walk, which should have taken three hours, dragged through most of the day. Kasumi refused to be carried, insisting she's well enough to walk. Hiko in turn, made certain that they rested every so often. By later afternoon, they were almost back at the cottage, but stopped to make a small grave in a nearby clearing.
The house came into view, Kasumi immediately halted her steps, eyes fixed in the direction of their path. Following her gaze Hiko saw what she was looking at. The bodies of the two assailants were still lying near the door, while the ground was tarnished with the crimson of dried blood.
Without further thought, he moved in front of her blocking the line of sight, "maybe you should find somewhere to wait for me while I take care of the mess."
"I'm not as innocent as you believe me to be," her eyes were sad, "I've seen death many times before. I can handle a few more."
He moved aside and they continued towards their destination.
==
Days passed in silence as Kasumi gradually regained her strength. She threw her self at the household chores but performed them with a carelessness that doesn't become her. Her face kept a grave mask and no light touched her eyes. Hiko decided that it would be best if she were left alone.
The night was peaceful. The silver orb of the full moon was silhouetted against the black yet starry sky. Hiko was lying on his futon, his breathing even and undisturbed. In the darkness, Kasumi noiselessly folded her blankets and packed her few belongings into a bundle and swung it over her shoulder. Pausing momentarily, she approached the futon, which held the sleeping Hiko, and tenderly ran her fingers down his cheek. Then, without thinking, briefly pressed her lips to his before rising to her feet and heading for the door. She slid open the shoji, but hesitated for a moment further.
"Saiyonara, Hiko-san." With this soft whisper on her lips, the shoji closed and her pale figure floated away in the dark night.
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Okay I realize that most of this is just drama, and it's moving quite fast. I donno how to write things so that they're all slow and descriptive, sorrie about that. This certainly is NOT the end of the story… I will try and work on the third chapter as soon as I get all my schoolwork taken care of. Um… I guess the action parts sorta moved toooooo quickly cuz it was like one sentence lol….. *sigh sigh* Writing a story is so much harder than I thought it would be. I now have a newfound appreciation for all the stories I've read. Anyway, hope you've enjoyed my story so far. I think later on in the story I'm going to throw in a little bit of Aoshi + Misao stuff lol… hope no one here is anti AM.. ^_^