Chapter 77
Fortunately, the rest of the week passed on without incident. Roshi was so impressed with Genji's story, he decided to skip the exercises and teach the boy the Kamehameha Wave. Also, his flight training with Piccolo went well; Genji now knew the basics of flying but he had trouble steering at high speeds. Genji began to fall into a much better mood, he became more social and outgoing, and occasionally helping out with the cooking and cleaning.
Genji altogether gave up trying to avoid Marron. Not only did he find her fun to be around, but she wouldn't leave him alone anyway. Although she did act a little childish at times, and was set into a romantic mood easily, Genji enjoyed her company. They would go on dates on Summoner's Island, or sunbathe on Roshi's beach together. Their friendship seemed to be growing a little stronger every day.
Genji heard from the StormGod brothers only twice. While assisting 18 with the grocery shopping on Summoner's, she spotted all three brothers swimming at top speed from a huge horde of female dragons. Genji laughed to himself while 18 blinked. The second time he heard from them, he was with Marron on Summoner's. Don was resting on the beach with several females cooing over him. He looked extremely tired and annoyed. Genji summoned a nerve to go up to Don and ask what was wrong. Don only wailed, "Damn you, Udine-sama! How could you do this to me over one boy?!"
After that encounter, Genji came back to the Kame house and tossed a silver sand dollar in the sea. Udine appeared in her bubble.
"Something wrong, Genji?"
**Nah. I was just wondering how Po, Sei, and Don are doing.**
Udine giggled.
"Not too well, I imagine. I did punish them for that night on Grim Reaper's. I asked them what they wanted most, and they immediately answered 'all the mates we want.' So, I cursed them with just what they wanted…"
**Oh my God! One day, I thought I saw every dragoness in the sea chasing them!**
Udine giggled again.
"Well, I didn't know how much they wanted, so I strengthened their pheromones to attract every female around."
Genji huffed.
**Now that's harsh. You went and gave them my problem: making woman instantly attracted to you.**
They both laughed.
**So, Udine-sama, if you know who I am then you know about my journey.**
Udine nodded.
"Yes. News travels fast among high ranking Mononoke."
**Well, do you know a way to cure me?**
"No." she shook her head. "Everything I can think of, you tried already. And this inner demon feels too powerful for even my power."
**What about the Emishi wise woman?**
"Well, although she is very powerful, even her practices may not be enough. But don't lose hope, she's the best exorcist in the Mononoke world."
Genji nodded.
**No matter how small the chance, it's still a chance.**
Udine gave Genji an encouraging thumbs up.
"Don't lose hope, Genji. We're all rooting for you. Also, you have four Summoning shells left, so if you're in really big trouble, don't hesitate. Okay?"
**Okay. Thank you, Udine-sama.**
/|\
On the night that marked the end of the week, Piccolo flew to the Tenkai to fetch Mr. Popo and the magic carpet. Although Genji had already learned the basics of flying, Piccolo didn't want Vegeta to feel the boy's ki and come charging into battle. Genji sat on the roof of the Kame House, waiting for Piccolo to come back. He stared up at the stars with a sad look.
Tomorrow, I'll see Yume, Ryu, Momiji, and Murasaki again. I wish I can see them now. I miss them so much. I also miss the mountain…I wish I can go home…I miss everybody…
"Genji-kun!"
Genji looked below him to see Marron crawling from her window and up the roof. He waved to her, and she sat beside him with a smile.
"What'cha doing up here?"
**Waiting for Piccolo-san and Mr. Popo. When they get here, I have to go.**
Marron gave out a gasp.
"So soon?"
**Marron, it's been a week. And you knew I would have to go soon.**
"But we were just starting to have fun!" Marron whined. Her eyes got big and watery, and her lip started to quiver.
Genji sighed.
**Aw, Marron…don't do the lip thing again…**
She started whimpering and sniffling, a clear threat to burst out crying.
**Cut that out.** Genji calmed, kissing her cheek. **I'll come visit whenever I can.**
Marron calmed down, and hugged Genji tightly.
"I'll miss you so much!" she wailed.
**I'll miss you too, but I'll write to you. Hell, I'll give you an e-mail if I get the chance. Just don't miss me too much.**
"Genji-kun…"
**Yes, Marron?**
"…" Marron started blushing lightly. "I…I love you…"
Oh no… Genji groaned in his head. It's Momiji all over again…
**Uh…Marron? Listen…**
She forced a kiss on his lips before he could say anything. All he could do was kiss her back, so he did. She did feel soft and taste so sweet, but…
He quickly pulled away.
**Sorry, Marron. But…**
"What happened?" she asked. "I don't have bad breath, do I?"
**No, no… See, in this situation…you only say "I love you" when you're one hundred percent sure of it.**
Marron blinked.
"What does that mean, Genji-kun? Don't you love me?"
**I don't know.**
Marron hung her head sadly.
"We spent a whole week together, and you don't know if you're in love with me…"
**It usually takes longer than a week.** He gently held her chin up with one hand. **Tell you what. I'll think about it in the Emishi village, and I'll write you when I decide. How does that sound?**
Marron gave him a weak, sad smile.
"Okay. Write soon."
Genji smiled back, and gave her a hug.
**We'll still be friends, right?**
"Yeah. We'll always be friends."
But I wish we could be something more…
They kept each other warm under the night sky, listening to the sound of lapping waves on the beach…