Opening Song: Koori no NAIFU wo Daite
kokoro no izumi no soko ni koori wo haritsume nagara ikite-yuku no ga ORE no shukumei tatakai nuku sono tame ni The bottom of my heart's lake is rimmed with ice, yet my fate is to continue living. Because of that, I'll fight to the end.
kokoro no hotori de anata ga yasashiku ORE wo yonde mo mimi wo fusaide hashiru hi mo aru koori no NAIFU wo daite Close to my heart, you call gently to me, but I close my ears. There is also a day I run to, Embracing the ice knife
dakedo itsu no hi ka heiwa ga kono yo wo atatameta nara itetsuku SOURU mo [2] tokedasu hazu sa PURIZUMU wo hanachi nagara But someday, this peace will warm the world. My frozen soul will probably melt too, setting a prism free
sono hi ga kuru made keep on going We are fighting. Don't stop. Until that day comes, keep on going. We are fighting. Don't stop.
mirai wo shinjite kirikome ikiru koto wa kake dakara jibun wo shinjite tobikome jidai wo tsukuru tame ni WOH HO HO Fight to believe in the future, because that's why we're alive. Jump into believing in yourself, in order to build an era. WOH HO HO
kitto itsu no hi ka chijou ga rakuen ni kawaru you ni ORE no buki sae tokaseru hodo no hizashi ni afureru you ni Surely, when the day comes that the Earth changes into a paradise, even my weapons will melt, overflown in sunlight.
Sono hi wo motomete keep on running. We are fighting. Go on. Searching for that day, keep on running. We are fighting. Go on.
mirai e no hashi wo watarou ikiru koto ga kake naraba kooritsuku tsuribashi datte hashitte watatte yaru WOH HO HO I'll cross the bridge to the future Even if it's risking my life, Even if it's a frozen bridge, I'll run across it. WOH HO HO
mirai wo shinjite kirikome ikiru koto wa kake dakara jibun wo shinjite tobikome jidai wo tsukuru tame ni WOH HO HO Fight to believe in the future, because that's why we're alive. Jump into believing in yourself, in order to build an era. WOH HO HO
(Going to my dream) (Fighting for my friends) (Running to my dream) (Fighting for my friends)
kokoro no izumi ni kakaru niji no hashi wo miru hi made 'til I see a rainbow bridge built across my heart's lake
----------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode Eight: Fog of the Mountain. So Begin the Trials. ---------------------------------------
"To the casual eye, all appeared to be as it had been since the dawning of time. Of course, they were not prepared for the Dawning of the Gods." --------
Sighing, Ayuru lifted a hand and used it as a visor to block the sunlight that was streaming into his eyes. "We've been traveling for a day," he spoke to himself. "Hopefully we can make it to Mt Taikyoku before the sun sets. I'm anxious to find out what Taiitsukun wants to speak to us about." He squinted as he put his hand down. "Nothing ahead. No sign of Mt Taikyoku."
The forest that was closing around them soon created a shadow over the five travelers, a minimal protection from the sun's brightness. At least they no longer had to squint to look at the lands that surrounded them. Kasaru stretched, momentarily releasing his grip on the mare's reigns. "Oi, Zanshou? Do you think we'll reach Mt Taikyoku today?"
Zanshou tapped his lips thoughtfully, and then looked to the surrounding trees and underbrush. "By the looks of the forest, we should reach Mt Taikyoku this evening at the earliest. Setbacks tend to be aplenty whenever you are on an important mission. That makes it seem to me that we won't arrive till tomorrow." He smiled from on top of his stallion and patted its neck. "Don't worry, though. Zanshou isn't going to let anything take our precious time. I've got a special route in mind. If we can keep the horses moving at a decent pace, we can be there soon."
Kasaru and Ayuru both sighed in unison. "Great," they muttered. They both glared at one another and, huffing, turned their faces away from one another. Both of them were displeased at the unsurity of the arrival. /Who knows how long it will take!/ Kasaru spat. /Does Zanshou even know the way o Mt Taikyoku as he says he does? I hope so./ The Sairou doctor glanced back at Ayuru and could tell that the mercenary was thinking along the same lines as he. They caught one another's eyes again as Ayuru tried to sneak a glance at Kasaru. When they realized that they were both looking at one another, they quickly looked ahead.
Kishuku hummed to himself as his wine-red eyes danced from tree to tree. He held the reins loosely in one hand; fingers coiled gently, his hand resting in his lap. His other hand rested firmly on the muscular neck of his mount. The air he had about him was one of contentment. The prince hardly looked as if he was headed to a place that made his future as fragile as a droplet of water. As his eyes were probing the forest to his right, he thought he noticed shadowed movement. /What could it have been?/ he pondered.
Glancing about, he noticed that none of his companions were paying him any attention. This could be the only opening he got, and he took it with no other hesitation. He jerked the reins with a gentle tug and turned the horse into the greenery. He was unaware of the fog that snaked its way between him and the friends he had left to continue without him.
His chestnut stallion nickered as a faint mist trailed from its nostrils. It's eyes rolled back as it hesitated in taking another step, aware, unlike its rider, that the fog that shrouded the trees behind them was not of a normal sort. Kishuku whispered to it, telling it that it would be okay. "Don't worry," he slid his hand down the stallion's neck. Not feeling greatly reassured, the horse continued forward. There was hardly any sound that reached their ears but that of their own breathing. Kishuku began to feel as unsettled as the horse. His mind told his heart that he should turn the horse around, but curiosity was the stronger element. Eyes scanning the now fogging landscape, Kishuku continued relentlessly forward.
When the fog began to seriously hinder Kishuku's sight, and the safety of the horse's travel, did he come to a stop. He peered into the mist and shook his head slowly. "I shouldn't have pursued that shadow. It was probably only a shadow." That was when Kishuku heard the snapping of a twig.
He silently slid from his mount's back and crept toward the direction of the sound. After taking five steps from the chestnut horse's side, Kishuku could make out a washed out form of a human. His eyes narrowed. /Who would be out in this fog beside myself?/ his mind reeled. /Could it be Emtao?/ No, Emtao was of a larger build than the person that stood unaware of Kishuku's presence.
Blinking, the form almost seemed to vanish. Kishuku wondered if perhaps this was also another shadow that his mind was creating. He turned away only to find himself face first in the dirt. He felt the weight of another body bearing down on him, fists pummeling his back. The attack with the fists gave him pause to think. If this person had been following him, he would have been attacked with a weapon. He struggled to get the weight from his back, but only succeeded in turning onto his back. The face that greeted his vision was not one that he had expected to see again. "K- kyogen?" his voice was a hushed whisper.
"Ehhh? Kishuku-oji?" Kyogen's eyes were wide from fear and surprise. "I.I didn't know it was you."
"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you aren't someone out to kill me." Kishuku placed his hands on Kyogen's shoulders. The young woman's eyes narrowed suspiciously, but Kishuku only pushed her from off of him. "Tell me, what are you doing out here? Do your parents know you're out of town?"
Kyogen sighed heavily. "My parents have no idea where I am. Of course, they might assume where I have gone. And, I left home to," she paused, "to find you."
"Me?" Kyogen nodded. "Yes. I know it sounds stupid, but I wanted to apologize for what happened the day you left. It was probably entirely my mother's fault. She has been trying to get me to marry for the past few years, but I have refused. I suppose she was simply trying to set me up with you because of your status. I'm sorry," she bowed from the sitting position she was in.
Kishuku had a faint flushed look to his face. "Things like that can be forgiven easily, Kyogen."
She smiled, relieved that Kishuku was not angry with her. Her smiled faded and she asked in all seriousness. "Where are you doing? I know you were with the bandits a few days back, and you are not journeying toward the capital."
"So how long have you been following me?" Kishuku tried hard to keep the smile from his face.
It was Kyogen's turn to blush. "I followed you soon after you left." Her eyes glared at him. "Don't change the subject! Now, where are you going?"
Kishuku sighed. "You aren't going to leave me alone till I tell you the truth, I suppose."
Kyogen nodded an affirmative. "That is what I thought," the red haired prince placed a hand on his forehead. "The truth of it is, we are looking for Mt Taikyoku."
A skeptical eyebrow slid up the blonde's forehead. "They aren't kidding when they say that rich people can do anything."
"It has nothing to do with me being rich. Ayuru is a mercenary. Do you think he has much money? Ayuru, Kasaru, Emtao, and I have our reasons to go to such an obscure destination. It isn't something any of us wish to talk about."
Kyogen clasped her hands in front of her. "If you insist. Men always act that way."
Kishuku chuckled. "If you were the one in my situation, you wouldn't want to talk about it either."
Rising to his feet Kishuku's brow furrowed. Kyogen looked up and worry knitted across her face. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"My horse is gone. It was there just a minuet ago."
Kyogen stood and nervously glanced about her. "I lost my horse not too long ago myself. It was in this very same fog. I hardly noticed it at first."
"Keep close. We can search for one of the horses together." Kishuku pulled Kyogen closer to him. Crimson flooded Kyogen's face. Together they slipped between the stately trees. The quiet weighted heavy on Kyogen's mind. "Kishuku-oji, I have heard tales of Mt Taikyoku. It has been said that only the pure of heart can see the mountain for what it truly is. And even for those who may have pure hearts, there are said to be difficult trials to face. Are you sure you know what you are doing?"
"I am well aware of the tales that surround Mt Taikyoku. I am prepared to face what I must," with his stern face, Kyogen could hardly find it in herself to disagree.
***
Emtao's narrow eyes worriedly glanced backward. "We've lost Kishuku," his voice held none of the worry that coursed through his mind.
"What?!" Ayuru yelled. "How could we lose him?"
"The fog." Emtao stated.
Kasaru squinted ahead into the fog. "Is.is there something ahead of us?"
Zanshou grunted as he stared into the distance. He made as if to slide off of his mount, but clicked his heel against his stallion's side instead. "I'm not getting a good feeling about this. We had best be careful."
Emtao nodded in silent agreement. Ayuru gave a nonplussed look at the bandit leader's back. Kasaru made no indication he had heard Zanshou's warning, for he was staring open-eyed and slack jawed into the fog. What Kasaru saw was a spectral image of Kishuku. The red haired prince's eyes were hooded over, the fog seemingly parting for his passing. Kasaru tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. Instead he emitted a mouse- like squeak.
Ayuru began to chuckle at Kasaru for being afraid, but stopped dead when he saw the ghostly Kishuku. "O-oji-chan? Is that you?"
Kishuku did not speak. He only smirked, raising his head so that his eyes glimmered. Kasaru could feel the chills gnawing at his spine. "This doesn't look good," he whispered. "What could have gotten into Kishuku?"
"Ahhhhhh!" Kishuku dashed forward, a scythe of flame appearing in his hands.
"What the flippin' prince is going on?!" Zanshou shouted.
"KASARU!!!!" Ayuru yelled.
Kasaru had not moved out of the way of Kishuku's weapon. He stood fixed. He couldn't move. His mouth worked but no sound came from it. "Kasaru! Move!" Ayuru yelled again.
Emtao and Zanshou watched as Kishuku's eyes glinted dangerously. They could not bring themselves to do anything. Even Ayuru could hardly move. Kishuku brought the flaming blade over his head and swiped at Kasaru's head.
Ayuru forced himself to hold back his tears. He turned his head away. /Kasaru.. Why didn't you move?/ He took a peek at where Kasaru had been, and his eyes bugged.
Kasaru was squatting on the ground, shivering uncontrollably. He was safe and unharmed, all except the pile of silky white hair that was around his feet. Slowly Kasaru's hand felt at his neck. "I'm alive?" he was astonished. His hand felt for the bun that he had put his hair in. "Ahh! He cut my hair!"
Kishuku snarled. "You should have just let yourself die, for now your death will be worse."
Kasaru stood and stumbled backward, into Zanshou's supportive arms. "T-that can't be Kishuku! Kishuku wouldn't act like this! Not at all!"
"Do you believe that?" Kishuku chuckled.
"Of course!" Ayuru glared into Kishuku's eyes. "I don't know who or what you are, but you are not Oji-chan."
"Is that so? The take this!" Kishuku jumped into the air and slashed downward, ready to kill Ayuru in an instant.
Ayuru winced, but the blow never came. Instead he heard a grunt. He looked up to see that the scythe blade was just inches away from his face. The blade was protruding through someone. Who was it? Ayuru nearly retched.
It was Kishuku- the real one.
"K-kishuku." Ayuru could see that a branch had been slammed into the stomach of the Kishuku that had attacked him.
"S-sorry that I.wandered.away. I thought we were.being followed.and I.wanted to check it out." Kishuku's smile was pained.
"Kishuku-oji!" a female voice called. "Are you alright?"
Kyogen appeared from out of the fog. Her hands flew to cover her mouth as she saw the spectral Kishuku fading away into nothingness, and the real Kishuku was a fire blade in his body. "Oh, no!"
Kishuku shook his head slowly. "We still need to get to.Mount Taikyoku."
"No need to worry," a familiar old woman's voice cracked through the fog. "You have proven yourselves."
The fog evaporated to reveal a mountain so splashed with the color purple that Ayuru had to take a second look. "Is this.Mount Taikyoku?"
"Of course!" Taiitsukun's face popped up in front of Ayuru's.
Ayuru screeched and ran to hide behind Zanshou. Zanshou's face had gone white. "What is that?! It's hideous!"
"Watch it!" Taiitsukun snapped. "Or I'll turn you into a toad!"
Zanshou's upper lip twitched. Taiitsukun turned to Kishuku. "You'll need the Nyan-Nyans to take care of your wound. Nyan-Nyans!"
Little girls with blue hair pulled into two pigtails appeared from out of nowhere. "Cure! Cure! Fix! Fix!" They took Kishuku's hands and led him away. "They have reached Mount Taikyoku. What will they learn here? There is still more for them to undergo. The appearance of Kuang Shi will rattle their friendship and test them as they have not been tested before." -- Ending Song: Wild Flowers
kyuu ni nakidashita soa wa ni, no koe o age hashutagu muku na kodomo otachi. Awate futameku otona o yoso hitsutori tomi de niji no hashi egaiteru.
Itsuka wataretara ii na mizuiro no yume POKKE ni tsumekonde. Kokoro no chizu hirogete mada minu sekai e kimi no mata sudatte yuku.
Itsu demo, kokoro o mitasu no wa sora no aosa to kaze no koe. Kitto shitsu ta suno omoi o tsunaide tatoe donna ni ashita ga tookute mo, tasunde miete mo.
oshisemaru toki o koete, boku waraiu, yuku chikarazu hasate to kakagenagara. haruka naru toki ni na o haseta, eiyuu mitai ni Hokori takaku shinji, koto dare ka ni tsutaetai, kono uta ni no sete.
kokoro no izumi no soko ni koori wo haritsume nagara ikite-yuku no ga ORE no shukumei tatakai nuku sono tame ni The bottom of my heart's lake is rimmed with ice, yet my fate is to continue living. Because of that, I'll fight to the end.
kokoro no hotori de anata ga yasashiku ORE wo yonde mo mimi wo fusaide hashiru hi mo aru koori no NAIFU wo daite Close to my heart, you call gently to me, but I close my ears. There is also a day I run to, Embracing the ice knife
dakedo itsu no hi ka heiwa ga kono yo wo atatameta nara itetsuku SOURU mo [2] tokedasu hazu sa PURIZUMU wo hanachi nagara But someday, this peace will warm the world. My frozen soul will probably melt too, setting a prism free
sono hi ga kuru made keep on going We are fighting. Don't stop. Until that day comes, keep on going. We are fighting. Don't stop.
mirai wo shinjite kirikome ikiru koto wa kake dakara jibun wo shinjite tobikome jidai wo tsukuru tame ni WOH HO HO Fight to believe in the future, because that's why we're alive. Jump into believing in yourself, in order to build an era. WOH HO HO
kitto itsu no hi ka chijou ga rakuen ni kawaru you ni ORE no buki sae tokaseru hodo no hizashi ni afureru you ni Surely, when the day comes that the Earth changes into a paradise, even my weapons will melt, overflown in sunlight.
Sono hi wo motomete keep on running. We are fighting. Go on. Searching for that day, keep on running. We are fighting. Go on.
mirai e no hashi wo watarou ikiru koto ga kake naraba kooritsuku tsuribashi datte hashitte watatte yaru WOH HO HO I'll cross the bridge to the future Even if it's risking my life, Even if it's a frozen bridge, I'll run across it. WOH HO HO
mirai wo shinjite kirikome ikiru koto wa kake dakara jibun wo shinjite tobikome jidai wo tsukuru tame ni WOH HO HO Fight to believe in the future, because that's why we're alive. Jump into believing in yourself, in order to build an era. WOH HO HO
(Going to my dream) (Fighting for my friends) (Running to my dream) (Fighting for my friends)
kokoro no izumi ni kakaru niji no hashi wo miru hi made 'til I see a rainbow bridge built across my heart's lake
----------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode Eight: Fog of the Mountain. So Begin the Trials. ---------------------------------------
"To the casual eye, all appeared to be as it had been since the dawning of time. Of course, they were not prepared for the Dawning of the Gods." --------
Sighing, Ayuru lifted a hand and used it as a visor to block the sunlight that was streaming into his eyes. "We've been traveling for a day," he spoke to himself. "Hopefully we can make it to Mt Taikyoku before the sun sets. I'm anxious to find out what Taiitsukun wants to speak to us about." He squinted as he put his hand down. "Nothing ahead. No sign of Mt Taikyoku."
The forest that was closing around them soon created a shadow over the five travelers, a minimal protection from the sun's brightness. At least they no longer had to squint to look at the lands that surrounded them. Kasaru stretched, momentarily releasing his grip on the mare's reigns. "Oi, Zanshou? Do you think we'll reach Mt Taikyoku today?"
Zanshou tapped his lips thoughtfully, and then looked to the surrounding trees and underbrush. "By the looks of the forest, we should reach Mt Taikyoku this evening at the earliest. Setbacks tend to be aplenty whenever you are on an important mission. That makes it seem to me that we won't arrive till tomorrow." He smiled from on top of his stallion and patted its neck. "Don't worry, though. Zanshou isn't going to let anything take our precious time. I've got a special route in mind. If we can keep the horses moving at a decent pace, we can be there soon."
Kasaru and Ayuru both sighed in unison. "Great," they muttered. They both glared at one another and, huffing, turned their faces away from one another. Both of them were displeased at the unsurity of the arrival. /Who knows how long it will take!/ Kasaru spat. /Does Zanshou even know the way o Mt Taikyoku as he says he does? I hope so./ The Sairou doctor glanced back at Ayuru and could tell that the mercenary was thinking along the same lines as he. They caught one another's eyes again as Ayuru tried to sneak a glance at Kasaru. When they realized that they were both looking at one another, they quickly looked ahead.
Kishuku hummed to himself as his wine-red eyes danced from tree to tree. He held the reins loosely in one hand; fingers coiled gently, his hand resting in his lap. His other hand rested firmly on the muscular neck of his mount. The air he had about him was one of contentment. The prince hardly looked as if he was headed to a place that made his future as fragile as a droplet of water. As his eyes were probing the forest to his right, he thought he noticed shadowed movement. /What could it have been?/ he pondered.
Glancing about, he noticed that none of his companions were paying him any attention. This could be the only opening he got, and he took it with no other hesitation. He jerked the reins with a gentle tug and turned the horse into the greenery. He was unaware of the fog that snaked its way between him and the friends he had left to continue without him.
His chestnut stallion nickered as a faint mist trailed from its nostrils. It's eyes rolled back as it hesitated in taking another step, aware, unlike its rider, that the fog that shrouded the trees behind them was not of a normal sort. Kishuku whispered to it, telling it that it would be okay. "Don't worry," he slid his hand down the stallion's neck. Not feeling greatly reassured, the horse continued forward. There was hardly any sound that reached their ears but that of their own breathing. Kishuku began to feel as unsettled as the horse. His mind told his heart that he should turn the horse around, but curiosity was the stronger element. Eyes scanning the now fogging landscape, Kishuku continued relentlessly forward.
When the fog began to seriously hinder Kishuku's sight, and the safety of the horse's travel, did he come to a stop. He peered into the mist and shook his head slowly. "I shouldn't have pursued that shadow. It was probably only a shadow." That was when Kishuku heard the snapping of a twig.
He silently slid from his mount's back and crept toward the direction of the sound. After taking five steps from the chestnut horse's side, Kishuku could make out a washed out form of a human. His eyes narrowed. /Who would be out in this fog beside myself?/ his mind reeled. /Could it be Emtao?/ No, Emtao was of a larger build than the person that stood unaware of Kishuku's presence.
Blinking, the form almost seemed to vanish. Kishuku wondered if perhaps this was also another shadow that his mind was creating. He turned away only to find himself face first in the dirt. He felt the weight of another body bearing down on him, fists pummeling his back. The attack with the fists gave him pause to think. If this person had been following him, he would have been attacked with a weapon. He struggled to get the weight from his back, but only succeeded in turning onto his back. The face that greeted his vision was not one that he had expected to see again. "K- kyogen?" his voice was a hushed whisper.
"Ehhh? Kishuku-oji?" Kyogen's eyes were wide from fear and surprise. "I.I didn't know it was you."
"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you aren't someone out to kill me." Kishuku placed his hands on Kyogen's shoulders. The young woman's eyes narrowed suspiciously, but Kishuku only pushed her from off of him. "Tell me, what are you doing out here? Do your parents know you're out of town?"
Kyogen sighed heavily. "My parents have no idea where I am. Of course, they might assume where I have gone. And, I left home to," she paused, "to find you."
"Me?" Kyogen nodded. "Yes. I know it sounds stupid, but I wanted to apologize for what happened the day you left. It was probably entirely my mother's fault. She has been trying to get me to marry for the past few years, but I have refused. I suppose she was simply trying to set me up with you because of your status. I'm sorry," she bowed from the sitting position she was in.
Kishuku had a faint flushed look to his face. "Things like that can be forgiven easily, Kyogen."
She smiled, relieved that Kishuku was not angry with her. Her smiled faded and she asked in all seriousness. "Where are you doing? I know you were with the bandits a few days back, and you are not journeying toward the capital."
"So how long have you been following me?" Kishuku tried hard to keep the smile from his face.
It was Kyogen's turn to blush. "I followed you soon after you left." Her eyes glared at him. "Don't change the subject! Now, where are you going?"
Kishuku sighed. "You aren't going to leave me alone till I tell you the truth, I suppose."
Kyogen nodded an affirmative. "That is what I thought," the red haired prince placed a hand on his forehead. "The truth of it is, we are looking for Mt Taikyoku."
A skeptical eyebrow slid up the blonde's forehead. "They aren't kidding when they say that rich people can do anything."
"It has nothing to do with me being rich. Ayuru is a mercenary. Do you think he has much money? Ayuru, Kasaru, Emtao, and I have our reasons to go to such an obscure destination. It isn't something any of us wish to talk about."
Kyogen clasped her hands in front of her. "If you insist. Men always act that way."
Kishuku chuckled. "If you were the one in my situation, you wouldn't want to talk about it either."
Rising to his feet Kishuku's brow furrowed. Kyogen looked up and worry knitted across her face. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"My horse is gone. It was there just a minuet ago."
Kyogen stood and nervously glanced about her. "I lost my horse not too long ago myself. It was in this very same fog. I hardly noticed it at first."
"Keep close. We can search for one of the horses together." Kishuku pulled Kyogen closer to him. Crimson flooded Kyogen's face. Together they slipped between the stately trees. The quiet weighted heavy on Kyogen's mind. "Kishuku-oji, I have heard tales of Mt Taikyoku. It has been said that only the pure of heart can see the mountain for what it truly is. And even for those who may have pure hearts, there are said to be difficult trials to face. Are you sure you know what you are doing?"
"I am well aware of the tales that surround Mt Taikyoku. I am prepared to face what I must," with his stern face, Kyogen could hardly find it in herself to disagree.
***
Emtao's narrow eyes worriedly glanced backward. "We've lost Kishuku," his voice held none of the worry that coursed through his mind.
"What?!" Ayuru yelled. "How could we lose him?"
"The fog." Emtao stated.
Kasaru squinted ahead into the fog. "Is.is there something ahead of us?"
Zanshou grunted as he stared into the distance. He made as if to slide off of his mount, but clicked his heel against his stallion's side instead. "I'm not getting a good feeling about this. We had best be careful."
Emtao nodded in silent agreement. Ayuru gave a nonplussed look at the bandit leader's back. Kasaru made no indication he had heard Zanshou's warning, for he was staring open-eyed and slack jawed into the fog. What Kasaru saw was a spectral image of Kishuku. The red haired prince's eyes were hooded over, the fog seemingly parting for his passing. Kasaru tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. Instead he emitted a mouse- like squeak.
Ayuru began to chuckle at Kasaru for being afraid, but stopped dead when he saw the ghostly Kishuku. "O-oji-chan? Is that you?"
Kishuku did not speak. He only smirked, raising his head so that his eyes glimmered. Kasaru could feel the chills gnawing at his spine. "This doesn't look good," he whispered. "What could have gotten into Kishuku?"
"Ahhhhhh!" Kishuku dashed forward, a scythe of flame appearing in his hands.
"What the flippin' prince is going on?!" Zanshou shouted.
"KASARU!!!!" Ayuru yelled.
Kasaru had not moved out of the way of Kishuku's weapon. He stood fixed. He couldn't move. His mouth worked but no sound came from it. "Kasaru! Move!" Ayuru yelled again.
Emtao and Zanshou watched as Kishuku's eyes glinted dangerously. They could not bring themselves to do anything. Even Ayuru could hardly move. Kishuku brought the flaming blade over his head and swiped at Kasaru's head.
Ayuru forced himself to hold back his tears. He turned his head away. /Kasaru.. Why didn't you move?/ He took a peek at where Kasaru had been, and his eyes bugged.
Kasaru was squatting on the ground, shivering uncontrollably. He was safe and unharmed, all except the pile of silky white hair that was around his feet. Slowly Kasaru's hand felt at his neck. "I'm alive?" he was astonished. His hand felt for the bun that he had put his hair in. "Ahh! He cut my hair!"
Kishuku snarled. "You should have just let yourself die, for now your death will be worse."
Kasaru stood and stumbled backward, into Zanshou's supportive arms. "T-that can't be Kishuku! Kishuku wouldn't act like this! Not at all!"
"Do you believe that?" Kishuku chuckled.
"Of course!" Ayuru glared into Kishuku's eyes. "I don't know who or what you are, but you are not Oji-chan."
"Is that so? The take this!" Kishuku jumped into the air and slashed downward, ready to kill Ayuru in an instant.
Ayuru winced, but the blow never came. Instead he heard a grunt. He looked up to see that the scythe blade was just inches away from his face. The blade was protruding through someone. Who was it? Ayuru nearly retched.
It was Kishuku- the real one.
"K-kishuku." Ayuru could see that a branch had been slammed into the stomach of the Kishuku that had attacked him.
"S-sorry that I.wandered.away. I thought we were.being followed.and I.wanted to check it out." Kishuku's smile was pained.
"Kishuku-oji!" a female voice called. "Are you alright?"
Kyogen appeared from out of the fog. Her hands flew to cover her mouth as she saw the spectral Kishuku fading away into nothingness, and the real Kishuku was a fire blade in his body. "Oh, no!"
Kishuku shook his head slowly. "We still need to get to.Mount Taikyoku."
"No need to worry," a familiar old woman's voice cracked through the fog. "You have proven yourselves."
The fog evaporated to reveal a mountain so splashed with the color purple that Ayuru had to take a second look. "Is this.Mount Taikyoku?"
"Of course!" Taiitsukun's face popped up in front of Ayuru's.
Ayuru screeched and ran to hide behind Zanshou. Zanshou's face had gone white. "What is that?! It's hideous!"
"Watch it!" Taiitsukun snapped. "Or I'll turn you into a toad!"
Zanshou's upper lip twitched. Taiitsukun turned to Kishuku. "You'll need the Nyan-Nyans to take care of your wound. Nyan-Nyans!"
Little girls with blue hair pulled into two pigtails appeared from out of nowhere. "Cure! Cure! Fix! Fix!" They took Kishuku's hands and led him away. "They have reached Mount Taikyoku. What will they learn here? There is still more for them to undergo. The appearance of Kuang Shi will rattle their friendship and test them as they have not been tested before." -- Ending Song: Wild Flowers
kyuu ni nakidashita soa wa ni, no koe o age hashutagu muku na kodomo otachi. Awate futameku otona o yoso hitsutori tomi de niji no hashi egaiteru.
Itsuka wataretara ii na mizuiro no yume POKKE ni tsumekonde. Kokoro no chizu hirogete mada minu sekai e kimi no mata sudatte yuku.
Itsu demo, kokoro o mitasu no wa sora no aosa to kaze no koe. Kitto shitsu ta suno omoi o tsunaide tatoe donna ni ashita ga tookute mo, tasunde miete mo.
oshisemaru toki o koete, boku waraiu, yuku chikarazu hasate to kakagenagara. haruka naru toki ni na o haseta, eiyuu mitai ni Hokori takaku shinji, koto dare ka ni tsutaetai, kono uta ni no sete.