Hiya guys! I think the summer fever has caught up with me. I really am
getting lazy!
RubyRedDragon05: Hehe don't know yet if I should let Minako appear in the FY world. But the idea appeals to me.very much. Hehe I'm still pondering what to do about Jedite when he sees what's going on between the two. This story is gonna be longer than I expected.
Myst-Lady: LOL! Yes I'm back but becoming more and more lazy every day. It's gonna be a long story regarding the way Tasuki messing up BIG time! This a Rei/Tas fic and I intend to make Tas happy here..hehe.
Goddess-of-Light: Poor Tasuki.oh well he deserves it. At first I wanted Nuriko to stay and be the one to comfort Rei, but again I miss my old Hotohori/Rei fic that I made Hoto-chan be the "perfect gentleman" instead. Hehe I really can't help myself.
Anonymous: Yup rape is defined as what you just said, but I guess this fic was actually about soul mates that when Tasuki did it I didn't think of it as that. Yup it's definitely despicable and part of me just wanted to make this fic somewhat diverse and overly drastic to create more drama and even angst. I guess I don't want it to sound or look straightforward regarding what the readers expect this to be as the relationship between the two blossoms. I'm so sorry that scene was painful for you and that it hurt you.
Faith: LOL yeah he got rejected but hey he did something really really stupid. You know what? You and I think the same. Yup yup this conflict will definitely drive them (especially Rei) apart, but will also bring them even closer once they get back together.
Priscilla: LOL I knew this one loooong review was you. Wait you really have chibi Hotohori plushies? I wish I have one.hehe. The link between Minako and Rei was only caused by the "love bond". Mina is the senshi of love and in my fic I want her to also sense the bonding between soulmates due to her hereditary "love" power. Hehe actually RubyRed wondered the same thing. It really is a great idea that I include at least one other senshi to the FY world..maybe towards the end. You know what? You always make me feel better with your reviews. I had some flames because I made a "rape" scene. You understand why I wrote it and I'm so thankful for that. Too bad though I really should let Rei beat Tasuki more, but she was not in a pretty good shape after that horrible night. Oopsy, I'm stuck with the sky blue ones now. Darn! I looked at the wrong Tasuki pic then. LOL yup yup I really can picture the child of Rei and Tasuki. Goodness I'm crying from laughing so hard!!! I really didn't say that a child is growing inside Rei after the act. The first time doesn't have to be a "success".hehe. LOL you really are hilarious! I think Hotohori understands that well enoguh. Hehe again, I really can't help but include some part of "STAY" in this fic. I didn't even ponder that even though Hoto-chan is dead he is still a man, which Rei doesn't like much. The hicky part.hehe.well nope...Tasuki didn't do it because he hates women. It's part of the act, which I had to include so that Hotohori would see it and confront Rei what happened. LOL I am forever haunted by the ghost of "STAY".
Joanna: Thank you! I really really do appreciate your praises and urgings.hehe. Reviewers like you make me write more, even though I'm getting lazy over the summer vacation.
Huffpuff: You're the third person who loves the idea of Hotohori comforting Rei. The element of "STAY" will always be present in this fic. Yup yup the idea of bringing a senshi or two appeals to me. We'll see we'll see. THANK YOU! I also look forward to the "mending process".
I DO NOT OWN EVERYTHING HERE!!!
Chapter 7
The guardian of the time gates, Sailor Pluto, had expected something drastic would happen to the Princess of Mars. But she didn't anticipate it to be that drastic. She wished she could have prevented this from happening to Rei, but Pluto knew it's taboo to reveal the future. Nevertheless, the guardian felt guilty. The gates of time had shown her that Rei would have to leave the Moon and travel to a world unknown to her and find her own destiny. She thought Rei would be safe, but the unknown element that intervened with the flow of her journey had broken the tiny shred of hope that Pluto sensed when she was watching Rei and Tasuki with their everyday banter. Now, she could see that Rei needed more than a comfort from the Suzaku Seichiseishi known as Hotohori. Pluto was contemplating if she could break one minor rule. She would have to bid her time. The negaverse had certainly intervened, then why couldn't she.
The night had come to pass and Rei felt a little better after talking to Hotohori. Even though the vivid nightmare caused her to think more deeply about her situation with Tasuki, the Princess of Mars was well aware that she could never erase everything that had happened to her. She couldn't just ignore that she had finally found her soul mate. It hurt so bad but she had to face the consequences and take one step at a time towards healing, especially if the first step of healing was to confront her assailant, her soul mate. Just thinking of the inevitable made her groan and tired once again. Since it was still way too early in the morning, the bruised princess decided that sleeping some more was the best solution.
A warm feeling that was surrounding her awakened Rei. She was lying on a soft bed next to someone. That realization hit her by force and she bolted upward to a sitting position. The man next to her woke up by the sudden movement. It was Hotohori. Rei took few calming breaths. She was relieved it was only Hotohori, a man, a gender like Tasuki. She should have been outraged and fearful, but Hotohori was Hotohori and she just couldn't brand him as any other man. He had been kind to her and showed her his utmost respect. She had sensed in him a deep sense of longing, an unfulfilled one, that she felt comforted by it. Rei could tell that the man, the gentle emperor of Konan, only wanted to comfort her and even to protect her. That was evident when he threw his sword through the youma and the gentle way he listened to her last night. Hotohori was dead, a spirit, but he was a beacon of support for her. She smiled slightly at the bewildering look he gave her.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, thank you." Rei wanted to also thank him for last night, but just by looking at the expression on the emperor's face stopped her. Hotohori understood completely. It was no wonder why Konan thrive under his rule. He was an understanding ruler and he knew how to listen.
"I'm going to have some breakfast" Rei stood from the bed and edged towards the screen door.
Hotohori stayed inside the chamber and muddled over what to tell Chichiri. The monk had sensed something was amiss and Hotohori had to reveal that the target was Tasuki. Little did they know that the extent of their problem was far more than what the facts presented to them.
Everyone was surprise to see Rei without Tasuki. The look the emperor gave them when they were about to ask questions halted their curiosity. They could see the downcast looks from Rei though. They ate breakfast without a single argument. Now that was a first. Normally there should be some broken things by now or food being thrown to their faces. That had changed. Miaka for one thing was still missing and their fiery comrade also added to the silent state the breakfast table was in.
"Is there a temple shrine around here?" Rei disturbed the silence. Without hearing any answers from the puzzled looks she got from the people in the table, Rei stated that she needed to be by herself and meditating in front of the temple fire soothed her. Chichiri, who was familiar with this kind of things, answered for her.
"Not so far from here there's a temple ground towards the right path just at the back of this house. You won't miss it."
Rei nodded and stood from her seat. She didn't bother turning back and looking at the worried glances the seishi were giving her. They didn't have to know what happened to her. Telling Hotohori was enough. Now, seeking the warmth of the fire was the only thing she needed.
When Rei disappeared from their view, everyone, except Hotohori, started asking questions. It was already puzzling that Tasuki wasn't with Rei when she arrived. Something must have happened and Tasuki was not the man who would let Rei ride by herself. Everyone had already figured out that their loud mouth Tasuki had feelings for this new girl.
Hotohori waited patiently until the rest of the seishi quieted down. He would never reveal everything to them, only the confusing plan of this new enemy.
"I have a good idea what had happened.Tasuki had been the target."
"What do you mean, your Highness? It does not make any sense. I thought Miaka was the target all along, no da."
"I surmise that for whatever reason that Rei turned out alone was that someone or something had caused what happened between the two. I have sensed something was not right the day I found Tasuki soaking wet by the river bank and you Chichiri told me that something felt wrong." Hotohori walked away and glanced out the window. "There is already trouble brewing around us." He turned towards the listeners with a fierce, determined look in his eyes. "When Tasuki arrives, he will have hell to answer.and pay"
Everyone was again quiet after the startling statement from the emperor. They had no clue as to why Hotohori acted with such fire in his eyes, nor they didn't know what was the root of their problem concerning the mysterious whereabouts of Tasuki.and Rei. They could not even fathom what had caused her to be so distant with them. They hoped that this part of their problem would be solved by then, when Tasuki showed up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chichiri was right, the temple wasn't that far. However, the path that led to it was a bit hard to see. Rei walked for more than what she thought should have been just a few minutes to the shrine. She should have groaned with frustration but the isolation was a comfort. The path was very forestry and Rei enjoyed the nature surrounding her. It cleared her turbulent mind even just a bit. Reaching the temple shrine was a safe haven for the Princess of Mars as well as the Priestess of the Silver Millennium. She could pour out everything into the fire.
Rei didn't know how long she had been meditating, but she didn't care. The sacred fire soothed her, as if she was talking to one of her best friends. She did miss the others. It seemed as if it was only yesterday that she had disappeared from them and came into the world of the four gods. Everything had happened so fast and Rei yearned for the greatest of comforts from the dearest people she loved most. It's not like her to be unable to keep her emotions hidden. However, being alone in the strange world, though surrounded by people who obviously cared for her well being, was still too hard for the fiery senshi to adjust without her best friends around. On top of that, she had just experienced the most gruesome act in the history of her life. Fighting and being injured by the worst youma did not even compare to the event that happened to her. Nevertheless, it was another thing finding out whom she truly belonged to.
The temple ground was quiet, except for the silent wail of agony coming from the lone figure at the center of the shrine. Rei was crying. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Taka and Nuriko rode full speed towards Nuriko's house. The sun was already setting down and the duo had to reveal the news from Taiitsukun to the others.
"Nuriko, isn't that Tasuki up ahead?" Taka was a bit surprise to see the red head riding in front of them.
"That's Tasuki alright.but what's he doing here?"
The galloping horses caused Tasuki to turn his head back. He groaned seeing Nuriko.and Taka.
Tasuki was still pissed at the way Taka acted around his Rei. He didn't want to admit he was jealous but something was telling him that he was actually that.totally very jealous. But for now, he had another problem coming. Would he tell his comrades what he did to Rei in order to let them understand that their enemy was behind all that had happened? He wanted to bang his head again and again. He couldn't control it no matter what. It was as if he actually wanted to do it, but not that way. The most confusing part was that his desire for Rei was not even as half as the strange feeling he sensed when they touched. He felt the pull of his soul towards her. Now that he was able to think more clearly since after the bashing he received from the woman he hurt, Tasuki thought out everything that's been going on inside him. The more he thought of it the more he understood. The act was beyond sinful but the draw of his desire for Rei was of out this world. His soul cried out to be found and Tasuki strongly felt that it had found what it craved for.Rei.
"Hey Tasuki! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Rei?" Nuriko yelled from behind. Tasuki groaned even more.
The red head seishi slowed down to a trot to wait for the two, but he ignored Nuriko's question.
"What happened to you? You look like hell!" Taka caught up first and saw a great deal of the painful infliction on Tasuki's troubled face.
"It's nothing. Just got into a brawl." The red head murmured.
"It's just like you to pick up a fight in the middle of the crises!" The former cross-dresser gawked at the sight in front of him. He had never seen Tasuki in such a state. The bruises and the sores all over his face were not something new, but the distressing state shown by those sky blue orbs was definitely new to Nuriko. There's more to the story than what Tasuki was showing right now.
Back at the house, the rest of the guys muddled over what Hotohori disclosed to them. To them, excluding the emperor, the puzzling state Rei was in was explained due to this new enemy that obviously possessed Tasuki. Chichiri was the one who actually confirmed Hotohori's suspicions. Furthermore, whoever or whatever took over Tasuki would undoubtedly come back again. Chichiri stated that this entity would not stop until it finished what it came for. The monk thought that it certainly felt familiar somehow.like an old memory of a long time ago.
The noises outside caused them to look outside the window. Taka, Nuriko, and Tasuki had arrived. But Rei was still not home. Chiriko suggested to go get Rei, but Hotohori told him not to disturb her. The emperor said that she needed to be alone for awhile. They didn't even bother to ask any questions. Hotohori had explained to them that this entity made Tasuki attacked Rei, but he didn't mention how Tasuki attacked the girl. So they surmised that Rei was down due to this unexpected action from their red head comrade, in which the fault was not totally his.
Tasuki jumped down his horse without looking at the faces of the others. The emperor walked towards him and sent Tasuki flying several feet away. Hotohori wanted to thrust his sword through him, but he would let Rei decide that herself. The pain and hurt that Rei had poured to him were still too vivid in his mind. However, the emperor had to bid his time until he could confront the person now sprawled a few feet from where he stood. It was a good thing that Rei wasn't there.
To say the least, the others weren't surprised, except Nuriko and Taka. Chichiri came to help the fallen warrior.
"We know what happened, no da. Rei told his Highness what happened."
Tasuki looked at Hotohori with that sudden revelation. The look on Hotohori's eyes confirmed that he knew everything. Turning to the others confirmed that they didn't know the whole story. He didn't know if he should thank Hotohori for not revealing everything to the others.
"Well.that's good to know." Came a muttered reply from Tasuki.
"What's going on and what did Rei say?" Nuriko didn't like being left out of the whole scenario. Chichiri urged everyone to go back inside.
The back entrance was opened as she had left it that morning when she went to the temple. Rei wanted to avoid being seen. She felt like a mess and surely she also looked like one too. There seemed to be voices just across the hall. Rei took the other way in case she was found. Luck seemed to be ignoring her silent pleas. Chiriko called out to her. The screen door opened wide and to Rei's chagrin she saw the one person she wanted to avoid especially. There's no escape now.
Taking a glimpse towards the man she wanted to kill, she could see that only a slight bruise marred his face now. Mitsukake sure did a great job in healing his battered countenance.
Rei sauntered over the group avoiding glancing at Tasuki. She sat where she felt comfortable with, which was by the only person who knew everything that happened to her.
Tasuki was relieved but not happy at the same time when he saw Rei's distressing state while she sat beside Hotohori. Again, he couldn't blame her for what he did.
"What happened to you?" Nuriko stared at Rei's face long enough to determine that something was not right. It only added to the conclusion he had when Tasuki looked as dejected as she.
Before Rei could say anything, Hotohori answered for her. "Rei was attacked by Tasuki."
The emperor didn't even get a chance to finish when Nuriko and Taka both yelled "what" at the same time. It took quite a lot of explaining to do before the two calmed down. Rei sighed in relief. She knew Hotohori would keep his promise not to tell anyone. Furthermore, she became irritated and furious with Hotohori's explanation about the reason why Tasuki attacked her. Tasuki wasn't possessed. She could have felt the evil vibration if he was. But then again, she was too drunk to think or even function straight. Chichiri's further reassurance calmed her a bit, but there was still a measure of doubt regarding the monk's perception. Rei thought that this presumed entity would appear again. Then and there she would find her answer and erase her doubts, but still.
"I'm sorry we weren't there to protect you against Red when he was possessed." Nuriko gave her an apologetic look. Rei just nodded at him with an empty gaze, which surprised Nuriko.
"Hey if you like, I'll beat the crap out of him here and now." The willow seishi crunched up his knuckles for preparation. Nuriko would like to get a response from Rei, but none came. The same empty look was directed his way. He sagged and looked at all the worried faces of his comrades.
"Rei you look beat. We'll tell you what we have to do tomorrow. Why don't you go to your room." Taka felt sorry for the way Rei was acting and how dispirited she looked. He was angry at what Tasuki did but he, as well as the others, believed that it wasn't his fault. Still, he could have been there to protect her like when he was always able to protect Miaka. Taka never felt even more useless in his life. He not only failed Miaka, but also this new girl who had gradually entered his thoughts since she came in this world.
"Come I'll take you."
Taka didn't expect such a reaction from Rei. The slight touch from his hand jerked Rei out of her seat. She mumbled a few apologies then told them she could go to her room by herself.
Hotohori caught Taka's arm when he was about to follow Rei out.
"Let her be Taka."
The discussion dragged on. The gang decided to go after Miaka, tomorrow, before the sun came up. Taiitsukun had told Nuriko and Taka the only possibility where Miaka might be. Besides, she couldn't even detect her in this world anymore. Thus, the only solution was that Miaka must have been taken to Tenkou's dimension.
Tasuki's mind was wandering. He kept seeing Rei's forlorn and painful face. He was aware that she had been crying prior to entering the room. The redness in her eyes was still visible. He wanted to comfort her and take away every painful thing he did to her, but he had no right. He was the one who caused her agony even if something or someone else controlled him. His soul reached out to her, feeling the same anguish the woman he came to love was enduring right now. The realization that Tasuki loved Rei came when he couldn't bear to loose her. His bond with her was so immense that he knew he wouldn't able to live without her. Tasuki didn't know how to get Rei back. He messed up big time and the little trust he built with Rei was forever gone due to his stupidity. How could he gain that trust again? How could he gain Rei? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was a great day for traveling. The sky was clear and blue. The gang had been riding their horses for hours. They stopped by the stream to rest for a bit when Chichiri stiffened.
"Everyone stay alert. Something's wrong." After Chichiri mentioned his warning the sky turned black and heavy rain poured down on them. They immediately looked for cover to avoid getting wet.
"This weather is really weird." Nuriko mused.
"According to my knowledge, such a downpour cannot occur when the weather was bright and sunny just a few seconds ago." Chiriko patted his wet sleeves.
"I don't think this rain will stop soon. It looks like we'll be stuck here for awhile, no da. But I have a feeling that something or someone had caused this."
"We can't waste any more time. We have to get to Tenkou's before night falls." Someone yelled from beyond where Chichiri, Nuriko, and Chiriko were huddled.
"He's right Chichiri, we have to get going." Nuriko stepped out of his hiding spot and gathered his horse. Everyone followed.
Within seconds they got to their horses, the ground shook around them. Something was definitely wrong. Everything turned dark and heavy rain continued to pour down as the earthquake threw everyone off the course.
Rei woke up wet. She looked around her and found a body lying face down just at the edge of the lake. The sky had turned blue and sunny again. She recognized that the body was Tasuki's. She didn't want to come near him, but she could at least see if he's alive or.Rei shook her head at that notion. She crept up to the lake and turned Tasuki over. His chest was heaving. He was still breathing. Half of his body was in the lake and Rei decided to drag him more up the land. A groan emitted from the pitying form of Tasuki and Rei dropped her hands. Two startled eyes gaze back at her horrified ones. Tasuki didn't expect to wake up and see his angel, but the look she's giving him didn't please him one bit. He groaned even more and covered his face with both his hands. Rei eased away from him and turned to look for the others when she heard someone laughing.
Tasuki heard it too and he turned to Rei's still form.
The laughter came closer. Tasuki stood up and walked in front of Rei, blocking her from the lake.
"Show yourself, bastard!" Tasuki pulled his flame fan tessen out.
"You should thank me, Tasuki." The voice echoed in his head.
Tasuki realized not only the danger, but also the power behind that voice. He didn't want to be controlled again.
"Ya bastard! I'll never be taken under your power! Show yourself coward!" The red head was beyond furious. This was it, the one responsible for the pure agony his woman was suffering. Nevertheless, he blamed himself for letting the bastard took over his inner most desire and turned it into something despicable. Tasuki never felt such rage, which was directed towards the thing that was slowly approaching the center of the lake.
A shape of a man appeared. "Brave words for such a weakling."
Tasuki urged Rei backwards, but she wouldn't budge. Instead, she walked up in front, wanting to see where the voice came from.
"Didn't you like it, Tasuki? Admit it boy, you loved being inside her." The entity's cold laughter seemed to pierce through Tasuki's skin. Rei's sudden in drawn of breath didn't interrupt him from his passion to kill the man. He pulled Rei back and yelled his power, "rekka shinen!".
The power of the entity was water. It deflected Tasuki's attack.
"Is that all you can do? You were powerless before, you are powerless now. How pathetic!"
"Come out and fight me! Fu**** coward! Stop hiding behind your water!"
"Now now Tasuki. You really should thank me. The woman was very delectable wasn't she? I could sense your excitement even if I wasn't there." He turned a knowing smile towards the now fuming Rei.
"Fu*** off bastard! Ya touch her, I'll make sure ya die a painful death!"
"Tsk tsk tsk I really don't like your attitude Tasuki. You cannot order me around. I can do whatever I want with her." He leered at Rei. "She is an exotic one isn't she."
"Ya get away from her. You've already done the damage through me. I won't let her suffer.ever again!" The seething anger coming from the glowing seishi was not only noticed by the entity.
Rei was affected by the fierceness of his words. She already knew that Tasuki wasn't always the loudmouth everyone saw him to be. The depth of his conviction to protect her was so immense she wanted to scream. She didn't want any man's help, but at the same time wanted to feel how was it like to be actually taken care of by a man.especially by Tasuki.
The entity laughed again. He appeared even clearer to them. He was definitely a man and one of Tenkou's puppets. He was the one who made Tasuki.Rei didn't need to be told that she had to transform now. She would show the bastard the pain she was suffering. However, her transformation was halted.
"Rekka shin." Tasuki was about to blast the guy, but a sudden wave of water engulfed Rei before she could transform. She was dragged down towards the bottom of the lake. It was sucking the life out of her.
I can't.transform!
Rei could barely open her eyes. The strange water was squeezing out her energy. She felt numb.
Tasuki dove after her without thinking. The water blasted him back to the surface.
"Rei! Let her go ya fu*** bastard! Rekka shinen!"
"Do you think you can save her with that puny power of yours?" The entity taunted the raging seishi. "Water extinguishes fire. But I guess you are too dumb enough to know that."
The red fire of fury within Tasuki was already beyond the point of eruption. Rei's life was in danger and he alone was the only one who could save her, the woman he came to love with a passion.
"Oh, did I make you mad? Do I see your seishi symbol glowing?" The laughter became louder. "The girl's life is fading Tasuki. Are you just going to stand there and impress me with your light show?"
Tasuki smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. A burst of light show, as the entity called it, surrounded him. Within seconds, fire and water fought each other. The water seemed to engulf the fire. The entity laughed again, but Tasuki wasn't deterred.
Tasuki raised his tessen above his head. Fire born from his fury was fighting against the water and for his woman. "I'll save Rei. I made a promise to myself. I'll never let her suffer anymore pain! REI!"
A blast of red fire surrounded the entity. Fire defeated water. The entity disappeared without a trace. The lake became serene again, except for the figure floating face down in the center of it.
"Rei." Tasuki choked as he cradled Rei's body, checking for a pulse. He found one, but it was faint, too faint that he himself struggled to breathe. He couldn't loose her now.
Rei opened her eyes. It was blurry at first, but she pulled back with a sudden shriek. Tasuki's lips were on her and he was holding her.
Tasuki was relieved she was alive, but he couldn't bear to look her in the eyes. Rei was scared of him. He stood up and stared towards the lake.
Despite the numbness she could still feel from the entity's attack, Rei saw the sadness in Tasuki's eyes before he diverted his gaze. Tasuki had saved her and he didn't lie to her that he was controlled. She felt the passion coming from him when he was fighting the entity. The bond she knew she had with him was so strong that she could even feel the sorrow and pain from him. She could still feel the warmth of his hands and his lips.
"Thank you." Tasuki had to strain his ears to hear her whispers. He could sense Rei was trying to stand up. He didn't turn. He didn't want to scare her more.
Rei didn't know if he heard her. She tried to stand up, despite the numbness. Again, she repeated what she wanted for Tasuki to hear. She still hated the man, but he had saved her life and she could at least give him her gratitude.
"Tasuki.thank you for saving my life." She said it more firmly.
This time Tasuki turned around. She didn't know how he longed to hear her voice again. Her talking to him gave him a sense of relief. He wanted another chance and would walk through hell to get it. He quirked a smile to her. Rei didn't show any outward reaction, but that smile reminded her of the old Tasuki.
"Let's go find the others." Tasuki walked up ahead. "Are ya coming?" He turned around and saw Rei sitting on the ground. He walked back to her. He was so stupid he forgot to ask if she was alright. He guessed that hearing her voice again kind of bungled his mind that he forgot to ask her that simple question.
He quirked his mouth with disappointment at himself. "Are ya hurting?"
"No." Rei was struggling to find a good excuse to hide her embarrassment. She had stumbled just by putting one foot in front of the other when Tasuki turned away from her. "I ah.can we just wait until the others find us?"
Tasuki didn't like that idea. "Woman if we sit here all day, we'll die of pneumonia before the rest of the gang finds us."
The sarcastic Tasuki seemed to be back and Rei felt a little surprise and agitated at the same time. Tasuki thought that he had messed up again after seeing the looks Rei was giving him.
He wiped his strayed hair with his hand. "I'm such a moron!" Tasuki didn't even know he said that out loud.
"I'm sorry, but we're both soaking wet and we need to dry off. There aren't any dry woods to make fire 'round here. We'd have to go deep into the forest. We can wait for the others then."
Tasuki was right. She was getting colder and she was definitely soaked to the bones. Furthermore, the numbness didn't help. She sighed and tried to stand up again. Tasuki watched her warily. He noticed her struggles but didn't try to help.
Rei pursed her lips and tried to lift her foot.
"Are ya sure you're ok?" Tasuki was sure that the attack had caused this.whatever this was.
A firm nod from Rei earned her a frown. When the foot finally settled on the ground, Rei breathed out a sigh. The other foot was next, but before it came in contact with the ground, Tasuki lifted her up in his arms. A very loud shriek could possibly be heard all the way to Konan.
"Woman if ya don't stop right now I'll drop ya!" Tasuki warned, but the screaming continued. Rei really wanted to give the man another beating but the numbness prevented her. She couldn't believe he was touching her again.
"You have no right Tasuki! Put me down!"
Tasuki pretended he didn't hear the hurt in her words.
"Rei I'm only gonna carry ya to the forest. That's all. I won't hurt ya. I promise."
That feeling again.it was the bond. The one she felt when he promised to protect her. He promised. Tasuki promised that no pain would ever come to her.ever again. The woman in his arms finally quieted. He couldn't help but gaze down at her.
"Besides, the way ya walk it's gonna take us the whole night to get to the forest."
Was that a smile he just saw? He wanted to believe it, but Rei bowed her head down.
So guys, that chapter was finally done! Trying to build the relationship between the two is going to be veeeerrrrry tough! I'll be seeing you again in the next chapter!!! Bye bye for now! ~~~Fleur~~~
RubyRedDragon05: Hehe don't know yet if I should let Minako appear in the FY world. But the idea appeals to me.very much. Hehe I'm still pondering what to do about Jedite when he sees what's going on between the two. This story is gonna be longer than I expected.
Myst-Lady: LOL! Yes I'm back but becoming more and more lazy every day. It's gonna be a long story regarding the way Tasuki messing up BIG time! This a Rei/Tas fic and I intend to make Tas happy here..hehe.
Goddess-of-Light: Poor Tasuki.oh well he deserves it. At first I wanted Nuriko to stay and be the one to comfort Rei, but again I miss my old Hotohori/Rei fic that I made Hoto-chan be the "perfect gentleman" instead. Hehe I really can't help myself.
Anonymous: Yup rape is defined as what you just said, but I guess this fic was actually about soul mates that when Tasuki did it I didn't think of it as that. Yup it's definitely despicable and part of me just wanted to make this fic somewhat diverse and overly drastic to create more drama and even angst. I guess I don't want it to sound or look straightforward regarding what the readers expect this to be as the relationship between the two blossoms. I'm so sorry that scene was painful for you and that it hurt you.
Faith: LOL yeah he got rejected but hey he did something really really stupid. You know what? You and I think the same. Yup yup this conflict will definitely drive them (especially Rei) apart, but will also bring them even closer once they get back together.
Priscilla: LOL I knew this one loooong review was you. Wait you really have chibi Hotohori plushies? I wish I have one.hehe. The link between Minako and Rei was only caused by the "love bond". Mina is the senshi of love and in my fic I want her to also sense the bonding between soulmates due to her hereditary "love" power. Hehe actually RubyRed wondered the same thing. It really is a great idea that I include at least one other senshi to the FY world..maybe towards the end. You know what? You always make me feel better with your reviews. I had some flames because I made a "rape" scene. You understand why I wrote it and I'm so thankful for that. Too bad though I really should let Rei beat Tasuki more, but she was not in a pretty good shape after that horrible night. Oopsy, I'm stuck with the sky blue ones now. Darn! I looked at the wrong Tasuki pic then. LOL yup yup I really can picture the child of Rei and Tasuki. Goodness I'm crying from laughing so hard!!! I really didn't say that a child is growing inside Rei after the act. The first time doesn't have to be a "success".hehe. LOL you really are hilarious! I think Hotohori understands that well enoguh. Hehe again, I really can't help but include some part of "STAY" in this fic. I didn't even ponder that even though Hoto-chan is dead he is still a man, which Rei doesn't like much. The hicky part.hehe.well nope...Tasuki didn't do it because he hates women. It's part of the act, which I had to include so that Hotohori would see it and confront Rei what happened. LOL I am forever haunted by the ghost of "STAY".
Joanna: Thank you! I really really do appreciate your praises and urgings.hehe. Reviewers like you make me write more, even though I'm getting lazy over the summer vacation.
Huffpuff: You're the third person who loves the idea of Hotohori comforting Rei. The element of "STAY" will always be present in this fic. Yup yup the idea of bringing a senshi or two appeals to me. We'll see we'll see. THANK YOU! I also look forward to the "mending process".
I DO NOT OWN EVERYTHING HERE!!!
Chapter 7
The guardian of the time gates, Sailor Pluto, had expected something drastic would happen to the Princess of Mars. But she didn't anticipate it to be that drastic. She wished she could have prevented this from happening to Rei, but Pluto knew it's taboo to reveal the future. Nevertheless, the guardian felt guilty. The gates of time had shown her that Rei would have to leave the Moon and travel to a world unknown to her and find her own destiny. She thought Rei would be safe, but the unknown element that intervened with the flow of her journey had broken the tiny shred of hope that Pluto sensed when she was watching Rei and Tasuki with their everyday banter. Now, she could see that Rei needed more than a comfort from the Suzaku Seichiseishi known as Hotohori. Pluto was contemplating if she could break one minor rule. She would have to bid her time. The negaverse had certainly intervened, then why couldn't she.
The night had come to pass and Rei felt a little better after talking to Hotohori. Even though the vivid nightmare caused her to think more deeply about her situation with Tasuki, the Princess of Mars was well aware that she could never erase everything that had happened to her. She couldn't just ignore that she had finally found her soul mate. It hurt so bad but she had to face the consequences and take one step at a time towards healing, especially if the first step of healing was to confront her assailant, her soul mate. Just thinking of the inevitable made her groan and tired once again. Since it was still way too early in the morning, the bruised princess decided that sleeping some more was the best solution.
A warm feeling that was surrounding her awakened Rei. She was lying on a soft bed next to someone. That realization hit her by force and she bolted upward to a sitting position. The man next to her woke up by the sudden movement. It was Hotohori. Rei took few calming breaths. She was relieved it was only Hotohori, a man, a gender like Tasuki. She should have been outraged and fearful, but Hotohori was Hotohori and she just couldn't brand him as any other man. He had been kind to her and showed her his utmost respect. She had sensed in him a deep sense of longing, an unfulfilled one, that she felt comforted by it. Rei could tell that the man, the gentle emperor of Konan, only wanted to comfort her and even to protect her. That was evident when he threw his sword through the youma and the gentle way he listened to her last night. Hotohori was dead, a spirit, but he was a beacon of support for her. She smiled slightly at the bewildering look he gave her.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, thank you." Rei wanted to also thank him for last night, but just by looking at the expression on the emperor's face stopped her. Hotohori understood completely. It was no wonder why Konan thrive under his rule. He was an understanding ruler and he knew how to listen.
"I'm going to have some breakfast" Rei stood from the bed and edged towards the screen door.
Hotohori stayed inside the chamber and muddled over what to tell Chichiri. The monk had sensed something was amiss and Hotohori had to reveal that the target was Tasuki. Little did they know that the extent of their problem was far more than what the facts presented to them.
Everyone was surprise to see Rei without Tasuki. The look the emperor gave them when they were about to ask questions halted their curiosity. They could see the downcast looks from Rei though. They ate breakfast without a single argument. Now that was a first. Normally there should be some broken things by now or food being thrown to their faces. That had changed. Miaka for one thing was still missing and their fiery comrade also added to the silent state the breakfast table was in.
"Is there a temple shrine around here?" Rei disturbed the silence. Without hearing any answers from the puzzled looks she got from the people in the table, Rei stated that she needed to be by herself and meditating in front of the temple fire soothed her. Chichiri, who was familiar with this kind of things, answered for her.
"Not so far from here there's a temple ground towards the right path just at the back of this house. You won't miss it."
Rei nodded and stood from her seat. She didn't bother turning back and looking at the worried glances the seishi were giving her. They didn't have to know what happened to her. Telling Hotohori was enough. Now, seeking the warmth of the fire was the only thing she needed.
When Rei disappeared from their view, everyone, except Hotohori, started asking questions. It was already puzzling that Tasuki wasn't with Rei when she arrived. Something must have happened and Tasuki was not the man who would let Rei ride by herself. Everyone had already figured out that their loud mouth Tasuki had feelings for this new girl.
Hotohori waited patiently until the rest of the seishi quieted down. He would never reveal everything to them, only the confusing plan of this new enemy.
"I have a good idea what had happened.Tasuki had been the target."
"What do you mean, your Highness? It does not make any sense. I thought Miaka was the target all along, no da."
"I surmise that for whatever reason that Rei turned out alone was that someone or something had caused what happened between the two. I have sensed something was not right the day I found Tasuki soaking wet by the river bank and you Chichiri told me that something felt wrong." Hotohori walked away and glanced out the window. "There is already trouble brewing around us." He turned towards the listeners with a fierce, determined look in his eyes. "When Tasuki arrives, he will have hell to answer.and pay"
Everyone was again quiet after the startling statement from the emperor. They had no clue as to why Hotohori acted with such fire in his eyes, nor they didn't know what was the root of their problem concerning the mysterious whereabouts of Tasuki.and Rei. They could not even fathom what had caused her to be so distant with them. They hoped that this part of their problem would be solved by then, when Tasuki showed up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chichiri was right, the temple wasn't that far. However, the path that led to it was a bit hard to see. Rei walked for more than what she thought should have been just a few minutes to the shrine. She should have groaned with frustration but the isolation was a comfort. The path was very forestry and Rei enjoyed the nature surrounding her. It cleared her turbulent mind even just a bit. Reaching the temple shrine was a safe haven for the Princess of Mars as well as the Priestess of the Silver Millennium. She could pour out everything into the fire.
Rei didn't know how long she had been meditating, but she didn't care. The sacred fire soothed her, as if she was talking to one of her best friends. She did miss the others. It seemed as if it was only yesterday that she had disappeared from them and came into the world of the four gods. Everything had happened so fast and Rei yearned for the greatest of comforts from the dearest people she loved most. It's not like her to be unable to keep her emotions hidden. However, being alone in the strange world, though surrounded by people who obviously cared for her well being, was still too hard for the fiery senshi to adjust without her best friends around. On top of that, she had just experienced the most gruesome act in the history of her life. Fighting and being injured by the worst youma did not even compare to the event that happened to her. Nevertheless, it was another thing finding out whom she truly belonged to.
The temple ground was quiet, except for the silent wail of agony coming from the lone figure at the center of the shrine. Rei was crying. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Taka and Nuriko rode full speed towards Nuriko's house. The sun was already setting down and the duo had to reveal the news from Taiitsukun to the others.
"Nuriko, isn't that Tasuki up ahead?" Taka was a bit surprise to see the red head riding in front of them.
"That's Tasuki alright.but what's he doing here?"
The galloping horses caused Tasuki to turn his head back. He groaned seeing Nuriko.and Taka.
Tasuki was still pissed at the way Taka acted around his Rei. He didn't want to admit he was jealous but something was telling him that he was actually that.totally very jealous. But for now, he had another problem coming. Would he tell his comrades what he did to Rei in order to let them understand that their enemy was behind all that had happened? He wanted to bang his head again and again. He couldn't control it no matter what. It was as if he actually wanted to do it, but not that way. The most confusing part was that his desire for Rei was not even as half as the strange feeling he sensed when they touched. He felt the pull of his soul towards her. Now that he was able to think more clearly since after the bashing he received from the woman he hurt, Tasuki thought out everything that's been going on inside him. The more he thought of it the more he understood. The act was beyond sinful but the draw of his desire for Rei was of out this world. His soul cried out to be found and Tasuki strongly felt that it had found what it craved for.Rei.
"Hey Tasuki! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with Rei?" Nuriko yelled from behind. Tasuki groaned even more.
The red head seishi slowed down to a trot to wait for the two, but he ignored Nuriko's question.
"What happened to you? You look like hell!" Taka caught up first and saw a great deal of the painful infliction on Tasuki's troubled face.
"It's nothing. Just got into a brawl." The red head murmured.
"It's just like you to pick up a fight in the middle of the crises!" The former cross-dresser gawked at the sight in front of him. He had never seen Tasuki in such a state. The bruises and the sores all over his face were not something new, but the distressing state shown by those sky blue orbs was definitely new to Nuriko. There's more to the story than what Tasuki was showing right now.
Back at the house, the rest of the guys muddled over what Hotohori disclosed to them. To them, excluding the emperor, the puzzling state Rei was in was explained due to this new enemy that obviously possessed Tasuki. Chichiri was the one who actually confirmed Hotohori's suspicions. Furthermore, whoever or whatever took over Tasuki would undoubtedly come back again. Chichiri stated that this entity would not stop until it finished what it came for. The monk thought that it certainly felt familiar somehow.like an old memory of a long time ago.
The noises outside caused them to look outside the window. Taka, Nuriko, and Tasuki had arrived. But Rei was still not home. Chiriko suggested to go get Rei, but Hotohori told him not to disturb her. The emperor said that she needed to be alone for awhile. They didn't even bother to ask any questions. Hotohori had explained to them that this entity made Tasuki attacked Rei, but he didn't mention how Tasuki attacked the girl. So they surmised that Rei was down due to this unexpected action from their red head comrade, in which the fault was not totally his.
Tasuki jumped down his horse without looking at the faces of the others. The emperor walked towards him and sent Tasuki flying several feet away. Hotohori wanted to thrust his sword through him, but he would let Rei decide that herself. The pain and hurt that Rei had poured to him were still too vivid in his mind. However, the emperor had to bid his time until he could confront the person now sprawled a few feet from where he stood. It was a good thing that Rei wasn't there.
To say the least, the others weren't surprised, except Nuriko and Taka. Chichiri came to help the fallen warrior.
"We know what happened, no da. Rei told his Highness what happened."
Tasuki looked at Hotohori with that sudden revelation. The look on Hotohori's eyes confirmed that he knew everything. Turning to the others confirmed that they didn't know the whole story. He didn't know if he should thank Hotohori for not revealing everything to the others.
"Well.that's good to know." Came a muttered reply from Tasuki.
"What's going on and what did Rei say?" Nuriko didn't like being left out of the whole scenario. Chichiri urged everyone to go back inside.
The back entrance was opened as she had left it that morning when she went to the temple. Rei wanted to avoid being seen. She felt like a mess and surely she also looked like one too. There seemed to be voices just across the hall. Rei took the other way in case she was found. Luck seemed to be ignoring her silent pleas. Chiriko called out to her. The screen door opened wide and to Rei's chagrin she saw the one person she wanted to avoid especially. There's no escape now.
Taking a glimpse towards the man she wanted to kill, she could see that only a slight bruise marred his face now. Mitsukake sure did a great job in healing his battered countenance.
Rei sauntered over the group avoiding glancing at Tasuki. She sat where she felt comfortable with, which was by the only person who knew everything that happened to her.
Tasuki was relieved but not happy at the same time when he saw Rei's distressing state while she sat beside Hotohori. Again, he couldn't blame her for what he did.
"What happened to you?" Nuriko stared at Rei's face long enough to determine that something was not right. It only added to the conclusion he had when Tasuki looked as dejected as she.
Before Rei could say anything, Hotohori answered for her. "Rei was attacked by Tasuki."
The emperor didn't even get a chance to finish when Nuriko and Taka both yelled "what" at the same time. It took quite a lot of explaining to do before the two calmed down. Rei sighed in relief. She knew Hotohori would keep his promise not to tell anyone. Furthermore, she became irritated and furious with Hotohori's explanation about the reason why Tasuki attacked her. Tasuki wasn't possessed. She could have felt the evil vibration if he was. But then again, she was too drunk to think or even function straight. Chichiri's further reassurance calmed her a bit, but there was still a measure of doubt regarding the monk's perception. Rei thought that this presumed entity would appear again. Then and there she would find her answer and erase her doubts, but still.
"I'm sorry we weren't there to protect you against Red when he was possessed." Nuriko gave her an apologetic look. Rei just nodded at him with an empty gaze, which surprised Nuriko.
"Hey if you like, I'll beat the crap out of him here and now." The willow seishi crunched up his knuckles for preparation. Nuriko would like to get a response from Rei, but none came. The same empty look was directed his way. He sagged and looked at all the worried faces of his comrades.
"Rei you look beat. We'll tell you what we have to do tomorrow. Why don't you go to your room." Taka felt sorry for the way Rei was acting and how dispirited she looked. He was angry at what Tasuki did but he, as well as the others, believed that it wasn't his fault. Still, he could have been there to protect her like when he was always able to protect Miaka. Taka never felt even more useless in his life. He not only failed Miaka, but also this new girl who had gradually entered his thoughts since she came in this world.
"Come I'll take you."
Taka didn't expect such a reaction from Rei. The slight touch from his hand jerked Rei out of her seat. She mumbled a few apologies then told them she could go to her room by herself.
Hotohori caught Taka's arm when he was about to follow Rei out.
"Let her be Taka."
The discussion dragged on. The gang decided to go after Miaka, tomorrow, before the sun came up. Taiitsukun had told Nuriko and Taka the only possibility where Miaka might be. Besides, she couldn't even detect her in this world anymore. Thus, the only solution was that Miaka must have been taken to Tenkou's dimension.
Tasuki's mind was wandering. He kept seeing Rei's forlorn and painful face. He was aware that she had been crying prior to entering the room. The redness in her eyes was still visible. He wanted to comfort her and take away every painful thing he did to her, but he had no right. He was the one who caused her agony even if something or someone else controlled him. His soul reached out to her, feeling the same anguish the woman he came to love was enduring right now. The realization that Tasuki loved Rei came when he couldn't bear to loose her. His bond with her was so immense that he knew he wouldn't able to live without her. Tasuki didn't know how to get Rei back. He messed up big time and the little trust he built with Rei was forever gone due to his stupidity. How could he gain that trust again? How could he gain Rei? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was a great day for traveling. The sky was clear and blue. The gang had been riding their horses for hours. They stopped by the stream to rest for a bit when Chichiri stiffened.
"Everyone stay alert. Something's wrong." After Chichiri mentioned his warning the sky turned black and heavy rain poured down on them. They immediately looked for cover to avoid getting wet.
"This weather is really weird." Nuriko mused.
"According to my knowledge, such a downpour cannot occur when the weather was bright and sunny just a few seconds ago." Chiriko patted his wet sleeves.
"I don't think this rain will stop soon. It looks like we'll be stuck here for awhile, no da. But I have a feeling that something or someone had caused this."
"We can't waste any more time. We have to get to Tenkou's before night falls." Someone yelled from beyond where Chichiri, Nuriko, and Chiriko were huddled.
"He's right Chichiri, we have to get going." Nuriko stepped out of his hiding spot and gathered his horse. Everyone followed.
Within seconds they got to their horses, the ground shook around them. Something was definitely wrong. Everything turned dark and heavy rain continued to pour down as the earthquake threw everyone off the course.
Rei woke up wet. She looked around her and found a body lying face down just at the edge of the lake. The sky had turned blue and sunny again. She recognized that the body was Tasuki's. She didn't want to come near him, but she could at least see if he's alive or.Rei shook her head at that notion. She crept up to the lake and turned Tasuki over. His chest was heaving. He was still breathing. Half of his body was in the lake and Rei decided to drag him more up the land. A groan emitted from the pitying form of Tasuki and Rei dropped her hands. Two startled eyes gaze back at her horrified ones. Tasuki didn't expect to wake up and see his angel, but the look she's giving him didn't please him one bit. He groaned even more and covered his face with both his hands. Rei eased away from him and turned to look for the others when she heard someone laughing.
Tasuki heard it too and he turned to Rei's still form.
The laughter came closer. Tasuki stood up and walked in front of Rei, blocking her from the lake.
"Show yourself, bastard!" Tasuki pulled his flame fan tessen out.
"You should thank me, Tasuki." The voice echoed in his head.
Tasuki realized not only the danger, but also the power behind that voice. He didn't want to be controlled again.
"Ya bastard! I'll never be taken under your power! Show yourself coward!" The red head was beyond furious. This was it, the one responsible for the pure agony his woman was suffering. Nevertheless, he blamed himself for letting the bastard took over his inner most desire and turned it into something despicable. Tasuki never felt such rage, which was directed towards the thing that was slowly approaching the center of the lake.
A shape of a man appeared. "Brave words for such a weakling."
Tasuki urged Rei backwards, but she wouldn't budge. Instead, she walked up in front, wanting to see where the voice came from.
"Didn't you like it, Tasuki? Admit it boy, you loved being inside her." The entity's cold laughter seemed to pierce through Tasuki's skin. Rei's sudden in drawn of breath didn't interrupt him from his passion to kill the man. He pulled Rei back and yelled his power, "rekka shinen!".
The power of the entity was water. It deflected Tasuki's attack.
"Is that all you can do? You were powerless before, you are powerless now. How pathetic!"
"Come out and fight me! Fu**** coward! Stop hiding behind your water!"
"Now now Tasuki. You really should thank me. The woman was very delectable wasn't she? I could sense your excitement even if I wasn't there." He turned a knowing smile towards the now fuming Rei.
"Fu*** off bastard! Ya touch her, I'll make sure ya die a painful death!"
"Tsk tsk tsk I really don't like your attitude Tasuki. You cannot order me around. I can do whatever I want with her." He leered at Rei. "She is an exotic one isn't she."
"Ya get away from her. You've already done the damage through me. I won't let her suffer.ever again!" The seething anger coming from the glowing seishi was not only noticed by the entity.
Rei was affected by the fierceness of his words. She already knew that Tasuki wasn't always the loudmouth everyone saw him to be. The depth of his conviction to protect her was so immense she wanted to scream. She didn't want any man's help, but at the same time wanted to feel how was it like to be actually taken care of by a man.especially by Tasuki.
The entity laughed again. He appeared even clearer to them. He was definitely a man and one of Tenkou's puppets. He was the one who made Tasuki.Rei didn't need to be told that she had to transform now. She would show the bastard the pain she was suffering. However, her transformation was halted.
"Rekka shin." Tasuki was about to blast the guy, but a sudden wave of water engulfed Rei before she could transform. She was dragged down towards the bottom of the lake. It was sucking the life out of her.
I can't.transform!
Rei could barely open her eyes. The strange water was squeezing out her energy. She felt numb.
Tasuki dove after her without thinking. The water blasted him back to the surface.
"Rei! Let her go ya fu*** bastard! Rekka shinen!"
"Do you think you can save her with that puny power of yours?" The entity taunted the raging seishi. "Water extinguishes fire. But I guess you are too dumb enough to know that."
The red fire of fury within Tasuki was already beyond the point of eruption. Rei's life was in danger and he alone was the only one who could save her, the woman he came to love with a passion.
"Oh, did I make you mad? Do I see your seishi symbol glowing?" The laughter became louder. "The girl's life is fading Tasuki. Are you just going to stand there and impress me with your light show?"
Tasuki smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. A burst of light show, as the entity called it, surrounded him. Within seconds, fire and water fought each other. The water seemed to engulf the fire. The entity laughed again, but Tasuki wasn't deterred.
Tasuki raised his tessen above his head. Fire born from his fury was fighting against the water and for his woman. "I'll save Rei. I made a promise to myself. I'll never let her suffer anymore pain! REI!"
A blast of red fire surrounded the entity. Fire defeated water. The entity disappeared without a trace. The lake became serene again, except for the figure floating face down in the center of it.
"Rei." Tasuki choked as he cradled Rei's body, checking for a pulse. He found one, but it was faint, too faint that he himself struggled to breathe. He couldn't loose her now.
Rei opened her eyes. It was blurry at first, but she pulled back with a sudden shriek. Tasuki's lips were on her and he was holding her.
Tasuki was relieved she was alive, but he couldn't bear to look her in the eyes. Rei was scared of him. He stood up and stared towards the lake.
Despite the numbness she could still feel from the entity's attack, Rei saw the sadness in Tasuki's eyes before he diverted his gaze. Tasuki had saved her and he didn't lie to her that he was controlled. She felt the passion coming from him when he was fighting the entity. The bond she knew she had with him was so strong that she could even feel the sorrow and pain from him. She could still feel the warmth of his hands and his lips.
"Thank you." Tasuki had to strain his ears to hear her whispers. He could sense Rei was trying to stand up. He didn't turn. He didn't want to scare her more.
Rei didn't know if he heard her. She tried to stand up, despite the numbness. Again, she repeated what she wanted for Tasuki to hear. She still hated the man, but he had saved her life and she could at least give him her gratitude.
"Tasuki.thank you for saving my life." She said it more firmly.
This time Tasuki turned around. She didn't know how he longed to hear her voice again. Her talking to him gave him a sense of relief. He wanted another chance and would walk through hell to get it. He quirked a smile to her. Rei didn't show any outward reaction, but that smile reminded her of the old Tasuki.
"Let's go find the others." Tasuki walked up ahead. "Are ya coming?" He turned around and saw Rei sitting on the ground. He walked back to her. He was so stupid he forgot to ask if she was alright. He guessed that hearing her voice again kind of bungled his mind that he forgot to ask her that simple question.
He quirked his mouth with disappointment at himself. "Are ya hurting?"
"No." Rei was struggling to find a good excuse to hide her embarrassment. She had stumbled just by putting one foot in front of the other when Tasuki turned away from her. "I ah.can we just wait until the others find us?"
Tasuki didn't like that idea. "Woman if we sit here all day, we'll die of pneumonia before the rest of the gang finds us."
The sarcastic Tasuki seemed to be back and Rei felt a little surprise and agitated at the same time. Tasuki thought that he had messed up again after seeing the looks Rei was giving him.
He wiped his strayed hair with his hand. "I'm such a moron!" Tasuki didn't even know he said that out loud.
"I'm sorry, but we're both soaking wet and we need to dry off. There aren't any dry woods to make fire 'round here. We'd have to go deep into the forest. We can wait for the others then."
Tasuki was right. She was getting colder and she was definitely soaked to the bones. Furthermore, the numbness didn't help. She sighed and tried to stand up again. Tasuki watched her warily. He noticed her struggles but didn't try to help.
Rei pursed her lips and tried to lift her foot.
"Are ya sure you're ok?" Tasuki was sure that the attack had caused this.whatever this was.
A firm nod from Rei earned her a frown. When the foot finally settled on the ground, Rei breathed out a sigh. The other foot was next, but before it came in contact with the ground, Tasuki lifted her up in his arms. A very loud shriek could possibly be heard all the way to Konan.
"Woman if ya don't stop right now I'll drop ya!" Tasuki warned, but the screaming continued. Rei really wanted to give the man another beating but the numbness prevented her. She couldn't believe he was touching her again.
"You have no right Tasuki! Put me down!"
Tasuki pretended he didn't hear the hurt in her words.
"Rei I'm only gonna carry ya to the forest. That's all. I won't hurt ya. I promise."
That feeling again.it was the bond. The one she felt when he promised to protect her. He promised. Tasuki promised that no pain would ever come to her.ever again. The woman in his arms finally quieted. He couldn't help but gaze down at her.
"Besides, the way ya walk it's gonna take us the whole night to get to the forest."
Was that a smile he just saw? He wanted to believe it, but Rei bowed her head down.
So guys, that chapter was finally done! Trying to build the relationship between the two is going to be veeeerrrrry tough! I'll be seeing you again in the next chapter!!! Bye bye for now! ~~~Fleur~~~